paris fashion: Diamonds My Best Friend? Almost and more...

Beauty Is Within Header

I've never really bought into the idea that "Diamonds are a girl's best friend". When my mother would take me shopping as a little girl, my eyes would zone in on classic pearls. In fact, I still have a pearl necklace that I wore at my eighth grade promotion. My thinking was back then that diamonds were reserved for rich girls who wore pink and had white poodles. When hip hop artists started wearing diamond-encrusted jewelry back in the 90's, I was turned off by all the "bling". I even told my fiance that I didn't want a big diamond engagement ring, although I have to admit that on occasion I would dream about it :)

Well, alot has changed.

My friend presented me with a gift recently - a diamond tennis bracelet. I was awestruck by its beauty. It suddenly made me realize my own self-worth. Could this bracelet be a reflection of my own beauty? Have I come to attract these finer things in life because they are manifestations of my appreciation and love for myself? Have I come to accept the things that I had resented as a young girl like other girls who wore pink and took their poodles with them everywhere?

I decided to test my new-found appreciation for diamonds and browsed through TraxNYC's website (Visit page), a playground and shopping haven for anybody who likes a little sparkle and shine in their life. I felt like I had entered a new dimension of the jewelry world. Why had I denied myself this world? After all, God created diamonds, so why not appreciate these miraculous works of beauty?

One of my favorite pieces from the TraxNYC website is the butterfly diamond bracelet made of 14K white gold pictured above. They also carry men's diamond jewelry in case you're looking for a nice Father's day gift!

"Angels are like diamonds. They can't be made, you have to find them. Each one is unique."--Jaclyn Smith

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Product Review: Shapercise Powered by ShaToBu™

Nothing replaces good ole fashioned exercise and healthy eating to lose weight and look slimmer, but sometimes we need a tool or two to help us out once in awhile - especially those times when we're wearing a tight little dress for a night on the town :)

Last week I talked about the "secret" to looking slimmer and shared tips on how to pick out shapewear. It just so happens that for the past month or so I've been trying out Shapercise Powered by ShaToBu™ which is designed to shape, tone muscles, and burn calories simply by wearing it throughout the day.

Shapercise was created based on the principle of resistance training. There are resistance bands built into the undergarment that force muscles to work harder as you move around. They conducted studies at the University of Virginia and concluded that wearing Shapercise shapewear does help burn more calories. I can't say for sure whether or not I burned more calories, (I had no way of measuring that) but I could feel that my stomach and thigh muscles getting a little workout.

For me, wearing it took awhile to get used to because this is the first time I've ever worn undergarments like this. It did feel really tight when I first put on the shapewear, but I liked that my belly looked flatter.

You have a choice between the regular waist to smooth out your bulges in your thighs or butt, or the high waist for smoothing of the tummy and love handles. I have the high waist in the nude color. As you can see in the picture below, I can wear my light-colored dresses without showing any panty lines. No little muffin tops when I'm wearing pants either.

For more information about Shapercise visit: www.shapercise.com

Disclosure: I received a free sample for my review...

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How to Look More Beautiful Without Botox, Plastic Surgery, or Makeup

There is one thing guaranteed to make you feel more refreshed and look more beautiful...and it doesn't require botox, plastic surgery, or even makeup: Go on holiday. There's nothing like a spa getaway to just relax and get your skin glowing like a radiant angel. What better time than now to go on all inclusive holidays? It's the ultimate stress-reducer!

My idea of a spa getaway is to go to far-distant, exotic places like Egypt. I've been researching the Sunrise Mamlouk in Egypt - a palace resort with its own private, sandy beach. Other resort features include swimming pools, a beach bar, a buffet restaurant, outdoor activities such as tennis and snorkeling, and more. I can just imagine and feel all the tension leave my body just from writing this!

The best part, of course, is the spa with massage, sauna, whirlpool, and steam bath. I'm intrigued with Sunrise Mamlouk's spa package called the "Cleopatra Day" where you experience a unique bath ritual. Afterwards, you receive a relaxing massage using a special blend of honey, milk, almonds and oatmeal. Ahhh...bliss!

Turkey is another place I'd love to visit. An all inclusive holiday to this country is actually very affordable. The Batihan Hotel has its own private beach, a fitness center (have to work out after all those buffet meals!), a plethora of sports and water activities, and a spa where you can sit in the sauna or enjoy a Turkish bath and massage. Afterwards you can disco the night away in the hotel club. How's that for a relaxing holiday?

Consider a holiday or vacation an investment in your health and well-being. Studies have shown that going on holiday can lower your blood pressure, boost your immune system, help you live longer, and make you look so much more beautiful. So get to planning that holiday - and make sure to send me pictures!