Archive for August, 2009

Reebok helps you “Tone that Tush”!

I am a huge proponent of the idea “workout smarter, not harder”, (see also…hates running, bores easily, born to multi-task) which is probably why you will find me doing my household chores with 5-pound ankle weights strapped around my ankles.  Hey, if I am walking to the fridge to get a snack, why not burn a few calories in the process…and yes, I do consider this exercise.  So you can imagine how happy I was to discover these innovative and stylish sneakers that actually help burn more calories and tone up your tushie and thighs as you exercise.

Reebok introduces a new line of EasyTone athletic shoes created to engage your muscles with each step, helping you tone up with each stride. I know what you are thinking, and NO, theses are NOT the orthopedic, Herman Munster-style variety. (Yes Skechers, I am talking to you!) These shoes are actually really cute!  With several sneaker styles and even a few flip flop options available,  you should be able find just the pair to coordinate with your favorite workout gear. If not, check out the  EasyTone Go Outside Style which are fully customizable online.  Have fun mixing and matching colors and even add your own text!  I can’t wait to personalize a pair and try them for myself.

Once at the Reebok site, check out these special exercises created to maximize the effects of the EasyTone shoes. Strength, Yoga and balancing exercises are shown with easy to follow instructions and photos. There are even exercises created to do with a partner, so grab a friend and your new EasyTones and get ready to work your butt off…literally!

Pretty Pearly Whites

Lola shows off her healthy smile!

Lola shows off her healthy smile!

I’ll admit it, my pups are pretty pampered. From their stylish wardrobes to their custom puppy beds, nothing is too good for my furbabies. They even get the expensive “salon” shampoo while I lather up with any ‘ol brand.  So it should not come as a surprise that Tino and Lola also have an array of doggie dental care products. From soft-bristled baby toothbrushes to an electric variety, I am willing to try anything to keep their teeth healthy and strong.

Sadly, I found that according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three! And that oral disease is the most commonly diagnosed health problem for pets and can lead to more serious problems involving the heart, liver and kidneys.  Many pets have to be medically sedated just so they can get their teeth cleaned, which can involve a whole other set of medical risks. So what is a concerned pet parent to do?

I found a great product that makes it simple to care for Tino and Lola’s teeth and it truly lives up to it’s guarantee!!!  Petzlife Oral Care Prouducts are safe and convenient and have made a huge difference in the health of my pup’s teeth. I love the Oral Care Gel with Wild Salmon Oil! It’s a cooling gel that is easy to apply. Just squeeze a bit onto your finger tip, lift your pet’s lip and rub along their teeth at the gumline. I quickly saw  results after daily use and now  use it more sparingly for maintenance.

This product, which also comes in original flavor and a convenient spray, is all-natural and works for both dogs and cats. It not only drastically reduces plaque and tartar, but also help freshen even the worst “doggie-breath” by getting rid of bacteria.  As of their last check-up, both Tino and Lola were given praise for the great dental health and the vet asked what product I was using so she could recommend it to other patients.

Tino loves the flavor of the salmon variety and we’ve almost gotten to the point where Lola doesn’t hide under the bed when I bring out the bottle of Petzlife for a quick treatment…almost!

Custom Carriers

Lolita is a little lady with a lot of style. One look into her closet and you might be able to see that she is just a little bit pampered. And even though she may have her tomboy moments while playing with Tino, she can also be a sweet little “girly girl” who enjoys shopping with Mommy.  But, the world can be a very big place for a very small pup.  So, when it’s time to head out to the local pup-friendly market or to run a few errands, she loves to be toted in her “Sling ‘n Go from JHM creations.

Lola loves her custom Sling 'n Go!

Lola loves her custom Sling 'n Go!

These reversible carriers are available in an array of beautiful fabric choices and are fully customizable for dogs up to 15 pounds. In addition to cute choices like gingham and whimsical bone patterns, JHM creations also offers designer fabrics from Amy Butler. Each carrier is handmade and comes with a short safety leash sewn right into the fabric so you know your pet is secure. The comfy over-the-shoulder strap has an adjustable D-ring and can be worn over either shoulder, so it is perfect for “righties” or “lefties”!

Not only is this carrier cute and comfy, but it is handmade by a grandmother who is helping raise money for her 4 year-old grandson who has been diagnosed with Autism. These creations truly are a labor of love. I really enjoyed working with her in designing Lola’s Sling ‘n Go. She helped me choose and pair fabrics and made it a priority to know that I was perfectly happy with my purchase. When I received the sling, it was beautifully wrapped and I couldn’t wait to try it out!

Needless to say…Lola loved it as much as I did!

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Naturally Gorgeous Eyes

One of my favorite makeup trends is a sultry smoky eye paired with a simple, nude lip. It’s a classic look for a night out on the town, date-night with that special someone or dinner with the girls.  There are many variations of this glam look, and once you have mastered the technique, it’s easy to experiment with different colors to either amp up the drama or give your smoky look a more trendy flair.  But when a dramatic, sexy look is a bit too much for the office or running errands, it’s easy to create a beautiful “natural eye” look with Too Faced Cosmetics Natural Eye Kit.

Natural Eye Kit

Natural Eye Kit

It’s a cute, convenient kit with nine custom coordinated shades that will help you create a gorgeous natural look. With three enclosed step-by-step instruction cards,  you can create a custom, natural look whether you are an experienced glamour goddess or fresh-faced first-timer.

This kit of beautifully blendable, rich eye colors is great because it is perfectly portable and can easily be thrown into your suitcase for overnight travel or your gym bag for a quick touch-up after a workout.  Just add a touch of gloss and you’re naturally gorgeous and good to go!

While visiting the Too Faced site, check out the cool custom palette tool and choose your favorite shadows, blush, bronzers, glosses or other available treasures to create a palette perfect for you or a very lucky friend. After you choose your goodies, create a too-cute custom cover and perfectly personalized gift tag.

In addition to being cruelty-free, Too Faced supports some really wonderful causes through the sale of specialty products like the Love Lisa kit and the Betsy Baby duo-shadow. See how you can get glam and give back because good karma is truly beautiful!

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It’s What’s on the Inside that Counts

My Mother insists that one of my first words was “why”. Personally I think it was “chocolate”, but we’ll just let her have her memories. I love learning about new things, and personally feel like the best way to learn and understand something is to see it with your own eyes. One of the most educational and unique learning experiences I’ve ever had was  Gunther von Hagens’ Bodyworlds exhibit. I saw my first exhibition in San Francisco, CA and was later able to view different installment in Philadelphia, PA.

We live in our bodies every single day, but never have we seen them quite like this.  The exhibitions, created with health education in mind, use a very unique process called plastination to preserve donated bodies.  The bodies are then often posed or presented  in a “layer by layer” form to highlight different organs or systems of the body.  Originally an idea conceived by an anatomy assistant who got the inspiration from watching a deli slicer cutting a ham, (ewww, right???) Body Worlds is so unique and amazing that you truly have to see it to believe it.

From the minute you enter the exhibit, you are completely intriqued by what you see.  After a few minutes of getting over the possible “ick” factor  of being surrounded by once-living, now plastinized human beings, you are truly able to see the bigger picture and instantly gain a whole new appreciation for your own body and it’s many wonders.

One of the controversial, yet amazing exhibitions is showing exclusively at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA, beginning October 17th. It is a very limited engagement and it is highly recommended that you purchase your tickets early to make sure you get an opportunity to experience it for yourself.  Ticket surcharge fees are waived if  you  purchase tickets before August 20th.

…maybe I’ll see you there!

Here is a peek at some of Gunther von Hagen’s inspired work.

Thanks to dailymotion.com