bSmart With Your Mind + Body: 6 Products To Sculpt Your Body + Achieve Your Goals! How They Help You bSmart: 1. Shrink Session Digital Download. Shrink Session founded by Erin Stutland is an alchemical mix of yoga, cardio-dance, kickboxing, life coaching, meditation and inspiring affirmations that will open your heart, expand your mind, and tone and sculpt your body! Click here to learn more! What you get: • Four 45 minute heart-pumping, downloadable and/or streaming workouts that combine yoga,… Read More...

Add Erin to your network by clicking on her picture to learn more about her, add her as a bSmart friend, join her Spotlight, or message her through bSmart! Erin Stutland founder of SHRINK SESSION™ workouts and Magical Manifesters life coaching shares her cardio-dance and strength training workout with bSmart members. After having a successful career as a professional dancer touring with several renowned companies, guest starring on TV and starring in several Off-Broadway shows, Erin has taken… Read More...

bSmart by Exercising: Download 'Get Running (Couch to 5K)' iPhone App iTunes Rating (3,844): (Read reviews here!) How It Helps You bSmart: With New Year's resolutions just around the corner we thought you'd like a head start with a smart exercise. If you're not a a runner the 'Get Running (Couch to 5K)' iTunes App will help you build up your stamina from walking to running. The App is an audio and visual guide prompting you to start your exercise with a 5 minute walk followed by 1 minute run… Read More...

Hi my name is Meagan. I'm a bSmart contributor...and my body changed when I turned 30. Issue 1 – Thin skin on my neck The skin on my neck has thinned. I never knew what this meant before, but if it's happened to you, you'll know. Issue 2 – Cellulite on the front of my thighs I've had some cellulite on the back of my legs for awhile, but now it appears to have migrated to the front. I have to avoid fluorescent light when in a bathing suit. Issue 3 –I can’t find my abdominal muscles I can't get… Read More...

bSmart interviewed anti-aging expert Jackie Silver, founder of AgingBackwards.com about her tips on staying young, favorite products and how you can buy her book Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young. Aging Backwards starts on the inside. - Jackie Silver What are your top five tips for staying young? Tip 1) Exercise for 10 minutes a day. Exercise is the fountain of youth. Tip 2) Get 7-8 hours of sleep. Studies show that our bodies "tune up" while we're sleeping. Tip 3) Laughter is the best… Read More...

The popularity of detoxification diets has skyrocketed. Authors of diet books and producers of detoxifying products have theorized that our body retains toxins (chemicals with potentially harmful effects) that may cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, weight gain, and low energy. Proponents believe that the detoxification process can clear the body of these built-up poisons and suggest that it may result in increased energy, clear headedness, and the potential to cure some chronic… Read More...

Need to lose weight fast for a tropical vacation? Here is the 12-step guide to losing extra pounds and keeping them off even after your return home from that tropical vacation. Step 1 Prepare your own meals By preparing your own meals, you’ll be able to control your portion size—which at a restaurant is usually 2 times bigger than it needs to be—and the quality of products you consume. To transition to home-prepared meals, don’t try to cook all your meals at home right away. It’s best if you… Read More...

Photo via A DIY hairdo is a clever and inexpensive way to revamp your style. The Hair Bow, made famous by Gaga, can turn that simple black dress hanging in your closet into a 1960’s Mod look or create fun irony paired with skinny jeans and a graphic tee. The video tutorial shows just how easy it is to create. Make sure to have on hand a hair elastic, several bobby pins, a hair brush, and long-lasting hairspray such as L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, Extra Strong Hold. I challenge you to… Read More...

Yoga Alliance is THE certificating organization that sets the criteria that must be met for a yoga teacher to become a Registered Yoga Teacher ('RYT'). Yoga Alliance has established various certification levels. A teacher may become an RYT 200 only after he or she has completed the basic 200-hour course of training. An RYT 500 is someone who's trained for an additional 300 hours. If a teacher is an E-RYT, that means he or she has reached some threshold of teaching hours in excess of 1,000.… Read More...

With a little practice and the right products, you can create a killer cat eye that will last all day. My go to eye look is a day-to-evening cat eye, and I am frequently asked how to reproduce it. With years of product trial-and-error behind me, I've finally achieved a smudge-free line that hold a sharp shape all day. Follow these instructions for a long-lasting killer cat eye: 1. Begin with a clean, matte eye that has been primed and foundation applied. 2. With a steady hand, brush Maybelline… Read More...

Oscar Blandi Pronto – Dry Shampoo $11 What it is: This dry shampoo is the best on the market for mild to severe oily hair. It’s simply powder meant to soak up the oils in your scalp. I’ve never been able to go more than 24 hours without washing my hair, but this dry shampoo works so well at soaking up the oil, I’m now only washing my hair four times a week and I’m getting compliments on my hair for the first time. Photo by Michelle Burrus How to use: Sprinkle in the roots of your hair and brush… Read More...

Most of us need a gentle reminder now and then to stay on track with our diet and exercise regimen. As swimsuit season descends upon the hoards of muffin tops and lunch-lady arms, many women take desperate measures to keep their eating and workout habits in check. Some even go so far as to tape photos of themselves in bikinis on the fridge as a not-so-subtle reminder to think before eating (I’m looking at you, Mom). But this isn’t always practical, especially when you’re at work or simply don’t… Read More...

You’ve probably heard that 3500 calories equals a pound. This means that in order to lose a pound you must burn 3500 more calories than you consume. In order to gain a pound, you must consume 3500 more calories than you burn. 3500 is a daunting number but what if we broke it down to 10 calories at a time? 10 calories here or there doesn't seem like it matters but look at how it adds up… ● Cut 10 calories/day and lose 1 lb per year ● Cut 50 calories/day and lose 5 lbs per year ● Cut 100… Read More...

Lipstick isn’t just for graying old ladies anymore. Women of all ages are leaving the Lipgloss Only camp for something a bit bolder. And lip color is a fun way to experiment and accessorize with a minimal investment. Photo by Michelle Burrus My love for AMC’s Mad Men got the wheels turning on my current lipstick obsession. Not only do the characters show off perfect midcentury glamour with cat eye lids, bouffant updos, and of course, saturated matte lips, but in the first season, Sterling… Read More...

Glowing skin is always in style. There is nothing quite like a sensational salt scrub to give you that super soft, smooth skin that’s both bright and radiant. Exfoliating your body with sea salt soaked in oil removes the unproductive layers of dead skin cells while moisturizing the fresh new layers just revealed. I am addicted to Lavender Apple Body Scrub by Sabon NYC. Having tried many body scrubs, I always return to Sabon's scrub and adore how soft it leaves my skin. According to Sabon,… Read More...

A less expensive yet reliable facial is the Triple Oxygen Facial at Bliss Spa. The aesthetician doesn't spend an hour on extractions (who does?), but their facials are always reliable. Your skin will look smooth and clear immediately afterwards. The great thing about a Bliss facial is that you can go out the same night and no one knows your face was poked and prodded for an hour and a half. Bliss does a good job of staying 'in the know' about products and incorporates them into your facial if… Read More...

Photo by Willis Roberts Instead of waiting for your next hair cut or making weekly appointments at the salon to have a professional blow out, DIY by watching this video on How to get a Salon Pro Blow Out at Home: Read More...

After a long day at the office, all you want to do when you get home is crash on your couch and never get back up. So how are you supposed to motivate yourself to go to the gym when you can’t quite seem to peel yourself away from those oh-so-comfy cushions? Solution: Don’t go home. Well, you can go home eventually, but if you go to the gym right after work, you won’t be able to convince yourself that staying on your couch is a better idea. Plus, if you live in a driving city like DC or Atlanta… Read More...

Over the past few months, I have completely fallen in love with Birchbox! For just $10 each month you get 4-5 fabulous cosmetic samples in an adorable box. My first box arrived with eucalyptus lotion, fancy face wash, bold nail polish, and concealer—it made me so happy! Since then, I've acquired eye liner, night cream, eye gel, and lots of fabulous perfume samples. Photo by Birchbox If you love cosmetics and adore samples, Birchbox is most definitely for you! Any product from the current… Read More...

I've been on a bit of a smoothie kick recently. I'm trying to cut out some of the processed foods in my diet and eat a little "closer to the Earth," but noshing on salads day after day can get pretty tiresome. My smoothie habit started when I discovered a chain of delicious smoothie shops in my new city, but I quickly realized that the smoothies were wreaking more havoc on my diet than they were helping it. These super-sweet concoctions filled me up for about an hour, but then I was ravenous… Read More...

My friend Brooke (finder of all things cute, trendy and inexpensive) discovered Nui Nails II last summer. I was a bit doubtful about the quality and cleanliness at such a cheap price--$5 mani and $10 pedi. But I needed a change after spending $130 for a mani/pedi/10-minute-back-massage at an Upper East Side nail salon (that I won't name) and thinking, "I could do just as good a job, and the polish will chip off in a week anyway." So, I zipped down to 26th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.… Read More...

Question: Any tips for getting up early in the morning? Well the no-brainer would be to go to bed earlier. But in the event that an earlier bedtime isn’t an option: 1. Create a really annoying alarm sound and move your alarm far away from your bed so absentmindedly snoozing or shutting it off isn’t an option. 2. The minute you’re out of your bed—make it. It’s a lot more challenging to crawl back into a bed that has a bunch of throw pillows on it. 3. Once you’re up, put on music right away.… Read More...

It’s important to note that every woman (every person) can be slightly different in her nutritional needs – some people have low or high blood sugar, some people are prone to high cholesterol, some women have low iron, etc. It’s always best to ask your doctor or find a nutritionist who can talk to you, evaluate your diet, perhaps do an exam or run some blood work, and give you specific recommendations for your needs. That being said, there are some basic vitamins that are important for all… Read More...

What do baking soda, olive oil, honey, avocadoes and brown sugar have in common? They are the cure to my winter skin woes. I don't know about you but as the weather gets colder, my skin gets DRY. I hate the itchy feeling of dry skin and especially hate my reflection in the mirror. My make-up looks cake-y, my under eyes are dark and lips feel like sand paper. Sure there are lots of products out there to treat these symptoms, but I have found that some simple pantry staples will do the trick just… Read More...

Question: Any hairstyle ideas for a job interview? Answer: Well, what is the interview for? A bun may be too severe and hair down may be too messy or a distraction. Pulled off your face in a flattering but not overdone manner is probably best. I’ve lately been a big fan of barrettes—pulling a chunk of hair to the side or modified half-up, half down. Just be sure it’s approachable, whatever you do. YouTube is excellent for hair ideas…whatever you do, try it out a few times before the interview… Read More...

Do you ever feel like you are too old for blemishes? I'm not sure at what age they are supposed to never pop up again, but it's clearly not 30. I wouldn't say that I have problem skin. In fact, earlier in life I was thrilled that my skin dramatically improved as I approached my twenties. I felt so mature and proud, and I tended to broadcast my skin clearing solutions to all my friends, much like a Katy Perry Proactiv commercial. At 19, after seeing such an extraordinary transformation of my… Read More...

Want to create big, bright eyes? Tarte emphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener is a soft, fine-tip pencil liner that will give you big, beautiful, wide-awake eyes. It is a great addition to your daily makeup routine that will give you a fresh wide-eyed look. To use, glide the smooth liner along the bottom inner rim and inner corner of each eye. You will be amazed at how the flesh-colored liner will highlight your eye and make it pop. Photo by Michelle Burrus To add Tarte emphasEYES Inner Rim… Read More...

We all know by now that antioxidants are excellent for our bodies. Acting as scavengers, antioxidants prevent and repair oxidative damage caused to our body by free radicals. Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are among the many health problems linked to free radicals. It is widely publicized that fruit such as blueberries, pomegranates, and acai berries are powerful antioxidants, scoring high on the ORAC test. ORAC, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a method used by the… Read More...

Do you ever watch TV and think, 'Wow, that actress looks great. I wonder how she got that bod?' Well, she probably didn’t get it from sitting on her couch and staring at her flat screen. However, that’s not to say you can’t watch television and get fit at the same time! Case in point: Commercial breaks. Previously taken up by bathroom visits and trips to the fridge, commercial breaks are the new 'It' time to squeeze in some toning exercises. It only takes a few minutes to do most toning… Read More...

If you're looking for a thorough cleaning and deep extractions and are willing to spare no expense, there is nothing like a facial at Dr. Gross Dermatology. Your skin will be clean and clear 48 hours after your visit (and your wallet $300 lighter). I first learned about Dr. Dennis Gross and his Alpha Beta Peel while researching Olivia Palermo's skin care regimen. I called the dermatology office for an appointment (thankfully, they take my insurance), and the dermatologist who examined my skin… Read More...

Does this situation sound familiar? Throughout the day you made sure to eat really healthily, you went to the gym, and you are feeling good! Then you meet up with friends, and they want a treat. You’re not hungry, but you don’t want to be left out. So you end up eating something that wasn’t good for you that you weren’t really hungry for. I’ve been in this situation a ton! Sometimes it’s hard to be healthy when you’re being social. To keep your diet and fitness plan on track, try these three… Read More...

Pink, purple, red, nude? Why should you have to choose? If you are like me, you sometimes find it difficult to choose between lip colors. After trying every shade, I can easily walk out of my local Sephora empty handed due to indecision and a desire to own every hue. That’s why I find the multi-colored lip look incredibly satisfying. Picking up on the current color blocking trend, this bi-color lip lacquer is a clever way to show you are in the know when it comes to Spring/Summer 2012 fashion.… Read More...

The T. Le Clerc powders are all amazing (the secret ingredient is a rice powder), but I currently love the powder foundation. T. Le Clerc products are the only foundations that don’t make me break out. They smooth out my redness and make my face look naturally clear. For longer lasting coverage, use their iridescent make-up base cream (also doesn’t make me break-out) and then use large brush to spread powder foundation over the face. Both are very light and provide great coverage. Photo by… Read More...

Finding the right makeup can be daunting. I recommend going to a department store like Macy’s or Bloomingdale's. Walk around the makeup counters, and find which one feels like you. The women at the counters will wear about the amount of makeup (maybe a little more) that you imagine yourself wearing. The colors and packaging will feel like you. Clinique, MAC, Estee Lauder and Philosophy are all very different companies. Are you classic, simple and no fuss? Clinique is for you. Maybe you narrow… Read More...

Recently, life has been a little crazy. We’ve all had those few days or weeks when our lives feel really jam packed. Even when we are busy with things we are excited for, running around all the time can begin to take its toll. Exercise has always been my way to clear my head. For me, there is nothing like a long run to put life in perspective. For some reason though, my usual routine was not doing the trick last week. Case in point: I woke up at 1:30 in the morning worried that I had forgotten… Read More...

I love stickers. My passion runs deep for these instantly gratifying sticky cutouts of decorative fun. Who remembers Lisa Frank and the candy colored stickers you played with as a child in the late 80s? If you do, then chances are you will be just as excited as I am about this latest beauty find. Trend Tips from Sephora by OPI are real lacquer nail strips that work like genuine nail polish but you can apply like a sticker. The adhesive back and the shape of the strip make the nail appliqué easy… Read More...

Question: How can I find an OBGYN in a new city? Answer: Ask around. It’s awkward, sure, but every lady has to have one, so someone is bound to have recommendations. Friends and family are ideal, but if they're not local, coworkers will do (and then you know the doctor is covered by your insurance!). If asking in person is too challenging, send an email or a text instead. Worst case scenario: Go online…I’m a big fan of yelp. And after you’ve found an OBGYN you like, don’t hesitate to post a… Read More...

I have a new favorite makeup line. It was raining outside, I didn't have an umbrella, I was out of makeup and I had a party to go to. I ducked inside Bergdorf Goodman hoping to pick up a few pieces of T. LeClerc (my favorite French drugstore line) and to my horror found that BG had stopped selling it. I asked a saleswoman if she could recommend another store in New York that sells T. LeClerc. The store was closing in 30 minutes and I was not prepared to commit the next 6 months of my life to a… Read More...

If you’re willing to spare no expense for your moisturizer, look no further than Natura Bisse Diamond Gel Cream. I have naturally oily skin, so it’s very hard to find a product that feels light on my skin and doesn’t break me out. I discovered this line from using a sample after a facial and I can’t go back. It’s expensive, but if you use it sparingly, it can last up to 6 months. Ask the sales associate for free samples (only appropriate if you’re buying at least 1 product) and now you’re up to… Read More...

Question: How much time per week do I need to devote to my health to take care of myself? Answer: It may sound ridiculous to you, but I think your should aim for 2 hours per day. Sometimes it absolutely WON’T be possible, and maybe one day per week you can devote 4 to 6 hours, but I think 2 hours per day is a solid average. I would include reading or another no-stress hobby, 1 hour of exercise or physical activity per day, and the time you take in the morning to take care of your skin and hair.… Read More...

I am not one to invest money in a blow dryer, or so I thought. A year ago, I knew very little about the benefits of owning a professional blow dryer. My at-home daily hair styling routine had consisted of 2-4 types of product (after shampoo and conditioner), a beloved brush I had used since I was 16, and an $18 six-year old drugstore brand blow dryer that got the job done. I had no complaints with my primping process but also had no idea what I was missing out on. Believing the blow dryer's… Read More...

To eat healthy when I travel I try to 1) Travel with some 'filler' foods that are actually decent for me and 2) Not 'go crazy' just because I’m eating out and on vacation. Moderation is SO key when it comes to diet—militant restrictions and tricks work for a time, but our will power will always run out. Filler foods--dried fruit, granola, veggie chips, cut vegetables, even a chocolate bar—are pick me ups to keep me from buying something awful in the airport or on the road. And then as I sit… Read More...

My love for nail polish knows no bounds. When I stumbled upon Nails Inc. nail polish, I knew the brand would become my new obsession. I have since tried ten colors in the brand, and suffice it to say I am completely satisfied and in love. The colors are out of this world. Nails Inc nail polish meets the criteria I look for in a good nail polish brand: Quick-drying, long-lasting, a smooth finish, a variety of fashion forward colors to satisfy any mood, and a color in the bottle that matches what… Read More...

Interview with Cambra Overend, 29 years old, breast cancer survivor Part I BS: You’re an advocate of eating organic. Why? CO: It’s one of the best things in the world you can do for your health. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I made eating organic a priority because of the risk of ingesting more chemicals, hormones, & pesticides – all factors in causing many types of cancer. I understand that it’s expensive and most restaurants do not buy organic. It’s unrealistic for most people to… Read More...

After trying every facial cleanser out there for my oily-T-zone-adult-onset acne issue, I’m back to what my dermatologist first recommended and incidentally, it is the cheapest facial cleanser you can buy. This cleanser is great for oily skin as my acne started to clear up right away. I would imagine it works for dry skin, as well, as I haven’t noticed my face feeling tight after I was it. It’s inexpensive and truly the best out there – a must try that won’t break the bank! Photo via Note – Be… Read More...

Whenever I can I try to remind myself that I don’t need the junk food and that a craving for something sweet or salty has no actual power over me. I find this positive reinforcement helps me when a craving hits. It’s a little easier to remember that I can walk away. But please, don’t always not eat junk food—moderation is key. Sometimes the junk food, in appropriate portions, is actually just what you need. What I’ve found to be ABSOLUTELY key is finding and designating alternatives. I LOVE… Read More...

For many first-time moms, pregnancy is already filled with the 'what-ifs' and late night Google searches about every scary complication out there. So, why would physicians choose to add to the concern with unnecessary screens and tests—ones that cost a lot of money and pose more of a threat than foregoing them altogether? Despite the medical advice from a majority of doctors in this country, pregnancy screens are not required and should be carefully considered before agreed upon. For instance,… Read More...

The weather is finally warming up, and the Fashified team couldn't be more excited about being able to take our workouts outdoors. Whether we're doing yoga in the park or running the city streets, we love taking advantage of the enormous natural gym around us. Although exercising outdoors is free, there's some gear out there that makes using Mother Nature's gym a lot more convenient. So, we're here to share some of our favorite items to help you take your fitness routine from the gym to the… Read More...

There are quite a few whitening products, but if you’re not into the bleaching and extra expenses, there are still a couple of tricks: 1. Drink any dark liquids out of a straw, and avoid coffee, tea and red wine, which are all likely to stain your teeth. Photo by Michelle Burrus 2. Brush with a baking soda-based toothpaste as frequently as possible (be sure you’re using a gentle toothbrush so you are sure not to damage your gums with excessive brushing). Colgate's Optic White is an awesome… Read More...

Reve de Miel by NUXE has saved my lips. I found this lip balm at my favorite apothecary, Space NK. The company has opened an Upper East Side location on Lexington Avenue between 70th and 71st, so now I can stop by on my way home from work. Photo via Earlier this year I popped in to see what was new in stock (I've tried almost everything). A saleswoman asked if she could help me, and I asked her to recommend their best product for dry or cracked lips. I was certain she was going to suggest… Read More...

My skin has been breaking out since I was 12 years old. I've never been acne-free. I've always bucketed myself into the 'oily T-zone' category, and I only buy oil-free moisturizers. I used Proactiv for years, and that seemed to work. But, even greater than my fear of acne, I had a fear of developing pre-mature wrinkles from the high concentration of benzoyl peroxide in Proactiv so I stopped using Proactiv several years ago. Then this past winter something terrible happened to my skin from… Read More...

I love olive oil but it takes at least two shampoos for my hair not to look oily after a treatment. I’ll put some olive oil in a little squeeze bottle and then I add a few essential oils to it that smell great (lavender, rose, etc). I’ll put it on my ends and then run my hands through my hair a few times before bed, but I ONLY do this if I'm showering and washing my hair in the morning. Photo by Michelle Burrus If I don’t have the foresight to do an olive oil treatment at night, I’ll put a… Read More...

Eat right Plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, enough good proteins and fats (lean meats, olive oil, nuts & beans, etc), lots of water, and not too much alcohol or processed foods. Exercise Even if you’re not trying to stay “in shape,” exercise is essential for a well-functioning body. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk a few more blocks to the next subway stop, take the dog for a run in the park, go hiking, ride a bike, go for walks with friends, or set out to walk around a… Read More...

Teasing is a basic hair technique you should know if you are going to sculpt hairstyles with volume. When I say tease, I’m not suggesting we all have Snooki's 'do, but I must give kudos to Snooks, who clearly knows the proper tricks to teasing. There are many updos, ponys, and down-dos that require a good tease. In order to manipulate your hair into modern bouffants or sassy side ponies, you have to create volume near the root so that the hair will do what you want it to do. Master these simple… Read More...

One of my favorite discoveries in 2011 was Birchbox, something that I just can't seem to stop talking about. Basically, Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that delivers 4-5 sizable cosmetic samples right to your door. It's just a little thing each month that makes me incredibly happy! This month's box was all about clarity in the New Year, and inside the box they included a few ideas for some mini-detoxes. They're so simple and attainable, I thought I'd share them with you! Mini Detoxes… Read More...

As a registered dietician, I realize that weight loss goals are often not realistic, resulting in failure to achieve the desired results and reinforcing our belief that losing weight is an elusive dream. Why not try a different approach this year....one that is much more user-friendly and more likely to achieve long lasting results? Identifying small dietary changes that you can live with can bring about slow gradual weight loss that can be maintained without starvation, resulting in long term… Read More...

My nearly 90 year-old grandmother asked me this week about hurting oneself practicing yoga, a topic that has been in the news a lot lately. If she's wondering, I figure others are, too. The practice of yoga traces back to ancient India, where practitioners used the discipline to achieve higher states of consciousness. Now however, many yogis practice one aspect of yoga called asanas, or physical postures, to enhance their physical health. Photo by Michelle Burrus So can you hurt yourself… Read More...

Exercise is vital to maintaining a healthy body. It impacts your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar level and stress level, it prevents diseases (cancer, diabetes, heart disease), improves your skin tone and general appearance, helps you sleep, keeps your bones and muscles strong and straight, and helps keep you young! Maintaining a healthy weight and low blood pressure helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Keeping your bones and muscles strong helps prevent… Read More...

Interview with Cambra Overend, 28 years old, breast cancer survivor Part IV BS: I have to admit, I don’t take my vitamins. Is that horrible? CO: Actually, a healthy woman should be getting all her vitamins and minerals from the foods she eats. You can’t take enough vitamins to make up for what you need to when eating a healthy diet. You cannot take 6 vitamins a day and think you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs. Of course, every woman’s nutritional needs are different. If you’re… Read More...

Interview with Cambra Overend, 28 years old, breast cancer survivor Part III 1. Ask your friends for recommendations – are they happy with their doctors? 2. Make a list and then call to see if they take your insurance 3. Google their asses…see if there are reviews, feedback, etc. 4. Research the doctor and practice and articles they’ve written online. 5. You can switch at any time if you don’t like them. (And never be afraid to seek a second opinion!) *My favorite Ob-Gyn in New York is Downtown… Read More...

Lately I’ve gotten the urge to chop it all off. You know, ditch my shoulder length locks for an edgy and of-the-moment pixie cut. Actress Mia Farrow famously wore her hair cropped short in the fifties, bravely showing off her gorgeous bone structure and inspiring generations of women to try a shorter ‘do. Recently, the Hollywood set has jumped on board with this look, with Michelle Williams, Emma Watson, and Anne Hathaway sporting pixie cuts (although Anne’s is only a wig for a role). Bloggers… Read More...

As counterintuitive as it may seem, you can boost your energy by exercising. Challenging yourself physically and raising your heartbeat during the day will help you sleep deeper at night and thus leave you feeling more awake throughout the day. To boost your energy level you should also evaluate your sleep environment. Are there a lot of random noises that might be disturbing your sleep cycle or lights that could be eliminated? It’s often recommended to eliminate electronics the 30 minutes… Read More...

I think all it takes is one reading or viewing of Supersize Me — or my personal favorite, Food, Inc. — to have the answer to that one. It’s worth it. Here's a list of the fruits and vegetables that are most important to eat organic and those that are naturally grown with fewer pesticides below. I also prioritize organic (or at least natural ) eggs, milk and meats and then go from there. Eat Organic Peaches Apples Sweet bell peppers Celery Nectarines Strawberries Cherries Pears Grapes Spinach… Read More...

How do I start young and set myself up for healthy pregnancies, life, and post menopausal life? I've seen my mother and aunts struggle with diseases that are totally preventable had proactive measures been taken at a young age, however I do not feel educated in that regard. Making health choices now that will affect the rest of your life can be overwhelming. There’s so much information available, so many opinions. I would say to start with what you know. Photo by Michelle Burrus Work on… Read More...

Photo by Willis Roberts Lately, I've been relishing in the fact that buns are back in style. This video tutorial from Birchbox is so easy and simple that even I can do it! Enjoy! Elizabeth Williams has a blog at www.longtolove.com Read More...

It’s Sunday, and, if you’re like me, you’re feeling the effects of a weekend spent indulging in less-than-healthy foods and too few trips to the gym. Pants feeling a little snugger than usual? Mine too. Instead of calling the weekend a wash and giving in to those sweatpants and pint of ice cream, consider doing something that’s actually going to make you feel better afterward…giving yourself a mini-makeover! When you look good, you feel good, and that is a surefire way to boost your mood and… Read More...

Going to the gym can be intimidating for many women. You want to exercise and look good doing it, but that often seems like an impossible task. The sweat, the drippy mascara, the way your lipstick smudges and your foundation creases–not exactly the look you were going for. The only option, it would seem, is to go bare-faced when you exercise and hope you don’t run into anyone you know (or would like to know, for that matter). Photo by Michelle Burrus Lucky for us, however, advancements in… Read More...

It’s been a long day, and all you want to do is settle down on your couch with a glass of wine and a snack…or twenty. When the TV turns on, your brain turns off, and before you know it, you’ve eaten an entire bag of chips. Eek! In today’s world of sensory overload, it can be hard to watch TV without something else to keep you occupied at the same time. Next time you sit down to watch Dancing with the Stars though try one of these other activities that will help you add style to your life while… Read More...