Beat the Summer Heat! Vol. 2 MakeUp!

Hello Maqnolias!!

Last week I gave you several summer hair options that will keep you looking fresh and flirty!

This week it's all about the face. Just because you feel like being low maintenance doesn't mean you have to look it. Applying makeup during the summer can be a challenge. No one wants melting makeup, sliding mascara or creasy clumps. Here are a few helpful hints to stay looking naturally fresh and pretty even when the weather is working against you.

Swap your thick foundation for a tinted moisturizer! Thicker foundations are wearable in the winter but in the summer it's asking to look like a melting birthday cake...the kind with the thick icing! Yuck!

Most tinted moisturisers contain SPF which is an added bonus.

I use Neutrogenas Healthy Defense Tinted Moisturizer, it's around $10 and will last you all summer long!

Powdered Bronzer!

Ok girls we all know during the summer Bronzer is a girls best friend. But remember Bronze Believably! To keep it looking natural just bronze the high points of your face where the sun naturally hits, forehead, cheekbones, chin and nose. Covering everything will give a fake, baked look.

Earlier I stated to stay away from thick heavy foundations. But what if you have a blemish, marks, or dark circles under your eyes that the moisturizer just isn't covering? A few years ago I was introduced to this life saver. Maybeline's Dream Matte Mousse is an air soft whipped mousse that leaves you with perfect matte finish coverage with a weightless feel. It's easy to find and only costs $8.79.

Blotting Papers.

Nothing says "I'm Hot" like a slick t-zone...and not in a sexy way. Melting makeup is bound to happen to the best of us at some point during the summer. Blotting papers can help reduce oily shine.

Ditch the lipstick.

Dark heavy lips are overkill once the weather warms up. Stick to clear or tinted lip balms and chap sticks.

Avoid using eye creams on your lids, try using an eye primer instead. It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling so it lasts longer.

Waterproof mascara is a must during the summer. You don't want to look like the crypt keeper. If you are iffy about giving up the mascara you have been using for forever, check to see if you can get it waterproof. Many brands make a waterproof version of each of their mascaras.

I hope these tips help! Good Luck Maqnolias!

XOXO

Q

Bluberry Part Deux

        So today I'm a little embarrassed, I forgot to bring my camera to the blueberry festival! However, I can tell you that it was a good learning experience. Friday the weather was terrible, and it kept many people from coming out. Saturday there was not any rain, but it was VERY HOT. Overall, I was glad that I tried out festival life, but I'm currently not sure what the next step for me will be. It has inspired me to revamp my etsy.com shop and finish up my commissions. As far as summer, it is too hot to travel around doing festivals, but after Labor day who knows...

A couple weeks ago, I gave you the DL on lemons. So after my informative weekend, today I want to share with you the power of BLUEBERRIES.  

This fruit is a powerhouse! 

Health BenefitsBlueberries are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and have various health benefits associated with them. Some of them include the following: Blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants. The antioxidants play a pivotal role in keeping our body healthy and young. They help fight free radicals of the body, which damage the cells of the body as we grow older. They may also result in the degeneration of the DNA. Blueberries provide protection against the same These berries are rich in an anti-cancer agent, several, which helps combat the fatal disease They contain chemicals that are believed to decrease the growth of cervical and breast cancer cells by a considerable percentage Research has confirmed that blueberries not only slow the aging process but also reverse it Various experiments conducted have also indicated that eating blueberries improves short term memory loss and improves balance and coordination A compound found in blueberries called the pterostilbene, has been found to develop into a nutraceutical for lowering cholesterol If consumed regularly, these berries have shown to improve night time vision and promote quicker adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare They are also beneficial in reducing effects of age related conditions such as Alzheimer's or Dementia These wonder berries provide respite against both diarrhea and constipation They are rich sources of soluble and insoluble fiber and contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation Regularly consuming blueberries helps in fighting urinary tract infections. When selecting berries:  One should be extremely careful while selecting berries. One should pick those, which have a deep and uniform colour with a wheatish bloom. It is advisable to shake the container they are in; take the packet only of the berries are moving freely in the packet. If the berries are not moving freely in the packet, this merely indicates that the berries are likely to be soft, moldy or damaged. One should avoid berries, which are soft or watery in texture. They should also be free from water, as the presence of water is likely lead to their decay. They are primarily cultivated in the United States and are available from May through October, whereas imported berries may be found at other times of the year as well. You might also want to consider buying skin products that contain Blueberries:  According to Dr. Perricone, one of the worlds foremost skin care experts, Blueberry along with the acai berry have one of the highest known levels of antioxidants of any food. Higher levels of antioxidants than red wine and green tea combined. It is full of amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Blueberries have many uses as blueberry extract has been used in ancient herbal and medicinal treatments for thousands of years. Many skin care treatments now use blends of blueberry extracts along with other herbs to help revitalize the skin and hasten healing. These treatments have been clinically proven to decrease healing time for skin peels, especially deeper skin peels like the TCA skin peel. They have also shown marked ability at reducing scarring in wound and burn treatment, although more research is needed.  STOP wrinkles in there track!  Go out and get some berries today! A.

Yummy Summer

Good Monday Artsy Readers!

Since I have moved into a house now and am becoming my own "Domestic Goddess," I have been reading more home magazines than ever. I have always loved looking at 'Better Homes and Gardens' and 'Southern Living,' but now I look at them with a different eye. Now that I have a kitchen I can actually move in now and a brand new fridge, oven, and cooking range, I have been eyeing recipe after recipe that I am more than eager to try.

I also have the luxury of dating a guy whose fantastic grandparents have a garden and have provided us with an abundance of fresh produce. Now, I like cucumbers but when you have grocery bags full, you continually search for new ways to use them!!!

While looking at my June 2010 issue of 'Southern Living,' I have found 2 summery recipes that literally jumped off the page and I wanted to share them with you. They use all of my favorite ingredients!! One is a great cocktail recipe using our "cukes" as I like to call them and a staple in my fridge, blackberries. The other is a lower calorie version of one of my favorite desserts, banana pudding!

Enjoy!

Banana Pudding

A lighter version

Prep Time: 30 minutesOther: 50 minutesYield: Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Dash of salt
2 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 (14-oz.) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups sliced ripe bananas
48 reduced-fat vanilla wafers
4 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 325°. Combine flour and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually stir in 1% milk, sweetened condensed milk, and yolks, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
2. Layer 3 banana slices, 3 1/2 Tbsp. pudding, and 3 vanilla wafers in each of 8 (1-cup) ramekins or ovenproof glass dishes. Top each with 6 banana slices, 3 1/2 Tbsp. pudding, and 3 vanilla wafers.
3. Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Add sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves (2 to 4 minutes). Spread about 1/2 cup meringue over each pudding.
4. Bake at 325° for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool 30 minutes.

Note: An 8-inch square baking dish may be substituted for glass dishes. Arrange 1 cup bananas on bottom of dish. Top with one-third pudding mixture and 16 vanilla wafers. Repeat layers twice, ending with pudding. Arrange remaining 16 wafers around inside edge of dish, gently pressing wafers into pudding. Spread meringue over pudding, sealing edges; bake 20 to 25 minutes; cool as directed.

Nutritional Information
Calories:
359
Fat:
3.6g (sat 1g,mono 0.7g,poly 0.3g)
Protein:
11g
Carbohydrate:
70.7g
Fiber:
1.3g
Cholesterol:
58mg
Iron:
1.1mg
Sodium:
234mg
Calcium:
242mg

Blackberry Cocktail

Prep Time: 20 minutesYield: Makes 5 cups

Ingredients
1 (0.75-oz.) package fresh mint sprigs
12 (1/4-inch-thick) cucumber slices
2 (6-oz.) packages fresh blackberries
3/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
8 to 12 tsp. turbinado sugar*
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. gin
1 cup cold club soda
Crushed ice

Garnishes: cucumber slices, fresh blackberries, lime wedges, lemon mint sprigs

Preparation
1. Place first 5 ingredients in a large pitcher. Gently press mint leaves, cucumbers, and blackberries against side of pitcher with a wooden spoon to release flavors. Stir in gin and club soda. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.
*Superfine or powdered sugar may be substituted.
Note: They tested with Hendrick's Gin.

Find more yummy summer recipes at http://www.southernliving.com/food/

peace out,

m.

Whatever Friday 6/4

+=

Wal-Mart has teamed up with Better Homes & Gardens to put out a new line of home furnishings. I must admit some of their items are pretty great, very cute & affordable! 

Check out all of these great decorative pillows all for under $13.00! 

Enjoy your weekend & please come to the Blueberry Festival! 
A .

Showcase Thursday- June 3

Every Thursday of our weekly blog we present a showcase. The showcase is of a particular someone or company that is playing an active part in the world of art, fashion, and all around creativity. We hope that this segment of our blog serves as a platform for some of the people and businesses we find interesting.

We want to show off people who are making lasting footprints in our fascinating little world.

It's time for the 36th annual Georgia Blueberry Festival! 

The weekend party celebrates the crop that helps drive Bacon County's farm economy. The Blueberry Festival will be held this Friday and Saturday, June 4th & 5th at Goldwasser Park in Alma.

Starting at 12:00pm on Friday vendor booths will open and on stage entertainment will begin. 

Fun Events for this year include: 

Georgia Blueberry Festival

5K and One Mile Fun Run/Walk

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Sponsored by the

Bacon County Hospital and Health System

Learn More Here: http://www.baconcountyhospital.com/getpage.php?name=blueberry

Senior Beauty Pageant 

Bike/Track/Wagon Contest

CAR SHOW

STREET DANCE

Plus Old Favorites! 

Sidewalk Chalk Contest & Fun Rides for Children

 Blueberry Pie Eating Contest & Pancake Breakfast 

  Bass Fishing Contest


Come on out & enjoy the fun!
For more information, Visit: http://home.georgiablueberryfestival.com/

Beat the Summer Heat! Vol. 1- Hair!

I consider it a great triumph to look amazing during the summer.

Lets face it, no matter how many summer tips you read in a magazine the odds are against you during this season my friend.

If you manage to get ready without breaking a sweat, as soon as you set foot out side you are fighting heat, humidity, and the summer "stick". Ugghhh which makes getting ready pointless.

I recently found myself spending almost two hours getting ready to go out one night a few weekends ago.

I know what you are thinking "DIVA", but that is not at all the case.

First, as always I shower, brush the teeth, lotion up and blow dry the hair, which usually takes about 20 minutes.

Then came the hard part I began to get ready...Usually a fairly quick task...not this night kiddies.

Is it just me or do we have to take "breaks" from getting ready to go out during the summer months?

On top of being the most cold natured person I know...I had the air set to 50..50 people (can't wait to see the power bill) all fans blowing and doors open. Plenty of air circulation, but I still had to take a few breaks from getting ready because I was starting to perspire.

Finally ready to go, I arrive to my destination and that 30 minutes of letting my hair sit in hot rollers while drowning in the toxins of my hairspray...down the drain.

I looked fabulous when I stepped out the door, but 15 minutes outside I have flat nappy hair, make up pouring down my face, and a layer of sweat is between me and my clothes...will someone knock over a fire hydrant please?!?!

So I the past few weeks I have been researching what really works in the summer. My first stop is the Hair. You might as well but the hot rollers and hairspray in storage because they are a waste of time. The following are easy to do trendy summer hairstyles that are not only easy to do but will also allow you to look fabulous and summer fresh!

ONE: Cut it out!

If you are one of those people I hate... you can chop all their hair off and have it grown out to your shoulders by October, then by all means chop chop!!

Bobs and "Slightly" angled cuts are in this summer. (be sure you are clear to your stylist you do not want the "dramatic" angled hair cut.)

If you can't bare the chair but still want to drop some hair weight, then try some layers. It will give your hair more dimension and make your hair feel lighter.

TWO: MESSY!

Only during the summer is messy hair acceptable. Let your hair air dry after you shower. Maybe throw in a bit of moose, toss your hair around and you are ready to go. Weather it be to the beach or to a luau!

THREE: BRAIDS

Braids are so in this summer. Weather you are going for a sophisticated, playful, or natural look, braids are suitable for all occasions. Adding a braid simply gives your hair a little something extra while keeping it out of your face or off your shoulders and back.

FOUR: BUNS

Buns are my absolute favorite. There is no right or wrong way to wear a bun so anyone, anywhere, anytime can create a fabulous bun. I have, on many occasions, started the night/day out with my hair down and fixed, then wham bam thank you ma'am up in a fierce bun with just a few simple flicks of the wrist.

For more special summer occasions High Buns are often used.

Ballerina Buns are perfect for date night, they are not to dressy but not to casual.

And for a night out with the girls, or a day on the beach the messy bun is a flirty way to beat the heat without looking like a total train wreck.

FIVE: BEACH CURLS.
If you have naturally wavy hair, then the summer humidity is your worst nightmare. No matter how much product use or straitening you do the humidity always wins. Remember that the HUMIDITY A.K.A. Mother Nature ALWAYS WINS!! So just give in already. Embrace your natural curl. Put the Chi down and give your hair a break. In the winter..Knock your self out with the super sleek hair, but in the summer be all natural!

You will still look fabulous and cut your "getting ready" time in half. Just run some moose through your hair and you are ready to go.

SIX: PONYTAILS
Ponytails are a girls salvation during the summer. They can be worn in any situation.

In an outdoor wedding on the equator in the middle of summer PONYTAIL.

Going out on a first date...PONYTAIL

Beach day with the girls...PONYTAIL.

The Ponytail is a girls hero.

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA.

So if you are feeling Plain Jane about your summer hair...then spice it up with head accessories. Lucky for you headbands, hats, feathers, clips, etc. are in style this Summer season.

Going to a Luau? Be festive and add a little flower to your beach curls.

Special occasion? A jeweled head band would look perfect with your High Bun.

We already have enough to worry about during the summer, beach bodies, body hair, moisturizing, etc.

Your hair should not be one of them.

Have A Safe Summer MaQnolias!

XOXO

Q

AB Graham feeling a little BLUE

Good Morning Artsy Readers! Today is an exciting day, actually its an exciting week for me! The Blueberry Festival in Alma, GA is this Friday and Saturday- you maybe wondering what this has to do with me, but this year I'm selling up some hot new goodies! That's right, your girl here has a tent for AB Graham Arts that is going to be awesome! 

(Banner for my tent)

Let me tell you though, it has been a lot more work than I originally anticipated. When I signed up on a whim 3 months ago, I thought oh this will be fun, I'll just sell some prints and paintings, plus hopefully spread my name out there. Little did I know that God had some bigger plans in mind for me! I currently have no works for sale because of shows- such a blessing! So this left me pondering over what to sell at the BF. No worries. I decided to do some old favorites & some new products as well! 

All of your favorite flowers will still be there! 

After I started slowly working on some stuff, I realized that if I wanted to this to be successful I really needed to turn up the elbow grease. and boy, have I! Its time for me to show these Alma folk what this BGG (brooks-graham girl) can do! 


I have a new collection of summer tote bags! FUN! 

And, because you asked for it, I will be selling paper flowers, so sweet & beautiful! 

I have also learned that Alma girls love them some SPARKLE, so I have a new collection of headbands that are sure to please! Inspired by Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl.

I have some more goodies in store for my tent, but I will leave them a surprise! If you are in Alma this weekend, be sure to stop by my tent and check it all out. As always, every item I sell is made by hand and only a limited number of each is available- so come quick! Be sure to sign up for a free t-shirt while you're there! 

Be Blessed, 

A.

Check back next Tuesday for a follow up report!