Business, economic development - the unofficial Chamber of Commerce

Silver jewelry has a lovely patina, but the sad fact is that the
patina darkens with age, turning from the original brilliant
silver, to a light gold, and if left long enough it will become
bronzed and then a black/blue.

This is due to the chemical reaction of the silver, with
sulfides present in the environment. This is usually due to
airborne pollutants, but can also be transferred to the jewelry
on your hands.

One of the first rules of keeping your silver jewelry shining,
is to store it properly in acid-free paper, or cloth especially
for that purpose. Put them in a drawer or other safe place, that
is away from exposure to wood or other types of smoke.

It is best to keep jewelry polished, instead of trying to play
“catch up” when it has become heavily tarnished. But there are a
number of ways to deal with the darkening color.

There are many home solutions, such as using white toothpaste
and a soft brush. However, some jewelers point out that silver
is not tooth enamel, and can’t withstand the abrasive content.
Although on things like chains, it’s unlikely you would see any
resulting scratches.

Commercial solutions do work, but depending on the nature of
your jewelry (e.g. whether it contains gemstones or pearls), you
may not be able to submerge it completely, and the cleaning will
be uneven.

One basis of both commercial and home cleaning solutions, is the
creation of an electrochemical cell, where there is a metal
ingredient that is anodic to silver. This means that it will
help turn the silver in the sulphide tarnish, back to silver.

A favorite home treatment is to line a pot with aluminum foil,
one of the metals anodic to silver, put your jewelry in, and
cover it with water, then add several tablespoons of baking
soda. Boil gently until you see that the discoloration is gone.
Your jewelry may be completely clean, or may have a white powder
on its surface from the oxidization. This can be removed easily
with a baking soda paste. Remember to exercise caution in
cleaning silver jewelry. If it is not purely silver, like a
chain or bracelet, the treatment you use can damage soft stone
or pearls.

Peptides are the latest magic bullet to join the anti-ageing
arsenal, and you don’t have to visit your cosmetic surgeon to
get them.

Peptides have long been used in the treatment of damaged skin
-typically after severe sun damage, burns and deep wounds, but
their effectiveness in reducing wrinkles and fine lines is a
more recent discovery.

So, how do they work?

Peptides are chains of naturally occurring amino acids. They are
the building blocks of the proteins that stimulate the
production of collagen. And it’s the gradual loss of collagen
which is the most conspicuous indication of ageing skin.

As we grow older, collagen production slows down and the
protein-based collagen-elastin network weakens, resulting in a
loss of the skin’s elasticity, ‘fullness’ and a reduction in the
skin’s ability to retain moisture.

As the skin’s levels of proteins and collagen decline, lines and
wrinkles become more visible. Peptides encourage older skin into
producing collagen along with hyaluronic acid - another key
factor in providing moisture to the skin. This results in a
‘plumping’ effect and a smoother, softer and younger looking
complexion because fine lines and surface wrinkles are
effectively filled out from beneath the skin’s surface.

Conventional creams and moisturizers are unable to penetrate the
skin’s surface to any meaningful degree however peptide
molecules are small enough to penetrate the top layer of the
skin and encourage collagen-producing cells to stimulate
regeneration from the bottom up.

Vital Science of Canada have recently introduced a range of
Peptide based products into the UK called Dermaglow Pro-Peptide,
The range took Canada by storm to become the best selling anti
wrinkle therapy. The Dermaglow Pro-Peptide product range contain
up to four peptides specifically targeted at facial fine lines
and wrinkles

Virtually every skin type and colour can tolerate peptides
because they are found naturally in the body. And unlike
‘Retinol’ which is found in many other anti wrinkle products,
peptides cause little or no irritation, nor do they cause any
sun sensitivity.

The Dermaglow Pro-Peptide range includes four products each
targeted at different parts of the face. From eyes and lips to
neck and forehead. There’s even an ‘Instant wrinkle eraser’
which tightens the skin around the eyes within minutes of
application. Its effect lasts up to 24 hours and can be repeated
as desired.

The new range of Dermaglow Pro-Peptide products combine up to
four peptides:- Acetyl Hexapeptide, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide,
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 Biometic Peptide together with powerful
botanical, organic ingredients such Aloe gel, Mango butter,
cocoa butter, calendula, cucumber, ginkgo, grape seed, green tea
lemon and seaweed.

Clinical trials in Canada have shown an impressive 350% Increase
in Collagen Synthesis, 146% Increase in hyaluronic acid levels
leading to up to 50% reduction in the depth of wrinkles and fine
lines (Up to 90% with Instant Wrinkle Eraser!), a 32% reduction
in under-eye bags, a 40% increase in lip volume, and significant
improvements in skin smoothness, thickness and elasticity all
contributing to a younger looking appearance.

Says Calvin Davies, research pharmacist M.R.P.S. M.Sc. and CEO
of Vital Science Corp

“The Dermaglow Pro-Peptide range of products represent an Anti
Ageing Breakthrough. They are clinically proven, non-surgical
and hypo-allergenic. This technology makes anti-aging treatments
available to anyone who has reservations about toxic injections
and cosmetic surgery. The results are really remarkable.”

As peptides are generally more reparative than preventative,
they can be used to positive effect on any aged skin However, if
you’ve been negligent about applying daily sunscreen, start
earlier to repair that damage. These products should generally
be used day and night for maximum benefit.

Populations consuming a diet high in soybean phytoestrogens (that mimic human estrogen) have lower incidences of several diseases, including breast and prostate cancer. Human estrogens and phytoestrogens There are not one but three different kinds of estrogen made by the human body: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. In fact, it is possible that taking phytoestrogen supplements may carry the same long-term risk of cancer as estrogen alone (see estrogen replacement therapy). To avoid some of the known risks of estrogen, some women take phytoestrogens, or plant-based estrogens. [2] phytoestrogen estrogen (anti-estrogen). phytoestrogen estrogen trong Soy contains high levels of isoflavones, which are weak forms of plant estrogen (also called phytoestrogen). Here’s one theory: Once digested, the soybean’s phytoestrogens mimic the activity of a woman’s natural estrogen hormones. Critics feared that soy phytoestrogens could increase a woman’s total estrogen level. But also, phytoestrogens can be helpful if your estrogen levels are high… Populations consuming a diet high in soybean phytoestrogens (compounds that mimic estrogen) have lower incidences of several diseases, including breast and prostate cancer. When estrogen levels are low (as in menopause) empty estrogen receptor sites can be filled with phytoestrogens that can exert a weak pro-estrogenic effect.

Identifying the phytoestrogenic activity of soybean isoflavones would benefit the nutritional health of the population in general, particularly women. The implication is that exposure to pathogen attack or other plant stresses may influence potential phytoestrogenic compounds in soybean in the field. sojae, which induce phytoestrogen levels in soybean cotyledons (seeds) several fold over non-induced cotyledons. Individual soybean phytoestrogens can effect a number of physiological events in mammals. Soy sauce contains very little phytoestrogen content, and many processed foods made from soybean concentrates have insignificant levels of phytoestrogens. An overall reduction in phytoestrogen levels of 12-14 percent was observed in the genetically altered soybean strains. Techniques are being determined by ARS scientists to manipulate phytoestrogen levels in soybean seed and soy-based products to maximize health benefits by their consumption. Soybean meal is an ingredient common to standard natural ingredient diets which contains a class of phytoestrogens called isoflavones. To provide growers with value added specialty varieties with phytoestrogen profiles of commercial value to major soybean utilizers. To provide growers with soybean varieties with high and consistent phytoestrogen content. To identify molecular markers in the existing maps of the soybean genome linked to genes controlling phytoestrogen content.

The present study tests the hypothesis that administration of a phytoestrogen-rich diet enhances motor and cognitive performance in young and aged mice. “These results show that women who are at risk for osteoporosis may directly benefit from eating a phytoestrogen-rich diet. For women who still get hot flashes in spite of a high phytoestrogen diet and/or use of phytoestrogen supplements, stronger therapy might be necessary. For many women, a safe and natural phytoestrogen supplement or high-phytoestrogen diet will do the trick. A Western diet contains amounts of phytoestrogens too low to allow their levels in plasma to become high enough for biological activity. Reducing the amount of phytoestrogen foods in one’s diet may be helpful. There are plenty of ways to add phytoestrogens to your diet. But loading up on supplemental phytoestrogens won’t undo the effects of a poor diet, he cautions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of low levels of intake of phytoestrogens in Western habitual diet on vascular function. Short-term effects of phytoestrogen-rich diet on postmenopausal women. Restoring phytoestrogen intake http://www.phuketherb.com/phytoestrogen-natural-plant-estrogen.html

Wirat Muenpan is the webmaster of Menopause’s Secret Phytoestrogen Natural Plant Estrogen Rebalances Women Men Hormones Level To Free BREAST SPRAY
$ 40 at www.phuketherb.com online since 2001

Buying jewelry can be fun, exciting and sometimes confusing.
Whether you are considering a gift of jewelry for someone
special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the
terms used in the industry. Start with basics: carats and
karats. What’s the difference? To make it simple, a carat is
unit of weight for gemstones, including diamonds; a karat is a
unit for measuring the purity of gold.

The word gold, for example, used by itself, means all gold or 24
karat (24K) gold. However, because 24K gold is very soft, it’s
usually mixed with other metals to increase its strength and
durability. If a piece of jewelry is not 24 karat gold, the
karat quality should accompany any claim that the item is gold.

The karat quality tells you what proportion of gold is mixed
with other metals. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14
parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal.
The higher the karat rating, the higher proportion of gold. Most
jewelry is marked with its karat quality, although this is not
required by law. Near the karat quality mark, you should find
the name of the registered trademark of the company that will
stand behind the mark. If you do not see a trademark on a piece
of jewelry, look for another piece.

Jewelry can be plated with gold in a variety of ways. Gold plate
refers to items that are composed of base metal then covered
with a layer of gold, done either mechanically or
electronically. Eventually the gold plating wears away, but how
soon depends on how often the item is worn and how thick the
plating is. Gold-filled, gold overlay and gold plate are terms
used to describe jewelry that has a layer of at least 10 karat
gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. If the item is marked
with any one of those terms, the term or abbreviation should
follow the karat quality of the gold used. For example, 14K Gold
Overlay or 12K RGP.

Platinum is another precious metal used extensively in jewelry
and is actually more expensive than gold. It is usually mixed
with similar metals like palladium, or iridium. Quality markings
for platinum are different than that for gold. For platinum it
is based on parts per thousand. For example, the marking 900
Platinum means that 900 parts out of 1000 are pure platinum. The
abbreviations for platinum–Plat. or Pt. can also be used in
marking jewelry.

The words silver or sterling silver describe a product that
contains at least 92.5% silver. Silver products are sometimes
marked 925 which means that 925 parts per thousand are pure
silver. According to federal law, quality-marked silver also
must bear the name or a U.S. registered trademark of the company
or person that will stand behind the mark. Some jewelry or
silver items may be marked “silverplate”: a layer of silver
bonded to a base metal. Vermeil is a special type of gold plated
product, consists or a base of sterling silver that is coated or
plated with gold.

Pewter items may be described and marked as such if they contain
at least 90% tin.

When you’re in the market for a piece of jewelry for yourself or
someone you love, shop around. Whether it is online, in catalogs
or at a traditional store make comparisons. Compare quality,
price, and service. Ask about refund and return policies before
you buy. And make sure you get a sales receipt containing any
information you relied on when making your purchase.

Best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding shopping experience!

Throughout time, women have had a love affair with footwear.
Forget diamonds or furs – footwear has been and continues to be
the accessory of choice for many women from all social circles.
Just look inside any woman’s closet and you are sure to find
more than one pair of shoes inside. In fact, rarely will you
find only one pair. You are more likely to find shoes for work,
shoes for play, shoes for exercising and more types of footwear
including several pair of boots and at least one pair of
slippers. And almost every woman, at some time during her life,
has owned at least one pair of womens suede boots .

Now, womens suede boots are making a comeback. Throughout the
years, this type of footwear has come into and gone out of style
which in fashion terms makes this style a classic. Look around
and you will see that boots made from suede are everywhere; at
playhouses, at chic nightclubs, in shopping malls, at the beach
and all places in between. There are so many trendy styles
available and so many ways to wear womens suede boots that there
is just not enough room here to list them all.

How you wear a pair of womens suede boots really is just a
matter of the look that you are trying to achieve. If you are
simply looking for comfort, a pair of neutral colored, ankle
length boots will do the trick. The natural color of the boot
will match any outfit. Don a few suede accessories such as a
purse and/or a lightweight suede jacket and you will achieve a
look that is comfortable and very stylish. If you are heading
out for a night on the town, you will want a style that looks
good. Oftentimes women have to trade off comfort for appearance.
Not so when you pair your outfit with suede boots. A tall length
boot in black will give you a look that is sleek and
sophisticated (and best of all, comfortable!) If instead you
will be spending the night watching the latest hit movie that
has been released on DVD, then a pair of suede boot style
slippers will be the right choice. Any look you are trying to
achieve, whether it is the western look, the punk look, the
trendy look or the outrageous look, can be accomplished simply
by finishing off your outfit with the right pair of womens suede
boots.

The nice thing about womens suede boots is that they are made
from animal skin, a natural material. If an animal’s skin can
protect the animal from the elements, just think how these boots
can help protect your feet. A double faced suede material will
have the best mix of features. The inside of the boot will be
soft and pliable and after just a short amount of time wearing
the boots, the insoles will conform to the shape of the arch.
The natural wicking properties of the animal skin will keep
moisture and perspiration away from the feet helping them stay
dry, comfortable and odor free. To reap the most benefits, these
boots should be worn on bare feet.

Then consider the outside of the boot. Because it is easy to dye
suede, these boots are available in a rainbow of color options.
Plus, there are literally hundreds of styles to choose from.
With so many color and style options available, it is easy to
wear womens suede boots making this the number one reason why
these boots have yet to go out of style.

A large number of widely used substances (pesticides, common household items and chemicals, industrial chemicals, metals) have been shown to have estrogen-mimicking and other endocrine-hormone disrupting effects, including;

2,4-D is applied to grassy crops such as wheat, home and public lawns and gardens, and on roadsides, golf courses, forests and waterways.

Permethrin is an insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It has multiple uses, including head lice and scabies treatments, insect repellents, household insect foggers and sprays, tick and flea sprays for yards and pets, termite treatments, agricultural and livestock products, mosquito abatement, forestry and treatment of timber.

Dioxins are byproducts of manufacture involving chlorine. They are formed during combustion and during the production of chemical compounds containing chlorine, such as pesticides and PCBs. The production and use of some chlorinated chemicals, bleaching of paper, and waste incineration, including the uncontrolled burning of residential waste, are the major sources of dioxins. Reproductive effects, including decreased sperm production, decreased testis weight, decreased testosterone levels, delayed puberty, and endometriosis have been observed in laboratory animals.

Phthalates. Studies have found damaged, shrunken, undescended, or atrophied testicles; reduced sperm production; damaged sperm, destruction of Sertoli cells (which produce sperm) and lowered testosterone levels in offspring. Phthalates are used as softeners, or plasticizers, in polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) products, including children’s toys, some teethers, food packaging and cling wraps, medical devices, backpacks, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wallpaper, decorating and building products, blood bags, adhesives, mosquito insect repellents, plastic plumbing pipes, nail polish, skin moisturizers, perfumes, solvents, cosmetics, personal care products, wood finishes and insecticides.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element, considered a heavy metal. It is used as a preservative in wood (e.g., pressure-treated lumber- decks, fences, playground equipment, and residential construction), insecticides, weed killers, fungicides, glass production, semiconductors, to make metal alloys (used in lead-acid car batteries, for example), some medications, and home and agricultural fertilizers.

Lead. The most significant sources of lead continue to be old paint in homes built before 1978, lead pipes placed before the 1930s, and soil by highways and heavily traveled roads. Reproductive effects including decreased fertility, increased rates of miscarriage, pre-term delivery, low birth weight, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, abnormal sperm shape and size.

Mercury. The most common organic form of mercury accumulates in the flesh of fish, animals and humans, most particularly predatory fish species, such as shark and tuna, and bottom-feeders, such as crab. Animals exposed orally to long-term, high levels in laboratory studies experienced adverse effects on the developing fetus, sperm, and male reproductive organs; and increases in the number of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.

Collectively, because these substances have estrogen-mimicking effects, they are known as ‘endocrine (hormonal) disruptors‘.

Spence Pentland of Vancouver BC Canada received his five year Doctor of TCM education from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Vancouver. To complete his studies he spent 500 hours at Anhui Hospital of TCM Hefei City, in the Peoples Republic of China. He is a licensed and registered member of the Canadian Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, is the President of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British Columbia (TCMABC), and practices at Acubalance Wellness Centre (http://www.acubalance.ca/) where he treats only Men’s reproductive health (http://mens.health-info.org/) and Women’s fertility issues (http://infertility.health-info.org).

It is important that you nourish your relationship as much as
your nourish your unborn child during pregnancy. Most women find
that their bodies grow large and unwieldy during pregnancy. Many
women are surprised to find that their sex drive actually
increases during pregnancy, particularly during the second
trimester. This is due to the increased amount of blood that is
coursing through your pelvis and vagina.

Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

Sex is safe during pregnancy provided you have a low risk
pregnancy with few complications. Your doctor will let you know
if you should avoid sex for any reason at all. Most women can
enjoy a healthy and fulfilling intimate relationship throughout
their pregnancy, right up until their delivery date.

Will I Enjoy Sex During Pregnancy?

Surprisingly, many women find that they are more sexually
aroused during their second trimester than they were prior to
pregnancy. The increased blood flow to the vaginal and a woman’s
growing bosom often results in a heightened sense of self and
sexual arousal.

Most women will shy away from sexual relations during their
first trimester when morning sickness and fatigue often get in
the way of love making. During the third trimester, some women
find themselves uncomfortably large and prefer not to be
intimate, whereas others continue having intercourse right up
until they go into labor.

Will Sex Hurt the Baby?

One of the most common concerns of fathers to be is that sex
will hurt the baby. Some men are afraid that they will bump into
the baby when they have sex. By and large however this concern
is unfounded. If your husband is overly concerned about having
sex during pregnancy, have him join you at your prenatal visits.
A little reassurance from your physician that he will not hurt
or bump into the baby may be all your husband needs.

Partners often react very individually when it comes to sex and
pregnancy. While some men find the site of their wife’s
blossoming body a true turn on, others are ambivalent or even a
little turned off by pregnancy. It is important that you are
open, honest and communicative with your partner about your
needs during pregnancy, and try not to take any emotions your
partner may be feeling personally.

Remember that pregnancy is often an emotional roller coaster,
and your husband or partner may be more concerned that you might
react differently, or may be scared of the idea of having a
family in general. Some men have a difficult time being intimate
with their wives even when they recognize that they will not
harm the baby, because they feel another presence is in the room.

That said, many men and women have remarkable sexual
relationships throughout their pregnancy. Even if you do not
engage in intercourse with your husband, it is important that
the two of you work on nurturing your relationship throughout
your pregnancy. Foot rubs, kissing, back rubs and holding hands
are all excellent ways to share some intimacy without actually
engaging in intercourse.

The best way you can ensure that you and your partner remain
close during your pregnancy is to check in with your partner on
occasion. Inform them of your needs, let them know where you are
coming from and what you need or want from them.

Positioning

If you and your partner are interested in maintaining a healthy
sexual relationship during pregnancy, then undoubtedly you must
be wondering what positions will work best for you as your belly
grows and expands. The best thing you can do during your
pregnancy is keep an open mind and be creative. Most women will
find that it is uncomfortable to enjoy sex in a missionary
position after about the first or mid second trimester. Try
flipping over, woman on top and even lying next to one another
during your pregnancy.

The Best Gift For Mother’s Day!

Spending time with someone that you love and care about is most
often the best gift.

In today’s mad, to and fro rushing, time is a very precious
gift, indeed.

So, to find some, to spend with your mother must be one of the
most precious gift you can give her.

Believe me, it will be the most appreciated and even though it
is is not tangible, it will be remembered.

Being a people watcher, it has always given me pleasure to see
the happiness of an elderly person when they are getting the
undivided attention of someone that I guess to be a son or
daughter or some other young relative.

Though, mother’s don’t have to be elderly, it is sometimes easy
to take them for granted. Don’t let Mother’s Day be the only
time you think of or do for your Mom.

Anytime you can make the effort, spend some time with Mom.

If she lives far from where you are, it might not be as easy as
either of you would like to get together, but with planning you
should be able to meet a few times a year.

Does Mom have some interests you could share? Gardening-spend a
day with her, in her garden. Even if you don’t do any actual
gardening, I bet Mom would like to show off her efforts. The
theater-buy tickets to a show and go with her. Art-museums and
art galeries are wonderful ways to spend time with someone and
you learn so much about them, too!

There are so many ways to show your mother how much you care.
Just be sure to find the time to do it! Not just on Mother’s
Day, but everyday and every time the opportunity comes your way.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom !

Jewelry for anniversaries can be the perfect gift. It is widely
known that there are lists of birthstones and zodiacal or
talismanic stones, there are lists of stones for days of the
week, hours of the day, for states of the union, for each of the
seasons, and for anniversaries as well!

Anniversary Stones

1. Gold Jewelry 9. Lapis Lazuli25. Silver Jubilee 2. Garnet 10.
Diamond Jewelry30. Pearl Jubilee 3. Pearl11. Turquoise35.
Emerald 4. Blue Topaz12. Jade40. Ruby 5. Sapphire13. Citrine45.
Sapphire 6. Amethyst 14. Opal50. Golden Jubilee 7. Onyx15.
Ruby55. Alexandrite 8. Tourmaline20. Emerald60. Diamond Jubilee

Here Are Some Tips For Buying Jewelry As An Anniversary Gift
Without Being Ripped Off 1. There’s a big difference between 14
karat gold and gold-plated jewelry. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry
contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of
base metal. Gold-plated describes jewelry with a layer of at
least 10K gold bonded to a base metal. Gold plating eventually
wears away, depending on how often the item is worn and how
thick the plating is. 2. If you’re buying a watch, determine
whether you want one that runs on a battery or one that must be
wound daily. Ask if a warranty or guarantee is included, how
long it lasts, and what parts and repair problems it covers.
Also ask how and where you can get the watch serviced and
repaired. 3. Know the difference between laboratory-created
gemstones and naturally mined stones. Stones created in the lab
are visually identical to stones mined from the earth. The big
difference is in the cost: laboratory-created stones are less
expensive then naturally mined stones. But because they look
much like stones mined from the earth, they must be identified
as lab-created. If you want a naturally mined stone, ask if it
has been treated. Gemstone treatments– such as heating, dyeing
or bleaching– can improve a stone’s appearance or durability.
Some treatments are permanent; some may create special care
requirements. Treatments also may affect the stone’s value. 4.
Ask whether pearls are imitation or real. Real pearls are made
by oysters or other mollusks; imitation pearls are man-made.
Cultured pearls are made by mollusks with human intervention;
and irritant introduced into their shells causes a pearl to
grow. Real pearls that are not cultured are fairly rare and
expensive. The cost depends on the size, usually stated in
millimeters, and the coating or “nacre” on a real pearl, which
gives it its iridescence. 5. When you’re buying a diamond,
consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight, usually
stated as carats. Each factor affects the price. Color is
sometimes “graded” on a scale. However, scales are not uniform:
a “D” may be the best color for one scale, but not for another.
Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent
the color of the diamond you’re considering. A diamond can be
described as “flawless” only if it has no visible surface cracks
or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification
by a skilled diamond grader.

Putting makeup on or dressing up for a special occasion is very
easy, especially after the tips that we’ve been giving you
lately , but has it ever happened to you that when
you’re all dressed up, some broken or badly manicured nails ruin
your image? Most likely this has happened to you–it’s happened
to all of us. It’s hard to get a manicure every week, and also
expensive. That’s why in this article we’re sending you the best
tips to do your own manicure at home and always have impeccable
hands.

1. START AT THE BEGINNING

Set a day of the week to dedicate a few minutes to your hands.
That way it will be easier to always keep them impeccable. For
me, for example, I know that Sundays are my day of “beauty at
home”; I take advantage of the day to take care of my hands,
apply a facial masque and then fix my hair. I set apart some
hours every week to dedicate them to me. It’s great. Try it!
What’s more, you deserve it.

2. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO A MANICURE AT HOME?

To do your own manicure at home, you don’t need much more than
the following tools:

* Orange stick: The orange stick removes the cuticle and the
dirt from your nails. They are very economical and are very
useful. I also use them to remove nail polish from around the
fingers when I accidentally paint outside my fingernail contour.
Just soak the orange stick in nail polish remover and quickly
remove the edges.

* Nail clipper: It’s better to file your nails to shape them,
but sometimes it’s necessary to cut them to equal lengths. Use a
nail clipper instead of scissors.

* File or emery board: Invest in a good, long-lasting file. The
best ones are made of cardboard. Choose a size that you like and
keep it. Also, there are some files that are stronger on one
side than on the other. These are the ideal kind because that
way you only have to buy one.

* Nail buffer and polisher: Usually files have one side to file
the nail and another to give it shine. If it’s not the case with
yours, obtain a nail buffer and polisher. These smooth out your
nails if they’re peeling.

* Transparent treatment nail polish: You need to choose
something that works well with you. If your nails are always
breaking, you need a nail hardener, of if they’re dry, you need
a moisturizing treatment. Usually any pharmacy will have an
entire treatment range at very accessible prices. This nail
polish also serves as a transparent nail polish when you don’t
feel like painting them.

* Cuticle oil: This is one of the best buys you can make to have
impeccable hands. These oils soften and moisturize the cuticle.
If you are not very good at cutting your cuticles, you can skip
this step by using this product.

* Colored nail polish: Choose the colors you like and that
coordinate with the image you want to project. For example, if
you have a special dinner, paint your nails a wine red. It looks
very nice, especially if your nails aren’t too long. Or, for
example, if you have a business lunch, paint your fingernails a
porcelain tone; it’s very elegant and discrete. If you feel like
adding a touch of color and fun, paint your nails a dark pink.
Why not?

* Protective/strengthening polish: This foundation will help
your colored nail polish to last longer and will also add a nice
shine to your polish.

* Exfoliating lotion: You can use a body exfoliating lotion or
else you can make a natural one with sugar and olive oil. Try
it–it’s amazing! This is one of my most ancient tips. I don’t
remember where I read it or from whom I learned it, but the
truth is that I use it every week and I love it! All you need
are two teaspoons of white sugar and four tablespoons of virgin
olive oil (if you prefer, you can use moisturizing body oil, but
olive oil has worked well for me. Mix together well and apply to
your hands, rubbing them gently. Don’t forget the fingers and
the nails. You can also use this exfoliating lotion on your
forearms and elbows; then rinse yourself with lukewarm water.
Your hands will feel soft and like new!

* Moisturizing hand cream: Buy a good moisturizer for your
hands, one that adapts to your needs. For example, if your hands
crack easily or you have dark spots…buy what you need.

* Nail polish remover:

The ones that are especially good are those that don’t contain
acetone, as this is very aggressive and many people are allergic
to it.

3. FOLLOW THESE STEPS

Follow these steps to take care of your hands easily and quickly.

1. Remove all nail polish from your nails. 2. Cut your nails to
an equal length.

3. File your nails and use the buffer to leave them smooth.

4. Use the orange stick to eliminate any leftover dirt and to
softly remove the cuticles (I don’t recommend cutting the
cuticles at home, as I think this is very difficult and a job
best left to professionals. I know that some of you do this. If
you already do this and you’re happy with the result, continue
doing so. If not, just try to soften them with cuticle oil.)

5. Exfoliate your hands. Follow the advice we gave you
previously. You’ll see the result immediately.

6. Dry your hands well. This step is very important. If you’ve
exfoliated your hands with olive oil and you don’t dry your
hands off well, especially the nails, the nail polish will not
last long. Remember to dry yourself carefully.

7. Paint your nails. Follow this order: treatment foundation,
colored nail polish, another coat of colored nail polish, and
protective/strengthening nail polish. I know, it’s a lot of
coats, but remember that you want your nails to look perfect all
week long.

8. Moisturize your hands. Lastly and once at least an hour has
gone by (yes, one hour–if not, after all the effort, your nails
will be immediately ruined when you apply the moisturizer),
moisturize your hands carefully. You will feel like new!

PRACTICAL ADVICE

* Paint your fingernails while you watch TV or listen to music
or read a magazine. Take some time to relax, and take advantage
of it while the polish dries.

* You can follow the majority of these steps on your feet as
well. The exfoliating cream is great for your feet…

* Once a month, cover your hands in a moisturizing face masque
and put on some cotton gloves. Sleep in them, and the next day
your hands will feel like new.

* Do this manicure every two months. It’s a pleasant luxury, and
that way your hands will need much less care, especially the
cuticles.

* Whenever a cuticle acts up, apply oil on it. You will see how
upon moisturizing it, it will immediately soften and won’t
bother you.

* Remember: Our hands are an important part of our personal
image. Don’t neglect them!