Lazy Summer Days? Not You, Overachiever!
Summer is coming, and that means relaxing in the sun, taking naps and catching up with your DVR. But we all know that after a week or two of that laziness, boredom sets in and we’re ready to start moving again. Make this summer your most productive (but still fun, of course!) yet. Here are some of the things we’re planning this summer. What’s on your agenda?
Getting our body back! Stress eating during finals totally cancelled out all those New Year’s resolutions. So we’re ready to go on a physically challenging program to get our body healthy for the coming school year. This year we’re thinking of incorporating rock climbing, hiking and a dance camp! The endorphins will keep us pumped long after August is over!
Planning our future! At any age, dreaming about what your future holds can be a fun pastime. Start making those dreams a reality by enrolling in a summer program that counts toward what you want to study in college. Our summer class? Creative writing and social media of course!
Getting some international exposure! Study abroad and stay with a host family for a truly immersive experience. Who knows, maybe you’ll even have that international summer romance to brag about when you return to school this fall. We’re thinking Italy, Greece or Turkey this year.
Making it rain! To get the green, you’ve got to put in the work. Send out feelers for a summer job to save up change for next school year’s wardrobe. Many of us make some extra pennies by babysitting. Find a family that’s looking for a summer nanny for a steady income stream.
Getting some real world experience! Choose an entry-level position or internship in a field that you are interested in to get a feel for what it’s really like to work in that industry! Want to intern with us at Clean Scene? Contact kcurtis@murad.com.
Relaxing! Make sure to carve out time in your busy summer schedule to veg out a little at home. You deserve to have some down time after using all your mental energy during the school year. Ahhh, we think it’s time for a nap in the sun. J
Happy Summer Everyone!
Let us know what’s on your summer agenda by commenting on this blog or posting it on our Facebook page.
Foods to Eat for Your Skin Type
You Are What You Eat…Or At Least You Look That Way!
You’ve heard it before – you are what you eat! But what does that really mean? Depending on what type of skin you have, it could mean the difference between a so-so complexion and date-ready skin! Here are some recommendations for which foods you should avoid or stock up on, all according to your particular skin type!
Dry Skin: Avoid salty foods. Eat hydrating foods
-Instead of French fries, munch on Cucumbers.
-Instead of salted nuts, eat celery (good with unsalted peanut butter – YUM!).
-Instead of chips, eat Pomegranates.
-Instead of candy, eat melons.
Oily Skin: Avoid greasy foods full of saturated fats. Eat foods rich with Omega 3s (good fats).
-Instead of steak, eat salmon.
-Instead of sausages, eat eggs.
-Instead of French fries, eat snap peas.
-Instead of potato chips, eat edamame.
-Instead of bacon, eat… well, nothing compares to bacon, so just try to keep that to a minimum!
-Instead of onion rings, eat nuts.
Combination Skin: For combination skin, healthy eating habits for oily skin and dry skin apply. Avoid both greasy and salty foods to keep your skin in balance and add foods rich with Omega 3s and hydrators to keep skin from drying out. Bottom line – healthy eating is good for ANY skin type!
Cheers to a healthier diet and beautiful skin!
Spring Skincare Trends
Spring is right around the corner; and just as you transition your wardrobe with the changing seasons (Boot socks in April? No way!), the same should be done with your cosmetics and skincare products. Say goodbye to dark winter hues and dry, chapped winter skin; and say hello to a bright, radiant complexion with these runway-inspired beauty tips.
1) Betsey Johnson: Silver eyeliner was all the rage at the Spring 2012 Betsey Johnson show. Models showed off their warm weather looks accompanied by a sleek silver eye. Create a perfect canvas for your eye makeup with an eye cream containing SPF that will protect the eye area from sun damage while diminishing dry areas that can lead to uneven makeup application.
2) BCBG: All the models on the BCBG Spring 2012 runway were sporting fresh, out-of-the-shower, dewy glows. Minimal makeup requires a base of good skin. Anyone can get this fresh look with a pore-minimizing primer that helps disguise flaws and also contains light-enhancing minerals to give your skin a radiant glow.
3) Milly: Orange nails and magenta lips reigned supreme at the Milly Spring show. Keep your nails and lips looking fabulous with a cuticle cream containing Vitamin E, which conditions and helps relieve chapped, cracked skin.
4) Oscar de la Renta: Peach and cream palettes took center stage at the Oscar de la Renta Spring show. Creating a perfect peach look on any skin can be possible with the right preparation. Choose a serum which targets, treats and prevents pigmentation caused by daily environmental exposure.
5) Jason Wu: A neutral face with intense lip color is another hot trend for spring. Don’t be afraid to show off a neutral face because of dry skin. Combat those enemies with a moisturizer like Clean Scene’s Down for Defense that provides softer, smoother skin day or night.
Beautiful, glowing, healthy skin is quickly becoming the most sought-after accessory, on and off the runway!
Tips for Picking Your Dream College
College application deadlines are quickly approaching! And whether you’re ahead of the game and waiting on acceptance letters, or hoping to scope out the campus before applying, there are several things to keep in mind during your campus visit. Don’t fret, we’ve jotted down a few to get you started.
1) Extracurriculars: School isn’t just about classes! Make sure your ideal school also has your ideal extracurricular activities. Are there kids hanging out on the quad playing Ultimate Frisbee? Is there a jazz ensemble that you can join? How great is the theater program? Whether you’re into sports, music or the arts, be sure that the school you’re looking at offers the programs that you love.
2) Distance from Home: Be realistic about how far away from home you want to be. Do you want to drive home every weekend to visit family and friends? Or would you be content to only visit for holidays and in between semesters. Don’t ignore your sense of adventure, but be realistic about your own needs and comfort zone.
3) Location: In addition to the distance from home, there are other important things to consider about location. What’s the weather like? Is it set in a big city or in a remote area? Again, it’s all about being adventurous, but also knowing where you’ll be most happy.
4) Food: Don’t underestimate the impact that the cafeteria will have on your life, health AND happiness. Make sure the cafeteria provides healthy food options to keep your brain working optimally. Also, take a look at the local surrounding restaurants. Sometimes you need some good options away from campus too!
5) Exercise: Many schools have gyms, offer fitness classes or have intermural sports teams. Ask about the campus fitness facilities and make sure your favorite activities are offered, as well as the opportunity to try a few new things. You don’t want to fall victim to the “Freshman 15!”.
6) Study Abroad Programs: Study abroad programs offer a great way to see the world while you learn! What options does the school offer? Where can you go? What majors have adjacent study abroad programs? Are there international summer programs? Take advantage of these special programs to get the most out of your college experience!
7) Career Services: Let’s face it. The reason we go to college is to get a good job after we graduate. So, the amount of career service support a college offers is key to success after you toss that cap and gown! How much help can the school offer in obtaining internships and jobs? Is credit offered for internships? What are their post-college job placement statistics? How do they prepare you for interviews? How do they prepare you practically for the work force?
Yes, choosing a college is a major decision in life, but a lot of the excitement is had in the decision process. Be sure to weigh your options carefully, but don’t forget to have fun!
7 Tips to Keep Fitness Resolutions in 2012… Forever
We’ve all made New Year’s fitness resolutions that were impossible to keep. Get up early, run 10 miles, eat only fruits and veggies, give up sweets, etc. After the first week we crack under the stress of it all and find ourselves on the couch with a full-size bag of chips, catching up on a weeks worth of DVR. Just like that, your resolutions are broken.
This year is going to be different! 2012 is the year to keep your fitness resolution and turn it into a lifestyle. Here are our 7 tips to keep a New Year’s resolution…FOREVER.
1) Be realistic. How much time can you realistically commit and when is a good time of day for you? Choose a time that you don’t usually do other things and an activity that you enjoy.
2) Know your limits. Minimize the amount of excuses you can make to yourself. If you aren’t a runner, don’t set a goal to run 10 miles. Set milestones to track your progress. Start by walking 1 mile a day and build up to your goal.
3) Choose something fun. If you don’t enjoy an activity, you’ll be more likely to quit. Walking, dancing, sports and even Wii are all fun ways to burn more calories. Pick an activity you’ll look forward to.
4) Try something new. If you are active, but stuck in a fitness rut, mix it up. Try a martial art, a new dance class, or join a running club. “Give yourself permission to move away from traditional formats of exercise that have never worked for you in the long run.” -Dr. Murad, The Water Secret.
5) Write it down. Studies show that keeping a food and exercise journal helps people stay committed. Not to mention the heightened sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as you see your own progress.
6) Get an accountabilibuddy. Make a pact with a friend to text each other when you need a little extra motivation to get active or say “NO” to sweet and salty cravings. Exercise together and then celebrate together when you have achieved your weekly goals.
7) Reward yourself! Change is difficult, and when you stick to your goals you need to celebrate that accomplishment! Rather than indulging in an entire ice cream sundae, try a small frozen yogurt. You’re sweet tooth will be satisfied and you won’t undo all your efforts.
Stay positive and be strong! Tell us your resolutions and how you plan to keep them in the comment section below.