Thursday, February 4, 2016

TWEENY BOPPER


It's happened. Your Crewcuts loving, pink tutu obsessed, sparkle ruby-shoe wearing little girl has ditched the rainbow and is now on a strict diet of grey. She's also getting into your makeup drawer and carrying a brush to school. She's smarter than you and cooler than you but sometimes she asks your opinion on what to wear, and when that day happens, this new instagram account, APPROVEDFORYOU is your go-to site for what is current but also appropriate. She's going to try to push the limits but don't let her. She'll be grown up soon enough so teach her how to pace herself. And while I'm not a big fan of too many fashion rules, there are some I'm pretty adamant about.
They include:
No high heels (it's not good for her back or her fashion statement)
Minimal makeup (hire a makeup artist or a friend to show her how to apply if you don't know how)
Easy on the hair products/styling. Natural is best.
No butt cheeks showing or cleavage (if they have any)
Help them find their own style, don't dictate your own
If they don't want to wear a coat, don't argue with them (they won't die from one cold recess and they might even learn to wear a coat on their own)
Let them make mistakes. You did and still do. (hello, frosted lipstick?)
Monitor what bloggers they follow. If they're looking at Kim Kardashian you might have a problem. Have them follow APPROVEDFORYOU instead.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

TOP 10 CELEBRITY SMILES

Sure celebrities tend to have pretty nice teeth/smiles, but some are more special than others. Check out my latest post, top 10 Celebrities With Great Smiles on Luster Premium White's Blog!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

MUST HAVES FOR THE NATURAL LOOK

Overdone is over. Check out my latest post on the Luster Premium White blog to find out how to get the undone look that is hitting the runways and magazine pages alike. 11 PRODUCTS FOR THE NATURAL LOOK

*Next posts I will be writing for Luster....What Men Want and 10 Celebrities with Beautiful Teeth

Friday, April 3, 2015

THE BOOBIE TRAP


Funny how this blogging thing works. My last post was about a friend's negative and then very positive experience with Botox and a highly regarded plastic surgeon on the North Shore of Massachusetts. This doctor, Dr. Patel, became aware of the post and from that asked if we could meet. Long story short, we did, I was blown away by her experience and expertise and she thought my post was pretty good too. From now on I will happily be blogging for her website keeping us all up to date on the latest in minimally invasive procedures like Botox and fillers, plastic surgery, as well as skincare. Here is the first post... Enjoy!
The Boobie Trap

Friday, March 6, 2015

THE DOCTOR IS IN



I have a friend. (Seriously, it's about a friend.) She decided her wrinkles had to go when her husband asked her if she had had a bad night's sleep stating that she looked pretty ragged around the eyes. Nice. She had recently seen a Groupon, 2 for 1 package, that offered Botox, among other rejuvenating treatments, at a nearby pop up laser center that was hungry for business. She bought it immediately. Luckily they could take her that very day (shocker) and when she arrived they promised instant miracles with the extensive use of Botox. They injected between her brows, above her brows, to the edge of her brows, under her eyes. You get the point. She thought she was getting her money's worth... instead she was getting absolutely embalmed. Within 2 days she had no expression and the area beneath her eyes had actually sunken in. Granted, she had no wrinkles but she also couldn't fully smile as her cheeks wouldn't raise up. This is the scary reality of going to untrained estheticians trying to do the work of highly trained doctors. She barely wanted to leave the house and swore she would never do anything like it again. Until she met Dr. Jagruti Patel of KayaKalp Aesthetics. A highly trained physician with a holistic approach to the face, she fully understands when you tweak one part of the face it will affect another. With a light hand, Dr. Patel was able to do what cosmetic treatments are supposed to do but regularly fail at... make her patients look years younger with no trace of how. My friend was ecstatic and clearly learned the valuable lesson of "you get what you pay for". Groupons are great for a massage or for trying out a new place for lunch but please don't trust your face to anyone without a medical degree. They have those letters after their name for a reason.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

ON THE REBOUND


Jump your way to better health, killer abs and glowing skin......

I've tried them all. Running. (Made my knees hurt) Yoga. (Developed large shoulders and a straight waist) Spinning. (Huge thighs!) Swimming. (Not enough cardio) Zumba (fun but could never meet at the times the classes were held). Pilates. (Boooooooring) Hiking. (Too cold in the winter...I know, I'm a wuss.) I was starting to give up on the workout thing altogether until I found out about rebounders (basically a mini trampoline) that you can have in your own house. Not only is it fun but the health benefits went far beyond keeping the extra pounds off.

Dr. Donald Liebell, an anti-aging doctor in Virginia states, “The simplest, most gentle up and down movements stimulate your entire body unlike any other form of exercise. Rebounding burns calories beautifully. Because your entire body is working straight up against gravity, you build overall strength with one exercise. At the bottom of the bounce your body weight (G-force) is multiplied. In my opinion, rebounding is the number one anti-aging exercise-a critical piece of the puzzle...A Fountain of Youth exercise.”
According to Dr. Liebell rebounding helps with everything from improving skin tone, firming breast tissue, strengthening core muscles, increases flexibility, reduces stress and fights depression, increases bone mass as well as promoting weight loss, improving digestion and helps detoxify your body.

One of the reasons rebounding is so effecting at detoxifying the body has to do with your lymphatic system which normally drains quite slowly, about one to two fifths of a teaspoon per minute. When you rebound, this drainage increases to four teaspoons per minute! This increase in lymphatic circulation and therefore lymphatic drainage is the the key to detoxifying your entire body. I personally found this to be true after a week of rebounding. Gone were my sinus headaches, and popping noises in my ears. My digestion was noticeably improved as was the quality of my skin. Not to mention I was suddenly beginning to see abdominal muscles, something I hadn't seen since the birth of my first child no matter how many crunches I did.

Even NASA, after conducting a study of rebounding and its benefits stated, “Rebound Exercise is the most efficient, effective form of exercise yet devised by man.”
The findings of the study basically state that astronauts running on a treadmill had a much higher G-force measurement at the ankle and twice that at the back and head while on a trampoline the G-force was almost identical at all points which means when running, the foot and leg absorb much of the force, which can explain the higher rates of foot, shin and knee problems while rebounding on the other hand can exercise the entire body without excess pressure to the feet and legs. It also showed that acceleration and deceleration of rebounding (the up and down motion) provides benefits on a cellular level and at a greater rate than other forms of exercise like running.

James White, Ph.D., director of research and rehabilitation in the physical education department at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), has explained how jumping for health offers a true physical strengthening effect to the muscles.
“Rebounding allows the muscles to go through the full range of motion at equal force. It helps people learn to shift their weight properly and to be aware of body positions and balance,” says White.
An advocate of rebounding for athletic conditioning, White uses the rebounder in his rehabilitation program at UCSD. “When you jump, jog, and twist on this [jumping] device, you can exercise for hours without getting tired. It’s great practice for skiing, it improves your tennis stroke, and it’s a good way to burn off calories and lose weight,” says White.

White adds that jumping for health is more effective for fitness and weight loss than cycling, running or jogging, and it has the added advantage of producing fewer injuries.

The best part for me is, I'm not the only one to use it. My rambunctious 7 year old son burns off a little energy too on cold rainy days happily bouncing up and down. We even do it together which makes us laugh for no apparent reason other than it's just fun. Exercising really can be enjoyable. Who knew?



Monday, September 29, 2014

YOOHOO, TAKE A LOOK AT YAHOO


If you haven't been following Yahoo's Beauty site you should. And not because I'm currently writing for it but because it has some killer articles on stuff you really need to know. Insightful, charming, real and practical. Here'a a link to my article but wait till you see the others. WOO HOO... um, I mean YAHOO!!!
yahoo.com/beauty

Friday, June 20, 2014

BOSTON MAGAZINE

One of my favorite weddings that I did last year is currently in Boston Magazine's Wedding Issue. Can't think of better press than that. Thanks for the mention, Emily!


Tuesday, June 3, 2014

LAMÉ HAVE IT

Lanvin Lamé skirt
I'm not sure if I want to unwrap it, wear it, or frame it and hang it on my wall. I'm also not sure if I want to pair it with flip flops and a tank top or glam it up with cage pumps, Marilyn Monroe jewels and a leopard coat. I'd even love it in the winter with tights and a cashmere sweater and black flats. Point is, this girl's got range and I'm feeling a bit like Sybil. 

xoxo 
Foil girl, I mean Lamé girl, I mean Sparkle Girl!

Thursday, May 15, 2014

THE COVER UP

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big fan of hats, particularly in the summer. And I'm not talking baseball caps or sun visors here...I'm talking REAL HATS. If you were trying to locate me on the beach all you'd have to do was look for the Paddington Bear imitator and that would be me. (even the color) So it's probably not a huge surprise that me and a few entrepreneurial friends are working on a sort of millinery endeavor (it's called COVER but that's all I'm gonna say) and tomorrow we are meeting with one of NYC's outrageously cool milliners, SATYA TWENA to possibly partner up with. Remember in Jerry Maguire when Jerry said, "You make me want to be a better man?" Well, the first time I saw Satya's hats I said to self, "Satya, you make me want to wear a hat every day of my life. Even on Christmas. In the morning. When it's dark out." Forget that she's hatted (is that a word?) major celebrities, cuz' you know that does nothing for me, but what does impress is that this creative little genius started her hat business when her mom started losing her hair due to cancer. Yeah, and before you think that's the end of the story... it's not. She then spearheaded a campaign to save the hat factory where her hats were being made. Her goal was to preserve the craft of hand made hats and keep that craft here in America. Her NYC factory now not only produces her hats (we'll get to those in a minute) but it also hosts events. (I'm thinking COVER launch party, what do you think?)
And then there are the actual hats. Proportion. Fit. Style. Seasonal. Quality materials. Unique. Ugh! Why weren't we born with 10 heads?! It's too hard to choose. I literally want it to be winter again just so I can wear the Roanne velour hat with grosgrain ribbon. Yeah, I love them that much. I am one mad hatter. #satyatwena
Satya Twena

Satya Twena hat factory in NYC

Thursday, May 1, 2014

CC'D

It's no secret that I'm not a huge fan of the sun....on my face. I'm all for a little Vitamin D everywhere else but my face needs a little extra protection. Since I was told the sun's damaging rays are everywhere (while driving in your car, sitting in your living room that has windows, outside even in the shade?!!!) I decided to get a bit more serious when it comes to skincare. Supergoop's CC Cream is tinted and has an SPF of 35. I know you're thinking 'so does my current foundation (or tinted moisturizer)' but mine did too and I still made the switch. With a 2 rating on EWG's website and stellar protection ratings, it's a winning combo, no make that SUPER.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

EXPRESS LANE



I can't really believe it either. I saw these jeans and figured I'd give it a try. At this price, the risk was worth it. And was it worth it. You can choose the length (perfect for the vertically challenged) and the mid rise made it so that I can pick up a pan from the bottom cupboard and not bare my entire rear to those standing behind me. They have a great amount of stretch but give shape where they need to. I definitely am EXPRESSING my gratitude.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

WORKIN' IT



Picking out clothes for work can be a drag. The key is to find a few functionally chic items that can be mixed and matched in several different ways. Invest in a few pairs of perfectly fitted pants, exquisitely tailored dresses and well made shoes and you're on the road to stress free mornings. The items above all work together. The shoes go with every item as do the pants. Depending on the weather, throw on your Burberry trench or your black leather jacket. No more stress….save that for the office.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

FEEL-GOOD FASHION

The Lucy Black by imogene+willie
If fast fashion has an antidote this would be it. Zady, an online boutique specializing in goods with integrity, partners with artisans who care about how things are made and where their materials are sourced from. These jeans by imogene+willie boasts the Handmade, High-Quality Raw Materials and Made in the U.S.A. icons that Zady posts to each item to help consumers understand what they are purchasing and more importantly, perhaps, why. Buy less but buy 'good'. It's a philosophy to dress by.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

THE BEE'S KNEES


Ugh. There's not much I like about the Kardashians but it's time to fess up about my love for their Honey Stick Lipgloss. The colors are all gorgeous (Summer Honey is a personal favorite), the texture is just right, not too slippery or too sticky, and it honestly lasts all day. Put it on at 7:00 a.m. and it will still be there at 6:00 that night. Sweet.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

SEEING RED

I had the pleasure of attending Meg Erickson's studio yesterday and purchasing one of her gorgeous leather creations. Meg, a former model and then stylist in NY and Milan, is now focusing her creative talents and eye for fashion on handcrafted leather goods. Each piece is hand cut and crafted in her studio. From clutches to wallets to satchels and totes, it was hard to decide which one to take home.
Her goods can be found at several high end boutiques from Boston to NY to California. Check out her website for further information and styles at http://www.megerickson.com.

Friday, November 1, 2013

ALL ABOUT EVE

They say as we get older we get wiser. (I sure hope so). We also deal with a few skin changes as we go along but nothing a little Wise Woman Emollient can't help out with. Formulated with a luxurious blend of essential oils that are magical for 'elegantly aging' skin.' This delicate blend provides extra skin nutrients for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, hydrating, toning the face and neck, and improving circulation for a healthy radiant glow. But the wisest part of all is its 0 rating from EWG, meaning it's practically edible. No toxicity here. Now that's smart.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

THE DOCTOR IS IN

Nothing prestigious about this beauty buy but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation will set you back about $9 but that's not even the best part! It has a 1 rating by EWG (Environmental Working Group) which means it's actually good for your skin instead of being toxic for it. It has a really soft, natural finish and has an SPF of 50?! You can wear it in the summer or winter, alone or over your moisturizer or sunscreen. It comes in a portable compact so it's great to travel with (but use a brush please, no powder sponge applications.... EVER!)
Healthy indeed.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

PETAL PUSHER

 
Not to be pushy here but there really is no other color that quite tops Bobbi Brown's "Petal" Lip Gloss. It's perfect for the glowing bride, appropriate for the sweet sixteen and absolutely radiant on the more mature woman who wants a hint of color but wants to maintain her natural "less is more" look.
So Petal on down to your nearest Bobbi Brown retailer and pick one up (or two)!

Friday, May 24, 2013

ONE OF A KIND

 If you're looking for some fabulous, one of kind (truly) jewelry, then look no further. A local Prides Crossing designer is making these incredible pieces of wearable art available for sale at Chapman's Greenhouse in Beverly Farms. Wear it with a t-shirt and jeans or over your favorite little black dress...it'll be gorgeous either way. And the best part is... no one at the party will be wearing it!





Tuesday, May 14, 2013

AIRBRUSHED

When a photographer tells you she doesn't have to retouch photos because the makeup is so flawless you know you've done something right. And while I'd like to take all the credit, it was in large part due to the airbrush makeup. Airbrush makeup is misted on so it leaves a light, seamless veil of color over the skin. It also has over 18 hours of wear, is water-resistant, will not fade, melt, or rub off on clothes, but can be easily washed away with soap and water. Once Airbrush makeup is sprayed on, it dries instantly to a matte finish and does not require powder or re-applying. It's no surprise celebrities have been using this technique for applying foundation for quite a while. But don't get completely sucked in. Some skin types are better suited for it than others, mine not being one of them. So make sure when you consult with a makeup artist to ask what they feel is best for your skin. One size does not fit all.

Friday, February 15, 2013

BECAUSE YOU'RE WORTH IT

Kristina Young Photography
You just had a baby and you're not really feeling the whole beauty routine. But what about having someone else do the beauty routine for you? A professional shoot including makeup and photography to capture you and your new bundle? Makes you feel like your old and new self all in one. Beautiful.

Monday, January 7, 2013

HAVEN'T GOT A CASE

I finally got an iPhone and one of the things I was most obsessed about was to finally get a cool case. (No one makes great cases for android phones) But as I was searching cases I realized, I'm not a case girl, I'm a sleeve girl. I know it doesn't protect nearly as much but isn't that what AppleCare is for?
I found this leather sleeve by a designer out of Poland called RARAMODO. Case closed.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

LAURA'S SECRET


It's the holidays and I have a gift idea for you. Now, before you get all puritanical on me I want you to imagine how happy your husband/boyfriend/significant other would be if you gave him an entire photo album of you that looked like a Victoria Secret catalog. Yes, I kid you not, even us mere mortals can look like an "Angel" with the right amount of makeup and the right photographer. Laura Imbeault makes the process easy, tasteful and comfortable. I love working with her and so do her clients.
Top THAT, Santa.

Monday, December 3, 2012

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

You know you're supposed to eat your Omega's but you might want to start putting them on your face as well. I bought this Kiehl's concentrate a few months back and now that drier winter weather is here, I'm glad I did. Filled with essential oils it soaks in quickly and seems to replenish what mother nature takes away (damn her). If my skin is feeling particularly cranky I layer a cream on top for extra hydration. Soak it up.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

NARS-issistic

Mirror mirror on the wall...who's the fairest of them all? Why YOU of course! Especially with this new tinted moisturizer by NARS. Sheer, light, hydrating and dewy. Flawless, natural looking skin, now that's something to stare in the mirror for.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

GONE. MISSING.

I miss my kids.
My youngest started Kindergarten this year and on his first day I had a lot of people asking me how I was doing. How was I doing about what? I had to meet a client that day and since there was no drama surrounding him getting on the bus, no problems, right? Ummmmmm. A month later and it hit me, HARD. Crying? Try sobbing. It's gotten so bad that I can't even give correct fashion advice. A friend asked if she could start wearing clogs (as in the nurse kind but not white) and I actually said yes (J, I might have to rescind on that one). Point is, if you see me wearing a tracksuit with nurse clogs, you'll know why.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

THEY CALL ME OATMEAL

When I went to college my parents thought it was a good idea to get me a car. While I perused the used Jettas, very used Porsches (what? I could dream) and used Saabs, the car salesman came up to me and said, "Well, you're oatmeal. Let me show you the Saabs." It was funny only because at prep school I felt like I was pushing it by wearing pale pink lipstick and something other than sweatpants to class. Now my 8 year old daughter comes home telling me the "popular" girls wear Hello Kitty t-shirts and shop at Justice. Apparently her staid diet of Crewcuts isn't cutting it. But I had to laugh... depending on the pool you swim in you're sometimes going to be oatmeal and sometimes you're not. Choose your pool wisely.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

ALL TUCKERED IN

I'm feeling the need to tuck? Are you feeling it too? Whether it's a half tuck or a full tuck... tucking is back. I'm even tucking sweaters. But I especially love silky blouses with a great pair of jeans or casual flannel as seen on the right. Men got the hint a few years back that untucking wasn't cool anymore... it's time we followed suit.

Monday, October 1, 2012

AUGUST IN A BOTTLE

Summer's over and your tan is fading. That cute dress you wanted to wear this weekend with bare legs looked great with a tan but not so great now. Self tanners are an option but not a very good one. No matter what brand is used, I can always tell when someone uses a self tanner. The smell, the orange hue and when applied incorrectly, the streaks. But Invisible Stockings by Judith August fixes all of that. Not only does it give your legs the most natural tan look, it's waterproof, sheer, and also hides imperfections like veins, bruises, freckles, etc. And it only comes off when you decide to take it off, with soap and water. Faux real!

Friday, September 21, 2012

BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

This summer I had the pleasure of doing makeup for the beautiful bride you see here and all her lovely bridesmaids. Since I rarely get to see the brides' pictures, I was particularly grateful to be sent these. Such a great group of women. Thank you!! To see more photos from the day visit Sparkle-Inc



Friday, September 14, 2012

LETTING GO

About a month ago I decided it was time to rid my closet of all the clothes I was holding on to that in reality would never be worn, or worse, would be worn but only out of convenience and not real love. It's hard to get rid of cashmere or designer labels but if they don't fit right or you never actually wear them what's the point? 5 trash bags full later, I have a practically empty closet and room in my drawers. So I ordered that leather jacket I was coveting as well as high end jeans and sweaters. A uniform way of dressing is now taking shape. At first I thought I might go through withdrawal but that hasn't been the case. It's liberating and certainly easier to get dressed in the morning. Quality vs. Quantity. I highly recommend it.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

A FLUTIST'S EXPRESSION


Photo courtesy of jamisonwexler.com
I recently had the pleasure of working with Andrea LeBlanc, a professional flutist who both teaches and performs here in New England. She is stunningly beautiful and I was so happy to get to see the final shots. Just beautiful. To see more shots from her shoot, visit jamisonwexler.com/blog

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

THEY'RE JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU

www.jcrew.com
If you were wondering if it's you, it's not. J.CREW has a fit problem and it doesn't matter what body type you have, everyone has had issue with it. Take for instance this cashmere sweater. I love it, I bought it. I recommended it. But buyer beware. It has shorter sleeves and it's boxy so instead of looking all Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn you could just wind up looking fat through the middle with alligator arms. J.CRAP.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

SLIM SHADY

I've had a love affair with aviator style sunglasses since high school. Sleek. Sporty. Classic. What's not to love? But finding the right pair wasn't always easy. I went through at least 3 pairs of Ray Bans, a few generic brands and even Serengetis but it wasn't until this summer while out West that I found the perfect pair. Smith Serpico Slims are lightweight, polarized, and fit properly instead of falling down my face. The love affair continues.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

IT'S GETTING COLD IN HERE

Oh Fall where are you? I know it's still August but my North Face vest is calling me and it needs a bit of a chill in the air to be worn. It's warm and easy to throw on when you're out on a hike or watching a game but also a winner with skinny jeans, high heeled boots, scarf and dangly earrings. Brrrrrrrrilliant.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

SCOUT HER OUT

Friday Night: What I'm Wearing by Alisa Neely @ SCOUT

I have an amazing friend whom I've known for quite some time and through all the years and stages we have been through together (pregnancies, babies, etc, etc) she has remained cool, constant and oh so chic. This girl is a writer, designer (she designed and owned her own childrens' line that was highly coveted) and super Boston stylist/personal shopper who truly makes me feel hipper just knowing her. Her company is called SCOUT and she writes an informative and on the pulse fashion blog with a feature called "What I'm Wearing..." where you can not only see the outfit but you can purchase each item in it! But while online gawking is fun, this girl needs to be met in person. Scout's honor.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

TOMTOM

I caved and I'm not sorry about it. Bought my kid his first pair of TOMS and pretty soon the whole family will be wearing them (husband excluded). They're sporty, functional, easy to get on and more importantly they support an amazing cause. With each pair you buy, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. That's fashion to feel good about.
www.toms.com

Monday, August 20, 2012

G(R)OOPY

I'm in love with another man and if he leaves his wife, we're running away together. I just have to actually meet him, and getting him away from his perfect wife could be tricky. You see, I went to a Coldplay concert a few weeks ago and while Chris Martin sang his way into my heart, Gwyneth (his wife) became the object of my thoughts. I sort of hate and love her at the same time. Either way, I can't stop watching her. So if you haven't signed on to GOOP you might as well. You will roll your eyes like crazy but then I swear you will pick up some great tips, recipes, skincare products and simple but great ways to put together an outfit. Damn her.
www.goop.com

Friday, August 17, 2012

TELL THE TRUTH

My mother in law (who has great style btw and could pretty much convince me to wear anything she picked out) asked me my opinion on a sweater but before I could answer she said, "I know you'll tell me the truth", implying that I had always been straight with her before so she could trust what I said now. But while she and some friends might appreciate honesty, others may not. They may ask for your "honest" opinion but would really appreciate the lie. Hard to tell, but not being straight or talking behind your friend's back is way worse. I say be honest and if your friend gets mad.... maybe she wasn't your friend to begin with.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

KINGDOM COME

Asos
A friend and I went to see Moonrise Kingdom last night and while we weren't sure exactly how we felt about the movie, today I do find myself craving a bit more of its sensibility and the characters' wardrobes. Knee socks, saddle shoes, short dresses and blue eye shadow...school girl gone right. Build your own Kindom at Asos. 


Suzy in Moonrise Kingdom


Friday, August 10, 2012

SUNNY DAYS

On a recent trip to Sun Valley, Idaho to visit family we had pictures taken by a friend. She had such a great way with the kids (as well as the adults) that she wound up capturing everyone's true spirit in a matter of minutes. If you're ever in the area, spend the half hour and book her to photograph your family, friends, wedding. Find her at Tessa Sheehan, Ketchum, ID on Facebook 
or email her at tessasheehan@gmail.com.
To see more pictures of her work visit  Sparkle,Inc

Photos courtesy of Tessa Sheehan, Ketchum, ID

Monday, July 30, 2012

NO UMBRELLA REQUIRED

I'm a little nervous. I'm headed to a seriously sunny place right when I'm in a non sun mood. How will I stay protected when there isn't so much as a cloud in the sky? Layering. Sunscreen first then an SPF Powder over it. I've been doing this for a while but my powders only had SPF 15 in them... Colorscience has SPF 50!!! I'm sooo getting this.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

SHADY LADY

Last night I did the makeup for a woman who was throwing her husband a 50th birthday party. I assumed by the looks of her that she had many more years to go before she would be celebrating the same. I was wrong. She will turn 50 in just a few months yet her skin looked like that of a 40 year old. What was her secret? Nothing you haven't heard before... STAY OUT OF THE SUN. Period. It's not magic, lotions or plastic surgery. It's just common sense. Boo. I hate when things are so simple yet so hard to follow sometimes. But if you want skin that looks 40 when you're 50 it's what needs to be done. For when you have to be out in the sun and can't go all Nicole Kidman (she covers herself head to toe AND carries an umbrella...just a tad too weird, right?) then here are some fantastic sunscreens that will keep your skin safe. Skinceuticals SPF 50, California Baby SPF 30 and for a great spray option for the body and easy to apply for kids All Terrain Kids Sport is terrific.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID

A few weekends ago I did a wedding in Rockport, MA that was so beautiful.. so simple and so refreshing. They had a gorgeous tent in the family's backyard overlooking the ocean, multi colored wildflower bouquets decorated the tables (no color themes here), and children were everywhere. So few weddings/parties/events are like that these days. Most are so tricked out, over detailed, over thought and so completely contrived. NO, this wedding was about family, friends and duh, getting married. Makeup and style should take a cue from this kind of living/celebrating. KISS.

Photography by www.esthermathieu.com

Thursday, July 5, 2012

FRENCHY

Did you know french manicures are making a comeback? Yup. And not just the pink/white version either. (I'm still not ready for that look again) No, nails are now getting seriously color-blocked! Check out Revlon's do it yourself version to take out all the guess work on color combos. I don't think it will be a trend that will stick but it will be fun while it lasts.