ESSIE Resort Collection

Spotted this launch in TARGET the other day.  The essie Resort Collection is simple and pretty.  Contains two bold colors and two pastels.  No More Film is a creme 'blurple' mix.  Sure Shot is a shimmery magenta.  She's Picture Perfect is an iridescent lilac and Pink-A-Boo is a sheer sparkly pink.  Each polish is DPA, toulene and formaldehyde free and you can get all four at ULTA/$17.  What's your favorite?

Shadow Update: Choosing an Eye Palette

Eye shadow is used to compliment your eye color and brighten your eye. An eye shadow palette makes it simple. Whether you prefer a ready-made quad or customize your own, you want to be able to actually USE all of the product.

GET A RANGE: The palette that contains a good mix of complimentary colors and textures is ideal. A light and dark shade, a neutral and one with a bit of shimmer is perfect.

STICK TO THE BASICS: A neutral palette is great for everyday. You can incorporate pops of color from a separate shadow or liner. Another must have is the smoky palette for a smoldering look.

LAYER IT ON: Balance is key when you focus on your eyes. When applying a bold shade on the lid, soften the color by blending a neutral shade in the crease and use a matte shadow to accent the brow bone.

TONE IT DOWN: Spring trends call for pops of color. Opt for a bold color as liner instead of applying it all over your lid. You can wet an angled brush for staying power and precision. Or mix it with a neutral color to soften the intensity.

Check This Out!
Ready Made Versions: L'OREAL Paris Studio Secrets Color Smokes Eye Shadow in Lavendar Smokes/$5.99 or smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow/$28.

Create Your Own Versions: shu uemura Custom Palette/$9 Duo case or $14 Quad case -- Each shade is $15 (includes pressed liners). Also try MAC Cosmetics Pro Palettes. Available cases start at $7 for duos and quads. The case for 15 shadows is $16.00 and each refill is $11.50. Both sites feature a cool 'drag-and-drop' tool.

(Article inspired from Allure.com)

National Nutrition Month 2012

"Get Your Plate In Shape" is the theme for March 2012. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits (EatRight.org).

We should be balancing what we eat with fitness and movement. But it's important to "taste the rainbow" by incorporating color onto your plate with fruit and vegetables:

REDS: colored by natural plant pigments called lycopene. Lycopene which is found in tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit may reduce certain cancers, like prostrate cancer. Anthocyanins in strawberries, raspberries, red grapes contain antioxidants that protect skin cells. Also eat apples, cabbage, pomegranates, and cherries.

ORANGE & YELLOW: Colored by carotenoids and rich in beta-carotene and Vitamin A, pumpkins, carrots, sweet potato promote healthy eyes, maintain healthy mucous levels and may improve immune system overall. Plus it improves overall appearance of your skin! Citrus fruit like oranges and lemons are a great source of Vitamin C and folate. Try yellow watermelon, butternut squash and apricots.

BLUE/PURPLE: "The darker the berry, the sweeter the juice." The juice in dark berries(anthocyanins) provide powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage, reduce stroke and heart disease and may improve memory. Foods from the blue/purple group include eggplant, blackberries, purple grapes and figs.

GREEN: Leafy dark greens, green peppers, celery and spinach contain lutein. Broccoli is an excellent source of folate, a vitamin that is essential in reducing risk of birth defects. Good for you fats found in avocados can be added to salads or topped with olive oil, salt and pepper. Options for green veges include brussel sprouts, asparagus and zucchini.

WHITE: These fruits and vegetables contain allicin which lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Excellent source of potassium comes from bananas and potatoes. Eat mushroom, cauliflower, turnips and garlic to cleanse blood.

Tips to increase fruits and veges in your diet:
* Add vegetables to casseroles, stews and soups.
* Add lettuce, tomato, onions and peppers to sandwiches.
* Enjoy fruit smoothies for breakfast and green shakes for lunch.
* Bake with fruit purees to reduce fat and increase fiber.

One of my favorite side dishes is a mix of vegetables sauteed with olive oil and garlic. For more nutrition and healthy eating information, go to http://www.foodinsight.org/.