Beauty Blvd. Feed

New Home Scents: Escape to the Tropics with Bath & Body Works

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I absolutely adore home fragrance, the rooms in your home should always smell good! Lately, I've been falling head over heels in love with the Bath & Body Works Candle collections. Since the scents are crafted by Slatkin & Co. it's no wonder. The newest collection the Tropical Collection truly sends your senses on an island escape.

My favorite of the bunch is Coconut Water, a rich tropical blend of coconut milk and sheer vanilla with subtle notes of pineapple and sparkling citrus. It's very clean smelling and would work perfectly anywhere in your home.

Coming in a very close second is Pink Sangria, a refreshing mix of zesty mandarin, crisp apple and sugared grapes and berries. This scent is sweet and upbeat, I would recommend it anywhere except the bedroom.

Get them both at Bath & Body Works, in store or online.

Touchable Valentine's Day Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Soft, silky, totally touchable skin is a Valentine's Day must have! Exfoliation is key here! You have to scrub yourself down to reveal softer smoother skin.

Try, SheaMoisture’s Organic Red Bush & Sage Body Scrub. This nutrient-rich, spa-quality sugar scrub exfoliates and nourishes skin. The shea butter deeply moisturizes and repairs; the red bush helps exfoliate and heal skin; and the Sage calms and balances skin. Massage gently into skin while in the shower or tub. You’ll be left with soft, sexy skin in a matter of minutes!

No one wants to rub up against stubbly legs and for me, shaving only lasts a few hours before "the stubs" move back in. So I turn to Sally Hansen Brush-on In-Shower Hair Remover Cream. The result? Soft, hair free skin that actually lasts. What I love about this product, is the brush. I hate the way depilatory creams feel on my hands, so with this I don't have to touch the stuff. I use it everywhere hair needs to be removed, from the Toe Beard (don't judge) on up, but I do skip my face.

Final step, is moisturizing! Once your scrubbed down and hair free, a body lotion, cream, and/or oil is your best bet to keep it all smooth and sexy! There are so many options out there but I like something with a hint of scent and loads of moisture. Dove Cream Oil Shea Butter Lotion for extra dry skin is my favorite of the moment. It has that hint of scent and super duper moisturizing power. This lotion will not let you down even when you are wearing bare legs in the freezing cold.

Fight Back Against Acne

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000

It seems as though the skin on my chin and jawline has lost it's mind. I don't know exactly what caused it but it's breaking out like crazy and I'm on a mission to get it together, so I pulled out my acne fighting arsenal.

I cleanse with my regular Glo Therapeutic Conditioning Milk Cleanser and every other day I use my Clarisonic with the deep cleansing brush head. If the breakout is really bad I'll alternate cleansers and throw in the X Out by Proactiv cleanser. This cleanser is particularly strong so it's important to not over do it, but I love this product because it can be used as a spot treatment, cleanser, and a mask. If all this does nothing, I'll pull out the Salicylic Acid peel and do a treatment. To combat dryness I use my trusty MD Forte Replenish Hydrating Cream. As brown girls, we know even the tiniest pimple can leave a devastating dark mark that can last for months. Knock them out with Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle 12% Glycolic Souffle.

Update your Acne Fighting Arsenal!

glotherapeutics gloConditioning Milk Cleanser

Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Cleansing System - PINK

Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel, 30ml (Professional)

MD Forte Replenish Hydrating Cream

Alpha Hydrox 12% Glycolic AHA Souffle-1.6 oz

X-Out Wash In Treatment

BB Creams: What the heck are they?

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Whether you call in a Beauty Balm, like the brands launching them in the US are doing or a Blemish Balm like they've been referred to in Asia it's very likely that you've been seeing them pop up all over the place. So let's chat a little about what these BB Creams actually do for your skin. Beauty Balm creams offer up good coverage for the skin while providing benefits for the skin, so think a treatment cream mixed with a foundation. The skin benefits you get will vary based on what brand you choose, but typically they are on the thicker side in texture and have some type of silicone in them for provide the perfect finish.

Let's look at a few of the top contenders:

1. Dr. Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm - A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product also hides imperfections. Listed first because this product has a bit of a cult following, people swear by this stuff.

2. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream - This multitasking tinted cream formula with SPF 35 hydrates, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects for flawless skin on set and beyond. Plus, it comes in four shades including medium and dark for us brown beauties!

3. Garnier BB Cream - Hydrates for 24hrs, evens tone, corrects blemishes, boosts healthy glow, UV Protection SPF 15. Up side, this will be available in drugstores as opposed to speciality beauty stores but it only comes in fair and medium so far. Not exactly brown girl friendly.

So as you can see these BB creams are the Over Achievers of the makeup world. Will you be trying them out?

Versace Yellow Diamond Fragrance

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The new fragrance by Versace, Yellow Diamond is a beautiful feminine citrusy scent. It's an upbeat happy scent that's perfect for Spring. Yellow Diamond features notes of citron, pear sorbet, bergamot, neroli, orange blossom, freesia, mimosa, nymphea, amber, palo santo wood and musk.

"The yellow colour recalls the brightness, sensuality and great energy of this fragrance, able to depict and emphasize the charm and femininity of a woman"

Donatella Versace

This scent had some decent staying power for me and the dry down is a smoother and warmer than the initial scent. Also available within this line are a shower gel and body lotion. Available at Macys.com

CND Shellac Spring 2012 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:13:00 +0000

CND, pioneer of runway nail fashions, is releasing six gorgeous brand new shades of Shellac Power Polish to the line-up in March 2012. CND Shellac is the effortless alternative to basic polish because it dries instantly and delivers endless mirror shine with absolutely no chipping, smudging or dulling. Plus, CND is rolling out a new certification program to make sure when you go to the salon and request CND Shellac that's exactly what you're getting, for more on the CND Salon Certified Program, click the link.

The new collection features two shades that are meant for layering over any color, Silver VIP Status and Gold VIP Status. Both offer a sheer shimmer effect. Next up, is Dark Lava a deep raisin color. Fourth from the left, is Rubble a mushroom taupe shade that I'm dying to try. Then rounding out the new colors are Cityscape, a creamy dove grey (also on my list to try) and Silver Chrome, an iron metallic shade.

Look out for these new shades March 2012.

Beat Winter Dry Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

There is nothing worse than dry, flaky, itchy, cracking skin and the colder it gets, the drier your skin can end up. From your toes and heels, all the way up to your face and lips, and everywhere in-between Beauty Blvd. is here to help keep that dry skin at bay!

In the Shower: When you are in the shower, try using Lowila Care Cleansing Bar (Amazon.com) It is a dermatologist recommended, soap free cleanser that helps relieve dry, irritated skin that is so common during the winter months. It’s different from other cleansers because it is soap-free, which means that it works to hydrate skin more so than bar soaps do, making it ideal for anyone with skin sensitivities – adults and children alike. I love that it has no scent and thoroughly lathers to cleanse my entire body without any irritation.

Moisturizer: Once you hop out the shower, try LAC-HYDRIN FIVE Moisturizing Lotion, (Amazon.com) it is a non-greasy, alpha-hydroxy-acid lotion formula that has been clinically proven to relieve the dryness and scaliness associated with dry skin. The AHA in the lotion helps restore moisture to the skin by repairing the skin’s natural barrier. For those rough patches bust out the Seaweed Bath Co. Wildly Natural Seaweed Body Butter, www.seaweedbathco.com. The packaging reminds me of a stick of deodorant but the buttery formula glides over your roughest areas to make them soft and smooth in no time.

Face: Mama Mio Clean Slate Cleanser is a paraben-free cleanser infuses skin with essential oils, firming proteins, pre- and pro-biotics and omegas to gently cleanse without over-drying, unbalancing or irritating skin. It's highly fragranced but luckily it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, it actually smells like the spa. After cleansing my skin, I immediately apply cream. My favorite for right now is MD Forte Moisturizer, it's my when all else fails moisturizer.

Lips: Keeping your lips soft and smooth in the cold blistering weather can prove to be a little bit of a challenge, especially since you tend to go from dry heat, to the cold, to dry heat and back again. I always have a stick of lip balm on me at all times, my favorites are Yu-Be, Bliss Fabulips, and MoistStick. At night I always coat my lips with Waxelene, the petroleum jelly alternative.

Skin Expert Dominique Tinkler of OMIC Skincare provides tips on what foods to avoid when you have Dry Skin. Drinks like coffee and black tea dehydrate your internal tissues and skin. Most fried foods contain trans fats and hydrogenated oils which can often deplete levels of good fats and can lead to dry skin. Instead you should focus on drinking lots of water and eating foods with good fats (which will help to keep cell walls strong and prevent water loss) like avocado and olive oil as well as citrus and kiwi (the potassium they contain regulates the body’s water levels). Cabbage has sulfur which can help to prevent dry, irritated skin.

Man-Tastic: Redken Mint Clean

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Redken has released a new and improved version of their Mint Clean Collection. This time the collection includes a mint-infused invigorating shampoo and cool finish conditioner. The new technology is fueled protein to strengthen the hair, peppermint to stimulate the scalp, and macro soother to balance the scalp and provide relief.

Thanks to the peppermint this duo smells great, which 'the man' loves. Plus, the tingly sensation is great in the morning to jump start your day! At $11.50 for the shampoo and $12.00 for the conditioner what's not to love?

Get the collection where Redken products are sold. Check Redken.com for salons near you.

Bobbi Brown Neons & Nudes Lip Swatches

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:16:00 +0000

When I think Bobbi Brown Cosmetics I think easy to wear, subtle colors with a small amounts of shimmer here and there. Well, Bobbi Brown is amping up your look this spring with the release of her newest collection, Neons & Nudes. Bobbi says, "The most modern way to wear color is an accent on an otherwise nude face."

My favorite pieces from the Neons & Nudes Collection would have to be the lipsticks. They are highly pigmented and only require one swipe of color to get that POP! The other items in the collection like the Ultra Nude Eye Palette are essentially neutral shades that you probably already have in your collection of makeup.

From left: Atomic Orange and Neon Pink.

New Scent: Cocktail

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Inspired by the drink throwing ladies of reality TV, comes Cocktail a fragrance! HA! Just kidding. The positively intoxicating new fragrance, COCKTAIL, from Flowers and Water has stolen my heart. COCKTAIL was actually started by two savvy ladies from Chicago, Gigi Gold and Lauren Ellwood when they combined their years of cosmetic and fragrance industry experience to create an addicting scent that women everywhere can afford to enjoy.

Shaken, stirred, or on the rocks, this mix of Violet leaves, symbolizing new beginnings, Jasmine that evokes happiness, and Amber that creates a feeling of inner passion, is the perfect marriage of scents that leaves you feeling fresh and beautiful. COCKTAIL is the first thing you put on and the last thing that comes off.

The scent is light and girly, but it does last and last which is a huge plus! Get it online at flowersandwater.com, $56.00

Dual Foundation Camouflage Brush

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Double-duty for twice the coverage, glō•minerals introduces the Dual Foundation/Camouflage Brush for spring 2012. With a small end to apply makeup in hard-to-reach areas of the face, and a large, round end for overall foundation application, as well as concealer coverage around the eye, this multi-functional brush serves your every purpose. Rounded synthetic fibers are used to emulate the fingertips when applying makeup, working to give a flawless application. Gotta love tools that make things simple!

The Dual Foundation/Camouflage Brush Retails for $32.00 and is available at www.gloprofessional.com.

Odin 07 Tanoke

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Odin Fragrances releases its sixth fragrance, 07 Tanoke. Evoking the exoticism of travel and a modern approach to time-honored fragrance traditions, the signature unisex scents from Odin New York offers a considered library of complex and distinct note combinations. I have Odin 01 Sunda and I absolutely love it. It's unisex like all the other scents, but 07 Tanoke is more masculine than the others.

Odin New York’s 07 Tanoke was developed with Paris-based Drom perfumer Corinne Cachen to find the right balance of strength and lightness. Layering classically American scents inspired by the woods and surrounding waters of Northern California, 07 Tanoke arrives at a clean, crisp aroma that is grounded with a natural warmness. The masculine and feminine dichotomy that defines Odin Fragrances is apparent in the strength of the woodsy top notes that meet with the light finish.

Even though this scent is more on the masculine side, I'm a fan. It's the perfect scent if you're looking for something different from the typical scents available for women.

The 100 ml / 3.4 fl. oz fragrance retails for $120 at Odin New York, Barneys New York and other key retailers.

Kimora Lee Simmons + Shinto Clinical

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:46:00 +0000

So finally, Shinto Clinical Skin Care is launching! Remember when I told you guys about it back in February of 2011? Well, now we've got wind that the line will have nine items, ranging from $32.00 - $65.00 including anti-aging products, eyelash enhancer, pore minimizer, and a microdermabrasion cream.

Like other celebrity endorsed skincare lines it will initial launch on QVC on February 24th and then retail will follow. Will you be rushing out the snap up this line?

Source

Valentine's Day Scent: Saffron James IPO

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

IPO in Hawaiian means “Sweetheart” and is the perfect scent to wear on Valentine's Day or give your loved one this Valentine’s Day! This is the 5th scent released from Saffron James.

The scent is very light and include notes of Violet, Moroccan Rose, Orange Blossom,
Tahitian Gardenia and Lemongrass. It doesn't seem to linger strongly like other scents, in fact you have to re-apply it several times throughout the day if you want continuing scent.

IPO is available in two forms - a EDP that retails for $85.00 and a Mini Oil which retails for $38.00 and is available for purchase at Anthropologie, select Nordstrom locations, as well as online at SaffronJames.com and Anthropologie.com.

Eyebrows: Avoid the Unibrow look

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:37:00 +0000

Here is a rule of thumb that I was reminded of while looking at photos of Tia Mowry at the Wendy Williams show, the start of your eyebrow should never go past the edge of your nostril. In the photo below, I've added in the lines so you can see exactly what I'm talking about.

As you can see in the above image her makeup artist extended her natural brow in too far past the line, resulting in a very unfortunate look. Thankfully, at the 2012 People's Choice awards she used a different makeup artist or something because her eyebrows do not look like a lightly waxed unibrow anymore.

Man-Tastic: Otter Creek Grooming Products

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Otter Creek is a brand new men's grooming line that I've introduced "the man" to. Ladies, if you bring in new products that are specifically for him, he won't be dabbling in your pricey products. Packaged in distinctly masculine packaging and featuring scents that are 100% man, Otter Creek is a welcome addition in our bathroom. His favorite is Grit Happens, a body wash with "those scrubbies" that he really likes plus he doesn't mind the tropical coconut and lime scent. Ladies, we know it as an exfoliating body wash. My favorite is the Duck Call Primer Lip Balm that's unscented, makes his lips soft, and keeps his paws off my Fabulips Balm.

Get your man some at OCreek.com

Valentine's Day Curls with Hot Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:17:00 +0000

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect time to start experimenting with romantic curls. Curls beg to be touched and scream romance, it's truly the perfect hairstyle for Valentine's Day! Image Beauty has all the Hot Tools you need to get your perfect curls.

My personal favorite is the 2 inch Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron. Since the goal for this look is soft, loose curls, the 2 inch barrel works best on shoulder length or longer hair. This curling iron features a soft grip handle with a tangle proof swivel cord that makes it easy to curl your entire head. The barrel is even 24K Gold Plated, talk about fancy right?

Head over to Image Beauty to get more details on the curling iron, explore the entire range of Hot Tools products, and browse their site which is full of beauty products, hair care items, and even fragrance!

Longer Lasting Manicure

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Seems like gel manicures were all the rage in 2011 and I doubt it will die down anytime soon, but guess what? Gel manicures are not allowed at my job, remember I'm a nurse. Of course there are tons of people who break the rules and really it's not enforced but still. The head of Infection Control claims that even after hand washing gel manicures have been shown to hold onto bacteria. Now combine that with the cost and maintenance, plus the fact that it made my nails thinner after months of continued use I have sort of reserved gel manicures for vacations.

That's not to say that I don't like pretty well manicured nails. I have a tip that helps regular old nail polish stick better to nails, it's pretty simple too. Use an alcohol pad to remove any excess oil from the nail before applying any polish. If you don't have alcohol pads, a little bit of an acetone based nail polish remover on paper towel to each nail right before polishing will do the trick.

Don't forget to visit Julep, a nail polish and nail care brand, to get a introductory Julep Maven Box ($40.00+ value) for just $5.00 using code: antihairslave

Image Credit

Better Skin with a Skin Detox

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Dr. Naila Malik, a Southlake, Texas-based Dermatologist and creator of Nail MD Luxury Medical Skincare, dishes on the top ways to detox skin for 2012. “To jump start a great complexion, try this easy-to-follow detox plan for two weeks,” said Naila Malik. “After the two week detox, practice moderation from there on out. The best skin is healthy skin, which starts from within.”

Try these detox tips to get glowing gorgeous skin in 2012:

· Pass on Alcohol – now that your circuit of holiday parties have passed, practice no alcohol intake, as it depletes the skin of nutrition by preventing the absorption of Vitamins A, B, C and Omega 3’s, which leads to premature aging.

· Skip Your Morning Cup Of Joe – Coffee is a diuretic and dehydrates the skin. Drink green tea (an antioxidant) or Hibiscus tea (a natural detoxification) instead.

· Drink Plenty of Water – Drink LOTS of filtered water to avoid toxins and unwanted contamination

· Go Naked! – Go make-up free to let your skin breathe (try Naila MD Paraben-free, fragrance-free Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer – the perfect way to add moisture, sunscreen and a natural tint to the skin).

· Be Gentle – Use gentle skin products free of potential toxins with NO Sulfates, NO parabens, NO Phthalates, NO GMOS, and if possible NO artificial dyes and no artificial fragrances. Be sure to choose products suitable to your skin needs to target any problems (acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, aging, etc.)

· Choose The RIGHT foods – Eat foods that boost the skin’s health. Add avocados, which provide essential oils and B complex, snack on Almonds, which provide Vitamin E, add fresh berries to your breakfast which provide anti-oxidant properties, Cottage Cheese to provide Selenium and Flax Seed Oil to increase Omega 3’s.

Monica covers Today's Black Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Today’s Black Woman Style Report magazine—the guide to fashion, beauty and celebrity style for women of color—announced the release of their latest edition. The February/March 2012 issue of TBW brings it this season with some chic layered outfits that are guaranteed to keep you looking hot and feeling fabulous! To showcase some of these hot looks, TBW recruited the beautiful and always stylish, Monica.

Things to Ask your Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

We often think that dentists only deal with teeth but what you might not realize is that your oral health can impact your overall health. Oral health is tied directly to your overall health, it's particularly linked to heart health as well. Over at Beauty Blvd. we are big advocates of health as well as beauty, so here are some tips on what you should be asking your dentist from from Dr. Pankaj Singh, founder and CEO of Arch Dental.

5 Things You Need to Ask/Tell Your Dentist:

1. Ask you dentist what can your dentist do now to prevent future problems

2. Ask your dentist how your diet is affecting your teeth

3. Tell you dentist if you have any underlying illnesses or ailments and ask how your other illnesses are affecting your teeth.

Dr Singh notes that, someone came in for a procedure following a knee replacement and didn’t tell me. However, when I perform any procedures that will cause bleeding such as teeth cleaning, etc. I need to give an antibiotic first, if you have just had surgery to prevent bacteria. Also, a woman came in and didn’t tell me she had a breathing illness. She needed a procedure which required sedation. You cannot just be sedated if you have issues breathing, there are certain issues and precautions that come in to play.

4. Tell your dentist if you have been snoring or having trouble sleeping

5. Tell your dentist if you have bad breath. Dr Singh says that dentists wear masks so we cannot smell it. Bad breath can mean that your mouth has bacteria build up and it is something we need to know about in order to treat.

Clear Correct Braces - Must Haves

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Now that I'm getting into the groove of wearing my Clear Correct Braces I've found that I must keep certain items in my purse to make it through the day.

1. Toothbrush - I mean this is pretty obvious. After I eat I brush my teeth before putting my aligners back on. But not just any toothbrush, I've been carrying around Violight’s new Slim Sonic Portable Sonic Toothbrush. It's small, it vibrates to get my teeth extra clean and it feels like a much needed mini massage for my gums. It's perfect because it has a cap and it's super slim.

Image Credit

2. Orajel - sometimes my gums start killing me. Not because the aligners don't fit properly it's more like soreness from my teeth moving. The area that specifically bothers me is the top in the front, all the way up too. It's super annoying but this takes the edge off even if it's just for a tiny amount of time.

3. Tylenol or Advil - just in case

4. Straw - Truthfully you shouldn't drink anything other than water with Clear braces but come on that's not at all realistic so I sip from a straw and always rinse with water after I'm finished.

Julep Maven Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Our sister site, The Anti Hair Slave is hosting a great giveaway and 1 lucky winner will receive a Julep Maven Box. Never heard of Julep Maven? Well, it's a monthly subscription service for nail lovers! Each month you get a different box with over $40.00 worth of nail polish and nail/hand care items for just $19.99 a month.

What I especially love about the program is the ability to skip a month, send a box to a friend, or pull a totally different box all together. Instead of just locking you in month to month you have some flexibility with this program. Also, The Anti Hair Slave has scored a discount code: antihairslave that allows you to try your 1st box for just $5.00 plus free shipping! Use the code at Julep.com

Enter the giveaway here!

Get More Sleep Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

In part I of Get More Sleep, we talked mostly about your sleep environment. I wholeheartedly believe that creating a peaceful environment that promotes sleep is essential for achieving your deepest sleep possible. But what happens when you've done all of those things and sleep still evades you? I've got you covered.

1. If you are just plain old restless, try some deep breathing and relaxation techniques while you lay in bed. I like to lay on my back and focus on my breathing, I take nice deep breathes for a while and then focus on each part of my body becoming totally limp and sinking into my mattress. I work from my feet up to my head, concentrating on releasing energy and deep breathing.

2. Avoid the TV. I have to admit that I do have a TV in my bedroom because if I didn't I would only have 1 TV in my apartment and when the boyfriend wants to watch sports and I don't I retreat to the bedroom. It's essential in my case, so I was left with no other option. If I had more space I'd have a TV elsewhere and not in the bedroom. But if you can't sleep don't put the TV on. Instead pick up a book and read for a while, just don't pick a suspense novel or something else that will get your heart racing.

3. Sleep Aids, now I know this is a touchy subject. I am not here to give you medical advice so check with your doctor before trying anything at all. But I have heard that oregano tea is amazing for getting to sleep, even better than chamomile tea.

4. Once you get a routine down, stick with it. I know sleeping in on days off is tempting but it could throw you completely off and mess with your sleep routine for days.

Get More Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Joi) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Sleeping is essential for the body, it allows the body to renew, restore, and rejuvenate but we all know how hard it can be to get good sleep. Take it from me, I work the overnight shift so when you're getting up in the morning I'm getting off work to go home and sleep in the middle of the day with the sun high in the sky. Talk about Vampire Life, right? Well, if I can get good sleep during the day with these tips I'm sure you'll be able to get good sleep at night.

1. Update your mattress and pillows! If you toss and turn and wake up with minor aches and pains or feeling stiff, it might be a sign that your mattress is no good. When I purchased my mattress, I had no idea how expensive it can be, I spent well over $2,000 for a queen but think about how much time you spend in bed. This is well worth it! If you are curious I have a Stearns & Foster brand mattress. I change pillows every few months as well. I usually pick up new ones from Marshalls because they have great brands for less, like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren Home, and Laura Ashley.

2. Make your bedroom your sanctuary. Turn your bedroom into a peaceful place that promotes rest. Anything work related has to go, that means cell phones, stacks of papers, the laptop, ipad, netbook, etc. Banish it to your home workspace. Use colors that promote rest and relaxation. The walls in my bedroom are light grey and deep purple, a color combo I happen to love.

3. The power of scent. All those candles and diffusers in the spa are not just for decoration. Sure they look pretty but those scents are typically chosen for their ability to help promote relaxation. I'm sure you know that lavender promotes relaxation, but mandarin, bergamot, sandalwood, chamomile, and jasmine also help promote relaxation and ease tension. Try some in your bedroom.

4. Caffeine. Working throughout the night calls for coffee. I have tried to limit my caffeine intake but I seriously have a love affair with coffee. But the effects of caffeine have been shown to last for 12 hours. Just keep that in mind the next time you reach for that afternoon coffee.

5. Darkness. For me this is a big deal, I have to sleep when the sun is at its brightest so black out curtains are essential. My body needs to think that it's night out and for some reason I do not sleep as well with the lights on. I've tried masks and things but sometimes they can be a little uncomfortable, so I stick to dark curtains and eliminating as much LED light around me too. This means the alarm clock faces the other way.

These are just the tip of the iceberg, so stay tuned for Part II of Get More Sleep.