Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Trend Watch - Capes!
From round lens sunglasses to wide leg bell bottoms, seventies boho chic is back with a vengeance!
My favorite throw back to reemerge this season is the cape. Effortless and versatile, a cape is the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon coffee date or late night cocktails. Ditch those stiff, boring overcoats this winter and opt for a cape!
Remember, capes aren't just for super heroes! Make this trend your signature look and fly!
Check out the Morrine Cape by DVF (and it's on sale!)
My favorite throw back to reemerge this season is the cape. Effortless and versatile, a cape is the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon coffee date or late night cocktails. Ditch those stiff, boring overcoats this winter and opt for a cape!
Remember, capes aren't just for super heroes! Make this trend your signature look and fly!
Check out the Morrine Cape by DVF (and it's on sale!)
Kim Kardashian -Kween of the Klassless
I have always had mixed emotions when it comes to Kim Kardashian. Sure she's beautiful, but how much of her beauty is real? If you look at pictures of her over the years (roughly 2007 onward) you can't help but notice a dramatic change in her facial features. She openly admits to regular Botox treatments (before the age of 30!) and it was revealed in the leaked divorce papers from her first marriage that she had liposuction and breast augmentation in her early 20's. However, she adamantly denies any plastic surgery beyond the Botox (really now?!?!?!)
Yeah, maybe she has some cellulite and maybe she isn't a size 0 but that doesn't mean she's authentic.
Her multi million dollar "fairy tale" wedding was nothing more than a sham ... an obnoxious waste of money during one of the worst recessions in our nation's history only to end in divorce 72 days later! And I don't believe for a minute that she didn't make money off of the fiasco. Just like her "natural" nose, it's not believable.
It's time society starts valuing BRAINS, REAL beauty (in varied forms, not just "cookie cutter" ideals) and CLASS. Unfortunately Kim falls short in all of those areas.
What do you all think of Kim Kardashian? Will you continue watching her shows and buying her products? I know I won't ...
Many media outlets are predicting her [inevitable] downfall in the wake of her divorce drama. Do you agree?
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| F A K E! |
Her multi million dollar "fairy tale" wedding was nothing more than a sham ... an obnoxious waste of money during one of the worst recessions in our nation's history only to end in divorce 72 days later! And I don't believe for a minute that she didn't make money off of the fiasco. Just like her "natural" nose, it's not believable.
It's time society starts valuing BRAINS, REAL beauty (in varied forms, not just "cookie cutter" ideals) and CLASS. Unfortunately Kim falls short in all of those areas.
What do you all think of Kim Kardashian? Will you continue watching her shows and buying her products? I know I won't ...
Many media outlets are predicting her [inevitable] downfall in the wake of her divorce drama. Do you agree?
Nail Biters ... No Problem
I have been a lifelong nail biter. Naturally, this nasty habit is not very healthy nor aesthetically pleasing. I have tried everything over the years to curb the biting. For a long time I maintained acrylic nails. However, I noticed that after a few days acryclic nails start to lose their shape and appear dull and just plain fake. However, they were a better than having gnawed down, bloody, stubby nails. Not very professional looking at all!
After my wedding I removed my acrylic nails. They were breaking and I just didn't have the time to be running back and forth to the nail salon for repairs. My natural nails were too weak and brittle to even put polish on but I decided to let them grow out a bit so I could try the OPI AXXIUM gel nail polish. I had heard and read nothing but positive things about OPI's gel nail color line and I was ready for a natural yet durable look while I attempted to kick my habit.
Two weeks ago I had my nails done with OPI AXXIUM and they still look great. They feel stronger and they are growing fast. I am getting a fill tomorrow and will post pictures of my progress. Unlike regular nail polish, gel nail color last 2-3 weeks with minimal chipping (if at all). Your natural nails stay protected from everyday wear and tear and there are no drills involved. More and more color options are being released as well.
Best Nails II in Somerset does a fantastic job with OPI AXXIUM. Like any other beauty service, the product is only as good as the technician applying it and the nail techs at Best Nails are well trained in gel nail color application.
A full set runs between $25-30 but worth every penny!
Two weeks ago I had my nails done with OPI AXXIUM and they still look great. They feel stronger and they are growing fast. I am getting a fill tomorrow and will post pictures of my progress. Unlike regular nail polish, gel nail color last 2-3 weeks with minimal chipping (if at all). Your natural nails stay protected from everyday wear and tear and there are no drills involved. More and more color options are being released as well.
Best Nails II in Somerset does a fantastic job with OPI AXXIUM. Like any other beauty service, the product is only as good as the technician applying it and the nail techs at Best Nails are well trained in gel nail color application.
A full set runs between $25-30 but worth every penny!
Eyelash Extensions ... Effortless Beauty for Everyone!
Ladies,
As you know I was frustrated with my less than lavish lashes. I've tried just about every mascara there is and I just couldnt get the desired look I wanted without a lot of fuss. I just don't have the the time in the morning to spend an hour on my make up and pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'd never have great lashes without a ton of effort... until...
Twist of fate!
After complimenting a fellow attorney's envy worthy, Hollywood perfect lashes, she let me in on a little secret - EYELASH EXTENSIONS. I was skeptical at first because I have seen firsthand how bad poorly done extensions can look but her's were practically flawless and deceivingly natural...
More about my lash extensions later ... I'll let the suspense build and I'll tell you where you can get them done ... You will not believe how AFFORDABLE they are too!
As you know I was frustrated with my less than lavish lashes. I've tried just about every mascara there is and I just couldnt get the desired look I wanted without a lot of fuss. I just don't have the the time in the morning to spend an hour on my make up and pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'd never have great lashes without a ton of effort... until...
Twist of fate!
After complimenting a fellow attorney's envy worthy, Hollywood perfect lashes, she let me in on a little secret - EYELASH EXTENSIONS. I was skeptical at first because I have seen firsthand how bad poorly done extensions can look but her's were practically flawless and deceivingly natural...
More about my lash extensions later ... I'll let the suspense build and I'll tell you where you can get them done ... You will not believe how AFFORDABLE they are too!
I'm baccccccckkkkkkkkk!
Hello faithful readers! After repeated requests to get back on here and blog, I'm back and I have a ton to share! So much has happened since my last post and I cannot wait to get this dialogue going again.
I've had eyelash extensions for almost a year now ... More about that later.
I got married (my wedding day look was simple, elegant and so easy!).
I finally found a hair style that works for me and my hair type. Let's find yours!
I've found drugstore makeup that actually isn't crap! Who knew?!?!?!
Deals, steals and products I love ... I love being your human guinea pig!
Please let me know if there is anything you want me to write about, test, try, etc.
Here we goooo!
I've had eyelash extensions for almost a year now ... More about that later.
I got married (my wedding day look was simple, elegant and so easy!).
I finally found a hair style that works for me and my hair type. Let's find yours!
I've found drugstore makeup that actually isn't crap! Who knew?!?!?!
Deals, steals and products I love ... I love being your human guinea pig!
Please let me know if there is anything you want me to write about, test, try, etc.
Here we goooo!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Terrifying Truth Behind Tanning Beds
Winter is well underway and many of us are feeling the harsh affects of cold weather. Dry skin, dull hair, cracked lips and pasty skin are just a few of the beauty woes brought on by the cold. Perhaps our biggest complaint about the winter months is the lack of a tan or that dewy glow that only summer sun can bring. This drives many women to seek out the instant gratification of tanning beds. I myself used tanning beds for many years, beginning in high school.
Tanning beds are a quick and easy way to maintain a tan yearround. The allure of tanning beds is so powerful that many people frequent them on a weekly basis, including during the summer. The popularity of the reality television show, "Jersey Shore", exposes America's obsession with being tan -- an obsession which extends beyond the "guido" subculture. For example, there is a tanning salon on every block in the tiny town of Amherst where I went to college. There was always a long wait at any given time at one of these many tanning salons. I myself went tanning regularly in college, sometimes using my only spending money for the week on a few tanning sessions. The desire to look tan was overwhelming, not only for me but also for my friends and acquaintances.
Tanning to me was just another part of my beauty routine. It cleared my skin and eased the symptoms of my eczema. I was also under the misconception that my olive complexion decreased the my risk for skin cancer. Although I didn't use tanning beds constantly, I used them enough. I would go months without using them but would then jump right back into a regular tanning routine. This continued into law school.
Wake-up Call
During exams during the second semester of my first year of law school, one of my classmates was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma -- the most deadly type of skin cancer. He lost his battle with cancer two years later. It was after his death that I gave up tanning beds for good.
Around the same time of my classmate's untimely death, I was browsing a local magazine and came across an article about a young woman, Glenna Kohl, who also lost her battle with melanoma. Glenna was a Salve Regina graduate. She was born and raised on Cape Cod and worked as a lifeguard at a Barnstable beach during high school and college. She too loved looking tan year round and used tanning beds regularly. She discovered a lump in her groin during her senior year of college which lead to a diagnosis of stage III melanoma. The cancer continued to spread through her body and she died several years later. Her story was a true wake up call for me and should be for everyone reading who uses tanning beds. You can read more about Glenna's story here http://www.glennasfund.org/.
An explosive study was released in 2009 which found that using tanning beds before the age of 30 increases your risk for melanoma by 75%. This study was released in July around the same time I learned of Glenna's story. Not to mention that tanning leads to premature aging, unsightly sun spots and splotches. No one want to be a leather face (remember that neighbor in "There's Something about Mary??)!
I gave up tanning beds for good in July 2009. Although I tanned less and less over recent years, I pledged to never again expose my body to tanning bulbs. I made an appointment with a dermatologist to have my body examined for skin cancer. Although the appointment was a terrifying experience for me, I knew that it was necessary. Like Glenna I was also a lifeguard, and my body has been exposed to a lot of UV radiation. I also needed the peace of mind. After an extensive examination using a special light I was given a clean bill of health. I will now be getting yearly skin exams. Melanoma is 100% curable if found early and removed properly. If you have used tanning beds, even sporadically, I encourage you to get your skin examined. It painless and easy and could save your life.
There are other ways to safely stay tan year round and can easily be added to your beauty routine.
During law school I discovered spray tanning. I found a great salon specializing in spray tanning, and I loved the instant and safe results I achieved with spray tanning. Even if you are fair skinned, a good bronzing specialist can use a formula to give you a natural look. Although there are some drawbacks to spray tanning -- it doesn't last as long as a natural tan and when the formula mixes with sweat it can produce a funky odor -- it is still 100% safe and natural (a good formula will use only natural plan extracts). A good spray tan will give you a very deep and dark tan.
I spray tan at home when I don't need a full body spray. I use Quick Tan which is a at-home spray tan system that is affordable and it produces salon-like results. I purchase it through Ultimate Body Bronzing in Fall River where I get my spray tans done. It is a great tool for getting an instant tan before a night out. It is an instant bronzer which makes for easy application. Simply spray and blend with a cosmetic sponge and set with a blowdryer. A can retails for $25.00 and lasts approximately 3 months.
As I have mentioned earlier I also LOVE the Dior sunless tanner and bronzer for daily use. It is available at Sephora.
Tanning beds are a quick and easy way to maintain a tan yearround. The allure of tanning beds is so powerful that many people frequent them on a weekly basis, including during the summer. The popularity of the reality television show, "Jersey Shore", exposes America's obsession with being tan -- an obsession which extends beyond the "guido" subculture. For example, there is a tanning salon on every block in the tiny town of Amherst where I went to college. There was always a long wait at any given time at one of these many tanning salons. I myself went tanning regularly in college, sometimes using my only spending money for the week on a few tanning sessions. The desire to look tan was overwhelming, not only for me but also for my friends and acquaintances.
Tanning to me was just another part of my beauty routine. It cleared my skin and eased the symptoms of my eczema. I was also under the misconception that my olive complexion decreased the my risk for skin cancer. Although I didn't use tanning beds constantly, I used them enough. I would go months without using them but would then jump right back into a regular tanning routine. This continued into law school.
Wake-up Call
During exams during the second semester of my first year of law school, one of my classmates was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma -- the most deadly type of skin cancer. He lost his battle with cancer two years later. It was after his death that I gave up tanning beds for good.
An explosive study was released in 2009 which found that using tanning beds before the age of 30 increases your risk for melanoma by 75%. This study was released in July around the same time I learned of Glenna's story. Not to mention that tanning leads to premature aging, unsightly sun spots and splotches. No one want to be a leather face (remember that neighbor in "There's Something about Mary??)!
I gave up tanning beds for good in July 2009. Although I tanned less and less over recent years, I pledged to never again expose my body to tanning bulbs. I made an appointment with a dermatologist to have my body examined for skin cancer. Although the appointment was a terrifying experience for me, I knew that it was necessary. Like Glenna I was also a lifeguard, and my body has been exposed to a lot of UV radiation. I also needed the peace of mind. After an extensive examination using a special light I was given a clean bill of health. I will now be getting yearly skin exams. Melanoma is 100% curable if found early and removed properly. If you have used tanning beds, even sporadically, I encourage you to get your skin examined. It painless and easy and could save your life.
There are other ways to safely stay tan year round and can easily be added to your beauty routine.
During law school I discovered spray tanning. I found a great salon specializing in spray tanning, and I loved the instant and safe results I achieved with spray tanning. Even if you are fair skinned, a good bronzing specialist can use a formula to give you a natural look. Although there are some drawbacks to spray tanning -- it doesn't last as long as a natural tan and when the formula mixes with sweat it can produce a funky odor -- it is still 100% safe and natural (a good formula will use only natural plan extracts). A good spray tan will give you a very deep and dark tan.
As I have mentioned earlier I also LOVE the Dior sunless tanner and bronzer for daily use. It is available at Sephora.
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