During the summertime, I enjoy using mineral makeup over liquid. In the winter months, I am all for Almay’s Smart Shade liquid foundation, but I like to have a lighter feel for the warmer months. I already made my switch over to Bare Minerals foundation, but Fitnessmag.com has listed more great mineral makeup beyond simply foundation. 1. Avon Smooth Minerals Eyeliner. This pencil eyeliner is only $6 through Avon, and one tester said just one application can last all day. 2. E.l.f. Mineral Lip Gloss. This lip shiner is not only inexpensive ($3 at eyeslipsface.com) but also gives lips a dose of vitamins A&E. 3. CoverGirl TruBlend Microminerals Blush. This blush is a bit pricey compared to the other products, $10.99 at drugstores, but one tester said her skin that was prone to breakouts stayed clear while using it. 4. Femme Couture Mineral Effects Baked Eye Color. These eyes lights come in vibrant colors that will make eyes pop. Pick up at sallybeauty.com for $6.99. 5. Mineral Fusion Lengthening Mascara. According to Fitnessmag.com, this mascara contains mica, a sweat-proof, oil-absorbing mineral, and one tester praised how the mascara would not flake after extended wear. Available for $16 at Whole Foods Market. 6. Lancome Oscillation Powerfoundation. This is one of the more expensive foundations, running at $48 through lacome-usa.com, but is equipped with a vibrating applicator that buffs particles including aloe, vitamin E, and SPF 21 into the skin.
Author Allison Winn Scott is offering such a fabulous offer, it’s just too good to be true for aspiring writers. For me personally, I have just finished putting the final touches on the novel I wrote, and am working on my query letter for agents. Thanks to Allison, I now have a sure way that a great agent will actually read my query letter AND the first chapter of my manuscript. How can that be? Allison’s agent, Elisabeth Weed, has offered to read each and every query letter and first chapter for writers that purchase a copy of The One That I Want between now and June 5th. Just send a copy of your receipt to the email address stephanie@weedliterary.com., along with your query letter and first chapter, and have the chance of securing an agent. Even if you aren’t quite ready to turn your manuscript in, you can still purchase the book and let Elisabeth know you need a little more time, and that is no problem. I have yet to hear of an opportunity like this, and even though I already have a copy of The One That I Want, well I’m sure going to purchase another! I have provided the Amazon link below- and please note that all submissions need to be fiction or a memoir- do not submit genre fiction. Good luck to all!
I am the definition of a multi-tasker. I read while I eat, I always have at least two browser windows pulled up when on the web, and I watch TV while working out. It’s the last one of my list that has began to worry me. The thought came to me last night while I was watching the season finale of Dancing With the Stars while trying to complete a high intensity cardio workout along with Billy Blanks. I actually have two TV’s in my living room, one for watching regular television and one that is hooked up to the Wii and DVD player. This way, I can watch my favorite shows while feeling the burn. Great idea right? Well lately I’m not sure how great that really is. While trying to watch Nicole jive her way to the mirror ball trophy, I realized my workout was seriously slacking, I couldn’t take my eyes off the TV long enough to listen to Billy’s instructions, and I kept messing up moves that I normally would be able to hit. And I would never move my head away from the TV screen to really get into the cardio set or stretch I was to be performing. So that got me thinking, even though I feel great that I can watch my favorite TV shows and get in a workout at the same time, am I really benefiting? Since I am not putting my full concentration into each punch and kick, am I better off shutting the tube off while working out? I know I enjoy watching TV while walking on the treadmill or elliptical machine, but that is different from having to pay attention to what an instructor is telling me. I couldn’t find anything in my research to support or advise against working out while watching TV, but I think I will break my habit of watching TV while trying to complete workout videos. Anyone else have an opinion on this topic?
Sandra Bullock is stepping out. While her crumbling marriage is still fresh, the actress has been confirmed to be in attendance at the MTV Movie Awards on June 6th. People.com has reported that she will not being doing any interviews at the ceremony, but will be accepting her MTV Generation Award. Do you think it is too soon for Sandra?
Q: Why do you love writing? To be a little poetical - I love the feel of words in symbiosis under my pen. Translation: it's just kind of cool to be able to write about experiences or make characters in my head come alive. When someone tells me that they have a crush on Henry (the romantic lead in Spin) it makes me smile - that means I made him real enough to evoke feelings in other people - how awesome is that? > > Q: What do you want readers to take away from your books? Mostly I want them to laugh, enjoy, just get engrossed in the story. In Spin I was also trying to poke fun a little at our obsession with celebrities and their life styles. There's also a lot of music in the book and it's nice when readers tell me they discovered a new song or band because of it. > Q: What was the hardest part about finding an agent? Just the amount of time and the lack of general response. I sent out 8-10 query letters a day for months and didn't hear anything from most of them (not even a no-thank you). You have to grow a thick skin pretty fast, because, hey, more rejection is coming! > Q: Was there anything that really surprised you about the writing industry or being an author? I think it's that there are so many resources out there for the first part of the writing process - how to write a novel, how to find an agent etc. But there is almost nothing, nothing I've found anyway, about how to negotiate your way through the process once you've got a book deal. There's a big learning curve. You go from being a writer to a marketer overnight - not the easiest transition. > Q: Have you ever suffered from writers block? Any tips on how to work through it? I don't think I've ever been totally blocked. I think I've more had periods where I'm gestating or thinking about where to go next. I think the trick is to find time to write every day and write even if you are not feeling inspired. Also find thing to inspire you - good music or going for a run or whatever makes you feel creative. > Q: How did you celebrate your first publishing deal? After I finished my happy dance, I called everyone I knew and then went for a nice dinner with my husband. > Q: How do you think social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook help support authors? I still haven't totally figured that out yet. I think Facebook is a great place for fans to go and leave messages for authors of support - the feedback I've gotten there has been so nice and encouraging. Twitter is harder to pin down. It can be a big time suck (as people say), but I know it also provides support for those that feel alone while they are writing. I'm also hoping Facebook and Twitter can be a place to bring some attention to some authors who deserve it (check out my I bet we can make these books bestsellers group on Facebook and Goodreads). I have also connected with some authors and readers on Twitter - and sold a few books that way too - hard to say how many. > Q: How do you enjoy any down-time? I run, I read, I watch TV, hang with my friends. I think it's important to stay connected with the world so the characters in your books stay realistic. > Q: What is your advice to aspiring writers? Keep at it if it brings you joy. Be reader to have a lot of rejection. Don't give up on traditional publication too early - I don't think self-publishing is a satisfying experience for most people. > Q: Where would be your dream vacation? A cottage on the ocean.
While there is no cure for breast cancer, I think it is important that women know and understand what they can do to lower their chances of getting the disease. After losing my grandmother last year to the cancer, I now pay even more attention to topics such as prevention and risk factors. Shape.com put out an article titled ‘Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk’ and it includes 4 healthy breast habits that all women should be aware of. 1. Maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight have a higher chance of being diagnosed with the cancer, in addition to being more at risk to recurrence and morality. Exercising on a regular basis will not only keep your weight in check, but can drop your risk up to 50% if you exercise vigorously for three to four hours a week. 2. Eat a balanced diet. Not only will eating healthy in general give you health benefits, but there are certain foods that can lower your risk of cancer by 20%. Those include foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes. Vitamin D and calcium are another strong source, found in fish, such as salmon, trout, sardines, milk, yogurt, cheese and vegetables like broccoli and kale. 3. Examine yourself. While an annual checkup may be unpleasant and dreaded, it is important for women to go. The doctor will perform a breast examination, looking for any abnormalities including lumps that could require further testing. But you cannot just count on that one time a year exam. Women should perform monthly self breast exams as well, generally the best time being the week after your period. This is the time frame where there is less estrogen stimulation, so breasts are not lumpy or tender. 4. Know your breasts. You’re the one that knows your breasts the best, so you will be able to tell if there is a change or any abnormalities that are occurring. Shape recommends going to a doctor if you find swollen lymph nodes, changes in nipples, or if skin turns a color. Source: Shape.com
Q: What gave you the inspiration and drive to start writing? A. My Dad was a school principal who brought home books for us every week. I read so much that I began narrating my own life in my head. “Diane reluctantly got out of bed, dragged herself to the bathroom and brushed her teeth.” I had an unstoppable imagination and began writing my own little books when I was twelve and I haven’t stopped since. Q: What part of writing would you say is the most difficult? A. For me, the hardest part is fitting the pieces of the plot puzzle together. My stories are always so complex that I often write myself into a corner. That first draft, as I figure out how to make what happens engrossing and believable yet at the same time surprising, is my biggest challenge. Q: You used to run a private psychotherapy clinic. What did you most enjoy about going to work every day there? A. I worked primarily with teenagers and they were a joy. As a teen myself, I spent a few years in therapy and I felt a kinship with my clients. I loved knowing that I was able to help them the way I’d been helped. Q: How do your degrees in social work tie in with your novels? A. Being a social worker gave me insight into what makes people tick. More than anything, though, as a social worker I was a witness to how strong and resilient people can be in the face of crisis and trauma. I borrow those characteristics to use in my novels. I like my characters to ultimately triumph over their problems, but that’s only possible if they have something tough to overcome. Q: Your first book, Private Relations, won a RITA award for Best Single Title Contemporary Novel. How did you celebrate that achievement? A. That was such a high for me! Private Relations was not a typical book to win the RITA and I was shocked and thrilled. While sitting at the table waiting for the winners to be announced, I’d taken off my shoes and I was so surprised when my name was called that I forgot to put them back on. I went up on stage and received the RITA from Jude Devereau in bare feet. (There’s a picture on the Gallery page of my website). The RWA conference was held in San Francisco, so my then-husband and I celebrated with a trip down the coast to Big Sur, one of my favorite places. Q: What do you hope readers take away from your books? A. More than anything, I hope they will be entertained. I love hearing that someone stayed up all night to finish one of my books. If they feel inspired and touched by my characters, that’s a bonus. Q: You have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which can make typing extremely difficult. I’ve read you sometimes rely on voice recognition to get your writing onto paper. How amazing is it to be able to use this technology? A. I’m very fortunate that I rarely have to use voice recognition now. The medications for RA have improved to the extent that I can usually type all day long without a problem. I’m glad, though, to know that technology still exists and of course I have it installed on my computer. I did write two books using voice recognition entirely. It’s both wonderful and annoying, because it makes a lot of mistakes as it tries to make sense of what you say. One of my favorite voice recognition mistakes is this: I said “The feeling was quick and unbidden, but welcome nonetheless,” and the voice recognition program typed “Panasonic’s business decisions upset its chicken’s contraceptives.” You can see the problem! Q: I just received your latest book, The Lies We Told. Just from the synopsis I am already hooked. Where did the plot idea revolving around the two sisters lives come from? A. I usually start with a situation in mind, and that was the case with The Lies We Told. The situation was that a woman is presumed dead and while her husband and sister grieve for her, they develop a very close relationship, ultimately falling in love, not knowing that their sister and wife is still alive. With that basic idea in mind, I then came up with the storyline that would create those circumstances. In this case, I made all three characters doctors working with a relief agency after a hurricane. Q: How do you enjoy your ‘me-time?’ A. We have an oceanfront condominium on the North Carolina coast. Although we rent it out during the summer, we enjoy it off and on the rest of the year. I feel rejuvenated when I go there. I love spending time on the beach with my dogs. Just being near the water lifts me up. Q: What would be your best advice for aspiring writers? A. Don’t give up, but make sure your writing is the very best it can be before you try to get an agent or a publisher. I think too many writers these days rush their work to publication before it’s ready and then wonder why it’s rejected. I write five drafts of my book before my editor sees it, and another draft after she and I discuss revisions. Get feedback from trusted, honest readers to help you hone your story and polish your work. Q: What would be your dream vacation? A. A month in a villa in Tuscany with a group of friends, all of whom love to cook! I’d have my work-in-progress with me, of course. I’m happiest when I have a project, even on vacation.
Paul Gray, bassist for the metal band Slipknot, was found dead at age 38 on Monday. Gray was found at an Urbandale hotel in Iowa after a hotel employee discovered his body. So far, no foul play has been suspected, but an investigation will be ongoing and autopsy will be performed. Slipknot was a Grammy award winning band from Iowa, and members were often seen with their trademark face masks on.
Five months after the death of Brittany Murphy, her husband, Simon Monjack, was found dead in the couples home on Sunday. Authorities are saying Monjack, 39 and a British screenwriter, appears to have died from natural causes, but an investigation will follow. People.com reports that Brittany’s mother, Sharon, discovered Monjack unresponsive around 9:30 and called 911.
