Let him think he put that twinkle in your eye..

Hey Dolls-

This week/past weekend has been GREAT and an awesome weekend is in the works! Even though spring won't be official till the 22nd -A trip to Cocoa Beach is set! Wait for nothing.. I'm not one to anticipatively delay and postpone an event :) Sunscreen in tote, my friends and I are departing 7am -Saturday! I haven't been to the beach since summer, so I'm elated to head out there.

Speaking of TOTES!


I quit carrying bags off shoulder and instinctively
switched to this "new technique" LOL
-just a tiny fixation of mine :)


Cosmetic's Encounter!

Upon receiving a gift pallet from hollywood make-up artist Evelise Drixon, Thanksgiving 2007; I was not only introduced to, but fell in love with Too Faced! As a top Beverly Hills makeup artist Jerrod Blandino created his line armed only with a credit card, a dream and a microwave when becoming discontent with the lack of creative quality cosmetics previously available on the market. Too Faced encourages us to unleash your inner starlet and truly lives up to the brand's philosophy: "Why be pretty when you can be gorgeous?”

Fabulous Fav's:

• Kabuki Brush $28.50 - Retractable brush keeps soft teddy bear hair clean and in pristine condition. GREAT for applying Bare Minerals Foundation. Blends color without any of the cruelty or hygiene problems associated with animal-hair brushes. Can be used to apply loose powder, pressed powder, and bronzers.

• Lash Injection Mascara $19.50- Get the look of lash extensions without the cost or commitment! **Fuller lash results, better scented and longer lasting than "Bad Gal."

• Glamour to go Palette $18.50- Great for a rush application! This pocket-sized beauty binge is packed solid with six glosses and four shimmery shadows ranging from pearly pinks to sugary caramels.

• Lip of Luxury Lipstick $18- Long lasting pigments drenched in shea butter leaves your pout color enriched and feeling soft as satin.
  

• Mineral Water Eye Brightening Pencil $18- Created using more than 35% actual mineral water. This eye brightener improves skin's firmness, elasticity, depuffs eyes & adds an inner light to banish dark circles and instantly gives you the appearance of having had a restful 8 hours sleep!

A Sephora Top Seller, Too Faced ^® Cosmetics
are used on movie sets and television programs including
Desperate Housewives, American Idol, The View,
and The OC.

Trisha Writes;

Hi Alyssa,

I’m usually an A student, but I just checked my grades and can't believe I got a 58% in Chemistry. I'm feeling very stressed and stay up late every other night. Besides school, I’m also preoccupied with friendship issues, family, and more. What should I do to get my grades up and stress down?

A: It can be frightening to have a downward shift in grades; it's tough to know what to do about it! Many factors can come into play.. finding a balance between friends, family, and school is key. Allow yourself enough time to rest and get your assignments done; even if that means getting off the phone or computer early. (Pinky promise- the sacrifice will pay off in the long run!) Keeping a planner and jotting down due dates of assignments and upcoming events will help you stay organized. As for ways to reduce stress, try to find things that relax you. Meditating, listening to music, hot showers, etc. Give yourself some “me time.” By participating in something you chose to do when you feel like doing--not something that feels obligatory may help bring those stress levels down and allow you to better concentrate. Good Luck:)

Excited for GossipGirl Mondays :)

With Love, !
Alyssa

Adore the skin your in...

I love receiving your e-mails! They make fantastic topics!


My best friend Briana is visiting from Texas next week! I spent Saturday with Lakisha and Tiffany, checking in soon-to-be contestants during one of many, open calls in Florida. Working with National American Miss is always a blast! Kick painful leg cramps aside, and I had so much fun; there was a great turnout! The next one is in Altamonte Springs on March 16! It starts at 6:30pm and 100+ have already signed up; Join the list and hang out with us :)


Nadgeena J. writes;




Hi, Alyssa.
I always seemed to notice that your skin looked very clear, clean, and glowing. If you don't mind me asking, what make-up do you use? I'm growing into that teen phase where I break out constantly. I usually break out on my forehead and it's VERY noticeable. I also wanted to know what type of moisturizer you use. I am having some trouble finding a good one. I drink two bottles of water a day. Have you had any leftover scars? Any thing you recommend?

A: Hey girl! Thanks for the compliments, your super sweet! Flawless faces don't begin with make-up; but start from within.. (lol, seriously.) The products used to care for your face also play a factor. I definitely know how it feels to have your skin betray you. I finally developed a method that works, and I'm excited to share it!



Step 1- Pile your plate

Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. "The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look," -Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a clinical nutritionist at NYU Medical Center

Skin-loving foods:
Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, whole-wheat bread, green tea, turkey, tuna, brazil nuts, plums, low-fat yogurt, carrots, canola oil, spinach, walnuts, flax seed, salmon, and water!

Water is essential! I’m glad to hear you're drinking it, but two bottles a day isn’t enough. We need 6-8 glasses! This might seem like a lot, but you actually drink more of other liquids daily, so skip soda and coffee.

Step 2- Deconstruct your skin regimen area

Until recently, I kept my make-up in a cluttered, careless mess of near expired tubes. I realized my former skin regimen, wasn't very caring nor did I get a glistening, radiant outcome; I was only hurting myself. The way you treat and store products you apply to your face, actually makes a difference. It's never too late to start fresh -the sooner the better right? If your putting a cream/powder on your face,you want it to be clean. By organizing your skin care products, you'll not only be able to find them faster, but keep what you invested, in great condition.


Step 3- Pre Applicay


Squirting a dime sized amount of sanitizer
onto your palms before touching your face helps prevent
spreading bacteria. Keep a mini bottle in your purse for touch-ups.
I recommenced one that contains aloe vera, just because it doesn't dry your hands out.


RESTOCK

Throw away mascara and eyeliner after 6-8 weeks!
If you use make-up sponges, use a new one each time.
If you own pro brushes deep-clean them weekly
with baby shampoo and warm water; lay them to dry upside down. Use a brush disinfectant between uses. I just ran out, and suggest:


Lasts 6 months

Soaps, scrubs, moisturizers -oh my!

Only use products on your face that are specifically made for your face! Common sense; but you would be surprised to know how many people actually use dial hand-soap/dish detergent as a facial cleanser, or magenta glitter body lotion for a moisturizer, and have no idea why there experiencing problems. These products contain chemicals that aren't designed for those purposes.


Step 4- Select Correct

When choosing a facial cleanser look for phrases like fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic (won't clog pores.) Products that are specifically designed for a variety of skin combinations (dry, oily, normal, and combination) are avalible so thats something to keep in mind. Bar soap can be gross, but I use the moisturizing oatmeal bar for dry skin from Avenno ($3.48) I buy a new one weekly and keep it in a case; If you prefer a pump I recommend Avenno Positively Radiant facial cleanser ($6.69 6.7oz) Moisturizer acts as a barrier to damaging pollutants in the air, sun rays, and keeps your face supple, invest in one thats oil free and contains SPF 30 or higher. I use Avenno Positively Radiant in SPF 30 ($16.99 2.5oz) Moisturizing helps fade acne scars. Don't overuse exfoliating scrubs! Harsh granules can irritate acne and also cause your skin to produce more oil. But if you find yourself with flaky patches, I LOVE Avenno's skin brighting scrub. ($7.49 5oz.)

Avenno active naturals improved my sensitive, acne prone,
combination-dry skin


-Dermatologists-

Make an appointment with one! They have the power to prescribe stronger topicals to clear up what over the counter creams can't. (It can get costly, ask for samples!) Be warned they like to test things out.. and get paid by companies to recommend products to their patients that sometimes, aren't the best. Stay away from: Differen Gel, even some Cetaphil and Clinque (sorry fans! A majority of teens agree these products did nothing for them, nor did it improve my skin for the 2+ years I used them.)


All make-up IS bad!

No mater what brand you choose, "when you go to sleep without washing your make-up off it ages your skin 13 days and is a direct route to clogged pores and all sorts of skin issues." -N.Y.C. dermatologist Laurie J. Polis. Theres no substitution for soap and water, but If your like me and are either guilty of laziness or find yourself falling asleep before having a chance to remove it, facial cleansing wipes might be for you! They can be used laying in bed and don't require water. Swipe one before drifting off to dreamland, leaving your face undamaged and refreshed by morning.


Bloom Off & Away Cleansing Wipes
-alcohol free, enriched with cucumber, camellia leaf, & aloe vera! $12 at Ulta


Extra:
You press your face against your pillow when you sleep
where pore-clogging oils from your hair end up.
Change your pillowcase frequently!




With Love, !
Alyssa

The New Style Rules!

What separates a chick with cute clothes from one with chic style in 09? - Knowing (and confidently working) au courant dressing principles. Shop the look at: Saks fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Urban Outfitters, Zara, Bebe, Members Only, Jay Godfay, Christian Louboutin, Rebecca Taylor, Express, Falls, La Rok, and Badgley Mischka!


NEW RULE #1
Build an outfit around a unique article of clothing

NEW RULE #2
Flaunt one stretch of skin at a time

(Zara- my new favorite store)

NEW RULE #3
Make gray your go-to neutral

I seem to own more of this color than any other!
Many buy it unintentionally.. it does compliment outfits the easiest,
but this spring I'll personally, be opting for bright hues!

Blank Skinny Jeans in 2Legit Wash

J Brand Lightweight Pencil Leg Jean in Dark Vintage

NEW RULE #4
Refuse to accessorize a dress that speaks for itself


Skip bangles :]

NEW RULE #5
Add edge to a classic look
and rev-up ladylike pieces!

NEW RULE #6
Don’t match your shoes and belt..
but keep them in the same color family

With Love, !
Alyssa

Happy March 1st Indeed

Even though it was scorching hot yesterday, I couldn't help but feel secretly ecstatic about the change in weather! Thinking.. adios winter, hello SPRING! -To my disappointment, it not only rained the following morning, but was freezing outside and drizzling the rest of the day. Go figure! I didn't jinx it! :) I might of spoken too soon.. but I'm eating a bento box from Mikado (best Japanese in Orlando besides Aura!) and sunny days are soon to come; optimism at its best?!

This week came and went -Assignments for school, work, sessions with my trainer at LA fitness –just the reg. I've experienced great success selling pieces from my pageant wardrobe this past month! A group of Friends and I went to the movies Friday. I guess being worn out from the workouts, and the week itself -I didn’t bother to ask questions and unceasingly agreed to what everyone chose. I didn't mind watching Friday the 13th though, the excitement of being petrified is fun when in good company (: The plot and story line was very predictable haha. No unpleasant surprises!

All of us ate at this cozy restaurant afterwards; that I can't remember the name of. Everyone stayed seated and carried on in conversation (LOL) long after eating. When we finally made our way to the exit it was already pretty late. Saturday morning, post sleepover –Andrea wakes me up in her more aggressive than cheery fashion. We decided to pick up ingredients for breakfast and drive around! Instead of cooking, I opted for Planet Smoothie.

My new obsession?! -Acai Bowls!

An organic and natural bowl of energy: Acai smoothie blended with a splash of apple juice layered with granola and topped with sliced banana. I doubt the nutritional content is as healthy as they claim, and for $6.38 you could buy fresh ingredients that would last you days (not store packaged and frozen) and make it at home. But If your looking for a quick, filling and refreshing snack I would definitely recommend it. The color might put some off but the taste is marvelous!

Acai (ah-cee) Berries have 10-30 times the anthocyanins
of raspberries.

The three of us decided to mall! -Two hours of karoke rounds and 'vicious attacks' (hahaha) later. We planned to shop at the Prime outlets, how we ended up at Mellenia I dont know; but I did buy a Kimichi & Blue Creme colored blouse from U.O. Members only liquid leather leggings, and a midnight cerilion ribbon top, that would of looked killer in ivory from Zara (which btw is my new favorite store.) It was a fun way to spend the last day of February!

With Love, !
Alyssa