Writer extraordinaire, Brenda Novak, has a “Valentine’s Offer I know you’re going to “Love”!!

Purchase any of her trilogies and not only will your books be autographed, but you’ll receive a lip gloss as well!

As a Brenda Novak fan, I eagerly anticipate the suspense, entanglement, and non-stop mystery of her captivating stories!

Whether a dedicated follower or new and curious about Brenda’s books, I inspire you to hurry over to Brenda’s website for more information at www.bookloverscafe.com/brenda_novak. Here you can conveniently order your books and really enjoy an informative, interesting , and truly delightful site to peruse.

Thanks also to Brenda Novak, for sharing some helpful hints on “How to keep your Valentine” http://www.brendanovak.com/#valentinetips

Happy Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and I’m wearing my Luck Be A Ladybug lip gloss exclusively created by Ramy Beauty Therapy to benefit Project Ladybug.

Project Ladybug, was founded by Philanthropist and star of Real Housewives, Dina Manzo in 2007, and is dedicated to enriching the lives of children with life threatening conditions, and helping the families deal with financial and emotional struggles during their child’s treatment.

Project Ladybug’s hope is not only to improve the outcome for these children, but with proceeds from fundraising events, be able to provide birthday celebrations, toys, wigs, clothing, computers, and funds to assist with the hospital bills.

Project Ladybug has partnered with Ramy Beauty Therapy to create the Luck Be A Ladybug lip gloss. In fact, the seductive berry tone shade that I wear, and is also pictured in this article, was actually formulated by Dina Manzo, herself and named “Luck Be a Ladybug.” All proceeds of Luck Be a Ladybug gloss will go to Project Ladybug.

Take a moment to visit : www.projectladybug.org/donate/, and purchase a Luck Be A Ladybug gloss ! “Pucker up” and look great, not only on Valentine’s Day, but every day you wear your “special” gloss for a wonderful “cause“!

Come on “Glam Gals” ! Enjoy the pride of knowing that your donation is supporting Project Ladybug and bringing hope to a child and his or her family each day! ♡XO

Celebrated hairstylist and owner of the renowned Amoy Couture Salon in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, took some time to talk with me about the latest in hair extensions which happen to be her trademark, trends in hair styles, and some fab new items that will be available early this year on her web site at www.amoycouturehair.com. This is a terrific website, and Amoy’s “Bio” is definitely a “must read”!

Amoy’s forte is hair, which has earned her prominence in the Fashion and Beauty Industry. From styling the hair of celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, and Sheryl Crow, to name a few, Amoy works on daily clientele at her salon, and has a following of notables including Iman, Mary K. Blige, Kerry Washington, Joy Bryant, and the list goes on.

Amoy is one “on the go” gal, and so pleasant to talk with. The first thing I asked her during our conversation was how do you do it all? She answered, and I quote, “I love being busy!”
~ And busy she is!!

Regarding hair extensions, Amoy said that if you are considering hair extensions, you should call a salon and go in for a consultation ! It’s not a good sign if the establishment that you call does “Not” offer you a consultation. A consultation is essential to not only meet your stylist, but get all of your questions answered before you book the appointment. “After all, Amoy emphasized, you get what you pay for!”

Things have changed since I had extensions put in my hair a number of years ago. Amoy told me that the hair is now 100% human hair, and comes from India. It is generally a darker color, but can be custom colored for the client. This obviously gives a more natural look and feel to the hair, as well as styling versatility.

Amoy also noted that you need at least 4 inches of hair if you are considering getting extensions.

I then asked Amoy what was trending in hairstyles right now, and she said the “Ombre” look was very popular. That’s the “look” with hair darker at the roots, and the lighter colored on the ends. You’ll also be seeing a lot of all one length hair with long bangs making a come back.

It was then, Amoy shared some exciting news with me! Coming soon, on her website, Amoy is going to have clip-on hair extensions and clip-on bangs available for purchase. What a perfect way to try different looks with your hair. Since the longer bangs are back in style, if you have taken the time to grow out your hair to one length, and you’re not sure if you’d like to cut in bangs again, this would be the ideal solution. Can you imagine being able to achieve a whole new look when you’re in the mood, and not have to alter your current hair style!

In closing, I asked Amoy what a person needed to do to keep their hair healthy and great looking. Right to the point, she replied, ” See your stylist often for regular trims , and use good products!”

Many thanks to Amoy Pittors for this interview and for sharing her expertise with our readers at www.itsaglamthing.com.

Is your skin Mature, Dry, Sensitive, or Dehydrated? Then dermHA Hyaluronic Moisturizing Creme Plus might be JUST what you’ve been searching for!

This was the perfect product for me to try as it addressed my dehydrated and sensitive skin. It’s a very light weight moisturizer that has a comfortable feel on the skin. For that reason, I chose to use it in the evening and in the daytime, as well. I noticed a difference in the top surface texture of my skin almost immediately, as my makeup effortlessly glided on, and my skin took on a very nice hydrated appearance.

What’s in a product is always very important, but what is not can make a big difference in determining if a product will be right for your particular skin care needs.

dermHA provides a very informative brochure, and as a consumer with Sensitive Skin I was impressed that dermHA does not contain :

•Fragrance
•Alcohol
•Mineral Oil
•Dye
•Lanolin, or
•Propylene Glycol

In the Hyaluronic Moisture Creme Plus Moisturizer that I tried, there are a number of great Antioxidants including, Green Tea, Grapeseed Extract, and Olive Water, to name a few.

The Anti-inflammatory, Anti-irritant, Antioxidant and Stimulant ingredient, Calendula is also in this creme. This botanical helps soothe sensitive skin.

Two of my favorite tried and true ingredients are Hyaluronic Acid, a humectant that helps keep the moisture in, resulting in a softer and smoother skin, and Aloe which has been used for thousands of years to heal and calm irritants. I’m delighted to see that they are also Key ingredients in the Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cream Plus.

dermHA also carries a line of Cleansers, Exfoliants, Moisturizers, Masks and Specialty Products that are “Clinically formulated therapeutic care for Sensitive Skin.”

What a great opportunity to have access to these “High Tech” cosmeceutical products that address the issues of the client with sensitive skin…. Thanks dermHA !

Products can be purchased online at : www.dermha.com, and select Doctor’s offices.

Naturalist, Nigel Marven, is the first Westerner to be named The Chengdu Panda Ambassador. He follows the previous Panda Ambassador from China, action movie star, Jackie Chan.

This was quite an interesting interview with Nigel Marven. He told me that Chengdu Panda Base – Panda Conservation is the best in the world, making sure these beautiful pandas will never become extinct.

This past year 19 baby pandas were born at the Chengdu Panda Reserve, in comparison to 5 pandas at the San Diego Zoo, and 1 Panda at the Washington Zoo.

Find out more about Chengdu Panda Base and all of their endeavors to protect these Pandas at : www.panda.org.cn/english/

It seems that everyone adores Pandas. I wanted to know if they were friendly animals. Nigel said that they’re quite playful as cubs, but as they mature their jaws become quite strong, and as with any animal, care must be taken when you are with them. I was also surprised when Nigel told me that their hair is quite coarse. They appear to be so soft and cuddly.

I believe in the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words“! Take a moment to enjoy the antics of these pandas in action as they play and interact with Nigel in the video below. You’ll also get to see Jackie Chan with his “adopted” pandas, a rare colored baby panda, flying squirrel, and much more:

You can see Nigel’s wonderful connection with the animals, and easily understand the success of his production company, Image Impact. Nigel has done a lot of television and film work. As owner, producer and presenter for Image Impact you’ll be able to learn more about this dedicated naturalist, and the variety of work he and his devoted crew continue to create by visiting: www.nigelmarven.com

Whatever skin type you have, Gerda Spillmann Swiss Skincare has the perfect moisturizer for you. Hydration is so important this time of year, and using the proper moisturizer for your skin is essential!!

With their January SPECIAL (good thru January 31st, 2011) you can save either $5.00 off the 1.4oz tubes at a cost of $39.00 or $10.00 off the 2.6oz.jars at a cost of $59.00.

Choose from:
•Skinfood– A light-weight texture for a normal skin types
•Mayfair– A matte day cream for an oily type skin (Mayfair is only available in the 1.4oz tube)
•Coronation-The perfect anti-wrinkle cream for maturing skin types
•Extra Riche– A cream that offers deep hydration for the dry or damaged skin types

Also available is Bio-Base Tinted Moisturizer. This product can be used on all skin types of any age. On sale for $41.00, you’ll save $7.50 during the January Special on Bio-Base . Sand would be your choice for lighter complexions, and Mocca for tanned or darker complexions.

Not only does this light weight moisturizer even your skin tone, but with Avocado Oil, Balm Mint and pure Chamomile Extract, Bio-Base not only soothes and helps heal your skin, but also protects your skin with a natural physical sun block and SPF 15.

As a national makeup artist, many Gerda Spillmann products have always been a staple in my “pro” case.

I recently had a new head shot done for Its A Glam Thing, and wore the Bio Blend in Sand as my base. It photographed beautifully, and looks as natural as ever in daylight, as well.

I inspire you to visit :www.gerdaspillmann.com and see all of their fine products.