Simple and Easy Skincare Tips for Moms on the Go

Ever look at celebrity moms like Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian and Jessica Simpson and wonder how in the world they have effortlessly flawless skin with such busy schedules? Sure they have a “glam squad” that can help them whip their skin into shape, but there are plenty of tricks to the trade that you can tackle on your own. The best part about it is that many of these tips are affordable! Whether you’re dealing with specific skin issues or you just want to achieve healthier skin, try these tips on for size…

1. Drink Plenty of Water
If it’s a clearer complexion you’re after, instead of caking on the foundation to cover up discolorations, all you need to do is drink plenty of water. By drinking about two liters of water a day, you can help the body to naturally release toxins that can cause common skin issues like acne. Water also keeps the skin naturally hydrated, which is important to keep the skin from becoming dry and flaky. It oxygenates the skin, allowing it to give your entire body a natural glow.

2. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
When you’ve got a busy schedule, it can be pretty tempting to grab something from your company’s vending machines and keep it moving. The only trouble is that eating snacks that are high in sugar and fat content can really be bad for the skin. Instead of consuming foods that you don’t need, try to have a healthy snack on hand. Eating the right types of foods gives the skin the vitamins and nutrients it needs. Some yogurt, a handful of nuts or even some fresh fruit can do the trick.

3. Take the Stairs
Did you know that exercise is not only great for your waistline and health, but it can be great for improving the skin? Exercise that increases heart rate (aerobics) can help to oxygenate the blood, reduce levels of stress hormones and improve blood flow circulation — all important for that effortlessly flawless skin you want. Even if you don’t have the funds or time to hit the gym, doing something simple like taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work or walking a few extra steps to and from the grocery store parking lot can be enough to boost the heart rate and improve your skin.

4. Buy Dual-Purpose Products
If you’ve looked at the various skincare products on the market, you’ll see that many of them require more than one step. From washing to exfoliating and moisturizing, a full skin-care regimen can be somewhat time-consuming. Rather than waste the extra time (that I’m sure you’ll need), you can purchase dual-purpose products. For instance, buying a lotion with sunscreen protection in it saves you time on treating the skin properly.

5. Take a Vitamin
The skin needs certain vitamins to give that youthful glowing appearance. If you’re not consuming enough vitamins and nutrients through the foods you eat, then it is probably a good idea to take a multi-vitamin. They can help to give the body the supplements it is lacking. Ideally, there are also vitamins that are specifically said to improve the appearance of skin and give you healthier, longer hair and nails. Taking one of those a day is pretty simple so that you don’t skip a beat.

6. Shop Online for Skincare Products
When you’re dealing with especially troubling skin issues such as skin tags, moles, eczema, or acne, then purchasing a skincare solution is the best option. However, if you’re known to have a busy schedule, finding the time to get to the store and make a purchase can be all but time-consuming. Instead, consider looking for your skincare products online. You can find natural mole removal products as well as products for skin tags, eczema and other skin conditions you may be experiencing. Shopping online allows you to compare prices, search consumer reviews and make the most effective choice while also saving you time and energy.

Time management is one skill that most moms need to hone in on daily. While there are sure to still be things that consume a better part of your day, finding quick and easy solutions to daily routines such as skincare is one way to manage stress while caring for your health. Try all of these tips on for size and see if you don’t begin to see a real difference in your skin.


–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Illustration via We Heart It]

When You Become the Parent (Or, My Advice for My Mom and Her Sprained Wrist)

There comes a point in all our lives when we experience the Great Role Reversal. We start to notice our relationship with our parents is changing, maybe ever so slightly at first and building as time goes on.

At first, it can feel like an odd place to be. Instead of following the rules, you’re the one making them. You’re the one saying, “don’t forget to take your pills.” You’re the one doing the remembering when passwords and phone numbers are forgotten. You’re the one doing the check-in phone calls.

And you’re the one putting on the scrubs and assuming the caretaker role. I’m not exactly sure when I first sensed our roles beginning to change, but ever since my father died, I’ve just felt this need to take care of my mom. I’m sure there’s quite a bit of psychology behind the whole thing, but someone needed to watch out for her, you know? It’s a good thing, too, because I woke up one morning last week to this text…

“So I am at Urgent Care. I tripped and sprained my wrist. Klutzy.“

Oh, no, I thought. What could possibly have happened? When I talked to her on the phone a couple hours later, I got the full story. As she was walking into school, she tripped on an uneven patch of sidewalk and landed on her wrist.

Ouch!

It wasn’t too long before long I found myself asking those parental sorts of questions.


How did that happen?


What were you doing?


Were you watching where you were going?

My mom proceeded to beat around the bush for a few minutes, which told me everything I needed to know: This woman was in need of my guidance and advice. Quite desperately, actually. So, Ms. Bear, I hope you’re reading. Here are my three pieces of healing wisdom for you…

1. Slow down: I’ve lost count of just how many times I’ve told you this. You move faster than the Energizer Bunny, and no, that IS NOT something to be proud of. Going, going, going is certainly no way to live, and life isn’t one giant race. Walk slower, don’t do things so fast; it’s OK to do things at your own pace. Sometimes I think you’ve been around your students too long and picked up their “Must-Do-It-Now” mentality, and what I once saw as you being bossy might just be an overwhelming need to see that things are done as quickly as possible. But be careful not to confuse quickly with efficiently because they’re most definitely not the same thing. You can be quick, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll be efficient. On the flipside, just because you may take your time with something doesn’t mean it can’t be efficient. Keep that in mind.

2. Ask for help: I feel like we’ve been over this many times before, but a little refresher can’t hurt, right? Asking for help IS NOT a sign of weakness, which is something you taught me, ironically. We all can’t do everything on our own, nor should we have those high expectations for ourselves. The world can be a scary and complicated place; why not go through it with people right by your side? Things will go a lot smoother, trust me. Like I’m always reminding you, people want to help, so reach out and grab their hand. You’ll be glad you did.

3. Don’t forget to have fun: Leave that pile of laundry for another day — it’s not going anywhere. Stop and smell those metaphorical (or literal!) roses. If the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that your entire life can change in the blink of an eye so you’ve got to make every single moment count. I’m not saying that you should do anything too wild or crazy (or illegal!), but something to shake up your routine — even something tiny — might bring a much-needed smile to your face. And as we all know, when Ms. Bear smiles, the whole world smiles!

Well, there you have it. I do hope you’ll consider my heartfelt advice. You know I have nothing but your very best interest at heart, and I’d be remiss as a “parent” if I didn’t say, “you’ll thank me later.” Because you most certainly will. Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow, but soon. After all, there’s only one of you, so please make sure you take extra-good care of yourself. Sit down. Put your feet up. The world won’t end. And you’ll probably even avoid some cracked sidewalks while you’re at it. xoxo

Twitter Hashtag Talk: #SingleBecause

There’s nothing I love more than an inspiring Twitter hashtag (hello, #HistoricalRealityTV!), so when I started seeing people tweeting about the single life a couple months ago, I was intrigued.

Did they have some wise knowledge to share? Yes! Here are a few more of my favorite gems, including some funny ones that had me chuckling all day…

What Twitter hashtags have you loved recently? How would you complete the #SingleBecause…? xoxo

P.S. I’d loooove to connect on Twitter, friends! You can follow me for lots of astute pop culture observations — and the occasional polo shirt photo! :)

Must-Watch: What Is Love?

Oh, yes, love. It’s probably the most awesome, powerful, Earth-shattering force in the entire universe. I dare you not to be moved by this video, which asks people young and old (read: 105…!) to describe what love means to them. Their answers range from profound to pessimistic, naturally… xoxo

P.S. More about my medical adventures is coming up this afternoon! :)

[Via Cosmo]

Help! Advice For a Reader!

It looks like we’ve got another first on So About What I Said today! I received an email a few weeks ago from reader Emily, who was seeking advice. She wrote…

I’ve REALLY liked this guy for months. He’s attractive, smart, witty, passionate about similar things and a challenge (dream guy!). I’ve tried different ways to get his attention (including some crazy, “almost made it” stories), but he seems impossible to contact (no email, rarely on Facebook) and constantly busy with work. At first I wanted to see if I could just send him a letter explaining who I was and my feelings, but it became much more complex. I’ve still gotten no response/reaction from him; I don’t even know if he even knows I’ve been trying. Do I… 

A. Give up trying and possibly regret it. 

B. Keep trying and risk looking crazy or annoying.* 

C. Give up for now, wait and hope that someday when he’s not as busy, he’ll still be single and I’ll have a chance. 

*If B. What do I do?? Something bold and risky or keep slowly trying little methods?

I found myself thinking for a few moments after I read her note. Oh, how many times had I found myself in her very predicament? Surely, far too many to count! So maybe I’m not the best one to be giving the advice here. That’s where you come in, friends! I asked if it would be OK to share her email, and she answered with a resounding, “Sure!”

So, what advice would you give her? Which option would you pick and why? Are you like me in that it’s hard to take your own advice?

**Would you like to see an Advice Column of sorts on the blog? It could be fun and a great way to inspire conversation. Are you game? Send your pressing questions to mellow1422@aol.com! I look forward to hearing from you! xoxo