Stl Family Life » Beauty & Fashion

Shoe Review: Grasshoppers

Bonnie — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:21:24 +0000

By Bonnie Krueger

When I was asked if I wanted to write a review on a pair of shoes that I would select and keep as my own, I do believe my exact words were “Yes, please”. Enter Grasshoppers brand shoes, a division of Collective Brands Performance and Lifestyle Group. Since its start in 1971, the Grasshoppers® brand has been committed to bringing quality comfort footwear to women. In their own words, the signature Grasshoppers design aims to support women’s confidence, individuality and active lifestyle through a collection of lightweight, flexible and supportive shoes priced for her life. This quality footwear in stylish and sophisticated silhouettes, appeals to women that focus on style, health and wellness as top priorities.

Their website is consumer-friendly. I selected the white Windswept sandal after being torn between this pair and another pair that would be a little less practical. Practicality won over sheer cuteness. What can I say, I am a mom.

My initial reaction is that the pair I received did not look ‘white’, but rather, a very soft sand color. Regardless, I was really happy with my pick because they were instantly comfortable. After wearing them several days a week since their arrival, I can honestly say that are just as comfortable. I have super-sensitive feet and am prone to taking longer than usual to break in a shoe. The fact that they were comfortable immediately made a huge impression on me. They also have an adjustable back strap along the heel, which became my heels new best friend. Loved that feature the most.

Normally, I would hesitate buying a pair of shoes off a website, sight unseen and without trying them on. With Grasshoppers, I would not hesitate to purchase more. They may just become my new shoe source. After all, I think those cute wedge shoes would make a nice additional to my shoe collection.

*In exchange for an honest review, I was given a pair of Windswept sandals, of my choosing. The fact that I received a free product did not sway the integrity of my review*

Bonnie Krueger lives in West County. In 2009, she began her first blog Inside My Head found at http://bonsbrain.blogspot.com/ . She began a second blog devoted solely to the memory and unique story of her mom– Heart Speaks found at http://bonsheart.blogspot.com/.

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How To Stay Pretty During A St. Louis Summer

Lisa Bertrand — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:50:52 +0000

St. Louis summers are brutal beautywise. The heat and humidity can make your perfectly applied make-up slip and slide right off your face. But we’ve got some tips to help you stay pretty in the Arch city.

“Up” that SPF!
Choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF than what you typically use throughout the other seasons. There are a number of sunscreens out there with SPFs of 50 and higher designed specifically for the face so give ‘em a try. This can not only combat those age spots and future wrinkles but it will also prevent you from getting those “lovely” sunglass tan lines.

Primer
Apply primer. You’d think an extra layer would hinder rather than help but in this case? The primer acts as make-up “setter.” Use a bit of concealor where needed then give your face a light dusting of powder.

Oh yeah and primer is also great for applying on eyelids so your shadows stay in place.

Lips
Skip the sticks! Lipsticks can melt in the heat resulting in a nasty mess in your purse that’s VERY difficult to clean out. (Trust me, I know!) Summer means lighter colors anyway. So go with pinks, sheer tints or gloss.

According to Beauty Tips Online, “Cool mauves, rose and pinks are the summer trend for lips. Fill in sparse lips with a lip liner that matches your lips and go just beyond your lip line to add fullness.”

Eyes
Now that you’ve got them “primed”, sweep on a light shade of shadow. Then line your top lashes with a dark liquid or ink eyeliner. (You might even want to make this a waterproof one.) Feel free to make the line as thick or thin as you like but keep in mind that thicker lines are best for the p.m. hours. For a bit of sass and a slight cat-eye look, extend the line slightly past the outer corner and flare it up.

Then apply two coats of mascara. And again, waterproof mascara works best if you want to avoid looking like a panda bear. (And yes waterproof mascaras and eyeliners of years past were flakey but many brands have reformulated their waterproof products. Give ‘em another shot. You might be pleasantly surprised.)

The overall
Bronzer rocks and can be used a variety of ways throughout the entire year. Apply it to your face for some summer color. Or you can contour by lightly brushing it along the sides of your cheekbones to slim your face, or on each side of your nose to make it appear smaller.

If you’re using bronzer to give an all over “glow”, you can even brush some bronzer on lids to bring out the blues and greens in lighter colored eyes. And it can make your teeth look whiter. (See all of the wonders of bronzer? How can a girl NOT love this stuff?)

Don’t forget to brush some on your shoulders if you’re wearing a sundress or something sleeveless.

And last but not least
It is impossible not to sweat on any given day of a St. Louis summer. That’s why it is always helpful to have some blotting papers on hand. To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, you just press and go. If you want to refresh your make up, blot first then dust some power over your visage and go.

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Win a Stridex Summer Survival Kit

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:37:01 +0000

With summer approaching, everyone wants to look their best. What better way to look great this season than with clear skin? This month, Stridex launched their newest addition to its alcohol-free arsenal, Naturally Clear. Naturally Clear is a 98.8% natural soothing formula proven to remove dirt and oil and leave skin feeling refreshed. Stridex Naturally Clear uses key antioxidant ingredients, white tea, pomegranate and soy to promote stronger, healthier skin, and a smooth, more even complexion.

Naturally Clear features a new innovative triangle pad that is 20% larger than typical acne pads, making it easier to hold and maximize cleaning coverage by allowing users to get into hard-to-reach areas. Naturally Clear provides an effective level of salicylic acid (1 percent) to treat and prevent breakouts, without over-drying your skin.

And now the makers of Naturally Clear are giving away three Stridex Summer Survival kits which include, Stridex Naturally Clear, Stridex Maximum Strength and Stridex Sensitive Skin.

Giveaway guidelines

Simply leave a comment on this post to enter. (US and Canada residents only)

Receive additional entries:

1. For blogging about the contest and let us know in a separate comment.
2. Subscribing to our mailing list/RSS feed and let us know in a separate comment.
3. Twitter this giveaway and let us know in a separate comment.
4. Favorite us on Technorati and let us know in a separate comment.
5. Stumble this post and let us know in a separate comment.
6. Add us to your blogroll or our button to your sidebar and let us know in a separate comment.

This giveaway closes June 7, 2010 at 11:59 pm central time. Be sure to include a valid email address. Winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If winner does not claim prize by June 12, 2010 they will forfeit their prize to alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to Donna K, Jessica, and Jodie M. They won the giveaway!

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Win 1 of 3 Neutrogena Sunscreen Prize Packs

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:47:33 +0000

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. (Hence the many sunscreen giveaways we’ve held this month.) This week we’re giving away some prize packs from Neutrogena for the kiddos. But first, here’s some stats the makers of Neutrogena (The #1 recommended brand by dermatologists) would like to share with you:

*94% of Americans know that prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin damage and even skin cancer.

*93% of Dermatologists note that skin cancer develops on the face, more than any other place on the body. That is likely why 100% of dermatologists recommend their patients put sunscreen on their face daily or whenever they are going to be exposed to the sun.

51% of dermatologists report that their patients only seek information on their skin when they think something is wrong.

33% of Americans don’t think it’s necessary to wear sunscreen every day.

20% of people wear sunscreen on a daily basis.

Now onto the giveaway! We’re offering three prize packs from Neutrogena. Each contains Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunblock (Spf 60+) along with Neutrogena Waterguard Kids Sunblock (SPF 70). (The products are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, are sweat-proof and don’t rub off.) You can find these great products in major retail outlets and even online at sites like Drugstore.com.

Giveaway guidelines

Simply leave a comment on this post to enter. (US and Canada residents only)

Receive additional entries:

This giveaway closes May 31, 2010 at 11:59 pm central time. Be sure to include a valid email address. Winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If winner does not claim prize by June 4, 2010 they will forfeit their prize to an alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to Glogirl, Becky S and Lori Z. They won the prize packs!

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How To Strike A Pose (And Love The Results)

Lisa Bertrand — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:01:48 +0000

The summer social season is upon us! Odds are your calendar is crammed with graduations, family vacations, weddings, and reunion plans. T’is the time most people typically content to hide behind the camera (ahem) find themselves standing motionlessly in front of one sporting an awkward smile while mumbling “Cheese.”

But maybe this year can be different, yes? I spoke with some area photographers who gave me some great tips. Try them out. Who knows? You might (for once) love the image staring back at you.

Chosing a background is very important.

“A few things to know? Take pictures near a window (if indoors) or in shade (if outside) to cast flattering natural light on the subject; avoid direct sun and shooting at noon if at all possible,” says Jonathan S. Pollack of J Pollack Photography. Also? Pollack advises, “Keep backgrounds free of distractions to bring the viewer’s attention to the subject.” (This is YOUR time to shine!)

And when it comes to positioning?

“Always avoid approaching the camera straight on. This tends to make you look heavier. You’ll look leaner if you turn to the side,” notes Lori Jansen of Traditions Portrait Studio. Jonathan concurs and adds that if a photographer is shooting down on the subject at an angle, “tilt (your) head up toward the camera – this will naturally slim them up a bit as well as hide a double chin and some wrinkles.”

There’s another great reason to lift one’s head slightly when staring into the camera. (the key word here is “slightly”) “ Be cautious not to overdo this one – lifting the chin too much makes an obvious statement,” Lori says.

When it comes to dressing for photography success? Go for bright, solid colors.

Forgo the neon. Rich, vibrant colors will help you look less pale or washed-out. And choose solids over busy patterns. “Designs (such as stripes or plaids) can be distracting and even make you appear bulkier than normal. Darker colors tend to be more slimming than light colors in photographs,” Lori states. Also? “A shirt with sleeves is much more flattering than going sleeveless. Snapshots do not usually show definition in arms, so no matter how thin your arms are, they will usually look larger and can be one of the first things noticed in a photo.”

And as a bonus? “Always carry powder with you before your picture is to be taken. This will help to reduce facial shine,” she says.

Last (but not least) smile naturally.
Some people just don’t smile well for photos. “The solution is to try to smile naturally. Easier said than done, right? Try this, think of something that truly makes you happy. This will always give you a natural pleasant smile,” Lori advises.

If you find yourself the subject of a photo, feel free to ask the photographer to take a step back before he or she clicks. The extra room can make a world of difference when the photo’s later printed. “Leave enough room on all sides for cropping and adjusting the photo later on,” Jonathan mentions. “Many point-and-shoot cameras take a 4:3 ratio picture, while many prints are a 3:2 ratio.”

Lori Jansen is the owner of Traditions Portrait Studio at 1041 Fairfax Street in Carlyle, IL. 618-594-3327. (Her blog can be found here.)

Jonathan Pollack is the St. Louis photog behind JPollack Photography. He can be reached at 314-374-3249. (His blog can be found here.)

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What Shoe Captures Your Mood?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 05:27:12 +0000

Let’s face it; the mood we’re in does effect how we dress. Feeling down? Black is often the color of choice that day. Feeling bright and cheery? Vibrant colors all the way!

6pm.com (the best kept secret for one-stop, online source for brand name shoes, apparel and accessories for women, men & kids – all at up to 80% off) has identified a few sandal style types that just may “say” how you’re feeling, without uttering a word!

Style: Hip, Hot Wedge
What it says: The wedge is no longer a bad childhood memory when someone gave you one on the playground. Now the hip footwear style has you saying “Yah. That’s right! I’m feeling sexy, bold, self-confident and playful – lets have some fun!”

Style: Beach Babe Flip Flop
What it says: You’re cool, comfortable and relaxed in your own skin! To hell with make-up and heels, nothing says I’m young at heart and free better than the flip flop! Queue up Jimmy Buffet on the iPod and let the day unfold as it may.

Style: Gladiator
What it says: I am a woman warrior-hear me roar! I’m taking control, feeling a bit wild and forceful – so watch out – I’m taking no prisoners!

Style: T-strap
What it says: I’m feeling hot, flirtatious and sassy! I’m going to strut my stuff today and show the world who is the boss!

Style:Thong
What it says: Free to be you & me! I feel balanced and at peace. I’m happy to be alive, free, and will spend the day soaking in the good vibes and positivity that surround me.

Style: Athletic
What it says: Ain’t no mountain high enough! I’m feeling energetic, inspired, strong and courageous! I will concur whatever I am challenged with today! Bring it on, sister!

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Win 1 of 5 Aveeno Positively Ageless Suncreen Prize Packs!

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:15:22 +0000

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? Yup. May is national skin cancer awareness month. And we’ve got three very cool Aveeno prize packs to give away. But first, a few tips from Dermatologist Jeanine Downie.

*Wear a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher every day of the year. Doesn’t matter if you’re encountering rain, snow or shine—because your skin is still being exposed to lethal UV rays

*Many people believe that they will become Vitamin D deficient by wearing sunscreen; according to Dr. Downie, this is false! As a population, we receive more than enough Vitamin D through our diets.

*People with darker skin, still need to wear sunscreen. The threat of skin cancer exists for all skin tones and races.

And now for a great giveaway! Aveeno is giving away FIVE prize packs which will include Aveeno Positively Ageless SPF 90, Aveeno Positively Ageless SPF 55 and Aveeno Positively Ageless SPF 70.

Giveaway guidelines

Simply leave a comment on this post to enter. (US and Canada residents only)

Receive additional entries:

1. For blogging about the contest and let us know in a separate comment
2. Subscribing to our mailing list/RSS feed and let us know in a separate comment
3. Twitter this giveaway and let us know in a separate comment
4. Favorite us on Technorati and let us know in a separate comment
5. Stumble this post and let us know in a separate comment
6. Add us to your blogroll or our button to your sidebar and let us know in a separate comment

This giveaway closes May 23, 2010 at 11:59 pm central time. Be sure to include a valid email address. Winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If winner does not claim prize by May 26, 2010 they will forfeit their prize to alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

Good luck!

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Nature’s Gate Is Really Great!

Lisa Bertrand — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:08:04 +0000

I love trying out new body care products and my most recent product to test? Two products from Nature’s Gate. I was lucky enough to be sent the Mandarin Orange and Patchuli Body Lotion as well as the Nature’s Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Velvet Moisture Body Wash.

I know some people don’t like the smell of Patchouli. But I’d never smelled it before. So I was eager to try, especially since they paired the scent with essence of oranges. Overall, I was surprised. I think the combo works well together. This is a great lotion/scent for guys or anyone who isn’t a big fan of flowery scents. The scent is energizing. And like all of the other body lotions I’ve tried from Nature’s Gate, the product did a great job of moisturizing my dry skin. Overall, thumbs up!

As for the body wash? I LOVE pomegranate anything, so when I opened the package to see this product, I may have done a little happy dance in excitement.

According to their site, ”Nature’s Gate hydrates and pampers skin with ultra rich moisturizers and lather while age defying antioxidants and nutrients nourish skin. Our unique combination of 7 skin conditioning moisturizers deliver rich, long lasting hydration. Skin is left soft and supple.” I can attest that the body wash smelled fantastic and I do love the way my skin feels afterwards.

The body lotion is around $9.99 for 12 oz bottle. The body wash I just talked about runs approximately $7.50 for an 18 oz bottle.

As an aside? Nature’s Gate has partnered with WaterAid America to support the use of rainwater to help families and children in Asia and Africa have long term access to safe, clean water. To get involved, click here.

I was sent these products for free in exchange for an honest review.

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Lean Legacy: A St. Louis parent’s quest

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:23:36 +0000

By SCHugarmama

I love food.

I have lived and traveled all over the world and sampled cuisine in the most unlikely places that makes my toes curl. I am an adventurous and confident cook and view dinner guests as my personal focus groups for new, sometimes bizarre recipes. I love recreating restaurant dishes at home and embellishing cookbook instructions with my own culinary insights.

But I also hate food.

I blame food, rather than my dysfunctional relationship with it, for my over-curvy figure. I know I’m not alone or even terribly unique. A reported 68% of adults are considered overweight or obese in this country.

There was a time when I had the lean, tight body of an athlete. I was a softball catcher in high-school and a swimmer in college. In my 20s, I enjoyed a brief window of physical perfection after a particularly bad break-up and subsequent work-out obsession.

But that was all a long time ago.

I don’t remember weighing myself until I was in my late 20s… I never dieted in high-school or college. I think that makes me somewhat of an anomaly nowadays. Yet I distinctly remember when my weight went up and stayed up.

Somewhere in my 20s, I stopped eating for love and started eating for pain.

I am certainly guilty of ingesting my share of cheese fries, pizza, and processed junk but it has more likely been the volume of food I eat that has kept me from being at an optimal weight.

I would probably go my entire life without addressing the source of my disorder were it not for one small reason… my daughter.

My beautiful girl will undoubtedly inherit her share of my bad habits despite my best efforts to tame them: my temper, my bossiness, my outspokenness, my mischievousness.

But I would be stricken with grief if she inherited my unhealthy relationship with food.

Of course, children learn what they live. Girls especially, copy their mother’s habits, mannerisms, and behavior. How soon will she recognize that mommy eats every bit as much food as daddy? How soon will she notice that mommy snacks even after a full meal? Too soon, I’m afraid.

I often joke that I was my healthiest when I was pregnant because my body was a temple to motherhood. I protected that little life inside me against my normal “toxins”. Why couldn’t I do that for myself? Aren’t I worthy of being protected too?

As I watch my daughter mimic my loving cuddles with her dollies, I hope I can also find a way to show her how to love herself and value her health. She is so precious and worthy to me. Can I make sure that she feels that same way about herself?

I don’t believe in “do as I say, not as I do” living or parenting, so my challenge is both real and immediate. Eating habits are established young. Body confidence as a woman is difficult enough without adding unhealthy weight to the problem. How many of us are still harboring low self-esteem that originated in our adolescence?

It isn’t a charity or celebrity chef raising my daughter. It’s me. And there isn’t anything I won’t do for her. Including breaking some old habits.

There is a legacy of motherhood that fascinates me. In giving life to our children, they often save ours.

About: SCHugarmama (Christine Schmidt Ryder) is a recovering capitalist, wife, mother, entrepreneur, social media addict, marketing to women advocate (and pundit), and author-to-be. She writes for her husband’s business, for her employer, and for Reaching Women Daily. Her twitter handle is @schugarmama.

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La Roche-Posay: Discover the Fountain of Youth

Kelli — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:22:37 +0000

I am a skin care product addict. If there was a 12-Step program, I would be first in line to join. As a teenager, I had problem skin and thus became vigilant about ashing, mositurizing, protecting and pampering my skin. In college, my roomates would laugh at me because it didn’t matter what time I walked in the door, I would always take the time to wash my face.

I didn’t mind, though – I figured I’d have the last laugh hen we’re all 60 and I still have the skin of a 30 year old…

So being the addict that I am, I am always ready, willing and excited to try a ne face product. It is my own little quest for the fountain of youth. When I received the products from La Roche-Posay, I opened the package with the excitment of a child on Christmas morning.

Because, you see, I figure if there ever is to be a true fountain of youth, it will no doubt be packaged in a bottle that says EAU THERMAL. The La Roche-Posay skin care products are great. They smell good, they’re gentle on your skin and they are packaged in such a way that you feel confident you are forever erasing the fine lines that threaten to actually make you look your age.

So if you, like me, are on the look out for a great new product, I would highly recommend La Roche-Posay. From one face product addict to another – those are words you can trust!