You want to have a brighter complexion that’s free from fine lines, dry, flaky bits, spots, acne and red blotchy patches; skin that doesn’t feel as though it’s dying a slow and painful death from exposure to all manner of evil elements. The answer, my friend, is waiting in your fridge.

What you eat every day has a powerful effect on the way your skin looks and feels. Yes, you can nurture your skin with products designed to protect it on the outside, but it’s the internal nurturing you do that will really help make a difference. We have known for some time that our skin is a reflection of our nutritional status. What’s really exciting, though, is that we are beginning to understand much more about the best foods to consume to improve the health, functioning and beauty of our skin. Remember, you only get out of it what you put into it.

Here’s my guide to beautiful, healthy skin you’ll be proud of.

1. CARROTS: help protect against skin cancer
Carrots are an excellent source of the antioxidant group called carotenoids, the most common being Bcarotene. During prolonged exposure to UV rays, blood levels of B-carotene decrease
which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Studies have shown that consuming 30mg of B-carotene per day (that’s the equivalent of about four carrots) for two weeks before, as well as during, a “holiday in the sun”, prevents the drop in B-carotene associated with increased cancer risk. It may also increase the reflective capacity of the skin. The combination of increasing the amount of carotenoids in the diet, and using sunscreen, appears to enhance the protective effects of both.

2. FISH: involved in calming inflammation of the skin
Fish contains dietary compounds valuable for the skin. It’s a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that combat free radicals that damage collagen networks within the skin. Omega-3 is a substance that will invade areas with infected pimples, helping to reduce inflammation. Some studies also confirm its benefits for reducing inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna, are excellent omega-3 sources and need to be consumed about three times a week to ensure a good intake of omega-3. If you are allergic to fish or don’t like it, see the list below for some alternative sources of omega-3.

OMEGA OPTIONS
If you are not a fish eater, add one of the following for the same amount of omega-3 fats as a 150g salmon fillet:
2 tablespoons (40g) walnut oil
2 tablespoons (40g) wheat germ oil
2 tablespoons (40g) soy bean oil
1 1/2 tablespoon (30g) canola oil
3 1/2 tablespoons (18g) linseed
4 tablespoons (60g) walnuts
1 1/2 cups (300g) soy beans, uncooked

3. DARK-GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES: rejuvenate skin
Nutrients in dark-green leafy vegetables such as spinach, silver beet, Asian greens and dark-green salad mix have many skinrejuvenating properties. These foods contain the anti-oxidant B-carotene (that is also found in carrots), which has the capacity to destroy cell-damaging free radicals. Iron is also present in these vegetables, and together with the vitamin C they contain, ensures that oxygen is transported to the skin’s cells. An iron deficiency can result in large dark circles forming under the eyes. Broccoli also contains the anti-oxidant vitamin C, which helps to cross-link collagen fibres and prevents collagen from being destroyed by free radicals. Collagen networks support the skin, help promote elasticity and stop it from becoming loose. Collagen also reduces bruising. To enhance the absorption of B-carotene, drizzle a little nut, olive or seed oil over raw or lightly steamed vegetables. Remember that overcooking will destroy the vitamin C.

4. CITRUS FRUIT: keeps your skin elastic
These fruits, which include oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, mandarins and tangelos, contain two compounds that are beneficial for skin health: vitamin C and limonene. Vitamin C works to preserve collagen. Short-term supplementation, under medical supervision, with high daily doses of vitamin C (3g), together with vitamin E (2g), has been shown to reduce the effects of acute sunburn. Limonene, an anti-oxidant found particularly in the peel, may help to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

5. SOY: keeps your skin looking youthful
Phytoestrogens in soy foods, such as soy drinks, tofu, soy and linseed bread, have been found to act like the hormone oestrogen. They help to delay the onset of dry skin and the wrinkling associated with the ageing process. Another important component which is present in soy products is vitamin E, which boosts new cell growth. The exact quantities of phytoestrogens that need to be consumed in order to reap the benefits are unknown. However, including soy products in your diet several times a week is probably a good starting point.

6. WHOLEGRAIN CEREALS: eliminate toxins
The skin is a reflection of your internal health, and toxins within the body can result in unhealthy looking skin. Fibre found in wholegrains acts like a purifying system by filtering wastes out of the body. This helps to boost the skin’s potential to be healthy and clear. Calcium may also have a role to play in the removal of toxins. So the combination of a wholegrain breakfast cereal and calcium-rich milk or soy may offer additional benefits. Isovitexin, which is an anti-oxidant found in wild rice, in particular, has been touted as having antiageing properties for the skin and is also found in some skin creams.

7. TOMATOES: fight collagen damage and premature wrinkling
Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, which has the potential to decrease collagen damage deep within the skin’s tissue, which is where wrinkles are formed. Many skin treatments and creams now contain lycopene, but there appear to be enhanced benefits from eating foods containing lycopene, such as tomatoes, watermelon, guava and pink grapefruit. The redder the tomato, the higher its lycopene content. Cooking tomatoes increases this level.

8. BERRIES: slow down the ageing process
Anti-oxidants called anthocyanins have anti-ageing abilities, as they are believed to protect the body against chemical carcinogens and ultraviolet light. They are found in berries such as strawberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and cranberries. These fruits also contain the anti-oxidant vitamin C, which helps to reconstruct damaged collagen. Berries can be eaten all year round. But if fresh berries are not available, try buying them frozen from supermarkets or drink blackcurrant juice to boost your anthocyanin intake.

9. PLANT AND SEED OILS: healthy glow, reduced dryness
Oils from olives, nuts and avocados provide the skin with a healthy glow. The essential fatty acids found in these foods reduce clogged pores by thinning out the oils secreted by them. It has been suggested that people affected by eczema have an abnormal essential fatty acid metabolism and may benefit from an adjustment of the types and quantities of the fat in their diet. However, this sort of dietary manipulation is complex. The presence of vitamin E in these oils ensures the production of new cell growth, keeping the skin supple, smooth and moist. The combination of this antioxidant vitamin with others such as Bcarotene is believed to protect against erythema (redness of the skin) and therefore may be useful for diminishing sensitivity to ultraviolet light and the effects of sun damage. How much do we need? Including small amounts of these healthy oils in your diet every day would be advisable for healthy skin.

10. SHELLFISH: promotes clear, smooth skin
The acne terminator zinc, found in oysters and other molluscs, decreases acne flareups. It also plays a major role in helping break down damaged collagen, allowing new collagen to form which, in turn, makes the skin look youthful. One of the clinical signs of zinc deficiency is dry, flaky skin. Most people need 12mg of zinc per day, so try some of these foods: ‘/2 dozen oysters (19mg), 100g lean lamb (Smg), l bowl of fortified breakfast cereal (2mg), 1 cup of baked beans (1.Smg), 1 cup of cooked spinach (lmg), 1 slice of wholemeal bread (0.4mg).

Just wondering, why men don’t want sex? Hope this post could educate more women

1. You’re fat
2. It’s the 4th quarter or overtime
3. You’re not that good
4. We’re about to eat
5. We just ate too much
6. We’ve got a better looking girl or more nympho girl on the side
7. We just got off the phone with your annoying mother
8. You’re still not in shape
9. Having sex with a condom is like eating food without taste
10. We took care of ourselves all ready
11. I’m tired of doing all the work while you just lay there

Other close reasons are: Hormonal levels, Medications, Lack of sleep, Identity issues, Fear of intimacy, Turn-off to aspects of the sex, Difficulties functioning Sexually, Disagreements with the bitch, Stress, Stabbings, Burnings, Food Poisoning, Crying.

My friend gave me another list:
1. You spent a good portion of the night scratching your balls.
2. You’re not that hot.
3. Your photo in your profile is a few years old when you were thinner and had more hair.
4. You’re in desperate need of laser hair reduction on your neck, chest, and belly.
5. She’s really just using you to get to your supa-hot friend.
6. The night’s still young and she still has a chance of going home with someone better.
7. You ordered a bottle of chablis at dinner and pronounced it chab-less.
8. You’re wearing way too much cheap cologne.
9. When you kissed her, you tried to force your cold, wet, slobbery tongue down her throat, and she could guess right away you didn’t have enough experience to make anything else worth her time.

What do you think??? Let us know leave your comment below……..

What’s your inclination for a Romantic Day meal: elegant and involved or fast and fun? Culinary speed queen Rachael Ray and domestic authority Martha Stewart recently sat down with The AP to chart out their ideas for the perfect at-home dinner for a Romantic Day.

Hoping to ease some of the Hallmark moment anxiety couples new and old face on this day defined by hearts and cards, both agreed that the perfect ending to the perfect meal is a snuggle on the couch accompanied by a good movie; some options are Casablanca or When Harry Met Sally, Ray’s picks, or Out of Africa or the 1940 version of Pride and Prejudice, as Stewart suggested.

“Cards have to be sent. I love cards and I send them to every man I care about, whether they’re boyfriends, former boyfriends or business colleagues,” Stewart said. “And I make up silly cards because I think Valentine’s Day is a silly holiday.” Before the meal, Stewart would serve a cocktail or rose Champagne. And she likes the idea of a duet, a meal the couple plans and prepares together. “Some men don’t like to cook at all, so you just let them get drunk,” Stewart said, laughing.

Start the dinner with a salad of gently roasted vegetables, perhaps wild mushrooms and baby asparagus tossed with fresh herbs, mache (a salad green) and sliced endive. Then move on to pasta, such as fettuccini Alfredo with shaved white truffles. If white truffles aren’t your thing, or are out of your budget, Stewart suggests a Parmesan souffle. Then continue the theme into dessert with a pistachio soufflz with a molten chocolate center.
For a special touch, Stewart enjoys making a heart-shaped box, which she fills with chocolates, candies or pastries. The directions for making such boxes appear in the current issue of Stewart’s magazine. And don’t forget to set the mood with an attractively set table, flowers and, of course music. Stewart opts for Leonard Cohen.

For this dinner, Ray suggests starting with a salad of caramelized onions and toasted hazelnuts over baby spinach and plum tomatoes.
Pair that with a skillet steak with a cognac sauce, a good opportunity to impress your date by getting fancy with flames in the kitchen. It’s also a good chance to end the evening in the ER, so don’t get too cocky. And for dessert, chocolate cups topped with fresh whipped cream.
Most importantly, don’t stress. If the meal tanks, get takeout.
“Even if you burn everything, even if it looks like charcoal briquettes or there’s too much salt or if you brought a cassava melon home instead of a spaghetti squash, it doesn’t matter because the effort was made,” Ray said.

Hi All,

Time for some Fashion Trivia.

Brocade seems to be the trend this season. So, all you fashionable women out there ‘Go for Baroque’ this fall.

Look at a few trend tips for Female fashion 2006/7 I managed from the net:

If tweed was the fabric of the past few years and velvet is the current love, then brocade is the next big fashion fabric.

Brocade Parade
Get ready for a “brocade parade” as we head into the holidays. This gorgeous printed fabric is at the top of every fashionista’s must-have list — consider a pair of shoes, a slim clutch handbag, a scarf or shawl — or even a fabulous suit. You get extra trend points if your brocade piece is embellished with faux fur, jewels or velvet trim — or all of the above!

Season’s Hottest style - Go for Baroque - This rich and opulent trend includes lush fabrics like velvet and brocade in deep jewel tones mixed with gold.

Brocade is a rich and elaborate couture fabric with a raised and embossed texture. It is widely used with a satin and silk background to accentuate hand beading, tonal metallic threading, and embroidery. Brocade is extensively used for dresses, shoes, handbags, scarves, stoles, home furnishings.

Gold, Gold and Even More Gold Brocade!

This fall and winter expect to shimmer and glimmer in golden yellow colours. Tones through lemon, melon, chartreuse to sand, honey, bright yellow, mustard, butter, corn, straw and gold abound. You will find these golden colours in every fabric among wools, wool jersey, silk jersey and satins. Sparkling opulent brocade fabrics go right across the colour range from the creamiest of honey to the most lustrous golden copper sheens. –

U.S. researchers have put out a new warning which states that permanent makeup can lead to disfigurement risk of “serious, long-term disfiguring reactions” for the 8 million women who use it. The warning comes from the CDC’s Masja Straetemans, PhD, and Martin Belson, MD, along with the FDA’s Linda Katz, MD, MPH. They have long known that allergic reactions can occur with such ink injections, women usually use this permanent makeup in the form of injections which can be used to enhance the eyebrows, eyelids, as well as lips.

The problem with it though is that the side effects are vast and apparent already. Masja Straetemans of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the findings they have now show that permanent make up can result in “serious, long-term disfiguring reactions.
“Permanent makeup” — a kind of tattoo of the lips, eyelids and eyebrows — can for years disfigure patients who suffer allergic reactions. “Of the 92 women [included in the study], 89 had used ink shades from the specific company in at least one procedure after June 1, 2003, before the development of health problems,” the study’s lead author, Masja Straetemans, a senior epidemiologist at the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, Germany.
More than 9 out of 10 had swelling and tenderness, nearly that many complained of itching, and more than 4 out of 5 had bumps.

They found that the allergic reaction lasted anywhere from five months to more than three years. “In 68% the reactions had not healed at the time of the telephone interview,” said Straetemans. Like a regular tattoo, the permanent makeup procedure injects pigment into a deep layer of skin called the dermis, according to the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM). The epidermis is the layer of skin which is visible, and the one that constantly sheds and renews itself.

Straetemans’ team notes that the ink product line associated with most of the reactions reported by the patients they studied was recalled in September 2004. The researchers point out that they don’t know how many people have gotten permanent makeup, so it’s not clear if adverse events are rare or common in those people. Straetemans and colleagues ask consumers and medical professionals to report adverse reactions to permanent makeup procedures to the FDA.

The body sees the pigment as a foreign body and reacts to it, causing a chronic inflammatory reaction,” said Dr. Ellen Marmur, chief of dermatological surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “The area gets swollen, bumpy and red. It looks like a bad, bumpy scar. It’s very unattractive.” Marmur said it’s impossible to know ahead of time who will have a reaction on the tattoo and who won’t, although most of the people interviewed for the study — 74 percent — had a history of allergies. Additionally, the study found that people with allergies took twice as long to heal, on average, Straetemans said.

Marmur suggests to reduce the risks and to ask for a list of ingredients in the inks to see if there’s anything likely to cause a reaction. Also, the patient should know beforehand whether that particular ink can be removed at a later date. Some red inks, which could be used in a lipstick tattoo, turn black and become permanent if they’re exposed to the lasers commonly used to remove tattoos, she said.