Author Archive for Kika Gutierrez

How to Get Through Airport Security
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How to Get Through Airport Security

The hustle and bustle of an airport is always exciting. So many people coming and going from places all over the world. However, all this commotion can make traveling stressful especially when having to go through the never-ending lines at airport security. Whether you packed something you weren’t supposed to and didn’t pass inspection, or you forgot something at home, it’s easy to get your vacation off on the wrong foot. Here are some tips and tricks to help you fly through airport security with the greatest of ease.

Check Your Pockets

One of the most common mistakes made when going through security is forgetting to check your pockets before you leave the house. The last thing you want to do is find your expensive Leatherman utility tool attached to your keychain. Sure, they may offer to ship it to you, but is it really worth the extra hassle? Don’t let your  pockets go unnoticed. Make sure to check for loose change and other items that won’t make it past security.

Getting off on the Right Foot

When traveling on a plane my first recommendation would be to dress comfortably, but what many don’t know is that certain clothes and accessories may cause some turbulence before even boarding the flight. One of the biggest things to take into consideration is footwear. Slip-on shoes and sandals are ideal for traveling because you’re required to remove your shoes when going through security.

Watch the Bling

Accessories put the finishing touches on a great outfit, but they can also get your traveling off on a bad start. Save yourself the trouble and skip all the fancy jewelry. That goes for you too, men. Don’t worry about the flashy watch. Nobody wants to go through the metal detector more than once and you’ll save time.

The 4-1-1 on the 3-1-1 Rule of Thumb

I ask myself this question every time I go through security, “When was the last time somebody attacked me with a jar of baby food?” But one of the biggest things preventing people from getting through security smoothly is their latest rule against large amounts of liquids in carry-ons. Thankfully, there’s a simple way to remember. Here’s the 4-1-1 on the 3-1-1 rule. These three digits will help you fly through security with ease. Three; Ever heard of travel size? Most fit the standard of 3.4 oz of liquid in a container. One; Put your travel sized containers in one quart-sized clear plastic bag provided to you by the TSA. One; Only one plastic bag per person.

Stay Organized

The minute you leave your house, the first thought that comes to mind is, “I know I forgot something, but I can’t remember what it is.” Whatever you do, don’t let that happen to your boarding pass or I.D. Make a travel folder with all the necessary documents whether they be Passports, travel itineraries or boarding passes. The best thing you can do is have all these papers in a convenient place so that you’re not scrambling to look for them.

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, and the most important advice is to always be prepared. Follow these tips and you’ll hopefully have a smooth flight through security.

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How to Talk to Your Teens About SEX
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How to Talk to Your Teens About SEX

According to stayteen.org three in 10 girls in the United States will get pregnant before their 20th birthday. That shocking statistic adds up to approximately 745 thousand teen pregnancies each year. Knowing that, the “talk” that parents dread having with their children becomes more and more of a necessity.

Sex education and condom imageOur precious little girls grow up idolizing the princesses out of their favorite storybook fairytales. They play dress-up; insisting on wearing a tiara for special occasions and leaving a trail of “pixie dust” wherever they go. As they mature and grow into young women, their role models change as well. In the past, some looked up to a relative or a famous woman in history like Jackie O or Eleanor Roosevelt. While that still holds true today, reputable role models have taken a back seat in this generation; one that puts magazine A-listers and reality TV superstars on a pedestal.

Britney Spears’ younger sister Jamie Lynn stunned the world when she announced her pregnancy in December of 2007, a few months shy of her 17th birthday. Bristol Palin made headlines when (during her mother, Sarah’s, Vice Presidential campaign) she announced that she would become a mother at 18 years old. New mother Beyonce Knowles’ became an aunt when her younger sister Solange Knowles gave birth to a son when she was 18 years old.

These young girls were already in the public eye when they announced that they were expecting, but soon teen pregnancy would be a primetime and box office hit with the show, The Secret Life of The American Teenager and the Indie movie, Juno. With their success, it was only a matter of time before reality television would capitalize on the teen pregnancy epidemic and over glamorize the issue, sending the wrong message to teenage girls

In response to the reality television phenomenon, MTV debuted Sixteen and Pregnant; a show featuring teenage girls and their challenging journey from their carefree adolescence towards being thrust into motherhood. After the success of the first season, MTV then decided to create a follow-up show called Teen Mom which focusses more on the tumultuous relationships between the new mothers and fathers, and the difficulty of going back to school, finding jobs, all the while taking care of a crying, and sometimes sick child. Soon, these teen mothers gained their own celebrity; making the front pages of popular magazines, being followed by paparazzi, and gaining a mass following from their fans on their Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Their pregnancy made them famous and, while some may argue that they’re turning lemons into lemonade, many teenage girls could possibly see this show as an easy way to make a name for themselves.

That’s where Dr. Kenneth Ryan comes in. I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ryan, a former marriage and family therapist, and ask him about his views on these controversial, yet popular, young women and whether or not he believed that shows like Sixteen and Pregnant and Teen Mom were glamorizing teenage pregnancy. Ryan calls it incredible that a television show could turn teenage mother hood into something that appears glamorous and that it’s a,”huge cultural disservice to turn these troubled girls into role models.” Ryan’s advice: if your children are going to spend the time to watch shows like these, take advantage of the opportunity to have a conversation with them about sex.

Ryan’s no stranger to “the talk.” A father of three girls, he credits his strong relationship with each of his daughters by using everyday conversations to “build the bank of trust” as his daughters matured. In his experience as a marriage and family therapist he recounts that “money may be the number one problem in marriages, but sex is a close second.” In his new book, Finding your Prince in a Sea of Toads: How to Find a Quality Guy Without Getting Your Heart Shredded, Ryan stresses the importance of saving sex ’til marriage in order to protect your heart from confusing sex with love.

Dr. Kenneth Ryan’s book, Finding Your Prince in a Sea of Toads is available on Amazon.

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Get a Skinny Waist and a Fat Wallet: New Book Shows You How
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Get a Skinny Waist and a Fat Wallet: New Book Shows You How

Ayla Skye launches her new book, The Eat From Home Diet. It promises to slim your waistline and fatten your wallet. Live Fit Magazine talks to Ayla about her new book, her elite training for the U.S. Olympics and why she is so passionate about teaching people to eat healthy.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to train for the Olympics? Ayla Skye trained relentlessly to represent the United States team until a shoulder injury crushed her dreams of competing in the modern pentathlon. Ultimately it lead to a career change and, soon, Skye was well on her way to fulfilling a new dream; teaching people how to cook nutritious meals using simple ingredients and very little time.

Ayla Skye, author The Eat From Home DietSkye’s the author of the new book, The Eat From Home Diet. Her website Quick&Fit.com is the beginning of what she hopes will be a return of the home-cooked meal and a way to help the world get healthy one delicious meal at a time.

Skye grew up helping her mother in the kitchen and savoring nutritious, home-cooked food.  But when she went off to college to study business finance, she was disgusted by the pre-packaged, on-the-go meals that her busy classmates scarfed down while studying.

Skye started teaching her curious friends how to save time and money while simultaneously saving their waistlines and bottoms from the infamous freshman 5, 10, or even 15 pounds.

Skye trained as much as eight hours a day to win a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Until her should injury forced her out of an athletic dream but into a new career helping people learn to eat healthy. Ayla wrote The Eat From Home Diet to answer a need. “I saw very unhealthy people and I would be asked all the time, ‘What can I do to lose weight?’ or ‘I feel lousy and am taking lots of medicine; how can I get healthy like you?’,” says Skye.

Start with the foundation of home-cooked meals on a family dinner table, add a dash of maturity, a splash of sex appeal, and a pinch of desire to serve others, and you have Skye’s recipe for success.

Her book, The Eat From Home Diet, is filled with advice and helpful tips and tricks to transition into a healthier lifestyle. One of the themes of the book is the financial perks of home-cooked food. Confident that her food rivals healthier fast-food options such as the often pricy Subway, Skye explains, “I can make that same thing at home for two or three dollars and even more delicious.”

In the book, you’ll find several recipes that can be made on Skye’s go-to kitchen essentials: the George Forman grill, a crock-pot, and a microwave. And don’t worry about unfamiliar recipes with impossible to find ingredients. Skye, who’s favorite place to shop for healthy ingredients is Trader Joe’s, claims that she features meals people know and love, but with better quality ingredients.”

Skye is hoping to reach those who are desperate to lose weight. Her book is a valuable tool for anyone who’s frustrated with diet fads that haven’t worked.

While some may question her credibility, she admits that she is not a personal trainer nor a nutritionist on her website Quick&Fit.com. However, give her book a good study and you’ll see she knows her stuff.  Skye is a relatable role model for anyone eager to add some flavor to their diet and money to their wallet.

Skye is determined to show readers eating healthy can be done, even if you’re like Skye,  “I don’t have time to cook”. She knows fast-food has an edge, “It’s the convenience factor of going through the drive thru,” Skye explains.

But Skye believes her motto will help readers think twice before racing through the fast-food line, “When you eat at home, you’re in control of what you’re eating.”

While she reassures her readers that you don’t have to restrict yourself to a diet of broccoli, brown rice and chicken, she stands by the fact that, “80 percent of maintaining your health and losing weight is what you eat.” What if you could have a decadent cherry pie in less than 10 minutes without the guilt? It seems you really can have your pie and eat it too with the help of Ayla Skye and her book, The Eat From Home Diet.

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The Invisible Children of Uganda
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The Invisible Children of Uganda

It’s 9pm in San Diego, California. For the littlest ones in your house, it’s time for bed. They may wake up a in an hour or two from a bad dream but. thanks to you, their hero, you reassure them that it was only a dream and that all the monsters underneath their bed have been chased away. Over 9 thousand miles away in Acholiland, Uganda children aren’t as fortunate. They are waking up in the middle of a real-life nightmare.

These brave kids are known as The Invisible Children. Their story was captured by happenstance by three young filmmakers who journeyed to Africa in hopes to document the mass genocide in Darfur, but instead were shocked by the stories of the children who live in constant fear of being abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army.

Kony 2012 Documentary photoThe LRA is a militant group commanded by Joseph Kony, a Ugandan guerrilla leader who, in 2008, was placed on the United State’s Treasury Department’s list of specially designated global terrorists. His mission: abducting children from their homes, giving them weapons, and teaching them how to kill in order to maintain his “power.” In nearly two decades more than 30 thousand children have been captured from their homes. The boys are forced to become child soldiers, sometimes murdering their own family members as initiation, and the girls are doomed to sexual slavery.

While your children are getting tucked into their beds, the Invisible Children of Uganda are waking up away from their homes. Every night, children between the ages of three and 17 walk up to 12 miles in the dark to city centers where they sleep in packed rooms in order to escape from LRA who target their small villages.

The Invisible Children Inc., founded by the same filmmakers who initially captured their story, has grown exponentially in the past several years. They have raised money to rebuild schools that have been destroyed by violence. They have organized the Global Night Commute where more than 80 thousand people in 126 U.S. cities and seven countries around the world marched together and spent the night in parks in order to raise awareness and show support for the night walkers of Uganda. They have 1.5 million followers on Facebook, and just recently they released their newest campaign which, in a matter of only two days, has already reached over 11 million viewers on youtube.

Kony 2012 is the latest campaign started by Invisible Children Inc. It’s main goal is to make Joseph Kony infamous by exposing his cruelty to those who have never heard his name. Currently, the United States has sent a handful of troops into Uganda in hopes of capturing Kony and bringing him to justice for his crimes which include 33 charges, 12 counts for crimes against humanity including murder, sexual enslavement, rape, and forced enlistment into the rebel ranks. The Invisible Children organization urges people to get involved and use their voice to make a difference in the lives of those who can no longer speak for themselves.

Be a hero to the Invisible Children of Uganda by getting rid of the monsters in their lives. Spread the word and join the movement of Kony 2012.

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Oscar Fashion: The Good, The Bad and “What Were They Thinking?”
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Oscar Fashion: The Good, The Bad and “What Were They Thinking?”

Oscar Night: Where the question is, “Who are you wearing?” Dior, and Versace, and Cavalli, oh my! Not only are the Academy Awards a time for celebrating movies on the big screen; they’re also the epitome of Hollywood’s elite showcasing the hottest in high-fashion by strutting their stuff on the red carpet.

You’ve seen the films, you’ve read the reviews and you’ve made your predictions. Now it’s time for my reviews of past Oscar ensembles. From the wacky and the wild to the chic and haute couture, these styles never fail to spark a “Wow!”

Best Back

Hilary Swank was a vision in blue at the 2005 Oscars thanks to her stunning dress designed by Guy Laroche. The gown was tasteful and elegant, but with a sexy twist; it was completely backless. Who could blame her for wanting to show a little skin? After all, she did gain 19 pounds of muscle training for her role in Million Dollar Baby. Not only was she on countless best-dressed lists, she also took home an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Best Vinatage

Coco Chanel once said, “The Best things in Life are Free; the second best are very expensive.” Knowing that, I’m afraid to ask how much money a starlet will fork over for a fabulous dress. All I know is that Reese Witherspoon looked like a million bucks in her vintage Dior gown at the 2006 Academy Awards. This best actress winner defined “Old Hollywood Glamour” in this stunner that, can you believe it, once belonged to a princess. The actress said that she would never wear the gown again, but gushed that she would love to see her daughter Ava wear it someday. What a lucky little girl!

Best Pastel

Mila Kunis played Lilly, a seductive ballerina in Best Picture-nominated, Black Swan, but she showed a softer side at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in a lavender lingerie-inspired gown by Elie Saab Haute Couture. The lace made for an ultra-feminine look and the pastel color looked gorgeous on the actress’ tan skin. With the perfect jewelry and a fabulous up-do, Kunis was head -to- toe perfection. Even though she didn’t take home an Oscar for her performance, she takes home a Live Fit Magazine award for one of the best Oscar looks of all time.

Best Gentleman

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the Oscars

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the Oscars

Step aside, George Clooney, and make way, Brad Pitt, there’s a new man in Hollywood and his name is Ryan Reynolds. While he may not have been nominated for an award, he dressed to the nines and looked suave and debonair while presenting at the Academy Awards in his Tom Ford tux. The suit was well tailored and he even sported my two favorite male accessories, a bow-tie and a handsome smile.

Best Blunder

Bjork surely caught the attention of many thanks to the infamous swan dress she wore to the 2001 Oscars. Marjan Pejoski was the designer responsible for the creation of the Icelandic singer’s feathered friend, and gained Bjork a spot on plenty of worst- dressed lists.

I’ll admit, one of my favorite parts of any award shows is watching the celebrities pose for the cameras. These stars have made Hollywood history with some of the elegant and, in some cases, eccentric styles known to the red carpet.

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Romance on a Budget
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Romance on a Budget

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the pressure is on to think of the perfect gift to surprise that special someone in your life. Now for those of you who think that Valentine’s Day is just a scam thought up by greeting card companies and florists, never fear because there are plenty of ways to woo your loved one without breaking the bank and buying into consumerism.

Here are five romantic San Diego ideas that are sure to impress for under $20.

Paddle Boating

For the more adventurous couples, an open-air activity is ideal for romance. At Santee Lakes you and your sweetheart can sail your way through the scenery of the beautiful outdoors by renting one of their two-seater paddle boats for either $8 for a half hour or $11 for an hour. It’ll be fun to work as a team and you two can make a game out of who can spot the most ducks, turtles and rabbits. Not only can you get some fresh air, it’s a great way to live fit with the one you love.

Scenic Picnic

A home-cooked meal is always a great way to show somebody how much you care, but why not push that a step further by taking your food alfresco. Surprise your Valentine with his or her favorite snacks, package them up in a picnic basket and with a blanket in tow take your date to a surprise destination. I recommend the Torrey Pines Glider Port. Sitting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, watching the paragliders soar off into the sunset is a romantic atmosphere that comes at no cost. Splurge on a bottle of champagne, or some chocolate covered strawberries. Bonus points if the chocolate covered strawberries are home-made!

Drive-In Movie

A blast from the past will remind your date of favorite childhood memories. At the drive-in you get all the fun of going to the movies without the hassle of noisy babies, cell phone ring tones and expensive snacks. You can snuggle up with your sweetheart and laugh out loud at your favorite jokes without having to worry about the inevitable “shhhh!” of irritation you would get at a movie theater. At the drive in you get two movies for the price of one and, with most drive-in’s charging only $7 compared to the whopping $11.50 charged in theaters, you can use the money you save to go to your local grocery store to grab some last minute goodies to munch on during the flicks.

Balboa Park Museum

Most locals avoid Balboa Park to escape from the tourists, and what a shame because it also happens to be one of the most beautiful parts of our city. Luckily, one of the best-kept secrets of San Diego is the perks you get just for being a local. On the first four Tuesday’s of the month, select museums at Balboa park are free for San Diego locals. Take a stroll around the park and make sure to pack a camera because, from the gardens to the architecture, Balboa Park is home to some of the most picturesque gardens and plenty of other spots are perfect for a couple’s photo opp.

Extraordinary Desserts

The name says it all. Skip the typical box of chocolates and treat your Valentine to this dessert haven. It’s a sweet tooth’s paradise here where the desserts are decadent and the decorations are divine. There’s nothing more romantic than a candlelight dessert for two, and at Extraordinary Desserts, you won’t be disappointed with their huge selection of sweets (my favorite is the Shangri-La cake. Yum!). I’d recommend sharing one of their specials. At only $11.50 you and your sweetie will have plenty of dessert to share, and each special is paired with one of their specialty ice creams. Just make sure that you get there early; this place attracts a crowd!

Not only are these ideas great for Valentine’s day, but these date-ideas can work for year-round romance. I say, make everyday Valentines Day by showing the love in your life how much you care 365 days a year.

Happy Valentines Day from Live Fit Magazine.

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The Myths of Hookah Smoking
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The Myths of Hookah Smoking

Many states have a ban on indoor smoking yet amazingly more college-age students are hanging out in smoke-filled lounges. It’s called Hookah smoking and it’s a dangerous trend that is growing more popular among adolescents. Made famous by the pipe-smoking Caterpillar in the 1951 animated Disney film, Alice in Wonderland; hookah pipe smoking has since been glamorized by the media and other forms of popular culture.

Hookah SmokingThe use of hookah water pipes originated in India, but is much more widely accepted as a Middle Eastern custom. After making its way to the states in the 1960′s and 70′s, hookah found its niche; strategically gaining appeal by marketing to the college-aged crowd. Unfortunately, in recent years, the smoke has spread to high school students (despite laws that limit the purchase of tobacco to those over the age of 18) who have become preoccupied with this risky habit.

With nearly 10 hookah lounges within a 10-mile radius of San Diego State University alone, it’s obvious that inhaling flavored smoke is a popular activity among the college crowd. John Smith, a former hookah enthusiast, gave me an inside look at the hookah lounge phenomena. He explains that hookah lounges work similarly to a restaurant, “You go in, pick a flavor, order it and then they mix it for you and bring it to your table.”

Not only can you find ways to participate in hookah through lounges and bars, many people eventually purchase their own water pipe for party entertainment as well as household recreational use.

Sadly, there are several myths that sugarcoat the risks associated with the smoking of water pipe tobacco, which mislead its users about this hazardous craze.

Myth #1: “Smoking water pipe tobacco is good for you because it has fruit in it”

The fruit flavoring in Hookah tobacco known as “shisha” is just that; flavoring. Therefore it provides no nutritional benefit. Some may argue that the places in which they purchase their shisha use all natural fruit as opposed to flavoring. However, that doesn’t eliminate the fact that while smoking, you are inhaling cancer-causing chemicals.

Myth #2: “It makes me feel relaxed”

How does smoking make Smith feel? “Relaxed.” Yes, like smoking cigarettes, smoking hookah can provide relaxing sensations. Unfortunately, smoking for relaxation is counterproductive. Smoking has been linked to cases of hypertension and high blood pressure, and in no way does that exclude hookah smoking.

Myth #3: “At least, I’m not smoking cigarettes”

Believe it or not, the flavored shisha contains even more nicotine than its cigarette counterpart. In fact, studies have shown that hookah tobacco contains nearly 1.25 mg more nicotine than cigarettes. One cigarette usually lasts only 10 minutes in comparison the average hookah session can last several hours. Smith claims to have smoked at most two times a week for up to three hours at a time. In terms of tar and nicotine, that’s comparable to six packs of cigarettes per week.

That’s associated with chemical dependence, but the psychological dependence could be even more damaging. So, while many people use hookah smoking as a method to unwind after a long day, the biological and recreational stimuli that accompany this activity could become addictive.

Myth #4: “The water filters the smoke and takes out any chemicals”

The water jar located at the base of the Hookah is intended to cool and humidify the smoke before it travels through the hose into the smoker’s mouth. While this does eliminate the risk of burning the lungs, it does not take into account all of the carcinogens found in the tobacco such as tar, carbon monoxide and heavy metals associated with cancer.

In comparison to cigarettes, hookah users can be exposed to 36 times more tar and approximately 15 times more carbon monoxide.

Myth #5: “I’m not smoking the entire time, I’m sharing it with my friends”

While that may be true, social smokers like Smith are exposing themselves to dangers other than tobacco such as diseases associated with the sharing of mouthpieces. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, sharing mouthpieces during hookah smoking can lead to infectious diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis.

Unfortunately, believing these myths has only added to the appeal of hookah smoking as a trendy popular social activity. As with any decision you make concerning your health, it is important to be informed of the risks and benefits to your body.

Editor’s Note: John Smith’s name has been changed to protect his identity.

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What’s in a Name? Is Hollywood Obsessed With Odd Baby Names?
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What’s in a Name? Is Hollywood Obsessed With Odd Baby Names?

Ten little fingers, ten tiny toes, the sweetest of smiles and a cute little nose. All these add up to a very special thing–a baby–the greatest of gifts that life can bring. Did I mention that the baby’s mom has a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame? Or that the dad has been the proud recipient of a Grammy award…let’s see, 13 times?

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-ZFrom their awards, to their lavish lifestyles, celebrities never do anything halfway. Needless to say, we couldn’t expect anything less when Beyonce Knowles and Jay Z (born Shawn Carter) brought their precious baby girl into the world on January 7, 2012.

The number one thing on America’s mind was what the power couple would call their tiny bundle of joy. Would it be Destiny, after Beyonce’s former pop group that blasted the powerhouse vocalist into superstardom? Or maybe even Gloria, a moniker inspired by the strong woman who raised Jay as a single-mother?

Blue Ivy Carter shocked the world with her colorful name when her influential parents released her birth announcement when the little girl was less than 72-hours old. But she wasn’t the first famous baby to make headlines with an out-of-the-ordinary name.

Gwyneth Paltrow and husband Chris Martin gave fans a sweet surprise with their daughter, Apple. Chef Jamie Oliver took an interesting approach with names inspired by some of his favorite ingredients; “Welcome to the world: Poppy Honey, Daisy Boo and Petal Blossom Rainbow.” David Duchovny and wife Tea Leoni, didn’t get too creative when they named their son, Kyd.

While some of those names may be questionably unconventional, brace yourselves for the truly one of a kind names like Pilot Inspektor. That’s right! His father may be funny man Jason Lee, but that name is no joke. Then there’s Penn Gillete’s daughter, Moxie Crime Fighter and, probably the strangest trifecta of celebrity baby names– the daughters of Bob Geldof: Peaches Honeyblossom, Fifi Trixibelle, and Little Pixi.

And I’m in no position to judge. Growing up with a name like “Kika,” I was always a target for curious questions, mispronunciations, and bewilderment. I went to school dreading when teachers would read the attendance sheet on the first day; embarrassed, when, after calling out the name “Stephanie” for the fourth time, and “Sarah” for the third, with much ease and confidence, the teacher would accidentally stumble on my name. You’d think that two syllable’s would leave little room for error, but I’ve cringed at everything from (K-EYE-Ka) to (KICK-A).

Let’s face it. Little Blue Ivy Carter doesn’t have a mainstream name, but maybe that’s fitting for the lifestyle she was born into. Baby names are simply another way for celebrities to create shock and awe. However, some may choose to view the unheard of names as just another Hollywood trend that they don’t want to follow.

Take it from someone with a name all her own. When it comes to names, find something fitting that will make the titleholder stand out in the crowd instead of fading into the background.

What did you say your name was? LOL!

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Get Nude: The Ultra Sexy Shoe
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Get Nude: The Ultra Sexy Shoe

You’ve seen them on the streets of Beverly Hills, on the Red Carpets, and in the trendiest of celebrity magazines, but I’m not talking about Kim Kardashian and her reality TV sisters. I’m talking about what’s on their feet, but not just theirs. This is about the hottest shoe trend that all the Hollywood fashionistas are embracing.

Woman Wearing High HeelsNude platform heels are the most ideal footwear option for popular celebrities. Since their growth in popularity, there are even more variations of this wardrobe staple. The great news is that they’ve been making such a splash that most affordable shoe labels have been making these high fashion shoes for bargain prices.

It’s easy to see why celebrities love this trend, but here are my reasons why I can’t get enough of my nude platform heels.

They don’t clash

Enough with stressing over which shoes look best. You’ll never go wrong when you slip on a pair of nude heels. Not only does the color go with anything, but they’ll help draw attention to the bold color you’re wearing in your outfit. Day or night, jeans or cocktail dress; nude heels are the fool proof option to complete the perfect ensemble.

They give the illusion of a longer leg

Everybody wants long lean legs and these fabulous heels can give the illusion that you were born with them. Just like there are all different shades of skin color, there are also plenty of different nude colors. Find your own shade that most closely matches your skin tone. The personalized nude color will blend into your leg, giving the illusion that your legs are a mile long.

Comfort is key

Hollywood’s best-kept secret is the platform heel. They may seem intimidating, but give them a try. They aren’t as scary as they seem. In fact, nude shoes with a platform give you more height than the average heel and they are actually more comfortable. That’s because the platform takes a little bit of the stress off of the arch of your foot while still making you seem like a rockstar able to walk in sky high shoes.

Nude platforms are a basic accessory that are a closet essential and with New Years Eve just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to test drive this new fashion trend. Embrace the nude and you’ll be feeling confident and looking your best at all of the fabulous parties.

Let’s get nude in 2012, nude shoes that is.



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The Best New Hair Dye
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The Best New Hair Dye

It’s that time again, ladies. We’ve relished the many compliments we received on our vibrant new hair color, but now we’re entering the territory of two-toned tresses. That’s right, I’m talking about the “dark roots meet lackluster dyed hair” stage. Cue: bad hair day(s) concealed by hats, lots of hats. But what’s a girl on a budget to do? Well, you’re in luck. There’s a great way to embrace your grown-out color while still maintaining your trendy reputation, not to mention your pocket book.

Celebrity hair colorist, Anja Burton, is the mastermind behind “Ombre” hair color. Also known as Dip-Dye, this new technique that appears to naturally fade your hair color from dark to light can be seen on many of the fresh-faced “It” girls. Sarah Jessica Parker, Drew Barrymore, and Olivia Wilde are just a few A-listers who’ve been seen sporting this new look around the streets of Hollywood.

Now, my hair’s relationship with coloring has been tumultuous to say the least. I’ve (unsuccessfully) tried it all, everything from brassy highlights that turned my hair orange, all the way to dark red hair that glowed violet in the sun. But, after some great hesitation, I finally decided that I was going to take the plunge and take my hair from dull and drab to fresh and fab.

I was referred to Hair Drezzers on Fire by Jenna Lee, a makeup artist who’s known by her clients for her ever-changing hair colors. She strongly recommended Natalie Garcia, the colorist responsible for her vibrant locks. Now don’t get me wrong, I was extremely apprehensive about any sort of drastic change, but after my color consultation with Natalie I felt at ease knowing that my hair was in good hands.

On the day of my appointment I brought along a collage of inspiration to show Garcia the Ombre look I was going for, much to her appreciation. She mixed up a concoction of hair dye and began delicately applying the mixture to the ends of my hair, leaving about an inch or two of my natural color exposed. After leaving the color on for a while, she led me over to the sink for a rinse and scalp massage using shampoo and conditioner that smelled divine. She dried and styled my hair to perfection and, while the color wasn’t as light as I had originally wanted, I left satisfied, knowing that she didn’t sacrifice the integrity of my hair texture by bleaching it past it’s capacity.

Who it works for:

  1. Natural brunettes who’ve always wanted to go blonde.
  2. Busy ladies who want that Southern California look.
  3. Women on a budget.

Natural brunettes who’ve always wanted to go blonde

Have you always been curious whether or not blondes really do have more fun? Try Ombre. It’s a great way to transition between two very different colors. Ask your hair colorist to use your natural hair color for the base, and have her fade the dark into the shade of blonde you’re curious about. That way you get to test out something new without it being a drastic change.

Busy ladies who want that Southern California look

According to Katy Perry, California girls are unforgettable. From their glowing tans, to their sun-kissed hair they know how to achieve that natural beach look. Unfortunately, full time jobs and a house full of kids doesn’t exactly allow much time to lie out on the sand. Instead, with Ombre you can easily pull off the surfer girl look without the sunburn. By allowing a gradual fade from dark to light, the result is hair that looks like it was faded naturally by spending the summer lounging by the waves.

Women on a budget

We all love to be pampered and we all love to look our best. Unfortunately, that’s usually associated with spending lots of money, especially when it comes to hair care. Luckily, the Ombre look isn’t as high maintenance as other styles. With this look, you can get away with letting your roots show and not dying your hair as often, which makes scheduling an appointment for your next color session much more flexible as well as keeping your hair healthy.

So don’t be afraid, maybe a fresh new look is just what you need to let your outer beauty shine just as bright as what’s on the inside. Either way, I think this style is here to stay.

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  • Get Cozy in Comfortable and Chic Fashions

    Aspen

    Aspen

    On the slopes or at a holiday gathering, you'll be a hit when you cozy up in this lovely chocolate-colored cowl-neck sweater dress. The elegantly-draped collar and slim fitting wool knit silhouette will be sure to keep you warm in the cold days ahead.  (Please note: the hemline of the dress hits at the knee and is four inches longer than  it appears in the photographs.)

     
    The dress is made of chocolate-colored wool/knit. 
     
    To care for this dress, hand wash and hang to dry.
     
    This dress fits true to size.
     
     


    Aspen
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