Chic Critique

And if anyone needs me, I'll be on the treadmill in the basement, power-walking and eating radishes.

I saw my OB earlier this week.  I see a lot of her lately, and well, she sees a lot of me, too. Ahem.

Our weekly meetings over the past 9 months have evolved beyond just quick, routine exams to fun, edifying discussions.  I feel really lucky to have developed this rapport with her - I mean, she's gonna be there, front and center, at one of the biggest events of my family's life - so getting along with her and even sharing a few laughs beforehand feels normal and natural. 

She's been in the health care profession for decades, first as a Registered Nurse and now as an OB/GYN, so I've always trusted her and assumed that she's not only knowledgeable but also passionate about women's health.  Stands to reason, doesn't it? 

I've mentioned before that I'm really feeling a pull to learn more about what I need to be doing to make sure I stay healthy and vital well into my 60s and 70s, since these two beautiful blessings of mine (my children) have come along a decade or so later than they do for many women. 

The long and short of it is that as the doctor measured and poked and prodded today, I asked her, "What's the ONE THING women in their thirties/forties should be doing right now to improve the chances they'll be healthy and vital into their later decades?"

She seemed surprised by the question.  I wonder if many women think to call upon her expertise and obvious passion in this area?

She was ready with an answer much sooner than I thought she'd be -- and I loved that! 

"Women in their thirties and forties feel healthy and vital, so we don't think or worry about the unseen damage we're causing to our hearts.  The most common killer of women today is cardiovascular disease. We need to be thinking about that NOW, and doing what we can do to keep our hearts healthy."

Interestingly, many of the same contributing factors to cardiovascular disease in females also seem to lead to increased probability of developing breast cancer, another high-risk area for females, those being a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity or significant weight gain.  The doctor referenced statistics from The Nurses' Health Studies, an ongoing project that's "among the largest and longest running investigations of factors that influence women’s health. Started in 1976 and expanded in 1989, the information provided by the 238,000 dedicated nurse-participants has led to many new insights on health and disease."  She quoted several findings within these studies to help explain and substantiate the extreme importance of healthy diet and regular exercise as prevention for both of these deadly diseases. 

The doctor mentioned that one recent study in this group revealed that the most damaging and dangerous times for females to gain substantial weight -- the times that a significant weight gain leads to health issues like breast cancer and cardiovascular disease -- are right after high school (freshman 50, anyone?) and right after menopause.  It's never a good idea to gain huge amounts of weight, but allowing it to happen at these two times in a woman's life seem to be the most detrimental to her overall long-term health.

Now I suppose you'd like me to tell you all about the right diet and appropriate levels and types of exercise that'll keep us all healthy and happy into our 80s?  Just lay you out a plan and be done with it?

Well, I WAS naked from the waist down and I did have a vast portion of my considerable current geography covered in that slimy gel they use for ultra sounds and other obstetric fun and games.  Since I had a pressing desire to remedy both of those unpleasant conditions, I decided to hold further questions for my appointment next week.  Stay tuned.  Unless I've delivered a baby by then, I hope to have some further links and information for your perusal NEXT Friday.

Until then I'm going to be asking myself - Based on the information I already have, am I doing everything I should be doing NOW to take good care of my heart so it stays healthy into 60s and 70s?  What do I need to change NOW?

Y'all ask yourselves that along with me, would you?

Pedicure from Heaven

There are moments in life that until you have them you don't know what you were missing.  And once they occur, you know the bar has been raised and there is no going back. On vacation, my sister-in-law and I decided to treat ourselves to a manicure-pedicure at a Nail Spa (nothing fancy) near the Target and give our girls the polish option (less expensive than a full mani-pedi but still fun).

Fashion on a budget, ladies. Stay tuned for MORE on that topic.

I realized about halfway through the pedicure that my sister-in-law wasn't getting nearly the treatment I was. YES, the person doing the pedicure can make all the difference in whether you come out with pretty toes or walking on a cloud - with pretty toes.

Come with me into that moment. Imagine sitting down in a chair with vibrating rollers that massage from your neck to your thigh. You pick up your magazine as you are invited to place your feet in a swirling, freshly-filled warm water bath. Moments later, you are asked to put one foot up on the step where your foot is washed, shaved, massaged almost to the point of pain and scrubbed with an incredible body wash with grit in it to get in all the pores. The soothing smell wafts up to your nose and relaxes your mind.

Meanwhile, your sister-in-law is looking around wondering where her pedicurist went. You look over with a dreamy smile and shrug and whisper a silent "sorry."

But, back to you because despite your children running around in wet toenails, this really is your moment. It's all about you. Your hands are coated in lotion, bagged and placed in warmers. Your feet are dipped in warm soft pink paraffin wax, bagged, cooled and then peeled away like fresh flower petals, leaving a soft airy feeling all over the skin. You don't even notice the fire ant bites above your right toes from wearing flip flops around your mother's farm. (Okay, this might be getting too specific but stick with me.)

Kids are now running around with wet fingernails. You hope their toenails are dry. Oops, too much worry. Back to walking on air. The pedicurist is brushing little vertical coats of white on the ends of your toenails and then touching it up with a pointed Q-tip and fingernail polish remover to create the perfect French manicure edge. Two final clear coats go on, the hand warmers are removed and you are whooshed over to manicuring station. A quick and professional job is done, no frills, and you are out of there.

Back to life and "Mom, what's for dinner?"

So, my advice to you is: if you find a good pedicurist, stick with him or her. And if you live in Charlotte, NC, I will be happy to tell you where this guy works and which one he is. I believe he was so good because of his focused commitment to MY feet. He shaved and sanded off every extra piece of skin, massaged the heck out of my feet and added the paraffin dip that just sealed the deal. I now have a new pilgrimage when I go visit my mother (after Dean & Deluca's coffee shop)!

Sarah blogs daily at Genesis Moments.

How To Cut Bangs

Ever have bangs that looked like this?  ME TOO!

Yet, I didn't really need a haircut, just a trim of my bangs.  I learned a little trick years ago that helps haircuts last a couple more weeks before going in for a trim.

(Note: if I had any pride I would have put on some foundation but instead I slapped on some eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick in hopes you wouldn't notice, so let's pretend like you don't see my red, blotchy-skin or the bags under my 39-year old eyes, mmmkay? Thanks!)

Take a small amount of hair and twist it TIGHT, I mean really tight.

Then take your scissors (hair stylists, CLOSE YOUR EYES) and snip off 1/8".  Grab another small layer and repeat.  I only recommend this for your bangs, and remember you can always cut off another 1/8" but you can't glue it back on.  If you hair needs more than a 1/4" trim, I recommend making an appointment and getting it professionally done.

I also use this method to "thin" my hair.  I have very heavy hair and it needs to be thinned out quite a bit.  I bought a pair of thinning shears at Sally's Beauty Supply and use them about once a month, just on my bangs.

And after!  Much better (except I can't figure out why the picture is so red, but you're just looking at my hair anyway, right?)

Darla blogs regularly at Beauty Inside and Out.

Kiss that Bad Complexion Goodbye

Like many teenagers, those ugly, red, bumps known as pimples, zits, and blemishes routinely came to plant themselves on my face.  When I would finally get them to leave they would so nicely leave their marks with redness and even some scars.  I bought and tried a variety of different products by many different manufactures, but none of them seemed to work until I took a risk and signed up for Proactiv.

After watching all the infomercials, seeing the ads in magazines, and talking to a couple of users I knew, I decided to sign up and at least give it a try.  What did I have to lose except a bad complexion?  The price seemed a bit steep, but I figured if I didn't like it I could always cancel. 

Proactiv offers many different systems depending on your facial needs, but I decided to stick to the basics so I received the 3 piece system, which includes a cleanser, toner, and lotion. 

I use the cleanser and lotion daily, but admit that I don't use the toner as much as I probably should.  The difference in my complexion has been amazing.  Where I used to have redness (especially around my hairlines), occasional breakouts around my period, and blotchy spots from previous breakouts, I now have a clear complexion that is smooth to the touch.  My family and friends who knew my skin problems have also commented on the difference they have noticed.  I wish that I had taken pictures before and after so that I could prove the difference, but I was so skeptical at the beginning that I didn't take them. Now I know better than to try a product without taking a "before" picture!!

While I use it, love it, and would recommend anybody to at least try it if your complexion concerns you, I cannot really explain how Proactiv works.  So here is what Proactiv has to say about their system:

Mild enough to use every day, Proactiv gently cleans and unplugs your pores. Then, the combination of medicines penetrates deep into your skin to destroy the bacteria and reduce inflammation. Your skin clears without the drying, peeling, or chemical smell you find in other products. Our Combination Therapy acne management system combines finely-milled, prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide with sulfur and soothing botanicals like allantoin, panthenol, aloe and chamomile. Together these ingredients gently exfoliate your skin, unplug your pores, attack acne-causing bacteria, and soothe inflammation. It's not just a spot treatment like most other acne products. Gentle and effective, Proactiv Solution is designed to be used on the whole face (or acne-prone area) every day. Proactiv leaves your skin feeling healthy and hydrated, not dry and flaky.

So there you have it!  I have to say that my skin does feel much more healthy and hydrated since I began using the system.  Still not sure or have more questions?  Proactiv has an easy to use website that will address all your questions and help you find products to meet your needs. Now it's your turn to take a chance. If it worked for me, maybe it will work for you too.

*This is most definitely NOT a paid advertisement from Proactiv, but was written only because I have had so much success with the system and believe in how well it works.  If you have any questions for me please feel free to leave them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them.

Mel blogs regularly at A Box of Chocolates.

Chic Critique is Expanding!

Yes, we are adding lots of new contributors.  Megan and I gladly welcome Mel, Darla, Sarah, Michelle, and Leigh Ann to the Chic Critique team.  You can learn more about us on the Contributors page. 

If you think you'd like to join us, please email Jo-Lynne through the Contact link in the sidebar.

When Dirty Air Is A GOOD Thing

The first time I went to my new hairstylist, after she washed and cut and dried my hair, she took this big purple spray bottle and started spraying this aerosol mist throughout my hair.  I'm talking inside, outside, upside down.  I thought it was ordinary hairspray, and I was sure I was going to leave the salon with hard shell of helmet hair.

As I coughed and sputtered and the ozone began rapidly depleting, she informed me that this was "dirty air".  I was a little taken aback, not knowing exactly what she meant, but then as she started to work my hair with her fingers, styling it into this chic new 'do, I was intrigued.  It was touchable and soft, but it felt thicker and more manageable than usual.

I drove home that night with my windows open, and when I got home, my hair hadn't lost its style.  And it looked thicker and looked fuller too.

I went back eight weeks later for another haircut, and my hairstylist pulled out the purple bottle of "dirty air" again.  It was the night before my big NYC event, and I wasted no time asking her what it was and how it worked.  She explained that it's really hard to find and that it basically gives you "second day hair".  (You know how so many people say their hair looks best the day after they wash it.) 

This stuff gives me volume and manageability and shine that I have not found in a hair product before.  I immediately asked her if she sells it and walked out that night with my very own bottle of "dirty air".  I've been using it ever since, and I just love the stuff.

You probably want to know what it's called, right?  It's by L'Oreal's Professional line of products, and it's called Infinium 3.  Here is the Product Information:

L'Oreal Textureline Infinium 3 is a Strong Hold Professional Hairspray. Infinium 3 is the essential fast drying finishing spray for lasting form, construction and holding power. Lock in styles with ultra-fast dry time and intense shape memory. Styles are secure yet still maintain a brushable, natural touch, reflecting elegance with smooth, humidity protected, satin shine. Use as a finishing "top-coat" for defining shine and structure.

L'Oreal uses a new Microdiffuser delivery system which is an advanced delivery system that distributes an even veil of delicate, uniform, micro-sized drops of formula for instantaneous hold and extreme dryness. No wet beading or added weight. Flexible holding polymer dries instantly and allows hair to be brushed without residue. This resilient polymer features the unique ability to “memorize” shape even after brush through. Polishing & conditioning agent for brilliant, natural shine and powerful humidity-shielding effects. Helps protect hair from damaging external elements and dulling, color-dimming residue.

At $19.99, it certainly ain't cheap, but I'll buy it again because I love what it does to my hair.

Pardon Me, Ma'am, But We've Been Summoned to Investigate Allegations that You Have a Koala Bear in Your Bathtub

The gestational calendar rolls over to 36 weeks today, and let me tell YOU that with each consecutive increase in the weekly digit beyond about 30ish, this body collects another set of aches and pains in places I didn't know I could ache or pain. 

But I didn't come here to whine. 

(Collective sigh of relief.)

I came here to tell y'all about something I've found that doesn't magically end the aches or pains, but does take the sting off at the end of a hard day.

No, Jo-Lynne, not a chocolate martini.  But here's something so good I could almost drink it:

What? You can't read the label? Okay, Granny, lemme help you out. It's Bath & Body Works'™ Aromatherapy Stress Relief Bath soak in Eucalyptus Spearmint.  And having a nice tubby full of hot water and a handful or two of these cute little pebbles to look forward to after the small fry's in bed and the laptop's stopped humming has been keeping me going lately.  I've been enjoying the B&BW products in this scent for several years now -- you can get anything from massage oil to hand soap to essential oils in Eucalyptus Spearmint -- but for me, this Bath Soak delivers a the most potent dose of an amazingly fresh, warm and peaceful aroma with the least amount of effort, and anything low on the effort-ometer pleases Her Majesty greatly these days.

On the label you can't read above, the product proports to help you:

Think clearly.

Because

Eucalyptus Essential Oil clears the mind to improve concentration.  Spearmint Essential Oil is uplifting and helps the mind to focus.

Well, now, I don't rightly know about all that.  I haven't thought clearly since 2004, but the spa-fresh, cozy fragrance does encourage me to inhale as deeply as anyone with lungs currently smooshed to the size of walnuts can, and exhale extra slowly (and somewhat unwillingly), which I think probably tricks the old body into believing she's involved in some sort of zenlike yoga type deal, and causes her to unwind and melt into the soothing water, thereby relaxing my little joints and soothing the hurties and just generally lavishing me with the physical manifestation of a nice motherly, "It's allllll riiiiiiight, you're gonna be juuuuuuuust fiiine" reassurance.  Comfort.  Tranquility.  Aaaaaaaaah-ness. 

The Soak doesn't promise to do anything in particular for skin, so no claims to confirm or deny there, but I will say that my skin's pretty sensitive on a normal day and as precious as a fresh peach when it's pregnant, and I have no problems with drying, breakouts or itching even though I'm up to my neck in it three or four times a week. So that's a great sign for others who tend to react badly to scented products. So if you need a little slow-me-down at the end of your long days, pregnant or not, you might want to grab a pretty jar of this yummy bath soak and give it a whirl.

Just make sure you lock the bathroom door or you may end up with unexpected company -- eucalyptus leaves are a delicacy to sweet little fuzzy tree-dwelling marsupials.

Megan blogs regularly at FriedOkra.

Guest Blogger: Darla on Mary Kay Mineral Eye Shadows

Darla is a work-at-home mom who spends her days "silver power selling" on ebay and doing accounting work.  She is also very active in her 11-year-old's life and holding down the homefront when her Chief of Police husband is working his long shifts.  Darla enjoys decorating (in a lazy kinda way), organizing, cooking, blogging and shopping for Coldwater Creek clothing sales.  She blogs at Beauty Inside and Out.

For those of you who haven't heard, Mary Kay has some new mineral eye shadows (in fact, ALL of them are mineral). My friend at Shades Of Pink sent me some samples to try, and I got right to them (thanks, Shades!) 

I tried them on Sunday for the first time. The one thing that stands out to me that I like more than other brands is that the mineral eye shadows are compact and are not as concentrated in color, so that makes them easier to work with.  I didn't end up with a big ol' mess like I do with "loose" mineral eye shadows.

The colors look vibrant on the palette but when you apply them they are much more subtle, which was a pleasant surprise compared to the other minerals I've tried.  I also used them as an eyeliner with my angle brush.

There was only one teenie problem, that is applicable only to those allergic to mica -- when I first applied the eye shadows, my eyes itched and watered.  Once it was on for an hour or so, it completely stopped.  I was surprised it stopped, but it did. Next time I will not use them as a liner, so it doesn't get so close into my eye and see how that goes.

Philosophy Winner!

A big thanks to all who read and commented on my Philosophy post.  Now for the lucky winner who will receive the 6oz. bottle of Chocolate Frosting...

Drumroll please...

Congratulations Martha!  Commenter #5.  Please email me (melsboxofchocolates@gmail.com) your address so you can take your chocolate bath asap.

Everyone Needs a Skincare Regimen

I know what it's like.  Ten o'clock rolls around.  You're tired and ready to hit the hay.  The last thing you want to do is take another five minutes to remove your makeup.  You may say to yourself, I can just wash my face in the morning.

STOP. RIGHT. THERE.

No matter how tired you are, an extra five minutes to take care of your face is a small price to pay.  Here is what a good skin care regimen looks like.

1) Cleanse. You need a cleanser that works for your skin type, and you should wash your face morning and night.  This removes all the makeup and impurities and gives you a clean slate.  An affordable option that comes highly recommended by many different sources is Cetaphil.  I've never used it, but it's affordable and supposedly works very well.  My favorite cleanser is by Lancome (of course!)  It's called Clarifiance, and it's a gel cleanser.  I've tried others, but none seem to get my face as clean as this one.

2) Exfoliate. Exfoliation has been hailed as THE most important step in your skin care regimen (and I bet it's the most neglected -- I know it was with me, that is until I discovered it's amazing benefits, both for face and body.)  One that comes highly recommended, and I've been intending to try is L'Oreal Paris Advanced RevitaLift Micro-Dermabrasion Kit.  It MUST be good, because I've tried to find it at CVS and Target, and it's been sold out every time I've looked.  My favorite facial exfoliator is the Cosmedicine Medi-morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator that I mentioned last Monday.

3) Treat.  There are a gazillion and one treatment options for every skin challenge imaginable -- from acne to wrinkles to age spots to dullness.  I am just now beginning to educate myself about them.  If you have a skin issue you'd like more information about, let me know in the comments, and I'll consult my beauty library and post about some of the options available for you.  (I am accumulating quite a collection of beauty books, thanks to a new gig I've taken on -- more info to come soon!! -- and I'm glad to share what I can with you.)

4) Hydrate.  This is the hardest one for me.  I'm doing okay right now, but in the winter, I get SO VERY DRY.  It's important, though, to keep your skin hydrated and moist so the fine lines aren't as visible and so you have a healthy glow.  A tip I picked up recently: hydrate immediately after showering for maximum absorption (this goes for face and body).  Also.  DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR EYES.  An affordable option is Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer.  Again, I have not tried it.  But it comes highly recommended from several sources.  Another one I want to try is by Patricia Wexler M. D.  Both her Universal Anti-Aging Moisturizer and her Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer are supposed to be great.

5) Protect with Sun Care.  Another step I've shamefully neglected for far too long.  These days I religiously apply a moisturizer with sun screen every morning.  I wish I'd been doing it for the past 20 years.

Did you notice a missing step?  Did your mama teach you to use toner after you wash your face?  Well, I've read in several sources that we do not need toner if our cleanser is doing its job as it should.  So skip that step and save yourself a few bucks!

Do you have a skincare regimen?  Do you have a favorite set of products, or do you use whatever you can get your hands on?