July 5, 2015

Old mascara + contact solution= beautiful lashes

If you are anything like me you absolutely love makeup but sometimes find quicker is better. Especially if you don’t have a lot of time in the morning. Lately I have been looking up other makeup artists to learn their techniques and have also been looking up different techniques on the internet. One quick makeup “hack” I have found to be very useful lately (and a big money saver) is taking some contact solution and putting a couple drops into an old, flaky mascara. The solution will help smooth out the dried up mascara inside the tube so that you can use it all up. But word of caution, if you have had the mascara for longer than 3 months be sure to discard it. Having any makeup product past a certain point can result in infections, breakouts and more.

contact solution

contact solution

I know that many times I would go an buy a whole new thing of mascara not knowing that there was still mascara left over in the tubes. When I found out about the contact solution trick I couldn’t wait to share it. Now we can all save money & time and have beautiful lashes once again! So check out the contact solution trick and let me know what you think.

mascara

mascara

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July 3, 2015

Resistance band workout

Today I presented “The Resistance Band workout.”

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It’s a Glam Thing Fitness Expert Elizabeth Colen on Your Carolina

Watch the segment here: http://wspa.com/2015/07/03/its-a-glam-thing/

The Resistance Band workout

1st Exercise
Hold resistance band taunt shoulder height, arms width apart
Open arms as wide as you can
Return arms back to starting position (make sure band stays nice and taunt)

Recommend
3 sets 10-20 reps

2nd exercise
Place band both hands to your left side and rise your right hand up in a V motion
Bring hand back to left side (nice and controlled going up and down)

Recommend
3 sets 10-20 reps

3rd Exercise

Place band both hands to your right side and rise your left hand up in a V motion
Bring hand back to right side (nice and controlled going up and down)

Recommend
3 sets 10-20 reps

Website: itsaglamthing.com

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July 3, 2015

A Manicure on the go? SLIM UNO says so !

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Violife’s Slim Uno Portable Manicure Kit is one of the cutest and practical nail accessories I have come across in a long time. I love that this accessory has four attachments to cure any nail emergency at any time, at home or on the go. Violife’s Slim Uno is available in a variety of bright colors along with a travel pouch so you can take it with you everywhere. The manicure tool has four attachments and is located in a sleek pen-like container. I especially like this feature because the tools are always clean and ready for use.
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As you can see below, the four attachments include a Cuticle Pusher, Shaping File, Emery Board and Buffer Board. The attachments provide everything you need for your manicure, a quick touch up or a nail emergency (which I have all the time). Violife’s Slim Uno is battery powered (battery included) and come with 2 Replacement Pads, 1 for the emery board and 1 for the Buffer. Slim Uno does an incredible job on acrylic nails. The power of the tool allows the emery board to shape and smooth broken and chipped nails in no time and with ease. This manicure tool will become your best find.

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Violife’s Slim Uno Portable Manicure Kit makes a perfect gift. I am putting one in a basket I am making for my niece’s bridal shower. My daughter wants a Violife’s Slim Uno Portable Manicure Kit to take to school in the fall. You will find Slim Uno along with other great travel products at www.violife.com

 

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July 3, 2015

Getting back into the routine

Have you ever been on vacation and found it hard to keep up with your skincare routine? If you are anything like me, when being on vacation you dont want to be bothered with things like that. Mainly because you may get tired :). I know its horrible for a beauty enthusiast to say. Having spent about 3 1/2 days in St. Augustine FL, with the incredible heat I found that there was no reason to do to much knowing it would get sweated off but still lathered up with sunscreen. I love my skincare routine so today I am going to share my steps on how I “baby step” my way back into a healthy skincare regimen. By healthy I mean no more soda, alcohol, fried foods etc. You know all the stuff we tend to eat and drink when on vacation lol.

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skin

When I got home the first thing I did was unpack all my skincare products and put them back in their original places. I did this thinking that if my mind was set to know they were back in place I would automatically do it tonight. If I kept them in their bag then it would probably be that I would not cleanse my face at all. Next, I went straight to the fridge and filled my water bottle up. Another “mind trick” that if it was already done more than likely I would start drinking and filling it up from then on.

Next get rid of all junk food!!! Junk food is one of the culprits to breakouts, dry skin etc. It literally will suck the life out of your skin. If that means finishing everthing then go ahead and do so but it will be out of the house. This will also help if you want to start back on your healthy eating. I find that if I do that then I have no choice but to eat all the healthy stuff. *wink* lol

So these are just 3 “mind tricks” you can take to help you get back in the swing of things. If you have any other ones I would love to hear how you get things started. Have som skincare fun!

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July 2, 2015

Style Your Home Red, White and Blue Year-round

Jason-Bell-living-roomThe month of July is when we celebrate our country’s independence. Homes across America gather their family and friends for backyard barbeques with a red, white and blue, stars and stripes theme reminiscent of our country’s flag; ending the evening with a bang through a dazzling display of fireworks. I love to decorate with red, white and blue because of its classic, regal historical look and feel. It’s never passé to show your patriotic colors and it’s easier than you think to capture the spirit of Independence Day year around in your home. Here are some simple tips to decorate your home and pay tribute to our red, white and blue flag with style year around.

The family room is the beating heart of every house. It’s where family and friends culminate to spend time together making it the perfect place to display your patriotic home décor. Create a focal point in your room by painting a wall your favorite shade of red and accent with blue and white. Find a stark white paint for your other walls and incorporate a blue or white sofa, chairs and coffee table that compliments your scheme. Let the red stand out on your wall and bring a few accessories into the room in shades of red through books, flowers, and frames or American flags.

All-American-Kitchens-Red-White-Blue-2While the family room is the beating heart, the kitchen is the pulse to your home. If there’s something cooking there will be someone looking, so this really is one of the most important rooms in your house when it comes to design. We spend a lot of time in our kitchen so you need to love its look, layout and function. I adore a red, white and blue kitchen because of its simple, clean appeal. White cabinets are a must! They can make a small kitchen appear larger and make the space feel open. Try using a solid blue countertop, white subway tile backsplash and add red accents to the room through your lighting, countertop appliances, flowers, dinnerware, or window coverings. Think about using a collection of small flags on wooden dowels in a white vase as a patriotic table centerpiece.

Your guest bath is a really fun place to express personality and create a conversation piece for your guests at the same time. So when it comes to the guest bath I love to think outside the box. Make a patriotic statement with blue pattered walls, stark white trim and red-hot accessories. Consider using wallpaper or fabric in a classic toile or pattern colored in red, white and blue. Use a contrasting color from the main color on your walls to paint your trim a bold color of red or blue. Or keep your walls a stark white or hue of blue and add a bold punch of red through your lighting, sink or toilet.

combination-of-various-patterns-and-prints-in-blue-white-and-red-for-a-plush-bedroomWhen it comes to decorating a bedroom it doesn’t have to be all stars and stripes. Try using checker and dot patterns of red, white and blue to bring a charming and whimsical patriotic feel to your space. American country antiques, hooked rugs or classic red, white and blue quilts look stunning and are all timeless depictions of our countries history. Consider repurposing old furniture pieces to make them new again by adding a patriotic touch painting them in rich hues of red or blue. Remember that lighting is the jewelry to your home and this is also an important way to incorporate red, white and blue into your room.

Shelf-CompleteAccessorizing each room in your home is the glue that ties your design together. It’s not something that you can do overnight but it’s important and fun to collect the right pieces a little bit at a time. Here’s one fun idea to think about in your search for household accessories to tie in nicely with a red, white and blue American theme. Collect flags for different eras and display them throughout your home as wall hangings or use them to make pillows or blankets with flag inspired motifs. This is something that the whole family can enjoy collecting together as you shop or travel. Just think you will be creating your own historical American museum in your home that can be passed down for generations to come.

Enjoy celebrating our Country’s Independence Day with your family and friends but most importantly, enjoy capturing the style and spirit of our freedom in your home year-round.

Cheers,

julee_signature

 

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July 2, 2015

Keep CeraVe Near…SANDAL SEASON IS HERE !!!!

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A Message from the PROS:   ARE YOUR FEET READY TO BARE IT ALL?

Will your feet dare to go bare this spring and summer? Whether you prefer gladiator styles or simple flip flops, your feet go on display as soon as the weather warms up and they stay that way almost until the first frost. However, if your feet have been stuck in boots all winter, you may need some foot repair that goes beyond an ordinary “pedi.”

The good news is CeraVe® has made it so easy to begin treating your feet, helping to conquer dryness and rough patches on your heels and the balls of your feet. CeraVe® Renewing SA Foot Cream, previously available only at a podiatrist’s office, is now available in the drugstore and it can help your feet in several key ways.

CeraVe® Renewing SA Foot Cream contains salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. You won’t find this quintet at your local nail salon! Salicylic acid and ammonium lactate help by exfoliating dry, rough skin, loosening dead skin cells; smoothing and softening skin to let your skin’s natural beauty shine through. Without eliminating this dry top layer, nothing can really get in to begin the work of making your feet ready to go bare! Ceramides, the foundation of the CeraVe® brand, help replace lipid levels in compromised skin to help repair, restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. They also help by preventing water loss from the skin. They nourish and hydrate with CeraVe® patented MVE® controlled release technology.

Niacinamide supports the skin’s natural production of ceramides and fatty acids essential for restoring and repairing the skin barrier. Finally, hyaluronic acid works as a humectant that attracts water to the skin and ensures that skin remains hydrated.

For your own foot care regimen, cleanse feet with CeraVe® Hydrating Cleanser. Apply moisturizer and follow with CeraVe® Renewing SA Foot Cream. Do this twice a day before sandal season begins to get your feet ready for any and every style of footwear your heart desires. Dry, rough skin should never be a deciding factor in what shoes you buy. If your feet look great, only your wallet should have a deciding vote!

CeraVe® Renewing SA Foot Cream is available at many podiatrist offices, and now online, at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide with an SRP of $10.99 (3 oz. tube). For more information, please visit: www.cerave.com.

About Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC:

Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in

the areas of dermatology, eye health, consumer healthcare and other pharmaceutical products. More information about Valeant Pharmaceuticals can be found at www.valeant.com.

 

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July 1, 2015

Donna Karan leaves her “head designer” post

Fashion industry icon Donna Karan is leaving her post as Donna Karan International head designer after more than 30 years. Karan, 66 plans to spend more time expanding her philanthropic initiative, the Urban Zen Foundation. She will be an “adviser” to DKI.
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(Donna Karan photo taken from imdb.com)

Karan, one of the most influential Fashion designers in the world, co-founded DKI in 1984 with her late husband Stephen Weiss. The show-stopping red gown is credited to Karan whose celebrity clients include Viola Davis, Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Jane Fonda and many, many more.
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June 28, 2015

2015 Swimsuit Trends for Every Body

Temperatures hitting 90 degrees or more in many parts of the country this week have a lot of us heading to the beach or the pool trying to keep cool.  But with such a wide range of swimsuit trends this year, there’s something out there to help every woman look HOT!  Here are some of the hottest swimwear trends for 2015 that I shared on FOX46 “Good Day Charlotte” this week:
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Trends #1 & #2:  Flutter Tops and Tribal Prints

Fluttery, flouncy tops and tribal prints will be everywhere this summer!  My first model, Rachel Petsiavas, looked amazing in this fabulous Tribal Set from Despi Beachwear.

Despi Beachwear

Whether you choose fringes (like this one) or soft ruffles, these tops are a super cute way to add volume to the look of your bust without padding.  And they’re great for adding movement when you walk!  Also be on the lookout for fresh and bold detailed tribal patterns in a multitude of colors in women’s swimwear this summer.  Find this look at www.despibeachwear.com

Trend #3: Sheer Mesh Panels

Minnow Bathers

Fellow Glam Gal Elizabeth Colen wore this white hot one-piece from Minnow Bathers to illustrate the trend toward mesh paneling.  It’s a great way to show “a little something” while still being mostly covered!  

The Eddie Bather has a curved central mesh panel in front and is sexy low cut in back.  It’s fully lined and available in sizes XS-XL.  If you like a more sporty or athletic look, this could be a great option for you.  Want to add a little more glam?  Try some silver and gold jewelry-inspired temporary tattoos!  Get the Eddie Bather at www.minnowbathers.com

Trend #4: High-Waist Bikini Bottoms

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Hannah Sailor showed one of my favorite of this year’s trends: High-Waisted Bikini bottoms. As you might guess, these are a great option if you don’t happen to have perfectly sculpted abs and hips.  But the Cassie suit from Cleo Swim by Panache really does look fantastic on a wide variety of body types.  Either way, this classic retro look helps create a beautiful hourglass figure and will have you feeling super confident walking around the beach!

Cleo Swim by Panache is the perfect swimsuit line for women who wear a size D-cup and larger. www.panache-lingerie.com/us/products/list/cleo-swim-by-panache

Trend #5: Cropped Tops

Crop tops are not only popular on the streets this year, but also on the beach.  On the street, they are meant to reveal a little skin; at the beach, use them to cover up a little!

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The Kalos Crop Top from Guria Beachwear is a great example of this trend and Amanda Knolle looked super sexy sporting this look!  The top is made of high-quality swimwear material, but is perfect for wear in or out of the water.

Pair it with Guria’s cute matching crochet detail bikini bottoms (in American and Brazilian cuts) and a gold body chain for a summer beach look that can’t be beaten! Find this fabulous swimsuit combination and many other great options at www.guriabeachwear.com.br!

Trend #6: Sexy One-Pieces

Many thanks again to Guria Beachwear for providing the perfect example of my final beachwear trend:  the Sexy One-Piece. Brittany Bass wowed in this classic glam look!  The Favela – Plunge One-Piece in American and Brazilian cuts is an unmistakable reminder that the maillot is no longer considered matronly and that all sorts of women now realize that skimpier does not always mean sexier… Ooh-la-la!

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June 28, 2015

reNeu with NEUMA

Have you ever just got in the shower to wash you hair and it seems that no matter how much your scrub your scalp it just doesn’t seem to feel clean? Especially if you seem to have a dry scalp or a form of eczema or psoriasis. Not only does it seem that our scalp does not feel cleansed but also our entire body. But who ever heard of a shampoo that can double as a body wash that was organic, vegan, made from the extract of plants and 100% natural ingredients? Well, my friends YOU will. The reNeu Shampoo from NEUMA has quickly become one of my go to shampoos this summer.

reNeu Shampoo

reNeu Shampoo

reNeu Shampoo is one of NEUMA’S best selling shampoos. Not made with any synthetic anything, it is very lightly scented (with essential oils) and very gentle. It is infused with green sea algae and peppermint that help to soothe and thoroughly cleanse. When I wash my hair I can finally have that satisfaction of the shampoo getting not only my hair but my scalp clean. I can feel almost like a tingly sensation on my scalp as I wash my hair. This is the first shampoo I have ever used that I recommend for all hair types, and skin types. There is no fear if you have allergies, or skin conditions making it also a great body wash. But there is one little added bonus to the reNeu. It can be used as a toothpaste! Yes its that gentle. As a toothpaste it is very cleansing leaving your teeth feeling brand new & leaves your mouth very minty. So you have a 3-in-1 product.

When all else falls grab some NEUMA and join the journey. reNeu will leave you feeling renewed and healthy. Try out their other products by visiting your local salon. Visit www.neaumabeauty.com and see where there is a NEUMA salon near you.

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June 26, 2015

Bath Bombs, Soaks and Scrubs…Oh My!!

 

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We all bath to clean our bodies. We also have different ways of cleansing. Maybe you enjoy soaking in the tub to destress from the events of the day?  Maybe you enjoy an invigorating shower. Whatever you choose there is a Bath Bomb, Salt Scrub or Salt Soak waiting for you. Better yet, Why don’t you make your own? I’ve recently tried making some of the Bath Bombs and salt soaks from Kate Bello’s DIY Book: Homemade Bath Bombs, Salts & Scrubs. Let me just say I am having fun with these recipes. I’ve made a few Bath Bombs and salt scrubs and have so much fun making them.Look at my bath bomb (below), it looks so cute and smells fantastic. I chose Lavender and vanilla oils, and I can’t wait to try it out.

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This is a fun book with over 300 Natural Recipes that you make yourself for your luxurious bath or energizing shower. The ingredients for the recipes mainly consist of salts, Epsom, Himalayan and Dead Sea to name a few. All the ingredients including the essential oils can be found on the internet or at your local health food store.  You can mix and match the oils depending on your sense of smell. I love lavender, so I substituted an oil in the recipe for lavender essential oils, and it smells amazing. I haven’t experimented with color, but I will, you can count on it.

Homemade Bath Bombs, Salts & Scrubs provides detailed instructions on how to make each recipe. They are easy to understand, so there is no guesswork involved. Carrier Oils, essential oils, clays, and salts are all explained in detail for you. What I found amazing is that there is a recipe for practically every ailment that exists. Well, maybe not every ailment but enough choices that you will find a recipe that you will “Have to Make”.

There are recipes for Asthma relief, Athlete’s Foot, Respiratory relief, Fever-Reducing, Pain Relieving, Soothing and Skin Softening, to name a few. You must get this book to review all of the Bath Bombs, Scrubs and Salts it offers.  I am currently making a few gifts layering Himalayan salts (pink) and Sea salt (white) using small mason jars exactly like the sample shown on the cover of the book.  Tonight I am going to use one of the salt scrubs I made with Almond and sandalwood essential oil. I will let you know how it comes out!

You can purchase Homemade Bath Bombs, Salts & Scrubs from ulyssespress.com/?books=homemade-bath-bombs-salts-and-scrubs

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