I've included some great resources to save yourself some time or help you get started in your own neighborhood. Check out the below for some great tips, tricks, and templates to get you started.

• 3 Key Steps
• General Timeline
• Day-Of Planning
• Resources

By Devin Almonte

​You may have heard that it’s better to air-dry your clothes than to machine-dry them because it’s gentler on your clothing. But what about your hair? Surely, we can assume that it’s better to let your hair air-dry instead of blow-dry after a rinse because it’s gentler on your hair, right? Not necessarily. And our friends at Dyson have found a great solution.

The Air-Dry Method can leave your hair in quite a frizz, not to mention tangled, knotted, and unstyled. Now, if that is the organic look you are going for, then don’t let me stop you! But do beware that your minimalistic attempt at au naturel could actually be costing you the health of your hair, not to mention your time. 

​When it comes to your hair, natural isn’t always good. In fact, it isn’t always the healthiest choice for your hair either.
 
Jenny Jin, beauty writer for Pure Wow tells us, "When hair comes into contact with water, it swells. When it swells, it messes with the protein within each strand and leads to damage from the inside out. So the longer your hair is wet, the longer it swells and the greater the chance for damage."

Further, a scientific study on hair suggested that it's not always best to let the hair dry itself, as the longer the scalp and hair are wet, the greater the opportunity for bacteria to accumulate, and that can generate fungus or weakening in the structure of the hair. This especially applies to those that go to bed with their hair wet.

According to a poll taken by longhaircommunity.com, most women found it took 2-3 hours to dry their hair naturally. And more than 15%  said it took 5 hours or more to fully dry. Now who has the time and patience for that? You can fly from New York to L.A in less time!

​There can also be problems associated with blow-drying your hair because heat can be damaging. Your hair can become too dry and brittle because the temperature can be too hot, leaving you with head full of fried strands. And just like air-drying your hair, it’s a time consuming process, costing the average woman about 30 minutes to an hour of their day. 

​However, according to a recent study from Korea, Prevention Magazine beauty editor, Nina Elias tells us: 

With the right technique, using a blow-dryer is actually better for your mane’s health than letting it air-dry. Yes, the heat of a dryer can cause more damage than not using one, but using a hair-dryer at the right distance and temperature can actually cause less damage than letting hair air-dry.

And thanks to recent technology, we now have an even better solution than attempting to manipulate our way into drying our hair just right with outdated and subpar hair dryers.

Our good friends at Dyson (yes, the must-have vacuum people) became aware of this blow- dryer dilemma and spent years of research seeking ways to modernize and revolutionize your blowout at home. And in late 2016, Dyson’s Supersonic Hair Dryer made its debut in the US market.

This is more than a hair-dryer. In fact, I’m not even sure if I would put this in the same category as a hair-dryer. It’s truly a modernized hair device engineered with ultra-fast drying power. It comes preloaded with superior technology that manages heat control to prevent heat damage to your hair. In other words, it’s like having your own personal stylist within the device because it will automatically know what level of heat your hair needs more than you do!
 
In true Dyson fashion, this hair device includes all the fancy and easy-to-use magnetic attachments. Pop on the smoothing nozzle, styling concentrator, or diffuser with ease and style away.

Great-looking Hair
This is truly the DIY blowout device! Customers report that there hair looks and feels smoother, silkier, and healthier after using the Supersonic.
Easier Hair Care
No more boring 80s style L-shaped dryers. Get rid of that dreaded arm-ache, as the Supersonic is totally redesigned, lightweight and balanced with the motor in the handle.
Computerized Hair Care
It’s a smart dryer. The microprocessor measures air temperature 20 times every second, applying just the right amount of heat to keep you from damaging your hair and protecting its natural shine, leaving your hair soft and smooth.
Fast and Efficient Hair Care
Dyson knows airflow. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Supersonic has high-velocity airflow for ultra-fast drying power. Time to gain back lost time from inefficient hair dryers. Depending on your hair, you may even be able to cut your dry time in half!
Because it’s a Dyson
Quality. Quiet. Sleek and modern design. Thoughtfully designed and technologically reimagined. 

The Dyson Supersonic Hair-Dryer is expensive, but it's worth the investment.  It's more than a hair-dryer. It's a smart drying device that takes a proactive approach to hair care. You might actually be saving yourself some money because you might even be able to cut down on those pricey, hair-smoothing, Keratin treatments! 

So, is beauty by Dyson worth it? Yes. It doesn't get any better than Dyson.

As an On-Air Guest Host for QVC, I highly encourage you to shop everything QVC! It's the place for great, products, great deals, and great fun. Check out the below airings to learn more about the Supersonic and to see it in action.  

By Devin Almonte

I am a huge fan of GNC’s Total Lean Shake 25 and Total Lean Advanced Lean Shake Burn Protein Shakes. Both the Total Lean 25 and Total Lean Advanced Lean Shake Burn are for those seeking to manage their weight well while improving overall body definition and composition.
 
As a personal trainer and nutrition expert, I use their Total Lean shakes as a regular part of my own diet and weight management program. I like to combine the Lean 25 and Burn formulas together because I am looking to manage my weight well while toning and defining.
 
Personally, I am not actively trying to lose a ton of weight. Maybe a pound here or there but more so, I am trying to maintain weight, achieve body health and gain muscle tone, which we lose as we age. GNC’s Total Lean lines help me do just that. I drink a shake every day as a meal replacement and I can already see and feel results.

Here’s what you get with each:

There are a myriad of reasons to add protein shakes to your diet. Of course, one of the main reasons is for the protein! Protein is essential for your body's well-being and it can aid in weight loss, decrease hunger, and may help increase your metabolism.

​Without exercise, the average woman needs approximately 46 grams of protein per day. With exercise, you need to increase this to approximately 120 grams of protein per day. Protein shakes are an excellent way to help you get there. Plus, with our on-the-go lifestyles, they are quick and easy to make.

There’s no doubt that it’s hard for women to lose weight or even just maintain their weight. There are biological and behavioral reasons behind this. It’s a fact we have to face head on so we can then find a realistic solution.

Women’s Health Magazine tells us more:

First, men tend to be bigger than women, with more muscle on their frames, so they usually have faster metabolisms than women, says Jessica A. Culane, R.D., a board-certified sports dietitian with Cliff Bar & Company. Second of all, men and women have crazy-different levels of hormones floating in their bloodstreams, says Culane. For instance, women have 15 to 20 times less muscle-building, fat loss-promoting testosterone than men. And, according to a 2016 Yale University review, women have much higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, which contribute to stronger food cravings than men.

Women also tend to be emotional and distracted eaters while overestimating their amount of daily exercise, especially in this age of social media. 

We wrongly assume that we can just "exercise off" our excess caloric intake. Adding an extra mile to your run is not going to counteract your overindulgence of pizza and dessert. Let's put this in perspective. To lose just 1 lb in a week, you have to cut 3,500 calories from your diet. If you don’t change you diet and try to lose weight through exercise alone, then you would need to jog at least 16 hours a week or 2 hours a day to lose a pound. Who has the time or discipline for that?! 

You must start with your diet. We're not talking about a fad-diet, but a life-changing, lifestyle-diet. If you are really serious changing your health for the better, you need to be conscious about what you are eating and how much you are exercising.

The key to weight loss and managing your weight well starts with your diet. One of the most proactive, simple, and effective ways to do so is to incorporate protein shakes into your diet. Start with GNC's Total Lean Shake 25 or Total Lean Advanced Lean Shake Burn or both! I have seen amazing results and my energy levels and focus are ten times better than they used to be and that 3pm afternoon slump is gone. 

GNC's Total Lean is for anyone looking to lose weight, manage their weight well, and seeking to tone and define their body.

Disclosure: All comments written above are my own opinion and thoughts related to products that I love and enjoy. I do not receive payment for any type of product promotion, nor do I receive commission from any of the above mentioned companies, products, or websites. 

If you are considering a new diet or workout regimen and want to better understand your nutritional needs, please consult your doctor. All material on this article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice, instruction, or claim. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.
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