I have two weeks to get "perfect..."
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enjoys freebies · Sun Dec 04, 2005 10:29 pm Quote

Anyone have any suggestions or favourite lotions and potions or tricks to optimize oneself in a short amount of time? Basically, any best bets for getting fabulous quickly? Wink

I'm cutting back on carbs (i.e, no more crackers and cheese as a late night snack) to maybe shed 1-5 lbs, doing a nightly mask and Dr. H Rythmic Night Conditioner... but, overall, any special advice would be great appreciated!

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:24 am Quote

Agave I would stringly recomend some supplements of:
*Zinc - I normally up my intake to 25mg a day if I have a special occassion coming up, my nails grow super fast, any blemishes on my face heal quicker and your sex drive will go up a notch so you always have that healthy radient glow Shock

*B Complex - I up this to B-100 complex to balance my hormones
*Fish Oils - Hair Nails and skin treatment.

Cut out any alcohol, fizzy drinks. Drink lots of water and herbal teas especially green tea.
And I am sure you know already to eat lots of vegetables, fish and white meat.
If you are really keen to lose a few pounds then cocnut oil is good for this, I have a spoon a day, I mainly use it when I'm making popcorn and the easiest way of using it is in cooking. I lost nearly 1/2 a stone by accident using Coconut oil, I was eating it to try to put some weight on!!!!!
Info on coconut oil:

http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/24/coconut_oil.htm

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:28 am Quote

Hi Agave,

The best "trick" that I have to offer is just this ... you're already "perfect" ... you just need to enhance that perfection.

Whenever I want to feel special, I try to take whatever time is necessary to do those things which translate into pampering myself. I think it's very important to feel wonderful so that the feeling translates into what one projects.

For me, this means taking the time necessary to cover the "details". A pedicure [either professional or done at home] doesn't sound important ... but it certainly makes me feel like I've gone that extra mile. Of course, a pedicure that includes getting rid of all the calluses, slathering your feet with a good cream and ensuring that one's toenails are short and filed smooth also makes putting on one's stockings easier ... which makes "getting ready" easier. It also ensures "head to toe" feeling of nothing having been overlooked.

Manicures also fall into the same category. Have your hair done ... add highlights for a festive feeling. Use rich creams and lotions all over your body to make every inch of you soft and smooth.

Depending upon your skin's condition, try to use products that "smell good". If you can't have the frangrances within your products, burning a wonderfully scented candle while going through your routines can lend a sense of luxury into the mix.

Take your time ... ensure that you massage your skin ... from your head to your toes. This will assist in your feeling calm and relaxed ... which, in turn, will help you feel wonderful ... and that feeling will shine out into how others perceive you.

If, every evening from now until you have to show this perfection to the world, you ensure that you have the time to you put yourself first ... even for half an hour a day ... your look will glow from within.

If your house is generally the source of a great deal of confusion ... shut that confusion out for 30 minutes a night. Put on your favourite music ... set the scene so that you are doing even the mundane within a "sanctuary".

These are the things that help me conjure up those feelings of self-indulgence.

As for cutting carbs ... don't deny yourself. Certainly cut out the crackers ... but you can allow yourself the cheese! Laughing

Also, one of the nicest low-carb treats you can have is whipped cream. Toss a few blueberries into the mix and you have a decadent snack that's low in carbs and high in anti-oxidants but high in self-indulgence. [Just make sure that you whip the cream with Splenda or no sweetener at all. Don't use sugar!]

Good luck and remember ... if you feel "perfect" you'll look "perfect".

Mary

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:24 am Quote

rosebud - Right, that's coconut oil added to my shopping list! Very Happy

But how much Zinc do you usually take every day, please? I'd already been thinking about taking a Zinc supplement and am not sure how much is a good amount.

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:51 am Quote

Do you have any white specks on your nails? If so I'd start on 25mg, it is half price at Holland & Barrett so I would just get this anyway. At the moment with it being winter I am taking 25 a day then after a month or so I'll go down to 15mg a day.
The Coconut oil, I buy from Tesco's in the indian cooking isle, it's only £1 for a huge jar!!!
If it is not in your local tesco then hunt around the food shops or market because in the beauty shops they just rip you off.

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:20 am Quote

It sounds like you're on the right track. I think the most important things you can do to start the "turn around" process is to cut caffeine, limit sugar and carbs, flood your system with loads of water and get some exercise!

Good luck!

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:36 am Quote

Start the day with telling yourself in the mirror that you are beautiful inside and out and that you radiate and love yourself.
Next, make a smoothie from frozen berries and add "green foods".
Drink tons of water, in one glass- add 1tsp apple-cider vinagre (bragg's raw). Also do one glass with fresh squeezed lemon.
Whiten your teeth (Crest strips work) and SMILE, it's the cheapest way to look instantly better.
Dr. Hauschka rythmic night conditioner is AWSOME!
Go to a salon and get a spray-on tan- it will make you look awsome with those whitened teeth. Get nails done with clean french manicure, and cut off split ends in your hair. Do NOT get a facial with extractions (it ccan upset your skin).
Use a glossing-serum in your hair- like Aveda elements- it will make your hair look sooooo shiny and is weightless.
Go walking (fast) out in nature while "talking" positivly to yourself. It will energize your body and make you radiate even more. Morning-time is the best,( before breakfast makes you loose weight).
Remember, how you "shine" and smile will make you look the best in other peoples eyes (nobody notices a pound more or less, they notice your radiance, and that comes from the inside).
What's the event by the way?

Very Happy

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:00 am Quote

Don't know if you already use Vit-C serum or not. I think Vit-C serum is the best at getting skin an overall glow. I love it.
Also,on your big night out, you can try to leave a thin layer of Valmont Renewing Pack as your moisturizer. Its a wonderful pick-me-up mask.

If you are going to be showing some skin then exfoliate your whole body and moisturize well.

Drink lots of water Smile

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:49 am Quote

I agree with much here. Eat lots of string beans and dark greens. Vit C does give your skin a glow (at least it worked pretty quickly for me). Get the right oils (makes your skin dewy) olive oil (uncooked) and Omega 3s (fish and flax oils). Also, plenty of water not only does it help with weight loss but there is evidence that it boosts the immune system and wards off cold sores!

I also like the pampering ideas I always look good after a massage and a manicure and pedicure put a smile on your face. I'd wait to do a first facial until you have 4 weeks before an important event as it can stimulate breakouts.

Have fun!

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:42 pm Quote

My favs for quick results for face are:

-Vitamin C serum (Cellularskinrx.com is my fav.)
-Lots and lots of water to plump up and clear skin
-Alba Botanical Papaya Enzyme mask to remove dead skin and give an instant glow
-Weak lactic acid peel once now(20-30%)to get you started off with a big boost. (www.platinumskincare.com)

Cosmetically, I think the Scott Barnes Diamond Dust and YSL's Touche Eclat will make anyone's face look radiant.

For body, I use the Lactic Acid peel and polish feet, elbows, hands, knees, shoulders with CSRx Polishing Grains mixed with Rose Hip oil. Love the finish and feel to my skin after one of these sessions. Then I put the Jergens' Shimmer Lotion on to make all exposed skin shine a bit.[/img]

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:32 pm Quote

Wow, thanks for all the great responses!

I went and picked up a vitamin C serum, GoSmile and the Scott Barnes Mist I'd be hearing so much about. I'm also going to remind myself to take more zinc ... especially since it's my long distance boyfriend who is coming to visit Anxious

Rosebud - we are often on the same wave length! I use coconut oil for thyroid health/overall nutrition. I use the one from Nutiva!

I also don't use sugar, I use Xylitol; a *wonder* product. Since cutting out sugar and refined carbs last winter, I lost 20 lbs. At first I used AGAVE nectar (hence the name!) a low-glycemic, honey like substance. That was great, but, impossible to cart around. Every day I wound up with a sticky ziploc bag Sad

My mother discovered Xylitol, from Birch trees, and we've never looked back. Is it expensive? Yes, but, it's one of the best things I've ever discovered for overall health. I strongly suggest anyone (insulin issues or not) to look into it. Low-glycemic and tastes and looks exactly like sugar. It's even good for teeth!

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:41 pm Quote

Where do you order the xylitol from? Very Happy

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:16 pm Quote

happyhippie wrote:

Where do you order the xylitol from? Very Happy

I think this is where my mom orders from... http://www.xylitolstore.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=44

That's definately the brand we get, for individual packets to travel with.

This one http://www.xylitol-brand-comparison.com/ is what I use for home.

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:24 pm Quote

Thanx

By the way, here are some more tips to look great when your boyfriend arrives:

Permanently tint your eye-lashes (in a salon if it's your first time)...you'll wake up looking great!
Use a lip/cheek stain like Vincent Longo's to stain your lips and cheeks and then just put natural balm (I use Lanolin) over it...you'll be very kissable and look long-lastingly fresh.
This is not very healthy, but Visine red-relief will make your eyes look bright white...can't be bad to just use it one day Very Happy

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:29 pm Quote

Great idea for the stain... I've always been the sneak-a-tinted-balm by the light or phone for quick applications! Laughing

I was out with a male friend a few weekends ago and kept casually whipping out my tinted balm just to keep from looking like a lipless alien.

"You really like that lipstick, don't you?"

"Er... it's chapstick... yes... chappy lips, cant have that!"

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:43 pm Quote

He he...I know what you mean...most guys I know absolutely hate lipstick, and make-up even more...so the trick is to let them think you're not wearing any Very Happy

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 5:46 pm Quote

Many of us swear by Ear drops as the DIY version of GoSmile:
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=8733

I've been using them for a month and all my years of coffee and tea stains dissappeared. I now just use it once every other day as maintenance.

One part of my "OMG He's here" routine is to clean the house thoroughly a week before he gets there. I do a room a day and it keeps me moving (it can be a good workout, scrubbing floors) and away from any snacking desires. There is always the good feeling when you're done and it's behind you. That way I don't end up thinking "I hope he doesn't notice..." in the back of my mind and I get to focus on just him >; )

Other then that, I agree on pedicures whole heartedly. I'd also add getting your eyebrows professionally done and legs and other bits waxxed about 4 days before (keep tendskin on hand to tame the bumps before D day)

As to make up, I agree on stains for lasting power and the perfect healthy glow. Sculpted eyebrows also have the benefit of making the eyes seem dressed even if you are wearing nothing >; )

enjoys freebies · Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:17 pm Quote

I use Xylitol, Splenda and Erythritol. In addition to helping you lose weight they also help with tooth decay (not just because you're not eating sugar). I like erythritol although it has a cool taste because it is lower in glycemic index than xylitol and doesn't cause the runs as some sugar alcohols do. Stay away from Maltitol a common sugar alcohol used in sugar free candy bars. It has about half the impact of sugar and they use so much you will not feel great if you eat much of it.

A number of the WEB vitamin merchants sell these I use whoever is cheapest at the time.

P.S. I also like using lip stains even under regular lipstick it seems to hang in there even after a big dinner.

enjoys freebies · Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:27 am Quote

rosebud - That's incredibly helpful, thanks!

Our nearest Tesco is difficult to get to (I only go about twice a year to stock up on Barbara Daly's Facelift), but Sainsbury's or Asda will probably stock it, with any luck. I did see some in a health food shop last week, but it was a heck of a lot pricier than £1, so I'd definitely rather go the supermarket route! (Just seen that it costs £9.99 at Holland & Barrett. Shock

)

BTW Is it the chelated or the picolinate zinc you get from H&B, please? (I had no idea there were two types.)

Agave - With all of those fantastic suggestions, you're going to look completely irresistible! Very Happy

enjoys freebies · Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:10 pm Quote

I agree with Rosebud advice. My doctor said the same thing to me. More veggies, fish, stay away from fizzy drinks etc...

enjoys freebies · Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:06 am Quote

how much omega 3's(fish and flaxseed oil) do u guys use?

enjoys freebies · Fri Dec 09, 2005 3:52 pm Quote

Rosebud, Do you buy your coconut oil online or locally? Which brand do you use?

Agave, If I had 2 weeks to look my best I'd invest in a good chemical peel at a local spa.

Have fun!!

enjoys freebies · Fri Dec 09, 2005 7:31 pm Quote

I buy the Coconut Oil from the Tesco Supermarket, I have to travel into the next town and I find it in the indian cooking section.
The brand is a Pakistani brand I've never heard of, a large jar costs me less £1.
I too saw the barmy prices at Holland & Barrett.

It's strange because the Tesco that is closest to us does not stock the coconut oil, it is only the one with the greater ethnic comunity nearby that stocks it.
Oh the Zinc that I buy is whichever happens to be on offer at the time Wink

enjoys freebies · Sat Dec 10, 2005 11:02 am Quote

I also take coconut oil for the health benefits (and trying to lose weight)

Make sure to get the Unrefined Virgin COLD PRESSED kind of coconut oil. It will be more expensive than refined, but it has more goodies in it. It also smells way better and is very delicious - One time, I accidently bought a jar of coconut oil that I suspect was copra pressed - it tasted like soap! Neutral

enjoys freebies · Sat Dec 10, 2005 12:17 pm Quote

No luck with the coconut oil at either my local Sainsbury's or Asda. Sad

I'll try the indoor market in the city centre next time I go there (after Christmas - it's horrendous there at the moment!), as there are loads of ethnic stalls there. Otherwise, I'll give the nearest Tesco a ring to see if they stock it.

But I did have some good news! Managed to finally get some 100% pure soya oil in Asda. The price had even been reduced - so it was a real bargain at only 89p!

I'm so excited to try it. If it works, then it'll be a heck of a lot cheaper than the £10 per small-ish spray of Skin Doctors Hair Retardant I'm currently using. Plus, it'll moisturise instead of drying my skin.

Did get the Zinc, though. Looking forward to seeing if that works well for me too. I think, although I may be wrong, that it might also help to stave off colds. Even more brilliant, if so!

Thanks so much for all your help, rosebud.

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