The ToiBox Times

Couponing Craze

2011-10-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the guest post by Donn Schroeder I love to shop around and save a buck. I think that it is something that I learned from my parents. They were always good at finding the best deals and waiting until something went on sale. I compare prices of everything from rates of Texas Electricity Providers to prices on steaks at the grocery store every week. There are two grocery stores that are about equidistant from my house. I make two grocery runs every week after comparing the store prices on-line for everything that I need. I rarely buy anything at full price. I have also started to get into the coupon craze. I definitely do not get anything for free, but always clip coupons for products that I use all of the time. I also learned that if you go to a manufacturer’s website that they almost always have printable coupons. I have had to create a new e-mail account for all the coupon e-mails that I get, but saving money is definitely worth the time and effort!

My Red Carpet Reporter Debut - MTV VMA 2010

2010-09-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt of an article at Ebony.com, written by yours truly. I'd like to share it with you. Thank you for your support.

Red Carpet Revue: The VMAs

No worries if you couldn’t make it. We give you the play by play…

Monday, September 13, 2010

By Toi Troutman

courtesy of ebony.com

Los Angeles –

The Nokia Theater buzzed with energy and flair Sunday night for one of entertainment’s biggest events: the 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards. The kick-off pre-show performance was from none other than the first lady of Young Money, the hot and sexy Nicki Minaj in her debut television solo performance. Always fabulous and fashion foreword, Minaj gave it to us in a skintight purple and pink jumpsuit, purple thigh-high boots and a beehive of pink hair. She jerked and gyrated her way through a performance of the hit single “Your Love” and sent her fans into a frenzy of screams and cheers.

Shortly thereafter, the 600-foot white carpet opened, ready for our favorite celebs to march on down and give us a few tasty soundbites. Things were slow for the first 30 minutes, as there was virtually no one posing and styling for the cameras. Then bam, the stars all arrived in a cluster with only minutes of carpet time left to spare.

Lady Gaga floated down the carpet wearing a wig of white and blue hair and an Alexander McQueen tulle skirt that dragged upon the ground. It’s the same one she wore last month on the Vanity Fair cover. The sidelines buzzed with excitement as the culture critics collectively said: “When you’re nominated for a record-breaking 13 awards, you can float down the carpet wearing whatever you like.” Gaga took home eight, one of which she shared with Beyonce for their collab, “Telephone.”

First-time nominee, Canadian rapper Drake, walked by wearing a tone on tone suit —black, black and more black. His shoes, however, had blue and red accents, giving just the right splash of color to his classy black lines. He told EBONY he donned a suit to “impress” the ladies.

Ne-Yo showed up with an interesting admission: “I’m still drunk from last night.” All jokes aside, as far as the business of music videos, Ne-Yo declared Michael Jackson the king of all, citing “Smooth Criminal” as his favorite video of all time. “The VMAs is the music business personified,” he added, when sharing what the MTV VMAs has meant to his career.

PHarrell buzzed by in khaki green giving EBONY the two-fingered peace sign. His performance was early in the show so he didn’t have much time to hang with us. Same for Ciara, who blew a kiss and waved without missing a beat in her Read More.

Re-Boost with Boost Mobile

2010-09-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

These days, everyone (and anyone) has a mobile phone. Gone are the days when only big shots and doctors had them. Remember those big clunky boxes that the old school mobiles e in back in the day? My how times have changed. Yeah, I know I just dated myself, but whatever.

It's no longer exuberantly expensive to talk on your phone either. Just five years ago, phone plans were stingy with the minutes and big on overage charges. After the advent of "all inclusive" plans, it's become customary to pay one price and get many things.

Boost Mobile is the leader in no-contract phone sales, and their Re-Boost program lets you add funds to your phone account even faster than before! You can pay online, in person or over the phone, set up auto payments so you never have to have that embarrassing moment where you don't have service and even use a Re-Boost card (or your receipt) and enter the 14-digit pin code from the card online.

It's perfect for teens, or commitment phobes who don't want a contract with their cell phone service. I like the idea of paying the bill for a teenage son or daughter and not having to attach the credit or debit card to the account for good. No bills is just that!

What's good also is the phone selection has really come a long way. Now you can even get a Blackberry instead of "just a phone". I prefer my phones smart. Now Boost Mobile is even offering a plan that allows you access to your Facebook so that you can stay connected to friends and family on the go. Twitter updates are a breeze too. I use my phone to do my updates more often than not, so that is something I look for in a plan. There are lots of other extras you can sign up for as well.

Speaking of plans, for an unbelievable $60 a month, you're on your BlackBerry with UNLIMITED everything. Not bad for no contract. Definitely worth investigating. Even if Blackberry isn't your thing, you can get the new Motorola i1, the Samsung Seek, or a ton of other hot new phones. Activation takes just a few minutes and you're on your way. Don't pay more for your phone than you have to. Re-Boost your budget by paying less. That's how I see it.

Attire: Dressy...Am I?

2010-09-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

What is dressy depends so greatly upon where you live and who your mom is. I know that may be hard to take in at first, but if you live on the East coast, you are known for saying, "The people on the West coast cannot dress!" I don't really hear the West coast saying the same, but New Yorkers (and those on that coast altogether) certainly pride themselves on being the REAL fashion capital of America.

My thoughts on the issue have been steadfast--even before I lived in Cali. I don't think that Californians take as much time to observe the "rules" as the others do. For example, when I was growing up (and consequently to this day) I was drilled into KNOWING that you cannot -- hard and fast rule -- wear white after LABOR DAY. Period. No exceptions. This includes shoes, pants, slacks, jeans, and just about everything except an oxford blouse or other white top. Yes there is bone, ecru and winter white, but for the most part, white is for summer.

Also the jeans issue is one of great debate. With designer jeans running anywhere from $50 to $700, it is EASY to consider jeans DRESSY attire. The jury is still out on this one, but I still believe that by and large it depends on WHERE you are now and where you've come from.

Just my opinion.

Friendly Takeover

2010-09-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

Listen up. I am not usually one to give out contest information, but this one is pretty awesome. It's called the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes and it's not just about you winning, it's about all of your friends getting in on the prize too. I mean how awesome is it for you and 100 (yeah I know that's a lot) of your friends to pretty much take over the Hampton for two nights? On top of that you get $5,000 to help you out with taxes and such for the stay. Cool huh?

Don't worry if you've never stayed at a Hampton or you're not a Hilton Honors member. The contest is open to everyone. Entering is easy. Just visit the site and click on the enter button, fill out your information and that's all there is to it. Just in case you don't win the grand prize of 100 rooms, you could still have a blast if you win first prize, which is given away daily, of a weekend stay for you and three of your friends. Even unpopular people have that many.

If I get lucky, I think I'll take a vote between my top 100 facebook friends and see what the "central" location would be. Let's just say I have veto power, but at least everyone would FEEL like I was going to let them choose the spot. Hey, they get a free room on me. What else do they want?

Of course I'd include family and their friends, but after I count everyone that I really dig, I still won't have 20 people. Hopefully, my friends and family have more friends than I do, or else I am going to be going from room to room, rolling on each bed to make it feel "lived in" and then trying on the robe and letting it drop to the floor before moving on to the next room. That can't be fun.

I'd much rather be having a 100-room pow wow, order room service and watch movies that came out within the last two months that my busy schedule has not allowed me to see. Oh, I can just see my facebook buddies now. Wouldn't that be a coups?

Anyway, enter the sweepstakes so that you can plan your own weekend. You can do it if your lonely or if you're the neighborhood mean girl with tons of friends. Who knows? You just might win.

Tough Time Selling the House?

2010-08-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

It's not a news flash that the Los Angeles housing market is in trouble. Are you having trouble selling your house? The market is not in the best shape, so buying a house is a little easier than selling one--especially if you are in need of cash fast.

Here is a site that has been buying homes in Los Angeles for 25 years. Just go to the site and enter your zip code to start the process. Every little lead helps! Maybe you can unload your house quickly with their assistance.

Shoe Fiend

2010-08-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I admit it. I need help. I am a bona fide shoe addict. At last count, there were over 120 pair in my collection and that's AFTER I did a huge donation to the Salvation Army before I moved. I love shoes. Designer, cheapie, high heel, wedge, stiletto, strappy, clunky -- you name it. If it's hot and (especially) designer, I have to have it.

I was looking for a deal on a few names that I've been craving like Christian Louboutin shoes, Prada shoes, and maybe even Cole Haan shoes. It's no secret that Blue Fly has designer duds at great prices, but to my surprise, they even had these top names at decent prices!

I found a great pair of Christian Loubitan shoes for under $800 that I adore. They are next on my wish list. For Cole Haan, I'll nab a great pump for some hard-core on-camera reporting, and lastly, Prada had this interesting looking heel going on with several of it's styles. The jury is still out on whether or not I'll be sporting the resin heel look. For now, I'm going to go with the Christian Loubitan shoes for play and the Cole Haan shoes for work.

Gotta love Bluefly.com.

Keep It Fresh

2010-07-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Okay...so...honestly this is one of those posts that I am forcing myself to write. It has been a tough week and between not having very many spoons and being swamped with writing, I haven't had time to connect with my readers. I know there are a few of you out there and I do appreciate you.

They say if you don't write in your blog regularly, you will lose readers. I don't know how true that is, but rather than find out, here is some content for the contents sake. I promise to bring you some juicy news shortly.

The Right Time for Face Cream

2010-07-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

Image by kitakitts via Flickr

I've been on the hunt for a good nighttime face cream. There are so many advances in skin care lately, so you cannot just grab the first thing you see.

I had heard about Lubatti so I checked out Lubatti skincare. I opted to use a Lubatti cream and I must say, the one I chose, Lubatti Dreamy Night Cream Mango and Avocado, smells amazing. It is a light mixture of mango and avocado and also contains Shea butter and is good for hydration of the skin.

It leaves the skin feeling silky and amazing by morning.

Osiris: For Women?

2010-07-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Osiris is famous for skateboarding shoes and other accessories. What I didn't know is that they make women's shoes too! I was surfing (online only --not on a board) around and saw these adorable Barrons.

I am not a skater, but I am a fashionista and a cute shoe is a cute shoe! I love a comfortable and supportive shoe that can also be stylish, so this is the perfect choice--even if I won't be doing a kick flip anytime soon.

Osiris is a long-standing name in the industry, and contrary to what I thought, have tons of styles for women in cute, sassy and fun colors and cuts.

Past That Point: Teairra Mari � Honey Magazine

2010-07-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Past That Point: Teairra Mari � Honey Magazine

Check out the story I did for Honey Magazine on Teairra Mari. She was very sweet and a great interview.

Lohan on Lock Down in Lynwood

2010-07-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

Poor Lindsey Lohan is off to jail ... er make that prison...for her 90 day sentence. She is reportedly going to be out in just 14 days if she "behaves herself" and since there is always such overcrowding (ahem) in prison, due to space constraints...you get the gist. Inmates cheered when she arrived.

Lindsey will be in solitary confinement and must stay in her cell 23 hours per day for her own protection. This is her second time going on the inside. She was there in 2007 for 87 minutes. Patience grasshopper.

Wearing High Heels Can Shorten Your Leg Muscles

2010-07-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

UK researchers have concluded that women who wear high-heeled shoes often experience pain when trying to walk in flat shoes.

A group of 11 women agreed to participate in the study. Using an MRI scanner, the researchers found the length of the muscle fibers was 13 percent shorter in those who wore high heels more often.

In addition, when scanning the tendons in an around the feet, women who wore high heels had thicker Achlles' tendons, increasing stiffness in the tendons. Calf muscles are also shortened over time.

What do the experts recommend? Wear flats whenever you can take a break. Perhaps on the way home from the train station, switch out of your heels and into your flats or lower heels. Also try strengthening exercises to prevent tendon shortening.

Allure Magazine Pairs with Microsoft Tag to Give Away Beauty 'Loot'

2010-07-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Familiar with Microsoft Tag? Neither was I, but when Allure is giving away $725k in beauty loot, I had to go download it for my Blackberry and get to scanning.

Allure is publishing 36 tags (bar codes basically) in its Free Stuff issue for August 2010. This marks the first time that readers will be able to use their smartphones to enter 159 different giveaways. Every contest will have a deadline with time and date. There is a total of 32,358 products--all with personalized service to mobile entrants.

Over 35 editorial pages of Allure will feature Tags to scan for a text message reminder 15 minutes prior to the giveaways on that particular page. Then, there is a master Microsoft Tag on the contest calendar in the back of the mag and on the website, which will give readers a chance to scan, winning prizes from anywhere--count me in!

Sample prizes include a fragrance from Giorgio Armani, valued at $40, skin care from Lancome valued at $155 and fashion giveaways such as an $850 Calvin Klein handbag and a $550 jacket from Armani Exchange! Make your wish list while reading Allure and scan using your smart phone.

That's how it works. You can also enter to win at allure.com/freestuff

California Blacks and Prop 19

2010-07-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Proposition 19 moves to legalize marijuana use in California--for tax purposes, of course.

According to the New York Times, how black voters in California decide on Proposition 19, which would allow anyone 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, could be critical to its success or failure. (At the moment, possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, about an ounce, is punishable in most cases by up to six months in prison and a $500 fine.)

Supporters of Prop 19 are saying that they do not wish to promote recreational drug use, but how can anyone expect anything other than an upward spike of use with the passing of such a law?

That being said, supporters also feel that with the allowance of the public to carry one ounce or less of marijuana, the amount of Black men sent to prison on drug-related offenses should also decrease substantially.

Read what you can about the proposition so that you can be an informed voter. Just as a side note, I think that part of the fascination with marijuana is that it's illegal. Do you think it will be as much "fun" if you can blow smoke in the cops' faces or bring marijuana brownies to work for pot luck? Not a smoker, I'm not sure. Comments welcome.

Fashion Apps

2010-07-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Image by Jesse757 via Flickr

New York Magazine has scoured the app world for the top ten fashion apps for iPhone. Droid users are SOL (s**t outta luck) for now--sorry. In the meantime, here is the list of apps (exactly as printed by NY Mag) and their basic premise.

Personally, I don't own an iPhone and Blackberry is not the least bit concerned with a fashion app. None of these apps appear to be available for us die-hard Blackberry girls.

However, the iPhone users are on the cutting edge and will be the first to have dedicated fashion apps for their handheld devices. Enjoy.

Chicfeed
This bare-bones app pulls photos from some of the Internet's most respected style blogs, including the Sartorialist, Face Hunter, and Lookbook. The sorting functionality — or lack thereof — leaves something to be desired, but if you're just seeking quick-hit eye candy, there's no better way to see loads of style snaps all in one spot. The app is available two ways: free with advertising or 99 cents without. Download it here!

Diane Von Furstenberg
While many designers with apps remain skeptical about mobile commerce, Von Furstenberg told W, "We already do so many things from our phones, so shopping is a natural progression." Accordingly, DVF's app allows users to shop via a "Looks We Love" section or by thumbing through the collections — albeit not 24/7. (Our nighttime request to purchase a one-shoulder floral dress wasn't addressed until regular business hours.) Still, DVF gets props for rounding out the app with Facebook-sharing capabilities and access to her Twitter feed. Download it here!

Gap StyleMixer
This innovative brand app allows you to mix and match Gap items with pieces already hanging in your closet. Create outfits using uploaded photos or use the "Mixer" to browse Gap products and create head-to-toe new looks. Shake your phone and the Mixer will generate a random combination of pieces, including shoes and accessories. The "Community" function allows you to share your uploaded looks, as well as check out combos other app users are creating. On the downside, if you're near a Gap location, you can also supposedly "unlock" a special promotion on your phone; we tried, but were lamely told to "check back soon for a new offer." Download it here!

Glamour Ask a Stylist
Wang or Wu? Jeggings or jorts? Dr. Scholl's with socks or without? These are the types of pressing sartorial questions one might bounce off a trusted friend — or one of Glamour's on-call app stylists. Here's how it works: Browse their mini-bios (some are from glamour.com, others from Craigslist), choose the one most up your aesthetic alley, upload your outfit pic and/or inquiry, and wait. Our selected stylist responded to our day-to-night dilemma fifteen minutes after we fired off our request. And, in true women's-mag fashion, we were given an extra boost of confidence ("You'll look awesome wherever you go!"). A solid bet for the indecisive. Download it here!

iShoes
Scroll through more than 50,000 kicks in the shoe-porn Finder, or search the sea of shoes by style and designer. The app indicates which pairs are on sale and connects you straight to buy-it-now retailers. The app is free, functional, and offers decent-size closeups of each item, though we hope its creators introduce better browsing filters (like color, size, heel height, material, etc.) with the next update. Download it here!

Lucky at Your Service
This free app uses GPS, e-commerce, and flesh-and-blood staffers to hunt down editor-approved clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products. Once you've settled on that to-die-for Nanette Lepore dress, the app will direct you to an online retailer, and in select cases, a store within 50 miles (typing in a Manhattan Zip Code netted results within the five boroughs, as well as White Plains, New Jersey, and Long Island) that stocks it. If you're game for an in-person pickup, tell the app your desired size and color, and the Lucky "concierge team" will call the store to see if it's available (regular business hours apply). If it is, they'll even ask the store to set it aside for same-day pickup. The app was super-buggy when it first debuted and is still slow, but it's the closest us proletarians may ever get to having a personal assistant. Download it here!

Lustr Fashion Finder
Get off the G train in a new 'hood and want to kill time at a men’s business accessories trunk show within walking distance of where you are? This impressive sales and promo finder shows you exactly what's happening in real time near you, and draws up a list of upcoming events and promotions searchable by distance, neighborhood, and time remaining before sale end. Navigate sales based on your location and specify down to the type of product you’re looking for (accessories, beauty products, shoes, etc.), the occasion for which you’re shopping (working out, getting married, etc.), or the style you’re going for (edgy, preppy, etc.). You can even create an itinerary and score exclusive-to-Lustr deals. Download it here!

ShopStyle: Mobile
This site's stylish and intuitive spinoff app aggregates clothing and accessories from more than 100 e-commerce sites (Asos, Bluefly, and Neiman Marcus among them). Poke around indiscriminately or filter by category, keyword, brand, store, price, color, size, and sale. If you fall in love, the site forwards you to an online retailer. The free app is best for those who don't really know what they want ("a white dress ... maybe sleeveless ... ideally under $200") and would like to cast a wide net to see what's out there. Download it here!

Style.com
Instead of downloading a bunch of individual designer apps, peruse this hub of major ready-to-wear and couture collections (including menswear), dating back several years. The free app features runway videos beamed to your iPhone hours after the collections debut, as well as show reviews and photos of every look. Supplemental features include international party-scene coverage and access to the site's Style File blog. The app occasionally stalls and crashes, but it's thoroughly comprehensive and easy to use. Download it here!

Stylebook
Like most wardrobe-organizing apps, Stylebook ($3.99) lets you upload photos from your closet, tag and categorize everything you own, plan out what you'll wear in the coming month, and track how many times you've worn each piece. But unlike the others, it allows you to move, assemble, and resize pieces from your wardrobe right on the screen, layering outfits to see exactly how they might look. The biggest drawback was the app's inability to edit out the background from uploaded photos — your best bet is to use the "manual erase" function, or just Photoshop it out yourself before uploading. All in all, Cher Horowitz would be pleased. Download it here!

All-Stars Commit Fashion Crimes During Media Day

2010-07-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I just read a blow-by-blow report of what the All Stars were wearing at All Star Media Day. AP states that some of the All Stars need to duck out from the fashion police with such citations as cotton hoodies in the summer and ugly plaid shirts.

Other offenses include too much bling and extra-long chains with super-big earrings plus matching bracelets. Enough already.

Apparently, Marlon Byrd of the Chicago Cubs was the only one who dressed to impress. He was wearing a black plaid suit over a light green shirt. Add a matching green pocket square, a diamond watch and a matching studs and you've got yourself a winner.

His quote? Pure eloquence: "I'm an All-Star," he said. "First time ever, I want to look like an All-Star."

Well, I guess he did.

Source

New Lupus Research Reveals Why many are Resistant to Treatments

2010-07-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Scientists in Dallas, with Baylor Research Institute (BRI) announced today that two immune system proteins could be causing the more than 5 million lupus patients worldwide to resist widely-used steroidal treatment.

Corticosteroids are routinely used to treat lupus and other autoimmune diseases to prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissues, which leads to pain, inflammation and possible organ damage.

In patients with lupus, the steroid treatments are not as affective, the study shows. The study revealed that two immune system proteins known as toll-receptor 7 (TLR7) and toll-receptor 9 (TLR9), cause an activation of the cells which are targeted by the steroid drugs.

"We have long known that these receptors played a critical role in lupus, but until now, we didn't know they were directly interfering with the effects of steroid treatments, "says Virginia Pascual, M.D., one of the principal investigators of the study and a researcher at BRI. "By locking TLR7 and TLR9 function, we may have found a safer way to treat this debilitating disease."

While Dr. Pascual's research focused mainly on children, she says there is no reason to believe these findings would not be true for adults with lupus as well.

White Trash Beautiful

2010-07-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Bon Jovi guitarist, Richie Sambora launches a fashion label with Los Angeles designer Nikki Lund.

White Trash beautiful is for women only at this time, but there are plans to add a men's line later.

Sambora's label, which launched in March in California, said he was not aiming to make a JLo perfume or a Beyonce cologne but a clothing line. (Is he unaware that both the aforementioned have full lines as well?) He also stated that he was anxious to do a men's line as he finds current men's fashions boring. He has created clothing that only he will wear and they have also created a jacket for Jon.

The collection will be made available for sale in the UK later this month.

Long Distance Love Tips

2010-07-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

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The Buffalo News reports that a few helpful tips can help you maintain a long-distance relationship successfully.

Though most experts feel long-distance relationships do not work, Patti Novak, the Queen City Matchmaker offers these tips to make things go against the stats and result in a successful relationship.

1. Make rules about seeing other people.

2. Do not go more than one month without seeing one another.

3. Plan long distance dates -- rent the same movie and watch it together over the phone. Video chatting is also a good idea.

4. Discuss daily life with your partner.

5. Talk about relocation plans.

6. Send surprise gifts and care packages.

7. Focus on the positive.

Overall, keep the lines of communication open and tell your partner if you feel anything is lacking.

Lupus Saves Snoop's Marriage

2010-07-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

According to Star Pulse, Snoop Dogg's daughter Cori, now 11, was diagnosed with lupus in 2005. This came after Snoop (Calvin Broadus) filed for divorce from wife Chante, citing irreconcilable differences.

The couple renewed their vows on an episode of his show on E! in 2008 and credit Cori's lupus with bringing the family closer together. "Cori's lupus showed us we need to be together forever," Broadus told People Magazine.

Cori has struggled with lupus, which has caused her to gain weight and lose her hair, but she has managed to keep it under control and enjoy a somewhat normal childhood.

New Skin Care Advancements

2010-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dermajuv Skin Care Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Since the cream mom used for wrinkles, skin care products have come a long way. We can all remember when the beauty care regimen consisted of little more than a bar of facial soap and cold cream, followed by cucumbers on the eyes and a tightening mask. Maybe your mom even used witch hazel.

There were limited choices and limited solutions to acne. In fact, it was hard to fathom adult acne at the time, even though many adults suffered from it. Breakouts were attributed to hormonal changes and you simply had to wait for them to go away.

These days, skin care products contain advanced ingredients that result from years of testing and analyzing the effects of natural and synthetic properties. Companies like Dermajuv, for example, have incorporated scientifically proven ingredients such as Matrixyl ® (used in the Original Wrinkle smoothing Cream, The Dynamic Age Defying Serum, The Instant-effect Lifting Serum, The Eye Revolution Gel, and the Neck Restoration Cream), Renovage ®(used in the Dynamic Age Defying Serum), and even Stem Cells, which promotes complete regeneration of damaged skin cells. These choices were virtually unheard of just 30 years ago.

Fads such as hyaluronic acid is being used in pretty much all facial care products, including lip gloss and hand cream, and being touted for its anti-aging effects. However, there is no scientific proof that it has any benefits for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Dermajuv does not list hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient in its products. This shows they've done their homework and are on the cutting edge of skin care, going past the fads to get to the facts.

Dermajuv has combined good science with good sense and kept the tried and true ingredients while adding the ones we didn't know we needed. It's not your mom's beauty cream.

Read "The Spoon Theory" - Someone YOU Know Has Lupus

2010-07-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino

You absolutely have to read this if you have or know someone who has Lupus. It's not about looking sick, it's about how you feel. Though at first glance, you won't understand what spoons have to do with anything, trust me, once you read this, you will get a small taste of life as a "sick" person who doesn't "look sick."

Each year, over 16,000 Americans fall victim to Lupus and still so little is known about--or done to stop it. The least we can do is promote understanding and appreciation for those of us who hold spoons.

Yes Men Need Concealer Too: The Men Pen

2010-07-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of The Men Pen. All opinions are 100% mine.

It is not uncommon to see a man obsess over a zit just the way women do. Well now, The Men Pen can handle problem spots on a man's face with ease. They come in 17 shades and there is one to fit any guy's complexion.

Okay. Is it a big deal for men to wear mens makeup? For years, men have shied away from wearing mens cosmetics for fear that it was too feminine. Enter the metro sexual. Now, it is not only commonplace to conceal a zit before a big meeting or a date, men even get pedicures, facials, manicures, waxes...(think 40-year-old Virgin) and the whole nine. Women like for their men to look good. Plain and simple.

If you are on your way to a big date, or even the prom, a zit can be "the end of your life" when you're 17! Why let it ruin your big day, or any day for that matter? With all the colors available, it's not like anyone will even know you're wearing makeup. They will, however, notice you look fabulous.

Look guys, we women do it consistently and trust me, we don't like zits either, but moles, redness, irritation, rashes and zits happen to everyone. Why not get a Men Pen and CONCEAL IT?

"Bad Romance"-Inspired Circle Contacts Can Lead to Bad Vision

2010-07-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Lady Gaga's amazingly-big doe eyes have inspired a craze that has hit the U.S. hard. Though these circle contacts are illegal and considered contraband in the United States, Internet sales of these contacts have skyrocketed for those going for the look.

According to Wikipedia, Circle Contacts have the color covering the majority of the contact which causes the color to go beyond the actual iris and makes it appear larger. Circle contacts come in a variety of colors and effects. The lenses themselves range from natural-looking colors to special effects. Popular brands include Bescon, Dueba, Geo, Neo and Luxury Vision.

The risks comes from two factors. One, since the contacts are illegal in the US, there is no way to obtain them with a prescription. Therefore, the possibility of a proper fit is slim. Ill-fitted lenses can lead to lifelong eye problems. Secondly, the contacts bear no endorsement from any health agency.

Want big doe Gaga eyes? Do so at your own risk.

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