How to Break Up with Your Hairdresser

I call it a break-up because it can feel that way. You feel loyal to your hairdresser, almost as though they are a friend of yours, and they are, to a point. This is still a business relationship and you are a paying customer. So that means you call the shots! If you've left your hairdresser on more than one occasion feeling as though you were not treated as personally as you used to be or would like to be, or you have had bad color or cuts for the last few visits, it's time for you to consider making a change. Everyone has a bad day and that includes hairdressers. Unfortunately, their bad day can be carried home on your head. When poor results become a routine and you no longer look forward to going, but feel like you're settling, you should find someone new. Also, if your desire is to try something fresh and bold and you don't think your hairdresser is up to the job, that's another telltale indication that you may need to move on. Another reason for deciding to move on is if you are forced to wait a long time between appointments or if they keep you waiting a long time once you arrive. A poorly run salon is like any other business that's poorly run, it doesn't deserve your patronage. It's a competitive world out there and businesses are competing for you. If they are not putting their best foot forward, find someone who will. I once went to a salon where the receptionist who checked you in and who you saw when you were finished was very unfriendly. Not a smile on her face, nothing. This wasn't just A BAD DAY. The receptionist is the first person you meet when you walk in and it gives you a feel for the business and the way it's run. I go to a salon to be lifted up, not brought down, needless to say I eventually left. If a business wants to make a good impression, they will care about who answers their phone and who greets and serves their customers. So how do you make the break: If you have been going to a particular hairdresser regularly for years and you've finally strayed and found someone new, you may want to send a quick note explaining why you're taking a break. Perhaps say you received a gift certificate for another salon so you are going to give it a try. That way if you want to go back, there won't be any hurt feelings. Many times you can find a new style or cut elsewhere and just have your tried and true stylist duplicate the look for you. If you haven't gone for many years to your hairdresser, or you've been irregular at best, then it's easy to just disappear and move on. Your hair is a very personal part of your body and very tied into who you are. A good stylist recognizes and respects this and accommodates you. Remember, you know your hair best so good communication is key to good results from your salon. See you on YouTube, -YouTips4U

Herbal Tea Remedies

I usually always use natural herbal remedies for whatever ails me rather than turning to over-the-counter medications. I find I get excellent results and very quickly from using the right herbal teas. They are soothing and restorative. Here are a few that have helped me: 1) If you're suffering from period cramps: -Red raspberry tea is wonderful. Sip it as warm as you can while resting on the couch. 30 minutes later, you will be good to go. 2) Having allergy problems: -try nettle tea. It can help inhibit the production of histamines that trigger allergies without the side-effects of using over-the-counter antihistamines. It's also good for urinary tract infections. 3) Having urinary tract issues: -Dandelion leaf tea is wonderful. Nettle tea may also be used and don't forget cranberry juice. Be sure you buy unsweetened cranberry juice. You can mix it with the sweetened one and water to make it more palatable, but you don't want all that sugar from regular cranberry juice. 4) Having trouble sleeping: - valerian tea can help as it helps increase a brain chemical that helps induce relaxation and sleep. Warm milk is wonderful as well and so is having a cup of kefir. 5) Have a tummy ache or unsettled tummy: -Peppermint tea is terrific as it helps to relax the stomach muscles and ease bloating. I also love fennel tea for any gassy tummy problems. 6) Have indigestion: -Try some ginger tea. Works wonders for me. 7) Need stress relief: -Chamomile tea has a very relaxing effect on the nervous system. I also use this one for helping me sleep. 8) Reduce a fever: -try Elderberry tea. I also use this when I'm sick but don't have a fever. It's terrific. These herbs have been around for centuries, but you always want to make sure you are not allergic to any herb before you consume it, so always check first. I have used each of these herbs as herbal teas with no problems and only terrific results. The brands I use most are Alvita Herbal Teas and Celebration Herbal Teas. Be sure to steep tea bag for at least 5-10 minutes for best results. You can find them in natural foods stores like Whole Foods or online. See you on YouTube, -YouTips4U

Treadmill Tip

A quick tip for those of you who use the treadmill: increase the incline! Having the incline set to zero is actually slightly downhill, so raise it up to at least 1.0 if you want to simulate a flat surface and help burn more calories. Raising the incline level is a great way to shed extra calories and fat and firm up your entire lower body. So try to get up to at least an incline of 4.0 with a good solid pace where you're swinging your arms and using full strides. If it gets to be too much for you, you can always lower both. Interval training is a great way to challenge your fitness level. See you on YouTube, -YouTips4U

Mushrooms to Boost Immunity

Cold and Flu season is in full swing. We must keep our bodies functioning optimally during this time in order to thwart those nasty bugs. One of the best natural immune boosters we have available to us in plenty are mushrooms! Mushrooms are a Superfood. Scientists are continually researching mushrooms and finding new ways that mushrooms help the human body fight diseases such as cancer. Research has shown that mushrooms have been shown to attack killer cells that often is the start of cancer and tumors. Rich in antioxidants and fiber, mushrooms are also a natural source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is more difficult for our bodies to get enough of during the cold winter months when we get less sunshine. Mushrooms attain the superfood title because of their significant vitamin and mineral content and should be a regular part of a healthy immune boosting diet. A little personal insight: As many of you know, I am very attune to my body. Whenever I get sick, I have found that I crave mushrooms! Specifically I want them in soup. I will always make a chicken soup, to which I add the traditional vegetables like celery, carrots, onions, plenty of garlic, kale, and of course, lots of fresh mushrooms. The best immune boosters are shiitake and maitake mushrooms, but the regular baby bellas and white muschrooms are great too. Just throw them in at the end because they cook immediately. Please remember to pick up some mushrooms the next time you go grocery shopping and add them to your favorite dishes: -salads -soups -pasta sauces -chicken dishes -steaks You name it, mushrooms can be added! --Abondanza

How to Stop Wine from Staining your Teeth

We all enjoy a glass of red wine before or during dinner, but oh the stains to our teeth! Here's a little tip to keep your pearly whites white so that you can smile with confidence on your next hot date. Have some cheese with your wine. Having cheese with wine changes the pH of your mouth, reducing acidity and making it hard for stains to stick to your teeth. See, the French have the right idea! Wine and cheese please :) Want even more whitening, have some celery after your drink. Celery cleans your teeth naturally by scrubbing away the stains like a toothbrush. -Bon Appétit

Kale

Kale is a dark green leafy vegetable and is a member of the cabbage family of vegetables. It's a high fiber, low calorie, fat-free vegetable. If you haven't tried it yet, I hope you will. I just uploaded a video to YouTube that will tell you all about it's important benefits to your body and I show you step by step how I prepare it. It's so versatile, you can eat it with almost any meal you are having. It's a great cancer fighter, rich in flavenoids, carotenoids, and many important vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins C, E, K, B, Iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and lutein. So please check out my YouTube video to learn more about Kale and I hope you will add it to your diet. Here's the link to my video: How to Make Kale - Lose Weight with this High Fiber Nutritious Food See you on YouTube, -YouTips4U

Is Baby Shampoo Good To Use on Adult Hair?

Hi Everyone, ever wonder whether it's ok for adults to use baby shampoo? Have you ever wondered whether you should use a sulfate-free shampoo and whether it may be better for your hair or scalp. Well, I just posted a helpful video to YouTube to help you understand what sodium lauryl sulfate is and why it's in so many shampoos and washes. I think you will find it very helpful, so please check it out. Here's the link: http://youtu.be/KpayI7midGs See you on YouTube, -Youtips4U