How-to: Reduce Stress with these Exercises

11 Best Stress-Reducing Exercises

No gym membership? No problem. Here is an easy workout regimen you can do at home

This is a TotalBeauty.com health article After a long, stressful day at work, going to the gym probably doesn't sound as relaxing as plopping on your couch with a glass of wine and a DVR filled with episodes of Glee. We're not here to tell you not to indulge in your high school musical flashbacks. But here's an idea: Unwind before you hit the couch with these stress-reducing exercises you can do at home. Get exercises

Why go to The Makeup Show?

Last year I attended the Makeup Show in New York City as press and one of the reasons I attended this makeup trade show was to check out their products and see their latest innovations. This year, at the Makeup Show, you'll have access to these amazing brands: Make Up For Ever, Stila, Crown Brush, Temptu Pro, Smashbox, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, and INGLOT Cosmetics.

New products will also debut at the show this year on May 13 & 14, including:
* ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS – Launching exclusively at the show is their highly anticipated, Lash Genius waterproof topcoat. This colorless mascara makes any mascara waterproof and is guaranteed to become a staple in anyone’s beauty kit this summer.
* Armour Beauty – This naturally based, long wearing, rock n roll lip-gloss has recently launched in new shades of Iridescent Silver Shimmer and Bright Orange Opaque.
* GLAMCOR – They will be introducing their Hygienic Hand Palette along with their collection of GLAMOUR VEIL, which will be available in five shades of foundation and concealer.
* MEHRON – They will be launching their new products from Intense, Celebre Pro HD Loose Powder, Celebre Pro HD Pressed Powder, Face Kabuki to Eye and Lip Pencils.
* London Brush Company - Exclusively at The Makeup Show NYC, they will debut their brand new Brush Cleaner, which is made here in the US…by hand! This product is naturally anti-bacterial and has no alcohol, acetone, or chemicals in it. Available in 2 fragrances, made from combined essential oils, and also fragrance free - for those who react to essentials.
* Beauty Addict – They will showcase their newest mascara if you're looking for intense dramatic lashes!
* INGLOT Cosmetics – Their newest line of Colour Play Mascara, in 5 eye-popping colors, will be available at their booth.

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Get glowing with Jergens Natural Glow & Protect

I cannot believe it's May next week.. Almost four months have already gone by and before I know it, summer will be here! Want to get ready and not feel so untanned? It's time to get glowing with Jergens' new product- Natural Glow & Protect SPF20. This new product is a step up from their popular Natural Glow to give your skin a gradual natural tan (in 5-7 days). Glow & Protect gives you the additional sun protection that your skin needs while you're out catching some rays with an SPF 20 so it's a win-win! Beautiful color with daily sun protection. Your skin will stay moisturized with this lotion and it comes in two shades- fair/medium and medium/tan.

Also Jergens Skincare will make a two dollar donation to The Skin Cancer Foundation to help raise awareness about staying protected from the sun, for every Glow Story/photo book you submit. Check out more details here: http://www.jergens.com/placesyoullglow/Default.aspx We all love a glowing story, so share with Jergens and other fans how you glow with Jergens moisturizers. Disclaimer: I received product info from this company's PR agency to share with my readers.) Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Get Beautiful Multi-tone Hair with John Frieda Hair Care

At a dinner last month hosted by John Frieda, I was able to get a sneak peek into their new products for this Spring (including  Sheer Solution & Full Repair Style Revival styling spray). To get gorgeous beautiful multiple toned color, the Precision Foam Colour was demonstrated by a model next to international creative consultant, Harry Josh.

The Precision Foam Colour Salon Blends incorporate hues from multiple tone families, for the same kind of blended effect professional colorists offer. The perfect solution for beautiful hair! These 5 new shades are professionally pre-blended and salon-exclusive, including:

    7NBG Dark Caramel Blonde (Natural/Beige/Gold)
    7PBN Dark Cool Pearl Blonde (Pearl/Beige/Natural)
    6.5PBN Lightest Cool Almond Brown (Pearl/Beige/Natural)
    6NBC Light Bronze Brown (Natural/Beige/Copper)
    6NBG Light Amber Brown (Natural/Beige/Gold)

(Disclaimer: I received this information from this company's PR agency to share with my readers.)
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My April KLUTCHclub box is here!

Themed "Spring clean your body", my April KLUTCHclub box has finally arrived!! I couldn't be more excited to try this health &fitness focused subscription box. For only $18 a box, you get 10 amazing products, including a Power Yoga DVD from Kristin McGee and a bottle of ZICO, delicious replenishing Coconut water.

The products in this month's KLUTCHClub box are:
1) Kristin McGee's Power Yoga DVD- already have her MTV yoga/pilates dvds and Body By Bethenny DVD
2) Yoga Hyde - $25 gift certificate to use on their natural, organic yoga clothes
3) HYDRIVE- energy drink mix to flavor your water (can't wait to try this)
4) ZICO- Bottle of Coconut water (Yup already drank this!)
5) Tea Forte- 3-pack tea bag (Love trying new tea)
6) KIND Bar- nutty bar with choco & protein
7) Enjoy Life Foods- Seed and Fruit mix with no nuts, makes a great healthy snack
8) Enjoy Life Foods- (not listed) Plentils - crunchy lentil chips
9) Barlean's Organic Oils- this Omegal Swirl flax and fish oil supplements
10) Shea Terra Organics- the Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Wash contains lots of ingredients for a  natural microdermabrasion


I was super happy to get this box and can't wait to get my next one already! I'm looking forward to tasting, drinking and testing all the products in here and get my Omm on with the DVD. :)

Dove's "Show Us Your Skin" campaign in Times Square

If you're in NYC or happen to be visiting this weekend, be sure to check out Times Square for the Dove's "Show Us Your Skin" campaign. You'll be able to participate in this truly unique experience- your face will be on the Times Square billboard for everyone to see! Of course you will be photographed professionally to show off your best asset- your skin! Your photo will also be emailed to you so you can share with your friends and family!! So get your glam on in Times Square now through Saturday, April 21.

Health & Fitness Expo sponsored by Fitness & More Magazines

This past weekend, I attended the More/Fitness Magazines' Health &Fitness Expo in New York City. Open to the public, this expo featured many vendors that I love such as Duane Reade, Sparkly Soul headbands, and Aveeno. While runners/walkers were there to pick up their registration packets for the Fitness/More Half marathon this past Sunday, I attended to check out what was new in the industry. I picked up the May copies of the Fitness, More and Eating Well magazines (already read them cover to cover) and enjoyed some goodies I got from the Jenny Craig, Aveeno and Duane Reade booths.

Jenny Craig was giving our some Cheesy Curl & smores bar snacks! Yum!	Got some great shampoo, moisturizer and sunscreen samples.
My new magazines!	SparklySoul got some great headbands..

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SpaWeek Media Party- Book your Spa Week appointments today!

Spa Week is almost coming to an end.. if you haven't booked your #50DollarTreatments yet, you still have a few more days! (Ends Sunday, April 22) Last week, I attended the Spa Week media party to celebrate the start of Spa Week on Monday. Not only did I get to check out some of the spa treatments, I also got to meet one of my favorite authors, Emily Giffin, best known for the chick-lit/movie "Something Borrowed." I met her last year at a book signing of her last book "Heart of the Matter" and so I was excited to meet her again to let her know how much I enjoyed the book and the movie "Something Borrowed." I also got to see Christopher Drummond in action-giving gorgeous makeovers from his mineral makeup line. Attendees also got sample treatments from Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas and Spa Chicks on the Go.

Go get your spa on this week! If you can't make it, you'll have to wait until October.. Go to www.spaweek.com for more details. Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

The Makeup Show in NYC- May 13 & 14

This year, the Makeup Show will be held in the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City on May 13 & 14, 2012. At one of my favorite buildings in NY and home of so many fun gatherings, this show will be another spectacular event to add to my must-attend list this Spring. With a long list of exhibitors, I'm excited to see again Make Up For Ever Pro, Mario Badescu, Stila, NARS, Crown Brushes, and so much more!! And of course, beside shopping and updating my makeup bag, I cannot wait to attend some seminars and really learn from the industry's best during this 2-day seminar.



If you can't make it to the one in NY, they also have the show in Chicago, Orlando and Berlin this year. 

Check out the site for more information: http://www.themakeupshow.com/makeupshow/NY/index.html


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Kiss Nail Dress

In my Influenster LoveVoxBox, I received the Kiss Nail Dress in this leopard print in purple/ pink/silver color. If you're looking for fun, vibrant colors on your nails, these "stickers" are what you're looking for. They're also made for your toes too- because one side is round and the other side is more square (for toes.) They also come off easily with regular nail polish remover. With over 18 designs, you should be able to find the one that suits your personal style! They're affordable too, about $7 at your local retailer/drugstore, and each box comes with 28 strips, so you'll be able to get a mani & pedi twice! Check out www.KissNailDress.com for more info!

April Birchbox- Natural Wonders

Since this month is Earth Month, Birchbox curated a box specifically on green and earth-friendly products. LOVEEEEEEEEE ITTTTTT!!! The box I got introduced me to new brands as well some of my favorites- Yes To, Zoya and Weleda.The new brands were Atelier Cologne (scent:  Orange Sanguine)and Marula The Leakey Collection (pure Marula Oil). Anything blood orange, I love so this cologne smelled delicious.. will easily be using this everyday this month. The Marula Oil is intriguing as I love using facial oils to moisturize. I've loved the past Zoya colors I got so I'm excited to try this new nude color from their TRUE Spring collection. It looks like clay so it's a color that I'll be wearing when I'm not in the mood for brights. The Weleda Pomegranate Firming Night Cream is a great night cream.. love the scent! And last but not least, is the Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Towelettes. This 8-pack is awesome for after workouts to feel fresh and revived. They smell great, and I already have a full-sized pack so this mini travel size is great to have. Love the Natural Wonders in this month's box and cannot wait to get the Gossip Girl inspired box next month!

Natural Health Magazine's Urban Wellness Retreat

On the last weekend of March, I attended the Urban Wellness Retreat hosted by one of my new favorite magazines, Natural Health at Barnard college in NYC. This all-day session included guest speakers whose expertise ranged from nutrition, family, happiness, and Eco-friendly living.

I had an amazing time and cannot wait to come back next year. It was a wonderful way to spend my Saturday learning about healthy tips and feeling inspired to change my life for the better!

First, FOOD! We ate a delicious vegetarian lunch, quinoa, yummy wrap, fruit skewers and salad!

Organic Avenue founder, Denise Mari, talking about the importance of eating whole natural foods. I haven't juiced before but I do love them!

Dr. Peggy Drexler talking about how a woman's relationship with her father shapes her life. Her book "Our Father, Ourselves" is quite interesting as I'm still reading it.

The NATURAL BEAUTY panel w/ experts on nails, laser and nutrition.

Gabby Bernstein aka the Spirit Junkie was so passionate about everything she said. I'm also reading her book now, "Add more -ing to your Life!"

It's Danny Seo, an eco-activist, has one of the best green blogs out there. He was hilarious as the audience chuckled at all his jokes and his personal story was inspiring for everyone.

John Frieda- New Sheer Solution and Style Revival products!

Last month I attended a special dinner hosted by John Frieda where they unveiled their new products for this Spring, including Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution, Full Repair Style Revival styling spray and new Precision Foam hair colour. I also got to see Harry Josh, their International Creative Consultant who is absolutely brilliant! I had an amazing time so thank you to John Frieda for this! During dinner, we got to hear about these three revolutionary hair products and how they work to fix our hair problems!
The Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution is the hair product I have been look for! I've fine hair that also gets quite frizzy when it's humid so a week after I got these products to try, I used them non-stop when it was raining. I never used other frizz serums because they made my hair feel too oily and just felt too heavy for my hair. Now, with this Sheer Solution, it's lightweight formula helps control my frizz with no problem. As you can see, it's like half water half formula before it's mixed and once you shake it up, it is activated to help your hair fight the frizz. It also feels conditioning so you don't feel like you're using more icky product! This is a must-have on my vanity now :)

The Full Repair Style Revival Heat-Activated Styling Spray is here! Whew, what a long name. It's basically a spray to help your over-worked hair b/c if you're guilty like me, and blow dry/style/straighten your hair frequently, your hair can be quite damaged. The Full Repair line helps repair those broken hairs and flyaways that you get by protecting it with a special heat-activated complex. So you can keep using your favorite heating tools, just make sure to spray this to protect your hair! You'll end up with a smooth finish and protected strands! :)

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Spa Week on April 16 -22, 2012

This month is Earth Month, but it's also the month where for one week only, you can get spa treatments for only $50! Spa Week happens only twice a year, and it's happening soon, from April 16th to 22nd. Participating spas, yoga/pilates studios and other health and wellness centers across the US and Canada are letting you sample their treatments at a discounted price. It's spring time and we all need a little TLC so hurry and book your appointment today! Check out participating spas at www.SpaWeek.com

Blissmo Spring into Beauty box

My Spring into Beauty BlissMoBox that I selected in mid-February finally arrived at the end of March... and it was only because I had emailed them to inquire where my box was. This happened last time with my Chocolate box too, so already I wasn't too pleased that I had to follow-up again. As you can see, this Spring into Beauty box contains the following:
1) Neutrogena Naturals MultiVitamin Nourishing Night Cream
2) Olie Biologique oil- looks like a sample size to me but really love the Argan Oil..
3) Go! Towel made of luxe bamboo- will use this on a trip
4) Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques- lip scrub- a small sample and lastly, a sample of the Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser.

I'm so used to Blissmo boxes being packed, full of great full-sized goodies, especially since each box costs me $22. The value I see here is much less, with so many samples, and quite frankly it's disappointing. I have loved every single other box that Blissmo has come up which is why I have high standards for them! I know they can deliver more full sized goodies especially since they're charging a lot more than the rest of the subscription services. With so many new companies coming up, it's really hard to keep a customer loyal. I hope Blissmo reads this and takes action! I do appreciate getting a confirmation email for my next box, which is a step in the right direction.

New York Color (NYC) makeup products in stores!

At a trip to my local drugstore last month, I saw the New York Color Cosmetics' Be Bold collection. It's bringing high definition, bold lashes and color to your face to get you noticed. NYC Cosmetics are a very affordable collection you can pick up in drugstores and they're easily accessible. I got to try two of their goodies this month shown here:  1) BIG BOLD MASCARA- It's bright pink tube that boasts having 15x more volume was a favorite. I have thin lashes and I personally love using mascara when I want my eyes to stand out. The formula definitely gave my eyes something to "bat" about. Volume-yes for $5 but I wish the scent wasn't as strong. 2) SHOW TIME GLITTER PENCILS- These glitery eyeliner pencils have silver specs to make your eyes glimmer. It comes in 5 shades- from browns to blues to purples- and are just $3 per stick. With most drugstore pencils, I like to warm up the pencil tip before wearing so I don't tug on my eyelids. However, I didn't see an issue here. This is great to wear on a special night out or just for fun!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.) Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Clinique Bonus at Macy's- In stores & Online now!

Twice a year, every April and October, I check out Macy's for their Clinique Bonus. I stumbled upon Macy's last week and I saw these colorful bags and gifts at the counter. With any purchase of $23.50 or more (it ALWAYS used to be just $21.50) you can choose this either the Pinks or Nudes set. Each set comes with their famouse dramatically different moisturizer, two bags, moisture surge, mascara, lipstick/lipgloss, and a cute palette with eyeshadows and blush! If you're a gifts with purchase junkie, you'll probably be lining up to get one of these.

I'll be skipping this one this Spring as I still have my Clinique favorites I am still using... Until October, I bid farewell to the Macy's Clinique Bonus! Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Meet Josie Maran in NYC April 3, 2012

Josie Maran and her two supermodel pals, Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall, will be at Sephora on Fifth avenue (& 49th Street) by Rockefeller center tomorrow, April 3, 2012 to launch the limited edition "Model Citizen" Argan Oil Collection. The trio have each designed a bottole of 100% Argan Oil to support their charities- Women for Women International, the Happy Hearts Fund and Healthy Child Healthy World. 10% of each bottle purchased will be donated to the model's choice charity. I just love it when celebrities do GOOD for the world!

"Spring clean your body" with April's KLUTCHclub

KLUTCHclub is a new and up &coming health/fitness focused monthly subscription box, for about $18/month. (each box valued at over $50!!) Their first box, is due to subscribers around mid-April and I learned about KLUTCHclub through celebrity Yoga & Pilates instructor, Kristin McGee, via twitter. She let us know that her Power Yoga DVD, valued at $15, will be in each box. So you're basically getting all the other products for just $3 more...what a steal!

Recently, KLUTCHclub unveiled the contents in their April "Spring Clean your body" box with a visual. They had given us a sneak peek already- which I appreciate! Consumers want to know what they're paying for..

* A detoxifying Yoga workout from MTV Power Yoga star, Kristin McGee * A brand new energizing drink product to kick-start your workout * Post workout coconut water hydration to replenish electrolytes * Soothing teas with plant based anti-oxidants to improve your skin * A cleansing organic deep-pore facial wash * Organic omega 3, flax and fish oil supplements in new flavors * Satisfying healthy snacks and nutritious treats * A gift from an organic yoga clothing company

Tip for KLUTCHclub: If KLUTCHclub continues to have each box packed with so many great healthy and fitness-related products, they can count on me to keep subscribing. I already love that they give us a sneak peek into what is in each box so although the surprise element is gone, it builds anticipation!! I've seen several other companies that had such fantastic boxes in the beginning but then their boxes became disappointing as months gone by.

Join today and use code: APRIL to save $2 off your box!


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