Modified Claw Nails

So, we’ve all seen the vampire-pointy-claw-nails that have become a big fashion statement over the past months. If I were a rock star I think I could rock them, but maybe for like, an hour. They just aren’t my thing. But I’ve tried my own version and called them the ‘modified-nail-claw’ where they are more rounded and not as severe a point. What do you think? Have you worn or would you wear your nails either way?  Check out the difference below:

Orlando Pita’s Argan Oil, Shampoo & Conditioner Set – Costco

Usually, I don’t really buy into any fads until I find they have staying-power. Well, this is one of those fads that I just had to try out. I’m sure you’ve been hearing from everywhere about how Argan oil is soooo good for your hair. I’m here to tell you, IT IS! Everyone has different hair, but for me, I find it especially difficult to put any oils on my hair because it is so fine and thin (thanks mom).  Any little bit weighs it down and makes it look oily and stringy. I was very resistant to try this package from Costco, but decided to give it a go (just because they have such a great return policy anyway). Let me tell you, it’s fantastic. And I don’t say that about just any product. I used the shampoo and conditioner (a little goes a long way), got out of the shower, towel-dried my hair, and only put the oil on the middle to ends of my hair.  When my hair dried, it came out so soft and silky that I was actually surprised at how well it worked. I have never been able to use an oil that didn’t make me look like I just dunked my head in a jar of Crisco – until now. And even better, it’s only $16.99. Get on it!

Dove Real Beauty Campaign - New Commercial - Camera Shy

Now, you all know I’d give my first born child (if I had one) to work with Dove on their campaign for Real Beauty, right? Their commercials are the epitome of what I try and get across in each of my blog posts when it comes to self-love and self-acceptance. And this new commercial is no exception. Check it out here. I think the one line in the video says it all…. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMt2Nrdjxy0

Why do you think we stop believing we are beautiful?

Cindy Crawford Wants Body Acceptance in Three Years

A few weeks ago, I saw this story on Good Morning America about Cindy Crawford not liking her body, even after all these years. I thought to myself “Umm, THE Cindy Crawford? As in the supermodel/supermogul with the perfect body and perfect hair and who hasn’t aged since I was a kid Cindy Crawford?” This sounds crazy, right? I guess it’s easy to think that others have it all together especially when people only show you what they want to show you. But as I also know all too well from living in LA and being in the fashion and beauty industries, every woman, regardless of age, income, weight, ethnicity, etc., has some sort of insecurity about her body. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you and I share some of the same since we have been plagued with the same societal bullshit ideas of beauty. 

Either way, I just wanted to post this because I want you to know you’re not alone; I feel this way and apparently so do supermodels. Don’t fear beautiful girl, you are perfect just as you are. Now all you need to do is start believing it.  Oh, and by the way, the two photos below are of her in the 80's and the other in 2013...tell me if you can really see a difference (because I can't). 

Here’s the link to the story for your own eyes to see:

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/cindy-crawford-still-struggles-body-image-122340354.html

New Year, New Career, and I’m Praying, a New Perspective

Hi kids! It’s been a while but as we move into 2013, I’ve had a few interesting things in the works that have now come to fruition. First, I’ve started my own fashion styling business. Second, I’m also working as a bridal consultant, something I’m so excited about simply because now I can say I’m watching “Say Yes To The Dress” for ‘research purposes’. LOL. Anyway, at the end of this month, I’m also doing a photoshoot with SchlickArt, which I’m nervous about for a variety of reasons. Which brings me to the “New Perspective” part of this blog.

I’m sure you all know by now, whether through personal conversations or through a few of my videos, that I’ve struggled with my weight pretty much all my life. And coming out of the holidays, it’s no surprise that I put on some weight again after all the goodies that have been abundantly around. In the past, I’ve done Weight Watchers, which really did work, then I just got lazy and fell back into my old bad habits. I won’t even mention all the other shit I’ve tried over the years to lose weight. Either way, I’m not exactly comfortable at the weight I’m at right now. This ties back around to the photoshoot that’s coming up in a few weeks. I’ve debated taking diet pills to get me down 15 pounds by the end of the month, drinking nothing but diet juices, yada, yada. But you know what? I love food too much to starve myself. I’m too old for that shit anymore. I get too damn cranky if I go without eating. But what about those pictures that will be around forever and ever?? Here’s the conclusion I’ve come to after getting super depressed and anxious over just thinking about not eating the food I love anymore. Fuck it. I’m letting it go…for now. I want to get back on Weight Watchers again and document my journey. It’s not going to be easy. But that’s for later.

Right now, today, I’m going to stop eating only junk food because I think for some reason I won’t ever have it again and just start to eat normally again. Truth be told, the whole purpose of this photoshoot is for REAL women to appreciate themselves as they are IN THAT MOMENT. So it doesn’t matter how much I weigh, or if I’m breaking out, I’ll look the best I can at that time and show myself that I’m still one sexy thang, even with a few extra pounds on my body. After all, my worth should NOT be based on a number on the scale, yet I’ve allowed it to. So for this photoshoot, I think it’s going to be my most raw one to date. I’m scared as all shit, but in that fear I’m hoping to discover a little more self love. I need to practice what I preach and I’m not always the best at loving myself when I’m down. So stay tuned to see the photos and video of the shoot. And I encourage you to reexamine your perspective about yourself and body image. EVERY woman I have ever come across has some type of issue with her body. Why? Why do we focus so much on our flaws and not see how damn sexy we are??

Kim Kardashian – “Reality” Real or Really Real?

Yes, I used the tag line from a Sprite billboard, but it applies here too.  For the longest time, I’ve looked to Kim Kardashian as a measure of beauty because quite frankly, men (including my husband) go goo-goo ga-ga over her and in fact she looks closer to what I look like than those stick-thin blond-haired, blue-eyed models on the magazine covers. And being even more frank, she IS pretty damn hot. That statement however comes with a caveat. Does she really look like that, like for real for real? I remember photographs of her when she first came on the scene (no pun intended) and she looked a little pudgier and not as ‘tight’ as she does these days.

So I did some digging, looked around for some comparison photos and found a site that offered a great set of ‘before & after’ pictures. Now, I always knew she did some extra stuff that she wouldn’t admit to, but I just couldn’t figure out what. She HAS admitted both in interviews and on her show that she has gotten Botox and Fraxel-lasered (both wrinkle-remover treatments), but those topical treatments alone could NOT account for the dramatic difference in her look. She has also lost weight, but again, that could not account for so drastic a change. So what kind of cosmetic surgery has she had done? Most people have speculated only a nose job. Not only do I think she’s had a nose job (it’s thinner than it was before), but I also think she had a complete face lift. On one of the pictures below, you can clearly see where her cheekbones were vs. where they are now (they’re a lot flatter).  It’s a subtle difference in of itself, but when looked at as a whole, she looks completely different. I’m not saying I’m judging one way or another, it’s just what she decided to do for herself and her image. Is that something you would ever do? I’m not sure I would, but then again, I don’t know what I’ll decide to do in 5, 10 or 15 years either. What are your thoughts?