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Live Blog: The Bach

Katie McNew — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:42:23 +0000

Crowd is thinning. Time for dinner. McNew out.

Live Blog: The Bach

Katie McNew — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:44:35 +0000

This just in per Bachelor hopeful David (who just so happens to have been on MTV’s Next–Next-er rather than Next-ee): the bachelor is, like, so supeficial guhls. I know. Craaazy. Although everone here is filling out applications, it’s the “beautiful people” they’re looking for tonight. Scouts will roam the floor and select a good cut of meat, so to say. …but I’m sure they’ll review the applications tonight. I did hear that interviews will continue tomorow.
P.S. David’s single (oh you think so, doctor?) and ready to mingle. Davidhaan@gmail.com

Live Blog: The Bach

Katie McNew — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:34:45 +0000

Former bachelor “Jeremy from Dallas” just sighted. Also perfume and vodka in the air. The crowd is thickening.

Live Blog from the Joule: The Bachelor Auditions

Katie McNew — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:16:10 +0000

Quote of the night (yes, I’m calling it already): “I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just happy there are 200 people here at seven o’clock.” –The Bartender

Re: Bowling and Bars

Katie McNew — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:06:25 +0000

Speaking of tomorrow night’s big matchup, where will you guys be watching the game?

Wanna Cook Like Jessica Simpson?

Rhonda Reinhart — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:37:11 +0000

Not sure what to make of this story.

S.W.A.K.

Kristin Hull — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:18:11 +0000

If you were one of those kids who couldn’t keep from coloring outside the lines then LipStamp may be for you. The packet (which runs $24.95) comes with ten different lip-shaped sponges. If you ‘re in the Betty Boop mood try the tiny one, or for a fuller look, pick a larger size. To use them, simply stick the chosen shape to the applicator, apply your lipstick to it, press the applicator to your lips, and voila! You’ve got a perfect pout! (Is it me or does this seem like a LOT of work?)

Bowling and Bars

Katie McNew — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:29:26 +0000

I’m sure some of you out there are football fans. If you’re not, your husband/boyfriend/guy friends are, which, in my experience, equates to lots of time spent in sports bars—especially these past few weeks, as I’ve learned that watching bowl games, no matter who is playing, is the lifeblood which sustains football fans through the drudgery of the off season by spurring countless arguments as to the merits and/or faults of the BCS selection system (not to mention heated debates about which conference reigns supreme). All this bar time hasn’t exactly kick-started my “new year, new you” campaign, but in preparation for Thursday’s national championship game (Boomer Sooner!), I’ve decided to do a little research to help me navigate the standard bar drink menu.

Thanks, Fitho, for the wonderful info. The following beverages are all around 100 calories:

1. Champagne, Red Wine: Per glass, both these drinks contain less than a 100 calories.

2. Diet Lime Vodka: A 30 ml shot of vodka, with diet lime soda and a splash of lime.

3. Gin & Tonic: This classic drink is also low on calories. Better yet, if its diet Tonic.

4. Diet Cuba Libre: A 30 ml shot of rum, a splash of lime and top off with diet cola.

Steer clear of sugary juices, cream, liquers, etc. They’re high in calories and just give you the munchies.

Let me know if you have any other drink suggestions!

Anti-Friction Cream Test: Take 2

Katie McNew — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:29:51 +0000

After initial application, I had a full afternoon on my feet—running home to let the dog out, cruising the office, hiking down the stairs for a soda pop … you know, the norm. And what’s the word, you say? Success! I see/feel no sign of impending blisters. And thank goodness. I convinced my husband to splurge on these fancy stilettos because they were to be my new “everyday black pumps.” And now they will be.

Moral of the story: Buy any pair of shoes you want, then tack on $12.99 for this stiletto saver. And as they say, “don’t get rubbed the wrong way.”

ShopTalk Crush of the Week: Josh Brolin

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:15:51 +0000

When I saw Milk over the holidays, I was expecting to be blown away by Sean Penn, pleasantly surprised by James Franco, and, at the most, mildly entertained by the other supporting actors. But that is not at all what happened. In actuality, only one actor made me want to talk about him the next day: Josh Brolin. Everyone else was good—Emile Hirsch, especially, deserves kudos—but Brolin was great. I’m no film critic, but in my opinion, Brolin’s portrayal of Harvey Milk killer Dan White had more depth than all the others combined. And did I mention his rugged good looks? Even with a late-’70s comb-over and ugly three-piece suits, Brolin managed to maintain a certain level of sexiness. His manly-man looks also served him well in 2007’s No Country for Old Men (my fave flick from that year), and he was even putting on the charm way back in 1985 when his mean-big-brother character won the girl in The Goonies. Diane Lane, you’re a lucky lady!

Anti-Friction Cream Test: Take 1

Katie McNew — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:50:39 +0000

So, I told you about this Anti-Friction Cream by Mission Product a few weeks ago, and I just got some. Today I wore said two-hour party stilettos to work and walked around just enough to cause a bit of friction right around the metatarsophalangeal joint (where one might get a bunion). After removing stiletto, area was found to be slightly pink and a bit tender, at which point Anti-Friction Cream was called in. Application ensued, and immediate relief was relished. Currently, not fear of blisters. I’ll report back at end of day and let you know how this wonder product held up.

Welcome Back, Beauties

Katie McNew — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:15:43 +0000

We’re officially back, ladies and gents! (KH so kindly kicked off the 2009 blogging season with our first post.) Here’s a little theme music to get us feelin’ good. And although we spouted countless tips and tricks to make it through the holiday season unscathed, I personally failed to follow the rules—too much egg nog, not enough egg whites and exercise. Do I feel bad about it? A little. But I think of it a little like bulking up before a weight loss challenge. Drink a gallon of water before you weigh in, and you’ll already be on your way to success after your next trip to the restroom. The good news is, we’re constantly inundated with new tips and tricks to slim down, shape up, stay stylish, and, well, beautify. For example, you can try Model in a Bottle, the matte finish setting spray you may have seen on Oprah and used by local makeup artist Maitee Miles. It holds makeup in place all day and night, and it’s only $18. Beauty on a budget. Who doesn’t love that?

Glad to be back, folks!

ShopTalk Holiday Hours

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:03:06 +0000

Try not to be too sad, but this is the last day you’ll see much activity on ShopTalk till the new year. But we’ll be back in ’09 with lots more Friday Giveaways, Crushes of the Week, and other must-have fashion and beauty tips and trends. Happy holidays to all. Hope you get everything you wanted. Love, ShopTalk

ShopTalk Crush of the Week: Brad Pitt

Rhonda Reinhart — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:39:35 +0000

I know, I know, obvious choice. But because this is the last ShopTalk Crush of the Week for 2008, I wanted to go with a classic. And Brad Pitt, like it or not, is now a classic. Although his gushing over Saint Angelina becomes irksome after a while, it’s difficult to deny that this man is a looker: the hair, the eyes, the jawline, the bod—it’s all there. And I’m looking forward to spending my Christmas Day watching him work in the sure-to-be-sad The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I already have my three hankies ready. Unless, of course, my mom makes me see Marley & Me instead, in which case I’ll be crying for a whole slew of other reasons.

Happy Holidays from Linda & Harriett

Katie McNew — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:14:47 +0000

Linda & Harriett, purveyor of posh paper products, is offering a holiday discount to friends and family. Just visit www.lindaandharriett.com before December 31 and enter code “FRIENDS” at checkout to get 20 percent off your entire order. Holiday cheer will ensue.

May All Your Holidays Be Enhanced

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:00:53 +0000

Equinox to Open in February

Raya Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:57:08 +0000

Equinox has officially announced its Oak Lawn club opening date: Tuesday, February 3. Perfect timing. Right when we’ll need to work off the holiday chub. And if you join before the opening date, the initiation fee (cost to join the club) is waived. For more information, visit http://www.equinoxfitness.com/. If you have any questions, feel free to email Phil at phillip.smith@equinoxfitness.com.

*The club opens February 3, not February 23, as I originally posted.

ShopTalk Crush of the Week: Robert Pattinson

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:13:55 +0000

Because I’m woefully behind on all things Twilight-related (never read the books, didn’t see the movie), I just recently learned that tween darling and Twilight star Robert Pattinson is also a musician. Intrigued by this news, I listened to some of his songs, and after doing so, it was an easy choice to name him ShopTalk Crush of the Week. Because while I may not get my nerd on over vampires and werewolves and whatever else Twilight has to offer, I will totally geek out over a boy and his guitar—especially if that boy has a soulful, deeper-than-it-should-be voice like Robert Pattinson’s. The actor also writes his own tunes (his “Never Think” is on the Twilight soundtrack) and does at least one cover of a Van Morrison song (”I’ll Be Your Lover, Too”), which are two foolproof ways to get the girls swooning. Besides being dreamy and talented, looks like Rob is pretty smart, too. (Photo credit: Simon Hayter)

Do You Like Fun?

Katie McNew — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:01:20 +0000

So, this is neither health nor beauty related, but if Rhonda can post about her crushes, I can post about the amazing time I had last night at Shenaniganz, a fun-porium that just popped up in Rockwall. It’s a place for the kiddos and adults and adults who act like kiddos. For example, we (the husband and I) started with dinner at Rozie’s Grill—flank steak with yummy mashed potatoes and perfect thin-crust pepperoni pizza from the wood-burning oven. Adult. Then we moved over to bowling, opting for the family-friendly main lanes as opposed to the private (and swanky) Z Lounge lanes. Kid. But then we had some beers—adult—followed by some arcade games, heart-thumping laser tag deep in the black light-enhanced jungle, more arcade games (had to get that whoopee cushion), then to the Z Lounge, where there are fancy drinks and a list of ales long enough to rival any pub, before we said adieu. Kid, kid, kid, adult. I have to say, it was just plain fun. There was fun in the air. The official grand opening is Wednesday, Dec. 17. Go, and have fun. Unless, of course, you don’t like fun.

Athlete-Engineered Skincare, Because Shopping is a Sport

Katie McNew — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:06:53 +0000

Don’t believe me? Head to NorthPark this Saturday at, oh, say 1:30pm, and see if you don’t change your tune. It’s advisable to practice your two-step juke prior to arrival. But back to the product: MISSION Skincare is the brainchild of ultra-endurance athlete Charlie Engle, who last year finished an 111-day run across the Sahara Desert. (That’s right. An 111-day run. Across the Sahara.) Joining him on the mission to create high-performance skincare is a group of first-class athletes the likes of Mia Hamm, Amanda Beard, and Steve Nash. The result is a collection of products made to protect, soothe, and revive in the harshest of environments (read: NorthPark and beyond). Two that I can’t wait to try are the Foot Synergy Gel, which moisturizes and soothes sore feet after mall madness, and the Anti-Friction Cream, which I’m hopful can turn my two-hour party stilettos into acceptable eight-hour attire. I’ll also pick up the Daily Offense SPF 30 Stick—I love the no-spill aspect and, even more so, the anti-sting technology to protect the eyes from suncreen sting. Learn about MISSION Skincare’s charity involvement here, and buy products online or at Lady Foot Locker, The Vitamin Shoppe, or Champs Sports.

Update Your Holiday Face with Bobbi Brown

Raya Ramsey — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:47:40 +0000

If you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your daily makeup routine for the holidays, head over to the Bobbi Brown counter at your nearest Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, or Saks for a free holiday makeup lesson. To locate your nearest Bobbi Brown counter, click here.

Genius! A Contemporary Garter Flask!

Raya Ramsey — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:43:15 +0000

When the Juliette Garter Flask came in the mail to Kristin, it was love at first site for me. Our gorgeous make came in plum silk with a floral design. Tucked delicately inside the pocket was a sleek little silver flask. I knew I had to have it. Fortunately, Kristin is generous, and she handed it over. I cradled the little love, thinking of all of the wonderful things I could do with it. Creator Nanette suggests wearing it under your wedding gown to soothe wedding day jitters—I’ll need one for each leg—or wearing it as a bridesmaid at a bachelorette outing. (I wore it around the office for a little while.) But the uses don’t stop there! You can forget wearing a purse. Stuff your camera, cell, and lip gloss in there, too. I wish I had known about these things when I was in college. I would have filled up the flask for the football games. Be creative. The possibilities are endless! The garters can even be customized by color, initials, and the addition of crystals and pearls. To get your own, go to www.garterflask.com. To see a photo of the real thing, jump.

Starbucks Special: 20 Percent Off

Katie McNew — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:15:24 +0000

If you’re having some difficulty finishing up that dreaded holiday shopping list, or, in my case, starting the blasted thing, Starbucks is here to help. From December 9 through December 15, participating Starbucks coffehouses will offer 20 percent off whole bean coffee, tea, packaged food, and merchandise (not including hand-crafted or bottled beverages, fresh food, newspapers, Starbucks Cards, and Starbucks Gold Card Membership). That means you can get the “Comfort & Joy Trio” filled with three yummy pairings, like Caffe Verona and chocolate truffles or the Starbucks Breakfast Blen and dry-roasted cashews, for just $11.98. But it’s not just limited to coffee. Think mugs, tumblers, CDs, and even the Cranium Party Playoff for $15.95. Your gift list just got a whole lot shorter!

Friday Giveaway: theBalm’s Balm Beach Kit

Katie McNew — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:41:08 +0000

Winter woes got you down? You need a Holiday in Balm Beach! This smart little kit from theBalm features the beloved Hot Mama blush, BalmShelter gloss in Girl Next Door, ShadyLady shadow in Mischievous Marissa, and Bahama Mama bronzer. It’s really all you need (okay, maybe a bikini, too) for a fabulous holiday vacay full of “surf, sand, and scandal,” per the seductive packaging.

E-mail me to enter to win. Good luck, Talkers!

Anyone tried the New Exact Eyelights Mascara by CoverGirl?

Katie McNew — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:34:33 +0000

I just saw Rihanna’s CoverGirl commercial for the new Eyelights Mascara, and I’ve gotta say, I’m a bit skeptical. Light-reflecting metallics? Really? Has anyone tried it, and, if so, should I make the purchase or not?

Setting the Perfect Holiday Table Just Got Easier

Katie McNew — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:05:26 +0000

Kimberly Schlegel Whitman’s newest book, Tablescapes: Setting the Table with Style, has come out just in time to help make your holiday meals magnificent—or at least pretty. You’re on your own with the food. I suggest this, but I digress. Make your copy a keepsake this Saturday when Mrs. Whitman signs yours at Neiman Marcus NorthPark. Hit the store’s second level between 1pm and 3pm for her John Hancock. Also, a perfect present for those hard-to-gift in-laws and aunts.

Meet the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas

Jennifer Chininis — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:29:51 +0000

In case you skipped the dmagazine.com homepage and came straight to ShopTalk, you can now see the winners of D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas. And, if you happen to be friends with any of these lovely ladies–D’Andra Simmons, Heather Wiese-Alexander, Neely Holland, Gail Warrior-Lawrence, Karen Noseff, Nanci Masso, Joette White, Marie Reyes, Nikki Ngo, or cover girl Wendy Cruz–please go out and buy a keepsake copy of the winter 2009 issue of D Beauty, on newsstands tomorrow.

Got Plans Tonight?

Katie McNew — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:27:18 +0000

Now you do. From 5pm to 9pm, visit the Lovers & Friends holiday open house, featuring special savings and discounts at Lovers Lane boutiques Luxury on Lovers, Cabana, and Sherry Gilderoy’s Shopaholic, the event’s sponsors. Come for food, drinks, sweets, and, of course, shopping. Jewelry fiends will love the two trunk shows by Joseph Williams (jewelry designer to stars like Oprah and Beyonce) and Karla Refojo (spiritual jewelry designer and creator of Tulku jewelry). But that’s not the best part. Make a donation to Gilda’s Club—the cancer support community for men, women, and children living with cancer and their friends and families—and be entered to win a luxury makeover valued at more than $1,500. Zinga! In addition to benefitting Gilda’s Club, a portion of the proceeds from the event will be dontated to the North Texas Food Bank, Genesis Women’s Shelter, and GALT (Greyhound Adoption League of Texas). Don’t you just love shopping for charity? I know I do.

Shoe Shopping at Barneys

Stephanie Quadri — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:35:20 +0000

Head to Barneys at NorthPark Center right NOW! They have a huge selection of fall/winter styles on sale right now. From Fendi and Lanvin ankle boots to Louboutin and Prada pumps, you’re sure to find something you’ll love and now they are 60% off! I was pulling some things for a photo shoot and got distracted by the display of covetable shoes on the sale racks. I walked away with these Prada booties for only $280.

A Holiday Gift Guide For All the Usual Suspects

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:27:20 +0000

Still need help coming up with ideas for your holiday shopping? Then check out Raya’s gift roundup. She’s found something for just about everyone on your list.