Brow Perfection!!

When I was in High school I had an accident that involved my slamming into an emergency exit door (the really big metal ones). This further resulted in my getting three stitches along the line of my right eyebrow... (Yes, it hurt!)

I managed to deal with the pain of the injury but what I couldn't bear was my new found eyebrow patch... (it looks similar to this) I thought my world had come to end. This was almost as bad as the time when I made my hair fall out, but that's another story!

Since then, I have been in search of the perfect eyebrow pencil to not only shade in my eyebrows but also to draw in the nonexistent hairs that have vanished since my fatal 'Brow' accident.

Finally WHAM! Enters Anastasia!



I have tried many different eyebrow pencils and none have shown better results than the almighty Anastasia Brow Pencil (bows head to this God on earth). Brow specialist Anastasia Soare built her reputation as a top beauty specialist by working her unique magic on the brows of a large and loyal celebrity clientele such as Hayden Panettiere, Heidi Klum, and Naomi Campbell. Her signature technique is simple yet beautiful. She analyzes individual bone structure and face shape and recommends the perfect complimentary brow."

You can check out the products by Anastasia at Sephora ,and Your In Luck as today is the last day of Sephora VIBs sale where you can get 20% off everything you buy online by using code "VIB20" @ check out.

No Sagging - No Plastic Surgery Needed.

Today I had my morning workout and it did not include running, sit-ups or any exercise machines. My mom has been telling me about the benefits of facial yoga for some time now and she decided to look into it. We found a few ( ok, more like twenty-something) youtube vids of Jack Lalanne, an icon in the exercise world. This man was truly ahead of his time. He explains the importance of exercising the muscles in our faces so that we can stay firm and prevent sagging. The biggest challenge is doing them without giggling, but just think, you can get the benefits of botox sans the needles; and for free!
Work it out ya'll:

No Pictures Please

Good morning darlings!

Hope your weekend was wonderful and your Monday goes quickly and painlessly!

You probably spent yesterday reviewing the pics from your Saturday of fun; hitting DELETE on more than a few. Ever wonder why you can leave the house looking your best and then when your friends whip out the digi cam your look gets lost in translation??? The fact is that while you may be stunning, have great skin and look just fine in person, most women need a little something to have that translated into photos - look at how much models have to wear for photoshoots! Whether it's a little shine control, a case of face not matching your neck or dark under eye circles; here are a few pointers to put your best face forward:

1- If you have great skin and prefer not to pile on the makeup - carry some shine control powder or those blotters that absorb oil. MAC has blotting powder that comes either in a pressed compact or loose powder. Sephora has a few options for blotting sheets but I like Boscia's Fresh Blotting Linens and they are only $10 while some other brands are near $30.

2- A lot of foundations have SPF ingredients in them and while that is absolutely essential during the day; at night ... not so much. The thing is that the ingredients that your foundation contain also create what looks like a white film over your face when you take pics. Think of those sunblocks that are really high in SPF and how white and chalky those are. So for night time choose a foundation with no SPF. MAC Cosmetics has Full Coverage Foundation that is actually used by the pros for its opaque coverage and for looking amazing in photographs. Now this may be heavy for some who are not makeup wearers but the end result will be better looking photos!

[Remember when using heavy foundation never forget blush so that you don't look monotone]

3- Protect ya neck! Even if you use a close matching foundation you should always use some past your jawline and blend into your neck so you don't have this hard line where you foundation ends. You can even brush a little on your decolletage area if you'd like.

4- Under eye circles, bags, or even wrinkles can be exaggerated in photos. I never realized that this was an issue until a few months ago when I was in my cousins wedding and the makeup artist piled on the under eye concealer and it looked really light to the naked eye; but in the pictures it looked fabulous. I looked awake and brighter; plus it makes the eye makeup stand out even more. If you have ever seen celebrities or models getting their make up done you always see them with this super light powder under their eyes. Makeup artists use that to catch some of the fall out from dark shadows, liners or mascara flakes but when they brush it out the under eye area is still pretty light. Look at how sexy this cat eye looks; their eyes really pop:

5- ALWAYS define your eyebrows. If you have none - draw them in. There are are products that have stencils that are natural looking like Anastasia's Classic Stencils. Even if you have well defined brows you should groom them with eyebrow gel so they stay put. Remember: your eyebrows should be a shade darker than your natural hair color (look at Eva Mendes' brow and hair color above.) Most of us have to darken them and define them a bit.

6- And of course: Keep your lip gloss poppin!
Now you're ready for your close up.

;)

How To Choose, And Use, The Right Foundation

Problem: Cream, stick, liquid, powder—what's the right formula for me?

Solution: Your skin type will tell you what to use.
If you're dry, choose a liquid, stick, or hydrating powder foundation. Liquids and sticks both have a creamy (moisturizing) consistency, and hydrating powders are blended with ingredients that deliver moisture to the skin and offer more coverage than regular pressed powders; look for clues like "compact makeup" or "foundation" on the product packaging. (Clinique Supermoisture Makeup, $23, is a good one.)


If your skin is oily, use oil-free liquid or powder foundation. They contain powders that absorb oil, leaving you with a matte, smooth finish, says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist at Cosmetech Labs in Fairfield, New Jersey. (Try Clarins Truly Matte Foundation, $34.) Mineral makeup often works well on oily skin, because the dry particles absorb moisture, says Ranella Hirsch, MD, president elect of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery. (Try Almay Pure Blends Mineral Makeup, $12.50.) If you're prone to breakouts, use a foundation that contains salicylic acid. "It dries up the oil-producing glands that cause pimples," Hirsch says. (Try Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup, $11.50.)


If you have combination skin, strategically apply a powder foundation, which allows you to distribute more of the oil-absorbing makeup where you need it and less where you don't, without leaving visible lines (as a liquid or stick foundation would).


If you're a novice, try a powder foundation that's right for your skin type. "It's the easiest to apply, and it disappears into the skin more easily than liquid formulas," says New York City makeup artist Mally Roncal. Next easiest is a cream foundation in a compact (which is great for dry complexions). It melts into the skin like a liquid, but because it's a solid and applied with a sponge, it's easy to control. (Try Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Crème Compact Makeup SPF 15, $34.)


Problem: After a hug, it looks as if my face has come off on my husband's suit jacket.

Solution: Press a naked velvet puff to your face after applying foundation.It will help absorb any excess and push the foundation into the skin. Or you can use a puff or brush to apply a light veil of translucent powder, which will set the foundation.


Problem: I'm completely confused by makeup-speak. What the heck is a "finish," and how do I figure out which one I want?

Solution: A finish is the kind of sheen (or lack of it) a foundation leaves on your skin. There are three types: semimatte, matte, and luminizing.
Most foundations are semimatte, and they work on almost anyone. "It looks the most natural," says New York City makeup artist Paul Innis. (If the packaging doesn't say that it's matte or luminizing, assume it's semimatte.)


Matte foundations absorb oil, leaving your skin with an even, powdery finish. Look for "poreless" and "shine-free" on the label. If you have dry or mature skin, choose a matte formula enriched with moisturizers.


If your skin lacks luster (whether it's dry, mature, or sallow), consider a foundation with a luminizing finish. Infused with finely ground light-reflective particles (such as mica and crushed pearls), it diffuses the look of fine lines and wrinkles. (Try Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder, $44, or Guerlain Parure Compact Foundation with Crystal Pearls SPF 20, $58.)



Problem: By the time I leave the house in the morning, my foundation has settled into my lines and wrinkles, making me look as if I just emerged from an Egyptian tomb.

Solution: Don't try to fill in those areas with makeup.
Apply less makeup on crow's-feet and marionette lines, and keep those areas well moisturized, says Laura Mercier, a New York City makeup artist.


Problem: My foundation always looks fake. I'm sure it's because I can't find the right shade!

Solution: Go straight to a department store for professional help. The foundation will cost more than at a drugstore, but the initial investment is worth it. You can use your purchase as a guide for buying a less expensive foundation in the future. (For the most precise match, try Prescriptives Custom Blend service, $62. A professional blender hand-mixes several pigments to create your custom foundation in 20 minutes. The formula is saved in the company's database.)

For women of color, many foundations are unsuitable and often leave an ashy finish, says Ashunta, a celebrity makeup artist for Dior, because of the wide range of undertones in dark skin. (She recommends DiorSkin Fluide Mocha #800, $41; it works with many different African-American complexions. The new CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation, $8, is specially formulated with low levels of titanium dioxide, the ingredient that causes ashiness.)

Problem: My face looks as powdered as a sugared doughnut.

Solution: Once you've dipped your brush or sponge into powder foundation, immediately tap it to get rid of excess particles that give that overly dusted look. Also, if you have peach fuzz (as many women do), sweep the powder in the direction that the hair grows, not against it. Going against the follicles inadvertently fluffs up those hairs, creating a little cushion for the powder to settle on.

Problem: Suddenly, my face is one color, my neck another—not a great look.

Solution: Check your foundation shade against your jawline, says New York City makeup artist Paula Dorf, and adjust the color. Your skin color may change with the seasons, especially during the summer (even if you use sunscreen).


Problem: I've got a moisturizing formula in the right shade, but my foundation still looks splotchy and caked.

Solution: Prepare your skin before you apply foundation.
First, slough off dead skin cells once or twice a week so makeup goes on evenly. Second, use a moisturizer with SPF—even if your foundation has one. "To get adequate sun protection, you'd have to use too much of the makeup," says Hirsch. Third, slip on a primer. A light gel or lotion, primer makes foundation go on more evenly and last longer by creating a smooth base for the pigment to adhere to. Massage a pea-size amount onto your face. Let it absorb before you apply foundation. New York City makeup artist Mathew Nigara specifically looks for primers made with silicone, which fills in pores and lines and illuminates the skin, giving you an airbrushed look. (Too Faced's Wrinkle Injection, $27, a silicone-based primer, feels especially silky.)


If you use concealer, apply it after the primer but before foundation. To hide dark circles or hyperpigmentation, dot a bit of concealer on those areas, then blend. Step back and take a look: How much foundation do you really need now? You'll probably find you need less than you thought you did, says Nigara.


Problem: I'm trying to conceal rosacea, and it isn't working.

Solution: For the heaviest coverage, look for brands like Cover Fx and Dermablend. They're packed with pigment (containing 40 and 25 percent, respectively), are water resistant, and last for 12 to 16 hours (so a little goes a long way). Many earlier incarnations had a texture like bathtub caulking, but new formulations are remarkably light.

Problem: Should I use my fingers to apply it? A sponge? A brush?

Solution: Each method has its pros and cons.Use your fingers to apply liquid and cream foundations, because the heat generated helps to warm up the pigment, making it easy to blend.


Use a sponge if you want a sheer look; it absorbs a lot of the foundation, taking down its intensity. But since you'll go through your foundation much quicker, apply with a sponge only on days you want minimal coverage. Lightly press it into the skin in a blotting motion. (Sweeping the sponge across your face will create streaking.) If you want a dewier look, dampen the sponge with water before dipping it into the foundation.


Use a brush for depositing the pigment most evenly. For liquid foundation, choose a tapered synthetic brush with a tip about one and a half inches long. (The tapered tip allows you to get into the areas around your nose and under your eyes, and the synthetic bristles don't absorb too much product.) Tap the end of the brush into the foundation and "paint" it across your forehead, down your nose, across your cheekbones, and on your chin. In sweeping motions, blend the pigment into the skin until it's invisible. For powder foundations, use a thick, fluffy brush—it imparts a soft, seamless finish, Mercier says. Choose one made of natural bristles; they're porous, so they grip the powder, preventing you from depositing too much. In a circular, buffing motion, swirl the brush against your face, starting from the center.


Problem: When I use a foundation brush, I wind up with brushstrokes all over my face.

Solution: "Eliminate brushstrokes by pressing your palm gently into your skin as if you were using a puff," says Dorf.

And next time, go easy: If you have brushstrokes or swirl marks, you're using too much.


- Oprah.com

Sizing Up America's Most Popular Diets

Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of each plan.

Did those holiday pounds creep up on you? Over indulgence is normal this time of year, but lets get back on track, summer will be here before you know it.
As someone who has tried Atkins, I can definitely say it works! But at what cost? Check out this review of some of America's most popular diet plans, you may find one that's right for you.





The key to losing weight—and keeping it off—is to find the eating plan that fits your personality and lifestyle. To help, we've rounded up expert opinions on the pros and cons of the 10 most popular diets in America.

"All the popular diets can help you lose weight because they provide almost identical calorie intakes," says nutritional biochemist and author Shawn Talbott, Ph.D. "But different people may do better on different diets because of personal tastes. For instance, if you love bread, don't even think about trying Atkins … because it won't work."

Here's a look at the 10 most popular diets in America:

Jenny Craig
Tasty, ready-made meals and snacks—"Jenny's Cuisine"—are perks of Valerie Bertinelli and Queen Latifah's favorite diet (which is similar to NutriSystem). Amy Hendel, health expert and author of Fat Families, Thin Families (Benbella Books, 2008), sums it up: "No thinking, just eating."

Pros: Jenny Craig is a balanced, calorie-controlled diet with weekly consultations in person or by phone.

Cons: Jenny's Cuisine gets expensive (though a short-term stint could teach portion control). "Average people aren't under the same scrutiny as the celebrities who lost tons of weight, so the pressure to stay on track is decreased," says Hendel. In addition, participants may tire of the prepared meals and may not learn how to count calories outside the program.

Mediterranean Diet
Rather than focusing on calories, this healthy eating plan revolves around veggies, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, fish, poultry, and dairy—with limited red meats and moderate wine consumption.

Pros: The home cooking emphasis makes it inexpensive and easier to track fats, cholesterol, and sodium, says Hendel. Plus, these flavorful foods don't trigger feelings of deprivation. Nutritionist Haruko Oyama of Montefiore Medical Center says this diet is connected to numerous health benefits, such as decreased risks of cardiovascular disease, and possibly diabetes and Alzheimer's.

Cons: "The effect of the Mediterranean Diet on weight loss specifically hasn't been as widely researched as the health effects," says Oyama. Plus, people could take the freedom to eat healthy fats a little too far—and overdo it.

Zone Diet
You won't overdo it if you stay in the Zone: one gram of fat for every two grams of protein and three grams of carbohydrates, meant to balance hormones and control hunger.

Pros: New York City-based nutritionist and personal trainer Ariane Hundt says, "This diet promotes fat loss, reduces inflammation, increases energy, reduces cholesterol, and has anti-aging benefits." Plus, nutritionists generally favor healthy, balanced meals.

Cons: "The fat, protein, [and] carb groups are a little simplistic," says Hendel. "We need some calcium from dairy every day, and we need to separate grain-based carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables (the Zone counts them as one). And, limiting grains can be difficult to do over the long term. Most Zone-committed eaters seem to be highly motivated, physically active people who can afford the home-delivered meals."

Weight Watchers


This diet giant also sells its own pre-made meals plus books and magazines, and recently introduced the new Momentum program, replacing the traditional Flex and Core plans. Momentum revolves around the POINTS system and offers strategies for overcoming temptations. Diet coach Laurie Beebe, R.D., says, "Weight Watchers is effective because people can stay on it for years and keep the weight off."

Pros: Regular meetings offer information-driven discussions, weigh-ins, tools such as food tracking journals and activity calculators, and encouragement—plus Weight Watchers provides online support. Beebe confirms that the portion control, controlled calories, and accountability help people lose weight.

Cons: Each meeting costs about $10 (depending on your area), tools cost extra, and the POINTS system doesn't necessarily reflect the nutritional value of food.

Volumetrics
In this plan, nutrient-dense foods full of fiber, vitamins and minerals are encouraged (such as veggies, fruits, broth-based soups, nonfat milk, etc.), while energy-dense foods are in the no-fly zone (cheeseburgers, cookies, packaged foods, etc.).

Pros: It's a healthy, inexpensive way to lose weight. "Diets often fail because people feel hungry," says dietician Jodi Greebel, author of The Little Black Apron: A Single Girl's Guide to Cooking with Style and Grace (Polka Dot Press, 2007). "Volumetrics encourages large quantities of nutrient-dense foods, which fill you up. This plan also encourages food journals and exercising—two keys to permanent weight loss."

Cons: "Volume alone may not satisfy your taste buds," says Hundt, potentially leaving you vulnerable to those tempting fat, sugar, and salt cravings.

The Flat Belly Diet
Liz Vaccariello, editor-in-chief of Prevention magazine, co-wrote the book about this female-focused, Mediterranean-style diet. The claim: Eating monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) at every meal will flatten bellies without exercise. Meals are capped at 400 calories, foods that lead to bloating are discouraged, and participants are told to eat every four hours.

Pros: "Eating a specific number of calories regularly will help maintain energy levels, stabilize blood glucose levels, and prevent hunger," says Susan Kraus, a clinical dietitian at Hackensack University Medical Center. "Plus, the recipes are tasty, which keeps dieters satisfied."

Cons: Research doesn't prove that diets target specific body parts, and health experts aren't crazy about de-emphasizing exercise.

Weigh Down Diet
Satisfy your cravings here! "This diet focuses on portion sizes and hunger cues, which are very important for weight loss," says Greebel. All foods are allowed in this Higher Power–based diet; eating is motivated by the body's physical needs.

Pros: Kraus says dieters are encouraged to become more spiritual, stop obsessing about food, and take more responsibility for their eating habits.

Cons: Greebel points out that it's difficult to lose weight if you're not watching what you eat, even if you're careful with portion sizes. Kraus adds that people might need a more specific, structured plan to lose weight successfully.

South Beach Diet
If you need structure, here's one of the strictest diets on the market. Cardiologist Arthur Agatston's diet is divided into three phases: Eliminate Cravings, Lose Steadily, and Maintain. Strict guidelines about reduced-fat dairy, lean proteins, veggies and healthy fats are part of every phase.

Pros: "The core of this diet is a heart-health promoting, balanced diet that most people can follow if they don't mind the rules," says Hendel.

Cons: Dr. Jan Evans, R.D., of Richmond, Va., warns, "The first two phases are unhealthy, unbalanced, and not only cause fluid loss [and] dehydration, but can cause ketosis and electrolyte imbalance. The diet is too restrictive in the first two phases, and lacks essential nutrients."

Atkins Diet
Exercising is essential for losing weight—and so is eating a balanced diet. Similar to the Scarsdale diet that rose to fame in the late 1970s, the Atkins plan focuses on increased protein intake and limited carbohydrates.

Pros: "These very low carb diets can quickly and dramatically shed pounds," says Hendel. "Water weight goes first, then fat."

Cons: Low-carb diets have a bad rap in the medical community because of the potential long-term health effects of excess protein: high cholesterol, kidney abnormalities, cancer risks, unhealthy metabolic states, and osteoporosis. Atkins now includes more plant-based foods than when it was first introduced, though many nutritionists still deem it unhealthy. "Most people simply cannot sustain eating this much protein," Hendel says. "I've also smelled the sweat and breath odors of people on long-term high-protein diets, and it's a bit offensive."

Sugar Busters Diet
This low-carb eating plan is similar to Atkins, but not as intense.

Pros: "This diet steers clear of sugar-laden processed foods," says Hundt. "Natural foods—lean proteins, good fats, vegetables and whole grains—are emphasized, resulting in balanced blood sugar levels, increased fat burning, and a healthy lean body."

Cons: A potential drawback of this low-carb diet is increased protein consumption, which may have negative health effects in the long run. Steering clear of sugar is an excellent way to lose weight, but choosing a healthy balance of proteins, carbs and fats is also important.

And, here's one bonus eating plan to chew on:

The Maker's Diet
This diet is based on Biblical and scientific principles. It encourages dieters to observe God's dietary laws and attack the three I's: insulin, infection and inflammation. Fasting, supplements, cleansing agents, and kosher practices are promoted—making this diet less appealing to the general population.


By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen for MSN Health & Fitness

Mean Green Cleaning Solutions.

Happy New Year Everyone!

I'm not much of a resolution maker, but it is important to always aim to be a better version of oneself. Not only year by year but day by day.

I am relatively late to the environmental protection party, and I am by no means the "The Queen Of Green" but I do believe that every little bit helps. If I can make a difference in the world by doing something as simple as telling the guy at my local deli that "No, I really don't need a bag for a pack of gum." you better believe I'm going to do it.

With that said, be aware of how damaging many household detergents and cleansers are to the environment. Every time you scrub the sink or do a load of laundry, you are sending all of those toxins down the drain and into the water.
Or, if saving the world doesn't do it for you, think about saving yourself. That fresh clean laundry smell (which is my personal favorite smell BTW) isn't ocean breeze, it's the smell of a possible endocrinology issue starting. Yes, many household cleansers contain ingredients known to cause reproductive, and/or endocrine issues, as well as cancer.

So for the New Year I'll be trying a few new cleaning methods out. I've heard good things about Nellie's Laundry Nuggets. (Why is the word nugget so funny?)


Available at NelliesAllNatural.com
36 Loads for $9.99
60 Loads $14.99.


Or maybe saving money is a better incentive for you, try these $ savers around the house.

You can use vinegar or club soda in a spray bottle in place of glass cleaners

Baking Soda can be used in place of your scrubbing products. Mix it with vinegar, lemon juice, or my personal fave, Dr. Bronners All Natural Soap to make a good scrubby paste.



Dr. Bronners can also be used for dishwashing, laundry detergent, and various other household and body cleansing. Stock up at DrBronner.com, buying on the website is way cheaper than what I see in stores.

For '09, don't just toast to health, do something about it!

The Beauty of Blending.

It is the one beauty rule that never goes out of style: blend! And word on the street is that the new and fabulous way to do so is by using this:
It was a hit at Fashion Week and it is called Beauty Blender. It's an egg shaped makeup applicator brought to you by celebrity makeup artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz. They developed this sponge because they noticed that the traditional triangular makeup sponges were creating harsh lines because of their straight edges. The Beauty Blender feels like suede on your skin and the curved edges mold perfectly into hard to reach corners and creases and you won't see harsh lines where your makeup ends with this. It is the perfect tool for blending for those who prefer to use sponges. It's even nice for those of us that like to use our fingers to apply our foundation because you can use it afterwords as a buffer to blend the edges by your jaw and hairline for a smoother, professional looking finish. You can also dab extra concealer on a blemish or scar using the smaller end.

Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free.

If you have problem skin Beautyblender works to cover blemishes. Use the pointed end and the stipple and twist technique to work make up into depressed areas of the face. The stippling and twisting action feathers out the make up's edges, leaving a perfect finish.


The cleanser pictured below is kinda funky too. I usually wash my brushes/sponges with soap and water, but this just looks cool lol.

Directions for using Blendercleanser: Wet Beautyblender. Apply a dime-sized amount of Blendercleanser to soiled areas of Beautyblender. Work into a lather, rinse, repeat if necessary. Squeeze to remove excess water. Set Beautyblender on insert pedestal to dry.

All in all, its really just important to make sure you blend. It should never look like you are wearing a mask, so by blending your foundation until there are no hard lines at the jaw line, hair line, or in creases by your nose and eyes you achieve a natural look and people will just think you have perfect skin.
:)

Don't Forget to Take it Off

I am prone to breakouts and the last time I went for a facial my esthetician explained that it is absolutely imperative that you fully remove makeup before using scrubs, creams or facial treatments. Many people use a face wash that has micro-beads to wash their makeup off, but she said if you use a scrub before fully removing your makeup/dirt/oil, all you are doing is grinding that makeup/dirt/oil into your pores, clogging them and causing breakouts. She suggests using a makeup remover first, then using the scrub. By doing it this way you are able to see the full benefits of your creams and/or acne treatments. You can use any makeup remover to do this. I like Neutrogena Make-Up Remover, Cleansing Towelettes.

Have Hotel, Will Travel.

I've never used Priceline to make any travel arrangements, but I have heard of friends getting great deals by using them, and their bidding process is intriguing. Who wouldn't want to name their own price?
So, for those of you who do use Priceline, or may want to try it out for the first time, I came across this bidding strategy which may help you get the lowest possible price. Good Luck.
How To Game Priceline For Cheap Hotels

Got Milk?

Well how about adding an entire gallon of milk to your hot bath and soaking in it? That's what daughter of Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera does now and then [when she can stand the stench] for silky baby soft skin. Carolina Herrera Jr. has inspired much of her mother's designs and is known for her understated style and elegance. She would rather sit in a tub of milk than spend money on expensive products. Now I will admit that I was tempted to try it when I read that interview a few days ago. I do like to try my hand at some @ home beauty regimes myself. For instance, I usually don't feel like my face is clean unless I give it a good scrubbing. So I have been known to add some coffee grinds to my face cleanser - it feels great.You can also mix some olive oil [which I also use on my hair] with salt or sugar and use that as a scrub on your entire body especially elbows and knees. Do this is for your own at home spa pedicure also! From Carolina, to me, to you! LOL

Happy soaking/scrubbing! ;)

Get An A+ In Participation This Thanksgiving.

If You're hosting Thanksgiving this year, good luck to you babes! Have fun with those dishes...
Thankfully, most of us will be guests this year, lightening the workload immeasurably.
Still, you should never show up empty-handed, and putting a little work into what you bring is always most impressive. If you want to cook something, but don't yet have a "signature dish" Check out The Food Network Website:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/package/index.html
Or, the website for whichever chef you like best, be it Martha, Rachael, or Emeril BAM!
and try your hand at a recipe.

I suggest you experiment, and try cooking a dish or two at home for yourself first. You don't want to be embarrassed when your platter is the untouchable one.
I always bring something that
1. I can cook well.
2. Travels well. Food is eaten with all the senses, you don't want yours to get all jacked up looking on the ride over. It may taste good, but it will look like someone stepped on it.
3. Does not require much prep or re-heating time. You absolutely do not want to take up time in someone else's kitchen while they are preparing their meal!
4. Try not to step on your hosts toes by preparing something they are already making.

That said, I think pasta dishes are a great option. Ziti, lasagna, baked mac & cheese. For dessert pies or cookies, please stay away from frosted cakes. See rule number 2.

If you truly are all thumbs in the kitchen, bring a bottle of wine or order a platter from freshdirect.com. Please don't front like you made it yourself, try the berries/chocolate platter, something where everyone won't ask you all evening of you cooked it.
I had an aunt that layed out some KFC one year and pretended she cooked it. Everyone knows finger lickin' good when they taste it!

Good Luck!

Here's a great Spanx Tip

Hey Guys,

So I just posted about the awesome body shaper "Spanx", and I wanted to share this video with you. Tyra Banks is another celebrity that is enamored with Spanx and has confessed that she frequently wears them. Below is a video of a neat trick she teaches that can be done when wearing them. It of course depends on the outfit your wearing but I can definitely see myself doing this.

Here are a few pictures of Tyra doning her spanx.

Click Pics to Enlarge

Watch and take heed.

Spanx Tip

Smootches... Let me know if you have any questions.

HULU.COM

Sometimes you must watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show NOW! Dammit Janet!

Hulu is an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites — all for free, anytime in the U.S
Hulu brings together a large selection of videos from more than 50 content providers, including FOX, NBC Universal, MGM, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros. and more. Users can watch current primetime TV such as The Simpsons and The Office the morning after they air, classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Married...with Children, movies like The Usual Suspects and The Big Lebowski, and clips from Saturday Night Live and other popular TV shows and movies.

Check out Hulu.com duh!

More Sophisticated Substitutes!

Ugh...

Okay, I have to be honest with you guys. One of my biggest pet peeves is the type of dressing that is depicted in the pictures above. I absolutely detest seeing people in gorgeous outfits then taking a look @ their feet and seeing the way in which they've destroyed a perfectly good ensemble. Take the first two pictures for instance, I am constantly reminded of this at work or en route to work. I see people on the train and in the streets with perfectly good outfits on, then they destroy it by wearing sneakers. I am all about comfort, but I'd prefer to look comfortably stylish as opposed to being apart of the "Fashion Gone Wrong Crowd. " Sneakers can easily be replaced with chic flats that provide ease without taking away from your outfit.
The young lady in the third picture is donning one my least favorite things, those darn rubber slippers/flip flops. They are such an eye sore. They do nothing for the outfit, they make funny noises and they just look all wrong. IMO, they are only fit to be worn in the house or to the pool. There are several flat sandals that can be worn which are more fashionable and undoubtedly deliver the same level of comfort. You guys are probably thinking I'm insane maybe so, but to be frank, I'm just passionate about the idea of trying to maintain your look all day. We try to do just that with our makeup, why not do it with our clothing?
Granted, heels begin to take a toll after a while, so what I do and what I'm suggesting is to purchase several nice pairs of flats in neutral colors... i.e. (black, gray, beige) then bring a fitting pair along to change into after a long day of work/play. This way your outfit still looks pulled together, minus the slight discomfort that you may have begun experiencing in your heels.

Here are a few flats that I recommend:



Sam EdelmanSam EdelmanAlex Marie "Tempo"Gianni Bini "Ginger"Old NavyASOS Shoes
ASOS Shoes(if you are into the gladiator look)

I think that all of these are better than sneakers and rubber flip flops...don't you agree... side eye* for the gladiator sandals but if that's your thing, then hey! You can find these shoes at Asos, Oldnavy, and Lord and Taylor. If you have any trouble let me know.

Smooches

Are you ready to get Spanx-ed?

A friend of mine brought this topic to my attention yesterday. She was so excited about this new found item that she immediately told me I should do a post on it. I am very familiar with Spanx, and I suppose I mistakenly took it for granted that we were all well acquainted with them, but is seems that I was wrong in my assumption. Spanx is an awesome bodyshaper that helps to make you look a size smaller. They are made of stretch micro fiber that provide extra support for the tummy, thighs, and buttocks. You will also get rid of the panty lines with these beauties. Spanx was listed as one of Oprah's top favorite items in 2000 and it continues to be one of the necessities for celebrities and females all over the world. The pic above displays Oprah, Jessica Alba and Gweneth Paltrow; three celebrites that have publicly announced their love of this product among many others. The great thing about Spanx is that they are available in a size A- to G. You can usually check the size chart to see which size applies to you.

Here are a few of their items:





I usually purchase mine from 'Neiman Marcus Last Call' and I've never paid more than $20 for one because they are normally on sale. I think that they are regularly priced at about $30 depending on the particular item. I am pretty sure they are sold at any sizeable department store such as Bloomindales, Nordstrom etc. However, if none of these stores are convenient for you, you can check them out online at Bare Necessities

Let me know how they work out.

Will it go away?

It seems as if the legging trend is going to stay with us for a little while longer. I envisioned its life span expiring midsummer, but it appears to have been given a dose of the energizer bunny, and thus it keeps going, and going, and going.
I confess the convenience, and comfort of throwing on a pair of leggings is not easy to unfetter, but for the love of God if you’re going to partake in the trend please put some effort into your outfit.

I find that layering works best with leggings…. Like incorporating a cool T-shirt for example the ones that Kamilah showcased in her T-Shirts Don’t have to be boring Post with a nice Cropped Jacket. The shirt or the shoes can be the statement piece, and the jacket usually pulls the outfit together; giving it a polished look. Technically, you can dress the leggings up or down with your choice of heals or flats... both work, depending on the occasion.

Here are two recent pics of Ashanti donning a pair of leather/mesh leggings with what looks to be a hint of metallic seeping through?
I think this outfit is Dead Wrong… the purple belt is distracting, and the mesh portion @ the top of the blouse along with the bow is too much… not to mention she has camel toe. her shoes are hot, however, there is way too much going on here! She’s incorporating too many trends/statement pieces into one outfit.

Here are two photos of Rihanna doing a much better job @ rocking the leggings.

As you can see she keeps things clean-cut with a T-shirt and jacket. Her boots are also simple and they complement the outfit, unlike Ashanti whose outfit is muddled, Rihanna’s look appears to have been carefully planned but still laid back.

I find that simplicity usually works best... If you focus on one statement piece then that should be the main attarction. Let your body do the rest.

Smokin'

Some makeup lines are so amazing that I just want rave about every single product in their line. Bare Escentuals is definitely one of those lines. This Lip Buzz collection is so different from anything that's out there. Most makeup artists wouldn't advise putting eyeshadow on your lips, but this isn't your ordinary eyeshadow - its BE baby. So this collection comes with Buzz Latte for Lips along with 4 gorgeous eye colors. As I have mentioned, these eye shadows are excellent for applying wet - but wait there's more [lol] take this super moisturizing Buzz Latte and dip it into one [or all] of the shadows and this adds the perfect shimmery pout! I was never so good at math but you can get a zillion different color combos for your lips and eyes with this collection! At $40, that's an amazing value!

And since we are on the topic of B.E., check out this B.E. Smoky Eye Tutorial. It includes great colors, a brush and instructions on how to get the perfect smoky eye. The colors and the brush are exactly what you need to achieve the sexy smoky look.

Here are B.E.'s Instructions for the Smoky Eye:

If you want a simple, sultry smoky eye with soft intensity and depth:

1. Start by applying a wash of Celestine Eyecolor all over the lid using the larger end of the Double-Ended Smoky Eye Brush.

2. Apply Skyline Eyecolor, using the smaller end of the Double-Ended Smoky Eye Brush, building color from upper lash base up to the fold of the crease, creating soft, sultry depth.

3. Apply Celestine Eyecolor using the larger end of the Double-Ended Smoky Eye Brush to blend and soften edges. Then buff and blend from crease to brow to gradually highlight the eye.

Get Lip Buzz Collection here.

Get Smoky Eye Tutorial here.

New Tricks

Sephora has a new line of products that will spruce up your makeup routine. The line carries products that help makeup last longer and makes skin look younger and fresher. I am particularly interested in the Makeup Setting Mist and the Anti-Shine Primer. These products are what the pros use to make your makeup look even better.
Shop for Tricks of the Trade here.

Looks Like Liquid

As much as I love the way liquid liner looks [say that 10 times fast! LOL] I am absolutely terrible at getting a smooth line with it ... no matter how much I practice my tripod stance, legs spread and elbow leaning on whatever is available for support, I cannot for the life of me apply it without it looking like I had 1 too many cups of Starbucks :(

Of course a makeup fiend like myself can't let a shaky hand get me down... so I use Sue Devitt's Eye Intensifier Pencil. This liner is fool proof indeed. The consistency is creamy and it glides on perfectly smooth. The other side of the pencil has a cleverly angled felt tip that helps with that winged effect that I can never get right with liquid. I like to line my eye half way and then use this felt tip to drag the line into the inner corners of my eyes for that super thin/close to the lash line look. Their colors are great too, I use Kenya daily.

You can find this lovely liner at Barney's, but QVC has a great deal where you can get the liner plus the sharpener for $22.

Here is the link to QVC check it out http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail

:)

The Select Few

What separates the wheat from the tares? Or in this case the Crème de la Crème amongst the commonplace individuals. True to our word, here’s a tip on how you can work on individualizing your style.

I concede that in a world where fashion is ever-changing, it is somewhat difficult to stay within and ahead of the fashion trends. I also happen to believe that having “Great Style” is of a greater value and of more importance than keeping up with Fashion Trends. Frankly, if you’re a person who shops within a budget it is ludicrous to constantly align yourself with the latest trend. So, this is what I propose.

If you aren’t sure what type of style you have or want to have then it would behoove you to find your niche. I know I know… sometimes it’s easier said than done. Well, I would suggest that you clear your schedule for the day. Go into one of your favorite stores and begin trying on different cuts/fits/lengths of clothing and see what looks best on you. If you are indecisive then bring a friend or ask the sales associates (they are there to assist you with more than just finding a different size) When that’s done, I would recommend that you rack up on basics. Those are the most important things to have when building your wardrobe. I’ve also read somewhere that when you find a basic that you absolutely love, you should consider buying two of the same pieces. This way you’ll have it for a long time. It’s worked for me. So now that you have your basics you gradually build your style… by either using the same technique you used for finding your basics. Or just by reading magazines, watching television, and constantly checking out our site to get information on what works for you. Whether it is finding people with the same body type as you and seeing what works for them or just picking up a great pointer and asking tons of questions. I’ve found that classic pieces always work wonders, like the traditional white colored shirt and black pencil skirt. There are several variations to this look. Take a Peak.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Quick Tip session, leave a comment if you have any queries.

We are blessed in order to be a Blessing to others!