Cultured Views

Annihilate angry acne

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Acne would have to be one of nature’s most irritating curses. My own son suffered from the condition for about six years but due to effective treatment and making some changes to his diet he has now got lovely smooth clear skin. And fortunately no pock marks at all as I impressed on him never to squeeze or scratch.

It’s difficult though and it is surprising how many adults, particularly females, suffer from acne well into adulthood - women approaching the menopause can also find themselves falling victim to this condition even after having relatively good skin all their lives.

As I have said before, diet can play a huge role in controlling the flare-ups as well as lowering and maintaining your stress levels. When the causes are hormonal it requires some extra assistance and  opting for natural acne treatment is the best way to deal with things.

There are alot of formulas on the market right now and I have some advice regarding this; if it smells or has a perfume then avoid it like the plague. Chances are it will irritate your skin further when there is a fragrance added so it is best to avoid these even if they smell ‘nice’.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Teaching your kids to read before they start school

Our youngest two are three and five and James, five, is starting big school later this year. One thing we really wanted to do was get them both reading in some form before they started school and address any issues in that area should they arise.

We have been using an excellent range of books for their age group from Usborne and I highly recommend them to other parents who want to encourage their youngsters to read. They are available in the UK and the US and the books are just beautiful. There’s a range of topics including historical stories and people so your kids will get a history lesson as well; some of them I even read myself!

The current catalogue is called Usborne Complete List 2008 and the books are very reasonably priced. We read two a week to our kids and they love them - and the results are certainly showing in that James and John should turn out to be avid readers later on. That’s a good thing in my opinion.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Wind chimes bring peace, harmony…and good fortune!

One of my favourite, and most distinctive, memories from my childhood is the gentle tinkling sound of a set of bamboo wind chimes that hung just outside the back door of my aunt’s house.  For as long as I can remember she had those little chimes hanging in the same spot and now that she is living in her new home she still has them - the very same set. They must be over forty years old to my knowledge!

There is an interesting history behind wind chimes and if you believe in the principles of Feng Shui they will bring you peace and harmony. Not only that, but if you hang a set by the front door they are said to ensure you a constant flow of money and good fortune. Don’t hang them in a draughty spot though or else they will drive you bonkers.

One of the most relaxing things to me is to sit in the garden and listen to the little chimes tinkling gently in a breeze - the birds love them. Give them a try - introduce some Zen into your life.

Popularity: 13% [?]