Saturday, January 30, 2010

Spring 2010 Fashion Trends For the Everyday Girl

Let's face it. I am not Sophia Coppola. I am not Paris Hilton. Nor am SJP. I do not have a clothing allowance from my father or my husband nor do I have a contract that says I can keep the clothes after the show. I do not get invited to lavish clubs or assigned a chair at the latest runway show...at least not yet. I have a job and a boss and a budget. I need to balance work with play and be outfitted for all occasions in between.  Here are a few of the Spring highlights that should somehow make it into your closet and go easy on your wallet. Enjoy!

Ruffles, Ruffles, Ruffles! This season is all about flirty layers of ruffles. Soft and sensuous. www.anntaylor.com You can find them from almost every retailer. They are on skirts, shirts, trenches and even skirts.
High Slits and Short Shorts! This season is all about the legs. Hit the gym now for a long lean leg. Although this example is couture, there are short shorts and high slits that can be found everywhere. I wasn't kidding when I said hit the gym...these looks are for lean legs only! www.eliesaab.com
Pale Denim and Skinny Jeans! Short shorts by day goes light, long and lean by night.
Prints and Plaid: I am seeing more plaid than I want to...


Big Bold Earrings! Earrings are all the rage! You saw it at the Golden Globes. Make this piece the one that draws all of the attention to you. Erickson Beamon sold at www.barneys.com
Fitted blazers and jackets. Everybody's doing it. This is a great way to go from day to night or sharpen up a casual outfit with a polished blazer. Check out these and other looks at www.jcrew.com

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Skin Needling: No Pain No Gain- How far will you go for vanity?


Is this the new skin care trend or just another Hollywood high? Rolling small needles over my face pricking me over and over does not sound like a cup of tea to me! If skin needling and an acid peel are in the ring, who would duke it out a win?

What is skin needling anyway?
Skin Needling is a facial rejuvenation process that is used to increase collagen production and elastin regeneration. It was discovered by a South African plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Des Fernandes, M.D, in 1997. It is also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy or Facial Mesotherapy. This process can be used to reduce the appearances of scars, stretch marks or wrinkles on the face or body and has been used on sun damaged skin as well.

How Does It Work? 
Collagen is a protein found all over our bodies supporting our tissue, muscles and bones. In this case, it fills in the fine lines and wrinkles in our faces keeping us looking young. Elastin is a protein also found in our skin visually similar to a spring coil maintaining the skin's elasticity. It is typically not produced after puberty. Skin needling uses a small hand held roller with multiple micro-needles. The skin is prepped with a topical anesthetic to reduce the pain and discomfort. The tool is rolled back and forth over the skin 6-10 times causing trauma to the skin by penetrating of the dermis and breaking blood vessels just below the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen and the healing process begins. It can take up to a week to completely heal. The skin is usually red and swollen for two to five days and applying makeup is not recommended until the skin is healed. 48 hours of recovery is typical.

Interesting process isn't it? I am afraid of it but intrigued at the same time. What are your thoughts on this treatment? Have you tried acid peels or laser treatments for acne scaring or sun damage? What were your results and would you do them again? Email me with your responses at sugarlipslifestyletips@gmail.com

Attention!!! ****DO NOT try this at home! This is ONLY to be done by professionals. By professionals, I mean DOCTORS (dermatologist or surgeons). **** 

Sources for this topic are sited below:
http://www.acnemythsetc.com/is_skin_needling_your_answer_to_acne_scars.html
http://www.elle.com/Beauty/Makeup-Skin-Care/Skin-Needling 
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-collagen.htm 
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24541
http://www.carefair.com/Skincare/Treatments/What_is_Skin_Needling_6132.html 
http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com

  
Picture taken by Steven Krause found on http://www.elle.com/Beauty/Makeup-Skin-Care/Skin-Needling



 

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Addressing Adultery: The Perception of One Woman's Story

Recently, I have had two very close friends announce that they are headed for divorce. They are both very close to me and it was hard for me to hear each couple's story. Shortly there after, I had three friends go through devastating break ups. I would never judge them nor would I try to give them advice. The only thing that I can do is stand by their side and support their choices. Being a good friend starts with being a better listener.

I got some feedback from some friends about the "Sing Your Song" posted on January 6th and in the light of the recent events, I found another related article in this month's Vogue and thought that I would share.  It is entitled "Love's Labour's Won" and it is about a woman who pursued a relationship outside of the marriage and wanted to have an affair but didn't. She was tired of the same mundane routine and needed to redefine herself. She lacked confidence and personal style, dowdy and lackluster. Craving change and new direction, she began her Master's program increasing her social skills and appearance. She blossomed and grew as a result eventually seeking outside approval from a handsome young man in class.

She felt that if she didn't have the affair, all would be lost and she would never feel this way again. Although she had pursued the man in the story, he respected her marriage and denied the advances by simply stating "because you are someone's wife". They never had a physical relationship of any sort and communicated mostly by email. She created a relationship in her head constantly obsessing about the greener pastures for months to come.

The beauty of this story was that in the end, she had turned to her best friend to help her out, her husband. She came clean and told him that she had fallen in love with another man, she was a wreck from the denial and needed him to help her pull it together. He knew her better than anyone ever has and she needed him to see it through for her. She never stopped loving her husband or her family and now she needed their support. Was she rebelling against the mundane routine? Had she lost her independence by focusing only on her kids and husband neglecting herself? Was it the the lack of reward from her successful career given up to raise her kids? Was she even seeking this new man or was she seeking a sense of renewed self? What ever her reason, he helped her through the mental anguish addressing her personal demons and saved the marriage.

I wrote this today for a very close friend who loves his wife unconditionally and recently asked for a woman's perspective during this heartache and knows that the love is not dead just experiencing turmoil. I told him to listen to his heart and less to opinion. Remain open and honest, resisting the  fear of judgment . Fight for what you know is right and continue to love unconditionally and you will get your answer. Here's to you my friend. I love you, support you and trust that you will see this through.

Reference article can be found in February's issue of Vogue entitled "Love's Labour's Won" See below for reference siting. 
Marcia DeSanctis. "Love's Labour's Won". Vogue February 2010: 94-98.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Check Out Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful Campaign!

This is a great campaign! Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips focuses on the everyday girl living in an everyday world. By providing women with simple everyday tips, it can help increase their confidence, achieve their image goals, and have fun while doing it.  Tips on beauty, fashion, heath and wellness are just a few of the exciting things we have to offer. It is my hopeful intent to help increase the confidence of every woman that enters into my life. Whether it is through my website/blog or just in passing. I live to help you become your very best and that is why I fully support Bobbi Brown's Pretty and Powerful Campaign. She is an amazing woman who is strong and confident not to mention a wonderful mentor. Check out these videos:

Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown's Pretty and Powerful Campaign

Here's to the most beautiful women in the world! YOU!

Love,
Cyn

Live Demos and Correspondents Coming Up!

Yes, you heard right. Every girl has been to a make-up counter in the mall and received an overwhelming amount of information in only a few minutes. You leave either feeling beautiful or feeling like a clown. Well, never fear! I have searched far and wide and found an expert that will give you step by step demos for all of your make-up needs.

Last Friday night, our videographer began taping live make-up demos featuring Sugar Lips Make-up Artist and expert, Chantelle.  Not only is she sweet and absolutely gorgeous, she is an expert when it comes to make-up application and skin care tips. She has been a make-up artist for six years and most recently worked for MAC before becoming a freelance artist. You are going to love her!

Our first demos feature three models with different looks. As soon as the editor finishes what he does best, I will let you know! Here's a sneak peek:
  • Lash Application 
  • Five Minute Makeover
  • Day-to-Night Make-up
  • Dramatic Eye with Color
  • Smokey Eye 
  • Primer Application Tips
  • How to use a bronzer
As always, if you have any questions or want to ask Chantelle a specific question, email me at sugarlipslifestyletips@gmail.com 

All My Sugar,
Cyn

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Want Brighter Eyes? Try This Trick!

Our makeup correspondent taught me a great make-up tip while taping our live demos. Before you apply your make-up, brush on a light moisturizer and primer to follow. By applying these with a brush, you have more control of how much product you put on your skin. Often, too much is applied with the use of your fingers.

After your primer dries, start to apply your favorite eyeshadow trio starting with the brow highlight.  Don't worry about shadow falling. Whether you use shadow or eyeliner, complete your eye including mascara. When your look is perfected, add a small amount of eye make-up remover to a cotton round. I would recommend cotton squares or rounds as you will want a nice clean edge for this next step. Gently wipe away any shadow from underneath the eye. Fold over your cotton round and using the straight edge wipe your eye area starting at the corner of your eye and wipe towards your hair line at a 45 degree angle.

Begin applying your foundation as you normally would. Add a little concealor below the eye and blend it out evenly.

That is the trick to having lighter brighter eyes!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

2010 Gloden Globe Highlights: Fashion, Accessories and More!

The beauty, the fashion and the timeless glamor of Hollywood was well represented tonight at the 67th Golden Globes in Los Angeles and it continues to capture the attention of the entire world.  Although I wasn't wild about the venue in all it's glowing blue glory, I thought that host, Rickey Gervais, was a riot. Here are a few of my favorite dresses, accessories and more. 

Sandra Bullock's up-do and sheer dress
I love this romantic side-swept up-do. The soft curls and draped pieces are sexy and subtle. Her dress is the pop of color needed in a drab time. The sheer leg is tastefully done. Her make-up is perfect.

Jennifer Aniston's Dress
Sexy, sultry and H.O.T.

Kate Winslet
I think that Kate looks better than ever. She's confident and poised.

Jeff Bridges
The applause for Jeff Bridges was amazing; he was so humbled. I loved that he recognized each of his fellow cast members by name.

 Cameron Diaz and Nicole Kidman
Cameron Diaz's bracelet was also a hit. I love the dangling gold. Nicole Kidman rocked multiple bangles and perfectly paired earrings. They are romantic with vintage flair.


Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Phthalates and Parabens: Are you exposed?

Do you know what phthalate or paraben means? You should. It could be critical to your health so become familiar with the ingredients in the products that you are slathering all over your body. These are common on your perfume, hairspray, body lotions, nail polish, shaving gels, toothpaste etc.

Becoming a conscious consumer could save your life. I found a great article from The Good Human website that discusses parabens and why to avoid them.
http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2007/06/21/what-are-parabens-and-why-should-you-avoid-them/

My sister found this product recently and is really enjoying it. It smells good, feels good and does not dry your skin which is an effect of products with phthalates. St. Ives Mineral Therapy Lotion is free of both parabens and phthalates. Check it out! It is available almost everywhere and is tested and approved by myself. Here is the link to their site for more information: www.stives.com

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

DIY Facial: Microderm Abrasion At Home

I found a great product that will help you stay beautiful and maintain your 2010 beauty budget. I love having a facial done by a professional and there are many benefits to having them regularly. This is a wonderful alternative to when you can not get scheduled. It is called Microderm Abraison Facial Buffing Creme by BeautiControl Cosmetics. 

It is applied to the skin after cleansing and toning once a week. It contains diamond-shaped aluminum oxide crystals and claims to improve skin tone, clarity and texture. I saw an immediate improvement in the texture after using it. I applied their Cell Block-C PM Cell Protection afterward and followed up with a heavy moisturizer and Eye-X-Cell eye cream.  The hand held Facial Buffer gives you full control and has two settings: Normal and Gentle. I only use the gentle because the normal setting is too much for my face. Also, please note that it does say that this product is not supposed to be used by individuals that have cystic acne, rosacea or sensitive skin.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Hair Extensions: Kate Gosselin did it- would you?


OMG! The Red Sea has parted and Kate Gosselin has finally changed her spiked hair and softened her harsh look. The cover of this month's People magazine features Kate Gosselin with her new extensions and I think that she looks better than she has ever looked. She looks radiant, young, and bright. The color choice and blending is perfect; and it should be. I read on stylist.com that the average cost for the "What Not To Wear" stylist Ted Gibson to create that do would have been almost $7000!!!

Expensive, yes. However, I love the look of hair extensions when they are professionally applied by your stylist. I think that they really make for a sexy look. It can soften your look, increase your sex appeal as well as your confidence. I also think, that if you cheap out, they could make you look haggard, ratty and skanky if not maintained or applied correctly and by a professional. Kate Gosselin has my vote. She looks great.

What are your thoughts on hair extensions? Does Kate Gosselin's look inspire you or discourage you from trying hair them? Send me your thoughts!

Photo from http://www.stylelist.com/2010/01/06/kate-gosselin-long-hair-extensions/

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Lipgloss Lovers Can You Go Back To Lipstick?

Lipgloss or Lipstick????

Can lipgloss lovers go back to lipstick after becoming addicts to the gloss? Chanel seems to think so.


As if the brand itself wasn't sexy enough, they are reinventing sex appeal by repositioning the classic black metal and gold case.  Who's bringing sexy back now Justin??

According to an article in yesterday's WWD entitled "Chanel's Quest: The Sexy Lip", by Julie Naughton, Chanel will launch it's Rouge Coco lipstick line in March. It will consist of 30 different shades that will be distributed domestically in various department stores and chanel.com.

I absolutely can not wait to get my hands on this product. My favorite part  is that Chanel has made it easy for the consumer to choose the right lipstick for his/her skin tone by categorizing the shades into four color families. Think about this generalization for a moment. Most of the world can be categorized into one of two categories: Cool or Warm skin tones. Either you look good in purple reds (cool) or you look good in coral reds (warm). There really isn't a gray area with this. You either look good in it or you don't. Each shade in the Rouge Coco collection belongs to one of four color families: Reds - Corals (8), Roses - Pinks (9), Neutrals - Browns (9), and Violets - Berries (4). Genius!

I may be the gloss addict today and the lipstick lover in March. I will keep you posted!

Information cited from the following source: WWD, 1/8/2010, Julie Naughton, "Chanel's Quest: The Sexy Lip" New York, pg. 5
Photo from www.chanel.com 

Friday, January 8, 2010

Where does your food come from?

Increase your health and wellness by researching local CSA's and start consuming more organic products. I'm not saying that you switch everything to organic as it is a waste of resources and not feasible for all of us to do. Some products are more toxic than others when it comes to pesticides. There is a link below to the twelve most contaminated foods which would be a great place to start your transition. There are wonderful resources in every community allowing access to more organic products than ever including local farms and co-ops.
  • What do you know about CSA's?? 
  • Do you know what is being added to your milk?
  • Can you eat organic products on a budget?
Here are some great resources that I have found that have been very educational.
http://www.organic.org/ This is a great resource for season shopping lists, budgeting tips and organic myth busters.

http://truefoodnow.org/ This site has information on food safety, environmental issues and current campaigns on rbGH rBST, genetically engineered crops and food, animal cloning and food consumption and global impact.

http://www.prevention.com/health/nutrition/healthy-eating-tips/organic-foods Click on the 12 most contaminated foods. YUCK.

http://www.localharvest.org/ Find a local farmer and learn more about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Is the food you consume making you sick?

Today, your life is about to change...for the better! Check out this fantastic website and learn how you can be come involved in the movement towards better food for all. 2010 is about making change and this is one way to make a global impact, one choice at a time.

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change? - Trailer and Photos

Go out today and see this movie or read the book. It will change your life forever.

Food Inc.: A Participant Guide: How Industrial Food is Making Us Sicker, Fatter, and Poorer-And What You Can Do About It by Participant Media, Karl B. Weber (Editor)

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Sing Your Song: Reflections on relationships past and present

I have to admit...I am bored to death with the "health week" posts...I need a break from it and want to talk about something juicy.  Like relationships and other related things. It's a little off the grid but fits the mood.
Last night, I was catching up on some reading and came across a great article by Tad Friend titled "The Ex Files". It was an overview of all of his past relationships and why they didn't work out. There was a particular relationship that struck me and inspired me to write this today.
We all struggle on some level or another on what makes the perfect mate. We all try to transform, conform, imitate and deny trying to define what we feel is ideal all the while trying to figure out who we are as individuals and what we want from the relationship. Of course I am no expert on the subject, however, I am an everyday girl in an everyday world trying to cope with the daily lives of myself and others. Here are my thoughts...

We have a vision of perfection or ideal relationship that we refer to and try to live by. Often this is comprised of experience, memory and dreams. After I read the article above, I reflected on my own past relationships and tried to come up with a cheesy analogy that people could relate to. Here it goes...

There was my first love, undeniable and unforgettable. We are still in touch to this day and very good friends supporting each others ventures. He is an old hit that you hear on the radio every few years and you crank it up and sing out loud with your car windows down and don't really care who's looking or listening and then continue on as if you never did it.

There was the long-term love that was a friend and a mentor, fine tuning my rough edges preparing me for life's successes. He was supportive and true and best of all, pure. He is like a classic song that never gets old and forever inspires you. An old "blue eyes" in his own right.

There was the passionate crazed affair that was short lived but exciting non-the-less. It was all or nothing and nothing was the better choice. I learned that the vision of what I wanted and the actual were completely opposite. I envisioned the "perfect" relationship in my mind and attempted to create it in real life failing miserably. He was like a pop song on the top of the charts for a few weeks and now could be the star of "Where Are They Now".  All the craze while popular but completely and totally forgettable.

A fond memory is of an old friend and lover who has always been true to himself and his being. We would come together in passing and share the winds of change never forgetting our bond. It's like the bass line in music; always there, subtle but the core of the band. Without it, the music is not the same. Alone, without the rest of the band, one dimensional.

My favorite love, is my current love. Strong, endless, creative, romantic charming and fun. He isn't a song that I would hear on the radio or put on a CD. He is the one that sings to me....he plays my song and I sing back.

Here's to finding the one that sings your song.
Love,
Cyn

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Footprints of Food: What you consume and global warming


Every choice we make when buying food leaves a carbon foot print. You probably don't consider this when you are on the go and "starving" and can't wait to shove face on any McMeal in sight right? Well, today is the day for change. Here is a great way to start being accountable for your choices and possibly help you make educated decisions. Here is a "food for thought" article from Science Daily. Check it out!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421161338.htm

Monday, January 4, 2010

Eat More Soup: Easy soup recipe

Soup is easy to make and is full of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that will fuel your day and help you trim up your waistline. It is a great way to control your hunger and keep you energized and anyone can make it with a few simple ingredients.

The powerful thing about homemade soup is that you are in control of the sodium and flavor. Soup is a great "appetizer" and can prevent over eating as well. Often times, we get home and are ravished and starving hungry. This is when we eat everything in sight, hand-over-fist, right? Having a pot of soup ready to re-heat is a great first course while you are making your main dish. Allowing time in between your first course and second course can also prevent over eating.

Here is one of my all-time favorite soup recipes. The key to great flavor is fresh ingredients. You can change any recipe to suit your tastes and rotate often to keep your palate interested.  I prefer to make my own vegetable broth but you can buy it too. I suggest Pacific Organic. You can make the broth ahead of time or in larger batches and use for multiple recipes throughout the week.

Cyn's Favorite Minestrone Soup

1 T. Olive Oil
1 medium yellow onion
1 cup of chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 dried bay leaf
1 large can chopped tomatoes
1 cup of cannelloni beans 
1 cup garbanzo beans
1 small bunch kale chopped
1 bunch rainbow chard chopped
8 cups of vegetable stock (recipe to follow)
Salt and Pepper

Add 1 T. olive oil to dutch oven or large soup pot on medium to medium high heat. Saute onions, carrots and celery for about three minutes or just until tender and flavors meld. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Add dried bay leaf. Stir. Continue to cook 2 more minutes.  Add tomatoes and stir to combine. Sprinkle with salt. Let cook for 2-3 minutes. Add cannelloni and garbanzo beans and continue to stir. Add vegetable stock, turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Once soup begins to boil reduce heat to simmer and add chopped kale. Sprinkle with salt and add pepper. Remember, adding a little salt at a time will bring out the flavors in each layer of the soup. If you use regular salt instead of kosher, use less. Be cautious not to add too much. If you do, it's not a big deal. You can dilute it with water.

After soup comes to a simmer, add chopped chard and continue to cook on simmer for a few minutes or until chard has wilted. Sprinkle with fresh parmigiana cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Basic Vegetable Stock
1T. Olive Oil
1/2 small yellow onion chopped
1 medium yellow onion cleaned with skin left on
1 small bunch carrots roughly chopped or left whole
2 stalks of celery (the greener in color, the better the flavor)
1 large dried bay leaf
salt
pepper
dried thyme
8 cups water

Add 1 T. Olive oil to dutch oven or large pot. add 1/2 c. chopped onion, carrots and celery. Allow to cook on medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add bay leaf and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 2 more minutes stirring occasionally allowing vegetables to brown on bottom of the pan. Add water and whole onion with skin on. The skin will make the broth a beautiful golden color. Stir and add a small amount of dried thyme to taste. Stir and bring to a boil. Boil for a few minutes and reduce heat to simmer adding salt and pepper to taste. Add to any recipe that calls for broth.

****If you absolutely can not find an ounce of time to make your own, you can find pre-made options that are available as well. Make sure that you read the label for all natural ingredients. In general, with anything pre-made, you will compromise taste for time.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

At Home Fitness: Taking steps towards a healthier you!

Who needs a gym membership to stay fit? Not us! Here are some great ways to get slim or stay trim without leaving your neighborhood.

Walk more! Get out of the house for some fresh air daily for a minimum of 20 minutes. I recommend walking in the morning to get your heart pumping and a metabolism boost for the entire day. If you aren't a morning person, take the other half of your lunch hour and see the sights. For extra sugar, tack on a second walk after dinner. The calorie count adds up quicker than you would think!

Media Fitness! Let's face it, we are an electronic age! With all of the cable options these days, you are bound to find a program that is easy to follow. Most offer yoga, aerobics, and even kick-boxing demos. You can even log onto YouTube and find live demos for different at-home exercises.

Soup Can Weights! Who says that Andy Warhol is the only one that can have fun with soup cans? Choose two cans that are of equal weight and use them as weights.

Play time! For those of you that have young ones at home, playtime can be doubled with stretching and toning time. Practice different poses or stretches together theaching them positive health habits.

Daily Log! There is something powerful about accountability. If you have to log it, chances are you will be stricter on yourself. Create a journal and log in in your daily activities and meal times. Watch for trends or patterns to see where you can improve. For extra sugar, find a friend to partner up with and share your journey with.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Eat Better in 2010: Easy tips to clean up your diet!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that you all had a very safe and festive evening full of fun and resolutions. Since the majority of us make some sort of health resolution, I am going to dedicate this week to health starting with some easy ways to eat better. Previously I had posted "You Are What You Eat: If you can't read it, don't eat it". That still holds true of course but in addition to that, these are easy integrations to any diet that will help you stay healthy and trim.


* No MSG (monosodium glutamate) 
* No modified ingredients (modified corn starch etc.)
* No high-fructose corn syrup
* No partially hydrogenated oils
* No trans fats


These are really small changes that will lead you to great changes. Good luck to you and cheers to better health!