Do you guys remember that Sex and the City episode where Carrie says she uses her oven for shoe storage? Well, as a fellow New Yorker, I can relate; except I use my oven to store unused kitchen appliances! Popsicle makers, panini grills, snow cone machines — you name it, they’ve been in there.

I don’t like to cook, so the only kitchen contraptions that end-up getting used regularly are the ones that can help me improve my bodily health and, therefore, my skin health (think steamer, juicer, etc). To that end, I wanted to talk about food dehydrators in my post today. It’s probably a gadget you’ve never thought of buying if you’re not a raw foodie, but let me tell you it can really change your life.

I first became interested in getting one when I discovered New York Naturals Kale Chips, which are delicious, but expensive. The brand literally just sells dehydrated boxes of kale with various spices, but wow do they taste amazing! Seriously, if you’re addicted to Doritos or Fritos, or one of those other unhealthy snacks, I dare you to try one of these and not think they’re just as good — if not better. You won’t believe that they’re actually good for you (and your skin)!

Dehydrating your fruit, vegetables, and even your meats, is not only a great way to preserve them, but it’s a great way to get your vitamins and minerals if you’re averse to eating these vital foods in their non-dehydrated state. One hundred sixteen degrees is the temperature where the enzymes in our foods start to die, and the properties which make healthy foods so appealing begin to dwindle, so a dehydrator — which you can set at a temperature below 116 degrees — allows you to cook these foods without compromising their properties (it blows warm air over the food, preserving almost 100% of the nutritional content, plus it inhibits the growth of bacteria).

One of the downsides is that dehydrators can get pretty expensive, but I’d recommend looking into Deni’s Food Dehydrator, which is a guilt-free $45. Of course, it’s not as sophisticated or quick as some of the other ones on the market, but if you don’t have $175-plus to spend, this one is hard to beat. Plus, it has space to make lots of fresh snacks from fruits and veggies. The other downside is that there’s no way around the fact that dehydrating is a commitment that will take a few hours, but if you have spare time on the weekend it’s a great way to kick-start a healthy routine before Thanksgiving and other holiday-related indulgences start to kick in.

Lastly, makeup is fun, but to really enjoy playing and experimenting with it there’s nothing more important than a clean base (a.k.a. your face), and eating healthfully and controlling stress levels (not easy, I know…) is the most effective way to achieve healthy, clear skin. So why not let a dehydrator help you be on your way to clean, healthy skin?

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In theory, I’m a fan of the concept of barefoot running (running in a thin-soled, flexible shoe that mimics the feeling of running barefoot), but the idea of wearing a sneaker that has zero padding scares me. How can that possibly be safe for my knees? Many people have maintained that barefoot running (via, for example, Vibram FiveFingers), has relieved them from chronic injuries, but just as many have said that it has caused them pain. There is enough debate around this style that I’ve opted to abstain and stick with my uber-cushioned cross-trainers/running shoes instead. That is, until now. Adidas has come out with quite possibly the best sneaker I’ve ever slipped my feet into — and trust that as someone who exercises almost daily and partakes in everything from running to spinning to boxing to bootcamp, I’ve tried plenty. The newbie sneaker is called CLIMACOOL Ride and is available in a variety of colorways for both men ($90) and women ($90)…I mean, how awesome are these colors?!

The new kicks are incredibly light-weight (only 8.9 ounces) and super breathable, yet they have enough cushioning that I was able to jump around in an intense step class without feeling like I was in danger of injuring my legs/knees. The breathability is also great in that it prevents feet from overheating — particularly important if you run outdoors in warm weather — and, as a result, the shoes themselves don’t get smelly (or at least not as quickly).

I know that this time of year is crunch time as a lot of us are trying to shed some pounds before bikini and wedding season gets into full swing so perhaps the best part of this new design is that it’s incredibly chic! I have the hot pink ones and I’m so enamored by them I was actually looking forward to my 9am Sunday workout (that’s me below at 8:30am last Sunday!). After wearing them for the first time I stopped by my parents’ place to show them off and my mom was so taken by them I decided that I’m going to get her a pair for Mother’s Day (she doesn’t workout – something I’ve been trying to change seemingly forever – but, who knows, maybe these will do the trick…).

If you’re considering buying CLIMACOOL Ride sneakers I would suggest getting them one size smaller than what you would typically buy. I’m usually a 7.5 and the size 7 in this style is actually a smidgen to big for me. Also, double knot the laces because if you don’t, they’ll quickly come undone.

Sneaker Image: adidas

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Fact #1: Herbal remedies, unlike medical treatments and prescriptions, are not quality-assured by a government agency. That means that whatever promises they make on the label cannot be accounted for or accredited by a government agency. To proceed with caution, especially with oral supplements or drastic, invasive products.

Myth #1: Because the products are “natural,” they are better for you. Not true! Plants can be poisonous and have adverse effects on the human body. Watch out, and talk to your physician if you have any suspicions.

Fact #2: Beware mixing herbal with medical. Standard herbal materials like St. John’s wort, Ginko biloba and ginseng have very dangerous side effects when mixed with antidepressants. Proceed with caution.

Myth #2: Hands on- treatment, like acupuncture and chiropractics, are standard medical treatment. False! Treatment for depression and muscluloskeletal problems requires an assessment from a medical professional. The right treatment is different for everyone, and you will need to talk to a doctor to determine what is safe and right for you.

Myth #3: Herbal treatments don’t work. It is true that herbal remedies for acne, skin conditions, and pain won’t work for everyone. But that’s also the case with  a lot of medical products. Hey, if you want to try an herbal facial mask, and you’ve talked to a dermatologist who determines that the ingredients are safe, then why not? You may uncover that your secret family recipe actually works for you, and that’s what counts.

Myth #4: I don’t need to follow directions. Absolutely wrong! You should not be taking your herbal remedies without following directions. Even a product that is safe can become very unsafe. Make sure that you follow guidelines exactly.

What tips and tricks do you follow?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/migrainechick

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I’m not really concerned with developing abs of steel, but I definitely want to get healthier and have a better body, especially for the summer when you can’t avoid swimsuit season. I found this cool resource with daily ab workouts that I thought I would share.

Be healthy and happy!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/390607320

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• Complex Carbohydrates (promote healthy heart and digestive system): wholegrain, cereals, potatoes, pasta, root veggies and bananas
• Vitamin B/Niacin (increases blood flow and helps keep rid of toxins): fish, liver, chicken, beef,  peanuts, mushrooms, dates and seeds
• Vitamin E (healthy skin): dairy, fish, nuts, leafy veggies, beans and seeds
• Calcium (healthy bones): diary milk, yogurt and eggs
• Magnesium (healthy organs): fish, meat, wholegrain, mushrooms, beans, and nuts

As you can see, most of these products are repeated for overall health. Take advantage and stock up on these healthy ingredients in your fridge or pantry.

My favorite snack would be yogurt parfaits, or a convenient snack like an apple or banana (which is high in fiber and vitamin C) with peanut butter (considered nuts). The tangy apple, and the texture of the banana mixed with chewy ooey-gooey peanut butter is delicious!

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Interestingly enough, I recently read that the Food and Drug Administration has come down hard on Allergan, the manufacturer of Latisse, for misleading consumers about the risks associated with the product.

The agency said the Latisse website either doesnÂ’t mention potential side effects including bacterial eye infection, allergic reactions, excess hair growth outside the intended treatment area, and permanent changes in iris and eyelid pigmentation, or presents them in small text that is much less prominent than statements about the productÂ’s effectiveness.

The drug is approved to make eyelashes thicker, fuller and darker. The FDA approved it for that use last December. Latisse, or bimatoprost, was already on the market as a treatment for glaucoma.

Hair growth outside of the treatment area?! GROSS! I’ll keep my wimpy eyelashes, thank you very much…

Need a good mascara for your poor un-medicated eyelashes? I have been using this one for years:

Paula Dorf in Chocolate: $20.00

It’s waterproof and it thickens. It comes in several colors, like chocolate, which is great for me. I’m a redhead so my eyelashes are lighter and look a little strange with black mascara.

Shop for affordable mascara at Smarter.com.

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Ahhh, define irony – dental floss flavored after the very stuff that causes tooth decay! Brilliant!

Honestly the sooner I can get you lovelies to become addicted to flossing, the nicer and fresher smelling mouths around the world will be. The cupcake floss contains a 2.5 inch tall plastic dispenser containing 27 yards of yummy frosting flavored waxed floss.

Costs $3.99

If you are interested in the Cupcake Floss, click here.

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I think it has happened to everyone. You are on a date and you start to notice that the person you are talking too begins to stare at your teeth! And not in that “My what a great smile she has” way BUT in a “I am now distracted because jabber jaws over here has half a steak stuck by her incisor”…

It’s always embarrassing!

I always hated flossing, I always felt that it was such a hassle. Like all things it is a task that I have resigned myself to learn to love as I got older. It really makes a HUGE difference both in the color and healthiness of your gums but as well as your breathe.

Specifically I am a fan of Glide Mint flavored Floss.

The floss itself is wider and more comfortable. Plus the minty taste makes it tolerable. The thinner versions of floss creep me out and often cause my gums to bleed or become tender. Plus the wider strip helps pop out food and built up teeth crap.

The dispenser is discrete and portable. Don’t ever got caught with food in your teeth again. Just throw one in your purse and go!

To shop for discount Glide Mint Flavored Dental Floss – Click here!

Price $3.52

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Now that the holidays are half way over you might want to start forming a fitness regime that includes losing all the holiday food you have been scarfing. I find that many of the over the counter brands make me feel dizzy, sweaty and very well… “cracky”. (For lack of a better term..)

Well one of my friends recently told me about some sort of apple-vinegar pills that helped her shed some weight and were healthier. I haven’t tried it, but it seems interesting.

Here are the claims:

1. Suppresses the appetite so you eat less
2. Enhances calorie and fat burning
3. Encourages weight loss when used along with a healthy diet and exercise plan
4. Binds bile acids in the small intestine and then facilitates its elimination from the body
5. Helps maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels already in normal range
6. Supports healthy circulation of blood and oxygen throughout your body
7. Provides superior support to your entire cardiovascular system
8. Promotes joint health, comfort, and flexibility
9. Promotes better digestion and relieves occasional heartburn
10. Regulates the pH balance in your body so it is not too acidic or too alkaline
11. Breaks down fat faster so it moves out… fast!
12. Provides life-giving minerals, trace elements, and vitamins to every cell

Hmmm, seems like something worth trying! I’ll give it a go and let you guys know how it goes..

If you are interested in checking out APPLE CIDER VINEGAR PLUS 90, click here.

Price $13.29

Don’t like this brand here are more Apple Vinegar Weight Loss Supplements, click here. 

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The benefits of fish oil have long been circulated and recommended by doctors and friends alike; my question is does anyone know of a brand that doesn’t make you burp up fish breathe?!!

Briefly for those who are wondering why would anyone willingly swallow “fish oil” pills, here are the benefits:

1. Less Pain and Inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have a very positive effect on your inflammatory response. Through several mechanisms, they regulate your body’s inflammation cycle, which prevents and relieves painful conditions like arthritis, prostatitis, cystitis and anything else ending in “itis.”

2. Cardiovascular Health. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been proven to work wonders for your heart and the miles and miles of arteries and veins that make up your cardiovascular system. They help to lower cholesterol, tryglicerides, LDLs and blood pressure, while at the same time increasing good HDL cholesterol. This adds years to your life expectancy.

3. Protection from Stroke and Heart Attack. When plaque builds up on arterial walls and then breaks loose, it causes what’s known as a thrombosis, which is a fancy way of saying clot. If a clot gets stuck in the brain, it causes a stroke and when it plugs an artery, it causes a heart attack. Research shows omega 3 fatty acids break up clots before they can cause any damage.

4. Better Brain Function and Higher Intelligence. Pregnant and nursing mothers can have a great impact on the intelligence and happiness of their babies by supplementing with fish oil. For adults, omega 3 improves memory, recall, reasoning and focus. You’ll swear you’re getting younger and smarter.

5. Less Depression and Psychosis. Making you smarter is not all omega 3 does for your brain. Psychiatry department researchers at the University of Sheffield, along with many other research studies, found that omega 3 fish oil supplements “alleviate” the symptoms of depression, bipolar and psychosis (Journal of Affective Disorder Vol. 48(2-3);149-55).

6. Lower Incidence of Childhood Disorders. Just to show how fish oil fatty acids leave nobody out, studies show that children (and adults) with ADD and ADHD experience a greatly improved quality of life. And those with dyslexia, dyspraxia and compulsive disorders have gotten a new lease on life thanks to omega 3 oils.

7. Reduction of Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer. And finally, omega 3 fish oil has been shown to help prevent three of the most common forms of cancer – breast, colon and prostate. Science tells us that omega 3s accomplish this in three ways. They stop the alteration from a normal healthy cell to a cancerous mass, inhibiting unwanted cellular growth and causing apoptosis, or cellular death, of cancer cells.

(Source: 7 Fish Oil Benefits Proven by Research)

Umm, anything that can make you smarter as well as help your heart and reduce the odds of some of the scariest cancers out there is perhaps worth the sea sewage breathe. Like I said I am actually a fan of fish oil supplements. I just figure there has to be a brand out there that doesn’t cause you to burp and literally you can taste the fish emanate from the depths of your throat.

And if I can taste and smell it, lord knows others can too. No one has outright told me I smell like fish, but I figure people are just too polite. That or they assume because I am Asian that it goes hand in hand with my diet or something. That’s my theory at this point.

I digress, my point is – Does anyone know of a fish oil brand that does not cause bad breathe? Please SHARE!

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