Monthly Archives: March 2011

Lifestyle
March 30th, 2011
by:
Jeannine Morris
The Proof is in Pilates

Have you ever taken pilates? Besides strengthening your core and arms it also helps to increase your overall flexibility. When I was younger I used to take the classes regularly and let me tell you, they are vigorous!  However, proof is in the pudding and they are well worth it.

In a recent study of 50 physically active people, half took pilates twice a week for an hour each time and the other half maintained their regular gym routine for a total of 12 weeks.

After the three month period, researchers found that the participants who took the pilates classes had a much greater increase in overall strength and flexibility than those who maintained their normal physical activity.  The pilates group was able to do 39 percent more sit ups and 47 percent more sit ups in a minute than the other group. Other physical activities were tested as well.  The pilates group even grew a centimeter in height!

There’s no reason to give up your regular workout for pilates, but a class or two a week would be a great add on.  You can even do them in your own living room and follow instructors on demand or youtube.

Lifestyle
March 29th, 2011
by:
Jeannine Morris
Health Tip: Don’t Rely on Your BMI

When paying attention to your health and fitness everyone has their own formula for what works for them.  For me, I stay away from numbers.  I don’t pay attention to the scale or count calories. For me, feeling fit, working out, eating healthy and liking how my clothes fit me works.  In case you’re into BMI, check this out…

The number calculated from your weight and height to create your body mass index, or BMI, is used by doctors to determine if you’re at a healthy weight.  However, even though the number is accurate, exactly what it measures is up for debate.

The problem with using BMI as a measuring tool to see if you’re overweight, normal or underweight is that it doesn’t distinguish between fatty and lean tissue.  Therefore, it’s misleading and can cause doctors to misdiagnose a condition such as an eating disorder or obesity.

“The B.M.I. tables are excellent for identifying obesity and body fat in large populations, but they are far less reliable for determining fatness in individuals,” explained Dr. Carl Lavie, a cardiologist at the Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans to The New York Times.

To calculate your BMI, simply divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.  Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m)  Calculation:68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98

If you fall below an 18.5 you’re said to be underweight, from 18.5 to 24.9 is normal, 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 and above indicates obesity. When calculating your BMI keep in mind that it isn’t a perfect measurement.

Beauty
March 28th, 2011
by:
Jeannine Morris
My Scent Secrets Revealed

Tocca

I used to never tell people what fragrance I wore.  I loved that my scent was my secret.  However, after being in the beauty industry for almost 6 years, spritzing everything I got my hands on, I’ve finally found my two perfect fragrances and have to share!  This is quite the accomplishment!  So here’s my secret – Tocca eau de parfum Florence for day and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Lumiere Noire for night.

Tocca eau de parfum Florence is light enough for daytime and smells like fresh roses.  Every time I spritz it I think of walking around a rose garden in perfect Spring weather.  Talk about a great escape.  With notes of Italian Bergamot, Grapefruit Leaves, Green Pear, Apple Cocktail, Ivory Gardenia, Crushed Violet Petals, Jasmine, Tuberose, Blue Iris, Blonde Wood and White Musk this sent is heavenly.

Before going out at night on a date with Joe I usually spritz my Maison Francis Kurkdjian Lumiere Noire.  It’s a sexy, mysterious scent that’s a little on the strong side, so just a bit will do.  Notes include spiced rose, patchouli and narcissus.

Beauty
March 25th, 2011
by:
Jeannine Morris
VIP Pass to the Industry: Lippe Taylor

I’m so excited to introduce you to Lauren Marfoe of Lippe Taylor!  She’s one of my best friends (in life, not just at work) and is extremely talented.  She’s been working in beauty PR since she graduated college and transitioned into social media.  Currently, she’s a Senior Account Executive on the Digital Team who’s obsessed with Justin Bieber and stays grounded by noting, “It’s PR not the ER!”  Meet Lauren:

What college did you go to and what did you major in?

I attended Florida State University and majored in Fashion Merchandising (and will take any opportunity I can to remind people that when I don’t know something it’s because I went to Fashion School.)  :) This is applicable in both work and in real life.

How did you land your first job in PR?

Florida State University has an amazing internship program and for the last half of your last semester you are required to successfully hold a 3 month internship at a location and with an employer of your choice. A close friend of mine helped me get into the industry and I landed my internship at Alison Brod Public Relations. There I was able to learn the in’s and out’s of the Fashion, Beauty, Consumer and Lifestyle PR world and quickly discovered my love for all things beauty – from there, ABPR hooked me up with a former employee of theirs who was working at Lippe Taylor at the time and I’ve been here ever since.

What’s a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me is anything but typical – I can be seen doing anything from creating a social media strategy for a brand to brainstorming new ideas for Facebook applications. I love all the beauty bloggers so I’m constantly emailing with the girls, talking about the newest product launches or the latest news and gossip in our lives. I also help out with bringing new ideas to the table for new business pitches and work closely with all the teams on coordinating and executing our events. But ask me this tomorrow and I’m sure I’ll be giving you a totally different answer.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Beauty
March 23rd, 2011
by:
Jeannine Morris
Long, Full Hair is Mine Thanks to the Ted Gibson Salon & Great Lengths

I’m so excited because I just got home from the Ted Gibson Salon where Jan-Marie Arteca hooked me up with Great Length extensions!  I feel like whipping my hair back and forth!  Yes, I noticed I’m using a lot of exclamation points already, but I literally just got home and am that happy.

As you know, I’ve expirimented with extensions before and have taken a break for quite some time.  Most recently, I’ve been wearing clip in extensions for TV segments and spokesperson gigs to add fullness and length to fine hair.  I feel like having good hair makes a big difference in how I carry myself.  Therefore, when having the chance to get Great Lengths I jumped!  In case you’re unfamiliar, Great Lengths are real human hair that’s bonded to hair through a protein bond.

Jan used six bundles and three hues to seamlessly blend all of the hair into my natural hair.  ”If you take care of them properly, they’re not damaging to your real hair,” she commented.  Since hair sheds as it grows out, it’s important to brush it several times a day to free up loose strands from the bond so they don’t become matted.  The proper brush is also important.  A Mason Pearson is perfect, but any mix of nylon and boar bristle paddle brush will do.  I can wash my hair regularly with a sulfate free shampoo (which is about three to four times a week) and make sure to keep conditioner away from the bond.  Another important tip is to make sure to dry the bonds as soon as I get out of the shower so they don’t slip.

After all of the hair was added,