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Rahil's Health & Beauty Tips: Lead in Lipstick

Yesterday I received a shocking email from my brother, apparently recent studies have found lead in some major lipstick brands. Lead is often found in common things we use like batteries and paint. Normally, this is only a problem for children, as they tend to put things in their mouths, but if it's in lipstick we can ingest it. As some of you may know, it can cause: abdominal problems, decreased activity, trouble sleeping and most importantly can affect your brain, causing headaches and trouble concentrating. So, if you are thinking about buying that  "must-have" red Lipstick, check out this website and get more info, and see if your brand is on the list.

Rahil's Health & Beauty Tips: New Hair

My hair had become a huge ordeal for me!  Since I started running on a consistent basis, the "ponytail/bun" became my constant hairdo.  It was my trusty go-to style.  However, with the constant brushing back, hair-dying, salt water and chlorine over the summer, my hair was in desperate need of some TLC. So, after much consideration, last week I went and had my hair cut.  I dyed it (I know it isn't good, but I needed to get rid of that blonde streak) and got some highlights and I must say I am enjoying the change!  I went to a salon called Brownstone (www.brownstonenaturalhair.com) in Philly on South Street. My experience was great!  The shop is designed nicely and it's very clean.  The staff was friendly and professional — no waiting or pauses in hair treatment due to a cell phone call.  When I had my hair out in all its glory, there were no exasperated looks of "am I gonna have to do that hair!"  Best of all, I felt like my hairdresser was able to capture just what I wanted. 

What I had done: 1. Cut 2. Dye (entire head) 3. Highlights
When I got home I applied: 1. Ms. Jessie's Baby Buttercream 2. Ms. Jessie's Curly Pudding (which smells fantastic!). Then, I started taking small sections and twisting them around my finger, this was the end result.  I also have been rocking it like the second photo, which is great after a run, when I just have time to condition and go.

Before:

After with twists:

After with twist-out:

Rahil's Health & Beauty Tips: Spa Week

Gone are the lazy days of summer, now the rat race has begun for many! My son just started preschool, so I'm waking up early to get him off and before I know it, it's time to pick him up, cook dinner, and get him ready for bed. As much as I appreciate that he has somewhere to go and I finally have a chance with my own thoughts, I see how I get burned out. Stress is unavoidable but when followed with a period of relief, it is tolerated by your body. The problem arises when there is no relief in sight and one can began to exhibit physical symptoms like headaches, sleeping difficulties and an upset stomach to name a few. So, much to my delight I was happy to find out about an event called Spaweek. This event allows you to go to almost any spa in your area and receive various treatments for $50. Considering how much treatments usually run, this is a huge break! Spa treatments are luxuriating and fabulous, but most importantly they give you a calm and rejuvenating state or mind, which is perfect for stress reduction! Check out this website: www.spaweek.org for more info and hurry, appparently, it has already started in select cities. Bye-Bye stress!

Rahil's Health & Beauty Tips: Health Quiz

 
One of the main things I enjoyed about nursing was learning and educating others about health. To me, the best prevention is knowledge. It enables you to make informed decisions and live a more healthful life. I found a quiz, which covers information about women's health in Real Simple magazine and felt that it gives some valuable information. Take the quiz to check your health knowledge! Real Simple Health Quiz

Rahil's Health & Beauty Tips: Eyelashes

Eyes say so much without saying anything! Whether you're tired, happy, sad or angry they will give it up!  So, I decided that since mine usually say "you're tired" I wanted to improve that. One way to do that is add two extra steps to my morning routine.
Step 1. Curl eyelashes:  make-up artists swear by Shu Uemura's eyelash curler ($18), heat the curler for 5 seconds with your blowdryer, make sure it's not too hot than apply to the base of the lashes and hold for 20 seconds.
Step 2. Mascara: Use brown for a more natural look, black to really enhance your eyes or blue for a change. One of the best and my favorite mascara is Maybelline's Great Lash. Apply to upper lid lashes holding wand horizontally from the base and let wand rest on lashes for a few seconds to enhance curl, make sure to apply second coat before first dries to avoid clumping. Apply wand to lower lid lashes vertically, and make sure there isn't an excessive amount of mascara on the wand to avoid the spider eye look. I liked the understated improvement!

Rahil's Health & Beauty Tips: Facial Care

Skin is the largest organ in your body and one of the first things people see, so taking care of it is very important. Here's a breakdown of the products I use on my face:

I begin my day with Target brand cream cleanser which is comparable to Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser. I love the cool, tingling sensation I get afterwards! I also use Queen Helene Oatmeal n' Honey Natural Facial Scrub, it gently exfoliates your skin and smells great! This product I use about 1-2 times per week. With all the recent influx of skin care products, it's no wonder I was convinced to buy $107 moisturizing cream from the Chanel counter. It made my skin feel so luxurious! Once I exited the store, however, I regained my senses and realized that was too much money, so I returned it in hopes of finding a less expensive but just as effective cream. This is what I found; Oil of Olay Active Hydrating Cream. I achieved the same results, soft, supple skin and saved $100! Once a week I use Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, its great to tackle all those tiny white/blackheads and reduce the size of your pores. Lastly, I use Jason's 25,000 IU Vitamin E Age Renewal Moisturizing Creme at night. This product is also great in the winter time, if you live in a cold climate! All of these products can be found at your local drugstore, except for the Vitamin E cream, which I purchase at Whole Foods or almost any other local health food store.

Rahil's Health & Beauty Tips: Summer Salads

Meet Fly's newest contributer:

BIO:
My name is Rahil Abdullah-Lewis. I am a health conscious, 27 year old stay at home mom, who also enjoys indulging in beauty products-on a budget! In another life I was a registered nurse, I was in love with the idea of helping others and learning about ways to keep myself healthy, however, I was never able to find my niche in Western medicine. I love working out, finding healthy foods and lifestyles that work with me, trying out make-up, cooking and photography.

Summer is the perfect time for a yummy salad. I believe there are 3 reasons why: your body craves extra water due to the extreme heat and humidity, the best fruits and vegetables are in season, and they come in fantastic colors! This summer I was introduced to 2 great salads, Spinach Walnut and Mandarin Chicken Surprise!  Besides the great taste, the other thing I love about these salads is that they share some similar ingredients and I can find all of them at my favorite grocery store, Trader Joes, so shopping is simple. I tried them both and fell in love, so give your tastebuds a treat and enjoy the recipes below!!!!

Spinach Walnut Salad
6 oz. Baby Spinach
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
1/2 cup walnuts-lightly toasted
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Dressing: Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a bowl combine baby spinach, red onion, walnuts and cranberries. Toss lightly with 2-3 TBSP raspberry vinaigrette. Sprinkle blue cheese on top and serve immediately. Serves: 4  

Mandarin Chicken Salad
2 cups green leaf lettuce
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup mandarin orange slices
1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup grilled or breaded chicken
Dressing: Sesame Soy Ginger Vinaigrette

In a bowl combine green leaf lettuce, dried cranberries, mandarin oranges and walnuts. Toss lightly with 1-2 TBSP sesame soy ginger vinaigrette. Top with chicken and enjoy! Serves: 2