Skincare 101

Beauty Question: How many times should I wash my face in a day?

Grace Specialists Say: We recommend washing your face once in the morning and once at night. Make sure you use a good cleanser that is suited to your skin type. Washing your face in the morning prepares your skin for any moisturisers, sunscreen and makeup you are going to apply. Washing your face at night removes all traces of dirt and grime before you go to sleep. Your skin rests during the night – so make sure you take your makeup off before you go to bed! If you wash your skin too often, you can remove the natural oils from your skin – so only wash more than twice a day if you really need to, (such as after a morning at the beach!)

How to Keep Motivated When Losing Weight

If scales are not your friend and daily weight fluctuations are demotivating you, why not purchase a top and pants in a few different sizes, right down to your goal weight. This way, you can tell how much you are losing by which size you are fitting into!

Scented Research

New research from the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in the US show that your sense of smell can do more than just bring back a flood of associated memories. Research indicates that certain scents can reduce anxiety and stress.

Fresh air can have a positive effect on your mood. One reason this happens could be that freshly cut grass and green leaves release at least five chemicals that contain stress relieving properties. If you’re feeling a little stressed out, the scent of lemon, mango or lavender may also help to release tension.

If you’re after a way to reduce anxiety, researches have reported that the smell of orange essential oil can improve your mood. Might be worth a try!

Toning Up For Summer: Sculpt Those Thighs!

If you’re pear or hourglass shaped and want to tone up your thighs, this simple move can help you on your way!

It only takes 10 minutes a day – so there’s really no excuse!

Sit on the floor with your back straight, putting your hands at your sides. Extend your right leg in front of you and bend your left knee (putting the left foot flat on the floor). Exhale and flex the right foot while tightening your right quadriceps. Raise your straightened leg off of the ground (about 4-6 inches). Hold the leg in the air for about 10 seconds and then lower it. Repeat with the opposite leg and work on this move until you can do 10 reps per leg.

Contagious Happiness

Did you know that your mood can have a dramatic affect on other people? If it’s happiness that you desire above all else, researches have found a simple solution: be around other happy people! That’s right, recent research indicates that happiness can be a contagious emotion.

Here are three ways to ‘catch’ the
happiness bug.

1. Get out there with your friends and meet new people. It’s better than sitting at home moping on the couch.
2. Don’t avoid sad people. By helping someone sort out their problems, you will feel good about yourself.
3. Smile! Heard the old adage: “fake it until you make it”? Smiling and laughing will release endorphins, making you look and feel happier!

De-stress your office

Let’s face it, work can be stressful. Here’s a handy hint on how to reduce the stress in your office space. It’s quick, simple and can be adapted to suit any environment.

Reduce clutter

Keep your desk clear of unnecessary items. It’s incredible how many people hoard things on their desk – a computer, coffee cup, water bottle, books, folders, pens, stapler, tape, teapots, writing paper, family photos and to do lists… No wonder people are stressed! Try putting things away in drawers or storing things that you don’t immediately need on top of filing cabinets. Keep a fresh flower on your desk to promote a feeling of calm and well-being and put those to do lists and family photos on a nearby wall or thumb tack board. You’ll be surprised at how these simple actions can de-stress you.