CARNAVAL is around the corner!

Very soon, officially in February 2nd, all over the world will start celebrating the Carnaval.

It's Summer down the Equator - so it is in Brazil - the country where Carnaval is known as its best. The action has already began in many places throughout the country.

A frequent question is the actual date of the Carnaval. The answer is not simple but such a popular party has its calendar calculated until, who knows, 2050!

Carnaval date

The calculation is based on the Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday - 46 days prior Easter Sunday is the Ash Wednesday and 4 days prior (or 50 days prior Easter) is the beginning of the Carnaval.

In this case, the Carnaval in 2008 happens in Feb 2-5, in 2009 in Feb 21-24, in 2010 Feb 13-16, and in 2011 in Mar 5-8.

Calculation on the side, with so many parties, it's essential to hydrate well and to rest (when you can).

Enjoy it, be good and be healthy!

Vanessa

Beauty Salons in the Bay Area - SF

Orchid is a beauty salon located in San Francisco, at Geary Street - it has a fun, positive environment, and a knowledgeable staff.

This Brazilian salon offers various hair treatments, waxing, including the Brazilian bikini waxing - manicure, pedicure, massage, facial, among other treatments.

The owner of this charming spot is Marisa - she is a beautiful blond woman from the Southern of Brazil - looking at her you wonder how mixed Brazilian culture is - she probably is a German or Italian descendant.

I did my hair and spoke with Marisa about cosmetics, treatments and options in the skincare. She specializes in natural treatments and showed me a wide experience with various treatments.

I'll certainly be back!

Be good and be healthy.

Vanessa

Moisturizers to Prevent Skin Aging

Moisturizers are complex mixtures of agents developed to make the epidermis (external layers of the skin) more elastic, by increasing its hydration. They can be oil-water or water-oil emulsions.


The way the skin is hydrated is by:

1. building a film on the skin - locking the water in and to not evaporate or
2. using low-molecular weight substances avid for water molecules – that absorb the water surrounding the skin and keep it hydrated.

Examples of such substances are naturally occurring skin lipids, natural oils, glycerin, PCA-Na, lanolin, petrolatum, urea, lactic acid, and sorbitol. Many other substances can be added to the basic formula with a positive influence on the skin, such as antioxidants, sunscreens, etc.

The challenge is to hydrate the skin without giving the oily looks and without clogging the pores. There is a formula for each part (face, feet, hands, legs, etc) and case (normal, dry, oily skin) as well a combination of each.

Moisturizers are important to the health of the skin, helping it to keep its elasticity, repairing and protecting from environmental aggressions, and ultimately preventing it from premature aging.

Be healthy and be good.

Vanessa

Seize the day

Happy New Year!

Time to have a fresh new start and to keep the New Year's resolution in action. Let's eat right, work-out and keep a good attitude.

Be healthy and be good.

Vanessa