In a recent PSA the four models are shown reciting results from a national body image survey conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute, which found that almost 90 percent of the 1,000 girls polled, aged 13 to 17, thought the fashion industry and media placed too much emphasis on being thin.

I applaud Girl Scouts of America for taking a stand but there seems to be some objection to the sizes of the models used. Many women feel that these models do not represent “True” plus size women.

What are your thoughts?

JOHNSON’S® NATURAL™ product line, which naturally and gently cares for baby’s skin and hair makes it easy to infuse natural elements into your life by using ingredients such as fruits and plants.

Sara Snow, Natural and Green Living Expert and TV Host is thrilled with the new addition for “natural” moms. She shares simple tips and ideas that every mom can incorporate into her daily routine to make her life more natural:

No More Paper or Plastic:

Any time you hit the grocery store, meat market, or even mall; take your own reusable shopping bag.

Unplug:

Reduce the consumption of electrical energy by simply unplugging electronics when they’re not in use. Phone chargers draw energy all day long when left plugged into the wall, and electronics can use 40% of their regular running energy when plugged in on standby.

Conserve Water:

Take quicker showers, fix leaky faucets and shut off the water while you brush your teeth. That alone can save almost 2000 gallons a year.

Reach for the Stars:

Always look for the Energy Star seal. Appliances with this seal use less energy, save you money and help protect the environment. Available products range from programmable thermostats to cordless phones. To give an example, Energy Star washing machines use 50% less energy and could reduce your utility bills by over $100 a year.

Switch out Light bulbs:

Americans buy 1 billion bulbs a year. If everyone would switch out just one conventional bulb for a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it would be like pulling a million cars off the roads. Plus, because the bulbs last 10 times as long and are 25% more energy efficient, they’ll save you money.

Far-sighted women

Your prescription makes your eyes look bigger, so you should use neutral or dark shades of eyeshadow. Avoid using bright colors, as they will amplify your eyes more. Make sure you blend everything very well, because any imperfection or flaw will be magnified as well. Mascara should be applied only on the upper lashes or your eyes will look even rounder. Avoid using eyeliner. However, a small line of smudged pencil can look good, but be careful not to overdo it.

Near-sighted women

Because your prescription makes your eyes look smaller, you need to make them look bigger. To do that apply a very thin line with a sharpened eyeliner pencil on your upper lid as close to your eyes as possible. Another trick is to use a white eyeliner: place a small dot in the inner corners of your eye or line your lower lash line. For eyeshadow use lighter, pastel colors. You can also get away with using bold colors as long as they are well blended with no harsh lines. Avoid dark shades as they tend to make the eyes look smaller. You can apply mascara to both your upper and lower lashes.

General tips

• Less is more. Glasses draw attention to your eyes so you should keep your makeup simple. If you overdo it, it will clash with your frames, especially if they are bold and colorful.
• Use cream eyeshadow. This way no powder will end up on your lens.
• Use waterproof mascara as any flakes or smudges will be more obvious when you’re wearing glasses.
• Groom your eyebrows. Glasses draw attention to your brows so keep them neat, tidy and well groomed.
• Camouflage dark circles. Glasses cast a shadow on your face that makes dark circles appear worse than they actually are, so use a light-reflecting concealer to hide them.

1. Avoid using excessive styling products like hair sprays and gels. These styling products will strip out sebum and dry out your mane. Making it more susceptible to breakages

2. Avoid applying heat on your tresses. Stay away form heating tools such as the blow-dryer; straighteners, hot rollers or curlers. Heat will dry out your locks and cause breakages and damage.

3. Minimize or stop using products that contain chemicals. These include: dyes; perms and relaxers. If you do want to use them then you should limit their use to twice a month.

4. Make sure you cut all spilt ends and dead ends. Split ends will run down to the root of your hair if not removed. So cut all damaged hair once every eight weeks

5. To avoid splits from occurring do not over wash or shampoo your mane. And avoid using hot water on your locks.

6. Avoid wearing tight hair styles as they will pull and tug at your tresses and will cause splits and damage.

7. Finally the absolute best way to avoid dry brittle hair is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. And there is a product that will do just that. It is called Mira hair oil. The oil acts as a deep conditioning treatment for all kinds of hair. It will not only repair split ends and dry hair it will also acts as a moisturizer which will prevent your hair from getting dry and breaking up in the first place.

8. Finally keep your mane well moisturized with the above mentioned oil. A hair that is moisturized will be less likely to break and split off.

Follow these eight simple steps and you will no longer have weak, dry and brittle tresses to deal with

My earliest memory of body care was when I was possibly four and after our bath, giagia (grandmother in Greek) would splash my sister and myself with Jean Nate After Bath Splash. It had a very fresh scent and my sister and I would smell like lemons all day long! My giagia used to enjoy hand and foot massages from us with Vaseline Intensive Care body lotion. While mom was working from home, and running errands, giagia would take care of us after coming home from work.

Here are some of my favorite products today:

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream – this is the #1 selling hand cream in the world.  Keeps your hands very soft and supple, while strengthening your nails.

Dr. Bronner’s  Magic Pure Castile Liquid Soap in Almond  - I love that this all natural, multipurpose product leaves my skin feeling very soft in the shower, without dryness or irritation.

Le Crystal Naturel Body Deodorant Spray – this is an all natural deodorant that works! I am very sensitive to the aluminum chlorohydrate in most standard deodorants.

Bliss Naked Body Butter Maximum Moisture Cream – it is very rich and creamy, without any fragrance to interfere with my favorite perfume.

Veet Hair Removal Gel Cream – quickly removes my unwanted hair in 3 minutes without burning or irritation. I have very sensitive skin.

Mary Kay Cosmetics Extra Emollient Night Cream – this is the original Mary Kay product. It is multipurpose, originally designed for the face, and super dry skin. It can be used on your feet, hands, elbows. I use it as a night treatment for my hands and feet. It has the ability to heal cracked heels too!

Origins Incredible Spreadable Scrub Ginger Body Smoother – It is a blend of sugar and Dead Sea salts. I love how soft it makes my skin feel and the invigorating scent of ginger!

~Artemis, Beauty Editor, Plus Model Magazine

Your curves - Just about every man is either a breast man, a butt man or both. Pure and simple, it is just the animal in them that immediately draws their eyes to one or both of these areas. Don’t be afraid to flaunt your favorite body part. Whether you are wearing tight jeans that show off your figure or just making sure that he is watching when you go the bathroom and shake in that oh so special way, show it off.

Your lips - Men are also obsessed with lips. Look at the amount of Google hits for Angelina Jolie and you will quickly see what we are talking about. Sexy lips are just way too hard for a man to look away from or not notice. They are the epitome of defining sex for men as those lips are going to be kissing his lips and if he is lucky, a little bit more! Whatever you can do to enhance their appearance will have them coming out of the woodwork for you.

Your personality – Now that we have covered some of the physical aspects of what makes a woman attractive, how about the mental aspect of it. Once you get him sitting next to you, you have to keep him there.

The first thing you need to do is be yourself. Men can usually tell when you are faking it as you make some awkward comment thinking you know what you are talking about because it is of interest to him. If you don’t know about it, ask him about it and let him teach you before making a foolish statement that has him looking at you like you have 20 heads coming off of your neck.

Your intelligence – Regardless of what you are hearing, men love intelligent women. The girl that is as dumb as a box of hair is great for a one night stand, but hardly the type of woman that he wants to be around his friends and family. Don’t be a know it all, but don’t play stupid either. He will know pretty quickly if he plans on a one night stand or you have the possibility of something more.

Don’t ever change who you are for a man. You may be highlighting some of your characteristics, but they are still you. Any man that can’t appreciate you for what you are doesn’t deserve you in the first place!

What makes you feel attractive?

1. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in warm water, mild soap or a pre-packaged foot soak.

2. Use a pumice stone and exfoliate the bottom of your feet by gently scrubbing your soles and heels to remove dead skin.

3. For extremely calloused feet, slather your feet with a emollient rich lotion and cover with a plastic bag for 15 minutes.

4. Rinse and dry your feet with a clean towel.

5. Clean, trim and file your toenails.

6. Gently push back cuticles.

7. Rinse feet once again and pat dry.

8. Massage your feet and cuticles with a botanical oil.

9. Prepare your nails for polish.

10. Apply clear nail polish to protect your toenails from color pigmentation.

11. Apply 2 coats of polish and finish with a UV topcoat.

12. Allow polish to completely dry before putting your shoes or sandals.

For some, the problem is hereditary or related to ethnic heritage. For others, it can be caused by a medical condition such as polycystic ovaries or a hormone-secreting tumor, or even the result of hormonal changes linked to menopause.

Still other women are interested in hair removal for areas such as legs, underarms, or bikini area, where growth is normal but sometimes undesirable.  No matter the reason, there is no shortage of ways to cope.

To help you decide which method of hair removal might be best for you, WebMD consulted several experts in the field. They helped us prepare this guide to the eight most popular methods of hair removal for women.

Hair Removal Method No. 1: Laser/Pulsed Light

What It Does: One of the more popular ways to remove hair is via laser or pulsed light – energy that goes through the hair shaft down to the follicle, where it destroys the hair’s root.  The hair does not immediately come out during a laser treatment. Instead, it weakens and falls out over time.  This means doctors can safely treat larger areas at one time and more comfortably for the patient.

Best For : Laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body. The best candidates are women with dark hair and light skin. Lasers won’t work on white hair, and they are much less effective on blond hair, which Goldberg says usually responds best to electrolysis.

How Long It Takes : It usually requires 5-7 sessions, with a touch-up about once a year thereafter.

Cost : The cost runs between $150 and $500, or sometimes more depending on how many treatments are needed.

Hair Removal Method No. 2: Electrolysis

What It Is : The only method of hair removal that is permitted to be called “permanent,” electrolysis uses a tiny needle that slides down into the hair follicle until it reaches the cells responsible for hair growth.  The process can be uncomfortable, but local anesthetic creams can help.

Best For : Like other forms of hair removal, it is safe to do electrolysis anywhere on the body, the most popular place for women is the face.

How Long It Takes : Though the system requires that the removal be done hair-by-hair, so it can take up to 25 sessions, depending on how much you need removed, but each session may only be 5 or 10 minutes long.

Cost: Costs run between $40 and $90 per treatment, with 10 to 25 treatments (or more) sometimes necessary for permanent, lasting results.

Potential Drawback : Electrolysis can cause tiny scars where the needle is inserted. Though for most people they heal unnoticed, for those with darker skin tones it means an increased risk of hyperpigmentation and formation of keloids. Thus, it’s not recommended for this skin type.

Hair Removal Method No. 3: Vaniqa

What It Is: This topical prescription cream, also known as eflornithine 13.9%, works by blocking an enzyme that would otherwise stimulate hair growth. Without the enzyme, hair growth is retarded in that area, and eventually may stop.

Best For : Vaniqa works best for facial hair growth on the upper lip, chin, and cheeks.

Studies show Vaniqa is safe to use in combination with birth control pills and other hormone treatments when the cause of unwanted hair stems from reproductive problems such as polycystic ovaries. It is also safe for all ethnic groups and skin types.

Cost : Vaniqa costs between $80 and $225 per tube.

Hair Removal Method No. 4: Waxing

What It Is : It’s been around for centuries, but today’s waxes are far different than the sticky honey treatments of the past.  he soy cream is applied, then covered with special cloth strips. When the wax sets, the strips are removed, taking the hair with it.

Best For : Waxing can remove hair anywhere on the body, including the upper lip, chin, eyebrows, arms and legs. A bikini wax removes hair that might show when you’re wearing a skimpy bathing suit bottom, while a Brazilian wax removes all hair from the genital area.

Cost: The cost of waxing runs from about $10 for an upper lip, to $70 for upper and lower legs or a Brazilian wax. The procedure must be repeated every few weeks.

Hair Removal Method No. 5: Shaving

What It Is: Whether done with an electric or straight razor, shaving is akin to cutting hair – only it does so ultra-close to the skin. Shaving does not remove hair at the root, nor does it disturb the follicle. That means the effects are temporary, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Potential Drawback: If hair is coarse shaving can cause ingrown hairs.

Hair Removal Method No. 6: Depilatories

What It Is: These creams and lotions use a chemical compound designed to dissolve the proteins that make up hair. Unlike shaving, which leaves sharp, hard, hair stubble just below the skin, depilatories leave a rounded, smoother edge – so stubble is minimized and regrowth appears to take longer. Still, treatments usually need to be repeated at least weekly, if not more often.

Best For : Best used for hair on the face, arms, and legs, many depilatories are not recommended for eyebrows or for use in the genital area.

Cost : Cost is between $5-$10 per tube or bottle.

Hair Removal Method No. 7: Tweezing

What It Is: Tweezing pulls hair out at the root. However, it does not affect the follicle, from which hair grows, so it’s only a matter of time before another one sprouts up.

Best For : Tweezing is best used to remove hair on small areas of the face – such as the upper lip, chin, or eyebrows.

Hair Removal Method No. 8: Oral Contraceptives and Hormonal Treatments

What It Is: For women whose hair growth is hormone-related — most often caused by a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome — medications can help. The condition is known as hirsutism. Treatment includes drugs designed to reduce levels of androgens, the hormones linked to excess hair growth.

Medications commonly include birth control pills and/or anti-androgens, such as spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, and flutamide.

{Source}

Visit Your Stylist

Colouring, bleaching, perming, styling and hot summer sun all damage hair to some extent, causing it to dry out and split.  Before you go on the road it is best to have any split, dry ends trimmed off as this will instantly give the rest of the hair a healthier, shiny appearance and extra bounce. Hair is also less likely to split further and become frizzy when the ends of the hair shafts are smooth due to a recent trim.

Limit Your Shampooing

Even mild shampoo strips some of the natural oil from the hair and scalp, prompting oil glands to produce more to keep hair and skin moisturized. Hot sun and wind dry the hair and scalp which also prompts more oil production. When hair is shampooed less frequently, less natural oil is stripped away and oil production begins to slow down. If your scalp has already adjusted to less frequent washing before traveling, the problem of excessively oily hair will be lessened during your time away from home when you may not be able to wash it as often.

Coordinate Your Scarves

Beg, borrow or buy a few lightweight cotton scarves to match the outfits you are taking away with you. Before you leave home, practice wrapping, tying and creating new, trendy ways to wear them in and over your hair that suit your style and personality. Scarves are a great way to keep hair tidy when all else has failed. They also serve to protect it from the sun and wind.

Simple Styles

Styling products and appliances take up time and space, both of which are at a premium while traveling. Keeping your hair style as simple and natural as you are comfortable with will save precious space and time that are better used for more important things like clothing, souvenirs and sightseeing. Leave styling products at home and take full advantage of the natural glow your hair takes on without them.