Category: How To

Amazon /

Prime Now: The Ultimate Destination for Thanksgiving Prep

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We can all relate to being in the kitchen cooking the biggest meal of the year and realizing you forgot the cranberry sauce, pie crusts or the roasting pan. Prime Now can bring customers these items and more in an hour or less so they can skip the trip to the store and continue spending time with friends and loved ones.

 

Beyond the food, customers can also find hostess gifts or “family fun” items, including the most popular board games that have been delivered in one hour through Prime Now: Jenga, Uno, Monopoly and Pandemic.

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In Baltimore, Prime Now is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and will be operating on Thanksgiving Day to help account for anyone that’s forgotten the butter, paper towels or other essentials. Two-hour delivery is free and one-hour delivery is available for $7.99. All Prime members can download the Prime Now app, available on iOS and Android devices, and will be notified when the service is available in their zip code.

Beauty /

Kendall Jenner Top Knot: Get the Look

Kendall Jenner rocked a chic top knot with an edgy flair of side swept bangs on the red carpet last night for the American Music Awards. Celebrity hairstylist, Etienne Ortega, created this sleek top knot look with the help of KMS California products. “My inspiration for Kendall’s look was a funky modern top knot with a wispy bang, that goes perfect with her high neck dress!” Here’s the scoop from Ortega on how to get Kendall’s red carpet look:

Step 1: Ortega used KMS California ADD VOLUME styling foam ($17.50) while the hair was damp and roughly blow dried her hair.

Step 2: Ortega used the KMS California HAIR PLAY messing cream ($20), putting a quarter size amount in his palms and worked it all throughout the hair to start creating a build up of texture.

Step 3: Then Ortega put her hair up into a pony, followed by twisting the hair into a fun top knot.

Step 4: To finish the look he used the KMS California HAIR PLAY playable texture ($20) to make her bangs textured, piecey and ready to hit the red carpet.

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Model Kendall Jenner attends the 2015 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 22, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 22: Model Kendall Jenner attends the 2015 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 22, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

KMS California products are available at salons nationwide, please visit http://www.kmscalifornia.com/en-US/salon_finder.aspx to find a salon near you.

Beauty /

Holiday Travel Essentials – How To

The holidays prove to be a busy travel time! From escaping the cold weather for a warm relaxing vacation to traveling to your loved one for a long weekend, make sure you have those key travel necessities on hand such as:

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Cleansing & Make-Up Removing Wipes will fit into any carry-on bag! This package of pre-moistened cleansing wipes are formulated with nourishing Greek yogurt to easily remove stubborn face and eye makeup while softening skin. Each pre-moistened, textured, and non-irritating cloth effectively removes stubborn face and eye makeup, leaving skin refreshed and deeply nourished. A calming duo of chamomile and calendula oils relieve stressed or sensitive skin while gentle macademia and jojoba oils help skin retain moisture. Perfectly packaged for on-the-go cleansing, skin is left revitalized, smooth, and hydrated ($15; Sephora.com).

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Take freshness on-the-go with the mini versions of Lavanila’s bestselling deodorant! This All-Natural, freshly scented pure vanilla deodorant provides superior, long-lasting odor protection. Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense and nourishment ($8; Lavanila.com).

Deodorant

Don’t let your scent be compromised during travels! Katy Perry’s Mad Potion Eau de Parfum Rollerball features tahitian vanilla orchid, sweet white peony, fresh & crisp apple, madagascar bourbon vanilla, luminous jasmine petals, soft & whipped fluffy musk, Mexican vanilla bean absolute and glowing amber ($18; Kohls.com).

Katy Perry Rollerball

Get comfy with Hästens Travel Pillow. With 100% duck down this travel pillow is the perfect accessory to guarantee a little beauty rest while you’re traveling – whether by air, train, or automobile. Or use it as a makeup bag and zip it up with your loose beauty items with the rugged blue check fabric out. Then when you have settled in to your seat for your long trip reverse the pillow to expose the soft cotton and down interior. Comes in three colors. ($150; Hästens Stores nationwide; for more information, visit: www.hastens.com).

Travel Pillow

Add a pop to your hair with Hairdo by HairUWear French Braid Band. Add a finishing touch with the Hairdo French Braid Band that’s as much fashion accessory as it is hair accessory. Effortlessly chic, it attaches in an instant. What better way to add cachet? Use to hold your hair back for a classic look or hold your ponytail or bun in place with this braid band, just like you would use an elastic ($10; Ulta.com).

Braid Band

 

Entertainment /

How To Throw A Labor Day Party – Limor Suss

Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert, Limor Suss shares tips for the perfect Labor Day Party –

 

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LABOR DAY PARTY TIPS

 

  1. How do you select a theme for your Labor Day Party?

Pick a theme that’s simple to put together and utilizes items you have in your house already so you’re not going out and buying a bunch of stuff.

The theme all depends on what type of party you want to throw. If you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, then the theme should be just as simple, but if you want to throw a lavish cocktail affair, then it’s fun to be a little more creative.

  1. What’s the best location to celebrate with family and friends?

An outdoor location is definitely best, especially if the weather is nice. Labor Day is one of your last chances to celebrate the summer with friends and family, so having a party in a park or someone’s backyard is preferable.

  1. In your opinion, should the menu be potluck meal or grilled delights?

It really depends on the size of your party. If you’re having a small, intimate gathering, it’s nice to give your guests a home grilled meal, but for larger parties, I like to do a combination of potluck and day-of grilling.

  1. What are some popular activities to help create a fun environment?

Setting up different games and sports for the kids is always fun. You want to make sure they are having fun while the adults are socializing. I also love a good grill-off – it’s fun to have the self-proclaimed “best grillers” show off their skills and the results are delicious.

  1. Should there be a dress code or come as you are?

You don’t have to have a dress code because you want everyone to be comfortable, but one thing I like to do is create a custom t-shirt for my friends and family to wear – I like to use CustomInk.com because they make the design process really easy. Having a custom t-shirt that everyone can wear is a great way to bring everyone together as one big family, and it makes a nice surprise gift. Your group selfies will also look really cool if you’re all wearing the same t-shirt.

  1. Where can we go to learn more tips?

Head over to my blog TrendsGirl.com, I’m always sharing great tips for planning family gatherings.

 
 

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About Limor Suss:

Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert, Limor Suss. Limor has appeared on TODAY Show, FOX and Friends, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz,  PIX11,  New York Live & many others talking about entertaining tips, DIY crafts, the hottest tech gadgets,  gift ideas and the latest beauty trends.

Cosmetics /

The Modern Girls Guide To Life Book: Fully Revised and Updated

The Modern Girl is back with more tips, hacks & beauty fun! From author and trend expert Jane Buckingham, (formerly of the Style channel), founder of Trendera and newly crowned Job Genius of the new ABC Family Show “Job or No Job,”

THE MODERN GIRLS GUIDE TO LIFE (on sale 9/29/15) has been completely revamped for a new generation of MG’s. A lot has changed over the past decade, and leave it to Jane to keep us Modern Girls up-to-date!

Covering everything from parties to porn, interviewing to Instagramming, crockpot cooking to cosmetics, and all that’s in-between, The Modern Girls Guide to Life doesn’t try to tell you how to be perfect. It simply tells you the stuff you need to know, but no one thinks to tell you—like how your shape wear can get uncomfortably hot unless it contains cotton (good to know before you find yourself sweating away your blowout at the company holiday party).

I have been a long time fan of Jane Buckingham and will provide a review to share with all of my Modern Girls very soon!

Modern Girls Guide To Life

Beauty /

How To Remove a Gel Manicure – Skyy Hadley

There are many positives to having a gel manicure – It stays for two weeks without chipping and looks shinier than a normal manicure. However, all good things must come to an end and it’s important to learn how to safely and effectively remove a gel manicure at home. You may not have the time or money to get your gel mani removed at a salon and it’s essential to learn because it can be harmful to your nails when removing gel improperly. By peeling off a gel manicure, you are not only removing the gel, but also the top layers of your nails. This can result in white patches and textural irregularities throughout the nails.

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Skyy Hadley, owner of As U Wish Nail Spa provides tips and a step-by-step tutorial to safely remove your own gel manicure:

  • File – Use an emery board to lightly buff each nail to remove the shiny top coat so you’re left with a powdery finish. Be careful not to over buff so you don’t hit your natural nail underneath the gel.
  • Soak – Next you must soak your nails in 100% acetone polish remover. To do this, take a piece of cotton ball the size of your nail and pour the acetone on it, place it on your nail and cover your nail with a piece of aluminum foil or tape to keep it in place. Do this on every nail and let soak for 15 minutes to relax the gel.
  • Remove – Remove the cotton pieces from your nails and take a wooden cuticle stick to push the gel polish off your nails. If you have trouble, instead of forcing it, soak your nails with a cotton ball for 5 more minutes and try again.
  • Moisturize – After the gel has been removed, wash your hands and apply a cuticle oil to the nail and cuticle. This will rehydrate your nails after using acetone on them to keep them strong and healthy between polishes.
Beyonce $36,000 Manicure
Beyonce $36,000 Manicure

It’s important to take your time when removing a gel manicure yourself as it can be a slow process and you want to treat your nails very delicately and carefully to avoid weakening them.

Accessories /

How-To Guide: Get Dressed in 15 Minutes or Less

We have days when time is not of the essence.  We’re in a rush to get out of the door, whether it’s for a business meeting, play date, or even a trip to the grocery store.  The truth of the matter is that leaving your home (quickly) can become a second job.  It’s the reality of getting things accomplished while appearing to look pulled together.

No one wants to be that mom or girlfriend who lives in a baseball cap and sweats! Or even worse you can’t find anything to match in your wardrobe.  Trust me, I’ve been there which is the reason for this post – How To Guide:  Get Dressed in 15 Minutes or Less.

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1.  Don’t live your life without BB Cream, Mascara, Beauty Blender, and a bold shade of Lipstick.  BB Cream is a combination between Lotion, Foundation, and SPF 15 in one small tube.  This alone makes BB Cream a perfect addition to one’s makeup bag because you’re applying one product to serve three purposes.  Use your Beauty Blender to apply quickly with a whip of mascara and that red lipstick (helps to wake up the eyes after lack of sleep.)

2.  It’s great to own fifty pairs of earrings but when you’re in rush one needs a set that coordinates with anything.  Always keep a pair of studs available in diamond, pearl, silver, or gold.  Any of the various metals can coordinate quickly with your attire and help you accessorize quickly.

3.  In my case (and everyone’s different) ladies of today’s era should own a “Quick Hair” collection.  You’re probably asking, “what does that mean?”  Quick hair is a fun nickname for various hair style options.  For example, use of hair pieces, clip – in extensions, or even a hair wig can save time.  There are moments when you’re not aware of what could happen on a daily basis; owning a quality hair piece can be an investment.

4.  Nude pumps or flats are the latest go to girl’s bestfriend; they add a touch of sophistication to any attire.  This particular shade of pumps coordinates well with your skin tone and helps to elongate the legs.  They also match everything in your closet.

5.  Two words:  Spray Lotion…I often wonder, why did it take so long to create this product!  Honestly, I really don’t know how I lived my life without spray lotion.  For use, simply spray the area that needs hydration, rub in quickly, and go!

6.  Always keep a neutral tone blazer in your closet that has been dry cleaned or ironed.  One can wear a black blazer over a t shirt, blouse, dress, trousers, or with a pair of jeans.  The options are endless but the most important aspect to remember is that this item should always be hanging in your closet (not in a bag with wrinkles.)

I hope the tips that I’ve provided will help everyone get dressed in 15 minutes or less.  If you have any questions or want to share you’re own tips, please feel free to email me at kim@stylelifefashion.com

P.S.  Don’t forget your sunglasses!

DIY /

Coffee Station: How To Guide and Lifestyle Tip

I drink coffee and that’s a well-known fact.  The aroma of a delicious brew and warmth of a well made cup gives me an instant boost of energy.  My favorite flavor is Pumpkin Spice or when I need a “mommy boost” Cafe Mocha.

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I like to prepare coffee at my home because it’s easy access and affordable.  Honestly, I don’t always have the patience to wait in line, so I brew a cup while getting the boys dressed or cleaning my home.  With a constant search for cups, sugar, and grounds I decided to create a coffee station in my kitchen.

You may not drink coffee and like to sip tea but having a beverage station can save time and help with entertaining guests.  For example, your coworker stops by after work, why not offer a cup of tea?  Or you changed diapers all day but want a nice aroma in your home (before your bestie comes over) brew a cup of coffee!

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Creating a coffee station can be fun and based on your personal style.  Some people like to include baskets, special containers, straws, bottled water, and fruit.  Others keep it simple with a tray, creamer, sugar, and mugs.  I designed a station that’s a combination of all hot beverages for coffee, tea, and cocoa.

Below are “How To” tips for creating a Coffee Station:

*  Place a small scoop next to coffee grounds for accurate measurement

* Shop discount stores or thrift shops for unique inexpensive containers

*  Add a chalk board for notes with salt & pepper shakers to hold cinnamon or cocoa

*  Use a tray or basket to separate the space

* Don’t forget your coffee mugs, straws, spoons, and liners

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photos are from Pinterest.com

 

Accessories /

Ann Taylor Memorial Day and Spring Trend Report 2015

Whether you’re hitting the beach, headed to a BBQ or going to a party this weekend – Ann Taylor has the must-have essentials for an effortless look that fits right in your tote. From the perfect pair of slide sandals to a classic shirtdress for an easy beach to brunch transition, Ann Taylor has you covered for a head-to-toe look.

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SPRING TREND REPORT 2015 –

Polka Dots

What’s always fun, super-luxe, and never out of style? POLKA DOTS! Punctuate your look and go for polka dots — big or small or mixed together, this happy trend goes everywhere and with anything!

 

 

Refined Stripes

Seriously flattering and super refined – stripes never go out of style. Every woman should have a key transitional piece in her wardrobe with a timeless stripe print for a feminine and moderate update.

 

 

Florals

Winter florals were all the rage, and they are popping into spring. What better way to jump into spring than with a fresh floral print to bring either a subtle taste, or bold pop of color into your wardrobe!

 

 

 

Mesh

A daring-and easy-way to bring textured contrast to your outfit, whether with a hint for a “peek-a-boo” look perfect for layering, or go all-in with playful skirts and hemlines.

Accessories

Finishing touches make all the difference. Grab one of these functional accessories, and complete your head-to-toe elevated look with a pop of color or statement piece.

DIY /

Homemade Salad Dressing: Lifestyle Tip and Summer Option

Two weeks ago I was preparing lunch and realized there was no salad dressing.  I instantly became upset because my salad was delicious and wanted the full experience.  My mind began to wonder and that’s when I created my own dressing!  Honestly, homemade salad dressing is a healthier option because there’s no added sodium or fat.  You can regulate the ingredients according to your individual diet.

Mandarin Salad - Favorite Salad Option
Mandarin Salad – Favorite Salad Option

My recipe started with the base ingredients such as olive oil, salt, pepper, Coleman’s mustard, parsley, and vinegar; there’s so much more to make your dressing appealing.  Homemade salad dressing can be prepared in less than 15 minutes and in larger quanities.  It’s also delicious with (other) afternoon snack options such as tuna, veggies, cheese, and crackers.

It’s almost summer which means we want quick healthy meals.  Consider making homemade salad dressing to compliment snacks, lunch, or dinner!

Quick Girl’s Classic Vinaigrette Dressing

 

1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar

 

1/4 teaspoon salt

 

1 tablespoon Coleman’s Mustard

 

 

1/8 teaspoon pepper

 

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

 

Preparation:

 

Combine ingredient’s in a bowl and whisk.  Don’t forget your salad dressing maker and other tools from Target!
Salad Dressing Maker
Salad Dressing Maker