Summer Hair Care - Chlorine Damage

Summer means more time by the pool, tanning and swimming. You already know how to care for your skin properly, with sunscreens and care to avoid the strongest UV rays of the day. But all those cooling dips in the pool can really stress your hair. Here's how to avoid the damage, breakage and color changes that pool water can cause to your hair.

Chlorine is added to pool water to eliminate bacteria and reduce any risk of infectious organisms. But chlorine is brutal to hair. It strips the sebum, or natural oil, from your hair leaving it dry and prone to damage and breakage. Other metals like copper are oxidized by the chlorine and get deposited in hair, turning blonde hair and colored or bleached hair that weird greenish tinge of summer. Even if you haven't previously colored your hair, chlorine and sun will alter the color of your hair, but the lightening won't be attractive highlights.

The first step to avoiding summer damage to hair is to start with hair that is as healthy as you can get it. Use a deep conditioner at least once a week and a moisturizing conditioner every time you shampoo.

Before diving into the pool, wet hair with regular tap water. Hair that is already saturated is less likely to absorb chlorinated water from the pool. You can even apply a conditioner before swimming. After pool exposure, rinse hair thoroughly with clear tap water and use shampoo to remove the chlorine, copper and other minerals in the pool water. Always follow with conditioner.

Take time to protect your hair this summer and let your hair's natural beauty shine through all the bright summer days.

The Manta Experience

You may have ridden park rides and roller coasters before, but you have never seen or experienced anything like this! The new Manta at Sea World Orlando takes the concept one step further to embrace the full experience of riding high and flying from the point of view of a manta ray. Have a look at this video for a taste of the excitement.



Isn't that amazing?

The first thing that guests to Manta experience are 10 floor-to-ceiling aquariums with more than 3,000 marine animals. Get an unparalleled, close-up view of the mysterious underwater world as thousands of fish, rays and other sea creatures go swimming by. But that's just the beginning, because you are about to experience the the most unique roller coaster ride you can imagine. Then, strapped in face down, you go flying through the air with climbs, dives and twists - just like a manta ray gliding through the ocean. For enthusiasts, the Manta is the ultimate roller coaster experience.

And here's a little secret to getting your very own "Front-of-the-line" pass to ride the Manta. Just visit the Manta page to follow through the six games and quizzes to get your own pass to unsurpassed fun. All the activities are entertaining and if don't worry about the quiz on mantas, there are answers throughout the site. Two activities will get you a complimentary electronic photograph from your Manta ride but complete all six and go to the head of the line for this amazing ride.

For updates direct from SeaWorld, you can follow on your Twitter account at @RealShamu.

Pink and Gold for Shine and Glow

Summer makeup is all about healthy glow during the day and shimmer at night. Gold and bronze are obvious choices, but how about something a little less obvious but a perfect blend for a summer glow? Pink and gold blend wonderfully and there's so many ways to use them.

How about this Pink Gold shimmer powder by Makeup Forever from Sephora? This can multi-purpose powder can be used for eyeshadow, over lipstick or anywhere your face needs a bit of light and shimmer. Use a slightly damp brush for more intense color.

Another marvellously metallic color for eyes is Pink Gold Metallic Creme Eye Colour from Laura Mercier. This is a versatile product as well. Wear it under regular eyeshadow for just a shimmer effect or use as eye color and set with a light application of translucent powder. The wear is long, the look is fabulous.

Planet Togs

After going through rack after rack of clothing at your local shops and boutiques, do you ever yearn for something completely different? Something that no one else has, something from a fresh, new designer that will make all your friends jealous and demand to know where you got it?

Then you really need to get over to PlanetTogs, an e-boutique that carries designs from new, up and coming designers who haven't yet been introduced to America. You will find clothes from designers that don't fit the molds, but break them for good with innovative ideas that translate to some of the most unique clothing designs you have ever seen.



This swingy dress with it's delicate layers, great movement and sparkling accents is a vision in gold and is my personal pick. If I had an important soiree to attend, wouldn't it be great to show up in something that is both sexy and soft and never worry that that I would experience that horrible feeling of showing up in the same dress as someone else?

There's no danger of that happening when you shop at Planet Togs. These designs are new and not available in the usual boutiques and specialty clothing stores your friends, acquaintances and business colleagues are frequenting. Because these designers are new doesn't mean they don't have excellent experience and credentials, and the designs speak for themselves. If you're going to treat yourself to one designer outfit this year, get it at Planet Togs.

Baby Shampoo Contains Carcinogens

For decades mothers have trusted Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo to gently cleanse their precious ones' hair. It's even the number one choice of hospitals. But the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sent a letter this week to Johnson& Johnson asking them to remove two harmful chemicals from their formula.

According tests by an independent laboratory, Johnson's baby shampoo had ad 210 parts per million of formaldehyde and a low level of 1,4-dioxane. Formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane are both probable human carcinogens and formaldehyde is also a skin and eye irritant.

Although the levels are low enough that some may deem them safe, Dr. Sidney Wolfe, acting director of consumer group Public Citizen, said, "Generally with carcinogens, there isn't any safe level."

The FDA does not regulate cosmetics, but in Japan where the product is sold, formaldehyde is prohibited. It is noted that the Johnson's baby shampoo formula sold in Japan does not release formaldehyde.

Ultra50 Mbps Phatband from Charter

How fast is your internet connection? Remember the days of dial-up and those interminable waits for each and every web page to load? When DSL came along, it made dial-up seem like slow torture. What if you could get broadband so fast, it left DSL in the dust?

Charter has introduced its amazing Ultra60 Mbps Phatband in St. Louis and will be rolling it out to other areas throughout this year. For gamers and those who need high speed, Ultra60 Mbps is the way to the ultimate internet experience.



What can you do faster at 60Mbps? Just check out the Ultra60 Information Page. Stream movies and videos the way they are supposed to be seen, without all those stops and starts. Download files, music, and photos at lightning speed. A connection this fast lets you do all the things you want to do on the internet, without any of the waiting that you don't want to do.

Okay, now you're wondering how to get this Ultra60 Mbps for yourself. It's easy to check for availability in your area by calling Charter. For the latest updates on all of Charter's great services, follow Charter’s Twitter Feed. Phatband is here and the internet will never be the same, it will be better.

Varicose Veins - Lower Your Risk

No woman wants varicose veins but up to 55% of all women develop and suffer from them. There are some genetic factors involved, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk of developing varicose veins and spider veins.

When blood is returning to the heart from the lower body, it has to travel back up the veins. Veins have flaps that keep the blood from flowing backwards as it goes up the legs. However, if the flaps are weak, blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein. When the blood pools and enlarges the vein, it can cause a varicose or spider vein to appear. Spider veins on the face are often caused by sun exposure.

There are many contributing factors that cause varicose veins, such as hormonal changes, increasing age, pregnancy and heredity. But because your risk of having varicose veins also increases with being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle, there are some changes you can take that may help.

* Exercise regularly. This will improve circulation. Walking is excellent exercise.
* Control your weight
* Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.
* Do not cross your legs when sitting.
* Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. If you do have to sit for long periods, take occasional breaks to get up and walk around.
* Wear elastic support stockings to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
* Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Too much salt can cause legs and feet to swell. Fiber reduces the incidence of constipation, which also contributes to devolopment of varicose veins.

Best Prices on Bridal Gowns

Did you know that June is the most popular month for weddings? Blue skies and sunshine make it an attractive time for a wedding whether you are planning an outdoor wedding or an indoor one. The weather is unlikely to disappoint. But setting the date for the big event is only the first step. The most pressing issue on the bride's mind is going to be finding the right bridal gown.

Choosing your wedding dress and your bridesmaid dresses is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need a dress that expresses your individual personality and style. Whether you love the classic white lace or something sleek and modern, you also have a budget to keep in mind.

When looking for the best bridal prices where else would you go but bestbridalprices.com? There's a huge selection of designers, styles and colors in both bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Make your dream wedding a reality with the stunning styles at bestbridalprices.com.

Bee-ing Beautiful

When summer arrives, so do insects and most of us tend to think of them as pests. But many insects provide invaluable services to mankind, for instance, the pollenization of plants by bees. But you may not have linked a healthy bee population with the availability and quality of cosmetics.



In the UK, the numbers of the honeybee have dropped 80% in some areas and according to this article in Marie Claire, the resultant drop in beeswax production will affect 643 brands of mascara, 589 lipsticks and 4532 moisturizers. The products affected are produced by manufacturers such as L'Oreal, Max Factor and Nivea.

So this summer, when that bee invades your picnic, instead of shooing him away, be grateful that he's doing his job. We're all depending on it.

To read about the decline of honeybees and Plan Bee, the Co-operative Group's campaign to save the bee, go here.

Man Delivers Baby with help from Youtube

I always say "you can find anything on the internet". Marc Stephens of Cornwall, England proved just that when he decided to Google information on how to deliver a baby and watched a couple of midwife videos on Youtube. His new knowledge came in handy just a few hours later when his wife, Jo, went into labor.

They called the hospital but were told that there were no midwives available and they should call an ambulance. But there was no time for that. Jo Stephens started to give birth before Marc was even off the phone.

Marc delivered his 5lb 5oz son, Daniel, with his two year old daughter watching. Jo said he was very calm and of her four pregnancies, this was her easiest birth.

The most helpful video Marc watched was posted on Youtube by an American midwife, Laurie Fremgen, of the Austin Midwifery Service, in Austin, Texas.

Personalized Wedding Postage

Here's a unique idea to make your wedding invitations as individual as you are, and create a special memory. Personalized postage stamps.

The designs are unique and elegant, expressing your personality. You can even have the names of the bride and groom monogrammed on each stamp. It's your wedding, and you deserve to have it be as special as you are. Personalized RSVP stamps will ensure you have mementos that will become treasured memories.

Keeping with the theme of heart shapes in nature, a new love stamp featuring a photograph with a pair of swans face to face on a peaceful lake forming a heart by the way they are posing would make just as good a framed art print as it does a love stamp for wedding invitations.

Of course, all the wedding stamps choices can be personalized. Brides have the option of utilizing templates and simply filling in their own names and other information or they can use the current photo stamps as a base and apply their own customization ideas.

You know that your wedding is something that you will remember for your whole life. Here's one way to make that special day even more memorable.

FDA Issues Warning on P&G plant

There's been no recall but consumers should be aware that the FDA has sent a letter to Proctor and Gamble regarding conditions in its Olay LLC plant in Puerto Rico. An inspection of the plant was conducted in 2008 by an investigator from the FDA, which concluded that some OTC products and cosmetics were packed and held under unsanitary conditions.

The inspection also revealed that your OTC drug products have been prepared , packed and held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health, and are, therefore, adulterated within the meaning of 501(a)(2)(A) of the Act ( 21 USC § 351(a) (2)(A) .

Additionally, several of your cosmetic products have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby they may have been rendered injurious to health and are, therefore, adulterated within the meaning of 601(c) of the Act
(21 U.S .C. § 361(c).

You can read the full warning letter here.

You can keep up with FDA warning letters here.

Inquiries to FDA should be sent to: Food and Drug Administration Division of Freedom of Information (HFI-35), 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.

Cord Stem Cell Yield Increased by Addition of Menstrual Blood Stem Cells

Everyone has heard about the exciting possibilities of stem cell research and stem cell treatment. Umbilical cord stem cells have been used to treat more than 70 illnesses including such life-threatening conditions as leukemia and lymphoma. Although cord stem cells are easy to harvest and cryopreserve, there are insufficient stem cells in umbilical cord blood to yield enough to treat an adult. Additionally, these cord cells can only be harvested at birth.

Exciting new research, described here in this CryoCell Press Release , indicates that adding stem cells harvested from menstrual blood to cord blood stem cells significantly increased the number of progenitor cells. Progenitor cells are the cells that grow into mature blood cells.

Cryo-Cell is the company that introduced the Celle system by which women can collect and store their menstrual blood stem cells in case of a future medical need by them or first-degree relatives. This service takes what was once regarded as mere biological waste and preserves it for use in potentially life-saving treatments.

This new research is an exciting new strategy for expanding the yield of cord stem cells that may be utilized to treat serious medical conditions.

How to Measure Bra Size

I have been shopping for bras lately (after reading that the average woman washes her bras only six times per year, I figured I had better have some extra on hand). Bras are especially difficult to buy online, since they all look and sound great, so you might be tempted to go for the prettiest and the cutest ones.

But fitting the right bra is an important task and more difficult when you can't try them on. The key to finding the right bra is to start with the right bra size.

Measuring yourself for a bra is the first step. Get out your tape measure for this. Take the first measurement just under the bustline. Expend all air in your lungs and make this a snug measurement. If the number is even, add 4 inches. If the number is odd, add 5 inches. This is your bra size. For instance, if you measured 34 inches, you added 4 inches and came out with 38.

Now for the cup size. This time, measure around the fullest part of your bust. Round the measurement up to the nearest whole number if you get a fraction. Subtract the first measurement under the bust from the second. For every inch difference you will go up one cup size. If 34 + 4 = 38 and the second measurement is 40, then the difference is two inches so cup size would be a B.

Once you have the correct size, you need to consider other factors regarding support and coverage. If you prefer full coverage, you won't want to purchase a demi-cup, for instance. Also, read the reviews of other customers who have purchased the same item. If a bra has a tendency to stretch or sag or the straps cut in, a review can tell you those important considerations.

Help Animals in Need

Did you know that this week is the American Humane Society's Be Kind to Animals week? We should be kind to animals every week of the year, but this special week reminds us that there are animals everywhere that need help.

If you're a pet lover, you provide your pets with food, shelter, medical care and above all, your love. One way to bring these same necessities to animals in need is through the Home Again Web Site.



There are several ways you can help. One way is by shopping online through the Home Again website. Through partnership with popular retailers, the Home Again will receive a percentage of sales that are made by its members. When you register your pet during Be Kind to Animals week, HomeAgain will donate $1 to the American Humane Society. For a subscription fee, members will receive access to pet recovery specialists, in case your pet ever goes missing. There's also 24/7 emergency medical assistance at 1-888-HomeAgain. You can even get up to $3,000 in medical pet insurance for a lost pet and up to $500 reimbursement for travel expenses if your pet wanders more than 500 miles from home.

HomeAgain is a fundraising Web site specifically created to help shelter animals. It is a not-for-profit website, and funds are used to help animals in shelters across the country, caring for them until their owners find them or they find new homes.

You'll find many of your favorite retailers here. If you already love to shop online, why not shop where you can make a difference in the life of an innocent animal? They depend on us for so much, please, don't let them down.

Poison Online

The internet is full of sites selling cures for everything from near-sightedness to cellulite. But not all of the preparations that you can buy are tested or approved, and some of them may be very dangerous.

One disturbing trend, reported on in the Daily Mail, is the availability of such preparations as Botox and face-fillers. Despite repeated warnings that these products should only be administered by a trained physician, many women are buying and self-administering these potentially dangerous and disfiguring products. One Botox kit was even sold on eBay.

Because these products are being sold without regulatory oversight, you can never be sure of what you are really getting. They often come without instructions, increasing the risk of injections that go horribly wrong.

I can't stress enough the dangers of ordering these unregulated, unlicensed products over the internet.

If you decide that you want to go for Botox injections, Restalyne or one of the other face-filling or youth-enhancing treatments, please consult a licensed, trained physician with experience and verifiable credentials.

Win a Free Vacation in Kissimmee

If you're like me, you are rejoicing to see that the snow seems to finally be banished. But honestly, don't you wish summer was just a little closer? Who wouldn't love to just get away from it all and search out warmer climes? For those of you yearning for some sunshine, may I suggest you consider this opportunity to win a vacation in Kissimmee, Florida?

Kissimmee boasts year-round sunshine in the heart of Central Florida. In Kissimmee, you're just minutes from Orlando and Disney World as well as having other top attractions like Sea World and Universal Studios within travel distance. There's no end to the fun that's within your reach when you stay in Kissimmee. Whether it's a family vacation with the kids, a romantic weekend with that special someone, or you and your best mates off to soak up some sun, Kissimmee is a great destination.

Register now and you could win a weekend getaway for two or even a week-long vacation for four in sunny Kissimmee. Warmth, sunshine, world-renowned sight-seeing destinations and all for free. It doesn't get much better than this.

I love to bring you news of fantastic contest opportunities and this is one you really shouldn't pass up. Go ahead, visit the website and sign up to enter this vacation sweepstakes. I know I will be heading over there to get my entry in.

Don't Over Dry Acne-Prone Skin

If you suffer from oily skin, and have blemishes and acne that seem to pop up in the oiliest areas, you may be tempted to use harsh soaps and astringents to dry out your skin. But doctors recommend against using highly astringent products.

The main reason is that when the skin gets too dry, it will produce more oil rather than less. I can remember a friend who used to apply rubbing alcohol to her face as a teen!

Instead, make sure you wash your skin twice daily with a mild cleanser or one specifically designed for acne-prone skin. Never scrub as you may inadvertently cause damage to skin resulting in scarring.

Cosmetics may be used, but make sure they are oil-free. Water-based foundation and non-comedogenic makeup products are recommended. Do not pick at or squeeze blemishes, the skin will suffer damage and the blemishes will not go away faster.

Above all, drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet.

Gift Card Giveaway From Charter

Charter has come up with another fabulous giveaway to highlight its services and reward visitors to their website. In the past, they have given away prizes like Xbox 360s, a 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and last month they gave away an HDTV every day for the entire month!

When was the last time your cable company offered you anything more than a monthly bill?

For the month of May, let me introduce the new Charter's Free Gift Card Sweepstakes. That's right, Charter will give away one free $5,000 gift card and four weekly prizes of $1000 gift cards!



It's easy to enter, even if you don't make a purchase. Just visit the Charter website and register for the giveaway, as long as you are in a Charter-serviced area, you're eligible.

But honestly, if you can get Charter and you don't, you're passing on some super savings on great entertainment. Charter has a package for you, including bundled services for phone, internet and TV.

If you are already a Charter customer, there are some special deals and prizes just for you. Ordering any service online at Charter.com during the month of May and you will be automatically entered in the gift card giveaway. You will also receive a $75 or $150 gift card depending on the bundle you choose.

For updates on deals and contest results, why not FollowCharter on Twitter?

So, what are you waiting for? Get over to Charter.com and reap the rewards.

New Dual Eyebrow Wand from Revlon

If the eyes are the window to the soul, the eyebrows are the frame to that window. Keeping brows neat and properly shaped is the first step. I may make sense to get your brows done professionally at a salon, and then you may want to attempt the upkeep yourself with tweezing or other methods. Once shaped, you want to give them definition and keep them looking groomed. I think this might be the very product to help you do both.

New from Revlon is a dual-ended wand for eyebrows. The Colorstay Brow enhancer comes with a tinted wax enhancer at one end and a highlighter for your brow bone on the other end. The brow enhancer comes in four shades to match your hair color and skin tone. The tinted wax will bring your brows more definition and keep them neat while the highlighter will define the brow bone for a lift.

All in all, it's a neat way to keep your brows... well, neat.

Summer Fashion at AMI Clubwear

I have been talking a lot about online shopping lately, and one of the best things about browsing online is finding great new places to shop. Today I discovered AMI Clubwear, a super spot to find all the freshest and hottest new styles in clothes, shoes, accessories and more. If you feel like you are seeing the same old thing at your regular shops, then I can guarantee you will find something different at AMI. Looking for that new summer dress? AMI Clubwear has a fantastic selection of summer dresses that are sure to turn all heads in your direction.

Summer is almost upon us and since it's time to add some not new fashions to match the hot weather, you should check out these trendy outfits. AMI sports hot looks from some of your favorite celebrities too. Check out the selections under Beyonce Knowles, Parish Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Hillary Duff and more.

This outfit is perfect for hanging out with friends, summer cookouts or a great beach outfit to wear over your swimsuit. The color is bound to show off your newly acquired tan. It's bold, colorful, versatile and looks oh-so-comfy.




I really enjoyed looking through their summer shoes, they have everything from casual flats to dress heels. There are sweet deals on clearance items, too. I also found trendy hair accessories, even makeup and makeup tools at very reasonable prices.

The site is young fresh and fabulous. If you are too, then AMI Clubwear is for you.

Women Wash Bras Only Six Times a Year!

Women spend millions each year on body wash, perfume, deodorant and other niceties to make themselves smell beautiful. They also spend a good deal of money on frilly lingerie, underwear and bras. But a recent study of women in the UK revealed that despite all this attention to personal hygiene, most women wash their bras only about six times a year. The study was reported on in the Daily Mail.

A bra may not appear dirty after just one wearing, but they are snug-fitting items in constant contact with your skin. The fabric can hold sweat, oils and dirt as well as old scent from perfumes and deodorants. Although they may not look too bad at first, after a few wearings they will start to look grey, dingy, tattered and worse, begin to smell.

Never wear a bra or any piece of intimate apparel directly after purchase without washing it first. Subsequent cleaning should be done after each wearing. A good bra, washed carefully by hand on in a lingerie bag on your washer's delicate cycle, will actually last longer than if never washed.