Day 3....cutting out bad foods

We are all guilty of not always eating healthily. If you're in a hurry or are tired, sometimes it's easier to reach for a bag of chips than to cook a healthy meal but if you can try and at least cut down on some of these offenders, it can only do you some good!

The 10 Worst Foods You Can Eat

There are so many products that belong on the list that it has been listed in to food categories. The Foods and ingredients on this list don't need to be avoided entirely, just be sure to eat them sparingly, if you eat them at all.
1. Hydrogenated Fats. These are mostly man-made fats used in bakery items and stick margarine. Studies have shown that it isn't so much how much fat there is in your diet that causes problems, as to what kind of fat, and hydrogenated fats are the worst. Avoid buying cookies, crackers, baked goods or anything else that has hydrogenated oil on the ingredient list. So far, hydrogenated fats don't have to be listed on the nutrition panel as saturated fats do, but the Center for Science in the Public Interest is campaigning hard for the FDA to require it.
2. Olestra. Olestra is a fake fat, used to make non-fat potato chips and other snacks. You'd think, with all the bad rap fat has gotten, a non-fat fat would be great. But Olestra has been shown to bind with fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D and K and carotenoids -- substances thought to keep the immune system healthy and prevent some cancers -- and to eliminate them from your system. Proctor & Gamble, the company that produces olestra, has acknowledged the problem with vitamins A, E, D and K and is now fortifying it with them. Olestra has also caused digestive upset in some people, especially when they eat a lot of it. Often, it's not just fat in the potato chips that causes problems for people; it's the fact that they are displacing healthier foods, such as fruit, so Olestra can just perpetuate an unhealthy habit.
3. Nitrates. Many foods, especially cured meats such as bacon and hot dogs, use nitrates to preserve color and maintain microbial safety. Nitrate is harmless, but it can convert to nitrite, which can form nitrosamines, a powerful cancer-causing chemical, in your body. Whenever possible, look for nitrate-free preserved meats. When you do eat foods containing nitrates, have a glass of orange juice at the same time (for instance, orange juice with your morning bacon). Vitamin C is known to inhibit the conversion to nitrosamines in your stomach.
4. Alcohol. This one item has created more problems than all the rest put together. Of course, it is possible to consume alcohol wisely and safely and enjoy it immensely, such as a fine glass of wine with a delicious dinner. But even if you exercise caution in no other area of your diet, this is the area where you should.
5. Raw Oysters. Raw oysters can carry deadly bacteria that can cause severe illness or death. Because it is strictly "buyer beware" when buying them, you take a big risk every time you do. To date, no government or independent body inspects seafood for safety or will guarantee its quality. Oysters are a nutritious food, and are great to include in your diet, but if you do, cook them first!
6. Saturated Animal Fats. That means fatty meats, especially beef and pork, or the skin on poultry. It also includes full-fat dairy products such as cheese, milk and cream. Fatty meat and dairy products do have some contributions to make to a diet, but none that can't be found elsewhere.
7. Soda. Drinking soda is a poor way to get fluids. They are full of sugar or artificial sweeteners and often contain caffeine, artificial colors and flavors. Substitute homemade soda by mixing sparkling water with fresh, 100 percent juice.
8. Low-Acid Home-Canned Foods. Home canning can be dangerous for foods low in acid such as green beans, carrots or other garden vegetables. The potential of botulism is high because home canners often do not reach the temperatures and pressures necessary to kill the botulism spores that may contaminate the food. Low-acid home-canned foods are one of the main causes of food poisoning.
9. High-Fat Snacks. Chips Even if they are made with vegetable oil, they should be minimized. The balance of fat in our diets has shifted too far to the omega-6 variety, found in most processed vegetable oils. It is thought that too many of these fats may be leading to certain chronic diseases. Instead, focus on fruits and non-fat whole grains for snacking.
10. Liquid Meals. They aren't inherently bad for you, but they do keep you from eating whole, natural foods that contain more nutrients and fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals. They may be okay for people who are too sick to eat, but don't let them displace the real foods in your diet.Taken from an article by Sue Gilbert, M.S.

Bradford Tonic

I don't usually post about things like this but I just wanted to share something with you. I was in the Erewhon Natural Food and Health store today in Hollywood and I wasn't feeling great, I think maybe I had ate something a bit off. Well I saw these drinks called Bradford Tonic and decided to buy the ginger one, it not only stopped me feeling unwell almost instantly, it also tastes great - it has a real ginger kick without being too overpowering. Think I might have to drive back and get a stash! The label on the bottle has the website address so if you'd like to check it out go to http://www.bradfordtonic.com/

Neil George Hair Salon in Beverly Hills

I had such a treat today. I was sent into the gorgeous Neil George Salon in Beverly Hills to get my hair colored. The salon is in a quiet setting and is light and airy, making you feel calm the moment you set foot in the door . The staff are friendly and treat you like a star even though they have many of Hollywood's A listers coming in frequently.

They introduced me to Amanda, the hair color genius. After she had gotten over the shock (whilst trying not to show it) of my appalling at home dye job, I'm so lazy about coloring that I only do the roots haha, she gently told me what needed to be done. Being a bit of a die hard rocker I was determined to keep it very dark, which she did, but also softened it a bit and made it look edgier and fuller by adding some coffee colored tips and a few low lights around my face. Sydney then blow dried it to perfection, making me think I should be going out tonight to show it off! They are the place to go for a great haircut too - Anh is the master of that and I will be paying him a visit soon to get some extra layers put in for a more shaggy rock look!

I was stunned at the results, not only does my hair look healthier and thicker it also makes me look younger too - just goes to show you have to listen to the experts! They do a full line of hair products too including the Indian Gooseberry Range that is just perfect for keeping your color looking brand new and shiny.

Check out their salon and product line at http://www.neilgeorgesalon.com/ or to make an appointment call: 310 275 2808

Day 2 of my beauty advent calendar....

Today is the day to start making a few changes to your diet. I don't mean go on a starvation diet just include a few superfoods. You should see and feel the health benefits in a couple of weeks and hey you might lose a couple of pounds too....just in time to make room for all that Christmas food!

Here are the top 10 superfoods and what they mean for your health:

1. Apples: They are packed full of antioxidants and one apple has a quarter of your daily requirement of Vitamin C, essential for healthy skin and gums.
2. Blueberries: These tiny powerhouses are also full of antioxidants and are said to improve micro-circulation which in turn helps with water retention and varicose veins.
3. Broccoli: Two florets of this raw or lightly cooked counts as a full serving of vegetables - one of 5 of your daily fruit and vegetable portions that you should eat. It's a good source of Folate (naturally occuring folic acid) which is thought to be of major benefit in preventing heart disease.
4. Olive Oil: It lowers bad cholesterol levels and increases the good ones. It's also rich in antioxidants and is a large part of the Mediterrean diet, thought to be the most healthy of all diets.
5. Whole Grain Bread: After the no carb revolution you may be relieved to know that Wholegrain bread especially the seeded variety is very good for you. The fibre is essential to maintain a healthy digestive system and the low GI means that it doesn't spike sugar levels and keeps you feeling fuller for longer so helping with weight control.
6. Salmon: Oily fish such as salmon contain omega 3 fats that reduce blood clotting and inflammation. It dramatically reduces the risk of heart attacks and the fats are said to help prevent depression.
7. Yogurt: Is a good source of calcium essential for healthy bones and great for kids who dont like drinking milk. It also contributes to the health of the large intestine and can relieve some gastro-intestinal upsets.
8. Tea: Black or green tea, it doesn't matter - they are both great sources of the antioxidant called catechins. Studies suggest that catechins protect against the formation of sticky blood clots and protect the artery walls from damage therefore helping to protect against heart disease.
9. Brazil Nuts: These are one of the few good sources of selenium which may help to protect against depression, Alzheimers disease and cancer. They are also full of vitamins, minerals and fibre and so are a good all rounder for health purposes.
10.Bananas: Are a great source of potassium which helps to flush out excess water and vitamin B6 which is great for healthy skin and hair. They are also filling and are just enough before exercise to give you a boost of energy.

If you try to incorparate some of these foods into your lifestyle, not just for now but for forever, you should not only feel better but look better too. If you are the kind of person that likes to take supplements too, I highly recommend Glowelle Beauty Drink http://www.glowelle.com/ it's full of vitamins and antioxidants and tastes delicious too!

Colorescience Pro

I met with the lovely Crystal and Dana today from Colorescience Pro www.colorescience.com to see and be educated about their astonishing mineral makeup. I thought I knew everything there was to know about cosmetics until today!

I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it - they showed me in a glass of water exactly what their and no other brand of mineral makeup does. It's hard to explain and does need to be seen to be believed, but the loose powder settled on top of the water and when I dipped my finger in, it formed a protective barrier around it. When I removed my finger it was completely dry and the powder was the only thing on it. What this means to your skin is that it doesn't absorb any of the makeup into your skin and as it's made from pure minerals actually improves skin over time and is a totally water and sweat proof sunscreen. It also lasts all day without needing touch ups - invaluable to makeup artists, performers and those with a hectic schedule!

There are a lot of other products in the range that perform various functions and the colors are exceptional. I think this is a line that is worth every penny and I will be using it from now on.

Oh and did I forget to mention, it looks great on!!

Beautiful Gift Ideas

Smashbox Eye Wish Palette:

Lush Jolly Holidays Gift Set:

Tarte Crown Jewels Lipgloss Set:

Because I'm a makeup artist and have a lot (understatement) of products, my family and friends think that I don't need or want any more for Christmas gifts, well....they are wrong! There are so many lovely gifts out there this year that I think you'll find one to please any of the girls/women and maybe even the men in your life....

Here is my selection of the best:

Tarte Crown Jewels http://www.tarte.com/ this little box holds 3 separate packages of gorgeous lipglosses - you can give the whole thing as a set or divide up as gifts and maybe keep one for yourself?!

Lush http://www.lush.com/ have an amazing array of goodies but the ones that really caught my eye and I'd like (if anyone's reading this ahem!) are The Jolly Holidays Gift Set or the Snow Fairy Gift Set. Both have an assortment of bath time treats to make you feel good and smell delicious!

Smashbox http://www.smashbox.com/ have a beautiful collection called Eye Wish - well I wish someone would get me the Eye Wish Palette! It has some very pretty colors in it and a primer to keep them all on during the most hectic of parties!

Billy Jealousy http://www.billyjealousy.com/ has the ultimate set for the traveler in your life, it's called Ultamate and that is exactly what it is. Everything from cleanser, to shaving cream to shampoo and conditioner. For boys and girls!

Luminess Tan http://www.luminesstan.com/ isn't really a gift set but is an awesome at home tanning airbrush! Spray away those Winter blues and contour a few abs in, it'll be our secret....

Defabulous http://www.defabulous.com/ have a cute set of mini hair straightening irons in the UBe range that are small enough to put in your purse or travel with but heat up to an amazing 410 F. They are pink too!

Nu Skin http://www.nuskin.com/ is a galvanic spa treatment that you do at home. It lifts the face and body and is really simple to use. If you want to look younger by the New Year I suggest asking Santa for this!

Aquiesse http://www.aquiesse.com/ have some lovely scented soy candles....I'm in love with the Rioja one from the Portfolio Collection and you should see the glass jar they come in. They'll make any home look like a hotel room on the Italian Riviera and smell like one too.

Rescue Beauty Lounge http://www.rescuebeauty.com/ I love unusual nail polish colors and RBL's set called Tough Chic doesn't disappoint - from a greyish pink (Grunge) to a moody and mysterious dark grey (Stormy) it will delight the nail polish addict in you!

Perfume is always a great present for someone if you know what kind of scent they like. I get so many compliments when I wear Vanille Coco by www.comptoirsudpacifique.us As the name suggests it smells like a mix of cupcakes and sun lotion - possibly two of my favorite things in the world....

There should be something on this list to please any beauty lovers in your life....if not maybe they already have too much!

Countdown to Christmas....and beyond

Starting today, I'm going to give you a beauty advent calendar. There will be a different tip or beauty regime to follow to make sure you look and feel your best by Christmas day and for the New Year's celebrations.

Today, December 1st, is the day to start a skincare regime that should yield full results by New Years Eve (skin usually takes 28 days for cell turnover, so starting today should mean that by NYE you will see a marked improvement).

This means that you cleanse, treat and moisturize twice a day from today! Even if you are soooo tired before bed, at least keep a packet of cleansing wipes by the bed and take off the day's makeup....it's better than nothing!

For oily/acne prone skins I recommend Murad http://www.murad.com/ I wash with the Clarifying wash every day using my Clarisonic brush http://www.clarisonic.com/ this gets my skin super clean but doesn't dry it out.

For sensitive skin I recommend the Liz Earle range http://www.lizearle.com/ this range is so gentle but really makes skin look smooth and glowing.

For dry skin, try Amala http://www.amalabeauty.com/ this is a completely organic range and has great products to treat dryness.

For hyperpigmention I suggest JolieMD this is specially formulated to lighten dark spots gently.

For slightly more mature skins in need of a little extra help with lines, you can't go wrong with Janson Beckett Alpha Derma CE http://www.janson-beckett.com/ I love how this cream sinks in but doesn't feel greasy and has UV protection, making it ideal for daytime.

For skin that has deep lines and wrinkles StriVectin http://www.strivectin.com/ is a great choice. The Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum and the Instant Facial Sculpting Cream work in conjunction to smooth, tone and tighten skin whilst alleviating deep set wrinkles.

For normal/combination skin, you are the lucky ones. You can use practically anything -Jurlique http://www.jurlique.com/ is a beautiful brand that makes a wide variety of products that get skin sparkling with health, and is a good choice for normal/combination skin.

In the morning wash or cleanse your face, tone if you like or splash with cool water, then put on a serum or spot treatment. Allow to sink in and then use a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, YES even in Winter!

In the evening before you go to bed, cleanse throughly, exfoliate with a gentle scrub two evenings a week, then apply eye cream (I love Mario Badescu glycolic eye cream http://www.mariobadescu.com/ which is formulated for overnight use). Follow with a treatment product for your particular needs, or a night cream. When you are asleep is when your skin repairs itself and when these products really get a chance to work so make the most of those zzz's!