Tilcia

Roles That Made Some Actors Almost Quit Acting Altogether

2016-06-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

IAN MCKELLEN

While we all know that Ian McKellen is an amazingly talented actor. He played loveable Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy films. Did you know that with the green screen technology and the crazy amount of CGI that got put into Tolkien's movies, Ian ended up having to do all of his scenes in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey acting alone in front of the green screen? He did! That meant he had no one to play off of and had to imagine how the other actors were acting. That just goes to show you how amazingly talented Ian is.

JESSICA ALBA

Jessica Alba will most likely never return to the Fantastic 4 franchise, especially if directed by Tim Story. She had a very hard time acting because of the contradictory (and downright stupid) direction she was getting from Tim. Example: during one scene where her character, Sue, breaks down crying, Tim directed Jessica to remain stone-faced (WHILE CRYING!!!) because it was important for her to remain pretty. Good grief - she's crying!!!

MIKE MYERS

Mike Myers almost quit the movie, Wayne’s World. He and the head honchos were in a battle as to what song Wayne, Garth and friends were to sing in the car. Mike wanted Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” but the studio execs wanted Guns N’ Roses, since they were new and hip, while Queen was too old-school. Mike said he would quit if “Bohemian Rhapsody” was not included, and the director eventually relented. Go Mike!

MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ

During filming of the first movie in the Fast and Furious franchise, Michelle Rodriguez had a major problem with the way her character, Letty, was written. At the end of the movie, her character was suppose to betray her longtime lover, Dom, for newcomer Brian. She threatened to walk out of the movie if they didn’t change the script… she said that Letty would never pick a pretty boy over an alpha male. The producers agreed and the script was changed… which gave us a better plot leading to a more profitable franchise.

LAUREN COHAN

Playing Maggie in The Walking Dead has it's ups and downs. We have seen Lauren's character, Maggie, become tougher with each season. There was supposedly a moment in the third season when she states she almost quit. It was the scene where Maggie had to do an emergency c-section. She was very distraught with having to do this scene but in the end used her unease to the scene’s advantage. The results are very tense and well acted.

BRAD PITT

Interview With The Vampire was filmed in 1994 starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Brad was so disillusioned with the project that he eventually asked the producer how much it would cost him to buy himself out of his contract… the answer to which was $40 million. Brad stated it was the 6 months of filming in the dark that broke him. However, the price of his salvation was too high so he decided to finish the movie - which was not only a sound financial choice but he made an amazing movie.

CARL WEATHERS

If you don't know Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed then you are a lost cause. The Rocky franchise was awesome and emotional! In Rocky IV, Apollo goes up against Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lundgren) and during filming the scene, Dolph actually threw Carl into the corner of the ring. This infuriated Carl so much that he threw a real punch at Dolph's face. Dolph in then punched Carl so hard that Carl was knocked out for a few minutes. When Carl came to he was even more furious and left filming. It took 4 days for Sylvester Stallone to convince Carl to come back to the set and finish filming. Stallone also had a talk with Lundgren about being less aggressive on set.

NAYA RIVERA

(Yes she deserves 2 photos being sexy in Auburn attire - War Eagle Baby!)

Naya Rivera is one of the stars of Glee. She has stated that she almost quit acting before landing her popular role on the musical series. Naya is half-Hispanic (like myself), one-quarter German and one-quarter black so casting people were always confused as to where she would fit (same with me). Because of this, her roles were few and far between to the point that she almost quit acting. But then she landed her role on Glee and had a change of heart. So glad she did!

TIPPI HEDREN

Tippi Hedren was told that she would be attacked with mechanical birds when filming the final scene of the movie, The Birds, which turned out to be a huge lie by Hitchcock. Hitchcock had crew members throw real birds at her. Other birds were attached to strings. Tippi lost it after a full 5 days of filming! A doctor then ordered Alfred to give her a week’s rest. In case you don’t know this or haven’t figured it out yet, Alfred was known for treating his actors badly.

SHELLEY DUVALL

Shelley Duvall was pushed to her absolute boundaries while filming The Shining. Stanley Kubrick, like Alfred Hitchcock, did not care about treating his actors well. His scene takes were to be filmed EXACTLY as he imagined them - they would be shot and reshot until he felt it was what he saw in his head. One scene in The Shining (where Wendy uses a baseball bat to defend herself and her son) was shot 127 times!! Yes, 1-2-7 times… it’s still the world record for most scene takes in ANY movie. Shelley was so stressed and sickened by the filming process, she began to lose her hair.

JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN

(Yes, I am posting 2 photos of one of my favorite actors - plus you wouldn't recognize him as dressed as Damron, the Xindi from Star Trek!! LOL)

We all know Jeffrey Dean Morgan! He's played some memorable characters from the Comedian in The Watchman to now our favorite villain we hate to love but love anyways - NEGAN from The Walking Dead!! What you may not know is that Jeffrey played Damron, the Xindi-Reptilian in the Star Trek Enterprise episode "Carpenter Street". What you may not know is that the character make-up process required to be Damron nearly convinced Jeffrey to quit acting altogether. So glad he didn't as we will see him in October playing Negan in Season 7 of The Walking Dead! I hope he gains some of his weight back because he's sexier with some meat on his gorgeous self!!

2016-05-09T10:54:00.006-07:00

RAISING CAPITAL TO PRODUCE A SCI-FI FILM

Hi, I am currently raising capital to produce my short film synopsis. I want to make it into a feature film or a series. The synopsis has gotten a lot of great feedback and interest, so now I feel is the time to try to raise capital and get it produced!

I don't know if many of you know this or not, but I'm an aspiring writer (having been writing here and there for myself - and making up great stories for my oldest when he was very small), in conjunction with learning to be an assistant director, budding SFX artiest to go with my amateur HMUA status. I've done background work for several major films and some TV series, as well as modeling. What I want to do most is direct, write and create great stories.

Below is a little of the projects I've worked on (in front of and behind the camera) - one webseries I'm working on was documented by Beyond Geek for PBS (below) which will air in the Fall. That was a great weekend filming a scene for Starship Deimos and to top it off being documented for all the hard work we do by this wonderful group talented people for our series was just amazing!

In another webseries that is part of the same production company (Potemkin Pictures - fan film series), you can see me behind the camera (and I did a lot of the SFX and HMUA) in many scenes assisting with directing and helping the flow of the various scenes to bring this short webisode to life.

Please share my GoFundMe link to help me raise capital so I can get my WHEN DEATH SMILES film produced (and it will set up Aversion Films which we hope to produce some interesting stories in the future).

Just click on WHEN DEATH SMILES to be taken to the GoFundMe page and read my film synopsis.

Everyone who contributes will be named in the credits as a contributor to making this dream film happen!

2016-05-02T12:50:00.001-07:00

WHAT IS TREKLANTA?

Photo Courtesy of Treklanta.

What is Treklanta you ask? Well in simple terms, Treklanta was formerly known as TrekTrax Atlanta, which is an annual science fiction convention held in Atlanta, Georgia. Treklanta is dedicated to space opera in general but in particularly (duh) Star Trek (which happened to be one of my most favorite shows growing up). Treklanta places a special emphasis on fan-based events, activities, programming and productions - such as the small (now local) production company I'm with - Potemkin Pictures.

Potemkin Pictures produces Project: Potemkin, Starship Tristan, Battlecruiser Kupok, Starship Deimos (which by the way I am a principal character), and the newly soon to be cast Starship Endeavor. If you follow my Youtube, Facebook and Twitter accounts, you will no doubt see many postings of various episodes from each of these filming projects. As well as some still shots of my handiwork in SFX, HMUA and as assistant director.

(hint - go watch! Also note that there will be an Open House for Potemkin Pictures Studios)

Potemkin Pictures Studio 3A, Pelham, Alabama 35124
Saturday, June 25 at 9 AM - 5 PM

An open house of our new "studios" in Pelham, Alabama. Come tour our sets, chat with our cast and crew, and meet your fellow fans! Completely FREE to Everyone! Need more information? Contact Potemkin Pictures directly here - Contact US

It's duly note that Treklanta's first three conventions held in 2011, 2012 and 2013 were exclusively devoted to - what else ...but the Star Trek franchise!! However, in 2014, Treklanta expanded its focus to include other space opera franchises such as Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Babylon 5. Treklanta is the home of the Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant and the Independent Star Trek Fan Film Awards.

So why am I dedicating my very first post of May 2016 (and for entertainment) to this venue? HELLO.... Because (1) I'm involved in a fan film production (Potemkin Pictures) on various levels from a principal actor (2 characters in Starship Deimos) to assistant director to SFX/HMUA and wardrobe and (2) for Potemkin Pictures having several episodes nominated for awards - with my good friend William C. Searcy, a very talented stage actor, who was also the writer and featured actor of the newly award-winning "Starship Tristan: Moving Day", which won "Best Short Film" at the 2nd annual Independent Star Trek Fan Film Festival presented at Treklanta! I have to give props to my people!!

Photo Courtesy of Treklanta. Winners present to accept their awards.

Note: William C. Searcy is the third guy, the tall one, with a full beard!

So without further yapping... I will give you the Press Release from Treklanta as was given to me!

Photo Courtesy of Treklanta..

PRESS RELEASE

April 18, 2016

2016 Independent Star Trek Fan Film Awards Winners Announced

ATLANTA—The 2016 Independent Star Trek Fan Film Awards were presented at and by Treklanta on April 17, 2016, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 17 films selected for review were released during calendar year 2015 and met a short list of eligibility requirements as established by Treklanta. They include Battlecruiser Kupok, “Battle of Alawanir;” Dreadnought Dominion, “Anchors Aweigh” and “Haunted;” Project: Potemkin, “We Few...,” “Frazier's Angels,” “The Chair,” “Third Watch,” “Do No Harm” and “Ladies Night Out;” Star Trek Continues, “The White Iris” and “Divided We Stand;” Star Trek: Eye of the Tempest; Star Trek: Intrepid, “Transposition;” Star Trek: Natures Hunger, “The Starfleet Screw Up,” “Why Toto Can't Join Starfleet” and “Scorned at the Captain's Table;” Star Trek: Renegades, “Pilot;” and Starship Tristan, “Moving Day.”

The panel of judges included Diana Dru Botsford, Keith R. A. DeCandido, Ken Feinberg, Matthew M. Foster, Andrew Greenberg, David Orange, Emmett Plant and Rick Sternbach. The Masters of Ceremonies were Eric L. Watts and Brian Holloway. The presenters included this year’s Treklanta Guests of Honor Carel Struycken, Tracee Lee Cocco, Jack Stauffer and John & Bjo Trimble.

The finalists in each of the 13 categories included in the competition were announced on the Awards’ Facebook page in early April. The winners announced at Treklanta are:

BEST SPECIAL & VISUAL EFFECTS

Star Trek: Renegades, “Pilot”

Bing Bailey, Roland Baron, Keith Beltramini, Matt Boardman, Chris Dawson, Keaira Finlay, Justin Gates, Adrianne Grady, Marc Hampson, Tommy Kraft, Gina Lockhart, Jon Macht, Jose L. Marin, Julie McCartney, Kevin Quattro, Tobias Richter, Ali Ries, Michael Struck, Ronnie Ursenbach, Yoshi Vu, Jesse Woodward

BEST SOUND DESIGN, EDITING & MIXING

Star Trek: Renegades, “Pilot”

Ralph M. Miller, Tom Haigh, Adrianne Grady

BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC

Star Trek Continues, “The White Iris”

Andy Farber, George Duning, Gerald Fried,

Ivan Ditmars, Vic Mignogna

BEST MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING

Star Trek: Renegades, “Pilot”

Rick L. Baker, Jacqueline Goehner, Lisa Hansell, Kwame Head, Corina Hernandez, Ryan T. Husk, Jyll King, Ana Laverde, Christy Maurer, Monique Paredes, Tommy Pietch, Calli Rammel, Vyvy Tran, Tim Vittetoe, Cody J. Wilkins, Aubriana Zurilgen

BEST COSTUMING

Star Trek: Renegades, “Pilot”

Deborah Hartwell, Jodi Freeman, Chen Chheav Ly

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Star Trek: Renegades, “Pilot”

Scott Nakada

BEST GUEST ACTOR OR ACTRESS

Colin Baker

“Amphidamas,” Star Trek Continues

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR OR ACTRESS

Michele Specht

“Dr. Elise McKennah,” Star Trek Continues

BEST LEAD ACTOR OR ACTRESS

Todd Haberkorn

“Mr. Spock,” Star Trek Continues

BEST DIRECTOR

Tim Russ

Star Trek: Renegades, “Pilot”

BEST ORIGINAL STORY OR SCREENPLAY

Star Trek: Renegades, “Pilot”

Ethan H. Calk, Sky Douglas Conway, Jack Treviño

BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION, SHORT FORM (30 minutes or less)

Starship Tristan

“Moving Day”

BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION, LONG FORM (31 minutes or more)

Star Trek Continues

“The White Iris”

The award plaques presented were sponsored by Alec Peters and Axanar Productions.

For more information about the Independent Star Trek Fan Film Awards, please visit www.treklanta.org or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/trektraxatlanta/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/760450634041849/.

CONTACT

Eric L. Watts

Chairman, Treklanta

ericlwatts@trektrax.org

PHOTO CAPTION
Treklanta Chairman Eric L. Watts, Jack Stauffer (Battlestar Galactica), William C. Searcy (Starship Tristan), Tracee Lee Cocco (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Bjo Trimble, John G. Trimble, Carel Struycken (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Patrick Stew... uh, no; Brian Holloway, Treklanta Director of Star Trek Programming. Photo Courtesy of Treklanta.

Beauty on the Cheap

2016-03-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

It seems every where you look online and in magazines, you see so much ooohing and ahhhing about each and every luxury beauty treatment and product out there. The harsh reality of the matter is, that these are things you and I - your every day, average working woman (or man) honestly can't afford or in most cases, even have access to locally. As a single mom, I'm not about to spend $50 on a tube of lipstick that I may or may not wear a lot because I know it will blow my budget to do such a thing.

First of all you have to note that your skin is the foundation for how great a beauty product will look on you. So put your best skin out there first before putting your best face forward.

Skin care is the ultimate beauty treatment you can give yourself.

Witch Hazel - it's inexpensive and it works especially for acne. You can buy it by the bottle ($1-$3) or you can find it in a towelette form ($5). Sweat causes bacteria to build up - and witch hazel will break it up and help stop acne from forming. In 30 days you should see an improvement in your skin with daily use.

Sleep - yes a good night's sleep is the best skin healing time ever. Women need more sleep per several studies done recently. If you use your night creams with retinols and moisture you will see a vast improvement in 30-60 days. ROC has great products for night time use.

Wash your face! Cleaning your face doesn't mean scrubbing the skin - often those irritate and cause more breakouts. Use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil ($15). It's gentle for every skin type. If you're using other products for hyperpigmentation and brightening your skin, this will be your best facial wash. HOWEVER, IF you have DRY flaky skin on your face - STOP! Using your rinse-off cleanser immediately. While it sounds crazy, water can actually dry out your already flaky skin. Use a cleanser that you wipe off (not rinse off) which limits the amount of water on your skin. Use a cleanser that has micellar water (Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Makeup Remover, $20) or an oil cleanser for added hydration. Do this at night and skip the morning wash. Spritz rosewater toner (Younique has a great one) before you moisturize.

Skin:

Scars - generally speaking Bio-Oil ($20) is your go to all around skin care product from FACE to TOES. It claims it can diminish scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone, as well as signs of aging and dehydrated skin. Honestly, this stuff is more effective than many products twice its price and that's the word from so many of my friends that I'm grabbing a bottle this weekend and will update on how well it works on my different skin issues.
Acne Scars. While the only permanent ways to eradicate are to have treatments with lasers and Retin-A but let's be realistic here - that's very costly! However, you can use some at home products that do a really damn good job of minimizing them! Clean & Clear uses a well known acne-fighting ingredient called salicylic acid to help treat break outs and lessen their marks ($9).
Acne. Don't touch your face! Cell phones and fingers contribute to acne prone skin because they're generally dirty. You don't even think about how much you touch things and then your face depositing that bacteria and dirt right on your skin. Same with your cell phone - your dirty little fingers texting away and scrolling the screen then a call comes in or your call someone and bam! That nasty phone screen is touching your face! Don't exfoliate when you have acne as you only aggravate the skin even more. Use a topical serum for exfoliation with clean fingers, which allows cellular turnover to happen without scrubbing off your skin.

Purifying your skin doesn't take extensive trips to the spa. You can purchase Purifying Bio Enzymes Mask, $12 (1 packet per box) and let it do its magic while you sleep. Note that there is usually some serum in the packet so save that in an airtight small container or place in a storage baggy in it's original packet. When you have enough saved up - you can create your own mask with the round peel apart cotton pads. Just press (not rub) the serum into your face and cover with the cotton pads (if you want a little boost - a light light spritz of witch hazel or rosewater toner on the pads before applying over serum).

Wrinkles - Sunscreen! Can't say it enough - sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscree - even in winter - all year round - will help improve the elasticity and help ward off sun damage. Believe it or not, the sun is magnified through your car windows so even in winter it can damage and age your skin!

Oily skin - Avoid any product for your hair or face that contains sulfates, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, PEGs, and synthetic fragrances. Sulfates can strip your skin of oil which will cause your skin to overproduce oil making your skin even oilier and more acne prone.

Dry Skin - use something thick and moisturizing to help calm your skin after exfoliating to give it some extra hydration. A good and reasonably priced one is called Moisturizing Moon Mask, $22
Fine Lines - There are three (3) things skin with fine lines need - Moisturize, Peptides and retinol. Oil of Olay will moisturize and contains peptides. It will take roughly 8 weeks to notice any difference in your skin with 2x daily uses.
Swimming - chlorine will dry your skin out. Make sure you WASH your skin thoroughly with a mild cleanser to remove all traces of chlorine. Apply a good moisturizer after.
Facial Tools - CLEAN your beauty brushes and sponges! Especially your foundation and concealer brushes to remove dirty, grime and bacteria and old make-up. Your foundation brushes should be cleaned after each use.
Dermarolling. You can do this at home IF you know what size gauge micro needle you need for your skin. You can get a Professional Derma Roller in various needle sizes at Flawless Beauty & Skin (Professional 540 Needle Derma Roller & Micro Needling Therapy System-For Fine Lines, Wrinkles & Acne Scars $22).*

Beauty Box Monthlies! These allow us all to enjoy samples (many in full size bottles) without the actual commitment of spending a lot of money upfront. Subscription prices range from $10 a month and up. There are various ones you can sign up for - including Wal-Mart and Target!

Beauty Box 5 - has monthly subscription for $12, quarterly subscription for $30 or an annual subscription for $99. The appealing mix of luxury, drugstore, and vegan brands, such as Rosebud Perfume Co., Supergoop, and Priti NYC.
Birch Box - has monthly subscription for $10 or an annual subscription for $110. Four or five deluxe samples from an eclectic mix of luxury and niche brands, like Nars, Stila, and Weleda, plus one nonbeauty product, all delivered monthly in a recyclable brown box (the website offers clever tips for how to reuse it).
Look Fantastic - has monthly subscription of $22.50, quarterly subscription for $60, 6 month subscription for $111 or an annual subscription for $204
Sample Society by Beauty Bar - has a monthly subscription for $15. This kit has deluxe-size samples from high-end brands, such as StriVectin, Erno Laszlo, DDF, Deborah Lippmann, Oscar de la Renta, and more, delivered in a reusable charcoal gray box each month. Plus, it includes a booklet of beauty tips from Allure editors (a.k.a. us), a subscription to Allure, and a $15 coupon for beautybar.com, good if you spend $50 and at least one of your purchases is from a brand in your kit.
Glossy Box - has monthly subscription for $21, six months for $115 or an annual subscription for $220. NOTE: No cancellations allowed - you pay for six months or a year. Deluxe samples from brands like Illamasqua, Caswell-Massey, and Figs & Rouge, an organic beauty line from the U.K., with occasional non-cosmetic bonus products, delivered in a stylish box.
IPSY - has monthly subscription for $10 or an annual one for $110. A reusable makeup bag with four or five deluxe samples and full-size products from companies such as Urban Decay, Tarte, and Philosophy every month. Each kit has a theme—nighttime, holiday—and the products are chosen so they go together; that look is demonstrated in a video, some of which feature makeup artist Michelle Phan.
Beauty Army - has monthly subscription for $12 or an annual for $132. You can skip a month if you like as well as cancel any time. Every month, you choose six samples from a menu of nine hard-to-find brands, like Skyn Iceland, Lucy B. organic makeup, and Lipsi cosmetics.
Boxy Charm - a monthly subscription of $21. You will get 5-6 beauty items that will include nail care, skin care, makeup, haircare, fragrance and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized).
Target Beauty Box - $5 and sells out very quickly. Each box comes with an info card and a Target coupon good for $3 off a beauty purchase of $15 or more. (Tip: Save these when you can to use on future Target Beauty Boxes!) I've gotten in on 2 of these deals as I often forget.
Essence Beauty Box - is geared toward women of color. Monthly subscription is $15, Six months is $75 and an annual is $150 (paid up front at once). You get 5 products handpicked by Essence which range from hair care, beauty, and lifestyle products.
Mash Maven - is dedicated to just facial masks. A monthly subscription is $15 + $3.95 ($18.95) but you can save with 3, 6 or 12 month subscriptions. Each box has 9 to 11 masks of all kinds from Korea. Most are sheet masks but you often get a mask for your hair, hand, feet, eyes or lips as well.
BB Bag - is dedicated to Asian beauty products. A monthly subscription is $24 but you can save with 3, 6 or 12 month subscriptions. Each box has 6 to 8 full size products: make-up, skincare, beauty tools, body care, hair care and lifestyle products. Retail ranges from $65-$90 per BB Bag.
Square Hue - is a monthly nail polish subscription box averaging $16 to $21 per month. You receive 2 to 2 bottles per month. They create their own colors in-house for every box, donate a portion of their sales to charity, and give each box a theme.
Gentleman's Box - Yes, we have a beauty box just for MEN! $25 per month or $275 annually (use MSATRY10 to get the first box for $10). This box provides essential elements suited for today's man. You receive 4 to 6 hand-selected products, accompanied by a one year subscription to GQ magazine (US & Canada only). Products range from grooming supplies to wardrobe accessories.
Net-A-Porter Beauty - This is a bit more upscale but a splurge once a year even is worth this awesome box. It's not a monthly box or even a quarterly box. It's just whenever they put one together. $55 per kit and comes with 12 products from their skincare, haircare, nail and make-up edition. Includes rejuvenating face mask to glamorous lipstick in a convenient travel-size box.
Walmart Beauty Box - $5 per box - you're only paying for the shipping. It's only 4x a year (Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter). The products you get are more than the costs as you get full size or small (not sample) size products. I just ordered mine today.
Walgreen's Beauty Box - it's FREE for Rewards members. You have to spend $30 or more on beauty products AND use your Walgreens Balance Rewards card, you get a special code that allows you to get one of three beauty sample boxes for free.
TestTube Box - $29.99 per box and they ship only (6) times a year. You will receive a TestTube filled with deluxe and full-size products from the hottest beauty brands. You will also receive a subscription to NewBeauty magazine, delivered quarterly.
Eco-Emi Box - $15 per month. You receive 5 to 8 samples of natural, organic, green, eco-friendly, cruelty free, vegan, vegetarian or Fair Trade products to your door wrapped in chic earth friendly packaging.
Julep Maven - one of the easiest. most flexible subscriptions ever. You can personally customize your monthly box, send it to a friend, or even skip a month. $19.99 per month.
Beauty Fix - monthly subscriptions are $25 but if you just want one box without the subscription it's $35. You'll receive 4-6 full or deluxe travel size samples, all curated by skin experts in professional grade and hard to find spa exclusives. Value of the box is $100+ and you get free shipping.
Klutch Club - a monthly subscription is $20, quarterly is $54, six months is $114 and an annual subscription is $192. You get 7 to 10 of the best healthy snacks, beverages, and lifestyle items straight to your door. Every product we feature is carefully selected by our team of experts led by nutritionist Heather Bauer.
Good Being - subscriptions are monthly ($21), three months ($60), six months ($114) and annual ($216). Good Being is a premium discovery & trial service providing expertly curated, healthy beauty products, non-toxic cosmetics, natural wellness & sustainable, toxin-free living goods. Members receive 6-7 trial sized, healthy beauty, beauty related wellness & personal care products that range in size from 1-2 use packets to several use travel size.
Curl Box - $20 per month - cancel any time. This is for curly haired gals! You get between 4 to 7 samples of the top hair products for curly hair.

*The rage right now is having spa treatments of "Micro Needling or dermarolling to the tune of $300-$600 a treatment - and it takes more than one treatment to even see any results. What is dermarolling you ask? Dermarolling uses a small roller with fine micro needles rolled over the skin. This causes micro punctures which more than not leads to a puffy (sometimes swollen) red face. It is supposed to help with acne scarring and general skin damage. Once pricked, new collagen rushes to the damaged areas and creams/serums that are applied to the area are able to be more easily absorbed which in turn is meant to help you get a better skin tone. Many with thin skin consider it an alternative to the expensive laser treatments or harsh peels that they can't have.

Update - Balman X & H&M Price List

2015-10-21T14:50:00.001-07:00

Okay so my last post was about the beautiful clothing line collaboration between Balmain X and H & M stores. This is the update with PRICING... and as stated, it is not a reasonably sound pricing scale for those of us average beings who typically look for the H&M pricing on designer goods from collaborations with top designers. These prices rival Sak's 5th Avenue, Gus Mayer, Bergdorf Goodman, and the likes. Ouch these prices hurt my heart as I truly want a lot of these pieces in my closet as I'm a gal who likes to wear things that isn't the norm or average (I don't like dressing like everyone else so I will mix and match new and older items to create a unique look that's ME).

Well let me say for the record there are a FEW things we mere average people of the populace can purchase and then there are some that are in the range of a small efficiency apartment in some areas - prices range from $17.99 to $800 per item!! From what I understand NOT all the pieces will be available as some are limited editions and won't be in the 44 stores that are slated to receive and sell the Balmain X line.

I will give you the run down on pricings for a lot of the line.

ACCESSORIES

Rings - $17.99

Coiled Necklace $99 and Cuff $79.99

Earrings $34.99

Metal Belt $199 and Matching Cuff $59.99

Belts

(Thin Black $59.99 / Green $99 / Black & Gold $129)

SHOES

(Gold Toe Boot $249 / Tall Boot $349)

(Black & Gold Sandals $199 / Beaded Bootie (no price given)

Bags

Green Bag $299

Red Bag $199 / Jeweled Bag $149

Red or Blue Pouches $34.99

Miscellaneous

Backpack - $299

Sunglasses or Earbuds $49.99

Scarf $49.99 and Knit Beanie $17.99

Bandeau Bras $24.99

CLOTHING

Jackets

Black Goldtone Button Jackets $99 & $249

Beaded Coat $499 and Black Jacket $149

White Blazer $149 and Sleeveless Blazer $129

Peacoat $199 and Black Coat $149

Pearl Blazer $549 and Motorcycle Jacket $299

Red Fuzzy Coat $129 and Green Fuzzy Coat $149

Dresses

Green $199 and Crested Dress $549

Purple $499 and Black $299

Black Faux Wrap $199 and Green Print Dress $149

Tribal (Limited) $649 and Trekkie $69.99

Black Print $149

TOPS

Corded $129 (blue, yellow & black)

Blouses $99 and Pearl Blouse $129

Sweaters $129

Striped Shirt $69.99 and Pants $99

Black & White Shirt $59.99 and Skirt $59.99

Bottoms

Leather Pants $399

Printed Pants $129

Black Silk Pants or Red Silk Skirt $99

BALMAIN FRANCE T-Shirts $34.99

Another Great H&M Collaboration - BALMAIN X

2015-10-15T11:39:00.001-07:00

With all the collaborations happening these days with various stores, we can get lost in confusion over some and fall in love with others. The ones we love sell out almost immediately and those that are ho hum we wonder why there was even a line made.

H&M is well known for some amazing designer collaborations which are always eagerly anticipated every year. The company has previously worked with many beloved designers including Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld.

I finally have seen the entire line (which makes its debut on November 5th in roughly 250 H&M stores) and all I can say is WOW!! I wish I were rich to buy multiples of all my favorites!!

While I don't have any pricing, it is noted that Balmain's military-inspired looks can command four-figure price tags, and H&M's past designer collaborations have offered accessories based as low as $10, T-shirts for around $30 and higher-prices pieces like jackets starting at around $250. I believe my Stella McCartney summer wool blend wide leg pants were either $70 or $80. I still have my Stella McCartney wide leg pants from the H&M store in NYC that my awesome friend, Heather Finn, grabbed for me when she went on opening day (needless to say there was not an H&M store in my state at the time). Thanks Heather so much my wonderful pants!!

I will say this - do NOT assume that this line will be relatively cheap or even remotely moderately and reasonably priced - even for H&M. Why? Well for starters, the limited edition dress worn by Gigi (see photo below) cost a whopping £399 or $618US ... YIKES!!

Gigi Hadid Credit: Rex

Pierre Balmain is a very popular Haute Couture designer. Balmain's creative director, Olivier Rousteing often arrives to award shows with Kendall Jenner on his arm. Olivier has stated that he spent just as much time designing this line as he does on his main collection as he wanted everything to be 'perfect'.

The above were the released promo teaser photos announcing the Balmain X & H&M line.

Doesn't Kendall look amazing in every outfit they have her in?

Well without further ramblings, I will give you some amazing eye candy in FASHION - here is the BALMAIN X & H&M Collaboration!!

The Balmain X & H&M Collection pieces are made with luxurious satins and embellished with signature trims of pearls, ropes and gold embroidery. They are re-imaging of Balmain's classic red carpet pieces and like all Balmain's pieces, are structured and tailored to emphasize the female form.

Whether you can actually afford to buy any of the accessories, clothing or shoes from this collaboration, if there is an H&M store near you carrying the line, it probably would be an adventure just in going to see and feel the various pieces from Balmain X collection - maybe even try on a few pieces just for the heck of it. I will be checking to see if there will be a store near me that will carry some of the pieces as I see so many pieces that I would love to updated my wardrobe with - but with prices like the dress Gigi wore - I doubt I'll be able to even afford a blouse or the shoes ... sigh....

20 Great Life Hacks

2015-10-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

We all can use some shortcuts in life to make our lives a little easier (and shave some time off our already busy schedules).

Well here I will give you a few little hacks to make your life a little easier and may be save you a few minutes in your daily routine with some. Mind you, some of these are no brainers, some you may have already done and not even given a thought to and some are like wow...didn't think of that.

1. Pee in the Shower - yes you heard me, while you take a shower, just pee. This will save you time as well as reduce your water consumption. Some of you may already do this and not even think about... some will balk and be like no way... it all goes down the SAME DRAIN. If you do this even once a day you can save over 1,000 gallons of water a day. Saves you time, saves water and helps save the environment (water consumption).

2. Tight Shoes - are your shoes a little tight? You can make them a little more comfortable with a little science by using water! Yes, you read that right - water. Grab some freezer baggies, place in your shoes, heels, flats and add water, seal and place in the freezer for about 2-4 hours. The water will expand between 7% to 10% in the baggies in your shoes. Your shoes will be stretched out just enough to give you a little wiggle room - AND - you have a unique ice mold of your shoes that if you want to save and use later for something you can - because the ice is clean and safe inside the baggie.

3, Ties Come Out of Your Clothing - we have all had that happen whether in the wash or not paying attention and we pull to hard on one side and the string disappears inside the clothing or comes out completely. Don't fret! Grab a wire hanger and undo it. Use one end around the string and push it all the way through to the other side - VOILA! You have quickly restrung your hoodie, PJS, athletic pants, etc.

4. Wire Hangers aren't just for hanging clothes - they serve a great purpose in emergencies - make sure you pack a few when you go camping (make sure you have wire snippers with you as well) and if you forget your tent stakes - snip off the top of the hanger (at the base of the twisty part) and pop into the ground and your tent is secured by the hook at the top of the hanger while the base goes into the ground. I've used a wire hanger to help pop out a stuck snap button on a tailgating tent pole.

5. No Matches or Lighter - never fret, grab a battery and a piece of aluminum foil. Place one end of the foil on each end of the battery and BAM! You have a quick light.

6. Records - I love my records! Are your records sounding fuzzy and making a scratching sound on the player? Well turn on the player, pour some wood glue (yes Wood Glue) on the record, spread with a card or some other flat object and let dry. Once dry, peel off the glue and your records should sound less fuzzy/scratchy.

7. Coffee Stain on Shirt - if still wet from the coffee (if dry, add a little water first), use a pantyliner or maxi-pad to rub it out - the pad will absorb the liquid and remove it from your shirt.

8. Cats and Furballs - add a little Olive Oil to your cat's food to stop their tongue from pulling out their fur. This will also help your kitty's health. Helps my kitty - she hasn't hacked a furball at all.

9. Refresh Your Eye Mascara - want to refresh your eyes after working all day without making them goopy and clumpy? Dip a mascara wand in make-up remover and brush your lashes. It will re-wet the mascara on your eyes so you can reapply fresh mascara without making your eyelashes clumping together.

10. Clogged Toilet - No plunger? No problem. Just some liquid hand soap in the toilet and let sit for 5-10 minutes, then flush again.

11. Vomit - the next time you have to clean up vomit, put ground coffee on it. The coffee grounds will take away the smell and dehydrate it, then it can just be swept up. (Wished I knew this when my kids were little.)

12. Laundry - adding a pinch of salt to your load of laundry will brighten the colors of your clothes.

13. Sanitize Sponges - put your used, wet sponge in the microwave for two minutes to kill 99% of the bacteria in it. (I do this!)

14. Quickly Identify Your Luggage - tie a small piece of brightly colored fabric to your luggage. You’ll be able to spot your bag at the airport in no time.

15. Grease Stain - No problem. Just rub some chalk on clothing to remove grease stains.

16. Ink Stain - No problem. Just rub some rubbing alcohol (or use those alcohol cleaning wipes) on the ink stain to remove it.

17. Fruit Juice - want more juice from your fruit? Just pop them into the microwave (lemons or other fruits) for 15 seconds to double the amount of juice you get from them.

18. Red Wine Stain - oops you're out eating dinner and suddenly spill your red wine on your clothes. Don't fret, ask for some white wine to remove the red wine stain.

19. Cold Drinks - want to make your drink cold really fast? Wrap it in a wet paper towel and put it in the freezer for two minutes.

20. Extend Battery Life - save your battery's lifespan by only charging your electronic device batteries to 80% instead of fully charging them. This will greatly extend the usable lifespan of the battery.

Black Friday Deal 11/27 through 12/01

2014-11-28T13:49:00.003-08:00

Black Friday Deals are popping up every where. What is being overlooked are the little stocking stuffers that every gal (or guy) needs - those little items that are great for skin and beauty that is organic, all natural, mineral based which are also gluten free and paraben free.

Order Online at: Love Your Lashes

Who doesn't want to look their best at all those holiday parties - and New Year's Eve parties that we all know you want to dazzle and stand out from the crowd.

Younique is offering an amazing #blackfriday deal on their #cosmetics and #beauty products.

For every $150 you spend, you get a FREE lip stain (not available for purchase) and as always, when you spend $100 or more, you get Free Shipping. What is amazing about Younique is that they have a Try It and Love It Guarantee. Meaning if you don't love it within the first 14 days, you can return for a full refund, no questions asked. You can't lose with this type of deal!!!

Order Online at: Love Your Lashes

Black Friday online special good thru Dec 1st is this exclusive beauty bundle kit for $75USD, $90CA, $98AU, $104NZ & $49UK. It is a 40% savings. Includes Illuminate, Clean or Clear (choose one), Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powder (choose one), Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes (fastest selling mascara on the market), and a 3-piece eye brush set. Note that the #3Dfiberlash mascara and #Illuminate together retail for $70!! This is a heck of a deal!!

The ‪#‎3D‬ fiber lash and Illuminate together retail for $70!!

Through the end of November, when you spend $150, you get a ‪#‎FREE‬ Stiff Upper Lip stain (not available for retail sale).

Order Online at: Love Your Lashes

How can you get this FREE lip stain? Well you can get it numerous ways:

Purchase two (2) kits for $150 (retail is $267) - get the FREE lip stain and FREE shipping.
Purchase one (1) ‪#‎kit‬ for $75, plus 3 extra ‪#‎mascaras‬ as gifts/stocking stuffers - get the FREE lip stain & free shipping.
Purchase one (1) kit and the Divine & Uplift (then you'll have a perfect skin care regimen) - get the FREE lip stain and FREE shipping.
Purchase $150 worth of any Younique products - get the FREE lip stain and FREE shipping.

Supplies are running out so don't miss this exclusive Lip Stain that ends Sunday, November 30, 2014.

Order Online at: Love Your Lashes

The ‪#‎3DFiberLashmascara‬ has experienced the fastest growth of any beauty product on the market. It is an all time favorite with everyone who has tried it, including professional models and celebrities (as I posted in my last blog post)

You have absolutely NOTHING to loose with Younique's Try it & Love It Guarantee.

Order Online at: Love Your Lashes

So with this kind of deal, what is your reasoning for not falling in love today with the good for you/your skin beauty products that are all natural, chemical free, paraben free and organic?

Order Online at: Love Your Lashes

As always, this seller has a repeat buyer rewards and a referral rewards program.

Order Online at: Love Your Lashes

My Younique Moonstruck 3D Mascara Review

2014-11-13T20:29:00.001-08:00

Several months ago, after several requests, I tried out the Younique Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara. Let me just say that I was "WOW'D" by this product. I mean super excited as this opened a whole new door for me in the modeling/acting aspect of my life as well as for me as a hobby HMUA. I was so amazed that I went around showing everyone my eyes. I would ask people if they noticed anything different about my eyes while batting them coyly. I wanted everyone to see how amazingly long and plush my eyelashes were - without using false eyelashes which are always heavy, noticeable, and can be quite an annoyance (not to mention irritating to my sensitive eyes).

I would go into work and put on my make-up and make sure to just do one eye with the Moonstruck 3D Fiber lash mascara and ask everyone who walked by my desk if they noticed anything different about my eyes. The response was always the same, one eye had lashes that were long, thick and very pretty while the other was average and pretty. After a month or so of using this amazing product, I decided that I was ready to tell everyone I knew about it and how well it worked. I rarely endorse anything and really won't promote a product if I personally have not tried it or like it. I love this product so much, that I became an ambassador...i.e. a seller of this awesome company.

You can Order Younique Through Me

Nature. Love. Science.

Younique's cosmetics development processes utilize scientific research to ensure that our products contain high quality ingredients that enrich and nourish the skin. The result is a beautifully efficacious product that is safely compatible with virtually every skin type..

Younique begins by looking to Mother Nature for the inspiration behind our cosmetics. Our in-house scientific team then formulates a product that honors that inspiration while delivering cutting-edge cosmetics. Our goal is to provide healthy, clean, and pure cosmetics..

You can Order Younique Through Me

There is so much that you can do with this amazing organic cosmetics, it just boggles my mind every time I stumble upon something new and simple.

You can Order Younique Through Me

On top of being just an amazing company that has rapidly grown in the 2 years it's been around, Younique products have been used on the runway and recently, Jen Lilly who plays Theresa on DAYS, gave Star Style an interview of what her fashion favorites were. Guess what is in her bag? You guess it!! Younique Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara!! I am telling you, this is the most amazing product I've used. It truly replaces false eyelashes for amazing eye popping beautiful looks and photos.

Below are several photos of myself wearing Younique products and especially my love - the Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara...You can Order Younique Through Me

I'm 45 years young and love the way the Glorious Primer sets the foundation for all my make-up.

My Right eye has the Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lash

My Left eye has just regular mascara

You can see a huge difference with just one stroke

I love how amazingly long my lashes are without the irritation of

false eyelashes and the dangers of lash extensions.

My natural look for work with Younique products.

This was Halloween - I used Younique products to create this "infected" look

Zombie infection on left side to show infection spread.

You can Order Younique Through Me

Besides Younique being as natural as possible, the company also as an amazing Guarantee!

The Younique Love It Guarantee

We're so confident that you'll love Younique that we guarantee your satisfaction with, and the quality of, all of our products. We've crafted our product guarantee policy to make purchasing Younique products easy and worry-free. If you don't love it, we've got you covered!

Within 14 Days of Delivery,
No Questions Asked

If you are unsatisfied with our products for any reason, you may exchange them for equal value product credit, same-value exchange, or a full refund (less shipping & handling).

Within 15-30 Days of Delivery

You are eligible for a cash refund of 80% of the purchase price*, equal value product credit, or product exchange (less shipping & handling).

Within 31-90 Days of Delivery

You are eligible for equal value product credit, or product exchange (less shipping & handling).

You can Order Younique Through Me

Besides their every day items, they have specials each month. For the month of November, it's Free Lip Stain (limited quantities) with any $150 purchase. Plus there will be some Black Friday Specials but don't wait too long to buy your products because last year they had so many products on back order!!!

You can Order Younique Through Me

Again, the more I use Younique products and learn new and interesting ways to utilize everything, the more I'm in awe. The versatility is unlimited for these awesome products. I created a Younique Pinterest folder just so I can post new and creative ways for Younique products.

What you put on your skin affects you later down the line. If you are conscious of what you put into your body, why wouldn't you be just as conscious of what you put ON your skin? Give Younique a try, and I promise you will become a Younique gal (or guy) yourself. To get your Younique products today, just click on any of the random links that I've posted throughout this blog. What have you got to lose? Nothing. But you have a Younique and beautiful you to face every day when you start using these awesome products. You can Order Younique Through Me

25 Words That Are Their Own Opposites

2013-12-28T07:13:00.002-08:00

A former classmate posted this article on Facebook this morning and I really liked it. As a hobby writer and a reader (I don't really read digital except on the computer - I prefer actual books), these were great. So I wanted to share them with you as well. Upon reading the article, it was apparently updated shortly thereafter with 11 additional ones, which I have posted below the original 14.

Enjoy. @Mentalfloss.com thanks for the article.

Here’s an ambiguous sentence for you: “Because of the agency’s oversight, the corporation’s behavior was sanctioned.” Does that mean, 'Because the agency oversaw the company’s behavior, they imposed a penalty for some transgression' or does it mean, 'Because the agency was inattentive, they overlooked the misbehavior and gave it their approval by default'? We’ve stumbled into the looking-glass world of “contronyms”—words that are their own antonyms.

1. Sanction (via French, from Latin sanctio(n-), from sancire ‘ratify,’) can mean ‘give official permission or approval for (an action)’ or conversely, ‘impose a penalty on.’
*
2. Oversight is the noun form of two verbs with contrary meanings, “oversee” and “overlook.” “Oversee,” from Old English ofersēon ‘look at from above,’ means ‘supervise’ (medieval Latin for the same thing: super- ‘over’ + videre ‘to see.’) “Overlook” usually means the opposite: ‘to fail to see or observe; to pass over without noticing; to disregard, ignore.’
*
3. Left can mean either remaining or departed. If the gentlemen have withdrawn to the drawing room for after-dinner cigars, who’s left? (The gentlemen have left and the ladies are left.)
*
4. Dust, along with the next two words, is a noun turned into a verb meaning either to add or to remove the thing in question. Only the context will tell you which it is. When you dust are you applying dust or removing it? It depends whether you’re dusting the crops or the furniture.
*
5. Seed can also go either way. If you seed the lawn you add seeds, but if you seed a tomato you remove them.
*
6. Stone is another verb to use with caution. You can stone some peaches, but please don’t stone your neighbor (even if he says he likes to get stoned).
*
7. Trim as a verb predates the noun, but it can also mean either adding or taking away. Arising from an Old English word meaning ‘to make firm or strong; to settle, arrange,’ “trim” came to mean ‘to prepare, make ready.’ Depending on who or what was being readied, it could mean either of two contradictory things: ‘to decorate something with ribbons, laces, or the like to give it a finished appearance’ or ‘to cut off the outgrowths or irregularities of.’ And the context doesn’t always make it clear. If you’re trimming the tree are you using tinsel or a chain saw?
*
8. Cleave can be cleaved into two “homographs,” words with different origins that end up spelled the same. “Cleave,” meaning ‘to cling to or adhere,’ comes from an Old English word that took the forms cleofian, clifian, or clīfan. “Cleave,” with the contrary meaning ‘to split or sever (something), ‘ as you might do with a cleaver, comes from a different Old English word, clēofan. The past participle has taken various forms: “cloven,” which survives in the phrase “cloven hoof,” “cleft,” as in a “cleft palate” or “cleaved.”
*
9. Resign works as a contronym in writing. This time we have homographs, but not homophones. “Resign,” meaning ‘to quit,’ is spelled the same as “resign,” meaning ‘to sign up again,’ but it’s pronounced differently.
*
10. Fast can mean "moving rapidly," as in "running fast," or ‘fixed, unmoving,’ as in "holding fast." If colors are fast they will not run. The meaning ‘firm, steadfast’ came first. The adverb took on the sense ‘strongly, vigorously,’ which evolved into ‘quickly,’ a meaning that spread to the adjective.
*
11. Off means ‘deactivated,’ as in "to turn off," but also ‘activated,’ as in "The alarm went off."
*
12. Weather can mean ‘to withstand or come safely through,’ as in “The company weathered the recession,” or it can mean ‘to be worn away’: “The rock was weathered.”
*
13. Screen can mean ‘to show’ (a movie) or ‘to hide’ (an unsightly view).
*
14. Help means ‘assist,’ unless you can’t help doing something, when it means ‘prevent.’
The contronym (also spelled “contranym”) goes by many names, including “auto-antonym,” “antagonym,” “enantiodrome,” “self-antonym,” “antilogy” and “Janus word” (from the Roman god of beginnings and endings, often depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions). Can’t get enough of them? The folks at Daily Writing Tips have rounded up even more.

Read the full text here: http://mentalfloss.com/article/49834/14-words-are-their-own-opposites#ixzz2omZkp4dv
--brought to you by mental_floss!

11 MORE Words That Are Their Own Opposites

Thanks to all who took the time to comment on last week’s list of contronyms. Some of your suggestions were already lined up for this sequel, but the first word below was good enough to bump another term from the queue.

1. Bitch

In a comment under last week’s story, reader Shawn Ravenfire pointed out that “bitch” can refer to a woman who is considered overly aggressive or domineering, or it can refer to someone passive or submissive.

2. Clip

Clip can mean "to bind together" or "to separate." You clip sheets of paper to together or separate part of a page by clipping something out. Clip is a pair of homographs, words with different origins spelled the same. Old English clyppan, which means "to clasp with the arms, embrace, hug," led to our current meaning, "to hold together with a clasp." The other clip, "to cut or snip (a part) away," is from Old Norse klippa, which may come from the sound of a shears.

3. Continue

Continue usually means to persist in doing something, but as a legal term it means stop a proceeding temporarily.

4. Fight with

Fight with can be interpreted three ways. “He fought with his mother-in-law” could mean "They argued," "They served together in the war," or "He used the old battle-ax as a weapon." (Thanks to linguistics professor Robert Hertz for this idea.)

5. Flog

Meaning "to punish by caning or whipping," flog shows up in school slang of the 17th century, but now it can have the contrary meaning, "to promote persistently," as in “flogging a new book.” Perhaps that meaning arose from the sense ‘to urge (a horse, etc.) forward by whipping,’ which grew out of the earliest meaning.

6. Go

Go means "to proceed," but also "give out or fail," i.e., “This car could really go until it started to go.”

7. Hold up

Hold up can mean "to support" or "to hinder": “What a friend! When I’m struggling to get on my feet, he’s always there to hold me up.”

8. Out

Out can mean "visible" or "invisible." For example, “It’s a good thing the full moon was out when the lights went out.”

9. Out of

Out of means "outside" or "inside": “I hardly get out of the house because I work out of my home.”

10. Peer

Peer is a person of equal status (as in a jury of one’s peers), but some peers are more equal than others, like the members of the peerage, the British or Irish nobility.

11. Toss out

Toss out could be either "to suggest" or "to discard": “I decided to toss out the idea.”

Read the full text here: http://mentalfloss.com/article/49952/11-more-words-are-their-own-opposites#ixzz2omZyTbQP
--brought to you by mental_floss!

Perdue Whole Roast Chicken

2012-12-16T23:44:00.001-08:00

Food can be very fashionable - especially when it's simple, delicious and easy.

Perdue has come out with a line called Perdue Oven Ready Roasters. These are pre-seasoned and presealed. All you have to do it purchase, place in roasting pan and put into oven... and voila! It's perfectly seasoned, tender and oh so delicious!

You buy it in the fresh meat department, so it's not processed. While I love trying new things, I'm always a skeptic for pre-seasoned meats - most times they're just over seasoned, over bearing in flavored or fail to deliver/falls short on the company's promise.

Perdue has delivered on everything - flavor, tenderness, freshness and ease of roasting/baking.

I can say without a doubt I'll be purchasing this product a lot. My picky soon to be 3 year old and super picky 21 year old both had seconds. What little that was left over, my little asked for the next day, including asking for seconds.

Toxic Apparel - Not Good for Us!

2012-11-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Zara the most toxic apparel says Greenpeace

Greenpeace the environmental organization made public the investigation conducted to find toxic chemicals in garments finding out that Zara produces the most toxic items for both humans and the environment.
The organization found toxic chemicals in 89 of the 114 garments being researched. During this research the organization did a focus on the fashion garments from brand like Levis's , Esprit, Tommy Hilfiger and Zara, and the report was titled "Toxic Threads. The big fashion stitch-up".
According to Greenpeace the nonylfenolethoxylates (NFE's) used to fix colours on textiles, may produce hormonal disruptions, and when they are used can end up in water through the laundering process and drinking water, this chemicals are not possible to remove from water.

Other brands mentioned on the report as the greatest users of NFE's are C&A, Mango, Calvin Klein, Metersbowe and Jack & Jones, had the highest use of these chemicals on its garments. In the investigation the organization also found the use of amines, which are registered by the European Union as possible carcinogens, but none of the brands have broken the law since today the amines remain within the European Union's standards.

This is not the first time Greenpeace is after fashion brands encouraging them to reduce their use of chemicals, some of the brands alerted by the organization and starting to pay more attention to nature are Marks & Spencer, H&M, Adidas, Nike and Puma.

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep, But You Should Rethink Some Cosmetic Treatments

2012-03-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

While they say beauty is only skin deep... as we age, we often think of beauty treatments, surgeries and/or beauty products to help us ward off the little tale-tale signs of aging. Sometimes we want a quick fix to a problem area that has been bugging us but do we really understand the long term issues of certain procedures? Are some procedures actually necessary and/or safe?

Below are NINE (9) cosmetic treatments that doctors say we should really think before just doing. Some of them I personally have an adversion to (my own little quirks about safety and health issues) and I'm not shy about stating that I will fight aging hard as I rather grow old gracefully - on my own terms. LOL.

1. Botox breast lift

By Maggie Koerth-Baker for MSN Health

Why do it: In spring 2008, high-profile New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M.D., (she’s most known for these products sold at Bath & Body Works) began touting a new way to use Botox. She claimed that by injecting the drug into the pectoralis minor chest muscle (see its location on an anatomy sketch) to paralyze it temporarily, she could make back muscles (which ones?) pick up the slack, thereby forcing the patient to stand up straighter, which essentially gives the breasts a surgery-free "lift."

The problems: "It's nonsense. Worse, it's dangerous nonsense," says Michael McGuire, M.D., president-elect of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He and Patrick McMenamin, M.D., president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, agree that Wexler's procedure wouldn't work. And both doctors say injecting anything into the pectoralis minor, which is in close proximity to the lungs, is dangerous.

Find out the potential dangers of administering Botox in this area.

2. "Doctor fish" manicures and pedicures

Why do them: "Doctor fish" (what other name are they known as?), love to eat dead human skin cells, which they suck off of the body, revealing fresh skin underneath. They're used for pedicures and to treat the symptoms of psoriasis (what is that, again?).

The problems: Living creatures are hard to sanitize. At least three states have issued regulations against “doctor fish,” saying there's no way to guarantee they are clean. Martin Grassberger, M.D., who's researched them at the Medical University of Vienna (where is that exactly?), says another concern is some spas use a different species of fish (which one?), which feeds more aggressively than the “doctor fish” and can draw blood.

What is the potentially serious danger of using the different fish species?

3. Waxing

Why do it: Waxing yanks unwanted body hair out by the roots. It's faster than tweezing and lasts longer than shaving.

The problems: First off, burns from hot wax can be severe and are more common than you might think, according to the medical journal Burns. Waxing also leaves the body vulnerable to infection. The FDA advises people with weakened immune systems to avoid it. People using wrinkle creams or acne treatments that contain a popular ingredient (Retinol) should also rethink waxing, as the skin can become so sensitive that there's a risk of it peeling off along with the hair. The biggest worry? Topical skin-numbing cream, used to make waxing less painful, that can end up in your blood.

What is the serious concern with using the cream?

The FDA says it's best to avoid numbing cream altogether, but if you do use it, choose one that the FDA has approved as safe, and use as little of the cream with the lowest amount of active ingredients (which ones?) as you can. The FDA also recommends leaving the skin uncovered (don't cover the treated area with plastic wrap or other dressing to increase effectiveness), and says to pick the correct cream with your doctor's help—not that of your hair stylist or spa technician.

4. Eyelash-thickening drops

Why use them: Newly approved by the FDA, the drug Latisse promises thicker eyelashes. Latisse is actually a lower-dose version of a drug that's been used to treat glaucoma since 2001 (which one?). Longer, thicker lashes were a surprising side -effect for those patients.

The problem: Most of the side effects are covered in the TV commercials starring Brooke Shields and Claire Danes (watch it) and include itching, redness and the potential to darken the skin on your eyelids or turn irises brown—permanently. And, like with many drugs, Latisse may not be a good choice for pregnant or nursing women. The National Institutes of Health reports the active ingredient in Latisse is associated with several issues when administered to pregnant animals.

What effects did the drug have on studies in mice and rats?

5. UV-activated teeth whitening

Why get it: Who doesn't want a mouth full of gleaming, pearly whites? Most whitening methods rely on hydrogen peroxide solutions, but some companies claim the hydrogen peroxide works better and faster when combined with UV lamps. (See a photo of how the UV light is administered.)

The problem: New research shows UV lamps don't boost the bleaching process, and even worse, can be dangerous. In February 2009, research published in the online version of the Journal of Prosthodontics showed no difference between the two processes. A January 2009 study in the British journal Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences said not only does light -activation not work, but it also exposes users to startlingly high levels of cancer-causing UV radiation. One lamp the team tested gave a dose four times as high as what you'd get from sunbathing for a full afternoon in midsummer.

6. Permanent makeup

Why get it: Eyeliner, lip and brow color tattooed onto your skin can be a permanent solution for women who want the look of makeup all the time. Browse before-and-after photos.

The problem: Colored tattoo ink isn't necessarily designed with the human body in mind, and the FDA hasn't approved any tattoo inks – many of the colored inks used for permanent makeup are the same as those used in the automotive and printing industries. The FDA has received numerous reports of allergic reactions in women who received makeup tattoos, which are also notoriously difficult to remove.

Find varying costs for permanent eyeliner?

7. Chemical peels

Why get one: Chemical peels, usually creams or serums containing mild fruit acid, can remove dead skin cells and help clear up acne, according to the Mayo Clinic. Peels can also encourage the growth of new, younger-looking skin cells. (Browse hundreds of before-and-after photos.)

The problem: Most chemical peels have relatively mild side effects, including a risk of oddly colored, patchy skin in women who are taking birth control pills; redness, scaling and blisters for those with sensitive skin; and the possibility of triggering previously dormant cold sores. The real danger? At-home peels purchased online, which have been known to cause painful, scarring burns, caused by the high concentration of the acids. Most effective over-the-counter alpha-hydroxy acid creams contain about 8 percent acid concentration.

How high can the concentrations be in products sold online?

8. Brava breast enhancement

Why get it: Introduced in 1999, Brava is a breast enhancement system that claims to help make breasts an entire cup size larger without surgery. The appeal pretty much speaks for itself.

How does it work? Brava is a set of plastic domes hooked up to a small vacuum pump. The domes are placed over the breasts, with the suction turned on, for 10 hours every day over for at least 10 weeks. If you miss a day, you have to add an extra one. See the pumping device. According to clinical trials, Brava works, though never as dramatic as surgical implants.

The problems: The process is time consuming and rife with side effects, caused by the “suctioning” effect. Some women report getting rashes and blisters. Also, Brava won’t work as well on women with extremely small breasts or those with a cup size above a small C.

The cost: It’s significant, though less than a surgical procedure. How much?

9. Thermage

Why use it: Approved by the FDA in 2002, Thermage uses heat generated by radio waves to give patients tighter, more taught skin; it's often promoted as a "non-surgical facelift." Oprah first championed the procedure, which is also known as ThermaCool, in 2003.

The problems: The episodes of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that touted the treatment aren't forthcoming about its potential side effects (what are they?) or effectiveness, according to a New York Times article from 2006. And Thermage doesn't really function as a face-lift substitute. While it can reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and acne scars, it's not likely to tighten jowls—patients who go in expecting a miracle probably will be disappointed.

What is the price range for Thermage treatments?

Three (3) Simple Ways to Look Taller

2012-02-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

The following suggestions are good basic information for every woman who wants to look taller. From my experience, a clean line/cut, dark colored pair of pants (wide leg or sightly flared) with a crisp white or colorful blouse paired with a nice pair of heels (whether boots, pumps or wedges) helps to elongate the visual line of your silhouette. For me, I do not find cropped pants to aid in appearing taller, thinner, etc. It gives me quite the opposite effect.

Also, while this article is from a magazine, please note that you can achieve any of the below looks for way way less money than the items they chose to display.

http://living.msn.com/style-beauty/fashion/three-ways-to-look-taller#1

Punctuate Properly

When wearing shorter pants, leave the waistband exposed and finish with classic heels that come down low on the foot.

Blazer, $695, DKNY, dkny.com for locations. Sweater, $70, jcrew.com. Shirt, $50, gap.com. Pants, $225, vince.com. Pumps, $58, Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret, victoriassecret.com. Bag, $168, Lancaster Paris, lancaster.fr

Pairing pale tones creates visual space, which is why this skirt-and-shoes combination works

Jacket, $498, Iro. Select Barneys New York, 888-8-BARNEYS. Tank, $12, jockey.com. Skirt, $46, americanapparel.com. Scarf, $195, chanluu.com. Pumps, $69, RSVP, zappos.com. Bag, $44, Street Level, francescascollections.com

Choose a Flared Fit

It'll look like you've got legs for days, while the wide bottoms conceal sky-high heels and wedges.

Blouse, $118, jcrew.com. Turtleneck, $240, White + Warren, whiteandwarren.com. Pants, $345, rachelroy.com. Pumps, $99, Guess, amazon.com. Clutch, $80, asos.com

Keep It Light

Beware! Counterfeit Items Go Beyond Luxury Items

2012-02-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

We all know to look out for designer counterfeit items. Most of us have studied the tell-tell signs of the item(s) that our heart covets - that expensive designer watch, a Coach, Chanel or Prada handbag, those Louboutins, Jimmy Choos, Manolo shoes or boots, 7 for all mankind, True Religion, Cavalli jeans, or even that Big Pony Ralph Lauren polo shirt. We study the ins and outs of these items so we can look for them at discounted prices either on eBay, eCrater, consignment shops or the thrift stores. While we understand, know and have even seen some pretty darn good fakes, we tend to overlook some other more mainstream items that are counterfeited. Why? Because to most of us, myself included, it baffles the mind why someone would even want to counterfeit Old Navy or even Wal-Mart brands but they do.

The more mainstream things are stuff we don't even think about - toothpaste, baby formula, perfume, shampoo, sunscreen, cosmetics, maple syrup and even honey!

These mainstream items are being counterfeited and at the price of our health - and the health of our children!

http://money.msn.com/family-money/7-ordinary-items-now-counterfeited

Despite government efforts, experts say the onus is still largely on shoppers to recognize and avoid the fakes. Aside from the red flag of a deep discount, be cautious about product labeling or packages that seem different from the usual, such as a misplaced bar code, peeling label or gluey residue, says Joseph LaRocca, the vice president of loss prevention for the National Retail Federation. If a product's taste, smell or texture seems off -- or online buyers have noted that in reviews -- that's another warning sign, he says.

The price of being an unwitting buyer can be high, and not just in money wasted. "Criminals are looking to make money, so their focus is on making the product look as much like the real product as possible," Halvorson says. "They'll spend more money on the packaging than the good itself." As a result, many of the basic fakes can carry serious health and safety risks.
Following are seven household items that government and industry groups say shoppers may unwittingly buy in fake versions.

Sunscreen

Fake sunscreen can burn people twice -- first at the cash register, then at the beach. Counterfeits often contain chemical additives, but they can also simply be cheap, all-purpose skin lotion, which provides zero UV protection.

"It's easy for a counterfeiter to make something look like cream without containing the expensive ingredients someone is buying it for," says Halloran. (The same warning holds for anti-aging creams and lotions, which are another common counterfeit category.)

Baby formula

That chalky taste may in fact be chalk, which is commonly used as a filler to give the fake product the right consistency, Halloran says. Of course, fake baby formula isn't likely to have the recommended levels of protein and other nutrients, either. Both factors can be problematic: In 2004, more than 60 Chinese infants died after ingesting fake formula. The Food and Drug Administration warns that infants may be intolerant of such ingredients and could "experience serious adverse health consequences."

Toothpaste

The Food and Drug Administration warned consumers about Chinese-made toothpaste in 2007, saying it contained a poison used in antifreeze. That's still a common adulterant, and one that you don't want to put near your mouth, let alone ingest, Halloran says. Other unsafe-for-consumption chemicals may be used, too, either as a way to make the paste white or to create the right consistency, she says. Pastes may also lack fluoride or can be contaminated with bacteria.

Shampoo

It's not just pricey salon brands that are at risk for counterfeiting. Labels found at the drugstore have caught fakers' attention, too, Halloran says. Some are little more than water, fragrance and a thickening agent, but anything that suds -- notably, cheap cleaning solutions -- can be substituted for the actual shampoo.

Late last year, Beijing police seized more than 2,000 boxes of faux shampoo bottles that were contaminated with sulfur, as well as mercury and other heavy metals. That's too harsh for a product that's going on your scalp and possibly dripping near your eyes, Halloran says. (And shoppers can forget about any label-promised moisturizing, volumizing, color-protecting or anti-dandruff effects.)

Perfume

In December 2011, police in Monroe, Ohio, seized more than 500 bottles of fake perfume from local flea markets, with mimicked scents ranging from $85 Chanel bottles down to $40 Beyoncé scents. What's inside a replicated perfume bottle is anybody's guess, Halloran says. At best it is a perfume, but one that smells nothing like a designer scent and may have been watered down. Fakes more often contain chemicals like antifreeze, cleaning solutions or human urine, any of which may cause a rash or other skin problems.

Honey

Recent tests by Food Safety News found that 75% of store honey isn't really honey. It still comes from bees, but the pollen has been screened out, ostensibly to keep the honey from crystallizing. Food safety experts say this may also be done to hide the honey's origin, says Andrew Schneider of Food Safety News. Many regulators don't consider the food honey if there's no pollen, but there could be more serious problems, too While shoppers might not notice a taste difference, tests found that a third of the faux-honey imports from Asia were tainted with lead and antibiotics.

Maple syrup

Vermont's U.S. senators recently announced they would co-sponsor a bill to make it a felony to sell fake maple syrup as the real thing. Violators could face up to five years in prison. Fakes may be made in part, or entirely, from cane sugar rather than the more expensive maple sugar. The big risk here is financial -- a gallon of real maple syrup can run $30 or more.

http://money.msn.com/family-money/7-ordinary-items-now-counterfeited

Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try

2011-11-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

So what's fashionable about exercise/fitness equipment you ask? Well, some of it is interesting and some of it isn't. Of course, the workout clothing can be boring or it can be cute. But today we're talking equipment - the stuff you use to get fit. Getting fit and in shape is fashion forward because it's what allows you to wear some of those awesome designer clothing as it seems most designers believe in the opposite of vanity sizing. Example, if you wear a traditional size 6 (USA size 6) well the designer's size would equate to a size 8 or 10. Especially for those Italian designers. Why? Who knows.

But if you're already thinking about your New Year's resolution (like me) then you almost always come to thinking about your health and body shape. I am determined for 2012 to get FIT - doesn't mean I'm going to diet and try to be stick thin, just means, I am going to think more and work harder on what I do and don't put into my body as well as try to get in shape - meaning tighten and tone rather than worry about the number on the scale (I don't own a scale by the way) or what size I am.

Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try

Want to trade in your tried and true dumbbells for something a little more fun? These 7 kooky fitness contraptions are worth their salt

By Emily G. W. Chau for Fitbie

Between dumbbell phones and six-pack hula chairs it can be hard to figure out which fitness equipment is worth your time and money and what’s merely an exercise in creative marketing. (Shake Weight, we’re looking at you.) So we asked Chris Poirier, general manager of Perform Better, a functional training and rehabilitation equipment provider, to weigh in on what’s cutting edge and what’s plain silly. See which fitness equipment made the cut.

Image: Dylan Coulter

1. Battling Ropes

Image: Dylan Coulter

This isn’t your daughter’s jump rope. These 2-inch wide ropes are similar to those you’d see in a fish yard, and are a fun and different way to get in some cardio. Rising in popularity over the past 3 years, battling ropes can be found in many gyms or you can buy your own, says Poirier. Anchor the ropes to a tire or pole. Then grab hold of one end in each hand and get the ropes undulating up and down quickly. Your arms are waving the ropes, but since you have to lunge and generate power from your core, battling ropes work your entire body.

Bored by the same old routine? Try these 21 ways to make fitness fun!

2. Kangoo Jumps

Image: Kangoo

No, they’re not moon boots. Strap on these low-impact rebound shoes and bounce around for a heart-pumping cardio workout. Run in place, leap side-to-side, or perform jumping jacks. It’s literally like having springs on your feet. “Kangoo Jumps let you do plyometrics in a fun way,” says Poirier. “It’s like a trampoline, but you might get tired after jumping around for a few minutes.”

Improve your vertical leap.

3. Pullup Revolution

4. Bodyblade

5. X-iser

6. Weighted Sleds

7. TRX

Image: Mitch Mandel

Given their widespread popularity, suspension systems like the TRX and Jungle Gym might not qualify as weird anymore, but they’re still worth a mention. Lightweight and portable, these nylon resistance training straps can bring your workout almost anywhere there’s a place to anchor them. Grab hold of the straps for squats and inverted row alternatives or rest your feet in them for suspended pushups and more. This single piece of equipment can pack a total-body workout. Plus you can change the degree of difficulty simply by changing your angle and where your feet are planted, says Poirier.

Start your workout anywhere with this dynamic warmup.

Image: GoFit

Weighted sleds (also called power sleds) look a lot like traditional snow sleds, only they have an extra set of handlebars on one end and a center dowel to anchor Olympic weights. Combining cardio with strength training, sleds are great tools for interval training and increasing the explosive power of your legs. You’re not limited to just pushing and pulling them, either: Sleds can be used for squat rows and shoulder presses, too.

Shake up your cardio routine!

Image: X-iser

Think of the X-iser as a Stairmaster on steroids. Used to train everyone from the Navy Seals to the NFL, the X-iser is a portable, high-grade mini-stepper designed for sprint training. Instead of running stadiums outside, step onto an X-iser and start pumping your legs for a great cardiovascular workout. It can elevate your high-intensity training regimen while improving your balance and coordination. An added bonus: The X-iser isn’t just for running in place. Place your hands on the pedals for pushups or lie down and use it for hip raises.

Make your workout more efficient with this fat blasting 2-in-1 training plan.

Image: Bodyblade

Flapping a thin piece of metal might look silly compared to benching a loaded barbell, but the Bodyblade delivers a solid total-body workout without heavy weights. The outer blades oscillate up and down, creating resistance and working your muscles as your body counteracts the vibrations. While the Bodyblade targets your core, it’s probably better for shoulder rehabilitation, says Poirier. Once you get it going, the Bodyblade creates quick, short fluctuations that can get movement back into your shoulder without a lot of strain.

Don't have weights handy? Try these muscle defining bodyweight exercises.

Image: Lifeline USA

Pullups are one of the best upper-body exercises you can do, but a lot of people avoid doing them because they can’t,” says Poirier. “The Pullup Revolution lets you do suspended pullups, so you don’t have to lift your full body weight.” Attach the device to your pullup bar, put your foot into the stirrup, and you’re ready to go. In addition to making traditional pullups easier, it also allows you to perform tons of more complicated variations.

Working your way to a true pullup? Try this easier version.

Study: Makeup makes women look competent, trustworthy

2011-10-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

Study: Makeup makes women look competent, trustworthy

Models without makeup and with natural, professional and glamorous makeup, as shown in a recent study.

By Rina Raphael

In beauty, less is often more.

It turns out a little makeup goes a long way in how the public perceives you, but piling on the products does you no favors. Researchers found that makeup makes women more attractive, competent and trustworthy as opposed to their bare-faced peers, according to a new study, funded by cosmetics giant Procter & Gamble and carried out by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The study’s participants were given just 250 milliseconds to look at several photos of women in various degrees of makeup – no makeup, “natural”, “professional”, and “glamorous” – with the ratings increasing with the amount of beauty product used. “We found that when faces were shown very quickly, all ratings went up with cosmetics in all different looks," lead author Nancy Etcoff, associate researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, told ABC News.

That should be no surprise, as many a study has confirmed that attractive people are often deemed more likeable and are “expected to do better on the job, in school and in life,” the study says. “This phenomenon is present from birth,” Tiffany Field, a research professor at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine told ABC. “Even newborns and young infants have a preference for attractive faces.”

But before you get carried away at vanity table, there’s a limit: Positive perception declines as makeup gets heavier.

When those same participants were given time to study the images for a lengthier amount of time, the ratings changed. Instead, for the dramatic makeup looks, “people saw them as equally likable and much more attractive and competent, but less trustworthy," Etcoff told ABC.

Is the “Housewives” look less desirable? “Too much makeup can appear as a shield, something you’re trying to either hide behind, or use to change who you are,” TODAY style editor Bobbie Thomas said.

While the findings seem plausible, some are a tad wary the study, in part because it was funded by Procter & Gamble, which owns CoverGirl cosmetics. “Any time a study is funded by a corporation with an interest in its outcome, you have to take the results with a grain of salt,” Jamie Peck, contributing editor at The Gloss, told TODAY.com. “However, I do not find it that hard to believe that people would subconsciously penalize women for failing to conform to a normative concept of gender (of which makeup is a part).”

Of course, makeup can help empower and express a sense of self-worth, said Thomas, but it’s not the guiding factor in a woman’s image. “It comes down to a fine line between confidence and fear or insecurity.”

What do you think? Do you agree?

Clean vs Messy House - Be Fabulously Fashionable - FAKE IT!

2011-09-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

We all love a clean house but not all of us can keep up with it all the time. Especially if we have kids and work a lot too. It's hard. I know, I am there right now. I'm so busy right now with my day job, taking care of the kids, and trying to get the daycare up and running (trying to recruit more kids/parents) that my eBay has been on hold for the past 2 months (when items ended, I just didn't relist them). Not to mention that by the time I get home, it's just enough time to make a late dinner, eat, bath Damian and sit with him for a few to read or play before he goes to bed. Then I tend to fall asleep with him either on the couch (about 90% of the time is on the couch) or we are in my bed and we just fall asleep. Yes, I know, he's 19 months and should be sleeping in his own bed... just I'm so tired we never make it there except for nap time on the weekends.

Anyways, back to the matter at hand: clean house vs. dirty house... better yet let's fake a clean house for the time we need to have it appear "clean"... LOL.

This article I read reminded me of what I have done in the past.... just funny. I've always known I wasn't the only one BUT it's nice to see it in black and white as proof that I'm not the odd ball. I've done my share of faking a clean house in the past when I was really really strapped for time with unexpected last minute guests that call and say hey I'm around the corner or I'm on my way to see you. What the heck?!!! Seriously?!!! Luckily I always had a spare closet or spare room to throw everything into so my house appeared clean by the time they arrived. Seriously lifesaving the good clean fake can be.

How to Fake a Clean House
By Kathleen Squires

When you’re short on time, here's how to give your living spaces the illusion of cleanliness.

http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/fake-clean-house-00000000032724/index.html

Tim Evan Cook

The Living Room

Reserve one side of sofa cushions to be shown to guests. Before company arrives, flip over the cushions to reveal good-as-new fabric. When guests are gone, flip them back.
Rid the sofa of pet hair by wetting the fingertips of rubber gloves and gliding your hand over the sofa. The hair will stick to the rubber.
Stack books, catalogs, and magazines in neat piles on the floor or arrange them in a deep decorative basket.
To disguise windows in need of washing, pull curtain panels closed.
Fold a clean blanket neatly and drape it over a stained sofa. Strategically placed throw pillows can also camouflage soiled upholstery.

The Kitchen

When the dishwasher is full and the sink is overflowing, stow dirty dishes and silverware in a stockpot and pull them out later to be cleaned.
Cover up the lingering aroma of last night’s supper by boiling nutmeg, cloves, or cinnamon and orange peels in a sauce-pan on the stove.
Declutter the refrigerator by taking down notes, drawings, and magnets and throwing them in a plastic bag. Sort through it later.
Fold hand towels to hide stains. Two tips: Hang the clean side over the oven handle (with the stains in the back), or roll towels in neat spirals and stack them pyramid-style next to the sink.

The Bathroom

Glide a sticky lint roller over the bath mat to pick up hair.
Light a candle. Everything looks better (and cleaner) by candlelight.
Hang a fluffy bathrobe on top of damp towels dangling from the hooks on the back of the door.
Store a rattan or canvas basket on top of the toilet and throw in stray cosmetic brushes.
Hang fresh guest towels. The humidity in this room makes textiles look droopy, even after a recent machine washing.
Mound cosmetics and hairstyling products in a container underneath the sink. In a pinch, pile them in the tub and close the shower curtain. Cross your fingers that guests don’t snoop.

The Home Office

Stash stray office supplies, like pencils and pens, in decorative stationery boxes or filing containers on your desk.
Take down calendars and notes from bulletin boards and file them in folders. Or align them so that the tops are all in horizontal lines.
Rearrange crooked books so that all spines are facing the same direction and the titles all read from top to bottom.
Stow the keyboard and the mouse in a drawer so only the computer monitor tops the desk.
Temporarily hide wayward Post-it notes and to-do lists underneath the keyboard.

The Kids' Room

Stash scattered puzzle pieces in a drawer; stack the boards on a shelf.
Stow pajamas under the pillow. This way, they’re off the floor and ready for later.
Put blocks in a handled shopping bag and hang it on a hanger or a doorknob inside the closet.
Put homeless stuffed animals in extra pillowcases. Or prop them up behind shams.
If your kids have a play tent, hide toys and clothes inside it.
Pile books neatly on the floor, largest to smallest, next to a chair or a desk.
Spritz a deodorizer spray around the diaper pail to eliminate odors.

The Laundry Room

Fold clean towels neatly on the drying rack. Rope lingerie items on hangers, then place them in the bedroom closet, away from prying eyes.
Drape a scorched ironing board with a clean white sheet, tuck in the edges to fashion a make-shift cover, and place the board in the far corner of the room or behind the door.
Pile any laundry that needs to be folded in baskets or storage containers and lay them on the washing machine to be sorted through later.
As for dirty clothes awaiting washing, simply toss them in the washer.

Where Children Sleep by James Mollison

2011-08-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

A good friend brought the following story to my attention this morning. The piece is wonderfully done, the book I want to buy now to review and show my own boys and perhaps buy a few extra for my daycare/preschool, Little Sprouts Day School, to show the older children.

While some of the photographs are sad, the photography is just amazing. This book was an undertaking for a charity for needy children but Mr. Mollison didn't want to show the same stereotypical photos you see on tv or magazines. I think this book is a marvelously novel way to showcase the different cultures that engulf our children around the world. Where Children Sleep

Without further adue... here is the New York Times' story - don't forget to click on the link to see the wonderful photography.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August 4, 2011, 5:00 am

‘Where Children Sleep’

By KERRI MACDONALD

It was a small room, at the top of the house. For a time, it was home to tropical fish. Later, two pet mice slept there, in a home made of fruit crates. The walls of the room were covered with posters of Madonna and Duran Duran. Then it was the Rolling Stones. Then Jimi Hendrix.

This was the childhood bedroom in Oxford, England, of James Mollison, 37, a documentary photographer who was born in Kenya and now lives in Venice. He had the luxury as a boy of adapting his bedroom to reflect his changing interests.

“As a child, that’s your little space within the house,” Mr. Mollison said.

James Mollison Kaya, 4, lives with her parents in a small Tokyo apartment. Kaya’s bedroom.

Mr. Mollison’s new book, “Where Children Sleep,” had its origins in a project undertaken for a children’s charity several years ago. As he considered how to represent needy children around the world, he wanted to avoid the common devices: pleading eyes, toothless smiles. When he visualized his own childhood, he realized that his bedroom said a lot about what sort of life he led. So he set out to find others.

His subjects came from Boy Scout troops and sumo wrestling clubs. They were introduced through friends of friends. Mr. Mollison posed his young subjects — more than 200 of them — in front of blank white backgrounds for their portraits, leaving their bedrooms to do the talking. More than 50 pairings are in the book, which has a glow-in-the-dark cover (a nod to the glow-in-the-dark stars on so many childhood ceilings).

As much as the project is about the quirkiness of childhood, it is, more strikingly, a commentary on class and on poverty. But the diversity also provides a sense of togetherness.

Everybody sleeps. And eventually, everybody grows up.

Missoni + Target = OMG OMG OMG !!!!

2011-08-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've not posted much in forever and promised you I would come back to start posting on a somewhat regular basis... so today I am posting and it's an OMG one (at least for me it is... LOL).

What do you get when you cross Target with Missoni? You get amazingly fashion forward clothing, accessories, children's (you know I'm getting Damian any baby/toddler boy stuff and Corey, my oldest son, any of the men's stuff), linens, luggage, etc. that are budget friendly $7.99 to $199.99.

I already set my Outlook Calendar and my cell phone's calendar for 12:01 am on September 13, 2011. Yes, I know I will be awake doing paperwork for the daycare, Little Sprouts Day School and Tel's Closet.

Now some may say these are a little retro, a little 70-ish, or whatever ... I say WHO CARES!! It's FREAKING MISSONI + TARGET.... I mean come on - Target occassionally has a designer who brings something in that I might find worthy to look at but this time Target knocked it out of the park, so to speak, with being able to land Mission - Freaking - Missoni. I guess you can tell by now that I'm a Missoni fan (not that I actually own any of their pieces - just only bought for my mom before).

From the Huffington Post news article:

The first ad for Missoni's upcoming collaboration with Target has surfaced, in the form of a picture Tweeted by @MarilynAgencyNY.

In it, zigzag-clad Margherita Missoni pulls her zigzag-printed luggage and walks alongside a zigzag-clad young man, pulling his own zigzag-printed suitcase.

The collection -- slated to hit stores September 13 and priced between $7.99 and $199.99 -- was first announced in May by Vogue.com. It's said to include 400-plus items, from clothing "to bed sheets, to enough dinnerware to set the table for colazione, pranzo, and cena," Mark Holgate wrote.

Missoni for Target

From Nitrolicious.com

Back in June we’ve got a sneak peek of the highly anticipated Missoni for Target collaboration while Margherita Missoni and Carolina Crescentini were shooting the ad campaign in Milan. I’m can’t wait till you guys see the full collection, I was dying at the press preview.
There are over 400-pieces in the collection featuring apparel (women’s, men’s, kids’), bed sheets, dinnerware, luggage and bikes. Mark your calendars for the release on September 13 through October 22 to shop the collection at Target stores and of the highly anticipated Missoni for Target collaboration while Margherita Missoni and Carolina Crescentini were shooting the ad campaign in Milan. I’m can’t wait till you guys see the full collection, I was dying at the press preview. In the meantime here’s the first official ad campaign image along with scans from magazines and still life photos. Do you like?

EDITED AUGUST 12, 2011...

I just have to add more photos of the Missoni+Target!!!!!! These kid items are too precious!!

For Home

YES I WANT THE BIKE!!! LOL

MEN'S TIES
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seriously, this is definitely something you don't want to miss, if you've ever wanted Missoni but could not afford it.

Ciao,

Tilcia

Little Sprouts Day School Vestavia, AL - Please Vote

2011-08-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

I opened my daycare on July 19, 2011. It's been a slow start but we are fortunate to have approximately 8 to 12 kids.

Here is the gist... the space I rented was previously a daycare. My son attended there almost a year. I didn't like the previous owners, the place was dirty and they didn't give anything hardly for the money charged - even the food was bad that most of the kids rather just go hungry than eat.

We left and months later discovered there were all sorts of issues going on - financially, business wise as well as fire system not up-to-date (not working at all), etc. Then the previous owners were served with eviction papers and default documents. It's not like they didn't know this was happening, just refused to acknowledge the issues from what I understand.

Well the day the old daycare owners were served, they decided to be mean and throw all the children's belongings into the street - literally. The news came out and showed all the kids stuff sitting out on the sidewalk. No notice to the staff or parents. Just we are closed don't bother returning.

Well I got with the leasing manager and got in touch with the former staff and asked if they would be interested in work IF I could open the center back up. They were able to reach some of the parents and after 6 weeks of working on licensing, cleaning the place from top to bottom, painting the center, finding and purchasing new equipment - I was able to open on July 19, 2011. Woo Hoo.

Now I need YOUR HELP to get the word out that I'm open and to help me win some MONEY to add to the little bit of working capital I have left. So please spread the word and get your friends to vote for me - please.

I know I've been MIA for awhile

2011-08-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

but that is because I have been so busy in real life that it's been CRAZY to say the least. I have had to finalize accounts as I am going part-time at work (with my day job); had to put my online retail selling on hold as I was busy trying to get documents finalized to get my daycare open.

Yes, I've been super busy but hopefully by Mid-August, I should be back blogging away with new ideas, hot new fashions, weird fashions and other fashion related news.

Tilcia

Parents, don't dress your girls like tramps

2011-04-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is a great article written by a guy about parents allowing their little girls (pre-teen and younger) dress like some of the musicians and young actresses on tv. I mean come on - what's wrong with little girls dressing like little girls and the same for little boys? What is up with all the hoochie, slutty clothing out for little girls? If I had little girls, this crap wouldn't even come within arms reach of my child.

A friend of mine and I had a similar discussion some years back. He was going through a similar issue regarding clothing choices of what he thought was appropriate and what his little daughter wanted to wear. He was all deadset against buying any of the Juicy Couture items for his daughter that had words written across the backside. At the time we had this conversation - Juicy Couture had just launched their new line of items with "Juicy" and such words across the butt of their velour and terry cloth track pants. His pre-teen daughter wanted a pair and he was adament she was not getting them. Really what little girl (or big girl/woman for that matter) needs the words "Juicy" across their butt to draw even more attention from closet pedophiles that plague society today?

Parents, don't dress your girls like tramps

By LZ Granderson, CNN Contributor

April 19, 2011 8:52 a.m. EDT

Editor's note: LZ Granderson writes a weekly column for CNN.com. A senior writer and columnist for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com, he has contributed to ESPN's "Sports Center," "Outside the Lines" and "First Take." He is a 2011 and 2010 nominee and the 2009 winner of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation award for online journalism and a 2010 and 2008 honoree of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association for column writing.

Grand Rapids, Michigan (CNN) -- I saw someone at the airport the other day who really caught my eye.

Her beautiful, long blond hair was braided back a la Bo Derek in the movie "10" (or for the younger set, Christina Aguilera during her "Xtina" phase). Her lips were pink and shiny from the gloss, and her earrings dangled playfully from her lobes.

You can tell she had been vacationing somewhere warm, because you could see her deep tan around her midriff thanks to the halter top and the tight sweatpants that rested just a little low on her waist. The icing on the cake? The word "Juicy" was written on her backside.

Yeah, that 8-year-old girl was something to see alright. ... I hope her parents are proud. Their daughter was the sexiest girl in the terminal, and she's not even in middle school yet.

Abercrombie & Fitch came under fire this spring for introducing the "Ashley," a push-up bra for girls who normally are too young to have anything to push up. Originally it was marketed for girls as young as 7, but after public outcry, it raised its intended audience to the wise old age of 12. I wonder how do people initiate a conversation in the office about the undeveloped chest of elementary school girls without someone nearby thinking they're pedophiles?

Push-up bikini controversy

What kind of PowerPoint presentation was shown to the Abercrombie executives that persuaded them to green light such a product?

That there was a demand to make little girls hot?

I mean, that is the purpose of a push-up bra, right? To enhance sex appeal by lifting up, pushing together and basically showcasing the wearer's breasts. Now, thanks to AF Kids, girls don't have to wait until high school to feel self-conscious about their, uhm, girls. They can start almost as soon as they're potty trained. Maybe this fall the retailer should consider keeping a plastic surgeon on site for free consultations.

We've been here with Abercrombie before -- if you recall, about 10 years ago they sold thongs for 10-year-olds -- but they're hardly alone in pitching inappropriate clothing to young girls. Four years ago the popular "Bratz" franchise introduced padded bras called "bralettes" for girls as young as six. That was also around the time the good folks at Wal-Mart rolled out a pair of pink panties in its junior department with the phrase "Who Needs Credit Cards" printed on the front.

I guess I've been out-of-the-loop and didn't realize there's been an ongoing stampede of 10-year-old girls driving to the mall with their tiny fists full of cash demanding sexier apparel.

What's that you say? Ten-year-olds can't drive? They don't have money, either? Well, how else are they getting ahold of these push-up bras and whore-friendly panties?

Their parents?

Noooo, couldn't be.

What adult who wants a daughter to grow up with high self-esteem would even consider purchasing such items? What parent is looking at their sweet, little girl thinking, "She would be perfect if she just had a little bit more up top."

And then I remember the little girl at the airport. And the girls we've all seen at the mall. And the kiddie beauty pageants.

And then I realize as creepy as it is to think a store like Abercrombie is offering something like the "Ashley", the fact remains that sex only sells because people are buying it. No successful retailer would consider introducing an item like a padded bikini top for kindergarteners if they didn't think people would buy it.

If they didn't think parents would buy it, which begs the question: What in the hell is wrong with us?
It's easy to blast companies for introducing the sexy wear, but our ire really should be directed at the parents who think low rise jeans for a second grader is cute. They are the ones who are spending the money to fuel this budding trend. They are the ones who are suppose to decide what's appropriate for their young children to wear, not executives looking to brew up controversy or turn a profit.

I get it, Rihanna's really popular. But that's a pretty weak reason for someone to dress their little girl like her.

I don't care how popular Lil' Wayne is, my son knows I would break both of his legs long before I would allow him to walk out of the house with his pants falling off his butt. Such a stance doesn't always makes me popular -- and the house does get tense from time to time -- but I'm his father, not his friend.

Friends bow to peer pressure. Parents say, "No, and that's the end of it."

The way I see it, my son can go to therapy later if my strict rules have scarred him. But I have peace knowing he'll be able to afford therapy as an adult because I didn't allow him to wear or do whatever he wanted as a kid.

Maybe I'm a Tiger Dad.

Maybe I should mind my own business.

Or maybe I'm just a concerned parent worried about little girls like the one I saw at the airport.

In 2007, the American Psychological Association's Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls issued a report linking early sexualization with three of the most common mental-health problems of girls and women: eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression. There's nothing inherently wrong with parents wanting to appease their daughters by buying them the latest fashions. But is getting cool points today worth the harm dressing little girls like prostitutes could cause tomorrow?

A line needs to be drawn, but not by Abercrombie. Not by Britney Spears. And not by these little girls who don't know better and desperately need their parents to be parents and not 40-year-old BFFs.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of LZ Granderson.

US Department of Labor Issues a Health Hazard Alert for Brazilian Straightners

2011-04-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Brazilian Hair Straightening Is Making Waves Again: US Department of Labor Issues a Health Hazard Alert

By Cheryl Wischhover Wednesday, Apr 13, 2011 / 12:30 PM

Brazilian blowouts–otherwise known as keratin straightening treatments–are in the news again, this time prompting the US Department of Labor to release a Hazard Alert about the dangers of formaldehyde-containing straightening formulas. The Department of Labor used the information gleaned from the various state and federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) investigations to formulate its report.

The salient points in the alert:

-In addition to the Brazilian Blowout (GIB LLC’s brand that started the whole investigation in the first place), other brands were found to contain or release formaldehyde even when listed as “formaldehyde free” or not mentioning formaldehyde on the label.

-Formaldehyde poses the following health risks: allergic symptoms, nose/eye irritation, breathing problems, blindness (if splashed in the eyes), nose and lung cancer.

-Formaldehyde is also called methylene glycol, formalin, methylene oxide, paraform, formic aldehyde, methanal, oxomethane, oxymethylene, or CAS Number 50-00-0. If any of these are listed as ingredients, salons must take the proper precautions to protect workers.

-Products have to list formaldehyde as an ingredient if it is greater than 0.1% and provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to salons. It’s a salon’s responsibility to determine formaldehyde content if they’re purchasing solutions from abroad.

-If salons decide to still use the formulas, they have to provide air ventilation systems, use lower heat settings on flat irons, give workers the choice to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment (like gloves), educate workers on the MSDS, post signs in salon about presence of formaldehyde, and train workers properly.

-If formaldehyde is present in the air at a level of 0.5 ppm during an 8-hour work shift or 2 ppm during any 15-minute period, then the employer must get workers the right medical attention and test the air periodically to make sure that formaldehyde levels are below OSHA’s limits.
-Salons will have to keep records of air testing.

In related news, WWD reports that a hearing is scheduled for May 2 to determine whether GIB LLC, the company that makes the Brazilian Blowout, will have to acknowledge that its products contain formaldehyde and provide all the appropriate documentation to salons. Additionally the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an independent, not-for-profit watchdog group, just released a very comprehensive summary of the risks of hair straightening treatments.

So is this the first death knell for keratin straightening treatments? Salons are going to have to pay to upgrade ventilation systems, provide protective garments, and do air testing. Hair straightening is huge business for a lot of salons, and is a big money-maker, but it may not be worth it anymore for smaller, independent salons. And will salon workers start refusing to do the treatments? A hair stylist just told us yesterday that he does hundreds of these procedures in the summer months alone. It doesn’t look like the FDA is going to ban these products like Canada has–yet. But if more complaints are filed or salons don’t comply, that may be the future of keratin straightening.
Better fire up your flat irons.

Amazing High Heel Shoes

2011-04-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

I snagged these from Kobi Levi's blog - they are way too School for Cool to not be shared with you all!!

The narrative is from Basil's blog -
Israeli footwear designer Kobi Levi takes a playful, unique approach to his designs, treating them as sculptures. Clearly more for humor than high fashion, Levi takes everyday objects and incorporates them into a creative pair of high heels."In my artistic footwear design, the shoe is my canvas," says Levi, a graduate from the Bezalel Academy of Art & Design in Jerusalem. "The trigger to create a new piece comes when an idea, a concept and/or an image comes to mind. The piece is a wearable sculpture. It is alive. Most of the inspirations are out of the 'shoe-world,' and give the footwear an extreme transformation. The result is usually humoristic with a unique point of view about footwear."

Slide 2010

Miao 2010

Mallard Duck 2011

Chewing Gum 2009

Swan 2011

Dog 2010

The Olive Oyl 2011

Toucan 2011

Banana Slip-On 2010

Blow 2010

Blond Ambition 2011

Sling-Shot 2010

Tilcia

Roles That Made Some Actors Almost Quit Acting Altogether

Beauty on the Cheap

Update - Balman X & H&M Price List

Another Great H&M Collaboration - BALMAIN X

20 Great Life Hacks

Black Friday Deal 11/27 through 12/01

My Younique Moonstruck 3D Mascara Review

Nature. Love. Science.

The Younique Love It Guarantee

Within 14 Days of Delivery, No Questions Asked

Within 15-30 Days of Delivery

Within 31-90 Days of Delivery

25 Words That Are Their Own Opposites

1. Bitch

2. Clip

3. Continue

4. Fight with

5. Flog

6. Go

7. Hold up

8. Out

9. Out of

10. Peer

11. Toss out

Perdue Whole Roast Chicken

Toxic Apparel - Not Good for Us!

Zara the most toxic apparel says Greenpeace

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep, But You Should Rethink Some Cosmetic Treatments

Three (3) Simple Ways to Look Taller

Also, while this article is from a magazine, please note that you can achieve any of the below looks for way way less money than the items they chose to display.

Punctuate Properly

Choose a Flared Fit

Keep It Light

Beware! Counterfeit Items Go Beyond Luxury Items

Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try

Weird Fitness Equipment You Should Try

Study: Makeup makes women look competent, trustworthy

Study: Makeup makes women look competent, trustworthy

Clean vs Messy House - Be Fabulously Fashionable - FAKE IT!

How to Fake a Clean House By Kathleen Squires

When you’re short on time, here's how to give your living spaces the illusion of cleanliness.

Where Children Sleep by James Mollison

‘Where Children Sleep’

Missoni + Target = OMG OMG OMG !!!!

Little Sprouts Day School Vestavia, AL - Please Vote

I know I've been MIA for awhile

Parents, don't dress your girls like tramps

Parents, don't dress your girls like tramps

US Department of Labor Issues a Health Hazard Alert for Brazilian Straightners

Brazilian Hair Straightening Is Making Waves Again: US Department of Labor Issues a Health Hazard Alert

Amazing High Heel Shoes

Within 14 Days of Delivery,
No Questions Asked

How to Fake a Clean House
By Kathleen Squires