Shapewear

We’ve told you before about plus-size fashion model Ashley Graham and the high profile she’s brought to the body-positive movement. But, considering it’s summer, or as some of us call it, “the season of strategically hiding our cellulite”, we thought we’d look once again to Ashley for inspiration. In case you’re not familiar with Ashley Graham, she took the fashion industry and social media by storm a few years ago for unashamedly posting Instagram images of her cellulite, and her support for body positivity. Along the way, she has graced the cover of just about every major fashion magazine and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, appeared in advertising campaigns for Levi’s jeans and on TV talk shows including The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show and Entertainment Tonight. The body positivity movement promotes the acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, appearance, or that pesky cellulite! Here’s What Ashley Graham Says About Cellulite  These are just a few quotes from Ashley that we think helps underline her healthy attitude towards her cellulite. An attitude that most of us could benefit from. 1. About how she got the Sports Illustrated cover:  Source "I started to claim confidence in my cellulite and my back fat and my cellulite on my arms. That's how you get on the cover of Sports Illustrated. 2. About being unapologetic for her body:  “I have cellulite. I have back fat. I've got a thick stomach. But I work my body like I don't because I don't know any other body. I don't know how to feel thin. I just know how to feel like Ashley.” Source 3. About not letting cellulite affect her outlook: "My mom is the most positive person. She has always had a smile on her face no matter what came her way. After seeing that, I'm not going to let a little cellulite get in the way of my happiness!” Source We hope you get inspiration from Ashley Graham to be more comfortable with who you are. If that includes occasionally sporting a more shapely figure, anti-cellulite shapewear gives it to you from the moment you put it on. If you enjoyed this article, check out our recent post “Why Do I Have Cellulite on My Stomach?.     Featured image source.

In a way, wearing compression tights for poor circulation might not sound like it makes sense. If you have poor blood circulation, how can “compressing” things help you increase blood flow?The answer lies in the causes of poor circulation and the type of compression that you get from compression garments.   The Causes of Poor Circulation Bad circulation in your arms and legs can be triggered by a number of conditions, including. Ageing Being overweight or obese Suffering an injury Diabetes In each case, the causes of poor blood or lymph circulation result in damaged blood vessels. That damage can weaken the blood vessels and make it difficult for them to maintain proper blood and lymph flow. That’s when you experience the symptoms of circulation issues, including cold hands and feet and swollen hands and feet. How Compression Wear Improves Circulation Instead of preventing blood flow, compression wear helps support blood and lymph vessels so they can do their job.  But not all compression wear is the same. Compression offers only one benefit for improved blood and lymph circulation.  The Best Compression Tights: Anti-Cellulite Shapewear Mass & Slim’s shapewear, including anti-cellulite compression leggings, offer a number of benefits above an beyond that of regular compression garments. Even More Circulation Improvement Due to its Massaging Action - All Mass & Slim shapewear is infused with thousands of Tourmaline® ceramic beads that exert a massaging action as you wear them. In addition to the usual improvements to circulation you get from compression wear, the massaging action boost circulation closer to the skin too. It improves the look of your skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Help for Chronic Condition like Lymphedema - Lymphedema is swelling in the arms and legs caused by damage to the lymphatic system, which often happens due to cancer surgery. The damage causes a buildup of lymph fluid that in turn causes the swelling. Mass & Slim shapewear helps improve lymph flow to reduce the swelling. Takes Inches Off the Waist and Thighs - Shapewear is independently proven to reduce the circumference of a wearer’s waist and thighs, which has been linked to better circulation. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article on post-partum compression wear.

For breast cancer survivors, lymphedema in the arm is often an unfortunate side effect of surgery, whether or not the lymphatic system was removed. The buildup of fluid that results can cause arm swelling, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. The idea of exercise for arm lymphedema is that muscle contractions can help trapped lymph to move again and reduce the swelling.   Try These Exercises for Arm Lymphedema Talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise plan or extra physical activity. Also, be sure your drains and sutures are out following surgery before you try any sort of exercise.  It's important to remember that you’re not out to set any world records here. These lymphedema exercises aren't about fitness, but to gradually increase fluid flow through your lymph vessels. Start slowly, do them gently and stop immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort. Get Ready - You should do the following to prepare for your exercise program.  Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing You’ll need a set of two 1 lb free weights, a light rubber or ‘stress’ ball that’s larger than your palm and a hard chair     Wear a compression sleeve on the arm you’re exercising Exercise in a space large enough to lie down Warm your arm for 20 minutes in the shower, tub or with a warm compress.  Start With the Ball Squeeze - This exercise helps you gradually get into your routine. Sit or stand in a good posture with a straight neck and back and shoulders relaxed. Hold the ball in your palm with your hand extended in front of you and elevated above your heart. Squeeze the ball as tightly as you can comfortably and hold it for three seconds, then release. Repeat the exercise five to seven times. If your arm feels tired, just stop. You’ll slowly build up strength in the arm over time. Repeat the exercise with your other arm. Elbow Flex - Use a good posture in a seated or standing position, with your elbows by your side and hands extended in front of you or in your lap, with a 1 lb weight in each one. Lift the weights towards your chest. Stop halfway and hold the position for six seconds. Slowly lower your arms back down and take a few breaths. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Elbow Extension - Lie on your back on the floor with your back and neck straight, keep your knees raised and apart for balance. Your feet should be flat on the floor and apart for balance. Hold a weight in each hand by your side with the hand facing into your body. Raise both arms straight up above your body. Bend your elbows slowly so your hands drop towards your chest. When your elbows are at 90 degrees, stop lowering your hands and hold the position for six seconds. Raise your arms up again and rest. Repeat the exercise 10 times. Always remember to wear your compression sleeve(s). Compression wear, including anti-cellulite leggings can be effective in relieving symptoms of lymphedema.   If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about using compression wear for lymphedema.

It just doesn’t seem fair. Just when you think you’ve gotten used to all the physical and emotional issues that pregnancy can bring, suddenly your legs don’t seem to want to go to sleep when you do. First, don’t worry, having restless legs when pregnant is not a cause for concern. Anywhere from 15% to 30% of expecting moms will get restless leg syndrome (RLS); most often in the third trimester. The Signs & Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome Doctors and scientists aren't sure about what causes RLS symptoms in pregnant women. One theory is that it’s due to an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which helps to control your muscles. It is also linked to a lack of folic acid or an iron deficiency in your system.Different women with RLS during pregnancy will have somewhat different symptoms. The basic symptom is an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. You may also experience cramps, aches or twitches in your legs and have difficulty falling asleep. Symptoms tend to get worse as your due date approaches. 4 Ways of Treating RLS If you suspect you have RLS, you should consult your doctor first. Definitely, do not take any medication or supplements without your doctor’s advice. Get Some Exercise - RLS symptoms are less noticeable when you are active. Low impact exercise, including stretching, yoga and walking can help. Have a Warm Bath - It may be the solution to many of life’s issues, but for RLS, it can help your leg muscles relax. Massage Your Legs - Gently massaging your legs can also help relax your muscles, and improve circulation. Use Compression Wear - Considering you can’t take medicine unless it's prescribed by a doctor, options like compression shapewear, including Mass & Slim’s compression leggings, can offer relief when you can’t find it anywhere else. Compression wear exerts a gentle massaging action on your legs as you wear it. It can also help improve your circulation even when you’re sitting or standing. And it helps increase skin temperature to give you yet another muscle relaxation technique. If you liked this post, check out our recent article “Postpartum Compression Wear - Get In Shape After Baby Arrives”.

If you’ve struggled with your cellulite, you’ve probably tried more than once to improve the way it looks. And that means you’ve probably come across more than your fair share of unlikely solutions, including creams and even injections. Coffee scrubs for cellulite reduction can sound a little odd. Really? Rub your cellulite with coffee grounds to make it look better? But, as strange as may sound, there’s some evidence to suggest that coffee scrubs can improve the look of your cellulite. How Coffee Scrubs May Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite The benefits of cellulite reduction from coffee scrubs come from the following factors. And remember, no matter how hard you scrub, there’s no getting rid of cellulite. The Effects of Caffeine - Caffeine in coffee has been shown to dilate blood vessels, which brings more healthy oxygen to the skin and tightens it for a smoother appearance. Exfoliation - The coffee grounds work like an exfoliant on your skin, which can also improve its appearance. Increased Circulation & Collagen Production - Any massaging action also increases blood circulation and the production of collagen. In addition to bringing more oxygen to the skin, better circulation helps remove impurities that can contribute to cellulite. Collagen gives your skin its strength and elasticity. When you boost collagen production, your skin will be stronger and less susceptible to cellulite dimpling.Interestingly, you can get the same circulation and collagen boosts from anti-cellulite shapewear, like the slimming waist shaper, without the effort. Mass & Slim shapewear is infused with thousands of tiny beads that massage your skin for as long as you’re wearing the garment. 3 Steps to Make a Coffee Scrub for Cellulite Reduction You’ll need the following before you begin: 1 cup of coffee grounds 6 tbsp of coconut oil 3 tbsp of sea salt or raw sugar An empty jar with a lid Mix the coffee grounds and salt or sugar in a mixing bowl Add the coconut oil, which helps moisturize your skin, to the mixture and mix well. Put the finished scrub into the jar and keep the lid closed. Every time you shower, use a circular motion to massage some of the coffee scrub into areas of your body with cellulite. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about how compression garments can help plastic surgery results.

If you’re wondering how to treat lymphedema at home, you’re probably at least familiar with some of its causes. But, to understand how many of the home treatments for lymphedema are beneficial, it helps to get more familiar with lymphedema's causes and symptoms. Lymphedema is the name given to excessive swelling in affected areas, mostly your arms and legs. The swelling is caused by a blockage in your lymph system that stops the draining of lymph fluid. The blockages are often caused by the removal of, or damage to, your lymph vessels or nodes as a result of cancer treatment. There is no known cure for lymphedema. Ultimately, the main way to manage lymphedema is to take steps to reduce the swelling. 3 Ways to Treat Lymphedema at Home There are many ways to treat your own lymphedema, including the following. Massage Therapy - It’s best to see a registered massage therapist who can offer the light soft-tissue massage that helps move lymph fluids from the affected limbs. But you can also learn self-massage techniques that can maintain lymphatic flow. Use Compression Wear - Compression wear, including Mass & Slim’s anti-cellulite leggings, exert a light massaging action that can help initiate the flow of fluid, as you wear them. Compression devices also help to keep fluids away from affected areas. Get Active - Always talk to your doctor before starting any regular program of physical activity or exercise. Simple aerobic exercises like walking or swimming can stimulate the flow of fluid away from problem areas. To make it more formal, talk to a lymphedema therapist and start with an easy-to-do, comfortable level of exercise, then progress over time. If you found this article helpful, check out our recent post about using compression wear for lymphedema.  

Summer’s almost here! It's good news for most of us, except those who go through some fear and/or anxiety about going out in public in lighter, more revealing summer outfits. But there is some encouraging news for the over 90 percent of women who have cellulite. In the wake of the ever-growing body positivity movement, and in the face of body shamers, celebrities everywhere are proudly showing their lumps, bumps and cellulite, all over social media. While you might say “it’s about time”, we should all recognize the risk they take. Just because they are taking steps to love the skin they’re in and live with so-called flaws, it doesn't mean everyone else in their profession feels the same. And members of the public are no better. Many celebrities are body shamed mercilessly every time they try to break new ground and say “Ladies, let’s be proud of our bodies!”   These celebrities with cellulite and stretch marks embrace their bodies The following women have made deliberate attempts to embrace their bodies the way they are and hopefully encourage and support others to do the same. 1. Rihanna - Imagine if it was all over the entertainment news every time you put on weight. After one recent bout of weight gain garnered media speculation, RiRi calmly shut them down when she commented that she “has had the pleasure of a fluctuating body type.” Enough said! View this post on Instagram A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Apr 12, 2015 at 9:09pm PDT  2. Chrissy Teigen - The co-star of TV’s “Lip Sync Battle”, Teigen recently posted an image to her 23.4 million followers on Instagram. Sporting non-photoshopped blotchy skin (bruises from bumping kitchen drawers she said) and cellulite on her legs, the image still managed 157,962 likes and 11,892 comments that were predominantly supportive. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on Aug 4, 2017 at 11:45am PDT  3. Hillary Duff - Here’s an excerpt from Hil’s Instagram post where she’s pictured in a swimsuit and not even trying to hide cellulite on her legs: “I am posting this on behalf of young girls, women, and mothers of all ages...Since websites and magazines love to share 'celeb flaws' - well I have them! My body has given me the greatest gift of my life: Luca, 5 years ago. I'm turning 30 in September and my body is healthy.”  Just like we all (including all the celebs listed above) enjoy putting on a bit of makeup to look our best, sometimes we just want to go out and feel confident about what we wear. Anti-cellulite shapewear can help you do just that from the moment you put it on. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about six healthy food alternatives for weight loss.

It's difficult to imagine a better scenario than using compression wear for weight loss. Just wearing compression garments can shape your body and make it look like you’ve lost weight. But don’t let the apparent results fool you. Like with any worthwhile weight management solution, compression clothing is not necessarily an easy ticket to actually losing weight.     How Compression Gear Can Help You Lose Weight There are many benefits to wearing compression clothing for people who are overweight, but it's important to understand how you actually get the benefits. Improved Athletic Performance - This is one of the main benefits of compression wear in general. But it's not one that many overweight people consider. While you may not be running any marathons, compression tights can still help you get more out of any exercise or activity you do. The extra weight you carry can move and shift as you move and shift. That can increase fatigue and your risk of injury. The athletic support offered by compression gear helps to keep everything in place so you get more out of every activity and you can stay more active. Better Circulation - Some compression clothing is used for treatment of medical issues, like lymphedema and restless leg syndrome, largely due to its ability to improve circulation. In addition to helping the body rid itself of impurities, better circulation and muscle support can help reduce fluid accumulation in certain areas, thereby lowering “water weight”. Anti-Cellulite Shapewear Massaging Action - If there is one form of compression wear that is clinically-proven to reduce inches in the areas it affects, it’s anti-cellulite Mass & Slim shapewear, including the slimming waist shaper. Infused with thousands of tiny ceramic beads, shapewear exerts a constant massaging action as you move. In addition to reducing inches, it is also proven to improve the appearance of cellulite. If you enjoyed this article, check out our recent post on healthy food alternatives for weight loss.

If you’re looking for layered bob hairstyles for over 40s, you’re in luck. If there is a more versatile short haircut than the bob, we don't know about it. And that means lots of options for you to keep coming up with new versions that offer similar great looks and easy maintenance that are the hallmark of short or long layered bob styles. Try These Layered Cuts for Your Next Bob Did we already say “versatile”, “easy maintenance” and “great looks”? Check out these layered cuts for short and long bobs that need little more than blow drying and/or quick work with a curling iron. 1. The Longer-In-Front Bob - Here’s a prime example of why bob’s are popular with older women. Not only does this bob look as hip as any, but it also offers a way to mask any forehead wrinkles with a dramatic forward swoop. (Source) 2. The Full-Volume Bob - If you feel your hair is looking a little dull, ask your stylist to give you long layers to add body, then blow dry from underneath to add even more fullness.  (Source) 3. The Fine-Hair Bob - Forgive us for going on about “versatility”, but bob styles work with almost every hair type too, including thin hair, thick hair, straight and curly. And all hair colors to boot. To minimize the potential for the “lifeless” look with fine hair, keep the length between the bottom of your ear and your jawline. (Source) 4. The Choppy-Layered Bob - we’re all looking for the fountain of youth and this is the bob style to go with it. Perhaps the ultimate in layering, shorter layers in the back add volume and longer bangs add character to the front. (Source) 5. The Wispy-Volume Bob - If you have thicker, straight hair, no has to know it with this classic, side-part bob. Classic doesn’t mean complicated either, despite the good looks. You keep this effect looking fresh every day with just a blow dryer and brush. You might never be late for work again!   (Source) Now that your hair looks its best, why don’t you do the same for your shape with the slimming waist shaper anti-cellulite shapewear! If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about things to do for your 40th birthday.

Discover why cellulite appears on your stomach and how to reduce its appearance. Learn about body types, aging, and weight factors, and explore solutions like Mass & Slim shapewear for a smoother, more confident look. 

Not only does it make your belly look fat, but it makes you feel pretty blah too. And you have a party tonight! Fortunately, if you’re wondering about how to get rid of bloating fast, we got your back, and your bloated belly! Unless it’s caused by a medical condition, you can usually “de-bloat” fairly quickly in a number of ways. Bloating is most often the result of a buildup of gas in your digestive system. The gas could be caused by something you ate, constipation or an imbalance of bacteria in your gut, which could result from lactose intolerance. Bloating is sometimes attributed to water retention, but, generally speaking, water retention doesn’t produce the same symptoms or require the same treatments as bloating. 5 Ways to Get Rid of Bloating Fast When you feel bloated, it helps to understand exactly what may have contributed to the bloating. When you get a handle on what produces gas and bloating in your system, the first step to prevent bloating is easy: stop whatever you’re eating that produces gas in your digestive tract. Get Active - Even just going for a walk or doing some yoga poses can get your digestive system moving and reduce the bloating. Stay Hydrated - As you get more active, it’s more important than usual to drink water. Dehydration can make symptoms of constipation worse. Water can also help get things moving again too. Try Anti-Gas Medications - Try an over-the-counter anti-gas relief medication, making sure you follow the dosage instructions on the label. Massage Your Abdomen - Gently massage around your stomach area with circular motions. The massaging action can help get your bowels moving. Stop if you feel any pain or undue discomfort. Wear Shapewear - Anti-cellulite shapewear, like Mass & Slim’s slimming waist shaper, exerts gentle compression and a massaging action as you wear them to help unblock your digestive system. If you liked this post, check out our recent that tells you about three essential oils for cellulite reduction.

Not many Moms look forward to their postpartum bodies. Considering the physical stresses of carrying another person around for nine months, your body is bound to show some side effects. But postpartum compression wear can help. Benefits of Postpartum Compression Wear A Mom’s abdomen has been stretched for a number of months. Even if she managed to not put on “baby weight”, the skin and muscle tissue is stretched out of shape. But compression wear, including anti-cellulite leggings and postpartum girdles can help your postpartum recovery. Reduces Swelling - Swelling in the abdominal area can occur due to inflammation from stretched muscles and tissue, and the accumulation of the fluids your body sends to treat it.  Compression and shapewear help to reduce swelling by not letting fluids accumulate as much as they might otherwise. Gives Your Muscles Support - It’s not like you need anyone to tell you this, but your core muscles and other abdominal muscles go through incredible stresses during pregnancy and delivery. You may even have suffered diastasis recti, where your abdominal muscles remain separated after the baby arrives. Without supportive compression or shapewear, your post-pregnancy recovery can take much longer. Eases Back Pain - As a new Mom, you know what we mean when we say “back pain”, right? Again, supportive wear, including postpartum belly wraps, girdles or corsets, offer the support to give your poor back some relief. Improves Your Posture - With weaker core muscles and back pain, you may tend to slump or otherwise use bad posture to compensate. And poor posture only leads to more issues. Eases Pain & Pressure - You may have other abdominal pain, especially following a c-section delivery. By reducing the motion that the surrounding tissue might otherwise go through, medical-grade post-baby belly bands and other shapewear also helps reduce the pain that comes with that instability. If you liked this post, check out our recent article about three essential oils for cellulite reduction.

The symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), which is a neurological disorder, include uncomfortable sensations in the legs, pain, itching, pins and needles, and/or the sensation of something crawling under the skin.The symptoms of RLS mainly happen when the patient is at rest, like in the evenings or when they’re trying to fall asleep. In other words, symptoms are less likely to occur when the patient is active. How Compression Wear Helps to Treat RLS Treatment of restless leg syndrome can include medical interventions like muscle relaxants, sleep medications, and dopamine enhancers.  But side effects can include nausea fatigue and drowsiness. Fortunately, compression shapewear, including Mass & Slim’s compression leggings, help people with RLS relieve symptoms in at least three ways, without the nausea or fatigue. Massages Your Legs - Giving your legs a gentle massage is a common diy prevention or treatment of RLS symptoms. Mass and Slim leggings are infused with thousands of Tourmaline® beads which exert a gentle massaging action on your legs as you move while wearing them. Boosts Your Circulation - RLS sufferers are encouraged to get up for five minutes every hour or so and stretch your legs to get blood flowing through them. Compression wear helps improve your circulation whether you’re sitting or standing. Increases Skin Temperature - Generally speaking, getting your leg muscles to relax helps prevent and reduce the severity of symptoms. Your muscles will relax more if they are warm and compression wear increases the surface temperature in the areas of your body that it covers. If you enjoyed this article, check out our recent post on how to wear leggings over 50.

While it’s often called “cosmetic” surgery, body contouring plastic surgery is still surgery nonetheless. It means similar surgical trauma as many other types of surgery. And your body needs all the help and support it can get to promote healing. And that’s exactly the role that post plastic surgery compression garments and shapewear can play in your recovery from plastic surgery. Benefits of Post Plastic Surgery Compression Garments Many surgery patients are recommended by their medical team to use compression wear and shapewear as part of their surgery aftercare program. Many doctors recommend wearing the garments for up to 8 weeks following surgery, depending on the nature of the operation.The garments not only support your body, but they also make your overall postoperative experience a better one. They Promote Healthier Healing - Especially where tissue has been separated, healing can take exponentially longer if the wound isn’t held in place properly. Compression wear and shapewear, including slimming waist shapers and compression stockings, not only help to keep everything in place, but they can help increase blood circulation to the treated areas to speed healing and minimize the formation of blood clots. Reduce Discomfort - Surgery can trigger uncomfortable swelling and water retention. Without being treated, water buildup can extend the time it takes to completely heal. Compression garments can minimize the amount of water retention and control the swelling around the treated areas. Make it Easier to Move - Of course, your doctor will tell you to minimize physical activity after the operation. But the swelling around the affected area can make even the slightest movement sore, painful and uncomfortable. In addition to swelling reduction, compression garments can control discomfort in the surrounding area as you move to make it a much less painful experience. If you enjoyed reading this article, check out our recent post on how to start an alkaline diet.

Lymphedema can cause discomfort and swelling. See how compression shapewear provides daily relief and supports better circulation.

If there is one myth about weight loss it is that it absolutely requires massive changes in how much you eat and your levels of activity. In fact, one of the best ways to healthily and sustainably lose weight is to take smaller steps. Instead of increasing your activity suddenly with a costly personal trainer and gym membership, start with simply trying to add more activity to each day; like parking further from the mall entrance. When it comes to diet, instead of drastically changing your diet and cutting calories, a better option is to simply swap foods with extra calories and saturated fats for healthy food alternatives for weight loss. Try These Healthy Food Swaps to Help You Lose Weight Even if you try just one of the suggestions below, it can be the gateway to heart-healthy eating, life at a lower weight and even cellulite reduction. If you want to see more immediate results on your cellulite, try anti-cellulite leggings that are shown to reduce inches around your thighs. Fruit-bottom Yogurt for Plain Greek Yogurt and Fresh Fruit - First, any yogurt helps promote a healthy gut and that helps lower your weight. But fruit-bottom yogurt is full of added sugar. You won’t miss it once you get hooked on fresh fruit. Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt - Their flavours are very similar, but greek yogurt doesn’t have the high-fat content and high calories that go with it. Mayonnaise for Mustard - Just one tablespoon of mayo on a sandwich adds 100 calories and saturated fats. Some mustards add zero calories and no saturated fats. Choose Healthy Snacks - Snacking is one of the biggest enemies of weight loss for many reasons. We often snack mindlessly and processed snacks like potato chips and candy are packed with high levels of sugar, salts and saturated fats. Making other swaps like candy for fresh fruit, milk chocolate for dark chocolate, potato chips for air-popped popcorn, and ice cream for frozen grapes will make a big difference. Butter for Olive Oil - Whether it’s for cooking or with bread, not only is olive oil healthier because of lower saturated fats, it adds more flavour too. Peanut Butter for Almond Butter - Although peanut butter isn’t terrible for you, it can contain added sugars and oils. Almond butter delivers similar texture and taste without the extra fats and calories per serving. If you liked this post, check out our recent article on how to reduce cellulite on your buttocks.

This is it, the big 4-0. While few of us greet yet another birthday with great joy, 40 is undeniably a milestone birthday. And that means looking for some unique things to do for your 40th birthday celebration! Creative 40th Birthday Ideas Whether you want to celebrate your 40th birthday at a big birthday party with lots of people, or just a quiet bottle of wine with some close friends and family, try some of the following birthday ideas to make it extra special. Give Yourself a Special “Turning 40” Birthday Gift - Hey, you’ve made it this far and it’s time to mark the occasion with something unforgettable. Something you wouldn’t indulge in for just any reason. Think about a trip to an exotic location, or maybe use it as an opportunity to scratch something off your bucket list. Finally Start Taking Care of Yourself - You’ve been climbing the corporate ladder, or raising a family, or both. Big birthday number 40 means you start taking care of yourself. You can kick it off with a luxury spa treatment that you never dared afford before. Then get in the habit of regularly doing something that boosts your spirits and makes you feel better about yourself. If you’ve always wanted to improve the appearance of your cellulite, start eating a healthier diet, get a little more activity in your life in a pair of Active Slim Compression Leggings, and try anti-cellulite shapewear, like a Slimming Waist Shaper, that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Do Something for Someone Else - Yes, this is a little counter to the “do something special for yourself” ideas, but it can be just as rewarding, especially if you’ve never done anything like it before. If you’re lucky to still have your parents, would they like to travel with you? Do you have a favourite charity that’s looking for volunteer help? Or is there a local advocacy group you want to support? If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article on the six best diet cocktails.

While you can’t get rid of cellulite, there are a number of ways to reduce its appearance. Many of them, like a balanced diet and exercise, not only helps affected areas look better, but they are good for your overall health too. If you use essential oils, you know their many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, improved sleep and soothing skin irritation. But few people use essential oils for cellulite reduction. How Essential Oils Help with Cellulite Reduction First, many benefits of essential oils, that might not be directly related to cellulite, can still help. For example, if you use oils to help you sleep, you’ll be better able to manage your weight and that can shrink cellulite dimples.Second, there are a number of direct benefits for cellulite from certain oils. These include reduced fluid retention and improved lymphatic and blood circulation, especially when oils are used in conjunction with dry brushing.   Try These Essential Oils to Help Reduce Cellulite Patience is key to seeing results using the oils below. Use the oils regularly and consistently to get their benefits. Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemary oil’s primary benefit is improving blood circulation which brings healthy oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Mic the oil with a carrier oil and massage it into affected areas. Cyprus Oil - Cyprus oil is a triple threat against cellulite, including getting rid of toxins, reducing water retention and improving circulation. Combine it with a carrier oil for massages or add a few drops to your bath water. Grapefruit Oil - Grapefruit Oil Helps with weight reduction and detoxifies the body to help fight cellulite. Again, you can dilute it with a carrier oil and massage it into your skin. Of course, if you’re looking for something that will begin working on your cellulite right away, anti-cellulite leggings can be comfortably worn all day and are proven to deliver results. If you liked this post, check out our recent article on three foam roller cellulite exercises.

Who doesn’t love them? They are smart, funny and beautiful. Perhaps most attractive of all is the unassuming, down-to-earth qualities they both share. The Amy Poehler - Tina Fey friendship has lasted for over 20 years. They’ve been close friends since both were relative unknowns. And everyone seems to just love them. Why Do We Love Tina Fey and Amy Poehler?   Maybe it’s their seemingly eternal optimism or just the fact that they look like they’re having more fun than anyone else. Or maybe it’s for one of the following reasons. They May Have Been Meant for Each Other The two comedy superstars were introduced by the owner of Chicago’s ImrpovOlympic who told Amy that there was someone in one of her other classes whom she thought Amy would like. That, someone, was Tina Fey. The owner also said that Tina was just like Amy, but with brown hair. Fey Gave Poehler Her First Real Beauty Lesson They’re just that close. They even discuss beauty tips with each other. They’re Perhaps the Most Famous Female Comedy Team While maybe not officially a team, Tina and Amy have worked together on many projects. Tina got the chance to host the Golden Globes show with Amy in 2013 and 2015. They’ve worked together in film, including 2008’s ‘Baby Mama’. But their most famous pairing might always be their Katy Couric and Sarah Palin interview sketch ion the Weekend Update segment of Saturday Night Live. They’re Each Famous on Their Own Too   It’s not like they can't get along without each other. Tina rose to become head writer on SNL, she’s starred in many films, including ‘Martin & Orloff’ and she’s even written her memoir, ‘Bossypants’. Amy is perhaps most famous for her starring role in the popular television comedy ‘Parks & Recreation’. She is also executive producer of the critically-acclaimed sit-com ‘Broad City’. They're Both Confident and Joyful One reason for Tina and Amy’s popularity is that they exude many of the qualities the rest of us would like to have. The sort of confidence we all need to not be brought down by something like cellulite but to throw on a slimming waist shaper and head out for the night instead! If you liked this post, check out our recent article on the top five reasons that women choose The Black Purple.   Featured image: (source)

In case you need to know what it is before you find out how to start an alkaline diet, here’s a brief backgrounder. What is an Alkaline Diet? Your body works very hard to remain pH balanced, which is the acid-alkaline balance of substances in the body.  The idea of an alkaline diet is to help your body better balance your body’s pH levels. Much of what we eat tends to be acid forming. This includes red meat, chicken, fish, dairy foods, many nuts, seeds, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods. With highly acidic foods in your diet, your body struggles to maintain its pH balance. A normal blood pH level falls somewhere between 7.35 and 7.45, which happens to be on the slightly alkaline side of the scale. To balance all the highly acidic foods we eat, an alkaline diet introduces more alkaline minerals mainly through eating more legumes, fruits, and vegetables. The benefits of better-balanced pH levels in your body include improved bone health, lower risks of cancer and osteoporosis. Good pH levels have also been shown to help with weight loss, which also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite (or you can instantly start reducing cellulite with our anti-cellulite shapewear!). Tips for starting an Alkaline Diet There is some debate about which foods can be part of an alkaline diet. Lemons are very acidic but they are alkaline-forming in your body.  That said, here are some guideline for making the switch to an alkaline diet. Drink Water - Whether it’s bottled or tap water, drink more of it. You can even filter it to get the right pH levels. A water pH of between 8.0 and 9.5 will help balance your body’s pH. Think Raw - Luckily, you already know which foods are best for an alkaline diet. Generally speaking, they are those that most people consider to be healthy, including mostly plant-based foods. And they will do their job better if you eat them raw. Go Slow - Especially if you’re transitioning from a very acidic diet, trying to make wholesale changes to your diet too quickly can be your first step towards failure. If you don’t eat many vegetables now, start simply by introducing more to your diet and leave it there. If you like your vegetables well cooked, start by cooking them for shorter times. It will all help to keep you on the diet for the long term. If you liked this post, check out our recent article on how much red wine is good for you.