VMAs

       I know I'm a day late writing this blog but I most definitely made my comments about the 2013 Video Music awards, via all my networks. The same night of the horrific performances by Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus. In fact after Miley's performance, I was so disgusted, I could not watch the rest of the awards! That performance was a true stomach turner!

       A performance like that is indeed expected from Lady Gaga (which is still not acceptable or appropriate) but Miley Cyrus? Girl what happened to you? I'm not a hater, I'm just HONEST. I expect people to put their best foot forward. And girl, Your Moving Backwards!



                                          Miley then . . 

                                       




                                        Miley now . .

          Understandable, a teeny bopper growing up into this chaotic industry that's always wanting you to do things "outside the box" and against our morals, I'm sure you want to break out of your good girl persona. But becoming a raunchy classless woman is not the way to go mama! Take a look at your troubled peers... Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes . . . 

Amanda Bynes . .

                                                                Lindsay Lohan . .

           

I mean look at the reactions of people you know in the crowd . . 

and this is just a few with this reaction. Rihanna looked the same way and honestly so did I as I watched this all happening in front of my eyes on my tv screen LOL!!!

                     

         You were gorgeous! You had long beautiful hair, class, charisma. You were glowing! I'm sure your fiance was more than proud of who you were when he put that ring on your finger. Now I can picture his head spinning in disappointment ever since you cut your hair!

        

              I'm not an angel. I like to show what I got. Implied nude to me can be tasteful. I like showing skin. I'm very comfortable in my skin. But I most definitely don't over due it. I don't want to ever look back and say WOW I embarrassed myself! Like I said, I'm not perfect. Have I had a moment or two like that? Yes, definitely! But I learn and grow from my mistakes and make sure to never do it again. My advice to you is quit before its too late!

           Tweaking, sticking out that tongue.. Those obscene dance moves and maneuvers with that finger puppet thing. You know young, impressionable kids watch this station..right? Even though MTV has seriously gone to shit and I don't respect what they promote and condone on their network whatsoever! Ugh I don't even want to reminisce. I was truly embarrassed for her.

     You call it "Different", "Being An Individual", "Stepping Outside the Box". I call it "Abnormal" and "Screaming for Attention". You want to be different? Follow God. Listen to his ways, Learn from them, Respect them, and Listen to him. People don't do that anymore. So do what you do best and "think outside the box" from what people think about today. "Follow Him".. "Let Him Guide You".

Beauty Tips 101

          I don't consider pampering oneself as a Luxury. Its more of a Necessity. In order for one to look their best, feel their best, one would have to take care of themselves regularly. Being a girl, I regularly get manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, eyebrow maintenance, hair cuts monthly if not weekly. Maybe because its my job to look my best but I'm sure job or no job, Id still be on my A game. Its just the way I am.. Best foot forward always and not for you but for me. You look good, you feel good. If you feel good, everyone notices.And who wouldn't want to feel Amazing?

           Below I'd like to give you tips, tricks, my faves, and must haves on maintenance and products for each category. Hopefully you all try out the stuff I suggest and let me know how you like it ladies!

Hair Tips

Straight Hair: 

Although my hair is naturally straight, I always rub a few drops of smoothing serum in my hair. Always put it in your hair after the shower. Towel dry first then rub the serum in damp hair from mid-shaft to your ends. Always comb or brush through.

Curly Hair:

 To straighten curls and remove all traces of frizz, you must tackle them while your hair is very damp. Begin by lightly misting on a straightening spray. Separate hair into several sections. Starting with the front of your head, lift each section away from your scalp with a paddle brush. Slowly blow dry with your brush down the hair shaft until smooth. Blast each dry section with a shot of cold air,. It will lock in your style and help eliminate static and frizz.

Some hair care serums under $25!

Aveda Brilliant Spray On Shine $20

Garnier Fructis Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray $4.29

John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight $10

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Healing Shine Serum $6.99

Paul MitchellSuper Skinny Serum $16

Tigi BedHead Head Rush $18

Moroccon Oil Treatment $23.95

Marrakesh Oil $23

Up do's and Braids

 Came across a few to die for hair styles via the web that I can not wait to try on myself! In a future blog I will have a couple of tutorials in reference to hair styling and makeup with my right hand hair stylists and makeup artists!

           

         

Nail Tips



 I've noticed nails have gone Wild! They come in all different shapes and sizes. All different colors and designs. Being I'm a girl who couldn't go anywhere without a french mani, I just had to get with the program! At first I was against the stiletto nails but I have to say they grew on me. I'm kind of infatuated.. Lets see how long I can last..


Square:   

                         

Round:

Stiletto:

Spas

Some of my favorite go to spas in the NYC and Jersey area.

Folgia  One of my Favorite esthetician's ever resides in Colts Neck, NJ. Check out her web site and book an apt with Diana today!
http://www.fogliabydiana.com/

Juvenex  Had a great experience in this whole day spa in NYC. I did not want to leave!
http://www.juvenexspa.com/

Bliss 57 located in NYC. There are several spa nationwide including Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Franciso, London, and Hong Kong
http://www.blissworld.com/spa/spa-411/locations/bliss-57/

AF Bennet Located in Staten Island, this gem is a full salon and spa. One of the greatest on the island!
http://www.afbennett.com/

Cloud 9 Another one of Staten Island's favs. This spa is located in a pre 1900s house. Its unqiue and I adore the setup.
http://www.relaxoncloud9.com/

Spa Castle located in Queens, NY has to be one of the coolest spas in Queens. I cant begin to describe, you just have to see the video on their site! Check it out!
http://spacastleusa.com/ny/

Body By Brooklyn Spa I have never been, but the place looks amazing. If you have tried this place out, let me know how you liked it!
http://www.bodybybrooklyn.com/

         I haven't been to any day spas in the Bronx nor Brooklyn but here are a couple of links that will send you directly to a list of spas in both areas for you to try out. If you are from these areas and can recommend some for me to try out please leave a comment!

http://www.thirdage.com/d/ds/bronx/new-york/day-spas

http://www.yelp.com/c/brooklyn/spas



Eyebrow Maintenance

         If you look at the picture below, it will clearly tell you what the "perfect eyebrow" is. Take a pencil or a pen. The tip of your eyebrow should align correctly with the inner corner of your eye. Same thing with your arch; take a pen and align it diagonally from the tip of your nose towards the end of your Iris. The pen should come directly across your eye. The eyebrow ends at the outer corner or your eye. Simple, easy.

Face Products

Below is a list of some brands I recommend for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. These brands have great facial cleaners and day/night creams to follow. If there's something I have not listed and you feel is a great product, please comment! I'd love to know your beauty secrets too!


Burts Bees 
Neutrogena 
Bliss
Dermalogica
La Mer
Clinique
Olay
Kiehls
CeraVe
Olay 
Aveeno
Origins
Cetaphil
Fresh 
Clarins
Cleand & Clear






Make Up Must-haves

                    
These are some of my favorite makeup lines! Can not go anywhere without them. 

 

Astrology

   My friends and I are very much into Astrology. I totally believe peoples connection to one another lies within their zodiac sign. You can tell so much about someone; how they act, how they think, what qualities they have, what they lack. What faults do they have. Are you even compatible with them? 

Most of the time. . .

                    Reading up on ones sign will define them or you, but there will be some things you may disagree with. For example; a Virgo born September 9 may have different virtues and beliefs than a Virgo born September 20. Reason being is for 1) A person born on September 20 was born on a Cusp sign. Meaning yes she is a Virgo, but she is also a Virgo-Libra. She has some qualities of a Libra vs a person born September 9 who is a Virgo. 2) People will also differ pending on ones time of birth. There's more to it than just your zodiac sign. If you do an extended chart with your name, age, date, time and location of birth, you will also notice you have several other signs in connection with you. There are rising signs, moon signs . . 

You can do a full chart here www.astro.com

Click on link below. It will directly take you there.

http://www.astro.com/cgi/ade.cgi?ract=xx687474703a2f2f7777772e617374726f2e636f6d2f6367692f63686172742e6367693f72733d333b627479703d773267773b6369643d31703866696c653445415966752d7531333732323536303135&lang=e&cid=1p8file4EAYfu-u1372256015&rs=3&btyp=w2gw

                                   

I'm going to give you key words that define each sign below. I will give you their qualities and their downfalls as well as there perfect matches.  

Aquarius

Pros; 

Innovative, Honest, Friendly, Original, Generous, Self Reliant, Faithful, Idealistic

Cons; 

Cranky, Rebellious, Unemotional, Noncommittal, Detached, Aloof, Rude, Tactless  

Pisces

Pros; 

Imaginative, Adaptable, Romantic, Compassionate, Selfless, Kind, Easy going, Trusting

Cons; 

Indecisive, Overly sensitive, Easily Seduced, Gullible, Absent Minded

Aries

Pros; 

Energetic, Curious, Spontaneous, Optimistic, Stimulating, Confident, Courageous, Strong Willed

Cons; 

Hot Headed, Blunt, Argumentative, Impulsive, Impatient

Taurus

Pros; 

Clever, Trustworthy, Warmhearted, Artistic, Dependable, Punctual, Affectionate, Organized, Patient

Cons; 

Bull headed, Stubborn, Argumentative, Jealous, Possessive, Lustful, Self Centered 

Gemini

Pros; 

Open Minded, Perceptive, Cheerful, Charming, Savvy, Affectionate 

Cons; 

Two faced, Fickle, Gossipy, Evasive, Non Committal, Sarcastic, Nosy, Cheap

Cancer

Pros; 

Loving, Romantic, Caring, Spontaneous, Intuitive, Imaginative, Cautious, Sympathetic, Emotional

Cons; 

Over Emotional, Touchy, Sensitive, Shrewd, Crabby

Leo

Pros; 

Generous, Warmhearted, Loving, Noble, Friendly, Fun, Courageous, Confident

Cons;

Stubborn, Arrogant, Sulkiness, Smugness, Egocentric, Selfish, Attention-seeker 

Virgo

Pros; 

Creative, Efficient, Reliable, Kind, Dedicated, Charming, Witty, Sympathetic, Observant, Helpful, Thoughtful

Cons; 

Fussy, Bitchy, Anal Retentive, Obsessive, Shrewd, Complainer

Libra

Pros;

Easy going, Fair, Sincere, Well Balanced, Sociable, Artistic, Charming, Creative, Romantic, Idealistic 

Cons; 

Escapist, Self Indulgent, Over bearing, Gullible, Impatient

Scorpio

Pros; 

Passionate, Reliant, Observant, Intuitive, Clever, Protective, Loyal, Loving, Brave

Cons; 

Volatile, Obsessive, Moody, Compulsive, Overbearing, Hot tempered, Lustful

Sagittarius

Pros; 

Generous, Fair, Sensual, Carefree, Adventurous, Stimulating, Optimistic

Cons;

Irresponsible, Careless, Frivolous, Aloof, Demanding, Domineering

Capricorn

Pros;   

Dependable, Competent, Ambitious, Determined, realistic, Hardworking, Fearless, Responsible

                                                           

Cons;

Skeptical, Stubborn, Status seeking, Holds Grudges, Never satisfied, Pessimistic, Rigid

          The chart below will show you your compatibility with every sign of the zodiac. Note; just because your an Aries and your chart says you are not that compatible with a Virgo, does not mean you can not end up with a Virgo. Whoever said opposites don't attract? I agree that they do, but the question is . . 

For how long?

 I have personally read up on Aries and Virgo's (especially when it comes to friendship) because I particularly have many Aries surrounding me and wanted to know why. In our charts, we are like opposites. I find it weird because one of my absolute to die for best friends is an Aries, and we get along super well. So good to each other, so supportive of one another. It kinda makes you wonder . .

            

            Below is a Chinese Zodiac chart if anyone's interested in knowing what sign they are in the year they were born. If I get personal comments on wanting to know more about the Chinese zodiac, I will blog about it in a future blog. My ethnicity is Chinese and Italian so I like to incorporate my heritage in things I speak about. I was born year of the Rat, as well as my son. :)

                                                                     Chinese Zodiac

                                        

      

           In a future blog I will get into Cusp signs. I myself was born on a Cusp sign and I find Cusp signs to be very interesting. Its like the best of both signs all in one :). I was born September 20 so I'm a Virgo-Libra. Where you born on the Cusp?

Health

So today's topic Id like to discuss is "Health". 

health

  [helth]  Show IPA

noun

1.

the general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor: good health; poorhealth.

2.

soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment: to have one's health; to lose one's health.

3.

a polite or complimentary wish for a person's health, happiness, etc., especially as a toast: We drank a health to our guest of honor.

4.

vigor; vitality: economic health.

    
    Its so important to take care of yourself! Especially as you get older. You need to sleep right, eat right, and exercise regularly. Whether exercise meaning heavy weights, cardio, yoga, or pole dancing. As long as you keep your body moving and your blood flowing.  Here are a couple of charts I'd like you to take a look at . . 



This pic below shows you some healthy fruits and veggies you all should be eating and the benefits of it.. I call this the color chart..

RED FRUITS and VEGGIES contain Lycopene. Lycopene helps reduce damage from free radicals in your body and it also prevents heart disease, cancer, prostrate problems, and reduces the skin damage from the sun. These red foods help memory function, urinary tract health, and maintains a healthy heart.

Benefits of Red Fruits and Vegetable

High in Vitamin C

Promote heart health

Help to lower cancer risks

Protects against memory loss

Encouraged cell renewal in body

Best sources of red fruits and vegetable

Beets, Radishes, Tomatoes, Red Peppers, Red Potatoes, Cherries, Strawberries, Cranberries, Raspberries , Blood Oranges, Red Grapefruit, Watermelon

ORANGE FRUITS and VEGGIES contains beta carotene. Beta Carotene is a powerful antioxidant which gives its sunny fruits and veggies their beautiful color. They say its good for eye health, protects your skin from sin damage and aging.

Benefits of Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Vitamin C

Vitamin A

Potassium

Protects skin from sundamage

Protects skin from aging

Boosts immune system

Best source of Orange fruits and veggies

Orange, Mango, Apricots, Cantaloupe, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Pumpkin, Nectarines, Yams 

YELLOW FRUITS and VEGGIES, considered the "happy fruit" , are an instant mood booster! They contain  carotenoids and bioflavonoids, which represent a class of water soluble plant pigments that function as antioxidants.

Benefits or Yellow Fruits and Veggies

Antioxidant

Vitamin C

Helps your heart

Helps your vision

Helps your digestion

Helps your immune system

Healthy skin

Wound healing

Stringer bones and teeth

Lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure 

Best Source of Yellow Fruits and Veggies

Lemons, Peppers, Pineapple, Summer Squash, Star fruit, Quince

BLUE and PURPLE FRUITS and VEGGIES contain nutrients which include zeaxanthin, lutein, resveratrol, vitamin C, fiber, flavonoids, ellagic acid, and quercetin.  Flavonoids are heart-healthy, beneficial to the cardiovascular system and can lower your risk of heart disease.

Benefits of Blue and Purple Fruits and Vegetables

Prevents premature aging

Antioxidants

Helps reduce risk of cancer

Boost immune system

Improve calcium

Fight Inflammation

Best source of Blue and Purple Fruits and Vegetables

Grapes, Plums, Figs, Raisins, Prunes and Blackberries, Blueberries, Purple Figs, Purple grapes, Raisins, Cabbage, Eggplant

     WHITE FRUITS and VEGGIES are grouped by lack of pigment rather than by their unifying color. Many fruits and vegetable do different things in this category. This group contains nutrients such as beta-glucans, EGCG, SDG, and lignans that provide powerful immune boosting activity. These nutrients also activate natural killer B and T cells, reduce the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers, and balance hormone levels, reducing the risk of hormone-related cancers.

Benefits of White Fruits and Vegetables

Lowers Cholesterol levels

Promotes a healthy heart

Less risk certain cancers

levels hormones

Prevents stroke

Best Source of White Fruits and Vegetables

Brown pears, Bananas, Cauliflower, Garlic, Mushrooms, Onions, Chives, Leeks, Fennel

        GREEN FRUITS and VEGGIES are one of the richest and most diverse, both in flavor and in nutritional benefit, fruit and veggie categories. These foods have the phytochemicals sulforaphane and indoles, which both prevent cancer. They are also good for the circulatory system and have good vitamin B and minerals. This group also contains chlorophyll, fiber, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, folate, vitamin C, calcium, and Beta-carotene.

Benefits of Green Fruits and Vegetables

Vitamin K

Helps prevent cataracts and eye disease

Potassium

Builds healthy cells

Fights harmful radicals

Normalizes digestion time

Best Source of Green Fruits and Vegetables

Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Spinach, Broccoli, Kiwi, Apples, Peas, Peppers, Limes, Zucchini, Honey Dew, Watercress, Kale, Cabbage, cucumbers, 

Some quick and easy smoothie recipes I found on the net for you all to get your day started! They look so yummy and delish! If you make them, let me know how they turned out!

Tropical Sunshine Smoothie (this makes 2 servings)

1 Banana

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cubed fresh mango

1/2 cup cubed fresh pineapple

1/2 coconut water

1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 sprig fresh chocolate mint, finely chopped

Blueberry Swirl Smoothie (3 servings)

2 cups of Blueberries

1/2 cup of Apple juice

1 Banana peeled, cut up, and frozen

6 oz Plain or Vanilla yogurt (2 spoons or more)

2/3 teaspoons Honey

Grab a spoon and swirl!

Protein Packed Smoothie (4 servings)

2 cups sliced and fresh Strawberries

2 ripe medium sized  Banana

2 tablespoons Honey

2 cups of plain yogurt

2 tablespoons of peanut butter

Cherry Almond smoothie (2 servings)

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup of Almond milk

1/2 cup dark sweet cherries

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Berry smoothie (2 or more servings)

1/4 Bluberries

1/4 Strawberries

1/4 Blackberries

1/4 Rasberries

3/4 cup vanilla soy milk or milk

1/2 pomegranate juice or cranberry juice

1/2 Vanilla frozen yogurt

Kiwi Pineapple smoothie (2 servings)

2 cups of fresh baby spinach

1 cup peeled, sliced kiwi

1 sliced banana

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/4 chopped fresh pineapple

1/2 cup of orange juice

2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal or chia seeds

Sleeping Habits are more Important Than You Think

Not sleeping enough and Not sleeping well is NOT OK. Many many down falls of ones lack of sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation affects your health, performance, safety, and pockets!

Causes of sleep deprivation

stress

mental help

insomnia

I came across this on the web and thought this was very interesting . . .

6 surprise sleeping wreckers

Pets 

Alcohol and Night caps 

Undiagnosed GERD

Medicine, Vitamins, and Supplements

Pain, severe or mild

Being Exhausted (as opposed to sleepy)

Consequences of sleep deprivation

• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Psychiatric problems, including depression & other mood disorders
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Mental Impairment
• Fetal and Childhood growth retardation
• Injury from accidents
• Disruption of be partners sleep quality
• Poor quality of life

     I truly believe as an adult you should sleep 8 hours or more. I particularly like to get in 10. 10 hours of undisturbed sleep feels amazing! I believe kids should sleep 8 - 11 hours as well. Toddlers and Infants should sleep 12 hours or more. Make sure to get in those hours! Your Mind, Body, and Soul NEED it!