Lela Rose – ss 10 MBFW

Hair by Ted Gibson. Check back for interview.

kushy job

Urgent Benefit for Tara Subkoff – Imitation of Christ & BeBe designer

EMERGENCY FUNDRAISER

URGENT art benefit for Tara Subkoff

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Time: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: DEITCH PROJECTS
SILENT AUCTION
COCKTAILS – RACHEL CHANDLER AND PAUL SEVIGNY TO DJ

WHY: We are very sorry to say that our great friend Tara Subkoff has been diagnosed with a form of brain tumor known as an acoustic neuroma. While benign, it will be fatal to her in approximately two years if not operated on. Recuperation from the necessary operation may take as long as a year. During this time it will not be possible for her to work. We are writing in the hope that all of you can help.

The operation should take place in August if Tara is to avoid deterioration in her mobility and hearing, possible facial palsy and other symptoms. The tumor has exceeded three centimeters, which places extreme urgency on removal and rules out radiation and less invasive methods of treatment. There are eleven specialists involved, due to the extremely delicate area around the tumor. All proceeds from the benefit would go towards covering the remainder of the costs of the operation, and possibly to the care that will be needed afterwards.

Jeffery Deitch has kindly offered his Grand Street space for a benefit on July 15th. We want to put together a really terrific array of artworks for a silent auction. Tara is donating her collection of 200 pieces of Imitation of Christ couture, also to be in the auction.

We realize that this is very short notice and that you are all inundated with benefit requests. If you can possibly help by donating a small work, we would be incredibly grateful. If you are not able to donate a work at this time, monetary donations are also most welcome.

Checks can be made payable to: NYFA (New York Foundation for the Arts)

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS EMAIL, WHETHER AN ARTIST OR A NON ARTIST, PLEASE CONSIDER IN AN INVITATION TO JOIN US AT THE EVENT, OR IF NOT ABLE TO COME, TO SEND A SMALL DONATION.

Dear Artists,

If you can help PLEASE LET US KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE, AS TIME IS VERY SHORT. We can then email you a donation form.

ART DROP OFF: Art Production Fund has generously offered the use of their offices – and interns for pick-ups – if necessary.

ADDRESS: APF, 299 WEST HOUSTON ST, GROUND FLOOR BTWN HUDSON AND GREENWICH STREETS, NY 10014

PHONE: 212-966-0193

EMAIL: staff@artproductionfund.org

MONDAY – THURSDAY 10-4 (PLEASE NOTE NO FRIDAY DROP OFF)

Artists please be aware that Art Production Fund cannot insure these artworks (yet will treat with care!) so ship/handle/storage is at own risk.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS, WHO ARE TO BE THE FISCAL SPONSORS FOR THE EVENT. Reposted from rollingrack.net

What recession? It’s on.

Southwest, take me away! Because sometimes you’ve just gotta get it on.

Caption This: Mariah Carey at Cannes

Oh No She Didn’t! – Quotes

Who said this?

no i’m not wearing a weave

Susan Boyle – The Beauty Within

A wonderful summation on true beauty, and what might have happened if Susan tanked.

Lovelies at TJMaxx

Thanks @tjmaxx for stocking these pieces that make a great outfit: Nine West dress & sweater, sweet purse and gold strappies (not shown). This is a great work outfit that will segue through chilly Spring to warm Summer with ease and comfort and style.

Barbie You Can Drive My Car

Barbie has had an awesome year. Turning 50 (and looking dewy fresh), getting her own runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and now a set of custom wheels from VW. So tell me, is driving this set of wheels fashionable or laughable? As a concept car I think it is adorable.

Versace Tiara: Does this make me look rich?

Looking to diversify? Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, especially when fashioned into a tiara by the likes of Gianni Versace, and previously worn by Madonna. This item of conspicuous consumption is estimated value at $3M, and goes up for auction March 23rd at 9am PST. Bid early, bid often. And do tell where you would wear it.

Clinton Kelly Makes Over America

Clinton Kelly continues his reign with Macy*s, embarking on a 15 city tour across America, beautifying as he goes! Enter now for a chance at a complete makeover – hair, makeup, clothing. In the end you’ll be able to show off your new look during a runway show.

Clinton will be on The View tomorrow, March 3rd, to share more.

Why are you still reading? You’ve got a jump on the competition for entry.

Enhancing Your Natural Beauty – The Abs

Hot date? No time for a workout to make those abs pop? Follow these makeup tips to enjoy a highlighted midsection in no time.

Congrats to Slumdog Millionaire

MB Fashion Week – butter London & Daniel Saynt 1pm Central 2/20

Today on BlogTalkRadio 2/20 1pmC: Nonie Creme of Butter London talks looks & colors from MBFW

Immediately followed by Daniel Saynt/FashionIndie discussing MBFW controversy and NYO lawsuit

81st Oscar Night Fashion Predictions from Celeb Stylist Lawrence Zarian

Thanks to Lawrence Zarian for sharing his Academy Awards predictions with us. He’ll be live on the red carpet Sunday and hosting an Oscar wrap on Monday with Lisa Rinna. What are your predictions?

RED CARPET GLAMOUR FROM LAWRENCE ZARIAN, “THE FASHION GUY” FROM
ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY AND TV GUIDE NETWORK.

The Oscars are right around the corner and for Award Season ’09 the theme on the red carpet is all about color and class. Hollywood’s A-list beauties are definitely bringing glamour back to the red carpet
while keeping it simple and elegant with a “less is more attitude”.

• Old Hollywood glamour is still the rage before hitting the red.
From double Golden Globe winner Kate Winslet in her black satin floor
length Yves Saint Lauren with simple, stunning jewels by Chopard to
Anne Hathaway in her crystal laden white Azzaro gown with Cartier
Jewels at the SAG Awards, it’s one color dressing at it’s finest.

• Major color is back on the red, from cool crimson to powerful purple
to beautiful blues. Don’t let the color control you, you control and
carry the color.

• The key accessory on the red carpet is not a handbag or shoes, it’s
showing off your shoulders, from strapless statements such as
Christina Applegate in a gorgeous emerald green, one shoulder gown by
Emanuel Ungaro at the SAG Awards, to Eva Longhoria Parker working the
red in her body hugging strapless crimson red Reem Acra fishtail gown,
at this years Golden Globes.

• From Anne Hathaway to Hollywood IT Girl Freido Pinto, the hair is
sleek and slicked back with the emphasis on the face, featuring smokey
eyes and stained lip.

• For the women, belts, ruffles and bling are heavy hitters in this
game called fashion while plunging necklines seem to be striking out
due to the wrong fit and wrong designer on the right girl.

• Regarding those Hollywood hunks, if you have the confidence and
inner star power to lose your tie, take it off like Brad Pitt did so
effortlessly in Tom Ford at the SAG Awards. Finish off your look with
a pocket square to match your stunning arm candy, like Brad did with
his cornflower blue pocket square, complimenting Angie’s draping Max
Azria gown. Star Style at it’s finest.

• Tom Cruise showcased a lean and mean silhouette in his double
breasted tuxedo at the Golden Globes, while most of the other men on
the red, leaned towards the single breasted tuxedo with narrow lapels
and two-button closures.

• For men, classic and elegant styles re key when dressing for the red
carpet. From pocket squares to cuff links, the looks are definitely
more polished with an old Hollywood finish.

• ‘WATCH TV GUIDE NETWORK LIVE ON THE ACADEMY AWARDS RED CARPET
BEGINNING SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22nd at 3PM/2PM CENTRAL.”

• “Academy Awards Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna and Lawrence Zarian,
premiering Monday February 23 at 8/7c also on TV Guide Network.”

Kathryn Kerrigan Boutique Shoe Sale & Wine Tasting – Sat 2/21

If you’re bummed about Milwaukee cracking down on sipping vino and shopping, cross the border to Libertyville, IL for Kathryn Kerrigan ‘s shoe sale Saturday, February 21.

Specializing in larger sized, stylish shoes for tall women, the boutique carries sizes 6-15 and are known for providing all day comfort. Shoes are manufactured in Spain, and Spanish wines will be served.

This event is part of a 30 store soiree, with wine tasting available at each location. Purchase of an etched wine glass at a location serves as your ticket to imbibe at all other locations (but remember, moderation is the key). Take that, Milwaukee.

No fees to attend, must be 21 or older. Downtown Libertyville 1:00pm-5:00pm

Kathryn Kerrigan
741 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Libertyville, IL 60048
847.557.5067

Kim Kardashian – RED HOT

Leave it to KK to present the look that, mark my words, will finally launch the bold lip colors. Cosmetic companies have been trying to get women to go darker for a season or two now, and this trend setter will def be pushing us over the edge.

Everything about this look is perfection!

Backstage Makeup – MBFW – Diesel

Yesterday’s Diesel show, artist Charlotte Tilbury. photo courtesy heather park

Backstage Makeup – MBFW –

MAC Tony Cohen – gorgeous dramatics photo courtesy heather park

MAC’s Heather Park got her nails did

Thanks to MAC’s darling Heather Park for sharing. And here is her choice for nails for Fashion Week – a stunning midnight blue gradation. I have to try this! It almost matches Pickler’s dress. photo courtesy heather park

Badgley Mischka Celebs

It looks like Kelly Pickler lost her (boob) job! I’m not against big girls, but she looks so much better natural. The dress is also a stunner.

And you can’t do fashion week without Kim Kardashian, but I honestly like sis’ nude shoe look better. Both beautiful girls.

Backstage Makeup – MBFW – New York – Badgley Mischka

The color palette at Badgley Mischka, featuring MAC Tom Pecheux’s hand. photo courtesy heather park

Backstage Hair – MBFW – New York – Donna Karan

luvs! photo courtesy heather park

Backstage Makeup – MBFW New York – Terexov

MAC’s Director Nadine Luke (pictured above) orchestrated this deep blue and dramatic look for Terexov photo courtesy heather park

Instant Coffee by Any Name is Still Instant Coffee

McCoffee, which has taken a serious swipe at Starbucks ever conserving customer base, is the leading brew of choice, even scoring as sponsor for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. Starbucks is battling to regain market ground by appealing to the masses, and the first breakthrough is as opposite Italian coffeemakers as one can imagine.

Starbucks introduces Via, poised to be the gourmet of instant coffees. Want to give it a swirl? Go to their site and click “Try Via” for a free sample (and newsletter, natch). With cute little tumblers and promises of preferred pre-shipments, all semblence of an experience does not seem to be lost.

The site promises samples shipments in 2 weeks, or you can pick up in Chicago or Seattle. Looking forward to my brew review with you.

Hello Kitty Arrived – So What Did You Pick UP?

Hello Kitty MAC Pro & Everyone Else = online now!

MAC Pro – Rush for your Hello Kitty

Not a Pro? Collection is still available online and nationwide in stores on the 12th. ALERT: high demand is causing the MAC Cosmetics site to crash!

MAC Hello Kitty Designer Dress Auction Ending

MAC Hello Kitty Designer Dress Auction Ending

Get a unique and wearable keepsake from the HK campaign. All proceeds benefit the Acquisition Fund for the museum at FIT.

MAC Hello Kitty Review – Pre Release Purchases

MAC’s Hello Kitty collection launches in-stores nationwide on February 12th, but last night scores of fans waited in line for a chance to get first shot at the goods. For the best breakdown, swatches and photos of a haul, please visit Christine Mielke’s Temptalia site. As always, the lipglasses are gorgeous.

MBFW – New York: She’s Outta There

When the noise started getting louder last year that fashion week was moving from the tents, no one could believe it. Believe it. 2010 will find Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.

Milwaukee based Karl’s has previously supplied tents for Fashion Weeks around the US.

We Made WWD

in 2006! Michelle Edgar had stopped by to chat a few times but I never realized we got a mention.

Funny what you find when backtracking how visitors land on your blog/websites. The item was cached so I wasn’t able to download the pdf but here is a cobbled screenshot. WooHoo!

Sales at Ulta

Click here for special 20% discount printout for Ulta stores this week only. One per customer

Solessence Giveaway Winner – Congrats, Jean!

Congratulations to Jean from Omaha, Nebraska for winning the Solessence Giveaway! Jean will receive a coconut Shea Gift Set.

And a big thank you to Colleen at Mommy Always Wins for hosting the giveaway.

VIP Inaugural Swag at the Mandarin Oriental

Rumor has it there are more Ralph Lauren goodies to be found. But look at the yummy chocolate. How festive!

The $175 Million Cosmetic Giveaway

I should have posted this yesterday but it just didn’t seem like anyone would pay attention. Pesky little inauguration or something going on.

A class action settlement worth $175 million is available to everyone that purchased Department Store Cosmetics between May 29, 1994 through July 16, 2003. This is the outcome of suggested price fixing. It seems there was some merit to the case.

The following stores are participating in providing ONE free product from a select list. You will be required to fill out paperwork you have picked up your settlement:

The stores owned by the Retailer Defendants that will be participating in the settlement product distribution are the following:

Bergdorf Goodman, Bergner’s, Bloomingdale’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Dillard’s, Gottschalks, Herberger’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Parisian, Saks Fifth Avenue, Younkers.

Products are available while supplies last, no rainchecks will be given. The distribution period will run from January 20 – January 27 or until all items are gone. Items may vary from store to store.

The following is a list of the Manufacturer Defendants and their products that will be distributed, while supplies last, through the stores listed above:

Boucheron (USA) Ltd.:

Femme Eau de Toilette (1 ounce/30 ml)

Chanel, Inc.:

Coco Mademoiselle body lotion (3.4 fluid oz)

Christian Dior Perfumes, Inc.:

J’Adore Eau de Parfum (15 ml)

Clarins U.S.A., Inc. (customers will have a choice of ONE of two products, while supplies last):

Clarins Energizing Morning Cream (30 ml) OR
Clarins Beauty Flash Bomb (30 ml)

Conopco, Inc. (distributed by Coty, Inc. on behalf of Conopco, Inc.) (customers will have a choice of ONE of three products, while supplies last):

Calvin Klein Euphoria Bath and Shower Crème (6.7 oz)

OR
Vera Wang Princess Body Polish (5 oz)

OR
Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker Shower Gel (6.7 oz)

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (customers will have a choice of ONE of two products, while supplies last):

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (15 ml/0.5 oz)

OR
Clinique Moisture Surge (30 ml/1 oz)

Guerlain, Inc.:
My Insolence Eau de Toilette (15 ml)

L’Oréal USA, Inc. (formerly known as Cosmair, Inc.) (customers will have a choice of ONE of eight products, while supplies last):

Lancôme UV Expert 20

OR
Lancôme Cils Design Pro Mascara

OR
Lancôme Fatale Mascara

OR
Lancôme Courbe Virtuose Mascara

OR
Lancôme Primordial Skin Defense

OR
Ralph Lauren Romance Shower Gel (6.7 oz.)

OR
Giorgio Armani ACM Shower Gel (6.7 oz)

OR
Lancôme Hypnôse Shower Gel

Parfums Givenchy, Inc.:
Very Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Toilette (15 ml)

Say Farewell to Bush

Local Plum Spa offers “Say Farewell to Bush” waxing discounts. In honor of, well, you know.

You can “rid yourself of unwanted fuzz” with the Presidential Transition savings, on services booked between 1/20-2/01/09.

Book by calling 414.224.1074 for 20% off all Waxing Services. Tell’em the Secret Service sent you.

Pedicab detour through Chinatown

VIP Inauguration Swag at the Mandarin Oriental

Inaugural VIP guests at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington D.C. received luxury gray cashmere throws as gifts. Fab! Check here for the chocolates.

Inauguration Dress Dreams

One of these dresses is leaving White Plains, NY for Washington, DC…

My MAC 190 brush has bit the dust

My son is feeling artistic today. First he drew a pizza. Then he found inspiration with Sherman-Williams paint. After washing it off this is still what remains. Well, at least I got a good many years use first. Crazy kids.

Special Request: Inaugural Fashion Trends

Are you going to the Inauguration next week?

Staying at home with your finest on?

Please send your fashion choices to solessencenews at gmail.com and a little word about why you selected your ensemble. We’d love to feature you.

The $120 Mascara – Latisse

Last year the spa industry was abuzz as reps began whispering about the new Latisse mascara, set to release this year. At $120 for a tube, it would do away with the need for regular mascara, even extensions! How you ask?

Latisse promises more than a cosmetic enhancing via dark clumps. Released by Allergan, Latisse is a wearable formulation of Lumigan, a drug that is used to treat glaucoma. What was dished as we sat on our comfy cushions was that the doctor who developed the drops discovered his patients were reporting lash growth. A little creative thinking led to the new cosmetic enhancement.

Reps, male and female, in fact WERE sporting longer eye locks. At each monthly visit there was noticeable growth. One had a natural, moderate length that ended up growing to the point they were touching his face. He claimed he had to trim them down. Another female spoke of constantly being asked if her lush lashes were real or not.

As you can imagine, there are side effects to consider. Red, itchy eyes, changes in eyelid pigmentation and change of eye color are possibilities listed in this New York Times article.

And what of other benefits? It was rumored that this could work on eyebrows, but of course the joking reference was on balding. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t work on the scalp”, was the response. “If it did, I’d be a millionaire many times over”.

Although the article suggests doctors will primarily be dispensing this product, based on the info I was privy to last year, you can bet you will see this popping up in spas and medical spas if allowed. This is an affordable luxury treatment.

Have you experienced Latisse as a tester? Would you use $120 medical mascara? Let me know your thoughts!

Shoe Mad

This one is for you Anna! Forward to 1:27-2:16

Catch all three segments for shoe laughs.

Have you ever forced yourself into a pair?

Solessence mentioned in 12 Days of Beauty Gift Guide

Lianne Farbes, aka the acclaimed theMakeUpGirl beauty blog, recommended Solessence Shea lotion, saying it was “FABULOUS”, “Ultra Moisturizing” and “Natural” as part of her 12 Days of Beauty Christmas Guide. Thanks Lianne!

Response to WTMJ story on Milwaukee Fashion Week:

http://milwaukeefashionweek.blogspot.com

On a Break

We are on a brief hiatus from updating, but will return shortly. Thanks for checking in!

Time for an intervention?

Way OT here, but on a walk today along the river/creek, we passed by the overflow, sewage, whatever this offshoot thing is.

Now, this probably happens every year, but it was the first year I noticed. My son and I peered over the edge to spy frogs we had seen in the past. The water level is very, very low, but was teeming with life. The waters rippled and splashed anytime we got close. Upon closer inspection, we could see groups of mouths breathing at the surface of the brackish water. Not a frog to be found, but lots of fish. All different kinds.

Live Calico types with whiskers (catfish?)

Less fortunates (two total)
These were actually a good 6″ long or so. Hard to tell if the same as the dark grey ones in water

And then a group that is really hard to discern due to the dark waters. If you’ve got a bead on the types of fish these might be, would love to hear your guesses.

The river is a bit fast moving at the moment. Even the lone female mallard was having a hard time with the current. Would it do any good to scoop these guys up? Pray for rain? Leave them to fate? What say you to this?

Looking forward to a Good Time tonight…

Carp-e Digits: This ain’t your mama’s pedicure

To be honest, I feel a little sorry for the fish.

This new beauty find is currently exclusive to VA/DC.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,387302,00.html

What Other People Are Saying About Milwaukee

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-milwaukee6-2008jul06

Come see the sights this fall during Milwaukee Fashion Week, starting October 3rd.

3xs the charm

So the supposed snafu over SJP’s NY dress for SATC was that it had been worn two times before by two other women. True, a fashionista would normally cringe at comparisons, but truth be told, all three wore the frock rather elegantly, and the press only seems to have heightened the experience with a fashion controversy. This brand always deliver, on or off screen.

Earth Day is coming! Earth Day is coming!

Happy Spring. Finally.

Earth Day Blog pimp: We love Ecorazzi

Earth Day approaches on April 22, and though it is a long held tradition, this is the first year it seems that EVERYONE is abuzz about it. How great is it to care about your planet?

Personal ties go back to having bamboo furniture before bamboo was cool (ok, ok, doesn’t count), Coastal Cleanup Days, the MASSIVE and impressive recycling programs out of CA (thanks to Jodi and Jim and Mary and MaryEvelyn for the lessens in composting – even out of the fridge – never forgotten) and of course Solessence was founded on the goodness of nature. We’ve been doing the work on our end with natural and certified organic, vegan formulations. Beautiful but minimal packaging. Recycleable plastics and glass. Making the most of what we have, and sharing with others. No company hybrids yet, but we’re working on the wind power credits. We’re not perfect, but we’re making strides. It’s as much about the journey, right?

Have you made steps to the greening of your world, personal or otherwise? Send us your impact via blog post or email by March 22, and we’ll randomly select a winner for a SheaShea gift set. What a wonderful, wonderful world!

For those who can’t wait, enter the words “green day” during checkout to receive 30% off your order over $20.

Feelin’ The Love Friday (customer raves)

I absolutely love the skin care cream/scrub set that I received…It is wonderful! My skin has never felt or smelled so good! I usually buy Clinique Happy Perfume and Gloom Away products by Origins and I thought this scent was similar yet much better!

~KK, Wisconsin

A photo response to Pampered Mama

We know what you mean – our product testers get carried away too!

Happy Valentine’s Day?

Sarah caught this at the local market.
What is a pristinely clean teddy bear doing strapped to the front of a Hummer? Hm, this is either:
1) Someone’s way of diffusing the angry crowds for not driving a hybrid Prius
2) Valentine’s Day gift
3) Effigy of Ex-partner that will be mutilated against a myriad of concrete dividers, bumpers and trees by the Day of Love’s end.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Girls Night Out 2.0 – Mequon, WI Feb 21,22

Time again for Girls Night Out at Shoot the Moon Photography in Mequon. The event last year was hot hot hot and we hope to see you there. Stop by, say hello to Michelle, and get pampered!

MAC: Fafinugen

Fahrvergnugen = the pleasure of driving German

Fafinugen = the pleasure of French face painting

So I cruised by MAC tonight, braving yet another blizzard and 7* weather, to pick up another piece or two from the N collection when I realize I can’t find it anywhere on the counter. I asked someone who was working the counter where it was and was told they had to make room for the new collection, so it was…and they all hunted around until they turned up a poor, little beaker with some sad used samples left. I really only wanted the lipstick, and all they had was N2.

Me: “Ok then, let’s look at the new collection” I said, eyeing the whimsical display they were hard at work assembling. The French graffitti artist Fafi’s art graces the boxes, and a set of 3 makes a complete picture.

Her: “Oh, it doesn’t really launch until tomorrow…we don’t usually put the display out until the actual day, but we needed to get a headstart because this one takes a little more work. Come back tomorrow!”

Me, contemplating yet another drive in crappy blizzard: “Ok, what if you show me the colors to see if I should come back.”

Her: “Just a minute” (runs and checks with supervisor) “Oh, sorry, we can’t even show the colors…”

Me:”Ok…(suspiciously eyeing very cute pink color on her lips)…”Are you cheating and wearing the new color?” (clearly she was)

Her: “Oh! Yes, I am cheating, and, but, oh…”

And I got the full rundown of what was available.

I am highly recommending those Lipglasses!

However, sans camera, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get your own glimpse, or check out MAC’s website.

You MUST read this!

Billy B had an extraordinary night at the Grammys last night. Read on for inspiration that dreams do come true…

I’d love to make my brown eyes blue…

I have been a bit bummed at the slow reporting on Fashion Week this season. I can’t figure out what aligning of planets or supernatural experience is causing such a weak show this year (hey guys, no pressure!). However, bits and pieces have been coming in, and one in particular brought back some great memories. Annie at Blogdorf Goodman did a little writeup on Threeasfour. The clothes, photos from style.com, are total knockouts. However, it was the blue mascara that got me swooning.

Blue mascara is my absolute favorite, and most fickle, and hard to find, item. It has been so many ages since I found a good, waterproof blue. I don’t mean navy (which in it’s own right is a tad scarce), but a beautiful, nearly electric blue. And it really does have to be in season so as not to frighten the unsuspecting. I feel renewed and refreshed to start my hunt again.

That, and my next dream would be for Max Factor to revive the blue-with-silver-flecks, thick eyeliner pencil that once ruled in the late 80’s or early 90’s. Anyone remember what I am talking about? Spacey, but gorgeous. A girl can dream.

Wedded Bliss Awaits

Congratulations to Leah Sarjoo and her lovely Nuku

The last time I saw Leah, she looked like this (3 years old):

I know there are better photos, and one in particular I remember, but at present I cannot locate them. C’est la vie. I will keep looking. Leah is the daughter of the Sarjous, the couple that founded Thembalethu Welfare Society in South Africa, the recipients for the Hummingbird Foundation. Hopefully we will be able to feature her more in the future regarding the fundraising activities of HummingbirdProject.org

It was a miserable, miserable drive down to Chicago and back, but it was all worth it – especially to find out she had just gotten engaged that morning. Leah is now engaged in her studies as well.

I just have one request for their first dance:

Sorry for the delay, but we needed to make sure parents were alerted before blogged. Sweet wishes to the lovely couple!

What have we here?

Soon, my dearies…

Blogs: Ab Fab 2007

Confess: Your closet blog-reading obsession now has your “Favorites” link in your browser on overload, your work hours and coffee break times reversed, and your head crammed full of cultural trivia/fashion forward fever. Sure, the screensaver altar of your favorite beauty blog writers is a little odd, surrounded by the lit, fragrant candles they’ve recommended in the past – but there are vices worse than blog stalking.

Take all of that devotion to good use and put it in a vote on the “The Fabbies”, a lockdown of who’s who among blog writers – a People’s Choice Awards, if you will. Your contribution to pinpointing the web’s finest will be rewarded with a virtually streaming red carpet on January 31 for the winning blogs.

At a complete loss for who to rally to the finish? Here, an earnest and honest request from Shannon Nelson, a blogger who has experienced a fairy tale rise from SAHM of 3 (now 4) to full-time blogger and PR rep. Her simple start: the lone woman in a male dominated household turned to blogging to share her love of beauty. She now attends Fashion Week in NY and interviews some of the top beauty experts in the world – and shares it with all of us. It doesn’t get any more amazing than this.

Take a moment to vote for your favorites at Fabbies. VOTING ENDS JANUARY 30!

Lipstick Sales: Pucker Up or Pout?

We’ve all heard that lipstick is one of life’s affordable luxuries – and one women don’t go without in less spendy times, right? Credit Leonard Lauder, former Estee Lauder Chairman, for the insight. One wonders if this logic is the reason for their recent emphasis of the famous lipline at this point in time. However, things don’t seem to be as they once were: overall lipstick trends were reportedly down 19% last quarter(source: IRI data Deutsche Bank). Is this where raw data and real world marketing collide?

Hold up. Lipstick has not been a hot commodity for years. As with all beauty items, colors and product come and go. Lip glosses, tints and chapsticky types have been pushed so hard in recent times that I feared an entired generation would never know the beauty of lipstick. Here are a few of my theories behind the seeming demise:

A component may be the nearly decade long push to greener cosmetics. As people continue to scrutinize the ingredient lists of their beauty products, more are becoming selective. How many internet posts have you read on bugs and the like used in your lippy? Whether this is outdated information or not, it became a huge concern for the growing vegan population. Animal free glosses then become a welcome alternative and were marketed as such.

Pricing and quality have also come into play. Where ‘green’ used to be associated with ‘crunchy’, many manufacturers have caught up to the fact that a clean product does not have to be, ahem, crap on the lip or for the wallet. Beautiful, and beautifully affordable products, below $20 became bountiful.

The dramatic lifestyle changes that have occurred over the last decade is most likely a major contributor as well. There is a certain formality in the creamy coverage of color in a tube – a seriousness to beauty that seemed to fall by the wayside with pantyhose. Gloss is indeed the symbol of youth and frivality. As we ease into a corrective-action of the wild ride that was the 90’s, will that also ease us back into a bit more seriousness for the lip?

I, for one, welcome back the lipstick. Nothing provides such perfect, beautiful coverage, as a tube of lipstick. My theory is, yes, lipstick is on the decline due to intense marketing flux. It’s the same flux that is going to bring it on the upswing now. EL has been around a long while because they know what they are talking about. We’re just seeing the resurgence of the lipstick after years of submission, and it’s going to be beautiful.

Go out. Explore. Be bold. And buy.

(we like pictures too)

01/26 – Last Day for Action Jackson – NLOL – please vote

It’s Fast. It’s Free. Your vote will save lives.

New Leash On Life has a chance to be the recipient of $50,000!

Sue Chipperton, friend and supporter of NLOL, is a finalist in a photo competition
and selected New Leash to be with recipient of the winning proceeds.

We need your help and your votes.

Go to www.firedog.com/kodak, click on View Finalists To Vote. Then find the photo
titled “Jackson” taken by Sue Chipperton and vote.

Each vote counts for an additional $1.00 on top of the $50,000.

The photo with the most votes wins. Please vote and pass this along to your as many
people as possible.

The polls close on January 26th.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Stephanie Hoefener

Director of Operations

New Leash On Life Animal Rescue

661.255.0097

www.newleash.org

If you aren’t familiar with New Leash On Life, I have heard nothing but good things about the organization for a while now. Solessence previously donated for their annual walks. Any organization out to save a life is a worthy cause, but NLOL goes the extra mile to rehabilitate animals who otherwise would have a difficult time going back into society, possibly avoiding a situation of being euthanized. A great cause, and, a great photo! Find firedog and vote for Jackson – a few seconds of your time could help out thousands.

Hats

Here is a photo of the preemie hats I mentioned my friend knits…so many! So cute!

The Knitting Factory

No, no, this isn’t about a club in New York. Rather, it is the quip of a woman trying to go crafty.

I have always wanted to knit. Sure, I could turn a few charms on the crochet needles (and my mother can produce animated figures while yelling ‘I can’t remember how to do this! I can’t remember how to do this!) but I have never been able to master the double needles. Knitting, the elusive frontier.

In 2000, I brought back umpteen skeins of lovely Merino wool in shades of black, grey and taupe from my trip to New Zealand. I also garnered an autograph from the man I was named after, Sir Edmund Hillary. But every year I open the wool bag and look at it rather forlornly. “This year,” I tell myself, “this year I will make something exquisite”.

It hasn’t happened yet.

I had almost given up on even producing something like a patchwork blanket, consisting of multi-colored squares, when I found this:
We’re talking tiny knitting looms that allow for flat edged squares, and no coordination needed for the pointy sticks. One kit comes with the loom and needle, yarn, cd and written instructions. Although my son has now disposed of the written instructions, I at least have the cd, and was perusing the website to make sure I do this right. A friend, who is a knitting fiend and makes tons of infant hats for a preemie charity every year, took a look at this and told me: “It looks harder than regular knitting.” Then, in an attempt to not discourage me, she qualified it with “Providing you are any good at regular knitting.” That was quickly followed by a “Good luck with that!”.

My husband echoed with “He needs a scarf? Buy one!”.

My son, none the wiser, believes the board is where all hats, gloves and scarves come from, and already tells people I’ve made everything he wears. haha, let’s hope he can’t distinguish storebought from mom’s hands.

Knittingboard.com

Powtered Milk – Stop the Madness!

Last week I was having a conversation with someone who has a niece who has started her period at age 10. We bantered about how the ‘joys’ of experiencing womanhood used to be reserved for 11 – 14 year olds (around the time you would start giggling and whispering about boys), but now is showing up in girls as young as eight. We talked about how regular milk is one suspect in advancing the years of children due to the high hormone content from feeding hormones and antibiotics to cattle.

Later that day I was having my mani/pedi done when the nail tech mentioned her 7-year-old niece was having her period. Seven years old! Now,this story emerges of a girl who started with cramps and body odor on a regular cycle starting at age 3. Although the article is a bit misleading, it appears she did not actually have menses until age 8. Still, this is madness.

The article only suggests stress, stepdad pheramones and ‘calorie rich’ diet to blame, but again, hormones in conventional milk have been suggested for years to be altering growth in humans. Organic can get expensive, no doubt, but erring on the side of caution is worthwhile for your health. A great organic cow milk is Horizon. Another option is soymilk. For diabetics, soy milk is processed differently and is considered a different carbohydrate, so is better for your diet. In Taiwan, soy is made into wonderful warm and cold morning drinks for breakfast. Here in the states, my favorite is Silk Soy. This is a company that does not use genetically modified soybeans, which is really important. The outcome of genetically modified foods, even if listed as organic, have still not been deteremined in humans but has been detrimental to growth and life for unexpected groups such as the monarch butterfly. Genetically modified foods were initially developed to be heartier, easier growing strains, but as scientists continue to play with our food, they are finding that mixing and mingling plant dna could cause severe and deadly reactions in humans. It already has in lab animals.

Organic milks – they do a body good!

Another fierce family now official – Christina & Jordan

Christina Aguilera’s Gift – Max Liron Bratman…and a video!

“Dear fans,

Today is a very joyful and special day for Jordan and I as we welcome our first son into this world.

In honor of our love for each other and our growing family, I have put together a special video for the song “Save Me From Myself” off my Back to Basics album. This video is very dear to me as it includes actual footage from our personal wedding video!

Just a little something to say “thank you” for your undying love and support. It is in no small part because of you that I live such a blessed and wonderful life!

Please download and enjoy…

With all my love,

Christina”

Open Your Mouth And Say "Ack!"

I’m ever on the quest for a good toothpaste. There is nothing greater in life than a clean feeling mouth and tongue (yes, tongue – since wee high to a grasshopper I’ve just scraped using my brush bristles, but you can buy one of these yuppie tools) Clay is a wonderful cleanser, so a lot of times I just whip a few things up when the regular toothpaste doesn’t seem to be cutting it. I just wish there was a really great natural toothpaste.

The other day though, I was running low and saw what was described on the package as Cherry Gel NATURAL TOOTHPASTE (their caps, not mine) with fluoride. It was from a company I had seen at natural markets (this was a standard grocery store, but in the organic section). I would have checked the box but I was in a rush and the name seemed to imply I was standing at the gate of just grown freshness.

I could not wait to get home and use it. I did, and it was good. Nice texture, it seemed to wick away the bad taste, and the cherry was pleasant. When I woke the next morning, I was surprised at how clean my mouth still felt. This doesn’t happen with too many types of toothpaste. I was in love! All of my feelings were crushed to oblivion when I read the label to find methylparaben as the main preservative, and the somewhat more benign sodim lauryl sulfate (almost in all toothpastes, used for foaming, it can cause mouth ulcers) as the fifth ingredient in.

There is a very aggressive movement in health food stores to remove all parabens from shelves, as they were somewhat linked to breast cancer. So why is it showing up in a natural company toothpaste? Alternatives replacing parabens get a little dicey when using formaldehyde/formaldehyde donors, which are positively known carcinogens. And recently it was confirmed that sodium benzoate (which has always been rumored as dangerous but is the preservative in soft drinks, foods and many cosmetics raw materials) could damage mitochondria in DNA. Your very life links.

I don’t know about you, but these three items are the last things I want to see in anything I eat or put on my body, let alone brush my teeth with. None of the above ingredients are in Solessence products. If I don’t want to apply it to my skin, why do I want it swishing against sensitive gum tissue and possibly sliding down my throat?

Check out your toothpaste and let me know what you find. This is not meant to bash, just a bit of shock and awe, self-awareness exercise. We may all be in for a bit of a show. What do you use? Help me find a great alternative!

Got Kids? Whole Foods Market can help

My son is just shy over 3 now, and from the time he could talk he has said he wanted to be two things:

1)a model/guitar (Guitarist, like Murray from the Wiggles, and I guess that is two or he imagines the occupations combined)

and

2)a chef

Now, I have some hilarious footage of his declarations for #1, but mom needs to learn to make this innocent shot a little more G rated (flyin’ free that day, know what I mean?). And he did recently find that he ended up being a model, for a very good cause, which we’ll highlight for a later time. So how to help fulfill my one and only with the chef dreams? Aside from helping in our kitchen, the answer came to me when I spotted the Whole Kids Club Cooking Class – for ages 3 and up.

Everyone reels in a bit of shock when I tell them about this opportunity. “Cooking classes…for 3 year olds?”. The class was a mix of ages, but what I found surprising was how hands on and pro this class truly was. Held in the Lifestyle Center, a gleaming professional kitchen awaits little ones. Room for 10 is at the pub style working/eating table. Step stools are provided for children to add ingredients to their dish on the stove, adult assisted, of course. The night’s lesson was ‘Stone Soup’, and combined a bit of storytelling and then soup making. The children cut up their own chicken, and I was impressed with the Sur La Tab cookware. This isn’t an Easy Bake oven swap. Kids get to use the same tools the adults get. At the end of the class, children enjoy the creation (with a few going back for seconds).

One note: I was expecting children to be supervised by parents, but surprised to find they were by themselves with the teacher. One full wall of the center is all glass, so you can sneak a peak if you want to watch. However, be prepared to do your shopping or noshing for most of the hour at WFM’s tasty hot bars, wine bar or gelato counter. WFM also offers free WiFi, so you can bring the laptop with you for some work or surfing.

Class prices vary. Join the Kids Club for $15, and you get discounted classes, a chef hat and apron for the little one, a coupon for a free 4 oz gelato, and free treats the kids can pick up in different departments every Wednesday.

At the end of the soup class, I had a very happy guy who promptly showed dad when he got home how to ‘stir the pot’ in a positive way. Upcoming events include veggies, kabobs, and a Dads & Lads Gross Out Day. They fill up fast. Check out the schedule – you may be tempted with the many varieties of adult education too.

Whole Foods Market
2305 N. Prospect Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.223.1500

Hello, Beautiful

Today begins a whole new you. 12 more precious months at your beck and call, upon which to lavish your every whim (or whine).

Gotta love it!

We have been slowed down a bit by the monster that is called Vista (perfection, thy name was XP), but we can’t be stopped. It seems everywhere you turn, a pollyanna-ish optimism is felt for 2008, and we are more than happy to join ranks and cheer. It seems odd to recount 2007 on this side of the date marker, but for those of you along on our ride, it was sometimes wild, but always welcome. We can’t thank enough those who found us for the first time last year, and those who are faithfuls from years prior. We appreciate you all.

We are looking forward to showering you with many treats this year, in terms of product as well as production! Can’t say more at this time, but we promise it will be amazing for the body as well as mind & soul. Our goal anyway, and many hands are working hard to organize at this time. When the time is right, you’ll be the first to know.

Have a good NYE story? Do share.

We’re feelin’: OPI Nail Lacquer in Hollywood Blonde

Thanks to The Fashion Team! Christmas Gift Recommendations…

Thanks to The Fashion Team for thinking of us for their gift recommendations!

Secret Santa

Because in Santa’s world, there is no such thing as fuel surcharge

Dreaming of free shipping?

Watch your dreams come true…
Now through December 31st, enjoy free shipping on all domestic US orders, $50 and above.

Stock up on signature scrubs that exfoliate & moisturize; hydrating lotions without any sense of stickiness; buttery balms that protect while leaving your skin feeling velvety. Exclusive gift sets for those seeking something unique!

Enter code at checkout: Holiday Special

www.solessence.com
natural. organic. divine!

Today Only! 30% off until midnight!

Baby, it’s cold outside!
But have we got a discount to warm your heart…

30 % OFF
Take 30% off all of your Solessence favorites – try something old, try something new!

For the next 12 hours only!

Save 30% Enter code at checkout: black friday

Share your Solessence rituals with a friend – select one of our fabulous gift sets today
Offer Expires: Midnight, November 24th, 2007 12 HOURS ONLY!

Find all of your Christmas beauty needs at
www.solessence.com
Natural. Organic. Divine!

888.835.9888

Cybelesays…Scrub

The crew over at Cybelesays.com, a cornerstone of beauty blogging, have spent years soaping up, scrubbing off, seruming, spritzing, balming and more, all in the name of beauty. So we are pleased to receive a second mention on their pages, this time for our organic shea and coconut milk scrubs. We love to hear it continues to please! Thank you!

September 11, 2007
Who Is In the Tub?
SOLESSENCE really makes a fabulous soft scrub for your showering delight. We featured a sudsy soap a few weeks ago and this one also uses only premium natural and organic oils. Sheshe XieXie Intense Creamed Sugar & Coconut Milk yields a soft but thorough body scrub. When you open the container, it’s like dipping your fingers into creamy sugar that is so aromatic, you have to make sure not to stick your whole face in there (spoken from experience!). Really Lovely is my scent pick made with high altitude Lavender from France and Bulgaria. Unrefined African Organic Shea butter and oil is the base and your skin will feel softer and smoother and pleased that there is nothing artificial in this one. No added color, paraben, or alcohol and these products are wheat free and Vegan. $18/12oz @ solessence.com ~Lisa

Well-Heeled Winner

Congratulations to Madelyn Culwell of TX, who was selected by the Well-Heeled Society Blog for a Solessence Mani/Pedi Callus Care Set (from which she chose the Wine and Roses fragrance). Let’s see your hands and feet all pretty Madelyn!

Well-Groomed, Well-Heeled

The Well-Heeled Society is once again gracing subscribers with goodies! This time they are giving away one Solessence Mani/Pedi Callus Care Kit in readers’s choice of scent. How great is that? Just because you are slipping into fall and out of your flip flops doesn’t mean you have an excuse to ignore your feet. Register at the site for the set and drool over the photos of gorgeous, inspiring works of art we call shoes…

What I Did On My Summer Vacation…Coming Soon

Tomorrow, Saturday July 14th – 8am to 2pm

Don’t forget, tomorrow is Milwaukee Public Market. A special day of fashion and beauty is planned, so come early, have a great breakfast and enjoy the activities. Say hi to Michelle – we will be featuring our lotions, scrubs, butters, sprays and hand cut soap. It was a great time last week with many out of towners in for Summerfest. Photos are coming…

Day 2 – Cindy Luciano

Hi Everyone, we are posting these as we get confirmation from people notified they have been selected for the giveaways. If you have received an email from us that you are one of the lucky viewers, PLEASE EMAIL US BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Thanks!

Fashion Team Giveaway: Is this you? – Day 1

Happy Mothers Day

The MakeUp Girl has a new bag…

Lianne at TheMakeUpGirlBlog.com now has an additional gig at HONEY magazine. This former model and current makeup artist has turned blogger extrodinaire, and her blog was recently mentioned at About.com as one of the top recommended beauty sites (many of our other favs were also listed!).

We zoomed over to support her spot and were pleasantly surprised to see she had linked Solessence. Thanks for that, and well wishes on your new endeavour.

The ‘Size Matters’ controversy (no laughing matter)

OT: Never to Early to Start…(April Fools)

For every message DOVE sends out, there is an opposite (mainstream?) school of thought…

Is this right for us?
What soon-to-be-parent hasn’t had the dreaded fear, kept secretly to themselves, that their newborn baby would not be as pretty or as handsome as they’d hoped. With all of the advances in laser and reconstructive surgery, these fears are now a thing of the past.

Why haven’t I heard of this before?
Ten years ago, an ugly baby was something that you had to live with. That was then. Today, the practice of cosmetic surgery for children as young as two months is becoming widely accepted. At that age, the bone and cartilage development is still malleable and easy for a skilled surgeon to work with.

What is it?
Cosmetic Reconstructive Altering Baby Surgery (CRABS) is performed to enhance or change a healthy, normal, functioning part of the baby’s body. The Early Life Cosmetics Surgery Centre is Canada’s first ‘baby only’ plastic surgery centre, specializing in those ‘ugly babies’ under 5 months of age. The ELC has many services available, including chin alterations, protruding foreheads, eye ridge definition, and the big hit with Pageant Parents – ear bosselations. We strive to restore function or to achieve physical normality.

Is my baby too young?
No. But they can be too ugly. The earlier the baby goes under the knife, the better. The last thing you want is your baby growing up, going to school and being teased because he/she is ugly.

Can I finance my plastic surgery procedure?
Sure. We have professionals that specialize in helping good people with poor credit, no credit, or bankruptcy, and help you and your child get a fresh start. We also have a No Money Down / Trade-up program available to those who qualify. Don’t let money get in the way of you and your child’s happiness!

Read more at…http://www.earlylifecosmetics.com/

MySpace or yours?

OT: Orange You Glad to See Me

CNY lasts a good two weeks, and oranges symbolize wealth & good luck. Someone, however, has too much time on their hands: Check out more feats of citrus architecture athttp://www.greatfunplace.com/2007/02/sculptures-made-out-of-oranges.html

Happy Valentine’s Day

Amy’s: Dressed in Pink

Voted ‘Best Caramel Apples’ by the Wall Street Journal, Amy’s Candy Kitchen features the biggest, crunchiest, most beautifully dipped and dressed apples I’ve ever seen on any continent. And it is a local delicacy – right in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

The first time I laid eyes on Amy’s, I was touring the quaint little town which reminds me so much of my former place of residence in Healdsburg, California. The charming shops & homes, greenery, and river running through it just brings me back every time. Amy’s fits in as one of the old time candy stores, with a gourmet twist. It delights every sense – but what really amazes are the apples. Big. Bold. Dipped.

I’d never been a huge caramel apple fan, as they tend to disappoint. If the wrong type apples are used, or they are beyond prime and you get a mushy mess, or the caramel is too thin – meh. It just isn’t worth the trouble. But Amy’s…oh! Just looking at them was satisfaction enough. What about the taste? Two thumbs up! Now, I only associate caramel apples with Amy’s.

It doesn’t stop at caramel. Amy’s has apples dipped in chocolate, nuts, and has an assortment of other beautiful creations. This month they are featuring lovely beribboned ‘Dressed in Pink’ apples for Breast Cancer Awareness. In 3 different varieties – dark Belgian chocolate, pink sprinkles or M&Ms. One is surely to delight the senses. And they ship!

Update: Kroegers Campell campaign (Drink Pink)

Regarding my Campbell pink label campaign post, Anon had wondered if Fred Meyer or QFC might be participating, as they are under the same corp umbrella.

Good news! Turns out QFC is hosting a number of pink ribbon food items that are all slated to have a % of the purchase donated, as well as running the Campbell’s Soup campaign as well. No update on Fred Meyer…

Pink is the new Kombucha

This trendy Hollywood drink has been floating around alternative health circles for years: Kombucha (kom-BOO-cha), a vinegarish ‘tea’ of suspect origin (signs point more to Russia than China, depending on who you read) is said to harness the powerful energies of the fungus cultures used that live off black tea and sugar beds.

Not for the faint hearted, the pretty jewel toned bottles on shelves and in ads reveal something more sinister up close: sinewy strands of, well, live yeast & bacteria. That’s suppose to be a good sign. Each batch of Kombucha is started when the original culture doubles in size. The ‘Mother’ gives way to babies that must be culled, and are used for new batches. Synergy, the most popular bottled brand on the market, uses cultures of the original batch from 1995, when the founder’s mother was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. As time passed, doctors were astonished the cancer had not progressed to the lymph nodes and bones, as was typical of the type she had. The only thing they could remotely consider to be stunting the spread was her use of Kombucha. Doctors encouraged her to keep drinking it, and today, combined with the help of the chemotherapy and radiation treatments she accepted, she is considered cancer free.

There is no question this is an inspiring story, but is there any weight to it? There has been talk in recent years that adjusting the alkaline/acid levels in the body can help with cancer resistance, as the cells simply cannot live in this type of environment. We’re open to seeing more studies.

Purely from the point of tastebuds, Kombucha’s potency will vary depending on what stage it is at. It can start at light and refreshing and go all the way to pure vinegar (if it has been bottled too long). You will find the fermentation will cause greater amounts of carbonation in some bottles vs others. And because it is live, culture growth will vary greatly. Above is a bottle of GingerBerry, quite lovely in a shade of pink I couldn’t get to show up in the film. You can see the sediment and floaties. Pretty tame compared to what was in the below Multi_Green version. I’m not even showing you the Rapunzel braids clinging to the inside of the lid…

I will attest to the fact that there is a rather calming influence this drink has. I’m not sure if it is because it is so opposite of colas, even fruit drinks, that it truly does help detoxify the body, or that the body just celebrates the lack of sweets.

A word of caution: avoid going overboard. Recommendations are 4 – 8 ounces a day, though many people claim to drink more. I felt like I had heart palpitations hours after consuming a full bottle and won’t try it again. And there have been reports linked to deaths were Kombucha was the only common denominator (people drinking as little as the 4 ounces a day). Just do your research and don’t go crazy.

Final note, the stuff can get expensive. I purchased mine at Whole Foods Milwaukee, on sale, for 2/$10. (on a side note, I was shocked to see many items priced higher than my beloved Columbus Circle store in NYC, but that’s another rant). It seems many pay at least $3.00 a bottle. You can try a do-it-yourself homebrew via Google, but take care on cleanliness and toss if any bad mold should appear. No one needs a home grown bacterial infection.

Drink Pink: Campbell’s Pink Soup Campaign

Aren’t big into beauty products? (okay, play along with us for a moment…) Everyone still gets hungry.

In what we find the most interesting twist of a campaign for National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Campbell brings it home in the pink ribboned soup can.

Campbell will donate $250,000, or roughly 3.5 cents per pink can, to the Susan G. Komen Foundation through Kroger in exchange for its doubled order (7 million cans for October, vs the normal 3.5 million). Support the cause if there is a Kroeger near you!

Give a little, Give a lot

Until recently, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation had a mere week every October to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, and we have always offered our 65 Roses bath bomb for this event. This is a cause we dearly want to expose to a greater level, but a month just wasn’t cutting it. CF now has every May to bring attention and efforts to fundraising. Giving up the week in October gained a whole month in May. We’ll discuss this in the coming months…

One big reason for the move is that the National Breast Cancer Awareness movement has gained incredible momentum and has really become the fundraiser for October. It is fantastic to see what the Pink Ribbon campaign has done to provoke people to take part and give of their time and monies. If philanthropy or fundraising or the subject at hand really isn’t on your heart, don’t fret. It is impossible to be all to everyone and everything. But there are some pretty painless ways to help out indirectly, and some of the top beauty companies worldwide are providing that path to go down.

During the month of October, check out the slew of products where a portion of the purchase price is donated to the cause. Here at Solessence, we are offering our impossibly pretty-in-pink Days of Wine & Roses line.

But don’t stop there – chances are there is a delicious lip gloss, hair product, limited edition lip gloss or fantastic fragrance you’d love to try that is also donating. Buy it and you do yourself and humanity a favor. Purchasing a product seems like so little, but collectively, it will mean a lot.

TSA bag ladies: 1st submission

The first of the bag lady submissions are in…and this one is a beauty…BeautyAddict’s, that is.
Straight from Kristen’s email we get the downlow on the booty:

The contents:

Stella by Stella McCartney mini roll-on
Neutrogena
Build-a-Tan for Face SPF15
Lancome Artliner in Brown
Lancome Fatale
Mascara in Black
Estee Lauder High Gloss in Amethyst
Aveda Rosemary Mint
shampoo & conditioner mini
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Healing Shine
Serum
L’Occitane Amande Shower Oil mini
Cosmedicine Healthy Cleanse mini
facial cleanser
Caswell Massey Elixir of Love No. 1 Hand Cream
Smashbox
travel size Photo Finish Primer

A lot for one little bag, LOL, but
it made it! I also had a mini tube of toothpaste in there but I finished it and
left it in Canada.

I am having a hard time figuring out how she crammed all that in there – very impressive. I just want to know…is this the real baggie?!?! Somehow I think she’s on the up and up.

We’ll have more lined up for you later. You can send in your photo submission to solessencenews at gmail dot com.

Dusk Is Dead

It’s official: Dusk is dead.

The Cream Coloured Base shadow that gave me the perfect smokey eye with the swipe or two of a finger is gone from MAC history. The fact that it didn’t require brushes that get lost or forgotten made it a staple in my travel bag. My last remaining pot is kaput, and it is no longer available online (having been out of the stores since Spring). Please observe a moment of silence. Or wailing and gnashing of teeth, whichever suites your mood.

Bag Ladies: Show Me Your TSA (kits)

Photo courtesy of http://www.tsa.gov/

Ladies, let’s do a spin off of the ’empty the purse’ game – show us what you’ve got in your carry on!

The liquid ban has somewhat been lifted. Yesterday’s news blasted the announcement that air travelers would be allowed to bring their own liquid goodies, with a few stipulations. After nearly two months with the rule, I have to say I find it a little bittersweet.I’m a frequent flyer, and the ban in mid-August happened a day before I was headed to New York. I can say it was with great relief I had some advanced notice, as I often hand carry samples for safe keeping. With fear and trepitation I managed to pack without looking like I was moving across continents, but I felt utterly awkward going to my flight with just my purse and laptop. What a strange place to be, so unencumbered!

It didn’t end there. Boarding the flight went effortlessly, as we didn’t have to deal with seriously overstuffed overhanging bins, or trying to squish bags in the underseat slots. What was most odd, however, was deplaning. I usually sense the mood changing as we start to taxi to the door: bodies start to lean forward in an effort to notify everyone you want off; cell phones start beeping, buzzing and chirping as everyone flips the switch to take those ‘urgent’ calls; hands and legs start to cramp from strategically being placed on headrests and in aisles to block anyone that might want to leave ahead of you – it really can be a bit stressful.

So what did the carryon ban bring on? Near bliss. Without carryons, we had no reason to hop out of our seats to bring down the bags. People sat politely in their seats. And then, the unthinkable happened – people kept their seat belts on until the sign went off! Ok, maybe it wasn’t that out of body experience, but seriously, no one stood up until the flight attendants gave the okay. People also exited by row. The calm and organization was unprecedented.It has been that way more or less, and I’ve come to love the no carryon rule. I don’t know why it takes a fear of terrorism to bring back the niceties we learned about during our grammar school years as line monitors, but it was one amazing by product of the event.

Friday OT: If I could have one thing this season…

I’m diggin’ this J-Lo bag too…

Animal prints. Remember…moderation is the key!

Goodies

Everyone gets a little.