Beauty Mistakes: Eye Cream

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or other aging issues? Embracing one’s age is important, but let’s face it many of us want to stay looking youthful. However, be careful when trying new anti-aging products. Certain products can actually do more harm than good.

One of the signs of aging is darkening of the under eye area or puffy under eyes. Eye creams are very popular, but can be expensive and not that great for you.

In a recent segment on the Dr. Oz show they featured eye creams, and the lack of results they provide. Apparently the ingredients used in eye creams is almost identical to the ingredients used in moisturizers. Eye creams can cost up to $60, while they provide very little to no results. In addition, eye creams can actually age your face at a faster rate. How is that possible? There are chemicals used to preserve eye creams that can create increased inflammation of the eye area.

See the full video of beauty mistakes that age you here.

Instead of spending a ton on harmful eye creams, you can create your own natural (more effective) eye cream at home with two simple ingredients. Apparently Greek yogurt is more than just a tasty treat. The ingredients in plain Greek yogurt and parsley can decrease inflammation and get rid of those pesky dark baggy under eyes.

To create this at home eye cream add some chopped parsley to a few table spoons of plain Greek yogurt. And that’s it! Apply the yogurt to the area, and leave until dry. You can then use a warm dampened towel to remove the yogurt.

If swelling or eye bags are your issue cold tea bags and ice will work as well. Often times eye bags are caused by allergies. If you have allergies an antihistamine will help as well.

Did you find this blog helpful? Let us know.

Fashion Finds Lately

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Shopping brings me so much happiness, wait is that healthy? When you lose weight there’s no better way to celebrate then by buying a new outfit in a smaller size. A wedding, birthday, or first date are just a few events that excuse a trip to the mall. This month I’ve picked up a few more fashion favorites.

This month I was feeling the black and white look. Buying basics means that you have endless opportunities for mixing and matching using your current wardrobe. With that said, here are my fashion finds for April:

Attractions: Iron Man Exhibit

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Iron Man 3 is about to come out in theaters, and I can’t wait! There’s something so awesome about Tony Stark, and the actor who plays him. Of all the super hero movies made in my lifetime, the Iron Man franchise is my favorite. I love to laugh, and Robert Downey Jr.’s dry and sarcastic sense of humor is just what I need when I sit down for a movie.

This past weekend I visited the Iron Man exhibit at Disneyland. The exhibit is located within the innovations building in Tomorrowland. The Innovations building is the location of the “House of the Future” where each room is designed with state of the art technology, created in an attempt to show visitor’s a glimpse into what our future homes will look like. In addition to this exhibit, for a limited time you can visit a little piece of Stark Industries.

In the Stark Industries exhibit you can view the evolution of the Iron Man suite. See the first model all the way through the newest version the Mark 42 used in Iron Man 3. You can also “suit up” as Iron Man with the new game featured at the exhibit. You can virtually put on the suit and fly like Iron Man. The technology works much like the Kinnect.

The only downside to this exhibit is it will cost you around $125 to see, since it is located inside of the theme park. If you are planning on visiting Disneyland this year regardless, then you definitely have to check out this fun exhibit.

News: Boston Marathon Bombing

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Imagine waking up the day of your first marathon. You are proud to be participating in the world’s oldest annual marathon, watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators. You have trained for this, dieted for this, and are ready. You make it through the race, ready to cross the finish line, and then a loud noise goes off and smoke fills your lungs.

I had another blog post planned for today, but after hearing the news of the bombing in Boston there was nothing else to write about. Watching the images of the scene is nothing but tragic. Women and men of all ages covered in cuts and blood. People being taken away in stretchers, and loaded into ambulances. Smoke billowed into the air, filling the streets where proud athletes should have been celebrating. Two explosions went off at the finish line of the race. As of now two people have been declared dead, and 23 people have been injured. Up to date news here.

To get a complete understanding of how significant this bombing was, you need an understanding of what Patriots Day and the Boston Marathon mean to the people of Boston.

Many of the injured have been training for months to prepare for this big event. The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon. It ranks as one of the world’s best known road races. People come from all around the world to participate in the Boston Marathon each year. In addition to those participating, an estimated 500,000 spectators gather to witness the race. It is actually New England’s most widely viewed sporting event, which is a tremendous feat being that the Patriots play in the city.

The Boston Marathon always takes place on Patriot’s Day. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the battle of Lexington and Concord, which was for those of you who don’t know, the first battles of the Revolutionary War. The city of Boston has declared Patriot’s Day a civic holiday, with children off from school and many people off of work.

As of now we do not know what caused the explosions or who was at fault. The FBI’s bomb experts are on their way to Boston to investigate the scene. Luckily for those at the scene, emergency personal are always located near by during marathon races. Many lives could be saved thanks to the emergency vehicles and personal who responded.

I pray for the families effected by the explosions, and for those who lost their lives for no reason. This situation is just another incident that demonstrates how fragile life truly is.

Health Risk: Vitamin Deficiency

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

With so many things to get done in a day, taking care of our skin and bodies takes a back seat to grocery shopping, picking up kids, making dinner, or juggling the many tasks of our demanding jobs. Yet if you don’t take care of your physical health, you won’t be able to do many of the things you either need or love to do.

Eating healthy is important for many reasons, but it isn’t always as convenient or delicious as fast or processed foods. If you’re not eating from essential food groups, you are probably lacking in vital vitamin categories. If you can’t get in all the nutrients you need in a day, taking vitamins is important. I have never taken vitamins, except for when I’m feeling a cold coming on, but recently I learned the danger of vitamin deficiency.

Over the past year I was much more tired, I had no energy. It became harder to lose weight, which I associated with getting older. I experienced numbness and vibration in my limbs. I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. Finally, I had blood work done when a doctor noticed a nodule on my thyroid. Thankfully there was nothing wrong with my thyroid, but she did discover a vitamin B and vitamin D deficiency. While a normal person should have around 1,100 pg/ml of vitamin B, I had 115.

Vitamin B deficiency can cause a series of health problems. Long periods of vitamin B deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage. People with 200 to 400 pg/ml can experience neuropsychiatric and hematologic abnormalities. Neuropsychiatric abnormalities include depression, bi-polar disorder, Schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. Hematologic abnormalities include anemia and vibration (numbness). Want to incorporate more vitamin B12 in your diet? This webpage lists the top ten foods for vitamin B12.

Vitamin D deficiency can cause hair loss, weak/dry hair, brittle nails, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. There are a variety of reasons why you may be deficient of vitamin D. People with dark skin are at increased risk, because the pigment melanin reduces the skin’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the sun. To increase your intake of Vitamin D naturally you would need to spend more time under the sun or visit a tanning bed. Odd since these actions can increase skin cancer and skin aging, but safe exposure is key. Wear sunscreen!

A simple blood test can determine if your body is deficient of vitamins, but you can also diagnose yourself. Listen to your body. If you are feeling tired or experiencing some of the symptoms above increase vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 isn’t always easily processed by our stomachs, so the best way to get Vitamin B12 is through drops or strips that dissolve under your tongue. GNC offers these products at around $13. Vitamin D can be taken in pill form or in yummy chews, which GNC and other health stores offer.

Start taking care of yourself, and live a longer, healthier, better life.

Baseball Season: Support Your Team While Looking Cute

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

meeshme.com

Baseball season is here whether you like it or not. Whether you are a baseball fan yourself, or attending games to please your boyfriend, there isn’t a reason why you can’t look cute. Just because you’re a sports fan doesn’t mean you can’t look feminine. Gone are the days where over-sized jerseys are your only option. Victoria Secret offers an MLB line with plenty of flirty fun pieces to choose from. As a Dodgers fan, I am partial to the white and blue. Below you will find some cute options for female baseball fans. Click on the image to be redirected to the Victoria Secret page where you can get additional information, or purchase these items. GO DODGERS!!

Summer Hot Buy: Sea Salt Spray

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Moisturizing is arguably the most important thing you can do for your skin. Our skin looks better, more youthful, when we moisturize. Many of us hit the gym hard before swimsuit season, working hard to look good in a swimsuit, but we forget to take care of our skin. When your body needs hydration you feel thirsty, but it’s harder to tell when our skin needs hydration. One sign of skin dehydration is ashy, dull looking skin. It is your skin’s way of screaming, “I’m thirsty!” You can tan or spray tan, but a good tan isn’t good unless it’s glowing.

You can make tons of excuses for why you don’t moisturize, but I have found a product that provides hassle-free moisture and shine. While window shopping this last weekend I came across this H2o Plus product. The Sea Salt Hydrating Body Gloss provides multiple benefits. This spray not only moisturizes your skin effortlessly, but also provides a glossy sheen. The scent is mild and not overpowering. The subtle scent of the sea will follow you around, reminding you that summer is near.

This spray goes on relatively dry, so you can spray and go. Unlike body splashes and other sprays, the H2o Sea Salt moisturizing body gloss won’t drip or run down your body. It’s perfect for before, during and after a beach/pool day. This H2o product costs about $15. Get a bottle or learn more here.

Spa Review: Spa Pura

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I am always looking for great spa deals. Let’s face it no matter how amazing a facial or massage may be, we don’t always feel great spending $150 for a one time service. My go-to spa has always been Burke Williams, but I recently received a spa deal I couldn’t pass up.

While walking around Montrose, CA I passed by Spa Pura. Montrose is located by the 2 Freeway North of Glendale. It’s the closest thing to a small town you will find in Los Angeles. With small shops and whole in the wall restaurants, Montrose is a charming little get away from busy L.A. Spa Pura fits in well with it’s surroundings. A small intimate spa in a town known for it’s hidden gems.

Special Deals

I decided to sign up for the mailing list on the website in hopes that a great offer would come my way. Last week it finally came. Right now Spa Pura is offering a Spring special, $119 for a 60 minute service and 30 minute service package. I enjoy facials more than a massage, so I opted for the 60 minute facial and 30 minute massage. You might be thinking that $119 isn’t cheap, and yes there are spas that offer services for $60 or less, but you have to consider overall experience. For $119 I was able to use the spa facilities which included a jacuzzi, steam room, and dry sauna. The spa also offers showers for before and after use.

Couples

Every purchased a couples spa package? Having a spa day with your significant other is a great experience, but it often leads to regret. The increased price per service doesn’t always seem worth it. At Spa Pura there is a common room for both men and women to enjoy. There are comfortable chairs where you can sit and relax together. The spa offers cucumber/lemon water, coffee, tea, and champagne to enjoy on weekends. They also offer crackers, cheese, and veggies for snacking.

Lounge Area

There are three levels to the spa, and the bottom floor is by far the best. Dimly lit with candles, this room is pure relaxation. Comfortable chairs, beautifully decorated, and ready for you to enjoy. It is the perfect location for a bachelorette party or girls spa day. Notify the spa of your special event ahead of time, and they will accommodate you.

Services

Spa Pura offers a wide range of services. At Spa Pura you can upgrade to an advanced facial. These facials decrease scars, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. To get the full list of spa services visit here. I recently enjoyed the 60 minute European Deep Cleansing Facial. The exfoliation really worked to remove dull skin. My skin felt totally refreshed afterwards. I could feel the citrus peels working to clean more pores, and I have never had a better head and neck massage than the one I received with my facial this past weekend. My 30 minute massage was great as well. The masseur used hot oils and lotions while she worked out my tense muscles. She incorporated hot stones as well.

I would definitely recommend Spa Pura to anyone. Make sure to sign up for their mailing list in order to receive special offers and savings. See an informational video here.

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Dressing for Success

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Dressing for the workplace can be stifling, especially when you work in a corporate environment. Just because you have a serious job, doesn’t mean you can’t look seriously stylish. There are so many options for today’s working woman, that there’s no reason why you can’t brighten up the drab notion of work-ware. I attend quite a few tradeshows a year, and it’s always shocking to me how many women show up in black and white. Don’t be afraid to stand out ladies! Wearing color doesn’t mean you won’t be taken seriously, but wearing black can prevent you from standing out against your competition.

That being said here is my favorite professional look of the month. The pencil skirt is from Victoriasecret.com and the peplum top is from the current Spring line in Express stores now.

Happy Easter & Sizdah Bedar

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Easter holiday this weekend. Easter means different things to different people. To many it is a very religious holiday, and Sunday morning is spent at Mass. For others it’s about decorating Easter eggs, and time spent with family. For many children, it’s about finding the most eggs or getting the biggest basket.

For my family Sunday was a celebration of two holidays. For Persians, Sunday was the celebration of the coming of Spring. The Persian New Year is actually 13 days long, and ends with a celebration in the park called Sizdah Bedar. Sizdah is the Persian word for 13. Friends and family gather together at the park with tons of food and music. One major destination for Sizdah Bedar is in Orange County. Learn more about the festivities here.

My family and I abstained from visiting one of the overcrowded parks, and instead opted to stay local. Of course my aunts still made kabob in the park, but we hunted for Easter eggs as well. I think one of the most amazing things about my family is how they were able to keep their cultural traditions while embracing American culture. It has given me an extra identity, instead of a lost one. I am very appreciative to be able to take part in wonderful traditions from both cultures.

No matter how you celebrated, I hope that you celebrated with loved ones! Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

MeeshMe

Monthly Archives: April 2013