Thursday, March 17, 2011

green with envy


On this Irish day of celebration, you see people decked out in every shade of green. But more than just a holiday tradition, it's actually a huge makeup trend for spring. Here, some great green products to try that'll make your friends green with envy...

Tarte's neutralEYES natural eye palette rocked the runways at spring fashion week. The versatile palette contains 10 Amazonian clay-infused shadows in neutral and universally flattering shades (green included!), emphasEYES™ aqua-gel eyeliner in brown, a double-ended shadow brush & a free sample of lifted™ natural eye primer with Firmitol™. Apply lifted™ first as a long-wear shadow base that also helps decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 51% (in just 10 minutes). Then using the double-ended shadow brush to create the look of your choice by using the softly milled shadows (tip: you can also wet them for a more dramatic effect). To complete the look, apply emphasEYES™ aqua-gel eyeliner in brown, which glides on smooth and dries down to a long-lasting finish. neutralEYES™ natural eye palette includes: · 10 Amazonian-clay infused shadows, top row (L-R): matte bone, matte taupe, matte olive green, shimmering bronze, matte deep teal, bottom row (L-R): matte soft pink, shimmering soft peach, matte brown, matte plum, matte navy · emphasEYEs™ aqua-gel eyeliner: brown · double-ended eyeshadow brush. Get more details at www.tartecosmetics.com.

Another runway hit was the overabundance of green nail polish, mostly from Dashing Diva. At the Alexandere Herchcovitch and Ashleigh Verrier shows, veteran nail guru Pattie Yankee painted models' nails with Pier 39, a cool minty green. At the Zero +Maria Cornejo show, she used Greenpoint Grunge. And at Rosa Cha, models strutted their stuff in East Side Envy. Not gutsy enough to wear it? Try your favorite green shade on your toes first then switch to your fingertips when you get used to the green scene. See more great shades at www.dashingdiva.com.

Monday, February 28, 2011

save your smile


This month, we celebrated National Children's Dental Health Month. But just because February comes to an end today, doesn't mean we should stop promoting healthy dental care for our kids. Natural personal care leader Nature’s Gate partnered with RADIUS toothbrushes to offer discounts on both brands’ products via each other’s websites. The goal of the program is to educate and encourage natural product users to take a more holistic approach to their oral care regimens.


“We chose RADIUS as a partner because we share important core values: the desire to both promote the health and well-being of the end user as well as that of the environment,” said Jennifer Schweitzer, Nature’s Gate’s brand manager. “In addition to promoting oral health, both brands incorporate environmentally friendly materials into their products and packaging, including natural, recyclable and post consumer recycled materials.”


Nature’s Gate kids' toothpastes include a cherry gel which, in our house, even holds a candle to the popular Dora and Sponge Bob brands. My kids love the yummy cherry flavor...and it's all natural so it keeps their teeth and gums healthy.


For more info on promoting healthy oral habits for your kids, go to www.natures-gate.com and www.radiustoothbrushes.com.



Monday, February 14, 2011

happy vday: a little love for little ones

Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers. Make it a great excuse to show your love for your kids. Where to get a gift they'll love? Whether they're tots, tweens or teens, Lester's--the place to find everything from clothing to accessories--is your ultimate Valentine's Day destination. The store sells sweet and stylish treats for Valentine’s Day that are oh-so-adorable--your kids will get a kick out of them. Check out the Love and Kisses Flurr Pajama Pants and Shorts, designed for lots of cuddling time. My favorite is the fleece pajama bottoms with assorted heart and chocolate kiss patches (my three-year-old daughter loves them too!) Available in pink and purple, in sizes girls 2T - 6X, small to extra large ($33 - $45). Go to Lester's stores to purchase.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

happy vday: give him a sleeker you

What will you get for Valentines' Day? Flowers? Chocolate? A spa treatment or two? If you want to drop your husband or boyfriend a hint, or steer him in the right direction, why not suggest a gift that keeps on giving way beyond February 14th: Cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery.

Granted, he should think you're perfect just the way you are. But if you want to pursue the options for a dose of physical improvement, he should be there to offer his support.

When price is no object, think high-end: a complete mommy makeover [avg cost $12,900 as reported on RealSelf.com], from lipo to tummy tuck to breast augmentation, is the ultimate push present.

Seeking faster results at a more moderate investment? Injectibles like Botox [avg cost $500], Restylane [avg cost $700] and Juvederm [$800] can wind back the years and reveal a smoother you.

What's the best way to gift cosmetic surgery and treatments? Says Dr. Richard Rand, Seattle plastic surgeon and RealSelf contributor, "The best thing your significant other can do is to research the very best Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area and set up a consultation, then go with you and find out what would be the best treatments and or surgery to meet your needs. If you decide to go ahead and book a procedure, he can help you with the fees."

RealSelf.com is a community that shares, discusses, and rates more than 200 cosmetic services and procedures and, to date, thousands of reviews—personal stories and real-life experiences – have been posted.

For more information on cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery, go to www.realself.com.

Friday, February 11, 2011

happy vday: light his fire


There's something about candles that invites, relaxes, calms, suggests and ensures a romantic evening is in store. When leading home fragrance expert Laura Slatkin wanted to create her own collection of scented candles, she drew on over a decade of experience in the prestige home fragrance market to develop an unparalleled fragrance experience. The result was NEST, a candle collection ($32 each) uniting rich color, texture and scent to enhance everyday living and provide a respite that sets the mood for love. My picks for Vday: Pink Jasmine (if you're feeling a little flirty) and Moss & Mint (for a clean, fresh, more manly scent). The landmark collection includes the following evocative fragrances:

Moss & Mint Candle: Garden mint, apple blossom, and muguet are infused with a touch of oakmoss and vetiver

Bamboo Candle: Flowering bamboo mingles with an array of white florals, sparkling citrus and fresh green accords

Pink Jasmine Candle: A rare pink jasmine is blended with frangipani flower and peony with under notes of cashmere wood
and white musk

Moroccan Amber Candle: Moroccan amber, sweet patchouli, heliotrope, and bergamot are accented with a hint of eucalyptus

Orange Blossom Candle: Orange blossom, orchid, tiare flower and freesia are combined with tangerine, lemon and musk

Wasabi Pear Candle: Anjou pear and fresh, ozonic watery note are infused with the essence of wasabi

Freesia Kiwi Candle: Freesia, jasmine and muguet are married with kiwi, Asian pear, and cassis

Periwinkle Hyacinth Candle: Periwinkle, hyacinth and lilac are combined with crisp green leaves and cloves

Mahogany Votive Candle: The sweetness of vanilla and caramel praline accents sandalwood, star anise and patchouli

Wild Oats & Bourbon Votive Candle: The essence of bourbon is blended with wild oats and mandarin ginger

Go to www.neimanmarcus.com to make your purchase, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

happy vday: the gift that makes scents

Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers. Show your tween or teen daughter how much you care with a Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Set, featuring fragrances from Halle Berry, Faith Hill and Baby Phat.


The ultimate expression of affection, the Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Set combines a plush, cuddly stuffed bearwith a romantic scent. Simply choose the fragrance that best represents the girl in your life and give her this season’s most adoring gift.


  • Halle Berry Pure Orchid: For the alluring romantic, this Floral Woodsy fragrance evokes a mysterious sexiness and intriguing sensuality that leaves a memorable impression throughout the day and night.

  • Halle by Halle Berry: For the effortless beauty, this modern and sensuous Woodsy Oriental fragrance evokes the confidence and beauty of women with an enticing sensorial fusion.

  • Faith Hill True: Faith Hill True embodies the casual sensuality of the passionate and spirited beauty.

  • Faith by Faith Hill: Faith by Faith Hill is a sparkling bouquet with dimension and depth.

  • Baby Phat DARE ME: This captivating scent is the essence of independence, created for the flirtatious, fun-loving girl.

The Teddy Bear Fragrance Gift Sets can be found in most mass merchandisers and drug retailers for $15.99.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Super Snacks for Super Bowl, from celebrity trainer and wellness guru David Kirsch

Whether you’re a football fanatic or just watch the Super Bowl for the commercials, game day celebrations are always full of unhealthy choices. With New Year’s resolutions still fresh on everyone's mind, choosing delicious, healthy appetizers and meals for a Super Bowl party is doable with help from celebrity personal trainer and wellness guru David Kirsch.


David Kirsch has incorporated his lifestyle philosophy – achieving mind, body and spirit balance – into his three best-selling books featuring healthy, delicious recipes and energizing workouts. Try recipes from his extensive collection including low fat dips, hearty protein-packed appetizers and tailgate-inspired main courses, such as:


  • No-Fat Hummus
  • Roasted Pepper & Almond Dip
  • Tuna & Shrimp Kabobs
  • Sesame Chicken Fingers
  • Guiltless Barbecue Burger
  • Turkey Chili
Go to http://davidkirschwellness.com for more info on these tempting dishes and David Kirsch's fitness and wellness program.