Sunday, May 31, 2015

Get Glowing Healthy Skin in Five Steps


Step 1: Sunscreen is not just for weekends and while at the beach. It should be used daily on any exposed skin.

 

Apply twenty minutes before going outdoors and every two hours to any exposed skin
 
Research shows that the best sunscreen is one with a broad-spectrum of sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Meaning it will help shield you from the sun's dangerous UVB (causes the burning of the skin) / UVA (causes 90% of aging of the skin and a risk of skin cancer) rays.  Sunscreen works in one of two ways… by scattering the light and reflecting it away from your skin or by absorbing the UV rays prior to them reaching your skin. However, SPF rating only refers to the blockage of the UVB ray. Sunscreen doesn’t have a rating factor for blocking UVA rays. Y

You will need to look for at least one the following the ingredients for UVA protection: ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide. Any of those should work beautifully.

While choosing the best sunscreen is important, perhaps even more crucial is using it correctly -- something a lot of us don't do. For the best protection apply 1 to 2 ounces (the size of shot glass) of sunscreen on your body 20 minutes before going outdoors [so your skin can absorb it completely] and every two hours to any exposed skin after that. 


For the other four steps to "Get Glowing Healthy Skin...." and other trends and fashion tips please subscribe to our free copy of "Just Being Nan, 2015 Spring/Summer Fashion e-Magazine. "

Thank you for joining me.
Nan 



 


 

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Friday, May 29, 2015

Friday Beverage: Watermelon and White Grape Juice Refresher


With the unofficial summer here, my thoughts on Friday afternoon always go to having a refreshing beverage on the patio, as we unwind from the week and gear up for the weekend.

 


This Friday’s beverage is an alcohol-free drink and is extremely simple to make. It has everything a refreshing drink calls for; sweetness from the watermelon juice and a wonderful snap of tart from the white grape juice. Poured over ice, and topped with a slice of orange, your weekday will just melt away as you kickback and sip. And, if anyone wants to spike it, they can easily add a little vodka to their glass.

 Friday Beverage: Watermelon and white grape juice refresher

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of watermelon juice
  • 1/3 of a can of frozen white grape juice
  • 2 ½ cups of water
  • Orange slices

Instructions:

1.     Take one medium watermelon and cube and de-seed. Place chunks into blender and puree; strain the juice, through cheesecloth or a strainer, into a pitcher/container.  Should make about 3-3 1/2 cups of liquid.

  1. In a second pitcher add one cup of watermelon juice (reserve the remainder for another pitcher or two), 1/3 of a can of frozen white grape juice, and 2 ½ cups of water and stir.
  2. Serve in ice-filled glasses, garnished with and orange ring. *Add vodka if desired.

It's normal for the watermelon juice to separate in the fridge, a quick stir to remix and you are ready for another refreshing Friday beverage. Cheers!  

Thank you for joining me and I hope you have a lovely and relaxing weekend. If you haven‘t already, be sure to sign up for your free copy of...





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Let’s enjoy life to the fullest!

Nan
 

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Monday, May 25, 2015

Are your eyes tightlined?


 
Tightlined or tightlining has been around for years but has been gaining momentum in popularity for the past couple of years. What is it you ask? Basically, you are playing connect the eyelashes by dabbing eyeliner between each lash on your waterline. By doing this effect, your eyes will appear bigger and your lashes will appear thicker… Win/Win!
 
How exactly is it done? It very simple and straight forward.
 
First begin by priming your eye area. I would suggest a product like Avon’s Eyeshadow Primer. A lightweight primer creates a seamless canvas for a smooth, even finish. And, helps prevent fading and creasing.
 
Once your eyes are primed, than apply your eyeshadow. Although, you don’t need to have dozens of colors, it is recommended that you have at least three shades of eyeshadow (light/medium/dark) in the same color palette. It depends on the look you are going for… dramatic eyeshadow? Then pick intense vibrant colors or if you would like something more neutral eyeshadow , aka… natural, then pick colors such as browns or grays.
 

  
There are many ways to apply eyeshadow and I’m just going to go with the basic application of sweeping a base color, the lightest from your color pallet (A), over the entire lid up into the brow bone. Contour your eye with the medium color (B) and finish with the darker color in the crease (C).
 
 
 
 
Now it is time to start “tightlining” your eyes. Close one eye and gently pull the corner of the lid up. Apply the ** eyeliner  your upper waterline by dabbing between the roots of each lash. Then line your other eye.  ** Normally $8.99 on sale for $1.99 until 05/27/15

 
 
Once your eyeshadow and eyeliner are complete, it’s time to finish up by curling your eyelashes and applying  mascara . Apply one to two coats of mascara; allowing the coats dry between applications. If you want some extra curl in your lashes, once the second coat of mascara has dried curl your eyelashes again. Be very careful curling your lashes with any type of product on them, because they are prone to breakage.
 
You're done! Step back and admire those beautiful tightlined eyes in the mirror.
 
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2015 Spring/Summer e-Magazine...

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Let’s enjoy life to the fullest!

Nan
 

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Want a Quick Beauty Routine?

 
For many women it’s important to have a quick, simple beauty routine in the morning with minimal products and a look that isn't overdone. Here are some simple beauty tips to help the mature woman to present a confident and beautiful face.
 

 
Create the illusion of a fuller lip. As we age our lips tend to thin out and fade. The cause for this is that the collagen, a protein that supports the body’s soft tissue, starts to break down from age and the sun’s ultraviolet rays. To help preserve the fullness of your lips, key is to protect them from the sun by wearing a lipstick or lip balm with sunscreen.
 
Added benefit of wearing lip protection is that lips can be defined to look plump and fuller. Pick out a neutral-colored lip liner, one that's matches your natural lip color. Use the liner to trace over your natural lip line and fill in the rest of your lips. Your lips will look plumper, and you can swipe on some lip balm and head out the door. Or, if you prefer a little more color, apply some lipstick on top of the liner for added lasting power.
 
Focus on the brows, they will make or all the difference in your look. As we get older, the brow often thins and white and gray hairs pop up, creating a less defined look. If you have a strong brow, focus on grooming, by trimming and brushing the hairs into place as needed. If your brows are a little sparse, you can use brow pencils, gels or powders to add definition, volume and a hint of color.
 
You should always wear blush, it will help add brightness to your face. It is easy to apply -- as long as you don't overdo it. Swipe blush high up on the very top of cheekbone. Place only on the very top of the cheekbone, and up into the temple, almost as though applying under-eye concealer.  
 
By placing the blush higher on the face it will looked tighter, more lifted and positively younger. When positioning blush too far down on the cheek a droopy effect is created.
 
For a glowing look for drier skin, stick to a cream or gel formula, which can be applied just with your fingertips. Oily skin types may want to opt for a powder blush. *Tip ~ in a pinch your lipstick can double as a little cheek pick me up.
 
The most aging effect on a mature face is not wearing foundation. To even out the skin tone and help protect skin from the sun’s UV rays foundation is the answer.  If you’re just looking to even out the skin then you can add sunscreen to your foundation before applying. But, if you're battling age spots and pigmentation issues then you are going to want to use a foundation. Finding the right formulation without losing coverage is the key to not having a cakey and powdery face. Liquid foundations come in different finishes, like matte, luminous or natural, depending on your preference.
 
The key to proper application; dab your foundation to the center of your face first, then place a dab on your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Next, smooth out the foundation by blending and spreading it out. You don’t want to see where your foundation begins and ends.
 
As with everything, it all takes a little practice. It’s really about learning how to do makeup a little different as you’re getting older -- getting the proper tools, taking the time to learn it.
 
 
 
Thank you for joining me. Let’s enjoy life to the fullest!
 

Nanette Lewis is an independent Avon repetitive.
 
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What are you really saying?


 
 
Communication is powerful and especially in person communication. According to a UCLA study, non-verbal forms of communication speaks volumes regarding what a person is saying.  According to the study, only 7% of what is actually being said is conveyed to the person verbally. The listener actually takes cues from the tone of voice (38%) and the visual gestures (55%). If what the listener is being told doesn’t mesh with the tone and visual gestures; facial expressions, hand movements, body language, etc… They are more inclined to believe the body language over the spoken words.
 
Be sure that your nervous body habit(s) ~ foot tapping, poor posture, fidgeting, arms crossed ~ isn’t given your listener the wrong message.
 
Mirror, Mirror, Mirror See How Similar We Are!
 
A key to using non-verbal communication to your advantage is to mirror a person’s personality and behavior.
 
If a person is mellow then respond to his conversation with a smooth lower tone and less body gesturing. However, if a person is enthusiastic then mirror his enthusiasm by using more gestures (body and facial) and raising the volume of your voice a little.
 
Beware not to overdo it … you want to come across as one with the other person’s persona not that you are mocking them.
 

Cut-Out Chic

Laser-cut products have been around for a while now and became mainstream around 2011/2012. And, continues to be very popular this season. I’ve had my little black laser-cut dress for years now. It is fully lined in a flesh color satin and will be a part of my spring rotation.
 

 
If you haven’t found your perfect laser-cut purchase yet, let me just say… there are many to choice from in a vast array of price points:
 

 
Are you going to incorporate this trend into your spring wardrobe? And, if so... What will make your final cut?
 

You owe it to yourself!



Whether we like it or not... We are judged by how we groom ourselves, dress ourselves and represent ourselves.




Personal Image Style for the Mature Woman
 
 
 
I hear a lot of women say things like...
 
 


“I’m not trying to win a beauty contest.”
 
“If they don’t like the way I look then they can look someplace else.”
 
"I dress for me and if they don’t like it then too bad.”
 
“If I was rich I would could afford to dress nice too.”
 


I think a lot of women hit a slippery slope and aren’t sure how to find balance. I believe these statements are just excuses for lack of self-esteem, lack of knowledge on how to dress or just giving up because their body has changed and they don’t like the new shape and/or don’t know how to dress it to maximize the positives.
 
It truly takes no more effort or money to dress nicely than it does to dress the frump. It is just a matter of following a few guidelines:
  • Dress for your present body shape in stain and wrinkled free garments.
  • Wear flattering colors close to your face to give your complexion a refreshed and vibrant glow.
  • Do the minimal basic grooming.
    • Get an up-to-date hairstyle that is easy for you to manage.
    • Wear foundation or tinted moisturizer with sunscreen to even out the complexion and help protect you from harmful sun rays and a little mascara to define your eyes.
    • If you can’t afford a weekly manicure then make an effort with a DIY one. You don't have to polish your nails to make them presentable. Just keep nails clean and groomed to a classic shape.


 "You owe it to yourself to find the time, make the effort,
whatever your age, shape or commitments!"


Do you need help discovering what really looks good on you? Has your body shape changed over the last couple of years? Are you finding that your lifestyle and fashion style do not mesh? I can help!

My focus is on teaching women how to make the most of their current figure using certain cuts and styles of clothing, depending on their body type and build.

I offer three levels of style guide packages, that will help you determine what works best for your body type, so that you will always be confident with how you are dressed. You can find the details of each package here and here. Let's get started today.


Thank you for joining me and be sure to sign up for your free copy of...





Just Being Nan
2015 Spring/Summer e-Magazine...

This brief, but informative, e-Magazine shares seasonal beauty and wardrobe tips, fashion trends
and promotions from Just Being Nan.


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Let’s enjoy life to the fullest!

Nan
 

Shop the latest AVON campaign with me, Nanette Lewis, Independent Avon Repetitive.
Follow me on :  Facebook

How to Dress Your Diamond Body

A diamond body shape is also known as an apple, oval or round body shape. As a woman with a diamond body the higher portion of the hip is wider than the lower portion. Your bust and/or midriff are larger than your hips and you may have a short waist. Your waist measures 2” more than your bust or hips.
 
You do have a tendency to gain weight in tummy and upper midriff. But don’t let that negative discourage you from your glorious body shape.
 
There are many positives to your shape, such as your wonderful slender “legs” and slight shoulders.
 
Other beauties, of various ages, that have a diamond body shape: Beth Ditto, Kathy Bates, Jennifer Coolidge and Kirstie Alley.
 

 
All these women display the typical diamond shape of a larger midriff in comparison to the shoulders and hips.
If you would like more information on how to dress your diamond body please visit my website Tips – diamond or contact me for a personal consultation.

How to Dress Your Inverted Triangle Body

An inverted triangle body is also known as a strawberry body shape. As a woman with an inverted triangle body you have a broad chest and wide shoulders in proportion to a narrow waist and hips. Your shoulders measure about 6” or more than you waist and hips.
 
You do have a tendency to gain weight in your tummy and upper midriff. But don’t let that negative discourage you from your glorious body shape.
 
There are many positives to your shape, such as your wonderful tapered torso, trim waist and your killer legs make you look confident and fit.
 
Other beauties, of various ages, that are inverted triangles, are: Demi Moore, Jessica Simpson, and Teri Hatcher
 

 
All three women display the typical inverted triangle shape of shoulders being broader in comparison to the hips.
 
If you would like more information on how to dress your inverted triangle body please visit my website Tips – Inverted Triangle or contact me for a personal consultation.

Wear It Wednesday: Spring Suede

This spring suede is everywhere; skirts, jackets, shoes, handbags and accessories. This spring’s suede and suede look-alikes (vegan and faux options) are trending. They can be found in all price ranges in footwear to skirts to jackets and yes, especially handbags. This rich textured material is thinner and more versatile and goes anyplace. And, this season it takes on many vibes from western to 70’s chic to conservative office.
 
 

Colors are tending towards brown, rust and camel which will easily merge into your spring wardrobe but if it is color you crave, then you'll find it in other colors too… purple, blue or orange.
 
Suede is a classic that never goes out of style, so if you decide to invest in a serious piece, you will be able to wear it for many seasons and many years to come.
 
Perhaps you just want to dip your toes in this trend, so to speak, a wonderful pair of suede shoes would be ideal.
 
Or even a handbag… There is always a way to introduce a trend into your wardrobe without having to break the bank or perhaps you are ready for that one spectacle investment piece.
 
 

If you are making it an investment piece be sure that you look for quality… tight stitching and quality leather. Leather is one of the strongest and most durable materials you can use for apparel, just like in shoes, quality leather can last you decades and will continue to look better as it breaks in. Always look for high quality Full Grain leather, just like in nice shoes.
 
In order to assure that your piece, regardless of it being high-end or low budget, is to last you do need to take care of it.
 
How to care for your suede pieces:
 
Spray new suede garments and shoes with a suede protection product. Be sure to test a small area on the inside of the garment, where it can't be seen, before using it to treat the entire garment.
 
When you store suede garments, be certain they can breathe. Never store in plastic; instead use an old pillowcase to circulate air. And, always store in a cool dry area.
 
If you get an oil stain on suede, coat the mark with baby powder and let it stand overnight. By morning, the stain should be gone. If a bit still remains, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.
 
To clean dirt off suede, use a piece of stale bread crust and gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread, and the dirt will magically disappear. To de-scuff suede, use an eraser or nail file.
 
 

How To Dress Your Triangle Body

A triangle body is also known as a pear or a spoon.  As a woman with a triangle body your shoulders are narrow compared to your hips. There is usually 4” or more difference between your waist and hips.
 
You have a tendency to gain weight in the hips, thighs and derriere. But don’t let that negative discourage you from your trim waist, head turning hips that gives you glorious feminine appeal and shapely legs.
 
Your main goal is to create balance between your shoulders and hips while playing up your trim waist. And, this can be done with padding and embellishments on the shoulders. U-necklines and square necklines draw the attention away from your hips and up toward your top.
 
Other beauties, of various ages, that are triangle are:  Jordan Sparks, plus size model Ashley Graham, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jennifer Lopez and Melissa McCarthy
 

 
 
 

 
All six women display the typical triangle shape of shoulder being narrow compared to the full hips.
 
If you would like more information on how to dress your triangle body please visit my website Tips - Triangle or contact me for personal consultation.
  

How To Dress Your Rectangle Body Shape

A rectangle body is also known as a banana, pencil or ruler.  As a woman with a rectangle body your shoulders and hips are basically the same size and there is a minimal difference between your bust and waist; usually between 1” to 8”.
 
You actually have a tendency to gain weight in the stomach and often has what is known as the dreaded “muffin top”. But don’t let that negative discourage you from you glorious body shape.
 
There are many positives to your shape, such as you being proportionally built – meaning that you are pretty much in balance and don’t need de-emphasize your bottom or top. Your main goal is to create more feminine curves to your body. And, this can be done with tailor fitted clothing and feminine silhouettes that define the waist.
 
Other beauties, of various ages, that are rectangles are:  Michelle Pfeiffer, plus size model; Tara Lynn, Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Nichole Kidman
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: I couldn’t find a Michelle Pfeiffer in a bathing suit face front. For that matter I could barely finder any bathing suit photos of her. Very unusual for an actress.  
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you would like more information on how to dress your rectangle body please visit my Tip Section - Rectangle  or contact me for personal consultation.
 
 
 

No Two Are Exactly Alike

The human body comes in a variation of five different body types/shapes.

 
However, like finger prints or signatures, no two are exactly alike.  The types/shapes have been given many names… apple, round, diamond or banana, ruler, rectangle. I personally don’t compare a body shape to fruit however, now that I think about it… a human body is just like fruit. While an apple is an apple, no two apples are the same size or shape. So with that analogy, yes… the body is like fruit. However, I’m more inclined to compare body types/shapes to geometric shapes… it is more mathematical/scientific and that is what dressing a body type/shape is about. Finding the balance in the human body shape to minimize and maximize the negatives and positives and creating a pleasing balance to a figure regardless of weight, height, or age.
 
I will post within the next week or so the different types/shapes but for this post I’m going to start with the "rectangle" because that is the shape that I work with on a daily basis… because, it is mine!
 
For the sake of…. Science I have stripped down to just a silk thermals bottom, a tank top and socks. Now please go easy on me… I am a human being with feelings and my body isn’t perfect. You will notice in some of the photos that my mild Scoliosis shows. It is just something that is part of my equation.
 
I’m considered a “rectangle” because my shoulders and hips measure the same and there is only a minimal, less than 8” difference between my bust and waist. I also have the typically small chest of the rectangle body.
 

 
 My Stats:
 
      Height: 5’ 6”
  •       Weight: 134
  •  
Measurements are:
       Shoulders: 40”
       Chest: 36”
       Waist: 30”
       Hips: 40”
 
However, I am not just a “rectangle” because with my lower hip and rear area I have a tendency toward being a “triangle”.  You will also notice that I’m short waisted. Meaning that my natural waist starts and ends closer to my bust area than my hip area.
 
My observation is that those cursed with a short waist are usually blessed with long legs. And, I do follow that trait.
 
 

 Waistband is at my natural waistline.
 

 Waistband has been rolled down to sit just above my hips.
 
The above outfits are the same. However, in the first three photos the pants are at the natural waist line; amplifying my short waist and making my legs look extremely long. The bottom three photos I have rolled down the waist line to fit closer to my hips. Thus, making my upper and lower proportion more pleasing. You will notice that rolling the waistband has also caused considerable bulk. That is a lot of rolling going on.  Also notice that just rolling the sleeve up in both examples has helped toward balancing the look.
 
Below, in the second photo I untucked the blouse to extend the upper length… which is recommended. I personally don’t like this look because the hem of the blouse hits me at my widest point causing a triangle effect. The top needs to be at hip length as it is in the first photo below.
 

 
You may have noticed that all the prior photos I have on straight legged fleece pants. The third photo I added a pair of skinny jeans which actually make my legs appear longer.
 
A good rule of thumb is to follow an equation of thirds. The above photo; my outfit is basically divided into thirds. One third is the top and two thirds make up the bottom.
 
Now because the world doesn’t view us from just one angle I have included side and back views of the outfits.
 

 

 

 
It is also noticeable how some of the outfits actually emphases not only my body shape but also the flaws.
 
And, lastly because I don’t just stand around in weird positions all the time, and movement is what the body does best, I have also included some styled photos of the above outfit with accessories.
 

 
Thank you for stopping by and next time I will chat more about what does and doesn’t work for the “rectangle” shaped body.
 
Nan!