By Tia Cristy
November is National Novel Writing Month.
I’ve been working on my novel’s with diligence. Writing is tricky for even the most educated at times. Here are a few simple mistakes to watch out for when writing any masterpiece.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!
By Guest Blogger, Heather R.
4 DIY Recipes for a Complete Hair Care Routine
It is no longer a secret that most commercial beauty products contain potentially hazardous ingredients. The hair care solutions don’t make an exception. Many of these products have added hormone-disruptive substances such as sulphates in the form of synthetic fragrances. On the other hand, the conventional shampoos, conditioners and masks may irritate or dry out the sensitive skin of the scalp. As a result there may be an over –production of oils, leading to greasy hair or excessive amount of dandruff. Hair fall can also be attributed to the chemicals in the hair products.
You need a cleaning solution that will not damage your hair and will leave it healthy and shiny. Natural DIY products may be the answer that you need. Here are a couple of recipes that can replace all your existing hair solutions.
1. Moisturizing Oil Treatment
As mentioned earlier, conventional products can be harsh and strip away the natural oils from the scalp. A pre-shampoo oil treatment will restore the balance of your skin and moisturize your hair. The oils will also create a barrier between the hair and shampoo, offsetting the negative effects of the regular hair cleaning solutions. You can use one type of oil such as Extra Virgin Olive oil or Avocado oil or you can combine two or three different oils and add some essential oils.
Ingredients:
• 1/3 cup coconut or any moisturizing oil
• 3-5 drops essential oil of your choice
Blend the oils well and apply on the hair. Let it sit under conditioning for at least an hour.
2. Apple Cider& Vinegar Hair Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is not only full of beneficial nutrients, but it also helps purify the scalp, removes the excess build-up and restores the natural pH balance of your skin and hair. It will also eliminate the dandruff and relieve the itchy scalp, while adding shine and volume to your hair.
• 3-5 distilled lukewarm water
• 5tbsp organic apple cider
• 2-3 tea tree oil
Stir all the ingredients and pour over your hair while still in the shower to avoid the mess.
3. Scalp and Hair Cleanser
If you are looking for effective and natural cleaning solution for your hair, try betonite clay. The ingredient detoxifies, fights itchy and dry scalp, prevents fungus and provides essential minerals and nutrients.
• 1 cup Betonite clay
• ¼ Aloe Vera Juice or gel
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup hot water
• 3-5 drops tea tree oil
Mix all ingredients and whisk. Apply on slightly damp hair and let it dry for at least an hour. Rinse well and condition the hair.
4. Chocolate Deep Conditioner
Cocoa powder is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and magnesium, making it amazing natural product with various application. In this case, it will add vibrancy, volume and shine to your hair. It will also stimulate the healthy hair grow. Plus, your hair will smell amazing.
• ¼ cup raw cacao powder
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 3tbsp coconut oil
• 3 drops lavender or other essential oil
Combine all ingredients together and use it onto freshly washed hair. Leave it for 45 minutes.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!
By Guest Blogger, Amy G.
The Ultimate Health Guide for Women
Many nutrients and vitamins are crucial for everyone no matter the age. However, as we are getting older our bodies require more. Women, especially, have to pay more attention to their bodies than men. So, here are some things you need to consider:
Vitamin A
This vitamin is a great antioxidant which can better your immune system. It can also improve your vision, lower the risks of heart disease, and it helps to slow down the skin aging process. However, it could be toxic if taken in big amounts, so be careful.
Vitamin B
Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are some of the most important types for your body. B6 is important because it enables your brain to work properly and to convert all the food you eat into energy. However, this vitamin could be toxic if you take a lot of it at once, so just try taking it through nutritious food like potatoes, fish, avocadoes, cereals, and meats. B12 also plays a big role when it comes to metabolism, and you can get this vitamin from cheese, fish, eggs, milk, and meat. Folic acid helps with building a healthy brain and spinal cord. What is more, it can prevent the changes in DNA and causes of cancer. This acid is especially important for pregnant women.
Women in their 30s are prone to developing an iron-deficiency anemia (low levels of iron). If you suffer from this, you will feel tired all the time, especially during your menstrual cycles, since you are losing a lot of blood. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from food or supplements. Other than that, it can prevent heart disease and boost your immune system. What is more, it helps the wounds heal faster and can prevent the occurrence of wrinkles. The best sources of vitamin C are strawberries, broccoli, oranges, and kiwis.
Vitamin D
This vitamin (more precisely hormone) helps calcium and phosphorus get into the bloodstream and to your bones. When there is a deficiency of vitamin D in your organism it will take those two minerals from your bones, which will become weaker, and that can lead to osteoporosis. Foods that are rich with vitamin D are eggs and fish (salmon, mackerel, and sardines). In addition to protecting your bones, vitamin D is believed to prevent breast and ovarian cancer as well as offering protection from diabetes.
Calcium
It is crucial to mention how important calcium is for the strength of your bones and teeth. As said before, calcium is a mineral which works together with vitamin D and makes your bones thick and healthy. Women during their 20s start to lose density in their bones, so this mineral is important for women in their 30s to prevent osteoporosis. Sources of calcium are best found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. However, if you are not taking enough calcium through food, you can always get calcium supplements to strengthen your bones.
Finally, it is very important for women to regularly take all of these vitamins, because you start to lose important minerals in your 20s. Another reason why you should take care of your intake of these vitamins mentioned is because one day you will be pregnant and all of these are good for baby’s development and growth.
About the author
Amy Mia Goldsmith is an Australian literature and biology graduate with a passion for organic cosmetics and healthy lifestyle.
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Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!
By, Tia Cristy
Carnivores Can Court Vegetarians.
Is it truly possible for these opposites to last? If you’re anything like me, social outings are surrounded by food. Dating a person that has a pallet that is the other end of the spectrum from your own can be challenging. But, it’s not a deal breaker.
You must first realize there are four different types of vegetarian’s out there.
-Semi-vegetarian: The vegetarian that still gets their steak on once in a while.
– Lacto ovo vegetarian: These types eat dairy and eggs.
-Lacto vegetarian: No eggs for this group, but dairy is still acceptable.
-Vegan: Nothing animal based.
When dating one of these types of eaters the first challenge is agreeing on a place to eat. Checking with a restaurant on their offered menu before making a reservation is significant. Plenty of steakhouses now offer vegetarian dishes.
The next obstacle is the most important for both parties, have reverence for the other’s decision. Don’t belittle your date for his/her choice on eating a soy burger. And vegetarians don’t make comments of your date eating Bambi. Respect the choices that one another make. Choosing to resent your date’s decision on the food they put in their bodies will grow into resentment with other issues, non-related.
I had the pleasure to attend dinner the other night with a food-split couple. The interaction between this husband and wife on the consideration of substance was incredible. There were a few light jokes that were passed back and forth as we discussed the obstacles they face as a couple, as the husband pointed out the cracker plate as her vegetarian main course. She lightly pecked at the sight of the rare prime rib he was eyeing up, “Did they cook that for you or just warm it up?†Chuckles followed their slight digs, but she was sincerely happy for him when the chef kindly gave him two slices of prime rib.
If you have health related concerns about what your date is eating, then decide is it valid? One could argue the worry of a carnivore’s cholesterol, but then on the other side of the coin, a meat eater could counter with the worry of a vegetarian not getting enough iron or B vitamins. The time when health related concerns should take place is when they are presented. Example, if you are allergic to what your partner is eating, you see a drastic weight gain or loss by their existing diet, it’s affecting your relationship in more ways than just your meat/veggie loving principals, or you notice other health concerns like shortness of breath.
The wife in this case, gets ill from ingesting meats. She has on occasion had issues with soups made with meat stock. The husband told me, “It was more challenging in the beginning, but now we go to restaurants where we trust the chefs are aware of all ingredients in their food.†I asked them if it has caused issues in their relationship. The husband laughed and said, “Relationships have challenges, liking meat or not, shouldn’t be one of them.â€
So if you find yourself pining over that person who does or doesn’t like steak, but you are not sure it could work or not, according to my dining companions, there’s plenty of hope out there for a wonderful future. Like all relationships, respect, understanding, truth, and kindness seem to still be key.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!
By Tia Cristy
Getting Fit with Ballroom.
Getting fit in the winter can be a chore, but what if you were getting fit doing a hobby? I watched Dancing with Stars a few times and found myself mesmerized by the fact that these people, who have no training in the beginning, can dance gracefully by the end. How cool is it to learn the style of Cary Grant while toning your body? Honestly, there is something sexy about a person that knows how to dance. It shows they have rhythm and class on the dance floor. Where else in life could they have rhythm and class?
I was at an appearance the other week, and I met The Blueball Room Dance Company. Their moves were flawless. I think owner Ken Richards and dancer Jonathan saw the interest in my eyes instantly, and invited me to attend the school’s weekly dance party. I’ve never ballroom danced before. I was scared, truthfully. I was unsure if I could do it, let alone, I had surgery years ago that left me with limitations. Could I really dance like they do on T.V.? But, I figured I would go and observe.
As I open the front door to the ball room, a winding staircase greeted me. As I climbed the steps, the room was beautiful with delicate lighting. It was surprising. It wasn’t a cold white room with plain mirrors, it was warm and inviting. I was greeted by students, immediately. Their ages ranged from 21+. One man was well over 60. The mix of the crowd was wonderful and comfortable. The training level was from beginner to almost pro. A group of ladies invited me to sit with them. I sat at the round lounge style table and focused on the dance floor. I watched as the participants partake in a Viennese Waltz. It was stunning. I couldn’t imagine myself being able to do that. When the song ended, without a word, everyone came towards the sitting area and grabbed a new partner to dance with. I watched this exchange happen for three songs, before international dancer Johnny, grabbed my hand and led me to the dance floor. I pleaded with him that I had no idea of what I was doing. He didn’t care. He guided my steps and stayed patient with me as I tripped all over his feet. When the song ended he escorted me back to my seat and told me I was fantastic. I felt elated. I did it. Not well, but I did it.
As I started to sit with a smile on my face, the next person reached their hand out towards me. Once again, I confessed my doubt in myself. But, they didn’t care either. Needless to say, I danced the entire time. And, I loved every minute of it. Even at the moment, I almost fell on my face. Apparently, there’s no room to feel self-conscious there. Everyone was a beginner at one point. I learned in that time, the concept of several different dances. I loved each dance from the waltz’s to the rhythm Latin. When instructor Jonathan took my hand towards the end of the night, he had me spinning all over the dance floor. For a moment, I believed I knew what I was doing. It was incredible.
When the dance floor came to a close, I felt infused physically and emotionally. I felt intensely fit and happy. I knew at that moment I was hooked on the art of dance as a new outlet for health. I was still nervous on how I would feel later. Would my knees hurt? How about my muscles? I anticipated feeling it the next day, but when I woke up I still felt energy that I didn’t have the day before. My breathing felt strong, my muscles felt good, and I knew I was definitely ready to dance again.
The thing I learned most was I didn’t have to know how to dance prior to this, I didn’t have to have a special excuse to be there, and I didn’t have to have a partner with me. I never thought ballroom dancing could be a solo hobby, but there were plenty of dancers to go around. Dancing helps with balance, breathing, memory, coordination, toning muscles, building strength, relieving stress and overall health benefits.
The Blueball Room offers private and group lessons. The classes range from beginner, bronze and silver. They also offer hip hop dance once a week. If you want to learn to dance for a wedding or just because you always wanted to learn, like me, get in touch with The Blueball Room. The cost is so affordable starting at $70 for single, $105 for a couple for four weeks.
Look out Dancing with the Stars, I’ll be ready soon! Keep a lookout for my progress on TipsfromTia Facebook Page!
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!