Me Time: Just for Women
4 beauty and fitness tips for moms!
Cassidy Brighton
Fight the frizz
After a brutal winter, I was willing to accept anything the summer threw my way. But I had totally forgotten what this season's heat and humidity did to my hair! Has the change in season taken its toll on your tresses? Have no fear! You can beat the frizz battle with things you have right in your kitchen and keep your hair healthy through every crazy weather change.
Avocados add healthy fats (and delicious flavor) to any salad or sandwich you may have cooked up, but did you know that these healthy fats are good for your hair, too?
That avocado on your counter was too ripe to eat anyway! Mash it up with a little olive oil for a hair mask that will leave your locks feeling revitalized and silky smooth. While in the shower, after shampooing, apply the mask to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair clean and feel the instant change!
Apple cider vinegar also works wonders for controlling fly-aways and can be done by just adding 30 extra seconds to your morning routine. Pour apple cider vinegar over your hair after shampooing and leave for 30 seconds. Rinse clean and see the difference immediately!
What to do after you brew
You've settled in for the night with a nice warm cup of tea. This relaxing treat isn't just beneficial for calming the mind and body. Use your leftover tea bags to take your beauty routine to the next level.
Has your infant been keeping you up all night? Need a solution for your puffy eyes? Take your soaked tea bags out of your drink and place them on your eyes! The natural caffeine will help constrict blood vessels and
reduce swelling. Leave the tea bags on for three minutes and see results immediately.
READ MORE: 5 tips to make you feel more beautiful!
Ouch! That sunburn you got looks terrible and feels worse. Drop tea bags into warm water and let them soak until the water is a rich, dark color. Soak a soft rag in this warm liquid and apply to your burnt and irritated skin. The tea will decrease the redness in your skin and reduce the pain and inflammation.
Avoid rubbing. This could irritate the skin further and create peeling.
Tea bags can even be used to soothe bug bites. Got a few pesky mosquito bites from your first late night camp fire of the season? Got a nasty bee sting from an afternoon spent tending to your garden? Dab soaked tea bags directly onto the area for quick relief from swelling, irritation and pain.
Show off your pearly whites
There is so much to smile about, it would be a shame if you weren't confident with the appearance of your smile. Shamelessly show off your bright smile with simple tricks and tips that you can try right at home.
Dig through your pantry for regular household ingredients that can remedy years of stains (from those necessary but damaging cups of coffee every morning, afternoon and night). Save money and avoid chemicals with these all natural, DIY tips.
Create a whitening paste by combining one part baking soda with two parts water. Follow your normal brushing routine and add this step in a few times a week. Over time, you will see a huge difference!
To keep your teeth bright, limit staining foods and beverages. Coffee, tea and wine (I know I know, they are my favorites too!) can all cause discoloration over time. Drink out of a straw to limit direct contact with your teeth and prevent further staining!
READ MORE: Can infertility treatments affect oral health?
Jump start your day with heart healthy cardio
Get your mind and body back in better shape with some cardio. Exercise you can do anytime, anywhere is music to a busy mama's ears!
Got an extra half hour to kill while dinner simmers in the slow-cooker? Strap your baby in the stroller, lace up your sneakers and go for a brisk walk around the block.
Getting your heart pumping and lungs working strengthens them! Your heart is one of the most important muscles in your body, so make sure you are taking care of it.
Besides strengthening your body, cardio can be beneficial to your mind as well. Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. I know I feel better after a healthy gym session (even if I had to drag myself there).