Amazing Skin Care Product: Nerium AD

Never have I been so amazed by skin care product as I have with this one. It's called Nerium AD. I've just started using it for about 5 days now, and my skin has changed dramatically! Everyone knows that I used to work with a plastic surgeon, so I know all the "ins" and "outs" of skin care, but never have I seen a product like this one! You start to see results in just 5 days of using it!

It helps with: fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (when you have dark spots on your skin), uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, aging or sun-damaged skin.

For me, it has gotten rid of all my acne, and my acne scars are hardly noticeable, and it has only been 5 days of using it!! The large pores on my nose and cheeks are gone! And it also gets rid of all black heads!
My skin looks & feels like it did when I was like... 12 years old.

And the awesome part about this product is you only have to use this ONE product. There's not a lot of stuff you have to use, and you only apply it at night! I am using this to replace ALL of my skin care products! I just wash my face and then apply this serum at night. Your skin just looks so different in the morning after using it! And for those of you who don't have trouble skin, this serum seriously just improves overall skin texture!

I am a medical professional, and trust me, it takes A LOT to amaze me this much! I am so glad that I found this product because I don't have to worry about acne, large pores, blackheads and other annoying spots on my skin anymore. You guys seriously have to try this! I can give you a sample of it too!

I'll keep you updated on my further usage of this product, but seriously, only 5 days!

Dealing With Winter Blues

Does the winter time make you sad or depressed? There are a lot of people who undergo mood changes which can range from mild "fall/winter blues" to severe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can mostly be attributed to the decrease in daylight that occurs during the fall and winter months. This decrease actually causes hormonal changes in your body, which can affect your mood significantly. And of course, if you live in Seattle, you never see the sun!


SAD is a serious disorder that is a subtype of Major Depressive Disorder in which your life can severely be burdened by low mood, fatigue, anxiety, reduced sex drive and many more symptoms. SAD is really just a tiny aspect of the entire realm of depression. Many of us experience similar but less severe symptoms which makes us just short of being clinically depressed. And I think that's just, well, sad!      


Here's a few things you can do to prevent or treat symptoms of SAD:       


1. Don't hit the snooze button. Oversleeping, even if on the weekends, causes your circadian rhythms to drift later, which can cause the lethargy and SAD symptoms associated with winter.


2. You should eat at the same time daily and never after 8 p.m. for dinner. Just as with light, our circadian rhythms respond to meal times as well.


3. To counter the season's reduction in light, create it by purchasing a light-therapy box (a box that emits bright light that mimics natural outdoor light, which is more intense than normal household. I believe anybody can benefit from light therapy. It's just a highly convenient and effective breakfast-table routine. By the time you're done with your eggs and the paper, you'll likely have received enough therapy to prevent any mood shifts and stay energetic throughout the day. I recommend light boxes that have been clinically tested and provide a broad field of illumination from above the line of sight.
Also, UV radiation should be filtered out, and the light should be smoothly diffused, to eliminate glaring bright spots.


4. To a lesser extent, indoor light can also help combat symptoms of SAD. But you don't need full-spectrum light bulbs. Instead of scouring the aisles for full-spectrum bulbs, I suggest you choose light bulbs based on color temperature ratings. A color temperature around 4100 Kelvin is ideal. Higher color temperatures of 5500 Kelvin and above should be avoided.


Still feeling blue, despite actively trying to brighten your days? You may have clinical depression. To get an objective assessment of where you fall on the seasonal-depression spectrum, check out the Center for Environmental Therapeutics' Personal Inventory for Depression and SAD, an online symptom self-assessment at www.cet.org. And, of course, consult your doctor.

How To Give A Good Compliment and Boost Your Self-Esteem

There’s nothing like a warm, sincere compliment to make your day. Instead of waiting for one, why not give one out? Take it from me, the more you give, the more you find you’ll receive.

1) Make your compliment specific.

“That necklace looks really good on you” makes a bigger impact compared to “you look really good today”. The more specific, the better it makes the person feel like you notice them.

2) Back up your compliment.

Don’t just stop at “that necklace looks really good on you.” Your compliment becomes stronger when you say why you think so: “that necklace looks really good on you because it matches your eyes."

3) Ask a question with your compliment.

And if you want to use it as a conversational starter, ask a question about the subject of your compliment: “that necklace looks really good on you because it matches your eyes. Where did you find it?”

Why Giving Compliments Raises Your Self-Esteem:

It takes confidence and self-esteem to notice good things about others and to make the first caring move to tell them about it. 

When I first started giving compliments, I was awkward and shy about it. I kept wondering if I would offend them in some way or make people suspicious about what I wanted from them.

I’ve since discovered that a sincere compliment is always a boost to someone’s day. There will be those that reject it or will even argue with you, but that’s usually their problem and not yours. A compliment is like a gift, if someone doesn’t want your gift, you’ll still end up owning it. The best way to accept one is also like a gift, just say, "thank you."

You’ll also find when you start noticing good things about people, you’ll notice more good things about yourself as well! And the more you do, the more your own self-esteem will grow.

Ti Nhong

walking away...

I think I'm missing somebody.

I find myself struggling with words this morning, trying to express how I feel.  I'm missing someone a lot.  I'm missing the little things that mean so much to me.  Glancing over to see if she is online so we can talk or chat.  Hearing her voice, hearing her laugh.  Checking to see if she has had time to write.  Looking to see if she's posted anything that I can read online.

I would like to know if I will hear her voice again.  I'm trying to be strong.  She has her own life to live, her own family to be with, just as I have my own.  But I am missing her terribly...  I just hope she is enjoying the time with her family and everyone else.

I see her when I close my eyes, but it's not enough.  I hear her voice in the back of my head, but it isn't the same... And I know that she'd tell me I'm obsessed because of all of this. And I'd admit that I am.  I couldn't, wouldn't deny it...

But at least I feel and see her when I close my eyes and dream.  I know my love for her is so strong and true-- she completes me.  Even if we can't talk, I know she's there. 

The only thing is it hurts knowing that we were so close, and I had so much to say and tell her.

But now... all I can do is watch her walk away from me. 

I will be okay though. I just need to realize that it's time for me to walk away too. I'm walking away from the troubles-- to find a better day. I'm sorry to say, but... I'm walking away. 

the purpose of life

Take a moment to think about this question, "Are you living your dreams?"

If the answer is no, then ask yourself, "why not?" Life is short, and you never know when it will come to an end. Do you really want to say that you lived a life of unfulfilled dreams?

But "hold it!" you say, "I'm waiting for the perfect time" or "I'm waiting for the perfect situation." All this waiting is an excuse not to go out and try. Or, maybe it's not that you are "waiting" per se, but rather that you are afraid.

So, what are you afraid of? Are you afraid of making a mistake? Afraid of making the wrong choice? Are you afraid that you may not be good enough, or that the people around you might laugh at your dreams, or won't support you? Are your fears enough to stop you?

And what happens if you do end up living your dreams? Are you afraid that once you get there, then you'll have to live them? Meaning that what you've been talking about for so long will now come to fruition and you might not actually succeed?

I find that fear is the number one reason that people do not live their dreams. Fear holds us back, sometimes paralyzing us, and prevents us from moving forward. But, when you look back at your life, what do you want it to be about? Do you want to say, "I could have" or "I did"? The choice is yours. What legacy do you want to leave behind?

check your compass periodically

I will be celebrating another birthday this August 5th and, as I occasionally do, I glanced over my shoulder to see where I've come from, and then peered ahead to confirm where I was going. Priorities change, situations change, views change, and I find it comforting to check my compass periodically and make sure I'm still on course for what I desire.
Such is my life: a series of adventures within adventures. Each having its own course and destination. Why the planning and periodic comfirmations? It lessens my angst about where I'm going, and helps me get back on track if I get blown off course. It's life right? So storms are always possible.
There are lots of ways to stay on track. I write my goals and steps to get there in a little yellow book. Whether I've got too much on my plate and need to prioritize or too little and need to fill free time, my action is the same. I glance at my goals and get really honest with myself about whether I'm doing the right things to achieve them. If something is missing, I add it. If something is unnecessary, it's gone.
Life is too short to just be busy without being productive. No matter what the goal, whether it's your health, wealth or something else, choose your destination, set your course, and check your compass every once in a while. You'll thank yourself for it!
Yeah, another birthday... I'm gettin' old!

Vitamins Essential for YOU

Women 20 to 40:  

D3: 1000 IU daily.

F (folate): 800 mcg daily. (can also be known as folic acid, folicin, or vitamin B9)

Niacin: at least 30 mg daily, preferably more. (check with your doctor if you are on a statin drug)

Pantothenic acid: 300 mg daily.

Calcium: 500 mg twice a day in divided doses (you cannot absorb more than 600 mg at a time)

Magnesium: 400 mg daily.

Selenium: 200 mcg daily.

Potassium: 4 fruit servings plus a normal diet should do it.

Omega-3: 1 gm of distilled fish oil or 6 walnuts daily.

Co-enzyme Q-10: 200 mg daily if on a statin, hypertensive, or diabetic.

Women 40 to 50:

D3: 1000 IU daily.

F (folate): 400 mcg daily. (can also be known as folic acid, folicin, or vitamin B9)

Niacin: at least 30 mg daily, preferably more. (check with your doctor if you are on a statin drug)
Pantothenic acid: 300 mg daily.
Calcium: 600 mg three-times a day in divided doses (you cannot absorb more than 600 mg at a time)
Magnesium: 400 mg daily.
Selenium: 200 mcg daily.
Potassium: 4 fruit servings plus a normal diet should do it.
Omega-3: 1 gm of distilled fish oil or 6 walnuts daily.
Co-enzyme Q-10: 200 mg daily if on a statin, hypertensive, or diabetic.
Aspirin: 162 mg a day (check with your doctor) with 2 glasses of warm water.

Women 50 and up:
D3: 1000 IU daily.
Pantothenic acid: 300 mg daily.
Calcium: 600 mg three-times a day in divided doses (you cannot absorb more than 600 mg at a time)
Magnesium: 600 mg daily.
Selenium: 200 mcg daily.
Potassium: 4 fruit servings plus a normal diet should do it.
Omega-3: 1 gm of distilled fish oil or 6 walnuts daily.
Co-enzyme Q-10: 200 mg daily if on a statin, hypertensive, diabetic, or if over 62.
Aspirin: 162 mg a day (check with your doctor) with 2 glasses of warm water.

Men 20 to 35:
D3: 1000 IU daily.
Pantothenic acid: 300 mg daily.
Calcium: 500 mg twice daily (you cannot absorb more than 600 mg at a time)
Magnesium: 400 mg daily.
Selenium: 200 mcg daily.
Zinc: 15 mg daily.
Potassium: 4 fruit servings plus a normal diet should do it.
Omega-3: 1 gm of distilled fish oil or 6 walnuts daily.
Co-enzyme Q-10: 200 mg daily if on a statin, hypertensive, or diabetic.

Men 35 to 50:
D3: 1000 IU daily.
Pantothenic acid: 300 mg daily.
Calcium: 600 mg twice daily (you cannot absorb more than 600 mg at a time)
Magnesium: 400 mg daily.
Selenium: 200 mcg daily.
Zinc: 15 mg daily.
Potassium: 4 fruit servings plus a normal diet should do it.
Tumeric: As much as you want but at least 1/2 teaspoon of strong mustard or a curry dish daily.
Omega-3: 1 gm of distilled fish oil or 6 walnuts daily.
Co-enzyme Q-10: 200 mg daily if on a statin, hypertensive, or diabetic.
Aspirin: 162 mg a day (check with your doctor) with 2 glasses of warm water.

Men 50 and up:
D3: 1000 IU daily.
Pantothenic acid: 300 mg daily.
Calcium: 600 mg twice daily (you cannot absorb more than 600 mg at a time)
Magnesium: 400 mg daily.
Selenium: 200 mcg daily.
Potassium: 4 fruit servings plus a normal diet should do it.
Acetyl-L: 750 mg twice daily (while this one comes in dehydrated beef protein, Carnitine, that's not so appetizing, so I recommend the supplement.
Tumeric: As much as you want but at least 1/2 teaspoon of strong mustard or a curry dish daily.
Omega-3: 1 gm of distilled fish oil or 6 walnuts daily.
Co-enzyme Q-10: 200 mg daily if on a statin, hypertensive, diabetic, or if over 62.
Aspirin: 162 mg a day (check with your doctor) with 2 glasses of warm water.

Remember, it's always best to get these nutrients naturally through your diet, but if you are unable to eat nutritiously, be sure to supplement your diet accordingly. Please discuss any changes to your diet with your primary care provider! Good luck!

about feeling alone

Of the many studies I have read concerning health and longevity, they have all agreed that people in relationships were generally healthier and lived longer than those who weren't. Yet, there are people out there, on their own, who live long, happy, and healthy lives. Others, surrounded by friends and family, are miserable and die young. How is this possible?

Perhaps these studies could have looked at the data in a different way. What if they divided surveyed people into two groups-- those in a healthy relationship with themselves, and those who were not? After all, some of my best mentors and pastors taught me that if you don't love yourself, you can't really love another.

Have you seen this? People, content with themselves, glow when alone and shine even more when they are partnered? Conversely, people, unhappy with themselves, look discontent no matter where they are or who they're with. What if feeling alone is all about attitude and not about the lack of actual company? I've known some awfully lonely people who were physically surrounded by others. At times, I've been one of those folks.

I think it happens to many of us throughout our lives. We have moments when it seems nobody is cheering for us, not even ourselves. It's important to see those times as just passing moments, something that we experience and move beyond. We need to be there for ourselves, and we need to know that He is always there for us even when we feel most alone. We are never really alone because when we eagerly seek Him, He continually reveals Himself to us. After all this time, I have finally come to understand that it's when I'm alone that I begin to realize that I am NOT.

Another summer day has come and gone away-- in Paris and Rome, but I want to go home...

"I may be surrounded by a million people, but I still feel all alone. I just want to go home."

I've been away from home since the beginning of my freshman year in college: 2004, and I haven't returned back to my parents-- back to where I called "home" before Seattle. When I was home, I wanted to leave so badly-- to experience being on my own and to escape from the ever-so-tight grasp of my parents. I wanted to be educated, to think new ideas, and discover a new "me," but now I feel that I've done all that.

"Another aeroplane-- another sunny place-- I'm lucky, I know, but I want to go home."

I miss having a simple life where I didn't have to worry about rushing to the coffee shop every morning and driving thirty minutes to work. I miss having dinner ready and parents who are always there to lecture me in the evenings-- being a child.

"Another summer day has come and gone away-- in Paris and Rome, but I want to go home..."

It might be time for me to return home.