Water Recipe?

Hi All:
Penny thought it would be cool to try a new recipe...not my usual summer cocktail experimentation (LOL)...but instead a new way to increase my WATER intake this summer. Recently I caught a segment of the Dr. Oz show that featured nutritional coach Kym Lyon's 10-day Ultimate Plan to to Trim Fat for Good. The plan has four pretty simple steps. Step 1 is called the Fat Flush Water. Here is what I saw on the show and found on the Dr Oz website:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/ultimate-10-day-plan-trim-fat-good

Step 1: Flush Fat

Fat Flush Water

To cleanse your system, Kim Lyons’ special 5-ingredient Fat Flush Water is simple to make and tastes great. Besides its main ingredient of water, the Fat Flush contains grapefruit that’s loaded with vitamin C to help your body turn fat into fuel. The tangerine increases your sensitivity to insulin, stabilizes blood sugar, and stimulates genes to burn fat. Cucumber helps you feel full and acts as a natural diuretic, which means less bloating and water retention. And lastly, it has peppermint, which is not only refreshing but also promotes better digestion and stomach calm. Make a big pitcher of Fat Flush Water every morning. The longer it sits, the better it will taste.

Fat Flush Water
Ingredients, per 8-ounce serving

Water
1 slice grapefruit
1 tangerine
½ cucumber, sliced
2 peppermint leaves
Ice

Directions: Combine ingredients in a large pitcher. Drink at least one 8 ounce glass three times a day before each meal for 10 days straight.

Penny figured if I have to drink more water anyway, why not drink water that has additional nutritional value. So I got my pretty summer pitcher at Target ($5.99), bought the ingredients at Trader Joe's, and drank my new water cocktail all day yesterday. I'm still getting used to the taste as the longer the fruits and veggies stay in the water, the more it becomes flavored. If you're one of those people that puts lemon in their water, then this will be a breeze. (Or one of those people who like infused vodka...same concept. LOL). Some people make a fresh batch daily as recommended; some add fresh ingredients every other day. I doubt I will drink all of that water in one day so I may make a fresh batch every other day...we'll see how it goes. I do plan to drink more than the required amount, therefore I plan to take this water with me every where....to work...on the road, etc. I'm really hoping this flush works and helps to eliminate/reduce the edema (swelling) I get almost daily in my ankles, and feet. Yesterday I think I was a bit dehydrated so even though I went to the bathroom a few times, it didn't really feel like I was 'flushing' my system. But I will keep at it and see how it goes for the next couple weeks. Let me know if you have tried the fat flush water before and how it worked for you.  Now if I could only complete the other 3 steps in the 10-day program I will be off to a great start this summer. LOL!

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
P
******SEE COMMENTS BELOW FOR UPDATE******

Toxic Tips?

Hi!
As a follow up to my last post (May 7) about nail polish I thought it would be a good idea to share some other, not so fun nail news. Penny thinks it's important for all to know the good and bad of the things we like to consume. What you do with the information is your business of course (goodness knows Penny has her own share of vices). LOL!

Butter London, Bright Teal

For years the 'dangers' of nail polish has been in the news, but it seems to be increasing in recent years as nail polish manufacturers create new (and improved?) formulas. Manufacturers are also creating more polishes and techniques that you can do 'at home,' so many may be skipping the hassle of the nail salon appointment, and exposing themselves to these dangers more frequently. So it's important to hear about the latest debate on the toxic chemicals found in nail polishes and maybe learn about brands to avoid. You might want to become an ingredient reader like Penny, and choose a less harmful polish since there are so many good ones on the market.

LATEST NEWS:
The latest is news is that some brands have been 'mis labeled' and that harmful chemicals do exist in their polishes. Those most susceptible to their dangers (which could include cancer and birth defects) are the nail technicians and anyone working in a nail salon. A study was done in California by the Dept. of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) that showed several brands said they were free of the toxic chemicals but still showed trace amounts of them. The DTSC is recommending that all nail polish companies be required to disclose all of their ingredients. However, polish manufacturers say the report is misleading because the FDA allows these chemicals in small doses. (read full story...)

Tip Top Tips

Hi all:
Penny decided to take a break from talking techniques to share some interesting tips about keeping your tips in tip top shape! At brunch today with some of my lovely lady friends we started talking about nail polish and how to get a long-lasting manicure (sans a gel manicure). As many of you know Penny has a penchant for manicures and pedicures. Yes...every two weeks it's a must. I'm a little fanatical about it too. If I break a nail that's an emergency trip to the nail salon (9-1-1)...that same day. LOL! If I choose a color and don't really like it a few days later...that could be a trip for a polish change. Fanatical I said. LOL! So that explains my over 40 bottles of nail polish in my 'at home' collection...don't judge. :-) You see, there are definite advantages to taking your own polishes to the nail salon:


Gouda Gouda Two Shoes-OPI
(courtesy Fashion Polish)

• You always have the color you want to wear. NOTE: You should take your own top coat and base coat as well.
• You don't have to worry about contamination (i.e. bacteria infections, etc) NOTE: You may want to purchase your own manicure/pedicure kit for hygienic purposes as well.
• You don't have to worry about the polish getting thick and polish thinner being used (which sometimes alters the wearability of your polish).

That last point brings me to the real discussion today. Wearability. More specifically top coats. Penny has had acrylics or silk wraps for many years so my polishes last long without showing too much wear. However, I have noticed that all top coats are not created equal. By the way, I have researched the wearability of polishes on natural nails too, so this information is for all. (read full story...)