The doctor is in, ladies and gents! We got the chance to sit down with fitness and health expert Dr. Raj for the ultimate holiday health guide. From the worst possible indulgence to make at parties to why Bon Jovi is essential to a good workout playlist, we’ve got the Q&A you won’t want to miss this holiday season! (Also, isn’t he a cutie? SWOON.)

Overall, what do you find to be the cause for overindulgence during the holiday season?

It’s the concept of “having to eat” during the holidays. In the U.S., Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holidays are within 5-6 weeks of each other, so I think people cram in as much food as possible over a period of two months. New Year’s Eve and having a New Year’s Resolution plays into this as well. People will splurge and eat as much as possible up until NYE, and then plan on dropping the weight in the New Year. Even clothing leads to overindulgence- it’s easier to cover up weight gain in areas where it gets colder, and you have to layer on clothes.

We’re not going to hold back on this one: what is the absolute worst thing to overindulge in at holiday parties?

Sugars and sweets! Wasted calories and simple carbs really just go to fat storage. The appetizers and comfort foods you find at holiday parties are packed with saturated fat. A Swedish meatball can be at least 400 calories of butter, heavy cream, and more! Imagine having 2-3 of these, you have hit your calorie count for the day. Eggnog is also one of my top items NOT to have during the holidays. One cup can have up to 350 calories.

Are there any foods that are more dangerous to consume than they appear in terms of calorie content?

I think a lot of people don’t think about the meats they are eating. For example, pot roast contains a ton of saturated fat; one 3-ounce serving can have around 300 calories and 20 grams of total fat! Prime rib also comes from the fattest part of the cow; it can have up to 750 calories. And for both of these meats, add on mashed potatoes and gravy and that is an insane amount of calories and fat.

How about drinks, especially alcoholic ones?

During the holidays, people drink more than other times in the year. You are around family and friends at events where drinks like eggnog (already on my don’t-drink list) are in abundance. Wine is extremely high in sugar, so as an overall rule of thumb, try to keep your alcohol consumption in moderation- try not to drink more than you normally would. This will also help with avoiding weight gain in the long run. If you still want to have a spirit, skip the cinnamon martini and stick to vodka on the rocks with a twist of lemon- there are fewer calories in it.

What are some of the best holiday dishes to make for everyone that fill you up but don’t leave you sluggish after?

Try serving reduced-fat cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts for appetizers (my favorites are flavored almonds) over thick fatty dips and meatball dishes. You can make a holiday-themed veggie platter too, which is festive and fun! For meats, choose white meat that is lower in fat, and be careful about how much gravy you use. The same goes for the amount of potatoes you eat. Dessert can be tough- instead of serving cheesecake (which can be up to 700-1000 calories a slice), try pumpkin pie, which is lower in fat and calories. Also, you can serve strawberries which are healthy, and dip them in low-fat chocolate.

More tips from Dr. Raj, including what’s on his ultimate workout playlist, up next!

For anyone who knows me, I’m always searching for the perfect wave (not literally), but that “wave” that translates into “vacation” — one that works for my three kids and me.  And I mean me.  My husband’s busiest time of the work year begins prior to Thanksgiving and ends shortly after the New Year, so I am often on my own with the kids when they get the most time off during the school year.

So, when some of our friends suggested they were going to Northstar California Resort minutes from Lake Tahoe just prior to Thanksgiving, I jumped at the chance to tag along.  I didn’t mind being the fifth wheel at all since my three kids are at different ski levels, and I often need expert skiing friends to accompany my 7-year–old daughter, Dayne, whom on her very first time on skis, skied black diamond runs.  No one in our family has been able to keep up with her downhill skills since.

My 10-year-old, twin boys, Drake and Dominick, often transfer between snowboarding and skiing, so there is always an adjustment for a few hours and many, many, “Mom, wait up…ski with me!!”

What is the secret to being on your own and skiing with three kids?

1)   As I mentioned, tag along with others.  Particularly if you have a kid who is very advanced and there is no possible way you will ever keep up with her.  You need that parent(s) whom your kid can ski with.

2)   I always start with ski school for all of my kids (first hour on the slope) so they can get their ski legs back, and I have more confidence that they can ski on their own.

3)   Once my kids are situated, I then put myself in ski school.   I am not good if I get hurt or make this all about my kids.  After an intense work year with lots of international travel, I deserve some time too. Northstar California’s Ski + Snowboard School offers “4Her” ski lessons.  It’s a semi private lesson that is all about “me” time, advancing my ski technique and learning equipment expertise, as well.

4)   Make sure everyone is properly dressed:  gloves, helmet, goggles, face mask in really cold temperatures, etc.  If your kids are not properly dressed, you will be stressed.

5)   Most importantly:  Stay at a place that caters to and supports families.  I have found no better place than Northstar California Resort.  The area is contained, full of families that look out for one another, and constantly offers “kid activities” on and off the slopes.  My kids made candles at The Village Candle Shop, which also offers ceramics when the kids need a break from skiing.  There is the ice-skating ring, a movie theatre and complimentary S’mores Time every day at 3:30 p.m..

Truth be told, my son, Drake, was missing for an hour during a heavy snow storm in the late afternoon on our first day.  The rescue team was “ON IT” in minutes, and the entire ski staff (hundreds of people) were out looking for my son.  They knew exactly what lift he was last on due to his EPIC Pass, which has a bar code on it and is scanned every time you go up on a lift.  The EPIC Pass also tracks all the runs, your ski level and photos of your kids out on the slopes, so you can put together a diary and history of their skiing throughout the years.  My son was just fine, and had decided to ski down to the Village at Northstar looking for his twin brother, which didn’t require a ride on the chair lift.

Lastly, take advantage of “El Nino” this year.  They say that El Nino 2015 could be the strongest ever, and could pose the best ski season for Lake Tahoe.  This past week, I skied on the BEST powder I have ever encountered.  I forgot what it was like to ski on powder and my technique was far better than it has been in years.

All in all, it was a ski trip that worked for my kids and me!

STAY
Northstar Lodging

Offering numerous different types of accommodations spread throughout Northstar, all minutes away from Northstar Village.

In the comments section below tell us: what is your favorite family getaway that you and your kids can both enjoy together?

Ah… it is that time of year! Stores are filled with holiday decorations, homes are strung with twinkling lights, and everyone is counting down the days until they can share in the holiday spirit with friends and family once more. I love this time of year. And even more, I love gifting! Truly finding a thoughtful gift for friends and family is something I look forward to each year.

The holiday season is about more than just gifting, it is about giving. Many of us are very fortunate to have so many blessings. This time of year there are many unique ways to gift and give back.

This year, we have an awesome opportunity to join T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods in an exciting program. Until December 4th, we are giving one special Betty an opportunity to give back to someone who’s always giving of themselves.

We invite you to be apart of this amazing holiday program by simply nominating someone in your life who is selfless and inspirational. Someone who is always giving of themselves. This could be your best friend, mother, father, grandmother or even a coworker!

Here is how you enter:  In the comment section below, share with us a special individual who is always giving of themselves and how they are worthy of this title. By leaving a comment and tweeting us at @BettyBuzz using the hashtag #BringBackHolidays, your nominee will be automatically entered to win an amazing holiday delivery filled with unique gifts that focus on the person that’s opening the present and not what’s inside the gift box.

*Be sure to enter your email address in the comment section below so we can contact you when you win! 

Ah, the ultimate holiday task – find a perfect gift for everyone on your list. One of the easiest ways to purchase presents for your friends, family members and even coworkers will love, is to think of what they enjoy most.

Start with a simple question: what makes (insert person here) happy?
Are they foodies? Boss-ladies? Sci-fi nerds? Or glam goddesses?

From beauty kits, to organizers and tech gadgets, we have put together a collection of gifts for everyone on your list!

1. The Primper
MAC Cosmetic’s ENCHANTED EVE LIP AND EYE BAG / COPPER (Sale Price: $44.63)
A lip and eye bag that brings a modern edge to evening with creamy, honeyed hues

2. The Star Wars Fanatic
Star Wars Holiday Crewneck Sweatshirt by AllPosters.com ($49.99)

3. The Whiskey Connoisseur
On The Rocks Whiskey Wedge Tumbler ($29.99)

4. The Decorator
Agate Print Poster, a premium print from Art.com ($34.99)

5. The Techie
White Shell/Abalone iPhone 6 Case ($39.99)

6. The Foodie
Sharie’s Berries Christmas Cake Truffles ($19.99)

7. The Homebody
Yarnscombe Throw by Lauren Aston Designs ($250.00)

8. The Coffee Addict
Hot Stuff Thermal Mug by Bando ($14.00)

9. The Athlete
Fusion Athletic Socks by Stance ($16.00)

10. The Organizer
2016, 17-month large agenda by Kate Spade ($36.00)

Holiday baking sure can be time-consuming, so if you are looking for that fast and easy shortcut that will allow you to squeeze in a little more “me” time this holiday season, bake up a storm with these kitchen timesavers. From five-minute Christmas morning scones to festive and easy-to-make sugar cookies, be prepared to rock the inner domestic diva you never knew was inside of you!

1. Mrs. Fields sugar cookie mix ($1, available at Dollar Tree stores nationwide). With all those festive sprinkles, who could resist this classic holiday cookie? Even better, it will take you half the time to bake compared to whipping it up from scratch.

2. Lake Champlain vegan organic Fair Trade unsweetened cocoa ($10.50, lakechamplainchocolates.com). Make those brownies or cookies extra chocolate-y with this organic Fair Trade unsweetened cocoa.

3. Duff blue suede cake mix ($3.49, duff.com). Wow your SO’s parents with this easy-to-make blue suede cake rich with yummy blueberry flavor. Simply ice it up with some store-bought frosting and your guests will think you slaved over this baby all day.

4. Sarabeth’s perfect buttermilk biscuit mix ($10, sarabeth.com). Ideal for Christmas morning entertaining and for those who like minimal cleanup, this ready-to-make buttermilk biscuit mix pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit and hot coffee.

5.  Wholesome Chow organic gluten free scone mix ($5.69, wholesomechow.com). Need another yuletide morning breakfast idea? This dairy and gluten free mix just takes five minutes to make. Add your favorite nuts and dry fruits for an added burst of flavor.

6. Stonewall Kitchen gingerbread cookie mix ($6.95, stonewallkitchen.com). Nothing says Christmas better than some timeless gingerbread treats, so for fast baking, just add an egg and some butter, and voila! A fresh batch of holiday goodness.

A fabulous gift doesn’t need to be expensive. But with holiday party season in full swing, you should always bring your host a little gift. Because when someone says, “Just bring yourself!”, they never really mean it. Here are ten chic buys that’ll put you in the Good Gifter category in no time!

Stylish hostess love these FRANCIACORTA wines. Often referred to as “Italian Champagne” they’re getting a lot of buzz on Vogue.com and Refinery29 as the new “It Drink”. And starting at $20, it’s a fabulous deal.

If you give someone an ornament that’s exquisite, you only need to give them one. So chic and the matching handmade box it comes in equally stunning. At Papyrus stores and online.

Boho Chic PERFECTION. One of a kind, hand made parasols with tasseled edges and detailed embroidery on vintage cotton. Perfectly sized at 26″ to hang above a table or on their own. Also available in a set of three for $108.00. From Olive & Cocoa

In a handcrafted wooden crate, a box full of juicy green apple, sweet strawberry and luscious pineapple licorice! Thanks, Matey!
From Olive & Cocoa

While a gift of blush or eyeshadow for a hostess might be a little weird, a luxe gift set of five (yes, five!) shimmery lip glosses a la Laura Mercier is fab. $50 at better department stores and online

Shot size mini copper mugs. Yes, please!
Available at Target

Show up with a box of vegan minty goodness from LUSH that includes soaps, cream and yummy scrubs. Added bonus: It comes beautifully wrapped and ready. Although, this one is so good, you might want to put this on the one for me/one for you list!

Ever since BuzzFeed showed us we can make Pho and Nutella Bread Pudding in a Crock-Pot®, we’ve been hooked. But, toting a huge stock pot of food into someone’s home is not cute. The foodies in your life will gush when you arrive with this bad boy on your arm. Buy here for free shipping

Puppies and a holiday theme? This handcrafted wooden music box that plays The Magic Flute is positively charming and perfect for the puppy video loving host/hostess on your list!
$34.95 at Papyrus stores and online

And when you need to send a thank you note, look no further! Check out Expressionery for all your stationary needs.

Giving is the greatest gift. Remember that.

I’m excited to share with you a post today that’s all about staying confident even when you’re battling a cold sore. Some of my closest friends are cold sore sufferers and I know the toll they take on their confidence. That’s why they turn to Abreva® at the very first sign of their cold sore to heal it fast! Read below to discover simple ways you can keep your confidence high.

On one hand, I am loving winter season because I have to say that for the first time in years, we are having a great ski season in California.  It is fantastic to ski in our record number of powdered inches, but I am always out of my workout rhythm during the winter months

On the other hand, I do find it a very stressful time as there is something about the winter months that makes it challenging to balance my work and family responsibilities or should I add, family obligations.

There is something about winter that just makes everything harder.   This year, the stress brought me my very first cold sore.  This is particularly bad for me because I speak and give presentations as part of how I make my living and I just don’t feel like myself. Then there is that few extra pounds on my body coupled with a very unattractive cold sore on my lip.

What’s a girl to do?

I know what I have to do about the pounds on my body, but the cold sore?  I called my best friend, Camille, in New York, as she always has the perfect remedy – for everything.

Camille said, “Get Abreva® – period.”  So, I did.

Off to the drug store I went, and bought the Abreva® Cream and then I follow the following simple tips to help keep my confidence high!

1)     Cover your cold sore with cosmetics such as lipstick, maybe applied over Abreva® Cream.

2)     Exercise, exercise, exercise (cold sores can be related to stress so make sure you take a walk, go for a run, do yoga, get to the gym or do some home based exercises);

3)     Breathe fresh air; and/or

4)     Hang out with a friend for girls’ night and laugh up a storm.

You could Knock out your cold sore in 2.5 days*.

Only Abreva® can do it, when you treat at the first sign**. Try Abreva® Cream during your next cold sore! Click here to learn more about Abreva® cream.

*Median healing time 4.1 days. 25% of users healed in 2.5 days. 

**

Among Over-the-counter products

So, have you ever tried Abreva® and what have the results been? Comment here and the most creative story will win a $100 Visa Gift Card!!!

Entry Instructions: 

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 2/8/16 – 3/13/16.

Be sure to visit the Abreva® brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

A few years ago, my seven-year-old daughter, Dayne, put on a pair of snow skis and never looked back.

Dayne’s very first time on skis, at six years old, she was onto the black diamond slopes by the mid-afternoon. In the past year, she had complained about being bored by the ski slopes of the area we normally frequented, so we decided to try Squaw Valley Ski Resort (otherwise known as Olympic Village) in North Lake Tahoe, where the 1960 Olympic winter games had occurred.

My husband and I packed up our daughter and twin boys and made the four-hour drive to Northern California’s back yard playground, Lake Tahoe. I skied as a kid and into early adulthood, and then a scare (which I won’t get into) turned me away from skiing. It was my kids that brought me back to having a love for the sport. Skiing is also one of those sports that we can all enjoy simultaneously and be happy — do as a family for part of the time, and depart from one another when some of us are looking for much less challenging runs (like one of my son’s and myself). It is a great way to be together, where we get hardcore exercise by day, and take in a hearty meal and sit by the fire for some Smores in the evening.

When we first pulled into Squaw Valley, I thought we were in Austria, and not in Northern California. The A-framed houses are charming and cozy, and remind me of a first ski trip to Austria when I was a little girl about my daughter’s age. Then, there is the dramatic backdrop of the seven peaks that Squaw Valley is surrounded by. A few minutes drive into the community, and you approach The Village of Squaw Valley, which offers accommodations, restaurants, stores and entertainment.

Most of the accommodations at Olympic Village are ski in/out facilities so it makes it very convenient, and the 6,000 skiable acres keeps the slopes really open, where you can perfect your technique using the whole slope from side to side as you are not concerned with bumping into people or vice versa. As vast as the ski slopes are, the resort is also well contained, so if you lose a kid on the ski slopes, you know that you’ll manage to reconnect.

On our last day, our kids enrolled in half-day lessons at Squaw Valley’s Ski & Snowboard program. What was supposed to be a group lesson ended being a private lesson for our son, Dominick, who became very proficient at snowboarding the steep blues after his lesson. Our daughter, Dayne, picked up some expert moves from the other little girls in her group who looked like they were ready to take on the Olympics. While our kids in our ski/snowboard school, for the first time in over a decade, my husband and I got the opportunity to ski together ourselves – something we don’t get to do – Ever!

Squaw Valley is one of those places that you want to return to over and over. The beauty, fresh mountain air, ease of the resort, the quiet, and yet the fun ways you can entertain kids (such as mini snowmobiles and snow tubing rides), kept all of us entertained and wanting more!

Stay:

Squaw Valley Lodge
http://www.squawvalleylodge.com/

Eat:
High Camp (requires a tram or ski lift to the summit of the mountain, but one of the most spectacular views on earth!)
Fireside Pizza Company
PlumpJack

Rentals:
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
http://squawalpine.com/skiing-riding/lessons-rentals-teams/rentals-demos

Ski Lessons for the Kids
http://squawalpine.com/skiing-riding/lessons-rentals-teams/ski-snowboard-lessons

Fun:
Squaw Valley SnoVentures
Mini snowmobiles and snowtubing for the kids
http://squawalpine.com/events-things-do/mini-snowmobiles

5 Steps to a Safe Pedicure

Easy, expert tips to keep your feet healthy—and sexy.

-Brittany Fenning

With the arrival of spring and summer, it’s time for your toes to make their seasonal debut. But although you want to make them look good as fast as possible, you’ve also got to think about how you can keep them safe and infection-free. Otherwise, you might end up with some surprise results, like a fungus or a bacterial infection.

“A pedicure is something I recommend to my patients who want to maintain both the health and look of their feet, but I warn them to proceed with caution when choosing a nail salon to frequent,” says Dr. Oliver Zong, a New York City cosmetic podiatrist.

What’s the problem? While the number of nail salons and spas are on the rise, their health regulations are not. Unlike hospitals, the cosmetics industry is not required to perform sanitary procedures such as sterilization. So, says Dr. Zong, “The biggest risk factor [in getting a pedicure] is going to be infection. Many places do not sanitize properly.”

Read Are High Heels Bad For You?

And that’ a major problem: Experts say the biggest dangers of unsafe pedicures are fungal infections like athlete’s foot, bacterial infections like staphylococcus and (most dangerous of all) viral infections including plantar warts and hepatitis B and C.

But you won’t have to steer clear of pedicures if you follow Dr. Zong’s tips and tricks:

Wait for cuts to get better. When dealing with bug bites, cuts, bruises or poison ivy on your feet or legs, skip the pedicure until you’re healed. These abrasions can let microorganisms enter the body straight from the footbath, causing infection. And try to wait on shaving your legs, getting waxed, or using a hair removal cream before getting a pedicure. This can help prevent bacteria from entering the skin.

When hunger strikes, you don’t have to grab that tasteless energy drink for a fulfilling snack. Don’t know exactly what to munch on? No worries! We’ve got 12 delectable goodies to satisfy almost any craving. You’re welcome!

1. Kashi Hummus Crisps ($2.99 per bag, kashi.com)

When you want a crunchy burst of flavor, look to these crisps for the ultimate crowd pleaser. And although they won’t be available till next month, we’re absolutely positive these babies will be a guaranteed hit.

2. CalNaturale Svelte ($2.19-$2.99, sveltebrand.com)

Forget that iced latte—this cappuccino-flavored protein shake brings you 16 grams of protein and a yummy coffee flavor.

3. Gardein Crispy Chick’n Slider ($4.49-$4.99, gardein.com)

For a guilt-free snack, go meatless with this faux chicken slider. Dress it up with some mustard and fat-free mayo, and you won’t be able to tell the difference.

4. Stretch Island Food Company Fruit Strips ($2.99 for a box of 8, stretchislandfruit.com)

Tuck some of these all-natural fruit strips inside your bag to ward off those pesky midday cravings at the office.

5. Bear Naked Morning Power Snacks ($2.99, bearnaked.com)

Start your morning off right with these portable snacks or add them to your afternoon yogurt for a filling treat.

6. Woodstock Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds with Evaporated Cane Juice ($6.99, visit woodstock-foods.com for retail locations)

Satisfy any sweet tooth with these savory almonds coated in delicious dark chocolate.

1. Ball Fresh Tech $299
The makers of Ball Jars really want Mom to can her tomatoes! This new to market gadget takes out all the guesswork (and work!)

2. Bactrack Mobile Breathalyzer $149.99
The Bactrack is a mobile breathlyzer syncs to an app on your smartphone and tells you when your blood alcohol level will return to zero. The device is small enough to fit in a wristlet for Mom’s night out on the town. Safety first!

3. The Creative Station $34.99
Mom craft much? It’s a label maker, a laminator, a magnet maker..even business cards!
Available nationwide at Michael’s.

4. D-Link Wi-Fi Baby Camera with Night Vision $179.99
New moms will love this! High res night vision, two-way audio, and motion, sound and temperature detection..It also has on-board recording, customizable color rings to match the nursery, and it even plays lullabies for baby.

5. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb $147.19
Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb is a great women’s perfume. It’s modern with hints of tea, freesia, jasmine, and rose orchid that create a lovely flowery scent that is sweet and sophisticated.

6. Floating Flower Frame $19.95
From Papyrus Online, this borderless frame is lovely and sweet and under twenty bucks! J’adore!

Q: Where do you go when you need local recommendations?

If you’re anything like me, you start by asking your friends, family, then your work colleagues, neighbors, and you might even post a status on Facebook, “Anyone know of a good hairstylist in San Francisco?” And, maybe, just maybe as a last resort, you go to Yelp. But the thing is, you go to your friends and family for recommendations because let’s be honest, no one goes to Yelp asking about something as personal as a hairstylist or even a doctor. You want real recommendations by people you know and trust.

So, how do we sift through all the noise? One word: GemShare. GemShare is a mobile-based app that allows you to network with your friends, friends of friends, and groups you create or join, by sharing and offering “Gems,” local recommendations. There are no anonymous reviews or bogus complaints, but only real questions and answers from people you know and trust. With GemShare, you have all the answers from your friends and family at your fingertips. You can search to get the answers you want and need in just a matter of minutes without worrying misplacing the information.

Claudine Ryan, Maryam Mohit and Jonathan Xu, co-founders of GemShare, created GemShare as an attempt to solve the problem of finding the best and trusted recommendations and access that information at anytime.

Here are some stellar highlights of GemShare:
• You not only receive useful Gem recommendations in your local area, but you can personalize your location based on community. For example: your child’s school. Here you could invite other moms from his/her class.
• If you find a Gem recommendation useful you can send the friend or group member a little thank you! Who doesn’t like a little extra appreciation?
• You can create groups and invite your friends to GemShare through Facebook making it simple to add everyone you’re connected to.
• You can choose to post a question to a specific group such as BettyConfidential or all your Gems. Plus, you have the option to answer questions directly to that person who asked it instead of overcrowding you Gem feed.

Now that you love this concept just as much as I do, I encourage you to join our BettyConfidential group all around the San Francisco Bay Area and start helping out fellow Betty’s with their questions or, better yet, get a recommendation you’ve been seeking!

**Please note we will be creating more groups all over the U.S but are starting with the San Francisco Bay Area.

How to get started?
Start by going to the App Store on your mobile device, search GemShare and download the amazing App (for free!). Next, search for a BettyConfidential Group in your area and join! Lastly, start sharing Gem recommendations and/or asking for Gems. It’s so fun like chit chatting with all your best girlfriends about everything you love about your area!

For any feedback please let us know at info@gemshare.com or click the feedback button in your GemShare app.

New GemShare UPDATES:

• Save to Shortlist: save the Gems you are actively considering

• New Email Digest: a new, condensed digest that includes all activity from your network in one handy email
• Group Enhancements: users can now click and see who is in a group, and you can also invite someone specifically to join groups that you are in (including yours!), you can now send a quick and easy warm welcome to new members who have joined your group

Many of us are focused on self-growth and self-reflection when it comes to enhancing our sex lives — and there’s nothing wrong with that! But most of us aren’t even aware of the importance that our environment plays in having a better sex life. Sadly, we often neglect the place where most of the action takes place: the bedroom.

Have you really looked at your bedroom lately? Go ahead, give it a once-over. Does it invite intimacy? Is it comfortable? Does it feel like your sanctuary?

Or could it use some improvement?

Below are some totally doable tips for creating a bedroom that will not only enhance your sex life, but become a refuge from the stress of daily life, too.

1. Sexy to the touch. A cozy comforter makes you want to slip into bed, and soft sheets complete the experience. Remember, only a few throw pillows … you don’t want to ruin the romantic moment by doing manual labor to clear yourselves a spot on the bed! Plush carpeting is always nice, but if your budget is an issue, a soft and furry throw rug creates a comfy landing for your feet … or for the both of you, in case the mood strikes before you make it to the mattress.

2. Pleasing to the eye. Most importantly, clean and unclutter your bedroom. By doing this, the possibilities are endless for decorating and accessorizing your room to make it a sexier haven. The allure of the bedroom is truly enhanced by the color you choose for the walls. Visit your paint store and ask for suggestions. Lighting is everything, so to enhance the effect, forget bright lights, and transcend the space to a warm glow with dimmed table lamps, wall sconces, or candles. Choose wall hangings or pictures that are sensual and/or soothing — no photos of your kids, or your mom and dad staring at you!

Read the rest here!

This post originally appeared on YourTango.com: Pillow Talk: 5 Simple Steps to a Sexier Bedroom

More from YourTango:

10 Hot Ways To Use Date Night As Foreplay

13 Surprisingly Sexy Gestures That Qualify As Foreplay

15 Spontaneous Ways to Make Your Sex Life Even Hotter

How to Get Sexy Legs for Spring (and Summer!)

Follow these tips for gorgeous stems you’ll want to show off in short shorts and dresses!

-Faye Brennan

The best accessory for nice weather isn’t a great espadrille or even killer sunglasses – it’s long, lean, sexy legs! They go well with everything, especially shorts and cute dresses. If you’ve been neglecting your gams all winter, now is the perfect time to get them ready to be seen in the sunlight… and in public.

Alexis Wolfer is the founder of The Beauty Bean, a site dedicated to realistic beauty and wellness. She’s an expert when it comes to putting her best leg forward, and she has some great tips for sexifying yours for spring. Follow her advice for stems that will drive the guys crazy!

Read Great New Tool to Help You Eat, Feel and Look Better

Tip 1:  Diminish Cellulite & Stretch Marks

As Kim Kardashian has said, “Everyone has cellulite.” Unfortunately, she’s right, but there are some things you can do to reduce the appearance of it on your legs. For a quick and easy home remedy, try Wolfer’s DIY trick:

“If you brew coffee daily, use the cooled grounds to make a double-duty scrub that will exfoliate and reduce the appearance of cellulite at the same time – two things that are a must for sexy legs,” she says. “Just mix your cooled grounds with coconut oil (or any other oil you have at home) and, standing in the bath to reduce mess, rub the mixture on your thighs, hips and bottom in circular motions. It will exfoliate dead skin, promote circulation and help reduce the appearance of dimples.”

For those who are DIY-weary, Wolfer suggests StriVectin-SD® Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles ($135, strivectin.com) for stretch marks, and

Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Body Sculpting Slimming Gel ($100, dermstore.com) for cellulite.

Tip 2 and 3, up next…

Walnut Encrusted Lamb

Having people over for a nice spring dinner? Wow your crowd with this delicious dish.

-Recipe Courtesy of Tina Salter and the California Walnut Board,  walnuts.org

Lamb is a delicious choice as a traditional item for a spring meal. Walnut Encrusted Lamb is an easy yet thoughtful main course that complements any menu. The garlic, fresh herbs and honey mustard sauce goes well with the lamb, giving it an extra kick and making it perfect for any special gathering. The coating of walnuts adds crunch to the lamb, not to mention a dose of heart healthy omega-3s (2.5 grams per ounce).

Makes about 4 servings

Ingredients:

2 pounds rack of lamb, frenched*

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup California walnuts, finely chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced

2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon coarse salt

1 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup spicy honey mustard

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF.

2. Sprinkle racks of lamb with salt and pepper.

3. In large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat sear racks of lamb until browned, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a roasting pan and let cool slightly.

4. In small bowl, combine walnuts, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper with a fork. Stir in oil until well combined.

5. Using a pastry brush, rub mustard all over lamb. Press walnut mixture onto mustard to form a crust.

6. Roast in the center of preheated oven until medium rare, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, tent with foil and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut between the bones and serve 2 to 3 chops per person.

*Frenching defined: Upper ends of the rib bones are trimmed (and sometimes capped with decorative covers known as frills) creating one of the most distinctive cuts of lamb.

For more spring recipes featuring walnuts, try this Spring Linguine with with Spinach, Peas and Walnuts, or something else from our Recipe File.

Ever complimented someone on looking young for her age, or pointed out a peer who is aging poorly? Called attention to the very beginnings of wrinkles on your forehead or a stray gray hair? Have the words “I need a facelift,” ever escaped from your lips? If you answered yes to any of the above, you’re guilty of “old talk”—and you’re not alone.

As women age, they are increasingly likely to talk disparagingly about looking old or wishing to look younger. That kind of language has the potential to do serious damage to how women feel about themselves and their bodies. There’s been a lot of research on the demoralizing impact of fat talk, the negative comments we make about our own weight. But old talk is just starting to enter the conversation.

“Until now, we have used the term ‘the thin ideal’ to describe what the ideal woman in our culture looks like,” says Carolyn Black Becker, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Trinity University in San Antonio. “What we’ve typically not paid attention to is the fact that she’s also quite young. Old talk is basically speech that implicitly or explicitly reinforces the young aspect of the thin-young ideal standard of female beauty.”

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Old talk can range from self-deprecation (“I have so many wrinkles.”), to craving youthfulness (“Should I get Botox?”) to despair disguised as flattery (“You look so young, what is your secret?”). And old talk is not just for the old. Young people who fixate on the faintest signs of aging and use products designed for older women do it, too.

Dr. Becker is the lead author of the first study investigating old talk among women of various ages. The study, published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, was based on answers to a questionnaire sent to 914 women from 18 to 87 years old. Becker and her team found that while fat talk decreased slowly with age, old talk increased. And the more people engaged in old talk, the worse they felt about their bodies. (The researchers allow that the increase over time might owe to generational differences, not just aging.)

Rampant old talkers were anxious about looking older and they internalized the thin-young standard of beauty. The correlation extended beyond age concerns; they also tended to objectify themselves, strive for thinness and displayed attitudes and behaviors associated with eating disorders.

What’s the Best Beauty Advice Your Mom Ever Gave You?

Beauty expert Rebekah George shares the top beauty tips her mother shared with her.

My sister and I usually make fun of my mom when we go to the beach — she wears long-sleeve t-shirts with pants and hides from the sun underneath her giant umbrella. But, thanks to her unusual beach habits, her skin is gorgeous and smooth.

It’s one of the many beauty tips I’ve learned from my mother — you may love the sun, but it’s not your skin’s BFF, so protection is key. She’s also taught me that less is more when it comes to makeup, and that red lipstick is classic, timeless and sexy. Thanks, mom.

Read 5 Celeb Moms Who Deserve Mother’s Day Awards

I’m not the only one who heeds my mother’s beauty advice. Rebekah George, fashion & beauty expert and host of Total Look on TotalBeauty.com, has never forgotten the beauty lessons her own mother has taught her.

After Mother’s Day earlier this month, we caught up with Rebekah, who was eager to share her mom’s important beauty tips with us. We’re curious, is that one of your mother’s beauty tips that she taught you? What else did you learn from her?

10 Top Tips for Great Online Photos

It’s surprisingly easy to look your best in a photo that’ll stand out from the rest online.

-Kate Houston

Whether you’re online dating, on Facebook, or Instagram your photo has to compete against millions of others. So how can you stand out? By taking tips from people who know how to get noticed–-advertisers. Oops, were you expecting advice from supermodels? Let’s face it, it doesn’t take an expert to make you look hot.

10. Let friends call the shots

Though I recommend at least one professional headshot, enlisting friends has several advantages. Friends are fun, free, and game for helping you pick different clothes for different settings. A good camera and a good friend go a long way in making fabulous online dating photos. Don’t have a good camera? Rent one and ask for a tripod to prevent shaking.

9. Boost your confidence

Trying to look hot, wholesome and smart is hard enough, but while a camera is pointed at you? Talk about pressure. So how do you inhibit your inhibitions? Take a good look at yourself before the camera does. Practice in front of a mirror. Smile big, smile small, turn, tilt, put a foot forward: try it all. Soon, you’ll be ready to strike a pose faster than toddlers in tiaras.

8. Have a seat

Still too coy for a Kodak moment? Then sit on a stool and relax. While you’re at it, cross your legs. Put your elbow on your knee. Lean forward into your hand. Have your friend take a shot looking down as you look up. Sit on a log, on the ground, or on a boulder. For that matter, be unique – sit atop a car! Every advertising expert knows that the best way to stand out is by doing the unexpected (but keep it natural).

7. Pose like a pro

If you follow every tip on how to pose, you can end up looking as relaxed as Madonna’s face (could it get any tighter?). So remember these few: Always turn slightly to the side. This minimizes the focus on shoulders and can be slimming. Look slightly above the camera so that your eyes are wide open. Lastly, keep from looking stiff by bending an elbow or knee. Chill is hot!

Read 10 Online Dating Safety Tips Every Woman Needs to Know

6. Do it on the side

Have the light fall on your good side. Side lighting makes everyone’s features pop out well than front lighting (which is made even worse with a flash). Light is easy enough to control when shooting indoors. However, for outdoor photoshoots, try to schedule time in the morning or afternoon so you can avoid the glare of a noonday sun.

5. Smile, yes smile!

Recent research suggests that women should smile and make eye contact, while men should look away and not smile. Be warned, just because something has been researched, doesn’t mean it’s been researched scientifically and results are often hypotheses. Fact is, advertisers spend millions trying to make their products likeable and trustworthy (also key in online dating). That’s why, with the exception of phonily-foreign cologne ads, most models smile.

4. Show a bit of skin

I’ve seen dating profile pictures that showed more cleavage than a Girl’s Gone Wild video. I’ve also seen guys lifting their shirts to show off their abs. A little cleavage is sexy. It’s also fabulously flirty and less typical to wear something slightly off-shoulder. For men who want to show abs, do so naturally with a shot of you playing beach volleyball or surfing.

3. Pay attention to detail

In online dating, it’s important to look your best, yet still look natural. So try these touches for cyber stardom: use eye drops to clear redness; use face powder (dudes too!) to minimize shine; keep gel on hand to tone down flyaway hair; and bring clear gloss (again, men too). Women might want to touch up with some makeup, just don’t overdo it.

2. Consider your environment

Make sure all visual elements in your shot work well together. Though clothes need to enhance your body and complexion, they also have to complement the backdrop. For instance, if you’re by a colorful garden, then wear a strong, solid color so that you’re not overshadowed. Any time I’ve had a photoshoot or TV appearance, I deliberately chose clothes that stood out within the setting. Never let a background (or a shared shot with people and pets) dominate. Go Kardashian and make the world revolve around you.

1. Use subtle messaging

Though you want to keep the focus on you, secondary elements can reveal subtle aspects of your personality that, in turn, can attract the eye of someone liked-minded. If you like to hike, take a photo of yourself hiking through a mountain. If you love sports, have a friend capture you cheering for your favorite team. Advertisers do this all the time to maximize the message. The caveat? Go light on party pix. Snooki is mesmerizing for all the wrong reasons.

On a final note, I’m always asked how many photos to post. My personal ideal is four to six head and body shots. That way you don’t seem to by shying from the camera and hiding something. Nor do you appear conceited or desperate.

On another final note (I mean it this time, I promise), it’s been said that every picture tells a story. However, to make that story come alive, you need to complete your self-summary. Take it from an advertising expert – if you treat every element of your online dating profile like a marketing opportunity, your competition won’t stand a chance.

Kate Houston has been an ad writer and marketing expert for 20 plus years. She also founded trysweettalk.com, the only service in North America to use ad techniques so that dating profiles, LinkedIn profiles and professional bios stand out and get noticed. Check out her blog and follow her on Twitter or check out her Facebook page.

Who doesn’t want shiny, sexy, young-looking hair? While we struggle with conditioners, glosses, salon treatments and flat irons to get our hair looking red carpet fabulous every day, there’s a more organic approach to gorgeous hair that we often forget: diet! The foods we eat can greatly affect how shiny, bouncy and thick our hair appears.

Lock & Mane reached out to Dr. Michael Lorin Reed, a New York dermatologist and renowned expert in women’s hair health and disorders, for tips on super foods for healthy locks. He tells us that “a well balanced diet rich in B vitamins, iron, sulfur, and zinc is essential for optimal hair growth and appearance.”

Read Best Beachy, Sexy Hair at Miami Swim Fashion Week

But Dr. Reed explains that the nutrients in some foods can actually compete with others, inhibiting the absorption of another valuable nutrient for hair.

We compiled a list of hair-healthy super foods across the board:

The hands-down winner is….

1. Red Meat: Dr. Reed tells us that a diet that includes red meat (in moderation) provides zinc, vitamins B1 and B12, iron and sulfur which are all desirable nutritional elements for hair health, optimizing the hair cuticle to promote shine.

2. Poultry/Fish: If red meat isn’t your thing, other meat proteins (poultry, fish) will do the trick by providing essential iron. Halibut is a particularly nutrient-rich fish, for example, providing high levels of biotin (vitamin B7) which promotes hair strength and prevents breakage!

Fun protein fact: Egg whites alone (without the yolk) are not good for hair! A component of egg white (avidin) inhibits absorption of biotin in the intestine. Biotin is a major co-factor in enzyme reactions necessary for hair growth! Consider that next time you’re ordering an egg-white omelette at brunch!