1. Every woman has a surefire happy-making position — find yours
By all means, try new things, mix it up, find an alternate use for your baby's exersaucer when she's asleep if it adds to the variety — but figure out your no-fail move or position so you know you can always have an orgasm when you need one.

2. That position may change
Maybe in your misspent youth you were all about acrobatics and funky props, but now you strive for a deep connection with your guy. (Or maybe it's the other way around!) What you crave, both physically and emotionally, can shift over time, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine. Pay attention to what you're feeling (or not feeling) and adapt to your new normal.

3. He doesn't have a flaw-o-meter
That would be you scanning your body for an errant pudge or a dimple in the wrong place. "During sexual arousal, men are experiencing such a neurochemical cocktail rush, they're really just caught up in the intoxication of it all," says REDBOOK Love Network expert and sex therapist Ian Kerner, Ph.D., author of She Comes First. In other words, he's too overwhelmed with joy to notice your "flaws." Put aside your body angst and you'll soon be having as much fun as he is.

4. Sex in a soft, clean, comfy bed is underrated
You're supposed to want to do it on the kitchen floor, in the airplane bathroom and hanging from your light fixtures. Bah! There's no shame in enjoying your good sheets.

5. Sex clichés are clichés for a reason: They work
Get a hotel room. Have date night. Take a bubble bath. For God's sake, buy some scented candles already!

6. Everyone else is not having more (or better) sex than you are
There is no "normal" amount we should all aspire to, no magic number of times per month that signifies your relationship is hunky-dory. There's only one question you need to answer — are you having enough sex for you?

7. Asking for what you want is worth the embarrassment
What's a brief awkward moment of sounding like one of those women at the end of a 900 number compared to, well, getting what you need?

8. You need transition time into sex
Look at all the people who want a piece of you — your kid, your client, the guy who's supposed to be renovating your kitchen. So don't expect to make the leap from corporate exec or general contractor or mommy-on-the-spot to sex goddess without a little time to reassemble yourself. When you're done with the dinner dishes, take a shower — alone! — or read a book. Better yet, get your guy to do the dishes. After that, you might want to give him some action, after all.

9. The more sex you have, the more you want
It's simple — delicious recent memories make you want to reenact the fun. But the reverse is also often true — if you go too long without, you forget how much you like it.

10. Masturbating isn't just for dry spells
First of all, it's plain fun, and second, when was the last time you disappointed yourself? Not to mention the fact that more frequent orgasms will keep you craving partner play, too (see above).

11. Worrying about your orgasm is the best way to chase it away
When your mind is roiling, it's not happening...concentrate...he'll think he failed...what's wrong with me? Focus on the lovely physical sensations instead and soon you won't be able to think straight — in a good way.

12. Planned sex can be even better than spontaneous sex
Anticipation as pre-intimacy. Think about it.

13. Yes, you can give him a hand
Touching yourself to speed up your happy ending is not only allowed, it's appreciated, especially when your guy has had his neck in an awkward position for the better part of an hour.

14. He doesn't need you to know any fancy techniques
"There are many paths to male orgasm," says Kerner. As long as you pay attention to his reactions, refrain from inflicting pain (unless invited to) and don't do anything involving teeth (again, unless he asks), you won't hear any complaints.

15. Sometimes what your body lusts for most is sleep
An "off" night or a dry spell doesn't mean your relationship is tanking. It usually means you have children or a demanding job or you need to be alone in your head. Go ahead, take the night off.

16. But sometimes "Just do it" really does work
If you wait to be struck with a spontaneous urge to tear his clothes off, you may be waiting a very long time. But if you simply decide to give it a go, your body (and your desire) will often catch up.

17. Kegels are key
These exercises strengthen your pubococcygeal (PC) muscles, a.k.a. your pelvic floor muscles, giving you more control during sex and intensifying orgasm, says Minkin. To do them, squeeze as if you're holding back urine, then release.

18. Your birth control method is not 'til death do us part
You need to reevaluate your pregnancy-prevention method at least twice in your adult life, says Minkin — when you go from wild woman to a mutually monogamous relationship and after you have children. Not only does your body change post-baby, but your habits may change, too (making you a less reliable birth control pill taker, for example).

19. Doggie-style can be fun — really!
It can make you feel a bit raunchy — and that's a good thing. It just suffers from bad PR. Let's change the name — like how the marketing people changed prunes to "dried plums." Hands-free sex? Getting the backstory? Taking the bull by the horns? Heck, call it Loretta, but try it.

20. Pain during intercourse is not normal
Occasional discomfort may just mean that you're tense or haven't had enough pre-intimacy, but if sex hurts often, see your doctor. "It could be as simple as a low-grade urinary tract infection," says Minkin. Whatever it is, you don't have to suffer.

21. The way your vagina looks, however, is perfectly normal
And no, we don't have to see it to know that.

22. Props are your friends
Vibrators, fun feathers, unusually-shaped pillows — you name it, someone has probably patented it. At the very least, these tools will make you laugh, which can be its own turn-on.

23. Sex is how he shows love
It's an age-old problem: We gals need to feel cozy and loving to want to have sex, and guys need to have sex to access those cozy and loving feelings. "A lot of guys don't have many outlets for communication, and for them sex is a powerful form of emotional expression," says Kerner. Remember that the next time he wants to have make-up sex before you've really made up — to him, sex is a peace offering and a gift of love, all in one.

24. No matter how badly you want to cuddle and fall asleep, you gotta get up and pee after sex
Why? So you don't get a urinary tract infection.

25. He'll be snoring by the time you return from the bathroom
The buildup to his ejaculation involves a lot of muscular tension, explains Kerner. When the wave has subsided, he relaxes and sleep-inducing hormones are released. In short, he can't help it.

26. It's okay to simply take
Consider how you feel when you perform a one-way act on your guy — you get a certain pleasure out of that, right? Don't deny him the same joy.

27. Sex gets better with age
(or practice, or time with one partner, or all of the above). The future is looking bright!

>>> visit www.livinglifeng.com for more on Health, Sex Health, Parenting, Fitness and Beauty.

Skin-care specialists often classify skin types as normal, dry or oily. However, when your skin is both oily and sensitive, it isn't quite that simple. People with sensitive, oily skin often struggle with typical oily skin symptoms such as acne or blackheads, as well as a sensitivity to skin-care products or exposure to environmental conditions, such as sun, wind, heat and cold. Choosing skin care products that address both issues is a challenge -- but not a lost cause.

Step 1
Cleanse your face every morning and evening, using a gentle liquid or foaming cleanser formulated for sensitive skin. Be sure the product contains no fragrance, alcohol or sodium lauryl sulfate, which are likely to irritate the skin. Massage about a teaspoon of the cleanser gently into your skin with your fingertips, then splash your face with cool water to remove all traces of the cleanser. Pat your face dry with a soft towel or let your skin air dry.

Step 2
Follow each cleansing with a gentle, alcohol-free toner, which helps prevent breakouts by maintaining the proper skin pH. Look for a toner containing mild, natural ingredients such as aloe vera, calendula or witch hazel. Smooth the toner lightly over your dry skin with a cotton ball, then let it air dry.

Step 3
Use cosmetics marked non-comedogenic, which indicates that the ingredients won't clog your pores. Additionally, use alcohol-free cosmetics and other skin-care products to avoid skin irritation.

Step 4
Remove your makeup before bed every night using oil-free makeup remover.

Step 5
Apply a medicated cream or lotion containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid once or twice every week. Use a product with no more than a 2.5-percent concentration of acid because stronger formulations may irritate the skin. Apply the product after washing your face in the evening.

Step 6
Apply a mild, non-comedogenic sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30 every time you go outdoors, including during the winter or on overcast days. Sunscreen is critical if you use alpha-hydroxy acid, which makes the skin more prone to sunburn.

Tips
- Perform a patch test on your skin before using any new skin-care product. Place a small amount of the product on your neck before you go to bed, then check for a reaction in the morning. You can use the product as directed the following night if there is no irritation, redness or rash.

Things You'll Need
Liquid or foaming cleanser for sensitive skin
Soft towel
Alcohol-free toner
Cotton balls
Non-comedogenic, alcohol-free cosmetics
Oil-free makeup remover cream or pads
Salicylic acid or glycolic acid cream or lotion
Non-comedogenic SPF30 sunscreen

>>> visit www.livinglifeng.com for more on Health, Sex, Parenting, Fitness and Beauty.

ademiD:
good info....

Thanks

Mprepz:
K

Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs, are diseases that are spread by having sex with someone who has an STD. You can get a sexually transmitted disease from sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis.

STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, like HIV, cannot be cured and are deadly. By learning more, you can find out ways to protect yourself from the following STDs.
- Genital herpes
- Human papilloma virus/Genital warts
- Hepatitis B
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea


What Are the Symptoms of STDs?

Sometimes, there are no symptoms of STDs. If symptoms are present, they may include one or more of the following:
- Bumps, sores, or warts near the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina.
- Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina.
- Skin rash.
- Painful urination.
- Weight loss, loose stools, night sweats.
- Aches, pains, fever, and chills.
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
- Discharge from the penis or vagina. Vaginal discharge may have an odor.
- Bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period.
- Painful sex.
- Severe itching near the penis or vagina.


How Do I Know If I Have an STD?

Talk to your doctor. He or she can examine you and perform tests to determine if you have an STD. Treatment can:
- Cure many STDs
- Lessen the symptoms of STDs
- Make it less likely that you will spread the disease
- Help you to get healthy and stay healthy


How Are STDs Treated?

Many STDs are treated with antibiotics.

If you are given an antibiotic to treat an STD, it's important that you take all of the drug, even if the symptoms go away. Also, never take someone else's medicine to treat your illness. By doing so, you may make it more difficult to diagnose and treat the infection. Likewise, you should not share your medicine with others. Some doctors, however, may provide additional antibiotics to be given to your partner so that you can be treated at the same time.


How Can I Protect Myself From STDs?

Here are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from STDs:
- Consider that not having sex or sexual relations (abstinence) is the only sure way to prevent STDs.
- Use a latex condom every time you have sex. (If you use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based.)
- Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STD.
- Practice monogamy. This means having sex with only one person. That person must also have sex with only you to reduce your risk.
- Choose your sex partners with care. Don't have sex with someone whom you suspect may have an STD. And keep in mind that you can't always tell by looking if your partner has an STD.
- Get checked for STDs. Don't risk giving the infection to someone else.
- Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. You may be less likely to use a condom if you are drunk or high.
- Know the signs and symptoms of STDs. Look for them in yourself and your sex partners.
- Learn about STDs. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself.


How Can I Avoid Spreading an STD?

- If you have an STD, stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment.
- Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners.
- Don't resume having sex unless your doctor says it's okay.
- Return to your doctor to get rechecked.
- Be sure your sex partner or partners also are treated.

>>> visit www.livinglifeng.com for more on Health, Sex Health, Parenting, Fitness and Beauty.

Abdullateef77:

jossy26:


its because, making love should naturally lead to pregnancy so one become scared to do it when not married not knowing if there could be some complications or incompatibility of some sort. in as much as some people want to wait till after marriage, some will still want to get the fiancee pregnant before the wedding to avoid stories that touch..

...the major issues when it comes to Nigerians is pressure in my opinion. Until we eradicate the culture of shaming couples with delays or infertility problems, the problem will persists. Pressure contributes to most of the infertility problems.

olasmith10:
Nice point...at times we employ d wrong procedures in making a good point!!!

most people use wrong procedures ALL the time, a good and healthy relationship requires little or no work - its basically doing the right thing the right way.

People usually begin romantic relationships with great hopes. They don’t expect that their love will end. But, unfortunately, that is sometimes the reality. And often, there are warning signs that the relationship is headed in that direction.

Below are four warning signs – and adjustments you can make if you see them in your relationship:

Criticism
When a partner attacks the other person’s character. Criticism is different from complaining, which focuses on a particular problem or behavior. “You are such a slob” or “You always leave the house a mess” are criticisms. “I’m tired of finding your dirty socks all over the floor” is a complaint. It is difficult to have any constructive response to a criticism, but you can work cooperatively to address a complaint.

Fix: Commit to making complaints rather than criticisms. If your partner tends to criticize, talk with them about the difference between these two ways of addressing problems and make an agreement for you both to complain rather than criticize.


Contempt
Criticism taken to the next level – a person is attacking their partner as a whole person. Contempt is insulting, demeaning, and is intended to put the criticizer on a higher level than their partner. It might include name-calling, mockery, sarcastic humor, or body language such as eye-rolling or sneering.

Fix: Lower the tolerance for contempt. Actively work on building a healthier respect, more effective communication, and greater appreciation of each other. Given that this is the most problematic of all the horsemen, a relationship that involves contempt will probably need couples therapy to help them make positive changes.


Defensiveness
Responding to an attack by defending yourself and then attacking back. Your defense might involve making excuses, disagreeing, ignoring the attack, or taking on a victim role.

Fix: Truly listen to your partner’s complaint, empathize with their distress, and take some responsibility for the problem. You can give your side of the story, but only after honestly showing compassion for their distress – that is, after showing that you really want to soothe their suffering.


Stonewalling
Withdrawing from a conversation or the relationship as a protection from being hurt. The person may physically leave or just stop following the conversation. The person often looks like they don’t care even though the real cause is that they are overwhelmed.

Fix: Talk about this pattern together and work on being able to identify when the stone-waller is becoming overwhelmed. Also, develop a plan for how to give them some space, such as agreeing to take a break for some allotted amount of time. Make sure to come back at some point to the problem at hand.


It is best to identify these patterns early. The longer they continue, the more they can damage your relationship. If you find that you keep repeating the same old patterns despite doing your best to nurture healthier ones, it may be time for couples therapy.

>>> visit www.livinglifeng.com for more on Health, Sex Health, Parenting, Fitness, Weight loss, and Beauty

Sex not only feels good. It can also be good for you. Here’s what a healthy sex life can do for you.

1. Helps Keep Your Immune System Humming
“Sexually active people take fewer sick days,” says Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD a sexual health expert.

People who have sex have higher levels of what defends your body against germs, viruses, and other intruders. Researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that college students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of the a certain antibody compared to students who had sex less often.

You should still do all the other things that make your immune system happy, such as:
Eat right.
Stay active.
Get enough sleep.
Keep up with your vaccinations.
Use a condom if you don’t know both of your STD statuses.


2. Boosts Your Libido
Longing for a more lively sex life? “Having sex will make sex better and will improve your libido,” says Lauren Streicher, MD. She is an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

For women, having sex ups vaginal lubrication, blood flow, and elasticity, she says, all of which make sex feel better and help you crave more of it.

3. Improves Women's Bladder Control
A strong pelvic floor is important for avoiding incontinence, something that will affect about 30% of women at some point in their lives.

Good sex is like a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. When you have an orgasm, it causes contractions in those muscles, which strengthens them.

4. Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Research suggests a link between sex and lower blood pressure, says Joseph J. Pinzone, MD. He is CEO and medical director of Amai Wellness.

“There have been many studies,” he says. “One landmark study found that sexual intercourse specifically (not masturbation) lowered systolic blood pressure.” That's the first number on your blood pressure test.

5. Counts as Exercise
“Sex is a really great form of exercise,” Pinzone says. It won’t replace the treadmill, but it counts for something.

Sex uses about five calories per minute, four more calories than watching TV. It gives you a one-two punch: It bumps up your heart rate and uses various muscles.

So get busy! You may even want to clear your schedule to make time for it on a regular basis. “Like with exercise, consistency helps maximize the benefits,” Pinzone says.

6. Lowers Heart Attack Risk
A good sex life is good for your heart. Besides being a great way to raise your heart rate, sex helps keep your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance.

“When either one of those is low you begin to get lots of problems, like osteoporosis and even heart disease,” Pinzone says.

Having sex more often may help. During one study, men who had sex at least twice a week were half as likely to die of heart disease as men who had sex rarely.

7. Lessens Pain
Before you reach for an aspirin, try for an orgasm.

“Orgasm can block pain,” says Barry R. Komisaruk, PhD, a distinguished service professor at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. It releases a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold.

Stimulation without orgasm can also do the trick. “We’ve found that vaginal stimulation can block chronic back and leg pain, and many women have told us that genital self-stimulation can reduce menstrual cramps, arthritic pain, and in some cases even headache,” Komisaruk says.

8. May Make Prostate Cancer Less Likely
Going for the gusto may help ward off prostate cancer.

Men who ejaculated frequently (at least 21 times a month) were less likely to get prostate cancer during one study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

You don’t need a partner to reap this benefit: Sexual intercourse, nocturnal emission, and masturbation were all part of the equation.

It's not clear that sex was the only reason that mattered in that study. Lots of factors affect cancer risk. But more sex won’t hurt.

9. Improves Sleep
You may nod off more quickly after sex, and for good reason.

“After orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released, which is responsible for the feelings of relaxation and sleepiness" after sex, says Sheenie Ambardar, MD. She is a psychiatrist in West Hollywood, Calif.

10. Eases Stress
Being close to your partner can soothe stress and anxiety.

Ambardar says touching and hugging can release your body's natural “feel-good hormone.” Sexual arousal releases a brain chemical that revs up your brain’s pleasure and reward system.

Sex and intimacy can boost your self-esteem and happiness, too, Ambardar says. It’s not only a prescription for a healthy life, but a happy one.

>>> visit www.livinglifeng.com for more on Health, Sex Health, Parenting, Fitness and Beauty.

Cutehector:
Sometyms I dnt get it, befor marriage, we are afraid of havn sex and she bein pregnant and all d drama associated it wit.. Buh wen we marry, we try so so hard to get her pregnant...

...that's life and its twist

If you're considering having a baby, you probably have wondered how long it will take to get pregnant, when to have sex, and how often. Find the answers to your questions here.


The Odds of Getting Pregnant

It's a common question: What are the odds that I'll get pregnant this month? For most couples trying to conceive, the odds that a woman will become pregnant are 15% to 25% in any particular month .

But there are some factors that can affect your chance of getting pregnant:

- Age: After you reach age 30, your chances of conceiving in any given month diminish, and they decrease as you age, dropping steeply in your 40s.
- Irregular menstrual cycles: Having an irregular cycle makes it tricky to calculate when you're ovulating, thus making it difficult to know the ideal time to have sex.
- Frequency of sex: The less often you have sex, the less likely you are to get pregnant.
- Amount of time you've been trying to conceive: If you haven't gotten pregnant after one year of trying to conceive, your chances of becoming pregnant may be lower. Talk to your doctor about tests for female and male infertility.
- Illnesses or medical conditions can affect pregnancy.


Understanding Menstrual Cycles

Knowing more about menstrual cycles may help.

A woman's cycle begins on the first day that she notice bright red blood -- not just spotting -- and it ends on the day before the next cycle begins. A cycle can take 21 to 35 days -- or more.

If her cycle varies in length by a few days from one month to the next, that's considered irregular -- and common. Many women don't have regular cycles. It doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong.


Having Sex, Getting Pregnant

Here's another common question from couples trying to conceive: How often should we have sex? In short, the answer is frequently.

A lot of couples trying to conceive spend a lot of energy timing sex, with mathematical precision, to calculate when a woman is prime for ovulation. Theoretically, the approach makes sense. Recent studies have shown the window of opportunity for a sperm to fertilize an egg is pretty small: Essentially, it's only the four to five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Your best chances are on the day before and the day of ovulation. So, the key would seem to be to have sex frequently in that five- to six-day window.

But while timing your lovemaking exclusively to those few days makes logical sense, it also has some drawbacks -- primarily because your body doesn't always behave with clockwork regularity. Even if your cycle is regular, ovulation can occur at any time during the cycle. If you're having sex on the day you think you're ovulating, and you're off by a few days, you may be out of luck.

So the expert advice is to hedge your bets: Have sex at least two to three times every week. Studies have shown that as long as your partner has a normal sperm count, having sex every day of the month further increases your chances.

>>> more @ www.livinglifeng.com/2015/07/getting-pregnant-trying-to-conceive.html

We all want to look great as we age. And we all know that woman: She's on point from head to toe and carries herself like she means it, defying aging with every step. So what's she doing?

Here's how to take care of your skin, hair, and body, and drum up youth-boosting confidence no matter how many birthday candles are on your cake.

They skip the fancy skincare routine
Cut through the anti-aging aisle and focus on three products. "If you use a sunscreen, retinoid, and moisturizer starting at age 20, your skin will look much younger compared to someone who didn't use them," says New York City dermatologist Lance Brown, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. Applying SPF every morning is a must, along with keeping cells plump and hydrated with moisturizer.

Retinoids are where the magic happens, says Dr. Brown. Dermatologists consistently recommend them because the vitamin A derivative essentially teaches your skin to act young again, stimulating the collagen that prevents fine lines, he says.

They get a move on
Whatever your motivation to work out—feeling good, blowing off stress, losing weight—you can add one more to the list: staying young. In a study on older adults, those who exercised functioned physiologically similar to younger people. So it keeps you young on the inside, but what about the outside? "Your skin is the largest organ in your body and the only one you can see. Anything that's good for your body is good for your skin," he says.

While you may have heard warnings that certain workouts (namely running) can cause wrinkles and sagging from the up-and-down motion, Dr. Brown says that's not the case. Whatever you love doing—whether that's running, spinning, or lifting—keep on doing it.

They don't hide behind makeup
If you have wrinkles, brown spots, and bags, you're probably tempted to slap on a thick coat of foundation and powder all over your face. That technique backfires, says celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff. "Makeup can't completely cover aging. More is not more," she says. Translation: don't cake it on, but rather build it by layering. She likes starting off with a blurring primer (like L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur, $19; amazon.com) to disguise the signs of discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Top it off with a liquid foundation (it doesn't settle into lines like heavier cream formulations, which is best for mature skin), dust your T-zone with translucent powder, and finish with a cream blush for a youthful, healthy glow.

They tend to their hands
Your face and hands are two body parts that get the most sun. But since you're busy slathering on moisturizers and anti-aging products on your face, your complexion may look young while your hands betray that with brown spots and wrinkles. The same exact products you use for your face can go on your hands, says Dr. Brown. So when you use a retinoid at night, rub a small amount to the backs of your hands. After slathering on a good SPF moisturizer in the morning, do the same for your hands. You get the drill.

They exude confidence
Women who age gracefully have something big in common: confidence. "Don't do anything with the idea that you're trying to look younger—that can cause big missteps in your sense of style and how you maintain your beauty routine," says Gretta Monahan, style and beauty expert and author of Style and the Successful Girl ($19; amazon.com. "Make your goal to be the best you can look," she says. It can pay off down the line: In an earlier study from Yale University, people who had more positive beliefs about aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with more downtrodden 'tudes.

They are up on the latest trends
Being a certain age doesn't mean you have to morph into an "older" style, says Monahan. "Women who age gracefully don't step aside from trends because of their age," she adds. One example: wearing a classic and great fitting jean (that doesn't have to be on trend) with an of-the-moment funky color shoe or accessory. "That gives your look that extra secret sauce. It's a great instant energy booster," she says. Not to mention, a boon to your confidence and self-esteem.

>>> more @ www.livinglifeng.com/2015/07/the-secrets-to-aging-gracefully.html

feldido:
Natural is the best...

always the best

kossyablaze:
Tell them o...ja mamas r so lazy(some)...once afta givn birth,dey relax n go shapeless.Make my wife try am...

lol

Now that your new baby is here, you have a lot to think about: when to feed her, what to do if she cries -- and how to get rid of those extra pounds you packed on during your pregnancy.

If you started out at a normal weight and gained the 25-35 pounds your doctor probably recommended, it shouldn't take you more than a couple of months to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight if you watch what you eat and exercise.

If, on the other hand, you were overweight before your pregnancy or you put on more weight than your doctor advised, it could take much longer -- up to a year -- to get the weight off. Any baby weight you don't take off could stick with you for a long time.

"It's very critical that you do get the weight off, because if you don't it has been associated with overweight and obesity 15 to 20 years later in life," says Debra Krummel, PhD, RD, endowed professor in the University of Cincinnati department of nutrition.

And although every new mom is eager to look like her old self again, one of the most important things to remember is to be patient with yourself. Your favorite celebrity might have gone straight from the delivery room into her size 0 jeans, but she may not have done it in a way that was good for her body.

"All the magazines ask, 'How did she do it?' The more important question is, 'Why did she do it?'" says Melinda Johnson, MS, RD, registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). "They do this with very, very strict diets, and a lot of them do it by getting back into activity before their body is really ready for it."

Johnson advocates a more gradual approach to weight loss. "The number one thing new mothers have to have is a certain amount of patience with their body," she says. "It took nine months to get there. It should take at least that long to get back to their fighting weight."

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you lose weight after pregnancy and fit back into your old jeans -- whatever their size.

Don't diet.
It may sound strange, but going on an official "diet" could derail your post-pregnancy weight loss goals. Feeling deprived of your favorite foods while you're already stressed out by your new role as mom could actually cause you to gain weight, Johnson says.

"If you go back to eating healthy and eating for your hunger, most women find that the weight comes off pretty naturally," she says.

Instead of dieting, she recommends eating a well-balanced variety of foods. Keep different snacks in the house to keep you from feeling hungry and give you energy throughout the day. Apple slices, carrot sticks, and wheat crackers are all good for noshing.

No matter how much you want to lose weight, try not to dip below 1,800 calories a day, particularly if you are breastfeeding.

Load up on "super foods."
When you're a new mother, your body needs maximum nutrition, especially if you're nursing. Choose foods that are heavy in the nutrients you need and light in calories and fat.

Fish is one of these "super foods" because it's packed with DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that helps your newborn develop a healthy brain and nervous system. The best sources of DHA are cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna (stick to canned light tuna because albacore tends to be high in mercury).

Milk and yogurt are also super foods because they're high in the calcium you need to keep your bones strong. And don't forget the protein. Lean meat, chicken, and beans are low in fat and high in protein and fiber. They're good for you, and they'll keep you feeling full for longer.

Breastfeed.
Whether breastfeeding can actually help you lose weight is still up in the air -- some studies find that breastfeeding exclusively can help you return to your pre-baby weight faster, while others find no difference in weight loss between women who breastfeed and those who bottle feed.

What is for sure is that breastfeeding is good for your baby, boosting immunity and providing a number of other important health benefits. And nursing exclusively lets you add about an extra 300 calories a day to your diet (you can add slightly more calories if you have a really big eater or twins). Just make sure that if you do breastfeed, you don't use it as an excuse to eat whatever you want.

>>> more on www.livinglifeng.com

The world would have us believe that there are no simple and inexpensive natural beauty tips and tricks. What makes me say that? Well, did you know that the beauty industry is a nearly $300 BILLION dollar empire? And that the average woman spends about $15,00 on just makeup in her lifetime! And according to a UK survey, women will spend well over a year of their life applying that makeup. Ouch. That, of course, says nothing of the toxic chemicals so commonly found (with almost zero regulation) in beauty products.

Yep. Seems like the world is telling us that we need to spend lots of time, lots of money, and risk our health to be beautiful. Don’t believe it. For starters, let’s get real about the idea of beauty. To me it’s about unmasking the real person, not covering it up. And there are lots of simple ways to thank your body, feel more beautiful, and not have to pay an arm and a leg for it. They are easy. They are all natural. And yet, still luxurious.

Below are 10 Simple All Natural Beauty Tips

1. Banana and Egg Hair Treatment
Looking for a little more shine in your hair? Simply mix one egg and a mashed up banana. Apply it as a thick paste to your hair and leave it on for 10 – 30 minutes. Wash it our doing your usual hair washing ritual (if you usually use a store-bought conditioner you’ll probably only need to condition the ends). And voila! Super simple, and all natural, beauty tip.

2. Moisturizing Nail Treatment
Soak your nails in olive oil for five minutes. And then sit back and admire your pretty hands.

3. Simple Honey Face Mask
Raw honey is naturally anti-bacterial and a super quick way to get soft, beautiful skin. Once a week use a tablespoon or so of raw honey (not the processed stuff parading as honey) and gently warm it by rubbing your fingertips together. Spread on your face. Leave on for 5 – 10 minutes and then use warm water to gently rinse it off and pat dry. Then bask in the glow of your honey-awesomeness.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo
For those who are using commercial shampoos: To help eliminate any build up in your hair, mix ¼ cup organic apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water. Follow with your usual conditioner.

5. Elbow and Knee Exfoliate and Skin Brightener
Cut an orange in half and rub it on your elbows and knees. Helps soften those rough patches. And it smells good. (Rinse off the sticky mess when you are done.)

6. Gentle Body Scrub
Mix a 2 to 1 ratio of olive oil and sea salt to make a quick and effective body scrub. This helps get rid of dead skin cells creating softer, more glowing skin. And this natural beauty tip is much cheaper that expensive store bought body scrubs.

>>> more on www.livinglifeng.com

Sandydayz:
U mean for naija?

You can get most of them in Naija! Apples, Grapefruit, red wine, oats, garlic, soy beans, barley, blueberries, pears, soup...

xreal:



This last tip works best - like magic. No stress.

Yeah! they all work

If you think eating less food equates to weight loss, you could be wrong.

Instead of cutting down on what you eat, you should actually be piling your plate with fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds which have fat burning properties.

Stocking up on these nutrient rich foods when trying to shed the pounds will eliminate hunger and speed your body's fat-burning power.

Below is the top 30 foods you should eat when trying to shift the pounds

1. Peanut Butter
Peanuts help to stabilise blood sugar levels and have a low glycaemic index. This means they are digested more slowly and release sugar gradually into the bloodstream, providing long-lasting energy and a reduction in sugar cravings.

2. Apples
Apples contain a chemical called pectin. This chemical is also found in most berries, and fresh fruit. The pectin is in the cell walls of most fruits, especially apples. Pectin limits the amount of fat your cells can absorb.

3. Red wine
Although rich in calories the odd glass of wine now and again can benefit weight loss. It seems that grape seeds contain substances that have an inhibiting effect on weight gain.

4. Flax seeds
The warm, earthy and subtly nutty flavour of flax seeds combined with an abundance of omega 3 fatty acids makes them an increasingly popular addition to a healthy diet.

Flaxseeds contain an excellent combination of the healthy fats needed for fat metabolism but are also a fabulous source of metabolism boosting high quality protein and fibre.

Sharon Morey said: 'Flaxseeds are very low in carbohydrates and contain a high amount of B vitamins, fibre and omega 3 fatty-acids. This helps you to feel fuller for longer.'

5. Green Tea
Studies show that green tea extract can boost metabolism and may aid weight loss. It also releases energy from glucose in the food we eat, which in turn helps to burn fat.

6. Grapefruit
It's thought that the unique chemical properties of this fat-fighting, vitamin C-packed citrus fruit help reduce insulin levels, which prevents fat storage and promotes weight loss.

7. Broccoli
Study after study links calcium and weight loss. Broccoli is not only high in calcium but it's also loaded with vitamin C which boosts calcium absorption.

8. Soybeans
Soybeans contain lecithin, which will stop your cells from accumulating fat. Like a shield, this substance prevents fat from forming on your cells. It will also break down fatty deposits in your body.

9. Quinoa
A great source of complete protein. Countless studies have shown that protein can help boost metabolism, lose fat and build lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories.

10. Oats
These are a good source of the cholesterol-fighting, fat-soluble fibre that boosts metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

11. Barley
A good source of soluble fibre which research has shown is important for weight loss.

12. Garlic
Garlic contains a substance called allicin which research has shown has a significant protective quality to cells which help to reduce fatty deposits. When taken, it brings down the levels of fat.

13. Soup
Eat less and burn fat faster by having a bowl of soup as an appetiser or a snack. According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super appetite suppressant because it's made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of liquids and solids.

In the study, women chose one of three 270-calorie snacks before lunch. Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed an average of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who opted for a chicken and rice casserole or the casserole and a glass of water.

14. Pears
Overweight women who ate the equivalent of three small pears a day lost more weight on a low-calorie diet than women who didn't add fruit to their diet, according to researchers from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. The fruit eaters also ate fewer calories overall.

So, next time you need to satisfy a sugar craving, reach for this low-calorie, high-fibre snack. You'll feel full longer and eat less.

15. Blueberries
A fantastic source of vitamin C. Studies have shown that vitamin C intake is absolutely crucial for weight management.

>>> 15 more foods on www.livinglifeng.com

Booking travel is so easy to do, yet all too often we wind up spending more than we wanted. Thank fee-happy airlines for that— there's no limit to what they'll charge for, from meals to checked bags and flimsy pillows.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, airlines made $3.3 billion in baggage fees alone in 2011.

Test the 24-hour rule
After you book, check the next morning to see if the price of your airfare fell.

If it did, give the airline a call to cancel your flight and often you can rebook without penalty.

Take last-minute trips
Airlines are known to cut prices when they can't fill planes for an upcoming weekend trip.

On Tuesday, they'll email offers for the coming weekend or following one to fliers who signed up for alerts. Travelers can leave Friday night or anytime Saturday, then return on Monday or Tuesday.

Chase the fare, not the destination
Kayak's explore tool is useful for searching multiple airline fares at a time.

You'll instantly see a map with all the destinations listed under a set budget.

Fly two different airlines
Sometimes it's worth it to mix and match. Most airlines now sell one-way flights at reasonable prices, meaning one might be cheaper for the outbound flight while the other works better for the return.

You could even fly to one airport and depart from another.

Become a frequent flier
It pays to cozy up to your airline of choice.

Become an elite member of the airline's frequent-flier program or use a credit card that's tied to the airline to get a leg up on other travelers, says U.S. News' Daniel Bortz.

Likewise, if you're using a credit card that offers rewards, check to see if those rewards can be redeemed for miles or travel gift cards.

Search for deals in the morning
Early morning is the time you'll see the most deals, says Bortz, although some airlines release discounted tickets throughout the day.

Book six weeks in advance
A revealing study from Airlines Reporting Corporation found that the best time to purchase your airfare is about six weeks prior to travel.

The reason: Around this time, prices drop below the average fare.

more >>> www.livinglifeng.com

Grime:


Sorry, that email account doesn't exist anymore, it's a dead end.

So how did it go?

its working perfectly now. the bidvertiser is the chrome problem. I have to remove the ads. Thanks

How can I reach you?

Grime:


You are basically good to go, as long as you're not grabbing anything from Adstract or their server cdn.adk2.com.

Hi Grime, thanks for your help, I v been trying to reach you. I even send you a mail through your Nairaland profile.

Grime:


.

I used Fiddler Web Debugger to check the inbound/outbound links to the site on startup and this is what I come up with: (pic attached)

Grime:


Ok here's what you need to do:

1. Replace the addynamo ads, as there are no issues with them.
2. Remove everything from Bidvertiser.

Also, you should check if it works on Chrome before sending a review request.

Thanks. I removed all ads and already sent a review request before seeing your post, it works on other browsers - the error is only on Google Chrome.

PS: the site is not the one in my signature. and after removing the ads, the chrome error persist - its frustrating

Can I have your contact?

Grime:
The issue was not from addynamo afterall. I think I found the problem though.

What other ad networks do you use? I can see your website making calls to Bidvertiser and Adstract...

bidvertiser and adsense

Grime:


Let me know how it goes.

Hi Grime, the problem persists. Google sent me the following message:

Google has received and processed your malware review request. Unfortunately, your site appears to be still infected with malware that can harm visitors.

Google will continue to display a warning whenever a user clicks a link to your site from our search results.
Sample URLs

To see some example infected URLs, visit Webmaster Tools.
Recommended action
Quarantine your site so that it does not infect visitors.
Remove the malicious content from your site.
Fix the vulnerability which caused your site to be infected. Unless you address the underlying weakness, your site is likely to be reinfected.

I use blogger interface, and I have changed the template html to a known healthy backup and also change the template entirely as well as remove the addynamo ads as advised by you all to no avail.

Grime:


Let me know how it goes.

...waiting on the 24hrs wait period for the review. Thanks

Grime:


Take off the addynamo ads then try again.

Thanks, I'll do that in a bit

arresa:

...the guy in suit be like - you better not be taking more than pissssshure