When I was in New York last September for Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of getting my skin mapped by Dermalogica.  Just so you know, I just turned 42 this past April so I am excited about any skin care that will do anything to keep my skin looking good!  I was introduced to their anti-aging line called Age-Smart.  The line is formulated for mature and prematurely aging skin.  I have always been a fan of skincare that is formulated by dermatologists because they have science behind them.  This line is amazing because it strips away all the fragrance and extras and gives you just great skin care.  This would be great for skin that has sun damage and also ideal for sensitive skin because of the lack of fragrance.

Allure magazine says, ” The peptides and glucosamine in Dermalogica’s Age Smart target integral damage before it becomes visible to the naked eye.“  I have used it for 3 months and have noticed a significant difference in the texture of my skin.  The line is a bit pricey BUT it works.  get your feet wet with the starter kit and see if you like it.

• Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
• Anti Oxidant Hydramist
• Map 15 Regenerator
• Multivitamin Power Concentrate
• Multivitamin Thermafoliant
• Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
• Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 30
• Super Rich Repair
• Power rich
• Multivtitamin Power Firm
• Renewal Lip Complex

Image: Dermalogic

Orange County, New York, Atlanta, and the latest, New Jersey.  This season follows five women living in the Garden State, and if the premiere was any indicator, it looks like it’s going to be good and juicy. You know I don’t usually ever write about these shows, but I am telling you it is easy to get hooked! Meet the latest group of women who will soon be your new best friends, and who also know a thing or two about aging fabulously, injections, lypo, implants, and anything else to defy the laws of gravity.

The New Real Housewives From The Garden State

Caroline: Think Gina from Orange County, or the Jill Zarin of New York. She has grown children, one of whom is opening a strip club. Her motherly advice: “Let’s run a respectful strip club—one mommy can be proud of.” Some how I just can’t imagine my mother feeling that way ever.

Teresa: This mother of three little girls claims she’s not a stage mom, but does bringing the kids to modeling agencies and putting glitter gloss on her four-year-old still count? All in all she seems very sweet, and a high school flash back picture with Teresa in mile-high hair brought me back too.

Dina: Recently moved to New Jersey, and it seems she is set on being the hottest (think Vicki from OC and Ramona from NY) housewife in this group. According to Dina who when playing tennis with her daughter told her  “Honey, Mommy doesn’t run”. Okay. Can you say Zsa Zsa?

Danielle: This episode focused on Danielle’s date to meet face-to-face with the guy she’d been having phone sex with for two years. Unfortunately it didn’t go well, but huge props to Danielle who is a single mother, for being brave enough to go for it.

Jacqueline: Dina put it best, and she seems to be right on both counts: “Jacqeline’s heart is as big as her bubbies.” You’ve gotta love that:-)

Of course the internet is all a buzz, and some are saying the show is a negative portrayal of New Jersey, which is making them all look like stereotypes. I say oh please!!! It’s a frickin’ reality show, real women, and yes Real Housewives. Why not try and lose your brain for an hour or so and just have some fun! You may even like it, who knows?

xx

image credit: Bravo

If you haven’t had a chance to check out this fabulous site for shopping, then you must. I was not able to make the launch but from the looks of these pictures it looks like it was an amazing event. Catch Boutique the online styling retailer, along with Operation Smile and HOPE held a private event in Los Angeles where celebrities, and media took the virtual Catch Boutique tour and were able to preview amazing collections from boho, to vintage, and chic couture.

They were also able to try on the styles at this exclusive event which was hosted by stylist and creator Natalie Howell. Catch Boutique is completely unique to any other online retailer in that it offers a free and live styling service in which buyers can video chat with Natalie or one of her stylists. Talk about customer service, it doesn’t get better than this, and their expertise, and true personal touch makes the whole online shopping experience like no other.

Catch Boutique also offers a fashion and beauty blog with news and tips that will keep you looking your very best. In addition to the many amazing fashion lines, Catch Boutique will also feature Twenty-Two Vintage, its very own customized line from hand-picked rare designer clothing, and jewelry from Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and London.

Vanessa Minnillo, seen here was one of the celebrities who took the virtual tour. Vanessa bought a Twenty Two Vintage by Catch black velvet and gold sequin dress, jacket, and tank top. She also bought four other dresses as well.

Vanessa Mannillo at the Catch Boutique Launch

Jaime Pressly seen here with all of her great finds purchased a Lauren Conrad Dress, and also took home a few other dresses right off of the displays.

Jaime Pressly at the Catch Boutique Launch

John Mayer’s new rumored girlfriend Scheana Marie was spotted checking out all of the fabulous clothing and accessories too.

John Mayer's latest galpal Scheana Marie checking out the goods

To check out all of the fabulous styles, have an online shopping spree, and to check out the site go to www.catchboutique.com.

xx

image credits: Anna Webber

Looking for an eye treatment that you can carry in your purse that also fights wrinkles and conceals those dark circles under your eyes?  Then I think I have the perfect product for you.

Comodynes Convenient Cosmetics has a new Wrinkle Free product that fights aging.  It’s called  “Urban Vision: Dual Eye Zone Treatment.“  It’s a two in one stick that fights the signs of aging & immediately reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It features Sericin, a protein derived from silk, which allows Urban Vision to dramatically smooth out and prevent age-revealing wrinkles.

Infused with vegetable extracts, Urban Vision not only fights wrinkles but also helps to reduce puffiness around your eyes caused by fatigue, allergies, and stress.  The concealer part covers up dark circles under your eyes.  So, you’re good to go.  Easy to take along with you no matter where you go!

Check out Comodynes or Shopnbc for more info or to purchase.

xx,

b

image credit:  Comodynes

Any excuse to roam through Fred Segal and check out the clothing, accessories, and beauty products is always an adventure. It is easy to become a fan of this well known shopping destination, not only for the unique style of the store, but for the more than often celebrity sightings of those fashionista’s who love shopping there as well.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and happen to be Looking for Luxurious Lingerie, seductive beauty and romantic treats on Valentine’s Day, then you will not want to miss the Booty Parlor Trunk Show this Saturday at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. I will be there with my boyfriend who was so sweet to agree to come with me.

From 12 to 6PM at Fred Segal Santa Monica enjoy shopping with your significant other while nibbling on chocolate covered strawberries and sipping delicious champagne. Maybe even pick up some cute lingerie for later that evening. Oooh, can’t wait!! Hope to see you at this very Booty-licious party!

xx,

B

image credit: Fred Segal

The gel formula in this gentle eye make-up remover from Avene makes it easier to remove all traces of make-up around the delicate eye area. If your eyes are sensitive, easily irritated, or you wear contact lenses then this is the product for you ladies. One swipe takes off all of your eye makeup without leaving any oily residue. It safely removes even waterproof eye make-up while soothing and hydrating the sensitive eye area.

Avene has been featured in InStyle, Allure, Life & Style and Healthy Aging Magazine just to name a few.They has a fabulous line of skin care products that are definitely worth checking out. I love their Soothing Eye Contour Cream. You can usually spot their eye make-up remover and eye cream backstage during fashion week, as many of the models come from other shows where the make-up needs to be removed quickly.

All of their products are available at Spalook.com and Drugstore.com

xx

image credit: Aveneusa.com

Julie from Snarkstress has just started her Snarkstress Challenge! What a great idea to start the holidays off with some fabulous beauty and fashion tips to give you a new twist on how to style your hair, update a blouse, or a pair of pants you’ve had tucked away in the closet for ages.

Julie is actually playing too and I did hear some mention of prizes….ooh, that sounds like fun:) If you’re feeling a little bored why not give your look a little pick me up and check in with Julie as she shares her tips on feeling fabulous.

Today she shows us how to wear a corset for fun, photo’s included. I never even thought to pair a corset with  jeans, but Julie looks gorgeous and now it looks like I will be digging through my storage space to find mine.

xx,

Beth

My baby girl is 13 years old today. I CANNOT believe it. Two teenagers in the house - someone help me!!!

I totally remember having her, three weeks early to boot.  The night before I had Caci (pronounced casey), her Godmother came over as she was going away on business for a week. She made me promise that I would not have her while she was gone. I told her I would not because I still had at least a few more weeks to go. She then called me first thing that morning to remind me of my promise. I swear, within that hour I started contracting and soon made my way to the hospital (my first labor was just under 3 1/2 hours, so I was nervous). It was about 9:00 A.M. when I got to the hospital with regular contractions that were still pretty far apart, but I was admitted because I was 7cm already. I delivered Caci Lynne at 10:10 A.M. So, Auntie Lori had a phone message at her destination when she arrived.

Two things I learned (and am learning) from this - I don’t keep promises very well. And to this day, I still do not. I also learned that my labor was so fast and pain free because my newly crowned teenager is going to drag out the pain for years! Teenage girls are very difficult to raise. Too much to worry about - I swear! *But I wouldn’t change a second of it.*

Love you, Doodles!

I am so happy that it is the official first day of Summer. I love Summer. Being outside. Cook-Outs. Friends. Beaches. Pools. Vacations. No School. Relaxing. What is there not to love about Summer?

What are you plans for the Summer?

image (c) Teri Cosenzi

I could not even come up with a title for this post. But as I came across this photo today, from The Body Shop, and I just had to share it with you.

So very true, isn’t it?

image: The Body Shop