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Saturday, July 31, 2010

Foot Care Tips For Healty Feet - Part 1




Looking after your feet should be an important daily health care routine to help prevent minor problems and keep feet in a healthy condition. Hey..of course you need a healthy feet to look good in your stilettos da....so stinky and ugly feet..step aside please..hahaha...It's never too early or too late to start caring for your feet, here's how...

#1 - Indentify your foot problems and tackle it the proper way.



Athlete's Foot- this is a common fungal infection that can lead to intense itching, cracks, blisters, redness and scalling. The cleft between the fourth and fifth toes is the most frequently affected, with moist soft skin that peels off easily. The main risk factor is that it is a highly contagious fungal infection and it can spread between toes.
What to do: For athlete's foot where the skin conditions are dry. If it occurs on a dry area such as your heel, you need to restore moisture by rubbing in an anti-fungul cream. However, don't forget to wash you hands thoroughly afterwards. For athlete's foot where the skin condition have been moist. Wash your feet in warm water as hot water will only make your feet fungus-friendly. Then dab dry with a clean towel. Although the skin may appear flaky and dry- never use moisturizer between the toes. Talcum powder can help to keep the feet dry, reducing the opportunity for fungus to flourish. Always seek medical advice when the scaling get worse.

Corns and Calluses - Excessive pressure from our body weight on the heel and on the ball of the foot is bound to thicken some areas of the skin, in the form of corns and calluses, as a protective response. It is the body's reaction to pressure or friction, and can appear when the skin rubs against a bone, a shoe, or the ground. Some people have a natural tendency to form calluses because their skin type.
What to do: You can control a small amount of hard skin by gently rubbing with a pumice stone occasionally when you are in the bath. Use a moisturizing cream daily.

Sweaty feet - This can be a persistant problem which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Sweaty feet is caused by stress on the foot, due to strain or fatigue. Hot weather can make matters worse, although it can also be an inherited condition.
What to do: Do not wear shoes that are made of synthetic materials. Man-made fabric can actually contribute to the production of much perspiration. Sweating beyond certain limits may also be due to hereditary reasons. Always consult your doctor if you experience excessive sweating.

Cracked heels - Dry, cracked heels are caused by dry skin called Xerosis. The edge of the heel can have a thicker area of skin and look rough, dry, scaly, and hardened around the rim. This problem can develop due to the way a person walks and the weight put on the heel area of the foot.
What to do: A twice-daily application of any good moisturizing cream is very effective in preventing dry, cracked heels. The use of a pumice stone can reduce the thickness of the hard skin and make it easier for the application of the moisturizing cream to penetrate deeper into the skin.

Foot pain can be very discomforting in the regions where it usually occurs such as the heel, toes, arch, instep, sole or ankle. It can be the result of many things, including wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels for long periods, due to a sports injury, or even aging.
What to do: Indentify what causes the pain and seek professional treatment if the discomfort is prolonged. Relax your feet at home by keeping them at an elevated position. Also do some exercises to get the circulation going. The elevation of your feet should be at about 45-degree angle to your body. Stay in this position and relax for about 15-20 minutes.


Friday, July 30, 2010

Quickie Makeup



How much time do you spend on your make-up everyday? 10 minutes, 20 or maybe 30?

Ladies - tired of your partner banging on the bathroom door because your complicated make-up routine has made you late for that dinner party and feeling guilty about arriving late for work because of it. Well, don't: here is some tips for you to save more time on make-up but still make your look stand out from the crowd...you'll be ready in no time..

SKIN - 1 minute


Dot some concealer on your under-eye area to diminish dark circles then smooth a blob of tinted moisturiser evenly on your face. Brush some sheer loose powder all over for a silky finish.

EYES - 5 minutes
Go for smoky eyes. It's popular, trendy and looks absolutely flattering on anyone. Brush a bronzy brown or golden shade on your entire lid and then blend with a light brown shadow extending beyond the outer corner of your eyes. Line your upper and lower lids using dark eyeliner if you wish to glam up that appeal. Thicken your lashes with a sweep of water proof mascara for longer resistance and no smudges!




CHEEK - 20 seconds

Cream blushers are the simplest and speediest to apply. Smile and dot some on the apple of your cheeks. Use your fingers, rubbing in small circular motions to even out the colour for a natural flush.


LIPS - 10 seconds
You wouldn't want to mess around with lipsticks when you're in a rush. 3 to 4 glosses of sheer pink gloss work like a charm. Bear in mind, it's also light to carry in your handbag for easy touch ups.







HAIR - 5 minutes

Gather your hair in a messy updo. Use your finger to comb hair back and make sure the top is smooth before tying it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail up to your crown, shape into a bun by slowly tucking it in then secure with bobby pins. A light misting of glitter hairspray will make your hair stay in place with a dazzling finish.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Nut Caramel

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (no substitutes)
• 2-1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• Dash salt
• 1 cup light-colored corn syrup
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped nuts
Directions
1. Butter a 9x9x2-inch pan and set aside (do not overbutter or the caramels will be greasy).
2. Melt butter in a heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium heat; stir in brown sugar and salt. Stir in corn syrup. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until combined. Using a candy thermometer, cook to 248 degrees F (about 25 minutes), stirring occasionally (the mixture will be very bubbly). Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla and nuts. Immediately pour into prepared pan.
3. Let candy cool completely before cutting into 1-inch squares. Wrap each square in waxed paper or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Makes about 2 pounds (about 64 pieces).