Shocker

Is it break up season or what! Seems like relationships are sizzling out left and right (ahem). The latest couple in splitsville, Courtney Cox and David Arquette. I definitely didn't see this one coming, they seemed like such a happy couple. Maybe Courtney wants to be a single coug with her BFF Jen Aniston.

I read that they have been having problems for a while and they actually went to counseling, but they "just grew apart." Seems like a common thing these days. It is kind of sad to think that people are so fast call it quits when the relationship goes south.

What happened to "until death to us part?"

How to Look Cute in Pictures

And by cute, I mean skinny. Well, there's the obvious answer, Spanx, but there's also ways to pose that that can minimize you!

I am certainly not an expert on this topic, so I went searching and I found this helpful advice on about.com:

"Secret No. 1: Turn partially sideways to the camera, planting one foot in front of the other. Point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot.

Secret No. 2: Pull head forward slightly to minimize any appearance of a double chin.

Secret No. 3: Hold arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out and therefore appearing flabbier (much like thighs do when one sits on a couch).

Secret No. 4: Pull shoulders back, chest forward and gently suck stomach in. Be careful not to suck stomach so far in that your ribs show, thereby causing those who later see the photo to cluck to themselves in a bemused, sing-song voice, "She's sucking i-in."

Secret No. 5: If you can get away with it without looking like a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Girl wannabe, try the look away trick. To do this, look away from the camera, then turn towards it, breaking into a smile just before the camera clicks. Your smile will appear fresh, not frozen. This trick takes practice behind closed, locked doors."

More tips for pics:

Dont take pics from the below. That will automatically make you look 50lbs heavier than you are.

Keep your fingers loose. I have been guilty of the stiff hand myself, it just looks weird.

Don't be too toothy-throw in a half smile now and again, they are cute and seductive!

It was touched on briefly above, but don't hold your smile before the pic. Smile at the last second because it looks more natural. When you hold it for too long, it looks totally fake.

The oldest trick in the book- wear black!

Pillow Talk

Is sleeping with your face on your pillow bad for your skin? I hope not!

I have been hearing this rumor for years, that sleeping with your face down causes your skin to pull and can cause premature wrinkling. Scary. I am starting to think it's true. I used to think it was B.S. but the more and more I think about it, it probably really is true. When you sleep your face is so relaxed that it just takes on the mold of your pillow, whatever that may be, and it makes sense that over time your face stays that way. It's like that old saying - you know the one that goes something like "if you keep frowning your face will stay that way."

I looked online and it hasn't been proven by scientists but there is lots of evidence to support that it is true. SAD. I am a stomach sleeper and I have no idea how I can just up and change my sleeping pattern. It would probably be for the best though, because stomach sleeping also causes back and neck problems.

I found this pillow online, it's kind of funny! Is it me or does that look extremely uncomfortable!?



Someone remind me to pick one of those up for the next time I am at the pool in Vegas. LOL

LuLu's

I cannot believe how much this website has blown up!! I see it everywhere, from the blogs to the magazines to TV. Insane.

I remember when LuLu's was my favorite clothing boutique in Chico! I used to shop there all the time when I was in school. Since then, they have shut down the store and are strictly on online retailer.

They are always getting new stuff and the prices are pretty reasonable. There is seldom something over $100. They also have really good customer service. You can email message them questions about whatever garment and they email you back that day! They have a really easy return policy and refund money fast. I also love them because when I order something, it arrives in either 1 or 2 days! Love that!!

Here is my latest purchase- dress for only $42!

http://www.lulus.com/

Balance Bracelets-Do These Things Work?

I am a little skeptic.

So I have been seeing these things every where I turn! I saw my Aunt last weekend and she had one on. She said they are supposed to "balance you" and help you perform better athletically as well as help with relaxation, jet lag, etc.

I personally don't really understand how a bracelet with a little peice of tin foil inside can do such a thing so I went online and did some research. I looked at their website and it has aboslutely no information on how it works. This is all the website says:

"•How Does the Hologram Work?
Power Balance is based on the idea of optimizing the body’s natural energy flow, similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies. The hologram in Power Balance is designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body."

Umm well that doesn't really provide much information. I think the only meaningful word in that phrase is "idea." It's the idea and belief the bracelet provides that effects you, not the bracelet itself.

I will keep mine on for a trial period and see what happens, even though it doesn't match my outfits.

Mascara

Well those eyelashes are obviously fake but that is beside the point. We all want and, well let's face it, NEED thick and long, beautiful eyelashes. It's something that people always first notice when they look at you and having great lashes makes your eyes pop.

I have been on a life long quest to find the perfect mascara. I found it a few years ago but it was taken off the market about 6 months ago. Talk about a tragedy. Since then I have been on a mission to find a replacement that is just as good or better. This was the one I used before, people used to compliment me all the time and it was literally the perfect mascara. Great formula that elongated, thickened and separated perfectly, easy to apply and easy to wash off. Oh how I miss you Volume Shocking (tear).


I have tried almost everything out there. I buy atleast one new mascara per week. Though I haven't yet found "the one," I have found 3 that are decent that I would recommend. So here goes:

#1. Diorshow Blackout- Everyone knows this is one of the best mascaras out there. It's dark and dramatic and goes on pretty thick. The applicator isn't great and sometimes it can clump. I also feel like it dries out pretty quick, which sucks because it's expensive.


#2. Rimmel Max Bold Curves- This is the best one I have found so far. It goes on really thick, you only need one coat (even though I use 2) and the applicator is curved so it gets every lash. Also, it makes your eyelashes curl a little bit too which doesn't hurt ;)



#3 Rimmel Glam Eyes- Good mascara but needs a primer. It's not thick enough but if you put a primer on underneath your lashes will be huge! It has a pretty good applicator that is a straight brush but its made out of rubber or something so it bends a little.


If anyone out there has any recommendations for a dramatic and flake free mascara, please enlighten me!

Nude Heels

All I can say is HOT! I love nude heels. My friend Jenny showed me the light and ever since then, life has been a little bit better.

The great thing about nude heels is that they match EVERYTHING and they break up the monotony of black. Another advantage is that they camouflage damage, so you don't have to be embarrassed about little nicks and scratches on your heels. The best thing is that they elongate your legs. Look at Drew, see what I mean? Legs for days :)


So treat yourself to a pair of new heels, they will be great for fall and the holiday season so you will definitely get your use out of them!