Diamond
Fair Share?

Are you and yoursis forever battling it out over precious space in your room? Here's how to keep the peace.

It's something we've known since kindergarten: sharing is good! But it isn't always - easy - especially if you ave to share a room with a sibling. Solve these common rommie dilemmas with a few nifty tricks!

Sitch (Situations)

  • Sitch: SPACE HOGGING
  • solution: DRAW THE LINE: Divide the room in half. You don't literally have to paint a line on the floor, just use a rug to mark your territory.

  • sitch:VARYING INTEREST
  • solution: COMPLEMENT YOUR SPACES: You may be a girly girl while your roomie's an edgy chick, but your room doesn't need to look like one big mess! Pick prints that reflect booth styles but make sure to use similar hues. Another trick is to put your choice movie posters (no matter what genre in indentical frames.
  • sitch: CLUTTER MAGNET
  • solution: KEEP IT SEPARATED: Assign one type of storage box per person to make sure your things don't get mixed up. And gently remind her to keep her knicknacks hidden away in boxes


sitch:NO PRIVACY
solution: DIVY (DIVIDE) IT UP.: When buildin a wall isn't an option, go for the next best thing - a divider that you can set when you need some "me" time. The bonus? You can fold it right back up when you want to hang out with your sis or roomie.
Diamond

Soda and Your Kidneys

There’s just nothing to be gained from drinking soda. Think about it -- people don’t hesitate to drink what is basically a bubbly brew of water, sugar (mainly high fructose corn syrup or HFCS), food coloring and assorted chemicals, packed with calories and lacking in nutritional value. Carbonated soft drinks are the single largest source of calories in the American diet, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, providing about 7% of our total calorie intake. In addition to staining, eroding and decaying our teeth, soft drinks are associated with an increased risk of obesity, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and possibly osteoporosis. Now there is a new health problem to add to that list -- kidney damage


MORE SODA = MORE SUGAR = MORE RISK

In a study of 9,358 adults (mean age 45), women who reported drinking two or more sugary sodas within the last 24 hours were nearly twice as likely to have albuminuria -- excess levels of a protein in the urine that is a possible sign of kidney damage. More research is needed to determine if the association with kidney damage is due to sugar in general... HFCS in particular... or some shared lifestyle characteristics of soda drinkers.

Here’s what we know so far...

  • The widespread use of high fructose corn syrup -- popular with manufacturers because it is cheap, sweet and extends shelf life -- has been prevalent over the same time period there’s been a significant rise in diabetic end-stage renal or kidney disease. The body processes HFCS differently than regular table sugar, and in so doing may cause harm to the kidneys.
  • Mercury has been detected in many products containing HFCS. Mercury is involved in the manufacturing process for most commercial HFCS -- and mercury is a risk for kidney disease. (Too read more on this new identified hazard, see Daily Health News, April 27, 2009 : Dangerous Treats: Mercury In Sweets Made with High Fructose Corn Syrup)
  • Other ingredients in soda, such as phosphorus in colas, may contribute to kidney stones, which are a risk factor for chronic kidney disease.

Men did not have this problem (more research is needed to learn why). Neither did people of either gender who drank diet soda, which is one reason why investigators believe HFCS may be responsible. Results of this research were published in the October 2008 issue of PLoS ONE.

DRINK WATER
According to
researcher David Shoham, PhD, MSPH, of the Loyola University Health System in Illinois, in order to protect your kidneys, in order to protect your kidneys, your best bet is to simply drink water instead of soda. Soda just isn’t worth it.

Source(s):

  • David Shoham, PhD, MSPH, assistant professor, department of preventive medicine and epidemiology, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Illinois.
  • BOTTOM'S LINE, DAILY HEALTH NEWS (JUNE 2009)
Too read more about Water and Soda (Coke), and some facts and trivia about the two, go here:
Water VS. COKE
http://myworldly-life.blogspot.com/2009/05/water-vs-coke.html
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Diamond
Cheat Sheet To A Healthier You


There are no shortcuts to healthy living, but a busy person can always do the next best thing...

It's no mean feat to be the poster girl / boy for All Thing Healthy when you're plunked in the chaos that is school (high school, college, etc) In between rushing to finish your homework, splitting time among family and friends, and being active in your clubs, you're lucky if you're able to devote any time to a good fitness and wellness plan. However there are always ways to stay on top of your health - quick alternative doses that cost next to nothing.

Real Thing: Hit the treadmill a day.
Next Best Thing: Sneak in your Cardio - wherever, whenever.
  • Get your heart pumping every day by getting off the couch. It isn't too difficult - the places you frequent often offer great oppurtunities for cardiovascular activities. Take the stairs instead of the mall escalator or exert more effort during your next PE class.

Real Thing: Drink eight glasses of water a day.
Next Best Thing: Down water regularly.
  • Recent findings have shows that eight glasses of water isn't the optimum amount - it's more of a figure that reminds people to stay hydrated.
  • Listen to your body and down some more H2O when you're thirsty and on a regular basis. You know you're getting enough water when your pee is a very pale yellow.
Real Thing: Sleep eight hours day.
Next Best Thing: Take a nap / siesta.
  • Napping is a great picker - upper after burning the midnight oil! A 20 - to - 40 minute nap is enough to give you the extra jolt of energy you need to last the day. Schedule your nap any time before 4 pm so you won't have a hard tome hitting the pillows come night time.
Real Thing: Build muscle through strength training.
Next Best Thing: Train sans the complicated weights and machines.
  • A lot of exercises are dosable with stuff you already have.
  • Stack up encyclopedias to make a bench for step-ups that'll target your butt and legs.
  • Strengthen your calves by setting the balls of your feet on a thick book and slowly rising your toes.


Real Thing: Eat healthy dishes.
Next Best Thing: Go for the lesser Evil.
  • You can't always avoid canteen / cafeteria foods.
  • Work around it by choosing grilled instead of fried, or eating yogurt instead of ice cream. It's all about making the healthier choice.
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Diamond
(Summer) Foods That Make You Sexier
Strawberries, blueberries, peaches-your favorite in-season fruits taste awesome, but they're also beauty products in disguise. Here's why!

Besides keeping you healthy, summer fruits deliver major beauty benefits, according to experts. According to dermatologist Jeannete Graf, "Brightly colored picks in season now contain high levels of nutrients that improve your skin, protect your hair, and even undo some UV damage,". You can also amp up the results you get from eating these natural beauty boosters by applying them to your body with DIY masks and scrubs. The antioxidants help peel away dead skin and add moisture to hair. Don't have time to mix up anvthing? Slacker' Just kidding. We offer store-bought substitutions that do the trick too.

BEAUTY BENEFITS
1) Finner Skin (Strawberries)
  • Supernutrient: Vitamin C. According to Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, " Vitamin C is essential for the production and formation of collagen, the skin's support structure." Unlike some antioxidants, your body does not produce C on Its own, so it's key to pack it into your diet.
  • Best summer Source: A cup of whole strawberries (about 8), says nutritionist Jackie Newgent, author of Big Green Cookbook. Pop them in your mouth whole (if you slice them, eat fast since vitamin C breaks down when exposed to air). Or make a crushed-berry cooler: Blend a cup each of strawberries and ice. Pour into a glass, and garnish with mint.


  • Fresh beauty fix:
    • Try a vitamin - C treatment to tighten pores sun spots every few weeks, says Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas.
    • Puree a handful of strawberries, the juice of 1 lemon and 1/2 cup plain soy yogurt (It helps fade brown patches).
    • Let in the fridge for 30 minutes, then apply to your face and neck. leave on for half an hour, and rinse off.
    • Follow up with SPF since applying C makes you ultrasensitive to harsh rays.

  • Store-bought swap: Rub on a vitamin C serum nightly. Try Avon Anew Clearly C Seum.
2) A Glowing Complexion (Blueberries)

  • Supernutrient: Vitamin E. It reinforces your skin's natural barrier, helping to keep it hydrated and dewy. In the summer, you might think you have more than enough dew on your face, but sweating actually depletes your internal H20 levels, so it's important that your skin stays replenished to avoid flaking.

  • Best summer source: A cup of blueberries has tons of antioxidants, including some hydrating vitamin E, says Newgent. Mix them into your yogurt in the morning or sprinkle over a grilled-chicken salad along with a handful of almonds (a great source of vitamin E)
  • Fresh beauty fix

    • Seal in moisture with a fruity blueberry mask once a week.
    • Put 2/3 cup of blueberries in a blender, and mix for a few seconds.
    • Add in the juice of 1 lemon, a handful of sliced almonds, 1 tablespoon full-fat plain yogurt, and 1 tablespoon honey.
    • Continue to blend until everything turns into a medium-thick paste.
    • Remove from the blender, and transfer to a small bowl.
    • Place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes; it will be easier to app
    • ly on your skin after it's chilled. Spread the mixture evenly onto your face and neck, and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off.
    • (Note: Do a patch test on your arm first to make sure your skin isn't reactive or allergic to any of these ingredients.)
  • Store-bought swap: Slather on Rouleau's Tripple Berry Peel with blueberries, once a month
3) Strong Hair and Nails (Avocado)
  • Supernutrient: Essential fatty acids.These help your body produce healthy oils-the kind that keep your hair strong and your nails from turning brittle. (And as an extra peril, these good fats moisturize skin too.) Without an adequate supply, your body chums out an irritating form of sebum, which can clog hair follicles and slow the growth of nails, explains hair doctor Philip Kingsley.



  • Best summer source:Half an avocado, make a delicious guacamole dip: Dice the flesh of half an avocado, and mix with a small handful of diced red onions and a dash each of minced jalapeƱo, Iime juice, and sail.
  • Fresh beauty fix:
    • Try this weekly luster-enhancing remedy: Combine 1 mashed avocado (1/2 for short hair), I egg Yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Work into damp hair. and leave on for 30 minutes, then shampoo.
    • For nails, combine 1/4 avocado,1 egg white. 2 tablespoons oatmeal, and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, Apply to nails and cuticles for 20 minutes, then rinse.

  • Store bought swap: Burt Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment
4) A Smoother Body (Peaches / Apricots)
  • Supernutrient: Vitamin A. It promotes cell production and tum over, ridding dead skin so your body feels more supple. Research shows it may also reduce damage caused by overexposure to the sun.
  • Best summer source: One to two peaches or apricots. Look for ones with a deep orange flesh and skin to get the most vitamin A. Dice up a couple, sprinkle with lemon juice, and toss on top of grilled fish or poultry.
  • Fresh beauty fix:
    • Whip up a weekly body scrub to slough off built-up skin.
    • Puree 2 pitted peaches.
    • In a bowl, mix puree with 1 tablespoon olive oil and enough brown sugar to make a thick paste.
    • Lightly scrub all over, and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water for instantly polished skin.
  • Store Bought Swap: Caress Daily Silk Body Wash with Peaches
5) Fewer Breakouts (Tomato)


  • Supernutrient: Lycopene. It helps fend off zits and redness by reducing inflammation that can lead to pimples and clogged pores. Adding more to your diet can actually deliver clear·skin results comparable to those of anti acne Rx's, says Dr. AleKiades-Armenakas.
  • Best summer source: A large tomato. The deep red fruit, particularly the skin, is a tasty way to get lycopene. Site the whole, fully ripened fruit, and top with a little balsamic vinegar and basil for an appetizer. Or chop and saute with olive oil and garlic to create a pasta sauce-the nourishing fat along with the heat of cooking help make the l lycopene more available to the body.
  • Fresh beauty fix:
    • Do a weekly tomato mask.
    • Place thin tomato slices over your face, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the juices seep in.
    • Follow up by slicing another tomato in half and rubbing the smooth side of both halves in small circles over the skin, Rinse with warm water.
    • The Iycopene declogs pores and acts as a natural astringent to eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
  • Store bought swap: Massage in a YES to Tomatoes Total Treatment Facial Mask,
Want to get skinny, by eating the right food, visit this site: The Comfort Foods That Make You Skinny : http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Comfort-Foods-That-Make-You-Skinny

Source: * Cosmopolitan, August 2009
Diamond

A new blog in the making....
After having hubpages, as my second blog... i decided to make a new one in blogspot.. a blog where i will put mostly about my studies, thoughts on politics, and etc.. I have also placed there the various essays and papers i submitted in class.. there are more to come.. I want to share my ideas... My third blog is here: http://xstudentbluesx.blogspot.com/.....

I will posts my thoughts on health, fashion and beauty, computer bitz mainly here on Melting Pot of Ideas...

OMG...Got, so much ideas, i do not know where to put it...My blog, (MELTING POT OF IDEAS) here is a bit crowded with ideas of fashion, health, computer...But i still love it...

If you want me to post something else or have an request, like a download of something...just comment here.. New ideas are appreciated...

To check out my other blog, go here: http://xstudentbluesx.blogspot.com/...

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Diamond
Fight the Flab Workouts

Get lean and mean with just 15 minutes of exercises everyday!

1)Arms
WORKOUT: HAMMER CURL FOR BICEPS
GRAB: Two full 500 ml water bottles
  • Hold a water bottle in each hand with your palms facing each other. Bend your arms at a 90 degree angle.
  • Keep your elbows close to your body as you slowly curl the weights up to your shoulder.
  • Slowly lower weights back to your starting position. Do three sets of 15 repetitions (reps).

2. ABDOMINALS

WORKOUT: BICYCLE CRUNCH (TONES ENTIRE TUMMY)
GRAB
: a mat
  • 1. Lie flat on mat and place your hands behind your neck. Lift legs and bend at a 90 degree angle.
  • 2. Slowly move your legs in a bicycle motion; as your left knee nears you, bring your right elbow close to it - as if to meet it. When it' your right knees that moves close to you, reach your left elbow to it.
  • Do two sets of 30 reps. Count entire motion (left and right) as one repetition.

3. Arms
WORKOUT: TRICEP EXTENSION
  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold weights with both hands. Raise your arms over your head.
  • Keep your elbows in the same positions as your lower your arms behind your head as far as you can - or until the weights touch your back.
  • Slowly return arms to starting position. Do three sets of 15 reps.
4. Butt
WORKOUT: SQUATS (TARGETS BUTTOCKS AND THIGHS)
Grab: a chair
  • Stand straight (in front of a chair with your feet shoulder width apart - don't lock your knees, keep them them soft.
  • Tighten your butt and tights as you slowly dip your body down (as if to sit on the chair). Right before your butt touches the seat, lift your body back up to starting position (keeping muscles tight.)
  • Do three sets of 15 reps.



5. Legs
WORKOUT: LUNGES (TONES ENTIRE LEGS)
  • Stand with feet slightly apart. Take a step forward with your left leg and bring your right knee down until it almost touches the ground.
  • Return to starting position and repeat on the other side.
  • Do two sets of 30 reps per leg.
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Diamond
DAMAGE CONTROL
Tips on how to stop stress-induced imperfections from taking over with these easy-to-do remedies.

These tips are very useful...I am very busy in school, so sometimes i usually get eye bags, and pimples because i stay late at night.. and sometimes i do not have time to pamper myself..But with these tips, i could minimize their appearances, and etc.. I am glad i started following this...

1. EYES

  • Studying late into the night can wreak havoc on your peepers (eyes). A good night's rest and some eye drops are sure remedies. But instead of stopping there, try a lightening treatment for your eyes.
  • After you wash your face, gently massage a whitening cream onto the under-eye are for maximum comfort and care.
  • TRY: L'Oreal White Perfect Eye



2. SKIN

  • Thinking about your paper's looming deadline? Don't let anxiety rule the roost and cause a tiny zit to evolve in a volcano. An acne-fighting skincare regimen is great. But why not try a good concealer with healing properties as well?
  • Dab the product directly onto the pimple and watch your zit disappear into oblivion.
  • TRY: Tea Trea Oil Cover Stick, BodyShop



3. HAIR
  • High levels of stress due to project deadlines can cause your hair to act just like combination skin, becoming extra oily at the roots and dry at the ends.
  • Washing hair everyday may do the trick, but why not care for your hair with a regimen specifically for the problem? Spray your roots with a scalp-healing treatment to get your tresses back in shape.
  • Try: Biolage Oil Oil Control Treatment


4. LIPS
  • Cool weather and less humidity tend to dry out everything, including your pucker. Everyday application of regular lip balm is a fine habit to keep.
  • But why not indulge in an intensive lip treatment to fully condition your pout and make it ultra-kissable? Dab on this balm at night and first thing in the morning. You'll be glad you did!
  • TRY: Kiehl's Tinted Lip Balm
Diamond
Top 10 Question Every Girl Must Ask

Start busting those thought bubbles by seeking the answers to these important life questions.

One of the realities of growing up is being concerned with the bigger picture. You begin to think about your goals and your relationships with other people on a larger scale. You have a lot of questions on your mind, but are you asking the right ones? Grab a pen and paper and answer the questions below to help you do some soul-searching.

1. What am I good at?

  • Insecurity comes from prioritizing other people's expectations of you rather than being confident in yourself. You may lose your individuality while struggling to please other people all the time.
  • BUST IT! Make a list of what you're good at and what you're not good at. Learn to develop your strengths and accept your weaknesses. On a scale of 1 to 10, you may be a 3 in sports, but a 10 in music. Worrying about your weaknesses might minimize your strengths, so focus on your 10s instead to maximize your potential.

2. Whose opinion matters?

  • Whenever you encounter a dilemma, who do you turn for advice? Friends may be good listeners, but have your thought of turning to Mom?
  • BUST IT! Develop a healthy, open relationship with your mom, your older sister, or an older relative. Think about it, they are once teenagers like you and might have gone through similar experiences. It's easy to underestimate older people's advice, but hear them out. Instead of seeing them as cops out to spoil the fun, develop a friendlier relationship with them.

3. What keeps me from doing something?

  • Scared of making mistakes or being criticized for your work? Fear will get you nowhere. A lot of unhappy people have let fear rule their lives and end up never realizing their full potential.
  • BUST IT! Courage is not the absence of fear, but action in the midst of fear. Remember a person is not a failure for doing so many things that did not work out. She only fails when she has stopped trying. Consider mistakes as lessons learned. Even the most sucessful people have failed on their way to sucess..

4. Why am I so stressed?

  • Schoolwork, soccer practice, long exams .... the list goes on. If you're too busy to take a step back, how can you pinpoint what's bothering you?
  • BUST IT! If your daily activities cause you stress, then take time to think about what you want to change. Are you still taking those piano lessons your mom insist even though your heart isn't in them? Do you need more "me" time and less gimmicks? Complaining will just waste your energy. Only change can relieve stress!

5. Who are my real friends?

  • Remembering the people who've been with you through thick and thin will not only give you and idea of who to call when you've got a problem, but will also prevent you from taking them for granted.
  • Bust It! Develop friendships with people who give you space to be yourself and room to make mistakes. Stick to those who accept you for who you are, yet encourage you to change for the better. Sorrounding yourself with people who believe in you will push you on the road to success.

6. What makes me happy?

  • Had a bad day? Don't dwell on negative aspects when times get rough! Dwelling on sadness can keep you from focusing on the good things in your life. And most of the time, the situation is not as bad as you think.
  • BUST IT! List down all the simple things that make you happy - hearing you favorite song on the radio, receiving encouraging texts from friends and family, or even a nice cold iced tea on a hot summer day. It's good to keep a list to remind you to be thankful for the good things you have - things you usually fail to appreciate. A grateful attitude makes a whole lot of difference.

7. Who inspires me?

  • Knowing what you want in life and having role models give you more purposes. You being to see things on a broader scale and learn to customize your choices according to your life goals.
  • BUST IT! Learn to choose your role models. Find inspiration in their sucesses and how they made it to the top. This way, it makes realizing your dreams easier to achieve. If other people have made it, can't you?

8. What do I need to change?

  • Who does'nt want to become better? If you find yourself frequently stressed or irritable, it means you need to change something.
  • BUST IT! Re-examine your habits. Do you get things done on time? What makes you impatient? Then start new habits to improve your disposition. It may takes a lot of time and effort, but it's better than being a humbug. Remember. Change can start from little things you do everyday.

9. What do I need to let go off?

  • Go through life without the excesses that weigh you down! More than material things that you need to take out of your closest once in a while, it is usually emotional baggage that you need to let go off to live a happy life.
  • BUST IT! Who needs emotional baggage? Learn to stop holding off grudges against people have offended you. If you want real change in your life, why npot be the first to reach out and forgive.

10. How can I can be confident?

  • Confidence is not a feeling you get. It may seem like other people have it easy being confident in the things they do, but everyone has his or her own share of insecurities and fears, no exceptions. It's simply a matter of how to deal with it.
  • BUST IT! Can't let go of fear? Then do it even though you're afraid! It doesn't matter if you're scared or uncertain of yourself. It may take awhile, but that's how you practice confidence! Each time you decided to take a step out of your shy zone and simply get things done is a step closer to a more confident you!
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Diamond
So Busy Yet Still Pretty

Don't let the busy season stop you from looking your best. We give you, a week of fast, easy-to-do-looks...

  • Monday: Event day ~ If you are attending a couple of events today, and want to to stand out and make an impression..
How to: Make an impact by playing up your eyes in a fun, tinsel palette. Apply the silver eye shadow on your top lids. and draw on black eyeliner to prevent the colors from washing out your eyes...



  • Tuesday : Agency Visit ~ 
How to: Lining your eyes with a green eye pencil instantly gives you an artsy, bohemian looks. The best part is there's no need to be too precise because the chunk tip is perfect for smudging.



Wednesday: Date Night

Hpw to:
  • Bright red lipstick can get your date-ready in a snap!
  • Top it off with gloss to prevent your lips from cracking.
  • Avoid getting lipstick on your teeth by sticking one finger in your mouth and pulling it out while puckering your lips around it.



Thurday: Casting Call
  • How to: Layer and blend easy-to-apply creme eye shadows in a great color pallete. These are crease-resistant, plus, they glide on smoothly and stay on all day. Sweep all over your fingertip for a soft, warm glow.
Friday: GET-TOGETHER

  • How to: Update your look with one of the hottest trends this season: winged eyeliner! Simply draw on black liquid liner in short sweeping motions and extends just past the outer corners of your eyes.



Saturday: Shopping
  • A day of running doesn't require full-on makeup! Wear a lightweight, sheer foundation to keep you looking fresh. A high SPF (preferably a minimum of 15) can protect your skin from the sun's harsh UV rays.
Sunday: Reunion

  • How to: Spread cream blush over the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers. Dab a bit of blush on your lips to match the color of your cheeks.




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