The Christening of the Norwegian Cruise Line's Innovative Ship: The EPIC

The christening and launch of a new ship is always a big event, but when it's for Norwegian Cruise Line's newest, largest ship, the EPIC, it's a huge event! For the 153,00 ton NCL EPIC, that means the capability to transport 4,100 passengers and 1,700 crew virtually anywhere!


The Christening event was held on Friday, July 2nd at the Manhattan Cruise Ship Terminal in New York City. The event was broadcast live from various entertainment venues around the ship, emphasizing the line's focus on entertainment.

The crowd pleasing comedian and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star Jeff Garlin, hosted and coordinated the live feeds from around the ship, and the EPIC's Theater, adding his own brand of humor to the celebration. But a christening is a serious occasion, too. The ceremony of naming/christening ships goes way back into history. Apparently the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians all held ceremonies to ask the gods to protect sailors and the ships they sailed upon. For the very modern NCL EPIC, Brother Robert Connely (who not coincidentally happened to be NCL CEO Chairman Kevin Sheehan's Catholic high school Principal), provided a traditional blessing of the ship.

Jeff Garlin introduces visibly thrilled country music singer, Reba McIntire, the Godmother of the EPIC! Ms. McEntire was chosen in part as Godmother, because she is a genuine fan of the line, and has sailed on NCL, often.

country music star Reba McEntire arrives on stage in a blaze of lights!

When it was time for the main event--the christening, Reba and Jeff were joined by stars from the various entertainment venues including: "Madonna" and "Elvis" from Legends in Concert, the three blue men from the Blue Man Group, and performers from Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner; the Second City® Comedy Troupe; Blues from Fat Cats, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Show; and characters from Nickelodeon™ To make things modern, Reba McEntire "pushed" a digital "heart button" to trigger a video of a Champagne bottle smashing against the ship's hull (I am not quite sure that a real bottle was used, judging from the pristine hull with it's color EPIC graphics intact).


This is a video the Advice Sisters shot during the christening ceremony, featuring Host Jeff Garlin introducing Reba McIntire, a short video tour of the entire ship and it's unique features, the actual christening of the ship, and an assembly of some of the stars of the entertainment venues on the EPIC.

Also in the audience in the EPIC Theater for the christening were NCL executives and key players in the creation of the ship. “I am deeply proud of our company today,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “To me, this ship is truly epic in every sense of the word: she is grand, she is luxurious. And she will also carry lucky guests on the adventure of their lives.” Well said!

At a later press conference during the 2-day press preview voyage, Andrew (Andy) Stuart, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Passenger Services, made the point that NCL is re-defining itself with the EPIC, and the line in general. NCL are the pioneers of Freestyle Cruising (a formula that eliminates rigid dining times and places, relaxes dress codes, and offers more choice for the passenger, 24/7). "NCL wants you to know about what they represent," said Mr. Stuart. NCL is the innovator of Freestyle Cruising. That means freedom of choice, and the ability to choose what you want, your way. The notion of freestyle cruising is graphically depicted everywhere, with a cute and very effective logo depicting a blue fish swimming in the opposite different direction from a "school" of white fish. No more explanation, needed!


As a veteran of dozens and dozens (and dozens) of cruises, including quite a few on NCL, I am no stranger to what makes a great cruise vacation. However, the NCL EPIC has so many innovations that I can't put them all into one article. So, in a few days I'll be publishing another piece just on the ship and what makes it special. This piece will also have a video of one innovative, "new wave" balcony cabins, along with photos of special places on the ship and a review of dining and entertainment. You will either see it right here on the Advice Sisters Blog, or I'll provide a link to the piece on the Advice Sisters Web Site. While you're waiting, you can see some of my photos and Tweets that I reported during the christening celebration and 2-day preview cruise.


After the two day preview cruise for NY press and travel partners, NCL EPIC was host to the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks & Spectacular. Now it is in Miami, for more preview festivities. Then, the ship will offer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries until April 2011, when it will be re-positioned in Europe.

For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit www.ncl.com, follow NCL on Facebook and Twitter, or contact NCL in the U.S. and Canada at 888- NCL-CRUISE (625-2784).

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

********************************************************************************************************************************版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作，请，在- advicesisters，获得它在法律上：电子邮箱：advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中，如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容，化妆品和时装评论专栏：http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html，同意通过电子邮件或在读者（见选项右侧栏） Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones) कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें) Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options) حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات

Sparkle 365 Tooth Brightener Lets You LIghten Up Your Teeth

There's nothing sexy about stained teeth.  But if you don't want to go to a dentist and get your teeth seriously whitened, or if you've already plunked down your dollars, but you still love teeth-staining red wine, coffee, etc. You have to take matters into your own hands. 

There are plenty of DIY whitening products, but aren't really portable, convenient, and totally discreet.  One that is, is Sparkle365™’ by NewSmile.  The product comes in a slim, click-it pen with a brush tip, from which you apply a patented, minty-tasting formula that helps brighten teeth.  No one can see it on your teeth, and you can't really feel it, either.  But the liquid gel will work it's magic as you go about your day without a second thought about whitening your teeth.

What Sparkle 365 does, without smoke and mirrors, is combine light refraction technology with a unique whitening agent, Sparkle365™ to help user get immediate relief from those nasty stains. As the hydrogen peroxide in the gel is broken down, oxygen acts upon the organic deposits on your teeth and oxidizes them into a lighter color. This process makes the overall tooth color closer to the natural unstained tooth color. According to the company, the structure of the tooth itself remains unchanged.  It's simple and easy to use--just brush it on, and forget about it until saliva washes it away.

I am not a dentist, of course, so I don't know exactly what can and can't damage tooth enamel, but the pen should be stores in a  cool, dry place under 85 degrees. The actual ingredients listed are:

Water ,Glycerin ,PVP ,Hydrogen Peroxide, Flavor, Mono-Ammonium Glycyrrhizinate, Mica and Titanium Dioxide.

This seems safe enough.  But does the product work?

Yes....and maybe.  It really depends upon your expectations, and the condition of your teeth to begin with.  My teeth are naturally yellow.  Sparkle 365 did brighten them up, I assume,  by removing surface stains.  It did so nicely, in one application, actually.  But my teeth were (and still are), yellow.  If you really want pearly, blinding white teeth, you're not going to get them with a click-it pen topically applied to your teeth,unless you use it constantly (more than 3 times a day would be excessive). That requires serious, and potentially invasive, bleaching.  Sparkle365™ does not whiten existing dental works such as veneers, crowns, bondings, etc. However if you have had porcelain laminate veneers, you can use Sparkle365™ to lighten the tooth shade on your natural dentition to more closely blend with the teeth you have had restored.

 If your teeth are already fairly white, or they've been whitened, or you just want to spiff them up a bit, this can do it anytime and anywhere. Apply it right before that hot date, or before you walk down the aisle on your wedding day, or just anytime, because...    You can order this little beauty helper online at the SparkleSmile Web site. One pen is just $16.95 (A 3-month supply--3 pens, is $50.85). It might not change your life, get your a new job, or help you land the love of your dreams, but then again, every little bit helps, so.......!

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

Will Zestra Satisfy You?

Zestra is a topically-applied product that is supposed to increase arousal in women. No, I don't mean the rush you get when you are the first one inside a sample sale ---I am talking about the other kind of arousal!

Men have Viagra, and other types of "stimulants" to get them in the mood for love, but women have traditionally been left on their own. Zestra® is designed to help you feel more. Zestra isn't rocket science, or a miracle cure for real issues, but it might help but it could, perhaps, put the zing back into your love life. Zestra is a clear liquid that comes in a packette . It consists of a patented blend of botanical oils and extracts, that are supposed to increase a woman's feelings of desire and arousal. It works (within a few minutes) by heightening your sensitivity to touch.

I don't have to spell out what that can mean for in terms of pleasurable sensations...do I?!

Since this is a column that is "G" rated, I won't go into specifics, but basically, what the product does is make your skin "slippery" where it is applied, and it also has a warming, tingling effect that lasts for about 10-15 minutes. According to the company, Zestra, an oil, is a mixture of:

PA Free Borage Seed Oil , Evening Primrose Oil, Angelica extract, Coleus Extract, Vitamin C , and Vitamin E . On the skin, they work together to produce the desired result.

Does Zestra work? Zestra provides a slippery, warm feeling where it is needed. If you're expecting something like the effect Woody Allen got from the "Orgasmatron" in "Sleeper," you will not be happy. Ratings that I saw from other people varied widely. What that tells me is that expectations play a large part in whether or not you'll be satisfied (pun unintended) by Zestra. As with so many things, there is no miracle out there, especially if your issues are severe and also emotional as well as physical. Some reviewers said the product smelled bad (I didn't really think so) and it tasted bad (I didn't test that). You aren't going to go on the ride of a lifetime by opening a packette and applying it to your skin. But if all you are seeking is a little "somethin' somethin"" extra to make your relationship sexier, especially if you are suffering from certain conditions, and/or are over a certain age, Zestra is certainly worth a try.

The cost varies depending upon what amount you buy. On the Zestra web site you can get a two-packette trial size for $4.95* (you will be asked for "membership" which means you'll automatically get more at the regular price unless you cancel). The product is also available at major pharmacies and drug stores like Walgreens, Duane Reade, Rite Aid and CVS.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on

facebook and twitter I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

The Body Shop's New, Natural, Nutriganics Line Foarming Cleanser

On the last day of May, 2010, I had the pleasure of having breakfast with The Body Shop's International Makeup Artist, Chase Aston. The assembled Editors were initially there to check out The Body Shop's newest makeup products.

But at this event, we also got some samples of The Body Shop Nutriganics Line. While The Body Shop always has been healthy and "green," this new line is their latest, certified organic skincare collection. From cleansers to toners to moisturizers, and masks to serums, these products will entice anyone who is interested in reen and natural products.

My favorite is the Foaming Facial Wash $14.00 5.0 fl. oz. I'm a sucker for foaming soaps. I love the rich, frothy feel, and the fact that air is pumped into the product means you will also get more mileage out of it, per bottle. The product quickly, gently removes all sorts of sweat, dirty, makeup and even heavy and greasy skincare items, preparing your skin for what lies ahead that day, or removing everything so your skin is clear and clear, at night-time. The product also has Community Trade organic babassu oil from Brazil , to help smooth and revitalize your skin. Organic mallow flower from Switzerland and Community Trade organic sugar from Paraguay moisturize and soften. Essential oils and natural fragrances combine to create a slightly earthy scent. The bottle states that 99% of the ingredients are of natural origin, and 12% of the total ingredients are from natural farming. To be honest, I really don't know what that means. Dirt is "natural" and so are earthworms, but I don't necessarily want them on my face! Ok...I'm know I'm pushing the argument a bit, but it really doesn't matter whether you care about such things or not because this new cleanser is clearly going to be a new classic! I personally, am hooked!

The Body Shop International is a natural and ethical beauty brand, with over 2,500 stores in over 60 markets worldwide. The Body Shop finds and uses natural ingredients from around the globe For more information, visit The Body Shop Online

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on Facebook and twitter I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

رات

Salon Savvy--What To Say and Do

Test Your Salon Etiquette

Take this true/false quiz to see how good your hair manners are

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article Should you tell your stylist if you don't like your haircut? How much should you tip? Can you expect to get a free bang trim? Take Total Beauty's quiz and the answers will be revealed

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column
 ********************************************************************************************************************************版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作，请，在- advicesisters，获得它在法律上：电子邮箱：advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中，如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容，化妆品和时装评论专栏：http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html，同意通过电子邮件或在读者（见选项右侧栏） Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones) कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें) Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options) حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات

Strategies to Squash Your Stress

Stress-Squashing Tips

Don't compromise your heath and beauty by letting stress get the best of you

This is a TotalBeauty.com health & beauty article Stressed? Check. Tense? Check? Overwhelmed? Totalk Beauty shared some tips with the Advice Sisters to help you squash your stress;  *also check out the classic Advice Sisters article: 11 EASY WAYS TO HANDLE YOUR STRESS

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column
 ********************************************************************************************************************************版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作，请，在- advicesisters，获得它在法律上：电子邮箱：advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中，如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容，化妆品和时装评论专栏：http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html，同意通过电子邮件或在读者（见选项右侧栏） Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones) कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें) Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options) حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات

The Topic is Topricin: Anti-Pain Products for the Family

A look of pain is never a chic look! But when your body aches, it is hard to hide.

Not too long ago I attended a product n press event and found Topricin, with several different types of creamy products that help you deal with life’s “little boo boos” -- Topricin Pain Relief and Healing Cream, Topricin Foot Therapy Cream, and Topricin Junior.

You may have seen and heard about Topricin on television, but never tried it. The Pain Relief and Healing Cream is the product most recognized. It has 11 homeopathic ingredients that work together to relive pain associated with a wide variety of ailments such as joint pain and sports injuries. The products are purported to have 100% natural actives and are all dermatologically tested, free of petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, parabens, dyes, wax, mineral oils, and talcs. The product are also not tested on animals. They are also non-staining (good idea, especially when you’re wearing summer whites and pastels).

Since I haven’t had much pain lately (a good thing for me, but perhaps not so great for reviewing products), I tried the Topricin Foot Therapy Cream. This version I tried was in a 2 oz. flip top tube (there is a larger size as well). . What it does is help relieve aching feet and ankles and lower legs. If you’re a person who likes to walk, you know how tired and achy your feet can feel after you’ve been on them for a long while. And, if you’re a tourist this summer, this little tube of comfort can make the difference between a vacation where you “see everything,” and one where your feet give out…so you miss out. The odorless cream starts to feel warm and tingly within a few seconds, and can be used up to 3-4 times a day. It lasted about an hour, but the pep in my step, lasted longer. I suggest using Topricin in the morning, and at bedtime. It’s not going to totally eliminate severe foot and ankle pain, but it’s calming, de-swelling, warming, soothing effect may at least you get up on your feet for that last dance, another walk up the hill, or wherever you need your feet to take you. It’s a little plus with a slightly costly price tag (2 oz is just a bit under $18.00) but if it keeps you going, it’s priceless!

When it comes to what exactly is in Topricin products to make them unique, I have to be specific, and value. Specific, because the Topricin web site does a good job of listing what I imagine is every single ingredient in the product. Vague, because this list is a long one, and I don’t have the background to say whether each is safe, effective or 100% natural. In truth, if a product works and works well, I’m not personally so determined that it be 100% natural. But you aren’t me, so if you want to know exactly what’s in Topricin, here it is, along with what each supposedly, does:

TOPRICIN®'s INGREDIENTS:

Arnica Montana - For injuries and bruising to the muscles and joints. Arnica is considered especially useful for arthritis, joint injuries, and bruising

Rhus Tox - For sprains, arthritic pain, and backaches

Ruta Graveolens - For relief from injuries to the bone or bone covering; often used to relieve trauma to the knee, shin, elbow and cheekbone

Lachesis Muta - For relief from sciatica, arthritis, lower back pain and carpal tunnel

Belladonna - Relief of pain, spasm & inflammation to muscle tissue

Echinacea - Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial

Crotalus - For improving localized circulation, and considered effective for bruises and contusions, and for accelerating repair to damaged nerves, joints, and muscles

Aesculus - For chronic pain, especially in the legs & varicose veins

Heloderma - For relief from burning sensation in the hands or feet.

Naja - Relieves inflammation and pain in nerve tissue in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel and neuropathy (8X)Graphites - For relieving symptoms of skin conditions (6X)

GLUCOSAMINE INGREDIENTS :

Glucosamine (Glue-cos-a-mine) Essential for healthy joint cartilage and important for the formation, integrity and building of skin, bones, eyes, ligaments, tendons., Aids: people suffering with arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and lower back pain.

Feverfew (Fever-few) This herb has been studied for its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Aids: people suffering with headache especially migraine, arthritis and bursitis.

Turmeric –Curcumin (Cur-cu-min) A polyphenol contains powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Aids: Those suffering with joint pain and skin conditions.

Boswellia (Bos-well-e-a) An herb reported to have potent natural anti-inflammatory properties. Aids: Pain sufferers with arthritis and especially useful for lower back pain.
Devils Claw- Reported to reduce inflammation and may lower Serum Uric Acid for preventing the gout.

Aids: Pain sufferers with gout, arthritis, digestive disorders and lower back pain.
MSM- A naturally occurring organic nutrient found in all living tissue and may help with the repair of connective, muscle and nerve tissue.
Manganese- A trace mineral needed for healthy nerves joints and required for normal bone growth. Aids: those with osteoporosis, fatigue, and important in calcium absorption, an essential mineral.

Bromelain- A Proteolytic enzyme, that has pain relieving, anti-inflammatory properties, reduces swelling, enhances healing and aids digestion.

Quercetin -A Bioflavonoid with powerful anti-histamine properties. Strengthens capillaries, reduces allergy symptoms, and neutralizes the effect of free radicals.

Ginger- Pain relieving quality compared to aspirin with no side effects. Improves digestion, safer antimicrobial agent, prevents motion sickness and soothes upset stomach.
Sea Cucumber- Used in Asian countries as a superior treatment for arthritis, especially when arthritis affects the spine. Also contains anti-viral properties that may aid in preventing cold and flu symptoms.

Zinc-Important mineral to the immune system, speeds up healing, and fights infection. Zinc is important in prostate gland function, protein synthesis, and collagen formation.
Copper-Part of the mineral antioxidant defense system. Important in the production of collagen and preventing inflammation, and works in balance with Zinc and Vitamin C to fight against free radical damage and to form elastin.

Hops-Science has discovered hops to be the most powerful phytoestrogen ever identified, and such may protect against bone loss. Known to help relive muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Bioperine- When taken with other nutrients significantly increases the absorption of those nutrients. Bioperine may enhance the body's natural thermogenic activity for fat burning.
Vitamin D3- The sunshine vitamin is best known for promoting calcium absorption and bone health new research indicates the D plays a central role in controlling immunity and inflammation processes that are tied to a host of age-related disease conditions. D, also appears to have flu prevention properties.

*the ingredients may vary for Topricin Foot Therapy Cream, and Topricin Junior

In summary: I like Topricin, and I think the products are a good alternative to smelly chemical ones. They seem to work well --but for the short term. If you have really bad pain of any kind, or chronic pain, self-medication is not the best option. Please consult your doctor!

To learn more about Topricin products visit their web sites: http://www.topricin.com/ http://www.topricinfoot.com/ and http://www.tropicinkids.com/

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

Budget Minded Tips To Clean Your Jewelry At Home

Professional, store-bought jewlery cleansers will definitely make your jewelry, sparkle. But budget-minded solutions exist as well. David Mamane, CEO of MyJewelryBox.com, shared his favorite, easy-to-use at-home,  with the Advice Sisters.  And now, I'm sharing them with you! 

Toothpaste – Toothpaste is non-toxic and should be used exclusively for silver jewelry. Put a dime sized amount on your finger and apply in a circular motion on the object of your affection. After a minute, clean off toothpaste with warm water and wipe dry with a dry cloth.   Advice Sisters Tip:  you can use toothpaste on pearls, too, but select a regular, smooth, non whitening toothpaste and use a light touch--don't scrub! Check out the Advice Sisters blog post on how to clean pearls).

Shampoo – Mix with warm water; specific to pearls. Boil water in a pot with a little shampoo for 10 minutes. Then scrub very gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse with cold water and leave to dry on a towel or paper towel.

Baking soda – Cleaning with baking soda should be used exclusively for sterling silver jewelry. Line a glass or plastic dish with a slightly crumpled piece of aluminum foil. Lay your jewelry on top of the foil and sprinkle baking soda over each piece. Pour enough boiling water to immerse the jewelry. Bubbling should occur, giving off a rotten-egg odor. With a wood or plastic utensil, gently move the pieces around to ensure that all of the silver surfaces come in contact with the aluminum. You will notice that the silver has become bright again. Rinse your pieces under tap water and rub dry with a dry cloth.

Vinegar – Mix with water and use a soft toothbrush to clean; for silver or gold jewelry. Place the vinegar in a small jar put your jewelry inside. Let the items soak for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the jar gently for a few seconds, then remove items and gently brush them with warm water.

Dish Detergent – Mix with warm water; for delicate silver or gold jewelry. For your most delicate pieces, use unscented dish soap and warm water. Dip a dry rag or soft bristled toothbrush to clean these pieces.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

 ********************************************************************************************************************************版权所有©艾莉森布莱克曼邓纳姆。保留所有权利。姐妹的意见是注册美国商标。没有内容可以使用或复制的书面permission.If您要使用我的工作，请，在- advicesisters，获得它在法律上：电子邮箱：advicesisters点网。我用我的评论提供了样本。学习中的“阿注更多关于补偿”一节中，如果你喜欢这个博客我的作品是什么美容，化妆品和时装评论专栏：http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html，同意通过电子邮件或在读者（见选项右侧栏） Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Todos los derechos reservados. Las Hermanas de Asesoramiento es una marca registrada Estados Unidos. Ningún contenido puede ser usado o copiado con el escrito permission.If desea utilizar mi trabajo, por favor obtener legalmente: Email: advicesisters-en-advicesisters-punto-net. Yo uso siempre muestras para mis comentarios. Obtenga más información en la nota "Una acerca de la compensación" de mi lo que funciona Belleza, Cosméticos y columna de opinión de moda: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si te gusta este blog, suscribirse a él por correo electrónico o en un lector (véase la columna de la derecha para las opciones) कॉपीराइट © Alison Blackman Dunham. सभी अधिकार सुरक्षित. सलाह बहनों एक संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका पंजीकृत ट्रेडमार्क है. कोई सामग्री या इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है permission.If आपको-advicesisters-पर अपने काम, यह कानूनी रूप से प्राप्त करने का उपयोग करें: ईमेल: advicesisters कृपया चाहते डॉट नेट लिखा के साथ नकल. मैं अपनी समीक्षा के लिए नमूने प्रदान का उपयोग करें. जानें मुआवजा के बारे में "एक नोट में और मेरा क्या काम करता है सौंदर्य, प्रसाधन सामग्री और फैशन की समीक्षा कॉलम: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html की" यदि आपको इस ब्लॉग की तरह अनुभाग में, या एक ईमेल में यह द्वारा की सदस्यता लें रीडर (विकल्प के लिए सही हाथ स्तम्भ देखें) Copyright © Alison Blackman Dunham. Tous droits réservés. Les Sœurs Advice est une marque déposée des États-Unis. Aucun contenu mai être utilisés ou copiés avec écrit permission.If vous voulez utiliser mon travail, s'il vous plaît obtenez-le en toute légalité: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net. J'utilise fourni des échantillons pour mes commentaires. En savoir plus dans la "Note sur la rémunération" section de mon What Works beauté, Cosmétiques & Fashion Column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html Si vous aimez ce blog, vous y abonner par email ou dans une lecteur (voir colonne de droite pour les options) حقوق النشر محفوظة © أليسون بلاكمان دنهام. جميع الحقوق محفوظة. راهبات مشورة هي علامة تجارية مسجلة للولايات المتحدة. قد لا يكون مضمون استخدام أو نسخ خطية مع permission.If كنت تريد استخدام عملي ، يرجى الحصول عليها من الناحية القانونية : البريد الإلكتروني : advicesisters المعرضات للadvicesisters - دوت صافي. أنا استخدم قدمت عينات لمشاركاتي. تعلم المزيد في "ملاحظة حول التعويضات" مقطع من بلدي ما يعمل الجمال ومستحضرات التجميل موضة واستعراض العمود : http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html إذا كنت مثل هذا بلوق ، والاشتراك بها عن طريق البريد الإلكتروني أو في القارئ (انظر العمود الأيمن لخيارات

July Beauty Bonanza: Just Bitten from Revlon, and Two New Beauties from Almay

Are you looking for some new but affordable products to add to your makeup bag this July? Two products from Almay, and one from Revlon, fit the bill (literally and figuratively) with budget-minded, high performance products.

One of my new favorites is the Just Bitten Lipstain by ColorStay. The product is just $8.99, and it looks like a dual-ended, felt-tipped marker pen with a white eraser on one end. But it's not quite what you think. The pointed, felt-tipped end does dispense a lip stain that will last for hours without smudging, cracking, or running into those nasty little lip lines. But the other end isn't a white eraser, it's a translucent (moistly matte) lip balm that helps lips stay protected and moisturized. Vitamin C gives you antioxidant protection. There are ten shades. I didn't personally sample them all, so I'm just going by the color chart and my descriptions may not be exact: Passion (bright pink), Twilight (browned rose), Frenzy(medium berry), Crave (bright raspberry), Beloved (deep mauve), Midnight (browned red), Flame (hot pink coral), Forbidden (nude), Gothic (rusted red) and Lust (copper). When you go to the store, you'll see how unusual these really are.

I applied the lip stain early in the morning (give it a few minutes to dry on your lips) and then I applied the silky lip balm. You can layer a bit more color on the stain end, but these are not the same as a very moist, opaque lipstick and you really don't need or want more than one application. That day I was very busy and forgot about my makeup. I even ate lunch and dinner, and forgot to apply more color. Still, when I washed my face at night, some of the lip stain was still on my lips. The lip balm will keep your lips from drying out, but the stain sticks like a dream! The product is pretty amazing! And, the slim marker design makes it a cinch to apply perfectly.

Also exciting and new to the marketplace in July, is a re-imagining of an earlier favorite idea--a mascara that you can "dial up" to bold, bolder or boldest lashes: Almay One Coat Dial Up Mascara $8.49. What' so cool about this is that you simply twist the purple collar on the white mascara tube, from 1, to 2, or all the way up to 3. What makes the magic, is Almay's unique "wiping system" that makes the "collar" of the mascara tube larger or smaller as you click it. The end results is that having this product is like having three different formulas of mascara, in one. This is particularly great when you're on the road, because all you need is this one mascara. Sometimes, you only want a light coat of color (e.g. at work or at casual times) but when the occasion arises for lusher lashes, you can get them without toting two or three products. Check out the illustrative video, below!

You'll like the molded brush, and the cream formula (the non-waterproof washes off easily with soap and water). The shades are: black, blackest black, or black brown. Another great thing about Almay which I particularly appreciate is that these products are hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, and good for contact lens wearers. I have sensitive eyes (not the best situation for a reviewer of beauty products) but I've been an Almay fan for decades, and have never had a moment's trouble from their products.

Also from Almay is another unique product launching July 2010 that I'm sure I won't live without, anymore: Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Concealer $8.99. At first, it looks just like any other tube of creamy concealer in a fine-tipped squeeze tube, but this one metamorphs from white to a skin tone color that will closely match your own. The basic shades are Light, Light, Light/Medium, and Medium. But that's not all this concealer has that makes it special. It has SPF 20 to keep the delicate skin under your eyes safe from the sun's damaging rays (SPF 20 is enough to actually do some good). It is oil-free, fragrance free, talc free, and paraben free. The formula doesn't just conceal dark circles and shadows, it has "skin sensing and shade sensing beads" that help protect your skin from aging, while it enhances the immediate look fo the skin. Peptides help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Rice protein, sweet almond seed extract, and seaweed extract, provide hydration, and help firm up that under-eye skin. The product works very well, feels light and non-greasy, and de-puffs and smooths the eye area. It's not the same as a good night's sleep and no worries, but it's a beauty secret you can use right now to look better.

Of course you can find Revlon and Almay products in mass market retailers and drugstores nationwide. Visit the Revlon and Almay web sites for more information, too!


Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email Me. Subscribe to this blog -options on right hand column. Follow me on and I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column