Extensions and Accessories from Hairdo: At-Home Installation

With Easter approaching this weekend everyone wants to look their best.  Why not try hair extensions that can be installed at home.

Feature Photo from Yahoo.com

Long hair continues to be a trend, and with Hairdo hair extensions you can instantly test the lookout. There’s no wait time, you won’t need to book a salon appointment, and you can choose between clip-in or halo-style extensions – available in a variety shades.

New Hairdo 18” 3PC Wavy Extension Kit ($79, Extensions.com)

Make a statement in this 3 piece extension set that is pre-styled with that beach-worthy wave. The pressure sensitive clips make it easy to pop in and out for added length and fullness, plus the heat-friendly synthetic hair can be heat-styled to match your mood and vibe.

Hairdo Invisible Extension ($79, Ulta.com)

Get mega-watt length and volume in seconds with this 20” halo-style extension. Just slip it on like a headband and pull your own hair over it- the ingenious and inconspicuous design blends in seamlessly.

Hairdo 10PC Straight Human Hair Extension Kit ($299, Extensions.com)

Length without limits! This 10 piece kit clips in to offer you endless possibilities. The 100% human hair measures 20” long so you can add volume to long hair or length to short hair.

 

How To:

Dressing for Your Body Shape– Tall Men: Key Guidelines

When dressing to fit your body shape, there is a need first to recognize the fact that this concept is individual to each person. Even though you may share similar attributes, e.g., tall with muscular shoulders, you should note that the human body varies enormously. Therefore, it is rather pointless for you to compare your body to that of another person.

Your shopping time would be better spent looking at clothes for big and tall men that will help you confidently display what you have, in a comfortable and stylish manner. Proportion is a critical component when looking to dress for your body type.

Below is an outline of different tall men body types, with similar tricks on how each can dress in a stylish, and proportionate manner.

The Trapezoid (Rhomboid)

It is a body characterized by shoulders that are slightly wider than the man’s waist. Many tall men consider this to be the ideal body type, as it makes it easy to do any kind of clothing item. If you happen to have this kind of body frame, it means that you can try almost anything, and it will be a good fit for you.

Try and experiment with different textures and patterns. But ensure that they remain in proportion. If this is not your body type, worry not, as only less than ten percent of tall men have this particular shape.

The Inverted Triangle

It is a type of body characterized by the presence of very broad shoulders and a correspondingly tiny waist. With this body type, the goal will be to turn attention from the upper part of your body towards the lower area. You will be aiming to create a balance, and you will thus need to settle on clothes for big and tall men that will help you balance out the wide shoulders.

Do’s

  • Wear sweaters and V-neck shirts to turn the eye away from your chest area
  • Wear double-breasted blazers to create an illusion of having a wide torso that is proportionate to the shoulders
  • Wear pants with pattern or texture to draw the eyes downwards

Don’ts

  • Stay away from scrawny jeans as they will make your legs appear skinnier ad the shoulders wider
  • Stay away from structured jackets or blazers. Be sure to avoid shoulder pads as they can make the shoulders seem wider

The Rectangle Body Type

With this body type, both the waist and shoulders are wide. Your goal will be to ensure that your shoulders do not appear broad, and the waist smaller. Proper dressing can help you create an illusion of having a rhomboid body shape.

Do’s

  • Go for slim fitting clothes as you will want the waist to appear as small as possible
  • Don slim fit blazers that have shoulder pads to assist make the waist look skinnier while ensuring that the shoulders remain wide
  • Go for circular necklines that help in drawing attention to your chest region

Don’ts

  • Stay away from the attention-grabbing belts
  • If possible, stay away from the double-breasted jackets as they only contribute to enhancing your rectangular shape

A perfectly paired ensemble can easily get ruined by wearing clothing items that are not a good fit for your body type. Many well-dressed men will confidently tell you that the secret to a flattering and comfortable style always comes down to finding the right fit.

Sponsored Post

PBFit All Natural Peanut Butter Powder: Healthy Product Review

Let’s pause for a moment to talk about health and fitness.  This topic’s important not just because it’s almost swimsuit season.  Being healthy has a huge impact on our well-being in terms of living well.  A few of my fellow Instagram buddies made the suggestion of drinking meal replacements in the mornings to shed a few pounds.

If you’re a fitness enthusiast we all know the unappealing taste of meal replacement powders.  Yuck.  PBFit has created a new powder that sheds pounds with the delicious taste of Peanut Butter.  This yummy powder can be added to smoothies, shakes, and waffle batter!

Product Review:

I received the product last month because I am eager to shed a few pounds before summer!  My morning routine includes drinking a smoothie to ensure that I’m getting the right amount of fruits and vegetables.  I also love peanut butter and this was an easy option as a mid-morning snack.

The flavored powder tasted delicious and I can’t wait to create more recipes with the mixture.  We all know that eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich has the same amount of calories as eating a candy bar.  PBFit has 90% less fat and it’s made with real peanuts.

Let’s take this fitness journey together and try PBFit recipes.  It’s a fun and easy way to get fit and eat well too!

Healthy Snack with Apple

Chocolate Strawberry and Banana Smoothie Recipe

2 Bananas

10 Strawberries

1 teaspoon of Coconut Oil

2 TBsp of Chocolate PBFit

8 Ice Cubes

2 cups of water

Blend the ingredients and enjoy!

 

RIMMEL LONDON MAGNIF’EYES PALETTE COLOUR EDITION

The newest palette in the Rimmel London collection that’s redefining the way you wear eyeshadow.

 

Featured Photo from Harpers Baazar

 

The intense pigments demand attention. Select from 12 shadows, which all work beautifully together to create a daring look. Mix up the combos with each application to keep it fresh. The texture is smooth, the wear is long—there’s no turning back once your eyes meet the MAGNIF’EYES PALETTE COLOUR EDITION.

Trend Report: Versatile White Tee from Ann Taylor

Look your best this spring without even trying. Invest in a simple white top that you can dress up or down and create new stylish outfits that will look anything but ordinary!

Ann Taylor has got it all to mix and match this everyday item and turn your wardrobe from drab to fab! Swap out fun bottoms or colorful statement accessories to spice up your closet, all while saving space and money. Ann Taylor’s new collection features bold patterns, bright colors, and flattering silhouettes guaranteed to put the spring back into your step – all you need is a white tee.

Chic Touches: Tie an Ann Taylor Skinny Scarf around the wrist.
Chic Touches: Wear gold accessories with basic pieces.

Spring 2018 Beauty Products: Daily Routine and Travel Companions

Every year I like to share my list of spring beauty products.  With Easter being next weekend, this truly marks the beginning of the season!

Temperatures are becoming more humid and beauty products have to reflect the new season.  For example, moisturizers tend to be lightweight to counter-act sweating and environmental debris.

Featured Photo from Allure.com

My beauty products must also be good travel companions.  The warmer season generally includes family vacations, weekend trips, and packing a handbag for social events.

SPRING 2018 BEAUTY PRODUCTS LIST:

  1.  NIVEA Soft Moisturizer – I can. not. live. without this product.  The texture is smooth and perfect for my sensitive skin.  It’s also affordable and small enough to fit in my tote bag while shopping.
  2. Rimmel London – I purchased this amazing reddish-orange lipstick on a trip to the drugstore.  The color did not disappoint and complimented my skin-complexion.
  3. Arbonne Skin Firming Body Cream – This particular product was shipped to me.  I became a huge fan of Arbonne products after using the company’s face lotion for a few months.  Can’t wait to see results especially with the upcoming season’s skin-bearing shorts, skirts, and dresses.
  4. L. Jones Silky Regrowth Oil – This is another must-have product.  My hairstylist and good friend has an amazing hair care collection.  I suffer from dry skin and that includes my hair follicles.  She recommended this oil and I can not believe the health and shine of my hair.
  5. Jane Iredale Snap Happy Makeup Kit –  The company shared this goodie with me!  In terms of travel and packing fast, this three-tiered makeup kit is mineral based.  It includes powder, blush, and eyeshadow.
  6. Essie Nail Polish – When life gets too busy for a gel manicure, I always run to my signature nail polish.  Essie has two shades that work with my ever-changing wardrobe.  I’m generally wearing the color Watermelon or Truth or Bare.

Sidenote:  Don’t forget to purchase a new Spanx for those lightweight spring dresses!

A NEW INDEPENDENT BEAUTY BRAND LAUNCHES THEIR FIRST PRODUCT SUNDUST: REVOLUTIONARY BRONZER

SunDust, a revolutionary product that ensures a seamless and perfect bronzing application with each use. SunDust is an innovative product that offers advanced delivery systems for a no mess, no streak application every time.

Featured Photo from Revelist.com

SunDust is an instant mineral bronzing powder that provides a long-lasting, natural self-tan. It is finely milled mineral infused powder delivers an instant even and smooth glow to the face as well as a natural-looking self-tan over time. The powder is contained in an all in one dispensing twist brush for easy, even application with no mess. The bronzed effect suits all skin tones create a beautiful, sun-kissed glow to the face. Innovation is key to our brand, it is at the forefront of our outstanding ingredients like sunflower oil which is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin E, aloe, sunflower seed oil and grape seed extract as well as antioxidants. The combination of these ingredients helps to prevent premature signs of aging. Our packaging and exclusive delivery stand alone. SunDust is great for travel, quick application and eliminates the need for multiple steps when bronzing the skin. These factors combine to create amazing results and ease of use.

“We are excited to introduce this product for everyone seeking a natural and beautiful tan, no matter the season,” stated Chaz Hatfield Co-Founder of Tournesol. “We felt that consumers were seeking a truly effective self-tanning product that gave instantaneous and beautiful results. It’s convenient and easy-to-use packaging is perfect for all women that are on-the-go. We are very pleased to introduce this to the market ”

SunDust Beauty retails for $32 and is available for purchase on www.sundustbeauty.com with additional retailers including, The Salon Project planned for Q1 2018.

Slow Down and Practice Self – Care: Stress Awareness Month Essentials

April is Stress Awareness Month, a reminder for us to slow down and practice self-care. This month, take time for yourself and indulge in luxury and comfort with these essentials from Molton Brown, Soap & Paper Factory and C.O. Bigelow:

 

Molton Brown Rosa Absolute Sumptuous Bathing Oil

$65, moltonbrown.com

The Rosa Absolute Sumptuous Bathing Oil is a bathing elixir enriched with luxurious Italian rose and argan oils, leaving skin silky, supple and perfumed with notes of rose oil, blackcurrent, geranium, and patchouli.

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Single Wick Candle

$49, moltonbrown.com

The Candle Coco & Sandalwood Single Wick Candle is a luxuriously scented candle, blended with Filipino coconut, jasmine, and sandalwood for a harmonious, sophisticated aroma.

 

 

Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Single Wick Candle

$49.00, moltonbrown.com

An indulgent, spicy single wick scented candle blended with notes of ginger, patchouli, and pink pepperpods.

 

Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Single Wick Candle

$49.00, moltonbrown.com

A luxurious single wick candle blended with notes of bergamot, Sevillian orange oil, and mandarin.

 

Soap & Paper Factory Mission Grove Sea Salt Scrub

$10.00 at soapandpaperfactory.com

This scrub gives new meaning to the word “glowing,” with the ability to naturally detoxify while giving you super soft and radiant skin. Available in Madagascar Vanilla, Sakura Blossom, and Fig & Honey.

 

 

 

C.O. Bigelow Lavender Essential Oil

The most popular of essential oils, lavender oil is used to treat a multitude of ailments including bruises, cuts, wounds, scars and insect bites.  It has anti-inflammatory properties used to relieve muscular aches, pain, and rheumatism.  The essential oil also promotes a restful sleep and soothes anger.

Price: $12

Available: bigelowchemists.com

 

C.O. Bigelow Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus helps open the breathing passages in steam inhalation and inhibits proliferation of the cold virus. Some of this oil’s properties are expectorant, decongestant,  analgesic, antirheumatic and antiseptic. Other benefits include cooling emotions and aiding concentration.

Price: $8.50

Available: bigelowchemists.com

High Anxiety 5 Things that Set Us off and What to Do

Anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. It’s future thinking in a negative way. While it’s normal to have concerns from time to time, chronic anxiety leads to loss of appetite, insomnia, compromised immunity and other diseases. Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD an NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, Teaching Faculty Member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, shares 5 common anxiety triggers and offers insights and tips for what we can do to get back into ease.

  1. Retirement

Once people hit 40, they feel as if the years are going quicker and the money is running out. They panic. They look at the math and it simply doesn’t add up to a life of abundance. They’re plagued with thoughts of an unknown future with medical expenses, costs for housing, food, and with every item added to the list, they get more and more anxious. “Some people go into denial because they feel such an intense of fear. While it’s normal to want to shift your thinking, avoidance only leads to more anxiety,” explains Dr. Hafeez. She suggests settling the mind with information and action. “The more you know about your retirement goals and create a plan of action, the more you can include other family members, shift finances and get clarity on what’s real. Information combined with action will give a sense of control.”

  1. Job Loss

Years ago, people would rebound faster from job loss. Within a month they would find another job often at a higher salary. Saving a bit of money as an “emergency fund” to keep up with expenses should there be a job loss was also a possibility. Times are very different now. These days people lose their job and it creates a complete upheaval in their lives. Finances are depleted and it could take months before getting another job and at times, people accept less money just to have a salary. “I have patients with good careers anxious that there will be a cutback and they’ll be let go without any idea what to do next. This scarcity mindset leads to anxiety. I always remind them to explore other income generating options of interest to them currently so they don’t feel as if their well-being is solely determined by their employer. Anxiety is rooted in fear and this fear is quite common, unfortunately,” says Dr. Hafeez.

  1. Health

When you’re anxious about your health, it dominates your mind. “The worst part about health-related anxiety is that it makes you feel worse and prolongs any kind of recovery,” warns Dr. Hafeez. A lot of people make the mistake of researching different conditions online and self-diagnose. They get overwhelmed with all the possibilities of what may be. “The best thing to do is take control of your health by staying current with doctor visits, exercise, eat healthily and focus your attention on optimal health,” she advises.

  1. Divorce

Marital strife is a common cause for anxiety. “It’s very common for people who are going through divorce to lose weight due to anxiety and stress. Night anxiety is also common which is when you can fall asleep, but then suddenly awaken out of a sound sleep feeling sad, panicked, unable to go back to sleep,” Dr. Hafeez says. “When anxiety interferes with one’s ability to eat and sleep, consulting with a therapist can be helpful. Divorce is a major life event that radically changes one’s life. Depression and anxiety are common,” she adds.

 

  1. Terrorism and other acts of violence.

We live in a very different world today. Unfortunately, every time we board an airplane, enter a shopping mall, go to a concert, the movies or send our kids to school, we get anxious. Terrorism is intended to make people fearful and anxious. What can we do? “Again, anxiety is triggered by a loss of control. It’s rooted in a feeling of possible danger without warning. So be vigilant. Observe your surroundings. Report anything that seems suspicious. Put an emergency plan in place with family and loved ones. When triggered by anxiety ask, what do I need to know here? What can I control in this situation? Then do what you must to feel better and prepared,” recommends Dr. Hafeez.

The common thread here is to first acknowledge the feeling of anxiety, then assess the source of it, then access information and make an action plan to make you feel more in control.

One last tip, Night anxiety is also common which is when you can fall asleep, but then suddenly awaken out of a sound sleep feeling sad, panicked, unable to go back to sleep,”

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is an NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com 

Dress Your Best for Easter with Ann Taylor

With Easter just around the corner, it’s time to check out some new spring looks that will impress even the Easter bunny. Whether you’re dressing for Good Friday, brunch, or an egg hunt – Ann Taylor has the festive fashions to style up your holiday weekend.

Please see below for some dressing tips/brand product suggestions and curated looks featuring trends such as flirty florals, bright hues, and statement accessories.

Good Friday

Classic pieces with a pop of color and unique accessories

 

Easter Brunch

Feminine casual dresses with bold colors