“Knowing your own hair texture and the current healthy of your hair is the next step in realizing what styling options you have,” says celebrity stylist Dickey, founder of NY-based Hair Rules Salon and Line.

Here are the four main hair textures and Dickey’s guide to caring for them:

Kinky: This type grows ... Read More »]]> It’s time to set the record straight. All hair is not created equal; therefore, it shouldn’t be treated equal. Wasn’t that in the Constitution or something? Maybe it was the Declaration of Independence. Not sure. I was absent that day at school. Anyway…

“Knowing your own hair texture and the current healthy of your hair is the next step in realizing what styling options you have,” says celebrity stylist Dickey, founder of NY-based Hair Rules Salon and Line.

Here are the four main hair textures and Dickey’s guide to caring for them:

Kinky: This type grows in densely packed, tight zigzag formation. It’s deceptively fragile, according to Dickey, since the more coiled the hair shaft, the more fragile the hair. Therefore, this texture needs extra TLC. He recommends not washing it every day but still giving it plenty of hydration to avoid shrinkage. Sulfate shampoos that won’t strip hair of needed sebum. (Try TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Thick Massive Hair) “Styling with a moisturizing product will help define tresses and banish frizz,” he adds.

Curly: Spirally and loopy, this texture has a defined S-pattern. “It can be denser with tons of strands, fine and light, coarse and ropy, or soft and springy,” explains Dickey. “It grows in a coil rather than a wave because the cuticle layers don’t lie as flat as those of wavy hair.” Moisture is always the key with curly hair, so daily deep conditioning (think leave-in) is the way to go. Curl-lovers, try the Queen of Curl’s Ouidad Curl Essentials Starter Kit.

Wavy: Wavy hair also has an S-pattern, but lies closer to the head. “It can be described as fine, flexible texture with lots of buoyant light curls or thicker, loosely defined waves.” Use a gentle shampoo to remove product build-up so waves don’t get weighed down. For styling, Dickey suggests a lightweight, non-greasy styling cream to naturally set the hair without leaving residue (Try Hair Rules Wavy Mousse)

Straight: “All straight isn’t created equal,” says Dickey. Avoid heavy conditioner that will make hair look greasy. Choose light conditioners that hydrate but don’t flatten it down. Try a finishing cream to give hair a shine. (Try Frederic Fekkai Coiff Magnifique Ultra-Light Finishing Creme)

Photo Credit © Jason Stitt | Dreamstime.com

For more beauty, fashion and fitness, visit Cheryl Fenton at EasyPeasyBlog.com and follow her on Twitter @cherylfenton. To become an EasyPeasy Facebook fan, click here.

First you’ll want to slice a large onion, thinly.

Then peel, core and slice two medium red apples. I used Delicious.

Brush a large skillet with olive oil and preheat.

Brown the pork chops quickly on both side. Then remove from the pan.

Sauté onion ... Read More »]]> I’m always looking for healthy meals to prepare for dinner. We like to sit down as a family and talk about the day. It makes me happy to know I’m serving a healthy meal. We had pork chops baked with apples the other night.  It was delicious! Using lean pork chops, apples and cruciferous sauerkraut, it all came together healthfully.

First you’ll want to slice a large onion, thinly.

Then peel, core and slice two medium red apples. I used Delicious.

Brush a large skillet with olive oil and preheat.

Brown the pork chops quickly on both side. Then remove from the pan.

Sauté onion slices in same skillet over medium high heat until they begin to brown, adding a little more oil, if necessary, to keep them from sticking.

Add sauerkraut to skillet and heat through, stirring.

Spread sauerkraut mixture on bottom of 8″ square baking pan.

Top with half of apple slices.

Place pork chops on top, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with remaining apple slices.

Deglaze skillet with wine and vinegar.

Stir in brown sugar and pour over pan of pork chops.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

Serve with a green salad to complete your Mmmmm FABU healthy dinner.

Pork Chops Baked With Apples

Ingredients:

4 pork chops thick cut

1 C. sauerkraut

1 large onion thinly sliced

2 medium apples peeled, cored, sliced

salt

pepper

2 Tbsp. white wine

1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

Instructions:

Brush a hot skillet with cooking oil and brown pork chops quickly. Remove from pan. Sauté onion slices in same skillet over medium high heat until they begin to brown, adding a little more oil, if necessary, to keep them from sticking. Add sauerkraut to skillet and heat through, stirring. Spread sauerkraut mixture on bottom of 8″ square baking pan. Top with half of apple slices. Place pork chops on top, season with salt and pepper to taste, and top with remaining apple slices. Deglaze skillet with wine and vinegar, stir in brown sugar and pour over pan of pork chops. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

Lauri Rottmayer is the author of the FABU Highway. When she’s not traveling the Highway, Lauri directs The Mrs. Oklahoma International Pageant, a competition for married Oklahoma women from ages 21-56.

You can visit Lauri’s websites at www.FABUHighway.comand www.TheMrsOklahomaPageant.com.

How did you get started as a Make-up Artist?

I got started as a makeup artist by actually ... Read More »]]> Having a sister as a makeup artist, I am constantly combing through her endless supplies to see the latest and greatest. So of course when I had the chance to interview Zena Shteysel, a fabulous makeup artist working on Dancing with the Stars, I was thrilled.  There were so many questions that quickly came to mind, especially knowing she has her own makeup line and OMG, has worked with Kim Kardashian! Zena was kind enough to take a few moments and fill us in.

How did you get started as a Make-up Artist?

I got started as a makeup artist by actually doing accounting on films! Accounting offered me a chance do be on movie sets and soon I discovered accounting was not for me and it was time to do what I actually would enjoy and I set my sights on makeup. Because I was on sets I was able to ask the makeup artists working for advice on how to begin and soon began makeup school while working on a film. Once the film was over I concentrated on only working makeup jobs. With each job I gained more experience and met new people that led me to bigger and better gigs.

How did you start your Make-up line and what is your Z Palette?

If you know me you would know I am a very neat and organized person. I was always organizing and reorganizing my kit to find better ways of traveling with all my stuff. In order to carry all my eye shadows and blushes from the different companies that I had I would de-pot them (take them out of the plastic packaging) and place them in palettes. However, the palettes on the market couldn’t fit all the sizes I was working with. Therefore, I created a palette with no dividers to fit any size product and a clear window so I wouldn’t have to label every palette; I could just see what was there. Purely out of my own necessity the Z Palette was born and I knew both makeup pros and makeup lovers would appreciate a product like this.

The Z Palette is an empty magnetic palette with no dividers so you can fit ANY sized shadow, blush, powder, bronzer, concealor, and even some foundations. It also has a clear window so you can see exactly what’s inside your palette without having to guess. It’s sleek, durable, travel-friendly, and recyclable. They come in two sizes: large and small, and four cool designs: black, pink, zebra, and leopard.

What is it like doing makeup on Dancing With the Stars?

I feel so grateful and blessed to be apart of the makeup team on Dancing With The Stars. It’s fun and exciting and you get to play with glitter, shimmer, and lashes. You get to meet new people every season and new personalities. It’s also fast-paced, lots to do, and can be stressful because it is a live show and anything can happen.

What Celeb is on the top of your radar right now?

At the top my radar would be Kim Kardashian. I have been lucky enough to work and do her makeup several times when she was on DWTS. She’s lovely and she loves makeup!

What are the 3 key makeup items we can use to always look fabulous?

Mascara, concealer, blush

What fabulous words of wisdom do you live by?

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference -Robert Frost

Fine we actually have one more question..

Are you a “tweeter” who is your fav to follow and… hit us up with how to follow you?

I definitely am a tweeter and you can find me @ZPalette. I love following makeup bloggers/YouTube Guru’s and two of my favorites are Kandee Johnson @KandeeJohnson, and Leesha @Xsparkage

Visit www.makeupbyzena.com

Kisses, Dawn

Dawn Del Russo is a TV personality, fashion expert seen on National TV Better TV, Fox 5 NY, InStyle Magazine, Life and Style Magazine, US Weekly for her fashion and lifestyle tips and advice. She is the author of “101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle”

When was Amy Holton Designs founded?

Officially in 2007 when my husband and I moved to Austin, though I have been designing and making jewelry since 2002.

Tell me about what do you love most about designing?

Call me strange, but I really enjoy fiddly, tedious projects, so this is right up my alley.  I greatly enjoy the creative process.  Often designs emerge as I work.  Not to ... Read More »]]> Amy Holton is a wonderful, talented jewelry designer in Austin, Texas.  She has such a unique story and I am so happy that I’ve had the pleasure to interview her and giveaway one of her exquisite designs.

When was Amy Holton Designs founded?

Officially in 2007 when my husband and I moved to Austin, though I have been designing and making jewelry since 2002.

Tell me about what do you love most about designing?

Call me strange, but I really enjoy fiddly, tedious projects, so this is right up my alley.  I greatly enjoy the creative process.  Often designs emerge as I work.  Not to mention, what a beautiful medium to work in!  I often order gemstones just because they appeal to me, not always because I have a design in mind for them.  This can be very dangerous (and expensive)!

What gave you the idea or spark to create Amy Holton Designs?

In 2001, after three years at Enron, I was laid off along with 4500 of my closest friends (we all know that story).  With the job market flooded with a very strong talent pool from both Enron and Anderson, finding employment was quite difficult.  I ended up taking a two year hiatus from the working world.  During that time one of my girlfriends, while flipping through one of her many catalogues, happened upon a piece of jewelry and said, “I’ll bet you could make that,” which turned into, “We should start our own business.”  I’ve always been artistically inclined and this fostered a new obsession.   We created several pieces and had them displayed in a shop for a while.  As sometimes happens with friends, we parted ways.  However, I never lost the love of designing jewelry.  Refusing to return to corporate America, I worked for Houston Ballet for four years.  I continued working on new pieces and even designed my logo during that time with the intention of growing my line on the side.  However, my schedule at the ballet didn’t leave much time for anything else.  In July of 2007, we relocated to Austin, Texas and I “retired” giving me the freedom to travel with my husband and focus on making Amy Holton Designs a reality.   Because of him, I’m able to do what I love.

Tell me a little about that inspires you to create and your current items?

Countless things!  One day, feeling particularly uninspired, I sat at my table staring at my stash of gemstones.  It was raining and I had the window open (I love rain).  I found myself with two strands of tiny aquamarine and prasiolite briolettes reminding me of raindrops and my “raindrop” earrings were born.  Also, I’m really drawn to vibrant greens and blues…aquamarine, emerald, the various shades of blue topaz, apatite, tanzanite.

What are some of your favorite pieces from the current collection?

I really love the black spinel bracelet.  It’s so incredibly sparkly.  The photos don’t do it justice.  I’ve wanted to do that piece for quite a while.  I love the quality of the spinel.  The hoop earrings offered in the giveaway in this article are made from the same stock.

Are you involved in any philanthropy.

Cancer research is a cause near and dear to my heart.  I also have a special affinity for the children’s programs at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.  Those kids are just amazing.  Their strength is so inspiring.  I definitely want to find a way through Amy Holton Designs to support them.

Chic Galleria is giving away these gorgeous earrings to one (1) lucky Chic Galleria reader. The earrings are Large Argentium silver hoops wire wrapped with glittering, faceted spinel beads.  A $78 value

To enter, visit Amy Holton Designs and check out all the beautiful jewelry. Then come back to this article and leave a comment letting us know which items you loved.  A winner will be chosen at random from the  comments and announced here on September 30, 2010.

For additional entries and chances to win:

Follow Chic Galleria on Twitter @ChicGalleria

Follow Amy Holton Designs on Twitter @AmyHoltonDesign

Like Chic Galleria on Facebook

Like  Amy Holton Design on Facebook

Sign-up for Chic Galleria’s monthly newsletter in the top right corner of this page

Send out a tweet:  I entered to win a pair of  earrings from @ChicGalleria and @AmyHoltonDesign  http://bit.ly/cYr8Gq

Don’t forget to let us know!

Leslie Chatman is a chic thirtysomething from Dallas with a passion for jewelry.  Leslie is the owner and designer of LunaTeal Jewelry.  She also writes for the fine art of jewelry, a jewelry blog.  Follow her on Twitter: @lunateal.

Click here to enter more Chic Galleria giveaways!

Exposure to the sun and the environment can leave you with less-than-youthful skin. Erase the signs of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness, and sun damage. REVERSE Regimen exfoliates, lightens, brightens, and protects your skin for a more even tone and texture.

Recognized on Allure Magazine’s A List, the REVERSE Regimen features 4 full-size products: Deep Exfoliating Wash 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Toner 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Treatment 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.; and UVA/UVB SPF 15 Sunscreen 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz. Retail Value $160

At Rodan ... Read More »]]>
It’s not what you see…It’s what you don’t see.

Exposure to the sun and the environment can leave you with less-than-youthful skin. Erase the signs of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness, and sun damage. REVERSE Regimen exfoliates, lightens, brightens, and protects your skin for a more even tone and texture.

Recognized on Allure Magazine’s A List, the REVERSE Regimen features 4 full-size products: Deep Exfoliating Wash 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Toner 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Treatment 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.; and UVA/UVB SPF 15 Sunscreen 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz. Retail Value $160

At Rodan + Fields® Dermatologists we are committed to connecting you with the products, the knowledge, the resources and the opportunities to change your skin and to change your life.

Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, the creators of Proactiv® Solution, launched Rodan + Fields Dermatologists to extend their vision of bringing dermatology based skincare solutions to everyone. To support this vision, Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields have teamed up with Independent Consultants around the country to market these prestigious products.

With Rodan + Fields, looking good and feeling confident has never been easier and it’s all possible without a trip to the dermatologist’s office. Their products are clinically proven to deliver on their promises and this has lead to a large and loyal customer base.

They’re so confident that you’ll experience real results that all of the products come with a 60-day Satisfaction Guarantee.

Discover the difference that great skincare can make in your life with Rodan + Fields.  Visit http://mandipritchard.myrandf.com

Chic Galleria is giving away a Rodan + Field Reverse Regimen (retail value $160) to one (1) lucky Chic Galleria reader.  To enter, just leave a comment on this article letting us know if you or someone you know would enjoy these problem-solving products.  A winner will be chosen at random from comments and announced here on September 30, 2010.

For additional entries and chances to win:

Follow Chic Galleria on Twitter @ChicGalleria

Follow Rodan + Fields on Twitter @MandiRFskincare

Like Chic Galleria on Facebook

Sign-up for Chic Galleria’s monthly newsletter in the top right corner of this page

Send out a tweet:  I entered to win a $160 Reverse Regimen from @ChicGalleria and @MandiRFskincare  http://bit.ly/cYr8Gq

and make sure you let us know!

Click here to enter more Chic Galleria giveaways!