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I'm Asking: If You're Hosting, Do You Expect a Gift?

SavvySugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:41 -0800

I've always been taught not to show up to a party, dinner party, luncheon - you name it - empty handed. It seems like a pretty easy thing to do, just bring flowers, a box of candy, a bottle of wine, or some other treat along with you. It also always seemed to me, the right thing to do, since wherever I was headed, I was being entertained, someone was making dinner for me, or providing apps and drinks. Still, when you're cash-strapped, it's a lot easier said than done.

As holiday costs add up, even every little thing matters. It may seem like a much bigger deal to grab a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers now than it does in the Spring or Summer when there are fewer functions and a whole lot fewer expenses. Still, when I'm on hostess duty, I always appreciate the thoughtful friends who bring something along. Even if it's just a simple dessert, muffins they've baked themselves, candy - it doesn't have to be fancy, but it definitely makes a big difference. I wouldn't say I've come to expect a gift when entertaining, but I definitely notice the ones who do make an extra effort. How about you, when you've planned and prepped for guests to come over, do you expect them to bring a little something for you? Especially around the holidays, are hostess gifts important?

Posh and Boys Support Becks & Prep For Ramsay Christmas

PopSugarUK — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:02:26 -0800

Victoria Beckham was on sweet treat duty on Friday as she took the boys to Yogurtland in LA, while David spent Saturday training and attending a press conference in a warm hat. The Beckham brood then made the trip to Seattle to support David and LA Galaxy in their big MLS Cup final game on Sunday, following the team's win last weekend. Despite losing to Real Salt Lake 5-4 in penalties following the 1-1 draw, Becks remained positive about the team, saying: "It's always tough losing, but we can be proud of where we've come to".

It's been confirmed David can buy an MLS franchise when his playing career ends, and David confirmed he'll be going back to the Galaxy after his loan spell in Milan and the World Cup next Summer, but will be undergoing rehabilitation on his ankle injury. It sounds like Becks could do with a rest over the holiday season, and reports suggest he's going to get pampered at Christmas with Gordon Ramsay is reportedly cooking dinner for the Beckhams as their two families will spend Christmas Day together at Beckingham Palace. Sounds fun!

To see more pictures of the Beckhams' weekend, read more.

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5 Thoughtful Finds For the Baking Enthusiast

YumSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:31:56 -0800

Even though Summer seemed like yesterday, the year's already well into November. You know what that means: The holidays are fast approaching! We got off to a good start sharing our most coveted items of the moment, but beginning today, we'll also be offering useful gift guides that'll outline kitchen must haves for your hard-to-shop-for family and friends.

Have you cozied up to the co-worker who brings fresh loaves of pumpkin bread into the office? Or do you have a friend who insists on baking her own birthday cake? If so, indulge her Bakesale Betty with tools that will have her creating even more sweet treats. To see them, keep reading.

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Link Time!!!

FabSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:22 -0700

Bergdorf's fantastic holiday windows - Racked
Market watch: our favorite costume gems - W Blog
Witches Spring/Summer 2010 look book - Nitrolicious
Sneak peek: Citizen of Humanity's new knits - Lucky
Lady Gaga wear nipple pasties outside her clothes on Gossip Girl - The Cut
5 things I learned from DvF - Fashionista
Translating the J. Peterman catalog (again) - Jezebel
David Yurman celebrates new Bloomingdale's boutique - Stylelist
Snake charmer Annalynne McCord - Teen Vogue
Details on Ivanka Trump's spectacular wedding jewels - Off the Rack
YSL mini charm leather bag - Bag Snob
Whitley Kros makes Spring clothes you can wear to your holiday parties - Refinery 29

Summer in The City Part 1: Budget Gradual Tanners

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:00:00 -0700

Fake tan is one product where I generally believe that splashing out for a more expensive brand is definitely worth the money. But summer in the city is all about taking it easy, and looking groomed with minimal effort – so the new crop of gradual fake tans on the high-street are perfect for creating a light wash of colour that looks healthy and youthful.

Johnson's Holiday Skin rocked the nation when it appeared, a few years back, as the first budget gradual self-tanner. I think it's still the best, and Johnson's Holiday Skin Light Glow, (£3.49), has a new fragrance this summer that smells really fresh. This light shade is ideal if you're very pale, as you're less likely to get those tell-tale fake-tan streaks. For the best bargain gradual tanners, plus easy application tips read more

All that pre-fake-tan preparation, like exfoliating and applying moisturiser to dry areas, can be pretty much forgotten. After showering just apply the product all over your body like a moisturiser, though I would be careful about making sure you apply in smooth, even strokes, as even gradual tanners can leave streaks. Although most of the bottles say you can just get dressed after applying, I would leave it a while if you can – just five or ten minutes – to ensure that the colour is even.

This new crop of gradual tanners also means you can avoid that biscuity smell that tends to develop with the colour in most fake tans. The new Spa Paradisa Gradual Self Tan, (£7), has a sweet fragrance of passion fruit and cocoa butter that smells like holidays. Plus the yummy chocolate-smelling, Palmers Natural Bronze Tanning Moisturizer, (£4.99) has that addictive Palmers Cocoa Butter smell that makes me feel like I'm someone's dessert!

I'm going to be bringing you a whole series of Summer in the City tips and tricks, from avoiding a makeup meltdown in the heat, to the best high-factor facial sunscreens. Let me know if there's anything you'd especially like to see...

Shine on: Philip Kingsley's Expert Advice for Shiny Summer Hair

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

While matte may be back, as far as the catwalk is concerned – most of us want healthy, shiny hair with lots of bounce and vitality.

Blondes always have more fun in the summer, as the sun highlights and reflects their hair making it stand out and look extra desirable. If you're brunette or red head however, it's best to play up the shine, for sexy, healthy looking locks.

I spoke with leading hair expert and trichologist Philip Kingsley about the best ways to protect your hair in the sun, to maximise shine.

Just read more for his expert tips:

Summer is the time to use an intensive moisturising and conditioning product regularly. The multi-award winning Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, (£2.95 for 20ml), is excellent for this.
Follow the old adage, prevention is better that cure. So aim to go on holiday with your hair in the best possible condition. For this you need to use a deep remoisturising pre-shampoo conditioner, (like Elasticizer) in the run up to your trip. Apply it twice a week for 2-3 weeks before going on holiday, and through-out the summer.
Sun breaks down the protein structure of the hair (disulphide bonds), and also draws moisture from the hair cells. The combination of these roughen the hair’s cuticle (outer layer) and gives the impression of drier, coarser hair. Always use a hair product with UV protection to avoid this and increase shine.
The chlorine and chemicals in pools will damage your hair, making it look coarse and unhealthy. Use my Swimcap, (£16) when swimming to eliminate chlorine and chemical absorption.
The best protection for hair is to cover-up with a head scarf or hat, when in the midday sun. Then treat your hair to a deep-condition, post-beach, for a light-reflecting effect.

Source

August Must Haves: Holiday Kit

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

So you've got your facial sunscreen sorted, and stocked up on some body sunblock and bronzing powder. Now here's my pick of the best beauty buys for August, to take with you on holiday, or just enjoy our mini-heatwave with. It's all you need for a sizzling summer.

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Mad Men: This Week's 5 Maddest Moments

BuzzSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:30:23 -0700

It's Summer in the '60s in this week's Mad Men, and the latest episode, "Souvenir" is all about getting out of dodge or being left behind, and how it affects relationships.

Pete, Don and Betty are the focus of this week, though for once, Don isn't the one getting into trouble. Lots of mad moments from this episode, so to see what I thought (spoilers ahead!), just read more.

The kiss: Betty lets Henry kiss her after the reservoir victory at city hall. For all her previous flirtatiousness, she acts reluctant as Henry butts his head into the car aggressively - not that she doesn't kiss back or anything. Later, she tells Sally how special first kisses are and that you can never have the first one with someone again. This wistful speech sounds like it's coming from a blushing 15-year-old, and you know she's thinking of her own encounter. "I'm done with that," she says to Francine about the reservoir, but she means Henry, and I believe her - not because her guilty conscience will stop it, but because of Betty's immaturity. She got chased by a boy she liked, kissed him, now she's over it.
Roman holiday: How glam were Don and Betty arriving in Rome? The '60s Italian movie star getup on Betty is a bit jarring, but I was into their sexy "strangers in Rome" game. As much as these two hurt each other in their marriage, I still find myself rooting for them, and when things are going great, their Ken and Barbie perfection is impossibly romantic. But when they come home and back to their real lives and real problems, it's heartbreaking to see Betty's bitterness.
The affair of the party dress: Pete, Pete, Pete. The German au pair next door first brings out Pete's decent side, when he kindly offers to help the distraught girl with a stained dress. That is, until booze, loneliness, and general Pete Campbell-ness propel him into dirtbag territory. How far do things go? We can guess, but either way, it's horrible and a new low for Pete. Ugh, and how smarmy is the neighbor from next door when he comes over to confront Pete? It's totally OK to sexually assault nannies, bro, just not my nanny! Great advice.
Willful wifely ignorance: I didn't completely hate Pete toward the end, because his sullen face when Trudy comes home actually showed shame, which is more than you can say for Mr. Donald Draper. Trudy seems to know exactly what went on in her absence, but stalking off and then accepting Pete's proposal that she not leave town without him again are all she needs to move past her husband's infidelity. Some things in this show are pretty hard to watch as a woman, and the relationship behavior is one of them. It's a bummer: the women are doormats because they were expected to be.
Joanie & Petie: I was thrilled when Joan shows up at the department store to help Pete, looking all gorgeous and chic. Her interaction with Pete is a little more relaxed than it was at the agency, but the whole thing is still a little awkward. She's got to come back to Sterling Cooper, and I hope we don't have to wait too long; she's one of my favorite characters.

There was a lot of action for a show that's not usually known for it, and I love when we get to see the 1960s in another setting; in this case, Italy. What did you think? Do you really think Betty is done with Henry? What's your opinion of Pete now? And to talk more about the show, check out the Mad Men Group in the BuzzSugar community!

Photo courtesy of AMC

Kate and Lily Are Better Than Fine

PopSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:30:00 -0700

Kate Beckinsale and her daughter Lily brought a furry friend along yesterday to do some shopping at Fred Segal in LA. It was a quiet Summer for Kate and her husband Len with her only having to do limited promotion for her recent film Whiteout, which hasn't made too much of an impression at the box office since coming out a few weeks ago. Hopes are a little higher for her next big screen-bound movie, Everybody's Fine - make sure to check out the trailer for the holiday flick starring Kate, Drew Barrymore, and Robert De Niro.

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Makeup Artist Robin Black Talks Fall Trends: Part 1

BellaSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:00:00 -0700

If you're a fan of M.I.A.'s daring maquillage or Chloë Sevigny's bold makeup, you already know Robin Black's work. The look she creates, like the perfectly lined pout, pretty blush, and huge '80s sunglasses she styled M.I.A. up in for a performance last month, is defined by its classic prettiness but with a strong element that makes it pop. For some expert post-Fashion Week analysis, I spoke with Black, who runs the Face section of LA's Warren-Tricomi salon and does some beauty writing of her own, about how the looks we saw on the ramps are going to translate into magazines (also known as editorial) and eventually onto the drugstore shelves. We covered a lot of ground, and she has some amazing tips for turning runway makeup into real-way looks. To find out how anyone can wear black lipstick and other juicy tidbits, just keep reading