Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success and Happiness

A Bit About: MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM

2008-07-22T13:53:00.002-04:00

I thought you might like to see some of the latest swim fashion (Summer's not over yet)--ALISON

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM (here's a post event recap):

The sun has set on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Monday, closing another outstanding season of resort and swimwear collections in Miami's South Beach. Veteran collections as well as fresh new faces from around the world brought international attention to the event. The week kicked off with a show and opening party by Italian favorite Diesel. Diesel models appeared on a glass runway floating over the pool, as they showed the hottest prep school-inspired swimwear looks for men, women and children. The Diesel show (this striped pair of shorts could be worn away from the beach, too) was followed by a musical performance from Pharrell's favorite Harvard Boys, Chester French. International fashion brands Custo Barcelona and tibi launched their inaugural swimwear collections making a splashing debut on the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim runway. Celebrity favorites who presented their looks on the runway included Ed Hardy Swimwear and ViX Swimwear.

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim newcomers included Pistol Panties, Luli Fama (this pink, ruffled suit is so "girly") plus Poko Pano, SYLA by Sylvie Cachay and Tommy Bahama. The event'ss returning favorites roster featured Red Carter, this season's Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, Cia.Marítima and ANK by Mirla Sabino. Closing the week was Lifetime's How to Look Good Naked presented by XTRA LIFE LYCRA® and hosted by Carson Kressley.

In addition to the press, media corporations and retailers, the celebrities in the front row included Anna Kournikova, Carson Kressley, Billy Zane, Craig David, Dennis Rodman, Richie Rich, Thomas Jones, Megan Good, DJ Clue, America's Finest Seafarers the Top Officers of the US Coast Guard, among others! Over the course of five days, over 12,000 attendees enjoyed shows from Red Carter, this season's Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, Cia.Marítima, ANK by Mirla Sabino, tibi, Custo Barcelona, Zimmermann, XTRA LIFE LYCRA®, Diesel, ViX Swimwear, Tommy Bahama, SYLA by Sylvie Cachay, Ed Hardy Swimwear, Pistol Panties, Luli Fama and Poko Pano.

Mercedes-Benz, the event's title sponsor, was joined by American Express, DHL, LYCRA®, Smashbox Cosmetics, The Raleigh, Havaianas, Continental Airlines, Aveeno, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Scünci, Imperia Vodka, Peroni, Chambord, OLO Premium Brazilian Rum, BAWLS Guarana, smartwater, Fuze, POWERADE ZERO and Café Bustelo. Media partners include Ocean Drive Magazine, The Miami Herald, miami.com, California Apparel News Waterwear, The Swim Journal, ULTRA HD and Getty Images.

*all images courtesy of "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week".

Create Cynthia Rowley's Fall 2008 Runway Makeup & Hair!

2008-07-22T09:02:00.002-04:00

Cynthia Rowley (in black) backstage at her Fall 2008 show
all photos on this page by Alison Blackman

During Fall 2008 Fashion Week, I had the opportunity to go backstage and discover how we all can get the “straight off the runway” look inspired by the Cynthia Rowley Runway Show. You can check out my personal experiences, photos of backstage, the clothes, and the runway http://www.advicesisters.net/2008/02/sensational-cynthia-rowleys-pop-up-book. Now that Fall is actually coming closer, here are the actual products and "how-to" to create this "fairytale" look on your own in the coming months:

Cynthia Rowley's creative, carefree and clever shows never disappoint. To create the enchanted forest/fairytale children's pop-up book look that inspired the Fall 2008 clothes in Rowley's collection, the hair and makeup had to be perfect. Avon products made the vision a reality. This model is just waiting for the clothes to arrive and the show to begin!

The Hair: The hair look, created by Avon Global Stylist Advisors Allen Ruiz, Anthony Barrow and Chie Sugwara, was inspired by the romance of the Cynthia Rowley Collection. Ruiz and Barrow wanted to keep the girls looking beautiful with very soft romantic hair.

The look is matte in texture for movement on the runway, and shiny to keep with the romance of the collection. You can see from my photo just how stunning this was!

The team used Avon Advanced Techniques Volumizing Mousse on damp hair focusing on the roots to create a volume foundation and gave the models' hair shine throughout. You can see some of the Avon products in my photo. Hair was blow dried using the Advance Techniques Two-Sided Oval Brush. To add texture and volume to the hair the Advance Techniques Extra Hold Hair Spray was used while blow drying and back-combing the hair with the Advanced Techniques Flair Styler Brush. Finally, they applied a mist of Advance Techniques Mirror Shine Spray to create a "halo" effect at the crown adding to the contrasting of textures of smooth crown and texturized full body.

The Makeup: The makeup for Fall 2008, created by Charlotte Tilbury for Avon, was inspired by a fresh, modern storybook Victorian fairytale girl who looks like she has just come in from the cold. The skin is pale and luminous with flushed rosy cheeks using Avon Be Blushed Cheek Color in Pink Melon and Crushed Berry, also used on lips to create a natural “just ate berries” stain.

Here is a sample of the actual colors used on the models (the makeup artists were using black plastic plates as "palettes"--sometimes it's easiest to just use what you have available to make your job, easier!). Eyes are natural, yet fresh with Glazewear Liquid Lip Color in Clear on the eyelids to catch the light and give a subtle sheen. A light touch of SuperSHOCK Mascara in Black adds subtle definition to the lashes.

This look, toned down a bit for real life instead of the runway, is a perfect compliment to Fall fashions. You can re-create it at home! Visit www.avon.com!

*feel free to share this copyrighted material with your friends, or link to it on your blog, but it's not considered polite to copy and paste the entire story on your blog. Most blogs post a summary or the first paragraph,( 40 words) then post a link to the rest of the story. That helps increase click-throughs for everyone, and minimizes copyright issues. Please be considerate!

Glamour Gals Bracelet: Look Good & Do Good, Too!

2008-07-21T08:52:00.012-04:00

The Glamour Gals is a unique, organization dedicated to fostering inter generational relationships between teens and seniors. Teen volunteers regularly visit local senior homes to give complimentary facials and makeovers, and to make compassionate connections with elderly women (and some men). These amazing, beautiful, enthusiastic, energetic, young women could be sitting at their computers on MySpace or shopping or doing something for themselves,. Instead, they are making a commitment to reach out to others and to give of themselves.

Back in May, I attended "The Glammies" the group's annual award and fun-raising event. I was so impressed with Glamour Gals that I reached out to the founder, Rachel Doyle, and asked what I could do to help. I am pleased to be associated with Glamour Gals and to help them spread the word about all the good things they are doing.

One thing I knew you'd want to know about right now is the Glamour Gals foundation GG Lace Bracelet $20.00 + shipping/handling Buy It Here: This limited edition, one-size-fits all, clear cuff bracelet captures a circle of black lace inside the bangle. This bracelet goes perfectly with the year's hottest fashion items and was featured in CosmoGIRL Magazine. The substantial, clear cuff with the surprise of black lace makes it a true conversation starter!

Each bracelet is packaged in a high gloss white box with hot pink tissue and includes a "You Inspire Me" blank card. I think this makes a universally lovely gift, and a very appropriate "thank-you" for any woman who inspires you! Buy a bunch and they'll arrive, pre-packed, and ready for giving at holiday time, for hostess gifts, for teachers, etc. Your purchase will not only help you and your lucky recipients look fashionable, the purchase price goes to fund the so-worthy endeavors of the Glamour Gals organization.

To get your bracelet, click here: and while you're on the site, check out all the wonderful things this organization does. If you are an adult, help your teens start a local chapter to reach out to the elderly in your neighborhoods. If you are a teen reading this, why not volunteer?!!

Organizations like Glamour Gals really do help the elderly feel wanted and appreciated...and that's so incredibly important (we will all be elderly some day if we live long enough...) I hope you will check out their web site http://www.glamourgals.org/ and support this worthy organization by purchasing their beautiful bangle bracelet.

DMV Makeup Tip DO's for A Great Drivers License Photo

2008-07-18T11:29:00.004-04:00

At the airport, the Security guy scrutinized my driver's license photo just a bit too long. But afterwards I realized that the photo was taken years ago and it is time for an update. But the dreaded license picture is usually taken after you've been waiting on lines for hours, your feet are hurting, and you haven't had the luxury of "hair & makeup" to glamorize the shot.

Physicians Formula has shared some makeup application tips from celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip, that might soften the blow every time you have to produce ID from your wallet:

TIP #1:Concealer – apply concealer on top of foundation and before you add powder. Use it to disguise broken capillaries, dark circles, pimples and blemishes and to even out skin tone. Joanna likes Physicians Formula Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Concealer Stick with SPF 15. The creamy stick blends easily and evenly. It is a talc-free formula good even for sensitive or break-out prone skin., formulated with 100% pure and gentle mineral extracts. It's available in 4 shades: Soft Yellow (guides dark, under-eye circles), Soft Green (reduces redness), Fair and Light. Price: $6.95

TIP#2:Bronzers – These will help you from being too pale in your photos, but apply it lightly, and just to the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin (all the spots where the sun naturally shines). Joanne likes the Physicians formula bronzers and blushes, because they offer sheer, natural color that looks believable, not "fake-baked."

TIP #3:Lash Curler – your fastest way to wide eyes and a well-rested look. Make sure to use on clean lashes for best results. If you already have mascara on, just comb through lashes first to remove excess product.

TIP #4:Mascara – Black mascara gives you the most definition without having to over apply product (remember, this is for a photo, not just your daily-routine makeup application). Use a lash comb to separate wet lashes.'

TIP #5:Eyeliner – match your eye color to your eyeliner. Browns, gilded bronzes, and wines are great for light eyes and dark eyes can pull off a more dramatic black. Silver and charcoals look best on green and blue eyes; rich browns for blue eyes and plums for green eyes. Pencil offers soft definition but for more precision and drama go with liquid versions. I like the Physicians Formula Eye Definer Felt-Tip Eye Marker $6.95 that makes it easy to draw on a line without making a mess, and gives you long wear (up to 24-hours) with a gentle formula that glides on in one stroke.

TIP #6:Blush – Rosy cheeks are an absolute must in a photo, as your bronzer isn't going to eradicate the devastating effects of ugly, DMV lighting. Joanne suggests Physicians Formula Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder Blush $10.95 in an easy, gentle, talc-free formula with minerals such as Mica and Silica (gives your skin a smooth finish). The portable, flow-through brush automatically delivers just the right amount of powder in 6 shades: Pink Glow, Rosy Glow, Blushing Glow, Nude Glow, Natural Glow and Warming Glow.

TIP #7:Lip Gloss – Personally, I think a moistly-matte look is best, but if you can't live without gloss, apply it just the to middle of your lower lip and then rub your lips together so it spreads evenly. Stick to simple colors that compliment your look and go easy on sparkles and glitter. Joanne (and I) suggest Physicians Formula Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Lip Sheen $7.95. has 100% pure mineral pigments without irritating dyes, and a silky, long-lasting color and shine that feels nice, not sticky. Amethyst, Ruby and Sapphire powder offer a luxe, soft focus look to lips that help minimize the appearance of fine lines. The twist-it pen applicator has a silicone, slant-tip applicator lets you precisely place your gloss, even if you're juggling a purse and paperwork at the DMV. There are six shaes: Quartz, Pink Quartz, Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Sunstone and Pink Sapphire.

TIP #8:Powder – loose powder sets all the other products so that even if you're sweating under the less-than-wonderful conditions at the DMV, your complexion will still look shine-free (especially good if your skin is oily). Use the best quality power you can find as the finely milled powders will not settle into fine lines.

*Note from Alison: Also consider your clothing and accessories. It's amazing how "dated" you will look in that photo two years from now (I still shudder at a drivers license photo I once had that showed me with huge glasses worthy of Sir. Elton John that I insisted I had to wear, and a "Farrah-inspired" hairstyle). Avoid overly trendy. Don't overwhelm with large necklaces or overly-dangling earrings. And please, don't forget to SMILE....

Total Beauty Web tour for this week

2008-07-18T07:24:00.001-04:00

The Total Beauty Bloggers have been busy this week. Here's what some of my TB colleagues are up to!

Musings of a Muse shares the a review of Lancome Maharani Jewels Fall Collection featuring the gorgeous Elephant Bronzer.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has no visible cellulite...find out how she tested a cellulite-reducing gel and saw results!

Viva Woman finds out if the new Canmake Concealer Founder UV can really provide that natural finish, for skin that looks beautiful, even at point-blank range.

Get Twisted with a free giveaway at Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog

My blog, the Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success & Happiness Blog reviews Sally Hansen Lip Lab, an entire line of affordable, effective, lip products that do more than beautify.

How to get the makeup look: Keri Hilson-Talking Makeup!

Fabulous Over Forty was never a mineral makeup fan until now! See what mineral foundation has won her over.

Bare Budget Beauty tells you why she loves Olay Regenerist Night Cream so much! It's her budget secret to great beauty sleep.

Beauty Tyrant shares some of her crazy beauty tips that work! Are you game for them?

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee has a Beauty -Filled Weekend with some other Total Beauty Bloggers.

Amber at Beauty Blogging Junkie reports on David Wright, Big Papi, Blake Lively, Lauren Conrad, and Chace Crawford at the vitaminwater Best of New York party's red carpet.

Beauty411 tells you about a portable skincare system that's as on-the-go as you are. Perfect for vacay!

The Beauty Alchemist tries out professional line Nix'ie Cosmetics .

At Fifty-Cent Head, experience the amazing perfume oils of

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (BPAL) with an ongoing review series covering the company's Carnaval Diabolique-themed scents!

Beauty Anonymous introduces you to the smoky black colors of Exceptionnel de Chanel Collection!

The Makeup Divas tells you about a new mineral foundation that will leave your skin looking flawless!

Jenn and Christine over at Beauty in Real Life are having another giveaway, this time over $145 of Skinn Cosmetics!! Click here to enter.

Beauty Junkie in SF shows you how you can look like a superstar singer/songwriter with a few great products from MAC.

Beauty's Spot found a quick, well-designed, effective, at-home tooth whitener!

Love Gossip Girl? Glossypink tells you how to get Blake Lively's gorgeous makeup!

Happily Ever-After Comes in a Pink Bag-Minimus Wedding Day Survival Gear

2008-07-15T10:51:00.002-04:00

The The Pink Bag Wedding Day Survival Gear Bag by Minimus may not help you find your handsome prince or ensure living happily ever-after, but it will guarantee a more stress-free wedding day. This all-in-one wedding kit features a re-useable, washable, bright pink polyester tote bag (15.5 inch L x 12 inch H, zippered main compartment) with strong web handles that make it a practical memento you can use for the honeymoon later on. Inside are a whopping 39 total products) that will cover just about any emergency a bride and her attendants (not to mention moms and dads) might need on wedding day.

The products inside are not necessarily romantic or glamorous. They're little things that you may take for granted--until you need them. Alas, without this kit you might already be at the ceremony or reception site. The items in this kit can save the day. You get:

4 Kleenex® Tissues Pocket Pack, 1 Static Guard®, 1 WrinkleSpray Wrinkle Relaxer / Reducer, 1 Evercare Lint Pic-Up, 1 Sewing Kit in case, 2 Shout® Portable Wipes, 1 Banana Boat® Sport Sunblock SPF30 (tube), 2 Tampax® Regular Tampons (single), 1 TRESemme® Hair Spray - Aerosol, 1 Johnson & Johnson Band-Aid® 8 pack, 1 Clear eyes® Handy Pocket Pal®, 1 Pop-Up Hairbrush with Mirror, 1 Shoe Shine Wipes, 1 Women Degree® Ultra Clear anti-perspirant & deodorant - Pure Satin. 1 Lubriderm® Moisture Lotion, 1 Ms Manicure Purse Size Emery Boards, 1 LA Fresh Dental Finger Mitt, 1 Tylenol® Extra Strength, 1 NoDoz®, 1 Rolaids® Peppermint Antacid, 1 Blistex® Medicated Lip Ointment, 1 OraLine® Floss & Go®, 1 Bayer® Aspirin, 1 Pepto Bismol®, 1 PDI® Nail Polish Remover Pad, 2 Nice'n Clean® Facial Make-up Remover Cloths, 1 SweetSpot Labs® on-the-go wipettes- geranium lavender, 1 Dry Hands®, 1 Alka Seltzer®, 1 Advil®, 1 Vicks® DayQuil® LiquiCaps®, 1 Benadryl®, 1 Altoids® Peppermints Sugar-free Smalls.

The cost of the Pink Bag Wedding Day Survival Gear is $45.16 *Orders within the U.S. over $20 are shipped free via FedEx Ground (Hawaii and Alaska do not qualify for free shipping). All Ground shipments go out within three business days of the order being placed. The ability to handle emergencies on the most important day of a couple's life?????Priceless! This would be a welcome gift for a shower or for the mother of the bride/groom, too.

Minimus.biz, is a company that specializes in packaging cute kits with all things "mini." We reviewed the Air Travels Essentials Kit and the Cold & Flu Care Package in our January What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwJANFEB08.html

Visit www.minimus.biz for information and ordering

Sally Hansen Lip Lab-Lovely Lip Treats for Luscious Lips

2008-07-14T12:40:00.003-04:00

I never leave the house without at least a couple of lip glosses in my purse, because it's the easiest way to "freshen up" when my energy and image is wilting. But lip glosses aren't just beautifiers anymore, they can also pack in lots of lip-loving pampering and protectants.

Lip Lab by Sally Hansen has a variety of pampering products, some of which treat specific lip challenges, and others offer a good variety of color and shine options. Four items specifically offer treatment at just $9.95 each: Prep & Perfect Lipcare; Overnight Lip Recovery; Lip Fix Lip Repair; and PM Lip Plumper. There are also two Lip Plumping Products ($9.95 each) that offer color as well as volume: Lip Blush Plumping Balm and Gentle Plumping Lip Treatment. For simply beautiful color and shine, two fantastic Lip Glosses $6.95 each, delight: a sparkling Lipnotic Gem Gloss and a Satin Effects Lip Gloss.

Here's a rundown:

Fading & Bleeding: One of the challenges of wearing lip gloss is keeping it on your lips. Prep & Perfect Lipcare locks on lip color and helps prevent it from feathering, bleeding and fading, thanks to a botanical moisture shield that makes a "canvas" if you will, to give the color something smooth to adhere to. It also smoothes, moisturizes and conditions lips, so you have more reasons to use it. Simply stroke the wanded applicator over your bare lips and then swipe on your favorite lipstick or lip gloss. The product feels soft and moisturizing, and your investment of a few seconds before applying your lip color will pay dividends for hours, allowing you to "set it and forget it" when it comes to your lip color.

Lip Lines and Wrinkles: If your lips and the area surrounding them is dry or "maturing," you already know that keeping any lip color from running into the tiny lines and crevices is a challenge. Line Fix Lip Repair can help, with a formula that hydrates and renews lips, and instantly feels in line, so they won't plague you. A high tech marine collagen and sodium hyaluronate (youth-boosting ingredients) helps protect against moisture loss in a unique, clear, odorless gel delivered in a "dial-up" silvery pen. used regularly, the tiny lines look and feel less prominent. Keep one at your desk and "dial up" moisture, often TIP: use this before applying your lip color as well as the Prep & Perfect, for impressive results.

Dy, Cracked Lips: If your lips are very dry, you can undo some of the damage while you sleep and wake up to smoother lips by using Overnight Lip Recovery. All it takes is seconds. Simply apply the the clear, odorless treatment (dispensed from a cool-looking silvery slant-tipped tube). This intensive lip treatment (with a slight, minty scent) has oligopeptides (to boost lip fullness) Vitamins A, C and E, and yucca, to help deal with disasters such as dry and peeling lips. It hydrates and heals, then protects against future moisture loss. My dry lips felt softer, and continued to feel moist the next day.

Plumper Lips: You can also sleep your way to plumper lips with PM Lip Plumper. A 24-hour time-released retinol & peptide complex actually helps to turn back the signs of aging, while collagen boosts moisture and offers plumping benefits. The slightly vanilla-y overnight plumping formula is fragrance and irritant-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested. This does help give the appearance of poutier lips, but unlike a lot of lip plumpers, it won't tingle too much, so you can sleep without disturbance. It comes in a blue squeeze tube with a pointy, silver cap. Use it every evening before you go to bed or whenever you really feel like it. You may not see instant results, but after continued use, Advice Sisters reviewers reported lips looked more youthful. You may not be able to completely turn back the hands of time, but if you're spending a lot of time in the sun this Summer, and/or you're over a certain age, every little bit helps.

Sally Hansen doesn't scrimp on the glam factor in their lip glosses, either. The Gentle Plumping Lip Treatment comes in six easy-to-wear, super-shiny, sheer colors that offer just a hint of tint: "Tender" (shimmery rose); "Serene" (sheer berry); "Happy" (shimmery light pink); "Playful" (shimmery peach) and "Tease" (shimmery nude); and "Clear." The silky, gel gloss is gorgeous! The light-reflecting properties of the gloss, plus a peptide complex and time-released hydrospheres make lips look fresh, full, and pouty-- without pain. And the packaging has a tiny oval mirror right on the tube, so you can see what you're doing without funbling for a mirror--a nice little touch.

The Sally Hansen Lip Blush Plumping Balm also help plump up lips with a slightly tingly, clear, super-shiny gel gloss that is dispensed from a soft-sided squeeze tube with a brush tip (nice touch). After the gloss is glowing on your lips, making them look pouty, the color develops to a sheer, pink gloss. Unlike some of these "mood" glosses that are activated by your unique body chemistry, this one appears to stay rosy, not garish--and that's great. But that's not all: The formula has peptides and marine-filling spheres that enhance the plumping effect, plus natural antioxidants that help condition dry and/or thin lips. Color, condition and plumping all in one easy-to-use-tube makes this a "must-have" in your purse.

The Satin Effects Lip Gloss gives you even more pampering color options. This wanded tube of gloss comes in a slim-slant-tipped squeeze tube, dispensing a silky, pearly, blendable color gloss that you can slick on almost sheer, or add more for nearly metallic and super-shiny color. There are ten colors with sexy names like "Seduction" (rosed-copper); "Pleasure" (light peachy-pink), "Romantic" (shimmery bronze); and "Intrigue" (red/rose).

I love shimmery lip glosses for their light, reflecting, lip-enhancing properties, so I've saved my favorite Sally Hansen Lip Gloss review for last: The Lipnotic Gem Gloss is a fantastic, super-shiny, super-sexy, glittery gem of a product that comes in a slim, wanded tube. These sheer glosses give your lips a wet and glassy finish that actually hydrates and softens, with sunflower seed oil, minerals, and vitamins. The effect off this super-sheer, super-shiny, gloss is dazzling. If your lips are in good shape (thanks to the Sally Hansen products I mentioned above) these glosses are "trés Jolie" (as in "pretty" and "Angelina"). If your lips aren't quite what you'd like, these glosses do what "soft touch" does for photographs...dull the rough edges so all you see is beauty. They're so inexpensive, but so amazingly great! There's "Precious" (clear) " to wear alone or enhance virtually any other lip color (I like mine with dark colors for night-time glam without glitter) and nine other color including: "Bling Bling" (berry), "Lavish" (plum-so "in" right now) and "Treasure" (a perfect, sheer pink).

What's exceptional about these Sally Hansen products is that not a thing will set you back more than the cost of a sandwich and soda, but they will help your lips look like a million. Mine were so improved after just trying these products to write this review for you, I am hooked. Value and effective products are even more welcome in these economic times.

Total Beauty Web tour for this week

2008-07-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hazy, hot and humid....that's been our weather all week. But the Total Beauty Web Tour for this week showcases blog posts that help make Summer, easier.

The Muse brings you more Japanese Cosmetic Summer Collections with her review of Canmake's new eye shadow palettes!!

Viva Woman ask if facial mists will help set or disperse your makeup.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings tells you what she thinks about Benefit's newest fragrance, b spot.

Elke shows her favorite trick to getting your makeup on fast in the morning, and have fun in the process.

Come read The Makeup Divasreview and see swatches of the new Bobbi Brown Mauve Collection.

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog shows you how to make your eyes look bigger in 4 easy
steps..

Beauty Tyrant helps you to prevent adult acne. Check out some of these simple but effective tips.

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee finds another product to encourage her mascara addiction.

Jenn at Bare Budget Beauty reviews the Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream. Is it a great find or a bust?

Kari at Fabulous Over Forty discovers the Artemis Woman Personal Grommer. Is it love at first swipe?

Beauty's SPOT (previously a mineral SPF kind-of-girl) discovers the one and only lotion SPF 30 she will ever put on her face. Ever.

The Beauty Alchemist tries and loves Dr. Ci:Labo's acne/oilyskincare for adults.

Beauty Anonymous loves the summer makeup shades of Shiny Sand Beach!

I'm a fan of Advice of products that multi-task and are travel-friendly. One that's tailor-made for Summer, in case you missed the review on the Advice Sisters Blog, is the Susan Posnick ColorFlow, It does a lot of good things for your skin and your beauty routine!

2008-07-11T08:48:00.003-04:00

Wearing one of jewelry designer Staci Caporuscio’s Famous Faces beaded bracelets from Pink Pooch Designs is really having a piece of wearable art. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but Ms. Caporuscio has managed to turn thousands of beads into a "photo" image of the likes of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elvis Presley and Audrey Hepburn, as well as more modern day celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Miley Cyrus.

The hand-crafted bracelets are so astounding in person, I was nearly speechless when I saw the Marilyn Monroe Bracelet $127.00 . The photos cannot possibly do it justice. The cost for one of these originals is a mere $50.00 to $150.00 (depending upon complexity) and you can get a custom design and size upon request.

Ms. Capruscio’s passion for beading images into bracelets apparently started when she had knee surgery (I just had some a few months ago and it didn't make me feel at all creative), but she was looking through a crafter’s catalogue and apparently was inspired.Just to give you a better idea of what the beaded faces really look like, here's a close-up of the Marilyn Monroe bracelet, woven in shades of black, white, gray and silver beads that shine and give it depth. The face looks like a black and white negative. Some bracelets (e.g. "I Love Lucy" are in full color). The ribbon bracelets have a sleek line, as they're held not with a bulky clasp, but with a slender, silver bar clasp that slips one side into the other (it’s a bit tricky to handle at first). The bracelet looks like an unbroken ribbon, smooth and cool against the wrist. Unlike traditional beaded pieces, this one is woven on plastic and not thread, so it's substantial, and it won't bend or roll up. Staci also offers another, snapshot bracelet with a smaller photo image and several strings of beads holding it fast to your wrist with an adjustable chain and lobster claw clasp (better for those who are not nimble). She also makes beaded earrings, pendants, and stunning, beaded rings, some with pearls and Swarovski crystal centers.

If you don't want to wear someone else’s famous face on your wrist, Staci also has adorable, beaded bracelets with other designs such as her orange, black and white tattoo flames design and one with an alarmingly vibrant lightening storm! I'd personally love to see the Advice Sisters two-headed logo on one of these charming, one-of-a-kind bracelets. I don’t know how long it really takes to make one, but I can’t think of a better treat for yourself, or for someone special. You'll also get a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the artist, that has a registered number, making these investment pieces at modest prices that will bring you fashion dividends for a long, long time. Yours might just become a treasured family heirloom!

Robert Verdi, Beverly Johnson, and Kim Alexis celebrate ageless beauty in She's Got the Look

2008-07-10T10:28:00.004-04:00

Celebrity judge, television personality, and super-stylist Robert Verdi has been holding informal soirees with a select group of friends, colleagues and media, to screen each episode of the reality television show "She's Got the Look" (Wednesdays on TVLand). The show follows a group of absolutely gorgeous women who are, very refreshingly, all over age 35. One lucky winner gets a a second chance for a supermodel career, a life changing contract with the world famous Wilhelmina Modeling Agency, and a spread in Self magazine .

I was invited to see the finale of "She's Got the Look" sponsored by Aveeno, featuring Robert Verdi in person. He's as great in person as on the television screen, with sparkling eyes, a genuine, wide smile, and a magnetic personality that pops off the tv sreen (in this case,a huge Panasonic television in a giant "living room"). While Verdi's adorable puppy playfully chewed the fingers of the ladies sitting next to me, we watched the final episode unfold.

The format of "She's Got the Look" is familiar to the masses from the likes of "American Idol" and "Americas Next Top Model," with celebrity judges, a coveted prize, and hopefuls vying for the winning spot by participating in a variety of challenges (one episode had the ladies ascending ladders to swing on a trapeze high above the ground--a chance to conquer fear as well as look beautiful in a photograph). "She's Got the Look" is first and foremost, still a beauty/modeling contest, but the show forces the contestants to show more than one dimension. For example, in the finale, the contestants have to design and execute their own concept for a cover for Self Magazine. The show sends positive messages along with the glam factor and it's a small but significant step in the right direction to help shift the perception that aging is unattractive. The celebrity judges (all over age 35) have proven talent and wonderful personalities. My favorite is of course, the charming Robert Verdi, and celebrity supermodels Beverly Johnson and Wilhelmina boss Sean Patterson, plus a host-with-the-most (personality that is) in former model-Kim Alexis (stunning at last night's screening in a simple, berry-colored shift dress).

What makes me really happy about "She's Got the Look" is that the beauties are not the usual blank, unsophisticated, underweight and under-age version of a woman. Despite some snarky comments on the Internet that I've seen, there's nothing lightweight about following a dream, even if it's just to be a pretty face on a magazine cover (and the money and fame that goes with it). For the viewer, watching the weekly trek to the model's winner's circle may still be motivated by the "gilty pleasure" of gorgeous jewels, clothes and makeup, but it is the distinct and strong personalities of the models themselves that really capture our attention. Each week, before out eyes, they become more confident and beautiful with every challenge they face.

For viewers over age 35, the show does a good job of subtly sending the message that aging is good, positive, a part of life. Experience makes you interesting and tghat makes you more attractive. The contestants are beautiful but they don't look like young girls. What shows on your face shouldn't be completely obliterated with surgery and injectables.

Somewhere, on a blog, a young girl wrote "this show should be cool...for our mothers." She totally missed the point. Robert Verdi (about to turn 40 himself) does get the point. The show is paving the way for her. She will soon discover that by virtue of living, she's become one of those "mature" women not even on her radar screen right now.

Mr. Verdi confided that he loves the idea that this show celebrates multi-facted beauty --the type that comes not just from an unlined face and a size minus zero figure, but from the depth, intelligence, and dimension that really makes a person beautiful. Unlike the clueless blogger, Rober Verdi is a taste maker with influence. In 2000, he co-created and co-hosted Full Frontal Fashion , a show that was the first ever to air complete coverage of runway fashion shows, bringing the exclusive events into American living rooms. He's gone on to create a number of other great television shows featuring fashion and style as well.

If you took all the fashion magazines and blogs and removed every model and reference to those under age 30, there would be nothing to see at all! With shows like "She's Got the Look," hopefully, this will soon change.

2008-07-08T08:36:00.000-04:00

The Hindu word: “Mandala is used as a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically. The designs are a microcosm of the Universe, as we see it. Mandalas are also used to focus one's attention in meditation, and as a spiritual teaching tool.

Mandalas are the design feature of items from Mandinez. The company has 14 beautiful, original, mandala designs that they use to decorate very luxuriously soft, 100% certified organic cotton items. Fitted T-shirts $30.00, Unisex T’s $28.00 & useful large, organic cotton Totes $32.00 . Each mandala has a fanciful name, such as "Center of the Earth;" "Night Flower;" and "Purple Haze." The photos really don't do the designs justice. The designs are beautifully screened, with colors so bright and eye-catching it's hard to stop staring at them.
I tried the fitted T for women, in naturally colored, creamy ivory, organic cotton, with a delicate orange, red sand brown mandala called “Peace." It looks like a flower blooming within a serene star (the peace mandala is the one on the T-shirt in the photo, but he's wearing the Unisex version). This organic cotton is so soft, it feels like silk. The fitted T has a nicely-stitched jewel neckline that's elegant and modest. The fitted T was snug enough to make me wish I’d done just a bit more yoga this year, but while shape-defining, it still has a bit of give in the fabric (this T goes up to 2XL). The Unisex T’s (photo) has a roomier fit. And speaking of roomy--the tote bag is 20" x 14" 5." My tote in naturally colored beige canvas was soft and silky like the T shirts, and featured the "Purple Fantasy" mandala seen in the photos. It's an eye catching blend of purple, orange, red and yellow that really makes you stop and think. The bright mandala makes it hard to turn your eyes away --isn't that part of the fun of a great tote? Two large, reinforced canvas handles let you sling even a heavy load over your shoulder, making it great for dashing through the subway or the supermarket. This tote isn’t like those cheap give-away bags, it's beautifully finished and strong enough to carry everything from books to overnight necessities.

ECO TIP: Substitute a tote for plastic bags when you're shopping, and you'll look great as well as do a little bit more to be environmentally conscious.

I love the beautiful designs, high quality items, and reasonable prices of Mandinez. Even better, the company employs fair labor practices and sustainable printing using water-based colors that really make the designs, pop! An eye-catching conversation piece is a "must-have." These are wearable walking works of art that will get you noticed. The artist and designs, Jivelle Callender, lives in Brooklyn. The Mandinez Night Star Mandala will be worn on-screen later this year in the motion picture “Red Canyon” due out later this year. To watch the trailer and learn about this film visit http://www.redcanyonmovie/

AdviceSisters "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column up for Summer!

2008-07-06T18:02:00.003-04:00

The What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review for JULY/AUGUST (Summer 2008) IS NOW UP AT: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.htmlThis column has lots of sun-safe products and ways to enjoy Summer's pleasures, from sunblocks, to sensational fragrances...this is the time to indulge!

THERE'S ALSO A LINK TO AN ARTICLE THAT'S A "MUST-READ" TO STAY SAFE IN THE SUN: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.html .

NEWS! The "What WORKS" BUYING GUIDE IS NOW ON IT'S OWN PAGE! http://www.advicesisters.net/buyingguide708.htmlto get shopping links to every single product on the What Works column! Also check the "What Works Archives" , for all the columns and product reviews you may have missed--IT'S AT: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.html

Susan Posnick Mineral Makeup -- a review!

2008-07-06T16:15:00.006-04:00

I am a great fan of products that multi-task and are travel-friendly. One that's tailor-made for Summer, is the Susan Posnick ColorFlow $64.00. It's pricey, but it does a lot of good things for your skin and your beauty routine. For starters, it's a loose powder mineral foundation with a good SPF 26 (micronized zinc and titanium dioxide). It's housed in an all-in-one brush/container (refillable!) and comes in 13 shades plus a bronzer and a shimmer powder. The coverage is natural and matte, but you can adjust the size of the bristles on the brush by simply pushing the clear, plasti sleeve/cover up or down to pick up and diffuse more or less color. You can also unscrew the bottom of the container and dip in a concealer brush to cover blemishes. The gentle, minerals powder has Vitamins A and E help skin to heal, and it's hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and antibacterial. It's also water and sweat-resistant, so it'll stay on your face even if the mercury is rising and it is humid.

The hardest decision you will have is what color to choose. There are barely-there pales, medium tones, and 4 very deep shades. I also like the Susan Posnick ColorME $32.00 that adds a bit of natural color back to your cheeks. It's also made of loose, natural mineral powder, but the company isn't claiming the same SPF (so use the ColorFlow first, or add a sunblock). There are six colors named for actresses, and what we love (beside the natural blush tones) is the all in one container with attached sponge puff (and even a mirror on top) that makes it easy, neat and clean to artfully apply loose mineral makeup at home or on-the-go. The color colors range from peachy pink to mulberry and deep rose. We tried the lightest, "Lilly," a soft rose that looks like your own faint blush (inspired by Natalie Portman). Visit www.susanposnick.com for more information.

*this review is included in the Advice Sisters July/August (Summer 2008) "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column, read the entire column now:

Flash Recharge by Biotherm--energize!

2008-07-02T09:10:00.002-04:00

New and noteable from Biotherm are two new products for the face from their Flash Recharge line: a Flash Recharge Concentrate $49.00 1.1 oz and a Flash Recharge Mask $22.00 2.53 fl. oz. Both of these products multi-task benefits for your skin and help reduce the signs of stress on your skin.

The Flash Recharge Concentrate is really excellent and has a light, herbal (green tea-ish) scent. If you wish, use it solo, or mix it with your favorite day or night moisturizer (use one with SPF to get even more benefits) to pump up skin loving bennies even more. Two ingredients are key to this product: Pure ginseng to help pump up the efficiency of other ingredients and to increase energy for your skin, and Pure Thermal Plankton, a compound found in all Biotherm products, to help your skin protect itself, while helping your skin to look and feel more youthful and revitalized. If your skin is dull, stressed, and not it's best, this product can really make a difference in the way it looks. I saw an immediate different and experienced immediately softer skin, but over time, the product really could make a huge difference.

There's also a new, Flash Recharge Mask that very pleasantly and effectively, moisturizes, energizes, and gives your skin a revitalizing boost. White Willow Extract and aspartic acid help protect your skin from further fatigue and help shield your skin from environmental saboteurs, while fruit acids slough away dead, complexion-dulling skin cells, and biolipids and botanical oils help strengthen, moisturize and hydrate that glowing, new skin. The mask is lightly, herbally scented, and it's a clear gel (although it looks orange in the tube) so you won't scare anyone if you answer the door wearing it. Even better, it mostly absorbs and you don't have to wash (or scrape) off lots of goo at the end of the treatment. Simply apply it, wait five minutes, and massage in any remaining product---genius! I think these are a great idea for anyone who is stressed out, and even if you're fortunate enough to be tranquil, all the time.

Biotherm's products are available online at www.biotherm-usa.com. They're effective, pleasant to use, and they're the highest quality with lots of cutting-edge ingredients --check them out!

Un-Wrinkle Pressed Powder by Peter Thomas Roth has Star Power

2008-07-01T08:08:00.004-04:00

If you're staying out of the sun, using SPF products, and faithfully follow a good anti-aging skincare routine, you're doing the right things for your skin. I'd love to say that I've found the perfect product--one that makes my skin look fantastic, flawless, amazing, and also really gets rids of any lines and wrinkles. While I am still waiting to snag a product that can significantly and permanently eliminate lines and wrinkles, thankfully, technology has produced a number of products really can minimize their appearance.

The Un-Wrinkle Pressed Powder $35.00 by Peter Thomas Roth is a product I'm loving right now. It's a luminous, lightweight, translucent powder that you can wear alone or over other products. It enhances the beauty of your natural skin and helps to diffuse the look of lines and wrinkles (thanks to anti-aging peptides and neuropeptides). I tried this initially just on bare skin. The silky-smooth, triple-milled powder immediately smoothed over flaws, redness, and fine lines, but my real skin still shone through and still looked natural. Over foundation, it gave my complexion a smooth, soft, matte finish wasn't cake-y or dry. The powder is supposedly translucent, but it does have a hint of tint that seems to just blend with whatever skin tone it's resting on. Even better, the powder actually helped absorb oil, so my makeup stayed fresher, longer (great for this month's heat and humidity and really super for combination skin).

On the surface, this product looks like any other in it's softly rounded square mirrored compact, but it has several unusual, high-tech ingredients: Syn®Ake (a synthetic neuropeptide that mimics the winkle-relaxing properties of an enzyme found in snake venom from the Brazilian Viper) and Syn®Col, which mimics the body's own mechanism to produce collagen. It also has Matrixyl 3000 (collagen-boosting peptide to soften and smooth skin); Snap-8 (neuropeptide to help reduce the depth of expression lines); Argireline® (helps to prohibit muscles from contracting, which prevents the formation of lines and winkles) and Vitamins A, Ca and E plus Mica. That's a whole lot of skin-loving stuff to put into a little compact!

This is a wonderful pressed powder. If I have any reservations about it, the only one really is that I'd use it more often if it also had SPF protection, but for those days when I'm not really going to be walking around outside too much, or for evening, it's great.

This compact also has "star power." If you're a movie fan you'll be excited to know that the compact has a role in a key scene of the movie Get Smart, Agent 99 (played by Ann Hathaway) throws the compact and it smokes when it hits the ground (to reveal the hidden lasers that Agent 99 and Maxwell Smart are trying to avoid so they don’t set off any alarms.) Wear your own Un-Wrinkle powder and you'll have star power, too (no alarms of any kind will go off, of course).

Chi Organics Olive Nutrient Therapy - life and energy for your hair!

2008-06-30T08:30:00.004-04:00

Qi (Ch'i), in traditional Chinese, describes the"the natural energy of the Universe." In Chinese culture, it's the active principle forming part of any living thing. It is frequently translated as "energy flow and the literal translation is "air" or "breath."

I recently received products from the Chi Organics Olive Nutrient Therapy by Farouk Systems Group (the nifty company that makes those high-quality heat styling tools). "Chi" seems to be a perfect name for these products, because they really do give your hair a breath of fresh air, or at least, new life and energy.

As you can see from the photo, the bottle are attractive, green plastic, with bright orange flip top caps and graphics that will appeal to men as well as women. But the line isn't all about the outside packaging. The products are designed to promote wellness through the proper balance of necessary nutrients, using olive ingredients, vitamins, herbs and essential oils. The ancient melds with American high tech to bring your hair good looks and "hair wellness." If you read this the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns or this blog, you already know that environmental saboteurs beyond your control (e.g. wind, chemical and heat tools) can damage your hair. This product line helps protect against, and mitigate, damage.

Lots of products are good for all hair types and safe for hair that is colored, and lots of products have natural ingredients and essential oils, but not all of them are created equal. I really liked the Chi Olive Nutrient Therapy Shampoo 12 fl. oz $24.00 and Conditioner 12 fl. oz. $24.00*other sizes and prices are available. Normally I think of olive oil as being super-hydrating, but oily (is is oil, after all). The shampoo was actually light, and while there was plenty of lather, it washed out completely, leaving softness with no greasy residue. I also like that it's sulfate and paraben-free and contains certified organic essential oils. The Conditioner was also great. I left it on for 60 seconds as suggested, and didn't use any other conditioning agents, and my hair was surprisingly super-soft.

I also tried the Olive Nutrient Therapy Glaze Suggested Retail Price $18.00 Each 12 fl.oz to give my hair a bit of light/medium control while styling. It also has essential, natural oils and a special blend of extracts that adds shine. The results were lovely: soft, healthy looking hair with lots of movement and shine...what more could you ask for? Also in the line is are a Treatment Paste $28.00 6 fl. oz to give you hair some extra TLC (leave on 1-3 minutes and rinse or for more intense treatment, apply heat or a hot towel and leave on for 15 minutes) plus a Silk Oil $20.00 2 fl. oz *(a little goes a long way). This leave-in treatment helps to help nourish and repair --especially split ends *(great for the beach) and to add shine. There's also a Spritz $20.00 12 fl. oz for control (even on those windy, humid and rainy days) that's as impressive as the rest of the line.

Icescapes: a book by Randy Fitzgerald and artist Tom Holmes

2008-06-29T18:42:00.013-04:00

Solar Flare (From Icescapes)

From Wikipedia: "Ice is the name given to any one of the 15 known crystalline solid phases of water....It can appear transparent or an opaque bluish-white color depending on the presence of impurities such as air. The addition of other materials such as soil may further alter the appearance. The most common phase transition to ice Ih occurs when liquid water is cooled below 0 °C (273.15 K, 32 °F) at standard atmospheric pressure. It can also deposit from a vapor with no intervening liquid phase, such as in the formation of frost. Ice appears in nature in forms as varied as snowflakes and hail, icicles, glaciers, pack ice, and entire polar ice caps. "

Rising Moon (from Icescapes)

Icescapes by photographer Randy Fitzgerald and sculptor Tom Holmes, is a unique photographic, coffee-table-type book of 34 stunning color photographs that demonstrate the incredible detail and beauty of ice. Randy and Tom work independently and collaboratively to create one of a kind, of-the-moment ice sculptures with coloring, and even the beauty of ice as it begins to melt. These unique photographs explore frozen water in a way you've never seen it, before.

The Sun (from Icescapes)

Although it is Summer, and it's quite hot and humid, before we know it, Winter will be back. Love it or loathe it, ice will be everywhere! Icescapes will give you more respect for the beauty of Winter. Ice isn't just something to slip on, or skate on, or cool your drinks with. Ice, generally perceived as clear and uninteresting, is anything but! These photos are bursting with life!

Eclipsing the Sun (from Icescapes) Frozen Planet (from Icescapes)

I can't post every photograph I loved from this book, but what's so amazing about all of them is how the artist can transform the ice into photos that you would never imagine came from frozen water. For example, "Freefall" colored blue against a background of red, reminds me of stalagmites growing deep within a cave. "Deep Space" looks like a green and turquoise Earth, or perhaps a large body of water as seen from outer space. Each one of these gorgeous photos will absorb your full attention. Even better, you'll see something new and wonderful in them every time you open the book.

Randy Fitzgerald is a talented photographer with a lifelong relationship with the biological sciences and the natural environment he captures around the globe. Tom Holmes is a talented sculptor. Together, these two artists make the mundane, marvellous! The book would make a wonderful gift for a special person, or for yourself "just because." You'll never tire of looking at these fascinating photographs. ICESCAPES $75.00/book is available from artist Tom Holmes http://www.tomholmes.com/contact.htm

Great Ideas from Everyday With Rachel Ray

2008-06-29T08:26:00.002-04:00

I've been behind the scenes at Fashion Week many times, but getting "backstage" to see what goes on behind the scenes for a magazine is something new for me. I couldn't resist the invitation to visit the Everyday with Rachel Ray Magazine Test kitchen. So this isn't a post about beauty (although the beauty of great, easy to prepare food is a beautiful thing) it is about being "backstage" where all the recipes are tested. My visit coincided with the publication of the July 2008 issue of the magazine. Here are a few of my favorite recipes from that issue (of course you'll find more in the actual magazine and on the Everyday With Rachel Ray magazine web site:

Every Day With Rachel Ray magazine features recipes and food, but it's also about lifestyles. There are editors who pick out the best of the best each issue in gifts, home accessories...even beauty items. The irst thing I noticed when I walked in was how pretty the tables looked. Upon closer inspections, however I realized that these clever centerpieces were simply inexpensive wine glasses overturned on a few blossoms, with votive candles on the tops. My photo doesn't do it justice...this is super-easy and looks so pretty...a perfect centerpiece for July 4th (use red, white and blue flowers).

The real business of creating and testing recipies goes on in the test kitchen. We were told that we were the first ones to be invited in. It was absolutely a dream kitchen, with pull-out drawers and room for everything.

We (editors and bloggers) were invited to try our hand at dipping ice-cream bonbons --this is something I've always wanted to do, but I never could figure out how to get anything "dipped" perfectly. The secrets? First, use good chocolate in a double boiler, and when it's melted and smooth, simply dump the "bon bon" (or strawberry, or petite fours) into the chocolate, gently move it around with a FORK until the piece is covered, and then lift it out with the fork, letting the chocolate drip through the tines! Trust me, it works. If you are dipping something like these mini ice cream bon-bons (simply ice cream made into tiny balls with a mini melon-baller and then frozen solid to a small vanilla wafer) make sure they are really solid before you try dipping them in hot chocolate. Of course that makes sense, but anything mushy or not solid will ruin your chocolate (not to mention your dessert)!

Strawberry Bonbons
Makes: 25
Prep: 20 minutes (plus freezing)
Cook: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
1 pint strawberries, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
25 plain vanilla wafers
1 pound dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup pistachios, chopped

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, simmer the strawberries and sugar over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and syrupy, about 20 minutes. Let cool.

Transfer the ice cream to a large bowl; fold in ½ cup strawberry sauce (reserve the remaining sauce for another use). Cover and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

Place the cookies flat side down on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Top each cookie with 1 small scoop of ice cream. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

In a double boiler, melt three-quarters of the chocolate. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining chocolate until melted. Dunk each bonbon into the chocolate to coat; return to the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with the pistachios. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

We sipped these delicious, Pineapple Mojitos:

1 bunch fresh mint, stems discarded
2 limes, each cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup canned crushed pineapple
1 cup light rum
4 cups ice cubes
1 cup club soda

In each of 8 highball glasses, crush together one-eighth of the mint leaves, 2 lime wedges and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple and 2 tablespoons rum until the sugar is dissolved. Add 1/2 cup ice cubes and a splash of club soda to each glass. Serve immediately

I don't have the room to add all the recipes were tried, but they were all yummy, and true to Rachel Ray's' signature, easy on the budget and your schedule. There are tons of recipes in the July issue of the Magazine...on newsstands now...perfect for July 4th and all Summer--and check out the the Everyday With Rachel Ray magazine web site

Protect Yourself from the "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!"

2008-06-27T09:00:00.001-04:00

Are you missing that great tomato taste in your summer recipes, but you're still wondering if you might be felled by the "attack of the killer tomatoes" (salmonella)? Try canned tomatoes. Companies (e.g. Del Monte) offer lots of canned tomato options, including Organic, Diced, Stewed and No Salt Added. They're safe, convenient, and a great choice while salmonella still threatens tomato crops.

Tomatoes contain lycopene – a leading ingredient in fighting cardiovascular disease. Antioxidant properties of lycopene are resistant to heat and cooking and of course, if you love the taste, you can't do without! The Just One More for Healthy Living campaign encourages Americans to add an additional serving of fruits and vegetables (including tomatoes) to their diets. Two easy recipes to help you think about healthy eating and that include tomatoes, follow (you can get more on the web site) featuring canned tomatoes:

Thai Chicken & Vegetable Curry Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients: 12oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves or thighs
1 tsp. curry powder 2 tbsp. oil
1 can (14-1/2oz.) Del Monte Organic Diced Tomatoes
1 can (14-1/2oz.) Del Monte Organic Cut Green Beans, drained
1 can (14-1/2oz.) Del Monte Organic Sliced Carrots, drained
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 cups hot cooked rice

Directions: Cut chicken into three-quarter inch cubes; toss chicken evenly with curry powder Heat oil in large skillet; add chicken. Cook and stir over medium-high heat for 3 minutes Add undrained tomatoes, beans, carrots and crushed red pepper. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes Serve over rice and sprinkle with 1/4 cup peanuts or toasted coconut, if desired
...how easy!

Santa Fe Wraps Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients: 12 oz. ground beef
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Del Monte Diced Tomatoes
1 Tbsp. chili powder ½ tsp. ground cumin
1 can (15-1/4 oz.) Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn, drained
1 pkg. (3 oz.) cream cheese, cut up
1 jalapeno pepper (optional), finely chopped
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas

Directions: Brown meat in large skillet, drain. Stir in undrained tomatoes, chili powder and cumin. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes Stir in corn, cheese and jalapenos; stir until cheese melts Spoon mixture onto tortillas and roll up or fold Serve with shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and salsa, if desired

Alison's Note: A quick check of the US FDA website says that types of tomatoes not linked to any illnesses are cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and tomatoes with the vine still attached...Since mid April, there have been 652 reported cases of salmonellosis nationwide caused by Salmonella Saintpaul, an uncommon form of Salmonella. At least 71 hospitalizations have been reported. For more information, visit the FDA Web Site: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html