Brrr, it’s cold outside!

“Warm Up Your Interior During Cold Winter Months”
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The winter is the longest of all seasons, and just happens to be the coldest, too. So, chances are you will be spending less time chilling outside, and more time getting cozy inside. Michael Craig of dinette.com shares his expert tips on how you can warm up your interior with just a couple simple steps!

Cold weather is cuddle weather – whether you’re alone on the couch watching TV or snuggling with your loved one, nothing warms up your couch like a new throw. Make sure it’s soft and snuggly to keep toes toasty on cold nights.

Add warm color to your interior, such as a warm red or hunter green. These colors will breath new life into your space and perk up your mood. Match your new throw with fun throw pillows that complement the warmer color scheme.

Light always warms up any space. Add some snazzy, new lamps to brighten up any dull or dark areas.

There is no better way to add some life to the cold dreariness of winter than by adding a plant. Not only will it provide warmth but you’ll also get the added bonus of clean oxygen produced by your new green friend – genius!

Like a hot cup of coffee warms you up from the inside, furniture in warm wood tones and finishes such Cappuccino can heat up a kitchen or breakfast nook. Add microfiber or fabric covered cushions to create a barrier between your warm body and cold seats.

Finally, an inexpensive and practical way to warm up your space is to cover up your wood and tile floors with rugs and runners. Not only will you liven up the space – your feet will be thankful on those cold winter mornings.

Here’s to warming up your winter!

ShaToBu Shapewear

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With the shapewear category continuing as hot as ever, consumer enthusiasm is assured for well-priced, super-comfortable products that  smooth the body’s contours, tone muscles—and, above all, are the only shapewear available that has been scientifically proven to burn extra calories! The revolutionary products in question are part of the new ShāToBu line-up, which is not only the object of a new peer-reviewed scientific study in which its wearers are shown to burn significant extra calories throughout the day, but has been radically revamped and improved in response to feedback following the line’s successful soft launch in early 2010. The result is the latest, even better, ShāToBu GET FIT™ line which has been expanded to include the optimal product choice for every situation.    

SHĀTOBU SHAPEWEAR’S CALORIE-BURNING QUALITIES CONFIRMED IN PEER-REVIEWED SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL: MUSCLE-TONING PATENT-PENDING PRODUCTS FINE-TUNED IN RESPONSE TO MARKETPLACE FEEDBACK AND REBRANDED AS SHĀTOBU GET FIT™AND GREATLY EXPANDED 

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The science is in!—And it delivers unquestionable proof that patent-pending ShāToBu shapewear not only smoothes body contours and tones muscles, but that—uniquely in the marketplace—its innovative resistance band technology helps women TRULY BURN ADDITIONAL CALORIES WHEN THE PRODUCT IS WORN. “We tested ShāToBu garments under controlled scientific conditions,” said University of Virginia Professor Arthur Weltman, PhD., confirming this, “and showed that when women wear them, their energy expenditure increases significantly during walking, which translates to more calories burned.” Weltman, who is director of the graduate exercise physiology program at the University of Virginia Curry School of Education, was reporting on an independent study of ShāToBu, detailed results of which will shortly be published in the respected peer-reviewed Obesity and Metabolism Journal.

“We knew from the beginning,” added Dr. Denise Perron,  ShāToBu’s Creator and Vice President of Research & Development,  “that ShāToBu was way more beneficial than any other shapewear in the marketplace. Now we are thrilled to be the first-ever shapewear brand to have scientific backing and authentication of our claims. Being published in a peer-reviewed medical journal is a huge deal and will clearly set our product apart from others than cannot perform the same way.”

While definitive proof has been gathered of ShāToBu’s calorie-burning powers, the line’s designers have been busy too. Consumers greeted ShāToBu shapewear enthusiastically when it was first introduced in a test launch in 2010. “But we knew that even the best products can be made better,” said Jacqueline Elman, the company’s Director of Marketing. So we asked women who’d been wearing the garments not just to tell us what they liked, but what changes they’d like to see in them—and then we went and made those changes.” The result is the exciting, newly rebranded ShāToBu GET FIT™ shapewear line, powered by ShāToBu’s ground-breaking resistance band technology, which continues, like the original, not only to boost women’s confidence with an instantly sleeker, firmly controlled silhouette, but to effortlessly change their shape over time and, of course, to burn additional calories, by making their muscles work just a little harder during natural movement—A PERFECT COMBINATION FOR TODAY’S MODERN, BUSY WOMAN.

All original and new styles offer matchless shaping with every movement and support for the tummy, hips, thighs and derriere; new features include a softer, more luxurious fabric for optimal comfort; and shorter leg bands that now reach to mid-thigh for more flexibility with dresses and skirts of different lengths. The collection’s new, more reasonable price point makes it accessible to a wider audience of women.

The first and original  ShāToBu GET FIT™ products reached stores in mid-September, including both ShāToBu GET FIT™ Shapers (in buff or black; regular waist 12705A, or high waist for extra smoothing in the tummy and midriff 12706A) and ShāToBu GET FIT™ Shaping Tights (in black, steel or brown, regular waist 12707A, high waist 12708A and footless 12709A). Stylish additions this season to ShāToBu GET FIT™ Shaping Tight choices—also in stores mid-September—are the new high waist footless (12710A), regular waist fashion rib (12711A) and regular waist fashion diamond (12712A) models, all in black. These exciting new products are already meeting with an enthusiastic reception from retail buyers.

In late October, consumers  experienced the exciting introduction of a comprehensive set of additional ShāToBu GET FIT™ items that have enabled women to stock their wardrobes with ShāToBu shapewear FOR EVERY POSSIBLE OCCASION. These include ShāToBu GET FIT™  Everyday SEAMLESS Shapewear in regular waist, high waist and body suit configuration (styles 12713A, 12714A, 12715A – these all feature the calorie-burning qualities discussed above), ShāToBu GET FIT™ Everyday SLIMMING POSTURE SUPPORTING TOPS (to be worn for layering or on their own) in tank or cap-sleeve versions (12720A and 12721A—not calorie burning, but with posture supporting bands, figure enhancing seams and a slimming inner layer), and ShāToBu GET FIT™ Everyday Leggings and Top (with posture supporting bands and figure enhancing seams–not calorie-burning) (12719A and 12716A.)  These 4th quarter introductions, which all feature the advanced shaping technology that has made the original  ShāToBu products so successful, will be followed up in mid 2012 by even more great ShāToBu GET FIT™ Everyday shaping and toning products, including a flared pant, a capri and jeggings.  Together, the complete collection of EVERYDAY TOPS AND BOTTOMS DO DOUBLE DUTY AS LAYERING PIECES OR APPAREL WEAR. WHILE SEVERAL STYLES ARE IDEAL FOR ACTIVE PURSUITS, TOO.

“Seamless Shapers’ lightweight seamless construction provides the ultimate in effective and comfortable smoothing.” said Elman. “And now that they can choose from a wide selection of pieces, women can wear ShāToBu all day, every day, whatever they are doing, and benefit not only from its supreme contour smoothing qualities, but from its unrivaled muscle-toning action, and (with the exception of Everyday Posture Supporting Tops and Everyday Leggings and Tops, calorie-burning as well.”

 Most ShāToBu GET FIT™ items are available in sizes S through 2X (Everyday Slimming Posture Supporting Tops and Everyday Leggings and Top in S through XL), at prices ranging from $28 to $88, at the newly launched ShāToBu.com and in department and .com stores across the country including Dillards, Dillards.com, Bloomingdales, Macys.com, Lord & Taylor, LordandTaylor.com, and BareNecessities.com.  Lord & Taylor’s Manhattan Fifth Avenue flagship store will host an editor and consumer debut event with models and stylists in October.

The history of ShāToBu: Board-certified chiropractor Dr. Denise Perron developed ShāToBu as an “effortless exercise” solution to the fact that many of patients would not consistently perform the exercises she prescribed. Since many of them were already wearing shapewear, it was a natural progression to add resistance bands directly within those garments. The seamless resistance bands force muscles to work harder during natural movement and consequently burn extra calories to help fit a light workout into the day. Once she had developed a prototype, she conducted research studies in Canada and the U.S.A. This independent research showed that women burned more calories during treadmill exercises that simulated everyday movement when they wore the shapewear. ShāToBu was first officially launched to the marketplace in February 2010. The brand debuted in department stores and on its own e-commerce site.

“Obesity and Metabolism,” which has accepted Professor  Weltman’s paper describing the calorie-burning qualities of ShāToBu shapewear for publication,is a quarterly academic journal targeting obesity and metabolic disorders. “Obesity and Metabolism” includes original articles, review articles, editorials and hot topics. It is covered in Science Citation Index Expanded (also known as SciSearch®) and Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition.  “Obesity and Metabolism” has been recognized as having “high cultural value” by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage. The recipients are clinicians and scientists worldwide who are interested in the topic areas outlined above and is in its 7th year of publication. Full details of the study will be provided on request.  

Doris Hosiery Mills–parent of ShāToBu:  Established in 1955 and now the leading hosiery manufacturer and distributor in Canada—and 4th largest in North America—Doris’s strength is built on strong research and development, category and market expertise, state-of-the-art manufacturing with close attention to quality and detail, a highly professional, service-oriented sales team, and forecasting that ensures adequate stocking and on-time shipping. The company has 5 divisions, including Doris Intimates, Doris International, Doris Hosiery, Sox Marketing and Mayfair Tech Inc., and a highly successful track record launching new brands, including Kushyfoot, Dream Soles, Jockey Shapers (U.S), ShāToBu itself, and Secret. In addition to its branded products, Doris also has a thriving private label business, with customers including Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Victoria’s Secret, Talbot’s, Duane Reade and The Bay. 

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Michael Craig’s New Year Home Decor Resolutions

Home Decor Resolutions

Michael Craig, founder of dinette.com and interior design guru, shares tips on how to organize your living space so you can start the New Year on the right foot.

It’s always great to go into a new year with a clean slate: first things first, GET ORGANIZED!  Treat yourself to some decorative storage boxes, clear off the papers covering your desk and consolidate your bills in one box.   Your work space is now not only more aesthetically-pleasing, but is more efficient as well.

Buy a new plant and resolve to make it your friend.  Promise to water and nourish it – you will be glad you did.  Plants provide oxygen and warm up any setting.

Get a fresh start and replace old candles with new ones with new scents.  Be adventurous and go for that red currant you’ve always wanted to try!

Since you have committed to get in shape this year, add incentive to stay on-track by adding a gorgeous full-length mirror.  Not only will the mirror add an inspired design element to your décor, but it will also act as a constant reminder to not let yourself slip.

The New Year begins in the midst of winter when the days are shorter and darker, which can have an affect on your mood.  Stay cheerful no matter what the weather is outside by getting enough light inside.  Add a new lamp and/or replace old bulbs with more energy efficient ones, which will also help save money in the long run.

If one of your resolutions is to be a better host, buy a wine rack and stock it with at least two bottles of white and two bottles of red for any impromptu gathering.  Keeping a bottle of bubbly chilled in the fridge is equally as important to have on-hand – celebrate a friend’s good news or serve mimosas at Sunday brunch.  And of course, champagne can always be a catalyst for a lovely romantic evening as well.

Safety first: always use the New Year’s occasion as a reminder to check all your batteries in all your fire detectors at home!

Follow Michael on Twitter @dinetteguy to get more of his expert tips!

Christian Dior / Icelandic Glacial Water

Icelandic Glacial Water Partners with Christian Dior Skincare for the

2012 Diorsnow Product Line

December 06, 2011 — Icelandic Water Holdings ehf, makers of the award-winning, CarbonNeutral® premium natural spring water Icelandic Glacial™, announced today their partnership with Christian Dior for the 2012 launch of Diorsnow, a line of skin-whitening beauty products underParfums Christian Dior infused with Icelandic Glacial™ water. Diorsnow will be the first line of beauty skincare products from Dior to feature a new formulation exclusively hydrated by Icelandic Glacial™ Water.

“With Icelandic Glacial’s remarkable purity and optimal mineral balance, we are proud that Christian Dior selected our water to help enhance the efficacy of their skincare products,” said Jon Olafsson, chairman and co-founder, Icelandic Glacial™. “This partnership further demonstrates Icelandic Glacial’s Ölfus Spring as an essential natural resource of the highest level.”

Completely devoid of pollution, Icelandic Glacial™ Water is one of the purest waters in the world. Derived from a pristine natural spring, and free from all traces of acidity thanks to its journey through volcanic rocks, Icelandic Glacial™ Water has been deemed by Dior to have optimal biological properties and the power to recreate the best global skin environment, spontaneously improving the transparency of the complexion.

“Icelandic Glacial Water has proven in our labs its power not only to counteract the production of melanin in skin cells, but also to act in favour of all skin transparency features. These results make it the perfect asset to go beyond whitening toward immaculate transparency,” said Edouard Mauvais-Jarvis, Scientific Communication Director for Dior. “It is so effective and so complementary to our core active ingredients that wehave decided to replace 100% of the water in our formulas by Icelandic Glacial water to reach new levels of efficiency and pleasure in the whole Diorsnow range.”

As the world’s first CarbonNeutral® certified bottled spring water for both product and operations, Icelandic Glacial™ delivers water of exceptional purity to consumers with a “net zero” carbon footprint.  Icelandic Glacial’s water hails from Iceland’s pristine Ölfus Spring, a naturally replenished catchment zone formed during a massive volcanic eruption more than 4,500 years ago. 

The first Dior skincare products infused with Icelandic Glacial™ water will be officially launching in the first quarter of 2012 throughout the Asian market.

About Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water™

Born and bottled in Ölfus, Iceland, Icelandic Glacial™ is the world’s first certified CarbonNeutral® natural spring bottled water for both product and operations. An environmental pioneer in the industry, Icelandic Glacial™ uses 100% natural green energy in the form of geothermal and hydroelectric power to fuel production, delivering a super-premium bottled water from pristine Iceland to consumers while maintaining a “net zero” carbon footprint.

The source of Icelandic Glacial™ is Iceland’s legendary Ölfus Spring, a naturally replenished catchment zone formed during a massive volcanic eruption more than 4,500 years ago. The Spring has been deemed certifiably sustainable by Zenith International, Europe’s leading food and drinks consultancy. The Ölfus Spring produces water so pure that nothing is added or taken away. As a result, Icelandic Glacial™ possesses exceptional balance that is the envy of the industry, featuring anaturally occurring low mineral content and naturally high alkaline pH level of 8.4.

As a testament to its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial™ was chosen by Parfums Christian Dior as the exclusive hydration method to be used in their Diorsnow line of skin-lightening beauty products to be released in 2012.

Icelandic Glacial™ is distributed in the United States by Anheuser-Busch, which took a 20 percent ownership stake in the company in July 2007 and subsequently increased its stake to over 23%.

For more information about Icelandic Glacial™, visit www.icelandicglacial.com.  Follow us on Twitter @ ”IcelandicWater” and Facebook @ “Icelandic Glacial Water”

About Christian Dior

Dior, an international company: 32 subsidiaries in 5 continents, 2 industrial sites and 1 researchcenter, more than 8,600 employees, more than 25,200 points of sale worldwide…

Dior Skincare : Science and Innovation

With its 40 years of research, Dior Skincare has been able to gain women’s trust and assure the legitimacy and scientific credibility of its products. Linking scientific know-how to the pursuit of beauty is the key to these products whose simplicity allows them to remain timeless. Contributing to the enchantment of women through innovation and high standards of quality, developing productswith unparalleled efficacy and creating incredibly pleasant textures: these are the missions of our researchers.

The research surrounding stem cells and the rare natural substances found in the biodiversity of the

Dior Gardens are the secrets of the entire Dior Skincare range.

Dior skincare has also developed different partnerships with Stanford University and Modena University on the stem cells research and the Institut Pasteur.

New Year, New You: Transform Your Body!

The New Year is approaching and it’s time to make those New Years’ Resolutions!

Make a resolution you can actually stick to this year that will leave you feeling sexy and confident. Transform your body and take control! You can do so by combining the Zerona laser, (as seen on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), a non-invasive way to lose inches of fat without any pain or unwanted side effects, and with Newtopia, a fully-customized genetics-based diet plan.

The FDA-approved Zerona laser is effective in reducing the circumference of the waist, hips, thighs, and upper arms. Over 60,000 patients have used this procedure and have lost an average of 3.65 inches. Newtopia is an integrated weight-loss system that uses a simple genetic saliva test to determine exactly what combination of nutrition, exercise and behavior management maximizes results.

According to Dr. Jamé Heskett, “The Zerona laser treatment is perfect for someone who wants to jump-start their weight loss program. And because Newtopia’s diet plan is highly customized and includes a personal coach, patients stay motivated, focused and lose up to two pounds per week. It’s a winning combination.”

Top four alternatives to smoking, but are they healthy?

Smoking is glamorous and fashionable, but it’s not healthy. This addictive habit causes lung disease, cancer, respiratory issues, infertility problems and death. If you need to quit smoking and find another way to unwind, there are alternatives. Herbal cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, personal oxygen bars and hookah bars have become popular, but are they healthy? The Guru investigates.

Herbal Cigarettes

What is it? These cigarettes contain no tobacco, or nicotine, which means you can smoke them without becoming addictive. Plus, they come in flavors such as mint and chocolate.

Pros: No addictive substances.

Cons: Still contain a significant amount of carbon monoxide, which can lead to carbon monoxide posioning.

Electronic Cigarettes

What is it? Electronic cigarettes are battery operated and use vapor, liquid or smoke. Like herbal cigarettes, they come in various flavors.

Pros: Safe for the environment, can smoke in public places and no additives. Plus, does not contain carbon monoxide.

Cons: Requires charging or additional batteries, which can be costly. Uncertainty of future health problems.

Personal Oxygen Bars

What is it? Often found in resorts and spas, these machines allow you to breathe in additional oxygen to reduce stress and alleviate most health problems. Some oxygen bars come in flavors for added enjoyment.

Pros: Relieves stress, headaches, aches and pains, hangovers and fatigue.

Cons: Oxygen consumption of more than 4 hours a day can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems.

Hookah Bars

What is it? A hookah is a waterpipe used for smoking. It is then filled with tobacco, which you inhale. Hookah also comes in a variety of flavors.

Pros: It doesn’t stain teeth like cigarettes do, and it has a pleasant smell.

Cons: Just like with cigarettes, there is a chance you can become addicted to the nicotine. Since there is nicotine in hookah, you are still at risk for cancer and other diseases.

Remember that any smoke you inhale is bad for your lungs. 

Free L’OCCITANE Perfume & what your Disney princess personality says about you

It’s Thanksgiving, and we’re feeling especially thankful for all the love in the air. One might even say it’s delicious… almost as delicious as these fab L’OCCITANE perfumes we’re giving away this week. If you’re headed to the airport, train station, heliport, or on the road we’ve got some must-reads for you:

What’s your Disney Princess Personality? If you don’t laugh at this, you have no soul (or estrogen).

Some REALLY tasteless advertising in NYC

Is Jessica Biel too pretty to take seriously?

The real defintion of the word “sl*t” (don’t get your panties in a bunch, okay?

Travel Spotting: Newport Beach’s Boat Parade

L’OCCITANE giveaway

Hope that helps pass the time till the turkey and stuffing!