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SEASONAL LIVINGOur forefathers knew it. They lived according to the seasons. The kind of food they ate, the clothes they wore... all was based on the seasons they lived in. Over the many years, we've had a lot of changes (no kidding!) and our bodies have adapted to eating ice-cream in the midst of winter or a hearty stew as a summer meal. But it's so much easier to live with the seasons.Seasonal living doesn't necessarily apply only to food. It's a concept that celebrities the world over have understood and used for decades now. And it's simple enough for us stars to use as well. SUMMER FUN WITH THE FAMILY
Spring is here, and before you know it, summer will be upon us. Getting outdoors often requires motivation due to the many things one can do indoors, from the comfort of your sofa or computer chair. Yet, once you actually step foot outdoors, it's glorious and re-energizing. And best of all, having fun doesn't have to cost much.To get you started, the following are some activities you can do with your family, friends or even by yourself: 1. Go for a hike Pick an easy trail in a nearby park or sanctuary. Select something you've never tried before. Then lace up those hiking boots (or running shoes) and hit the trail. Make sure you pack enough water and snacks to keep you going and don't forget sunscreen and a hat. 2. Select a new part of town-. Then take a map and visit it. You never know what surprises it may have store for you, from undiscovered museums to local handicrafts. Have lunch at the local cafe before heading home. 3. Buy a second hand bicycle- and try the many trails your city offers you. If you're just learning to cycle, then avoid crowded roads and busy streets. Stick to marked cycle trails and ensure you have help on hand should you need it. If you have children old enough to cycle, then make it a weekly family activity. 4. Go for a swim If the weather permits it, then splash around in the sea. If the water is too cold, check out your local pools which may even have summer deals. 5. Have a picnic. Put aside your gadgets and gear and go for an old fashioned picnic. Gather some friends or your family; pack a picnic basket with sandwiches, drinks, fruit and chocolate bars and head for the nearest park or lake. Spend the day just taking advantage of a warm sunny summer's day. Act like a kid if you must- cycle, blow bubbles and play catch. 6. Dig out old board games This is perfect if the weather turns and you need to spend some time indoors. Remember playing scrabble or monopoly as a child? Now is the time to revisit those childhood memories and maybe, even introduce them to your children. 7. Volunteer-. Yes, that sounds more like work than fun. Choosing something that you enjoy doing and volunteering for it can in fact bring you an immense sense of achievement. And the bonus is that you'll always meet people with similar interests to yours and make a few friends in the bargain. 8. Join your local community center. They often host a number of activities that are easily affordable and which allow for family participation. 9.Visit neighbourhood flea markets and garage sales.. There's no guarantee you won't spend a lot of money, but you may find a few summer treasures at a very affordable price. 10. Spend time at the library and bookstores.. It's very easy to while away an afternoon reading or browsing through books. It's also a great way to find a new hobby, which you can spend the rest of summer trying out. Top SELECTING THE RIGHT RUNNING SHOES
If the shoe fits, wear it. Or so goes the saying. However, when it comes to buying a pair of good walking shoes, it takes more than just a correct fit to get it right. So before you go out and pick up a pair, consider the following: 1. Shop at a store with well trained staff- When it comes to running shoes, expect to try on several pairs and get the opinion of the staff present. They should be able to ask you questions as to the style and amount of running/walking you do. If you do have specific problems like high arches or weak ankles, now is the time to discuss them. 2. Look for quality not quantity- This is one time you should forgo the sales mentality - buy two for the price of one; and invest in one good pair. If you plan to run, then look for running shoes which offer more support. 3. Comfort over fashion- Yes, the pink Swarovski studded pair might look great, but if they are going to hurt after an 10 minutes of lacing them up, then you know they are not right for you. Your feet should feel comfortable and not slide around inside the shoe. Try waking for 5 minutes inside the store to get a feel for it. Feet do swell with exercise, so there should be at least ½ inch inside to spare. 4. Invest in extras- Look for options such as cushioned insoles, moisture wicking socks to keep feet dry and no slip laces. Top QUICK AND EASY SPRING HOME MAKEOVERSWhile winter always inspires a cozy and warm look in our homes and clothes, spring is about welcoming in a light and airy feel. There is nothing nicer on a warm and bright spring day than to throw open the windows and listen to the birds sing and look at the plants beginning to bloom. And it's this very feeling that we should endeavour to bring into our homes.According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Stabilizing neutrals combined with pops of brighter colors to create unique, distinctive looks are the basis for a great spring and summer wardrobe." 
The top 10 spring 2008 colors for women:
" Snorkel Blue (PANTONE 19-4049) " Freesia (PANTONE 14-0852) " Daiquiri Green (PANTONE 12-0435) " Croissant (PANTONE 16-0924) " Rococco Red (PANTONE 18-1652) " Silver Gray (PANTONE 14-0000) " Spring Crocus (PANTONE 17-3020) " Cantaloupe (PANTONE 15-1239) " Pink Mist (PANTONE 13-2805) " Golden Olive (PANTONE 16-0639 ) For more information, please visit their site at pantone.com You can try and use any of the above colours to keep up with the 2008 look! However, I would recommend first taking stock of what you have in your homes and trying and using those to achieve a new and surprisingly fresh spring look. 1. Remove anything that gives your home a winter look - heavy cushions in dark colours, throws, rugs, fleeces etc. Launder them and put them away for the next year. 2. In your LIVING area, put away your heavy accessories and bring out your lighter cottons and silk cushion covers and throws for a cooler evening. If you can do without rugs in your home for spring-summer, then do so, ensuring your floors are in perfect condition to endure the coming months. Remove all 'winter' knick knacks and decorative items- pines in a basket and heavier Christmas china, and replace them with flowers and lighter knick knacks. Also, don't forget to clean out your fireplace. If you've been using it during winter, then now's the time to clean it out and store away the wood. Replace this with candles and flowers for brighter airy feel. 3. In your DINING room, replace all heavy damask table covers, table linen and chair pads with lighter chiffon or cotton ones. 4. Bring in the garden- flowers look wonderful on a kitchen table. If you can't afford cost or time- wise to replace fresh flowers weekly, then think of investing in silk flowers. Remember though, that these need to be cleaned and dusted regularly. Choose light pastel shaded orchids or lavender sprigs. Potted plants in the kitchen or a small window herb- garden are also wonderful ways to bring the green indoors. 5. In the BEDROOM , replace your heavy duvets with lighter ones. Choose lighter coloured covers. The same with pillow covers and any cushion covers in the bedroom. Keep all colours and accessories light. TIP - While stitching draperies, try to make them reversible so you can change them with the seasons. Remember, all colours and accessories for spring should be light. Use sheer fabrics and pretty florals to give your home a wonderful clean and fresh look. I always stick to light silks for my draperies - they not only look elegant and fall superbly, but in winter, they dispel the winter gloom by letting the weak sunlight in, and in summer, combined with blinds, they keep the strong sunlight out. BUSY MADE EASY TIP - If you want to change the artwork on your walls to reflect a lighter spring theme, an easy solution is to buy a coffee-table art book from any store. Clip the artwork you like and buy inexpensive frames from stores such as Ikea. You can change your artwork as often as you like. Top YOUR TOP 6 SPRING CLEANING MUST DO'S!
1. Get your outdoors ready. I love to do this first as it gives me a sense of immense joy to get my hands in sun warmed earth once again. On warmer spring days, you'll be sure to want to use your patio to entertain friends and family, or just enjoy a drink and a book. Clean the patio and sitting area. If your furniture has been in storage, bring it out and give it a good scrub. Look around your garden area and see what you'll like it to look like this year and then begin to plan accordingly. For more ideas, look at our 'spring gardening' section. Check to ensure your fences are repaired and gates are in working order. 2. Back indoors, sort through your winter clothes. Stuff that you will not use again, launder and donate to a charity of choice, or put aside for your spring garage sale. The remainder of your clothes should be laundered and put away. 3. Take out the clothes you will be wearing for spring. Again, go through them and sort out what you won't be needing. Put this in the same pile as your winter wear to be thrown away, donated, sold or given away. If your spring clothes have come out of storage with a musty smell, then launder them before stacking them in your cupboard. 4. Spring clean your house. Chose a sunny day if possible, throw open the windows and then go room to room and give each room floor a thorough vacuum and scrub. Make sure to move heavy furniture aside and get under them. Clean rugs, curtains and launder your linen, duvet covers and furniture covers. For a step by step guide to cleaning each room, check out our 'HOME ORGANIZER' section. 5. Put away the rugs, woollen cushion covers and throws. Bring out a lighter, cleaner look to all your room - floral cushions work well in the living room. In your bedroom, put away your heavy duvets and bring out lighter spring duvet, with covers in pale pastels or floral shades. The same in kitchen. Remove all festive heavy table linen and table clothes and if you can't leave your table bare, then cover it with lighter chiffon table clothes and crisp cotton napkins. For more ideas, check out our 'GET A NEW SPRING LOOK THIS SEASON' section. 6. Spring is also a time to declutter the house. If you already haven't done it, then now is the perfect time to get rid of your extra knick knacks, magazines, newspapers and just general clutter. Here's to a happy, bright and fresh spring 2008! Top PUT A SPRING BACK INTO YOUR STEP!
We've all had that colleague who is always chipper no matter how lousy the sales figures or weather is. Or, have met the cashier behind the counter, who has a warm and welcoming smile, despite being on her feet 8 hours a day. My daughter has a preschool mate, whose mother is always well- turned out - immaculate dressing, perfect hair and colour coordinated lipstick- and this is at 8 in the morning to drop her daughter off to preschool. She has 3 kids, a hectic schedule and yet, I have never seen her frown or heard any complaints from her! I on the other hand, have often turned up to work in a lousy mood, or have nipped out of the house in sweatpants, only to meet the boss' wife looking perfectly dressed. So, how do they do it day after day, and what is their secret? The following steps are guaranteed to turn even the most frazzled morning person into one who welcomes the day with a serene smile on her lips! Try it out and see for yourself! 1. Set the clock 30 minutes ahead of your normal wake-up time- If you are constantly rushed in the morning, or go to sleep at night, assuming you'll find the time in the morning to 'collect those papers' or 'locate your car keys which have mysteriously disappeared', then know that you have to make extra time for these tasks. Going to be with a task undone, not only leads to a disturbed worrisome sleep (especially if the task is something really important, like finishing that sales presentation due at 10am!), but it also guarantees a horrible start to the day. Try tackling important tasks before you hit the sack, and try waking up a little earlier, to give yourself a breather. 2. Wake up with a smile and a stretch- Its true, smiling and stretching release endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced in the brain that reduce pain. They have also been known to induce euphoria. Other ways to release endorphins are through exercise, having an organism, eating chocolate, thinking positive thoughts, undergoing acupuncture, getting a rush by trying something you are afraid to do, such as sky diving or bungee jumping, and by getting some sun every day (but be sure to wear a sun cream, especially if you plan to stay out for a long time). 3. Put on your face- It doesn't matter if you are planning to stay in at home, or just running out to get the milk. Taking 5 minutes each morning to slap on the cream and some lipstick and comb your hair can make a world of difference in how you feel. If you look good, stands to reason, you're going to feel good too. 4. Wear well-fitting clothes- Get rid of all your baggy wear. Loose and ill fitting clothes are not going to make you feel good about yourself. The same with sweat pants. Hanging around in them the entire day, even if you're at home, is really not good for the soul! Slap on something that fits well and in colours that suit you, and feel a million bucks, even if you're doing a non-million bucks job like taking out the trash! 5. Eat those oats!- Having a warm and hearty breakfast is of prime importance as to how your body is going to perform the rest of the day. Try oats and honey, or whole wheat toast with a dab or butter and a drizzle of honey, or cereal with milk or yogurt. Drink herbal teas or warm water with honey and lemon. Skip the caffeine and croissants and your body will thank you for it. 6. Do some deep breathing- If you have the time to meditate, then even a five minute meditation can work wonders. Sit in a cool area of the house (not cold - you don't want to be freezing) and shut your eyes. Think of all the wonderful things you've had so far in your life and of the wonderful things you are going to achieve. Run down in your mind, the things you need to do today and visualize them happening in a positive way. You will make that sale. You will make an excellent presentation. You will not yell at your daughter no matter how lousy you feel. If you can visualize it happening, it will! 7. Be thankful for everything you have, the good and the bad- Remember, every cloud has a silver lining and it is very possible to see that if we look hard enough. Hope you have a wonderful, exciting, yet restful day!! Top STORING YOUR WINTER CLOTHES
When the birds begin to sing and the plants bloom, you know it's time to put aside your winter wear and welcome in the spring. Sweaters, coats, boots, gloves, hats, mittens and scarves, all need to be stored safely till it's time to bring them out again. Following the guidelines below will ensure your winter wear lasts for many years to come.1. Never store any articles that have been used and not washed/dry cleaned. Even if you've used it only once, ensure that it's cleaned/laundered according to the manufacturer's instructions. 2. Plastic storage- boxes, bins and bags can be used to store clothes, but again, ensure both the clothes and containers are clean. Plastic bags also don't allow the clothes to breathe, so if you are using them, then take them out in summer to give them a good airing, before returning them to storage. 3. You can also use suitcases to store clothing, but first launder and fold the clothes and if possible, line the suitcase with acid free paper. 4. Moth balls often have a strong repugnant smell. A better option is to create a lavender pouch or use cedar blocks. Lavender is readily available in stores that sell dried herbs. If you grow lavender at home, harvest it when the florets have bloomed but not yet faded. Cut the lavender and in bunches hang it upside down. Keep them in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. After the lavender has dried, strip the florets and store them in jars in a cool, dry place. Lavender does not stain clothes, so you can use them in your airing cupboard, with your stored towels and linen or to store your clothes. If you are uncomfortable strewing them around, then you can sew pouches and fill them with lavender or place some in a handkerchief and tie the ends up with ribbon. 5. Coats and jackets can be hung up to ensure good air circulation and keep them from getting moist and mildew free. Sweaters should not be hung up as they will lose their shape. Instead, fold them, stacking them one on top of the other. 6. Clothing should be stored in clean and cool places. Avoid direct sunlight on them. A garage or closet is ideal. Top GET YOUR HOME A NEW WINTER LOOK!
Take a look at your home. Start with your LIVING area. How many knicks knacks do you have there, that don't really belong, but you don't want to get rid of them either? Winter is a great way to kickstart your new 'home look'. There is nothing save exercise that banishes the winter blues, like a good change around. Assess what you have in terms of excess decor and mark in into 4 piles - Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter. Don't worry if you don't have a lot. Remember, when decorating your home, less is always more! Next, sort through your living room linen- table runners, cushions, armchair maccasters and don't forget rugs, candles and throws. Winter is a great time to use all of the above to create a warmer, cosier look.
If your DINING area is part of your living room, then do the same for table linen - table cloths, table mats, runners and if you have them, then different crockery as well. Again, don't forget you kitchen mitts, aprons and dish cloths. Choose a look that applies for winter. Larger spaces can handle darker colours like deep reds and blues. Smaller spaces look better with lighter sliver/greys or deep pinks. You can use the same principle to freshen the rest of your rooms. Add a few cushions of a darker colour to spruce up your BEDROOM or a throw rug to welcome winter. Remember though, that in the bedroom, always keep accessories to a minimum. Your other rooms will benefit from a winter spruce up as well. Your BATHROOM can get more festive rugs and hand towels and add a few rugs or throws to your FAMILY room to keep you warm while watching telly or playing those board games. Pack away the stuff you will not be using in marked boxes. Be sure to pad and wrap any breakables really well. You can also play around with moving the furniture around or shifting angles. Don't hesitate to bring the cushions from your bedroom out to your living room and vice versa. A little bit of a mix up is always good and can work wonders. You will be surprised at what a difference, adding a few rugs or throws, or changing your sofa's cushion covers make. A whole new look at almost no cost. And its fun come spring or summer, to change the look once again, and bring out your 'spring/summer' knick knacks. Top WINTER CARE
Most of us have experienced the results of harsh climate on our skin. We long to look like the pretty models we see - happy, glowing and frolicking in the snow...when in actuality, our skin turns dull and flaky and lifeless. However, there are easy solutions on hand. In winter, our skin and bodies in general, require a little more care. However, keep in mind the SLON maxim of simplified living and 5 minutes of daily skin care is going to last the entire winter.
Exfoliate - A weekly exfoliation is a must. Make sure you do not use strong granules or a heavy hand, but treat the skin gently. Ensure your face is damp or wet and massage upwards in gentle circles, being careful to avoid the areas around the eyes. Cleanse and Tone - Do not forget daily cleansing and toning. Make sure that the product you use is suited for your skin. Dry skin will not benefit from products with alcohol in them. Moisturise - Moisturise you skin as soon as you finish washing your face/body. This ensures that the moisture stays locked into the skin. It's ideal to slather on the moisturiser immediately after a bath and after towel drying your skin gently. If you have oily, problem skin, then a cream may be too heavy to handle. In this case, it's better to switch to a light moisturiser. Remember the following - Hot water, strong soaps and rough towelling, all deplete the skin of its much needed moisture. If you are prone to dry skin, and winter/heating is not helping, then think of having a bath every two days as opposed to daily. Use a gentle product like Dove or Aveeno, and keep a large bottle of moisturiser handy. Fill up on fluids - This applies throughout the year, but more so in winter when heating and dry weather saps the moisture from our bodies. Use an SPF cream - Living in Asia and the Middle East, I never used a moisturiser with SPF! It's just not part of the culture. However, I do recommend it highly! If you are going skiing, please slather it on. Sunscreen - whether on its own or in a moisturizer - should have an SPF of at least 15 and should block both UVA and UVB rays. PABA is a sunscreen ingredient that many people are sensitive to, so look for PABA-free brands, which are widely available. And don't forget your lips! Use a shower instead of a bath - Stick to short warm showers as opposed to long hot baths which during this season, are very tempting. Slather on the moisturiser or cream as soon as you step out of the shower and have towel dried off. And if you do suffer from excessive dry skin or eczema, then use a specialized cream, with frequent applications. A urea based cream is a good choice. Invest in a humidifier - Nowadays, you get many in the market to suit different room sizes and your budget. A small one should be sufficient for your bedroom and it's a good idea to keep it on, but remember to close doors to keep the moisture in. Alternatively, you could try leaving the bathroom door open while taking a shower, to let the moisture out into the house. Exercise - 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly will make a wonderful difference, not only to your figure, but also to your skin, providing you with a healthy glow. And regular exercise is known to banish the winter blues. Stay cool - Turn down the thermostat by a few degrees. Even a few degrees help with moisture levels in the house. Handy Tip - Buy an inexpensive timer from the dollar store. I find them really handy to time my showers and try never to stay in longer than 5 minutes. I also use them when I'm waiting for my face masks to dry. Top EASY REMEDIES FOR WINTER PROBLEMSFight the flu
Now that the cold weather has intensified in some regions across Canada and the rest of the world, we can expect to hear of the flu bug floating around! Because there are so many types of influenza and because flu is a viral infection, antibiotics are powerless to stop them. If you visit your doctor within the first 24 hours of symptoms, prescription antiviral drugs may help. Still, the best defence is avoidance. Stay at home -Because it's very infectious, stay away from work or other crowded places for at least one day after your temperature has gone back to normal. Schools and daycare centers should also be avoided, so keep the children at home until they have completely recovered. Get rest -Once the fever abates, still take it easy. Resting your body allows it the much needed energy to combat the infection. Drink plenty of liquids -Drink a lot of liquids, especially when you have a fever. In any case, you probably won't have the taste for more solid foods. Thin clear soups are a good choice, along with fruit and vegetable juices and of course, plenty of water. Avoid sugar sweetened drinks as excessive sugar may lead to diarrhoea. Eat light fare -When you finally think you can stomach solids; make sure that you stick to lighter foods such as dry toast with a smidgen of butter, cereals, oatmeal with honey or fruit. Skip anything heavy and greasy. Remember the BRAT diet of Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast- perfect to deal with sensitive stomachs. Read the labels - Think twice about strong anti-cold medications as they may suppress the symptoms and get you to believe you are better before you really are. Invest in a humidifier -Raising the humidity in the house can help ease dry and stuffy noses and sore throats. Get some fresh air -Staying in a congested, stuffy room is not going to make you feel any better! Make sure the room is aired daily, but be sure not to let in a draft if you are keeping the windows opens. Use warmth -To ease tired aching muscles, use a heated pad or soak in a warm bath. But be sure that it's not too hot and do not stay in it for too long, as excessive heat can lead to dizzy spells and prolong weakness. Gargle in salt water - This is not an old wives tale. A gargle with 1 cup mildly lukewarm water, to which 1 tsp. salt has been added, provides immediate relief to scratchy and dry throats. Be careful however not to swallow, as the concentration is high in sodium. To PREVENT catching the flu during a flu epidemic, take the following steps: Get a flu shot Avoid crowded places such as the movie cinema, theatre and public transport (when possible) and keep away from people who are sneezing and coughing, even if it means giving up your seat. Stay out of the cold, wet weather as much as possible, as this lowers your body's resistance to the virus. If you need to be outdoors, bundle up. Wash your hands as frequently as possible, if you are dealing with someone at home who has the flu. Also try sleeping in a separate room from your ill spouse or child. Give up the cigarettes and alcohol. Both of these vices will contribute to lowering your body's resistance. Even if you are not ill, take it easy and conserve your energy. Your body needs it to fight any virus that comes its way. Top Colds
Come winter, and the one thing that most of us dread is catching that dreadful cold! If colds are so common, why haven't they found a cure for it? The reason is simple- over 200 viruses are responsible for the colds that billions of people get each year! And so, unless it's severe, most of us are content to take over the counter prescriptions and wait it out. However, there are certain things you can do to ease the symptoms and sometimes, even speed up the recovery time.Stock up on Vitamin C - This really works for some people. My husband swears by it and he recovers from the worst cold in no time at all. Vitamin C may also cut back on sneezing, coughing and other related symptoms. If you are going to take Vitamin C, experts recommend a dosage between 100- 500 mgs a day, preferably taking half the dose in the morning, and half in the evening. Zinc lozenges - Taking Zinc lozenges can cut a cold short from an average of 8 days, to 4! However, it doesn't necessarily work on everyone. However, sucking on zinc lozenges will definitely soothe a dry and irritated throat. Eat your cereal - Research shows that those who eat a healthy and hearty breakfast have a stronger immunity and suffer from fewer colds. So follow the saying- Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. Just make sure your kingly breakfast comprises of healthy foods such as wheat toast and cereals, as opposed to croissants and doughnuts! Rest and relax - If you do catch a cold, then rest and relaxation is undoubtedly what will help you recover. And you'll be doing others a favour and not passing on the virus. So, stay at home, in bed if possible and slow down your routine for a few days. Keep warm - Bundle up, so your body can concentrate on fighting the cold, as opposed to displacing its much needed energy on keeping you warm. Go for a walk - Mild exercise helps improve your circulation, which is required to circulate infection fighting antibodies. However, avoid strenuous exercise which will only tire you further. Eat light food - The best kind of food is light food which can be easily digested. Try soups, toasts and porridges. Drink plenty of liquids - Your body can easily get dehydrated. It's important to drink a lot of liquids to replace important fluids lost during a cold, and to flush out any impurities from the system. The best is to stick to clear liquids including water, light teas, clear broths and diluted juices. Soothe your throat -Gargle twice a day with warm water and salt. It's immediately effective in easing a dry and itch throat and cutting back on the coughing. Skip the ciggies but keep the alcohol -Smoking will only irritate an already dry throat. If you can't kick the habit, then at least stop smoking when you have a cold. You can however, sip a hot toddy- a drink made of rum, hot water and sugar or honey- before bedtime. However, limit your intake to half a glass and give the rest of the alcohol a miss, as too much alcohol can stress out the system, making recovery even more difficult. If you don't like the thought of drinking any alcohol, then try a glass of hot milk and honey before bedtime. The enzymes in the milk will make for a good night's sleep, while the honey soothes the throat, easing up on the dreadful night time coughing that often comes with a cold. Top Chapped hands
They say you can tell a woman's age simply by looking at her hands. As we age, our bodies produce less oil needed to moisturise the skin. Add to that dry climate conditions, harsh chemicals and frequent washing, and it's a guarantee that your hands are going to look dry and chapped. Follow the below guidelines to ensure you turn your dry, rough hands, into something soft enough to hold!Don't go near water - If you suffer from dry hands, then stay away from water. Repeated washing removes the skin's natural moisture layer. If you must wash vessels, use cotton gloves under your rubber gloves. Rubber gloves trap moisture, prevent hands from breathing and in general, creates friction. If the cotton gloves get wet, then change them immediately. And always moisturise immediately after finishing. Wash only palms - When you must wash, try to wash the palms of your hands as opposed to the backs, which have thinner skin and dry out easily. Use a skin cleanser- Instead of soap, use a skin cleanser like Cetaphil which is soothing on the hands and does not dry out the skin. Pat dry and dab on some moisturiser. Try lemon oil - Mix few drops of glycerine with a few drops of lemon oil, both available at drug stores or health food stores. Use before going to bed to soothe tired and irritated skin. Use gloves - At home, a pair of plain white cotton gloves is great for doing simple tasks that may otherwise irritate dry skin. When going outdoors, especially in winter, slather on the moisturizer and then put on a pair of gloves. Kitchen cures- Process one cup of uncooked old fashion rolled oats in a blender. Keep it in a container and use regularly to slough off the dead skin from your hands. Rinse in tepid water and immediately put on some moisturizer. An excellent and cheap alternative is Crisco. It's a wonderful moisturizer that keeps the water locked in. However, be sure to use very minute amounts so you hands don't feel too greasy. Top 
Chapped lipsUse a lip balm - And remember to reapply each time after you eat or drink anything. Use a sun screen - Lips can get affected by the sun, same as the rest of our skin. So remember to use a product with a built in sunscreen, preferably an SPF 15. Drink away the dryness - Moisturize your lips from the inside out. Drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day, more if you can and especially during winter. Stop licking your chops - Licking your already dry lips will only aggravate them, as your saliva evaporates, leaving your lips feeling drier than ever. Top Cracked heelsTrap in the moisture - A simple product like Vaseline works wonders. Rub in on after a bath (making sure your feet are completely dry) and slip on a pair of cotton socks. It takes a few days, but you should see a difference. Top Dry hair
There are many causes for dry, brittle hair. Over frequently shampooing and swimming without a cap rank as the top two. However, winter and dry weather conditions also suck out the much needed moisture from our hair. Other culprits include perming, curling irons, excessive blow drying, colouring and too much exposure to wind and sun. The following are some remedies to get the gloss back into your locks.Shampoo with caution - It goes without saying that dry hair needs all the moisture it can get. Use a mild shampoo, and if possible, shampoo only weekly, using tepid water. Please see our 'Get that Glow' section for natural remedies for dry hair. Use a conditioner - There are many conditioners in the market today that are specifically formulated for dry hair. When hair gets dry, the outer layers called cuticles, peel off from the central shaft. Conditioners glue the cuticles back onto the shaft and lubricate the hair. Trim your hair - To keep those frayed ends in check, book an appointment at your palour once every 6 weeks or so. Protect your hair - Protect your hair from the elements- wear a cap when it's windy, sunny or in winter. If possible, tuck the ends of your hair into the cap. Go wild - In summer, try a large straw hat or floppy cap. In winter, sport a beret or a Russian cap. If you don't fancy wearing a cap, try scarves, bandanas or even hoodies. Keep the cap on - While swimming that is. Chlorine is a big contributor to dry hair, so if you swim frequently, then make sure you invest in a swimming cap. For additional protection, dab on a bit of olive oil or conditioner before you put the cap on. Get a hair massage -Dry and lifeless hair looks great after a head oil massage. Doing one at home is simple. A great Middle Eastern and Asian tip is to use Olive or Coconut oil. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, warm up some coconut or olive oil. Ensure it's not too hot or you may burn your scalp. Divide your hair into sections, and using your hands, or a cotton ball (I prefer the latter as soaks in the oil and prevents drips) rub the oil well into your scalp. When done, give the entire scalp a 3 minute massage, starting at the forehead, going on to the temples, then working the midsection of your head, and moving down towards the nape of your neck. Clip your hair up if long. You can do what a lot of books recommend and wrap your hair in a hot towel or in cling wrap. But I forgo this step. Keep the oil on for a minimum of 30 minutes and then wash with a good shampoo and conditioner. Remember though that oil is cooling and so try and stay indoors after you've finished your shower, at least till your hair is well dried. Kitchen cures- Mayonnaise is a wonderful conditioner- Dab on a little and rub well into the hair, especially at the ends. Leave on for upto 1 hour and wash with a mild conditioner. Another great conditioner is Beer. You can either pour some on after you shampoo and use it like a conditioner. Or better still, shampoo and towel dry your hair, and then spray on a little, using a pump bottle. Don't worry about the smell, it will soon disappear. But the gloss and shine it imparts stay on for a long time. Top Eczema
If you suffer from Eczema or have a child who suffers from it, then you know how stressful and painful it can get, and how dry weather only seems to worsen it! My daughter suffered from atopic eczema, which afflicts roughly 10-20 percent of children and I have done a lot of research on it, to help her get through it. She has luckily outgrown it since, but I am still conscious of her having dry skin and the need to keep an eye out for those red scaly itchy patches. If your eczema is widespread and the over the counter creams and prescriptions don't seem to help, then you may need to visit a dermatologist. However, if it's mild, then the following treatments might help.Lukewarm baths- Lukewarm baths clean just as well as a hot bath/shower, without over drying the skin. Don't stay longer than 10 minutes (you can actually use a time to remind yourself when you need to get out of the bath) and remember to slather on the moisturiser as soon as you pat dry yourself. Oatmeal baths - I can't speak enough of the benefits of oatmeal when you have dry skin or suffer from eczema. Try a ready oatmeal bath which has colloidal oatmeal, such as Aveeno. Or make your own at home. Colloidal simply refers to very finely powdered oatmeal, and this can be done by running the oatmeal through a food processor or blender. This ensures that the oatmeal remains suspended in the water and doesn't clog up your drains or sink to the bottom of the tub. Invest in a humidifier - Eczema is aggravated by dehumidified air which is what the heating in our homes does to the air. Keeping indoor air moist should be a prime consideration for those who suffer from eczema. However, remember that unless you get a really big unit, you will need to get humidifiers for each of the rooms you spend a lot of time in. And one by your bedside for when you sleep is also a great idea. However, don't forget to occasionally air out the rooms as extremely damp rooms can cause a host of other problems, including fungus and mould growths. Invest in good creams - Creams such as Cetaphil, Eucerin and Aquaphor are all great creams. Watch out for baby lotions which often contain a high water content, thus drying out the skin even further. For severe itching, you may want to try a cream which has hydrocortisone - either a .5 % or a 1%, both which are available at drugstores without prescriptions. However, it's always a good idea to speak to your doctor or pharmacist first. Avoid antiperspirants and harsh detergents- These may trigger bouts of eczema. You may need to test a few brands first. And remember, it's not so much the detergent but the rinsing that is important. May sure all clothes are rinsed sufficiently and twice if possible. Cotton fabrics- Avoid synthetic fabrics and wear cotton wherein possible. The same goes for your bed linen and towels. Avoid itchy fabrics as well as tight or ill-fitting clothes. Watch your diet- Some foods trigger an allergic reaction which results in eczema. Common foods are said to be eggs, orange juice and milk. But rather than eliminating them completely, it may be better to speak to your physician or dietician to see how best to work around these foods. Food allergies are strongest in children and after the age of 6, food plays a minimal role in most people's eczema. Boost your Omega 3 intake- Salmon, Tuna and Mackerel contain Omega 3 fatty acids which essentially boost your skin's moisture levels. However, check with your physician if you are pregnant as some of these fish contain high mercury levels, not advisable for pregnant women. Top Excellent Face Masks to combat dryness
Oatmeal tops my list of dry skin healers. I try to eat a bowlful at least thrice a week. If you find it too bland, try adding a bit of salt, milk, honey or raisins. Its tasty, nutritive and a great healer.
For excessively dry skin or eczema, try pouring 1-2 cups of colloidal oatmeal into a tub of tepid water. Aveeno is a good choice, and it worked wonders on my 2 year old daughter when she suffered from infant eczema. You can make your own by putting some oatmeal in a blender till its ground to a fine powder.
Oatmeal Mask - I also use an oatmeal mask regularly. You can make your own by combining the following: Mix together 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp mashed banana and enough oatmeal. Apply generously on face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse well with tepid water. Banana-Honey Skin Mask - Mix 2 tbsp honey , 1tbsp mashed banana and 1 tbsp plain white yogurt. Apply it gently to the skin and wait 20 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water. Strawberry-Yogurt Skin Mask - Mix 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp mashed strawberries and 1 tbsp plain white yogurt. Apply liberally to face avoiding eye area. Wait 20 minutes and rinse off with tepid water. Top EAT YOUR CHRISTMAS TURKEY AND PUDDING TOO!
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We've all done it at some point or the other - Somewhere between- 'Get in more exercise' and 'Quit smoking'; we've stuck in 'Lose those extra pounds' to our list of New Year's resolutions. But come spring, and our resolutions seem as far away as Father Christmas and the North Pole. And at the start of summer, when our 'teeny bikinis that we were so sure would fit us and so bought them in a boxing day sale', are stretched to their limit, we wonder why we failed to keep our New Year's resolve.Advertisements: