The Tangle Teezer Review

Greetings Shine and Sparkle Report Readers!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a kidney bean?  NO!  It's TANGLE TEEZER!*  Yes, it is annoyingly spelled.  Yes it looks like some sort of vital organ.  But in reality it is the perfect brush. If you would like me to elaborate, please read on.  If you trust my word on it, you can pick yours up at http://www.tangleteezer.com/ (or amazon) for around $10-15.
 

 
Price:  Priceless.  Just kidding, it is about $10-$15 US dollars depending where you get it.

Why do I want it?

• Cut detangling/brushing hair time drastically.  
• Prevents hair breakage better than even a wide tooth comb (especially for difficult hair types).

How Does It work?  The two heights of flexible bristles gently detangle dry or wet (yes I said wet!) hair safely, easily and quickly.  I know I constantly talk about gently detangling hair with a wide tooth comb when wet.  How can this be?  I believe it is because of a combination of bristle flexibility and the fact that it is actually quite shallow a comb.  You can't really put too much hair in it; thus, you can't get too over zealous and start ripping at your hair.

Who is this good for?  Everyone!  Extra gentle and pain free hair brushing is awesome.  I have particularly easy hair to detangle (yey Asian-ness), but I think this product still makes hair bushing super quick, easy, and breakage free.  This product really shines for very fine/curly/easily tangled hair--sometimes wide toothcombs can be very time consuming on these hair types.  Also, I think this is also a MUST have for kids.  I remember hating hair brushing as a child.  If I had this, it would have been fast and pain free. 
 
Warnings:

• Don't go thinking you can just start ripping through your hair with it.  You still have to start at the bottom of your hair and work up.  Due to the gentleness, you might need to work in small sections depending on the thickness of your hair.
• The hollow grip for this product does create some noise that some people think sounds like ripping hair.  If you use the correct technique, I assure you that the sound it just the bristles snapping back into place and echoing in the hollow grip.  If it bugs the be-geezus out of you, you can detach the bush from the grip.  
• This is a super lame styling brush.  If you want to blow out/straighten/curl/tease/sculpt your hair into the Eiffel Tower, this brush is gonna blow....bubbles.  It is really a detangling brush for when you get out of the shower, get up in the morning, or were standing around in a tornado (did I just have to look up tornado because all my brain could come up with was "twister thingie"? Yes. Yes I did).  

Now that you have clicked "add to cart" on Amazon and your kids are doing happy dances that they wont be tortured every time they get out of a bath, I wanted to give a quick shout out to my BFF who has super fine hair and helped me confidently say the things I did about this brush.  I also want to say thank you to the awesome 2 people who are following my blog and encourage more people to do so (if nothing else it makes me feel uber special).  Lastly, thank you to all my readers and/or spam bots that show up on my blog hit counters that make me feel like my beauty bloggin hobby is perhaps worth something. I love you all.

Sneak peak in the upcoming months:  Review of a self hair cutting tool that allows you to do perfect hair cuts (layers and all) at home in minutes!  I'm starting to sound like an "as seen on TV" ad....  but these are things that I think are truly great inventions!  I'm talking about the generic version of CreaClip.  The knock off CreaClip is much cheaper and I assume just as effective as the real thing.  Shine and Sparkle approval pending...

  Shine & Sparkle!


*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Grooming [Zombie Apocalypse] Survival Kit--Man Friendly

Hi S+SR Readers!

I realized I haven't made a post for the men who read my blog (I know there are some of you!) in quite some time.  This post is definitely relevant to all genders.  This post was inspired by the fact that I have been watching an insane amount of "The Walking Dead".  While watching, I realize that given the zombie apocalypse scenario, it is very unlikely that the cast would look half as sexy as they do.  Yeah they might look at bit dirty and rugged...but nothing like if there was an actual apocalypse (everyone still has nice hair days...)

As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.  Otherwise, please enjoy Squiggles taking out a zombie.

So lets pretend there is an apocalypse, and you have made it into a secure grocery store.  Your backpack already has clothes, food, and water.   The following are the items I think that every man (an woman) should have in their 10 item grooming/cleanliness survival kit.  Now, since there is no (current) sign that we are heading towards apocalypse, these items are still relevant for your  camping outfit, trunk of your car, or as part of a disaster emergency kit (where I live, we have earthquakes so everyone has earthquake kits outside their houses).  I think people think of clothes, food, water, and first-aid (understandably), but these small creature comforts can make all the difference.

The 10 Item Grooming Survival Kit:

1. Hand Sanitizer: You never know when you might have to take care of business in a bush.  Or pick up something gross.  Or maybe you just don't want to waste water washing your hands before eating.  Eitherway, hand sanitizer is a must.
2. Mouthwash and/or "Wisps":  You wont miss clean breath until it's not an option.  These two items are stable for long periods of time.  You do not need to use water to rinse.  Just instantly fresh breath.  You never know if they use garlic in those MREs.
3. Cleansing Wipes: It can be baby wipes, wet-ones, my favorite "Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes", or my newest obsession "Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths"(while somewhat pricey, I have never met a more effective wipe and there is a lot of product per-wipe--each wipe could clean almost your whole body!).  No matter what wipe you choose, when showering isn't an option, wipes are perfect.
4. Deodorant:  Do I really have to explain this?
5. Nail Clipper with built-in file:  Have you ever tried to trim your nails without one.  Alternatively, you could have a very awesome swiss army knife that includes a nail trimmer...that would probably be even better.
6. Scissors:  Not only are scissors infinitely useful for all kinds of things (like cutting rope to make your tent), you can use them to trim your inevitably shaggy mountain man hair and beard.  Or your girlfriend's hair (until you sacrifice her to the zombies to save your own skin).  If you are more hard core, you could use a knife...or maybe there is a scissor in your awesome Swiss army knife.  Either way, sharp implement is good.
7. Petroleum Jelly: Very stable product for long periods of time.  This has a lot of great grooming uses if you are in a pinch.  It can be used as a moisturizer for rough patches, lip balm, heal wind burn, prevent blisters on your feet, chafing/diaper rash, lipstick stain remover....so many uses.
8. Dry Shampoo: You could also use cornstarch or baby powder.  Either way, it absorbs the oil in your hair without water. Hooray. 
9. Brush/Mirror Combo: You don't miss these things until you don't have them.  And a little mirror/brush (like this one from the container store) will be very useful to bush out your dry shampoo and gaze at how great you look despite having just killed several zombies.
10. SUNSCREEN: No matter why you are out in the elements, you need sunscreen.  Preferably 30SPF or higher. Sunglasses and a hat are never a bad idea either.

Creative Beauty Solutions Quick Tip

Hi S+SR Readers!

Here in February, I think people have posted a lot of Spring/Valentines Day related things.  We instead of buying into a consumer culture created holiday, I want to start a whole new S+SR category: "S+SR Tips!"  Today I'm going to be talking about some creative beauty solutions that would even impress Macgyver (linked for anyone who needs a reference point).  So rather than a lengthy chit chat, lets get straight into the tips!

Squiggles the Guinea Pig is quickly becoming a mascot of the S&SR Report!

1) Printer Paper as Blotting Paper:
Blotting paper is sometimes really expensive (not if you use the E.L.F one from this post!)  And let us all admit, we sometimes leave your blotting paper in another purse, or have run out, or it fell down the rabbit hole to who-knows-where.  So you are icky and shiny (not in a Sparkle and Shine way, but a greasy way).  I suggest grabbing any while printer paper (scrap paper, post-it, junk mail, does not really matter) and tearing off a blotting paper sized piece.  Gently press (dont rub or it will take off your make up) on your face (be sure to not get a paper cut or poke yourself in the eye!) and you will see the paper absorb the oil off your face.  I have found this works great in a pinch.  Macgyver better watch out, Ms. Sparkles is in the building!

2) Lipstick/Tinted Lip Products as Blush:
This is a tip you might have gotten from your grandmother, but it is much better than the one about straightening your hair with a clothes iron.  Simply said, draw a line of your lipstick, in a color a bit darker than you want on your cheeks, along your cheek bone.  Then blend it out with your fingers.  Way to make your products do double duty!

3) Cream Eye Shadow/Eyeliner as Eyeshadow Primer:
Using Cream Eye shadows or Eyeliner as a primer is a pretty common occurrence in YouTube tutorials, but I thought I would reiterate it here.  Take whatever color cream eyeshadow or eyeliner you want as a base and build your powder shadow over it.  The stickier textured base will help your eyeshadow look last all day.  I find this works just as well as an eyeshadow primer, though it tends to be a little heavier feeling on the eyes.  Note that a white base will make your powder shadows look the truest to how it looks in the package.  All other colored bases (even your normal skin tone will affect the way the shadow looks on your eyes.  Mini Tip:  Many eye creams have a similar texture and feel to eyeshadow primer.  If you use an eye cream, try using this as your primer instead.  I find my Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream with Royal Jelly works great as a primer too!

4) Hair Conditioner as Shaving Cream:
I am in progress of becoming a certified product junkie.  In this venture I have tried quite a few more products than the average person.  Some work, and some do not.  While it is possible to return some products if you do not like them, it takes a good amount of product to fully test shampoos and conditioners.  I don't think you can return a conditioner if you used 1/3 of it.  So what do I do with conditioners I have decided don't work for my hair?  I use them as shaving cream.  It works really well and leaves my legs very soft.  I'm not particularly prone to razor burns, but I actually find that my skin is much happier using conditioner over shaving cream.  I still like to use my target brand soy shaving creme (which is supposed to slow the regrowth of the hairs) but using up my conditioner this way puts the product to good use.  (Yey not being wasteful!)

5) Shampoo as Make-Up Brush Cleaner:
In the same way I don't like to waste my conditioner duds, I also don't like to waste my shampoo duds.  Can the shampoo clean my make up brushes and body?  Yep.  Can about 1/3 a cup in the bath or 1/4 a cup in a foot soak leave you feeling soft and clean? Yep.  The best use depends on how sudsy and moisturizing the shampoo is.


6) Hair Conditioners + Water as a De-tangler:
For my last tip, You can take your favorite conditioner or leave-in cream conditioner.  Use about 1 tbs in a spray bottle with 1.5 cups of water and use as a detangler or light weight spray leave in conditioner.  If you find it weighing your hair down, add more water or less conditioner =)

Do you feel sufficiently creative?  You should!.


 Shine & Sparkle!

Yes to Blueberries Shampoo (and associated products) Rant

Hi S&SR Readers,

Sometimes a girl needs to chat with her readers.  Well, in this case, more like rant.  I have an on going love hate relationship with the San Francisco based "Yes to Insert Fruit of Vegetable" brand products*.  For instance, I love the Yes To Cucumber Facial Wipes. I also like the Yes to Cucumber Shampoo (the original formula).  In general, I love how few ingreditents there are in this company's products.  I love that they try and be as paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and natural/organic as possible.  That being said, they are not perfect.

I have recently found the Cucumber-Mint Lip Balm to be about 3 of 5 stars.  It was ok, not amazing.  I have yet to try the Cucumber facial mask that also came in an on sale gift pack.

Now, for the negative perspective.  I hate that they are constantly changing their formulas.  For instance, there is the original Yes To Cucumbers Shampoo and Conditioner.  The Shampoo I love, but they have recently altered the formula and I'm not sure how it is going to go when I can't get it on amazon anymore. Also, the Yes to Blueberries Voluminzing Shampoo and Conditioners (which I know a friend of mine is liking)  have now been replaced with "repairing" blueberry formula.  WTF guys?!

There are also simply PRODUCTS I HATE:

Yes To Cucumbers Conditioner (Original Formula):  
This contained Sodium Hydroxide.  This is lye.  It is used in chemical relaxers to make curly/frizzy hair straight.  It can burn and cause permanent damage to the skin.  Though it is one of the last ingredients in this conditioner.  It made my hair feel really soft, but was damaging it to do so.  Not cool.  What do I do with it? I shave my legs with it.  I would love to see my leg hair be softer and fall out  more easily.  Is it the best for my skin? Probably not, but at least I'm not wasting money.  Plus, I will not be repurchasing, so how much damage can one bottle for shaving do anyway =P ?

On this note, I am happy that they have changed the Yest To Cucumber's Conditioner Formula.  I will be trying this soon.  It seems to contain mainly stabilized natural oil.  There are some reviews that it makes hair super greasy. I hope this isn't the case.  Otherwise, I'll be set for leg shaving for the next 2 years....

Yes to Tomatoes Facial Cleanser:
Supposedly tomatoes help fight acne.  Not in this cleaner.  It was terrible.  It made me break out and look like bees had attacked my face.  It left tons of make-up on my skin after 2 through washings.  I looked like a racoon.  Lastly, it lathered as well as water from a puddle.  If I wanted to look like nature attacked my face, I would have gone camping without a tent and covered in honey.

Yes to Blueberries Repairing Shampoo (New Formula):
I was curious about a repairing natural shampoo since I love the cucumber one.  In my obsessive label reading, I some how missed that this isn't sulfate free!  I just assumed because, it's a Yes To Editble Things brand shampoo product!  How could I have missed Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate?  Because it said "Coco Sulfate."  Aw, I love coconut oil, so how bad can coco sulfate be?  After a bit of research I found out that:

"The difference is really one of purification. Coconut oil is made up of a wide range of fatty acids. They can have as few as 8 carbon atoms and as many as 20. The majority of the fatty acids are of the 12 carbon variety. That means 45-50% of coconut oil is a fatty acid containing 12 carbons.

When manufacturers make their sulfate detergents they can take pure coconut oil and run the "sulfating" reaction to produce Sodium Coco-sulfate.

However, this material doesn't foam as well and will vary depending on the quality of the coconut crops harvested that year.

Sodium Lauryl sulfate is really just a purified version of the same material. In this case they take the coconut oil and remove most of the non-12 carbon fatty acids. Their starting material is then about 80% C-12 instead of 45-50% C-12.

Ultimately, both products are primarily C-12 or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate so they get the same CAS number. However, pure SLS is more efficient and of more reliable quality so most manufacturers use this."

While somebody's re-posting of information on their livejournal is not a very reputable source of information, I found it to be the most clearly written explanation.  Needless to say, I find this to be very disappointing.  I have to walk back to the drug store and return it.  *sigh*.  That being said, I am quite excited to try the Yes to Blueberries Conditioner.

If you can't tell, I have been on the quest for a perfect "frequent" conditioner.  I love my Aussie 3 Minute Miracle for deep conditioning.  And I still like my Paul Mitchell Thickening Conditioner as a light conditioner.  I'm still liking my leave in conditioners as well.  But I have been displeased with all of my attempts for a regular conditioner that is gentle, affordable, and effective.  My Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Conditioner seems to have a few too many silicones for someone who likes using shine serums (basically concentrated silicone.)  And other attempts have been underwheming.

Leave a comment below if you are interested in knowing of how my Yes To Cucumbers Conditioner (New Formula) and Yes to Blueberries Repairing Conditioner turn out.

</rant>

*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

 Shine & Sparkle!

Make-Up 101: Mascara (including Healthier Options!)

Hey There S+SR Readers!

I know it has been a while since I've done a more "traditional" S+SR post.  The S+SR Think Tank (consisting of on Ms. Sparkles, a guinea pig named Squiggles and a hamster named Atherton) has been hard at work coming up with great post ideas.  Well not only did my furry friends help me think of this post, they encouraged me to be artistic for this post image.  Do you like it? 

Hey, check it out, this image is property of Shine and Sparkle Report: Beauty Blog! If you want to use it, just let me, the hamster, and the guinea pig know =)

Now I'm sure that most of you have never put a whole lot of thought into mascaras (or maybe you have).  Perhaps you thought "Brown or Black?" or "Water-proof or Not?"  Having relatively pathetic and puny lashes means that I'm always trying to balance what makes them look good with ones that wont over dry or make my lashes fall out.  I have explored the gamut of "healthy" mascaras and have some great recommendations for all price ranges.  That being said, this is S+SR folks, lets start with the basics.

The Basics: 
Mascara is a mix of chemicals that coats your lashes to make them look longer and fuller.  There are two main attributes to any mascara--The formula and the brush/wand applicator.  Below I detail the most common ones to help you navigate those beauty isles.

1) The Formula-

• Lengthening vs. Volumizing:  Most mascaras are aimed at either adding length (typically a more stiff feel, these make each lash appear longer-often with added fibers) or volumizing (typically softer to the touch and make each lash appear thicker.)
• Water-Proof vs. Not Water-Proof:  In a nut shell, I don't recommend water-proof mascaras unless you are going to be swimming, sweating profusely, or participating in a slip-n'-slide competition (yeah that exists, Google it).  This is because good non-waterproof mascaras have come a long way over the years in the "not smudging" category.  If your mascara smudges from daily wear to the office, you need to find a better mascara.  Also, waterpoof mascaras seal around your lashes and tend to dry them out.  Lastly, the extra effort it takes to remove waterproof mascaras can irritate the delicate eye skin and cause more lash fall-out.  Boo!
• Color: Get whatever color floats your boat.  Black and brown are the most common, but if you feel like purple eyelashes, go for it! 

2) The Brush/Applicator-

•  Classic Bristle vs. Molded Plastic:  This is purely a preference thing.  I personally think that the classic bristle is better at applying more product for a voluminous effect.  I think that the molded plastic applicators are better at separating each lash to lengthen.
• Brush Shape/Size:  Like above, it is a personal preference thing. I typically find that rather than any one being "the best" some just really suck.  For instance, "U" shaped applicator tend to just get mascara all over my face.  Maybe they work great for you, but I typically look like a dalmatian if I try and use a "U" shaped applicator.  I tend to prefer classic or tapered ones instead.   In general, smaller applicators allow you to more easily get those tiny lashes in the corners, while bigger ones can be much faster as you stumble around trying to get ready in the morning. Mini Tip: Apply mascara with the brush turned vertically to get more product on your lashes, then go back to the classic horizontal motion to distribute evenly!

How Much Should I Spend on Mascara?
Ah dear reader, call me sacrilegious but I think you shouldn't spend more than $10 on a mascara.  Why? Because, I have never had a expensive mascara that does any better a job than a good cheap one.  Want another reason?  You should be replacing your mascara every 3-5 months.  For other make-up products I don't think expiration is a large concern (other than for super sensitive skin or acne sufferers.)  But mascara is on your eyelashes which are constantly blinking over your warm moist eyes.  Basically, mascaras are the most likely to result in eye infection/irritation.  I'm not a doctor but I think it is a bit of good ol' common sense. 

I Have Super Puny Lashes Too.  How Can I Make Them Shine and Sparkle?
If you have super full lashes already, your choice in mascara is much easier.  Find a formula and brush/applicator that you love! Done!  If your lashes could use a helping hand, here are some healthier mascara factors to consider (all are much cheaper and less scary than Latisee!). 

•  Paraben-Free: I have talked a lot on this blog about parabens being used in cosmetics to help preserve them.  That being said, major irritants/harsh chemicals on my puny lashes?  As little as possible please.
• Nutrient Enriched: Many mascaras are now adding proteins, vitamins and other conditioners to give lashes some help.  A good one will leave your lashes feeling super soft after you remove them.  Want to make them feel even softer after make-up removal? Check out my make-up removal method in my Coconut Oil Post!
• Natural Hair Growth Stimulators: While not medically proven, I still don't think these natural stimulants can hurt.  For example, one of the products I mention next has wheat grass extract.  This is a natural alternative to caffeine and could possibly help encourage your lashes to grow.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't use waterproof, fiber, chemically mascara (over giant fake lashes) that makes you look like Eva Longoria for those special occasions, but for everyday, I like a more healthy approach. 

Healthy Mascara Product Recommendations:

Cheap Option: Almay "Get Up and Grow" Mascara ($9):
This is my favorite mascara ever.  It is more of a volumizing mascara.  It is very build-able (meaning apply one coat, wait a few seconds, add another coat for for extra volume, clump free!).  This brush is kind of hour glass shaped which is perfect for my small almond shaped eyes as well.

More Expensive Option: Lush "Eyes Right" Mascara ($19):
This brush isn't my favorite, definitely use my mini tip above!  You do get quite a bit of product for your money (5 grams as opposed to they typical 1-2 grams).  This mascara is better for lengthening than it is for volume.  You really need at least 2 coats, maybe more.  I actually really like layering it under my Almay "Get Up and Grow" for maximum healthy impact.

Less Healthy Mascara Product Recommendations:

Cheap Option: L'Oreal "Voluminous False Fiber Lashes" Mascara ($9):
BOOM! Kim Kardashian?  Where did you come from?

More Expensive Option: Clinique "High Impact" Mascara ($16):
Marketed as a volumizing mascara, I think it does both volume and length very well.  The formula on this is fantastic.  I got this as a trial size in a set of 20 samples from Sephora.  It was my favorite thing in the whole lot.  I used up every last drop of the sample.  I plan to buy the full size when I need a new mascara.  For now, I will simply encourage you to check it out!

Shine & Sparkle!

Happy 2013 New Years Resolution Time!

Happy New Year S+SR Readers!

According to my news source, the #1 New Years Resolution people make is to"Lose Weight."  As someone who has always been hyper aware of body image, not only for myself but people in general, I wanted to touch on this topic for my lovely readers.

For real right? As usual, like my last stock image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.

First, I wanted to say that despite how cliche it sounds, you really have to love yourself first.  No resolution is going to make you change if you do not feel like you want to do it out of love for yourself.  Losing weight because of what others think, or wanting to be like someone else (celebrity, model, etc) is simply not going to work.  You to need to want to do it because you want it for you.

Next, I'm going to make a huge disclaimer that I'm not a physician (hell, I had to just spell check that word), nutritionist (other than one class in college), or qualified in any official way to give advice on weightloss/heath.  Really, this is all from my personal experience, research and passion for learning about what it takes to be the best (and healthiest) me possible.

If you simply Google "weight loss tips," "how to lose weight fast," "how to get fit," "how to eat healthy" or "how to transform with a magic pill into your favorite celebrity body," I'm sure you will be flooded with information.  In a nutshell, it will contain lots of eating or exercise information (or scams).  I'm sure you can get quite a few more select bits of information from books or flyers.  Rather than a report style post I want to give you 5 realistic things that I do that have the biggest impact. So, without further rambling, here are  5 Things that will help you achieve you weight loss/health New Years Resolutions:

1) Drink Water Based Drinks That Are Not Sweet.
This does include water.  But overall, drinking all those extra calories is just not helpful.  Drink water, tea, ice tea, coffee, lemon/lime/orange/cucumber infused water, pretty much anything that is primarily water and unsweetened.  If you simply have to have sugary taste, add some no calorie natural sweetener (stevia, truvia, etc).  I like this tip because you still get your caffeine and flavored drinks so it doesn't feel like dieting (there are A MILLION tea flavors from fruit to chocolate, so go crazy).  Upset you can't drink sodae? Have you seen that video about what soda did to an egg?!  In addition, sneaky bad drinks include sports drinks, juice, and vitamin water.  All of those have tons of sugar.  Why no "diet" drinks?  Because the debate about fake sugars is so confusing that I figure it's better to avoid them when possible.  Can you drink the "bad" drinks in moderation? Sure.  I try limit drinking these beverages to social situations and weekends.  This works for me, but find what works for you.

2) Move More...Forever.
I'm not telling you to slave away at the gym like everyone else in January.  You probably wont do that forever.  How do I know?  I happen to enjoy the gym, and see the rush of people who come in January....then a month later, the gym is back to normal levels of people who actually enjoy the gym.  If you like the gym, by all means, go; but my tip is--just mean move more. Litterally.  Take the stairs (or walk up the escalator). Park farther away from where you are going so you walk a bit farther.  Vacuum your house more often.  Take the dog for a walk. Chase your kids around or go outside to parks, museums, or other cool stuff in your area that means moving around.  Get up from your desk and walk to the copy room or the bathroom more in between breaks.  Hell, bring your lunch and walk around during your lunch break (you can pack healthier lunches and work on that #2 "save money" resolution at the same time!)  If you are a video game nerd, try Fitness or Dance games.  Start small.  Make the goal "moving more" rather than "I have to start living at the gym, worshiping the gym gods and ignore life until I look like The Hulk."  It's about becoming a more active person in general.  You can do it! 

3) Eat More Real Food.
Remember when your mom said "eat more fruits and vegetables"?  Yeah that.  I don't mean eat only salads like a rabbit (even if you did, a lot of dressings and toppings have lots of calories).  When it comes down to it, how long are you really going to eat nothing but raw veggies?  I really just try and think about there being something healthy, highly nutritious, and non-processed in every meal (no tomato sauce and ketchup don't count).  How do you know what counts? Anything fresh are colorful-red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple.  (carrots, bell peppers, apples, broccoli, spinach, egg plant, fresh tomato, blueberries, strawberries.)  Things that dont count tend to be brown, or white (bread, potatoes, pasta, noodles etc.)  As for meat (my man says he won't eat a meal that does not contain something that had a mother) the best way to go is lean proteins like chicken, fish, and buffalo.  No really, buffalo is pretty darn healthy.  And sadly, even though Cheetos are orange, they are not fresh or healthy =(

4) Smaller Portions and Fresher/high fiber Ingredients.
So if you are adding at least one fresh colorful thing to each meal, but not cutting out all other things, how are we still going to maintain a healthy weight?  Smaller portions of what you love and fresher ingredients.  So rather than a frozen pizza or delivery pizza (which is mostly frozen stuff anyway)--try making one from fresh premade dough, with real cheese, some veggies, and grilled chicken.  Rather than eating the whole thing, eat 1/2 -2/3 what you would normally eat.  If you are going to eat pasta, bread, rice, go for high fiber versions like whole wheat pasta and bread or brown rice. Same with eating out.  Instead of fast food, try a mom and pop that makes fresh burgers.  Even when eating fast food, think about going for items that involve the least processing (this might be salad, instant oatmeal, yogurt, etc.)  If you normally order a large fries, order a small or medium. Slowly your stomach will not get as hungry because of the extra fiber and nutrition in real foods and less food will seem normal. Slowly you can add more and more fresh/real foods, but you can still have the foods you love in moderation.  Hooray for that sliver of chocolate cake!  Great tips for portion control include sharing food with dining partners, taking food home, or saving some homemade food for lunch the next day!

5)  Find Your Motivation.
I want to lose weight...because I should.   This reason, while valid, is not going to motivate you to have will power.  Will power is what is needed to only eat a handful of M&Ms.  Will power is what is needed to switch from playing Halo to Just Dance.  Will power is what is needed to bother chopping up some spinach to put into your frozen meal or pack your lunch.  You need to find what gives you that will power.  Is it being around to see you kids, grand children, or tortoise grow up?  Is it wanting to set a good example for your students, friends, or family?  Is it that you are being chased by a T-rex?  Whatever it is, take a moment to try and find what it is that will give you the will power to actually make changes, however small those changes are.  Trust me, it's worth it.  

Bonus Tip: I like giving myself small challenges like "No Fried Food Fridays" for a month.  I always set a reasonable end point for these sorts of challenges so I stick with it and feel accomplished. I can always extend the challenges if it works out well, or A.D.D to another challenge (like exercising really hard at least once a week).  This might just be a personality thing, but I like doing it.  For example, I also made up "No Make-up Wednesdays" to let my skin breathe and remind myself that beauty is from the inside, not a tube of eyeliner. Despite what the media might tell you about the necessity of beauty products, my "No Make up Wednesday" is just like every other day....honestly, I tend to be lazy and have more than just Wednesdays without make up ;D Ok Ms. Sparkles, time to end this tangent. 

Overall, changing will seem hard at first but soon you will start feeling better.  You will start seeing results.  It's ok to not be perfect, just keep at it!  Who knows you might become a granola eating health freak that can bench an elephant.  But before that, try small steps and see how it makes you....

Shine & Sparkle!  

2012 Chairty of the Year!

Seasons Greetings Post #2!

Hello again my beloved Shine and Sparkle Report readers!

It is the holiday season. People are rushing around frantically acquiring gifts for their loved ones. They are primping and preening in front of mirrors for holiday parties, shopping trips, and other festivities. While lots of beauty bloggers and enthusiasts are telling you about the latest trends attacked by the glitter gods, I want to take this time to draw some attention to those less fortunate.

I think part of being a beautiful person is appreciating what you have. The holidays in the Western world seem to emphasize consumerism. Thus, I will try and off set this with a little plug for the Shine and Sparkle Report: Charity of The Year (I think I will continue to do this every year around the holidays.)

I would now like to introduce to you, PROJECT PEANUT BUTTER!

Click Here! For an awesome video about Project Peanut Butter, as well as how to donate.

So, why Project Peanut Butter? (The following was quoted from Project Peanut Butter's Official Organization Statement)

Mission
Project Peanut Butter (PPB) seeks to advance the treatment of childhood malnutrition, the greatest contributor to child mortality in the world today, using effective, locally produced ready-to-use therapeutic foods.This corporation is formed to provide needed nutritional and medical support to children and adults suffering from severe malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

Programs and Activities
Project Peanut Butter was formed to treat moderately and severely malnourished children and adults in sub-Saharan Africa, and other countries as needed. We provide locally reduced RUTF (Ready-To-Use-Therpeutic Food), and improve distribution through education and training of local clinical offices and health providers. Project Peanut Butter has facilities in Malawi, Sierra Leone, and a new start-up program in Mali. We have a partnership with clinics in Payatas, Philippines. They serve as the the advisor to several small programs and orphanages that produce or distribute RUTF for use in their programs. Also, Project Peanut Butter continues to contribute to the irradication of malnutrition through improved formulas for treatment of target groups, such as HIV+ Adults. Since the use of RUTF began in the treatment of malnutrition, recovery rates have skyrocket from 25-40% to 90-95%. We strive to improve this rate through improved recipes and improved distribution compliance.

Shine and Sparkle readers, if this is not convincing enough to get you to consider a donation to Project Peanut butter, only 1.5% of your donation is used for administrative costs. Also, for just $25, a child's life is saved! How rad is that? If you don't have the means to donate, that is ok. Just tell someone about PPB. They spend no money on advertising or soliciting donations, so if you just mention PPB to someone, you are helping a ton!

S+SR Giving Challenge!
Did you know that just by reading this post, you could save a child through PPB? Here is how it works:

1. Share this post! Either on Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter, Email,...anything else you can think of.
2. Comment on this post about where you shared it (honor system guys) as well as any other charities you think I should look into (possibly for next year's SSR Charity of the Year?) 
3. If we reach over 25 comments on this post, I will personally donate an extra $25 to PPB on behalf of the Shine and Sparkle Report! 

Thank you so much Shine and Sparkle Report readers! Together we can give the world a little extra shine and sparkle!


Shine & Sparkle! 

A last note, I'm in no way affiliated with PPB. I came across them completely by chance and I have been a huge fan ever sense.