What We Love This Wednesday

We have a lot to love this Wednesday, considering we dodged polar vortex part deux for sunnier skies.  

Since that sentence alone probably stirred some bitter feelings, we'll quit while we're behind.

Here it goes...

 

1. Society 6

Buying art when you’re on a budget has always been a challenge, but we’ve found the ultimate site for quirky, fun, aesthetically-pleasing wall décor.  Enter: Society6.com, the site that sells pretty much anything that can be printed on.  We’re partial to the art (prints, framed prints, & stretched canvas), but you can’t go wrong here.  The price point also makes these a great gift option (when you're not Gifting Gorgeous, of course), and the variety allows you to find something personal/thoughtful.

For example- we got this masterpiece for our office.

2. Polish changes are the new manicures

I haven’t let a manicurist cut my cuticles since 2009.  There’s a solid reason why, but I’ll spare everyone since this is 'What We Love This Wednesday', and not 'Tales from the Crypt'.  It certainly varies from salon to salon, but the difference between a manicure and a polish change at many-a-nail-shop is simply cuticle cutting, a bowl of sudsy water, and some hand lotion.  So if you don’t cut your cuticles, you hand wash your wine glasses, and you have a bit of lotion around the house, save yourself $7-$10 and go for the polish change.  My manicurist last week actually advised me to stop asking for the $15 manicure, and switch to the $5 polish change.  That's a friend, indeed.

Perhaps you're asking "You’ve gone this far, why don’t you just paint your own nails?"  Well- I have a clumsy left hand, I’m not the best at filing, and when I air dry, I always get air bubbles.  For $5, $6, $7, I’m happy to get a lasting, smooth, lustrous polish!

3. Phrase Frenzy App

Catch Phrase for your iPhone!  This game will make or break friendships, but it is the most fun we’ve had in a while (is that sad)?  This past weekend we spent half of Saturday night playing Phrase Frenzy and the other half of the night in the club… and I’m not ashamed to say, the Phrase Frenzy portion of the evening was by far the winner.  You giggle so hard your abs hurt, so we should also mention it’s a workout.  You’re welcome.  Grab some friends and get down to it.

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TheStylisted's Golden Globes Beauty Breakdown

We love to see Hollywood's finest taking risks again.  Those years of playing it safe are long gone and the ladies are finally beginning to experiment again with daring 'do's and exciting fashion choices.  Hallelujah!

Here are our thoughts on last night's Red Carpet winners.

The Girl We'd Like to Be

Doesn't get much cooler than Emma Watson.  From the brows, to the hair, to the lip, she's flawless.  And a backless dress with pants...Why not?

The Girl We’d Like to Be in 15 Years

Let's be honest, we'd be lucky if we looked half as good in 10 years.  Every time the camera panned to Ms. Roberts (respectfully admiring whoever was speaking on stage), our jaws dropped in awe.  We'll have what she's having.

Favorite Updo

Amy Adams' braided updo could’ve gone very Junior Prom, but somehow she pulled it off, and we loved it.  Maybe it was the dress she paired it with- risqué- in true American Hustle fashion?  We can't quite pinpoint it.

Best Blowback

Not sure what this style is called, but it’s picking up steam, and we prefer how Jessica Chastain pulled it off. You still got it, girl. (But where have you been?)

New Comer-Show Stopper

The epitome of a blonde bombshell.  That’s all we have to say about that.

Best Hair/Makeup Pairing

We loved her signature smoky eye paired with the soft, romantic updo. 

Overall- Stole Our Hearts

No surprise here, Lupita Nyong’o took our beauty-breath away.  The dress, the hair, the makeup (the Yale degree).  She stunned.   Congratulations, Lupita.  You're perfect.

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Naturally Curious - Flawless Skin From Within

There is one thing that we hear over and over again from TheStylisted artists - great makeup application and hair styling begins with beautiful skin and healthy locks. With all that's been written lately about a more natural approach to skin and hair care - washing your face with oil and moisturizing with honey to name a few - I find that women are more confused than relieved. Luckily, NYC acupuncturist and herbalist Eliza Grimes is here to break it all down for us. In her first post, Eliza will share some of her favorite, natural tricks for flawless skin from within.

We all want to know the secret for flawless skin. There are hundreds of products on the market claiming to clear your skin but most consist of harsh chemicals that actually damage your skin long term. Having clear, beautiful skin can actually be simple! When we are imbalanced internally, it's shows on our exterior. The trick is establishing underlying balance and harmony without having to use harsh chemicals. The following are my favorite natural tricks to healthy skin:

1.    Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV is one of my favorite secrets. Rich in enzymes and potassium, ACV supports digestion by balancing Ph and boosting immunity. A healthy gut yields healthy skin! My favorite is Bragg's Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, which can be found in most supermarkets. You can either ingest 2 Tbs of ACV daily (directly off of the spoon or mixed with a small amount of warm water), or topically by applying a small amount to a cotton ball and using as a toner on clean skin. 

2.    Cod Liver Oil: We hear a lot about fish oil these days but my favorite is Green Pasture's Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil.  This oil provides natural forms of fat soluble vitamins A, D & K. It also has a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and therefore improve the skin. I recommend taking 2-3 capsules daily.      

                 

3.    Cruciferous Vegetables: Be sure to eat a sufficient amount of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These nutrient-dense vegetables are anti-inflammatory and therefore reduce blemishes and skin reddening.

4.    Probiotics: Take a daily probiotic separate from your food and preferably one that must be refrigerated. Probiotics helps restore healthy bacteria in the gut that may be damaged from the overuse of antibiotics, poor diet, stress, or other digestive dysfunctions that might impair the absorption of nutrients.  There are several great brands out there but I would recommend MegaFoods or Culturelle.

Eliza Grimes is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist and has a private practice in the flatiron area in Manhattan. Interested in learning more? You can visit Eliza's website at www.elizagrimes.com and check out more health tips by following her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elizagrimesL.Ac.

Photos courtesy of iherb.com, rediscoverthekitchen.blogspot.com, aicr.org, and samsclub.com

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