Thursday, January 29, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
With everything that is going on in today’s economy it can be a challenge to try and indulge yourself at the spa. But, while we are all working harder and stressing more about financials it is more important than ever to remember to relax. I recently received “Somewhere Else,” a cd of soothing songs by Jill Kremer. I put it in my cd player and and really felt like I was “Somewhere Else.” Between the tranquil sounds of the ocean and the flutes and strings it is easy to let yourself relax. This cd is great for spas and yoga classes. It is perfect for any time you need elegant, soothing music. And, at only $10 for the cd , it is a way of indulging yourself anytime you want without feeling guilty about spending money. Jill Kremer also donates 10% of the proceeds from “Somewhere Else” to Acres of Diamonds, a charity for homeless women and children. Previous Post: The ultimate honeymoon experience
Labels: Jill Kremer, Relaxing on a budget with music, Somewhere Else
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
 “She is the most caring, sincere girl in the world! I would do anything to give this to her.”- Ryan Pattee, winner of BRIDES Mile High Honeymoon Suite at Top of the Rock™ contest, on his new wife Kelley The once-in-a-lifetime experience Indulge told you about in December has been granted to a very deserving couple who will start their incredible honeymoon tonight. The BRIDES Mile High Honeymoon Suite at Top of the Rock™ was revealed today and the winning couple, Ryan Pattee and Kelley Pattee, (shown in the photo) are the lucky ones who will be the first ever to spend the night in the Observation Deck, 67 floors above Rock Center in NYC. The Pattee’s will warm up on the next portion of their honeymoon journey with an all expense paid trip to Bora Bora, where the current high temps are in the 80s. Right before her wedding, Kelley’s father was diagnosed with cancer and Kelley’s mother fractured a hip. Kelley dedicated herself to caring for both parents and, while the couple managed to get married, they never had a honeymoon. Both mother and father have received clean bills of health and Ryan and Kelley are off on their dream vacation.
The BRIDES Mile High Honeymoon Suite at Top of the Rock™ is in celebration of the >magazine’s 75th Anniversary and is open to the public during daytime operating hours through January 28. Labels: The BRIDES Mile High Honeymoon Suite at Top of the Rock™
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
Do you have a case of the winter fashion blues? I do! I live in Boston. It feels like my big winter boots and constant need to layer have really put a damper on my sense of style. But underneath your big wool coat you can still be beautiful and lucky for us I have an expert stylist to tell us what’s hot now in fashion. Colin Megaro, Stylist (Planet Style Concierge), gave Indulge the following tips and advice for looking stylish right now. Colin Megaro: Winter is here and it’s time to kick your wardrobe up a notch. If you want to look instantly chic and in the moment these are the items you need to have. First, bold basic pieces are the perfect starter. Blouses with puff sleeves, corseted waists and detailing are here. Pair the blouse with jeans, a skinny black pant or even a textured leather skirt. Add a boyfriend blazer that can be used for work and play. These outfits are sure you help you paint the town red, pink or whatever color you love. Dresses are back and making a splash all over the runways. Wear them to the office, out on a date or simply out shopping. Remember you can never go wrong with the perfect little black dress. It’s timeless! Keep it looking fresh with knee high boots, heels or even a pair of ballet flats. Simply switch out your shoes and accessories and you are ready for anything the world can throw at you. Finally, as I have said many times before accessories are key. To look winter cool add an over the shoulder messenger bag with metallic details to your must have list. Not only are they functional they are hot, hot, hot. Your next accessory must have is chain link jewelry. Earrings, bracelets and even necklaces in this mesh substance are going to give you a rocker chic appeal without needing to carry around a guitar. Last but not least are your shoes. Stilettos are always the ultimate outfit addition. They slim legs, make you look taller and are just plain sexy. Right now go for anything that is patten leather, high gloss or even a bit rocker. Keep these shoes for the upcoming seasons as this look is going to last a while. -- Colin Megaro, Stylist (Planet Style Concierge)
As a takeaway, I found some runway looks I think go along with Colin's expert advice. Blumarine Women's Fall/Winter 2008/2009 collection  Dolce & Gabbana women's Fall/Winter 2008/2009 collection  Laura Biagiotti women's Fall/Winter 2008/2009 collection  Gucci Fall/Winter 2008/2009 women's collection
And coming up soon, we'll have Colin's picks for what we need to be on the lookout for when the weather gets warmer. Previous Post: Virtual Makeover Labels: Colin Megaro tells Indulge what’s hot now in fashion
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Monday, January 19, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
 From simple lipstick colors to dramatic new hairstyles, I just came across a website that lets you test it all out on your photo free of charge. It's called TAAZ and I could not believe how many products and styles I could test out! Here is how it works. Start by uploading a headshot of yourself. Then start with your face. TAAZ lets you choose from several different foundations. Pick a color you think would look good on you and the website tells you the brand, the shade and tries it on your face. It is literally a virtual makeover you can do with no risk, without leaving your house and leaves you with a great list of products from so many different companies there is no way you would be able to try them all on in one day. You can do this with concealer, blush, lipstick, lip liner, lip-gloss, eyeliner, eye shadow and even try out different color contacts. Next is the hairstyle portion. You choose whatever style you like- and from fauxhawk to ringlets to short there are plenty to choose from. Once you have picked a style you can select a color and add highlights or lowlights if you choose. It really is a lot of fun. TAAZ is totally in the know on the latest celebrity looks and new trends in make-up. They are currently running a contest where you can make yourself over to look like a celebrity. Whoever gets the most votes wins $500. If you do not feel like uploading your own photo there are models you can makeover. Regardless of what you decide to do, I recommend poking around the site as some people get really creative! Labels: Free virtual makeovers, try new hairstyles online, try on make-up online
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Thursday, January 15, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
 Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year which gives you a perfect excuse to take a romantic getaway! Usually I like to write about exotic locations, like Bora Bora or Costa Rica, but when I heard about the package being offered at a resort in the heart of Texas I could not resist sharing. Horseshoe Bay Resort, featuring golf, tennis, pools, a beach, a spa and plenty of fine dining, certainly makes for a nice little getaway. Although, I must say I was very interested in one of the Valentine’s Day spa packages they are offering. The Chocolate Decadence couple’s treatment features scrumptious-smelly treatments such as the chocolate chip scrub to exfoliate, and the chocolate fondue body mask to moisturize. The treatment is $400/couple and also includes a chocolate massage. You can’t deny that all of that cocoa-scented pampering is probably going to make you hungry so the treatment is finished off with a poolside lunch (it looks to be about 50 degrees during the day- so you may want to take that indoors).  If you would rather do something more family-oriented for Valentine’s Day, Horseshoe Bay Resort also has a family-fun package set up. It is filled with activities for kids as well as golfing and spa discounts. They also have pet-friendly facilities, which is always a plus for animal-lovers like me! Do you have a great Valentine’s Day package set up? Let me know and maybe I will feature it! Write me at Indulge@Captivate.com Previous Post: Grippy Steps Labels: Chocolate Spa Treatments for Valentine's Day
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Monday, January 12, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
 Gravity, slippery surfaces, bad shoes, long pants ... there are tons of reasons why we fall, but one things is for sure, it happens to all of us. Who can forget poor Rachel Smith? She was the beautiful, gracious Miss America who took an awful spill during the 2007 Miss Universe contest (right). But, there is a secret that celebrities are using that may just help the rest of us from falling too. At this year’s Golden Globe Awards, Miss Golden Globe Rumer Willis and artist Miley Cyrus both used Grippy Steps, which are black pads that attach securely to the soles of your heels to keep shoes from slipping. It is such a great invention I am upset that I did not think of them!! They are available at DSW Shoe Warehouses nationwide, $7.99.  Grippy Steps are a favorite of stylist Tara Swennen. Swennen also gave us a few tips of keeping your feet free from pain and in place while wearing some of your favorite shoes. If the straps of your sling-backs won’t stay in place, Swennen suggests Strappies, which are thin strips that you place on the inside of the heel strap to keep them from moving. Or, if you want more comfort when wearing flats, Swennen recommends My Footprints, which are pads that cushion the heel and ball of foot. Your feet are important and the shoes you choose can impact your entire body, so support and safety is essential. I am going to give Grippy Steps a test drive so I will let you know what I think. Labels: The shoe secret celebrities are using
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Thursday, January 8, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
As a blogger who is constantly combing other blogs and fashion and beauty sites, every so often I come across one that I think Indulge readers would enjoy just as much as I do. A perfect example is MyStyle.com, which is a terrific site for anyone who loves fashion, shopping (of course!) and a good deal. They have the site broken down so well you may not know where to start first … My favorite is the Deals & Steals section and I could not get over how great the layout is. They have their deals divided up by different categories such as: promo codes, alarm clock sales, free shipping, gift with purchase, free gift wrap and more. This is a great place to start when shopping online because it lets you sort out exactly what your priorities are and go from there. And, from one blogger to the next, the MyStyle blog is filled with great stories, photos and information that is relevant and usable to their readers. It features style secrets of celebrities, runways looks, a “steal vs. splurge” section and even a “Shop-it” list. I highly recommend this site for any fashion and beauty lovers. Labels: featured website, great deals online, Mystyle.com
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Tuesday, January 6, 2009 by Jacqui Pini
Calling themselves “the People's Choice Awards for consumer products,” the Best New Product Awards announced the top products of its first U.S. shopper survey. They surveyed close to 50,000 U.S. grocery shoppers to find out their favorites new consumer products in the food, personal care and household categories. 77 products were in the running, with 23 winners chosen in categories such as mascara, cereal, juice, oral care, shampoo, ice cream, anti aging skin care and household cleaners. As this is a beauty column, I am only focusing on the personal care categories. Each category had at least 3 products from a minimum of two manufacturers. To win in its category, a product had to score No. 1 on product appeal and also tops on re-purchase intent among those who had purchased the product. Olay Definity Color Recapture Moisturizer, from Procter & Gamble, took tops honors this year by winning best in the Personal Care category and Best in Show. Other winners in the personal care category included: Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Bare Naturale Mineral-Enriched Mascara Anti-Aging: Olay Definity Color Recapture Moisturizer* Hair Color: Clairol Nice 'N Easy Perfect 10 Lip Care: Maybelline Moisture Extreme Shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Shampoo Oral Care: Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste Toothbrush: Aquafresh Deep Action Hair Removal:Sally Hansen Spray On - Shower Off Body Wash: Dove Cream Oil Body Wash The Best New Product Awards are conducted by BrandSpark International.Labels: Best New Product Awards, top products of its first U.S. shopper survey
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Jacqui Pini has had her nails manicured once a week since the fourth grade. Her obsession is your gain as she has discovered some of the most indulgent spa treatments, beauty fads and relaxation techniques for both men and women and can’t wait to tell you all about them. And even the smallest of budgets can absorb this punch … and afford a hot stone massage afterwards. … And she'll be the first to tell you, nothing’s more relaxing than that.
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