SJP NYC - Create Your Look

SJP NYC - Create Your Look

SJP NYC - Create Your Look

SJP NYC - Create Your Look

SJP NYC - Create Your Look

SJP NYC - Create Your Look

Wrinkles

So what can you do to prevent from looking like this chick?
According to an article on webMD, dermatologist Robin Ashinoff, MD, and several other experts were asked what really works to reduce wrinkles. This is what they came up with:

1. Avoid the sun. It's the NUMBER 1 cause of wrinkles.

2. Wear sunscreen. If you must go out in the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology says, wear sunscreen! It will protect you from skin cancer, and help prevent wrinkles at the same time.

3. Don't smoke. Some of the research is still controversial, but more and more studies are confirming that cigarette smoke ages skin -- mostly by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, important components of the skin.

4. Get adequate sleep. Yale dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, says that when you don't get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Get enough rest, Perricone says, and you'll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more "elastic," and less likely to wrinkle.

5. Sleep on your back. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) cautions that sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to "sleep lines -- wrinkles that become etched into the surface of the skin and don't disappear once you're up. Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping face-down gives you a furrowed brow. To reduce wrinkle formation, the AAD says, sleep on your back.

6. Don't squint -- get reading glasses! The AAD says any repetitive facial movement -- like squinting -- overworks facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin's surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle. Also important: Wear sunglasses. It will protect skin around the eyes from sun damage -- and further keep you from squinting.

7. Eat more fish -- particularly salmon. Not only is salmon (along with other cold-water fish) a great source of protein -- one of the building blocks of great skin -- it's also an awesome source of an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. Perricone tells WebMD that essential fatty acids help nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful, helping to reduce wrinkles.

8. Eat more soy -- So far, most of the proof has come from animal studies, but research does show certain properties of soy may help protect or heal some of the sun's photoaging damage. In one recent human study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, researchers reported that a soy-based supplement (other ingredients included fish protein and extracts from white tea, grapeseed, and tomato, as well as several vitamins) improved skin's structure and firmness after just six months of use.

9. Trade coffee for cocoa. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2006, researchers found cocoa containing high levels of two dietary flavanols (epicatchin and catechin) protected skin from sun damage, improved circulation to skin cells, affected hydration, and made the skin look and feel smoother.

10. Eat more fruits and vegetables. The key are their antioxidant compounds. These compounds fight damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells), which in turn helps skin look younger and more radiant, and protects against some effects of photoaging.

11. Use moisturizer. "Women, especially, are so concerned with antiaging products they often overlook the power of a simple moisturizer. Skin that is moist simply looks better, so lines and creases are far less noticeable," says Ashinoff.

12. Don't over-wash your face. According to dermatologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tap water strips skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. Wash them off too often, and you wash away protection. Moreover, unless your soap contains moisturizers, you should use a cleanser instead.

13. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural fruit acids lift away the top layer of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes. New evidence shows that in higher concentrations, AHAs may help stimulate collagen production.

14. Retinoids (including Retin A). The only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles is tretinoin, known commercially as Retin A. Ashinoff says this prescription cream reduces fine lines and large wrinkles, and repairs sun damage. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products. Studies show that in a stabilized formula, in high concentrations, it may be as effective as Retin A, without the side effects, such as skin burning and sensitivity.

15. Topical vitamin C. Studies at Tulane University, among others, have found it can increase collagen production, protect against damage from UVA and UVB rays, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions. The key, however, may be the type of vitamin C used. To date, most of the research points to the L-ascorbic acid form as the most potent for wrinkle relief.

16. Idebenone. This chemical cousin to the nutrient coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)is a super-powerful antioxidant. In one study published recently in the Journal of Dermatology, doctors found that with just 6 weeks of topical use, there was a 26% reduction in skin roughness and dryness, a 37% increase in hydration, a 29% decrease in lines and wrinkles, and a 33% overall improvement in sun-damaged skin. Other studies have found similar results.

17. Growth factors. Part of the body's natural wound-healing response, these compounds, when applied topically, may reduce sun damage and decrease lines and wrinkles, while rejuvenating collagen production, studies have shown.

18. Pentapeptides. The results of a study supported by the National Institutes of Health suggested pentapeptides can increase collagen production in sun-damaged skin. Several subsequent studies (including one presented at a recent national dermatology conference) showed that when topically applied, pentapeptides stimulated collagen production and diminished lines and wrinkles.

19. Botox. An injection of this purified version of the Botulinum toxin A relaxes the muscle just underneath the wrinkle, allowing the skin on top to lie smooth and crease-free.

20. Wrinkle fillers. Doctors fill wrinkles with a variety of substances, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other synthetic compounds. Popular treatments include Restylane, Juvederm, and ArteFill, among others.

21. Laser/light resurfacing. Here, energy from a light source -- either a laser or a pulsed diode light -- removes the top layer of skin, causing a slight but unnoticeable skin "wounding." This kicks the skin's natural collagen-production system into high gear, resulting in smoother, more wrinkle-free skin.

22. Chemical peels. In this treatment, one of a variety of different chemicals is used to "burn" away the top layer of skin, creating damage that causes the body to respond by making more collagen. You end up with younger-looking, smoother skin.

23. Dermabrasion. A vacuum suction device used in tandem with a mild chemical crystal, dermabrasion helps remove the top layer of skin cells and bring new, more evenly textured skin to the surface. In the process, fine lines and wrinkles seem to disappear.

Happy Anniversary!

Today my husband and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. He's the love of my life and I'm so blessed to have him as my partner in life. I can't wait to have babies with this man!

Memories

Thought I'd post some pics of me and the 'ol hubby since tomorrow we will be celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary! Some of these were taken by my brother-in-law, and some of them were taken by my dear friend Jenna of the blog http://www.jennapaetz.blogspot.com/ a.k.a. Time Well Spent. We used these as both inserts for our Christmas cards in 2008 and as our engagement photos.

Looking back, I can see that this was my fat and happy/emotional eating year, because I was a bit thicker then than I am now...at least I hope so!! :)

I was super excited to be engaged, but I was also emotional because the man that I love was living in L.A. for work, while I was in Sacramento LOATHING my work and drudging through the beginning of a rough Master's Degree program. We were separated logistically for more than a year after having already lived together. Needless to say, it sucked and although I was happy, I was sad, too. (Weird how life works sometimes, huh?) I did a lot of emotional eating then. However, I'm happy to report that I managed to stop eating as much, start working out with a trainer, and my man moved back to Sacramento with me in enough time to plan our wedding and for me to feel like I looked pretty on my wedding day...which is a day I'm still in love with.

When I think back about my wedding day, it's bitter sweet. I have AMAZING memories of that day. It is by far one of the best days of my life thus far. But because it was so great, it makes me a bit sad that it couldn't have lasted longer and that I can't relive it all over again. I think my husband thinks I'm a bit crazy for this. LOL! Oh well, what's a girl to do?!?

Still, I have wonderful memories of my wedding day and how perfect it was. I absolutely loved the love that I felt that day. I couldn't have been happier.

I'm so excited to get to celebrate my one year wedding anniversary tomorrow with my wonderful husband.

Rachel Zoe

I know there's been some controversy over her weight and her television show as well, but I happen to think she's entertaining and a bit endearing. I also think she has great style as well. She's definitely helped quite a few celebrities with their own style, that's for sure. No matter what you may think of her, one thing's for sure...the girl's good at what she does. She's been in the business for a while, and it doesn't look like she's going to be making a career change any time soon.

Enjoy the pics!

xxx Tiffany

Scarves

With the weather getting cooler, I'm starting to get excited about wearing scarves! I just love scarves and their versatility. The pics of the celebs featured here are some inspiration for us. What do you think?

Now This is Love!

I absolutely LOVE this story. A week away from my one year wedding anniversary, I just happened to catch this story on CBS Evening News tonight. It literally brought tears to my eyes. It reminds me of the love that my grandparents had. So touching. Enjoy!

Low Fat Comfort Food for Fall Weather

My hubby and I happen to L-O-V-E homemade macaroni and cheese. You know...the really fattening kind from the likes of the Williams Sonoma cookbook that has like a zillion calories and fat grams?!? (Dang that stuff is good!) :)
Well, if you'd like to enjoy some good old fashioned homemade mac 'n cheese, but don't want all those calories and fat grams, then here's a recipe for ya that I found on fitnessmagazine.com. Let me know what ya think:

Mac and Cheese Lite
Makes: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

Nonstick cooking spray
Salt
4 ounces whole wheat macaroni
1/2 cup onion-garlic puree (see "Rocco's Secret Weapon," below)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded 50 percent reduced-fat cheddar
1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

DIRECTIONS

1.Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Mist an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set it aside.
2.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions, drain.
3.Meanwhile, bring onion-garlic puree, mustard, and cayenne to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Whisk in cheddar until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in yogurt.
4.In a medium bowl, toss the macaroni with the cheese sauce. Season with salt to taste. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle panko over the top. Top with Parmesan.
5.Bake until Parmesan is melted and macaroni is hot throughout, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition facts per serving (about 2/3 cup): 237 calories, 17g protein, 31g carbohydrate, 7g fat (4g saturated), 3g fiber

Healthy Cooking Tips
Flour Power: Whole wheat macaroni keeps you satisfied longer, says award-winning chef Rocco DiSpirito.

Better Cheddar: Low-fat cheese can still be ooey-gooey and delicious. Try Cabot's 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar.

Crunch Time: Panko is the perfect topping. "These Japanese bread crumbs stay crispy, no matter what," DiSpirito says.

Culture Club: Nonfat Greek yogurt gives the rich, creamy texture of butter and cream minus the fat.