Lifestyle Weblog

26 Jun

Snake Venom in Cosmetics

Posted in Beauty&Style on 26.06.11 by Merlyn

Snake Venom in Cosmetics
© nastia (New Flickr Account – see profile)

While most research points to the dangerous consequences that can result when humans mix with snake venom, there are also some interesting studies that point to the positives, including beneficial uses in cosmetics. While snake venom is not to be found in the popular brand of lip gloss named DuWop Lip Venom, it can indeed be found in synthetic form in other high end cosmetic products.

Snake venom can cause muscles to relax, yet the evidence to equate its benefits to Botox appear sketchy at best. Still, brands like Syn-ake are calling their products a cheaper version of Botox and feature a peptide complex that mimics the neuromuscular blocking compound found in the Temple Viper snake's venom. It can now be found in several expensive creams, and celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Cheryl Cole, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham have all reportedly used synthetic snake venom products.

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24 Oct

Is Downsizing Your Lifestyle a Bad Financial Move?

Posted in Did you know, Places on 24.10.11 by Merlyn

Is Downsizing Your Lifestyle a Bad Financial Move?
© Molly DG

In the last several years, amidst record numbers in foreclosures, many have remained hesitant to invest their money in a house. There are contrasting bits of advice all over the place. Some say it's better to take advantage of low interest rates and get a good deal on a house. Others say it's better to wait it out until the market bares an increase in financial stability. A lot of people have been faced with this difficult decision, and with any choice, there are myriad factors to consider. Weighing the costs of buying versus renting is central to deciding whether or not to downsize your lifestyle or invest in your future.
If you're someone who's already renting a house or apartment then you're already aware that every month you put down money that you won't ever see again. This can be tough for people who feel that renting is just throwing good money after bad but it definitely has its benefits.
PROS FOR RENTERS:
If you're renting then there's already a ton of expenses that you don't have to worry about. Property taxes, monthly mortgages, and bigger energy costs can dwindle what little resources you already have to a trickle. Many had a hard time affording a home in the first place and this is what prompted many to sell or foreclose on their home and move into more modest living conditions.
People who were faced with a smaller area to inhabit simply used self-storage facilities, like Kansas City storage, to house the belongings they wanted to keep but no longer had the room for. There are ways around any issue and self-storage has proved incredibly beneficial.
Now if you're buying a home that comes with additional costs that many aren't aware of and can end up bleeding you dry. Closing costs can end up being multiple thousands of dollars and a majority of banks and lenders require large down payments, some as much as 10 percent of the home's cost, just to apply for a mortgage.
PROS FOR HOME BUYERS:
The simple fact of the matter is that, for people who decide to buy a home, you're investing in your financial future when you buy. Getting into the market now while rates are incredibly low afford consumers more house for their money than every before. The housing market is hurting right now and many properties are just sitting idle and costing banks tons of money. This has motivated many property holders to slash prices and give more than reasonable rates of interest to prospective buyers.
Putting your money into a house builds up equity. Over the years the money that you put into your house builds up your holdings and ensures another safety net for when you retire. Reverse mortgages have been used to great affect in the last 10 years or so and primarily used by retired individuals to supplement their monthly expenses.
Buying isn't necessarily a bad move but one that should be taken with forethought and consideration. Before you just decide to buy first think about the alternatives. Make sure that you're factoring in all of your monthly expenses and see what you can actually afford, especially before you end up tying yourself down to a thirty-year mortgage. If you do buy then shop around for the best rates and only buy what you can afford in order to avoid the mistakes so many have made in recent years.

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02 Sep

Is makeup totally essential?

Posted in Beauty&Style on 02.09.11 by Merlyn

Is makeup totally  essential?
© notafish

People are now getting conscious of their looks and personality, as it can have a long lasting impression. Makeup, to some extent can help you in looking beautiful, but to have a beautiful lifestyle, you have to make some changes in your daily routine. Following are few tips so as to wake up as well as stay fresh and beautiful whole day.

Wake up early in the morning. Avoid staying awake late at night as it might disrupt your digestive system.
Have plenty of water as it helps in flushing out all the impurities in your body.
Have a regular exercise every day. The type of your exercise depends on your age. So take care not to exhaust yourself. Wash your face at regular intervals as it helps to make your look fresh and also removes unwanted toxins from your face. Try to avoid heavy makeup. If it is not possible, then at least remove it completely before you sleep. Apply some moisturizing cream so as to soften your skin.x

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