Christmas Spirit

I was a bit surprised that some of my readers were "surprised" that I put up my Christmas tree already. That is why I miss my  country  during this time of the year because  you can feel the Spirit of Christmas as soon as the BER month has started.  We do not have Thanksgiving in the Philippines so  I can understand why over here, they want to put their Christmas decor right after the  Thanksgiving.

Anyway, even the stores   would agree to what I am  feeling as they  display their Christmas decors earlier than mine lol.  

Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions

Bad breath can be embarrassing and is also unpleasant for all involved so it is important to treat it as soon as possible. The primary cause of bad breath is poor dental hygiene and if this is the case then it is not too difficult to clear up. However, it can also point to more serious problems that need to be identified. Either way, you won’t want to waste any time sorting it out.

The smell of your breath is affected temporarily by the foods you eat but this is not really an issue unless you eat something like garlic every day and even then, it is not hard to get rid of it. When you eat food it is broken down and absorbed into your bloodstream, which then passes through your lungs, causing your breath to smell of whatever you ate until it has completely passed through your body. This is normal and sorts itself out in time, although it doesn’t hurt to cover up the smell with sugar-free gum.

In more serious cases, bad breath is caused by bacteria that has been given the chance to breed between your teeth and on your tongue. This happens naturally overnight while you sleep, which is why you often wake up with bad breath and a nasty taste in your mouth, but brushing and flossing will soon sort this out.

The same thing can happen if you do not take care of your teeth. Trapped particles of food between your teeth lead to all sorts of problems, bad breath being just one of them, so it is important to brush, floss and rinse in order to remove everything. If left alone, bacteria breeds and the result is an unpleasant odour. It can also be caused by smoking or chewing tobacco, which will also stain your teeth and affect your sense of taste.

There is no big secret to treating and preventing it, all you need to do is brush and floss regularly and drink plenty of water. In addition to this, chewing gum is a great way to keep your teeth clear and encourage saliva production for a cleaner mouth. Mouthwash may also help but it can interfere with toothpaste and undo all the benefits of brushing so if you have to use it, make sure you leave a sufficient amount of time before or after brushing.

However if bad breath remains a persistent problem then there could be something else wrong – so you should seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Bad breath is one of the symptoms of gum disease and is caused by a build-up of plaque on your teeth and the subsequent toxins that form and irritate the mouth and gums. Leave this untreated and you could suffer more permanent damage to the gums, as well as the jawbone.

It is not just dental problems that cause bad breath either as there are many medical problems that include it as one of their symptoms. Such illnesses as pneumonia, sinus infections, diabetes, acid reflux and even problems with the liver and kidney can cause bad breath. Obviously this is something you will need to get to the bottom of as soon as possible so if you ever do suffer from bad breath that won’t just go away, you should consult your dentist and, if no answer is found, seek help from a doctor.

Sam Reynolds for Portman Healthcare

Elliptical or Treadmill?

We went to the  mall last weekend  to see how much  elliptical and  treadmill cost.  I can't run outside anymore because it is getting very cold  at our end, in fact, we will be getting snow next week.   The motor of my treadmill  gave up months ago  and hubby said that it would be best to just buy a new one rather than repairing it.

My kids were very enthusiastic to try the equipment from the store.  Most of them were on sale but I am hoping that the prices would still drop down so I can save some more.  Hubby want me to choose between elliptical or tread mill.  He prefer the elliptical so I am not sure which one to get yet.  Wish I have a lot of moolah so I can get both lol.

My husband has a gym membership so  whatever we decide to  buy will be my main equipment at home.  I just wish that I could  afford one of those  Redondo Beach personal trainer because I have been trying to lose my tummy fat but it seems that it is taking  forever for me to lose it, sigh.  The  advantage of having a personal trainer is that, they would really focus on what you need to work on in order to achieve that goal.  My husband used to  be my trainer but when he started  working out at the gym and he got busy with his job,  am on my own.  I rely on watching my fitness DVDs and some  videos online.  The problem with working out alone though is that you don't have much motivation sometimes.  

Smart, Useful Dental Care Tips That Work

Dental care is something all of us need to do, whether we like it or not. There are many things you can be done to ensure good dental health. The following article will teach you improve your oral health.

Try a different brand of toothpaste if you experience pain with cold or hot foods.However, before you do so, before you make any changes. Your dentist can help you determine exactly what is causing your sensitive teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide has been known to help whiten your teeth. Brush gently and don't get the brush near the gums for a minimum of two minutes. Then brush with your choice.

To keep your teeth and mouth cleaner, it is important to regularly visit your dentist.

Go see your dentist often.You should have no problems with your teeth inspected and cleaned at least twice a year. They can also find problems later.If you don't have good dental care, they can quickly become large ones.

Flossing daily is an important part of your dental care. Flossing can really help the difference in an oral health of your mouth. Carefully slide the length of floss between your teeth. Move the floss backwards and forward. Avoid forcing the floss down under your gums.

Teenagers are often very lazy about dental hygiene is concerned. Remind your teen that taking care of their teeth will help them avoid bad breath. This can motivate people like teens because they are usually preoccupied with the opinions of them when they're that age.

Whitening strips and regular brushing can help with teeth whitening. Read instructions carefully and do not leave the strips too long.Don't use them too often or you can damage your teeth.

Don't dissuade kids from chewing on their toothbrushes.

Oral hygiene is important, even if you don't have teeth that are natural. Brush dentures like you would your real teeth.

Floss teeth about once a day if you can manage it. Flossing can eliminate plaque and bacteria between teeth in places where toothbrushes can't. Flossing also help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

• You should be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes.
• The longer time you spend brushing, the cleaner they will be, so take time to brush properly.
• If you move too quickly, you may miss a lot of the things that cause cavities and bad breath.
• Dentist in Charlotte North Carolina

Mix salt, three tablespoons of some baking soda and a tablespoon of salt into three cups of boiling water. This mix makes an ideal oral rinse.

Your dentist may suggest having your wisdom teeth removed if they start causing pain. If a wisdom tooth is infected, however, it must be removed to guarantee that the infection does not get out of control.

You don't have to invest loads of time and energy into taking care of your teeth. You can do it with a host of simple tips and tricks. You've got to take care of your teeth, and you can do that without too much trouble. The advice shared here with you will help you get the pearly whites you want, easily.

If you are looking for a friendly, experienced dentist in Charlotte that is genuinely interested in your oral health, you've found the right place! At Premier Smiles of Charlotte, we are committed to providing high-quality dental services for your entire family. Whether you've lost a filling, need a dental crown, or are simply looking for preventative dental care in Charlotte, we can help!

Yves Rocher Skin and Hair Care Products

Okay, where do I begin?  I have a long list of products to share to you  that was sent to me for review by Yves Rocher.  I was so delighted when I opened the box because  it contains so many products  and I could not wait to try all of them.  I think, you would understand how I feel if you see  a load of beauty goodies like this in a package.

Let me  show you the Hair Care Products first.  They sent me 5 bottles (10.1 oz) bottles of  shampoo with different scents that includes:

1. Nutrition Nutri-Silky Treatment Shampoo with Avoine Oat - it's silicone free, paraben free, and colorant free. This is really good for dry hair as it restores its natural beauty with its nourishing, organic oat milk.  This nourishes hair fiber and gives it more volume.  This would make your hair supple, silky, and shiny.  My hair tends to be a little dry depending on the weather so this is perfect to use when I have a dry hair.
2. Brilliance Shine Vitality and Radiance Shampoo with Organic  Calendula Marigold - just like the first one, this is also  free from silicone, paraben and colorant.  At first I was hesitant about this scent as we all know that marigold  does not really smell good but when I opened the bottle and sniffed it, it actually smell good.Now, if your hair lost its natural shine, this is the shampoo you would want to use as it would restore it.
3. Lissage  or  Smoothing with Okra Seeds - Okra is a popular vegetable in Asia.  Although I am not fond of eating Okra because of its slimy texture, I am very interested on how this works as a shampoo.  Okra  has a smoothing property, it nourishes, and it would relaxed your hair effortlessly.  So if you have a frizzy kind of hair, this would make a good shampoo for you.
4. Volume with Mauve Mallow -  A volumizing shampoo, also paraben, colorant, and silicone free.  If you have a fine hair , this is a perfect shampoo for you as it has a volume enhancing organic mallow.  This will give your hair more body and  restore it's texture and shape.
5. Douceur or Gentle Super Soft Shampoo with Witch Hazel - also free from the ones mentioned above.  The organic witch hazel in it will help restore  hair's natural beauty  for both younbg and old.  It makes  hair supple, soft, and easy to style.  My daughter and I love this one.

Now, onto the hair conditioner.  I received three 6.7 fl.oz  bottles of conditioner.  Two of these  are the partners for the two shampoo above, the one with  okra seeds and  oats.

1. Lissage or Smoothing with Okra Seeds - As I have mentioned in the shamppo, this is great for   those who have frizzy hair.  This would complete the   taking care of your frizzy har together with the champoo  This  acts as a good detangler.  The scent of this is a bit stronger for me.
2. Nutri-Sliky cComnditioner with Oat is good for hair that is dry and brittle.  If your hair constantly breaks, this  would be a good conditioner together with the shampoo to take care of the problem.    Aside from the nourishing organic oat milk, it also has a sweet almond oil.  I love the smell of this one.
3. Reparation or Repair Nutri Repair Conditioner with Jojoba - this is  good for a very dry and frizzy hair.   It has an organic jojoba and sweet almond oil.  It smoothes, repairs, and nourishes hair fiber.  I also love the smell of this one, very mild and soothing.

This Radiance Rinsing Vinegar  interest me the most as when I think aboout vinegar, it  immediately register as  sour and not really a good smell.   I opened up the bottle and  was so surprised that all I can smell is pure  raspberry scent.  So what do you use this for?  Before your last rinsing, you can apply this in your hair  to get the  smoothing benefits from it.  Interesting  eh?  Have you ever used   a product like this?

The last hair care that I received is the Repair Balm Dry Ends with oatmeal.  This  repairs damaged  ends of your hair which is enriched with  almond oil and oat milk from organic plants.  You can apply this at the end of your hair, this does not need rinsing.


Now, I am  introducing you to the Skin Care Products. They sent me three bottles of Perfumed Shower Gel.

1. Cocoa and Pistachio Nut - a perfumed  shower gel that brings me  home.  We always have cocoa  plant at the back of our home  when I was a kid.  My Dad planted it there and we got to  enjoy it's fruits before he passed.  Upon smelling this shower gel, I immediately remember my Dad.  It has an exquisite sensation of comfort  This is the one I am using now and love  it!
2. Flower Party - this has a very sweet smell to it.  It has  organic cornflower water that will intoxicates you with its delectable  and fruity scent.  
3. Neroli Secrets D'Essence - it has a  delicate and subtle floral musky notes to it.  It is kind of strong for me but it  definitely smells good.  It also has  an organic cornflower water, orange blossom, and  and essential oil of Beroli.

I received two bottles of  Perfumed Lotion.  One is Flower Party and the other is Neroli.  When it comes to scent, I prefer using the  Flowerparty as  the Neroli is a bit  strong.  They are both moisturizing lotion so  which leaves the same subtle soft skin.

This  Liquid Hand Sopa really bring the home feel for me.  It has cocoa and pistachio nut in it.  It  does not make your  hands  feel dry  like other hand soap.

This Anti-Age Global  is a complete anti Aging Day Care  with pant source cells.  I never really care to use any skin  products until I hit the 40 mark this year.   .  This new generation of anti aging skin care  fights the major sign  of skin agin.  This is  especially created for  the comfort of  dry skin


I  started using this last night so we will see after a month or so of using if this improves  my skin.

Now to relax our soul after a stressful day, lighting  this scented candle with cocoa and pistachio nut scent would be a perfect  thing to do to have an enjoyable night.  I love  lighting a candle  especially after  you took a shower, it is like a therapeutic   time to end the day.


I would like to thank Yves Rocher for these wonderful products they sent me.

Disclaimer:  The author of this blog was  not compensated financially in writing this review.  The said products mentioned above were   provided for FREE for  evaluation purposes.