Women and girls of all ages can enjoy reading the book Skin & Nails: Care Tips for Girls© 2003 by Pleasant Company. Here's a sample of do-it-yourself beauty potions:

Sugar Scrub (for your body): Mix three tablespoons sugar and two tablespoons baby oil to make a paste. Moisten skin in the shower. Then, standing out of the water, rub the scrub in a circular motion over your body. Do not use scrub on face. Rinse with warm water.

Papaya or Banana Mask (for your face): Lightly mash half a papaya or one ripe banana in a bowl with a fork. If using banana, mix in one teaspoon of honey. Spread the mask over your face and let dry, about 10 minutes. Rinse clean with warm water.

Oatmeal Smoothie (for your face): Mix three tablespoons old-fashioned (not instant) oatmeal, uncooked, and 2 tablespoons plain yogurt into a paste and pat onto face. Wait for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Better Breakfast Habits

Researchers say that people who eat breakfast every day cut their chances of becoming obese and developing diabetes. A new survey, however, shows that many Americans are not getting the early-morning nutrition they need to propel them through the day. Here are some quick tips to break the cycle of poor breakfast habits.

• Plan ahead and stock your fridge with healthy options. On the go? Grab a small box of cereal and a single-serve carton of 100 percent orange juice on the way out. Avoid fruit-flavored beverages such as "drinks," "ades," "punches," and "cocktails."

• Aim for a combination of whole grains, protein, fruit or 100 percent fruit juices. Whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, low-fat yogurt, oatmeal and cereals that contain at least two grams of fiber per serving are good choices.

• Commit to eating breakfast every day. Encourage family members to adopt the healthy habit, too. Younger adults are even more likely to skip breakfast than their older counterparts, according to the State of the American Breakfast survey.

Growing Older, Staying Strong

Strength training on two or three days staggered through the week can help counteract the loss of muscle mass sometimes linked to aging. Experts say that gaining strength may also improve balance, mobility, and the ability to climb stairs. For a simple yet effective strength program, try Wall squats, chest presses, and the single-arm row (see illustrations below). Once mastered, two sets of the routine can be completed in about ten minutes. Each set equals eight to twelve repetitions, depending on overall health and condition. If unable to perform eight repetitions without fatigue, select lighter hand weights; if able to perform 13, more weight is required.

Wall Squats

Stand with back against smooth wall. feet shoulder width apart and about 1 1/2-foot lengths from wall. Maintain slight bend in knees and hang arms down at sides. Slowly slide down wall until knees approach but do not exceed 90 degrees. Press upward until legs are nearly straight. Repeat.

Chest Presses

Lie bent-knee on back with arms perpendicular to trunk. Hold hand weights directly over elbows. Slowly press hands toward ceiling, bringing weights together in a triangular motion. Lower slowly and repeat.

Single Arm Row

Place one hand and one knee on bench or edge of chair with other foot on floor. Keep back flat and parallel to floor. Let a hand weight hang directly below shoulder. Slowly raise weight to just under shoulder, keeping elbow close to side, Lower slowly and repeat. Reverse position to work opposite side of body.