MTV Awards: Megan Fox

Oh Megan. We know articles like this may give you the occasional twinge that you are not cut from the same cloth as mere mortals.

It might even be the impetus for thinking you could get all Transformer on us, and shift from other worldly creature to bad hair day betty.

Try as you might, there is no denying the genetic jackpot you hit. We give you kudos for trying to walk among us for an evening though. Please feel free to resume goddess status.

Tip O' the Day: Caring for Rhinestone bling

You don't need a million bucks to feel like a million bucks. And with spring, what could perk a girl up more than flowers?


This perfect summer accent ring is, unfortunately, not from a field of diamonds. But that shouldn't stop one from enjoying it. Whimsical, with little details on the petals, and a solid shank. I have been in love with it ever since I laid eyes on it.

The problem with stones not in a prong setting is that they fall out or lose their luster. A tip I picked up from a savvy traveler:

• Make sure the jewelry is clean
• Using a clear nail polish, lightly coat the jeweled areas
• Re-coat if needed
  

Do Not:

• Apply too many layers or too thickly (this will actually dull the stones)
  

If done correctly, this will help seal your stones in and also protect the shine that will ultimately fade - extending the life of your seasonal piece.

Sea of Shoes

Delightful blog.

National Burger Day - May 28

Today is National Burger Day! Rumors of free burgers abound, but can't be confirmed. I asking what your fav burgers are - not just good stuff, but can't-get-out-of-your-mind-for-years-after-eating. So just hours after trainer Jillian Michaels of "The Biggest Loser" getting posted, it is time to list a few suggested Best Burger joints:
My two picks:

• Mike's at the Crossroads 84 Corona Rd., Petaluma, CA : A garlic burger to die for. The thing is stuffed with a bazillion roasted garlic. Great ambiance in a former stockyard. Die-hard NY Jets fan decorated. NO FRIES!
• Madison Bear Garden 316 W 2nd St Chico, CA 95928: The first and only time I've ever seen a Bacon Peanut Butter Burger. I have been craving them ever since.
  

I did have a little hole in the wall in Wisconsin that had mouthwatering thin burgers, but it had a fire a few years back and I think has morphed into something else. Flanagan's? Bar next to a cemetery in Brookfield - never could tell if it was open.

Here are some other recommendations that came in:

• Fred's: 596 N Pine Street Burlington, WI 53105 This has had numerous mentions.

• Sobelman's: 1900 W Saint Paul Ave Milwaukee, WI

• Vinny's Pizza on Timberlake/Lori's on 221 in Central Virginia: " (same owners) has really good burgers. Comes with potato chips (store made.)"

What burger is getting your attention today?

Groin Grooming - Gillette "Bare Down There" shave tips

Is it really a jungle out there?

Are Alpha Males the ones who can look Taller (metaphorically speaking)? Because this post is devoted to what is truly the art of the shave.

If my guy started on this, it would seriously impact my use of his razor. And don't all girls get a better shave with their man's blade? That is the only reason - other than him becoming a male dancer - in which I could imagine he'd want to do this.

Quick question:

• If you're a man, would or do you groin groom?
• If you are a woman, does your man shave there, or would you want him to start?
  

Kudos to Gillette for trying to break into a new market.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off the Market - Famous Home for Sale

What can $2,300,000 get you these days? The Ben Rose Home where Cameron drove his dad's vintage sports car over the edge and into the ravine, is up for sale.

Built in 1953, this 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom 5300 sq ft home is on .75 acres and close to schools and Chicago lakefront. Wonder if they've got that trippy soundtrack piped in as well.

370 Beech Street
Highland Park, IL 60035

She Rides - Vanity Fair and Harley-Davidson

NBC's The Biggest Loser trainer Jillian Michaels is one of the faces for the celebration of Women Riders Month, featured in Vanity Fair June Issue. This partnership with Harley-Davidson features work by photographer Art Streiber and is said to be saluting "women who embody the Harley-Davidson spirit of authenticity and adventure."

Included with Jillian Michaels in the set are Jewel (singer/songwriter), actor Tricia Helfer, LA Rider DiMiceli.

To view the behind-the-scenes video click here for the Harley-Davidson site.

Danny Gokey Welcome Home Event: Now Streaming

Catch Danny Gokey's welcome home party now on http://www.fox6now.com/news/livestreaming/

Let's Hear It From The Boys - Sweatpants

"oh sweatpants... you're even better in china."

Mike Brenner, Art writer for Decider and hater of sweatpants the world over. Easy on the international incidents, buddy.

Girls with Curls - Redken Forceful 23 Hairspray

"Lovin' me is just like straightening curls." ~ Lady Gaga

I recently got a somewhat extreme haircut. I had been growing my hair out, well below shoulder length, to try and recapture the curls I had after my son. I noticed one day it was long, but it just looked stick straight scraggly. I hoped it would have more bounce, or I could do something a little sassy like in the photos. It wasn't worth keeping.

So I have a modified T-Boz, or Posh, whatever you prefer. And it is really important that it doesn't curl up. Humidity is always a style killer, so when I heard the stylist say "And I'll just use some of this anti-humidity hairspray on you" my heart nearly leaped out of my chest.

The Redken Forceful 23 was used all over Fashion Week, and performs beautifully. The nozzle is the flattop, which locks and distributes spray evenly. The formula is completely brush able, but it is still listed at maximum hold. This is a plus and a minus. For those needing Aqua-Net hold, you'll have to look elsewhere. If you just want a little hold, this will do. It does, however, do what it claims to protect hair from humidity and curling up after a flatiron/blowout. That is pretty amazing.

I was also complimented several times on the smell. It was very faint to me, but apparently just enough for others to enjoy.

This formula is also perfect for girls wanting to keep their curls from going haywire. Great stuff, Redken.

Late Friday Funny (Auto-Tune the News #3)

Auto-Tune #1. funny.
Auto-Tune #2 - pure genius
Auto-Tunes #3 - one hot mess (ok, gets kinda funny at 1:32). C'mon guys, you are on to something big. Don't go SNL so fast. Be merciless with your edits. We are counting on you for comic relief.
"you'll see some real change from the 3rd party at my house!"

Lucky Ducky Derby - Menomonee Falls - 2pm - 4pm

What's coming down the stream?
Why it's the 2nd Annual Lucky Ducky Derby in Menomonee Falls. (No real ducks had to undergo any training for this event)
Race starts on the Menomonee River from Roosevelt bridge down to Main Street Bridge. Buy a duck and if it crosses the line first, you win $300. Nine other cash prizes. $3 for 1 duck or $5 for 2. Call 262.251.8797. Proceeds go to charity, and there will be a cookout afterwards at Columbus Clubhouse on Water Street.

Mojitos and Caloric Madness

Fox News served up a list of the "worst cookout party drinks", but who are they kidding?

With most of the selections hovering around 800-900 calories, the mojitos at a mere 240 look like the caloric intake of spring water. If you are going to drink there really isn't a way around the carbs, so just choose wisely.

Friday Haiku: The ActionMaker (or I'm With Brad)

I'm a Natural
for IW, a Throwback for
New Generations

FashionIndie.com seeks Style Editor

Our Comment: FashionIndie is not for the faint-of-heart. If that is okay with you, read on for a very cool opportunity.

Let's call it embracing new technology. FashionIndie.com is looking for a new Style Editor and we don't want to go through the hassle of using Craigslist to find them. So we're only accepting resumes through Twitter.

In order to apply, submit your best personal style pic with @fashionindie in your tweet. We'll feature the best photos on FashionIndie.com and contact you if we select you for the job. If hired, you'd be responsible for dressing awesome and taking photos of yourself for FashionIndie.com.

Here's our official Twitter Release. Please feel free to retweet.

We're searching for a Style Editor. Resume = Ur Best Style Pic. Twit your style pics @fashionindie to be considered. Best will be featured.

For more on FashionIndie.com, be sure to visit FashionIndie.com.

Stila Lives - and offers FREE 24kt gold with each purchase of $25 or more

These days, with everyone asking to buy your gold, isn't is nice to get a little in return? And who wouldn't rather put some gold on lips instead of into an envelope? New 24kt Luxe Lip Gloss is yours free with purchases of $25 or more. Use code APPRECIATE at checkout.


Background
Stila Cosmetics reminds me of The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

The brand with the cult-like following has been through more hands than one can imagine. Founded by makeup artist Jeanine Lobell, Stila was founded in 1994. After finding success as an indie brand focusing on limited run colors and themes, Stila was sold to Estee Lauder Co (every formulators dream). The brand had a hard time keeping its footing though, and was sold off to Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Talk continued to plague the line of too many short-run palettes, too many costly materials and at the same time too many cheap, cardboard sets. When the site closed recently, many wondered if it was for good.

In came equity firm Patriarch Partners LLC, specifically Lynn Tilton, to save the day. Tilton has a quiet but successful history snapping up distressed companies and bringing them to profitability. Stila fans everywhere are rejoicing and hoping she can do the same for this company.

Meanwhile, founder Lobell has moved on to develop a consulting firm for beauty brands.

Review: Pevonia Botanica Enzyme Peeling Cream

Product Type: Exfoliate
Skin Types: All
Use: 1 - 2 times a week home treatment
Also available as spa treatment

Organic: No
Green Category: Yes

Pevonia's Enzymo-Sperides Peeling Cream (1.7 oz)

Reason for Use: Skin noticeably sluggish after long Wisconsin winter

Performance: Pevonia's Peeling Cream had instant results for my skin. The formulation boasts encapsulated enzymes that don't create a reaction until activated by the user. This meant a premixed, rich clay/titanium dioxide/starch texture that took very little product.

Steps:
1) Cleanse, pat dry
2) Apply small pea size amount to face (spatula enclosed), smooth into skin keeping away from eyes
3) Let work for two minutes. Rinse well with cloth to remove all traces. Apply lotion.

This product is meant to remove dead cells in a very gentle way, and it does. I feel it works better than salicylic acid formulations I have tried (both spa and home). There are a number of ingredients that stimulate circulation. A shot of dimethicone leaves a soft, protected finish and lemon oil a pleasant scent.

Don't be fooled - All of these ingredients can cause irritation. For that I hesitate recommending it more than once a week. It really is a workhorse.

My only concern, as a site that focuses on natural, is the use of titanium dioxide. I suspect this is a micronized form which in leave on products has negative affects on health. However as a wash off, I am comfortable using it.

I sense I could miss this product from my skincare routine.

I recommend it.

Enzyme Peeling Cream uses a natural, paraben-free preservative.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars


Background
Pevonia Botanica is a well established prestige skincare line primarily sold in spas, and now through their new consumer site, www.shoppevonia.com .

My first experience with Pevonia was during vacation in the Caribbean. I've enjoyed seeing this brand grow and change over the years, including the refreshing repackaging using frosted glass and plastics. In my opinion, this was a much needed overhaul for the look. It feels very soothing and, ergonomic, if you will.

I was very happy to try Pevonia's line again because 1) it had previously been tough to repurchase product, and some time had passed, 2) the islands played a trick on my skin and I felt the Combination formula I was steered toward didn't really work once on the less humid homestead. Honest mistake.

I interviewed Janet Morgan from Pevonia earlier this month when we discussed the launch of the new site, SPATEEN and MEN'S LINE, and business in general. If you missed the interview, "Launches in the Luxury Market", you can catch it here.

This is the first in a series of reviews on select Pevonia products.

Vote & Support MACC Fund with Mortensen Photography

Mortensen Photography has supported the MACC Fund & childhood cancer research for nearly 15 years with their Cute Kids events. It is a time where a parent can get a beautiful photo of their child at a reduced sitting fee ($10 goes to MACC) and any portraits purchased also contribute to the fund.

There is also a third way to fund raise before the calendar comes out! You can vote in person or online for your favorite photos to grace the pages. Each vote is $1 and all proceeds benefit the MACC Fund.

We all know that donations are down for everyone this year, so if you have not given to a charity of choice, have a little spare change and want to have some fun, please click the site and vote as many times as you would like. Of course I am biased with #29, but I think any photo is worthy, and it is a worthy cause as well. Click through to what speaks to you! Voting is now through July 31, 2009. The portraits will also be up at Grasch's June 2-8.

Pepsi Natural

Pepsi has returned to its roots with Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback. These formulations use a combination of pure cane sugar and beet sugar. Did you know that Pepsi also makes a kosher soda for passover?

And along the natural line, Pepsi has introduced Pepsi Natural in very limited markets. Sparkling water and the real sugar blend. Have you tried this version? She's a beaut.

Caption This: Mariah Carey at Cannes

MC Precious - Mariah Carey, Movie Heavyweight

You can take the pretty out of the girl, but can that equate to a movie with good reviews? It's a formula that has worked for a number of beauties in the past, and Mariah Carey is betting the same for herself.

It is hard to believe that a year ago, this was the super svelte MC. Now Carey, 40, has packed on the pounds, the commoners hairdo and a dour look for her role as a social working in "Precious", a biting tale about a young girl suffering emotional and physical abuse at home. The film has already won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and is showing at Cannes Film Festival. She may have finally found the vehicle to move her beyond the nightmare of "Glitter". Precious opens this November.

She's also been looking pretty happy with her young paramour. Maybe she can time the packing of the pounds and work on becoming MCpreggers with Nick.

Woody Allen wins $5M from American Apparel

That's a whole lotta hot water AA keeps pouring on themselves. Sometimes the public just needs to be shocked by good products, service and marketing.

In the spring of 2007, my company American Apparel put up two billboards depicting an image of Woody Allen dressed as a Hasidic Jew, from the movie "Annie Hall," one in New York City and the other in Los Angeles. They were up for less than a week, and when Mr. Allen's representatives asked that we take them down, we did so immediately. Nonetheless, Mr. Allen subsequently filed a lawsuit against American Apparel, demanding $10 million for the unauthorized use of his image. Photo from American Apparel. Please click link for complete statement.

Special Offers: Clinique.com Today Only - 5/18

Today Only - Clinique.com offers two free travel size products with purchase.

Warners Marilyn Monroe Silk Robe

FABric

Update: I have been getting a lot of hits on this post and wanted to clarify. I've been going through my boxes of old clothes (you know, the ones you like that you don't want to get rid). I bought this robe new, many years ago, during this campaign. I laugh where they mention Marilyn Monroe was probably "most appealing to a woman over a certain age," as there were many non-boomers into the line.

I actually never wore the robe because I wanted to keep it in good condition. It still has the original tags. I purchased it either at the defunct Emporium-Capwell or Macy*s. Too long ago to remember. I can't believe how beautifully it has held up.

Friday Haiku: Torchard

Torchard

Hope is scattered in/
a thousand wind-blown petals/
landscape barren fruit

~HF

Margot McKinney Jewelry: VOGUE Australia

via @SueMarksMargot McKinney VOGUE Australia January 2009

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Magazines & Newspape entrepreneur australia

Kerastase - Free Blowout & Treatment - May 20

Click link at bottom for coupon
It is the line you see in the hands of all of the stars - the simple gray & white bag holding jewel colored jars of manna for hair.

In the early 2000s, it was impossible to find Kerastase in the US. I only discovered it after a month long work trip in central Europe. I dragged my sad head of hair into a salon when I drove into Warsaw, where the stylist told me she had a new product that would help. O.M.G. My hair experienced a revival beyond expectation. I bought as many bottles as I could take back and was crushed to find it had not yet been released in the US. I could have used a little help deciphering the instructions (written in Polish!) as well.

I still have some of the bottles. The red Solaire (spf for hair) line didn't have as much of an impact for me as the orange Nutritive, so it still contains some product.








Kerastase is now available, but still a tad scarce. The internet makes it a little easier to purchase. I highly recommend Chroma Riche andMasquintense if you have colored/dry hair issues.

I wish I had not just gotten my hair cut, because on May 20 a Kerastase salon, hopefully near you, will give a free treatment and blowout. Note:

1. There will be a coupon to print out at the site, along with a list of participating salons.
2. Please double check that you do or do not need to book another service to get this free service.
3. You need to bring the coupon with you to your appointment.

Do not miss this opportunity, especially if you have never been privy to the wonders of this line.

Unsung Heroes Needs Your Help

Have you ever found a beauty product that delivered everything it promised, perhaps even went beyond, yet had a marketing plan that was sorely lacking?

The Unsung Heroes section on the Solessence blog is here to share these fabulous hidden gems! Comment here and tell me about your favorite products that get little fanfare. I'll test them out and, if worthy, we'll give them some grass roots exposure to share these beauty "secrets".

Update: It was suggested some may be hesitant to post, so feel free to email suggestions to solessencenews AT gmail DOT com instead.

One of my favorite finds has been this product. What is yours?

Poko Pano Swim - 25% off through May 31st!

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: 25% off all Poko Pano Swim and Lil' Bettie Swimwear through May 31st, 2009





Enter PokoPanoSwim04 at checkout www.pokopanoswim.com

Zoe Saldana - true Star Trek beauty

I am not a trekkie, but I couldn't help falling in love with the new Star Trek movie. If you watched the original series, there was plenty of history and body language to link the two, and the storytelling was exceptional. I was a huge fan of the clever way they went about crafting the young characters into the adults we remember (with more action and a tad less cheese).

The entire cast was easy on the eyes, but I had extra cheers for Zoe Saldana.I had a chance to meet her a while back and she has such as sweet disposition. At that time, the person introducing us and told me she was the next "it" girl. He was more than right. I am thrilled Zoe has found a movie that locks her in as a household name. Star Trek is also something she'll hopefully be able to enjoy in well made sequels down the road.

Zoe is big on green and organics. I would love to gab with her about Star Trek beauty and her own routine. Maybe we'll have that chance down the road.

Where Were You? 1994

While trying to confirm if it was 1994 or 1995, I see NYT ran a story on her today. Is there some sort of revival? Is this why it was knocking around in my head?

Ever remember weird bits of info? I am not absolutely sure this is right, but it was around May 10th 1994 I went to see Leontyne Price at one of her last performances.

It was a mesmerizing performance. Obviously this video is not from that performance, but enjoy.














That night I wore an elegant white,cut on the bias, pearl & (silver) bugle bead ala Lillie Rubin. I had a complete obsession with the long tube bugle beads. Very Dynasty. The dress was more on the pearl side - it wasn't the matronly beaded dress you might be envisioning. But it did weigh a ton. Read here for a history of how Lillie Rubin became Cache Luxe.


It was a very hot night, but drinking San Pellegrino made me feel like I was going to vomit. That was the last time I sipped the bubbly. Lame, no? Most people shy away from alcohol but I had to go cold turkey on water.

Happy Mother's Day! What brought you here?

No sleeping in today. My son woke me up with a persistent tugging at my fingers, poking at my thumb. I looked at him from the one eye I could pry open.

"Mom, mom. I really like your nail polish."

I was testing out a new brand, and had a dizzying array of looks on left and right. Son apparently liked it in all incarnations. BTW, I was wearing a matte black tip (The Death Tar with gold line accent) on some, and a full dose of Fuggen Ugly matte gray, some with shine, on others. Thanks to ManGlaze Matte Nail Polish. More on the line this week.

Today was a lovely, laid back day with what is most important in life - family. I wanted to share the two things that brought me to this point:

My father snapped this shot of my mother not long after I was born. I can not believe how serenely gorgeous my mother looks. And fashionistas, she was on the cutting edge of the swimsuit. You can't see it in this photo, but the cutout suits of last season was the design. She had this suit custom made, with the front verticle connecting strip from bikini top to bottom. I remember trying it on so many times as a child. It was the coolest suit I had ever seen. It was beautiful on her.



Thank you to to the Mortensen family for getting beautiful photos of our son year after year. It is a privilege to be a mom, and Mary always captures this squealing/running/jumping bundle of love in the best light while also raising funds for MACC.

I hope your day was filled with joy and happiness and peace. If you'd like to share what brought you to motherhood, please do. Feel free to link away. ~ H.

Love It or Hate It?

Millie rainbow floral dress with beaded neckline. Available at Twigs, Madison WI

Friday Funny: Auto-Tune the News

Pure genius at 1:21

GokeyFest - Get Your T-Shirts Here: BrewCityBrand

Danny Gokey returns to Milwaukee tomorrow for American Idol 'Danny Gokey Day'. A reward for coming in as one of the top three finalists, Gokey will spend the day pressing the flesh with public and press for a montage that will air on AI in coming weeks.


Need a list of festivities? Click on the map. Gokey starts at 7am at Fox6 news stations on Green Bay and will be taking the stage at Summerfest grounds at 4:15pm. While Summerfest is the biggest music festival in the US, it flies under the radar for most people. Gokey is undoubtedly the best thing that has ever happened to their marketing department.





Locals Brew City Brand are also promoting the city and Gokey with a limited edition run of Milwaukee Idol shirts. Only 100 or so are printed, so order yours now.

What is all of the hubbub about Danny? Most women will tell you that while Adam is probably the Idol shoe-in, Danny expresses "passion" every time he sings, and draws them in. He also has quintessential Midwestern Milwaukee (good)looks, and the touching story of losing his wife has only helped to win people to his side and his cause. Does he have the combo that will enable him to take it all? Whatever the case, Milwaukee is ready to party tomorrow. Welcome home, Danny!

Bruisin' for a Blingin' - Swarovski Band aid

Perhaps you are having a tough time distancing yourself from the era of bling, or you are looking for a little something to add to your crystal collection. Designed by Fabian Seibert and over a year in the making, these band aids should be pure bliss. Set with four Swarovski diamonds, the rocks will set you back only $12. Appropriate whether you are repping the east or west coast.