Is It Ever Okay to Dump Someone Via Text?

July 22, 2016, 7:15 am

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“I’m sorry. I can’t. Don’t hate me—”

That’s how Berger broke up with Carrie Bradshaw via a Post-It note on an infamous episode of Sex In The City back in 2003. A decade later, he likely would have done it through a text message, instant message, email or heck, even Twitter. But is it really wise to break up with someone in so few words and through such an impersonal form of contact?

“All you have to do is ask yourself if you want to be ‘that person,’ ” YouBeauty relationship expert David Sbarra, Ph.D., argues.

That said, there are cases in which you can absolutely tidily end things via text. First and foremost, if the person has been a real jerk, feel free to curtly cut them loose. Or “[after] one or two dates, then perhaps it’s not a big deal, especially if texting is one of the main ways you communicate,” Sbarra advises.

When dating, Dana*, 37, relies on texting her beaus. It makes her feel bolder in the beginning and also, in the end. She has no problem letting go of guys she’s casually dating via text, and on occasion, she’ll even hand over her phone to a good friend to draft the farewell message.

Dana argues, “Why look someone in the eye foran uncomfortable conversation when you don’t have to?”

Read The Ups and Downs of Long Distance Relationships

But karma believers beware: Even though breaking up via text is as easy as typing “C U l8er,” it’s not good form. “This is about showing respect for the other person,” Sbarra points out. “I cannot respect you in 150 characters—it just doesn’t work.”

Stephanie*, 31, was dating a guy for six months when he decided to go on a European vacation and send her an email that he didn’t want to keep seeing her when he got back.

“At the time, I wished he would have approached me more directly,” she recalls. “Breaking up via email or text is cowardly. It allows the person to keep a shield of supposed strength, when in fact it really only disguises weak characteristics.”

Without the chance to get answers, the dumpee can go into a tailspin of whys and what ifs in an attempt to get the closure they crave. We’ve all heard it takes two to tango, so isn’t it only fair that it takes two to break up?

“[Dumping someone] is easier to do in writing, that’s for sure,” notes Sbarra. “And, that’s why so many people do it this way. [A face-to-face break up] might well be hurtful and painful, but that’s part of the pageantry of life.”

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Respect Yo’self!

July 22, 2016, 7:15 am

≫ Next: Reject-Proof Pick-Up Tactics For The Savvy Single Gal

≪ Previous: Is It Ever Okay to Dump Someone Via Text?

Be honest: You know you’re a great woman/friend/wife/mom/yogi. Pulling research from quizzes taken on YouBeauty, we found that 80 percent of you recognize your own worth. (And why shouldn’t you? You rock.) But are you actually treating yourself like the rock star you know you are? That’s another story. According to the stats, 63 percent of YouBeauty readers wish they respected themselves more.

The golden rule says to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Yet many women fail to give themselves the kindness and consideration they deserve. Fortunately, you can learn to do unto yourself as you do unto others.

“A good place to start is by asking ourselves: Are we compassionate and forgiving to ourselves? Or do we criticize and say negative things about our appearance, intelligence and overall life that we would never say to a friend or loved one?” advises Silvia M. Dutchevici, a psychotherapist and founder of the Critical Therapy Center in New York City.

Why are we so hard on ourselves in the first place? According to experts, there are a few common things that reduce even the most confident woman to self-abuse and defeatism. First is the array of messages we get from magazines, reality television and Pinterest that make it seem that, no matter how good our lives are, we could always be skinnier, happier, calmer or more organized. “We’re bombarded with expectations of what we should look like, how we should act and what we should want,” says Dutchevici. “That’s why attaining self-respect can be a continual struggle for women.”

Read How to Stop Being a Perfectionist

But before you go blaming “society,” it’s essential to take a hard look at your own habits to identify patterns of self-(esteem)-destruction. Skipping a yoga class to take on carpool duty, doing your coworker’s share of an assignment rather than confronting her about her sloppy work habits, or allowing a party guest to take over a conversation may seem minor, but they all add up to you expecting to get the shaft, and accepting it time and again. Once you get into the habit of treating yourself like a C-lister, it’s hard to expect, let alone demand, others to treat you like a VIP.

To paraphrase Aretha, here’s how to give yourself your propers when you get home.

Look under the hood. Say you’re mad at yourself for skipping the gym. Instead of punishing yourself with no dessert and hitting the gym extra hard tomorrow, take a moment to figure out the root of your disappointment, suggests Tina Tessina, Ph.D., a psychologist in California. Is this really about one workout, or are you resentful that your work schedule ate into your workout time? Are you jealous of your friend who always looks great, no matter how hectic her life is? “Think of these emotions as the little lights on the ?dashboard of your car. When they light up, they’re telling you something ?you need to know to keep life running smoothly,” she says. Maybe your feelings are a sign that you want to make working out a priority in your life, so you need to schedule training sessions on the calendar. Or perhaps you’ll realize that it’s not as big a deal as it seemed at first—you had an overwhelming week and that hour you took to spend time with your girlfriends instead of the elliptical was time well spent. Maybe it has nothing to do with the gym and everything to do with an unresolved disagreement between you and your naturally skinny friend. Whatever the case, you have to diagnose the problem before you can fix it.

Up next: More tips and tricks!

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Reject-Proof Pick-Up Tactics For The Savvy Single Gal

July 22, 2016, 7:20 am

≫ Next: How to Know If You’re Ready to Settle Down (Expert Advice Ahead!)

≪ Previous: Respect Yo’self!

As single women, it’s not always easy to go after what you want, to put yourself out there without fearing the possibility of rejection or coming across as desperate. Here are my tried-and-true reject-proof ways to covertly pick up men. Trust me, they won’t know what hit ‘em.

1. “Digital Underground”

This tactic is guaranteed to not only get him to take your number but also get his digits. This requires an over-sized, seemingly disorganized looking purse or bag and can pretty much be used anywhere. I inadvertently stumbled upon this maneuver on a flight home to Texas. I was on a crowded airplane and during the ‘hustle and bustle’ of stowing my luggage and getting settled in my seat came to discover I no longer had my cell phone. In a panic, I turned to the guy in the seat behind me, explained the situation and asked if he could call my phone so I could try to find it. Gave him my digits and had him make the call.

As soon as I heard my phone start ringing I immediately realized what had just transpired and the new “super power” I now possessed of being able to give hot guys my number while simultaneously obtaining theirs. Turned out my cell was in my purse. We shared a laugh, chatted before take-off and ended up going out for a drink later that weekend as he conveniently had my digits and ended up “text” asking me out.

Read Older Women, Younger Men: Is There Still a Double Standard?

2. “The Bend Sans Snap”

This would end up being my biggest take-away from the movie Legally Blonde years after the fact, but I must say it is one of the most effective ways to initiate a conversation with a guy you’re interested in. It’s especially effective to use at a party. The first time I attempted it was on a dare at a party, my “gay husband” dared me to do the “bend and snap” to get the attention of a hot guy. I said “fine”, strutted by him dropping my clutch, practically on his foot. I seductively bent down, arched my back while picking it up…and before I could even manage a snap, he asked if I had lead in my purse. Thirty minutes later into a conversation with this guy, I realized that there was really something to this whole “bend and snap” thing.

I’ve since done it with car keys, lipstick, and even towels at the gym. Cell phones work really well, because sometimes your phone will fall apart upon hitting the floor and that buys you more time with the guy as he tries to put it back together and even sympathy if he can’t fix it (Disclaimer: make sure it’s insured or this can quickly become costly). I’ve definitely done the “bend sans snap” without so much as even a glance from my target, but I’d say it works 75% of the time and the times it didn’t work I’m pretty sure the guys were non-breeders or at least that’s what I tell myself to make it okay.

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How to Know If You’re Ready to Settle Down (Expert Advice Ahead!)

July 22, 2016, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Don’t Let Dryness Bring You Down!

≪ Previous: Reject-Proof Pick-Up Tactics For The Savvy Single Gal

Your relationship is blossoming: You have a toothbrush and a week’s worth of outfits stashed at his place, his friends are quickly becoming your buds, and his mother adores you (though she’s adamant about giving you cooking lessons). But is it really time to give up your lady cave a.k.a. studio apartment to build a life with him? No matter who you are, the prospect of settling down can be downright terrifying. You’re putting your heart on the line, after all!

With that in mind, we asked two relationships experts for their professional advice on how long you should wait before shacking up, where you should be emotionally before making the move, and red flags that spell danger.

How long should you wait before moving in with your boyfriend or significant other?

It may be tempting to move in with your guy as soon as the lease to your apartment is up for renewal, especially if you can feel the emotional connection (and your sex life) heating up. But to protect your heart (and finances!), you should avoid making the big move until enough time has passed.

“You should wait at least six months before you move in with somebody,” David Wygant, an internationally-recognized dating and relationship coach, says. “You should at least go through a cycle with them.”

And remember: Spending the weekend together versus spending every single night in the same apartment can be wildly different experiences. Habits like “forgetting” to do laundry for three months or leaving Chinese takeout containers on the stovetop can seem cute –when you’re not living with him!

Wygant advises, “If you’re serious about moving in with somebody, have a couple of trial one-week and two-week segments where you’re actually in each other’s faces, coming home to one another, see how you are after a hard day at the office, and so on. See if the relationship is still something you want.”

Where should we be emotionally?

We’ve all witnessed this: Your old college roommate elopes with the “love of the week her life” who can’t hold down a job and plays video games all day long. Frustrated, she sleeps with his best friend and the relationship crashes and burns.

As this is a situation we’d rather not be in ever, it’s vital to be in an emotionally mature state before settling down. So what does that mean, exactly?

“Emotionally, you need to be clear with who you are personally,” Wygant tells us. “You need to know exactly what you want in your lover and have done work on yourself.”

Most importantly, Wygant adds, “You need to know the type of relationship you want to experience and you need to be ready to have that type of relationship.”

Now if only our college pal followed this advice!

For women who are divorced or widowed, April Braswell, the senior singles advice columnist at DatingAdvice.com, advises, “Do wait until the initial turmoil has passed and you’ve sought out some personal development professional help. These life events and the personal growth process they trigger will reshape you into a new you, one who is a bit more mature. Let those changes integrate. Yes, do get out and socialize and date. However, wait until you feel that process has shifted you into the stable new version of you before you endeavor to attract your new life mate for this phase of your life. You don’t have to be perfect at this point. But you do need to be financially stable and viable to attract a true life partner.”

Read Kiss Like You Mean It! A How-To Guide

What are the big red flags that signify you should re-think moving in with your boyfriend or significant other?

You’ve run far, far away from the liar, the cheater, the jealous jerk, the workaholic, and the chronically-unemployed moocher. But are there are subtle red flags you could be missing under all the wining, dining, and steamy sex?

It’s generally bad news “when you’re the one who’s painting the picture of what a future’s going to be like together,” Wygant says. “They just sit there and shake their head and agree. Then when you ask them what they want, they say ‘Everything that you want’ yet they don’t describe it personally.”

Adds Braswell, “Some of the senior male singles are just plain lazy. They start asking for ‘committed’ monogamy from you at the start of the relationship. Mature ladies, don’t you let him. Don’t agree too soon and take yourself off the market until his behavior and his words warrant it.”

What will signify that settling down is the right move?

Your relationship is red flag free (you lucky, lucky lady), but you should also be able to check off these three key components before packing your bags:

You both have worked things out; you’ve had arguments, you’ve had fights, you’ve had resolution, you’ve had conflict, and you’ve been able to work through it.
You’ve learned each other’s language of love. You’re able to fill it up immensely.
You’re able to be two independent people, yet coexist together.

Tell us: Does your relationship pass the move-in test? Are you planning to move in with your guy (or is he about to call your place home)?

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Don’t Let Dryness Bring You Down!

July 25, 2016, 9:00 am

≫ Next: 12 Fun Ways to Get Moving Outdoors This Summer!

≪ Previous: How to Know If You’re Ready to Settle Down (Expert Advice Ahead!)

Take back your love life with Vagisil ProHydrate Natural Feel

Ladies, beware: just because you are a woman nearing your 50s and are quickly approaching perimenopausal dryness, your sex life doesn’t have to take a nosedive.

Thanks to my great friends who have been through perimenopausal symptoms that I am now going through, I recently discovered a fantastic new product called Vagisil ProHydrate Natural Feel. This exceptional product allowed me to feel like a young woman again—without feeling like I was using a product to mask the inevitable of doom and gloom.

My friends in their 50s had told me that Vagisil products were amazing and that they enabled them to take back their sex life. Being the skeptic that I usually am, I put this information in the back of my mind because I hadn’t approached perimenopause. Now that perimenopause has reared its ugly head, I took my friend’s advice and tried the Vagisil products.

Vagisil ProHydrate Natural Feel helps to make sex feel amazing and natural again without all the dryness that comes with being perimenopause. Come on, let’s face it and get real, just saying it out loud can be a daunting and overwhelming task, but facing it head on helps to empower you as a woman. Vagisil ProHydrate Natural Feel gave me back my womanhood—pure and simple!

So don’t give up on your scented candles, sexy love music CDs, setting the mood for your man, along with that trip to the sexy lingerie store. Vaginal dryness is now just a distant memory thanks to this wonderful new product by Vagisil.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause you might wonder? Well let’s start with vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, sometime mood swings, fatigue, lack of sex drive, irregular periods, just to name a few. At least, now thanks to Vagisil ProHydrate Natural Feel, you can tackle this problem head on with a natural feel and combat vaginal dryness.

So next time you think reaching your 50s is a double downer, remember that you can kick vaginal dryness to the proverbial curb with the fantastic product Vagisil ProHydrate Natural Feel. Vagisil products make being near the age of 50, and all the symptoms as a woman that it entails, a thing of the past!

Tell me, is anyone out there going through this kind of change in their life? Weigh in—you’re not alone! Plus your comment will enter you to win a $100 Visa gift card!

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12 Fun Ways to Get Moving Outdoors This Summer!

July 25, 2016, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Your New Favorite Chicken Enchiladas (with gluten-free and grain-free tortillas!)

≪ Previous: Don’t Let Dryness Bring You Down!

I live on the East Coast, so I think of summers as my reward for suffering through our infernal winters. All I want to do is BE OUTSIDE, even when it’s hot and humid and sticky! (Well, usually!) I’m not knocking a nice, air-conditioned workout in the gym, but there are so many fun ways to get moving outdoors and soak up all that vitamin D and sunny air. Of course, getting moving is good not just for your health and mental well-being, it’s good for your skin too!

According to celebrity personal trainer and member of the Simple Skincare Simple Advisory Board, Kacy Duke, “There is an important link between your physical wellbeing and the health of your skin.” Duke, who is among the world’s most sought-after personal trainers and fitness consultants, and one of the co-founders of Equinox Fitness Clubs, says:

“As we exercise, the body releases endorphins — natural painkillers — that promote an increased sense of wellbeing. Exercise increases blood flow and helps flush cellular debris out of our system. It also tones muscles and reduces stress, all of which contributes to the overall appearance of your skin.”

But exercise doesn’t have to equal a big gym workout. Anything that gets you moving is good for your whole body, and good for your skin. Here are 12 fresh, fun ideas for getting a move-on outdoors. Just make sure you stay hydrated, sun-blocked and smart about the heat!

1. Go for evening walks. I’m lucky enough to live close to a beautiful park AND to the town ice cream store. There’s something so magical about a walk in the warm night air, surrounded by fireflies, and followed by a stop for a scoop of ice cream or Italian ice.

2. Dance the night away. Check out your local listings for outdoor concerts and swing-dancing dance classes — often they’ll even be free, like Midsummer Night Swing in NYC.

3. Find an early morning, outdoor bootcamp. Summer is the perfect time to train yourself to get up and at ’em early in the day! It’s cooler but still bright enough that you won’t feel like it’s the middle of the night.

4. Explore the water. You don’t have to live near the ocean to take part in water sports — there’s kayaking, canoeing, and even row-boating to be had anywhere there’s a body of water. If you’re a total beginner, do some Googling and find a class near you!

5. Swim laps in the pool. Usually, I spend my town pool time in a lounge chair, with a hat on, a cool drink, and a novel firmly in hand, but I try to get in a few laps as well. Sometimes I even use of one those kick-board things.

6. Find a tennis buddy and make a standing date. Find an outdoor tennis court near you here! Or, really, find an ANY KIND OF EXERCISE buddy and make a standing date! You’ll probably be less likely to flake on someone else than you will on yourself.

7. Scout out a hike and plan a yummy picnic as a reward.

8. Sign up for a local 5K or other community event. There are probably a plethora of options for you around Labor Day — give yourself something to work toward!

9. Find an outdoor yoga class or take your at-home yoga workout into the backyard.

10. Two words: Hula. Hoop. Oh yes, I’m serious. Hula hooping burns as many calories per minute as step aerobics!

11. Speaking of playing, when’s the last time you went to play in the park? Get your legs pumping on the swings, and then do some walking or running! Better yet, find a park with those outdoor exercise thingies and have fun with a friend counting push-ups.

12. Bike ride! Summer! What’s better?

For even more motivation, get even more exercise tips from Simple Advisory Board fitness expert Kacy Duke over at the Simple YouTube page!

What’s your favorite way to get moving outdoors?

FTC Full Disclosure: April Daniels Hussar is BettyConfidential’s Editorial Director and is a brand ambassador for Simple® Skincare. The views and opinions in this post are her own; visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

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Your New Favorite Chicken Enchiladas (with gluten-free and grain-free tortillas!)

July 28, 2016, 7:49 am

≫ Next: Nobiyo™ Freshwear–Bringing Back Your Confidence!

≪ Previous: 12 Fun Ways to Get Moving Outdoors This Summer!

Paleo Chicken Enchiladas

These enchiladas were made, photographed and consumed in less than 24 hours. Yes! That is how amazing they are. I have a slight obsession with Mexican food, and when I can perfect some of my favorite faire, it some-kind-of magical.

Paleo Chicken Enchiladas

Typically when I create a Mexican dish that needs a tortilla I usually make them myself. Don’t get me wrong, it does the trick for me. Until now. I had the pleasure of sampling Siete Family Foods’ Almond Flour and Coconut & Cassava Tortillas – which are gluten-free, grain-free and free of weird preservatives and oils. If the taste doesn’t win you over by first glance, the companies family story will. Siete Family Foods is a mission-based company, and we’re passionate about making and sharing real food, gathering together in authentic community, and advocating for healthier lifestyles among Latino families. One of their quotes says it all:

What happens when a family joins together in their journey toward health? Amazing, life-changing things happen. Just ask the Garzas.

You can read their full story here.

So, not only is their mission amazing, but YASSSS! My tortilla prayers have been answered because these also taste AMAZING! So amazing, I honestly prefer them over the traditional tortillas we are accustomed to.

IMG_0039-2

So, back to how I used these amazing beauties…

My goal was to create authentic-styled enchiladas. You could easily forgo the cheese, but because I can handle raw cheese every now and then, I chose to go all out. Other than that, these are completely 100% paleo-friendly! I hope you enjoy, meanwhile, I am going to order 5 cases of Siete Family Foods Tortillas – no joke, these are going to be a staple in our home!

Click here to order your very own Siete Family Foods tortillas! Also, you can see their tortillas in action on Instagram and Facebook!

Get the recipe on Jamiedanno.com!

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Nobiyo™ Freshwear–Bringing Back Your Confidence!

August 26, 2016, 5:22 pm

≫ Next: 7 Hot Reads to Keep You in a Summer State of Mind All Labor Day Weekend Long

≪ Previous: Your New Favorite Chicken Enchiladas (with gluten-free and grain-free tortillas!)

Finally, I have found the solution to sweaty armpits and odor—sans the workout, like when I am asking my boss for time off or a raise. Here comes the stress sweat! Then, The Wall Street Journal asked whether deodorants really work in an article titled “Is Your Deodorant Working,” and I learned it was not just me—what a relief!

This got me on the hunt to solve the armpit-stench problem. Besides, I was getting so tired of getting my best blouses and sweaters ruined even after picking them up from the dry cleaner—how can that yellowing in the armpits be so damn permanent, what’s up with that?

Flash forward, to my good fortune I was given a sample of a great new product called Nobiyo™ Freshwear. Nobiyo Freshwear was founded after Deborah Perry Piscione was giving a speech in Norway and caught herself in the onstage monitor and realized she had sweated through her suit—definitely not a good look onstage. She even went so far as to stuff her armpits with paper towels—you go girl!

This amazing product is cool shirt that you wear underneath your clothes to draw sweat and perspiration away from your outer shirt and armpits, so you feel fresh and confident throughout the day. Nobiyo Freshwear also helps to control sweat not only under your armpits, but also your back and under your breasts—and who wants sweat there? Not me! This is a great product for so many women from sweat-hounds millennials, middle-aged women to menopausal ladies. Nobiyo, where have you been all my life? Worn as an undershirt, you can feel confident in the summer or the winter. A win-win for all!

Nobiyo Freshwear is also working on some other clever ideas like underwear and undergarments that will have the same fantastic technology to combat the sweat and odor problem, very cool indeed!

For just $60, you can preorder either a short sleeve scoop neck or a short sleeve v-neck on the Nobiyo Freshwear webite. Dude, get in line and I say hit the send button right away and banish sweat for good. These shirts are available for order in either nude, black or white.

What the heck are you waiting for? I say join the future movement to eradicate this annoying and stinky problem that has been around for longer than I care to mention and purchase this revolutionary product.

Nobiyo Freshwear will give you back your confidence—not a bad deal if you are sweating like a cow onstage! You will no longer have to walk around with your hands down 24/7 for fear of having a huge sweat mark under your silk or cotton shirt. That’s definitely not a good look for anyone! I say banish stench and rise up with confidence. Thanks Nobiyo Freshwear.

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7 Hot Reads to Keep You in a Summer State of Mind All Labor Day Weekend Long

August 29, 2016, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Infused Water that Tastes AMA-ZING

≪ Previous: Nobiyo™ Freshwear–Bringing Back Your Confidence!

Happy Labor Day Weekend, Bettys! If you’re anything like us, part of your plan for this glorious three-day weekend includes falling into a good book—or seven. These seven, in fact! Whether you’re hitting the beach, taking to the open road, or just relaxing at home, these hot reads will keep you turning pages straight through the holiday.

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Infused Water that Tastes AMA-ZING

September 15, 2016, 1:34 pm

≫ Next: Get Brighter, Smoother Looking Skin in 1 Week! (Seriously!)

≪ Previous: 7 Hot Reads to Keep You in a Summer State of Mind All Labor Day Weekend Long

Let’s be honest, water can be kind of … well, boring. Sometimes we crave something with a bit more pizazz. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many options out there in the market beyond coffee and tea, and even those can be harsh options with the amount of caffeine embedded in them.

Personally, I haven’t jumped on recent craze for LaCroix Sparkling Water. I’ve had a few flavors, but there are some concerns I have with this product, such as the cans are not BPA-free and there are potential traces of Phosphoric acid (a chemical substance linked to health conditions in bones, teeth, and kidneys, source). But, no judgment! This product is definitely better than a good ol’ can of Coca-Cola. I get it. We all have those “Achilles heels.” That one item or product that we cheat with. For me, its macaroons, dark chocolate or a yummy scoop of ice cream!

As an effort to live the cleanest life possible, I don’t want to settle for mediocre products. I want to have my cake and eat it too! Recently, I had the pleasure of sampling Zing 54, a 54oz BPA/EA-free active infusion pitcher that lets you add fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices to the base and release all the natural flavors of each ingredient with an adjustable-length muddling wand.

After playing around with a few different flavors, I was hooked! The options are endless. I found my favorite for everyday hydration to be mint with lemon and Pelligrino. The part is you can make a large batch and put the pitcher in the refrigerator for later use. For a more fun ama-zing drink, I created a yummy margarita with fresh lime, mint, and of course tequila! The best part is you get the same (if not better) great taste, but with ingredients that are totally natural with no BPA, artificial flavors or weird chemicals.

Zing 54 is perfect for daily hydration, outdoor BBQ, family dinners, and cocktail parties! Check out the pretty blush infused water recipe we created below. It is perfect as a mocktail (or feel free to add tequila, we won’t tell).

Here is a step by step video tutorial to help get the juices flowin’!

Get the full recipe on Jamiedanno.com!

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Get Brighter, Smoother Looking Skin in 1 Week! (Seriously!)

September 26, 2016, 9:14 am

≫ Next: Divorce: From Chaos to Tranquility

≪ Previous: Infused Water that Tastes AMA-ZING

For me, skin health is just as important as living an active and nutritious lifestyle. I believe in order to have healthy skin, you must encompass the whole package – eat a balanced diet, use sustainable products and exercise daily. I’ve been fortunate enough in my life to never really have skin problems. I get typical breakouts here and there, but as I’m getting older I’ve realized how important skin health is. Growing up in Southern California, going to the beach, being out in the sun all day long can really do a number on your skin. There were so many times when I would forget to reapply or even put any sunscreen on my face.

These days I’m much more cautious about what I put on my skin, and how it affects my health. I’m always searching the market for new game-changing products to incorporate into my health routine. With traveling frequently and living in a small town, its often difficult for me to easily access great products when I need them. Ordering online can be time consuming, and because of my travel schedule, I may not be home to get my package. I had to find a better way to get the skin health I need, without the hassle of cost and inaccessibility.

When I first heard of Garnier SkinActive® Clearly Brighter™ Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, I assumed it would do its job: moisturize and protect my skin. After taking Garnier’s Clearly Brighter Challenge and trying the moisturizer for two weeks, I’ve developed a completely new interpretation. Garnier SkinActive® Clearly Brighter™ Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 is a clinically proven daily moisturizer with antioxidants, such as Vitamin C. It states that it works quickly and effectively to even out tone and texture for visibly brighter, smoother skin in just 1 week.*

I’m kind of a health nerd when it comes to products, so I wanted to learn how in fact my skin could actually look brighter and smoother within such a short amount of time. After a little bit of quick research, I found that Garnier’s Clearly Brighter Skin Care Collection consists of enriching formulas that contain Vitamin C, E, and LHA. These formulas are clinically proven – this means doc approved – to provide visibly brighter, smoother-looking skin. Shortly after I discovered that I could go get this at one of my local stores, such as CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, or Target – and we all know I’ll be at Target at least twice this week. To give you an idea of my experience using this product, this is me on my first day using Garnier SkinActive® and on my 14th day:

Garnier

The first thing I noticed was that this product formula is lightweight and oil-free – which is perfect for me because I tend to have combination skin. By the fifth day I could definitely already see a difference in my skin. I felt like I had been sun-kissed, or that my skin was glowing. I even went the whole weekend without any face make up on! No foundation, concealer or anything. Just some mascara and a little bronzer, and I was out the door. I was really surprised that I liked an accessible and affordable moisturizer so much, and even more surprised that it was actually brightening and smoothing my skin! I love that this product not only has SFP 15 in it and protects my face, but the fact that its clinically proven active ingredients showed visibly healthier skin in such a short amount of time, really wowed me.

During my second week using Clearly Brighter Brightening and Smoothing Daily Moisturizer, I noticed that it didn’t disrupt the makeup I was wearing. I don’t tend to wear a lot of makeup, but I’ve had issues in the past with my moisturizer creasing under my eyes. I found when using Clearly Brighter Brightening and Smoothing Daily Moisturizer I was able to work my usual schedule, and even go to happy hour without having to touch up my makeup. I don’t know if it was the moisturizer or the fact that I felt confident in my skin, but whatever it is, I’ll take it! I’m so excited to share the success I had with this product. Other moisturizers and skin care lines can either be costly or not easily accessible.

I think for many women, Garnier SkinActive® Clearly Brighter™ Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 is a great product because not only does it actually live up to its word, but also it has great ingredients and antioxidants in the formula, specifically Vitamin C, to help nourish your skin.

*In a clinical test

Visit Garnier SkinActive® on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and Google+.

We are so excited about this product that we want to give you a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. Tell us in the comment section below, what is it that you value most about skin care products? For me, I value SPF and enriching antioxidants in the formula. Each comment will automatically be entered to win.

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Divorce: From Chaos to Tranquility

September 26, 2016, 9:25 am

≫ Next: Kelvin and his Deer Squad Will Make Your Day

≪ Previous: Get Brighter, Smoother Looking Skin in 1 Week! (Seriously!)

divorce

Enough time has passed I can look back on my divorce with some 20/20 hindsight (well at least I didn’t lose my mind in the process). Let’s be real, while you’re in the middle of the ongoing drama, dealing with hurt feelings, I can honestly say that I learned a lot—one must get something out of all that chaos. Divorce is a nightmare, let’s be real and not try to sugarcoat it. Having kids also complicates it even further because you are dealing with your own feelings of self-worth and failure (that’s a lame combination), all the while trying to navigate a peaceful solution. What fun!

It takes “adults” to be able to come out the other end in one piece and not blame each other for the falling apart of a marriage. I can tell you that deciding to divorce bites—at least in my case! It’s a hard decision to make and all that comes after is a process and a long journey—I would have rather gone on a journey to Six Flags. Trying to navigate the minefield is especially tricky since there are so many things going on at the same time. Can’t life ever be easy? It’s important to remember that blaming your husband for all that went wrong is not the solution—even though it feels great at the time! I had so many good zingers in the mix; I could become a comedy writer. I had to tell myself over and over that my kids come first and not to create a house of negativity. Considering the state of the divorce, it was hard, but we managed—I can pat myself on the back for that; my ex, too! What joy!

Dealing with the fallout is like walking on fire: it hurts, it’s raw and it takes a long time to heal. In order to get my aggression out, I joined a gym. There’s a comedy in the making. It certainly helps to see some hot guys working out and makes you realize the world is working at full capacity, even if it seems far away at the time. Nothing is more hilarious than trying to navigate the gym when you are in a state of rage, all the while hitting the boxing bag. I was so pissed that I nearly broke my hand hitting the bag, but luckily a very hunky man came over to show me what I was doing wrong—ahhhh, the world is looking up already!

And be sure to check out the new HBO series DIVORCE premiering Sunday, October 9th at 10pm with Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church. It’s the story of a very, very long divorce, the show follows Frances and Robert as they grapple with the fallout from their failing marriage, not just for themselves, but also for their children and friends, ranging from awkward public encounters to difficult private therapy sessions. You can find out more about DIVORCE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

divorce 2

Have you or a friend ever gone through a divorce? Tell me about it in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. Each comment will automatically be entered to win.

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Kelvin and his Deer Squad Will Make Your Day

October 3, 2016, 1:57 pm

≫ Next: So, what if? Good Behavior, Living by Your Rules!

≪ Previous: Divorce: From Chaos to Tranquility

Meet Kelvin Peña — an 18-year-old ‘Deer Whisperer” of sorts. Kelvin and his video clips with his “Deer Squad” are lighting up the internet. And beyond the fascinating and hysterical videos (warning: some mildly explicit language), we found a thoughtful young man with a very big heart. Check it:

Christian Josi (CJ): Kelvin, thanks for talking with me today. I first saw your videos about a week ago when my daughter sent them to me and they’re delightful. How long have you been rolling with the Deer Squad?

Kelvin Peña (KP): I’ve been rolling with the Deer Squad for almost 2 months now, the first time I encountered Money and Canela was on July 28th.

CJ: Explain ‘Everybody Eats”

KP: Everybody Eats is a term I use to express how important it is to make sure the ones around you are being treated well. Whether it’s family, friends, people in need, or even stray animals. If I have something to offer to the world, I feel that it’s vital for me to share it. I’m always willing to help whether it’s food, advice, helping someone with homework, or just helping my community. The way I think about it is, if I have it and my brother doesn’t, then him and I are splitting it 50/50.

CJ: What made you start interacting with the Deer?

KP: I first started interacting with the Deer randomly, I was leaving my cousin’s house and there was a doe waiting outside of his front door (Canela before I named her) and I was amazed at him feeding her. I went to my house, which is right around the corner, and I see a huge buck just chilling in my backyard. I walk up to him, and notice he doesn’t run away. So I decide to go inside my house, grab some bread, club crackers, and an apple, and then started feeding the buck. He showed no aggression or anything, so I felt we had a connection and that’s when I named him Money and made my first video.

CJ: Aren’t deer normally super skittish w people?

KP: I feel that the deer got comfortable with me because of how I fed Money, the squad is Money’s family and they see me hand feed him and follow along his footsteps. It’s insane, but I love it. Deer usually run away from other people, but with me, they feel comfortable for the most part.

CJ: How many are in the ‘Squad?” What are their names?

KP: The original Deer Squad has 7 deer. Money, Baby Mama, Lil Bambi, Money Jr. Aka Lil Ant, Lola, Canela, and Tequila.

CJ: So I’m guessing you live in or near the woods? I mean, they don’t just hang around your house all day, right?

KP: I live in a gated community in Pennsylvania, the deer here are protected and can’t be hunted, but they come to my house and my cousin’s house to eat.

CJ: Tell me a little more about yourself. What do you do when you aren’t making video clips with deer?

KP: Well, I just started college so I spend most of my time in the books or with family whenever I’m not feeding the squad. I just moved to Pennsylvania from Texas, because I wanted to attend college over here since it is close to my family and the school gave me a scholarship. I’m just a chill guy, I take school very seriously and believe that being happy at all times is a must. I’m very appreciative for all the things that I have, and all the things that life has thrown my way, the good and the bad because it shaped who I am today. I like to help others and show them that life isn’t that bad if you’re breathing, because if you’re breathing it means that you’re alive and that means that you can make an impact on this world. That’s what I live by, and that’s what I the message I try to spread to the people in my life.

CJ: You’ve become quite an internet favorite. Did you expect the videos to take off like they have?

KP: I did not expect the videos to blow up at all, it was nuts. Honestly. I was amazed by Money and The Squad, but I would have never ever thought that the videos would blow up the way they did. I’m so grateful for it though, everything happens for a reason.

CJ: I see also that you’ve got some Everybody Eats gear on the market. Hats and shirts? How do people purchase those?

KP: People can purchase the Everybody Eats gear at my online shop. The shirts and hats have been selling like hotcakes, it’s crazy and it amazes me how many people love the content.

CJ: What’s next for you and the Deer Squad?

KP: The next move for the Deer Squad is the Everybody Eats foundation. I’m currently in the process of starting my own non-profit organization where I help bring groceries to single-mother homes in need. Because I know the struggle of being a minority and living in a single mother home, I want to give back to the world, one step at a time. I have big plans for the near future, it’s all work in progress. I just can’t wait till I get it all started!

Photos and video courtesy of Kelvin Peña.

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So, what if? Good Behavior, Living by Your Rules!

November 10, 2016, 9:51 am

≫ Next: Tackle Your Cold Sore Head-on With This One Solution

≪ Previous: Kelvin and his Deer Squad Will Make Your Day

So they say good behavior comes from one’s environment and your parents teaching you right from wrong. I say, “So, what if?”

I live my life as I see fit and feel empowered by my choices. A smooth upbringing is great, but being confined to the norms can be boring. It’s great to branch out and test the waters and be your authentic self. We are the commanders of our own domain and must live by our choices. Living a positive life is the way to go. That’s why I was drawn to the new TV show GOOD BEHAVIOR, starring Michelle Dockery, from Downton Abbey. It is great to see her step outside her comfort zone and play this fascinating character of Letty. Letty seeks to improve but gets sidetracked by a mysterious and handsome man…more on that to come!

Letty is being let out of jail early for good behavior and she’s determined to live a better life, but her good intentions leads her down another path, all while knowing that she’s determined to do better. Amazing how life turns like that!

Life is a little complex sometimes; you can have all the best intentions in mind, but fate or happenstance changes the course of things in your day-to-day existence. It’s compelling to see a new and nuanced character on TV bring so much energy and chutzpah to the evening. TNT has really come up with a great idea here. This makes for compelling TV.

Now back to the handsome stranger, I love these types. The character of Javier is further reason to tune in. He’s so bad that he’s good to watch. Everyone loves the baddie on TV, it makes for fun TV viewing. He’s not only mysterious, methodical and oh-so cautious, but he also has a professional code he lives by: a very sexy combination for a TV character. Nobody could ever imagine that this very handsome man with those very dreamy eyes would indeed be a killer; he’s so good at what he does, until he meets Letty. Then the drama begins.

With a cast of other interesting characters from Letty’s parole officer, to her mother and her son, you can’t help but be drawn into this great new show on TNT.

So, I say, live your life on your terms and live up to the code you have for you. Live your life by the positive choices you make and set out to live a balanced and nuanced life. One should always life on their terms and not get pigeonholed into doing something they feel is not authentic to them. Good Behavior is all about trying to live a better life, even if it can get muddled along the way. Remember, even when you take a wrong turn, you can always choose a new path. It’s like the old saying, when you fall off the horse, you get back up and get back on that horse. Words to live by! Tune in to see Good Behavior; you won’t be disappointed!

Sponsored by Good Behavior on TNT. Watch the 2-episode series premiere Tuesday, November 15 at 9/8c.

Learn more about Good Behavior on the Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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Tackle Your Cold Sore Head-on With This One Solution

December 1, 2016, 11:32 am

≫ Next: Finally! Clean Products for Your Home and Your Cat

≪ Previous: So, what if? Good Behavior, Living by Your Rules!

Do you have friends or family who suffer from debilitating cold sores? A resounding “yes,” I’m certain. We all know someone or seen someone who suffers from this difficult and annoying problem. The oh-so famous “tingling” on the lip is the first sign that a cold sore is imminent. At this point, it’s downhill if you don’t take action quick.

I believe in tackling problems head-on, so when my friend noticed she was getting a cold sore a few days before a job interview (nice timing) and I witnessed her putting ice on it to fix her problem, I advised her to take action and use Abreva®. When used at the first sign of a cold sore, Abreva® can shorten the healing time of your cold sore to as few as two and half days*. Why wait that long and suffer when you can use real medicine and shorten the healingtime and duration of symptoms? In the world of cold sores, this is an amazing feat!

Wives tales are certainly nice at bedtime but they won’t solve a cold sore problem when it strikes, it will only prolong the pain and suffering of having a cold sore, this is a real drag. Real medicine is needed to get to the root of a cold sore problem; Abreva® is the answer.

While lip balms, licorice, ibuprofen and chamomile tea are commonly known to alleviate the pain, along with myriad of other so-called quick fixes, they definitely won’t shorten the duration of a cold sore. Take back your life and take action and use real medicine and debunk the wives tales.

There are many triggers that contribute to the appearance of cold sores caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this meddling problem so utilizing real medicine that works to combat the problem at first sight is paramount . Further, you don’t need to go to a doctor to get a prescription; Abreva® is available without a prescription in the cough/cold aisle at all major drug, mass, pharmacy and grocery retailers.

Common triggers are: Mental stress, being upset, an injury to the affected area, menstruation or intense sunlight. Using real medicine like Abreva® is a necessary component to combat the problem.

*Median Healing Time 4.1 days. 25% of users healed in 2.5 days.

Abreva: Website | Twitter | YouTube

Do you or your friends/family suffer from cold sores? Reach out and let us know in the comments to be automatically entered to win a $100 Visa® gift card.

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Finally! Clean Products for Your Home and Your Cat

December 5, 2016, 10:31 am

≫ Next: My Life is About to be “Altar’d” Like Never Before

≪ Previous: Tackle Your Cold Sore Head-on With This One Solution

We are huge advocates of “clean air” within our house, a necessity if you suffer from asthma. So when I discovered Feline Pine™ Original Non-Clumping Cat Litter, I was jumping for joy.

Feline Pine™ Original Non-Clumping Cat Litter is a fantastic product that brings the best natural odor control to your home with no added fragrances. This is a huge score for the entire family – and especially for me. When we went to adopt a cat, I was worried that the products out there for the litter box would send my asthma into overdrive, but Feline Pine™ Original Non-Clumping Cat Litter is 100% chemical free, as well as using the odor-fighting powers of 100% natural pine to eliminate the toughest odors in your home—and no new trees are cut to make Feline Pine™ products. Feline Pine™ is made from kiln-dried shavings reclaimed from lumber production. In my book, this is a great reason to switch to Feline Pine™ Original Non-Clumping Cat Litter. Along with the other excellent reasons of not having a stinky house from cat litter being another —a no-brainer.

Our sweet cat is part of the family, but dealing with the smell in the litter box can be a total drag. When visiting other homes with furry friends, my asthma would act up. This is particularly annoying because I can barely step foot in one of my best friends houses without feeling ill. I am not one to proselytize but I will surely be pushing her to switch to Feline Pine™! The highly absorbent pine shavings in Feline Pine™ bind directly to ammonia odors and send them packing for good. Plus, the pine shavings are gentle on my kitty’s paws. That’s makes my furry friend very happy!

And Feline Pine™ leaves absolutely no messy clouds of dust in your home. Another great reason why I switched to Feline Pine™, as well as being pet-friendly. After all, who wants to clean up a cloud of stinky dust? Definitely not me!

Tell me, have you had to deal with stinky and dusty cat litter in your home? Send your thoughts our way and you will be automatically entered to win a $100 Visa gift card! And, to top it off, click on this link, and you will get a great coupon for Feline Pine™.

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My Life is About to be “Altar’d” Like Never Before

January 10, 2017, 10:29 am

≫ Next: FIGHTING WITH REAL MEDICINE NOT MYTH: Cold sores are ugly and uncomfortable, but can be easily healed

≪ Previous: Finally! Clean Products for Your Home and Your Cat

After decades of singleton, I am getting married and moving to Paris: Help! He has a nine-year-old daughter!

Wow. I actually can’t believe that I am getting married. The reason? I am a New Yorker through and through, and I focused on being a New Yorker for the last two decades since graduating college. What does that mean? I wanted to rise through the ranks of the advertising world and become the executive I became. That meant 12- 14 hour days, dinners out at least four days a week and entertaining clients and prospective clients when they came into town. On the weekends, I’d crash, but have the obligatory “must be seen” party or event. But, one day early in 2016, I looked around as I was approaching my mid-40s, and asked myself what I had to show for all my sacrifice. The pivotal question was: Was it all worth it?

I had a dream to live in Paris, and life was passing me by without anyone to share it with. So, I started to go on Meetic, a dating website popular for Americans to meet Europeans. After kissing a few frogs, I met the man of my dreams. Yes, he is a Parisian and at our ages, does not come without baggage. He had been married before to a wretched woman but did manage to have a wonderful nine-year-old daughter, who will now be my stepdaughter. I’ll call her Eloise.

Eloise is a fun, sensitive child who, no doubt, is feeling a bit uneasy that her papa is getting remarried. Throw in the fact that I am moving to Paris to be with my Frenchman and can’t communicate French very well (my French is basic at best), and an odd parenting schedule that would require me to watch Eloise while my new husband is at work, and I am nervous. I am so elated to be getting married, starting a new chapter in life, but my pragmatic side says prepare and work through marriage and parental counseling before making the leap across the pond.

Fortunately, there is Z Living’s newest show Altar’d (premiering January 17^th at 8 pm), which is all about transformations ahead of the big day! Sometimes big life changes happen in pairs, as in our care. While some engaged couples are looking to drop weight in the form of pounds or relationship baggage, couples who appear on Altar’d are separated to undergo inspiring 90-day transformations with the big reveal at the altar. They share their powerful stories of self-transformation to inspire others. Co-hosts of the show, Chris Marhefka and Erin Stutland offer up tips on how simple changes to diet, exercise and self-care can lead to big transformations in your own life.

I’ll be watching and hoping that I get my answers (or at least learn about another couple going through similar experiences), how about you?

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FIGHTING WITH REAL MEDICINE NOT MYTH: Cold sores are ugly and uncomfortable, but can be easily healed

February 27, 2017, 6:00 am

≪ Previous: My Life is About to be “Altar’d” Like Never Before

By CC Siegel

Like most people, I live a very busy life with work, family and children. “Stress” is my middle name sometimes, and when I feel a cold sore coming on—you know the feeling, that annoying tingling on the lip! This is the dreaded start to a cold sore; this is the last thing I need when I am giving a presentation to a roomful of people—a total downer. The fact is cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Sadly, once you have the virus it never leaves your body. Over 67% of the world population under age 50 has HSV-1(source). Being someone who loves to know the facts, it’s important to combat a cold sore with the best possible solution—that’s where Abreva® comes in.

Hey, let’s face it—all people have stress in one form or another. Stress is a huge factor in bringing about a cold sore, so I always take quick action and use Abreva®. Only Abreva® is FDA approved to shorten the healing time of your cold sore. Most other products only provide temporary relief of cold sore symptoms.

Why would anyone want to have a cold sore on their lip longer than you have to? When used at the very first sign of tingling on your lip, Abreva® can heal a cold sore in 2 ½ days*.

Not only are there so many myths running around the Internet, one can get carried away with so many halve truths and suffer longer than they need to—does anyone really want to do that? The reality is that everyone should know what the cold sore triggers are: stress, fatigue, cold weather, excessive sunlight, hormonal changes, and dental trauma to name a few. Keep in mind that not everyone gets the same triggers. Many myths exist as well. Knowing the facts on cold sores helps to stay ahead of the game, knowledge is always power! My favorite myth is that the cold sore cannot spread beyond the lip area…hello!!! The fact is that it can spread to other areas. By keeping Abreva® at your disposal, you are in control to take action to shorten the duration of a cold sore and the impact it can have on your daily life. Compare Abreva® to the competition, you will discover what I already know: Abreva® works!

Stop hiding and start living again! Life is complicated enough, letting a cold sore ruin your life and your appearance shouldn’t be one of them.

Abreva is available without a prescription in the cough/cold aisle at all major Drug, Mass and Grocery retailers.

*Median Healing Time 4.1 days. 25% of users healed in 2.5 days.

Hey readers, what is your favorite myth you have heard about cold sores? Enter for a chance to be automatically entered to win a $100 Visa® gift card.

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