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April 23, 2015 by Mayank

Resveralife Live Well: Quick and Simple Entertaining Hacks

Hosting gatherings with friends and family seem like a great idea when you plan them. When you have to actually prepare for the party, you may wonder why you agreed to host in the first place. Being a host/hostess does take a lot of your time and energy but it doesn’t have to be difficult. With a few entertaining hacks not only will your guests enjoy the gathering, but you can have a good time too. This Resveralife Live Well Guide offers a few quick, simple and exciting entertaining hacks.

Beautiful looking cocktails served at a house party.

Set up Stations
Who wants to be up all night or spend an entire day prepping elaborate dishes and making signature cocktails. Sure, it would be great to do so if you had all the time in the world, but you don’t. To make the food and drink part of the party a bit easier, set up stations around your place. For instance, you could set up a Make Your Own Taco station by prepping chicken, beef and pork and storing them appropriately. The day of the party pop the meat into bowls and include other taco toppings such as bowls of sour cream, salsa, guacamole and cheese. This is not only a time saver, but it allows your guests to tailor their food to their exact tastes. For dessert, who doesn’t love a great candy bar? If you have a brunch gathering, set up a mimosa bar with your champagne and juices such as orange and pomegranate. Stations are only limited by your imagination and guests often enjoy having options at parties.

Planning for a party.

Plan in Advance
You know that your party is going to require a lot of work, so why not get started immediately? Make a schedule of what tasks you need to do and when you need to have them done. Give yourself plenty of time in advance and do a small amount of work each day. Devote 15 minutes each day to doing something for the party whether it is rolling napkins or selecting a playlist. You won’t feel overwhelmed and you’ll be surprised at how much a little work every day adds up.

Frozen fruits used instead of ice for drinks at a party

Improvise
Forget to buy the ice? Pop fruit such as grapes, lemons, limes or oranges in the freezer. These act as ice cubes for the drinks an add a bit of sophistication and whimsy. If you don’t want to spend time scrubbing out stains on your carpet, grab a fun blanket and through that on the floor before setting everything else up. Not only does this add a unique touch, but you can throw it in the washing machine and be rid of stains quickly.

Beautiful flower arrangement set up for an outdoor party.

Get Flowers
One of the easiest ways to make your place look more elegant is to get some flowers beforehand. While you can create an immaculate perfectly compiled arrangement, you can also set a more relaxed tone by using unexpected flowers and simple cases or containers. Consider grabbing a large bouquet of baby’s breath and separate it when you get home. Make one arrangement larger so it can serve as a centerpiece, and leave small vases of baby’s breath in various places of your home (don’t forget the bathroom!). Take it a step further for an evening gathering by adding tea light candles to your decorations.

Woman preparing food for a party.

Stick to Familiar Territory
You want your party to leave people talking, but in a positive way. One way to ensure that is to rely on tried and true recipes. While preparing a new dish sounds exciting, if it ends up not tasting good, you are stuck without something else to serve and guests that will grumble. Learn a few dishes well and stick to serving these. It will reduce your anxiety about serving food to your guests and the prep time may be shorter since you are already familiar with the process.

While you can’t get around the fact that hosting an event at your home will take a significant amount of your time and energy, it does not have to leave you wishing you weren’t hosting. Enjoy the process, and the party, more by using these entertaining hacks.

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Woman holding different makeup brushes in her hands.

April 17, 2015 by Mayank

Resveralife Look Well: Makeup Tips for Acne Prone Skin

It would be wonderful if you could use some magic potion and rid your skin of pimples and blemishes. Sadly, there is no such magic cream or face wash that will give your acne prone skin and immediately flawless face. Luckily, there is makeup. Covering up your pimples and zits may seem daunting or overwhelming, but there are some tricks that beauty insiders know to help ensure your makeup application isn’t too heavy, cakey or unrealistic looking. This Resveralife Look Well Guide has a list of the top tips for applying makeup to your acne prone skin.

Woman cleansing her skin with a cleansing pad.

Prep and Prime
You know that you should always apply makeup to a clean face. Also, you should wash your hands just before applying your makeup. If you have acne prone skin, the last thing you want to do is introduce more bacteria to your face. A clean face and clean hands help reduce the chance of spreading further bacteria. Next, if you want to, use a toner that is free of alcohol. A toner can help soak up excess oil prior to makeup application. Finally, make sure your skin is well moisturized because this helps your makeup glide on more smoothly and evenly.

Woman applying concealer on the skin around her eyes.

Foundation and Concealer
Before you can apply makeup, you have to select it and when you opt for the best makeup types for acne prone skin, it makes application that much easier. Renowned skin expert Paula Begoun suggests several formulas that generally work very well on acne prone skin. In all of your makeup, from foundation to bronzer, there are certain things to avoid. Begoun advises that it is very important to avoid alcohol-based or fragrance loaded skincare or makeup products. Because alcohol is drying, it actually stimulates the skin to produce more oil, which is definitely not what you want. Additionally, Begoun suggests that you stay away from thick formulations such as creams, sticks, pancake makeup or cream-to-powder formulas. That advice is not only for your foundation, but all of your products like blush, bronzer and concealer.

So what formulations do work for acne prone skin? Begoun suggests using liquid foundations such as Urban Decay Naked Skin or Rimmel London Stay Matte. While you might be inclined to heavily cover your face with makeup, experts advise strongly against this. Famed makeup artist Lisa Eldridge recommends finding a medium coverage foundation that sheers out well and leaves your skin looking like, well, skin. She states that you should put on your foundation without worrying about your spots, but just to achieve an even coverage for radiant skin. Next, use a concealer to spot conceal your blemishes. Eldridge spends a good deal of time applying concealer with a tiny brush to cover the spot, then she blends outward to ensure the coverage appears seamless.

Woman applying blush on her cheeks.

Blush and Bronzer
You don’t want to leave your face looking one-dimensional with just the foundation and concealer, so you add some color with blush and bronzer. Though liquid foundation is recommended for acne prone skin, gel, liquid or cream blushes and bronzers are not suggested. Rather, stick to powder products when adding color to your face. Additionally, sticking to a matte powder product is your best bet as matte colors do not enhance the appearance of pores the way that shimmery products do.

As with any skin type, it may take a lot of trial and error before you find products that work with your skin. If you want to get a jump on figuring out what products may work best for you, stay tuned to your favorite Vine Vera channels for a comprehensive list of skin care and makeup products as well as their ingredients.

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April 15, 2015 by Mayank

Resveralife Eat Well: Pinot Noir Pairings

Pinot noir is produced from a red wine grape from the species Vitis vinifera or Pinot noir may be made from predominantly Pinot noir grapes. Pinot noir grapes are grown worldwide, mostly in climates that are cool. The most frequently associated region with Pinot noir grapes is the Burgundy region of France though other regions of note include the Willamette region of Oregon, the Russian River American Viticultural Areas of California and Tasmani and Yarra Valley in Australia. Pinot noir consumption continues to rise in popularity as it is a lighter wine with a lower alcohol content that many wines.

Another reason for the popularity of Pinot noir is the versatility of the wine. Pinot noir is one of the most versatile wines when it comes to food pairings. There are foods that combine with any Pinot noir, while other foods depend upon the particular type of Pinot noir and the preparation of the food. The world of food and wine pairings is no longer limited to red wine with meats and white wine with fish. Modern food and wine pairings are far more creative and a bit more complex. The Resveralife Eat Well Guide features some of the absolute best food pairings for the Pinot noir wine.

Mushrooms and baked potatoes.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms invariably pair well with Pinot noir because they have an earthy, meaty taste. Mushrooms, like the portobello mushroom, often have a meaty taste and texture, which works perfectly with a robust and meaty wine. If you feel ambitious, you can pair your Pinot noir with portobello topped steak, bringing out the richness of both. If you are looking for fare that is a bit lighter, consider a twist on an Italian classic: mushroom bruschetta. All that is required to make this classic food is a crusty, Italian bread, mushrooms, olive oil, garlic and herbs to suit your taste, such as thyme. For an even more low-key evening, pair your Pinot noir with a hearty mushroom pizza.

Freshly cooked peking duck dish with chopsticks.

Duck
Duck pairs perfectly with Pinot noir for two main reasons. The first reason is that duck has a strong flavor on its own and the second is that duck has a higher fat content than chicken. Even though Pinot noir has light tannins, compliment the fattiness of duck. One pairing that wine enthusiasts rave about is Pinot nNoir with Peking duck. A simpler to prepare pairing is roast duck with Pinot noir.

Salmon with a garnish of wild rice and basmati braised in celery, carrots and onions.

Fish
One of the most popular fish pairings with Pinot Noir is salmon. Though duck pairs well with Pinot noir for the fat content, Pinot is versatile and it also pairs equally well lighter choices such as salmon. Salmon pairs well with Pinot noir because it is a fish with a high oil content and a strong flavor. Salmon would overwhelm a white wine, but it pairs perfectly with the more rich Pinot noir. Preparing an oven roasted salmon with a butter sauce is an easy way to impress your taste buds. Other fishes can be paired with Pinot noir, providing they are a strong flavored fish. Some other fishes that can be paired with Pinot noir include anchovies, herring and mackerel.

Yellow curry with pumpkin and pork.

Pork
Pork, particularly roasted or grilled, pair well with Pinot noir. Pork and Pinot noir both share a sweet type of succulence and smoky undertones. Additionally, the fruitier notes of the Pinot noir bring out the sweet, the tangy and the savory flavors of pork. Pork and Pinot noir is such a popular pairing that there is an annual festival in Sonoma County, Pigs & Pinot, devoted entirely to the pairing of this food and drink.

Pinot noir is one of the best food wines because it pairs well with such a diverse array of foods. Resveralife recommends you to have fun trying different recipes and experimenting with food pairings for your Pinot noir.

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Woman in white clothes sleeping on a bed.

April 13, 2015 by Mayank

Resveralife Live Well: How to Prevent Sleep Wrinkles

We all know that getting our beauty sleep is important. The amount of restful sleep that we get not only impacts how our faces, particularly those pesky under eyes, look and feel the next morning, but good sleep patterns improve mental clarity, increase energy levels and help maintain overall health. Though sometimes when we sleep, which is a good thing for our bodies, our faces and necks are negatively impacted. Sleep wrinkles are totally unfair and, fortunately, preventable. Learn how you can help prevent sleep wrinkles using our super easy tips.

Woman in white clothes sleeping on her back.

How you Sleep Matters
Experts agree that the most beneficial sleeping position for preventing wrinkles is your back. Sleeping on your back is really the only way to completely avoid sleep lines and the resulting wrinkles because when you sleep on your back there is no facial contact with your pillow. On average, you will change your position 20 times during the course of a night’s sleep and statistics indicate that 60% of your night is spent on your side. Sleeping on your back may be uncomfortable at first, but making an attempt to sleep on your back is a great method for reducing sleeping wrinkles. Doctors do warn that sleeping on your back may aggravate certain medical conditions like acid reflux or sleep apnea and in these instances it’s best to talk to your doctor to find out how to avoid wrinkles and sleep soundly.

Woman in mink underwear lying on a pink pillow.

What you Sleep on Matters
Beauty experts have long touted the multiple benefits of using a satin pillow case for sleep. These benefits include less tangled and healthier hair and clearer skin. Now you can add that a pillow case can be helpful in the fight against wrinkles. When you use a satin pillow case, there is less friction between your face and the pillow, which helps stop the fabric from bunching up when you inevitably move around during the night. The less the fabric bunches up, the more likely you are to help prevent sleep wrinkles.

Business woman resting after a tiring day at work.

Prep Your Skin
You know you should remove any and all makeup prior to hitting the sheets, but you may think you can get away with skipping washing your face if you aren’t wearing makeup. Not true. Experts recommend always going to bed with a clean face. While everyone can benefit from this next step, it is especially important for mature or aging skin. A night cream can help prevent sleep wrinkles by rejuvenating your skin and helping to repair skin damage. The reason that this is particularly important for aging skin is that as we age our collagen production slows down, which decreases the skin’s elasticity. Additionally, the older we get the less natural oil our skin produces and dry skin exaggerates wrinkles.

In addition to these tips, experts also recommend avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed. Both of these substances dry out the skin and make your wrinkles appear more prominent after a night of sleep. We all know that there is no way to keep our skin from aging, but with a bit of extra care we can help delay the signs and severity of aging, such as sleep wrinkles.

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Woman with an apple in hand lying on hay.

April 11, 2015 by Mayank

Resveralife Eat Well: The Hay Diet (Your Guide to Food Combination)

Sometimes necessity really is the mother of invention. William Howard Hay, a New York physician, began developing what later became known as the Hay Diet in 1904. Hay was suffering from numerous medical issues including a dilated heart. Determined to improve his health and extend his life, Hay began researching the impact of diet on overall health. Through his research he created a diet plan meant to remedy his health conditions. In a period of about three months, Hay dropped 50 pounds and was free from his medical problems. Sound intriguing?

Potatoes with a meat dish on a serving plate.

What is the Hay Diet?
To combat his medical issues, a kidney disease, dilated heart and high blood pressure. Hay’s diet consisted largely of meat and potatoes, a staple at dinnertime for many families not only in the past. Many of us still prepare dinner with meat as the protein and some form of carbohydrate as a side dish. Hay decided to go vegetarian as his first plan of attack. He eliminated two meals from his day and only ate vegetables for the third. When Hay reached a weight he considered appropriate, he did not stop the diet. Rather, he continued working on it and researching the link between diet and health.

All of his research and personal experience lead to the conclusion that health is impacted based on the body’s natural chemical process, digestion. The Hay diet claims to work by separating food into three categories: acid, alkaline and neutral. The body uses an alkaline digestive process for carbohydrates, The digestion of protein is an acidic digestive process. Hay suggested that if alkaline food and acidic food was consumed at the same time, the acid process interrupted the alkaline process. Hay presumed that the combination of incorrect foods caused people to retain excess fluids, gain weight and “drain vitality.” Thus, the Hay diet relies largely on eating according to what type of food you are ingesting.

Fresh vegetables overflowing from a basket.

Following the Hay Diet
This Resveralife Eat Well Guide shows you how to follow the Hay diet. To follow the Hay diet, you must learn which foods are acidic, alkaline or neutral. Hay classified starchy foods and sweets as carbohydrates while fruits were classified as acidic. Vegetables were classified as neutral foods which meant that they could be eaten at the same time as both alkaline and acidic foods. When following the Hay diet, it is no longer advised that you skip two meals per day. We know that food fuels our bodies and as such, we need to feed it. You can still use the Hay diet to your advantage by following the basic tenants of the diet.

No meat. The Hay diet as it originally existed when introduced in 1911 forbade meat. You can find protein from other sources such as tempeh, quinoa or in a smoothie by using pea protein powder. Alternatively, if you aren’t willing to forgo meats, modern applications of the diet allow for lean meats consumed sparingly.
Know your food types. Acidic foods (fruits) are divided up into acidic fruits, sub-acid fruit and sweet fruits. Further, melons such as honeydew and cantaloupe are in their own category.
As with the acidic foods, alkaline foods are split into separate categories. There are low and non-starchy vegetables and carbohydrates/starches.
Identify fats and use sparingly within your diet.
Never mix alkaline foods with acidic foods. Ever.
Vegetables are neutral and you are free to, and encouraged, to eat them with all meals.

The Hay diet, like any eating plan, has it’s critics. Still, there are numerous advocates for learning what foods alkalize your body and what foods produce an acidic response. Is it really possible to eat yourself thin? Give it a try and find out.

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Woman with bright makeup applying mascara.

April 9, 2015 by Mayank

Resveralife Look Well: Beautiful Shades to Try for Spring

Trends change from season to season and year to year. One trend that remains constant each year is that spring means the return of color. Spring is the perfect time to experiment with different hues in everything from your clothing to your eyeshadow. This spring, beuaty editors and bloggers are loving unique colors. Luckily, spring 2015 has a color for everyone whether you feel like going bold and bright with your makeup or you want to remain a bit more neutral. This Look Well Guide from Resveralife highlights the super hot shades to try for spring.

Eye shadows with lilac shadow

Lilac
Last year one of the hottest colors for spring was lilac. This shade stood the test of time and is making a huge return this year. The great thing about lilac is that pretty much all eye colors can rock this universal shade for spring. Lilac looks especially enticing on brown, green or hazel eyes, though don’t shy away from trying it if you are blue-eyed. This color can be worn on the eyes as a sheer wash of sweet purple, or can be deepened to be a vibrant purple.

Woman with mint makeup on her eyes.

Mint
Most people agree that spring is the perfect time for pastel colors. These soft yet fun colors are great to experiment with and one of the most popular spring pastels is mint. Mint may seem like a daunting choice for your eyes, but there are several ways to try out this trend without looking like Shrek. As with lilac, perhaps the easiest and least scary way to wear this color is to use a small amount on the lids for a sheer pop of color. If even that sounds like too much for you, try using a mint liner on your lower waterline. You know that a nude or peach liner on the lower waterline brightens the eye and mint will do the same. Using mint this way is a subtle, yet fun way to bring a bit of color to your eye makeup.

Woman with electric blue makeup on her eyes.

Baby Blue and Electric Blue
This color may conjure up scary images of the 80s, but the baby blue picked for spring 2015 is a bit softer and more metallic than the shocking blue popular in the 80s. Additionally, beauty experts suggest using this on the lid, close to the lash line and blending out with a more neutral color for the most wearable look.

Electric blue may be a bit harder to work into your everyday routine if you work in a conservative setting or if you are a bit too timid for bold colors. For those brave enough to try, you can use electric blue shadow all over the lid or grab a liner. The ever-popular feline flick looks super modern when completed with an electric blue pencil.

Woman with rose gold eye makeup and a yellow rose on her hair.

Rose Gold
Rose gold is the perfect eyeshadow choice for those who favor more neutral colors such as taupe and champagne. This shade compliments the romantic vibe that spring brings. It’s also great for those with dress codes at work or those who want to make another facial feature the focal point of their look. Try rose gold eyeshadow with an almost neon pink lip for a flirty spring look and a beautiful glow.

Woman with olive green eye makeup.

Olive Green
Olive green, like rose gold, is an excellent choice for those who want to play with colors but aren’t quite ready to commit to a shocking blue. Olive green is a great transition into the world of color and can be worn on any eye color. Apply all over the lid and blend out using a soft brown.

Though spring is usually associated with lighter, more pastel leaning colors, that fact doesn’t mean you have to store your darker colors. One of the biggest trends for spring 2015 is finding deep colors that have a duotone effect. This gives you double the interest on your eyes without adding any time to your morning routine. Additionally, peacock green and burgundy are colors that beauty experts are raving about for this spring. Resveralife recommends you to experiment with different colors, techniques and refresh your beauty routine.

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Child painting different colors on a sheet of paper.

April 7, 2015 by Mayank

Resveralife Live Well: Can Colors Help You Lose Weight?

Think you’ve tried absolutely everything to lose weight? It might be time to reconsider. You know that the key to sustained weight loss is a sensible, healthy diet and regular exercise. However, perhaps you want a bit of a jump start on your weight loss or you want to lose those stubborn last five pounds. New research indicates that the color of your plate and food may help you reach your weight loss goals. This Resveralife Live Well Guide shows you how colors can help you to lose weight.

Woman enjoying a color therapy session in her bath.

Color Therapy
Color therapy, also known as chromotherapy, has been acknowledged for centuries as a way of healing the body. The National Center for Biotechnology Information provides a cursory view of the hypothesis behind chromotherapy: “The human body, according to the doctrine of chromotherapy, is basically composed of colors. The body comes into existence from colors, the body is stimulated by colors and colors are responsible for the correct working of various systems that function in the body.” Every organ in the body has a distinct color. In addition to our body being composed of color, the atoms, cells and organs co-exist in the form of energy, and each has its vibrational or frequency energy. Each organ and energy center harmonizes and vibrates with the frequencies of these colors.

Exotic image of a food dish with red tomatoes and greens in the background.

Why Color Matters to Your Waistline
Okay, so our bodies are a veritable rainbow of frequencies and energies, but what does that have to do with losing weight? Researchers suggest that colors create fields of energy or electric currents that activate hormonal and biochemical processes in the human body. Some colors are more likely to increase our appetite while others decrease our appetite. So what colors help your weight loss quest and which ones can be harmful? According to ColorMatters, “blue is an appetite suppressant.” Experts theorize that this is because blue is not a common color of natural foods. With the exception of blueberries and some types of potatoes, there are very little naturally occurring blue foods. Because of this, experts believe that we are less likely to associate blue with hunger. To use the color blue to your advantage experts recommend a few tricks.

Add blue food dye to your food to decrease the amount you ingest.
Swap the light bulbs in your fridge to blue ones. This will help decrease your desire to snack when you open the doors.
Use a blue plate for your meals.

The color most likely to derail your progress is red. Red increases your appetite, so get rid of red dishes or placemats and use the more mellow color of blue. It is worth noting that red also increases metabolism as well as appetite, so it can be useful when used properly. Consider using red water as a tool in your healthy eating routine. The LiveStrong organization suggests making red solarized water by “wrapping a clear glass with red cellophane paper and putting the glass in the sunlight. After a few hours, the water will be energized with the color red and ready to drink.” Using color therapy may just be the trick you need to help you with your weight loss mission.

If you aren’t quite ready to jump into dyeing your food blue, you can still use color to your advantage in the kitchen. Use plates that contrast highly with the food that you are eating to help you be more satisfied with less food. For instance, keep salads away from green plates and spaghetti dishes away from red. Picking a plate that contrasts with your food can be a great start to using color to help you lose weight.

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April 3, 2015 by Mayank

Benefits of Outdoor Activity

The weather is warming up and the sun is shining brightly on lawns that are once again green and flowers that are in bloom. Unfortunately, most of us aren’t using this weather to our advantage. Many Americans are not participating in regular exercise and some people use the excuse that they aren’t comfortable at an indoor gym. Worry no more because Resveralife found out that taking the exercises outdoors can provide benefits that you just can’t get from an indoor gym.

Works Both Mind and Body
You know that exercise benefits your body and if you keep with a routine you are able to see physical proof that your hard work is paying off. However, you may be unaware of all of the added perks exercising outdoors provides to your mental health. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology suggests that individuals who run outdoors expend more energy than those using a treadmill indoors. The reason for this is that when you run outdoors, you face elements that a treadmill cannot give you such as resistance from a strong wind. Exercising outdoors gives you more challenges and is more strenuous than workouts at your indoor gym and the more energy you exert, the more calories you burn, the easier it is to get in shape.

As mentioned above, the results of exercise are not limited to your outward appearance. One of the greatest outdoor workout extra is the effect it has on your mental health. Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry conducted a study using 800 participants. The results were incredibly positive. Those that exercised outdoors reported increased vitality and memory and a decreased number of negative feelings. Outdoor exercise was proved to lower feelings of anger, depression and tension while a traditional indoor workout session did not result in the same benefits. Additionally, a study in Quebec, Canada by Isabelle Dione suggests that when people exercise outdoors, they are more likely to work out for a longer period of time than those exercising indoors. The constant change of scenery and the beauty of nature eliminate the monotony of staring at your screen or display on the treadmill.

Added Benefits of Sunshine
Calcium is a necessary nutrient to build, and maintain, strong bones. Vitamin D3 is an important factor for both bone health and metabolic function and you can get plenty of D3 by taking your exercises outdoors as sunshine is great provider of vitamin D3. However, there are more benefits to receiving sunlight than getting vitamins and a possible tan. Exposure to sunlight during the day helps your body sleep better at night, increase endorphins and strengthen your immune functions.

Woman exercising in the gym.

Better Than Your Gym
A gym membership is a great thing to have during the winter when it is too cold to take your exercise outside. But once the weather warms up, working out in the great outdoors saves you money. If possible, invest in a six month gym membership and exercise outdoors whenever you have the opportunity. The only costs you incur from exercise when heading outdoors are items that are most likely already in your home, such as a pair of well-fitting shoes, exercise gear that can handle outdoor weather, and sunscreen. You can also use your favorite mp3 player and playlist to get you more motivated outdoors.

In addition to getting your cardio in outdoors, you can also practice exercises designed to gain strength and build muscle. A park bench is a wonderful and useful item for an outdoor workout. Use it for push-ups, mountain climbers and tricep dips. A little bit of creativity with your outdoor workout not only keeps you challenged, but it provides you with the bonus of increased health from being outside. Lace up your shoes and slather on some sunscreen and enjoy a healthier, stronger way of living.

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April 2, 2015 by Mayank

Resveralife Live Well: Best Outdoor Exercises

The sun is shining bright, the grass is turning green once again and the birds are chirping happy songs. It’s spring. Most people look forward to heading outdoors as soon as the weather is nice enough. Make your outdoor time do double duty by planning not just to get some fresh air and vitamin D, but a total body workout as well. This Resveralife Live Well Guide highlights the best moves that will work your entire body while you enjoy the refreshing and invigorating spring weather.

Woman jogging in a park.

Walk/Jog/Run
A simple walk around your neighborhood or along a local hiking trail help you to get in shape. You most likely know that walking/jogging/running is great to help shed pounds and burn calories, but you may not be aware that there are significant benefits to your mind as well. During cardiovascular exercise, your heart pumps blood to other organs in your body. One of these organs is the brain. The oxygen and other nutrients can improve your clarity, mood and memory. As little as 30 minutes is all it takes to get enhanced brain power.

Woman performing push-ups on a park bench.

Park Bench Push-Ups
Work the arms, chest and core with a twist on the classic push-up. Begin by placing your hands on the edge of the park bench and walk your feet out. Stop when your legs are fully extended. Bend your arms and lower your chest. Repeat 10 times. Beginners may want to stick with three reps, while those with a bit more strength may complete as many as 10 reps.

Woman using a park bench for tricep dips.

Park Bench Tricep Dips
Tricep dips work the arms, specifically as the name suggests, the triceps. Begin by sitting on the bench and placing your arms firmly behind you shoulder-width apart. When your arms are in place, slide off of the park bench and slide forward. Some prefer to fully extend their legs while completing this exercise while others find it more beneficial to keep the knees bent. Straighten your arms then bend your elbows and entire lower body until the elbows reach a 90 degree angle. Push yourself back up and that counts as one rep. Aim for two to three sets of 15 reps each.

Woman doing mountain climbing exercise on a park bench.

Park Bench Mountain Climbers
Take a twist on regular mountain climbers and use the park bench to support your weight. Begin in the same position you would for a park bench push-up with your palms on the park bench and your legs fully extended. From this position bring your knees to your chest switching legs each rep. You can repeat sets by the number you choose (15 complete climbers is a great place to start) or simply do this as a timed exercise and spending about 30 seconds per set.

Getting outside and into nature helps so much more than your body. Strengthen your body, and mind, by getting out of the gym and into the fresh air. As an added bonus, your daily dose of vitamin D helps you strengthen bones naturally as you strengthen your muscles. If it’s been a while since you last exercised, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor to make sure that you get in shape in a safe and healthy way.

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March 31, 2015 by Mayank

National Poetry Month and Our Favorite Authors

Since 1996 the Academy or American Poets has recognized April as National Poetry Month. It is observed by writers of all genres, libraries, students and publishers among others in the literary world. While many of the individuals that celebrate National Poetry Month are in some way related to the literature, you don’t have to be a writer to enjoy and be a part of National Poetry Month. If you want to participate in National Poetry Month, it is as easy to walking to your bookcase or heading to your local library. For a variety of poets to check out, here are some of Resveralife’s absolute favorite poets and authors.

Maya Angelou
This American born poet has made a number of significant contributions to the world of arts. Her talents include writing not only poetry, but also writing songs and screenplays. Maya Angelou is a very well-known civil rights activist. One of her most famous poems, and a great one to read for National Poetry Month, is “I know why the caged bird sings.”

Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman was both an author and a teacher. Walt wrote poems that are difficult to fit into popular poetic measure and they are truly their own unique works. An incredibly well known and referenced poem by Walt Whitman is “O Captain! My Captain!”

Slyvia Plath
Slyvia Plath is one of the most renowned poets in the world. She wrote her entire life and published her first poem at the young age of eight. Her most notable work is generally thought to be her novel, “The Bell Jar,” however, she was indeed an accomplished poet. Plath chronicled her existence and struggles through poems such as “Mad Girl’s Love Song,” “Three Women” and “Southern Sunrise.”

Allen Ginsberg
One of the founders of the “Beat Movement,” Ginsberg fell in love with poetry in high school when his teacher read “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman. Ginsberg was an active protester of the Vietnam War and wrote poetry that was truly art. He wrote a lengthy autobiographical poem titled “Kaddish.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson was one of the original American philosopher and writer and was ordained as a minister in 1829. The works of Emerson are many and are considered to be incredibly important and influential. His poems include “Fate,” “Ode to Beauty” and “Loss and Gain.”

Though these poets are some of the most accomplished and acclaimed American poets, there are endless authors from which to choose from. Poetry can be daunting for some, but National Poetry Month is all about making poetry more accessible. Resveralife recommends you to read until you find what you like. Think of things that caught your attention as a child; maybe you loved “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. Maybe you connected with romantic poets like Pablo Neruda. Spend some time in April reading the works of well-known and fledgling poets until you discover literature you love. If you feel extra inspired, write some of your own poetry. Take some time in April to appreciate the beauty that is poetry.

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