You are currently browsing the monthly archive for November 2009.
Turn Leftovers into Beauty Treatments
If you’ve had enough of holiday leftovers and don’t want to let good food go to waste, there’s a way to use up all the extras.
According to the CBS Early Show, pumpkin, cranberries, and mashed potatoes make great ingredients for simple at home beauty treatments. Just open the fridge and create your own home spa.
Pumpkin Facial Mask
A slice of pumpkin pie can add up to about 400 calories, but there are no calories involved when you apply pumpkin to your face as used in many expensive spa facials. Just mix together 2 teaspoons of cooked pumpkin puree, 1/2 teaspoon of honey, and 1/4 teaspoon of regular or soy milk. Leave the mask on for five to ten minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water. Read the rest of this entry »

Image: FabSugar
Chopard Lights Up the Movie, Nine
Swiss jewelry company, Chopard, has teamed up with costume designer Colleen Atwood to create several unique pieces for the leading ladies of the upcoming movie musical, Nine.
The musical is based on Mario Fratti’s adaptation of Federico Fellini’s autobiographical film 8½. It focuses on film director Guido Contini during the early 1960s in Venice, who faces a midlife crisis and a web of romantic difficulties that block his creative endeavors. The original Broadway play, which starred Raul Julia, won five Tony Awards including best musical.
Chopard pieces in the film include a a South Sea pearl and diamonds white gold ring worn by Kate Hudson’s character, Stephanie. Nicole Kidman as Claudia wears oval-cut diamond chandelier earrings and a cuff with 97 carats of diamonds. Sophia Loren and Judi Dench’s characters also wear Chopard in the film.
With all the talent and bling on the screen, the musical which is set for release on December 25th is certain to sizzle. Click here to see the official trailer.
Create the Next Hot Shoe Trend
Do you have what it takes to be a shoe designer? If you do, shoe designer Steve Madden is looking for you.
Steve Madden and Zappos.com have joined forces to launch the Sole Search contest. If you have a passion for footwear, you could win a chance to present your one-of-a-kind design to Steve Madden himself.
All you need to do is draw a sketch, use graphics software, or design your shoe masterpiece using the site’s Entry Editor to select colors, patterns, or shoe embellishments. Entries must also include a description of the shoe or the inspiration behind the design.
Three lucky winners will fly to Las Vegas and then to New York City to sell their design to Steve Madden. The contest runs till December 29, 2009 so get out your sketchpad and start designing. Click here to see sketches by various designers for Spring 2010 courtesy of The Insider.
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Lights out for a Better Sleep
Forget about counting sheep to get a good night’s sleep. A sleep mask may be low tech, but it goes a long way when you’re traveling and want to block out approaching daylight or illumination from street lamps, stereos, or televisions.
Sleep masks go way back but were popularized in the hit movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s when Audrey Hepburn wore one as a hard-partying gold-digger trying to get some shut-eye.
Even if you don’t stay out all all night, the Holly GoNightly sleep mask from fredflare.com will help you get into that all important REM stage of sleep. Complete with fluttering eyelashes and gold trimmed eyebrows, the satin lined mask with terry backing is a must have for the holiday season when sleep hygiene is usually thrown out the window.
Now all you have to do is download Henry Mancini’s Moon River, hit the play button, and you’ll be fast asleep.
Image: J. Nguyen
Say Goodbye to the Oprah Winfrey Show
Although ratings have been taking a slow dive for the last few seasons, the Oprah Winfrey Show has been a mainstay of daytime television for 23 years. So, who will viewers look to for their daily talk fix when Harpo Studios shuts the show down?
Current daytime talkers Ellen DeGeneres and Rachael Ray already have established audiences and likely have peaked with their viewership. Although the Ellen DeGeneres Show has maintained a popular base, it looks like DeGeneres may be taking baby steps beyond the talk show couch with judging appearances on reality shows So You Think You can Dance and American Idol. The Rachael Ray Show has modest popularity, but it’s unlikely the show’s format has the depth to carry on for the length of time the Oprah Winfrey Show has been around.
The Doctor is in
Is it time for a new format for daytime talk TV? Last year’s introduction of a health-focused talk show with a panel of medical practitioners has proved to be successful for The Doctors. With the high cost of health care and rampant misinformation on the Internet, medical education on television is a natural. Read the rest of this entry »

Image: BuzzSugar
Blind Side Blonde
If you have to pick one of the top brunette actresses in Hollywood, Sandra Bullock easily stands out. When it came to portraying Memphis Housewife Leigh Anne Tuohy in the film The Blind Side, the dark-haired actress had no trouble jumping into character by dying her hair golden blonde.
The Blind Side is based on the life of Michael Oher, an offensive lineman who plays for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. The storyline revolves around the Tuohy family who adopted Oher when he was homeless, and helped him to become one of the hottest recruits for college football in 2004 (check out the Tuohy family story that inspired the movie).
According to People, Bullock felt humbled to have been part of the movie, and considered her lighter hair entertaining but not really her “color palette”. Jesse James, the actress’s husband at the time, thought the same. So much for blondes having more fun! Click here to check out the official trailer.
Update
- Sandra Bullock’s performance in The Blind Side has brought her several honors, including a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild award, and an Oscar award for Best Actress. Her film has also reached a milestone as the first in history driven solely by a top female star to cross the $200 million mark at the domestic box-office.
- If you loved the look Sandra Bullock pulled off as Southern Football mom, Leigh Anne Tuohy, you’ll be happy to know she was wearing a ToyWatch Plasteramic Watch with Crystals during the film.
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Sandra Bullock’s Green Floppy Hat
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Blondes vs. Brunettes: It’s On!
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Ted Townsend wears Olympic Oval pink toque
No Home Advantage for Canadians
Stephen Colbert has been offered a job at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics by the City of Richmond, BC. There’s just one stipulation for the host of The Colbert Report. He has to wear pink.
Colbert, sponsor of the cash-strapped U.S. speedskating team, recently complained that the team has been denied ice time at the Richmond Olympic Oval sport facility. Calling Canadians “syrup-sucking iceholes”, Colbert urged his viewers to send in letters demanding that the country cease its icehole-ish behaviour.
City of Richmond spokesperson, Ted Townsend, responded to the allegation by sending a letter to Colbert indicating that international skaters have never been barred, though they have been asked to follow rules to get on the ice. To ensure there are no hard feelings, the City of Richmond also offered Colbert the position of ombudsman of treatment of American speed skaters during the 2010 Games. Along with the letter, the city included a pink toque as part of Colbert’s uniform to be worn at all times during the Games.
Stephen Colbert later accepted the City of Richmond’s offer to be the Olympic Oval Ombudsman. Although he has no idea what an ombudsman is, he has agreed to take on the job as long as it requires no effort. Ted Townsend, who learned of Colbert’s acceptance by watching the show, insists that Colbert wear the pink toque during his reign as ombudsman: “It’s the uniform and he’ll have to wear it to carry out the functions of the job.” Check out Colbert on the January cover of Sports Illustrated.
Update: The Colbert Report will be taping LIVE at Vancouver Creekside Park next to Science World on February 17th and 18th at 9:15 am!
Sports Illustrated
Hair that Works
It’s not all about your resume.
According to Marie Claire, a competitive job market means getting every detail right including your hairstyle.
Depending on the field you work in, Marie Claire has some tricks of the trade and style mentors that will help you land a job.
For example, if you work in Finance, you’ll want to show off your business aptitude not your over the top hair. To demonstrate authority, neat flat-ironed hair or short and chic styles are the best options.
If you’re a Marketing specialist, you can sell yourself with loose waves that demonstrate that you’re on top of the trends and able to bring freshness to the role.
To get ahead in Arts and Entertainment, show that you’re original but not off the wall.Don’t forget to promote your best qualities at all times. Speaking of which, if you run a business and need a writer, click here.
Full Range of Bath and Body Care
There’s a new addition to the Joe Fresh Beauty collection just in time for the holidays. Joe Fresh Bath™ features a full assortment of bath and body products with prices that range from $2 to $8. According to Creative Director of Joe Fresh Style, Joe Mimran, the approach for the bath collection is “about value, style and quality for our customers.”
Joe Fresh Bath products include a foaming body wash, a creamy body balm, a gel-based exfoliating body polish, and a light, refreshing body mist. The products offer fruity scents like grapefruit and pomegranate with vibrant packaging, making them the perfect pick me up for the dreary days of fall and winter.
If you like soap with a rich lather, you can also try the liquid hand soap. Or, pick up a Wash & Go with Joe travel kit as a gift for your favorite Joe Fresh fan who will no doubt want to sample the line.
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Perk up Your Complexion
If you have just one minute to give your skin a healthy glow, Benefit has the answer. One Hot Minute is a lightweight powder that will give you a natural glow for the holidays that won’t be over the top.
Designed to work on all skin tones, the rose-gold powder adds a healthy glow that makes just the right setting for your makeup. The powder goes on light but you can build it up for the right amount of color.
Use the mini fan brush included with the kit to lightly apply the powder to all parts of your face (cheeks, eyelid, hair line). For best results, use a larger brush for the neck and decollete area. Perfect for a night out or to freshen up your look, you’ll find one minute is just the right amount of time for an all over glow.

Image: kaboodle.com
Man-Gagement Rings Becoming Popular
What’s the latest trend in wedding jewelry? Well, it doesn’t involve rings for women. The newest jewelry being sold to engaged couples is the “man-gagement” ring.
According to ABC news, jewelry stores like Frassanito Jewelers are now offering this ring alternative to newly engaged men as a way for couples to celebrate their relationship: “All the girls want everyone to know their guy is taken, and there’s no better way than to see a ring on his finger,” says Diana Frassanito.
One celebrity who followed this trend is singer/actress, Jennifer Hudson. To celebrate their engagement, the former Idol contestant gave her then fiance, David Otunga, a $15,000 engagement ring by Neil Lane.
If you’re up for it, buy your man an engagement ring in masculine materials like steel, tungsten, or cobalt. Just save the diamonds and platinum for yourself!
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Iconic Givenchy Gown Up for Bid
Audrey Hepburn will be forever known for her elegant, yet classic style. The legendary actress had almost a sixth sense when it came to accentuating her best features and minimizing any flaws.
As Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Hepburn made the little black dress a timeless necessity in every woman’s wardrobe. The actress was also famous for perfectly accessorizing outfits whether it was over-sized sunglasses, a string of pearls, or even a tiara.
Fans of Audrey Hepburn can experience her style at an upcoming specialty auction to be held by Kerry Taylor Auctions in London on December 8th. The auction includes 36 items of clothing from 1953 to the late 60′s, as well as accessories like hats and belts.
Movie items up for bid include a Givenchy black cloqué silk gown worn in Paris When it Sizzles in 1964 (estimated to sell for between $17,000 to $25,000 US), and a Chantilly lace cocktail gown from How to Steal a Million filmed in 1966. Fifty percent of the sale proceeds will be donated to the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund.
Update: The collection of Audrey Hepburn gowns has exceeded pre-sale estimates selling for $435,180 at auction. The highest price ($97,270) was paid for the Givenchy lace cocktail gown from How to Steal a Million.
Audrey Hepburn’s Influence on Fashion
If you can’t get enough of Audrey Hepburn, check out the new book release, Audrey Hepburn: International Cover Girl, by Scott Brizel. The book is a collection of more than 600 magazine covers with an accompanying biography tracing Audrey Hepburn’s image, style, and influence.
Germ-Killing Solutions
Who would have thought that a hand sanitizer would be a must have accessory for your desk drawer at work or your handbag. With flu season kicking into gear, sales of hand sanitizers are soaring. Although washing with soap and water is the preferred method for fighting germs, the portability of sanitizer products make them popular when you’re on the go.
Sanitizers come in various formats (spray, gel, and wipes) with different added benefits. Burt’s Bees Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer contains a chemical-free formula of alcohol and witch hazel which leave no residue. A clean scent and vitamin-rich aloe vera leave your hands feeling refreshed.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Hand Cleanse Gel is a quick drying liquid that lets you manage germs without over-drying your skin. With its key ingredient of tea tree oil, the gel offers a safe and healthy way to avoid germs with natural purifying antibacterial properties.
EO Sanitizing Hand Wipes stop germs from spreading while keeping your hands clean. Organic and plant based, the wipes contain organic lavender essential oil and 62% organic alcohol that sanitizes on contact.
How to Use Hand Sanitizers
Place a small amount of the sanitizer on the palm of your hand then rub it over your entire hand, including between the fingers and in the nail bed. If the liquid or gel evaporates completely in less than 15 seconds, it means that you haven’t used enough of the product.
Do you carry around a hand sanitizer?
Kitty Fashion
Now your cat can keep up with you when it comes to ready-to-wear fashion. United Bamboo, the fashion collective developed by Japanese designer Miho Aoki and Vietnamese designer Thuy Pham, has created cat ready-to wear for the Fall and Winter season 2009-2010.
Pieces from the collection include stunning print sheaths and detailed tops with matching black skirts that will make your cat stand out from the rest of the litter. To celebrate their new line of cat fashion, United Bamboo has also published a limited edition United Bamboo 2010 Calendar showcasing their hot ready-to-wear feline pieces.
Update: Kitty fashion is back for with a limited edition 12 month calendar for 2011 featuring kittens in United Bamboo Ready-to-Wear.
Attention Target Shoppers
Target is set to join the club offering high end designer clothing to budget challenged shoppers. A limited edition collection by Rodarte is coming to Target stores and the Internet on December 20, 2009 and will be available through February 6, 2010.
Pieces that have been revealed from the modern, yet feminine collection include a faux lambskin vest ($49.99) and a sleeveless skeletal dress with sequins (($49.99). The Mulleavy sisters (Kate and Laura) are taking their inspiration from favorite films like Bonnie and Clyde and Harold and Maude. The collection aims at “making something serious, that seems so black and white, somewhat playful.”
Click here to check out the Rodarte for Target Look Book (with prices) courtesy of New York Magazine.
It’s here!
Check out the Rodarte collection and shop at Target here. The collection consists of 55 pieces that range from $9.99 for knee-highs to $79.99 for a leopard faux fur jacket. The shelves are emptying fast. Items in the collection that are selling rapidly are the leopard dress, the bow belt, and the slip lace dress.
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The Rodarte for Target collaboration hits stores and online this Sunday and will remain available through January 31
Revitalize the Under Eye Area
You may have heard about detoxing for your body, but what about detox for the eye area?
First Aid Beauty Detox Eye Roller helps combat puffiness and dark circles associated with aging, genetics, or just plain lack of sleep.
Key ingredients in the Detox Eye Roller include caffeine to constrict the fine blood vessels that cause dark under eye circles. Peptides revive lost volume and increase the production of collagen to reduce fine lines, while witch hazel soothes skin under the eyes which is very delicate.
To detox the under eye area, all you need to do is gently roll the metal tip from the inner to the outer corner two or three times. Lymphatic buildup underneath the eyes is then redistributed for less baggy looking skin. With no parabens or harsh chemicals, the Detox Eye Roller will help you look like you had a great’s night’s sleep while improving your under eye area over time.
The Detox Eye Roller is available at The Shoppng Channel in Canada along with other First Aid Beauty products.
Leave in Color, Leave out Frizz
It’s no secret that hair color fades due to repeated washings and environmental exposure. You can go back to your stylist to get your color redone or you can try a conditioner that brings your color back to life.
Ojon’s Restorative Leave-In Treatment enhances your hair with oils from the tropical rainforests of Central America that help to reduce frizziness by up to 88%. Oils include passion fruit, macadamia, and crambe seed formulated to smooth your hair and restore its brilliance.
Whether you’re hair color is blonde, brunette, or red, this leave-in treatment provides a combination of ingredients to improve color and add hydration. For blondes, the treatment includes mangosteen, a fruit with intense yellow pigment designed to get hair more golden. Brown hair is enhanced with reishi mushroom and magnolia bark, used as an espresso-tinted colorant. For redheads, the treatment features Japanese algae, rich in carotenoid giving it a deep crimson color.
To get the best out of this product, rub a small amount in the palms of your hands. Next, rub your hands together before applying throughout damp hair. Let your hair dry naturally or blow-dry it then say goodbye to dull, over-processed hair.
Lip Color on the Go
If you need a quick color touch up for your lips, just go to your kitchen cupboard and take out a box of gelatin (any red color like Cherry or Strawberry will work well). Just lick your lips, dip your fingers into the powder (or use a Q-tip) and apply carefully to your lips.
Nailtini Mixes up Nail Polish Cocktails
Cocktail fans listen up. Now you can wear nail colors based on your favorite mixed drinks. Nailtini serves nail lacquers straight up like Velvet Fizz, a deep shimmery ruby or mixer nail colors like Espresso to wear alone or as a base to deepen medium-to-dark shades.
You can also head over to the Nailtini Mini Bar and try out one of their collections. After Dinner Drinks includes four icy colors like Blue Flame and On The Rocks. The Bar Master’s Must-Haves collection features shades like Cream and Espresso Mixer lacquer and Crushed Ice and Spritzer Toppers–perfect colors that you can stir up for any occasion.
Twilight’s Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
How popular is the Twilight film series? Look no further than the cover of next month’s Harper’s Bazaar which features Kristin Stewart and Robert Pattinson in the hot colors of the series: black and red.
Inside, the cover story includes an interview of the Twilight couple in Vancouver, where filming of the third installment of the Twilight series, Eclipse, took place. The movie is set for release on June 30, 2010.
Photos include a shot of Stewart in a black Alexander Wang dress and Pattinson in Dior Homme seated on a BSA motorcycle. Another photo shows the couple surrounded by roses featuring Stewart in Prada with a becklace by Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James and Pattinson in a Dior Homme biker jacket.
How familiar are you with the stars of Twilight? Check out 11 things you may not have known about Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.
Hot Look for Boots
Boots for fall and winter are taking over where bags and shoes left off. As the hottest accessory seen on fashion runways and city streets, boots now feature hot hardware like single and multiple buckles.
The latest buckle boots aren’t just reworked Doc Martens worn by punk rockers, they come in every possible style. You can also find buckles on everything from suede ankle booties to over-the-knee boots, which makes them an ideal accessory to add edge to any outfit.
Whether you show off your legs in high-heeled multiple buckle booties or team up thigh high riders with your favorite skinny jeans like Kate Hudson, boots with buckles can go a long way to getting your accessories right.
Color Collection with Festive Shimmer
It’s never too early to get ready for the holidays, and Lancome can answer your holiday makeup questions with the L’Absolu Rouge Soirée collection. With vibrant reds, jeweled plums, and earthy browns, you can celebrate the holidays with just the right amount of glamour you’d expect for the holiday season.
Check out the Lancome Beauty School for detailed instructions on how to incorporate the L’Absolu Rouge Soirée palette into your holiday look. Tips include applying Aquatique nude eyecolour base to leave your eyes with a matte, natural finish to help make shadows last longer. You can also illuminate your skin with a wam glow by adding layers of Sparkling Cherub, a sheer bronze-lit powder.
For just the right amount of shimmer to bring in the holidays, the L’Absolu Rouge Soirée collection offers multiple looks with just the right amount of festive sparkle for the season.
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Check out our new Beauty News page updated regularly
Make it Smooth and Sophisticated
When it comes to men’s hairstyles, everything old is new again. With series like Mad Men influencing fashion trends, more men are following the lead of Manhattan ad execs like Don Draper and Roger Sterling who likely spent as much time slicking their hair back as their wives did teasing their bouffant.
The difference today is that it’s much easier for men to get the classic look that oozes worldly charm from Mad Men stars as well as Gossip Girl regulars like Ed Westwick. Diana Schmidtke, a Los Angeles-based freelance men’s stylist with clients like George Clooney, Jake Gyllenhaal and Matt Damon, recommends using AXE Smooth & Sophisticated Shine Pomade to create the hold and maximum shine essential for this look.
Styling Tips for the Classic Look
Typically, most styling products work best on dry or almost dry hair. However, you’ll want to wet you hair for this look because the pomade will lock in the moisture. Diane follows these steps to get the classic look for her clients on film sets and photo shoots:
- After washing your hair, take a finger tip amount of the pomade and distribute it evenly through the hair from front to back and back to front (you can always use more product, if necessary).
- Using a comb, create a side part (which is a key to this look) in a straight line from the front of the head to the crown.
- Take another fingertip amount of the shine pomade, rub it vigorously between your hands, and lightly go over the finished style to ensure it stays in place all day whether you’re cutting deals in the boardroom or sipping martinis with clients.
Not all Gummi Bears are Created Equal
If you’ve over-indulged on candy over Halloween and it’s starting to show on your face, Skin Balance Gummi Bear Boosters from Borba may be a better way satisfy your sweet tooth. Used alone or with your current regimen, these skin care supplements provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients all in a tasty, but good for you formulation.
Each Gummi Bear Booster contains a cultivated bio-vitamin complex that helps skin regenerate its natural support system. Gummi Bear Boosters also help increase the potential to absorb skin care into the epidermis.
Key ingredients in these skin care nutraceuticals include green tea extract which helps supplement natural oxidants to protect skin from free radicals. Grape seed extract, containing polyphenols, is also high in antioxidants. Fat-free and packed with the acai superfruit, these gummi bears will take your daily vitamin regimen to a whole new level.
Clean up Your Makeup Act
Even if you’re not a germaphobe, you probably are paying more attention to bacteria because of recent flu outbreaks. Cosmetic products are magnets for bacteria which may lead to pink eye, cold sores, and skin sensitivities.
BeautySoClean™ is a unique line of cosmetic sanitizing products created and used by professional makeup artists to clean, rejuvenate, and remove bacteria from cosmetic products without changing the makeup in any way. You can safeguard your health with three products that come in regular and professional size:
- Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist cleans and removes bacteria from powder-based products (eye shadow, blushes, etc.) and cream-based products (concealers, lip glosses in a pot, etc.).
- Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes refresh and remove bacteria from lipsticks, lip glosses, pencils, and makeup products.
- Conditioning Brush Cleanser conditions and dissolves makeup from cosmetic brushes. Formulated with natural ingredients, you can use the cleanser for natural and synthetic makeup brushes.

















