Hi all

My whole life we have had pets. I have had cats, dogs, ducks, gerbils, canaries, rabbits, etc…  and no we did not live on a farm. My baby sister just loved to bring home strays. We also have friends that adopt greyhounds so that they aren’t put down.

These pets become a member of the family and as such have their birthdays celebrated. Now we don’t go nuts. These animals do not have diamond collars but every now and then I can’t resist buying our puppy some cute dog apparel.

There is one online store called the Gilded Paw that has become just a tad bit addicting to me. They have the cutest outfits and cuddle toys for our dog.

I mean how cute is this:

Anyway, for all of you who absolutely adore your pets, I thought I would mention this store. You can find some great gifts for your pet that will have him or her willing to carry your slippers anywhere.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

*Thanks again to our sponsors

Lead in Lipstick - How Bad for You Is It?

Have you seen all the stuff circulating the Internet lately about lead in lipstick? Basically, there’s a story stemming from a CBS news report in Los Angeles that claims the amount of lead found in the lipsticks they tested showed higher amounts of lead than those allowed in candy. Now you’re not eating the lipstick, I hope, still this has alarmed a lot of women across the country. But is it true?

Well, my scan of online sources shows that most sources believe this is an urban myth. Both www.cancerhelp.org and www.cancer.ca (UK and Canadian groups) say that their countries and the US FDA regulate amounts of lead in cosmetics, and they don’t seem to be concerned. A number of organizations that debunk urban myths also claim it’s a hoax. The only concern I have is that CBS had the county’s environmental toxicology board test the lipsticks, and they came back with between .2 and .4 parts per million, the number quotes as being higher than candy. They tested Covergirl and AM Cosmetics products. Hmmm…so what’s a girl to do?

Here’s my thinking. It could be a complete myth, it could hold a grain of truth in that maybe that amount of lead is OK if you’re not eating it, or it could be a really dangerous problem. I tend to think the cancer groups would be screaming bloody murder if it was a real problem but- I also think natural is always the best way to go. The funny thing is, lead is a natural substance, so don’t be fooled by anything calling itself “all-natural.”

My modus operandi is going to be to go with products that I know focus on health. I’ll also read the labels, although I doubt at this point anyone is going to advertise that their product contains lead. Here are a couple of products that I feel pretty safe using. One is the Vincent Longo Baby Balm Lipstick SPF12 Amorosa . This line focuses on the use of helpful natural nutrients to enhance your skin. I also like the Bare Escentuals Lipstick for the same reason. I figure if their focus is to give us healthier skin, the companies would be down right foolish to put lead in them. Just imagine the backlash and financial consequences if it came out. You will have to make up your own mind about the whole lead in lipstick debate. But my conclusion is to play it safe without going overboard.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

Last week I was cleaning out the closets and cabinets of my apartment, which doesn’t sound like it would take long in a one bedroom loft but surprise surprise it did. The closets weren’t so bad but the cabinets took forever. The crouching was part of the problem but the lack of under cabinet lighting was the worst.

I hate not being able to see everything down there, no telling what creepy crawlies are lurking.  Plus you gradually realize how much junk you have accumulated over the years. I mean how many extra screws and pieces of wiring do you really need?

Anyway, after bumping my head a half dozen times I came to a conclusion that perhaps can help you make your life simpler, as well.
1) Keep the trash can right by the cabinet that you usually pile all of your junk into.

2) If you are about to place something in the drawer or cabinet, look first to see if you already have another one of that item.

3) Anything that is duplicate or you know in your heart you are never going to need goes directly into the garbage can.

Some organization suggestions based on my experience:

1) You do not need 10 USB cables.

2) Old batteries need to find their way into the trash.

3) Test the pens in your drawer once a month. Throw out the ones that don’t work.

4) Bits of note paper that you have scribbled something on can go. Put the info in your day planner or computer.

5) Put a post it note on that cabinet that says ” Do you really need this?”

Anyway that was my brainstorm of the day. Feel free to write in with what works for you.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

About once a month, I go and get a massage. It is a little treat that usually relaxes me. Lately though, my masseuse has been making little comments about my shoulders rolling forward - as in hunched. We end up spending most of our time together on the many knots in my neck and lower back.

As you know, I spend a lot of time in front of a computer. And yes I have begun to feel the strain in my lower back but it didn’t really hit me until I heard these comments from my masseuse that my computer chair can actually be affecting my posture.

It is extremely important to get an ergonomically sound chair - especially if you are at a desk job all day. It used to be that one of these chairs cost $1000s of dollars and some of the really good ones still do but you can actually get a very good office chair that is also really good for your back without spending a fortune.

Shop for your office chair at the same place where you buy your discount office supplies. Spend a tiny bit more for this piece of furniture because, besides your computer, it is the most used piece of furniture in your office. Plus it will save you a ton in health care, masseuse and chiropractor bills.

This isn’t just about your business. It is about your health. After all, how can you expect to be beautiful if you are hunching forward like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

How to Get Free Makeup Samples

I must admit that “try before you buy” is a phrase that brings out my inner thrifty-girl. And “free makeup samples” has me looking a bit like Pavlov’s dog. (But cuter, less hairy.) Anyway, I have some great ways to get free and almost free makeup samples online, or down the street. Here are my favorites.

1. Find a coupon- There are a lot of free coupons available online if you just visit the right website. The key is finding the samples you want to try, not the cheapest makeup on earth. But it can be done. Try www.retailmenot.com and it will give you those elusive coupon codes for online purchases. Anything from Bliss to Philosophy is up for grabs. Let me know your best win from this site.
2. Meet a professional- If you go online to your favorite vendor and type in “stores and events”, or something similar you’ll find out when professional makeup artists will be in your area. Not only do you get great beauty tips and makeup advice, a lot of the time you will get free makeup samples. For instance, www.sephora.com has both a dermatologist talking about sun sense and a workshop on the Bare Escentuals line touring this summer. Now there are some samples I’d like to get my hands on.
3. Secret Freebies- Sometimes you just have to know where to look. Try typing “free samples” into the find bar at whatever site you visit. While most people never even think of this, it’s a great way to test out new products.

You can also try sites that offer a wide range of free makeup samples and other freebies. Just a word to the wise here, a lot of these sites are looking for your contact information to sell you more stuff. So be careful of how often you send your private information into cyberspace. But overall there are some really good free makeup samples out there once you know where to look.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

As you know, I live in sunny Orlando, Florida - home to the world’s biggest and most charismatic mouse. Anyway, I was on a plane home from a mini vacation in Austin, Texas and I overheard these parents talking about the hotel that they were staying at down here. I know it well, as my sister and her family stayed there recently. The prices are sky high and the rooms are so well used that she and her husband were not impressed. The only part that they liked for my niece was the pool area.

In many cases a Orlando vacation rental is a much better way to go. You end up paying less for either a condo or a home, have your own kitchen and end up saving money in the end.

Think about it.

1)You buy your own groceries, instead of paying a fortune on room service and the mini bar.
2) You skip paying the parking and valet fees.
3) There isn’t a gift shop for the kids to spy and start begging.
4) You can actually have more money to spend in the parks, which is what you have been saving up for in the first place.

If I didn’t live down here, that is the way I would go. There are plenty of really nice rentals available down here, with a pool area and many have transportation to Disney. What else could you possibly want?

I apologize for my rant. I just hate seeing you all conned out of your hard earned money, when you could be putting it toward having a fantastic vacation with your kids.

Sincerely,
Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

For all of you Police music fans, you can get your best jeans and tshirt out of hiding and get ready for their brand new tour. Yes, this classic rock band is heading out on a world tour and I for one am ready. On top of that they are giving away 100 of their albums to their top fans so, after you all get out of my way and I claim mine, you all can beg, borrow and cajole them for the other 99.

Ok, so I am a little more than a mere fan. I absolutely adore them. This is the group that sang Roxanne, Message in a Bottle and Don’t Stand So Close to Me. Three of my all time favorites.

Here are the hits on their newest police cd:

Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. Fallout
2. Can’t Stand Losing You
3. Next to You
4. Roxanne
5. Truth Hits Everybody
6. Hole in My Life
7. So Lonely
8. Message in a Bottle
9. Reggatta de Blanc
10. Bring on the Night
11. Walking on the Moon
12. Don’t Stand So Close to Me
13. Driven to Tears
14. Canary in a Coalmine

Disc: 2
1. Do Do Do de da da Da
2. Voices Inside My Head
3. Invisible Sun
4. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
5. Spirits in the Material World
6. Demolition Man
7. Every Breath You Take
8. Synchronicity I
9. Wrapped Around Your Finger
10. Walking in Your Footsteps
11. Synchronicity II
12. King of Pain
13. Murder by Numbers
14. Tea in the Sahara

I love that you actually know most of these songs. I hate it when a band comes out with an album where you only know one or two. I can’t wait to slip this baby into my car’s cd player and head on out to the beach.

Anyway, I just thought I would share the news. And if you see some crazy woman singing at the top of her lungs, while be bopping in her car, listening to music by the Police, it is probably me.

Have to go find my sunscreen. Bye for now.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

* thanks again to our sponsors

MAC Makeup for a Summer Look

If applying makeup is as much of an artistic thrill for you as a necessity, then you are probably already familiar with MAC Makeup. For the uninitiated, MAC makeup is short hand for Makeup Art Cosmetics, a big player in the industry since started by a photographer and makeup artist in 1985. Originally they wanted to created makeup that could stand up and look good under all those blaring Hollywood Lights.

Well, they did, and it still does. The creative colors and choices that you’ll find in MAC makeup is one of the reasons it’s on my shortlist of favorites. MAC makeup does the makeup for tours from American Idol to the Dixie Chicks, but I love what they do for me. You really need to check out the “Strange Hybrid Collection” that marks the introduction of summer colors. It’s completely based on an explosion of ripe, blooming, over-abundant summer florals. This translates into the most dazzling and vivid array of makeup colors I’ve ever seen. Try a lipstick in Orchidazzle or eye shadow in Fertile or Floral Fantasy. Seriously, you need to visit the Mac Cosmetics site to really see what I am talking about.

Now if you’re thinking; can I really use these colors daily- absolutely, it’s all in what you do with it. Remember girls, it’s almost summertime, and fresh makeup can make a subtle or dramatic difference. And if you’ve never tried professional quality makeup, you are in for a treat.

Know a summer bride? There’s a whole collection to create different looks just for the big day. Or you can find step-by-step directions to create the look you want. Face it ladies, this is how the pros do it. And with summer on the way, I am so ready to update and change my look. Besides, I don’t have to loose any weight to fit into a dazzling new lipstick.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

P.S. Did I also mention that I love their Paul & Joe Parisienne Chocolate Collection - Facecolor Powder Noix De Macadamia 046

Makeup Beauty Tips for an Easy French Manicure

I love the look of a French Manicure, especially on toes in the summertime. It looks so clean and fresh. A great French Manicure has straight bright white lines marking the tips of your nails and a very light, pale, almost translucent pink over the rest. While I know a lot of you also like the look, many girls tell me it’s too much trouble to make the French Manicure look just right. Never fear, I’ve got super simple makeup beauty tips for the easiest manicure you will every have.

If you read my blog on a regular basis you know I’m a firm believer in having the right tools for a job. Your makeup case, or in this case nail care kit, is not fully equipped if you don’t have the essentials tools. So, if you don’t have it- (this is the bargain tip of the day) go get the Sephora French Tips & Toes Manicure Pen. Sephora offers one for only $8, and it is soooo easy to use. It’s just an angled tip that lets you paint the tips of your toes or fingernails in a perfectly straight line. I tried this pen, and just love it.

With summer coming up I have weddings, graduations and all sorts of places to be in my open-toed sandals. And I have to say my cute shoes look so much nicer when my toes are cheery too! (Can you tell I’m starting to get a bit of summer fever?) The best makeup beauty tips I can give you are easy, inexpensive and darn cute. So Girls, go forth and look good!

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

How to Choose Prom Makeup Hairstyles and More!

Ok- girls, get ready for prom time! If you are thinking about the prom there are 2 words you need to keep in mind: Have Fun! Whether your prom experience is about friends, romance, glamour or a rockin’ good time, if you keep your perspective on the idea that you should be having fun, you will. Now- let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

Part of the fun of the whole prom experience is choosing prom makeup hairstyles, dresses and accessories. One really great way to do this is to start with a theme. Do you want to be pretty as a princess, an edgy Goth girl or a glamorous diva? This is your night to shine, and your image can reflect your inner star, or put on the performance of the night. One of my favorite things about the prom is that you can go all out in any direction you choose.

So focus your prom hairstyles makeup etc… around that theme. It will make choosing your dress that much easier. For prom hairstyles, decide if you can do this on your own, or if you will need a girlfriend or hairstylist to help you on the actual night. As far as makeup goes, the sky’s the limit. This would be a great time to play around with a glamour kit like the Bare Escentuals Shake Your Tail Feather ($131 Value) Shake Your Tail Feather. I like this makeup kit for prom makeup because the color choices are luminescent and striking, but the 9 choices will let you take it any direction you choose. Because you do not want to look just like all the other girls on the night of your prom, right?

Anyway, have fun, fun, fun as you look for the perfect prom makeup, hairstyles, dresses, and, perhaps, date? The key is to express yourself. That’s the fun of it.