Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The benefits of Grape Seed Oil

We all know how delicious grapes are. But have you heard about grape seed oil? No? Well, you’ve been missing out!

Grape seed oil derives from grapes and is actually a by-product of grapes during the winemaking stage. Initially thrown out as a useless by-product, these days - it’s treasured as a versatile product on its own. Grape seed oil has many uses ranging from baking and frying, salad dressings and flavoured oils to cosmetic uses, including hair products, massage oils and skin care products.

The actual oil is beautifully light, odourless and suitable –when talking cosmetics- for all skin types. It’s rich in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant in its own right. Vitamin E protects us against the development of heart disease, boosts our immunity and generally just making us feel a whole lot better.

In the culinary art grape seed oil is a winner as well: the oil has a very high smoke point, allowing it to be cooked at high temperatures. It’s got a neutral colour and taste and therefore works in beautifully with other spices and herbs.

Grape seed oil is a real secret to beautiful skin soothing stressed tissue. It has regenerative and restructuring qualities and is in addition able to control skin moisturisation. It also contains a high amount of Linoleic Acid which results in anti-inflammatory, acne reduction and moisture retention qualities.

USANA uses all the goodness of grapes and all by-products in their skin care range, such as the Hydrating Toner, the Rice Bran Polisher and the Energizing Shower Gel – to mention just a few. If you feel like treating yourself to something beautiful, have a look on the USANA site to check out the other skin care products.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Create your business empire...from home


Doesn't it just sound great: working from home, being your own boss, setting your own working hours and unleashing your full business potential. It doesn't just have to sound great - it is great and it can be done!


You might think that this is a dream for most and a reality for a few. Well, consider this your wake-up call, because you can do it too! Starting your own business from home is not that hard at all. You don't have to have a fancy degree, nor do you have to have a money tree in your back garden or have any special skill. You just need your brain and determination.



Running your own business from home is very rewarding. Anybody can do it and so can you. Once you get started, your overhead costs are very low. Of course you need to purchase some products, but other than that it doesn't have to be expensive.


There are however- as is the case with everything- a few do's and don'ts, yes' and no's. Yes, you can create a lucrative income for you and your family if you work hard (Richard Branson and Donald Trump started at the bottom of the ladder as well...). No, you will not earn a CEO income by just filling out surveys on the web. Do invest in courses, solid sources of information and yourself. Don't 'invest' in online scam's that promise you thousands of dollars after you've paid $169 to them.

The most important thing of setting up shop is to research what you're getting in to. By this I mean that you need to realise that you'll most likely not receive a steady pay check for a while. However much you make the first few years will most likely go back in to your business. So prepare yourself mentally to part ways with retail therapy for a little while.

However, keep the bigger picture in mind: every big-timer (think Robert Kiyosaki) embarked on this same adventure like you are now. It's crucial to have the support of your spouse and kids. Money might be a little bit tighter for a while and you working from home will require adjustments from everybody- even from the cat, the canary and the dog.


On a more practical note- you will need to know your market and your product inside out (if you have one). If you're looking at a 'typical' home-based business such as direct selling, look for one that's a member of the Direct Selling Association (DSA).



Learn how to run a business (say hello to DIY library books), soak up any useful information you can get your greedy little hands on and research your competitors. Remember, research is your new best friend!

Talking about research- if you really want to know how running your own business can work for you, talk to people who have been in the business for some time. There is nothing more valuable than gaining that knowledge first hand- straight from the business leaders themselves! They are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Most companies also offer training or events where you can meet, greet and learn a whole lot more. So don't be shy- give them a call!

So, in a nutshell; no home based business- or any business for that matter- is an overnight success. Bill Gates' wasn't, so yours most likely won't be either. However, success will happen if you believe in it. And that's pretty much the only thing you need to do- learn, start, and believe in yourself.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Feeling great at any age

You've probably heard it before: age is nothing but a number. And that's true, you are as old as you perceive yourself. How old you feel and how old you look has got a lot to do with your mental attitude. Well, and a healthy combination of diet and exercise doesn't hurt either.

Getting back to the mental attitude; you have to have a positive mental attitude in order to feel great and look it too. Positive thinking can be learned. It's like a habit - it requires daily reinforcement by requiring a more gracious attitude, and acknowledging the many things you have to be thankful for. It is perhaps easier said than done- but don't sweat the small stuff, it's just not worth it.

As mentioned before, a positive mental attitude or outlook on life only takes care of a certain part of feeling great. You need to take care of your body as well in order to feel / look great. You can do so by incorporating a healthy way of living, eating and exercise in your day to day life.

We all know it, but few of us actually do it: eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Eating clean food (not processed and pre-made food) really has a positive effect on how you feel. It decreases the risk of certain diseases, enhances your longevity and just makes you feel great!

Once you're hooked on the nice healthy goodies, try to eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours. This will not only keep you satisfied, but also keeps your blood sugar and insulin levels controlled. The thing that will really get you excited is that by doing so, your body will not store body fat, but instead will use the body fat as an energy source. When you are on the go or in a rush, don't comprimise your health. A great fast meal choice is USANA's Nutrimeal, which is a great-tasting, low-GI meal replacement that contains quality protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and many micronutrients. Another USANA product that will keep you going is Fibergy, of which the high fiber content will leave you very satisfied, so you won't be looking for a snack an hour later.

Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. If you just don't seem to get enough in during the day of- for example- antioxidants, try USANA's Mega Antioxidant which is a very powerful formula that will boost your system like no other.

You really do need to get physically active if you're not already. Make time to exercise every day if you're not active throughout the day. Physical activity will turn back the clock and is a must to looking younger and feeling great. If you're not a gym person- go for a uptempo walk around the block, take the stairs instead of the elevator and leave the car at home more often. If you don't make time to exercise, you'll have to make time for illness- it's really that black and white.

Feeling great also has got to do with getting plenty of sleep. This is so much more important then most people realize. Sleep has a great impact on your health, to looking younger and feeling great. Your body needs to have the chance to rejuvenate during the night and the more active you are the more sleep you need.

We all know this one: don't smoke or drink alcohol. A glass of wine with dinner is fine, but keep it at that.

The days of soaking up the sun on the beach are over. Sun is not only the number one cause of wrinkled skin, but it is also a major cause of skin cancer. Use a good sunscreen, wear a hat and try not to be out in the sun for longer than 15 minutes.

So basically to look good and feel great at any give age you simply need to take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise well, protect yourself from the outdoor elements and be positive about yourself, your life and the people around you.