Movie Review: Bridget Jones Baby

I am not sure you have not seen this movie. It was the funniest movie I had watched in ages. I mean I forced a guy to see the movie with me. At first, he was uncomfortable because the theatre was filled with women and it was packed full. WE could only spot a few sprinkles of men in the crowd. He complained at first saying I forced him to watch a chick film but when the movie started I heard him sniggering in his seat till it graduated to full laughter.

This time, Mark Darcy played by Colin Firth had some real competition from Mc Dreamy himself Dereck Shepherd sorry Patrick Dempsey. He was so gorgeous in the movie I actually wished Bridget went for him at some point.
The story line was that Bridget got pregnant and did not know who the father was. I have to add that in real life that this sort of situation is usually more of a tragedy than comedy.
Watching the way she met McDreamy in the movie makes me feel like I haven’t completely explored my youth. I mean how many people reading this have attended a music festival? I mean the ones that are just on open fields that involve a bit of camping, kind of like Coachella. Anyway, I digress.  The movie continued in regular Bridget Jones style with all the funny and humiliating things that are cute only when they happen to her. I will spoil it a bit for you, it involved a wedding at the end. There was also a cryptic message for fans out there on the father of the baby.
I recommend this movie on a bad day, on a good day, when you intend to laugh out really loud.

Why Women Should Eat Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolate has three major ingredients, Cocoa powder, Cocoa butter and sugar. It is loaded with natural micronutrients.
Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can affect your health positively. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.
Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is quite nutritious. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.
A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains 11 grams of fiber, 67% of the RDA for Iron, 58% of the RDA for Magnesium, 89% of the RDA for Copper, 98% of the RDA for Manganese. It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.
Cocoa and dark chocolate have an excellent profile of dark chocolate. The fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturates.
Dark Chocolate also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine but is unlikely to keep you awake at night as the amount of caffeine is very small.

Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolates For Women
Dark chocolate aids in weight loss. This is the best news ever. Research has shown that regular chocolate eaters were slimmer than those who abstained altogether. Just don’t plow through your sweet stash all at once.
Dark chocolate is good for your heart. It has flavanols, which are antioxidants that can improve blood flow and lessen buildup of bad cholesterol.
Dark chocolate limits stress. Cocoa contains compounds that react with the body to limit the excretion of stress hormones.
Dark chocolate can have a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels because it is low on the glycemic index.
Dark chocolate increases blood flow to your sexual organs. It contains L-arginine, an amino acid that can be an effective natural sex enhancer for both women and men. It increases nitric oxide and promoting blood flow to your sexual organs, which increases sensation, satisfaction, and desire.

DIY Hair Conditioner For Healthy Hair

Are you getting tired of your frizzy or dry hair? It is impossible to manage damaged hair and it needs requires a lot of care and attention.
Having a lustrous black, thick, voluminous hair is a symbol of your health both internally and externally.
When your hair is damaged, it causes many hair problems such as split ends that inhibit hair growth.
If further action is not taken, the split ends will start moving upwards causing your hair to lose its natural sheen and thickness.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend your money on expensive products to get your hair back.
You can try this homemade hair conditioner for healthy hair.
Yogurt Hair Conditioner

Yogurt works great and is the best conditioner for damaged hair when it is  mixed with egg white.This hair pack relieves your tresses of damage.
IngredientsEggYogurt
MethodBeat an egg white until it is fine and smooth, add five to six tablespoons of yogurt to this mixture, and blend again.
How to use1. Massage into your hair and keep it covered in a shower cap, leave the homemade conditioner mask for 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Using hair oils regularly also adds shine and luster to your hair. Oils like Avocado, Argan, Olive, Coconut oil and Shea butter are great for the hair.
 

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric popularly called Haldi is an Indian spice popular in food. It is the main spice in curry (responsible for the yellow colour), and it is arguably the most powerful herb on earth. Below are some benefits of this spice.

Skincare and Beauty benefits
To get all the advantages of Turmeric on the skin, its best to mix it with honey, milk, yoghurt, essential oils or water to make a face mask

Turmeric helps in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, . and evens out skin tone
It to lighten stretch marks.
It controls oily skin and heals dry skin
Turmeric improves skin elasticity
Turmeric is efficient in wrinkle treatment

Hair care
Turmeric helps in the treatment and monitoring of dandruff and itching and also contributes to preventing hair loss.
Health benefits
Turmeric contains curcumin which is a renowned healing compound

Turmeric lowers the risk of heart disease
Turmeric may (and possibly, treat) some forms of cancer
It is useful in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties
It helps improve digestion
It is an immunity booster
Turmeric soothes burns and wounds
It helps prevent liver disease
Turmeric helps delay

These are some of the amazing benefits of this wonder spice, try it out for yourself and notice the difference.               

Gingival Recession

Gingival recession refers to ‘movement’ of the gums mostly resulting in exposure of the roots of the teeth and ’lengthening’ the teeth. This condition can affect one or more teeth and could be unsightly and a source of embarrassment to those affected, but first, why does it happen?
Age, for one, is a major factor. Increasing age predisposes to this condition. Also, aggressive tooth brushing could cause damage to the gums and result in recession of the ‘gum line’. Poor oral hygiene and malpositioning of the teeth are also possible contributory factors.  

Here’s the good news: depending on the cause, it may be rectified quite quickly. A wide variety of treatment options are available and may be offered based on the cause and severity of each case. Book an appointment with a licensed dentist today to discuss your options.
P.S Prevention is better than cure. Visit your dentist at least twice a year and keep those pearly whites sparkly and healthy enough to serve you!

Secrets To Looking Younger

Have you ever told someone your age and the reply was ‘you looking older than your age.’ Well, looking older may be as a result of some lifestyle choices, here is a list of tested and trusted lifestyle changes and you can make that will make you look younger.

Smile and laugh
A full-bellied laugh can lighten and lift your spirit, slashing stress hormones and a genuine smile can instantly brighten and lift your face. So, please smile genuinely today.
Sleep the right way
You need 7-8 hours of sleep daily to give your skin a chance to rejuvenate itself. When you get the right amount of sleep, you will wake up refreshed and looking younger. For optimum beauty rest, sleep on your back with your head elevated this will keep fluid from pooling in your eyes.
Eat healthy
To get effortlessly radiant young looking skin, eat plenty of proteins, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar and sugary foods and drinks.
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated will keep your skin looking younger and supple. You need to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Drinking water aids digestion helps in weight loss, flushes toxins from your body and all these are important for good skin so ensure you drink lots of water.
Protect your skin
Never leave your house without wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 15, also wear sunglasses when going out on sunny days.
Coffee? No, Tea? Yes
Coffee allows you stay awake for longer periods of time but rest is essential for healthy skin, and the longer you go without sleep, the worse your skin looks. Experts suggest you trade your cup of coffee for green tea. Green tea provides a powerful dose of antioxidants that keeps wrinkles away from your skin making you look younger.
Cleanse and moisturize
Cleaning your skin is important, and it is as well important to moisturize after cleansing. Exfoliation is a secret to youthful appearance; it helps improve skin texture, reduces wrinkles and makes your skin look healthier and fresher.
 

Simple ways To keep Your Skin Healthy

Healthy looking skin is every Woman’s dream regardless of the age, and it is quite easier than you think to get healthy skin. Follow these easy tips and be sure to get the skin of your dreams.
Protect yourself from the sun
Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, sunburn and other skin problems. To protect your skin from sun rays, you should do the following;
a) Use sunscreen with at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15
b) Avoid the sun when the sun rays are strongest i.e. between 10 am and 2 pm
c) Wear protective clothing

Do not smoke
Smoking makes the skin look older and contributes to skin wrinkling. Smoking damages collagen and elastin (the fibres that give your skin strength and elasticity).
Be gentle with your skin

Opt for warm water rather than hot water when taking your bath as hot water strips oils from the skin; also limit your bath time to about 10 minutes.
Avoid using soaps that contain harsh chemicals
Be careful when shaving; apply shaving cream or lotion before shaving and in the direction of hair growth.
Pat dry your skin to leave a little moisture after your bath
your skin especially dry skin.

Eat healthy
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein.
Manage stress
Stress can make your skin more sensitive triggering acne breakout and other skin problems
Sleep well
Being sleep deprived stresses the body causing it to release more adrenaline and cortisol which trigger acne breakout and other skin problems. Ensure you get at least 7 -8 hours of sleep every day
Drink lots of water
Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily. Drinking water rids the skin of dryness and wrinkles.
Enjoy your beautiful skin.

What To Do When You Have Acne

Acne is a very stubborn kind of skin blemish. It is a skin disease that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles.
Acne commonly occurs during puberty when the sebaceous (oil) glands come to life – the glands are stimulated by male hormones produced by the adrenal glands of both males and females.
Acne is health threatening but can leave skin scars.
However, there are steps you can take to keep your skin free of acne and prevent future breakouts.

How To Take Care Of Acne Prone Skin

Cleansing your skin daily with a gentle cleanser can help keep pimples at bay. Do not cleanse more than twice a day as excess washing will strip your skin of its natural oils causing dryness which leads to more breakout.
Exfoliate once a week; this helps rid the skin of dead cells. Over exfoliating will.lead to more breakout.
Moisturize daily. This helps give your skin the natural oil it needs. Use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic.
Use toner. Toner helps shrink pores. Make sure the toner you use is low in alcohol.
Use face masks daily. There are many face masks over the counter that are formulated for acne.
You can also make your homemade face masks at home.
Eat balanced diets that include fruits and vegetable. Healthy eating helps maintain good skin and keep blemishes away.
Drink lots of water; this helps detoxify your body, thereby revealing fresher, smoother skin.
Take supplements like zinc, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, omega three fatty acids. They are proven to help reduce acne.
Do not pop your pimples. These leads to scarring and also causes the pimples to spread
Remember to get enough rest. Stress also causes acne and older looking skin.

6 Must-Have Accessories In Your Wardrobe That Can Transform Any Outfit

We probably already know the wardrobe essentials but how about accessories to complement our look and style. Here are five must-have accessories in every ladies closet.
Wardrobe Accessories
1. Scarf

Image via azilboutique.com
You can rock a scarf with tees, frocks and many other things; you could also use it to cover your hair on a bad hair day or to protect yourself from harmful sun rays. An oversized scarf you can use for multiple purposes may be best.
2. Statement necklaces
Statement necklaces are so popular, and every woman needs a few of these to add a little elegance to their outfit. When using statement necklaces avoid wearing hoop earrings, if both oversized accessories are worn together it will be a fashion disaster.
3. Hand Bag
Every woman understands the importance of an oversized bag since women usually need to carry many things when leaving the house; keys, cell phone, make-up, wallet, tissue paper, stationary, planner, etc. A handbag is a necessity; I always say a woman should not be caught out without her handbag, be it small or oversized.
4. Sunglass
Sunglasses are a must-have accessory since they are worn throughout the year. Apart from protecting your eyes from harmful sun rays, they are also a style statement.
5. Ballet flats
Ballets are comfortable and as well classy. They suit all kinds of outfits such as skirts, frocks, jeans, shorts, etc. Any day you do not want to wear heels or your feet hurt from putting on heels, just slip on your ballets, and you are ready to go.
6. Earrings
Most women have lots of ornaments in their closet already, so I will not talk too much about them. Earrings come in all shapes, colours and sizes to suit all needs and occasions; be it a corporate look or a casual affair.
If perchance, you do not have a few of these must-have accessories in your wardrobe, I think it is time to get them. When you get them, you will be amazed at what they can do to your outfit and appearance.

8 Signs You Are Not Getting Enough Rest

SIeep is essential to survive, but at times due to hectic work or life schedules, we tend to shortchange sleep until the ill effects begin affecting us. We need to be aware of the signs of inadequate sleep so we can know to tackle our sleep issues before they get out of hand.  Here are some signs you are not sleeping well.
Signs You Are Not Getting Enough Rest

You are always hungry
If your brain is not getting its needed energy from sleep, it will try to get it from food. Being low on rest can increase the production of the hunger-stimulating hormone; Ghrelin. Increased appetite will, of course, lead to weight gain, so you would probably notice an increase in your weight
You start experiencing micro sleep
Micro sleep is the body’s way of forcing you to get the rest you need. You have probably experienced it a few times; when you doze off without your knowledge.
Your emotions are going haywire
You are vulnerable to crankiness, irritability, mood swings and anger when you are behind in your sleep. You might notice you begin to lose your temper quickly on things that might not have affected you before. You might lash out at loved ones and friends.
You get sick often
Lack of sleep weakens the immune system causing sickness. You might notice having a cold or a headache that doesn’t seem to go.
Your skin is not glowing
As ladies, we need our ‘beauty sleep’. When you do not sleep well, your skin may appear old, and you may experience breakouts. This is because while you sleep your skin repairs damaged cells, so you are not sleeping could disrupt the process.
You become forgetful/absent-minded
You might notice you keep forgetting things like where your keys were kept or errands you need to run. This is probably because a weak person does not pay attention to what is going on around them.
Your libido takes a dive
Not in the mood? Research suggests a lack of sleep could lead to a decreased sex drive. Yes, the ‘I have a headache’ excuse may not be a total lie.
Your productivity is on the decline
Are you noticing a difference in your work productivity? Lack of adequate sleep could make it hard for you to manage projects, work and your time; poor sleep hinders your ability to react quickly. Getting a good night’s sleep is still the best way to improve productivity and overall performance.