Get The Look For Less!

Dragon Fruit Surprise

2011-09-26T15:16:00.001+08:00

Dragon Fruit Surprise by rhixy featuring clutch bags

Bluefly Entry

2011-05-21T22:41:00.002+08:00

Bluefly Entry by RhixY featuring short sleeve tops

no letting go...

2011-05-19T13:37:00.002+08:00

no letting go... by RhixY featuring stainless steel watches

Cowboy Inspiration

2011-05-18T12:40:00.001+08:00

Cowboy Inspiration by RhixY featuring platform booties

Steal Away

2011-05-17T12:39:00.001+08:00

Steal Away by RhixY featuring sleeveless dresses

Stay...just a li'l bit longer...

2010-12-14T23:09:00.002+08:00

Stay...just a li'l bit longer... by RhixY featuring rose jewelry
gold, black and hints of red...never goes out of style!

Santa Baby

2010-12-13T23:51:00.002+08:00

Santa Baby by RhixY featuring quartz jewelry
inspiration: red dress and off-white belt I've bought last week for the post-Christmas engagement party that we have organized...

Home Projects: Silk-Ribbon Looped Tassel

2008-09-03T21:45:00.000+08:00

A simple white tassel can serve as a decorative accessory for a drawer-pull.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

Figure J

Figure K

This fancy tassel adds a nice accent to a floor lamp.

Q: I love to use tassels in my decorating. Can you show me how to make a ribbon tassel?

A: (from DIY decorating expert, Nancy Golden) Tassels make great decorating accents, and they're fun, inexpensive and easy to make. Here's how to do it yourself.

Silk-Ribbon Looped Tassel

Materials:

Decorative ribbon
Scissors
Cardboard for template
Floral wire
Straight pins
Tacky glue
Appliqued, beaded or print trim-ribbon

Steps:

Decide the length you want to make your tassel, and cut a cardboard template to that length (figure A).
Wrap your ribbon lengthwise around your cardboard template. Keep wrapping until you've looped it around the cardboard (figure B) enough times to create a tassel in the thickness that you want. For thicker tassels, use more ribbon. If you're using thick ribbon material or yarn, you may need to wrap fewer times. For sheer ribbon, you may need to wrap more.
Once you have an ample amount of ribbon wrapped around the template, tie it off at one end of the loop with a piece of matching ribbon (figure C). This will create the top of the tassel.
Once tied off, remove the looped ribbon from the cardboard and form the top end -- which includes the loop that will be used for hanging the tassel. Do this by holding the gathered ribbon tightly in your fist, pinching the top end firmly and wrapping floral wire tightly around the top end to create the top loop (figure D). This completes the main body of the tassel.
To conceal the floral wire, select a decorative trim-ribbon that complements the ribbon used for making the tassel. For our demonstration, we selected a trim ribbon with small satin roses (figure E).
Attach the end of the decorative ribbon to the wrapped wire using crafting tacky glue (figure F).
Wrap the decorative trim around the neck of the tassel several times (figure G) and attach the other end using the tacky glue.
Secure the wrapped trim using a straight pin (figure H) until the glue dries.
Once the glue has dried, you can remove the end of the ribbon loop you tied in step 3 by simply cutting it off. Once you've removed the excess ribbon, the tassel is finished. This design results in a tassel with the ends looped (figure I).

Tassel Variations

Be creative and come up with your own design combinations. Other variations include creating a fancy tassel using black rickrack adorned with either black yarn or wood-bead trim (figure J), beaded fringe or a leopard-print trim wrapped around the top.
For a daring, funky look, try creating a chenille tassel with beaded trim (figure K).

RESOURCES :
The Splendor of Ribbon
Model: 1567993974
Author: Ellie Schneider& Ellie Joos
(March 1997); 128 pages

Source: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/lr_accessories/article/0,2041,DIY_14069_2275951,00.html

Diet and Exercise Tips

2008-08-25T22:46:00.000+08:00

Excessive body weight contributes to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, in addition to being a major influence on general health and well-being. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in about 50-60% of those who are obese.

A recent report from the National Center for Health Statistics concludes that seven of 10 adults don’t regularly exercise, and nearly four in 10 aren’t physically active. Lack of exercise can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. About 300,000 people in the U.S. die each year from diseases related to inactivity.

Proper diet and exercise are the mainstays for a healthy lifestyle, although many Americans turn to costly fad diets and exercise programs that fail to provide weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. The basic tenets to gradual weight loss and good health include developing healthy eating habits and increasing daily physical activity.

Self-Help Guidelines For Healthy Activity

Consult a physician – men over age 40; women over 50; people with (or at risk for) chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity.
Start out slowly and build up activity gradually over a period of months. This will help avoid soreness and injury.
Try to accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity each day.You can do all 30 minutes together or through short bouts of intermittent activity(e.g. 10 minutes at a time).
Add strength-developing exercises at least twice per week.
Incorporate physical activity into your day (walk to the office or store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or jog at lunch time, etc.).
Make leisure time active – garden, walk, ride a bike with family and friends, participate in an exercise class, join in a sports activity.
Select activities you enjoy, find satisfying, and give you a feeling of accomplishment. Success leads to increased motivation to be physically active.
Be sure your activities are compatible with your age and physical condition.
Make it convenient to be active. Choose activities that are readily accessible(right outside your door) like gardening, walking, or jogging.
Try “active commuting.” Cycle, walk or in-line skate to work or to the store.
Make your activity enjoyable – listen to music, include family and friends, etc.

For those who are already regularly moderately active, increase the duration and intensity for additional benefits.

Weight Loss Tips:

Take in fewer calories than you expend. Few people understand this basic, simple concept.
Eat smaller meals 3-5 times per day.
Eat nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
Eat slowly, and wait 10-15 minutes before taking second helpings.
Don’t eliminate everything you like from your diet. Eat those things in small amounts (pizza, candy, cookies, etc.)
Prepare healthy snacks that are easily available (cut carrots, apples, etc.)
Avoid buffets.
Drink plenty of water, especially immediately prior to meals.

The Healthy Weight Approach To Dieting:

Enjoy a variety of foods that will provide essential nutrients.
Three-quarters of your lunch and dinner should be vegetables, fruits, cereals, breads, and other grain products. Snack on fruits and vegetables. Eat lots of dark green and orange vegetables. Choose whole-grain and enriched products more often.
Choose lower fat dairy products, leaner meats and alternatives, and foods prepared with little or no fat. Shop for low fat (2% or less) or fat-free products such as milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Eat smaller portions of leaner meats, poultry, and fish; remove visible fat from meat and the skin from poultry. Limit the use of extra fat like butter, margarine, and oil. Choose more peas, beans, and lentils.
Limit salt, caffeine, and alcohol. Minimize the consumption of salt. Cut down on added sugar such as jams, etc. Limit beverages with a high caffeine content (tea, sodas, chocolate drinks) and caffeinated coffee to two cups per day. Minimize alcohol to 1-2 drinks per day.
Limit consumption of snack foods such as cookies, donuts, pies, cakes, potato chips, etc. They are high in salt, sugar, fat, and calories, and low in nutritional value.
Eat in moderation. If you are not hungry, don’t eat.

Source: http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/dietExercise.cfm

Easy-to-do 15 Minute Fixes!

2008-08-15T00:37:00.000+08:00

Believe it or not, in the time you spend just thinking about getting the sticky window unstuck, dusting the glass chandelier, or tamping down a curled corner of wallpaper, you could actually get the job done. Whatever your household bugbear, chances are it's not such a beastly problem after all.

With a little know-how and a few readily available materials, your 15-minute fix could begin right now. So get up off that couch (with its sad, sagging cushions) and turn a little bit of downtime into an upgrade. Today the chandelier; tomorrow -- who knows?

Problem: Scuffed linoleum
Solution: Rub the spot with white toothpaste and a dry cloth or with an eraser. Or spray WD-40 on a towel and rub lightly, making sure to degrease the area afterward with liquid dishwashing soap and water.

Problem: Dry cutting board
Solution: Revive your board by gently warming a bottle of pure mineral oil (available at drugstores) in a bowl of hot water, then wiping the oil onto the surface with a soft cloth. Wipe off the excess four to six hours later.

Problem: Stuck sliding windows
Solution: A little silicone spray lubricant (sold at hardware stores) will grease the skids. Spray it onto a rag, then wipe along the tracks, whether they're metal, wood, or plastic.

Problem: Flattened down cushions
Solution: Put them outside in the sun for a few hours, flipping them halfway through. (Be careful -- leaving them out too long may fade the fabric.) The sun will help evaporate the moisture that gets into the filling over time, and the cushions pshould lump up nicely

Problem: Dirty decanter
Solution: Fill the decanter halfway with hot water, a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and a cup of uncooked rice. Swirl the rice around for a few minutes to remove the residue, rinse with hot water, and air-dry.

Problem: Tangled extension cords
Solution: Cowgirls and sailors alike know the benefits of storing ropes neatly coiled. Follow their lead and keep extension cords tangle-free and contained inside a large plastic bucket when they're not in use.

Problem: Peeling wallpaper
Solution: With a knife, smear wallpaper paste onto a piece of writing paper. Rub the paper against the underside of the peeling section. Press the wallpaper against the wall. Slide the writing paper out and smooth away bubbles with a clean cloth.

Problem: Worn caning
Solution: A little sagging over time is natural but reversible (insert Joan Rivers joke here). To tighten caning back up, use a sponge to wet the underside with warm water. Let dry slowly overnight. Repeat if necessary.

Problem: Dusty chandelier
Solution: Allow the fixture to cool. Wear a pair of white cotton gloves -- one dry, one dampened with glass cleaner. (For crystal, use one part rubbing alcohol to three parts distilled water.) Wipe each prism with the damp glove, then the dry one.

Problem: Hard-to-remove decals
Solution: Spray the decals and the surrounding areas with WD-40, lifting the edges to get underneath, if possible. Let sit, then gently scrape away the decal with the edge of a credit card. Degrease the tub with liquid dishwashing soap.

Problem: Hard-to-remove bulb
Solution: Press the center of a foot-long strip of duct tape onto the middle of the bulb. Fold each loose end in half so it sticks onto itself. Gripping each end between your thumb and index finger, give a counterclockwise twist to loosen the bulb.

Problem: Stained tub
Solution: Combine equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture into the stain with your fingers or a soft cloth. Let sit for a half hour, then rinse well with water.

Source: http://www.boomj.com/articles/12966

Understand Colors and it's Effect on You

2008-08-08T22:52:00.000+08:00

PURPLE

The color of nobility. Wear it!
It's soothing. Boosts self esteem, dignity, and self respect. Feeds insight, intuition, and perception. Wear it too much and you end up in a fantasy world! It affects the organs, glands, spinal, pituitary, left eye, nose, insight, and clairvoyance.

BLUE
The color of truthfulness and peace.
It's calming and comforting. Eases stress, tension, and pain. Helps inner thoughts. Too much can cause depression and isolation. Effects the organs, glands, thyroid, parathyroid, hypothalamus, throat, mouth, sound vibration, communication, and creative expression.

MAGENTA
The color of letting go- moving on.
It has a nurturing and protective feeling. Positive and reassuring.
Too much can cause fanaticism and arrogance. Effects the organs, glands, and the central nervous system.

BROWN
Grounding- Brings us down to earth.
Inviting, cosy, comforting. Connects us with the physical world around us. Helps us to feel supported and stronger in ourselves. Steadies other colors.

ORANGE
Sexuality and Creativity.
Brings us joy / uplifting / Social outgoing.
Too much can cause excitability and irresponsibility.
Effects the ovaries, genitals, spleen, bladder, feelings.

RED
Grounding- self preservation
Instinct, survival, physical drive, strength, vitality, sexuality, passion, primal energy, and alertness.
Too much can cause heart problems and exhaustion.
Increases body temperature, raises blood pressure, and stimulates blood circulation.

YELLOW
Warm and optimistic. Cheers you up. Uplifting.
Stimulates our intellect and logical mind. Sense of being in control.
Too much can cause arguments.
Effects the Pancreas, adrenal, stomach, liver, gall bladder, nervous system, and muscles.

GREEN
Balancing, harmonizing, restful.
Closely associated with nature. Trusting in the process of life. Compassion, caring, soothes emotions, heals the heart. A great color to grow. Brings renewed life to dullness.
Too much can cause inactive feelings and indecisiveness.
Effects the organs, glands, heart, thymus, circulatory, system, arms, hands, and lungs.

TURQUOISE
Reviving and Invigoration
Boosts immunity. Very cooling and youthful, expressive color.
Too much can cause isolation and confusion.
Believed to protect against illness and emotional illness. Relieves inflammation.

BLACK - Will calm your nerves

WHITE - Helps you get ideas and helps with the thought process.

GRAY - Takes the thought process into action.

PINK - Is gentle and soothing. Tender, protective, and compassionate.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/

30 Quick Cleaning Tips for a Tidier Home

2008-07-22T22:35:00.000+08:00

In the battle to maintain a tidy home, especially with children, we are always on the look out for great tips. We asked the FamilyCorner community to share with us what helps them most. Implement any or all of these ideas to make cleaning easier and more efficient!

Bathroom

Keep a container of disinfectant wipes under each bathroom sink. Each day, perhaps after your shower, use a wipe to clean off the sinks, counters and toilet bowl. This keeps the bathroom tidy all week.

Spray down the shower walls, tub, counters and toilet, let the cleaner sit while you empty trash cans and hang towels. Then go back and wipe everything down and clean the mirrors.

Using shower cleaner, spray your shower daily, to help keep it clean. The steam from your shower will help to loosen dirt, making it easier to clean.

Try wiping down your glass shower with your bath mat when you finish showering to head off water spots.

Use a dirty towel on the floor of the shower to keep your footing and avoid injury.

Keep a squeegee handy to clean the walls down after the shower.

Clean the toilet, sink & mirror while your kids are in the bath. This saves time as you need to be present while your kids bathe anyway.

Designate a drawer, basket or container for hair brushes, scrunchies and barrettes.

Put hair dryers, curling irons and hair straighteners out of site when you are finished using them.

Kitchen

Use baking soda to clean the kitchen cabinets and counters. The stove and refrigerator will come out sparkling.

Do a quick mop or floor wipe down daily to make it easier to do your weekly mop.

If you use a dishwasher, load dishes as you use them. Don't allow your sink to become full of dishes.

If you have pets, especially those that shed, use a hand held vacuum or sweeper to suck up animal hair before sweeping. Sweeping doesn't collect animal hair, it simply moves it around.

Change your kitchen cleaning rag daily. Be sure to rinse and wring it out well after each use and hang it to dry. A sour cleaning rag can cause an awful smell.

Toss your dish cleaning sponge into the dishwasher on the top rack.

Quickie Tips

Play "Beat the Clock" by setting a timer for 15 minutes. See how much you can accomplish in this amount of time.

When you clean for 10 or 15 minutes, as opposed to an hour or more, cleaning doesn't seem overwhelming. Turn some music on and do this a few times a day so everything gets done. Choose CD's instead of the radio to keep you on track, no commercial interruptions makes it easier to keep the beat while cleaning.

Keep a supply of cleaning products in each bathroom and in the kitchen. Store these in buckets or baskets with a handle to make them easy to pick up and set down as you clean.

When you are cleaning windows, wipe up and down on the inside and back and forth on the outside. If there are any streaks you will be able to see which side needs to be redone.

Clean all rooms from top to bottom and left to right. This method makes it difficult to miss anything.

Keep a stock of small bags in the same room as the cat litter box. Whenever the box needs scooping the bags are right there, no need to go get one.

Keep a few extra trash bags in the bottom of your trash cans. When you pull out the full bag, a new bag will be waiting for you.

Save time and aggravation by connecting a long extension cord to your vacuum cleaner. You can vacuum your entire house (or one floor if you have multiple levels) without having to unplug it for each room. If the kitchen, for example, is the center of your house, use a kitchen outlet to reach all of your rooms.

Keep a supply of cotton swabs your cleaning supplies. There is always some corner that your rag or sponge won't reach, such as that "gunk" that gets around the edge of the bathroom sink. Cotton swabs are small enough to get that job done.

Do It Now - Put things back, rinse out that dirty dish, put shoes where they belong, and so on. When you think to yourself, "I'll do that later" you may find yourself in a panic later when you are running behind and so many things are not done.

Throw a load of clothes into the washing machine before you start the coffee pot. Set a timer so you won't forget to put them in the dryer.

Put in a load of laundry or run the dishwasher while cleaning other areas of the house. You will have accomplished more in a shorter period of time.

Before Bed

Empty the sink, wash dirty dishes and wipe it all down. Getting up to dirty dishes is always unpleasant.

Before heading off to bed at night, check that the bathroom has towels hung, toothbrushes are put away, and give the sink a quick wipe down.

Do a 5 minute sweep of the living room. Grab a basket and pick up any stray toys, laundry, dishes, and reading materials. Put them away, or at the very least, gather them all in a basket for tomorrow's clean up.

Source: http://www.familycorner.com/homegarden/organize/30_quick_cleaning_tips_for_a_tidier_home.shtml

19 Great Beauty Shortcuts

2008-07-22T20:51:00.000+08:00

Between all the waxing, straightening, and tousling, who has the time (or sheer energy) for some crazy-long beauty routine? Umm, not us. And not Hollywood pros, either, it seems. “I usually have 15 minutes, tops, to get Beyoncé out the door,” says Pinay makeup artist Mally Roncal. “That means I have to streamline my technique and do everything on the fly.” Here, the country’s top beauty experts and a few Tinseltown pros reveal their best new beauty shortcuts to make your eyes, lips, hair, and skin look fantastic in a flash.

1. Flip Your Part and Take Off

One of the fastest styles you can create without a pair of scissors? A low side part. “It’s so dramatic and instantly glamorous,” says hairstylist Kim Kimble, who works with Beyoncé. “Plus, it’s great for all hair types and textures.” She parts hair about four to six inches above the ear and sweeps strands back with the pointy tip of a comb.

2. Hike Up Lashes

Doing mascara on the fly requires a surgeon’s steady hands—or a makeup artist’s speedy strategy. “Always do your mascara first,” says Carol Shaw, who works on Nicole Kidman and Cindy Crawford. “If you mess up, which happens a lot, you can remove the smudge without wiping off everything else you’ve already applied.” Her warp-speed wand move: Wiggle the brush into the roots of lashes before pulling it through, then hit the tips of lashes a second time to make them seem a mile long. Try Fasio 3D Curl & Airy Lashes, P350.

3. Flawless Face Fix

If you can’t head out the door without foundation or concealer, save some time by combining these steps together: “Choose a product that can function as both foundation and concealer,” advises Xeng Zulueta of Shu Uemura. “Cream types are easy to apply while you’re on the move, as it’s best to apply them with fingers and they won’t spill in the process. Work your way out from underneath the eyes and blend out to the cheeks. Go easy on the cheeks and spot-conceal problem areas.” Try Becca Stick Foundation with SPF30, P2,000, or SanSan Matte Finish Liquid Foundation, P91.75.

4. Freeze Out a Zit

It’s Murphy’s Law in action: If anything can go wrong, it will. This is often manifested by the appearance of a monstrous zit just before a hot date. For an emergency fix, Hollywood aesthetician Sonya Dakar tells her star flock (which includes Drew Barrymore and Brittany Murphy) to dab toner over the zit to dry up excess oil, then cool and flatten the bump with an ice cube (wrapped in tissue) for a minute. “Don’t leave the cube on for too long or you’ll wind up with redness,” she warns. Finish by drying the skin with a tissue and dotting a creamy concealer like Estée Lauder Ideal Light Brush-On Illuminator, P1,850.

5. Score Instant Waves

If the humidity puts your strands on permanent frizzmode, Maybelline New York’s Barbi Chan suggested tying slightly damp hair in a bun, then setting it with hair spray before blasting it with a hair dryer. “This creates instant wavy hair without using a curling iron,” Chan says. For soft, bouncy curls, try Tigi Curls Rock Hairspray, P1,195. Bonus: Your man will love the sweet candy smell of your hair!

6. Flush in a Flash

They say that the best blush is the color that you get in the throes of an orgasm—capture this look with cheek tint and some light shimmer. “Liquid blush layered with pink-gold shimmer imparts a soft glow,” says local makeup pro Tatin Yang. “Match it with tinted lip balm and curled lashes, and you’re good to go.” We’re betting Nichido Tickled Pink Cheek Tint, P128, to give you that perfect post-coital glow. Finish off by dusting The Balm Hot Mama Shadow Blush, P1,250, for its peachy-pink shimmer.

7. Whip Out a Posh Ponytail

If you must pull your hair back in a ponytail, at least do it with style. First, tease the roots around the crown to add volume, then pull everything up and back with your fingers. “But don’t tug hair too tightly or you’ll kill the volume,” says Kimble. Secure with an elastic, then dress it up by wrapping a few strands of your own hair around the band or covering it up with a bejeweled clip or scrunchie.

8. Dramatize Your Pucker

Ever wonder how film stars manage to look glamorous sans the smoky eyes and tons of shimmer? The trick is in a tube of classic red lipstick. “Whether you’re in a hurry or simply need an instant boost, red gives you the energy needed to [instantly project] that you’re strong, sexy, or ambitious,” says Jen Delica of Avon. Her hue-finding guide: If you have a darker complexion, go for a warm, brownish red like Avon Moisture Rich Wear in Spicy, P375. If your skin is fair, pick a blue-based red to make your mouth pop like Chanel Luminous Satin Lip Color in Lover, P1,650.

9. Fake Perfect Brows

Warning: If you’re about to walk out the door, avoid tweezing at all costs (you’ll waste time trying to cover up that puffy, red unibrow). “Groom brows by combing upwards and filling in sparse areas with light, feathery strokes with a brow pencil,” suggests Jigs Mayuga of L’Oréal. “[Fix strays with] brow gel or spray an eyebrow brush with hairspray before combing them out.” Check out Bloom Retractable Brow Definer in Medium Brown, P495.

10. Bedazzle Your Tresses

If it’s the mother of all bad hair days and you can’t spare another minute, slip on a metallic headband (or one with a posh print) or tie a casual ribbon around your head. The flashy hairpiece will help draw attention away from your less-than-perfect coif and create a glamorous (or funky, depending on what you’re wearing), put-together look with no effort at all.

11. Revive Your Roots in No Time

When party-hard celebs need to oomph up their hair on the double, New York stylist Tippi Shorter (who works with Ashanti and Rihanna) relies on this tip: “Rub a bit of sculpting wax between your palms until you see a bit of sheen on your hands, then scrunch up your roots,” she says. Try Dep Sport Sculpting Clay, P329.

12. De-Fuzz in a Hurry

Can’t make it to the salon for a wax session? Disguise a bigotilyo by dipping a fluffy powder brush into mineral powder foundation, then swipe it downward over any downy spots. This smoothens the hair so it lies flat and blends into your skin. Youngblood Loose Foundation, P1,850, will do just the trick.

13. Line Your Peepers

Eyeshadow can be the most time-consuming step in makeup. Cut down on blending time by skipping it altogether, and line your eyes instead. “Just use colored liner to give the illusion of wearing eyeshadow,” says Chan. Zulueta agrees. “Go bold with colored pencils, and make sure the tip is sharp and soft for easy application.” For smudge- and waterproof orbs, check out Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes, P850 each.

14. Try the 10-Second Towel Trick

Instead of heading straight for the fan or dryer, cut drying time in half by blotting excess water from your strands with a thick towel. Don’t rub it vigorously, though—it’ll only create frizz and be harder to style later on. Just press the towel firmly over large sections, then air dry.

15. Do a Super Fast Manicure

Cut the drying time of your nail polish in half by applying two very thin coats. “Most people throw on one thick coat to get it done fast, but that takes forever to harden and looks clumpy,” says manicurist Deborah Lippmann, who polishes up Reese Witherspoon and Hilary Swank. To ensure the lightest application of lacquer, wipe the brush against the neck of the bottle before painting a nail. We like Bobbie Nail Crème in Touch Me Hot, P35.10, or Caronia Nail Polish in Love, P25.

16. Speed Up Your Blowdry

No one wants to spend the better part of the day with a hairdryer in hand, so cut blowdrying time in half by using an extrawide round brush. “Not only can you cover more area quickly, but a larger barrel creates a smoother finish,” explains hairstylist Jimmy Paul, who works with Keira Knightley. Laminate your pin-straight locks with a few drops of serum like Citré Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, P229.50, for super shine.

17. Amp Up Your Pout

You might never have Angelina Jolie’s enviable lips, but here’s an old-fashioned recipe for full lips: olive oil and salt. “The oil is super moisturizing, and the sodium makes your skin bloat up fast,” says Dakar. Mix a spoonful of regular olive oil with a pinch of salt and spread lightly on your kisser.

18. Boost Volume in a Blink

There’s just no denying the appeal of soft, sexy curls. If you want to give life to stick-straight hair, you’ll be glad to know that it doesn’t take five hours to get fat curls. To do this, gather large sections of dry hair (about three inches wide), and roll them around the barrel of a skinny curling iron. In 10 minutes, you’ll be a vampy vixen. Our favorite: Philips 8-in-1 curling iron, P1,500.

19. Make Your Eyes Pop—Pronto

“The easiest way to achieve super dramatic eyes is to rim your eyes with black liner and load up on the mascara,” says Zulueta. It also helps if you do your mascara first so you can wipe off the smudges without having to start everything all over again. Just keep cotton buds handy to erase smears.

Source: http://www.cosmomagazine.com.ph/beauty/

10 Great Hair Care Tips

2008-07-11T22:57:00.000+08:00

1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair type. While you can skimp a little on the shampoo, a good, professional conditioner is a must have. Look for products in salons that are customized for your hair type. For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.

2. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The number one mistake that people make when choosing a new hairstyle is to pick a style based on popularity rather than how it will enhance their features. Always choose a new cut based on how it will enhance or detract from your facial features and build. If you have broad shoulders, choose a full-bodied cut over a close cropped head hugging doo.

3. Don’t forget your UV protectants. Just as your skin gets damaged by wind and sun, so does your hair. To combat this, look for finishing products such as mousses, gels and sprays that block UV rays.

4. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will split faster than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, even if it’s just a micro trim. A good hairdresser makes them good because they know what to leave on the head, not take off.

5. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why beauticians need to go to school to learn how to handle chemicals and hair processes. You can do irreparable damage with these products even if the package says that it’s way easy. And even if you don’t make your hair fall out, you could end up looking like a clown and paying a stylist big bucks to fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double the rate for corrective color than they do for normal color processes)

6. Get color for interest and body. Every cut needs a little bit of color to make it truly breathtaking. No matter whether your taste is subtle or dramatic, you can add interest and volume to your tresses with a color process. Highlights, lowlights, all over color, gray coverage, you name it, it’s all good for your look.

7. Do weekly conditioning treatments. Even if your hair is extremely healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind, sun, cold and heat. During the summer months, your hair is battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and other chemicals from your pool.

8. Get an ionic ceramic flat iron. Instead of frying your hair with a conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your tresses, add shine and infuse moisture with one of the a negative ionic flat irons. We personally use T3 irons for all our work.

9. Choose your styling products wisely. Avoid products that leave build-up on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means that your product is not water-soluble and may be coating your hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness, breakage and inability to curl not to mention the white flakes.

10. Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to dry your hair you are causing split ends and adding static electricity to your hair. Don’t rub the towel back and forth over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like your would scrunch crackers in your soup.

Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/

Must-Have: DIY Toolbox - VELCRO!

2008-07-08T13:07:00.000+08:00

Velcro is one of the handiest tricks around for home improvement and decorating projects.
-Lisa Hoover

1) Use Velcro to secure fabric wall hangings in place instead of nails which will leave holes and may tear delicate material.

2) Got a picture frame that slides around on the wall? A small square of Velcro behind the bottom of the frame keeps it from budging.

3) To keep knick-knacks from falling off shelves, add a small dot of Velcro underneath the objects and they'll stay put.

4) Do your mini-blinds rattle every time your window is open? A couple of piece of Velcro on the bottom slat lets you fasten them to the windowsill yet you'll still be able to roll them up and down as needed.

5) Use Velcro to secure a Dry Erase marker board to the refrigerator. It's easy to remove and replace when you need to write on it, but won't slide around or fall off when the fridge door shuts.

6) Secure remote control devices with Velcro to the units they control and never hunt between the couch cushions for a missing clicker again.

7) Keep the cords on your home electronics tidy by folding them neatly then wrapping with a strip of Velcro.

8) Make a room child-resistant by applying strips of Velcro to the edges of drawers and cabinets. (NOTE: this tip won't child-proof a room but it's a good temporary solution for hotel rooms and such. Use with caution.)

9) Is the latch on your laptop computer broken? Use a small dot of Velcro to keep it securely closed.

10) Keep a small strip of Velcro in your bag or briefcase for the next time you find yourself needing a safety pin or emergency fastener. It will come in handy if you lose a button or break a zipper right before that big presentation.

Source: http://www.diylife.com/

Now, I want to know how these kind of velcro works! :)

The DOs and DON'Ts: DENIM EDITION

2008-07-08T11:38:00.000+08:00

Here are some good samples of Dos and Don'ts on how to wear our ever so favorite denims!

Don't make a mini even mini-er by pairing with heels. (If you do opt for the short styles, pair them with flats to counterbalance the hem.)

Do try a fitted denim pencil skirt. It's just as sexy as a miniskirt but in a polished, uptown kind of way.

Don't let your denim dress you down: Had this girl traded her ratty skirt and fuchsia leggings for a crisp pair of cropped jeans, she'd be rocking a chic stripes-and-jeans combo.

Do find a style of jeans that works for you and stick with it--regardless of what's "in". Any pair of jeans can be easily updated with one or two trendy pieces, be it a cool army jacket or a bright bag.

Don't ignore one simple rule every woman should know (and this means you!): When wearing denim that is white, avoid anything too tight.

Do pull off white jeans (before and after Memorial Day, thank you very much) by pairing 'em with a darker color on top. Add a colorful accessory to make your whole outfit pop.

Don't forget that, despite popular opinion, denim does not go with everything. Example number one is this woman's confusing decision to pair a bias-cut Western skirt with a pink lace top.

Do try a classic A-line skirt in denim: The nipped-waist and just-below-the-knee hemline will flatter most figures, while the basic blue wash will go with just about every top you own.

Don't cover yourself head-to-toe with shredded holes. (What's OK? One--maybe two, tops--little funky tears on your favorite pairs of jeans.)

Do aim for that easy, all-American look: crisp white tee and standard blue jeans. Done.

Don't go for denim dresses with tie-dyed washes or loud details. Stick to a clean-cut silhouette that will always be chic.

Do add a fitted blazer to any ol' pair of jeans for an instantly pulled-together look.

Source: http://www.glamour.com/fashionbeauty/

Top 10 Tips: BEAUTY FROM THE KITCHEN

2008-07-07T21:51:00.000+08:00

Here are DIY beauty tips and tricks from your own kitchen. Nevertheless, natural beauty need not to be expensive!

Use Sugar And Salt As Exfoliators - Sugar and salt make great exfoliators; just mix them with some oil or water, rub on to your skin and rinse. If you do use sugar, remember to rinse the tub or shower afterwards, otherwise things may get a bit sticky!

Use Cornstarch In Place Of Baby Powder - Cornstarch helps stop sweat, softens skin and relieves chafing. Sprinkle where you would baby powder. If you want a little fragrance, spritz your favorite perfume on the cornstarch before applying.

Use Lemon To Lighten Hair And Remove Skin Stains - If you have blonde or light brown hair, lemon gives you great highlights. Squeeze some into your hair (mix some with water in a spray bottle for easier application), and sit out in the sun for a bit. If you have stains on your hands, or black, callused elbows and feet, lemons also help remove the stains. Cut them in half and rub in, taking care to avoid any broken skin.

Use Tea Bags To Get Rid Of Eye Puffiness - If you have under-eye circles or bags, wet teabags with warm water and place over closed eyes for 15 minutes. The tannins in the tea reduce swelling.

Use Olive Oil To Soften, Moisturize And Shine - Olive oil is a multi-purpose beauty tool: it can be used as a conditioner or hot oil treatment for hair; it can moisturize and soften skin; it could soften cuticles and strengthen nails; and it can be used as an effective make-up remove.

Use Oatmeal, Bananas And Avocados As Face Masks - Pastes made out of oatmeal, bananas and avocados make great beauty masks, tightening or smoothing your face. You can find many recipes for food face masks on Google.

Use Baking Soda To Whiten Teeth - Make a paste from water or hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and rub on to teeth with your toothbrush to remove stains and whiten teeth.

Use Mayonnaise As Hair Conditioner - Use half a cup of mayonnaise as a conditioner, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse well.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar As A Hair Rinse And Facial Astringent - Apple cider vinegar helps remove product residue from hair and combats flaking; use as a rinse before you shampoo. You can also apply it to your face with a cotton ball to zap zits and tighten your pores.

Use Milk To Soften Skin - Pour two to three cups of milk or the equivalent of powdered milk in your bath water to soften skin - one of Cleopatra’s favorite beauty treatments!

Source: http://www.tipdiva.com/

Must-Have: Your D-I-Y Toolbox

2008-07-07T20:36:00.000+08:00

I saw this amazing blog site that share great tips on DIY home projects. The following are some of the tips that will be of much help to every DIY master inside of us. It's our DIY Toolbox must-haves!

Screwdrivers - a great thing to keep handy is a multi-function screwdriver that has several different tips that are stored in the handle. In addition, you should have a set of Phillips and slotted-head screwdrivers and a set of small screwdrivers. Each set will come with different sizes for different jobs.

Hammer - another necessity for the toolbox. I like to keep a large one, 12 ounce, for heavy jobs and smaller one for simple jobs.

Pliers - adjustable pliers which are great for working on plumbing and in tight spots like under sinks and in cabinets.

Wrench - an adjustable wrench for use with nuts and bolts. This is essential in the toolbox since it is used for tightening and assembling.

Level - at least a 10 inch level, preferably longer, is needed for hanging items on walls in order to determine if they are straight. You will need this to hang things such as curtain rods, pictures, shelving, etc.

Ladder - a small utility step ladder is good to keep around but a regular step ladder (8 foot is the preferred) is a necessity in order to reach high places for doing things such as changing light bulbs, painting, even changing curtains. It’s much safe to use a ladder than standing on chairs.

Caulking Gun - this along with a spare tube of caulking is good to have around for those unexpected times when you discover something needs to be sealed such as windows or doors.

Utility Knives - along with extra blades for heavy duty cutting. Make sure to purchase the retracting kind which is much safer.

Hot Glue Gun - great to keep in your toolbox along with glue sticks.

Vise Grips - otherwise known as locking pliers. I use this as a third hand sometimes.

Tape Measure - every home and DIY toolbox needs a good tape measure.

Yard Stick - this is best if it is 36 inch metal yard stick. This will even guide you when cutting a straight line.

Goggles, dust mask and ear protection - always a must for safety and you never know when you may need them.

Drill - this is a must and the cordless are easy to use.

Jig Saw - in my toolbox, this is a must. I have made many things using a jig saw and a piece of wood.

Sponge Paint Brushes - cheap, disposable and easy to reach for when needed for touchups..

Cordless Screwdriver - not a necessity but is nice to use as long as you have it charged.

Sand Paper - smoothing up surfaces.

Source: http://her-home-blog.com/

Top 10 Tips: QUICK BEAUTY TRICKS

2008-07-07T20:08:00.000+08:00

Here are some of the great beauty tips, tricks and advises that really works!

Warm Up Your Eyeliner And Lipliner - Press your liners against your hand or give them a quick blast with the blow dryer, which will warm the crayon and allow a smoother, more even application.

Mixed Crushed Eyeshadow Or Blush With Vaseline - If you have eyeshadow or blush that has fallen apart, you don’t have to throw it out. Mixed the powder with enough Vaseline to make a creamy shadow or blush.

Use Your Finger To Avoid Lipstick On Teeth - After you apply your lipstick, stick your (clean) finger in your mouth, and suck in as you pull it out. The finger will remove lipstick that strayed inside your mouth and will help avoid lipstick on your teeth.

Tame Your Eyebrows With A Toothbrush And Hairspray - If you have unruly eyebrows, take an old toothbrush and give it a quick blast of hairspray. Quickly run the toothbrush over your eyebrows, and they should stay set.

Tame Flyaways With A Fabric Softener Sheet Or Hand Lotion - If you have flyaways or staticky hair, rub a fabric softener sheet or a tiny dollop of hand lotion in your hair, then smooth down your hair with your hands.

Spray Your Hairbrush With Perfume - Give your hairbrush one spray of your favorite perfume, then brush your hair. It will leave a subtle scent trailing from your hair.

Stretch Your Shampoo And Hair Conditioner With Water - Many shampoos and conditioners are thick to begin with, so you can save money by cutting them both down with water.

Use Hair Conditioner To Shave Your Legs - Your conditioner can double as a great shaving lotion, and will leave your legs nice and smooth. This is especially good for conditioners that you no longer use.

Add Sugar To Your Body Wash - Add white table sugar to your body wash and make a wonderful exfoliating scrub. Your skin will be baby soft after using the body wash. Just make sure to rinse your tub or shower after use, because any globs may make them sticky.

Warm Up Your Lotion In The Microwave - Put your lotion in a microwavable bowl and zap it for 30 seconds. Make sure it’s not burning hot before putting it on your body. Warm lotion absorbs better into your skin.

Source: http://www.tipdiva.com/

Reel Life Wisdom: FASHION

2008-07-07T18:50:00.000+08:00

I saw this from the Reel Life Wisdom site and it made me laugh, just want to share these great quotes about:
Fashion

"How can you be a receiver of the wedgies, when you are clearly not a wearer of the underpants?"

“Inside of you, there's a fashion model just waiting to throw up.”

“The first rule of fashion is you have to look weird.”

“I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being really, really good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is.”

“Fashion is what one wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear.”

“This dress exacerbates the genetic betrayal that is my legacy.”

“You look so good with blond hair and black roots, its like not even funny.”

“If I dressed like that, I'd have to kick my own ass.”

“Do you prefer "fashion victim" or "ensembly challenged"?”

“I like a girl in a bikini, no concealed weapons.”

“Every new fashion is a form of rebellion.”

Source: http://www.reellifewisdom.com/