She’s Got Moxy

What do you get when a fun loving, free spirited mom with an artistic eye gets hold of a camera?  You get  Moxy Photography.  And the woman behind the camera is Lisa Joy.  Lisa became a photogapher because she loved the idea that one single picture can convey humongous amounts of emotion.  She also adds that “humongous” is the Sesame Street word of the day,  if anyone missed it!    Lisa believes thattrue beauty is found when you’re playing, joking, and basking in the love of family and friends.  Moxy photography isn’t about making perfect pictures, Lisa says she captures real people just being themselves.   Lisa knows YOU know how it feels to love your family, and she wants to show you what it looks like.  Oh and don’t let me for get to mention that we are giving away a free photo shoot with Lisa from Moxy Photography.  The shoot includes an on-location photo session anywhere in Rhode Island.  The session is held for about 1 -2 hours. Also a $100 print credit.  And as a bonus, if the photo session is scheduled before November 13^th, the winner will receive 25 free holiday cards!

Give Me Volume Baby!

I have been cursed with fine, straight hair.  My friends with curly hair  say I’m so lucky, but really, it takes time to make it look fabulous and full of volume.  It all starts with the shampoo I use.  I’ve tried it all people, and if the shampoo doesn’t work, it will throw off the whole process.  This week I was lucky enough to be able to try Infusium23 Volume Builder Shampoo, from their Volume Builder Collection.  This shampoo was formulated for people like me.  Infusium23 uses an integrated system of proven science, exclusive technology and personalized products that transform straight, limp, fine hair into fabulous locks full of volume!!  I used it and it absolutely left my hair with not only extra body but super shine.   Got curly hair? Infusium23 has a collection for that too!  The Frizz Controller Collection.  Perfect for frizz-prone, distressed hair or hair that is prone to fly-aways.  Perfect for winter!!  One of the best things about Infusium23 shampoo is that it’s super affordable.  $7.99 at drugstores nationwide.  Oh and one more thing, we are giving away a bottle of Infusium23 Volume Builder Shampoo and a bottle of Infusium23 Frizz Control Shampoo.  Sign up now on our giveaways page and try it out yourself.  You can find more infomation about the whole Infusium23 line at www.infusium.com.

Have You Been To Sucre Lulu?

Sucre LuLu or in other words “sweet Lulu”, the brain child of stay at home mom Theresa Cunningham who turned her love of clothing into a fabulous business of custom vintage style onesie’s and childrens shirts.  Using quality fabrics she prides herself on creating clothing that is not only comfortable, but super stylish.  Theresa also creates fabulous hair clips and head bands. She has specialty pieces for brides also.  Oh and did I mention she designs little girls hair accessories to die for.  Yes, my girls have them and they not only get millions of compliments on them, they actually leave them in their hair long enough to get the compliments.  If you’re looking for a totally unique baby gift you must shop her website.  You will want to have your own baby just so you can buy the precious onesie’s she created.  You didn’t think I was going to write a post and not do a fabulous giveaway did you?  Five hair clip giveaways actually.  Five chances to win!  Head over to our giveaway page and sign up now!!!  You can find more of Sucre Lulu at www.sucrelulu.com and on her blog www.sucrelulu.blogspot.com

Glitterize.Com- A Bling Website

I love bling.  The flashier the better. You can imagine what I thought when I found www.glitterize.com.  This website carries everything bling.  From picture frames, key rings, necklaces and paperweights.  You want glitter and bling?  This is the website to go to. They also carry our favorite Beadelle crystal components.  You know we loved our beadelle necklaces and now we are in love with the Beadelle buckles.  Available in 6 different shapes; heart, round, square, rectangle, oval, and half-circle, in a variety of sizes, to ensure you will find a style that fits you and your creative vision!   Now officially available in Silver with Crystal Stones or pearls, and Gold with Crystal Stones,  the Beadelle(R) Crystal Buckles are available just in time for wedding season projects as affordable crystal decoration options!  These buckles can be used on a night out, at the office or just for daytime fun.  For those who haven’t heard of “buckles” before, crystal buckles are a very popular wedding and special event design element normally used with ribbon in smaller sizes (wrapped around candle votives or flower vases), or with chiffon in larger sizes (usually used on the back of a chair cover or wrapped around a special decorative piece). These buckles can be used for any type of designing to easily add that special sparkle to any event while also opening up the creative possibilities.  More than ever before, DIY wedding components have grown in popularity and many decorators have had an extreme interest in the Beadelle(R) Crystal buckles, due to their high quality crystals and affordable pricing.

Oh, and did I forget to mention we are giving one of our readers the chance to win a pack of Beadelle buckles from Glitterize.com.  Head over to our giveaway page to sign up.  Check out all of the buckles on www.glitterize.com

A Q&A with Holly Sanford, Designer of Fiorella Cigar Box Purses

This is another unique idea that is becoming a fun trend.  Cigar box purses.  I recently had the pleasure of doing a Q&A with Holly Sanford, designer of Fiorella Cigar Box Purses.  She has created a fabulous business of recycling used cigar boxes and making one of a kind purses.   The outside of the box is designed with everything from cocktail napkins to photographs to magazines photos.   With items such as bamboo, beads and corks accenting each piece, you are sure to love your unique purse.  She also has a cigar box line that is dedicated to the wine connoisseur.  These cigar box purses make a fun, unique and personal gift for someone special.  Check out her Q & A  and then head over to our giveaway page and sign up to win your own cigar box purse.

What was your inspiration behind the cigar box purses?

My first design was a Napa/wine tasting theme

purse, and I received so many positive reactions to it!

I realized that the cigar box itself is such a conversation piece, each one sort of having it’s own story.  I am

inspired by these beautiful boxes, turning them into something that will express a woman’s personality.

Where do you get your idea’s for each purse?

Each purse starts with a theme or motif, that may be as specific as “Martini” or more general, like a zebra print look.

I think of what a woman might want to say with her look or where would she carry the purse.  Vacations, parties or

wine-tasting might be events that will lead me to a design.  Sometimes I will cut out a word, like “Fabulous” from a

magazine, decoupage it onto the purse with some other bold elements.

Is each bag handmade and one of a kind?

Yes, each is handmade by me, and unique.  I never make the same one twice, especially because the cigar boxes

are all so different.  I tend to get bored easily and am always moving on to new things…it would be impossible for me

to keep making the same thing over and over again!

What are the different ways that each box is designed? Paint, beads etc.

Some boxes may get a coat of paint or varnish, then I decoupage paper, ribbon or even cocktail napkins onto them.

I add a custom beaded handles, rhinestones maybe, tassels, feet, and lining to the interiors.  Each purse has many hours

of  planning and work put into it.  And they are very hard for me to part with!

Beadelle by Domaine…Fabulous Fashion Jewelry

Ok, so you know when you come across a site that is just super fabulous and you must pass it on? Well, this is one of those sites.  I know that I’m always looking for fabulous accessories at an affordable price and usually it takes some time, but I find them.  Lucky me,  I just came across a website that carries awesome fashion jewelry that fits everyone’s budget.  What site is it you ask?, Domaine Ltd.  It has the latest fashion jewelry at a fraction of the cost found at the normal retail and “discount” outlets. You may even recognize many of the items on the site from nationally advertised retail stores, boutiques and online catalogs.  Not only do they sell the most fabulous rings, bracelets,necklaces and watches, they also have gifts for special occasions.  One new addition to their roster of jewelry is the Beadelle by Domaine necklace.  Each Beadelle necklace is named after a famous movie star.   This oval-shaped bead has the look of glamour and luxury without the expensive price tag.  You can find them in silver or gold and several varieties of colored crystals. Not your typical fashion jewelry necklace, these pieces shine like diamonds, and we all LOVE diamonds.  These necklaces are super hot right now and we are lucky enough to be giving away two of them.  Head over to our giveaways page and sign up to win a Beadelle by Domaine necklace.  You have 2 chances to win!!

‘What To Wear For The Rest Of Your Life- Ageless Secrets Of Style’ by Kim Johnson Gross

You and every woman you know needs to pick up a copy of this new book What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life-Ageless Secrets of Style by former model and fashion editor Kim Johnson Gross.  This book gives fabulous advice on what should be in every womans closet during various stages of their lives. What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life-Ageless Secrets of Style is divided into four fabulous sections which help each individual woman assess how she looks now, what new look she would like and how to achieve that look to a flattering effect.    This book is not just about choosing the right clothes, it’s also about moving from one stage of life to another, wife, mother, empty nester and beyond.  This book includes style steps and rules that every evolving woman should follow.  I loved reading the “20 Steps for Determining Age Appropriate Clothing”, “Creating a Feel-Good Closet” and  ”Style Rules that Never Change- and Managing Your Assets”.

Author Kim Johnson Gross has been a fashion expert for over 30 years.  Her fashion columns have appeared in More and Instyle magazines.  She has been featured on the Today Show, The Early Show and many more.

Woman over 40 are  running to the bookstore to pick up a copy of What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life-Ageless Secrets of Style, an informational, funny and touching book about the secrets of style and always looking and feeling your best.  Oh and one more thing, we are giving away a copy of this fabulous book to five of our fabulous readers!! Head over to our giveaway page to sign up.

The Eco Luxe Life!! Going Green Can Be Fabulous!!

Ok, I have to admit, I am not the most eco-friendly person around.  I don’t have a cabinet filled with eco-friendly cleaners, I don’t buy “green” make up and skin care,  my children don’t wear cloth diapers and my Range Rover is definitely increasing the size of my carbon footprint, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try. I use cloth bags for the grocery store, I use hand towels instead of paper towels, I do use some eco friendly cleaners and I absolutely recycle.  Baby steps people.  My thinking was always that eco-friendly products just don’t work as well as my trusted chemical based products and some of  these “green products” are just plain expensive.  I guess maybe I never looked into the “green” lifestyle enough to know that I can find some great products that work just as well as my trusted ones and they don’t all have to break the bank.  What made me come to this conclusion you ask?  A  website called www.theecoluxelife.com Just the name makes me want to buy everything on it.  Run by three eco-trendy ladies, this website is absolutely fabulous and has made going green super simple and super chic at the same time.  Not only do they sell everything under the sun for the eco friendly consumer, but they actually ask their customers to contribute their opinions of the products to their website. Customers are also able to sign up for a special program that allows them a bag full of fabulous eco-friendly luxe products to sample 4 times per year.  www.theecoluxelife.com specializes in everything under the sun for a greener lifestyle, including clothing, baby care products and pet products too!!  This is one website that will make you rethink everything you ever thought about going green!!  Oh, and one more thing, we are doing a giveaway with www.ecoluxelife.com!!  Go to our giveaway section and sign up to win “Trilogy Travelers”, a great travel case containing four products essential to Trilogy’s daily botanical skin care routine. The Eco Luxe Life can also be found on Twitter @theecoluxelife.     Here’s our Q & A with the fabulous ladies of  The Eco Luxe Life:

SSS-What inspired you to start this website?

ELL-Life, really.  My partners and I loved shopping but really had started to turn to greener products over the years, mostly for health reasons.  The problem was that we really couldn’t find one location to find everything we could possibly want where we didn’t have to compromise on quality or style.  We wanted the jewelry to be chic and fun, not necessarily hippie granola and made of hemp. We wanted the cosmetics to work as well as their toxic counterparts and our clothing and household needs to have less of an impact on our health and the environment.  We searched and searched, but couldn’t find what we were looking for. So we decided to just make it ourselves! Girls love to be the envy of their friends and find new, cool products. We love that we can do it for a living!

SSS-We love the fact that we can sign up  and test a bevy of products 4 times per year, how has the feedback been with all your eco-friendly products?

ELL-You know, the funniest thing about our sample pack has been the varying responses we have gotten from everyone.  Some people loved the dryer sheet or the biodegradable trash bag that they saw in their local grocery store but never tried before.  Others loved the lip glosses and eye creams.  That is what is so nice about the program, there is something for everyone and it allows you to check new things out before you drop your hard earned dollars on a full size product.  Because most cities (other than certain very green sophisticated markets located mostly on the west coast) have very few eco boutiques, we tried to create that same excitement and feel, accessible in your own home.

SSS-What are some of your favorite eco-friendly beauty products?

ELL-I love so many but if I have to pick a few, here are my desert island must haves:

1) Eyes and Lips… A perfect way to add some flare is to brighten up your eyes and lips.  Go crazy and use bright reds or pinks for some extra funky puckers.  I love Stript’s lipstick pencil (http://www.theecoluxelifestore.com/product/Stript_Lipstick.html).  Use it as a liner or a lipstick or both.  Not sticky or goopy, easy to tote, and vegan!  For eyes, I love the Zosimos Eye Pencils (http://www.theecoluxelifestore.com/product/ZOS_031.html).  These shades are far from bland and go on silky smooth to give my eyes that extra pop at a very reasonable price.

2) SPF.  Sunscreen is a must.  I definitely don’t want to get wrinkles and sunspots and the only ways to avoid them is to wear sunscreen or stay out of the sun completely.  Although I have a very cute hat, I choose SPF.  One of my faves is Melansol.  It is an all natural sunscreen that blocks 96% of rays, and can be used on face, body and the kiddies.  http://www.theecoluxelifestore.com/product/Melansol_SPF25.html

3) Skincare. I love love love my Tata.  Tata Harper Skincare, although expensive, does wonders to rejuvenate my skin after my crazy days.  And, as an extra perk, she has a bedtime treatment that I use every night to help me mellow. Find her entire line here http://www.theecoluxelifestore.com/TATA.html.

SSS-Do you find it a big adjustment to go from everyday products to using ecofriendly?

ELL-One of the most important aspects of being a more responsible consumer is not to up and trash your whole wardrobe, makeup bag and cleaning bucket.  Instead, phase green products in as you need them.  For me, that is exactly what I did.  As my Armani foundation or drugstore lip gloss ran out, I replaced it with a healthier choice.  However, the most amazing part of the transformation has been how much I have actually love the replacements.  We did this thing in our office called the Lipstick Test.  The challenge is to use an all natural lip gloss or lipstick for two weeks and then try and go back to your original chemically filled one.  We promise you will be surprised by the results! You’ll never buy a Chanel lip gloss again.

SSS-What do you want to tell our readers who are still skeptics about the effectiveness of eco-friendly products vs. their trusted chemical based products?

ELL-Eco isn’t about compromise anymore.  We set out to prove that exact fact.  There is a way to be stylish, chic, fabulous, practical and green, all at the same time! We’ve learned that people tend to feel safe with brands they know. It’s our goal to make eco-brands part of our everyday vernacular.  With a commercialized product, such as a deodorent – you may prefer Secret to Dove. People feel that one works better than another. The same is true with eco-brands. Products we buy for ourselves and our home are very subjective, so you just have to find what you like and go with it! While we recognize that the environment is not important to all people, health generally is. And green living is as much about health as it is about the environment. There’s something eco out there that will work for you, we promise! We’re trying to make it less difficult for you to find.

La La Luxe Salon

She’s beautiful, she’s talented. With her blonde pixie cut hair that every woman wishes they could have, she’ll make you look and feel like a million bucks. She’s an amazing musician with two full length albums under her belt and she’s an unbelievable artist, from painting to sculptures she creates masterpieces.  Who is this superwoman you ask? She’s Leah Carlson, owner of La La Luxe Salon on the East Side of Providence and all of these talents combined make for one incredible hairstylist. She can envision what looks good on any client and then color or cut until she achieves the perfect look.  Leah has been working as a hairstylist for 9 years and has been trained by the best including the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Miami in 2002, and Nick Arrojo (from TLC’s “What Not To Wear”) in 2007, 2008, and 2009.  You want gorgeous hair.  La La Luxe Salon. Period.  Located on one of the most sought after streets on the East Side of Providence, La La Luxe screams fabulous!! Come in and see why Leah Carlson and the staff at La La Luxe salon are some of the most in demand stylists in Rhode Island.  Now through March 31st get 25% off products and services!  Call 401-383-3797 to book an appointment today. La La Luxe is located at 139 Elmgrove Avenue in Providence, near the corner of Elmgrove and Lloyd Avenues. Check out La La luxe Salon on Facebook too!

The Extraodinary Story of Oscar The Cat

For five years, a fury feline named Oscar has roamed the halls of the Steere House (A home that cares for patients with terminal dementia), in Providence, RI.   His job, well, not officially given to him, is to comfort these patients in their last hours of life. Oscar, has sat bedside with some 50 patients before they passed, and now he is the main character of a fabulous new book called ‘Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat’ by Dr. David Dosa.

Dosa, a geriatrician has roamed the halls of the Steere House with not only Oscar, but 5 other cats and none of them have shown him the ablility that Oscar has.  So intrigued by what this feline (or as some call him, the “fury angel of death”) seemed to predict, Dosa wrote an article about Oscar in The 2007 New Enlgand Journal of Medicine and from there on, he and Oscar were national news.  Dosa says “People can see what they want in Oscar”.  Most families find it comforting having him be there. Some people have called from other states asking if they can bring their sick loved ones to stay.

Dosa, Oscar and their wonderful story has been featured on the Today Show, Inside Edition and in People Magazine.

‘Making Rounds with Oscar: An Extraodinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat’ available at bookstores around the country.  Check out Dr. David Dosa’s website at www.daviddosa.com.  This is one book you don’t want to miss.

Oh, and to make things a little easier for you, we are giving away a signed copy of this fabulous book.  Head over to our giveaway page and sign up now!

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