Category Archives: M+B Fuzions
Paula Begoun’s 4 Simple Steps to a Beautiful New You!
by Paula Begoun, the Cosmetic Cop
The beginning of the New Year is an exciting time for setting personal goals, whether it’s weight loss, financial targets, or volunteering more in your community. No matter what your New Year’s resolution, feeling good about your appearance helps you put your best foot forward. Here are four easy, but truly effective, ways to update your look and bring about a more confident, beautiful you in 2012.
1. Play Up Your Lashes So You Need Less Eyeshadow
Most of us don’t have enough time in our morning routine to apply a perfectly blended eyeshadow design—and you don’t need to! Instead, focus on emphasizing your lashes with a great mascara and sweep a thin or smudged liner across your lids for a sophisticated, beautiful look. And don’t forget to fill in your brows because they’re the frame for your eyes!
This classic look is universally flattering and a chic way to emphasize your eyes in no time flat. To take it a step further, groom and enhance your brows following our step-by-step guide. You’ll look more put together, so you can confidently take on whatever new project, challenge, or celebration the New Year brings.
How to pull it off: Paula’s Choice Great Big Lashes Mascara ($9.95), Physician’s Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum ($10.95), and Browlistic Long-Wearing Precision Brow Color ($9.95).
Physicians Formula Eye Booster
Browlistic
2. Add a Touch of Radiance to Your Complexion
Adding an “illuminating” effect to your face creates a healthy, warm glow and a more youthful appearance. You can highlight features such as the cheekbones, inner corner of the eyes, bridge of the nose, brow bone, or above your cupid’s bow by applying a small amount of illuminator and gently sweeping it out to blend in with the rest of your skin, making sure there are no harsh edges.
Beware: Too much shine can make your skin look greasy, and products with overt sparkle or glitter look more tacky than classy.
Fail-proof skin illuminators: Avon Mark Get Bright Hook Up Highlighter ($6), Paula’s Choice RESIST Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer with SPF 25 & Antioxidants ($24.95), and Yves Saint Laurent Teint Parfait Complexion Enhancer ($42).
YSL Teint Parfait Complexion
3. Experiment with Lip Color
If you are stuck wearing the same lip color season after season, or even worse, year after year, consider breaking out of your comfort zone and adding a pop of color to your lips. This is one of the simplest ways to transform your look, it doesn’t add any extra time to your makeup routine, and it can enhance and spice up your look every day.
In a rut with pale pinks and nudes? See what a raspberry shade does for you. Tired of your same classic red? Experiment with a coral or pinkish mauve color. Not every lipstick color under the rainbow is going to suit you—the key is to try several and see what works for you. It might surprise you at how stunning you look in a new shade—and the change is sure to garner some compliments from people who are used to seeing you wear the same color day after day.
Lipstick collections with gorgeous shade options: Paula’s Choice Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF 15 ($10.95), Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani Lipstick ($30), and Mary Kay Creme Lipstick ($13).
Giorgio Armani Holiday Makeup Collection
4. Schedule a Professional Hair Consultation
If you’ve been sporting the same hairstyle since “The Rachel” from Friends, you’re due for an update! Perhaps you’re using your long locks as a security blanket, but the majority of the time they look dull, damaged, and limp. Or maybe you’ve always gone with bleached-blonde tresses, even though there are plenty of other beautiful options when it comes to color. Whether you’re interested in changing up the color or going for a new cut, the key is to find a style that you love but that also is manageable on a daily basis.
Most salons offer a free hair consultation prior to scheduling an appointment, which is a great way to find out what the pros think best suits your look and lifestyle, without the pressure of doing it right then and there. Well-trained stylists take several factors into consideration, such as your face shape, eye color, skin tone, the way your hair parts, your personal skill level when it comes to styling, and so on. It’s perfectly fine to give yourself a couple days to mull it over before booking an appointment, but don’t wait too long or you might chicken out and fall back into your same old rut.
Click here for more hair-care advice!
Matching your New Year’s resolution on the inside and on the outside can bring about a new confidence that enables you to achieve more than you ever dreamed, and these four, easy makeover tips can help you get there. Share your New Year’s resolution and transformation story on our Paula’s Choice Facebook page!
Bask In Love Valentine’s Day With Sweet Treats & Spirits
Hello Lovelies,
With Valentines Day rapidly approaching, the buzz of sweetness is taking over! Obviously, no man or woman can turn down delicious goodies. EdibleGiftsPlus.com has some gourmet gift suggestions for your Valentine sweety that will satisfy their sweet tooth and have them asking for more (if your suave enough, it’s more of you 
)!
Pictured left to right, top to bottom: Ultimate Love Berries ($54.95) – berries hand-dipped in an assortment of delicious milk, decadent dark and heavenly white Belgian chocolates, rolled in mini-heart sprinkles and topped with red drizzle; Romantic Belgian Truffle Cake Bons ($2.49) – made from fresh baked gourmet cake (choose Chocolate, Red Velvet or Vanilla), mixed by hand in small batches with creamy Cream Cheese and/or Buttercream Icing, formed into tantalizing balls that are dipped in choice of Belgian Chocolates and Confections; Romantic Belgian Truffle Cake Bons Gift Box of 9 ($27.50) – hand-decorated, these truffle cakes are presented in an elegant metallic gold bordered window gift box and finished with a ribbon; Romantic Belgian Chocolate Gourmet Cupcakes Gift Box of 6 ($24.99) – moist and indulgent, these cupcakes are made with sweet rich cream butter, fresh eggs, pure vanilla and Belgian Chocolates, and finished with a double layer of rich chocolate topping; “Love” Oreo Chocolate Covered Cookies Set of 6 ($10.50) – hand-dipped and hand-decorated mini Oreo cookies, wrapped as a set of six in a cellophane bag with red ribbon; Candied Truffle Cupcake ($21.95) – absolutely adorable candied truffle cupcakes created with a milk chocolate base adorned with a white, milk or pink chocolate “frosting,” finished with a cherry on top and inside is an oversized, decorated cake truffles and an assortment of chocolate candy pieces; Send My Love Signature Shortbread Gift Box ($49.99) – 12 extra large hand-decorated shortbread cookies, with red and white polka dot hearts and letter-shaped cookies sealed with a kiss to deliver your messages of love; Crazy For You Signature Shortbread Gift Box ($49.99) – 12 extra large colorfully decorated heart cookies, these buttery shortbreads will deliver your Happy Valentine’s Day surprise; Fancy Hearts Signature Shortbread Gift Box ($49.99) – 12 extra large colorfully decorated heart cookies, these buttery shortbreads will deliver your Happy Valentine’s Day surprise; Valentine’s Day Cake Truffles Gift Box of 12 ($29.95) – rich fudgy double chocolate cake recipe mixed with just the right amount of cream cheese frosting, made into the perfect sized pops, drenched in white or milk chocolate and then embellished with beautiful designs; Valentine’s Day Hand Decorated Mini Cake Pop Bouquet of 6 ($29.95) – Give your loved one adorable cake pops made with a rich fudgy double chocolate cake recipe, mixed with just the right amount of cream cheese frosting, made into the perfect sized pops, drenched in white or milk chocolate and then embellished with beautiful designs; Valentine Chocolate Apple Trio ($39.95) – medium sized Granny Smith apples with each apple covered in creamy caramel and then individually topped with coconut, M&M and festive Valentine sprinkle mix; Petite Valentine Caramel Chocolate Gourmet Apple Trio ($34.95) – crisp, premium Fancy Petite Granny Smith Apples hand-dipped in rich golden caramel then hand-dipped in Belgian Chocolate and generously finished with Valentine Icing Decorations and Candy Sprinkles; Heart Cake Bites Gift Box of 12 ($22.95) – delicious cake recipe crafted into 12 heart shaped cake bites and decorated with a slight bit of mint chocolate icing; With Love…Heart Sprinkled Brownie Stix Gift Box of 4 ($14.95) – Fudgy on the inside and covered with a delicious Belgian Chocolate shell on the outside, decadent brownies are shaped into balls and put on lollipop sticks, hand-dipped in choice of Belgian Chocolate and hand-decorated with a generous shower of candy heart sprinkles; GIANT “Be Mine” Heart Shaped Sugar Cookie ($29.99) – delicious Sugar Shortbread cookie made from the finest ingredients and the perfect recipe – not too sweet and not too heavy – a perfect complement to yummy Royal Icing; Giant Heart Shaped Valentine’s Cookie Pop ($24.95) – a 9” giant heart cookie on a stick that’s over a pound of chocolate chip/M&M cookie, wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon and a handwritten message of your choice; and Hand-Decorated Oreo Cookie Gift Box ($39.95) – 12 hand decorated and chocolate covered Oreo heart cookies, three hand decorated heart shaped Sugar cookies and one personalized cookie with your message.
Exclusiv Vodka
Ordinary champagne is so cliché`. Stir things up this Valentine’s Day and woo your sweetheart with a delicious, sweet twist on champagne, the Exclusiv Valentine and Currency.
Created exclusively for Exclusiv Vodka, the Exclusiv Valentine is a refreshing cocktail that is the perfect way to bask in love with raspberry liquor, simple syrup, rose petals, champagne, Exclusiv Vodka and ice.
The Exclusiv Valentine
1 1/2 oz Exclusiv Vodka
1/2 oz raspberry liquor
1/2 oz simple syrup
5 rose petals
Champagne
In a collins glass, muddle rose petals and simple syrup add ice. Pour vodka and raspberry liquor then fill with champagne.
Another unique twist on champagne is the Currency, featuring a berry sweet taste and Exclusiv’s award-winning Moscato.
Currency
2 ounces Exclusiv Berry 1 ounce Chambord Fill a champagne flute with Exclusiv Moscato
From the gentle rolling wheat fields of Moldova, near the shores of the Black Sea, comes an escape reminiscent of icy mountain tops and crystal clear streams. What was once only for royalty and members of high society can now also be exclusively yours.
With its Russian heritage gifting the highest standards for the production of vodka, Exclusiv Vodka is truly a world-class vodka. This luxurious tasting spirit is made with only the highest quality winter wheat and the finest distilling process, giving it a sweeter, more polished taste without polishing techniques, just like the members of high society preferred over the course of history.
Described as, ”Clear. Subtle, creamy mocha aromas and flavors with hints of dried cherries and spice and a long, delicate cream and powdered sugar fade. Very smooth, tasty, and appealing,” it’s an expensive taste without the expensive price. Exclusiv Vodka is affordably priced at $20 for 1.75 liters – perfect for consumers who value quality and taste, and their wallet.
Visit Exclusiv Vodka online at their official website and on Facebook.
Shobha Review; A SPAtacular Venture of an Elite SPAlista
Ola Darlings,
So, I woke up thinking “Today’s the day.” I can’t begin to explain the flood of emotions that rushed me, before even making to breakfast! While brushing my teeth, I looked at my reflection and thought, “Goodness Goddess, toughen up, it’s not that bad.” “Positive thinking,” I thought. But as the clock ticked closer to my appointment time, I realized I needed some more positive reinforcement. I mean, I am no rooky to Brazilian waxing (in this case, sugaring) and I’ve been through three vaginal deliveries, but let’s face it, I admit it…when it comes to pain, I am not a fan!
So I arrived by taking the downtown 6 train to Bleeker Street (front of train) and exit at Houston & Broadway (by the B & D line) and in less than a block (left on Broadway @ E. Houston Street), I was in front of 594 Broadway (4 buildings in). I arrived at suite 403 and was immediately greeted by 3 lovely females from behind the reception area. They took my name and verified my appointment time. As I took a seat, I took in the ambiance of the suite. It had a warm and cozy feel to it! The décor was reminiscent of India!
Despite my comfort, I was peaking with anxiety, as my emotions continued to play peek-a-boo at random. I was finally distracted by Shobha’s collection of natural beauty products, especially Momma Mia, for expecting moms and super moms (like me). As Media Maven, the Elite Socialista, you have to understand that I am always prowling for great finds for my fellow lifestylistas (Momma Mia review coming soon)!
Approximately 7 minutes passes by and I am greeted by Frances, a cute, petite & exceptional friendly diva, who happened to be my specialist. I am escorted into “the room” which is quaint and private, equipped with a bed (think doctor’s office), a chair and a table set with products needed to complete sugaring & waxing services. Frances instructed me to de-robe from the waist down and to get onto the bed. My feet are to be placed together, with knees apart – to give full workable access to my sacred place. Now ladies, I am again going to re-inform you, that I am no stranger to sugaring and in fact, Shobha was my first experience with sugaring, thanks to my bff Maxy – but in all honesty, besides my doctor and my beau, no one has ever had an authority to have any access (complete full frontal view) to this zone. But I managed to maintain my composure. Frances continues to make me feel at ease as we engaged in realistic conversation. We discussed parenting (we both have 15 year olds) as she trimmed me down to workable length (Shobha prefers customers to come hairy).
I will admit, there is some discomfort but the pain is bearable. This is a fine example where the fear is greater than the act.
As Frances continued to remove the hair with firmness in various sectional moves, I continued to feel at ease with her courteous professionalism. As my experience with Frances was a training session, Aisha – Frances’ trainer – was there to oversee and guide the process. Her appearance wasn’t at all intimidating at all and it seemed to blend and compliment Shobha’s friendly aura. The remaining stragglers (hair) was then threaded away, bring me “completely bare to perfection.”
When we finished (let’s just say that this is as close to a threesome as I plan to get), I was slightly sore, but Frances removed the excess residue (from the sugaring), helped me to clean up (for extra comfort) and applied hydrocortisone for the redness. I left Shobha very pleased, hairless & satisfied with my experience, as well as myself, for facing my fear. I have a new sugaring (waxing) home and Frances is officially my go-to diva. I mean, we are practically linked since she’s seen me in ways not even my mom or bff has seen me 0_O.
All in all, the décor, ambiance and staff are exceptional. I highly recommend Shobha for all of your hair removing needs! This is definitely a SPAtacular Find! Go on, I dare you to embark on SPAtacular venture at Shobha and start creating your own “Hairy Tales” & “Happily (hairy free) Ever Afters.”
Visit Shobha at any of their three locations:
Soho: 594 Broadway, Suite 403 (Between Houston & Prince Streets) 212-931-8363
Midtown: 41 East 57th Street, Suite 1304 (On 57th Street between Madison Avenue & Park) 212-223-2872
Columbus Circle: 3 Columbus Circle, Suite 730 (On Broadway between 57th and 58th Streets) 212-977-7771
Media Maven Invites Readers To “Pimp My Cube” Contest
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Contest Factory. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hello Socialistas,
So, Pimp My Cube Contest is searching for the worst, most pathetic and messy cubicle or office! Does this sound like you? Do you have bad furniture, old technology, messy, unorganized, noisy, dirty, dark and/or any other non-stylistic attributes that makes your work space unworkable?
Then this feature is for you! When opportunity knocks, you have to answer and bring in the New Year in (pimped) style! Simply upload a video showing your cube/office/workspace explaining the details as to why your workspace is so horrible and why it is so important that Contest Factory come in and ‘Pimp’ your cube!
· Once your video is entered, don’t forget to invite your friends, family and coworkers to vote for your video (the more votes the merrier).
· ·You will earn sweepstakes entry points for registering, voting, commenting and inviting others to register for the contest. (This should be a breeze for the socially savvy diva).
· The grand prize of your cube being ‘pimped’ will be selected by CF judges based on various criteria including for the most votes, best (horrible) video and most compelling story. (So make those videos Oscar-nomination worthy)!
· The contest has a total grand prize value of approximately $1200. (Can you say CHA-CHING?)
· Winning prize will update your office/workspace/cube with one of three prize packages:
1. New high end computer system
2. New Desk, Chair and Decorations
3. New Entertainment Package with high end stereo, espresso machine etc.
FYI…as of right now, NO one has uploaded a video so the chances of winning are very good. So Media Maven is given you the first-hand exclusive! It’s pretty easy to upload your video to the site…in fact; you can even enter from your phone or webcam. Video should be fun and witty – anything goes!! The better the story, the funnier the video – better chances of winning!
But don’t worry, because there’s also a second sweepstakes prize; a $200 gift card will be awarded to the registered user chosen by random drawing at the end of the contest period.
Contest is from 12/5/11 at 12:00 PM to 1/31/12 at 12:00 PM. Let Media Maven know when you uploaded your video by commenting here and on our Facebook page! We would love to vote for you too!
Combat Holiday Stress With Holistic Tips and SPAtacula Packages
Hello Divas,
Tis the season to be…stressed out? Not necessarily, says Lisa Pamintuan, President of the New York College of Health Professions, a pioneer in holistic health care and education for 30 years. While the holidays can be a stressful time, she offers tips that utilize holistic modalities and approach to help people cope with stress this holiday season. In addition, the College is also offering two de-stress packages for holistic treatments at its Integrative Health Center, located on its Long Island campus in Syosset.
HOLIDAY DE-STRESS TIPS
- Breathe: Learn to breathe correctly to relieve tension
- Sniff Your Problems Away: Use aromatherapy – inexpensive, effective. The New York College of Health Professions sells a patented product called Dry Breezes (only $4.00) that comes in different aromas designed to relieve holiday headaches, curb appetite, aid with indigestion, queasy stomachs, etc. These make great stocking stuffers.
- Relieve the Pressure: Acupressure is a traditional drugless and non-invasive form of treatment said to be in practice for more than 5,000 years in Asian countries such as China and Japan. It is also affordable.
- Get a Massage
- Time Out: Everyone needs time for themselves, even if for just 5 minutes to decompress.
- Think Positively: Remember the holiday is a finite period and you will get through it. Positive thinking can go a long way.
HOLIDAY DE-STRESS PACKAGES
The College is offering two holiday de-stress packages to holistic treatments at its Integrative Health Center at the College’s Long Island campus. The center is one of the largest and most renowned out-patient holistic facilities in the United States.
Package 1: De-Stressful Delights!
- 2 Gift Certificates for a Massage - 1 for You and 1 for a Friend! Swedish or Asian in the New York College Teaching Clinics (treatment done by a student intern under the supervision of an experienced licensed practitioner)
- Stressdots® Card with 10 Stressdots – Stressdots are personal, portable biofeedback dots that change color to indicate your state of stress or relaxation – comes with relaxation exercise
- Dry Breezes Personal Aromatherapy - “No Stress” – Personal aromatherapy dispenser with calming, soothing lavender scent
Total retail value $79 for only $50 – more than 35% off regular price
Package 2: Secret Santa Special
- Gift Certificate for a Free Massage or Acupuncture Treatment
- Treatment in the New York College Teaching Clinics (treatment done by a student intern under the supervision of an experienced licensed practitioner). Limit 1 per person.
Retail value $30 – $35 for only $20 – more than 40% off regular price
The LG DoublePlay™ Takes Social Networking To The Next Level
This post brought to you by LG DoublePlay™. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hello Lovelies,
Today’s technology is always expanding! It’s amazing to have easy access to social media, email and other online applications that keeps us FABshionably in the know and current! With my busy schedule, I have to stay on top of my post, editorial meetings and interview, Facebook and Twitter – to keep up-to-date with everything that you, my readers, are trending and chatting about!
One adorable device that would make this possible, while staying FABtastic is the creative LG Doubleplay™, which is equipped with dual customizable touch screens, a 3.5-inch main display and 2.0-inch sub display that operate independently or in tandem with, as well as a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard and Swype® for easy text input. Sounds like the ideal “Goddess Gift” yet? Wait there’s more! The LG DoublePlay™ allows users to perform multiple tasks at once such as updating their Facebook pages while simultaneously surfing the Web, texting or checking email. This amazing device is the ultimate social networking and multi-tasking handset for the ultimate socialista! FABtastic indeed!
This awesome device also comes with a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p HD video recorder, allowing users to capture and share pictures and videos via messaging, email or Facebook. Comes in handy for fellow bloganistas! The device also offers multiple messaging options, including Cloud Text™ and Group Text™, giving users the ability to send and receive texts right from your PC or tablet & easy to create group chats for the on-the-go diva, for faster, more efficient content sharing. The LG DoublePlay™ features Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread) with access to Android Market™ and delivers complete user customization with seven home screens and up to nine touchscreen shortcuts for one-touch navigation.
And this “beauty” full appeal to technology is **exclusively** available at T-Mobile!
Check out the new LG DoublePlay™ today or add it to your gift/wish lists! I would love to know how you stay up to date and current when it comes to social networking!
Tell me the following via Media Maven’s Facebook, Twitter or in the comments section below:
1.) How many text messages do you send a month? I know I send well over 2,000 !
2.) How many hours (approximately) do you spend Social Networking on your phone each month? My hours are too much to even begin to guestimate!
3.) How would new The LG DoublePlay™ change the way you text and interact with your Social Networks?
Is the Romance of Traveling Gone?
Hello Darlings,
Expensive air fares for cramped planes, irritating baggage fees and exhaustively long security lines – traveling isn’t what it used to be in that bygone era when boarding a plane for exotic destinations held the imagination. But world traveler and writer Henry Biernacki says travel doesn’t have to be a trauma – it just depends on how you approach the journey.
For Biernacki, a luxury airline captain who has explored the world on meager means and reaped a lifetime of experience, it truly is about the journey as much as the destination. Biernacki is the author of the recently released novel No More Heroes (www.theglobalhenry.com), which explores the inner journey of a young man who finds deeper joy in life, spiritual growth and love as he crosses borders.
“Travel allows people to live with intensity, follow their interests and enjoy the fleeting moments of each passing day spent with people they care about,” says Biernacki. “People are genuinely attracted to unknown parts and far off countries. Who cares about being lost? That is where you find the best experiences.”
Biernacki has been traveling with his rucksack since he was 17 and boarded a Greyhound bus for a journey from Colorado to Mexico. In 1997, he traveled around the world, sleeping in the streets and living amongst the humblest people, spending a scant $3,700 to circle the globe. On that journey, though, he experienced one of the most significant moments of his life: meeting Mother Teresa just three days before her death.
He has traveled to 120 countries, including such difficult locales as North Korea, never staying in anything more luxurious than a guest house and carrying only a small rucksack and a few plastic zipper bags as luggage.
Surprisingly, it is Biernacki’s profession that gives him such an unusual perspective on travel: He’s an airline captain for Virgin America Airlines, an airline most travelers associate with the height of luxury.
His novel explores the inner journey of Niklas, a man searching for deeper meaning in his life when a series of unexpected friendships sends him to an exotic and difficult destination. The novel has been praised for its rich detail and sensitive exploration of the innately human need to connect with others, no matter where they happen to be.
“Traveling makes people adapt to new situations and open their minds to new cultures and people in a way that can’t be achieved by staying with what is familiar,” Biernacki said. “It is because it’s uncomfortable, unusual and there are strange sights and new foods you’ve never seen before that it opens up your mind and your soul to others.”
So with holiday travel, vacation or business, Biernacki advises travelers to enjoy the unexpected. Doing that allows them to enjoy the journey and the destination equally.
About Henry Biernacki
Henry Biernacki has traveled to more than 120 countries and continues to travel as a pilot for Virgin American Airlines. A four-sport letterman in high school and a two-sport letterman in college, Biernacki holds a Bachelor of Arts in romance languages and international affairs. He lived in France, Germany, Taiwan, the West Indies and Mexico before settling in his current home in San Jose, California.
