Summer is here, so let’s get your body there too!

Are you sick and tired of going on fad diets and unhealthy fasts to make your body fit in your summer suit? Well, here are some healthier tips that can help you shed those excess pounds and KEEP them off!

1.) DRINK WATER!! If you’re not drinking water, you are far more likely to eat more. Why? Because your body knows that it needs something, and that need for water, can be mistaken for a need for food. Plus, drinking more water helps you burn fat by supplying your body with the necessary hydration to burn calories more efficiently. Oh, and please keep it green, by buying a home filtration system (i.e., Brita) and using a reusable travel bottle instead of wasteful water bottles.

2.) EAT BREAKFAST!! If you start your day without a healthy breakfast, you can kiss your helpful metabolism Bye-Bye. How well your metabolism works for you is set at the start of your day, so feed it well and it will help burn fat more efficiently throughout the day. Otherwise, it will yo-yo all day and increase your likelihood to overeat!! I suggest something like steel cut oats, egg whites and fruit to get you going. But as long as it has good carbs and protein, you’re ahead of the gameJ

3.) TAKE YOUR VITAMINS AND DON’T FORGET YOUR VITAMIN D!! Although it appears that more Americans are getting their daily dose of vitamins, there is ONE vitamin deficiency that is becoming an epidemic. The lack of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin produced by exposure to the sun. Yet 40-60% of Americans are severely lacking their minimum requirements. With newly discovered links between vitamin D deficiency and many other diseases (including tuberculosis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, type-1 diabetes, high blood pressure, increased heart failure, muscle myopathy, and links to breast and other types cancers), it is essential that you fulfill your daily Vitamin D requirements. Not only will it help prevent these related diseases but it will also allow your body to free up energy to burn calories more efficiently.

4.) WALK WHENEVER THE OPPORTUNITY ARISES!! Stairs or elevator? Stairs! That parking spot in front or across the lot? Across the lot! Driving around your neighborhood or biking/walking? Bike or Walk!! Simply put, whenever you’re given an opportunity to walk or bike, do it!! Not only will it help the environment, but you will burn extra calories. These extra calories could be the difference between you gaining a pound or losing it!! So get to steppin’!!

5.) GET YOUR ZZZ’s!! According to WebMD, sleep affects your ability to control your appetite. Recent studies have shown that the hormones leptin and ghrelin are influenced by the amount of sleep you get. "When you don't get enough sleep, it drives leptin levels down, which means you don't feel as satisfied after you eat. Lack of sleep also causes ghrelin levels to rise, which means your appetite is stimulated, so you want more food," Breus tells WebMD. So the next time you can’t stop eating, think of how well you rested the night before.

6.) BELIEVE!! As we know life is controlled by our thoughts and when it comes to weight loss, we tend to think about what can’t be done instead of what could. Nonetheless, the best kick start to your weight loss lies in your mind!! If you think positive and visualize where you want to be, you are more likely to stay committed until you reach your goal. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up; just get right back on track!! And before you know it, it’ll be Good Bye pounds, hello beach body!!J

Written by: Celeste Sullivan (Contributing Writer)

The “dynamic duo” of teeth whitening
After looking around online, I found a few special offers where you could try the product by only paying a few dollars for shipping. That allowed me to test two different products–Dazzle White & Smile Brite–completely free*, and I’m still using them today! My idea was that I’d just use one first and once I ran out I’d switch to the other, and that’s exactly what I did. The results were good with the first product alone, but what I hadn’t expected was that when I followed it with the second, I noticed improvements in parts of my teeth that the other product hadn’t affected.

Summer Beauty Body Tip
Avoid heavy lotions and body products that are brightly colored or have a strong scent, as they often contain dyes and fragrances that can clog pores. Shower frequently, exfoliate bump-prone areas regularly, and wash with a body cleanser that is specially formulated to fight acne, advises Beverly Hills Dermatologist Ava Shamban.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Tie the Knot

Written by: Celeste Sullivan

Although much attention was being paid to the former president Bill Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea and her wedding date. All eyes were on the glowing Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz (born Kasseem Dean) on July 31st. Glowing and pregnant in none other than a beautifully flowing Vera Wang dress, and surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea in Corsica, France; they made their commitment official in front of their closest friends and family.

Some of their A-list guests included Bono from U2, Queen Latifah (who they were spotted honey mooning with soon after the wedding), and Swizz Beatz’ son Nasir Dean. Although they still have to have a civil ceremony to make it legal, I’m sure their focus is more on their next journey together, giving birth to their new baby in November. And we look forward to seeing the happy couple with their new bundle of joy!

N.E.R.D……Back with NOTHING but killer style.

Written by: Celeste Sullivan

N.E.R.D. stands for “No-one Ever Really Dies”, and that’s just what they’re proving as they look to launch their 4th album, NOTHING, on September 7.

Setting the game ablaze almost a decade ago, N.E.R.D. introduced the music game to a new fusion of electro-skater meets hip-hop-rocker swag. Which was soon emulated by many and craved by millions. Now they’re back again to intoxicate the game with their drunken sounds!

In a recent interview with Interview magazine, Pharrell shared a quote that sums up why they are so amazing and will continue to rock us with their endless style: 

“My explanation is that curiosity illuminates the correct path to anything in life. If you are not curious, that’s when your brain is starting to die. And discovering, I think, that’s what separates us from the rest of the other species. It’s that we discover and pioneer….” 

And N.E.R.D. has done just that, discovered a new style and pioneered a new generation. Next, we’ll see what they can illuminate for us on September 7th. We look forward to an eclectic fusion of inspiration!

Wyclef has started the process to run for Haitian president
written by: Celeste Sullivan (Contributing Writer)

On January 12, 2010 Haiti was rocked with a 7.0 earthquake that brought a large part of Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and other settlements in the region down to the ground. Wyclef Jean, 37, was one of the first to the fiscal rescue-teaming with his organization Yele Haiti-to raise over $1 million dollars via text message donations in the first 24 hours.

Now Wyclef is considering taking his philanthropy to the next level by running for the presidency of Haiti in this year’s November 28th election. Several reports confirm that the Haitian born, New York raised artist/philanthropist has taken the first steps by filling out the necessary paperwork to run in the upcoming election.

Stating the obvious: Whomever takes on the role of Haiti’s presidency will have the daunting task of rebuilding a country overcome by devastation, tent homes, rubble and an overwhelming number of foster youth in need. It seems as though Haiti’s older generation may be lost and Haiti’s only hope will start with their next generation.

A generation guided by a president that can lead them into a positive light and a new revolution. A revolution similar to the battle at Saint Dominque (1791-1804); that ended slavery in Haiti, and bestowed freedom to their country. Yet, this time it must be led with education instead of violence. Fore, the education of Haiti’s youth seems to be the only path that will lead Haiti to its fullest potential.

Judge limits screening set by Arizona Immigration Law

Written by: Celeste Sullivan (Contributing Writer)
July 28, 2010

When Arizona passed the Immigration Law that allowed police officers to screen suspected immigrants, much controversy arose. A controversy that led to the Justice Department filing a law suit to overturn it. Today, Judge Susan Bolten’s ruling will put a cap on how strictly that law can be enforced.

Judge Bolten ruled that police are no longer allowed to screen a suspected immigrant on routine traffic stops. The only way they can inquire about a person’s immigration status, is if they are arrested.

According to CNN: “Justice Department lawyers argued that the state statute should be declared invalid because it has improperly preempted federal law.

In our constitutional system, the power to regulate immigration is exclusively vested in the federal government, the brief said. The immigration framework set forth by Congress and administered by federal agencies reflects a careful and considered balance of national law enforcement, foreign relations, and humanitarian concerns -- concerns that belong to the nation as a whole, not a single state."

This stems from a long battle between Arizona and illegal immigrants that have been crossing the Arizona/Mexico border. Although, this could help Arizona crack down on immigration; it can also subject legal citizens to the emotional setback of being screened based on their appearance. In addition reports also note that those subjected to these uncivil screenings, would be less likely to report crime. Therefore, making neighbors less safe.

It appears that the law is re-sparking pre-Civil Rights issues. So the question remains, how can we crack down on illegal immigration? Should it be up to the state or the government to regulate this? My opinion: If a law has the power to divide a state and diffuse years of fighting for Civil Rights, then why should it be put on the state? With billions of dollars being poured into funding for overseas war, why can’t we protect our own borders like we try to do for other countries? Maybe it’s time, we send some of our overseas troops back to protect our US borders and alleviate the pressure of making a state protect what should be protected by our military.