The Vitality Sensor will monitor and track your heart rate and blood oxygenation levels as any pulse oximeter would, then use it within a game platform.  The flagship game appears to be WiiRelax, which uses soothing techniques to lower your heart rate and help you relax by monitoring your reactions via the finger-clip Vitality Sensor.

Well-known software developer, Ubisoft, followed up at the 2010 E3 with ‘Innergy’ for the PC genre.  It allows you to plug the device (a pulse oximeter) into any computer and perform breathing exercises to lower your heart rate and relax.  It’s touted to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost your immune system, and help you sleep better through stat monitoring and relaxation techniques a few times a week.

While this is not breakthrough technology (pulse oximetry has been around since the early 1940s), the application is decidedly innovative.  Perhaps one day we’ll be able to virtually visit the doctor using our Nintendo Wii, laptop, or smart phone.  For busy, fast paced lives, taking a few hours to get a checkup is often not a priority with other pressing matters to consider.  Being able to better track your health, especially though a widely available and affordable technology, seems like a great way to make the world healthier.  One can only envision better things to come.

Put simply. It worked. For me. And then I moved. *sigh*

This drug basically dimmed the signal in my brain that told my stomach to eat. All of my stress and boredom eating stopped. I ate normal portions. It was awesome! I exercised and didn’t go insane. Lots of people report being hyped up on this drug, but it just made me not want to eat. I got down to my lowest weight ever.

And then I moved. Because of my move, I couldn’t continue with that doctor. And I have yet to look for and find someone here that will even think of prescribing it. It requires close doctor attention to the heart and general condition of the patient. But it did work for me for some time.

So if it is ever brought up by your doctor, consider it, but it’s not for everyone. Adipex is an aide, not an answer. I lost a lot of muscle and now working at building that back. It’s not perfect, but it does what it says.

Don’t order it online either. Go see a doctor. It’s just better for your well being.

So beyond that, let me make my second disclaimer, I am BAD at applying moisturizer/lotion. I am pale, and that’s an understatement. So ash … doesn’t happen. And when dry skin strikes, no one can see it on me. Yeah, that’s the ONLY upside to pale skin. Trust me I use enough sun block when I’m out in the sun to make up for my lack of moisturizing everyday.

Shielding Lotion

Do What? you ask. This stuff is not your typical lotion and is supposed to moisturize and shield your skin from damaging things. People with allergies to things like nickel use this stuff to block the reaction from happening. I have no such allergies, so I can’t attest to that, but that’s what the idea is there.

It’s also used for things like eczema. Because of it’s natural ingredients, it doesn’t flare up sensitive skin.

Runners Test

I don’t have many skin problems (what, I’m pale, isn’t that enough??), so instead I tested it when I’m running. This lotion comes in a form with sunblock (see above, hush), but my regular face lotion stings when I sweat as it rolls into my eyes. Not fun, so I tried this instead.

The version with sunblock still stung a little, but not half as much. The regular stuff feels amazing though. It’s light, not greasy at all. It feels like rubbing water into your skin, that natural. But it makes your skin feel awesome. I loved it for that.

The downside is that all I can say is that. I like it, but not sure I’d go out and purchase it on my own. If you have a skin allergy to latex or metals, you might give it a shot. If you do, let me know. I’d love to hear how it really helps.

For the time being, let me just say that I look forward to hearing from you all when I do start posting for real this week. Look forward to a post about home waxing, Skin MD Natural, and losing weight on Adipex.

Happy Holidays

Yes, I started this post out that way because Christmas, or the holiday season to those that aren’t Christian, is for everyone. Almost all Americans celebrate it in one for or another. This is not a post exploring the real reason for the season in terms of religion. But I will default it calling the season Christmas, because that is my background. If you are Jewish, of African decent, or anything else, please just imagine your word for this season.

This year, my thoughts surround our changes in life as to what the holiday season means and brings to each of our lives. At least in my life it has been different as the year progresses, and I think that is true of a majority of others as well.

Children’s Christmas

I miss Christmas as a child. It is filled with magic and wonder. I remember telling stories of how I saw Santa one night. Seeing the cookies eaten, and the carrots gnawed (for the reindeer). Christmas was a time of songs and happiness. And presents.

I loved the presents like any child. Looking forward to what you were getting. It was exciting! Christmas day morning. This is where we get the expression “I was as excited as a kid on Christmas.” Did I care how much the presents were? Nope. I am not sure I knew even. I just knew that I would have other new worlds to explore and dream up.

Teenager’s Christmas

As I got older, Christmas started to lose some of its wonder. I was raised by a wonderful set of parents that explained Santa, who he really is and what he means in our lives. Christmas became more of a time of presents. Getting the things I wanted but could never afford on my own. I started going to church more and seeing the meaning that way, but it lost the magic. It was getting to be more of a reality than magical. I fell in love with singing Christmas Carols. Some of my favorite songs are carols, and it is such a joy to see the smiles on people’s faces when they listen to someone singing carols.

Adult’s Christmas

Now I am just getting into true adult hood, not yet 30, and no kids. But as I have gotten through my 20s, something has happened. The presents mean little anymore. There is very little I need or want anymore that isn’t something I think I need to save for myself. I think as you get older, your focus shifts to people other than yourself. Most people have families to focus on, and that is where they spend their time.

This is where I miss having kids around. I think adults, most at least, like having kids around at Christmas because it reminds them of the joy and magic of Christmas. How in one holiday season, we are all magically able to see the good in all people. We are generally nicer and more giving than any other point in the year. Not having children, I miss seeing people genuinely excited about opening presents.

My Point – True Beauty

I have found my other form of joy, which is gift giving. I have realized that this year I am more excited about gifts I am giving than receiving. While I don’t have children around just yet there is beauty and magic in Christmas.

Therefore, if you have families, take the joy in this holiday season and make a point of dwelling in it. If you do not, find your joy in others and what you can do to show them the beauty of the season. Ignore the diets. Forget the scale. Eat merrily the day of, enjoy what others have made in their own love. And remember that no matter what happens, there are things that are beautiful and should be celebrated this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!!

Well apparently there is a home version now. Now, I have not tried it, so I am not saying this works perfectly. But I am very tempted to give it a shot and thought I’d share it with you all. Now this is not just for women. There are guys that hate shaving too. They have areas they care about too.

From their website:
“The TRIA Laser Hair Removal System is designed to gently disable hair growth so that your skin remains smooth and hair-free — for good. In as few as 6-8 simple treatments, you can experience the silky, smooth results that only real laser hair removal can provide. In addition to skin that feels smoother than ever before, your skin will look its absolute best. No more dark shadows, visible stubble below the skin or irritation — just like the hair was never there.”

Now I’ve had laser hair removal done on my upper lip, and it isn’t perfect. It’s not a one time thing, which is why I love this idea. Doing it in the comfort of your own home, on your time. So I’ll be testing this soon and I’ll let you all know how it goes. I mean beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but how nice would it be to not have to worry about something as small as errant hair when you are looking in the mirror?

Oh, AND — right now, they are doing a special sweepstakes to win a spa package. Yeah, I had to enter this one.

* Yes, those are affiliate links, but I have not tried, used, or been given this product, I just like it.

Now, this is the time of year when everyone is on edge. Family is coming in town, kids are sick, and there is much cleaning and cooking to be done. Most of us have two days left at this point to get everything done. For others, it’s a time to face the family and their million questions about careers and love lives.

So this morning … stand back and take everything in. We all have things that we don’t want to deal with, and others that we are really looking forward to. Here are some scenarios and how to possibly see the beauty in them all.

1. Time off. Okay this is an easy one, I know. All US workers at least get Thursday off. Most get Wednesday-Friday off, giving us a blessed 5 day weekend. Whee!! Take the time and spend it with those you love. Family, friends, etc. Be sure to tell these people why you love them. It’s Thanksgiving!
2. Bitchy/Lazy Co-Workers. Alright, breathe. We are all on our last nerve. Projects need to be done before December deadlines. School is nearing end. Everyone is blaming everyone else at work for what they didn’t do. Your team members are spending more time on the phone than on the project. But before you take off the head of the next project manager that comes through your door … realize some small things.
   1. You have a job. If you have coworkers to be pissed at, you have a job and an income. That is a blessing.
   2. These people are in the same boat as you. Most likely they are not mad at you or out to get you.
   3. You can make everything better by just taking a step back. It will all be over soon.
3. Facing Family. You don’t want to see your Aunt again. The one that wonders why you are still single. Your cousin who is always asking you for a job. Maybe you have a new someone who is meeting the family for the first time, and you hope they go running the other way. No matter what, remember that they want what’s best for you, the intentions no matter how annoying, are good. And if they are not (I know those families too), it’s time to find a new place to spend Thanksgiving. Life is too short to not love the people you are with.
4. Lines at the airport/Traffic. Alright, no one likes security at the airport. No one likes traffic. But just like the coworkers, remember that all of these people are in your position. The faster you can see the situation from that point of view, the more relaxed the whole situation will be. Remember that the security guards are there for your safety and just doing their job … and they don’t get time off. Remember to thank them.
5. Shopping. Black Friday. Yep. It’s coming. People are mean, rude, and tired that morning. Don’t focus on that, instead on how happy the people are going to be getting those presents. And if it really stresses it out, don’t go. It’s not worth $5 if you want to deck someone at 4am at Target.

Ooooh no. My daughter would never leave the house looking like THAT!

That was my reaction to a 15 year old and her chosen outfit for a wedding I was at on Halloween weekend. BTW I don’t have kids. But my child would never be allowed out in what this one was wearing. Was she being vulgar? No. But a skin tight, black dress that ended on the top of her thigh was not right. That dress was meant for someone over the age of 21 for sure.

This got me thinking about one of my favorite pet peeves – Junior size clothing. There is something wrong in society when we push clothing that will generally only fit a 12-16 year old girls, but reveals so much more than they really should. The cutest clothes (from a 20ish single woman perspective) are in the junior’s sections, but way too small. Why is it that we think that girls that young should be wearing that?

Guys, let me explain. I know most of you don’t “get” women’s sizing. If clothes are even numbered (0-24), it’s misses sizing. Anything odd numbered is junior (1-15). Junior clothing is really made for girls that have not yet gotten the blessing that are hips.

Now, women. I have many great friends that still shop in the juniors section. Many that MUST. But they get the other end of the spectrum in what is wrong with clothing stores. Those friends have such a hard time finding clothing that is professional in their size. Apparently if you have a small build, you are meant to show everything that your mom gave you.

Not the case.

The young women of this world cannot be sheltered, and I would never mean for them to be. But some of this clothing just screams specific intentions for special attention from the opposite sex. And while it is great for them to be exploring their sexuality, it is almost as if the fashion world is telling them that beauty is only about shown skin and tight spandex.

Remember this, and teach it to the young women around you. To guys, the ones that matter, the sexiest thing you will ever wear is not a piece of clothing. It’s the smile they get when they see you. A guy will go gaga over the right woman whether she is wearing a skin tight dress, or a pair of jeans and a tshirt with stains of paint or gardening.

Beauty is not about what you wear. It’s your confidence that is sexy … men and women. Be aware of what you are saying with your clothing though. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Something I have noticed is that sometimes, I don’t stress eat personally. Sometimes, the stress in my life leads to lack of eating. My appetite drops to nothing, and my mind controls my eating. I have to constantly remind myself that it’s lunch or dinner time. This is depression, not stress according to that article. But even though my pants love me more after this kind of stress … it isn’t any better.

So rather than eating or not eating when you are stressed, try to put the feelings to use. Call a friend and go for a walk. Start a new project. Make a list of what you would like to accomplish in the next three months.

And don’t fret if you do end up eating some chocolate along the way. Remember … your beauty is all yours, and so is your sanity. Sometimes you have to compromise for sanity. No matter what you are stressed over, remember that tomorrow is a new day and changes start now. Don’t wait until Monday, or the first of the month. Time is yours. Find the beauty in your life no matter the stresses that try to get in the way.