#JanPhotoADay the challenge & Days 1-7

One of my resolutions for 2012 is to take more photos so the challenge begins as this is one resolution I do not want to let slip…

Day One

Day Two: tofu scramble w/ buttered toast

Day Three: knowing my brother thinks of me

Day Four: USPS, nothing beats a good ol' fashioned letter in the mail

Day Five: sparkle does not need to be left behind after New Years!

Day Six: when my husband brings home something for baby - LOVE!

Day Seven: a favorite memory, my Grandparents laughing together

• Follow me @parmie

 Other interesting blogs to check out for their own #JanPhotoADay:

Brunch At Saks

Harpers Happenings

Tags: #JanPhotoADay

2012 nails: imPRESS Press-on Manicure

imPRESS Space Cadet Press-on Manicure set received complimentary to test through Influenster's VoxBox program

This year make your beauty routine easier, save time and money with imPRESS Press-on Manicure sets by Broadway Nails.

I recently received the D090 Space Cadet pattern (a black and white leopard print with glitter) to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program and am so glad as not only do they save time when making nails look salon ready at home, they also:

• last up to a week, often longer (meaning more time spent on other things rather than your nails)
• do not smudge whilst drying and do not chip when dry (resulting in a more salon ready look)
• are easily applied, via a stick on process (able to apply these yourself at home in minutes)
• make nails look smooth, shiny and clean around the edges so no more messy applications (get the salon look yourself in the comfort of your home for much less money)
• due to the press on application there are no fumes (making the imPRESS Press-on Manicure set perfect for pregnant women or those sensitive to strong smells)

Easy To Apply

Each set comes with 24 nail covers so you have plenty of spares just in-case you want to restart.

1. Find the correct size nail cover for each of your nails (tab on imPRESS nails is always lined with cuticle) and line them up in finger order.
2. Cleanse your natural nail bed with the prep pad enclosed.
3. Peel off tab on imPRESS nail and firmly press onto your natural nails. Apply pressure for a few seconds and you are done!*

*I have naturally long nails and did not want to cut/file them too short so after applying the imPRESS Press-on Manicure set I simply filed my natural nails down to the long length of nails found in the imPRESS set. A bonus was this made my natural nails all the same length!

Easy To Remove

1. Apply nail polish remover to the edges of each nail, wait for one minute and gently peel off the imPRESS set starting from the sides.

Watch the imPRESS video on easy application here

 

always be ready to go, just like Nicole Scherzinger the face & hands in the imPRESS commercials!

Currently imPRESS Press-on Manicure by Broadway Nails comes in 36 colors and patterns including:

• bright bold colors

©imPRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• traditional classic shades
• animal prints

©imPRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• sparkle and glitter designs
• pop and art inspired designs

©imPRESS

 

Change your nails as often or as little as you like with imPRESS and always be runway ready!

imPRESS Press-on Manicure by Broadway Nails retails for $5.99 (block colors) $7.99 (patterns) at several major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart, Duane Reade and more.

For more retailers, coupons, news and to check out all the imPRESS colors and patterns visit www.imPressManicure.com or follow them @BWayNails

Like them on FaceBook or check out their YouTube videos

You can even test out the colors and patterns on imPRESS’s virtual app here

Which colors/patterns will be you be trying out this year?

Tags: Broadway Nails, CVS, imPRESS, Influenster, manicure, nails, Nicole Scherzinger

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masque Review

When you need a little pampering and some down time for yourself apply a face masque and you are set!

Montagne Jeunesse was sent to me to test through Influensters VoxBox program and I am hooked!

I tested the Strawberry Souffle masque and not only did it smell delicious (it was almost good enough to eat!) but the masque left my skin looking smooth, getting rid of the black heads.

The application is easy and takes little time:

1. Clean and dry face so all makeup is removed.
2. Apply evenly to face and neck area, avoiding getting too close to your eyes.
3. Relax and lie down for 15-20 minutes (lying down is optional but a great excuse to just close your eyes and rest).
4. Using a wet face towel gently rub off the masque or rinse with warm water, make sure to get all the masque off as some contain little fruit pieces so may leave some residue.

Skin instantly feels cleaner, smoother and revitalized!

Another fabulous fact about the Montagne Jeunesse masques is that they are free of parabens, vegetarian approved and never tested on animals so have some guilt free beauty time.

Plus the masques are reasonably priced, making them budget friendly so get shopping!

Montagne Jeunesse masques are currently available at ULTA Beauty, Walgreen’s, Claire’s, Walmart, Kroger, CVS and can be found in a variety of flavors/smells including:

• Strawberry Souffle
• Cucumber Peel Off
• Passion Peel Off
• Dead Sea Mud
• Fruit Smoothie
• Chocolate Mud

For more information visit www.montagnejeunesse.com or follow them @montagnejeuness

Montagne Jeunesse... good for your skin, your wallet and the earth!

Tags: beauty, beauty treatments, CVS, face mask, Influenster, maskeraid, Montagne Jeunesse, ULTA Beauty

New Year’s Eve Kiss, pucker up smooth!

♥ HAVE A FABULOUS KISS IN 2012 ♥

This New Year’s Eve share a fabulous kiss and get it just perfect with soft lips, the right lipstick and fresh breath!

However this does not mean extra stress as we have made it simple with just a few tips for your lips…

1. Exfoliate your lips so they remain smooth all night long.
2. Keep breath fresh while eating and drinking whatever you like with Mentos gum. The new packaging is handy to carry around, unlike other gum the wrapper will not unravel and let your gum pieces spill around in your clutch. The new Mentos Pure Fresh Gum flavors available now make your mouth feel like you have just brushed your teeth, refreshed and clean!
3. Color in and decorate your lips!

• Try a bold red lip this season like many celebrity beauties have been spotted wearing or try on one of the more subtle red shades such as cranberry or deep plum.
• Sparkle with glitter on your lips and let them shine for New Year’s Eve with help from NYC New York Color Lip Shine Liquid.

Recommended Lip Routine: Lipstick 101 – questions answered

Tags: beauty, Celebrity, Fall/Winter, gum, Influenster, lip gloss, Mentos, MentosReady, New York Color, red lips

New Years Eve Nails by Minx

Beyoncé w/ Minx Gold Hologram nails

Rihanna w/ Minx Pink & Gold Moon nails

 

Minx nails launched in 2008 and ever since the response has been more than positive with celebrities and fashion designers around the world.

A-list beauties spotted with Minx nails include Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Kim Kardashian.

British legendary designer Vivienne Westwood and New York designer Stacey Clark both featured Minx nails during their Spring/Summer 2012 shows this past season.

Minx is a solid nail coating, applied through a process using heat and pressure. Minx is fantastic for expectant mothers and anyone sensitive to the usual nail polish fumes found in salons as no liquid/vapors are found with Minx. The solid nail coating is basically shrink wrapped to your nail making it both safe and quick.

“Minx is ideal for runway shows because you do not have to worry about smudging or drying the models’ nails, and with hair and makeup all working at once, that’s a huge benefit,” – Danielle Corbin Jaime, NailTaxiNYC owner.

 

©BeckyMaynes Vivienne Westwood backstage S/S 2012

Vivienne Westwood presented her S/S 2012 collection and using Minx nails completed the colorful theme of the collection. UK nail stylist Marian Newman met with Vivienne Westwood and her team ahead of the show to decide on the Minx nail look. Minx nails can fit into any style, whether you want high fashion or fun design so finding your look is easy with Minx nails.

“Together, we looked at a variety of Minx colors and designs that I felt matched (Westwood’s) theme, and Andreas (Vivienne’s husband) picked out the Minx that was the best fit.” The standard Minx designs of Flowers, Turquoise Chrome, Japanese Blossom, Oil Slick, Shell and Black were used with application partly on the nail and partly on the finger to look as if a child has been playing dress up.

©Meeno Lady Gaga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minx will make a fabulous addition to your New Years Eve look this season as the application instantly looks party ready and with hundreds of designs to choose from you will have plenty of options, making your beauty style unique!

Some great choices this season can be seen below:

Minx for Lisa Logan: Golden Scales

Minx for Marian Newman: Hot Degrade

Minx for Marian Newman: Illumination

About Minx

Minx creators Dawn Lynch-Goodwin and Janice Jordan launched Minx nails in 2008. As well as creating styles for fashion designers shows they also work on new designs for customers throughout the year.

The idea for Minx came about in 2006 when Janice was searching for a way to protect her nails, with the help of good friend Dawn they soon realized the need for nail coating to protect as well as make beauties look fabulous without chipping.

Today Minx is in over 40 countries and on the hands/feet of countless celebrities across the globe.

“Minx allows you to be playful with different looks and personalities for different occasions” – Dawn Lynch-Goodwin.

There are thousands of salons and spas that offer Minx in the U.S, find your nearest Minx stylist by visiting the salon locator or follow Minx @MinxNailsDotCom

Tags: Beyonce, Kardashian, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Minx, nails, Rihanna, Vivienne Westwood

NYC New York Color liquid lip shine

NYC liquid lip shine received complimentary to test via Influenster's VoxBox program

Celebrity beauties such as Kim Kardashian, the Olsen twins, Beyoncé, Nicole Richie, and Carrie Underwood have all been spotted nude – with their lips of course!

Now you too can get the look at an affordable price, New York Color Liquid Lipshine has an upscale effect and retails at a reasonable $2.49 at stores such as Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, amongst others.

After receiving NYC liquid lipshine in Nude York City (582) complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program I was pleasantly surprised, not only does this shade mimic many celebrity favorites but you get a glossy effect that lasts without the stickiness.

• A 3-D gloss effect is achieved through the pure pigments.
• Vitamin E provides high shine and leaves lips moisturized long after the color wears off.
• Currently NYC liquid lipshine is available in 10 shades including Nude York City, Fashion Avenue Fuchsia, and Big Apple Spice. 

I  am in love with the glossy effect that leaves no stickiness, the long lasting moisturized feeling, and the on trend nude shade.

The Nude York City shade can easily be worn throughout the day and well into the evening as the color is extremely versatile, play up the rest of your makeup (Kardashian style) or keep it simple (as does Carrie Underwood).

For a New Years Eve sparkle effect try the following:

1. Gently exfoliate lips using a toothbrush and some warm water.
2. Once your lips are dry and back to your natural color, pat on a tiny amount of foundation with your fingertips.
3. Apply the Nude York City liquid lipshine.
4. Add some silver glitter, as much or as little as you prefer.
5. Carefully apply another layer of Nude York City liquid lipshine over the glitterand you are set for celebrating into the New Year!

For more on New York Color products visit www.newyorkcolor.com and see the fabulous collection available from $.99 to $4.99, follow them @nycnewyorkcolor or like them on their Facebook page.

Which NYC product do you love?

Tags: Beyonce, Celebrity, Influenster, Kardashian, lip gloss, makeup, New York Color

Tis The Season for Giveaways!

  December is the season for giving so keeping in the spirit of things I have two new fabulous giveaways for you to enter…

Whether you want fashion or jewelry the following two prizes will keep you looking stylish into the New Year and entering could not be easier.

First is the giveaway for the chance to win an Ippolita bangle from amazing jewelry designer Ippolita’s Wonderland Collection

One lucky reader will win the 5 Stone Bangle in Mother of Pearl, $525

Click here for entry details. Contest ends December 24th, 2011 and the winner will be picked at random and contacted on December 25th, 2011

This Ippolita Bangle Could Be Yours... $525

The second giveaway this month is for the chance to win a California Christiania Republic jumpsuit from CCR’s latest collection

Chill out like celebrities Rihanna, Britney Spears and music legend Steven Tyler in 2012 with CCR’s lounging jumpsuits!

One winner will receive the color and size jumpsuit of their choice from CCR by simply entering here. Giveaway ends midnight (PST) on Thursday, January 5th, 2012.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

 

Tags: Britney Spears, California Christiania Republic, CCR, Celebrity, contest, fashion, giveaway, Ippolita, Jewelry, Rihanna

Nuance by Salma Hayek: Moisturizing Body Lotion

Nuance Body Lotion

A perfect moisturizer for the winter party season is the Nuance by Salma Hayek Rosehip Body Lotion, exclusively available at CVS.

Not only does the body lotion moisturize dry winter skin but the lotion leaves you smelling amazing, all ready for the December events ahead.

Rosehip Moisturizing Body Lotion (10 fl. oz $7.99) contains rosehip oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E

Replenish and leave your skin fragrant in one easy step!

And if you decide to use this before bed you can now skip the perfume and lie down smelling subtly sweet.

Sweet dreams!

• Definitely 5 out of 5 stars

Exclusively at CVS/pharmacy: Nuance by Salma Hayek embodies her family heritage as well as modern technology. The products are now available in over seven thousand CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide as well as Puerto Rico. The full collection is also available online at CVS.com.

“CVS/pharmacy did not limit me to one lab or one approach. They allowed me to explore and identify the best products. I was involved with the creation of every product in the line” – Salma Hayek.

Suggested Nuance products: Makeup Remover

Tags: beauty, body lotion, CVS, Nuance, Salma Hayek

Kim Kardashian Makeup DIY

 

Kim Kardashian may change her outfits multiple times a day and always surprise us with her next money making venture but one thing remains constant – her flawless makeup style.

She is a girl loyal to her beauty products!

Now you can also imitate her beauty look by following makeup artist Heather C. Adessa’s easy step-by-step instructions:

1. First, make sure your skin is properly cleansed, and the correct moisturizer for your skin type has been applied. If you are not using the correct moisturizer your skin cannot look flawless so ask someone to help you if you are not sure.
2. Apply your eye makeup as desired. Once done, clean any makeup that may have fallen onto your skin below the eye area with a makeup wipe. You should never apply makeup over fallen eye products!
3. Now for the flawless skin; always start with face primer over the moisturizer. I love Laura Mercier Foundation Primers. They have created a perfect primer for each skin type, so you know you will achieve the right amount of protection.
4. Once the primer is set I like to use Cle de Peau Concealer ($70) it is pricey but I believe the best! I have not been able to find another concealer that covers dark circles and fills fine lines as well as this one. I find that this concealer does its job no matter what the skin type you have. Also since you are using it under the eye, this stick will last a while. Use the brush to apply the concealer, down and over the top of your cheek bone and up the side of your nose towards the bridge. If you have any dark spots that need coverage use the concealer there too.
5. Now that you look like a raccoon with opposite colors (your under area will appear very light at this point) it’s time for foundation. Again, just like moisturizer, you need to use the correct foundation for your skin type. Use a medium to full coverage foundation, so you have enough foundation to fill lines and hide any discolorations you may have.
6. Use a medium coverage powder foundation, with a brush, next to set the previous layer of foundation. You should now have an airbrushed effect!
7. Apply a little bronzer and always add blush. Apply blush to the top of your cheek bone area.
8. Add a neutral toned lipstick with a good layer of clear gloss for the day or a bold red lipstick for night and you’re set! Flawless perfection!

Want to be featured on Good Girls Cook and Wear Makeup? Send me your flawless makeup photos and details on how you achieved the look to SFparmie@gmail.com

Tags: Kardashian, Laura Mercier, makeup

CONTEST: Share your best dip recipe

 CONTEST ENDS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 2011 SO ENTER NOW!

Share your best dip recipe for the chance to win one of three fantastic prizes:

• A $100 gift card to Whole Foods
• A 6-month supply of Kashi TLC Pita Crisps
• A 6-month supply of all-natural Tribe Hummus

Kashi is hosting an awesome recipe contest on iVillage.com where readers are asked to enter their best dip recipe and it couldn’t be easier, simply email

ivillagefood@gmail.com

• your recipe
• name
• age
• address
• daytime phone number
• and email address

by Friday, December 16 (11:59 p.m)

Recipes will be judged on taste, nutrition and originality.

Good luck and let me know if you win!

Tags: dips, Kashi, Tribe Hummus