DIY: Perfecting the @-Home Mani/Pedi in 10 Easy Steps

10 Steps to Mastering the Perfect @-Home Mani/Pedi Routine

Preface: 

We all know how easy it is to grab those old nail clippers that have been sitting in your bathroom drawer since the 80's. No matter the ease of this scenario, never ever use old nail clippers. Once you purchase a new set be sure to keep them clean and sharpened and you will never have to purchase new trimmers again. Be sure to use appropriate trimmers on your hands and feet.  And remember the old saying "the right tool for the right job," isn't only said by your local car mechanic.  Larger clippers are meant for the toes, and their smaller counterparts work on the 10 fingers.   Always be sure to keep any nail clippers and other mani/pedi tools you use disinfected (clean them with rubbing alcohol after every use). If you feel your clippers have become dull, you can sharpen them yourself using a sharpening stone.

Before we start lets gather the essentials first. You will need:

Acetone free nail polish

Nail File

Buffing Block

Both nail and toenail clippers

Nail stick for cuticles

Exfoliating hand and foot scrub

Thick moisturizing hand and foot cream

Nail Polish (White for the base coat, desired color, clear top coat, quick dry polish or drops to seal)

Now let’s get to it:

1.      Clean your nails using an acetone free nail polish remover.  Start by soaking a cotton ball or cotton round in the nail polish remover then swipe over each nail until all polish and/or dirt is removed.

2.      Trim any hangnails and push back your cuticles.Do not trim your cuticles, instead use a nail stick to push them back.

3.      Next clip or trim your nails to your desired length.

Note: Trimming your toenails may seem simple enough, but it isn't something to be done carelessly.  You depend on your feet so be sure you treat them with the respect they deserve. Before you start trimming away, you need to understand why it is so important to cut your nails the right way. By cutting the right way, you can avoid an ingrown nail or infection. Did you know that ingrown nails, nails that become stuck in the skin instead of growing normally, are the number one reason for foot pain, not to mention infections?

How to trim your toenails:

·         Cut straight across the nail of each toe and avoid cutting into a curved shape.

·         The nails should never dig down on the sides

·         Leave nails a little long.  Cutting them too short can lead to ingrown nails and infections.

·         Never cut your nails when wet.  They are softer when they are wet.  Cutting dry nails will lead to a cleaner, smoother cut.

·         Make a few small cuts across each nail, instead of trying to cut the nail in one shot.

4.      File with an emery board to shape and smooth rough edges out.

·         Be sure to move the file in one direction across the top until it is smooth and has reached your desired length.  Never file nails in a back and forth motion.

5.      Buff the top of the nail to smooth and polish the surface.

6.      Exfoliate your hands and feet to slough off dead skin.

7.      Moisturize with a thick, hydrating hand and foot cream.

8.      Prep your nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any excess oils.

9.      Apply the base coat. If you really want your nails to pop, use a white nail polish for the base coat. Use a clear, nail strengthening polish under the white polish and over the last coat to seal in the polish. If you are like me and find it impossible to wait for your nails to dry, you can purchase quick drying nail polish or quick drying nail drops.  This will dramatically speed up the drying process.

·         Polish your nails in three strokes: One down the middle and then along each side.

·         Be sure each coat is fully dry before applying the next.

10.  Next and final step is to clean up any polish that has wandered around the nail bed. A small makeup or paint brush dipped in nail polish remover is the best way to erase any mistakes.

Clean, well-cared for, and neatly trimmed hand and toe nails means comfortable, healthy hands and feet. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.  Please comment in the section below and don't forget to include a picture of your best mani/pedi.  I will be giving out a mani/pedi beauty kit to the reader with the best nails.

Business casual outfit # 2

Business casual outfit # 2 by allisonrkaiser featuring a genuine leather belt

Pinko turtle neck sweater
farfetch.com

Proenza Schouler pleated mini skirt
lagarconne.com

Paolo Shoes light brown boots
paoloshoes.com

Genuine leather handbag
$575 - yoox.com

Linea Pelle genuine leather belt
shopbop.com

Business Casual Outfit # 1

Business Casual Outfit # 1 by allisonrkaiser featuring a cross body

Kenzo yellow cardigan
$270 - anotherlove.com.au

Hobbs gray wool skirt
$165 - johnlewis.com

Pointy flat shoes
modcloth.com

ALDO cross body
aldoshoes.com

Mint green watch
shopprimadonna.com

Stone necklace
statementbaubles.com

Wildlife Wednesday: The Gobi Jerboa

Image Credit: Google Images

Image Credit: Google Images

Image Credit: Google Images

Today we are going to travel to the Gobi desert. This vast territory of land occupies 30 per cent of Mongolia. The Gobi desert is home to some of the rarest animals  in the world. Its desert and semi-desert ecosystems have barely changed in years.  Most people believe the Gobi desert is an inhospitable place of unbearable heat and sand dunes that go on for miles, but the reality is quite the opposite. The Gobi desert is filled with high mountains, springs, forests, sands, steppes and it is home to over 400 species of plants,  a total of 52 mammals, 15 reptiles, 1 amphibian and 106 bird species.

Our focus today is on one of the 52 species of mammals that inhabits the desert, the Gobi Jerboa.

You definitely won’t find another creature like this in the world! It has an exceptionally long tail and hind legs for jumping and it boasts a set of gigantic ears that are a third larger than it's head, there is no denying that the Long-Eared Jerboa is quite a unique creature. So unique, in fact, that scientists have placed it as the only member in its genus Euchoreutes, and subfamily, Euchoreutinae.

The Jerboa family is a very interesting group of rodents which have adapted themselves to living in both hot and cold deserts. They are unusual looking creatures to say the least. The head and body are roughly similar in appearances to those of a mouse and range from 3 - 15cm in length depending on species. The tail is larger than the head and body, ranging from 6 - 23cm. It is used for balance when the jerboa is on the move and as a prop when the animal is sitting upright. Not all Jerboas have giant ears, in fact some species have small, mouse-like ears.  The most interesting thing about the Jerboa are its hind legs, which tend to be around four times as long as the fore limbs.

When you watch the Jerboa move it almost looks like a mini kangaroo. They hop instead of walk and each hop is 10 - 13cm but if they feel threatened they can cover up to 3m with each bound. This means that Jerboas can reach speeds of up to 25km/h when they are chased by predators. They move in a zig-zag pattern from side to side to help confuse their predators.

Sexually mature at 14 weeks old, they breed twice a year, and usually have 2 - 6 babies in each litter. Each baby is born naked and their hind legs do not develop until they are 8 weeks old which means they can't even jump until they are 11 weeks old.  They have a life expectancy of 6 years in the wild. Jerboas survive in the desert by burrowing. By living underground they can escape from the heat of the day in hot deserts and from the cold of the winter in cold deserts. Burrows are usually found near vegetation, but in the rainy season,  burrows up to 3 feet are dug in the sides of hills or mounds where they can escape from flood waters.  Asiatic Jerboas plug the entrances to their burrows with soil in winter to keep out the cold and African Jerboas do the same in the summer to prevent the heat from getting in.

Jerboas are swift diggers. They use their short forearms to scrape at the soil, then use their powerful hind legs to push the soil out behind them. The Jerboas diet consists of fresh green leaves, but as the plants dry up, these become more scarce, so the Jerboas dig up the roots in which the plants store water and eat these instead. Some species also feed on beetles and other small insects. 95% of the long-eared Jerboa's diet in Mongolia are insects, even those that fly as they can locate their prey's approach by using their sense of hearing.  The Jerboa's long strides allow it to travel long distances in search of food without getting tired. Jerboas do not actually drink water. They get their water from their food. Hot desert - dwelling Jerboas do most of their feeding at night when it is cooler. Cold desert - dwelling Jerboas hibernate over the winter and live off their body fats.

 It is unknown just  how many of these creatures remain in the wild.

The Zoological Society of London’s EDGE program is working to help conserve the remaining creatures. They’ve succeeded in taking the first ever footage of the Gobi Jerboa, which can be seen below:

 

Work Cited:

http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=81

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerboa

http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/43850-Allactaga-bullata

Travel Tuesday: 20 Beauty Travel Tips and Tricks

You're sitting in your seat with your knees in your ears. You hear those three little words over the planes intercom that send you scrambling for your compact, "prepare for landing!". You've just spent the last 5 to 12 hours in a stuffy airplane with zero humidity, fart-filled recycled air, and the boring small-talk from your single-serving neighbor.  Your skin feels oily and dry at the same time, a phenomenon only air travel can provide.  Depending on the duration for the plane's final approach, you only have a couple minutes left to spruce yourself up for that special somebody.    Running that "lucky brush" through your hair one last time, you scramble over that mental checklist of quick-fix beauty tips in order to make sure you look your best when the two sets of eyes lock for the first time.  

Well we've all been there before.... The question now is, what do you do?  And what could have prevented this potentially awkward first encounter?  Well my list of life-saving tips below will keep your girliness in check and make sure you show up to the dance on-time, and in perfect form.  Follow my tips and tricks for traveling and you'll never worry about post flight beauty blunders ever again.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could pack every single beauty product you use on a daily or weekly basis, since we can never really guess what we may need on the fly? Since this isn't possible or at least not realistic, your best bet is to take the time to prep before traveling.  I realize this may not be an option for some and that's fine too, I have both scenario's covered in this travel beauty guide.

1. Pack a waterless cleanser i.e. makeup removing facial wipes for use on the plane.  These will reduce redness and heat associated with reactive or sensitized skin. Pack your daily facial cleanser as well.  A change in products can disrupt the acid balance of your skin and cause a vacation breakout.

DOUBLE DUTY

You can use these wipes on your entire body if you need to freshen up on the flight.

2. Carry a facial toner.  I prefer to use Evian facial spritzer which gives my face an in flight oasis that not only re-hydrates but also replenishes and revives you.

3. Pack a good facial moisturizer. This will help your skin by acting as a shield against the pangs of the environment. Be sure to bring a tinted moisturizer as well. 

THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT

Slather on intense moisturizer to increase hydration in your skin before you are exposed to the dehydrating effects of cabin pressure.

IN FLIGHT TIP

Skip the foundation on your flight and use a tinted moisturizer instead. Before you land apply a tinted moisturizer for a fresh and healthy look. If you just can't go a day without foundation makeup be sure to apply a primer to your skin before your makeup.  Use a silicon based liquid or cream primer that will put a large protective barrier between your skin and your markup.  This will extend the life of your foundation and blush and will keep your skin from dehydration.

4. Always carry a lip balm with you.  Swipe it on your nostrils, lips, cheekbones and cuticles.

DOUBLE DUTY

Warm a bit of lip balm between your fingertips and run them through your hair to tame any fly-a-ways.

IF YOU FORGOT IT

Just ask the flight attendant for a pad of butter which will act as a lip balm for chapped skin.

5. To keep oily skin at bay blot with rice paper. Blot the t-zone as often as necessary to bad up shine and oil without stripping away moisture.

IF YOU FORGOT IT

You can use toilet seat covers instead of rice paper to blot  out facial oil.

6. Pack a soft shimmer powder or cream to awaken a tired or sallow complexion.  Stroke it lightly on the top of your cheek bones, bridge of your nose, and on your lips for a quick pick me up no matter how tired you feel.

IF YOU FORGOT IT

You can also use cream blush and lip balm to add moisture without dehydrating your skin.

7. Chill out puffy eyes. Under eye puffiness can be reduced with crushed ice in a washcloth for an automatic wake up call to feeling and looking fully refreshed in minutes.

8. Always carry eye drops to give your eyes lubrication from the dehydrating atmosphere of the planes cabin.

DOUBLE DUTY

A few squirts of Visine dabbed on a cotton swab directly applied to a blemish for a few seconds will cut the redness in half.  Finish by dabbing the blemish with a tissue to soak up any residual moisture.

9. If you plan to sleep on the plane pack a super rich night cream to dab around the eyes and done a sleep mask.  Both will help you look fresher and more awake when you rise.

10. Hand cream is a must.  Keep your hands from drying out by liberally applying hand cream throughout the trip.

DOUBLE DUTY

Place a dab of hand cream in your palm and work it through your hair to tame frizz caused by friction from rubbing your head against the airplane seat.

A natural Boars Hair brush will also help to combat frizz.

11. Be sure to pack a travel size of all of the products I have mentioned, especially any high-end beauty products as they are even more expensive abroad.  Safe purchases abroad include body lotions, talcum powders, fragrances, and shower gels.

12. Fix a smudge by applying a cream concealer with your finger which will break down the pigment and blend it out.

13. Carry vitamin E capsules which can be used for a facial, hand, or foot moisturizer. Pop a few capsules and rub them over your hands, then cover your hands with a pair of socks.

14. Hotel shampoo can double as a bubble bath

15. Hotel mouthwash can double as a rinsing agent for your toothbrush

16. Don't forget to save your hotel toiletries to reuse with your own products on your next trip.

17. Always pack sunscreen because you will be in the sun more often than usual while on vacation and you want to be sure to stay protected.

18. Pack a leave-in conditioner especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water. Also pack a dry shampoo to cut the grease while cleansing and adding body to your mane.

19. Pack a solid powder deodorant which you can use to freshen up at any time during the flight.

20. Throw in a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.

Now lets get packing:

The  most important rule to follow when packing a carry-on is the 3-1-1 rule. The TSA requires liquids to be packed in a quart-sized, transparent, re-sealable plastic baggie. Each item can only contain three ounces or less. You have to remove this bag and send it separately through security, so keep it handy. I recommend using a freezer-style bag, since they tend to be thicker and more durable. Never pack pump bottles as they will spill and you do not want to deal with the mess.

Always make a list and check off each item as you pack them.  I have created a list for you containing all the items that were mentioned in this post.

Facial Cleansing Wipes

Liquid Facial Cleanser

Facial Toner (I prefer Evian facial spritzer)

Tinted Moisturizer

Thick Facial Night Cream

Daily Moisturizer

Lip Balm

Facial Blotting Paper

Soft Shimmer Powder or cream

Eye Drops

Natural Boars Hair Brush

Vitamin E Capsules

Sunscreen

Dry Shampoo 

Leave in Conditioner

Deodorant

SAFE TRAVELS

Can Bad Breath Make You Stupid?

Photo Credit: Google Images

Did you know oral care is connected to everything from brain function to human body immunity?  What goes on inside your mouth can directly affect several bodily functions that seem very unrelated.  Gum disease can lead to diabetes, loss in brain function, and gasp...STD's!  You may be asking yourself, why is this the case? According to Sally Cram DDS, a spokesperson for the ADA (American Dental Association), every time your mouth harbors an infection it rarely contains itself solely inside the mouth. It flows through your bloodstream, affecting your immune system and even the organs inside your torso region.

There are a few simple indicators to watch for in helping prevent infections or serious disease.  First off, take a good look at your teeth in the mirror.  Do you have any discoloration of your teeth? A mouth full of discolored teeth is a mouth full of microbes. An abundance of these Microbes can lead to gum disease.  Another thing to pay attention to is sensitivity.  Have you ever ignored a sensitive tooth or cavity?  Masking it with Sensodyne to avoid a costly dentist visit?  Bad idea!  The longer you wait to see a dentist, the greater your chances are for larger caries (cavities) or other problematic dental situations.  Eventually a root canal follows..... And everyone knows how fun that can be!   Everyone gets morning breath or garlic mouth on occasion, but if this odor becomes persistent (lasts longer than 2 weeks) you may be suffering from gum disease.  What happens is the bad bacteria mixes with the good bacteria and sulfur compounds form, causing your mouth to omit a rotten egg aroma. Do you get cold sores inside your mouth? If they are white and last more than 3 weeks you could be infected with oral HPV. This STD can lead to cancer so keep your teeth clean and your mouth in tip top shape.  The last thing to look at is the color of your gums. Are they pale pink? If so, your gums are healthy.  But if you begin to notice your teeth appear smaller and your gums appear bigger, your gums could be inflamed.  Having inflamed gums can lead to gum disease, which is the leading cause of receding gums leaving exposed roots vulnerable to decay.

Do your gums bleed more than they should? This could be a sign of oral inflammation or gingivitis. Grab a mirror and stick your tongue out, is it bald or does it look a tad hairy? If it's bald you may be experiencing a vitamin B deficiency.  If your tongue is white, you may have inflammation or dry mouth or worse.... case scenario, you may be carrying a yeast infection in your mouth.  This type of yeast infection that takes place in your mouth on your tongue is called thrush.

Now that you are aware of all the different infections and diseases your mouth can experience you need to know what preventative measures can be taken to decrease the chances you will develop one of them.  Remember the number 2.

 You should be brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and at a 45 degree angle. Gently brush all sides of your teeth with a soft-bristled brush. Round and short back-and-forth strokes work best. Take time to brush along the gum line, and lightly brush your tongue to help remove plaque and food. You should also be flossing once a day. 

Slide the floss in between  and then up and down each tooth. Change your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if the toothbrush looks worn or the bristles spread out. A new toothbrush removes more plaque.   Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing as it is recommended by most dentists. Always use alcohol free mouthwash as the other stuff can dry out your mouth.

How would you like to add years to your life through your mouth? Think about this, saliva is the number one defense of your mouth. It is filled with antibacterial properties like Histatin which kills germs and heals wounds. Dry mouth is a gum disease magnet. Chew gum to hydrate your mouth, just be sure its sugar free. Wash your mouth out with water every few hours or after every meal at the very least.  This will help rid of food particles that attract bacteria.  This bacteria can lead to plaque, cavities, gingivitis, gum disease and more.  Lastly, you need to relax.  Chronic stress and/or anxiety can weaken the immune system making your body less able to fight off infections, including the oral kind. Stress also triggers the bodies fight or flight response which lowers the level of saliva your mouth produces and redirects fluid elsewhere in the body and raises acid levels in the mouth upping your chance at developing cavities.

Try to lead a healthy lifestyle.  Eat healthy meals. Cut down on tooth decay by brushing after meals. Avoid snacking on sugary or starchy foods between meals. Limit how much soda you drink. Even diet soda contains acids that can erode tooth enamel.  See a dentist for an oral exam once or twice a year. Your dentist may recommend more or fewer visits depending on your oral health. During your visit  your dentist or oral hygienist looks  for signs of diseases, infections, problems, injuries, and oral cancer so it is very important that you make and keep these appointments.

Taking good care of your oral health can prevent disease in your mouth. Oral health can affect the health of your entire body. Good oral health does not just mean you have pretty teeth. Your whole mouth needs care to be in good health.

Sources Used:

http://www.drcram.com/faq.html

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/oral-health-the-mouth-body-connection

Orange is The New Black

picture credit: Google images

Orange isn't just for pumpkins anymore. One of this seasons hottest colors is popping up everywhere from your tv to your bikini. Orange is the new black. The great thing about orange is that it plays well with so many different colors making it very versatile. 

This color has the ability to physically effect you by stimulating activity and appetite while encouraging socialization. Think of orange as red brought to humanity by yellow. Orange is used all over the world it's even the national color of the Netherlands. The Dutch football team is nicknamed Oranje which is Dutch for orange although my husband calls them the orange crush. They got this nickname because of there bright orange uniforms. 

Orange is used by OSHA to represent safety. OSHA requires certain safety equipment to be painted safety orange in order to set things apart from their surroundings.  

Orange appears midway between red and yellow on the color spectrum wheel and it was one of the original colors formulated by crayola in 1903. There are many different tones of orange including rust, apricot, malon, atomic tangerine, tea rose, carrot orange, orange peel, Papaya whip, Princeton orange, pumpkin, Spanish orange (G & S), vermillion (cinnabar), tomato, bittersweet, persimmon, Persian orange, alloy orange,  burnt orange, bittersweet shimmer, brown ( although an independent color it actually combines the orange hie with a low brightness).  Painters describe brown as a deep shade of orange or especially dark orange.  With so many different tones and it's versatile nature it's no wonder orange is becoming everyone's main sqeeze. 

Orange has broken the stereotypical rules on the runway and has allowed for experimentation with new looks and combinations from strong bold looks to soft feminine looks.  Designers like Mark Jacobs, Tory Burch, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier, Channel, Jonathan Sanders, Betsey Johnson, Hermes, and House of Holland are covering the runways from necklaces to neg. this hue lingers on the runway like a fragrant memory. These designers have presented a fairy tale of energizing and cool garment combos with catchy, fabulous, and imaginatively feminine looks. Orange is a favorite by many designers because it helps to transition into a new season by prompting your imagination to envision autum leaves, pumpmins, and changing seasons. Orange is a color on the edge. 

You might be wondering; with so many tones to choose from, how exactly does one wear orange? 

Keep in mind that color can energize you and enhance your appearance. Swiss expressionist painter Johannesburg Itten (1888-1967) noticed that some of his students would use warm colors and others would use cool colors when painting. So he decided to run a study in 1947 that showed the students who would choose mostly warm had gold-toned skin with blonde hair and dark, warm-colored eyes. Whereas students who would choose mostly cool had a blue-pink tone to their skin, ash hair and cool colored eyes. Instinctually students were drawn to their own color tone when choosing colors for their artwork. 

You can establish wether you have a warm or cool skin tone by performing a color analysis. You will need to take off all your makeup and jewelry and pull all your hair off your face. Next hold up a mirror in natural light and grab a white shirt. Hold it up to your chin and pay attention to your eyes. Next, grab a cream shirt and do the same thing. If the cream fabric gave you a warm glow and the white washed you out then you are warm. If the white gave you a warm glow and the cream washed out then you are cool. Knowing how to determine your skin tone with warm, cool, or neutral shades of orange and applying that knowledge to your cosmetic and clothing selections can bring out the best in yiur appearance. With correct colors in both  your skin tone will be radiant and glowing. Your eyes will appear clearer and brighter and your hair will reflect highlights. With the wrong colors your skin tone will appear tired and drained with shallow, dark circles under your eyes. Even your teeth will appear to have a yellowish tint to them. 
If your skin tone is light to medium then the best color option for you is latte, coffee, or carmel.Coral and apricot are also great choices to brighteen your skin without washing it out.  If your skin tone is medium to dark stick to cocoa, mahogony, or coral if you have a neutral skin tone then you are one of the lucky ones because every color looks good on you.
All shades of orange or orange-red are warm colors which is one of the reasons they are so versitile. Brave, outgoing, positive are all descriptions of women who wear orange, women who are not afraid to experiment. The most important rule to follow when wearing any shade of orange is to only wear or choose to add a pop of color or to go all out orsngr. A small element or a significant one can be added to any outfit. An example of a significant orange ensamble would be wearing a solid orange skirt or top with a soft top or bottom. Another example of a significant orange outfit would be to wear a solid orange dress with a black clutch and black shoes. An example of an element of orange would be accessorizing with an orange bag, orange jewelry, or orange shoes. 
With so many shades of the color out there it can become overwhelming when you are trying to find the right one for you. Keep a few things in mind next time you go shopping.  Mango is a flirty lighter shade of orange that goes well with light blue. Coral pairs well with turquois, tangerine with blue or yellow, blood orange with shades of red and gold, pumpkin with beige, burnt orange with black, and rust with brown. Softer shades like peachy oranges are friendlier and soothing, less flamboyant than red which will get you noticed without screaming look at me. Orange pops with a medium blue.  Blue, red, yellow, and orange can be fiery hot combo or in tamer shades a fresh, fruity experience.  Try pairing it with green. Try a dash of orange with deep purple or a dash of deep purple with orange. For an earthy ensamble pair orange with brown and green. For a sofisticated look pair orange with blue, grey, and other neutrals. Try weering a rust colored dress, orange tights, an olive green cardigan, and neutral boots. A few more outfit ideas are to wear a black and white dress with an orange belt and white cardigan or jeans, a white tee, nude purse, and orange pumps or a grey skirt, orange top, and orange shoes. Wear an orange maxi dress, brown belt, and jean jacket for a great summery look. An important rule to keep in mind when shopping is to never buy orange pants.  It is never going to be a good idea. For men, polo shirts, v-necks, vests, scarfs, and sneakers all look great in orange.
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it.  Now, I have a little homework assignment for you.  Take the skin tone test and once you know wether you are warm or cool, try on a few outfits with different color combinations of orange. Be sure to snap a photo of yourself in your best orange outfit and then post it in the comment section below. After I receive 20 comments I will be choosing my favorite look and shipping them a prize.  All I can tell you is that its wearable (one size fits all) and a shade of orange. .