Archives for January 2015

January 7, 2015

The St. Anne Tote is Traveling to The 2015 Golden Globes

By Lisa Gal

Add personality to this classic everyday bag from Barrington Gifts with 24 colors and 9 patterns to choose from. Made with Ballistic Nylon and premium leather accents this is sure to be your favorite bag to carry everywhere you go. Barrington will deboss your initials into the leather adding just one more personal touch and now no one can stake claim on your bag. Those lucky 2015 Golden Globe nominees get one bag to take home and one to make all their own.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 6, 2015

Tomorrow: Harry Josh/John Frieda Hair Care Twitter takeover

John Frieda International Creative Consultant Harry Josh will be taking over the John Frieda Twitter account tomorrow, Wednesday January 7th at 3PM EST.

Find Harry here tomorrow at 3 PM: Twitter.com/@JohnFriedaUS

Harry Josh

Harry Josh

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 6, 2015

My interview with national Make Your Mark contest winner Jenna Blanton

Make Your Mark is a national contest sponsored by Bayer and Glamour. The objective of this contest is to “find and celebrate” women who are making their mark in a variety of ways such as:

Pursuing artistic expression

• Working toward attaining knowledge through education or research

• Innovating entrepreneurship

• Performing physical achievements

• Committing themselves to philanthropic endeavors

Make Your Mark not only looked to acknowledge the remarkable things women are doing, but their ability to inspire others, as well.

I had the delightful opportunity to interview the winner of this contest, from Chicago, Jenna Blanton. Jenna is 28, and works for a global technology entrepreneurship program geared toward young women ages 10-23, called Technovation.

Jenna Blanton

Jenna Blanton

My interview with Make Your Mark winner Jenna Blanton:

1. Vicki: First of all, Jenna, congratulations on your wonderful achievement and recognition as the national Make Your Mark contest winner.

Jenna: Thank you so much! I think you really do things like this because you’re really passionate about them and not the necessary recognition. When it does happen though, and it’s out in public, it’s bigger and fantastic! It was a wonderful experience!!

2. Vicki: Let’s go back to the beginning, Jenna. What inspired your interest in science and technology?

Jenna: I started off as a very curious little girl, and was fortunate enough to have parents who saw that in me, and let me explore my own career path. I was always outside digging in the dirt, looking at worms, and collecting bugs. That passion for the natural world and how it works is definitely what led me toward a career in science. It certainly wasn’t easy for me because I really don’t have any female role models in my immediately family that work in sciences, so I kind of had to carve my own path in my family, but I was really lucky to have people around me that said , “If you want to do that, go ahead….we support you.” So it did all start as a very young child!

3. Vicki: That’s really very good that you received all of the support that you did. At the point when you started to know you were going to be starting to further your education, etc., did you feel that this was your calling and keep going forward?

Jenna: Actually, not really. I had a passion, as well, for Radio which also stems from my passion for technology. I went into communications in my college career, and declared myself a communications major. My parents were totally happy with that, and happy I was a first generation college student in my family. They were thrilled that I was furthering my studies, and career. I hadn’t seen myself directly in a professional roll in science, and didn’t exactly know what that looked like. I then was encouraged by a friend who was taking an environmental science biology course. She told me, “I think you’d really like this and should sign up next semester!” So I did. I took the course and fell in love with what we were doing in the lab, and what we were studying. I never thought of it as work. It wasn’t till later in my college career that I called my parents and told them that this (science) was actually what I wanted to do. Initially they were a bit taken aback , but became very supportive. I had never made a direct correlation , as a younger person, that I could truly have made a career and make a life out of studying science.

4. Vicki: That’s fascinating, Jenna, and a very inspiring story. You truly found your way back to where you were meant to be!

Jenna:
Yes… it’s true. I maintained my degree in communications, and a double degree in communications and environmental science. People would always say to me, “What are you going to do with that?” It may be surprising to some, but not to me that I have made a career by talking about my passion and doing my passion for science and engineering! I’ve dedicated my entire career to talking with people about how important science and engineering is for our country, especially in regards to women and young children. I’ve really come full circle and have been able to put these two things together and it’s really exciting.

5. Vicki: I think it’s very impressive and so synchronistic! You’ve now won the $5000 scholarship, a trip to New York to be part of the Glamour Women of the Year Event, and, be featured on a promo page of Glamour Magazine! How did you feel when you found out you were the winner?

Jenna: Oh my gosh… I got the call and it took a minute to kind of sink in. I found out in October, and the ball started rolling so quickly, and again it took me a moment to realize everything that was going on…. in such a good way!!! I had been working so hard, and working with my colleagues and a national huge publication and group saw value in what I was doing and wanted to celebrate that. I was absolutely thrilled to be a part of it all, and you know that’s what major markets are all about! It’s about women supporting one another and celebrating their uniqueness and success. I was thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful campaign! Again, we need women that are doing great things into a national dialog! It’s so much fun sharing that with my family and sharing the opportunity. And gosh, it’s just amazing going to the store and picking up a magazine and your face is in there… It’s just unbelievable!

6. Vicki: The video you created as part of your entry into the Make Your Mark contest is exceptional. Your on-camera presence and presentation is truly inspiring!

Jenna: Thank you, that’s so kind. It was really an interesting experience. I’m normally a person behind the scenes, or on my computer trying to make programs or things like that happen. There were probably around 15 or more people buzzing around the room when we were doing the video, and I’m used to usually being “one of the people buzzing”. This time being the “main event”, and in the spotlight…. I had to “pinch” myself a couple of times 🙂 It was great!!!

7. Vicki: You sure did a wonderful job, Jenna! Having won this contest, I’m wondering what some of your future aspirations are for your venture, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)?

Jenna: I’ve dedicated my entire career to bringing the conversation about how important engineering , specifically, is to young people, and getting that interest exposed at a young age!! I think a lot of girls and women, when they picture an engineer say, “Oh, it’s someone in a lab coat”. Or they visualize , especially a computer scientist, as somebody in a dark cubicle not having very much fun. That’s completely contrary to what science and engineering is all about! It’s incredibly inner disciplinary, it’s fun, it’s collaborative and above all, it’s creative! I really want to dedicate all of my work to communicate those specific points! For instance, just because you may see yourself as a “possibly” artistic person, but you’re “kind of” good at math…You could be a Design Engineer!! It’s connecting these points for children and young women specifically early on so they can condition themselves and seek out opportunities that will enhance their journey into a career in engineering !!

8. Vicki: What a very interesting theory Jenna! In closing, would you like to share some specific points to those young gals who may be curious and thinking about engineering as a career, but just aren’t sure?

Jenna: Absolutely!

If you don’t know something, but are really interested put yourself out there!

• It’s ok to fail! (Failure is a huge part of engineering, and as a lot of people know you may not always get to the top on your very first try!)

• Be very persistent! (Put yourself in situations where you may feel that you’re under represented , but just know there are a lot of women out there that are doing that.)

• Find support networks! (Make Your Mark sponsored by Bayer & Glamour is one example!)

• Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!

Vicki: Ongoing success, Jenna! Thank you very much your informative and exceptional interview.

After reading Jenna’s interview, take a moment to visit http://www.glamour.com/make-your-mark and view Jenna’s video and Glamour Magazine promo page. Jenna truly has “made her mark”, and we wish her ongoing success with all her endeavors in 2015!

Congratulations Jenna Blanton !!

(Any quoted or paraphrased information in this article was obtained by a provided fact sheets regarding the “Make Your Mark” contest. Much gratitude to Jenna Blanton for taking time out of her busy schedule for this very inspiring interview.)

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 6, 2015

Kiehl’s Spoiling the Golden Globe Nominees

By Lisa Gal

When someone has been in business since 1851 they must be doing something right. Kiehl’s provides all over body care for men and women and the Golden Globe nominees are going to be spoiled by them. With Gift cards to Kiehl’s Spa and Barber Shop, and their Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate their skin is going to be in tip top shape before they walk that red carpet. Not to mention their lips are going to be feeling the love too with Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1. How smart that their swag bags are going to be waiting for them in their rooms at the Four Season’s Beverly Hills.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 6, 2015

Luxury from Mother Nature and Vanessa

3ninesjewelry

By Lisa Gal

Do Chrysoprase, Aventurine and Amazonite sound familiar to you? No? What if I said Chrysoprase attracted new love, abundance and prosperity and Aventurine was the stone of luck which is associated with the heart chakra, would that interest you? Vanessa Boeckenstedt founder of 3NINES makes it possible to bring these fine and rare one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings from the earth to you. With something for every budget you’re sure to find your match. 3NINES…soon to adorn the 2015 Golden Globe nominees.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 6, 2015

Your Cell Phone Never Felt so Good

By Lisa Gal

Leather cell phone case? Yes please! ADOPTED is cutting edge when it comes to cell phone and MacBook protection. With collections from Barney’s to Target you’re sure to find what fits your style (and budget). ADOPTED was named twice on the top 10 best iPhone 6 cases for gifting this year by Vogue. Usher is already loving his python case he sported in selfies on Instagram. Patricia Arquette, Viola Davis, Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais and Reese Witherspoon will soon get to show off theirs too when they are gifted at the Four Seasons this weekend as Golden Globe nominees.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 6, 2015

Anti-aging the Norwegian Way

NordicBeautyBy Lisa Gal

Organic all natural beauty products almost sound too good to be true, but not with Nordic Beauty. Since your skin absorbs up to 64% of what you put on it, don’t you want those products to be the best they can be? With four luxury skincare products to choose from with your health in mind maybe you should try anti-aging the Norwegian way! Learn more at www.nordicbeauty.com and if you’re a Golden Globe nominee, no need to worry, your Youth Collagen Peptide Cream is on its way to the Four Seasons to greet you when you arrive.

 

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 6, 2015

Start the Year off Curly with Carol’s Daughter

 

Marula-Collection

During the last three years or so, I have tried various shampoos, conditioners and most recently, hair oils and masks. I am always looking for hair care products that will reduce my frizzy, dry, color treated and very curly hair. Over the last year, I have noticed my hair thinning which concerns me. My hair stylist told me that I am very lucky I have curly hair. Curly hair hides the thinning, all I need to do is keep using a really good curl product. Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy is one hair care product that is working quite well for me.

With the help of Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy Gentle Cream CleanserMarula Curl Therapy Softening Hair Mask and Marula Curl Therapy Softening Serum, my curls are soft, bouncy and have a vrey natural look. I know that the scent of products aren’t everything but Carol’s Daughter hair care collection smells wonderful! Remember, after shampooing, make sure to leave the Softening Hair mask on for at lest 5 minutes for best results. Carol’s Daughter Diffusing & Styling Lotion has become one of my favorite curling “must-haves” and my daughter is using it too. After applying the styling lotion, I usually air dry my hair ,scrunching it from time to time. The results are worth it as my hair wis soft to the touch and i have curls that are natural, the way they should be.

Carol’s Daughter Marula Oil Collection is “packed with Marula—a rich oil harvested for 12,000 years in Madagascar that instantly restores and softens your curls”.  This amazing Collection contains absolutely NO Parabens, Petroleum, Mineral Oil and no artificial colors. Carol’s Daughter is specially designed to pamper and treat your hair with healthy ingredients. Once you start using the products you will see results immediately.

our-mission

The best way to see results is to purchase the Carol’s Daughter Murula Curl Therapy Collection (shown above) which includes:

*The Marula Curl Therapy Gentle Cream Cleanser, “a luxe pampering sulfate-free cleanser that nourishes hair for easier detangling and styling.”
*The Marula Curl Therapy Softening Hair Mask,  “a rejuvenating deep-conditioning treatment that gives curls the extra moisture they need to be restored and stay soft.”
*The Marula Curl Therapy Softening Serum, “a nutritious blend of hair-softening oils that leaves you with glossy, well-behaved spirals that make any style easy to perfect.”
*The Marula Curl Therapy Diffusing & Styling Lotion, “a rich styling cream that adds supreme definition to curls and waves for perfectly styled hair that is never stiff or dry.

* Info taken from Carol’s Daughter website

You can purchase Carol’s Daughter Hair Care Collections and Skin Care products at http://www.carolsdaughter.com and the history of Carol’s Daughter at  carolsdaughter.com/aboutus/lisastory

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 5, 2015

Don’t Miss the Skin & Co. Roma deal on Nordstrom.com…This Week Only!

Start the New Year off right with the Skin & Co. Roma deal on Nordstrom.com !  Receive a free travel size Truffle Body Milk Kit with any Skin&Co. purchase of $70. This deal is only available during the week of 1/5!

unnamed

Truffle Therapy Body Milk: Created to nourish dry skin, this decadent moisturizer is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential amino acids. Exclusive truffle extract stimulates Superoxide Dismutase production to destroy harmful free radicals and keep skin youthful. For an Italian indulgence anywhere.

Truffle Body Gel: Cleanse and hydrate with a light foam that leaves skin fresh and soft. Bursting with a unique truffle extract that stimulates the production of Superoxide Dismutase—a compound that destroys free radicals and has an antioxidant, anti-aging effect—this body gel leaves skin smooth from head to toe. http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/skin-co-roma

Receive travel-size samples of Truffle Body Gel, Sicilian Body Lotion, and Truffle Body Milk with your $70 Skin & Co. Roma purchase. A $36 value. Online only.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
January 5, 2015

QVC Features Josie Maran—TODAY ONLY!!!

Introducing, Josie Maran Argan Pure Complexion 5 Piece Collection exclusively available on QVC’s Today’s Special Value!

unnamed

This collection of skincare and face beautifiers infused with argan oil will help you achieve healthy, glowing skin this New Year! Argan Cleansing Oil removes dirt, while the 100% Pure Argan Oil hydrates your skin. The Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation and Brush provides even-toned skin care benefits and finally the Argan Color Stick adds a pop of rosy pink to your lips and cheeks!

This exclusive deal is only available today! Value: 85.00  Price: 69.96

Where to buy: http://www.qvc.com/Josie-Maran-Argan-Oil-Pure-Complexion-5pc-Collection.product.A261453.html?sc=A261453-&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-1-_-A261453&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/53/a261453.001?$uslarge$

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook