L.A., blogger Joy Wilson offers up this sinfully delicious, single serving, warm chocolate peanut butter cake that cooks up in no time. This version can also be made with bourbon or raspberry liquor.

What you need:

½ tsp. plus 1 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

Approximately 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa (or use flour or sugar)

¼ cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

1 large egg

4 tsp. sugar

1 tbsp. natural peanut butter or 1 tbsp. bourbon

Pinch of salt

1 tsp. flour

 1. Preheat oven to 375 and set baking sheet on rack in center of oven. Grease a ¾ cup ramekin with ½ tsp. butter, then dust with unsweetened cocoa. Set aside.

2. Put 1 tbsp. butter and the chocolate chips in a small heatproof bowl set over a small pan of simmering water. Heat, stirring until chocolate melts; let cool a few minutes.

3. Whisk egg, sugar, and peanut butter in a small bowl to blend. Whisk in chocolate mixture until well incorporated, then stir in salt and flour just until combined. Pour batter into ramekin. Set on baking sheet and bake until as done as you like, 7 to 10 minutes for a molten center or 10 -12 minutes for a soft center (cake edge will puff slightly)

4. Let cake cool 2 minutes. Eat right away

For more delectable recipes, pick up a copy of Joy the Baker Cookbook ($20), from Hyperion or visit Joy Wilson’s blog: www.joythebaker.com

She had a rash on her bottom and was unable to see it clearly. To track the progression of the rash, she began taking pictures of it with the camera on her phone.  As her physician I noticed it was much easier for her to discuss her anatomy when looking at a picture rather than pointing directly to her body.  This sparked an idea that I have since shared with some of my female patients, and the response has been so incredible I would like to share it with you, my readers, as well.

Take pictures of yourself naked!  Yes, you, by yourself, without your clothes.  As women we often compare ourselves to photographs in a magazine, yet have you ever seen what you look like lying on a bed?  Unless your ceiling has mirrors, probably not.  To ease into taking photographs first use it as a medical tool to document any moles or lesions on your skin. If you do have a suspicious area on your skin make sure to have something of standard measure in the picture.  If you do not have a ruler or tape measure then use something else of standard size like a paper clip, or even your finger in the photo.  This is to document the size of any moles or suspicious lesions that you will want to have examined during your next appointment.

With that exercise complete, begin taking photographs of your other body parts.  The purpose is to see what your body looks like to others, not just the vision in the mirror.  Be creative and take lots of pictures from many different angles. The more light on you the better to enhance your beautiful body.  Ever wonder how your breasts look from the side?  Hold your camera to the side of your body and click away.  Are you curious to see your vagina from your partners perspective?  Take a picture.  If you are feeling squeamish or nervous, that’s completely normal.  However, do you think it odd that your physician and your lover have seen your body in a way that you have not?  Shouldn’t you know your body and your anatomy better than anyone else in the world?

So after your next bath, plan for some personal time and take lots of photos of your body.  Try to be gentle with your self-critiquing.  Also realize that for a magazine portrait, there are people setting up the perfect lighting, make-up and background.  They also can take hundreds of photographs before finally catching the perfect shot.  Do not be timid about exploring your own beauty.  Take dozens of pictures. In the age of digital photography a hundred photos is equal to the cost of one. Not happy with the lighting or the angles you’ve shot? Simply hit delete, reset and reshoot.

Every woman has a beautiful body if she just takes the time to appreciate it.  Your favorite might be a photograph of your hair when you lie down, or how your nipple looks from below.  Be creative.  As you experiment, immediately delete those of a less than desirable quality so you do not focus your attention on shots you dislike.  When you have a few that you believe are beautiful, give yourself time to really look at your miraculous body and appreciate what you look like, from every angle. The purpose of this exercise is not to circulate nude images of yourself, never advisable, but to use your camera as a tool for exploring your unique and precious body.

The next time you see a model in a magazine and you feel less than ideal, remember the pictures of your body.  You are an amazing creature just as you are.  If you ever doubt this truth, just snap a few photos to remind yourself of how truly beautiful you are.

_______________________________________

A board certified emergency physician, Jennifer Hanes, D.O., discovered that patients have greater success when they understand their bodies.  With that unique philosophy, she founded Empowered Medicine, PLLC, where knowledge is powerful medicine.  She empowers patients with her articles, motivational speeches and private consultations.  You can learn more at www.DrHanes.com.

By now, I have no doubt that you have heard the warnings about over-exposure to the sun and how much you can do to protect yourself by generously slathering on the suntan lotion with an SPF rating of at least 30, 45, or higher. In previous skin care articles we have covered the issue of sun exposure not only as a cancer risk but also as it relates to the damage too much sun does to your skin’s overall health, adding five, ten, or more years to your appearance.

As a matter of health, however, this is a good time of year to recall (or learn for the first time) some interesting facts about skin cancer. These four facts are dramatic and if they don’t get your attention, I’m not sure what will.

Skin Cancer Facts

1. Skin cancer and melanoma account for about 50% of all types of cancers diagnosed combined.
2. Skin cancer is one of the more preventable types of cancer, if you follow some simple steps.
3. More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to the sun. And that, in and of itself, tells you how preventable most skin cancers are.
4. Every hour in America a person dies from skin cancer.

That puts Swine Flu hysteria in perspective. This simple fact would get more coverage, but the news media gets excited about the “new new” thing. Old news, like how deadly skin cancer can be just doesn’t have the same glamour, never mind the fact that the threat to your life is infinitely greater.

Skin cancer is divided into two categories: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.

1. Melanoma is a very dangerous form of skin cancer. The good news there, if there is any, is that melanoma accounts for 4% of all skin cancer cases diagnosed.
2. Non-melanomas, although serious, are much less life threatening and easier to treat.

Two other amazing facts about skin cancer.

One out of every five Americans will be diagnosed in their lifetime with skin cancer. But the risk factor is higher for Caucasians. European-Americans have a one out of three chance of having skin cancer at some time in their lives. This doesn’t mean if you’re risk factor is lower as it is for African-Americans, Asians, and Latinos, that you can ignore the threat because, for these populations, skin cancer can be the most deadly. This could be a lack of vigilance on the part of non-Caucasians when it comes to the dangers of this disease.

But perhaps the most amazing fact of all is this: Just one bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk factor for melanoma later in life. Protecting children against sun exposure is very important. And remember, melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. For you personally, this means if you can remember as a child having one blistering bad sunburn, it’s wise to be extra vigilant when it comes to unprotected sun exposure.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to know the facts and as you prepare for this season’s fun in the sun grab some UV protection. It might be the smartest thing you do all year. Check out the National Skin Cancer Foundation for lots of helpful resource information about this disease and tips on self-examination.

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1. Lubricate with baby oil after your shower.  Most people apply a lotion rather than an oil based product.  To check, read the ingredients on your lotion and most likely the number one ingredient is water.  This does not help to seal in the moisture of your skin. And while you may think you lack the time to apply it daily, it only takes a moment.  Keep a bottle of baby oil in the shower and squirt it on your skin when you finish. Then as your dry off with your towel the oil will cover your body.  (But do be careful as this can make your shower floor very slippery, best to step onto the bath mat first.)

2. Apply almond oil to your hands, feet and scalp.  At night, wash your hands and feet with an exfoliating scrub (or lather your hands and then add a teaspoon of sugar).  The exfoliation will help to remove those dead skin cells from the surface allowing the oil to penetrate better.  Liberally apply the oil to your hands and feet and wear socks and cotton gloves to bed.  The heat will help the oil to soften your skin even more.  If an itchy flaky scalp is a problem, rub the oil into your scalp at night and sleep in a shower cap.  The next morning shampoo out the oil for an itch-free hair day.

3. Throw out your humidifier.  If you have a portable humidifier you should reconsider before continuing its use.  Most are not cleaned properly with bleach every-other day and thus become a breeding ground for mold and spores.  To add moisture to your home, keep a large pot of water on the stove.  Every time you enter the kitchen, turn the water on to boil allowing the vapors to humidify the house.  It is also a wonderful aromatic therapy adding cinnamon sticks or lemon peel or even rosemary for a pleasant fragrance.

4. Drink more water.  As simple as it sounds, drinking more water each day will help your skin to remain fresh, plump and soft.  It is impossible to have well hydrated skin if your body is dehydrated.  If you feel thirsty you are already low on fluids.  Drink up.

5. Burn, baby burn.  Propane that is.  If you have a natural gas fireplace in your home, you are very fortunate.  The fireplace actually creates water vapor adding moisture to your home as opposed to the furnace which dries out the house with its forced air.  (For you budding chemists; C3H8 + 502 ——-  3CO2 + 4H20).

6. Turn down the thermostat.  If your home is heated with a furnace it would be beneficial to turn back the temperature. All that forced heat is drying your skin and body.  Many of my patients report that if dressed warmly they sleep comfortably with the house kept in the low 60s.  Experiment and see what temperature range works best for you.

7. Avoid alcohol.  Alcohol is a diuretic and will encourage your body to lose even more water during the time you need it most.  Drink water or club soda instead to help build your reserves.

8. Limit your shower time.  Although a long hot bath or shower feels fantastic, to avoid dry skin, shorten the time.  Hot water dries the skin and those long hot showers you like on cold winter days are costing you itchy skin just a few hours later.

9. Should you still need a little help to banish that alligator skin, you can up the ante with applying petroleum jelly to your skin after your bath.  Since it is thicker than baby oil it provides a better barrier and thus more relief.  It melts into the skin quite quickly so it is not as messy and difficult as one might think.

10. If all else fails, take a vacation to the tropics and slather on the sun screen. But a far less expensive solution is to give steps one through nine a try!

_______________________________________

A board certified emergency physician, Jennifer Hanes, D.O., discovered that patients have greater success when they understand their bodies.  With that unique philosophy, she founded Empowered Medicine, PLLC, where knowledge is powerful medicine.  She empowers patients with her articles, motivational speeches and private consultations.  You can learn more at www.DrHanes.com.

Rachel Comey Platform Pull On Boot: A platform heel gives this tall number an artistic boost.

Loeffler Randall Ivy Snap Boot: This sleek Italian-made boot sports four gold snaps down the side for a little extra oomph. So sophisticated over skinny jeans.

Dolce Vita Simone Moto Ankle Boot: Mix it up with a brown bootie, which can work with jeans or a dress and tights.

Ugg Swell Tall Boot: The squatty, marshmallow-y pink Uggs may have met their style expiration date, but we can’t help resisting this sleeker model. Note the cute boho trim!

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Diet

Jennifer Aniston is a devoted yogii.

Yogiis believe that man is essentially a herbivorous animal. Studies at the Bombay Yoga Institute have shown that people on non flesh, low-protein diets actually have greater endurance. That doesn’t mean you can order your pizza sans pepperoni and consider yourself pure. The idea is to consume whole, healthy foods that are not processed and therefore easily digested. Think natural butter, honey instead of sugar, wheat, barley, legumes, fruits and veggies.  Also, al dente is key here. No food should be overcooked  (actually raw is preferred) or spiced up too much.  Things like ginger and coconut milk  – instead of salt and cream – can add richness and flavor to yoga focused recipes. Also, skip the water. Yes, you read right. Yogins consider it harmful to consume beverages during meals as they can wash away the nutrients in the food. Instead, drink up when you first wake up. The  idea is to eat to live, not live to eat.

Detox

Green tea is packed with antioxidants

Every now and then you will want to detox your system. That is, get all the impurities that have built up in your system from environmental pollutants and food. Garlic may not smell great, but it does wonders for your body. It helps stimulate the liver to produce detoxification enzymes that aid in clearing out your digestive system. Leafy greens are loaded with chlorophyll which rids the body of free radicals and toxins and actually helps the liver to purify your blood. Citrus fruits like lemons and limes also aid the liver and jump start your digestive track. Caffeine is not ideal in a yoga diet, but if you must indulge, make green tea your jump start of choice. Not only will it rev you up, but it is full of antioxidants that keep you healthy and purify your body.

Dress

Aneka Yoga by New Balance

Now that you have done your body good from the inside, do it good from the outside, too! Nothing says motivation like some new clothes. The new Aneka Yoga collection from  New Balance can take you from class to café easily. The collection utilizes extra soft LIGHTING DRY™ polyester and spandex fabrics with ergonomically placed design lines to provide a flattering and extremely comfortable fit. That means no riding up during the downward dog.  Another tip, don’t neglect your feet! Choose a comfort trainer like the New Balance 813 which acts as a massage therapist for feet and minimizes the pressure points on the foot, allowing you to make the most out of your workouts. There is also a memory foam insert for maximum comfort.

So, now you will be able to squeeze in a workout no matter where you are coming and going from.

Recipes

Lentil Soup Recipe

Recipe by Prue Charlton, author of The Yoga Diet

2 tablespoons olive oil 60 g (2 oz) butter, ghee or oil
1 onion, chopped small
1 carrot, chopped small
1 stick celery, chopped small
30 g (1 oz) pancetta or bacon, chopped (optional)
250 g (8 oz) canned Italian tomatoes, cut up, with juice
250 g (8 oz) dried brown lentils, washed and drained
1 litre (1 and 3/4 pints) stock freshly ground pepper
1 bay leaf a few sprigs of thyme
3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Sauté the onion in oil and butter till soft, add celery and carrot and continue to sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring from time to time.

2. Add the pancetta or bacon and sauté 1 minute more.

3. Add the tomatoes and cook at a gentle simmer for 25 minutes, uncovered. Stir from time to time with a wooden spoon.

4. Add the lentils, stirring and turning them over a couple of times.

5. Add stock, bay leaf, thyme and pepper.

6. Cook for about 45 minutes or till lentils are soft, adding more stock or water if necessary.

7. Serve with parmesan cheese and wholemeal bread.

Strawberry mint lassi

Lassi Recipe

Lassi is a delicious cold drink often taken with or after a meal. It is both nourishing and helpful to the digestion.

1. Mix one part yogurt into two parts water.

2. Sweeten with honey and a pinch of ground cardamom.

3. May be made in the blender with fruit added (e.g., mango, strawberries, soft dates etc.)

4. Add 1/2 teaspoon rosewater for a special touch.

Green Beans with Mustard Maple Glaze Recipe

Recipe by Wai Lana

2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
3 cups young green beans, ends trimmed only
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp. Bragg liquid aminos
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
1 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp. water

1. Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet on medium heat until light golden, stirring constantly. Set aside for garnishing.

2. Steam the beans for about 5 minutes, or until bright green and just tender. Arrange neatly on a serving plate when done.

3. Combine the next 6 ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil on medium heat. Thicken with the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly. Drizzle the sauce across the beans and garnish with the sesame seeds.

The World Almanac^® for Kids 2012 includes:

• Faces and Places: Huge full-color photographs.
• Animals: Explore animals on a scientific level, from endangered species to creatures of the deep.
• Environment: A brand-new section on “Living Green.”
• Games: Check out the top-selling video games of all times.
• Military: Information on historical wars and military innovations civilians use every day.
• Movies and TV: Fun facts about this year’s most popular movies and TV shows.
• Music and Dance: Get the inside scoop on the year’s hottest acts.
• Nations: Interesting facts and trivia about every country in the world.
• Population: Results from the 2010 census.
• Sports: Coverage of kids’ favorite teams, athletes, and sports.
• Technology and Computers: New advice on the best ways to avoid cyberbullying and stay safe online.
• United States: Information about the 50 states.

FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Tell us the areas of most interest to your kiddo in the comments section below and you could win a free copy of The World Almanac^® for Kids 2012.

About The World Almanac:
The World Almanac^® is part of Infobase Learning, an educational media company that owns such well-known brands as Facts On File, Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Chelsea House, Bloom’s, Ferguson’s, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Buy The World Almanac^® for Kids 2012 today!

Want to be a SMW Book Reviewer? Click here.

The 2012 World Almanac highlights include:

• Top 10 News Topics of 2011

• Time Capsule — the items that most came to symbolize the year 2011.

• Offbeat News Stories — the wackiest news stories of the year.

• Year in Pictures: 2011

• 2010 Census Results — up-to-date information based on newly released 2010 census data.

• Election Preview 2012

• Greatest Sports Upsets — the greatest athletic upsets of all time, including the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.

• Sports — hundreds of pages of trivia and historical statistics, as well as a 2012 Olympic preview.

• The World at a Glance — surprising statistics and curious facts about today’s world.

• Education — details on higher education costs, student debt, and distance education options.

• Colleges and Universities — An indispensable tool for college-bound students and their families.

• Economy and Employment — economics content emphasizing the facts, figures, and indicators that matter most.

FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Tell us the areas of most interest to you in the comments section below and you could win a free copy of The World Almanac^® and Book of Facts 2012.

About The World Almanac:
The World Almanac^® is part of Infobase Learning, an educational media company that owns such well-known brands as Facts On File, Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Chelsea House, Bloom’s, Ferguson’s, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Buy The World Almanac^® and Book of Facts 2012 today!

Want to be a SMW Book Reviewer? Click here.

Animal Prints With A Twist

For all of you ladies who love prints, this swimsuit trend is for you!  For 2012, the animal print trend has a colorful new twist, featuring eye-popping prints in bright bold hues.  For example, the Sumatra swimsuit by Despi features a classic leopard print with refreshing pops of mint green.  A hot new twist on a classic swim trend!

Sporty-Chic Colorblocking

This season, the colorblock trend is back in both the fashion and swimwear worlds.  For those who love to stand out, try swimsuit styles with bold contrasting blocks of color.  But for those who are looking for something a bit more subtle, try black and white colorblocking, as seen in the new Betsey swimsuit by ViX Swimwear.  Whichever look you prefer, you’re sure to look a little sporty-chic and a lot on-trend.

Fringe Benefits

Finally, 2012 is all about fun and fabulous fringe.  The fringe trend is perfect for those who are looking for that beachy boho-chic look.  L Space Swimwear has a number of flirty fringe swimsuit styles, such as the Fringe Benefits White Monokini.  Featuring a plunging neckline and gorgeous fringe trim, this monokini is a must-have this season.

Get ready to turn heads in 2012 with the season’s hottest swimsuit styles!

Susan Bodack is a blogger and Director of Social Media Marketing at InStyleSwimwear.com, a luxury online designer swimwear store.  For more swimsuit related news and tips, check out their blog, Beauty and the Beach.

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Calm down. This handy guide will give you the details on the most popular high-tech beauty gadgets on the market right now: what it does, how to use it, you name it—no chemistry degree required.

Marvel-Mini Red Facial Light Therapy for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

What It Does: Smoothes wrinkles, firms the skin, and boosts radiance

The Science Behind It: LED technology

How It Works: This wand is meant to be held over targeted areas for nine minutes at a time, four to five days a week. Skin should look younger and smoother after about eight weeks. Marvel-Mini also makes wands to target acne and hyperpigmentation. Ain’t science grand?

Cost: $207 on sale

Bottom Line: Big results, provided you can keep up with the regimen

Zeno Pro Acne Clearing Device

What It Does: Zaps zits in as little as 24 hours.

The Science Behind It: Heat energy

How It Works: Hold the battery-operated device up to the pimple for two and a half minutes to release a concentrated dose of heat. Pimples are said to vanish after two treatments spread over a 24-hour period. Hey, it beats popping.

Cost: $139.95 on sale

Bottom Line: A good quick fix for treating one-off outbreaks.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator: The Anti-Aging Power Treatment

What It Does: Firms skin while working its magic on pores, age spots, and fine lines

The Science Behind It: A massaging attachment and “rejuvenating puffs” that exfoliate the skin

How It Works: Similar to an at-home microdermabrasion, this vibrating wand lightly buffs the skin to stimulate circulation and cell growth. A dermatologist clinical study revealed that 91% of testers saw instant benefits.

Cost: $64.50

Bottom Line: An affordable alternative to facials.

Clarisonic Skin Care Brush System

What It Does: Buffs and cleans the face, clears and shrinks pores, and leaves you with skin that’s softer than a baby’s behind

The Science Behind It: Oscillating bristles

How It Works: After wetting the face and applying cleanser, turn on the waterproof brush and massage it into the skin using a circular motion; it’s similar to brushing your teeth. The vibrating wand helps the cleanser penetrate deep into the pores while smoothing the skin’s surface.

Cost: $195

Bottom Line: Great for achieving soft skin, though sensitive types will want to be careful to avoid irritation.

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