Archives for July 2015

July 27, 2015

It all started…in Tampa

Last night the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show took place at the Tampa Convention Center. With some bling, formal wear and so much more, it was a night to remember. Stay tuned for a full coverage of the show coming, but in the meantime check out the beautiful models in these photos modeling some of the beautiful fashions from last nights show!

Model in fashions from the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

Model in fashions from the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

More models in fashions from the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

More models in fashions from the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

ADreamRocks Designs from the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

ADreamRocks Designs from the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

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July 25, 2015

As cool as a cucumber

When it comes down to snacking, I seriously cannot get enough cucumbers. With so many different ways of preparing them, their taste and texture is always changing making them “fun” to eat. Of course the best way to eat them, health wise, is just straight up raw. Of course with all these different ways of eating and preparing them, there are also many different ways of using cucumbers for your skin.

cucumbers

cucumbers

We probably remember our grandmothers or even our mothers telling us how they would put slices over their eyes to reduce puffiness & dark circles right? Throughout time, research shows that now cucumbers can be beneficial for cooling sunburn (which now makes them my best friend), reduce pore size and can fade freckles. Many skincare products are even incorporating cucumbers into their ingredients. Even though my skincare routine is very disciplined, I have always found that my skin benefits more with what I put into my body. With switching cucumbers to my snack my skin’s texture has improved, it’s thoroughly hydrated and glows. When I touch my skin it feel so smooth its almost feels brand new.

Its amazing how something that can be grown in your back yard is not only beneficial for your health but is great for rejuvenating your skin and much more. So next time you pick up this giant green log just think of all the things it can do for you. Get your cucumber on 🙂

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July 25, 2015

My New Best Friends

Let me introduce you to my new best friends, Finish Paddle Brush and Full Volume Large Thermal Round Brush by John Frieda.

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Let me tell you why. As a proud member of the natural hair community I can testify that when it comes to washing my hair it is a tedious, tiring process. Clarification, the act of washing my hair is not so bad but detangling my hair is the worst, so bad that I gave up blow drying my hair. I lived in the wash and go hair style!!! Needless to say wash day was not a happy day!

Until now, these two brushes have turned my frown upside down and made me smile from ear to ear. I could not believe how easily the Finish Paddle Brush combed thru my untamable, wet hair. The bristles are wide enough to detangle without a lot of breakage. I was so pleased, I decided to go all the way and blow dry my hair! The Full Volume Large Thermal Round Brush was like magic! It has holes in it so my blow dryer was able to penetrate my roots without being directly on my scalp.

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I am telling you that John Frieda Frizz-Eaze Hair Brushes made my wiry, wild hair shiny and it really helped reduce my frizzy mane! Oh happy days are here again click on the link www.johnfrieda.com so you too can have sleek beautiful hair and turn that frown upside down!

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July 24, 2015

Protected Fun In The Sun

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When thinking of sun screen we rarely think luxury or high end. Once you try Obagi Medical, you will. I am always in search of something that I can use to hydrate my skin as well as help fight those fine lines, dark spots and rough skin that is popping up as I get older. I simple love Obagi 360 HydraFactor Moisturing Cream with Suncreen. It is so thick, creamy and glides on smooth leaving my face protected from the harmful rays of the beautiful sun, I love so much. One of the great thing about this product is you can wear it with or without makeup, which is a major plus for me. I don’t like to wear makeup when it is so hot that as soon as you step outside you are sweating bullets, but you can’t leave your face exposed to the sun so you definitely need to have some protection on your face. I also love the fact that I can use Obagi 360 HydraFactor Moisturing Cream with Suncreen as a daily moisturizer and it does not leave your face oily, it soaks into your skin leaving the right balance of that refreshed youthful glow. Click this link to get your Obagi 360 HydraFactor Moisturing Cream with Suncreen so your skin can be protected http://www.lovelyskin.com/o/obagi360-hydrafactor-spf-30?lsat=LSKIN20&ref=gbase&gclid=CJeVlJGvqcYCFVFefgodoaUMIw

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Don’t worry Obagi Medical have your body covered as well! When you use Broad Spectrum SPF 30 it recommend that you put it on at least 15 minutes before you go out in the sun and reapply every 2 hours for the best protection. It comes in a perfect carrying size that you can just drop in your purse and you don’t have to worry about that big bulky bottle taking up room or making a huge mess. This product feels so rich as it glides on your skin smoothly and leaves your whole body feeling soft, beautiful and protected. Click on the link to make sure your body is covered. http:/www.lovelyskin.com/o/obagi-professional-c-suncare-broad-spectrum-spf-30?lsat=LSKIN20&ref=gbase&gclid=CL7q8qqvqcYCFQGVfgodlaQE9A

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July 24, 2015

FOR THE LOVE OF SHOPPING

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Shopping for clothes brings me pure joy, and until last week I was under the impression that most people felt the same way. Then some friends told me shopping is anything but fun for them. It made me wonder if others felt the same way, so I began asking almost everyone I met if they enjoyed shopping. To my surprise, about half of the people I asked said that shopping made them anxious and they only did out of necessity. To help the shopping-challenged, I’m sharing my shopping tips in hopes that people will use them to make their shopping experiences more enjoyable.

FIGURE OUT YOUR STYLE 

Embrace what you feel comfortable in. Not everyone feels good in the same style clothing. Decide if you like loose fitting clothes or clothes that are more tailored. If categorizing yourself helps, then figure out your style category. Are you classic, simple, bold, hipster, bohemian, rock and roll, trendy? Once you decide what your favorite styles are you’ll know what to be on the look out for while shopping.

FIND YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS & SHOP THEM EVERY SEASON 

This is probably the best piece of advice I have to give. Every brand represents a certain style and they all cut their clothing different. Some brands run small while others run big. If you stick to your favorite brands you’re less likely to be disappointed once you get in the fitting room. Shopping the same few brands every season means you can keep adding pieces to build a cohesive wardrobe.

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CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET

If you haven’t worn something in over a year it’s time to toss it. I personally don’t get rid of anything until I try wearing it for a whole day. If I wear something for the entire day and it doesn’t make me feel good, like maybe the shirt rides up or the fabric makes me itch, it goes in the Goodwill pile.

GET INSPIRED

Find “looks” online or in magazines that you like. If a sales associate    (hopefully at one of your favorite brands) asks if they can help you, show them the picture and let them pull pieces that resemble what you’re looking for. It obviously won’t be identical, but remember your going for similar. One of my favorite ways to find cool looks is to pick a celebrity style icon and mimic their outfits.

HAVE A BUDGET

Knowing how much you can spend will eliminate most buyers remorse. When it comes to shopping, it’s good to remind yourself that it’s ok that you can’t have it all. If you can’t afford something, tell yourself that next season they’ll be something better.  There’s nothing worse than having to return something because you went over your budget.

Shopping is an art form. You’re not required to love it, but knowing how to do it efficiently can definitely help you hate it less.

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July 23, 2015

DON’T FORGET TO PACK PILATESOLOGY & ATHLETICULTURE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP AND KEEP YOUR WORKOUTS ON TRACK ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Pilatesology & Athleticulture Founder Alisa Wyatt Shares Her Top 6 Tips For Keeping Fit While Traveling
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Do you find it challenging to keep up with your workouts while on vacation or business travel? Many people do! Whether you’re on your family vacation or traveling for business, Pilatesology and Athleticulture keep your workouts intact when you’re on the road. And the best part is you only need a computer or tablet. Pilatesology and Athleticulture bring your workouts with you, with amazing pilates, yoga, barre, ballet and functional workouts. You’ll never miss a workout again! No more worries over a bad hotel fitness center or not getting your outside run in for safety concerns.
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Pilatesology and Athleticulture Founder Alisa Wyatt believes great workouts are the ones we want to do again and again. They’re fun, entertaining, challenging, engaging and inspirational and make us feel confident, sexy, alive, at peace with our bodies. They are also super effective at getting results whether we’re training for a marathon, staying fit while traveling or simply creating healthy movement habits. Below Alisa shares 6 great tips for keeping your workouts on track while traveling.

Tips for Keeping Workouts On Track When Traveling:
Book a room at a hotel that has a pool or fitness center.
Toss a jump rope and resistance bands into your suitcase—both are lightweight and take up little room.
Ask about nearby parks and walking and running trails when you get to your hotel.
Check out deals on local fitness classes or just call around to a few studios and see if they’re offering any one-time deals for first timers.
Skip the breakfast buffet and order from the continental menu instead or only visit the fruit, oatmeal and cereal section at the buffet.
Pack healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit and protein bars in your carry-on. Then purchase fruit, raw veggies, yogurts and other healthy staples at a nearby grocery store or farmer’s market upon arrival and keep them in your hotel fridge.
Join the locals! Every region has a sport or activity they are well known for due to local terrain, these often determine some the local favorite sports and a great opportunity to try something new—biking around the lakes or on trails, strapping on a pair of rollerblades, zip lining, wind surfing, cross country skiing or swimming.

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July 23, 2015

Create an affordable fashion statement for your lips with Gerard Cosmetics Lip Products

We all want to be fashion savvy, but it can be an expensive venture if you purchase an item that’s trending, and a bit pricey for your budget. I’ve done this myself and have found that by the time I’ve paid for my trendsetting item, there is already something new on the market to replace it! How about a very affordable fashion statement for your lips that will give you an ongoing fashion forward look? Gerard Cosmetics Lip products will help you achieve that look.  After all, the first thing someone notices as they approach you is your face, and your lips.

Gerard Cosmetics lip products will give you that fashion edge with their amazing variety and versatility of shades, and textures. You’ll find Color Your Smile Lighted Lip glosses the perfect choice for any situation from daily wear to the most elegant event! I was delighted to receive two of the Gerard Color your Smile Lighted Lip Glosses, and a tube of the Gerard Lipstick to use and review.

                                                                  

The Gerard Color Your Smile Lip Glosses & The Gerard Lipstick used in this article

The Gerard Color Your Smile Lip Glosses & The Gerard Lipstick used in this article

Here they are in the in the picture above. The first two are the “Lighted Lip Glosses”, and the third product is a “classy gold tone tube’ of the Gerard lipstick. I found the Gerard Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Glosses terrific! You can see the mirror on the second product in the above picture, and the nifty light in the cap right next to it. The packaging is so portable and convenient! With these unique Lighted Lip Glosses you can quickly and easily do a touchup in the dark! (I’ve done it!) The gloss stays put and has an excellent texture. It’s not heavy, or sticky but provides a perfect coverage that beautifully enhances your lips.

The Gerard Lipsticks in their classy gold-tone tubes are also an excellent choice. They offer an additional choice if you ‘d like a more traditional look to your lips. The coverage is exceptional, yet light in weight and has terrific staying power! As with the Gerard Lip Glosses, the lipsticks have a variety of colors, as well.

To view all of these Gerard Color your Smile Lighted Glosses, and Lipsticks, please visit:  http://www.gerardcosmetics.com/shop/lips.html?limit=all

Below  you’ll be able to see how the Gerard Lip Glosses and Lipstick looked on my lips:

#1. Gerard Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss in SPRING FLING -$24:  This is a perfect color for me.  It’s understated, soft, and natural.  SPRING FLING is a great color to wear alone, layer over a darker shade to soften a look, or add a cooler tone to any color.

SPRING FLING - Gerard Cosmetics Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss

SPRING FLING –
Gerard Cosmetics Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss

#2. Gerard Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss in WILD ORCHARD- $24: If you’re looking for a fashion trending color to enhance your stylish jewel tone ensemble, this is your color. I liked the color and was pleased with it’s staying power and  feel on my lips.

WILD ORCHID- Gerard Cosmetics Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss

WILD ORCHID-
Gerard Cosmetics Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss

#2a. Here is an example of how I adapted this great color to my personal softer color tone preference.  All I did was take the first color SPRING FLING, and put a coat of it over the WILD ORCHID, and this was my result. It maintained the beautiful, brilliant undertone of WILD ORCHID, but with a softer look for me!
Apply : WILD ORCHID and top with -SPRING FLING

Apply : WILD ORCHID and top with -SPRING FLING

#3. Gerard Lipstick- NUDE-$19.00 The Gerard Lipstick is great. It’s so smooth and applies so easily. NUDE is a more neutral shade that gives a beautiful full-color finish and is a real “go-to” shade you’ll use on a regular basis.

NUDE - Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick

NUDE –
Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick

These three Gerard Lip colors have been just a sampling of the beautiful shades that are available at Gerard Cosmetics. The versatility of their Lipstick and Color Your Style Lighted Lip Glosses is superb!  Gerard provides a gamut of colors from the jewel tones, along with the red, orange, and violet tones that are so in demand! Another plus is the fact that your colors will transition very nicely from summer into fall.   

You’ll be  pleased to know that “the top-grade ingredients used in creating the Gerard Lip Products , like collagen peptides to increase volume and reduce lip wrinkles, work hard to plump lips and moisturize without smudging.” Gerard’s glosses and lipsticks truly are “Timeless”!   

I’m delighted to give Gerard Cosmetics™ a 5-Star Review for their Gerard  Lipstick and Color your Style Lighted Lip Gloss! 

For additional information about Gerard Cosmetics please visit:  http://www.gerardcosmetics.com

 

 

(Any quoted or paraphrased information in this article was obtained from a provided PR-Fact Sheet regarding Gerard Cosmetics, Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss, and Lipstick, and www.gerardcosmetics.com. My personal commentary is my opinion from my use of these Gerard Cosmetics provided to me.)

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July 23, 2015

BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 FROM SINFULCOLORS – A CLASS A

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Get ready to hit the books and go back to school in style with the latest collection for Back To School from SinfulColors, A Class Act. The extensive array of fresh shades are perfectly on-trend with the latest fall fashions and will ensure that your mani is top of the class. Dusty pastels and pops of color come in a demi-matte finish that feels soft yet looks striking and is deserving of nothing but straight A’s. Denim blues and ready-to-burst brights capture an effortlessly cool and rebellious vibe, while shimmering silvers, purples and teals with eye catching 3D glitters look just as chic during a night out on the town as they do in class the next day.

We think you’ll agree that all of these 27 SinfulColors shades deserve straight A’s:  Visit www.sinfulcolors.com/ProductMain/colorLanding and view the beautiful array of colors.
$1.99 each at Walgreens and other mass retailers for August & September 2015.

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July 23, 2015

VIP Exclusives is ready…are you?

Time has come for the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show at the Tampa Convention Center. Models are getting fitted, everyone is setting up and excitement is filling the arena. With everything from fashion, awards, entertainment and chocolate ;), it is a night you will not want to miss.

This Saturday, July 25, is fast approaching and we would love to see you all there for this eventful night. Check out the VIP Exclusives website here: http://www.vip-exclusive.org/tampa-convention-center for information on how you can get your tickets. Hurry the chocolate is waiting, UHHHH I mean the fashions!

VIP-Exclusives Fashion Show logo

VIP-Exclusives Fashion Show logo

Please stay tuned for pictures and an overall coverage of the event! 🙂

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July 23, 2015

derma e is Natural Skincare that Works

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As a frequent user of BB Cremes (short for Beauty/Blemish Creme), I have three favorites that I interchange frequently. One of them is derma e BB Creme. Because of their exceptional BB Creme, I knew derma e was a winner and was thrilled to try derma e Deep Wrinkle Peptide Serum. Derma e offers a variety of serums, and when I looked in the mirror, I knew I needed derma e Deep Wrinkle Peptide Serum.

derma e Deep Wrinkle Peptide Serum is a lightweight non-greasy serum that has a refreshing fragrance. Let’s face it, if your facial products do not smell great, you will not use them. I use it morning and night, and I love that I can use it under derma e BB Creme as my skin looks so much smoother. derma e Deep Wrinkle Peptide Serum also works perfectly alone as a hydrator which is how I use it at night. Simply dot a small amount of serum to the deep lines around your mouth, eyes and forehead and gently massage into your skin.

derma e Deep Wrinkle Peptide Serum was formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As stated a their website dermae.com, their “formula contains two of the most powerful and effective peptides that bio-science has to offer: Peptide Matrixyl® synthe‘6® tells the skin to synthesize new key components such as collagen and to restructure itself while Peptide Argireline® helps relax facial muscles, smooth wrinkles and discourage the formation of new lines.”

derma e Deep Wrinkle Peptide Serum also contains anti-aging antioxidants Pycnogenol®, Vitamin C and Green Tea. Reducing the look of wrinkles, improving skin tone and texture is what this serum was formulated to do.  This serum is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, Paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, truly a plus!

We all want the best skin possible and would like to look a little younger without having to go through to much expense or other types of options and derma e provides the best option, “Natural Skincare that Works.”

ABOUT DERMA E®
Family owned and operated for 30 years, derma e® has pioneered the development of vitamin-rich, high-performance antioxidant skincare solutions. The award-winning line features over 80 doctor-developed and clinically-test products that are free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and petrolatum. derma e® products are cruelty-free and 100 percent vegan. Manufacturing and operations are offset 100 percent by wind power. derma e® can be found in over 8,000 retail outlets across the U.S. with additional distribution in 25 countries internationally and on dermae.com.

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