Thursday, December 28, 2006
All Hail the Cuteness!
I thought I would say hi and introduce myself to you all.
My name is Jana, and my blog is Jana's Journeys. I'm 26 years old and single and happily "sorta-kinda-but-not-exactly dating" James. I work doing boring office work by day, and even more boring tax work on nights and weekends.
I'm really really really happy for this site, because I need help. (No, not mental help, I mean girly help! haha) My mom never taught me all the things a girl should know about keeping yourself beautiful (heck, I wasn't even taught basic hygene! But don't worry, I figured it out and now shower daily.) All my life I've struggled with trying to "catch-up" and figure out the things the other girls were taught years before. I'm happy to have a site where I can learn all the girly things I never did.... and to know that as I learn them, I can pass them on to the other mama-less girls in my life, so they don't have to go through what I did.
Okay, now that you all know my deep innermost (and kinda sappy) thoughts... I'll tell you some things that are more cheerful:
My fav things about me:
My nose - it's upturned and just general cute as heck!
My hair - very very long and fun to do stuff with
My lashes - very long, but usually hidden by glasses.
My height - 4'11" of small cuteness. I like being this height. It fits me.
My least fav things about me:
My belly - it's way too big.
My fingernails - I can never get them to look right
My feet - they are so so so so ugly! I think I have the ugliest feet ever.
My brows - OMW they are SO STINKIN' BUSHY!! I almost want to shave them and draw them by hand! lol (No, I'm not serious, I'm only kidding!)
You all are awesome. *huggin' all the hotties* Thanks for letting me join the site!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Introducing Me!
Hello all! I am just tickled to find a place that recognizes the hotness in dumpy little dishwater blonde Midwestern women such as myself! I've been married for 15 years and have four kids, so daddy's gotta think there's something hot goin' on...
On a more serious note, if you haven't been there already, go check out campaignforrealbeauty.com. Lots of things to think about there. As for me, I'm too tired to think anymore tonight, but I'm glad to be here and look forward to tossing my pearls of wisdom out here now and again.
A helpful little thing called Peroxide
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day.
6. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
7. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.
8. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
9. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.
*I've actually been doing this and today I went to get a hair cut and my hair dresser just raved about my how great my hair looks!*10. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
11. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
12. You can use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Say no to Pucker Face
If you go to your high school reunion, you will see two women. One looks 34, one looks almost 50. Why?
Things we do every day can make us younger, or older for that matter. I heard of this site and took this test before Dr. Roizen went on Oprah. Now everybody knows him so I am going on record as knowing him before "O" got a hold of him and had him displaying real bodily organs with Dr. Oz on national TV.
Here is their website
RealAge.comI love the test RealAge gives you. It explains what you are doing wrong, and what you are doing right to stay young. I am happy to say, I'm 30.5 RealAge years and my calendar age is 34. The quiz is fun and can be completely anonymous. I get there newsletter in my email daily, too.
One of the tips I remember is the upper lip, wrinkle factor. I see the upper lip lines now. Katie Couric sticks out..as do most women in media (live) TV. Eat your veggies and lay off the alcohol, if you don't want a pucker like this distant Great Great Grand Aunt Cousin something. They lived in on an Iowa farm in the 1870s. She didn't know any better.
So just say no to Ruffles Lips and remember to eat your veggies.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Surviving the Holiday Treats...
I usually do not worry too much about what I eat around the holidays, but this year I am at my highest weight and it is driving me nuts!!! So, I have been scouring the web for goodies that are better for you and still taste good. Here is one recipe that I think will "take the cake." Pun intended.
RED VELVET (low carb) CAKE
1 1/2 C vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vinegar
1/2 C sugar-free chocolate syrup (such as Da Vinci brand)
2
eggs1 teaspoon vanilla
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C vital wheat gluten
1/2 C almond flour
1 1/2 C Malitol
3/8 teaspoon Stevia 4 teaspoons dry unsweetened
cocoa 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting: 1 stick (1/2 C) butter, softened to room temperature8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1 C malitol 1/4 teaspoon Stevia1 tablespoon
heavy creamChocolate Drizzle: 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate 1 tablespoon
heavy creamServes 16
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Blend Together first 6 ingredients. Then add remaining cake ingredients. Mix with electric mixer until smooth. Divide equally between two 9 inch cake pans that have been coated with cooking spray. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the center of the cake springs back or tests dry.
Beat frosting ingredients together until smooth. Coat one cake layer with 1/3 of the frosting, then put on the second layer and frost the sides and top.
Prepare chocolate drizzle: Melt 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate in a small cup in the microwave. Add a tablespoon of hot cream until thin enough to drizzle over the cake with a spoon.
Total Carbs 133.50Carbs per serving 8.5
The calories are not given, but I would have to say they are less than the good ole box version of this. Have a good one all and come by my regular blog if you have a chance......
Toodles from Sunny San Diego.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
The Skin is an Organ
So, probably most of us know that the skin is the largest organ of our bodies. As such, I personally feel that we need to treat it special. Now my biology teacher from college said otherwise. She told us that it does not matter what you do, you can't change or alter the appearance of the skin with lotions, creams, oils, or serums. After I got up close to her, and saw her skin, I realized what a horrible mistake she was making with this line of thinking. ICK
So I chose to believe what it is I want to believe, which is you can indeed alter the appearance of your skin with different potions. And besides that, what do you have to lose? The way I see it, go ahead and take a chance on it, because it can't make things any worse. Besides that psychologically, it makes me feel better, which always makes me look better. When I'm emotionally healthy, it shows on my face, right?
In 1999 I ran across an article in a little known magazine called Guideposts. It's an inspirational publication that I received monthly. There was an article in there about a woman who had started her own skin care product line, by mixing up different remedies on her stove at home. Her grandmother had been into home remedies, and had taught her how to put things together to make different remedies for skin conditions. What precipitated her interest in skin care, was a diagnosis of breast cancer. Through treatments for breast cancer, she had been very distraught about the affect the treatment had on her skin.
Through her knowledge of home remedies, she was able to invent some creams etc, to use on her own skin. As she used these products, she began to notice a vast improvement, and others around her were taking note. Her friends were envious, other cancer patients were curious, so she began to market her products for everyone. You can read more about Vinnie's Story
here at the
Hope Aesthetics Website. I decided to try this skin care line because I had scars from acne, I was over 30 years old, and starting to take note of aging issues with my skin. I was drawn to this particular product not only by the homeopathic nature of it, but that this woman was donating a portion of her profits to breast cancer research. Hey, I'm always up for a good cause. So I called the number, and I met Liz. Now, this was 7 years ago, and I still talk to Liz when I call. She calls me regularly when there are specials, etc, and we talk like old friends.
I've referred a couple of people to her, one being my sister. My sister was visiting one summer, and she used some of my lotion on her face. She noticed an immediate difference, went home and ordered the entire line of products. She has been using it ever since. While it is expensive, I have to say it's been worth every penny. If I don't use it, I notice immediately. I've had an improvement over the years with the acne scaring, and I TRULY BELIEVE it has staved off aging to a certain degree.
The product line has branched out in recent years, to include body care, hair care and makeup. I buy it as I can afford it, but It is a priority to me, to keep at least the basics on hand. If anyone who reads this happens to link over to Hope Skincare, and decide to place an order, please call the phone number, you get personal service that way, and tell them I sent you. I get free product that way.
And remember, it's never too soon to start using good quality skin care products. I'm not advocating this product entirely as I believe there are numerous other products out there that are very good as well. One being
Mary Kay cosmetics which coincidetnly we now have a consultant as one of our members, Hey Jodes!!! I love the makeup line of Mary Kay, and I would use the skin care, if I were not so loyal to my Hope Skincare.
Also, another great product line is
Aveda. These products have been around for over 15 years, and I still use a few of those here and there as I see fit. Either way, its important to take care of your skin because it's the only skin you'll ever have. Are you willing to take a chance on it? Remember ladies, a healthy glow on your face makes you tons more attractive!!!
Here is a picture of my most recent shipment of Hopes Skincare. It looks so pretty when it comes, i hate to open up the little packages!!!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
I am new so here I am offering up a pic of me!!!
Thanks Susie for asking me to join! I am totally a hottie and proud to say it. My hubby calls me convinced not conceited.
I do have my issues of thinking my stomach is too poochy and my thighs are huge, but hey that life and I deal. I try to work out and eat right but I tend to like food a whole lot.
I have to say I have a great blog, go check it out.
We have 2 boys ages 10 and 3. Living it up in San Diego. Glad to be here and it will be fun checking out all you other Hottie Bloggers!!!!
Jodes
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Encouragement
There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself.
Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection.
Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up? ? ? Before you make this mistake, take a closer look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom.
Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, "What's up with her?" ask yourself, "What's up with me?" That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be ME.
Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Review of Members
All Shaved up and no where to go
Have you ever prepared yourself, done all the little procedures, to beautify yourself, and then got stood up? Did you feel as if you wasted your time? It ain't easy being pleasy......You have the shaving...and if you're extra hairy, that could take awhile. They you have the exfoliating, masks, scrubbs, manicures, pedicures, hair, tweezing, and various other assorted tasks. All for what?
I guess my point is, you need to do it for you, and not someone else. That way, you won't feel ripped off. Sometimes I feel like boycotting the whole thing, and just sitting around in my pajama's all day, with messy hair. I mean, who cares? I have to care, thats who.
