Archives for 2018

June 5, 2018

Kate Spade, Fashion Icon – A Look Back

Image FOX 8 Cleveland

Image FOX 8 Cleveland

 

Kate Spade passed away today at the age of 55 leaving the fashion world and all of her fans stunned.  Our hearts ache.

Here is an article by Julia Brucculieri for The Huffington Post providing us with a look back at Kate’s career, her life and her infinite impact on fashion.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/look-back-kate-spade-career_us_5b16beb2e4b0599bc6dd8557

 

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June 5, 2018

Eye Shadow To Wear As You Please, Note Cosmetics Luminous Silk

Annie Hatcher wearing Green Note Luminous Silk Eye Shadow as Eye Liner

Annie Hatcher wearing  Note Luminous Silk Eye Shadow #11 as Eye Liner

 

Note Cosmetics Luminous Silk Eye Shadow comes in 18 colors. You can see how lovely it looks on Annie in the photo above.

She is wearing a pretty emerald green color #11.

Here is the description of Note Cosmetics Luminous Silk Eye Shadow directly from the website.

Rich pigmentation and easy blend ability make this eye shadow a staple that not only stays put, but allows creating of any desired look.

  • Great for Sensitive Skin
  • Special formula prevents smudging
  • Infused with Botanicals
  • Paraben Free
  • Cruelty Free
  • Vegan

Below Annie created an all over eye look using #12.

(Try Note Cosmetics Eye Shadow Pencils too)

 

Annie Hatcher wearing Note Luminous Eye Shadow #12 as eye shadow as well as eye liner

Annie Hatcher wearing Note Luminous Eye Shadow #12 as Eye Shadow and Eye Liner

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June 4, 2018

Liquid, Pencil, or Gel? What Kind of Eyeliner Should You Use

 

Liquid, Pencil, or Gel? Did you know that you have to factor in your skin type when choosing an eyeliner? That’s right! Picking the best type of eyeliner depends on quite a few factors, much like your foundation or lipstick. To help you make the right choice and up your eyeliner game from here on out, here’s a rundown of the three most common forms of eyeliner (we’re not counting eyeshadow used as eyeliner this time) and their pros and cons.

Liquid Eyeliner

Best for: Sharp Lines, Steady Hands, Normal or Dry Skin

Liquid eyeliner is made for clean, crisp lines so there’s no room for error. If you’re a newbie at makeup or if you know that you can’t hold your hands steady for a few seconds, you might want to choose another kind of eyeliner instead. This kind of liner also stays put once it’s applied — Shu Uemura’s Calligraph:ink liquid eyeliner is formulated to last up to 12 hours, for example — so it’s best used for special, dressier occasions. Sure you could wear liquid eyeliner everyday if you want to, but be prepared double up on your makeup removal regimen, too.

Liquid eyeliner isn’t for the smoky, smudged effect but rather a sharp and polished look. It’s best for those with smooth complexions, or at least those whose skin can be evened out easily with the use of foundation and/or concealer. That’s because liquid eyeliner adds a certain sharpness to your features that can throw imperfections into greater relief. If you need something more forgiving, perhaps a pencil liner is the better choice. Liquid eyeliner also tends to cling better to normal and dry skin; if you have oily skin, applying a setting powder or even a bit of eyeshadow powder can help the liquid to settle better.

Pencil Eyeliner

Best for: Smoky Eyes, Waterline Application, Oily Skin

The pencil eyeliner (also called kohl eyeliner or kohl pencil) has been a mainstay in the makeup industry, and its easy to see why. Kohl liners are easy to apply, even for beginners, and is the best tool to use to achieve the perfect smoky look. You can also smudge this type of eyeliner without removing it completely, creating a softer look that you can’t achieve with a liquid eyeliner. It’s also easier to find various colors of pencil eyeliners and they’re also great for waterline applications for that pop of eye-opening color. Another unbeatable advantage of kohl? They have a much longer shelf-life compared to liquid and gel liners.

If you have oily skin, pencil eyeliners are the best product for you since their formula can soak up some of the excess oil. However, it’s still good to use a bit of powder to set your eyeliner and prevent it from accidental smudges. One downside of kohl is that it doesn’t last as long as liquid or gel liners; you might need a couple of touch-ups throughout the day. However, since they’re so easy to apply (and cheap, too), it’s not as troublesome as you might think. Just make sure that you keep the tips of your kohl liners properly sharpened and you’re good to go.

Gel Eyeliner

Best for: Various Looks, Normal or Oily Skin

Gel eyeliner, despite its name, has a creamy consistency that makes it easy to apply. It is as versatile as you can get when it comes to eyeliners: you can create both a sharp cat-eye or a dramatic smoky look simply by switching the brush that you use to apply it with.  And because you can choose the kind of brush to use (unlike liquid eyeliners that usually come with a built-in applicator), gel eyeliners are quite easy to control and achieve the look you want.

One thing to remember is that you should wait for a few seconds for the gel eyeliner to set before smudging it, so you don’t wipe most of it in one go. It can also dry out your skin rather quickly, which makes it a better fit for normal or oily skin. If you have dry skin, make sure you apply enough moisturizer around the eye area so the gel liner doesn’t flake off over time.

As you can see, there is really much more than meets the eye when it comes to picking an eyeliner. With this guide, we hope that we’ve made your decision a little bit easier to make.

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June 4, 2018

10 Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Stress

Article by Relax Like A Boss

Relaxation techniques can be really beneficial to your mental and physical health, if you practice them regularly.  So in this guide, we’ll cover 10 relaxation techniques to reduce stress – and the reasons why.

Physical Relaxation Techniques.

1. Breathing Exercises.

Breathing exercises have been recognised for centuries as a powerful tool for relaxation.

From the towering mountains of Tibet to the humble office of a psychological therapist, breathing is an incredibly versatile, way to reach a state of calmness and serenity.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

Based upon the premise that muscle tension is the body’s response to poor mental health, progressive muscle relaxation has been known to significantly improve symptoms of stress and anxiety.

3. Humming.

Simply find a quiet place to sit, relax the body, inhale and let out a long ‘hmm’ sound as you exhale.

When you run out of breath, breathe in and repeat. Continue this exercise for 10-15 minutes.

4. Yoga.

Many studies have even recognised yoga as an effective intervention for illnesses such as asthma, schizophrenia and heart disease.

5. T’ai Chi.

T’ai chi has also been measured to reduce levels of cortisol in the blood, increase endorphins and reduce levels of inflammatory markers in the body.

6. Exercise.

Physical exercise is known to stimulate the release of endorphins – hormones that interact with the brain and trigger positive bodily feelings, similar to those associated with morphine.

7. Meditation.

Meditation is incredibly effective in reducing stress and promoting feelings of relaxation.

In one study conducted by Harvard, just an average of 27 minutes of daily meditation over 8 weeks produced profound changes in the brain.

8. Listen To Nature Sounds.

When you find your mind overrun with anxiety or by stress, simply reconnect with nature.

Step outside, take a deep breath, and embrace the modest beauty of the world around you.

9. Get Into A Routine.

Simply establishing a daily or weekly routine, built to maximise productivity and wellbeing, can have tremendous effects on overall health.

Source

10. Listen To Music.

Music has long been recognised for its powerful impact on mood and wellbeing.

Choose a peaceful, soothing track or album to enjoy. Perhaps light some candles and enjoy the melody with a hot mug of tea in hand.

Summary.

If you want to make the most out of these relaxation techniques, keep practicing them.

Be persistent. Consistent. And find the techniques that work for you.

Enjoy!

 

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June 4, 2018

Jasmine Sanders Wears Alias Mae. Check Out Her Photo.

LOS ANGELES, CA – June 4, 2018 – Jasmine Sanders shared a few photos on her Instagram over the weekend wearing Alias Mae’s Alla Snake Boots ($399, www.aliasmae.com).
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June 4, 2018

How To Revamp Your Beauty Cabinet With Top-Shelf Products

When it comes to beauty products, you want the best you can buy. Don’t settle for low-quality brands just because of the thrifty price. Upgrade your beauty cabinet with products that will actually help you achieve a gorgeous glow. As you revamp your product selection, make sure you know how to tell the difference between quality products and cheap knock-offs. Here are some tips on how to find the best beauty products:

What Makes A Top-Shelf Beauty Product?

The phrase “top shelf” is used to identify more refined, high-quality products in a variety of industries. The same goes for top-shelf beauty products: these are the beauty items that are the best on the market. Top-shelf products will have higher quality ingredients, compared to the lower shelf brands that go for cheaper materials and additives. Be mindful of what is actually in your beauty products because ingredients truly matter. When you read the label of your product, take a look at the first few ingredients because they will make up the bulk volume of the product. You should also do an internet search of any ingredients that are unfamiliar, as you don’t want to put something on your body that will cause a negative reaction. Make sure your products have a blend of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that will rejuvenate your skin.

Which Types of Products Need to Be High Quality?

If you aren’t able to do a complete overhaul of your beauty cabinet, there are some essential items you should upgrade. You will want a high-quality nighttime facial moisturizer, so your skin can recover from your day. Choose a facial moisturizer serum that has naturally derived ingredients that are paraben free for a glowing and dewy look. Also, splurge on a facial serum that has collagen as an ingredient, so you can combat any damage from UV rays and pollution and reduce the development of wrinkles and an aged appearance. Another way to identify which top-shelf items you need is to assess your daily beauty routine. For example, if your daily makeup routine mainly relies on primer, foundation and mascara application, you should invest in the best brands of those items.

Tips For Finding Top-Shelf Products

Now that you know what a top-shelf product is, it is now your job to find products that are right for you. But where do you start your search? Begin by looking at the social media pages of leaders in the beauty industry, such as Amway, so you can follow the latest trends in top-shelf makeup. Beyond company profiles, you should also follow the most popular beauty bloggers that consistently review products. Be careful though, as many bloggers are advertising products provided by sponsors and their review may be skewed. Look for recommendations that use hashtags like #notanad and #notsponsored, so you know you’re getting the opinion of the beauty blogger rather than their sponsor.

You can also follow top-shelf beauty trends on websites like Into the Gloss, which feature the beauty collections of celebrities and other notable women. The blog won’t only guide you toward high-end products, but will also help you refine your skincare and beauty practices and routine.

The value of top-shelf products is priceless, as they will make a world of difference for your appearance. With thorough research, you can find outstanding beauty items that will work best for what you need and take your routine to the next level.

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June 4, 2018

If my hair could talk it would say… three little Words

With names like “Lets Get Naked”, “Let’s Get Tacos”,  “Laughter is Best” (shampoo) and “Winter is Coming”, to name a few, who can resist such a playful line of haircare. Needless to say my hair is loving TLW.  All it took was just Three Little Words, “TLW” to achieve, bouncy and beautifully shiny hair.

TWL is an Austrailian luxury Hair care line consisting of a Shampoo, Conditioner, Frizz Fighter, Texturizing Spray and Treatment Oil. Use one or all of them to see fantastic results. The Shampoo smells fantastic and lathers up to a luxurious foam as the conditioner comliments the shampoo. The conditioner is a “MUST HAVE” if you have thick hair as it  also works as a detangler, at least for me it did. I loved it!

“TLW has been developed for people with busy lives who demand multifunctional products- products which will prolong the life of their blow dry, reduce drying time, minimize the need for washing too often, improve the condition of the hair, and give a sensational salon-quality finish.”

TLW products are free from sulphates and parabens, contain all natural ingredients, are never tested on animals, and are made exclusively in Melbourne, Australia.

Laughter Is Best Shampoo & Winter Is Coming Conditioner to cleanse hydrate and condition. This also works great on color treated hair, damaged or dry hair. Formulated with keratin and silk proteins that work to restructure the hair and keep it strong and features UV protection to shield hair from sun damage. Winter Is Coming Conditioner contains almond and macadamia oils to prevent breakage, improve strength, hydrate hair and scalp, relieve a dry and itchy scalp as well as add shine.

Let’s Get Tacos Treatment Oil & Let’s Get Naked Frizz Fighter will tame frizzy hair. Trust me when I tell you that I was in the rain on Friday at  a graduation. It was hot and humid which I anticipated and Let’s Get Naked Frizz Fighter kept my curly hair calm and it looked great in photos. It is formulated with keratin and silk protein to increase manageability and it really works.

All of the products in the TWL Haircare line are formulated to prolong the life of your style, while reducing drying time, leaving more time to do other important things

You can view TWL Collection and make your purchase at tlwproducts.com

 

 

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June 3, 2018

Richard Purvis, CEO of Skin Moderne Inc. & Author Gives Nutritional Tips

Skin Moderne Superfood Based Skin Care Product

Skin Moderne Super Food Based Skin Care Product

Richard Purvis, author of Recalibrate: Six Secrets To Resetting Your Age and CEO of Skin Moderne Inc.  says, ““Scientists have now determined that humans have two brains; the second one resides in the belly and is called the enteric nervous system. “It has more neurons than the spinal column or central nervous system.  Understanding the relationship helps to clarify why the process of taking care of the gut and the brain within it also helps improve the health of the brain in your head.”

Research shows there is actually a tangible connection between belly health and brain health, and that linkage can affect emotions and cognitive processing.

Research conducted at the California Institute of Technology by Elaine Hsiao showed how unhealthy or healthy microorganisms in the stomach can influence behaviors differently. Another study, led by Kirsten Tillisch at UCLA, suggested probiotics can have a positive effect on behavior, mental outlook and brain function.

A Tufts University study estimates that over 318,000 deaths a year, or nearly half of American deaths caused by heart disease, stroke and diabetes, were hastened by unhealthy eating.

“Processed foods and sugar are among the biggest culprits  for promoting the growth of bad bacteria in the gut (belly),” Purvis says. “You can greatly improve your gut health and by extension your brain health by being kinder to it on a daily basis.”

Purvis recommends four nutritional tips – and a nature trip – that benefit your belly and your brain:

  • Daily servings of cultured, fermented probiotic-rich foods. “Sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha pickled veggies, yogurt, and kefir encourage the growth of good bacteria,” Purvis says.  “By ingesting healthy, probiotic-rich foods, you are guaranteed colony-forming units of bacteria, plus food sources are much cheaper than supplements.”
  • Prebiotic foods. Non-digestible short-chain fatty acids help your good bacteria flourish, says Purvis. These are found in artichokes, garlic, leeks, dandelion greens, beans, oats, onions and asparagus.
  • A diet that keeps blood sugar balanced. “This also keeps gut bacteria balanced,” Purvis says. “A diet high in rich sources of fiber, especially derived from whole fruits and vegetables, feeds the good gut bacteria and produces the right balance of those short-chain fatty acids to keep the gut lining in check.”
  • Gluten reduction.  Reducing gluten, or avoiding it altogether, Purvis says, will further improve gut health as well as healthy brain physiology. He agrees with medical professionals who say gluten can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, hurting digestion and sometimes leading to “leaky gut,” or damaged intestine walls.
  • Getting outside and into nature. “You need to connect with more microorganisms – the more, the merrier,” Purvis says. “Their purpose is to perform life-sustaining functions. Move outside, do some gardening, plant flowers, mow the lawn, take a walk in the woods. Do things that connect you and your immune system with all the microorganisms in the soil.”

“Lifestyle choice is considered by most the culprit contributing to our unhealthy bacteria,” Purvis says. “So you have a choice, and the one you make with your diet will affect your whole body, and not least of all, your brain.”

Richard Purvis is the CEO of Skin Moderne Inc. (www.skinmoderne.com) and author of Recalibrate: Six Secrets to Resetting Your Age. He has more than 30 years of experience in nutrition, exercise, anti-aging and overall wellness. Along with starting Skin Moderne, he is the founder of wellness companies Nutrimax, Nutritbrands and Skin Nutrition, and the co-founder of Noggin Nosh. 

We are glad to learn of the above info from Richard Purvis and we will be checking out his book. Watch this video of Purvis talking about the Skin Moderne brand of skincare.

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June 1, 2018

EverSmile, Orthodontist offers tips on how to get rid of bad breath once and for all

EverSmile and Dr. Michael Florman tell Us 4 Ways to Get Rid of  Bad Breath Once and For All.

Image from eversmilewhite.com

Image from eversmilewhite.com

 

It’s something that none of us wants, but at some point we likely all experienced it. Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is a condition that leaves you running for your toothbrush or worse yet, prompt others to run from you. June is Oral Health Month, making it a great time to nip this common problem in the bud. In fact, it’s so common that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that up to half of the US population has suffered from it. That’s a big enough problem that knowing what causes it and how to get rid of it should become a higher priority.

“Having halitosis can be quite embarrassing and it’s something that nobody wants,” explains Dr. Michael Florman, a Los Angeles-based orthodontist and the chief executive officer of EverSmile, Inc. “Many people are just not sure how to tackle the problem, so they continue to suffer in silence, often afraid to talk and open up to those who come near them.”

The NIH reports that bad breath is caused by food residue and bacteria that accumulates in the furrows of the tongue. Those accumulations are then broken down by volatile compounds that lead to the unpleasant smell. Bad breath can also be caused by poor oral hygiene. Some of the same bacteria that causes the bad breath can also lead to cavities and gum disease.

Additional things that contribute to bad breath include smoking and chewing tobacco, certain medications, and medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which has the bad breath originating in the stomach, and also dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when people do not produce enough saliva. There are still other conditions that can cause bad breath, such as respiratory tract infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, postnasal drip, and sinus infections.

While there are many factors that can contribute to having bad breath, there are also things you can do to help rid yourself of it. Here are a few ways to help get rid of and prevent bad breath:

  • Good oral hygiene. Certain remedies are obvious to reduce or eliminate bad breath depending the etiology. Brushing your teeth regularly, flossing and scraping your tongue all reduce bacteria that cause bad breath. The only way to make sure that you have good oral hygiene is to visit your dentist regularly. Visiting your dentist will help determine if you are maintaining good oral hygiene, if you have gum disease or bad teeth.
  • Drink and snack better. Drinking water will help keep odor under control because it helps move those acids through the digestive tract. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, because bad breath can be a sign of dehydration. Also, eating a healthy snack will also help settle down odors from the stomach.
  • Try commercial remedies. Over the counter remedies such as using mouth rinses, toothpastes, and sugar free chewing gums all can help. Regular brushing and flossing removes bacteria and plaque from teeth and gums. One of the newest products on the market to combat bad breath is EverSmile WhitenFresh. Unlike other breath fresheners, WhitenFresh uses patent pending hydrogen peroxide and surfactants to kill bacteria that cause bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth decay. The gentle WhitenFresh formula is sprayed into the mouth up to four times per, each time reducing the number of the bacteria and odor causing molecules. WhitenFresh can be used when on the go, and makes an incredible added benefit to daily brushing and flossing routines. An additional benefit derived from using WhitenFresh is that it also whitens teeth.
  • Keep food in mind. If you want to avoid bad breath for a particular meeting or date, be sure to avoid eating those foods right before it that help to cause it. These foods include garlic, onion, and fish. If you eat these foods and plan to be around others, you can help mask it by chewing on some parsley, or chew some gum. Keep mind, however, that it will only help reduce the odor for a short time.

“Bad breath is not attractive, but it’s not something you are stuck with either,” added Dr. Florman. “Your best route to eliminating it is through good oral health care. If you still have it regularly speak with your dentist or doctor about what could be causing it so that it can be addressed. Getting rid of that bad breath will give you more of a reason to smile.”

EverSmile has created a line of products that will help those with braces, aligners, and retainers keep their devices clean. At the same time, they will be able to clean their aligners, whiten their teeth, and freshen their breath. The products are now available in 4,600 CVS stores around the nation. The line of products includes EverSmile WhiteFoam, which gently cleans aligners or trays, EverSmile OrthoFoam, which cleans under and over braces, and EverSmile WhitenFresh, which is a freshening and tooth whitening spray that kills bacteria that causes bad breath and tooth decay.

EverSmile products use patent pending EverClean™ technology, which cleans and whitens using proprietary surfactants, solvents, and hydrogen peroxide. It breaks up organic stain particles that discolor the teeth and dental appliances.

Dr. Florman, who practices in Los Angeles, is considered to be one of the top Invisalign providers in the country and has over 25 years of consulting experience for oral care companies including for Colgate, Arm & Hammer, and others. Dr. Florman has invented multiple dental products has brought several products from inception to commercial success. For more information about the company and products, visit their site at: eversmilewhite.com.

About EverSmile

Located in Los Angeles, EverSmile’s mission is to create new and advanced oral care products that will change patients’ lives. Currently in development are our new sensitivity-free whitening agents, dry mouth formulations, low-abrasion toothpastes, and a complete children’s dental line. For more information about the company and products, visit their site at: eversmilewhite.com.

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May 31, 2018

Men’s Wedding Bands – Finding a Professional Wedding Photographer

Photographs that are shot during a wedding serve as a constant reminder of the special day. Wedding photographers often specialize in different styles and provide a variety of services. Selecting a photographer for your big day requires careful consideration in regards to the types of pictures that will document the celebration. Adequate research and interviews are crucial for ensuring that you choose the right candidate.

Wedding Photography Style

An important step is to decide the wedding photography style that you prefer. There are different photography styles and photographers who are specialists in these areas. Set aside some time to find out more about the styles and the one that is most suitable for you. Some of the styles include the following:

  • Classic or traditional- A photographer typically uses a shot list that ensures they capture a range of traditional pictures that the couple has requested.
  • Photojournalism involves a documentary approach. Photographers follow the couple and opt for pictures that are not posed. They try to tell wedding stories in a natural and authentic way.
  • Illustrative photography combines traditional and photojournalism styles. It consists of posed and planned pictures while emphasizing on informal and relaxed poses within structured compositions.
  • Fashionable wedding photography is usually more dramatic than other styles and seeks to make the subjects look more styled and glamorous. Visit https://www.mensweddingbands.com for more information.

Begin the Search

Begin your search early because booking a wedding photographer is among the first tasks that should be undertaken after identifying a venue. There is a high demand for wedding photographers, especially during busy seasons and the best ones are often booked in advance. If your wedding is during off-peak season, it will be easier for you to find a photographer at short notice. Look for a photographer well in advance for a peak season wedding.

Personal Recommendations

Reputable wedding photographers may be well known among friends and family members. You can begin your search by asking for recommendations from people you trust and know. Consider talking to people who were recently married and find out about their experience.

  • If someone recommends a certain photographer who worked at her wedding, request for the photo album.
  • It is important to note that people have varied ideas and preferences regarding what good wedding photography entails.
  • You can consult other professionals that will be working on your wedding. Wedding planners, for instance, are likely to have amazing contacts.

Avoid Amateur Photography

Although you may be tempted to hire a family member of friend to handle your wedding photography, you may end up being disappointed. Hiring a person you know does not necessarily mean they will be able to produce the pictures you want. It is unlikely that this type of person will have the required experience and technical skills to provide the best photos.

Online Search

Another good way to look for photographers is by searching online. There are many people who advertise their services and you can narrow down your search. Focus on people who have plenty of experience and provide enough information about their work and the kind of photography that they do.

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