News And Views

Icefrost's 300 followers giveaway

2010-10-06T02:54:00.001-07:00

Enter this lovely giveaway by Icefrost and stand to win a ton of makeup and beauty stuff from big name brands like Dior, Clinique and of course MAC! Enter before Oct 16th.

Kim's-MissKC027.blogspot.com - 500 Followers Contest

2010-10-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

So I recently checked out this lovely beauty blog that has a very interesting title - Dance As If No One's Watching. Innovative huh, a title that has nothing to do with beauty especially for a beauty blog!

Well, at the moment she has this contest running, loads of Mac lipcolors to win and of course I had to enter, how could I not! You can enter the giveaway before Oct 20.

To answer Kim's questions:

1. What is your favorite brand of make-up and why?

Ok, my makeup brand would have to be Revlon. I think I am a drugstore beauty addict more or less, especially because I think expensive does not have to mean amazing. And yes, conversely, 'affordable' can indeed mean fabulous!

2. So, because it is fall and it's all about the lips- What are your top 5 favorite lipstick (any brand)

My Answer: While I do stick to mostly drugstore stuff, some of my favorites are also from high-end brands ;) My top 5 would be:
1. Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Soft Nude
2. NARS lipstick in Christina
3. Nyx Round Lipstick in Ceto
4. Loreal Colour Riche in Mauved
5. Illamasqua lipstick in Climax

Trust that answers those questions Kim. Thanks for holding this awesome giveaway!

Weekend Plans - Taking Ideas!

2010-09-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty rainy kind of week, and now that the weekend is here I realized I didn't have any plans. Whatsoever! How did I end up this way. Mmm. Housework and kids are getting to me or what! So anyways I thought I would drop by the library this evening and drop off some books due soon. Or maybe catch up on a beauty sale I know is happening today but haven't planned to go yet lest I get caught up in another downpour.

So yeah that's my boring weekend plan for Saturday at least. Guess tomorrow will be sunnier so a bit of retail therapy tomrrow sounds great, and possibly dinner out with the family to finish it off. There, that sounds more like a weekend unwinding session!

Library Woes!

2010-09-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have been hounding libraries. Not too long ago I was a book addict. Always glued to a novel, be it a piece of fiction or even philosophy. If I had an hour to spare I would pick up a book. And then as priorities changed so did my passion - at the least it took a backseat. And quite recently I rediscovered my love for the library. Which saw me frequenting the National Library right in the heart of the city.

But of course, my journey back to my hobby was not without issues. First things it was tough getting time off enough to be able to spend a few hours browsing the huge array of books and journals and magazines at the lending section. And when I did get a breather I headed down to my favorite spot to dive into the author's fantasies. But the problem began when I began to return and borrow new titles. I continued to receive reminders on returned items which began to irk me some. Thankfully though it appears to be some misunderstanding and with that resolved I am back to enjoying some quality reads, minus the niggling! And that's exactly how I like it.

Makeup Deals!

2010-09-15T04:43:00.000-07:00

I am pretty deep into beauty deals and stuff, and last week I visited a local flea event that had me go shop crazy. Oh well, I knew it was long time coming, given that I hardly ever used splurge on makeup. But I think I picked up some great deals, products from Nyx and Loreal and Revlon, for less than half drugstore prices! How cool is that. I also picked up a few stuff I might not have tried but for the flea. A brown mascara for instance - I never would have thought of getting one if it wasn't on sale like that. And of course I had to pick up some Nyx Jumbo pencils, and the cream blush I had been eyeing forever.

All in all I did have a great weekend and a satisfying shopping bag to match. What more can a girl ask for!

Giveaways I am Entering!

2010-09-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

Lately been entering giveaways aplenty! Here are the ones I gave a shot this month!

Enter Lucy Stash's 500 follower giveaway for some delicious nail polishes and chocolate pralines! Ends Nov 1st.

Magic Maid holds several awesome giveaways, and this one features some striking China Glaze polishes and other nail care essentials. Enter away before Oct 25th.

Pearly N Kelly has this cute little giveaway going on now. What are you waiting for! Click the pic to check it out now! Ends Nov 1st.

And while you are at entering giveaways, here is one not to be missed! Nail Fanatic is giving away a bunch of Manglaze polishes. Now if that does not set you drooling, what else will! Enter before Oct 20th.

Win this amazing Couture Famous Couples: Men! collection at Magic Maid! Ends Oct 22nd.

Burning Moon holds several awesome giveaways. Check this one out to win a free $50 goodie bag. Enter soon!

Enter this lovely nail polish giveaway by Libby and stand to win a collection of pretty Color Club shades, some great for Fall colors and some everyday shades. Enter now!

Enter this cool giveaway that Fashioned in Finland is hosting. Some awesome prizes to be won here! Ends in a month (date to be announced later but may end around Oct 6, 2010).

Another cool giveaway from You've Got Nail (what a lovely blog name!). This giveaway ends Sep 30th.

Enter for a chance to win the lovely Glaze Awakening collection. BeautyTopia is giving away this must-have set at her blog. Ends Sep 18th.

A fabulous makeup giveaway with tons of Aromaleigh samples and drugstore goodies. Enter before Sep 18th!

Shopping Paradise Inundated!

2010-06-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

The economy of Singapore is gets a substantial lift from visiting shoppers and tourists, and so it is little wonder that they are well cared for. So it came as a little surprise when one of the premium shopping and business districts of Singapore was hit by unexpected floods! Granted the city did see some strong showers over the week, but people were taken by surprise when they had to endure knee-deep waters right in the middle of the day. Thankfully government intervention and help arrived to relieve trapped tourists. Finally it turns out a blocked drain that diverts water practically submerged Orchard Road for a good day and a half.

For more on this news click here.

Gadget Shopping Armed With Expert Reviews

2010-06-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

When it comes to personal gadgets, the market is constantly inundated with newer models and advanced features. Whether it is laptops or mobile phones, what buyers now have is choice, and plenty of it at that. And with misleading product advertisements and numerous recommendations from friends one is always at a fix on how to settle on the right buy. This is where online portals that offer advice and help on purchasing personal technology products play a vital role. Whether it is reviews on the latest gadgets or advice on picking the right product that meets your needs, Consumer Mate has it all.

Consumer Mate features exclusive content and expert reviews on various technology products, offers practical advice to buyers, and even an interactive guiding system termed Guru Gyan. What is particularly impressive about this service is that their digital portal for mobile phones as also digital cameras is comprehensive and accurate, featuring some of the latest market launches. Not only do you get techie reviews on any mobile phone handset, you even get to settle on your buy depending when you consult with the free Mobile Guru survey that analyses your needs and suggests an appropriate mobile model. Consumers who get in touch with Consumer Mate via their Ask Us form even get personal dealer recommendations via a text or email message. You could also consult with their experts for any technical queries or for legal advice on gadget purchases. How cool is that!

Once you have settled on the right mobile phone buy, why not check out ThinkDigit. the one-stop online gadget store from Digit, the technology magazine. Whether it is the latest Mac laptops or nikon cameras, ThinkDigit features them all. Online shopping never got any easier and with ThinkDigit’s new launch deals you are sure to be thrilled. So hop onto to this tempting technology store for a shopping experience with a difference. Happy shopping!

Customer Service Takes Priority At 1800flowers

2010-04-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

When it comes to gift ideas, flowers never seem to go out of fashion. They can be as much a personalized and intimate gift as also a professional and toned down congratulatory present. And in the current times when people are multi-managing their lives, online florists who provide web-based services to order bouquets are always convenient. Among the online flower delivery companies, perhaps the best known is 1800flowers. A reputed and professional online florist, the company has grown from its modest beginnings of a single flower shop to an online gift retailer serving millions of satisfied customers nationwide.

As a popular flower delivery service, 1800flowers is particularly well-known for its customer-centric service repertoire. For instance, customers generally expect a more value-added and customized service from online retailers, and 1800-flowers meets this need by storing customer preferences and gifts chosen on their initial visit, so as to provide relevant gift ideas when they visit again. Indeed 1800flowers provides personalized customer service and is definitely one of those online florists that receive repeat clients, and adopts a business model to reckon with.

Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners – Making A Meaningful Contribution To The Community

2010-03-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

A product of Harvard Business School, Alex Crisses is best knows for his contributions as part of Insight Venture Partners. With a background in investment banking and strong business knowledge, Alex Crisses holds a higher management profile at Insight, which has a strong focus in the software infrastructure arena as well as a foothold in Internet investments. Despite his evidently busy work schedule, Alex Crisses finds enough time to devote to several philanthropic and social causes.

Alex Crisses has made significant contributions as part of fundraising committees for organizations as varied as Minds Matter to the NYC Police foundations and even for the Make A Wish Foundation. In the case of Minds Matter, there seems to be a personal connection with him considering that he his educational background has been key to his success, and his involvement in the charity aims to address the financial needs of under-privileged high school students. His patronage of causes for the NYPD and The Seargents Benevolent Association is worth mention since it is not as well known a cause. The key point though remains that for a man who has seen great professional success, Alex Crisses continues to support and raise awareness and funds for those less fortunate.

Twilight and Valentine – A Recipe For Love!

2010-02-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of the year once again! Love is in the air, and couples are taking time out to share their feelings in a special way. Saying it with flowers, clichéd though it sounds, is undoubtedly the perfect way to spell out your feelings this Valentine’s Day.

If you are one prone to flamboyant gifts by all means feel free to shop around and indulge in the deluge of gift ideas. You could, for instance, check out the season’s hot favorite – Valentine gifts that revolve around the popular Twilight series. You could get creative and pick up the latest DVD release of the movie or gift a book from the series. Or you could save yourself the trouble and just order a great package deal and combine it with flowers from 1800flowers. Given the current craze for anything Cullen the Twilight Flowers Poster Bundle is a gift that is likely to set many a heart aflutter.

Opting for online flower delivery such as 1800flowers proves to be a great time saver, and offers convenience at bargain prices. Indeed a professional online florist the company was recently named by MSNBC as one that offered greater pricing transparency and were more open and honest in their pricing polices compared with other similar services. So go on, win over your valentine with some lovely blooms and make this day memorable and truly special.

Paul Offit And His Contributions To Preventive Medical Care

2009-12-19T00:39:00.000-08:00

They say ignorance is bliss, but I say that half baked knowledge is far more treacherous. The oft discussed debate about vaccination and its purported side effects can best be understood only by analyzing the scientific facts without bias. And this is where the professional research and published work of vaccination expert Dr. Paul Offit becomes very relevant.

Paul Offit has been a well recognized name in the field of child health and pediatrics. Heading the Infectious Diseases division of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Paul Offit has to his credit several prestigious awards in recognition of his breakthrough studies on vaccination and its impact.

With an illustrious career spanning three decades, Paul Offit has over a 130 published credits in medical periodicals and has made significant contributions in the invention of the rotavirus vaccine. His recent book on the misinterpretations of Autism and its root causes has received widespread attention. A doctor with long standing contributions to preventive medical care, Dr. Paul Offit has certainly made the seemingly impenetrable world of infectious diseases look less hostile.

Flowers To Add Meaning to Any Occasion

2009-11-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

When it comes to gifts that convey emotional meaning and sincerity I think flowers win hands down. Not only do flowers tell what words can’t, but they also can be made appropriate regardless of the occasion. Personally I would gift flowers with or without regular presents, be it for mom’s anniversary, a friend’s promotion, or even a sweetheart’s birthday. And when I am stumped by what kind of flowers to give I generally check the right flower by month or sometimes by the zodiac of the person celebrating. For instance, a friend once told me that April is a perfect time to gift daisies, and carnations are great gives as the New Year arrives in January.

But more than that, Flowers express heartfelt compassion during trying times, and sympathy flowers can almost alleviate a loved one’s pain and grief. The most important thing when choosing flowers is to not just keep the timing in mind but personal choices and age of the recipient too! Tulips and roses make great romantic gifts, while a bunch of carnations or posies are cheery enough to suit most events. So what will you be gifting this holiday season!

Happiness is Pets – Pet Adoption Redefined

2009-09-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

It is a known fact that human emotions find a great deal of solace in the company of animals. Pets not only bring peace and tranquility to modern day stressful living, they also offer a deep affection and companionship which is sometimes even lacking in human relationships. Are you looking to adopt a new pet anytime soon? Well, you will find a lot of adoption agencies that offer valuable advice and support to prospective and Happiness is pets is one such.

Getting in touch with pet care experts is a way to ensure that a puppy or any other pet you adopt is not only healthy but also that it is right for your home. Happiness is pets and services such as this help match the right pet with a caring and animal-loving owner who will appreciate the joy that having a pet brings to life. So get in touch with Happiness is pets and get ready to welcome a new four-legged friend to your abode!

Fishing With Passion – Sak Narwal

2009-08-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

In the hectic pace of business life, many find it hard to experience life out of their workplace. Yet here is a well-known entrepreneur, Sak Narwal, who has not only established a niche for himself in the business arena, but also has a hobby that he delights in – fishing! But this man fishes not for food; he firmly believes in his ‘catch and release’ philosophy.

Embracing the art of fishing and exploring it in depth is what Sakwinder does with poise. From chasing the famed game fish, the Channel Cat, to Bass and even the frightful sharks, Sak Narwal has left no stone unturned in the field of recreational fishing. An amateur ichthyologist, Sak Narwal truly imbibes the utter fulfillment that comes from spending time amidst nature. He says that fishing is indeed a natural and satisfying leisure pursuit, especially when one is surrounded by nature’s bounty in a beautiful body of water.

Your Money And You

2009-05-08T04:04:00.000-07:00

While many people worry about earning money, there are still others who have little idea of how to put their wealth to good use. Here’s a great book that addresses the concerns of the latter group. Whether it is your lifetime savings or a great inheritance, you will find some valuable tips from Frank Hanna, merchant banker and author of What Your Money Means. The book is a keeper because it explores some offbeat ways to make your money work for you. From ways to spend wisely to philanthropy, the book also touches on the basics of wealth management.

In addition to authoring, Frank Hanna has also been featured on the documentary The Call of the Entrepreneur. For valuable inside tips and advice on asset management, check out the Frank Hanna blog and website.

Journey Into The Depths Of Europe

2009-05-08T03:03:00.000-07:00

When it comes to holiday destinations, nothing is more charming and fascinating than Europe. And topping the list of must-see locations in the European continent is certainly the global cultural hub – Italy. There is something innately appealing about the ethnic opulence of Rome, not to mention the allure of Venice and Montecatini. Vacationing can be not only expensive but exhaustive if you handle all the specifics yourself. This is where packaged travel deals cut out the stress for you.

Try the European package of Your Man Tours, specifically designed to showcase its best hot spots. Whether it the magnificence of Paris that you fancy or the quaintness of Venice, Your Man Tours will work it out for you. And opting for a packaged tour saves you the hassle of making travel and accommodation plans, and yes saves many a buck too. Your Man Tours also throws in free breakfast and dinner deals, so check out their package offerings and travel at ease!

Leads To The Rescue

2009-05-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Establishing a business is no easy task, but attracting a sizeable clientele can be even more challenging. The web abounds with several techniques to bring in a customer base but more often than not the visitors are not targeted, meaning that most will not buy your product. This is where marketing leads play a vital role, a premium niche with leading players including SRC Leads that aim to deliver real sales results.

When hiring the services of agencies such as SRC Leads one can expect to receive targeted leads, recruited as survey respondents, with substantial information with respect to demographics and purchasing preferences. SRC Leads is a specialty provider for the insurance and financial markets. Any enterprise is sure to benefit from utilizing existing marketing leads than invest in expensive advertising that may deliver little or no results.

Bringing Ancient Indian Marital Arts To The New Age

2009-05-07T09:57:00.001-07:00

When it comes to self defense there are few competitors to the tried and true martial arts techniques. While the Japanese arts are popular and much used, the Native American defense techniques are also finding the light of day. Several proponents of the Native American self defense, while supporting age old practices, also strengthen their skills with the valued Black Belt certifications.

Harley Swiftdeer Reagan has been one of the key figures in bringing timeless martial arts maneuvers to the open. Having studied a range of martial arts, including Judo and Karate, under reputed teachers, Harley Swiftdeer Reagan also shares the valuable knowledge with fellow Americans. Joining the likes of Harley Swiftdeer Reagan are several teachers who have mastered the art of self defense. It is but evident that these techniques ensure that the world is safer for those who are well prepared.

Tips To Keep Your Blooms Bright

2009-05-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of occasions when we wonder what the perfect gift would be. Some go to great lengths to find out the persons tastes and likes. But with most people you could never go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of blooms. Gifting flowers can be a warm gesture that brightens up the spirits of both the giver and the recipient.

Receiving a bunch of lovely roses sure is heartening but how do you preserve its freshness so you can enjoy the lovely fragrance and beauty for just a little longer. Flower care, much like gardening, is an art in itself. The first thing to do is to make sure your flowers have fresh water, along with any floral preservatives that your florist will be happy to provide. Re-cutting stems and removing decayed leaves is a great value add, as is frequent changing of the water and the ‘flower food’. Top this with a cool shaded place for the blossoms to thrive and revel in their beauty. Indeed flowers can spark up even the dreariest rooms and add a special touch to the ambience.

Bringing People Together With Sports

2009-05-01T02:45:00.000-07:00

Ardent Polo fans will tell you that being a spectator to the game can be as exciting as playing it. And perhaps there is no better judge than some of the well-known polo players and supporters, including Mohammed Babangida. At a time when African participation in international sports was at a definite minimum, Nigerian Polo gets global appeal after the Dubai fest. The game seemed to be a harbinger of good things to come, and has likely strengthened the relationship between the nations. The involvement of the prominently placed Mohammed Babangida has further boosted the appeal of the tournament.

The presence of royalty can do a great deal of good not only to the sportive spirit, but can influence domestic relations too it seems. Not to mention that the added association from the likes of Mohammed Babangida can bring Africa and its sporting teams to the global front.

Redesigning Your Home – Easier Than You Think

2009-04-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

The concept of re-designing your existing home has been there for quite a while, but there are very few deigning firms that are primarily involved in re-designing. In fact, most top designers revel in designing from scratch, which is good news for new home owners. But what if your current home needs some serious refurbishing? Well, help is near. K-Designers specialize in giving you a new home, well at the ‘old address’, their motto says. Now isn’t that convenient just when you wanted a top designer to revamp your residence.

So what exactly can a re-design do for your home? For starters, firms like K-Designers examine the current structural design of the house, and suggest a complete remodel or minor touchups. From installing new designer window panes to giving brand new vinyl siding, the refurbish can be minimal or extensive depending on the homeowner’s plans and budget. With several top awards under their belt K-Designers seem an ideal choice for a rewarding redesign.

Swine Fever - A Possible Pandemic?

2009-04-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

The global scare about Swine Fever has been keeping people on their toes, in an attempt to protect themselves and their loved ones. Every news channel is coming up with updates on this possible pandemic, and to me the whole fiasco resembles the SARS scare, not too long ago.

THE ILLNESS

While Swine Fever shows normal flu symproms, there have been usualy symproms including diarrhoea and vomiting. Many recent travelers to affected countries tend to attribute symptoms to profound jetlag, and this had led airport authorities in several countries to quarantine inbound travelers who show a raised body temperature.

THE VIRUS ITSELF

The virus responsible for the Swine Fever outbreak is a flu virus that primarily infects pigs, and when it spreads to humans, which is rare, it is via an infected pig. The bad news is that these viruses, like most influenza causing viruses, mutate quickly. The original outbreak was caused by a H1N1 strain of influenza type A virus, and having modified its surface structure and DNA makeup, it has now incorporated genetic material from virus strains that can cause illness in humans, birds as well as swine. This kind of inter-special crossinfecting traits help the virus to spread across species thereby wideing its exposure range.

PREVENTION

Although there is no vaccine currently, several agencies have been contracted to develop one. There have been reports that recommend using facemasks, though no corroboration that this is effective has been offered my any of the Health Ministries. It is evident that facemasks do not offer adequate protection.

The best approach is to limit travelling to areas that have established cases of Swine Fever. Or at the very least keep tabs on symptoms if one is returning from these countries.

Enhance Your Appeal With Quality Glasses

2009-04-30T06:27:00.001-07:00

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. A person’s eyes reveal a great deal about their emotional state and even hints at their personality traits. It is little wonder then that people go to great lengths to brighten up their prime asset – the eyes. But what happens when prescription eyewear are called for. Contrary to popular perception, a pair of eyeglasses need not necessarily make you less attractive. In fact a carefully chosen pair of contemporary glasses can actually enhance your appeal.

When shopping for glasses be sure to opt for a pair that suits your facial shape. A lightweight and durable frame is a good choice for long term wear. Designer glasses are always in vogue, and should not only be trendy but comfortable too. From metal frames and rimless eyeglasses there is a range of cost effective options for the discerning buyer. So choose the right glasses for your needs and project your eyes the right way.

To Mom with Love

2009-04-23T04:21:00.000-07:00

In today’s busy life where one is always chasing that dream career or managing mega businesses, it is easy to put relationships on the backburner. Which is why some of these occasions dedicated to our loved ones, be it Valentines or Mother’s Day, makes that much more sense. This year Mother’s day falls on the 10th of May, plenty of time for some thoughtful planning. But when it comes to gifting someone so indispensible, no gift seems adequate. A careful search over the Internet threw some cool gift ideas, from pricey designer wear and fashion accessories, to bath gels and books. Gifts aplenty alright, and team it up with a lovely Mother’s day flower to demonstrate warmth and gratitude.

If you intend gifting a bunch of blooms this Mother’s Day, arranging the flowers on your own is a good idea and a long necked vase is a good touch. Flower arrangement requires some creativity and also means snipping off dry stems with frequent cutting of dead leaves and stems to retain freshness longer. Ensuring fresh water in the vase keeps blooms bright, and replacing the water each day is vital. Adding the floral preservative provided by the florist helps maximize longevity and placing vases away from heat also helps. When shopping for a Mother’s day flower, I like to make sure there are more buds than blooms especially if I purchase ahead. Presenting a bouquet never goes out of fashion, and what better way to show your love than some hand picked fresh Iris or even a bunch of delicate rosebuds.

Kick Start

2009-04-22T05:10:00.001-07:00

Having been a regular to the blogging arena, I have been thinking about using niche blogs to get my ideas out there. This blog will be about interesting news I gather, opinion pieces, reviews about top Internet brands and names, and micellany that I think are news worthy. Feel free to share your views on the content of this blog. Post comments and participate to make this a two way forum.