We all are on the go, and this unscented or coconut scented, SPF30, chemical free, coral reef safe, zinc sunscreen from Elemental Herbs® is a “must have” for the whole family!

From your pocket to briefcase, back pack, to beach bag, be sure to take this “Planet Friendly” portable little SUNSTICK everywhere you go, and remember, it’s suitable for kids, too! You may want to keep a few on hand.

It’s very important to use sun protection all year round, and with Summer right around the corner, and all of the upcoming outdoor activities…. it’s essential.

I recently had my eyebrows enhanced with permanent color, and was told to use a sunscreen every day to keep the color from fading. SUNSTICK, being so light weight and clear, is the ideal solution for me.

Both gals and guys with outdoor jobs, or sports enthusiasts should also remember not to neglect the back of their necks when applying sunscreen. There’s no mess with SUNSTICK. It’s so easy to apply!

Visit the Elemental Herbs® website where you can get more information about SUNSTICK, and view their other exceptional products, purchase products online, or locate a store near you. www.elementalherbs.com

There always seems to be so many new “in” products coming out that offer promises and new ingredients that will work wonders on our skin, and we generally find that they are short lived, and quickly replaced by other “new and improved” products with more promises. I can speak from experience, since skin care has always been a top priority to me throughout my career, and I’ve tried and tested many products.

LEXLI is a new skin care system founded by, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr.Ahmed Abdullah. (And I quote) “Dr.Ahmed Abdullah was one of the pioneers who began utilizing pharmaceutical -grade aloe vera in their plastic surgery practices for the treatment of skin damage, including burns, and lesions.”

Dr. Abdullah says, “When it comes to skin care, ‘less is more’ is a mantra repeated by experts, no matter how often new and improved technologies are introduced.” Long known for its healing properties, aloe vera has been proven to produce restorative and medicinal effects. Lexli offers results-driven products with high technology formula and a cocktail of essential ingredients to ensure optimal skin health post-treatment and beyond.”

I found the LEXLI system very simple, easy to use, and effective products that impart a clean, yet soft and supple feeling to my skin, along with a healthier skin color that has replaced my sometimes dull top surface skin appearance. My husband actually commented on how good I looked, and I didn’t have any makeup on… Now that’s impressive!!

(Quoted from informational literature) “ The Lexli Skincare Collection is based on a simple four-step system designed to rejuvenate and restore the skin back to health. Lexli’s unique formulation uses 100% pure pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera as the base of each product. According to Dr. Abdullah, “skin care doesn’t need to be a complex ritual. There are many companies who claim different methods to solve common skin challenges like acne or wrinkles. We believe good skin care is more about frequent, preventative care. The key is basic cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and protecting.”

What I really like about LEXLI is that they offer a “Starter Kit”, pictured above. This is the perfect way to find out if LEXLI is right for you. (It’s also terrific for travel.)

ONE lucky person will win a LELXI “Starter Kit” valued at $84.00!
Register now on the following link:
http://itsaglamthing.com/winit-6.php

To find out more about LEXLI skincare products, visit their website at: www.lexli.com

“LEXLI is available at select spas, physician offices and salons.” You will be able to find a listing of participating retailers on the website.“Because Lexli is unlike any other over-the-counter skincare brand, it is advised that consumers use the product line under the guidance of a licensed skincare expert.”

About Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, M.D., F.A.C.S.
“Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, a board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon, is CEO and co-founder of Lexli International, Inc. A recognized expert on the restorative and medicinal effects of aloe vera, Dr. Abdullah is the formulator of the Lexli® line of aloe-based skincare, including the company’s flagship product, AloeGlyC Renewing Exfoliant®. He is a member of the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) based in Dallas, Texas, and has served on its board of directors”.

In addition to his work with Lexli International, Dr. Abdullah is a clinical associate professor in plastic surgery at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks, N.D. He owns and practices at Plastic Surgery Institute PC and the Lexli Skin Care Center, and is co-owner of PSI Ambulatory Surgery Center and Heartland Diagnostic Services, all of which are based in Fargo, N.D.

A Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Abdullah serves on the Ethics Committee of the North Dakota Medical Association. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University in Chicago and completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.”
(Quoted from informational literature)

April is Autism Awareness Month and it’s fitting that Attorney Areva Martin’s top selling book,
“EVERYDAY ADVOCATE: STANDING UP FOR YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM OR OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS”,
will be re-released on April 5th in paperback.

Quoting from Areva Martin’s Biography:
“From humble beginnings in America’s heartland, Areva’s passionate advocacy on behalf of those whose voices are marginalized propelled her to the top of her field, graduating with honors from the University of Chicago and Harvard Law School.
 
Relocating to Los Angeles, she founded a thriving legal practice specializing in ADA, Employment and Housing Disability Discrimination, Family Law, and School Law (bullying & harassment), among others.  
 
But when Areva’s son, Marty, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, her profession became personal. Suddenly, this highly capable and accomplished woman’s most important title was “mom fighting for her child. “

With Areva’s resourcefulness, initiative, and education she was able to find the best treatment for her son, Marty, but thinking of others who might not have that advantage she founded the Special Needs Network (SNN) which is a non-profit organization that helps minorities and low income families do the same for their autistic children.

I asked Areva the following questions :

Vicki:: What are some signs that a that might indicate, to a parent, that their child might be autistic?

Areva:
There are many signs that a child with autism or a related developmental disability may display including delays in speech and language, avoidance of eye contact, difficulty tolerating noises. Rigid eating patterns, lining up of objectives and reluctance to interact with peers

Vicki: How is autism diagnosed, and are there different stages of autism?

Areva:
Autism is a spectrum disorder that is usually diagnosed by a series of test administered by a developmental pediatrician or a psychologist and by the evaluator performing an observation of the child in his or her natural environment. A written series of questions are also often given to parents.

Vicki:Is there a special education available for the autistic child, and what challenges might arise  with finding a proper schooling to suit a child’s specific needs?

Areva:
Children with autism spectrum disorders are legally entitled to receive special education from their local schools. Parents often face challenges in knowing what entitlements are available in the school system, how to request services, determining what educational placement is most appropriate and finding a school setting that meets all of a child’s varied needs.

Vicki: Please share how your book, EVERYDAY ADVOCATE: “STANDING UP FOR YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISTIC OR OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS”  will assist and educate  families who are dealing with problems that might arise from having a child with autism or special needs.

Areva:
The Everyday Advocate is a comprehensive guide book for parents. It provides step by step information to parents on how to recognize the warning signs, where to go for an evaluation, how to communicate with doctors, how to identify available interventions and to select the one best for your child, how to access school services including how to determine what school services are best, and how to engage in not just individual advocacy, but policy advocacy as well. The book also provides inspiration through a series of stories told about families I have represented in my legal practice or met through my non profit. In some ways, its like sitting down with a Harvard-trained lawyer and getting to pick her brain without paying the hourly fees of an attorney!

Vicki: How  does your non-profit I-Pad program help kids with autism, and make it possible to come to the aid of more families, including those who may  have financial problems?

Areva:
My non-profit, Special Needs Network, is providing an opportunity during National Autism Awareness month for families to win a free iPad at its annual parent and professional conference. The iPad is being offered to low and moderate income families who otherwise would not have an opportunity to purchase the device. The iPad offers so many wonderful applications for children with autism that we wanted to make sure those with the financial means are able to give the best to their children despite their financial situation.

You may find Areva Martin’s book:
EVERYDAY ADVOCATE: “STANDING UP FOR YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISTIC OR OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS” at any local bookstore in your area.

Much gratitude to you, Areva, for taking the time to address some questions regarding autism for our readers.

Your compassion is so acknowledged, as you deal with the challenge of autism with your own child and have taken the time to share with other less fortunate via your book, and SNN.

Wishing you all of the best with your ongoing efforts and thank you for your enlightenment regarding autism.

I couldn’t wait for my office phone to ring so I could interview Sean Kanan! After all, we all recognize Sean as the Young and the Restless “Soap Star” who comes into our homes each day as Deacon Sharpe , the very good looking, yet notorious “shady” character you have to “love”… even though he always has some kind of ” dubious game plan” up his sleeve!

When his call came, Sean’s charismatic and easy going personality set the mood for a very congenial conversation. After a few moments we realized that we shared a couple of mutual friends in the business, and I found myself quite interested in finding out more about some of the projects that this very multi-talented actor, writer and producer had going on, in addition to his starring role on The Young and the Restless.

Sean was extremely enthusiastic about a Rap Video that his girlfriend, FLIP CREATIVE Vice President/Manager, Michele Vega, was producing. It’s called “I’M A SOAP STAR” starring Sean, along with popular fellow “Soap Star” Ronn Moss, and a cast that sure seems to be having a fab time “RAPPING ON” in this “change of pace” venue!

Production of “I’M” A SOAP STAR” should be completed very soon, and I can only imagine that this will be something you won’t want to miss! . So keep checking in for “I’M A SOAP STAR, updates!

Sean is also starring in a movie that starts production in May, titled “MY TRIP BACK TO THE DARK SIDE”. The film will be directed by Emmy Award winning film maker, Shane Stanley, Michele Vega is one of the co-producers, and Sean will play a character named David Prince.

Quoting information from IMDB regarding “MY TRIP BACK TO THE DARK SIDE” :
“The genre is a comedy – thriller, and the Movie Storyline is about a dramatic turn of events that force Shawn Stone to take another trip to the dark side. This time he and David Prince join forces to make The Foreign Exchange.”

Sounds like a “Must See” movie to me, and will keep you posted as I receive any new information about Sean’s film and the Rap Video!

Rock on Sean! This is going to be a fast paced Summer with your busy schedule! Wishing you all the best and look forward to catching up with you again real soon!!

It was truly a pleasure to spend some time speaking with Claire Danes the other afternoon. From the moment we started talking it was more like a friendly conversation than a typical interview. I believe it’s that sincere interaction that makes the accomplished film, television and stage actress, Claire Danes, such a versatile and diverse performer.

I congratulated Claire on winning an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and Satellite Award for her role as Temple Grandin in the exceptional HBO-TV movie,
“Temple Grandin”.
www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html

We continued talking about how one feels when they receive such acknowledgement and an outstanding positive response toward their work such as this, and Claire said that she felt “wonderful, overwhelmed, humbled, grateful, and so glad that the audiences enjoyed the movie.”

Claire then told me that she had just completed a Showtime television pilot called “Homeland”. It’s suspenseful, and she plays a CIA officer who is somewhat of a maverick and risk taker. Co-stars in “Homeland” include Mandy Patinkin, and Damian Lewis. The show sounds quite intriguing, and I look forward to it’s airing.

On a personal level, Claire shared with me that two of her daily regimes include exercise, and using Latisse®.

– LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker. – Quoted from Latisse.com

Claire Dane’s Before and After pictures are very impressive:

Before Photo: Eyelashes of patient at baseline.

After Photo: Increased eyelash prominence of patient at end of 16-week use.

(The eyelashes displayed in these photos have not been retouched.)

After seeing the difference in her lashes after 4 months of using Latisse®, I could only think of one more question I needed to ask Claire, and that was if those beautiful, long, full lashes were a “real time saver” for her, in her daily morning routine….. She replied with a definite, “They are!”

You can see more pictures of Claire Danes, and her video documented “Latisse” Diary” by going to:
http://www.latisse.com/ClaireGallery.aspx?state=21

I then had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Joseph Eviatar, and would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his time and extremely helpful information regarding Latisse® and it’s use.

The following links will direct you to:
1. About Latisse®- Here you will find out more about Latisse®, Where to find a Doctor near you, Safety information, etc. :
http://www.latisse.com/Latisse.aspx?state=10

2. Become an insider- If you are a first time user of Latisse® sign up on this link for “Lash Perks, and when you buy 1 Latisse® treatment, you’ll get the next one free! You’ll also receive product updates, user tips, and other offers. :
http://www.latisse.com/BeAnInsider.aspx?state=60

Well….I’m ready for some beautiful lashes like Claire’s!!

GLAM GALS….How about you ?

Sunday, March 13th, was a perfect day to head downtown to McCormick Place in Chicago ! As a national makeup artist, and former national trainer for an international skin care company, there is nothing more exciting than an event like America’s Beauty Show. (This year’s show was March 12th-14th.)

I must truly say, it was even more fun covering the show as a beauty correspondent for www.itsaglamthing.com !

Over hundreds of vendors and manufacturers were on the ABS exhibit floor presenting the latest in beauty, makeup, skin, nail, hair products, and tools of the trade, providing an opportunity to learn, play, try, and purchase product while right in the midst of live presentations that provided non-stop energetic education, of “what’s happening” in the world of beauty!

Quoting Cosmetologists Chicago President Frank Gironda of Frank GIronda Salon and Spa, Naperville, IL , “… For 86 years, America’s Beauty Show has been THE Midwest Beauty Show and we fully intend to continue the tradition for many many years.

L’Oreal Professional, P&G Salon Professional, and John Paul Mitchell Systems, the three largest companies in the professional beauty industry, chose America’s Beauty Show for their exhibit appearance in the Midwest this year. TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, and Tony & Guy Academy, just to name a few, were also some of the big name companies exclusively at ABS.

Speaking of Vidal Sassoon, he made a special appearance at the “Red Carpet Premiere” of the highly rated documentary -VIDAL SASSOON THE MOVIE at ABS!

Much gratitude to Lisa Cocuzza for posting pictures as I sent them “live” from the show so our viewers could be right there with me having a “GLAM” time !!

I watched a number of the Instantly Ageless Facelift in a Bottle demonstrations throughout the day, and just before I left I decided to get some and try it out!
www.instantlyageless.com

I also enjoyed Fake Bake! It’s is the most
natural tan, and there is no streaking. Andi, (on the picture)
put some on my face, and I bought the whole kit. It’s a great
look I know you’ll just love ! They have some new glosses,
too that are so fab with your new tan!!
www.fakebake.com

I look forward to trying these new “beauty finds”, and giving you a full report in future blogs.

I had to try the Twist-n-Roll tweezers as soon as I got home. It’s the most convenient way to remove facial hair, right from the root, on your upper lip, chin, cheeks, and forehead that I have used. It doesn’t cause stubble or thicker hair out growth, and you don’t have to worry about breakouts or redness. Even more convenient, you can use Twist-n-Roll tweezers over makeup… without a mirror!!

Your skin feels and looks so smooth when it’s free from unwanted hair. Go to this link and see how to use this remarkable little hair removing tool at: www.facialwork.com It can be ordered on the site as well.

Have a “GLAM” day !!

The name Clairvoyant intrigued me, the packaging and product presentation transported my thoughts to a “once upon a time” feeling, the subtle calming scent of the products imparted a sense of well-being, and the synergy of this system delivered a clean, fresh and healthy glow to my skin…… and that was the first time I had ever used my Clairvoyant Beauty™ regimen!

I would almost say it was a moment of synchronicity!
I was tired from doing makeup on location since early that morning, but my intuition led me to open the mysterious box that was waiting for me when I arrived home, and I’m so glad I did ! After all, it was It was night time, my makeup needed to be removed, and the enchanting Clairvoyant products were in the right place at just the right time. I had felt a sense of renewal and needed to know all about Clairvoyant so I went to their website at:
www.clairvoyantbeauty.com

I inspire you to do the same! You’ll find all the information, at this site, that you’ll need to help you select and order your Clairvoyant products. You can choose by a product type or a skin concern as you build your customized core regimen.

Quoting and paraphrasing from a Press Release, “Clairvoyant answers every woman’s skin concern. Founder ,Alexandra Masterson says the Clairvoyant Beauty mission is to give you the healthiest, most radiant skin possible ~ naturally and simply. Borrowing from tried and true natural solutions, the Clairvoyant Beauty lab boosts these recipes with the latest in anti-aging technology for simple intelligent skin care, and the treatment line doesn’t type cast. Every product is appropriate for any type skin, though some may benefit more from specific formulas.”

These products are “without chemical preservatives or synthetic fragrances.”

As for me, Clairvoyant Beauty™ makes me feel good, and is so pleasant and easy to use! I completely agree with the quote, “Because our (Clairvoyant) products are all natural, they gently renew- and you can feel the difference right away!”

Last stop of the day at ABS Chicago! The Creative Age Publications booth.

That’s me! Trying out Twist-n-Roll facial threading tweezers at the ABS Chicago show.

The gals at Bling Strands always have fun at the beauty shows! Today I got to spend some time with them at ABS Chicago. The booth was swamped. The pace was fast. The customers were great. We had a fabulous time!