Monday, July 29, 2013

Sunday, July 14, 2013

A new change in my life...Vegan?







I'm constantly thinking throughout the day about everything my future... my past... forgetting to live in this moment. I have been feeling extremely tired for no reason. It's summer, and I should be happier than ever! Not that I'm not.  I just feel exhausted coming home from work with no energy. Thinking of of my "to do" list. I want to take naps. I have nights that I sleep fine, and other nights that I don't sleep at all. I went to my primary doctor she sent me email a couple of days ago, and there is  nothing wrong with me. She did tell me that as we start to hit our thirty's we just are not as energentic. We use so much of our energy at work. We get older we become more responsible. We over think everything. We need vitamins to supplement our body's so we don't feel, so crappy. 
She told me to exercise a lot more. She advised me to eat healthier lots of greens, if possible. 
I recall being a vegetarian for close to 7 months. I felt great probably the best I had ever felt!  Not having any meat.  It was difficult because I had moved to Mexico, as you know everything is with meat there. I might be a bit extreme. I know this isn't for everyone, but I'm going to try being vegan! I'm so excited for this new journey. This particular lifestyle is  me in so many ways. I believe in consuming fruits and vegetables. They seem to be the purest foods. I don't want to eat anything processed anymore. I feel so heavy, and gross. I've been doing much research on it, thru books, youtube, and scientifically proven facts. I'm not doing this too lose weight. I'm doing this because I want to change my lifestyle. I want to be healthier inside out! Wish me luck! :)

- One love 

erika

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Simple tricks that can slow down time

r-SLOW-DOWN-TIME-large570.jpg
Ever wonder why time seems to speed up the older -- and busier -- you get? The answer is simple: It's probably because you're just not paying attention.

Most of us know the feeling well: As we grow up and fill our days with more busyness, time seems to fly by faster and faster. Of course, we know that time is moving at the same rate as it did during childhood, when lazy summer days seemed to stretch on infinitely. But what's changed is our perception of time. According to neuroscientific research recently highlighted by Inc. Magazine, how the brain perceives time passing determines whether our days feel luxuriously long, or short and harried -- and it's something that we have a certain level of control over. By paying attention and actively noticing new things, we can slow time down.
The Inc. Magazine article pointed us to a 2011 New Yorker profile of David Eagleman, a neuroscientist who studies time perception and calls time a "rubbery thing" that changes based on mental engagement. Inc. highlighted this passage, written by Burkhard Bilger:
The more detailed the memory, the longer the moment seems to last. 'This explains why we think that time speeds up when we grow older,' Eagleman said -- why childhood summers seem to go on forever, while old age slips by while we’re dozing. The more familiar the world becomes, the less information your brain writes down, and the more quickly time seems to pass.
Eagleman's research made headlines again this week. We've all heard the saying, "The days are long, but the years are short." And it's true: In the case of very familiar events -- like your morning commute to work -- you may even find that although it feels endless while you're sitting in traffic, looking back, you can barely recall the time passing. According to Eagleman, that's is because your brain isn't taking in much new information. Lifehacker wrote an article on a Big Think blog post about the neuroscientist, explaining why a mundane activity that feels tediously long can seem, in retrospect, to have passed by in a heartbeat.
"The reason is you didn't lay down any new footage during the flight," Eagleman wrote. "There was nothing new happening. There were no events and so when you look back on it you can't remember it at all."
British journalist Claudia Hammond echoed the idea that the amount of input our brain is receiving at any given moment can create a "time warp." An Elle review of her new book, "Time Warped: Unlocking the Mysteries of Time Perception," explained:
Humans seem to process the world in three-second increments (the duration of a handshake, the length of the annoying sound computers make when they start up, and the periodic rhythm of speech), and we develop a sense for how those increments sync with clock time. Time can warp when our brain receives much more or less input than usual in a three-second span. (For example, time slows down when you are about to crash your car, but you can easily lose a whole day watching things on YouTube.)
So the solution to the time-flying problem? Do more, or rather, notice more. It's certainly not a new idea: The essence of mindfulness -- a practice with roots in ancient Buddhist philosophy that's becoming increasingly popular in the Western world -- is cultivating a focused attention on the here and now, which science has shown can help our brains to store more information and thereby alter our perceptions of how fast time is passing.
"Mindfulness allows people to appreciate their surroundings and can lead to the feeling that time is passing more slowly," Dr. Steven Meyers, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at Roosevelt University in Chicago, tells The Huffington Post. "Paying attention to events that are pleasant or interesting certainly can enhance our mood and allows us to savor positive experiences."
Eagleman's research supports the idea that taking time to be mindful and focusing fully on the present moment -- in other words, actively noticing new things -- can actually slow down our brain's perception of time. And just as powerfully, mindless distraction can easily create the feeling that we're losing whole hours, days and months. Meyers explains that trying to avoid going through our daily routine on autopilot mode could be the best way to keep time from flying.
"Time can slip by because we are blindly going through the routine of our day," he says. "There are a range of remedies for this situation. Some people may feel a sense of accomplishment if they set personal goals for themselves and work towards them in a purposeful way. Others may need to be on the lookout for certain events -- like appreciating a kind behavior from another person -- to punctuate time passing."
Cultivating mindfulness through a meditation practice has also been shown to lower stress levels, boost cognitive functioning, and improve memory and attention. Mindfulness-based therapy has also been found to be an effective remedy for depression and anxiety.
"Attention is often affected in people who experience stress or depression -- their minds drift off as they ruminate about their problems, which can further worsen their situations," says Meyers. "[Time perception] research highlights yet another benefit of mindfulness: It allows us to better appreciate the events and people around ourselves rather than feeling like we're living our days in a blur."
Please look at this link at the Huffington Post for any references: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/10/slow-down-time_n_3567218.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Why bananas are so good for you.. honnney!




It's so important that you eat good clean meals. The more fast food you intake the harder it will be not only to loose the weight, but to have that beautiful glowing skin! Today, I worked on my little sister skin she has so much pigmentation from the sun. I did one amazing pumpkin peel on her, and her skin already looks so much healthier. Remember to moisturize morning and night!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

FAQ about Sonoslim... loose inches in your problem areas

FAQ
Click on FAQ to - check out website and learn more!


Do I have to do anything for this to be effective?

To maximize the effects of your treatment please ensure you: Drink 2 liters of filtered or spring water before and after treatment. (Not soda or carbonated water) Follow a Low GI diet with protein with every meal Exercise for at least half an hour following each treatment (preferably within 6 hours of the treatment) to stimulate lymphatic activity and follow a suitable daily exercise plan Skin brush daily before showering in between treatments. No alcohol or acetaminophen for at least 72 hours after treatment.

What can I expect during the SonoSlim treatments?

The ultrasound fat reduction treatment does not require any specific pre-treatment.  The treatment begins with circumference measurement of the target body area, before pictures, and then continues with circular movements of the ultrasound head applicator over the treatment site, and finally finishing with the after pictures.

How long does it take?

The SonoSlim Ultrasound session is scheduled for 30 minutes.  6-12 sessions spaced 1-2 weeks apart are ideal and are recommended in order to achieve the best result – further subsequent treatments may be needed to attain your desired body shape.

Does it hurt?

Generally clients consider the procedure painless however there may be mild discomfort.  As soon as you are not in contact with the ultrasound wand, the discomfort disappears.  Most clients experience warmth like a hot stone massage during the treatment. If it becomes too hot to tolerate, simply communicate this to your esthetician and she will apply more gel.
**Occasionally there is a possibility of mild side effects such as transient redness or excessive thirst immediately after the treatment which can be resolved by drinking filtered water. These are short-term effects that disappear in a few hours to a few days.

How safe is SonoSlim?

Fortunately, our licensed estheticians are highly trained, so you are in good hands.  Also, studies have shown the treatment to be safe.  There are, however, conditions that would preclude you from the ultrasound procedure.  Patients with an acute illness, compromised liver function, severe bleeding tendencies, pace makers, or pregnant patients are not candidates for this treatment.  It is important that you disclose important information on the intake forms and with your esthetician prior to your appointment.

Can this be used on Men and Women?

Yes, we see amazing results with both men and women.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Areas that are mainly treated are: Abdomen, Thighs (Inner and Outer), Buttocks, Upper arms, Lower Back and Love Handles.

When will I see results?

Most clients will see results immediately after their first treatment, and the best results will be after 3 days of having the treatment, but we do highly recommend having at least 6 treatments to maximize results and get the longevity out of the procedure.

Do I Need To Take Time Off Work?

The ultrasound treatment is non-invasive and completely safe and does not require any time off work or away from your normal activities.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

10 Bad Skin Habits

1. If you keep smoking, you'll not only damage your health, but you'll develop more and more deep wrinkles and blotchier skin tone. In fact, every decade of smoking results in an extra 2.5 years of age.



2. Now, not to take all the fun—you can still have a glass of something. But drink more than one cocktail a day, and your skin suffers. Alcohol increases the level inflammatory agents in the bloodstream—which can increase skin sagging over time.



3. Skin care doesn't stop at your jawline. These areas are almost always exposed, and yet they rarely receive same level of hydration and sun protection as the face. But the skin there is more delicate and just as vulnerable to sun exposure.





3. Why bother washing your brushes... you think. Here's why: Skip washing your brushes and you could wind up with muddied colors, clogged pores, and bacterial infections. Wash them every three weeks.



4. Don't over do it. Sorry—while squeaky-clean pores may initially feel good, harsh cleansing or too much exfoliating can actually cause more oil production and worsen breakouts by spreading bacteria.




5. Sleep deprivation causes stress, which can aggravate all skin conditions
letting skin marinate in makeup—not to mention a day's worth of oil buildup—can lead to clogged pores and zits, especially if you're prone to acne. Your body temperature increases slightly when you sleep, which can enhance absorption of whatever's on the surface. No bueno!



6. Cut the junk food, and you could see an improvement in acne in about six weeks. Instead, reach for snacks like peanut butter, nuts, and avocado—these healthy fats provide nutrients for the hair, skin, nails, and basic metabolism.



7. Not only is the skin around your eyes thinner than practically anywhere else on the body, it's also the victim of a lot of abuse. First, stop rubbing. Every time you do, you risk breaking delicate blood vessels, which leads to darkening, dulling, and thickening of the surrounding skin.



8. It's tempting... I know. But the reality is that squeezing a pimple just pushes bacteria deeper into the pores, causing inflammation, infection, and scarring—and almost doubling the zit's life span (from about one week to two).



9. Along with lifting your mood, exercise increases blood flow to the skin, causing a healthy-looking flush. Both immediately and over time, it has been shown to decrease tension, which can result in better skin. 




10. Bronzer? Fine. Self-tanner? Fine. The real thing? So not fine. In trying to protect itself from continued exposure to the sun, skin thickens and produces melanin, the pigment that darkens cells, Any pigment change from UVA or UVB light can cause premature aging and increase the likelihood of skin cancer, and tanning beds can be even worse, since they emit concentrated UVA light, which penetrates deeper than the combination of UVA and UVB rays found in sunlight. Yes, sorry I had to go there. 


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Wear sunscreen... everyday



This is a perfect example of why sunscreen is so important even when you are not directly in the sun. This truck driver spent years driving and the left side of his face shows the damaging effects of UV rays. Wear sunscreen. Everyday.

PS He didn't realize the damage until it was too late. It takes about 10 years for the evidence to start to show. 



You want healthy glowing skin this Summer...



Did you know that your skin is your biggest organ?
  • The health of your skin and the quality of your life are unalterably linked.
  • Your skin also plays a big role in that first impression you make when you meet people. 
The bottom line is that the state of your skin matters.  Make it priority to take care of it this summer.

3 simple things to do for a gorgeous, and healthy skin

  1. Eat the foods that support healthy skin and that discourage skin problems.
  2. Sun protect your skin every day so that it stays healthy and strong throughout your lifetime.
  3. Moisturize your skin to keep it working 24/7 as a strong barrier – it keeps “the outside out and the inside in” for you.



What foods you should try to eat everyday?

Eat a variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes.  They’re filled with the phytonutrients and antioxidants that your skin needs for optimal health.  Eat beta-carotene rich foods that give your skin a healthy golden glow.  These foods include carrots, yellow squash, leafy greensetc.
If you eat meats, eat mostly those high in vitamin D3 like wild caught salmon and eggs (the yolks specifically).
Eat foods rich in inflammation fighting omega 3 fatty acids; flax seeds are one of the best choices.  Addfreshly ground flax seeds to your morning cereal, smoothie or top a salad with them.
Use olive oil.  It’s been shown to reduce skin wrinkles.

How does sun protection help keep my skin healthy and strong?
When UV rays shine on your skin they cause a gradual thinning of your skin over time.  It’s why the skin on the back of a person’s arms can become so fragile later in life that it tears and bruises easily.  It’s also why the sun causes wrinkles.  This thinning is, for the most part, irreversible.  It’s not just a summer tan that’s harmful, the daily incidental exposure you get from running errands and living on a sunny planet add up too.
Freckling and age spots are often an early sign of sun damage.   They too are hard to reverse.  Skin cancer is the sun exposure skin problem we all know about, but it’s not the only bad consequence of daily sun exposure.
What does moisturizing have to do with my skin barrier?
Your skin gives you terrific protection from the outside world.  It keeps an infinite number of harmful or harsh chemicals out (solvents, housecleaning products, germs, etc.) and it keeps your precious vital fluids in (your body is made up mostly of water and your skin is sort of like a water balloon holding it all in!).
This important skin barrier is protected by layers of dead cells and lipids (oils) that help keep your skin healthy and hydrated and its barrier strong.  When your skin is dry, that important barrier begins to weaken.  Harmful chemicals are more likely to penetrate (think dishpan hands).  The more damaged your skin becomes, the more it dries out.  When it’s really damaged it will actually blister and leak (think poison oak, a “rub burn” that feels sticky or severe eczema that weeps).
This is why its so important to use a great well known product. Eat healthy, cleanse the face, moisturize it and protect it from the sun. 
Dr. Bailey provided some of this information on her website.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Extrano demasado el sol!


Eternamente en mi ser... sin ti sol yo no existo. Mi felicidad es completa contigo illuminado mis dias. Porfavor no te vallas. Recuérdame ser agradecida con lo que tengo. Staying humble because with out that we have nothing and maybe their is a possibility that we loose are selves little by little.... then we do not exists at all... then what would be the point of living..?




Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I'm done!

You know your done... when it's graduation time! I'm so happy my beautiful family came out to see me some even drove hours. I truly have the best support system ever! We are defiantly not perfect, but we love each other dearly.  I also just found out that I passed my practical! I'm hoping to receive my Esthetic License in the mail soon. This year is all about working to pay off that student loan.





Monday, February 25, 2013

New look... Love Sophia Amoruso


This is Sophia Amoruso, she inspired me to cut my hair off. I love this women. She is all business. CEO of Nasty Gal. Watch her video she is amazing!



This is me a little frightened about getting a short haircut...




Love my new look! 



At Evergreen Beauty College with Whitney Hart, Myself, Rosa Cortes and Rachel Rogers

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Esthetics love it...

So, you make ask... Did I find my passion? Yes! Yes! Yes, I did! I'm only a few more days from graduating top of my class.... to becoming an Esthetician. I'm over the moon. I love everything that has to do with skin physiology, as well as the beauty side of it. I can talk about it for hours. Right now my goal is to work for a high end salon, and stay with the for as long as possible to learn new techniques and grow within a company. I want to have a stable lifestyle and career.  I'm all business now! I have a planner that I absolutely love.  I purchased with other girls in class. Sometimes we just sit there, and we hold it because we are just so excited to be planning whats to come of our new careers. I defiantly did not come from a financially stable home, but let me tell you! I'm no games when it comes to getting the best for my career. Its strictly business from head to shoes. I want to be the best and soak up as much knowledge as I possible can. So that I have the right education, and understand whats expected of me. I'm still that crazy- fun Latina people love to be around with, but with many priorities, and responsibilities to myself. I'm at a great place in my life! I have a great support system. I want follow this career that I'm completely in love with in see what extraordinary things are to come of it.


Pictures at school: Halloween Day October 2012

The understanding of reality...

Wow! I can't believe that its been over a year since I last posted. Crazy! Life really goes by so fast the older you get. So much has changed I don't even know where to start. I miss the sun tremendously my goodness. I didn't think I would miss it this much, but oh boy! I miss it like an old man misses he's wife when she's gone for good. The upside to that is that I know in the future. I will once again live in paradise. That is a promise to myself expect for this time. I will be a business women and not a girl that was so carefree, and hated to work. All I used to think about before was how I was not going to be part of corporate society and get sucked into brands, tv and 8 - 5 job. I loved what I stood for, and I fell in love with such an amazing man in the process. He inspired me and opened my eyes. To follow a passion something that I love doing. Keeping me grounded all the time. I was scared for he's life because he was a police federally. I dealt with the fear of him not coming home because he's life was on the line everyday he left that front door. After much planning we decided to move to the states. He's first time in the USA. It was not easy a lot of fighting and I mean a lot of fighting happened. He changed everything for me. I expected him to smile, love it, and appreciate me. How selfish of me. A moment of realization came to me when he went back once we decide we needed a break. I realized I needed to be patient, and much more understanding with him this was not only a different country culture, and language, but as well as starting over. He had lived a very comfortable lifestyle, and was respected everywhere he went. To transition from that to general labor. He is so realistic with all of our conversation sometimes I question he's age. He never hides from fear or hard times. He faces them straight on, and I'm there to assist him in pushing thru.  Now its different we talk all the time. I love him for not changing who he is, and dressing like a fifty year old mountain hiker, and  for calling me out when I'm out of line. We have the same dreams. We talk about them constantly. I love it that he doesn't want to change me either. Life is about loving yourself and loving those around you, being surround by positive people that will push you to find your dreams and helping you make them a reality.