Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

What's your Skin Deep toxicity rating?

Earth Mama Angel Baby is a line of 100% natural, organic, toxin-free herbal skin and body care products perfect for pregnancy, labor, postpartum and c-section recovery, breastfeeding, baby care and even the loss of a baby. Earth Mama Angel Baby is all about keeping you and your little ones toxin free. Their latest effort to "[move] earth and heaven for you" is the What's Your Score? Challenge--and yes, there are prizes!

The What's Your Score? Challenge is one challenge in which you need--not just want--to participate. Here's how it works:

~ Gather some of the most common personal care products you use regularly on yourself or on your baby. (Personal care products include shampoo, lotions, soaps, diaper cream, stretch mark oil, etc.)

~ Go to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Skin Deep database and enter a product name in the search field.

~ Add up the Skin Deep toxicity rating for all the personal care products you use on a daily basis on your pregnant or nursing body, or on your baby, to find out what your score is.

~ When you have your score, post your answer to three quick questions (below) in the comments area. Your post in the comments section with your three answers is one entry into the contest. Don’t worry – there are no right or wrong answers, but we think you’ll be surprised at how high the toxin score is for those products you are using that are labeled natural or even organic.

1. What was your Skin Deep toxicity rating score?
2. Were you surprised with the score and/or ingredients?
3. What would you like your score to be?

Most women are truly shocked at the high toxin scores of their pregnancy or baby products they thought were safe. Of course we hope they’ll also notice that Earth Mama Angel Baby products are different from most personal care products. We’ve even signed a truth in labeling pledge. All pure, herbal Earth Mama Angel Baby products are toxin-free and contain no artificial ingredients. Just pure, natural products for pure, natural mamas and babies!

For helpful advice and safe, natural products that work, women can trust Earth Mama Angel Baby. After all, if Mama wouldn't use it for her own family, then she doesn't sell it. Mama's Promise™.

For more information and some great research on toxins in personal care products, see the No More Toxic Tub in the Earth Mama Angel Baby April Newsletter.

So the challenge has been issued--will you accept? I highly recommend you do! Along with an increased awareness of the chemicals you're using on yourself and your baby, by commenting on this post with the answers to the three questions above you'll be entered to win an Earth Mama Angel Baby gift set!

Here's how to enter:
  • For one entry comment on this post with the answers to the three questions above.
  • For an extra entry tweet about this challenge and giveaway; leave a separate comment with the link to your tweet.
  • Though the challenge is ongoing this giveaway ends two weeks from today (June 16, 2009). Good luck!
Image by Chriggy, shared via Flickr.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Made By Survivors: Give a truly meaningful gift this Mother's Day

I am all for sparkly things and two-pound boxes full of dark chocolate come Mother's Day, but what really sets my heart aflutter is a gift that gives back. I don't think we give these gifts often enough, and so this Mother's Day I want you to really think before buying that slow cooker or Kitchen Aid mixer. They may help support your position as the "favorite" in the family but do they support a more worthy cause like fighting human trafficking and modern-day slavery?

Made By Survivors is part of The Emancipation Network (TEN), an international organization that "[helps] survivors of slavery rebuild their lives after rescue from slavery, with sustainable income, education and help reintegrating into society. [They] work to prevent slavery in high risk communities such as red light and refugee communities, by creating jobs for adults and through volunteer trips and donations to our shelter partners for rescue, school fees, emergency needs and reintegration."


The Emancipation Network imports and sells a wonderful collection of beautiful handmade products created by survivors of slavery and persons at risk of being trafficked into slavery. Made By Survivors is where you can find these handcrafted products, from jewelry, handbags and clothing to paper products, home decor and fun children's items such as the Butterfly Purse pictured at left.

I love the Silver and Stone Necklace and these whimsical Recycled Rice Bag 3-Pocket Wallets! Though the selection isn't as huge as what you might find elsewhere online, I dare you to find a cause more worthy of your support. You can still give sparkly things for Mother's Day--they'll just have greater meaning this year.

For more the full line of Made By Survivors products, visit TEN's online store. To learn more about TEN and how they are "fighting slavery with empowerment" please visit The Emancipation Network site. --Emily

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Anne Taintor is my kind of humor!

It's been a while since I've done a that's hot! thursday post but my recent Daily Dish review on Anne Taintor's vintage-style, humor-infused products gave me the perfect excuse to do another one. Haven't heard of Anne Taintor? Then let me fill you in! Below is my review of what will soon be your go-to gift for female family members and friends alike. Say hello to Anne Taintor!

Anne TaintorTo be honest I wouldn't know if it's actually better than Prozac since I've never taken the stuff. Apparently I should be on it or something similar since Utah is the nation's top offender when it comes to prescription medication abuse...but I digress as I usually do. My point is, if you're an overworked, overstressed, over-housewifed, under- appreciated or occasionally disenchanted woman (or all of the above) then you'll totally get--and love--the Anne Taintor humor. And yes, this laughter is better than any medicine!

Anne Taintor "is the Original Vintage Humor Company"--and I believe it! The products feature a collage with a Taintorette (based on old black-and-white vintage photos of women) and a smart and sassy (and sometimes naught) phrase. I received one of their eco-friendly shopper bags (not yet on the site) and a note set. The shopper's tagline? "The secret ingredient was resentment." The punchline on the note set? "Stop me before I volunteer again." Now THAT one is one of my favorites--and I'm sure you're smiling by now too!

Anne TaintorThe Anne Taintor product line includes everything from compact cases, luggage tags and pill boxes to notepads, sticky notes and file folders like the one I have on my desk: "The day was in dire need of a Ctrl+Alt+Delete." If you want to laugh for ten minutes straight, pick up an Anne Taintor catalog. I kid you not, I read that thing like it was a Far Side book! And every time I laughed out loud I'd have to tell my husband the latest Taintorette who had me doubled over. (I think he tuned me out after the fifth TV interruption but I kept on reading!)

One of my favorite features on the Anne Taintor site is "Find Your Favorite Taintorette." It's an easy way to see which products are available in your favorite laugh-out-loud sayings. Pretty much every Taintorette has a special place in my heart (I swear I could be BFFs with most of them) but here are my top five:

  • "I believe we have an opportunity to make some extremely poor choices"
  • "Together, we will own your grandparents"
  • "If by 'happy' you mean trapped with no means of escape...? Then yes, I'm happy"
  • "Male refrigerator blindness claims another victim"
  • "Damn straight I keep score"

Anne TaintorAnd those are only five out of about 100 different Taintorettes! What a really love about Anne Taintor is the universal humor. I'm sure you can relate to at least a dozen Taintorettes and know sisters, moms and girlfriends that can relate to another dozen or so. With so many products from which to choose, you have a gift perfect for every woman on your list! Mother's Day is just around the corner, and nothing says motherhood like a "Remember sweetheart... Mommy loves you, but she doesn't have to like you" magnet! --Emily

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Kandee the make-up artist: a treat for makeup junkies everywhere!

I may not be a makeup junkie like my good friend Becky (she needs a separate carry-on for her makeup bag) but I do love learning about the latest trends when it comes to skin care and makeup application.

I recently stumbled upon Kandee Johnson and her blog, kandee the make-up artist, from Tammy over at A Mom in Red High Heels. She featured one of her past YouTube videos in a post around Valentine's Day and I've been a subscriber to Kandee's blog ever since. She features everything from how to create specific looks (all natural, 80's glam rock, Audrey Hepburn, Angelina Jolie...the list goes on) and her favorite skin care products (St. Tropez Everyday Face self tanner is one of them) to her top choices in makeup lines and colors and even how to design your own off-the-shoulder t-shirt. She'll even let you see what's inside her purse!

I love her latest how-to video, "Teeth so white you gotta wear shades..." It gives a surprisingly simple technique for whitening your teeth without those annoying strips (I can never remember to wear mine more than a couple days) or paying the high price of custom trays from your dentist. I'm not going to spoil the fun--you'll have to watch and learn for yourself!

When it comes to makeup application some of us have two left hands. Kandee can give you a few tips and tricks to fix that problem all while helping you get a dazzling white smile! --Emily

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

A quick Q & A about detox diets

It's late and I almost gave up on a post for take it off tuesday, but I still suffer from guilt when I don't do posts on a daily basis. Fortunately I found this quick-and-easy ready about detox diets from Fitness magazine. LeShan and I once tried a juice fast--the results weren't pretty including lightheadedness, cold sweats and nausea. Okay, so maybe it wasn't a real detox diet but a juice fast is one way people try to cleanse their system. We haven't tried anything since, unless you consider subsisting solely on brownies and caffeine a detox diet.

In "Can a Detox Diet Improve My Looks?" Fitness magazine focuses on one reason many people detox, and as you can tell it's not for the internal benefits:

Toxin-flushing detox diets are still popular, despite crazy ingredients, weeks-long durations, and extreme restrictions. But can a detox diet really improve your skin and hair, or will it do more damage than good? Top experts reveal the real effects detoxing can have on your looks.
Out of the four questions, my favorite is, "What will I look like after a few days on a detox?" The answer?
Not pretty. You can drop up to five pounds in a week -- primarily water weight. "Losing water that fast can make your skin dry and wrinkly," Blatner says. And going a week without protein can weaken hair, which is 97 percent protein, says Tara Gidus, RD, of the American Dietetic Association.
That's all I need to know! You'll want to read the full mini article, especially since it also answers the question, "Do I need to eliminate toxins with a special diet?" I'll give you a hint: the answer starts with an "n" and ends with an "o." --Emily

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

EcoStiletto shows that "green" is the new black

Though I still have a long way to go I am trying to go green wherever and whenever I can. Yes, I have room for improvement (more like a 4-bedroom house) but every little bit helps and that's what I'm banking on. I'll be the first to admit my preconception about "going green" is probably not a fair one (cleaning products that don't really clean, an unsightly mini composter on my kitchen counter), but it is slowly changing as I come across more and more companies that are making going green a fashionable endeavor. Yes, "green" is slowly becoming the new black and sites like EcoStiletto are leading the movement.

EcoStiletto is an eco-friendly site geared toward women...but it's not
about vegan heels. Their tagline reads: "Stiletto-size your carbon footprint and change the world, one small step at a time." Some of you may not know what the term "carbon footprint" means. Here's what CarbonFootprint.com says:

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc.
Basically it's the effect your activities have on the environment. Going green is all about shrinking your carbon footprint and having as little negative effect on your surroundings as possible--at least that's my understanding.

But back to EcoStiletto. The site is all about changing your Ugg-boot-size carbon footprint to one that is either nonexistent or at the very least the tiniest of Manolo stilettos. The site features eco-friendly choices in a variety of areas including fashion, beauty, parenting and even entertainment. I love this quote from their About Us page:
We're not about guilt, we're about information. We're not about forcing you to change, we're about giving you alternatives. Because everyone wants to make a difference, but no one wants to give up the little things that we love. Making a difference doesn't have to mean making a huge change in your lifestyle. Sometimes it just means considering the alternatives.
Now that's sounds like change I can handle! Some of EcoStiletto's recent posts include Canopy Verde's eco-friendly bags, organic chocolate (I knew I loved this site!) and cool recycled toddler shoes from Pedoodles. One of my most favorite things is their Big List of Things That Suck, which highlights from A to Z things that are so not "green" (e.g., animal testing, BPAs, phthalates, and VOCs).

"EcoStiletto is for the woman who wants to do the right thing and still look good doing it." That quote comes courtesy of Kelly Rutherford from Gossip Girl. (I'm not into Gossip Girl but from what I gather, if Kelly endorses something it's worth taking note.) With EcoStiletto, going green has never looked so good! --Emily

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

why 13 is your lucky number

Today your lucky number is 13. You can go ahead and change it tomorrow but for take it off tuesday, stick with 13. Why? Because that is the number of things you probably never knew about your weight. In a recent Reader's Digest article appropriately titled "13 Things You Never Knew About Your Weight" (see how well that fits into today's subject?) Joanne Chen throws out some pleasant and not-so-pleasant surprises about the ins and outs of weight loss and fitness. The article is worth a full read but for those wrapping up their 10-minute coffee hot chocolate break, here's the Cliff's Notes version:

  1. Yes, genetics have something to do with it. (Ever heard of the fat gene?)
  2. It's all in the number--and size--of fat cells. (Some people even have twice as many!)
  3. Rev up your metabolism! (Yes, you can change it.)
  4. Stress = weight gain. (For me it's a more complicated equation: stress = chocolate + bread - fruits - veggies - sleep = weight gain.)
  5. Too much weight gain during pregnancy doesn't help. (Try telling that to a woman craving a Big Mac--who the heck cares?)
  6. Sleep has something to do with it. (Sleep, what's that?)
  7. Your spouse has something to do with it as well. (For better or for worse...)
  8. A virus can do more than cause unwanted phlegm.
  9. Dessert and dopamine. (Need I say more?)
  10. Tainted taste buds, who knew?
  11. Antioxidants are your friends. (Just say "no" to free radicals!)
  12. Moderation, not deprivation, is the key. (From Atkins to South Beach, diet gurus agree.)
  13. Size might not matter. (When it comes to being physically fit, of course.)
Though the list was long I highly doubt you were bored while reading it. When you read "13 Things You Never Knew About Your Weight," you'll feel the same way. Though I already knew 5 of the 13, I learned a lot about the remaining 8. If you have any other items to add to the list, we'd love to hear about it! --Emily

Friday, December 12, 2008

Monkey-Toes on Oprah...and your little one's toes!

I love it when a mom-owned business receives good press and in the case of Monkey-Toes, it's really, really, really awesome press. (All mom-owned businesses should be so lucky!)

A while back Oprah interviewed Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in Telluride. This was actually one of the few episodes of Oprah I saw this year and somehow I missed the fact that in the first part of the interview, Oprah noticed Monkey-Toes' Little Lady Mary Janes in the mudroom of Tom and Katie's home. She even picked them up and commented about how cute they were. Now THAT is great press!

And if the first time around wasn't sweet enough, the interview is airing again so those of us who missed Suri's sweet little ladybug Monkey-Toes can keep our eyes peeled for Oprah's ooohs and aaahs this time around. Want to catch Oprah's interview with Tom and Katie? Click here for local listings.

Jenny Ford, the mom behind Monkey-Toes, had a little help from another mompreneur, Katja Presnal from Ladybug Landings. Katja had put together a basket full of unique gift items for the Cruise/Holmes family and Monkey-Toes' Little Lady ladybug shoes appeared on Oprah a few months later. Since then her shoes have been seen on other celebrity children including Tori Spelling’s son Liam. As a side note, you really should subscribe to Katja's blog, Ladybug Landings. She has so much info on PR and marketing, your head will spin...but in a good way!

I love this post on Classy Mommy about Monkey-Toes on Oprah. It features a great Q&A with Katja about the experience.

To celebrate a second round of great press Monkey-Toes is offering our readers $5 off so you can get your own pair of Monkey-Toes just in time for the holidays. Simply use code "OSURI08" (without the quotes) when checking out at Monkey-Toes.com.

Now all LeShan and I need to do besides watch Oprah tomorrow is figure out how to get someone like Minnie Driver's son Henry to wear our "i wasn't born yesterday shirt" while his mom is interviewed by Oprah...and his shirt is in full view! --Emily

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Project Angel Food: celeb-signed Trina bags on eBay

Though it's almost 3:00 p.m. MST it's not too late to post a very hot that's hot! thursday so listen up (or read through...).

This year at Divine Design, the West Coast's premiere fashion and home shopping event, 100% of proceeds from sales will directly benefit Project Angel Food, an organization whose mission is to "nourish the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses."

At the event, leading designers donate fabulous fashions, furniture, beauty and gift items that are sold 50%-90% off retail. Trina, a line of luxury cosmetic bags, is donating close to $20,000 worth of product for the event but will also be raising additional money for Project Angel Food in a
special auction on eBay starting December 5th. These auctions feature Trina bags signed by an impressive list of celebrities!

I absolutely love Trina--I was lucky enough to review Trina's Weekender bag on Boutique Cafe's Daily Dish. If you're looking for a new cosmetic bag or travel case, read my review.--you'll fall in love too! And if a higher retail price makes you hesitant about purchasing one, the following eBay auctions give you the perfect opportunity to own one at less than retail (unless of course the bidding gets out of control...a great thing for Project Angel Food, a not-so-great thing for you).

Here are the don't-miss eBay auctions of
celebrity-signed Trina bags:


The auctions
end December 13th so add them to your "watch" list. Just don't go watching the one signed by cast members from Ugly Betty...that one is SO mine!

If you have a blog or other website where you can post updates, please pass the word along. The auctions are for a very worthy cause. You'll be supporting Project Angel Food and crossing off an item on someone's wish list. I love win-win situations! --Emily

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Being Healthy for Busy People

Today is a take it off tuesday kind of day and I have a great new website for you! I discovered it via Twitter (@tallivansunder is a great Twitterer to follow) and am a big fan. Being Healthy for Busy People is the perfect site for most women since 99.9% of women are super busy.

The site features a popular podcast by Talli, who has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. "She is a physical therapist by trade. She is a health fanatic by passion. She is also a wife, mom and an all around busy person." Talli has owned her own physical therapy clinic and worked as a personal trainer. She is all about bettering the lives of clients and now she is improving the health and well being of the virtual world.

You'll find a few ways to listen to the show, and if you're more a reader than a listener (though we should all be good listeners), Being Healthy for Busy People has a blog. You'll find yourself agreeing with pretty much every post and setting new goals to be healthier and happier. Talli offers common sense to combat the craziness of fad diets and weight-loss gimmicks. Here's a taste from her recent post, "Want Something to Eat?":

If someone asks if you’re hungry and you have to think about it before answering, you’re probably not truly hungry. You’re not asking your stomach if it needs more food. You’re thinking about whether it can fit any more food.
Sound familiar? Thought so.

Being Healthy for Busy People is a great resource for busy women like myself because it reminds me that even I have time for a little health and well-being in my busy day! --Emily

Thursday, October 23, 2008

excellent Etsy find: PrettyBabyBowtique


I've just decided to add a random feature on that's hot! thursdays called "excellent Etsy find." I have been stumbling across way too many fabulous Etsy shops to keep them all to myself, and I'm sure my friends are getting weary of my emails telling them about another Etsy boutique they simply must visit. So now I'm sharing them with you!

While looking for a gift for my daughter's friend I tried Etsy's "Shop Local" feature where you can enter a location and Etsy will find boutiques in that area. I search for Utah boutiques and received around 100 results. Browsing through the shops I couldn't believe the overwhelming talent found right in my backyard! After a few pages I found just what I was looking for at PrettyBabyBowtique.

PrettyBabyBowtique has the sweetest collection of "no slip" clips, flowers, and bows along with crocheted headbands and hats. All her flowers and bows are attached to no-slip clips so they will stay put in even the finest hair, and all ribbon is heat cut and sealed so you don't have to worry about fraying--a really good thing since my baby uses her clippes as teethers!

I did some major shopping at PrettyBabyBowtique and the store's owner was wonderful! She set up a custom listing as soon as I messaged her with what I wanted. (I did some early Christmas shopping so it was quite the list--those hats with the flowers are a great gift!) I was able to mix and match hat colors and flowers and she even had me check out past sales to see if there were something I'd like. But probably my favorite thing about this boutique is her prices--they are so much more affordable than the ones at the mall kiosk where I've previously purchased my headbands and bows. My custom order list was long but it didn't come close to sabotaging my budget!

Orders are shipped within 48 hours after receiving payment and even as soon as 12 whenever possible. Mine was shipped the same day! Plus if you order more than three items you'll get free shipping on your order (see store details). PrettyBabyBoutique is definitely a most excellent Etsy find! --Emily

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Polyvore let's you mix & match to your heart's content

Even though fashion trend tuesday is usually LeShan's department I'm going to attempting one today only because the site speaks for itself. Though creativity in fashion isn't my cup of tea I might be able to brew a pot or two after playing around on Polyvore.

I first heard about Polyvore from Lena's Notebook. The site uses a unique web application that lets you mix and match images from the web. You can create full outfits from head to toe, new ideas for your living room or any collage that suits your fancy. Apparently it's highly addictive, or so the site claims and so I've gathered from Lena. (I love her To Do list!) The stats are impressive. Since the site launched in February, 2007:

  • 1.4 million unique visitors per month
  • 300,000 registered users
  • 2.2 million sets created
  • 2.3 million products

I played around a little bit on Polyvore this evening and am hooked. I started by choosing a background and immediately fell in love with the ones from aliciabock.com. Here is my first attempt. Now keep in mind I am very left brained so this isn't the coolest set you'll find on Polyvore:



If we're lucky LeShan will discover Polyvore and then we can all be seriously impressed! I admit it, I could spend a lot of time on the site but will sign off for now. One thing that's really awesome is you can check out featured sets like this one and it details every item (name and from where it came). In fact, I just checked my set above and the site had already broken it down with links to purchase the items pictured. SO COOL!

If you're like me and need a little help when it comes to creaticity in fashion, check out Polyvore's blog. I am loving the Scooby Doo Halloween costume ideas! The blog also has great fashion tips such as what to wear with argyle and how to accessorize high-waisted skirts. Fashion lovers, beware and be well rested. You'll be mixing and matching for hours on end. Have fun! --Emily

Thursday, October 2, 2008

this BCA month, get involved with Total Beauty -- Total Cure

What's really hot in the month of October is getting involved in breast cancer awareness. From direct donations to "pink" purchases you'll find many ways to support the search for a cure. And a cure is so desperately needed because every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.

For today's that's hot! thursday I am excited to tell you about the Total Beauty blog community's month-long initiative called Total Beauty -- Total Cure, which "integrates breast cancer awareness, fundraising to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Fund (BCRF) and beauty giveaways to engage women in the quest for the cure." Tammy, our friend over at A Mom in Red High Heels, is a member of the Total Beauty blog community and has filled me in on the details:

'Total Beauty - Total Cure' is dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection, and arming women with the knowledge they need to take control of their health, bringing us one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Breast cancer information, screening guidelines, and links to available resources will be integrated throughout the campaign. And each participating blogger has pledged to raise funds for BCRF.

The Total Beauty blog community will engage its readership through daily giveaways (valued at more than $250) that require entrants to answer breast cancer trivia, making the contests both educational and fun. Giveaways will also be hosted on 'Total Beauty - Total Cure' pages on Facebook and MySpace; throughout the month of October, all visitors who become a 'friend' of the pages will be entered in a drawing to win a bounty of beauty products. Giveaway sponsors include Anastasia Beverly Hills, Benefit, Cargo, Clarisonic, Jurlique, L'Oreal Paris, NARS, Stila and Tarte.
Here is a wonderful 3-minute video from the campaign:



Breast cancer affects us all. Don't let another October go by without doing your part to support the search for a cure. Total Beauty --Total Cure is a great place to start.
Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. ~Kahlil Gibran

Thursday, September 11, 2008

splash in style with boots from DLL Rainwear

For that's hot! thursday I have another Daily Dish find from Boutique Cafe, and it's super fitting considering we're getting some good rain here in Utah this week. If you have a thing for puddle stomping and a thing for keeping your feet dry (a good thing when stomping puddles in winter) then you're going to love the selection of stylish rain boots from DLL Rainwear. Here's an excerpt from my August review, DLL Rainwear lets you 'puddle stomp in style':

DLL Rainwear offers more stylish puddle stompers than the weatherman has cold fronts, from the cutest styles for women (check out the Jeffrey Campbell Rainbow Gray ballet flat) to dashing pairs for men (Chooka’s Dueling Skulls could take on any size puddle) to a seemingly endless selection for children. ...

Their non-slip sole was a big plus (when you’re jumping in water this is an important feature!) and the pull handles are perfect for little hands. With boots as cute as these you know your little one is going to wear them 24/7 so they better be easy to take on and off! DLL RainwearDLL Rainwear even has a few “Mommy & Me” sets, my favorite being the Orange Squiggle set.
If you've hesitated before about splashing around with your little ones, hesitate no longer. DLL Rainwear's got you--and your feet--covered! --Emily

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

the Love Your Shape Workout

Usually Tuesday are reserved for fashion trend tuesday but blogging about fashion is outside my comfort zone so I'll leave that to LeShan. When she's not posting about the latest style trends I've decided to dedicate Tuesdays to health and fitness, designating it take it off tuesday. (And no, I'm not referring to those new pole dancing fitness classes.)

I enjoy working out and reading health and fitness magazines, so when I stumble across something that sparks my interest I'm going to share it with you. You can read about healthy eating or a new, great ab exercise on Tuesday and then reward yourself for doing all those crunches by making one of our yummy food for thought friday recipes! It's all about rewarding yourself, right?

For our first take it off tuesday I found this great article from Fitness magazine, The Love Your Shape Workout. The article talks about how to "get your best body -- at any size" with a customized cardio and sculpting plan. Here is an excerpt:

This plan tackles your entire package, using the latest thinking from trainers who recognize that when it comes to workouts, one size does not fit all. 'By building up weaker or less developed parts of your body, you'll maximize your natural shape,' says Laura Mak, owner of Mak Attack Fitness in Marina del Rey, California.
To begin you find a body shape that most likely resembles your own: pear, apple or chili pepper (what? no chocolate bar?). Though all three body types follow a similar basic strength workout, each one completes a different number of sets and reps. Throw in a little cardio and you have a new fitness workout tailored just for you!

If even if you're already in great shape sometimes it's nice to change things up a bit. Often you'll discover muscles you never knew you had and your metabolism will get a jump start in the meantime. Of course we should all love our shape no matter how toned it is, but if you're looking to add a little definition to those pear-like curves, read The Love Your Shape Workout from Fitness magazine. Fresh fruit (i.e. a healthy body) is always in season! --Emily

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Bandelle -- jewelry that's all about you

Because LeShan is taking a much-deserved vacation from blogging our fashion trend tuesdays have been few and far between. I've hesitated to post on Tuesdays for fear I will disappoint our readers with my limited fashion knowledge. Fortunately today's fashion-related site pretty much speaks for itself so I think I'm safe!

A Facebook friend recently posted about Bandelle, a site that lets you design your own custom jewelry. I'm not talking about a simple crystal bracelet you personalize with initial beads. Bandelle's design studio offers a beautiful selection of gemstones, Swarovski crystals, crystalline pearls, and chains. Simply pick a necklace style and then customize it by changing the color of the pearls, crystals, beads or chain. Once your happy with your design, click to add it to your jewelry box and you're ready to customize the next piece. (And I guarantee you'll want to customize more than one...it's that fun!)

The site offers necklaces and earrings for any occasion (bracelets coming soon), whether it be your bridal photos or girls' night out. My personal favorites are the Briana necklace and Sasha earrings, just in case anyone's doing some early birthday shopping. Prices range from $20 to $86 and all items arrive in a black & white vintage-inspired box.

My favorite part about being a custom jewelry designer is knowing the piece I design in Bandelle's design studio will truly be one of a kind. Sadly I can't say that about my favorite necklace from Aeropostale! --Emily

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Billion Dollar Brows are "bringing the arch back!"

While on vacation in California I was reminded of another favorite product I just had to feature on that's hot! thursday: my Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil. I first reviewed this on Boutique Cafe's Daily Dish almost a year ago ("How babe-alicious are your brows?") and I have been a faithful user of their brow pencil ever since. Here's why:

  • I am constant amazed at how well the color blends with my own natural brow color
  • This fabulous brow pencil requires no sharpening
  • It's a pencil and styling brush all in one--what more could you ask for?
  • The easily blendable color is water resistant (great for summer weather)
  • The longer length means I can find it easily among my over abundant collection of eyeliners
Though I don't use Billion Dollar Brows' Brow Boost that often it does come in handy when I've over plucked. And their Brow Gel does a great job keeping my brows in place. Both products continue to hold up well in the heat and the brow gel never feels heavy or crispy yet manages to "keep my brows "in perfect formation.

Billion Dollar Brows also offers a line of brow and lash cosmetics, kits, and tools plus a salon in Beverly Hills where you can get your brows shaped, tweezed, tinted, and permed. Girls' day out, anyone? --Emily

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Trunkettes design sexy yet comfortable swimwear

Yes, we're still taking the summer off but I did a review on Boutique Cafe perfect for fashion trend tuesday and very summer related. I tested a new line of swimwear called Trunkettes, which incorporates swim trunks for women in a variety of styles that coordinate with tankinis, halter and underwire tops. With cute prints and a flattering fit I thought this line of swimwear was perfect for those who want a little more comfort and a little less bikini waxing this summer. (Don't we all?)

To read the full Trunkettes review on Boutique Cafe, click here. Happy swimsuit shopping! (Okay, so "happy" and "swimsuit shopping" don't usually go together but with Trunkettes they just might!) --Emily

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

mother earth's gifts for mom and baby

This unique line of all natural, organic products for mom and baby is amazing! They have products to ease moms through each stage of pregnancy right into motherhood. The Earth Mama Body Butter is great for moisturizing skin to prevent stretch marks and helps to make them less noticeable. The fragrance is so delicious you'll want to keep smelling it all day...literally...I can't stop smelling it! Since I'm not nursing a baby, I was happy to share the wealth with a friend of mine who is. She had nothing but rave reviews for the Nipple Butter claiming it works miracles and you don't have to worry about any harsh chemicals that baby might ingest. And if the Nipple Butter isn't enough, you can get even more relief with the Booby Tubes, made from 100% organic cotton and all natural flax seed. They can be heated or you can freeze them depending on what you need, so versatile!

Babies will love the gentle Angel Baby Shampoo and Lotion. The soft scent lingers all day after a bath, making them smell oh so sweet, as though they could be any sweeter! You know you are doing something good for baby, for you, and for the environment when you buy natural and organic products. Earth Mama Angel Baby is truly a product line you will love using for your family. You'll feel good about giving back to the Mother who gives so much, our Mother Earth.--LeShan

Monday, May 26, 2008

Fritinancy on fashion

Just got back from St. George (southern Utah) this evening after four hours in the car with four kids, which means it felt like fourteen hours in the car with fourteen kids. My point? This fashion trend tuesday post is short but still very sweet.

Fritinancy is one of my favorite blogs because it is all about "names, brands, writing, and the quirks of the English language." Though I am not an expert when it comes to the English language I
do enjoy learning more about it. The author's "word of the week" feature is always enlightening (and always good to keep in mind for future Scrabble games). Anyway, the blog also covers fashion-related topics. I think you'll find her posts on the bikini and its offspring a rather fun read, especially since many of us have already hit the fitting rooms in search of the perfect swimsuit. Perhaps Sartoria Vico's Trikini is for you! --Emily