A Little Beauty... Self Image

I see their point.  I mean, if you can make someone look super amazing with a couple clicks of the mouse, why not?  The only problem is that then we, regular women, see these photos and we get all bummed out.  And rightfully so.  The way they brush them, patch them, stretch them, we simply can't compete.  We (and our daughters) are hard on ourselves.  Men have messed up ideals.   It's pretty much a mess.

I think we all realize that this goes on in fashion magazine and on TV but it's nice to actually see it in action.  I for one, appreciate the time and energy the creators of this little video put into helping us realize that it's not real.  Not something attainable.  But it's still kind of a bummer that they do it in the first place.  It's still there.  And although we may realize it's fake... somehow, sometimes, it still feels real.

A Little Beauty... Easy Hair that Looks Not-Easy

I am not the type of girl who spends a lot of time and effort on her hair.  This is my favorite low-maintenance hairdo.  Looks difficult you say?  Not so, this do is deceptively easy.  When I do my hair like this someone always asks me how I do it.

I found directions to make this headband on pinterest (love pinterest).  You can also find directions on how to do this do there too.

One thing you will need is a good hairspray.  I used Whitesands Stuck Up Mega Hold Hairspray.  They were nice enough to send me a bottle to try (awesome because I totally needed some).  I really do think it is "a little great."

A Little Beauty...How to Do Your Eyebrows

When I turned twelve my mother handed me a pair of tweezers and said "Girl, do something about those brows." I have a strong brow line, I admit it.  (Maybe something closer to Burt and Ernie describes best what is above my eyes.)  And as such, I have sought the counsel of several great brow stylists.

Here are some tips from Master Esthetician Alisha Racker on getting them just right.

1.  It is always best to go with your natural shape when it comes to eyebrows. You can't look at a picture of a Victoria's Secret model and say, " I want THAT shape". You gotta work with what you have naturally and clean up the shape.

2. If you have never tweezed your brows or have messed them up at home, I would suggest growing them out, and going to a professional. You may want to see a Master Esthetician to shape initially, and then maintain by tweezing the re-growth at home.

3. It is best to tweeze in natural light( I always have a pair of tweezers in my car so I can tweeze using the rear view mirror).

4. Another rule of thumb is to start the shape of the inside of the brows where your nostrils end( you can hold a pencil from the end/side of your nostril up to get a clearer idea). The arch of your eyebrow should be where the outside of your pupil lies.

5. To trim, take a clean mascara wand and brush eyebrows up. Carefully trim long hairs with small scissors.

6. The most common mistake I see is over-plucked eyebrows. Less is not more when it comes to brows. Estheticians like having something to work with. Many people also forget that triming makes a HUGE difference to the overall look.

A Little Beauty...Shaving

I hate shaving...it takes forever and a few days later, you have to do it again. 

BORING.  STUPID.  ANNOYING.

Then I discovered Skintimate Aromatherapy Moisturizing Shave Gel in Energizing Citrus.  It has such a zingy, "I want to be awake!" smell that makes me so happy to lather up.

Do you have any amazing shaving tools or products that turn this chore into a joy?

Halloween Health: When You Feel Like a Witch

"Ugh! How can I get rid of those angry mom lines in between my eyes?!" a friend asked me. Well... it's the angry bit, that if changed, will not only take years off of our faces but will add years of joy with our families and friends. Our husbands will want to come home at night- and they'll bring flowers. Our children will want will trust us when we're nice. Living in our own skin will be more joyful.

Here are five tips to bag the hag and become someone others (and ourselves) want to be around:

1. Positive speech makes you younger. Socrates suggested we mindfully speak by answering these three questions: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it helpful? To find out what percentage of the words you say are uplifting, go one full day with no complaining, put-downs, belittlement, mean-spirited jokes, dredging up of past wrongs or slights, or ranting- even towards yourself. Surprise your family by reacting peacefully when you normally lose it. They will love you for it. You will love you for it!

2. Caring for others makes the witch go away. Never suppress an urge to serve someone or say something complimentary; in fact, say something sincerely to three people within one hour of reading this. Mark Twain said "I can live two months on a good compliment." I am still beaming over a compliment someone gave me on my handwriting eight years ago! You may be the only person who sees the need of another; when you are given that insight, do what you can to fill that need as soon as you can. It will change more than one life- especially your own. Do you know of a need right now? Make plans this instant.

3. Breathing deeply will give you a peaceful face, increase your physical energy and keep your foot out of your mouth. Here is a breathing practice to do right now: place your hands on your belly; breathe deeply into your stomach, feeling your stomach push forward into your hands. Exhale longer than your inhale. Breathing into your stomach, as opposed to breathing up in your chest and shoulders, delivers the maximum amount of oxygen to your bloodstream. This means that O2 gets to your brain, causing your to think clearly and to stay logical. It causes a relaxation response in your body. It helps maintain tall posture and will make you more energetic.

4. Staying physically active will keep the nag, hag and meanie mom away. Burning off steam and calories, especially through walking, will make you clear-headed. Small annoyances will fade into the background. You'll become more affectionate. Do physical tasks, exercise or work, that will turn you into a kitten. For me, spin, boxing and Zumba beat the monster out of me and I'm ready to face my life like an adult. Tonight: go break a sweat to break the negativity habit!

5. Surround yourself with people you admire. You know- the mom who doesn't yank her kids' arm, your neighbor who never bad mouths her husband, the friend who makes you feel loved and special. Being around those folks changes our "normal" and we by association see it as possible that we can be like them. And they want to be like us! You are wonderful! Goal: spend time with one person this week whom you look up to.

Not only do these simple tips make us more enjoyable to be around, but they give us self-respect. I don't like myself when I'm out of control, mean or cold. It doesn't have to be that way, and each day is a gift- start over as many times as you need. It will come. We can put that witch's hat away!

A Little Beauty... The Best Darn Zit Cream

I got my first zit about nineteen years ago.  And so I have been in search of the perfect zit cream for that long.  Now I have found it!  Jurlique Blemish Cream...













This stuff is awesome.  I doesn't dry your skin out like good ol' Clearasil.  It is tinted so it helps cover your blemishes.  But it isn't tinted orange... it's actually a human-colored tint.  Just apply a small amount to the blemish and let it do it's magic.  It's kinda expensive but it lasts a really long time.  And, it even smells good.

jurlique

A Little Beauty... Natural Deodorant

Remember Aly's post about coconut oil?  Well I just discovered one more use for it.  Natural deodorant.  My cousin linked to this on her blog, and said it actually works!  My mother is a breast cancer survivor, and I have heard that there are harmful materials in deodorants and anti-perspirants that have been linked to breast cancer.  So I cannot WAIT to try this.  The comments on that blog say that it works!

Let me know if you do try it and if you have success!

(Re-posted here for ease of viewing)

Homemade Natural Deodorant

Did you know you can make your own wonderful deodorant with just a few completely natural ingredients? This recipe is awesome! It is frugal and very effective! Aaron & I have been using it for over a year now, and it has worked wonders. It smells wonderful, but very faint, so the hubby does not mind! We have tried all natural brands without much success, until we tried this! It is especially important for women to take thought to the harmful aluminum materials in deodorant as it has been linked to breast cancer, being that the armpits are so close to the chest.

Ingredients:

5-6 Tbsp Coconut oil

1/4 cup baking soda

1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot powder. Then slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon until it maintains the substance you desire. It should be about the same texture as the store bought kind, solid but able to be applied easily. You can either scoop this into your old dispensers or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use. After applying the product, you can just rub the remains into your hands as a lotion! This recipe lasts about 3 months for two people with regular daily use.

Read here and here for more wonderful uses of coconut oil!

Woohoo!  I will be trying this soon.

A Little Beauty... Five Movie Set Make-Up Artist Tips

Someone has said, “Women have two weapons - cosmetics and tears.” Make-up artists who specialize in print photo shoots and movie sets use some weapons and techniques that are surprisingly simple and have killer effects. (Check out the cover of Wedding Body Pilates DVD to see the results- I was shocked!)

1. Eye shadow as eyeliner. Using a flat angled and dramp brush, load the brush with shadow and drag across top of lid line. Choose a defined or smudged look.

2. Eye shadow as brow powder. Sexy eyebrows are in, and eye shadow is the key. Choose a color that is very close to your current hair color. I was shocked how how my Burt and Ernie eye brows became shaped and beautiful with lighter eye shadow to match my blonde hair. Eye shadow also naturally fills in gaps in the brow hairs- no more of the dry crayon scrawl across a brow line that come with pencil liners.

3. Foundation as lip gloss. Add foundation to your lips to create a creamy look with your lip gloss or lip stick.

4. Lip Liner tips. To create fuller and natural-looking lips, fill your outer lip lines, top and bottom, towards the mouth. Shimmery or lighter shades in the center of the bottom lip will also create fullness. Liner with gloss is often beautiful custom lipstick.

5. Skin shadowing. When applying bronzer or powder, add subtle contouring to the following angles of the face: along the sides of the head near the hair line, along the bottom jaw, along the sides of the nose (unless your nose is narrow) and then from the apple of your checks out.

Also, if you love make up or hate your current make up, Making Faces by Kevin Aucoin is a gold mine of techniques. 

Enjoy!

A Little Beauty... Must-Have Products for Summer

Summer is so here!  I love the warm days and sunny rays.  However, the surf and sun can be less than kind to our skin and hair.  Here are a few of my personal favorite beauty products to help you get through the summer beautifully.

Tanwise Airbrush Tanning Spray... This stuff is similar to my pick for the Must-Have Product from Spring but the difference is that this is an actual self-tanning product.  I love it for an even, professional looking fake tan.  Different skin tint shades are available.  I found it at Sally Beauty Supply.

e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip... This very well may be my all-time fave cosmetic!  You will be amazed by the difference it makes!  It will make you look so summery and fresh!  And the best part is that it is only $1.  Seriously, I can't recommend it highly enough.  Availiable at eyeslipsface.com.

Aveda Exfoliant... I don't know about you but my skin can get pretty dry in the Summer.  This exfoliant is the best I have ever found.  It is super effective yet so mild that I even use it on my newborn baby.  Find it here or anywhere Aveda products are sold.

Origins Gloomaway Boby Soufle... I read about a study once that showed that citrus scents make women feel younger and more vibrant.  Well, this has to be true because this stuff makes me feel so good.  I think you will love it too!  Find it at origins.com or at some department stores.

Neutrogena Body Mist Sunblock... Skin Cancer is for the birds!  Hook yourself up with a really great sunblock and get your tan out of a can this summer.  You will thank me for it in 20 years.  Available at drugstores.

Avenno Nourish and Shine Conditioner... Here is a little trick to protect your hair from that nasty chlorine/salt water this summer.  Before you hit the pool/beach, wet your hair and apply conditioner, leave it in.  This way your hair is already saturated and won't be able to absorb the damaging stuff.  Go ahead, give it a try... available at drugstores.

OPI Nail Lacquer... available in a rainbow of colors, you are sure to find one that strikes your fancy.  Right now I am sporting Pamplona Purple.  Tip: to make your pedicure last longer this summer... purchase your shade of choice and take it with you to get your pedi.  This way you will be able to do your own touch-ups and your pedi will be able to withstand the sun and sand much longer.  Now available at Target.

I hope these items help you have a little more fun in the sun this Summer!

A Little Beauty... Coconut Oil

I am a big believer in coconut oil.  I keep a jar on my nightstand and in the bathroom.  I use it for a myriad of things:
1. Mosturizer.  Body and face and sometimes around my eyes.
2. Eye Make-up Remover.
3. Hair Product... I use it as a shine product and to tame flyaways.
4. Pre-pool or beach "glistener"... HA, I'm such a dork.
5. Anti-bacterial properties.  In the Winter I get little sores in my nose (not cool, I know) and my mom originally gave me a jar to combat this problem.  It kinda worked, though good ol' Neosporin worked better.  I eventually found better uses for that jar...
6. Massage oil... You will think you're in Tahiti.
7. Sometimes I just open it up to smell it!

In India it is used for haircare, which I didn't know till I wrote this post.  It's great for dandruff apparently.  Now go forth and beautify!

A Little Beauty... Must-Have Product for Spring!

It was my birthday the other day (happy birthday to me...).  My cute friend gave me this: Soap & Glory Glow Getter Sun Powder Spray

I am in love, love, love!  A little background: I am white as can be!  I am also very pregnant and varicose and spider veins run in my family (lucky me).  Needless to say, I am not feeling really comfortable in a skirt.  Let me rephrase... skirts are very comfy when I am sooo pregnant but my legs are swollen and vein-ridden... bad combo.  Enter Glow Getter!

It's not a self-tanner, which I am not willing to do being pregnant.  It is "Sun Powder Spray" for your face and body.  Glow Getter is just perfect for those times when you need a kiss of sun but don't have time for apply self-tanner or get a spray tan. 

NOTE: Earlier I posted that I wouldn't wear it to the pool.  Well, that was before I got in the tub with it.  I didn't come off even when I rubbed it.  I even used some bath gel on it... it stayed.  It wasn't until I used a bar of soap that it came off.  K, so now I am even more in love!

p.s. you can also pick up a bottle at Target.

{Read all posts by Aly}

A Little Idea... Glitter Toes (by You)

by Aly

(Me in my jammies)

It's Spring... sorta.  My Uggs are too hot and my pregnant feet are too swollen to wear cute flats.  So I am into flip flop/sandal season a little early this year.  My toes were looking less than adorable having been packed into boots for months.  So I decided to give them a little pick-me-up!  Thanks to my cute friend Angie for sharing this idea with me last summer... it sure has come in handy.  Hope you like it too!

What you Need:

• Clear top coat
• Glitter - I used Martha Steward brand from Micheal's.  It's very fine and the colors are beautiful.
• Your toes

How To:

• Generously and quickly apply top coat
• Immediately sprinkle glitter of wet top coat
• Allow to dry
• Apply another generous coat of top coat
• Allow to dry

If you want to do it all Summer, may I recommend:

 {Read all posts by Aly}

A Little Beauty... Great Skin Secrets

by Aly

Ok, let's talk.  No other aspect of your appearance makes more of an impact than your face.  Your skin is always out in the open for the world to see.  I have been asked many a time what I do for my skin.  So here you go,  my Top Five Great Skin Secrets...

1. Break a Sweat!  Ever notice how radiant your skin looks when your done working out?  All that blood flow creates a healthy glow.  Plus, sweating has been shown to fight off skin infections (aka, zits).

2. Limit Sun Exposure.  I admit that I love the feel of the sun on my skin.  However, I am careful to wear SPF everyday in my moisturizer or make-up.  But I must have that "Summer Glow" so I use a bronzer or a self-tanner.

3. Exfoliate.  Out with the old, in with the new.  But please,  no scrubbing!  Harsh exfoliation can increase skin infection by creating tiny abrasions.  That is why I use, and LOVE, Aveda's Liquid Exfoliant!  Just put it on a cotton ball and wipe.  It has the consistency of water.  I have been using this for years and I will never be without it.  P.S. If you have a blemish you just have to pop, pre-treat with this stuff... you can thank me later!  I also can't live without Clinique Turnaround Concentrate!  My mom put some in my Christmas stocking and now I am hooked.  I can't say enough good things about this stuff!

4. Rely on Nature.  Remember my Honey Facial Post?  I stick by that.  And I would like to add, it is important to take multivitamins and fish oil.  Omega-3 fish oil fights chronic inflammation and helps to maintain healthy, young-looking skin.  More info

5. Water and Nutrition.  Your skin is a window into what is going on inside your body.  It reflects your health.  Take care of yourself.  Drink water, never soda, and eat as many servings of fruits, vegetables, nuts, as whole grains as you possibly can!

A Little Beauty (Naturally)... Fighting Cellulite

By Aly

CELLULITE.
I am definitely against it. I have been a little preoccupied with it lately.

Antidote: Years ago I was at the beach with my sister. She was complaining about cellulite and the fact that she was going to have to remove her skirt at some point. Just then, a woman nearby took off her cover-up and began walking toward the water. We stared dumb-founded. This woman was in amazing shape; slim, great muscle tone, the whole works. But when she was there in all her white-crocheted-bikini glory we couldn't help but notice CELLULITE! After a few moments of silence I turned to my sister and asked, "feel better?" She nodded.

Did you know...

A Little Beauty... Save Your Lips

By Aly

These Winter months are especially harsh on lips. Protect your perfect pucker and sport a gorgeous sheen at the same time. A friend of mine let me in on this little secret years ago. Lansinoh, lanolin for nursing mothers is the best lip treatment ever! It goes on shiny, think MAC Lip Glass, and it stays on for so long. It is only about eight bucks for a large tube and I have had mine for over three years now.

A Little Beauty (Naturally)... Honey Mask

By Aly
Honey is an incredible natural moisturizer. It is also very effective at minimizing pores. My skin can get especially dry in Winter. My solution? A honey mask. Here's how:
Cleanse your face as usual. Pat dry. Apply honey, avoiding eye area. Let sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. I like to do it while I soak in the bath. (You will actually be able to see the honey absorbing into your pores). Rinse with warm water, follow with a splash of cool water. Pat dry. Follow with your regular moisturizer. Notice the amazing difference!

This treatment is especially helpful with blemishes (not that I've ever had one).

I even got my husband to try it and now he loves it! See if you can get your man to try...

A Little Beauty... Great Inexpensive Makeup

By Aly
I used to be a makeup artist back in my college days. I still love the difference make up application can make when done right.

Recently, my next-door neighbor was over chatting and I had to go somewhere soon but we could pull ourselves away from our conversation. So I invited her into my bathroom where I applied my makeup while we continued chatting. When I was nearly finished, she stopped mid-sentence and said, “I can’t believe you went from that to that in like two seconds.” I guess I will take that as a compliment.

My favorite, and the least expensive makeup on Earth, is Eyes Lips Face. If you haven’t tried it yet… I can’t believe you haven’t tried it yet. The best part about the site, in my opinion is the, “Get the Look” section.

Plus, their mascara is the only one in the whole wide world that doesn’t irritate my eyes.

P.S. I don't know how long this offer is going to last. Don't miss out! Did I mention that virtually everything on the site is UNO DOLLAR?