Pretty in the Queen City

Hair Styling Tools that Work (Charlotte Today)

 

Choosing the Best Mascara (Charlotte Today)

 

Are You Getting Enough Fiber? (Guest Post)

The typical Western diet involves plenty of red meat, dairy and sugary foods. Very few individuals eat enough fruits or vegetables. This may leave many people deficient in a number of important vitamins and minerals.

Fiber may be one of the most critical substances that people fail to get enough of. A new report published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health suggests that this may increase individuals' vulnerability to diseases.

Experts from the Rain Forest Research Institute in India stated that increased fiber consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and digestive condition. However, despite the many health benefits of fiber, many people fail to consume enough, the group wrote.

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Consuming adequate quantities of dietary fiber can lead to improvements in gastrointestinal health, and reduction in susceptibility to diseases such as diverticular disease, heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes," the researchers wrote. "Increased consumption has also been associated with increased satiety and weight loss."

They added that it should be relatively easy for individuals to get more fiber into their diets. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, the majority of which are readily available at most supermarkets and produce stores.

It's no secret that obesity rates are rising in the U.S. As part of this trend, the number of people who suffer from diabetes and heart disease is also increasing. Dietary habits are a major contributor to the problem, as people too often opt for foods of little nutritional value. The conclusion of the report is that increasing the consumption of foods containing fiber could address the issue.

Apples have substantial amounts of fiber and are among the most commonly consumed sources of the nutrient. Green leafy vegetables like kale or spinach also have a lot of fiber. Berries are among the most fiber-packed foods out there. The list goes on. The bottom line is that most fruits and vegetables have fiber.

This means that there are no excuses for not getting enough. Fiber has been linked to profound health benefits and is found in many of the foods people should be eating anyway. Individuals who have chronic disease risk factors, including obesity and high cholesterol, may have a lot to gain from getting more fiber in their daily diet.

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Dahn Yoga is one of the largest yoga and tai chi companies in the world with its own unique style and brand of yoga. Dahn Yoga is rooted in the rich history of an ancient Asian mind-body practice, Sun Do, and in the wisdom of the Chun Bu Kyung.

Coach Poppy Flower (Valentine's Day Gift Idea)

This Valentine's Day, think outside the box! Forget flowers that will eventually die and give the love in your life Coach Poppy Flower fragrance. This is one fresh floral bouquet that will last! This playful fragrance mixes luscious fruits and florals with warm hints of exotic woods. Like your valentine, this fresh, floral bouquet commands attention,inspiring some together time with a scent that reflects her personality-bright,bold and lovely in every way. A flirty extension of her personal style, Coach Poppy Flower is the perfect gift for someone special. Coach Poppy Flower is available at Sephora.com and retails between $45-$85. 

 

Valentine's Day Beauty Must-Haves: Head-To-Toe Beauty Treats!

Valentine’s Day Beauty Must-Haves

Head-To-Toe Beauty Treats

This Valentine’s Day, find an excuse to pamper yourself whether it’s a romantic dinner with your sexy man, or just a night on the town with your favorite single friends. These must-have Valentine’s Day beauty treats are sure to surprise your current Valentine or even find you a new one before the night is over!

 

Bombshell Hair!  Remington Wrap to Waves

Get the voluminous, vixen-like hair you’ve always wanted with this easy-to-use, double-pronged waver. Just wrap sections of hair in a figure-eight between the barrels, slide through, and your Gisele-like locks are ready!

Price: $28

Available: Walmart and www.remingtonproducts.com 

    

Get Your Glow On! First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

Make sure your face is bright and radiant for the big night! Suitable for all skin types, these gentle yet powerful renewal pads contain cucumber and Indian gooseberry to tone, while lemon peel and licorice root leave the skin glowing and luminous in just one swipe.

Price: $28

Available: Sephora and www.FirstAidBeauty.com

 

Smooth and Fuzz-Free! Parissa Quick & Easy Wax Strips for Legs & Body

Gently remove hair from your bendy bits, your curvy bits and your tender bits. Large, all-natural wax strips have a clear backing to provide fast, pro-style hair removal that zips away body hair, revealing instantly smooth skin that lasts up to six weeks. Azulene Oil is included to soothe and soften the skin with vitamin E, azulene and menthol for an extra silky feel.

Price: $12

Available:  Whole Foods Markets and www.parissa.com  

 

Sexy Skin! Weleda Skin Food

Dry, rough skin of any age gets indulgent moisture with this intensively nourishing, deeply hydrating cream. The unique, ultra-rich whole-body cream deeply hydrates, restores and protects your skin with essential fatty acids, vitamin E, organic sunflower oil and soothing rosemary leaf extract.  Deeply moisturized and protected, skin looks and feels soft, supple and radiant with a healthy glow. It’s just what you and your skin are craving!

Price:  $11

Available: Whole Foods Markets and www.usa.weleda.com

 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas from Celebrity Stylist Jeni Elizabeth

Lets face it! The amount of stress Valentines Day brings is enough to drive any girl to pull her hair out! Will he call? Will he remember? Will I get flowers? Is it too soon? Do I get him a gift? What do I wear?? The list goes on and on!! There was a time in my life I was CONVINCED that Valentines Day was designed to make girls feel awful about themselves! With that said I wanted to give you all a jump-start on my favorite picks for gifts and items that may come in handy this year! Whether it’s what to wear or what to buy it never hurts to try to places and new fun ideas! Take a risk this year, even if you don’t have that certain someone in your life!

Organize a girl’s night out or host a fabulous cupcake party at your home with your favorite movies!

Style: You could spend hours looking for that perfect dress, that has the perfect price tag! I have to say one of my favorite websites of all time, and one I use with almost all my clients would be shoptherunway.com. I swear it is possible to find any design, any color, and fabric for any body type! Everyone wants to look sexy on Valentines Day, and that doesn’t always mean that the dress has to be skintight or above the knee…in fact this season the runway has been filled with knee length and calve length dresses! If your looking for something perfect for you body this is the place t go! Super sexy and just stunning I would swear if you cant find it on her website it may not exist! Good news? It won’t break the bank either!

Accessories: Its not always easy finding that perfect accessory to match that perfect dress. I have never been a matchy match girl! I love having fun with color and adding something loud piece that no one would expect! PJs closet is the place to go for some fun sassy and spicy pieces! What I love about Pjs is that she offers some amazing styles and brands that are new and fresh! One example is Cha-Lo Brand; I promise you will want every piece!

Gifts: The gifting can always cause a headache. Here’s the thing, you have 2 options as I see it.  Go big or go personal. Valentines are people who are special to your heart for one reason or another. There are those people who love the personal gift of an amazing picture scrapbook, or a drawing or collage that you took the time to put together yourself. It’s really a personal decision depending on who the person is your gifting. I love looking at Martha Stewarts webpage and coming up with ideas, as well as Real Simple!  

If its something you are looking to go big on I recently came across an over night bag Millionaire Daytrip Duffle by Mam Couture Feel Like A Mill that I am just obsessed with! Any guy would die over it! It’s really your decision, but if the wallet allows it I would say do both!

No matter what you need to enjoy your day! It doesn’t matter if your mom and you spend your day making Valentines with your children! If your single, party like there is no tomorrow! If you do have that someone special in your life I say make this year special and do something crazy! It’s Valentines Day so you’re allowed to wear your heart on your sleeve and expect the world! No matter what make sure you do it in a FABULOUS way!!!

About Jeni Elizabeth

Celebrity and TV Fashion Stylist, Jeni Elizabeth is based in Los Angeles, California and has trained under some of Hollywood's best. With over 7 years of experience, her styling can be seen on such stars as Carrie Underwood, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton and Marissa Jaret Winokur. Jeni's work is everywhere from fashion look books, music videos, and celebrity editorials, to some of the hottest Network Reality Television Shows. Along with these projects, she also enjoys styling her private clients for all occasions.

With an education from FIT in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing and Design, Jeni went on to work at New York's legendary Boutique, Henri Bendel, where she ran the women's department for three years. It was there that she met Michael Palladino, the man that would influence her to become one of Hollywood's best and hardest working stylists in the industry.

Jeni is quickly becoming the Must Have in everyone's fashionable closet before an event. Her fun and crazy personality make her a delight to work with and an instant favorite amongst all her clients. Her passion and devotion are immediately evident and inspire everyone around her. Jeni's love for her craft gives her the ability to make anyone feel absolutely amazing about themselves after just ten minutes with her.

There is no doubt that Jeni is making her mark on the Red Carpet with her smile and talent.

Get Moody This Valentine's Day with NYX Cosmetics

As seen on NBC’s TODAY show this week, NYX Cosmetics’ new “Mood” Lip Glosses are the perfect beauty accessory for Valentine’s Day.   

 

As seen on

 

 

 

 

Like a mood ring, this “magic” lip gloss reacts to each person’s unique skin chemistry to produce a custom shade of pink. The moisturizing formula goes on clear and shiny, then develops into a beautiful, natural tint that’s uniquely yours!

Available in 4 Shades:

 

• ·         Original “Mood” Lip Gloss in Romantic Love, $4.50 – This moisturizing lip gloss goes on clear and turns into a dark pink hue.
• ·         NEW “Mood” Lip Gloss in Affectionate, $4.50  – This strawberry-scented moisturizing lip gloss goes on clear with a hint of shimmer and transforms into a frosted light pink.
• ·         NEW “Mood” Lip Gloss in Sensual, $4.50  – This moisturizing lip gloss goes on clear and transforms into a shiny deep mulberry hue.
• ·         NEW The “Blue” Lip Gloss Smile Brightener, $4.50  – This moisturizing sheer lip gloss illuminates your smile through cool undertones in the gloss that complement the whites of your teeth, making your smile appear brighter.

 

Availability: All “Mood” Lip Glosses are available online at www.nyxcosmetics.com