helenoftroy

BANNED FROM YOUTUBE: home of amazing and hard-to-find videos

posted on 2/18/2010 2:21:27 PM in Lifestyle: (0) Comments

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Bee in Michelle’s bonnet

posted on 7/14/2009 5:25:28 AM in Lifestyle: (0) Comments

Much is said and written about First Lady Michelle Obama’s impressive fashion sense. However, it is interesting to note that our current first lady is not only focused on shopping for fashionable shoes and clothes, or embarking on extensive renovation projects in the White House, or planning for fabulous state dinners. Mrs. Obama is taking lead in small but positive projects inside the White House grounds like organic farming and beekeeping.

www.presidentialmansion.com reports that the new hives that were set up in the grounds has already produced some 43 pounds of honey. The honey collected will be used by the White House chefs while some may go out as gifts.

Enthusiasts say that beekeeping in the White House is a great project worth emulating considering the serious problems the country is facing because of the dwindling honeybee population. It isn't cheap to set up a new hive but this project is well worth the expense because it creates something positive.

Fashionistas in the White House

posted on 5/18/2009 10:17:10 PM in Fashion: (0) Comments

I just love the fashion sense of the Obamas. The president and first lady, as well as their two young daughters, are always impeccably dressed. They are always a sight to behold, whether on television, publications and the internet.

Barrack Obama is always dapper and elegant in his suits that a Bosnian company decided to name a new line of top quality men’s business suits after the US president. The “Obama” suits are already selling well in Bosnia and neighboring Croatia.

Michelle Obama also has her fair share of compliments for her elegant and chic fashion sense. Some of the hardest to please fashion critics are giving her thumbs up for her style, even comparing her to former first lady/fashion icon, Jacqueline Kennedy. Mrs. Obama has also proven her clout when it comes to fashion. After wearing a J. Crew on "The Tonight Show" and a White House/Black Market dress on "The View," the pieces sold out the next day. This just proves that every woman who is into fashion can relate to her.

Of course, the kids will not be outshined by their fashion savvy parents. Thanks to mom, first daughters Malia and Sasha were always adorable in their outfits from Crewcuts, the kids line from J.Crew. People so loved the girls’ look during their father’s inauguration that the retailer's web site, www.jcrew.com, was down for about a half hour as shoppers rushed to scoop up the girls' colorful attire.

I will definitely watch out for more fashion savvy inspirations from the first family on www.presidentialmansion.com.

Best skin care tonic: water

posted on 4/3/2009 2:52:05 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

Some say that great skin is either something you’re born with or something you’ll never achieve. I don’t think so. With the advancement of technology, the medical industry has created skin care treatments and products that can give you a certain glow, albeit artificial. Now, you can have your skin sanded, chemically peeled, zapped with lasers, frozen or injected with Botox (botulism toxin). The only downside with these beauty technologies is you have to spend thousands of dollars to achieve results (that, sometimes, may not be exactly what you hoped for).

So before your rush to your nearest aesthetics clinic, consider the most wonderful skin care treatment easily available to everyone: water. It has side benefits that do not only give your skin that rosy glow but also affects your general health. What’s even better is it’s utterly painless to use and free, not to mention easy to use. Just drink 8 glasses a day and reap the benefits, no fuss. A word of caution though from my friend Shaun Olmstead, make sure you have filters on your tap. Chlorine doesn’t only taste bad, it can also be harmful for the body.

Dealing with guybrows

posted on 3/26/2009 7:42:33 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

Thank goodness more men are paying attention to their physical appearance. I observed that most of my guy friends are taking action to correct what they see as unflattering to their faces. For instance, the eyebrows are quickly becoming the latest beauty concern for men. A good thing, actually. My friend Shaun Olmstead says grooming the brows is a good thing. It opens up his face and makes him look younger. He kids that it also prevents others from calling him “Bert” (from Sesame Street’s unibrowed, grumpy, boring character) or “that guy with the eyebrows”

Taming the “guybrows” is quite simple. If you haven’t a clue on how to deal with it, your best option is to head to a salon or day spa that performs eyebrow services. These salons offer waxing service which is a quick way to rid yourself of unruly hairs and create nicely defined brow lines. While waxing itself may not be the most comfortable experience, once you see the results, you’ll have no problem making another appointment later on.

After waxing, you can maintain the look of your brows by plucking or tweezing when stray hairs start to appear. If you’re all thumbs, you may want to ask someone, like your significant other, to tweeze the hairs for you. Salons also offer this kind of service.

Recession-Proof Beauty

posted on 3/25/2009 6:35:55 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

In these hard times of mortgages and high gas prices, you don’t really need to spend a fortune to look and feel good. Remember that not even the most expensive face creams can hold back time. What’s important is we have love, joy, and laughter in our hearts as well as an effective skin treatment regimen that will keep flaws and wrinkles away. My friend Shaun Olmstead is right, it is not right to look ugly and gloomy just like the economy.

Here’s an effective way to clean and take care of our skin without breaking the bank:

1. Use mild soap and water to wash face and skin. This is a time-tested skin care solution that need not be expensive. Unscented soaps, usually made of glycerin, work best. Just gently rub the soap lather over your face and neck and rinse with lukewarm water.

2. Towel-dry. Gently pat your skin with the towel instead of roughly rubbing it all over your face. A towel rub also helps remove heaped-up dead cells and allows young cells to reach the surface. Your face may glow briefly from this free, do-it-yourself exfoliation.

3. Cleanse with a toner. Doing some cleaning on your face before going to sleep is important. A toner will remove any excess residue from the skin. Use and alcohol-free skin toner.

4. Moisturize. Apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp, usually within three minutes after taking a shower. Apply a heavier layer during the winter season. A moisturizer makes the face smoother and healthier. Moisturizing is essential as it locks in the skin's own moisture to prevent dryness. The more oil a moisturizer contains, the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Avoid products that contain fragrances, preservatives, and other chemicals that might irritate the skin.

More tips on reducing eye bags and puffiness

posted on 3/19/2009 12:59:39 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

I’ve written an article before, discussing some effective natural remedies on dealing with under eye bags and puffiness. Here are additional tips on getting rid with these unsightly dark circles.

Aside from slices of cucumber and tea bags, another simple solution for puffy eyes is to use cold spoons. It’s easy, just put four spoons in a glass of ice water, lie down, relax, and take two spoons to place over your eyes, then put them back and replace with the cold ones.

Another quick remedy is applying a little Preparation H just under the eyes. I know some folks, especially my friend Shaun Olmstead, will laugh on their seats upon reading this but for your information, Preparation H is more than just medication foe hemorrhoids. It contains phenylephrine, which helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.

Control junk food cravings

posted on 3/12/2009 4:43:43 AM in Lifestyle: (1) Comments

There are instances when we can’t help craving for junk food. Since our childhood, our moms have repeated time and again that these sugar and sodium packed foodstuff are not good for us but we still want them. My friend Shaun Olmstead even talks about a junk food conspiracy theory which involves food giants and their goal to poison our food, to make it addictive, and to manipulate our very body chemistry. But that’s another story.

Giving up junk food is a very important step if you want to lose weight or maintain your ideal poundage. I know it will not be easy but with a lot determination and some helpful tips, it is not impossible.

Get rid of all junk food in your house and desk at work. You will be less likely to have a craving for it if it is not in sight. And you will not have access to any junk food if a craving does hit.

Drink lots of water. If you feel full from the water, you will no longer want the junk food that was on your mind earlier.

Chew on a piece of sugar free gum until the junk food craving is gone. Chewing a piece of a gum will take care of the boredom that sometimes causes junk food cravings.

How to be happy amidst the crisis

posted on 3/5/2009 3:55:12 AM in Lifestyle: (1) Comments

With the global financial crisis hovering over our heads, it’s difficult to even smile these days. Who would have the gull to be happy when homes are getting foreclosed and thousands of people losing their jobs everyday?

But happiness is not how much money you have or whether you have four Ferraris, two Mercedes convertibles and a BMW parked in your garage. Happiness is a state of mind. I know some will raise their eyebrows and tell me that that’s easier said than done. But that’s how I want to deal with this situation: to be happy and content for what I have now. Sulking and blaming the government is not going to change the status quo.

I’ll start each day with a smile. I’ll smile even if I don’t feel like it. I will smile at people I know and even at strangers. There will be some people who will not smile back at me or may even think that I’m crazy. Random smiling has become rather foreign in most of our society today. I won’t be offended, I’ll smile just the same hoping that this simple act will make other people want to smile also. Like attracts like. Happiness draws happiness. And when everybody is smiling and happy, it’s easier to face the problem. As my friend Shaun Olmstead always says: “The world always looks brighter from behind a smile.”

Do nice things for others. As the saying goes, you reap what you sow. Do good, and good things will happen to you! Also the nicer you are the more people will like you. The more people like you, the more people you will have to lean on when you need a boost!

Pray hard. Pray for people to learn how to live together in peace.

Bathe in espresso

posted on 2/26/2009 2:42:21 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

I love coffee. The ambiance (and free wifi) is great but I really rush to the nearest Starbucks to get my daily caffeine fix. It’s the magic potion that gets me going in the morning (or whatever time of day). My friend Shaun Olmstead jokes that I’m already a certified coffee junkie, coz I don't sweat, I percolate.

But aside from the addictive flavor and the energy boost a cuppa provides, coffee has also become a much sought-after ingredient for skin care products because of its because of antioxidant properties and tightening and firming qualities. Big companies like Avon, Neuturogena and L'Oreal have included caffeine in some of their products and continue to do research on the favorable effects of coffee when applied to the skin.

However, some people are suggesting that you don’t have to invest on expensive skin care products to get the skin enhancing properties of coffee. Concocting your own home brewed coffee soaps and body scrubs from used coffee grounds can give you the same benefits.

Coffee Exfoliating Scrub

You will need:
- a quarter cup of coffee grounds
- a table spoon of salt

How to use:
Use this scrub in the shower. Massage in circular motions over wet skin with your hand or wash cloth, paying extra attention to dry, rough spots such as elbows, heels and knees. Then rinse and enjoy your softer, smoother skin. To make the coffee even more effective, brew a cup first, then use the brewed coffee grounds! Remember to use it within 20 minutes though, because oxidization after that point will make the coffee less effective.

Potato for beauty

posted on 2/19/2009 3:18:57 AM in Beauty: (2) Comments

Nobody looks good with puffy and dark bags under their eyes. My friend Shaun Olmstead jokes that the raccoon look will never be in fashion. Here’s the easiest and simplest remedy I’ve ever run across to get rid of unsightly eye bags. And it really works!

Potatoes may not be lovely to look at but it can do wonders in getting rid of those puffy eye bags. Just cut two slices of potatoes to fit your eyes, spritz water on your eye area, lay down and put the two slices on your eyelids and leave in place for at least 10 minutes for best results.

Potatoes are rich in vitamin-C and B-complex and minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc which are good for the skin. Potato pulp mixed with honey can be used as face packs to help cure pimples and spots on the skin. This pulp, if applied externally on burns, gives a quick relief and heals fast.

Taking care of your running shoes

posted on 2/12/2009 3:45:39 AM in Lifestyle: (0) Comments

Running is one of the best forms of exercise. It can greatly help in weight loss, fights aging, improves resistance against diseases and promotes general health. It’s also relatively safe as long as you wear the appropriate gear: a comfortable pair of running shoes. Ideally, running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 400 miles and if you are a regular everyday runner, that could translate to a new pair of running shoes every couple of months. However, running shoes (I’m talking about the really comfortable and ergonomically-designed ones) are not exactly cheap. So here are a few tips on how to make your running shoes last longer:

Only wear your running shoes for exercise. Although they are really comfortable and some are even stylishly designed, fight the urge to wear them for anything other than running or working out.

Don’t be a slob, take your running shoes on and off properly. Loosen the laces first before you put them on and take them off.

Air dry wet shoes and keep them away from direct heat or sunlight. Direct heat can destroy them as heat dries out the leather and other materials in the shoes. Make sure to loosen the laces, take out the insoles when drying your running shoes. You can put crumpled-up newspaper inside of them to help them dry faster.

My friend Shaun Olmstead, who runs almost every day, suggests alternating shoes. Rotating two pairs of running shoes give each pair a day or two to decompress and dry out between workouts making them last longer.

When you are not using your running shoes, keep them in a cool, dry place where they can air out properly. Don't leave them in places like a gym bag or a hot trunk.

The washing machine is your running shoes’ worst enemy, they just don’t go together. If your shoes need some cleaning, use a scrub brush, mild soap, and cold water, and then let them air dry. A little elbow grease can save you a lot of money!

Roses are red…

posted on 2/5/2009 5:05:54 AM in Lifestyle: (0) Comments

The Most Romantic Day is just around the corner and lovers are hell-bent on making this year’s Heart’s Day extra special by giving the gift that will express their endless love and affection. Nothing says "I love you" on Valentine's Day more than a bouquet of red roses. Over the years, roses have become a ubiquitous symbol of love. And it’s not only the red blooms that are popular gifts during the season of love. The color of a rose can have a very different meaning from what you intend, making it a versatile gift. Below is a guide to rose colors and their meanings:

Red roses proclaim "I love you." They are the ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion. Florists can't keep up with Valentines Day demand for red roses, which makes them especially expensive in February.

Yellow roses indicate friendship and freedom -- so don't send them if your intentions are romantic and long-lasting. Yellow roses are also appropriate for sending congratulations to newlyweds, graduates, Texans, and new mothers.

Pale pink roses connote grace, gentleness, and gratitude.

A joy to behold, light pink roses express fun and happiness.

Deep pink roses say "Thank you."

Lilac roses indicate the sender has fallen in love at first sight with the recipient and is enchanted.

Pure white roses symbolize truth and innocence. They also send other messages: "I miss you" and "You're heavenly."

Coral roses express one thing with their passionate color: Desire.

Peach roses speak of appreciation, gratitude, and also sympathy.

Orange roses communicate enthusiasm and desire on the part of the sender.

While dead roses, according to my friend Shaun Olmstead, connote "It's over" loud and clear, regardless of the original color. And so is this article!

Have a romantic and fun Valentine’s Day everyone!

Roses are red…

posted on 2/5/2009 5:05:35 AM in (0) Comments

The Most Romantic Day is just around the corner and lovers are hell-bent on making this year’s Heart’s Day extra special by giving the gift that will express their endless love and affection. Nothing says "I love you" on Valentine's Day more than a bouquet of red roses. Over the years, roses have become a ubiquitous symbol of love. And it’s not only the red blooms that are popular gifts during the season of love. The color of a rose can have a very different meaning from what you intend, making it a versatile gift. Below is a guide to rose colors and their meanings:

Red roses proclaim "I love you." They are the ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion. Florists can't keep up with Valentines Day demand for red roses, which makes them especially expensive in February.

Yellow roses indicate friendship and freedom -- so don't send them if your intentions are romantic and long-lasting. Yellow roses are also appropriate for sending congratulations to newlyweds, graduates, Texans, and new mothers.

Pale pink roses connote grace, gentleness, and gratitude.

A joy to behold, light pink roses express fun and happiness.

Deep pink roses say "Thank you."

Lilac roses indicate the sender has fallen in love at first sight with the recipient and is enchanted.

Pure white roses symbolize truth and innocence. They also send other messages: "I miss you" and "You're heavenly."

Coral roses express one thing with their passionate color: Desire.

Peach roses speak of appreciation, gratitude, and also sympathy.

Orange roses communicate enthusiasm and desire on the part of the sender.

While dead roses, according to my friend Shaun Olmstead, connote "It's over" loud and clear, regardless of the original color. And so is this article!

Have a romantic and fun Valentine’s Day everyone!

Sweet Beauty

posted on 2/4/2009 6:38:58 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

Sugar is good for you! I will never hear the end of it when my health-conscious friend Shaun Olsmtead reads this statement. But before you guys collectively raise your eyebrows, let me explain that too much sugar may be bad for the health but it can sure do wonders to the skin!

Cane sugar produces glycolic acid, one of the natural alpha hydroxyl acids that exfoliate the skin and makes it silky soft. My friend Jane Barcy gave me this simple sugar skin scrub recipe and I swear this really works!

Sugar Skin Scrub

Ingredients:

• 50 percent white cane sugar
• 50 percent vegetable glycerin to moisten the sugar
• Small amounts of aloe vera gel, vitamin C crystals, or anything healing that dissolves in water
• 1 or 2 drops of essential oil if desired (Jane recommends combining orange and lavender)
• Enough ground hibiscus powder for pink color (if desired)

Procedure:

Simply dump all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. To use, scoop some onto your hand and massage gently onto your skin for a minute (the scrub will actually tighten onto your skin like a masque). Leave on the skin for 3 to 4 minutes before rinsing.

Can women's skin care products work on men’s skin?

posted on 1/28/2009 6:20:17 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

My friend Shaun Olmstead called me up the other night to ask whether women's skin care products work on men’s skin. Apparently, Shaun’s girlfriend received a lot of skin care items during the holidays and wanted to share them to Shaun. The poor guy wanted to know if using the girlie products could have adverse effect on his skin, or worse, start to get emotional and have an extreme desire to shop for shoes!

I told Shaun that there’s no need to worry because there’s no amount of women’s skin care products that can turn him into an emotional shoe-shopping addict. Seriously speaking, there is no reason men can't use their girlfriend’s products as long as their skin type is the same. However, if her skin is really dry and his skin is really oily, men should consider getting his own line. Products meant for dry skin can have too many hydrating properties for those with combination to oily skin which can cause breakouts. So it's important to figure out how dry or oily your skin is and use products meant specifically for your skin type.

If you and your girlfriend seem to have the same skin type, you can absolutely share products. But don't discount getting a line for yourself. Men's skin care has really evolved and any product for women has a matching product especially formulated for men.

Yogurt: the secret to beautiful skin

posted on 1/22/2009 9:25:49 PM in Beauty: (1) Comments

My friend Shaun Omstead and I just love yogurt! Aside from keeping the “good” bacteria in our stomachs on a healthy balance, this creamy treat is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as protein, calcium and Vitamin D. Furthermore, yogurt can also do wonders when applied to the skin. Yogurt contains lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid that promotes a smooth skin texture by gently peeling off the dead skin layer. People with sensitive skin who cannot withstand commercial alpha-hydroxy acid preparations can use yogurt instead. It can lighten spots and even out a patchy skin tone.

Here's a simple yogurt treatment for that smooth skin texture: Apply organic plain yogurt like a cream to your washed face. Leave on for 15 minutes, wash off with cold water, and finish with a moisturizer. Afterwards, to reduce any redness, apply a cold pack for 10 minutes.

Look fabulous without spending too much

posted on 1/21/2009 2:02:43 AM in Fashion: (1) Comments

I know we are in the middle of a recession but that shouldn’t prevent us from looking stylish and fabulous! Shopping for new outfits, especially designer duds, is totally out of the question. Don’t fret fashionistas, there are ways to look dashing without spending too much!

If you want to save money on clothes, shop with cash only! Leave those credit cards at home, or better yet, bury them six feet under the ground! Only buy what you can afford, plain and simple. If you don't have money in your checking account for those $500 Prada boots, then you'll have to save up to get them.

Hit the discount chains. Don’t raise those eyebrows yet, there are racks upon racks of stylish bargains to be had at stores like T.J. Maxx and Target. But that doesn’t mean you should "load up" your cart with all of the bargains. Be wise shopper, remember that cheap doesn’t mean you need them. You can end up racking up hundreds of dollars on non-essentials.

Look for Online Deals. My friend Shaun Olmstead is so good at this. He said he sign up for email newsletters from retailers, and they send him coupons and keep him abreast of their latest sales. There are entire websites devoted to mining the net for coupons, but searching through them can be a major time waster. Check out Shop It To Me, a site that lets you select the retailers and items you are interested from one central spot, cutting back on the number of emails and alerts you'll receive.

Take good care of your clothes. Yes, Mom was right! Taking care for your clothes will help them last longer! Use gentle laundry detergents, avoid the dryer when possible (always when it comes to those designer jeans) and hang and fold clothes properly. They are easy to ignore, but those clothing care tags are there for a reason - read them!

Must-Have Men's Skin Care Products

posted on 1/14/2009 2:55:16 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

Men have started to pay better attention to their skin. An increasing number of guys are starting to realize that skin care is NOT just for women. And a lot of skin care companies are taking advantage of this realization. They’ve started to include skin care products that are especially formulated for male skin and aim to keep men looking their best (and youngest).

I can still remember my friend Shaun Olmstead’s face when I gifted him with facial cleanser and facial moisturizer combo pack several Christmases ago. It was as if he eaten something unpalatable! I can’t blame him. During that time, men have this notion that lotions are only for girls. Now, Shaun makes sure that he never runs out of facial cleanser and moisturizer on his bathroom shelves or his toiletry bag when he travels.

Facial cleanser and moisturizer are the two must-haves for an effective male skin care regimen. Facial cleanser simply cleans your skin but leaves the necessary oils where they belong unlike ordinary bath soap that strips your skin of oils and moisture. The skin actually needs these natural oils to prevent dryness which leads to advanced skin aging.

Using moisturizers will not only moisturize your skin, it also helps heal it from any razor irritation you may have after shaving. Moisturizers with SPF protection are a good choice.

Taking Care of your Face during the Winter Season

posted on 1/8/2009 4:43:50 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

Winter is the worst season for your face. Unlike other parts which can be covered with clothing, the face is most exposed to harsh temperatures. The cold, winter wind can wreak havoc on your facial skin. To keep your face supple in winter, apply moisturizer to your face before going out into the cold and cover your face with a scarf in harsh wind.

If your skin is extremely sensitive, consider avoiding rinsing your face with tap water, which can contain harsh minerals that are especially drying to the skin.

What you can do instead is follow what French do: cleanse your skin with a cleaner that does not require rinsing, like Pond's Cold Cream. You can also rinse with special water that contains selenium and chamomile.

My friend Shaun Olmstead suggests spritzing the face with facial water (like Evian Mineral Spray) before applying moisturizer. He says the water locks in moisture and leaves skin refreshed.

Chocolate Shoes

posted on 12/12/2008 6:13:45 AM in Lifestyle: (1) Comments

Here’s a gift suggestion to all guys out there, including my friend Shaun Olmstead, who are still hasn’t decided on what to give their special lady. Why not combine two things most women love, shoes and chocolates?

Gayle’s Chocolates actually did just that for your convenience, guys. Gayle Harte of Gayle's Chocolates masterfully crated these delectable stilettos that would please every girl’s inner Carrie Bradshaw or Imelda Marcos.

These gourmet works of art, which weigh 14 ounces each and measure seven inches long and six inches tall, are individually hand crafted assuring customers that no two shoes are alike. They come in pink, milk, white or dark chocolate, and each shoe costs US$40.

Be the life of the party

posted on 12/4/2008 6:46:46 AM in (0) Comments

It’s party season once again and sometimes, we have no choice but to attend gatherings which promise to be boring as hell. Here are a few tips on how to address this problem and add some life to a boring party.

Take Spot with you. My friend Shaun Olmstead always brings his adorable pug if he feels that the party he’s attending is going to be a bust. Dogs have a way of adding some fantastic action to any gathering especially if they have tricks to show. . Just make sure that you have the host’s permission.

Bring out a deck of cards. Liven up any dull moment with a game of Old Maid. War is also a fun game to include a lot of players. If you’re feeling lucky, deal out a game of poker and play for peanuts, pennies or next month’s rent. If you are not into card games, just use them on your magic trick routine.

Read the newspaper before you leave. Be aware of current events, movies, and have a couple of tasteful, funny jokes on hand. This will help you start a conversation and then learn more about other topics from the people you talk to. Just refrain from bringing up any political issues, unless you want the party to turn into a tiresome debate.

Draw faces. If you have the talent, offer to sketch faces or things around. With drawing paper and favorite pens in hand, do a quick sketch of willing guests’ caricatures, the drunken guest’s half-empty vodka bottle or your dog mingling with the guests. Be prepared to give the sketches away if the people fall in love with them; it’ll make you look generous.

Recession fashion

posted on 11/14/2008 3:32:31 AM in Fashion: (0) Comments

How can I write about beauty and fashion when the economy is on an all time low? Who would appreciate expensive dresses and to-die-for designer shoes and bags when we are experiencing the worst unemployment rate in decades? Some of my friends are tightening their belts not because the cinched-waist look is fashionable this season but because the cost of everything has skyrocketed and they know that even small splurges can translate into huge expenses if they are not careful. My friend Shaun Olmstead opines that if there is something positive about the ongoing recession, it would be helping shopaholics control their extravagant spending habits.

But then, I still think that this is the best time to look our best! Why should we look crappy like the economy? It doesn’t mean that we’ll start wearing ill-fitting clothes because designer frocks cost a fortune! Being stylish and chic doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot. There are a lot of fashionable clothes at more affordable prices available online and in Walmart! I just hope that more designers start creating pocket-friendly collections and stop focusing on big fat bottom lines. After all, the retail market is so stagnant and nobody wants to let go of their hard earned dollars so it would be wise to target budget consumers and sell in lower-priced venues.

The key to being chic and fabulous despite the ongoing crisis is to be creative and be inventive! Use your existing wardrobe wisely, learn how to mix and match pieces and most importantly be confident in what you are wearing. Because fashion is not just about beauty and clothes, it's about having good attitude!

The Engagement Watch

posted on 11/11/2008 2:01:03 AM in Fashion: (0) Comments

Proposing marriage to a girlfriend is no easy feat. The proposal is such a momentous event that will be recounted over and over to friends, family and even to the kids and grand children. Thus, future grooms are pressured to make the “event” as special and memorable as possible. Aside from choosing the perfect place, time and way of asking “Will you marry me?”, you also have to pick the best ring to be presented to your future bride. The engagement ring can actually make or break the proposal!

According to my friend Shaun Olmstead, the engagement ring is usually presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective bride while or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage. The tradition has been for the future groom to privately select and purchase a ring, to be presented to his desired bride when he proposes.

Today, however, a diamond solitaire ring is not the only option for a betrothal gift. An increasing number of future grooms are picking elegant timepieces as an alternative engagement gift. And I don’t blame them; watches are more practical to wear than the ubiquitous diamond ring. They have the dual functionality of telling time and being a terrific fashion accessory. The gorgeous Paloma's Crown of Hearts watch from Tiffany & Co. would be a good engagement watch. It features heart-shaped clusters of diamonds all around the mother-of-pearl dial and is priced at $8,500.

But if your significant other prefers a ring as a symbol of your undying love and rather tell time using her cell phone, then by all means, give her the ring.

Beauty in the kitchen

posted on 11/6/2008 4:31:31 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

You are lucky if you have the resources to buy Ferraris, Mercedes-Benzes and fine crystal and can afford regular visits to the dermatological clinic to stay pretty and blemish free. But not every one of us has the money to splurge. Don’t fret, below are some home remedies using natural items which are readily available in your kitchen to help you rid of unwanted blemishes and get that flawless skin without spending a fortune.

Oatmeal and Peaches Facial Masque

This fruit masque is good for any skin type. The alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in peaches makes this great masque for general skin renewal. It helps reduce wrinkles, remove dead skin, and clean your pores. The oatmeal helps to heal irritated skin and moisturizes, as does the yogurt.

Prepare a single serving of regular oatmeal. While it cooks, skin and puree half a ripe peach in a blender or small food processor. Add the cooked oatmeal, two tablespoons of plain yogurt, and blend well. Let the mixture cool until it is lukewarm then apply it to your face and neck. Leave it on for 5 minutes.

Ripe strawberries, papaya or pineapple can be used instead of peaches. This fruits are also rich in AHA plus the benefit of antioxidants Test your skin in an inconspicuous place first, as some people's skin reacts to strawberries.

You may wish to add three or four drops of green tea extract to the mixture in the blender. This provides the advantage of antioxidants and buffers the AHA present in the fruit. It takes time for your skin to adjust to the increased cell turnover promoted by the acids so this buffering is especially important the first several times you use masques containing fruits with AHA.

Avocado-Egg yolk Skin Moisturizer

This concoction is especially effective in soothing and smoothing dry skin.

Whip one egg yolk until frothy. Mash half of a ripe avocado and blend in the yolk. Apply the masque evenly to your face and neck. Lounge around for 20 minutes then remove the mixture.

Avocados offer your skin the antioxidant effects of Vitamin E. The proteins and fats draw moisture into your skin and plump fine lines into oblivion.

Banana Cream Face Masque

Mash half a ripe banana with two tablespoons of honey and four tablespoons of sour cream. Apply the masque to your face and neck. Relax for 15 minutes then remove.

Bananas contain vitamins A, B, C, and E as well as potassium. They smooth and nourish your skin while the antioxidants purify. If your skin is oily, substitute two tablespoons of lemon or orange juice for the sour cream.

It is advised to use fresh fruits for all of these recipes. Canned or bottled fruit and juice contain sugars and preservatives that counteract some of the benefits of these homemade masques. Remember, the closer to nature your fruit masque remains, the better it is for your skin.

How to be a socialite and live the high life

posted on 10/24/2008 3:41:32 AM in Lifestyle: (0) Comments

We all dream of living the high life, at least at one point in our lives. Except if you were fortunate enough too be born with a silver spoon on your mouth. But for us who are not so lucky, we can only dream of those designer clothes, all-night parties, luxury cars, jewelries, lots of money, fame, the works! Still, there’s no room for giving up the dream. We can work hard to earn that million or pray hard to win the lottery or marry a Vanderbilt or a Hilton. If one of that ever happens to you, my jetsetter and socialite friend Shaun Olmstead (who is certainly living the high life, though he wouldn’t admit it), shares the following tips on how to be a socialite:

Be a partyphile and throw lots of parties. Also make sure to get invited to the grandest bashes in town.

Only wear designer clothes, even if you are just hanging out at home. With every outfit you wear, make sure to accessorize with a lot of jewelry, preferably diamonds and pearls.

Only wear authentic Rolex watches, not the ones from China! And don’t ever get caught wearing a Timex.

Drive expensive cars like Ferraris. In case you live in a cave and is clueless about this car brand, Ferrari is an Italian automobile manufacturer that produces high-end race cars and sports cars. The company is known for making some of the highest-performing and most expensive cars in the world.

If you are a woman, become known as the “It Girl” of your local town. If you are a man, become known as the most eligible millionaire bachelor.

Throw a very extravagant wedding ceremony when you decided to get married. And make sure your bride/groom comes from a rich family who will soon inherit a sizable fortune.

Become the boss of your own successful business (or businesses), but make it look like you only work a few hours a day.

Give lots of money to charities.

And most important, have more friends than enemies.

Water intake and skin moisture

posted on 10/13/2008 4:28:35 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

My friend Shaun Olmstead asked me if drinking 8 glasses of water a day really keeps the skin moist and healthy?

The answer is, no. Drinking eight glasses of water a day may be good for general health, but your water intake does not necessarily affect skin moisture. It is good to keep your body, including your skin, hydrated, however the outermost layer of skin does not absorb water since it is made up of dead skin cells. Moisture level of skin is not determined by internal factors, but rather external ones, such as cold or hot air, dry heat and by the number of oil-producing glands you have. So if you want to hydrate your skin, exfoliate it weekly with a sea-salt scrub or other exfoliator to remove dead skin then apply a rich moisturizer while skin is still damp.

Banana Beauty

posted on 10/2/2008 5:18:45 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. Compared to an apple, a banana has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So, it really should be... "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

But aside from being one of nature's perfect foods, bananas are also an excellent beauty treatment. They are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that is very nourishing to hair and skin; potassium, which is an excellent natural moisturizer; and have plenty of skin-enhancing vitamins A,B,C and E.

Below are some beauty treatments with bananas as the main ingredient:

Exfoliant. Just mash a ripe banana with a small amount of oatmeal. Apply it gently to your face and rinse it with warm water. My friend Shaun Olmstead that it really works!

Face Mask. Mash a small, ripe banana with a ripe avocado, 3 tbsp. of plain yogurt and 3 drops of vitamin E oil. Mash the banana and avocado until they form a paste, and then mash in the yogurt. Leave the mask on for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Anti-Aging mask. Mash a small banana, add 2 tbsp. heavy cream, 1 tbsp. oat flour and 1 tbsp. honey. Apply the anti-aging mask to the face and leave it for 30 minutes. For best results, apply the mask 3 times a week.

Hair Conditioner. Puree a ripe banana in a blender or food processor and add a few drops of wheatgerm oil. Spread the mixture through the hair and leave it for a few minutes. Wash your hair as usual, and apply conditioner.

Military and Aviator Sunglasses – Latest Fashion Trend

posted on 10/1/2008 1:24:54 AM in Fashion: (0) Comments

Military and aviator sunglasses are the latest craze in fashion today. At present, the use of these military equipment are not limited to military personnel as protection against harsh UV rays, glare and dust. Everybody wears them now from showbiz personalities to politicians and die hard fashionistas. I just love them! My friends Shaun Olmstead and Jane Barcy never leave home without them. These extra large shades that almost cover half of the face started hugging the limelight after the camouflage and military inspired outfits became the latest fashion statements.

The aviator shades were originally used by aviators and air force personnel. The military and other forces also used the same as protective eye wear especially when they are deployed in desert or tropical areas. The aviator shades are designed to keep the strong wind current and dusts or sands away from the eyes of the aviators especially when flying low on open planes. These glasses are smoked or dark colored to protect the eyes from the light of the sun.

Aviator shades and military sunglasses as fashion shades doesn't choose any time or weather condition, you can use it as long as you can see what lies ahead of you. You can flaunt it out when the sun is at its fullest or even when the sun starts to hide. Or others just use it as headbands to adorn their heads and hairs.

Anybody can wear aviators. Although they were designed primarily for men back in the 1930s, most of the new square aviator sunglasses available in fashion boutiques seem to target the female crowd. If you have a fairly angular face, you'll be best served by the traditional, more rounded aviator shape. If you've got round cheeks, you can balance your features out with the squared off shape of vintage square aviator sunglasses. Super petite faces will do best in sunglasses that aren't oversized, so try to stick with smaller frames, even within the square aviator style. There's no need to hide behind huge glasses; just get them big enough to shield your eyes and the skin around them from UV rays and slap sunscreen on your cheeks, forehead, nose, etc.

Laughter, the best age-defying tonic

posted on 9/11/2008 12:10:57 AM in Beauty: (0) Comments

You don’t need that $2,100/jar face cream to look youthful. All you need to do is have a hearty laugh! A good laugh is not only enjoyable, it also promotes better health. Laughter is like a revitalizing serum that heightens and brightens mood, gently relieving tensions and social constraints. Furthermore, laughing is found to help make you look youthful. And the best thing about it is it costs nothing!

Having a good laugh is an excellent exercise for your facial muscles. It helps improve facial expressions by toning up the muscles of the face. Laughing also increases the blood supply which nourishes the facial skin making it glow. People who laugh more, just like my jolly friend Shaun Olmstead, look more cheerful and attractive. By squeezing the tear glands through laughter, it moistens the eyes adding a little sparkle to them. Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps improve the muscle tone of those with pot-bellies.

So why spend a fortune for those age-defying face creams and cosmetic surgeries when you can just laugh and look youthful for free?

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