7 Simple but Unbelievably Effective Homemade Acne Cleansers …

Home Acne Treatments not only work well, but they save money. They can also be less abrasive than marketed Cleansers. Let’s be real, fighting Acne is a pain, but these 7 Homemade acne cleansers are safe for your skin, easy on the wallet, and just overall awesome. The good thing about home acne treatments is they often use natural products instead of harsh chemicals found in over-the-counter or prescription acne treatments, making them ideal for sensitive skin. So, if you want to learn to make your own home acne treatments, keep reading!

1. Olive Oil

I know it seems crazy to put oil on your already oily acne prone skin. Olive oil has been used for many years as a cleanser and works wonders as home acne treatment. For best results pour a small amount of olive oil onto your hands and massage deeply into the skin. Allow the oil to sit for at least 3 minutes, then place a steamy towel over the face. The Steam will help pull impurities out of your pores. After the towel cools use it to wipe away the remaining oil.

2. Castor Oil

Castor oil works the same way as olive oil for a home acne cleanser. The reason why these oils work as facial cleansers is because skin naturally contains oil. Many of the cleanser we buy are branded as “oil-free.” water doesn’t dissolve oil, oil dissolves oil. When the oils from the skin are removed, the body creates even more oil creating oily skin, or it may react by not creating any oil and thus leaving your skin dry. It makes sense to use oil to help gently remove the dirt and oil from your face to help clear acne.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda works two ways as an at home acne treatment. First it exfoliates the skin by buffing away dead skin and opening up clogged pores. Another way is the alkaline substance of baking soda kills off bacteria in the skin that causes acne. To use baking soda, wet your face and then create a paste with baking soda and water in your hand. Massage the paste into your face gently for one minute. Finish by rinsing with cool water and patting dry.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is not only good for your body, it does wonders for you skin too. Oatmeal is naturally high in vitamins which makes it perfect to reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne. Create your own at acne treatment by soaking ? a cup of oatmeal in 1 cup of boiling water. After the oatmeal mixture has cooled, apply it to your face and gently massage the skin. After one to two minutes rinse off the oatmeal.

5. Honey

Honey is another terrific at home acne treatment. Honey contains antibacterial properties and can help hydrate the skin. You can create a Simple honey mask just by massaging natural honey into the skin and allowing it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. One way to enjoy this mask is to apply it before soaking in a warm bath after a long day at work for a little rest and relaxation.

6. Steaming

Steam opens the pores and allows the impurities to escape. Boil a pot of water and then let it cool for a few minutes. Hang your face over the cooled pot of water with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam in. After 10 minutes you can remove the towel and dry the steam off your face.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used as an at home cure for many different things over the years. Because apple cider vinegar is unprocessed and contains many natural properties it works wonders as an at home Acne treatment. To use, mix one part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water. Dab the mixture onto the face with a cotton ball. Using home acne treatments is so much better for your skin. And as you can see, there are many ways to treat acne naturally at home. Let me know if you tried any of these 7 home acne treatments. Also, do you have recipes for any other home acne treatments you’d like to share?

8 Things to see in Paris …

Paris – just the name conjures up romance, luxury and beauty. There is so much to see in the City of Lights that one could make countless visits and still discover more. Guidebooks tell you about the museums, the famous sites, where to stay and where to eat, but here are my suggestions for other things to see in paris.

1. The People

One of the most fascinating things about Paris is people-watching. When you’ve had enough of walking and seeing tourist sites, find one of the many delightful Parisian cafes. Sit down with a coffee and watch the world go by.

2. Cemeteries

cemeteries might seem like an odd thing to see in Paris, but they’re peaceful places to wander around. Everybody’s heard of the famous cemetery pere lachaise, but there are others in Paris where you can visit the great and the good, including Cimitiere Montparnasse (famous residents including serge gainsbourg).

3. Shop Windows

Paris is known for its sense of style, and the shop windows are proof of this. Whether it’s a fashion boutique or a patisserie, everything is displayed with flair, showing off the products to maximum advantage. Plus window-shopping is free!

4. Flea Markets

The most famous flea market is the one at St. Ouen, which has hundreds of antique dealers as well as stalls of the bric-a-brac variety (and lots of pickpockets, so do be careful). There are several others as well, such as porte de vanves and Marché au Puces d´Aligre – don’t miss a trip to one of them while you’re in Paris!

5. Parks

Paris has ample parks – some of them well-known, such as the jardins de luxembourg, others a little more off the beaten track. Among my favourites are the parc Montsouris, the Parc Aux Buttes-Chaumont and the Jardin des Plantes.

6. Unique Museums

There are other museums to see in Paris than the Louvre, impressive as it may be. I’ve spent some fun afternoons visiting lesser-known museums such as those dedicated to Freemasonry, forgery and the history of the police. The bonus is that they won’t be full of other tourists!

7. The Streets

In historic and beautiful cities such as Paris, one of the great pleasures is strolling around the fascinating streets. I recommend not having a fixed route in mind, but wandering down whatever street takes your fancy. If you see something that looks interesting, go and examine it more closely. Who knows what you might come across – an amazing restaurant or intriguing shop

8. The Views

It’s said that the best thing about the Tour Montparnasse is that if you’re in it, you don’t have to look at it! It’s worth going up one of the tall buildings to get the best views of Paris. If you don’t fancy the queues at the Tour Eiffel, head up to Sacre Coeur and Montmartre, where you’ll still see some wonderful vistas.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, then these ideas show some of the wonderful things to see in paris. If you’re not planning a trip, then you definitely should, it’s amazing! What would you want to see in Paris – and if you have visited, what did you most enjoy?

7 Ways to Make a Great First Impression …

Nearly everyone needs to know How To Make a Great First Impression at some point in their life. Whether it’s for a job interview, meeting the in-laws, or just life in general, knowing how to Make a great first impression will come in handy. This article has some of the best tips and Ways to make a Great first impression! Maybe you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but if that book projected a positive image to begin with, you wouldn’t need to judge it! Keep on reading to learn how to make a great and lasting first impression!

Best Way to Make a Great First Impression

Being punctual is VERY important when it comes to making a great first impression.
Not only does it make you look sloppy and unorganized, but running late is very inconsiderate of another persons time. You never know who is waiting on you or who you are holding up with your tardiness, so be on time in order to make a good first impression!

2. Don’t Pretend

If you want to know how to make a great first impression, then remember to be yourself. Don’t pretend, or put on airs. Don’t try to hide who you are or sugar coat things. Of course, you should put your best foot forward, but always be truthful and at ease. Be yourself, be yourself, be yourself!

3. Presentation Is Everything

I can’t tell you how much presentation counts with in the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. Have you ever been out in public and seen someone who looked dirty or unkempt and wrinkled your nose a bit? The same applies to you! The best way to make a great first impression is to have presentation. Your appearance, manners, attitude, posture and the way you speak says it all!

4. Always Smile

You may not be the brightest light bulb in the room, or be as confident as you wish you were but if you simply remember to keep a smile on your face you will be making a great first impression regardless! A smile says it all. Just be legitimate. Most people can sense a fake smile right away, and you don’t want to seem false or pretentious.

5. Have Confidence

If you desire to know how to make a great first impression, then the best tip I can give you is to have confidence. Being confident in yourself and those around you will guarantee you an awesome first impression! You don’t need to be cocky or arrogant, but being insecure and unsure will project an image that you are needy and unreliable. If you are too worried about how you are coming across, focus on something else and just breathe. Take your mind off of your insecurities and focus on being confident!

6. Be Aware

One of my top Ways to Make a great first impression is to remember to be aware. By this, I mean pay attention to the cues the other person gives off. Mimic their body language slightly to establish rapport. Also, be courteous and kind. Sharp, short answers and a disinterested attitude won’t give off a Great first impression. Be aware! Focus!

7. Draw The Line

There’s a fine line between being overly talkative and not talkative enough! You don’t want to seem nosy, but you should be interested. For the best way to make a great first impression, make small talk, but move from topic to topic so you don’t seem nosy. Don’t ask questions that might seem too personal, but shift the topics around to include more than just the weather.
Now that you know How To Make A Great First Impression, you will be well on your way to success! What are some of your favorite tips and ways to make a great first impression? Please comment below with your ideas and suggestions. We love to hear from our readers, and you can never have too many ways to make a great first impression, right?

9 Tips on How to Become Smarter …

Many people wonder how to become smart. They want to increase their brain power to impress people, like the cute guy they see at the coffee shop, or their boss in hopes of a promotion. That’s great; I fully support anyone that wants to become Smarter. It’s really not that hard once you know where to start. Fortunately, there are lots of great ways to get smarter.

1. Watch Less Television

Television is the quickest way to let your brain turn to absolute mush. While there can be a wealth of knowledge available on television, there are other ways to get that information. Now please don’t misunderstand, I am not saying you have to completely get rid of TV to become smart, just cut down on the amount of time you spend watching mindlessly.

2. Exercise

As if you really needed another reason to exercise, right? Seriously, besides all the other health and beauty benefits of exercise it will also help you get smarter. You see, working out makes you more productive and alert. You will have better concentration and energy.

3. Read

Reading is key to learning. Instead of just reading trashy romance novels and gossip rags, also spend a little time reading more challenging information. Choose a classic novel, an old Shakespearean play or a book on a subject you are interested in.

4. Get More Sleep

We all need more sleep. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean that to become smarter, we need to hit the snooze 3 or 4 times every morning. It’s better to get more sleep by heading to bed a little earlier. Getting more sleep will help you concentrate and take in more information throughout the day.

5. Reflect

We all need time to process the events of our day, week, or month. Taking that time regularly to really ponder over the recent events in your life will give you a deeper perceptive on things. It may also help clear your conscious. Naturally, it can also help you get Smarter.

6. Back to School

One obvious way to become smart is to head back to school. Whether you need to start on your bachelor’s degree or finish up your master’s degree, going to college gives you so much knowledge.

7. Current Events

Keeping up with current events and understand the things going on around the world and in your own country gives you something to talk about with other people. Really understand the subject, even if you don’t agree with others on the topic shows people just how smart you are.

8. Build Vocabulary

Words are fun. The Oxford English Dictionary has over 200,000 words. However, most of our vocabularies are far more limited. To build your vocabulary and learn new words you can look words in the dictionary or start using a vocabulary calendar that gives you a new word each day. Learn the word and its meaning and try to use it correctly in conversation.

9. Healthy Food

Healthy foods boost brain function. Eating a good balanced diet, not skipping meals, and making the right food choice will help you become smarter and healthier.
As you can see, many of the things we need to do to become psychically health will also help us become smarter. Becoming smart isn’t just about cramming your brain with a bunch of trivia facts it’s about increasing brain power and concentration. What are some of the things you have done to become smart?

9 Things Not to Say Via Text Message …

text Messaging Tips are sometimes hard to take. With this generation constantly shooting off countless numbers of texts a day, it can be hard to keep track of what you are writing – and to who. This year is the first year that I’ve started to text heavily and I have to say, there aren’t a whole lot of text messaging tips out there for what not to say in a text. Well ladies, don’t worry, I’ve come up with the top 9 text messaging tips to help you when you’re starting to break into texting!

1. Breaking up

One of the first text messaging tips that I’m going to talk about is breaking up. DO NOT – yes, I repeat, do not break up Via text message. Breaking up is such a personal thing and texting your boy/girlfriend to break up with them is so not personal and it’s pretty insulting.

2. Coming Out

Love is love, it doesn’t matter who you love but if you are thinking about coming out to your friends, family – mom and dad, don’t do it through a text message! This is one of the text messaging tips that I really believe in fully – coming out is a conversation face-to-face, not through a few words on a screen. So bite the bullet and call your parents over for brunch if you are going to come out to them.

3. I’m Pregnant

Whether this is good or bad news, this is one of the text messaging tips that you should totally follow: don’t tell your parents you’re pregnant over text! If it is bad news, they are probably going to be upset and if it’s good news, they will want to share in the good news with you. So pick up the phone or go see them!

4. Serious Health Issues

While text messaging might be an easy way to get the word out, if it is about some serious health issues or someone got in a car accident – call instead of text. While I love to text my mom to let her know I’m okay, I couldn’t imagine texting her that I was in the hospital. Whenever health is concerned and it could be bad news, make sure you’re picking up the phone!

5. Engagement Announcement

If you just got engaged – why hold in the excitement and just shoot off a text message? Call your friends, call your family and let them know! I promise, they’ll want to share in the excitement with you and know all of the little details that you just can’t send Via text message.

6. Trash-Talking

Oh-em-gee, this one got me in trouble. So one time, I was trash-talking to a friend of mine via text message. Instead of sending it to my BFF I was trash talking to, I actually sent it to the friend I was talking about. Sound familiar? Just keep the trash talking to a phone call and you’ll never have to cover up your tracks again!

7. Bad News

This is one of the text messaging tips that goes hand-in-hand with not texting serious health issues, however – it should go for all bad news. So you found out you didn’t get the job, you found out you got fired, found out that your dog died … don’t text it, call someone! I promise, it’ll be better all around and you’ll feel better in no time at all.

8. You’re Fired

Maybe you are the boss and you utilize texting to keep your assistant in line. If that sounds like you, don’t use text messages to fire them. If they are truly fired for a good reason, sit them down and explain it to them – it’ll be so much more personal!

9. Drunk Texting

Finally, let’s move onto the most popular – drunk texting! I’ve been the victim of so many drunk texts from my BFF and I have to say … sometimes it’s horrible! Half the time, I can’t understand what the text message means and the other half, he doesn’t respond back because he’s passed out. As a victim of constant drunk texting … just don’t do it! Texting is awesome – don’t get me wrong, I text all the time, but I do follow most of these text messaging tips. Texting shouldn’t be annoying, it should be used as a quick and easy way to communicate when you’re bored and looking for a friend to entertain you. What text messaging tips do y’all use? Do you have any I missed?

14 Things Teenage Girls Should Learn About Love …

teenage love is a complicated but beautiful thing. I’m not saying that any other kind of romantic love isn’t; but I believe those characteristics are especially true for love during the teenage years. It could be mostly due to the fact that you are changing. Your body is undergoing all kinds of changes and your hormones are all over the place. Plus, you are still discovering who you are when you enter your teenage years. You have yet to get a better understanding of your emotions, and teenage love is probably making things a little more complicated for you. But that’s the beauty of being a teenager – having a flexible and more open mind. Your ways are not completely set and you are still open to learning new things. So sure, teenage love is not easy, but there are things you can Learn to make it more bearable. Here are 14 things teenage girls (or even boys) Should learn about love.

1. Always be yourself

You need to stop asking questions like, “How should I act?” You don’t need to act like anything or anyone. You should always be yourself. Of course, you need to keep in mind social graces, but those things don’t really change your essence as a person.

2. A smile can work wonders

If you constantly worry about how to get a guy to notice you, then heed this advice. A simple smile can light up your face, making you look happier, prettier, and more approachable. And even if the object of your affection doesn’t like you back, there will be someone in the room who will notice your smile.

3. Teenage boys are as scared as you

Don’t let their swagger and their self-confidence fool you. Boys are as confused and as uncertain as girls when it comes to teenage love. They just act like they do because society expects them to initiate everything in a relationship. Give them a break by doing your part, even if it can be nerve-wracking.

4. You can ask a boy out first

I know I might get some flak for this piece of advice, but it’s something that I’ve been saying to most of the girls asking for help on the site. Gone are the days when it’s taboo for a girl to ask a boy out first. If you like someone, take a chance on them! I know rejection is scary, but isn’t it scarier to let the person you like to pass you by?

5. You can’t force people to love you

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much you love someone. He, or even she, may not feel the same way about you. No matter how hard you work for the person’s affection, it may never happen. You need to Learn when to accept that and when to try to move on.

6. If you have to do everything yourself, then he’s not that into you

When someone likes you, he will show some effort to gain your attention. You won’t always have to work extra hard to carry on a conversation with him. You won’t have to text him first every single time. You don’t always have to approach him first when you’re in the same area. I think you get my point, right? So unless he’s incredibly shy, the guy you like is not that into you if you have to do everything yourself.

7. There is no deadline for your first kiss

There are a lot of girls who are in such a rush to have their first kiss. But honestly, I think that girls are putting too much pressure on themselves and their lips. All things happen in good time. You just need to Learn to go with the flow.

8. When in doubt, say no

No one can force you to do anything you’re not ready for. When it comes to teenage love, this rule is usually applicable to physical or sexual activities. However, you can also use this rule of thumb when you are being pressured to try drugs, to drink alcohol, to go places you are not familiar with, or to try things you are unsure about.

9. Sex doesn’t prove anything

If you’re not ready to have sex, let him know. If you’re uncomfortable about something a guy wants you to do, speak up. Muster up the courage to utter a single word: NO. Having sex with him doesn’t prove your love. Don’t believe the lies he tells you. Please don’t ever let anyone pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to do. And if he forces sex on you, it’s called rape; report it. Remember that no means no.

10. Choose your girl friends over a guy

You know how guys have the code “bros before hoes”? I don’t particularly like the word choice, but basically it reminds guys to pick their friends over their potential or current girlfriends. The logic behind this code is that love interests come and go, but your friends will always be there for you. girls, we Should take this code to heart. If you find your true friends, then never forget about them when you get a boyfriend. Hold on to them for they are rare species in this world.

11. You need to maintain a balance

I know I just said that you should prioritize your girl friends over a guy. But of course, you also need to Learn to strike a balance between the relationships in your life. You can’t have your guy feeling neglected, can you?

12. Space can be good

teenage love, or any kind of love for that matter, demands a lot of time and emotional energy. It can take a toll on the people involved. Sometimes, it is good to give each other some space. Believe it or not, but people are like trees. Crowd them and you stunt their growth. Give them space and they grow to their full potential.

13. Your life won’t end with a break up

Teenage love is not immune to break ups. And boy, can be they be messy and painful! But please believe me when I say that no matter how much you hurt, life doesn’t end when you break up with someone. Sure, it’s going to hurt and you’re going to be sad. But then you’re going to get sick of wallowing in self-pity, and you’re going to pick yourself up again. So go on, feel the pain of breaking up. Let the pain wash over you and then let all of it go. And even if you can’t let it go, you will get used to the pain. Life goes on and you will be stronger.

14. There is more to life than boys

If your love life is not going so well as of the moment, then Learn to focus your energy on other areas of your life. There’s your education, your friendships, your hobbies, and your family. Let’s not forget about yourself, your habits, and your personal growth. There truly is more to life than boys. Don’t let them, or the lack of them in your life, bring you down.
Your life as a modern teenager is complicated enough as it is, what with school, social, emotional, and mental problems, and juggling relationships with family and friends. Add teenage love into the equation, and you sometimes feel like you’re in over your head. But remember that in reality, things are not as bad as they seem in your head. Don’t let your emotions, hormones, and imagination get the best of you. Welcome the lessons that teenage love has to teach you. You will be a much better person for it. What other lessons do you think Should be taught to or learned by teenage girls (or boys)?

8 Tricks To Fall Asleep You Should Try …

Tricks To fall Asleep can come in handy on those restless nights. Sometimes falling asleep can be a real chore! You try, but no matter how many sheep you count or how many times you roll over, you still just can’t drift off to la-la land. Well, the good news is, there are some tricks to fall asleep you should try that can help! I know, because they have worked for me many times. Here is my top tricks to fall asleep you should try! You will be sleeping like a little baby in no time at all!

1. Get Active

If you lay around all day and do nothing to tire yourself out, of course you won’t be sleepy at night! Get active and do some things to make yourself tired. Exercise is a good place to start, not only because it will wear you out, but exercise promotes healthy sleeping patterns and physical fitness. So get to the gym or take a light jog through the park!

2. Sleep Tight

My husband and I employ this trick to fall asleep and it works like a charm! A few minutes before heading to bed, turn your AC down low. You will sleep better in a cooler temperature! You can also have a fan or two blowing on you as you drift off for maximum effect.

3. Relax

Before trying to fall asleep, it’s important to wind down for the evening. Do something that relaxes you. Some people like to read, others like to meditate or watch television. Try taking a warm bath or shower to help your muscles relax, and maybe rub on a lavender scented lotion to soothe your senses.

4. Food for Thought

There are certain foods you should avoid close to bedtime. Obviously anything with caffeine will get you wired up and make it difficult to fall asleep! it’s also important not to eat too heavy of a meal or anything that might be hard to digest late in the evening. Digestion will keep a good many people up throughout the night!

5. Lights Out

One of the Tricks to fall asleep that I absolutely must use is making sure all the lights are turned out. I don’t even like a night light when I’m sleeping! Many people find it best to fall asleep in a completely dark room. Turn off all TV’s phones, computers and lamps before laying down. If you have windows, hang up blinds to block out all the lights. The sand man will visit you in no time!

6. Avoid Tension

It can be hard to fall asleep when you feel tense and wired up. It’s a good idea to refrain from watching a scary movie, reading and intense book, or taking part in any heated discussions before bed. Try to calm your mind and only think of relaxing, quiet thoughts.

7. Have Some Tea

Having a cup of warm tea is a nice way to unwind before bed time, and it’s a great trick to fall asleep! Chamomile tea is high in nerve and muscle relaxing calcium, so it’s a great tea to sip on before you try to sleep. But if you don’t have chamomile on hand, a cup of regular decaffeinated tea with some honey or peppermint oil in it will calm you down on its own!

8. Establish a Routine

Having a routine, a set waking and sleeping pattern, is one of the very best Tricks to fall asleep of all. Try to start going to bed and waking up at the same time at least 5 days out of the week if at all possible. Your body will start recognizing this pattern and following it naturally! With these tricks to fall asleep, you should have no problem closing those eyelids and fluttering off to dreamland! These tricks to fall asleep are the best tips you will find! Do you plan to try any of these tips tonight?

42 Best Ways To Lose Stomach Fat Fast …

This fantastic list of 42 Best Ways to Lose Stomach Fat Fast includes all the tips you need to lose that belly fat that’ve been bugging you for months or even years.  According to 2011 statistics, 90% of US adult population are not happy with their abdominal muscle tone and they would gladly have a flatter stomach or lose that stomach fat altogether.  Not only is belly fat unflattering, but it has been scientifically linked to many health problems such as bloating, heartburn, diabetes, heart disease, stroke etc. (and you thought having a muffin top was the worst part!).  The good news is losing stomach fat and getting a flat tummy or even getting those fabulous six pack abs is not as difficult and unachievable as many people think.
As a person who successfully got rid of stomach fat quickly in the recent past, I’m here to give you 42 Best Ways to Lose Stomach Fat Fast that truly work. I promise you that if you start implementing these effective ways for losing abdominal fat one by one, you’ll get the perfect stomach you always wanted before you know it!  So, let’s get started!
The best ways to lose that belly fat fast:

1. Make a plan

Before you do your first sit-up or dump that Cola down the drain, you need to make a plan for your weight loss. losing belly fat takes some work, and you have to put together a realistic plan you can refer to once you start your weight loss program.
You’re not going to lose all the fat around your waist in 3 days, and you will definitely need to break some sweat before you achieve your goal.  Just remember, that it’s completely doable and if you put a bit more time into it and keep implementing these best ways to lose stomach fat fast, you’ll get the body you wanted before you know it.
So, just make a realistic list of things you are going to do to start losing that stomach fat (by picking minimum 10 ways to lose belly fat described below), add 3 deadlines you could use as a check point (for instance, 1, 2 and 3 weeks after you start your weight loss journey). Once you have done that, make sure you are consistent with the routines you’ve chosen, make notes, to see which changes you are sticking to and which are giving you problems. Replace the ones that just don’t work for you with new routines from these 42 ways to lose belly fat fast.
Remember to check your progress weekly and add 3-5 new ways to lose stomach fat every consequent week.  If you follow the instructions from the above, you’ll lose that stomach fat in a matter of weeks!

2. Carry water everywhere to start losing stomach fat

Whether you’re on a weight loss journey, you’re trying to lose belly fat, or you’re just trying to be healthier, it’s always a good idea to keep well-hydrated, and to do that, you’ll want to keep a bottle of water with you everywhere you go. Sip from it every now and then, and you’ll feel fuller, more invigorated, and you’ll also be a lot less likely to indulge in a sugar-laden soda or juice if you’re not thirsty!  This is a sure way to lose stomach fat fast, try it for a week and you’ll see what a difference it makes!

3. Color your plate

Did you know that the more colorful your meal, the more healthful it’s likely to be? Think about it: carrots, peppers, spinach, tomatoes: they’re all brilliant colors, and they’re all very healthful choices! Keep your plate colorful and you’re well on your way to losing that belly fat!

4. Cut out fast food – it’s an absolute must for having a flat tummy

Fast food is the worst culprit in the battle against stomach fat. It’s convenient, sure, but it’s loaded with calories and fat, and those calories and fat head straight to our “problem areas,” our bellies and butts! Skip the fast food, or at least opt for healthier fast food options, like salads (without fried chicken or calorie-rich ranch on them) instead of fries.  But if you are really set on losing stomach fat fast, avoid the fast food altogether.

5. Cut out soda

A serving of soda contains more calories than a large banana, with none of the nutritional value. many of those ca

8 Foods Every Teen Should Avoid …

We all know some Foods are healthier than others, but did you know there are a lot of foods you Should just straight-up Avoid? It’s true! There’s a long list of foods to avoid, from beverages to meats and more. Are your faves on my list? Keep reading! Her are 8 foods every teen should avoid.

1. Soda

It may taste good, and you may even feel addicted, but soda, even diet soda, is terrible for you. One bottle, which is actually two servings, not one, contains about 250 calories, most of which are from high fructose corn syrup. The diet varieties contain nasty chemicals that may cause cancer… and most dark-colored sodas are loaded with caffeine. With all those empty calories, gross chemicals, and jitters-inducing caffeine, this tops my list of foods to avoid.

2. Chips

Loaded with fat and sodium, along with dozens of weird preservatives, corn and potato chips are another food to avoid. They’ll destroy even the most conscientious diet, and since they’re often fried, may cause acne break-outs. Eww! If you must have chips, opt for the all-natural baked kind.

3. Canned/boxed Food

Check the nutrition label on that can of Spaghetti O’s or Hamburger Helper or Easy Mac and you’ll see why anything in a can or box is another food to avoid. They’re full of fat, sodium, and so many chemicals I can’t even pronounce! A good rule of thumb: if you can’t pronounce it, let alone figure out what it is, don’t eat it!

4. Fast Food

Did you know that one fast food value meal (burger, fries, drink) can contain as many calories as you’re supposed to eat in one whole day? Not to mention the high fat content, chemically-processed ingredients, and big potential for food-borne illnesses, like deadly e coli. Avoid fast food… and if you can’t, then opt for something a little healthier, like a salad without dressing or a grilled chicken sandwich without the mayo.

5. White Bread

This is an item people are usually surprised to see on a list of foods to avoid. It’s just bread, right? Nope. White bread is made with flour that’s been, literally, bleached. It’s leeched of nearly every nutrient, then packed with preservatives so it won’t spoil. Opt for natural whole-grain breads instead. They’re tastier, filled with valuable fiber, and aren’t bleached.

6. Frozen Entrees

Just like canned or boxed Foods. Most frozen entrees (TV dinners) are loaded with nasty chemicals and lots of fat and sodium. Some aren’t though, so be sure to check labels before you buy.

7. Fruit «cocktail»

Did you know that some fruit juice «cocktails» actually contain more sugar than soda? It’s true! Before you buy or drink, check out the label. On the front, if it says «fruit juice cocktail» rather than «juice,» that’s a bad sign. Also, look at the nutrition label on the side. If one of the ingredients is high fructose corn syrup, stay away. Opt for healthy 100% juice brands instead.

8. Ground Beef

Every time I hear of a deadly e coli outbreak, especially the ones that can be traced back to feces in ground beef, I shudder… how many people ate that poop-laden ground beef and didn’t get sick? A pound of ground beef can contain meat from an average of 55 different cows… and trust me, you do NOT want to know which parts they include in that meat! Buy a cut of beef and ask the butcher to grind it. At least you’ll know which part of the one cow it came from, and how the meat itself was handled, drastically reducing the chances you’ll be eating feces and e coli.
Gross! Now that you’re read my list of foods to avoid, will you ever eat them again? I know it’s hard to give up fast food, and soda tastes so good… but trust me, these are all Foods to Avoid! Which of these surprised you? Which ones will you give up for sure? Do tell!

12 Things Men Like in Women More Than Good Looks …

Things Men Like in Women often have nothing to do with Looks, bra size or any of the standard things we think men fall for. In fact, although physical appearance is the first thing they notice (don’t we all?), when it comes to settling down it often comes in last and counts the least. Believe it or not, there are at least 12 completely non-physical things men like in women and I’m pretty sure your boyfriend could list many more and confirm that your gorgeous physique, beautiful eyes and soft lips are not the only things that made him fall head over heels for you! Interested to learn more about those other things men like in women? Well, read carefully because every man would love to be with a woman who is…

1. A Good Listener

Most men appreciate women who are able to just listen – no “ I told you so” lines, no lectures, tips or comments regarding what you would do if you were in his place. You know… just sitting, listening (and I mean REALLY listening)… just showing that you care. Oh, and that involves being patient as well, understanding that most men need to “process” their problems before they can talk about them and learning to say, “Okay, baby, whenever you want to talk about it – I’m here for you”.

2. Spontaneous

Being able to “go with the flow” is one of the things men like in women the most and I must admit I’m still not

4 Signs You Are More Than Friends

Look for Signals
After you’ve realized that you might be more than friends, the next step is to figure out if this feeling is reciprocated. If you are observant, you may pick up on some unintentional signals that may indicate your friend feels the same way and may be open to dating.
Think about how your friend talks about potential romantic partners: Does he refuse to talk about it with you, or is he vague? Conversely, does he talk about women he might date more than he did at the beginning of your friendship? Some people will either avoid the subject or overcompensate if they realize they have romantic feelings for a friend and they aren’t sure how to proceed.
Be on the lookout for how often your friend asks you about your love life. If they ask you lots of questions and seem overly curious, this may be a sign that your friend might think of you as more than friend. Also, if your friend asks you what you’re attracted to or wants to know about each and every relationship you’ve had, this could also be a major sign they like you.
How does your friend act when you are dating anyone else? Are they jealous? Do they think that no one is good enough for you? After all, if they want to be with you, it makes sense they’d see red when thinking or talking about someone you’re dating. In the past, has your friend encouraged you to end things if you brought up any problems you had with a dating partner? They may have given advice that any friend would give, but look back on the tone of the conversation.
Sending a Response
You shouldn’t assume that just because your friend gives you a hug or calls you during the week that they are interested. Those kinds of signals can help you decide whether or not to take the plunge, but they are never sure bets. Because of this, you want to proceed with caution before asking your friend out.
If you think your friend does like you in a romantic way, try flirting with them. If they flirt back, this could be a sign that things will heat up in the future. Touch their arm or hand lightly in conversation and gauge their reaction. Also, try spending more time with them in general. Invite them over to watch a television show, go on coffee dates and try talking on the phone, e-mailing or texting them more than you have in the past. If your friend eagerly reciprocates, things might fall into place.
Try dressing up when you’re around your friend. This doesn’t mean you should wear a tux or a low-cut dress to a casual coffee date, but it involves taking more care with your own appearance. A more polished look could encourage your friend to see you in a new light.
Broaching the Subject
You may think your feelings are obvious, but your friend may be oblivious. At some point, you will have to bring up the subject, and you must be clear about your intentions and your feelings. If you don’t say that you have romantic feelings, your friend wind up confused.
After you’ve sent your own signals, know that the timing of your communication has to be right. Don’t ask your friend out if they’ve only just broken up with their significant other. You don’t want to be anyone’s rebound. Instead, wait a few months to make sure that the feelings are still there. Once you are confident that there’s no rebound potential, ask your friend out when the two of you are already alone and having a good time together.
When you ask your friend out, know where you want to go. A plan will help your friend realize that you are serious and not on the rebound. The plus side to asking out a friend is that you already know your friend and what your friend likes to do. If your friend says yes, then the next challenge is seeing if the two of you work as a couple.
If Your Friend Turns You Down
There’s always a chance that your friend might not think of you in the same way. Your friend might not be attracted to you, or they may have been burned when they dated another friend, and they would much rather keep your relationship the way it is. If this happens, you want to take special care with how you react to this news. Do not run away or keep your distance. Though things might be a bit awkward, if you work through this, you can stay friends.Stay polite and respectful the next time you see your friend. Remember that they may not want to risk losing your friendship. Also be careful when talking about your friend with mutual friends. If you are upset that you were turned down, don’t gossip about your friend because it will get back to them, and you’ll lose the friendship.