3 Things to Try This Weekend

Try a different bloom

This weekend adorn your coffee table, or favourite vase/container at home with a different set of blooms than the usual. I always tend to lean towards white or light ping roses or hydrangeas, but this weekend, go for a bloom you would not usually, maybe even in a different colour, and try that out!

Try a bold lip colour

Never ventured out to the bright pinks, and deep reds? Well this weekend is the time you do. Try a bright colour. Don't want to make the plunge? Go for a matte version, or the lip butters or lip stains in bolder colours. Just make sure of two things, one: make sure your teeth are nice and white - because if they are not, it will be highlighted, and two: make sure the tone is right for your skin tone (I got an orangey red, whereas I should've gotten a blue toned red for my fair skin tone - the difference was major) So do a quick Google search for the colour you're interested in, or test out the product if you can!

Try a new health class

Try a workout you haven't yet, or have been meaning too, but never got around to. Ususally do yoga? try pilates. Used to the treadmill? try a martial arts cardio class (I did that switch two weeks ago...def worked up muscles I forgot I even had!) It's a great way to use up different muscles in the body and variety to your workout schedule, and the chance to experiment with different workouts!

Healthy Hair: Home Remedy Tips From Celebrity Stylist Asgar Boo

If you've been following the blog/me long enough you probably know I'm one to always try out home, or natural, remedies. I believe whatever's been given to us on this planet is for our own benefit, and honestly they always have the best results. All the chemicals and unnatural sources in what we use today creates nothing but more problems and issues for us. That's why I always love when I find out new natural remedies/recipes to try when it comes to health and beauty!

I was delighted when I received this email packed with great info from celebrity stylist Asgar Boo, the man behind the hairstyles of celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Eva Longoria, Aishwarya Rai, and covered by publications from Vogue, to GQ, and The Daily Mail. The simple and easy tips featured below are sure to help you maintain healthy strong hair!

1.     Olive Oil

Try applying a small amount of olive oil to the lengths and ends of the hair to provide moisture to hair which is regularly exposed to the heat and sun.  Avoid the scalp as humidity causes the scalp to get naturally oily anyway.  Do this weekly too if you have dryer, coarser hair.

2.     Honey

Honey is a kitchen cupboard staple and a natural ingredient which is often found in shop bought hair-care solutions.  The natural moisturizing properties of honey draw in the moisture and will instantly seal into the dry hair that the sun and heat causes.  Try soothing small amounts of honey to the ends of your hair and leave it for an hour or so before rinsing it off thoroughly.  Not only will it provide a pleasant fragrance but it will improve the moisture and shine.

3.     Egg

Although it sounds odd, washing your hair with egg yolks one or twice a week can provide a pure source of protein and fat to frazzled summer hair.  The protein and fat can effectively minimize the effect that the sun, Sea, Chlorine and humidity have on causing limp, dry locks.  Make sure your hair is damp when you do this and carefully rub one egg yolk into the scalp.  Leave this for approximately 20 minutes and then rinse it out thoroughly for that extra strong hair boost. 

4.     Eat Right

It may seem like the most simple of home remedies but it really can be the most effective.  What one eats is a huge factor in the state of one’s hair condition.  During the summer months where you have adverse weather conditions against you, make sure to load up on protein filled foods such as fish, nuts, spinach and Greek-yogurt containing all the right nutrients to keep your hair looking thick and healthy.  Not only will your hair reap the rewards, but your waistline might also.

Content provided by Asgar Boo via Sterling Communications

Pictures via npr.org, pinterest.com

14 of the Best Breakfast Foods

Start your day off right with these healthy foods. Breakfast, as we all know is the most important meal of the day. It starts your metabolism, and sets you right for the day. You may already be familiar with these great picks, but we all need a friendly reminder every once in a while in between life's hectic schedule. Read further to find out why these foods make the list below.

1.      Greek Yogurt

Loaded with calcium and plenty of protein,greek yogurt benefits aren’t new to LVP readers (check this post on thebenefits of greek yogurt). Available in a variety of flavors, enjoy a cup of plain nonfat goodness, or one with added fruits for some sweetness. With them convenientlyavailable in to-go cups at the grocery, it’s easy to have some that will keepyou full throughout your morning

2.      Oatmeal

This breakfast classis containsbeta-glucan, a fiber that’s great for your heart and that helps lowercholesterol. Also high in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium, a bowl ofthis in the morning is sure to set you right for the day. Avoid the falvouredkinds that can be filled with hidden sugars. If you need to sweeten things up,add some honey, fresh fruit, or nuts.

3.      Bananas

Another LVP oldie (See this post), we’vetalked about how bananas are great for healthy beauty, but for breakfast?Bananas are your all-natural energy drink in the morning (or any time of theday) with its high potassium count, an electrolyte. They help keep thosecravings at bay with its resistant starch, a healthy carbohydrate that helps tokeep you fuller, longer. Enjoy one on its own or add it to your cereal/oatmealwhich will add natural sweetness to your breakfast

4.      Wheat germ

Vitamin E is often low in people’s dailydiet. Just two tablespoons, provides just about 15% of your daily recommendedportion of the Vitamin (+ 10% of your daily folate portion). Allergic to nutsor seeds? This is a great alternative to get the vitamins that those two wouldotherwise offer you. A little goes a long way, so sprinkle it into yourcereal/oatmeal, yogurt, or even mix it into your morning smoothie.

5.      Watermelon

Hydrating is extremely important in themorning. After hours of not having any H20, starting your day off with a tallglass of water is so important. Watermelon can also help you rehydrate in theAM. Refreshing, tasty, hydrating, and high in lycopene (a nutrient great forvision, heart health, & cancer prevention), this low calorie fruit is amust during at least some of your mornings during the week

6.      Almond Butter

Almond Butter is a famous alternative topeanut butter, known for its 100 calories per tablespoon feature! Also a greatsource for protein, especially if you don’t eat a lot of eggs or dairy. Filledwith monounsaturated fat (a good fat), almond butter can be spread over bread,or slices of apples/bananas

7.      Blueberries

A breakfast favourite, and for good reason.With multiple benefits, these little low calorie goodies have suggestedimproving memory, motor skills, blood pressure, and your metabolism. They canbe eaten with your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, in your smoothie. Frozen or fresh,versatile and tangy, blueberries are definitely a breakfast favourite.

8.      Orange Juice

OJ! Good ‘ol OJ, a classic and tastymorning beverage, freshly squeezed orange juice is full of nutritional benefits.High in Vitamin C, and Vitamin D (opt for the variety that is fortified withvitamin D if you’re going the store-bought way). Vitamin D has been linked to alower risk of osteoporosis, depression, and certain cancers. And of course,vitamin C is great for energy, and your immune system.

9.      Coffee

Almost everyone of us needs this pick-me-upin the morning. We’ve constantly heard about it’s bad side, but what about itsbenefits? Drinking coffee has been linked to a lower risk of several diseasessuch as prostate cancer and diabetes. What about living longer? Research suggeststhat the combination of caffeine and antioxidants lead to many observed healthbenefits. And coffee actually contains a lot of antioxidants. But be carefulabout the add ins; sugar, milk, cream. Keep it simple and healthy. And of courseeverything in balance.

10.  Tea

More of a tea kind of person? Tea is noless good for you. Nutritionally less in caffeine, you definitely hydratebetter with tea than coffee and is also high in immune boasting anti-oxidants(catechins). Of course green tea is the healthiest of all, but all teas containtheir share of antioxidants. 

11.  Strawberries

High in antioxidants, and another breakfastfavourite, just one cup of these goodies contain your full recommended dailyintake of vitamin C (+ great quantities of folic acid and fiber). Low incalories, and great for your heart, strawberries can be enjoyed by themselvesor just as easily incorporated into other dishes as blueberries.

12.  Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice helps limit bacterialgrowth and is known for warding off UTI’s. The healing powers continue…thistart beverage promote cardiovascular health, and can even increase theeffectiveness of certain ovarian cancer drugs! But just like with any juice,even OJ, be careful to how much you have in a day. Their acidity and sugarcontent can add up in the negative way – but don’t not have it.
PS. An orange cranberry mix is a personal favourite. Try it out!

13.  Cantaloupe

Did you know that about quarter of onemelon contains just 50 calories and serves you a full 100% of your dailyportion of vitamin C and vitamin A! Both great vitamins, especially for smooth,younger-looking skin. (score!). Again, high in water content, this melon willkeep you hydrated and full longer

14.  Kiwi

While all fruits are good for breakfast,Kiwi, among some others, top the list because this little fruit is high invitamin C, and rich in potassium and copper. Additionally, one serving containsmore fiber per ounce than bananas which means its great for digestion andkeeping feeling full. They can also be enjoyed by themselves with their tart flavour,or mixed with other fruits in a smoothie, or how ‘bout a fruit salad to startyour day?

Images via Pinterest and Google Images

Text and information partially adapted from health.com

Sole Lounge Launches in Dubai

Launching for the first time outside of London and into Level Shoe District is the Sole Lounge by Margaret Dabbs.

The celebrity favourite, renowned foot specialist is taking her expertise and her professional foot experts and nail technicians from London to offer both male and female visitors to Level Shoe District first class sole therapies with a difference – fusing pampering and beauty, whilst providing outstanding care that visibly transforms the feet. Bespoke wellbeing therapies will ensure the focus is as much on the customer’s soul as it is on their soles!

Situated opposite the highly anticipated Vogue Café, the 1130 square foot Sole Lounge by Margaret Dabbs will offer the ultimate oasis for the region’s shoe lovers. As you enter the stunning 6m long, cove lit corridor you’ll come face to face with the breath taking décor, bespoke wall coverings and displays.

The Sole Lounge exudes luxury whilst still retaining the Margaret Dabbs trademark touch of professionalism that can be found in the London flagship. The Sole Lounge consists of private treatment rooms, foot spas and allows for 24 treatments to be carried out simultaneously.

The Sole Lounge offers separate male and female treatment rooms.

All the treatments offered by Margaret Dabbs at Level utilise Margaret’s award winning ‘Beauty for the Feet’ product range featuring the brand’s signature ingredient Emu Oil. Soon to be introduced, the new treatments exclusive to Level Shoe District Dubai are sure to secure a new following of devotees, and to attain global celebrity status.

A waiting list is already growing, with eager men and women ready to experience Margaret Dabbs’ expert services.

All images and information courtesy of HAVAS PR Middle East

Strawberry + Raspberry Arugula Salad

In these hot summery month, a light yet flavorful meal is exactly what you want and need. This light, healthy, rich in nutrients, yet full of flavor salad is just the perfect recipe to add to your box. To top that it doesn't take long to prepare! Enjoy:

Recipe via love.life.eat

STRAWBERRY + RASPBERRY ARUGULA SALAD INGREDIENTS (Inspired by Whole Foods’ Health Starts Here, but the recipe is purely my own [lovelifeeat.com])

4 cups arugula, packed

1 cup strawberries, stemmed and quartered

1/2 cup raspberries

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

1/4 cup basil, finely diced

2 tbsp juice of a lemon

2 tbsp juice of an orange

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Whisk the basil, lemon & orange juice, salt & pepper in one bowl. Add the leaves and fruit in another bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss + serve!

Photos via lovelifeeat.com as well

Fridge Do's & Don'ts

Is your fridge making you fat? You may be leading a conscious and healthy lifestyle, but it's the little things we do, or are unaware of that may getting the best of us!

These expert tricks - via Glamour magazine - and nutrition experts such as Rachel Beller, R.D. and Brian Wansink, Ph.D

DON'T: keep fatty foods in clear containers

you'll be more tempted and likely to pick that up

Also avoid storing family style. i.e. big portions. If 

you were to eat that meal, you would put more than

you should on your plate. Keep your storage to small

portion sizes!

DON'T: keep peanut butter in easy reach

Beller says, "Women end up eating spoonfuls straight

from the jar". While it may be okay for a protein addition

in your snack, more than needed can be high in sugars (especially most conventional PBs), & can be high in fat!

DON'T: switch bread for wraps - thin maybe, but they

can equal the portions of 3 - 4 slices of bread

stick to slices of (brown) bread!

Now for what you SHOULD DO...

 

DO:  switch out for almond butter & use only in snack portions, in snacks!

DO: stock up on healthy protein options such as tuna, egg, almond/peanut butter to have on slices of apples/cucumbers (NOT in tablespoons for a eating!)

DO: Have cut up veggies in small clear containers for easy access and great delicious, nutritious snacks. It'll be the first thing you pick up. Plus they might even help you when you're cooking!

DO: swap regular yogurt for greek yogurt (Read this post about the benefits of greek yogurt here )

Text & Advice: adapted from Glamour Magazine, Jan 2012 edition

Photos: via Pinterest and Google Images

The Benefits of Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt has gotten a lot of attention and hype recently, and rightly so.

This thicker and creamier version of regular yogurt has health benefits that'll

make you want to add it to your weekly grocery list!

Benefits:

- Lower in Calories

- Twice the protein (from reg. yogurt)

- Almost 0% cholesterol

- Low in Sodium

- Often high in Potassium

- Naturally less sugar

- The thickness, and more protein, means that it keeps you fuller longer

(most of the whey & water are drained out in the manufacturing process)

- Less sugar, about half the amount of reg. yogurt. But avoid the ones mixed

with fruit, because those typically add sugar content!

Tip: Add a tablespoon of honey for flavor/sweetness

Opinionated benefits: creamier, thicker, tangier taste

Disadvantage: because the whey is drained out, so is some of the calcium

content. Therefore this is important if yogurt is your primary source of

calcium in your daily diet.

But as always, in true LVP style, life is balance, and if your body allows it 

(you're not lactose intolerant) then you have milk and other sources of calcium

in your daily diet. But if you don't want to completely switch over to greek yogurt, 

well then you still have both the regular and greek yogurts in your diet, so then

you're balanced out!

Photos: 1, 2, 3

Oh Sugar!

Health Tip:

Sugar...It's one of those things that we all have a love/hate relationship.

Actually, wait, no, its not a hate relationship at all! We absolutely love

it, we simply just try to stay away from it at times!

LVP is all about a balanced life, and that definitely includes having

a balanced diet. So the way we see it. There's no cutting out sugar in

one's life (especially not in mine!)

{via}

However, if you are trying to drop a couple or so pounds, or looking

to turn to a healthier lifestyle... first of all - Yay! I'm so proud of and

happy for you, and second and most importantly, I should warn you

about HIDDEN SUGAR!

The average American woman puts on 70% of her current weight's

worth, by sugar alone. Although this statistic is not culturally diverse, it

definitely is enough to open our eyes and make us realize that these days,

sugar (being readily available and cheap) is pumped into everything and

makes other food items more appealing.

Main point: Beware of what you buy. Again the obvious things: 

- Stay away from processed foods (I can't ever stress this enough!!) - of

course the occasional indulgence is okay

- Check the ingredients' label before purchasing

- Foods such as Honey & Juices often have hidden high contents of sugar

- Stay away from soda/fizzy drinks!! I'm serious!

[especially Mountain Dew - has the highest content of sugar]

- Look out for alternate names of sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup

Especially us women, by consuming just 20% more sugar, our BMI can go

up by 2 - 3 points, which can easily take you from normal to overweight,

overweight to obese. (statistic via SELF.com)

Remember: 

Just be smart about what you buy/consume, and It's all about balance!

Time Friendly Exercise Routine

Fitting in a workout everyday, or just on a weekday, can be a challenge

Here's an exercise that can be done anywhere in your home. All you need

is a bit of space and about 20 minutes. If you only have 10, only do 10

minutes worth. It's better than not doing anything!

Pin It 60 seconds: Jumping jacks
60 Seconds: Lunges (alternating legs)
60 seconds: Squats
60 seconds: Sit ups
60 seconds: Bicycle kicks
60 seconds Plank
45 seconds: Push-ups
60 seconds: Calf raise
60 seconds: Thigh raises/leg lifts
30 seconds: Stretch/yoga pose

Take a 1 minute break and repeat

via

7 Rules to Snacking

Here are 7 rules to follow for snacknig right!:

1. DOWNSIZE

A snack should be 100 - 200 calories. Eat to keep your metabolism going, and your hunger at bay, but be careful not to over do it and collect those extra calories!

(Photo via 100calorieblog)

2. WATCH THE TIME

Not eating something for a five hours or more can slow down your metabolism and leave your body burning less fat than normal. So make sure you have a snack anywhere from 1 hour after a meal up to 4  hours. Usually these would be between breakfast and lunch, and lunch and dinner, and of course you can end your day a couple hours after dinner with fruit or a small dessert - just an hour or two before going to bed.

(Photo via unknown)

3. DO THE MATH

Just because your snack may be limited to 100 calories, or come in physically smaller pieces, does not at all mean you should feel free to grab a second bag! If you're going for a healthy snack, feel free to have up to 200 calories worth. 

Stay away from mini snack packs of cookies and treats, that seem small, and that can encourage you to grab the second bag. They also tend to be unhealthy and not filling! 

Research Shows: People who snacked on singles serve bags, ate nearly twice as much as did the people with larger bags. Journal of Consumer Research

(Photo via Pinterest)

4. TREAT YOURSELF

It's actually okay to treat yourself! That's what LVP is all about...balance. Treat yourself to your favorite think once or twice a week. It's important to remember that it's all about portion control, so choose an amount of the treat that is not more than 200 calories. If you know that one day, just that one day, you will not be able to control yourself, then cut down the calories somewhere else in the day...essentially in your other snacks of the day. Another idea: share the portion, so hopefully you'll only be eating half of the total! Doing all this will keep you from binging on your favorite treats when the time comes!

(Photo via howsweeteats)

5. TRICK YOUR MIND

This is major! Giada de Laurentiis says "you eat with your eyes first" [That's why it's a very bad idea to go grocery shopping when you're hungry!]. You're eyes are just as powerful as your stomach when it comes to feeling full. Eating bigger pieces of one item, will have you expecting feel full sooner, and so you will consumer less calories over all! A studies showed that individuals consumed 21 less calories when eating larger cheese puffs that those that had smaller ones.

You can also include this in your main meals. Use a smaller plate, which will help you take smaller helpings/portions, and will make you think you had a fuller plate, hence you should be full

(photo via tumblr)

6. HIDE IT

Research from Cornell University shows that people eat more candy from a clear jar than from an opaque one. And we all know that! Of course if all the goodies are staring at you from behind the cookie or candy jar, waiting for you to take it out of there, you're going to eat it! But, if it's hidden behind a ceramic, plastic, any opaque jar, you will be less tempted!

(Photo via flickr)

7. MIX THINGS UP

Most of us don't necessarily get all the daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and other essential that we need during the day [even though we should!]. So snack time is a great time and way to catch up with those needed minerals and vitamins by filling in the gaps. Have greens, fruits, vegetables (fresh home made salsa is a great way - and it's easy and fast to make!), health bars for oats and fibre, and you will be getting much more of what you need in your body and what you need to be healthy!

(photo via marthastewart.com, Pinterest)

Certain text and info adapted from self. com

Favourite Fragrances for Fall 2011

click the image to enlarge!

Ever have a hard time picking out the right fragrance? No problem! LVP's guide to some of the best fragrances for Fall 2011 is right here in your hand and is going to make your life just that much easier!

Perfumes are a necessity of course, but also work great as gifts (especially when you have absolutely no idea what to give that special someone)

Not a fan of very sweet, nor very spice & overpowering fragrances, this set is just perfect - but also keeping in mind the season, this lot mostly consists of more spicy-ish scents rather than the summer florals. Enjoy!

(From the top right)

FIRST SHELF

1. Elie Saab Parfum

2. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture

3. Alien by Thierry Mugler

SECOND SHELF

4. Rock & Rose Pret-a-Porter by Valentino

5. Diane by DVF

6. Idylle by Guerlain

7. Body by Burberry

THIRD SHELF

8. Chloé Parfum

9. Especially Escada by Escada

10. Miss Dior Chérie - Christian Dior

BOTTOM

11. Gold by Kim Kardashian

12. Very Hollywood by Michael Kors

All fragrances are available at Sephora & Areej

For our USA readers: Sephora and any dept. store

Europe readers: Sephora of course!

Australian readers: David Jones and Myer dept. stores 

should have at least most of these!

All images via Pinterest and Sephora.com