New Year and A New YOU! Hot Trends for 2010

Every girl likes a great makeover and this is the time to do it. This year commit to more than a few "old hat" resolutions. Commit to you! Brand yourself starting with your image. You are the face of your enterprise and impressions are everything. Here are a few of the HOT TRENDS going into 2010.

Hair Color! Want to change things up a bit? Add some depth to your color. Go darker or add some warmth for the winter season.

Glamorous Metalics! Add some shimmer to your lids. There are great metalic eyeshadows on the market. Ask your local make-up artist to demo them for you. Try Bobbi Brown's Rockstar or Brown Stone  ***Please note! This is not a trend for the masses and could make eyes look older if not applied properly***

Bright and Light Lips! Find a lip neutral lip liner and fill in your lips. Cover with a shimmer-riffic gloss that brings color to your cheeks and lips. Try Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect lip Gloss
 in Red Stocking for extra sugar!!

Have a safe, healthy and happy New Year and cheers to a FABULOUS 2010!! Thank you for your continued support! You are amazing.

Love,
Cyn
Photos from Sephora.com 

Benefit High Beam: Not a fan...

I usually tell you about products that I really like or have had success with however, today is the opposite. I used Benefit's High Beam luminizer over the summer for 7 days but had to stop because I was getting dark spots where I had been applying the product. It was so bad that people asked if I had a black eye!

At first, I thought I had two mysterious age spots that suspiciously appeared after only one week but then the reality of that thought set in. Wrong! They were only on the top of both of my cheek bones. So, I asked my esthetician what it was from and she guessed that the reflective agents in the product where attracting the sun and probably causing the dark marks. She suggested that I try it only at night when I went out so the sun could no longer penetrate and cause the reaction. Unfortunately, that wasn't the answer and the dark spots got even darker. So I discontinued use of the product so the dark spots would correct.

It took over five months for them to reduce in appearance but there are still marks on my skin. I would say that in another six months, they will be almost invisible. It was definitely not worth the time, product, or the work that it has taken to correct the damaged caused. Be cautious if you choose to use this product. There are numerous great reviews so it may just be me. Either way, heads up!
Love and sugar,
Cyn
Photo from sephora.com

Make-up Primers: Benefits and Brands

What is a make-up primer and how is it used? Say goodbye to the mid-day make-up reapplication! A make-up primer prepares the skin for your foundation and helps it stay in tact longer. Primer can be in a gel formula or cream formula both of which work equally as well. It is to be applied to clean skin after your moisturizer and before your liquid or powder foundation. It can be applied everywhere on the face especially to the areas that you are normally touching up throughout the day. I would avoid the eyelid area; some say that it is safe to use on the eye area but be careful with your eyelids. There are other products on the market specifically designed for that.

Benefits of Using a Make-up Primer

• Pore size is reduced and concealed
• Skin appears smoother
• Minimizes appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps reduce shine and oiliness
• Make-up goes on more evenly 
• Protects skin with vitamins and antioxidants
  
• Helps keeps pores from clogging
  

Recently, I have been using a make-up primer under my make-up and have had great results. My make-up goes on smoother and the visibility of fine lines has reduced and I haven't had to touch-up my foundation at all throughout the day! I am a believer! Here are two products that I absolutely LOVE!

NARS Make-up Primer with SPF
I LOVE this product! I use it daily under my mineral foundation and have flawless results. It has also helped moisturize my dry winter skin and balance out the oily spots in my T-Zone. I also love that it has an added layer of SPF. Check it out on their website!
http://www.narscosmetics.com/Primer-with-SPF-C413_category_3B.aspx

Smashbox Photo Finish
This is also a great product and I prefer this in the summer when my skin is more moisturized. This is a great product for those with oily or combination skin. I like to wear this product even when I don't apply make-up. It leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Check it out: http://www.smashbox.com/PHOTO-FINISH-FOUNDATION-PRIMER

Photos from smashbox. com and narscosmetics.com

Reflections of 2009: 5 Life Lessons

This will be one of the most memorable years for all of us. We lost Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett on the same day and now Murphy at age 32. It has been considered the worst year since the Great Depression and has bottomed out many in the fashion industry. Designers have gone bankrupt and labels are now available on "sample sale" sites everywhere to recover losses.Yikes! What a downer! 2009 be gone!! Although it was a hard year, there are a few lessons that I have learned and everyone can benefit from that. Let's enter 2010 with a clear head, lifted heart and new outlook on life.

Lesson 1: Live within your means: Use credit to build not destroy. Check out Suze Orman's book Young Fabulous and Broke http://www.suzeorman.com/index.cfm
Lesson 2: Don't count your chickens before they hatch: Some never will and others may escape the nest.
Lesson 3: Take educated risks: Now is a great time to invest.
Lesson 4: Don't be too proud: If you need help ask for it.
Lesson 5: Create a nest egg: Prepare for another year like this one.

**Lesson 1 applies to holiday spending!! Prepare a budget and stick to it. Don't forget that part of the giving season is to give yourself a break from financial weight. Start now and carry that into 2010.

Much love, Cyn

Decked in Diamonds and Other Jewels!

Layering different pieces is all the rage. Check out some of these pieces that I absolutely love.
Double Wrap Layering Necklace

http://www.jcrew.com/

Layer this piece with a smaller necklace or drape multiple necklaces doubling the first one to make a shorter look.

****For extra sugar- Check out Elsa Peretti's Diamonds By The Yard Sprinkle Necklace at http://www.tiffany.com/ for alternative layered look.

Crystal Thornbush Drop Earrings from http://www.jcrew.com/  This is a great way to add a little sparkle plus a touch of femininity to any outfit.

Add a statement piece to your collection. The Beaded Band Ring from Banana Republic is a great example. http://www.bananarepublic.com/

Photos are from jcrew.com, bananarepublic.com, and tiffany.com

Minx - Hot Holiday Nails!

Another hot California company! Check out these sexy holiday metallics, designs and more!
http://www.minxnails.com/
Minx Nails have been featured in numerous fashion magazines and are the hottest new trend. Watch this UTUBE video on it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7ukBFJZY60

Basic Food and Wine Pairings

Pairing wine is always a challenge. No matter what occasion you are celebrating knowing what ingredients pair with what wines will help bring out the best in every dish. Here are some very basic pairings that will help you create the perfect culinary experience. Just remember to ensure that your pairings are in order of weight (lighter to heavier) so that the palette is not overwhelmed and flavors are not lost.


Champagne or Sparkling Wine: In addition to being a great aperitif, this is the fantastic choice when serving seafood, chicken, duck, veal, pork or eggs. The acidity is a perfect pair with a richer fish, such as Sea Bass, Mackerel, or Monkfish, or deep-fried foods. It is also a great match with raw fish such as sushi or oysters.
Key Flavors: Rich-Cream, butter, Earthy-mushrooms, leeks, Tart/Acidic-capers, dill, olives, citrus, Spice-curry, ginger, cayenne.
Cheeses: Hard (Parmesan), Salty (Feta), or Rich (triple cream)

Sauvignon Blanc: Typically after the hors d'oeuvres, the first course is usually a soup or salad of some sort. This is a great choice with a hearty soup or creamy vegetable puree. A salad with a vinaigrette or a fresh salsa would work to complement the acidic and spicy ingredients. It pairs perfectly with fresh basil, tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. This wine may be too intense for some on it's own so make sure that it is paired with food or cheese. This does not pair well with savory dishes that are semi-sweet (roasted garlic, sweet onion, or root vegetables). If that is your dish, substitute a Chardonnay.
Key Flavors: Citrus-orange, lemon, lime, dairy-sour cream, creme fresh, yogurt, Tart/Acidic-dijon mustard, capers, olives.
Cheeses: Ricottta, Buffalo Mozzarella, Swiss, Goat, Brie or Fontina

Pinot Noir: This is a great varietal and even better with rabbit, coq au vin, duck, squab, pheasant, quail, sweetbreads, lamb, tuna, swordfish or pork. You can grill it, smoke it, char it, wok it, or bake it.
Key Flavors: Earthy-cooked greens, fennel, squash, truffle, mushrooms (Chantrelle, Crimini, Porcini, Morel), beets, lentils, sweet onions, shallots, Fruit- berries, cherries, tomato (sun dried or roasted), Spices- fennel, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, pepper.
Cheeses: mild and creamy such as Aged Cheddar, Brie, Teleme, or Goat. A charcuterie plate would be perfect with this!

Cabernet: Now this is a big gun so bring a big dish. Pair this with a beautiful, buttery, peppered, grilled steak with bitter greens such as radicchio or braised escarole. It will pair with any fatty dish, beef dish such as pot roast, venison, duck, squab, pork or veal dish. Grill it, plank roast it, braise it, or smoke it.
Key Flavors: Nuts-Walnuts or pecans, Tart/Acidic-balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, black olives, green olives, Earthy-truffles, mushrooms, Spice-black pepper. You can add a small amount of gorgonzola to your steak but be cautious; it is a strong cheese and may compete too much with the wine.
Cheeses: Mild to moderate in flavor. Choose a young Camembert, Brie, Aged Jack or Parmesan

Domestic Violence: Let Your Voice Be Heard

This is a very serious subject and is far more common than we can even imagine. If you or anyone that you know may be involved in an abusive relationship, please log onto this website to find help. There is a safety feature on the site for immediate exit.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://www.ndvh.org/

Your Little Black Dress: Create A New Look!

Who doesn't feel extremely elegant, sexy and powerful in your LBD? This closet staple is a must! Here are a few different ways to add variety to your dress to maximize on the numbers of wears that you get out of it.

Add Color: Choose a contrasting heel or bright clutch to add a pop of color that will really stand out.

Accessorize With Bold Jewelry: A statement piece is always memorable. Choose classy pieces with sequins or glitter for an elegant look. If you are going for trendy, find something chunky and layer multiple pieces.

Add a Belt: Add a belt or wrap to define your waist line creating an hour glass illusion.

Wear a Jacket or Cardigan: To switch up the look, add a cropped jacket or ruffled cardigan.