WISHING YOU THE MAGIC, THAT IS CHRISTMAS --the TEED's

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Have a maaavelous weekend!

It's D-day ... guess that's kind of lost it's umph as time goes on, but use it as an excuse to thank a Veteran today, 'kay? :)

You're joining the end of a conversation ... Yo gal, you were explaining how the new Secret book, The Secret: Unlocking the Source of Joy and Fulfillment, has changed your life even more than the first one, and you are now some expert 'wish' magician ... you crack me up! you say you focus on things, and now they magically come to you ... so now your full focus is on the photo of your future home, and since you've chosen every detail, including the color of your bathroom walls, etc the universe will give you the home, because there's plenty in the universe to give ... haha huh??!  ... I'm thinking you skipped over a few paragraphs ... I'm sure the book says you have do something, not just sit & wish ... 'cause it doesn't make sense that the universe wants a bunch of inactive wishers sitting around doing nothing ... you're great, I do believe you can get that house by keeping your eye on your goal while working hard ... and I can even understand when you say, that by focusing on your goal you'll attract events to you that will help you on your journey to the home of your dreams, but not do something because the universe will work it out ... ??? ... you have to work hard and focus, ya know ... best wishes to ya :))   

Remember to send your snail-mail address to xmas07@teedsters.com if you want a Teed Holiday greeting :)

It's that time of year again ... even though we haven't found a card that meets our humor qualifications for our Christmas card, you can still get on our mailing list ... send your snail-mail address to xmas07@teedsters.com ... if you want a Teed Holiday greeting, send your addy today ... last year we received requests after we ran out and there was no time to order more ... 

Christmas'bit: While the origins of the Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may be a mystery, one thing is certain: It's getting more costly to buy your true love all the items mentioned.

It would cost $78,100 to buy the 364 items, from a single partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, repeatedly on each day as the song suggests, according to the annual PNC Christmas Price Index ... The cost is up 4 percent from $75,122 last year.

As for the origins of the carol, which has been around for hundreds of years, some contend the song was a coded way to teach aspects of Catholicism. According to such claims, the six geese a-laying represent the six days of creation and the 10 lords a-leaping represent the 10 Commandments. ... Snopes, an Internet urban legend-debunking Web site, says there's no substantive evidence that the carol was used to preserve tenets of Catholicism.

THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRISTMAS
      --reprinted from my '02 Christmas blog, smells too good to keep it archived ;)

Christmas Boil: To fill the house with the aroma of Christmas spices, brew a  spicy mixture on the stove.

2 c. water . 1 Tbsp. whole cloves . 3 cinnamon sticks
1 whole nutmeg or 1 tsp. ground nutmeg

Simmer all ingredients in a medium size pan. Add additional water and spices when needed. This may be simmered in a crockpot or potpourri crock ... perfect for a gift ... from Christmas Favorites-The Holiday Handbook.

Have a maaavelous week!

Christmas music time is here!

If you’re searching for holiday tunes, look no further: SIRIUS will have three dedicated music channels playing the greatest seasonal music. You’ll also hear tons of specials on our regular channels. Finally, come December 31, ring in the New Year with celebratory on-air programming.

SIRIUS Holiday Takes Over SIRIUS Channel 2

Featuring a blend of holiday hits, mixing traditional favorites performed by artists including Nat “King” Cole, Paul McCartney, Bing Crosby, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Mariah Carey, and more.

Christmas Country Takes Over SIRIUS Channel 62

Featuring holiday favorites recorded by country music’s biggest stars including Martina McBride, George Strait, Alabama, Garth Brooks and others.

Classical Christmas Takes Over SIRIUS Channel 86

Featuring traditional holiday music performed by the world’s leading orchestras, choirs and opera stars, and including classic Christmas carols and masterpieces such as Handel’s Messiah and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.

Yay! Christmas music ... and ...

Happy Thanksgiving! --from the Teed's <3

Needed to renew my driver's license, so before heading to the DMV - errr MVC - I made sure I had my "6 points of ID" and a couple of extra forms of ID, just in case ... I double checked the web site to see if there were any new rules ... none found ... I grabbed a good luck crystal, rubbed Buddha's belly -- nahhh, just teasing, lol!

I had everything I needed, so off to the DMV I go ... the check-in gal greeted me, goes over my form ... ooops! I forgot a block, checked nope 'cause I don't owe child support ... she requested certain paperwork, I gave them to her, she okay'ed me and sent me to line #1 ...

Line #1 greeter gave me my number, like you'd get at a lunchmeat counter ... I was #14, heard them call #8 ... I stood in the back for a while ... seats opened up, so I sat down in the middle of three chairs hoping no one gross sits next to me ... greeter gal calls #14 ...

I headed to line #4, as instructed ... she goes over my paperwork, makes a few new notes, and asks for my Boating Safety Certificate ... ex'squeeze me?! ... I tell her I don't have it ... she tells me it's okay, it's a new thing they just started asking for, she'll just take my boat endorsement off of my driver's license, I can come back and get it put on at a later date ... hmm, yeah, no ...

That's not an option ... I'm not temporarily getting rid of the boat endorsement ... I want a boat endorsement, that's why I have a boat endorsement ... I left, drove home, grabbed my Boating Safety Certificate from the tackle box, and went back ... this time I was number #1, and they were just starting over -yay!

I only wasted a bit of wait time and just under an hour in extra drive time ... but drive time is what  SIRIUS is for ... so no biggie, just wanted to give you a heads-up about their new rule -- bring your Boating Safety Certificate! :)

I have nothing to say. Nothing funny. No words of wisdom. Nadda.

It's not lack of good things, my guys are wonderful ... after them, not much else matters to me ...

As I've said before, life always treats me wonderful ... when it doesn't, and life is temporarily in the suck zone, I know that I'll look back someday and realize that I wasn't listening to my angels, so they needed to kick my butt to get me to hear them ... lol!

I'm blank because I'm just totally focused on my goals right now ... in an almost not healthy, obsessive kinda way ... you wouldn't believe all the things I'm going to accomplish by April ... can't wait!

Okay, even though I didn't say a dog'gone thing, I must go now --it's time to brew a giant mug of tea.

Hey, if I don't see you before Wednesday, remember to *tune* in to www.TEEDRADIO.com @ 8:30pm,east and to step into the world of the Teed's :)

On Halloween eve -- you bring the popcorn, we'll bring the movie + M&M's ... but which movie?!

We need you to help us decide which movie we will be playing on our October 31st show ... we plan to play a movie in our video chat room and just hang out & chat with you! ... sooo what movie do you want to see?

Let's decide tomorrow night (Wednesday @ 8:30pm,et) on our live show ... call in and help us decide which movie we'll be playing on Halloween --must be something scary, or spooky, or haunted, or forbidden ... hmmm??!

Whaddayathink? Call and tell us about your fave Halloween movie :)

Autumn is a time of transition for the skin. Not only does summertime damage need to be corrected, but a lack of preparation now becomes critical during those long winter months ahead. So just like it’s time to put away those cute white shoes come Labor Day, it's also time to make sweeping changes to your skincare routine now that it’s officially Fall.

The Big 3: Chlorine, UV Rays & Dehydration

Despite your best efforts, summer can take a toll when it comes to vulnerable skin cells. Skin is drained of vital nutrients and damaged by an onslaught of environmental factors.

Extended exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine and drying agents like salt water will damage the protective hair cuticle, particularly if it is already chemically treated. The protective cuticle of the hair shaft is composed of thousands of microscopic keratinized cells that overlap much like the shingles on a roof. Exposure to alkaline chemicals, like chlorine, causes those shingles to separate. Hot weather, wind and damaging UV rays contribute further to hair becoming dry, brittle and porous. Salt water also draws moisture from the hair. The end result is dull looking hair and breakage.

In an ideal world, this damage would have been prevented (or at least minimized) with the use of chlorine –removing shampoos (UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo), sun-protective hair and scalp sprays (Ti-Silc Scalp Defense SPF 20) and pH balanced conditioning treatments (PureStrength Condition - For Extremely Dry, Damaged Hair). Keeping hair hidden under a hat might have been helpful, too. Next summer, don’t overlook the fashion forward, and UV protective line of hats -like the Sun Protection Hat.

Yet it’s not too late to regain control of your hair. Try using the PureStrength Three-C System for Extremely Dry, Damaged Hair system. Besides the beauty of its pH balanced hair care, the secret is in the acidifying PureStrength Condition - For Extremely Dry, Damaged Hair step. Other ways to treat your hair kindly include reducing the amount of time spent with your hair dryer. Korres also makes a wonderful deep conditioner, Korres Shea Butter and Vitamins Nourishing Hair Mask, that both pampers and produces results.

The sun, chlorine and sweat all take their toll on your hair, especially if you color it. Brunette hair that’s now a lovely shade of orange is a telltale sign that you color your hair, so now is the time for a touch-up. Make sure you have your hairstylist use a deep conditioning agent to seal in moisture, and create great luster. If you color your hair, ask your stylist about applying a “clear” color on top of the personalized color you are receiving. This added step makes color treated hair extra glossy.

Finally, after shampooing at home, try wicking away excess water with Aquis Microfiber Hair Towel. The less time spent heating your hair, the better your hair will look.

The “big 3” haven’t only wreaked havoc upon your hair – your skin and nails have taken a beating, too. The skin mirrors what’s happening to those tresses. Restoring the protective acid mantle plus a bit of uber-hydration can go a long way to restoring what’s gone wrong and help protect that epidermis from a wintertime crisis.

Here are a few ideas that will get skin looking gorgeous for the holidays and keep it looking beach-worthy come Spring Break, if you only follow these simple steps:

Switch from lotion based products to those that are cream based.

It’s simple – more moisture hydrates better. So whether we’re talking about a simple moisturizer or a treatment product (rejuvenator, acne aid, etc.), if your skin will tolerate it, go for the next more hydrating option. If you’re using a lotion, try a cream. If you’re using a gel, try a lotion. Rarely will a cream user require an ointment. And if so, this is typically limited to body rather than facial use. Another option, especially for the face, is the addition of a hyaluronic acid serum, applied prior to your rejuvenator. Hyaluronic acid holds 1000 times its weight in water within the epidermis. Try SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel or Cellex-C Hydra 5 B-Complex.

Keep your main line against dehydration intact – the acid mantle.

The natural pH of the skin ranges between 4.5 to 5.5 which is acidic. Detergents, chlorine and cold, dry weather all strip away this protective barrier. Once it’s breached, the skin cells pull away from each other, allowing valuable moisture trapped beneath the skin’s surface to escape. The result is even drier, flakey, sensitive, itching skin.

Before the skin is broken, apply an active moisturizer – one containing glycolic or lactic acid. Great options include DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy For Dry Skin or AmLactin XL with Ultraplex. It may seem obvious, but applying an acidic cream to broken skin can sting. Use it either before skin breaks down or once it’s been healed by use of a bland moisturizer. Once skin is broken, try treating the area with DERMAdoctor Handy Manum Medicated Skin Repair Serum with 1% Hydrocortisone, Cellex-C G.L.A. Extra Moist Skin Cream, or Osmotics Triceram.

 Moisturize your hands after washing.

Nothing ages a woman like dry, cracked skin on the hands. Cellex-C Hydra Hand Cream SPF 15, or Cellex-C Skin Firming Hand Cream are good to keep on hand.. Each contains potent softening agents and humectants, which not only helps soften the skin, they help reduce fine wrinkles and blotchy discoloration, both problems that create the illusion of aging.

 Reconsider your acne and oil control regimen.

Using products to dry out the extra oil produced by your skin are often not tolerated come winter. Switching now to those season-appropriate items can help prevent you suddenly finding your skin has become red, rough and irritated. You can mattify without fear of parching regardless of the season by using DERMAdoctor Tease Zone Oil Control Gel.

Potential troublesome acne ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and salicylic acid, not to mention the bevy of prescription retinoids. Back off on the frequency of use of your Retin A for instance may keep your skin happy and able to remain on an effective treatment regimen. Some acne topicals are available in many formulations. Perhaps switching from a more drying base of MetroGel or Cleocin T Solution to their lotion (or cream for some products) counterparts may be helpful. Some topicals come in less concentrated form and may produce less dryness or irritation during dry winter weather. Ask your dermatologist about your rx options to get you through these next 6 months.

 Vitamin A users beware.

Whether using a topical vitamin A (aka retinoid) users for acne or rejuvenation, consider reducing the frequency of use of these products, especially if you use them daily. Dry cold weather increases the drying effects of these products, leading to noticeable flaking. Ask your doctor about every other night use. For those on Afirm, if you are prone to dry skin problems, consider switching from 3x to a lower level such as 2x in order to minimize dryness. MD Formulations Critical Care Shielding Creme was made specifically to address dry skin concerns caused by medical treatments and procedures. Consider using it as both a day and nighttime therapy to reclaim well-hydrated skin.

 Start a lip care program now.

Envision your lips in January. Keep your lips in shape now, and help prevent excessive winter chapping. Too many of us forget about dry cracking lips until it is too late. Fall is the perfect time to boost the hydration level of your lips and take preventative measures.

Wax balms are only effective for preventing dry lips. There is simply not enough moisture in a wax lip balm to fix dry, cracking lips. The use of protective lip balms that are more wax based, such as EI Solutions Tea Tree Oil Therapeutic Lip Treatment SPF 18 are great for providing protection, but cannot soften lips once they are out of shape in the depths of winter. If you are a Chapstick kind of girl, or guy, start these now, before it’s too late.

Hydrate, soften and protect is the mantra uttered by your lips. DERMAdoctor POUTlandish Hyper Moisturizing Lip Paint & Treatment SPF 15 With Nanotechnology was created to correct servere cases of chapped lips, including those experienced by Accutane users. It should be applied once or twice a day. It will look terrific, protect you from the sun and works wonders on lips that are touch-and-go. Since it comes in 3 shades, it provides you a wealth of looks in addition to its novel nanotechnology sun protection; and it works wonders on lips that are touch-and-go.

Treat your nails and cuticles with loving care.

Nails become brittle and prone to breaking with cold, dry weather. Excessive water exposure, such as from swimming, can also cause nail damage. Use a conditioning agent at least twice a day, even if you are wearing nail polish. As a lifelong sufferer of soft, easily breakable nails, I’ve tried all the tricks.

Your cuticles will stay soften and you will be far less likely to develop splits and hang nails as the weather gets colder. Burt s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream helps heal rough damaged cuticles and keep them looking great. Here´s another opportunity to use DERMAdoctor Handy Manum Medicated Skin Repair Serum with 1% Hydrocortisone for cuticles that have gone on to become inflammed. Soaking your nails in olive oil is another way to soften damaged nails.

To protect your fingernails and strengthen them, Nailtiques Formula Fix Number 2 Kit For Fragile Brittle Nails is the perfect choice. You may apply the nail polish of your choice on top of these if you do not want to wear clear polish. If you wear artificial nails, check with your technician for their suggestions.

Use gentle soaps that don’t strip essential oils from your skin.

Anyone using harsh soaps, antibacterial soaps, or those that contain lots of color and fragrance may want to rethink this during the winter. These cleansing agents tend to strip badly needed oils from the skin, and if you are not moisturizing, this becomes a compounded problem. If bar soap is your best friend, try body soaps such as Vanicream. For those looking for a more gentle antibacterial soap, consider Lever 2000. Anyone with significant dry facial skin, itching, flaking or redness may want to consider consider DERMAdoctor Born To Be Mild Medicated Face & Body Cleanser.

Continue your sun protection!

Just because the weather is cooler does not mean the sun is not as threatening. On the contrary, clouds actually reflect the sun’s rays, increasing your risk. Remember, sun protection isn’t just about aging skin, more importantly it increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Both issues can be addressed by protecting yourself proactively. Wear your sunscreen and wear sun protective clothing. Continue adding Rit Sun Guard Laundry Treatment UV Protectant into the laundry and wearing your DERMAdoctor Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 For Face & Body daily.

Deal with your skin discoloration now.

If you haven’t already been on a maintenance bleaching program, now is the time to do so for anyone with irregular pigmentation issues. Hydroquinone skin lighteners such as DERMAdoctor Immaculate Correction Potent Hydroquinone-Free Skin Brightener are available to help eliminate blotchy discoloration from hours spent in the sun. Ask your dermatologist about prescription Glyquin or Tri-Luma for resistant cases of skin discoloration. Next summer, don’t forget the importance or wearing sunscreen and a hat!

Time for sclerotherapy.

While most physicians have few problems with their sclerotherapy techniques, skin discoloration is the most common side effect from this procedure to eradicate spider veins. Getting started on treatment now will give you plenty of time to address this unwanted problem (should it develop) to wear shorts for next summer.

Whether you go for treating the veins or not, don’t forget that compression is key to recurrence as well as prevention. If you’re back to wearing hosiery, then go for something stylish and therapeutic. Jobst contains a wide array of fashionable stockings that will help keep spider and varicose veins at bay.

Exfoliate to restore your glow.

Dead skin cells from sunburns (a horror), parched areas from chlorine and lots of UV exposure, and collections of oils and debris clogging the pores all contribute to a dull, unhealthy complexion. It’s also a great way to keep dry flaking skin areas at bay during the winter. Before you can really restore, you need to gently remove the barrier to your natural beauty. Not only will it help restore your glow, it will prepare the surface to better absorb whatever treatments or rejuvenators you may fancy.

The use of exfoliating cleansers can be useful. An exfoliator can be an AHA-containing chemical, (such as cleanser like MD Formulations Facial Cleanser and DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge Antioxidant Enhanced Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser 1, physical (like Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion), or contain both (such as in the case of DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub with Chemical + Physical Medi-Exfoliation). Remember to use them gently. Overeager or harsh exfoliation may lead to flare-ups of some of the very conditions you are trying to fix, especially acne.

Seasonal Concerns

Prepare for chronic seasonal skin concerns now.

Anyone with seborrhea, psoriasis, eczema or keratosis pilaris knows that ‘tis the season for flare-ups. Plan ahead now. Stock up on your favorite therapies and refill those derm prescriptions. If you haven’t seen your dermatologist in more than a year, make an appointment because you are likely not to be able to refill expired rxs.

When it comes to seborrhea (aka dandruff), it’s not just the scalp that’s at stake. Nasty scaling, redness and itching can affect the face, too. Should these tell-tale signs show up, try washing with DERMAdoctor Born To Be Mild Medicated Face & Body Cleanser. Not only will this medicated cleanser be an ideal treatment for facial dandruff, it’s base is pH balanced, gentle and non-drying.

Keratosis pilaris (aka chicken skin bumps) loves to flare in the fall. Keep DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy For Dry Skin and DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub with Chemical + Physical Medi-Exfoliation on hand to combate rough, scaling bumps and red polka dots that put in an appearance on the arms, thighs and bum.

Psoriasis sufferers Remember that if you can begin treatment (or especially in the case of dandruff and KP, prevention) right away it will be much easier to nip those nasty recurrences in the bud. Stock up on your favorite medicated shampoos such as Pentrax 5% Coal Tar Shampoo and DermaZinc Shampoo as well as body treatment products Balnetar Therapeutic Tar Bath and DermaZinc Cream.

Fall is the time you need to re-evaluate your skincare routine and make adjustments, especially if you are prone to dry skin conditions. By doing this, you will be able to regain some control over chronic skin conditions and best of all, continue to look great all year long.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I hope you have found it informative.