As we approach the three month mark of 2011, many of you have probably already fallen off of the new years resolution wagon.  You hit the gym and ate right for the first part of January, but then the motivation and drive you felt after the first of the year quickly dwindled and now you’re left wondering where to go next.  If you need a motivator, Carole Carson’s new book “From Fat To Fit” may be the answer.

“From Fat To Fit” chronicles the story of how author Carole Carson exceeded her goal of losing 40 pounds by her 60th birthday. Whether you’re in our 20s or well into our 50s, it’s never too early or too late to take better care of our heart and body.  In honor of American Heart Month and as a way to help motivate you to kick your fitness routine back in high gear, our sister site iEnhance.com is giving away Carole Carson’s “From Fat To Fit” to one lucky winner.

How To Win

There are 3 methods for entering, and the more things you do the more chances you have to win.

• Visit the From Fat To Fit Giveaway page and comment telling us why YOU want to get fit.
• Like iEnhance on Facebook (While you’re at it be sure to “Like” Beauty Chat as well)
• Follow iEnhance on Twitter and retweet the following: RT @ienhance #Giveaway Carole Carson’s new book “From Fat To Fit”! Ends Feb. 27. http://bit.ly/fz8ZqG  (Can be retweeted once a day for an additional entry)

So get out there, get fit, and good luck!

Last week, MSN released a list of the “20 Best Celebrity Rumps” with none other than Kim Kardashian coming in at number one. Not long ago, women all over the country were doing all that they could to minimize this particular feature – diet, exercise, and even surgery. Now, with the likes of Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira being so comfortable in their curvy figures, it seems that many women’s views have shifted.

Here are the Top 10:

• Kim Kardashian
• Jennifer Lopez
• Beyonce
• Jessica Biel
• Lady Gaga
• Shakira
• Rihanna
• Sofia Vergara
• Katy Perry
• Jessica Alba

As these shapely ladies continue to gain popularity for their derriere, those who are somewhat lacking in that department are looking for ways to enhance their buttocks. With the advances in techniques and technology, women are now able to undergo butt augmentation with either butt implants or through fat transfer. Although not all plastic surgeons offer this procedure, there are now several who have become specialists in this surgery.

Have you ever considered butt enhancement surgery?

The warm weather is here, bikinis have been on the racks for a few weeks now, and tanning salons are getting booked. Summer is approaching and we’re ready to rock the beach! Or at least almost ready to rock…we just need to lose those last five to 10 pounds. But we’ve all got so much going on that it’s become nearly impossible to hit the gym on a regular basis.

What are we to do? Aside from undergoing a cosmetic procedure – liposuction or tummy tuck surgery – there are many diets that we could try, including the “Five Bite Diet” that Dre and Jana are currently doing, but there are also other ways to lose the weight: diet pills. Or as some companies like to call them “dietary supplements.”

I’ll admit that in an attempt to drop a few pounds the easy way I did try a couple of different brands some years back. However, I failed to do as the bottle stated, which was to eat a sensible diet, exercise, and take the pills as supplements.

Many diets pills claim to help us lose weight quickly and easily, but they don’t bother to reveal all the negative side effects that they also bring along. Saying that we should consult with a physician prior to taking them is hardly enough warning that they may not be safe for us to use.

These supplements can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, anxiety or nervousness, heart problems, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even death if not monitored correctly. Are the risks worth the possibility of losing a few pounds?

Living in Southern California requires a beach ready bod and I’m determined to get into shape. Instead of trying to cheat with diet pills, I’ve started eating healthier and I’m working on incorporating more activities…soon. In the last month, I’ve already dropped eight pounds!

What do you do to get in shape for the beach? I’d love to get some fun ideas!

Photo Credit: Sheep Chronicles

When I was diagnosed with a Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), the name alone scared me to bits. What really freaked me out, though, were the limitations I was given by my doctor. First, I was put on a permanent medication called Atenolol, which basically lightens the load on my heart by slowing it down a bit, but makes me feel even more tired than usual.

Next I was given what I call the “No-No List” which basically said no hardcore cardio exercise – no running, no excessive use of stairs; the list went on and on. Being that I was never what you would consider a “gym enthusiast,” I didn’t really have a problem with the rules at the time, but quickly found out that just about every type of exercise that I was actually interested in was considered a No-No for me. This left me with a problem: How in the world was I supposed to keep myself from getting massively overweight if I was tired all the time and couldn’t do any real cardio?

Last year I started looking into exercise alternatives and I have to say, almost everything I have found has been fun and fulfilling for me. From Yoga and Pilates to scheduled walking and low speed bicycle rides, I found that there were tons of options out there for someone with limited exercise capability like me. Recently, I have really gotten into using my Wii Fit. It offers Yoga, which stretches my body and helps me to stay limber. It also provides strength training to build muscle and work off fat without getting my heart rate going. There are even a few really fun games like hoola hooping that helps to tighten up my abs and backside!

With all of the modern technology out there (and a little help from my handy-dandy wrist monitor), I am able to exercise and strengthen my body and heart, all the while keeping my actual heart rate at a reasonable level for my safety. Now, with summer on its way, I really need to get to work on improving my body and staying as healthy as can be!

Do you have any alternative exercises that you like to do? Do you know someone with a health condition who has had to be creative in order to maintain a lifestyle that includes regular exercise? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Photo Credit: Healthy Heart

I have to admit that I am not the most ecologically friendly person; even with all this talk of going green, the most I have done is recycle my cans and bottles. But since today is Earth Day, it got me thinking – I really need to start caring about the environment.

In honor of this revolutionary day, I have come up with a list of actions to take to be a little more eco-friendly.

Walk more, drive less: Instead of driving short trips around the corner, such as to pick up milk and bread, take a stroll instead. Not only are you saving on gas and not polluting the environment, you’re also getting a mini work-out in the course of it. A few days ago, my roommate and I had to return a movie to the video store and we walked there instead – it only took us 20 minutes and it felt great to get some fresh air.

Recycle, Reuse, Reduce (and close the loop!): Not only should you do the obvious and save your cans and bottle, but find uses for other products lying around your house. I like using old pieces of clothing as cleaning rags.

Invest in eco-friendly fashion: Nowadays, you can purchase anything from dresses to handbags that are all made out of organic fabrics. Not only do some of the eco-friendly fashion lines use fabrics friendly to the environment, they also use minimal packaging and guarantee livable working situations where they manufacture their products. Here is a list of retailers who manufacture for the eco-friendly and socially conscious.

Switch to organic beauty products: In pursuit of becoming more environmentally friendly, a lot of beauty companies are going all-organic. You can get anything from nail polish to lip stick with all-natural ingredients.
Some companies to consider that offer organic beauty products:
Foxy Mineral Make-up: has a wide range of selections of eye shadows, lip glosses, and foundations, which contain no chemicals and oils that can oftentimes be bad for the environment.
Karma Organic: offers organic spa products, such as organic nail polish removers, nail polish colors, scrubs, lotions, and oils.

Cut the amount of time spent in the shower: Do you really need to take a 45 minute shower? The less time you spend in the shower, the more water you are saving; long, hot showers are not good for your skin anyway, it dries it out and strips away its natural oils.

Little by little, changing everyday habits and incorporating more natural products in our daily regimens is helping the environment, plus it’s good for your own personal beauty health.

What are you doing to become more eco-friendly?

Photo Credit: GenGreenLife and Karma Organic

Okay, I know I am a bit behind the craze, but Nintendo ® Wii ™ is amazing and I am addicted! I recently tried out the game, Boogie SuperStar and all I can say is, I must be out of shape!  I started to break a sweat after only 20 minutes of playing. It is fun and I actually feel like I am getting a work-out, or am I?

There have been a lot of arguments for and against Wii and the fitness benefits that it entails. This is what I get from the whole phenomenon – it may not be an option for a hardcore cardiovascular work-out (such as running or kick-boxing), but it definitely does get an individual motivated and work off his/her booty! (Which is an improvement for the inactive population). On top of that, Wii challenges its players, as you get better at a particular skill, the game is designed to make the activity more difficult.

I have yet to try out Wii Fit, but apparently it has its benefits; the game performs a body test by weighing you, calculating your body mass index, and leading you through a series of balance exercises. Depending on these results, it offers suggestions for improvement and then asks you to set a goal. In essence, it is assisting you in setting objectives and motivating you to stick to them, which doesn’t seem to be a bad attribute at all.

Whether or not Wii promises to make you look like a supermodel, it doesn’t hurt to play. In retrospect, it does promote physical activity, which I never see as being a bad characteristic. Experts are only concerned about the increase in Wii-related injuries since the game console has been released.

“Wiititis” (having an over-exertion of Wii play) gamers are encouraged to stretch-out and warm-up with jumping jacks or running in place before Wii play. In addition, Wii gamers are also advised to limit their playing time if they feel muscle soreness or any other pain – in other words, treat Wii just like any other work-out; stretch, warm-up, and cool-down every time you play to prevent injuries.

As far as my Wii addiction, I feel a difference in my energy level – playing Wii has inspired me to start jogging on a regular basis again. For some reason, it gets me motivated to stay active and get into better shape.

Am I the only one alone with this addiction? Have any of you tried the Wii Fit? And if you have, do you believe you have gained fitness benefits from playing it? (Let me know, I want to try it!)

Photo Credit: Alexis Bacchu and Geek Force Five

I know the poor economy has caused a lot of us to cut back on certain pleasures in our life. Most people are staying home and watching television instead of going out to the movies. Others are carpooling to fight the fluctuating gas prices.

On the other hand, some people are taking a lack of concern in their health and refraining from purchasing prescription medications, which is a necessity for many .

According to the Center for Studying Health System Change in Washington, D.C., due to the increase in prescription cost, most of those who have chronic conditions (making it crucial to continue their meds) are not purchasing them because they simply cannot afford to do so.

But what can people still afford? Their vice! Despite the slow economy, Americans are buying more chocolate, alcohol, and cigarettes than they were before. In fact, it is predicted that Americans’ purchases of these small indulgences will go up 28 percent by 2011 and chocolate sales alone with go up four percent every year for the next six years. A projected $77.8 billion has been spent on alcohol purchases in 2008, which is a 32 percent increase from 2003 (According to Mintel, a media and market research company in Chicago).  In retrospect, most alcohol spenders are cutting back by drinking at home instead of going out; however, they are still consuming just as much as before.

These facts don’t surprise me in the least bit, and I must admit I am still spending money on alcohol (don’t tell my mother, it’ll break her heart). I am unwilling to give up certain pleasures in my life, but I have found a way to stop spending in other areas; such as the lack of a haircut in six months, the dollar store has become my best friend, my feet are seriously overdue for a pedicure, and Victoria’s Secret has forgotten who I am. However, I do not have a need for prescription meds. But if they were a necessity, you better believe I would cut down my spending even more than I already have. My life is more important than having cute underwear.

As this phenomenon perplexes me, I have a couple of questions to ask all of you: What are you cutting back on to make up for the poor economy? And what small indulgences are you still splurging on?

Photo Credit: Belaray Dermatology and My Fray, Your Blog

That’s right, everyone, Beauty Chat is happy to announce that we will be starting a new, weekly post featuring your questions!

Want to know how to get your eyebrows perfectly shaped? Or, where to go for the perfect top to wear on a special night? Send in your questions and we’ll help you get through your beauty dilemma.

We have a wide range of specialties within our “Beauty Chatters,” which means we’re sure to have an answer to your questions. So let’s get started!

Question: I’m really into punk rock, and I really want to look cool and edgy BUT still feel feminine and sexy. What do you suggest?

Answer: I completely understand the need to look the part but still feel like yourself as well! There are lots of little things that you can do to accomplish this. Fake eyelashes are a great way to add a little extra pizzazz to your look while giving you that little secret extra something to make you feel feminine. Giving yourself an edgy hairstyle but accenting it with something uber girly like a bow or a flower can make you look like Joan Jett but feel more like Hayley Williams.

~Audrey

Dear BC:
As my 2009 New Year’s Resolution, I have decided to pick up better habits, such as exercising on a regular basis. I haven’t been on a regular exercise program for years and I am sure where to start. I have a hard time staying motivated as it is, do you have any suggestions on how to get started?
-Exercise Challenged-

Dear Exercise Challenged:
Good for you! Starting an exercise program is a great start on picking up better habits; it will encourage you to pick up other healthy habits or drop unhealthy habits. There are so many different types of activities you can do for exercise. For an all over workout, if that is your goal, you may start jogging, walking, or even swimming, whichever you prefer. For the motivation part, find a buddy who is similar to you as far as health goals. Set a schedule to meet for working out. If you can’t find a buddy to work-out with and you have a dog, walking him/her every day is another activity you can pick up; it is not only good for you, but for your dog too. I hope those suggestions help and good luck!

~ Sara

Question:  When applying loose powder eye shadow, how do you prevent eye shadow dust from landing on your face and ruining your face makeup i.e.: foundation, blush, etc?

Answer:  Dust a heavy layer of loose translucent powder between your eyelid and top of your cheekbone before applying the eye shadow.  When application is complete, using a powder brush, sweep away the translucent powder.  This will not remove your face makeup and prevent unwanted color streaks from the eye shadow.

~Dre

Question: Starting this new year, I want to make sure that I only wear the most flattering pieces. How do I know which styles will work best for my body type?

Answer: Well, you are not alone! As someone with a “pear shape” (storing fat below my waistline, on my hips, thighs, and bottoms, as opposed to on my stomach and mid-section), I can tell you that I understand how challenging it can be to find the perfect pieces. First off, you must realistically assess your size and shape. Whether you are a pear shape or more of an “apple shape” (with a wide torso, including a full bust, waist and upper back, in which you store your body fat around the midsection of your body, such as your stomach, abdomen and chest), know what you are working with! A makeup artist wouldn’t just recommend any ‘ol color for you to wear on your lips or eyes, right? Course not. It would be based on several factors, like your lip shape, the tone of your skin, the shape of your eyes, etc.

So when it comes to your body, don’t just throw anything on just because you might like how, say, pop star Rihanna may wear it!

Take mental notes when you watch fashion television, such as: What Not to Wear, How Do I Look?, Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, Peter Perfect, The Rachel Zoe Project, and Project Runway.

Be sure to also check out Jennifer’s “Dress Your Shape” article, in which she sheds light on other types of bodies, such as the “hourglass shape,” the “triangular shape,” and the “boyish shape.”

~ Elana

Check out our About page to personally contact one of our Beauty Chatters!

Photo Credit: Home Party Solution and Virtual Typing Services

The case will always rest, exercise is good for you. I know, big shocker! Even simple exercises such as walking or jogging can bring you a step (no pun intended) closer to becoming a healthier, new you.

It has been proven several times over that those who exercise regularly tend to live longer, but why? I think we need to examine the effects of lack of exercise and what it does to the body. I know I am experiencing these symptoms myself: increase in weight, fatigue, loss of flexibility, increase in laziness, inability to do simple tasks, decrease in self-esteem, knee pain, lack of mobility, increase in risk of injuries, and depression.

In essence, lack of exercise is a probable cause of the never-ending “tired” look we all have developed some time in our lives. You all know what I’m talking about- dark circles under the eyes, paleness in the face, and bloodshot eyes; in other words, you aren’t alert and living to your full potential.

If you have been slacking in the physical activity department, it’s not too late for you. It is time for you to get back on track to looking and feeling gorgeous again!

So, what is the answer to rehabilitating the body post lack-of-exercise syndrome? Get back into it. Even though it may be difficult getting back into a regular exercise routine, you may notice a change in your body after just a couple weeks of regular physical activity.

You can have a healthy diet, yet your body still needs some type of physical activity. Why? We are boosting the working demands of the muscles when we exercise. When our bodies are doing physical movement the muscles are working like electrical motors; they take in a source of energy and store it for later use. The stored energy is used throughout your day, which is why most experts suggest exercising at the start of your day. Also, exercising increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs; your blood vessels will widen and deliver more oxygen to your muscles, thus carrying away waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Your body then releases endorphins, a natural painkiller to low self-esteem. When you exercise, your body actually starts to do its job. Amazing, huh?

Since your body is finally working, exercise promotes these positive aspects:

• Reduction in health risks such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
• Safeguarding of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and chronic muscle pain.
• Maintenance of weight; with a healthy diet and exercise plan you can lose weight. Fad diets are tempting, but you usually gain back the weight you lost. Exercise, plus healthy eating habits, helps you actually keep it off.
• Activates your immune system warding off viral illnesses.
• Strengthens your heart, improving blood flow to the rest of your body.
• Boosts your mood and promotes relaxation; helping to ward off depression symptoms
• And need I say more? Exercise is good!

We all know that a regular exercise program is good for us, but people often ignore its importance. Even a person who never smokes or drinks and has a healthy diet still needs to break a good sweat every once and a while. 

So, if you want to look and feel your best, it is time to get out and get your muscles moving. No matter your lifestyle, even if you say you are too busy to exercise, it is always possible to fit physical activity into your everyday lifestyle.

Photo Credit: Women’s Diet and Fitness and Glamour

A new year is just around the corner. At the start of the New Year, I always find myself saying, “This year is going to be different,” and I set the infamous New Year’s Resolution of losing weight.  Do I ever stick by it? Of course not! Who does? But this New Year I really want to try. So, since I know most of you would like to know the secrets of sticking by your resolutions and/or 2009 goals, here are some ideas that may help.

As every year turns around the corner, the top New Year’s Resolutions are generally the same: quit smoking, get out of debt, find a new job, and my personal favorite, get into shape and lose weight .

Whether you would like to lose weight or just span out into a healthier new you for 2009, here are some tips that might help you actually stick to your healthy resolutions.

1. Keep the thought on your mind all the time: Write your goal down and keep it in a place where you will be forced to look at it several times a day, such as at your desk at work, on your dashboard in your car, on your mirror in the bathroom, or on your forehead; wherever works best for you. It has been psychologically proven that if you are more conscious of your goals you are more than likely to accomplish them. 

2. Baby steps: Make it your goal to incorporate a new healthy habit once a week; such as cutting out caffeine or eating fewer carbohydrates. A small goal every week will keep you more conscious of your bad habits.

3. Downsize your grocery list: Take temptation out of your home- stop stocking junk food in your pantry! Oftentimes we reach out to this type of food when we are bored; if it’s there, we will eat it. I only buy the necessities when I go grocery shopping. Besides, why do you need so much food, who are all those people you are feeding?

4. Find a like-minded spirit: Recruit a buddy that will hound you about your goals and check in on you; the best person for this job is someone who will be around you a lot, most likely a co-worker or someone that lives in your home. Give them permission to bug you as much as necessary.

5. Get your beauty rest: Make it your goal to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. It has been proven that sleep deprived people weigh more than the sleep assured.

Remember that living a healthier lifestyle is all about your mindset; start to think healthy and you will have a higher chance of becoming healthier.

Start off 2009 right and have a healthy New Year!

What is your New Year’s resolution? And how do you plan to stick by it?

Photo Credit: Reader’s Digest and HubPages.com