The "C" Word

By: Mamaluv

No, not that one! Shame on you!

I'm talking about Cellulite – the bane of every bikini wearer over age 20. We all think we can beat it, but statistics tell us that a whopping 85 to 98% of all post-pubescent women have some cellulite.

What is it? Unlike regular fat that lies deep beneath the skin near the bones, cellulite refers to fat cells imbedded in the upper layers of the skin trapped in a net of elastic collagen fibers that hold it in place. With age, the fibers harden and the fat takes on a bubbly appearance, giving the characteristic cottage cheese-like texture. Cellulite fat cannot be burned off with exercise, nor can it be removed with a topical cream, massage, or even liposuction.

What causes it? Scientists aren’t sure, but this isn’t a new problem. Records going back 150 years indicate it’s been a concern for women for a long time. Women of all sizes have to deal with it, although it is worse for larger women. Some theories point to diet, lifestyle and stress as aggravating factors.

Who can we blame?! Cellulite, collagen, and weight gain patterns are inherited. Female hormones are suspected as well. Bottom line: if you are a woman and your mother has some cellulite, you’re almost guaranteed to get it.

What can you do about it? Many dermatologists doubt the reliability of most available treatments. Some topical creams claim to shrink cellulite using compounds containing additives such as caffeine; massage will also reduce the appearance. However, both of these measures only temporarily push fluids out of the fatty tissues for a few hours; eventually your body will naturally replenish it. Some expensive clinical treatments have better but limited effectiveness. Unfortunately, targeting problem areas with exercise won’t do it either.

Your best bet is to maintain a healthy diet and weight to minimize cellulite when possible. Certain foods containing lecithin, essential fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants work to reduce fluids and increase circulation in skin cells which in turn strengthens membranes and holds cellulite deeper beneath upper skin layers. However, don’t confuse reducing fluids in fat cells with drinking less. Staying well hydrated will help your body flush toxins and generally reduce body fat.

Want one quick fix for beach days? Try self tanner lotion. Makeup artists on “Baywatch” used color to camouflage problem areas.

Take heart, ladies. If 85-98% of women have this problem, so does 85-98% of Hollywood.



Mamaluv is a ChickAdvisor Member and blogger who has no cellulite whatsoever*, though she loves to help those who do.

Read Mamaluv's blog!


* Ok fine, that was a lie.

Avoiding Stretch Marks?

By: Mamaluv

When it comes to stretch marks, most of us have heard at least one of the following statements:

(To a pregnant friend) “My aunt rubbed olive oil on her tummy and didn’t get any stretch marks.”

“I don’t want to ever be pregnant because I don’t want stretch marks.”

“If you’re not overweight, you won’t get stretch marks.”

Sorry to burst your bubble, ladies, but it’s simply not true. According to health-cares.net, around 90% of pregnant women and 70% of women overall, will get some stretch marks. The causes are not clear but are widely assumed to be related to collagen levels in your skin at the location of the injury.

In fact, that’s essentially what stretch marks are - a scar where your skin has been stretched and damaged that cannot be repaired by topical creams. Stretch marks occur anywhere there has been rapid growth on the body, including gains by pregnancy, obesity, yo-yo dieting, puberty, and bodybuilding. Many scientists believe that genetics play a big role because this type of damage occurs where collagen breaks down. People with weaker collagen or a certain hormonal imbalance are most likely to have them.

Fresh scars appear purplish and irregular; older ones fade into a silvery-white smooth line. They can be enormous or nearly invisible. Tanned skin makes them more noticeable. Many creams claim to prevent marks because they contain collagen; however, collagen cannot be absorbed into the deep layers of skin where the injury starts.

Since you can’t avoid them, your best bet is to minimize the severity before they come.

If you’re pregnant, try to gain weight gradually – don’t play the “I’m eating for two” game – according to your doctor’s recommendation.

Avoid yo-yo dieting

Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Keep target areas well-moisturized with a rich Cocoa Butter cream like the Body Shop’s Body Butter.




Mamaluv is a ChickAdvisor member and blogger who hates stretch marks but adores the 3 children who gave them to her.

Read Mamaluv's blog.

Only 3 Days Left for Flirty Girl Contest

Hey Toronto Members!

The contest to win a 1 year membership to Flirty Girl Fitness is expiring this Wednesday.

To enter, contribute to our forum discussions (any of them) and your name will automatically be added. Enter as many times as you like to increase your chances.

Hurry while there's still time!

Scary Spring Makeup for 2007

Please tell me this isn’t really what’s going to be in vogue this spring. This is what I found on nymag.com

Hot pink lips, glittery eye-liner, orange lips and hideously arranged flowers?? These are the looks on the runways, captured by nymag.

While some trends are influenced by the runways, we can thank our lucky stars that most of what we wear is not. No, we’re a celebrity driven culture that will do as the celebrities do. If Lin-lo starts sporting sparkly eye-liner, there’s a better chance you will too.

If you don’t believe me, how many of you admit to owning Uggs? There's a classic example of celebrity influence. Catch Paris Hilton in a pair of those and as much as you might hate her, you’ll be slapping down your visa before you can say “fugly” twice.

Here's what the designers say we should be striving for this spring...

While orange lips might not look bad on this blondie, it certainly isn't for everyone. I would venture to say that unless you have uber pale skin, don't try this look - unless you want to look like an old Dynasty soap star.






Hello 1984! I remember creating this cakey look at home as a child playing with my sidewalk chalk. The taste was almost as bad as the look. Anything but kissable.







If you're looking for easy admission to the local assylum or donations from well meaning folks who confused you for a bag lady, then this is the look for you!

How to achieve it: Buy a goody hairband ($.99) rip off a few old silk flowers from grandma's oldest arrangment, stick them on haphazardly and voila! A 4 figure look from Luis Vuitton!

I just hate it when designers insult our intelligence.

Coffee + Pregnancy = OK?

According to Webmd article “Some Coffee OK Late in Pregnancy?” by Salynn Boyles, there is no link between low birth weight or premature delivery and moderate coffee consumption late in pregnancy.

Moderate caffeine in this article is defined as no more than 2-3 small cups of coffee per day or less. These findings are based on a Danish study that compared pregnancy outcomes from women who drank decaf vs those who consumed at least 3 cups of caffeinated coffee per day.

So generally speaking it’s ok to have a cup a day or two towards the end of your pregnancy, though the study did not address the impacts of caffeine during early pregnancy. If you’re unsure, it’s probably best to avoid caffeine. Read more

70% off Sale at Mango

The sermon on Sunday said we should all try to live with less and avoid the consuming grip materialism has on our lives.

While I agreed whole heartedly with everything that was said, I couldn’t stop thinking about this gorgeous bag I spotted on a fashionable girl at the coffee stand that morning. I’d even asked her where she bought it and how much it was. “$50 on sale at Club Monaco”, she said. I nearly spilled my coffee in joy. What a bargain for such a gorgeous versatile piece! I decided I’d have to check it out, but as the message went on, I started to feel a little guilty. While I don’t have a lot of clothes, I certainly think about having more of them every day. After all, it’s my job, no?

It doesn’t help that my school is across the street from one of the biggest shopping malls in Canada. Generally I’m pretty good at controlling myself, but today I found myself (somehow!) walking through the mall on my way home from school. Since I went ahead and did that I might as well tell you that there is a HUGE sale going on at Mango. I didn’t mean to go in there - or Sephora, or Club Monaco (bag was gone, dammit!), but when I saw the sale tables as I was attempting to leave the mall empty handed, I had no choice but to briefly pop in for a minute or 30.

If you need to stock up, go now! Cute tank tops for $6.99, gorgeous sweaters for $30.99, dresses, belts, jeans boots and bags galore. The whole friggin’ store is on sale. I behaved and only bought a couple of tank tops and a wool sweater vest I’d been looking for since fall ($25!).

When I got home I checked out their website and it turns out this sale is happening in all of their stores around the world as well as online. The store staff told me they are clearing everything out to make room for more European styles. Finally!

Just thought you might want to know…

Losing Sleep to a Snoring Spouse

“Love doesn’t conquer all, especially when it comes to snoring.”

I recently posted in my blog that I have been losing sleep to the snoring roaring beast that takes over my husband’s airways every night. I was so touched by all of you who offered helpful advice and passed on links to me. Thank you!

My friend McKchick passed on an article this morning called 7 Secrets for Sleeping in Peace by Emily Battaglia.

In her article, Battaglia suggests a few things you can do to get your precious beauty sleep back. She says women who sleep beside snorers lose an average of 1 hour of sleep every night. Since most of us aren’t getting enough sleep as it is with work, school, paying bills, cleaning the house, taking care of kids if you have them, it’s no wonder we get cranky, irritable or stressed out.

Battaglia’s article mentions a 2001 sleep study that shows snoring affects your sex life. 80% of snoring couples sleep separately. While banning your chainsaw emulating mate from the bedroom may help you get more sleep, it certainly does not set the tone for romance.

The following are her 7 Snore-Proof Tricks: (my comments are in pink)

1. If he doesn’t believe how loud is he is, record him. He’ll be more open to finding a treatment once you’ve proven he really is as earsplitting as a Mack truck. (Been there done that. He thinks it’s funny)

2. Invest in soft foam earplugs to drown out the noise. (Seriously? Those have never worked for me.)

3. Make your bedtime ritual and daytime routine more conducive to sleep. Exercise daily, unwind before bedtime, don’t nap during the day, and avoid caffeine and snacks before bedtime.

4. Encourage lifestyle changes. Losing weight may be the solution. Smoking and alcohol also exacerbate snoring. Set a positive example or resolve to make healthy lifestyle changes as a couple.

5. Sew a tennis ball to the back of his pajamas. Every time he rolls on his back, the discomfort will force him onto his side. (hahahaha. hahahahaha ha. Sorry, the very idea of my husband agreeing to wear a tennis ball in his pajamas – who even wears pajamas? - is hysterical to me. He’d never wear that in a million years.)

6. Be understanding: Loud or frequent snoring can be embarrassing, and he probably feels bad for keeping you awake. Be supportive if he’s taking steps to stop snoring. (see point #1. He thinks it’s funny.)

7. Oral devices like mouthpieces can properly align or relax his jaw. He can also try nasal strips to help keep the nasal passages open. Throat sprays are another easy and inexpensive option. They help by keeping the throat lubricated, which minimizes throat tissue vibrations. (Now this is one thing he'll be wearing forsure. I guess I get the last laugh).


To read the rest of Battaglia’s article on lifescript.com, click here.

FREEBIE ALERT: SeaVital

SeaVital is a luxurious brand of skincare from Israel, which is based on minerals from the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth and has long been touted for its healing properties.

We were first introduced to SeaVital last summer when MissChickie sampled their Aloe Vera gel to treat a pesky patch of psoriasis. A few applications of the lightly scented gel later, and her skin improved quickly. We've been believers of the restorative nourishing powers of SeaVital ever since.

So, when they approached us to tell you all about SeaVital, we said, "Sure! But give us some freebies for our members to try so they can see for themselves how it works!" And that brings us to our newest contest.... (drum roll please!)

We now present the "Refer a Friend" contest. You guys have been unbelievable with your support, excitement and many wonderful reviews. Now we want you to tell your friends! We're constantly working to get you guys as many free goodies as possible. But in order for that to work, we have to keep growing. So here's how it works:

10 of you will receive a FREE full sized 100ml product from SeaVital to slather, indulge and REVIEW (pretty please!), courtesy of SeaVital's Authorized Agent in Canada, Marina Glibitski.

There are 2 available of each of the following and you can state your preference for what you want to try:

• Hair Nourishing MudMask (150ml) retails for: $19.50
  
• Based on Dead Sea Minerals and enriched with natural herbal extracts of sage, lavender, seeweed and rosemary. Contains soybean and wheat germ oils. Stimulates metabolism in the hair bulbs, activating their natural energy. Strengthens hair enhancing its natural shine and enhances active growth of new hair.

• Seaweed Facial Mask for dry skin (100ml) retails for $21.80
• Based on the Dead Sea Minerals, natural herbal extracts and vitamins. Contains liposome complex. Improves the skin's ability to absorb moisture, activates metabolic processes, enriches the skin with micro and macro elements.

• Foot Cream (150ml) retails for $17.50
• Based on Dead Sea minerals enriched with natural herbal extracts and vitamins. Contains liposome complex. Improves blood circulation. Takes off the weariness and serves as an antiperspirant while moisturizing and nourishing the skin to protect it from over drying and roughening. It also accelerates the healing of chapping and microraumas.

• Exfoliating Facial Wash for all skin types (100ml) retails for $17.80
• Based on the Dead Sea minerals, natural herbal extracts and vitamins. Throroughly and deeply cleans your face, revitalizing your skin and improving it's resilience. Facilitates cell regeneration and contains gently abraiding apricot seed powder also having a slight whitening effect.

• Alojodo Rich Cream for normal to dry skin (100ml) retails for $17.80
• Based on the Dead Sea minerals, natural herbal extracts and vitamins. Contains liposome complex. Nourishes and moistens the skin favoring its regeneration and rejuvenation.

To win, refer your friends to ChickAdvisor using our Tell A Friend link on the homepage (under add a review). The 10 members who refer the most friends who become active members (i.e they create profiles, add reviews, etc), will get their choice of the above listed freebies.

We will contact the 10 winners after February 15th when the contest closes.

If you have any questions, feel free to post them here in the comments or read misschickie's reviews.

Winterlicious 2007: Toronto

You're savoring your last bite of miso glazed, carmelized fennel, ginger infused grouper fillet at swanky celeb hang out, Rosewater Supper Club.

You're starting to feel full, since the spiced maple pumpkin puree with shrimp, creme fraiche & fried ginger you had for the first course was decadent enough. You wonder how you could possibly make room for desert when your server sets down a dark chocolate raspberry torte made with Cote D’Or chocolate. Suddenly you manage to find the appetite.

Normally this sort of indulgence would have set you and your date back $200, but tonight, your meals are $35 each. Welcome to Winterlicious!

Winterlicious is a great excuse to tantilize your tastebuds with the culinary creations of the best chefs in the city, at ridiculously low prices.

130 local restaurants will offer 3 course prix fixe meals of $15 - $20 (lunch) or $25 - $35 (dinner). Beverages, taxes and gratuity are extra. Reservations have already begun and it's nearly impossible to get a decent seating without one so book now!

Winterlicious runs from January 26 - February 8, 2007. For a list of participating restaurants, + menu options click here.

So Natural You Could Eat It: Wild Sage Organic Skin Care

Choke Cherries, Strawberry Leaves, Rosemary, and Mint are just a few of the delicious natural ingredients herbalist Garima uses to concoct her wildly popular organic skincare line,