For some of us, a bad mood crawls up your spine unnoticed until you’re glaring at your significant other for a reason you can’t remember. Was it eating the last of the bread? Never mind that this was your week to skip eating bread – you were going to have the whole grain couscous anyway. But what if you wanted a slice with apricot jam on it? Couldn’t your significant other have just asked if you were going to have a slice of apricot jam and bread? (As we reach for the tray of brownies and call it a day.)

If you’ve ever felt just inexplicably moody, there are healthier ways to deal with it than lashing out through pastry. Some estimate that as many as 40 million women in the United States deal with PMS symptoms, of which moodiness if often the forefront warning sign. And by “moodiness,” these symptoms are specifically irritability, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, weeping, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, insomnia, low energy, aggression, poor coordination, clumsiness, and changes to libido. Yep, it’s not just in your head.

And sometimes, it’s not PMS. Sometimes, we’re male or we’re just moody. But whether male or female, it’s never fun for the sufferer and, perchance, those he or she makes suffer around her. So what to do about it?

Exercise. Stress = moodiness. The Mayo Clinic calls it “meditation in motion.” When you’re focused on your body’s movements, it is much easier to forget about what is bothering you. Your endorphins will rise and your mood will follow.

Be gentle with yourself. Know what can make a bad mood much worse? Just about any negative thought that can enter your head, which is already low of defenses. Next time you feel yourself spiraling, take a moment and just breathe. Ask these two questions. Will this bother me tomorrow? Is this worth stressing out my brain and body? Maybe the issue at hand won’t kill ya, but the stress you feel could down the road.

Let others knows if it’s a bad time/day/week. Apparently, communication is key to a healthy relationship. Who knew? So rather than lashing out at your significant other over whatever ineptitudes you feel are his and his alone, take a moment to tell him or her that you’re not quite feeling up to bar. Usually, you’ll get a nod of understanding and perhaps a gentler tone. No one likes to be a punching bag.

Have a moody day map. It’s so simple it sounds like something out of Sesame Street. Feel like things are getting to be too much? Stand up from the computer. Walk outside. Breathe. And repeat. There’s nothing like a minor change of scenery that can help brighten things up.

Eat well. Eating better can certainly help with your mood. Via Healthline, turn to whole grains to help regulate the body’s sugar levels. Think about foods rich in Omega-3s (like fish) to help with inflammation and depression.Click here for more nutritional tips. (And, as always, consult a doctor if taking any vitamins or supplements.)

And if none of that works? There’s always kittens on a slide.

Images: rileyroxx/mikebaird/avlxyz

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Peppermint Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a stimulant. For women, this is a good thing. As one source writes, “The scent [of peppermint] acts to stimulate the physical senses and if applied on the skin produces a cooling and exciting sensation which makes the erogenous zones in women more receptive to sexual pleasure.” Sexy has never been so cool.

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Cornstarch Planet Green reports that painting your naked body with corn starch is super erotic. (Who knew?) They note that, “Just the initial sensation of cornstarch dropping on the skin mimics the sensation of liquid silk.”

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Cinnamon Cinnamon has been known to increase sex drive over time. It can lower high blood sugar which “restricts the blood flow to the penis.” This can’t help but be a good thing for sex. Just be sure to only add a dash or two – large amounts of cinnamon may be toxic.

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Ginseng Ginseng has been a popular aphrodisiac in China for centuries. Some claim it can boost sex drive and increase libido. It can also improve blood flow.

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Exercise
Even moderate exercise will get the blood flowing to all the necessary parts. And as experts note, it will make you feel better about yourself, which is always a good thing for promoting sex.

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Avocados Not only do avocados have a sensuous texture, they contain Vitamin E. As one source reports, Vitamin E can heighten your orgasm.

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Alcohol (In Moderation) Discovery Health reports that “by reducing anxiety and stress one drink can help get you in the mood for sex.” But if you get drunk? You’re heading more for sleepy time.

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Ginkgo Biloba This is thought to increase blood flow to the sexual organs. Even better? It can enhance orgasms.

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Chocolate As Planet Green points out, chocolate is “believed to be a natural source of phenyl ethylamine (PEA), the same feel-good chemical that the body naturally produces during those first moments of falling in love.”

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Saw Palmetto This is said to “nourish” the prostate gland and enhance the production of testosterone. Who knew palm trees could be so sassy?

Images: andre5, jylcat, fstorr, cteteris, trasel, mikebaird, threelayercake, picsbypop, mccheek, scubadive67, homeredwarprice

The snow is flying and the fog is rolling in, so there’s no better time for getting comfortable between the sheets. But just because you’ve trekked inside with mini-icicles hanging from your eyebrows doesn’t mean you can’t heat things up at home. And there are many ways you can bring sexy back without turning to Viagra and unfortunate candle wax issues. Check out these ten tips to keep your libido cooking until spring. (Note: As with all medications, seek the advice of a professional before taking any supplements.)

Peppermint Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a stimulant. For women, this is a good thing. As one source writes, “The scent [of peppermint] acts to stimulate the physical senses and if applied on the skin produces a cooling and exciting sensation which makes the erogenous zones in women more receptive to sexual pleasure.” Sexy has never been so cool.

Cornstarch Planet Green reports that painting your naked body with corn starch is super erotic. (Who knew?) They note that, “Just the initial sensation of cornstarch dropping on the skin mimics the sensation of liquid silk.”

Cinnamon Cinnamon has been known to increase sex drive over time. It can lower high blood sugar which “restricts the blood flow to the penis.” This can’t help but be a good thing for sex. Just be sure to only add a dash or two – large amounts of cinnamon may be toxic.

Ginseng Ginseng has been a popular aphrodisiac in China for centuries. Some claim it can boost sex drive and increase libido. It can also improve blood flow.

Exercise

Even moderate exercise will get the blood flowing to all the necessary parts. And as experts note, it will make you feel better about yourself, which is always a good thing for promoting sex.

Avocados Not only do avocados have a sensuous texture, they contain Vitamin E. As one source reports, Vitamin E can heighten your orgasm.

Alcohol (In Moderation) Discovery Health reports that “by reducing anxiety and stress one drink can help get you in the mood for sex.” But if you get drunk? You’re heading more for sleepy time.

Ginkgo Biloba This is thought to increase blood flow to the sexual organs. Even better? It can enhance orgasms.

Chocolate As Planet Green points out, chocolate is “believed to be a natural source of phenyl ethylamine (PEA), the same feel-good chemical that the body naturally produces during those first moments of falling in love.”

Saw Palmetto This is said to “nourish” the prostate gland and enhance the production of testosterone. Who knew palm trees could be so sassy?

Images: andre5, jylcat, fstorr, cteteris, trasel, mikebaird, threelayercake, picsbypop, mccheek, scubadive67, homeredwarprice

That title is maybe too far a stretch, but after last week’s feasting, stretching – and more crucially, constraining – might be the perfect metaphor for fashion’s brewing trend – outfits and accessories that accentuate the waist.

If you’ve been busy digesting designer pre-fall 2011 offerings, you’ve noticed the subtle references to the waist-friendly 70s that dominated springs/summer 2011 collections continue to endure. At DKNY the long flared pants, tucked in sheer blouses and midi-length skirts were paired with brightly-colored tie belts to give a fresh, modern look to the retro separates.

While the look is often referred to as high waisted, I think what we’re seeing on the runways is actually a return of the natural waist. In terms of traditional garment construction, the natural waist refers to the smallest part of a women’s midsection. Long celebrated as the epitome of femininity, isn’t it strange that a lady-like pulled-in waist silhouette seems like such an anachronism now?

Vintage lovers know first hand that while we are getting bigger overall, the waist has grown more in proportion. There is evidence to suggest the increasing stress of our modern day lives has rendered women more apple-shaped, but I’ve always wondered if there’s a bit of a muscle memory component to it. After years of low-rise jeans, tunics, blousons-style tops and long tees, we’re no longer used to clothes that focus our attention to this area of our bodies. Certainly, women under the age of 45 aren’t. Wearing a corset – or even a tight belt – during your ordinary day of sitting, standing and walking around is an informing experiment. I’ve marveled at how it forces you to tighten the upper part of your torso, automatically giving you the flat tummy and straight back you go to Pilates class for.

Perhaps the easiest way to creating an hourglass shape of your own is to employ an optical illusion or two. Wrap dresses, cardigans and tops that create a deep V neckline are brilliant for this. Royal bride-to-be, Kate Middleton demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy in her Issa-designed engagement dress, adding the perception of curves to her reedy physique. Anything that highlights a low v-neck, such as a dangly medallion on a chain (very 70’s) works. By building volume at the shoulders and hips, voluminous sleeves, tulip skirts, and boat neck lines are particularly clever for whittling down the look of a waist too. Another trick is is wearing a fitted top and bottom in the same color to create the illusion of length and adding a contrasting belt. My sneaky move in summer is to wear a black top with white jeans to streamline an almost daily ice-cream bloat.

Since we all have a closet full of those blousons-style tops, I’m not suggesting throwing them out this coming season, but simply tucking them in and belting them up. So, if your fashion future is looking nipped in, cinched and knotted at the waist – or you’re thinking of all the money you’ll save on Pilates – you’ll want a new sustainably-made belt. Check out this Obi wrap belt by taxi cdc, made from reclaimed materials. Available from Candystore Collective and Shift Boutique.

Was it really that bad? You be the judge. As one commenter wrote, “And these same filth mongers wonder why disease’s are so abundant, you that dang important or special you can’t take three to five minutes to scrub your…” Others used the forum to discuss their own bathing habits, ranging from showering twice a day, to every other day, to lathering up with baby wipes after a strong run. Opinions and tempers ran high. It seems that people take their bathing habits with a defense that might have rivaled what the Japanese threw down at Iwo Jima.

Why? Well, because bathing is personal. People take it as a sign of class, culture, and identity. But as the NY Times pointed out, letting go of a daily shower is no longer for just people who like to chain themselves to trees. So as a shout out for the people who live among, who drive a Prius or a Hummer – here are five practical reasons not to wash daily.

1. You will strip your skin of natural oils.

Dry skin is sometimes caused when your skin’s natural oils are stripped off it like a bad wallpaper. Your skin naturally lubricates itself with natural oil. Yes, you still want to wash your body. But washing it too much could cause problems. Dr. Richard Gallo is chief of the dermatology division at the University of California, San Diego. As he told the NY Times, over-washing can cause eczema flare ups. According to Dr. Gallo, “It’s not just removing the lipids and oils on your skin that’s drying it out,” he said. It could also be “removing some of the good bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of skin.”

2. Dry shampoo is awesome.

So maybe you’re too busy for a daily shower. Or you want a quick rinse but not the time investment of washing your hair. Dry shampoo has been used for centuries – essentially, it’s a fine powder or corn meal that can grab dirt and excess oil from your hair. Comb it through and you’re clean. Read our review of a great dry shampoo here.

3. Most of us can live a productive, fulfilling life without antiperspirants.

Antiperspirants are tricky because they contain aluminum chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate to stop you from sweating. Some worry that this is unnatural and worse, could cause cancer. While the NY Times points out that the National Cancer Institute and the Alzheimer’s Association don’t share those concerns, some are just reluctant to stop their bodies from doing what it’s designed to do – sweat.

4. Some natural deodorants really do work.

If you use a natural deodorant, odds are that you’re going to sweat a little. But consider taking a day or two without it. See how much you really sweat. You might be surprised. Recently, a friend gave anti-perspirant the heave-ho. As she wrote to me, “maybe I’m just more mellow lately, but I’m really not sweating all that much.” We’ve already covered natural and/or organic deodorants – if you’re interested in giving natural deodorant a go, try the sprays first.

5. You can conserve water.

Okay, so yes, this is a green reason to step away from the daily shower. But is that so terrible? As the EPA reports, a full bath tub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons.” So if you’re able to sponge bath just once a week, you’re saving quite a bit of water.

Image: eelke dekker

If you are a woman, you are generally first judged by your looks. And in other news, kittens are cute, babies are cuddly, and the sun sets in the west no matter how many cocktails you had at happy hour. Are we standing on our box of sarcasm right now, decorated with smiley Justin Bieber decals? Okay, yes. But it’s hard not to get a little sarcastic when reading headlines like “Hillary Clinton: Hot or Not?” or “Senator Kristen Gillibrand called the hottest member of Congress” – by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, no less.

To be plain and simple, a woman’s looks and sexuality inevitably factor into her professional life. (Also see Elena Kagan, Condoleezza Rice, and Sonia Sotomayor, whose sexual preferences have been picked apart by the media.)

Women are empowered like never before, and we have all our feminist foremothers to thank for it. You know, like Margaret Sanger, who pioneered the modern birth control movement. As one columnist noted of Miss Sanger in 1934, “I expected to meet a pugnacious, assertive, positive type of woman – loud, big-boned, and large. What a surprise and pleasure to find a diminutive soft-cornered gentle looking woman… How could such a tiny figure be such a powerful leader among womankind?” Wait a minute – Margaret Sanger was CUTE?

Gloria Steinem in 1972. Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

Then there’s Gloria Steinem, one of the founders of the modern feminist movement. But she was also passed as a Playboy bunny in 1963 while undercover as a journalist. Which means that she, (hide your daughters,) is also smart and conventionally pretty.

Yes, we make instant assumptions about each other. But it often seems for women that being pretty and being smart are two mutually exclusive categories. Further, some might suggest that it’s an unspoken rule that “hot women” should just be grateful for the attention that they’re getting. After all, beautiful people have it easier in the world.

But do they? Beauty fades – and people freak out. The price of a woman relying on her looks to get her through life has lead to a billion-dollar cosmetic industry. And a lot of disturbing practices. Teenagers, as in 16 year olds, are turning to Botox in an effort to stave off aging. Women of a certain age are plumping their lips and faces to the point deformity. Ever heard of the “bucket of Botox” syndrome? Meet the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Supermodel Paulina Porizkova once wrote, “Attempts at discussing history, art or literature – subjects I had diligently studied – seemed to elicit the same reaction a toddler gets when he announces that he wants to be an astronaut or a fireman: a pat on the head and a smile. By merely mentioning that I was a model, I could practically watch my IQ plummet in someone’s eyes.”

Ultimately, some might call bitterina on Paulina – poor rich supermodel, why should we feel sorry for her? She willingly sold herself for fashion. But in the end, who better than a supermodel, the so-called epitome of all pretty, to illustrate the chasm between mind and matter? And if acknowledgement is the first step in recovery – let’s recognize the “smart v. pretty” chasm and put in some Everest-style action in summiting the bridge between “Isn’t she lovely?” and “Isn’t she smart?”

Image: quinnanya

If you haven’t heard, there’s been a little thing called Health Care Reform buzzing around the country for the past couple years. Some laud it, others loathe it. Recent news out of Washington, D.C. may leave some women a little lighter in the wallet. The news is that women may soon be entitled to free contraception under heath care reform. Yes, this means free birth control pills, intrauterine devices, patches, and vaginal rings.

U.S. News and World Report Health shares that one studies shows “publicly-funded contraception saves taxpayers $4 for every $1 spent by preventing nearly 2 million pregnancies and 810,000 abortions every year.” Nonetheless, this move is already being met with opposition from the Catholic Church. John Haas is president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center. As he told The Huffington Post, “We think there are other ways to avoid having children than by ingesting chemicals paid for by health insurance.”

So there’s a chance birth control might soon be available to women as never before. As a feminist, I think this is fantastic news. As an environmentalist, this is a bit worrisome. We’ve already addressed the ecological impact of the Pill, noting that the flood of pill-caused estrogen into the water ways has negative, hormone-disrupting effects on wildlife. Not to mention, a flood of hormones can be toxic to your body.

But birth control has been around since the dawn of time, and earlier forms were all free of synthetic hormones. Here’s a nod to some of the ancient forms of contraception. (We’re not suggesting you use them. Just nod at them.)

Acacia Shrub

Ancient Egyptians used to grind up acacia, honey and dates to be inserted into their vaginas. The temperature of the body would then ferment the product into an early spermicide.

Lactation

Already have a baby? Lactation was considered a useful form of birth control in ancient Egypt. (It still is, thought it is not the most effective form.)

Animal-Membrane Condoms

In 19th century France, men used animal-membrane condoms. You may never look at a lamb the same way.

Lemon Juice

Marie Claire reports that the ancient women of Constantinople used sponges dipped in lemon juice. It is thought that sperm can’t survive in a highly acidic environment, so lemon acts as a sperm-killing agent. Studies have shown that it is not too kind to the uterus, either.

Queen Anne’s Lace

The use of Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) dates back to the late 4th or 5th century. Its seeds release a chemical that makes it difficult for a woman to carry a pregnancy.

Images: dhobern, hodac, kiwinz, kirstenloza, sneezypb

Breasts are big in America. And I’m not just talking physically, though in my town of Hollywood, you’re more likely to see more silicone than they used to make the space shuttle – on one woman, no less. Breasts have achieved a place in our mental oeuvre than seem to take up more energy than one would think body parts deserve.

For women, our relationships with our boobs/breasts/milk sacks can be complicated. If we have largest chesticles, some of us wish for the freedom to run without corsetry. If we have smaller breasts, some of us buy push-up bras and consider plastic surgery. For many women, coming to terms with their chest sizes is a life-long process. And for the women who don’t give a damn or feel they have other things to worry about, rock on.

But from the women who cringe when they get ogled in a bar to the women who wish their bikinis had more bounce – we hear you, sisters. As a new study points out, your anxiety may come from nature, not necessarily neurosis. In other words, you’re not imagining anything. The Telegraph reports that a study from the University of Texas, Austin, confirms that men look at women’s bodies for the short-term, as in for dates and one night stands. And for long-term relationships? Men consider faces over bodies.

Yes, I’m sure we just all heard a collective gasp of “duh” across the world. Heterosexual men look at women’s bodies? Cows like grass? Dogs like bones? Anderson Cooper is a stone-cold fox? But the UT researchers went a bit farther with their investigations. And yes, you’re all gorgeous and screw what your preferred gender thinks, male or female, right? Physically, it’s a bit of a different story.

The UT study looked at the reactions of 375 men and women who were asked to decide if they would date a member of the opposite sex based purely on their bodies or faces. Men were asked if they would consider a pretty face or a voluptuous body. Looking at pictures of bodies with faces obscured or faces with bodies obscured, men were much more likely to go for body over face.

Then there were the men who were looking to settle down for the long term. These men picked faces over bodies. As the Texas study explained, “Both the body and face can provide clues as to a woman’s reproductive value and current fertility, but this study revealed men go for bodily cues more when looking for a short-term mate.” And might we point out, one study does not define an entire gender or sexual orientation.

And finally, what about the women in the study? Did women pick men according to their broad shoulders or richly-filled in hairlines? Not at all, according to the study. Women all gave priority to a man’s face in both short-term and long-term scenarios.

Image: scragz

So Memorial Day came and went, and we were left looking over our skin to see if we got any color over the weekend”¦despite six different organic sunscreens we continually slathered on our bods”¦between hiding under an umbrella and dodging into the sunlight like a crazy person. Wait, you didn’t do that? Well, I did, and allow me to share the fruits of my sunscreen obsession.

First, we brought you the world of organic face sunscreens. Now let’s take a look at the best protection for our bodies!

Total Body Plumeria SPF 30 by Coola

My favorite of the bunch, this product gets high props for three reasons. First, it smells fantastic with a sweet, floral scent. Second, it goes on smooth and doesn’t leave you feeling greased out or chalky. And finally, it works like Brad Pitt juggling babies! (That means well!) I wore one application for an entire afternoon and didn’t get burned, despite hopping in and out of the water. It is a certified organic product with a UVA/UVB broad spectrum. And it is hypoallergenic, water resistant and paba/paraben free.

Sun Lotion SPF 30+ by Jurlique

This product out of Australia is so light (not to mention delicately packaged in a glass bottle) that I’ve been using it for both my face and my body. It looks, smells and feels like a regular moisturizer. It also has an interesting, tangy scent. (Can scents be tangy? This one is.)  Jurlique specializes in their “living energy blend, which is a custom blend of our biodynamically and organically-grown herbs and flowers, that when combined in our formulas, re-balances skin, naturally.” They also source from biodynamic or organic farms.

Complete Sunblock Spray SPF 26 by Jason

This spray was the most classic of the bunch, as it reminded me the sunscreen you used as a kid. It has a beachy smell, (like something between coconut and pineapple) and it is intensely moisturizing. It also gets props for being easy to apply (yay spray). It offers full UV protection and contains certified organic ingredients. It is also paraben-free. Best of all? Only $7.

Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 by John Masters Organics

If you want the visuals that your product is working, then this is the sunscreen for you. It goes on so white that you will need to work it in. And it will leave you as shimmery as a Twilight vampire. (This is not the worst thing when you’re worried if your sunscreen is still there”¦.)  There is a light, nondescript vitamin-y scent. This product contains certified organic extracts of green tea, shea butter and jojoba oil hydrate.

High Protection Sunscreen Emulsion for Children SPF 30 by Korres

This product is probably the thickest of the lot. It goes on white, but it doesn’t leave you chalky. (You know that feeling when your skin feels like a chalkboard and you feel like you want to go dip your entire body in oil? Yeah, that feeling.) It does have a nice, floral scent.  It contains a natural filter of titanium dioxide plus shea butter for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection and moisture.

Sun SPF 30 by Alba Botanica

If you want the heavy-duty experience, this is a good product for it. It goes on thick and you can feel it sitting on your skin. The smell is pleasant – I sampled the lavender – but it does leave you with that chalky feeling. This product contains an infusion of certified organic lavender, aloe vera, chamomile, ginkgo biloba and green tea. Retailing for around $10, it offers UVA/UVB protection and does the job well.

I grew up thinking it was completely normal to slather my skin with products featuring a complex, unpronounceable list of ingredients. Most of us probably never even thought twice about it.

But awareness is rising and many of us just aren’t tolerating toxins anymore. Smart entrepreneurs are stepping up to fulfill the growing need for skincare made of completely natural (and often edible) ingredients. If you like to feed your skin only the finest, add Naya Organics to the menu.

Stemming from a literal interpretation of the “less is more” philosophy, Naya’s scrubs and body oils literally contain only the simplest, most natural of ingredients. There’s nothing that was created in a lab.

I’ve been trying quite a few of the products. I recommend you use the coarse salt scrubs to exfoliate your skin and the lightly scented oils to protect and replenish. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have a hard time deciding – go for the sample pack with a little bit of everything. And be thankful that you don’t have to “treat” your skin to strange, complicated chemicals anymore.