Thursday, March 31, 2011

Our Big Fat Greek Yogurt: Maria Menounos Likes It Too


Celebrity reporter Maria Menounos has a new book coming out on April 12th, called, 'The EveryGirl's Guide to Life.' In it, she gives sound advice for women trying to balance everyday life in a very busy world. The book is available for just $12.51 at Barnes & Noble.com.

We find our Greek sister to be down-to-earth with a good head on her shoulders. And we like Maria Menounos because she doesn't pretend to be someone else. She stays fit without a trainer and often does her own hair and makeup for red carpet events.

She's the daughter of hard-working immigrants, and that strong ethic has rubbed off on her, too. At age twenty-two, Maria Menounos became the youngest person to host Entertainment Tonight. And currently as a reporter for television's 'Access Hollywood,' 'Today,' Dateline,' and others, Maria gets to interview lots of beautiful people. And she has certainly picked up some valuable tips along the way.

One of her healthy-go-to-foods is Greek yogurt. And here's why:

"I love grabbing a Greek yogurt; it's a convenient, fat-free snack, plus there's 14 to 17 grams of protein in every cup. It's especially great before or after a workout," Maria says.

And she's right----Greek yogurt is all the rage these days. So, we examined an excellent one by Stonyfield Farm, called Oikos.

"Greek yogurt has an incredibly rich and creamy texture, about twice the protein of regular yogurt, less lactose, and fewer carbs. So it’s no wonder Greek is flying off the shelves. Our Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt has 0% fat and just 80 calories per serving.* Because it’s organic, Oikos is also better for the earth. And we think it's better for you too.".

Greek yogurt, is indeed, rich and creamy, a very filling food for those who want a delicious snack that keeps them long and lean.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Cellulite Likes Most Women: Even Kardashian And Crawford Have It



If you're feeling badly about your jiggly butt and thighs, STOP! You are not alone. Most women DO have cellulite.

The sad thing is......you can NEVER get rid of cellulite PERMANENTLY......but you CAN reduce the appearance of cellulite and STOP further cellulite advancement.

Now, most women won't own up to having jiggly butts and jiggly thighs, especially famous women. But it is refreshing to note, that at least two gorgeous celebrities have not been afraid to admit, that they, too, have some dimpled fat.

Kim Kardashian and Cindy Crawford have 'it.' And both lovelies realize that at least 80% of us have cellulite. It's a normal thing.

KIM KARDASHIAN in the March issue of Self magazine: "Of course, I struggle with insecure moments. I wish I didn't but I love to eat! Especially sweets. And I'll say it, I think my thighs are jiggly and I have cellulite. Now let's move on! Because when I put the time in at the gym, I'm confident. You have to feel good to look good."

CINDY CRAWFORD told Allure magazine 2 years ago: "I think I look pretty good for 43. But I don't look the way I did when I was 23. So if Star magazine or whatever wants to print a picture of me on the beach from the back, at the worst possible angle, and say that I have cellulite, I'm like, Guess what? I do, and I never said I didn't. I've had two kids, and I'm 43, so leave me alone."

So, stop fretting about your 'imperfect' body. Kardashian and Crawford are two famous and wealthy celebrities, with all the resources in the world to stamp out cellulite. They also hit the gym again and again. And they STILL have cellulite.

It's great to hear both Kim and Cindy speak so candidly about their body issues. We live in a world of photoshopping. It's sometimes difficult to know what's real and not real.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

How To Get Susan Lucci's Toned Triceps And Biceps With Simple Exercise

Soap star Susan Lucci visited the set of Good Morning America yesterday, wearing a simple white, sleeveless dress. And those arms!
Ms. Erica Kane is 64. She's absolutely ageless.

Toned arms. If you have them, then you enjoy showing off your nicely shaped triceps and biceps. And you probably enjoy wearing anything sleeveless. And why not?

It's a challenge to have beautifully toned arms. And after age 30, it gets even tougher to maintain such a tautness . But it can be done. All you need are a couple of small free weights. And we'll show you one easy exercise you can even do in the office to get you started.

Developing the triceps muscle. That is the key to a nicely toned arm. Where are the triceps located? We like to call that area the 'dingle-dangle.' Yep. That's the flabby part you can feel under the arm. One of the toughest places to firm up.

When you go to raise your hand and wave good-bye, you can feel that muscle flapping in the breeze. Well, hopefully, not too much. The triceps muscle can best be described this way, according to realwomensfitness.com:

"The triceps are probably the most important muscle to develop when you want to achieve firm toned arms. The reason for this is that the tricep muscle takes up 2/3 of the arm. If it is underdeveloped it looks wobbly and soft but when it is firm and lean it makes the whole arm look that way."

You can't just exercise your arms for two weeks and expect big changes. The triceps and biceps muscles need to engage in resistance exercises continuously. If you want toned arms with a little 'cut' in them, you're going to have to adopt this regimen as part of your life. It should become a familiar target area when you are at the gym or exercising at home. All you need is a pair of 3-lb dumbbells or small handweights. If you want to go higher, 5-lbs or 7-lbs.

You can get a decent arm workout with 3-lb. weights in each hand. In fact, your arms will get quite sore, if you do enough repetitions. You can buy small handweights from Reebok(see photo), Nike, or any sporting goods store.

Jade Alexis, who has trained Alicia Keys, came up with this boxing-inspired exercise that you can do at the office when you have a few spare moments.

Jade gave this toned arms exercise to In Style magazine.
"Sit upright in a chair with feet flat on the floor," Jade explains. "Hold dumbbells with your hands under your chin and slowly punch out at an angle across the body." Do at least 100 punches. You will develop 'knockout triceps, biceps, and shoulders.'

Monday, March 28, 2011

Go Natural This Spring With Earthy Tones And Materials

We adore Ralph Lauren style. And the master has out-done himself, once again, for his Spring 2011 collection.
If you don't like the loud vibrancy of color-block shades, then get back down to earthy sophistication.

Think 'Natural.'. And look for materials like leather, suede, raffia, canvas, and wood. This time, Ralph Lauren has brought back the Western wear he does so beautifully, with accents on bold belt buckles, wide braided leather belts, fringe, ruffles, and wooden bangle bracelets. And he's softened the look with lots of lace and creamy blouses with puffed sleeves

The Lauren color palette centers on earthy tones like tan, brown, camel, ivory, and white. A few lovely paisley designs added, but mainly a no-prints collection.

Very sophisticated. We also saw these knock-out platform sandals by Stuart Weitzman..."Bradford" braided lanyard heels ($375, at Bloomingdale's. Gorgeous woven leather and a 4 1/4" covered heel with a 1" covered platform. Very sexy and sophisticated for Spring 2011.

You can buy cheaper, if Ralph Lauren and Stuart Weitzman aren't in your spring fashion budget. Just keep an eye on those natural, earthy tones and materials, and you can imitate this elegant Western wear in a good way.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Amazing Amazonian 12 Hour Clay Blush By Tarte: For Dry And Oily Skin

Blush in powder form that's perfect for both dry and oily skin? That lasts 12-hours?!

Then, "Give us the glow!"

Tarte cosmetics is always on the forefront for blush technology. And this time, we are loving their newest spring Amazonian clay collection, now available at Sephora ($25). This is a solar-baked blush. And it really does come straight from the banks of the Amazon River.

The powder formula is a true skin-balancing clay. Put it on, and you get a flawless, smooth warmth across your cheeks. And the Tarte Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush comes in some very pretty, candy-colored, highly pigmented shades: (Take a look here).
Amused (bright pink)
Blissful (warm peach)
Blushing Bride (plumy rose)
Dollface (light pink)
Exposed (nude)
Flush (deep berry)
Natural Beauty (muted strawberry red)
Tipsy (coral)

Blush
should ALWAYS be a part of your makeup routine. We NEVER used to wear it. Sure, we put on foundation, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, lipstick, the works. And yet, we didn't think we needed blush. That's until we interviewed Sandy Linter, one of the greatest all-time professional makeup artists around.

What Sandy tells celebrities and non-celebrities, is this:
If you don't like wearing too much makeup, at least put on some blush. Blush warms up the face, and enhances skin and bone structure. Many women enjoy putting on makeup, but figure that foundation or base is enough, but it isn't.

"I hate that poured on look," Sandy says. "Just base and no blush. Or just base and powder. It's kind of strange-looking. I think women do it to look tanner. Or darker. But it's too flat. You need highlighting on the cheek. A touch of blush is necessary. Without it, it kind of looks dirty, flat, and matte."


Now we wear blush every day, and it really makes sense.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Rembrandt Teeth Experts Introduce New 'D' Whitening Paste


Have you tried the Deeply White collection?!

And we're not talking fashion this time. Instead, we're curious about the Rembrandt teeth whitening experts, and their Deeply White + Peroxide toothpaste.

We've been seeing the ads for D in all the major magazines. Now, we thought that this Rembrandt whitening paste had been out for a couple of years already. And we believe, the company is re-introducing the product.

Anyway, we like the Rembrandt teeth experts. The company has been at the forefront for years now, coming out with lots of pastes and mouthwashes that really brighten a smile, and zap away stains and yellowness ASAP!!

Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide claims to, not only whiten teeth deeper. but to help restore enamel at the same stroke of your toothbrush. Plus, there's a Deeply White + Peroxide mouthwash to use as a combo. Both cost about $7 each.

How it works:
"Our whitening toothpaste contains powerful ingredients that both whiten and protect your teeth. Sodium Fluoride is an anti-cavity agent that strengthens teeth by restoring tooth enamel. Our rapid-release peroxide starts working on contact to get deep stains inside teeth to visibly whiten."


We've been using Ultra brite's Advanced Whitening Toothpaste for a few years now, because the well-respected Consumer Reports stated that it was the BEST. Read on:

Consumer Reports tested 41 toothpastes, toothpastes that all boast about whitening your teeth. And they found that most brands do not live up to the hype or expensive price tags. But only one was really superior at stain removal. And this one wasn't too abrasive, meaning, the toothpaste would not harm teeth and gums. And that is---Ultra brite. And what a bargain at just $2.19 a tube, 6 oz. But it's not available on all store shelves. We find it at the Dollar Tree stores.
Ultra brite doesn't even contain peroxide, and yet is able to whiten teeth beautifully. The winning toothpaste is also good at fighting cavities and tartar.

Still, we are a white teeth maniac, so we are always searching for the uber tube of white. We will check out Rembrandt's D.

More details about thewhitening paste and a $3 off coupon here.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Just For Cool Curly-Hair Chicks: New Moroccanoil Mousse


When it comes to styling curly hair, there are some specifics that must be met:

1. Get rid of frizz, no matter what the weather may bring, while sealing in moisture.

2. Tame down curls with a product that gives great shape and memory to curly and tightly coiled hair.

3. Curls that spell, 'Shine, texture, and softness.'

And the makers of Moroccanoil have just come out with a new styling product that does all of the above, while keeping hair healthy with knock-out curly locks:

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse ($22, 5.1 oz., at fine salons and spas, and at moroccanoil.

What we adore about this excellent curl defining mousse is its all-in-one bottle treatment. When trying to tackle curly and tightly coiled hair, lots of different products are generally used---one for the frizz, one for the conditioning, one for the volume/shape, one for the memory/hairspray, etc.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse is all you need in one bottle, to 'build' a beautiful frame of enviable curls. It's formulated with the special ingredient of argan oil. And it can be applied on both wet and dry hair.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Idol Stunner Pia Outshine's JLo And Her Garish Paint-By-Number Makeup




Not a single train wreck during American Idol's 'Motown Night' last evening, except maybe for JLo's makeup and skating girl outfit. Ouch!

Idol contestant Pia Toscano was at the top of her game with 'All In Love Is Fair.' Judge Steven Tyler remarked, "Right now, you're the closest star in this American Idol universe".

And we have to agree. Pia Toscano is the whole American Idol package. She is polished, and sorry, Jennifer Lopez, you could take a few beauty tips from the graceful singer.

Pia's sophisticated makeup and style outshone even the diva qualities of star Jennifer Lopez.

The 21-year-old Idol hopeful wore an elegant black gown with simple, big gold hoops and her long, raven hair into a high pony tail. Her makeup featured a smoky eye and soft lip. Watch Pia sing here on YouTube.

JLo, on the other hand, walked out clutching fellow Judge Steven Tyler's arm in a shiny pink top and pleated mini, which sadly resembled a skating outfit.

Her makeup was even worse. Too much pink blush along with bright green eye shadow. It was a garish paint-by-number job.

Jennifer Lopez at 41, should know better, and demand better. She is a gorgeous, sexy star. She was the cover girl of her makeup artist Scott Barnes' makeup book last year.

She has wonderful bone structure, which means, she can carry off a lot of super makeup and hair looks. But lately, something isn't right. And we would like to know:

Who is doing JLo's makeup and wardrobe picks for American Idol?!

We understand that she is currently a spokesperson for L'Oreal, and we love the company. But we believe that Jennifer Lopez should go back to the sophisticated diva we all know and love.

We are dying to see what the curvy Idol judge will be wearing on her beautiful face and body at the A.I. elimination show this evening.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Elizabeth Taylor: Example Of Golden Ratio Beauty Standard




Elizabeth Taylor, long considered one of the most beautiful faces in the world, has left us.

The Academy-award-winning actress, has died at age 79, from congestive heart failure in California.

This poignant statement came from her son, Michael, today:

"My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor and love," Michael Wilding said in a statement. "We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts."

Many of us have always admired Elizabeth Taylor's classic beauty. But the legend, herself, was beautiful not just because of her oval face and gorgeous eyes, but for something in her DNA, known as the golden ratio.

Some experts believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but that beauty is based on key factors like the Phi ratio, or the golden ratio of 1.618:1, which ultimately equals balance and harmony. This golden ratio is found everywhere on the planet----in flowers, music, architecture, birds, etc.

And although, we as individuals, all have different races, nationalities, ages, sexes, and features, according to the MBA or Marquardt Beauty Analysis, a beautiful face, including Elizabeth Taylor's, will still conform to this one Phi ratio.

Dr. Stephen R. Marquardt, a maxillo-facial surgeon from California, has been studying human attractiveness for years. And he developed a beauty mask overlay. The mask, seen above in the photo, uses the pentagon and decagon as its foundation, which embody the Phi ratio in all its dimensions. In other words, beautiful faces will conform most to the measurements in the Marquardt mask.

It's a fascinating study. We can certainly see how the rare beauty of this screen legend would so easily conform to the beauty mask.

And that is why Elizabeth Taylor is an example of the golden ratio beauty standard.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

John Frieda Debuts Own Color Foam At-Home Product With Katie Holmes As New Face


John Frieda has a super hair products company. And this evening, he is debuting a new, at-home foam hair color line.

Okay, so the master is a bit late for the at-home permanent color foam party, that's been going on since Samy introduced their own Fat Foam product in Walmart stores last October. And then Clairol went public with their Nice 'n Easy Color Blend Foam last February.

That's alright. John Frieda has actress Katie Holmes on board with his Precision Foam Colour. And the duo is about to make some major Beauty news tonight at NYC's Lavo nightclub, with the premier of a clever short film introducing his no-drip at-home foam hair color line. This is a red carpet event, and we're wondering if hubby Tom Cruise and daughter Suri will be there to cheer mama Katie on.

Remember when Keira Knightley made a great short film for Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle? Well, these days, it's not unusual for big beauty companies to go Hollywood to promote a brand new product.

Katie Holmes and her healthy hair look gorgeous in the short film for Precision Foam Colour. We would never have coupled Katie with John Frieda. We just didn't think she had the glam....but boy, were we wrong!

The short film is called, 'The Decision.' And the mini-movie tells the story of Joan Hudson (Katie Holmes), a high-profile actress who makes the choice to leave her colorist and color her own hair at-home.

Check out some wonderful clips from 'The Decision,' here.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Will You 'Color-Block' Your New Spring Wardrobe In Notice-Me Bright Hues?!


Bright bursts of color combos. That's what color-block style is. And it's HOT for Spring 2011!

From must-have shoes to dresses and bags, notice-me colors are all the rage.

And all it takes is one smart piece to give your wardrobe a fresh, trendy pop.

We're looking today, at the Nine West Stylin' leather sandal ($89, at ninewest.com). This beauty features a 4 1/2" heel and 1/2" platform and comes in Dark Pink-Orange, Yellow-Green, and Black-Natural.

To wear color-block, you have to be fearless. That is.....you must love and feel comfortable putting some funky shades together. We're talking vibrant jewel tones like magenta/emerald green. Or purple/yellow/sapphire. Anything goes, and if you over-do the color-blocking, well, it can be a bit much, or a bit too loud.

In our humble opinion....we know color-block is big this season, but we aren't wild about the trend, although, we DO like the Nine West sandal here, just give us the black/natural ones.

Hey, we don't even like wearing prints. But if you love accessorizing with beautiful bursts of color, then this is your season!

By the way, you can pre-order the Stylin' sandals now, and these will ship by 4/26
.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

got2b Creates Yet Another Cool Volumizing Product: Powder'ful


We've said this before:

You've got2b crazy, not to fall in love with this edgy hair styling line.

Got2b from the Schwarzkopf hair company is one incredible hair care line! There are so-ooooo many styling products, you couldn't even scratch the surface. The best thing, the products are reasonably priced and you can find them at your local drugstore. And most importantly, got2b makes some amazingly tough hair products.

Just when we thought the hair geniuses at Schwarzkopf might have run out of any new hair product creations, boy---were we wrong!

We just learned about this one for added VOLUME!! got2b Powder'ful Volumizing Styling Powder ($5.99, just arriving at drugstores now). It's made for use on dry hair. Just sprinkle powder in, and you're 10 seconds away from BIG HAIR. NO Blow-drying!

The styling powders contain special micro-particles that directly boost the hair at the base, without blow drying, and give hair immediate extra volume and hold. And it works on really long hair to really cropped pixie dos.

We are so tired of using wet spray volumizers, that this new got2b Powder'ful Volumizing Styling Powder might give even better results. A definite beauty buy on our short shopping list.

Tinsley Mortimer is said to be a big fan of Powder'ful, and she has great hair.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Fergie (Is that Really You?) Gives Amazing American Idol Performance


Fergie, was that really you?

Everyone's been buzzing about the sexy singer and how very different she looks now. Has she had plastic surgery?! Or some cosmetic injections?

The Black Eyed Peas performed their new hit "Just Can’t Get Enough" on American Idol's results show Thursday night, and Fergie didn't look like, well, Fergie.

Five years ago, Fergie was constantly being asked if she had succumbed to the plastic surgery knife, and back then, she released this statement:

"One of those magazines says I’ve had a nose job and an eyebrow job which is completely untrue," Fergie explained. "Personally, I see a therapist. It is hard, it hurts my feelings. I call my hypnotherapist and cry and let it go. That’s what I do. I think they they nitpick these days so much and it’s just got to the point where it’s ridiculous."

It must be tough for famous women, especially, in Hollywood. Beautiful celebrities seem to be fixing up everything....from perfect teeth to perfect noses to perfect hair and so much more. The standard of beauty is impossibly high, and the pressure to look perfect is extreme.

There is chatter that Fergie just got bigger breast implants, and that she just got a new nose and another eyebrow lift.

We're not sure what she has done, but she looks lovely. Her features look softer. Her eyebrows appear lighter and thinner. Maybe that's it. But she did look different to us on Thursday night, so much so, that we thought she had a stand-in. But when she opened her mouth to sing, there was no denying.....that was indeed, Fergie, and her amazing vocals.

Check out the 'Duchess' American Idol performance here on YouTube.

Do you notice anything different about Fergie's appearance? Comment here.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Warm Up Your Complexion: Sonia Kashuk Spring Awakenings Face Palette

This Sunday, March 20th, marks a special moment----the first day of spring!!

It's been a very long-gggg, cold-dddd winter.

Haven't you had enough? We have. So, let's bring on warmer, sunnier days ahead with a beauty budget buy:

Sonia Kashuk's Spring Awakenings Face Palette ($24.99, at Target).

We like this adorable all-in-one face painting kit. And here's why:

1. It's so darn convenient. Everything you need is right in one little container. Easy to throw into your bag. And it's slim and sleek and designed with a cute wicker cover.

2.The colors are chosen for you. You don't have to see what goes with what. It's all there....a natural glow for the eyes, cheeks, and lips. You get 4 eye shadows---matte tan, matte chocolate, metallic bronze and sparkling champagne, a deep brown eye liner, coral blush, and 3 lip glosses---nude, cocoa, and rosewood.

3. Sonia Kashuk is one of model Cindy Crawford's favorite makeup artists. And as we like to say, if Sonia's makeup is good enough for Cindy, then it's good enough for us. We think the Spring Awakenings Face Palette is a great beauty budget buy. You get pretty earthy shades that aren't overdone, and perfect for the girl-on-the-go!

Here's what Cindy Crawford wears for her daily makeup routine. And it's very similar to the Sonia Kashuk makeup palette we talking about:

1. Brown eye shadow. Cindy Crawford says that brown is your best friend. "It's less harsh than black, it goes with everything, and it's impossible to mess up. For day, I do variations of brown shadow, either matte or shimmer."

2. Nude lips. Yes, the look is very polished when you can nail the right tone. "A neutral mouth looks really sophisticated, but you have to pick your color carefully so you don't look washed out. I like beigy pinks that are one shade darker than my natural skin tone. I almost always wear gloss, and save lipstick for special occasions."

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Beautiful Beverly Hills Housewife Kyle Claims It's Really The Pantene


Beverly Hills Housewife reality star Kyle Richards has incredible hair. And as usual, women want to know if that is all her real hair?! Or are those very expensive hair extensions?

The beautiful mom of three daughters has stated before, that those shiny, healthy brunette locks are definitely all her natural hair.

And we will take her at her word.

Kyle Richards walked the red carpet in plum last night at the annual A Night at Sardi’s Alzheimer’s Association benefit in Los Angeles. And once again, her crowning glory stole the spotlight.

This time she told reporters, that it is one drugstore hair care line that delivers enviable locks:

"This is the same look I’ve had my entire life," Kyle said. "The one time I cut my long dark hair and made it blond, people said I looked horrible, so that was enough of that!" Her secret hair tip? "Pantene! I really do just use Pantene."

And we also dug up this little beauty nugget from Kyle's Bravo blog, an entry made last November:

"I use Pantene on my hair. They changed the formula recently throwing me for a loop, but I’ve always used their deep clarifying shampoo and heaviest conditioner. If they don’t come up with one as good as the one I used to use, I may have to make my own!" she wrote.

We think the makers of Pantene should tap her to be their next shampoo spokesperson.

What we like about Kyle Richards IS her super long hair. Most hair pros would caution women over 40 about having locks that long. They say, that women should not have too much hair dragging down their features. Or that too much hair looks juvenile on an adult woman. And that shorter women like Kyle should wear their hair above the shoulders. And blah, blah, blah.

In our humble opinion, this long, goddess hair, really looks amazing on Kyle Richards. The hair is so glossy and healthy, and not stringy. And the reality star is 42 by the way. More power to her.

Meantime.....Kyle is busy working on a handbag line.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Pregnant Pink Tweets About 'Butchered' New Old Lady Do



"The woman that did my hair butchered it," Pink tweeted on March 13th. "I hate it."

Actually We don't blame her. It's not a flattering do. And don't even get us started on the gray-blonde tint. Very old lady.

Pink---you are only 31. Don't worry about playing around with silver strands right now. Trust us.....those pesky gray hairs will visit you at some point in your life, and then you can decide if you'd like want to keep them. Meantime....please go back to an attractive hair color shade.

We think the color is worse than the Dame Judith Dench pixie cut. But still, it's the do that has the talented pregnant singer barely cracking a smile at the recent movie premier of The Lincoln Lawyer. P.S....Bu we LOVE the hoops! And your face is glowing and pretty.

And apparently, a lot of fans agreed about her new cut. The pop star then added another tweet, "Thanks for pointing out how much you all hate it, too. Helpful."

There are some good things about your new hairstyle, Pink:

1. A pixie cut is a classic---gamine and playful, amd it shows off a woman's neck.
2. Hair grows very fast on pregnant women. So don't worry, if you really are crying tears over this bowl cut do. Hair grows back faster while mom is with child.
3. A very cropped cut is so in-----Emma Watson, Ashlee Simpson, Halle Berry, Kate Winslet, and other celebrities are all wearing some kind of pixie cut.
4. You can always COLOR over a bad dye job.
5. Play around with your new do. Spike it.....Halle does that. And it looks sexy and modern.

By the way, a baby Pink girl is due next month for Mama Pink and husband Carey Hart. This is their first child.

Congratulations.....and here's to a healthy baby daughter!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Julianne Hough's Quickest Way To Stop Cravings And Lose Weight: Gum




Dancer/Country singer/movie star Juliann Hough is doing it all at the young age of 22.

As a professional ballroom dancer, the blonde beauty is expected to have a super fit and stunning body. And we are sure, that her dancing work-out routine is responsible for giving her back a slender physique and flat tummy.

But even Julianne Hough gets sugar cravings, and we all know where that obsession can lead-----The facts show that the more sugar you eat, the more you want. So true!

So, how does the gorgeous gal-pal of American Idol's Ryan Seacrest put a halt to the cravings and hunger pangs??

With a stick of gum. Yep, that's right. Julianne Hough told Life & Style magazine this little dietary nugget:

"I can eat candy like Starburst and Skittles for days," she says. ""To conquer those cravings, I chew gum and drink water to fill me up."

Okay, we're not suggesting you go on a chewing gum and water diet to melt away the pounds, but Julianne makes an interesting and scientific point here.

You CAN lose weight by chewing gum:

Wrigley's gum has a group of researchers that look into the merits of chewing gum. The organization is called WSI, or the Wrigley Science Institute. Yeah, for real. And they conducted a study in 2007, that revealed some amazing things:

"Chewing gum significantly reduced caloric intake by 25 calories and specifically reduced sweet snack intake by 39 calories; salty snacks were decreased by 11 calories. Hunger and desire to eat were significantly suppressed by chewing gum at one, two and three hour intervals after lunch. Participants reported that chewing gum improved their mood by reducing anxiety and stress, and increasing contentment and relaxation."

Hey, we believe that chewing gum DOES cut cravings and helps you lose weight. We chew gum at night, to keep away the desire to indulge in a bad way.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Pop On A Poncho If You Haven't Already:70s Trend Continues Through Spring




Maybe you used to have a poncho. Or maybe you never got into the 70's Bohemian look.

Well, the poncho has been riding a somewhat quiet wave through fall and winter. And now the trend is heating up again this spring. Suddenly, it seems like ponchos are popping up everywhere.

For some, ponchos are lazy and not too stylish. But as we like to say....."This ain't your mama's poncho.". The 2011 poncho has evolved into a chic and elegant-over-the-head go-to cover-up.

Ponchos don't have to look like homely blankets or tacky tribal get-ups. The fabrics we've been seeing are quite delicate and rich-looking. And like all clothing, ponchos come in high-end and low-end price tags.

We found a variety of them at Nordstrom and Forever21. There's a poncho for every woman's budget.
1. Nordstrom Brazen Knit Jersey Poncho ($42) in viscose rayon. Heather Gray. We love the fluidity of this chic poncho.
2. Forever21 Knit Fringe Poncho ($19.80) in cotton. Fuchsia. We like the open crochet and bold fun, flirty color for casual wear.
Look around. You'll find tons of pretty ponchos out there. Get 70s inspired!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Cameron Diaz Gets Super Sculpted Buff Biceps By A-Rod--How About You?


Ever since Cameron Diaz started getting chummy with Yankees slugger A-Rod, we've all noticed her going sleeveless, more and more. And we've all noticed her new, super sculpted buff biceps.

Just last week on Jimmy Kimmel, the California beauty walked out on stage in a tight, white tank top and suspenders, showing off her ultra-toned triceps and biceps.

Who can blame her? Cameron has worked hard to achieve those sexy, 'bad-ass' arms, and obviously, Alex Rodriguez has been a big influence because the good-looking duo work out together at the gym.

And there's the key: You must stick to a strong weight-training routine to develops guns like hers.

But here's a thought: Has Cameron Diaz over-killed her arms?!

You either love this Madonna-Kelly Ripa-Cameron Diaz look, or you don't.

It's a bulky appearance, and might not look so great with a delicate red carpet gown. But we are sure, many others would disagree with us.

Look at the photos above. The top shows the actress following a gym work-out with A-Rod just a few weeks ago. And the bottom pic shows us her at the beach back in August of 2009.

We wrote about Cameron Diaz' already buff arms back then, and how she got them:

..."Believe it or not, this is a simple exercise routine. And you can get the 3-step plan right from the mouth of her trainer, Teddy Bass. He gave out her toning tips to People magazine.

Bass' three-step arm workout for Cameron Diaz:
Reverse flies (15-20 reps done by stepping into a lunge and raising arms parallel to shoulders), Tricep kickbacks (10 reps per arm done in a lunge, leaning forward with a flat back and extending weights behind close to the elbows)And 15-20 reps of Bicep curls.

Now to get the super sculpted buff biceps by A-Rod, well, that's a much heavier work-out. And we applaud Cameron for going the distance to attain her new toned look

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Victoria Beckham's Pregnancy Style: Still 'Posh' Entering 5th Month


Gotta love Victoria Beckham.

The ever stylish, ultra-slender British beauty is still posh when it comes to pregnancy fashion. Reportedly entering her 5th month now, the designer is still wearing sky-high heels

And we're lovin' this: There's going to be a pink baby shower for Victoria. Yes...the 36-year-old mom of three boys is having a girl. And she and hunky husband soccer star David Beckham, are said to be over-joyed with the news.

Victoria Beckham is sporting a baby bump, but that doesn't mean she's going to end up in sweat pants and a big, tent top. No way! Look at the mommy-to-be at London's Heathrow Airport on Tuesday wearing skinny pants and studded Louboutins!!

Just how long the fashionable mama will be able to balance on sexy stilettos without taking big chances with her pregnancy, is still unknown at this point. But right now, Miss Posh ain't sacrificing her stylish moments.

We happen to like Victoria Beckham and adore her style as a serious fashion designer. She makes beautiful clothes. We wonder if she will design a pregnancy line at some point in her career.

Are you loving Victoria's pregnancy style? We can't wait to see what else she will wear when that hardly-there baby bump gets bigger and bigger.

Friday, March 11, 2011

No 'Jenny' Diet This Time Around For Kirstie Alley: Gone Organic




Kirstie Alley isn't calling on Jenny (Craig) this time around. One of the newest cast members to 'Dancing with the Stars,' is on a 2-fold mission:

1. To lose more weight. So far, she has dropped 60 lbs. and kept them off.

2. To dance her butt off on 'Dancing with the Stars,'.

And last night, the popular 60-year-old actress delighted the big crowd that turned out for the opening of the new Kirstie Alley's Organic Liaison Store in Los Feliz, Los Angeles..

Let's be honest, taking off a lot of pounds and keeping them off hasn't been easy for Kirstie. But this time around...she ain't calling the Jenny Craig diet people for help. She's 'been there, and done that' diet. And following her 'Jenny' success, she had ballooned up to some 230 lbs. And it's been a frustrating experience trying to shed those extra, extra pounds.

But this time, it's different. Kirstie Alley has gone organic, and it seems to be working well. Plus, her stint as a dancer-to-be on the hit reality show 'DWTS,' should help her melt away more fat.

She told US Weekly magazine: "I've lost 60 pounds, and I have 30 or 40 more to go. And I think with this strenuous, rigorous dance schedule, I think it's going to work."

Well, dear Kirstie, if you are dancing with Max....you WILL lose weight. He is a strict, demanding dancing coach. And sexy, too, we might add.

According to the website, Organic Liaison ..."is a weight loss and diet plan that offers organic weight loss products, natural dietary supplements, and access to online diet and exercise tools to help you lose weight safely and effectively, all while having fun!"

The Organic Liaison store will offer everything organic and yummy.

By the way, 'DWTS' is back for a new season on Monday, March 21st on ABC. And we applaud Kirstie Alley for succeeding with her new organic weight loss plan, and having the moxie to appear on the popular dancing show, where size 0's and 2's are the norm.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Hair Extensions, Veneers, Lip Plumping For Kate Middleton? Are You Kidding Us?!

Dear Kate Middleton:

Good luck in your wedding to Prince William.

You're going to need it......because every move you make, every hairstyle, lip gloss, hat, gown, and even the socks you might wear on an off day, will be critiqued.

The eyes of the world are upon you, as your big day approaches April 29th.

We happen to think the pretty brunette princess-to-be hasn't missed a step yet. Kate Middleton is perfectly groomed. Just look at the photo snapped of the young British beauty wowing the crowds in Northern Ireland earlier this week.

Then imagine our horror, when we heard one beauty magazine suggesting 29-year-old Kate Middleton have a make-over before her wedding day. The so-called beauty experts suggested these 3 beauty I-Do's:

1. Hair extensions.

2. Veneers for a more perfect smile.

3. Lip plumping injections to give the princess-to-be a fuller upper lip.

Are you kidding us?!

Kate Middleton has one of the healthiest, glossiest heads of hair around. And according to the U.K.'s Mirror News, Kate is loyal to one: "Kate owes her luscious locks to regular trips to Chelsea hairdresser Richard Ward. She’s been going to his salon for five years for a £105 cut and blow-dry." That's about $165 in U.S. dollars.

Her makeup is always just right. Kate brings a fresh, modern approach and style to the monarchy. Her makeup is polished and not over-done. Even her eyebrows are natural and perfect.

As far as her royal smile goes, it is lovely and real. No, she doesn't need veneers. Her teeth are white and nicely shaped for her mouth. And her lips are fine. She doesn't need an exaggerated upper lip. How silly is that? There is nothing wrong with a nice set of average-sized lips.

What's there not to love about the newly engaged Kate Middleton?! At age 29, she certainly does NOT need a beauty makeover.

Will Kate Middleton become the fashion and beauty legend that so many people adored in Princess Diana??

We think Kate can definitely set some royal trends.

In the meantime.....enough with the hair extensions, veneers, and lip plumping ideas. Let the princess-to-be, just 'be.'

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Kate Winslet Lands Cover of British Vogue Showing Off Edgy New Platinum Cropped Hair




Kate Winslet is one celebrity who gets lovelier with age. True, she's young at 35, but her bone structure seems to look better and better each year.

Check out the UK beauty on the April cover of British Vogue, photographed by the legendary Mario Testino! And look at her edgy, new platinum cropped hairstyle! We love it!! Reminds us a bit of Gwen Stefani's trademark platinum but with a softer makeup palette.

Kate Winslet has now become a high maintenance gal, because the upkeep on those roots will be killer. Still, it's a great, sexy look for the Academy Award winner, and the talented actress told Vogue, she was looking for a brand new start:

"I’m embarking on a new chapter in my adult life," Kate says. "And I’m single. And it doesn’t scare me at all."

So....you, too, want to trade in your mousy do for a hot, bleached bombshell style?!

Well, then we advise beginning with a healthy head of hair and going to a salon pro. Keeping your locks in a pixie cut like Kate's and like Ashlee Simpson's reduces the damage often caused by peroxide and more peroxide.

We found this advice on a British website forum talking about platinum hair. Read on what this un-named pro said:

"I am a cosmetologist in utah. I have been doing hair for seven years and bleached many heads of hair. i am telling you that Loreal Platinuim is by far the best lightener for damaging the least ... notice i said least damage wise. every chemical process that you do to your hair WILL DAMAGE IT! and loreal is the largest hair care company in the US... this is Loreal Professional.. it is a very good line, so dont think of Loreal grocery store shampoo and hair color.i caution anyone who uses any harsh chemicals with out a licensed cosmetologist is ultimately planning a very expensive trip to the salon... color correction is very expensive and very hard to do! also professional products that arent sold or done in a salon are "black market products" and maybe just the professional packaging with crap inside... i have seen it before. "

Good advice. Want to go sexy platinum like Kate Winslet? Then, please don't go it alone.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Gisele Bundchen In Tiny Bikini Looking Her Skinniest Ever

Gisele Bundchen and her tiny bikini rocking Rio over the weekend.

Everyone's talking about her barely there swimsuit and her barely there body.

Let's put it this way.....Gisele Bundchen has always been long and lean, a size 4 on a 5'9" frame.

But has she gone too far with the dieting?

Gisele does appear to be possibly a size 2 in these photos, but it's not easy to tell. The woman and mother of one, is in incredible physical shape. For what she might lack in curves, she makes up for in superior muscle tone. Look at her oh-so-flat tummy and the definition by her waist. No photo-shopping required. A lot of comments have popped up over the internet, claiming the supermodel is ....."way, way, way too thin.". Or that "Gisele has no curves" and has the "straight body of a boy". Etc.
We think Gisele Bundchen looks like a model. And models are tall, lean, and even lanky. We must admit, this is the skinniest we've ever noticed her to be. But then again, she appears to be at the top of her game.

Gisele does not have an eating disorder. She happens to be a very disciplined and athletic, young woman who meditates and does yoga.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Don't Think Makeup Makes A Face Prettier? Then Check Out Supermodel Iman Before + After



Iman has always been one of our favorite supermodels. And at 55, she proves that age is really just a number.

Or is it?

If you look at these Before + After photos, we think this goes to prove that it isn't all about one's age, but that makeup makes you prettier.

Let's examine this a bit further. Our top photo shows the always glam supermodel without a stitch of makeup on. Iman was out on in the rain yesterday, shopping in an outdoor SoHo market looking for a few veggies.

We were actually quite shocked....Iman has uneven skin tone, dark undereye circles with bags, and barely there eyebrows. We just assumed, that because she's been a supermodel, that she would never have to deal with the mortal sins of aging like most of us do as we hit our 40s and beyond.

But there stood Iman with a truly naked face.......a face that is almost unrecognizable from the famous, exotic cover girl model women have both admired and been envious of for a number of years now.

And then we see that makeup, indeed, makes a major difference for every woman. Check out Iman looking stunning at the BET Honors ceremony a few weeks ago, in Washington, D.C.. Need we say more? Iman has incredible bone structure and that long, beautiful neck everyone talks about, but more importantly, she's wearing makeup-----foundation, a smoky eye, blush, and lipstick. It's tastefully done, and she looks amazing and youthful.

Does she also look better than most women at 55, without makeup? Yes, but then again, she was a top model for a long run, so we expect her to break the age and beauty barrier.

What really surprised us in the Before photo is Iman's natural appearance. We know that most beautiful Hollywood actresses and models go under the knife to retain their great looks as they enter their 30s and 40s. And some women go too far. But there is nothing plastic or artificial-looking to us where Iman is concerned. As we can see from her un-glam shot, she suffers from a few age and skin problems. So, whatever, if anything she has done cosmetically, is both smart and sensible.

We are thrilled this Before photo of supermodel Iman has been shown to the world. We can learn a lot from it. We're not sure the gorgeous wife of David Bowie would be happy to see this photo making the rounds, but we can see that even a woman of her beauty stature looks prettier with makeup. Period.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Love It Or Hated It: JLo's Bright Bold L'Oreal Lipstick


Everyone's been talking about the bright bold lipstick that American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez painted on recently. In fact, we had two women send us a personal email, begging us for the shade.

And although, Jlo's lips looked red, the color was actually a strong fuschia. And now that the Latina star is a new L'Oreal spokesperson, she is wearing the latest makeup and hair products by the giant company.

Now, you either loved it or hated it. We're not sure.....we're on the fence about this bright, bold shade. By the way, it's called--L'Oreal Infallible Rouge Lipstick in Fuschia, no. 138 ($8, at drugstores).

These new lip shades from the L'Oreal Infallible Rouge line are strong and sassy, just like JLo herself. Not for the faint of heart. And this formula is supposed to last up to 10 hours, or at least through 2 hours of judging on American Idol.

Jennifer wore this Fuschia lipstick in contrast with that sexy, emerald green Lanvin dress and soft Veronica Lake-like hair.

Would you wear this bright, bold lipstick, a la Lopez?

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Cute Kmart Clothing?! Take 'Route 66' And See



Kmart for cute clothing?

We kid you not. Sometimes, a popular department store can carry a couple of knock-out, trendy pieces you can add to your more expensive wardrobe.

Look at model/actress and Sports Illustrated beauty Brooklyn Decker. She just told one fashion mag that she often shops in cheaper stores like Target, where she can score a great item for much less. Brooklyn was talking about a classic trench coat she found at Target and it was a super buy.

Now, let's examine this really cute top from Kmart's Route 66 line. Only $19.99 in stores.

Lace is so in this season. And this romantic, delicate top by Route 66 features a scoop neck, elbow length, bat wing sleeves with a sexy cinched waist and crochet along the border. The material is made of a polyester blend, and it's machine washable. Color is white and of a semi-sheer fabric and comes in sizes S, M, L, and XL.

The top looks good to us. But then again....maybe it only looks great because the model is seductively holding her arms up in the photo to show the big bat wing sleeves. The lesson here....always try on before buying.

You can check out the Kmart Route 66 line here.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Can't Afford January's And Eva's Big Dior Libertine Bag? Then Buy A Fab Fake



Spring and a brand new handbag. The two go arm-in-arm. And just because we still have big snow mounds around our neighborhood, and the thaw has been put on hold for a while, it's nice to look forward to warmer, sunny days.

Then, let's get in the mood! Both January Jones and Eva Mendes can't get enough of their beautiful soft lambskin leather hobo Dior 'Libertine' bags. The sexy actresses have each been photographed with this plush 'arm candy,' time and time again.

And we can understand why. These Dior 'Libertines' are nice and big at 13"H x 14"W x 4"D. Both actresses are carrying the Libertine in sweet Petal Pink. And there's the key-----such a lovely, fresh shade for spring.

So, you can't afford January's and Eva's big, blush-beauty Dior bag at $2,300?! Well, neither can we these days. But you CAN buy a fab fake. And we hunted one down at Macy's.

This fab fake is designed by Marc Fisher. It's called the Knot Nice bag ($88, at Macy's). We love this soft, glazed faux leather bag at 13"H x 16"W x 2"D. And we adore the price----a steal! It, too, comes in a blush pink color. And should be arriving at Macy's soon. Check out our photo. Not the best pic, but you get the idea and can see the beautiful knotting and folds.

We can't wait for spring to re-awaken our wardrobe, even if we can't get the Dior this time around.