What Color Will You Paint Your Hallway?

Thus far 2011 has brought me nothing but major transitions in my life. Yesterday on my FB status I posted, “When one door closes another one opens; it’s the hallway that sucks.” I read that once in a book and I loved it. I don’t know about you, but I have a habit of going into major fear mode when one door closes. I question what will be behind the other door and I always imagine the worst, probably because I usually don’t think I’m worthy of anything better. But, guess what? If that’s what I think, then that is exactly what I will get!
As I thought about that this morning, it made me really sad – for one thing, it’s sad that I don’t feel worthy of wonderful things in my life and even more sad that I think there’s a bunch of crap waiting for me behind the other door. So, this morning I began to think that I have no choice but to linger in this hallway as I anxiously await, what is behind door number two. I can’t make the door open any faster and even if I tried to unlock it on my own, that’s when I get into my own will and it just ends up being a frustrated mess. So, I decided that I need to embrace the waiting period and get cozy in my hallway. But, how do I embrace such an uncomfortable time in my life? (By the way, it’s amazing the answers that you get when you actually ask the questions out loud.) The answer is this - I will decorate my hallway. I literally will visualize painting my hallway a beautiful bright color – a turquoise color; it will be a cross between bright and vivid, along with the calmness and serenity that blue is generally associated with. I will hang pictures of loved ones that bring me joy and who encourage me to be the best that I can be in all areas of my life. While I wait in my hallway, I will be sure to take extra good care of myself; I will eat well, workout, read books, talk with friends, look at new make-up trends, you name it – the sky’s the limit. After all, I’ve got nowhere else to be right now.
Once you’ve decorated your hallway and you’ve painted it the most inspiring color you can possibly imagine, get comfortable and visualize what you want behind door number two. The sky is the limit for you my friend. Pretend like you have ALL the money in the world, imagine having your MBA or your PhD, imagine being a make-up artist for Jennifer Lopez, or the stylist to Kim Kardashian. What I’m saying is do NOT put limitations on your dreams. Once you’ve visualized this, I want you to visualize it several times each day until door number two opens. I’m not saying you’re going to live in a 16 Million dollar mansion on the beach in the Cayman Islands – let’s face it, it would be very difficult to do JLo’s make-up from the Caribbean anyway. What I am saying is that if we dream big, we will end up with something more than we ever thought we were worthy of having.
I’ve spent far too much time these past few years, living in a very small room, confined to the needs of others in my life because they were jealous, insecure, or they couldn’t imagine having their own lives be fulfilling and beautiful. I’m done with those people! I don’t want them in my hallway, in my life and I certainly don’t want them anywhere behind door number two. I say, go paint your damn hallway whatever color that makes YOU happy, decorate the walls with whatever it is that inspires you and imagine a life beyond your wildest dreams behind that door that awaits your new journey in this life!
Go make your life beautiful, not tomorrow, not Monday – start living a beautiful life today!
Until next time – Stay Beautiful!

Annenberg Space For Photography Presents - Beauty Culture

“BEAUTY CULTURE provides a seminal examination of photography’s role in capturing and defining notions of modern female beauty and how these images profoundly influence our lives in both celebratory and disturbing ways.” – Annenberg Space for Photography

Looking for something fun to do this Memorial Day weekend? Look no further! The Annenberg Space for Photography, located in the heart of Century City, is launching a photo exhibit focused on how beauty has impacted our society for decades. The “Beauty Culture" (exhibit) encourages a social discussion about the allure and mystique of the pursuit of female beauty, as well as its cult-like glorification and the multi-billion dollar industries that surround it.”

I was honored for the opportunity to teach Beauty at FIDM for nearly five years and the first class of each new quarter began with a discussion about the fascination, as well as the extreme lengths that women go to in order to obtain beauty in a society that demands perfection. As many of you know, I truly believe that our face is a canvas in which we can create a beautiful masterpiece each day. Many of us can look at beauty in a healthy way – in a way that makes us feel more beautiful and feminine. However, other women have taken beauty to the extreme and some have even died at the costs associated with fixing their perceived inadequacies.

I hope that you have the opportunity to see this revolutionary exhibit and I hope that it evokes some profound insight regarding the impact that beauty has had on shaping our culture and more specifically how beauty has shaped you.

The exhibit will run from May 21st – November 27th. The exhibit hours are Wed. – Sunday from 11:00am – 6:00pm. The event will be held at the Anneberg Space for Photography located at: 2000 Avenue of the Stars, #10 – Los Angeles, CA 90067
For additional information you can visit their website at: http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/# or call them at 213.403.3000
If you’re looking for me this weekend – you know where I’ll be!

Until next time…stay beautiful!
Xoxo…

Mineral Foundation Has Never Looked So Great

Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Loose Powder Make-up with SPF 12 is my new must have product! If you look in my make-up bag, which is currently a large zip lock baggie from recently traveling, you’ll notice that I have FIVE types of foundation. I’m not always the most loyal when it comes to foundation, only because foundation is like technology for our skin, it is constantly evolving and the old stuff is outdated quicker than the iPhone 4. Maybe Apple should start developing make-up…now there’s a pitch!

At any rate, as most of you know I have very temperamental skin; I’m red and blotchy, acne prone, large (UGLY) pores, sensitive and oily. Lucky me! The positive is that I’ll have fewer wrinkles than my girl friends with dry skin. I gave up on mineral foundation awhile back, because when I saw pictures of myself, the mineral foundation did not provide me with nearly enough coverage to be photo fantatsico. I have tried Bare Minerals, Senna Cosmetics, Laura Mercier, and another version of Estee Lauder minerals, but I have never been satisfied until now.

First off, I’ve always been a fan of the Double Wear Foundation collection from Estee Lauder. The Double Wear collection has a 12 – hour staying power, providing you with a flawless look all day long. When you get home from a long day of work and you come home to kiss your honey…you still look HOT! In my case, I come home to kiss my cat, but the point is that I still look HOT!

The 12 – hour staying power is what has always kept me coming back to this line of foundations, but I don’t always have the time to make sure that my liquid foundation is evenly distributed on my pretty little face. This is where the Double Wear Mineral Foundation comes in handy. These minerals give me an adequate amount of coverage to even out my skin tone, eliminate the appearance of blemishes, and keeps my oily t-zone in check. The best part is that it does all that and more for 12 HOURS! Can you really say that other mineral foundations have that much staying power?

If you want a flawless face, the first step is to apply your favorite foundation primer. If you want medium-to-full coverage then you will use the padded mitt that comes with the product while pressing gently on your face in a downward manner. If you prefer medium-to-light coverage, swirl on the powder foundation with your preferred kabuki brush. You can’t go wrong either way, but when my skin is a little redder than normal, I go for the extra coverage.

You can find this product in most department stores or on-line at www.esteelauder.com. The product retails for $34.00 and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

If you’re ready for an affordable, long wearing, mineral foundation with superior coverage, then the Estee Lauder Double Wear Mineral Foundation is perfect for you. If you are not ready to commit to purchasing the product today, than I encourage you to stop in to your local department store and have them do a demo on YOUR pretty little face. I have no doubt that once you try it, you’ll be back to buy it.

Until next time…stay BEAUTIFUL!

Xoxo…

What Makes A Person Beautiful?

Hello ladies! I haven’t written on here in so long, that I don’t even know if I remember how to write. As some of you know I’ve recently experienced a terribly, unexpected divorce. What many of you may not know is that my ex-husband left me for another woman. At first I wondered what she looked like and was she prettier than me. I spent a lot of time wondering what she looked like; I spent hours trying to track her down on Google. Many people said, “Have you seen her? Do you know what she looks like?” I believe that it was through divine intervention that I never was able to find her via the internet.
I’ve spent most of my life defining myself by my looks. Unfortunately, I grew up in an environment in which looks were very important. I was a dancer, ice skater, and my father worked around beautiful/sexy women my entire life. I spent the first half of my life on diets, eventually battling anorexia and bulimia through my teenage years and much through my twenties. When I first found out about “the other woman”, I won’t lie; my eating disorder quickly kicked in. However, I had so much recovery under my belt that it also faded quickly. I decided that no man was worth my health or my self-esteem – not even the man that I married.
I’ve been forced to do much self-reflection during this very difficult time in my life. I’ve learned that beauty isn’t really on the outside. It doesn’t matter what I look like, it doesn’t matter what “she” looks like. Beauty to me is walking through life with as much grace and dignity as possible. I no longer care what she looks like; I no longer care if I was prettier. What I do know is that beauty TRULY is an inside job. The love and respect that we have for ourselves is truly the most essential beauty product that we will ever need. Love and respect isn’t sold at Sephora, it isn’t expensive, and it doesn’t carry the high mark-up cost for marketing and advertising – what a bargain!
As anyone who’s taken my Introduction to Beauty class knows, I always said that true beauty began with a good skin care regimen. If you don’t have good skin, then it doesn’t matter how much make-up you wear or what make-up products you buy. I’ve learned something more valuable through one of life’s greatest lessons, TRUE beauty is first embracing the love and respect that you have for yourself. Once you master that, the rest will all fall into place.
As you go about your day today, I challenge you to embrace your true beauty. Don’t put yourself down or find insignificant flaws when you look in the mirror. Today, ask yourself what you can do to love and respect yourself, so that you can be the most beautiful YOU!
Big hugs to you all and stay beautiful!

Oscillation Powder Foundation Review - Two Thumbs Down

Hello Beautiful,

I hope everyone is all geared up for the holiday season and that all of you enjoy this precious time with friends and family (unless of course you're visiting my "in-laws").

I just wanted to give you a quick product review, so that all of you can save your money. I was jumping with joy, excited when I saw that Lancome launched their innovative Oscillation Powder Foundation. I tend to pride myself on being a savvy shopper when it comes to cosmetics, especially because it's so easy to "buy" into marketing and promos for beauty junkies like myself. Because I've spent way too much money on products throughout my life, I have no problem asking for samples of anything before I commit to a purchase. However, Oscillation Powder Foundation is not available in a sample form, due to it's advanced technology.

I was originally drawn to the foundation because I love their innovative Oscillating Mascara and Mascara Primer. It's one of the best on the market. I tried their foundation on my hand, gave it a quick vibrating swirl, and was amazed at how smooth my hand looked. However, when I went to purchase it for my face, I was quite disappointed.

It's a very light texture, which is great if you have flawless skin and don't like to wear medium to heavy coverage. However, I think most of us have some flaws in our skin, otherwise we wouldn't be using coverage in the first place.

It's not bad if you're using it for basic coverage, but if you're a make-up artist, you will probably want something a little heavier if your doing a more dramatic eye.

Also, their patented oscillating technology is nothing to write home about (unless of course you're writing to tell friends and family to save their money, in which case you should write). Personally, I like to take my big powder brush with my preferred mineral foundation by Senna Cosmetics and make a quick sweep around my face. Lancome's Oscillating Face Powder takes more time to apply; I do a five minute face most days, this technology is cutting into that time, thus making my five minute face more like 6-7 minutes plus the additional time it takes to add more spot treatments to the darker spots on my skin.

Overall, save your $58.00 and spend on one of my other top ten favorite products listed in my earlier blog post. If you have questions on other great foundations, whether you have mature or younger looking skin, don't hesitate to write in. Also, never be afraid to ask the cosmetics associate for samples to try before buying. Don't let them pressure you or make you feel bad; the cost of cosmetics is drastically over priced, but when it comes to anything for my skin, I'm willing to break the bank.

Until next time, stay beautiful!

Get Your Sexy on and Feel More Beautiful with Pole Dancing

Hello You Sexy Goddess You,

I bet my students will be surprised to hear that Ms. D actually took pole dancing classes and loved every moment of it. Recently I was debating between getting my fiance a stripper pole or a Wii entertainment system for the holidays. At first I thought he would enjoy the Wii better than watching me dance, but then I realized, I ROCK on that pole. Today, I can't wait to tell you about my experience with learning how to pole dance and why I think every woman should do it.

I grew up as a dancer, so when I began hearing about the rage of pole dancing, I researched places and prices to begin my new adventure. I signed up several years ago at the SFactor dance studio in Encino, CA. The owner, Sheila Kelley has been featured on Oprah, as well as many other notable talk shows discussing the benefits of pole dancing. The studio has many locations across the country, including: Northern and Southern California, Texas, and New York.

I would be lying to tell you that I wasn't nervous, but the teachers at SFactor made me feel very comfortable from the minute I walked through the doors. The concept isn't just about learning to pole dance, but rather getting in touch with your inner Goddess, feeling more beautiful, and more confident.

The experience was like yoga, pilates, and stripping in one. I think most women have had a fantasy about being a stripper, but not necessarily in a club with old drooling men gawking at you. This experience made that fantasy become a reality, but in a healthy outlet.

I've never had more fun and was in the best shape of my life. My confidence went through the roof and I never felt more beautiful while learning how to pole dance. I must have started walking sexier or taller, because I had a complete stranger come up to me at the grocery store and tell me I was THE most adorable, sexiest woman he had ever seen. I was in my pj shorts, a tank top, and no make-up on. I wasn't walking around like I owned the place, I was simply doing my shopping like any other Sunday, but something in me was different and I was flattered to know that someone else noticed it.

I encourage EVERY woman, younger or older, to take these classes. The classes are typically met and purchased through 6-8 week sessions and they can be fairly expensive. However, don't be discouraged, as they offer scholarships and a work program that you can do while taking the classes. Also, I get specials in my email on a regular basis about different specials they have, such as lap dances, basic pole moves, and learning a strip tease. All of these things you will learn if you sign up for a session, but it's nice to know you can go with a girl-friend on a Friday night and come up to your man with some new tricks in your bag.

So, when all is said and done, I'm going with the stripper pole for my man. Not only can I dance for him, but the gift comes with a more fit girlfriend and more confidence for no additional charge. If I bought the Wii, I'd pay the same price as the stripper pole, plus I have to buy the games and other attachments to make it all work.

So, invest in your beauty today and check-out a class session or workshop at SFactor.com today.

Bliss - Sign up Today for Special Discounts and Coupons

Hello YOU gorgeous Beast! As many of you know I am a huge fan of Bliss Spa products. My students and esthetician have introduced me to some fabulous Bliss picks and I've been addicted ever since. Bliss is a world-renowned spa that first opened their doors in New York city. Due to their popularity in specialty facials and products, they have expanded their product line for those of us who can't make it to their world famous spas. I recently joined their on-line mailing list and I receive excellent deals and coupons on all of their most popular items. You can't find these deals at Sephora or Nordstrom's stores and I've found the on-line specials to be the best bang for my buck even with shipping and handling. Also, since I'm a self admitted Sephora Addict and I find it difficult to abstain from buying products that are not a necessity, I find that my on-line purchase at Bliss World to be more helpful in combating my impulsive purchases. Register TODAY at http://www.blissworld.com/ and receive immediate specials and coupons in time for Christmas. I highly suggest some of their gift packs, as they are a great introduction to the line if you're new to them. Email me with questions or comments on my blog if you need suggestions on products. You know, I'm always happy to help a gal stay beautiful!