Category — Ask the Experts

Hi all

Not too long ago I was contacted by one of my credit card companies claiming that there was irregular activity of my card. Someone had gotten a hold of the number and had gone to town. Fortunately they called me fairly early on and stopped it before too much damage was done. I wish I could say that this was the first and last time that it happened. Running a business on the internet seems to put me at higher risk. It can be a bit scary.

Most websites are secure. Look at the bottom of the site and on the shopping cart to ensure that it is a secure site before purchasing. Also make sure that your credit and debit cards have protection against identity theft.

Another pre-cautionary measure that you can take is to join lifelock.This is a service that focuses exclusively on protecting your identity. They charge only $10 a month to keep your identity safe and carry $1,000,000 insurance policies just in case, hire lawyers on your behalf and do what it takes to recover your good name as long as you are still a member. They even make sure that your name is taken off of those pre-approved credit card approval lists. Yes, they help you lighten your junk mail load!

You all know I like to keep it light on this site but this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. If it could happen to me, it could happen to you. Be safe and take precautions.

Sincerely,

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

Hi all

I know that we can sometimes be hyperaware of our bodies and breasts can be a big part of our self -image. I can sit here telling you all day that size doesn’t matter and that you need to be happy with what you have. This is something that I actually believe. Happiness comes with loving yourself as you are.

Some of you will choose to believe the fashion magazines instead. To save you money, time and surgery here is one suggestion that I have actually used to achieve firm breasts and have actually seen an increase in breast size - wild yam cream. I use it to keep them firm and see the bigger size as an added benefit.

You can buy it in just about any natural market like Chamberlains or Whole Foods. This is a safe alternative to surgery. The only downside, that I know of,  is that if you stop using it your breast size does go back to normal. You should also test a bit out on your skin to make sure that you don’t have an allergy to it before you use it long term.

Also if you are looking for natural alternatives to breast surgery you should read this ebook - Flat to Fab by Lucille Sorella, Breast Enlargement Expert.

She is a personal friend of mine and I have seen her help hundreds of women achieve bigger breasts with or without surgery. I also know that she has personally used these techniques with awesome results.

Anyway, if you are looking to get bigger breasts naturally try wild yam cream and read Lucille’s book.

Sincerely,

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

Hi all

On your big day you want to look your best. That is why there is such a huge market for bridal makeup. Beauty experts know that you are searching high and low for your perfect look. There are a ton of beauty reviews slanted towards brides, and many magazines totally dedicated to brides.

A wedding is a huge deal. You want every detail perfect, including your bridal makeup. The good news is that you have a lot of information out there to help you.

Most of the information you will find is going to gear you towards a specific look. So the first thing you need to do is figure out what look you want. Consider everything about your bridal makeup and decide what features you want to play up. Think about incorporating a new look or a technique that you want to give a try. Take your time so you end up happy with your choice.

Now that you have decided on your look you can move on to choosing makeup. Depending on your look you will choose makeup that is going to be the right shades and types. For example, if you are going for rosy cheeks then go with something like Tarte Cheek Stain Blushing Bride. It is a bold look that has staying power. That is something else to think about – long lasting bridal makeup. You don’t want it to end up disappearing in the middle of the wedding.

One last tip – no matter what look you are going for, nothing caps it off like white teeth. Try GoSMILE B1 Tooth Whitener 20 Ampoules. You will get a brilliant smile that matches your radiant glow.

You are the highlight of your wedding. All eyes will be on you so you have to look your best. Choosing the right bridal makeup is a great way to feel more confident and assured that your big day is going to be fabulous.

Congratulations!

Sincerely,

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

P.S. Unsure of how exactly to go about planning your wedding? Check out this wedding planning guide 

Hi all

I have been in a seminar for the last several weekends that has really revived my belief in romance. While taking Daniel Olson’s NLP Practitioner training I have had the chance to meet some amazing women that are actually walking the talk of good relationships.

One woman, from France, has a view of relationships that one only seems to see in the movies. She and her husband recently renewed their vows and her face still lights up after nine years of being together. She absolutely believes in love at first site and the power of “what is meant to be.” Another woman in the group considers her husband as her best friend and is able to maintain their relationship while working together - an amazing feat.

Some might say, “there must be something in the air.” For example, the husband of one of our neighbors just planted a rose garden in his wife’s honor for their anniversary. Others might think that these women just got lucky.

I believe that something more is going on here. Men and women are becoming more savvy where relationships are concerned. We are learning that if you want romantic love then you have to work at it.

Although all the women that attended Dan’s seminar were there to get their NLP certification, when asked what we wanted to get out of the course, we all stated personal goals. We then used NLP techniques to achieve them. The main theme seemed to be to find balance between our careers, our relationships and our need to still feel like confident, desirable women.

As a dating columnist and author, I am always looking for new techniques to share with you and to learn for myself. Several of the techniques we learned this weekend focused on letting go of the guilt associated with doing things for ourselves so that we could have the positive energy to devote to our relationships. It was amazing how every woman in the room seemed to have the exact same issues. We all want to have our careers and our own interests while still keeping the romance and devotion alive in our relationships. Once you let go of the guilt, it is amazing how much time becomes available for both.

Balance seems to occur when we allow ourselves to feel loving, not just to others but to ourselves. It is incredible how some of the NLP techniques taught in this course helped dissolve the confusion. They also seemed to open up a whole new level of communication for these women in their relationships. Within the first day we were all reporting the ability to read the body language of our significant others on a whole new level.

If you are looking for new ways to relate to others, view yourself and achieve balance then I highly recommend Dan’s course. It isn’t touted as a “relationship course” but the techniques that you will learn can be applied to every area of your life.

Let me know when you take the course. I would love to post your feedback.

Sincerely,

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

Hi all

Part of running a successful business is staying in touch with your clients and colleagues. A great way to do this is by remembering their birthdays and sending them Birthday Cards. It adds a personal touch. One company that can print and personalize your corporate birthday cards is cardsdirect.com. They have a very nice selection and having them handle the printing and even offer free shipping and up to 40% off on many of their business birthday cards.

Personalizing your business is an excellent way to stay a step ahead of your competition. It is the little touches that your clients will remember. I know many of you are into sending ecards but when it comes to client relations there is nothing like getting a card physically by mail. Plus for some clients, yours may be the only card that they receive. Who would you rather do business with one of a million corporations or a company that takes the time to wish you well on your special day? Your clients are no different than you are. Go that extra mile and they will appreciate it.

Sincerely,

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

In my beauty reviews I always recommend starting with a good foundation. Most beauty experts will tell you that you should look at your face as a canvas. You want to start with a flawless canvas so you can apply the makeup in the best possible way. The way to get that good canvas is with good foundation makeup. The Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit($181 Value) is just perfect for providing the best possible foundation makeup. The Get Started kit comes in three different shades to work for any skin color. It is perfect for covering every type of skin imperfection. This kit provides you with everything you will need. It includes SPF 15 foundation that is very unique. It looks like a powder, but it feels like a cream when you apply it. The look when you are finished applying it is completely natural. Do you struggle with applying foundation makeup that looks natural? It can be hard to avoid dryness and other problems, but with this kit you can apply the perfect foundation without any hassle. That is because this makeup is just that good. The kit includes a range of products. Besides the foundation it also has the bare Vitamins Skin Rev-er Upper, the mineral veil, the bronzer and three brushes for application. It is an amazing value. The kit includes an instructional DVD which is like having your own personal makeup artist helping you along the way. What more could you want? You will soon be on your way to a perfect finished look.

Sincerely,

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

Taken any good trips lately? I have. Weekend getaways, family visits, out and out vacations. But you know what really makes me nuts about it? If I get there only to find that my shampoo has leaked all over my underwear. Or that that great little bottle of face wash is now indistinguishable from my hairspray. I did make these rookie mistakes once upon a time. That was before I discovered the essential tool that every girl should have in her beauty arsenal- the makeup bag.

Yes, I know- a makeup bag isn’t something you need to travel to the ends of the earth to find. So is it really necessary that I sit here and write beauty reviews on the subject? Ah yes, my lovely makeup maidens; I believe it is. Finding a decent makeup bag that will stand the test of time, face the indignities of post-911 airport security, and still look like something that a dignified diva can stand to be seen with is no small task.

A really good makeup bag should:

• Be attractive enough that you’d buy it for another purpose

• Be roomy enough for your specific needs

• Have zippers and closures to protect against leaks and spills

• Tempt me into writing great beauty reviews for it

Now your needs for a makeup bag and mine are bound to differ. A weekend trip to visit the folks and a weeklong honeymoon will call for dramatically different bags. But here are two makeup bags that earned their way in to my beauty reviews during a couple of my action-packed traveling adventures.

The Sephora Brand Core Nylon Double Handle Clutch Organizer is my favorite makeup bag for storing daily cosmetics or for a quick weekend get-away. OK-The name could use a little more sizzle, but frankly the style and functionality make up for that. It looks like a cute little handled clutch you could carry out on the town, but it’s full of mesh pockets, zippered enclosures, slide pockets, and even a removable makeup bag.

Not big enough for you seasoned travelers? Never fear- its big sister, the Sephora Brand Core Vinyl Double Handle Makeup Bag has 3 removable makeup bags. All sealed up tight when you need them to be. Who could ask for more of a makeup bag than that?

Let me know some of your favorites or give these little treasures a try.

Sincerely,

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

Hi all

We all like to try new hair styles, makeup and fashion trends but how do you know what will actually look good on  your without spending a fortune? Well now there is a way to see exactly what looks good on you before you buy. There is a new site that lets you upload your photo and try out different hairstyle and makeup styles online before you buy. I love companies that think ahead and give us real solutions.

If you want to try a beauty makeover before you spend a fortune give this site a shot: Try thousands of hairstyles, makeup colors & accessories on your own photo!

Take the free trial first to sample some of their amazing makeover features and then sign up for their subscription service which gives you even more styles to choose from. I love the feature that allows you to upload your photo( upload a photo of yourself with your hair pulled back, if possible). You can then choose from dozens of celebrities to see how their hair style and color would look on your face. This is great especially if you are thinking of trying a different hair color. You want to make sure it works with your skin tone first before doing something drastic.

Let me know what you think.

Sincerely,

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

P.S. Thank you to our sponsors. You and our readers help keep this site going.

Hi all

As you know stillagirl.com is about more than just fashion and beauty. We are all about improving every area of your life. If your finances are not in order then you can’t buy all the cool little treatments that make you feel pampered, beautiful and downright sexy.

So todays blog is about investing in a knowledgeable and safe way. Having good information is key when deciding how and where to invest your money. Now there is a site where you can go and share opinions on stocks, read the latest research and brainstorm investing ideas with like minded people. The site is called MyWallSt.net

It also gives you an opportunity to give back to your community. If you have a system that has consistantly worked for you, here is a place where you can share it with others. Making money is fantastic, sharing your knowledge with others can only enhance your life.

The above site allows you to learn and pass on your experience. It seems like a win win situation for all. As always, do your due diligence with all of your investments. Don’t invest your entire savings in one “hot stock” because Stockman101 believes it is on  the rise. Look at the information provided, do your research and make educated decisions.

Ok all that was your financial tip of the day. Check out the site and tell me what you think.

Sincerely,

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

Hi all

In most cases I recommend a reasonable diet and excercize to lose weight. I was brought up with the everything in moderation mentality and denial is not a word I am big on. But there are cases where diet and excercize just aren’t enough and surgery should be considered. If this is something that you are thinking of doing here is a obesity surgery that is a lot less invasive than the rest. It is called Lap-Band surgery and is the only surgery of its type that is fairly non invasive, you are in and out the same day, and is completely reversable.

The way it works is that they make a series of small incisions in your abdoman and place a band around the upper part of your stomach. This insures that you get full alot quicker as only a small amount of food will comfortably fit in your stomach. The doctor is able to go in and adjust this for your comfort level and can reverse the procedure if it is truly not for you.

As with any diet method, consult with your primary physician to see if it is right for you. Then take a really good look at why you want the surgery. Is it truly for health benefits or because you actually believe those air brushed pictures you see in the magazines? If it is the latter work on your self esteem first and then make a clear decision.

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

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