What is Eyebrow Threading?

Fact: I unfortunately do not have nice, groomed eyebrows. Ever since I was young, my brows have just been out of control. I started getting them waxed around the age of 13 because I hated them so much, and the myth that the more you wax something the less hair grows back over time is a lie. I’m going on 23 and the hair still grows in just as thick and just as fast. I have grown accustomed to the waxing procedures and teaching myself how to pluck fairly evenly in between my monthly waxes.

 

When I was visiting my family in El Paso, Texas over Christmas I saw a stand in the mall for eyebrow threading. Upon closer inspection, I saw a woman moving a piece of thread along other woman’s eyebrows, cleaning up her brows and shaping them at the same time. I was intrigued- especially after I saw that the woman’s forehead wasn’t bright red after she was finished like mine always is after waxing. I decided to give it a try.

 

Eyebrow threading is a form of hair removal that originated in parts of India, the Middle and Far East. The cotton thread is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hairs in the thread, which are then lifted quickly from the follicle. Threading is becoming more popular in the United States because it is inexpensive- it cost me $10- as there are no chemicals being used. It also does not leave the skin irritated because it is not ripping off the top layer of skin, instead getting underneath the hair follicle and removing the hair in one smooth line- making the shape of your eyebrows look even better.

 

I will say that I liked eyebrow threading because it was quick, cheap, and my eyebrows did look a lot better than they would if I had waxed or plucked them. It didn’t last any longer than waxing though, and it was incredibly painful for me. After my aesthetician had done one eyebrow, I wanted to ask her to stop because the pain was almost unbearable. It almost felt like someone was taking a razor blade to my eyebrows, and I honestly thought I was going to look in the mirror and see a bloody face when she had finished. Of course I didn’t, I had beautiful looking eyebrows, but I can’t say I will do eyebrow threading again. Waxing is actually less painful in this game of beauty we play.

Source: www.eyebrowthreading.com

Exercise Tools You Need

I love buying workout tools and gear. I really realized this yesterday, when I made yet another trip out to Sports Authority to add to my fitness collection. Just a few weeks ago, I went out and got more air in my stability ball so I could sit on it at work instead of my regular padded chair. Last week, I went out and bought a new workout DVD to add more cardio workouts to my routine. Then just yesterday I went back there and bought my own kettleball, after writing an article about how great they are. Now, I am already thinking about what I want to by on my next trip out there. Just some on my list: a Pilates DVD, a sports bra, and a step so I can do step workouts while watching TV. Whew!

Shape.com released an article titled ‘7 Tools for Strength Training Routines.’ After reading, I have even more items to add to my fitness list! What to do, what to do? But the article was great, and I even learned about a few tools that I didn’t know existed. Here are the 7 that Shape recommends:

1. Medicine ball
   price $15-$150, depending on weight
   description A weighted ball, ranging from 2-25 pounds in 2- to 5-pound increments
   how it works Hold in both hands to add resistance as you do strength moves or twisting exercises
2. Body Bar
   price $23-$90, depending on weight
   description A 2- to 6-foot-long weighted bar with padding; comes in 4, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pounds
   how it works Use like a barbell in your strength training routines to do moves such as squats, upright rows and biceps curls.
3. BodyWedge21
   price $119
   description A foam wedge that can be used as an incline bench, step or crunch board for variety and added resistance
   how it works Lie on ramp, or place one foot on top, to do moves like incline crunches, decline flies and lunges.
4. SPRI Xerdisc
   price $25
   description A lightweight, air-filled disc that looks like an inflated Frisbee
   how it works Stand with one or both feet on the disc to challenge your balance.
5. AIREX Balance Block
   price $50
   description A soft foam cushion; good balance tool for beginners
   how it works Stand with one or both feet on top to create instability.
6. BOSU Balance Trainer
   price $130 (with pump, exercise manual and how-to video)
   description An inflated half-dome on a platform (looks like a stability ball cut in half)
   how it works Stand, sit, lie or kneel on the dome side, or flip over for an even bigger balance challenge.
7. Reebok Core Board
   price $150 (with how-to video)
   description A board on an adjustable base that tilts, rocks and swivels
   how it works Do strength moves while balancing on top for a serious core workout.

 

Photo Credit: Shape.com

Is Instant Oatmeal Healthy?

I got my daily fitness tip from Women’s Health Magazine this morning. It came while I was sitting at my desk, munching on a hearty breakfast of a toaster strudel. I clicked on the link for ‘Healthy Breakfast Ideas’ since my usual breakfast of sugary cereals or strudels isn’t the healthiest.

I read a piece on instant oatmeal, and whether it is considered a healthy breakfast. I was a little surprised to read that it is healthy; that instant oatmeal still provides plenty of whole grains, just smaller pieces so they can be cooked faster. WHM warns to watch out for the sugar content though, because the instant kind can contain more than three teaspoons of sugar.

 

Check out Women’s Health Magazine for more breakfast ideas!

Mary-Kate Olsen Splits with Boyfriend

Mary-Kate Olsen is a single lady. Usmagazine reports the actress/designer has split with her boyfriend Nate Lowman. The couple began dating in 2008. When Olsen’s rep was asked if the pair were still together, he replied, “No, they are not. It’s been a while.” Olsen is currently in London for Fashion Week.

Photo Credit: Dominique Charriau/WireImage.com

Charlie Sheen Enters Rehab

Charlie Sheen has entered a rehab facility, People.com reports. Sheens’ rep said this in a statement, “”As a preventative measure, Charlie Sheen has entered a rehabilitation facility. He will take some time off his series Two and a Half Men.” Wife Brooke Mueller is also in rehab following the couples Christmas Day altercation.

Photo Credit: Albert L. Ortega/PR Photos

Bristol Palin to Act on The Secret Life of the American Teenager

Bristol Palin is coming to your TV screen. The daughter of Sarah Palin, 19, will appear as herself on an upcoming episode of the ABC show The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Usmagazine has reported. The teenage mother, currently involved in a custody battle with her 1 year old son’s father, Levi Johnston, said this about her upcoming role, “I am thrilled to be on this show and to be a part of a program that educates teens and young adults about the consequences of teen pregnancy.”

Photo Credit: Eugene Gologursky/WireImage.com

Lacey Schwimmer Not Returning to DWTS

Another regular will not be returning to the ballroom for the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. Professional dancer Lacey Schwimmer tweeted that she will not be returning for the 10^th season of the popular show. Schwimmer first joined the cast in 2008 after appearing on So You Think You Can Dance. DWTS host Samantha Harris announced earlier that she would not be returning to the show as well. The season premiers March 22^nd.

Photo Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin

Evan Lysacek and Nastia Liukin a Couple

Evan Lysacek and Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin are dating, People.com confirms. Lysacek, who is trying to become the first male figure skater to win Olympic gold in 22 years, confirmed the relationship. The couple have been together since last summer, after meeting while performing on the NBC special Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular. Lysacek says, “Even though we’re not in the same sport, we got to connect at the same level because there’s nothing like the Olympics. It was nice to be on other side of things and be the support system, but I was nervous. She’s been so helpful to me. She has been through it herself. If I’m having a bad day, she tells me to have faith and to keep going. Sometimes your support system has more faith in you than yourself. And when she tells me things are going to be fine, I really believe it.”

Photo Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Abbie Cornish Splits from Ryan Phillippe

Ryan Phillippe and actress Abbie Cornish have split according to People.com. A rep for Cornish confirmed the break up, saying, “Abbie ended the relationship with Ryan and she moved out of their home.” A reason was not given for the break-up, but there had been rumors of Phillippe cheating, often hitting up night clubs without his girlfriend. Cornish, 27, and Phillippe, 35, started dating after they met in 2006 while filming Stop-Loss.

Phillippe is divorced from actress Reese Witherspoon, and they have two children together. Cornish is currently in Vancouver on location shooting her latest film, Sucker Punch.

Photo Credit: Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com

Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell

Alice Hirsh is trying to adjust to life in the San Fernando Valley after living in New York. Judgmental and borderline unfriendly, Alice relies on her  family- Alex, a wonderful husband and father, working as an entertainment lawyer for the stars, and her precious daughter Gabby. But everything turns when Alex announces he needs a “break”- then Alice finds pictures of her husband cuddling with the hottest man-eating actress in Hollywood, also Alex’s newest client. Suddenly, she is on the verge of getting a divorce, and is having to deal with the demise while the paparazzi is stalking her and five year old Gabby asking all the hard questions.

Alice struggles to get through each day, trying to pick up the broken pieces around her. She finds friends with the most unexpected people- another mother who loves wearing Winnie-the-Pooh sweatshirts but can swear like a sailor and an ex porn star trying to make a better future for herself. Their friendships help support Alice through her mother’s declining health and a possible love interest- with a former paparazzo.

Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell is a heartwarming tale of a very real situation and one women’s experience of trying to get her life back on track. I loved the spin with the fairy tale, seeing how Gabby’s love of fairy tales could relate to Alice’s life. The supporting cast really helped shape the novel, with just enough detail on each person’s lives. This is feel good reading material that shows no matter how much you lose, there is more you can gain to get your happily ever after.

 

 

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