A Little Out of the Box...

We did a little research project on alternative therapies, holistic alternatives, and new age past times, so I thought I would share a little of what I learned...

Tarot Cards

Tarot cards, a set of 78 cards used for divination, were first used in the 15th century to play card games in Europe. The first uses for divination are thought to have been in the 18th century.

Tarot cards are not meant to tell the future, but to connect you with a higher conciousness within yourself, and to assist you in answering questions that you may have about your life and the path you are now traveling. According to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, "The most powerful sources of information come from within; the Tarot aids in coming in contact with one's Higher Self."

In the 78 cards, they are split into two groups, the major arcana and the minor arcana. The 22 cards that make up the major arcana are based on archetypes, such as The Fool, The Devil, The Lovers and The Moon. The minor arcana is very similar to typical playing cards, with 4 suits, swords, wands, pentacles and cups, and 14 cards in each suits.

When using tarot cards for divination, typically there is a seeker, the person asking the question, and the reader, the person reading the cards. However, there does not need to be two people to complete a reading, you can do your own tarot readings as well. The seeker will ask a question (that is not yes or no) and shuffle the cards, infusing the cards with their energy. After shuffling and cutting the deck, the reader will then place top cards in the spread, being mindful of the direction that the cards are facing, which can alter the meaning of the card a great deal.

There are a number of different spreads that can be used, ranging from the traditional celtic cross to a very simple three card spread, simply indicating past, present and future. Some spreads use all 78 cards, while others may only use the Major Arcana.  Each position in the spread has a different meaning, and how the order in which the cards are laid out is important.

 After the cards are laid out in the spread, the cards then shape the answer to your question based on the location of the card in the spread and whether it is right side up, or upside down, or "reversed". There are different views on whether reversed cards mean something different than their right side up counter-part, if it weakens the meaning of the card, or if there is no difference in the cards meaning at all. Since Tarot is all about seeking your inner knowledge, I feel that it is best left up to the reader to be the judge of how they feel about reversed cards in their spreads.

Below is an example of the Celtic Cross Spread, to show the specific meaning and order of placement in the spread.

Learning to read Tarot is something that does take a lot of time and effort, and learning what the cards mean to you. Some of the best card readers have been taught generation by generation, while some simply were simply drawn to the cards. There are even levels of certification and standardized tests to take to become a certified reader. If you are interested in learning to read the cards, or are simply drawn to the many different interpretations of the cards that are out there, Amazon is a great place to start looking for books on basic card meanings, spreads, and different decks.

Laser Hair Removal

One of the most sought after treatments in medical spas and laser centers is laser hair removal. Recently, I completed a series of sessions at a laser center and had I known then what I know now about lasers, I would have done some things a little bit differently, and done a little research on the type of laser that was used. Hopefully, if you are making the decision to go under the laser, this information may help you in your search for a great laser clinic!
How It Works
A laser is a device that produces light in a single wavelength, or color. The light it produces travels in one direction, and can travel very far distances, so safety when operating a device is always important.
Lasers target a chromophore, or more simply, a dark spot on the skin, and that spot absorbs the light of the laser. In the case of laser hair removal, the laser targets the melanin, or color, in the hair shaft, and causes damage to the follicle. Therefore, lighter skinned people with darker hair are ideal candidates for Laser Hair Removal.
Laser hair removal is actually considered "permanent hair reduction", rather than "permanent hair removal", which can only be achieved with electrolysis. Each person's results will vary, and there is a likelihood that you will need to come back several years later for maintenance on the area.
Lasers used for Hair Removal
There are three classifications of lasers used for laser hair removal, and their classifications are based on the depth and color of light. You will most likely only run across the two most popular, Diode and ND:YAG. Within these classifications, there are several brands of lasers manufactured. I would recommend asking the laser clinic you are interested in what laser they use, and research to make sure it is right for your skin type.

What to Expect
As with any laser procedure, there is pain associated with the treatment. The most common description is the feeling of a rubber band snap, or a slap. Depending upon the area being treated and your pain threshold, it will be different. Areas of more hair follicles will be more painful, and as your hair growth in the area decreases, the pain per treatment will as well.
Depending on the laser center, they may use different techniques to minimize the heat to the area so that a higher amount of energy can be used, thus making it a more effective treatment each time. Some lasers have cooling tips on the end, while others use refrigerated ultra sound gel or an air compressor with cold air.
For best results, 6-8 treatments is recommended.
Cautions for Laser Hair Removal
When going in for a treatment, make sure the area being treated is completely shaved, and without lotion, numbing creme, cosmetics or any other products you might apply to the treatment area. Not only will it reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, but can produce a fire hazard.
Don't wear any reflective jewelry, since scatter from the laser can reflect off of jewelry.
If you have a tattoo near the area, make sure it is covered by a white towel so the laser is not attracted to the pigment of the tattoo. Be advised that if you do have a tattoo near the area, there is a chance that pigment in your blood stream can be picked up by the laser, and zap your tattoo.
Discontinue tanning and self tanners two weeks before the procedure, so the laser is not attracted the the pigment of your skin.

Contraindications for Laser Hair Removal
As with any treatment, there are some reasons that you may not be a candidate. People who are pregnant can not have laser treatments.
If you have Herpes Simplex I or II, you must be taking your antiviral medication for at least a week before and after treatment.
If you are on any medication that makes you sensitive to the sun, you should discontinue medication 6 weeks before treatment. This included any Vitamin A topical, such as Retin-A or Renova. Accutane should be discontinued for 6 months before receiving a treatment.
Treatment areas with metal plating or screws in the area may not be treated, depending on your technicians discression. However, it is not recommended.
People with darker skin should note that there are serious risks of burns with receiving laser treatments, and many centers will not treat a patient with darker skin.

Post-treatment: aftercare
After your treatment, you skin will be slightly irritated and red. The technician will likely apply a creme or spray to help reduce any discomfort. Avoid sun exposure and tanning for a week, and apply sunscreen of spf 30 or higher. Avoid saunas, hot baths, and steam for 24 hours, to lessen irritation, and avoid shaving for 24 hours as well. Also avoid cremes, lotions and cosmetics with dyes and fragrance for 24-48 hours to avoid irritation.

And finally, some great places to check out for Laser Hair Removal...
Yamashiro Laser Center
The 7 Club
Wade Laser Clinic

Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful week!
XOXO
Haleigh

The Sun and Aging

We are well into summer now, and many of us are already on our way to becoming bronzed goddesses (or gods). I am even guilty of laying out in the sun, oiled up, while on my vacation in Vegas in May and in my backyard, even though I know the likelihood of skin cancer runs high in my ethnic background. I look better with a tan, what can I say? However, scientists and researchers now believe that sun damage is the #1 cause of wrinkles, not aging. In fact, some even believe that if we stayed out of the sun completely, we would have little to no wrinkling what so ever. Hard to believe at first, but think about the skin of someone who spends the majority of their time in a car. They are only exposing one side of their face to the sun, while the other faces the interior of their car. The side facing the sun sometimes looks 10 years older than the protected side.

Of course, staying hidden away in a basement for your whole life is no way to live just to stay wrinkle free, but there are ways to help keep your skin looking young for life:

• A broadspectrum sunscreen. While it won't stave off wrinkles completely, it is the easiest way to keep sunburn, longterm sun damage, and skin cancer away.
• Protective clothing. Big hats, long sleeves and long pants are best, but not always the most comfortable in summer heat. Stick with a big hat, and channel your inner Samantha from Sex and the City.
• Spray Tan! If you do desire a golden glow, find a DHA and chemical free version, such as Sun FX.

I'd also love to hear any additional suggestions you might have, so please, feel free to comment below. I'm off to buy some big hats and get myself a spray tan!

XOXO
Haleigh

Hello, and Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! Since going to school for esthetics, I have had a lot of people ask me what is best for their skin, what I think about chemical peels, how the heck eyelash extensions work, and so on. At least once a week, I will post a blog on skin care for acne, aging skin, or other skin conditions, products I'm trying out and how I like them, my favorite makeup, a great new treatment I tried out, or even just some pictures of some awesome eyelashes! If there is anything that you would like to know about, please ask, and I will do my best to fit it in. Thanks, and here is to great skin!