“Just eat a few saltines and you’ll be ok”.

I don’t know about you, but as someone who suffered with prolonged, severe morning sickness (which I affectionately call morning noon and night sickness), when I hear someone say this, I just want to slug them!

If you’re suffering with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, you’re not alone. Most women experience it to some degree during their first trimester. If you’re one of the unfortunate few whose symptoms last longer than the typical 6-12 weeks, I empathize. I’ve had the same experience with all 4 of my pregnancies. I have learned a few things that helped however, and I hope you can get some relief with these tips.

1) Getting your blood sugar regulated is priority #1.

One theory about why morning sickness is worse in the morning (and for some women only occurs then) is because when you wake up from sleep, you have low blood sugar. For some pregnant woman, going 8 hours without food is just a bad idea.

You might find it helpful to eat a high protein snack before bed, and even to eat a bite each time you get up in the night to go to the bathroom. (Which in the beginning may be quite frequent!)

Personally, I found that what I did first thing in the morning was of paramount importance. I had to eat a few bites of food *while still lying down*. So I either put some food on a plate beside my bed or asked my husband bring me a snack first thing in the morning.

Don’t jump out of bed. Eat your snack slowly and lie still for a few minutes afterwards. Then slowly get up and immediately go to the kitchen and eat another bite. Again, emphasize protein.

2) Avoid foods that cause rapid blood sugar shifts.

Fruit juice, sugary snacks, processed cereal (the kind that comes in a box), anything made with white flour, etc…these types of foods cause your blood sugar to rapidly rise then come crashing down, triggering nausea and vomiting. Eat protein foods and whole foods.

Meat, cheese, yogurt (be careful here- try plain yogurt with frozen berries mixed in. Most yogurt has way too much sugar in it.), eggs, nuts, nut butters, veggies, and whole grains should be your staples.

Even if eating doesn’t appeal to you, coaxing yourself to eat a little bit of a protein food every 2 hours will help prevent vomiting. Don’t leave the house without carrying a snack with you.

3) If drinking water makes you sicker, try these alternatives.

It’s very important that you stay hydrated. You’re going to need extra fluids to support the pregnancy, but many women find that drinking water makes them more nauseated. Some things to try:

Smoothies made with fruit, ice and plain yogurt or kefir. The tangy flavor of these two dairy products really hit the spot for me. They also sneak in some extra protein.

Water served VERY cold with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Carbonated water with a small amount of fruit juice for flavor.

Weakly brewed iced or hot tea with lemon. The small bit of caffeine won’t harm your baby. Something about the bitter tannins in tea may help ease nausea.

Citrus fruits and melons.

4) Avoid nausea triggers as much as possible.

Your nose is on hyperdrive during early pregnancy!

Stinky smells like poopy diapers, kitchen trash, even morning breath may be impossible to totally avoid, but try your best to avoid smelly situations.

Have someone else take out the trash. Have hubby change your toddler when he’s home. It’s the least he can do!

And don’t be shy about telling someone who has bad breath, noxious perfume or cigarette smells on them that you’re in a delicate condition and need some fresh air. During my pregnancies, my husband had to switch to unscented deodorant and soap, otherwise I couldn’t hug him!

If cooking smells make you ill, take a break from your usual garlic and onion specialties. Don’t be a martyr. Hubby will understand that you can’t make his favorite sausage and peppers for a while.

Prepare meals that won’t stink up the kitchen. Green main dish salads with cold, cut up chicken, steak or hard boiled eggs. Sandwiches are good too.

5) Try Aromatherapy

Put a couple of drops of lavender, mint or lemon essential oil (these oils are generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy) on cotton balls and keep these in various locations… the kitchen, bathroom, your purse and in the car. Take a whiff when you feel sick. Put a few drops on your pillow.

6) Take it easy- but don’t forget exercise

I know, I know… exercise is the last thing you want to do when you can hardly get your face out of the toilet! But if you force yourself to take even a ten minute walk outside every day, it WILL help.

But do try to take it easy, avoid stress as much as possible, and rest as much as you can. You’re doing the very important job of growing a baby. Explain to your other children why you’re feeling poorly and that it won’t last forever. Call in favors and ask friends to come over to play with your 2 year old for an hour so you can sleep, or ask them to cook extra when they make dinner tonight and bring you a dish.

When you feel a bout of nausea coming on, try to lay down for a few minutes in a dark room with your eyes closed. Sometimes if you do this the episode will pass.

7) Focus on the positive

Sometimes when you’re so miserable it’s easy to forget what’s making you so sick! Remember that statistically, women who experience nausea and vomiting of pregnancy are more likely to carry the pregnancy to term.

One of my midwives told me that she always worries when a Mom comes in for her first prenatal feeling wonderful…the chances of her miscarrying are higher.

So rejoice in your strong hormones! Read pregnancy magazines, birth stories on the Internet, look through maternity clothing catalogs, do whatever you need to do to cheer yourself up and get yourself in the mood for a new baby.

8) More Misc. Tips

Try eating candied ginger or sipping ginger tea. I found ginger in capsules to be too harsh and they hurt terribly if they did come back up.

Brewer’s yeast capsules work for some Moms.

Try sucking on lemon slices when you’re feeling a wave of nausea.

Sip mint tea or chew mint gum to help dry up excessive salivating that may trigger nausea.

If you have trouble brushing your teeth due to an overactive gag reflex, switch to using baking soda for awhile. The foaming of regular toothpaste may be too much. And brush your teeth in shifts if you need to… first the top teeth, then a few minutes later the bottom teeth, then your tongue, etc.

Avoid getting overheated or chilled. Extremes in temperature can trigger vomiting.

Try Sea-Bands, available at large drug stores. They’re designed for motion sickness but helps some pregnant women.

Go with your cravings, within reason. For some reason, pizza and Taco Bell always hit the spot during my pregnancies.

Clean the toilet daily, even if it’s the only household chore you can do right now. Better yet, have someone else do it. And wear your hair up for awhile. If you’re going to be throwing up, at least you will have your hair out of the way and a clean bowl to hug!

Ladies all know that no matter how much makeup we wear of how carefully and strategically we apply it before we leave the house, often times it’s almost gone by the time we get to the office. And, we might as well forget about it by lunch or quitting time.

Traditionally our midday and end-of-day touch-ups were part of our daily routine. But, now, according to experts, instead of women sneaking off into the washroom for a quick (facial) pick-me-up, they are sneaking instead into the spa or doctor’s office.

It’s all part of the latest trend of non-invasive mini-facelifts, wrinkle elimination and waistline reduction procedures commonly referred to a “lunchtime plastic surgeries”.
And, experts assert that lots of patients want immediate and measurable results and without going under the knife.

Among the most common procedures (gaining in popularity) are suture lifts. Suture lifts or Lifestyle Lifts are noted as being ideal for those on a budget and are described as one-hour, in-office microsurgeries that involve strategically situated surgical threads administered under local anesthetic. Lifestyle Lifts are done in order to firm the lower face and neck area by placing tiny, permanent sutures under the skin to lift and tighten sagging muscles.

Contour Threads is another procedure geared toward a droopy brow, cheek or jowl, and involves passing a needle and barbed thread beneath loose skin and tugging it back into place, offering natural and instantaneous results.

The Lifestyle lift is said to last between 5 and 20 years and Contour Thread for between three and five years. And, outside of some (minor) swelling and bruising, you can expect to recover (from either procedure) within a few days (especially if you use an ice pack.

The only “drawbacks”, according to experts is that Lifestyle Lifts offer the greatest benefit and results to women over 40; and Contour Threads can be performed on younger women but won’t last as long as the Lifestyle lift or a traditional facelift.

The fashion world is a constantly changing place that serves as a revolving door for the hottest fashion designers. Fashionistas strive to stay on top of the fashion world by keep an eye on the up and coming designers that are producing the top trends on the market today. One great way to stay aware of the newest designers is to regularly look at the fashion magazines. Most magazines have a special section devoted to the designers who are working to make a name for themselves in the world of fashion. Also, check out the cable channels that specialize in fashion and style to see interviews and tips from these top designers.

It seems the hottest trend in fashion today is clothing collections designed by actors. This was made the most popular by the Sean Jean fashion label designed by rap mogul Sean, “Diddy” Combs. More recently, the “Jenny from the block” songstress, Jennifer Lopez has begun her own labels of clothing known as “Sweetface” and “JLo.” These urban wear companies feature many items made from authentic fur, causing quite a stir between Lopez and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Another singer who has experience a great success in the fashion industry is Gwen Stefani with her label, “L.A.M.B.” The former No Doubt lead singer entered the fashion world and has received tremendous acclaim for her revolutionary “Love Angel Music Baby” line of clothing.

Urban clothing labels are especially popular these days, with Kimora Lee Simmons experiencing a great deal of success with her “Baby Phat” clothing line. The Baby Phat line is extremely sought after and has pieces at a variety of price levels so individuals of every budget can proudly bring home pieces with the familiar cat logo.

As always, classic fashion houses like Chanel, Gucci, and Vuitton are always favorites with the fashion community as new designers are welcomed into the house and given the chance to create a lovely addition to the season. The best time to see what the fashion designers have unveiled for the upcoming season’s collection is undoubtedly New York Fashion Week. Everyone from fashion royalty to Hollywood starlets are seen sitting front row at these legendary fashion shows, licking their chops at the tasty fashion offerings displayed. Most fashion magazines have excellent coverage of both the shows and the collections available at these shows, so check it out to stay on top of the fashion game.

Over 40 million women are entering the second half of their lives and what they really want is not what many people think. It’s not about the gray hair, a few wrinkles or even hitting the big 5-0.

The recent story in Time Magazine (5/9/05) has hopefully opened eyes to what midlife and older women really want. So often, society looks at midlife as just being that – midlife, menopause, empty nest, gray hair and wrinkles. Yet, to women it’s so much more.

We have been asking women about their views and stories regarding positive and successful aging experiences. Not only have they shared their wonderfully delightful stories, they have also revealed their hopes, expectations and goals for the second half of their lives.

These stories tell of women looking forward to this time of their life as a time of renewal, of exploring new areas of interest and of the “freedom to be whole and who I really want to be”. Women speak of lessons learned, wisdom granted, and the ability to look ahead to accepting new challenges. Many of these women actually look forward to growing older and to the gifts that come with age.

What about you? What do you really want? This is not as easy of a question as it appears. Ask your self some questions and record your answers in your journal. Visit it often and see what presents itself to you.

Here are some questions to consider.

•Name 3-5 things you have accomplished in your life. These are things you are most proud of. What are they?
•Name your strengths. What are at least 5 positive qualities that you have? Any special talents or particular areas you are strong in?
•What are the things that get you up every morning? What are you passions? What makes your toes tingle and your soul quicken?
•What is important in your life? If you were at the end of your life, what would you need to have accomplished so that you have no regrets about anything.
•With the above questions answered, action do you need to take so that the second half of your life is truly extraordinary?

Answering these questions will help you find your passions, priorities and your life’s purpose. It’s time to start living it.

You have always wanted those larger and fuller breasts, but the thought of surgery and recovery time has kept you back, so far. You still dream of proudly wearing that bikini on the beach some day, without having to worry about what others might think of your small bust. Here is an opportunity for you to do something about it with our all-natural breast enhancement products.

Everyone knows that herbal formulas have long been used for many things – and the eastern countries have understood herbs just about longer than anyone. Our breast enhancement products use a traditional formula that comes from Thailand. The main ingredient comes from the plant called White Kwaotip Krua (Pueraria Mirifica). Other supportive ingredients have been added.

This particular plant has been determined by research to contain phytoestrogens, or natural plant estrogens. These estrogens have been found to work wonderfully in our breast enhancement products. This is because they are especially helpful when it comes to rejuvenating your body – especially the breasts, skin, face, and hair – in other words, it helps beautify your whole body, too, and not just enhance your breasts.

While breast enhancement product users will not see immediate results, the results will come. And the best part is that there is no surgery, health risks, need for recovery, missed work, scars, or anything else – just a bigger you. The bust enhancement products can be used in the privacy of your own home, and nobody has to know – until the results begin to become obvious. Even your friends won’t know – but they later might want to know your secret!

Breast enhancement cream is one alternative to breast enhancement surgery. A breast enhancement cream uses many of the same ingredients found in pills for breast enhancement, but those ingredients are in smaller amounts. They are usually plant estrogens, which aid in breast growth.

A breast enhancement cream may contain ingredients such as dong quai, blessed thistle, dandelion root, and kava. There are many other plant estrogens that can be used in a breast enhancement cream. It is important to know the ingredients in any breast enhancement cream you are considering. Evaluate any breast enhancement cream you might use for safety and effectiveness. As with any cream used for any reason, it is important to check for ingredients that you may be allergic to. People who are allergic to herbs should look at other alternatives for breast enhancement.

Usually a breast enhancement cream is rubbed in twice a day for three to six months. You won’t see immediate results with a breast enhancement cream, but unlike surgery, you won’t have scars or recovery time to deal with.

Remember, though, that results are different with different people. Often a breast enhancement cream works better if you are using with other natural breast enhancers, such as breast enhancing exercises. Users of breast enhancement cream have reported firmer, smoother breasts.

Everybody is unique. You will find a number of manufacturers selling a breast enhancement cream. If you are considering a breast enhancement cream, research carefully to find the safest, most effective ingredients for you.

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This amazing cream is excellent for breast firming and enlargement. Various studies confirmed that this product has a high success for enhancing women breast. All Skin Type

Ingredients: Pueraria Mirifica and other herb extracts

Direction: Use once in the morning and in the night. Apply onto breast area and massage for 3-5 minutes until it is fully absorbed.

Precautions: Not recommended for pregnant women, feeding mothers or women diagnosed with medical conditions of the breast.

Summer is here! Are you prepared to be a sun-loving beauty? This checklist for Summer Preparation will give you a good start for swimsuit season.

Exercise – Ladies, there’s nowhere to hide it anymore. The big, bad cellulite fairy visited during the winter again. Or does cellulite reproduce when it’s cold? Either way, get out your walking shoes and hit the streets. Or grab an exercise video and shake it until it melts off.

Pluck or wax those eyebrows. – The bright sunlight will show every little straggler. There’s nothing worse than looking like Bert in a bikini!

Swimsuit Shopping – Although most women would rather have a root canal than to go swimsuit shopping, it is a necessary evil. If your options are to go swimsuit shopping or to run around the pool in a worn, baggy, see-through swimsuit – please drag yourself to the store! I’ll be the one hiding in the stall next to you, laughing as I try on yet another swimsuit over my undergarments and try to figure out exactly what I’m looking at.

Body Hair – Let’s face it. Winter is not the time we are most diligent about keeping up with shaving. If you’re dreading another year of shaving, there are many more options these days to choose from — from home waxing kits to laser hair removal.

Feet – Eew! Those scratchy, rough, lizardy-feet need to go away now. Buff them or grab a power sander, but get them looking like skin again before sandal season. Once you’ve got people-feet instead of hobbit-feet, then dust off a bottle of toenail polish, grab a toe-ring, and make them pretty.

Now you’re ready for swimsuit season. Grab a little drink umbrella, drop it into your diet Coke and enjoy your summer, as the sun goddess that you are!