The Best Nails for the Season

November 16th, 2013 • Posted by Tips In Toga • Permalink

When the cooler temperatures signify that autumn and winter are upon us, it also means that new nail polish colors are here to take over. Gone with the hot weather are the bright neons and cotton candy pastels, and in with the colder weather are the bold, the dramatics, the neutrals, and even the darks. Be sure to visit us and get your nails polish colors updated.

We have all of the latest collections and favorite nail polish brands that you can easily transition from the summer season to the fall/winter season with. For the fall and winter seasons, the colors that are all the rage are: forest and hunter greens, deeper reds along with burgundy, subtle mauves, and neutrals such as dark grey, taupe, and light tan. These colors not only complement mostly all skin tones, but will also keep you up to trend. Our nail expert can even offer tips on which exact shades complement you best.

Of course, it is a must to incorporate some holiday season hues into your nail wardrobe mix. Whether the nail polish shade is a stocking colored red, a Christmas tree green, or a sparkly translucent snow color, these shades will not only brighten your overall look, but also bring some extra holiday cheer wherever you go. Want to be adventurous? Ask our nail expert to mix a couple of shades together, whether painting every other nail a different pair of colors, or painting a standalone nail on each hand a distinctly different color. If you have the patience, ask for holiday inspired designs to keep up with the festive theme.

Colder weather often means drier conditions associated with cracking, splitting, and brittle nails. During your manicure, our nail expert will buff away any sign of damage on your nails and do away with any dryness especially around your cuticles and nail beds. If your nails are particularly brittle, base coats that include nail strengtheners are always an option.

The cooler weather of fall and winter is often a welcome relief from the summer heat and also provides a great time to visit us for a new nail wardrobe fix! Contact us and schedule your appointment today.

The Power of Pumpkin

November 6th, 2013 • Posted by Tips In Toga • Permalink

Pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin bread, pumpkin beer -- it is the time of year when several foods (and drinks) turn orange in favor of this seasonal, superfood squash. What is a superfood? It is a food that has a significantly higher nutritional value than most others. This gifted gourd provides several powerful health benefits. Here are some reasons why pumpkin is considered a superfood:

• The bright orange color in pumpkin is due to the carotenoids it contains. Carotenoid consumption aids in lowering cholesterol, improving vision, helping the immune system, preventing cancer and premature aging.

• Pumpkins are full of fiber. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar, decreases cholesterol, promotes healthy digestion, aids in weight loss and protects against heart disease.

• There are high portions of potassium in the pumpkin. Potassium is needed for muscle contraction, maintaining fluid balance, and normal blood pressure.

• High sources of vitamin C and vitamin E are found in pumpkin. These vitamins lower blood pressure, while supporting healthy vision and fostering a strong immune system.

• Pumpkin is a low glycemic index food, which aids in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Not only is the pumpkin pulp good for you, but the seeds inside the pumpkin also nest numerous nutritional values. Here are a few of the many benefits of pumpkin seeds:

1. Zinc -- plays an important role in the immune system.
2. L-tryptophan -- converts to serotonin, which improves mood and helps against depression.
3. Phytosterol -- helps to lower cholesterol, boost immune response and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
4. Magnesium -- is important for energy, healthy bones and strong nervous and cardiovascular systems.

As the season for pumpkin approaches, it may be worth stocking up on this orange beauty. This is one food that is power-packed with nutrients. It is worth eating all year long.

Foods that Help with Healthy Blood Flow

October 17th, 2013 • Posted by Tips In Toga • Permalink

Poor circulation can lead to a variety of health problems including high cholesterol, weak joints and stiff muscles. If you're battling poor circulation there are a few things you can do to get your blood pumping once again. Exercise and eat healthy. Here is a list of certain foods are good for your circulation too. Check it out.

Orange or Grapefruit

Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which act as a natural blood thinner. Kiwis and strawberries are a good option too.

Garlic and Onions

They might not be great for your breath, but they're good for your circulation. These pungent foods can prevent build up in your arteries and keep your heart pumping blood at a normal rate.

Spices and Herbs

Don't be afraid to cook with spices and herbs. Spicy options like chili powder will benefit your blood flow.

Dark Chocolate

Go ahead -- indulge in a little chocolate treat. Cocoa contains flavonoids, which studies have shown improves circulation.

Ginkgo Biloba

It's a funny name but this supplement dilates blood vessels. Ginko comes from a tree, which is native to China. Not only can it help improve circulation, it also has a rich medical history.

Nuts and Seeds

These are a great source of vitamin E, which keep veins open and prevent blood clots. Add almonds, walnuts and sunflower to your grocery list.

Improving your circulation isn't just good for your overall wellbeing, it also has a affect your hair, skin and nails. Blood is responsible for the transportation of oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. So if you have poor circulation, then not enough nutrients will reach your hair, skin and nails. Then hair becomes extra prone to dryness and dandruff. The skin becomes dry, dull and in some cases, even itchy rashes develop. Nails become soft and brittle.

Don't freak out! Instead just grab one of these foods for some extra help.

Creative Nail Color

October 3rd, 2013 • Posted by Tips In Toga • Permalink

If you're headed in to spruce up your nails, you'll want to check out this season's hottest nail trends. While you can't go wrong with a classic French manicure or a coat of red polish, consider one of these new looks.

Nudes

Like makeup trends, the minimalist look is trendy right now. In other words, models and celebrities are wearing barely-there makeup and light nail colors like cream or soft pink. You can still have a bit of color with this trend, but the idea is to go with light hues that look more natural than eye-popping.

Metallics

If you want something bolder than a nude color, add a splash of metallic. A hot trend this year is to have a line of silver or gold that runs through your nail. Pick a color for a base coat and then add the kick of color. Whether it's a gold tipped manicure or a silver streak on your thumb, the metallic color gives your nails a sharper flare.

Purple Shades

The hot color of the season is purple. While the trend tends to lean more towards the lighter shades, darker shades are always great for a change. Consider a mauve or lilac color on your nails. Save the darker purples for your toes.

Have your own idea? No problem. Just let us know what you have in mind and we'll do our best to make it happen. Call to schedule your appointment today.

Fitness Is Both a Physical and Mental Activity

September 18th, 2013 • Posted by Tips In Toga • Permalink

Although the weather is giving us a nice break from the extreme heat, that doesn't mean you should take a break from your workout routine. There are plenty of activities that you can do in the fall to keep physically fit and mentally balanced. If you can't think of anything, take a look at our list of fun fall activities:

1. Golf
   Unlike the intensity of summer, the cooler fall air makes the game of golf more enjoyable. Not only that, but golf is just as much of a physical game as it is a mental one. Even if you're not very good, just hitting a few balls as hard and as far as you can is very cathartic.
   
   
2. Swimming
   Swimming's not just an outdoor summer activity -- it can be an indoor fall one too. There are several indoor public pools you can go to all year long and they're only a Google search away. It doesn't matter whether you want to swim laps or get a rowdy game of Marco Polo going, as long as you're moving, you're doing it right.
   
   
3. Zumba
   Zumba is one of those activities that you do, where you don't feel like you're exercising -- you're partying! It's like one giant dance party, so lace up your sneakers and shake your groove thang. Don't worry about looking like a fool. You'll catch on. Just focus on having fun!
   
   
4. Yoga
   Many people believe yoga is a spiritual practice rather than a means of exercise, but the truth is that it's both a physical and mental workout. Doing stretches and poses in a yoga routine not only burn calories, build muscle, improve circulation, posture and flexibility, but it also can help you relax, quiet your mind and instill a sense of balance.
   
   
5. Meditation
   While many people don't think of mediation as a workout, it's actually an integral part of a good workout routine. Meditation can make your workout routine more effective by teaching you how to be present in the moment. There are many ways to meditate, but if you need a few ideas, check out The Beginners Guide to Mediation by Shape Magazine.

There are a plethora of activities that you can do during the fall and these are only a few. If none of these exercises appeal to you, then consider getting a gym membership or getting involved in a local social sports league. Get creative and find ways to turn everyday tasks into exercises. There's no reason to let the season change put a damper on your workout routine.