FASHION INSPIRATION - THE AGE OF MASCULINITY

THE AGE OF MASCULINE BEAUTY

We have to acknowledge that in this day and age – as it has forever been – beauty matters. Our definition of beauty is based on the media saturation which we are bombarded with on a DAILY BASIS!!  For instance, the idea of tanned = gorgeous has only appeared recently — it would stand to reason that with all the lead-based paints and powder that was used, pale was beautiful as it indicated that you had no need to stand about in the sun all day. As a society, we perceive people who have traits which we consider admirable: self restraint, indefatigable dedication to an idea, sacrifice to epitomise the current standards of beauty – mirrored so closely in the way we view the working world. So we end up with the size zero models and body-builders with ripped stomachs and veined arms as a societal idea.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE OF HIM....OH WOLVERINE!!!....WHERE ARE YOUR CLAWS?

TIP: TIGHT T-SHIRTS and SWEATS only LOOK GOOD if you have the BODY to FILL THEM OUT!.......LOL

THE SUIT AND THE HAIR....SAYS IT ALL

OH RICKY!!!

CLARK KENT GLASSES with the TRADITIONAL SLICK COMB-OVER WORKS HERE!!!

And WE CANT Forget about MR. TOM FORD......The TRUE MAN~  ( love him)

Five O' clock shadows work when there are well trimmed!

YES A "MAN BAG"......I CARRY ONE TOO......WHAT?????

THIS SUIT IS AMAZING!!!

NEED I SAY ANYMORE.....THE IMAGERY SPEAK FOR ITSELF.

TRENDY NUTRITION: THE TOP SKIN DIETS

DIETING TIPS: How to keep your regimen from HARMING your SKIN!

If everything that goes into your body effects your skin. Could your diet be damaging your looks?? Check out the latest diets and h0w they add to your appearance.

ATKINS DIET

The Skin Skinny:
This low-carb, high-protein regimen “can be disastrous for the complexion,” says naturopathic physician Alan C. Logan. “Excessive protein can cause calcium levels to drop, and loss of bone density in the face is very aging.” Also, “the acidity of meat-based diets can upset the skin’s pH and increase its susceptibility to UV damage.”

Beauty Boost: 
Take calcium supplements, and add some fruits and vegetables. Their alkalinity will balance the acidity of the meat while also providing free-radical-fighting antioxidants.

SOUTH BEACH DIET

The Skin Skinny:
A program that restricts sugar and starch while permitting healthy carbohydrates (such as whole grains like brown rice) is great for acne sufferers: Studies have shown that a low-glycemic-index diet, which highlights slow-to-digest, fiber-rich foods, can reduce breakouts. The ban on sweets is even better: “Sugar promotes inflammation and increases glycation, which damages collagen and elastin and sets the visible signs of aging in motion,” Logan says.

Beauty Boost: 
The first two-week phase of South Beach—which eliminates all sugar, most carbohydrates, fruits, and some vegetables—can be dehydrating. Keep skin plump by taking fish oil supplements and drinking plenty of water.

VEGAN DIET

The Skin Skinny:
A menu of fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and beans will provide plenty of
age-fighting antioxidants, but the lack of animal protein can cause skin to lose tone. “Protein repairs and rejuvenates hair and skin,” says dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD. “A deficiency can make skin appear dry, dull, and unhealthy.”

Beauty Boost: 
“Be conscientious about including protein,” says dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD. “Some good options are chickpeas, almonds, tofu, and peanut butter. I also recommend the tricolor salad approach—the more colors of vegetables you eat, the better.”

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

The Skin Skinny: 
Sticking to fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins is a slam dunk in the skin stakes. “You’re getting lots of olive oil, which has been shown to keep the epidermis hydrated and also protect against skin cancer,” Logan says. “You also get a lot of fiber—an unheralded source of antioxidants—from whole grains, while the seafood brings in essential omega and fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and acne and improve elasticity.”

Beauty Boost: 
None needed. Toast your progress with a glass of red wine—it contains the anti-aging compound resveratrol, as well as ellagic acid, “which helps skin maintain its firmness,” says Canyon Ranch nutritionist Chrissy Wellington.

RAW DIET

The Skin Skinny: 
Foods that have been cooked at high heat (especially by frying, grilling, and baking) spark the production of inflammation-causing advanced glycation end products (known as AGEs), so forgoing the stove entirely could mean fewer wrinkles later. Plus, the nutrient-rich produce, nuts, and grains consumed on a typical raw diet can rev up circulation and give skin a healthy glow.

Beauty Boost: 
Just as with a vegan diet, protein is key. “Try as wide a variety of plant-based proteins as possible,” Logan says. Also, be sure to get essential fatty acids from such sources as flaxseed oil, and take supplements containing B vitamins (especially B12), selenium, and zinc—all of which support the skin’s protective barrier.

LOW-FAT DIET

The Skin Skinny: 
“The skin requires essential fatty acids, which the body can’t produce on its own, to maintain hydration,” Gross says. “A low-fat diet could cause dry skin, hair loss, and brittle nails.”

Beauty Boost: 
Walnuts, kidney beans, and fish are all excellent sources of omega-3. “It’s also a good idea to boost your intake of whole grain sources like brown rice and wheat germ,” Logan says. “The outer layer of the epidermis is like a brick wall, and the ceramides contained in those foods are like the mortar that keeps the structure healthy.”

REMEMBER THAT SKIN PERFECTION IS JUST ONE FORK FULL AWAY!!!....LOL

Product REVIEW: THE TOP MOISTURIZER - Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

“Your skin looks great, what’s your secret?”

This is one line I will never get tired of hearing. Thanks to the newest skin care product that I’m using now, called 

Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel.

The Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel has been in the market for several years, yet unknown to many including me. It was one of my girlfriends who suggested that I use this a  months ago.

And it works like a miracle. I once dry spot on my forehead and cheeks, which has really affected my confidence.  But the use of Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel has changed everything.

• If the skin is excessively exposed to UVB rays, the skin stops producing so much of the acid.   By applying it topically, you are not only helping to hydrate the skin, but you are speeding up the reparation process.

• B5 Gel is clear and goes on very clean.  It is almost like a refreshing light aloe gel that you apply, however, this is much different because it actually helps your skin attract moisture to the cells from the inside out.  Instead of creating a layer on top of the skin like most lotions.

• Use Hydrating B5 Gel in conjunction with a Vitamin C product (if you are using one) to help with the firming and toning effects of the Vitamin C.

• By hydrating the skin, you are helping the cells stay subtle and collagen to move freely.  By plumping the collagen, you are fighting wrinkles.

All you have to do is Apply 3-5 drops of Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel morning and night after cleansing and toning the face and sit back and enjoy your NEW found skin!......hellur. You can purchase this product HERE

Design Inpiration: CAMPING in STYLE!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN......but IN STYLE

I’ve always had a romantic idea of camping in a trailer, driving to some beautiful spot next to a mountain or a lake, stopping wherever the scenery calls out to you.     Lately, it seems a lot of people share this vision, except they are actually doing it, not dreaming about it.  But camping today is not like camping well......atleast the way most people think when they hear the word camping......tents, fold-up chairs, canteens......YUCK!!!!!.  It’s now called, Glamping - camping with all the luxuries of high thread sheets and plush towels, Ipods, Ipads, and flat screen TVs.  

Glamping sites are popping up all over the United States and the craze is popular in Europe and Africa too.  There are two kinds of Glamping.  You can stay at a camp site that provides romantic tents ala Out of Africa.  Or you can provide your own shelter – a trailer.   Glamping at a tent camp doesn’t give you the freedom to pick up and move to another site, something that a trailer does.  

The trailers themselves are divided into two categories – vintage and new.   You can buy the most luxurious brand new motor home, big enough to live in it permanently.  Or you get a smaller, vintage trailer from the 50s and 60s  - and restore it.   Restoring vintage silver Airstreams and Shasta trailers is all the rage right now.  

EVEN RALPH LAUREN jumped on the bandwagen......and decided to put his spin on an Airstream trailer....check this out!

This smaller Airstream is actually located on Ralph Lauren’s Double L ranch in Telluride, Colorado.   I love the way the tree limb holds up the awning. 

Matthew McConaughey made a big splash when he showed his Airstream in Architectural Digest.   He actually lived in his trailer for years.   It is parked in Malibu, right on the beach at the Malibu RV park.  Yes, Malibu does have a trailer park!  

Matthew’s Airstream, complete with a surfboard and U.S. flag.

Orchids and Malibu – this is a trailer?   

The kitchen is fully stocked.

A sitting/sleeping area at the front of the trailer.

His bedroom – he calls it the Honeycomb.....WHAT????

RETRO PINK 

This 1959 pink and white trailer was completely restored and it’s totally adorable.  

Her name is Audree.   Naming your vintage trailer is a must.

Audree is all white, turquoise, blue, and pink.   Many vintage trailers are restored by women and their interiors reflect this. 

Audree’s dining room with its turquoise and white striped curtains.  

THE SHABBY CHIC

Shabby Chic is another popular look in retro trailers.  This trailer went all white.   Love their camp site with the white table, plates, and lantern.

Inside, everything has been painted white – it’s hard to tell it’s a vintage trailer.

The bedroom has a cute black and white bedspread.  Cute lamps and headboard.

At night, a curtain with a batik print hides the bedroom from the living area.  

DOING IT COWBOY STYLE.......LOL

  Bring on the 50s!!!

And the bedroom – all done in western kitsch.

This trailer is western, without the 50s kitsch.   It has terracotta floors.

ALL SHINY AND NEW!

New Airstreams look like this.  They come in different colors and styles, but the new ones don’t have the charm of the renovated ones.

This new one is nice with the dark cabinetry and striped seats – I live this version.

The bedroom, again with the dark cabinetry.

THE TRAILER HOTEL.....WHAT??

If you are in Cape Town, South Africa, visit Grand Daddy’s hotel.  On the roof, there are a group of airstreams that you can rent, instead of an inside hotel room.  For information on the hotel, go HERE.  

A look at the top of Grand Daddy’s hotel – the Airstream park.   Each trailer was decorated by a different artists and they are highly unique.

One of the trailers is pink, everywhere.   The pink living room.

The pink bedroom.

This trailer is powder blue and white polka dots.

The polka dot bedroom.

This one is green and red – love the painted floor, ala Mary McDonald.

The kitchen and bedroom.  What a cute idea for a hotel  - your choice of a room or an Airstream.  Which would you pick??

THE DESIGNER

This beautiful trailer is from California.  The owner is an interior designer.  Look at their camp site!  Zebra rugs lanterns – mirrors.   SOOOOO cool!

Their living area.   This is a really upscale Airstream.   Love the fabrics and the rug.  Beautiful.

Curtains close off the bedroom.   Ebony wood in the kitchen and on the walls.  

The bedroom.   Love the curtains at the back instead of a door.

The kitchen has a Corian countertop – marble was too heavy for the airstream.  This looks like a house.  This is such a beautiful, beautiful trailer.  I could be very happy here!!!   It shows you – even with a brand new Airstream, it can still be sophisticated and chic – the Airstream designers should look at this for direction.   HERE.

WELL I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE TOUR OF LIFE IN A CAMPER!.......If I wasnt so into 5-star HOTELS i just might go out and BUY ONE!......