Enter to Win Mile High Mamas’ Wii and Wii Fit Giveaway!

Mile High Mama (Aren't all of us Mothers, Sisters, Aunties in this category) check this out.

This is just too fun and informative not to share! In Denver Colorado, around the world,we all appreciate help to make our lives easer! Check out this sight to make your life a bit easer, one creative idea at a time! Look for giveaways, contests, discounts and insights. Connect with others on Beauty, Skin Care, Child Care, great restaurants with even better discounts, and cool events happening in your area.



http://www.milehighmamas.com/2008/12/14/enter-to-win-mile-high-mamas-wii-and-wii-fit-giveaway/?sms_ss=blogger

Check Yourself Out, Before you Get in the Check Out Line

No one is immune to screaming kids, appointments running longer then scheduled, road work slowing traffic along your route or bad hair days. There are times we just can't get away from feeling rushed, tired and over taxed. But we can use a few simple beauty tricks to keep from looking frazzled.

Immediately after washing your face in the morning, use your toner. This will prepare your skin for your essential skin care products in only 2 minutes (not 20 plus minutes).
Purchase a good quality moisturizer. This will effectively hydrate skin, giving it a smoother, more radiant appearance.
Choose a toothpaste with baking soda. The enhanced look of clean white teeth naturally brighten your face.
(Men, we encourage you to take care of yourself! These tips above great for you too. Mascara optional)
Watch what makeup you put on. Mascara is your friend. It opens your eyes and you will appear more awake. Bright eyes are inviting, just don't over due it.
Remember your sunscreen. At the very least, check out your moisturizer for an SPF or try Sunforgettable.
Harsh, bright makeup is your enemy. Choose a subtle lip color or stain, apply and go!
Last step. Comb thru your hair, wear a clip or grab a hat. It is the final easy touch to your 5 minute, get out the door look.

So the next time you get in the short check out line, behind the person paying with coupons and in pennies, your bright smile, open eyes and glowing skin will radiate calm. Those around you will see a together, relaxed human even when you are not.
http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care/SN00003

Olympic Rings, Beautiful. Circles Under Our Eyes, Not so Much...

The representative symbol of the Olympics is the 5 interlocking ring design. This is recognized world wide as a positive symbol representing strength and limitless possibilities. These 5 rings represent the five continents or major geographical areas of the world. These regions are Africa, North & South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The Olympic Charter states the five-ringed symbol "represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games." Each ring color represents a flag from the country participating in the Olympics. The colors are vibrant and carry a sense of pride and strength. The Colors are blue, black, red, yellow and green.

The interlacing ring design was conceived by Baron Pierre de Coubertin ands first displayed at the 1920 Antwerp Games.

Circles under our eyes typically don't receive the same respect as the Olympic Rings, yet receive the same treatment worldwide. In fact we try to eliminate the blue, black and purple rings from under our eyes as quickly as possible, not put a trading pin of it on the lapel of our favorite jacket.

So what is the cause of these Rings of discontent? Lack of Sleep? Stress? Heredity? Unfortunately, it could be a combination of these and other factors. The skin around our eyes is very thin and delicate. For some it may be translucent. Capillaries are the smallest of a body's blood vessels and are very close to the surface underneath your eyes. The dark under eye circles are broken and bruised capillaries. Every time we rub our eyes we are "bruising" this tender area.
So what do we need to take into account when working towards brighter eyes, decreasing or eliminating dark circles?

• Lack of sleep may cause our skin to look pale.


• Allergies may cause dark circles in two ways: histamine reactions cause dark smudges to appear under the eyes and the normal response to the allergy 'itch' is to rub and scratch, aggravating the already compromised tissue.


• Poor diet and lack of H2O can cause ruddy, discolored areas across the entire face and decollate.


• Age plays a major part. Our skin becomes thinner, losing collagen and elasticity as we age, thus allowing any dark area, and uneven skin tone to become more pronounced.

Now it is time to get focused, and think of the dark circles as our Olympic rings. So what do we do to achieve the gold medal?

• Eating a healthy diet will help boost your energy and ward off illness. Including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and boosting your water intake will do your body good. It’s also a great way to reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.


• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.


• Rest when possible. Close your eyes a bit earlier every night, or simply relax for a few moments after work or school each afternoon.


• Elevate your head when sleeping.


• Be conscience of when and why you are rubbing your eyes, or the eye area. When applying skin care, be very gentle. If you are experiencing dry, itchy eyes, check into soothing eyedrops to help reduce the temptation.


• Check into skin care products that contain zinc and copper to help restore elasticity and build collagen. Glycerin boosts the skin's natural protection by attracting the perfect level of moisture and hydration for the skin.

So unless you are one of those that would rather watch your normal tv shows instead of the olympics, dark circles bad, Olympic Rings, good.

http://history1900s.about.com/od/greateventsofthecentury/a/olympicfacts_2.htm

www.obagi.com

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dark-circles-under-eyes/MY00346

It's cool to keep your Raspberries, Broccoli and Skin Care in the fridge

As I learn more about being healthy, strong and beautiful in my 40's, my research has lead me to great food, wonderful Skin Care Professionals and incredible skin care products. But where do I store this yummy food and perfect for my skin products to keep them fresh and readily available? Inside my beautiful stainless french door refrigerator, in the humidically controlled fruit and vegetable drawers, you will find Kale, Broccoli, Strawberries and more. In the top right hand door shelf, there is Silk half and half, Hemp oil, Flax seed and Flax seed oil, and my Obagj Professional-C Serum.

Why you ask do I have my skin care in amongst my tummy filling treats? It is recommended we place Vitamin C rich foods in the fridge as Vitamin C is highly sensitive to air, sunlight, water and temperature fluctuation. And since we are eating these foods to boost our immune system, lower our cancer risk, and heal wounds within the body, we want to ensure the food is at it's optimum when we eat it. It is also known to be a powerful antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C is a water-soluble essential vitamin that is quickly lost from your body, so daily intake is vital.

Knowing this, it makes sense to put the Vitamin C Rich Skin Care in the refrigerator as well. And now I have learned many skin care professionals and skin care manufacturers recommend placing certain nutrient rich products in the controlled environment the refrigerator provides. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a fair amount of reliable scientific evidence. Vitamin C rich skin care is designed to visibly reduce the signs of aging, protect your skin from future damage from free radicals, and support healthy skin function. The smooth serum also boosts collagen, brightens skin tone, and restores needed moisture and hydration to improve the skin's tone and texture.

Keeping some of our skin care products from aging themselves is becoming so highly recommended that there are several companies producing beautiful and affordable "Cosmetic and Medical " fridges, designed to fit in a smaller space such as a bath or hallway closet. Of course I am looking into the pink and black series....
So, now that we know it is cool to keep our products in the fridge, maybe it will replace some of the junk food I once had on that shelf...

http://www.popgadget.net/2006/02/cosmetic_refrig.php

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=109
www.obagi.com

www.reulaserandskincare.com

Sand Blasting your way to Beauty?

Birthdays, change of seasons, life events and general over all skin care take me in for a skin care consult at least twice a year. I am open to new treatments and ideas, but I prefer to have a plan of attack. What should I be doing for the next 12 months, or 2 years to achieve the skin care goals I have? How will my active outdoor lifestyle affect my decisions? What about the wedding (not mine) I am in this April? What do I do about these (new) fine lines and uneven skin tone?

Of course, a good skin care regime which includes a true Sun Protection is paramount to my overall goal of maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. We have now added a series of Microdermabrasion to my skin care treatments. To maintain the result of vibrant, healthy skin at 46 I am using the Obagi Skin Care Line and my Clarisonic. Colorescience Sunforgettable is my sun protection while I ski, run and as it gets warmer, golf, or just drive my kids to all of their events!

Research demonstrates that Microdermabrasion treatments are effective exfoliant treatments in stimulating cell renewal and rejuvenation of aging skin. The Microderm facial uses a "sandblasting" technique to clean away the outermost layer of old dead skin cells. Although the treatment was a bit noisy, I experienced very little discomfort. My skin felt slightly warm, and tight for the first 24 hours, but I had the treatment at lunch and went right back to work!

A seres of Microderm treatments may be as effective as more invasive, more costly treatments. I have had one and will be going thru a series of about 6 to achieve my goals of improving my skin tone and diminishing some of the fine lines around cheeks and eyes. Microderm treatments range from about 5 to 10 treatments depending on your skin care goals.

Take a look in the mirror tonight, and really take stock of your skin. Do you have fine lines around your eyes? Is your skin evenly toned or ruddy? Do you have pimples or age and sun spots? Now may be the time for you to talk with your Skin Care Specialist about Microdermabrasion.

http://www.docshop.com/education/dermatology/facial/microdermabrasion/risks-benefits/

Clean out your Medicine Cabinet and your Skin

I certainly don't think twice about spending money to get a massage for my stiff neck or tight shoulder muscles.

And once upon a time you could open up my medicine cabinet to find a variety of expensive products designed to clean, exfoliate, purify and protect the delicate skin of my face, neck and decollate.

My Sonicare toothbrush is the first thing I reach for in the morning and the last item I use before I hop into bed at night.

And yet I was hesitant to try something that might clean, massage and revitalize my skin.
So I researched this new skin care product, and learned the Clairsonic Systems would not only accomplish what all my products were designed to do, but would also remove makeup six times better then my current cleansing regime. And in half the time!
The Clarisonic gentle action clarifies and removes dirt and residue from our skin without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive additives. Skin is left soft, clean, beautiful. My skin has never looked or felt healthier.

Taking their winning design one step further, Clarisonic has just released a mini version. The Mia comes in a variety of colors (my favorite color is pink thank you). This is a dream come true! Now not only are the results beautiful, my medicine cabinet looks beautiful and clean with only 2 items in it, my Obagi Nu Derm Facial Wash #1 and my pink Mia.

So tonight when you wash away your makeup and the dirt from the day, imagine what the Clarisonic could do for you. Your skin and your medicine cabinet will thank you for it.
http://www.clarisonic.com

Pick your Spa Flavor and Reap the Benefits for Years to Come.

Thru-out the world, individuals are seeking ways to improve their health while looking and feeling their most beautiful. And although we are driven by our own unique goals and concerns, the benefits of taking care of ourselves is universal. However, the every day demands on our time may prohibit us from long stints in our Doctors waiting room simply to ask about a new anti aging facial cream or treatment reviewed in a magazine. So we are left with the need and desire to get answers to our questions and find appropriate and cost effective treatments.

Hence, the emergence of Medical Spas specializing in a variety of modalities and products. The concept is one where knowledgeable staff evaluate client's individual needs. The results are personalized treatment plans. These "MediSpas" offer treatments and products in many shapes, sizes and flavors. Massage eases tension and relaxes muscles. Laser Pixel and Photorejuvenation correct the damage caused by age and the sun. Professional skin care products reduce the appearance of visible fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes. Collagen and other injectable fillers plump and smooth the skin's appearance restoring elasticity. Nutritional balance and physical well being impact everything from the inside out. Cooperative treatments may be recommended and individualized plans may be designed around special life events or the changes in seasons.

Choosing a MediSpa is as individual and personal as choosing the family practitioner. Be diligent with your questions during your consultation and be comfortable with your practitioner. This approach will ensure the best experience and results beyond your dreams.

So go ahead, pick your spa flavor, and enjoy the glowing new you.

DrWeil.com - Official Website of Andrew Weil, M.D.

www.spafinder.com

Get More from Your Mail, by Getting Less

When we open our mail boxes we quickly look thru the pile of envelopes, hoping that 1 in 10 will be a personal letter for us. A true letter, if not hand written, at least addressed with our names correctly spelled.

Most of us will stand above the trash can, dropping envelope after post card directly in, until we are left with the pertinent mail. Shaking our heads at the wasted resources, time and expense that went into the items we so quickly discard.

A few minutes of our time will let the junk mail list makers of the world know we do not desire their "pre approved line of credit", discounted new windows or packages of coupons from businesses we would never do business with. While it may be impossible to stop the unwanted mail completely, we can cut down on the amount of junk mail we waste our time and energy on.

And so be good to yourself and the environment this Valentines and spend less time above the trash can. Follow the links and see how you can get more from your mail box, by getting less.

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm

http://www.stopjunkmail.org/

Send a Smile and Health this Valentine's Day!

No matter how busy we are, when we receive a piece of REAL mail, a card or letter, photos from family and friends, we immediately stop what we are doing and tear into it. A smile lights up our faces and in most cases a happy sigh or sound can be heard from the recipient of these happy tidings. Stress from the day melts away, if just for a few moments. When we share the note or place the photo on the fridge, we are ensuring others may enjoy that warm, fuzzy feeling.

What happens if we have a list that just keeps going of those we would like to send a bit of joy to?
Email and text work equally as well for spreading a "volume" of happiness. Of health actually.

Research shows a smile does more for our health and well being then just the momentary beauty that spreads across our face. It helps to relieve stress and improve our immune system. And smiling is fun and contagious!

So go ahead, use the following links to learn more about the benefits of smiling, creating and sending Free Valentines cards.

At Renu, we wish you many smiles this Valentines Day!

http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongbeauty/tp/smiling.htm

http://www.smilebox.com/holiday-greetings/valentine-cards/?partner=google&campaign=content_valentinesday&gclid=CKvTqKOt4Z8CFRD7agodIw6-Hg

Rejuvinate Your Skin after Vacation.

Holidays and "breaks" are times to unwind and celebrate. Visiting family and friends, traveling, eating a variety of foods that at other times are taboo. Kicking up our heels and just enjoying ourselves.

They may also leave us rough around the edges and tired to our core. Have your ever returned from a holiday trip and found yourself saying "I need a vacation!"?

Our skin reflects these stresses of life. Coupled with environmental pollutants, sun and age, our skin may sag, appear mottled, rough and scaly. We develop fine lines around our eyes and lips and may have enlarged pores or uneven skin tone.

Just as our minds need to be nurtured and refreshed, so does our skin. With the proper anti-aging skin care line and a simple skin care routine, we can stimulate Collagen production and cell repairs. Our skin will become softer, fuller and more resilient against fine lines, sagging, even blemishes.

The Obagi Nu-Derm System is designed to improve elasticity and firmness while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Age and sun spots will lighten, and skin tone is evened out. Obagi Nu-Derm System is clinically proven to result in younger and healthier looking skin.

So go ahead take take a life long vacation from your parched, sun damaged skin. You deserve it!

http://www.obagi.com/article/forskincarespecialists/ourproducts/obaginu-dermsystem/obaginu-dermsystem.html

Men Know Your Rights!

Ok, it's time men stood up for their rights. Their skincare rights that is.

For woman, it is natural to talk with our friends and family on every subject, including skin care. We read every magazine article, do research on the internet and watch infomercials late into the night. We search out an Aesthetician or Dermatologist with questions and concerns, returning home with information and usually samples.

Men typically take easer routes. When things get really bad, they buy the product that is on sale at the superstore, or has a label they recognize. Men will also break down and use the product their partner has in the medicine cabinet, or considerately has purchased specifically for what they see as the men's skin care issue.

Well men, it is easer then you might think to take care of the largest organ in your body, your skin. Dermalogica is a professional skin care line that is worthy of investigation, but it won't be found in megastores or grocery stores. Dermalogicia has a specific group of products created to address many of the common concerns brought on by exfoliating (occurs when shaving), dry environment (hello Colorado), ingrown hair, age, etc.

Some of the products your professional skin care specialist may explore with you are: Clean Bar, Daily Clean Scrub, Soothing Shave Cream and Post-Shave Balm. Many of these products are formatted to be used with an electric razor or by men who shave their head.

So go ahead men, get out there and explore for yourself. It's great to know your rights!

www.dermalogica.com/us/yourskin/index.html

A Gratitude Journal for Valentines?

A few months ago we all made the time to let others know how we appreciated them, were grateful for their place in our lives. And if you are like me, it felt great to acknowledge them. Then we went back to our busy, fast paced lives.

This month, think about starting and maintaining a Gratitude Journal, for yourself. Just as it felt good to let a family member or friend know they have a positive impact on your life, a Gratitude Journal is an easy way to remind yourself of the positive in your life.

Your Gratitude Journal could be written in a beautiful leather bound book, a spiral bound notebook or even on line. Be creative. It is all about what makes you feel good. Each entry should include 5 things that you are grateful for. It could be as simple as writing down how your daughter hugged you good night, or about the cute dog you saw on your walk. As long as your entry is positive, you are on the right track. This wonderful way to end and recap your day may actually only take a few minutes.

Gratitude Journals have been proven to release stress, boost your self esteem and make one more aware of the positive in their day to day life. What a great Valentine present to give yourself!
http://stress.about.com/od/positiveattitude/ht/gratitude_journ.htm