Confession: I'm won't get my eyebrows arched because I'm afraid they will grow back weird or, worse, won't grow back at all.
Getting a tan in the South during the summer is as inevitable as finding meat in your veggies at a meat and three restaurant. It's going to happen. And I don't mean getting a golden glow from spending hours laying at the beach, or sitting poolside with a magazine, but simply from being out and about. For example, walking a strip mall for an hour; shopping an open-air farmer's market for an afternoon; or riding a bicycle along a trail all add up to ample sun exposure and skin that gets richer and richer in color (even while wearing the appropriate sunscreen).
That leads me to my point of a what I feel is a strange, but common, southern skin phenomenon: Two-toned skin, also known as uneven tanning. It used to be called a "farmer's tan." That's when the area from your upper shoulder or from your elbow down to your fingertips was at least six shades deeper in color than the area beneath your t-shirt, which didn't see much sunlight.
Right now, my arms are at least four shades darker than my legs. This makes buying pantyhose a fun adventure. Do I match my arms or do I match my legs. Should I do Beige Mist or Honey Brown? This is the question.
The beauty of it all is that it's such a common sight to see two-toned skin in the South, that no one feels shy or bad about it. You'll see bunches of folks sporting striped feet (from wearing sandals that have straps--beneath the straps doesn't get tanned, so you get tan lines on your feet), or ghost eyes (I call that the area behind your shades--the rest of your face gets tan, but you're left with these untanned circles around your eyes and maybe even a line by your temples). We are not aliens and this is not a skin condition that just hasn't been diagnosed. We are Southerners, two-toned through and through (and we love it).
Do you get two-toned skin? Know any solutions for evening out tans? Tell me about it. I'd love to hear.
Here's a product to keep on hand before going out into the sun. Nivea Caring Sun Lotion is available is available in SPF 6 through SPF 50+. It has UVA and UVB protection and is even supposed to help with sun allergies. It yields instant protections against sunburn and has a bonus of anti-aging and moisturizing properties.
Posted by: By Jennifer, July 28, 2009 in Balance
, Food
I just moved to Birmingham from Chicago to joing the Healthy Living team as an intern for Southern Living and in three short weeks I've had a crash course in life below the Mason-Dixon line. My first lesson was sweet tea at Mary Mac's Tea Room, a local favorite and recommended by a friend born and raised in Atlanta. It fulfilled all my expectations for southern hospitality and scrumptious barbeque, but I was there for the tea. It's a tea room, technically, after all.
I laughed when the waiter offered un-sweet tea, what's the fun in that? But after my third icy glass I began to regret my sugar overload. The initial high gave me a boost to glide through local boutiques and walk along Peachtree street but the crash sent my energy plummeting. I remembered why I avoid sugary drinks and keep my cupboard stocked with Splenda for my morning coffee.
But recent research is hinting that these sweet substitutes may cause a similar energy roller-coaster and longterm consequences for you and even the environment, yikes. Scientists found traces of these sugary pinch hitters in the water supply, even after water has been treated. In the average quantities, the common artificial sweeteners are unlikely to cause major illness but who knows what researchers could turn up next. And once I tried this Southern specialty, I don't think I can give it up.
I can be smarter about my sweeteners, at least in my own kitchen. I plan to try this recent Southern Living recipe for a slightly sweet substitute using honey.
Posted by: By Erin Shaw Street, July 24, 2009 in Southern Blogging Mamas
This week's Southern Living Mama Blogger of the week is The Big Mama. Big Mama has lived in Texas all her life, and writes with a distinctly Southern voice.
We love this post about making plans for her 20 year high school reunion. An excerpt:
"About this time last year I received an email about plans for my twentieth high school reunion. And I thought, bless their hearts, it hasn’t been twenty years since we graduated from high school because that would mean we’re old and all drive minivans and wear sensible loafers. Then I did the math and realized that yes, as a graduate of the class of 1989, it has been twenty years since I teased the crap out of my bangs in the hopes they would be higher than my mortarboard cap when I walked the stage to receive my diploma and hugged all my classmates while a cassette tape of Whitney Houston belted out “One Moment In Time” over a mediocre sound system."
Seriously, I am laughing out loud.
"...this is about me trying to live the life of motherhood with some semblance of grace and dignity, yet still somehow managing to knock over large quantities of produce while grocery shopping."
Can't we all relate? I know I can.
Happy Friday mamas, with a very special shout out to those of you who are attending the BlogHer conference today. If you would like to nominate a Southern Blogging Mama for our feature please leave your suggestion in the Comments section below.
Confession: I am addicted to at-home tooth-whitening systems. I started bleaching about three years ago.The first time I used a kit, I was wowed by the results, but felt that I could go one shade lighter. So, I did another kit. I got compliment after compliment: "You should be in a toothpaste commercial," folks would tell me. One charming older gentleman said, "You have the whitest teeth I've ever seen." After I told him I'd been bleaching, he wondered if the kit would work on his dentures. I was both elated and satisfied...or so I thought. As the morning coffee, diet cokes, spaghetti sauces, etc., started doing their work, over time, I stopped getting the daily comments about my whitey whites (I say whitey, because really, there was no pearl left...). So, I figured my teeth needed another bleaching session to be in top shape (i.e., blindingly, almost florescent-ly white). I think I'm on my sixth kit (I'm halfway through, in fact). This can't be normal. But then again, neither am I.
This beauty buzz is for all those outdoor runners out there (literally, "out" there..LOL! Had to do it.). One of the blessings of the South is that our temps stay warm long enough to extend the outdoor running season. However, humidity + sweat can easily = breakouts.
I read an interesting article recently that could help with post-exercise breakouts for those of you who run or walk outdoors (and, I'm sure, those who exercise indoors as well, who also suffer post-calorie-burning breakouts).
It seems the reason that they happen is not because your hormones or anything go crazy during exercise (although, your brain does release endorphins, or "happy hormones"), but because of simple sweating. Sidebar: One of my lovely co-workers here at Southern Living, a real Southern woman in every way, says that women don't sweat--they glisten. Glistening is a beautiful way to describe what happens when you're at church and the air condition is broken, or what happens after a full-power shopping spree. But, after an hour-long run or exercise session, glistening has turned to dripping.
Anyway, I found the article that addresses post-exercise breakouts (something I get from time to time). Here are some highlights from the story that might help you (p.s., It's a really good article: credit where credit is due):
1. Before working out, remove all lotion and makeup (I know. This is a hard one glamor girls. But you really CAN go outside without your lipstick and mascara if you're exercising. Just pull your cap down really low--people might even think you're an incognito celebrity).
2. If you're exercising indoors, remove sunscreen (I don't think fluorescent lights cause sun spots, but...I could be wrong).
3. Wear fabrics that wick sweat away from your body. And, most importantly, take off that sweaty attire when you're finished.
Here are some top product picks from the article, as well as one I'm throwing in, that might help you with your mission of staying break-out free: Murad Acne Body Wash (murad.com); Murad Clarifying Body Spray (murad.com); and Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub (neutrogena.com)
As a mom of a toddler, I'm constantly battling the lure of not so healthy food. Everywhere we turn it seems like there are chicken nuggets, pizza and processed meals that look oh so delicious to a three year old. They're called convenience foods for a reason -- they are convenient.
But as someone who has written about health issues for more than a decade, I know that the healthiest diet is one filled with vegetables and fruit (preferably locally grown), with little or no additives and processing.
I'm not going to lie -- every now and then my son gets chicken nuggets. But I'm increasingly questioning what goes into the food that ends up on our table.
I've been going to the local farmer's market on Saturdays to stock up on the beautiful fresh produce that's in abundance in the South. (We've been loving these fresh Chilton County peaches I bought last weekend.)
When we buy meat, I'm looking for cuts that are hormone and antibiotic free. And I try to remember to keep reusable bags in the car for spur of the moment grocery runs.
These are all small changes, but changes that I hope will result in better healthy for my family, and for the environment.
We want to hear from you:
Tell us about how you incorporate organic, all-natural and earth-friendly products into your daily life. Please leave your thoughts in the "Comments" section below.
Your above submission to SouthernLiving.com, including contact information, gives us the right to modify, use, distribute, reproduce, publish and display the submission indefinitely in all media, means, and forms without any payment to you. You hereby represent that you haven't copied the content from a book, magazine, newspaper, or other commercial source.
Posted by: By Erin Shaw Street, July 17, 2009 in Southern Blogging Mamas
This week's Southern Living Mama Blogger of the week is Trina, whose blog, "Fabulously Frugalicious," is an account of her creative ways to live frugally and with style.
In addition to writing about her family (she's an Alabama mom of two), Trina shares tips on how she looks and feels good -- all while watching out for bargains.
What's the connection to health? Money is one of the top stresses for Americans (American Psychological Association), and we're interested in learning about how women are keeping that stress level at bay.
We like this post in which Trina writes re-organizing her garage and giving unwanted items to charity - a good way to be eco-friendly and help someone in need at the same time.
And in this post Trina gives tips on how she made custom artwork for only $13. It features her "trademark" item -- peacock feathers. Trina explains how you can do the same thing -- sounds like a fun project for a weekend afternoon.
We love Trina's suggestions for looking and feeling good for less, and for that she's our Southern Living Mama Blogger of the week.
Do you have a suggestion for a Southern mom blogger who should be featured in Southern Living or on "Live Healthy?" Leave us your suggestions in "comments" below.
Posted by: By Erin Shaw Street, July 14, 2009 in Activity
, Balance
A few weeks ago, I thought that I had found it. Sure, I was leaving on an early morning flight, but I'd dropped my son off at school on time, packed my bags (even remembering all the chargers and files I needed for the trip), and had allowed sufficient time to get to the airport. As a mom who frequently travels for work, I work hard to find balance in my day-to-day.
Then it happened: with one good intentioned wipe of the kitchen counter tops I managed to get bleach all over my dress. Then the cell phone rang: I'd forgotten my son's nap mat. After changing faster than Linda Carter in a phone booth and rushing to his school, I realized I'd left my laptop back at the office.
Ah, balance.
It's something my friends and I spend a lot of time talking about, thinking about, and in my case, writing about. We may be at different life stages and with different circumstances, but the themes are similar: how do we manage our time so that we are physically and emotionally healthy? Or at least not completely frazzled? It's the subject of much discourse, from the blogosphere to the boardroom.
Finding balance is an ongoing process. Some of the things that help me are blocking out time on the weekends that are "errand free" -- time to take my son to the park or go to the farmer's market. I also practice yoga, which helps relieve stress and keeps me focused. And when all else fails, I turn up music and have a mini dance break. Dancing -- and humor -- help me relieve stress and then get back to the things that are most important.
Question: How do you find balance in your life? Please let us know in the "Comments" section below.
Your above submission to SouthernLiving.com, including contact information, gives us the right to modify, use, distribute, reproduce, publish and display the submission indefinitely in all media, means, and forms without any payment to you. You hereby represent that you haven't copied the content from a book, magazine, newspaper, or other commercial source.
As Southerners, we love to entertain. Now that summer is in full gear, it's a great time to take your party outdoors and do it with style.
Today Southern Living's Kristi Crowe shared our tips for stylish outdoor entertaining on the CBS Early Show. This look features colorful, eco-friendly tableware -- a lot more fun than boring old white plates and plastic cups.
Kristi demonstrates three looks: classic, bold, and relaxed. Check out the video below, and for sources check out this link.
Unwinding with friends and surrounding yourself with green tableware: good for your spirit and the environment!
Confession:I have been using the same contact lens case for about eight months (possibly more). I do clean it regularly and disinfect it with alcohol, but still live with the fear that I might get an eye infection and go blind. So, I resolve that today I will buy a couple new cases and will save my vision.
We are definitely in high humidity mode here in Birmingham, and I'm suspecting around the rest of the south. I was in Florida this past holiday weekend and by the end of my trip, my smooth hair had turned into a tangled mass that I could no longer run my fingers through. Think Carrot Top meets Courtney Love, who seems to have notoriously frinkly hair (frinkly= frizzy+crinkly).
Later on, while mulling over the disaster that had been my hair, I came across an article in a beauty and fashion magazine (oh, I guess I'll say it...Lucky) about a new Philip B. product that just might be the answers to my humidity horrors. It's called Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo and is available on the company's website. Now, here's where I should mention the fact that the shampoo is $140 for a 12 oz. jar. However, it's apparently a miracle shampoo (And aren't they all, all miracle shampoos?). The miracle is that it supposedly does whatever your hair needs, whether it be curly, straight, or frinkly. It's said to fight the frizzies, rejuvenate, and add bounce to your mane. Besides, with a stately name like Russian Amber Imperial, there's no way they could sell it for just $9.99....
If it really does all of of these wonderful things for your hair, then $140 a jar would seem like a bargain and I'm sure Southern women everywhere would be more than willing to give up a few mani-pedis to get a hold of a jar.
Question for you: What's the most you've ever paid for a "miracle" hair product? For me it was about $100 for a few Nexxus Shampoos and conditioners that, upon use, did not work for my hair type.
Posted by: By Amy Bickers, July 8, 2009 in Activity
, Balance
, Food
Enough with celebrities in bikinis boasting about their weight loss (thanks to trainers and personal chefs and paydays dependent on looking good)! I prefer the story of a real Southern woman making it happen through hard work, willpower, and smart advice from the pros at Cooper Wellness Clinic in Dallas.
Meet Peg Williams.
Peg was a member of my class at Cooper Wellness Program last June. (I wrote about the program for our January 2009 issue. )The Austin resident had recently turned 50 and weighed 275 pounds. As senior vice-president of research and development for a computer company, Peg spends most of her days traveling. The challenges of staying healthy while on the road were formidable. The road was winning. “I finally got to the point where my fat clothes were tight. I knew I needed to do something. I just had to get it drilled into my head that this was about my health,” Peg said. “I saw myself in this high risk category, facing all kinds of health problems.”
Her initial physical exam at Cooper revealed high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint pain.
Peg spent a week at Cooper and left with a plan and a new attitude. “No excuses. I’m on the road at least 20 days a month and I have 1,000 excuses. I just said to myself, ‘This is good for you, good for your health. You have to do it.’”
Posted by: By Erin Shaw Street, July 2, 2009 in Balance
, Southern Blogging Mamas
It's almost July 4th, and whether you are going to the beach, the mountains, or your own backyard, we're wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday.
This week's Southern Living Mama Blogger of the Week is a Southern ex-pat who is spending her vacation in beautiful Destin, Florida.
This Ain't New York is written by Melanie, a Georgia native who describes herself as a "dislocated Southerner" living in New Mexico with her husband and daughter.
We've chosen Melanie for her spot-on description of that stress reliving moment when you arrive at your favorite beach:
"Last night as we crossed the bridge, I rolled down my window just to smell the air.
Salty, clean, humid, with the faint smells of fresh gulf shrimp and grouper -- this is Destin.
We've
lived along the Florida Panhandle several times through the years and
I've fallen in love with it. Don't tell Mama, but it is more like home
to me than the red clay of Georgia. (I think she already knows.)
The
Florida Panhandle has its own charm. There's an eclectic mix of foods
and traditions of The South with the beach bum attitude of Florida."
As a Florida native, this description rings true, and I can practically feel the sand in my toes reading her blog. This post describing summers shelling peas with her grandmother also evokes memories.
Thanks for sharing Melanie, and keep blogging!
Question: What's your favorite Southern summer memory?
Also, if you have a Southern blogging mama you would like to recommend for this weekly feature, please leave your suggestion in "comments."
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