March 3, 2009

The sky’s the limit on new blow dryers !

Posted by robynolson under You and Beauty | Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J. Olson

Photo by J. Olson

 

 We all can be a wee bit little fickle about our hair; from finding the best shampoos, the right size air-flow curl brush and even the ultimate  “spray in that  shine” finishing products.  But how many of us put any thought into that darn old blow dryer?  Well I finally did, when my old one finally had its last blow of hot air late last year.

I am here to tell you, blow dryers aren’t what they used to be..There’s as many blower dryers on the market as there are shampoos, conditioners and hair brushes, it all depends on what you’re after.  I put in some quality time in on the Internet one evening and got myself thoroughly blow dryer educated.

Like everything else electric, they went ahead and improved on the darn things; there’s something called Ionic and ceramic, Nano and tourmaline now, that I swear, is the most wonderful thing right next to easy, natural, inexpensive hair extensions!!

So here’s the scoop on what’s the newest and absolute best for your hair.  I went ahead and bought in and I haven’t regretted it one minute.  My hair is healthier, shinier and dry’s in half the time.  Again, another product that is true to its advertising! 

Read on:

Tourmaline & Patented Ion Technology

Tourmaline nano particles naturally generate far-infrared energy that penetrates through the hair cuticle, drying your hair gently from the inside. The cuticle is not over-dried and resists brittleness and cracking, helping hair maintain its shine and softness. Tourmaline also helps cleanse hair of odors and impurities.

Patented direct ION TECHNOLOGY® is an “active” system. Hundreds of millions of negatively charged nano ions are created by an electronic component inside the dryer and deposited directly onto wet hair. The ions separate water into smaller droplets which are easier for hair to absorb, increasing its moisture content and reducing frizz. Tourmaline, a natural source of ions, enhances ion output.

Tourmaline and the patented Ion Technology work together to create styles for all occasions and hair types. Pro-Moisture SystemTM with Tourmaline and Ionic Nano Technologies changes drying’s effect on hair, transforming heat and airflow into a moisture-enhancing spa treatment! Creates healthy, shiny, beautiful hair!

Ionic Info

When it comes to hair care, ionic hair dryers are the answer to a long-time concern because of its technology requiring half the heat of a regular hair dryer to get the job done twice faster. An ironic hair dryer prevents split ends and nourish the hair using ion therapy so it does not only control the frizz and fly-away hair, but dry it from the inside out.

With ionic hair dryers instead of electric heat waves a charge of ions is delivery with warm air in order to break down water molecules in a process aimed to get your hair absorbing the water with easiness.

Despite hair is still receiving heat, the reduced time and the ionic process prevent hair damage and allow the nutrients of your hair remain sealed inside the hair shaft, reducing static electricity and promoting a healthy and shiny hair that is often more manageable without needing hair conditioners for volume or softness.

Although ionic hair dryers mix ions and other hair drying technologies such as tourmaline, cool shot, even-heat ceramic, aluminum or resin concentrator, etc., the hair is exposed to heat half the time it is exposed to regular hair dryers.

Advanced models include different speed settings for precise styling, removable filters, volume attachments, diffuser, concentrator, retractable line cords, rotating head and many other features that contribute to protect the natural luster of your hair, smooth its cuticle layer, straightening and detangling its appearance.

Ionic technology works simple: your ionic hair dryer will emit negatively charged ions that break down water molecules for easy penetration in the hair shaft boosting your hair health and providing that glossy natural look that otherwise require hair conditioners, which benefits are not always long-lasting.

If that wasn’t enough, just remember this:

Ceramic is a material used in hair dryers, Ionic is the Technology created by the Ceramic.  A hair dryer can be both. If your hair dryer is Ceramic, it is Ionic. When Ceramic is heated it generates negative ions that smooth the positive ions in your hair allowing hair to lay flat and smooth.

I went all out and got a dryer that had it all, Ionic, ceramic, nano and tourmaline, not to mention that the new hair brushes I picked out are ceramic as well…I just couldn’t say no to shinier, healthier hair!

 

 

 

February 24, 2009

All a glow..

Posted by robynolson under You and Beauty | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J. Olson

Photo by J. Olson

 

Nothing like owning a face that glows with life; especially one that shines from within, but we can also chose to enhance our look even more with a few little products that I’ve come to count on.  Our face is usually the first thing people notice and I know how good I feel when it looks it best.

As we all know; water is the best prescription going, not only does it hydrate you and your body, its benefit on your health and your skin’s health is enormous.  So drink up!  Try and stay with filtered water verses straight tap water when at home, but be very mindful about those bottled waters…anything left out in the sun (boxed, crated, stored, stacked etc) where the water is warmed by the plastic should be avoided.  It’s part and parcel with heating food in anything plastic in the micro wave, a big no-no!

To improve my skin on a more consistent basis I try and stay with a few mid price range products that I have had success with over the years.  I have used a few face resurfacing treatments, like micro-derma brazen, light peels and light treatments as discussed in the receding blog.  They can be pricy and because they work well you’re visually locked into trying to keep up with them.

The amount of beauty products on the market to date is staggering; I have spent way too much my own money testing them out, only to have them live there shelve life out in my bathroom vanity.  So for those whose budgets need to remain reined in; I thought a few of the products list below would benefit most yet you still had money to feed the family.

♥  The Obagi line is really good, not to overpriced and easily accessible.  Three products that I have used consistently in this product line are: the skin bleaching cream, toner and the “face lift in a tube” Tretinoin cream.  (LOVE IT!!)  They have many products and you only need to go in and get educated with them to hand pick the one that will work right for your skin type.

Obagi is one of the most recognized names globally in skin health care and the preferred choice of Physicians around the world for prescription-strength product lines that Transform skin.

http://www.obagi.com/article/aboutobagisystem/aboutobagisystem.html

♥  Another great product line is Atzen, I use their day and night eye creams, NO swelling at all !   I have also used the toner and a really nice hydrating – antioxidant Biologique Body Lotion, this feels really good on my dry hands and legs in the winter.

Developed by skincare researcher, educator, and expert Catherine Atzen, ATZEN® combines the best of French science and sophistication with some of nature’s most effective ingredients, resulting in a gentle yet powerful skincare line that yields remarkably beautiful skin. With three core skincare systems in the line, ATZEN has a solution for every skin type – as well as quality products for sun care and hair care.

http://www.atzen.com/about.htm

But my most fav lotion for the body, is my tried and true cheapy Keri Original blend Lotion.  I love the way I get a sweet little shine after I put it on and it last for hours.  I buy several large containers at a time and hoard them in my closet, really sad I know.

 

February 20, 2009

Cancer isn’t a life sentence

Posted by robynolson under You and Cancer | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J. Olson

Photo by J. Olson

 

Cancer isn’t a life sentence…Cancer is a growth opportunity that has as many definitions as it does forms.  I chose to make my cancer just a speed bump in my life, in that I decided to mindfully, openly and intentionally seek to learn where it is I brought myself and why.  I was quite determined to simply deal with it head on and responsibly navigate my way through it and be done with it. 

I am now a firm believer that stress can kill.  After the death of my husband in December of 1998, I was awash in stress, so much so I was diagnosed with Posttraumatic stress disorder.  The stress came from all directions; it was heaped on me by myself, as much as by others.  By March 2002, I was diagnosed breast cancer.  Granted, I was always dense with breast fibroids, which I diligently watched throughout my life; but it only takes one to reinvent itself.

This is my story told in segments for it is long, arduous, chocked full of attitude, real personal experiences and hopefully, helpful personal comments and opinions.

First, let me tell you that in 2001; in personally tracking a lump/fibroid in my right breast, I determined that it had grown in size and was starting to bother me on several levels.  I decided to hit the doctor’s office.  In going to my doctor, I was told; I’m fine…wonderful,it was what I wantd to hear; but is that real?  I left feeling somewhat relieved, but under that was a yet another feeling; I was brushed off and made to feel as though I was worrying about nothing.

This “I’m fine” information coming from my doctor was based only on his physical examination that day; I took it and went on with my life.  Six months later I was back.  Again, telling him it was now bigger, still hurting me at the site, as much as in my head.  Again, I got this lackadaisical approach, coupled with a nonchalant it’s nothing really attitude.  He even ventured to say that he knew what was going on with my breasts better than I did..Really, how can that be?

At this point I got a little irritated, how can there be nothing wrong…the damn thing is growing in my breast and I can feel it!  Something inside me shifted that day and I forced him to set up a biopsy appointment for me.  From that point onward, I chose to take control.  There was something wrong indeed; it was just in my breast not his.

 

February 20, 2009

Weight loss is just a change in thinking.

Posted by robynolson under You and Fitness | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J.Olson

Photo by J.Olson

 

You needn’t be a competitive athlete to dig in, just some heart and attitude.  You can join a local gym, I recommend hiring a trainer for a week or two to get started on the right foot.   Nothing is worse than playing with the machines and free weights if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

 If you don’t already own some workout clothes, now’s the time to invest; no need to go hog wild, you just need some comfy sweats or items found in the appropriate stores.  The correct fitting shoes will go a long way in keeping you balanced and good to go.  Ask for some help in finding the right shoes, invest wisely, and try to get two pairs; one for the house and one for the car trunk.  Yes, I am always planning ahead. :)

 Start out with a game plan and be fair to you, so you can see and feel results within a real time frame.  I promise, if you stay on track, use your intention and follow through with changing your eating habits, your wish, your want and your desire will be your reality.  Keep track of your workouts and cardio times on a calendar so you can see when you’re slipping back to your old intention, as much as rewarding yourself for staying committed and visually seeing the results on several levels.

 Weight loss is just a change in thinking, your perception of it.

 Build a mild but active plan.  Try two to three days a week, progressively getting in more as you and your body adjust to the change in life style and muscle use.  Mix up your cardio sessions and try out the new machines, be sure to ask for help when you feel you need a refresher course before climbing on.  This is what those trainers and gym staff are therefore.  Please feel free to ask some questions, don’t take up their whole day, but do ask.

 Meet and talk to those around you, build relationships centered on your new healthy intention.  Set up cardio times with others and help thy neighbor.  Build a working relationship with you and your body, listen to what it’s telling you and make changes based on that.

 

February 20, 2009

You and Fitness

Posted by robynolson under You and Fitness | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J. Olson

Photo by J. Olson

 

  This is the counterpart to “You and Healthy Eating.”  Like a glove & hand, ring & finger and hat & head, we need eating right and a moderate fitness plan to become one with “all that you are.”   We need to consciously make a decision to a healthier you, it necessitates that you get moving…literally.

Like everything else, with more diligence and more effort come faster results; knowing this is the easy part, following through is where most suffer.  For those who have committed to some exercise in your everyday life, stepping up the amount and intensity is easier.  For those who have chosen to sit by the sidelines and watch, will finally have to wake up and be honest with themselves; is this really who I am?  Ask yourself, are you happy?  How do you feel inside?

If you haven’t tried to exercise for any length of time, I must tell you, you’re missing out.  The benefits are vast:

  •  You just plain feel better
  •  You just plain look better
  •  You learn something new about you all the time
  •  You add balance to your life
  •  You add a longer life to you
  •  You get to de-stress every time
  •  You get to meet new likeminded people
  •  You get to try new things
  •  You get to change your environment
  •  You get to see the real you

 So let’s get going….

 

February 17, 2009

You and Healthy Eating

Posted by robynolson under You and Healthy Eating | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J. Olson

 

HEALTHY FOOD GROUPS II

Dairy

Here is a food group where less is more..I try and consume as little dairy as I can, yes we need the calcium but you can get that in pill form.  If it is a must have to you, use non fat and its cousin low fat, the same goes for all those wonderful cheeses!  It’s a hard group to let go, but you will benefit from the lack of additional un-necessary calories.  I’ll address eggs here, they are a very good source of protein, and if I could eat them daily I would.  Nothing is better than egg whites, a little spinach and a sprinkle of cheese in the morning to get you started on the right foot.

Breads

Again, like dairy; less is really more.  There’s nothing that you really need in bread, and you’d be surprised how fast you can drop weight if you can let this food group move on without you.   I eat only one (1) slice of bread a day and that’s whole wheat, rye or Ezekiel 4:9 (Sprouted 100% whole grain).

Fruit

If  my goal was to lose a considerable amount of weight, I would let go of this category for a while; only because of the sugars that are present in fruit.  I love fruit and eat more than my share, but I constantly remind myself to limit my intake.  If I was to have fruit only once a day, I would use that allotment for the blueberries that need to go over my oatmeal every morning.

In case you’re wondering about how I feel about the rest of the food that’s out there, let me leave you with this:

If you know it’s fattening, and I know, you know when it is, don’t eat it.  Quit fooling yourself into thinking anything else.  You deserve better and only you can ultimately empower yourself to know that.   If you want to be serious about dropping some weight  and seeing that healthier you, you have to remind yourself of who’s more important than that piece of cake, that candy bar, that coffee drink, those breakfast bars, donuts, Jamba juices and whatever else is sold on the open market as food.

Trust me, as soon as you throw your intention and place your postitive mindset on your health and weight, things will shift.   All it takes is you and all that you need to get there is already there for you.  You’re not lacking in any of the necessary tools, skills, wants, or desires, you just need to place the right attitude and God given intention on it.    If you think/say/project that you are unhealthy and overweight, that is what you will see, this will be your reality.  On the other hand if you think/say/project that you are healthy and fit this too is what you will see as your reality, or better said; experience.  Yes, it is just that simple.

 

February 17, 2009

Photo Credit

Posted by robynolson under News worthy items.. | Tags: , , , , , |
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J. Olson photo

J. Olson photo

If your wondering where am I getting all these wonderful photos, they belong to my daughters portfolio. You may contact me for more infomation.

J. Olson photo

J. Olson photo

 

J. Olson photo

J. Olson photo

 

February 17, 2009

You and Healthy Eating

Posted by robynolson under You and Healthy Eating | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J. Olson

Photo by J. Olson

 

HEALTHY FOODS GROUPS I

Meats and Fish

All meats are usually good for you and a great way to get your necessary protein.   The trouble starts when you load them up with extra fat during your cooking process.  Stay away from the fattier steaks and eat them less frequently.   I would suggest that you eat more fish, chicken and white turkey meat.  Again, be mindful of your cooking methods…use small amounts of olive oil, try steaming or baking your foods.  I tend to use my small George Forman Electric grill….a very sweet little machine.

Fish, have at it!  The more the merrier..try and buy the freshest, healthiest you can.  I prefer salmon and all white fish’s.  I have fish at least three times a week, making sure I cook extra for the “to go bag”.  Using small amounts of olive oil in a non-stick pan to cook, there are many ways to add additional flavor by using salt free spices, garlic, lemon and fresh herbs.

Vegetables

The sky can be your limit on what kind and how much…these bad boys are good for you!  It’s most important that you DO NOT use cream sauces, butter or other fattening toppings to help get more down.  I found that using the convection oven and roasting them by the bag full was the best method to eating them and having extra on hand for your “to go bag.”  Using light olive oil and some salt-less seasonings; I have roasted everything from yams to broccoli and there yummy! 

Grains and Rice

I only eat organic brown rice and Quinoa, saving the not so good for you white rice to eat under a good piece of sushi.  You can add small thin sliced carrots, red peppers, peas, and other vegetables and seasonings to the quinoa before cooking.   I like to throw chicken dishes over the brown rice and especially the Quinoa for a very healthy and fulfilling meal.

 

February 16, 2009

You and Dating

Posted by robynolson under You and Dating | Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J. Olson

Photo by J. Olson

 

 

Why is this so hard?  Why is it so hard to find that “right” person?  Why are we so easily misunderstood, passed over, never asked out, never asked out a second time, stood up, you got my number but cha don’t call, and the ultimate of all wonders lied to?

I’m no psychologist, but I’m here to initiate some dialogue and hopefully come to some conclusions, while I dabble somewhere in the middle with advise, suggestions and help.

Why is it so hard?  Are we always looking in the wrong place, for the wrong person and at the wrong time?  Are we forever pulling that same wrong type right back to us and we don’t know why? Do we even really know what we want in the first place?

Being that this endeavor is so elusive, that your stars almost have to be in perfect alignment for it to happen to anyone of us, suggests it would be in our best interests to be properly and mindfully prepared.

Let’s take a walk through what we do to get noticed by the one of our dreams.  Now granted were not all clean and ready to go on that hot date 24-7, but we can be aware of how were put together when that light does shine our way.  It is a simple fact that we’re not always in the driver’s seat and that special someone may just show up completely unannounced.

For the sake of simplicity, lets say were going grocery shopping, this is something we all have to do rather regularly.  Before you jump in the car, did ya do a once over to see how ya look?   I’m not saying it’s all in how you look, or what you look like, but that are you simply or reasonably clean?  Hair somewhat brushed?  Teeth clean?  Breath good?  Clothes decent?  Are you wearing slippers?  You don’t get a second chance to make that first impression.  Yes, I know this sounds very superficial, and what is most important is the “who you are” but it won’t hurt and it can only help if you look at least a little pulled together.

 

February 16, 2009

You and Healthy Eating

Posted by robynolson under You and Healthy Eating | Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Photo by J. Olson

Photo by J. Olson

 

So what is eating right?  Years ago it was long established that to eat right we should choose from the three main food groups and to eat approximately three times a day.  Well if you tell your body that you are only going to feed it three times a day, your body will then think “well then ; I will hold on to this fat to keep  warm and provide some energy as well as supply your body with the nutrients it needs”.  On top of that you’re feeding yourself unnecessary amounts of bad carbs, processed foods, unhealthy chemicals, and loads of sugar and salt.  It sometimes comes down to whatever you can grab down the grocery isle or through a fast food drive in.

So let’s break this all down into two main ingredients:

  • 1) You need to change what you eat.
  • 2) You need to change when you eat.
 

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