On the dot

As promised, here's my outfit from Tiany's event earlier this week.

That day I had a problem with deciding what I was going to wear. As I, and many other girls, have frequently.

I ended up in a Minnie Mouse inspired outfit. 

I know for a lot of people this look is too costumey, childish or even plain ugly.

But I couldn't care less. I was always the girl who wore "crazy" outfits. I just dare to wear them, it's as simple as that. If I'm choosing something, I'm not going to worry about other people opinions.

I'm all about challenges and so it is with fashion too. 

And believe me, this is not to pull attention to my persona. This is just me.

I was born this way, baby!

I like to have fun with outfits while I'm still young.

It would be pretty hard to pull off this look in 10 years from this :)

So, that day I ended up with this polka dot blouse that I just bought in a vintage shop and just ended up pilling the rest of the clothes around it. This is how I ended up looking kind of like a cartoon figure :)
I was glad to receive some nice reactions from the fellow bloggers on the event.

Wearing: Vintage polka dot blouse, H&M skirt and shoes, Modström belt, Sac d'Anvers bag.

The beautiful garden where the pictures where taken

KiriLove

This week me and various other bloggers attended the press launch of Tiany Kiriloff's mini-collection for Vero Moda. Tiany is a local fashion journalist and is well known for her impeccable sense of style. The venue where the launch was held, was truly breathtaking. The whole atmosphere was breathing: "This is a dream coming true" and so it was for her.

To celebrate her collection a tea-party was held with many, many sweets to satisfy us, girls.

I was happy to meet many fellow bloggers and see that the blogger scene is still on growing.

In a fairy tale setting

Us, bloggers, met

Many sweets to satisfy our needs

Le moment suprême

Me with the lovely Tiany. I always been a big fan of her!

This jacket caught my attention

With the lovely Krizia from Shark Attack

I will show u the whole outfit I wore in my next post

xoxo

Natural Treatment for Raynaud’s Disease: Home Remedies & Supplements for Peripheral Artery Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a little understood circulatory disorder that causes the fingers and toes to go numb. Epidemiological Studies have shown a strong correlation between Migraine, Angina and Raynaud’s Disease. Supplements, home remedies and massage therapy have been effective in the management of this peripheral artery disease.

What is Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud's Phenomenon
affecting the hands

The Raynaud’s disease affects the tiny arteries that carry blood to the skin of the fingers, toes, nose and ears. Cold weather triggers a spasm in these blood vessels, thus depriving these areas from oxygen. The skin changes color and goes numb.

There is no known cause for the disorder. More women than men are affected by the disorder. The condition is seen in people having migraine, atherosclerosis, hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis. When there is a medical cause for the ailment, it is called Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Cold temperatures and stress are significant triggers.
Smoking and Caffeine are linked with increased risk of developing the condition.

Raynaud’s Disease Symptoms 

• Temporary color change occurs in the affected area, first white; then red-blue.
• Tingling numbness and reduction in temperature
• Gradual change in skin texture
• Sores may develop on the tips of the affected area.

 Natural Treatment for Raynaud’s Disease (Peripheral Artery Disease): Supplements   

Vitamin E beneficial in
peripheral artery disease

• Vitamin E: vitamin E improves the flow of blood through the arteries; have 400 I.U. everyday.
• Vitamin B3: vitamin B or niacin is very important to mange tingling numbness. Niacin enhances the blood flow to the extremities. Have 2 supplements of niacin daily. It shows wonderful results.
• Magnesium: 400 mg of magnesium is recommended per day. However, do consult your doctor if you have a kidney disease. Magnesium exerts beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, and helps relax constricted blood vessels.

Home Remedy for Peripheral Artery Disease and Poor Circulation Symptoms: Home based Treatment 

Primrose oil: primrose oil is extremely effective in the management of tingling numbness associated with Raynaud’s disease. The gamma linoleic acid in primrose oil significantly improves the symptoms.Massage the oil in to your fingers and toes; it allays the symptoms effectively.

Make sure you also remember the following guidelines:

• Stay away from caffeine and smoking which contains nicotine; they constrict the blood vessels.
• Protect your fingers, toes, nose and ears from the cold. Wear gloves, mittens and socks. While reaching in to the freezer use thick gloves.
• Ensure that you do not injure the affected areas.

Causes and Symptoms of Psoriasis: Natural Remedies, Supplements and Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin ailment that can be quite painful and disfiguring. It flares up and subsides in cycles. The condition can be effectively handled using home remedies, as well as herbal and nutritional supplements.

What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a non contagious chronic skin condition. It is characterized by inflamed, raised, red patches that are covered with silvery white scales. Common sites for the ailment are: elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, or buttocks.

Stress can lead
to Psoriasis

Psoriasis Causes
The disorder basically occurs when the cells of the skin replicate faster than normal. Normally, the skin cells originate deep down and come to the surface in 28 days. However, in areas that are afflicted by psoriasis, the process takes 8 days. Thus, the cells accumulate, and the skin turns red and inflamed.

Psoriasis afflicts both, men and women, and generally appears between 15 and 30 years. Heredity and genes plays a pivotal role in the development of psoriasis. Also, there are certain triggers such as: stress, skin trauma, cold temperature, sunburn, skin infections, throat infections, alcohol and abnormality in the metabolism of amino acids and proteins.

Psoriasis Symptoms
The manifesting features of psoriasis are:

• Patches of red and inflamed skin, having silver-white scales.
• Itching
• Nails become loose, discolored or pitted.
• Bleeding points where the scales fall off.
• Occasional pain
• Joint pain and swelling

 Psoriasis Natural Remedies: Psoriasis Home Remedies

Cabbage Leaves effective
in Psoriasis Treatment

• Flax seeds: Flax seeds supply the body with important essential fatty acids. Studies state that low levels of essential fatty acids, particularly; omega 3 fatty acids are seen in psoriasis patients. Roast a handful of the seeds and grind them in to a fine powder; consume 3 tablespoons daily.
• Cabbage: Cabbage leaves manage psoriasis effectively. Make a compress of the leaves and apply over the affected areas. Keep it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse. Follow this routine daily.
• Avocado oil and wheat germ oil: wheat germ and avocado supply vitamin E in liberal quantities. Blend wheat germ oil and avocado oil in equal quantities. Massage, 2 to 3 times daily in to the affected skin.

 Supplements and Natural Treatments for Psoriasis

•  Vitamin A: Vitamin A is very important for a healthy skin and maintaining normal skin structure. Psoriasis is decidedly responsive to vitamin A supplementation. Take 25000 I.U. of vitamin A for a month, thereafter, take 10000 daily for 2 months.
• Zinc: Zinc is a very vital mineral that helps in repair, and promotes skin healing. It has proved to be highly beneficial in the management of acne. Take 15 mg of zinc daily for one month.
• Vitamin E: vitamin E is a powerful anti oxidant; it prevents free radical damage and wards off flare ups of psoriasis. 

This is today

After some exhausting hours of class me and my friend headed to town.

The weather was extraordinary! We always have a nice time, as best friends don't need much, but still. We had lunch and deserts, afterwards we went vintage shopping.

I found the most incredible black vintage ball gown, for a crazy price.

I was screaming: "This looks like vintage Chanel" the whole time. Obviously being pretty excited.

Now I only need a ball or a royal wedding or a red carpet to attend :)

Just another casual look, I was wearing my new jeans shorts. This is officially my shortest item of clothing. I'm afraid you can't go any shorter without ending up in your underwear.

Anyway, I looked for a suitable pair for a while and these shorts won my heart.

Dessert = delicious heaven!

Wearing : Zara shorts, bracelet from Tunisia, I am necklace

ID10T

I used to work in tech support, and I actually loved it on one of the projects I worked on. I loved talking to people from all over the place, helping them with their problems, and feeling like the smartest person in the world. It was good fun, for the most part.

I've also had conversations that lasted well over an hour with people that had absolutely no business touching a computer. They just had the bad luck to still be working as we entered the 21st century, where pretty much every job requires the use of technology. I have put people on hold & cried out for help from God & my colleagues, because I just didn't know how to explain it in any other way.

So let me say that I know how to make my way around a problem. If I can't solve it myself, I've googled it (when applicable), and basically tried everything I can before I get to the point of contacting customer/tech support.

Also? I know how to write a message. I'm not perfect- I don't always think of every, little detail they might need to know (windows version, time of day, color of my mood ring), but I explain what I did. "I've tried this, this, and this, as directed on the site, and this is the error message that I got."

My point? I'm not stupid. And I hate stupid tech support workers. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, because most of the people I worked with weren't all that good at their jobs. (FYI: at least for website issues, the support staff is not full of computer whizzes. At all.) It bugs the crap out of me when I get a message back and they clearly did not read my message.

"Hey! Thanks for writing! You can just go ahead and press the 'forgot password' link on the login screen and we'll send you a temporary password! Don't forget to check your spam folder!!!!!!!1!!"*

Vomit. You can tell they're trying very hard to be nice & chummy & not talk down, but it's sooooo not working.

*I understand if they have a process & that's the first step that the must tell everyone to do. Fine. But acknowledge that I have a brain in my head in your message, á la "I see that you already tried this, but just try it one more time for me & tell me the error message you get." Or just go ahead & escalate it already or tell me the next step.

Causes for Paresthesia: Home remedies to Manage Tingling Numbness

Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation in the skin; it is commonly manifested as tingling numbness that may be transient or permanent. Tingling is often described as a sensation of ‘pins and needles’, pricking, creeping or crawling; while; numbness is reduced or lost sensation in the skin.

Causes of Prasesthesia: Tingling Numbness

Dehydration is frequently responsible
for Tingling Numbness

Transient paresthesia occurs due to:

• Extended pressure on a nerve is the commonest and most frequently seen cause; the tingling numbness vanishes when the pressure is released.
• Panic attacks are known to trigger a ‘pins and needles’ sensation.
• Dehydration can cause paresthesia too
• Hyperventilation syndrome
• Transient ischemic attack or mini stroke
• Inadequate supply of blood in atherosclerotic or blocked arteries in the lower extremity.
• Raynaud’s disease

 Chronic causes for paresthesia are:

• Central nervous system disorders: intra-cerebral hemorrhage, stoke, multiple sclerosis, trauma, tumors, meningitis, cervical spondylosis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive motion, neuralgia, migraine.
• Cardiac disorders: atherosclerosis, angina, occlusion of the artery, Raynaud disease.
• Metabolic derangements: diabetes, low blood sugar, hypothyroidism, hypo-parathyroidism, hypo-aldosteronism, abnormal levels of potassium, calcium or sodium in the blood, menopause.
• Infections: Herpes simplex virus, Herpes zoster virus, Lyme disease, AIDS, leprosy, rabies, syphilis
• Connective tissue and autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome, pernicious anemia, diabetes 
• Blood disorders: thrombosis, thrombocytosis, leukemia
• Joints disorders: arthritis, osteomalacia, osteoporosis
• Nutrient deficiency: deficiency of vitamin B1, B5 and B12 
• Medications: anti-convulsant drugs, amiodarone, digoxin, etc.
• Poisoning: heavy metals such as: arsenic, mercury, lead, too much exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, alcohol, tobacco, drugs

 Treating Tingling Numbness: Home Remedies

To successfully treat tingling numbness, you need to ascertain the underlying cause; whether it is poor circulation, dietary deficiency, diabetes, heart disorders or multiple sclerosis. The following food prescriptions can help manage paresthesia effectively:

• Vitamin B1 rich foods: a deficiency of vitamin B 1 or thiamine results in extreme numbness and pins and needles of the legs. Incorporating foods that are excellent sources of the vitamin helps manage tingling numbness effectively. Wheat germ, yeast, peanuts, soy, brazil nuts, millet, wheat bran, haricot beans, oatmeal, lima beans, cashews, walnuts and almonds are very good sources. 



Almonds are rich in Vitamins
and helpful in treating numbness

• Vitamin B5 rich foods: vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is particularly important for optimal adrenal functioning. It is an anti stress hormone. Rich sources are: yeast, liver, peanuts, soy, mushrooms, cashews, wheat germ, broccoli, hazel nuts, oatmeal, and whole wheat.
• Vitamin B 12 rich foods: vitamin B 12 is very important for nerve function. The vitamin helps manage tingling numbness as well as burning sensation in the skin. Include plenty of: liver clams, oysters, sardines, salmon, tuna, eggs, beef, cheese, and fermented food.
• Inositol rich foods: is a part of the vitamin B complex. Ample amounts of dietary inositol help fight panic attacks, depression and diabetes; all of which can set off paresthesia. Whole grains and legumes provide you with plenty of inositol. However, experts recommend taking a supplement, since, the vitamin is more bio-available than what is found in natural sources.

Treating Constipation with Home Remedies: Supplements and Home Care Tips to Improve Bowel Function

Sedentary lifestyle and faulty dietary practices are a common place in today’s urbanized life. Irregular bowel movements are also associated with depression, diabetes and thyroid disorders. As per a study conducted in Seattle it was observed that people with frequent complain of constipation had higher risk of developing colon cancer compared to others. Prolonged use of powerful laxatives can weaken the gastro-intestinal system. Certain supplements and Home Remedies can be very beneficial.

Constipation: Causes and Symptoms

Constipation is a common
complaint

Irregular bowel movement and constipation are attributed to several factors,

• Low intake of dietary fiber and fluids in the diet are associated with constipation.
• Severe mental depression
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Elevated levels of calcium in the blood
• Thyroid disease
• Overuse of laxatives or excessive usage of antacids
• Certain medications like pain killers, medications to control hypertension and antidepressants are also responsible for constipation

Symptoms of constipation may range from infrequent bowel movement to difficulty and pain while passing stools. Some patients may suffer from hard and dry stools while others may complain of abdominal distention and gassy stomach.

 Supplements to treat Constipation: Precaution to improve Bowel Functions 

• Vitamin C in addition to its role as an immune booster and antioxidant properties, acts as a mild laxative. Evidence suggests that consumption of Vitamin C in high doses of up to 2000 mg per day can help loosen the stools. Such high dosage of Vitamin C interferes with the absorption of copper and selenium and hence additional supplements of these two nutrients are recommended.
• Similar to Vitamin C, Magnesium also has a gentle laxative effect. The maximum intake recommended to treat constipation is about 800 mg per day. However magnesium should not be used in individuals suffering from any form of kidney disorder.

Home Remedies to improve Bowel Movement: Home care Tips for Constipation

Use of Psyllium increases the frequency of bowel movement as per a recent study conducted at University of Nebraska. This is attributed to the high fiber content in Psyllium which helps retain water and create extra bulk which aids in the passage of stools. However there are a host of other home remedies that one can try,  

• Freshly squeezed prune and guava juice has a powerful laxative effect. However they are gentle and don’t result in lose motions. Drinking half a cup of juice or consuming one guava or three prunes a day can be beneficial



Dandelion Root are
Mild Laxatives

• Dandelion root are also mild laxatives. Consuming one cup of tea about thrice a day can be beneficial in treatment of constipation.
• It is important to remain hydrated. A minimum intake of 2000 ml per day is recommended. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and aerated drinks, as these are responsible for dehydration. On the other hand increase intake of fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
• Regular exercise also tends to stimulate the colon. A hot drink early in the morning can trigger an oro-rectal reflex and get the bowels moving. Don’t hold your stools; it is important to go to the bathroom as soon as the urge strikes.
• The use of cascara sagrada, a herb, is recommended only in cases of obstinate constipation, which don’t yield to the mild and moderate effects of supplements and other home remedies.

Prolonged use of synthetic and artificial laxatives tends to derange the gastro-intestinal system. If you have been a long term user of laxatives, home remedies will take some time to show results. However, these results will not be temporary and will improve overall health status.

Homeopathy for Management of Dandruff: Homeopathic Drugs and Life Style Tips to control Dandruff

Estimates have suggested that dandruff is one of the most common skin problems and it affects over fifty percent of Caucasians and Eighty percent of African descents. As per a study presented on the 20th World Congress of Dermatology in Paris, the cause of dandruff was identified to be lipid waste of a fungal microorganism which is commonly present on the scalp. Though there are a wide range of risk factors that have been identified, modern medicine still fails to explain the underlying cause for dandruff. When coupled with the correct dietary and lifestyle modifications, homeopathic system is profoundly beneficial in treatment of dandruff.

Homeopathy is effective
in management of Dandruff

Benefits of Homeopathy in Management of Dandruff

Homeopathy can help in prevention of dandruff on the scalp in more than one way. Homeopathic drugs can either be ingested or can be applied locally in crude form. Both these techniques of use of homeopathic drugs have shown exceptionally good results on patients.

• As a system of medicine, homeopathy attempts to identify and manage the root cause of the problem. Stress, hormonal imbalance, climatic changes, etc have been associated with risk of dandruff. Homeopathy attempts to restore body’s equilibrium which in turn has positive and beneficial effects on management of the ailment
• The localized actions of homeopathic drugs improve the texture of the skin which in turn reduces flaking and drying of the skin, a factor responsible for dandruff.
• The systemic actions of homeopathic drugs enhance the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamin and nutrients. Deficiency of Vitamins has been closely linked with the development of dandruff and hair loss

Homoeopathy, when adequately supported by dietary modifications and corrections, herbal applications, and aroma treatment, bring about significant improvement in stubborn forms of dandruff. To see beneficial results of the therapy it is advised to ensure optimal cleanliness and good hair care.

Homeopathic Drugs for Dandruff Management

Obstinate Dandruff can
be distressing

There are two homeopathic drugs that have been highly effective in management of severe dandruff problems.

• Graphites: A homeopathic drug that is often recommended to treat the most stubborn cases of flaky white dandruff successfully. The drug is recommended for dandruff caused due to Seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. The scalp looks moist and unhealthy and often has an unpleasant odor. Graphitis halts the progression of the infection and reduces dandruff. Graphitis is also effective in management of premature greying of hair.
• Phosphorus: Phosphorous is often recommended in cases of dandruff caused due to fungal overgrowth on the scalp. This remedy is effective in reducing burning and itching of the scalp, which is associated with the overgrowth of malassezia (the fungus). Phosphorus is also effective in managing hair fall associated with the condition

 Lifestyle Tips to control Dandruff

The predisposing factors that result in dandruff point towards the need for a healthy lifestyle to reduce the incidence of dandruff. When these simple lifestyle tips are used in congruence with homeopathic treatment, the problem of dandruff can be eliminated from the root.

• Stress is closely linked with the occurrence of dandruff. Using Meditation and aromatherapy can help you relax and rejuvenate and reduce emotional stress
• Excessive intake of refined and processed foods is harmful to the body in several ways. Firstly, the preservatives and artificial flavors result in hormonal imbalance. Secondly, refined foods are low in nutrients and vitamins and also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb these nutrients effectively. Finally processed and refined foods are high in fats and cholesterol, which tend to affect the overall health of an individual and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, diabetes and hypertension.
• Scalp hygiene plays a crucial role. Wash your hair regularly. Don’t use shampoos with harsh chemicals to wash the scalp, instead use natural and herbal applications on the scalp to enhance scalp health.

No system of medicine can work in isolation, and the same is true for homeopathy. However its efficacy in managing dandruff and skin ailments remains undisputed.  

Fashionably Late

Last week me and my friends attended the Glam*IT Fashionably Late event at the Oxford store in Antwerp. This day turned out to be all about popping accessories. It was fun to spend some time with my girls and see some fellow bloggers.

Here are some pictures.

I wore: Zara dress and shoes, Mango clutch.