Lacura at Aldi - Skin Care under $5

Last year I wrote about a skin cream that outperformed expensive brands like Olay Regenerist but cost only about $4.00 a jar. The amazing thing about the Siana Moisturising Anti-Wrinkle cream was that it was sold exclusively in a grocery store chain in the UK. Well, that same store chain, Aldi, has expanded both its market and its skin care line. Aldi is opening stores across the US and offering a bargain brand of skin care and cosmetics, all of which cost less than $5.

The Lacura line of cosmetics includes moisturizing creams, cleansers and toners as well as separate products for sensitive areas like lips and eyes.

Aldi's is famous for their rock-bottom prices, which are made possible by their no-frills approach to retailing. Shoppers pack their own orders and there are no fancy displays.

To find out more about Lacura, visit their website.

To find out if there is an Aldi near you, use their store locator .

There are Aldi locations in two bordering states, but you can be sure I will be keeping my eyes open for one to open near me. In this economy, finding quality products for less is more important than ever.

Essential Fashion Items

Fashion changes every season, with new fads and hot trends. But true style is about more than just the latest looks on the catwalks. Some items are true classics, and there are some timeless items that no closet is complete without.

* The Little Black Dress - This should go without saying. This item can be dressed up or down for business, casual or the most sophisticated evening look. No wardrobe is complete without it.

* The Right Pair of Jeans - By right, I don't mean the latest colors or waist height, I mean the right style for your figure. Don't go for the lowest rise jean, go for something classic. Medium rise with a relaxed fit and a boot cut leg.

* Tailored Jacket - Choose one that is slightly fitted and isn't too long, but rides at the hips. A jacket can be worn with jeans to dress up a casual look or with dress pants or skirt for a business meeting.

* A Good Bra - Most women are wearing the wrong bra. Whether it was chosen for price, color or style, chances are that it doesn't fit or support as well as it should. Getting measured and spending a little more for a bra that fits right will do wonders for your figure and the way all your other clothes fit.

* A Great Pair of Shoes - There's no point in adding clothing items that are on the cutting edge of style if your shoes are boring and don't set off your outfit. Again, spending a little more can get you shoes that will fit better, look better and last longer. Try something with a medium heel that will go well with jeans or a dress, black is best.

* Your favorite here - Everyone has at least one favorite item of clothing that just feels right. Maybe it has sentimental value, holds precious memories of a happy day or is just too cool to let go of, regardless of whether it's in style or not.

The key to fashion sense is not being swayed by every trend or fad. Pick up the ones that work for you, the ones that fit with your lifestyle and image of yourself. Follow the fashion fun, but always be true to who you really are. And check your closet for the basic style essentials.

Amazing Offer from Dish Network

It could be you thought you got a pretty good deal when you signed up for cable, and maybe it was the best deal around at the time. Chances are though, you're finding your cable bill is becoming more and more of a financial burden every month. Even basic cable is costly, but the price goes up and up with every tier of channels. Just imagine how high it goes if you decide to add HBO or any other movie network?

If you've been looking for a better deal or wondered if satellite could save you money, then you will want to see this amazing offer from Dish Network.

I don't know what your cable bill is now, but I know it's more than $9.99 per month. What about premium channels? Dish Network is offering 15 premium movie channels, including HBO and Starz, free for three months. Is that enough to make you consider switching? How about 5 premium movie channels from Cinemax for just one penny per month for 12 months? That's a huge savings.

Think what you can do with the extra money in your budget that you used to hand over to the cable company. Here's a way to reduce your entertainment expenses while maximizing your entertainment value. You really can get it all, for less.

Numbers of Cosmetic Surgeries Down

With all the bad economic news, there's one business whose falling numbers may signal good news for women. Procedures like cosmetic surgeries and even Botox injections are decreasing in popularity. Taking their place is a shifting of priorities and re-evaluation of our standards of beauty.

An article in the NY Daily News quotes some revealing statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery which show the downward trend. According to their study, Americans are receiving 11% fewer breast augmentations, 25.3% fewer liposuctions and 19% fewer eye tucks. Even the number of Botox injections, which are more affordable, have gone down in the last year.

Maybe with tight economic times people are looking at what's really important and deciding that quality of life is not dependent on meeting a standard of beauty that can only be obtained through surgical intervention.

The trend seems healthy to me, and that might sound strange to hear on a blog that talks about cosmetics and beauty, but there's a difference between finding the right products to help you look your best and radically altering your natural appearance because you don't feel you are acceptable as you are.

I am in favor of cosmetic surgery when it's done to correct defects that affect quality of life or when the surgery can increase confidence. But too often, people are having unnecessary surgeries and procedures and all too often, going for cut-rate services that leave them scarred and unhappy. How much better it would be if society started to accept all the variations of human beauty and we all learned to value ourselves and each other for more lasting and important qualities.

See the NY Daily News Article: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2009/03/22/2009-03-22_forget_plastic_surgery__casual_plain_jan.html

Lena - Amazing young performer

Every generation has its prodigies. Kids who wow us with talent and an understanding that seems far beyond their years. Michael Jackson was the musical prodigy of his generation - this girl, Lena, could be the most outstanding young performer of this year. Her vocals are as polished as any musical artist on today's pop charts.

Lena sang the national anthem for a huge audience when she was only 7. She's been singing and performing all her life and all she wants now is a recording contract. You can hear her song "Framed" on Lena's myspace page. You'll first be impressed by the vocals and the music, then you'll be amazed when you realize that Lena is only 12 years old!

That's right, just 12 and at a time when a lot of young people don't know what they want, Lena has her goals firmly set in mind. You can help Lena realize her dreams of securing a record label. Check out her song and start some buzz about this promising new performer.

Common Ingredient in Cosmetics May Prevent HIV Spread

A coupound that may prevent the spread of HIV has been found by researchers at the University of Minnesota. And the place they found it is rather amazing - this compound is a common ingredient in cosmetics.

GML, or glycerol monolaurate, is an anti-microbial compound often added to cosmetics to prevent contamination. The researchers tested GML in a gel applied to female monkeys and found that it was effective in preventing the non-human primate version of HIV, known as SIV.

The researchers stress this is not a cure, but a possible means of preventing the spread of HIV.

This compound is already been recognized by the FDA as approved for use in food and cosmetics. Still trials will have to performed to test it's safety for this type of use in humans.

http://www.collegenews.com/index.php?/article/new_vaginal_gel_prevents_the_spread_of_hiv_20340252026/

Dolphin Bubbles - Incredible Footage from Sea World

Remember blowing bubbles when you were a kid? There was always a contest with your friends as to who could blow the largest bubble, or whose bubble would last the longest. I can remember chasing bubbles and blowing air up under them to keep them airborne. I have to be honest, I still love blowing bubbles. But if you think recreational bubbles is strictly a human game, you've got to see this video that originally aired on ABC's World News with Charles Gibson. If you thought you were a bubblemaster, you should check out these dolphin bubbles:



Isn't that incredible? These clever dolphins at Sea World are captured here on tape, blowing the most incredible bubbles and what's more, they are playing with them! This is quite purposeful, according to their trainers. They have to hold their heads at a particular angle to make the air coming out of their blow holes form these incredible rings. It's clear that these dolphins are having a bit of fun and even the spectators are enjoying the show.

Watch how fascinated the visitors to Sea World are as they watch this entertaining behavior. The dolphins are exhibiting a playfulness that kids totally relate to. It's a revelation to us, as human beings, that we aren't the only species that enjoys games or make our own fun.

Spring Pedicure

Maybe you've had your feet covered up all winter in layers of socks and boots. When the warmer weather comes, and you can't wait to slip your feet into those sexy sandals, how can you be sure that your feet are ready to be on display? There's no need to pay salon prices, you can achieve the perfect pedicure right at home. Here's an easy guide to getting feet that both look and feel fabulous.

For tired and work-weary feet, there's nothing like a good soak. Fill a small, plastic tub with warm, soapy water. If you have a foot bath you can use that, if not, any shallow plastic tub will do. If you have very dry feet, you can add a little bath oil to the water. Soaking will cleanse and soften. Soaking will also make nails easier to clip and shape.

After a good soak (at least ten minutes) towel off your feet. The toenails will be soft and easy to clip or file. Always cut your toenails evenly and in a straight line. Rounded edges or nails cut too short can lead to ingrown toenails. You can follow up with a nail file or emery board to smooth edges.

Next, use a pumice stone to smooth out rough areas from heels and the ball of the foot. If you have tough calluses that require more intensive treatment there are several options available. You can buy commercial preparations that will remove the callus, but these contain chemicals that could be dangerous if instructions are not strictly followed. To soften calluses before your manicure and make them easier to file down, apply and emollient cream or plain Vaseline to feet and cover with white, cotton socks. Keep these on overnight and you will be amazed at the difference in the morning.

Follow your soak with a foot massage using a moisturizing lotion. For a tingly, fresh feel, try a lotion with peppermint. You can rub the lotion into your cuticles and push them back gently if you like.

You're now ready to polish. If you prefer a natural look, use clear polish or just buff nails to a shine. If you prefer to use a colored polish, be sure to choose a color that will get attention, but nothing garish. Unnatural colors such as green or blue will not look fashionable on your toenails. Coral, pink, rose, peach, bright red or even a french manicure will make your feet look feminine and begging to be shown off. Add a toe ring as an added attention-grabber.

Now you're ready to slide those sexy feet into a pair of great sandals and take them out for a walk!

Evening Gowns

Spring is about to arrive and with it, proms, formals and elegant social engagements. For all your formal needs, Elegantmart.com can offer a money-saving alternative to traditional retail stores, and an impressive selection of elegant evening dresses. Whether you are looking for a very special cocktail dress for that important engagement or a prom gown, you'll find amazing prices on some of the most beautiful dresses available anywhere. Take this tip and check out their clearance section for incredible savings on some gorgeous gowns.

Braid Your Way to Wavy Hair

Is your hair straight as a stick, but you really want to get that long wavy look that is so in? Curling with hot rollers or a curling iron doesn't always guarantee curls that last all day, and you don't want the damage from a permanent wave. Besides, who wants to do anything permanently?

The best solution is to braid your hair. Wash and condition hair normally, towel dry or dry with a blow-dryer briefly - you want to start with damp, not wet, hair. Apply a dab of hair gel to help set your waves. Now you're ready to begin braiding.

For loose and tousled waves, you should do one French braid the entire length of your hair. For more waves, braid two pigtails, one on each side. You can go for waves at the bottom only by starting braids about halfway down the length of your hair. The more braids and the thinner they are, the more waves you get. Leave hair to dry and set overnight. In the morning, take out the braids and gently separate hair with fingers or a wide tooth comb.

A crimping iron can produce waves on straight hair, but they don't look natural and heated implements can do thermal damage and cause hair breakage. By putting your hair up while it is still damp, you save hair from heat damage and your waves look unplanned, natural and healthy.

2000 Spring Hairstyle Trends

Long hair is still in and there's great news for those with wavy hair - the tousled, wavy look is back in for spring. Long locks with natural waves for casual chic, adorned with braided headbands, jeweled hair clips, or other accessories for a little pizzazz. Straight hair should be parted dead center, but if you opt for soft, loose curls, you can go for a romantic side part or loose side ponytail.

For evening, a smooth, ponytail can be both fun and elegant. Buns and twists are in for upswept, evening hair.

As with anything, your hairstyle should be the one that works best with your hair and whether hair is cut short or left longer, is a matter that is best decided by your face shape and lifestyle. Talk to your stylist and choose a style that is right for you.

Beaute de Maman

Pregnancy is a time in a woman's life that is filled with beauty and wonder. There are amazing changes taking place in her body, as well as changes in her life. But not all changes in her body are pleasant ones, pregnancy can mean skin problems such as stretch marks and acne.

Pregnancy, though, is not a time to be applying products to your skin that contain harmful chemicals. Many substances in skin care products, especially those products designed to treat acne, are not recommended for pregnant women. The expectant mother needs care that is safe for both her and her baby.

Enter Beaute de Maman, a line of products specifically designed for the expectant mother. Developed by Dr. Michele Brown, an obstetrician with years of experience caring for pregnant women, and tested by pregnant women, these products are both safe and effective.

Beaute de Maman products contain natural and botanical ingredients, nothing is animal-derived or tested on animals. Even the packaging is guaranteed to be free of bisphenol A(BPA), a chemical found in some other packaging that could be harmful to the unborn child. Years of experience, care and concern for the safety of both the mother and child have been taken into account in the development of these products.

Celebrity moms such as actresses Penelope Ann Miller, Salli Richardson-Whitfield (“Eureka”), Chyler Leigh (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Jennifer Blanc have used these products, yet they are less expensive than some other brands.

If you are a mom-to-be or if you are just searhing for a great gift for someone who is expecting, these all natural health and beauty products are just what you were looking for. There's even a gift set complete with stretch mark cream, nipple gel and a facial scrub. Go directly to the Beaute de Maman website for more information or to order now.