The Beauty Factor
For all your health and beauty needs.
Something For The Weekend 10 
Friday 20th November 2009
Is it just me, or is it really difficult to buy gifts for a man?
If you are tired of buying the same thing ie; socks, aftershave, ties or undies, for the men in your life, then why not try this excellent bundle of Refinery toiletries, fit for any self respecting man.
Now, I can already sense that you think it looks expensive, but considering the amount of products you get, this has to be the bargain of the century. For just 39.15, that's pound sterling, you get six products:
- Refinery Body Wash 30ml
- Refinery Face Mask 20ml
- Refinery Face Scrub 20ml
- Refinery Face Wash 20ml
- Refinery Moisturiser 20ml
- Refinery Post Shave Balm 20ml
And they smell divine which has to be the biggest advantage for those who live with a man, be that your parent, your partner or even a room mate.
You can buy this product from Beautique by clicking here...trust me, this really is money well spent.
Website Of The Week
www.beautyfactor.net/savvysaver
I have been working on an idea that we, as in all of us, really need to save money. What with the credit crunch and Christmas just around the corner we are all worried about the future and trying to save wherever we can.
So, I am in the process of developing my very own coupons and freebies website. Please feel free to pay it a visit, but be aware that it is still in the early stages and only the home page is the finished article.
You also have the chance to follow me on Twitter too!
Okay everybody, that's all from me this week.
Thanks to you all for stopping by and have a good weekend!
Too Much Green Tea Can Be Harmful 
Thursday 19th November 2009
There has been a lot of talk recently surrounding the health benefits of green tea, particularly it's use as a weight loss aid. Believe it or not there is no magic cure for obesity that does not require a diet change and more physical activity.
However, there is evidence that the antioxidants in green tea (EGCG) are two hundred times more powerful than vitamin E. Green tea also slows the process of the breakdown of glucose, especially after meals. The rate at which the body burns calories can also be lowered by the consumption of green tea.
Speeding up your metabolism is a great way to supplement weight loss in many cases, the oxidation of body fats can also be increased.
A good way to lose a couple extra pounds is to replace your morning coffee with green tea. The lowering of your calorie intake and the health benefits of green tea combine to make a healthy diet change.
Many of the studies we see on the affects of green tea are conducted in Asia, where people typically drink three cups per day, whereas the United Kingdom Tea Council recommend you drink six cups per day.
While we are constantly told how green tea is good for us, many forget that there are potential side effects, and just like any other food, consuming too much can do more harm than good.
The most common complaint is from those who are caffeine intolerant. Green tea contains about half the amount of caffeine found in coffee, and for the vast majority of us, that would not cause any problems.
For those who are sensitive to caffeine you may experience symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, sleeping problems, palpitations, nausea, and even a skin rash.
The tea plant absorbs nutrients from the soil and water during growth. Nutrients such as aluminium and fluoride which are passed on to the consumer and can be harmful when consumed in large amounts over many years.
While the Chinese have been drinking green tea for thousands of years, it was only used for medicinal purposes until AD 600 as a tonic, rather than an everyday beverage. Like any other herbal medicine, the healing powers of green tea had to be carefully harnessed and there are times when one should avoid drinking green tea altogether.
Green tea can cause indigestion to those with sensitive stomachs, and can also reduce the body's ability to absorb iron thus causing potential problems for those already prone to iron deficiency anemia.
While I am a big advocate of herbal remedies, you still have to remember that moderation is the best way forward, and while the health benefits of green tea far outweigh the negatives you still have to be aware of any potential health risks from over consumption.
If you want my advice you should probably stick to around three cups per day. Never drink green tea on an empty stomach or straight after a meal, and to improve the taste, add some mint leaves to the brew too!
Want more information about green tea as a weight loss aid? then visit the cho-yung website.
What Is SAD? 
Wednesday 18th November 2009
Today we are going to take a look at SAD and find out how it affects those that suffer the condition and where you can go to find out more information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
SAD is an acronym for Seasonal Affective Disorder – a syndrome which shows as a depressed mood in winter and various other easily identifiable symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep, diet and weight.
It occurs in most countries of the world where winter brings short daylight hours and long dark nights and is much less common in the areas between 30 degrees north and south of the equator such as in Florida, South Africa or Uruguay.
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects a surprisingly high number of people. Extensive research in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, USA, Canada, Soviet Union and Japan has shown that an estimated 5 to 10 % of the population suffer from severe SAD symptoms. Another 25% or so have some tendency to winter depression due to lack of light and show some problematic symptoms even if they do not suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder in it's most extreme form.
People have known for centuries that our moods are affected by the weather and that depression is more common in winter but it was not until the 1980's that there has been a lot of interest in this phenomenon and the illness received more official recognition. This coincided with the discovery of an extremely effective treatment : light therapy. Treatment with a light box is effective for Seasonal Affective Disorder in 75 to 80% of patients undergoing formal treatment for S.AD.
In other cases, light therapy may need to be combined with other treatments and help available. In any event, there is absolutely no need to suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder in silence - you can avoid every winter being something you dread.
If you think you could be suffering from SAD, or are concerned for a friend or family member, visit www.allaboutsad.com, a website entirely dedicated to the condition.
Photo courtesy of 20sb.net
More Natural Skin Care Recipes 
Tuesday 17th November 2009
Due to the popularity of our previous post 5 Home Made Face Masks To Revive Winter Skin . Lorynne from Caribbean Tan has come up with more fabulous skin care recipes that we can all try at home.
Take it away Lorynne...
There's no doubt that 2009's woes (the recession, global warming, and political uncertainty) have reeked havoc on our health and the weight of the World is a story now finely engraved in our skin.
There is hope; Found in a skin care regime that will not only single handedly decrease your carbon footprint, but at the same time, keep you looking well and fit through the last of the recession. Yes people, it is time to go au natural. A few minutes of preparation and some simple, edible ingredients is all it takes to create a safer, chemical free and cost effective skin care regime. Think avocado facials, olive oil moisturisers and sea salt exfoliators. Mother Nature will provide.
Avocado Facial :
Fact - Avocado is rich in oil and fatty acids, omega three and six, both good for you on the inside and out.
Recipe - Mash the avocado flesh into a creamy texture. Massage into the face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes and gently rinse off.
Baking Soda Cleanser :
Fact - As companies move away from using harsh chemicals, baking soda is gaining popularity out of the kitchen and is now being used in commercial products, from shampoo to industrial cleansers.
Recipe - Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of your favorite face lotion or cleanser. Using small circular motions, rub the mixture gently into your face then rinse and moisturise as usual.
Baking Soda And Sea Salt Exfoliator :
Fact - Every one of the body's 92 essential minerals is also found in the ocean.
Recipe - Take a small cup and mix a teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 a teaspoon of sea salt. The baking soda will polish the skin and the sea salt will perform the scrubbing action. The salt grains reduce in size once applied to the skin. The results are baby smooth with a definite glow.
Olive Oil Moisturiser :
Fact - Olive oil can be used to soothe sunburn. it is a natural moisturiser, keeping moisture secure within the skin.
Recipe - Use plain virgin olive oil. Rub a generous amount all over your body (including the face).
Lemon And Egg Facial Mask :
Fact - Lemon acts as a bleach, eliminating blotches and skin blemishes.
Recipe - Mix the juice of half a lemon with one beaten egg white. Leave on your face overnight, or for a quick pick-me-up, just 15 minutes. Splash warm water on your face to rinse.
And for your hair you have got to try...
Fruit Smoothie Hair Mask :
Fact - Fruits are said to be high in vitamins and minerals that we are able to absorb through our skin and hair adding strength, moisture and volume.
Recipe - Blend 1/2 a Banana, 1/4 of an avocado, 1/4 of a cantaloupe, 1 tablespoon of wheat germ oil and 1 tablespoon of yogurt. For extra conditioning squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in the hair for 15 minutes.
These sound great guys, so if you ever give one of these recipes a try let us know about it.
Thanks once again to Lorynne from caribbeantan.co.uk for the brilliant post, and I will be back again tomorrow.