Friday, August 23, 2019

Skin care regimen to get rid of acne or pimples

Acne/Pimples is a common skin problem that occurs either as teenage acne or adult acne. First find out if you have a Non-Hormonal Acne or Hormonal Acne.
Non-Hormonal Acne:- 
# Non hormonal acnes are very superficial.
# Typically caused due to stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, poor skin hygiene and/or unhealthy food habits.
Hormonal Acne:-
# Hormonal acnes are usually formed around the T-Zone, around the mouth and chin which are caused due to hormonal issues
# They are usually cystic acnes and roots from deep under the skin and does hurt around the bump.
# Hormonal acnes are very stubborn and usually doesn't go away easily although you follow basic skin hygiene.
# To treat hormonal acne we have to to follow the regimen below and in addition do yoga to bring the imbalance to normal. Also be patient and let it take it's course.
# Don't prick it or apply too much of anti-acne cremes coz it will cause severe pits and scars on skin that won't go away.

I would like to share some of my personal experience. I never had a whole lot of teenage acne however I had a major breakout of adult acne in my late 30s and I went to 2 different dermatologists who gave a huge list of face wash, after wash anti-acne pledgets, night crème, sun screen and face crème. In addition some dermatologists who at times act as glorified medical sales rep try to put us on oral medication for acne, please don't fall for it. Trust me by experience I can tell we can try all chemicals on the face but it doesn't work for most of them. After sincerely trying all the options given by dermatologists for 3 months I gave up as my acne didn't reduce and started having intense scars. Then I started searching for home remedies online and found lot of information. I tested and tried few recommendations online and  then realized we can cure hormonal acne by doing the following
* BLOOD WORK
Go to labs like Anylabtest and do a detailed blood work to test food allergy and check vitamin and mineral levels.
200 Food panel test - To find what all food we are allergic to. Then avoid those foods for 6 months.


Micro Nutrients test - To find which vitamins and minerals we are deficient of.


Supplement those vitamins and minerals with nuts and plant based multivitamins. I also took MagWell magnesium+Zinc supplements.


* 7 day Detox Cleanse - to clean colon and stomach of all toxins and residue


* DONATE BLOOD -3 times giving 5 months interval between each donation. This will rejuvenate the whole blood and while new blood is replaced eat healthy.

In addition to above 3, follow these simple regimen below religiously without missing a day and you will be able to get rid of acne:-
SLEEP: Good night quality sleep is very important to keep us hale and healthy.
STAY COOL: If you feel you are stressed, take a deep breath few times and consciously tell yourself to relax.

WATER AND DETOX JUICEAvoid oily food for the most part and drink about 80 to 100oz bottles of water every day, one bottle in empty stomach in the morning, 2 bottles during the day and one bottle in the evening.


SNACK: Every day snack on a hand full of  organic Almonds and Raisins (Optional cashews), the anti-oxidants in both these healthy snacks are good for your skin.



FACE WASH:- Natural- Mix 1/2 spoon Avarampoo Chooranam and 1/2 spoon Kasturi Manjal in bowl with lil water and use this as a scrub to wash your face both mornings and evenings everyday.
Neutrogena Anti-acne face wash works great 



FACE MASK: Occasionally once or twice each week you can apply Aloe Vera gel after face wash and let it stay for 20 minutes and wash. It will clear all the pores and dirt in the skin, also will calm down any new pimples from popping up.
FACE MOISTURIZER: - Neutrogena Turmeric gel face moisturizer works great.
OIL MASSAGE:- Occasionally like once in 3 weeks wash your face with water and pat dry with a clean towel. Then apply Organic almond oil (Optional can add 1 drop of Sandalwood oil to the mix ) and massage your face. Let it stay for 15 to 20 minutes on your skin and wash.

Following this regimen sincerely for 3 to 4 month stopped new acne breakouts and I could get rid of scars eventually. This has become second nature to me and I continue it everyday now. Skin will rejuvenate in the process and look lot more clear and shiny.
We can order Almond Oil, Sandal wood Oil,Avarampoo Chooranam and Kasturo Manjal online in Amazon. After face wash I use face moisturizer and sandalwood face powder when I go out. Hope this works for you.
 

Thursday, August 22, 2019

LAS VEGAS shows and activities


Las Vegas is fun place to visit and great to see all the magnificent hotels with extraordinary interior decorations and architecture. Here is a quick sneak peek into activities,shows, hotels and things to do in Vegas.

LAS VEGAS
WALKING THE STRIP
Some must see hotels and casino interiors
# Luxor pyramids
# Bellagio water fountain and flower conservatory
# Venetian streetmosphere
# Stratosphere observation deck
# Mirage exterior volcano show
# Circus Circus freestyle shows
DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS
# Fremont street experience
BARS TO STOP BY
Even if you don't drink these bars are good to stop by as  it is one of it's kind. You will love the ambience and the food here. I am sure they have great drinks too.
# Sky lounge and Nerd bar @ Stratosphere Floor 107
# Chandelier bar @ Cosmopolitan
# Sky Fall-The Roof Top bar @ Delano
IN VOGUE NIGHTCLUBS
We may have to reserve/book to get in. Not all clubs are open all days, we have to check and see. It all depends on DJs and their schedule through the week. Hotel guest have free acess to nigh clubs and you can reserve a pass a Conceirge desk.
INTRIGUE @ Wynn
1 OAK @ Mirage
HYDE @ Bellagio
JEWEL @ Aria
HAKKASAN @ MGM Grand

SHOWS
We have seen both the shows below and it's definitely worth the time.
# Cirque du soleil- KA (This was good)
# Cirque du soleil-Mystere (This was okay)
Few other  shows in our wish list that we are yet to see but has rave reviews
# Le Reve @ Wynn
# Cirque du soleil-Michael Jackson ONE live
# Cirque du soleil-O (Water acrobatics)

ADVENTURE RIDES
This has been in my bucket list for a while now, may be will get to do some of it this time I guess.
# Sky jump, X-Scream and Insanity the Ride @ Stratosphere
# Slotzilla Zipline @ Downtown Las Vegas

RESTAURANTS TO TRY
# Rainforest Café
# Eifel Tower restaurant
# Cabo Wabo Cantina Opp to Bellagio

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!
ALL THE ACTION HERE, GET GEARED UP!!! :)

Friday, August 16, 2019

Planning a trip to Hawaii

ALOHA! Planning a trip to Hawaii is very exciting once you figure out the islands you want to visit, until then it might seem a lil overwhelming. One thing to remember is you will never go wrong irrespective of the islands you pick, all 4 islands (Maui, Big Island, Kauai and Oahu) are beautiful in its own way.
Remember Hawaii is beautiful in pockets, so you must drive around the island to find those spots. I had a  moment of disappointment when I landed in Hawaii as the airport is pretty basic like a normal bus stand in India :). The surroundings around the airport was looking like a village in India with chickens and roosters running around. I was wondering if this is what Hawaii is all about and why the hype? So be prepared to see some normal landscapes that doesn't look anything like the pictures you see online BUT look forward to driving to those beautiful spots which are hidden around the island and that makes your trip worthwhile.

Some common questions I had while planning for Hawaii trip are below:-
# What is the best time of the year to plan a trip to Hawaii?
Check this website https://santorinidave.com/best-time-to-visit-hawaii
# How many islands to visit? If we decide on visiting 2 islands then which of the 2 among the 4 islands should we pick?
I would recommed doing a multi-pack Costco travel package covering 2 islands. Roughly 3 to 4 nights in each island. One of our friend recommended renting a Jeep instead of car and that was good as we could enjoy the scenic view much better during the drive.
# What are top attractions in each island?
Talk to fiends who have already been to Hawaii. Also I would highly recommend Google search top attractions in each island and see what activities aligns with your line of interest. However down below I have shared my itinerary so you can get an idea.
# What activities to do in each island?
Some activities I would recommend are as follows:-
* HELICOPTER RIDE It's lil pricy but totally worth every buck-so don't miss it. We went with Blue Hawaiian Company for the ride in Big Island Waikoloa--Kohala Coast Adventure and it was the best ride ever!
* SNORKELING OR SUBMARINE RIDE Hawaii doesn't have great corals so it's a good activity to do but wouldn't give great rating for that, but kids liked it though.
* LUAU HULA DANCE SHOW-Luau is traditional Hawaiian feast and Hula is a Polynesian dance show. All islands have few hotels that have Luau with Hula dance performances, we can book it online and show up. Dinner buffet is included along with the dance show within the package.
* SCENIC DRIVE to some popular valleys, falls and beaches are some activities you shouldn't miss out. You should have a good plan for each day activities as drive from one scenic spot to another might take 2+ hours sometimes and use maps to plan your itinerary ahead.
* FOOD- Loco Moco, Sea food and Malasadas DON'T MISS OUT on these authentic Hawaiian dishes.
Loco Moco is very authentic Hawaiian food and they have chicken flavor too along with other red meat options, it is topped with half done eggs and you can choose to go with well done eggs.
Hawaii is one of the best place for Sea food restaurants and shacks. Fish fillets,Calamari and Crab cakes were just awesome!
Dessert Malasada is a Portuguese confection-think of  it like a stuffed Donut. They have Coconut and Mango stuffed malasadas along with other traditional flavors. It was simply delicious!

Here is our trip Itinerary for reference:-
We visited Maui and Big island and loved it.
# Day 1 Flew to Maui, reached the hotel and walked around trials near hotel and took a dip in the beach.
# Day 2 Atlantis Submarine ride near Lahaina 30 minutes from hotel. Enjoyed one of best Seafood in one of shacks near the piers. Don't miss out if you are Seafood lover!
# Day 3 Road to Hana is 2 1/2 drive from Kapalua villas and we have several locations to stop in between like Twin Falls, Bamboo Gardens and Garden of Eden at different mile markers. Some folks stay back in Hana but we headed back to our resort the same day.
# Day 4 Relaxed at Kapalua villa resort beach, had plans to go to Haleakala national park for sunrise but we couldn't wake so skipped it.
# Day 5 Flew to Big island and in the evening we went to Luau Hula dance Show at Royal Kona resort. We stayed at Royal Kona resort but the room wasn't great so wouldn't recommend that place.
# Day 6 Helicopter ride at Waikoloa--Kohala Coast Adventure with Blue Hawaiian Company, then drove to Polulu Valley for Hiking and enjoyed the evening at a beach near by.
# Day 7 Drove to Akaka Falls and we stopped at different spots en route to the falls. If you have time they have good Zipline trails near by too.
# Day 8 Drove to Volcano National  Park to see Lava craters. However for us it was a super misty day and we couldn't see the Crater as it was very cloudy but the restaurants inside the park were simply amazing with really good unique food, so relaxed and enjoyed the evening inside the park.

MAUI HAWAII 2019
Maui has 2 major attractions one is the drive called " ROAD to HANA" and the other attraction is watching the early morning sunrise at " Kipahulu at Haleakala National Park". One other activity we did was Submarine ride. ROAD to HANA is  2 1/2 drive from Kapalua Villas and we have several locations to stop in between like Twin Falls, Bamboo Gardens hike to waterfalls and Garden of Eden.

HOTEL: We stayed at Kapalua villas Lahaina which was recommended by one of my buddy and it was a paradise. Villa had a great living room with beach view and kitchen was fully equipped for cooking.
You can spend a day just in this hotel as they have great walking trails with scenic view and beach attached to the resort.
https://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaii/maui/the-kapalua-villas

BIG ISLAND HAWAII 2019
Big Island has lot of attaractions, we loved the following places Akaka Falls, Polulu Valley Lookout, Waikoloa--Kohala Coast Adventure Helicopter ride and Volcano National Park.

 
MAUI Kapalua Villas



















MAUI Kapalua Villas Beach
























MAUI Scenic View en route to Road to Hana
















BIG ISLAND en route to Akaka Falls

















BIG ISLAND Akaka Falls
   






















BIG ISLAND Polulu Valley Lookout



















BIG ISLAND Helicopter Ride around Waikoloa Valley



HAWAIIAN FOOD Loco Moco Chicken, Crabcakes, Fish fillet and Malasada dessert




HAWAIIAN HULA Dance



Enjoy your trip to Hawaii! MAHALO!