HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Sorry for such a late post on this. Supersmile is offering a “WICKED” Halloween discount until today (Monday, Oct. 31st). Enter “wicked” at checkout, you’ll receive 20% off your entire purchase.

You'll want to keep those teeth clean and healthy from all those Halloween candies and treats.

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

Do you ever experience sensitive skin and redness, especially during the harsh winter season? If you do, you've probably have what is called Rosacea. I never had this problem when I was younger. As I get older, my skin became more sensitive. My mom and I have this same problem, but very mild. I don't get it as often as she does. The cheeks get red (more during the dry winter weather) whenever we go out and if we're outside for long periods of time.


What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition which principally affects the face. Rosacea causes facial redness and produces small, red, pus-filled pustules (bumps). Rosacea worsens over time if left untreated. It is often mistaken for acne or eczema, or some other skin allergy.

Common signs: redness on cheeks/nose/chin/forehead; small visible blood vessels on the face; bumps or pimples on the face; watery or irritated eyes.

There are generally four different types of rosacea:

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea - This type causes people to look as if they are blushing. Some may have uncomfortable itchy feelings or burning sensation. Mom and I are in this area as our faces get red occassionally.

Papulopustular Rosacea - This type of condition develops red bumps, sometimes called papules on the skin. It is usually confused with acne. The way it can be distinguished from acne is if it is a chronic condition, building from the blushing and flushing stage to the point where burning and tingling sensations are happening in the face and other symptoms are present.

Phymatous Rosacea - This causes the nose to become larger through the skin becoming thicker and redder. This can also happen to the chin.

Ocular Rosacea - This usually affects the eyes and eyelids. The eyes may become gritty and redness.

A recently launched a skin care line called Riversol For Rosacea, uses a molecule from the western red cedar tree thujaplicin (thoo-ya-pli-sin), which has been clinically proven to have natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant properties.

MY EXPERIENCE
The skincare kit I received is really great and it does not irritate. I get really, really dry skin. Even my nails are always cracking on the sides. With the cold winter coming, it was the perfect time for me to try the kit and protect my skin. I've been using Riversol twice a day (morning and night) and have seen improvments. The product is formulated to provide hydrating benefits for extremely dry and cold weather conditions. I would recommend this product to my relatives and friends.

About Dr. Jason Rivers

Dr. Jason Rivers is one of Canada’s top dermatologists. Passionate about creating skin care products that combine the best of science and nature, Dr. Rivers developed Riversol For Rosacea, a simple regime that o!ers natural relief for redness and rosacea.

Having received dermatology training in Canada, England, the United States and Australia, he is board certified in North America. He is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of British Columbia, where he served as program director for six years. Dr. Rivers serves on staff at St. Paul's Hospital and is also a partner at Pacific Dermaesthetics, a private medical and cosmetic dermatology practice in Vancouver, BC.

It's pretty interesting to know that Dr. Rivers resides in my local area of Vancouver, BC. And you know what? My husband also works at St. Paul's Hospital. I was just curious so I asked my husband if he have heard about him, but no he haven't.

Disclosure: I received a sample kit mentioned above from the company/PR firm in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

If you are planning a vacation somewhere in Thailand, Starwood Hotel is offering a vacation package on their three new resorts through March 2012 (to be booked by December 31, 2011).

* Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa (opened Sept. 30): Starting at $145 USD/night

* Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa: “Thai Me Down” Dream wedding pkg - $100,000 USD for a three-day weekend which includes a property buy-out and much more

* The Naka Island, Phuket (opening Nov.): Opening Special starting at $291 USD/night

* The Naka Island, Phuket: 3 nights for price of 2 starting at $486 USD

* Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11: “Style at a Steal” starting at $69 USD/night (due to flooding in Bangkok, opening date is pushed to late November)


Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11

Opening in November/December 2011. Aloft has unveiled its special opening rates in conjunction with its upcoming opening. Under the chic campaign called ‘Style at a Steal’, Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 offers savvy travellers a chance to experience the first Aloft hotel in Bangkok and Southeast Asia with attractive rates starting at only $69+ USD per room per night.

The hotel is infused with the DNA of W Hotels, and Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 (www.alofthotels.com/bangkoksukhumvit11) will afford guests a truly unique travel experience at an attractive price point when it opens in October, 2011. With loft-inspired design imparted by bright, open spaces, Aloft is the perfect hotel for forward-thinking travelers with an anything-goes attitude. The hotel will feature 297 rooms, over 265 square meters of meeting space & pre-function area, Crave - an all day dining restaurant, re:fuel by Aloftsm- grab ‘n’ go café, w xyzsm bar, re:chargesm fitness center and splash outdoor swimming pool.

Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Tocelebrate its September 30, 2011 grand opening, the resort is offering opening rates starting package that includes a property buy-out ($100,000), affording 154 guests exclusive access to the entire resort for a three-day wedding extravaganza.

The hotel is located on Lamai Beach on the east coast of Koh Samui with 110-meters of beach frontage. The resort is a short drive to the island's recreational and cultural facilities, including Lamai Temple and the Yacht Club. Le Méridien Koh Samui will offer 77 guest rooms and villas with Le Méridien signature bed and elegant bathrooms with rainforest shower and separate bathtub. Le Méridien Koh Samui will showcase the global Le Méridien arrival experience, curated by international arts provocateur Jérôme Sans, the hotel brand’s cultural curator since 2006. For more info, visit www.lemeridien.com/kohsamui


The Naka Island, Phuket

Opening in November 2011, the resort (the only one on the island) is offering two grand opening packages through March 2012. For more info, visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3714

Exclusive Opening Special – from THB 9,000+++ ($291 USD):

· Accommodations in your choice of private villa, complete with plunge pools, modern conveniences, and stunning views of the surrounding islands and Phang Nga Bay

· Daily breakfast for two beachside at Tonsai restaurant

· Return speedboat transfers to Phuket

Luxury Experience: 3 Nights for Price of 2 – from THB 15,000+++ ($486 USD):

· Accommodations in Tropical Pool Villa, or your choice of private villa, complete with plunge pools, modern conveniences, and stunning views of the surrounding islands and Phang Nga Bay

· Daily breakfast for two beachside at Tonsai restaurant

· Resort credit of THB 2,500 per villa per night, available for use at any of the resort’s two restaurants and bar, Spa Naka, or resort experiences like kayaking, cycling or Thai cooking classes (excluding the period from 24 December, 2011 until 7 January, 2012)

· Return speedboat transfers to Phuket


Opening package rates are subject to applicable government tax and service charge (18.7%).

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

The classic Hollywood cat eye is everywhere - Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Angelina Jolie all turn this look out for the red carpet. Rachel Wade, professional makeup artist and owner of Cheek to Chic in NYC, shows you how to do it.

How to create a classic Hollywood cat eye look
Raychel Wade, Founder of Cheek to Chic

You're not really dressed to go out on the town until your makeup is just right. Professional makeup artist Vinnetta Scrivo demonstrates how to create a sophisticated, dramatic evening look for your eyes. You'll look glamorous, but not over-made up if you follow Vinetta's advice.


How to apply dramatic eye makeup for an evening look
Vinnetta Scrivo, Makeup Artist

Halloween is just a few days away. Try new and different looks for an upcoming event or party. If you haven't decided on your costume or your look, check out these makeup video tutorials for inspiration.

Professional makeup artist Katie Wedlund creates a makeup mash-up of two Lady Gaga looks from the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. It's one part feathered phantom; one part lace face. We think it's a perfect look for Halloween or a masquerade ball!

How to create a dramatic Lady Gaga look
Katie Wedlund, Professional Makeup Artist



How to get Taylor Swift inspired curls
Scott Wasserman, Professional Hair Stylist, DEX New York

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

Embarrassed by Your Book Selection? 

No Matter How Quirky Your Reading Choices Are, 

Keep Your Library Private with the iriver Story HD

Google Books-Integrated High-resolution E-Reader Offers Extensive Selection with More Than 3 Million Titles at No Cost


It isn’t every day that you see someone reading a sappy romance novel on the subway – but it doesn’t mean they aren’t.

We all have our guilty pleasures when it comes to books, and with the iriver Story HD e-reader (www.iriver.com) you can read more than three million books of your choice for free, and keep them concealed in the privacy of one slim device.

The iriver Story HD is the first e-reader to be fully integrated with the Google eBooks platform, providing millions of free titles and thousands more for sale. The high-resolution screen is the most vivid display on the market, making it an easy read (for your eyes only).

The iriver Story HD has a long battery life and fast page-turn performance as well.

iriver Story HD features:

· At 7.3 ounces, the iriver Story HD is the lightest e-reader of its class

· With 63.8 percent more pixels than other e-readers, the world’s first six-inch XGA(768x1024) E-Ink display offers revolutionary legibility

· An advanced Cortex A8 chipset which provides high performance and fast response

· A superior battery life enables users to select 14,000 of its non-glare pages, or simply keep the device on standby for up to six weeks, all on a single charge

· Access to the Google eBookstore gives users unmatched access to millions of books, all easily and conveniently stored in an unlimited digital cloud

· Sideloading of personal documents via the SD card slot or by USB 2.0, allows users to supplement their cloud libraries with additional books and documents

· The slim and lightweight e-reader features iriver’s sleek, signature style, a QWERTY keypad, and a curve with two-tone colors at the front and back for easy grip and slim design

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

Do you spend a lot of time searching what is the best place to dine, find a grocery store, mechanic, or good coffee shops? Thanks to the complete website redesign, 411.ca lists the reviews and types of businesses you are looking for. You can also help them build up its collection of restaurant reviews and post your opinions.

If you haven't signed up for an account, it's free. You get to personalize your profile, add photos, link to your facebook, twitters and also set your privacy settings. You'll also earn Influence Points (rewards) by doing simple tasks and activities such as write a review, raiting reviews, adding a business that's not listed, and much more using your 411.ca account.

Here's an example of my search experience: I was trying to search for my favorite Japanese restaurant called Tentatsu, but it wasn't listed on the 411.ca site. I search again by actual address. Then I realized there was typo in the name. It was listed under the name "Entatsu Japanese Sushi" instead of "Tentatsu Japanese Sushi". I wrote my first review with my account. What I think of this restaurant? It has great food at a great value. The restaurant is a bit small, but the servers were friendly. When I'm not eating at the restaurant, I usually call in for take-out and eat at home. There's a 10% discount when you call in for pick-up.

If I'm looking for some place new to try, 411.ca directory is very useful. Other people's review also helped with my choice.

Disclosure: I am a BzzAgent and participating in the mentioned campaign. I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

50 years ago this October, Blake Edwards’ timeless classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was released to the world, spotlighting Audrey Hepburn in her most infamous role as Holly Golightly. This film not only secured Hepburn’s place in history as an amazing actress, but also as an undisputed beauty icon.

In celebration of the anniversary, here are some quick tips to get a few of Hepburn’s most memorable looks.


The Sophisticated Chignon


Using a brush to pull hair back smoothly, secure it up into a ponytail positioned in the middle of your head, just below the crown. Wrap the hair hanging from your ponytail into a rosette chignon and secure with bobby pins. Lightly spritz hair with Samy’s The Hairspray to keep your style in place. To keep fly-aways at bay, lightly spritz a blush brush with The Hairspray and smooth it over hair, working back towards the bun.

To Finish the Look: Tie a silk or satin ribbon around the outside of the bun, tucking in the ends and securing them with a pin.




The Smooth Operator


This classically chic look is functional and fabulous! Whether you want to protect your mane from mother nature, or fly under the radar, you will always look like a star with Audrey’s signature head scarf. Simply style hair as desired (or don’t!) and slip on a sleek, silk or satin scarf. Secure the scarf under your chin by tying a loose knot and slip it backwards to let a bit or your hair peek out. Tame bangs with Samy’s Ultra-lightweight Conditioning Serum.


To Finish the Look: Throw on some Ray Ban Wafers and your favorite trench.



The Iconic Audrey



First, apply Samy’s Fat Hair Amplifying Mousse to clean, damp hair to give the hair body. Next, separate hair into three sections, starting by pulling the front to the side and securing with a clip. Part the remaining hair into two sections down the middle, running from the back of the neck to the crown. Pull the right section back and pin it at the top of the part (leaving hair hanging from the pin). Repeat this step with the left section. Twist the two sections of hanging hair together into a loose twist and secure with pins. Create the poof at the crown by backcombing and lifting the hair with the end of a rattail comb while spraying with a strong hold hairspray.


To Finish the Look: Add a tiara or bejeweled hair pin at the front of your bun and spray with Samy’s Fat Hair Amplifying Hairspray.


Samy styling products are available at Walgreen’s, Rite Aid and samystore.com.

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

What are Slimmies? They are weight loss chocolates. You would think eating chocolates and losing weight would sounds strange. These special delicious chocolate chews contain an active ingredient that is clinically proven to help individuals lose weight.

How does Slimmies work? Slimmies is not a pill. It’s not a drug. It’s natural and safe. Slimmies contain a unique dietary fiber called LuraLean that expands to help you feel full faster and suppresses your appetite so you eat less and consume fewer calories. This active ingredient will not only control your appetite and help boost your metabolism, but also reduce the fat absorption of the food that you do eat.

I received a boxed sample to try. I'm trying to slim down my waist line, especially my tummy area. When I first tried it, it tasted almost like chocolate with caramel and it is chewy. It's pretty good. The guide says that each Slimmies must be taken with 8oz (1 glass) of water, so I have to consume more liquids than I usually do. It makes me feel full for quite a while and it's helping me take my meals at a lesser portion. And it is suggested that Slimmies are taken 1 hour before each meal, up to 4 times a day.

A bonus is that the website www.MySlimmies.com includes exclusive workouts and meal plans to help you get the best of losing weight and diet. Currently they are working on adding information on that web page, but I'm looking forward to reading it when it is available soon.



Features & Benefits:
* delays absorption of fat and colesterol from food
* expands to help you feel full faster and keep you satisfied for longer
* promotes higher metabolism


WHERE TO BUY? The Slimmies are available for purchase on their online store or at retailers such as Rite-Aid or Walgreens.

Disclosure: I received a sample of the mentioned Slimmies product from the company/PR firm in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

For the first time, I am participating in this week's MyMemories Scrapbooking Challenge. The challenge is create a page using a picture with no faces in it. Here's just a quick and basic digital scrapbook page creation. I decided to make a pink theme to celebrate the "Think Pink" and support breast cancer awareness month. I used one of my recent nature photography images.




My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software can be purchased from the online store. Use this special discount code when you place or order: STMMMS82838. You will receive $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software PLUS a $10 coupon for downloads. Note that this unique code is ONLY good for My Memories Suite v2.

If you like to see more of my fantasy art, visit my Art Gallery at sweetcivic.deviantart.com

Men’s Health caught up with Man vs. Wild star Bear Grylls in his natural habitat—a sheer rock face—to learn lessons of adventure and survival for the November issue. Bear’s adventure checklist is below along with quotes from his story. Please click here to read the full feature: http://www.menshealth.com/celebrity-fitness/bear-grylls


Bear’s Adventure checklist:
1. Zip-top bags
2. Extra socks and gloves
3. Tarp

Bear on dealing with fear…
“Fear is normal. It’s a tool that sharpens us for what we need to do.”

Bear on his service in the British special forces…
“I was always brought up to have a cup of tea at hafway up a rock face.”

Bear on trusting your gut...
"The doubting voice is not the one to listen to. The doubting voice is just that little boy going, 'Have you double-checked everything? Are you sure?' But yes, it's fine. The inner voice is the one that says, 'You're ok to do this,' 'This is the right girl to marry,' or 'This is okay to climb this rock face.' And life's journey is to distinguish between the two voices."

Bear on being raised an adventurer…
“We did a load of boating and sailing and kayaking and climbing and horse riding around here. It wasn’t a complicated life. It was a great life.”

Bear on his adventures…
“When I’m in Man vs. Wild mode, it’s not pleasure. Every sensor is firing and I’m on reserve power all the time and I’m digging deep-and that’s the magic of it as well, and that’s raw and it’s great. But pleasure for me is good friends coming, picking some adventure--whether it’s a weekend thing or a day thing or a weeklong thing--and then planning it and building it and researching it and training for it.”

Bear on accomplishing his goals…
“You feel a complete buzz when you reach the top of that…because you did it. And I feel exactly the same, and that’s the magic and attraction of adventure.”

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

Trick or treat – give us something good to eat! We take that age-old plea to heart.

Below is a scrumptious recipe for gooey, chocolate trail mix bars that won’t spook even the pickiest of eaters! Set a platter of these to-die-for bars at your Halloween bash and watch them magically disappear.

Monster Trail Mix Bars - Makes 36 bars

What You’ll Need
12 (5×2 ½-inch) graham crackers
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 bag (16 oz.) Archer Farms Monster Trail Mix (about 3 cups)

What You’ll Do

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 15x10x1-inch jellyroll pan with aluminum foil leaving a 1-inch overhang on ends; spray foil with cooking spray. Place graham crackers onto foil so sides touch.

STEP 2: Melt butter and brown sugar in medium saucepan on MEDIUM heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and mixture comes to a boil, about 5 minutes. Pour evenly over crackers.

STEP 3: Bake 5 to 6 minutes or until bubbly overall.



STEP 4: Remove pan from oven; sprinkle with marshmallows and trail mix. Continue baking until marshmallows begin to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Cool completely. Lift from pan using foil.



STEP 5: Cut into bars and give the goods to the goblins!



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info and access to images and recipe from the PR firm to share. Thanks to A Bullseye View. The expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

I Love... Cosmetics celebrated their U.S. launch in New York City earlier last week between October 6th and 15th. Lucky for those who live in New York, some fans attended and had a great experience at this event. I wasn't able to attend as I don't live in the area, however, I received a 75mL (2.5Fl OZ) sample of the I Love... Vanilla & Ice Cream super soft hand lotion.



Description:

An air of excitement and a heart-warming sensation as my rich creamy aroma explodes into an irresistible sweetness of vanilla, leaving you dreaming of two scoops not one! Keep your hands looking young and vibrant while feeling soft and silky. The rich cream locks in moisture to soften and smooth dry hands.

I really like this creamy lotion as it leaves my dry hands feeling soft. Especially during the cold winter season, my hands are always dry. The vanilla scent smells really yummy (so yummy I feel I can almost taste it). I let my friends try it and they really love the scent as well. I hope to try out some other fragrances available.

The products come in the following 7 fragrances:
• Blueberry & Smoothie
• Coconut & Cream
• Lemons & Limes
• Mango & Papaya
• Raspberry & Blackberry
• Strawberries & Milkshake
• Vanilla & Ice Cream





About I Love.. Cosmetics

Launched in 2008 in Manchester, England, I Love… Cosmetics Limited. offers fun skincare products
at affordable prices. Providing fresh and fruity scents such as Mango & Papaya, Coconut & Cream,
and Strawberries & Milkshake, the brand is adored in the UK for its palatable aromas and high-quality
formulations. The delicious, whimsical blends generate a feel-good factor and a sense of happiness.

Disclosure: I received a sample of the hand lotion product from the company/PR firm in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.