True or False: I need to drink eight glasses of water a day.

OK... This is something I hear all the time... everywhere. I remember a period of time in high school when this craze began. Somehow it was wrought into all out heads that we need to drink 8 glasses of water a day! Girls would bring to school mini jugs of water to sip on all throughout the day. Along with that came multiple visits to the ladies room! We are constantly told that water is one of the keys to maintaining beautiful and youthful skin. We are told to drink water to exhaustion and if we don't there will be consequences.

So what is true?!

This statement is absolutely false. What is true is that up to 60% of your body is water, the brain is composed of 70% water, and the lungs are composed 90% of water.Our bodies have an amazing way of maintaining homeostasis, and sometimes we just have to trust that it can work itself. Our kidneys contain a complex system that control how much water is absorbed into the system and how much is excreted in urine. The kidneys also maintain salt balance and blood pressure. When your body needs water - It will let you know!

Remember, "water" is not only in what we drink, but also in the foods we eat. An apple for example is around 85% water!

In fact, drinking too much water can cause hyponatremia ( too much water and not enough salt). This itself can have negative impacts on the body.

So... while it is important to stay hydrated and drink water multiple times a day.. we should not get caught up on this figure. We should however, listen to our bodies, and use that as a gauge for what we need - whether is is more water, more sleep, or more exercise.

My Makeup must haves Part 2!

After much delay (sorry!).... Here is Part 2 of my makeup must haves!

See part 1.

5. Nars Bronzer in Laguna and Casino

- I use Casino, which is darker, for contouring 

- Laguna is great for a lighter, glowy, tan look

- quite expensive but lasts a very long time and looks natural 

6. Mac Blush is Pink Swoon

- I am not a fan of too rosy cheeks, so this is the perfect blush for me

- It may not show up on skin tones darker than mine

- light transparent pinky blush that adds just a hint of flush to the cheeks

7. Mac Concealer in NC25

- Great coverage for under eye dark circles

- although the pot looks small, there is a lot of product!

8. Smashbox Browtech 

- I love love love this product... Who knew that perfect eyebrows could make a huge difference in the way your eyes look! When I first discovered this product, I was unsure how to use it without looking like a clown. However, now that I have been playing around with it for years, I could not live without it. The key is to have the right brush - an angled brush- and to start at the arch of your brow. Don't go too heavy on the inside corner or outside tail of your brow. You want to fill in brows and slightly elongate. 

What I'm reading .. Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife

I am not much of a fiction reader... I guess it is because my head is always buried in medical books! However, I wanted to share this book. It caught my eye because I am a religious person and also because it was written by a neurosurgeon. I was actually introduced to this book by a nice southern women on my flight to Alabama for a residency interview.

In the world of medicine, we love to explain everything and have a scientific method to solve all mysteries. This book is a refreshing view into what happens after life on earth.

Happy Easter weekend!

Get your bottom checked! National Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

March is national colon cancer awareness month. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. In the United States, our high fat diet plays a huge role in this. Fortunately, colonoscopys- provided by physicians who are called a gastroenterologist-  are a great screening tool that can be used for early detection and prevention of cancer.

When should you get a colonoscopy? It is generally recommended that you should get your first one at age 50. However, if you have a family member who has or had colon cancer, you should be screened at 40, or 10 years before the age that their cancer was detected- which ever comes first.

Sadly, many are not getting this done - a test that although not the most fun, can prevent death from cancer.
Please share the word with family members to get their screening done if they have not done so!

For those who are young, remember a low fat and high fiber diet is a great way to keep your colon clean.

Mac Honeylove: Base for lipgloss

Mac Honeylove serves as a great base lipstick to wear glosses on top. My lips are pigmented, so I reach for this - too light lippy- on it's on, to wear sheer pink or coral lipsticks on top.

I am wearing a bright pink on top - from the Mac Disney collection a long time ago. The result is a light pale pink effect.

Dr. Ben Carson Prayer Speech

What an inspirational man!  Truly a great role model for all in modern society. Let's all take the time to remember the things that really matter in life. 

Indian Bride: Sari or Wedding Dress?

For every Indian bride,  there comes a moment when we need to decide whether we are going to wear a traditional Indian Sari ( not pictured :-) ) or an American wedding dress. The decision is a very personal one and depends on your own preferences. I for one chose to walk down the aisle in a wedding dress- I could have never pictured myself wearing anything else! My dress- seen above- was the Pronovias Gaudi 2010 dress made in Barcelona, Spain and I absolutely loved it. This one shoulder gown was classic and unique at the same time. Wearing Indian clothes frequently, I was not about the glitz - but rather the construction and fit of the gown.

Being 100% Malayalee and Roman Catholic, my wedding ceremony was in a church. I did receive a special sari - called a Manthakodi from my hubby and made an appearance in it at the reception.