So, you've mastered your diet, become a lycra-clad goddess at the gym, drink your own bodyweight in water every day and take enough vitamins and supplements that your immune system laughs in the face of common cold season!

Erm… or… you are reaching for the third slice of pizza, haven't removed your running shoes from their box since you bought them, drink your body weight in water (with sugar plus carbonated soda plus alcohol) and you've taken a multivitamin before. Accidentally.

Either way, read on, as body brushing will serve either those looking for the cherry on top of their already healthy lifestyle, or those who are looking for an immediate benefit which will perhaps encourage a healthier lifestyle. Or perhaps not. It will give results either way.

So what is body brushing? Body brushing is the therapeutic routine of taking a soft-bristled dry brush and gently brushing the skin in swift strokes towards the heart. The reason why we always brush in the direction of the heart is because the main benefits of body brushing are happening underneath the skin: increasing circulation.

Whilst the process may be likened to that of brushing a dog or a cat to maintain their fur, and if you feel slightly silly to start with, that's okay. Instead of removing knots, insects, spores, and many other weird and wonderful things, as you would with domestic pets, you are encouraging the blood vessels underneath the skin to be stimulated and a greater flow of blood to pass through them. This accelerates the process of breaking down fat cells, and even improves the appearance of cellulite, along with removing lingering toxins.

Nothing can compare to a healthy diet and exercise for weight maintenance, but body brushing is a fantastic way to add a beautiful glow to your skin, whatever your fitness level. An added bonus is that it also exfoliates the top layer of your skin by removing the dead skin cells and clearing the way for the newer, healthier skin to be on display instead.

The best time to body brush is before you shower. Your skin will not be over sensitive from the moisture and it's a great chance to wash away any dead cells that may remain on the surface. Work from the bottom to the top and always follow your circulation pattern so that whatever residue that is being cleared out by your blood is encouraged to move in the same direction.

Be sure to moisturise after your shower to protect the newer skin, and of course to really bring out that new glow.

Keldamuzik Speaks "No More" about Domestic Violence Awareness, Written by Jamila Choyce

Officially, October is the month to discuss problems and solutions to domestic violence. The Bay Area's own local celebrity, Keldamuzik, has joined the debate on this social issue. She is an entertainer residing in Northern California. Acting and singing has been her aspirations even as a child. After attending college, working in Japan and the Caribbean, and seeking other careers opportunities, she has come full circle as a recording artist, writer, businesswoman, actress, model, television personality, and public speaker. She is known as the "Diva" on her talk show "Diva Talks Tonite."

The show features a panel of guests to discuss current events ranging from fashion, health, pop culture, education, entertainment and social issues. Keldamuzik has also involved herself in working with community oriented projects that she's developed, such as The Diva Project. This project entails public speaking and empowering young women to stay positive. Keldamuzik strives to help the world become a safer place for the next generation.

Diva takes a stand "No More"

Currently, this Diva has embraced the issue of Domestic Violence and joined the core of the public outcry "No More Together we can end Domestic Violence and Sexually Assault.org. When I asked her, why she is lending her voice to the "No More" movement she replied, "…women should not have to live their lives in harm. It's a shame that once we fall in love with someone we latch onto them and we could see no wrong in them no matter what they do to us. This can no longer happen." As a public figure, she feels obligated to inform and educate the public on social issues. Domestic violence is a social issue that this Diva is prepared to attack.

She further stated, "I'm in support of putting the stop to domestic violence. As women today are already facing so many challenges in society, getting physically harmed by a loved one is the worse. People should treat others the way that they want to be treated. We strive hard to raise families, take care of ourselves and inspire others. Domestic violence should not be on our timeline. We only live once! Why should we live it in fear of being physically, emotionally, verbally, and mentally abused?"

Curiously, I asked her has she ever been in an abusive relationship, she replied, "I have not, but I have had friends that have been in abusive relationships before. I support the movement, because if we do not put a stop to it now, it will continue to happen."

She continues, "I had a friend a long time ago who was in a relationship and while she was pregnant, he would punch her in the stomach frequently and body slammed her. He hated the fact that she was pregnant and wanted her to get rid of the baby. He would run her head into the walls and dislocated her shoulder, and her stomach was messed up after having a miscarriage. After hearing that story and a few other friends' I knew, who were in domestic violent situations, I decided to do this photo shoot to encourage those to remove themselves out of these terrible situations."

Models: Keldamuzik, Rose Henderson, & E'mari Joelle Hay

MUA: Aleena Barrow

Stylist: Jamila Choyce

Photographer: Anthony Jackson

keldamuzik.net