Whether in the spotlight as the Bride, on the sidelines as a member of the Wedding Party or just a well-manicured guest—planning the perfect 20 (mani & pedi) is a beauty must that should top every bride's checklist. From BRIDESMAID-inspired bachelorette parties and themed bridal showers to the exchange of rings, tossing (and catching) of the bouquet and the most picture-perfect honeymoon – it's a hands-on experience. Selecting the right shade and shape is as much a personal choice as picking out the perfect gown! Duri Cosmetics offers a host of options to meet any Bridezilla's exacting standards—from classic french and creamy pearls to brilliant brights that nail the special day.

"We are seeing more and more brides go from a natural nail for her walk down the aisle to a dramatic pop of color to accent her reception change out dress," says Faina Ritz, creator of Duri Cosmetics and the visionaire behind Duri's A Perfect Match Collection. "Brides can start with a light shade like Wedding Vows (pretty pale pink) and then apply a coat of a deeper color like Runaway Bride (cranberry red) after the wedding for a whole new look at the reception!"

As for bridesmaid manicures, Ritz suggests going outside the box and avoid matching color choices. If the bridesmaids are wearing a neutral color dress, they don't have to wear a neutral polish. Allow the look to "pop" with a richer color polish such as Happily Ever After (bright classic pink) and vice versa for bright color gowns (pale them down with a pale).

For bachelorette parties, Ritz suggests going a little crazy with fun, loud hues like Bachelorette Party (a fun orangy-red) and Girl Power (shimmery magenta) - perfect shades for the ultimate girls' night out.

Whether a warm weather event or winter wedding – once the band starts to play, those stilettos will come off, so don't forget the lower 10. Use a bright, but classic shade like Every Day Is A Valentine (sheer red) to give your toes a little kick! And for the classic bride, remix the French Pedicure with Lily Of The Valley (sophisticated light pink).

A Perfect Match collection includes 12 vow inspired hues…

I Do - a shimmery white for french manicure; Wedding Vows - a pretty pale pink; Bridal Bells - a clear, glossy bright pink; Lily Of The Valley - a sophisticated light pink; Daddy's Girl - a sheer baby pink; Champagne bubbles - a shimmery pearl; Hawaiian Honeymoon - a tropical peachy pink; Bachelorette Party - a fun orangy-red; Happily Ever After - a bright classic pink; Girl Power - shimmery magenta; Every Day Is A Valentine - a sheer red; Runaway Bride - a cranberry red.

And for the perfect Bridal Party gift, mix 'n match three hues to create a collection of polishes for bridesmaids to remember the big day by (i.e. chose colors that match the wedding theme from the dresses down to the flowers).

All Duri nail products are completely safe, environmentally-friendly and free from DBP, TOLUENE and FORMALDEHYDE.




Make Duri Cosmetics your editorials' perfect match! All Duri Cosmetics products are available nationwide at salons, spas and specialty stores, as well as online at www.duri.com. Individual bottles retail for only $5 each and Custom Gift Sets retail for $15.

Duri Cosmetics is only available for shipping within the U.S.


Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Singer and Former Pussycat Dolls Member, Nicole Scherzinger struts through LAX Airport in style wearing a studded BodyRock razorback tank paired with preppy plaid skinnies. Although BodyRock is known for its fashionable workout attire, Nicole shows how the line can easily be transformed from functional gym clothes to an on-trend travel outfit. Kelly Dooley, the designer of BodyRock, has always been inspired by strong confidant females who own their bodies. Maybe that is why Giuliana Rancic, the Kardashian crew and X-factor Judges Paula Abdul & Nicole Scherzinger can’t seem to get enough of the brand!






About BodyRock
Born and raised in the heat of Southern California, CEO and designer of BodyRock, Kelly Dooley, has always had the knack for being active. In March 2009, Kelly was tired of trying to find the perfect sports bra that was functional and stylish. From her frustrations, she created BodyRock – an innovative line of active wear that successfully blends fitness and fashion together in a practical way. The inventive line of active wear is constructed for stylish women who don't want to sacrifice fashion for fitness. BodyRock is ideal for women who want their gym clothes to be ultra chic and wearable in the everyday world. With the summer months quickly approaching, BodyRock is not afraid to use bold pops of color, floral prints, and fun layering pieces for the active fashionista.

The designs feature fitted four-way stretch crops with chic cargo pockets, studded lycra-blend sports bras, ruched metallic spandex, and fashion forward athletic biker jackets. Not only are they fashionable, but functional as well with built-in Ipod pockets, zippered compartments, and tagless labels for that added extra comfort. BodyRock is produced with the highest quality spandex and nylon, Swarovski crystals and studs, and is manufactured in New York City – a proud American producer! BodyRock captures that effortlessly cool downtown vibe with uptown notes of luxury and style, letting you go from workout to dinner with ease.

BodyRock features bras that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also purposeful for every woman. Kelly feels grateful to be able to create a collection that encourages and prides women to feel positive, comfortable, sexy, and stylish when they are active and on the go. Each piece in the collection is designed and named after an empowered woman from cancer survivors to Greek goddesses. The line is more then just clothing for yoganistas and triathlon babes, it was made with soul. Designer Kelly Dooley says “Bodyrockers are those women who walk into a room and electrify it with their confidence. Be that woman.”


Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

GAME ON! THE ODDS ARE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR!!!

Introducing Hungry Eyes - 20 New Tributes To Keep An Eye On!



The first installment of the breathtaking trilogy The Hunger Games premieres March 23rd with Actress Jennifer Lawrence starring as bow-and-arrow slinging heroine Katniss Everdeen. "The people of 'the Capital' pride themselves in unique beauty with a keen eye toward cutting makeup trends and going outside the boundaries," says Noel Sweeny, creator of the Addiction NV Cosmetics line. "From 'the Capital's' style icon Effie Trinket's pink-rimmed eyes and blue pouted lips to leading-lady Katniss Everdeen's clean, yet powerful makeup overhaul -- eyes played a leading character role".

Just in time to satisfy the crowd’s appetite and un-satiable hunger for both beauty and killer instincts -- is a provocative eye shadow collection from Addiction NV Cosmetics – Hungry Eyes!

Addiction NV’s Hungry Eyes Alluring Eye Shadow Pans play tribute to the games with 20 provocative, triple pigmented, velvety, ultra-fine powders for shadowing, creating depth, highlighting and lining eyes. Incredibly long-wearing, amazingly blend-able, Hungry Eyes can be used wet or dry to control color intensity and keep all eyes on the prize. Game On!

Hungry Eyes Individual Shadow Pans (Retail $10) can be mixed and matched and carried in a dual Eye Shadow Palette ($8) designed with “magnetizing” power to allow easy color change-outs and the ultimate in customization while holding pans snugly in place.


The Hungry Eyes shadow hues are aptly named to woo the crowd: Tantalize (Matte Black), Seduce (Matte Cream), Coax (Champagne Shimmer), Entice (Gold Shimmer), Lure (Rusty Orange Shimmer), Trance (Matte Light Silver), Enamor (Matte Beige), Charm (Bronze Shimmer), Ogle (Matte Navy), Allure (Matte Burgundy), Tempt (Pink Shimmer), Tease (Matte Dark Green), Siren (Mauve Brown Shimmer), Linger (Bright Teal Shimmer), Vixen (Light Green Shimmer), Enchant (Light Teal Shimmer), Magnetize (Light Green Shimmer), Bewitch (Hot Pink Shimmer), Hook (Bright Orange Shimmer) and Captivate (Bright Turquoise Shimmer).


Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

This February, N.A.R.S. Records / Mercury Records / Island Def Jam recording artist Luke James will join Estelle on the BET Music Matters "The All of Me Tour" in preparation for his highly anticipated debut solo album, Made To Love. In a much-lauded performance at the BET Honors taping on January 14th in Washington, DC, Luke James brought the room—including First Lady Michelle Obama—enthusiastically to their feet with a crowd-raising performance of his single “I Want You.” BET Honors airs February 13, 2012 at 9P/8C on BET Networks. In addition to the Spring 2012 release of Made To Love, Luke James will take to the stage in his hometown of New Orleans as a part of the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival this July.

Having charmed critics during his opening gig on Robin Thicke’s “Love After War” tour and with the release of his #LUKE pre-album and online video teasers, Luke James is excited to join the “American Boy” singer on the BET Music Matters "The All of Me Tour." While opening for Estelle, Luke James looks forward to showcasing his dynamic stage presence, arresting falsetto and overall talent to music fans from coast to coast.

Prior to the release of his debut solo album, the much buzzed-about artist has already headlined events like Give Back Hollywood / VH1 Save The Music Foundation’s Pre MTV VMA benefit and gained a celebrity following that includes Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and none other than Beyoncé, who selected him for a featured role in her “Run the World” video, and Melanie Fiona, who featured him as her boyfriend in her “4 A.M.” music video. Luke James is also the co-writer of Chris Brown’s “Crawl” and has penned songs for Justin Bieber (“That Should Be Me”), Michael Bolton, and Britney Spears (“Kill The Lights”), among others.

To download #LUKE for FREE on Facebook, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/whoislukejames

For more information about Luke James, his pre-album #LUKE, and his upcoming debut solo album Made To Love, visit http://www.simonesmallspr.net/clients/lukejames/BIO.html, http://www.whoislukejames.com and follow @whoislukejames on Twitter.

UPCOMING 2012 TOUR DATES:
Thursday, February 2, 2012 - Cleveland, OH House of Blues
Friday, February 3, 2012 - Chicago, IL Double Door
Saturday, February 4, 2012 - Cincinnati, OH Mixx Lounge
Monday, February 6, 2012 - Kansas City, MO The Riot Room
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 - San Diego, CA Anthology
Thursday, February 9, 2012 - Los Angeles, CA Key Club
Monday, February 13, 2012 - Dallas, TX House of Blues
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - New Orleans, LA The Howlin’ Wolf
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - Houston, TX House of Blues
Thursday, February 16, 2012 - Austin, TX Antones
Saturday, February 18, 2012 - Birmingham, AL Old Car Heaven
Monday, February 20, 2012 - Atlanta, GA Center Stage
Thursday, February 23, 2012 - Boston, MA Regatta Bar (2 shows)
Sunday, February 26, 2012 - Baltimore, MD Sound Stage
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - New York, NY Irving Plaza
Thursday, March 1, 2012 - Wilmington, DE World Café Live
Saturday, March 3, 2012 - Nashville, TN Indulge Nightclub
Monday, March 5, 2012 - Philadelphia, PA World Café Life



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

We (my Hubby, little Brandon, and I) spent the afternoon at Aberdeen Mall and had lunch at the food court upstairs. There was a new food place just opened and we noticed this massive line up. "Wow," I thought, "what these people go through for Japanese food!" Kinda crazy because there's lots of Japanese food places in the area nearby. I took a snapshot...




Anyway, we weren't going there and we were already hungry. We went to one of our favorite place (Teppan Kitchen) just next to the new one. I love the flavor of the sauce. It's called "garlic butter soy". I gotta try making that at home one day.

Announcement: The lucky WINNER for the Oscillo & Children's Chestal Giveaway that ended January 23, 2012 is..... (drum roll, please).



Congratulations to Helen Lemon (#91)



I have sent you an email. You have 48 hours to respond. Thanks everyone for participating in my giveaway contests.

These days it’s hard to figure out what’s safe to eat or drink diet foods without counting calories, starving yourself, giving up your favorite foods, or eating bland packaged foods.

Want to lose weight without counting calories, starving yourself, giving up your favorite foods, or eating bland packaged foods? Would you like to look and feel younger and healthier than you have in years without diets and exercise? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, this book is for you! JJ Smith’s revolutionary system teaches proven methods for permanent weight loss that anyone can follow, no matter her size, income level, or educational level. And the end result is a healthy, sexy, slim body.

JJ’s breakthrough weight-loss solution can help you shed pounds fast by detoxifying the body, balancing your hormones, and speeding up your metabolism. You’ll learn which foods help you stay slim and which foods cause you to get fat. If you have been on a roller-coaster ride of weight loss, you will finally be able to get off, lose weight, and stay slim for life!



WHAT I THINK OF THE BOOK?
First of all, I would like to thank JJ Smith for the opportunity to share my views about her new book where she tells all about her tips and advices on how to lose weight with natural ways and eating natural foods. It's true with some of the false advertising with certain foods. Always read the labels and nutritional facts. I really enjoyed reading the section where she talks about good carbs and bad carbs.

The more nutritional food we eat, the better our body will function. I'm sure most of you already know about that. JJ goes in detail and explains about what types of food that is good for you and what types of food that are unhealthy. For example: Citrus fruits aid the body in flushing out toxins and jumpstarting the digestive tract with enzymatic processes. Sometimes there are things that you probably didn't even know and makes you wonder.

In her new book, you will learn how to...
• Detoxify the body for fast weight loss
• Drop pounds and inches fast, without grueling workouts or starvation
• Lose up to 15 pounds in the first three weeks
• Shed unwanted fat by eating foods you love, including carbs
• Get rid of stubborn belly fat
• Trigger your 6 fat-burning hormones to lose weight effortlessly
• Eat foods that give you glowing, radiant skin
• Eat so you feel energetic and alive every day
• Get physically active without exercising

In her new book Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out, Nutritionist and certified weight loss expert JJ Smith says you have to be really careful when shopping at the grocery store.

Why? Diet foods can make you fat.

“Many products,” she says, “are allowed to use the word ‘diet’, because they have some reduced amount of sugar or fat. But unless you look really carefully at all the ingredients, you won’t be able to identify all the hidden ones that can contribute to weight gain.”

She’s come up with a quick list of the reasons why anyone who is trying to slim down needs to avoid certain diet foods:

Sugar-free baked goods

Read the labels carefully! They can have the same or even more fat than the original recipes! You may also be fooled into eating so many because they were labeled as “diet” that you exceed your daily goals without even realizing it. Try graham crackers instead. They have less sugar than other cookies and very little fat, about 2 grams per serving.

Fat-free dressings

Most fat-free dressings are really higher in sugar, which basically just defeats the whole purpose of eating a fat free food. Read the label carefully. Select a reduced fat dressing that contains olive or canola oil that has 2 to 4 grams of fat per serving.

Diet Sodas

Contain artificial sweeteners that can cause health problems and have no nutritional value. When the body finds nothing recognizable as nutrition, it continues to crave something nutritional, which increases cravings and appetite. They can create food cravings for sweets. Drink water or green tea instead of diet soda.

Fruit Snacks

Don’t be fooled by packaging claims that say it is ‘made with real fruit or fruit juices’! They are packed with added sugars and artificial ingredients that have little or no nutritional value. Read the label and see the grams of sugars and the amount of carbohydrates and fat. Eat real fruit instead, which is rich in fiber, phytonutrients, and cancer fighting anti-oxidants!

High-protein Diet Bars (Power Bars) and Shakes

When the body receives a protein or power bar, it tries to break down the sugar and chemicals in it, but when they cannot be fully digested by the body, the excess ends up being stored in the body as fat. This excess can actually produce a weight gain instead of a weight loss. It’s better to eat a vegetable like avocado, which is healthier and high in protein.

Artificial Sweeteners

Those little yellow, pink and blue packages – the ‘sugar substitutes’ may have zero calories, but don’t be fooled. They increase appetite by sending false signals to the brain that sweet food is on the way, and when it never arrives, the brain never gives the signal that you are satisfied causing cravings for sweets. There’s research that shows that aspartame in particular, stimulates the release of insulin, which tells the body to store fat! Bottom line – they actually contribute to weight gain.



“The best alternative,” JJ says, “is to limit or avoid these foods! Drink more water and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. You’ll feel better, lose more weight, and enjoy what you eat more too.”

Discover Secrets to a Slimmer, Sexier, and Healthier You!

BUY IT
The book is available for purchase (in hard copy or electronic format) at
Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.

WIN IT
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a copy of Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out by JJ Smith. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US & Canadian residents (ends February 26, 2012 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Mandatory entry is required to unlock the additional optional entries.

{Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Most women have a love-hate relationship with mascara. They love that it transforms their appearance but hate that it clumps and flakes lashes. Fall in love with the right Mascara from Make-Up Designory (MUD), world-renowned professional make-up school and its new cosmetics line.

This award-winning pigment-rich mascara provides even coverage lush with fibers to maximize and lengthen lashes for super-volumizing results. Available in a black cream and volumizing formula, MUD’s Mascara comes in a pewter gray squeezable tube that lessens waste.

MUD’s Mascara is less likely to dry out or spoil. The squeezable tube is perfect for a professional make-up artist and heaven-sent for at-home use.

Mascara myth number one: Pumping the mascara wand in-and-out the tube will catch more cream on the wand for an even application. Truth: Pumping the mascara wand actually fills tube with air and dries out mascara, ruining the product. That’s why the tube is a beauty-blessing.

Tip: For thicker lashes apply 1-2 layers and glide brush from inner to outer corner of bottom lashes. The full-bristled brush allows for a smooth and easy application control for individual users, whether creating a subtle daytime look or glamorous evening eyes. Use MUD Make-up Remover Towelettes to gently wipe away.




MUD takes it a step further with an innovative outer packaging that tells the consumer how to correctly use the product with illustrations and symbols rather than words. MUD’s Mascara has a suggested retail price of $14 for a .40 ounce tube and is available at select MUD shops and boutique locations or www.mudshop.com.



About Make-Up Designory (MUD):

Make-Up Designory is a private post secondary institution that provides training every year to hundreds of students from around the world to work in fashion, film, and television. Specialties include beauty make-up artistry, hairstyling, portfolio development, character make-up, and special make-up effects. The school has two locations, one in Los Angeles (founded in 1997) and one in New York. In addition, the school has its own cosmetics line, that range from $8 - $26, with retailers and distributors in the US, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Japan, Australia, West Africa, Mexico, Guam, and the Dominican Republic.


Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Penguin Canada, a leader in young-adult fiction, launched Razorbill.ca, an online destination for the community, conversations and enthusiasm of today's expanding young-adult fiction audiences. Razorbill.ca gives young adults a forum to engage with contemporary authors and like-minded peers.

“Razorbill is a foundation for a lasting love of reading, a place to share fictional crushes, challenge villainous deeds, and visit the past, present and future, taking on the real issues of the day,” said Lynne Missen, Penguin’s Publishing Director for Young Readers.

Razorbill.ca is all about creating a unique experience for book enthusiasts. With exclusive access, members will be exposed to anticipated titles before they launch, be invited to live chats with critically acclaimed authors including Joseph Boyden, Hiromi Goto, Charles de Lint and Carrie Mac but most importantly, be part of an evolving community and conversation.

As recently reported in the Los Angeles Times, “Young adult continues to be the literary world's fastest-growing genre” with middle grade fiction also experiencing a renaissance, thanks in large measure to Harry Potter and the Twilight saga, which have ushered in an era of more adults reading young adult fiction than ever before. Further, the traditional demographic boundaries of the category have widened so extremely they are almost irrelevant.

“Young adult fiction hits a unique sweet spot,” says Missen, “offering authentic entertainment for both teens and adults, as well as the opportunity to engage on real-life issues like bullying, suicide, love and relationships and mistakes.”

The young-adult fiction category now includes some of the world’s most popular names and authors. In the past year alone, writers including John Grisham, Kathy Reichs and Harlan Coben have crossed the genre line to write critically acclaimed books for young readers. Razorbill titles include Jay Asher’s 13 Reasons Why, John Green’s The Fault in our Starsand Playground, by 50 Cent. The first Canadian title to be published by Razorbill will be Hiromi Goto's Darkest Light, on-sale January 31st.

“The category is extremely diverse, concludes Missen. “There is quite literally a young adult fiction book for every reader.”

About Razorbill (www.razorbill.ca)

Razorbill is an imprint dedicated to publishing the very best in young adult writing, showcasing both Canadian and international talent. Razorbill.ca is an online virtual community bringing together a wide range of readers, writers and reviewers of YA fiction.

You can connect with them on Facebook: facebook.com/razorbillca and Twitter: Razorbill Books @RazorbillCA

About Penguin (www.penguin.ca)

Penguin Canada, founded in 1974, is one of the country’s leading publishers of fiction and non-fiction, publishing an award-winning list of Canadian authors including Joseph Boyden, Randy Bachman, Adrienne Clarkson, Will Ferguson, Guy Gavriel Kay, Margaret MacMillan, Stuart McLean, Craig Oliver and John Ralston Saul. Penguin Group (www.penguin.com), one of the world’s largest English-language trade book publishers, has established divisions and key market positions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, China, South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson, the international media company.



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

THELOOKBAG is the newest high-end, luxury beauty sample kit customized by beauty expert Damone Roberts, the undisputed “Eyebrow King” to the hottest A-list Hollywood starlets. For only $10 a month, Damone tailors each LOOKBAG for THELOOKBAG.COM subscribers in an attractive, hand-packaged box of five deluxe, re-sealable beauty samples from established brands to prestigious foreign products such as O.N.E Skincare, Rain Cosmetics, Kim Vo and Yarok hair care delivered to your doorstep. This makes it easy for the beauty obsessed to test drive the latest and greatest beauty samples on the market: if the subscriber likes what they try and wishes to purchase the full-size product, they can do so at a 20% discount at THELOOKBAG.COM.

THELOOKBAG aims to take beauty to another level by letting members choose between a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription plan. Subscribers will fill out a brief beauty Q&A so each product in their bag is specifically customized to fit their needs. THELOOKBAG is then shipped out free to members within the first two weeks of every month.





Damone has revolutionized the beauty industry with his own artistry and personally crafted eyebrow products. Known for sculpting the perfect arches for a plethora of A-listers that includes Madonna, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Megan Fox, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Britney Spears; Damone can now add expert spokesperson to his resume, as the new face of THELOOKBAG.COM, a fabulous, affordable and convenient new luxury sample club.He has been featured on many television shows including Oprah, MSNBC, The View, BET, Access Hollywood, Good Morning America, CNN and TLC’s national hit television show “10 Years Younger”. Damone has also been a regular contributing beauty editor for Oprah.com.

Oprah - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af5f9UHl614
The View - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUbGoBrUy_E
TLC ’10 Years Younger’ - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkaZog69ZhA
Access Hollywood - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_fvhObEjhw

Founded by E! Entertainment creator Alan Mruvka, THELOOKBAG.COM is a celebrity driven online store, which allows consumers to view products through video content, read reviews and expert opinion and shop through celebrity partnered unique online stores with exclusive celebrity product lines.





Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.