Stay healthy!

Well, I am back from my short-lived "technology break" and I have to say I missed communicating with all of my dedicated friends/readers.

One of the biggest things on everyone's mind this week is the Swine Flu outbreak that has spread across our country and many parts of the world. Many people are wondering how much of the information we hear is true and how much is simply media hype. The fact is that the Swine Flu has reached the United States and there are simple things we can all do to avoid becoming a victim.

I found some great information on how you can stay healthy through this outbreak and any others that might follow

Preparing Yourself For Swine Flu: What To Do Now

The recent trend of events suggests that time and luck may be running out. It would be prudent, then, to assume that a pandemic is on its way. If it doesn’t materialize over the next few weeks, we will be better educated and prepared when the next one does.

Our country has proven capable of preparing for the unthinkable. Nothing has been spared in the fight against terrorism. And while the pandemic will not be intentional, no one could imagine a worse form of biological terror.

Happy Good Friday....and Happy Easter....

Happy Easter to everyone who reads my blog....To fellow Christians, may Jesus' great sacrifice have a wonderful impact on your lives...never forget what he did for us all...

To my Jewish friends, let us praise and worship the God of Abraham....may your promised land of Israel forever be blessed....I hope and pray that we have not elected a President that refuses to come to your aid when you are in need.... ....for the nation that does not come to the aid of Jerusalem will falter.

To Muslims out there, The Koran is nothing more than a novel, Allah did nothing, Allah is nothing....so dream on!

Make Up and Age

There are three general reasons why we women wear makeup. The first reason is to protect our skin from harmful ultraviolet rays that cause skin damage and aging. Most makeup products nowadays have SPF which shields the skin from ultraviolet exposure. The second reason why we women wear makeup is to hide whatever blemishes we have on our face. It could be wrinkles, puffy eyelids, pimples, dark spots, an unsightly mole or birthmark, or whatever it is that we need to hide. Makeup conceals and takes the eyes away from these problem areas by putting highlights on the other, more presentable features of our face.

The third reason why women wear makeup is to enhance the best features of the face. Beautiful eyes deserve to be made more beautiful with a few tricks with the mascara and eye shadow. Naturally pouting lips should be made to look more luscious and kissable.

But whatever reason we may have for wearing makeup, the most important thing to remember is that we should keep our makeup as naturally looking as possible and that we should wear makeup that suits our age.

The following is a general guide on what kind of makeup should a woman wear according to her age.

Teenagers (15-19). If you are in your teenage years, your greatest asset is your youth, so you should wear makeup that plays up your youth instead of hiding it. You are also at that point in your life where your hormones are still trying to get their groove going, so the cosmetic products you are using should not be a cause for acne breakouts.

Given these, your foundation should be sheer, oil-free and water-based. Opt for a natural look by using natural looking eye shadows, and go easy on the mascara. For your blush on, try a gel blush to get that natural glow on your face; however, use a powder blush if your skin is oily. Keep your lipstick or lip gloss lightly tinted.

Twenties (20-29). You are in the bloom of your womanhood, and so your makeup should reflect that. So, go light on the foundation and match the colors you use for your eyes with the natural color of your eyes, your skin tone, as well as the mood you are in. Tone down your makeup when going to work by wearing a light powder blush and a lightly tinted lipstick. For affairs in the evening, like a date, a party or a night out with friends, you can use brighter colors.

Thirties(30 -39). This is when the initial, telltale signs of aging like crows' feet and fine lines begin to appear. Therefore, you should start toning the palette of your makeup down. It is also time to go a little on the heavy side with your foundation, but wear your blushers in more muted colors. Avoid wearing frosted makeup to keep the attention away from the small wrinkles and fine lines.

Forties (40-49). The signs of aging become more apparent at this age. You should, therefore, start wearing makeup that is kind to your skin. Begin using an oil-based foundation if your skin is dry and put a light base over the wrinkles of your face, in case you have any. Start using concealer creams more generously over the dark spots and dark circles, and steer clear from frosted or metallic eye shadow, especially if you have puffy eyes. Use softer colors for your cheeks.

Fifties and above (50+). This is the time you should start letting yourself age gracefully. Therefore, be kind to your face and avoid the kinds of makeup that are matte-based. Never opt for frosty, shiny or metallic colors for your eyes because it will only highlight the puffiness and the wrinkles. Keep your lipstick colors light and never even attempt to wear blue or red colors.