Fragrance of the Month

Check out the six fragrances for the month of October!
Photo: Up in Smoke by illpadrino

Top 10 Workout Songs

Put together a playlist to help you get your beach body back from author Nathanel Jefferson.

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ASPiring Artist

Online gallery of drawings and artwork by ASP.

ECV's Beauty Tips

Check back often for new tips!

New Year's resolutions and goal-setting

Get the help you need to follow through on your resolutions and goals in 2012!

Dec 29, 2011

Clean Your Stinky Head Scarf...and other things - Part 2

A few days ago in part 1 we listed the beauty and other items you should clean at least weekly and promised a more detailed breakdown.  Going back to the main item on the list, the head scarf just toss that in the washing machine once a week and you should be good to go.

Combs and Brushes

Very often we've noticed ladies that have combs and bushes that appear to have never been cleaned...SCARY!  We've seen young and old drop their hair tools on the floor and simply pick it up and start using it again...SUPER SCARY!

At least once a week you should take your combs and brushes and wash them in hot water using some antibacterial soap.  For your brushes if you want to be a cleaning superstar, check with your local beauty supply store for some brush cleaner.  This will remove those strands of hair that always seem to be lodged in your brush despite your best efforts to get rid of them.  If you drop your comb or brush while styling your hair go ahead and wash it immediately and dry it off with your hair dryer just to be safe.  You never know what nasty little buggers may be lurking just waiting to attack your precious scalp and hair follicles.

Check back later for things to look for at your favorite salon to make sure they're not passing on someone else hair strands and hair problems via unclean combs and brushes!

Dec 26, 2011

New Year's Resolutions & Goals

2011 is almost over and 2012 is knocking at the door.  Every new year many of us make resolutions and set goals that we often don't keep.  Let's change that this year.

Make your goals and resolutions and seek out the support you need from others to follow through on them.  Starting immediately ECV is offering the cheerleading, coaching, and support that you need to see your goals through via our new service, Compass Professional Coaching.  To find out more or sign up for a free 5-day trial click here.

Dec 23, 2011

Clean Your Stinky Head Scarf...and other things

I listen to the TJMS on the way to my day gig. I believe it was the week of December 12th I heard my fellow, native South Carolinian Jay Anthony Brown improvising a blues song about women needing to wash their head scarves because it was making the back of their heads stink.


It got me thinking that's not the only thing that probably goes uncleaned for far longer than it should.  Here's my quick list of beauty care and other items that perhaps go overlooked but should be cleaned at least weekly:
  • Nightly head scarf (of course)
  • Combs
  • Brushes
  • Makeup brushes and sponges
  • Nail clippers
  • Tweezers
  • Glasses (prescription or stylish shades)
  • Pillowcases
  •  Cell phone (because unless you're 100% hands-free ALL the time, it will touch your face at some point)
More specifics on why it's important (besides just being clean) and how to clean some of these items quickly and easily in future posts!

    Dec 21, 2011

    Staying Healthy Over the Holidays

    Staying Healthy Over the Holidays


    Staying Healthy Over the Holidays

    By Julie Donley


    The holiday season means more parties, more shopping, more eating, more stress, and, of course, more colds and flu! So how can you stay healthy during this busy time?
    There are several things that you can do to practice self-care. The holidays are not an invitation to lose focus on what is most important in your life. Here is a short list to keep you focused on maintaining your health - and still have fun!
    1) WASH YOUR HANDS!This is the one, best thing you can do regularly to avoid getting sick. Use a disinfectant gel. This is the simplest and easiest way to keep germs away.
    2) Get a flu shot.Stop into any pharmacy today and get yours. No excuses. If you are around people, you are susceptible. If you have kids, that doubles your chances of getting sick. Prevention is the best medicine.
    3) Take your vitamins.If you take vitamin C and E and a multi, that is great. If you eat healthy fruits and vegetables, you may choose not to take vitamins, however, in the winter months, adding extra C to your diet can be helpful.
    4) Don't overeat. Gaining weight over the holidays does not have to be the norm. It is not healthy for your body to yo-yo in weight. It adds extra effort to your heart and other vital organs. Overeating feels bad. Your clothes tighten and that causes stress. You worry about the gain and how you'll get it off then in January you are stressed about losing it. It's a horrible thing to do to your body. Eat modestly. Eat slowly. Be conscious. Don't just pick; use a plate and choose your food wisely. Enjoy yourself, just be sensible about it.
    5) Drink plenty of fluids.Water is best. It keeps your body well hydrated to flush germs out of your system. Dehydration creates a fertile environment for sickness. And watch your level of alcohol intake. Sweet drinks can add hundreds of calories to your daily intake and cause your weight to fluctuate wildly. Alcohol also dulls your senses. Again, be sensible. And of course, don't drink and drive!
    6) Get proper rest. Sleep is underrated but it is SO important for good health, creativity and clear thinking. When you're tired, you are not as alert and more easily agitated. To keep stress at bay, make sure you are sleeping enough. Most people require 8 hours but some need more and some can go with a little less. This may mean saying 'no' so some of your invitations but you are the priority. If you're exhausted, it's easier to catch a cold. Your body will have rest, even if it has to force you to get some!
    7) Work with a budget.I mean, really, when I listen to the stories of what people spend and how they go out of their way to get every person that comes in contact with them, their kids or some member of their family some gift or tip, it makes my head swim! No one expects anything! If they receive something, they are thankful, but there is no reason to go into debt in order to 'look good'. Most of the time, the gifts are not needed anyway. Ask a teacher how many trinkets and broaches they have received over the years and I guarantee they will roll their eyes and laugh. Give from your heart as opposed to your checkbook and do what FEELS GOOD FOR YOU. Let the rest go. By being prudent with your heard-earned money, you respect yourself and experience less stress in the New Year when you look over your bills and find that you are not in loads of debt from overspending. You might even find that you have extra money to take that cruise you have always wanted.
    8) Think 'JOY' this holiday season.In other words, if it's a chore, if you are miserable doing something, then consider not doing it. Often, you put such pressure on yourself to be everything to everyone and to do everything perfectly. You are so concerned about being judged harshly when, in fact, it is you who judge yourself harshly. No one else cares nearly as much as you worry they do. If you are enjoying yourself, then go for it. But if it brings you unhappiness, makes you feel uncomfortable or stressed, then just don't do it. Focus on pleasing you and bringing yourself joy; that will be what pleases others.
    9) Find ways to de-stress. There are many ways you add stress to your life during the holidays. Therefore, it's essential to add little things that will help you to relax. Schedule some down time into your week. Get a manicure. Purchase food rather than cook it all yourself. Give yourself permission to not do everything. You can also say 'no' or delegate certain tasks to others. Remember, much of your stress comes from YOU! No one else expects so much of you. You are your own worst enemy! NOW is the time to be good to you. After all, the holidays are to be enjoyed. Create a wonderful holiday memory as opposed to a stressed-out one.
    10) Exercise in spite of the time crunch.If you think you have no time to work out, you are making it too hard. 15 minutes is all you need every day to get your body moving. Dance while listening to music or run in place. If you have a machine that you use as a clothes hanger, move the clothes and hop on while chatting with your spouse or watching TV. 'Time' is a lame excuse given the health benefits. A little time today will save you time later when your body starts to break down and give you pain because you do not have the muscle tone or strength needed to do your activities of daily living. Exercise offers you clarity of thought, increases your energy and boosts your metabolism. It strengthens your heart and helps aid digestion. It also helps you to unwind and de-stress. Exercise is not a nice-to-do; it really is a need-to-do all year round.
    Have a healthy and joyful holiday season!
    Julie Donley, RN BSN MBA is a psychiatric nurse, success expert and author of several empowering and motivating books including Does Change have to be so H.A.R.D.? and The Journey Called YOU: A Roadmap to Self-Discovery and Acceptance. Her masterful coaching style and expertise inspires you to be your personal best and feel good about yourself as you navigate through life's challenges. Contact Julie@JulieDonley.com for a personal consultation. For self-help resources, to purchase her books and to subscribe for inspirational articles, visit http://www.JulieDonley.com and be your best today!

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Donley


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    Dec 19, 2011

    Top 10 Gifts for Well Groomed Men

    Top 10 Gifts for Well Groomed Men



    Top 10 Gifts for Well Groomed Men

    By Anthony Dailley


    With the holiday season underway many of you have probably already started your shopping for family and friends, but often the hardest part is figuring out what to get that hard-to-shop-for man on your list. Whether it's your brother, father, husband or boyfriend we all know a guy that's hard to shop for!
    This year we have compiled a top 10 gifts list to suit all budgets for the well groomed man (or for a man on your list that you wish was well groomed).
    1. Menscience Advanced Deodorant $17

    If the man on your list is sporty or enjoys the outdoors this is the perfect stocking stuffer!
    This advanced deodorant is used by professional athletes and has been featured in Men's Health Magazine. Amongst the many benefits, your guy will enjoy long lasting odor elimination from this non-irritating formula developed from tea extract and witch hazel. As an added bonus, it doesn't stain or leave a residue on shirt underarms!
    2. The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector $18.50

    Between hanging Christmas lights, shoveling snow, scraping ice off of car windshields and everything else men do outdoors around the holidays, their hands can get pretty chapped.
    The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector is great for dry skin. The hemp and organic beeswax formula helps lock in moisture, even through hand washing and cold winter temperatures. The fatty acids in hemp seed oil are the key to repairing skin and restoring smoothness.
    3. Philip B Styling Gel $19 (6oz)

    In the cold weather and wind of winter it's easy to end up with a "bedhead" look without trying. Help your guy out this season by giving him the prefect hair product to tame his locks!

    Philip B Styling Gel is a soft-hold gel that adds volume, texture and definition to men's hair of all types. Made from Irish moss, aonori and vitamin B5 this men's hair gel can be applied to wet hair to achieve a slick look and keep hair in place.
    4. Hammacher Schlemmer's The Best Nose Hair Trimmer $19.95

    If the man on your list is getting a little older he may be starting to notice ear and nose hairs peeking out. Give him the best nose hair trimmer- literally.
    The Best Nose Hair Trimmer by Hammacher Schlemmer was specially designed to cut hair follicles closer and faster while providing exceptional comfort. The size and shape allow for better trimming without pulling, resulting in less tickling while trimming and reduced skin irritation after.
    5. BreathGemz Dual Action Breath Freshener $20

    Even if your guy already has great breath giving him BreathGemz will just make his breath even better and give him the added pleasure of a clean minty mouth like he just came from the dentist.
    BreathGemz Dual Action Breath Fresheners are more than just a bad breath pill. these tablets neutralize food odors instantly while also providing a fresh feeling in the mouth. Each BreathGemz capsule has a liquid core of parsley seed oil and sunflower oil, and is encased in a minty fresh coating for the most effective breath freshening available. BreathGemz are even effective against smokers' breath.
    6. F/P Homme Shower Gel Trio $22

    Even well groomed men don't like to have really complicated personal hygiene regimens. Make looking and feeling good easy on your guy this season with the F/P Homme Shower Gel Trio. F/P Numero 001, Numero 002, and Numero 003 shower gels can also be used as shampoo and offer separate masculine fragrances that can be mixed and matched according to individual preference. Whether it's the fresh citrus Numero 001, woody sandalwood Numero 002 or spicy vetiver Numero 003, the guy on your list is sure to love this manly trio.
    7. Moustache Wax Action Pack $26

    If you need a gift for a man with a mustache or beard the Moustache Wax Action Pack from the Etsy store MansFaceStuff is the gift for you!
    Packaged in travel-friendly one ounce tins, moustache wax is an innovative and fun gift to give your facial hair aficionado. The Action Pack comes with three varieties of handmade wax: Gin & Tonic, Red Hot, and All Nighter. This wax will help keep stray hairs in check and faces smelling great!
    8. Aramis Pre Electric Lotion £22.50 (about $35.15)

    If the man on your shopping list uses an electric razor chances are he's gotten some useless gift before like a shave cream warmer or razor blade sharpener, but now there's finally the perfect gift for men that use electric razors.
    Aramis Pre Electric Lotion is specially formulated to prepare your skin for the close shave of an electric razor. Bergamot, cumin, jasmine, patchouli, amber and musk combine to create a spicy leather-like scent while refreshing skin and minimizing nicks and scrapes that can occur during shaving.
    9. Opalescence trésWhite Teeth Whitening Kit $85

    For whatever reason most men hate making regular appointments for the doctor and dentist. If you guy's teeth could use to be a little whiter the Opalescence trésWhite Teeth Whitening Kit is the perfect gift.
    Unlike those wimpy strips that stick on your teeth and never work, the Opalescence trésWhite Teeth Whitening Kit is a superior teeth whitening system that produces results after the very first treatment. This kit is not available in retail stores; you can only order it from a dentist's office, because it has a higher hydrogen peroxide concentration than your average over-the-counter whitening product. After about a week of treatment (30-60 minutes per day) your guy's teeth will be noticeably whiter and will only require touch ups every 1-2 years, if at all.
    10. Sephora Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler For Him $155 value (now $75)

    Still don't know what to get the man on your list? Sephora has put together a fragrance sampler so your man can try some of today's most popular fragrances in the comfort of his own home. The best part is that after deciding which fragrance he likes best, he can take the voucher included in the set (or send you with the voucher) to your local Sephora and redeem it for a fragrance. The best part about this gift is that he won't have to pretend he likes his gift because he gets to pick it out himself!
    About the Author: Dr. Dailley has been practicing dentistry since 1981 and specializes in bad breath treatment and remedies. He has a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University and a dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr Dailley founded the Center for Breath Treatment in the bay area and currently conducts research on curing halitosis at the California Pacific Lab facility in Novato California.

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Dailley


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    Dec 16, 2011

    Are Cosmetics Recession-Proof? Famous Female Entrepreneurs Who Have Built Branded Empires - ABC News

    Are Cosmetics Recession-Proof? Famous Female Entrepreneurs Who Have Built Branded Empires - ABC News


    If you fit the profile described in the article (someone looking for a backup plan) email us either at eclassventures@gmail.com or msmarie803@marykay.com. Listen to how Mary Kay has been a reliable source of extra income for the past 7 years and learn how you can make it yours also.

    Dec 13, 2011

    MK Classic Basic News

    Faithful Mary Kay users know them as the original skin care set, the wonderful Classic Basic line that comes in three formulas to suit dry, blemish-prone and normal/combination/oily skin types.  They have stood that test of time and remained in the product line despite many other changes to the product offerings...until now.

    The company has recently announced that in 2012 Formula 1 and Formula 2 will be discontinued.  If you love these and want to stock up now, please visit our store.  Remember as always E-Class Ventures offers all MK products at a 20% discount from the retail price listed on the site.

    So you're wondering 'What do they plan to replace Formula 1 and Formula 2 with?'  Well beginning in February 2012 a new line called Botanical Effects will be available.  The products will be hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, alcohol and synthetic dyes making it a nice choice for sensitive skin.  We'll have free samples available soon so reserve yours now!

    Dec 6, 2011

    Eating Organic

    By Maxine Glass


    If you've been to the grocery store in the past five years, you've undoubtedly encountered some sort of organic food. Maybe you noticed different packaging or special sections in the store and maybe you've even ventured to try these newfangled products. But most likely, you're still not exactly sure what "organic" means and why it has been getting so much media attention in the last few years. The idea of organic foods can be intimidating, so Recipe4Living offers you a place to familiarize yourself with the terms and facts surrounding this new organic craze.

    What is organic?
    In the simplest terms, organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.
    The USDA National Organic Program has created a long and wordy definition that you can view here. As of October 21, 2002, all farmers and organic producers are required to adhere to these guidelines throughout their organic license:
    - Do not use prohibited materials (listed above) for three years prior to certification and throughout license.
    - Allow outdoor access and pasture for livestock and do not feed animals antibiotics or hormones. Rather, feed animals with 100% organic feed.
    - Avoid contamination during processing of products and keep records of all operations.
    This relatively simple definition is just the basis for understanding the organic world. When grocery shopping, it's important to know that the USDA has identified three categories for labeling organic products:
    - 100% Organic: Made with 100% organic ingredients
    - Organic: Made with at least 95% organic ingredients
    - Made with Organic Ingredients: Made with a minimum of 70% organic ingredients with strict restrictions on the remaining 30% including no genetically modified organisms.
    (Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may list organically produced ingredients on the side panel, but cannot make organic claims.)
    For more terms and definitions, check out the comprehensive Glossary at Organic.org.

    Potential Health Benefits
    Though there have not been enough long-term studies done to confirm health benefits from organic foods, recently published studies from the University of California-Davis recently found that some organic foods have higher nutritional value than regularly-grown foods. Some people also believe that organic food tastes better, but you'll have to see for yourself.

    Pesticide Dangers
    While the idea of eating organic may seem to be more of an inconvenience than its worth, you should consider the harmful effects that pesticides have on foods. They can have detrimental effects on a human's endocrine, nervous and immune systems - and the risk is even greater for children. Remember, the use of these pesticides is prohibited for organic farmers.
    For your shopping convenience, a report by the Environmental Working Group used data from the FDA to show that many of the pesticide health risks are concentrated in a relatively small number of fruits and vegetables.
    - High Levels of Pesticide: strawberries, red and green peppers, spinach, cherries, peaches, cantaloupe, celery, apples, apricots, green beans, grapes, cucumbers, pears, winter squash and potatoes
    - Low Levels of Pesticide: avocados, corn, onions, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
    The realization that your food may have harmful pesticides on it can be scary, but there are ways to clean your food without having to swear off fruits and vegetables forever:
    - Buy commercial vegetable and fruit washes formulated to remove chemical residue (Evironné or Vitanet).
    - Make your own cleaning solution with mild dishwashing detergent (1 tsp. detergent per gallon of water).
    - Use a soft brush to scrub food.
    - Peel fruits with tough exteriors, especially peaches, pears and apples.
    - Eat organic.
    Click here for more tips on keeping your family safe from pesticides.

    Where to Find Organic Foods
    Your search for organic food could mean exploring a new section of your neighborhood grocery store or traveling a further distance to meet your new grocery needs. Chain stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's carry extensive organic sections of their stores. You can also look into local co-ops in your town that will undoubtedly have an impressive selection of organic foods.
    If you're still having trouble finding organic in your town, perhaps these organic delivery services will make it easier:
    Diamond Organics - delivers to any address in US
    Dave's Organics - home delivery in California
    Front Door Organics - home and office delivery in Toronto
    Organics Delivered - delivers to Toronto and Peterborough Co.
    Peapod - delivers to Chicago and South-Eastern Wisconsin and most of the New England area
    Urban Organic - delivers to the New York area
    Small Potatoes - home delivery within BC, Canada
    Organic Express - home delivery throughout California
    Door to Door Organics - serves Philadelphia, NJ and vicinity
    Planet Organics - home delivery in San Francisco Bay area
    A note on costs: Many people don't buy organic foods because they believe them to be too expensive. While organic food is often pricier than its non-organic counterparts, there are good reasons for this:
    - Organic farmers don't receive federal subsidies like conventional farmers do, therefore they price reflects the true cost to growing.
    - The price of conventional food does not reflect the cost of environmental cleanups that we pay for through tax dollars.
    - Organic farming is more labor and management intensive.

    Other Info to Know
    In case you still have any doubts as to the incredible impact that organic foods are having on food industry, take a look at this map of the Organic Industry Structure . Looking at the large circles, you'll probably recognize most of the major brand names that occupy your kitchen cupboards, but follow the arrows to see the organic brands these food-giants are creating. Even if you just glace at the chart, it's easy to see that the organic industry is growing quickly and will not be ignored.
    If you're still thirsting for more organic knowledge, the Internet has some incredible organic resources. Check out these websites for further information.
    http://www.organic.org/
    Organic Consumers Organization
    USDA National Organic Program
    Copyright © 2006 Ampere Media LLC
    Recipe4Living.com features more than 10,000 user submitted recipes, ideas and recipes from Wolfgang Puck, reference guides, healthy living advice, tips for kids, and much more. All of the recipes mentioned in this article can be found at http://www.recipe4living.com/

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maxine_Glass


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