Genetics- yes, you can blame it on your family!  It seems that this is a fairly common cause of dark circles and probably one that you can't do much about internally.  A good lightweight concealer will be your best friend.   

Lack of Sleep - yes, this would have to be here, whilst it's not high on the list as I thought, it is definitely contributing factor.  A lack of sleep can make the skin look paler which means that the blood vessels in this area stand out more.

Thinning Skin - aging is a common cause of dark circles as the skin becomes thinner and allows the blood vessels to become more noticeable.  Sun damage it would seem can expedite the process, another great reason to use SPF30+

Allergies and Hayfever - as if sneezing and feeling dreadful is already not bad enough, you have to battle bags too.  Not fair.... really!

Other causes listed are dehydration, fluid retention, iron deficiency or of course giving your eye a nasty bump.

So what can you do for them then?  Well... topical treatments range from applying a small amount of a light weight concealer under the eye (My pick is SLA - Anti dark circles) to using eye creams that are designed to hydrate and constrict the blood vessels (My pick - Algolgoie Eye Contour Cream) and Sunblock (My Pick Fleur De Mer Tinted 30+ Sunblock).

However, don't forget - drink plenty of water, keep your caffeine consumption to a minimum and get good quality regular sleep!  Ahhhh.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Take care,
 

Recently I discovered that around 'that' time of the month there is some serious stuff going on inside my head.  I was getting ready to go out and I was looking in the mirror thinking I look fatter now than I did yesterday only to realize logically this was impossible.  I even spoke to hubby about this apparent phenomenon.  So back to my tummy this is physical so what can I do for that?

Well like most things the battle is won or lost inside your head.  Taking from Tara Diversi, the articles source of expertise, she suggests the following for turning things around from self loath to self love. 

#1 - focus on the health properties of the food you eat rather than what it is doing to your backside.

#2 - this one surprised me a little.  Being overweight reduces your life expectancy by 3 years, being unhappy reduces it by 9 years.  People can be overweight and healthy if they are exercising regulary & eating well,  likewise you can be skinny and unhealthy.  I am wondering here if they are referring to a couple of extra kilos though.  I can't imagine that if you are eating well and exercising regularly that you will be grossly overweight but then again I am not a dietician.

#3 take the holistic approach.  Measure your health, weight & worth on how happy you are not how your body compares to others.  I love this one because this is how you should feel about the whole of you.

#4 last but not least - Loving yourself. Easier said than done right? They suggest writing a list of 10 nice things aout you & say it out loud.  One thing I like to do, is every time you catch yourself beating up on you, just say I love you (yes....to yourself).  Without going into the chemical and energetic stuff going on inside your brain and body. Focusing on the positive can have profound effects on your demeanor.

SO I have set myself a challenge to fall in love with my tummy!  Every time I look at my less than perfect stretched marked loose skin I will associate it with the joy of being a Mum and feel love, not disappointment.

What is your challenge? Pick one thing and see how you go! I"d love to hear how you go or what challenges you.

With love,

This is of course not the first time that this topic has been raised particularly as we move into an era where cosmetic enhancements are more accessible to the broader community.  It's not longer coveted only by the Rich and Famous. 

It leaves me with the question - Is this more about how they feel about themselves on the inside?  You know I am a great believer in your outside beauty reflecting your inner love for yourself.  Beauty really is about a whole sense of self, not just the perfect dimensions of your exterior.  I mean.... how beautiful would Angelina Jollie be if she radiated inner sourpuss?  It's an old cliche but beauty really does come from within.

BTW - I am not against a cosmetic enhancement if it helps to complete the picture but another old cliche comes to mind.....Everything in moderation!!!

With love,

As we enjoy these simple summer pleasures we shouldn’t forget to take care of ourselves in the sun.  The big bonus of being sun safe is of course that you are actively implementing some beneficial age prevention techniques.

Here is a top 5 reminder list of the things we should do:

1. Sunblock - There are many SPF products on the market, some better than others.  What you need to look for is a product that states UVA/UVB or Broad Spectrum Protection.   My favourite is Fleur De Mer Tinted 30+ sunblock.  I love it because you can actually replace your foundation with it.  Offering a decent makeup coverage you don’t have to worry about whether your sunblock is compatible with your foundation.   I am such a fan of this product that it is now available on our website.  Don’t forget your body and your décolletage, this is the area across your chest – very delicate and catches the sun very easily.
2. Wear a hat -  Pretty hats don’t have to be reserved for The Racing Carnival Season.  I think there is something really elegant about a woman who wears a wide brimmed hat.  If you don’t like hats because they make your head hot or you get “hat hair”, get one that is a little larger than your crown.
3. Sunglasses – It would be a rare sight to catch me without my sunglasses winter or summer.  I actually have 2 different pairs.  Not only do they stop us from squinting which of course is terrific for preventing fine lines, they also protect our eyes from sun damage.  Make sure your sunglasses have the right level of protection by checking manufacturer’s details.
4. Body Polish – If you partake in regular spray tanning, this is essential.  If you don’t exfoliate you’ll end up with patches of dry skin catching more of the product which equals and uneven and unnatural looking tan.  I don’t tan personally, I embraced my whiteness many years ago but I still do like to have smooth skin which means a quick exfoliate in the shower and then a light moisturise to follow.  Remember if you remove the dead skin cells you always need to hydrate afterwards.
5. Hair Protection– This is probably not as obvious or as high on your awareness list but the sun can wreck havoc on your hair.  It too is affected by sun bleaching, salt water and chlorinated swimming pools.   To give your hair the best chance you can use leave in conditioning sprays, some of which carry UV sun protection.  I usually use a leave in conditioner spray when I have the opportunity to let my hair dry naturally.

There are of course many other ways to practice being safe in the sun - you may wish to add a few in the comments below.  This list is a snap shot to jog your memory and bring it back to the top of list.

Enjoy your summer,

They also have heaps more options for me to attend classes so if I miss one, I can pick up another that works and my husband's shift work doesn't matter so much.  You also have to book in advance for the cycle classes so it makes you a little more accountable which doesn't hurt.

So how's my progress?  I think I am doing well.  I certainly feel so much better and have heaps more energy.  I have noticed that when I do more consistent excercise....I am so much better with my eating.  It's that little voice inside that says....."don't undo all that hard work!!"

Back on track,
Julia :-)

These are my 5 must-do strategies for looking younger from the inside out.

Step 1 – Suncscreen
Applying broad spectrum sunscreen particularly in the northern states is essential in protecting and preserving youthful skin, not to mention combating sun spots or worse, melanoma. Don’t use the excuse – it’s too late for me, the damage is done. It’s never too late to start. If good skin and looking younger is not motivation enough how about this – “About two in three people who grow up here will develop some form of skin cancer before the age of 7…. the good news is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable” – Be Sunsmart, Council Council.  

Step 2 – Eating well
Yes, we all know we could be eating better but truly when you think that your skin is the largest organ of your body yet the last to receive nutrients from any food we consume, it’s no wonder it gets punished by an unhealthy diet. What little goodness is there gets extracted by everything else first. Don’t forget the skin has a very important temperature regulatory job to do as well as protecting the rest of our insides from harm. Please….be kind to it.  

Step 3 – Regular exercise
Yeah yeah…I know. I am not suggesting that you train to become an elite athlete just some regular light exercise helps in the healthy functioning of your body and assists in the distribution of all those healthy ingredients you are getting from eating well (Tip #4).

Step 4 – Stress reduction
Put your hand up if you couldn’t benefit from a little less stress in your life. I am guessing there aren’t many hands in the air. The bad news is that life is always going to throw you a few curve balls. The sooner we learn how to cope with them the better our life will be the younger we can start looking. Stress shows in the face, there is no other way to say it. When you are relaxed and feeling more ‘on top’ of things, you look and feel much younger. I have finally discovered my key to meditation this year and what a difference it has made.

Step 5 – Sleep
Last but not least this is actually my #1 youth reversal strategy. It underpins everything! If you get good sleep, you cope with the curve balls better because you are more relaxed. If you get more sleep you have the motivation to do more exercise which in turn gives you more energy. When you get the right amount of sleep for you, you eat better because you are not looking for those horrible sugar hits (which is another aging factor and another article) to give you an afternoon high.

So Sleep wins for me, it's my #1 Anti-age strategy. So there you have it. A list you are probably all too familiar with, but it doesn’t hurt to have a gentle reminder every so often. I have certainly benefited from these strategies and as propel closer to 40 I am feeling and looking younger, fitter, fresher and better than I did 5 years ago.

Take it easy,
Julia xx

Grabbed the keys and into the car.  I decided to do a last minute check in my “Mirror of Truth” (that’s another story). OMG, I am shreiking inside......how does a pro like me get it wrong.  Eyeshadow drop out on my cheek, mascara dots on my eye lid and a little foundation not quite blended well enough near my nose.

Well Julia....take your own advice is the moral of the story.

"ALWAYS!! do your make-up in a well lit area"

Happy make-uping ladies,
Juls x

Kickboxing, 9am last Friday - first time class, 3 minutes late, 30 Burpees.....now I am in hell, heaven is far from me right now.  I am now certain the article I read was nothing but the truth so help me God!  I got through but not before contemplating taking my towel and never coming back!!  Okay, perhaps a little dramatic but it was certainly enough to have me seriously wondering about ever taking holidays again, particularly before I turn 40.

Back into the normal routine now this week with the 5am TopRide which although I push myself, I do quite enjoy.  Fitness is back on the agenda!

Juls x