limp locks LOVE moisture

So, you’re having a limp hair day. Your normally luxurious locks aren’t cooperating and you feel like a frump. As Murphy’s Law goes, this most usually happens when you’re counting on your follicles the most. Whether it be for a job interview, a hot date or going out for a few with friends, the limpness monster decides to conveniently rear its ugly head at the most inconvenient times. Ladies, fear not. I now present you with two simple fixes to follicle failure:

1) Sweat. Yes, sweat. While you might be tempted to hop in the shower after that amazingly powerful 30 minutes on the elliptical, I encourage you to shy away from the shampoo. I speak to you with experience. While cursing myself for forgetting my hair tie at the gym, I recently discovered having my hair fly freely wasn’t such a bad thing. While dealing with hair halfway down my back seemed like a nuisance, as I was continuously fidgeting, twirling it around my fingers to keep it from sticking to my moist skin, I discovered a solution to sexy. After hopping off the elliptical, I gathered my free weights, glancing at the reflection in the mirror. What I expected to be Medusa-like locks turned out to be lovely, beachy waves. Who knew? I confidently continued my work out, ecstatically knowing I had cut my Saturday night getting ready time in half. I had killed two birds with one stone; burning 300 + calories while effortlessly creating a carefree coif.  

2) Set your shower head to hot and close the bathroom door. After waiting 10 minutes, step back into the bathroom, with the door closed, for another 10 minutes. Stick your hand under the streaming water and run your fingers through your hair, especially paying attention to dampening the ends and roots. Don’t get carried away though, as simply standing in the humidity has already done wonders. Scruff up your scalp a bit, and voila! Sexy spirals are now apparent. Hint: sleeping on your scrunched strands will give you that extra va va voom in the a.m.

apple exhorts innovation with idea of iTV

iTV expected to share with other Apple devices served from the media-storing iCloud

I just read an article in USA Today about the idea that Apple will be the first to introduce a connected TV – a TV that will connect to and access content from the Internet. Most techies expect Apple to create the iTV at some point, which will share with other Apple devices content served from the company’s iCloud.

With innovation comes interference. So far, Apple has been unsuccessful at cutting deals that would allow it to offer first-tier TV programs enabling users to pick and choose, creating a ‘playlist’ of sorts, similar to the function found on the iPhone. It’s no wonder TV companies are leery to link with Apple. Apple’s a giant in the technology industry. It could easily monopolize the market, putting other less successful companies out of business if the iTV hits the ground running.

In the article, Steve Wozniak explains he expects living rooms to remain the center of family entertainment. This vision reverts back to the introduction of radio. Radio programs reunited the family unit as members were able to collectively consume entertainment and news. The iTV will also unite families, reinventing the living room by incorporating media in a much more interactive way. For example, my family could have YouTube video night without having to cramp around a PC screen. My brother would be able to upload a custom Christmas playlist from his iPhone to the iTV so my mom and I don’t have to listen to ‘I’m Gettin’ Nuttin’ for Christmas’ for the umpteenth time while wrapping presents.

Contemplating the creation and release of the iTV leads to the question of which adopter category one would fall under. Because you’ve been loyal to Apple, buying the iPhone over Android or a Mac over a PC, would that mean you’d choose to hop on the iTV train? Or would you be frustrated by the fact that you just purchased an HDTV less than five years ago and now there’s yet another enhanced option, and refuse to buy into – literally and figuratively – the iTV?

show me some skin!

This year’s Vicky C’s show taught me a few things. I can’t help but continue to ponder such wonderment, so I thought I’d share with ‘yall.

– Crotch shots must up ratings. If I had a dollar for every up-close and personal pantie shot, I’d have enough money to buy that $2 million dollar bra Miranda Kerr so eloquently strutted down the runway. These girls have nothing to hide, but bear everything. No wonder Orlando Bloom gave a standing ovation to each and every Angel. Damn girls, glad you remembered to shave!

– There’s no way in hell Adam Levine isn’t getting laid tonight. He doesn’t even need a smooth pick-up line, his lips seal the deal — in a few ways:

1) Those lyrics! “Take me by the tongue and I’ll show you.” Enough said.

2) His lips really are luscious. What Levine lacks in stature he sure makes up for in features.

3) He hand-picked his favorite Angel — who’s also his gf, another piece of info I was unaware of — slyly smooching her during his performance. Guess the guy likes blondes. (YES!)

– Nikki Minaj really sucks live. Sorry, “Barbie,” but you couldn’t even save yourself by trying to come off as bisexual when giving the Angels that “look.” Nothing you can do — including marrying Drake — can excuse you from such a disastrous performance. The girls even tributed your style by strutting in crazy patterns and neons. I’m hoping you won’t return in 2012.

– Apparently, Caleb Followill, best known as lead singer of the band, Kings of Leon, is married to Angel Lily Partridge. Love how in the intimate “get to know an Angel” segment, Partridge was described as “the rocker chick.” The only reason she’s labeled as this is because of her wedlock to a rocker. By the way, she must have some patience. The band cancelled recent tours because Caleb couldn’t stay clean.

– I admire these lovely ladies. All of the girls have rockin’ bodies. When I tune into these types of shows, I rarely think, “Woe is me.” I work hard at maintaining my frame, as they obviously do. Not everyone’s 6′ 2″ at 120 pounds. Work with what you’ve got. Blow your beau away with a surprise purchase from Vicky’s. Work it just like Adriana did on the runway.

so, spray tanning you say?

On Friday I became yet again a satisfied Grouponer. Redeeming my sunless bronze spray tan voucher made me an unsuspectingly gleeful gal. This was my first time trying out this type of tan. I’ve sunbathed by the pool and I’ve fake-n-baked, but this alternative to tanning really makes sense. Why?

– It doesn’t cause skin cancer, premature wrinkles and age spots.

– Although I envisioned nightmares of orange-colored skin, I was surprised at how natural the application appeared. Seeing myself in pictures really hit home. I looked like I had just come back from Spring Break in Myrtle Beach. I was glowing, but not in that radio-active sense.

– The ingredients used are all-natural. Great for your skin — I definitely noticed a silky-smooth feeling after being sprayed.
I highly recommend investing in a spray tan if you’re invited to a special occasion such as a wedding. It evokes a youthful glow that even the pregnant guests will envy.

But before you hit the salon, here’s a few pointers to prep yourself:

1) Exfoliate. This will slough off dead skin cells, revealing fresh skin that will more readily accept the spray tan.

2) Shave. Because a spray tan takes time to soak into skin, shaving within 24 hours of the application can cause fading. Think about it — with each swipe, you’re taking off a layer of fake.

3) Don’t apply lotion, toner or makeup. Often, these products include ingredients that can interfere with the effectiveness of the application.

4) Decide what type of tan lines you’re willing to deal with. If you’re shy, you may want to consider wearing a bathing suit. The technician tends to get quite close to private parts to ensure an even application. My suggestion? Have no shame and wear a strapless bra and thong. While it may seem awkward for the first few minutes, remember you’re paying for the service, and you want it to appear as flawless as possible, right?

5) Wear dark, baggy clothes to your appointment. While the spray tan is quick-drying, it’s advised you don’t shower for 24 hours after the application. Be cautious about your clothing choice if you care about staining. While it should wash out, you don’t want to run the risk of ruining your favorite piece.

3D glasses get a makeover

What’s trending for me tonight? Prepackaged 3D glasses.

I remember going to see Avatar in 3D at Tinseltown in 2009. Upon entering the theater, the audience was given 3D glasses that had been obviously sanitized — my germaphobe side thanks you — but they were also dripping wet. This grossed me out, but I was ready to do what I had to do to see those wily blue natives jump out at me. So I wiped them off on my jeans and settled in for the movie.

How things have changed. I went to see Immortals 3D tonight. To my delight, we were handed prepackaged 3D glasses at the box office. This improved move is a definite plus. No more soggy shades for this girl!

The downside to these revamped glasses? They’re less comfortable. I don’t have a large head, but these glasses seem to be fit for a 5-year-old. They pinched the bridge of my nose and I was constantly pushing them back up on my nose — kinda made me feel like a true nerd — and they also offer less coverage. I could clearly see around the lenses unless I was completely concentrating on focusing straight ahead.

These souped up specs are also not very fashionable. Each time I looked over at my brother I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked like Judge Doom from Who Framed Roger Rabbit. I, on the other hand, fabulously channeled Holly Golightly. (Yeah, sure.)

With change comes trial and error. But if I’m going to be paying $13 for a movie ticket, I’d best be comfortable while viewing.

promoting a healthier puss

It’s hard to get motivated when you’re a kitty with so many places to cuddle up. It’s even harder to stay slim when you’re restricted to the indoors. Before being introduced to Taste of the Wild cat food, I fed my cat, Emma, Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula. Made sense — she’s an indoor kitty, and the bag claims the “natural fiber blend helps control hairballs, helps your adult cat maintain a healthy weight and contains the wholesome grains and garden greens your indoor cat craves.”

What’s not displayed on the front is the fact Purina also contains unhealthy ingredients. Read the back of the bag and you’ll also find conveniently included in the food by-product meal and corn meal.

What’s funny is Emma’s going nuts right now. I took the Purina bag out to accurately list the ingredients and she immediately came running. It’s like crack for kitties — definitely not healthy, but hard to quit once you’ve had a taste.

Taste of the Wild includes fruits and vegetables, roasted venison and smoked salmon (or trout and wood-smoked salmon, depending on your preference) and contains no grain — a much healthier option for your feline friend.

It’s been about three months since I’ve switched over to the healthy stuff. While it might be a little more expensive ($12.99 for a half-pound bag), I still have some left over. I never would’ve been able to make a bag of Purina last this long. The trick is giving your cat smaller portions. It fills kitty up quicker because of the proteins in the food — they aren’t filling their bellies with over-processed, grain-filled garbage.

I’ve noticed Emma is slimmer. I can see the contours in her thighs. She no longer looks like Jabba the Hut when sprawled out. She does, however, still have that signature pouch that sways when she trots. But this is usually attributed to spaying.

I wouldn’t recommend filling your puss’s bowl. I’ve found when I give Emma too much, it upsets her stomach. Nine out of ten times she’ll get sick if she overeats. I do recommend purchasing your Taste of the Wild food from PetSmart. After purchasing 12 bags, you get the 13th free.

is chiropractic care a crock?

My neck has been killing me for years. I frequently wake up with neck and head pain. Every now and again I wake up to a debilitating migraine. Unless my pillows are adjusted just-so, I run the risk of arising with aches and pains a healthy, 29-year-old shouldn’t be dealing with. I must always pack my pillows if I’m planning on staying over a friend’s place. I’m often heckled about this, and being someone who doesn’t dwell on hypochondria, it smarts, both figuratively and literally.

I’ve contemplated visiting my doctor for advice, but that usually involves a second visit to a specialist. And often, this vicious cycle of referrals ends in no real resolution. I’d been looking for an answer to my pain. At the Park Avenue Fest this past July, the opportunity to correct my conundrum stood before me in the form of a welcoming white tent.

The chiropractic care booth, offering free muscle-tension testing, was new to me. I’ve worked on Park Ave. and my step-dad’s a vendor at the fest. I’ve become pretty accustomed to returning vendors. Therefore, I was surprised to find the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel on a curbside. But forget the place, the timing was right. It seemed like a sure sign.

In a matter of minutes, I was signed up for a $20 initial screening — which usually costs about $200 — including a thermal exam, x-rays and alignment. I was swept up in the idea of it all. Was this finally an answer to my agony?

What exactly is chiropractic care, you ask? It’s a form of alternative care emphasizing the treatment and prevention of misalignment in the spine. It hypothesizes misalignment affects other parts of the body via the nervous system. Therefore, a bad spine equals bad health. Chiropractic doesn’t support the use of medicine and it doesn’t claim to cure physical problems. What is does promote is progress over time. The more your chiropractor works with your spine, the better your body will be.

While a little skeptical, I was also excited to become proactive in the path to pain alleviation. So I put the office to the test. I focused on what else they had to offer:

• I was impressed by the staff. They’re all super-friendly and genuine.
• They offer a payment plan. Yes, it is possible to find chiropractic care at a manageable cost.
• They’re very flexible. If something comes up, even last-minute, I’ve never had a problem changing an appointment.

I think the best thing yet is the fact I see results. While being able to sleep with your head to the side may seem petty to some, I haven’t been able to sleep in any other position but flat on my back for years. I’m grateful for this simple change. I’m encouraged by the results and hope for continued pain relief.

If you’re considering chiropractic care, I would highly recommend Riddle Chiropractic in Webster, N.Y. Like the practice on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riddle-Chiropractic and find out more about what they can offer you on the practice’s website at http://www.riddlechiropractic.com

better your braid

Braids are so functional. Having a bad hair day?  Throw on a hat, add a side braid. Want a classic but easy look to don at a fancy event? French braid those locks. Yearning to bring back that ‘8os look? Sleep on wet braided hair. In the morning you’ll wake up to a perfectly crimped coif.

Want to fancify that braid? Try a fish tail. This hot trend will turn heads, inspire others to try it and give you a reason not to dry your hair. Braids cut back on valuable getting ready time. You owe it to yourself and your impatiently waiting friends to take a stab at this trending hairstyle.

scary movie sensation

As we say adieu to Halloween, I think cozying up on the couch to watch a scary movie is in order. Whether you have a thing for zombies, chain saws, blood and guts or torture, I’m going to give you three movie must-sees sure to allure thrill-seekers and three reasons why they’re worthy.

Movie must-see #1: 28 Days Later

• Zombies. Who doesn’t love a good zombie film? They’re always good for the deadly explosion of bloodlust, carnage and mass hysteria.

• The cinematography. It makes the film that much more believable. It creates a feeling of doom and desperation. The landscapes are beautifully desolate.

• Realistic angle. The film suggests Apocalypse by infection. This idea isn’t impossible. Dying at the hands of the unknown is terrifying.

Movie must-see #2: Hostel

• It’s presented by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Eli Roth. They both bring the blood shed in Kill Bill and Cabin Fever. They’re both sick and twisted. Killer combo.
• There’s a LOT of nudity and sex. Think curious, horny, American backpackers meet liberal, smoking-hot European babes.
• It could happen to you. Many people visit foreign countries and stay in hostels. It’s claimed illegal, underground murder-for-profit organizations do exist. Lessons learned: don’t be naive and don’t talk to strangers.

Movie must-see #3: American Psycho

• Christian Bale. He’s sexy, he’s smug, he’s a serial killer.
• The blood & guts scenes are stylistic. Sure, there’s a lot of blood, but the murder scenes are quick, clean and precise. They’re not overdone. No contorted, strangulated faces, no entrails.
• The soundtrack. Being a child of the ’80s, I never liked Genesis, really couldn’t stand Phil Collins. But there’s something about the juxtaposition of hearing “In the Air Tonight” while watching some unsuspecting victim get sliced and diced. It’s calming, it’s chaotic, it’s ritualistic. And it’s caused me to reconsider Philly and the boys.

nip snip mishaps in the bud

Growing up, there was no need to book an appointment at an over-priced salon for a two-inch trim. If my bangs were a little too long, passing the line of vision, my mom was there to snip a few ends. I would sit kitty-corner on the toilet, allowing my mom, who doesn’t hold a cosmetology license, to create a haircut I recall as fashion-friendly.

I trusted my mom to make me presentable. I wasn’t worried she might botch my hair. I never experienced a middle-school picture day nightmare. Thank God.

On Tuesday, I went to a local salon to get a trim. I pointed out a problem with my hair I considered mentioning because I figured it could only possibly be fixed, not made worse.

This was my dilemma: My past haircut left me with a pair of six-inch-long sideburns.

They were only visible when my hair was pulled back and had been allowed to grow out for six months, so they were manageable. But I wanted them blended into my new cut so I didn’t have to worry about looking like I was ready to take flight.

As I sat in the chair, I felt as though anything was possible. I trusted my stylist to create what I envisioned. Unfortunately, she’s not a mind-reader.

Pulling a hair razor from her drawer, I eyed it, cautious to trust such a tool. I’m not a professional, but I do own a razor. If I need to spruce up my bangs in between cuts, I’ll take a razor to them. In doing this, I’ve really only had two semi-mishaps. However, two was enough to teach me how tricky razor-cutting can be.

Long story short, I now have sideburns Tinkerbell would be proud of. I’m sure Frodo Baggins would be jealous.

In every other department, my stylist did a great job. After having a few days for my hair to get used to its new cut, the burns have settled a bit. But I’m still looking forward to the day I no longer have to wonder if they’re showing.

So, to all of you who sit in the chair, afraid to speak up, walking away with something you might not be satisfied with, don’t let the silence stab you in the back.

Tell your stylist what you want. Don’t be afraid to come off as blunt or bossy.

You’re the one paying for the service and you’re the one donning the ‘do. If you only want an inch trimmed off, make sure you convey that clearly. If you want a certain style, describe it in detail. Consider bringing in a pic of what you’re looking for.

And please, ask your stylist what she/he plans on doing with that razor before it’s too late.