Everyday Changes HEALTHY RESOLUTIONS

Bonnie Waters for The Orinda News 

The hot topic every New Year’s Day is no doubt “resolutions” and to no one’s surprise,  following  the  holidays,  weight loss tops most people’s list.

There  is  an  ongoing  debate  in  many circles  as  to  whether  counting  carbs  or calories is more effective; however, recent trends show that neither is necessarily more effective let alone sustainable.As unbelievable as it may seem, there is a healthier approach that involves a lifestyle change many of us can easily live with. We have all heard of the 80/20 rule where 80 percent of the results are created by 20 percent of the actions.  When it comes to successful weight loss, it is just the reverse.  Fast, rapid weight loss can occur by enjoying a diet comprised of  a minimum of 80 percent of healthy vegetables either lightly steamed or preferably raw.   Lean fish, meats, whole grains, and minimal unrefined oil, raw nuts and seeds will comprise the remaining 20 percent.The energy and health benefits of this type of diet are scientifically documented.In 1992,  Bruce Tainio of Tainio Technology built the first frequency monitor in the world. Tainio has determined that the average frequency of the human body is 62-72 Megahertz (MHz). We live in a world that is polluted with toxins and poisons, all of which contribute to lowering the frequency of the human body? When the frequency drops, energy decreases and the immune system is compromised. If the frequency drops to 58 MHz, cold and flu symptoms appear.  Organic fruits and vegetables range from 72-80 MHz.  By eating an 80/20 fruit and vegetable diet, not only will rapid, consistent weight loss occur but the side effect is ongoing detoxification, more energy and better health!

Detoxifying and cleansing the body is critical to weight loss and our overall health.  The most effective way to accelerate cleansing and weight loss is to begin with a formal cleanse of a minimum of 21 days in length and then continue to reap the benefits by eating a diet of primarily fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Although cleanse programs are trendy now, cleansing and body purification have been a part of mankind’s ritual for health and well-being for thousands of years. The body cleanses continuously; however, a formal detoxification program is becoming so important because of the extreme amounts of environmental toxins that we experience on a daily basis.  Some people carry around as much as 15 pounds of mucous that harbors this waste.

So this New Years, make a resolution to break bad habits or addictive behaviors that could be causing you to gain and retain weight. Good nutrition, exercise and a healthy emotional state are key to achieving wellness goals. Get off to a good start by attending a 21 Day Cleanse Workshop presented by Lori Mancuso, D.C. at Changes Salon and Day Spa in Walnut Creek and learn how to identify and eliminate toxicity that might be causing you to be resistant to weight loss.

Whatever your resolution, I wish you a healthy, happy and peaceful 2012!

A New Spin on Holiday Traditions

Everyday Changes from The Orinda News

How much energy do you spend on planning, preparing and presenting your family holiday party?  You can mitigate holiday stress by minimizing the amount of energy you spend. I don’t mean compromising your holiday tradition but rather sharing the planning, preparation and presentation with other family members.

Why not use this season to create a new tradition of sharing, collaboration and family participation?

Birth a New Holiday Tradition

I received an email from a family member excerpts of which I just had to pass on.

This year instead of purchasing cheaply-made goods from overseas, why not concentrate on giving gifts and services made right here in the good old USA. It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box?

Everyone gets his or her hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber? What about a spa or gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate having their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a foreign-made flat-screen? Perhaps your recipient would like his or her driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or games at the local golf course.

There are bazillion owner-run restaurants –all offering gift certificates right here in Orinda. And, if your intended receiver isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the Orinda Village Café for example?

Remember, folks this isn’t about big national chains — this is about supporting your hometown merchants, many with their financial lives on the line.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle? Our very own Orinda Motors, Shell, Chevron or Flying A gas stations would be happy to accommodate.

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Wouldn’t she just love to be pampered for a day. Think spa gift certificate and make the gift even more special when you buy one for yourself and join your mom in a mother-daughter day at the spa. For a one-of-a-kind creative gift, try one of the many local crafts fairs and help out a struggling artist at the same time.

For your holiday entertaining, check out the local plays, ballets and musical events listed in the calendar on page 17 of this newspaper. And, remember to plan your holiday outings at local restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.

And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre? Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

By following this new tradition, we can help American small businesses to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. This is the new American Holiday tradition — a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what the season is about?  May your holidays be heavenly!

Holiday 2011- The Season of Embellishments

Virtually all designer fashion pieces including shoes, clutch purses, jewelry, dresses and camisoles are bedazzled with sequins, rhinestones and metallic embellishments.

The key to wearing an embellished styled dress is to choose your fashion and style accessories carefully. For example, when wearing a sequined dress, pair the outfit with a neutral colored or matching colored clutch purse. Jewelry pieces should be gold, silver or transparent, and shoes should be of a beautiful yet simple design. The key to the perfect accessory pieces is to choose ones that will compliment the overall style.

 Let the sequins be the piece de la resistance of the entire outfit.

 The holidays are also the time to try out a new hairdo.

Lengthen your locks with hair extensions to add a “star worthy” glamour to shorter tresses. Your hair designer can “tape in” hair wefts avoiding the damage that is inherent in the sewed-in or glued-in versions. You can match your hair color, contrast for a high or lowlights or mix it up with fun colors to reveal your inner artist! With proper care, your extended locks can last you through out the winter months.

Tired of fighting the elements during damp and rainy days? You can now banish the frizz, reduce drying time, and add a healthy shine to your hair even in dampest of weather. Recent technological developments from Bumble and Bumble can provide just such a professional service (a home version will be available in December). Bumble Straight Smoothing Treatment is free of formaldehyde and lye ingredients often in similar products. Now, you can have smooth, shiny, healthy hair for as many as 30 shampoos.

What do holiday nail trends have to do with the Muppets? Thanks to the nail companyOPI, everything! Just releasedOPIcolors such as Fresh Frog of Bel Air (a textured metallic green), Divine Swine (a sequined magenta glitter) and Getting Miss Piggy with It (a scarlet and silver chunky glitter) can make your digits the talk of any dinner party!

When putting together your next outfit or heading out to celebrate the holiday festivities, why not try one of the embellished fashion pieces and hair fashion tips to amp up your look. Short on time? What would Miss Piggy do? Add a little “Muppet Magic” to your divine digits and dash out the door.

 Have a fun and flashy holiday season!

Nail Glam – A New Economic Indicator?

When budgets are squeezed people substitute large extravagances for small luxuries. The term “The Lipstick Effect” was coined during The Great Depression when the U.S. economy went into convulsions and sales of lipstick rose 25 percent.  Some say lipstick sales can even be an economic indicator! 

Nail Glam Effect

The mortgage crisis has taken its toll on luxury spending.  However in the midst of the recession, lipstick sales actually declined, while nail polish sales have soared.  

Beauty experts say that the increase in part is due to a multitude of new product launches in the nail industry such as the salon hybrid nail service “Shellac Manicure” that extends a manicure up to 14 days or more. 

When a full day of pampering isn’t in the budget women are opting for spa manicures and pedicures as a mini-indulgences.  Professional manicures have in some cases become a “need-to” rather than a “nice-to”.  The competitive jobs market has brought the need for a professional appearance back into focus.  A recent survey showed three-quarters of women and half of men believe chipped or bitten nails create a bad overall impression. 

Did you know that nail polish was developed during the Great Depression?  Women would wear a translucent pink polish to give a subtle bit of color.  

Fast Forward to the Present

Today’s “Nail Glam Effect” is anything but subtle!  To quote The Washington Post in 2009, “When the current depression struck America, the women’s finger-nails were the first things to go in the red”. 

And “the effect” has anything but paled!   Current nail trends are heavily pigmented, textured with lots of bling… think crackled polishes and chunky glitter.

At the Video Music Awards, singer Katy Perry had each nail showcase a tiny image of a record symbolizing the five hit singles from her “Teenage Dream” album that propelled Katy into music history.  Perry is the only woman in the history of Billboardto have five songs from the same album at No. 1 on the Hot 100. Michael Jackson is the only other artist with this achievement.

OPI Katy Perry Line

Women of all ages and persuasions are finding their own adaptations of the “The Nail Glam Effect.”  This was evidenced recently when Sarah Palin launched her Midwest bus tour with her toenails painted black and decorated with tiny white polka dots.

Wanting to dip your toe (or pinkies) in the new trends but don’t know where to begin?  A well trained nail technician can “hold your hand” during the process.

Need well-groomed nails with a touch of glam?  Try the uber-popular “Shellac Manicure” and extend the life of your manicure up to 14 days or more! 

Feeling down and need a  mini-indulgence to pick up your spirits!  Enjoy a pampering but affordable “Express Pedicure” with a chunky glitter polish.  You can always conceal you “Nail Glam” with closed-toed shoes when duty calls!

Fun colors with no commitment!

COLOR.BUG

Alejandra and Ashley show us that Color.Bug isn't just for blondes!

The story from KEVIN.MURPHY

In the world of session styling I’m always looking for new ways to change the models hair.  Wild crazy colour became the new hot thing but you cant just colour a models hair just because you feel like it. I wanted full on colour but without the commitment!  I had had my share of moments where I wanted crazy colour hair on a Friday, but come Monday morning I didn’t want my crazy colour anymore.

I want to be able to put it on and just as easily take it off. I thought to myself why cant hair colour be just as easy as applying make-up? I had been experimenting with pigments since the 80’s obsessed with the powdered wigs of the French Revolution. The influence came from those times but I wanted it to be intense and almost fluro as it is the intense flash of colour that makes it modern.

COLOR.BUG is wipe on, wipe off colour!  It’s just for fun and just for the one night. With a towel draped around your shoulders to protect your clothes, I would apply a hair product and then the COLOR.BUG to make it stick. The COLOR.BUG adds body to hair, you can keep this raw texture or add a fine mist of hairspray to lock on the colour.

Feathers Feathers Feathers!

People come in and ask, “What in the world is in your hair?” to my co-workers. Their response. “Feathers!” You wouldn’t think much about adding a cute hair tie or a clip to any hair do, but people might do some serious thinking about feathers in hair. People of all ages do a double take and have really thought about adding some spice to their hair.

I went to New York a few weeks ago and us California girls were getting so much attention because of the feathers in our hair. Ha! New York, of all places, are behind Cali in the hair trend! It’s definitely a conversation starter and so easy to work with.

They come in a variety of colors and designs – thin, thick, short and long. It is applied in the hair using nonabrasive crimp beads that goes at the root of the hair. The feather(s) is fed into that bead then clamped into place. It tends to last up to 6 weeks but can be re-applied due to hair growth. So don’t throw them away!

They are curlable, flat ironable, updoable, and much much more! Being that it’s all the rage in Hollywood right now, it’s the perfect accessory (and we all know how much I believe in accessories!) to add some focus to a fabulous hairstyle.

Inspiration is Everywhere

I have had the unique opportunity to relish in the beauty of hair for the past few weeks. From attending fashion shows, to shadowing some of the hair technicians just to experience and share in their passion, and to have the pleasure of participating in photo shoots for the hair stylists, I feel so inspired.
 
For the past month, our hair technicians have entered themselves in a annual hair trend show for Wella Professionals. While I am far from a hair stylist, I have enjoyed working with each of them to create an overall look to help them win.

Last week was the Wella Trend Vision runway show in San Francisco

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend but was able to view video and photos of the event. (Thank goodness for video phones and picture messaging!) Even though I was unable to attend, I still felt so inspired by all the photos and videos. It made me realize how amazing this industry really is. We are so lucky to be in an age where people enjoy making others look and feel their best. It’s refreshing to report that after observing some of the hair stylists here, I can honestly say, they are so passionate about what they do. Every minute spent with each individual is allowing for the maximum results. I know when I sit in Crystal’s chair, I can close my eyes and know she is turning my hair into a work of art.
 
All I can say, is I’m so inspired and I love the industry that I’m in. Feel confident in knowing that when you sit in one of the hair stylists chair, they are inspired by you and want to make you love the way you look. Perhaps you can come in and say, “Do whatever you feel is best for me!” I’ve done that and have walked away loving my look and feeling so confident. Check out our facebook for upcoming events and updates for our hair team!

Walnut Creek: Little Town with BIG Breeches

Walnut Creek has become my home away from home, you could say. I don’t live in the Walnut Creek area, but ever since I started working at Changes, I realized how adorable and convenient it really is. I find myself spending hours in Walnut Creek after I get off work because there are so many enjoyable places to go. Whether it’s happy hour at Maria Maria or PF Changs, or small bites at Sasa or Vesu, or even shopping the myriad of cute boutiques, Walnut Creek has proven to be a “one-stop city.”

Aside from being a huge advocate for my job (only because I know how truly talented everyone is and how gorgeous they make me feel), I find that being located in such a fun little city has that “big city” affect on people. Walnut Creek reminds me of San Francisco on a small scale. Isn’t it true that you can get your hair done, go to dinner, and go dancing all within blocks of each other in San Francisco? Pretty cool that you can say the same for Walnut Creek! I find that Eleve’s signature cocktails are a perfect start to a Friday night out with the girls. Then to hop over to Sasa to share delicious small bites, and finish the evening at 1515 for some dancing.

I have also found that Walnut Creek has fun events that act as amazing dates or family adventures. The Downtown Wine Walk is a fun evening for almost everyone who participates. The Flower Stroll, a number of times, has been a mother’s gift to her daughter. By the end of the day, everyone has a bouquet of beautiful flowers to enjoy. Not only is there a new library that is amazing, inside and out, there are so many parks to walk your dogs in. I always see a group of people walking their dogs every Saturday around Walnut Creek, and it makes me smile! The farmers market makes a huge impression to anyone passing by. Who wouldn’t be in love with all the fresh food from the farmers market?

I think it’s always nice to stop and appreciate your surroundings. I voted for Best of the East Bay and realized, “Wow, my little city is pretty cool,” and I wanted to take a moment to recognize how Walnut Creek has unique opportunities that can create an amazing time for anyone. It truly is a “one-stop city.”

I urge you to spend some time to vote for your favorite places or even places you think are really inspiring, but haven’t necessarily experienced yet – Best of the East Bay on Diablomag.com. And of course, don’t forget to vote for your favorites at Changes!!!

Contributed by Alli Godfrey

Lose Weight and Gain Health!

Join us for a 21-day Cleanse and Weight Loss Program with Dr. Lori Mancuso, D.C., N.E..  3 weekly meetings help you achieve your goals by providing support, meal plans, weight loss tips and recipes to help you achieve a new level of physical, mental, emotional health.

Series of 3 Workshops Click  for dates

COST: $125 includes Educational Binder, Meal Plans, Weight Loss Tips, Recipes and 3 Meetings. Cleanse support products not included.

 Enroll Now

To maximize the effectiveness of your cleanse Changes offers Lymphatic Massage

$95- for a 50 minute session.

Enjoy 5% off on series of 3 or 10% off on series of 6.

About Dr. Lori Mancuso

Dr. Mancuso is a graduate of Life Chiropractic College West. During her education she was involved in Chiropractic research and was active in community outreach. In addition to mastering a wide variety of adjusting techniques, Dr. Mancuso pursued three specialty areas of training: woman’s health, pediatrics, and functional medicine. To better serve her patients’ wellness needs, Dr. Mancuso has continued her postgraduate education through the University of Bridgeport and the National Institute of Endocrine Research where she has successfully completed her training in naturopathic endocrinology and is a board certified Naturopathic Endocrinologist as well as a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Her latest area of professional development is in BioSET, bioenergetic testing and enzyme therapy. In recognition of Dr. Mancuso’s outstanding contribution to the health of pregnant women of her community the San Francisco Bay Area Birth Instructors awarded her “Excellence in Care”.

Save the date for Changes Holiday Open House via #constantcontact

Save the date for Changes Holiday Open House via #constantcontact.