Fashion and Style Lookbook: The Big Chop: Everything You Need to Know!

Fashion and Style Lookbook: The Big Chop: Everything You Need to Know!: For starters, ‘what is a BIG CHOP or BC’?? The Big Chop is when you cut off all the relaxed ends of your hair at one time. Some people ‘tra...

The Big Chop: Everything You Need to Know!

For starters, ‘what is a BIG CHOP or BC’?? The Big Chop is when you cut off all the relaxed ends of your hair at one time. Some people ‘transition’ before their BC in which they let their hair grow out for a while (several months – year), and this is where the questions arise.


Whats the point? Why can’t I just transition until my natural hair is the same length that I have right now?

There are several reasons why doing a BC is good:
You get to learn about your hair as it grows; this is REALLY fun!!
You are able do a lot of product experimenting to find the best products for your hair.
During the transition period there is a major break point where the two textures meet, and without a lot of TLC you can cause your hair a lot of stress.
Less likely to give in to the ‘relaxer-addiction’ and put a relaxer in your.


I don’t like the texture of my hair as its growing out, so what if I don’t like it completely natural?

From experience, I can tell you, that the texture that grows out with “relaxed” ends is nothing like the texture when its completely natural. Subconsciously, you are comparing the new roots to the “relaxed” ends and of course they will feel different; but once you get rid of the “relaxed” ends your natural hair will take its true, beautiful, form!!

Honestly, the transitioning phase can be trying at times, and you may feel like you just want to throw in the towel and “put a relaxer in” because it would make things “easier” but RESIST!! Think about how much good you will be doing to your hair, mind, and body by not chemically altering the natural texture of your hair! Applaud yourself for not putting harmful chemicals on your scalp for your skin to absorb! In the end, you will be glad you stayed strong because your natural hair will be FUN, EASY, BEAUTIFUL, and SINCERELY YOURS!!
Credit: Jocelyn Reneé

Healthy Monday- 9 Ways To Beat The Heat And Fall Asleep In High Temperatures

Bedroom feel more like a Swedish sauna than a tranquil haven? Try these top tips

© Getty

When the temperatures rise, falling asleep can be quite the feat. From fighting with your duvet to battling the sounds of the main road now that your windows are wide open - here are 10 tips to make the whole process a bit easier.

1/ TIRE YOURSELF OUT
'Best way to get to sleep in summer? I swear by a long run to tire myself out, followed by a cold shower. It's a shock to the system but grit your teeth, nothing gets your temperature down faster. Apologies to my housemates: that yelping coming from the bathroom was me.' - Katie Teehan, 

2/ THIN SHEETS
'The only way I'll get any shut eye in summer is with thin sheets, the fan on full blast, windows open, little or no pyjamas, and an ice cold glass of water on my nightstand. Some might say that I go to extreme lengths to stay cool in the heat, and, well, they may be right.' - Alexia Dellner, Web Writer

3/ A FAN
'A crappy little oscillating fan perched on my bedside table and aimed straight at my face ensures a good night's slumber. Bonus: it gives me peaceful dreams about being out at sea!' - Agilene De Villa, Acting Chief Sub-editor

4/ FOOT SOAK
'I like to soak my feet in the bath in cold water while I'm washing my face in the sink – it cools me down just before I turn in for the night.' - Amy Grier, Features Editor

5/ A BORING BOOK
'My trick for a good night's sleep is a really long run in the evening followed by a quick shower and a boring book in bed. As soon as the lights are out, I'm zzzzzzz!' 

6/ PEPPERMINT PILLOW SPRAY
'My trick for a sleeping in the heat? Silk sheets and a peppermint pillow spray. Luxurious and cool.' - 

7/ SLEEP NAKED
'Too hot to sleep? Easy. Just sleep naked.' - Anita Bhagwandas, Health and Beauty Editor

8/ FOOT CREAM
'If I have hot feet I CANNOT sleep! So I've invested in a cooling foot cream (Udderly Gorgeous Leg & Foot Treatment, £18.50 from cowshedonline.com) 

9/ EYE MASKS
'If you're not adverse to sleep accessories double up on your eye masks. Wear a comfy silk style next to your skin topped with The Body Shop's cooling eye mask that you've chilled in your freezer all day. Together they'll soothe tired, heat-irritated eyes without the risk of brain freeze.

Credit:Women Health

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Sunglasses: 7 chic shades for under £20

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Sunglasses: 7 chic shades for under £20: A new pair of sunnies can revamp your warm weather look without costing a fortune – these pretty and practical frames will keep your eyes sh...

Sunglasses: 7 chic shades for under £20

A new pair of sunnies can revamp your warm weather look without costing a fortune – these pretty and practical frames will keep your eyes shaded fro the sun whilst upping the chic factor to your look.



H&M-£5.99

The aviator shade never goes out of style – its timeless! This blue tinted pair will look just as

good with a shirt and trews as they will with a bikini on the beach.



Miss Selfridges-£10
Tortoiseshell and cate eyed shape give this pair a classic feel – Audrey Hepburn would be proud!






NewLook-£5.99
We officially heart this quirky framed pair! These are the playful way to add personality to your outfit.



Dorothy Perkins-£8.00

Hexagonal shape give sthe classic oversized shades a whole new feel for 2015.



Topshop-£18

Get yourself noticed with this bold and bright set of zingy shades – a great match for anequallybold, colour block outfit.



Oasis:£10

These clear frames will work with just about any outfit – buy now and you’ll be wearing for seasons to come.



River Island

The blooming marvellous pair will look fab with a tee and denim cut offs for a festival

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Healthy Monday:Can Lemon Water Really Help You Los...

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Healthy Monday:Can Lemon Water Really Help You Los...: Or have the people who swear by it been feeding you b.s? Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow guzzle hot water with lemon as if the liquid was bott...

Healthy Monday:Can Lemon Water Really Help You Lose Weight

Or have the people who swear by it been feeding you b.s?





Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow guzzle hot water with lemon as if the liquid was bottled at the Fountain of Youth itself. They're certain it aids in weight loss - but is the claim too good to be true?

"Hot water with lemon in and of itself does not cause any actual weight loss," says Alissa Rumsey, R.D., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. However, if this drink is replacing a beverage that is higher in calories, like coffee with sugar or fruit juice - and that results in a calorie deficit - then it can help you lose weight.


Drinking water - whether hot or cold, infused with lemon, or plain - also helps keep your metabolism humming. "Staying hydrated is an important component of a healthy diet because it boosts your metabolism," says Rumsey. "For those that don't enjoy plain water, adding some lemon is a great way to boost the flavour without adding calories."

In the short term, drinking water with lemon can also reduce bloating - it acts as a mild, natural diuretic, says Rumsey. However, if you're experiencing bloating in the long-term, it's best to figure out what is causing it and works to stop those habits: Eating too fast, drinking through a straw, drinking carbonated beverages, consuming too much salt, and consuming foods with sugar alcohols are common culprits.


You also don't want to chug water with lemon religiously if you experience heartburn or acid reflux, as the citrus in the lemon will only exacerbate your symptoms, says Rumsey. Now you know!

Credit:Jillian Kramer

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Sleek Smokey Eye + Nude Lips (Makeup)

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Sleek Smokey Eye + Nude Lips (Makeup): Follow this tutorial step by step to achieve this Glam look. Credit:Omabelle

Sleek Smokey Eye + Nude Lips (Makeup)

Follow this tutorial step by step to achieve this Glam look.

Credit:Omabelle

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Everything You Need To Know About Bras

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Everything You Need To Know About Bras:  Make a list Go to the store armed with a list of what bras you need and plan to buy. This will vary from person to person but two nu...

Everything You Need To Know About Bras

•  Make a list

Go to the store armed with a list of what bras you need and plan to buy. This will vary from person to person but two nude bras, two black bras, one strapless, one sports bra and one bra without underwire for comfort is a good starting point.

• Know your body type

Be aware of your body type so you know what bras to look for. For example, if you are more of a top-heavy "apple" shape, you will likely be looking for fuller coverage bras, not demi-cups. If you're not sure what type you are, a full guide by body type can be found in Luciani's guide to all things bras, The Bra Book.

• Check transparency

Wear or bring a thin T-shirt to the store so you can see what each bra looks like under the sheerest of circumstances. You don't want any surprises the first time you wear it!

• Be open-minded about your size

If you're surprised (or disappointed), remember that the bra size is just a number (and a letter). The proper fit of the bra is the most important part.

• Be flexible

If you're in a bind and there's a bra that you really love but they don't have your size, it's usually OK to go up a band size and down a cup size – or vice versa.

• Have a discerning eye

Don't be afraid to put the bra on and face yourself in the mirror with a critical eye. If you see any gaps, spillage, digging in or other signs of poor fit, it's not the right bra. Turn around and look at the back as well. The back band can be very telling too when it comes to proper fit. There should be no gaping, riding up or bulges.

• Get accessories

Don't forget to pick up some bra accessories, too, so you avoid any faux pas depending on what you'll be wearing. Breast petals and double-sided tape are always good to have on hand.

• Don't get stuck in a size rut

Write down the date of your visit and be sure to plan another one six months to a year later (bra sizes fluctuate due to weight gain, hormonal changes, aging and other life changes, so it's important to get fitted at least once a year). Bras also need to be replaced every six months to a year due to wear and tear.

• Take good care of your bras

Once you make your purchase, it's up to you to take good care of your bra. It's best to hand wash, but if you need to put it in the washing machine, make sure the bra is encased in a protective garment bag. Always air dry – never put your bras in the dryer.

Almost 80 percent of women wear the wrong size bra, so follow these tips to make sure you pick the right size every time.

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Healthy Monday: A Word From Beyonce On Eating Her...

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Healthy Monday: A Word From Beyonce On Eating Her...: Is 22 days with Marco Borges really enough to change booty, body & bad habits? A lot has been said about Beyoncé’s 22 Days Nutrition Mea...

Healthy Monday: A Word From Beyonce On Eating Herself Healthy

Is 22 days with Marco Borges really enough to change booty, body & bad habits?

A lot has been said about Beyoncé’s 22 Days Nutrition Meal Plan, a plant-based meal delivery service in collaboration with Marco Borges, plus the book that goes by the same name. But recently it was Beyoncé who was doing the talking.

"I am not naturally the thinnest woman," she told the Good Morning America audience. "I have curves. I have struggled with diets and finding something that works for me."

The plan, which focuses on changing eating habits over a 22-day period, hence the name, is a hybrid of detailed meal advice and daily mantras.


In fact Borges, who also counts Jay-Z (naturally), J-Lo, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams as his clients is so confident of his approach that he promises you’ll be hailing the kale.

‘Short-term goals can lead to life-changing and long-term results. Spend 21 days breaking bad habits and adopting positive new habits, and I promise on the 22nd day, you’ll be on your way to a healthier – and happier – life,’ says Borges.


Surprisingly is this age of protein, protein, protein – let’s be honest, you can’t navigate a supermarket isle without clocking multiple packets emblazoned with this trendy word – Borges diet is carb-heavy (80 percent).


‘I suggest a breakdown of 80 percent carbohydrates, 10 percent fat, 10 percent protein. And that’s easy on a plant-based diet, because fruits and vegetables are naturally full of complex carbohydrates and low in fat,’ he notes in his book.

That said, he suggests switching carrots for Quinoa and broccoli or cauliflower for legumes if you’re trying to lose lbs.

Then there’s the 5 mantras to munch by:
Choose Plant-Based over Processed
Eat three mindful meals a day
Aim for 80-10-10 (80 percent carbs, 10 percent fat, 10 percent protein)
Exercise for 30 minutes each day
Drink water, aka don’t drink your calories

But does it work?

"The weight stayed off," confirmed Beyoncé on GMA. She later added that eating this way also re-vamped her skin too. Win-win?

Credit:Womens health

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Dress The Way You Should Be Addressed

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Dress The Way You Should Be Addressed: Many of today’s Christians don’t pay attention to their physical appearance. They have overstretched the fact that physical appearance may...

Dress The Way You Should Be Addressed

Many of today’s Christians don’t pay attention to their physical appearance. They have overstretched the fact that physical appearance may be deceptive at times. Although the Bible confirms this to be true in Proverbs 31:30, it is also true that what you show on the outside is a reflection of who you are on the inside………………………..


Many years ago, some foreign teachers came to teach in our Bible college, and he taught our students that how they dressed did not matter, rather it was that which was inside of them that was important. To correct this wrong teaching, I went to the nearby market to buy two similar oranges. The only difference between them was the fact that one was yellow and the other was green.

I took the orange to class, showed them to the students and asked: “Given an option to choose which one would be sweeter?”

Then I further asked how they arrived at this conclusion, since they had not cut them open. They replied “THE OUTSIDE APPEARANCE SHOWS WHAT IS INSIDE.”


That drove home the message. When you dress in a way that people begin to wonder whether you know the difference between the PUBLIC and the PRIVATE parts of your body, then you need to learn Christian dressing ethics………


ACTION POINT

Look into your wardrobe, bring out any attire that promotes lust and sexual provocation and get rid of them. Let your wardrobe be BORN-AGAIN! (this got me cracking)!!!


#Asoebi #StyleInspiration #ColourMixing #SilverandCoral




Credit:NHN Couture.com

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Colour pop lipsticks to brighten your look - pucke...

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Colour pop lipsticks to brighten your look - pucke...: You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your daytime style a lift for summer a bold, colour pop lip will instantly breathe new life into y...

Colour pop lipsticks to brighten your look - pucker up from just £1

You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your daytime style a lift for summer a bold, colour pop lip will instantly breathe new life into your look whilst brightening your face for the sunshine. From magentas to blues, we have hunted down some of our faves that will certainly perk up your pout for the warm weather months

.

MakeUp Revolution £1
This purse friendly number may be a little scary for everyday but will make a fun finish for festival season.

Bourjois Paris Shine in Shine Famous £7.99

Not only is this bold pink hue a statement maker but the formula contains gloss ingredients which gives it's a super shiny finish too.

MAC Lipstick in Neon Orange £15.50

This peachy toned beauty will sit nicely with a fresh tan whilst on holiday.

GOSH Velvet Touch in Red145 £6.99

This punchy red shade has a silky finish that wont dry out your lips, even after days of wear.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Mauve Mania £6.99

This unusual colour is a cooler alternative to pink yet still light enough to wear during the day – its enriched with honey nectar too, so your lips will stay kissably soft.

Barry M Matte Lip Paint in Infinite Pink £ 3.49

This super hot pink comes with a matte finish to give it a high fashion feel for a total bargain.

Topshop Lip Polish in Prodigy £8

This zingy orange will make the ultimate finish for a colour block dress and a flick of eyeliner – pucker up colour lovers!

Credit:Closer

Fashion and Style Lookbook: 10 Makeup Tricks Every Woman Needs To Know

Fashion and Style Lookbook: 10 Makeup Tricks Every Woman Needs To Know: We all put on makeup (at least some of the time), but is your technique yielding the best possible results? Here, Kimberly Soane, the direct...

10 Makeup Tricks Every Woman Needs To Know

We all put on makeup (at least some of the time), but is your technique yielding the best possible results? Here, Kimberly Soane, the director of artistry at Bobbi Brown, offers up some simple pointers to make sure we're using everything from concealer to bronzer to mascara right.





Never put concealer or foundation on your eyelids as a base, it will cause your eye makeup to crease.



Use your fingers to apply your foundation if you want sheer coverage and a brush if you more polished, medium to full coverage.




Always apply powder where you are shiniest first, which it usually your T-zone, with a very light dusting everywhere else.





You should put bronzer on your neck, face, and chest to even out your skin tone. Be sure to take a step back and make sure everything is the same color.




When applying blush, first smile, then start on the apple of the cheek, blend the blush back towards the top of the ear, then down toward the jawline.




Always apply your brow pencil or powder to the upper portion of the eyebrow to lift your face up.

You want to make sure your lipstick is not too defined at your cupid's bow (the top of your lip), and that it goes all the way out to the inner corners of your mouth. Be sure to press down hard as you apply.




Always start with a base shadow without any shimmer that matches the lightest skin tone on your face and apply all over your lid up to the brow. You should use this base shadow to make sure the darker shadows used on your lid up to the crease are properly blended.




Instead of looking straight ahead at the mirror, get as close to it as possible, stick your head up and bring your chin toward the mirror. You want to look down as you apply, starting at the inner corner and making sure to go all the way out to the fold on the outside of the eye.



You don't want to do quick soft motions when you apply mascara. Instead, jam the wand into the root of the lash and do zigzag motions as you go up.

Credit :Elle

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Healty Monday:Tips for Staying Hydrated In The Hea...

Fashion and Style Lookbook: Healty Monday:Tips for Staying Hydrated In The Hea...: You've heard all the advice: Drink eight glasses of water a day. Stay properly hydrated while exercising. Sports drinks aren't just ...

Healty Monday:Tips for Staying Hydrated In The Heat

You've heard all the advice: Drink eight glasses of water a day. Stay properly hydrated while exercising. Sports drinks aren't just for professional athletes.


Yet you're still unsure whether you're drinking the right amount for good health.
How much fluid should you really be taking in daily? Do you need to add extra when you're physically active? And is too much water dangerous?

Everyone's body needs water. We lose it by sweating, excretion, or simply not taking in enough through foods—like fruits and vegetables—and drinks. Mild dehydration (losing less than two percent of your body weight due to inadequate fluids) can cause health problems, including dizziness and headache.

To keep your body supplied with the fluid it needs, especially when exercising, follow these tips:

• Get the basics. Most women need eight to nine cups of total fluids a day, including all beverages and the water in foods. 

• Increase according to the weather. High temperatures or humidity outside, heated indoor air and high altitudes all cause you to need more fluids. 

• And when exercising. Drink one cup of fluids every 15 minutes during physical activity, advises Werner W.K. Hoeger, Ed.D., FACSM, professor of kinesiology and director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Boise State University. He recommends sports drinks over water when exercising because they contain electrolytes—important to provide the minerals necessary for proper cellular metabolism—which is disrupted during physical exertion. Electrolyte replacement also helps maintain proper muscle contraction and cardiac function. 

• Add more for big events. If you're going to be in a race or charity walk, make sure you drink enough to be well-hydrated the day before, Hoeger adds. Also, drink a glass of fluids an hour before the event. 

• Drinking for two? Pregnant and nursing women need additional fluids. Talk with your health care professional about what's best for you. 

Still thirsty? If drinking fluids doesn't relieve your thirst, you may have a health condition such as diabetes. See your health care professional right away.


Too much of a good thing. In very rare cases—chiefly among marathon runners—drinking too much fluid leads to a life-threatening illness, hyponatremia. This occurs when sodium levels in the blood fall too low. It happens chiefly to athletes who have run for more than four hours and gained a lot of weight during the race from drinking.

Credit :Woman's health

8 Natural Ways To Firm Up Saggy & Droopy Breasts

Boobs fall mostly because of natural reasons, which range from childbearing to old age.

Whenever this happens, your pair of once firm boobs drop and most likely makes you uncomfortable.

However, most people believe surgery is the only way you can have your boobs back to the way it used to be but this article would prove that wrong by listing the eight natural ways you can firm up your boobs.

Push Ups

This form of exercise is mostly associated to men but Push Ups are a good way to firm up your twins.

Start your day with Push Ups and go easy at first then as time goes on, you can increase the number of times.

Keep a healthy lifestyle

Eat your greens, drink lots of water and quit smoking. Also, do not forget to exercise regularly.

Aerobic exercise

Aerobics would increase your heart rate and burn off the excess fat in your breats, thereby reducing every extra fat and making the breasts firmer.

Careful with the Bra

Bras are designed to keep the twins in place however, be sure to discard your bra whenever you sleep and every time you can.

Also, use comfortable sport bras during workouts so the breasts don’t become flaccid as a result of intense workouts.

Bench presses

This form of exercise is a great idea when you want to target your chest muscles and make the boobs firmer.

Just remember to relax in between and drink lots of water to enable quick metabolism.

Swimming

Not everyone is made for the sweatiness in the gym and the type of atmosphere it offers.

And that is why there is the option of swimming.

Swimming is a good way to perk up the chest muscles. While swimming for the boobs, think breaststroke.

Hot and cold water therapy

The next time you take a bath, keep switching the temperature of the water from hot to cool. You can begin with a full minute under both or two minutes under hot and one minute under cold.

Be careful not to make the water so hot it burns.

This therapy helps blood flow and blood flowing well which leads to the production of collagen.

Better blood circulation and improved production of collagen can help the breats to be firmer and more perky.

Shoulder presses

This form of exercise can also help with getting the twins back to being perky. All you need is a dumbell and your shoulders. That easy.

So here is how it works, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees a little bent .

Then, hold the dumbells a little above your shoulders and press them up until your arms are straight over your head. Hold for a second, lower the weight to where you started then repeat.