Battle Your Cellulite...and Win!

Sara of Beauty Chat and PlasticSurgery.com (an excellent reporter!) is all about battling the most annoying problem most women have: cellulite. 'Cause don't you want to sport that bikini without being self-conscious about your "cottage cheese" thighs? But don't worry! We all have it.

(I know I do...which is why I am addicted to squats and kickboxing. Fortunately, it has improved this condition a bit.)

Check out her recent post in PS.com's New year, new You section. Although cellulite will never go away completely, here are some products -- and information on Endermologie -- you might be able to come out on top and win that pesky battle you've been suffering from for years: "Your At-Home Guide to Cellulite Treatments."

Photo Credit: Featuring Sharon Stone in http://www.thecelebritycondition.com

Beauty Chat is Among the "100 Great Advice Blogs"

As head of Beauty Chat, I am delighted to announce that Live Better University has listed our site in the list of "100 Great Advice Blogs."

A little background: My involvement with our Beauty Chat Blog naturally stemmed from my position with PlasticSurgery.com (and its affiliate sites) -- I am the editorial manager and senior editor of the this SEO online marketing company. Those who enjoy aesthetically enhancing their face, body, and/or breasts with surgery typically fancy learning about other ways to look and feel beautiful (Beauty Chat's philosophy). So Beauty Chat was born -- June 2007.

After a year and a half of working with an amazing staff of writers and editors, Beauty Chat has become an authority in the industry. How fabulous is that! And of course, I give my take on fashion and styling in my posts. See my recent advice to one gal who wanted to spark up her wardrobe!

*Please also check out PlasticSurgery.com's newest section "New year, new You." I think you will enjoy the writers and editors' take on what's hot in 2009. My thoughts included!

Photo Credit: PlasticSurgery.com/ me in awe of Beauty Chat's development only a few months after it launched in '07, during our holiday dinner. Denice is holding the plaque and Brook is among the gals who signed our original design. What an accomplishment!

Don't Forget to Feed Your Fashionable Piggy!

I know what it's like to spend your last dime on someone you love, especially during the holidays. Just remember to always save a little for yourself. Once every other day or so, I look in my wallet and take anything from a penny to a $5 bill, and walk over to my piggy bank in the kitchen and drop it in! One time, Steve and I filled up a piggy bank so much, that when we cashed it, we were able to go on a major grocery shopping spree. I know -- exciting, right? But really, it came at a perfect time.

No matter what your budget level is, EVERYONE could use the extra change! And why not find a little piggy, or some sort of mini bank, that is fun and fashionable? Mine looks like a tzedakah can (Can I hear an Amen from my Jewish sistas?!), with a 1950s style couple saying "Saving Up to Quit My Job!" (My Employer: If you are reading this, I think it's hilarious. Not really my plan, I swear!) And the other bank Steve and I had was a bronze elephant that we found for cheap at the Chino Outdoor Swap Meet.

So what matches your personality? Here are a few cute styles, and options, that I found when I Googled "fashionable piggy banks":

After all, shouldn't saving money be fun? My biggest tips to saving using your bank: Purchase one that you have to actually break in order to open, and only open when you can no longer insert coins and dollars. Because when you DO open it, you will be like "Cha-Ching" and revel in the fact that you had so much self-control.

To read more about savings and fashion, visit Chic Galleria and check out my article, "Turn Your Pennies Into Quarters With a Personal Shopper." Have a budget beauty tip? Visit Beauty Chat and share it with us! If we choose your tip as the winner, you score a spot as a guest blogger!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Stay fabulous.

Photo Credit: (from bottom to top) http://www.lootlady.com/, http://www.piggybankpage.co.uk/, http://www.refinery29.com/, http://www.fashionfling.blogspot.com/, http://www.heregadget.blogspot.com/ http://www.i.dailymail.co.uk/

KROQ at the Slidebar in Fullerton -- I Saw the "Miss Double D-ecember" pageant!

In addition to the rundown of the "Miss Double D-ecember 2009" article on PlasticSurgery.com, I thought I'd share two pics of me and two rockin' DJs of the-world-famous K-R-O-QQQQQUUUUEEEE!

In the cute beanie is Nicole Alvarez and in the cute coat is Lisa May! And that's me sporting my PlasticSurgery.com Tee. Audrey (PS.com's cool SEO marketing manager) and I passed out tons of T-shirts and rub-on tattoos to a crowd of 90% guys who got to the Slidebar at 6 a.m. Talk about wanting to be up close in line to see boobies! Quite a phenomenon, I must say.

Hosted by Ralph Garman, the winner of the "Miss Double D-ecember" pageant was....Cassandra from Chino Hills. A local! I had a tank top and two of my business cards waiting for her, and I offered a modeling gig for our site, if she's ever interested! Muah! Perfect opportunity to get our name out there.

(Oh and I wore my Betsey Johnson black gladiator wedges with my new Forever 21 skinny jeans, and I will proudly say that I was comfortable even though standing and walking for a few hours. Just an FYI.)

15 Stylish Sites That Continue to Blow My Mind

TAKE A BOW! (applause)

Lucky Style Spotter -- Want to see how other stylistas wear their jeans? Care to share your thoughts in a fabulous forum with tons of fashion topics? Brought to you by the one and only Lucky Magazine, this site gives me daily fixes of all that makes my world go 'round.

Chic Galleria -- Can't we all just get along? Working alongside the most amazing entrepeneurs, designers, and health experts; on Chic Galleria, I can proudly shout "Yes we can." Women's Fashion, Men's Fashion, Parenting, Gourmet, Wellness, and Fitness are just some of the areas that make up this "Go-to Magazine for all personal care, beauty, and fashion-related must-haves!"

iCiNG -- When Gala Darling shares her thoughts with you, she makes you feel like her best friend. Unique tips, insight, event coverages, interviews, goal setting, and sincerity is what you get when the this tattooed beauty blogs away.

My Fashion Frenzy -- Turn up your speakers when you arrive at writer and editor Nikki Maria's style blog. If you follow the trends of Beyonce, are addicted to America's Next Top Model, get psyched to see which celebrity is displaying the most cutting edge in fashion -- My Fashion Frenzy will do just that. Get you all crazy and stuff.

Join the Gossip -- Dig those hair accessories that Kenley of Project Runway Season 5 wore? Leeann Morrissey of Join the Gossip is one of those bloggers who doesn't just tell you about a new trend, she shows you! From pics of her new feather headbands to before and after pictures of her going from blonde to dark brown, this is an up close and personal look into the life of a journalist with style.

Ideeli -- A "members-only shopping community for trendsetting women" is exploding with couture designer giveaways and deals at a rapid rate. A small fare even gets you front row! Want an invitation? Contact me and I would be happy to send you a code to get in.

Ash Magazine -- Because she's good enough, she's smart enough, and doggonnit, people like her. Ashley-Nicole is endearing, up on the fashion trends, and totally in tune to what is going on the world. I heart Ash Magazine.

Shop It To Me -- I am among the "Trendsetters" listed on Shop It To Me - a site that offers you virtual personal shopping assistance, with a blog that is dy-no-mite! Natalie and Tamra keep the comments coming, while spotlighting their Trendsetters, shopping events, and what's hot in the world of runway.

Chic Kiddie Boutique -- What are the kids wearing these days? Accordng to the cute giggly Monique Frausto, the options of dressing tykes in the latest fashion apparel is massive! This is one U.S. Army vet-gone-blogger who keeps it real.

Fashion, Love & Martinits -- Oh, how do I love thee? Mandy Applebum redefines what it means to be yourself. A self-proclaimed "fabulous and fat female trying to lose the love handles and make it in the fashion industry" is making it my new BFF list.

Shoe Smitten -- What do you get when you combine shoes, a budget-concious shopping flowchart, a college student....and more shoes? Her name is Anna Basham, and loves to pour her heart out in blog posts that touch upon her love of all that is footwear.

Agenda Magazine -- My "Talking Chic" column has graciously been a part of this online fashion publication for nearly five years. Thanks to Kaylene Peoples, my eyes have been exposed to some of the most amazing runway shows in LA. Want to read, watch, AND listen to her interviews with local designers? Agenda Magazine has your back.

Luxe Tips -- From one fashion junkie to the next, I tell ya that Luxe Tips is a lifestyle site for everyone. Because my interests revolve around more than leggings, heels, and cute jackets (What? They do!), this site gives me what I need. I first learned of this sitewhen I stumbled upon the blogger's post on Gwen's L.A.M.B. perfume. Enough said.

Beauty Chat -- Familiar with this blog? Yup, it's one of my babies that I don't think I can ever part with. Amazing contributors and a fabulous designer keep this site running and attracting fellow "Beauty Chatters." From plastic surgery and skincare to fashion and self-help tips, you gotta give it to Beauty Chat for having a diverse appeal.

Eye 4 Style -- "Deals & Steals" is just some of what you will get when you take part in the Eye 4 Style experience. A recent favorite post of mine is on the blogger's rundown of the Lucky Shops event in NY. Was I jealous? That was only the half of it.

Photo Credit: Me!

"Win, Sample, and Write!" as a Guest Beauty Chatter

So I had this giveaway idea for Beauty Chat. What do you think?

We're calling it "Win, Sample, and Write!"

Winner of the Bang Bang Baby Contest Is...

Beauty Chatter Sarah Gammill! She will be getting this purple owl necklace from Bang Bang Baby's fall "Retro Chic" collection, chosen directly by owner and designer, Liz Besanson. It is sold online for $50, and soooooo cute and girly.

In order to enter, I asked that you pose a question that you would have liked me to ask during my interview with Liz. Well, Sarah was definitely on the right track -- I would TOTALLY ask that. But I didn't, and I should have! So here is her question:

"So I see you have all the bases covered-necklaces, bracelets, hair bows, t-shirts, and rings, what plans do you have for Bang Bang Baby in the next five years? Maybe a handbag line?"

Thanks for entering! (and Sarah, don't be surprised if you get an e-mail directly from Liz, answering your very question!) Check back soon to see who won my first used book giveaway.

Photo Credit: http://www.bangbangbabydesigns.com/

Win a $25 Gift Certificate to spend on Fuglylab.com!

Check out my recent Beauty Chat interview with Onamia Chun of Fugly Lab - an online store featuring affordable skincare and makeup products. Think sample size products and sample size prices! In fact, "Fighting Ugly One Sample at a Time" is their motto.

Good luck, tomorrow is the LAST DAY to enter to win a $25 gift certificate for Fugly Lab products. I will post the winner on Beauty Chat Tuesday, the following day. I have several products from Fuglylab.com, and all I can say is: holla. They are convenient for my purse, take up little space on my bathroom counter, and truly are great products. Just two of my recommendations:

(For only $16.50, you will LOVE this grapefruit soy line of bath and shower gel, moisturizers, polish, lotions and butters. And the cutest little clear plastic bag for it all!)

( For $30, you can look forward to reverting back to refreshed skin. An upscale line of anti-aging skincare products, Elizabeth Arden has helped revive my stressed out-looking skin with a: makeup remover, 2-in-2 cleanser, and a visible difference cream complex. And yes, the bag is adorable - a purple and white zip-up.)

* Stay tuned for another Fugly Lab giveaway! This time, on Chic Things Galleria. I will definitely keep you updated.

Photo Credits:

http://www.fuglylab.com/

I Am Wild For My Fabulous Flat Iron!

See my good hair day on Beauty Chat!

Before and After Plastic Surgery in Hollywood

Awwwww...how hot is Latoya Jackson here? Right here, she is 24 in 1980. After typing in "plastic surgery fashion" in Google images to see what popped up, there was she was on thebuzz.sheknows.com. I think she looks fabulous here, and quite gorgeous. And of course, those high-waisted jeans look flattering and so chic on her.

Because I am so enthralled with seeing before and after plastic surgery photos of celebrities, I had to show you this one lovely "before" photo. BUT, plastic surgery can also greatly improve a person's look if he or she is willing to find an experienced plastic surgeon.

Check out my latest Beauty Chat post called: "Do Celebrities Still Pave the Beauty trends in Plastic Surgery?"

I'm open-minded on tons of topics, and plastic surgery is no exception. What about you?

Be a Beauty Chat VIP and Get On the List!

Stand out among the hundreds who are entering to win the fab freebie product package from Beauty Chat!

And check out what I had to say about our baby turning 1. Yes, it was a very emotional moment. Great pics of our 10 contributors (and growing!), and their personal quotes about what this celebration means to them.

My Product Review: The Beauty Blend of Kat Von D and Sephora

Check out my highly-anticipated product review on the beauty blend of Kat Von D and Sephora on Beauty Chat!

Do you love her as much as I do?

Kat Von D Hooks Up With Sephora for Own Makeup Line!

So, I am delighted to hear that Kat Von D of LA Ink (and former beloved tattoo artist on Miami Ink) has launched her own makeup line with Sephora, and making it a natural stem of her personality: cute and edgy. As for her fashion sense, I am always in awe of her gutsiness and so happy to see this beauty do her thang. Love her!

(More details about Kat's new makeup line soon to come on Beauty Chat!)






Photo Credits: http://miamiink.contentquake.com/ and http://daylife.com/

The TotalBeauty Blog Summit in Los Angeles

I missed this past weekend, but with Denice and Leeann spending their Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with other fabulous beauty bloggers -- I know that bases were covered.

Check out Beauty Chat, which features the pics and what went down at the TotalBeauty Blog Summit in Manhattan Beach!

(But I did enjoy my time in San Diego, from dancing downtown to eating homemade tortillas in Old Town. My mini-vacation was definitely what I needed. And next time, I will be sure to check out Extraordinary Desserts in Little Italy. According to Terry of Travertine Spa, who is also Diary of a Personal Shopper's Wellness Editor, I haven't lived yet until I try it out!)

The Good Girl Goes Down South

Steve's birthday is on Monday, so we're heading down to San Diego for a few days. Yipee! With the heat predicted to be blazin' this weekend, and my new turquoise sundress ready to wear, I'm ready to do NOTHING but relax. (I was just there a two weekends ago for the ASAPS show with PlasticSurgery.com and it was great!)

But I AM bummed out that I won't make it to the TotalBeauty Blog Summit in LA this weekend representing Beauty Chat. So thank you Denice and Leeann! Have a fabulous time doing your thing. Remember: pictures, pictures!!!

Have a great weekend.

Misikko For All of Your Hair Care Beauty Tools (and I mean ALL)!

Talk about convenience! Missiko.com, a Philadelphia-based consumer-driven Web site featuring the newest innovations in the hair & beauty industry, offers 2-day FREE shipping on purchases $50 and over. That's an amazing deal, especially if you're like me and truly hate waiting on the products you crave.

I heart my pink CHI flat iron, as it is has been my must-have hair care tool for the last year. The good side is that I can get it just nearly as straight as my hair dresser June can, which allows me to go into the shop a bit less and save money in the process, but it does get really hot in my hands when using it for longer than 20 minutes (which has caused me to drop it a few time. Yes, yikes). So, I am currently trying out one of Misikko's fabulous flat irons and will provide a new product review for you about this hair care tool on Beauty Chat, coming soon!

Until then, check out Missiko.com and see how diverse a selection of products and services they offer. Some of what caught my eye was:

- Beauty Tips - Want to know how to use a flat iron or curling iron? Now, you can pick up some new insight on what TO do and what NOT to do, while saving face and not having to ask your friend, sister, or hairstylist. You'll already be in the know!

- Shampoo for men - I am not familiar with "Phyto Phytoaxil Shampoo," but it is said to be "a great energizing cocktail for men with hereditary hair loss". For your boyfriend or husband? (Could be a good start if a hair transplant is out of the question.)

- Bath and Body - If you want to have good quality hair, it is highly likely that you want good quality skin care and makeup. From acne supplements to bath salts and bubbles -- yup, the products featured on Misikko.com are vast!

- Teeth Whitening and Lip Plumpers - A beautiful smile and being in good oral health could also give you that extra confidence boost (in addition to the compliments you might receive about your lovely 'do...)

The goal of Missiko.com: "To help you learn about the tools of the trade so you can find the right salon tools & products at the right prices - whenever & wherever the mood strikes." Nicely put, and making it all about meeting the needs of the consumer is, in my book, the making of excellent customer service. (Be sure to look for my review on Beauty Chat Blog soon!)

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Missiko

Bling for Your Toes? One Beauty Chatter Says Fo Sho.

I have never been one to accessorize my toes. Nope, not me! BUT should I ever dare attract others to my toes, I would wanna do so with a little class. A little shine.

Denice of KDC Events and Beauty Details is also Beauty Chat's resident pedi-lover (or anything rejuvenating having to do with thy feet). I love her for that. This is why she presents to you: "Do Your Feet Lack Bling?"

For me, I'll stick to adding glitz to my upper half, like my earrings, necklaces, and rings. Then again, it's not like I don't care for dressing up my feet at ALL. I just prefer to do so with hot heels or cute flats.

Again, that's just me. But what about you?

Photo Credit: www.yousaytoo.com

Beauty Chat Contest Ends Today - Win a 'Brokedown Clothing' hat!

Win an adorable denim hat by Brokedown Clothing today! Leeann will be choosing her winner by the afternoon (pacific time)!

Good luck!

BeautyChatBlog.com -- My Baby is Growing Up so Fast!!!

If you had the chance to catch glimpses of our new site, what do you think? (As our amazing designer, Khevna Naik, was making her last-minute adjustments, the site had to go LIVE for a few minutes...)

Look for my editor's note tomorrow on Beauty Chat, the winners to our Diana B and American Rock & Royalty giveaways....and of course, a big 'ol contest in honor of our afternoon relaunch. March 25, 2008 -- mark your calendars.

I hope you enjoy it! (The Beauty Chatters are getting giddy!!!...OK, you got me. So am I!)

Fashion Chateau Offers 15% off Couture Fashion for Good Girl Readers

I can't believe I let nearly 5 DAYS go by without posting new goodies for you! Shame on me. But in all due respect, I must add that I've been busy like crazy.

In between working on guest blogging articles, doin' my PlasticSurgery.com/ Beauty Chat 8 to 5-er, and planning my "coming out" shopping boutique party with the brilliant guidance from KDC Events...I have missed posting new thoughts for you [teardrop].

So to make up for abandoning my loyal Good Girl readers, I bring a fabulous site for you to bookmark or add as a favorite. Not only does Fashion Chateau bring you hot lines such as Juicy Couture, Bejeweled, Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, C &C California, and Morphine Generation, the brains of this Web site are offering Good Girl readers 15% off the rest of February. USE CODE: PS15.

You can also enter their $500 shopping spree, and check out the endearing section from the crew at Fashion Chateau: "Our Obsessions."

FYI: I just discovered that there is also a $25 off "First Order Discount!"

Hugs,

Elana

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Fashion Chateau