Archive | February, 2011

Its Cool to Be Chubby…

28 Feb

By Christabelle…

When is it socially acceptable to be chubby? Probably up until you are about three…when the rolls in you thighs are precious and the dimples in your tush make photos picture perfect.  Well, today I found TWO AMAZING REASONS TO BE CHUBBY…and its all thanks to Clinique and Tarte!

I have discovered the end all – be all to chubby lip sticks and I had to share the news with all my glossy-lip-loving-ladies:

CLINIQUE CHUBBY STICK MOISTURIZING LIP COLOUR BALM…fortunately, the name is as long as its wear (yes, LONG). Colorful, cheerful and chock-full of moisture, Clinique Chubby Stick is a pleasantly plump and playful nourishing lip balm (say that fast three times).  It provides a sheer hint of color that glides smoothly, leaving you kissably YUMMY. Infused with Shea Butter, Mango Seed and Jojoba Seed Oil, your chapped winter lips will say “thank you, merci, and grazie”.

Available in eight mouth-watering shades, ranging from nudes to perfect pinks and purples, you should always have a lil chub in your make-up kit.  Shades include: Chunky Cherry (my fave!), Fuller Fig, Graped-Up, Mega Melon, Richer Raisin, Super Strawberry, Whole Lotta Honey and Woppin’ Watermelon – available at Clinique counters nationwide and at www.Clinique.com…at $15 each, you should really buy TWO!

TARTE LIPSURGENCE NATURAL LIP LUSTER…wow, my lips have never felt healthier and looked more fabulous. Tarte’s newest addition to the LipSurgence line, now includes six seriously sexy shimmering lip lusters. Not only are these beauties infused with peppermint (for a plumper pout and a breath mint on my lips!), the LipSurgence clinical results showed a 6000% increase in lip moisture content after 28 days of use. TARTE LIPSURGENCE NATURAL LIP LUSTER sticks have a gorgeous flush of color that glides on ever so softly, smells minty fresh and delivers a blend of plant bio-nutrients (can you say Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Peppermint Oil, and Jojoba Oil) that drench lips in moisture.

With six glorious shades to chose from, there is one for every mood you have…Fever (red), Pouty (Berry – my fave!), Frisky (bright pink), Adored (light pink), Glisten (peach), and Buff (nude).  I bought all six – I suggest you do the same – available for $24 each Sephora.com – and check out the tarte High Shine Lip Luster Duo with LipSurgence Technology at QVC.com – double the pleasure, double the fun!

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Just in Time For St. Patty’s Day…

27 Feb

By Christabelle…

Word of advice: SKIP THE GREEN BEER and go straight for this magically delicious drink SPD2011…Michael Collins 10 year old single malt Irish Whiskey….you might have just found a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow! Rich and smooth, characterized by complexity and backbone…that sounds like my “boyfriend wish list”…

This smooth talkin’ beauty is double distilled, large in character, and is produced in the last independently owned Irish distillery. Michael Collins Irish Whiskey embodies the strong character, bold heritage and uncompromising authenticity of a truly remarkable Irish spirit. Michael Collins Single Malt Irish Whiskey is pot distilled with select grains and malted barley dried over peat fires. This process is the oldest tradition of Irish distilling, dating back to 1762. The newly distilled whiskeys are aged in specially selected oak casks for a minimum of eight years to form the base of Michael Collins Single Malt. The single malt is well-rounded with a wonderfully subtle smoky flavor from the peat that lingers on the palate. It is best enjoyed in a snifter or on the rocks.

Michael Collins 10 Year Old Single Malt and the newly packaged Michael Collins Blended Irish Whiskey are available in fine liquor stores NOW for SRP $46 (750 ml).

Please drink responsibly (21+).

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WIN A FREE SPA DAY WITH TRIDENT AND SPA CATCHI

23 Feb

By Christabelle…

SPA CATCHI - NYC

Who doesn’t love a free spa day?  Who doesn’t love Trident Gum?  EXACTLY – we all love both. Now is your chance to win BOTH!

Need help rejuvenating from this brutal winter? Trident Vitality and Spa Catchi are offering a  Winter Wellness Package giveaway to 1 lucky reader at Christabelle’s Closet The Blog!

This giveaway includes a 30-minute signature massage, a warm cream manicure and pedicure from Spa Catchi , a premiere spa in New York City,and a three-month supply of new Trident Vitality gum. Trident Vitality is the new sugar free gum line that includes three blends of sophisticated flavors and inspired ingredients – each with its own twist. Offered in three feel-good flavors – Vigorate, Rejuve and Awaken – Trident Vitality adds a little piece of delicious well-being to the gum-chewing experience, with Vitamin C, ginseng or white tea infused into each delicious piece.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED – CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER, DIANA!

Giveaway: I am giving one lucky winner who lives in the New York City area to enjoy the Winter Wellness Spa Package at Spa Catchi and a three-month supply of Trident Vitality! Enter to win the Winter Wellness Package by leaving  a comment on this post telling me why you  love new Trident Vitality Gum – you must enter your email address on the post in order to win (so we can contact you). Your information will never be sold.   ENTER NOW BELOW – sweepstakes closes on March 22, 2011. One entry per reader – duplicate entries will disqualify you from the running.

** Terms and Conditions – this sweepstakes entitles ONE winner to a 30-minute signature massage, a warm cream manicure and pedicure from Spa Catchi , a premiere spa in New York City,and a three-month supply of new Trident Vitality gum – to be chosen by the staff at Christabelle’s Closet – The Blog. This sweepstakes cannot be combined with any other promotion. This does not include any other incidentals like travel, parking, lodging, dining etc. Christabelle’s Closet is not responsible for making your appointments and is not associated in any way with Spa Catchi or Trident. By leaving a post and entering this contest you are agreeing to these terms and conditions. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY**

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Get Fashion Week Fabulous – in Your Own Home!

21 Feb

By Christabelle…

New York Fashion Week has come and gone…but that doesn’t mean you cannot get the look right in your very own bathroom! Thanks to the gorgeous ladies of Revlon and the equally stunning Gucci Westman (who I worked with years ago at a competitive brand and ABSOLUTELY adore), now you can look as gorgeous as the models that strutted the catwalk at Oscar de la Renta.

WHO: Revlon’s Global Artistic Director, Gucci Westman, backstage at Oscar de la Renta

WHAT: Revlon’s Global Artistic Director, Gucci Westman, paired a strong brow with rosy, contoured cheeks for the Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011 collection, bringing forth the designer’s vision of an enigmatic eastern traveler.

Revlon's Gucci Westman at Oscar de la Renta 2/2011

REVLON PRODUCTS TO GET THE LOOK:

LIPS:

Gucci Westman for Revlon Limited Edition Lip Palette in Bordeaux in the Snow (available in Fall 2011), $6.99

Rev lon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry (used on darker complexions), $7.99

Revlon's Runway Look at Oscar de la Renta

 

 

 

EYE:

DoubleTwist Mascara in Blackest Black, $8.99

ColorStay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black, $7.39

ColorStay 12H Eye Shadow Quad in Silver Fox (grey shade only) $6.99

Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown, $7.50

FACE:

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer, $10.99

ColorStay Powder, $13.99

ColorBurst Lipstick in Fuchsia and Candy Pink, $8.99

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY: www.revlon.com

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An Accessory After the Fact…

21 Feb

By JackieBelle…

To quote one of the best chick flicks ever:  “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.”  (Clairee, Steel Magnolias, 1989.)  To carry a i-phone or iPod or some other device without some sort of pretty covering or accessory has become the social equivalent of not wearing a hat in 1940 or not wearing pantyhose in 1980 or maybe wearing the pantyhose in 1980, but wearing them with open-toed shoes- it doesn’t make you a bad person, it’s just kind of weird.  So here’s my confession:  I don’t have any fun accessories for my phone or my MP3 player!  But that all changes today- in an effort to set a better example for today’s up and coming Fashionistas, I will turn over a new leaf and begin my hunt for accessories for my electronics, and I will start with iWave’s Crystallized Collection.

iWave is a pioneer in designer accessories for electronics, and it fuses fashion and stylish trends with popular personal technology products and consumer electronics.  Accessories range from ear buds, iPhone/iPod cases, to headphones and speakers, and price points range from $9.99 and up, so they are not only totally glamorous, but they are completely affordable, too.  Check out the Krysta Bling headphones- ff a set of headphones have ever been considered elegant, this is them!  They boast not only high quality sound, but Swarovski crystals to boot, and they’re built to last.  (Head phones not your thing?  They have adorable ear buds, too!)  Check out the rest of the collection, including the phone covers, at www.iwaveaudio.com

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Classics Never Go Out of Style…

20 Feb

By JackieBelle…

I’ve been wearing Converse off and on since roughly… um… my whole life.  I was the first one on my block to rock them in pink, and then when I swapped a friend one of my pink ones for one of her red ones (a la Punky Brewster), I thought we were really avant garde and THE coolest girls to ever hit the second grade!  Our attempts at flamboyance didn’t really make much of a splash against the garish backdrop of the eighties, but our efforts were wholehearted, and I think back fondly on that little girl with one red shoe, one pink shoe, and copper-colored Pizazz Hair Mousse in her hair.  Now that I am a “mature” (read “lazy”) adult I tend stick with basic black, but Converse once again proved that they make THE coolest sneakers ever, and they have caused me to rethink my color scheme.

For the first time, Converse has partnered with Marimekko to debut a women’s specific collection for spring 2011 combining Converse’s most popular silhouettes – such as Chuck Taylor All Star High and Ox –  with Marimekko’s signature pattern designs!  A selection of Marimekko’s classic prints by some of its most influential designers that embrace Marimekko’s bold, vibrant styles were chosen for the Converse collection.  “The two companies have always walked their own path, and we also share the same unpretentious and joyful approach to life. We hope that this positive attitude will be transmitted to the people who will be sporting the Converses in the vibrant Marimekko designs,” says Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, Creative Director of Marimekko.

The Marimekko patterns featured in the sneakers include Tarha from 1963 and Pikkusuomu from 1965 by Annika Rimala and Kirppu from 1980 by Maija and Kristina Isola.  Annika Rimala’s modern and original Marimekko designs adorned the covers of international fashion magazines as early as in the 1960’s.  In 1967, she was chosen as one of the most influential fashion designers in the world.  Maija Isola, important reformer and forerunner in the design of printed fabrics, designed over 500 fascinating fabric prints for Marimekko through her career – one of them being Kirppu, co-designed with her daughter Kristina Isola.

The Converse ♥ Marimekko collection will be available starting from February 2011 at premium retail outlets, selected Marimekko stores and at www.converse.com.

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iPad Fans, Mount Up!

19 Feb

By JackieBelle…

I know when you got your iPad you thought you finally had everything, but you actually need one more thing- a place to put your iPad!  Vogel’s, the European market leader in Audio/Video & TV mounting solutions, has announced the RingO® Universal iPad Mounting System from Vogel’s®, the “Ipad on the wall.”  It lets you mount your iPad just about everywhere you go- at home, at work and in the car.  Watch movies in the car and use it as a home media control system in front of your television.  You can listen to music, display a modern-themed alarm clock in the bedroom, view photos on your coffee table, watch the news or view recipes in the kitchen, and show off office presentations on the wall or desk at work- RingO is one system that does it all in a sleek European designed package.

Already available in Europe, the Dutch designed system is quickly becoming the universal worldwide standard in tablet mounting systems, allowing you to experience even more with your tablet.  RingO is architecturally designed to fit beautifully into a home or office décor, and it safely mounts iPads wherever you need them:  on walls, tables, desks, or in cars for easy accessibility and usability at all times.  Based on Vogel’s patented ring system, RingO lets you transform your iPad or other tablet into different configurations to mount them where you want it, when you want it.

The RingO Universal Tablet Mounting System Includes:

Wall Mount:  A stylishly designed hidden button that screws onto almost any surface.  An iPad with a Vogel’s iPad Holder can then be easily clicked onto the Wall Mount so it hangs safely in place allowing 360 degree free rotation for easy viewing.

iPad Holder:  Offers all-around protection for the iPad and comes with the Vogel’s patent-pending precision ring shaped aluminum connector that enables the iPad to be easily mounted onto a range of different Vogel’s support systems.

Flip Stand:  Lets you position your iPad with the Holder at the perfect angle.  Simply click the Flip Stand securely in place in the Holder, flip it behind the iPad, and you’re ready to go.  When you’re done, the Flip Stand folds over your screen, protecting it while you travel.

Table Stand:  Lets the iPad with Holder be placed on a table, bookshelf, or desk in either portrait or landscape position.

Car Mount:  Helps keep kids quiet and happy in the car during road trips by letting them watch movies on an iPad in the back seat.  Vogel’s has adapted its successful DVDock to create the Car Mount with no tools needed to install.  It securely fixes to the front seat headrest.

Flex Mount:  A stylish and fully-adjustable arm mounted to the wall that lets you position your iPad exactly where you want it, with full tilt and swivel (available spring 2011).

Adhesive Mount:  When drilling is not appropriate, in boats, trailers or on tiled kitchen, the Adhesive Mount is a drill-free, screw-free and highly-adhesive solution, that easily sticks a Wall Mount to any unpainted, oil free surface (available Summer 2011).

Available for all current and future iPads and other tablet PCs, the Vogel’s RingO Universal Tablet Mounting System includes a Starter Pack for $69.99 (with Holder and Wall Mount); Home Pack for iPad for $79.99 (with Holder, Wall Mount, and Table Stand); Car Pack for iPad for $99.99 (with Holder, Tablet Stand, and Car Mount); Presenter Pack for iPad for $89.99 (with Holder, Tablet Stand, and Flip Stand); and All-in-One Pack for iPad for $119.99 (with Holder, Wall Mount, Tablet Stand, and Car Mount).

For really cool apps and other info, go to:  www.ipadonthewall.com/usa.

Check out Vogel’s at:  www.vogels.com.

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Oprah Helps You De-Clutter Your Life…

18 Feb

By Christabelle…

We all have stuff…some of us might even be classified as “hoarders” – but thanks to Oprah and her team of experts, you can now de-clutter your life and help some great causes! See below for the The O List to CLUTTER-FREE LIVING from the March 2011 Issue.

DONATE, RECYCLE, SELL…Say GOODBYE to the STUFF that’s weighing you down!

  • Used Clothing: We all know the usual locations to drop off used clothing—Salvation Army, local thrift shops, etc.—so this year why not try donating to the Vietnam Veterans of America instead? The organization will resell it to fund programs for veterans and will pick up your donation too! It doesn’t get more convenient than that.

****If your items have some value that you want to cash in on – consider consigning with us at ChristabellesCloset.com and either make money back on your unwanted designer duds – or – have your profit donated to your charity of choice****

  • Stuffed Animals: Ensure your favorite teddy bear is in good hands by donating it and other stuffed animals to SAFE (stuffedanimalsforemergenciesonly.org), which will then donate them to hospitals, homeless shelters, and emergency aid workers for children riding in ambulances
  • Toiletries: Ready to give up your hotel shampoo and soap collection? Great, just drop them off at Clean the World, which will deliver them to areas have that been inundated with communicable diseases, which can often easily be contained through frequent hand-washing
  • Shoes: If you’re ready to part ways with certain pairs of shoes, try donating them to Soles4Soles, which in turn gives away millions of shoes to those in need. All you have to do is drop them off at one of their numerous boxes all across the nation

  • Cell Phones: Not only can you clear up some drawer space (or a landfill), you can also make some cash by giving your phone to Flipswap, which will resell or safely recycle it AND plant a tree for every recycled phone.

  • Cars: If you’re trying to get rid of an old car, consider passing it along to Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program, which will tow away your donation and send you a receipt so you can deduct it from your taxes. They then resell the car to help build affordable housing in your areas

  • Everything Else: Freecycle will take used bikes, appliances, furniture, party décor, and anything else you can think of and pair them up with local people who want or need them

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Pop a Pringle into ANYTHING…

18 Feb

By Christabelle…

I have spent my life a Pringles Potato Chip fan.  That cylinder…that crunch…a little bit of salty heaven on my tongue.  Making duck lips out of them (y’all know what I am talking about). But it NEVER dawned on me to bake with them, until a came across a recipe for PRINGLES BROWNIES (yes you heard me correctly)…and decided the world needed to know about this savory sweet, tasty treat (that you can bake in your very own kitchen). If you can get through the recipe without devouring all the ingredients – go the eco-chic way and place the finished brownies BACK in the pringles container to gift to your favorite someone (feel free to make that me!).

Below is an original recipe for PRINGLES Brownies, created by professional Chef Kyle Shadix.

PRINGLES Brownies

  • 6 ounces baking chocolate, unsweetened
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1-6.41 ounce can of Original PRINGLES, regular or  1-5.71 ounce can of Original Reduced Fat PRINGLES, regular
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

1.       Preheat oven to 350 F

2.       Line 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, and spray foil with cooking spray.

3.       In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate and butter on high for 2 minutes.  Stir until chocolate melts.

4.       In a stainless steel bowl, mix sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well mixed.

5.       Pour in butter chocolate mixture and mix well.

6.       Empty PRINGLES and flour into a food processor, and puree until very fine.

7.       Empty flour mixture into chocolate mixture and mix well; add nuts to distribute.

8.       Bake for 30 minutes, and cool.

I just drooled…

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Free Java FOR NYC…Yes, Please!

17 Feb

By Christabelle…

Who doesn’t love free coffee on a Friday? Well – New Yorkers – here is your official caffeinated heads up – Zipcar and the Mud Coffee Truck are giving away FREE JAVA to NYC’ers on FEBRUARY 18th (that is tomorrow)!

WHO: Zipcar & Mud Coffee Truck

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 18th, from 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

WHERE: 23rd Street & Broadway (near Madison Square Park). Exact location to be announced via Twitter at
http://www.twitter.com/ZipcarNYC

WHAT: Your morning coffee is on Zipcar during Free Coffee Fridays. The first 500 people to stop in to the Mud Coffee truck will be treated to a free cup of 10oz coffee. Zipcar members will also receive complimentary mugs (while supplies last). The even sweeter deal: bring a friend to sign up and you both receive $60 in driving credit.

About Mud Truck:
NYC’s East Village anti-establishment coffee machine, the famous orange truck that serves one of the best cups of coffee in New York City. www.mudnyc.com

HAPPY CAFFEINE!

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Fake It, Girl…FAKE IT!

17 Feb

By Christabelle…

Some things that are false are OH SO FABULOUS! False lashes, eyelash extensions, penciled in brows – there are dozens of options on the market to help “fake it” when it comes to lashes and brows. However, natural conditioning products like neuLash and neuveauBrow can help achieve fuller, more luscious lashes and brows without having to “cheat.”

neuLash and neuveauBrow both help you maximize the natural potential of your lashes and brows by using nourishing agents to improve their overall condition. They also help counteract aging, which slows down the renewal process for both the lashes and the brows. Both neuLash active eyelash technology and neuveauBrow active eyebrow technology effectively penetrate the lashes and brows to deliver essential proteins, vitamins, moisturizing and rejuvenating ingredients to replenish and strengthen, while adding shine and elasticity. This helps create fuller, more beautiful lashes and brows naturally.

neuLash is an eyelash enhancing serum that is applied with a simple swipe across the lash line once a day. It can help transform thin, brittle or short lashes into thicker, healthier-looking lashes within just four weeks.  It is clinically proven to be safe, as well as effective. neuveauBrow promotes and restores fuller, healthier eyebrows in as little as four weeks. Using apple stem cell extract and a dual weight protein complex, neuveauBrow helps slow down the aging process and also counteracts the over tweezing and over waxing that can be associated with eyebrow thinness.  neuveauBrow is applied twice a day, in the morning and the evening, using an applicator brush, through the entire brow line and areas where eyebrows are thinning. neuveauBrow has also been tested and proven to be safe and effective.

Award-winning neuLash is available at the nation’s top specialty retail stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman, making it the most luxurious brand of lash conditioner on the market today. It retails for $85 for a 3.2 ml, 60-day supply or $150 for a 6 ml, 120-day supply. neuveauBrow is currently available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus for $100 for a two-month supply.

ABOUT SKIN RESEARCH LABORATORIES

With more than 35 years of experience, Richard Carieri and Skin Research Laboratories are renowned for providing innovative products which produce remarkable results. The research and development team consists of chemists, medical and scientific advisors that provide technical expertise for the company’s personal care products. For more information, please visit www.neuLash.com or www.neuveauBrow.com.

 

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FIVE WAYS TO BECOME A WINE EXPERT…OVERNIGHT

16 Feb

By Christabelle…

Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine Tells Us How

Always wanted to be an expert in wine tasting or picking out the best bottle but feel intimidated?  The March issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine shows how to in five simple steps. They break down what to look for, ignore, what the shape of the bottle means and more.  Enter the next dinner party or prepare a wine paired meal with confidence!

What To Look For To Become An Overnight Wine Expert

Alcohol level

·       The percentage will tip you off to how heavy the wine will feel in your mouth–12% or 13% is ideal for a full bodied feel.

Ancient

·       Spotting this on the label or “old vines” means that the grapevines are decades old with fewer grapes produced resulting in a stronger flavored wine.

Flavor Clues

·       The back of the label is full of hints to the wine’s taste and a peek into the type of wine. Descriptors like vanilla, smoke and nutmeg indicate a woodier taste. Words like zesty, racy, tangy suggest a fresher, brighter style

Ignore

·       Fancy Artwork. Beautiful pictures of vineyards or estates come across as a serious bottle of wine-but the wines might not live up to the imagery.

Phantom Grapes

·       If you don’t see recognizable terms such as “merlot” or “chardonnay” that doesn’t mean the wine isn’t one.  Wines from Europe are often labeled by origin rather than type.

Shape

·       Shape Matters! Bottle shapes hold specific wine styles.  Tall and narrow bottles contain mostly crisp wines such as a sparkling white. Slope shouldered bottles are typical to subtler wines such as pinot noir, chardonnay, or syrah and high shouldered bottles hold heavier reds and lighter whites such as a sauvignon blanc (my personal fave!)

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A Little Bit of Hair Goes a Long Way…

15 Feb

By Christabelle…

I have thick hair – VERY THICK hair…and yet like most women, I yearn for more. I covet runway hair – as big as life and as perfect as the word itself.  Not an easy task…especially since I am not a supermodel who has an entourage of “hair elves” following me around town.

But since I discovered a new breakthrough in hairpieces called  Effortless Extensions – my hair is not only runway ready, but in less than three minutes.  This time-and-mess-saving  hair accessory requires no clips, no glue, no sewing, no skill, and no assistance. In other words…it is “idiot proof”.

Effortless Extensions are the first hair extensions that do not connect to the hair in any way, yet the comfortable crown support circle ensures they will stay in place, even when fully active. They blend seamlessly into your natural hair, in literally seconds, wheareas other products take up to one hour to apply.  As most women know, spending the day at a salon and having extensions glued or sewn in can not only be extremely time consuming and costly, but also damaging to the hair. With Effortless Extensions, you can have fabulous hair without creating issues with your natural locks.

Effortless Extensions also help you achieve a natural look since they are made from a new XO synthetic fiber, which is so close to human hair, it’s hard to distinguish.  The XO synthetic is the only fiber on the market you can wash, condition, blow-dry, curl or flat iron just like you own hair. At just $69.98, they are available in three styles and 34 colors.  Human hair pieces are also available for $349.99.

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Smelly Pits on V-Day? No thank you!

14 Feb

By Christabelle…

If You Ever Needed A Reason To Shave This Valentine’s Day…

This Is it!!!

If you let underarm hair grow in the winter, you are more apt to develop body odor!

Your underarms are full of tiny glands called apocrine glands that produce sweat.  The sweat contains organic molecules (lipids and proteins) and pheromones and their activity is the main cause of sweat odor, due to the bacteria that break down the organic compounds in the sweat.  When you let underarm hair grow, as many women do when swaddled in bulky winter sweaters and jackets, the hair traps apocrine secretions that can lead to body odor.  The simple solution to this problem?  Shave regularly, because the use of a deodorant alone may not be enough.

Pure Silk® Moisturizing Shave Creams make it fun and easy to maintain your shaving routine all year long.  Bring summer into your winter grooming regimen with formulas such as Pure Silk® for Dry Skin, Pure Silk® Plumeria, Pure Silk® Raspberry Mist, Pure Silk® Melon Splash, and Pure Silk® Coconut & Oat Flour. Pure Silk® Peaches & Cream, designed for sensitive skin, contains extracts of thyme, papaya and willow bark to calm and soothe the delicate underarm area. All the formulations contain aloe to help moisturize and condition for a shave that leaves skin feeling silky soft.

So, pile on the layers to keep toasty and warm (or take them off!) this Valentine’s Day.  And remember that shaving year-round just makes good common “scents!

Chic Does Not Rhyme with Bic!

14 Feb

By JackieBelle

Among Fashion Week’s elite and key trend setters, chic-ness was measured down to even the smallest of accessories.  Lesson learned:  Don’t fall victim to the fashion police and use a chewed up, gasp, BIC pen!  You don’t want to be the one everyone is talking about unless they are saying good things!  Case in point:  This is an actual excerpt from an actual conversation I overheard last year:  “I loved, loved, LOVED her dress, and her shoes were walking works of art, but what was up with the mangled Papermate she pulled out of her purse?”  Ouch.  I would hate to be that girl.  Not sure where to turn for a stylish pen?  For true style and class, try the Parker Pen Collection.

The Parker Sonnet Sterling Silver Pen (Ranging from $208 to $341) has a distinctive image, enhanced by the ciselé décor.  This beautiful pen has a precious 925/1000 Sterling Silver chiseled finish and is sleekly paired with the emblematic Parker arrow clip.

If you spent too much on your Fashion Week outfits, consider the Parker Urban Premium Ebony Metal Chiselled Pen (Ranging from $40 to $65).  This innovative pen is dynamic, curvy and oh-so-smooth.  The black iridescent and metallic colored lacquers combine for an utmost contemporary design.

This is not a dramatization:  Last spring, while strolling the strip in South Beach, I personally witnessed a poorly be-penned Fashionista get hit over the head with a diamond encrusted baton wielded by a member of the South Beach Fashion Police- and I don’t want this to happen to you!  So got to www.parkerpen.com and arm yourself with style!

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Easy Travel for Your Carry-On Luggage…

13 Feb

By Christabelle…

Love to travel but hate to pack??? The new PakUrDerm™ Travel Kit is an easy way for an avid traveler to easily access all the right essentials in a carry on bag.

The PakUrDerm™ Travel Kit, which features six three-ounce bottles, 20 labels, pen and see-through case, meets and exceeds TSA guidelines and is 100 percent recyclable.  The colorful easy-grip, O-ring caps with raised symbols on top are especially user-friendly for sight-restricted and dexterity challenged travelers.  Multiple threads and a double seal prevent leaking.

“A lover of travel will love a PakUrDerm™ travel kit,” said Mike Herndon, Managing Partner, Business Development for The PakUrDerm™ Travel Kit.  “There’s no better way to tell that special someone who travels you care by helping him or her bring favorite products in the right sizes on their next trip.”

The PakUrDerm™ Travel Kit can be ordered individually from the Ormond Beach, Fla. based company and can be custom monogrammed and ordered in large quantities for groups or conventions.  Individual unit price is $14.95.  For more details, and to place an order, go to www.pakurderm.com or call (866) 478-4901.

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Win a 12-day, 10-city, 4-country European Dream Vacation

12 Feb

By Christabelle…

Travelpro Announces ‘Win a 12-day, 10-city, 4-country European Dream Vacation’ Sweepstakes

Travelpro, the original inventor of Rollaboard® luggage and a leader in innovative, high-quality luggage design is pleased to announce its new, major national sweepstakes, offering registrants the chance to win an amazing 12-day, 10-city, 4 country European Vacation.

The winners of this once-in-a-lifetime European retreat will be packing their brand new Travelpro® Crew™ 8 Rollaboards for a vacation that will take them through quaint towns, historical sites, and major cities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. The culmination of this magical vacation will end with three memorable nights in the romantic city of Paris, including a visit to the famous Eiffel Tower, a worldwide icon and the inspiration for the Travelpro logo.

The grand prize winner of the sweepstakes will receive the following package:

Round trip airfare for two

A twelve night experience in Europe including lodging (one room, double occupancy), guided and unguided sightseeing.

Select meals and transportation throughout the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and France.

Two Travelpro® Crew™ 8 Rollaboards®

This national sweepstakes and campaign will be featured in the renowned travel publication, Conde Nast Traveler, during the month of February and March.  Simultaneously, Travelpro will increase awareness of the sweepstakes through a multi-million impression online campaign in Travelocity and other popular travel sites.  “We are confident that through our extensive marketing and advertising efforts, we will generate excitement for the sweepstakes from people who love to travel” said Scott Applebee, VP of Marketing for Travelpro. The campaign will run from January 23, 2011 through March 31, 2011. To enter, simply register at www.Travelpro.com/sweepstakes.   This site also includes the complete sweepstakes rules.  No purchase is necessary to enter the sweepstakes.

About Travelpro

For over two decades, Travelpro International has prided itself on design innovation and durability in crafting the highest quality luggage for travellers worldwide. Since transforming the ease of modern day travel with The Original Rollaboard® wheeled luggage, Travelpro® has been the brand of choice for flight crews and frequent travelers worldwide. Travelpro is dedicated to building a lifelong relationship with its customers by consistently understanding and exceeding their needs. The company offers a variety of innovative, high-quality luggage collections and computer briefs; each aimed at a specific user lifestyle and rigorously tested.   Travelpro was the winner of the 2009 and 2010 Leading Edge Award from Executive Travel Magazine for “The Best Carry-on Case.”

Please visit Travelpro at www.travelpro.com for a complete list of the latest products and retail locations. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelproINTL and Twitter at www.twitter.com/travelprointl

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Nothing Better than a Fritter on a Cold Winter Day!

11 Feb

By Christabelle…

Baby, its cold outside, so stay inside and make these YUMMMMY Apple Fritters created by Mario Batali…and then send me some :)

The Macallan Apple Fritters

2 large eggs

¼ cup whole milk

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

1/4 cup The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old whisky, plus 2 oz for topping

8 cups extra-virgin olive oil, for deep-frying

6 green apples, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch-thick rounds

2 cups vanilla gelato

Cinnamon, for dusting

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Slowly add the flour, about 3 tablespoons at a time, whisking until incorporated. Stir in the sugar and The Macallan. Allow the batter to stand for 10 minutes.

In a large deep pot, heat the olive oil to 375° F. Working in batches of 3 or 4 dip each apple slice into the batter, add to the hot oil, and cook until golden brown. With a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Place 5 fritters on each of four plates, in an overlapping circle. Place a scoop of gelato in the center, sprinkle with cinnamon, add a tablespoon of The Macallan over the gelato and serve.

***Created by Mario Batali

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2011: An Indie Winemaker Review

10 Feb

By Christabelle…

Wine enthusiasts take note, because 2011 is the year for an Oregon Indie Review. At this year’s Portland Indie Wine & Food Festival (PIWFF) on Saturday, May 14th, 2011, Indie winemaker alumni are taking center stage and pouring their wines, including Oregon’s highly lauded 2008 vintage. Returning winemakers will be joined by new wineries (some releasing their first-ever vintages at the festival) that are selected at a blind tasting organized in collaboration with Cole Danehower, author of Essential Wines and Wineries of the Pacific Northwest, published by Timber Press.

Now in its 7th year, PIWFF 2011 will feature an all-star line-up of wineries that participated in the festival from 2005 – 2010, mixed with officially selected new wineries, set alongside Portland’s top chefs in a cool industrial space.

PIWFF is a once-a-year opportunity to mingle with wineries that have been integral in building the craft winemaking movement in Oregon… and more importantly, to taste and buy their hard-to-find wines direct in one stop. Think of a quality-controlled, winemaker farmers market.

“Since the competition and festival began in 2005, we’ve seen many of our undiscovered wineries earn top scores from major wine media and grow into some of Oregon’s most talked about wine brands,” says Lisa Donoughe, PIWFF Founder. “With Oregon’s 2008 vintage being touted as one of the state’s best ever, we thought it would be valuable to invite all alumni back (first come first served!) to show off their best stuff.”

The Portland Indie Wine & Food Festival serves as a launching pad for budding winemakers and wineries across the state.  Just a few weeks ago, a PIWFF veteran winery, Et Fille Wines from the Willamette Valley, was featured in Eric Asimov’s New York Times “Pour” column, which said “the 2008 vintage for Oregon Pinot noir is superb.”

“This year, attendees can look forward to discovering, reconnecting with, and tasting through current releases from Oregon’s amazing family-owned boutique wineries, many of whom launched their wines at this prestigious festival,” adds Donoughe.

Past PIWFF chef partners have included local chef luminaries such as James Beard nominated chef Cathy Whims of Nostrana and chef/butcher Adam Sappington of The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar.  Just as the winemakers are on site to pour their wines, so too are the chefs to prepare and serve their food.

The PIWFF Grand Tasting takes place Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 2 – 6 p.m. at The Bison Building (419 NE 10th Ave, Portland).

Tickets are on sale now for $75, and $125 for VIP early entry (1 p.m.).  General admission tickets include a commemorative festival tasting glass, pours from all wineries and food from top Oregon chefs who share the same craftsmanship and values as the artisan wineries.

Click here to buy tickets, and for more information visit the Portland Indie Wine & Food Festival online at www.indiewinefestival.com.  A complete list of participating wineries and chefs will be posted by April 4, 2011.

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Practice Safe Breath This Valentine’s Day

9 Feb

By Christabelle…

This Valentine’s Day – whether spending it with a long-time love, a blind date, or a group of friends – the SBA wants you to be prepared so you don’t end up in a compromising situation. Damon Wayans and the SBA are leading the charge leading up to Valentine’s Day to raise awareness about the importance of ALWAYS practicing safe breath with Dentyne.

The Safe Breath Alliance (SBA), the first completely made-up organization committed to educating Americans about the importance of practicing safe breath, led by actor, comedian Marlon Wayans, has officially declared February 2011 “Safe Breath Awareness Month.”

Now you can join the cause at www.facebook.com/dentyne.

Some important tips to remember this February for Safe Breath Awareness Month include:

  • Do a breath check. Before entering any situation where you may be up close and personal – or breathing at all – check the status of your breath to see if it’s safe to expose to others.
  • Practice Safe Breath. Practice safe breath by chewing Dentyne gum.  Doing so will also provide an excellent example for others to follow!
  • Spread the word. Teach others how to practice safe breath—and why it’s so important to do so.
  • Help others practice safe breath. Intervene when you see someone about to engage in unsafe breath. Giving somebody a single piece of Dentyne gum can help them practice safe breath…and may keep them from making a horrible mistake.
  • Join the SBA at Facebook.com/Dentyne. By doing so, you will be able to learn more about how to practice safe breath, access exclusive content, and participate in an instant win game for a chance to win one of 100 daily prizes!

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