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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Why Most Shampoos are a Waste of Money

It’s the dirty little secret shampoo companies don’t want you to know—when you wash your hair with one of those nutrient-rich shampoos, most of the nutrients and active ingredients in the product don’t actually end up in your hair, they wind up down the drain… along with all the money you spent on the shampoo.
Why does this happen? Because the shampoo molecules they contain are too large to penetrate the cells of hair and more importantly the tiny hair follicles where our hair actually grows. They sit atop the follicle until we wash them away.
Why is that a problem? Think about it this way—if you wanted to fertilize a plant, where would you pour the fertilizer? On the leaves? Of course not! You’d pour the fertilizer on the root and the soil where it’s needed most. Our hair works basically the same way—if you want to treat your hair right, you need to treat the roots.
But if regular shampoo can’t penetrate the hair follicles where our roots grow, what are we supposed to do?
Fortunately, a California company called Kronos decided to tackle this problem. Their team of researchers designed a more-effective hair care system —one that contains tiny microscopic spheres so small that they penetrate hair follicles and deliver nutrients to where they’re needed most.  They call it “T-Sfere Technology”.
Once they had solved the delivery method dilemma, they turned their attention to formulating ingredients that targeted the 5 most significant signs of damaged hair:
  1. Thinning hair that lacks volume
  2. Dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair
  3. Limp lackluster hair
  4. Damaged hair with split ends
  5. Hair with poor color retention
Does it work? Check out the results from the product’s clinical testing. In a recent study, the Kronos system was shown boost hair volume and body by an unprecedented 96%; increase hair hydration by 91%; improve luster and shine by 96%; reduce split ends and breakage by 96%; and virtually eliminate color fading for up to four weeks. It’s rare that a shampoo can provide so many amazing benefits.
Already, Kronos has quickly become one of the most talked about hair care systems out there. It was recently featured on the Today show and was rated the #1 Overnight Hair Treatment product by The Good Housekeeping Institute.
Since Kronos is still relatively new, the company is offering a limited amount of free trials of its 2-piece introductory kit, just so new customers can see the results for themselves before deciding whether or not they want to pay for their products.
The special trial includes a full, 60-day supply of two products that each feature the line's key ingredient complexes and delivery technology. In addition to samples of Kronos Shampoo and Kronos Conditioner, you get to try a full size of Phyx Overnight Repair Masque, that repairs damaged hair while you sleep, and the Liquid Theory Conditioning Detangler, that protects hair from thermal damage due to heat styling. You won’t get benefits like this from shampoo and conditioner alone.
Source: http://www.howlifeworks.com/health_beauty/Why_Most_Shampoos_are_a_Waste_of_Money_269/?AG_ID=706&cid=8088wr_news_rm
Picture by: http://myhealthyhead.com/healthy-hair-and-scalp/

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Caramel Apple Treat

I have given you many healthy recipes. Since Halloween is only a few days away I have decided to give you something sweet for being so good all month. These monsters are sure to be loved by everyone.
         Ingredients:
 
  • 1 14-ounce bag individually wrapped caramel candies (about 50)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 4 to 6 medium apples
  • Craft sticks
  • Assorted candies
 
Instructions:
  1. Place the unwrapped caramels in a shallow microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Mix in the milk and microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute (the caramels will keep their shape as they soften, so be sure to stir them).
  3. When the caramels are melted, remove the dish from the microwave with pot holders and stir the sauce until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. To thoroughly coat an apple, roll it in the caramel sauce, then hold it upright so the sauce slides down the sides.
  5. Generously butter a baking sheet. Twist off the apple stems and spear each fruit with a craft stick.
  6. Roll one apple in the caramel sauce until it's thoroughly coated. Place it, stick pointing up, on the baking sheet.
  7. Working quickly, coat the remaining apples in the caramel sauce. The caramel coating will be gooey, so refrigerate the apple for 15 minutes or until the caramel is slightly hardened.
  8. Holding the apple by the stick, use candy to turn it into a monster.
  9. Refrigerate again until the caramel is hardened and the candy is set. Makes 4 to 6.

    Source

For The Moviegoers

On Wednesday October,27,2010 it was announced that James Cameron will continue the Avatar movies with Avatar 2 and 3. Both will be in 3D and are said to come out December 2014 and December 2015. 

“In the second and third films, which will be self-contained stories that also fulfill a greater story arc, we will not back off the throttle of Avatar’s visual and emotional horsepower, and will continue to explore its themes and characters, which touched the hearts of audiences in all cultures around the world,” Cameron told Daily Variety. “I’m looking forward to returning to Pandora, a world where our imaginations can run wild.”

Actors and plots have not been confirmed yet, but just the fact that we get a 2 and 3 movie is more than enough for me at the moment. Stay posted and I will keep you updated on these great sequels. 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Let's Dance


Last night it was time for someone to get eliminated on Dancing With The Stars. What a shocker did I get when the bottom two were Audrina and Jennifer Grey. Never did I imagine that the end will come so quick for one of these two stars. Bristol Palin has improved greatly week after week but should she have been saved over Audrina? Yes Audrina could not get into character but Bristol just learned how to dance. And I wonder if the judges are giving her high scores cause they are afraid if they don't she might go home. Bristol completely messed up last week with her monkey suit and she still managed to get three 6's. How can that be? Yes Brandy is dancing better while Jennifer Grey seems to be slipping and it is sad because she has so much potential. Although it seems Brandy is bringing a lot of unnecessary crying and drama every week to the show but the girl can deliver. You have those who stay in the middle like Rick Fox and Kyle Massey. Rick has improved the improvement is not as big as Kyle's. Audrina had her points but the public seems to want to see Bristol another week before they would have seen Audrina another week. Was that the best option America? Who did you want eliminated? What are your predictions for next week, the 200th episode? 


  
                                                                                            

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Dinner Time

Are you usually tired when you get home from work? We want to eat healthy but we feel that time isn't on our side. We work hard and on our way home it is easier to pick up KFC or Pollo Tropical. But even though it might seem like you are eating healthy but eating out everyday is not really healthy. You never know what someone else is putting in the food or how they are cooking eat. Well thank goodness for Rachel Ray and 30 minute meals. Here is a Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Basil and Potatoes with Peppers and Onions recipe for dinner. It serves 4 and takes 12 minutes cooking time. About the same time you spend in the drive-thru right? 

 

Ingredients


  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds fingerling potatoes or red skin baby potatoes
  • 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
  • 1 Italian mild green pepper, cubanelle, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow skinned onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 large cloves garlic, cracked away from skin
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • Coarse salt and pepper
  • 2 cups shredded Parmesan, available in tubs near deli -- make sure to get shredded cheese, not grated
  • 4 (6 to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 plum Roma tomatoes or small, vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 15 to 20 leaves fresh basil, pile leaves, roll then thinly slice -- chiffonade

Directions

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Cut fingerling potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on thickness of fingerlings -- thin, small fingerlings may also be left hole, larger potatoes should be quartered to speed cooking process. If you are using small red potatoes, halve or quarter them in the same way.
Cover a large cookie sheet with foil. Place potatoes on cookie sheet. Combine with peppers and onions, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Coat the potatoes, peppers and onions with extra-virgin olive oil just enough to coat vegetables in a thin layer, 2 to 3 tablespoons. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Place potatoes in the oven and roast 20 to 22 minutes, until potatoes are just tender and peppers and onions are crisp at edges. Toss mixture with tongs, turning the potatoes after 15 minutes. When the potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and peel the foil off the cookie sheet and discard for super-quick clean up!
While potatoes cook, prepare chicken. Roll out a 2-foot piece of waxed paper or foil near the stove top. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat -- your pan must be very hot when the chicken is added. Pile the shredded cheese on the work surface created with the waxed paper or foil. Season your chicken breasts with black pepper but no salt; the cheese will add enough salt to the taste of the dish. Press the breasts firmly into the cheese. Coat both sides of breasts with as much cheese as possible. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet, 1 turn of the pan. Set breasts into the skillet and cook 7 minutes on each side, until cheese forms an even, golden casing around the tender chicken breasts.
While chicken cooks, combine chopped tomatoes with basil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste.
Drain off any excess oil from chicken as you remove it from the skillet. Top chicken with big spoonfuls of raw sauce and serve with potatoes, peppers and onions. 

   

Real or Wax?

We have all seen the wax museums and the wax dolls. But some are just more realistic than others. The above pictures are examples of the great art work that is put into theses wax dolls. At first glance you might not even be able to tell which is the real version and which is the wax version. I think that the work is impressionable and I love it. So, can you tell which is which? Or are you a bit confused?

Monday, October 25, 2010

Domestic Violence Awareness

The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And it is only right that we all know the facts of what domestic violence really is. It isn't just hitting and being physically abused, it is also emotional. There are help lines and communities that can help you leave and abusive relationship. The first step in getting help is admitting you need help. Most of us are too scared to come out and say we are in an abusive relationship, the thing is you have to remember it is not your fault; and there is always a way out. This is a great article to read and understand the different types of abuse and there is a hot line number here in case it is needed. http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm. Remember an abusive relationship doesn't always mean a man is hitting or abusing a woman, it can also be a man being abused by his significant other. There is nothing to be ashamed of, get the help you deserve.

The Benefits Of Running

Running is one of the more common activities done to burn fat, lose weight and to maintain one’s health. It not only is one of the easier sport activities to do, but a truly effective one as well. Here are some of the benefits of running:

1. Running is one of the best activities most people can do to improve their health

2. Running is one of the top activities for burning fat

3. Running can slow down the aging process

4. Running helps lower blood pressure by maintaining the elasticity of the arteries

5. Running reduces the risk of stroke and breast cancer

6. Running builds confidence and self-esteem like few other individual sports can

7. Running can help train the mind as much as it trains the body

8. Once you start running the fat in your body will make place for muscle

Friday, October 22, 2010

Staycation

Holidays are approaching fast, and October marks the beginning of the many celebrations to come. Even though holidays brings plenty of joy, it can also be overwhelming and stressful. So let's unwind and relax before the cold storms in and the shopping begin. Here are a few of my favorite buget friendly things to do in our own city. 


Brunch
Tre Italian Bistro can be found in Downtown Miami with an inexpensive Brunch Menu at just $13. You can have a variety of delicious dishes from Eggs Benedict to Frittatas and if  you thought that was enough they even include a cocktail. Enjoy Brunch in their romantic indoor area or enjoy the beautiful downtown scenery in their outdoor seating. Buon appetito!
Tre Italian Bistro
270 E Flagler St
Miami, FL 33131-1302
(305) 373-3303



Indulge
1160 Hair looks like a salon parlor you would find in the streets of Japan conveniently located in Miami Beach. Their services includes cut, color, mani/pedis, facials, waxing and massages.  So skip boring salons and indulge in the funky yet relaxing atmosphere.
1160 Hair
1160 Kane Concourse
Miami Beach, FL 33154
305-866-7939



Drink

Wine Depot and Bistro 555 is a250 sqft private celler with wine selections from inexpensive $7 wine to $150 champagne. Stay and enjoy a glass a wine at only $3 cork fee. You will love their romantic rooftop a great spot to unwind with a beau or a friend. 
Wine Depot and Bistro 555
555 Jefferson Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-6161








By: Martha





Thursday, October 21, 2010

Healthy Living

Losing weight seems to be on every ones to do list lately. The question is why can't we lose it as fast as we gain it. Part of the problem is that all we want to do are these crazy diets that usually don't work. We skip breakfast cause we are running late or we think that will help in our weight lose. The truth is skipping a meal doesn't guarantee you losing weight. What happens is that you get so hungry later you over eat. The actual trick into losing the weight is to establish how many calories you burn daily and how many you intake. Once you have that down you can proceed to the next step of balancing it all out. It is advised that you get a calorie counting calculator to keep count of the calories you are burning daily. These two websites are very helpful and might come in handy. And remember drinking water is important in any weight loss program you decide to do. To lose weight check out this site http://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Weight-Fast and to count calories this one I found is great http://caloriecount.about.com/.

Halloween Tutorial: Kitty Cat

Well ladies with Halloween getting closer and closer, we need to make sure we have our costume and the right make up to go with it. For those of you who want to be a cat here is a video tutorial on how to get the make up to look purrrfect. Have fun ladies, and remember use what you have at home no need to go out and buy the exact make up they use in the videos.                            

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

PREMIERE Willow Smith "Whip My Hair"


What Does The Fashion World Say About The French Beret?

Many woman want to be noticed for their style and elegant fashion. They are striving to find that accessory which adds just that finishing touch to their couture and sophisticated look. This year the beret is continuing to dominate the catwalks all over the world as a symbol of chic elegance. An accessory that is now available in many colors and trims and will most certainly add the finishing touch to our latest look. Or you may just want to make a statement.
The beret truly is multi-functional. Having a bad hair day? Cover it with a simple beret. Enjoying the fall weather in jeans and jumper? Finish the look with a funky beret. Going out with someone special? Complete your outfit with an elegant, custom-designed beret.
The styles and colour combinations now available will satisfy even the most discerning shopper. Big colourful appliques, net and bead combinations, bold, bright geometric shapes, buttons and bows, all combine to match your mood and manner. And for little girls wanting to be just like Mummy, you can choose from a cute range of kids berets, specially designed for that pretty little madam!
Care must be taken when choosing a beret. Many cheap imports can very quickly lose their shape, and will fluff and pill in a very short time. A pure wool beret will feel smooth, and when held up to the light will not be transparent. Your beret should stay in shape for many years and also keep your head warm on those cold icy days!
An elegant relief from the knitted beanie, but not so formal as the predictable hat, the beret is emerging as THE fashion item for fall and winter 2010.

Source: http://thewintercoatshop.com/what-does-the-fashion-world-say-about-the-french-beret.php
 CHECK OUT THESE STYLES AT PROJECT0811.COM

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Military Style: season’s hottest trend


We asked two of the most influential stylists to the stars, Rachel Zoe and Phillip Bloch, for the hottest trend of the season and they had one definitive answer: Military. Army green dresses, skinny cargos and military coats abound at every price point. BUT it's important to counterbalance the trend’s tough-chic vibe with a bit of sexiness and femininity, so you don’t look like you’re actually going into combat. We’ll show you how to do it and where to get quality options for the best prices.

CHECK OUT THESE MILITARY WORTHY STYLES FROM PROJECT0811.COM

Monday, October 18, 2010

Day Make-Up Vs. Evening Make-Up

Many of us love wearing make up at all times of the day. The thing is that we tend to forget that there is such a thing as day make up and evening make up. I am going to give you the difference between the two. The first thing is ladies remember to always have a make up bag and have it equipped not only with the make up you are wearing for the day but with a variety of shadows, liners and lipsticks/lip glosses. We are going to start with tips for day make up. 

 Day Make-Up:
With day time make up, the first important thing is that you n want your face to look as natural as possible.The best eye shadows to use for the day time are light greens,blues, and browns. Keep it light to medium shades. Now a light smokey eye can be used fr the day but it is a very tricky thing  to pull. Maybe I'll give you a tutorial on that later on this week, so watch out for it. When applying eyeliner remember that again lighter colors are better, so opt for a brown liner or maybe even a light gray. Remember if you do liner during the day, do not over apply. A very simple application of mascara will also go well for you. For me I find it better to use clear mascara as it adds to the lashes but not over doing it for you. A little bit of blush should do the trick for the cheek bones. The last touch in the daytime look is your lips. A clear or light colored lip gloss is usually best for the finishing touch on day time make up. 

Night Make-Up:
To me night time make up is funner than day time since you can play with colors a lot more. Remember that night time make up is not an excuse to look a bit clownish, everything done with a touch of class and you look absolutely fabulous. When it comes to eye shadows it is OK to use medium to dark shadows. You can pull out the dark greens. blues, charcoal, purples and black if you like it. A deep smokey eye will be fantastic to bring out the night in your eyes. With the eyeliner now will be a good time to use black and do it up a bit. It is even OK if you want to give yourself a smudgy eye appearance. An eye lash curler followed by some black mascara will be great to add effectiveness to the eyes.  Blush is great to add some color to the cheek bones but don't over due it or it will look a bit on the clownish side. Night time lip gloss or lip stick it is acceptable to use darker colors, like brown or red. But if you want to keep your pout simple cause you feel you over did the eyes it is also OK to go with a clear lip gloss.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Kelly Osbourne's Retro Ponytail

The 25-year-old star kept it cool in the sweltering Los Angeles, California heat yesterday with a retro ponytail. And she rounded out the look with an Elvis-esque pompadour, black ribbon bow, and wing-tipped, smoky eyes.
Here is How to Get the Look

First apply Redken Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream Mousse to damp hair for body and fullness. Rough dry your strands with your hands first. This will give it the texture you need to make the style last, says Palau. Smooth the ends with a small round brush for bounce. Taking random large sections throughout the hair, curl from the midshaft to ends. The hairstylist recommends not worrying about getting too close to the root as you'll be pulling it back. After curling the ends, gather into a ponytail using a brush and secure with a holder. Pin the front section of the hair into a pompadour and leave out random pieces around the hairline to give it a softer look. Wrap the ponytail holder with a ribbon like Osbourne and set the style using Redken Forceful 23 Super Strength Finishing Spray to give curls hold and lockout humidity.

Picture and blog by: http://www.stylelist.com/2010/09/29/kelly-osbourne-retro-ponytail/

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A Ghostly Banana.

Today I have decided that maybe I should do a different treat. With all the healthy snacks last week it is also good to have a not so healthy treat.

Things you will need:
  • Banana
  • Popsicle Stick
  • Plastic Wrap
  • White Chocolate
  • Candy or currant(for eyes and mouth)

Directions:
  • Remove any stringy fibers from the peeled banana, then cut it in half width wise.
  • Push a Popsicle stick into each half through the cut end.
  • Cover each pop with plastic wrap and freeze until firm (about 3 hours).
  • Next, place a 1.5-ounce piece of white chocolate candy in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high until melted (it generally takes about 1 minute). 
  • With a butter knife, spread the melted white chocolate on the frozen banana halves.
  • Set the pops on a waxed-paper-covered dish. Press on candies or currants for eyes and mouths and return the pops to the freezer until ready to serve. Makes 2. 

Whats good about this snack is that it is both healthy and sweet. Maybe it will be OK to indulge in these tasty treats.



Source              

Smokey Grey Cat Eye

We love the smoke, especially since it adds a hint of mystery to our style. I don't know about you but I have wanted to do the Taylor Swift look for a while. This Tutorial will let you have the look. Remember ladies, it is not important to use the same brand names this person is using. Use what you have at home and have fun with the look.



The First Ever Neiman Marcus Beauty Award Winners





2010 NM BEAUTY AWARD WINNERS

BEST TREATMENT La Mer Creme de la Mer
BEST EYE & LIP CARE Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
BEST CLEANSER/MAKEUP REMOVER Lancôme Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover
BEST MAKEUP Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
BEST EYE COLOR Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
BEST LIP COLOR CHANEL Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour
BEST CHEEK COLOR NARS Sheer Blush
BEST TOOL OF THE TRADE Clarisonic Mia®
BEST WOMEN'S FRAGRANCE Gucci Guilty Eau de Toilette
BEST MEN'S FRAGRANCE Creed Aventus
BEST HAIR CARE Frédéric Fekkai Controle Ironless Straightening Balm
BEST SUN PROTECTION La Mer The SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid
BEST BATH & BODY bliss fat girl slim
BEST MEN'S GROOMING Kiehl's Facial-Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Cream  
   Picture by: http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/phrase/6490/natural-beauty.html 


Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Spice a room up!


I am constantly trying to find inspirations and unusual ways to decorate and revamp an area that needs a new look. Since fall is here it’s another excuse to shop new trends for home décor. Spicing up an area can be as easy as adding some pillows, candles, and art work, here are some of my favorites.


CB2-Perspective Mirror $149.00


Zgallerie- Floret Pillows-$49.95

CB2- Making a change Print- $189.00

                      Zgallerie-Newport Frames- 4x6-9.95 5x7-12.95

                           Zgallerie-Plaza Vase-$29.95

















by: Martha

Ahoy Mate.

Would you love to be a sailor for Halloween this year? Are some of these costumes just too sexy? We have  great solution for you today. Pair this up with an extremely cute sailor hat, a bow and some pumps and you got yourself a costume. What is great about this costume is that the dress, well it can be reused and you won't regret it.