Monday, June 15

Milk You Very Much


One of my favorite things to do in the summer is eat ice cream.

Although I am lactose intolerant and that usually means buying brands like Lactaid or Tofutti (which incorporate lactose-free milk, soy or tofu), I can appreciate a great gelato like the best of them.

I know most people have their favorite brand and flavor, but what if you could customize your creamy indulgence from the base to the flavor and even the mix-ins? And then when you were done you can even name it and choose the packaging, would you enjoy that?

I give you eCreamery.com. It may seem pricey starting at $49.99 for a 1/2 gallon, but I think it makes a perfect, customizable gift that is sure to be a standout. If customizing just isn't your thing, you can purchase one of the "Classics" starting at $39.99, which is still far from boring. For those of you that want to purchase it for a special occasion they have flavors intended for getting over breakups, get well samplers and more.

For more information or to design your own flavor visit www.ecreamery.com.

Thursday, June 11

From My Lips to Yours

I hate to announce that it is my birthday so I am conveniently doing this entry post the radius of relevance to the anniversary of the day I was born.

But sharing the fact that I recently celebrated one is relevant because a few weeks ago I happened to be out of many of my Sephora essentials and placed an order online. Since I am also a Rewards member, they gifted me with a little birthday freebie.

Well, it has arrived and I must say I am not one for putting on lipstick or too much lip gloss. Quite frankly, I am a little self conscious over the invisi-slivers on my face, but this my DC. friends is different. There will be no hair stuck to my face when the wind blows, nor will there be tinted smudges on my teeth. This is good, clean "lip-loving laquer" as they call it.

I give you: Fresh.

What it is: 13 options for shiny, highly-pigmented, sugar-scented conditioning gloss.

What it is formulated to do: This lip-loving lacquer is packed with many of the same nourishing oils and ingredients found in Fresh's star item, Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15. Skin-smoothing humectants and moisturizers like sugar, shea butter, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, and black currant seed oil, are blended with the powerful antioxidant Vitamin E.

What else you need to know: Alina Roytberg, Co-president and Creative Director of Fresh, created these irresistible shades based on natural lip tones, so each hue adds natural-looking depth and dimension to your lips. This new, cushiony formula never feels sticky and is enhanced with the same addictive bright citrus flavor as Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. And the best part? Each beautiful shade is infused with skin-flattering pearls to reflect lots of light and promote a plump-looking pout. Free of mineral oil, lanolin, and paraffin.

What does it cost: The great part is that for me it was free, but for the rest of you it won't set you back too much with a price tag of $18.

To check out this and other Fresh products at Sephora visit www.sephora.com.

Monday, June 8

Soap Good

With wedding season in full effect, birthdays galore, anniversaries, house warmings and oodles more, today I got to thinking about what you can buy the person that has everything.

Money and gift cards just tend to feel so impersonal and let's be real, you're cashflow is nothing to be envious over.

So what can you buy that has a big bang for the buck? I personally think that beautiful looking and smelling lotions and soaps always fit the bill and these ones by Kamilyin are just fabulous.

After receiving them as a gift from a colleague for a little holiday indulgence, I fell in love with the sophisticated packaging and soft scent (NOTE: and this is very important, if the smell is too overpowering you are more likely to give someone a migraine than a sense of pampering).

One of the other things that I love -- if you want to pack a bigger punch -- is that you can personalize the packaging or products with a monogram (is anyone else thinking party favors?). And for those of you that want to go another step, they even offer scent making parties. Sign me up!

To find out more about the product shown above and others visit www.kamilyin.com.

Lexicon

Sometimes in life you need a little makeover. I am trying out some new icons for the site. Be sure to let me know what you think...

Your place for learning (or for some of us) remembering various words related to fashion and lifestyle. Remember, write it down three times and you own it.

valise — [noun] French. suitcase.

Inside The Male Mind

Dating To Relating For Men - Advice By Mr. L. Rx

Mr. L. Rx is the author of the popular DatingToRelating.com website and the author of the popular book “Dating To Relating – From A To Z.”

Question: After reading Dating to Relating – From A to Z, what other steps do you recommend to take?

Answer: After or even during reading Dating To Relating – From A to Z, I recommend you get as much experience as you can meeting women. Try different situations. Go to malls, to clubs, to bookstores, to the park, etc. Go online and email, IM and text women on dating sites.

Talk to as many women as you can. Ask questions and listen to their answers. Ask them what you really want to know.

Set aside time to do nothing but focus on approaching, meeting and talking to women.

Listen, listen, listen.

Observe, observe, observe.

Question: How do you find a good long term relationship?

Answer: Long term relationships require a certain amount of compatibility and common interest. Long term relationships start with understanding yourself and qualifying the people you meet to make sure they would be compatible with your personality.

After you are in a compatible relationship, long term relationships require that you keep creating them. Too many people look at a mate as a possession. They do all kinds of things to get the mate into a relationship, then stop creating.

A good rule to remember is that whatever you did to attract a person into a relationship in the first place, you have to continue doing “even more of” and “better” once you are in a relationship.

Don’t build a relationship on lies. Don’t do things that you don’t want to do just to get someone. That will always doom a relationship to failure because you won’t be able to keep it up forever.

Question: I’m Puerto Rican, I just want to know, does this method work on any kind of woman of any nationality?

Answer: The principals I teach in Dating To Relating – From A to Z are universal. They will work on any woman of any nationality.

I personally have had relationships with women from every continent on earth and from every major culture. The interesting thing I discovered is although there are definitely differences between cultures, personality types are consistent culture to culture. There are more differences within a culture as a result of many personality types then there are between the same personality types from different cultures.

Question: How do you deal with rejection?

Answer: Well, first of all, I don’t set myself up for rejection. I always approach situations by communication on a gradient. And I also qualify women. I look for the type of woman I want and reject 90% of the women I meet as not qualified.

I select a gradient that tells me if a woman is interested without my being totally obvious. For example, when I approach a stranger on the street or in a store, I might say something neutral like “Hi, do you have the time?”

Now if a women is interested she will find a way of keeping the conversation going. If she is not, she can walk away. Since “attraction” was never mentioned or brought up, there is no sense of rejection.

Originally posted on AssociatedNews.US

Tuesday, June 2

A Little Less Natural


Have you ever had one of those days?

I mean the kind where you want to pull out your hair (but you don't have enough), you want to scream (but don't want anyone to think you have turrets), and basically, well, you just want to punch something (but don't necessarily support violence)?

Today was one of those days for me -- and perhaps even one of my DC. cohorts. So in the nature of all things lighthearted and super cool, I had to share a website I recently heard about with you: RunPee.com.

What is it all about you may ask? Well, for all of you fabulous DC. goers out there that have a weak bladder and less than desirable timing for going to the bathroom during a movie, that is what RunPee is here to address.

A one-man show, this site is designed to indicate optimal lavatory usage times for all of the new flicks in the theatre. Simply select the movie, and it indicates the time to go to the bathroom in relation to the length of the movie, as well as the scene so you can be sure to leave and not have to annoy your friend by saying the infamous, "so, what did I miss?" while everyone in the theatre shushes you. It even tells you approximately how long you have before you will miss any pivotal moments in the plot.


For example, as shown above for the "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" you can go 45 min into the movie for approximately 3 minutes or once more 1 hr and 50 min in for approximately 4 minutes.

As a self-proclaimed candy lover, these can also serve as great spots in which to run to the snackbar. Happy watching!

Friday, May 29

3OH!3 - Don't Trust Me


I have to say, this song isn't one hundred percent PC, but it always gets me in a good mood when I am driving. Hope you all have a great weekend as we say goodbye to May.

Inside The Male Mind

Dating To Relating For Men - Advice By Mr. L. Rx

Mr. L. Rx is the author of the popular DatingToRelating.com website and the author of the popular book “Dating To Relating – From A To Z.”

Question: Mr. L. Rx, I’ ve tried just saying, “Hi” and being very neutral to a girl when I meet her, but for some reason they all seem to run away as fast as they can. I am not an ugly guy. What could it be?

Answer: Perhaps you are “telegraphing” your intentions. I know guys who can say a nice polite “Hi” but their intentions are written all over their face. Girls can read them right away and run away because they know the guys just want sex.

Try watching yourself in the mirror or ask some buddies what kinds of facial expressions or non-verbal behavior are you giving off.

Question: What do girls do to let you know they are interested when you engage them in some conversation?

Answer: Well, different personalities do different things. The most common response when a girl is interested is to keep the conversation going. No matter what you say or do, if she is interested she will respond to you and try to keep the conversation going in one way or the other. Of course you have to do your part.

If you ask a girl, “What time is it?” and she responds, “Three o’clock” you might have to come back with something to keep the conversation going like,“Nice watch, where did you get that?”

She might then respond at length telling you all about how she got the watch “to show you she is interested” or she might just say “at a store” and politely walk away, to show you she is not interested.

Remember she expects you to do your part, and if you don’t keep the conversation going when it is your turn to respond, she might think that you are not interested and give up.

Now, that is the average girl. Some people are not average and not normal. These are the ones that may do all sort of crazy things to show you they are interested - like ignore you, walk away, insult you, etc.

But unless you are a crazy guy who really wants to meet an equally crazy girl, I would just ignore the crazy communications and look for the women who respond. The ones who try to keep the conversation going when you approach them or engage them in a conversation are the easiest ones to understand.

Originally posted on AssociatedNews.US

Wednesday, May 27

Tip of The Day!

Looking for deals and discounts is like second nature to me. I do a lot of online shopping and what many people don’t realize is that it can be a lot less expensive to shop online than in stores. A few years back, my fiance introduced me to online research for coupon codes, and now I want to share this trick with our loyal readers! Whenever you’re shopping online and go to checkout of your shopping cart, 99% of the time there is a space for you to enter a “promotional code.” But lots of times you may ask yourself, where can I get these promotional codes? That’s where online coupon code hunting comes into play.

Finding them is easy, so here’s what you do. Do a basic google search for the online retailer you want to shop at. For instance, you want to do some online shopping at Banana Republic, then do a google search for “coupon codes for Banana Republic.” It’s that easy and your search will bring you hundreds of sites to graze through. For me, the most reliable site that gives you the most up to date and cost effective coupon codes is www.retailmenot.com. Just this past weekend, I ordered a dress from Ann Taylor online. With the help of a coupon code, I was able to take $75 off my order from which brought the $159 dress to $80. And another secret??? Sometimes you can add more than one coupon code and get double savings. What’s great about www.retailmenot.com is that they give you the % of the coupons success rate, because they don’t always work. You’ll be SHOCKED with what kind of deals you can find just by doing a basic google search for coupon codes. Check it out and if you come across any amazing codes we should know about, please inform us!

Not So White Wedding


With June -- aka wedding season -- right around the corner, what better time to talk alternative engagement rings then now. I have seen wood, less traditional metals, colored stones and so much more, but never a black diamond.

I think this ring by Catherine Angiel is perfect for the rockin' bride or the DC. gal that just wants to be different. Known for her edgy and sophisticated creations, her work has been in countless magazines, she has a major celebrity followship and well, her work just rocks -- quite literally.

Black Rose Cut Diamond Ring by Catherine Angiel 2.70ctw black rose-cut diamond with .30ctw white diamond available in 14K, 18K and platinum. www.catherineangiel.com

Monday, May 25

Memorial Day Magic


On one of the days where it is great to dress patriotic in commemoration of the U.S. military men and women who died defending our country while we enjoy barbecues, wearing white again, and kicking off the summer season, I got to thinking about blue accessories. Here is a great pair of earrings that I found and love that you can wear straight from the backyard to the bar.

Asbury Gold Earrings by To be Me Jewelry designed with sweet Lapis blue stones and goldfilled. Length 2 inches, $74.00. www.ToBeMeJewelry.com

Friday, May 22

SALE ALERT!


Shop The Limited online this weekend and save huge for Memorial Day. Visit www.thelimited.com for full details.

SALE ALERT!


Shop select flat sandals at Bakers this Memorial Day weekend and get 2 for $40. Visit www.bakersshoes.com for full details.

Geek Chic

a glimpse into the Brass fall/winter 2009 collection




Debuting their second season, this collection focuses on simple shapes and familiar garments with quirky attention to detail and fabric choices. Their inspiration is drawn from the 1940's with Katherine Hepburn especially in mind -- "Imagine Katherine Hepburn as a modern day British geek."

To shop these and other pieces from the line visit www.brittique.com.

SALE ALERT!


The Magnes Sister sample sale this Saturday and Sunday celebrating Memorial Day. Save up to 60% off their classic handbags and clutches.

Thursday, May 21

Madcon - Beggin


This song feels like so many classics I grew up to. I love the beat, vibe and the whole feel of this tune. I know you can't see me, but I am rocking out over here. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am!

Living the High Life


Last summer we were introduced to the gladiator sandal and this summer it is taken to a new level with jewel adornments and inventive shape heels. I love this pair for sale at eModa.

Report Signature Dunbarton Sandals at eModa These gorgeous sandals feature a chocolate-brown leather exterior. Colorful jewels adorn the front, and two velcro strap closures are attached with brass rings. A 5-inch heel completes these sexy shoes.

To shop this and other great pieces like the Just Cavalli shirt form yesterday visit www.emoda.com.

Wednesday, May 20

Let's Hear it For The Boys


I don't know about you, but for me (and my fiance -- Scott) the summer brings a laundry list of parties, events, weddings, birthdays and the list goes on and on. I have to admit, Scott is a great dresses, but it is always nice to get some fresh threads into the mix. With a closet swimming in blue and brown, this grey shirt seems like a great piece to add to the mix.

Just Cavalli Royal Crest Shirt In Blue And Grey at eModa Fashioned from crisp cotton with ultra-tiny checks under blue and grey stripes, this shirt features an embroidered royal crest patch, complete with branding and "Royal" text. Fits slim.

To shop this and other great designer pieces at a great price visit www.emoda.com.

Lexicon

Your place for learning (or for some of us) remembering various words related to fashion and lifestyle. Remember, write it down three times and you own it.

pageboy — [noun] French. an often shoulder-length hairdo with the ends of the hair turned smoothly under.

Inside The Male Mind

Dating To Relating For Men - Advice By Mr. L. Rx

Mr. L. Rx is the author of the popular DatingToRelating.com website and the author of the popular book “Dating To Relating – From A To Z.”

Question: What can you say to start an attractive woman talking about herself?

Answer: Well rather than saying something witty and clever it is best to ask questions. Qualify the girl, ask her anything you are interested in knowing about her. No better way to get someone to talk about themselves than to ask them about themselves and show interest.

Now of course, there are personality types that give you one word answers rather than elaborate. This makes it tough. However, this is not common. Most women are more than willing to talk if you as them questions. But for the few who aren’t and give me the short answers, I will ask multiple questions (trying to get at what I want to know from different angles) then make a comment about how I feel about the area of questioning.

I never have any problem holding a conversation with someone and that is what I do 90% of the time. However, I will qualify a girl on the phone first before I meet her in person. If she can’t hold a decent phone conversation, I am not interested and don’t set a date.

Question: How do I become successful just being the real me and not have to pretend to be someone I am not. I do not want to fake and lie.

Answer: The way you are successful just being yourself without having to pretend to be someone you are not is to meet lots of women and qualify the women for those who are attracted to your type.

When you don’t meet a lot of women, just an occasional girl, then when you do meet someone you are usually trying to impress her and “get” her to like you – after all you don’t get many shots at it.

When you meet lots of women, your attention starts to naturally go onto “qualifying” them. Finding the ones that you like, finding the ones that like you and the ones that are compatible with your personality. After awhile, you develop an attitude of rejecting women who are not compatible. And since you meet lots of women you won’t find it to be a big deal if someone is not interested in you.

Question: After you get past the stage where you only try to ask questions, and you have to have full conversations, what if you have a hard time thinking of what to say? I’ve had problems talking on the phone for long periods of time.

Answer: Questions are not “rapid fire.” You ask a question and if the person gives you a full answer that usually triggers a comment or more questions from you. When you comment, they might ask you some questions, or comment on your comment. Holding a conversation is usually quite easy when you have the right person. When the conversation doesn’t flow it might be an indicator (not always) that you don’t have a compatible personality type.

Originally posted on AssociatedNews.US