Well it’s here…winter that is! Although the last couple of weeks have been a good lead-in (in Melb at least!!) We’ve sourced this body+soul article to kick off the cold months with 5 tips & 10 ways to keep busy to stave off the winter blues!

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WHEN the mercury drops, here’s how to keep your body healthy inside and out.

Follow these simple guidlines to keep feeling great when the weather turns bad.

Keep moving
The thought of spending an extra hour in bed may be more tempting than taking a chilly morning run. But keeping active during winter is important. Fitness First personal trainer Wendi Carroll says training with
a friend is a great motivator. “If you’re training with a friend you’ll be committed to that person and you can both get each other going.”

Eat well
Maintaining a diet that is high in immunity-boosting foods will keep the weight off and protect you from colds and flu. Nutritionist Karen Fischer advises eating high-alkaline foods such as dark, leafy green vegetables, and seasonal fruits such as oranges. “Microbes thrive in acidic, stagnant conditions,” she says. “Vegies in particular prevent the body from becoming overly acidic.”

Fischer says maintaining a healthy diet during winter is also good for the skin. “Eat a diet rich in vegetables and increase your intake of foods that moisturise skin from the inside, such as omega-3-rich fish, walnuts and linseeds.” If you’ve already got a cold, Fischer says to dose up on garlic, ginger and hot lemon drinks and eat chicken soup to help reduce mucous production.

Skin and hair care
Skin and hair tends to dry out in winter. The skin produces less oil, and it’s dehydrated further as we have hotter showers and are less physically active. Kelly Kent, from Sydney’s Cranium Hair Salon, says our hair is enriched with more natural oils in summer than in winter because of increased perspiration. People also tend to reach for the hairdryer more often in colder weather, which puts added stress on hair.

Kent advises having your hair assessed bya professional. “They should analyse your scalp and recommend products for your specific needs.” She says leave-in moisturiser is the most important product to fight dry, brittle, damaged hair. “Use a cream for thicker hair and a spray for finer hair.” Fischer advises switching your summer moisturiser for a more hydrating formula. “Look for brands that contain omega-3 oils, lipids and vitamin E.”

Check ups
Dr Cindy Pan says people tend to be more susceptible to colds and flus in winter, especially if they are run-down. “It’s a good idea to get the flu vaccine each year,” she says. “The earlier you have it, the more benefit you will derive from it since it only lasts for that year. At the beginning of each year a new vaccine
is prepared to combat the virus types that are likely to be most virulent for the coming flu season.

Talk to your doctor in March about when the new vaccine will be available.” Dr Pan says the vaccine is particularly important for the elderly, the immune-suppressed or people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Dr Pan advises the following measures to avoid picking up or passing on cold or flu viruses: Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean fingers, and wash hands or use an antibacterial
gel regularly.

Don’t go to work if you are sick or contagious. Extreme temperature changes can make the body vulnerable to nasty bugs. Keep air-conditioning at a moderate level, and wear layers of natural fibres such as wool
and cotton to insulate the body.

Beat boredom
Here are 10 ways to keep busy on a winter weekend.

1. Read a book.
2. Invite friends over for an afternoon card game.
3. Organise a clothes-swap session with friends and purge any outfits you didn’t wear last season.
4. Post any unwanted items on eBay for extra cash.
5. Make a batch of hearty chicken soup to last the week.
6. Play board games.
7. Put together a jigsaw puzzle.
8. Bake something.
9. Solve a crossword.
10. Relax the mind by spending a few minutes meditating or listening to soothing music.

Article source: www.bodyandsoul.com.au/soul+happiness/wellbeing/stay+well+in+winter,9159

Image source: © Tommy Maenhout | Dreamstime.com
www.dreamstime.com/free-stock-photo-happy-girl-rimagefree1620093-resi3354033

Sometimes in this mad, mad world of ours (ok, mine), it’s hard not to get stressed out. It can seem part and parcel of life. However, it does pay to look at the big picture and realise that stress is fine in small amounts, but should not rule our lives in the long term. Here are some great reasons why we should all get a handle on our stress levels. So grab a herbal tea and a favourite bickky and unstress while you read on!

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THE next time you feel yourself getting into a flurry, stop and think about how it might be affecting you…

1.) You’ll inadvertently furrow your brows, which, if done on a regular basis, will speed up the formation
of deep-set wrinkles across your forehead and between your eyes. Do you really want to look older than you are?

2.) High anxiety triggers a chemical reaction within your body, causing your skin to become red and inflamed, and sometimes even sensitized (meaning the products you’ve used and loved for so many years may suddenly start to irritate your complexion).

3.) Those pesky little things we call breakouts love all things stress-related and will jump at the chance
to add to your list of woes.

4.) Your digestive system won’t work to its maximum, causing essential nutrients to pass straight through your body without being absorbed, and nasty toxins to hang around.

5.) When you’re highly strung you’re more likely to revert to bad beauty habits, like biting your nails, chewing your cuticles, or splitting your strands – none of which are ever a good look.

6.) Stress equals sleepless nights, which equals puffy peepers, dark circles and eyes with no sparkle.

7.) Your friends and family will suddenly desperately need to wash their hair/the car/the dog rather than make an arrangement with you – no one wants to hang out with a stress pot!

8.) Your poor muscles will become all tied up in knots, causing headaches, joint pain and overall bad posture.

9.) Try focusing on getting a task completed when you’re super stressed – bet you’ll have a lot of trouble getting anything done! You’re more productive when you’re calm and collected, so take a deep breath and things will seem clearer.

10.) Life is hard, but there are also loads of fun parts too – if you’re constantly stressed or in a bad mood they’ll just pass you by and you may miss loads of exciting opportunities.

Article source: www.beautyheaven.com.au/health-wellbeing/10-reasons-to-stress-less-5849

Image source: © Martin Allinger | Dreamstime.com
www.dreamstime.com/free-stock-image-chill-time-rimagefree1972686-resi2728233

All year round we have asked for your opinions and views via our polls. We felt it only fair to share with you the results of these polls as you helped make them happen.

MARCH 2010

APRIL 2010

MAY 2010

JUNE 2010

JULY 2010

AUGUST 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010

OCTOBER 2010

NOVEMBER 2010

Image source: http://thenoshery.com/2010/10/04/voting-for-project-food-blog-challenge-3-open/

This is an article I came across when doing some research the other week about skincare in other countries. As we distribute in alot of country around the world, it’s always interesting to look at not only cultural differences in these countries but also ritual differences. I hope you enjoy this article as much as i did!

Every culture and its people has its unique story, and I love discovering them throughout my travels.

I’m always curious whenever I meet people from different countries. I love finding out about how they live and learning about their beauty rituals. Some are unique and interesting. I have learned that regardless of where women live, most of them care about their skin and the way they look.

Below are some global beauty recipes that may be helpful to American women as well.

India

A woman from India told me about this easy recipe. I perform this treatment often on my hair, and the results are amazing.

Place 14 ounces of unsweetened coconut milk in a bowl and refrigerate overnight. The next day, apply on your hair and leave on 20 minutes. Follow up with shampoo and rinse. No conditioner is needed. I recommend you do this treatment at least once a month.

Your hair will be conditioned and moisturized with an incredible shine. Plus, it will feel much stronger.

Chetnah Parikh, who own Threads Beauty Bar in Dublin, Calif., told me that in India, women use less facial creams and lotions and more facial oils. Yes, oils! Contrary to traditional Western beliefs, the right oils will not clog pores but will penetrate more readily into the skin. The skin will have a beautiful radiance without feeling or looking greasy.

The Chinese use crushed pearls as a beauty enhancement, and the people of India use oils and add crushed pearls as well as other superficial shimmers. The skin becomes ultra-nourished and glowing. It’s great to use all year long but especially during harsh cold climates, because the liquid absorbs even better. Chetnah said to add sandalwood oil for anti-aging and scar-healing benefits, as well.

France

French women love an ice-cold water splash after washing their face. They find this treatment revitalizes the complexion and makes the skin feel amazing. Hollywood celebrities such as the late Joan Crawford have used this secret for years. It gives the skin an icy boost with a healthy rosy glow. French women use creams on their face. They are religious about skin care and want their skin to look as good as it can for as long as possible.

Japan

Japanese women are known to use bird droppings from a special bird to brighten their skin. However, I discovered yet another secret beauty fact: Asian women love a luxury brand of what is known as “miracle water” first discovered in a Japanese sake brewery almost 30 years ago. They noticed the workers who handled the fermented sake still possessed remarkably youthful looking hands. One of my Japanese clients says she uses sake (any brand) as a facial toning and brightening treatment once a week and at age 80, her skin looks flawless and amazing!

Since that discovery years ago, the luxury skin-care brand has added vitamins, minerals, organic and amino acids, which work together to help rejuvenate the skin’s appearance by promoting cell renewal in the outer layer and stimulating the natural surface regeneration process.

Morocco

One of the treasures in Morocco is argan oil, which comes from a tree.

It’s emollient yet not greasy and makes the hair and skin feel and look shiny and gives a luminous glow.

Africa

Cleopatra wasn’t the only woman in Africa who enjoyed milk baths. Women all over this continent use it in their baths, too. My cheaper version is a box of powdered milk. Two cups added to your bath and you’re good to go.

Italy

In my travels to Italy, I learned that Italian women not only enjoy drinking goat’s milk, they also bathe in it for its softening results. It is believed goat’s milk contains capric and caprylic acids that reduce alkalinity. There are over-the-counter brands that you can buy with reduced alkalinity, which results in a pH level closest to healthy human skin.

China

Chinese women as well as those in some Pacific Rim countries do not like sunspots or freckled skin. They favor lily white, poreless and flawless skin, and will search high and low for services and products to brighten their complexion. Pearl powder is found in pearl face creams but also found in vials at apothecaries all over the Orient. Women drink this powder in a cup of hot water like tea for good health, and they add water to it to use as a face mask to whiten their skin.

Thai

Thai women adore and use coconut milk faithfully. They use it to cook, mix with cocktails and in exotic desserts.

Open a can of coconut milk and right away, it smells like an Almond Joy candy bar. Thai women use it in warm baths, moisturizing skin treatments and on their hair.

One of my clients and dear friends from Thailand said she recalled as a little girl two beauty regimens that were performed religiously in her household: using exotic and skin-brightening pearl cream on the face and her mother wrapping her hair tightly each night with warmed olive oil and a towel.

She also mentioned bitter melon, found at Asian grocery stores and fruit and vegetable markets, applied as a skin treatment for acne. This is a natural skin beauty treatment.

Greece

Greek yogurt is a creamy and dreamy treat not only to eat but also to use on the face as a mask. My Greek clients say not only does it do a tummy good and helps with acid reflux, it’s also a moisturizing and gently exfoliating mask. Simply scoop a teaspoon of it and apply on a clean face.

Another Mediterranean staple is olive oil. Not only is it a great ingredient for a healthy diet, but also great when used with a Q-tip with a dash on the eyelashes to moisturize and supposedly aid in growth for long lush lashes.

Poland

I’ll share a family beauty secret passed down from my mother. My three sisters and I follow it faithfully. We start our day with a cup of hot water infused with a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. According to my mom, its detoxifying benefits are good for your insides and your outsides.

Bahamas

Another dear friend and makeup artist, colleague Monique Small, shared with me her fresh papaya mask she learned as a child from her mother and grandmother. She has the most beautiful skin I have ever since on a Bahamian woman. The mask is cool, refreshing and gently exfoliates.

Also, avocado oil is credited and used for controlling unruly fly-away hair.

Belgium

These European beauties swear by cold beer brews as a great drink and one they wear, too. They use it as a final rinse for shiny bouncing and behaving hair.

If you have a great fresh fruit, vegetable or other unique ingredient recipe, share them with me for my next global beauty report. I love hearing from you and sharing it with our readers!

Noreen Young is an internationally known makeup artist, beauty and lifestyle consultant and a motivational speaker. She has written two books and is a regular on WJXT TV-4’s “The Morning Show.” You may contact her at noreen@noreenyoung.com or (904) 739-2560.

Article source; http://jacksonville.com/news/health-and-fitness/2010-09-20/story/your-skin-women-have-beauty-rituals-worldwide

Image source; http://www.berklee.edu/news/1748/peace-award-for-a-woman-of-the-world

In the colder months, our bones start to feel a little sorer, our muscles are not quite as stretched and elastic as in the summer months and all in all it’s harder to get out of bed.. full stop!

We came across this article by Ryan Round whilst searching for something we could do to combat these aches and pains during the winter months and aid our overall benefit to general wellbeing. We were split 50/50 on Pilates and Yoga, some prefer one over the other.

Which do you prefer and why?

Many people have been discovering the benefits of doing Pilates and Yoga. This is because the stereotypes about these exercises have been thrown out. People have been able to take a realistic look at what these exercises provide. This has allowed more people from a wider range of backgrounds to start exercising with these methods. More classes have been showing up in gyms and other organizations. As more classes show up, the rosters for the classes are quickly filled up. For those who are new to these exercise methods, it is a good idea to take a look at each exercise individually. You can then see how they benefit you in their own way. You can then take a look at how they are different and how combining the two is beneficial as well.

The Benefits of Yoga
When looking at the benefits of doing Pilates and Yoga, it is a good idea to take a look at each one individually. Yoga is an exercise which has been practiced for many centuries. It has many different benefits depending on which kind of Yoga class you take. You can take a class which will help you to stretch and meditate by concentrating on your breathing. You can also take a Yogaclass which is more athletic in nature. There are even classes which will use intense heat as part of the exercise. The overall value of the exercise is to lengthen muscles and improve your ability to center your thoughts.

The Benefits of Pilates
Next in looking at the benefits of doing Pilates and Yoga is to look at Pilates. This is an exercise which was borne from Yoga about 80 years ago. It was developed to increase the core strength of those who use it. While the history of the exercise was used for those who dance, it has been used by those simply looking to have a more athletic body. Pilates tends to use different elements which will help you to do exercises.

The Difference Between Pilates and Yoga
While there are many benefits of doing Pilates and Yoga, the two do have differences between them. Whereas Yoga will concentrate more on the poses which are used to perform the exercises, Pilates concentrates more on the fluid motion in the exercises. Yoga is a method to lengthen muscles and make them limber. Pilates also lengthens muscles, but attempts to make them stronger in the process.

Reasons to Combine Exercises
Many gyms have started to combine Yoga and Pilates exercises. This is because there are benefits of doing Pilates and Yoga together. There is no they should be separated. Even teachers of one class or the other would tell you how one complements the other. By committing yourself to doing both exercises, you can improve your strength while making sure that you are still limber and agile. This can help you whether you are looking to dance, or you are just looking to keep up with your kids.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Benefits-Of-Doing-Pilates-And-Yoga-/1019037#ixzz0t9PzVSEU
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives

Do you love QV?

We are looking for faces of all ages for our 2010/11 advertising campaign. We don’t want models, we want real people who love QV and who love using QV products everyday.

There are six categories;

• Mum with kids (any age)
• Mum and Bub (under 12months)
• A young adult (under 21 years),
• A woman (over 21 years),
• A man (any age)
• A mature lady

If you’re a lucky winner, and are able to be in Melbourne on the 12th of August, you will win;

• $1,000 to spend on yourself (or someone else you choose),
• A basket of QV Skincare products with your personal favourites included
• Your face in our magazines, in-store & online advertising,
• A professional photo shoot and styling for the day of the shoot.

To find out how you can become a face of QV, click on the link to download the form, and fill in the details. Good Luck!!!

Terms & Conditions – Game of Skill

1. Information on how to enter and prizes form part of these Conditions of Entry.
2. Entry is open to Australian residents who complete the entry form during the Promotional Period. Employees of the promoter and their immediate families and its agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible.
3. To enter the competition, eligible entrants must explain in 25 words or less, which QV Product was their first and why they love it. The entry form must then be posted along with a recent photograph to the promotional address published. Please note that photographs will not be returned.
4. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the validity of entries and to disqualify any entrant who tampers with the entry process or who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Conditions of Entry.
5. Multiple entries per Eligible Entrant are permitted. No responsibility accepted for late, lost or misdirected entries.
6. Promotion commences 01/07/10. Entries close 5pm 29/07/10. The judging will take place at Ego Pharmaceuticals from 30/07/10. The winners will be notified by phone by 3/08/10. Judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winners.
7. The winners will receive $1,000 cash each, a basket of QV Skincare produts to the value of $200, a photographic studio shoot which includes photography, stylist assistance, makeup and hair styling Valued at $4,000. Total prize pool value $31,300
8. The photographs taken on the day will remain the property of Ego Pharmaceuticals and will be used on Instore Point of Sale, Magazine advertising across Australia and Online advertising. This forms part of the entry agreement.
9. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any variation in the prize value.
10. The prize is not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash.
11. The Promoter is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, either caused by computer users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilised in this competition, or by any technical error that may occur in the course of the administration of this competition. The Promoter assumes no responsibility for any error omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorised access to or alteration of entries.
12. The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for personal injury which is suffered or sustained, as a result of taking the prize, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law.
13. All entries become the property of Ego Pharmaceuticals and will be entered into a secure database. This information may be used later to inform you of new product developments. For further information on Ego Pharmaceuticals Privacy Policy, please visit our website at www.egopharm.com.
14. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any tax implications that may arise from the prize winnings. Independent financial advice should be sought.
15. The Promoter is Ego Pharmaceuticals Proprietary Limited of 21 – 31 Malcolm Road, Braeside, Victoria, 3195. A.B.N. 86 005 142 361.

Stay cool and dry without irritation.

Kind to skin but powerful on protection, QV Naked Anti-Perspirant Deodorant is formulated using revolutionary Biosorb™ Crystals. These inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria and leave you brimming with freshness.

BENEFITS

• Sensitive formulation is free of fragrance and alcohol.
• Contains moisturising and anti-irritant ingredients.
• Clinically tested and confirmed to provide 24 hour protection.
• Available in an easy-to-apply roll-on and aerosol.

INGREDIENTS

Roll On: Aqua (water), cyclomethicone, aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, butylene glycol, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, cetyl dimethicone copolyol, hexyl laurate, glycerin, avena sativa (oat) kernal extract, disodium edta, methylparaben, propylparaben, BHT, Biosorb™ Crystals, mica.

Spray: Cyclopentasiloxane, butane, aluminium chlorohydrate, propylene carbonate, quaternium-18 bentonite, isopropyl myristate, disodium EDTA, BHT, Biosorb™ Crystals, mica.

SIZES AVAILABLE:

75g roll-on

100g aerosol spray

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Deodorant without the bumps and rashes.

Kind to skin but powerful on protection, QV Naked Deodorant is formulated using revolutionary Biosorb™ Crystals. These inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria and leave you brimming with freshness.

BENEFITS

• Low irritant formulations, free from fragrance, alcohol and aluminium.
• Contains moisturising ingredients.
• Clinically tested and confirmed to provide all-day protection.
• Gentle formulation doesn’t stain clothes.
• Available in an easy-to-apply roll-on and aerosol.

INGREDIENTS

Roll On: Water (aqua), cyclomethicone, magnesium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, butylene glycol, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, cetyl dimethicone copolyol, hexyl laurate, disodium EDTA, Biosorb™ Crystals, mica, methylparaben, propylparaben, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, BHT.

SIZES AVAILABLE

75g roll-on
100g aerosol spray

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If you like us click here and join us on Facebook

Elise Henderson, 36, Ringwood North  

I have used another deodorant since I was a teenager and never felt the need to swap so it was great being able to try out another brand of deodorant.  It was interesting to get used to the fact there was no fragrance, and as I have sensitive skin and it did not seem to flare up or sting after I shaved which the other deodorant brand does sometimes. The packaging is different and really nice. If it was hot or I was being more active I did have to apply it more than once a day.

For more reviews on QV Naked Deodorant roll on click here to Beauty Heaven

To purchase QV Naked Deodorant Roll On Online click here

Kind to skin but powerful on protection, QV Naked Anti-Perspirant Deodorant is formulated using revolutionary Biosorb™ Crystals. These inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria and leave you brimming with freshness.

QV Naked Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 4.5/5

Have you used QV Naked Anti-Perspirant Deodorant? Tell us what you think?