Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success and Happiness Blog

Alison Blackman Dunham is a popular advice, beauty & lifestyles expert, offering advice, views, reviews and reports of topics of interest to adults, everywhere. The focus is on beauty, fashion, travel events, lifestyle, relationships, and general topics. Bookmark this blog--it is worth visiting regularly!

Monday, February 08, 2010

I Lost Over 11 Inches on the Zerona Laser

Can you really lose 11.1 inches simply by listening to your iPod or catching up on your Blackberry--I DID!

I review products and services, and I have done this for a long time. I'm used to being dubious, and looking at things with a balanced, but critical eye. I checked for complaints and found very few, but the Zerona Laser is so new that there wasn't much information to find in the first place. And, I think those who did complain the loudest had unreasonable expectations of what this Zerona Laser treatment can do. The first time I tried the laser I didn't get amazing results (after two weeks and six treatments, the average patient loses 4.61 inches, and I lost just about 1.5"). But Dr. Ungaro didn't give up on me, even though I was a reporter and he could have just said: "Sorry you didn't get the results you wanted, have a nice life."

Instead, he believed in what the Zerona Laser could do, and he dug deeper to figure out what might have caused me to not lose inches on the first go-around with the Zerona Laser (Better Body Solutions offers additional treatments to patients who don't get the results they'd hoped for within the realm of reason- the Zerona Laser treatments aren't going to change a size 14 into a size 4). But Dr. Ungaro thought I might have a cortisol issue (which turned out to be the case), and he suggested I have the specific test for this. He even paid for the tests!

Then, he changed up the nutrients he wanted me to take, and offered me six more sessions with the Zerona Laser.

I can't say that I really wanted to do it again. It's pleasant enough to lie down and relax while the laser does all the work, but this is a busy time of year, and I had to travel an hour each way to to Midtown. I already do drink water, but I had to drink much more water than my already challenged bladder, likes. I don't love swallowing pills, and the herbal supplements the gave me are large and hard (for me) to swallow. This time I took: 7-Keto DHEA Metabolite 100 mg; Integra-Lean Irvingia 150 mg; BileMin K-11); and Adaptocrine (K-2) . But these are minor draw backs. This time, the combination of the Zerona Laser, the nutrients, and my regular diet and exercise routines did the trick. It worked!

The first time I also took nutrients, drank water, and had six Zerona Laser Treatments, but are a few things I did differently this time that may or may not have resulted in this dramatic loss of inches.

After the Cortisol panel, Dr, Ungaro suggested that I eat some protein in the morning, I began doing so, even though I normally only have coffee (which I limited to one large mug a day). Dr. Ungaro says that the protein broke down slower than the carbs taking the load off my adrenals, lowering cortisol, and promoting fat burning. Drinking less coffee also lowered the adrenal load.


Dr. Ungaro says that the BileMin helped thin my bile (apparently I had markers in my blood tests related to thick bile). This helped to emulsify more fats in my diet, breaking them down for energy rather than storage. The 7 Keto DHEA I took was also supposedly helping to burn more fat too. Dr. Ungaro did suggest that I quit taking the 7 Keto DHEA however, since it can potentially cause a metabolic shift away from estrogen and towards testosterone (and I don't want to grow hair like a guy)!


I also avoided bread and starches, but not entirely. I ate a cookie or two (honestly, I felt guilty about it). And I worked out with my trainer, Carl Ditmars, three times a week as I normally do.

Other than that, I can't thiink of a single thing I did differently


It sounds amazing, but it's true. It happened to me, and I'm not exaggerating a thing. I had six sessions at Better Body Solutions, thanks to Dr. Nicholas Ungaro and now pants I couldn't zip for over a year fit me and I can see that my stomach looks flatter. I still have a long way to go if I want to get back to the way I used to look, but at least I'm on my way.

What I have learned from this experience is that sometimes, you need to "try, try again." I already know, from reviewing beauty products for over a decade, is that What Works well for someone might not work the same for someone else. We are individuals and our bodies don't all respond the same way. When Dr. Ungaro figured out what else I needed to do to make the Zerona Laser treatments succeed, they did! And, keep in mind that the Zerona Laser is a sculpting treatment, not a treatment for weight loss. It is not the same as lipsuction, where you undergo an invasive, surgical procedure to have fat cells literally sucked out of your body. But it is an amazing motivator to continue to move forward and look better than you ever thought possible...all by just lying on a table and enjoying your Blackberry or your iPod, or just a moment to be tranquil.

If you think you might like to try this too, visit the Better Body Solutions Web Site. I also suggest that you check out Dr. Unagro's blog. You'll learn lots, even if you don't do the laser treatments.

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html
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版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作,请,在- advicesisters,获得它在法律上:电子邮箱:advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中,如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容,化妆品和时装评论专栏:http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html,同意通过电子邮件或在读者(见选项右侧栏)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones)

कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options)

حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات)

I Get a Chance to See What A Fashion Stylist, Does

I have always wondered what a fashion stylist really does. I see them at fashion week, and of course, celebrities use stylists to help them create an image and look their best. But could you, should you use a stylist, yourself? Maybe. Especialyl if you want to update you rimage and you are lucky enough to find a great stylist who will work with you.

When I was talking to stylist Patricia Ann Parenti about her glove line, TenderGlovingCare, she offered to help me spiff up my image and put together some outfits for Fashion Week. At first, I was unsure about whether or not I wanted someone I didn't know well, foraging through all the ugly stuff in my closet. But Patricia didn't make comments or judgements. Normally, a stylist might go out shopping for a client, but Patricia said she's "make do" with what I already had. I was dubious, but amazed, when she went right to work, pulling out things that caught her eye.


"Your look isn't modern," she said gently. "Your clothes are too tailored, too prim....and you wear way too much black" she added. After assessing my goal to look more memorable, but not too "out-there, she said: "I see you more in a boho look, with more color,and more prints."

Most stylists just go out and procure clothing that they think their clients will like. Like image consultant, however, the idea of a stylist is to help find that special, signature look. I'll admit to wearing a lot of black (who doesn't?) and perhaps gravitating a bit too much towards classic but boring, clothes, but my idea of who I am and what I should look like has been stuck in a rut the past few years (ok, maybe the past decade or so!).

Amazingly, Patricia managed to find a few tops in my closet that fit the look she thought I'd like. She suggested leggings instead of my usual, tailored black pants.

Then she went through my shoes. I have foot problems and where I was once the queen of the four inch heel, now I can really only wear flats. That makes anything I wear look casual, or worse, dowdy. "get some ankle boots" for pants, and knee length boots for skirts. "She didn't like my collection of flat, black, "mary jane" type shoes, but approved a pair of pewter flats with crystals.

Patricia continued to swarm around my room, foraging in my various jewelry boxes, quickly finding earrings, necklaces and earrings to go with the outfits she suggested. She even made suggestions about my hair ("don't pull it back, pull it forward towards your face, that's prettier," she said).

The entire, head-to-toe process really only took about 45 minutes, but when she left, I had some ready-made outfits for this upcoming Fashion Week. What a relief! No more quandries about what to wear!

And that isn't the only thing Patricia left me with. She empowered me with ideas that will help me move forward and update my image by myself. Based on what I observed, I purchased some black leggings and some black, skinny jeans that I might have normally passed by. I purchased an animal print top in a sparkling fabric, and two print tops. I am looking for those elusive boots. While these items may not completely change my look ( after all, I didn't get the $5,000 that participants on "What Not To Wear" get when they get a make-over) they are a step in the right direction. Now I know why a great stylist is beloved by celebrities and those who really want to make a great impression!

*note: Patricia did NOT style these photos...I just took them for reference instead of writing things down, and then thought they might be an interesting addition to this blog post (Alison)









Above are a few of the looks Patricia put together for me for Fasihon Week. So if you see me in the Bryant Park tents in these outfits, you'll know who styled them! You can learn more about Patricia Parenti on her Web Site.
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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html
*******************************************************

版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作,请,在- advicesisters,获得它在法律上:电子邮箱:advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中,如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容,化妆品和时装评论专栏:http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html,同意通过电子邮件或在读者(见选项右侧栏)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones)

कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options)

حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات)

Sunday, February 07, 2010

Giada De Laurentis for Target, Gets you Cooking


Giada De Laurentis


Beautiful Giada De Laurentis is not only a chef with her own show on the Food Network, she has recently launched a new line of cookware, accessories, and gourmet food items, for Target stores. The Le Cordon Bleu educated chef knows more than a little about cooking, and of course, what tools it takes to really do the job, right. The Giada De Laurentiis for Target® collection just debuted a few weeks ago, and new pieces from the collection will continue to be launched in the coming months. The new products were created not just to look good (like Giada does) but also to provide cooking and kitchen essentials to at-home cooks that look good and perform well, and don't cost a fortune, either! Giada is also serving as a spokesperson for the wide selection of affordable groceries at Target and SuperTarget stores. In that role, she will share her culinary expertise to help at-home chefs. I noticed that there are already a few nice recipes on the Target Web Site (one for "healthy turkey meatballs" is included in this post, at the bottom)

The Giada De Laurentiis for Target collection is right in line with Target's quest for great looking products that are of decent quality, and that are affordable. As Giada puts it: “The products I’ve designed for this line are essential in my own kitchen, and now, through my partnership with Target, at-home cooks will be able to make effortless meals affordably.”

The pieces I looked at were good looking and reasonable. I wasn't able to get photos of the collection, but you can see them easily on the Giada De Laurentis cookware section of the Target Web Site. There's an introductory video there, too. The designs are meant for real life cooks, and they're simple and effective, featuring easy grip handles, and ergonomic designs. The cooking, bakeware, accessories, and cutlery range in price from $6.99 for a nylon spoon with stainless-steel handle, to $199.99 for a 10-piece Tri Ply Clad cook set that includes an 8” and 9.5” open sauté pans, 1-qt., 2-qt., and 3-qt. sauce pans with lids, and 5-qt. Dutch oven with lid. In addition, there are five pasta varieties, three types of pasta sauces, fresh pesto, light vinaigrettes, and rich coffee blends that are within the realm of what you'd pay in an upscale supermarket. And, launching in March, there will be small appliances including a Gourmet Stainless Steel Pannini Maker ($59.99), an 8-Cup Stainless Steel Food Processor *$69.99 ) and a 10-Cup Programmable Stainless Steel Coffeemaker ($59.99). These look like the types you'd get in high quality cooking stores, but the prices are modest.

Although I mostly cook stir-fries, eggs, and left-overs, I was really curious to see if the cookware would stand up to all the hype of Ms. De Laurentis's fame. So I personally tried the Giada De Laurentis™ for Target® 9.5" Tri-Ply Clad Nonstick Sauté Pan ($34.99 - it launches on February 21, 2010). Many saute pans have lids (this one doesn't, but other pieces in the collection, do). The differences between a skillet, a frying pan, and a saute pan is basically just how much the sides of the pan slope away from the bottom. The sides of a frying or skillet pan slope gently to prevent steam from building up inside the pan. Saute pans have (almost) straight sides so the food "jumps" back into the pan when shaken.

The first thing I noticed about this particular saute pan is that it is non-stick, and the stainless steel is fairly weighty (a good thing to conduct and trap heat more effectively). Also, the stainless steel handle is fastened with two, large rivets, to the pan so it won't fall off. The handle is all stainless steel, not rubber or plastic. Cook wear with metal handles can go directly from stove top to oven. Those with plastic or rubber handles may melt with the same treatment. Since this particular pan is a non-stick pan, I wouldn't putting it in the over, but other pieces in Giada's collection go easily from stove top to oven. I generally use a wok for stir fry and an omelet pan for eggs, but this particular saute pan is large enough to hold dinner for a family of four. The bottom heats quickly and evenly. I used a bit of olive oil in my pan for the stir fry, but the eggs required nothing more than a twist of the wrist to slide out easily, right onto the plate. I have other pots and pans, but I keep coming back to this Giada de Laurentis saute pan as my first choice, because it really cooks so well and is so versatile. I might just throw some of my other pans, away! Check out the other pieces in the collection at your favorite Target store, or online!



Here is a recipe from Giada De Laurentis showing what you can do with a saute pan:
Turkey Meatballs

1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs

1/4 cup chopped flat–leaf parsley

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons whole milk

1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat

1/4 cup extra–virgin olive oil


In large bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, milk, cheese, salt and pepper. Add turkey and gently stir to combine. Shape into bite–sized balls. In saute pan, heat oil over medium–high heat. Working in batches, add meatballs and cook without moving or turning until brown on bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn meatballs over and brown the other side, about 3 minutes longer. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown.

Makes about 3 dozen meatballs


Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net

Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). I do use provided samples for my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column:
http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Gilty Pleasures Weekly Blog Tour Ground Hog Day Edition

This has been a busy week. Alas, I just lost my entire post here and have to re-create it--dratttt!

But this week contained February 2nd, my favorite day of the year--GROUND HOG DAY! To me, it doesn't matter that "Phil" saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of Winter, because I'm thinking Spring, already.

Next week, however, it will be FALL 2010 in NYC at the Bryant Park tents during Fashion Week. I'll be backstage, talking to the most talented nail, hair and makeup artists in the world. And, I'll also be reporting from the runway. This season I hope to take my trusty notepad and Blackberry as well as my camera, and send you of-the-moment reports from the runway, as well. So please bookmark this blog, and follow me on Twitter @advicesisters.

I also experienced two exceptional products that are launching this weekend. HerCut is launching in all Sephora stores nationwide. Brand Ambassador and Emmy Award-winner Kyan Douglas will be debuting the HerCut line on QVC on Saturday, February 6th at 7:00pm
HerCut, is a line of hair care and styling products that are designed specifically for the way your hair cut's specific needs (one of five basic types: Blunt cut, pixi, long layers, shag, and the bob). I've already tried the one for my style: long layers. I'll be reporting on it shortly.

I also got a chance to check out Ferragamo's Incanto Bloom, the first in what the venerable company says will be a continuing story of products for young, chic women. It is a floral scent that is light and lovely. Anyone of any age would love it. Incanto Bloom launches at the Bloomgindale's flagship store this weekend.

My Gilty Pleasures Weekly blog tour friends have also been hard at work--so busy, in fact, that just a few of us have links to share. Please support these bloggers by checking out their links.








Alison (me, of course) of the Advice Sistersreports on her second round with the Zerona Laser, hoping to lose up to six inches in two weeks with this "lunchtime lipo" treatment..I'm still at it, so stay tuned for my FINAL reports coming up shortly.

Ageless Elaineasks "Do You Know How Much to Tip?or do you worry through your whole "relaxing" massage?

Dao from My Makeup Blog shows you how to get celebrity cascading curls as seen on the red carpets and photoshoots.



Bridalease has met the Clark Kent of the wedding industry Matthew Christopher.




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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html
*******************************************************

版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作,请,在- advicesisters,获得它在法律上:电子邮箱:advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中,如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容,化妆品和时装评论专栏:http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html,同意通过电子邮件或在读者(见选项右侧栏)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones)

कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options)

حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات)

Friday, February 05, 2010

Patricia Parenti Tells Me a Thing or Two About Leather Gloves

Patricia Parenti knows a thing or two about fashion, both as an accomplished stylist, and the owner/creator of a glove line called TenderGloving Care. Originally from upstate New York, the City lured her with the lure of letting her express herself as she wished. She has experienced it all, from the City's star-studded disco nights, to it's more sedate, but fashionable, days.

Patricia didn't start out as a designer of gloves, or as a fashion consultant. She started as a buyer, and worked her way steadily up the fashion ladder. While shopping for accessories at various trade shows, she was introduced to "Designs by Gail", a glove line used often on photo shoots. She became a rep for the line. Along the way she found a wonderful mentor by the name of Leo Shore, of whom she speaks very highly. Now in his' '90's, Mr. Shore taught Patricia all about gloves and the glove business. Patricia began designing gloves on her own, using faux fur trims. Eventually she also acquired a lot of vintage leather gloves. With an obvious flair for embellishment and a stylist's eye to making things look even better, she purchased more leather gloves and started her own business: TENDERGLOVINGCARE.COM. The gloves are decorated with trims such as rhinestones, studs, and chains. You can see some of the current collection of TenderGlovingCare in the photos, below.




Patricia's gloves are not just any old assembly line gloves you can get in a department store. For starters, all the trims are attached by hand, and even the hang tags are affixed that way. The leather is soft, and luxurious. And even better, they are cashmere lined. If you've searched for good quality leather gloves lately, you'll find that the stylish ones are often lined in acrylic. Cashmere not only feels soft against your skin, it also allows your skin to breathe. Faux lining won't. Your fingers can sweat in them. When that moisture gets cold, your fingers, suffer!

'


Depending upon the style you choose, the prices for these gloves is reasonable. The actual glove is the same -- it is the complexity of the decoration that determines the price. They come in brown leather, or black leather, and are available in sizes small, medium, and large. By the way, if you haven't donned a pair of leather gloves lately, the video below this post will show you how to properly put on a pair of leather gloves. Here's a hint, you don't just yank them on!

the gloves from Tenderglovingcare range from a modest $70.00 (for a delicate band of rhinestone crystals around the bottom) to $110 (for the gloves embellished with chain, and the gloves with large, square jewels). I personally liked the gloves embellished with the V-shaped design of gold studs (4th from right in the photo). I guess I know how to choose well, becuase the Editor's of LUCKY Magazine featured this pair of gloves in LUCKY Magazine!

You can find Patricia Parenti's beautiful gloves on her TENDERGLOVINGCARE.COM WEB SITE . The Winter if definitely not over. Order some gloves for now, and you'll have them for seasons to come.


These gloves are gloves that Patricia designs and sells on her WEB SITE. They are not any old assembly line gloves that you can get in a department store



videoPatricia Parenti of TenderGlovingCare.com tells Alison Blackman of the Advice Sisters how to put on leather gloves, properly.





Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). I do use provided samples for my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html ******************************************************* 版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作,请,在- advicesisters,获得它在法律上:电子邮箱:advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中,如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容,化妆品和时装评论专栏:http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html,同意通过电子邮件或在读者(见选项右侧栏) Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones) कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें) Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options) حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات)

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Make Your MARK This Spring - Affordable Accessories by MARK

A few weeks ago I got a sneak peek for Spring at The Accessories Show.  One thing was clear as I walked aisle after aisle of eye-catching items focusing on everything from heads to toes:  accessories are a must-have!

One of the quickest, easiest and most affordable ways to make a fashion statement is with accessories, whether you're hoping to spiff up last year's clothes, or get a totally new look.  Investment and statement pieces are hot (still cheaper to buy a pricey cuff bracelet than a designer dress), but even modestly priced accessories help express your personal style in a big way.

One place to get fashion accessories at awesomely inexpensive prices is MARK. This company is known for outrageously inexpensive (but nice) makeup, skincare and fragrances, but they also feature fashion accessories.  As you can see from the photos (and when you initially see them in person) you just assume these are way more expensive.

So I'm sharing this little secret with you for Spring 2010!

There are plenty of fashion, beauty and cosmetics items on the MARK Web Site (and you can find a MARK representative in your area on that site, too).   Here are three items that follow the trends I saw everywhere at Accessories, the Show, and on the runways:


Headbands:  short hair, long hair, any type, style, length or color will be enhanced by a headband.  Mark's Petal Perfect Headband is one that will take you from Spring parties, to weddings, this summer.  The thin, blush satin-covered band features a soft, floppy blush-colored "flower" on the side. If you have a lot of hair, the flower looks like it is nestled into your curls. if your hair is straight, it takes the place of a hair clip for festive occasions.  Since this band has no additional "bling" you can wear it daytime or evening. These would even make an inexpensive, feminine alternative to hats for wedding attendants.


If you don't love hair accessories, earrings also add interest to your face. Silver and gold discs are trendy for jewelry this Spring. MARK makes the trend wearable and affordable, with their Lealflet Earrings  $12.00.  These make a big staement, but cost less than a couple of lattes!  Five brushed metal "leaves" in silver tone or gold tone, hang from delicate ear wires. They dangle a little more than 3" but if that's a bit longer than you'd like, you can remove one or two, making the length all your own.  Shake your head, and they make soft jingly sound.  Even though the photo makes these look like they might weigh your ear down, you'll find that they're very lightweight and therefore, comfortable.


Handbags, especially big ones with lots of details, are a must-have.  If you're looking at the prices out there and wondering where you can get the look for less, I recommend MARK's A Little Twisted Bag $30.00.  The handles are the twisted feature, although they're softly twisted, not tight, so they feel soft on your arm or shoulder. The bag is soft and pouchy. It isn't leather, but it feels like sueded leather and succeeds in being luxurious and "green."  It is also generously-sized (13-3/4" L x 8" W x 13-1/2" H (6" handle drop).  There are  two zippers on the front with hang tags that match the off white and gold  (or purple with silvertone accents) "pleather" fabric of the bag.  You can store a small wallet, your cell phone, or even a small notebook in either of these two outside pockets, Inside, There's another, much larger, zippered pocket, and two pouches for cell phones or PDAs.  The inside is lined with a light, moire-type fabric that matches the color of the bag.  A snap closure keeps the bag closed, but you can still sneak your hand around the middle snap to get what you need without opening the bag all the way. This bag looks edgy and expensive, but it's not--yay!



There is so much more to love for Spring on the MARK Web Site you've GOT to go and visit...share your "new secret find" with your friends!




Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net . Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). I do use provided samples for my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

My zerona laser - treatment #5 round 2

The NY Times has an article about the zerona laser this morning: and I am scheduled for my 5th treatment of round two of the zerona laser with Dr. Nicholas Ungaro of Better Body Solutions in NYC.

The article didn't say that the laser works, or doesn't work. The jury is still out.

For me, the journey has been an interesting, and frustrating one. The average loss of inches is supposd to be about 3.5 and I lost less than half of that, but I DID lose more than if I'd just tried to diet and exercise, which I would have done, anyway.

Recently, some people (who don't know I am being treated with the zerona laser) asked me if I lost weight. I feel like my stomach area feels flatter. Pants that were so tight I couldn't zip them, now fit (they're still tight, but at least I can getthem on).

But I only have two treatments left. I am beginning to panic that I will not have lost as much as Dr. Ungaro and other doctors treating patients with the Zerona Laser feel is an"average" loss. For once, I just want to be "average!"

You are supposed to stretch the treatments out to every other day, but since Fashion Week begins next week and I'm so busy, I'm doing one treatment today, and the last one, tomorrow. If Dr. Ungaro is correct, however, the effects of the laser should continue for a few more weeks as long as I don't start eating poorly. At the Bryant Park tents there is usually nothing more than water, and some cookies, so I seriously doubt I'll be over-eating.

I will continue to let you know how this works. Stay tuned.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html
*******************************************************

版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作,请,在- advicesisters,获得它在法律上:电子邮箱:advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中,如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容,化妆品和时装评论专栏:http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html,同意通过电子邮件或在读者(见选项右侧栏)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones)

कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें)

Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options)

حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات)

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Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Bobbi Brown Fixes Beauty Travails in a Flash


Maybe you didn't get to take that Caribbean vacation this Winter, but that doesn't mean that the new year should mean the same-old, same-old, you! Bobbi Brown has created a new, Makeup Face Lift Collection, giving you the tools to you to instantly brighten your face and play up your eyes--in five minutes or less!

I got a chance to sample just a few of these "easy fixes" from Bobbi Brown's collection to recommend them to you:





Lips need extra TLC in the dry Winter months. Believe it or not, they tend to get "pale" in Winter, too. Bobbi Brown's Brightening Lip Gloss $20.00, has a gloriously sheer, reflective formula that helps create the illusion of fuller lips. Now there are two new shades to love, wear alone, or on top of your favorite Bobbi Brown lipstick: Popsicle, and Nectar. I tried "Popsicle" (in the photo). it's a semi-sheer, bright, peony pink that adds color to your lips and brightens your complexion without being too bold or too obvious. The petite tube with brush tipped top, makes application easy, even on the go. The gloss is "significant" but not sticky. LOVE it!


You would be amazed at how your eyebrows can add definition to your face, without changing anything else. Brows are prominent and defined brows are all over the runways (they give your eyes an instant "lift"). Bobbi Brown's new Brow Pencils $20.00 in five shades are slim, creamy, and blendable. Each comes it's own sharpener: Blonde, Mahogany, Grey, Wheat, and Dark Blonde means there's one for you!












Add further emphasis to your eyes, with a new Eye Shadow $20.00. The matte formula makes these shadows super trendy. "Caviar" is a stunning, deep, royal black/brown that looks a bit like blackened eggplant. Use it for a modern, smoky eye, or for a gorgeous, elegant, powder liner. "Navajo" (in the photo) is a soft, creamy, pink-ish yellow that multi-tasks as a highlighter or a lid color.







New Extra Eye Repair Cream $65.00 - Do your eyes need something extra? Packed with peptides, natural plant oils and humectants that target wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness, this rich concentrated cream visibly revives eyes. Use morning and night- warm between fingers, then pat gently around eye area. Once cream is absorbed, follow with Tinted Eye Brightener or Concealer.







Tinted Eye Brightener $38.00 - Bobbi’s Tinted Eye Brightener is now available in a pen. Back-of-cab makeup artists (you know who you are)- with just a quick twist and a click, this lightweight Concealer instantly brightens under-eye circles and refreshes your makeup. Available in eight shades: Light Bisque, Porcelain Peach, Bisque, Light to Medium Peach, Medium to Dark Bisque, Dark Peach, Dark Bisque, and
Deep







All of these Bobbi Brown items (and more) are available now at your favorite Bobbi Brown Makeup Counter, or Check out the Bobbi Brown Web Site



Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net


Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). I do use provided samples for my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Happy Ground Hog Day From the Advice Sisters...and Punxsutawney Phil


"Phil" the prognosticator of prognosticators


UPDATEl PHIL DID SEE HIS SHADOW...SO WE'RE IN FOR 6 MORE WEEKS OF WINTER!

Today is Ground Hog Day. I love this "holiday" so much, my husband took me to Punxsutawney for our 10th anniversary, so I could see 'Phil" in person (we went to Fallingwater, too, just in case you think I totally have a screw loose). What I remember most about the trip, is that Punxsutawney is as challenging to get to, as to spell. It really is in the middle of nowhere. We drove and drove and drove...and drove.

When we finally reached the little town of Punxsutawney, it was hot. Seriously hot. So hot, that Phil's metal "stump" burned my hand when I touched it. We walked around the town square, and took pictures with a statue of Phil. We wandered in a few gift shops featuring Phil souvenirs. There wasn't much more to see. But it's here that the most famous marmot in the world, Punxsutawney Phil (actually, there are several), emerges (is probably pulled kicking and fussing) from his warm home in the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, to be placed in a little enclosure under an outdoor (metal) tree "stump." On February 2nd, early in the morning, while a large group of very cold but enthusiastic onlookers (and some likely reluctant news crews and weatherpeople) gather round. A group of men wearing warm coats and top hats will remove Phil (he has an official handler), to determine if the groundhog has seen his shadow. If he does, it means we have six more weeks of winter on the way.

It's not a hard job for Phil and life is pretty good for him, except perhaps, on February 2nd. The groundhog has only tried to escape once. Handlers claim that Phil is 124 years old, so maybe he is just too tired to run (in reality,, ground hogs live 6-10 years). Of course, Phil isn't any ordinary groundhog and he's not the original. But he apparently is fairly accurate when it comes to the weather. No matter what Phil predicts, today we're still on the upswing, towards Spring!


So why February 2nd, and the groundhog as spokesanimal? Here's the story behind the famous forecaster and why his wild relatives snooze over the winter months: Ground Hog Day (February 2nd) has it's roots in a European tradition that if a hibernating animal (usually a hedgehog) casts a shadow February 2nd (Candlemas) then winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, Spring will come early! The legend states: "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..." When German settles came to Pennsylvania's to settle early in America's history, they continued the tradition, exchanging the hedgehog for the more abundant, groundhog.

You may not want to put your Winter coat away just yet, but at least you can dream about the sunnier, warmer days that are to come. By February 2nd, the stress of the end of the year, and the holidays, is over. The days are technically getting longer (if not warmer), and Spring is the next phase of the year. Ground Hog day is so hopeful! After all, six more weeks of cold weather is still "do-able." Ground Hogs are cute, and you can celebrate Ground Hog Day without giving gifts, or adhering to strict rituals.

However, I do think it's a nice idea to send a groundhog day greeting to friends. This blog post is mine, to you!

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Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html