All about fashion

My new blog

2011-08-13T04:24:00.000-07:00

Hello dear readers..
I wasn't active this few days .. I'm back
I have new blog and it's everything about fashion ... like this blog.

I will take more time on this blog visit me and comment :)

http://fashion-fame-glamour.blogspot.com/

Exotic Celebrity Beauty Secrets

2011-08-08T01:32:00.000-07:00

Mila Kunis: Diamond and ruby facialTo get that extra glow before beginning the European tour for Friends with Benefits, Mila Kunistreated herself to a $7,000 facial from celebrity aesthetician Scott-Vincent Borba The posh procedure, known as the HD Diamond and Ruby and Diamond Peel, uses tiny precious stones as antioxidants for the skin—and it’s not the first time Kunis has splurged on the treatment. Before the Golden Globes in January, the 27-year-old actress also had the peel, which requires sucking on an ice cube to reduce puffiness. “I always do [this on] her skin, neck, décolleté, arms, and the back of her hands,” Borba told InStyle at the time. “Anything that will be possibly showing with her dress.”

Serena Williams: Evian bathThough she’s more apt to drink a few bottles during a tennis match, back in 2005, Serena Williams became the first guestMiami’s Hotel Victor to sample the $5000 Evian Experience. Available to those staying in the $6000-a-night penthouse suite, the procedure features a bath in 1000 liters of Evian spring water and colorful Gerber daisies. “I could feel the difference from the moment I stepped in,” Williams said after her chic soak. “The water felt so pure. Also, Evian is a sponsor of the US Open, which I've won the last few years, so I guess you can say the water has been lucky for me."

Angelina Jolie: Caviar skin creamSurely a mother of six is entitled to a few indulgences. In Angelina Jolie’s case, it’s a beauty regimen that includes La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Luxe Cream at $710 for a 100ml container, the cream contains the eggs of Baerii sturgeon, a protein-rich ingredient that’s said to be good for moisturizing and firming the skin. Also, lovely on a blini.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Snake venom facialOver the years, Gwyneth Paltrow has tried colonics, cupping, and a macrobiotic diet, all in the name of beauty and wellness. But perhaps no regimen has seemed quite as odd as the snake venom cream she uses on her skin. Costing $185 for a 1 oz. container, Sylvia Dakar’s UltraLuxe-9 products contain a synthetic venom that is said to have a similar (but gentler) paralyzing effect on the skin as a snake bite—essentially reptilian Botox. Though some question whether the cream is more like snake oil, there’s no denying the 38-year-old Oscar-winner’s skin looks youthful.

Demi Moore: Leech therapyWhile appearing onDavid Letterman in 2008 to promote, appropriately enough, Flawless, Demi Moore admitted that she had discovered a new beauty treatment while in Austria—leeching. "I feel like I've always been someone looking for the cutting edge of things that optimize your health and healing,” Moore told the incredulous host, adding. “These aren't just swamp leeches though—we are talking about highly trained medical leeches.” (Because, after all, the intended benefit of the leeching is to detox the blood.) “And the other thing I found out,” Moore explained casually, “is leeches don’t like hair. So, if you’re hairy, be prepared to do a little shaving or waxing—they much prefer a Brazilian.” Letterman had no response

Teri Hatcher: Red wine bathA glass of wine next to the bathtub, sure. But in it? And yet, that may be the secret to Teri Hatcher’s youthful complexion. The 46-year-old Desperate Housewives star told Britain’s DailyTelegraphthat she pours a glass of red into her bath every day for its skin-softening effects. While grapeseed is a powerful antioxidant, it’s unlikely that a glassful would produce the desired result. Fortunately, Les Sources de Caudalie in France offers an array of vinotherapy procedures, including a two-day treatment featuring a wine barrel bath and a merlot wrap or crushed cabernet scrub.

Jessica Simpson: Fish pedicureOn a 2010 episode of her VH1 show The Price of Beauty, Jessica Simpsontested a foot treatment in Japan that’s not without controversy—the fish pedicure. Spa guests place their feet in water withgarra rufa (or doctor fish) while pint-size piranhas nibble away the dead skin. Though some states now have fish spas— Yvonne’s in Alexandria, Virginia offers a 30-minute fish therapy for $50—many have banned the procedure for health concerns. And for those too squeamish to make a real doctor fish appointment, there is, of course, an app for that.

Eva Longoria: Placental face creamTeri Hatcher may rely on red wine, but to keep her skin looking babylike, Desperate Housewives co-star Eva Longoria opts for EMK placental cream, which is derived from botanicals that mimic the nutrients found in human placenta. The vitamins, amino acids and other proteins are known to have restorative properties for the skin. A 1 oz. container of EMK placental cream is $90.

Victoria Beckham: Bird poop facialOf all the bizarre beauty regimens celebrities experiment with, perhaps none causes more horror than the Geisha Facial.Victoria Beckham gets at New York’s Shizuka Day Spa. Also known as the “bird poop facial” because of the powdered nightingale droppings used in the treatment, the Geisha Facial costs $180 for a 60-minute session and promises to “soften, brighten, and nourish the complexion.” And it must be working, because David Beckham reportedly gets them as well.

Lose weight fast ( workouts )

2011-08-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

1. Walking – If the weather is nice, it’s wonderful to get outside and enjoy the scenery around you while you exercise. However, if the weather has other ideas, you can just as easily get an effective walking workout at home. If you have a flight of stairs, go up and down them a few times. (You could even grab a load of laundry as you’re going that way anyway!) This will help to tone up your legs, while getting some low impact aerobic exercise as well. If you don’t have any stairs available, just walk around the house a few times – it may not be very exciting, but it will do the job!
How Many Calories Burned Walking 3.0 mph

2. Jumping Jacks – These are always fun, as they bring back memories of being a kid! Who hasn’t done jumping jacks for fun as a child? Well, surprise – they are also great cardio exercises, and good for warming up, too.

3. Pushups – These are probably not the most favorite exercise of many people, but while they can be hard to do, you can find easier ways to do them. You don’t need to pretend you’re “Rocky”, and do them with one hand; just do what works for you. Do them on your knees, instead of keeping your legs straight. Or, do them standing up against a wall. You will be building up arm strength and working out muscles in your chest area.

4. Leg Lifts – These are great for building up strength and muscles in your legs. If you find it hard to do the exercises with your legs straight, try bending them slightly.

5. Crunches – The best exercise for building up and strengthening abdominal muscles. When you’re just getting started, don’t worry about getting your head all the way up. So long as you’re going up until you feel the stretching of the muscles, you will see some benefit.

6. Jogging In Place – Jogging is a great exercise for your heart. You can jog in place at home while watching TV or listening to music. The only equipment you will require is a good pair of shoes, to eliminate any stress to your legs.

7. Squats – These are wonderful exercises for your legs and buttocks. You can even just try these by sitting and standing up again from a regular chair, if you’re finding them to be too difficult. As long as you’re able to do a few repetitions, you will be providing some benefit to your body.

8. Light Weight Lifting – No, you don’t need to go out and buy expensive weights for this! Just use whatever you can find in your house. Start out with something lighter, such as a can of peas, and work yourself up to heavier items. You can use milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles or even water jugs.

9. Dancing – Dancing is a wonderful exercise, which is great for your heart. Not only that, but it can lift your spirits as well, and give your overall feeling a boost.

10. Step Exercises – Using the steps in your home, you can do repetitions which will tone your leg muscles. (Just remember to be careful!)

How to Get a Hot, Sexy, Fit Body Fast

2011-08-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

1. Get focused and motivated -- Focus all your energy on your goal of a creating a new body. Boost your motivation on a daily basis by looking at photos of great bodies, watching motivational videos, and visualizing yourself with your "ideal" body.

2. Eat a healthy, unprocessed diet -- Eat meat, eggs, fish, nuts and seeds, lots of vegetables, some raw fruit, and small amounts of unrefined oils (especially virgin olive oil and coconut oil!). Eat very little starch: breads and other grain products, potatoes, rice, corn, etc. Avoid all refined sugars, flours, and fats (especially trans fats!).

3. Eat enough... but no too much -- Eat enough calories very day to maintain high energy and fuel workouts, but not to much that you end up feeling sluggish. Control appetite and food cravings by eating small protein- and fiber-rich snacks every few hours during the day. Also drink LOTS of water and sugar-free teas all day long!

4. Do smart workouts often -- 4 to 6 days a week perform some form of smart exercise such as: full-body circuit training, heavy strength training, and high-intensity interval training (aka HIIT). Also play a sport, go hiking, or do some other form of "fun" exercise at least once or twice a week. Keep most workouts short -- 45 minutes or less -- and intense. Change up your exercise routine constantly to avoid boredom and keep your body/metabolism confused (and burning fat!).

5. Take the best supplements -- The best diet supplements for getting fit and creating a hot, sexy body are: whey protein powder, omega 3 fatty acids, multivitamins, green tea extract, and vitamin C. If muscle mass is a priority, also consider taking a nitric oxide supplement. While non of these supplements will make you drop fat and lose pounds all by themselves, they are all proven to help support healthy weight loss and lean muscle growth. Look at them as "shortcuts" to a fitter, sexier, better-looking body.

7 Rules of Burning Fat and Getting Sexy Fast

2011-08-06T06:35:00.001-07:00

1. Get psyched up -- Losing fat fast and getting super-fit is 90% mental. Create a goal and think about it all the time. Tear photos of people with great-looking bodies out of magazines and post them where you'll see them throughout the day. Watch kick-ass motivational videos online. Do whatever you have to do to get and stay motivated to get fit and create your "dream" body.

2. Get your energy up -- Without high energy levels, you're screwed! Boost your energy naturally by getting lots of sleep, drinking lots of water, avoiding junk food and refined sugars, and eating a healthy diet based around natural unprocessed foods. Also consider taking a healthy energy supplement containing natural caffeine and green tea extract.

3. Train with weights -- Strength training is one of the keys to burning off your flab and creating a really fit, sexy body in a short amount of time. Do some form of strength/weight/resistance training at least 3 times a week for best results.

4. Do HIIT -- The most effective form of cardio exercise is HIIT: high intensity interval training. This ultra-efficient exercise method is great for burning fat while preserving lean muscle tissue, the ideal combination for creating a sexy body fast.

5. Eat a natural diet -- Forget about following some dumb fad diet or spending lots of time counting calories and worrying about ingredients. Just get most (at least 90%) of your weekly calories from natural, unprocessed foods and the pounds will fall off quickly and easily. Plus you'll have tons of energy and you'll feel fantastic. Base your diet around things like meats, eggs, fish, raw fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and healthy unrefined oils (e.g. coconut oil and virgin olive oil).

6. Cheat the right way -- You don't have to -- and really, really shouldn't -- completely avoid your favorite "fattening" foods just because you're trying to lose weight fast. By eating a couple of big "cheat" meals per week you'll reward your hard work plus you'll confuse your metabolism in a way that speeds it up and keeps it burning fat at a steady rate.

7. Use the best supplements -- Most fat-burning and muscle-building supplements are pretty much a waste of money. But there are a few really effective diet supplements that can help you create that sexy body faster. Some of the best examples include: whey protein powder, omega 3 fat supplements (e.g. fish oil), quality multivitamins, and green tea extract.

Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Days - The Best Way to Do It

2011-08-06T06:33:00.001-07:00

For most people, losing just 10 pounds can make a huge improvement in the way they look and feel. Being 10 lbs lighter definitely has it's advantages. Below we'll outline one of the best ways to lose 10 pounds in 10 days. All it takes is focus, clean dieting, and smart, efficient exercise. So here we go...

1. Focus like a laser -- For the next 10 days you have to be 100% focused on your goal: losing 10 lbs in a safe, healthy, efficient way. Spend time every day visualizing how great it will feel to have lost 10 pounds and several inches from your waistline. Look at photos of fit people to boost focus and motivation.

2. Jumpstart with a fast -- Doing a 1-day fast is a good way to jumpstart yourself both physically and mentally. You can do either a raw juice fast (which requires a juicer or high-quality blender) or a simple "lemon water" fast. You could also do a 1 or 2 day "raw diet" where you eat nothing but raw fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. These are great ways to cleanse your body naturally, boost energy, and lose a couple of pounds quickly.

3. Start doing smart exercise -- Do some form of light exercise every morning. Just 10 minutes of walking or light calisthenics will set you up for a successful day. Also, do some form of full-body strength training 3-5 times a week. Focus on big compound movements that involve multiple muscle groups and require tons of energy (such as stored body fat) to perform. Squats, lunges, pullups, and pushups are good examples. Perform your exercises in a circuit-training style to get maximum fat-burning and muscle-toning benefit. Keep your workouts to 30 minutes or less to avoid getting over-trained and burnt out.

4. Eat a paleo-style diet -- If you really want to lose 10 pounds in 10 days you should try eating a simple paleo diet based around natural unprocessed foods. Things like lean meats, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These are the whole foods are bodies are designed to thrive on. No refined sugars or grains should be consume. Eat little or no starches, including white potatoes, rice, corn, etc. On this type of diet you'll have lots of energy, you'll feel great, you'll lose fat fast, and the pounds will almost literally fall off of your body quickly and easily.

So there you go: one of the best ways to lose ten lbs in 10 days. The things outlined above really work, and they really work well. So give them a try next time you need to tone up and slim down really quickly!

Pointed-Toe Shoes

2011-08-06T03:55:00.000-07:00

The sharp-toed pump is back in power

Box Bags

2011-08-06T03:50:00.000-07:00

Totally IN for the next season!

Kelly Osbourne says Christina Aguilera is a "Fat B*tch" and Kate Middleton a "Faux Pas"

2011-08-06T03:30:00.000-07:00

We all know that Kelly Osbourne has a quite a mouth on her, but recently she's been saying some things about other celebs that she should probably keep to herself. Kelly, who's on the tv show Fashion Police, recently went off about Christina Aguilera. Here's what went down: "After Joan Rivers, 78, said Aguilera looked 'stuffed into' a Givenchy LBD at an event in Munich, Germany last month (and likened her to 'Snooki's Scandinavian cousin'), Osbourne chimed in: "Maybe she is just becoming the fat bitch she was born to be. I don't know.'" (usmagazine.) Ouch.

Now in the past, Christina has made fun of Kelly for her weight, so we kinda get where Kelly is coming from. She wants revenge for all those years that Christina called her fat. But we would also hope that Kelly has moved on, like, Kelly looks amazing now! Some people just always hold a grudge.

And Kelly didn't stop there! Last night on Jay Leno, Kelly started dissing Kate Middleton for recycling outfits. Kelly said, "If I am going to be the future bloody Queen of England I'm going to wear that dress once because I'm giving up the rest of my life, all of my privacy. At least I can get a new dress every day!" Kelly also said that it's a "faux pas" for Kate to recycle outfits every day.

Um first of all, we love that Kate dresses in clothes that we all can own and we love that she'll wear the same thing twice. A lot of royals probably do this but since Kate is in the public eye constantly everyone notices.

Dukan diet ( all about it )

2011-08-05T03:23:00.000-07:00

The Dukan Diet: What It Is

It's been a best-seller in France for years, but now The Dukan Diet is getting attention on this side of the pond. It's no wonder: The book claims to have helped 5 million French people lose weight. And singer Jennifer Lopez and model Giselle Bundchen are reported to have lost their post-pregnancy pounds on The Dukan Diet.

The Dukan Diet was created by French physician Pierre Dukan more than 10 years ago as a treatment for obese people.

Essentially, it's a four-phase, high-protein, low-calorie diet plan. There's no weighing foods orc ounting calories. You eat as much as you want, at any time of day - as long as what you’re eating is lean protein, at least initially.

In fact, protein is the centerpiece in all four phases, along with oat bran, lots of water, and a 20-minute daily walk. Vegetables are allowed in the second stage, followed by small amounts of fruit and whole grains.

Sound familiar? It's much like the first Atkins diet. Dieters lose weight rapidly - as much as 1-2 pounds a day during the first phase -- which Dukan says helps to instill lasting motivation. He promises that hunger will disappear after the third day.

However, the book warns that dieters may suffer from bad breath, constipation, dry mouth, and fatigue -- all consequences of low-carb, high-protein diets.

The Dukan Diet: What You Can Eat

Phase 1, the "Attack" phase, is quite simple: Eat all you want of lean protein, along with 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran and 1.5 liters of water daily. That’s it. Dieters can choose from 72 lean or low-fat meats (excluding pork and lamb), fish, poultry, eggs, soy, and nonfat dairy.

This is followed by the "Cruise" phase, which allows unlimited amounts of 28 non-starchy vegetables every other day along with a core diet of unlimited lean/low-fat protein and 2 tablespoons of oat bran. Carrots, peas, corn, and potatoes are not on this list of vegetables but appear in the next phase.

Phase 3, "Consolidation," allows unlimited protein (including pork and lamb) and vegetables every day, along with one piece of low-sugar fruit, 2 slices of whole-grain bread, and 1 portion of hard cheese. Dieters can also have 1-2 servings of starchy foods and 1-2 "celebration" meals (in which you can eat whatever you want) per week during this phase. In this phase, you begin the lifetime commitment of eating the core diet of pure protein one day each week, preferably the same day.

Phase 4, "Stabilization," is the maintenance portion of the plan. The author promises you can eat whatever you like without regain if you follow his rules - one day a week, follow the same all-protein diet as in Phase 1; eat 3 tablespoons of oat bran a day; and walk for 20 minutes daily and never take elevators or escalators.

Sugar-free gum, artificial sweeteners, vinegars, and spices are allowed on The Dukan Diet. The book encourages dieters to take a daily multivitamin with minerals.

The Dukan Diet: How It Works

In theory, this is how the plan works: Phase 1 promotes rapid weight loss with a protein-only diet. Stay on this phase anywhere from 1-10 days, and expect to lose at a rate of 7 pounds in 5 days.

During Phase 2, which could last for months, depending on how much weight you need to lose, your body recuperates and adjusts to your weight loss. Dukan recommends sticking with this phase until you reach your goal weight, with the expectation of dropping 2 pounds per week.

Phase 3 is the critically important period between weight loss and maintenance, when the plan lightens up a bit but no weight loss is expected. This is a time when your body is vulnerable to putting pounds back on, according to the book. But if you stay in this phase five days for every pound you've lost, the book says, you'll avoid regain.

Phase 4, the maintenance part of the plan, is meant to be lifelong. You'll keep the weight off for good, the book says, if you follow this phase's requirements for a weekly all-protein day, plus oat bran and exercise.

How Much Protein Is Enough?

2011-08-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

How Much Protein Do You Need?

otein tends to play a starring role at mealtimes, but you might be better off if it moves out of the spotlight and becomes part of a supporting cast of foods on your plate.

Most Americans get more than enough protein each day, and may be getting too much of this nutrient from animal sources, like meat, poultry, and eggs.

Although important in the diet, extra protein will not help you build more muscle or make you stronger. When you're consuming too much of it, you're probably taking in more calories and fat than your body needs.

You need protein because "it has its hands in every critical function of the body," says Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. But the truth about protein is that many people don't need as much as they are taking in.

How Much Protein Is Enough?

Adults in the U.S. are encouraged to get 10% to 35% of their day's calories from protein foods. That's about 46 grams of protein for women, and 56 grams of protein for men.

It's not hard to get this amount if you eat two to three servings of protein-rich foods a day, according to the CDC.

A small 3-ounce piece of meat has about 21 grams of protein. A typical 8-ounce piece of meat could have over 50 grams of protein.
One 8-ounce container of yogurt has about 11 grams of protein.
One cup of milk has 8 grams of protein.
One cup of dry beans has about 16 grams of protein.

People With Special Protein Needs

Not everyone needs the same amount of protein. Here are six groups who need to pay more attention to their protein requirements.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Lauren Antonucci, MS, RD, director of Nutrition Energy in New York City says pregnant women need about 10 more grams of protein than they did before. And "nursing women need 20 grams more protein a day than they did before pregnancy to support milk production," says Antonucci. You would get 10 grams in one Greek yogurt or a half-cup of cottage cheese, so it doesn't add up to a lot of food. She encourages pregnant women to get 20 to 30 grams of their protein a day from low-fat dairy products because calcium and vitamin D are crucial for the bone health of mother and baby.

Athletes. Most sports involve physically breaking down muscle during the activity and repairing it afterward. So the protein needs of active people are influenced by the length, frequency, and intensity of their workouts. Endurance athletes such as marathoners need about 50% more protein than a sedentary person, says sports dietitian Josephine Conolly-Schoonen, MS, RD, on Medscape Today. Body Builders might need twice as much protein as a sedentary person. But it's important to remember than most Americans, including athletes, get plenty of protein in their regular diet, and do not need protein supplements.

The Best Food Sources

"I encourage people to choose lean forms of protein, that way it has minimal extra baggage like fat," Bonci says. Lean animal sources include red meat with less marbling, poultry without skin, nonfat or low-fat dairy products, and fish.

She's also a fan of soy foods -- tofu, edamame (green soybeans), roasted soy nuts, and meat substitutes like veggie burgers or crumbles.

Most people benefit from eating less processed protein, such as bacon, hot dogs, and lunch meats, and are better off eating beans and fish a few times a week, suggests Antonucci. "Beans and whole grains are some of the healthiest foods on the planet and they're cheap, filling, and easy to make," she says.

From black beans and garbanzos to lentils and split peas, plant proteins can be used in soups, chili, spreads, and Mexican dishes. As for whole grains, three protein-rich grains are quinoa, spelt, and amaranth.

Unlike animal protein, most plant-based proteins are "incomplete," meaning they lack some amino acid building blocks. By combining plant proteins, such as rice and beans or hummus on pita bread, they become "complete" with all the essential amino acids found in animal protein. Soy protein is the only plant source that's complete.

Tips for Not Going Overboard With Protein

Protein servings of meat, poultry, or fish, should be the size and thickness of the palm of your hand, suggests Antonucci. That's about a 3-ounce portion. She suggests that meat eaters eat no more than two palm-sized servings of meat a day to get enough -- but not too much -- protein.

To look at it another way, protein should take up no more than one-third of your plate at meals, whether it's in a form you can drink or chew, suggests Bonci. She recommends including small amounts of protein foods at every meal to spread your intake evenly throughout the day.

Lose Weight Fast: How to Do It Safely | Sick of crash diets and fad diets? Follow these healthy tips for rapid weight loss

2011-08-05T03:17:00.000-07:00

You've heard it time and again: fad diets don't work for permanent weight loss. But what about those times when you really need to lose some weight fast? It's hard to pass up the promise of crash diets like the Lemonade Diet, Cabbage Soup Diet, orLose 21 Pounds in 21 Days when your mission is to squeeze into a new outfit in time for a reunion, wedding, or other special event.

So what's wrong with dropping 20 pounds fast so you can wow your friends and family with a svelte new shape?

The truth is that nothing is wrong with losing weight rapidly -- as long you do it the right way, says Michael Dansinger, MD. He's the medical doctor for NBC's The Biggest Losershow, which spotlights quick and dramatic weight loss.

"In theory, one could drop as much as 20 pounds in a week following a very ambitious eating and exercise plan, devoting more than seven hours per week to rigorous exercise, and under a physician's care like we do on the television program," he says.

But even if you can't drop everything to go to weight loss "boot camp," you can safely lose 3 or more pounds a week at home with a healthy diet and lots of exercise, says weight loss counselor Katherine Tallmadge, RD.

In fact, having a goal like looking great at a wedding or reunion can be a great motivator, as long as you follow a weight loss plan that you can keep up after the special event.

But you need to plan ahead and allow enough time to make changes to your shape.

"Don't wait until one week before the reunion to try and lose 10 pounds," advises Tara Gidus, MS, RD, team dietitian for the Orlando Magic.

How to Lose Weight Fast

Losing weight is a simple mathematical formula: You need to burn more calories than you eat. Experts generally recommend creating a deficit of 500 calories per day through a combination of eating fewer calories and increasing physical activity. Over the course of a week, this should yield a loss of about 1-2 pounds of fat.

If you want to lose weight faster, you'll need to eat less and exercise more. Bottom line: 1,050 to 1,200 calories and one hour of exercise a day (but be sure not to dip below this calorie level for safety's sake). On this type of plan, you can expect to lose 3-5 pounds the first week, or more if you weigh over 250 pounds.

"Dieters who follow the plan can lose 2 pounds from diet and 1 pound from exercise each week, and even more if they have more to lose, because the more fat you have to lose, the faster it comes off," says Dansinger.

You may lose even more weight initially if you limit salt and starches.

"When you reduce sodium and cut starches, you reduce fluids and fluid retention, which can result in up to 5 pounds of fluid loss when you get started," explains Dansinger.

Diets for Fast Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss, calories count the most, says Dansinger. He recommends cutting back to a daily level of 7 calories per pound of your current body weight (which for a 200-pound person, for example, would be 1,400 calories), but no less than 1,050 calories/day (the lowest level that can be done safely at home). Dietitians more typically recommend 1,200 calories as a daily minimum.

Dansinger advocates a diet that minimizes starches, (even healthy whole grains should be controlled), added sugars, and animal fat from meat and dairy foods. For rapid weight loss, dieters should eat mainly fruits, veggies, egg whites, soy products, skinless poultry breasts, fish, shellfish, nonfat dairy foods, and 95% lean meat.

He notes that there are other ways to control calories, such as minimizing total fat, but believes that tends to be more challenging than his suggested weight loss plan.

Other experts interviewed by WebMD recommended tactics including drinking lots of water, eating plenty of protein, and keeping a food journal.

Exercising for Fast Weight Loss

Even if you are currently exercising, you'll need to kick it up a notch if your goal is rapid weight loss, says Gidus. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicated that losing weight requires close to an hour a day of moderate exercise.

That fits in with Dansinger's recommendation of seven hours per week of cardio exercise leading up to your special event.

Cardio burns the most calories, so it is ideal for fast weight loss, but afterwards you need to include a few hours a week of strength training," he says. To burn the most fat, try to break a sweat after your warm-up and keep sweating for the entire hour, says Dansinger.

Most everyone can do an hour a day, but the intensity of your workout will depend on your current state of fitness. Experts recommend gradually increasing exercise intensity to avoid injury.

When you can't do cardio, Tallmadge recommends doing strength training at least twice weekly, working all your major muscle groups, and fitting in at least 15,000 steps a day (get a pedometer to keep count).

Gidus suggests doubling up on your exercise routine: "Do a morning and evening workout, and if you don't have time to do two a day, expend more calories in the workouts you are currently doing."

Fad Diets and Crash Diets

Many people don't have the time to do the rigorous amount of exercise required to lose weight quickly, and so turn to fad diets. But keep in mind that if a diet plan sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So steer clear of programs that promote pills, laxatives, fasting, or potions, and any that promise weight loss faster than 2-3 pounds per week.

The truth is that cutting calories below 1,050 per day is counterproductive, because you need strong muscles to be able to exercise effectively.

"When you eat too few calories you lose fat but also precious muscle, which is the worst thing you could do because it slows your metabolism and makes it more difficult to increase exercise intensity or duration," says Dansinger.

And what about over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills? Except for the OTC version of Alli, most respected experts do not recommend them.

"Diet pills are either ineffective or extremely dangerous, and not recommended," says Dansinger.

The bottom line? Weight loss experts agree that any rapid weight loss diet should be identical to a long-term, sustainable plan -- and not a fad diet. And fasting or cutting calories below 1,050 are not appropriate for the long term unless you are under a physician's care.

Jeans Are A Girl's Best Friend!

2011-08-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

Jeans are the ultimate clothing chameleon, they work with every occasion!

Though some may say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, if you ask us, the perfect pair of jeans are your true BFF. Because when you find a pair of great jeans, chances are you'll stock up on them and wear them everywhere! You can wear jeans just about anywhere and for almost any occasion!

Lauren Conrad likes her denim slim and classic and so do we! Pair dark denim with a bright sweater and some tan boots! For a more elegant look, slide into a silk top and add a bold necklace, you'll look super chic!

Be Classy In The Blazer!

2011-08-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

The classic black blazer can be matched in so many ways!

A blazer is a classic garment that has never gone out of fashion and never will! Cameron Diaz loves to dress in basic tees, jeans, and a blazer. But for a more dressy look wear your blazer over the pretty summer dress! Color is everything during the summer so besides going for a colorful dress, choose a brightly colored purse! Match it with a pair of suede pumps and some golden bracelets and you're ready to go! For that fresh summery look, put some bronzer on your cheeks and you'll look like a summer goddess!

Stylish Heels

2011-08-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

A killer pair of black heels are the key to your wardrobe!

Our guide to get the perfect wardrobe continues! Today it's about the most important accessory of an outfit, your shoes! And if there's one pair of shoes that truly works for every occasion it's a pair of black heels! Black heels work with any outfit, whether you're going to a fancy party or if you just want to spice up an everyday outfit! Mila Kunis pairs her heels with a glamorous blue dress but we like them paired with jeans and a simple sweater!

Black heels are so versatile and they never go out of fashion, that's why we love them! We've been wearing these shoes since forever and if you ask us, we're going to continuing wearing them for many years to come!

Fall 2011 Trend : Trench coat

2011-08-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Even though it's summer, you still have Fall and Spring to think about and all those chilly days where you need to stay warm! A trench coat never goes out of style and is a piece that will stay with you forever. Ugly Betty star, America Ferrera, opts for a black trench coat, which she wears with black pants and heels! We prefer the classic, khaki trench coat, which we like to pair with bright dresses and colorful florals! Throw on a pair of fun tights and you have the perfect look!

Fall 2011 Trend: Dalmatian print

2011-08-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

Dalmatian print is one of the next trends for Fall.

Weight loss: 10 Get Fit Tricks

2011-08-04T02:25:00.000-07:00

Fab Abs

Trying to tone your tummy for swimsuit season? We can help! The secret to a fat-blasting workout is doing the moves correctly. To learn how to get the most from the time you spend exercising, we asked fitness guru Kathy Smith for her savviest secrets on taming that tummy bulge as well as getting a better overall workout. Incorporate these tips into your get-fit routine and you’ll be saying sayonara to belly fat, jiggly arms and thick thighs in no time.

1. Wake up your waist-whittling workout by introducing a stability ball. To find the correct position for doing crunches on a stability ball, sit on the ball and roll down until your hips and lower back are resting on the ball. As your abs get stronger, position your hips higher on the ball and farther from the floor. For more of a challenge, move your feet closer together, eventually working up to having your knees touching.

2. Make a “house for a mouse.” Here’s how it works: Lie facedown with your pubic bone and ribs “glued” to the floor. Now contract your abs so that you pull your belly button up and away from the floor. The tiny space you’ve created near your navel is the mouse’s house. Continue breathing while you hold this position for 10 seconds. Work up to holding it for a full 30 seconds, and do this move three or four times each week. Even though the movement is small, you’re working the transverse abdominus -- the lower muscles of the belly that, when toned, will give you a sexy, flat stomach. Incorporate the house for a mouse into your other exercises as well. Whether you’re standing up or lying down, concentrate on pulling your abdominals up and in. The payoff: You’ll be building your core strength while also working other areas of the body.

3. Bothered by back pain when doing crunches on the stability ball? A simple change in position can make lower-back discomfort a distant memory. Concentrate on squeezing your buttocks and pulling your hips toward the ceiling. This movement flattens out the lower back and prevents too much of a curve. Also try this technique if lower-back pain pops up when you’re doing yoga or Pilates moves that require you to lie facedown on the floor.

Lean Legs

4. To ensure you’re hitting the targeted muscles while doing squats, sit back with your weight in your heels -- you should be able to wiggle your toes and lift them off the floor as you squat. Also, to make sure that you’re squatting low enough to really work your thighs and butt, practice squatting over a chair so that your butt just hovers above the seat.

5. When doing lunges, there should be enough distance between your front foot and your back foot so that your front knee doesn’t jut out over your foot. For most people, spacing feet about three feet apart is just right. Also, be sure to lower your body until your front knee forms a 90-degree angle with the floor. Another tip: Keep your weight in the heel of your front foot to fire up your glutes and shape your butt as you lunge.

6. Take lunges to the next level by placing your front foot on an unstable surface, such as a BOSU Balance Trainer or a Dyna Disc, as you do your lunges. The wobbly surface ups the difficulty -- and the payoff -- because you’ll have to work your abs and core muscles to help maintain your balance. If you don’t have a BOSU or Dyna Disc, substitute a firm pillow.

A Better Upper Body & A Toned Tush

7. Get ready to go sleeveless by doing biceps curls. To get the most out of each rep, keep your elbows pinned against your sides and press your shoulders back and down. Bonus: Turn biceps curls into an ab-toning workout by doing them while sitting on a stability ball.

8. If you only have time for one exercise, make it the push-up, which is tops for sculpting your arms and chest. Just by changing the placement of your hands, you can vary the workout. To hit the triceps, position your hands directly under your shoulders and rotate about 30 degrees so that your fingers are pointed outward. Your elbows should brush your waist as you go down. To target your chest, place your hands wider than shoulder width with your fingers facing forward. Do as many of each kind as you can.

A Toned Tush

9. When climbing stairs, put your whole foot on each step and focus on placing your weight in your heels to engage your glutes. For extra butt-blasting, climb the steps two at a time.

10. You may have tried hip lifts before, and they can be safe and effective -- if you keep a couple of things in mind. The correct position: lying on your back with your feet flat on a low bench or a step. As you raise and lower your hips toward the ceiling, squeeze your butt muscles at the top of the move. Move slowly and be sure that in the up position your knees, hips and ribs are all in a line and your body weight is resting on your shoulder blades, not on your neck, as you lift. Do 8-12 repetitions. Too easy? Do this move with one leg raised. Build up to 8-12 reps on each side.

7 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

2011-08-04T02:15:00.000-07:00

Between books, clothing, supplies, and other gear, the start of a new academic year can be hard on your wallet. To find new ways to keep costs down, we checked in with moms on Momster.com, our social network, to get their best money-saving tips.

Track the Sales

"During the weeks leading up to the first day of school, I start checking all the Sunday inserts from Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Wal-Mart, and Target. The stores have specials at different times, so I note down on a piece of paper what I need, which store has the deal, and when. I also clip and collect coupons in an envelope. It's tedious but in the end the extra effort saves us loads of money."
Barter with Other Mothers
"If you have a moms' group in your area, organize a clothing swap party where people can exchange items for free. Select a time, date, and venue, such as someone's house for a small group or a park if you're inviting lots of people. Ask everyone to show up with their kids' gently used garments. The general rule is 'bring four items, get four items,' but your group can trade more or less."
Download Textbooks Online
"I am a mom of a high school sophomore and junior and have gone back to college. For myself—and as the parent of future university students—I have found that buying books online has helped tremendously. Many professors now allow or even encourage students to use virtual books that you purchase and download to your computer. It's almost always cheaper than getting physical copies."
Go Beyond Big Box Stores
"We have 5 kids—9, 8, 4, and 2-year-old twins. After shopping yard sales all spring and summer, we round out our back-to-school prep by going to Plato's Closet, a national chain that sells trendy, secondhand brand-name clothing in good condition for a lot less than retail. Thanks to our planning, we get most, if not all, their clothes for a fraction of what we'd spend buying new."
Spread Out Your Purchases
"I have four kids going back to school. Over the summer, I try to buy things I know they will need—pencils, glue, crayons—each time I go shopping. By picking up a few items here and there, I'm not dropping a lot of cash all at once."
Save a Lot, Splurge a Little
"My 16-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy are both bargain hunters—they watch for sales and shop at Goodwill and other thrift stores. But they're normal kids who want to have the next big thing, so to balance out and reward their careful spending, every year I allow them each to splurge on two must-have items of their choice."
Get Next Year's Supplies This Fall
"Notebooks, packs of paper, pens, highlighters, poster board, and index cards are ridiculously cheap after the new school year rush. I buy a couple years' worth of items and stash the extras away to pull out the following September

When Should My Daughter Start Wearing a Bra?

2011-08-04T02:10:00.001-07:00

Q. My 11-year-old daughter is begging me to take her bra shopping, even though she doesn't need one yet. Should I do it anyway?

A. She may roll her eyes as you tell her that everyone grows at her own rate, but you need to remind her that this really is true. Then ask why she thinks she needs a bra. Is it because some of the other girls in the class are wearing one? Did her best friend just get one, so she's feeling left behind? Does the boy she has a huge crush on like a girl who's wearing a bra? Is your daughter feeling sensitive and private about her body because she has to change for gym? Any of the above are enough to lead to her request. Just having this kind of open conversation helps you get a better understanding of your daughter's underlying emotional needs. Plus, what's happening in her peer group is changing as the kids' bodies develop, and your daughter needs to process those dynamics with you.
Whatever your daughter's reasons for wanting a bra, don't shut her down because you think she's not physically ready for one. Just go to a store and help her pick out a few (that you feel are appropriate and within your budget) to try on. And don't hover around the fitting room—mothers have a way of opening the door at the most embarrassing moments.

25 Back-to-School Shops

2011-08-04T02:05:00.000-07:00

School's back in session and so are special deals for students and teachers. (Most discounts require an ID card or a valid .edu email address as proof.)

Shops for Students and Teachers

The Limited: Get 15% off a new fall wardrobe, thelimited.com

Loft: Stay in style and receive a 15% price reduction, loft.com
J.Crew: Update your wardrobe using a 15% discount at retail and factory stores, jcrew.com
Banana Republic: Buy select full-price apparel at 15% off, bananarepublic.com
Apple Stores: Desktops, notebooks, software and other select items are marked down. (There's a maximum on how many can be purchased in a year and discounts vary.) store.apple.com
HP: Computers, printers and ink are 15% off, http://hp.force.com/external/hpacademy
Sony: Buy a Vaio PC with an extended service plan and save 10%, store.sony.com
Borders: Members of the free rewards program receive 30% off hardcover bestsellers and free shipping on online purchases over $25, borders.com
T-Mobile: New or existing customers save up to 15% on monthly service plans, t-mobile.com
The New York Times: Students and teachers in participating college readership programs get a discounted subscription rate that includes digital access, homedelivery.nytimes.com

Shops for Students

Student Advantage: Starting at $22.50 a year (and up to $52.50 for four years), students receive a discount card for websites and local and chain stores nationwide. Participants include Amtrak, Target, Macy's, Allposters.com, Drugstore.com, Foot Locker and more, studentadvantage.com
Studentrate.com: Get free notifications about student-only local and national deals (AT&T, Netflix, Megabus and Urban Outfitters have all been previously listed) and giveaways on the site's discussion groups, Facebook and Twitter, studentrate.com
Amazon Student: Sign up for one free year of Amazon Prime benefits, including no-cost two-day shipping and exclusive deals, amazon.com
International Student Identity Card: For $22, it offers full-time students over age 12 thousands of discounts, including on airfare, restaurants, shopping and museums, isic.org

Shops for Teachers

Barnes & Noble: Enjoy 20% off select books, toys and games and more, barnesandnoble.com
Book Warehouse: All books are 15% off, book-warehouse.com
Scholastic: Up to 40% discount books and educational products, scholastic.com/teacherstore
ShopPBS.org: Sign up for the PBS teachers service to receive 15% off all items, pbs.org/teachers
Staples: Earn 10% back in reward points, which can later be redeemed for select new products, on all purchases, staplesrewards.com
FedEx/Kinko's: Copying, printing and select products (not shipping) are reduced 15%, psg.kinkos.com/educator
JoAnn Fabrics: Register for the teacher rewards program for 15% off merchandise, joann.com
A.C. Moore: Purchases are reduced by 10%, acmoore.com (discount in-store only)
Container Store: A discount of 15% on online, in-store or phone orders, containerstore.com/teachers/
Aerosoles: Orders over $39.99 are 15% off, aerosoles.com
Sprint: Education Association members qualify for 18% off monthly charges, sprint.com

Preppy Back-to-School Fashion Essentials

2011-08-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

Quiet shades of blue and gray give a reserved edge to an artsy mix of prim patterns. Keep your kids warm and cozy with knit caps and cardigans.

Boho Back-to-School Must-Haves

2011-08-04T01:53:00.000-07:00

Mix up plaids, florals, and military pieces to create an awesome look. Faux-furry and chunky knitted accessories add to the madcap moment.

Cool, Colorful Back-to-School Clothing and Accessories

2011-08-04T01:46:00.000-07:00

Gianfranco Fere Sun Fall/Winter 2011 Shoes and Bags

2011-08-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Fashion house Gianfranco Fere Sun experimenting too much with the invention of the extravagant shapes and designs that fall in the eyes. In their autumn collection shoes and handbags store's classic, feminine silhouettes and simplicity.
The shoes come into grace and luxury, mainly due to the use of unconventional materials such futuristic metallic leather and satin.Most of them are "seasoned" with a thin or thicker line in a different color skin, usually on the edges, which breaks the monotony.
The handgabs have seen a great experiment,which is recognized in the joints of the different material texture and colour,like black leather and white fur.