How to Effectively Reduce Belly Fat

By: Rebecca Welch
Jelly Belly. Love Handles. Dunlap Disease. Whatever you want to call it, the excess fat around your midsection that wiggles and jiggles in all the wrong places just isn't pretty. Not only is belly fat unattractive, it can be downright dangerous to your health. Extra fat carried around your abdomen can increase your risk of heart disease. With so many pills, potions and programs flooding the weight loss industry today, many people are left feeling just plain confused about how to effectively reduce belly fat.

The first thing you must know about how to effectively reduce belly fat is that there is no magic bullet when it comes to weight loss. Reducing body fat levels requires a three pronged approach that doesn't come from popping diet pills or gulping down foul tasting drinks. Belly fat also won't come off by trying to spot reduce only doing sit-ups or crunches. It's just not possible to spot reduce, so don't waste your time.

So, the question remains, how do you effectively reduce belly fat? Here is a safe, practical three pronged approach to get rid of belly fat.

1. Healthy Meals. Notice the word diet isn't part of the equation. That's because the word diet conjures up visions of carrots and celery and not much else. The word diet gives us nightmares of deprivation and hunger, and that's not the image we're looking for with permanent weight loss. Just because the word diet isn't used does not mean you're free to gorge on junk food at will. Healthy meals consist of lean protein, lots of vegetables, whole grains and some fruit. Your should consistantly choose foods that are as close as possible to their natural state.

2. Cardiovascular Exercise. Regular cardiovascular exercise will reduce body fat levels. Where should you start? Wallking is great cardio! Put your shoes on and get moving for at least 30 minutes per day. It doesn't matter how fast or how far you walk in the beginning, the most important point is that you're moving your body aerobically on a regular basis. If you don't enjoy walking then ride a bike, rollerskate, jog, run. Participate in whatever aerobic activity you enjoy.

3. Lift Weights. Yes, you did read that correctly! If you're wondering what lifting weights has to do with effectively reducing belly fat, then read on. Regular weight lifting has several beneficial effects for those folks trying to reduce their body fat levels. Muscles burn extra calories. The more muscle you carry on your frame, the more calories you burn in a 24 hour period which translates into extra fat burning power. Muscles take up about one third less space than fat. Muscles give you the power to carry on your daily activities more effectively and with energy to spare.

Learning how to effectively reduce belly fat isn't a difficult task. The three principle keys to getting rid of your gut rely on diet, cardiovascular exercise and weight lifting on a regular basis. Remember, you didn't sprout belly fat overnight and you can't get rid of belly fat in a day, but you can reduce belly fat if you're willing to put forth a bit of
effort.
About the Author
Get your risk free trial of the best plan to effectively reduce belly fat. reshape your body regardless of age, gender, or metabolic type. See more tips about how to get fit and how to stay fit.

(ArticlesBase SC #65679)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - How To Effectively Reduce Belly Fat

Spa Style Facials-Do at Home Naturally

By: Kim Snyder
Facials are one of the most common types of skincare. Its important to give yourself a facial because your face is always exposed to the environment and everyone sees your face.
A spa facial is more than just cleansing your skin, it softens your skin and with  the massage that you receive, it helps with tension as well. A spa facial gives you relief from the tension you feel in your forehead, around your eyes and mouth  which can have a relaxing effect on your whole body.
Spa facials generally include no less than five steps:
Cleansing
Exfoliating
Mask
Massage
Moisturizing.
To give yourself a spa style facial at home you need to get together all the ingredients you want to be using. Pick a cleanser that is most suited for your skin type.
You can create your own exfoliants from certain fruits and other products you may have in your kitchen.
Papaya is a natural exfoliant when its mashed together with a tsp. of honey. It may also irritate your skin so please test first.
To create a tightening mask you will need a clay or clay like product. For a soothing and nourishing mask try dry milk powder, mixed with lemon, honey and oatmeal enough of  each to create a paste.
Mashed bananas and avocadoes have a natural oil making them great for moisturizing masks.  For dry skin mash enough ripe avocado to make 2 tsp. and blend it with 1 tsp honey. Spread over all your face avoiding your eye area and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
For exfoliating, moisturizing mask and may prevent acne scarring, try wheat germ! For dry skin you will need:
1 tsp wheat germ
2 tsp honey
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp almond oil enough to create a paste. Gently massage into your face and neck avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes then go onto your next step in your spa style facial at home. Extra tip about wheat germ, to help reduce possible scarring caused by severe acne try massaging a few drops of wheat germ oil into your skin after cleansing. Do it every night.
You will want to experiment first to make sure you are not sensitive to any of the ingredients you have in mind to use. Like wraps and scrubs, a facial should be done no more than once a week.
Great skin always has a healthy looking glow that reflects the time and effort you devote to it.  Anyone who wants to maintain a healthy looking glow to their skin can benefit by giving yourself a spa style facial at home. And it saves you money as well!
About the Author
Copyright 2008 Kim Snyder Overall Beauty Offering organic/naturally handcrafted skincare, bath & body products and gift sets. Check out our pure Overall Beauty Minerals makeup line and other products we offer with your well-being in mind. Take a break today, Visit OverallBeauty.com!

(ArticlesBase SC #604833)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Spa Style Facials ~ Do at Home Naturally

Boys just want to be Cool and in style!

Expensive baby clothing and baby boutiques are all over the internet and local shopping malls. However, walk in or log on to any of them and what will you see Pink, fluffy and Oh-so pretty girly things. Now don’t get me wrong I can shop for hours in these stores for my daughter. The stuffs so cute and who can resist your little one running around with a tutu and a sparkly wand.


But the boy movement is heading there way. Boys today are looking for fashion and moms are seeking modern with a rock-n-roll edge for there boys. It’s no longer a girl’s world; cool boy fashions are popping up all over. Lilboyblu has just what you’re looking for a place where they can shop for hip styles, cool looks all at affordable prices, Lilboyblu is just the place. This spring lil boys will look adorable in these hip Onesies. We carry text message baby, cutie text messages on 100% cotton in a verity of bright colors. For the cool nursing baby try “I’m a Boobman” line or for the laid back baby tie dye is always cool. Check out our whole line of clothing, shoes and socks for the trendy lil one.

Another popular trend is the rock-n-roll beanies with a distress look. These beanies will scream cool when your lil one shows up at daycare. The Beanies designs are what every boy loves; motorcycles, eagles, skulls, cars and more. Each beanie is made with comfort in mind and the 2-4t fit mom and dads head as well.

What about when they loss their teeth your going to need a place to keep them. Why place them in plastic baggies and take the risk of mixing them up with the older kid’s teeth. We have the perfect tooth fairy kit that holds all baby teeth in one place. Your son will love the door hanger and pouch making his tooth fairy dreams come true.

At Lilboyblu you will not only find quality boy clothing you can also find unique baby shower gifts for that mom to be. We carry gift sets, baby blankets, keepsake items and diaper cakes. You will be pleased with the verity and quality of items we carry. This is just what the boys!

Sandi Lopez

Lilboyblu offers carefully-selected little boy clothes and products. Our customers are treated like family and we enjoy providing excellent customer care. Stop on by and check out what we have to offer where it’s cool to be a boy! http://www.lilboyblu.com/

School Memories

If you are like many parents you have a drawer, box or several locations storing your child’s school memories. When you go to throw something away, your child makes you feel guilty by telling you “That was my favorite project or I was saving that one” So, you put it back and continue to collect years of school work. But what’s a Mom to do?


Well, after a few years of guilt and running out of storage. I started to look at creative ways to store my children’s school memories. It was important to me to handle this situation with care. I realized that each piece of paper held a challenge, a need for concentration and sometimes caused struggle. Yet, each grade or make indicated they made it, and accomplished the skill required to move forward. I decided I could not hold onto every little piece of paper but I wanted to hold and honor as much of it as I could.

Here are a few suggestions on how to keep your child’s school years organized without it over taking your home.

Report Cards, Progress Reports & Awards:

Store report cards in a decorative accordion file folder with a tie string. Label each section with grade and school year (Kindergarden-2009-2010). Place report cards, progress reports and awards for that year in order. An accordion file folder has twelve months enough slots to cover kindergarten to graduation!

Homework/ Miscellaneous:

I have a large entertainment center that has two drawers opposite of each other. I have one labeled for each child. Throughout the year they place their homework and other important papers in their drawers. At the end of the year, usually four weeks into summer I have them take out their drawers and we spend several hours going through each paper reminiscing about what went on during that school year. We have a lot of fun talking about each piece of paper and it is enjoyable to watch them relive the challenges, good times and sometimes silly times that happen while they were at school. I ask them to save 5-10 pieces of school work from each subject that they feel depicts the year. Sometimes we have a few extras, but the majority of the papers they are ready to throw away. I then take those papers and place them in a binder by subject, grade and year. I decorate the dividers with sayings or clippings of newspaper events. I use 3-inch binders and I have been able to get all of elementary (K-6th) into one binder. I then place them on our book shelve so anyone can take it down and take a walk through memory lane.

Great Ideas for Sharing Now:

Consider having a wall of fame in your laundry room. I have a large corkboard that covers half of one of my walls. It is decorated and its header reads “Nikko & Briar’s Hall of Fame” I place awards, certificates, art and other things that make them feel proud on this board. We exit and enter through our laundry room so everyone sees the board several times a day. When my kids where younger they would bring visitors to our laundry room to see the Hall of Fame Board, they where very proud of it’s the nice thing about the location of the board was that it did not have to be pretty and organized all the time.

Art:

Display Art- Have your child date and sign their art. Place each piece on the corkboard for one month. Then remove the art and place it in your child’s drawer for storage. Rotate Art on the Hall of Fame board each month. If you really like the piece, frame it and make it a permanent piece of Art on your walls.

Calendar/Personalize Cards:

With today’s technology you can scan in your child’s art work and create holiday calendars or personalize cards. If you’re computer doesn’t have the ability to handle this project you can use services like kodakgallery.com, vista print, or staples. What a great way to share your child’s art with family and friends. Image how proud your kids will be when they send calendars to grandma, knowing every page has a copy of their art work on it.

Take a Picture:

Take a picture of each piece of art work and then place it in a scrap book. This will take up less space and the picture will last longer then the project it’s self. Give each piece a title, description, date and year. This will condense the art work and once filled you can consider having the scrap book made into a book. Making a great coffee table book!

Deal of the Day

Rock N Mom Diaper bags for the mom who wants fun, edgy and totally functional. Here's a bag that displays the hottest in trends with an urban flair. Black Leather diaper bag. Outside cell phone holder and large zippered compartment for lipstick, change and other small things that always get lost. Features: Wipeable changing pad and four interior pockets plus one interior private zippered pocket, baby wipe holder and a private zippered pocket for personal belongings.




This diaper bag is cool and stylish for Moms who like functionality yet enjoy maintaining their style. Rock N Mom has several different styles to choose from all with different features. Choose from: Rock N Moms Bebe Mi Amour Black Back Pack, Divine Breckin's Black Leather Diaper Bag, Chic Jett's Bebe Mi Amour Black Tote Diaper Bag

Price $120.95

24hr Sale: $99.95

World Skate Day!

Boys Rule & Girls Drool !

Hip Beanies for Boys!

Your Lil boy will not only stand out but will be a trend setter in this 100% cotton distressed beanie by Pink Axle. This black hat with white cross image gives a serious rock-n-roll edge and is lightly distressed for fashion and style. Beanies are the latest fashion trend for boys big or small and will rock any boy’s style!

Lilboyblu offers a variety of styles from cars, motorcycles, eagles and many more.

http://www.lilboyblu.com/category_138/Beanies.htm

Price: $ 10.95 (0-6m) $14.95 (6-12m) $19.95 (2t-4t)

Paper Bag Whale

Supplies:

paint - blue or grey (tempra)
paper lunch bag
newspaper
blue construction paper
Rubber band
scotch tape
glue
wiggle eyes
black marker

Instructions:
Stuff half of the bags with newspaper leaving enough at end to make a tail. Take Rubber band and tie off paper bag. The stuffed part of the bag is the whale body and the rest of the paper bag is the tail. Paint your paper bag with the tempra pain and let dry. Take construction paper and cut out flippers. Take another piece of construction paper and cut out a square, then cut slits into the square leaving all pieces attached. Curl strips with a pencil and then roll up to create the spout then tape spout and flippers to your whale. Glue wiggle eyes to face and add detail: like a mouth or nose.

Shop lilboyblu.com for stylish and trendy products for boys, we offer boy’s clothing for baby to toddlers age, baby shower gifts, mom and dad clothes and much more. For a unique selection of everything fun and stylish for boys shop http://www.lilboyblu.com/

Helping Boys with Responsibilities

Boys are different than girls and as mother’s we play a key role in developing boys into men. I used to think it was my husband’s role to teach my son everything he needed to know. Why not? He’s a boy; he should have all the answers, Right? Wrong, my husband’s role is extremely important for my son’s development and yes, he will answer questions my son would rather ask him than his mom but our role as mothers is just as important.


So, we want to raise well rounded boys, let’s get started….

Encourage your son to follow directions and finish what he has started. Boys have a tendency to develop these skills slower than girls. Encouraging responsibility at an early age teaches them to be accountable for their actions. As mothers we sometimes baby our boys in hopes of teaching them to be sensitive, stop. Sensitivity has nothing to do with responsibility. As boys grow they become harder to handle and it is important to teach them control over their actions.

Ways to encourage responsibility:


• Start early; toddlers can help put their toys away, get something for mom or help in the kitchen.

• Give age appropriate chores and don’t expect perfection.

• If your son does something wrong remain calm and look at it as a lesson not something to fix right away to prevent embarrassment. Try using this method, stop, and think, before you react.

Example: Your son hits a child on the play ground.


Stop: Stop the action (have him apologize)


Think: Ask your son why he hit the child and encourage him to express his feelings while

engaging him in being responsible for his actions.. Help him discover a better

way to handle the situations, provide examples (walk away, talk to an adult)



Before you React: Provide your son with an action plan on how to handle the situation in the future. Review the plan each time your son may be faced with that situation (playgrounds, playgroups, school).


These steps help encourage your son to think on his own and provide him with the beginning tools needed to take responsibility for his own actions. I have used this with my own son and now in his teens he is responsible and uses the stop, think before you react when faced with teen issues. It is second nature to him and he really doesn’t realize he is processing on this level.

Shop lilboyblu.com for stylish and trendy products for boys, we offer boy’s clothing for baby to toddlers age, baby shower gifts, mom and dad clothes and much more. For a unique selection of everything fun and stylish for boys shop www.lilboyblu.com

Sock Octopus Creatures

Supplies:

Tube Sock
Polly Fill
Rubber Band
Google eyes
Marker
Scissors

Instructions:

Take a long tube sock and fill the toe with Polly fill. Create a ball and tie off with a rubber band approximately a 2inch circle for the head. You will now have a ball at the toe of the sock and the rest will be hanging down. Take your scissors and cut eight strips with the remaining sock material. This will be the legs. The rest is up to you, draw eyes, use Google eyes, and create a face for your Octopus- Have Fun!!!

Jelly Fish Craft

Jelly Fish Craft

Supplies:

1-2 Large Coffee Filters Fishing string or Ribbon

Plastic Cup Food Coloring

Tissue Paper all colors Clear type

Smock/Old tee shirt (cover clothing) Wax paper

Cookie sheet

Instructions:

1. Line your cookie sheet with wax paper and place coffee filters in center of cookie sheet. Use your imagination and place small drops of food coloring on to coffee filters. Children love to watch the drops spread, continue placing different color drops until you are happy with the colors.

2. Thread fishing string through the base of a plastic cup so it hangs upside down. Then thread the string thought the base of the coffee filters so it hangs upside down over the cup.


3. Now you are ready to cut long strips of tissue paper and tape at the base of the cup and onto the filter. Add ribbon and make sure you can not see the cup; this makes the Jellyfish’s tentacles.

Fun Things to do with Your Kids on a Budget!

Summer is here and kids everywhere will be looking for things to do. Here is a list of Ideas.


1. Water, Water, Water
Turn on the sprinklers, pull out the plastic pool and slip & slide. Head to the dollar store and pick up some water guns, balloons and squishy balls. Then send the kids out for a day of fun. Just make sure to have plenty of towels, water and sunscreen

2. Back Yard Camping
Get out the tent, stove and lawn chairs. Set up your backyard as if you where out in the woods camping. Cook Smores, tell camp fire stories, and enjoy each others company. This is an affordable way to spend time together and you will be amazed at how much fun you’re going to have.

3. Lemonade Stand
Remember how much fun you had as a kid selling Lemonade? It was a blast! Your kids will spend all day getting signs ready, hanging them up and preparing for the great event. Then they will spend hours playing in the front yard, talking and giggling. If they make a sale great! A lemonade stand helps kids use math skills, people skills and gives them a taste of entrepreneur skills

4. Treasure Hunt
Give your kids a list of items to find. They can find all the items in the house or you could send them out to find the items in the park or request items from a neighbor. I made a list of items like; 1-cotton ball, 1-paper clip, 1- rubber band, 1-penny, lent from dryer, etc. I then sent my son and his friends out in teams to get these items. The team to return 1st won. (Remember this is best with older kids and make sure to give strict guidelines for safety reasons)

5. Play Local
Check your local event guide for things happing in your area. Museums, Movie theaters, Michaels and others usually have discounts, free events during the summers for Kids to enjoy!

6. Games
Get out the board Games and play! When was the last time you played; Connect Four, Chutes and Ladders, Pick Up Sticks. Playing games brings the family together and encourages lots of mind activity.

7. Movie Day
Same as the games pull out all of those old movies and have a marathon. Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings! Have the kids invite friends over, dress in theme and make it a movie day

8. Slumber Party
Nothing like having your best friend over to hang out with, order pizza and they will do the rest.

If you have ideas to add to our list we would love to see it! Leave your summer fun comments for the rest of us to enjoy.

KidZui

When it comes to the internet and children it can be a scary place. KidZui is a free browser that offers loads of games so entertaining children will want to play for hours.

Once you download KidZui to your computer your child will create an Avatar called Zui, you’re able to pick hair color, skin tone, clothes, name and more. Your child will have to pick a username and password. Once done an email is sent to parents for approval. Parent can then create their own account and help monitor their child’s activity.

My children love KidZui and you can find a KidZui link on Lilboyblu.com home page. Lilboyblu.com will appear on KidZui Welcome page soon, look for it!

Lilboyblu.com is excited to help parent find quality, safe, educational internet products and services. I know you and your child will love the games and safety of KidZui with games like Batman, Sports games, Educational games and more!

After visiting KidZui return to this Blog and leave a comment! Let other parent Know what you think about KidZui!

Little Helpers

Deal of The Day!

Daddy Tool Bag


The sporty diaper bag for Dad has a masculine design,

made with the dad in mind. The 45-minute DVD is

entertaining, yet full of sound advice, in a format reminiscent

of Dad’s favorite "How To" home improvement shows. It’s

packed with information on caring for a new baby including

diapering, bathing, car seat safety, nasal aspiration,

fingernail clipping, bottles and burping, and more!


Also includes changing mat with hook and loop closure,

an emergency number card to keep pertinent numbers at

hand in case Dad has a question, and a packing list card

that suggests “tools” to pack in the Daddy’s Tool Bag,

keeping Dad well-organized and well-prepared

Originally $35.95


Today only: $25.55 + Shipping

Great savings good for 24 hrs ONLY!

Deal of The Day!

Tooth Fairy Kits
In this kit you will find everything a parent and child need to celebrate those precious "toothless" years.


This Tooth Fairy Kit comes complete with:

• Hand Crafted Baby Tooth Keepsake Box: to save and organize baby teeth,

• Baby Tooth Pouch: to keep baby teeth and coins safe under the pillow,

• Tooth Fairy Door Hanger: to remind the tooth fairy to stop by!

• Tooth Fairy Stationery: for an unforgettable letter to or from the tooth fairy.

• Baby Tooth Chart: to keep track of your child's developing smile and write special notes and dates.

Makes a unique and unforgettable gift!

Comes in Pink for Sister!


Original Price $24.95


Today only: $19.00 + Shipping


Great savings good for 24 hrs ONLY!

Happy Mothers Day!

To My Mother


For all the times you gently picked me up,

When I fell down,

For all the times you tied my shoes

And tucked me into bed,

Or needed something

But put me first instead.

For everything we shared,

The dreams, the laughter,

And the tears,

I love you with a "Special Love"

That deepens every year.

Author Unknown


To my mother who has been my rock, my friend and my guidance all through my life. Thank You for all you do!

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers who make a difference each and every day, you are appreciated!

Selected Beanie on Sale-24hrs Only!

Your Lil boy will not only stand out but will be a trend setter in this 100% cotton distressed beanie The cool images gives a serious rock-n-roll edge and is lightly distressed for fashion and style. Beanies are the latest fashion trend for boys big or small and will rock any boy’s style!



Retail Price:

Small $10.95

Med & Large $14.95

Today only: All sizes $9.95 + Shipping



Great savings good for 24 hrs ONLY!

Valentine's Lessons We Hope Our Kids Remember All Year

What do we as parents want for your children? Happiness? A fruitful life?

Don’t we all want our children to grow up to become kind, thoughtful, responsible adults who make a difference in the lives of others?

As parents, how do we accomplish such a task?

Perhaps looking toward Valentine’s Day themes can inspire ways to help our kids grow up into the adults we envision in our favorite dreams for their futures. Can we not spread the important notions honored on Valentine’s Day throughout the rest of the year?

1. Get started by saying "I Love You" more often. In today's hectic world, we don't always stop to say “I Love You” enough. It’s as important to say it as to hear it. If we want our kids to express their love freely and say it more to the people who matter to them, it starts with the example we set as parents. So, if we remember to say “I love you,” chances are our children will, too.

2. Make time throughout the year, not just on Valentine’s Day, to do something nice for the people you love. It doesn't have to be flowers or chocolates, but anything that will make someone smile – a thank you note for a favor done, a donation in their name to their favorite charity, a plate of sandwiches on moving day. Giving of yourself is often the greatest gift. Get your children involved and they will learn how satisfying it feels to do something nice for someone else any time of year. Be sure you show them the gift of an item or action is the best part of giving when it is made without the expectation of receiving something in return. There is truth to the old saying that it is better to give than to receive.

3. Enjoy yourself often. Life doesn't always have to be serious. Today’s Valentine's Day activities are often meant to be silly and sappy, not to be taken seriously. Approach life this way and have fun with it. And take your children along with you.

4. Help your children find pleasure in the small things. On Valentine's Day, we're happy with a few chocolates or pretty flowers. If our children see life is not all about material items, they, too, will take the time to stop and enjoy simple pleasures.

5. Remember, everyone, male and female, can use a few more hearts in their life. If they are on the list to show our affection on Valentine’s Day, they should be on that list every day of the year. If your kids see you expressing your affection to your loved ones on a regular basis, that will become their example to follow.

Valentine’s Day is a day of hearts and giving. We can help our children make it last all year.

About the Author:
Jennifer Kirkpatrick is a busy mom of two and an entrepreneur who creates and sells unique items for kids of all ages. Visit her online store Pipsqueak Boutique for great baby gifts. And check out her clothing line, Define*Me Clothing for fun personalized kids clothes.