My favorite recommended office snacks are:

When I crave for REAL Chocolate, I pick one Kudos Milk Chocolate Granola Bar that has only 100 Calories and 3.5 grams of fat per one snack! I buy the large variety pack that contains 50 bars with different original flavors which last a few months and make sure its handy!!!

When I feel like something salty I grab a bunch of Special K Crackers! You need up to 17 of them in order to reach 90 calories!  They are multi-grains with fiber and dont taste like diet ones!!!  

If I more into crunchy or salty snacks then popcorn is the perfect low calories option (when you choose the right kind!)
Orville Redenbacher- Gourmet Microwavable Popcorn, the  Butter Light kind, is my favorite one since it is low calorie and low fat yet tastes very real and buttery! love it! I simply through it in the microwave for 2 minutes and I get a bag full with diet snack!!!!

Sandra Bullock explained to InStyle magazine that she`s a low maintenance type of woman, and has a simple beauty secret that takes about 8 minutes to apply: “I use face cloth and Artistry cream for my daily beauty which takes about eight minutes!” says Bullock. “It may be quick yet very effective beauty routine”.

Apparently,  the Artistry Microdermabrasion System offers an at-home alternative to microdermabrasion, providing professional-grade results and glowing skin!  Very recommended skin care product!!!

Beautiful Jennifer Garner believes that healthy diet equals flawless skin, which is why her favorite recipes comes from the Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, by Ina Garten.  I have bloged about foods that makes your skin feels healthier and look prettier many times before, however this cookbook is totally worth writing about. This is aconventionally organized cookbook with unconventional delicious, healthy, beauty booster food recieps!  

Santa Barbara is a beautiful California city, somewhere on the pacific coastline in between Los Angles and San Fransisco, however, this is Not a traveling blog, therefore I would like to mention the real reason why I mentioned Santa Barbara Bay. It is actually the name of a great seafood products company which I am absolutely in-love in their healthy, low fat and low calories Seafood Spread! 

It is delicious and versatile spread, made from high-quality imitation crab with snow crab, bay shrimp, fresh celery, and some spice blend. It is a truly original and unique food product, has some wonderful nutritional benefits and most important thing- I can enjoy having it with some fresh celery sticks and keep up with my daily diet routine!!!

Yummmyy!!!

Now, since you can`t find it on the shelf of most of your local grocers, I would check thier website first, for a store locator : http://www.thirdperspective.com/bpb/storeLocator.html 

Enjoy!

I don’t know about you, but it is really hard these days (or too expensive…) to find an ecologically friendly, high quality AND natural ingredients cosmetic products.  When it comes to the basic self spa treatment like body lotion, I would like to share with you, readers, the simplest, healthy, home made lotion, using %100 percent pure coconut oil. The reason I choose  coconut oil to treat my skin, is since it is well known as an excellent massage oil, it acts effectively on all types of skins like mineral oil but with no adverse side effects, and is a safe, healthy solution for preventing dryness, delays wrinkles, sagging of skin and other skin problems! LOVE IT, and strongly recommended trying:

Refrigerate one cup of any kind of cold pressed organic coconut oil (huge attention to the `cold pressed` part!) for several hours, till gets solid, and you are ready to go! grab some with a table spoon, warm it up using your palms rub your skin and improve its condition!!! 

• Chicken with Basil Cream Sauce

• Chicken Carbonara

•  Sesame Chicken

• Orange Peel Chicken

• Chicken Parmesan

• Lemon Chicken

• Alfredo Pasta with Chicken & Broccoli

• Meatloaf and Whipped Potatoes

• Lasagna with Meat Sauce

• Swedish Meatballs with Pasta

Have you ever wondered about those full lips you see on such celebrities as Pamela Anderson or Angelina Jolie? You probably assume they get injections of collagen to plump their lips into that full, sexy look. You couldn’t be more WRONG! Today’s celebrities don’t need to go that painful route and neither do you: Welcome LipFusion- an award winning product that many celebrities use to plump their lips! It gives your lips that fuller look and considered to be one of the best lips plumping product that actually works! Fuller lips are not just for movie stars, super models, and collagen injection addicts anymore, especially when the price is reasonable…;)

Famous actress Milla Jovovich and the beautiful celebrity Christina Aguilera are huge fans of this amazing product, as well as many other celebrities such as: Alyssa Milano, Jessica Simpson, Carmen Electra, Nicollette Sheridan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jenny McCarthy, Patricia Arquette, Nicole Richie and many others. LipFusion increase the size of their lips painlessly and with the stroke of a wand plus the instant results last up to 48 hours. Most important is that with 18 shades to choose from they`re always ready for a close-up! Very recommended to try!

If there is a favorite part at celebrity Mariah Carey which I simply admire it is her silky looking skin. According to her facialist, Mariah Carey is a huge fan of aromatherapy and anti-aging collagen treatments.  One of her favorite products is Decleor Aromessence Neroli Comforting Concentrate. This cosmetic beauty care product is formulated to treat normal and sensitive skin types. You only need to apply just a few drops of this cocktail of essential oils morning and evening to revitalize skin, like Mariah does. 

The extraordinary, natural nutritional properties of this oil -

1. Restore suppleness and skin tone.

2. Increase the efficacy of all the subsequent skincare products. 

3. provides immediate comfort and radiance and brings out the skin’s natural color!

4. The perfect beauty treatment for radiant results since is a %100 natural and rich in vital elements which decongest and softens stressed skin!

 A definitely must have product!

The 43 years old actress Lisa Rinna, best known for her roles as Billie Reed on `Days of our Lives`, has a favorite way to start her day: Almond Scrub and Face Shampoo. She really enjoy using this product because it cleanses and exfoliates the skin, for a fresh sense. However, Lisa`s main anti aging skin care product above and beyond plastic surgeries and Botox Cosmetics, is the anti wrinkles serum- Epicuren Alpha Lipoic Omega.  Rinna uses this beauty product everyday because of its exceptional moisture and since it has all the latest in anti aging technology which recommended by dermatologists:   

Science was combined with nature to make this pharmaceutical grade Serum Compound. Epicuren’s Alpha Lipoic Omega contains all-natural botanical, vital vitamins, trace minerals and amino acids all combined to restore and combat skin’s aging process, as well as improve the tone and texture of the skin. It firms, minimizes pores and gives a natural glow to your face. No Wonder celebrity like Lisa Rinna is in love with this amazing natural product! Look at her face- she`s glowing!!!

Baby Oil holds many skin care benefits and you don’t really have to have a baby at home in order to buy and use this skin nutritious product. Baby Oil Locks in up to ten times more moisture on wet skin than an ordinary lotion can on dry skin, it can soothe and relieve dry, rough patches and leave skin glowing, silky and soft all day long.

Baby oil was discovered long time ago and is a staple of many Hollywood makeup artists. They use it to make their client’s skin feel silky and to soften rough knees, elbows and ankles. They use it to make legs shimmer with sun kissed looks, and they use it to make eye sparkle by putting a touch on their eyelids.

Celebrities who are fans of Baby Oil products are Uma Thurman, Nicole Kidman and Gwyneth Paltrow!

Admitting I am totally addicted tvito French Fries, I must say it was kinda hard reducing the amount I used to eat ever since keeping a healthy weight watchers lifestyle and dieting routing. However, I have recently discovered there is a much healthier and even tastier way to enjoy the sense of eating fries! since I love sweets, I really enjoy the flavor you get from Sweet Potatoes. More then that- they are so nutritious, which makes it a smart, healthy choice to make! Sweet Potatoes contain many health benefits such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both are powerful antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer, and not only they taste like a dessert they are considered very good food for diabetics since help in stabilize blood sugar levels. In addition, Sweet Potatoes are rich in minerals like Calcium, Iron and Potassium. Be sure to add these wonderful naturally sweet vegetables to your meals throughout the year! and not only as fries, since they are some of the most nutritious vegetables around!

Check these nutrition facts for these baked, throw into the oven for 20 min Sweet Potatos Fries, from Trader Joe`s , my favorit brand:  Only 190 calories, 9 grams of fat and 26 grams of carbs and 0 cholesterol!!!  SWEET!!!

My favorite solution for fast, healthy and as fresh as possible meal, when short on time for cooking, is the low fat convenience Contessa Frozen Meals. In less then 10 minuets of preparation and a single pan, I always feel like I had just cooked that  hearty home-style healthy meal. Contessa brand offers customized gourmet foods, including convenience meals for short and simple preparation and a consistency of quality and freshness. I love the fact there are greens and tasteful healthy vegetables included in every bag, plus the sauce is always packed separately for a preferred taste and dietary needs.  Contessa meals are definitely a great healthy fast food solution, and at no doubt for people who appreciate fine food, though have no time or the ability to cook.  Especially once trying to maintain a weight watchers lifestyle and healthy diet, these low-fat and less calories meals from Contessa brand are highly recommended for any occasion!

Don’t you just love chewing cookies plus actually eating right and fresh at the same time?! Another helpful diet secret of mine, or if I may say- a great sweet tooth saver, is keeping a box of Whole Grain baked Figs Newtons Cookies in hand. 2-3 cookies aside my afternoon cup of coffee are healthy, delightful choice for my in between meals craving. Contain only 2 grams of fat , 21 grams of carbs and 110 calories per servings, I cannot resist the real figs fill. Seriously- one of the bests tasty, healthy, real fruits and cookies combination I have ever had! A must try product for any weight watchers, dieting lifestyle or simply healthy living smart choices makers. 

Discover more about the health benefits of figs:

Discover more about Whole Grain health benefits:

Everybody`s taking about gorgeous talented Taylor Swift. Especially about her beautiful hair. However, if you wish to get those amazing, healthy looking shinny waves or curls, prior to any application use such as curly iron, simply apply a few droplets of Pure Wheat Germ Oil on a clean washed damp hair and let it absorb by massaging it gently from bottom to top, (avoid applying directly on scalp).  It would definitely do the work, and you will get that celebrity hair shine everybody`s dreaming off!
Extracted from germs of wheat, this beauty treatment oil contains very high percentage of Vitamin E , helps in nourishes and replenishes the shine lost in dull hair. It restructures the cuticle of hair, helping to maintain it in a healthy state, and instantly make the hair look healthier and shinier!

There are only few cosmetics brands which offer a certain version of this recommended beauty concept though a favorable one by many famous people and celebs is by `CarloBay- hair diffusion cosmetics` brand:  ($29 dollars, imported form Italy)

Airbrush Spray Tanning is overall one of the best healthy beauty secrets available in the cosmetic industry, however this specific Sally Hanson must have product is what I call- my personal “emergency” tanning secret for a last minuet glowing skin, since it is safe ( FDA approved), so easy to use and available whenever I need a fast tan look! I even take it with me whenever I go on vacation!  You should try it, especially if you do not wish to spend time & money on going to a tanning salon! It definitely works better then any other sunless tanning products I have ever tried!   

We all want fuller, thicker lashes, however, most of us are not willing to pay for extensions, wear obnoxious fakes daily or try out new chemicals that may or may not have harmful side effects. In addition, there are many different ways to make your eyelashes look longer and/or thicker though most techniques will only create the look, not the actual length or thickness! Several months ago, I have discovered Lashes Growth Accelerator by Ardell, which is a concentrated serum of multi-proteins that works to repair weak lashes, helps them grow longer and restore thickness. I use it about 4 times a week at night time, after cleansing my face, before going to sleep. Apparently, the conditioners and other natural ingredients it contains, soften and moisturizer my dry, brittle lashes, enabling them to grow longer, thicker and fuller!

For only $4 bucks, I can say Ardell Lashes Accelerator is my little very affordable beauty secret for softer, healthier, longer eye lashes. It even works great as well as a natural looking clear mascara that provides some definition when I don’t feel like wearing a lot of makeup. This great beauty product is also a very good curling enhancer if you let it dry first then curl your lashes.

Give it time, though. It is a must have product though expect no fast miracle. It does not work over night! not even after one week. I first started to noticed results in length and thickness after 2 months of use! However,  the good news are that at least you would feel the difference in softened lashes right from the start, so again- patient and consistancy are the keys!

I have recently discovered Chex Mix Chocolate Bars product while shopping for groceries. I was right near the cereal section, when could not avoid hearing a young lady taking to her friend while pointing on the shelve, saying “Those Chex Mix bars are impossible to resist…” I had to look at the nutrition facts at the back of the pack, and was absolutely amazed! These chocolate chunks, wheat pretzels and corn cereal bars contain only 140 calories, 3 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbs and more important- 8 grams of whole grains and fiber per serving! I felt like I have just found my ultimate new chocolate craving healthy weight watching solution!!! Got home, tried it and guess what- It DOES AMAZINGLY taste like REAL chocolate! and its healthy! very nice. I was extremely satisfied, considering the fact I used to be addicted to “Snickers” Chocolate Bars, which contains 280 Calories, 14 GRAMS OF FAT (yes ladies and gentlemen! 14 grams of fat in ONE (1) BAR!!!!!!  Hello!!! my `Lean Cuisine` yummy Lunch box does not contain THAT MUCH FAT!!!
 

Awareness, people. That’s all I`m saying. Don’t count calories, but DO check the nutrition facts of those foods you eat! That’s how you can watch your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle!

There are many myths regarding coffee beans and drinking coffee habits. However, recent Japanese reserches found that having a cup of coffee a few times a week, thanks to the Antioxidants coffee contain, may lower not only the risk of mouth AND throat cancers by up to %50 percent, but link coffee to lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancers as well! 

Now, since caffeine raises blood pressure, if you enjoy drinking a lot of coffee, you may wanna choose decaf. It has the same healthy benefits as regular coffee.

What can I say, it makes me feel much better now, recommending drinking coffee with my favorite low fat soy based creamer:

Coffee Mate makes drinking coffee more “sophisticated”! It is a great healthy choice for your healthy lifestyle, and there are so many different flavours to choose from so then you never get board with the same old taste! This product works great for someone like my mom, which is lactose intolerant lack enough of an enzyme called lactate, and aren’t able to completely digest the natural sugar found in milk which calls lactose. All COFFEE-MATE coffee whiteners are lactose free, low fat and low calories, with few sugar-free versions available as well, which makes adding only 2 spoons of it to your cup of coffee makes it unnecessary to add any kind of sugar or other sweetener!
I like several flavors coffee-mate offers and it is very much fun finding new flavour on the market shelves every time I shop for groceries! I like the `Irish Cream` the most…

`Skinny Cow` Ice-Cream Sandwich- “Diet” treat that taste like REAL treat!!!

I love Ice Cream for dessert or just as a refreshing treat whenever I am in need for something sweet. Discovering Skinny Cow Brand and especially its amazingly tasty low-calories Ice Cream Sandwich line had absolutely helped my weight watching diet routine.

`Skinny Cow `is a great line of products by Nastle, offering rich and yummy treats in low fat and no sugar added options. Most of it`s products are sweet treats you can enjoy and yet not have the guilt when done eating! From all products `Skinny Cow`offers, my favorite one is the Ice-Cream Chocolate Cookies Sandwich: “Diet” ice cream that apparently taste like REAL treat!!! It is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth with 140 calories ONLY!!! Unbelievable!!! LOVE IT!!! 

My secret solution in order to avoid this bad habit and go to sleep with a fresh clean skin is simple, yet very effective: Keeping a stash of cleansing wipes on my nightstand, near my bed so I can Swipe then- Crush!   . You wont believe how easy it makes it: These towelettes remove every trace of mascara and smoky eye; every hint of under eye concealer and lip-stain in under 60 seconds, not to mention the removal of dirt and dust that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day.

My favorite Wipes are the Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes, since they are ultra-soft calming cloths which gently dissolve all traces of makeup. Dermatologist tested, Allergy tested and alcohol-free, these wonderful wipes leave my skin moisturized enough so that I don’t have to use night cream. I also like them so much since they are perfect for travel as there’s no issue with taking them through airport security in your carry-on luggage! However, you can choose any brand you like for that purpose, AS LONG AS YOU CLEAN YOUR FACE BEFORE FALLING ASLEEP , keeping it healthy and beautiful for the long term!  Trust me, your skin will thank you for that in years to come!

No Fat and O Calories Oil?! UNBELIVABLE!!!
Using Pam oil spray has changed my life and considered as my secret weapon MUST HAVE product in my kitchen cabinets!  It works well with most baking and frying, adds no calories or carbs to the food, doesn’t leave an aftertaste and has a long lasting shelf-life.

My favorite cooking secrets using Pam Spray Oil:

• Fried eggs, whether regular or scrambled or make omelets.

• When making grilled cheese sandwiches or panini, spray bread with PAM Butter instead of spreading with butter.

• Spray PAM onto cooked, drained pasta instead of tossing with oil.

• For golden oven-roasted turkey and chicken, spray the skin with PAM before placing in oven.

• Spray your pan with PAM when cooking chicken breasts, pork chops, fish, and more. It will prevent food from sticking to the pan while providing crispness, browning, and flavor.

• Love baked potatoes with crispy skins? Scrub your potatoes and spray the skins with PAM. You’ll never peel your spuds again!

• Spray foil with PAM before covering casseroles and other baked dishes to prevent cheese from sticking to foil.

• Spray gelatin molds with PAM before adding gelatin dessert; after the gelatin dessert sets, it will be easier to unfold.

• When grilling; spray PAM Grilling on the cold grill, tongs, skewers, and grill baskets to Prevent sticking

Discover more about the Benefits of oils and Cooking Secrets:

One of  Hollywood`s favorite well kept secret is: Truth Serum Collagen Booster which is a weightless, aromatic gel, designed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful complexion. Grapefruit and orange extracts purify the skin while providing astringent and brightening benefits. Green tea extract, rosehip extract and vitamin E protect from environmental and free radical damage with powerful antioxidants. Licorice extract evens hyperpigmentation while sodium hyaluronate binds moisture to the skin. Finally, a vitamin C complex calms, heals and restores collagen for a younger-looking complexion.

A highly recommended must-have product for any skin type, this anti-aging booster by calms sensitive skin, hydrates dry skin, and nourishes normal and oily skin.  You might think it is an expensive one since Ole Henriksen, the creator, is one of the most respected skincare experts in Los Angeles and many celebrities are fans of his spa place and products, however this serum only cost $48 dollars per 30ml bottle, last for several months and can be purchased in selected stores.

Celebrity fans of this product include: Halle Berry, Cher, Helena Christensen, David Bowie, Iman, Rene Zellwegger, Linda Evangelista, LeAnn Rimes and Charlize Theron.

I use Light&Fit Dannon Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt which is my favorite choice since its nutrition facts and its flavor. I normally buy the 32 OZ jar since it has basic vanilla flavor and is good for several servings. I can easily say this Yogurt is available in my fridge at all times like any other basics products since it brings a great way to enjoy a light, refreshing meal whenever I need it! With 50% fewer calories than regular low-fat yogurt, 0% Fat. 110 Calories and vitamins A and D  it can be used everydayfor: Smoothies, yogurt parfaits, fruit dips, baking, fruit & yogurt salads or delicious desserts. Dannon Light & Fit also meets the National Yogurt Association Criteria for live and active culture yogurt. 

My secret to control any hunger attack AND to get my boyfriend`s attention was adding some crunchy, rice and wheat flakes with oat and blueberry clusters from “Special K”, plus bunch of fresh blueberries, if available, to the bowl of yogurt.

Kellogg’s® Special K® Blueberry cereal are lightly toasted, lightly sweetened and high in flavor. Recommended for a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and an excellent source of 11 vitamins and minerals, Kellogg’s Special K mixed with Light&Fit yogurt gives me the satisfaction I crave any time of day!

And don’t forget adding some fresh Blueberries!  

To read more about Blueberries click here: