Monday, July 11, 2011

Beach Baggin'

I love the beach life. It doesn’t much matter whether I am headed to the ocean, a lake, a river, or even an old rock quarry. I am happiest when I am out in the warmth of the sun with sand between my toes.

Going to the beach can be as simple as grabbing a towel and a bottle of sunscreen. For me however, it is a much more serious undertaking. My beach bag is packed with as much thought as a suitcase for a European holiday.

First and foremost is the “beach bag” itself. (This is tricky) It has to be big enough to fit all my stuff, lightweight, and above all have handles long enough to fit comfortably on my shoulder. My current favorite is a large lined straw tote with long leather straps and a wide opening that zips closed (keeps your stuff in and the sand out). I always look for something with a flat bottom so that is sits straight up in the sand right next to me. Take time to find the right bag and believe me you will be glad you did. While “looks” may matter, how the bag feels on your shoulder as you trek across the sand is far more important.

In my bag you will always find a combination of “need to haves” and “nice to haves”.


Need to Haves


· Sunscreen and lip balm. I love the spray on sunscreen, so I never have to touch anything sticky and greasy. Remember to reapply through out the day, especially after swimming or physical activity. Keep them in a clear bag away from the rest of your gear.


· Sunglasses. The last thing you want to do it burn your eyelids.


· Clear zippered bag for a phone and keys. Make sure to charge your phone.


· Hat or Scarf. You don’t want to ruin those fabulous new “highlights” you just got by over exposing your hair to the sun.


· A slimmed down wallet with a little cash and one credit card. You might need some cash for parking and ice cream. My favorite beach also has a great gift shop where I always manage to charge a few things.


· Water. A small lightweight thermos will keep it chilled. I keep my thermos at the very bottom of my bag and out of the sun.


Nice to Haves


Snacks. Nuts, fruit or anything that won’t melt. That means no chocolate!


· Book, Magazines, or E-reader.


· iPod


· Small bag with Band-Aids, Baby Wipes, Tissues, Wide toothed comb, and hair clip or band.


· Sweatshirt for when the sun gets low and the breeze picks up. It always amazes me how quickly the temperature can change near the water.


Now that you are all packed you can relax knowing you are organized and ready for some fun.


I keep my Beach Bag in the trunk of my car, always packed and ready for a fast escape to my favorite place on earth…the beach!


Talk to you soon!


Bizzie Buzz

Monday, June 20, 2011

Living On Lemons

  I am fortunate to come from a family where the women have lived well into their nineties and beyond. My Great Aunt Hattie left us last week at the age of 103. She was quite a force of nature, ahead of her time in many ways. As a mentor and confidante she nurtured and encouraged the younger women of her family to strive to be whatever they wanted long before that was the fashion. My Mother often speaks of how Aunt Hattie had encouraged her to forge a role for herself in life. Hattie always advised the brides in the family to “keep a little something aside” for themselves. By this she meant a private savings account, which she had and kept hidden from her husband of over fifty years. She was quite a lady and I will miss her.

  When Hattie was 85 she came to live with us. My Mother was her favorite niece and they were devoted to each other. I learned a lot having Hattie around while I was growing up. She began every day with a glass of lemon water. It was a routine she followed as long as she could remember. I thought it quite odd and always resisted any attempt to try it for myself. Then about a year ago I began to read about the benefits of the lemon water. Maybe Hattie was on to something for all those years. Hey, she lived a long and healthy life.
 

  Apparently the use of lemon water traces is origins to traditional Chinese medicine, which uses nature to prevent and treat health problems. Legend has it that the ancient Romans used lemon water as a cure for the poisons of the day. In the 21st this vitamin C rich citrus fruit that also contains potassium, magnesium and calcium, is touted as a way to detox your system and possibly aid in weight loss. Lemons have digestive properties that can ease heartburn, nausea and even hiccups. Since lemons clear toxins the first thing to benefit is your skin. Your skin will not look bright until your body is free of toxins. There are those that swear drinking lemon water will slow the aging process and even fight wrinkles. Other benefits may include the reduction of the symptoms of asthma and arthritis. Also a natural diuretic, lemon water is good for those with urinary tract infections.

  Biggest bonus of all…. lemon water is calorie free, easy and inexpensive to make. You can drink it warm, cold, or hot. Real devotees like Aunt Hattie (and the Chinese) would have a warm glass of lemon water every morning. Hattie would have a second glass with ice later in the day.

  When buying lemons look for a bright color and relatively thin skin. Keep your lemons at room temperature. Before cutting, roll the lemon on the counter a few times to release the juice. You should use the juice of one half lemon for each eight ounces of water. One final tip…. I wash the lemons before I use them with a mild soap.


 Give this 'old' but tried and true gift of a nature a try. I can’t promise Aunt Hattie’s years but I can promise, a refreshing and healthy drink.


Talk to you soon!


Bizzie Buzz

Friday, June 3, 2011

Favorite Tips For A Great 'Self Tan'

Okay, so you have done your research, bought your favorite self-tanner, and you're ready to go. Here are a few tips that I have learned from various articles and firsthand experience. While self-tanning has been around for sometime the products and results have improved greatly over the past few years, but to achieve that streak free sun kissed glow you have been craving, takes some time and a little planning.

Getting Ready- Plan to leave yourself one hour for the application and drying. Trying to rush this process will result in a not so great result. Wax, shave, or tweeze at least 24 hours in advance. If you think you might be sensitive to DHA (dihyroxyacetone), the main ingredient in most products you might want to test a small amount of your product on your inner arm the night before.

Exfoliate- Probably the most important part of tanning is assuring your skin is smooth and free of rough patches of old dry skin. My favorite method of exfoliation is dry brushing before you shower. A moderately firm bath brush is perfect. You can also use a mitt with an oil free wash. Just keep in mind any cleanser that or scrub that typically contains some oil can impede your results. That also means no lotion or deodorant after showering too.

Clothing Optional- I like to be completely bare when I tan, but I do have some friends that wear an old swimming suit.

Slow and Steady- Begin with your thighs, applying a large dollop. Smooth in tanner all the way down your legs to your ankles and to the tops of your feet. By the time you reach your feet the product should have thinned out. Next go to your middle, then to your shoulders and down your arms. Next do your face- remember to include your ears and the back of your neck! Your back can be a real challenage and you might want to invest in a long handled lotion applicator at your local drugstore.

Wash Your Hands- There is nothing worse than tanned cuticles or orange palms so wash your hands every five minutes. Once you lightly apply the tanner to the tops of your hands, wipe your palms and cuticles with a baby wipe or washcloth.

A Final Wipe- Go back with a soft dry cloth and buff the back of your heels, elbows, and knees to remove any excess from these areas. Little mistakes can be corrected by rubbing the area with a lemon half.

The Tan- It can take up to three hours for the color to totally develop so be patient. Wait 6 to 8 hours beofer showering.

Maintain- A self-tanner can last anywhere between 3 to 10 days. Avoid long showers and excessibe rubbing. Moisturize often. The dryer the skin the quicker the tan will flake and fade.

Useful Products- Check out Bathtub's Exfoliating Gloves at  http://bit.ly/kz4P3t. Our Lotion Applicator will help apply tanner to hard to reach places.. Check it out here.. http://bit.ly/l0qwYH

LAST BUT NOT LEAST- Most self-tanners DO NOT have sunscreen in them so do not forget to apply your sun screen as you would normally.

Good Luck!!

Buzzie Buzz

Friday, May 20, 2011

Getting Ready..

My dear friend Biny has opted for a destination wedding. So in a few short weeks I will be jetting off to Mexico to frolic with the happy couple and a hundred or so of their nearest and dearest. Of course I needed to go shopping, heaven forbid I did not have proper tropical attire. I could not resist one of the new long maxi dresses in shades of blue. -Just how chic will that look while sipping cocktails on the beach?!- Metallic sandals, long dangling earrings, and I was already feeling slightly woozy.

Reality bit me good when I hit the 'Swimsuit Department'. Why is the ultimate staple of summer the hardest and most stressful things to shop for? Why does trying on bathing suits make almost every woman I know want to head for the nearest cocktail lounge? I remember my Mom telling me that when she tried on swimwear, she always left her pantyhose on so her legs looked firm and tan. A good idea, but who wears pantyhose anymore?

Even before I reach the dreaded dressing room with the horrible lighting and fully length mirrors, I am faced with a zillion choices: bikinis, tankinis, strapless, one pieces, solids, printed, pleated, skirted, and the list goes on and on. I have read every single article on how to match the perfect swimsuit to my less than perfect figure so I have some ideas. 'Plunging' ahead, I picked five suits that I thought might work for me. After trying on the first two suits, I began to calm down and actually thought I looked pretty good in a black and white printed tankini. I paid for it and moved on.

Remembering how pale and winter white I looked in my new tankini, I thought of how much better I would look once I was tanned. But why wait? With so many self-tanning choices available, why not hit the beach with a nice 'healthy' glow?

A number of my friends have raved about the results of the professional spray tanning done in spas and salons. While the results are often very good, it is expensive, ranging from $25 to $75 for a single application. While the do it yourself home versions are far less convenient, they are more affordable and that is what I opted for.

Self-tanners come in may forms -Lotions, gels, mousses, creams, sprays, and even towelettes. The most important thing in picking a tanner is to select a quality product. My favorite is 'Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel'. At about $33 it is expensive but worth it. It is easy to apply, not stick, and dries quickly to a streak free tan.

Next time I will share a few tips I have learned (the hard way) about using self-tanners. Exfoliating by dry brushing is top of the list. Check out some of my exfoliating body brushes on BathtubBuzz.com

Talk to you very soon!

xoxo -Bizzie Buzz-

Friday, May 6, 2011

Glowing

There are many terms used to capture the essence of a bride as she comes down the aisle. The former Kate Middleton conjured up many of those adjectives last week as she married her Prince. Oh the dress was great and who doesn't love a tiara- even if it was a tiny one. For me, I cannot get past her amazing complexion. Glowing seems to be the word that suits it best. I have heard that the English climate is especially kind to the skin. All that moisture must be good for something.


Alas, those of us here in the states have to find other solutions to get that flawless look. Many dermatologists advise their clients to include a facial brush as part of their everyday beauty care. Long a staple of beauty regimes, it is a way to cleanse and exfoliate your face in one step.


Recently, I spent some time checking out the popular electronic complexion brushes. I hear raves about the results, soft clearer skin, but yikes are they expensive, about $200- and not in my budget. A quick check around town, and I have found a number of 'complexion brushes' that use no batteries and work just a well. I decided to try one and after five days I honestly notice a difference in the tone and appearance of my skin. It is softer and clearer.


Using a complexion brush is easy and inexpensive. Choose a complexion brush that is appropriate for your skin type. Generally the dryer your skin is the softer the brush needs to be. The idea is not to scrub your face until it is read and sore, but rather just enough to stimulate and exfoliate the top layer of dead skin. Done correctly it also feeds good, much like a relaxing massage for your face.


Once you have chosen the brush (you might want to speak to your dermatologist of esthetician for advice) pair it with your favorite facial cleanser. Softly and slowly scrub in circular motions beginning on your forehead moving down to your cheeks, nose and chin, and all the way back to your ears. Some people use it over the eyelids as well. Finally, rinse your face with cool water.


Be sure to rinse your brush thoroughly after each use and store it in a clean dry area. Tip: every week, mix one part vinegar with two parts water and dip your brush into the solution. Rinse thoroughly and your brush will stay clean and hygienic


I am sure you will become a fan of this method and I know you will see a difference; give it a week or two. Wish I could promise you a complexion like Kate, but I think that requires a home in England and a Prince too!

Check out our Complexion Brushes at Bathtub Buzz.com


Talk to you soon!


Bizzie Buzz

Friday, April 29, 2011

Sleeping Beauty

Having a few days off during the recent holiday has played havoc with my schedule and left me with way too little sleep. Looking in the mirror this morning was a jolting experience. Time to get back on the wagon. I need some serious shuteye.

Everyday we are bombarded with facts about how sleep, or the lack thereof, affects our bodies and our long and short term health. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to everything from obesity, high blood pressure, depression, to heartattacks. Then there is 'Beauty Sleep', the age old term for a good night's rest. Until recently, the idea of sleep improving or affecting our apprearance was pretty much a myth and never put to the test. But now, a new study done by scientist from Stockholm's Karolinska Institute and published in the prestigious British Medical Journal has confirmed the sleep/beauty connection.

In the study, sets of photos were taken of twenty-three men and women. The first set was taken after the subjects had eight hours of sleep, and the second set after having been awake for thirty-one continuous hours. Each subject maintained the same facial expression, was the same distance from the camera and didnt not wear makeup either time. A group of observers then reated each photo based on a series of quailites including health and attactiveness. The observers rated the sleep-deprived as less healthy, more tired, and less attractive than those who had recieved a full night's sleep. John Axelsson, on the researchers speaking of the  results said, "Sleep is the body's natural beauty treatment. It's probably more effective4 than any other treatment you culd buy."

Surprise.. a FREE beauty treatment. That is a pretty strong endorsement. I will be starting this regime tonight!

Quick Tip: It is very important to sleep in as close to complete darkness as possible. That said, it's not always easy to block our every stream of light using curtains, blinds, or drapes.. Particularly if you live in an urban area (or if your spouse has a different schedule than you do). In these cases, Sleep Masks can help to block our the remaining light. Check out my sleep masks here- Bathtub Buzz

See you later!!

Bizzie Buzz

Friday, April 22, 2011

Flatforms!

The world of fashion has taken some pity on our poor feet for spring and summer this year. After a bunch of seasons featuring sky-high stilettos there is a new shape in town. 2011 is the year of the 'Flatform'. Now just to be clear, this shoe is NOT flat, but it's a shoe you can walk in for hours. A 'flatform' is a shoe with a platform equal in height to the heel. Resulting in a high or nearly flat walking surface. It captures high style and comfort.. What a concept!! Don't forget that platforms elongate your legs for a very sexy look.

While most of the platforms are made from the traditional stacked wood, leather, or cork- that is where tradition ends. Look for cork that is covered with glitter, wood painted with whimsical flowers, or multicolored woven soles that look like confetti. You can find this shoe with high chunky ankle straps... If you are still hanging onto the whole gladiator thing. I am loving a simple slide of narrow turquoise leather bands with a gold metallic cork heel. Look for lots of colors and patterns, flowers and jewel accents, and even lace. The sky, or should I say the 'sidewalk', is the limit. Just make sure you pick some that are fun and sassy.

I hope you have tried my foot soak from last week's blog. I have been faithfully dunking my feet and they are looking much better. I have added a foot scrub to my regimen too. After looking a the prices of scrubs in the stores, I've decided to try a quick and easy homemade recipe. With what I have saved, I can almost buy another pair of shoes!

This one is my favorite, but you can and should come up with your own unique concoction. Remember the best cooks seldom follow a recipe!

BROWN SUGAR SCRUB

1/2 cup of Brown Sugar
1/4 cup of Almond Oil
1/4 cup of Liquid Hand Soap
1/4 cupe of Vanilla Extract

I'm off to the mall!! We'll talk soon!

Bizzie Buzz