Friday, April 30, 2010

THE IMPORTANCE OF REMOVING THE MAKE UP AT NIGHT


It is so important to make sure that you remove your makeup at the end of your day, this is necessary so that your skin will be able to breathe and regenerate itself during the whole night while you sleep. It is normal to feel lazy at the end of a long day, and being tired causes women to fall asleep without removing the makeup from their skin, but that can be very damaging to the face and pores. The effect from leaving makeup on your face overnight can clog your pores and cause you to experience breakouts more frequently. When makeup becomes impacted into your facial pores, it makes them look larger and more noticeable. It is very essential to remove all makeup products thoroughly and completely to avoid blackheads and pimples.
Items you will require for removal of makeup:
Eye makeup remover
Facial cleanser
A clean towel
Cotton pads
Moisturizer
Step One
Start by with removing the eye makeup first.
It is important to begin with the make up on and around the eyes because removing mascara can be very difficult, this is especially true if it is waterproof. In order to completely remove your mascara and eye shadows pigments, the use of an eye makeup removal product is recommended. Start by applying the eye makeup remover to a cotton pad and gently wipe the makeup away from each eye. The easiest way to do this is to close your eyes and then gently rub downwards on the lashes. You can repeat this motion a few times until all of the mascara is gone. Make sure to be careful to never stretch the skin around the eyes, because the skin here is very delicate. It is a good idea to use a different cotton pad if necessary to remove the eye shadows pigments. You can also use baby oil in place of eye makeup remover, or wet wipes, but you should never use regular makeup remover on or around your eyes, because this could cause drying of the skin in this sensitive area.
Step Two
On the rest of the face you can use a facial cleanser, but you should avoid using a soap unless it is specially designed for the face, because it can cause excessive drying. Start by wetting your face and then apply the facial cleanser. With your fingers tips gently rub the cleanser into the face and don't forget to include your neck too! Concentrate more on the areas where you applied the makeup most heavily, usually on the mouth area, nose, and cheekbones. Make sure you leave the cleanser on the skin for two to three minutes so that it can penetrate into the skin.
Step Three
Use lukewarm water to remove all of the facial cleanser, and then dry your face with a clean towel. It is usually good practice to make sure you rinse three times to ensure the removal of all cosmetic and cleanser residue.
Step Four
Tone your skin
Try to stay away from oil-based astringents, and stick to oil-free types appropriate for your skin. Apply it generously to the cotton pad and wipe your face until it is clean. It is recommended, but not required that you use a toner, at this point, as they are one of the most important parts of allowing healthy skin. Toners can also help to reduce the appearance of pores, and eliminate oil from your skin.
Step Five
Moisturize your skin
This is perhaps one of the most important steps, try not to skip this one! Make sure to moisturize your skin after you have removed your makeup.
So now that you are aware of the importance of removing your makeup every evening before bedtime, you should choose a few towels or a makeup removal mitt to be specifically for this purpose. This can help avoid ruining your nice bathroom towels with mascara and cover-up. One such product is the Euromitt Spa by L'Avenier, it removes all make-up types, including permanent lipstick and waterproof mascara.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

GOSSIPS AND FACTS ABOUT AVRIL LAVIGNE


  • Says Britney Spears shouldn’t blame the paparazzi for her recent problems because the media is such a core part of being famous – insisting the troubled singer is too weak to handle her fame. (April 3, 2007)
  • Considered having a goth wedding but eventually gave into her childhood dream of a traditional ceremony.
  • Shot a spit on paparazzi outside a Hollywood hotspot. (September 27, 2006)
  • Married Sum 41 lead singer Deryck Whibley on July 15th 2006 in an outdoor, non-denominational ceremony at a private estate in Montecito, California. She wore a Vera Wang gown and held a bouquet of white roses. Their first dance was Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls.
  • Named #36 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2005 list.
  • Says she's bored of singing now she wants to ditch music for an acting career. (June 6, 2006)
  • Is among Teen People's 25 Hottest Stars Under 25 in 2005.
  • Following Ashlee Simpson's disastrous lip-synching appearance on Saturday Night Live, Lavigne says it's pathetic that some young artists don't sing on their own record or on stage. (2004)
  • A fan of hers has been accused of stalking her parents and violating a court order by trying to contact her. (August 30, 2004)
  • Is at the center of a row with bosses at MTV after she stuck her middle finger up live on air on Total Request Live. (May 29, 2004)
  • Named to Teen People's list of Hottest Stars Under 25. (2004)
  • Calls Hilary Duff a mommy's girl. (March 26, 2004)
  • Lavigne was the subject of the new television special, AVRIL LAVIGNE: ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY, airing Sunday (June 8) on the ABC-Family cable network at 9 p.m. ET -- The show chronicled Lavinge's childhood growing up in Canada, her family life, and her music. (June 9, 2003)
  • Her I'm With You is featured on Ultimate Smash Hits (June 3, 2003)
  • Lavigne begins her first-ever headlining tour on Wednesday (April 9) with a show at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto -- Lavigne, along with opening acts Gob and Simple Plan, will play a total of 29 North American dates. (April 10, 2003)
  • Took part in MTV's Metallica mtvICON special. (April 4, 2003)
  • Is among the artists who have contributed tracks to Peace Songs. (April 15, 2003)
  • An elementary school is cashing in on a wardrobe decision by Lavigne -- The Wilkesboro Elementary School T-shirt she wears in the video for her song Sk8er Boi hadn't been sold for at least four years, but with Lavigne giving them new currency, the school's Parent Teacher Organization ordered 500. (March 10, 2003)
  • Lavigne was recognized as The Most Sexy Woman In Music at Thursday's (February 13) NME Awards in England. (February 19, 2003)
  • Lavigne has been immortalized with her very own computer virus -- the so-called Avril email virus, which tries to lure users into opening its infected attachment by promising pictures of the popster, went into circulation shortly after the Grammy nominations were announced. (January 14, 2003)
  • Mispronounced David Bowie's name -- Lavigne was helping announce the Grammy nominees for best male rock vocal performance at Madison Square Garden when she made the gaffe, pronouncing Bowie's name like Howie, while it’s supposed to be like “doughy.” (January 8, 2003)
  • The menu plate on her wedding reception read Avril Whibley, implying that she has assumed husband Deryck Whibley's last name in her private life.
  • Was orginally pursuing a career in country and folk music, but transitioned into punk-rock because of its more lucrative possbilities.
  • Was kind enough to donate many items to Rocky Stone to be given to less fortunate kids as part of the Toy Mountain Campaign 2004.
  • Decided to perform in Dublin, Ireland the same day her grandfather died. After receiving the news, she knew he would have wanted her to continue on. Although all but breaking down on stage, she continued to perform in his memory.
  • Received 5 Grammy nominations, including 1 for best new artist (2003).
  • Dropped out of high school after the 11th grade when she secured a record deal.
  • Her CD, Let Go, was the third best selling album of 2002.
  • Her second album is titled Under My Skin, which has gone 2x platinum.
  • Has a pizza named after her at a restaurant in her home town, Napanee, Ontario.
  • 381,000 copies were sold of her second album Under My Skin, making it her 2nd #1 album. According to Nielsen SoundScan, it ended the #1 spot eight- week reign of Usher's Confessions album. Under My Skin album is also #1 in the UK.
  • The song Slipped Away on her second album is about the death of her grandfather.
  • Wrote the song Breakaway which was sung by Kelly Clarkson.
  • Is good friends with Pink,Vanessa Carlton, and Fefe Dobson.
  • Writes all of her own songs about her own personal experiences.
  • Favorite actor is Tobey Maguire and favorite actress is Sandra Bullock.
  • Avril taught herself the guitar at the age of 12.
  • One of her songs, Losing Grip, is about an ex-boyfriend.
  • Her first video, Complicated, cost over $1 million.
  • Her younger sister appeared in her 'SK8R BOI' Video.
  • Debut album 'Let Go' is 6x platinum.
  • Favorite pizza topping is olives.
  • Natural hair color is brown.
  • Owns over a 100 pairs of Converse sneakers.
  • Is a vegetarian.
  • Trade Mark: Bitter lyrics / Heavy black eyeliner and eyeshadow
  • Nickname: Avie / Av
  • Just because you're famous doesn't mean you're something special and you're above other people.
  • Fame is a big joke. Stars need to stop taking themselves so seriously.
  • I love being in the studio. It's really great. I like it a lot. But of course, I like performing more. But when I'm in the studio mode, it's cool. I like to really focus on it."
  • I can write a song a day.
  • I liked being a minor because you can't get into trouble. Now I just have to try and behave myself.
  • I might look like a tough chick - and I am - but I'm also a hopeless romantic inside.
  • Why should I care what other people think of me? I am who I am. And who I wanna be.
  • My mom wouldn't let me sing 'Strawberry Wine' because it had 'wine' in it.
  • When I was 2 my mom said she knew I was going to be a singer. I've been performing ever since I was a young kid. So I've known I wanted to do this for awhile. I always knew in my heart that I'd be singing.
  • I'm just coming out and I'm going to clearly be myself - I write what I feel, I never worry what others think.
  • My dream was always to hop up on stage in front of my fans every night and perform.
  • Actually, I know for a fact there are some young female artists who don't even sing on their own records and who don't sing live. And that is pathetic."
  • To understand me, you have to meet me and be around me. And then only if I'm in a good mood - don't meet me in a bad mood.
  • People ask me if I regret wasting my last teen years on becoming a singer. You know something? I don't. Because singing is my life. When and if you want something so badly you'll see. I mean, I'm just so blessed to be doing what I love to do and to have been given this opportunity. I thank God because there are so many more talented people out there that will never even come close to getting a record deal.
  • Kids Choice Awards: Favorite song, Girlfriend (2008)
  • TRL Awards (Italy): First Lady (2008)
  • Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: Favorite Song, Girlfriend (2008)
  • MTV Video Music Awards Japan: Best Pop Video, Girlfriend (2008)
  • AG Canadian Hair Cosmetics Awards: Favorite Canadian Musician Hair (2008)
  • NRJ Music Awards: Best International Female Artist (2008)
  • Japan Golden Disc Awards: Chaku-Uta Song of the Year (2008)
  • Japan Golden Disc Awards: Chaku-Uta Full Song of the Year (2008)
  • Japan Golden Disc Awards: Album of the Year, The Best Damn Thing (2008)
  • Japan Golden Disc Awards: Best 3 Albums, 'The Best Damn Thing' (2008)
  • Japan Golden Disc Awards: Artist Of The Year (2008)
  • Paja Awards: Single of the year, When You're Gone (2007)
  • Paja Awards: Favorite Female Singer (2007)
  • PortalMix.com (Spain): International Album of the Year, 'The Best Damn Thing' (2007)
  • Planeta Awards (Perú): Best Solo of The Year (2007)
  • Planeta Awards (Perú): Best Balad, When You're Gone (2007)
  • MTV Video Music Awards Latin America: Best International Pop Artist (2007)
  • MTV Video Music Awards Latin America: Song of the Year, Girlfriend (2007)
  • MTV Russian Music Awards: Best International Artist (2007)
  • MTV Europe Music Awards: Solo Artist (2007)
  • MTV Europe Music Awards: Most Addictive Track, Girlfriend (2007)
  • MuchMusic Video Awards: Best international video by a Canadian, Girlfriend (2007)
  • MuchMusic Video Awards: People's Choice Favourite Canadian Artist (2007)
  • UK Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: Best Female Singer (2007)
  • UK Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: Best Music Video, Girlfriend (2007)
  • Virgin Media Music Awards: Best International Act (2007)
  • Teen Choice Awards: Choice Music Single, Girlfriend (2007)
  • ChartAttack.com: Readers' Poll 2007 - The Throw Your Underwear Female - Most Sexiest Canadian
  • World Music Awards: World's Best Selling Canadian Artist (2007)
  • World Music Awards: World's Best-Selling Pop/Rock Female Artist (2007)
  • TRL Awards (Italy): First Lady (2006)
  • Juno Awards: Pop Album of the Year, 'Under My Skin' (2005)
  • Juno Awards: Fan Choice Award (2005)
  • MTV Asia Awards: Favorite Female Artist (2005)
  • Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: Favorite Female Singer (2005)
  • NRJ Music Awards: Best International Female Artist (2005)
  • Common Sense Media Award: Best Musician (2004)
  • MTV Video Music Awards Latin America: Best International Pop Artist (2004)
  • MuchMusic Video Awards: Best international video by a Canadian, Don't Tell Me (2004)
  • MuchMusic Video Awards: People's Choice Favourite Canadian Artist 2004
  • World Music Awards: Best Pop/Rock Artist (2004)
  • World Music Awards: Best Canadian Artist (2004)
  • MTV Video Music Awards Japan: Best New Artist in a Video, Complicated (2003)
  • MTV Video Music Awards Latin America: Best International Pop Artist (2003)
  • MTV Asia Awards: Style Award (2003)
  • MuchMusic Video Awards: Best international video by a Canadian, Sk8er Boi (2003)
  • MuchMusic Video Awards: People's Choice Favourite Canadian Artist (2003)
  • Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: Favorite Song, Sk8er Boi (2003)
  • Radio Music Awards: Song of the Year (Modern Adult Contemporary Radio), Complicated (2003)
  • TMF Awards: Best Rock: International (2003)
  • World Music Awards: World's Best selling Canadian Pop/Rock Artist of the Year (2003)
  • ECHO Awards: Best International New Artist (2003)
  • Ivor Novello Awards: International Hit Of The Year, Complicated (2003)
  • Juno Awards: Album of the Year, 'Let Go' (2003)
  • Juno Awards: Pop Album of the Year, 'Let Go' (2003)
  • Juno Awards: New Artist of the Year (2003)
  • Juno Awards: Single of the Year, Complicated (2003)
  • World Music Awards: Best Canadian Pop/Rock Artist (2002)
  • MTV Video Music Awards: New Artist in a Video, Complicated (2002)
  • MTV Video Music Awards Latin America: Best International New Artist (2002)

TOP 6 WEDDING DRESS TRENDS FOR 2010


1.SEXY SLINKY SILHOUETTES
If you’ve got a fab figure (or fantastic suction underwear!), now is the time to do a victory dance – sexy, figure-hugging wedding dress silhouettes will be hot for the next couple of seasons.

 2.BALLGOWN STYLES
For those who loved the wildly ridiculous yet fabulous gowns in Gone with the Wind (*blush*), and for many of us who want to disguise our thighs, ballgown style wedding gowns are back. Fabulous! Ballgown wedding dresses have many rather wonderful upsides, including squishing you into the shape you desire, giving you fabulous cleavage, and being impossible to remove on your own ;-)




3.FIFTIES STYLE WEDDING GOWNS
This is the one I’m really very pleased about – I always have and probably always will love 50’s style glamour. There’s something about the whole belted waist idea that makes me happy.

4.MERMAID STYLE WEDDING GOWNS

5.TEA-LENGTH WEDDING DRESSES
Tea-length wedding dresses are fabulous for a more casual, less traditional wedding, especially if you have a nice pair of pins and some knock-out shoes.   Once again, the 50s influence is shining through!

6.GRECIAN GODDESS WEDDING DRESSES
Are you in touch with your inner goddess?  Grecian style wedding dresses are hot at the moment – high-waisted with floaty materials, they would make me look like a mountain, but if you’re slim and smaller breasted, it’s a style that could look stunning.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

MEHANDI DESIGNS

HOMEMADE HAIR MASKS

Get your hair into tip-top shape with natural conditioning treatments you can make at home
You don’t need to buy the priciest conditioners on the market to moisturize and revitalize your hair — just whip up a wonderful homemade hair mask from ingredients you’ll find right in your kitchen. The bonus? These all-natural moisturizers add softness and shine to your hair without using a single chemical. Here’s how to get started.

Go bananas. Bananas make a wonderful hair mask when blended with an egg, three teaspoons each of honey and milk, and five teaspoons of olive oil. Massage the mixture onto your hair and scalp and leave it on for a half hour before you shampoo it out.
Egg yourself on. Scramble two eggs with two teaspoons of water, then work the mixture into damp hair. Let it soak in for 15 minutes before you wash your hair.

Get a little honey. A sweet conditioning mask mixes equal parts honey and olive oil. You’ll need to rub the mask into your hair and wrap your locks in plastic wrap. Shampoo after 30 minutes.

Oil up your scalp. Make a mask from two eggs and five teaspoons of olive oil and massage into your hair and scalp. Let it sit for a half hour before washing it out.

Try a little avocado. Mix mashed avocado with a teaspoon each of olive oil and honey, then apply to your hair. Leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes, then wash it away.

Get some fruit. Grab a bunch of your favorite fruits. Put a half a banana in a blender with one-quarter each of a cantaloupe and an avocado and two tablespoons of yogurt. Apply the mixture to your hair for 15 minutes before you shampoo.

Mix up some strawberries. Mix a cup of strawberries, an egg yolk, and two tablespoons of olive oil in your food processor, then work it into your hair. Let it soak in for 20 minutes before shampooing it away.

Put a little mayo on it. Thicken your hair while you condition with a hair mask made of mayo. You can use plain mayo, or mix in a few teaspoons of Epsom salts and a beaten egg. Either way, let it sit in your hair for a half hour before shampooing. (The mayo also makes a killer defrizzer.)

Go a little nutty. Almond oil can also help defrizz your hair. To make a hair mask, combine a ¼ cup of honey, a ½ cup of yogurt, and a tablespoon of almond oil, then work it into your hair from root to tip. Leave it on for 20 minutes before you shampoo.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

10 BEST BEAUTY TIPS FOR SUMMER


Summer is a time that we all get our bodies pumped up and beach ready, by hitting the gym to get those killer abs to show off our remarkable tans that make our bodies shimmer and shine, while we relax and lounge at the pool or jet ski on the beach. Summer is the time where we find summer love, watch fireworks, barbecue and have the most lavish block parties where everyone is invited.
So in the summer it seems like it is a must to look you best, since we have all these exciting and enticing events going on. There are some tips that we should all follow in the summer to help us keep looking our best so we don't have to worry about beauty and we can just bask in the wonderful sun.

1. Wear Sunscreen: The number one rule of thumb when preparing for the hot sun is to lather up with sunscreen that has a SPF rating of 15 or higher to protect your beautiful skin from those treacherous sunrays.




2. Use Bronzer: Tanning is out Bronzer is in, let's face it in the summer the sun gives you all the heat you need, do you really want to be trapped in the tanning bed? They have a variety of bronzers and spray on tanners that will create the same look as a tanning salon, without breaking your wallets.

3. Makeup without Foundation: It is not recommended to wear foundation in the summer, if you do decide to wear foundation wear very light and subtle colors or opt for tinted moisturizers they are lighter and more gentle to the skin.

4. Color, color, color! It is all about color in the summer use vibrant colors like green, pink, gold and loud colors that reflect the summer time atmosphere.

5. Your Hairstyle: Let's face it hair seems to get oily, sweaty and greasy in the summer due to the humid temperatures, so instead of creating a ultra chic look, summer is the time where you can be playful and stylish while you wear your hair loose in a wet in wavy style or very loose ponytails for a girlish look.

6. Body Scrubs: Scrub & exfoliate your face daily to keep it looking fresh and to give you a feeling of renewal.

7. Waterproof Mascara: If you plan to be near the beach/water or any outdoor activity use waterproof make up and mascara so your make up won't smear all over.

8. Frizzy Hair: Deep condition hair weekly since the humid weather can cause frizziness to your hair.

9. Avoid Blow Dryer: Avoid using the blow dryer in the summer, the sun gives you enough heat already instead use an alcohol free texturizer to do the trick.

10. Accessories: Summer is a time for fun in the sun, if you want to look fashionable the must have accessories that look good and also protect you are a nice straw hat that blocks the sun from your face and beautiful sunglasses designer or faux will do the trick and you will be already for fun in the sun.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

CHOCOLATE RECIPES FOR LOVERS

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKES


Serves 4

Ingredients:
4 ounces small pieces milk chocolate
4 ounces butter
2 each eggs
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
Preparation:
Melt the chocolate and the butter together in the microwave, stirring in short intervals. Blend the eggs and sugar together thoroughly and add the flour. Pour into 4 oz. molds that have been sprayed with Pam and dusted with flour. Bake for 10-15 minutes in an oven that has been preheated to 450 degrees. Cool slightly and decant to paper to cool.


BOURBON STREET CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE
 Serves 6-8

Ingredients:
1 cup light corn syrup
3 eggs
1/3 cup of butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 dash vanilla
1 pinch salt
2 cups pecans, broken
1 pie shell., uncooked
5 ounces of milk chocolate
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the corn syrup, eggs and melted butter and whisk briskly. Add the brown sugar and mix well. Add the vanilla, salt and pecans. Incorporate. Pour the mixture into the pie shell and drop in the chocolate pieces. Wrap the edge of the pie with foil to help keep the crust from over browning and drying out. Place the pie on a small sheet pan and put it into the hot oven for about one hour, until the center is set and the pie is golden brown.

Best served at room temperature or warmed slightly in the microwave oven. And a little French Vanilla Ice Cream on the side won't kill you any faster!


MAUSSE AU CHOCOLAT 


Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients
8 squares (1-ounce size) semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
2 eggs, separated
2 extra egg yolks
1/3 cup coffee concentrate
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) sweet butter, softened
2 cups heavy cream, whipped
Melt the chocolate over hot, but not boiling, water or place in a very low oven (180-degree).
Preparation:
Mix the sugar with 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, place the 4 egg yolks in the bowl of an electric mixer. Gradually add the sugar syrup, beating constantly. Continue beating for 5 to 6 minutes at high speed, or until the mixture is thick and creamy. Add the coffee concentrate, Grand Marnier, and softened butter and beat tboroughly. Stir in the melted chocolate.

Beat the egg whites with a rotary or electric beater until stiff and shiny. As soon as they are ready, add to the chocolate mixture and beat in with a wire whisk. Finally, fold in the whipped cream. Pour into a large serving bowl and refrigerate until serving time.

You can, if you like, garnish the top with cocoa, whipped cream, or chocolate curls. You may also omit the egg whites and add 1 more cup of heavy cream to the recipe.




CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE TORT

Serves 10-12
Yields one 9 inch cake
So, this is my "death by chocolate" contribution to the world of cooking - a loving send-off to life itself and a heck of a way to go at that! A little slice is all you need. I love serving this with some very slightly sweetened blackberry coulis or sauce to help balance some of the richness.
Ingredients:
5 ounces (1-1/4 sticks) unsalted sweet butter
10 ounces (1-1/4 cups) bitter-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 tablespoon instant espresso or 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
8 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
2 teaspoons grated orange zest

Garnish: Cocoa, powdered sugar and a coulis made from slightly sweetened, puréed and strained fresh or IQF blackberries, if desired.
Preparation:
Over low heat, warm butter until just melted but not hot. Add chocolate and espresso powder or rum and whisk until melted. Cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat yolks and half the sugar until light in color. Add warm chocolate mixture and whisk together.

With a mixer preferably, separately whip egg whites with a pinch of salt, orange zest and add remaining sugar gradually just until firm peaks are formed. Stir in one quarter of whipped whites into chocolate mixture to lighten it. Carefully fold in remaining whites.

Very lightly oil or butter a 9-inch spring form pan and place a circle of parchment or waxed paper on bottom. Pour batter into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Cool and refrigerate if not serving same day. Note that cake will have a "cracked" top surface, which is part of its charm!

To serve: Slice in small wedge and dust alternately with good unsweetened cocoa and powdered sugar and a tablespoon or two of blackberry coulis on plate.


CREAMY DREAMY CHOCOLATE/VANILLA TRUFFLES
 Ingredients:
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise
2 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
8 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Preparation:
In a heavy saucepan, place cream and vanilla beans over medium heat, until the cream bubbles around the edge. Remove from heat and allow to steep for several hours or overnight. Reheat again till the cream bubbles around the edge, remove from heat, remove vanilla beans and pour into a measuring cup. You will want no more than 1/3 cup cream.

Pour cream into a bowl, add butter and finely chopped chocolate, submerging the chocolate completely with a wooden spoon.

Scrape seeds from vanilla beans into the chocolate mixture. Slowly stir mixture with a rubber spatula until it is completely blended and smooth.

Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour, or until a spoon of chocolate ganache mixture holds its shape.

Using a pastry bag or a melon baller dipped in cornstarch, make truffle balls and place onto a baking sheet. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until completely firm.

Roll each chocolate truffle between the palms of your hands, then roll in cocoa. Place in decorative candy cups and serve, or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for several weeks. Makes about 30 truffles.
 

Friday, March 19, 2010

PINK LIPS

WAYS TO MAKE YOUR LIPS PINK AND SMOOTH
Everyone wants an oomph factor in them. In fact, many of the women out there would kill to have luscious, full lips that would send any handsome hunk panting and wanting to kiss them. Beautiful lips can really be an asset and to get that naturally is actually not that hard a job. All you have to do is to refrain from pressing or biting the lips and use certain natural remedies. And you would find yourself with lips that would easily give anyone inferiority complex. Read on to know the easy and natural ways to make your lips pink and smooth, that too with the help of homemade recipes.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR LIPS PINK AND SMOOTH NATURALLY


ROSE PETALS
Crush four, five petals of red rose and coat the paste on the lips. Apart from instant reddening, it will also give smoothness to the lips. Apply every day, 2-3 times, to find yourself with luscious lips. You can make a lip balm too, by mixing crushed rose petals with milk cream. Mix it thoroughly and apply it on the lips for twenty minutes and then wash it off. You will be left with soft and supple lips.


BEETROOT JUICE
Applying beetroot juice is the best way to make your lips pink. It works like wonder. Grind beetroot in mixer, after washing it thoroughly, and strain the juice. Keep it in fridge. Apply it on the lips for twenty minutes, 3-4 times a day, and then wash it off. If you want to go natural, you can put this juice on lips before you go out. It will work as a lipstick and will work wonder on your lips as well.

GHEE
The natural ghee not only brings taste to your food, but will also help you make your lips smooth, pink and full. Rub a little warm ghee on your lips, 2-3 times daily. If you’re suffering from chapped lips, then this recipe is surely for you. Ghee is very good for weather-stricken chapped, dry lips.

OLIVE OIL/CLOVE OIL
Daub a little olive oil on a small ball of cotton and apply it on the lips,before bathing.after a few minutes,wash it and let the lips dry,2-3 times daily.if you're suffering from chapped lips then this recipe is surely for you.


MUSTARD OIL
Mustard Oil comprises of an old remedy for dry lips, but only few people apply it. Before going to sleep, pour a few drop of mustard oil on your belly button and massage it slightly. See the effect in the morning. It will heal the chapped, bleeding lips, making them soft and smooth.


HEALTHY/VITAMIN A RICH DIET
Nothing beats a proper healthy diet, when it comes to pink and smooth lips. Incorporate vitamin A rich food in your diet and drink lots of water. Avoid smoking, as it not only blackens the lips, but also ruins your health. Include juices, fruits and dairy products in your diet.


EXFOLIATION
Exfoliation is very important, if you want your lips to be soft and smooth. Mix olive oil and sugar together, in equal amounts, and blend them thoroughly. Dab the mixture on the lips. With the help of a soft toothbrush, gently exfoliate it. You can apply lemon juice with sugar too. Leave it for half an hour and then rub it with little strokes of brush. Rinse off with cold water. Honey and sugar also would work as a great exfoliator. You will be amazed at how soft your lips become.

HOMEMADE RECIPES FOR LIP BALM
  • Mix a few drops of coconut oil, lemon juice, lemon oil and bees wax. Warm the mixture and pour it in a glass jar. Don’t overheat it, as it will lose its beneficial effects. Keep the glass jar with you and dab your lips with it, whenever necessary.
  • Mix bees wax, apricot kernel oil and calendula oil. Warm them in double boiler and then add a few drops of orange essential oil. Store in a glass jar and use it when necessary.
  • You can mix beeswax, castor oil and sesame oil and warm them in double boiler. Add a few drops of beetroot juice and store for further use.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

HAIR STYLES FOR SUMMER 2010

BEST MODERN SHORT BOB HAIRSTYLE FOR
One of the hottest hairstyles still are the bob hairstyles with the different styles that a bob hairstyles can give you and versatility. Some of the best bob styles you can have in 2010 are the modern bob, angled bob and straight short bob hairstyles. As you already know bob hairstyles are not one of the newest hairstyles but with the infinite number of bob hairstyles for all types of hair and hair lengths bob haircuts stay very high in modern and trend hairstyles charts! And if you need other bob hairstyles ideas beside the photos we posted below.

BEST SHORT BANG HAIR STYLE FOR WOMEN IN SUMMER
Bangs Hairstyles for Women in summer 2010
Hello ladies, today we talk about the famous bangs that you can add to your current hairstyle. Bangs can be used on almost any type of hair and hair lengths but I am sure bangs will look greater and sexy on medium to short haircuts. Also bangs come in different styles like the flipped bangs that will give you some extra special look, and that it is not all, beside the flipped bangs you can add some curl to your hairstyles and the final hairstyles will be absolutely awesome! Here are some photos with bangs and flipped bangs for short and medium hair from you can chose your new short hairstyle with bangs, look at the photos:

Best Short Bangs Hairstyles for Women in summer 2010



Best short wavy hair cuts for 2010





For this summer of 2010 that is almost here a great short hairstyle is the short and wavy haircuts with flamboyant waves that will make you feel great and fresh during the hot summer. For a short haircut curly waves looks great and also you can add a light color effects on the crown of the head, that set aflame the brighter accents.




SHORT HAIR CUT STYLE FOR WOMEN

Short vs long hairstyles is an old debate and even now you can’t say witch hairstyles is the best because the problem it is discussed in an wrong meaner.Doesn’t have to be one haircut the best, you have to wonder which (short or long hairstyles) is the best for you! And if you are here it means you have decided for short haircuts.So if you like the have some new short hairstyles ideas for 2010 you are where you have to be, here are a lot of articles, ideas and photos for the latest short hairstyles in 2010.But if you have long hair now when you have decided to have short hair, be sure that you won’t regret making this decision.



Latest 2010 short haircut hairstyles for women


Short Pixie Haircut for 2010
Pixie haircut in 2010 can make you look and feel a lot better that other haircuts for the simple facts that is trendy, cute and easy to maintain during the hot summer.Pixie short haircuts bring attention to you facial features and if this is what you want then the pixie haircut is perfect for you.And remember that pixie haircut it is the kind of hairstyle that requires minimum maintenance. If you are a busy girl or don’t want to spend much time for your hair, pixie is the haircut you should look forward to and also for some new pixie haircuts ideas just look at the photos here:




Short Pixie Haircut Hairstyles for Summer 2010