Striking Skin Care Blog

Idea for Thanksgiving Day Leftovers

2010-11-18T15:52:00.001-08:00

Curried Turkey Salad

1/3 cup low fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup non fat greek yogurt (plain)
3 tablespoons cranberry relish
1 T curry powder, to taste
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1 medium apple chopped
1/2 cup chopped grapes or raisins
2 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
2 tablespoons chopped pecans, optional
2 cups diced leftover turkey
Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:
Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, cranberry relish and curry powder in a bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients, adding a little more yogurt if needed to moisten more. Mix until well combined. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow favors to develop. Serves about 4 as a main dish or luncheon salad or about 6 as a sandwich filling.

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Final Day of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-11-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Karen R. - you won! Thank you to all of our entries and we hope the names drawn will enjoy the prizes they won.

Giveaway:
Striking Skin Care System
Includes Striking Multi-Peptide Serum, Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme, Striking Restorative Moisture Creme and Striking Multi-Vitamin Cleanser. (Value $170.00)

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 11/9 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

We have given away over $1100 worth of prizes over the last 20 days. This is the final giveaway, we hope that you have all enjoyed the contest. For questions or comments, please email strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 19 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-11-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

Shelley is the winner!

Giveaway:
Love Peace Dream Wish Stretch Bracelet. Artistically designed with mini bookmark with message.

And a Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5oz
A hydrating moisturizer with age-fighting vitamins and SmartPeptides to help restore elasticity and help with loss of firmness.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 11/8 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 18 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-11-06T21:40:00.001-07:00

Jennifer is the winner!

Giveaway:
Are you tired of leaving your purse on the floor and having it get dirty, let alone the germs that there. Bring this silver and jeweled purse caddy to hang your purse off the side of the table and keep it off the floor. Store it in your purse for easy access in a velvet drawstring bag. (Prize is for one purse caddy pictured in photo.)

And a Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5oz
A hydrating moisturizer with age-fighting vitamins and SmartPeptides to help restore elasticity and help with loss of firmness.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 11/7 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 17 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-11-05T11:39:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Ruth - you won!

Giveaway:
Beautiful Blue Glass Bead Necklace and Earring Set. The perfect accompaniment to any outfit for day or evening.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 11/6 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 16 of 20 Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-11-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Karla!

Giveaway:
Striking Daily Defense Product Set
Includes Striking Multi-Peptide Serum and Rejuvenating Eye Creme

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 11/5 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 15 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-11-03T08:58:00.001-07:00

Marci is the winner - congrats!

Giveaway:
Are you tired of leaving your purse on the floor and having it get dirty, let alone the germs that there. Bring this silver and jeweled purse caddy to hang your purse off the side of the table and keep it off the floor. Store it in your purse for easy access in a velvet drawstring bag. (Prize is for one purse caddy pictured in photo.)

And a Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5oz
A hydrating moisturizer with age-fighting vitamins and SmartPeptides to help restore elasticity and help with loss of firmness.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 11/4 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 14 of 20 Days of Giveaways from Striking Skin Care

2010-11-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Winner is Lilac - Congrats!

Giveaway:
Striking Multi-Peptide Serum, 1.13oz

A fast absorbing serum that provides hydration. Skin feels soft and supple to the touch. Humectants provide moisture to protect dehydrated skin.

Two SmartPeptides have been added to target the signs of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable; skin feels firmer and looks radiant.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 11/3 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 13 - BONUS 2 Drawings from Striking Skin Care

2010-11-01T09:48:00.001-07:00

Alice wins Drawing 1 and Huguette wins Drawing 2. Congratulations ladies!

Drawing 1
Giveaway:
Decorate your desk with this lovely "Live, Laugh, Love" tower of notes. Three 200 sheet notepads (small 3x3, medium 4x4 and large 5x5).

And a Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5oz
A hydrating moisturizer with age-fighting vitamins and SmartPeptides to help restore elasticity and help with loss of firmness.

Drawing 2
Giveaway:
Beautiful turquoise chip and saltwater pearl twisted necklace and earring set. The perfect accompaniment to any outfit for day or evening.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner for drawing 1 and also for drawing 2 on 11/2 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 12 of 20 Days of Giveaways from Striking Skin Care

2010-10-30T21:37:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Marci - you are the winner for Day 12!

We missed Day 11 in error so we will add that prize to lucky #13 on Monday and pick 2 winners that day. Here is Day 12 of 20 - let's see those entries!

Giveaway:
Striking Holiday Duo
Includes Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme and Striking Restorative Moisture Creme

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 11/1 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 10 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Kara - you won!

Giveaway:
Are you tired of leaving your purse on the floor and having it get dirty, let alone the germs that there. Bring this silver and jeweled purse caddy to hang your purse off the side of the table and keep it off the floor. Store it in your purse for easy access in a velvet drawstring bag. (Prize is for one purse caddy pictured in photo.)

And a Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5oz
A hydrating moisturizer with age-fighting vitamins and SmartPeptides to help restore elasticity and help with loss of firmness.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 10/30 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Autumn Apple Cake - A Crowd Pleaser

2010-10-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

In honor of Apple Month and Dessert Month, here is our favorite apple dessert recipe. Perfect for fall get togethers - try it this weekend.

Autumn Apple Cake

1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
½ c. oil
2 t. vanilla
2 T. orange juice or Grand Marnier
4 c. diced juicy tart apples (no need to peel)
2 t. cinnamon
¼ t. clove
¼ t. nutmeg
½ t cardamom
1 t. dried orange peel
2 t. soda
2 ½ c flour
1 c. dried currants, raisins or dried cranberries
1 c. chopped walnuts

Mix sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla and orange juice. Beat until light. Mix in apples and combine well. Add remaining dry ingredient and stir until well blended. Bake in greased 13” x 9” pan at 350F for 40-45 minutes until tester comes out dry. Cool.

The first day the top crust is almost crunchy and it is good without frosting – just dust with powered sugar. Or frost with cream cheese icing. Or serve with whipped cream. Also good warm, unfrosted with caramel sauce & ice cream.

If unfrosted and wrapped in foil, stored in a cool place, it keeps for 7-14 days. It gets mellow as it ages.

Recipe can be doubled – needs large baking pan.

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Day 9 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Valerie C.!

Giveaway:
Striking Daily Essentials Product SetThe perfect set for traveling or using Striking as a Four Step Skin Care System.

Set includes - 4 conveniently sized products:
Striking Multi-Vitamin Cleanser, 2 oz bottle
Striking Multi-Peptide Serum, 0.5 oz bottle
Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme, 0.25 oz jar
Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5 oz jar
In a travel bag

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 10/29at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 8 of 20 Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Winner is Doris - Congrats!

Giveaway:
Menopause Makeover Book by Staness Jonekos. Visit her website for more info on her book and how she made over her body while in menopause.

And a Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5oz
A hydrating moisturizer with age-fighting vitamins and SmartPeptides to help restore elasticity and help with loss of firmness.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 10/31 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 7 of 20 Days of Giveaways from Striking Skin Care

2010-10-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Giveaway:
Striking Multi-Peptide Serum, 1.13oz

A fast absorbing serum that provides hydration. Skin feels soft and supple to the touch. Humectants provide moisture to protect dehydrated skin.

Two SmartPeptides have been added to target the signs of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable; skin feels firmer and looks radiant.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 10/27 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 6 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-25T09:23:00.001-07:00

Winner was Lilac- congratulations!

Giveaway:
Adorn your favorite purse with a bag charm. Perfect for a gift or keep for you!

And a Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme, 0.5oz
An ultra-moisturizing eye creme that hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes. Helps to minimize puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. SmartPeptide technology targets the signs of aging and skin looks more resilient.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 10/26 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 5 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-24T09:01:00.001-07:00

Winner is Shelley - congratulations!

Giveaway:
Striking Holiday Duo
Includes Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme and Striking Restorative Moisture Creme

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on 10/25 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 4 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Winner- Congratulations Alice, you are the winner!

Giveaway:
Are you tired of leaving your purse on the floor and having it get dirty, let alone the germs that there. Bring this silver and jeweled purse caddy to hang your purse off the side of the table and keep it off the floor. Store it in your purse for easy access in a velvet drawstring bag. (Prize is for one purse caddy pictured in photo.)

And a Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5oz
A hydrating moisturizer with age-fighting vitamins and SmartPeptides to help restore elasticity and help with loss of firmness.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on Sun 10/24 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 3 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Winner: Karla S.

Giveaway:
Beautiful Blue Glass Bead Necklace and Earring Set. The perfect accompaniment to any outfit for day or evening.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on Sat 10/23 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 2 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Winner: Holly - congratulations!

Giveaway:
Striking Daily Essentials Product SetThe perfect set for traveling or using Striking as a Four Step Skin Care System.

Set includes - 4 conveniently sized products:
Striking Multi-Vitamin Cleanser, 2 oz bottle
Striking Multi-Peptide Serum, 0.5 oz bottle
Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme, 0.25 oz jar
Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5 oz jar
In a travel bag

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on Fri 10/22 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Day 1 of 20 Days of Giveaways by Striking Skin Care

2010-10-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Winner: Huguette is the winner of Day 1. Congrats!

Giveaway:
Dream Wish Love Burnished Tri-Color Stretch Bracelet. Artistically designed with mini bookmark eith message.

And a Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 0.5oz
A hydrating moisturizer with age-fighting vitamins and SmartPeptides to help restore elasticity and help with loss of firmness.

How to enter:
1. Post on the Striking Skin Care Blog – 1 time per person/giveaway
2. Post on the Striking Skin Care Facebook Fan Page – 1 time per person/giveaway
3. Email strikingskin@gmail.com – 1 time per person/giveaway

You can enter up to 3 times for each giveaway by entering on our blog, Facebook or by emailing us.

We will randomly select a winner on Thurs 10/21 at 9am Pacific. The winner will be notified and the prize will be mailed to them within a day or two. For more information, please email us at strikingskin@gmail.com.

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Apple Crisp Recipe for Apple Month

2010-10-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

We found this recipe posted on www.allrecipes.com and loved it. Easy to follow and delicious for a fall evening accompanied with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:4 cups sliced apples
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
Place apples in prepared dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Pour water over all. In a bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Blend in flour. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples.

Bake in preheated oven 30 to 40 minutes, until apples are tender and crust is golden.

This recipe is for 6 servings. Estimated prep time is 20 minutes and cook time is 40 minutes.

Recipe submitted by Emily, http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Crisp-III-2/Detail.aspx
Photographer is Linda, allrecipes.com.

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October is National Apple Month

2010-10-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Whether you like them crisp or tart, enjoy an apple (or a bushel full) this month.

There are too many types of apples to list but here is a website that lists all of them: www.allaboutapples.com.

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Fall is Finally Here - For Most of Us

2010-10-19T10:49:00.001-07:00

The leaves are finally starting to change, the fog is setting in and the pumpkin patches are now open. Although the first day has past on the calendar, it is finally starting to look and feel like Fall has finally arrived in the Northwest.

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20 Days of Giveaways

2010-10-13T16:19:00.001-07:00

Beginning on 10.20.10. Spread the word to friends and family members to check back and see what great items we are giving away. If you win, you could give it for a holiday gift, hostess gift or keep it for yourself.

Save the date, it all begins on 10.20.10

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Striking Skin Care is a Smart Brand

2010-10-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

We been seen in more places with the help of our loyal Striking Skin Care users. See us on the Smart Brand Value website: http://smartbrandvalue.com/product.php?id=130 Bookmark this on Delicious

September is National Preparedness Month

2010-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a natural disaster? Do you and your family have a plan on where to meet or how to contact one another should cell phones and communication be down? Do you have enough staples to get by for 2 to 3 days for your entire family?

These questions may sound scary or a even not something that you want to think about but it is important to formulate a plan. Many agencies, including the American Red Cross and the US Coast Guard, are participating in campaigns in the month of September to make National Preparedness a priority. The theme this year is “Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.”

If you answered no to any of these questions above, start thinking about how you can say yes. Spending a little bit of time in advance could really be key if there should ever be an incident. Stick to the plan and have family members know and understand what they should do so that everyone can safely meet and find each other. Now in a time where people are commuting long distances from home, a plan could be crucial in case the span of communication is longer than expected.

What should you include in your kit? There are options out there to but and if there is a Costco in your area, there is an option called Food For Health™ Extreme Emergency Kit (7-day, 4-person Kit -Item # 240231)and a coupon to provide savings. But you can also put together your own kit. Here are some items to include (from www.ready.gov/america/npm10/getakit):

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: - Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Follow the theme and “Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.”

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Fall Dinner Party

2010-09-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Many areas have had a change in the weather already from summer to fall and other areas may not much later this month. As the change from one season to next occurs, why not enjoy the end of summer weather and host a gathering with friends.

Southern Living has the perfect arrangement of recipes for a fall get together in the article article “A Fall Harvest Dinner Party”
(http://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/fall-recipes-00400000056720/). All of them sound wonderful and perfect for an outdoor get together with friends or neighbors.

•Caramelized Onion Flatbread
•Hearts of Romaine Salad
•Rosemary-Garlic Pork With Roasted Vegetables & Caramelized Apples
•Roasted Grape Chutney
•Rich Chocolate Tart

Other ideas would be to choose a themed get together like "End of Summer" and serve only summer influenced dishes or a "Welcome Back Football" get together with game time appetizers.

When having a get together, whether planned or impromptu, do not forget to incorporate decorations to tie the theme all together. If is it fall themed, then spread changing leaves from your yard on your table and use as a centerpiece. If the weather begins to change the day of your get together, move the party inside and light spiced candles to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. There are so many fall ideas in magazines right now for inspiration. Enjoy and start celebrating as we embark on the upcoming fall season.

Visit Southern Living for more great recipes and articles (www.southernliving.com)

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Fall Back on Your Routine (or Diet)

2010-09-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

Now that Labor Day has past, it is time to fall back on your diet. January is the time for getting back on track after a belly busting holiday season with rich meals and sweet treats. Then it is back to the gym with resolutions to prepare for swimsuit season. Once swimsuit season hits though it is easy to lose your routine with bar-b-ques, iced beverages and summer desserts.

Some may prefer to not use the word "diet" since it references the unsuccessful yo-yo attempts that so many of us have. We will swap the word "diet" and use the word routine instead. Whether you need to get back the will power that you so passionately had in January or just getting back in the swing of things with resuming exercise now that summer evening activities are starting to slow down. Either way, a routine can help restore energy and help organize your life so it feels less chaotic.

We recently came across a great post on AOL titled a Fresh Fall Meal Plan. It includes interesting meals that are also manageable. Most of the meals are high in antioxidants and other nutritious qualities to help get you back on track and even drop a dress size in two weeks. Some of us in the office will be trying it and we will let you know how it goes.

An easy way to to get back in the groove of exercising would be to get outside and take a walk while the weather is nice. Enjoy the sights in your neighborhood as the leaves start to change and the air becomes brisk.

Let us know what you will be doing to get back on your routine after indulging all summer long.

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Striking Skin Care Blog Tour - 2010

2010-09-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

We are venturing out on our first blog tour with Mama Buzz. A blog tour is where a panel of bloggers review our products and then post their opinions on their blogs about the product. Many of them also are hosting giveaways to their readers to be able to offer them an opportunity to try the products as well.

To see who is talking about Striking and what they are saying visit these blogs:

Mama Buzz ~ giveaway ends 9/23/10
http://www.mamabzz.com/2010/09/striking-skin-care-reviewgiveaway.html

Mommy Living the Life of Riley ~ giveaway ends 9/22/10
http://www.mommylivingthelifeofriley.com/2010/09/giveaway-striking-skin-care-daily-defense-duo-stop-aging-tracks-arv-100/

The Suburban Jungle ~ giveaway ends 9/16/10
http://thesuburbanjungle.blogspot.com/2010/09/striking-skin-care-review-giveaway.html

Our Out of Sync Life ~ giveaway ends 9/9/10
http://ouroutofsynclife.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-and-giveaway-striking-skin-care.html

My Four Monkeys Product Review ~ giveaway ends 9/13/10
http://myfourmonkeysproductreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/striking-skin-care-by-helix-biomedix.html

Bless Their Hearts ~ giveaway ends 9/17/10
http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com/2010/09/product-review-and-giveaway-striking.html

Shawn's Sharings ~ giveaway ends 9/16/10
http://shawnssharings.blogspot.com/2010/09/striking-skin-care-review-giveaway.html

Mommy’s Memorandum ~ giveaway ends 9/17/10
http://jonbonjovious.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway-helix-biomedix.html

Mommy’s Free Time ~ giveaway ends 9/20/10
http://mommys-freetime.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-and-giveaway-striking-skin-care.html

Marvelous Mom Reviews ~ giveaway ends 9/23/10
http://marvelousmomreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/striking-skin-care-review-giveaway.html

Thank you to all of the bloggers on our first blog tour - we are so happy with the fabulous response we have seen so far!

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September is National Awareness Menopause Month

2010-09-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Celebrate women and life's changes during the month of September. Learn more about menopause on the North American Menopause Society website. This is an easy to use website to find answers to common and not-so common questions about menopause.

Search the Web site of The North American Menopause Society NAMS for accurate, unbiased information about menopause. NAMS is the leading nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to improving understanding of this natural biologic event.

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See Our Latest Ads in OK Magazine

2010-07-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Look for our ads in OK Magazine and find a coupon code to use on Striking Skin Care products. (image updated 9/8/10)

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Does Your Exercise Routine Need a Tune-Up? (Part 2)

2010-07-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Part 2

New Type of Exercise
Try something new even if it may be out of your comfort zone. There are a lot of benefits to working your core and burning calories when dancing. Have you ever thought about Bollywood dancing or belly dancing? Both of these exercises work your core and you can have fun doing them.

Belly Dancing can be found at local exercise gyms or community centers. Many of the classes are for all levels of dancing and encourage beginners to participate. The art of belly dancing is not really the belly it is the hips. By moving the hips in a rotating fashion or shaking them it helps to increase core strength. Here is a link to a great article by Paige Waehner that defines core strength and the importance of increasing it.

To try belly dancing at home, DVDs are available online at Amazon.com as well as instructional books.

Another type of exercise that is fun and burns calories is dancing Bollywood style. Many of us got a taste of the vibrant and amazing dancing in Slumdog Millionaire. This type of dancing is high energy and easy for most to do at home. There are many options online and here is one called Learn to Bollywood with Pallavi who has been training this style of dance for years and have incorporated it into a DVD for at home use.

All of us hit a rut and need a tune-up in our workout routine. Instead of giving up altogether, try something new and fun to keep the momentum going and help stay fit.

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Does Your Exercise Routine Need a Tune-Up? (Part 1)

2010-07-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Is your exercise routine dragging you down with a lack or variety? Do you need something new to spice it up? It could be as simple as a new pair of shoes or a new workout routine.

New Pair of Shoes
There are funny looking shoes out there that have had quite a following in recent months. They looked like shoes with a curve on the bottom and are offered by a few different brands but the one I keep seeing is from Sketchers. They are called Shape-Ups and can range in price but are around $100 per pair. The shoes claim to increase calorie burn, improve posture and help to tone muscles while working out and during daily activities. Once you get used to the look of them they might be worth a try. As for the results there was a review on The Gloss last spring. For more information and to look at styles, visit their website here.

New Equipment
Maybe it is time to bring back the old to start something new. We read about the Hula Hoop as a strengthening exercise in a Wall Street Journal article. Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of hula hooping and bring back some fun to your exercise routine.
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Here is an online store called Sports Hoop that sells weighted hula hoops similar to the one seen in the video.

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What to Wear When You Are Mother of the Bride/Groom

2010-07-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Need suggestions for what to wear if you are mother of the bride or groom? Here is a fun video on ideas from Ivone Gillon and WeddingTV.com.

Mother of the bride outfit

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Camera Day - June 29th

2010-06-29T12:40:00.001-07:00

Today is photo day and is a great reminder for all of us to slow down and capture the moment. We are so caught up in fast pace of daily life that sometimes we forget to enjoy the moment. Stop and breathe life in even if it is only for a pause while a photo is taken. Photos erupt emotion that create smiles and laughter. Many of the happiest moments in peoples' lives are remembered in a photo. Having a baby, getting married, celebrating birthdays or other special events. But why not take those special moments and make everyday life a lasting memory.

Say cheese - it is time for your next memory making moment; reading this post. (I couldn't help myself.)

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Mother of the Bride & Groom Makeovers

2010-06-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

We all want to look our best and what better time to "spruce" up a look than to try something new for your child's wedding. Mothers of the bride and groom are typically showcased along side the bride as part of the wedding party. Guest lists will consist of your family members, your children's friends as well as your close friends who were part of your child's upbringing. There will be many photos taken and lots of talking and you want to look your best and feel great.

The article provides before and after photos of 6 women and describes what they had done. They look fabulous and definitely ready for a celebration like a wedding.

Christopher's book can be purchased here.

Photo is a before and after makeover by Christopher Hopkins.

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FIRST for Women Magazine - On Stands Until July 5th

2010-06-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

See us in this month's FIRST for Women issue on newsstands until July 5th. Get your copy today!

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Mother of the Bride - What is Your Role Before the Wedding?

2010-06-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

Being the Mother of the Bride is an important role in a mother's journey. It takes on a new sense of pride and also can be overwhelming.

Do you know the do's and don't of being a MOTB (mother of the bride)?

Are you overstepping your boundaries or driving your daughter crazy?

Here is a refresher list of the Mother of the Bride duties so that you can keep yourself in check and your daughter happy.

1. Be excited for your daughter, this is one of biggest events of her life and she needs your support and also excitement as reassurance.

2. Extend a warm welcome to the groom and his family. There is always an undertone of protection or tension of a mother/daughter and mother/son. Try to avoid any signs of this as your daughter knows that you support.

3. Review your financial plans and then plan a casual meeting with daughter and groom to discuss their plans. At this time, early in the process you can discuss what you can or plan to help with. Then they will not be stressed about asking or assume on your participation in the wedding.

4. Feel out whether your daughter would like your input or help on wedding location. If so plan on visiting with her and ask about availability. Availability is key in setting the date.

5. If there are details about the wedding planning that you would like to be part of, speak up. Examples: bridal gown, guest list, music, etc.

6. Supply your daughter with family members names and addresses for guest list. Although keep in mind that this is their wedding and your neighbors or tennis partner is not necessarily the right fit for your list on contributions. Also be kept up to date on your guests' reply and be prepared to follow up with them if they have not replied timely.

7. Attend all wedding showers or engagement parties and offer help. It is not customary for the mother of the bride to host any, but offering help while at the party should always be offered.

8. Another duty to is to get yourself prepared. (See upcoming post on Mom's Boot Camp for Weddings)

Above all be excited, a wedding may be a lot of work but it is a beautiful experience for everyone included, especially you.

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Wedding Season...It's Here!

2010-06-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

June is a month of celebrations for many; birthdays, father's day, graduation commencements and the beginning of wedding season. Weddings are such a joyful occasion with two people setting off on a new journey with so many possibilities and dreams to be made. But as many of us know there is a behind the scenes side to weddings; the planning. It is hard to imagine how much stress there really is until you plan or help one yourself.

Is anyone planning or are you helping with a wedding this summer?

Are you the mother of the groom or mother of the bride?

We will be featuring this topic of weddings and share tips with you on what to wear, beauty tips, preparing for and other fun topics because it is just a joy to do so. We have some fun posts in store and giveaways of Striking Skin Care as well to help you look your best whether you are in the wedding party or a guest.

Stay tuned...

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Flag Day - June 14th

2010-06-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

I look around my neighborhood and as the sun starts to reappear for the summer months and the flowers are blooming with their inviting fragrance in the air, I also noticed something else reappearing; flags. It is a tradition to put out your flag in these spring and summer months, many people fly their flag all year long and others bring them inside during the winter months.

It was 233 years ago in 1777 on this day that Congress recognized Old Glory as the flag of the United States of America. At that time it had 13 red and white alternating stripes and 13 white stars in a blue square.

When looking around, I see ole' Red, White and Blue reappearing around Memorial Day and then a few more on Flag Day (June 14th) and another group on fourth of July weekend. So if you haven't already get your flag out and put it out today in honor of Flag Day.

For more information on the history of Flag Day and how it came to be visit, the National Flag Day Foundation website.

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Get Outside and Weed Your Garden on June 13th

2010-06-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Grab your sun hat, gardening gloves and let’s get to it - it is time to weed that garden. Sunday (6/13/10) is the perfect day to do it – it is Weed Your Garden Day.

Gardening is a fabulous activity and weeding does fall under that category. It not only provides overall satisfaction when you reap the rewards of your labor it also is good for the body. It is recommended that adults need 30 minutes of physical activity each day and weeding in the garden can contribute to that time. Weeding and gardening allows your body to stretch, bend and pull. Here is more information on the benefits of gardening from Julie Garden-Robinson at INFORUM.

Remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Sometimes we forget to apply sunscreen when we are outside working instead of outside enjoying ourselves. It is important to protect your skin with an SPF of 30 or more and try to keep your skin covered by wearing longer length clothing. A sun hat is very helpful in protecting your face and the often forgotten scalp. See fashionable options for sun hats in this post at Flashionista.com.

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Ice Tea Day - National Ice Tea Month

2010-06-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

June 10th is Ice Tea Day. A definite favorite of mine and I take it with extra ice and one pink packet. Tea is like coffee, everyone has their own way of “taking” it and people tend to prefer it that one way. Some take their tea with sugar, honey, lemon, milk, cream or sweetener. Tea can provide health benefits and also a little caffeine when needed if you drink or one that is naturally decaffeinated. Where tea is comforting, warm and cozy, ice tea is very different by being refreshing and people tend to drink it more in warmer months. Ice tea is usually only sweetened with sugar, sweetener or lemon and sometimes has a fruit flavor added to it.

Enjoy a refreshing ice tea as today is not only Ice Tea day but the month of June is Ice Tea Month.

Link to article: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-tea
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Compare Weight Loss Plans

2010-06-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about starting a weight loss plan but do not know where to start? Here is an article posted on Health.MSN.com that was written by January W. Payne of U.S. News & World Report that looked at 6 different weight loss plans; Volumetrics, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, eDiets, Ornish Diet and Atkins Diet. They describe each one and then talk about the positives and possible set backs in long term weight loss if there are any.

Before starting any weight loss plan, it is recommended that you discuss it with your physician first to find one that would work for you.

Link to article: http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100256423>1=31036

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Fab Over 50 - New Website

2010-06-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

There is a new website that caters to women over 50 who are fabulous. I came across this website when they were in the launching phase and there was only a video. The video was so captivating that it drew me and I flagged the site for when it launched and signed up for the newsletter.

The site, Fab Over 50, celebrates women who are at 50, around 50 or after 50. The site features women who are over 50 and tells their story and their favorite things. There is a also a great style blog and Facts of Life Section. My favorite is the Fab Faves section with topics covering French faves, books, passion projects, beauty, perfumes, signature pieces, secret places and more.

Taken from their facebook page, they describe their site as "The very first internet destination BY and FOR smart, stylish, accomplished women over fifty, created with a national alliance of their favorite shops and salons." From reviewing their website and topics, I would agree with this description.

Every Tuesday they have a fabulous(!) giveaway that you can enter if you log in to the site. This week they are giving away a career makeover valued at $3200. It includes 12 weeks of business coaching, portfolio, datebook/planner, organizational software and a organizing storage items for your file cabinet. A fabulous giveaway that you can enter until June 15th, 2010 at link.

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First Drive-In Movie Opened Today in 1933

2010-06-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun fact to take you through the day...

Back in 1933 on this day (June 6th) the first drive-in movie opened in Camden, New Jersey. Summer has been an important season for drive-in movies as they were sure to see a spike of interest. Living in Washington state, drive-in movies were seasonal at best and have started to disappear in the last 20 years due to property value increasing and younger generations flocking to malls instead of experiencing the drive-in. If you are lucky enough to still have a drive-in in town, make a note to visit it this summer and watch one of the many blockbusters that will be debuting on the big screen.

Looking for a drive-in in your area? Drive-in Movie is a website that lists them by state. Check it out to see how many are still up and running in your area.

Curious about the best type of car to take to the drive-in? Here is a posting on the top five cars to take to a drive-in movie from DriveOn.

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Summer = Reunions

2010-06-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Summer is always a big time for reunions – family reunion, school reunions, girlfriend reunions. The best occasions take planning! Here’s the countdown check list to looking your best:

1) Body - Need to lose a few pounds? Take action: Walk at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Smaller portion sizes. One bite desserts.

2) Hair - Thinking of something daring? Get your hair cut, colored and styled at least 8 weeks before the reunion – that way you will have time for “adjustments” if you suddenly have hairdo remorse or if you love it, just a quick trim the week before the reunion will get you on your way.

3) Skin - Make sure your skin is in great shape. Start your skin fitness program with Striking Skin Care. A radiant glow is your most important accessory!

4) Attitude – Nurture your self confidence. Pull out that yearbook and study those faces. Write down three conversation starters and three things about yourself that you want to share with the group.

You’ll be brilliant! Enjoy yourself!!!

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Prevention Magazine

2010-06-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

See our ad in Prevention Magazine with Dara Torres on the cover. There is a coupon code included for 15% off your entire order of products at www.strikingskincare.com.

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Win A Free Month of Menopause Relief Products

2010-06-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

MenopauseRx is hosting a giveaway this month where you can win a month’s worth of menopause relief products. How great is that? Win them, try them and find relief! How great is that?

The survival basket will contain: Remifemin, Remifemin Goodnight, Chill Towels, Striking Skin Care System, SalonPas, The Virtues of Soy Book, The Journey Ahead DVD, a MenopauseRx Coffee Mug and more offers for free samples and many money saving coupons and educational resources.

Enter for a chance to win (1 basket is being given away). Here is the MenopauseRx Facebook fan page where you can enter to win: http://apps.facebook.com/fanappz/promotions/detail?id=157&ref=mf.

Contest ends June 30th and the winner(1) will be drawn by MenopauseRx on July 1st, 2010.

If you are interested in learning more about MenopauseRx or products listed in the giveaway visit their website or their online store.

Striking Skin Care is a partner of MenopauseRx.

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Favorite Recipe for Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow and do you have your evening planned? Even if you are staying home for a normal weeknight meal, why not spice it up a little with a Mexican inspired entree. Here is one of our favorites - not time cosuming and tasty.

Spinach & Chicken Quesadilla

• 2 T. olive oil
• ½ c. diced white onion
• 4 cups packed baby spinach
• 1 clove garlic smashed
• 2 cups left over chicken breast or shredded roast chicken
• Cooking oil spray
• 8 flour tortillas, each 10 inches in diameter
• 2 cups shredded reduced fat Monterey jack cheese
• 1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
• 1 c. pico de gallo

1. Prepare the filling: In a large, heavy fry pan over medium heat, sauté onion in olive oil until tender – about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the spinach and chicken and sauté just until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl.
3. To make the quesadillas: Wipe out the fry pan with a paper towel and return to medium heat. Spray with cooking oil.
4. Place one tortilla in pan open face and then sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded cheese and 1/8th of the spinach cheese mixture. Top with 1 tablespoon of sour cream and 2 tablespoons pico de gallo. Heat until tortilla is browned and crispy and cheese has melted. Fold in half omelet style garnish with salsa and avocado and serve.

Review the list and add items needed to your shopping list today to be prepared for tomorrow (May 5th!).

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Mother's Day - Coupon Code MOM15

2010-05-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Pamper yourself or someone special with a Striking Daily Essentials Kit. Use code MOM15 for 15% off any Striking Skin Care product until 5/10/10 and also receive free shipping on orders over $75.

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May Day - Celebrating Friends and Family

2010-04-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

May Day is tomorrow...

Does anyone still participate in the May basket tradition? The tradition stems back many years and people would leave a May basket of flowers or treats on a friend's doorstep as a surprise. Some say that if the person who leaves the flowers is "caught" a kiss would need to be exchanged.

Think about your close family and friends, would this tradition bring a smile to their face? It just might be worth a trip to the nursery tonight...

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Product Review: Plump it up with Great Lips Rx

2010-03-22T14:32:00.001-07:00

Well we’ve longed for them but had yet to find a lip plumper that we liked until now. A friend of ours told us about Great Lips Rx Lip Enhancer and we decided to try it.

There are so many products on the market that claim to increase the size of your lips for that pouty look we all long for. Celebrities have covered magazine ads and red carpet appearances with that sexy, pouty look that we yearn for. As women age there are many changes that occur and one of them is the loss of plump lips. We see them on other women and so we want them for ourselves. Some women are blessed with full luscious lips that do not thin over time but many us need to look for a “support system”. The lips can start to appear less full and the lip line can thin and appear non-existent. Many women will try to reverse this with lip injections but many are not thrilled by the idea of it and look for an alternative to lip injections with a topical lip plumper.

What is a lip plumper? A lip plumper is applied like lip gloss and has a tingling sensation to help increase the size (plump ‘em up) and darken the lips. Some lip plumpers can have such an intense tingling sensation that it is not desirable and feels more like a burn. Great Lips Rx does have a tingling sensation but it is not overly intense. It helps plump lips upon application and also darkens lips to a rosier red than before application.

Here is more detailed product information from Great Lips Rx:
• Delivers full, pouty, sexy lips in minutes, with effects that can last for hours
• Safe and easy-to-use and does not require injections
• Perfect for use after fillers and between sessions
• Contains lip-stimulating peptide and vitamin plumpers
• Made with advanced formula that increases circulation on lip surface
• Moisturizes, hydrates, and smoothes
• Makes thin lips appear fuller and more sensual
• Gives a more youthful appearance to mature lips

Tip: If you are using a lip plumper and feel that is migrates after application, try using a lip liner to help corral it to stay in place on your lips and not travel to the rest of your face.

Great Lips Rx is available at various retailers online, I saw it on http://www.greatfacesrx.com/index.html. It is listed as recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. At only $24 (0.25 fl oz), it is a good price to try the product and see if you like the results.

Great Lips Rx directions and ingredients for review listed here.

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Spring - Full Steam Ahead

2010-03-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Spring can change a person, it can awaken them in a way like no other season can. After a dreary winter full of rain, snow and cold; spring can feel like a fresh start.

People tend to have more energy, almost as if they are awakening from winter hibernation and feel like doing projects outsides again. Many will start walking or exercising in preparation for summer and "shorts" weather. People can return to their favorite hobbies like gardening, golfing or watching your favorite sport baseball. Spring is also a time where in some families gatherings become more frequent with holiday weekends and nice weather bringing everyone together again.

With the first day of spring happening tomorrow, March 20th, what is something that you are looking forward to this spring?

Share it with us and we will select our favorite response and send you a product of your choice. Post your response here, on Facebook, or by email to strikingskin@gmail.com. One winner will be selected on Fri, Mar 26th @ 9am/PT.

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Smile...It's St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

Did you remember to wear green?

If not, you might have some "green" in your wallet and technically you are "wearing" it if you are carrying your purse. It might be a stretch but it is okay to be creative.

Whenever a day comes along that bring smiles to many, enjoy it there are not enough days like this in the year.

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Still not walking? Here are more reasons to start...

2010-03-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

Still in front of the computer? Here are more reasons to take a break and go for a walk...

Walking can help:
• Prevent depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis, and impotence
• Lengthen lifespan
• Lower stress levels
• Relieve arthritis and back pain
• Strengthen muscles, bones, and joints
• Improve sleep
• Elevate overall mood and sense of well-being.

How do you know if you are walking fast enough and often enought to reap the benefits?
It is recomeneded to walk for at least 30 minutes a day and walk 5 days per week. While walking, you should be able have a conversation but still keep up a steady pace. If you are winded and can't catch your breath, slow down and keep a steady pace.

Read all of the tips and more on walking in the AARP article, The Benefits of Walking.

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Are you walking? You should be...

2010-03-10T10:19:00.001-08:00

Are you walking? Walking provides not only great exercise for your body but it also can serve as a stress reliever.

Do you ever feel sluggish or not motivated to do anything? Next time this happens, go take a walk. It can revitalize your day and help reduce stress. It can also serve as a great way to catch up with a girlfriend or enjoy the changing seasons.

If you are still not motivated, then look at this list from the AARP that lists the benefits of walking and see if any of them catch your attention.

Walking can help:
• Manage your weight.
• Control your blood pressure.
• Decrease your risk of heart attack.
• Boost "good" cholesterol – the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
• Lower your risk of stroke.
• Reduce your risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.
• Avoid your need for gallstone surgery.
• Protect against hip fracture.

Tips on walking excerpted from the AARP article, The Numerous Benefits of Walking.

Let's get walking...

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Do you zap it or bake it?

2010-03-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

March is National Frozen Food Month but March 6th is Frozen Food day.

What is in your freezer? Are you stocking up this month – there should an abundant amount of frozen food on sale this month.

Frozen food has come a long way from TV dinners in aluminum foil, frozen pizza that we described as cardboard and Hungry Man dinners that still left you hungry but 10 pound heavier from fat and water retention from the abundance of sodium. At least there are options with frozen vegetables and side dishes to family friendly meals that are conscious of nutrition.

Have you watched the Healthy Choice commercials in the last few months? I was intrigued with their marketing campaign and visited their website once I realized it was Frozen Food month. What I did not know is that they have been running a pseudo campaign to show how Julia-Louis Dreyfus becomes the Healthy Choice spokesperson. In the ads it seems as if she is saying that she doesn’t want to do it and that is what I thought the spoof was but Con Agra, the makers of Healthy Choice, has a website called Spokespersonwanted.com. It is funny to see the commercials again and she how it all comes together.

Also available on the Healthy Choice (http://www.healthychoice.com/) site is product descriptions, nutritional information and coupons to print at home. (http://www.healthychoice.com/news-special-offers/). Check other frozen food favorites of your and see if they have any coupons this month. Visit their corporate website for offers listed and check local ads.

Whether you zap it or bake it – enjoy some frozen food this month!

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10 Items Every Woman Needs in Her Wardrobe

2010-03-02T16:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever looked in your closet and wondered where you went wrong? How come some women can look so put together and seem to do it effortlessly?

This video features Kate Shifrin, a stylist and Marjie Killeen, a blogger. Kate shows Marjie how to piece together 10 staples in her wardrobe. Watch the video and see what you might be missing to have the basics in your closet. Once you have them then it will be easier to put them together and feel great with little effort.

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Recipe for Peanut Butter Lovers' Day (3/1)

2010-03-01T16:09:00.001-08:00

In honor of Peanut Butter Lovers' Day (3/1) we are posting one of our favorite peanut butter recipes. This recipe happens to be one of Paula Deen's called Magical Peanut Butter Cookies.

Ingredients:
1 egg
1 cup sugar, or 1 1/3 cup sugar replacement (recommended: Splenda)
1 cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the peanut butter, sugar (or sugar substitute), egg, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir until ingredients form dough. Roll the dough into balls the size of walnuts. Place the balls on a greased cookie sheet. With a fork, dipped in sugar/sugar substitute to prevent sticking, press a crisscross design on each cookie. Bake for 12 minutes, remove from the oven, and sprinkle the cookies with some of the remaining sugar/sugar substitute. Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Yields 18 cookies.

This recipe can be found online at Paula Deen's website or in Paula's Home Cooking/Lady and Sons Too! cookbook Pg. 229. Visit www.PaulaDeen.com for more peanut butter recipes.

Stay tuned for giveaways featuring Paula Deen's cookbooks and cooking accessories that we are hosting.

Photo courtesy of Photobucket.com

5 Smart Comfort Foods When You Have a Cold

2010-03-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

Having a cold is just plain lousy – it’s miserable to have a runny nose, coughs and sneezes. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and keep your skin well moisturized with an extra dose of Striking Serum layered with Striking Creme. And to help beat the blahs and to give yourself a little TLC, we’re sharing some of our favorite comfort foods.

Cold season is here and when you feel lousy, you want comfort as well as healthy choices. Fitness Magazine highlighted some great choices that should help soothe your cold and keep your diet on track. Each one of these snacks is packed with cold-fighting vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that may help make your cold less severe.

Our traditional favorite - Chicken Soup!
It may be cliché, but Chicken soup is the perfect comfort food when you've got a cold! Drinking plenty of hot, nurturing fluids is essential when you're feeling run down and research at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha showed that chicken soup helps control the production and spread of inflammation and congestion-causing neutrophils (white blood cells).

Recommended serving size: 1 cup
Calories: about 190

Soothing Ginger Tea with Gingersnaps
Ginger helps relieve congestion and has a soothing, spicy taste. To make a throat-calming, congestion-busting tea, steep chopped raw ginger in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Make your teatime a little sweeter by adding a teaspoon of honey to the brew and two crunchy gingersnap cookies on the side. We think this is good on a rainy day, too!

Recommended serving size: 1 cup of tea with 1 teaspoon honey and 2 small gingersnaps
Calories: about 85

Fresh Clementines or Satsumas
Easy to peel, fresh, sweet and tangy all at once, they are a great source of Vitamin C – just two fulfill 100 percent of your RDA of vitamin C.

Recommended serving size: 2 clementines
Calories: about 138

Open Those Sinuses Vegetarian Chili
A spicy veggie chili made with onions, garlic, kidney beans, tomato paste and a good dash of chili peppers not only warms up a cold-afflicted body, it may also have medicinal properties! Onions and garlic have antiviral effects, beans have good-for-the-immune-system B vitamins, and the spices can actually help clear sinuses!

Recommended serving size: 1 cup canned vegetarian chili
Calories: about 160

Tuna Salad
Packed with glutamine, an amino acid that helps step up your immune system's efficiency, tuna is a great pick when you're sick. Research at the University of Oxford showed that athletes who ingested glutamine after workouts were less likely to get an upper respiratory infection than those who didn't; for regular folk, glutamine could have the same beneficial effects. Mix your tuna with a tablespoon of low-fat mayonnaise and serve it on 6 whole-grain crackers for a healthy mini meal.

Recommended serving size: 1 6-ounce can of tuna packed in water with 1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise and 6 whole-grain crackers
Calories: about 290

Excerpted from FitnessMagazine.com, January 2006.
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/snacks/healthy/6-smart-snacks-to-feed-your-cold/

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Free Striking Question of the Week - 2/26/10

2010-02-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

Some of us rely on our hair dryer more than others, some of us could not live without one on a day to day basis. We hope that we are not the only ones that take our hair dryers when we travel to ensure we have one that works the next day...

How often do you replace your hair dryer?

Post how often you replace your hair dryer on Facebook, our blog or by email to strikingskin@gmail.com. Each post will be entered in a random drawing on Fri, Mar 5th @ 9am/PT.

Prize=Winner gets to select one product of their choice.

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Spring - What's that?

2010-02-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

In some parts of the country, snow is abound and continues to fall but that is not the case in the Northwest. Almost overnight the trees have begun to bloom and spring is beginning to show its beautiful face. (Do not fret, the rest of you will catch up very soon.)

When spring begins to surface a feeling comes over us and we have the need to feel refreshed with the urge to try something new. It could be a planning a long, relaxing weekend, getting back to the gym, trying a new hairstyle or adding new pieces to your wardrobe.

Enjoy the changing of seasons and how it makes you feel as we begin to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring and all its beauty.

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Top 10 Steps to a Healthy Menopause

2010-02-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

It could be just around the corner or already here, but here are some tips on the Top 10 Steps to a Healthy Menopause excerpted from MenopauseRx.com.

#10: This is not your grandmother's menopause

#9: Know what's happening physically

#8: Menopause can affect sexual function

#7: Talk with your clinician about menopause

#6: Focus on what's important to you

#5: Menopause treatments are safe and effective

#4: Don't accept a "one size fits all" treatment plan

#3: Know how hormone therapy works

#2: What to expect from your hormone therapy

#1: Stay fit and healthy

To read more on each tip visit their website and the post on Top Ten Steps to a Healthy Menopause: http://www.menopauserx.com/topten.htm

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What does Go Red for Women Mean to You?

2010-02-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Learn more at www.goredforwomen.org and www.americanheart.org.

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Olympic Inspiration - Tracy Sachtjen

2010-02-19T11:25:00.001-08:00

As we watch the 2010 Winter Olympics this week it is hard to imagine what life sacrifices it takes to get there. We are inspired by all Olympians but there is one that caught our attention this week.

Her name is Tracy Sachtjen is from Lodi, Wisconsin and was born in 1969. As the oldest female on the US Olympic Team in Vancouver this year she will celebrate another birthday on Saturday with her team. She is an alternate on the US Women's Curling Team in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Tracy began curling in 1982 and has won several events since then. Here are only some of her career highlights:
2003 World Championships Gold Medalist
US Nationals Gold Medalist in 2009, 2008, 2003, 1999 and 1997
US Nationals Silver Medalist in 2001, 2000 and 1998
US Olympic Trials Gold Medalist in 2009
US Olympic Trials Silver Medalist in 2005 and 2001
US Curling Association Female Athlete of the Year in 1989
US Curling Association Team of the Year in 2003

Tracy is a support member for her team and a role model for kids across the US especially young girls. For more information on Tracy and the US Women's Curling Team, visit NBC Olympics or read this article posted 2/15/10 on Tracy Sachtjen.

Happy Birthday Tracy!

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SELF Magazine-Women Doing Good Contest

2010-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

SELF Magazine is sponsoring a contest called "Women Doing Good". The contest is centered on nominating women who make a difference and inspire us. Someone who helps to improve lives and does it with passion and vigor. A woman who challenges others to also help or contribute time to help others.

Do you know anyone that would qualify? If so, enter her for the contest as a way of telling her that she is doing good.

The winner receives:
- $10,000 donation to her charity of choice
- Feature in the September issue of SELF Magazine
- Trip to New York City to attend the Women Doing Good Awards Ceremony

The contest began on November 24, 2009 and ends on March 30, 2010 (11:59PM ET). This contest is void outside the US. For more information on rules, go to http://www.selfconnected.com/winit_womendoinggood_01.asp.

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Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T10:05:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

We hope it is sweet...

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Need Something New for Valentine's Day?

2010-02-13T09:48:00.001-08:00

Why not add something new to your wardrobe by going shopping today. Look for something that will make you look and feel your best for a date with your Valentine.

We can always count on the Glam Gals to give us inspiration. Read a recent post title Look Pretty and be mysterious this Valentine's Day for tips on what to look for while shopping.

The Glam Gals are JoJami and Deborah who are image consultants and the founders of Fabulous After 40.

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Valentine's Day Ideas...What to do?

2010-02-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

Whether you have been together awhile or cannot think of anything special to do this year, here are some ideas that you could do with your Valentine.

Summary of Nina Malkin's list:

Dine someplace really exclusive - skip the trendy locations and have someone cater your dinner. Or pick up take out from your favorite restaurant and arrange it on your china. Why do the work when someone else can?

Reminisce romantically - put on some tunes that remind you of years past. Reminisce together and enjoy the music and laughter.

Blow some big bucks - do something that you not normally do, like take a helicopter ride, hot air balloon ride or even rent a limo or your Valentine's favorite sports car.

Plan an indoor picnic - turn the living room into a special relaxing outing. Select food that is finger food and easy to eat on the floor.

Take a Valentine’s adventure - go explore a nearby city that you never go to or spend much time there. You might find a new place to eat or something special you would have missed.

Pen a tale of passion - write a short story together and see where it goes.

Unwind à deux - relax together at home or at a day spa with a couples treatment.

Court with a classic - read romantic poetry together or find a local spot that is doing poetry readings.

Flirt with the future - talk about the future and all of the things you will do together. You never know, you might start planning your next vacation.

Ideas courtesy of Match.com and Nina Malkin at this link:http://www.match.com/magazine/article.aspx?articleid=8796&trackingid=525758&bannerid=666224.

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Striking Mini Facial - Bring out your Valentine's Day Beauty

2010-02-10T16:10:00.001-08:00

Make sure your Valentine's Day is perfect by pampering yourself with a Striking Mini Facial.

You will need:

A wash cloth & hand towel

Very warm water

1 cup regular oatmeal ground in blender to a fine powder

1 T honey + 3-4 T Orange or Grapefruit juice, warmed in the microwave

Striking Multi-Vitamin Creme Cleanser

Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme with SmartPeptides™

Striking Multi-Peptide Serum with SmartPeptides™

Striking Restorative Moisture Creme with SmartPeptides™

Steps

1. Clean your skin as usual with Striking Multi-Vitamin Creme Cleanser. Rinse well with warm water.

2. Mix oatmeal, honey and juice, adding enough juice to make a spreadable paste.

3. Apply to your face as a mask avoiding your eyes and hair line.

4. Relax for 10 minutes while the betaglucans in the oatmeal soothes, the gentle fruit acids help loosen congested sebum and the honey plumps and hydrates your skin.

5. Wet the hand towel in very warm water (not too hot). Wring until still moist, but not dripping.

6. Lie down and wrap the towel on your face avoiding your nose. Relax and leave it until it becomes almost cold.

7. Then rinse off the mask with warm water and use the moist towel to gently clean the skin.

8. Apply Striking Multi-Peptide-Serum to your face and neck and let it absorb in.

9. Finish with a layer of Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme and Restorative Moisture Creme.

Add a smile for perfect valentine beauty!

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In Case Your Valentine Needs Directions

2010-02-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day should be full of romance and sweet surprises, but sometimes things can just go the wrong way, even with the best of intentions. So to help your Valentine stay on the right track here are our top 5 do’s and don’ts for Valentine’s Day, suitable for posting on the refrigerator in large font to help your guy get it right.

Definitely Avoid for Valentine’s Day

1) Weight scales, exercise videos, low cal sweets or anything that suggests you think she needs to trim down or change her appearance.

2) Gift certificates for make-overs – goes along the lines of number one above.

3) Unless she has specifically expressed a desire to get tools, TVs or video games, skip these too.

4) New tires for her car.

5) Dinner with your mother.

You’ll get bonus points with these:

1) Champagne and a single red rose.

2) Two absolutely decadent double dark chocolate truffles, cupcakes or brownies beautifully wrapped.

3) You make her favorite dinner and do the dishes.

4) A gift certificate for a relaxing spa experience.

5) Send a Tweet-sweet message or email telling her you can’t wait to see her. Or an "I Love You" note under her pillow.

And to make sure you are Valentine perfect, pamper yourself with a Striking Mini Facial.

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Wear Red to Work TOMORROW

2010-02-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

Read our post earlier this week and see why....

http://strikingskincare.blogspot.com/2010/02/friday-february-5th-wear-red.html

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6 More Weeks of Winter...

2010-02-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

I was really hoping that Phil, the groundhog, would say only 2 more weeks of winter and then on to spring. But not today on Groundhog Day, the little guy said 6 more weeks of winter. Which to some seems reasonable and to others seem unimaginable. Some areas of the country have had a long drawn out winter already and 6 more weeks could seem a little much to them.

Is your skin ready for 6 more weeks of winter? Remember to keep skin hydrated with moisturizers appropriate for your skin type. Skin can change from oily one week to dry another when climates and seasons change. For many, winter months can lead to dry, uncomfortable skin. Striking Restorative Moisture Creme is an emollient moisturizer that leaves skin hydrated and protected from antioxidants. It also has a SmartPeptide (palmitoyl hexapeptide-14) in it to help firm skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Have you ever noticed that when your skin is dry, wrinkles and fine lines are enhanced? Applying moisturizer can help to hydrate skin for a more vibrant look. Stay warm and keep your skin hydrated and hopefully spring is just around the corner.

For more tips, read our recent post on called "My Winter Facelift".

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Friday, February 5th - Wear Red

2010-02-01T09:05:00.001-08:00

This Friday is National Wear Red day. This is a day to speak out by wearing red to recognize National Heart Month and heart disease prevention. For more information, visit Go Red for Women.

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February is American Heart Month

2010-02-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

February is American Heart Month. This is such an important month for women because heart disease has been described as a silent killer. This is a month to listen and learn about how heart disease can be prevented and to know the early signs to keep yourself and family members protected. The American Heart Association is a great reference site to visit to learn more.

During the month of February we will be adding posts about information on this important topic so check back and read more.

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Free Striking Question of the Week - 2/5

2010-01-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

The big day is coming up and for football fans it is practically a national holiday. To others, it is a day to bring family and friends together. On occasions like these, food tends to be a big part of the day.

What are you making for Super Bowl Sunday appetizers and game food? Or what is your favorite dip recipe?

Check back to see if anyone has a recipe that your group may like for game day. If you are more into the social aspect of game day here is info to know before you host or go to a Super Bowl party: Super Bowl XLIV is on Sunday, February 7th and the teams this year are the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.

Post answers or recipes on our Facebook fan page, here on the Striking Blog or email to strikingskin@gmail.com to win the Free Striking product of the week. (Striking Multi-Peptide Serum and a Snowflake Bear, $75.00 value and oh so cute!) Random post will be drawn on Fri, 2/5 at 9am PST, just in time for the weekend.

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National Chocolate Cake Day - 1/27

2010-01-27T11:21:00.001-08:00

Today is National Chocolate Cake Day!

Need I say more? Go have a slice and enjoy. It is the national holiday and all...

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Hormone Therapy - Fact vs Fiction

2010-01-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

The North American Menopause Society has launched a new newsletter for menopause called Menopause Flashes that can serve as a resource for answering questions and finding resources on menopause. There are so many questions regarding hormone therapy; what is fact and what is fiction? You may have read about hormone therapy in advertisements, online or talked to friends about it. But what is really true and what is not?

There is a great link on this month's Menopause Flashes that answers questions on hormone therapy by listing the facts and fiction about the topic. To find out what is fact vs fiction go to: http://www.menopause.org/MF200912two.aspx. It might answer some questions for you that you have been wondering about.

For more information on NAMS (North American Menopause Society) visit their website at www.menopause.org.

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Romy Raves About Striking Skin Care

2010-01-27T09:02:00.001-08:00

What is Romy raving about?

Well this week it is Striking as she hosts a giveaway. Romy had been using our products earlier this winter and then wrote a product review on her blog titled Romy Raves. It is a blog where she raves about her latest findings in culture, wine, food and beauty products. Romy writes as if she is your friend that is telling you about her latest finds and keeping you in the loop.

Visit her site at www.romyraves.com.

Read her product review on Striking here.

Enter her giveaway here.

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National Pie Day - 1/23

2010-01-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

I have so many fond memories of waking up on the weekends to the smell of something baking in the oven. My grandmother would get up early and make her pies for later that evening. After dinner we would whip the cream and then sit down at the table where we laughed until it was time for bed.

In honor of National Pie Day, this Saturday is the perfect day to bake a pie. There is always a huge sense of accomplishment when you make something and people sit down to enjoy it. Apple, cherry, pecan, key lime and chocolate are a few favorites but there are so many versions to choose from. For ideas and recipes, try www.allrecipes.com and type "pie" in the header for a large selection.

If you are not feeling sweet, try a homemade pot pie. A turkey or chicken pot pie would make a great Saturday night dinner if you are staying in. Or if you are limiting your sweets these days, you can still bake a pie but bring it to a neighbor or family member to brighten their day.

Enjoy pie day - it only comes but once a year.

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Free Striking Question of the Week - 1/22

2010-01-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

Everybody knows that we all need to exercise to stay healthy, keep our bodies in shape and help reduce everyday stress levels. But do we do it on a regular basis? Sometimes it is a stretch to get in the routine and develop a workout or exercise that is done regularly. I know that many of us in the office are trying to get back to the gym but it seems difficult once the time comes to go.

What do you do for exercise to keep in shape? How often do you do it -daily, every other day, weekly, periodically, etc.

Post answers here on our Facebook fan page, here on the Striking Blog or email to strikingskin@gmail.com to win the Free Striking product of the week. (Striking Multi-Peptide Serum and a Snowflake Bear, $75.00 value and oh so cute!) Random post will be drawn on Fri, 1/29 at 9am PST.

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Free Striking Question of the Week 1/15

2010-01-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

Winner drawn 1/22 - Congrats to Inky!

Free Striking Question of the Week - parts of the country have been bitter cold recently, do you find that you need to change your skin care routine when it is cold out?

Post answers here on our Facebook fan page, here on the Striking Blog or email to strikingskin@gmail.com to win the Free Striking product of the week. (Striking Moisture Creme and a Snowflake Bear, $52.00 value and oh so cute!) Random post will be drawn on Fri, 1/22 at 9am PST.

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My Bathroom and Too Many Products

2010-01-19T13:03:00.001-08:00

I have always thought my bathroom should be an oasis where I can get ready for the day in. Instead my bathroom counter must have at least 30 pots, bottles and containers of skin care products. Creams, lotions, cleansers – you name it. Each with a cherished spot, most gathering dust. They are on the counter because my top drawer is full of color cosmetics – some at least 5 years old like that ultramarine blue eye pencil that I think I am still going to use…someday.

Yet, there are a handful of products that I come back to each day and use religiously, my old trusted friends. As I’ve gotten older, however, some of favorite products don’t seem to “work” any more. So I ponder, did they change the ingredients? Or maybe its past it’s use date or it was old when I bought it on sale.

I'd like to fool myself, but the truth is my skin has changed. Where I once was oily, I am now normal-combination. I should be thrilled to be average, but it means I have to go looking for new products and so the hunt begins.

As we launch into this new year of new possibilities we are reminded that the future is bright. What products are you missing in your drawer? Tell us and we can help solve problems for you as we think about new products and we take you along with us on our journey.

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National Popcorn Day 1/19

2010-01-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today is National Popcorn Day!

Pop up your favorite bowl and share it with family and friends. Or keep it all to yourself as you watch your TV show or curl with a good book.

Pop, pop, pop...

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Free Striking Question of the Week - 1/8/10

2010-01-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Free Striking Question of the Week - 1/8

We have made it one week into the New Year. How are you doing on your New Year's resolution so far?

Prize - Striking Daily Defense Product Set ($100 value) includes serum and eye creme.

Post answers here on our Facebook fan page, here on the Striking Blog or email to strikingskin@gmail.com by 9am PT on Friday 1/15.

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January's Known Bargains

2010-01-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

The beginning of a new year can reek havoc on your pocket book after all the holiday decorations have been taken down. Need a reprieve? Look for savings on these items that might be a better deal this month than in previous months.

January is the month for these bargains:
• Furniture
• Digital Cameras
• Big Screen TVs
• Computers

See our original post in September to read the entire article from Kathryn Cavanan in USA Today (9/4/09.

Look for next post on February's Known Bargains early next month to give you idea of what bargains traditionally occur in February.

See September's bargains.
See October's bargains. (Listed at the bottom of this post.)
See November's bargains.
See December's bargains.

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Happy New Year

2010-01-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

We are back after a holiday break and we are looking forward to a new year.

Free Striking Question of the Week - 12/18

2009-12-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Winner drawn 12/28 - Congrats to Joy R.!

Weather and holiday gatherings tend to drive us to our kitchens to bake something special...

Free Striking Question of the Week - 12/18 - What are you baking this week?

Prize - Striking Holiday Duo ($77 value) includes moisture creme and eye creme.

Post answers here on our Facebook fan page, here on the Striking Blog or email to strikingskin@gmail.com by 9am PT on Friday 12/25. Winners will be randomly selected and emailed on or before 12/28.

(Whoops - we posted this to Facebook and did not post it here on the blog. Same question for this week as posted on Facebook just now posted here too!)

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Oh no, not my neck...

2009-12-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

I’m in my mid-forties, but ten years ago, a supervisor of mine told me I had the neck of a fifty-year old. I went home and studied my neck in the mirror for hours and much to my dismay, she was right. I forgot about my neck.

I, like so many other women, spent so much time concentrating on my face and hair that I forgot about the important part of my body on which my head rests. Oops! From the day that my saggy, wrinkly neck was pointed out to me, I made it my personal mission to tell everyone, “skin care shouldn’t stop at your chin.” My goal is to rid the world of sagging necks and wrinkly cleavage. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not. I’m the self-proclaimed head cheerleader of neck and cleavage rejuvenation.

If you’ve found yourself in the same boat as so many other women, read on and learn about what you can do to get your neck and chest to match your perfectly maintained visage et coffuire:

1. Lower your sights. Take a good look at your neck and décolleté. Do you see lots of fine lines and loss of firmness? Do you see sun damage on your décolleté? Have you spent your precious time and money making sure your face and your hair look great? Hate to tell you, but your neck and décolleté might be giving away your age. Time for some TLC!

2. Start repairing. The easiest thing to do it is to extend your skin care regime below your chin to include your neck and your décolleté. That means include those areas in all facets of your skin care regime especially the application of anti-aging serums and treatments with high performance ingredients as well as application of an SPF product. When you have a professional facial performed by a licensed esthetician, she will always include your neck and décolleté during the treatment. Why don’t we do this at home?

3. Major remodel. If good skin care isn’t enough and you need a little more help, there are several treatment options available from a full neck lift, to procedures like a thread lift, thermage, and laser for the neck and injections of fillers for wrinkly cleavage. Procedures in both of these areas can produce dramatic results and those results can be long term if you are complaint with your post-procedure instructions and if you continue with proper skin care maintenance (see #2).

4. One last thought. If you, like 300,000+ other women in 2007, had breast augmentation surgery, you’ll want to make the most of your investment by keeping your décolleté smooth and wrinkle free. They can lose their allure when they’re mired in wrinkles.

The thing to keep in mind is that it’s never too late. Over the last ten years, I’ve managed to salvage my neck and while it isn’t perfect, it certainly isn’t 15 years older than my face anymore and I’m definitely not a candidate for surgical intervention at this point.

What about you? Did you forget about your neck? Do you care? Why or why not?

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My Winter Facelift

2009-12-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

If you watched my routine at home, you’d never know that I work in the skincare industry. I use three products religiously (cleanser, serum, moisturizer) and a fourth, eye creme, only when I think about it. I love my Clarisonic, but I forget to use it most of the time. Most nights I’m too exhausted to wash my face before I hit the sack and wake up with eyeliner and mascara smeared all over my face. I’m lazy. I know.

My skin really started to change this year (I’m 44) and in an attempt to continue to chase the fountain of youth and with a sincere of goal of having great skin to start 2010, I decided that I’m going to get a winter face lift.

Not that kind of face lift! I’m talking about the do-it-yourself, no knife option. Want better skin by the Valentines Day? Follow along:

1. Commit to a skin care routine. Of course, I prefer Striking Skin Care products, but whatever you use, make sure you have the basics: cleanser, serum, moisturizer and eye creme. Use them twice a day religiously.

2. Add a retinol, vitamin C or AHA product to your routine at night. Each of these products will help to resurface and rejuvenate the skin which aids in the absorption of the active ingredients in your serum and moisturizer. Once you’ve added one of these types of products into your routine, it’s imperative that you add a SPF during the day as well (it can be in your foundation or in your moisturizer) as retinols, vitamin C and AHAs can make your skin photosensitive.

3. If it’s in your budget, try a Clarisonic brush. I am a HUGE Clarisonic fan. Their brushes range from $225 for the Clarisonic PLUS to $149 for the Clarisonic Mia, and it’s worth every penny. The brush gets your skin 6xs cleaner than with manual cleansing which helps the performance ingredients in your skin care products to penetrate more efficiently. When I use mine, I see a difference immediately. Mine is sitting in the charger, ready to be used tonight!

4. Get a deep cleansing facial. In a perfect world, I’d have the time and money to get a facial once a month. For my winter face lift, I’m committing to one facial a month for the next three months. It’s time to do a clean sweep of my skin.

5. Drink water and lots of it. I’m in a constant state of dehydration and it shows up on my skin with tiny little fine lines and a sallow complexion. It doesn’t help that I live in the land of Starbucks and have a serious caffeine addiction. Time to double up on water (and trips to the bathroom). Not only does staying hydrated make your skin look better, it also helps with brain function!

6. Get a brow wax. I know this doesn’t really have to do with skin care as we traditionally think of it, but it does work wonders for the no-knife face lift. I’m religious about getting my brows waxed and I’m amazed at the number of friends that I have that have never had it done. If you want an instant “lift” to get yourself inspired for your winter face lift, find a great esthetician and schedule a brow wax NOW!! You’ll love the results!

All that being said, the next thing I’m doing is calling my esthetician to schedule a brow wax and get this regime jump started. The goal is fantastic skin by Valentines Day and glorious skin by March.

Are you in?

Posted by Brigette, contributor

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Around the Water Cooler: What book are you reading?

2009-12-16T15:12:00.000-08:00

I asked around the office and here is what our group listed as what they are reading this week (or month!)...

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Devil's Brood by Sharon Kay Penman - Historical Fiction Eleanor of Aquitane
Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food by Gene Baure
Wishin' and Hopin' A Christmas Story by Wally Lambs
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch

Tell us about what book you are reading and post your answer to this week's Free Striking Question 12/11 and be entered to win a Striking Holiday Duo (value $77.00).

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Why am I so dry? Oh yeah, I forgot. I’m over 40.

2009-12-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

When I hit 40, everything changed. My eyesight went south, my occasional gray hairs became an entire crop and my skin dried up. I could hear my mom and my aunt snickering “I told you so” in my head as I complained about how my body was betraying me.

I skipped the box of hair color (I’m just too lazy to keep up with it, so why start?), got a new prescription for my contact lenses and then contemplated what the heck I was going to do about my skin care. I’ve been in the skin care industry for a long time and have tried hundreds of moisturizers, but I knew that I needed something different this time. Gone are the days of my carefree 20s and my simple 30s. I need something serious in my 40s, especially with perimenopause right around the corner. I’ve got to undo some damage and prepare for the slow down in collagen production.

Striking Restorative Moisture Creme is just what the doctor ordered. It feels extremely rich at first, but within 5 minutes, my skin soaks it up and feels renewed. Because I’m an ingredient junkie, let’s talk about some of the performance ingredients that make this moisturizer worthwhile:

It’s full of shea butter which my skin drinks up. Shea butter is the natural fat from the karite nut which grows in Africa. It’s an excellent emollient ingredient that also smoothes the surface of the skin.

It contains sodium hyaluronate which is a super-humectant that can attract 1000 times its own weight in moisture to the skin.

Green tea is added to soothe the skin (inflammation contributes to the aging process)and provides antioxidant protection. Couple green tea with antioxidant vitamins C and E and you have got a powerful defense against free radicals.

The most powerful ingredient however is SmartPeptide Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, a patented ingredient that has been shown to increase collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone. In a clinical study 97% of subjects said they had firmer skin in 14 days and 93% said that the overall appearance of their skin had improved in 14 days. This two week time mark seems significant to me because when we get feedback about Striking products, invariably the customer always mentions that she saw a different in that time frame.

Are you ready for something more serious? Are you ready to transform your skin?

Posted by Brigette, contributor

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Another Best Things in Beauty Product Review

2009-12-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Adrienne Whyte of Best Things in Beauty has been using our Striking Multi-Peptide Serum and wrote a fabulous review on it. Read her post here.

Subscribe to her feed and read the latest about all the "best things in beauty".

bestthingsinbeauty.blogspot.com

Free Striking Question of the Week - 12/11

2009-12-11T16:51:00.001-08:00

Winner drawn 12/18 - Congrats JoJami!

Question: What book are you currently reading?

Prize: Striking Holiday Duo Set (NEW for the holidays)

Set includes -
•Striking Rejuvenating Eye Creme, 0.5 oz jar
•Striking Restorative Moisture Creme, 1 oz jar
Product Value: $77.00

Winner will be drawn on Friday, December 11th.

Post your answers here, on our Facebook page or email us at strikingskin@gmail.com. All answers must be posted by 9am Pacific time on Friday, December 18, 2009 in order to qualify. Winners will be randomly selected and then emailed for contact information. Please do not post your address or other contact information to this blog other than your email address.

HDTVs and Seeing Real Beauty

2009-12-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

I thought that last year was the "big year" for flat screen televisions for the holidays but as I look at the ads, discounts are available this year as well. Last year we did end up splurging and buying a large HDTV. I had heard that the picture can be life-like, almost as if the people were standing in front of me. What I did not realize is how "real" people appeared and they lost their flawless image. When watching on my former box TV, anchor men and women would appear ageless with smooth, perfect skin. Now when watching our television, people have uneven skin tones and wrinkles around their eyes and mouth. Their hair has fly aways like mine and their teeth are not as straight or white as I remembered.

I was taken back initially by this as it was such a change, almost as if they had aged overnight. But now I appreciate it because we live in a world of perfection as the targeted goal and air brushing is the norm in magazines, online photos and other forms of media. It does seem more "real" seeing them clearly on HDTV and I think this is exactly what people need to see; that not everybody is flawless but beautiful just being themselves.

We came across this post on Entrepreneurial Menopause Freedom and wanted to share it with you. The author writes about how she felt after being interviewed and then broad casted in HDTV without a make-up artist available to her. It is honest and does drive the question: Why are we so hard on ourselves when it comes to aging and physical changes?

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Glam Girls and Accessorizing

2009-12-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

We really enjoy the Glam Girls from Fabulous After 40 because they "get it". They understand how to answer the questions that so many of us have. They can look at outfit that we might wear and turn it up a notch.

In the past I have personally viewed accessories as something extra that I can do without, when in fact it is the accessories that make the outfit. It is better to have a few great outfits than a wardrobe of incomplete outfits. There is definitely a difference in how I feel when I wear an outfit that is complete. I have more confidence, I walk a little taller and overall my day feels better.

Here is a short video from JoJami Tyler and Deborah Bland and how to accessorize something everyday and make it more memorable. You might get an idea or two that you could use to spruce up an existing outfit you already have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBJWuHC75u0

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Around the Water Cooler: What is your signature fragrance?

2009-12-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

When it comes to perfume, it is all about personal preference. I asked around the office and here is what our group listed as their favorites...

Poême by Lancome
Destinations by Ann Taylor
Tuscany by Estee Lauder/Aramis
L’interdit by Givenchy
J'adore by Christian Dior
Fleur de Vanille
Euphoria by Calvin Klein
Kai
Chanel No 19

Tell us about your favorite perfume and post your answer to this week's Free Striking Question and be entered to win a Striking Holiday Duo (value $77.00).

Floral, Woody, Fresh... What does this mean when referring to perfume?

2009-12-07T11:46:00.001-08:00

I recently stopped at the fragrance counter to smell the latest perfume from Faith Hill that I encountered while perusing through the November Redbook. During my visit, I was asked "What type of perfume I usually wear? Was it something floral, woody, fresh?" I was not sure so I said "fruity?" and told them the name of the perfume. I was wrong and realized that I needed to read up on perfume lingo so I could describe what I was looking for.

When I was looking for my signature fragrance (see recent post) on RealBeauty.com I also stumbled across the lingo I was looking for in a fragrance overview. I began reading and learned why I was incorrect in my perfume language that I had been using.

Fragrances can be described in 3 different terms: family, tone and notes.

A family is the main descriptor of a fragrance. There are 14 different families that are are used and can range from floral, oriental, fresh and woody. They are then divided into smaller or sub-categories that are in between each family. Example would be florals become soft florals when vanilla is added or if something spicy is added it will be described as a floral oriental.

Next is the tone. The tone refers to the strength or intensity of the fragrance. I was surprised to hear that a fragrance can only have one tone and I was in fact using it incorrectly.

Last is the note of a fragrance. A note can be what you are smelling or separating out from the scent. For instance, it you smell cinnamon, apple or vanilla you are smelling a note in the fragrance.

Think about your signature fragrance, can you describe the family, tone and notes? I will need to get back to you on that one for me...

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The Key to Finding Your Signature Scent

2009-12-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

This week the Free Striking Question (12/4) is on the topic of fragrance. Most people have a scent that they feel is their "signature" scent; the one that smells best on them or the one that they prefer most. Others have fragrance that is specific to what they are doing whether it is during the day at work, in the evening or for a special event or date.

Fragrances can take on a life of their own when applied in different amounts to skin and they smell different on each person. A scent can smell amazing on one person and not the same on another.

If asked, I believe that most women would have at least one fragrance come to mind that they love. A fragrance is something personal for each person, it can bring back a memory or create a feeling of confidence within one's self.

If you are unsure and looking for your signature fragrance, we came across an online tool:Fragrance Finder at RealBeauty.com that can help you.

Fragrance can also be a great gift for someone special. But, it is not something that should be chosen based on the person who sniffs it at the counter, it should also be chosen by the person who will wear it. If you are planning on buying perfume or cologne for some one this holiday season, find out in conversation what their signature fragrance is or at least what type they light (notes of fruit, floral, musk, oak). By taking the time to find out, it will make the gift something that they will use and enjoy and not sit on the counter untouched.

What were your results?

Update:
I took the quiz to see if I found out something about new about myself and I did. Here were my results:

Fragrance Finder Quiz Results

Congratulations! Here are your results:
You might like Woody Fragrances

You seem like the calm, nurturing type who makes others feel at ease. You have a self-confidence that's extremely attractive. Your boho-chic aesthetic is more glam than granola, and you always look great in an effortless way. This indicates that you might like a scent that's sexy yet earthy and unconventional. Classic woody fragrances are dominated by notes of cedar, patchouli, pine, sandalwood, and vetiver. Some newer versions are blended with exotic oriental notes, fresh citrus and lush green leaves, or feminine flowers.

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