The Beauty of Olive Oil (and all its dirty little secrets)

Did you know that olive oil fights wrinkles? How about that it can be used as a sunblock?

I am a huge advocate of using olive oil on your skin and hair. It may sound strange just because when you think of olive oil all you think of is using it in the kitchen. Now you have other uses for that huge bottle of olive oil you probably purchased at Costco just because it was such a great deal. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil plays so much into the beauty industry you would be shocked. Many of the best $200 bottles of wrinkle creams have olive oil in the ingredients and you probably never even realized it. 

 I've been swearing by this stuff for years and without exception every single time I've told someone that I put olive oil on my face and in my hair regularly they laugh, make some joke about smelling like food and continue to think I'm crazy for using it the way I do.

  The thing that they don't know is extra virgin olive oil has up to 83% oleic acid in its composition which means it is able to penetrating the outermost layer of the skin to help heal whats underneath.

  This "liquid gold" as many people call it contains  antioxidants like polyphenols, vitamin E, A, K, D and B complex, Squalene (also used in cosmetics) and other nutrients. It is 100% natural, non-toxic & hypoallergenic.

  To go back into more detail about the oleic acid it has in it, this alone helps to heal the damages, to improve skin tissue and color, to reduce lines and wrinkles.

  On top of that, olive oil offers sun protection and will reduce the risk of skin cancer. But make sure that you use EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil (Refined olive oil has lost most of its antioxidants in the refining process so all it would be good for is cooking).

The Ways To Use It:

1.  ON YOUR FACE. 

    I personally take about a teaspoon of olive oil and rub it all over my face (try not to get it in or near your eyes. I experience a little burning or irritation but that may only be my type of reaction to it and not affect you at all).  Then once its in just leave it on and let it soak into your skin, I would advise to leave it on for at least a few hours.

       I usually like to put it on at night, lay a towel over my pillow so there's no mess and then sleep with it on. When I wake up in the morning I wash my face and get off any excess oil and my face looks and feels moisturized, smooth, healthy and like I took at least 6 months to a year off the age of my face.  If you do not feel like keeping it on overnight then simply just leave it on for a few hours during the day, wash afterwards and go on about your day. 

2. IN YOUR HAIR.  

   To stimulate hair growth I like to take a teaspoon or two of olive oil flip my head upside down and massage the olive oil into the roots of my hair. I'll then leave my head flipped for a few minutes to let it soak down the strands of my hair. (Flipping your head upside down is not necessary, you can still do this without that step. I just like to do it so that the oil goes down the strands of hair equally). After doing that I will just let it sit in my hair for at least 15-20 minutes then wash out. This helps promote hair growth and strength. 

    Another option to help strengthen and repair your hair. At night I will put the extra virgin olive oil all throughout my hair, basically soaking my hair. I either put on a shower cap or just lay a towel down over my pillows and sleep through the night. In the morning, your hair will have soaked up a lot of the oil however you will still need to wash it out. I like to shampoo twice only because my hair is pretty thin and so if there is still oil left in my hair it will be laying flat and look oily all day. However after rinsing you will notice how smooth and shiny your hair is. Even throughout the day it will maintain that look. 

  I try to be pretty consistent with the treatments I do. Typically I put the olive oil on my face 1 or 2 times a week, just depending on how busy my week is.  And for the hair I do it 1 or 2 times a month. I recommend if your hair and skin is in some major help do these more often I simply just do these regimens to maintain what I have. 

   If you still are unsure about it, at least give it a try. Try it for a month and see how you feel about it afterwards. I was skeptical too when I first learned about the wonders of olive oil but now I can't live without my BIG bottle of extra virgin olive oil.

Good Luck and Enjoy Smelling Like Food!

                                                           

The battle to stay looking young.

AGING GRACEFULLY Its a very difficult thing to do, especially over matters we have no control over, such as getting those darn wrinkles and lines on our face. Some people are inpatient and want a quick fix right away without having to spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on a solution. And then some people are more than happy to spend all that money on a long term solution to achieve the results they want.  Regardless of which option you would choose as long as they work and make you happy that's what matters.

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I've narrowed down a few problem areas that really can affect how someone looks and is judged by to determine their age and with that is a quick fix option for those of you that are looking to save money and then the long term maybe more permanent option that will make a dent in your wallet.

Nasolabial Folds

Why they happen to you: Typically as fat is lost and the skin loses elasticity the folds develop at the corners of the nose down towards the mouth. They're called "smile lines" and they can start showing up more noticeably in your 20's but usually do not become deep lines until your 40's or 50's. 

The money saving quick fix? 
   Bringing moisture to your skin is an easy way to plump up lines and folds, this is a temporary fix though. Products such as the Sisley Black Rose Cream mask is filled with skin plumbers like trace elements and vitamins to hide the look of those smile lines and give an instantly lift in minutes.

The longer term more costly fix?
  One word, Juvederm.  This wonderful injection help to minimize folds. Fillers disguises the folds, but it doesn't physically change it permanently. Another option, A face lift. When you're ready for it, is the only way to fully get rid of the folds because the tissue is re positioned.

Thinning Lashes

Why they happen to you: Whether the cause of stress, hormones or just time itself, the lashes can thin out. The follicles along the lash line become less active and the lashes can become brittle, thin and breakable.

The money saving quick fix? 
   The quickest way to get longer fuller lashes is with mascara as it swaths them in the formula to make them appear darker and more promoted.  Mascara such as Lancome Hypnose can do wonders to fake the look for fuller lashes, even after 1 application.  The brush lets you get down to the lash line making the thinnest of lashes long, dark and luscious.

The longer term more costly fix?
   According to many plastic surgeons Latisse is the best way to grow better, thicker, longer lashes. There have been so many success stories so much so that they don't even have to wear mascara.  Latisse, is an eyelash simulator that promises better looking lashes in six to eight weeks, however sometimes even as little as 2 weeks.


Crows Feet
Why they happen to you:  All those years of squinting and smiling eventually start to catch up with your face. Chronically using those muscles on top of losing elasticity causes small wrinkles to appear in the outer corners of the eyes.  The best way to prevent them? Load up on a good daily sunscreen and don a pair of big protective sunglasses.

The money saving quick fix?
    The best skincare products for crow feet are the ones that use anti-line and anti-wrinkle ingredients which help diffuse the look of lines around the eyes. AmorePacific anti-aging products for example, are very good in helping fight these lines.

The longer term more costly fix?
       Botox. It relaxes the muscles around the eyes so that the crinkling you see when you smile or squint goes away and looks completely smooth giving you that "no or very little wrinkles look" Every person's dream!

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So basically, stay consistent with whatever option you take to fight aging. There are so many options out there from just sticking with lotions, creams, serums and the like or going for a stronger more aggressive approach like botox.   Regardless of what you choose, as long as you are happy in your own skin that's what matters!

The Virus You Could Have & Don't Even Know It.

The Risk of HPV

Ok, so I know that this is not my typical type of blog post but its such an important issue that so many women and yes men, you too,  are oblivious to so I feel the need to address it.

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Lets start with the questions, can you answer them?

1. What is HPV?

2. How do people get HPV?

3. If you have sexual contact with a person that has genital warts are you for sure going to get them?

4. Even at the age of 18 should you worry about cervical cancer?

5. If you have HPV will you for sure get symptoms?

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Whether you didn't know any of them or only a few here are the answers:

1.  HPV is a virus.  Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer.  Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

2. Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact wih an infected person can get HPV. 

3.  Two out of three people that come in sexual contact with someone that has the virus can contract it as well. And even if the genital warts are treated 25% of the cases come back within 3 months if HPV is present.

4.You are never too young to worry about cervical cancer.  While half of all women who develop cervical cancer do between the age of 35 and 55 years old.  Many of these women were probably exposed to a cancer-causing HPV type in their late teens or 20s. 

Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, so they can pass the virus on without even knowing it. 

     Most Importantly, How To Prevent It!

Well honestly the very best way is Abstinence. Unfortunately that is not something most people want to do. Honestly, for us adults complete abstinence is very unrealistic.  In that case, it is very important for you to follow these precautions.

•  HPV Vaccine - This is a very effective way to prevent HPV. Although it doesn't prevent from all strains of HPV it does protect you from the 4 most common strains that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
• Practice Safe Sex with a Condom - According to studies condoms can reduce the risk of transmission of the HPV virus by 70%.  However it is very important to remember that HPV is transmitted through sexual skin to skin contact. For example, even if the penis is covered by a condom during intercourse there are other parts of the genital area that is exposed. If these areas come in contact with the vagina it could still transmit the virus. That also pertains to the anal area as well. Keep that in mind!
• Limit Your Sexual Partners - This seems like common sense but some people don't really think about that when trying to avoid contracting this virus, or an STD even. The least amount of sexual partners you have in your life the less of a chance for you to contract this virus. Also, being in a monogamous long term relationship greatly reduces the risk of contracting other strains of the virus as well. 

50 Shades of Red, what your shade says about you.

50 Shades of Red

Red is red right? Not really, there are so many different shades of red it can sometimes be overwhelming to choose just the right one.  So maybe we won't go with 50 shades, and I'll narrow it down to 4 shades of the most popular types of red and what it says about you when you wear it. 

ROSE

This amazing shade energizes the wearer and those looking at her.

What it says about you: 

       "Pay attention to me.  I know I'm sexy"

What lipstick is best for this? 

        Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick In Certainly Red

PEACH RED

The gold and fire tones are for women who enjoy life at top speed

What it says about you: 
        "I'm happy, cheery, approachable and are tons of fun."

What lipstick is best for this?

         Sisley Lipshine Phyto Peach

WINE

The fantastic blend appeals to those who like to catch attention

What it says about you: 
         "I'm sensual, mysterious and you probably cant stop thinking about me"

What lipstick is best for this?

          Lancome Color Lipstick in Wine Party

BLACK CHERRY

Its dark and seductive and shows a bold statement.

What it says about you: 
          "I'm elegant, sophisticated and powerful"

What lipstick is best for this?

           Givenchy Lipstick Extreme in Plum

 

 What is your favorite red? Which one do you not use at all? Or are you versatile and like to use different shades for different occasions?  Due to my lighter skin tones I prefer to stick to the lighter shades of red so Wine and Peach Red colors are the ones I use.   That doesn't necessarily mean that people with light skin tone can only use the lighter shades of red.  Many celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian can rock that look so well it makes me want to try it again, Unfortunately Im never able to get that gorgeous look, my skin tones just don't agree with the color.

             

The Best Workout to Lose Weight/Build Muscle

                                                        


 Don't skip your squats! Big round booty's are in, get yours today! 

   For years I would do tons of cardio, hundreds of situps and MAYBE did 10-15 squats when I felt like it, it quickly caught up to me. I noticed that other parts of my body would be looking great but then my butt seemed to be a victim of gravity and I couldn't figure out why. It was so frustrating because I felt like I was putting so much effort to look great but by backside barely looked like I worked out. 

     So I decided to take to good ol' Google Search and realized what I was doing wrong. I was absolutely amazed how great squats are for your body. Besides building muscle and burning fat it helps with mobility, waste removal and so many more benefits.  I found that while yes, cardio is great for you it wasn't helping my booty the way I wanted it to help.   

     After reading a nights worth of fitness info I realized what I was lacking. Squats. 10-15 every few days wasn't going to help me at all!  Doing 100-200 a day would though and that's exactly what I do and my butt has never looked better.  If you are still not convinced and would like to know more here is some information on why squats are one of the best exercises you can do:

• Builds Muscle in Your Entire Body
  Squats obviously help to build your leg muscles (including your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves), but they also create an anabolic environment, which promotes body-wide muscle building.  In fact, when done properly, squats are so intense that they trigger the release of testosterone and human growth hormone in your body, which are vital for muscle growth and will also help to improve muscle mass when you train other areas of your body aside from your legs.  So squats can actually help you improve both your upper and lower body strength.
• Functional Exercise Makes Real-Life Activities Easier
  Functional exercises are those that help your body to perform real-life activities, as opposed to simply being able to operate pieces of gym equipment. Squats are one of the best functional exercises out there, as humans have been squatting since the hunter-gatherer days. When you perform squats, you build muscle and help your muscles work more efficiently, as well as promote mobility and balance. All of these benefits translate into your body moving more efficiently in the real world too.
• Burn More Fat
  One of the most time-efficient ways to burn more calories is actually to gain more muscle! For every pound of additional muscle you gain, your body will burn an additional 50-70 calories per day. So, if you gain 10 pounds of muscle, you will automatically burn 500-700 more calories per day than you did before.
• Maintain Mobility and Balance
  Strong legs are crucial for staying mobile as you get older, and squats are phenomenal for increasing leg strength. They also work out your core, stabilizing muscles, which will help you to maintain balance, while also improving the communication between your brain and your muscle groups, which helps prevent falls – which is incidentally the #1 way to prevent bone fractures versus consuming mega-dose calcium supplements and bone drugs.
• Prevent Injuries
  Most athletic injuries involve weak stabilizer muscles, ligaments and connective tissues, which squats help strengthen. They also help prevent injury by improving your flexibility (squats improve the range of motion in your ankles and hips) and balance, as noted above.
• Boost Your Sports Performance -- Jump Higher and Run Faster
  Whether you're a weekend warrior or a mom who chases after a toddler, you'll be interested to know that studies have linked squatting strength with athletic ability.1 Specifically, squatting helped athletes run faster and jump higher, which is why this exercise is part of virtually every professional athlete's training program.
• Tone Your Backside, Abs and Entire Body
  Few exercises work as many muscles as the squat, so it's an excellent multi-purpose activity useful for toning and tightening your behind, abs, and, of course, your legs. Furthermore, squats build your muscles, and these muscles participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, helping to protect you against obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Help with Waste Removal
  Squats improve the pumping of body fluids, aiding in removal of waste and delivery of nutrition to all tissues, including organs and glands. They're also useful for improved movement of feces through your colon and more regular bowel movements.

So go on, do those Squats!

Don't forget to visit my site, WysAdvice.com for more great info

Cucumber De-Tox for your Face, THE BEST!

         This has to be one of my favorite cleansing products ever! It's no secret that cucumbers work wonders for our skin, even if you look up home remedies to make your skin look younger, healthier and clear it up from dark spots and acne they say to use cucumber. Well the people at PeterThomasRoth has taken that secret and made their Cucumber Collection.  I cannot express how much I LOVE it!  

        Although I love to make my own masks, scrubs and cleansers from products I have at home sometimes I really dont have the time to get all the items and mix them together. When I'm running late this cucumber foaming cleanser does just as good as my DIY face cleanser.  (Keep your eye out for my next blog with home remedies/DIY items).   Either way, this stuff is absolutely amazing and worth every penny!

   

Price Range for this amazing cleanser is about $35; click here to buy it now!

More Details about this wonderful cleanser:

  It gently cleanses, purifies and detoxifies skin of impurities and environmental pollutants.  Cucumber Extract detoxifies, calms and soothes irritated skin. Sugarcane and Sugar Maple Extracts help encourage cell turnover. Vitamins C & E nourish and protect against free radical damage as Glycerin and Sodium PCA hydrates. Leaves skin feeling soft, and soothed.  Sulfate-free, alcohol-free. For all skin types.

Crunches Crunches and Even More Crunches

A flat stomach is a big achievement when it feels like everything around you will add on another inch to that waste line (the past few years I've been in constant battle). Just to maintain alone takes a good amount of work and will power to avoid certain foods or do those extra crunches in the morning. Whether you had packed on a few extra inches than you've liked or just are trying to maintain a slim waistline do not forget to do your crunches! 

  I know its a difficult thing to start out but even doing a small amount a day will help you be happier when you look in the mirror.  I'm not saying that it will come quick if you're only doing 60-100 crunches a day but slowly but surely you will see a little difference and once you see a difference it gets easier to talk yourself into spending the time to do all these crunches.  Also, adding a variety of different types of crunches are even better to help shape and strengthen every area of your waist. 

I personally like to do 21 reps of these 6 crunch styles 3 times each.  It has helped me lose a few inches in the past few months but mostly has given my stomach a little bit of shape to it which makes it look healthier and slimmer overall. All you need to do is be consistent with whatever workout you do and you'll start feeling better about yourself in no time. 

What's your favorite crunch style?  How many do you do?  Comment on this post or email us at info.wysadvice@gmail.com I love to hear from my readers and what they have experienced as well.