Voice Within

by: Allison Fabian & Donna Jackson

Instead of simply counting the ways you love him, take the time to put them down on paper. Why?

While the handwritten love letter is a disappearing art in this electronic age – a recent survey conducted by the Parker Pen Company found that the average American last received one 14 years ago – a heartfelt note to your man can “strengthen your bond by creating a sense of connectedness”, says Sandra Whitefield, a Chicago based relationship therapist.

“Mood–lifting endorphins are released when you receive compliments. And, of course, it feels good to give them.” For a make-him-melt message, Whitefield recommends:

OPENING UP Begin with an appreciative statement such as, “I love you so much I need to tell you what’s in my heart.”

SHOWERING HIM WITH PRAISE Write down everything you adore about him. Imagine your partner is sitting in front of you; walk around him, writing down description of what you love about his physical appearance, character, and actions.

BEING TRUE If you aren’t a mushy person, don’t be mushy. Simple language and statements will still get your message across and will seem more genuine.

PRESENTING UNQUALIFIED COMPLIMENTS “I love you when you hug me” shouldn’t be followed by a negative statement such as… “but you do it so often.”

ADDING A PERSONAL TOUCH Include a photo of two of you or a lipstick kiss.

Practicing a daily skin care regimen is important to maintaining younger healthier looking skin. In order to have the best results possible you should be consistent with your regimen. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when taking care of your skin.

Washing your face too much can cause increased oil production. Always use a gentle cleanser when washing your face. Washing your face in the morning and at night time should be enough.

Using a toner after cleansing your face helps control excess oil throughout the day. Be sure to choose a toner without alcohol because alcohol dries out the skin.

Do not wear your make-up to bed at night as it will clog your pores or increase your risk for more frequent breakouts.

Wash your face twice at the end of the day, once to remove your make-up and the other to cleanse the skin.

Exfoliate at least twice a week with a delicate scrub. Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells to leave skin looking fresh and healthy.

Use a facial mask regularly. A facial mask will help reduce the size of your pores and helps to remove blackheads. Usually twice a week but never exfoliate and use a facial mask on the same day as this may cause skin irritation.

Use a moisturizer daily and at bedtime to keep your skin hydrated.

Be gentle to your skin, never pull, tug, or scrub your facial skin. Pat your skin dry and gently rub in your moisturizers. Use your ring finger to apply eye creams and never rub, dab gently until absorbed.

Avoid the sun as much as possible, if not be sure to use a moisturizer and foundation with sunscreen.

Keep your skin hydrated by increasing your water intake.

Try to get a good 8 hours sleep each night as this helps decrease dark circles and swelling around the eye area.