February 2014

Tuesday, February 25, 2014
The Top 4 Sweet 16 Gifts Every Girl Will Love

Teens celebrating important milestones can definitely be picky when it comes to things they like and dislike, and girls can be even more difficult to shop for than boys. If you are looking forward to celebrating a Sweet 16, you may be at a loss when it comes to what would make the perfect gift for such a momentous occasion, but the list below should help you narrow down your options and help you pick the gift your recipient will love.

For the High-Tech Girl

For girls who like to stay on top of the latest gadgets and pieces of technology to remain connected to the world around them and have access to information at their fingertips all day every day, search for the latest iPhone, Android phone, or iPad. Parents who surprise their daughters with these gifts are sure to win huge hugs and gratitude in return.

For the Girl With Fashion Sense

For girls who absolutely love fashion and staying on top of the latest trends within the fashion world in order to look their best all the time, a gift card to the mall could be a welcomed surprise that will leave them waiting in anticipation for their next shopping spree. Head over to your favorite mall, purchase a gift card, and simply let her shop at the many stores available, where she can update her wardrobe, purchase shoes and purses, and then grab a bite to eat to recharge before shopping some more.

For the Girl Who Loves Makeup

Teenage girls can't live without their makeup. So for the birthday girl who enjoys changing up her look and her style, why not get her a large makeup kit that will give her the many options she craves? This is also the perfect gift for the aspiring makeup artist. Check out stores like Sephora and Ulta, where you can find myriad makeup brands, purchase gift cards, and even snag great deals on products like Sephora's Makeup Academy Blockbuster, which contains 130 different colors for the lips, eyes, and face.

For the Girl Who Adorns Herself in Jewelry

Many teenagers enjoy wearing jewelry not only to express themselves but also to make themselves feel older, more sophisticated, and more beautiful. Therefore, an affordable piece of jewelry—whether it's a ring, a bracelet, a necklace, or a pair of earrings—is a great option for any Sweet 16 gift. Look up the birthstone for your special birthday girl and then purchase jewelry whose design has been infused with the birthstone. Including a small note that describes the significance of the birthstone is a nice little added touch.

If you can't find any lovely pieces of jewelry with the recipient's birthstone, or if you know she won't like that kind of jewelry, you can also look forcustom monogram necklaces for girls, which are extremely popular today. This is a completely unique piece of jewelry because it features the recipient's initials, so it's perfect for the girl who likes to stand out from the crowd.

Lisa Mills is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys shopping for gifts that make others happy. She knows from experience how difficult it is to shop for a Sweet 16 gift, but she wants everyone to know that it's easier than you think once you understand what teenage girls really like.

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Friday, February 21, 2014
Get Amazing Deals at CouponDivvy!

Who doesn't want to save money? Surely we all do right. With retail prices constantly increasing, it's hard to keep up, especially for us who love to shop. But what if I tell you that you can get amazing deals from your favourite shops in one website?

CouponDivvy gives you amazing deals for up to 85% off from apparels, shoes, cosmetics to home decor and electronics. It caters to your interest so you can get the best deals online without having to break the bank.

So if you're planning to make any purchase, make sure you visit CouponDivvy.

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Does Laser Hair Therapy Work and If So, How?

Beauty

If you’re like millions of Americans who suffer from hair loss, there’s no doubt that you’ve spent a great deal of time looking for an effective hair regrowth treatment. Over the years, countless hair regrowth products have been advertised as ‘miracle treatments,’ but have typically proved to be anything less than miraculous in their effectiveness. A great many men and women who suffer from hair loss have begun to lose faith in the hair regrowth industry as a result. Still, with the rapid advancement of science and technology in recent years, it would seem to stand to reason that a genuine treatment will emerge. More recently, laser light therapy has been introduced as a method for treating hair loss. If you have just heard about the potential benefits of laser hair therapy, it’s likely that you’ve already asked yourself if it would be right for you.

How Laser Hair Therapy Works

Although laser light hair therapy has not been proven to actually regrow hair, it has been demonstrated as a highly effective method of slowing or actually stopping hair loss. Laser hair therapy has been shown to actually thicken existing hair, which can give a strong impression of hair regrowth. Even though laser hair therapy won’t regrow hair that has been lost, since it allows the patient to keep and thicken their existing hair, which may have become thin and wispy over the years, it can lead to a highly improved appearance and even hide the fact that the patient suffered from hair loss to begin with. This effect is achieved by giving the patient a denser head of hair, covering a larger surface area of the scalp. Laser light therapy has been used in a variety of industries for many years, but has only become a popular method to treat hair loss in recent years. Essentially the way laser hair therapy works is that a low level laser is used to target certain areas of the scalp. The laser uses a special wavelength of light that helps to increase activity in the patient’s cells through the stimulation of mitochondria. This stimulation, of what can be considered the ‘energy center’ of the cells, causes faster metabolization in the cells which in turn increases blood flow and circulation. As the blood flow increases, helpful healing agents of the blood, such as platelets and oxygen carrying red blood cells, are pumped from the heart to the affected area at a much more rapid pace. This process results in healthier scalp cells which allows for healthier hair to grow. The laser used is a highly concentrated and extremely low level which allows for the effective treatment of hair loss without any concerns of adverse effects.

Where to Get Laser Hair Therapy

If you or a loved one is suffering from hair loss or beginning to show the early signs, it’s important to get started with laser hair therapy as soon as possible. Since laser therapy’s most prominent benefit is that of saving existing hair, the sooner you begin treatment, the more hair you will be able to hold on to. Laser hair therapy is surprisingly affordable and is both easy and painless. If you’ve made the decision to begin treatment, you can easily find a treatment center, where you will be directed to the treatment options that are right for you. The John Vincent Hair Restoration Group offers a variety of home treatment options that can be started online. You can get more information about laser hair therapy and even get started today with a quick visit to jvhairgroup.com. You deserve to keep the hair you have and the confidence that comes with it. Don’t put off treatment or it may be too late.

Saturday, February 15, 2014
Happy Valentines Day!

Beauty

Happy Valentines day my loves!

Red seems to be a staple this month of love and yes, I'm one of those who is drawn to this color especially in February. From red lips to red nails, I can't get enough. And of course, I wouldn't miss out wearing my favorite scent too. Diptyque Eau De Lierre is my absolute favorite. I got this while I was in Paris and whenever I wear it, it reminds me of those moments I was enjoying the city.

Lips: MAC Ruby Red Lipstick

Nails: Essie Twin Sweater Set

Scent: Diptyque Eau De Lierre

Thursday, February 13, 2014
Would you go under the knife?

Beauty

At some point in many people’s lives there comes a time when a little help is needed with the look or shape of the body. Whether it is a few nips and tucks here and there or something more major, like breast augmentation for example, it is certainly a popular thing to do. The reasons for it are usually to make a person look and feel better, and the results can be dramatic. An interesting point about it though is that it doesn’t matter what age you are, and in this feature beauty writer Hannah Goffman explores the relationship that age has on the issue of plastic surgery. Whether you're a person in your teens or of more senior years, there is of course the question of boosting ones self-esteem... but the question remains, would you go under the knife?

While it is true that both men and women go under the cosmetic surgeon’s knife at various points in their lives I am concentrating here only on women. Generally speaking younger women will have certain things done and, as they get older, they may move onto other procedures. This is not set in stone though.

According to Dr Jeremy Hunt of Sydney, Breast implants are one of the most popular procedures among women, and might be requested by a young woman in her late teens or maybe by a lady her sixties or seventies. Who is to say that a woman of more senior years shouldn’t enjoy the benefits of beautifully shaped breasts? In truth, there are a whole host of reasons for taking these steps and I will go through a few of them here.

There really are no boundaries regarding who should or should not have cosmetic surgery procedures. It could be argued that those under more public scrutiny (women in the entertainment business are obvious examples) are more likely to go under the knife, but some choose not to. So, where does it all start?

18 Years of Age:

A young girl of, say,18 years of age might go for a nose job to correct a little bump that has always bothered her. Nothing too major there and the result will make her feel great.

But then she might fancy bigger and better shaped breasts. Not all young women are happy with their body shape and this is a fairly common procedure which occurs even more among women in their 20s. This might be to firm them up, or just to make them bigger. Again, the result is likely to be positive with the woman involved feeling much more self-confident in her looks. A more “womanly” shape is probably, after all, the best boost she can get.

30 years and above:

As she moves into her thirties she may find that fat is starting to accumulate in certain parts of the body – the back of the legs for example. This is usually addressed by Liposuction. Many take this option and the results can be dramatic with the unwanted fat literally being sucked out of the body.

40s and 50s:

But then comes the period in the 40s and 50s where facelift treatment starts to become an option. The skin loosens around the eyes, chin and neck and there is a strong desire to tighten that up through cosmetic surgery. The overall effect here will be a more youthful, vital appearance and the woman benefitting from this surgery will see quite a transformation.

The bottom line though is that there are no hard and fast rules about when all of this should take place. It really is when it feels right for the woman involved. There is nothing to stop a lady in her sixties, for example, from having breast implants to firm up and enhance her looks. This can be a tremendous boost to her self esteem of course. Some women might have a number of procedures; others only one or two, while some none at all. It’s pretty much down to personal choice but the overall effect is usually positive.

For further details on the procedures discovered, please feel free to check out the Australian Foundation for Plastic Surgeons website, which contains detailed procedure notes on each of the major procedures discussed.

This health and beauty feature was written by Hannah Goffman, freelance beauty journalist, based in Sydney.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Don’t Wig Out When it Comes to Wearing a Wig

Beauty

If you’ve never worn a wig before, then you probably have plenty of questions about how to wear and care for one. While you’re selecting your wigs, don’t forget to pick up some wig care products and a few wig caps. Some questions about wigs are more common, and here is a great place to start getting the answers that you need so that you can be sure that you’ll look your best in your wig.

How Do You Wash Your Wig?

How often you wash your wig will depend on how humid it is where you live and the local air quality. It’s usually best that you wash your wig after you’ve worn it anywhere from eight to 12 times.

As for the way that you wash your wig, see if your wig is made of synthetic hair or human hair in order to get the best results. For synthetic wigs, you’ll want to brush it out first before adding a tablespoon of wig shampoo to a sink full of cold water. Avoid using hot water since that can damage your wig, and avoid twisting or squeezing your wig. Instead, simply let it air dry and never use a hair dryer.

For wigs made with human hair, make sure that any product you use doesn’t contain sulfate since it can damage the hair. If you like, you can use wig conditioner on wigs made from human hair.

How Do You Style My Wig?

When it comes to styling your wig, make sure that you use a brush made specifically for wigs in order to get the best results. Never use a brush that’s made to be used on human hair, even if the wig itself is made from human hair. You can also buy wigs that you only have to use your fingertips to style. For the best results, it’s recommended that you use a simple bottle of cold water to spritz your hair in order to get rid of any static electricity buildup and to get it back to its normal style and shape.

Can You Cut Your Wig?

Not only can you cut and style your wig to your liking, it’s encouraged! By cutting your wig and working it into a new style, you make your wig your own and ensure that there’s not another wig out there that looks like yours. If you do decide to cut your wig, make sure that it’s done by a professional in order that it looks its absolute best. You should have the wig cut while you’re actually wearing it in order to get the best results.

What Activities Should You Avoid?

You’ll want to make sure that you don’t expose your wig to extreme temperatures, which means making sure you don’t wear your wig while cooking. You’ll also want to avoid brushing your wig while it’s wet and stay away from any curling irons that aren’t intended to be used on wigs. It’s also recommended that you only use wig care products instead of anything that’s made strictly for human hair.

As a final piece of advice, make sure that you keep your wig on a wigstand or even a can of hairspray in order to keep it in good condition.

image via

Tuesday, February 11, 2014
A Birthstone Guide For Junior Gemologists

Gems have poetic and romantic meanings to people so much so that they have been accepted by modern society as a novelty. Birthstones are probably the most well know example of this. Many believe their birthstone contains real power and brings “good luck”. Certain virtues are widely attributed to it and to those born in that month.

In both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, gemstones were talked about significantly. In Exodus, the breastplate of the Jewish high priest had in it 12 stones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation, St. John describes 12 beautiful gems that were laid in the foundation of the New Jerusalem.

In the first century, Josephus Flavius gemstones linked to the signs of the zodiac. Wearing the right stone every month would gain access to special remedial or supernatural powers. The people that could afford such a luxury collected all 12 stones so they were adequately emboldened and safeguarded through the year.

Later, Jewish gem traders may have created the first birthstones listings in Poland and Germany, which were quickly made popular thru storytelling. The up-to-date list was crafted in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers and updated in 1952. Tanzanite was added in 2002 to the December listing, and just four years later, the aspiring tanzanite cartel proposed giving this particular stone to every child instead of just the ones born in December. Many truly believe the birthstone is perhaps a little more than a charming piece of Mother Nature’s handiwork. Match your birth month below and put the legendary benefits to the test.

Presented by Chanluu Jewelry

Tuesday, February 11, 2014
January Book Wrap Up and February To Be Read

books

Last January I manage to read 4 books. Hurray for me! This is a great progress because I tend to finish a book in one month. I've definitely been enjoying the Mortal Instrument series and I applaud Cassandra Clare for the world she has created. It's gripping and I just want to keep reading and reading until I found out what happen next. I find myself reading her book at 6am in the morning. 6am!

Crazy right?

This is actually the first time I read this genre, YA, and I thank her for converting me. I felt that chick lit novel is always so meh.. and predictable. But after watching the movie I was like I've got to read the book.

Recently, I just finished the City of Glass and it's definitely my favourite. There's just a lot going on and I couldn't get enough of it. So for this February I'm hoping to finish the rest of the two books before I move on to reading the Throne of Glass. I heard good reviews on it so we'll see.

January Reads: The Paris Wife / Fangirl / City of Ashes / City of Glass

February To Be Read: City of Fallen Angels / City of Lost Souls / Throne of Glass / Angelfall

Sunday, February 09, 2014
Nail Polish Haul!

Beauty

If you follow me on instagram you'd know that I've been on a shopping spree lately, mainly on nail polishes. I love my Essies and that is my absolute favorite nail polish brand. The bottles are so cute and they do pastel colors like no other.

But recently I discovered Topshop nail polishes. Omg you guys! If you haven't tried these, I suggest you do. The formula is so creamy and it last all week. I'm serious. It's slightly more expensive than Essie and the quantity isn't as much either but it's definitely worth the try.

If you're curious what colors I got, here is the load down.

From top to bottom: Essie: Secret Stash, After School Boy Blazer, A Cut Above, In The Cab-ana, Twin Sweater Set, Parka Perfect, Devil's Advocate, Sparkle on Top, Meet Me At Sunset Ciate: Big Yellow Taxi Topshop: Awol,Gone Fishing

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