It is extremely important that you are taking care of yourself during difficult times so that you can stay rejuvenated and healthy. Even if sleeping seems difficult try to make sure you are taking time to at least lie down with your eyes closed and resting.  Honor that your body and mind are working overtime to get you through a stressful situation and that you need time to rest and heal. Some people respond to stress by undereating or overeating.  Your journal can come in handy to keep track of what you are eating.  There are also apps you can use on your computer or mobile device to make sure you are getting enough calories and also not over-indulging because of stress. Eat healthy foods that are good for your body and brain such as fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy grains. Getting some level of movement will help clear your head and reduce your stress. Even a 10 minute walk can help relieve tension and stress.  Dancing can also help physically and emotionally. Walk up and down steps for 10 minutes.  Take a small run.  Do something active to get your blood pumping and to relieve your stress. If you have friends or loved ones that you can trust, lean on them to help you through your situation.  Let them know you need help and need to vent. Keeping calm during tough times can be overwhelming.  You may feel as though you can’t handle your emotions, or as though you are exploding at other people. You may be having significant trouble sleeping. If you don’t feel in control, it may be time to seek the help of a therapist.  If you have persistent feelings of depression, sadness, or hopelessness interfering with your ability to perform your daily functions, talk with a therapist. This person can help guide you, helping you find the calmness you need.

Summary: Get plenty of rest. Have healthy eating habits. Get some exercise. Use your support system. Consider seeing a therapist.


This allows the chocolate topping to harden.

Summary: Whisk everything together in a medium bowl. Spread over the cake evenly while the chocolate is still in its liquid form. Keep the cake chilled until ready to serve. Finished.


Massages can increase blood flow and brighten your lips. Massage your lips with almond oil every night before bed to deeply moisturize. Alternatively, massage your lips with ice cubes to moisturize and make them appear fuller and pink. There are several ways to exfoliate your lips. You might choose to use an exfoliating scrub, or you could buff them with a toothbrush.  Make a sugar scrub by combining a tablespoon of white or brown sugar with just enough honey or olive oil to make a paste. Rub the mixture vigorously over your lips. After a minute wipe off with a damp washcloth. Alternatively, use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush to buff away the dry skin. Apply light pressure to the toothbrush and work the bristles in a circular motion. Follow with a soothing lip balm. Repeat twice a week. If irritation happens, reduce the number of times per week or rub more gently. Pomegranates can make your lips pinker. Crush 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pomegranate seeds, and then mix the powder with milk to create a paste. Rub the paste onto your lips, then rinse it off after 2-3 minutes.  Repeat as desired. Discontinue if irritation occurs.

Summary: Massage your lips. Exfoliate your lips. Use a pomegranate lip scrub.


One of the characteristics of photogenic people is their confidence in their appearance. Many times we get concerned about something wrong with our face; our freckles, the gap in your teeth, how squinty your eyes get when you smile. Instead of trying to hide those things, embrace them! You will look much more photogenic in your photos that way. It is easy to spot someone who is photogenic from someone who is posing; the former doesn’t have to fake their emotions. Although getting your photo taken can be nerve-wrecking, don’t let it get in the way of your true feelings. Don’t create the smile you think you need, use your regular smile. The same goes with the shape of your eyes and the curve of your cheeks. The more you allow your natural emotions to show on your face, the better your pictures will look.  Always smile with your teeth, because you would never laugh at a funny joke with your lips together. True smiles show off a toothy grin, not tightly pressed lips. Keep your face natural by allowing a real smile to peak through.  When you are showing emotions your entire face is affected. Although many people associate a look of happiness with just a smile, your eyebrows, eyes, cheeks, and forehead are all affected equally as much. Make sure that you are allowing freedom of movement in your entire face. As the old saying goes, “the camera adds ten pounds.” But it doesn’t have to! Because the camera is using reflected light to convert a 3D object into a 2D image, the shapes of things are flattened and compressed. Looking straight ahead at the camera will show the fullness of your face and remove/reduce any natural shadows. Instead, turn your face slightly to the side to create natural highlights and shadows and slim the shape of your face. The angle of your face is tied to the direction you are looking at the camera. Just as how you shouldn’t look at the camera straight on, you also should not tilt your head up when taking photos. This will make your face look larger and get a good shot up the inside of your nose. Tilt your head slightly down and to the side for the most photogenic of looks.
Summary: Focus on what makes you unique. Show your emotions. Don’t look the camera straight on. Adjust the angle of your face.