Ask a Health Blogger: Dry, Bloody Nose

Lately when I blow my nose, I see red or brown streaks on the tissue. What’s going on? I’ve had a stuffy nose lately — but I thought it was just fall allergies. Should I be worried? I don’t think you have an emergency on your hands. My first question in response is: how dry is it in your house? When I have blood in my snot (red or brown streaks), it’s often because things are dry. I also tend to get nosebleeds a LOT during the winter. Something as simple as running a humidifier in your bedroom might help. … Continue reading

Spring Beauty Tips: Hands and Nails

Spring is the season of rebirth… of rejuvenation. Don’t forget your hands! Over the winter, your skin may have gotten rough and dry thanks to forced-air heat. It’s time to renew your hands and nails. Want a good idea of someone’s age? Look at their hands. Hands are often a truer judge of age than any other part of the body. You can keep your hands looking healthy and young with these tips: Keep moisturizer handy — all year round. Apply lotion after you wash your hands to help lock in moisture. Pick a hand cream that includes sunscreen. A … Continue reading

Eight Great Ways To Beat A Winter Cold

Gargle with warm water — or better yet, warm salt water. Why? Because gargling can help flush out mucus that drains from the sinuses down your throat. And the water will help hydrate the cells at the back of your throat. If the cells there are dry, they will be less effective at keeping germs out of your respiratory tract. Drink hot tea. Researchers from Harvard University found that tea drinkers have immune system responses that are FIVE TIMES faster than coffee drinkers’. Why? Tea contains catechins, which may help your immune system spring into action against viruses. Another study … Continue reading

Cold Snap Tips

The northeastern United States woke up to some true wintery weather today. Earlier this morning here at the Jersey shore, the temperature was less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit with windchills below zero. After a reasonably mild winter (so far), the change feels pretty dramatic to me. As I write this, I’m bundled up in layers — a tank top, tee shirt, and long sleeved shirt on top; long underwear beneath loose pants on the bottom. Okay, I could just crank up the heat. But with the right layers, I don’t need to! Whether you’re inside or out, keep these tips … Continue reading

Quick Winter Beauty Tips

Sometimes, it feels like I have a whole different body for each season. My skin, hair, and nails are totally different in the winter than they are in the warmer, more humid summer months! Quick winter beauty tips for your hair: Is your scalp getting flaky? Check your hat. Wearing hats can trap sweat and oil on your scalp! Hats made from natural fibers allow better perspiration evaporation. Help eliminate flakes with a daily scalp massage while you shampoo. Switching shampoos might help, too — try something with stimulating peppermint or eucalyptus. Is your hair dry and brittle? Start with … Continue reading

A Book of Great Recipes for Slow Cookers

If you’re after recipes for your slow cooker you’ll want to rush and get a copy of Slow Cooker by Sally Wise. I received a copy of this book to review and it’s the best slow cooker book I’ve seen, filled with great recipes. It’s summer in Australia so I haven’t been using my slow cooker as much (I’m still a bit in holiday mode) but come autumn and winter this will be the first book Ill reach for. If you have a family who loves chicken like Michele’s family does then you will love Bedevilled Chicken (Aussie spelling here … Continue reading

Almost Free Gifts You Can Make Now

Get started early on your holiday gift shopping with the following ideas that will cost you next to nothing! It never fails that the gifts you get at the last minute are the ones that cost the most. But, you know what? I bet you can put some nice gifts together right now probably without leaving your home! Let’s get started. Stockpile basket Gifts You can make a whole array of great basket gifts using your stockpile of items that you got very cheaply or even for free. Think about it and about what you already have. You can do … Continue reading

Fixing Makeup Bloopers

It’s happened to me too many times — a color that looks GREAT under the bright lights at the cosmetic counter looks a lot less great when it gets home. But you don’t have to toss your shiny new purchase. Here are some quick fixes for makeup color problems. Is your foundation too dark? Dilute it with a drop of facial moisturizer. Just add a drop of foundation and a drop of lotion and mix it in the palm of your hand. You can also just save your too-dark foundation and use it during the summer, once you’ve picked up … Continue reading