The Perricone Prescription: A Physician's 28-Day Program for Total Body and Face Rejuvenation

Cherry Blossoms Spa

Hi Everybody!

Just want to let you know that I am opening Cherry Blossoms Spa in Bastrop TX. You can check my Face Book page for the details. Please "like" the page so you will get spa updates.

I am so excited to be able to spend the time and give the service that my clients deserve. Thanks for the support many of you have given me! Love you ladies.

Considering Esthetician Career

I answered a question for someone looking into a career change. I get asked about esthetician pay alot so here is my response.

Researching wages is so difficult. There are different pay systems such as hourly, hourly plus tips, fee for service, and a percentage of the service value. You will frequently find that only part time positions are available. Smaller spas may not offer any benefits. Vacation is not encouraged because when you are not there, they do not make any money. It takes time to build a clientele to the point that you are making steady money. As a new esthetician with no clientele, I made $10 an hour during the first 3 months of training. But over the next three years I was compensated very nicely. From my research, it looks as if the industry is continuing to grow and the salaries may be $50K before long.

Things to consider. You will work nights and weekends because that is when clients can come. You will work holidays. If the office closes for a holiday, you may be asked to make up the time during your regular week. You will stand on your feet countless hours. Your back and shoulders will hurt. You will spend a great deal of time waxing clients. You have to be able to do a brazilian, keep the client calm, be chatty to distract them, do a good job without appearing to be staring and get it done in the designated time, usually 30 minutes.

On the other hand, if you have a giving spirit, you have found a great opportunity. I have massaged the hands of women who could not uncurl their fingers, rubbed the shoulders of stressed out moms, given scalp massages to a new widow with small children. I have helped acne prone teenagers clear up their skin, I 've encouraged women to make time for themselves, I've listened and I've just been quiet, all depending on the need. So for me, those are my fringe benefits. I hope this helps.

A Successful 2010

It seems that many people are happy to say goodbye to year 2009. 2010, a new year, a new beginning. But that old saying holds true, if you keep doing the same thing, you are going to keep getting the same results.

If you had the opportunity to write your own story, knowing everything you said would come true, how quickly would you reach for a pen and paper? What would you say? Would you get a raise, a new car, a great vacation?

It's really that easy. Deciding what you want, claiming it for yourself and writing it down will put your desires into motion and start something wonderful.

You can begin by writing 10 things you would like to happen this year. Be specific. It could mean the difference between a vacation to Paris Texas and to Paris France.

It may be difficult to write 10 things if you haven't done it before. Another technique is to write your December 2010 letter of thanks for all the blessings you received. Once done, the blessings make the goal list.

Here's an example:
What a wonderful year! I had such a great time on my trip to Paris, France. I appreciate how understanding my boss has been this year. I couldn't believe I got a $5000 raise. I feel so good since I have been eating healthy and exercizing. I was able to get off my medicine. Yea!

You can put your list away and bring it out again in December but I like to keep mine where I can see it. I feel the more I look at it and think about it, the more energy I give it. What if you only get one fantastic thing? It's still wonderful. We save ours from year to year and bring them out after Christmas. We always look forward to this ritual. I wish you great happiness for the New Year. May you receive all of the blessings that your heart desires.

Torrid

Torrid is a clothing store that specializes in cool clothes for larger sizes. It is so exciting to be able to find clothes that fit and that make me feel stylish. There is no greater thrill than to say, this is too big for me, do you have a smaller size?

Torrid is a part of the Hot Topics stores. They have lots of specials and can be found online. The store clerks are normal size girls who totally get it. If you are a 14 or bigger, check it out. You are bound to find something.

Hourglass Shape Instantly

The party season is upon us and we all want to look gorgeous. Undergarments are the key to slimming the body to an hourglass shape. There are many combinations that can mold the stomach, hips and thighs or bra to thighs, legs and even arms. Generally, they are available in black, white and beige. If you are light skinned you should get beige if you plan to wear white. Buy the proper size. The garments will be the same size you normally wear. Any smaller and you will not be comfortable. The material does not breathe. Keep in mind that you probably do not want to wear them to an event in the heat as you will be very warm. Form fitting garments are not easy to deal with if you are in a small bathroom stall with a big poofy dress over your head. Somebody out there was thinking of us and has created a garment with a cut out in the crotch, so no need to worry. There are all price points available from Walmart to Macy's. Spanx are a great brand that do not curl down when you sit or bend. Take care to wash these life savers by hand and lay flat to dry so they will last as long as possible. The undergarments are our little secret. No telling or showing the men. They will not find them sexy and someone (you) may get hurt trying to get them off quickly. Have the sexy switch waiting for when you change and he will never know. Now go, and work that dress girl!

A Subtle Change Makes a Big Difference

Small changes in our appearance can easily go unnoticed. As we age, little ridges develop along the horizontal part of our teeth. On the upper teeth, it would be along the bottom of the teeth.

Turn the clock back in one easy step. Ask the dentist to even this up. It is painless and fast. Very little is actually removed which is good because shorter teeth are also an age indictor. I asked about it during an appointment and my dentist did it right then and only charged me $30. It's instant, long lasting and affordable.

Rekindle the Romance

You have to nurture a relationship. Time creates routine. Routine becomes boring. Here are some ideas to keep the romance alive in your relationship.

Leave a post it note with a message such as I love you or can’t wait to see you
Send an e-card
Turn the tv off and light candles for dinner
Give a back rub
Show up in lingerie
Post a message in the newspaper
Share a bath
Leave a sexy voicemail message
Hold hands
Make a CD of meaningful songs
Give a real kiss, like when you dated
Wear new sexy matching bra and panties
Give a list of 100 reasons why you love him
Leave him a note on his car
Towel him off after his shower
Pay him a compliment
Leave him a card
Offer to drive

Purging Pores of Impurities

Need a do it yourself beauty treatment to purge your pores of impurities and congestion (blackheads)? An herbal laxative can be used to steam the skin and release the impurities. I have had good results using Swiss Kriss (available at Whole Foods). Mix a packet with 2 cups of boiling water and set a timer for 5-10 minutes. I use the microwave timer so I can hear it. With clean skin, drape a towel over the head, covering the bowl. Steam close to the bowl but take care not to burn the skin. When finished, wipe the face clean with a cool towel to close the pores. Apply a mild toner and moisturizer.

True or False - Lipsticks can contain Lead

True – Some lipsticks do contain lead, which can be hazardous to your health if exposed in the right quantities. The long lasting lipsticks tend to have a higher lead count than the others. According to their website, "the FDA has not set limits for contaminants, such as lead, in cosmetics. However, FDA does set specifications for impurities, such as lead, for color additives used in cosmetics. FDA approval of color additives is based on safety evaluations that consider the color additive's intended use(s) and estimated consumer exposure resulting from those uses."

Lead is not listed in the ingredients label because it is considered a contaminant. There have been no confirmed cases of cancer resulting from the use of lipsticks containing lead. In a 2007 FDA study, some Cover Girl lipsticks, followed by some Revlon lipsticks, had the highest levels of lead in them. A list from the study is provided on the FDA website.

The following test for lead has gone around in circulation via email.

Put the lipstick on the back of your hand.
Scratch with a 24K-14K ring.
If black marks appear, the lipstick contains lead.

The black marks are actually a result of the testing agents, coins or jewelry. There is no way to know if the products you are using contain lead. The options are to stop using lipsticks or to solicit for government regulation. If you want to join the campaign for safe cosmetics, check out http://safecosmetics.org.
The FDA site is http://www.fda.org.

Rear View Mirror Horrors

Ever go for a ride on a sunny day, the radio playing your favorite song. Feeling good, you glance into the rear view mirror to check yourself out and oh no! there is hair every where, on the brows, over the lip, is that hair on the chin? What to do...waxing, threading, laser hair removal. There is another option.

The FDA has approved a prescription cream for excessive unwanted facial hair. Vaniqa reduces and controls the hair by blocking its growth with an enzyme inhibitor. Hair removal is still necessary but less frequently. This product is only for women but is appropriate for all ethnicities and skin types. Results are typically seen between 4-8 weeks of use, applying 2 times per day. A 30 gm tube of 13.9% cream goes for between $60-70.

As with any medication, side effects such as stinging, swelling, etc may develop. See a doctor if you experience anything unusual.

Milia

Many people find little white bumps on their face. Running your finger across it, it feels as if there is a hard, round substance just under the skin. This can be milia, which are keratin filled cysts. They are benign but should be removed by an esthetician or dermatologist. An opening must be made and the pearl like substance, coaxed to the surface.

Milia appear after using harsh face washes or being exposed repeatedly to heat stress. No matter what skin type you have, you should not expose your face to the hot water of the shower. It can dry the skin, break capillaries, etc.

For best results, make sure you gently exfoliate the skin, use good products and stay hydrated.

The Eyes Have It

False eyelashes are a great way to bring drama to the eye. Individual lashes or a strip of lashes are available in many colors and lengths. Lashes are very inexpensive, so it can be a fun way to add some pizazz and experiment with your look or to glam up for a special night.

Application of eye makeup and eyeliner should be done before applying the lashes. They can be attached as is or they can be trimmed to the desired length. Longer lashes should be on the outer edge of the eye, decreasing length towards the inner edge.

Tools for the application process should include:
Scissors for trimming
Tweezers for applying individual lashes
A small piece of foil for the glue
An applicator for the glue
A mirror

Individual lashes are pretty easy. The hardest part is getting them on with the curl facing upward. A little practice is all it takes. Squeeze a small dab of glue on the foil. Pick up a lash with the tweezers and dip it into the glue, just getting enough to cover the tip of the lash. Starting about 1/4'” in, lay the lash down on the closed eye lash line. Apply a couple more lashes towards the outer corner. It may be helpful to use the other end of the tweezers to press the lash into place. Wipe clean between each lash so the glue doesn’t pull off the lashes.

Strip lashes need to be cut to the length of the eye. Lay the strip along the lash line to determine how long it needs to be. When cutting the strip, cut the end that has the longest lashes. Save this, it can be trimmed and used on the outer edge another time. Squeeze some glue on foil or any surface that can be tossed away when done. There are different ways to get the glue on the lashes but it seems easiest to use something like a toothpick or the end of a thin makeup brush and apply the glue to the lash. Applying the strip should be done by applying the center to the center of the lash line and then to the outer edges of the lash line. Lightly press the lash in place.

Mascara is optional. It can be applied to your lashes prior to adding the false lashes. It would probably not be a good idea to add to the false lashes as it may tug on them and weaken the hold. False lashes will last through the day. They are removed by gently peeling them off. It would be a good idea to practice applying and wearing them before your special event. Oh so sexy, have fun!

The girls go shopping

Let’s all sing together….Do your boobs hang low, do they wobble to and fro, can you tie them in a knot, can you tie them in a bow, can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier, do your boobs hang low?

It is estimated that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size. 8 out of 10 women! A properly fitting bra should provide comfortable support while keeping the girls where they belong. Lifting the bra to its proper place can improve your figure and slim you down.

Many stores offer bra fitting for free. It is done while you are fully dressed but you should know that a padded bra may comprise the results. Once you know your size, you will need to try on different styles to see what is most comfortable for you. If the bra rides up in the back, you may need to go down on the bandwidth. If the girls are falling out over the top, you may need a larger cup size. Once the fit is good, adjust the straps so that they will only pull up by an inch. Many people are not exactly the same on both sides so the straps should be adjusted accordingly.

To measure at home, you will need a friend and a tape measurer. To get the bandwidth, have the friend measure you around the chest, right under the breasts. Add 5 inches to that and you have the bandwidth. For the cup size, the friend will measure you around the fullest part of the breast, around your back and to the front somewhere near the nipples. Subtract the bandwidth from the cup measurement and you will get a number for the cup size. The following is the conversion from your number to the actual cup letter.
1” – A
2” – B
3” – C
4” – D
5” – DD or E
6” – DDD or F
7” – DDDD or G

There are different styles of bras depending on what you are wearing. A t-shirt bra will give a smooth look, regardless of the temperature. ;) A white bra does not work under a white shirt. The bra should instead be a skin tone color. It is best to hand wash your bras and air-dry but if that is not an option, get a lingerie bag and put the bras inside before tossing into the washing machine. Air dry for a longer lasting bra.

Bra shopping can be very frustrating. Make sure you have plenty of time and you feel like doing it. Every girl needs at least one matching bra and panty set that makes her feel fabulous. Go shopping, have fun and you workit-girl!

Ladies, beware

There are women out there that will do anything to get a man, available or not. This is a true story and no names were changed because nobody was innocent.

Her name is Janice. She was married and a very proud mother of a beautiful six-year-old little girl. She had a pretty good office job but was feeling a bit bored. Until a new general manager came to town, that is.

He was tall and well built. He had an accent, as he was from Holland. It didn’t hurt that he drove two Jaguars. His name is Reeks.

Janice was mesmerized by Reeks. She started getting to know him by casual flirting. Little comments here and there. Then she felt she needed to look better so she started eating diet pills like candy. Diet pills and Dr Pepper. She was always primping before any errand that might create a chance meeting.

Did I mention Reeks' had a fiancee? Janice had a husband?

Janice did her homework. She went to the library and studied everything she could about Holland’s culture. Then she read books on “how to get a man.“ This was before the Internet sensation. According to Janice, men prefer blue sheets, they like spicy candles and they like women who give them lots of attention.

She filed for divorce. She and her daughter moved into an apartment. Janice and Reeks sneak off from work and cruise in the green convertible Jag. They would frequently stop at her apartment. She was an opportunist. When he would leave the room, she would spray her perfume on his jacket. Given the chance, she would "accidentally" get makeup on his collar, in hopes of making his girlfriend suspicious.

Being consumed with the desire to make Reeks her own, Janice visits the department store where his fiancée works. She makes sure to get her help in the dressing room. She reminds her that they met before when she came to see Reeks at work. When she leaves, she hangs the clothes in the dressing room and generously sprays her perfume for the fiancée to recognize.

Reeks and his fiancée went to Holland during the Christmas holiday. She did not return with him. He continued to see Janice for a few months until he returned home to Holland, permanently.

Do You Speak Swahili?

Telling your loved one how much you truly love them would not really be effective if you were telling them in Swahili. That may be exactly what you are doing and you may not realize that your loved one has also been trying to express themselves in a language that you do not recognize.

Let me explain through example. Say it’s your birthday. Your adoring partner wants to really make it a special day for you. So he gets up early, puts on a pot of coffee and pulls out the John Deere. He is spending the entire day doing yard work, mowing, weed eating, the works. You on the other hand, are pacing like a mad woman wondering when he is going to come in and spend some time with you, maybe take you to dinner.

He said I love and adore you by doing “Acts of Service” which is exactly how he feels loved. Oh, but on his last birthday, you thought dragging him out to dinner where someone else cooked, cleaned and waited on him, as you sat smiling across the table, had to be a great expression of love. That is because you feel loved when someone spends “Quality Time” with you.

You are probably getting the picture about now. Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called The Five Languages of Love. He defines the languages as:

Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch

Observing the language of your loved one will quickly tell you how he feels loved and communicating your love and appreciation becomes so much easier. I believe this is easily achieved because you are a woman. Now don’t expect your honey to get this through osmosis. You have to explain your love language in simple and concise terms. I suggest you do a test run before Christmas. XOXO

Redecorating?

The curtains don’t match the carpet. Huh? Well, honey, take a seat. It’s like this. Your hair color on your head no longer matches the hair color on your pubies. Now you have options of course. And they come in all colors. You can go natural, cover gray, or make a statement with blue, violet or pink.

I really discourage the use of drug store hair dye for the pubic area because of the strong chemicals. If you are doing it any way, let me suggest doing a test spot and putting Vaseline on all sensitive areas. But don’t do it!

There are at home products available specifically for this and you can search the web for those. Betty Beauty seems to be the most popular. The best scenario is finding a salon or spa that could administer the process for you.

I have to tell you, I learned something new today. You can buy your pet a wig. What? The merkin is a toupee for the pubic area. It is usually made of nylon, yak belly or human hair and is applied to a pre-shaven area with spirit gum. So what’s spirit gum?

The Blog

We have to deal with black font until blogspot fixes the problem. Sorry, it is not as pretty.

Gotta Do Your Exercises

I am not a doctor. Call one if you need one.

Kegel exercises firm the muscles of the vagina. They support the uterus, bladder and bowel. Doing Kegel exercises regularly (like 3 times a day) can keep your vaginal muscles toned. This may reduce your risk or improve incontinence* issues. Kegal exercises may also improve potential to reach orgasm. With better muscle control, the vaginal wall grips the penis making reaching orgasm easier.

There are several things that can stress the pelvic floor such as being overweight, a chronic cough, aging, pregnancy and childbirth.
So you will know you are doing the exercises right, next time you pee, squeeze tight and stop the pee. Okay, if you can do that, you know how to do the Kegel exercise. When you do the exercises for real, do not stop urine flow or even do with a full bladder. It isn’t good for you and could cause problems later.

Now what you should do, is either lay flat or sit, contract the muscles, hold a few seconds and repeat 10 times. As you can, increase the holding time up to 10 seconds. You will want to do 3 sets of 10, 3 times a day.

Incontinence – is when you laugh or cough and accidentally pee on yourself (it sucks)