Have you ever been in a class or a workshop where you really wanted to get the maximum benefit possible?  Well, I have attended quite a few in the last few years and each time I felt short changed.  Now don’t get me wrong the classes and workshops were very informative - it was the attendees that caused my dismay!

I was beginning to think that this was something that would only occur once in a while, but I found this not to be so.  Every meeting, seminar or workshop that I have attended lately has caused distress, not only to me, but to other attendees whom I will not mention by nameJ.  In these settings I have witnessed people behind me talking in a normal tone with no regard for the speaker.  You would think that everyone in attendance would be there to get as much information as possible, but I am beginning to think that some folks attend for the snacks and to promote their own personal cause or business.

One of the first rules taught in school is not to talk while the teacher is speaking and to raise your hand when you have a question.  In regard to questions, please stay on the subject of discussion; if your teacher is teaching math, you don’t raise your hand and ask a question about your class trip.  This is rude behavior and I am seeing more and more of this behavior with teaching and attending classes.   There have been occasions when I attended a seminar and had to follow up with the instructors at a separate meeting because there was not enough time in the scheduled seminar, due to the off topic questions and remarks.  I recently witnessed such rude behavior at a workshop that I was blown away.  There was loud talking, people standing up and speaking about topics that had nothing to do with the seminar and some making rude comments.  I found myself screaming on the inside, please be quiet and please let the speakers speak.  I always try to control my facial expressions and remain lady like but, I think my eyes may have begun to cross at that meeting!   I am not trying to be a stick in the mud, and I believe that jokes and a little laughter keep things interesting, but we must remember to respect the speaker and the other attendees.  Let’s just keep in mind, when attending a class it’s not just about you, respect your fellow attendees! 

So, let’s try to follow the rules we learned when we first attended school.    

* Pay attention
* Be respectful of yourself and others

* Do not talk while the Teacher or Speaker is talking

* Raise your hand when you have a question

* Stay on the subject

* Turn off your cell phone or set to vibrate

One answer is good old fashioned Vaseline - and it still works!  Ever since I can remember there was a jar of Vaseline or a store brand petroleum jelly in our bathroom.  It was like the universal beauty product in our household.  

Over the years I have found many great uses for Vaseline from head to toe!  I discovered that I could use it for my previously bushy eyebrows to hold them in place.  Makeup removal was another great find.  One night after removing my makeup, I realized that putting a little Vaseline on my lashes at night gave them a healthy shiny gloss, so needless to say, when I skip mascara I can still give my lashes a little life.  Using a little dabe of Vaseline on your lashes is a great alternative for preteens who are not using mascara yet. 

When my lips feel dry or chapped I slather on the Vaseline before I take my shower and when I get out and wipe them off with a wash cloth, they are soft and supple, it is also a good idea to put some on before bed at night too.  

As a teenager, my girlfriends and I used to keep a small container or lip gloss pot with Vaseline in our handbags to keep our lips glossy.  It was a must have along with our afro picks and Double Mint gum!

Last but not least, is the great benefit Vaseline can be to the feet.  Slather it on your feet paying close attention to the heels and the cuticles, put on a pair of white socks and the next morning, feet are softened!  No more scratchy heels, feet can be pedicure soft all the time.

Over the years, these are a few of the uses that I discovered for this jar of clear gooey gel!  I am still checking to see how many more uses I can find.

Tip: Do not use Vaseline as a hair product.  It is too heavy and will clog hair follicles!

This is a topic that I frequently revisit with my students ages 11-16, because this is a time when they are experiencing an ongoing battle with acne due to hormonal changes and diet. 

I remember when I found out that going to bed at night without washing my face was a big mistake!  I was in my first year of college and living on campus at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.  Hanging out with my friends, spending the night at their dorms studying and just a little partying was the norm in those days!

FYI: I have always been obsessive about washing my face - in fact I had my own personal skin cleansing machine.  I guess this apparatus would be most comparable to the product that Dove sells with the changeable pads.  These machines were not as popular as they are today - I was a trailblazer! 

My roomate at the time had a really bad case of acne.  I came back to my room one morning and noticed that she had "borrowed" my skin machine!  I was livid!  After a few days I began to experience breakouts and became convinced that I had "caught" her acne.  I called my doctor and he assured me that this was not possible.  I had to face the fact that I was the cause of my skin problems.  Since then, I do not skip my skin regime which includes cleansing twice a day.  Of course, I had to eat crow and apologize to my roommate.  I also sterilized and hid my skin machine in my luggage!  I could not risk this happening again since I had my "model reputation" to live up to:).  Since then, I never skip cleansing my skin twice a day!

Tips: 

1.  Keeping your face clean is a must for clear, healthy skin. 

2.  Cleanse your skin morning and night. 

3.  Never use the same soap or wash cloth that you use for your body on your face. 

4.  Never share face cloths or cleasing machines. 

5.  Maintain a healthy, well balanced diet. 

6.  Clean and Clear offers a great line of face cleansers for all ages.