The Sun!

I've been very careful the last few weeks to keep my arms and face protected from the sun. My arms because my dress is sleeveless and I don't want have short-sleeve lines. I've been wearing either long sleeves or tank tops with lots of sunblock. My face so that it doesn't get burned and stays in nice, young-looking condition. I'm generally pretty sun-savvy so this hasn't been a big adjustment in my routine.

But today I noticed my feet! The tan line around my flip flops is visable around the straps of my wedding sandals! I'm telling myself it's not that noticeable and my feet will mostly be covered by the long dress. But it still bugs me.

Bridal Beauty -- Drinking Water

I was all ready to lament over my inability to drink 8 glasses of water a day. (Who are these perfect super women who can do that? Do they pee in bottles so as to avoid hopping up to go the bathroom every 15 minutes?) Since I started making a conscious effort to track my water intake a few weeks ago, I noticed I only drink the 8 glasses on a day when I go running. And I felt bad about that, thinking that if 8 glasses is for a regular day, then on a running day I should drink even more.

When doing some research I expected to find a bunch of articles berating me for not drinking 8 glasses--experts telling me I must be chronically dehydrated and have bad skin and kidneys full of toxins. (Actually my skin has been looking better over the last couple weeks...) But what I found was some studies saying that 8 glasses isn't for everyone (even Snopes, the urban legend de-bunker, is in on the debate). If you excercise, yes. If you live in an excessively warm climate, yes. If you're trying to lose weight, yes. But if you're a generally healthy-eating person at your ideal weight not excercising every day, then many days you get most of the "water" you need from your diet and other beverages, and may only need 3 to 5 glasses of straight-up water. Basically, if you're peeing clear, you're hydrated (that's what my coach used to tell us, too). If you're thirsty, then you're already slightly dehydrated and should start guzzling.

Everyone agrees that water is good for you. And you can't get too much of it (except in very rare instances). 8 glasses a day is a good guideline to start with, but if you can't do it, don't force yourself. Everyone's body is different and everyone's nutritional needs are different. If the 8 glasses regime works for you, then I'm in awe of how you do it!

What have I noticed since I started drinking my super amounts of water? I have to admit my skin looks better. But I also started using a new toner and night cream recently. I'm drinking less coffee. I guess that's healthy. I can't sleep through the night without waking up to pee. That sucks. I'm filling up with water and eating fewer fruits and veggies. I don't think that's too good. But now that I know I don't need to force 8 glasses upon myself, I can have a salad and skip a glass of water or two, so that should balance out.

Articles. Take 'em or leave 'em.
Snopes.com
CNN Health
WebMD
About.com Nay
About.com Yay

Your Bridal Skincare Routine

You’ve set the date and picked out your invitations everything seems to be under control until you realize one crucial thing you are forgetting. You. You are forgetting the importance of taking care of yourself in the all the wedding commotion.

Some experts say that a bride must start her bridal skincare routine at least six months out in order to truly be a blushing bride. I think that is a bit extreme. If you are going to try something new then I say, give it two maybe three months tops to begin treatments. However, if you are just going to be extra diligent with your skincare rituals (which I highly endorse) then, begin that at least one month before the big day.

First up is determining what type of skin you have. Is it oily, sensitive, combination, mature or acne-prone? Does it often feel dry in patches or all over? Often times a dry skin can become incredibly oily after switching to a new product line. Never fear! That will quickly remedy itself within a week of the new products use. It was just your skin’s way of saying, “Help! I’m way too dry! FIX ME!”

Next step is using a good cleanser that matches your skin. You don’t want something that is harsh or full of soapy detergents either. My rule is the less ingredients and chemicals in the cleanser and the less it lathers, the better off your skin is. A good toner is next for your skin, one that suits your skin type. This will help balance out whatever issues your facial tissue is having.

The third step is the most important. Moisturize, moisturize. Moisturize your entire body daily from head to toe, not just your face. If you are not used to using body lotion pick out one that you like so it makes it fun and easy to remember to use each day. Remember to purchase a separate eye cream for the delicate tissue around your eyes and dab it on delicately. Never rub it in, as it will cause the skin to sag later. Apply a facial lotion each morning and one before bedtime too. This will encourage even more of a balance in your skin. If possible, use products from the same line as they will compliment each other and add to your beauty arsenal. Try to apply the facial lotion in an upwards motion each time you apply. We must fight gravity wherever we can!

Once a week use a facial scrub to eliminate dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin. A good masque will also help. The scrub can be done in the shower at anytime day or night. There is no need to try and schedule it in. Slather on the masque when you have a few extra minutes before heading into the shower and rinse it off then. This doesn’t have to be a hard chore.

It may seem like a lot of work if you aren’t used to this type of thing, but combined with drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day you skin will glow and be the best it can be come your wedding day and all the days before and after. Besides, it only takes two weeks of doing something for it to become routine.

So remember- wash your face twice a day, morning, and night. Tone and moisturize it too. Apply a masque and facial scrub once a week to keep you looking your best.

A great product line to use is Arbonne. They are 100% Vegan, all natural with a limited amount of packaging. The products speak for themselves in just a few days time and if you don’t like them, there is a 45-day money back guarantee. For more information ask Vicky and visit the Arbonne website at www.arbonne.com to check the product lines out yourself! Great gifts for bridesmaids can also be found there.