Fashion

Yes it’s true. I kind of hate winter, What? It’s not like I hate Christmas, or the snow (much) or the jolly laughter of little children playing in the snow, I just hate freezing. Actually, I  hate the cold waging it’s yearly war on my sexy skin, by drying it out and thus causing flaking (eww) and The Itch. Surely you’re familiar with the itch? You know, that incessant itch that manifests only after you’ve already showered, put on mounds and mounds of clothes and are finally ready to leave the house? Yeah, that one. There’s no way to scratch it through five layers of clothing, short of taking it all off. And that is so irritating! So how do you eliminate the itch? By eliminating it’s opportunity to dry you out. Here are 5 simple rules to keep you hydrated, happy and hopefully itch-free.

Rule #1

Never, ever, EVER leave after a shower without exfoliating & moisturizing.

I can’t believe how many women I’ve talked to who complain about winter itch but don’t exfoliate. Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin, which by the way does contribute to the itch, and preps your skin for proper cleansing and moisturizing. If you don’t want to spring for a fancy exfoliating product, try mixing 2 table spoons of sea salt into your regular body wash for an exfoliating boost and smooth skin. Which brings me to my next point, you must moisturize! No excuses, this is kind of a big deal. Supple, soft, skin is impossible without a moisturizer. And I’m not talking about a run-of-the-mill body lotion designed to make you smell nice, you need a clinical caliber moisturizer like Vaseline Intensive Rescue Clinical Therapy Skin Protectant Body Lotion. Something designed for dry skin, and made to hold up against Old Man Winter when he comes a-knockin’. Body oils are also a good choice, in moderation.

Rule #2

Go easy on the multiple showers.

Don’t look at me like that, 4 showers a day during the winter season is just plain ridiculous and you know it! Repeated water exposure in the same 24 hour period will begin to strip your skin of much needed moisture. Unless you are a moisturizing machine, there’s no way you can shower more than twice a day and not be dried out. So if you’re not covered in grime and have already had a shower or two today, let your body be until say… tomorrow?

Rule #3

Drink lots and lots of water. This should go without saying, ladies! The itch can be brought on by dehydration of the body as well as the skin, so cover all of your bases and drink plenty of water. Water is an integral part of having a healthy body and your skin will definitely benefit from internal as well as external hydration. Oh and vitamin water doesn’t count.

Rule #4

Use a mild cleanser in the winter. You can still get clean without stripping every ounce of moisture from you skin. Sexy skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin is well hydrated. Go for cleansers that can hydrate your skin and still keep you squeaky clean.

Rule #5

Do an overnight treatment with a rich moisturizer like Yes To Carrots Night Moisturizing Cream if you need it.

I know that wearing socks or gloves to bed aren’t visually stimulating to your man, but have you ever seen super dry and cracked hands and feet? So not sexy. The truth is that those dorky glove and sock treatments may save your skin and they will definitely enhance skin softness. Slip on a pair of socks after applying a moisture-rich overnight lotion to your feet. Ditto for your hands, you better half will be pleased with the results…after a little harmless teasing.

So there you have it, 5 simple rules that will have you focusing on the fun parts of the winter season, instead of the incessant itch under your peacoat.

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Lush cosmetics are at the forefront of the natural/organic body care market. You may cross the store in the mall and wonder what all the fuss is about. Truthfully, at first glance not a whole lot, but venture inside and you’ll be welcome to a swirl of delectable gourmet scents, and the trademark soft as satin feel of their products.

Below I have reviewed a few of their top sellers and given my rating and thoughts on how I liked them. I also give a separate review of what my husband thought and his rating. After all what kind of housewife doesn’t want her man to love how she smells too?

*Supernova Bath Bomb- Orange and Cognac scented bath bomb w/ surprise confetti.

Rating: 3/5

I really enjoyed the scent of this bath bomb; it was delicious! My skin smelled like supernova all night, which was very nice. I also liked the pretty color it turned my bathwater, but the confetti was a bit of a mess to clean up afterward. Unfortunately it didn’t fizz like I expected, it kind of just melted along during the bath, but it was long lasting. Overall it was nice enough.

Husband Rating: 3/5

“I had high expectations for this but the experience was sort of mellow, also the confetti was kind of weird. The smell was pretty nice though!”

*Mange Too Massage Bar- Honey and white chocolate scented bar that melts into your skin and moisturizes.

Rating: 4/5

It’s divine! The smell is sweet but sexy and it really does moisturize your skin. My only qualm is that it takes some rubbing to get it to absorb fully, but I enjoyed it. It’s also great as a lip balm!

Note: This is an edible massage bar, but more than two licks made me gag.

Husband Rating: 4/5

“I liked it I guess, for a chick product. It was interesting to feel it on my skin, it was more spread-able than I expected. I really liked the smell of it on her, reminds me of dessert!”

*Floating Island- Lemony, sandalwood and almond scented confection that softens your skin in the bath.

Rating: 4/5

Initially when I smelled it I thought I was eating the most delicious cake batter in the world! And then I opened my eyes to see my husband staring at me like I’d lost my mind. We left the store and I pretty much made up every excuse in the book to take a bath at 3 in the afternoon. I love the way this made me smell after a bath. I didn’t feel too much smoother, but I enjoyed watching it melt in my bath.

Husband Rating:3/5

“She shaves often so I didn’t notice a difference in smoothness, but she smelled great!!”

*Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter- Lemony scented cuticle butter.

Rating: 5/5

My cuticles are singing!! So are my knees, elbows, knuckles, and ankles! This is a lovely spot moisturizer. There is a bit of controversy over the scent, as it is very strong at first, but after a while it fades. I personally enjoy the scent and the smooth skin.

Husband Rating: 3/5

“Doesn’t smell great to me, but it doesn’t smell bad either. Her hands do feel like flower petals or whatever, so I guess, mission accomplished?”

*Ocean Salt Cleanser- Vodka Margarita-scented facial scrub with sea salt.

Rating: 5/5

This scrub smells really delicious! I’ve never been a drinker but I was absolutely intoxicated by this fruity yet fresh smell.

Husband Rating: 3/5

“I like the way her face feels after using this. I’m not too crazy about the smell though.”

To purchase these fine products go here

Photo credit- Lush.ca

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Keratin conditioning?

Is this the answer?

Zoe Saldana, Ashley Tisdale, and Halle Berry have all experienced the gorgeous benefits of adding in a little keratin into their hair routine. Salon stylists swear this treatment is an easy way to get straight, shiny hair the healthy way, sans the harsh chemicals typically used in commercial straighteners. Most keratin treatments range from $250- $400 at salons and last for about 3-6 months depending on your hair type. Is it worth it for the rest of us to try? More importantly is there a less expensive way to hop on this healthy hair bandwagon?

Turns out there is, you can get a taste of this hair Rx phenomenon by incorporating a keratin conditioner into your weekly routine. I’ve been curious for some time and figured I’d better investigate recessionista-style, by dipping my toe into this new hair trend.

Let’s clarify something here, Keratin Conditioners are not your standard run of the mill conditioners, they are made with proteins. The proteins in this conditioner coat your hair fibers and fill in the damaged gaps, thus resulting in shine and body. Any conditioner that claims to “repair damage” is yanking your tresses. Hair is dead, and the keratins in your hair are almost chemically irreparable.

Keratin conditioners are possibly the closest you’ll ever get “undoing” damage and making damaged hair manageable. Keratin treated hair is shinier, smoother and less likely to tangle after repeated use. Different types of hair will have varied results with keratin conditioners, but generally they smooth out the hair and give it body and shine.

Mill Creek Keratin Conditioner

1st day

First application was seemingly uneventful, in the shower, when I got out? Difference, a major difference, my hair was thicker, and very shiny while still wet. I air-dried my hair and it was pretty soft and frizz free which NEVER happens when I air dry. I have very high expectations however and wasn’t convinced yet.

2nd and 3rd days- Ok, I am now impressed!

My hair is way improved. The key is to use it once a week. The last 3 weeks have been an experience. My hair is thicker and way smoother in the shower than usual. It is also really nice if you want a sexy, shiny, kink-free blow out and are worried about damage. In my opinion this conditioner is comparable to Joico’s K pak conditioner, and for the excellent quality, the price can’t be beat ($6 before shipping!).

Overall, I liked the product, and really enjoy the effect of having a boost of natural keratin. This product is  not a miracle worker, and like most protein-infused products, is NOT recommended for everyday use (ever heard of protein overload?).This product does strengthen the hair, however and has delivered on the promise of super- smooth strands.

You can find the conditioner here

and my updated video review of this product here

Photo credit-  Amazon.com

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In the face of the US economic crisis, environmental issues have fallen off our radar. There seems to be some widespread rumor that says going green has to cost us big bucks. There is in fact a great deal we all can do to cut down on waste without hurting our bank accounts. It’s reaching the time of year where waste accumulates highest, so save some green, and some earth this summer with these tips.

1.) Cut down on the book buying and hit the library- The US is the leader of Paper waste (we use over 700 pounds of paper per person). Renting books from the library or even buying used books will cut down our consumption.

2.) Use reusable water bottles- Paying for what you can get for free doesn’t seem like a smart choice does it? Some water companies bottle tap water and sell it to you. This means you’re basically getting what runs in your own sink for $1.50. Reusable water bottles cost less than $10 on average, and you can get water free from your own home everyday.

3.) Work your way to work, sans vehicle- Bike, run, walk, skate, bus. There are quite a few alternative methods to getting where we need to go. Gas prices are not going anywhere for a while, and carbon output will only increase. With summer looming in the distance, you’ll have an excuse to enjoy the great outdoors. If you must drive, carpool and help someone else go green.

4.) Shorten the showers, and go easy on the flushing- In some parts of the US water rationing has already begun. If droughts are common in your area during the summer months you may consider shortening you showers. A 4 minute shower is just as effective as 15 minute one. Toilets can also use an eco-boost; some areas offer toilet tummies. These devices reduce the amount of water used per flush. Some municipal districts provide these for free. Another way to reduce water waste is to only flush the…er… more solid bowel movements.

5.) Make your own cleaning products- Yep, you can make them yourself! You can use vinegar and baking soda instead of the pricey stuff that does the same job. This step alone will not only help the environment but it will help your wallet as well. No more of the use it then lose it mentality.

So what are you waiting for? Get on out and try to remember these green tips and save yourself some green while you’re at it!

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This season, flirty silhouettes laden with rich hued tribal prints and bold patterns are showing up everywhere. There is a twist to the look however; many are pairing their boho dresses with sweet cardigans and nixing flats for chunky heels or gladiators. A good boho print can be great for the office (toned down with a sensible cardigan or blazer), date night or lunch with the ladies. Bohemian looks of old were somewhat sexy  and sultry, accented with leather jackets and biker boots. This season we’re aiming for sweet and eclectic with chunky heels and soft colors to take it down a notch. Also there’s a ton of mixing and matching of the cultural prints. African and Oriental prints are marrying happily together whether it be mixing and matching as dresses and belts or tops and skirts.

Skirts and dresses are also seeing new hemlines this summer. Gone are the butt-cheek skimming baby doll dresses of the past seen worn to the grocery store. Save those for the beach only– as a cover-up. This summer the lines go just below mid thigh and are offset by a nearly naked heel or sandal. The intent is to still showcase the sexy legs while retaining our sweet demeanor (and minimize wardrobe malfunctions) while the sun is out. At night we pull the bait and switch with the newest crop of super sexy, short shorts paired with a gloriously glamorous gladiator heel and flowy top.

Try these awesome picks to amplify your summer style, and as always they are under $100 for each item!

print dress 68.00   ardenb.com

Flowy top   19.80   forever21.com

cuffed short  19.80  forever21.com

American Eagle wrap cardigan  24.95 sale ae.com

Victorias Secret Gladiator Sandal  98.00 victoriassecret.com

These are just a few staples I’m excited about this season, what are yours? Discuss!!

Photo Credit-

Victoriassecret.com

ardenb.com

Ae.com

Forever21.com

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Heads up Gossip Girl fans!

Brittany Snow is in final negotiations to topline the “Gossip Girl” spin-off, a prequel chronicling the wild teen years of Lily van der Woodsen (Kelly Rutherford) in Los Angeles during the 1980s.

Also cast in the spin-off is Shilo Fernandez (“Jericho”). The two would be joining previously cast Krysten Ritter.

The spin-off centers on then-Lily Rhodes (Snow), who, after a falling-out with her parents, is forced to move in with her sister, Carol (Ritter), the black sheep of the family.

Overnight, Lily has to transition from a life of luxury and education at a wealthy Montecito boarding school to living deep in the San Fernando Valley she once made fun of and going to public school. Caught between two worlds, Lily dives into the fast-paced Sunset Strip and the Hollywood lifestyle of the ’80s, journeying over the hill to a world of wealth and excess that used to be her own.

Fernandez will play Owen, a hot Valley punk guy with a caustic wit.

The backdoor pilot for the spin-off — from WBTV, Alloy, College Hill and CBS Paramount — will air May 11 as a “Gossip” episode.

The 80’s are coming back! I honestly thought Gossip Girl hit the nail on the head with their series,and I wasn’t sure about the spin off. But with super-cutie Brittany Snow headlining the new cast as Lily, I think it will be the talk of summer. Complete with new 80’s fashion from hit designers from the original show, we’re sure to see the best trends on this show.Fans are hungry for more scandal, and I’m sure they’ll get it with this new series! I highly recommend tuning in on May 11th if only to check out the hot retro chic fashions of the first generation of fashionistas.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Photo Credit : Tylershields.com

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Vivre.com is a website that has the hottest designers for all seasons. You can shop by Style, Brand, or even the destination of where you plan to spend the summer. This site is pretty much a fashionista’s dream. Although some of the merchandise may be out of my price range, they do have sales on in season designer items for nearly 50% off. I have already picked up some incredibly amazing accessories from this site and am dying for more! I highly recommend making a trek over to this site and cruising the accessories. Somethings featured aren’t even being sold in the US or are in limited quantity so you won’t have to worry about seeing everyone wearing your look this summer.

Photo Credit: Vivre.com

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It takes a certain finesse to own a gown. Oscar night was full of gowns wearing stars and not the other way around. It’s hard to find a dress that is eye-catching, sexy and out of the ordinary in the first place without running into trouble. Even harder, is making it look like it was made to be worn by you. Here are a few stars that got it right on Oscar Night!

Angelina Jolie

A good black gown rules at the Oscars! This woman knows what suits her. Angelina shines in a gorgeous Elie Saab Black floor length gown. Her accessories (Green, my favorite color) add just the right amount of mystery to her look. Love it!

Next up, Anne Hathaway

Anne is Luminescent is this gorgeous, pearly, Armani Prive gown. The moon-pale color and sets off her skin tone perfectly, and the shape is classic. She looks like a Oscar Winner.

Natalie Portman is next.

Looking sweetly divine in this lilac Rodarte masterpiece, Natalie commands camera attention. I love the silhouette of this dress, and the color goes nicely with her complexion.

All hail Halle Berry!

A star through and through the sexiest woman alive doesn’t disappoint. The lovely actress glimmers in this gold and black Marchesa Stunner. Show ‘em how it’s done Halle!

Marisa Tomei takes the crown

She truly owned this very unique dress. As I mentioned above, it isn’t easy wearing a dress that could easily wear you, but she did it! This origami, pleated Versace gown is very elegant and obviously meant for a Superstar. Her curves were well highlighted, and you can clearly see she is proud to wear this dress. Well Done Marisa!

It is my personal policy not to name names of the worst dressed, even if the whole world knows. I will however, leave hints!!

Worst Dressed Hints:

A head honcho from the House of Dereon sparkled during her dance number, but sadly floundered due to a bad fishtail gown that was just not Oscar worthy. There was also a “Bolt” star who looked more like a snowflake than an Oscar nominee. Certainly there were more, but I like to focus on the positive, like Kate Winslet winning best actress!!

Honorable Mentions-

Vanessa Hudgens and Jennifer Aniston both looked flawlessly lovely in their gowns, although neither shined brightly enough to make this list.

Think I was wrong? Was there someone you felt was better dressed? Voice your opinions below!

Photo Credits: FashionPulseDaily.com, Showbiz.sky.com. and Celebuzz.com

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Okay,

There is some serious genius at work. Paring a sweet boyfriend cardigan with a flowy white top, skinny jeans and sexy booties is something I see on this on girl and wonder why I haven’t tried it yet? What do you think of this look? Her insane style just takes my breath away, and the oversized cardigan looks effortless with her sweet little top. I think flowy tops and skinny jeans will be another spring staple this year.Spring is almost here, and I think oversized cardigans like the one seen here on vanessa is perfect over any breezy dress, or just over a top with some jeans, I’m very excited about trying this out, effortless cool looks so good on everyone!

Photo Credit- Imagevenue.com

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