Sunday, February 28, 2010

February 2010 Master Plumber Board Result

The Professional Regulation Commission has released the Master Plumber board exam results as PRC announced that 57 out of 179 examinees passed licensure exams given by the Board for Master Plumbers in Manila on February 24 and 25.

The composition of the Philippine Board for Master Plumbers are chairman: Engr. Virgilio D. Simbulan; members: Engr. Jessie M. Mariano and Engr. Valentino M. Mangila.

The Top 10 February 2010 Master Plumber Board Passers.
  1. JAIME III BOMBITA REYES, PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA - 78.70%
  2. LOUIE DALOJO DELOS REYES, PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY-P. PRINCESA - 78.60%
  3. ALLAN JUSTIN SANCHEZ SY, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS - 77.20%
  4. MICHAEL CATUCOD OMBROG, UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES-CATARMAN - 77.00%
  5. VANESSA MORALES PABRUA, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN - 76.50%
  6. DARYL CASTOR CHU, SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY - 76.40%
  7. FRANCISCO SOCYAWAN CHANAO, SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY - 76.20%
  8. LEONARD MARQUEZ RICAFRENTE, MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIV. FOUNDATION-LUCENA CITY - 75.60%
  9. MARK CHRISTIAN ENAJE MANUEL, MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - 75.40%
  10. IRVIN GALANG LAZANAS, MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - 75.20%
  11. RONNIE SARMIENTO NARDO, WEST NEGROS COLLEGE - 75.20%

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 but not later than March 12, 2010. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 2 pieces passport size picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 1 piece 1” x 1” picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps, and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession; and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P450 and Annual Registration Fee of P420 for 2010-2013. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The oathtaking ceremony of the successful examinees in the said examination as well as the previous ones who have not taken their Oath of Professional will be held before the Board on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 1:30 in the afternoon at the CSB Hotel, Arellano Ave., corner Estrada Street, Malate, Manila

Registration for membership with National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (NAMPAP) will also start on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.


Men's Hairstyles - Look Handsome

These canicule men are aloof as acquainted about their beard as women are, and as such there are affluence of beautiful mens beard styles that are meant to assignment with their facial appearance and claimed appearance preferences.

A few decades ago not abundant anticipation was accustomed to the beard styles that men wore, but today there is a ample bulk of anticipation put into it. Mens beard styles accept appear a continued way over the accomplished decade, and the avant-garde man wants to attending his best for both assignment and play. While in the bast barbershops were the abode for men to go to get their beard cut, abounding of them today now go to mens aspect beard stylists to get the attending that they want.

Both abbreviate and average styles are accepted for men, with the aloft actuality the hardly added adopted of the two.

The swept up appearance is abnormally popular, and can be begin in several altered varieties. This is a abbreviate appearance with the beard swept up in a array of admonition and captivated up with gel, administration mousse, or wax. This is a actual avant-garde attending and is actual accepted with adolescent men. A accepted accession to this attending is accepting the tips accent to accord the beard an alike added active look.

Very abbreviate mens beard styles are accepted as well. While not absolutely as abbreviate as a basin cut, these types of hairstyles accept a little beard larboard over in adjustment to besom to the advanced or to the back. Depending on the bulk of beard that is left, it can either attending furry or acutely apple-pie cut. This is a added bourgeois attending than those that are swept up, and accommodate a abundant another to the above.

Longer beard lengths are additionally favorable and depending beard type, the sky can be the limit. If a man does not accept blubbery hair, he can crop it to medium-length and accept it layered. This is best for average or blubbery beard because it will not be too chiffon -- with attenuate beard it is best to banal to any unlayered variations. Accepting the appearance circumscribed up beneath abreast the face is additionally popular, with it best as it progressively goes back.

These are aloof a few examples of today's accepted hairstyles for men. Within these baby examples there are dozens of varieties, and again accomplished those there are several as well. The apple of beard appearance and affliction is no best aloof a woman's world, and mens beard styles are actuality paid added absorption to than ever.

Sexy Prom Hairstyle Secrets

A adult brawl hairstyle could be the highlight of your Prom!

Even admitting it ability be a shock to aerial academy kids all about the globe, the Brawl is not all about the complete date or the complete dress or alike the complete limo. Brawl is about attractive and activity your complete best at all times, and that includes a adult brawl hairstyle, a admirable and beautiful dress and a assured attitude to match.

With the new year of 2007 comes adult new brawl hairstyles. Gone are the canicule of coiled up dos; these are the canicule of absolutely adult brawl hairstyles, area we let it all adhere out.

This year, the accustomed attending is what is in. Anticipate Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie. How abounding times are they anytime bent in accessible with that over rated up do? Very rarely, if ever. They consistently attending acceptable and celebrity shows and television awards announcers are consistently complimenting the beard of beautiful cine mavens such as this. Regardless of what the brawl attitude is, don't you anticipate you owe it to yourself and the brawl anamnesis that you are activity to be ashore with consistently to try out article new?

Long Hair

This year, instead of accepting the apparent old up do, accede cutting your beard continued and loose. Add some arrangement to your beard with some administration mousse and water; add some anatomy with a annular besom and you will accept the baking attending of the stars. If that is aloof too accidental for you, try crimper your beard in ringlets. Ringlet curls aftermost all night and can be affianced or abiding in any way all-important to accumulate them out of the way and attractive great!

Medium Hair

Bobs are an all time admired for average hair, and are accustomed and adult brawl hairstyle for avant-garde adolescent ladies. Beard that comes appropriate beneath the button or appropriate aloft the amateur is one of the best beard lengths to assignment with. You don't accept absolutely so abundant beard that you abridgement the abandon of experimenting with sexy, baking looser hairstyles after activity like your beard is all over the place. Make abiding flyaways are controlled with a bit of mousse or hairspray and you will be acceptable to go!

Short Hair

Short beard is aloof about the easiest beard to get abroad with. Anticipate Demi Moore and Sharon Stone on this one; they accept consistently had aloof about some of the sexiest abbreviate beard styles out there, authoritative girls with adorable locks alluvium with envy. Adult brawl hairstyles for those with abbreviate beard are not difficult to achieve on your own. Texturize with some pomade, run your fingers through your beard to get the just-rolled-out-of-bed attending and add some flowers or sparkly barrettes for address and voila - you're done!

Now you've got a few account how to get a adult Brawl hairstyle for whatever breadth of beard you have.

Best Short Hairstyle Pictures

Long hairstyles are usually thought of being the only ones to make you look feminine and beautiful. However, women like Rihanna have made us see that short hair, styles right, can bring out the best in us. Going from long hair to short hair is a bold choice. If you decide to take this step, your look will be totally diffrent and so will be your personality. Another advantage is that short hair is so much easier to take care of, easier to style and maintain. You can choose from a wide range of short hairstyles like messy styles, boy cuts or even short hair with bangs.


Best Short Hairstyle PicturesBest Short Hairstyle Pictures

Best Short Hairstyle PicturesBest Short Hairstyle Pictures

Best Short Hairstyle PicturesBest Short Hairstyle Pictures

Best Short Hairstyle PicturesBest Short Hairstyle Pictures

Bobbi Brown's Orchid Palette

bobbi Brown orchid palette
Bobbi Brown's Orchid Palette was too tempting to pass up at the Neiman's beauty event this week.  We love that the first two eye colors can be worn everyday, we can wear the bright middle shade when we want our eyes to pop, the darker purple on the right is perfect to intensify our look for nighttime, and the Caviar on the far right is a great liner.

The Pot Rouge is one of our favorite Bobbi Brown products because it's so versatile- they can be used on your cheeks and lips.  This palette comes with three colors. 

The palette is convenient to carry in your purse, take on a trip or just keep on the counter to streamline your beauty routine.  We'll pack this for Miami next week! 

There are two other palettes with different color combinations and as with many of Bobbi's collections they are only around for a limited time.

Here are the color specifics for the Orchid Palette:
Included Eye Shadow Shades: White, Dusty Plum Metallic, Orchid Sparkle, Mulberry, and Caviar
Included Pot Rouge shades: Powder Pink, Pale Pink, and Sand Pink

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Have Your Say: Castor Oil or Coconut Oil? Pick One.

I don't know what it is, but my hair is literally addicted to/loves/adores/craves Castor Oil!!

I've tried both Coconut Oil & Castor Oil as a sealant, scalp oil, prepoo etc. and my hair ALWAYS responds better with Castor Oil. Am I the only one?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing Coconut Oil....I still like it and use it every wash day in my conditioners, however, Castor oil is the #1 oil that I leave on my hair (as a sealant and scalp oil) making it extremely soft. For some reason, if I use Coconut oil the same way I would use Castor oil, I end up with hard/crunchy hair.

I'm curious to know what you prefer out of these oils. Please let me know :-)




Sunshyne

Adam Lambert Cool Mens Hairstyle

Adam Lambert hair has always been in focus. Adam’s emo hairstyle with black, asymmetrical bangs or fringe, covering his one eye has lots of razored texture to give his hair delicate and distinct edges. His hair is shagged out and has been flattened by ironing with a blue streak that lends him a feminine charm making him look great.


Adam Lambert Cool Mens Hairstyle
During his American Idol days, Adam Lambert appeared in variety of hairdo ranging from emo hair style, to an Elvis pompadour! While to define the emo look Adam wore black tight jeans, tee’s, black nail polish and black eyeliner, he flaunted the pompadour hairstyle with a new twist.

Adam Lambert Cool Mens Hairstyle
Adam Lambert Cool Mens Hairstyle
Adam Lambert is full of talent and personality and has amazed the audiences since he was a little boy. He is a real treat to watch and hear!

Korres Lip Butter Trio

Korres lip butter trio
When the winter drags on like this year's, there's no surprise we have chapped lips.  Korres lip butter to the rescue.  This lip saver goes on smooth and creamy because of Shea butter and rice wax.  The Korres Lip Butter Trio is a limited edition set and a great deal at $19.50 for three (a $30 value).  I've got one by the sink, one in my purse and one in the car.  My favorite is the Quince because of the great sheer pink tint it leaves on my lips.  You can even use it on your cheeks to brighten up your face.

The review was based on a complimentary sample.

USA Networks Character Approved Awards

 

A special thanks to our friend Ashley for encouraging us to brave the snow on Thursday night to hit the Vanity Fair-USA Networks Character Approved Awards party. Among the things we would have missed: Seeing every actor on the USA Networks, Jeff Goldblum, Tiffany Theisen, and Mark Feuerstein, included; a special performance of the cast of American Idiot, the Green Day musical that opens on Broadway next month; free flowing Veuve and an inspiring video with each of the winners, including, Kathryn Bigelow, Nora Ephron and Narciso Rodriguez. Watch Narciso's clip above!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Fashion Hairstyle



Web Snob February 26th, 2010

Stiletto Jungle covers "Kimmie," the first 7 For All Mankind curvy fit jeans.

Allie is Wired peeks at preview photos from Lady Gaga's Telephone music video.

Bag Bliss is obsessing over the rad new Alexander McQueen Long Skull whipsnake Clutch!

Coquette loves the look of modern pleats in fashion for spring.

Fashion Pulse Daily gives the scoop on the Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2010 Collection - you will be surprised

The Jet Set Girlspeek inside Lauren Conrad's carry on.

KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating Giuseppe Zanotti riding boots.

Second City Style reviews New York Fashion Week Fall '10 trends and tells you what to buy now to be a style-maker come fall.

SheFinds shares 5 design suggestions with Ivanka Trump for her upcoming new shoe collection, and talks to Andre Leon Talley about which stars need makeovers.

Shopping and Info loves the nude Sergio Rossi platform pumps worn by Megan Fox.

StyleBakery wants you to wake up your winter wardrobe with styling tricks straight from the Fall 2010 runways

Stylehive has found a cheapy pair of sunnies that look just like the coveted Alexander Wang/Linda Farrow frames!

Stop has the details of the Illamasqua Create Your Own Lacquer contest.

The Fashion Bomb takes a look at Vogue Italia's new site, Vogue Black.

Visit The Shoe Goddess for a chance to win an OPI "Alice in Wonderland" Mini Nail Polish Set!

Park City Guest Post

Our friends, Meghan Tidwell and Joy Plemmons, just returned from a girls' trip on Sunday and we were fortunate to get a fresh account of their trip:

Park City, Utah Girls Trip

Park City is a skiers paradise. We recently went there to celebrate a friend’s birthday , and found that it is pretty darn good for a girl’s getaway as well!

After much deliberation, our group chose to ski at Deer Valley, site of many of the 2002 Winter Olympic freestyle skiing events and one of the few resorts in the US that is for skiers only (no boarders allowed). It was the perfect mountain for our varying range of abilities. The 3 ft. of powder we got over the three days made for some AMAZING conditions…. and, thanks to the Sundance Film Festival, lift lines were non-existent. While resting our VERY TIRED legs at lunch, we ate at the Silver Lake Lodge (mid-mountain). The food was delicious, but their Vegetable Pizza was a stand out!! Whole wheat crust with fresh grilled veggies provided us with the much needed energy without all the cheese to slow you down. Also, not to be missed, is the hot cocoa KIOSK at Silver Lake Lodge. It was the BEST cocoa we have ever tasted….served with marshmallows and whip cream.

Park City, Utah Girls Trip

On Thursday night we went to The Spur Bar and Grille. A great spot for listening to talented musicians and meeting the people that Sundance was created for instead of the celebs that show up for the photo ops. Our group met 3 directors, 1 producer and 1 agent - and that’s without leaving our barstools. With an energy provided by the Melvin Taylor Band and the filming of his documentary film, efficient bartenders, a coat check AND heaters to keep you warm while you wait in line…..not much more is needed on a Thursday night In Park City.

Park City, Utah Girls Trip

Friday night, we had a reservation at Wahso. Red balls of light adorn the outside balcony of this beautifully unusual Asian grill. Inside the ambiance is elegant and refined and the cuisine follows suit with a fusion of exotic yet intricate flavors. Our waiter, Peter, was extremely helpful as we navigated our way through the 3 course, fixed, Sundance menu, and was delightfully entertaining the entire evening….not to mention the round or two of champagne he “secretly” slid our way. One detail that people often underestimate, but Wahso gets right, is the round table. Most of the large tables were round and , for a group that likes to celebrate as a group, it is an imperative. On the flip side, Wahso also offers, for more intimate dinners, banquets with velvet curtains for privacy. So whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or a celeb in hiding, you’ll enjoy the privacy.

Brazilian Blowout vs. Keratin Treatment

Last May, I had a Keratin treatment which smooths out your curls and eliminates frizz by depositing Keratin on your hair. It did work well, though it took hours in the salon, my hair smelled terrible for days (think perm circa 1989) and cost a lot- between $250 and $400. On my recent trip to New York for fashion week, I visited the Salon AKS on Fifth Avenue where Zhen gave me a Brazilian Blowout. Here I am before with Zhen:

Brazilian Blowout

Brazilian blowout before

The Brazilian Blowout is less expensive than the Keratin treatment- starting at $150, takes less time (an hour and a half versus three hours), and doesn't use any formaldehyde or other carcinogenic ingredients. While I couldn't confirm what was in the Keratin treatment (I suspect formaldehyde), the fumes alone were enough to tell me it wasn't good.  The Brazilian Blowout had almost no smell at all and claims to have no carcinogens.  Lastly, I could wash my hair the following day with the Brazilian Blowout where I had to wait three long days with Keratin treatment.

Zhen started by washing my hair and then applying the solution (pictured below).  Then he dried my hair completely and straightened it with a flat iron, which seals in the product.  The next step was another cycle: this time washing, drying and finishing again with the flat iron.

brazilian Blowout

You can see from the picture below (this time with Anne who had her hair blown out at AKS while I was there) that my hair is much smoother and thinner looking.  Rest assured it fluffed up after a couple of washings and is now smooth, shiny and straight.  Results are supposed to last upwards of three months, especially if I use gentle sulfate-free shampoo.

Brazilian blowout after
Read more about the keratin treatment.
Read FAQs about the keratin treatment.
See before and after photos of the Brazilian Blowout.

Photo Inspiration of the day

Love this picture. Very earthy, and beautifully done.

Photo Source: TPG

New Hair Release

6 New hairs are released now!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tukinowaguma/146/129/24

Please come to see :D

- Tukinowaguma Bloc
- Tukinowaguma Elys
- Tukinowaguma Gine
- Tukinowaguma Liston
- Tukinowaguma Poind
- Tukinowaguma Reizu









 
  
 

Lacey Brown Hairstyle

Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Lacey Brown, I love the look, soulfoul voice, she's cute and I love her hair too.
Her rendition of "What a Wonderful World" from Hollywood round was great and very endearing and what a great attitude about not getting through last year. I really liked Megan Joy (who got thru instead of her) but Megan didn't quite deliver although she was good. I'm glad Lacey was given another chance this week. Some people say her hairstyle is called "The Suspicious Duchess".


Must Watch - What A Wonderful World




Lacey Brown - Somewhere Over the Rainbow Audition


Lacey Brown Hairstyle

Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Lacey Brown, I love the look, soulfoul voice, she's cute and I love her hair too.
Her rendition of "What a Wonderful World" from Hollywood round was great and very endearing and what a great attitude about not getting through last year. I really liked Megan Joy (who got thru instead of her) but Megan didn't quite deliver although she was good. I'm glad Lacey was given another chance this week. Some people say her hairstyle is called "The Suspicious Duchess".


Must Watch - What A Wonderful World




Lacey Brown - Somewhere Over the Rainbow Audition


Lacey Brown Hairstyle

Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Lacey Brown, I love the look, soulfoul voice, she's cute and I love her hair too.
Her rendition of "What a Wonderful World" from Hollywood round was great and very endearing and what a great attitude about not getting through last year. I really liked Megan Joy (who got thru instead of her) but Megan didn't quite deliver although she was good. I'm glad Lacey was given another chance this week. Some people say her hairstyle is called "The Suspicious Duchess".


Must Watch - What A Wonderful World




Lacey Brown - Somewhere Over the Rainbow Audition


Lacey Brown Hairstyle

Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Lacey Brown, I love the look, soulfoul voice, she's cute and I love her hair too.
Her rendition of "What a Wonderful World" from Hollywood round was great and very endearing and what a great attitude about not getting through last year. I really liked Megan Joy (who got thru instead of her) but Megan didn't quite deliver although she was good. I'm glad Lacey was given another chance this week. Some people say her hairstyle is called "The Suspicious Duchess".


Must Watch - What A Wonderful World




Lacey Brown - Somewhere Over the Rainbow Audition


Lacey Brown Hairstyle

Credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Lacey Brown, I love the look, soulfoul voice, she's cute and I love her hair too.
Her rendition of "What a Wonderful World" from Hollywood round was great and very endearing and what a great attitude about not getting through last year. I really liked Megan Joy (who got thru instead of her) but Megan didn't quite deliver although she was good. I'm glad Lacey was given another chance this week. Some people say her hairstyle is called "The Suspicious Duchess".


Must Watch - What A Wonderful World




Lacey Brown - Somewhere Over the Rainbow Audition


On Our Radar: W Miami

W South Beach

Seeing as we're in the middle of snow-icane 2010, all we can think about is our trip to Miami next week, when we'll be staying at the new W South Beach. Believe us when we say that with all the new hotels in Miami, making our decision of where to stay was harder than ever!

We most recently spoke about the W back in January during our Beach Week. What attracted us to the hotel, which opened back in July, is its prime beachfront location on Collins Ave., the sexy infinity edge pool and that it's home to Mr. Chow's restaurant--always a party scene in NYC--and our favorite Bliss Spa. And the fact that it has 6 different bars sure didn't hurt either!

W South Beach pool

It was not a unanimous decision, however.  Our one friend ruled out the W at the get-go because she feared the rooms would be small (as they admittedly are at some branches);  but even the smallest rooms at the W in Miami ring at 500+ square feet. Then we had drinks in L.A. with our favorite travel agent who told us that her clients have been raving about the property, especially the phenom service.

W

Once we were finally able to pull some strings and get ourselves a deal on an Oasis Suite, we were sold! Now the only questions left: Where to go for dinner? What clubs to go to? And most important of all, what to pack?

Check back next week to follow us on our trip! We leave Thursday!

4 Easy Steps to Shiny, Healthy Hair


The key to creating any gorgeous hairstyle is to start with healthy, shiny hair. Guest editor and NYC salon owner Sam Brocato shares his best beauty tips on how to score healthy hair even after months of winter abuse. Sam and his team have worked with countless celebrities including Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, and Claire Danes.

Photo: © Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Step 1: Lather Up Gently

Basic winter hair care starts with a gentle shampoo that won't strip hair of moisture. Try to shampoo less than 3 times a week and use a dry shampoo in between washings. If you simply can't part with a favorite shampoo or daily wash, blend two parts shampoo with one part conditioner for added moisture. If you're ready for something new, try a conditioning treatment that has a mild foaming agent like my Brocato Constructor.

Step 2: Sleep On It

Put the beauty back into beauty sleep by using an overnight hair treatment. Place a hair mask from the mid shaft of wet or dry hair down to protect against moisture loss during the night. Repeat this process as often as like since there is no such thing as over-conditioning hair.

Step 3: Give Your Scalp Some TLC

Just like the skin on your face and body, your scalp gets drier in the winter. If it seems tight and flaky, treat it to a massage. Knead your head for two minutes every evening to boost healthy blood circulation and slough off dead skin cells.

Step 4: Feed Your Hair

You are what you eat. Consuming foods rich in essential fatty acids can do wonders for making your hair look shiny and thick. I suggest adding more avocados, walnuts, and almonds to your daily diet during the winter. Here's a great avocado hair mask recipe--it's so natural, you can even drink it! In a blender, combine one very ripe avocado with one tablespoon each of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Blend until the texture is creamy, then massage onto damp hair and put on a shower cap. Step into a hot shower to steam your hair for ten minutes before rinsing. The apple cider vinegar really adds to hair shine!

Related articles:
How to Straighten Hair Without Sacrificing Volume
Hair Heist: Amanda Seyfried
Does Heidi Montag's New Face Make Her Look Older?

Contributed by Daily Makeover's Rachel Hayes

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Ceramides: My hair will never be the same again



So I've been on a bit of a ceramide binge ever since I first posted on the benefits. While I still haven't gotten my hands on Biolage Cera-Repair (yet), I've done alright with my choices so far. But before I talk about the products I purchased, I must provide this disclaimer:


*Although the blog author has (for, ah, scientific reasons) purchased a plethora of ceramide containing products, she does not condone such reckless hair junkie-like behavior*

Now that we got that out of the way, let's get back to business. You may remember when I posted this chart representing the holy trinity of healthy hair.



Each attribute is equally crucial to wonderful hair. Without moisture, the hair is brittle and breaks easily. Without strength, the hair becomes weak and prone to breakage. Without elasticity the hair can not withstand manipulation which eventually leads to breakage. If either are missing, the hair suffers dearly. I've spent several posts talking up moisture but I think it's finally time to talk about the last piece of the healthy hair puzzle.

As you might recall, we've already covered the role of ceramides in hair care. We're always talking about the cuticle layer. We say things like "make sure you rinse with cold water to help seal the cuticle layer" or "you should rinse with apple cider vinegar to close the cuticles." You guys would be surprised about how thin the cuticle layer is compared the to rest of the hair strand. Not only that, the cuticle get's chipped away with even simple actions like combing the hair. The minute the cuticle layer is compromised your hair strand is in trouble. The cortex is exposed, and the next thing you know, you've got a split end or worse yet, breakage. Ceramides are the first line of protection against the gradual chipping away of the cuticle that leads to hair troubles. By helping to"glue" the scales on the cuticle together, ceramides helps keep the hair strand strong and elastic.

So let's talk about the products I purchased. Immediately upon hearing the good news of ceramides, I got me some Biolage fortifying conditioner and leave-in from their Fortetherapie line. According to their website, the product line is intended to strengthen damaged hair while building resistance against future breakage. Soon there after, I decided go back for more and pick up the Intensive Strengthening Mask.

Over the next couple of days, weeks, who knows. I picked up a couple of other ceramide rich goodies. Among some of my purchases was Cera-Fix (which was relatively inexpensive), Sedal's S.O.S ceramidas, La Bomba deep treatment, and Silicon Mix's pearl protein leave-in conditioner. Not to mention the fact that I just happened to have some ceramide containing wheat germ and hemp seed oil laying around. All though I'm knee deep in ceramide products, I still won't rest until Cera-Repair joins the rest of the team.

So what's been my experience so far? I purposely waited several weeks to talk about my experience because I wanted to really see if any difference would be made beyond the first wash or two. First off, my hair does look better. Is my hair mind-blowingly, Pantene commercial gorgeous? Eh. I would describe the appearance of my hair as healthier looking overall but, maybe because it's been several weeks and I'm already used to it, I don't know if the change was that drastic. Maybe it was that drastic, who knows.

Now Imma tell you all what has got me sprung on ceramides. I've has this insane fear of over manipulating my hair for the longest. Even though I've got some crazy thick hair, it's never really been that strong. It tends to break even if I look at it wrong. What makes it worse is that my hair doesn't respond that well to protein. Because of that I'd have to add a little protein conditioner, instead of doing routine protein treatments, to every wash to make sure my hair gets what it needs. Let me tell you, ever since I've been on this ceramide kick, the breakage has slowed down considerably. When I touch, play with, or manipulate my hair, I'm not scared of the repercussions. Mind you, we should all use extreme caution while manipulating but, for real, this same head of hair wouldn't have responded the same way to my man-handling several months back. Last night, I had my hair down and my husband, who's extremely heavy handed, was all in my hair massaging it like someone who was massaging a knot out of someone's back. Normally, I'd jump up like a scared cat, scold him for his lack of regard for my tresses, and give him the side eye for the rest of the night. Not this time. I did give him some feedback when he was becoming too reckless with my hair, but all in all, it was o.k.
That, thanks to a couple of my ceramide leave in products.

Not too long ago there was some discussion on LHCF about the role of ceramides and if they could possible take the place of proteins. This because the ladies who used it consistently noticed that they no longer needed protein deep conditioning as often as they required in times past. The conclusion was that ceramides are not to function as protein but instead holds a unique role by helping to support the hair and protecting it from protein loss. To be completely honest, I've forgone both my "protein" conditioners and my "moisturizing" conditioners during this experiment. This was a temporary shift to ensure that my observed results occurred mainly with the help of my ceramide filled friends. Next wash, I'll go back to my normal conditioners but they'll be mixed in with a little something extra (*wink*).

So in conclusion I'll say this, ceramides have to be a part of your regimen one way or another to help fight against damage. Sure, you can moisturize and deep condition with protein, but if the third piece of the puzzle isn't there to keep it all together, you might be fighting a losing battle.

Of all the ceramide product's I recently purchased, one seems to stand out as my favorite. I decided that it deserves, and will get, it's own review post.

'till next time.


Lauren Conrad's Carry On Bag

Lauren Conrad


Lauren Conrad has had many jobs. After finishing up a long stink as reality TV star on shows such as Laguna Beach and The Hills, she currently splits her time between writing books (That's her on Feb. 18 signing Sweet Little Lies), designing for her namesake label and as spokesperson for mark cosmetics. Needless to say, all the above requires a lot of travel and she is undoubtedly a stylish jet setter. I got a chance to ask her about her must have beauty items and essential wardrobe pieces while traveling when she was in NYC last month raising awareness about m.powerment by mark.


When traveling, LC always packs a couple of blazers, skinny jeans and heels. For beauty, she's a big fan of mark cosmetics' hookups since they are the best way to take multiple shades and save space. To get her signature perfect cat-eye on the road, she packs mark On the Edge eyeliner in Cleo. To camouflage any tiredness and puffiness from lack of sleep and rest while traveling, LC uses mark Get Bright Hook Up Highlighter. She finishes off her travel beauty look with m.powerment gold lip gloss which she likes to layer on top of her lipstick for extra shine or wear it alone for a nude look.

By the Stylester.

Beaver Creek: The Westin Riverfront

Beaver Creek: The Westin Riverfront

We spent three nights at the Westin Riverfront Resort, in Avon, Colorado at the end of January.  This beautiful new property lies at the base of the Beaver Creek ski area and has its own gondola to shuttle you up the mountain, which was one of the best features of our stay.  The ski valet located at the base of the elevators and just steps from the gondola made getting on and off the mountain that much easier.


Beaver Creek The Westin Riverfront gondola

Our spacious suite had floor to ceiling windows,


Beaver Creek The Westin Riverfront living room

a wrap around deck, and sweeping views of the mountain range.  We had a full sized and fully stocked kitchen.  The bathrooms have the Heavenly dual shower head with the option to use only one of the heads to save water.  The Westin's commitment to the environment went further:  there are recycle bins, energy saving appliances and lighting, an opt out for new sheets and towels, and a $5 resort credit each day you choose to not use housekeeping.

The uber-comfy beds have Heavenly sheets, down comforters and pillows and iPod docking stations.   The only thing that interrupted our sleep was the heat in the room which crept up during the night, prompting us to crack the patio door.


Beaver Creek The Westin Riverfront bedroom

There were three outdoor infinity hot tubs looking over the mountains and a lap pool.  There's also a huge gym with yoga and spin studios.  The staff at the gym specialize in triathlon training, not that we had any energy after a long day on the mountain.  The fabulous Spa Anjali is adjacent to the pool.    Here's the unforgettable view from our room:

Beaver Creek The Westin Riverfront room view 

We ski Vail and Beaver Creek each year; but normally stay with friends.  This was one of the best trips we've had and one that we'd readily recommend to all of our friends.  The Westin is currently offering a "buy three nights/get the fourth night free" package as well as a winter ski getaway package that includes lift tickets, breakfast for two and valet parking.

The Jet Set Girls were given a special rate during our stay.

Stella McCartney Solid Perfume Necklace

Stella McCartney Solid Perfume Necklace

Stella McCartney released a limited edition solid perfume necklace. It looks very chic worn with a blazer or a loose top, over skinny jeans or leggings. The locket is attached to a long silver chain and hangs low, past the chest. The lid is stamped with the Stella McCartney logo and swivels out to reveal the solid version of Stella Eau de Parfum. Just dab it with your fingertips and apply to your wrists and behind your ears for this feminine, rose and peony flower infused fragrance on the go! Need we say this is going in our carry on for our next girls' getaway?

It is only available till it sells out so grab one from Sephora while they last for $49.

By the Stylester.