June 21, 2011

Christina Hendricks is named ambassador for the 2011 “Latisse® Wishes Challenge” that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation®

The 2011 LatisseWishes Challenge was recently announced, and I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with their ambassador for this year, the very talented Emmy nominated and well known film and television actress, Christina Hendricks.

I asked Christina what inspired her to try the prescription treatment Latisse® that grows your eyelashes “longer, fuller, and darker.” She mentioned that she had been thinking about improving her eyelashes for quite some time. “I’ve always felt my lashes were short and thin, and in my profession, I wear a lot of false lashes and makeup, which take a toll. So when LATISSE® became available, I was curious to learn more. My doctor talked with me about lashes, and I was surprised to learn that some women may notice their lashes thinning over time. Women who notice these changes in their lashes now have the option to talk to their doctor about LATISSE® and see if it’s right for them,” said Hendricks. Christine was also very interested in helping the Make a Wish Foundation that benefits from the Latisse®Wishes Challenge“.

Christina shared a touching story about how she had found out about Make-A- Wish when, as a young girl, one of her classmates faced a life threatening illness. Quoting Christina, “LATISSE® is also a brand that contributes to children, and I couldn’t think of a better cause to support than the Make-A -Wish Foundation. When I was seven years old, I saw firsthand the difference a wish can make in the life of a child when a girl in my class got her wish to meet Eric Estrada.”

Christina is a very versatile actress, and eager about the beginning of another new season of the extremely popular (Television Series) MADMEN. .

I asked Christina about some recent films she had done that we could look forward to seeing, and she was very enthusiastic about a musical called “COMPANY” that she was in. It was filmed at the Lincoln Center and was released on June 11th. Cristina enjoyed doing “COMPANY”, and would like to do more musicals in the future.

She also spoke about the movie “DRIVE”, and what a great experience it was working with director Nicolas Winding Refn, and actor Ryan Gosling. (DRIVE is due to release in Fall of this year: Source-IMDB.com) .

I told Christina that the 2011 animation, “ALL-STAR SUPERMAN”, where she did the voice of Lois Lane totally got my attention, being a commercial voice talent. She said that it was really fun, and would love to do more animation! Christina has a terrific voice, and I look forward to hearing a lot more of her in future animation productions.

What an interesting interview with such a delightful person. I had only one more question for Christina and that was, with such a busy career, what do you do when you get some “Christina” time? She said that she enjoys cooking, knitting, and spending time with her friends, and her husband Geoffrey Arend.

Wishing all of the best to you, Christina, as you begin your ambassador duties with the 2011 LATISSE® Wishes Challenge!

(As quoted from the Press Release) “Inspired by the tradition of blowing on an eyelash to make wishes come true, the campaign (LATISSE® Wishes Challenge) is gaining momentum for the second year by rallying women in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions.”

Here’s to Beautiful Eyelashes! LET the MAGIC of THE “LATISSE® Wishes Challenge help grant wishes to the children with life threatening illnesses across the country!

Find out how you can be a part of this wonderful endeavor by visiting : www.LatisseWishesChallenge.com

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June 19, 2011

Treat your skin to Chella Foaming Cleanser Lavish Soufflé

Here is a cleanser I know you’ll enjoy. It’s 5-Star sensational! This is one of those products that you really can’t wait to use. It has a creamy consistency that just feels so good and truly has you looking forward to your cleansing regime!

What I really enjoyed about the Chella Cleanser was how it’s foaming soufflé texture cleaned so gently, and how smooth and pampering it felt as you worked it into a lather using circular motions, massaging Chella gently over your skin as the delightful aroma of grapefruit, vanilla and lime added that extra little finishing touch to complete a wonderful cleansing experience.

After completely rinsing off the product, I was quite impressed with how clean my skin felt, while still maintaing a soft hydrated finish.

Ingredients in Chella Foaming Cleanser include (quoting from their literature) :
•The combination of coconut fatty acids with aloe vera leaf juice to provide a gentle cleanser, and take off makeup without irritation.
•Barley and sandalwood oil extract as emollients to hydrate the skin.
•Sage, calendula, and chamomile to pamper the skin with healing herbal extracts.

Chella Foaming Cleanser is for all skin types.

Chella is generally found in spas, but you may purchase Chella’s complete line of skin care and other products on their website:
www.chella.com

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June 14, 2011

Celebrating Flag Day with Fashion Designer Douglas Hannant

 

June 14th is Flag Day in the US. Almost all countries have a flag day. Usually it is the day designated for flying certain flags (normally the national flag) or it is the in the case of the US, the day to commemorate the nation’s adoption of the flag.  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the day, than by showing fashion designer’s Douglas Hannant’s Naval inspired collection for Douglas Hannant Resort 2012.

The designer showcased his collection last week on the flight deck of one of my favorite museums….The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (http://intrepidmuseum.org/). Models strutted down the runway on the picture perfect day with a slight breeze blowing and the sun-setting over the Hudson River. The 40 look collection, primarily of red, white and blues, high-lighted the look which Hannant is so well known for- couture sportswear separates, made up of impeccably tailored, versatile pieces in luxurious fabrics.

Hannant’s first collection was in 1996, and he has long been a favorite of the Park Avenue set.  His looks easily go from the office, to dinner, to charity functions. His evening gowns are often bold colors made of soft flowing fabrics that manage to highlight the female form. His designs are sexy, dramatic, and Hannant has no problem adding to the drama with beads, fringe, sequins, lace, ruffles and other luxurious trimmings.

This show continues the tradition! With gorgeous gowns, flag dresses, halter dresses, hot pants, bomber jackets, it was hard to pick a favorite look! There were too many favorites! Paired with gorgeous shoes, hats, (provided by Eric Javits), sunglasses, (provided by Modo), and vintage jewelry, (provided by Albino Riganello), the collection was a crowd pleaser!

To see the entire collection, courtesy of my favorite fashion photog Shawn Punch, see http://shawnpunch.photoshelter.com/gallery/Douglas-Hannant-Resort-2012/G0000jW0lVYZ0dy0/

 

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June 10, 2011

Want Your Hair Stylist to Love You? Spread the Word–Wella!

 WELLA PROFESSIONALS CELEBRATE REDHEADS

 From the red carpet to the runway, one of the hottest trends this spring and summer is tinted tresses. The color of choice: RED.  Stars like Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Mandy Moore, and Blake Lively have all recently been spotted donning luminous strawberry and copper locks. My hairdresser confirmed this, and said not only was it the hottest color around, those that went red, were not opting to go blonde for the summer, rather they were going more strawberry. Celebrate the redheads!

Wella Professionals, the global leader in salon color had an inkling long ago that fiery red hues would be taking spring and summer hair care by storm. As part of the global leader in salon color’s 2011 trend forecast, the brand revealed the bold red hue with PASSIONISTA,.Created by Wella Professionals Global Creative Directors Eugene Souleiman and Josh Wood, alongside the Wella Professionals Creative Team, the PASSIONISTA trend was born out of the exploration of sophisticated codes of passion, seduction and sensation. Love is communicated through the confidant allure of ultimate femininity, and RED, the definitive symbol of love, makes bold statements through an eclectic blushing palette from soft nude pinks to burning hot reds. “I wanted to create the right red for Passionista,” notes Wood. “I wanted to capture the moment and the strength in the hair.”

 While Haute Couture and Hollywood may have already embraced the trend, the real work comes in taking the trend from the runway to the streets: taking inspiration from it, personalizing it, and interpreting it into street styles and living looks. Wella knows this transformation doesn’t always come easily, and is giving stylists across the globe the chance to make their mark as true visionaries and express their own signature styles. From now until June 30, 2011, the best talents in the hair industry will have the opportunity to showcase their talents by entering Wella Professionals Trend Vision 2011 hairstyling competition and interpreting Passionista or one of three other Wella Trend Vision 2011 themes.

 Encourage your favorite stylist to enter by visiting www.wella.com and complete the online entry before June 30, 2011. The winner of the US final will represent the United States at the international final in New York City with an all-expenses paid trip. They will also receive PR support and coverage, training and the chance to take part in Wella events throughout the year, such as shows during New York Fashion Week. And having your hair stylist forever in your debt? Priceleless!!!

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June 9, 2011

Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat-Stay Hydrated!!

It’s another scorcher in the city! At temperatures that may break records! All of this and summer is officially two weeks away! As temperatures soar, it is important to remember ways to safely tackle the heat. One of the easiest ways to beat the heat and stay healthy is to raise that glass of water, and keep raising them!

We have all heard the best advice is to keep ourselves hydrated. Did you know the best time to drink fluids is BEFORE you are thirsty? By the time you notice you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. I try to get myself on a schedule, drinking water as soon as I am up, before I go to bed, and consciously making sure I have water every hour and half. If you are planning on exercising, or being out in the sun, you need to drink more as those activities will put you at a serious risk of dehydration which can lead to other heat related illnesses including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

What to drink? While a cold beer may sound like an ideal way to beat the heat, alcohol can actually speed up dehydration.   Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol, as they stimulate urine production and lead to an increase in the loss of fluids.  Water is the best liquid to drink. I’ll admit it has taken me years to actually like drinking water, so as boring as water may be, I figure out ways to dress it up and enjoy it! I will often add fruit, vegetables to my water and flavor it. My mix today is strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapple and ginger. Mix together and refrigerate for a couple of hours. I try to make a mix every night before bed. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade are also good as they provide electrolytes that you lose with sweat.

How much fluid is needed? They say that adults need 17 to 20 ounces before beginning an activity, as well as 7 to 10 ounces every 10 to 20 minutes during the activity. The hydration doesn’t stop when the activity is over either. Another 24 ounces of fluid is needed within 2 hours of the activity.

Most children spend a greater amount of time outdoors in the summer weather. Because children have a larger surface area in relation to body mass, they often gain heat faster than adults. Children, especially those 18 months or younger, are especially susceptible to heat related illness. A good rule of thumb is that children need 4 to 8 ounces before beginning an activity, 5 to 9 ounces every 20 minutes they are outside and 24 ounces after they have stopped their activity.

There is a fine line between how heat affects adults, and there is even a more profound way that it affects the elderly. Be a good neighbor—check on neighbors that are elderly or sick. Offer to do some errands for them. Make them some flavored water. Play it forward!

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are over 300 deaths due to heat related illnesses every year.  The sad fact is that most of these deaths are preventable, and could be prevented from knowing the realities and symptoms of heat related illnesses.  Symptoms of heat related illnesses include:

  • Dry lips and tongue.
  • Headache.
  • Weakness, dizziness, or extreme fatigue.
  • Concentrated urine that appears darker than normal.
  • Nausea.
  • Muscle cramps.

It’s important to remember that anytime a person who has been exposed to heat becomes disoriented or unconscious, immediate medical attention for that person must be sought.

Keep plenty of water available for all of our animal friends as well!

Stay safe and beat the heat!

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June 9, 2011

Ideal Beauty in Advertising-Realizing Myth from Reality

A friend of mine put an interesting clip of a video from Jean Kilbourne on her Facebook page. Kilbourne, for those of you not familiar with her work, is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and filmmaker who has been credited with the idea of educating about media literacy as a way to prevent problems associated with mass media advertising campaigns. As I watched the video, I was reminded of how advertising shapes our world, our values, our concept, our version of beauty, and indeed even our concept of normalcy. In the fast-paced world of today, we are bombarded with these images. And pretty pictures sell products.

I’ll admit it….I like looking at pretty pictures. In advertising, when you see a picture of a woman, she is the ideal beauty, flawless.  The problems arise when we compare ourselves and our lives to these pictures. Flawless, while it looks good in pictures, it does not exist in reality. Even supermodel Cindy Crawford has said she wished she looked like Cindy Crawford. If you’ve ever been to a photo shoot, you know it takes an army of people to get a good picture. It used to be done through airbrushing and cosmetics, but now I doubt that any photo that is used hasn’t been photo shopped. Photo shop now makes it possible to have ideal beauty, but it isn’t real.

It is important that we know, and that we teach our kids, that ads are meant to sell products. The image we see is the same as taking a ride on Space Mountain at Disneyland. All smoke and mirrors! Nice to enjoy, but isn’t a reality. Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U&feature=related which was put together from Dove to help promote healthy self -image, especially to young girls who are more likely to feel insecurities on their looks.

We will be seeing more images of ideal beauty….enjoy it for what it is worth…..a pretty picture. Ideal beauty will change constantly, real beauty does not! Your self –worth comes from within, not from comparing yourself to a photo that was manufactured. As my friend Renee (who started modeling at 12 by the way) said “the embodied full woman self is much more dynamic, real and empowered than what the media would like us to buy into”.  Be the best you can be!  Real beauty triumphs over ideal beauty any day!

For the Jean Kilbourne clip see http://front.moveon.org/kate-winslet-i-dont-look-like-that-and-i-dont-desire-to-look-like-that/?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4de124d5c427b1e3,1

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June 8, 2011

Fashion Show to Benefit Bottomless Closet

NYC’s Bottomless Closet Presents the First Annual

“Real Women on the Runway” Fashion Show and Cocktail Party

 

Congratulations to Bottomless Closet! The local non-profit has recently reached the milestone of helping 15,000 New York City women. Since opening its doors in 1999, Bottomless Closet NYC’s volunteers and staff have worked tirelessly to help guide local women from economic dependency to financial freedom. The clients of bottomless closet come from diverse backgrounds and experiences including women on public assistance, formally incarcerated, single mothers, survivors of domestic violence, and women living in shelters.  Bottomless Closet NYC helps not only with the gift of professional wardrobe; but it gives financial lessons and workplace etiquette training. Despite the hardships and devastation these women have seen in their lives, Bottomless Closet helps them actively pursue a better life and future for themselves and their families.

Today, with unemployment being at an all-time high, combined with an extremely competitive job market, the services of Bottomless Closet have become even more critical. This Thursday, June 9th, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, please join Bottomless Closet in its First Annual “Real Women on the Runway” Fashion Show and Cocktail party featuring clients and their success stories. Bottomless Closet clients will be featured as the models, and as they walk down the runway in fashionable, professional attire provided by TJ Maxx and other brands. Fashion Designer Nicole Miller has signed on as one of the main sponsors for the show. She will be attending the event to show her support for this amazing organization.

Help the legacy of this amazing non-profit.  Join the models as they walk towards a better future!

For additional information, visit www.bottomlessclosetnyc.org.

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June 6, 2011

Register to win a NovaMoist essential oil from Gerda Spillmann ! Read more below…

NovaMoist is one of those wonderful “can’t be without” products that we all need to keep on hand in our “Beauty Arsenal” !

I use mine on the days when I require some more moisture on my face , or on my cuticles to keep my manicure looking fresh. I often put a drop on my hands. They get so dry from constant washing while doing makeup artistry.

The great thing about this portable NovaMoist container is that it’s so convenient! You can take it with you anywhere you go, and only one drop goes a long way.

Here are some other uses that are listed on the NovaMoist packaging (and I quote):

Dry Skin Problems :
•Pre and Post Menopause Skin
•Cracked Nail Beds and Cuticles
•Elbows and Cracked Heels

Acute Skin Problems:
•Burns
•Shaving and Waxing Irritation
•Peels
•Chemotherapy/Radiation

Chronic Skin Conditions:
•Eczema
•Rosacea
•Psoriasis
•Lupus Redness
•Stastis Dermatitis

Two physicians developed this 100% natural product to help assist with the distress of all skin issues, and after 8 years of clinical use have had outstanding results.

The ingredients include:
•Lavender
•Rose
•Geranium,
•Clary Sage
•Bergamot
•Juniper
in sesame oil.

I really love essential oils and these ingredients are a great combination. You and your skin will feel good and look good when you use NovaMoist.

One lucky person will win a NovaMoist essential oil this month! Just go to the link and register now :
www.itsaglamthing.com/winit-6.php

You can check out NovaMoist and all of the wonderful GerdaSpillmann products at:
www.gerdaspillmann.com

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June 2, 2011

Keeping Safe in Summer Sun!!

Summer Fun and UVA and UVB Rays

Summer fun and summer sun! By now we all know that exposure to the sun is one of the major causes of our skin’s aging. In addition to aging the skin, medical studies have found an association between sunburns and the enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Because the sun is stronger, we become more aware of the sun and its effect on our skin in the summertime. We may think we need sunscreen only in the summer, but in reality, we need to use sunscreen daily.

Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays: ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. We become more aware of the UVB rays in the summertime, because these are the rays from the sun that lead to sunburn.  These are also the rays most responsible for skin cancer. The rays aren’t always the same strength year round. They are more prevalent in the summer, but they are able to reflect off water or snow, so sunscreen that protects against UVB rays is needed year round. If you’ve heard the advice to stay out of the mid-day sun, it is because these are the hours that the UVB rays are the strongest, and can damage the skin more quickly.

While the UVB rays are more commonly attributed to being the cause of skin cancer, the UVA rays are the rays that are mainly responsible for aging the skin. The sun emits the same strength UVA rays all day long. These rays can pass through windows (UVB rays are blocked by window glass). The rays penetrate into deeper into the skin’s dermis layer, leading to signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and ages spots.

Even though the UVA rays cause only 1/1000th of the redness caused by UVB rays, they are even more damaging to your skin. With exposure to UVB rays, you feel the heat; see the redness and quickly take cover…..with UVA rays you don’t. You may be exposed to the UVA rays more than you think. Hours at a sunny window, driving, etc.,  can cause as much, if not more damage than an hour in the sun!

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some are good at blocking UVB rays, but not the UVA rays. You need a sunscreen that blocks both. Without out double protection, you could think you are being protected, stay out longer and end up giving yourself an overdose of the UVA rays with the additional sun time. Sunscreens that contain PABA, Cinnamates, and Salicylates block only UVB rays. Sunscreens that contain Benzophenones will block both UVA and UVB rays, but is water soluble, so ordinary sweat and water remove them. Look for sunscreens that use physical agents, such as white zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They block UVA and UVB rays and are not water soluble.

A sunscreen that is not water soluble is also a must. It will not be washed away by water or perspiration. Personally, I am VERY fair. To protect myself as much as possible from the strong summer sun, I change my routine. I avoid mid-day sun as much as possible, and try to do errands in early morning or after sunset. Having said that, I am also quite the water baby! I snorkel, scuba dive, sail, and love doing anything on the water. I use a scuba skin, boots and gloves pretty much every time I am in the water and utilize my light weight safari wear that not only keeps me covered,but is UV protective so  it blocks the sun’s rays as well. Sunglasses are a must, as is a hat. I keep sunscreen and a lot of water on me at all times!

As you age, as seasons change, even medication that you may be taking can change your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. What SPF you used last summer may not work for you this summer. Have some sunscreen that has different levels of SPF at hand and adjust them. You change and so does your skin. Your sunscreen needs to as well!

Be sure to read Lisa’s piece on areas that we need to pay extra special attention to before stepping out into the sun at http://www.examiner.com/beauty-in-tampa-bay/warning-ignored-areas-you-must-protect-before-stepping-out-into-the-sun-fillin

For those of you who worry that using sun screen every time you are out in the sun will not give you any vitamin D, you can increase the amount of foods you eat with vitamin D (fish, eggs, milk, etc.), take a dietary supplement and /or use a body lotion such as Dr. Goldfaden’s Vitamin D Body Lotion. Dr. Goldfaden’s Vitamin D Body Lotion (www.goldfaden.com) contributes to skin cell growth, repair and metabolism. It will as motivates your skin’s immune system and helps destroy free radicals that can cause premature aging. It is easier to increase levels of vitamin D than it is to repair skin damage!

I would like to thank Peter Lamas for sending me a copy of his book The Truth about Sun Exposure. It is  a very easy read and extremely informative  on the subject. This book will provide you with the facts about sun exposure and what you can do to limit the damage to your skin and your children’s skin. It was an invaluable asset! (www.peterlamas.com)

So who needs sunscreen? We all do! Make it a daily habit!

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May 30, 2011

Happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is the day we honor those who have died while protecting our country. Whether you chose to celebrate the day at a Memorial Day Service, the beach, at a BBQ, cherish the family and friends around you. And thank a Veteran, for without them we would not have the freedoms that we all enjoy.

And if you haven’t seen this video, take two minutes and thank the World War II Vets! Here is the info on it!

This story is incredible. Send this touching two-minute video about World War II veterans to FIVE friends and family to remind them that every day alive in this great, free country is truly a bonus. Let’s get 50,000 views for the video by Memorial Day (May 30th) to show these living heroes, one last time, just how grateful we are for their unbelievable sacrifice. The video is a trailer to a documentary that will come out in November. The more we can show interest in the trailer (i.e. views), the more Americans will get to see the film. Time is running out: 1,000 WWII vets die every day. We are free today because of these men and women. The least we can do is watch a web video and send it to five people. Let’s get this mission done!

http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=176273326&amp%3Bs=fb_feed

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