tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5142916145121699152024-02-08T14:17:54.490-06:00FashAndFabulousConnie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-82990361901839258532011-10-13T15:59:00.002-05:002011-10-13T16:00:48.390-05:00And then she blue smoke...<div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/6228076744/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="blue smoke" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6228076744_1d40a62b87_t.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/6228076744/">blue smoke</a>,<br />
originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div>I saw this today and had ironically did a photo shoot with myself this weekend that is the first beauty trick in the line up. Apparently <a href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/710/10-beauty-tricks-that-make-guys-melt/">if you rock these</a>, the guys heads will be a-turning!Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-52210057783875200692011-07-29T16:11:00.002-05:002011-07-29T16:16:32.208-05:00inner eye liner<div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/5988844562/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="inner eye liner" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5988844562_365c10208c_t.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/5988844562/">inner eye liner</a>,<br />
originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Last summer, I wrote about<a href="http://fashandfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/06/lining-eyes.html"> lining the lower inside rim of your eye</a>. This summer, I'm completely obsessed with lining the upper inside rim of my eyes to define my lashes without it actually appearing that I've taken to lining them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Lining the upper inner rim with black or brown creates the illusion of fuller lashes. it makes a LINE without there being any visual evidence. When applying, I uses a standard black pencil - I've been loving the stuff by E.L.F. and NYC. Both brands are super cost effective, go on easily and stay! Especially if you are using the waterproof stuff. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Here's one trick, though. If your inner rims are moist, the liner won't stay. Lift your upper lid with one finger - I find it easiest to push up my brow with the non-applying hand. I use my applying hand, a free finger to gently drag across the rim and remove any access moisture. If you prefer, a tissue or cotton swab would also work fine.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Then, just as you would draw a line above your lashes, trace the eye pencil over the upper rim of your eye. Like I noted last year, eventually some of the color may shift. But the beauty of lining the rims of your eyes is that the color shifts outward...straight into your lash line! Creating the perfect, full lash illusion!</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-10594301435026372162011-07-07T21:55:00.001-05:002011-07-07T21:55:01.678-05:00stretching shoes<div style="float: left; text-align: center; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/5914381572/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5311/5914381572_58bcc2f854_t.jpg" alt="stretching shoes" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/5914381572/">stretching shoes</a>,<br /> originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div>Happy Summer! It is a happy time in the Upper Midwest when the heat finally approaches the Tundra. <br /><br />Unfortunately, there is a time or two when I go shoe shopping when it's still a wee bit chilly outside. My feet are all cold and ...well, smaller. Bringing on the heat brings on the foot swelling, too. <br /><br />So I bought these lovely gems of Fergalicious shoes in late spring. They felt amazing in the store and stayed on my feet as I strutted up and down the aisles. Unfortunately, the first time I wore them out into the real world, I tore a bit of my heel off with every step I took.<br /><br />NOTE: when breaking in shoes by "wearing" them, do bring many band aids and a pair of comfy flip flops or flats to relieve your feet with. <br /><br />I haven't worn these since that first foot tearing day two months ago and the blisters/missing pieces of my foot have finally disappeared/reappeared. <br /><br />The point of this purchase was for a friend's upcoming nuptials on her parents' lawn. Although I'm not a huge fan of wedges, I now own 3 pairs of varying styles. All black to match my dress. But although I have 2 others, this is really the pair that I would like to wear.<br /><br />So tonight, I started my standard alternative to "wearing them in." <br /><br />My trick to stretching a pair of shoes out quickly? Throw on a sock, shove your foot in, possibly down a beverage or two (adult if you're of age) and deal with some temporary pain. Tonight, I did dishes, watched some TV and worked a bit with this get-up on my tootsies. My feet are throbbing, but in the morning (after the swelling ceases), the shoes will likely fit and I'll be good to go for next weekend's festivities. I only suffered with socks for about two hours. If they're not ready tomorrow, we'll have another short go with the socks and be on our way. <br /><br />Sure beats weeks of stretching them by wearing them for real. Many times, by the time my shoes are conformed to my feet, they're about worn out. Boo for that, Yay for speeding the process!<br clear="all" />Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-76562847647310451052011-03-24T07:14:00.000-05:002011-03-24T07:14:05.469-05:00How to Remove Smudges<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I love watching other people apply makeup. Everyone has a little different routine and technique and I always seem to learn something new... whether or not I use what I learned is a different story. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Recently I watched a friend apply loose powder eye shadow as a liner. Working with loose powder is dangerous business. It never fails to sprinkle down my cheek as I'm applying it to my lids. If it's pink or bronze, I may be assisting myself, saving a step of blush applying, but any other color is just messy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">My trick for removal of unwanted makeup mistakes (ie: ever stabbed your nose with your mascara wand, taken your cat-wing eye liner too far, or colored outside your lip line by accident?) is to take my already moist foundation sponge at it. Gently rubbing the foundation sponge on the mistake and pulling the mistake away from your face is my favorite trick yet. With this tactic, you mustn't rub the mistake across your face. The swooping away from your face motion is key and may take a few times to get it right!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">What I saw my friend do, I wouldn't have thought of. But it worked, witnessed with my own two eyes. Powder shadow made her under eye resembled a bit of a raccoon. She simply grabbed a cotton swab, moistened it (she used her tongue... I think there's something about a woman's saliva that may be the best cleaning agent out there!) and rolled the cotton swab over the dusty mess. Voila! Raccoon no more. I think eye makeup remover may also work on the cotton swab for this technique.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">What works for you? Is there something you do before to prevent smudges? Or a favorite fixing tactic?</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-62789332133966059332011-03-17T09:59:00.002-05:002011-03-17T10:00:34.154-05:00Bold and Beautiful<div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/5534381007/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="bold, and not so bold, lids" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5534381007_ba15e2522d_t.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/5534381007/">bold, and not so bold, lids</a>,<br />
originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">In case you live under a rock and haven't picked up a fashion magazine anytime recently, let me clue you in on something. This season is all about bright, bold colors. Orange is really hot, especially oranges that lean a little more to the coral side (ie: have some pinkish hues in them). Whether you're sporting bright lemon colored pumps or a pop of pink on your lips, you'll be sporting the trend of the season!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Being that it is St. Paddy's day, I will be sporting bright green eyelids today! Eye shadows are a bit more difficult to make opaque and therefore more difficult to make bold. A key to the eye-pop is to ensure you've got a base down before you apply color. For making a smoky eye, you'd want something more neutral, but not for when you're putting purple, green, blue, yellow, etc on your lids. For sure, as you're evening out the tone of your skin with your foundation, swipe your eyelids too. Seal it with your powder and then apply the shadow. To go one step bolder, pencil your lid in up to your crease with a white eye liner. I like to pat it a bit with the pad of my finger tip to make sure there aren't any definite lines. Then, once the white liner is smooth, go ahead and apply the color. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">You can absolutely tell the difference! And the color turns out closer to the color it is in the container. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">The eye on the right has a white base. I did all other makeup the same in this picture. Pop!</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-34712470928853727182011-03-01T17:08:00.000-06:002011-03-01T17:08:13.905-06:00Hard as Nails<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">My newest love? <a href="http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Nails/Nail-Color/NEW-Revlon-Top-Speed-Nail-Enamel.aspx">Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish</a>. La-Love it!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Here's the deal. It's not like other quick drying nail polishes I've used in the past. So far (I've only discovered it a few days ago), each coat stays wet long enough to even it out on your nail. But a mere minute or two later when I inevitably smash my hand into something random, the stuff is hard as a rock! </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Awesome find for your funky fashionable three year old or for we clumsy adults alike!</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-28076613942319733682011-02-20T14:14:00.001-06:002011-02-20T16:14:51.827-06:00It's Just Plane Tough<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Going on a trip? Does it involve an airplane security line? Don't want to check bags? Need to follow the 3-1-1 rule? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"></span><br />
<div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">I've become a master of getting what I need into one Quart-sized bag! But, it isn't without sacrifice or creativeness. Having flown through large and small airports, it seems that small airports are a bit more strict on things like lipgloss in your purse. Technically it is a liquid or gel, so be prepared to ditch those if you're headed to a regional airport. Instead, you may want to find a tinted lip balm. I'm fond of the <a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips-tinted-lip-balm/tinted-lip-balm.html">Burt's Bees</a> kind if you're looking for a pop of color.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">For makeup, try to keep it as mineral or powder based as possible. This avoids having to use valuable space in your one liquids quart bag on things like liquid liners or cream shadows. In fact, a nice alternative to a cream shadow is a eyeshadow pencil or duo like <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/eye-makeup/eyeshadow/smoky-shadow-blast">Cover Girl's SmokyShadowBlast</a>. They essentially give you 2 colors that you can wear independent of each other or use as suggested for a smoldering smoky eye look.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">I've always been partial to using black eye shadow with an angled painter's brush for applying black eyeliner. And if you prefer the boldness that liquid liner offers, just add a little water to your brush and turn the powder instantly to liquid without getting caught up in security searches. </span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Foundation is sometimes the liquid makeup that takes up the most space in my liquids quart bag nestled in my carry-on. Depending on your skin and time of year, you may be able to avoid this product. Or if your moisturizer leaves your skin nice and dewy, you may be able to leave the foundation at home. </span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">The alternative to packing the foundation is a great moisturizer, a cream concealer and a powder foundation. My favorite is a <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/face-makeup/foundation-makeup/fresh-complexion-pocket-powder-foundation">Pocket Powder Foundation</a> from Cover Girl. The beauty of a compact of foundation is that you can throw it in your purse for worry-free touch-ups during your day! And, again, you're not taking up any valuable liquid space in your carry-on!</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Your mascara and any powders you have can go right in your regular luggage. </span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Try to keep your clothing in the same pallet so you can keep your makeup in the same general pallet as well. In general, I like to pack a black, light shimmery neutral like <a href="http://www.marykay.com/color/eyes/neutrals/10016065/default.aspx">Spun Silk from Mary Kay</a> and a pop of color that goes with whatever you've packed be it blue, purple or green. </span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">In any case, you really want to keep things as simple and light as possible when you travel. <a href="http://fashandfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/07/travel-tips.html">Less is more</a>, especially when you have to carry it and deal with today's airport security.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> </span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-3387026930586324922011-01-05T17:26:00.000-06:002011-01-05T17:26:26.134-06:00It's In-Stain!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Just before the Holidays, I headed to Walgreens to stock up on some must-have's for time at the parents. While there, I scoured the cosmetic's wall to see what there was waiting for me to test drive. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">A few months back I ranted about <a href="http://fashandfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/08/color-in-middle-none-on-edges.html">Cover Girl's lip stain</a>. So, although apprehensive, sometimes the brand really does make a difference. I grabbed a bubble gum pink color of <a href="http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Collections-Menu/col_ColorStay/Just%20Bitten.aspx">Revlon's Just Bitten</a>. This product is the cat's meow!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">It appears the difference between the 2 brands is that Cover Girl, although saying it's a stain, really puts a very thin layer of quick-drying product on your lips, where as Revlon really is a stain. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">It stayed on just as well as that Kool-Aid mustache you used to sport as a child. Stuck right where I stained it on in the morning until it came off in the eve! The lip balm on the other end of the stick is a nice sealant as well! Help to keep the lips moist and stain to stay. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</span></div>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-16960335819306602562010-12-27T21:28:00.001-06:002010-12-27T21:28:49.883-06:00Change Your Eye Color<div style="float: left; text-align: center; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/5298437667/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5298437667_151dbd4141_t.jpg" alt="change your eye color" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/5298437667/">change your eye color</a>,<br /> originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div>I look like a deer in headlights in this picture, I'll admit. ...but a GREEN eyed deer in headlights! <br /><br />I've stared at my own eyes for over a quarter of a century - I'm not afraid to admit that! And when i look people in the eye, most would without hesitation say that I have Blue Eyes. But the truth is that I have eyes with a Navy ring around the outside, Grey in the most substantial part and Yellowish Brown right around my iris. <br /><br />Sometimes I like to make my eyes, especially with my newishly red hair, appear green. I can accomplish this with clothing. Wearing grey makes them completely grey. <br /><br />Wearing certain eye makeup can also accomplish this feat. As in this picture, if you have similar coloring to my eyes, try to put a bold, bright blue across your lash line. Instantly your eyes will go from an obvious blue to either a grey or green - whichever the pigment favors most.<br /><br />Alternately, putting an emerald color on typically green eyes will have the adverse effect! Test it out and see what works on you.<br clear="all" />Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-63189838702187396412010-12-20T20:18:00.000-06:002010-12-20T20:18:32.458-06:00Whoops... not quite dry!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I am so guilty of this. Not quite enough time, but feel the need to paint the fingers or toes anyway. All too often I shove the not yet dry piggies into a shoe and come out missing the entire top of the polish. Last night was the fingers!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">One would think that four hours is enough time to dry, but curling into bed resulted in pillow indentations when I awoke. Being that it was ruby red polish and I needed to leave for work quickly, removing and repainting were both out of the question. So, here's my quick tip for the day. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">If this happens to you:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">-Dip a cotton ball in Polish Remover - enough to make the ball damp, but not dripping wet.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">-Swipe the cotton ball over each finger nail once or twice, gently - this will take off the very top layer, removing the bumpiness. Be careful to not take any more than just the top layer to avoid repainting all together.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">-Grab your clear polish and do a quick layer of that to refresh the shine of your nails. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">And VoilĂ ! Fresh and new in mere seconds. And maybe it's my imagination, but clear polish always seems to dry so much faster than the colored kind.</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-48641813024455656732010-12-03T08:47:00.002-06:002010-12-21T19:08:20.998-06:00Friend Finds<div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/4360779737/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="black dots" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4360779737_31143a2f67_t.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/4360779737/">black dots</a>,<br />
originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div>I had a friend send me the link below with the suggestion that maybe people are catching on to my visions. I'm not so sure, but the last pic in the series looks, well, similar. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://prettiedup.blogspot.com/2010/10/spotted-beauty-inspiration-in-nyc.html">Check it out Here</a>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-3991326859676663152010-12-02T08:05:00.000-06:002010-12-02T08:05:33.464-06:00Snow White<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">Winter is a tricky time of year for your skin if you live anywhere that cold sneaks in. Between trying to keep warm or trick yourself into believing you've just visited the tropics, our skin sometimes is brutally tortured during the season of ice. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">This year, drop the tan. There's nothing more beautiful than healthy <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/162917-why-snow-white-skin-has-become-the-latest-must-have-accessory">creamy skin</a> for the winter months. Likely, you didn't just spend 2 weeks in the tropics, so allow your skin a break this winter - whether it's from the tanning bed that can pull moisture out of your skin or from the chemicals that fake stain your outer layer. If you tend to your natural white skin, it can be the most radiant color you'll ever sport. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">Of course, you need to care for it to ensure the radiance. Flakes and scales will not a <a href="http://www.roxwel.com/artists/artistpage/Katy+Perry.html">Katy Perry</a> make. But moisturizing day and night, ensuring enough liquids (water is best, tea is next) and cutting back on some evils help <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/event/the-thread/five-simple-reminders-to-keep-your-skin-protected-and-hydrated-this-winter-2403467/;_ylt=AmQcyTYkFMuM9cV_swbj2zxse6U5">maintain the beauty</a> of your body's outer layer. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">Creeping upon the Holiday Season, the Happy Hours and Festive Parties seem to become more frequent. Minimizing alcohol consumption will avoid the dehydration evil from taking over. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">O</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">ften, because it's cold outside, many forget about the dangers of the sun in the winter months. Keep applying the SPF moisturizers! The sun has a mirror in the snowy winter to reflect from the snow while still beating down on you from above. As dry air takes over, winter sunburns can be brutal. The combo of dry skin and sunburn is almost impossible to conquer in terms of flaking and redness. Prevent so you don't have to react! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">Plus, Snow White skin works well with so many trends! With a fresh canvas, <a href="http://fashandfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/09/bright-with-blue.html">red lips</a> pop, color are a little brighter against your skin and any hair color meshes well. Even you <a href="http://www.marilynmonroeart.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Marilyn-Monroe-photo2.jpg">blondes</a> that think that Tan is the only color that will accentuate those highlights. Not True! A healthy cream and a little blushed rosy cheek will do your blondeness as much favor as your summer tan did! </span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-10517938050558100952010-11-15T07:47:00.000-06:002010-11-15T07:47:08.162-06:00Embracing the Snow<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">The first snow has stuck in the upper Midwest. The reality of winter has set in. As has the need to convert the summer outfits into winter fashion. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">A few things to pick up to make the transition a bit smoother:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">-Colored tights, both footed and footless. Target has a <a href="http://www.target.com/b/ref=br_sort_lowhigh?ie=UTF8&node=348127011&searchSize=30&searchView=list&searchPage=1&rh=&searchBinNameList=target_com_category-bin,style_name,target_com_size-bin,target_com_primary_color-bin,price,target_com_brand-bin&searchRank=price">great selection</a> ranging from $2.50 t0 $15 each! These are great to keep your legs warm while still sporting that great summer dress</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">-Leggings. Throw on a pair under jeans for outdoor activities, but these are also great for a bit more warmth under a dress or skirt as well!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">-Long sleeve shirts, thermal tops and turtlenecks. Again, for added warmth and weather appropriate fashion, adding a bright colored thermal top under your sundress or sleeveless outfit is a good step in the winterizing direction.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">-Cardigans can be the quickest way to convert an outfit to winter wear. Find yourself a nice variety to dress up or down any pieces you have.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">What about your open toed shoes? Put the strappy ones away for the season. But the peep toes are still doable in the winter - especially if you're rocking the bootie! To transition peep toes, be sure to include a pair of tights, colored or neutral. Do keep the toe seam out of sight, tuck it under your foot. But with an opaque tight, your favorite peep toes are still wearable in snowy weather!</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-56333758462820307972010-09-14T21:54:00.000-05:002010-09-14T21:54:03.217-05:00Bright with Blue<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Bright with blue, warm or cool, bold or neutral, blonde or brunette. Or red for all those matters. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">My boss asks a lot of questions about my appearance. Usually mid sentence, mid meeting. He's a dude with a teenage daughter, so I find it necessary to school him. A few months ago he asked why I had to change my hair color when I cut all of it off. In man-esk words it was put something like this. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">"It's like you coming to work with a really great top, shirt and tie if you will. But then you left your sweatpants on the bottom. Cut and color must coordinate."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Most recently, mid sentence he noticed how white my teeth are. Mid meeting, I let him know about my<a href="http://fashandfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/08/coffee-stains-no-more.html"> teeth whitening product suggestions</a>. But I also let him know a little something of a woman's ability of presenting an illusion. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">To enhance the efforts of my teeth whitening regimen, I usually lean toward a blue undertone in my lip color. This perplexes men, so don't try to explain to them how a red lipstick could have an orange or blue undertone. Red is red, right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">No. Leaning your lipwear more toward a coral or orange tone will tint your teeth a yellowish color. Where as choosing a color leaning toward burgundy, purple or pink will whiten your chompers right up. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">For example, Loreal's <a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/_us/_en/default.aspx#/?page=top{userdata//d+d//|diagnostic|main:pdp//objectid+Cos7a_7//{pdp_tab:pdp_overview//objectid+Cos7a_7//}|media:_blank|nav|overlay:_blank}">British Red</a> lipstick is a blue tone while Loreal's <a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/_us/_en/default.aspx#/?page=top{userdata//d+d//|diagnostic|main:pdp//objectid+Cos7a_8//{pdp_tab:pdp_overview//objectid+Cos7a_8//}|media:_blank|nav|overlay:_blank}">Volcanic</a> has an orange background.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">It's a grey line and sometimes confusing, but finding the perfect shade of red just may change your life. Keep searching and if push comes to shove, lean toward a maroon hue. It looks great on almost anyone!</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-57897150869593291332010-09-02T17:24:00.002-05:002010-09-02T17:25:14.559-05:00Tangled Mess<div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/4936639390/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="color and cold" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4936639390_9f73289de7_t.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/4936639390/">color and cold</a>,<br />
originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I played makeup on my favorite willing victim last weekend. Tay was spending the weekend with me and after this shoot, she attempted to untangle the mess I had created atop her head.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Problem was, Tay used shampoo to try to get this out. Although shampoo will remove the hairspray that may be assisting in keeping the rat's nest together, it's really not going to give the lubrication the hair needs to gently undo itself.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Try this in the shower - it reduces in the mess you may make on the floor.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Step one: CONDITIONER! lots of it. Liberally apply enough to fully saturate your hair. Dripping down your body may be a bit excessive, but if it drips, you definitely have enough. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Step two: use your fingers to comb through the mess first, getting any loose snarls out first. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Step three: (optional) If combing with your fingers has resulted in severe conditioner loss, apply some more.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Step four: Take a wide tooth comb or brush and slowly, working from the ends into the scalp. Moving from the scalp to the ends may result in tighter snarls and could lead to a haircut.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">If necessary, repeat this a few times.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Once snarl free, go ahead and shampoo and condition as normal. And Voila! Tangle Free Hair.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">__</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-20783131017266929842010-08-30T21:33:00.000-05:002010-08-30T21:33:14.906-05:00Going the Distance<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Who doesn't want their dime to stretch? Here's a quick way to keep your foundation bottle fuller for longer. Let me first preface keeping the bottle fuller by the form of application. This will only work if you apply foundation with a makeup sponge.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Take your makeup sponge and work in a pea-size dab of aloe vera or your moisturizer to the application part of the sponge. I've also heard this being done with simply adding water to the sponge, but I prefer something that will hydrate your skin instead. That way, it's a Win-Win! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Once you've worked in the pea size of your choice, go ahead and apply your foundation as usual. I guarantee you'll have a few more applications per bottle once you start doing this. The point is that part of the sponge that would usually soak up some of your foundation will already be full of a moisturizing substance. Keeps the foundation on the outer part of the sponge and more will get onto your skin.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Let me know how it works out for you, or if you have a different alternative to aloe or moisturizer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">__</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-76348320753396241302010-08-29T15:50:00.000-05:002010-08-29T15:50:30.206-05:00Even Skin Tone<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;">Some people look at their flaws as assets. And Kudos to them for that! But for those of us who are trying to be more perfect and would rather cover those flaws up, check out <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/the-fastest-way-to-hide-a-skin-flaw-2368524/">these tricks</a> from professional makeup artists.</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-82519870115723506712010-08-21T15:08:00.000-05:002010-08-21T15:08:11.804-05:00Lashes Trick<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Need a little lash drama? Whether for Halloween, wedding, special event or just a night out, try the Fake Lash trend. If you're a beginner, they've got full strips that go across your entire upper lash. If you've been on the Fake Lash train for a while, maybe it's time to upgrade to the individual kind (really groupings of 3 lashes per). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Which ever route you take, here's my quick advise. It's taken me years to master the application of lashes and it wasn't until I realized that the thin line of lash glue you need on the edge needs to sit for a minute or two before you apply to your lash line. The glue should become tacky before you place it on your lid so that it stays - if it's too wet yet, it'll pop right off or slip out of place. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Personally, I believe application of lashes should come before your shadow. That way, they're sticking right to your skin and don't have the layer of shadow or liner between to chance the lashes from prematurely popping off. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">You also need to be careful to get the lashes tucked firmly against your natural lashes. This ensures they are more real looking. And that's really what cosmetics are about... Enhancing your natural beauty! Not making you look fake! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Once the lashes are in place, apply liner and shadow as you normally would and even go full force with the mascara if your eyes still need a little oomph! </span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-88943193045454920112010-08-11T19:37:00.000-05:002010-08-11T19:37:23.898-05:00Coffee Stains No More!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">In the process of packing up my house and office, I've been doing a lot of cleaning lately. Some of the toughest stains I've ever met have been those in my well used Coffee and Tea mugs. A quick solution to ridding your mugs of that nasty brown ring of forgotten coffee? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Just a little acid will do!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Citrus Acid, that is. Whether you've got OJ in your fridge or some lemons in your fruit bowl. All you need is a little of the juice, simply covering the inside walls of your mug with the juice. I have put it on a cloth or towel in the past, but to be honest, swishing the pure juice in the mug and letting it sit is the best removal tactic. Not to mention saving your arm muscles.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">A few minutes of sitting will be just enough and then just a simple wash and your mugs are good as new!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">And, if your teeth ever start shading in the crevices because of your coffee or tea addiction, try <a href="http://www.crest.com/crest-products/3D-white-whitestrips-professional-effects.aspx">Crest White Strips</a> and <a href="http://www.crest.com/crest-products/3D-white-advanced-vivid-toothpaste.aspx">Crest 3D whitening toothpaste</a>. I swear by them!! Pearly whites will they produce.</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-58593410520406470062010-08-04T18:17:00.000-05:002010-08-04T18:17:28.661-05:00Color in the middle, None on the edges<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">If you haven't picked on it already, let me forewarn you that I am an experimenter of beauty products. I give products multiple chances to succeed, usually, before I completely give up on them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I <i>had</i> been sold on the <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/products/product.jsp?productId=outlast_lipstain">Cover Girl Lip Stains</a>. I have the Wild Berry Wink and it tastes like lovely when I lick my lips. For some reason, I often give bonus points for lip products that have a nice taste or other products that make me smell so good that I can skip the day's perfume.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">So all was going well with our relationship until today. We hit a bump. If I were to be at home and have my full arsenal of products, I probably wouldn't be writing this. But alas, I am on the road and therefore did not have the Big Apple Red lipstick that would normally accompany the red Cover Girl Lip Stain. So, as Jason Derulo would say, it was ridin' solo. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Venti mistake! Although I packed the lip stain into my day bag and hauled it everywhere with me, the re-applications were virtually ineffective. By the time I arrived at my hotel, the center middle portion of my lips had stayed stained while the outer corners were almost back to my natural color except where the stain had gotten trapped in my lip wrinkles, unintentionally doing <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coolshutter/3697245340/">this</a> to my lips. Disastrous! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">But I've learned a valuable lesson. Some things are just better paired up and shouldn't be left by their lonesome. </span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-32640198299865533512010-07-30T07:06:00.003-05:002010-08-03T06:11:38.530-05:00Travel Tips<div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/4842931189/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="green suitcase" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4842931189_edd7aee848_t.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/4842931189/">green suitcase</a>,<br />
originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div>I have an upcoming trip and wanted to share a few tips that I've acquired in my travels AND in my time in the travel industry.<br />
<br />
Airlines have become unpredictable in a few ways. And I've found a few things to counteract their unpredictableness. <br />
<br />
As a teenager, I flew for the very first time. As a rookie traveler, I had all my clothes, makeup and even my mothers wedding rings packed into my suitcase. Luckily, when I woke the morning of flight I had an impulse to remove those rings and put them on my finger instead. I say 'luckily' because when I landed at my destination, it turned out that my bag had landed there hours before me. And being that said bag was a standard BLACK piece, someone else walked off with it. And I've still never seen it again, over 10 years later. <br />
<br />
From there forward, I've traveled with more recognizable pieces. It's not as easy for a thief to pick up my current lime green with florescent yellow tag and get away with it unnoticed. ...Curling ribbon doesn't always do the trick for setting your black bag apart from the other black bags, either. Get creative! Use an old necktie luggage tag, paint your favorite saying across the front, get a funky design or color as I have. <br />
<br />
Avoid some of the baggage blunders that Smart Money has pointed out about <a href="http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/travel/10-things-baggage-handlers-wont-tell-you/">baggage handlers</a>!<br />
<br />
Statistics show that airlines lose over 10,000 bags every day. Holy Moly, Batman.. That's a LOT of bags. And what happens if yours is one of those? Possibly ending up in Paris, Texas instead of Paris, France? Then what? <br />
<br />
Some may argue that travel insurance is a waste, but time and time again, I see an otherwise horrible situation (to the traveler) be corrected in a mere phone call or two. <a href="http://www.travelguard.com/">Travel Guard's policies</a> have a delay coverage. Meaning even if it's lost for only a day, you could get compensation on the underwear and toothbrush you needed to purchase to get you through!<br />
<br />
I've also learned to not showcase my insurance purchase on the outside of my luggage, but rather tuck the identification card in one of the front pouches. I had a friend who used to throw bags and let me know that if you brag outwardly about your insurance, baggage handlers may be more inclined to open your bag and take something that their wife might like for her birthday. Just sayin'.... be discrete.<br />
<br />
If you are unable to get everything you need into a carry-on plus one personal bag (which to me translates to my smaller rolly-luggage plus a REALLY big purse), be sure to not put EVERYTHING into your checked piece. If yours doesn't show up, you don't want to be completely S.O.L. for your entire trip. Throw a <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/311/">3-1-1 bag</a> into your purse so you at least have something. And if you're like I will soon be and traveling to see clients, travel ready to see clients. You'll be presentable even if your bags don't arrive.Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-31921146781362919132010-07-26T06:52:00.000-05:002010-07-26T06:52:45.923-05:00Playing Dirty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">I recently chopped my hair. My hair's usually hovered right around my shoulders, but being completely frustrated, I decided to hack it. Probably won't maintain the shortness for long, but in the mean time, I must gush about a product that my stylist suggested. If you've never read my blog before, you must know that I'm all about a cost effective alternative. I will be searching for one to replace my current <a href="http://www.sexyhair.com/">Sexy Hair</a> addiction, but for now, check this stuff out! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Because my hair is short, ranging from about an inch long to about two or three at it's very longest, I needed something virtually weightless to be able to move my hair around and still give it some texture. As boasted on the website, <a href="http://www.sexyhair.com/html/Short.aspx#">Play Dirty</a> gives you a 'Second Day' kind of look. And now that I'm checking out their site, I may have to go back for more of the short hair collection! </span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-38475928641404118332010-07-19T08:37:00.001-05:002010-07-19T08:47:00.151-05:00Avoiding Beach Blunders<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I'm on vacation today from my real job, about to head to the beach with my </span><a href="http://thechocolateandthecheese.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>best friend</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> and her little one. And in honor of a day in the sun, I thought I'd share with you some </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Yay's and Nay's</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> of beach style. ...and since moving to a small town in the middle of nowhere, I've got quite a list going of the Nay's.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">-Although I appreciate a good </span><a href="http://www.fishpie.com/slogan-t-shirts.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>message T-shirt</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> as much as the next person (in small quantities), please leave your </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Just Ride Me</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> shirt at home. Especially if you're going to actually swim in it...and think you'll cut off the sleeves for a little added sumthin'-sumthin'.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">-I fully support the </span><a href="http://www.target.com/Tankinis-Swimwear-Womens/b?ie=UTF8&node=15959161"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>Tankini</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> revolution. Cute designs with a bit more modesty, or forgiveness for those with lovely lady lumps. There are so many ways to flaunt this style at the beach! Be sure to get bottoms that fit, though. No need to turn a Do into a DON'T! just by having quad-cheeks or the ever dreaded 24hour hang-over.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">-Usually not a fan of swimming in actual shorts (only the boy-short bikini bottom kind), the cutest girl on the beach last weekend was a mommy with a turquoise blue bikini top and plaid turquoise blue short cotton shorts. Running after her kids with her curly hair in a pony, her laid back. yet conscious style made her the one to aspire to be like. Whether it's a cute pair of shorts or a full dress, cover-ups are a potential make or break. A </span><a href="http://www.like.com/cotton-summer-womens-dresses.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>cute cotton dress</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> is as good as a marketed-as </span><a href="http://www.nextag.com/swimwear-cover-ups/stores-html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>cover-up</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">-Realizing that some have better swimsuit bodies than others, but blinding me with your suit to show off your amazing body is almost rude. The 80's are over, but if you insist on a bright color, leave the florescent yellow to the highlighter companies and try one of these </span><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/two-piece-swimsuits?fts=bright+colored+bikinis"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>beautiful suits</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> out. An even bigger statement would be to find a </span><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2782242/hottest_swimsuits_for_women_in_2010.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>bold pattern or print</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> than a shocking color.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">__</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-50295388870300535132010-07-15T20:39:00.000-05:002010-07-15T20:39:26.868-05:00Skin - your largest organ!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Bottom Line, it's your outer shell, so take care of it! Most know that smoking, sun and stress are issues for your skin's health. But did you know that your lip balm could be causing your skin to be losing it's oomph? Check out things that are deteriorating <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/10-things-that-are-ruining-your-skin-1959395/">your skin's health</a> - and of course, the ways you can fix them!</span>Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514291614512169915.post-43061683517174768542010-07-10T08:45:00.003-05:002010-07-10T17:56:49.391-05:00Lipstick Staying Power<div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/3905747094/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="red lipstick" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3905747094_0e25560bc8_t.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39979057@N08/3905747094/">red lipstick</a>,<br />
originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/39979057@N08/">painting faces</a>.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Ever put on that amazing shade of lipstick and then it only stays around the outer rim of your lips during the day while you have meals and drinks? Here's a quick trick to make it stay for the entire day without the inside wearing off - at least not too badly. I do recommend grabbing the tube of color and keeping it with you in case you need a touch up.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">But to avoid too many of those, when you put the initial coat of color on, take your face powder and dip your blusher brush in. Tap off any access powder and gently pat the brush on your lips. this will make the initial coat act like a lip stain.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Be sure not to put too much on as the powder may clump on you. Then, put a second coat of lipstick on and you're set for the day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Careful with your brush - next time you use it, it may have a bit of your color on it from your lips, so be sure to clean that off. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://fashandfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/05/one-color.html">Could even use it as your blush for the day!</a></span><br />
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___Connie Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01244685989675497736noreply@blogger.com0