{Guest Jasmine Enlow} Skin Nutrition

I feel pretty! Oh so pretty! Okay – at least I wish I did. Truth of the matter is, despite being a esthetician, there are times when my skin just goes wacky for what seems to be no reason at all. I love to load up on the latest and greatest skin care products, yet reality has taught me that dropping a couple hundred on just an eye cream is not only “fiscally irresponsible,” but it’s ineffective and just plain crazy! Plus, as I move further into my twenties – alright, fine thirties (I’ll deny it) – I have been wanting to “make myself over” by taking a closer look at how what I eat and drink impact the health of my skin. However, as much as I live for fashion and beauty, I refuse to subject myself to birdseed and cardboard snacks all in the name of flawless beauty. I want flavor, and since I know I’m not the only one out there looking to save a few bucks while improving their look, over the next few weeks I will be sharing a series of tips and recipes with you, the pretty women of Indy! It should be noted that any improvement to your diet will improve not only your skin but your overall health. Now that’s something worth reading about.

Problem #1 – My skin is starting to act like a slacker! Not cool.

Why is it that as we enter our prime, our skin starts to lose its firmness? Well the main reason we lack firmness in our skin is because as time goes on we lose collagen. Collagen is the fibrous protein that keeps our skin together. The less collagen in our skin, the less plump and supple our skin feels. Nutrients like Vitamin C and Selenium are essential to its production. Cosmetic companies have pushed to incorporate Vitamin C, A and E in their skin care and makeup but what they don’t tell you is that these vitamins are very unstable and have an extremely short shelf life. Vitamin C for instance only lasts for 30 days once processed. In other words, by the time companies even get a product to you, the collagen building vitamin C in your eye cream is useless. The more effective and economical way to fight back is to consume foods and quality supplements (Nutrilite is a great line worth looking into) that encourage your body to produce that much needed collagen. Lucky for us, God, Darwin, Mother Earth (depending upon what you believe) provided us with tons of yummy foods like strawberries, guava, bell peppers, kale, spinach, Brazil nuts, salmon, garlic, eggs and brown rice that are rich in collagen supportive nutrients. What a tasty combo! So tasty, we came up with the following recipe for you to enjoy.

Honey Soy Grilled Salmon with Sautéed Spinach and Bell Peppers

1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves

1 scallion

1 tsp. vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. grated ginger

2- 6oz. center cut skin-on wild salmon fillets

1 tsp. fresh lime juice

1 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp. honey

Steamed brown rice

1-8oz bag of spinach

2- medium red bell peppers, thinly sliced long ways

1-2 tbsp. olive oil (or vegetable oil)

1-2 cloves garlic chopped

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Preheat the grill over medium-high direct heat. Oil the grill grates. Finely chop the cilantro and scallion and mix in the oil and ginger. Lightly season with salt and pepper.

Cut two 3-inch long slits through the skin lengthwise on the bottom of the salmon fillets, going about halfway into the salmon. Evenly stuff the slits with the herb mixture. Season the fish with salt and pepper.

Stir together the lime juice, soy and honey until smooth. Place the salmon, skin side up, on the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the salmon and cook another 3 to 4 minutes, brushing the tops with the sauce, until the fish is cooked through. Transfer to a serving plate over steamed brown rice.

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add and sauté chopped garlic and sliced bell peppers for one minute. Add spinach and sauté for 2-4 minutes.  Serve with salmon and rice – and ENJOY!

Jasmine Enlow is the owner of the up and coming mobile spa Beauty By Nicole. After spending eight years in Hawaii learning and studying from some of the world’s most skilled authorities on skin care, she brings her expertise here to the Indianapolis area and is passionate about helping women look and feel their Best Self.

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Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Line up!

Eye liner is a tricky little business.  One minute you’re all smudgy and smoky, and the next you’re scrubbing errant liner off your eyebrows and cheeks.  You go out looking sassy and dramatic, only to find your cat-eye has become a catastrophe.  You might need to switch to a long-wearing liner, or you might be fussing with a liner that’s beyond your makeup skill level.  Here’s a look at your potential liner “personality,” and a few of my picks in each category.

Liquid: Liquid liner users, you are the rockstars of the beauty world.  With your steady hands and flare for the vintage cat-eye, a liquid liner is the perfect super-glam choice.  My pick for a fairly user-friendly liquid liner is Avon ExtraLasting Eye Liner — it goes on super smoothly and won’t smudge (Bonus: It’s on sale this week!).  Another excellent choice is Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, which leaves a gorgeous line with its flexible-but-firm felt tip.

Gel: If (like me) you find liquid too runny to master, or you have a shaky hand, gel liner is probably your best bet.  Gel liners give you a wet-liner look with a lot more control over application.  I’ve raved about Tarte EmphasEYES liner, so I’ll spare you the rave review and tell you about my other faves.  In the color choice category, I’m loving Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, which boasts hues from graphite grey to violet shimmer.  Stila Smudge Pots are also a winner, and doubles as a water-resistant smudgy eyeshadow.  To apply a gel liner, you’ll need a stiff angled liner brush or super-thin classic liner brush.

Pencil: If you’re groping around your makeup drawer before you have your morning coffee, a pencil liner is your makeup go-to.  The only downside to a pencil is they can skip across your skin, creating a less-than-sultry look.  Look for pencils that boast “creamy” or “smooth” lines, and give these fab products a try: Maybelline Line Express Eyeliner has a built-in smudger that softens your line and prevents skipping, and costs less than $5!  My go-to everyday pencil is Avon Glimmersticks Waterproof Eye Liner, which comes in classic colors and lasts forever.

This weekend, pick a liner and go to town!  Do you have a go-to liner or look you love?

Stay gorgeous!

@KimmieTrubiro

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The Average Joe: Window Dressing Your Man

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Well, if you want to quickly and dramatically—yet prudently—improve your man’s soul windows, I suggest you dress them up with a pair of modish glasses from Warby Parker .

IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HUMAN SPIRIT TO WIN AFTER ALL

In February 2010, this online optical shop bucked the system when it decided that high-quality glasses simply didn’t need to cost 300+ bucks. And so Warby Parker began offering vintage-inspired specs for just $95—yes, glasses for under 100 bucks! And we’re not talking low-quality specs here. We’re talking “anti-reflective, polycarbonate, high index lenses” (and other sophisticated sounding words). Some real, quality shiznit, including the ultra-debonair monocle!

How do they do it? Well, unlike the high-end brands that outsource the design and manufacture of their glasses before selling them to optical shops that double and triple the cost before resale, Warby Parker designs and sells their own eyewear. In short, they cut out the middlemen and then pass on the savings to us. Brilliant, eh?!

MAYBE THAT’S WHAT LIFE IS…A WINK OF THE EYE AND WINKING STARS

And they couldn’t have made the online shopping and buying process any easier, offering two ways to try-on their glasses. You can upload a headshot to their site and virtually resize and tilt the frames to fit your man’s face. Or, you can request up to five frames to be sent to your house. Try them out for a week and then send them back to Warby Parker—all for free!

When you’re ready to buy, call your eye doc for your current Rx and PD measurement—or be lazy and have Warby Parker call for you! Place your order online and, in about 10 biz days, your man’s new window coverings will arrive.

THE ROAD MUST EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE WHOLE WORLD

If bettering your man’s look isn’t reason enough to give Warby Parker a looksee, how about bettering the world? Warby Parker’s partnered with VisionSpring, Restoring Vision, and other non-profit groups, to deliver one pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased. To date, they’ve donated 50,000+ glasses to over 36 countries. Warby Parker also sells limited edition pink frames—in their “Japhy” style—to support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. For each pink pair purchased, the company donates $50 toward cancer research and education.

LIVE, TRAVEL, ADVENTURE, BLESS, AND DON’T BE SORRY

The name “Warby Parker” was inspired by two characters of author Jack Kerouac—Zagg Parker and Warby Pepper. The subtitles above are lines from various Kerouac writings, and here’s another:  “Something good will come of all things yet.”

Glasses by Warby Parker will go a long way in making something good of your man’s style as well.

— AJ

(Email your column ideas to averagejoe.pi@gmail.com or tweet me @AverageJoePI.)

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Want a $50 Sephora Gift Card? Here’s How.

Are you a golf widow?  Maybe you’re an avid golfer yourself…

Either way, wouldn’t it be nice to snag some green fees on the cheap?  While golf doesn’t directly relate to beauty, we wanted to highlight ChipOnDeals, a brand-spanking-new local company that is bringing the daily deal model to golf in Indy.

Launching soon (of course we wanted you amongst the first to be “in the know”), ChipOnDeals promises golf discounts of 50-90% – those are some serious deals.  If you fall into the category of golf widow, this frees up money that can be spent on beauty goodies, right? And if you are an avid golfer, well it sill frees up money to be spent on beauty goodies.

ChipOnDeals is looking for a few good women to spread the word, and that’s where you come in.  Whether you love to hit the links or you know others who do, we’d love you forever if you’d help.  Of course, this request doesn’t come without a little somethin’-somethin’ for you.

So what’s in it for you?  Just for spreading the word, you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Sephora to treat yourself to those beauty goodies we were talking about earlier.

Over the next week (today through next Friday, July 29), do any of the following and you’ll be entered to win – the more you do, the more entries you get.

1.  Sign up to receive ChipOnDeals e-mails - once launched, you’ll never get more than three e-mails a week.

2.  Become a fan of ChipOnDeals on Facebook and post this status update:  ”I just became a fan of @ChipOnDeals to save money on golf!”  Make sure you tag ChipOnDeals     so we can track your entry.

3.  Follow ChipOnDeals on Twitter and tweet: “Sign up for @ChiponDealsIndy and save $$  on golf.”

That’s it!  Good luck, gals, and happy Friday!

xo.

{Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up} Homemade Summer Beauty

It’s summer — that means no-fuss, low-maintenance beauty routines.  Skip the salon!  Save your pennies for ice cream and paddle boarding lessons!  This week, I went on the hunt for at-home beauty treatments that rival any spa experience.  Here are my picks for the best homemade summertime pampering.  Whip up a batch and enjoy!

Zap Sun Damage

That adorable summertime smattering of freckles across your nose and cheeks doesn’t feel so cute when you realize that they’re actually (cue scary music) age spots!  Even the most SPF-savvy girls end up with a dark spot or two by the end of the summer.  Yogurt and lemons naturally contain gentle bleaches that can lighten sun spots and keep your skin looking toned and radiant.  Whisk together a large egg white, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, and 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice.  Smooth the goop on clean, dry skin and let it soak in for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Moisturize Tresses

Your hair takes a beating during the summer — sun, sand, and humidity can fry your strands, making you feel more like a scarecrow than a summer goddess.  Try an at-home moisturizing conditioner to get your shine back!  Mash a ripe avocado with a fork and stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup honey and a tablespoon of olive oil.  Massage the mask into your hair, concentrating on dry spots and split ends.  Let the conditioner sit for up to 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition per usual.

Remove Rough Patches

While your skin turns that lovely sun-soaked bronze this time of year, you’ll often find dry spots on your chest and arms.  Sugar scrubs are skin-perfecting rockstars, but the store-bought brands will cost you.  Create your own scrub by mixing 1 cup plain oatmeal, 1 cup olive oil, 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup honey.  Get in the shower and apply the scrub to dry skin with your fingers in a slow, circular motion.  Let the scrub soak in for an extra two minutes, then shower as usual and say hello to your softest skin ever!

Do you have a favorite at-home beauty treatment?  We’d love to hear it!  Have a gorgeous weekend, readers!

Cheers,

@KimmieTrubiro

{Guest Meggie Dials} Running on the Go

I run marathons which means lots of miles and lots of hours spent either on a treadmill, with a personal trainer or out on the Monon Trail. And managing that time commitment into my schedule means I often can’t prepare for work with my full suite of beauty products, large mirror and closet full of clothes right next to me. Instead I am usually in a humid locker room with a much-too-tiny gym issued towel wrapped around me, fumbling through trial sized products while trying to get to work on time. But the good news is that I have become a master at living out of a gym bag yet and now you can be too!

Whether you are getting ready in the morning or for a hot date after exercising, the important thing is to be prepared. In the beginning, you must make a checklist. Outfit? Check. Shoes? Check. Undergarments? Check. (Trust me, I have forgotten these more times then I should mention) Jewelry? Check.

And when it comes to toiletries, it’s not easy to pack of all your products…you’d never be able to zip up your gym bag! So here’s where the art of getting ready on the go really takes becomes an art form.

• Do yourself a favor and hit up the “trial sized” section of your drug store. There’s no need to haul around a full-sized deodorant. And though your shampoo and conditioner may not come in small packages, you can purchase empty bottles and fill them up with your own stuff.

• If you’re like me, you buy economy sized bottles of lotion. Not only are you going to want to lighten the load, the risk of lotion spill is much greater the bigger the bottle. My trick? Purchase a bottle of lotion that is small, yet refillable. Then when it gets low, take your economy supply and transfer some to the smaller bottle.
  • Note: Throw all the liquid bottles in a gallon-sized baggie to prevent spillage. We’ve all been there and cleaning hair serum off your clothes isn’t easy.

• Hair products are a bit trickier. They’re expensive so I hate spending even more money on a trial size. This is where I ignore the “smaller is better” rule and pack the full thing. It’s worth it. Speaking of, if you have course, curly, wavy or frizzy hair, you absolutely must try Aveda’s Smooth Infusion products (specifically the Style-Prep Smoother and Glossing Straightener). I never get ready without them.

• Invest in a travel hairdryer. Not just for size, but for convenience so that you never have to unpack it from your gym bag. These little guys can pack a lot of heat which is good for tight time schedules.

• Speaking of, if your gym has the option to rent out a locker, I’d consider it. Duplicate the essentials like a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, razor, hairbrush etc and leave them at the gym. It’s so much easier to have everything in both places! And you can bring your own towel to store on location so that you don’t have to try covering your parts with the petite, scratchy towels the gym hands out.

• Stock up on those perfume samples! The risk of breaking your bottle is too severe. Just don’t bring it. But a lot of places give out tiny samples of perfume and I always toss these in my bag. I may smell different from one day to the next, but if one breaks, I am not losing valuable scented goodness. My all-time favorite perfume? Bond 9. Every scent is amazing and lasts forever. I’m currently rocking Washington Square.

• And finally? Make-up. I consciously have a small make-up bag with all my essentials so I can toss it in a gym bag or suitcase and have my daily necessities handy. But then I found the Smashbox Style File (pictured)…and fell in love. Grab a tube of mascara and you have everything you need to primp your face without having a full Caboodle of products (yes, I said Caboodle). And even better? A style guide accompanies it so you can do eye makeup like the pros! And if you are looking for a product that keeps that just-worked-out glow all day long, use NARS Orgasm blush. It looks amazing on every skin type. (*Warning: they do have a version out called “Super Orgasm” and though every girl may be tempted, it will make you look like an 18-year old cheerleader with body glitter everywhere. I learned the hard way. You’ve been warned.)

Being active and healthy doesn’t mean you have to show up to work sweaty in spandex. With preparation and a few tips from a girl who spends at least three mornings a week getting ready away from home, you’ll be all set. And though those extra minutes of sleep sure sounded good at 5am, you’ll be sitting at your desk, pretty in Indy, proud of the fact that you dragged yourself out of bed and are now energized for your day. See you in the locker room!

- Meggie Dials

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{Guest Crystal Grave} Beat the Heat: Tips for Staying Refreshed at your Next Outdoor Event

As all summer socialites know, endless barbecues and picnics—along with the high temperatures and bug swatting that often accompany them—can get exasperating! The key to a blissful summer bash is feeling refreshed. No need to break out the grill (or a sticky sweat) in that adorable cocktail dress.

Food and beverages made in advance and served room temperature or chilled make for a very happy host and delightfully cooled-off guests. Remember: an exciting summer menu doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Cool drinks, hors d’oeurves crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients and no-bake desserts capture the essence of summer! Cool off with these do-ahead recipes and party tested tips:

Delightful Drinks

• Water with a twist of…practically anything!

Simply mix ingredients in cold water, chill for several hours and voila! You have a refreshing pitcher of water infused with light, natural flavor. Get creative with ingredients: lime, lemon, orange, mixed berries or fresh herbs add the perfect hydrating touch.

• Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic

This reinterpretation of the not-as-summery gin and tonic is perfect for a colorful outdoor party. Mix watermelon, lemon, cucumber and mint with gin (preferably Hendricks, a variety infused with cucumber and rose petal flavors). Sweet, refreshing and shockingly pink!

• Strawberry Margaritas

Can’t pass on this easy summer classic! Combine fresh strawberries, ice, tequila, lime juice and sugar in a blender and process until smooth. Salt the glasses, add lime wedges and prepare to sip on pure summer.

Light Appetizers

• Fruit Medley with Mint and Lime

Combine seedless green and red grapes, plums, peaches and nectarines in a bowl—but take it one step further than your average fruit salad! Mix water, sugar, lime juice and mint sprigs for a dressing that adds kick.

• Homemade Hummus

Pair this light and versatile dip with crisp veggies and crackers. The recipe is simple—and the perfect hummus is all about flavor variation!

• Crab, Corn and Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing

It’s summer and the ingredients are fresh—what better time to craft a beautiful salad? Try this recipe that’s a unique combination of sweet and tart.

Tantalizing Desserts

• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Refrigerator Cake

Sounds heavy, right? Surprisingly not! This light and fluffy cream cake is easy to prepare and the perfect end to any summer meal.

• Limoncello Raspberry Torte

Fresh raspberries, sugar, Limoncello and… cheese? A winning recipe indeed! Serve this confection with small knives to smear on shortbread cookies for added indulgence.

• Peach Ice Cream

As natural as ice cream can taste! To prepare, blend fresh peaches with a simple list of ingredients, chill in an ice cream freezer and enjoy after several hours. Your guests won’t believe it’s homemade!

And as any hostess-with-the-mostess knows, a party is best when the guests are completely comfortable! Don’t forget to provide these necessary tools:

• Inexpensive spray bottles with water for unbearable heat and bug spray into the evening.
• One or two large standing umbrellas for added shade.
• A bottle opener tied with a string to the fridge and set up a makeshift bar on a silver tray: cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer and long spoon should do the trick. Always be stocked up on ice!

Follow these refreshing party tips to leave sweat and summer party pessimism in the past… it’s sweet summertime! Make sure the livin’ is easy.

Crystal Grave is the president and CEO of Snappening, LLC. For more information or to sign up on the site, visit www.snappening.com.

{Fall 2011 Collection} ZOYA: Smoke and Mirrors

Take a peek at ZOYA’s Fall 2011 nail polish collection, Smoke and Mirrors.  You can snag these colors starting TODAY – and yes, I realize it’s July.  But aren’t you just a little excited when you think about fall goodness?

xo.

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Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Ready, Set, Makeup

These hot summer months can leave your makeup melting the minute you walk out the door.  Last weekend, I had several all-day outdoor activities in the crazy heat, so I decided it would be the perfect time to test out a few makeup “setting” products.  Setting sprays promise to keep your beauty handiwork in place all day (or all night), but do they really work?  I ran these three through picnics, volleyball tournaments, and an all-night dance party.  Here are my thoughts:

The Winner: I had a tiny bottle of Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray from a travel set, and it’s officially my newest summer beauty obsession.  Two spritzes from arm’s length away sets makeup all day, all night, all weather.  I was amazed by how un-smudgy my makeup was by the end of a hot, rainy night.  Add this non-greasy spray to your beauty routine before a big event and relax; you’re makeup isn’t going anywhere.

The Runner-Up: Kat Von D comes up with some sweet products, and Kat Von D Lock ‘N Load Makeup Setting Mist is no exception.  A few pumps of this spray made my makeup stay put through an 8-hour beach volleyball tourney, and I’ve been known to get a little sweaty.  The downside: this spray feels light and refreshing when first applied, but as the day went on I felt like my skin was oilier than usual.  Bottom line: this spray sets like a charm, but might be better for dry-skinned gals.

Last Place: I’m usually a big advocate of Sephora Collection products because they’re affordable and good quality.  Unfortunately, Sephora Collection “Tricks of the Trade” Makeup Setting Mist is cheap — and it shows.  The “mist” is more like a waterfall; my makeup was soaked by one spritz and the coverage felt patchy.  My makeup hardly lasted through the morning, let alone all day.  With so many little flaws, this is one setting spray you can leave on the shelf.

This weekend, treat your makeup like a rotisserie chicken: Set it and forget it!

Cheers,

@KimmieTrubiro

{Fall 2011 Collection} OPI: Touring America

Here’s a sneak-peek of OPI’s fall collection, Touring America.  The dark colors are to be expected – and I’m loving the additions of deep greens and blues.  The brights, however – love them, but are you feeling them for fall?

xo.

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