Eat Your Way to Gorgeous

Try Lobster Why It Makes You Pretty: In addition to offering a good, low-fat source of protein (key for healthy hair growth), shellfish contains high amounts of zinc, a mineral which may help prevent acne and boost your immune function.

Sprinkle On Some Chia Seeds Why They Make You Pretty: These antioxidant-rich seeds are great sources of vitamin E and omega-3s, essential fatty acids that make skin glow and hair shine. And unlike their cousins, flaxseeds, they don’t need to be ground up for their beneficial oils to be absorbed.

Cook Up Some Artichokes Why They Make You Pretty: Anything with lots of fiber—and one artichoke supplies 25 percent of an adult’s daily quota—is detoxifying because it helps rid the body of waste. The result? Clearer, more radiant skin.

Cook With Kale Why It Makes You Pretty: This dark green, leafy vegetable offers lots of fiber (for clear skin) and plenty of vitamin A and C (take that, wrinkles and discoloration!). Kale also has lutein, a nutrient that makes the whites of your eyes look brighter.

Eat Strawberries Why They Make You Pretty: This sweet fruit is loaded with vitamin C, an immune-boosting antioxidant that stimulates collagen production and reduces damage from free radicals, those nasty molecules that cause skin to age prematurely. Strawberries also contain malic acid, a natural astringent that can help remove discoloration from teeth.

Source: www.instyle.com

Yum! These healthy foods actually sound delicious. Healthy food that tastes good is always a plus!!

-Charlotte
Chicago, IL

Well Expo 2010

Just in time to help out with all of our new year resolutions, Modern Bliss Magazine is presenting the Well Expo 2010 here in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center next weekend January 16th and 17th. There's an incredible line up of exhibitors as well as guest speakers.

For those of us obsessed with The Real Housewives of New York, you'll be thrilled to know that Bethenny Frankel will be speaking and signing copies of her books at the expo on Saturday at 2:00 pm. She's my favorite on that show, I'm so excited to see her. Kristin Steede, from the television show The Biggest Loser, will share her inspirational story of weight loss and healthy life changes. She was the first woman on the show to loose 100 pounds!

The first 100 guests at the expo on Saturday will receive a free goodie bag! Modern Bliss was incredibly generous and sent me complimentary tickets to the expo to share with my customers!

Email me if you're interested in attending this great event and I'll send you your own complimentary admission tickets.

For more information about the Well Expo 2010 go to http://www.wellexpomadison.com/index.php.

See you there!

Jennifer

Did you hear about the Morgans?

Earlier this week a friend and I had lunch and planned on going to a movie. We browsed the movies that were playing and came across Did you hear about the Morgans? Starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant. The yahoo critics had given it the low average of a D+! It just so happened that Did you hear about the Morgans? was playing at the time we would make it to the theater, so we went :) It actually ended up being a very funny romantic comedy that I recommend you should go see with your girlfriends :) My friend and I truly enjoyed the movie and were laughing through it the whole time!

Kalyn
New York

Project Runway Season 7

Project Runway premieres on Lifetime on January 14th at 10pm.
I've always been a fan of Project Runway, I'm not one to sit down during its scheduled time but I always am excited to catch the reruns.
I always look forward to the celebrity guest that they have on the show and I think that its a good way to keep the audiences attention. I heard that Nicole Richie will be the first guest on the new season which makes me want to tune in :)

Do you plan on watching the seventh season of Project Runway?

Kalyn
New York

"Fatties Kicked off Dating Site"

Members of the global dating site BeautifulPeople.com might think twice in the future before indulging in devouring sugary, fatty holiday spreads, after the site's administrators kicked off more than 5,000 members for appearing too heavy in post-holiday photos.

The online dating site, which launched in Denmark in 2002 before going global in 2009, announced this week that it expelled thousands of "fatties" in an effort to maintain its status as "the sexiest Web site in the world." "Basically they all posted photographs on the site between November and the New Year, and these photographs were a little less flattering than their previous photos," said Miki Haines, a spokeswoman for the site.

While I'm sure each member of the site has been made aware of the strict guidelines for being a member, it seems so incredibly mean to kick someone off for gaining a few pounds! To make matters worse, the site continually refers to the kicked off members as "fatties!" So terrible.

I immediately asked the question, who decides who or what is beautiful? Isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder? Often someone I think is beautiful my husband will say is not. I can't imagine only seeking out a companion based on looks alone.

My husband Jim is a handsome guy (in my opinion), but his looks aren't the reason I married him. How tragic for all of the beautiful singles out there to be banking on looks alone to find the perfect partner.

What's your opinion?

Jennifer

Guess Who!

I'd like to hire that plastic surgeon/ hair stylist/ or professional air brusher... because whoever is in charge of making Kate Gosselin look like that is a genius! This picture to the right is Kate on the recent cover of People Mag, with her new hair extensions.

Can you believe how different she looks with long hair? Isn't it shocking that that woman on the far left is the same as on the cover of People? Literally shocking. It's so interesting what hair and make-up can do. Friends, do you think Kate had some work done?? I mean, she clearly lost weight. . . but she looks so fantastic now! Wow. I never thought I'd say that Kate Gosselin looks gorgeous, but she sure does!!

Charlotte
Chicago, IL

Stage Names / Real Names

I came across a website that had celebrities real names :) It's so weird to me that all these stars that we know by name...it's not even their real name. Here's a couple good ones that I wanted to share with all the J.LaMore friends!

Fergie- Stacey Ann Ferguson
Jamie Foxx- Eric Bishop
Jody Foster- Alicia Christian Foster
Lady GaGa- Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta
Reese Witherspoon- Laura Jean Reese Witherspoon
Sting- Gordon Summer

Kalyn
New York

Love the lashes!

Hi Jennifer! I love the fact that everyone says hi to you when they write a post. It's like the writers are saying something directly to you although giving everyone the opportunity to read it. That's so cute!

As you know from my previous blogs, I don't wear a lot of makeup and I have read many articles here on the friend's blog from women who struggle with makeup. I would like to add one more post on the topic as I was introduced to several lines of amazing makeup at a makeup party put on by a local Salon here in Dallas, TX.

My favorite in the list is the Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Effet Extension. It looks kind of strange but once you get the hang of it it's amazing. It also comes in multiple colors, too!

I only tried one product at this little gathering but some of the other gals tried them and their eyes transformed right before me. It was incredible!

Sarah
Dallas, TX

No Expensive Denim for Me!

Hi Jennifer & Everyone! My report last year on the "denim glut" needs no more proof than a mere glance outside and around town as evidence. You don't even need a a mission like I had to prove the denim glut existed however, for those of you who didn't read my post on the subject let me rephrase that just a little - an expensive denim glut is more like it.

I set out to prove that the real world isn't going to pay $300-$500 for denim anytime soon and when you look at fashionable people around Los Angeles these days they are just as comfortable wearing regular old jeans that look like they came from a garage sale! I love it!

Fashion isn't always label driven and we know style isn't either so if you dig around the bottom of your closet and you find an old pair of jeans don't be afraid to slip into them with a sexy t-shirt, a great bag and cool shoes. Rolling up the bottom cuff is a big trend right now and you wouldn't think of doing that to your 7's or your Citizens. I really like the boyfriend jeans and when I got my first pair I swear I instantly gave them a secret boys name and will reach for them on days when I'm happy and days when I'm not.

The denim of 70's, 80's and the 90's are different then todays denim. Todays denim is much softer and there are so many denim brands and trends it's hard to keep track of what to wear and who's wearing it. I like to find my own style in denim because it's easy and you really can't go wrong anymore. This is what "the glut" did for us fashion conscious women. The glut gave us so many choices no matter what you wear it looks great and the prices dropped by 50%! You have to love that!

Lynn
LosAngeles, CA

Bra's as a fashion statement!

It seems that wearing your bra for all to see as a fashion statement is still a popular thing, although it's not for me! Glamour magazine is posting a blog on the subject and stated that only 9% of women polled say they like the look. That leaves 91% who don't. Including me. If you have big boobs this would be a terrible look. If you have small boobs it doesn't work either.

I just can't see a time or a place for wearing this look because for me, showing off your bra like this is kind of trashy and cheap. I think if this is your look then you're trying to hard. I asked a couple of younger gals in our office if they liked this look or would wear it out in public and they said ". . . no way, I wouldn't wear that look in private, . . . " Ok! They're you have it. Don't do it!

Clare
London, England

Crosswalk Etiquette

I grew up in a small town and was always taught to look both ways before crossing the street, even if you're in a cross walk. It always seemed like common sense to me until moving to Madison and experiencing the foot traffic associated with the university here.

J. LaMore is located slightly off of campus, which is directly on our route home every day. When classes are in session there are a plethora of students hastily going about their business, trying to get wherever they are going, fast. Most students believe (and it is our law) that when they are in the cross walk, vehicles must yield their right of way. Like I said, it is our law, but just because they are in the cross walk doesn't mean we see them. Not only are we paying attention to pedestrians, we are also navigating other vehicles, cyclists, and traffic lights. We want to stop for you, we just might not see you.


This brings me to a story I just read in the New York Post. Unfortunately a 16 year old girl, in New York visiting for the holiday's, was hit by a taxi cab while crossing the street. She was thrown 15 feet. While she has survived the accident, she suffered trauma to the brain and lungs and multiple skull, rib and pelvic fractures. It could take months before she's better. So incredibly sad.

I couldn't find anything more specific regarding how the accident happened. I have no idea if she was in a cross walk or not, and it really doesn't matter at this point. I can only hope and pray she will be OK. I've been to NY city numerous times and the traffic is unforgiving. I can't imagine how difficult it is to drive there, there's so much going on.

We all are pedestrians at some point or another. Let's make a plan to be respectful to ourselves and to drivers on the road. Look and listen before crossing the street. If a driver doesn't stop for you, don't assume it's because they didn't want to, perhaps they didn't see you.

Jennifer

Gel vs Acrylic nails. . . !

Hi Jennifer: That is a fantastic question as I have struggled with this problem for years. I haven't tried gel nails yet but I'm going to this year. I complain abut nail polish every time I put it on because it chips and cracks and I always ask myself why it's not easier.

I've looked into both gel nails and acrylic nails and this is what I found out so far.

Pros of Acrylic Nails

-If you break an acrylic nail you can almost always fix it temporarily and rather easily yourself.
-The removal process is simple and straightforward if done by a professional. The nails can be soaked rather than filed off.
-Acrylics are very strong. When done correctly and good nail care is practiced, they can last a long time. They’re robust!

Pros of Gel Nails

-Gel nails often look more natural and glossy than other types of cosmetic nails.
-The curing time is faster than acrylics, sometimes clocking in at just two minutes when light-curing is done.
-Gel nail mixtures are odorless.
-There is less filing involved during the application process.

Cons of Acrylic Nails

-They can damage your real nails in a harsher manner than gel nails can.
-Acrylics can look fake instead of natural and they can look even worse when done incorrectly.
-It can be hard to grow out acrylic nails.

Cons of Gel Nails

-They don’t last as long and are less durable than acrylic, even though they tend to cost more.
-Gel nails are harder to do yourself if you like to do home manicures.
It’s been noted that nail polish won’t stick to the gel finish as well as it does to an acrylic finish.
-If a gel nail breaks, you may be in for some trouble. It can sometimes be more of a shatter effect than a clean break, so self-fixing a break is not usually an option. You’ll need to make an appointment right away with your manicurist. Sometimes they do break cleanly; basic nail glue could be used in that case.
-Gel nails almost always need to be filed off. You can’t just soak them away.

I hope this helps you and the readers of the friends blog and if you try them and you think they work good, please post a note here and I'll try them too. You're the Guinea Pig! :)

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

PS
Clare: No way would I forgive her. Move and and kick her out of your friendship circle.