Y’all wanted some J.R. Watkins prizes, huh? Well, the time has come to announce the winners. Looks like the new year is off to a beautiful start for Nancy J. She is the brand new owner of the Lemon Cream Dream Kit. Equally lucky is Beth (bethersparker) – she will receive the Treat Your Hands & Feet Kit.
Thanks for doing your part to make 2007 such a memorable and special year for me. I appreciate your support of this blog more than I can articulate. So please accept my most sincere thanks.
The last five months have been fun, but the next twelve are going to be fierce. I’m just getting warmed up! If there’s any way I can enhance your reading experience, don’t hesitate to let me know. I welcome your suggestions and feedback.
Be sure to come back and visit me regularly – I so enjoy your company. Bookmark the site, or subscribe to receive updates in your email – so you can get spoiled every day! And don’t forget to tell your friends and family…I guarantee you all know a beauty addict who would also enjoy this site.
I wish you a happy, healthy, prosperous, and pretty 2008. Make a resolution to live every day to its fullest!
Thanks to a tip from the Beauty Blogging Junkie, I took a trip to a kiosk at the Montgomery Mall, outside of Philadelphia. This stand sells Obey Your Body, a complete line of skin care and spa products that are made in Israel using original Dead Sea minerals, water, and mud.
If you’re in the Philly area, I highly recommend that you pay this kiosk a visit. But don’t plan on drive-buy (your visit will take 10-15 minutes) – because the salesman is all about showmanship. He’s going to do demonstrations, tell jokes, and enlighten you about the healing powers of the Dead Sea. The routine almost takes on a magic show-esque quality. But trust me, it’s all worth it...because when you get the products home and try them for yourself, that’s when the real magic happens.
My mom, sister, and I all purchased The Ultimate Nail Care Kit, which contains a nail file, buffer, cuticle oil, and hand & body lotion. But the standout of the bunch is the nail buffer – which is unlike any other I have ever used. In the time that it usually takes for me to locate my bottle of clear polish, I buffed my way to super-shiny nails.
I took some before and after photos (left) – and while impressive, my digital camera could not accurately capture how reflective my nails look. Unfortunately, it can only be appreciated in person.
Don’t live anywhere near Philadelphia? No problem. You can still Obey Your Body by visiting the website.
Many of us are going to be drinking plenty of champagne and other adult beverages tonight to celebrate the start of a new year. But that may mean that you wake up on the first day of 2008 with a raging hangover, feeling like you've been hit by a truck.
Here are a couple of hints to help you feel better if you've over imbibed:
Before you go to bed drink several glasses of water. Alcohol dehydrates you, so it's important to rehydrate as much as possible. Even during a big night of drinking be sure to drink plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is to have one alcoholic beverage, then a big glass of water, then your next alcoholic drink. That way you're getting more water in your system which may mean you don't feel the negative effects of your night out the next morning.
Be careful with pain killers. While you may want to take a Tylenol or Advil before you go to bed, you need to be careful with mixing such medicines with alcohol. It's best to avoid it if at all possible. Just feel the pain and deal with it. You can survive this!
Take you B vitamins. B vitamins are the vitamin workhorse. Bs have been known to help regulate PMS and they can also help metabolize all the alcohol you consumed. Take a B complex vitamin before going to bed to help restore your energy.
Eat fruit. Apples, bananas, lemons, and limes have all been used to help cure hangovers. Try making a milkshake with banana and honey to calm your stomach and restore potassium, electrolytes, and other essentials to your body.
Use ginger or mint. Both are known to help ease nausea. Try ginger or mint tea if your tummy isn't feeling great.
Get plenty of rest. If you're planning a huge night out, also plan for a long, slow morning in the next day. You need to sleep it off, so give yourself time.
Don't drink coffee! While you may be dying for a caffeine jolt, drinking too much caffeine will only further dehydrate you. If you really need a coffee, water it down or opt for decaf.
Try a folk remedy. Some say drinking pickle juice, eating sauerkraut, slurping down menudo, or eating a bowl of chicken soup can cure a hangover. Like most things, it's probably mind over matter, so if you think this could help, go for it. It can't hurt!
Get your body moving. It may be the last thing you want to do, but get yourself moving. Just take a walk around the block--getting some fresh air may be just what you need.
I hope these tips help! As always, the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink responsibly in the first place. And of course, if you plan on drinking, don't you dare drive. It's just not worth it. Get a designated driver lined up before your big night. Call a cab if you don't have someone to drive you. Remember: the life you save may vote democratic!
Have a happy and healthy New Year. See you in 2008!
It’s the last day of the year, so it’s only fitting that I summarize for you the products that spoiled me prettiest in 2007. For your convenience, I’ve linked each product to the corresponding review.
If a product does not have a link, this indicates that I have not had an opportunity to write a formal review just yet – but look for those posts in the near future. These products are listed in no particular order - it was hard enough narrowing it down to seven in each category!
Thanks for your support in 2007. I hope you find something on this list to spoil you pretty in 2008!
New Year's Eve is tomorrow night. Woo-hoo! I am sooooo ready to say goodbye to 2007 and hello to a new year and new opportunities. I have big plans for 2008 and I can't wait to get them rolling. But, before getting to there, we have to celebrate New Year's Eve.
I don't do a whole lot on New Year's Eve. I usually just stay home and countdown the end of the year quietly with my husband. But for all of you planning to go out for the big night, here are five hints for celebrating in style--and these tips can be used for any big event throughout the year:
Take your time getting yourself ready. The party isn't until the sun goes down, so have a lazy day before your big night. Sleep in, drink plenty of water during the day, eat lightly, and indulge yourself with things like a long, relaxing bubble bath or an at-home microdermabrasion. Go on, you're worth it!
Treat yourself with something new for the special event. Whether its a new perfume, a new shade of lipstick, a new purse, new shoes, or a new piece of jewelry, having something special set aside for the big night will make the whole event feel more celebratory. Plus you'll be reminded of the special event every time you wear/use this new item after your party.
Wear waterproof mascara. You may find yourself laughing until you cry or working up a sweat on the dance floor. No matter what happens, the last thing you want to worry about is running mascara--the unintentional raccoon look is so not hot! Waterproof mascara is the way to go. Just use some eye makeup remover before heading to bed to get the mascara off.
Don't leave the house without a few makeup must haves. Throw a lipstick and a pressed powder compact in your purse before leaving for your big event. If you have room, you should also carry some sort of shine remover (like shine blotting tissues), a Q-Tip (which comes is handy for fixing slipped eye makeup), and Kleenex.
When you get home from your party, be sure to wash your face. I know, I know--this is probably the last thing you want to do when you get home late after a night on the town. But taking just a few minutes to wash all the makeup and pollutants off your face (and to brush your teeth) before going to bed will make you feel so much better in the morning. And really, don't you want to face the new year feeling great--with clean skin free from day-old makeup and other gunk?
On Monday (the REAL New Year's Eve), I'll be posting some tips on how to deal with a hang over. Let the good times roll!
I still don’t have any plans for NYE. It might be a quiet, romantic dinner with my hubby. Or a raucous celebration with friends at a bar. Or I might just sit on the couch and blog my way into the new year. Whichever it is, here’s the makeup look I will be rocking.
I didn’t have a particular look I was going for. It really just started with Diane Brill’s Liquid Eye Liner in Lace Diamonds – and evolved from there. I didn’t expect to go so over-the-top. But once I started, I found it hard to stop…hence, my glittery glamtastic eyelids that rival the Times Square Ball in sparkle.
Once I finished piling it all on, I was afraid it was a little too Amanda Lepore for my liking. But it has since grown on me, and I hope you’ll agree that it looks quite pretty in pictures.
(top photo - naked eye lined with Diane Brill Liquid Eye Liner in Lace Diamonds; bottom photo - finished eye, after step two)
Step Three – Cheeks: Dot DuWop Blush Therapy (in Hug) on apples of cheeks, then blend with fingertips.
Step Four – Highlighting: Dot Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go down the bridge of the nose and on cheekbones, then gently tap with pad of finger until blended.
Step Five – Lips: Finish off the look with a few swipes of MAC Lustreglass – I used Budding, but I think it’s been discontinued. Venetian is somewhat similar, but tad bit deeper – though still sheer.
That’s the recipe. I hope you had as much fun reading about the look as I had creating it! If you're looking for more NYE makeup ideas, my friend Marina at Makeup Loves Me has a bunch.
So with that, I’m going to conclude this post with the immortal words of my man, Prince. Every NYE, you’re bound to hear “1999” at least a couple times, so allow me to introduce you to another oldie, but goodie – a little ditty Prince recorded with Sheena Easton. Remember her? "Sugar Walls"? Okay, now I'm showing my age. Just watch the video.
Some of you have entered Spoiled Pretty giveaways by leaving a comment, but did not include your email address or a name - as I instructed in contest rules. Because some names are very common, please include your full name (or first name and last initial) - so that when I announce a winner, I can be as specific as possible. Also any comment without an email address in it (I need it to get in touch with you, in the event that you win) will be declared ineligible. So when in doubt, enter by emailing spoiledpretty@gmail.com. Thank you.
Celebrities are expected to always look put-together and polished. They have the privilege of working with the most talented and sought-after pros in the beauty biz. The January 2008 issue of In Style has an article entitled “365 Star Style Secrets” to help women boost our style quotient with some celebrity know-how. The piece features insider tips and tricks – so you won’t end up on the 'What Were They Thinking' list.
Here are a few of my favs:
“To make lips look naturally pink, I put on – then wipe off – red lipstick and then apply clear gloss.” –Halle Berry
“I use Omega-3 oil – I love light oil on my skin. It’s one of my favorite feelings in the world.” -Gwyneth Paltrow
“My mom taught me to moisturize with cocoa butter because it’s natural.” –Eva Mendes
One of the best things you can do for the health of your skin is to drink more water. Still, I admit to reaching for a glass of Diet Coke before a bottle of H2O.
I’ve promised myself that I’m going to drink more water in ’08 – and I think this will be a resolution I can stick to, because I’ve found a way to be stylish while staying hydrated.
Combining function and fashion, SIGG’s lightweight aluminum bottles come in 144 unique designs. And with 22 different interchangeable lids available, you can find a combination that expresses your personality. SIGG bottles are manufactured in an ecologically-friendly environment and are 100% recyclable after their very long lives.
So throw a lemon slice in there, fill it up, and drink to your (skin’s) health in the new year!
I’m a brown girl. So when I tried PlumpLips IceSticks from Freeze 24/7 in FirstFrost (iridescent bubble gum pink), I expected disaster. I don’t usually gravitate towards pale lip colors because they wash me out. And I’ve been burned, quite literally, by irritating lip plumpers in the past.
So when I looked in the mirror, after applying FirstFrost to my lips, I was shocked…in the best way possible. The product soothed, subtly plumped, and gave my pout a sheer wash of color – without any stinging or pain, just a cool tingle. The formula is soft and moisturizing, so tackiness isn’t an issue. The most exciting feature of the PlumpLips IceSticks is its ability to enhance the natural color of your lips – by increasing circulation to the lip surface.
Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Katie Holmes, and Renee Zellweger are reported fans.
I'm glad that I kept an open mind, because I love this lip product. I would absolutely purchase again…and I am anxious to try the other seven shades (Brr..Berry, WindChill, ArcticGlaze, FrostBitten, PlumCicle, CherryIce, and Clear).
Burberry will release its sixth fragrance, ‘The Beat,’ in March. The women’s perfume is described as a “sparkling woody floral scent,” and incorporates three principal notes - Ceylon tea, iris accord, and bluebell. Other key notes include bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper, mandarin, white musk, vetiver and cedarwood.
If industry rumblings are any indication, Justin Timberlake may be the face of the next Parfums Givenchy men's fragrance. Here’s to hoping the SexyBack singer and French fashion house can get in sync.
Actor Matthew McConaughey will be the face of Dolce & Gabbana's upcoming fragrance, The One For Men, set to hit shelves in March 2008. “I like spicy-oriental notes and we’ve never done these types of fragrances, it’s a little warmer than our other men’s scents,” said Stefano Gabbana. "I wanted it to be a classic — not a banal classic, but a classic men's fragrance that would last for years and be the type of scent that women adore," he added. The fragrance will have notes of grapefruit, coriander, basil, cardamom, ginger, orange blossom, cedarwood, ambergris, and tobacco.
Jennifer Lopez will launch her next fragrance, Deseo, in February 2008. Deseo was inspired by a combination of smells in the singer’s own garden, and is the first of Lopez’s fragrances to reference her Latin heritage. The fragrance’s notes include bamboo leaves, yuzu, bergamot, freesia, star jasmine, pink geranium flower, orange blossom, mimosa, warm amber, oak moss, musk, sandalwood, cedar, patchouli and mineral accord. And Deseo’s bottle was designed to resemble a “diamond in the rough.”
It’s giveaway time again here at Spoiled Pretty. Which means another opportunity to win fabulous prizes! This time, we’re partnering with The Body Shop.
One first place winner will receive a spa in a box; the Spa Wisdom Rainforest Paradise Gift includes: 8.5 fl oz Spa Wisdom Dreamboat Milk Bath, 8.5 oz Spa Wisdom on a High Hydrating Puree, 12 oz Spa Wisdom Africa Spa Salt Scrub, and a delicate Pink PEVA Flower Lily. (a $65 value)
A runner-up will win sugar and spice and everything nice, with must-haves from the Body Shop Vanilla Spice range. The Vanilla Spice Quartet Gift includes: 1.7 oz Vanilla Spice Body Butter, 4.2 oz Vanilla Spice Body Lotion, 0.3 oz Vanilla Spice Lip Balm, 3.5 oz Vanilla Spice Soap. ($25 value)
To enter the contest, leave a comment in the comments section below by 9 pm EST on Wednesday, January 2nd - be sure to include your name and email address (even if you have a Blogger profile). Or email me at spoiledpretty@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: some of you have entered the contest by leaving a comment, but did not include your email address or a name - as I instructed above. Because some names are very common, please include your full name (or first name and last initial) - so that when I announce a winner, I can be as specific as possible. Also any comment without an email address in it (I need it to get in touch with you, in the event that you win) will be declared ineligible. So when in doubt, enter by emailing spoiledpretty@gmail.com. Thank you.
A winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Thursday, January 3rd, I’ll announce the winners’ names. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents. Good luck!
Christmas has come and gone and I got some good stuff from my Santa! I'll be telling you all about some great products in upcoming posts, but for now I just wanted to check in and let you all know that I survived the festivities and am trying to get back into the swing of things.
The New Year is heading our way and to start off 2008 I am going to try out a five day "Feel The Difference Detox Plan" from Boots to cleanse my body of all the junk I've put in it during the holiday season. The plan looks easy enough--each day I just add some strawberry detox liquid to a quart of water and drink it throughout the day. The detox plan is supposed to leave me feeling revitalized and looking amazing. We'll see how it goes! I'll post back once I am done with the plan and will tell you how it all worked out.
In the meantime, let me know what your favorite Christmas gift this year was. Leave me a comment!
