The Miracle Doctor for Ethnic Beauty Mavens

 Cherished Closet, Covet Convo!, Lavish Life(style), Lo<3 Letter Reviews, OMGWTF -_-  9 Responses »
Nov 212010
 

Ola Darlings,

So I’ve been busy scoping out this holiday’s latest beauty finds, and I was stopped in my tracks when I found the perfect beauty miracles. In fact, the collection is part of America’s fastest growing ethnic beauty brand. Ladies, the Dr. is officially in and makes house calls.

Dr. Miracle expands the award-winning ethnic skincare division with the introduction of My Miracle Face Care. But it gets better than that! Dr. Miracle also introduces The Follicle Healer Collection.

Now for the skinny; while gaining recognition as a WWD Beauty Biz award-winner, Dr. Miracle’s My Goodbye Acne System got the attention of users by relieving embarrassing marks.  African-American women are prone to dryness, blemishes and aging. The My Face Care works by addressing these issues in an affordable manner with the appeal of luxury. It’s your OTC prescription.

Rich in soy and Shea butter teamed to heal blemishes, brittle skin and discoloration, with vitamin C, B3 and E to polish the skin’s natural glow.

The Tingling Facial Cleaner ($5.99 for 6.0 oz) starts the day off with deep-clean, conditioned pores, leaving skin feeling cool and calm, courtesy of the signature “Feel it Formula.” And it’s oil free!

Next follows the alcohol-free Tingling Facial Toner ($5.99, 6.0 oz) to revitalize for a perfect moving morning and sound night.  But it doesn’t end there; the Day Treatment Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 (7.99, 1.7 oz), combating the summer’s uneven tones and dryness. Apply daily to add moisture and to protect your even skin tone. Use the Night Treatment Facial Moisturizer ($7.99, 1.7 oz) for enhancing skin’s natural renewing process; reduce dullness, dryness and roughness.  Finish off with a sweet treat. Pamper with the Self Cooling Facial Mask ($6.99, 4.0 oz) for a sensational clean from clogged pores and to remove excess oils. Get your very own set available exclusively at Walmart.

Ladies, I haven’t forgotten about the tresses, since it’s obvious that the Dr. has our face covered. This line focuses its New Energizing Complex Formulation on continued life and vitality for damaged dormant scalp and follicles, by infusing with anti-oxidants and vitamins necessary for enhanced growth of strong, healthy tresses.

Now with a milder, more pleasant fragranced appeal, it boosts with even more nourishing ingredients. As African-American women, we carry a sense of renewed pride in our tresses. It’s our official statement of our individuality, style and comfort. The Follicle Healer Collection is formulated to go beyond our scalp, by penetrating the roots of all hair types and can be experienced by the budgetista in all of us.

Once again, the Miracle Dr. combats issues experienced by ethnic women through infused, robust all-natural nutrients and vitamins which provide healthy building blocks of strong hair.  These key components hydrate the scalp; prevent hair loss/breakage and increases blood circulation to the scalp, collagen and elasticity of strands.

The Collection’s:

  • Pomade –is infused with tea tree, almond, coconut and safflower oil and Shea butter; rebuilding and nourishing the follicle for maximum growth ($4.99).
  • Crème – is infused with Shea butter, vitamins A, E, C & B3, plus tea tree and jojoba oil for deep follicle conditioning producing super soft hair and health scalps ($3.99).
  • Hydrating Oil – is infused with tea tree, jojoba, and castor oil. It also contains Shea butter and soy protein to condition and strengthen the follicle, leaving hair healthy looking with superb shine ($4.99).
  • Deep Conditioning Treatment – is infused with tea tree oil, aloe vera gel, soy protein and vitamins E, B3 and C which boosts follicle and scalp health leading to beautiful, soft, shiny hair ($1.99).

Trust me ladies, I speak from personal experience.  Dr. Miracle is definitely a collection for any beauty maven’s collection. The look, feel and comfort of knowing that your issues are addressed from the hands of an expert; Priceless!

The Kissably Fab Lips Issue

 Cherished Closet, Covet Convo!, Lavish Life(style), OMGWTF -_-  3 Responses »
Nov 212010
 

Goodbye Chapped and Hello Kissably Fabulous Lips

Calling all beauty mavens; chapped lips can not only be distracting, its also painful and embarrassing. Try Carmex. It can cure those winter blues.

It soothes and heals chapped lips, as well as cold sores. Not even the briskest of breezes can get to those kissable puckers.

In my personal experience, chapped lips have been the only paralyze when it comes to my sexy puckers. But what keeps my lips kissable, is Carmex by Carma Labs.  You can get this at any local drug store like CVS or Duane Reade or even your local deli.  It cost on average, $1.99.

I swear by this product above other brands like Chapstick and even Blistex because of its smooth and rich application.  It stays on and it soothes as well.  And the scent is refreshing. And it’s spectacular for Cold Sores.

&

I Cannot Live Without My Liplicious Tasty Lip Color

What diva can live without luscious lips? When our lips look stunning, we feel fabulous. Liplicious Tasty Lip Color collection is a must have for fellow lip addicts, and is available at Bath & Body Works. Its awesome and its affordable. Not to sticky and totally tasty.

Rain or shine, sleet or snow, you will never find this beauty maven without a tube of Liplicious Tasty Lip Color, specially made for Bath & Body Works. I have been a fan for as long as I can remember (over 5 years).  The sheerness can be applied over any lipstick or gloss for added shine & a kissable glow. It comes in a variety of yummy flavors, but my all time fav is the Black Cherry. It adds the perfect finish to my lip regimen. And it’s easy on the pockets as well. It retails for approximately $5.00 per tube.

Chronicles of a Single Multimaven Mom

 Covet Convo!, Lavish Life(style), OMGWTF -_-, Sexy in the Suburbs; Savvy, Chic Principles of Parenting  3 Responses »
Nov 212010
 

I remember it like it was yesterday.  The day was May 19th when I received the phone call. “Hello, Sherize? It’s Hong. I have some good news and some bad news,” was the words coming from the other end of the phone. Now I could feel the drama brewing as the adrenaline sped the pace of my heart. “Brace yourself,” I thought, because I knew, that this woman was incapable of delivering good news. “Hong Kong has your reports and agrees with you. So, for the next 6 weeks, everything is on a freeze and under review. So, I need all passwords for the blogs and analytics and anything else related to these accounts. We are halting all efforts. You will not receive a paycheck until further notice.”

My heart dropped. “What about the two weeks I’ve worked up until today,” I asked. “Where’s my pay for those days I worked?” Not only did I not received my pay for those days, but then the lock-out of accounts that I’ve worked on tirelessly, since August 2009; and let’s not forget that the 6 week layoff turned into eternity because I have yet to hear from Ms. Cheng, even up to this day. My position at Horizon Life Sciences, Inc. was that of Social Media PR Specialist. My duties included all aspects of Public Relations-to-SEO/Marketing, even design and advertising for a vertically integrate TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) company. But I cannot totally say negative things about. Yes, the manor and demeanor in which I was let go was horrid and heartless on their behalf, but the experiences I’ve acquired while it lasted, taught me a lot.  It completely changed my lifestyle. It made me health and wellness conscious.

But since that day, it has been an endless struggle to make ends meet. In fact, it has put a strain on my personal and love life as well. Since that day, I’ve decided to invest more time into me. I embarked on a passion that I suppressed for years; since my childhood to be exact. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but focused more on PR and Marketing because it encompassed all of my unique talents.  However, writing was and always be my heart. I went ahead and created Media Maven, my blog, in which I educate, empower and entertain my readers in aspects of living a healthy, active lifestyle to unleash the natural bliss within.

While launching this blog, I felt sick and when I went to the doctor, I learned that I was pregnant. Now, I am already a striving single mom of two teenage girls. My partner, who at first was happy with the news, seemed to grow unhappy as the days turned to weeks, which turned to months. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis – or excessive morning sickness, which lasted for 5 months of my pregnancy. During this time, not only was I alone in the frequent hospital visits, but I also underwent surgery for an appendicitis. I was also demanded to move out of a home we shared for 5 years and to “go live in a shelter” and to “get out of his life.” Confused and dazed, I struggled to gain strength for my unborn son, as well as my two daughters. I had no money saved or any family to lean on. But my courage and patience allowed me enough dignity to keep pushing forward. I continued to search sites for blog and article writing mainly because I refused to get side tracked from my dreams once again. I was called worthless and all kinds of horrible things by a man I once loved and trusted, for 8 years. My girls were shocked and torn as the events unfolded, but still I smiled and kept strength to comfort them.

I apply and submit dozens of resumes and portfolio/writing clips daily, yet I guess there is so much competition out there, that I am engaged in a waiting game.  In the mean time, I accept assignments from Associated Content, Seed.com, and Demand Studios – anything I can get my hands on. I pray constantly and surround myself with positivity, as I await the arrival of my son and some form of response from my applications.

Things have since gotten quieter but my determination and aspirations are still soaring high. I’ve stopped hating myself and refuse to see myself through my ex-partner’s eyes.  I will not let go of my passions and instead began to embrace myself and my children unlike ever before. I know it gets hard and hectic, but this uphill battle has taught me not to give up; it’s not an option. I invest my free time into Media Maven, when I am not writing articles for assignment review and approval.  I also spend more time with my girls, as we prepare for the arrival of my baby.

As lonely as this road gets, I refuse to stop walking the path. I know that salvation waits at the end of my journey. The best part; in my 31 years on this earth, I never thought I would have experienced what I have been through the past 7 months, but everything happens for a reason. I’ve learnt that people are not always what they seem, but if you are to live life, you should live it to its fullest, according to how you want, not what others think you should. I have no regrets about decisions I’ve made which led to here; I only regret the lack of support I received from someone I once trusted.

Nail Commandments Every Beauty Maven Should Follow.

 Covet Convo!, D'Vyne Beauty, Lavish Life(style), OMGWTF -_-  4 Responses »
Nov 212010
 
Courtesy of Signature Salon & Health Spa

Beautiful Nails Start Within!

As a natural Diva, I am a true believer in “what you put in is what you get out”. This goes hand-n-hand with the saying “you are what you eat”. If you never thought too much about that saying, here is where I can change your mind.  As a media maven, I am often called and depended upon for advice on living life to the fullest. Our skin, hair and nails are all living external organs of such, on our bodies, and require the same healthy nutrition as our internal organs. If you follow the below regimen (think of them as commandments), the health and beauty experts I consulted through ExpertTweet, guarantees beneficially gorgeous nails and a more beautiful you!

  1. Thou shall not suffer from dry and brittle nails. Eat foods rich in Vitamin A such as apricots, broccoli, cheese – and calcium such as cheese, milk, and yogurt.  Your nails will be stronger and less breakable.
  2. Thou shall wash hands nightly.  Thoroughly wash hands before bedtime; making sure to dry properly and to moisturize.  Then, coat cuticles with cuticle oil or even petroleum jelly. I personally love the Lemon and Jojoba Cuticle Oil available for $10 at Carol’s Daughter. It not only smells great, but it leaves the cuticles with a healthy glow.
  3. Thou shall wear gloves to clean the house and/or dishes. This prevents unnecessary chips while saving your nails from harsh chemical exposure.
  4. Thou shall drink water and natural fruit juices.  These quenches the body’s thirst and keeps us hydrated without drying out the body with artificial ingredients and sugar overload.
  5. Thou shall not file or bend nails that are wet.  This is a serious no-no.  Our nails are at its most vulnerable when wet. And when we do file, use only one direction. This avoids brittleness caused by the back-n-forth motion most people use.
  6. Thou shall buff nails often. This keeps the blood flowing to our nails and stimulates growth.
  7. Thou shall avoid artificial nails/tips. As pretty as they look, these beauty faux pas are very damaging. In my personal experience, they tend to swell my cuticles and weaken my natural nails, which are oxygen deprived underneath all that acrylic.
  8. Thou shall consume foods and/or supplements high in Vitamin C, Folic acid and Protein. These babies keep those pesky hangnails at bay.
  9. Thou shall use products with acetate rather than acetone or formaldehyde. These include polish removers.  Trust me, your nails and skin will thank you for it!
  10. Thou shall try thou best to avoid B12 deficiencies, which brings about dryness, darkness and round/curved (inward) claws. So keep those vitamins at the top of your health and beauty list.

Understanding Qi, Our Vital Life Force

 Covet Convo!, Holistic Maven, Lavish Life(style), OMGWTF -_-  110 Responses »
Aug 232010
 

Many cultures have a word that means energy and refer to the bio-energetic field of the human body. Words such as chi or qi (Chinese/Japanese), prana (Indian), and ruah (Hebrew) are all understood as the life force (vital to survival) that is part of ALL living things. Knowing our own unique resource of Qi allows us to better understand our health.  Qi is broken down into 3 types: 1. Parental, 2. Acquired, & 3. Inherited

  • Parental Qi is considered original Qi which we inherit from our parents; also called “pre-natal” Qi which we acquire at birth. Our parent’s health (at conception), our mother during pregnancy & deliver (mothers who take drugs, under severe stress, live extreme lifestyles, or traumatic pregnancies also contribute low quality Qi), and dad (men who heavily drink & smoke have low sperm quality) determine the quality of our Qi.
  • Acquired Qi is earned during our lifetime; also called “post-natal”. Derived from the food we consume, fluids and the air we breathe.  Poor diets, excessive alcohol and environmental pollution all contribute to poor health, even if we are born with strong and healthy parental Qi.
  • Inherited Qi is associated with the general contribution of our family and explains hereditary genetics and can sometimes skip generations.

Qi, like money is spent, saved and invested.

  • Deposit Account (Parental Qi) is used occasionally in case of emergencies. If it isn’t used (drawn upon) often, the “interest rate” can be very reasonable.  Severe usage depletes inherited qi (Nest Egg) account.
  • Current Account (Acquired Qi) covers our day to day energy usage and fluctuate according to daily needs, being depleted & renewed often. Constant depletion (overspending) draws form deposit (parental) account.
  • Nest Egg (Inherited Qi) varies according to individual lump sum that cannot be added to and once it’s depleted, you are “broke”. People born with poor inherited Qi suffer from congenital illnesses. Over time, this storage gradually erodes. TCM attributes ageing and menopause to such gradual depletion. There isn’t much that can be done about inherited Qi’s levels, but acquired Qi strengthens overall energy levels.

Simply put, we all need to work at keeping Qi at top performance for maximum health. Alterations to our lifestyles, such as taking herbs are a priority in TCM to treat disharmonies. Of course, there are no good herbs, bur particular herbs can be good for you, especially if it’s the ones needed to address the particular disharmony.  Despite the fact that everyone has varying requirements, there are laws of nature that, if broken will result in consequences for mental and/or physical health. Sleeping, eating, breathing and exercise all contribute to our vital life force.

  • Sleeping – 8 hours or more is essential. Consistent fatigue requires additional sleep. The body heals itself between 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. but the human body can tolerate midnight – 6 a.m. Deep sleep (proper) occurs during these hours and it’s when the body makes vital repairs. Afternoon catnaps are great at adding hours to your sleep if demands on your energy are high, or recovering from an illness.
  • Eating-not optional. Our metabolisms are relatively constant. Extreme weather and environmental conditions can alter metabolism. During early parts of the day, our digestive systems are at its top performance; therefore large meals should be eaten during breakfast and lunch. Dinner should be nutritious and light because it is in the evening (when digestive system slows), but our Western ways practice the exact opposite.  There are herbal concoctions designed to be taken first thing in the a.m. to utilize digestive energy. Late night eating stagnates.
  • Breathing – poor posture, lack of proper exercise, jobs that require consistent sitting, are all responsible for poor breathing.  Women tend to hold their stomach in, which in turn prevents the diaphragm (controls breathing) from being properly used. Non utilization leaves lungs either not fully filled or emptied, and organs in stomach are deprived of essential massage from respiration.
  • Exercise – depends on sex, age and constitution to be defined as the right kind. First third of life asks for vigorous exercise, middle age should utilize harmonizing and regulatory, while old age should rely on meditative and relaxing. Your physique also determines the amount and type suitable. Weak and ill/recovering people should use gentle focused area exercise and not deplete resources through overexertion.

Article first published at http://blogcritics.org/scitech/article/understanding-qi-our-vital-life-force/

Mighty Twelve To The Rescue ^_^

 Holistic Maven, Lavish Life(style), OMGWTF -_-  114 Responses »
Aug 192010
 

Meridians, or energy channel, correspond to one of the twelve organs in the human body, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine; each are affiliated to one of the five elements, and assuming said characteristics. Organs are either Yin or Yang, with corresponding Yin to Yang ratios and vice versa.

  • Element-Earth-Organs -Spleen (Yin)-Stomach (Yang)
  • Element-Metal-Organs-Lungs (Yin)-Large Intestine (Yang)
  • Element-Water-Organs-Kidneys (Yin)-Bladder (Yang)
  • Element-Wood-Organs-Liver (Yin)-Gall Bladder (Yang)
  • Element-Fire-Organs-Heart (Yin) Pericardium (Xin Bao)-Small Intestine (Yang) Triple Heater (San Jiao)

Internal functions of the “Mighty Twelve”

Spleen & Stomach are responsible for digestion, assimilation & distribution of water and other essential nutrients throughout the body. Both Earth elements, their efficient functions are vital for optimal health and maintenance. This duo not only governs digestion (nutrients are extracted from food through teamwork), they raise (fire) nutrients up to Heart & Lungs where it is then circulated through breathing; spleen controls healthy development of muscles & limbs as reflected in gorgeously kissable lips. Our intellect is also housed in the spleen. *Poor spleen energy can give rise to mental confusion & forgetfulness. Symptoms (disharmony) include the following: bloating, poor appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, weight gain, nausea, thirst, spontaneous bruising, heaviness, weakness of arms & legs, poor muscle tone, memory problems, emotional tendencies, pervasiveness (obsessive compulsive disorder and vexation) and also prone to Dampness.

Lungs & Large Intestines are responsible for our respiration, controlling air flow & Qi flow; linked to Large Intestine to remove solid wastes from our bodies.  Metal elementals, prone to dryness, phlegm & coldness, this duo governs our breathing with Lungs; controlling Qi flow, releasing wei Qi (defense energy) throughout body. This, ladies is behind beautiful skin & FAB toned muscles. It also controls pores & nose, as well as bowel movement (breathing massages colon via diaphragm to ensure regular movements). Symptoms include: voice weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue, cold hands, prone to colds, spontaneous sweating, sinus problems, airborne allergies, poor sense of smell, sneezing. Emotional tendencies are grief and sadness related.

Kidney & Bladder (Kidneys) encourage growth and play a part in reproduction. This pair regulates water, hence the link to the bladder.  Kidneys not only govern development as well as growth but they restore reproductive Qi (which is linked to inherit Qi) as well. They produce bones and marrow (which nurtures bones) & assist brain functions and central controller of body fluids. Both water elements, susceptible to dryness & cold.  Kidneys are also believed to control ears via meridians and nourish hair through blood by Kidney Jing. Symptoms include infertility, impotence, premature aging, weak bones & teeth, mental retardation, dizziness, pale/dark urine, stones, cystitis, deafness, tinnitus, premature balding & graying. Emotional tendencies involve fear, lack of will and motivation. Kidneys, the root of Qi; houses the Gate of Life.

Liver & Gall Bladder is also related to the digestive system and controls movement of Qi. Smooth flowing Qi regulates emotions. Liver also regulates the amount of blood flowing through our body and is closely linked to a woman’s menstruation, the eyes, tendons, nails (which reflects livers’ health). Both Wood elements; gall bladder stores bile, which aids digestion. This duo is susceptible to heat, damp-heat, dryness and also anger, frustration, & irritability as emotional tendencies. Symptoms include stagnation of Qi, migraines, depression, and irregular/painful/absence of menstruation, stagnation of blood, poor vision, photophobia, blood-shot eyes, dark/pale, and dry, cracked nails.

Heart & Small Intestine are ruled by heat, controls life process, and coordinate actions of other Zang-Fu organs. Small intestine separates waste (Pure from impure) after digestion. Both fire elements, Heart Qi governs blood flow, manifested in our complexion (many facial vessels can indicate our heart’s condition). Our heart, which the Chinese believe is closely linked to our emotions or mental activities & shen (spirit) as well as the tongue and speech.  Symptoms include cold hands (bright white color), lack of vigor, fatigue, blood stagnation (blue-purple), heat (bright red), depression, anxiety, poor memory, insomnia, palpitations, indecision, stuttering, and incessant talking. Emotional tendencies include over enthusiasm, inappropriate behavior & mania.

FYI…the heart houses the soul (shen). Zang (solid) organs are: Lungs, Spleen, Heart, Liver and Kidneys. Fu (hollow) organs are: Bladder, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Gall Bladder, Stomach & San Jiao (Triple Heater).

Article first published as http://blogcritics.org/scitech/article/tcms-mighty-twelve-unite-to-help/ on Blogcritics.

TGIFs Friends, Cocktails & Couture Review ^_^

 Covet Convo!, Goddess Gourmet: Quintessential Taste Buds of a Cuisinista, Lavish Life(style), OMGWTF -_-  94 Responses »
Aug 162010
 
KOS Rocks TGIF Friends, Cocktails & Couture

From 1998 to 2004, I was what you would call, a faithful evangelist of Sex and the City.  In fact, Carrie’s style and flair gave rise to me being a Bloganista.  So naturally, any buzz of SATC2 tribute events would attract me, like bees to honey.   My first stop led me to Stir’s on First Avenue between 73 & 74th Streets.

With excitement levels peaking, I entered the cozy atmosphere spectacularly set. The candles lent idealism to the lavish decor. However, the event was oversold, over booked, and over populated with females, in an environment offering free or special promo martinis, cosmos & wines and a complimentary free spa station with mani, pedi & eyebrow threading, at that?  Needless to say, the cat fights broke out; ladies were kicked out (of the threading booth due to  poor communications and organization) & even almost passed out from heat exhaustion.

With disappointment well in tow, I came home, uninspired by my experience, and seriously doubting the premiere’s ability to live up to the series at this point. But my persistent BFF convinced me to accompany her to TGIFs Friends, Cocktails & Couture.  It promised FABulous cocktails, awesome appetizers & lots of girly fun! Now granted the Peach Martini @ Stir’s rocked my pleasure vibe, however, let me tell you that the Miami Vice, at TGIF immediately sent my doubts packing. And the Shrimp & Fries w/ Jack Daniel’s sauce…mmm mmm good! So far, off to a great start.  Then, hellooo; without warning, I was captivated by what appeared at first glance to be four young men about to goof off on the mic. We were serenaded, as TGIG kicked off the new Patio, by a phenomenon known as KOS; Kids of Survival, from Queens, NY.  As fascination sat in, Gary, the lead vocalist, informed the captivated audience that not only were they happy to Rock The Mic @ TGIFs (which they work at, when they aren’t touring) Friends, Cocktails & Couture, but these Rock-N-Roll revampers were the opening act for Bon Jovi’s ShareTheMic on Saturday, May 29th at the Meadowlands; the global platform that connects musical artists with Non-Profits to help generate awareness for causes will be a series of summer shows, in which Kids of Survival has the pleasure in kicking off.

So all in all; the view of the Manhattan from Sheepshead Bay, with my BFF Maxi, & four smoking infernos wooing & cooing the stresses & doubts away…Priceless!

Check out the video…Kids of Survival Rocks The Mic Before They ShareTheMic

M+B Exposes Traditional Medicine Theories ^_^

 Holistic Maven, Lavish Life(style)  No Responses »
Jun 102010
 

The Traditional Chinese framework for medicine is a comprehensive one, which explains patterns of symptoms people can suffer. Traditional medicine helps one understand what is wrong (illness), the Real Nature of sickness.  Guide to Healthcare Schools, a leading health education site, recognizes and supports the use of alternative/traditional medicine in curing certain illnesses. TCM is rooted in home cures and remedies to eliminate the cause and alleviate stresses related to these causes (symptoms). Your diet, exercise & lifestyle habits are all key factors in diagnosis, according to TCM; and adopting holistic approaches to assist the healing process.

The basic concepts of TCM are Yin-Tang, Qi (pronounced Chi), Five Elements, Eight Conditions & Twelve Organs (Meridians).  TCM provides a simple basis to assist self diagnosis (once you understand your pain associations & its causes, you can work with your practitioner to make healing safer verses an allopathic approach (prescription drugs and side effects).

TCM & Holistic principles utilize herbs based on (1) how they can help & (2) properties and the useful formulas synergized from blended properties.  Whole health is so much more than an absence of disease. Optimal health encompasses a sense of joy and fulfillment; a true appreciation for life.

Click  link to receive a series of comprehensive articles written by imyunity (Media Maven) on TCM concepts and the responses from readers…M+B Holistic Soul’U'tions

Article first published as M+B Exposes Traditional Medicine Theories on Blogcritics.

TCM Theory TCM Theory Meaning
Yin-Yang Ancient Chinese theory which is used to explainforces at work in Nature. It can be applied to all aspects & things, including the body. Based on pairs of opposing forces with graduation between. Yin-Yang is relative; a thing is only affective in comparison in comparison to something else.
Qi Bio-energy or vital life force; very potential within all living things, from plants to people.  Its strength determines our vitality and is the catalyst for our physiological process.  Qi moves blood, which nourishes the organs in order to produce Qi. Each individual person has different types of Qi.  Qi nourishment and preservation are key to optimal health.
Jing (Essence)The Kidneys, Blood & Three Treasures… Oh My! Inherited Qi (Jing) or reproductive energy; our Kidneys (an organ we can all agree we are born with), is the foundation. Body fluids (Jin Ye) like blood; moisten and nourish the body and organs.  *Any imbalance is associated with dampness and phlegm. Shen (mind/soul) resides in the Heart organ and works with Qi to moisten, nourish and cool the body. Qi, Jing, and Shen – the Three Treasures, maintains our health.
Five Elements Fire, Wood, Water, Metal and Earth; is another TCM theory used to describe natural energies, to categorize environmental factors and to describe physiological functions. Color, flavor, direction, etc can be matched to body types, seasonal cycles and personalities; which connect in a very formalized (cause/effect) way, reflecting its origin.
Eight Conditions Yin-Yang Concept; are four pairs of opposites in TCM. Yin-Yang, Hot (heat disease) – Cold (cold symptoms), Full (excess) – Empty (depleted) and Interior (internal cause) – Exterior (external cause). *Disease can have several variations of these.
Six Evils TCM contributes disease to the Six Evils; Wind, Cold, Fire, Summer, Heat, Dryness & Dampness. These internal disharmonies between organs are associated with emotions, called an imbalance of (Organ) Qi.  Emotions are very serious causes of disease. *Dampness is also another major cause. An ignored fluid imbalance which becomes thick and stagnant, combined with heat that is lurking in the body, produces inflammation.

Beauty Icon Comes Clean ^_^

 Covet Convo!, D'Vyne Beauty, Lavish Life(style), OMGWTF -_-  20 Responses »
Jun 032010
 
NoxemaComesClean

It’s a pleasure to introduce the New Clean Blemish Control Collection by beauty icon Noxzema®.  And the kicker…there’s a Dermatologist Partner behind every use! From new packaging, new products; to the same trusted formulations, this beloved skincare brand known for its crisp signature scent, underwent a makeover and now, proud to UNLEASH an invigorating, new look, with products; helping us “face” the needs of women today, while staying true to heritage. And our budgets.

Created in 1914, Noxzema® is branded as a trusted and valued skincare resource dating back for generations. I can vividly remembered watching my grandmother, mom & aunts using Noxzema® every day & night, growing up…I even remember my family in Trinidad using it as well…the smell, so distinct *eucalyptus-menthol*, a key distinguishing factor indeed!

Noxzema launches the NEW Clean Blemish Control formulations – which are specifically designed for adult skin, as to help prevent breakouts and blemishes. Oh, and the coveted convo? A sassy partner to the brand, Consulting Dermatologist Dr. Hilary Reich. “We’re thrilled that Noxzema will further strengthen the Alberto Culver skincare portfolio. With this re-launch, we’re bringing an iconic name, with years of history, to modern women, offering them the daily promise of a clean and fresh start,” says Cynthia Rolfe, Vice President Skincare, Alberto Culver.

Noxzema has unleashed it’s “Come Clean” ad campaign to empower women to “fix” their flaws & not simply “cover them up” . This campaign asks women to flaunt their clean, un-blemished skin…courtesy of Noxzema, of course! An advertorial program, featuring fresh-faced actress Ginnifer Goodwin, will grace the campaign, in partnership with Conde Nast and photographed by NBC’s Saturday Night Live esteemed photographer, Mary Ellen Mathews. Goodwin “comes clean” on her own beauty philosophy and fun facts about her lifestyle. Look out for this campaign, which debuts in July in top print and online publications like Allure, Glamour, Self and Lucky, just to name a few! The New Clean Collection promises blemish control, which ladies & even gentlemen alike…would have to agree, is a necessity. Research shows that a significant amount of women have reported concerns of acne in their lives. The new Noxzema® Foaming Wash and Daily Scrub seems to “face” up to women’s needs (it’s powerful on problem areas but gentle enough for every day use). In addition to these FAB goodies, the revamped brand collection also offers its Original Deep Clean products, including the all known “original blue jar”…and I know you remember…the “Deep Clean” reaches deep down to pores with a cooling tingle; and a sensation which let you know the products are cleaning deep down to pores and removing physical impurities…and let’s not forget the “Triple Clean” collection, which helps to free skin of acne blemishes, while providing purified pores and a clearer complexion.

Ooh yeaa…and the coveted convo thickens…as the word is, Consulting Dermatologist, Dr. Hilary Reich, is a board certified dermatologist and of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is known for her devotion and commitment to surpassing the individual needs of her patients. This beauty maven specialized in treating acne in adults and teens, as well as general skincare. Dr. Reich is a trusted resource and can offer information about product application, benefits and hot, chic, & sassy skincare topics. “I’m very proud to be a partner to the Noxzema brand. I have such fond memories of the products and to now be involved in the relaunch is something I’m truly excited about. Noxzema stands for everything I practice daily with my own patients – simple and effective skincare solutions,” Dr. Reich said.

Check out the NEW Noxzema website to learn more. The results you ask? You’re left feeling renewed and transformed with the promise of a fresh “clean” start!

XOXO,

^_^Media Maven

Carrie’s Big Secret ^_^One Well Kept!

 Covet Convo!, D'Vyne Beauty, Lavish Life(style), OMGWTF -_-  2 Responses »
May 312010
 
SATC2 CARRIE RING

As a Sex and the City fan, it’s only natural that the premier of part deux to my favorite foursome ignited a passion of anticipation.  Carrie Bradshaw had me captivate since 1998. In fact, her character made me venture into journalism in 2001.  With buzz of Fleet Week/Memorial Weekend, which as a fellow promoter, I have to applaud (one of the best episode revolved around Fleet Week, and the girls being the divine Socialistas that they are) the impeccable timing.

But it wasn’t just the girls that captured my heart, but Mr. Big, as well. For the genuinely passionate way he loved Carrie.  And the buzz is, he captures Carrie’s heart, once again in the final scene of SATC2, with an eye-popping 5 carat black diamond ring and which he contributes “because you are not like anyone else”, being his motivation.

And what truth thou speaketh; for you see, this is no ordinary piece; it’s a 5 carat black diamond ring by designer Itay Malkin.

SATC2 sources say that during preparation for SATC2, “the search was on for black diamond rings.” Designer Itay Malkin, who is no stranger to SATC, submitted two rings anonymously and both Parker and writer/director, Michael Patrick King, chose one of Malkin’s designs to be the “ever important ring” in the movie. His unique ring was chosen above twenty other leading name jewelry designers.  This beauty beat out 20 other contenders.

Now, as we all know, SATC is the temple of global trendsetting, and fellow Carrie-inspired women worldwide are already seeking this absolute must-have. The Coveted Convo you ask? Well, sources say Itay Malkin will identically produce the ring in a limited edition series, which retails at $10,000 each; stamped with the limited edition serial number and certificate of authenticity.

Designer Malkin worked in collaboration with SJP and world-renown Costume Designer, Patricia Field, on the finalized design: the 5 carat black diamond ring is set in 18 karat white gold surrounded by 80 round natural white pavé diamonds equaling 0.35 carats, OH MY!. This baby is the only piece of jewelry that has been held to secrecy due to its importance in the plot; a true debuted for the first time on the big screen.

The Itay Malkin Sex and the City 2 Ring is available for sale online at patriciafield.com or through private sale by contacting Itay Malkin Designs at itaymalkin.com or 888-429-4884.

XOXO

^_^ Media Maven

Page 1 of 2 1 2