8 Tips For Saving Money On Summer Travel

Summer is finally here, and those of you who haven't yet booked your holiday may be feeling overwhelmed at the price of last minute vacation travel or be thinking all the bargains have gone.
I found these 8 tips for saving money on summer travel on 
Airfare Watchdog.com

1. Avoid ‘peak’ summer travel. Summer doesn’t officially end until well after Labor Day. Since school starts earlier and earlier these days, you’ll find that airfares and hotel rates tend to go down for travel after around August 18, when kids go start to return to school. So plan your travels for “off-peak summer” if you can. 
2. Look into low-season destinations. Check out some of the not-as-popular summer destinations that still offer great activities and good weather. Since thousands of tourists won’t be flocking to those locations, prices for hotels, transportation, and everyday activities will be lower. Plus, crowds will be much smaller.
3. Use a flexible search to find better deals. When planning your travel, try to be as flexible as possible with your departure and arrival dates. That way, you can take advantage of flexible travel date airfare searches. If you can flex your travel dates slightly, and don’t need to travel on specific date, you can take advantage of huge savings, sometimes simply by booking a day or two earlier or later. Some of our favorite flexible search tools include those of JetBlue, Southwest, and United for airlines, along with Google Flights and Kayak.
4. For Europe travel, focus first on crossing the Atlantic cheaply. At this point, it’s no secret that the euro is at an historic low, which makes for cheaper travel within Europe. However, some cities may still be pricier than others, so to get the best deal you may have to fly into a nearby airport and then travel city-to-city by plane or train. Check out some of our favorite smaller airlines, such as Norwegian, Condor, and Wow Air, where you’ll find great deals within Europe. While you might have to spend some extra time getting to your actual destination, you’ll save money while touring two cities for less than the price of one. For example, while round-trip fares to Amsterdam may be about $1,500, you could instead fly into Frankfurt for about $799 (which we recently saw on Singapore Airlines from New York). A flight or train ticket from Frankfurt to Amsterdam is only about $100. All of those savings add up!
5. Check out your options with frequent flyer miles. When researching flights, see if it makes sense to cash in reward miles with any of your frequent flyer programs. In certain situations, you might have better luck calling the airline’s reservation center and speaking directly with a booking agent.
6. Do your research before booking an air + hotel travel package. While the package deals for airfare and hotels stays seem promising, sometimes they are significantly overpriced. Before whipping out your credit card and snagging that “great package deal,” search airfare and hotel prices on their own. That way, you’ll get a feel for what the prices are when they are separate and you’ll know if you’re actually saving money by booking a package. For example, British Airlines recently had a package deal for airfare and five nights in Dublin for about $750 per person. When we searched for airfare independently, we found that the flight alone would be more than $900. In this case, the package deal was definitely a no-brainer!
7. Check to see if your credit card offers travel insurance. Many travelers purchase travel insurance without first checking to see if their credit card offers any coverage. The credit card you use on a daily basis might already offer you enough insurance to cover your trip. Our favorites are the Chase Sapphire card, United Explorer card, and some Citibank AAdvantage cards, which all offer superb insurance protection.
8. After you book, check for airfare and hotel price drops. Airfare and hotel prices fluctuate on a daily basis. It’s a total bummer when you’ve paid for a hotel or flight and find out that someone else paid less. If you stay on top of it and check for price drops after you book, however, you might still be able to save some money. You can either get cash or a credit for future travel if you know how the system works. For example, Tingowill give you your money back if the price of your hotel room drops after you book; and Yapta is useful for tracking airfare price drops.                                                                                                                               

How To Look (and feel!) Confident

Confidence is alluring.

Giovanna Battaglia in New York with Fendi bag

It walks hand in hand with success. Confident people are considered to be more desirable, happier, whether true or not they are thought to have more friends and lead more fulfilling lives.

Confidence has nothing to do with income or beauty or perceived success. After nearly 30 years as a makeup artist working with actors and models I can tell you that behind closed doors the exquisitely beautiful, body perfect, wealthy people that we think have it all are often wracked with self doubt and totally lacking in self confidence.

Giovanna Battaglia, fabulous with a Fendi Baguette

Wherever you are in life, no matter what you think you are lacking, you can learn to project confidence, develop the habits, and after exercising these habits everyday become someone who without even thinking about it, just exudes confidence.

How To look And Feel Confident

Posture

Walking with your head down, your shoulders slumped, with your body language reading threatened, defeated, humbled, tired or overwhelmed is synonymous with a lack of confidence.

Confident people stand tall.

They square their shoulders and their hips, and instead of letting their chin drop, they hold it parallel to the ground.

When they sit down, they don't slump over (in the position of the defeated) they maintain great posture, leaning back but sitting tall.

Take notice of your own posture, and get into the habit of adjusting it and mimicking the posture of a confident person.

Eyes Up

Rather than dropping their gaze, which again is a symptom of the humbled or the defeated, and can be seen as a mark of deference to those you consider to be above you, confident people keep their eyes up, looking forward at the world as if everything is going as expected, projecting a sense of knowing where they are going - both in terms of the street they are walking along, and where they are going in life.

Make an effort to look straight ahead instead of looking down. If your shoulders are squared and you are making an effort to keep your chin up, it's pretty easy to keep your gaze up and forward.

Walk With Purpose

image via Stockholm-Streetstyle.com

You don't realize how much you shuffle around and walk indecisively until you start making a concerted effort to walk with purpose. Even if you're lost, or walking into a meeting with an irate boss, or into a situation you are uncertain of, square your shoulders, keep your eyes and chin up, and walk as if you are going exactly where you are planning to go.

Walking with purpose makes you look like a leader, makes you look like you are in charge of your own being, and of course, makes you look confident.

Develop A Firm Handshake.

Whether you are a guy or a girl an insipid, flimsy handshake makes you look like a pushover. It speaks to timidity, wishy washy character, indecisiveness and lack of mental strength.

A bone crushing handshake makes you look arrogant and like a bully.

But a good, firm handshake says that you know who you are, you know your abilities and have full faith in them, you are completely comfortable in your own skin and are not even remotely intimidated.

Subliminally a firm handshake paired with winning posture, raised eyes and a purposeful gait tells people you are at least an equal, if not someone to be deferred to. It also implies honesty and strength of character.

Make Eye Contact.

Confident people look everyone in the eye. People who divert their gaze or look down or away appear either dishonest, disinterested or intimidated. You don't want to develop some kind of blink-free serial killer stare, but learn to look everyone in the eye when you are speaking to them.

It implies that you are fully engaged in the conversation, you are listening, paying attention, attaching relevance to the conversation, and it also makes you incredibly likeable. If you start paying attention to eye contact in the conversations you are having you will be surprised at how few people actually concentrate on you when they are speaking to you. They are always looking here, there and everywhere.

Resting Happy Face.

We all are familiar with resting b*%ch face, where someone looks anywhere from dissatisfied to angry while in repose, when in all likelihood they are actually probably relatively happy underneath that sour expression.

Confident people have mastered the art of maintaining a resting happy face. Not some dopey, giddy grin, but a resting facial expression that resonates a feeling that they are content with life.
Again it takes some work to develop this trait, but it is well worth doing on many levels. Yes, obviously you will look confident, but also you will find that it becomes increasingly difficult to be feeling discontent, irritation, boredom, anger, confused, jealous - any negative emotion, when your face is looking happy. You become a happier person. 
Win/win.

The images in this story are of Italian style icon and fashion editor Giovanna Battaglia.
The first image has been on a mood board of mine for a couple of years because I was coveting her Fendi Baguette, but after a while I started noticing how much confidence and self awareness just oozes out of the very essence of her being, so now I keep the picture there as a constant reminder of how to carry myself.
Career and fabulous wardrobe not withstanding, Giovanna Battaglia is the perfect example of a confident woman, embodying each of the traits in this post.

Makeup Tips For The Mother Of The Bride ~ Bridal Beauty Tip #15

The Mother Of The bride has probably been dreaming about her daughter's wedding since shortly after she was born.
And in that dream she probably envisions herself looking lovely, fresh faced and beautiful.

image via www.dresses8.com

It's easy for the day of the wedding to be both stressful and busy for the bride's mother, so she needs to plan ahead and factor in her own beauty needs.

Here are my beauty tips for the mother of the bride:

1. Get Your Skin Ready
No matter how skilled your makeup artist is, your makeup will never look fantastic if your skin is not looking fabulous underneath.
Start having regular facials in the months leading up to the wedding, or if the wedding is just around the corner give yourself a good (but gentle!) exfoliating treatment and use some sheet masks in the days leading up to the big event. Sheet masks are super affordable but also super effective. Look for masks that are hydrating and brightening. I order mine online at Memebox

2. Hydrate.
On the morning of the wedding apply liberal doses of both eye cream and moisturizer when you get out of the shower. You need to allow plenty of time for it to absorb in before you put on any makeup.

3. The Makeup Artist.
If you have a makeup artist coming to get the bride ready, have her do your makeup too. When you are booking her ask to see samples of her mother-of-the-bride makeup. Some artists are very heavy handed and only know how to do Instagram inspired heavy contour and mega brows, which frankly looks awful on everyone. If she can't do your makeup either book someone else, or if you are doing your own makeup follow these tips.

4. Prime time
Use a good quality primer such as Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Primer. This primer will not only give your foundation a perfect surface to adhere to, making it go on more smoothly and last longer, but it will also add some vibrancy to your complexion.



5. Fill In Your Brows
Typically as we age gravity sends everything downwards. Makeup-wise we want to create the illusion of everything being back up where it used to be. Filling in the brows with a complimentary color in a brow pencil or powder (don't go too dark) redefines your face, and directs the viewer's eye upward.

Helen Mirren on the red carpet is the perfect example of gorgeous, flattering makeup for a mature woman.
She always looks stunning.

6. Keep The Eyes Defined But Soft.
Stay away from eye-makeup that is dramatic, overblown or dark, and avoid black eyeliner like the plague. All these things are super aging and draw attention to every fine line and wrinkle around your eye. Black liner grabs light and sucks it in, making it the first thing anyone sees when they look at you. In all your photos it will make you look like you are squinting. Opt instead for deep espresso brown or purple browns that will give you the accent you want, but won't collapse your eye.

7. Use A Waterproof Mascara
Chances are you will tear up during your daughter's wedding, so prevent the inevitable damage by wearing a waterproof mascara.

8. Use A Cream Blush
Cream blush gives the complexion a lovely radiant glow. The color is buildable so you can gently add more color, or if you've been too heavy handed it is easy to correct by swirling your foundation brush back through it. Try Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color



9. Use A Satin Finish Lipstick
Glossy lips look great on a teen, but look silly on a mature woman.
Matte lips are super aging, but  a satin finish lipstick makes the lips look soft and alluring and is very flattering.
I am obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick. The finish is gorgeous and the colors are perfect. 



10. Avoid Aging Makeup Mistakes
I have an entire post on makeup mistakes that age you. Learn more tips and tricks by reading it here

Makeup Mistakes That Age You ~ Beauty Tip Of The Week # 15

Makeup can accentuate your best features, diminish those you're not so keen on, and make your skin absolutely glow.
When it's done right.
When it's not done correctly makeup can totally age you, suck the life out of your skin and leave you looking haggard.
Beware of these 7 Makeup Mistakes That Totally Age You:

1. Not Moisturizing Before Makeup.
It is so important to moisturize your skin before applying makeup.
Dry skin grabs makeup and makes it look both cakey and overdone.
Apply a good moisturizer, evenly, then give it a couple of minutes to soak in before you put on your foundation.

2. Concealer That's Too Light.

Concealer should be matched to your skin tone. Ideally it should match your skin color or just be a hint lighter.
Concealer that is too light or that has the wrong undertone will make your under eye area look grey, dull and aged. To correct dark circles under your eyes use a color corrector in a pink or peach shade.

3. Heavy Foundation.
Heavy, opaque foundation is a thing of the past. These days the look is sheer, with a focus on glowing, youthful skin.
Put down the heavy, spackel like foundation, instead look for lightweight formulas or BB creams to give you even color and a fresh faced, healthy look

4. Black Eyeliner.
Black eyeliner gives a heavy look to the lashline, and on eyes that are even just starting to show tell-tale signs of leaving their 20's, it can be super aging. Instead of letting black eyeliner age you and dominate your face, opt for deep plums and espresso browns to give you depth at the same time as being softer.

5. Too Much Mascara/Poorly Applied Mascara.
There are twin devils in the world of mascara. The first is applying it to just the ends of the lashes, the second is applying too much and having it look clumpy.
Invest in a good, glossy mascara, and apply it from the base of the lash wiggling the brush out to the tip of the lash. Your lashes should look smooth and shiny.
Don't pump the brush inside the tube - that will dry your mascara out.

6. Too Much Contour.
You are not a Kardshian, so don't try to contour like one. 

These days it seems like women of all ages get crazy on Instagram and You Tube contouring. 

image via Muskoka Makeupartistry

For the most part (with a few exceptions) if you see it on You Tube or Instagram, do the opposite. 

Excessive contouring makes your skin look dirty, sucks hollows where you don't want them, makes you look too heavily made up, and also makes you look like you're trying to hard. Which is both unflattering and aging.
Instead of a mega contour try a little well placed highlight to brighten the complexion.

7. Dark Lips.
Dark lipstick is aging. It makes lips look thin and mean and can drain the life out of your skin.
Unless you have plump, full lips, avoid dense, dark shades, choosing mid-tones and lighter shades instead.

image via Huffington Post

Rosie Huntington-Whitley Gets Naked For Lui Magazine

British model and now actress (Mad Max Fury Road) Rosie Huntington-Whitley bares all for the June 21 issue of French men's magazine Lui.

Photographed by Luigi and Iango, Huntington-Whitley is absolutely flawless, with a perfect red mouth.

Her body is a work of art. which makes it pretty hard to imagine her on the couch with boyfriend Jason Statham eating doritos and watching movies....

How To Choose An External Battery Pack For Your Phone

Whether you are a vacation traveler or a business traveler you have no doubt experienced being in a crowded airport with your phone battery dying and every power socket in sight already snagged by other travelers.

Or maybe you are out seeing the sights, taking photos and videos on your phone, and part way through your day your battery starts to die.

With  smartphones being our source of everything now, from city maps to restaurant guides, cameras to social media uploaders, you really do need a light, portable external battery to throw in your handbag or pocket and take with you.

I've been trying to figure out what I need in an external battery.
2000, 4000 or 13000 mAh? (like I even know what that means???) 1 USB port or 2?
It's all pretty confusing to a non-techie type.

I read a few articles on the subject, and got a little info.
If you just need a battery source for your phone, then look at a 4000 mAh. If you will also be charging up an iPad or tablet look for a 13,000 mAh battery pack.
13,000 can charge an iPad from completely depleted to full.

Things to consider are how speedy your device is, how it holds a charge, and how slim and portable it is.
Based on the article I read on The Wirecutter (The Best USB Battery Pack) I am buying the Anker’s $30 2nd Gen Astro E4 13,000-mAh External Battery. It's very fast, slim enough to slip in your pocket, and can power up both my iPad and my iPhone.

Anker 2nd Gen Astro E4 13000mAh 3A High Capacity Fast Portable Charger  External Battery Power Bank with PowerIQ Technology for iPhone 6 Plus 5S 5C 5 4S, iPad Air 2 Mini 3, Samsung Galaxy S6 S5 S4 Note Tab, Nexus, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, PS Vita, Gopro, more Phones and Tablets and More (Black)

Bridal Beauty Tip # 14 ~ How To Wear A Red Lip On Your Wedding Day

Red lips are stunning, dramatic, and wildly alluring.
They can compliment a white wedding dress and a glowing complexion like nothing else, giving you a look that is fresh, modern and uber chic.

Super fresh and stunning - bride in a red lip

But they also can be tricky to pull off on a day as huge as your wedding day, so here are  tips for How To Wear A Red Lip On Your Wedding Day.


1. Do I or don't I? 
If you normally wear a red lip, absolutely! - Go for it! If you don't normally wear a red lip, proceed with caution. Red is trickier than any other color to wear, and as it is such an attention grabber, any hiccups that occur along the way, happen front and center.

2. Balm It.
If you are planning on going red for your wedding look, make sure you start prepping a few days out. Gently exfoliate your lips then keep them super hydrated with a thick and nourishing lip balm day and night leading into your big day.
Cracked, chapped lips, even slightly chapped lips, look awful under a bold red lipstick.  Get those lips smooth and hydrated before you go near a red lipstick. Try Nuxe Nourishing Lip balm (click on image below)



3. Saturate Your Color
Choose a lipstick that has really saturated color. Pinky/nudey glosses don't really require too much color saturation, and will look fine even if the color is a little wiggly or patchy. Bold colors like reds really need dense, even pigment to make the entire lip look even. A patchy red lip looks awful.
(Click image for link to Temptu Imperial Red Lipstick)



4. Line It Twice.
I like to use two lip liners when working with red. The first is slightly darker than the lip color I'm using. This helps to create a multi dimensional lip, and stops the red from looking like it's just sitting on top of your skin. (You will blend your lipstick through this line and make it disappear, but it will still be doing it's job for you underneath.)
The second lip liner is the same shade as the lipstick, and you will fill the entire lip in with it. This way if your lipstick starts to come away you will have a matching color underneath.

5. Finish Strong.
Although glossy reds can be fun I don't recommend them for weddings, instead I direct my girls to a matte finish.
Mattes hold longer - glosses tend to slip more. A matte lip in a bold color lets you opt for a glowy gorgeous complexion offset with a firm brow.
Another thing to consider when thinking red lips is the fellow you are planning on kissing. 
Men both love and fear a red lip. Red lipstick commands attention, is madly sexy (it will have him thinking about the wedding night allll day long!), but if you have a glossy or satiny red lip he will fear kissing you because he doesn't want a trail of red slime all over him. A matte lip is both alluring and kiss friendly!