ALL ABOUT AQUAZZURA!!!

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HOW TO EAT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Close your eyes and imagine a place several thousand miles away where millions of people eat happily(i do that all the time, and Yes i love food),day in and day out,while maintaining a healthy weight. Plates are loaded with fresh,colorful,beautiful food. "Carb" is not a dirty word,olive oil flows liberally, and wine glasses clink. Meals are a time to celebrate and connect,not count calories. Welcome to the Mediterranean diet.

SO WHY IS EVERYONE TALKING ABOUT THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET RIGHT NOW?
People are excited because of an important recent study,conducted in Spain,that showed stunning results.
Researchers put two groups on a Mediterranean diet high in either olive oil or nuts. And get this:both groups had about 30 percent lower risk of heart attacks,strokes,and death from heart diseases than a third group that had eaten a reduced fat diet. "Although you can lose weight successfully on a Mediterranean diet,this study showed that you don't have to lose a pound to experience the significant health benefits," says Holly Andersen, .MD, a cardiologist and director of education at the Roland O. Perelman Heart Institute, in New York City.
It's clear we should all be eating nuts and olive oil. But the Mediterranean diet is more than a menu plan. In fact,says dietitian Connie Diekman, author of everything Mediterranean diet book, "It's not a diet at all, at least in our sense of the word". It's really a life style,an attitude that celebrates the power of great fresh food as well as a relaxed time at the table with friends and loved ones. It's not about fast food,eating on the run-or deprivation.
Other research has shown that this way of eating also helps reduce the risk of cancer,diabetes,and cognitive decline. As Dr. Andersen says, "it's about living longer with less disease,and isn't a long,healthy,happy life what we all hope for?"

7 STEPS TO EATING SMARTER

There's really no single ,magic Mediterranean diet. From Greece to Spain,Italy to Israel, each region and country has its own special blend of ethnic and cultural cuisine. What they all have in common are meals loaded with fresh produce,beans,whole grains,nuts, and olive oil,plus some fish,cheese,yogurt,poultry, and eggs. Oh, and did i mention a glass of wine with dinner? Cheers to that!
1. Vegetables are the centrepiece.
It's very much a plant based diet. We tend to show case a big piece of meat on the plate surrounded by just a few veggies or none at all. A Mediterranean plate reverses that,so it's full of vegetables with a small amount of meat.
2. It's all about whole foods.
Not many meals should come out of a cardboard box or a plastic bag. Mediterranean eating emphasizes whole grains,legumes ,nuts and seeds.
3. How you shop is important.
Just because you don't have time to visit the market each morning doesn't mean you can't find fresh food. Plan meals and take a list when going for your groceries,don't go when you are hungry and avoid aisles filled with salty snacks,sugar baked goods,and sodas.
4. Portions don't come in super size.
Our idea of Mediterranean dining too often means pile of pasta drenched in creamy sauce with lots of bread. But a typical serving size of pasta in Italy is just like 1/2 cup(the size of your fist) served with just a bit of sauce.
5. Fat can be your friend.
Perhaps the single biggest thread that ties various Mediterranean diets together is the liberal use of fatty fish amid healthy plant-based oils from nuts and especially olives.(butter and other animal fats are used sparingly, if at all). Embracing those good fats maybe key to the many health benefits of Mediterranean eating. For one,fat helps you feel fuller longer,so you're less likely to over eat. In addition,studies have shown that healthy fats play an important role in heart health.
6. Focus on meals not grazing.
Almost no one in the Mediterranean eats while working down the streets except for children eating ice-cream. We have become so conditioned to finding food on every corner that we have turned into a nation of constant snackers. One way to curb mindless munching? Don't let yourself get too hungry before sitting down to eat. That may mean you need to eat a little more at each meal,but you'll be less likely to snack on unhealthy stuff in between.
7. A glass of wine? No problem!
The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing grapes,so it's no surprise that wine is frequently served with lunch or dinner. But that means drinking one glass(2 for men),not the whole bottle.
"Several studies show that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,but more than a glass a day can also raise your risk of breast cancer." You have to know your family history. Although many studies have focused on the benefits of red wine (which has higher level of certain heart-healthy phytochemicals ),the Mediterranean diet includes both red and white wine.

Look what we found...

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Shoe battles: Alexander Mcqueen vs. Versace

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FIRST PHOTO OF ROYAL BABY REVEALED

The duke and Dchess of Cambridge presented the prince of Cambridge on July 23,just one day after Kate gave birth.

The whole world has been anxious to see Kate Middleton and Prince William's baby for nine months,and the time has finally come! As royal sources announced prior to the baby's birth,Kate and William revealed their baby to the world on the steps of St. Mary's hospital,as thousands of spectators and photographers looked on,excited to catch a glimpse of the baby. William and Kate looked happier than ever to finally be parents to the little one!

Even the adorable new baby reached his hand out to give a royal wave!

After they leave the hospital, "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to kensington palace," says an official statement from kensington palace.

The prince's gender,weight and time of birth were revealed on a wood and gold easel just inside the gates of Buckingham palace as soon as he was born.

Kate looks great by the way!

5 THINGS TO OBSERVE BEFORE SLEEPING

1- DON'T SLEEP WITH WATCHES.
      Watches can emit a certain level of radioactivity.      Though small, but if you wear your watch to bed for a long time, it mighty have adverse effects on your health.

2- DON'T SLEEP WITH YOUR BRA ON.
      Scientists in America have discovered those that wear bras for more than 12hours have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. So go to bed without it!

3- DON'T SLEEP WITH YOUR PHONE.
      Putting your phone beside your bed or anywhere near you is not encouraged. Though some of us will use phones as alarm clocks, but please put the phone as far as possible. Scientists have proven that electrical items including mobile phones and television set emit  magnetic waves when used. These waves van cause disruptions to our nervous system. Therefore if you need to put your mobile phone near you, switch it off first.

4- DON'T SLEEP WITH MAKEUP ON.
      People who sleep with makeup might have skin problems in the long run. Sleeping with makeup will cause the skin to have difficulty in breathing and problem in perspiring. You will also need a much longer time to go into deep sleep.

   Lastly and most importantly,

5- DON'T SLEEP WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S WIFE/HUSBAND.
      What goes around comes around.

GET FIT ON VACATIONS

HOTEL ROOM WORKOUTS
don't let a vay-k get in the way of gym time

We all love vacations,business trips, and weekend getaways...they mean lots of travel and lots of hotels.The exotic locations and crazy schedules can mean your gym time is cut short, but that doesn't have to equal added inches on your waistline. Try out these simple tips for a healthier hotel stay.

Find a hotel that has a gym: Best western, Hilton,and Weston all have workout rooms available for their guests. Treadmills  + free weights + cardiac machines = perfection!

Pack a "gym in a bag": this should include a jump rope,two soup cans(to act as free weights!), a resistance band, workout clothes,yoga mat,and a workout DVD.
This will make working out more accessible,and melt away excuses to stay sedentary!

Quick Circuits: Be willing to pare down your normal workout routine by completing some quick circuits instead. Try 15 jumping jacks, 15 pushes, 15 burpees , and run in place for 60 seconds. Do this four times, and watch your heart rate skyrocket!

Focus on "active living": when travelling for business or pleasure,its important to remember that gym time doesn't have to be the only "active time". Take the stairs,walk or bike everywhere, or focus your vacations on physically challenging activities- how sexy does beach kayaking at sunset sound? Exactly!

NORTH WEST: WAS KIM KARDASHIAN'S BABY DEBUTED ON 'KRIS?'

The kardashian matriarch  premiered her talk show 'Kris', on fox yesterday Monday July 15,but she hinted at her surprise guest of honor in an instagram pic! Do you think that's baby North West?

Kris Jenner has hinted that her new day time talk show 'Kris' would be full of surprises - mainly that Kim kardashian and Kanye west's daughter North West could ,make an appearance on  her show! And before her show premiered , she revealed a new pic on instagram that could be of baby North!

Shortly before Kris' talk show,she took to her official show's instagram account to reveal a new pic! Kris is shown holding a baby wrapped in a pink blanket and captioned the pic:

                 "You never know who will stop by our
                   Show today! #watchkris

Although she hasn't confirmed or denied if it's baby North in the photo,it looks like it could be and is letting everyone know to watch the show for the world debut of Kim and Kanye's baby! Ofcourse she could also be teasing all of us.

Kim and Kanye had reportedly been arguing over the first photos of their baby  girl,and a source told Hollywoodlife exclusively that Kanye isn't thrilled with the idea of his baby being for sale.

So what do we think,could that be baby North?

HALLE BERRY IS OFFICIALLY OFF THE MARKET A THIRD TIME!

It's official, Halle Berry,46,  is off the market. The mom to be tied the knots with fiance Olivier martinez ,47, on July 13 in vallery ,France in a small,intimate ceremony. The couple who got engaged in march of 2012 had an intimate wedding at the chateau ,where guests where seen entering a white tent set up close to the property's on-site church,according to PEOPLE.

The ceremony just what Halle  wanted. In an interview,Halle revealed that she could never want a huge wedding. "I do know it will be very small," she told instyle ."i haven't been to many weddings,but i went to one this weekend with 250 guests. I thought, Wow - so this is a wedding huh? I've never had that or ever wanted that. I wasn't even trying to catch the bouquet!"

Halle and Oliver are getting married just in time before the arrival of their baby into the world! The couple announced in April that they were expecting their first child together,a son. It will be Halle's second child after giving birth to her daughter, Nahla, in 2008. What a beautiful happy family they are going to be!

This is Halle's third time tying the knot - she was previously married to David Justice in 1993 and Eric Benet in 2001 - and is Olivier's first.

Congrats to the newly weds.

CORY MONTEITH:'GLEE' STAR FOUND DEAD IN VANCOUVER HOTEL AT AGE 31

Cory left fans heartbroken after his body was discovered on July 13,following a night out with friends.
Cory  monteith,31, was best known for playing Finn Hudson on Glee since 2009.

"We are so saddened to confirm that the reports on the death of cory monteith are accurate",his rep said in a statement. "We are in shock and mourning this tragic loss."

The cause of death was not immediately available and an autopsy is set for Monday,PEOPLE reports.

Cory monteith was seen hanging out with buddies on Friday,July 12. "There were others with Mr.monteith in his room earlier Friday night,but a video and fob key entries showed him returning to his room by himself in the early morning hours and we believe he was alone when he died. When he missed his checkout time,staff went to the room at noon and found his body",acting police chief Doug lepard said.

Cory had struggled with sobriety during his career,most recently leaving rehab in April of this year.

FIGHT THAT BLOAT!

No need to run for cover or return all your sexy clothes in favour of a muu muu. Here's a go-to list of anti-bloat foods that will have you looking and feeling your best. So grab your shopping list and keep that sunscreen  handy,because these foods will transport you straight from bloat city to uptown babe.

BANANA
the potassium rich fruit counteracts water retention from high sodium foods. It's a perfect grab and go snack !

YOGURT
active cultures add good bacteria to your gut,which means better digestion and less bloat!

ASPARAGUS
these stalks have diuretic properties that help flush excess fluid from your body. Try them with a splash of lemon juice!

CUCUMBER
cukes are loaded with water,which is key to reducing bloat.

ALMONDS
this protein-packed snacks will keep you full while keeping your stomach flat!

PAPAYA
the colorful fruit contains an enzyme that helps your body break down food more easily.

TIPS FOR PACKING LIGHT..

VAY -K PACKING 101

We have all been there. Arriving at the ticket counter with a bag we can barely lift onto the scale praying to the fashion gods that it is under the weight limit. To our dismay,and that of the ever growing line behind us,we usually end up frantically stuffing items from suitcase to carry-on in an attempt to avoid baggage fees.

With different outfits needed for the beach,sight seeing,hangouts with friends and dinners(both fancy and casual),packing light is harder than Gbenro Ajibade's abs! Fret no more,i have got expert tips for Vay-k packing. Remember, "you never end up wearing everything you pack,so don't panic about leaving something behind."

PACKING TIPS:
1. Pick one shoe color(blacks or browns/tans ) and stick with it. You only need one heel and one flat.

2. Always pack a chambray shirt. It can be worn as a top,as a jacket,as layering under dresses,and as a swimsuit cover up.

3. Pack your jewelry inside the clutch you are taking to save room,and stuff your girlie  bits inside your shoes.

4. Pull out everything you want to take and then cut them in half. Your goal should always be to fit everything into one carry-on and one large tote(with some space for shopping!).

DRESSES TO THE MAX?

Maxi  dresses are a must have for every lady especially this season. While minidresses and skirts are flirty  and fun, they can also be totally dangerous! Yup , one gust of wind and you will be showing off more than those taut and toned legs of yours.

While a flirt flash might catch the eye of the guy you've been oogling  over, it's probably not the best way to reel him in tush ,hine ,and  stinker.(OK that was a corny joke. Butt i digress....OK, seriously). There is some way to look sexy, sultry, and sweet all at the same time, and that's with a fabulous maxi dress!

Long, flowing maxi dresses are an absolute summer staple. Throw one on with sandals to go shopping, over your swimsuit for a beach trip, or add wedges for a sunset dinner. The possibilities are rear end-less(sorry had a relapse).

Maxi dresses are the long looks to love this season.

KERRY WASHINGTON WEDS NFL STAR OF NIGERIAN DESCENT NNAMDI ASOMUGHA.

We are definitely surprised!
Kerry Washington reportedly wed her boyfriend of nearly a year on June 24. Congratulations!

Kerry Washington married san Francisco 49ers cornerback Nnamdi  Asomugha who is of Igbo -Nigerian descent on June 24 in Blaine  county,Idaho.
Kerry,36, and Nnamdi ,31,are not a high profile couple,but they've been dating since last summer.

This is the first marriage for Kerry,who's now the hottest woman on television. She keeps her private life guarded which is why the June 24 wedding came as a huge surprise. However,thanks to her breakout roles in ABC's scandal and Django Unchained , she'll  likely find it more difficult to keep her private life hidden as she moves forward.

Nnamdi  on the otherhand, apart from being a ball player,has also done a bit of acting,having recently starred in The Game, Friday Night Lights and Leverage.

Congratulations to the happy couple!