Winter is definitely testing our endurance with crazy weather happening all over the world and the flu outbreak…. wow… This too shall pass…

It’s important for us to take care of ourselves as every year passes.  I focus on what are my goals to achieve a better me. We all have our own interpretations and ideas. I start at the top with my hair.  I like stylish healthy looking hair; who doesn’t?  In the winter my hair tends to get dry due to the elements and the fact that it is color treated. Shampooing about two times a week allows our natural oils to regenerate our hair and scalp. Hydrating shampoo and conditioner are great for winter hair and there are many wonderful products that work on every hair type.

My hair texture has always been thin so I use Tresamme products. They are inexpensive and do nice job.  When I want to change it up I’ll switch to a professional line such as  Biolage.  A good foundation is key to making your hair look stylish everyday.  Don’t be afraid to use conditioner, it won’t weigh down your hair and keeps the style and color longer.  

Hair fact: we shed between 50 to 100 hairs every day!  This is normal and how our hair replenishes itself. We lose less hair in the winter because of the cold and shed more in the summer to keep us cooler.

Now my secret for great skin–part is genetics but sometimes we need help from products due to our daily stress of life and the environment.  Moisturize day and night.   Once in the fall and again in early spring get a dermabrasion product or a professional service to help take dead skin cells off the surface. La Roche Posay makes many great products that are a step up and are available at CVS! Another great find is sheet masks. Twice a month you can brighten and refresh. I really like the Sake Brightening Hydrogel Mask by Boscia. It’s no mess and works well.

It gives you a mini face lift! Good to use before date night or a family reunion. The world  of stem cell  products has also arrived.  I gave them a try for a month on my “maturing skin”. It kept my skin hydrated and was not irritating.   I liked these products because the first ingredient listed is not water, but fruit stem cells. It helps give the skin a nice texture. Check out Andalou Naturals. Depending  what your budget is these product work. They even got me a compliment from my sister-in-law, who never says anything–She told me I looked good–10 years younger! It made my day.

I think even focusing on simple foods that our grandmothers, mothers or aunts cooked  is part of taking care of ourselves. You have to nurture the inside as well. The dishes we grew up with are now considered healthy. It was often thought of as peasant food. Hearty one pot soups and meat dishes. No cookies and breads were  store-bought, they were all homemade and now that’s the rage again. There was no obesity back then. We all took time to take care ourselves and family too.  Many people are into keeping up with or outpacing one another in this fast paced world. Everyone trying to get their own reality show or be a housewife.  Oh, Andy Cohen bless you,  I love to watch your shows for an escape!  

Hopefully, some of my hair and skin tips help you feel beautiful and fabulous. Enjoy life and family and of course be good to yourself.

~~Ciao! Spring is just 5 weeks away.

Always smile, keep it positive, never let negativity get to you in this crazy mixed up world.