YOU ARE HOTTER Than You Think You Are!
Embrace the whole package of who you are and what makes you beautiful. There are plenty of beauty tricks that we can do to make ourselves more physically attractive, but letting our inner beauty shine is where our true beauty comes from.
The Beguiling Truth About Beauty
So if we can't trust our own self-appraisal, or the reassurances of friends and family, we're left to the cool judgment of strangers to satisfy our curiosity about our appearance. The Web site "Hot or Not," which lets people anonymously submit their photos for others to rate on a 10-point scale, had nearly two million daily page views within a week of launching in 2000. Not exactly the best way to bolster your self-image.
The good news: You're almost certainly hotter than you think. It's partly a matter of limited attention—everyone else is too fixated on his or her own appearance to be critical of yours. If you are particularly attentive to your body (as women tend to be), or if you feel uncomfortable in public, you are almost definitely hotter than you think. And we all have the innate ability to change how other people perceive us, without a physical transformation of any kind. When you're convinced you look good, others see you in a more favorable light. Call it an internal makeover: Understanding your own powerful self-perceptions can help you stop obsessing over your appearance—and look better.
By Carlin Flora, published on May 01, 2006 - last reviewed on July 26, 2013
Full Article: Psychologytoday.com
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| Me & My Sons RJ & Travis - Christmas 2012 |
The Beguiling Truth About Beauty
Not a knockout? We all focus on our imperfections. But seeing yourself as others do casts you in the best possible light. Turns out that self-knowledge is the most important beauty secret of them all.
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So if we can't trust our own self-appraisal, or the reassurances of friends and family, we're left to the cool judgment of strangers to satisfy our curiosity about our appearance. The Web site "Hot or Not," which lets people anonymously submit their photos for others to rate on a 10-point scale, had nearly two million daily page views within a week of launching in 2000. Not exactly the best way to bolster your self-image.
The good news: You're almost certainly hotter than you think. It's partly a matter of limited attention—everyone else is too fixated on his or her own appearance to be critical of yours. If you are particularly attentive to your body (as women tend to be), or if you feel uncomfortable in public, you are almost definitely hotter than you think. And we all have the innate ability to change how other people perceive us, without a physical transformation of any kind. When you're convinced you look good, others see you in a more favorable light. Call it an internal makeover: Understanding your own powerful self-perceptions can help you stop obsessing over your appearance—and look better.
By Carlin Flora, published on May 01, 2006 - last reviewed on July 26, 2013
Full Article: Psychologytoday.com
How to Feel More Attractive
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| Me & My Beautiful Daughter Nicole - 2010 |
Most of us have had moments of not feeling attractive. I have personally felt that way many times because I would compare myself to other people. For a long time I would judge myself by what other people said about me. For many years I allowed ex-boyfriends to put me down and that was the end of my self-esteem. The bad things are always easier to believe. So I went though my life believing other peoples opinions of me and never feeling good enough. So exhausting and such a waste of time!
It's so ironic that after my youth was gone I finally learned how to feel beautiful. Three children later, stretch marks, scars, wrinkles, gray hair, and I feel beautiful! I learned to do the best with what I have on the outside, but it was my inner healing that made all the difference. The more that I started to focus on the beauty inside of me, the more beautiful I felt. When you feel beautiful inside your heart, you feel beautiful physically. People see you differently. They see your inner beauty shining though your eyes and your smile. You carry an aura of beauty all around you and no one notices your physical flaws.
I still remember the day I was at the beach with my daughter Nicole, now almost 23, and a few of her friends. I was feeling pretty insecure laying next to their flawless 19 year old bodies. Then Nicole looked over at me and said, "Mom you're such a hottie"! That was the beginning of me learning to love myself. It wasn't only my beautiful daughter telling me that I was beautiful; it was a rush of feeling beautiful as a person for creating such a beautiful child. It was knowing that she was looking at my inner beauty because she loves me. She has seen me at my absolute worst and she still thinks I am beautiful. The best makeover you can give yourself is to truly love yourself and show love and kindness to everyone around you. Now that's beautiful...
How to Feel More Attractive
Think of professional beauties as aesthetic marvels (and genetic accidents). Don't compare yourself with them. Besides, those whose looks you covet are busy rating themselves against someone even more gorgeous. "I never thought of myself as beautiful," insists Carol Alt, the 1980s supermodel. "There were these girls who would walk into the room and just take over. Nicolette Sheridan in the 1980s—oh my God, forget it."
2. Reflect on Your Relationships
"It is part of the human condition to see ourselves through the eyes of others," says Ellen McGrath, clinical psychologist and president of The Bridge Coaching Institute. Partners have a big impact on how we view our looks. If we get a steady dose of fondness and acceptance, "it's like being in the glow of a romantic candlelit dinner—we are seen in the best possible light," says McGrath. Being close to a judgmental person makes us view ourselves in correspondingly harsh terms. If you've come to believe that you're unattractive, consider whether your partner may have subtly steered your thoughts in that direction.
3. It's Not About You!
Shy people consistently rate themselves as less attractive than others do. "When you focus on yourself, you become more self-critical," says Bernie Carducci, professor of psychology at Indiana University Southeast. If you force yourself to approach others and make them feel wanted, your own insecurities diminish. "Show up at a party with a group of friends and you'll automatically appear more attractive," says Carducci. "It's social capital—it suggests that you know how to lead others and bring them together."
4. You're Instrumental Is your body a static object to be gazed upon or a performing machine? While women tend to think about how their bodies look, men often focus on how well they work, says Stephen Franzoi, psychology professor at Marquette University. "If you think of your body as an instrument, you'll see it as something that you can shape and transform," he says. "This proactive stance shifts the locus of power to you, rather than to other people observing and evaluating your body."
5. Get an Inner Makeover
Watch for negative self-talk. "Replace critical thoughts, such as 'my disgusting, fat thighs,' with something more neutral, such as 'my large, muscular legs,'" suggests James Rosen, emeritus professor of psychology at the University of Vermont. Give more airtime to other aspects of your self-image. "Consciously think of why you are desirable to other people—perhaps because they respect your competence or because you are warm and interesting. In the long run, these characteristics are more important to attraction than physical looks."
6. Be a Singular Sensation
Carducci, a social dynamo who works to overcome his shy temperament, strives to be not only the nicest guy in the room, but also the best-dressed. "My look is part GQ, part discount. One of my favorite outfits is a yellow cotton shirt, a red tie with geometric shapes, tuxedo pumps and a checkered herringbone coat. I'm trying to let people know, 'I'm here and let's have a good time.' When you're in clothes that reflect who you are, you make it easier for others to talk to you—and it's not how beautiful you are, but how approachable you are."
7. Get Older, Feel Better
We dread getting older, but there is evidence that people feel more attractive with age. "Older women tend to shed their self-consciousness," says Leslie Goldman, author of Locker Room Diaries, an account of her yearlong ethnographic study of women at the gym. "I have never seen a woman over the age of 60 scurry off into a bathroom stall to change or quickly scan the room before dropping her towel."
8. Beauty Is No Panacea
On average, attractive people are not happier than their homelier peers. A sense of optimism and hope, gratifying relationships and meaning and purpose in your life have much more influence on your happiness than do your looks. "Don't get me wrong—there are times when I've gotten special treatment because of my celebrity," says Alt. "But I've had my share of heartbreak. I'm divorced. I lost my father and my brother. I don't think the fates decide what will happen to you based on your looks."
By PT Staff, published on May 01, 2006 - last reviewed on October 17, 2007
Gorgeous STATEMENT NECKLACES
Brands/Designers: A|X, Ann Taylor, BaubleBar, Lulu Frost, Zara, ASOS, Juliet & Company, Forever 21, Kate Spade, Tom Binns, Mango, Erickson Beamon, Rochas, Dries Van Noten, A|X Statement, Ann Taylor Paisley Chunky Statement Necklace ($115) Antaylor.com, BaubleBar Maharaja Fringe Strand ($44)
Source: WhoWhatWear
GLAM ROCK Trend
*Studded leather mini dress $1,295; net-a-porter.com
*Burberry Prorsum Camel Neoprene Bonded Cashmere Eyelet Trench Coat, $7,250; burberry.com
Source: Elle.com
Source: Elle.com
GOLD METALLIC
*Gisele Bündchen Wearing Anthony Vaccarello – 2013 Met Gala
*The Blazer: Diane von Furstenberg Ofelia Croc-Embossed Metallic Blazer, $498; net-a-porter.com
*The Pumps: Valentino Rockstud Two-Tone T-Strap Slingback Pumps, $945; bergdorfgoodman.com
*Gisele Bündchen wears Alexander Wang
Source: Elle.com
*The Blazer: Diane von Furstenberg Ofelia Croc-Embossed Metallic Blazer, $498; net-a-porter.com
*The Pumps: Valentino Rockstud Two-Tone T-Strap Slingback Pumps, $945; bergdorfgoodman.com
*Gisele Bündchen wears Alexander Wang
Source: Elle.com
BLACK & WHITE
*Skirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pleated Stretch-Leather and Jersey Skirt, $850; net-a-porter.com
*White Jacket: Proenza Schouler Cracked-Leather Biker Jacket, $2,650; net-a-porter.com
*Black Jacket: Burberry London Leather Peplum Jacket, $2,995; net-a-porter.com
*Booties: Sam Edelman Mila Booties, $225; piperlime.com
Source: Elle.com
LEATHER and ANIMAL PRINT
*Givenchy Leather Pencil Skirt, $1,940; net-a-porter.com
*Lace bottom skirt:Lover Spinx Leather Skirt, $924; matchesfashion.com
*The Purse: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Satchel, $950; forwardforward.com
Source: Elle.com
Rocking RED GLASSES
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| Me Rocking GEEK-CHIC Red Glasses: Thank You AL! Purchase this style $75 |
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Taylor Swift wearing: Ray-Ban 955 Original Wayfarer $155 |
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| Amanda Seyfried: Photoshoot |
Get a similar style: Burberry BE2128 eyeglasses, $131
or Gucci 3547 eyeglasses, $158.
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| Rihanna wearing: Ray-Bans |
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| Fendi Sunglasses |
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| Khloe Kardashian |
Be Yourself
Photo of me with my face painted as a child.
Taken by my Dad, Roger Maynard
Taken by my Dad, Roger Maynard
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| ETTA TURNER |
Etta died November 25th, 2002, at the age of 16, in Bolivia. During her travel as a Rotary International exchange student, Etta and six Bolivians were killed when their bus driver fell asleep and drove off a cliff. It is a most fitting legacy for Etta: to give of herself to the world. Her family, friends and like-minded individuals now support the continuing Etta Projects.
DIY: Jewelry Organizer
1. You can use any wooden picture frame that is at least 1" thick. Look for one that has a wire attached to the frame or you can add one yourself.
2. Take the frame apart and carefully remove the glass.
3. If there are metal tabs in the back of the frame you can just bend them flat against the wood or pull them out with pliers.
4. Use 1" cup hooks and start screwing them in from the top. As you start hanging your jewelry you can decide how many hooks you want to use and where to place them.
I used hanging earring cards so that I could store more earrings on my organizer. You can purchase the cards at JewelrySupply.com
or you can make them with thick cardboard and a hole puncher.
Don't worry too much about having the cup hooks perfectly straight or symmetrical. Add them where you need them depending on your collection of jewelry. Once you add all of your jewelry you won't even notice the hooks.
Organize Your INTIMATES
I was inspired to do this when I was shopping at Victoria's Secret. The bras in the store are perfectly organized, easy to see, and easy to access. Clear Plastic Shoeboxes are one of my staples for organizing. Here I use them for my bras.
I use them on either side of my drawer so it creates an area in between for more storage. They are perfect to neatly store your shoes and great for organizing socks, pantyhose, craft/sewing supplies, photos, the possibilities are endless...
My Daily Skincare Routine
Obagi Nu-Derm System
I have personally been dealing with Melasma for the past 15 years (patches of dark skin that appear on areas of the face). It started all of a sudden when I would go in the sun even for a few minutes.
I was trying to cover it with makeup but it was never completely hidden. I finally went to a Dermatologist for advice; and because my dark patches were so bad he actually tested me for Lupus (which came back negative).
I then went to MedSpa 1064, about four years ago hoping that they could help me.They did a free consultation and suggested that I try a product line called Obagi Nu-Derm I purchased it and started using it right away with the additional Obagi Tretinoin Cream .05% (*Prescription Suggested *) at night mixed with the Obagi blender, along with DCL AHA Revitalizing Lotion 15 in the morning.
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| Obaji Trentinoin Cream .05% |
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| AHA Revitalizing Lotion 15 |
As of today I have never had any type of injections, fillers, or invasive cosmetic procedures on my face. I did have Laser Hair Removal on a few parts of my body.
The OBAGI NU-DERM SYSTEM has been my only skin care routine for almost four years now and the difference in my skin is amazing! I literally feel like I am aging in reverse! My brown spots have faded to almost nothing, my skin has a youthful glow, my lines and wrinkles are so much softer and less noticeable, and it works on adult acne also.
The only side effect is the dryness and flaking when you first start using it. As hard as it is to deal with, I just remind myself that underneath the dead skin flaking off is my fresh, new, glowing skin! Sometimes now I still deal with a little flaking so I will skip a day or two of the (Exfoderm / AHA Lotion-15).
The Nu-Derm Stystem helps to prevent signs of aging at the cellular level. These products penetrate deep below the skin surface to transform skin cell functions and correct damage that occurs beyond the natural process of skin aging, such as daily sun exposure.
I did stop using the products for about a month thinking that I didn't need to use them every day. Wrong! My skin looked dull and the dark patches returned. Continuous every day use is the key to beautiful skin. I am an Obagi customer for life!!
* One trick I use for added moisture is I put Coconut Oil all over my face before I apply the products morning and night.
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THIS IS MY EXACT SKIN CARE ROUTINE:
MORNING:
#1 - Obagi 1 Cleanser
#2 - Coconut Oil
#3 - DCL AHA Revitalizing Lotion 15
#4 - Full Spectrum Sunscreen
NIGHT:
#1 - Obagi 1 Cleanser
#2 - Coconut Oil
#3 - Obagi 3 Clear
#4 - Obagi 5 Blender mix 50/50 with Obagi Trentinoin .05%
#5 - Avon: ANEW Lash Transforming Serum ( I use this on my lashes and the thin parts of my eyebrows) I don't care for the mascara.
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| Avon: ANEW Lash Transforming Serum |
OBAGI Nu-Derm VIDEO1:
OBAGI Nu-Derm VIDEO2:
Here is an example of Melasma (dark patches on the face). Before and After four weeks after using Obagi Nu-Derm:
OBAGI.COMMINI JEAN SKIRT
I feel you are never too old to wear anything if it makes you feel good. The key is to only expose one body part at a time. If you are showing a lot of leg, hide your cleavage.
SHOPPING:
Long & Lean Cardigan
Old Navy Striped Shirt: similar here
American Eagle Jean Skirt: similar here
Chain Strap Red Handbag
Snake Wedge Sandal
Black Belt
SHOPPING:
Long & Lean Cardigan
Old Navy Striped Shirt: similar here
American Eagle Jean Skirt: similar here
Chain Strap Red Handbag
Snake Wedge Sandal
Black Belt
Don't hate yourself for wanting to be beautiful. Good-looking people get special treatment from strangers, employers and even their own mothers. The comely reap real social and economic gains in life, from broader romantic proposals to lighter punishment in criminal courts. The rest of us curse the advantages of beauty because we can never claim membership in the knockout club.
Or can we? We're not even close to objective when it comes to judging our own looks. Other people see the whole package. But when we look in the mirror, we're liable to zero in on the imperfections. That bump on your friend's nose? It's her trademark! It gives her character! But to you, that thing on your nose is downright disfiguring. Our opinion of our own looks is also capricious: We can feel like the belle of the ball at one party, but downright shabby at the next, all on the same night.