Pilates - 8 Reasons Why it’s Good for You

Pilates is seen as the exercise routine for everyone. From the youngest and fittest professional athletes through to the elderly, Pilates can provide the essential muscle repairing, body toning, posture improving and circulation increasing solutions to all sorts of different people. Pilates ranges from the simplest of exercises to more advanced levels and a lot of Pilates actually relates to muscle injury, the most common reason for athletes to take up the exercise. Here are eight reasons why Pilates is not only the right option for anyone struggling with injury, but also for those who require an exercise routine that won’t demand a huge amount of intensity.

Injury Risk Reduced

Once you take up Pilates you may notice that manoeuvres that were once quite difficult are now much simpler. This is due to the fact that no single muscle group is targeted in Pilates. With a balanced muscle routine like this you are far less likely to sustain a muscle injury in the future.

Improved Abdomen

We all want to work on our abdominal muscles so that they look flat and toned in time for the holidays and that’s not the only benefit you’ll get from Pilates. Strengthening these muscles gives you the core you need to continue working for prolonged periods of time. The increasing strength of your core will help you go even further with Pilates.

Stronger Overall

Pilates works on all sorts of different muscle groups. Strong muscles throughout the body can prevent muscle-related illnesses in later life. Osteoporosis for example can be prevented with regular Pilates.

Self Esteem

It goes without saying really. If you improve your muscle strength along with a healthy diet, you will notice physical results. You’ll feel great about how you look which can make all the difference to your motivation.

Athletic Performance

Agility, strength, recovery and mobility all benefit from Pilates. Athletes use Pilates to improve their general ability on the field. It will certainly compliment other training programmes you might be working on.

Posture

Suffering from back or neck pain due to hours in front of your office computer? Pilates could be the answer. Increased circulation to the muscles helps to relax them and prevent sleepless nights and uncomfortable days.

Everyday Tasks

Cleaning the cupboard under the stairs or reaching the loft will no longer be an issue if you take up Pilates. The muscle balance improves over time and subsequently allows for everyday tasks to be carried out a whole lot easier.

Anyone can do it!

There are no restrictions to Pilates. Even if you’re young but feeling the effects of a stiff neck and shoulders, Pilates could be the answer. It can also prove to be the gateway routine that takes you to new heights with regards to health and fitness.

About the Author

Emma Tinder is a fitness and well being blogger who has contributed this article on behalf of the Physio Therapy Centre, offering Pilates and other physical treatments in the West Sussex region.

Shampoo and Conditioner with Okra Seeds #YvesRocher

I used this shampoo and conditioner with okra seeds last month.    These are just some of the products that  Yves Rocher have sent me.  They sent me several kinds of  hair and skin  products.  This is specially formulated for frizzy hair which my hair falls sometimes.  What can you expect for these products?  Here it is:

Smoothing Shampoo for frizzy hair allows before any finding smooth and silky hair. The Okra seeds extract selected by Yves Rocher Laboratories is known for its cosmetics properties and, in particular, its ability to smooth the hair fiber. Smoothing Shampoo and 48H Smoothing Conditioner: smoothes your rebel hair.

From my actual experience of using this set, here are some that I like and did  not like.

LIKE:

• The price of $5 a bottle is not  that bad.
• It feels really good on your scalp
• It really gives your hair that smoothness  that you are looking for.  

DISLIKE:

• If you  have cook or eaten an okra, the smell is not that great.  So this shampoo does not have  that fragrant that I I was looking for after a shower.  Not the type of smell that I like anyway.
• The lid of the shampoo is very hard to open.  You might break your nail when you try to  lift it up.  They should redesign the  lid into that kind where you push on the other side and opens  on the  other side.

Overall, I will give this shampoo and conditioner  with okra seeds a 3 out of 5 stars.

Cacao Collection Skin Products #YvesRocher

Another set of skin care products that I like from Yves Rocher is their holiday collection, the Cacao and Pistachio Scents.  I lit the candle as we waited for the  new year to start and it filled the  whole house with  a very relaxing and refreshing  aroma.  The cacao scent  reminds me of home because we used to open up a ripe cacao fruit and the smells is just heavenly.  I also love pistachio so using it together with the cacao scent is just  prefect.

MY husband love this  liquid hand soap, it really makes your hands  very very soft after you  washed it using this product.  Not only that, it leaves a fresh scent in the  bathroom sink as well.

I also got this perfumed shower gel which I started using this month after I used up the FlowerParty scent shower gel.  It doesn't smell as good as the FlowerParty one but  I still like it.

LIKES:

• Love the smell and the after-effect of the product on your skin after you used it.
• Price is so affordable, it's right within my budget

DISLIKES:  

• Nothing really but the fact that the candle and  liquid hand soap is no longer available  at their website, bummer.

Levi's

I luckily found this Levi's Jeans on sale at Macy's.  It was originally  priced at $42 dollars but got it for $14.39.  I was smiling from ear to ear when I got out from Macy's that day.  MY husband thought I saw somebody I know inside the store  that's why I was smiling but when I told him the real reason, he went "Awesome!"  I so love the pockets at the back.

I also got the top  on sale for $9.99.  It's a knitted top.  I always look at the teen section when I am looking for jeans and clothes that would fit me because even the petite section tend to be big on for mys size.  

Cate & Chloe Jewelry Collection

Woot, woot, first of all, I am feeling fabulous  with this new set of  Sarah "Princess" Pendant Necklace and Earrings that I received for review from Cate & Chloe.

  

 

But before I get into details, let me tell you the  VIP membership that Cate & Chloe offers.  You pay $39.99 per month and you will receive two high quality items  valued at $200 per month.  This would be a  deal you want to avail of if you love  jewelry.  Being a VIP member, you will also enjoy the  perks of  receiving an extra 20% off any other  products that are  being featured by C&C plus other benefits.

The Sarah Princess Pearl Earrings is priced at $112.  I love its CZ encrusted  detailing with  centered pearl.   This curly drop earring would be a great addition to your collection of jewelry for special occasion.  It is elegant and beautiful.  This would be great to wear  if you are planning to attend a wedding.  This would even look gorgeous on a bride!

The Sarah Princess Pendant Necklace is priced at $109.  I so love both of the earrings and the pendant necklace.  The photos I took doesn't really give justice to how beautiful they look  up close so I used the photos  from the website to show you  how gorgeous they are.  I can assure you that the money you will pay for this set is worth it.  I showed it to my husband and he said "Oh that is beautiful!"

I really like all their collection.  If only I could afford to  be a VIP member, I would as you will  be able to  enjoy their huge collection of beautiful pieces of jewelry.  I am not a make-up kinld of woman but I do like  perfumes and jewelry.  

So thank you so much Cate & Chloe for these beautiful set of  jewelry that you sent me. You can take a peek at their collection through visiting their website or you can like them on Facebook.  You can also follow them on Twitter so you won't miss any  promotions that they  are offering every month.

Disclaimer: The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review. Opinions being expressed is not in anyway influenced by other factors. The product/s mentioned above was provided for FREE for evaluation purposes.

Long Sleeve Knitwear

This is the the third product that I got from Sammy's Dress.This slim-fitting casual splicing irregular Long Sleeves Knitwear is great to wear during winter time.  The  material is thick and  comfortable.  THe only thing that bothers me is the gold trimming that they  put around the neck because it is itchy.  I had to put  an extra lining to  hide it so it won't touch  my skin.  Another thing is the size of the hole in the neck.  It's a bit small.  My head is not that big  but I can barely fit my head in it.  The problem lies in the golden material (again)  they used because it is not stretchy.  

The length of this  top at the back is longer than the  front which I like.

Other than the issues I have stated  above, the price and the design of this is just right.  They  need to redesign the neckline though.  Remove the gold embellishment around the neck maybe?

GlamoRose

Hey there  gorgeous!  Have you planned your Valentine's day yet?

Most women love receiving  fresh flowers on special occasion.  As you may know already, I am very practical when it comes to  things  so receiving flower is not something that I prefer because of its cost.  I would rather have something else that I can use in my everyday life than flower.  I told my husband that.  Well, the flowers you see below was a surprise  when we were in South Korea.  MY husband, despite of what I told him, ordered this  because the military kids from the vase are having the fund drive called flower-gram so he ordered this for me.  Did you know that I preserved this  by freezing them?  But I have to let it go when we were about to  come back here in the States. Again, flower is not that practical, I admit t is sweet but...

Anyway, since Valentine's day is coming up, why don't you head on to GlamoRose.com and see their selection of  secy lingerie that would  be a perfect piece for you to wear on the heart's month.  It is always  a nice surprise for husbands whenever a wife does some kinky stuff for his eyes only, right ladies?  Teasing your husband once in a while adds spice to the relationship.  This mini dresses would be perfect to seduce your husband would you agree?

HeadWrap from Cover Your Hair

I grew up in a tropical country where the weather is pretty much warm all year round.  Coming here was a big  adjustment for me especially during Winter because I feel like I am always inside the freezer lol.  Bundling up\ during the winter season is very important  for me so I won't get sick.  Glad there are winter accessories that I can use to keep me warm like scarf, gloves, hat, and ear mops.  Let me share to you the  new head wrap and a set of  winter hat and scarf that Cover Your Hair have sent me for review.  It got a set of Winter hat and scarf in black and  and the crochet flower  applique head wrap in red. 

This Crochet Flower Applique Head Wrap, it is originally priced at $14.99 but it is on sale now for $9.99.  I wear this  everyday when I go outside because I can cover my ears with it.  I don't need an ear mops anymore whenever I wear this because it is thick and it really keep me warm.  It has  buttons at the back where you close it.  This is available in different color but sincer I lo=ve red, that's what I  got.

The Winter hat and scarf set cost $16.19.  I love the hat but the scarf  makes my neck a little itchy at times unless I wrap it  over my coat.  This has bow and studs sewn on it.  I think that they should made the bow a different color so  you can see them pop   against the black but that is just me.  I guess it doesn't matter.  Thanks to my husband for snapping the photos.

 If you are interested in getting in touch with Cover Your Hair, follow them on Twitter or like their  Facebook page.  Cover Your Hair has different kinds of  products for women, children, and babies.  Right now, they  have  an under $5 sale that you can check out.  I love their hair accessories.

Disclaimer: The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review. Opinions being expressed is not in anyway influenced by other factors. The product/s mentioned above was provided for FREE for evaluation purposes.

Mother of the Bride Dresses at DressFirst

MY husband and I got married in civil for the first time. It was very simple as we just recently lost my father that time. Hubby decided for us to have a second wedding in church so our family and friends could attend. With my father's absence, my brother walked me down the aisle with my mother.  My husband asked me to have my mother's  dress be sewn new just like my bridal gown.  He wanted  for my Mom to  feel special as well  on our special day.  My mother was as happy as I was during my wedding day.  She wishes that my father was still around to witness it.

Wedding days are just one  huge milestone that involves not only you and your partner but your whole family and friends as well.  That is why DressFirst understand how important it is to  offer mother of the bride dresses. At  dressfirst.com, they have a huge selection of   cheap mother of the bride dresses.

Below are my favorite picks from their selection.  Of course the models looks really young to be Mom of the bride but the dresses are certainly  gorgeous, don't you think?

 

Shopping at DressFirst is safe and easy.  You can narrow down your search by going through silhouette, neckline, back style, strap, embellishment, etc.  With the high quality of the  dresses, the price is just right if not cheaper.  Some dresses comes  with free shipping which is a  great  savings.  If you were to pick, which style do you think you would choose?

Ozeri Digital Pedometer

With my new treadmill, I am back on track again with my fitness goal this year.  My old treadmill broke down after  five years of using it .  I was  ecstatic  when Ozeri sent me this  4x3runner Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer with Tri-Axis Technology and Dual Walking & Running Modes.

You can get this  for $39.95, a savings of  42% from it's original price of %49.95. This records your daily steps (walking or running), the distance, speed, fat burned and exercise d time.  Other feature to expect from this includes 

• Designed for ultimate versatility, the 4x3runner is the world's first pedometer to feature dual walking and running modes with 3D Tri-Axis Sensor (X, Y, Z plane detection) that provides superior accuracy in any position. 
• New Steps2Goal feature tracks and calculates your steps toward your daily target and displays your progress. 
• Counts up to 1 million steps with built-in memory for 30 days of activity. Also features a Clock, Calendar & Sports Timer and Auto Sleep Mode technology. 
• Used by professional athletes, the water resistant 4x3runner boasts a slim design that fits in any pocket and large easy to use buttons. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

The first time I used this was when we went to the mall.  You can either put this in your pocket or your can clip it in your belt.  Even my son loves to use this when he walks or jog in our treadmill.

If you want to tract your steps for your fitness goal purposes, this  digital pedometer is a good one to consider having.

You can also check out the  Digital Blood Pressure Monitor that I got from Ozeri.  My husband uses this a lot as he monitors his  blood pressure constantly.  Thank you so much Ozeri.

Disclaimer: The author of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review. Opinions being expressed is not in anyway influenced by other factors. The product/s mentioned above was provided for FREE for evaluation purposes.

How To Give A Great Massage

There are so many different types of massages available. There is hot stone, shiatsu, aromatherapy and Swedish. It can be hard to sort through the different kinds of massage. You will be equipped for all you massage needs with the following tips.

A good way to eliminate stress and pain. If you have back pain that is chronic, or other stress issues are bothering you, get regular massages.

Scented candles are wonderful instruments to use during a massage.This helps lighten up the room down by providing just a little light and the aroma is soothing too.These small details can make a wonderful experience.

Try out various oils when you give a massage.Oils play an important roll in massage because it enables the surface of the skin for easy gliding movements.

Day Spa in the Triad NC

You should watch your partner; that is a good massage. You have to observe muscle tension and facial expressions. As time passes, your ability to read the body through your hands will increase.When their muscles tense, you've pushed too hard.

You need to eat something healthy in order to have a good experience. Massage is both therapeutic benefits and facilitates relaxation. Massages can help children with asthma with their breathing and reduce tension and stress from tension headaches caused by facial muscles, the neck, and even help people with asthma breathe better. To increase the effectiveness of massage, it is important that you are completely relaxed throughout the duration.

Don't doubt the power of massage. A massage can do wonders to relieve pain, relieve stress and gain extra energy for your normal activities.

The pressure used during massage is essentil for different goals. If your loved one has many knots, you'll want to pressure the area and move slowly until the tension is released. This is essential if you want to master the techniques of all deep tissue massages. Slow movements during a massage feel more soothing. Use your weight as well; this will help your advantage to avoid tiring out.

Ask for lower lights when getting a message. A room makes it more calming and peaceful as it resembles night time. Try to keep the ambiance is right by keeping the light similar to that created by candles.

The point of Shiatsu massage is to increase a person's energy level and energy level.

If there's an illness going around, there is hope for you! Studies have shown that massage can actually increase the body generate white blood cells. This is useful because these cells can make your body fight off things like viruses so that you're not getting sick as much.

A neck massage can give to yourself. Many people store a lot of tension in their neck area. This is a simple area is an easy body part to massage and is one which can deliver great benefits. With these simple tips, you will find massages to be more enjoyable. This way, you will remain confident about your abilities. Be sure that you continue to do your research on massage so that you'll stay up to date on all the latest news about this art.

In today's hectic, fast-paced world, consumers are looking for ways to relax. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has seen explosive growth in the past few years as a full service day spa in the Triad, offering a tranquil setting dedicated to your well-being and peace of mind. We offer an extensive selection of massages and facials to meet your every need. Whatever service you choose, we offer rooms with individual sound, lighting controls, and heated tables.

Chiffon Dress

This is the Charming Flounce Embellished Round Neck Sleeveless Open Back Design Pleated Chiffon Dress that I received from Sammy's Dress for review. I got a small size but being so petite, it is still a bit big for my body size.

The belt of this dress was defective, as you can see in the picture. Since the belt is missing a button or whatever you call it, it won't lock. Luckily, I have a belt that I can use for this one so it's not a big deal.You can see at the back that it is big for my body size.

I like it's design but I am not fond of the very thin material. This is definitely a great one to wear during summer time.

I am not complaining because I got this for free in exchange of a review.  I just want you to consider the facts  I have mentioned above if you  will purchase this at  Sammy's Dress.