Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success and Happiness Blog

I Lost Over 11 Inches on the Zerona Laser

2010-02-08T17:55:00.007-05:00

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

2010-02-08T09:05:00.001-05:00

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)

Giada De Laurentis for Target, Gets you Cooking

2010-02-07T05:05:00.002-05:00

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

Gilty Pleasures Weekly Blog Tour Ground Hog Day Edition

2010-02-06T09:04:00.006-05:00

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)

Patricia Parenti Tells Me a Thing or Two About Leather Gloves

2010-02-05T06:26:00.001-05:00

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

Patricia 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)

Make Your MARK This Spring - Affordable Accessories by MARK

2010-02-04T09:15:00.002-05:00

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!

My zerona laser - treatment #5 round 2

2010-02-04T08:54:00.003-05:00

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.

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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)

Bobbi Brown Fixes Beauty Travails in a Flash

2010-02-03T06:25:00.000-05:00

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

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

2010-02-02T09:15:00.003-05:00

"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

Beyoncé's New Fragrance Beyoncé Heat, Turns up the "Steamy"

2010-02-01T14:21:00.005-05:00

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, also simply known as "Beyoncé , is a talented singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, dancer, choreographer, model, video director and now....fragrance creator. Last night at the Grammy Awards, Beyoncé won 6 Grammy Awards, including song of the year for her anthem "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)." Beyonce's six wins are the most ever captured by a female in one night in the Grammys' 52 year history. She previously held the record of 5 awards with 5 other artists. Not too shabby!

This morning, in tribute to Beyoncé's big win, I tried her first fragrance. It is launching this month and it appropriately called: Beyoncé Heat. Valentine's Day is nearly upon us, and I can't think of a more perfect scent than Beyoncé Heat, to get for yourself, or someone special. I'm not always delighted with celebrity scents, but I really liked this one!

Beyoncé Heat is a fruity floral with just a touch of spice and woods. It's feminine, but not "girly." Beyoncé explains: "My fragrance is a unique expression of a woman's powerful sensuality. The scent thrills and enthralls, drawing you in. At the same time, it is elegant and feminine with an air of mystery. I created this fragrance for self-assured women everywhere, for women who are not afraid to desire and to be desired.” "

Well said: The devilish-ly sexy red and gold carton has a hammered, textured effect, with eye-catching tones of fiery red, gold and black combine. The sides feature a large, embossed, graceful "B" (for Beyoncé) framed by ornate, feminine brocades with a glossy black finish. Inside, there's a treasure for bottle collections. It's sexy from the elegantly-curved, gradient red glass bottle (evocative of a fire burning from within) evocative of a genie's, to the clear, fluted, clear plastic topper above a gold band engraved with Beyoncé, to the scent itself. Beyoncé heat will soon be turning up the heat on bodies, everywhere.

Heat was developed by the talented, master perfumers Claude Dir and Olivier Gillotin. The fragrance starts out with a burst of fruit, followed by flowers and some woods and spices, but the fruit remains the focal point. At drydown, however, the fragrance mixes well with individual body chemistries, to produce a personalize scent. on me, the scent morphed into a fruity, woodsy blend that lingered, and smelled very pleasant. I'd call this more of a "date night" scent than something you might wear to argue a case in court, because it is intense and sexy. If I wore it again during the day I'd use a lighter hand. The actual top notes are a floral bouquet of magnolia, neroli and red vanilla orchid balanced with a hint of luscious blush peach. The heart sounds delicious: almond macaroon, sweet honeysuckle nectar and crème de musk. The drydown notes are warm and sexy: giant sequoia milkwood, tonka bean and amber linger to seduce the senses.

Watch the steamiest version of "fever" I've ever seen, featuring Beyonce Knowles herself, for Beyonce Heat

Beyoncé Heat will be available in 30, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum ($39-$59) and in matching body products. Check out the Launch Web Site.

NEWS FLASH! Launch Events You Can Attend:

Tomorrow, February 2, 2010 (Ground Hog Day--my favorite holiday) New Yorkers can "catch the fever" as Beyoncé turns up the heat in Union Square. To celebrate the launch of her debut fragrance the artist is illuminating this central destination with fiery red light and smoky fog, infusing the winter landscape with a steamy, sexy aura that embodies Beyoncé’s unique appeal (Illumination from 6:00PM until Midnight).

February 3rd: Beyoncé will make a personal appearance at Macy’s Herald Square. If you happen to be near Macy's flagship store on February 3rd there will be a Customer Meet and Greet @ 5:00pm on 8th Floor. You'll have an opportunity to purchase the exclusive Beyoncé Heat 3-piece fragrance set for $122.00. The first customers to will meet and pose for a special picture with Beyonce, too!

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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

Six Great books to Read This February

2010-02-01T08:20:00.004-05:00

I'm reading through my stack of books, all queued for the next couple of months, but there are six I've recently read that I think are a perfect way to start the new year. So here are six new books that deal with relationships, health, and family. Did you read any of these? Please use the comments section (it is in green under every post) and let me know your thoughts--Alison

Robyn Okrant bills herself as "just a yoga teacher," but that's not quite all there is. She is also a writer, performer and director. Now, she is "famous," too (I just saw posters for her new book plastered all over the subway). And she didn't get known, without some effort. In the traditional of Julie Powell (of Julie and Julia fame), Okrant set out to "Live Oprah" for an entire year. She set about following every suggestion that Oprah made on her television show, and on Oprah Magazine. Like Julie Powell, she blogged about her experiences trying to live "her best life" via Oprah's vision, ideals, values, and choices. And, like Julie, she seemed "surprised" when she received public attention during her project. Attention that brought her offers of a reality show of her own, and a book contract for Living Oprah - My One-Year Experiment to Walk the Walk of the Queen of Talk By Robyn Okrant (Center Street/Hachette Book Group 2010) . Okrant admits that she began to get noticed, primarily because the name "Oprah" comes up in search engines and her followers are eager to find anything and everything they can on the subject of "O." Despite this, the book seems straightforward and sincere. She shares her pains and doubts, and her struggle to keep up with her promise to do everyone before the end of the year. I do wish the author had written more about her interaction with others, especially her husband. It must have been weird, and annoying to him, and all those around her, to find the yoga teacher they once knew suddenly acting like someone totally different. Okrant even changed her appearance, wearing leopard flats (of of Oprah's "must haves" for every woman's wardrobe) and other items she didn't feel particularly comfortable in. She changed her own personality, even her diet, to "fit in" with what Oprah felt her audience should think, do, say, give, cook, etc. This is a difficult and crazy stunt, but I believe the author book this ambitious challenge seriously and tried to see it through the best she could. If the end result was to find herself walking in another person's shoes, she succeed. Maybe it was the year of living Oprah's opinions that caused Okrant not to seriously consider the far-reaching ramifications of her year, I felt I needed more from her at the end. And, by the end of the book I was somewhat repelled by Oprah and her edicts, but the author never judges too strongly. If you like Oprah, you will be fascinated by what Robyn Okrant did. And even if you don't ever watch Oprah or read her magazine, you will find it interesting.

The Summer We Fell Apart by Robin Antalek (Harper Paperbacks January 2010) is a compelling story about a family that reaches out to re-connect, but keeps failing at it. Four siblings suffer the effects of an eccentric, semi-famous actress mother, and a father who barely knows they are alive. He's also an alcoholic writer that they idolize. All are adults by the time "dad" dies and all are living very different lives. You can't choose your family, but blood is thicker than water. The family comes together around the death, but can't sustain a close bond, and they fall apart again. But throughout their struggles you know that they want to be close in some way, even though they can't find the means to that end so easily. Reading this book is like watching a train wreck. You squirm, but you can't turn your eyes away. This debut novel painfully shows the effects of selfish parents, divorce, and dysfunctional people, but it also shows how brother and sisters coming from very different places in their lives, still have an undeniable connection to one another. The lives of the siblings: Kate, Amy, Finn and George are nicely woven together through the chapters, although each gets his or her turn in the spotlight. I really didn't find the characters to be likeable, and I didn't find the book a "happy" read, but I thought it was a good read. The Summer We Fell Apart is worthy of your consideration.

Getting Naked Again, Dating, Romance, Sex, and Love When You've Been Divorced, Widowed, Dumped or Distracted by Judith Sills, PhD (Springboard/Hachette Book Group, 2010) has a provocative title, but it's basically a primer on how to change your thinking from that of a "coupled" person, to being single again. There isn't a lot that's new in this book in terms of dating how-to, but what is new is the focus of the advice. This book is directed towards women who are transitioning back to singlehood after a hiatus because of divorce, becoming widowed, or being dumped. The author neatly and nicely breaks down the stages of getting over one's bewilderment, and moving back toward being able to forge a bond with someone, by focusing on stages of healing, recovery and growth. She looks at this much like the stages of grief, suggesting that you need to go through all of the stages, feelings, and experiences, before you find your way back to true love with another partner. I like her optimism, tempered by the realities of what someone is likely to experience, and feel, back in the "meet market." I also like the fact that she is not pushing marriage, or even monogamy, as the end goal. This isn't a dating book for young people. It is more a refresher course for the middle aged, offering a different perspective on what to do when you're suddenly single again. It happens that a dear friend of mine was recently widowed. She's not quite ready to go out there and date, but she is ready to poke her toe back into the realm of relationships. I'm giving this book to her and I think she'll get something positive out of it. If you know someone who is over a certain age and suddenly alone again, this book can help them feel better about their situation, and get them moving forward again at the right time.

I hope you never really need the information in Back to Life After a Heart Crisis - A Doctor and His Wife Share Their 8-Step Cardiac Comeback Plan by Marc Wallack M.D. and Jamie Colby (Avery Books February 2010). But if you do find yourself facing heart surgery, as Dr, Wallack did, this book is going to be your best friend and "bible" through the entire process. Dr. Wallack is a physician and a marathoner, who suddenly discovered that he would need quadruple bypass surgery. It is one thing to treat others, but quite another when the doctor is the patient. All the training and information in the world still won't reduce the fear, pain, anxiety and stress of the experience. Although he had treated plenty of other people as Chief of Surgery at Metropolitan Hospital in New York, he wasn't prepared for his own medical challenges. Wallack's wife Jamie, an attorney and former TV Food Network Chef (among other things) adds her "take" as caregiver, so the book covers not just the patient's needs and issues, but also the caregiver's. The book is chock full of great information about how to prepare for heart surgery, how to survive it, how to heal, and how to move forward again. It's really well written and in it's own way, quite entertaining. Although I have never had open heart surgery, I wish I'd had this book to consult before my father had his quadruple bypass years ago. My only criticism, if it is one really, is that I wish there had been more attention paid to the negative side effects of bypass surgery and more information/optimism about the future of cardiac treatments. Besides death, there is also the potential for diminished mental capacity, and other unanticipated and rare, but devastating results of such invasive surgery. But in terms of helping a patient feel courageous and strong again, and helping caregivers through a very difficult challenge, it is an excellent how-to. I'd call it a must read if this kind of surgery is in your future.

It is painful enough to go through a divorce, especially if you are the dumpee, not the dumper, but it must be doubly humiliating to be dumped for someone in the public eye, thereby catapulting you not just into single-dom, but into the public arena. That is just what happened to Mary Jo Eustace. Her ex husband, the hunky Dean McDermott, dumped her and their children for actress Tori Spelling, after they'd spent just a few weeks together on a made-for-television movie set. To her credit, Ms. Eustace doesn't really take a "don't get mad, get even" approach to her divorce in her book: Divorce Sucks-What To Do When Irreconcilable Differences, Lawyer Fees, and Your Ex's Hollywood Wife Make You Miserable by Mary Joe Eustance Edited by Joanne Kimes (Adams Media, October 2009), The author really tries to show other spurned women who they can make it through a traumatic experience and come through, whole, on the other end. To be sure, she sort of "gets back" at McDermott by using personal examples throughout the book. But on the other hand, whose examples would be better for the author to choose if writing a how-to book based on her own divorce experiences? Ms. Kimes, the co-author, really does a good job of making the book info-tainment and coherant. She apparently has her own series of "Sucks" books. No matter if you're a spurned Hollywood wife C whose otherwise private concerns were make instantly tabloid fodder due to the other woman's status, and no matter that you might not have a good lawyer, let alone a Hollywood laweyer. The book will still resonante with divorcees, all the pain and sadness that a failed marriage brings, along with all sorts of unanticipated issues. There are so many relationship books on the market, but honestly, Divorce Sucks, didnt suck! Get it for your Kindle, and enjoy!

The Mayo Clinic Diet - Eat Well. Enjoy Life. Lose Weight by the weight loss experts at the Mayo Clinic and Donald Hunsrud M.D., M.P.H. (Good Books January 2010) is the latest book in the diet and exercise genre. Dr. Hunsrud is a diet expert at the Mayo Clinic and he, like all of the people in the photo on the back cover of the book, look pretty fit. The book offers all sorts of how-to to whittle your waistline, or just eat a healtheir diet. It also offers an ambitious, a quick start plan that is supposedly designed to help you lose up to 6-10 pounds in two weeks. To help you reach your goals, you can also buy The Mayo Clinic Diet Journal (I don't see that this is really necessary, but if you like charting your progress, it's a good tool). The book looks great, is full of gorgeous, glossy color photos, and there are tips and charts galore. I loved all of this. But then there's the other side of the coin..and it is very sobering. If you want to lose weight, you have to also lose your unhealthy eating habits and stop being lazy about exercise. When I really looked at what you can eat on the Mayo Clinic Diet, it's very spartan. And it could be very frustrating for the average person who wants to lose those pounds, but finds it hard to be super-motivated 24-7, especially when "life" gets in the way such as the office party, and the family who doesn't want to eat the same diet. The solutions that the book offers sound good on paper, but they're not realistic for many people. For example, if your family doesn't want to eat "healthy" or you have kids that just loathe vegetables, the solution offered is to get them to like veggies by cooking them differently. Are you kidding? That's a rose by any other name. Broccoli is still, well...broccoli, even if it is sauteed instead of steamed. Convincing your husband to forgo the chips and dips for the big game in lieu of carrot sticks, might be an even harder sell. Even less helpful were tips about managing hunger. The "tip" offered for when you're hungry is simple to eat...more fruits and vegetables. But I've never known anyone who came home from a hard day at work and said: "I think I'll have some lettuce to fill me up." Still, the good thing about reading this book was that it reminded me how small an adult portion is. And it also reminded me that healthy eating means substituting things you love, for things you may not love so much. Like anything else, losing weight and eating well is a matter of choice. You can buy the book and let it sit on your shelf, or you can follow it slavishly to lose weight, or, perhaps, just incorporate some of what the book offers into your life to make it a bit healthier. The changes you need to make are simple, but they're not always easy.

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 second round treatment #2 A new review

2010-01-30T08:30:00.004-05:00

It was freezing as I walked through the lobby to visit Better Body Solutions on 44th Street between 5th and Madison in Manhattan. Luckily, it is conveniently located right near Grand Central Station, so I didn't have to walk too far.

Unlike many medical waiting rooms, this one is warm and inviting, with a large basket of fruit and lots of bottles of water, and "world" music softly filling the air. I could see curling up in one of the comfortable chairs with a book, and spending an hour. But Pamela, my technician yesterday, was prompt.

As she adjusted the arms of the zerona laser, she told me that she has watched many people get great results. It must be nice to come to work each day knowing that you are making people look and feel better! When I first started researching the zerona laser last Spring, there was very little on the internet about it. Today, there are a lot more people who have tried this, all over the country. But still, few complaints!

It is so easy to handle the zerona laser treatments. All I have to do is lie on a table for 4o minutes or so, listening to my iPod. I have been catching up on podcasts that I haven't had time for. I admit to following the official "Lost" podcast, and the one for Greys anatomy. In general, I like them because I'm a writer and in these podcats, it is the writers who are the "stars." They explain the plots and the reasons why they wrote certain dialogue and situations for specific actors. It's very entertaining. I also like The Moth podcast, and This American Life.

All of this sounds pleasant and effortless, but what isn't effortless for me is the nutritional activities surrounding the zerona laser treatments. For starters, I'm taking half a dozen, large herbal supplements several times a day. They're unpleasant to swallow, and I have to remember to carry them around with me if I'm not home. And I am drinking a lot more water than usual, to flush out my system as the laser is working to create temporary pores in my fat cells from which fat, literally "seeps," to be carried away by my lymphatic system. I am supposed to avoid caffeine, soda, carbs and so forth. I am still drinking coffee (sorry Dr. Ungaro, but I'm non-functional without it, and tea makes me queasy in the morning). It's the avoidance of too many carbs that are the killer. There are only so many eggs to eat for protein in the morning, and I'm not the type to fuss, anyway. I never realized how many sandwiches I eat for lunch either. I'm finding it hard to be creative with food. It isn't that my diet is normally unhealthy, but I'm not the type to fuss with food creation. I would rather slap some chicken between two slices of multi-grain bread, than to have to figure out what else besides salad, constitutes a meal.

Maybe I'm just wishing it to be true, but I actually feel like my stomach is a bit tighter and less "puffy." It's only the day after the second treatment. I have four more to go, but I'm hoping that by the time fashion week starts, I'll be looking better.

Stay tuned for more.

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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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Gilty Pleasures Weekly Blog Read for the week of January 25th, 2010

2010-01-30T05:45:00.005-05:00

This has been a busy week. Among the interestings things I did was to get a preview of an amazing collection of Givenchy's newest, re-invted Le Prisme for face and eyes. I also got a sneak peek (from my friend, the amazing Tony Alcindor who really "gets" the internet) of Tia Ciabani's PORTS 1961 FALL 2010 runway collection. I can't say anything yet...I am sworn to silence....but I can say this: The fabrics are TO DIE FOR gorgeous, and it might be the best collection yet (not that any of the previous ones weren't awesome).

I will be backstage for the PORTS 1961 show on February 10th and I really can't wait! I will be focusing on nails, hair and makeup backstage. And I will be reporting from the runway as well.

Please don't miss any of the Advice Sisters FALL 2010 Fashion Week Coverage. Bookmark this blog, or even better, subscribe to it (there are various links to choose email or feed on the right hand side of this blog). You can also follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman

NOW: HERE IS WHAT SOME OF THE GILTY PLEASURES BLOGGERS CHOSE ARE THEIR FAVORITE POSTS THIS WEEK--CLICK ON THE INDIVIDUAL LINKS AND SUPPORT THESE WORTHY BLOGGERS:

Alison of the Advice Sistersrecommends Dolce & Gabbana's Rose, The One for Valentine's Day, a rose fragrance that rocks the rose, with a romantic but modern, scent.

Missy of LuxuryBeautyProducts.blogspot.com is annoucing a great Valentine's Day Giveaway, Nurture My Body Fragrance-Free Shampoo & Conditioner Shampoo has organic herbal slippery elm, horsetail and chamomile infusions; the conditioner adds macadamia nut oil and calendula as well. 100% biodegradable and free of preservatives or harmful colorants and dyes. Not tested on animals.

Trendy Plus Size Clothes reviews this season's best Womens Plus Size Dresses.

Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care reviews the Best Facial Cleansers For Sensitive Skin.

The Beauty Blog reviews Wen Hair Care.

The Informed Makeup Maven dares you to steal her look: from straight to curly.

Gio from Beautiful With Brains wonders if mixing sunscreen with lotion is safe.

Think You Can't Get No Satisfaction? Try Jovan Satisfaction for Men and For Women

2010-01-29T12:46:00.003-05:00

When I think of Jovan, I think of hopeful youth, slathering on some variation of musk fragrance in the hopes that this fragrance will be the one he (or she) associated with a first love. But now Jovan has created two new fragrances to consider: Jovan Satisfaction for Women and Jovan Satisfaction for men. These are the first fragrances from Jovan in over a decade.

Jovan is not associated with high end luxury products, but that doesn't mean that a "drugstore" brand can't produce a decent quality item. The packaging is simple, but attractive. Square cardboard boxes in peach (women's fragrance) and charcoal (men's fragrance) house clear glass spray bottles that appear to be rectangular, but feature unique, plastic tops that "drape" around the bottle and come to a peak. They remind me of little cottages with chimneys, although I am guessing that wasn't quite the intent of the shape. There's a grey one for men, a pearly white one for women.

Jovan Satisfaction for Women has top notes of sweet mango, pear, and peach, a heart of exotic frangiapane, ylang ylang, and lotus flower, and bottom notes of sulky musk, sandalwood, and warm vanilla. Although the fragrance has some of the notes of previous Jovan scents, it isn't going to take you back to way back when. This scent is truly modern. The first hint is fruity, but upon drydown you really smell the floral heart. It is sweet, but soft, almost powdery. It doesn't smell complicated, but people won't back away from you if you're wearing it. "Oh! This smells good!" exclaimed one of my Advice Sisters reviewers, on first sniff.

Jovan Satisfaction for Men didn't give us the proverbial goods to satisfy, qutie as well. It wasn't unpleasant, but it wasn't all that distinctive. Top notes include: grapefruit, basil, and quince, with a middle of rosemary, cardamom, and cedarwood. Drydown has tonka beans, labdanum, and amber. These notes are interesting as a combo (on paper) and should have created a complex, sexy scent, but all we got was a lot of alcohol and maybe a hint of cedarwood out of it. Perhaps the fragrance essence is a bit too weak to really appreciate all the nuances of these lovely notes. Our reviewers agreed that the men's fragrance just smelled "after shave ok."

As with previous Jovan scents, these newbies will provide a bonus for people with limited budgets, and young people who want to have signature scent, but can't afford too much of an investment.

Will Jovan Satisfaction For Men, or for Women, help you get what you want? Can a fragrance turn you from shy and geek-y to sizzling hot? Will you create a sensory memory that lasts a lifetime? Could one of these inexpensive fragrances change your life? Maybe. At just $12.00 for a 0.5 oz Eau de Toilette spray and $18 for a 1.0 oz Eau de Toilette, you can easily find out. Get yours at retailers like Walmart, Walgreens, Target and CVS, Jovan Satisfaction is an affordable way to keep you smelling fabulous!

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

Skrapper Tees: More Than A Way To Cover Your Body

2010-01-29T09:35:00.009-05:00

A tee shirt isn't always just something to cover your body, it can also be wearable art, and a fashion statement. One new company that makes statement tees (literally and figuratively) is Skrapper. This collection of high-end tee shirts in various styles, brings artist William Quigley’s paintings and work into the world of fashion. The tees are actually designed by Quigley's designer/photographer, Katie Theofilos.

The Tee-shirt line, Skrapper, was hatched in 1999, (read my October 199 blog post about Skrapper to learn it's history). The current Skrapper designs are inspired by the streets of Soho and downtown New York, with re-interpretations of Quigley's art work mixed with "graffiti" style sayings.

These limited edition tees are pricey, but they're prints, too. As such, they're not just rare and collectible (the type of tee you pass down to your kid someday in the far future) but also the perfect piece of clothing to wear when you absolutely want to be noticed...and fashionable. The Skrapper price tag says: "If it doesn't excite you, why bother?" I couldn't agree more!

For Valentine's Day, for example, the Skrapper Audrey" tee is available in bright red for $95.00. That would already make it V-day ready, but the tee (as you can see) features Audrey's iconic face, with the words: "Girls somehow they just get to ya." Wouldn't that give someone a hint? This tee is a super-soft, 100% combed cotton jersey that feels so luxe and soft against your skin, you'll think the shirt was well washed silk. Wear it with tight jeans or your teeniest mini, and win someone's heart on February 14th....and beyond.

Another Skrapper signature is five black inkblots (or dots) that festoon the back left shoulder of every shirt. This shows you've gotten the real thing, and not an imitation.

Check out the other designs in the Skrapper Collection meant for men and for women. The styles include a crew-neck and v-neck T-shirts, available in sizes S through XXL and offered in various eco-friendly (but luxe) blends such as pima cotton with bamboo. I tried a women's medium. It was figure flattering, not loose. You can also get women’s and men’s tank tops with a relaxed fit. Tanks and Tees are $55.00 and the unisex shirts are $65.00. Eco-friendly tees are $135.00 (a special blend of 80% Pima, 15% Bamboo, 5% Organic ). There's also a canvas tote for $25.00 and even collectible Skrapper Wine (to drink--I haven't tried it although it sounds like fun)!

These tees would make a really great gift for a fashionista, an art lover, or anyone who loves unique things. Visit the Skrapper Web Site for all the designs, more information, and to order these very special shirts. Curious about Mr. Quigley's art? Visit his web site, too!

A Red Lip Gloss From Christopher Drummond Beauty That Supports Women Around the World

2010-01-28T09:03:00.059-05:00

If you're looking for a little treat for yourself, this Valentine's Day, I have a suggestion of a beautifier that will make you look good and does good, too: an exclusive, red lip gloss by Christopher Drummond Beauty. I met the charming and talented Mr. Drummond at a Sheckys Girls Night Out Event a few years ago. This Red Lip Gloss is a sheer, universally flattering, glossy red that feels like silk ribbons on your lips. The color is an instant magnet for pouty-perfect (for kissing, or just for admiring), lips. The Lip Gloss has been created exclusively to benefit Eve Ensler’s V-Day Foundation, a charity for abused women. The “V’ in “V-Day” partially stands for “Valentine,” and red lipstick is the beauty trademark of Ensler, author of the popular book and screenplay The Vagina Monologues.

The gorgeous color and sexy look is a great reason to select this gloss (out just in time for Valentine's Day) for your "go-to-for-romance" look. But since a portion of the proceeds of the Red Lip Gloss also go to stop violence against women and girls, it is another way to show your love to women, everywhere. The V-Day Foundation supports anti-violence organizations throughout the world, helping them to continue and expand their core work on the ground, while drawing public attention to the larger fight to stop worldwide violence (including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sexual slavery). In ten years, the V-Day movement has raised over $70 million, and was named one of Worth magazine’s “100 Best Charities” in 2001 and Marie Claire’s “Top Ten Charities” in 2006.

To get your red lip gloss and do help support women around the world, visit Christopher Drummond Beauty. Check out all of Christopher's products...you'll be glad you did!

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

Oprah, and I, Share Weight Loss Strategies My Zerona Round Two

2010-01-27T10:12:00.007-05:00

What do Oprah Winfrey and I have in common?

Oprah might say: "not all that much."

I doubt she knows anything about me (although Harpo Productions once contacted the Advice Sisters when my twin was still alive). But over the years, I've learned a few things about her. I believe we do have things in common. We are both women, of course. And both of us live a part of our lives in the public arena. To help others, we have both shared with our audiences, our personal struggles. Of course, Oprah's audience is much larger.She's on television, and she has more resources at her command to tackle her lifelong issues. But I have my blog and my web site, and the Internet may just possibly be the largest audience in creation! And, I have been given the chance to reprise my treatment on the Zerona Laser with Dr. Nicolas Ungaro of Better Body Solutions. While I'm referencing Oprah Winfrey,
This post is mostly about the zerona laser. Yes! Round TWO of my zerona laser treatments began yesterday!!!!

Oprah Winfrey's struggle with weight: I presume Oprah was a chubby kid. Certainly, she has been overweight more than once in her life. I was always very thin (although, amazingly, I remember thinking I needed to lose weight). Due to medical issues, the past ten years has seen my weight, soar. I'm still not huge, but I'm certainly not fitting into anything form fitting this season. As full disclosure, I probably drink more wine than I should, and sit in front of my computer day and night. I do work out (at home) three times a week with personal trainer Carl Ditmars (he is super-fantastic--I don't know what I do without him so check out his web site or email me for his contact information). I do my best to watch what I eat. But still, it seems to be an ongoing struggle. I didn't want to have surgical lipo and wasn't even sure it would be the best option. When the opportunity came to experience the Zerona Laser and blog about it, I jumped at the chance. I wonder if Oprah ever considered zerona laser treatments?

Zerona Laser 101: If you are curious about what the Zerona laser is, how it works, and who does this type of treatment, check out my original post about the Zerona Laser , and my discussion with Dr. Nicholas Ungaro of Better Body Solutions . But here's a summary: the Zerona Laser is a new type of laser, and the treatment I'm undergoing right now is often called "lunchtime lipo." There is no surgery involved, however. The Zerona Laser is non-invasive (as long as you don't count the laser beams painlessly penetrating your skin as invasive). Unlike lasers from Star Wars or those that can cut through solid surfaces with heat, The Zerona Laser cannot even be felt on your skin. It is a cold laser that works on a different frequency. It was originally developed to deal with pain, but like many new inventions, the people using realized that it had beneficial side effects.

The Zerona Laser emits light at a wavelength and frequency that communicates directly with your fat cells, creating a temporary pore in cells targeted by the laser (four "pods" are focused on your area of concern. In my case, my stomach). Unlike surgical liposuction where fat cells are literally, sucked out of your body, the temporary pores made in your fat cells by the Zerona Laser "leak" fatty material out -- the cells stay put. The material drained by the temporary pores in your fat cells can then be picked up by your lymphatic system, processed for removal by the body, and filtered out. You can't see, hear or feel any of this while it's going on, but the coolest thing is that the fat cells continue to leak that fatty material into your body for up to 24 hours after the treatment to help you lose inches.

Benefits of the Zerona Laser: Although you won't get the dramatic results of surgical liposuction, there are lots of benefits to this laser treatment. There is no down time at all (that's another reason the Zerona Laser is called a "lunchtime lip." treatment. All you have to do is lie on the table and relax (I listen to my iPod and enjoy all the podcasts I haven't had time to listen to at home). You'll typically get two treatments of 20 minutes each (in my case, one for the right and left sides of my stomach). The typical treatment program consists of six sessions performed over the course of two weeks. For most people, weight loss and inches is the goal. Many people do these treatments to trim down before a special occasion such as a wedding day, or after having a baby, or maybe after divorce, or to look better in a competitive job market, or because they are not ready to undergo a surgical procedure, or for many other reasons. It doesn't matter whether you're male or female, overweight or not. The Zerona Laser should benefit, everyone. Surgical liposuction can be scary. It can cause scarring and can be painful and dangerous. The Zerona Laser appears to be much safer and certainly a lot more pleasant.

If this is making you curious, you can see the brief video I made of the Zerona Laser in Dr. Ungaro's office, last time.

Oh, two more things: to help make the Zerona Laser treatments more effective, you have to drink enough water to satisfy a camel (to help flush out the fatty "goo" or whatever it is that leaks out of your fat cells) and take a "cocktail" of herbal supplements that Dr. Ungaro suggests to you after carefully checking blood work, and other tests. It can be challenging to take more than a dozen pills the size of horse pills each day. Water is good for you anyway, but drinking large doses of it sends me running to the bathroom every half hour. But it's a small challenge, not a huge one. I never take supplements or vitamins on my own, but if I'm being honest (and I am), I think I felt more energized when I took them. You also need to watch what you eat and avoid bread and other carbs. You need to limit your intake of caffeine, too (but I still need at least one cup of coffee to get moving in the morning).

Does the Zerona Laser Work: Can a machine that emits a light you can't even see, really help you lose weight? It does sound magical and it is, sort of. And yes, it does work. But better for some people than others. Although all sorts of fantastic results have been claimed, and proven, by Dr. Unagro's office with the Zerona Laser, the first set of treatments I had worked, but I got less than average results. Dr. Ungaro believes in this treatment so much, however, that he insisted something must be wrong. He offered to continue to work with me at no cost. How could I refuse? And, after more investigation, it appears the problem, at least in part, is that I don't process fat very well, and I have ridiculous cortisol levels.

What is Cortisol and How Does It Impact Weight Gain/Loss? Cortisol is a hormone that helps to regulate metabolism and blood pressure. Many experts believe that high levels of cortisol can make it difficult if not impossible, to lose weight and that an excess of cortisol causes you to gain weight, especially around your abdomen, among other things. Increased stress can lead to an increase in cortisol production. And by "stress" I am including: Physical stress: overexertion, trauma, infection; Environmental stress: heat, cold, noise; Chemical stress: nutritional deficiencies, refined sugar consumption, drugs; and; Psychological stress: worry, fear; or even Imaginary stresses. As Dr. Ungaro explained it, cortisol is a throwback to our early ancestor's who needed to store fat for survival, especially during "fight or flee" incidents. We don't need to store up our fat anymore, but we still produce cortisol. So, when you have feel stressed out, your adrenaline levels dissipate, but your appetite is increased and your cortisol levels remain high (supposedly to replace the carbohydrate and fat supplies that were used up when you needed them). So in a modern world, your body's need to refuel is kicked into high gear, even though you don't need it. And, a high cortisol level stimulates additional glucose production that is converted to fat and is stored as excess fat. My cortisol tests showed that my cortisol levels were completely exhausted in the morning, but they zoomed to high heights from noon to four, and only tapered off a bit a midnight. By morning, the viscious cycle begins again. In order for the Zerona Laser to work better, I have been given some supplements that supposedly will help me to process fat more efficiently. It would also help a lot if I could find some ways to manage my personal stressors, better, but that's another story.

So I'm back on supplements, I'm drinking water, I'm watching what I eat (more closely than I might normally if I wasn't blogging about this) and I'm working out (Carl, my trainer, just left a few minutes ago). Instead of having lunch, which I'd really like right now, I'm blogging to all of you. I hope this time the treatment will really work amazingly well. I would love your comments and support, too. Feel free to ask me questions in the COMMENTS section of this blog. There's a link to add one at the bottom of every blog post after my copyright schpliel. And, please follow me Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman

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
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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)

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M-A-C All Ages, All Races, All Sexes Everyone is Neutral!

2010-01-27T07:40:00.009-05:00

Every now and then M-A-C Cosmetics comes out with a large collection that shows the company is a true, trend setter. All Ages, All Races, All Sexes (Available January 7, 2010 through March 2010) is one of those collections.

There are a lot of products, packed into this collection. As the press literature describes it: "M∙A∙C takes the “One World” idea further than ever, with a multi-culti colour story intent on a universal focus – spectacularly shaded and shaped brows for all, because beautiful people come in colours! Miraculously matched to the individual, Impeccable Brow Pencil is the ultimate artist’s tool to fill, lengthen and shape, with a firm tip that sharpens application for high-performance precision. Penultimate Brow Marker, in one shade suits all, has a liquefied glide adept at the all-important arch. But that’s not all: Lipstick, Lipglass, Eye Shadow and Nail Lacquer shade extensions speak your language, a match for every international skin tone."

Something for everyone is a tall order, and M-A-C fulfills it well, with nudes, and a focus on defiined brows, cheeks, and lips. I haven't noticed a lot of substantive reviews of this collection--mostly bloggers seem to do the least possible these days, and just put up photos and the names and prices of products. Maybe they don't want to criticize the collection (and neither do I) but honestly, it is very chic but minimalistic in a way that takes work. "Nudes" don't just "happen" to look good. You need to apply the right shades, carefully. This one, an homage to the late 70's, is very "earthy." If you don't want to look too "sculpted" you have to know how to apply this look, it's not dash -and - go.

But that being said, there are individual pieces I really do like (see my reviews in purple). Here is the rundown on the entire collection:

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN) (MAC offers 9 different lipstick formulas: Lustre, Satin, Frost, Glaze, Matte, Cream, Sheer, Clear and Tone). This collection features Lustre (creamy, moisturizing, somewhat sheer, and with a sheen), and Satin (high color payoff and a semi-matte finish). Nudes like All Ages, All Races, All Sexes will give you a very different look depending upon the formula.

Myself Creamy pale yellow beige (Lustre) (Limited Edition) *See Photo- this is a moistly-matte look that is paler than most natural lips, but still has some pink in it. Brighter than a base, but the opaqeness gives it more significance on your lips.

Equality Light dirty mauve with traveling pearl (Lustre) (Limited Edition)

Empowered Creamy mid-tone neutral brown (Satin) (Limited Edition)

5N Plumy sheer brown (Lustre) (Limited Edition) (Repromote) *trendy but subtle, and almost universally flattering (really not for redheads), this color will take you all the way through Spring.

Lipglass ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

Glamour for All - Sheer pale baby pink with pearl (Limited Edition) *this is not all that sheer and is is very light, moist and shiny, but if you apply it with a heavy hand and it's a bit startling. Apply one coat, purse lips to coat and smooth out the color, and it's pretty. The color in the photo is deeper than the actual.

Spirit & Soul - Frosted dark cool brown (Limited Edition)

Liqueur - Frosted mid-tone pink brown (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Naked Frost Sheer taupe with silver pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

All Races Cool light mauve tapue (Matte) (Limited Edition)

Cross-Cultural Dark yellow brown (Matte) (Limited Edition)

Banshee Dirty taupe with frost and sparkle (Lustre) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Showstopper Deep blackened brown (Matte) (Limited Edition) (Repromote) *a blackened brown that's not too light, not too black, and not harsh--a perfect lid/liner color. Use it to make a smoky eye, modern

Pigment ($19.50 U.S. / $23.00 CDN)

Universal Mix Sparkly white gold (Limited Edition)

Rich Life Dark cool brown with silver pearl (Limited Edition)

Beauty Powder Blushes ($19.50 U.S. / $24.00 CDN)*

Personal Style Light mauve taupe (Limited Edition) *sheer, silky blush with a bit of shimmer offers a user-friendly, sculpted, disco look, as long as you don't pile it on without seeing how it looks on your skin. The color looks peachy brown in the compact, but the mauve really shows quickly on your cheeks. If you swipe on too much at once, the look can be harsh or too "retro." It looks very pretty, applied with a wide, soft brush.

All’s Good Cool deep rose (Limited Edition)

Impeccable Brow Pencil ($15.00 U.S. / $18.00 CDN) (Permanent) *I tried tones on opposite sides: Blonde, and Black. The blonde is perfect for light to medium but you'd have to have very dark brows to use the black. It makes a decent liner, though. -

Blonde Pale yellow brown

Dirty Blonde Cool light brown

Taupe Mid-tone taupe

Black Blackened dark neutral brown

Penultimate Brow Marker ($16.50 U.S. / $20.00 CDN) (Limited Edition) *pen shaped brow filler in a sheer, liquid liner form. The fine-line brush lets you add the color just where you have a "spot" that needs attention. You can smooth it in and wipe it off while it's wet, but once it is dry it stays put until you wash it off). Love the idea, but I caution you not use too much if you have thick or light brows. I filled in too much, and then the "Universal Sheer Neutral Brown" didn't look natural.

Brow Set (Permanent)

Mink *see note about the Penultimate Brow Marker Above. This color is best for naturally dark brows. Lighter brows, use the Clear, only

Clear

Brow Pencil (Permanent)

Lingering

Stud

Blot Powder/Pressed (Permanent)

Medium

Deep Dark

Get the M-A-C All Ages, All Races, All Sexes collection right now through March 2010. So many of these are going to be collector's items, visit your favorite M-A-C Cosmetics Counter, or store, or M-A-C Online

Gucci Flora Bath & Body Products Are a Sophisticated Treat

2010-01-26T09:10:00.002-05:00

Not long ago, I reviewed Flora by Gucci and fell in love with the generation-spanning, ladylike fragrance that was inspired by Gucci's iconic, Flora pattern (originally in a silk scarf specifically designed for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966--still used today).

If you missed my last review, here's a recap of the fragrance:
When you first spray Gucci Flora, there is an immediate smell of fruit mixed with flowers. In fact, the top notes are citrus and peony. But when these notes are mixed with the heart of rose and osmanthus flower, you get a whiff of something fruity and light, with a hint of rose. Wait just a moment more, and that fruity floral is countered by the velvety, leathery aspects of the osmanthus. The base is a sensual but not heavy blend of sandalwood and patchouli (signatures of the Gucci fragrance world.). The result is a modern, playful floral that has a hint of sensuality. When I smell Flora, I want to dress up in a cashmere sweater, or dress up and go somewhere special.

When you love a fragrance, it's really nice to be able to layer it. Gucci Flora has a superb Body Milk $45.00 6.7 fl. Oz and a Shower Gel $38.00 6.7 fl. oz. that both are packaged in striking, hexagonal, plastic bottles with hexagonal caps. The Body Milk has a pristine white and black bottle, reminiscent of the flacons created in the art deco style. The Shower Gel is housed in a clear plastic bottle that lets the golden gel, shine through. What I love about the packaging is that it is sophisticated, with minimal adornment. The Gucci labels with gold script type are diminutive, and the bottles don't need to resort to charms and rhinestones, or anything that would take away from their serene charm. There's no need for anything Gucci makes, to be gaudy or shout "look at me!" Like Her Serene Highness Princess Grace, the elegance in these products is a cooperation between the designer, and the wearer.

You can find Gucci Flora at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Gucci Boutiques. Valentine's Day is coming. If you have the coin, spring for:

Eau de Toilette 1.0 fl. oz. $52.00

Eau de Toilette 1.7 fl. oz. $65.00

Eau de Toilette 2.5 fl. oz. $90.00

My Zerona - the second time could be a charm

2010-01-26T08:53:00.003-05:00

In just a few minutes, I'm heading to the subway, to a scheduled appointment with the Zerona Laser, once again. If you follow my blog, you know that I had six treatments, and while I did lose some inches, I didn't quite make even the average loss.

Dr. Nicholas Ungaro of Better Body Solutions has been extremely kind and I think, a bit curious, as to why my body just stubbornly dug in it's heels, and refused to yield. After two cortisol tests (the first one was botched) we learned that I have issues with wacky cortisol levels (more on that next post). Cortisol is a stress hormone, and when you have too much, or are depleted, your body can't process fat well and you gain weight (conversely, you have trouble losing it).

So now I'm on some supplements that Dr. Ungaro thinks will help...and today I'm going back for another six zerona laser treatments. (more on that later, too)

Will it work? Follow me on FaceBook and Twitter and on this blog (see the right hand column of the blog http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesistersblog.html to sign u), and find out!

alison

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
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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)

M-A-C- Warm & Cozy Collection

2010-01-25T08:30:00.089-05:00

My favorite day of the year is Ground Hog Day (on February 2nd). We have a lot of Winter left to deal with, but Ground Hog day means that sooner or later, Winter is on the way out. So it's the best time to relax, and get something new that will make you feel, beautiful....loved...warm & cozy.

M-A-C- has a lovely collection for mid-Winter called "Warm & Cozy" that will warm your heart, and your complexion,. Imagine: " the glow of skin rosy with Refined Golden Mineralize Skinfinish, Shadesticks in Cuddle, Nurture and Snuggle shades, cozy as a mug of cocoa on a bearskin rug. Curl up with the cashmere kiss of Warm Me Up Lipstick or Light That Fire! Lipglass; the woodsy, rustic chic of Mulled Cider Eye Shadow and Dim the Lights Nail Lacquer. Like being in a majestic lodge surrounded by all of life’s real comforts. Natural beauty, the way M∙A∙C makes it modern."

Sound good? Well, the collection also has a surprise: a product called Care Blends Essential Oils in Sweet Orange + Lavender, or Grapefruit + Chamomile, and a M∙A∙C signature innovation -- Mineralize All-Over Moisture Lotion. Bring spa-style pampering to your beauty routine, with just a few drops of oil!

I tried a few of the cosmetics, and the Care Blends, and I'll give you my report on those items, below, and also a comprehensive look at the entire collection:

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

Spiced Tea Warm bronzed brown (Glaze) (Limited Edition)

Warm Me Up Creamy mid-tone neutral pink (Amplified) (Limited Edition) * I tried this lovely, limited edition lipstick. I love the texture! This super-silky emollient cream lipstick leaves a light, nearly nude (but opaque) coating on lips. If the trendy, nude look isn't enough color for you, know that this one looks fabulous with a slick of your favorite, deeper lip gloss. So versatile

Siss Muted golden beige (Satin) (Permanent)

Lipglass ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

2N Creamy neutral yellow pink (Cream) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Feeling Dreamy Pale neutral pink with pink pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)

3N Neutral brown with gold and pink pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Light That Fire! Mid-tone burnt coral with pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

Chamomile Creamy pale yellow (Satin) (Limited Edition) *who doesn't love a soft, cheerful, lemony yellow? This versatile color can be used as a highlight, or as a lid color. The matte finish makes it new.

Mulled Cider Dark warm brown (Satin) (Limited Edition) * this soft, warm brown is the color of a milk chocolate bar. It's a soothing, easy to wear color that, like a classic cashmere sweater, will look good on you.

Modelette Mid-tone warm camel (Satin) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Embark Intense reddish brown (Matte) (Permanent)

Shadestick ($16.50 U.S. / $20.00 CDN)

Nurture Frosted pale neutral pink beige (Limited Edition)

Relaxed Frosted dark chocolate brown (Limited Edition)

Cuddle Frosted light golden yellow (Limited Edition)

Warm & Cozy Frosted burnt amber with red and gold pearlized pigments (Limited Edition)

Mineralize Skinfinish ($27.00 U.S. / $32.50 CDN)

Comfort Golden bronze (Limited Edition)

By Candlelight Golden pink (Limited Edition)

Nail Lacquer ($12.00 U.S. / $14.50 CDN)

Blissed Out Creamy light nude (Limited Edition)

Dim the Lights Creamy warm dark chocolate (Limited Edition)

Tinted Lip Conditioner ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

Close for Comfort Pinkish brown (Limited Edition) *these are fabulous lip balm/glosses with SPF 15 (Octinoxate 7.5-% and Octisalate 5.00%) perfect all year round when all you want is a bit of tint/lip stain. They feel silky and pampering. The warm brown/nude (it is less orange in the flesh) is a good "no makeup" alternative that helps keep your lips soft and healthy. Add a sparkling gloss, for evening,.

Feelin’ Good Light neutral beige (Limited Edition)

Lip Conditioner Tube ($13.50 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15 ($13.50 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

Mineralize Face & Body Lotion ($29.50 U.S. / $38.00 CDN) (Permanent)

Gentle, non-sensitizing, and rich, this face & body moisturizing lotion is free of fragrance and color so it can be paired with pigments and oils to achieve a myriad of effects. It utilizes M·A·C Charged Water to boost the delivery of moisturizing ingredients using the “vibration” of the gemstone, Diamond.

Care Blends Essential Oils ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN) (Permanent at MAC Stores)

Infused with natural properties derived from plants, Care Blends Essential Oils are gentle and healing on the skin. They leave the skin feeling energized and moisturized with a healthy glow. These unique oils can be used alone, under makeup, mixed into skin treatment or mixed into makeup to increase emolliency and comfort, sheer down or increase playtime of a product as desired. *trust M-A-C- to come up with something new. The oils come in a glass vial with a rubber stopper/dropper top, so you can use just the right amount of product. These are completely non-greasy and easily absorbed, with a light, spa-style scent that makes you feel great and helps keep your skin moist and looking good, too. The Grapefruit + Chamomile is really uplifting..an easy well to get day day, going in the right direction. The Sweet Orange & Lavender is calming, and makes you feel special.

Sweet Orange + Lavender This nourishing oil leaves skin feeling energized and moisturized with the look of a healthy glow

Grapefruit + Chamomile This oil will help soothe, calm and clarify the skin with a soothing aroma

Warm & Cozy is available January and February at all M-A-C Cosmetics Counters and stores, and Online

Get Spa-Style Pampering...for Less

2010-01-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

Easy Ways To Turn Your Home Into a Spa

Check out these cheap alternatives to fancy, professional services

How to have an at-home Spa night was one of the first beauty oriented pieces I ever wrote for the Advice Sisers.

Can't afford to splurge on laser treatments or a spray tan? Total Beauty thinks these gadgets will give you the latest spa treatments --for less!

See products

12 Hot Trends From the People's Choice Awards (Total Beauty Tip)

2010-01-24T09:01:00.015-05:00

12 Hot New Beauty Trends You Should Try

These hairstyles and makeup looks were good enough for the People's Choice Awards red carpet, and they'll totally work for you too

The Advice Sisters don't follow a lot of celebrities. We think there are enough people doing that (and some of us are already on "celeb" overload). But Total Beauty knows we like to see what's walking down the red carpet. Alas, many of these red carpet looks are just too over-the-top for our every day lives. Total Beuty found 12 trends from the People's Choice Awards that will work for everything from a business meeting to a night out with friends. Check them out -- you're sure to find a few you love.

See trends

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)

Nahui Ollin Sweet Idea for Valentine's Day

2010-01-23T12:07:00.001-05:00

Whenever I see a clever tote, purse or accessories made of brightly colored wrappers and labels, I immediately think: "Oh, that's got to be a Nahui Ollin."

Nahui Ollin is known for unique products, mostly handbags and totes, made out of recycled materials. There's no mistaking a Nahui Ollin design. The "fabric" is a woven checkerboard of labels, most often unused soda can labels and candy wrappers, bought from a local factory in Mexico near where the designer, Olga Abadi, lives. Even the fittings are recycled materials, such as leather and suede. Each bag is hand-made, with the larger ones requiring hundreds, and sometimes, thousands, of labels. No two bags are alike, so whatever you get, it's a bona fide original.

first fell in love with her designs when I saw them at Caravan's first boutique on Great Jones Street in the Village, a few years ago. At first, I thought anything made from something as simple as wrappers and labels would just fall apart, but these bags are well made, and strong (you’d really be amazed). They are "green" and colorful. The signature "fabric" is a rainbow of multi-colored labels, woven together in a riot of color. I like the pink coin purse above, for Spring.

But I like the bright red Coin Purse (just $20.00) for Valentine's Day (the one shown here on the left is pink, the one on the right is in the red "fabric" but it is larger than the coin purse). The coin purse I love is crated from solid red labels, with just a few pieces of red and white label woven in. But on the flip side near the zipper, you can see pieces of other labels with pops of yellow, green and orange. The carry handle is also red--red leather. T

his little coin purse would be too small for me as an evening bag--I am just not that much of a minimalist. So use mine to carry small essentials inside a larger tote. If you only carry a few items, such as a credit card, lipstick and keys (and maybe for a condom for planned or unanticipated, romance) it's a perfect party bag. It would also make a memorable way to package a smaller gift (maybe a piece of Valentine's Day jewelry?). There are so many color choices, or classic multi, to choose from. But I think the bright red is SO Valentine's Day ready!

Nahui Ollin can festoon you in her trademark, woven "fabircs" from headbands to belts, bracelets to totes of all sizes. Prices are under $15.00 for a single woven strand bracelet, and the coin purse is just $20.00 Not Bad! They are so distinctive!

Nahui Ollin is sold in fine boutiques, and you can also visit their website

Do you like this post? Subscribe to this (see the right hand column) Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. Text, photos & videos may not be used or copied in any form without permission. Full resolution photos & videos may be available. For inquiries Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net * I do use provided samples for my reviews. Read my comprehensive policy on how I review products and services, in the "A Note About Compensation" section in the "About the Advice Sisters" area of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

If you like this blog, bookmark it, or why not just subscribe to it, and/or visit The Advice Sisters web site: http://www.advicesisters.net/

Gilty Pleasures Weekly Blog Read for the week of January 17th, 2010

2010-01-23T08:45:00.001-05:00

I hope you had a great week and now you're having a great weekend. Just a reminder: The Advice Sisters Winter 2010 "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column has suggestions for everyone to make every day, more beautiful. Check it out, and bookmark this bi-monthly column if you haven't already done so. Now, here's what some of the Gilty Pleasures Bloggers were posting this week:

Alison of the Advice Sisters featured a post about an innovation for single travelers on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian EPIC, a cruise ship unlike any other sailing today and launching in the Summer of 2010

Lisa of Bridalease is Eco-friendly with some suggestions for both brides and grooms.

Ageless Elaine's Secret Make-up Tip Are you over 35?"Now don't you look radiant, healthy, and glowing?

Don't forget to enter The Informed Makeup Maven's Valentine's Day giveaway featuring MAC, Kevyn Aucoin, Napoleon Perdis, Stila and Revlon.

Dao from My Makeup Blog found her new HG lip balm: ChapStick Fresh Effects

Gio from Beautiful With Brains talks about natural preservatives in beauty products.

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