Health and Beauty

Before I launch into the meat of the blog post, I'd like to remind you that you are a STRONG and DETERMINED individual, who has DEFINITELY got this! I have so much more to say, but had to stop at tip number 11 and go out for a walk. I hope you enjoy the article!  Don't stock your home full of fattening snacks and deserts, bottled juice, soda, sports drinks, etc. This is a given right? You'd be surprised how difficult it is for most people to actually accomplish this. If you live with a significant other or have children, you ultimately wind up purchasing these items for them, and eventually partake. Even though I have really strong will power, and manage not to eat these items most of the time, I am likely to cave when I am under stress, feel exhausted, have a cold, or it is that time of the month. My mother n' law brings home a ton of sweets every time she goes shopping, and my husband tends to bring home chocolate muffins, coffee cake, or one pound bars of chocolate,

Juan Bautista De Anza Trail Lake Balboa I feel lucky to have so many walking and biking trails within walking distance of where I live. I usually cycle past the Juan Bautista trail head, reminding myself to walk it soon, as it is so lovely. Even though it isn't quite so warm yet, I highly recommend walking / running the flat, dirt trail early in the morning or later in the evening. I started my trek at about 9 am, and it was already pretty warm. The trail, (located off of Balboa Ave., between Victory Blvd. and Burbank Blvd), runs alongside the very green and beautifully manicured Woodley Lakes Golf Course the entire duration. Keep an eye out for a gaggle of geese or two, that have made the golf course their favorite hang out. Or mated pairs of herons tending to their rather noisy chicks up in the trees. I was lucky to spot them flying around each other yesterday. Their babies sound similar to the wild parrots nesting in the trees along my street. Yes, I said parrots. Some believe t

Me and the hubs out to discover new hiking trails in the San Fernando Valley, hit up Dixie Canyon Park first, in Sherman Oaks. First of all, Park??? There is a clearly marked trail that leads to, well, nowhere. At a certain point, after hiking about ten minutes, the trail (?) becomes WAY too narrow and dangerous with loose gravel and mud pockets. We had to turn around and head back the way we came. This is a charming little spot if you live in the direct vicinity of the "Park". It is very green and shaded over. On the plus side, the drive up is VERY pretty. Dixie Canyon is tucked into the hills of a picturesque, upper class neighborhood, full of McMansions, and all around beautiful homes of varying architecture. After Dixie Canyon I wasn't ready to go home. So, I chose for us to visit Longridge Park (?)  Longridge Park Trailhead is located up in the hills of Sherman Oaks, at the end of a lovely residential street. Again, the drive up was spectacular, through a fairy tale

Wake up Beautiful! With beautiful, radiant, and younger looking skin.  Or just use the same products as part of your morning routine. This may sound unusual, as this line of products is advertised to work while you sleep. However, I use the Wake up Beautiful "Dream Jelly Face Wash" in the shower. Followed by my Wake up Beautiful "Overnight Retinoid Cream. ". Both are gentle on the skin and will not cause any discomfort.  I first tried the Overnight Retinoid Cream on a whim after reading some wonderful reviews. I tried using it a few times at night, but really, I am usually so tired, and couldn't stick to the routine. I wanted to reap the same benefits, so I started using it in the mornings. I didn't notice much of a difference at first. Other than my skin looked a little smoother and firmer. I had been alternating the Retinoid Cream with my vitamin C face cream. So this is most likely why I wasn't seeing better results. Once I moved to using the Retinoid

  Today is your birthday. You would have been sixteen years old. I will celebrate you be heading over to the Japanese Garden (in Lake Balboa). The Japanese Garden is a beautiful and tranquil place that you would have loved visiting. As you were a lover of all things Japanese. It goes without saying that I will carry on a continuous stream of conversation with you as I peruse the grounds of the garden, snap photographs, and perhaps partake in some tea and cookies. I asked Jessica to join me but she is crazy busy with work. I don’t know how she’s never been to this jewel in the valley, but I mentioned that perhaps we can attend this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival together, as a family. I know Italia, Diora, and Aurora would fall in love with the place.   The Gift Store at the Japanese Garden sells bonsai trees. I have this idea to purchase one to give to Dad as a gift. If I had the money, I would buy one for Jessica and myself.   There is something very peaceful about them. They help rem