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Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.”  It has unique combination of fatty acids can have profound positive effects on health.  This includes fat loss, better brain function and various other amazing benefits.

Recent studies are showing that saturated fats are harmless. Many massive studies that include hundreds of thousands of people prove that the whole “artery-clogging” idea was a myth.  Coconut oil doesn’t contain your average run-of-the-mill saturated fats like you would find in cheese or steak.  they contain so-called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – which are fatty acids of a medium length.  Medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently.  They go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick source energy or turned into so-called ketone bodies, which can have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.

Here are the top 8 health benefits of coconut oil that have been confirmed in human studies.

1. Weight Loss – Given that coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it makes sense that it can also help you lose weight.  It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It increases the body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more energy and helping obese and overweight people lose the weight.
2. Immune System – Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV.
3. Increase Energy – It is a fact that different foods affect our bodies and hormones in different ways. In this regard, a calorie is NOT a calorie.  The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats.  One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24 hour energy expenditure by 5%, totalling about 120 calories per day.
4. Hair Care – Many people are using it for cosmetic purposes and to improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair.  It helps in healthy growth of hair and gives your hair a shiny quality.
5. Skin Care – Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil.  Study shows effectiveness as sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays
6. Boost Brain Function – In Alzheimer’s  patients, there appears to be a reduced ability to use glucose for energy in certain parts of the brain.  In one 2006 study, consumption of medium chain triglycerides led to immediate improvement in brain function in patients with milder forms of Alzheimer’s.
7. Dental Care – If you’re looking for a natural alternative to regular toothpaste, try going the DIY route. Your plan: Mix coconut oil with baking soda until it’s pasty enough to spread on a toothbrush.
8. Oil Substitute – Lightly coat the bottom of your skillet with coconut oil to create a non-stick surface and delicious eggs or the next time you make your favorite brownie recipe, replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil. Your friends will be begging you for the recipe

This is really just the tip of the iceberg. People are using coconut oil for all sorts of things with incredible success.

As you know it is Breast Cancer awareness month and we continue our support by facilitating vital information to keep you healthy.  Below are some lifestyle advice that may seem  like common knowledge but it is the simple things in life that we must pay attention to that keep us alive and optimize life.

So take a second, think and ask yourself, can I do any of these things better?

1. Stay Physically Active – As simple as walking each evening, making sure you walk a minimum amount of steps per day will result in long term benefits.
2. Know Your Family History – Knowing yourself is very important.  Fortunately we are not all the same, some people are more prone to diseases than others.  Know what you can do from what you can’t and live life responsibly.
3. Stay Away From Tobacco Products – Although this may seem like common knowledge there are still millions of smokers and with smokers comes second hand smoke affecting more people.
4. Eat Healthy – It is a known fact that what goes in your body is imperative to how you will look and feel.  Eating a more alkaline based diet provides you with the antioxidants that are needed for cancer prevention.
5. Alcohol Intake – Although the enjoyment of alcohol very much a part of our culture, moderating and balancing your intake is a wise choice.
6. Protect Your Skin – Everyone loves the sun!  However excessive exposure to UV rays not only make you look older but puts you at risk for skin cancer, always wear sunscreen.
7. Your Weight – Maintaining a healthy body weight for your body size throughout out your life will make you look and feel good but is also a strategy for cancer prevention.
8. Regular Check-Ups – It is always emphasized that regular check-ups and cancer screenings are important as early detection is always the best scenario for cancer remission.  View Full Screening Guideline
9. Stress – Last but not least, and the  most underrated. Limit Stress!  Psychological Stress  whether it be mental, physical or emotional pressure induce the  destructive behaviour that lead to cancer.  All the distractions of the world is never worth your most important asset, your health.

It is now Breast Cancer Awareness month and it is important to know that Breast Cancer on average claims the lives of 14 Canadian women each day and continues to be the most common cancer among women.

Today marks the start of our ManiCURES campaign.  At Vixen Nails & Spa we have joined the fight.  For the month of October, we are doing our part by donating a portion of all the proceeds from all Shellac Manicures to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Also, we are not limiting the fight to only women, men are being challenged to join the fight by painting their nails pink.

Spread the word to all your friends and family and join us in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer by indulging in a manicure for a great cause!

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For decades the shoe of choice was the high heel. Variations of high heels have included wedges, platforms and spiked heels. The high heel served the purpose of showing off the calf and giving you more height to your overall figure. In recent years you may have witnessed the dramatic shift away from heels to flat shoes such as ballet flats or a peep toe shoe. This change in fashion trend has come as result of the numerous styles and colours that flat shoes provide. Women are also seeking to incorporate comfort into their style and are no longer are willing to sacrifice comfort in the name of fashion at the workplace or in everyday life.

Variety of styles
Flats have been around for a long time. You can see in old episodes of I Love Lucy that often when Lucy was hanging around the house she was wearing black flat shoes. But in the 1950’s if you were going out, even just to shop, or you had an outside job such as a teacher, a high heel was considered a must. But as time progressed so came a variety of flat shoes that were both dressy and stylish; no longer are you confined to the black flat Lucy wore, the flat shoe became the shoe of choice to wear for everyday occasions and at work. The additions of bows, ties and a change of materials to include suede and different colours of leather made the flat shoe acceptable to wear about town.

Versatility
While heels still have a place in every woman’s closet, the versatility of the flat shoe is hard to beat. It is hard to imagine an outfit that won’t work with the right flat shoes; whether you’re wearing a dress, a skirt or slacks the right flat shoe will complement them all. And they’re great for comfort; being on your feet all day will lead to tired feet if you are in heels, but flats are way more comfortable.

How to wear flats
While flats are easy to wear there are still a few fashion rules to adhere to in order to wear them properly. First of all socks are a no no with flats; while it is acceptable to wear tights with ballet flats make sure the tights are not too thick that they bunch up at your ankles and have to be adjusted constantly. Flats are designed to be worn barefoot, especially for peep toe flats, so make sure the flats fit properly to your foot; there should be just enough “toe cleavage” so you can see just were the toes start to separate. Any more than this and you don’t look like you have a foot, any less and you see too much toe. If you wear peep toes make sure the toe peeping out is presentable, if you wouldn’t wear sandals you should not wear a peep toe.

Flats are well on the way to taking over heels as the woman’s shoe of choice. Just like a heel, all flat shoes are not created equal. If the outfit is dressy then the shoes must be just as dressy as the outfit. Working flats are different to evening flats. When you make sure the flat fits the occasion, wearing flats are a great option.

The next time you eat a piece of chocolate, do not feel so guilty.  As you may know there are a number of health benefits that come with indulging in this delicious treat.  Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. After the discovery of the Americas, chocolate became very popular in Europe, and its demand exploded.  Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma Cacao tree seeds. The earliest use of chocolate dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica.  The secret behind its powerful punch is cacao, also the source of the sweet’s distinct taste. Study after study proves that dark chocolate—sweet, rich, and delicious—is good for more than curing a broken heart.  But what effects does eating chocolate have on our health?  Below are some of the benefits of chocolate, if taken diligently, can be used to as a medicine rather than a guilty indulgence.

PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) A  condition producing severe pain when walking any distance, for any length of time.  This Study closely looked at patients who consumed 40 grams of 85% chocolate and it was found that only after 2 hours patients were able to significantly increase both their distance and walking speed!  Why would this work?  The principle cause of PAD is actually restricted blood flow in the peripheral arteries, and high cocoa chocolate can measurably improve blood flow.  Also, another reason for chocolate’s pain reducing properties is that – like the drugs naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin – the cocoa in chocolate is strongly anti-inflammatory with a lot less side effects like stomach ulcers and gastric erosions.

Brain Power Next time you’re under pressure on a work project, don’t feel so guilty about grabbing a dark chocolate bar from the vending machine. Not only will it help your body ward off the effects of stress, but it’ll boost your brain power when you really need it. Other researchers from Oxford University and Norway looked at chocolate’s long-term effects on the brain by studying the diets of more than 2,000 people over age 70. They found that those who consumed flavanol-rich chocolate, wine, or tea scored significantly higher on cognitive tests than those who didn’t.

Diarrhea Relief Both South American and European cultures have a history that dates back to the 16th century of treating diarrhea with cocoa. Modern-day science has shown they were onto something.  Scientists at the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute found that cocoa flavonoids bind to a protein that regulates fluid secretion in the small intestine, potentially stopping the trots in their tracks.

Helps PMS Craving certain foods, such as chocolate, at that time of the month is for a reason, chocolate releases calming endorphins that reduce anxiety. Plus, it’s high in magnesium which lifts moods and reduces water retention. But overindulging in sugar, salt and caffeine can backfire, causing bloating and fluid retention (not to mention weight gain). Try one of these recipes to get your chocolate fix the healthy way:

• Banana Bread with Chocolate and Crystallized Ginger
• Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Bites
• Spicy Chocolate Energy Bars

Improve Your Skin London researchers recently tested chocolate flavanols’ sun-protecting prowess. After 12 weeks eating chocolate with high levels of flavanols, their study subjects’ skin took twice as long to develop that reddening effect that indicates the beginning of a burn.  The compounds in chocolate act as UV filters,  after 12 weeks, the chocolate eaters’ skin was 16 percent denser and 42 percent less scaly. So the next time you indulge in the world’s most popular treat,  do it wisely and enjoy the benefits!

Make-up in today’s society can be something that can transform most pale looking face into a work of art. But for many women and the challenges they find themselves facing is how to properly apply make-up in different settings. Make-up can be a worse nightmare done wrong but could also be your best feature when done correctly. Using make up has always been a love and hate relationship but at the end of the day many women still use it.

The first thing setting I want to talk about using make-up in, is the professional one. Looking like a competent professional is very important for the average working woman. Yes it means no glittery eye-liner, but instead using a combination of make-up that enhances the natural beauty of your skin. A few tips are it has to stand the test of time and also very low maintenance remember always enhance your look never hide who you are you want People to see and respect you for you not to make up you smeared all over your face. Since you want your make-up to be durable you want to start with a good base for your eyes. Use a good foundation and concealer as well for your eyes , use some nice blush Cheeks not something with an extreme glow but something that just enhances colour. When it comes to your lips you have a lot more freedom so any colour will work fine just something that is not too distracting.

Make-up is also a great tool that can be used to help you look younger. The first thing in your arsenal of tools to  looking younger as moisturiser is the most important things that you can do and should be done before you attempt to apply any other make-up items. The next would be to use a liquid concealer you need something that will hide the circles without getting cakey. Go for a yellowish foundation yellow will help to give your skin a little more warmer look and this will go for any type of skin tone. We’ll also want to choose a light Brow pencil. Finally curl your lashes curling your lashes will help make your eyes look a lot bigger and better.

Implementing just a few of these make up strategies will have huge impact on your overall perception and most of all increase your confidence!

Everyone knows the easy and fast way to lose weight without work is to speed up your metabolism!  This is very true but it’s time separate the truths from the myths.  You may not realize it, but when you are bumming around on the couch; your body is working hard to burn calories.  The key is to speed it up so it is burning the maximum number of calories!

Men tend to burn more calories than women, even while resting. And for most people, metabolism slows steadily after age 40. Although you can’t control your age, gender, or genetics, there are other ways to improve your metabolism.

Here are 10 easy ways to increase your metabolism.

1.  Eat Breakfast, but it must be within an hour of waking up!  Your metabolism has been in rest mode all night and breakfast is the best way to rev it up!  Eat foods with high fibre and protein like whole grain, low fat milk, eggs and berries will give your metabolism the kick start it needs to start the day.

2.  Eat Constantly, listen to your stomach, if its growling it needs fuel.  Not providing your body with food is a surefire way to slow down its basic functions.  Eating high-fiber, high-protein snacks like low-fat cheese, fiber crackers, fruits, veggies, or Greek yogurt.  Starving your body will sabotage all of your dieting efforts.

3.  Keep Hydrated – Yes it does sound like a broken record but it’s really important.  You need to stay hydrated for your body to function correctly.  Colder is better, Your body burns more calories in colder temperatures because it has to work harder to keep you warm—so by drinking cold water, you end up burning more than if you guzzled room-temp H20,” says Lisa Gain, Ph.D., evolutionary biologist and founder of snack-girl.com.

4.  Relaxation & Destress Yourself – Stress raises the amount of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a hormone that tells the body to hold onto fat in case of a stressful situation.  Experiment with yoga or meditation or a few hours at Vixen® Nails & Spa are ways to lower stress levels and clear your mind.

5.  Sleep – Don’t forget your Zzzz’s!  – Getting a least seven to eight hours of sleep every night is crucial to a healthy metabolism. Anything less can adversely affect your body’s ability to burn calories.  However, excess sleep may do the same thing. It’s best to keep a consistent bedtime and wake up close to the same time every morning.

6.  Spicy Foods – Some studies suggest that eating spicy foods may boost your metabolism—so top your meals with chili peppers and Tabasco. Bonus: Spices are naturally fat-free, so there’s no need to stress about calorie counts.

7.  Sunlight – Research shows that when a person spends long periods of time in a darkened, dull environment, it stimulates the same physiological functions in the body as gaining weight and sleep. The best daylight hours are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so make it a point to get up from your desk and take a brisk walk outside.   Aside from soaking up rays, you’ll rev up your heart rate and benefit from the fresh air.

8.  Vitamin C – Vitamin C and calcium are partners in crime when it comes to your metabolic rate. Calcium speeds up metabolism, while vitamin C helps the body absorb this mineral, creating an overall win-win situation.

9.  Green Tea – Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants called catechins. And, in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking green tea combined with a total of three hours of moderate exercise a week reduced abdominal fat in subjects over a three-month period.

10.  Get Omega 3’s – Omega-3s balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation, helping to regulate metabolism. They may also reduce resistance to the hormone leptin, which researchers have linked to how fast fat is burned.  Fish such as tuna and salmon contain oil that increases leptin, which is a hormone responsible for controlling appetite.

Implement some of these strategies and speed up your metabolism today!

Grab The Girls & Get Pampered!

Spa Parties are the latest party craze because they’re fun,  affordable and help party-goers de-stress.  Name one person who dislikes being pampered.  They are the ideal way to relax with a group of close friends.

Life is very hectic, and some women don’t have time to focus on their appearance.  A spa party is a great way to tend to un-manicured hands and feet, aching body and dull complexion.   After a Vixen® facial, your skin will look awesome, and your mood will also get a boost.

Party planning is a stressful business. You have to make sure everything runs smoothly, invite guests and provide the ideal environment for the party.  Look no further,  Vixen® Nails & Spa is known for hosting remarkable spa parties!  Our team of estheticians are passionate about what they do.  Their professionalism allows our clients to enjoy a full spa experience while building wonderful memories.

Choose from our variety of services and spa packages, find out why spa parties have become one of our signature services!  From celebrating milestones to Bachelorette parties, Bridal showers to Birthdays or a Girls Soirée, we put it together like no one else!

Come Indulge, book your Vixen Spa Party Today!