January 9, 2011

Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon, Mark F. Blake M.D., is featured on It’s A Glam Thing

Learn about a non-invasive procedure that entails little to no downtime, as you watch Milwaukee, Wisconsin Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon Mark F. Blake, M.D., from the Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin perform a Liquid Facelift on the Home page of, Lisa Cocuzza’s, www.itsaglamthing.com.

More about Dr.Blake:
1. Before coming to the Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery in Milwaukee, Dr. Blake practiced plastic surgery and his weight loss program in Florida.

2. Along with his busy surgical practice, Dr. Blake is also the medical director of the Weight Loss and Wellness Clinic. He has developed a medically supervised individualized program that offers safe and effective results along with education and support to not only keep weight off, promote overall health, but also utilize body contouring and skin care geared toward the weight loss patient, which in turn offers a program truly unrivaled in his field.

3. Dr. Blake very actively participates in a community volunteer program called “Lose the Tattoos – Wisconsin” that removes gang-related tattoos from “at-risk” youth in exchange for community service.

4. (Quoting from the Clinic’s Web Site) “Giving back to the community is important, and as a result, the FACE Foundation established by Medical Director Roger C. Mixter MD in 1990 was formed. FACE’s mission is to treat patients with craniofacial deformities both international and domestic in Wisconsin who are unable to pay because of lack of insurance.” Dr.Blake is proud to be part of of the FACE Foundation.

For more information about Dr. Blake and The Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery visit: www.clinicofcosmeticsurgery.com

All consultations regarding procedures are complementary ~ Call (414) 963-0500 to schedule your appointment.

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December 30, 2010

Rule #1- Cleanse your skin and remove your makeup properly !

I started in theater at the early age of fifteen, and this was the first rule I learned. We wore a lot of makeup and it was, of course, a different type of consistency in comparison to what a person might wear every day. None the less, through the decades I’ve found that whether modeling, doing photo shoots, on-camera work, or just wearing my daily makeup that Rule # 1 still holds true! I always remove my makeup with an appropriate cleanser.

The makeup that you put on your face only looks as good as the skin that you put it on. Cleansing your skin properly and removing your makeup is essential. Any other products you use on your skin will be even more effective when used on a clean face.

Recently I had the opportunity to try the Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil by boscia®. I was quite impressed with this product! Not only is it gentle and light weight, but it breaks down your makeup while eliminating impurities. It’s quick, easy to use, and your skin not only feels so clean and healthy when you rinse it off, but looks great, as well!

Quoting from their benefits and key ingredient information ,boscia® Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil contains :
Peppermint and Eucalyptus which “invigorates congested senses”.

Rose Hip, Green Tea, and Golden Palm Oil which have properties that protect the skin from “free radical damage”, and a “unique nano-technology to refine pores”.

Jojoba Leaf and Willowherb to comfort sensitivities, and “prevent signs of aging” for a more youthful looking skin.

As the “leader in preservative-free skin care”, boscia® also carries a variety of cleansers, toners, and tonics, for your skin, stating “their cleansers combine the best of natures botanicals with Japanese technology to safely and effectively cleanse your skin.”

The boscia® Essential Basics Facial Cleansers are available at Sephora, www.sephora.com, and www.bosciaskincare.com

You know it’s never too late to start!! Get into a good habit of taking your makeup off and cleansing your skin each evening. Remember “beauty IS skin deep”. Make Rule #1 “YOUR” New Year’s Resolution for 2011!

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December 21, 2010

2011 – The Year for Wendy Wilson

We all know singer Wendy Wilson, her sister Carnie Wilson and childhood friend Chynna Phillips as the famous award-winning pop group Wilson Phillips from the 90′s. And, of course, Wendy and Carnie as the daughters of Brian Wilson, the celebrated founder of The Beach Boys.

This winter marks the 20-year anniversary of Wilson Phillips, and the group is back together with a new Christmas Album titled “Christmas in Harmony.” I’ll share more about that a bit later, but first I’d like you to get to know Wendy Wilson, as I did during our recent phone interview.

At 41, Wendy is a charismatic, multi-talented woman with a natural beauty that radiates from within. I really enjoyed our conversation.

I spoke with Wendy shortly after Thanksgiving and was curious how she, her musician/sound engineer husband Dan Knutson, and their four young boys — Leo (age 7), Beau (age 6), and identical twins Jessie and Will (age 3) — spent the holiday.

Wendy said they went to her mother’s “festively-decorated” Brentwood home for a lovely family celebration. Wendy loves to cook, and this year she prepared a new candied yam recipe that was a hit. (BTW: Wendy’s mom Marilyn is famous in her own right – from the 1960’s girl group The Honeys.)

I was so happy to receive this Thanksgiving picture of the Knutsons.

(Left to right: Dan, Jessie, Beau, Leo, Will and Wendy)

So how did Wendy meet her husband Dan? The pair clicked while she was performing with “The Beach Boy’s Family & Friends Tour” nearly ten years ago – Dan was working as a sound person. I also learned that Dan is a super talented and self-taught musician, who can play a number of instruments and also writes music. It’s no surprise that the Knutson children, while still pint sized, are also gifted musically.

I had mentioned to Wendy how unique the children’s names were and she told me that she and Dan chose them based on actual names of Cowboys.

This seemed like the perfect time to find out how Wendy switches gears from being a busy wife and mother at home to a famous entertainer traveling around the country.

Wendy told me she always had the ability to focus and switch gears, and despite missing her family like crazy when she’s on the road, she is able to transition between the two mindsets. When on the road she talks with her children each morning and evening just like she’s right at home with them, and the outcome works. When performing, she’s focused on entertaining and having a great time.

Image and beauty was next on my list and Wendy said she really liked the Gift Basket she received from Lisa Cocuzza’s It’s a Glam Thing and has been using many of the goodies daily, including Systeme 41 Nourishing Day Cream.

Wendy loves cosmetics and enjoys having her makeup done professionally when work calls for it. She appreciates the process and creativity that comes from being in the makeup chair, and has learned a lot from working with makeup artists during her career. She considers herself a “lipstick and mascara gal” on her own time, with MAC among her favorite product lines.

Wendy often does her own hair coloring and favors the Medium Golden Brown shade by Loreal. The artist recently had highlights added and, during a trip to New York this fall, braved the scissors and had her hair cut with some layers.

When Wendy is in New York, she looks forward to getting pampered at the Gita Gabriel Salon and Spa on East 60th Street, where services include facials, mani-pedis, and massage. During hard-to-find free time in Los Angeles, it’s a rare treat for Wendy to sneak away to a day spa like Burke Williams for a little R and R.

When it comes to fashion, Wendy has some favorite designers including UGG, BCBG, Prada, Jill Sanders, Calvin Klein, Free People and Donna Karen. A new find for Wendy are J BRAND jeans.

Wendy’s (and Wilson Phillips) new stylist is Art Conn. She told me his input is amazing, as he knows colors, styles, and looks that just work for each of us as individuals….classy and fun…exactly right for the group.

I wondered how Wendy felt about the comeback of Wilson Phillips. She said she was thrilled to be working together again with the girls. “It’s like going back to the early 90′s… same energy…a positive reception from the public…just the perfect time of life for all of us.”

These gals really have an appreciation and love for one another!

What other future opportunities interest Wendy? The talented wife and mom is in discussion to write a cookbook. Along these lines, there’s been talk about Wendy hosting a cooking show, serving as a judge on a reality show, endorsing products close to her heart and recording a children’s album, maybe even with her own kids! Whatever Wendy chooses to pursue, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing a lot more of this special lady in 2011.

But for right now, the multi-platinum selling trio of Wendy Wilson, Carnie Wilson, and Chynna Phillips are back with an incredible Christmas Album (“Christmas in Harmony”), music that is sure to light up the holidays.

Visit this site for information about “Christmas in Harmony” and hear songs from the new CD. www.wilsonphillipsmusic.com

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December 19, 2010

Fun Holiday “Stocking-Stuffer” Ideas

PIGGY PAINT
This is the perfect Holiday “Must Have” gift for all the little girls and young ladies in your life.

I’m a “kid at heart” and wouldn’t be without “my” Piggy Paint, and with five young granddaughters, I also paint a lot of fingernails and toenails.

You can imagine my enthusiasm when I read how Stay-at-Home Mom, Melanie Hurley, due to concerns about traditional kid polishes for her children from the chemicals to the smells of solvent-based polishes, became the founder of Piggy Paint. As a result, Piggy Paint offers consumers a safe nail product that’s environment friendly, as well !

Piggy Paint is:
* Water-Based
* Non-Toxic
* Free of Formaldehyde, Ethel Acetate, Acetone, and other harsh chemicals
* Hypoallergenic, with an odorless formula that’s gentle enough for sensitive hands and noses

They glide on with ease, dry quickly, and are removed with Piggy Paint Polish Remover .

Piggy Paint has a variety of great colors and gift sets, too!!

Earlier this spring, Piggy Paint launched their new line “Project Earth”. These polishes are geared toward the “Tweens” interested in eco-friendly alternatives. This line includes 5 colors and a “glow in the dark” polish!

Find out more about Piggy Paint at www.piggypaint.com. As the company says, ” PIGGY PAINT….It’s as Natural as Mud! “


BLING STRANDS

All ages love Bling Strands. You really must visit their website at www.blingstrands.com to see how easy these beautiful strands of shimmering metallic fibers can be tied into your hair with a knot to add a simple every day glimmer or holiday shimmer to any length hair or hairstyle. There are video and written instructions on their website.

Bling Strands are made in the United States and are guaranteed to be lead-free, non-toxic, and non-flammable.

Bling Strands:
* Require no tools or glue
*Can be washed, dried, flat-ironed and curled (up to 400 degrees)
*Remain in your hair from a few days to several weeks (unless removed)
*17 colors are available – In Natural, Brights, and Pastels
*Only a few strands are needed (10-12) for an “eye catching” look

What a unique gift for girlfriends to exchange during this festive season! You can get together and create some fun looks by tying them in to each others hair, or, if you choose, you can have your hairstylist put them in your hair.

One thing for sure, Bling Strands is a gift that will be remembered, and enjoyed….

While you’re on the Bling Strand website check out the “New” Bling Jewels! These are genuine crystals that bond to your hair with a flat iron and are easily removed. They make a terrific gift, too!

Remember, you’ll “Light” up any room you walk into when you’re wearing Bling Strands, Bling Jewels, or…. Both!


MINI BOWDABRA

This product caught “my” attention in the first line of their press release that read, “Creatively-challenged” Bowdabra creator (Sandy Sandler) helps crafters tackle tiny bows with the Mini Bowdabra

I’ve always been amazed at the lovely craft work I’ve seen not only in stores, but have personally received as gifts over the years.

This little Mini Bowdabra would be the ideal gift for both experienced crafters, younger crafters just getting started, and especially the “creatively-challenged crafters” who would love to “let loose’ their creativity.

The Mini Bowdabra can create tiny bows for scrapbooks, handmade cards, little hair accessories, and many other projects.

This would be a treasured “Stocking Stuffer”, and not only can you purchase it on their public website : www.Bowdabra.com, but the recipient of the gift can go to the website and subscribe to their newsletter, download craft ideas, and more.

The Mini Bowdabra is really one of those gifts that “keeps on giving”.

Wishes to all for a happy, safe, and a wonderful holiday season with family and friends…..

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December 12, 2010

Are you protecting your skin in the cooler weather?

Did you know that using sun protection all year long is essential for healthy, hydrated skin?

Are you aware that the sun’s UV rays are around all year long?

If you answered “YES” to both of these questions, you’re right!

November was National Healthy Skin Month. It was originated by the American Academy of Dermatology to increase the awareness of the significance of year round care for your skin…even during fall and winter.

The following points for healthy skin, especially during the cooler weather seasons are quoted from ~ Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NYU and practicing Dermatological surgeon:

· Cloudy Days Still Mean UVA rays. Those wrinkle and age-spot producing rays are present rain or shine and indoors or out. Whether you’re driving your car, inside near a window, or outside on an overcast day, sun protection is essential.

· Use Lightweight but Equal Protection. Although you may not need a heavy-duty sunscreen this winter, you should still use one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Hale suggests Coppertone® Oil-Free Faces SPF 30, a lightweight product you can use.

· Don’t Forget About Your Lips. Lips are the most exposed to the sun throughout the winter months. Toss an SPF-containing chapstick into your bag for everyday use to keep your lips hydrated and protected.

If you have sensitive skin, including rosacea, COPPERTONE® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotions provide an SPF 50 for your body and face that includes:

• A gentle, hypoallergenic formula
* Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
* Non-Greasy
* Fragrance-free
* Waterproof
* Won’t irritate skin or sting eyes
• Free of dyes, oils and alcohol

These COPPERTONE® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotions are available nationwide at food, drug, mass and Internet retailers.

I really enjoy the feel of the COPPERTONE® Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotions. The SPF 50 is great, especially with the UVA/UVB protection. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that such a quick to apply, lightweight, easy to use product will provide you protection from the elements.

Your skin is going to be with you for quite some time… Don’t forget your sunscreen, whatever the season!

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November 25, 2010

An interview with “Dancing With The Stars” Professional Dancer ~ Chelsie Hightower


I couldn’t wait to catch up with professional dancer Chelsie Hightower, and find out about all of the exciting things she’s been up to.
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I had first interviewed her in June when she was starting the LATISSE® wishes campaign, benefiting Make-A Wish, as an ambassador and team leader along with Bobbie Thomas, and Kathy Ireland. I was interested in finding out how her team was doing.

To date, Team Chelsie has 1210 members, and along with the joy of raising money for a great charity to help grant wishes for children with life threatening illnesses, she is delighted with her beautiful full lashes as a result of using LATISSE®. See how Chelsie’s lashes have grown since she started using LATISSE , by going to:

www.latissewisheschallenge.com
1. Click About the Campaign
2. Click Team Updates
3. Click Team Chelsie
4. Click See my Latisse® Lashes

As a professional dancer on, “Dancing With The Stars”, I had to ask Chelsie what it was like on the day of a show.

Chelsie told me that they start at 8AM with hair, makeup, and then dress rehearsals.

Everything has to be checked out before they go on the air. For instance, their beautiful costumes are worn for the” first time” at the dress rehearsal, and often adjustments have to be made so the outfits work and move well, on the dancers, when they perform their dance routines.

Once alterations have been made, hair and makeup needs to be touched up, and it starts all over again. Camera angles and placements are going on, and this continues until all the dancer’s moves work with their outfits, the hair and makeup is just right, camera shots are perfect, and everything is good to go! Chelsie also mentioned that things can get a bit chaotic

I wondered if there was a particular product, that Chelsie, as a professional dancer, really liked, and she said,”TopStick®.” I had never heard of it before, and she explained that it’s a product used as a “quick fix” for costumes. It’s a tape that keeps things in place with all of the movements that go on, and works great for both women and men.

Here is the website:www.fashionfixtape.com TopStick® looks like a great product with all kinds of uses for clothing issues, and it’s been around for quite some time. Take a look for yourself. I know I’ll be getting some for my personal use and my makeup case, as well! Thanks for sharing that, Chelsie!

With such a busy career, Chelsie found the time to appear on the cover of the September 2010 issue of Fitness Magazine.

When the Dancing With The Stars season is over, Chelsie loves competing in Professional Dance Competitions, as well as teaching dance, and she is extremely thrilled about her “Dance/Activewear clothing line, the Chelsie Hightower Collection for Sugar and Bruno”. Be sure to visit and check out her designs…
www.sugarandbruno.com

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November 15, 2010

Only two weeks left to participate in the Latisse® Wishes Challenge

It’s hard to believe there are only two weeks left in the Latisse® Wishes Challenge that will benefit The Make-A Wish Foundation. Looking back, it was June 15th when I first interviewed the newly announced Campaign Ambassadors and team leaders for the Latisse® Wishes Challenge: Chelsie Hightower- Professional Ballroom Dancer, Bobbie Thomas – Style Guide, and Kathy Ireland – Fashion CEO.

Chelsie, Bobbie and Kathy all use LATISSE® and enjoy their beautiful lush eyelashes. They have had much success ,as well, with the LATISSE® WISHES CHALLENGE! To date, they have raised $400,169 for Make-A-Wish!

Considering each child’s wish costs $7000.00, a lot of children will get their “Wishes” as a result of the LATISSE WISHES CHALLENGE.

If you’ve always wanted beautiful eyelashes you can still join a team by donating a minimum of $20 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Allergan, the makers of LATISSE®, will double your donation and send you a LATISSE® free trial certificate that can be taken to a doctor to see if LATISSE® is right for you. LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment to grow lashes longer, fuller and darker for those with inadequate or not enough lashes.
You can still get involved until November 30th! http://www.latissewisheschallenge.com

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November 10, 2010

Explore “Your” wine personality with Style Expert Bobbie Thomas and Black Tower Wine

It’s always exciting for me when I get the opportunity to interview Style Expert, Bobbie Thomas.

Bobbie’s creativity is so diverse, and I was really curious about the topic of exploring one’s “Wine Personality”.

As we started our conversation, Bobbie mentioned that she had grown up with wine in her life since her parents had a Greek restaurant in Los Angeles. Now I couldn’t wait to find out more about her Color Blocking Guide with Black Tower wine.

Bobbie spoke about the cooler weather and upcoming holiday season right around the corner, and what a fun time it is to get together with friends.

She also loves to reach out to women, who, though often versed in fashion, didn’t want them to be intimidated by wines.

The Color Blocking Guide offers the perfect way to express our different moods at different times by trying different wines, break barriers, and really have a great time a trying variety of new experiences.

“Black Tower is a wonderful wine and you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it,” noted Bobbie. “It also comes in a beautiful bottle and makes a wonderdul table accessory” she made a point to mention.

Find out more about Black Tower Wine at:
www.facebook.com/blacktowerwine
Black Tower~ Easy ends the day

Before closing, Bobbie made sure to remind you to be responsible and have a designated driver while drinking.

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November 7, 2010

Bambola Beauty’s Hydrating Eye Gel is a great solution for those dry and irritated “Winter Eyes”

We all are aware of the importance of taking care of our skin, but it is essential to pay special attention to our eyes!

The tissue around the eye area is so thin and needs to be hydrated and cared for not only year round, but especially during cold weather.

Winter is right around the corner, and that means the heat gets turned up in our homes, and at work. As a result, the air becomes dry and really takes it’s toll on the delicate eye area. Outside, the cold air can really irritate our eyes, and it’s crucial to address the problem before dryness and irritation occur and those aging wrinkles start to appear.

Not to worry!! Coming to the rescue is Hydrating Eye Gel from BAMBOLA BEAUTY’S new complete line of organic skincare.

Hydrating Eye Gel’s key ingredients will:
1. Help lessen dark circles with Arnica Extract.
2. Minimize the appearance of fine lines with Shittake Mushroom.
3. Detoxify, nourish and hydrate with vitamins and minerals from Seaweed.
4. Calm, stabilize the skin, and decrease fine lines and dark circles with Red Bush Tea.
5. Plump dry under-eye skin and slow the aging process with powerful antioxidants using Green Tea Extract.

I like to carry my Hydrating Eye Gel with me and lightly apply under my eye throughout the day! It imparts a healthy youthful look to the under eye area. I also will mix a bit of my concealer with the Hydrating Eye Gel for a sheer afternoon touchup.

You can purchase Hydrating Eye Gel, learn more about Bambola Beauty , and check out all of Bambola Beauty products sold exclusively online. http://www.bambolabeauty.com

By the way ~ Each order comes with a free deluxe sample in reusable packaging, and better yet, a portion of the proceeds benefits Save the Earth Foundation!

Bambola Beauty ~ Combining Nature and Science !

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November 1, 2010

UNITE Hair Care ~ “Combines the high quality of European ingredients with the cutting edge of American technology”

I saw UNITE Hair Care the other day in a presentation of “Must Have” products for hair on a national morning TV program. I also read that UNITE has a number of celebrity enthusiasts including Heidi Klum, Trya Banks, and Jennifer Hudson to name a few.

As a result, when I was presented with the opportunity to try UNITE Hair Care products, I was very excited, and looked forward to experiencing them, first hand.

Needless to say, I was intrigued. With all of the things we do to our hair from coloring, straightening, using a hot iron, and the list goes on… Caring for our hair with the proper products is essential. Sometimes choosing the right product for our needs can be a bit overwhelming. I believe product knowledge is essential for the consumer.

Wanting to find out more about this line I had been seeing on TV, reading about, and now going to try, I went to UNITE’s website, and I must say I was totally impressed:
www.unitehair.com
Not only is it informative, but offers complete areas dedicated to educational class opportunities for professionals, media exposure, and a product education section that will help you find just the product you’ll need! You can also order your product right online.

UNITE’s line consists of 30 hair care products in the following categories:
1.Cleansing
2.Conditioning
3.Styling
4.Finishing
All are free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, dea mea, and animal testing.

How do I like UNITE Hair Care? It’s great! My hair feels clean, and looks so healthy with amazing volume , texture and shine. Due to special ingredients, Moringa seed and Botansil, my color is locked in, my blow-dry time cut down by 20%, and breakage by 80%!

Remember, Winter and all those wonderful holiday events are right around the corner. Get your “Picture Perfect” hair with UNITE !
Now’s the time to visit the UNITE website and shop in the comfort of your own home.

“UNITE is exclusively in over 1400 salons nationwide, 150 salons in Canada, 200 in Europe, and exclusively available at Harrods in the
U.K. ”

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