July 28, 2015

A “summer nights dream”

After hours of preparation, excitement and few gallons of hairspray later, the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show was underway at the Tampa Convention Center making it a “summer night’s dream”. Founded in 2004 by business man and entrepreneur Terrance Shaw, VIP has brought nothing but top notch service since day one. And that is exactly what they brought to Tampa Bay. The evening started off with celebrity performers opera singer and ballet aerialist, Jacqueline Valdez & Jason Rex of Infusion Remax. A beautiful duet that reminded me of cirque de Solei meets opera. Jacqueline and Jason are also survivors of cancer and Sjogren disease.

Infusion Remax's Jacqueline Valdez & Jason Rex

Infusion Remax’s Jacqueline Valdez & Jason Rex

After that the designers & models started things off with a bang and a few feathers. The show featured designers Lacie Cupani and Cupani Fashion, David President, MEROCKI, Jacqueline Saldana, Jackie Hutcherson, Nailuj Villarroel, Aleksandra Salo, Jessica Rios All Brides 2 Be & Formalwear & Adreamrocks! We had everything from formal wear, bathing suits, blinged out bathing suits and towels and so much more. Sometimes words cannot express just how amazing these shows are! Some designers and models even flew in from out of town just to participate. At the end of the night awards were given to the best designer & best international model. US Gold & Silver donated rings to the best designs, All Brides to Be by Jessica Rios and Best International Model Abby Marie Santiago. Congratulations ladies!

Male Model showcases David President Attire

Male Model showcases David President Attire

VIP Exclusives was all I hoped it was and more. I am so honored and excited that I got to join this incredible evening, meet some new people and even see a few familiar faces. I cannot wait until next year. In the meantime check out all the awesome designers on their personal websites (listed below) and VIP Exclusives itself at www.vip-exclusives.org

Model showcases design at the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

Model showcases design at the VIP Exclusives Fashion Show

Also, don’t forget to check out my other blog “It all started in Tampa” for more photos of the event featuring models in the designs showcased.

All Brides 2 Be LLCwww.allbrides2be.com
Adreamrockswww.adreamrocks.com
Cupani Fashionshttp://www.cupanifashion.com/
David President Attirehttp://www.dpresidentattire.com/
MEROCKIhttp://www.merocki.com/
Jacqueline Saldenahttp://www.elegantstylesbyjacka.com/
Jacqueline Hutchersonhttp://www.onlyjackiestantrue.com/
Nailuj Villarroelwww.NailujVillarroelDesigns.com

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July 27, 2015

Sally Hansen, You have out done yourself

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One of my favorite brands of Nail Polish is Sally Hansen. Why? Because Sally Hansen Nail Care Products have never let me down. Whether I’m using “Hard as Nails, Insta-Dry, Big Glitter Top Coats or using one of their amazing manicure tools, I always have excellent results. My recent experience with Sally Hansen has been with their new Miracle Gel. Sally Hansen, you have out done yourself. This application requires no gel lights but when complete, the polish looks and feels like it’s a real gel manicure. The best part is you can use regular nail polish remover to take it off, NO SOAKING!!!

Use Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in just two simple steps for long lasting color and beautiful shine. The hardest part was choosing from over 50 gel polish colors. Apply two coats of your favorite color, allow to dry for 5 minutes and then add one coat of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat. The natural light will dry your nails to a hard surface and your nails will look beautiful.

sallyhansen.com

Jenna Raheb

 

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July 27, 2015

Have fun and be cheeky in a Courtney Allegra bikini!

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When it comes to swimwear and 18-year olds, most of the time the big decision is which bikini bottoms to pair with which bikini top. However, when it comes to 18-year-old Courtney Allegra, the big question is which swimwear designs to launch this season.

At 18, Courtney Allegra has achieved more success in fashion that many designers who have dedicated their whole lives to the field. With her unique sense of style, paired with true design talent, it is no wonder that Courtney Allegra is fast becoming a household name for her sexy and fun swimwear that makes women feel good and look fabulous.
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Designing fun and flirty swimwear that is inspired by all the beautiful places in the world, Courtney Allegra has her finger on the pulse of what fashionistas want in their swimsuit designs. Edgy and feminine style that never sacrifices comfort or quality! Each swimwear design by Allegra is a work of art that combines beautiful patterns, sexy cuts, and high quality fabrics, including modern and sophisticated metallics. All of Courtney Allegra’s designs are created in San Diego and made in Los Angeles, so they are true California girl wear!

Not only is Allegra an amazing designer, but she gives back to the community that gives to her with partnerships with many charitable organizations such as The Cancer Survivors Fashion Show, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Never Leave One Behind, just to name a few!

When it comes to swimwear this summer you could go with the run of the mill swimsuits that look the same year after year, or you could choose something with flair that shows off your style and is sure to turn heads, while keeping you comfortable and feeling amazing. The choice seems pretty clear: have fun and be cheeky in a Courtney Allegra Bikini!

courtneyallegra.com

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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

obagi face

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 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

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 22, 2015

Coming in for a “Soft Landing”

I love doing my nails, I mean all us women love doing or getting our nails done am I right? But the only downfall of doing our nails is the mess we have to endure with all the nail filings, glitter, and spilled nail polish the chaos seems never ending. That is until you find that you can now come in for a “Soft Landing” mani/pedi with Soft Landings Towels. Owned and operated by Kathy Weltman, Soft Landings makes clean up a breeze.

Soft Landings Towels Logo

Soft Landings Towels Logo

I wish I had known about these when I was a little girl. I can remember my mom would always get a little panicked when I painted my nails especially when designs got involved. Not much has changed but also this time with Soft Landings Towels, everything gets trapped within the fibers and can just be scooped up and tossed out. Soft Landings is also very beneficial for the salon professional when doing acrylics, and natural nail mani/pedis. Of course in the salon using the entire towel is the best so that it can cover the entire table top. But when I’m doing my nails at home, I cut the towel into sections big enough for one hand. That way you can have more than one.

Soft Landings Packaging

Soft Landings Packaging

Not only does Soft Landings Towels offer their line of Table Towels, they also have individual squares for removing gel or shellac polish. But that’s not it. Oh NO! A product like this is the true “jack of all trades” when it comes to uses. When in need grab them for your facial room or even for cosmetics. In fact some well known names proudly use the Soft Landings towels such as Essie, Milday Text books, Footlogix and Dazzle Dry… just to name a few.

So if you are tired of the mess, and don’t want to deal with anymore nasty lint bugs, or staining etc. check out www.softlandingstowels.com “Put your hands on these”

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