Archives for 2018

February 28, 2018

Get the Glow with the Antioxidant Superfood Mix Forever Beautiful

by Lisa Gal

Who can pass up a food named Forever Beautiful? It is just one of the Superfood Mixes from Your Superfoods making healthy eating easy. Did you know 8 out of the 10 people don’t consume enough vitamins and minerals on a daily basis? And that can make you tired, unhealthy and possibly sick? Together with orthomoleculair nutritionist, Your Super Foods formulated 7 functional superfood (& protein) mixes for extra energy, immunity, antioxidants and plant protein. Simply add one spoonful of superfoods daily to your breakfast for an extra portion of natural vitamins and minerals from whole foods. The nominees, talent and guests staying at the Four Seasons Hotel this weekend are going to love their super food mix in their Hollywood Swag Bags!

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

 Kate Middleton Wears Séraphine Again!

 
NEW YORK, NY – February 28, 2018 – The Duchess of Cambridge wore Séraphine’s Royal Blue Tailored Maternity Dress ($169) during her visit to the first annual Royal Foundation Forum yesterday. This is the Duchess’ third time wearing this style!
Séraphine’s Royal Blue Tailored Maternity Dress is designed to accentuate the empire waist with stylish gold button detailing under the bust. This dress is a favorite of the Duchess of Cambridge, who has worn it several times throughout her third pregnancy.  Made in premium stretch woven fabric, it will adapt to your growing curves throughout your pregnancy.
Photo credit Getty
SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

March 18th-The Better Skin Co. Is Coming To An ULTA Near You

On March 18th, the indie beauty brand The Better Skin Co. is coming to an ULTA Beauty Store near you!

After launching a little more than two years ago with their Mirakle CreamGenius in a Jar,” TBSCO’s collection of skincare products including Lava Magik and Zit No More will be available on ULTA store shelves from sea to shining sea!

 To celebrate this occasion, a FREE Deluxe Traveler (.25 oz. of Mirakle Cream) will be given with any in-store TBSCO purchases.

From 3/18 to 4/7, ULTA.com will be offering TBSCO’s Lava Magik at 40% off as part of their 21 days of Beauty promotion.

Better Skin Mirakle Cream2 oz., $34
• This ingredient rich recipe, imported from the Republic of Uzbekistan, is handcrafted in the USA with love and beautiful ingredients such as coconut oil, sea buckthorn, shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe, and soothing algae to help moisturize the skin.
• Peptides and hyaluronic acid help skin appear smoother, more youthful and radiant.

Better Skin Zit No More.2 oz., $18
• Zit No More is a super strength zit zapper in an easy breezy rollerball.
• This wonder potion contains salicylic acid wrapped in THREE soothing essential oils.
• The formula is boosted with PhytoVie® pollution defense to assist the skin with its battle against pollutants.
• Paraben-free, Gluten-free and Vegan For All Skin Types, Women & Men.

Better Skin Epik C Vitamin C Serum1 oz., $42
• A super hydrating, skin tightening, spirit lifting serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines using cutting-edge plant-based technology.
• Advanced Vitamin C formula works hard to improve the appearance of skin.
• Botanicals and fruit extracts help guard against pollution.
• Scented with a hint of lemon.

Better Skin Lava Magik– Cleanser • Scrub • Mask; 2 oz., $32
• A daily cleanser, exfoliating scrub and revitalizing mask.
• Skin cleansing volcanic lava from France enriched with nourishing calendula, sweet orange and grapeseed oils, cucumber, parsley, and chamomile for healthy radiant, more youthful looking skin.

About The Better Skin Co.
The Better Skin Co., was founded in 2015 by trained aesthetician Natalya Rachkova and beauty industry veteran Murphy Bishop, II. Before becoming a sought-after skin care brand, The Better Skin Co., started as a recipe, brought by Natalya from her home of Uzbekistan to her new home of Seattle, Washington. Once settled in America, Natalya began making her miracle cream in small batches, and soon word of mouth spread. To keep with the demand, she partnered with Bishop. Bishop brought with him a reputation of success as well as a team of chemists that scientifically advanced the formula. Today, The Better Skin Co. blends the best of Natalya’s Uzbekistan upbringing with the technological advancements of science.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

For Girls Who Like to Brunch

by Lisa Gal

Be Tini Spirits are premium pre-mixed cocktails with 30 Tini Calories or less per oz. With 2 new flavors for a total 6 to choose from you can indulge in all your favorites with none of the guilt. But don’t stop there, the recipe possibilities are endless, so be sure to check out their growing list of recipe favorites like Be Tini Pink Cranberry Cosmo and Be Tini Mai Tai or “Be Inspired” and create your own. Award winning and low cal, what’s stopping you from adding it to your weekend? The nominees, talent and guests staying at The Four Seasons Hotel will get their very own bottle in their Hollywood Swag Bags this weekend honoring the biggest red carpet event of the year!

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

How to become an incredible gift giver

Giving gifts is a fantastic way for you to show your loved ones just how much you care. Of course, you can do this by showering them with compliments, lending a friendly ear to their problems, and celebrating their successes. However, there is something incredibly moving about finding a tangible representation of your special relationship. That is why you should constantly be on the lookout for exciting presents to pass on. If you are worried about disappointing your loved ones, it is vital that you take every precaution. Below are six steps that will guide you through the process of buying the perfect gift.

Create a budget

Firstly, you should create a budget for the gifts that you are trying to buy, as this is especially important if you are hoping to save funds and keep a close eye on your finances. It is also a great way for you to narrow down your options. With the growth of online shopping and the enormous amounts of stores at your local malls, it can sometimes be overwhelming when you are trying to find the right gift. Establishing your budget will help you to eliminate unnecessary distractions. For instance, if you are shopping for a relatively thrifty gift, you will need to stay away from expensive stores and use search filters when shopping online.

Give yourself plenty of time

The next step is to give yourself plenty of time to find your perfect gift. Instead of panicking at the last minute and throwing the first thing you find in your cart, it is important that you have the breathing space you need to enjoy the shopping process. One way of achieving this is by making all of your purchases at least one month in advance. So, if you know someone who has a birthday in September, you will need to buy their present in August. Or, if you are getting ready for Valentine’s Day, you will need to have finished your shopping by the end of January. Doing this will help you to manage your stress levels and will give you plenty of time to change your mind. Even if you are hit with a last minute invite, it is still possible to be prepared. Simply select a drawer or cupboard in your home to store emergency presents and gift cards. Then, if you caught by surprise, you will have all of your bases covered.  

Work with other people to make the process less stressful

Another useful tip is to work with other people to make the gift buying process less stressful. You could even make an event of it and plan a day of shopping with your closest friends. Not only is this the perfect opportunity for you to catch up with your loved ones, but it is also a great way for you to get other people’s advice. Why carry the burden alone, when you can turn to others for support? Ideally, you should collaborate with people who have similar interests to the recipient of your gift. Perhaps they are the same age, gender, or clothing size. This will come in handy if you are struggling to make the right decision. Just make sure that you avoid working with people who are too close to the person that you are buying the gift for. Otherwise, you run the risk of word getting back to your loved one before you have the chance to give them their surprise.

Evaluate the gifts you have received over the years

If you are buying a gift for someone that you have known for a long time, another great idea is to evaluate the presents that you have received over the years. It will save you from making an inappropriate purchase. To get it right, you can’t afford to spend too much money, take a risk on a joke gift that backfires, or make the situation uncomfortable by purchasing something overly sentimental. Writing a list of the gifts they have given you will help you to understand where you are at in your relationship. Even if you’ve never received a gift from them before, it is still worth your while thinking about the presents you have received from other people. Try to think of at least one that really bowled you over. Then, work out what exactly it was that made this present so special.

Think about the specialist interests of the recipient

Perhaps your favorite ever gift came from someone who truly thought about your interests. It is a fantastic approach if you are determined to show your loved one just how well you know them. Instead of purchasing a generic item that anyone could have bought, you should set your sights a little higher. You can do this by creating a mood board that features all of the specialist interests of the person you are buying for. Maybe they love to spend time in the garden, or perhaps they enjoy reading crime fiction. Whatever the case, there is sure to be a gift out there that perfectly reflects their passions. For instance, if the recipient of your gift is a proud cat owner, you could surprise them with a Limoges cat box. What better opportunity for you to provide them with a thoughtful and beautiful gift that will stand the test of time?

Consider your presentation

Once you have found a gift that you are happy with, you should think carefully about the way that you are going to present it. Whatever you do, don’t settle for a simple gift bag or a plain sheet of wrapping paper. Instead, you should use this as an opportunity to get creative. It could involve anything from making your own wrapping paper to purchasing personalized present toppers. This is an especially good idea if you are attending a celebration where lots of gifts will be given. Why allow your special present to blend into the background when you can make it stand out for all the right reasons? Taking care of your gift wrapping is the best way to ensure your present has the desired effect.  

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

Wildly Refined Tequila from Oaxaca

by Lisa Gal

What makes BOZAL mezcal Espadin-Barril-Mexicano a superior tequila is it’s harmonious blend of 3 different agave. The Espadín agave, known as the genetic Mother of the Blue Weber Agave, is used to produce tequila, and is also the predominant agave used in mezcal production. Unique in itself, the characteristics of this agave showcase the aromas of wet earth, a rich smokiness on the mid-palate, and a finish reminiscent of wild flowers. Barril is a thick-foliaged, wild agave, often used as fencing to divide land in Oaxaca, intensifies the complexity of this mezcal. As citrus and floral notes arise, hints of green peppers compliment the nose. The palate is a delightful balance of citrus and creamy banana. The Mexicano agave thrives in the moist environment of lower elevations. This wild agave can grow quite large and is usually harvested when close to ten years of age. The concentration of sugar in the fully mature agave produces an extremely powerful mezcal. The palate is distinctively herbaceous and earthy with a long lasting finish in the mouth. This light and easy sipping mezcal is housed in a beautiful ceramic bottle, which you won’t want to part with even after its empty. We are thrilled to include this mezcal ensemble in our Hollywood Swag Bag gifting this weekend at The Four Seasons Hotel honoring the nominees, talent and guests staying for the biggest award show of the year!

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

Blocking Out Blue Light with The 1 Voice Eye Mask

Blocking out blue light can help you get a better night’s sleep! From glowing computer monitors to alarm clocks and any number of blinking electronics, the brain can be stimulated to think it’s daylight!

The 1 Voice Eye mask

The 1 Voice Eye Mask

The 1 Voice Eye Mask is made of soft foam that gently covers your eyes to block out any light. In addition, the earphones are placed over ears giving the option to listen to soothing sounds from your phone!  Great for travel, naps, to block out a noisy neighbor and more, the 1 Voice Eye Mask features:

  • Syncs with phone either with the Bluetooth version or the direct plug in version so you can tune out noise and play soothing sounds of choice
  • Cozy, memory foam for ultimate comfort
  • Compatible with any phone/MP3 player
  • Machine washable
  • Adjustable strap for the ultimate fit

With blue light falsely signaling minds it’s daytime as reported by Harvard Medical School, the 1 Voice eye mask can help to get a better night’s sleep or even help with a much coveted daytime nap. Bluetooth is $59 and plug in option is $49. Both are available on 1VoiceNYC.com

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

Home Improvements that can add big value to your house

Introduction

Before selling your house, you need to consider the market and make sure that your house is in the best state, to ensure the highest value during sale. A number of activities would improve your house and the value. Depending on the state of the house, these activities might be expensive or not. The kind of improvements you can take on, therefore depend on the amount of money you have to spend. It is therefore important to have a list of the improvements that have higher priorities. This article lists all the affordable and proven ways of increasing the total cost of your house.

  1. Low cost improvements

The list below contains some of the improvements that will not cost you more than your effort.

  1. Cleaning

You have to ensure that your house is clean before a sale. Cleaning your house will increase the value by a certain percentage due to the appeal it gains. It is also important to ensure that the environment around the house is clean and squeaky. This means that you should rid the environment of any source of foul odors, any garbage or extra leaves on the backyard.

      2. Simple paint job

One of the features that suggest a house is old is an old paint job. You need to redo the paint in your house. This helps cover any scratches on the house and increase the overall appearance of the house.

      3.  Outdoor improvement

It is advisable to consider the outdoor appeal. You need to replace the old features of anything on the outdoors. This means replacing or repainting the benches and mailbox outside the house, increasing the flowers and other plants outside the house. For houses with grass, it would be advisable to mow the grass and level it.

       4. Minimal changes

Some of the minimal changes you can tackle include changing knobs on doors and windows as well as any wallpaper in the house. You need to place all furniture strategically in the house to ensure that the house’s rooms have a pre-arrangement that suggests their purpose.

2.    Moderate to High Cost Improvements

These improvements might include remodels.

  1. Floor polishing

Floor polishing Brisbane services will improve the house floor. The old floor might have a number of dents or scratches that might affect the buyer’s perception of the house. Polishing, however, is easy and affordable, which means that you will have a new look on the floor for a fair price. This will increase the value of the house greatly.

        2. Space

It is advisable to increase the space of the house. Most people prefer to increase the space by adding an additional room, mostly a bedroom, to the house. Although this might be an expensive process, it will improve the value of the house, which means that the total cost of the additional room will be covered by the sale.

        3. Electricity and Water systems

Your new house should have all functions fully running. This means that electricity should function property and the water run, as it should. You should hire a plumber for a complete assessment of the house water system, which includes the water supply and disposal systems.

A professional electrician is also advisable to ensure that all connections are flawless and any old connection redone. All power outlets should function and all lights perform, as they should.

        4.  Lighting

A buyer would prefer purchasing a house with ample lighting in all rooms. As the owner intending to sell, ensure that the house receives ample natural light in all rooms during the day and ample electricity light during the dark.

To increase light during the day, you should reconsider the position of your windows and the nature of your doors. Most houses with gardens would be better with glass doors. If your house does not receive ample light during the day or night, consider getting advice from a contractor who will analyze the state of the house and strategize on the best positions for a window as well as the best windows to use for such a function.

        5.  Energy saving

Saving energy is an important and effective way of saving energy in your house. You should integrate air conditioning systems that save more energy than the old systems do. You should also consider insulation of door, especially the garage and the arctic. These energy saving systems will improve the value of the house greatly.

Conclusion

An improvement on the house will improve the value, regardless of the amount or effort it requires. You should consider any improvement including attending to some of the bushes that require attention around the house. Any drainage should be in perfect functional shape for that purpose. Professional help is an added advantage when considering the improvements that your budget can handle.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

Your guide to the perfect at-home pedicure with tips from beauty expert Skyy Hadley.

The tools you need to get a spa-like pedicure at home:

  • Cuticle remover
  • Cuticle pusher
  • Cuticle nipper
  • Nail clippers
  • Nail file
  • Nail polish remover
  • Cotton balls or pads
  • Base and top coat

Here is a step-by-step guide to get the perfect pedicure:

  • Apply cuticle remover and allow it to sit for the time indicated on the packaging
  • Using a cuticle pusher, push cuticles back away from the base of your toenails. Clean feet with your body wash or soap to wash away cuticle remover
  • Use a cuticle nipper to very carefully remove any loose cuticle or hangnails. You don’t want to cut into your cuticles. Nicking this area can lead to infection.
  • If necessary, trim nails down to a good length
  • Use a nail file to smooth and shape your toenails
  • Using a cotton ball or pad, wipe each toenail with nail polish remover to remove excess oils
  • Next, apply a base coat to all toenails
  • Add nail color, apply two coats
  • Clean up, use a nail brush or an orangewood stick and polish remover to remove any polish slips
  • Finish by applying a clear top coat to protect your work

To make your feet less rough/sough stick your feet in a tub of warm water for about 15 minutes. You can add a capful of distilled white vinegar and/or a few drops of tea tree oil if you’re concerned about fungal infections. For water retention or particularly achy feet, toss in a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts. Next, to slough off the dead skin, gently dry your feet, then have at the bottom of your feet with a serious foot file. I recommend using a Ped Egg to get rid of the dead skin.

For applying polish to prevent chipping or smudging reapply a layer or clear topcoat every two to three days.

I recommend using two particular products to make your pedicure last longer:

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
February 28, 2018

The Darker Side of Fiction with Laurencia Hoffman

by Lisa Gal

Laurencia Hoffman is a freelance writer, author and co-author of 9 books and counting. She tends to be drawn to the darker side of fiction, drawing on everything around her. Hoffman’s books can be purchased online through Amazon for the Kindle or in paperback. When she’s not writing, she also enjoys making her own line of natural products, satisfying her sweet tooth, and watching films. We are thrilled to include 3 of her titles, No Love Lost, Life and Death and A Wish for Remembrance in our Hollywood Swag Bags being gifted to the nominees, talent and guests staying at The Four Seasons Hotel this weekend for the biggest award show of the year.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook