Spring Skincare Trends

Spring is right around the corner; and just as you transition your wardrobe with the changing seasons (Boot socks in April? No way!), the same should be done with your cosmetics and skincare products. Say goodbye to dark winter hues and dry, chapped winter skin; and say hello to a bright, radiant complexion with these runway-inspired beauty tips.

 
1) Betsey Johnson: Silver eyeliner was all the rage at the Spring 2012 Betsey Johnson show. Models showed off their warm weather looks accompanied by a sleek silver eye. Create a perfect canvas for your eye makeup with an eye cream containing SPF that will protect the eye area from sun damage while diminishing dry areas that can lead to uneven makeup application.

2) BCBG: All the models on the BCBG Spring 2012 runway were sporting fresh, out-of-the-shower, dewy glows. Minimal makeup requires a base of good skin. Anyone can get this fresh look with a pore-minimizing primer that helps disguise flaws and also contains light-enhancing minerals to give your skin a radiant glow.

3) Milly: Orange nails and magenta lips reigned supreme at the Milly Spring show. Keep your nails and lips looking fabulous with a cuticle cream containing Vitamin E, which conditions and helps relieve chapped, cracked skin.

4) Oscar de la Renta: Peach and cream palettes took center stage at the Oscar de la Renta Spring show. Creating a perfect peach look on any skin can be possible with the right preparation. Choose a serum which targets, treats and prevents pigmentation caused by daily environmental exposure.

5) Jason Wu: A neutral face with intense lip color is another hot trend for spring. Don’t be afraid to show off a neutral face because of dry skin. Combat those enemies with a moisturizer like Clean Scene’s Down for Defense that provides softer, smoother skin day or night.

Beautiful, glowing, healthy skin is quickly becoming the most sought-after accessory, on and off the runway!

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Tips For Visiting Colleges

College application deadlines are quickly approaching! And whether you’re ahead of the game and waiting on acceptance letters, or hoping to scope out the campus before applying, there are several things to keep in mind during your campus visit. Don’t fret, we’ve jotted down a few to get you started.

 

Extracurriculars: School isn’t just about classes! Make sure your ideal school also has your ideal extracurricular activities. Are there kids hanging out on the quad playing Ultimate Frisbee? Is there a jazz ensemble that you can join? How great is the theater program? Whether you’re into sports, music or the arts, be sure that the school you’re looking at offers the programs that you love.

 

Distance from home: Be realistic about how far away from home you want to be. Do you want to drive home every weekend to visit family and friends? Or would you be content to only visit for holidays and in between semesters. Don’t ignore your sense of adventure, but be realistic about your own needs and comfort zone.

 

Location: In addition to the distance from home, there are other important things to consider about location. What’s the weather like? Is it set in a big city or in a remote area? Again, it’s all about being adventurous, but also knowing where you’ll be most happy.

 

Food: Don’t underestimate the impact that the cafeteria will have on your life, health AND happiness. Make sure the cafeteria provides healthy food options to keep your brain working optimally. Also, take a look at the local surrounding restaurants. Sometimes you need some good options away from campus too!

 

Exercise: Many schools have gyms, offer fitness classes or have intermural sports teams. Ask about the campus fitness facilities and make sure your favorite activities are offered, as well as the opportunity to try a few new things. You don’t want to fall victim to the “Freshman 15!”.

 

Study abroad programs: Study abroad programs offer a great way to see the world while you learn! What options does the school offer? Where can you go? What majors have adjacent study abroad programs? Are there international summer programs? Take advantage of these special programs to get the most out of your college experience!

 

Career services: Let’s face it. The reason we go to college is to get a good job after we graduate. So, the amount of career service support a college offers is key to success after you toss that cap and gown! How much help can the school offer in obtaining internships and jobs? Is credit offered for internships? What are their post-college job placement statistics? How do they prepare you for interviews? How do they prepare you practically for the work force?

 

Yes, choosing a college is a major decision in life, but a lot of the excitement is had in the decision process. Be sure to weigh your options carefully, but don’t forget to have fun!

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Valentine’s Day DIY Gift Ideas

Giving Valentine’s Day gifts should show that you care, but you don’t have to break the bank! Get creative and crafty with a DIY gift.

Here’s a list of meaningful DIY Valentine’s Day gifts that can be customized for whomever you want to show love to this year – be it your friends, a crush or your parents

1. Customized photo calendar where you can note important dates like your crush’s birthday, your anniversary or your next date.

http://www.zazzle.com/custom/calendars

2. Hand sewn iPad/iPod case for dad, your BF or your BFF!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytGcMNVqNdY

3. Framed pressed flowers that grandma will love!

http://www.wikihow.com/Press-Flowers-and-Leaves

4. Magazine picture frame collage of your loved one’s favorite things

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At01oCPAF_Q

5. DIY picture frame earring holder (perfect for Mom!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDqxiHk03B8

6. Customized phone case your best girlfriends will love!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ra6o_gsjsg&feature=related

7. Personalized day planner with sections for all your love’s favorite things including a doodle page, notes, travel dreams, homework, short story writing section, etc.

http://www.kylaroma.com/2011/01/making-a-custom-day-planner-part-one-making-a-plan-template-downloads/

8. A duct tape pencil case for all your classmates (so much more fun than a card…)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0eAqtXTeCs&feature=related

9. …Except for this card! Make a super-cute pop-up Valentine’s Day card!

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/easy-valentines-day-craft-ideas#slide-5

10. Origami bouquet

-Rose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpCN8_M5RAQ

-Tulip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3564V8laRzo&feature=relmfu

-Daffodil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01W7gbtgCc4&feature=relmfu

 

What’s your favorite DIY Valentine’s Day gift idea?

 

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7 Tips to Keep Fitness Resolutions in 2012… Forever

We’ve all made New Year’s fitness resolutions that were impossible to keep. Get up early, run 10 miles, eat only fruits and veggies, give up sweets, etc. After the first week we crack under the stress of it all and find ourselves on the couch with a full-size bag of chips, catching up on a weeks worth of DVR. Just like that, your resolutions are broken.

This year is going to be different! 2012 is the year to keep your fitness resolution and turn it into a lifestyle. Here are our 7 tips to keep a New Year’s resolution…FOREVER.

1) Be realistic. How much time can you realistically commit and when is a good time of day for you? Choose a time that you don’t usually do other things and an activity that you enjoy.

2) Know your limits. Minimize the amount of excuses you can make to yourself. If you aren’t a runner, don’t set a goal to run 10 miles. Set milestones to track your progress. Start by walking 1 mile a day and build up to your goal.

3) Choose something fun. If you don’t enjoy an activity, you’ll be more likely to quit. Walking, dancing, sports and even Wii are all fun ways to burn more calories. Pick an activity you’ll look forward to.

4) Try something new. If you are active, but stuck in a fitness rut, mix it up. Try a martial art, a new dance class, or join a running club. “Give yourself permission to move away from traditional formats of exercise that have never worked for you in the long run.” -Dr. Murad, The Water Secret.

5) Write it down. Studies show that keeping a food and exercise journal helps people stay committed. Not to mention the heightened sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as you see your own progress.

6) Get an accountabilibuddy. Make a pact with a friend to text each other when you need a little extra motivation to get active or say “NO” to sweet and salty cravings. Exercise together and then celebrate together when you have achieved your weekly goals.

7) Reward yourself! Change is difficult, and when you stick to your goals you need to celebrate that accomplishment! Rather than indulging in an entire ice cream sundae, try a small frozen yogurt. You’re sweet tooth will be satisfied and you won’t undo all your efforts.

Stay positive and be strong! Tell us your resolutions and how you plan to keep them in the comment section below.

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10 Ways to Give Back

 

Home cooked turkeys, family traditions, and reflecting on the past year are just a few common Thanksgiving traditions. This Thanksgiving, try adding a new tradition to your holiday by volunteering your time and giving back to your community. Helping those in need will not only brighten someone’s day, but will make you feel good inside too! Here are a few easy and fun ways to contribute!

1) Get all of your friends to go through their closets, find things that you don’t need anymore and donate them to your local Salvation Army. Not only will you be cleaning out your closet (something your parents will love!) but you will also be helping others who may not be able to afford new clothes for winter.

2) Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Thanksgiving is always a busy day for local food banks and homeless shelters serving the community. This is a great way to give back to your community and still make it back home in time to spend the evening with your family!

3) Create a hygiene kit comprised of basic necessities that can be given to homeless teens in your area. Make sure to include essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, facial cleanser and sunscreen.

4) Have a garage sale with your friends and sell movies, accessories, books, and any other random things. Send all the money you make to a charity that you believe in.

5) Offer to help clean for an elderly person in your neighborhood. It’ll definitely make their day!

6) Gather canned and non-perishable foods (tuna, corn, pasta, etc) from your pantry and donate it to your local Food Bank.

7) Have a fundraising bake sale at school to raise awareness for your favorite charity. You’ll have fun baking (and sampling for “taste”) as well as making a difference with your bake sale proceeds. Check out the bake sale we did to raise money for City of Hope!

8) Create an after-school tutoring program at school to help teach younger kids. You’ll not only be helping expand the next generation’s knowledge; it’s also a great college application builder!

9) Support companies that do charitable deeds, like buying TOMS shoes. Not only are they fashionable, but for every pair of TOMS shoes you buy, they will donate a pair to a child in a developing country.

10)  Encourage your parents and anyone over the age of 17 to donate blood to The American Red Cross. They are always looking for extra blood to help those in need and you never know, that blood could help save a life!

And there you have it! Now there’s no reason to not do at least one or more of these activities to help make the world a better place. Happy Holidays!

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