Archives for March 2016

March 21, 2016

Once again CeraVe came to our rescue

 

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It all started with a simple question from my daughter. “Mom do you have any hand lotion on you?”  “Yes, of course,” I replied, “let me see what I have in my bag.” I had a lovely chocolate scented hand cream, and as she rubbed it onto her hands, they started to burn and turn red. She didn’t realize her hands were slightly crack and quickly ran to the restroom to wash off the hand cream.

I knew what she needed, and our jar of CeraVe Healing Ointment was at home near my bathroom sink. A quick ride to the drugstore to pick up another jar of CeraVe quickly solved all her problems. Now, she has a tub of CeraVe Healing Ointment to take back to school with her. We also picked up a few tubes  of CeraVe so we can carry it in our bags.

CeraVe Healing Ointment quickly coated her dry hands and acted as a great moisturizer. She had immediate relief from the chapped skin on her fingers and hands. CeraVe Healing Ointment is fragrance-free, so there was no stinging. CeraVe Healing Ointment is formulated without  artificial colors, is  paraben-free, Dye-free, Hypoallergenic, Noncomedogenic, Phthalate-free and is Dermatologist Tested…All good stuff!

CeraVe Healing Ointment is not only used for hands but can be used on your entire body. I leave a jar by my bathroom and kitchen sink because my hands are always in water. I find that the CeraVe Healing Ointment acts as a barrier between my skin and the water and this keeps my skin softer and hydrated longer.

One of the great features of CeraVe Healing Ointment is that it is Fast-absorbing. I love CeraVe Healing Ointment. You can use it as a Body Lotion, Diaper Ointment, Foot Lotion, Hand Cream, Lip Balm, Petroleum Jelly and the entire family can enjoy it. What’s not to love.

CeraVe skincare products can be found in most major drugstores such as CVS, Walgreens, and Target.

 

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March 21, 2016

The Braided Ponytail DIY by Ruth Roche

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Pro Advice from Ruth Roche – The ponytail is one of the most universal ways to style hair – everyone has their signature default version, because it’s so darn comfortable and easy. BUT, the line has to be drawn if it’s just the old pull back and secure, there are so many cooler ways to wear ponytails these days. Ruth Roche, Artistic Ambassador for Pureology Serious Colour Care, shows Melanie Ngo, contributing writer divalicious.nyc, just how easy it is to create a Braided Ponytail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhulX6WCANg.

“We created multiple braids that were pulled apart for a lacing effect and then swept back into a ponytail – it literally takes minutes to do and adds cool texture to a ponytail,” says Roche.

Braided Ponytail
· Rub a small amount of Pureology Colour Stylist Density Definer in hands.
· Take a section on one side of the head towards the front half, apply product and create a 3-strand braid (right over left, left over right, etc.). Braid loosely, and at the bottom where the elastic will be, hold with fingers and starting at the top of the braid, gently pull up on each strand to create a lace effect. Make sure to pull up and not towards the face. Secure with elastic.
· Repeat on a section more towards the back of the head, so there are 2 braids on the side.
· Repeat previous steps on other side of the head.
· Pull back into a low ponytail, leaving pieces out in the front to frame face and look organic…or, skip this step and just wear the lace braids with hair down!

“This braided ponytail looks effortless, but it’s unusual…it’s a little different, not your average ponytail,” adds Roche.
Look for other tips and tricks for a good hair day on ruthroche.com.

Ruth Roche is Artistic Ambassador for Pureology Serious Colour Care, specializing in design and finishing. She is also an established celebrity stylist (Anne Hathaway, Claire Danes, Amy Adams, Jenna Fischer, Mariah Carey…) and maintains a loyal clientele at Cutler Salon in NYC. Her work has been published in countless magazines, including Bazaar, Nylon, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Culture, More, American Salon and Modern Salon (portfolio: http://ruthroche.com/portfolio/).

Stylists from around the world fuel their creative fire with her and consumers and celebrities are attracted to her down-to-earth edgy approach to hair. Roche makes everyday a good hair day!

Website: http://ruthroche.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthARoche

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March 21, 2016

SIX Designer Cuts and Shapes of Diamonds in Engagement Rings

 

 

 

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Ladies love diamonds and a proposal with a diamond wedding ring never goes wrong. After years and pressure within the earth’s core, carbon atoms form string covalent bonds forming diamonds.

The mined diamonds can’t be set on your ring just after mining, they have to be cut into different desired shapes, valued based on their clarity and weighed. The cutting process is a very crucial process in diamond making and the final product and the market price is dependent on this. The main forms of cut diamonds include:

  1. Asscher Cut Diamonds

These have been in existence from 1902 after they were first introduced by the Asscher Brothers in Holland. The shape is picking up in the market and it’s characterized by a square appearance similar to the emerald’s square cut. It has a larger step facet with a smaller table and a higher crown.

It has more brilliance compared to the emerald cut and appears to have concentric squares if you look at it from the table. It almost looks octagonal. This is perfect if your fiancée desires something that’s like an emerald.

  1. Princess Cut Diamonds

This is a good cut for an engagement ring. The signature princess cut offers very brilliant diamonds. The intricate design tells of how much effort and though put into the engagement ring. It was first created in 1980 by Betzalel Amber and Israel Itskowitz .

They work with just about all types of rings and are affordable because of the four sided pyramid shape of the diamond that’s cut in a way similar to one half of the octahedron stone. This results in a lower price per carat compared to round cut diamonds. One rough stone is cut to make two princess’ cut diamonds making available affordable diamond rings.

  1. Emerald Cut Diamonds

The large and open table and the step cuts of its pavilion characterize emerald cut diamonds. Instead of the sparkle known for diamonds, the emerald has a mirror effect and an interplay of light and dark panes.

Its elegance is brought in by the less fiery long lines and dramatic flashes of light. Shapes vary from rectangular emeralds to almost square shaped ones. An affordable emerald ring is possible if you buy loose diamonds then have a cutter make the cut as needed.

  1. Cushion Cut Diamonds

This is a classic cut that has been around for about 200 years. The name is a direct representation of the diamond’s shape. Its square shaped with rounded corners just like a pillow. Cushion cut diamonds with enlarged culets are highly priced in antique diamond shops.

They have a better fire with three basic pavilion face patterns. Enlarged table increases brilliance by improving cut angles.

  1. Marquise Cut Diamonds

These long and narrow diamonds are football shaped and create an illusion of being big in size. The crown size is big and gives a good perception of a maximized diamond size. Just like the oval cut, they make the finger look longer.

  1. Round Cut Diamonds

They make up about three quarters of all the diamonds sold in the market worldwide. Maximum brightness and brilliance is achieved because of a larger surface area to reflect light. They have 58 facets and 57 if a culet isn’t included.

 

In conclusion, these diamond cuts give the resultant alluring and elegant appearance of diamonds. The skills employed in making them are exemplary and this results in higher costs. Affordable diamond rings with either of these cuts can be found in stores that sell used diamond rings or if you buy loose diamonds and get someone else cut them. There are many other diamond cuts like the radiant, heart, pear, trillion and Loose cut Diamonds

 

 

Author Bio

Annalise Raye is a renowned diamond cutter selling affordable diamond rings. This is because he buys the loose diamonds in wholesale and in bulk saving up on money. His cutting skills are incredible and working from her lab, you can be assured of the best diamond rings.

 

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March 21, 2016

STEM CELLS IN TOPICAL SKINCARE: HOPE OR HOAX?

 

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O.

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O.

What are Stem Cells? Stem cells are living cells that are undifferentiated. They’re a bit like the cells that start every embryo when the sperm and egg cells fuse. They contain all the DNA information to make an entire human being (or plant or other animal depending on the species). When embryos start to grow, most of their cells differentiated into things like skin cells, brain cells, heart cells, and all the other different organs in your body. While the cells in your skin have all the DNA material of the cells in your liver, the DNA code is expressed differently so you end up getting the different organs.

If a stem cell could reverse aging, why wouldn’t you do it?

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. Dr. Calapai explains that, “Despite the fact that stem cell research is in its infancy, many cosmetics companies claim they are successfully using plant-based or human-derived stem cells in their anti-aging products. These claims run the gamut, from reducing wrinkles to repairing elastin to regenerating cells, so the temptation for consumers to try these products is intense.”

Why don’t stem cells in topical skincare work?

Dr. Calapai explains that, “The truth is that stem cells in skincare products do not work as claimed; they simply cannot deliver the promised results. In fact, they likely have no effect at all because stem cells must be alive to function as stem cells, and by the time these delicate cells are added to skincare products, they are long since dead and, therefore, useless.

Do Cosmetics Brands Ever Use Actual Human Stem Cells?

While there are a number of brands on the market touting the use of human stem cells, read the fine print. No cosmetic brand is currently using whole human stem cells. Instead, they are using human stem cell extracts. That one additional word is key, indicating that the formulations are based on growth factors

Why isn’t human skin like a plant?
There are also claims that because a plant’s stem cells allow a plant to repair itself or to survive in harsh climates, these benefits can be passed on to human skin. Dr. Calapai points out that, “How a plant functions in nature is completely unrelated to how human skin functions, and these claims are completely without substantiation. It doesn’t matter how well the plant survives in the desert, no matter how you slather such products on your skin, you still won’t survive long without ample water, shade, clothing, and other skin-protective elements.”

What about the buzz word “Peptides?”
Another twist on the stem cell issue is that cosmetics companies are claiming they have taken components (such as peptides) out of the plant stem cells and made them stable so they will work as stem cells would or that they will influence the adult stem cells naturally present in skin. In terms of these modified ingredients working like stem cells, “this theory doesn’t make any sense because stem cells must be complete and intact to function normally. Using peptides or other ingredients to influence adult stem cells in skin is something that’s being explored, but to date scientists are still trying to determine how that would work and how it could be done safely,” says Dr. Calapai. For now, companies claiming they’ve isolated substances or extracts from stem cells and made them stable are most likely not telling the whole story. Currently, there’s no published, peer-reviewed research showing these stem cell extracts can affect stem cells in human skin.

The Future of Anti-Aging Stem Cells According to Dr. Calapai
Stem cells are a promising technology for the future. And they may even be a great anti-aging treatment when the science catches up with the application. You will know when it is a real anti-aging treatment when the following things are true.

1. The stem cells are from humans (preferably yourself)
2. The stem cells are alive
3. The product is somehow delivered to your dermis (probably an injection)
4. The product is applied by a doctor

About Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O. Anti-Aging Physician and “The Stem Cell Guru”

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S.

His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s.

Dr. Calapai started his practice in New York City in 1986 and for over 25 years he has hosted nationally syndicated radio shows, including his two weekly call-in shows on WABC 770-AM, where he offers health and medical advice. He has a show on Saturday morning 8-9am and Sunday evening from 6-7pm. He has consulted with numerous high-profile individuals including Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue and worked as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers hockey team as well as various modeling agencies.

Dr. Calapai received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and he consults in Manhattan with practices on Long Island, in East Meadow and Plainview. He has appeared on News12 and in the pages of 25A Magazine and Social Life Magazine.

He is the author of E-books Heavy Metals and Chronic Disease, Reverse Diabetes Forever! Seven Steps to Healthy Blood Sugar, Top Ten Supplements You Can’t Live Without, and Glorious Glutathione. Learn more about Dr. Calapai on his website: www.drcal.net

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March 18, 2016

National Proposal Day is this Sunday March 20th

1910 engagement ring

1910 engagement ring

 

I love this! National Proposal Day arrives this Sunday March 20th and to celebrate, Mode Studios created a video that truly sparkles: 100 Years of Engagement Rings! The video depicts the most popular engagement ring styles from the last 100 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uHTHC64G48

Happy Engagement from Lisa & the team at It’s a Glam Thing!

2010 engagement ring

2010 engagement ring

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March 15, 2016

Fashion & Accessory Market Finds

Good Day CharlotteHead on over to Good Day Charlotte‘s website and you’ll see a selection of videos from the show this morning.  OK, so I am sure you know, I am partial to our It’s a Glam Thing Fashion & Accessory Market finds presented by our Lifestyle & DIY Expert Julee Ireland.  You will enjoy what has has to present from Sundriven, Girls Got Game & more. L-

Good Day Charlotte

On set at Good Day Charlotte

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March 15, 2016

DIY on the FLY No Sew Tutu Easter Basket

diy_tutu_easter_basket_julee_irelandClick here to watch the video tutorial: https://youtu.be/rDBgYeiuw2g

I love Easter because Spring is officially in the air and bright colored flowers are in full bloom. I also love seeing kids all dressed up in their Easter attire and all of the excitement that the Easter bunny and the Easter egg hunt bring.  For my daughter’s first Easter I started a tradition of making her an Easter basket each year. It is something that we both look forward to. I thought I would show you how to make this adorable removable No Sew tutu Easter basket so you can start a tradition of your own. It is so simple you won’t believe it. Here’s how you make it!

Supplies: Basket (consider upcyling a basket you already have), Tulle, Ribbon, Silk Flowers Hot Glue Gun, Spray Paint (optional), Scissors
Step One: Spray paint your basket your desired color (optional).
Step Two: Cut your 5/8” ribbon your desired length making sure to add extra ribbon to the total length to tie the tutu when around the basket and a waistline when finished. Cut your tulle in assorted colors into 20” x 1.5” strips.
Step Three: Double your strips and loop them around your ribbon, pulling the fabric back through the center and pulling tight. Follow this step around your entire basket.
Step Four: Glue a flower onto the center of your tutu as an embellishment.
Step Five: Tie your darling tutu around your basket and fill it with goodies.

What I love most about this basket besides the fact that it is adorable is that the tutu can be removed and used for play!  It’s a double duty gift that any child can enjoy. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun making your tutu Easter basket. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel and my new web series DIY on the FLY at www.youtube.com/c/juleeireland and please like, share and subscribe. Each month I post new DIY on the FLY video craft project tutorials for your home and lifestyle. They’re always chic, easy, super fun and budget friendly to make!

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March 15, 2016

THE MODEL LIFE WITH POLINA SIKORSKA

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With LA Fashion Week here, It’s A Glam Thing hit the runways with the fabulous Polina Sikorska to learn more about the life of a famed international model. From working in campaigns ranging from Toyota to Panasonic, and from Diet Coke to Moet, Polina has experienced it all!

Nick Northstar: How would you describe your own personal style?

Polina Sikorska: As a model I spend a lot of time just running around doing my castings. A lot of activities obviously effect my style. So during the day I prefer to wear something comfortable and casual. But if I go out for dinner or to some event I would give preference to classic. I like to look feminine. Trends come and go, but classic and femininity is timeless.

NN: What fashion trends as a model do you currently see happening?

PS: As a model it’s part of my job to know what’s going on with fashion. If I’ll try to sum up the mood that appeared from all the action on the Spring 2016 runways I would use the word “profusion”. As a main trend for the spring I would emphasize floral prints and feminine frocks. It’s all about silk, stripes and Spanish Flair!

NN: What about the modeling industry do you love and hate the most?

PS: In the modeling industry I like the effortless ability to travel around the world, and learn about every new country and culture. Because of modeling I get to meet enormous amount of open-minded and interesting people, along with people with different points of view. You learn so fast and understand the world way faster than other kids your age. The money aspect also is something very pleasing which gives you independence and freedom in the very early stages of your life. What I don’t like about modeling is a constant feeling of competition. Let’s face it, the modeling industry is not an environment that nurtures self love or true confidence. Your confidence wavers based on these external factors and I’ve seen so many young girls being completely miserable because of that. I used to be one of them. Likely throughout the years I’ve met so many great “teachers” who have taught me how to love myself and not give my power away.

NN: What current campaigns can we see you in?

PS: You can see me in a new Jafra Cosmetics and Levis campaigns. HTC, Acura and Samsung are also currently airing commercials right now as well that I am featured in.

NN: What is your definition of “Glam”?

PS: My definition of “Glam” is the celebration of all fabulous, imperfect, unapologetic, sexy, haughty things. For me personally David Bowie is one of the best examples of glam and being glamorous!

Diesel worldwide campaign

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March 14, 2016

March 17th noon to 4 pm Hair2Wear Christie Brinkley Collection makes its first appearance on HSN

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Mark your calendar now! On March 17th at 12AM, Noon and 4PM, Christie Brinkley is bringing her legendary supermodel style to fans across the country as Hair2Wear Christie Brinkley Collection makes its first appearance on HSN. Discover clip-in extensions, hair wraps and accessories designed to make it easy to get gorgeous hair on the go. I would love to work with you on a product giveaway to encourage your readers to tune in too!

The styles that will be available during the show include 16” Hair Extensions, 12” Hair Extensions (an HSN exclusive,) The Pony, Natural Tone Hair Wraps, Natural Fringes, Corinthian Headbands, Fishtail Headbands, Double Braided Headbands, and Thick Braid Headbands. Additional styles will be available online at www.hsn.com.

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Christie Brinkley’s Hair2Wear will be a featured beauty accessory in April’s It’s a Glam Thing’s Surprise Beauty Box. Tune in for more details.

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March 14, 2016

Yara Shahidi Carries Henri Bendel to the Kid’s Choice Awards

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LOS ANGELES – March 14, 2016 – Yara Shahidi was photographed carrying Henri Bendel at the Kid’s Choice Awards this weekend! The black-ish star accessorized her colorful outfit with a Henri Bendel Straw Party Starter Box in Black ($148).

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Thunderman actress Kira Kosin was also photographed wearing Henri Bendel’s Luxe Pave Orbital Cuff Ring ($78, www.henribendel.com).

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