AFFORDABLE CLARISONIC ALTERNATIVE

First of all the Acetino, from Japan is only $40, and the Clarisonic is over $100, and with all the bells and whistles can be over $200. I have tried the Clarisonic and was not very impressed. It could be I was expecting too much after agonizing whether it was worth $200. I did not notice my skin was any better. I was specifically looking to lessen the appearance of the pores on my chin and nose. After about 3 weeks of use, I sent it back. Kudos to QVC for easy returns. Then about a month later, I noticed my skin was not looking too good. I don't remember what I was using before the Clarisonic, but my skin was a little dull and I was definitely seeing those pesky pores again! Tried this and that facial cleansers and masks, no dice. So I was back in the market for a deep cleaning device. I love the way my sonic toothbrush gets my teeth really clean, so I definitely wanted something with sonic power. After searching on the net, I found this little gem. It is from Japan, and while I am still skeptical it is really sonic and just not vibrating, for some wacky reason I trust the Japanese more than the claims of a Chinese company. 

The Good: My face feels really soft after using this! My pesky pores have also disappeared. I like that there is a massaging head on it for when I get sinus pressure. My complexion is better than ever! My jawline is firmer and my color is glowing! Disclaimer: I did switch back to Aveeno  Positively Radiant moisturizer, I started using PreVentin-AT advanced wrinkle therapy, and continue with Roc multi correction night cream every other night or so. I also use Clearsil night therapy on my pores when I think my pores are "dirty".

The Bad: It uses AA batteries.

The Ugly: Not really ugly, but even the sensitive head is a little rough feeling. Also, it is not a well known brand and I fear the availability of replacement heads in the future.


9/08/14 Update:

I do not use this as much as it seems that experts are saying that mechanical scrubbing beyond a washcloth is not the best exfoliation method as it may injure skin. Acidic acids are best for exfoliating and not injuring the skin.

Non-surgical butt lift

Best exercise ever for shaping your butt: Lunges!!! 

Best for lifting and shaping especially that pesky area under your butt that should be part of your leg, but now your butt just sort of lolls around lazily on top of.: 

LUNGES ON A STEP:       

If you are a beginner start without weights. Make sure your knee on the step does not go beyond your toe, bend both knees as shown, then step foot down to floor switch legs, do 12-15  repetitions. 

Best for losing fat and shaping butt and thighs:

WALKING LUNGES:

As above, start without weights, keep front knee over ankle if possible, and definitely not beyond the toe. Do 15 repetitions on each leg , 30 in total.

WORDS TO THE WISE:

Always consult your physician before starting an exercise program. If you have knee problems DO NOT ATTEMPT! Please consult a knowledgeable trainer or physical therapist to prescribe conditioning exercises.

This exercise prescription should be part of an overall program incorporating proper diet,whole body strength training and aerobic exercise.

For more info contact:

Helen Hennessy

Hennessy Health and Fitness LLC

www.fitnesshennessy.com

henhefit@gmail.com

Stop n shop, Wegmans, Shoprite, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's review

STOP N SHOP Pennington, NJ

The Good: Neat, well lit, roomy aisles, polite for the most part employees. Decent variety of organic items and store brand Nature's Promise items. Love the prepackaged chicken breasts.  Good deals with shopper card,i.e., discounted items, free turkey, gas discount and $5 off your next order. Pharmacist is super nice and helpful.

The Bad: Meat selection is so so. I have never had good beef from here. Always on the tough side no matter the cut.They only offer baby lettuces and spinach in bags.

The Ugly: Seafood department is the worst I have ever seen. Most is farm raised or previously frozen crap.The sushi is fake.

WEGMANS Princeton , NJ

The Good: Nice lay out, has a European feel to it somehow. Also has a liquor store inside! Great prices for wine and beer but make sure you have your ID handy. Don't feel special if they card you THEY DO IT TO EVERYONE!! Some sneaky genius also puts beer and wine displayed oh so temptingly throughout the store. Wegmans has fabulous store brand items. I love their coffee beans and tuna! Nice meat and fish department. Workers are very friendly and helpful, Wegmans is always rated a top employer. The best selection of foods from around the world.

The Bad: For such a big sprawling store you would think you could find every brand imaginable! Not so. For instance, only one or two types of Pepperidge farm bread, my kids love the oatmeal, it is not available here. Not enough organic fruit,  vegetables or meat for my liking.

The Ugly: It is always crowded here. The patrons are also rather rude and will run right over your foot with their cart and not even look back.

SHOPRITE Lawrence, Hamilton Marketplace, Ewing.

The Good: All: Lowest prices, good selection of all the major brands. Friendly, courteous employees.Hamilton: beautiful new store, friendly and courteous patrons, great selection of organic at low prices. Ewing:selection of exotic fruits, vegetables and meats, mostly Caribbean.

The Bad: Ewing: poor selection of organic foods most of the time rotting. The store is not kept up as well as the others. Lawrence: usually crowded, a little difficult to get in and out of Mercer Mall.

The Ugly: Nothing really, but I do notice a Police Officer at the Ewing store at times. Not sure if it is a "trouble spot" or what but I have never felt unsafe. (cross my fingers)

WHOLE FOODS  Princeton

The Good: As you would expect, a large selection of organic offerings. Visually pleasing store. Great place to stop for a quick bite.Pleasant and efficient workers. Surprising affordable for everything excluding meat and fish. I love the selection of nuts and seeds and the grind your own nut butters.

The Bad: Forget finding paper products or a box of Pampers here. Theoretically, cloth diapers are great , but in reality, sorry , that's a no go. Same for sandpaper the thickness of onion skin for toilet paper!

The Ugly: You better remember your reusable grocery bags or buy some if you don't want to be shunned by the self righteous (some of whom will either be driving a Prius or hilariously, an Escalade)

TRADER JOE'S Princeton

The good: One of the most pleasant grocery shopping experience you will ever have. Cute packaging on everything, fun, enthusiastic staff. Nice produce, lot of organic offerings. Great frozen appetizers. Beer and wine sold here.

The Bad: almost everything is Trader Joe"s brand, which in itself is not bad, just don't expect to see national brands here. Also not a place to shop for paper products or pet food.

The Ugly: it is either crowded or the aisles are small, can't remember which, maybe both?

Hot toddy recipe for cold symptom relief

Feeling a little under the weather today. My favorite hot toddy to make me feel better:

One cup of lemonade preferably from Halo Farms, just lemon juice, sugar and water and under a dollar for 1/2 gallon! Simply Lemonade and Trader Joe's Organic are good too!

One shot of bourbon preferably Maker's or any rum or whiskey will do.

One heaping teaspoon of organic wildflower honey. Honey has antiviral properties and also calms a cough. Stick it in the microwave for a minute or so til desired temp. Be sure to stir and test before drinking! Enjoy and feel better!

Organix Moroccan Argan Dry Oil review

Great all over moisturizer!

Lasts a long time, light pleasant scent.

Put on after shower while skin is still moist to seal in hydration.

Now buy one get one 1/2 off at CVS!

Burlington Coat Factory review

Burlington Coat Factory Lawrence Shopping Center Lawrenceville, NJ

The Good: I have found some gems here! Recent acquisitions include a BCBG cashmere blend zippered hoodie, $160 retail, $19.99 at BCF. Can often find cute Calvin Klein and Nine West dresses for $39.99, retail $139! Often great costume jewelry for cheap cheap cheap! I am talking $3-5!!
The Bad: You will have to sort through a lot of hideous synthetics to get to something good. The designer dresses and menswear are usually easy to find though as they normally have a separate display. Usually a good selection  as the regular clientele does not partake.
The Ugly: Did I mention the sea of hideous synthetics above?