beauty

Weekly Photo Challenge: Fun in the Garden

Please enjoy the the beautiful art sculpture found in lovely Cranbrook Garden in Bloomfield Hills Michigan.

These fun photos were taken in 2015 and admission is free for the rest of the 2016 season.

Weekly Photo Challenge: State of Mind

Scene from frozen this morning after an ice and snow storm.  More due tomorrow.

The poor little birds were still eating the ice-covered berries in the trees.

There was virtually no one outside today and so the birds were very active and hungry after waiting out the storm.

 

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Enjoy the diversity of my photo display!

Saving Winter Skin

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At my age it’s moisturizer all the time, especially in Michigan’s dry winter heat.  These are the products I swear by at the present due to quality and cost.  There was a time before the availability of hypoallergenic, fragrance free that I had to use almost strictly Clinique, which is a good product but very expensive relative to what I now use.

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For cleaning and bathing I prefer Dove hypoallergenic, fragrance free body wash with nutrium moisture and their soap of the same type.  Witch hazel is great for any areas of your skin that is oily or irritated, so two birds!  I don’t normally even need skin cream when I use the body wash, it’s that rich.  Dove does have other types of body wash so if you are not fragrance sensitive, you can feel free to try other types, deep moisture and winter care being two.  Even if you don’t think you have sensitive skin, try a bar vs your regular soap and you may not go back.

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There are various skin polishers you can choose from but I have found a washcloth to be my favorite. The brushes are nice to reach your back with either natural boars hair or the mesh bath sponges. I found one with a plastic handle so you can replace the sponge as needed. It really makes a difference to lightly scrub your skin when you bath, being sure not to rub so hard that you cause irritation.

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Since I am fragrance challenged I have managed to find this great shampoo and conditioner at Whole Foods that is fragrance free for normal to dry hair.  It is 365 everyday value.  I think they were $2.99 each for the 16 oz.  I purchased the Desert Essence Organic fragrance free shampoo out of necessity one day because the Whole Food stores are quite far from my home but I think I paid $7 or $8 for 8 oz., but it actually does make my hair much nicer and it’s very concentrated.

2015BathProductsFood 005I have been using CeraVe as a facial cream because it’s very light and really moisturizes.  Curel itch defense is great for the body and really does feel soothing.  It is just a little thicker of a cream so not something I would use on my face, but I’m sure you could.  The bliss body butter is very thick and emollient and I use this for my hands and feet for extra protection.  It comes in great fragrances that are natural and not super strong.  I don’t have a reaction to their scents, but usually opt for “naked” which is their fragrance free.

Hope this gives you some information about what is out there for dry sensitive skin that is affordable and actually works.  The bliss body butter is not available near me, but I have found it online.  FYI, that product is very expensive!  Click on the product names for more information and possible coupons.

Come On, Move It!

 blondgirl1
I am not going to waste your time on this site by posting any actual exercises.  There are many of them and most movement is good for you.  The main thing to remember is walking is the best exercise and most natural. We need to be sure to use the upper body to maintain strength as we age. Exercising with small weights can help. As an ex-dancer and dance teacher, I know what a great work out dancing is.
Anyone who has seen Dancing With The Stars can see how many of the contestants lose weight while on the show.  Belly Dancing is a sensual way to become attune to your body as you tone it! It is important not to overdo any exercise and check with your Dr if you have any health issues or are obese before you try anything strenuous.
Working out with others gives people more incentive. You might try checking out your local school’s continuing education programs for any dance or fitness classes that seem reasonable.  Don’t become obsessive about the latest diet or exercise, you need to find a way to move in everything that you do, to incorporate exercise, so you don’t feel like it is something you have to do, it is something your body wants to feel.  The glorious feeling of being stretched and relaxed, not worn out!

Exercise can never be overrated.

Your overall fitness and health depends more on exercise or lack thereof, then your diet when it comes to weight loss and muscle tone.

As long as you are not actually overeating, taking in more calories than you burn and eating really bad, fatty foods, you should be able to eat what you want in reasonable portion sizes and be able to lose or maintain your weight if you move enough.

I knew people that never did structured exercise in their life, but between gardening, having very clean houses, taking occasional walks
and going out dancing once a week, they had great figures even with their healthy appetites.  You never want to be sloth-like, laying or
sitting around all the time.  It is dangerous to lose so much muscle tone, as well as potentially causing blood clots to form.
The more muscle you lose, the more cellulite appears in its place.  Ask any ex-dancer!blondgirl2