A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

Five Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee that You May Not Be Aware Of

With all the news coverage about the various foods and drinks that are bad for your health and what you need to cut out from your diet, sometimes it can feel as though it’s a no-win situation, and no matter what you pick, it will be “bad”. For all those coffee drinkers out there, who are used to hearing why you need to cut back on caffeine, it may come as a pleasant surprise to hear that coffee actually has a number of health benefits. That’s right, sometimes that dose of steaming hot coffee can actually be good for you. Let’s take a closer look.

A Source of Fiber
Are you having a hard time getting enough fiber in your diet? If so, coffee can help supplement and close the gaps. Did you know that one cup of brewed coffee contains 1.8 grams of fiber? The typical adult should intake between 20-38 grams of fiber per day.


Cut Back on Your Risk of Heart Disease
Another interesting health benefit is that researchers in a Korean study have shown that coffee can help reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease. A similar study was also done in Brazil with the same type of results.
There is a Link Between Depression, Suicide Risk, and Coffee Drinking
Studies have also shown that for those who drink four or more cups of coffee per day, they are 20% less likely to suffer from depression, and the risk of suicide.


Fight the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is a very serious disease, so any way to combat it should be taken seriously. With that said, coffee seems to be providing some health benefits in this area as well. A study conducted at Harvard University showed that each cup of coffee a person drinks reduces their risk of developing the disease by 9%. Even decaf coffee helps, as each cup reduces the risk by 6%.


Decrease Your Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer
There are plenty of foods and drinks that help to fight the development of cancer, and now you can look at coffee as one of them. Drinking coffee can help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 26%, even if you are just a moderate coffee drinker.


It’s All Within Reason
Now that we’ve covered some of the health benefits, it’s important to note that you still don’t want to go overboard in your coffee drinking. The key is moderation. Also, you want to be sure you’re drinking good quality coffee like that you can make from the Lavazza coffee machine compatible pods or grinds. Lavazza also feature espresso varieties, which will give you that intense flavor and jolt.
So, if you’ve been feeling bad about having those couple of cups of coffee per day, it’s time to erase those feelings and remind yourself coffee has its own list of impressive health benefits, and could just be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Don’t throw it away! Surprising beauty uses of banana peel you must know

Don’t throw it away! Surprising beauty uses of banana peel you must know

Bananas are known to be one of the best power packed fruits for health benefits. But did you know its peel was as beneficial in getting healthy, glowing and flawless skin?

Yes, it’s true! From treating pimples to helping you get rid of blemishes to adding a natural glow to your skin; banana peel comes packed with hundreds of beauty benefits. Rich in antioxidants, potassium and zinc, its inclusion in your everyday beauty regime can reap you great benefits over a period of time and make your skin appear healthy and radiant without the use of expensive beauty products.

Here are few beauty tips and home remedies that include the use of banana peel for beautiful and problem free skin. 

  1. Banana Peel Face Pack For Acne:

One of the best beauty tips for those with oily skin type is to increase the use of banana peel in their everyday home beauty regime.  It helps control production of sebum, cleanses the pores from deep inside and clear dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Method:

  • Take a banana peel and gently rub on the face for 15 minutes
  • Now, let the peel dry on the face for another 10 minutes
  • Thereafter, wash the face off with cold water
  • Pat dry and apply a mild moisturizing lotion to prevent the skin from drying
  • Repeat at least 3 times a week for fresh, healthy and clear looking skin

2. Banana Peel & Oatmeal Face Pack For Skin Lightening:

Wondering how to get fair skin using natural ingredients? Try this amazing face pack that is rich in potassium and will help get rid of any blemishes or dead skin cells. As a result, what you’ll get is fairer and radiant skin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp oatmeal
  • ½ banana peel
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp Dabur Gulabari Rose Water

Method:

  • In a blender, put all the ingredients together and make a smooth paste
  • Apply the paste all over the face and leave it to dry for 15-20 minutes
  • Scrub it off the face using cold water
  • Repeat twice a week for lighter and brighter complexion                            

3. Banana Peel Remedy For Blemish Free Skin:

Need home remedies for glowing skin? Try this amazing banana peel & lemon juice remedy. It will not only add natural radiance to your face but also help you get rid of any blemishes or marks on the face.

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana peel
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Method:

  • Blend banana peel with lemon juice in a blender
  • Apply the paste on the face and leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes
  • Wash it off with normal tap water
  • Repeat the process daily to get rid of the blemishes and scar marks over a period of time

4. Banana Peel Face Pack For Oily Skin:

Need to get rid of oily skin? Start applying this amazing banana peel and baking soda face pack at least twice a week. It will help control production of excess sebum on the face and give you healthy and beautiful looking skin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana peel (blended into a paste)
  • 1 tsp baking powder/soda
  • 2-3 tbsp water

Method:

  • Make a smooth paste using the three ingredients 
  • Apply all over the face and leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes
  • Wash it off with cold water
  • Baking powder will absorb the excess oil from the skin leaving it feeling soft and radiant 

5. Banana Peel Face Pack For Prevention Of Wrinkles:

Want to keep your skin looking younger for long? Don’t forget to apply banana peel on it. It will keep your skin hydrated and prolong the appearance of wrinkles.

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 banana peel (mashed)

Method:

  • Mix the two and make a smooth paste
  • Apply and leave it to dry for 15 minutes
  • Wash off with cold water
  • Repeat twice a week for fresh & younger looking skin

Need more beauty tips on how to use banana peel for beautiful, healthy & radiant skin? Also, Keep following our blog to read more on how to remove tan and how to remove tan from hands and legs.

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

If you’re anything like me then you are a bit of a procrastinator and still have lots of Christmas gifts to check off your list. I know I do! 

Every year I promise myself that I am going to do my shopping early and every year I wait until the last minute. So mid December I am often on the hunt for that perfect gift for my loved ones. Here are a few gifts ideas that can help you check out items on your list while sipping your favorite coffee from the comfort of your own home.

The Practical Gift- If you have a friend or family member that suffers from anxious emotions or physical discomfort then CBD Oil may be the perfect gift for them. Studies have shown that CBD products may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitter. 

Style Maven – Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite trendsetter? What’s better than cute clothes that are affordable. AsherKate has beautiful styles to compliment any style lover and at every budget. 

The Accessory Queen –  Do you have someone on your list who is always in pursuit of the perfect earrings, hat, handbags and more? Then an engraveable necklace or bracelet is a beautiful way to show them how much you care. It’s a personalized piece of jewelry that they can wear and it shows that you took the time to find them something special.

The Skincare Diva – You know her well, she has a medicine cabinet filled with all of the newest skincare products and loves a great moisturizer. Or perhaps your friend is on the market for something new and fabulous for her skin since winter is here. Try EVER Skin , botanically based skincare and makeup that’s cruelty free and has received RAVE reviews in the press.

Mani Pedi Obsessed – Look no more. Nail strips are super hot right now. So easy to apply, last for weeks and you have the perfect nail design for pennies on the dollar. I discovered Rarity Nails which gives your the perfect mani for $7, buy 3 and get one free. There is no deal better than that! 

I hope this gives you a few ideas for all the friends and family on your list. Which is your favorite?

5 Questions about Long-Haul Flights Answered

Long-haul flights are both exciting and daunting. First, there’s the thrill of knowing that when your journey is over, you’ll be in an entirely new location. There’s nothing quite like that feeling! However, there’s also the fact that there’s so much potential for looking and feeling below your best, and that understandably worries some of us.

If you have a long-haul flight coming up and you’re dreading it, there are some great ways to prepare yourself. Get your planning done in advance, and your long-haul journey might be easier than you thought. If these questions are affecting your hope for a better trip, then the answers might be just what you need to set your mind at ease.

1: Am I going to be uncomfortable?

The best way to avoid the most discomfort on your flight is to upgrade if you can, but this may not be possible all the time, especially if your budget doesn’t stretch to it. Get around this by making sure that you treat yourself to your own brand of comfort. Pack comfort items in your carry-on luggage like slippers, face masks, and a sleeping pillow. The more comfortable you feel, the easier your journey will be.

2: What should I pack in my carry-on?

First of all, always make sure that your carry-on is the right size to fit in the overhead locker! The last thing you want is your bag under your chair, as this will start to bother you after a few hours. Pack everything you need, but also allow for a small zip-lock bag that has your essentials. Doing so is going to prevent you having to stand up and get your entire carry-on bag out repeatedly.

3: Are there going to be delays?

Delays are unpredictable, and they can make a long-haul journey even longer. Always make sure that you have enough entertainment with you. Remember too that if your flight does get delayed, you may be allowed to claim compensation. Check with Fairplane.co.uk to see if your particular flight delay is covered. Delays are frustrating, but preparing for them can minimize their effect on your journey.

4: What is the food like?

This is going to depend on your airline and your journey. A good tip for eating on long-haul flights is to take your time with your food and don’t wolf it all down as soon as it arrives. There can be a long wait between meal times. Eat your starter and your main meal, but keep your dessert for later.

5: Is a long-haul flight bad for my health?

There are certainly physical and mental risks on a long-haul flight. Deep vein thrombosis is something that can ruin your trip, but you can quickly reduce the risks. Don’t rush back to your seat after a bathroom break, take your time and have a stroll around. The more time you can spend stretching your muscles, the better. Drink plenty of water so that you minimize the risk of dehydration, and your long-haul flight will be much easier on your body than you suspect.

To Conclude

Long-haul flights have the potential to be uncomfortable, but if you prepare for it, your comfort will be vastly improved. Embrace the anticipation of your journey, and you’ll arrive full of excitement and ready to explore your new surroundings.

How To Become A Beauty Blogger In 8 Steps

The world of beauty blogging is a vastly successful one, and, if you are a lover of all things beauty, you may be missing an opportunity to start your own empire from the comfort of your own home by becoming a beauty blogger.

If you are unsure as to how to go about this, read below to get some pointers on the eight ways that you can become a beauty blogger, gain followers, and maybe even make it your full-time occupation.

Find Your Niche

Before you begin to develop your blog, you need to find your niche. Doing so will involve considering what sort of content you want to share, and what the purpose of your blog is. Is it reviews of beauty products? Will it be comprised of how-to videos? Is there a specific skin tone, or type of product you will focus on, such as skin products? Will you also include posts on fashion or lifestyle? Establishing your niche is important as it will form the framework from which your posts are built on. It is always best to focus on something you are passionate about, and also know a lot about, too. Trying to encompass all areas of beauty may be too much of an arduous task, and you certainly don’t want to run before you can walk. You should also strive to be unique in terms of what readers can expect from your content; there is a lot of competition out there, remember, so try and be original from the offset about what you want from your blog.

Consider Your Blog Platform

Consider which blog platform to use in the early days so that you can commit to it and become familiar with its interface. Some options include WordPress and Blogger, for example. Ensure you have a personalized domain, which will cost a small fee but can ensure your blog is taken more seriously.

Choose Your Audience

Another vital consideration in the early days is working out who your target audience is. Do you provide info for stressed-out parents looking for quick beauty fixes? Are you a go-to guide for students working on a budget who are looking for the perfect product? If you choose an audience that corresponds with your developed niche, you will find you have a strong identity to work from for all your future posts. It will help you devise titles and interesting, informative content that your readers can relate to and will enjoy reading.

Get The Right Equipment

To have a good quality, reliable blog, you will need good quality reliable equipment. It is worth investing in a good quality camera, and an up to date computer with plenty of memory and applications to ease the video editing process and your general productivity. This is the part of the process that may require you to invest a fair amount of money. It will be worth it, however, once your blog is up and running and you see the quality of your content bring in regular followers, you will see the benefits of such an investment. If you are worried about financing such equipment, you don’t need to worry as there are options to source small personal loans online.

Post Regularly

Another key factor in running a successful beauty blog is posting regularly. Your followers will soon dissipate if you are quiet for weeks, and fail to capitalize on opportunities to post content your followers will be interested in. Of course, posting content too regularly isn’t advised either, as a half-hearted, rushed post is just as bad as not posting at all. Rather, set out a plan to commit to posting an informative, well researched, original piece of content maybe once a week or fortnight. Quality over quantity should be stuck to, but don’t use this mantra as an excuse to barely post at all.

Commit To Your Blog

Know that before starting a beauty blog, you will have to invest time, effort and dedication to it. It will involve setting aside time to think of interesting topics for your posts. Factor in filming time if you are a vlogger or want to include video, editing time, as well as time to reply to any feedback or comments from followers. Your passion, or lack thereof, will reflect in your content, so it is vital to be completely passionate as well as knowledgeable about the content you are creating. Even if you yourself do not realize it, this will be translated into your posts, and if you radiate positivity, know-how and a can-do attitude with every piece of content, you will gain more followers compared to a blog that lacks depth, excitement or originality.

Be Active On Social Media

As well as posting regularly on your blog, being active on social media is another sure-fire way to build up your followers. An entertaining Twitter and aesthetic Instagram to go alongside your blog can mean you can post on the go, and add a personal touch, as your followers can keep up with your day to day routine if you use Instagram story, for example. You can tweet about your favorite TV program as you’re watching along with your followers, easily respond to queries and replies, and develop a rapport with your followers through real-time communication. You can potentially generate further income this way too, as some beauty companies may approach you to advertise or feature their products if they see you have a strong following.

Network

Another way to get the full potential out of your blog is by using to network as and when you can. This may mean reaching out to other beauty bloggers or vloggers, which can lead to collaborative posts (and therefore potentially more followers) You can also reach out to companies, or they may reach out to you, as you can use your blog to feature their products if you feel your followers would enjoy them. It is through developing a relationship with bloggers and companies that a blog can turn from an enjoyable side hobby to a lucrative business and main source of income, so take the above points seriously and put the work in, and who knows, you could become the next Zoella!