AAA Service on New Years

Don't drink and drive- and don't ride with anybody who does. Tipsy Tow offered by AAA: You don't have to be a AAA member, from 6pm-6am on New Year's Eve/Day they will take your drunk self and your car home for FREE. Save this number... 1-800-222-4357. The life you save may very well be your own! Or that of an innocent family!

Be Safe this New Years Eve

I know this is for Americans only, but for everyone else please please please enjoy yourself but pay attention and try to use your common sense. 

Remember! - Enjoy Responsibly!

Love, 

ALPHA

Silver Eyes For New Years

For a pastel-like soft touch,
just basic  silver with mascara

For Smokey Eye. Gradually get
darker towards the eye. 

Cute look for this New Years?

 Go for Silver Lined Eyes!! 

I think it's fun and sexy and cute all at once.

Play it up with some darker shades

to get the smokey eye feel or go the opposite for a cute pastel and easy feel. 

Either way the glitter plays with your eyes!!

A look I know I'm definitely going to use this New Years 

Love, 

ALPHA

For a Smokey Eye Tutorial Click Here!

I Remember.

In my last writing class, my professor pulled up this poem. I Remember, written by Joe Brainard, is simply just a strem of memories that Brainard recollects. 

All the lines in the poem begins with "I Remember"

For example: 

I remember the first time I met Frank O’Hara. He was walking down Second Avenue. It was a cool early Spring evening but he was wearing only a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. And blue jeans. And moccasins.

I remember that he seemed very sissy to me. Very theatrical. Decadent. 

I remember that I liked him instantly.

*****

For the class, we had to do something similar with our own experiences. It's a great way to think about your life, year, or just random experiences. 

Here's what mine looks like: 

I Remember...

I remember the first time I walked down the streets of my college.

I remember the day I moved into my new home in Boston. 

I remember the first night I got drunk with my suite. 

I remember when my mother left. I didn't cry. 

I remember the first time I cried at school. It was because I missed my mother. 

I remember being nervous for my second day of classes. I was right to be nervous. I forgot a pen and panic struck because I couldn't take notes. I had to ask the kid sitting next to me. I haven't sat there since. 

I remember my first writing class and how there was a divide between asians and non-asians. It's slightly improved. 

I remember walking in the Boston Garden on a sunny day. Everything about it seemed perfect. Wonderful wonderful weather. 

I remember it snowing on Halloween. 

I remember not remembering the majority of Halloweekend 

I remember walking in my new high heeled shoes from the end of Newbury street to my school. 

I remember running around Boston to find Ryan Reynolds. And I did find him eventually. 

I remember the first day I wore my new red coat. When that coat gets wet it smells like peppermint...but if you smell it for too long it smells gross.

*****

Especially at this time of year, I think that this is a cool way to reflect on the year (and what you actually remember!) and the memories that you've had. It's also great for self-reflection, it tends to bring out happy and sad memories - basically things that you consider important or meaningful. 

Well...

Wonder time 2011, looking forward to 2012. 

Love,

ALPHA

Nail it this New Years Eve!

Here are 4 festive New Year's nails looks to try!

A Golden New Years

Deborah Lippmann can do not wrong when
it comes to nail polish! This gold is the perfect
festive shade for New Years Eve!

Welcome 2012

Black and white are classic New Year's colors, so
try painting your nails white and then writing 20 and
12 on alternating fingers in a black shade

Half-Moon Nails

Half-moon nails were all the rage at Fashion Week
last February, and this chic design is also a perfect look to
celebrate the New Year. Choose classic shades like black
and white or, shake things up with black and gold!

Sparkles Galore

This shade is perfect for New Year's Eve because
it remind everyone of the confetti the drops everywhere
when the clock hits 12. It is festive enough without going
overboard.

Love,

ALPHA

Spice "Cake Batter" Shots

Ingredients

1. 1 part cake flavored vodka (or vanilla with a touch of amaretto)
2. 1 part spiced rum
3. 1/2 part creme de cacao
4. 1 part half & half heavy cream or milk
5. dash of cinnamon schnapps (if desired)
6. white frosting and sprinkles

Directions

1. To decorate the rims of the shot glasses, dip the edge into frosting, then into the sprinkles
2. Combine the ingredients in a pitcher and taste for "spiciness."Adjust by adding a little cinnamon schnapps or half&half, as needed. 
3. Refrigerate.

Love,

ALPHA

9 Ways to Initiate Sex

1. Put it in Writing. 
Sometimes, saying, “I want you, now” out loud can feel intimidating or embarrassing, especially if that kind of talk doesn’t come naturally to you, says Tammy Nelson, Ph.D., a couples and sex therapist and author of Getting the Sex You Want. But writing down your desires can help shake off your inhibitions, since you can get your point across without face-to-face contact. Pop a note in your guy’s coat pocket before you leave for work, send him an email (to his personal account!) or tap out a quick text message. What you say depends on your relationship, but, “Try to break out of your comfort zone to help build erotic anticipation,” says Dr. Nelson. Texting things like, “Can’t wait until tonight,” or “Having a naughty thought about you right now” can work to build excitement for what’s to come. Or, Dr. Nelson says, you can be more graphic than you might feel comfortable doing in person, saying something like, “Tonight, I’m getting into bed naked and will do XYZ to you…” 

2. Establish an “I’m in the Mood” Code. 

Between the two of you, come up with a word or phrase that is a secret call for sex. “Make it something that you can say in front of your kids, or even your in-laws,” says Dr. Nelson. The contrast between how ordinary the code sounds to others and what it really means to you stirs up excitement and fosters intimacy. Try something like, “Honey, can you help me balance the checkbook later?” or, “I really have a headache!”

3. Get—and Stay––in the Mood.  

When it comes to summoning sex, getting yourself in the mood is half the battle. “You are more likely to initiate sex later if you pay attention to your own feelings first,” says Dr. Zoldbrod. Look at some erotic images, such as those in the Kama Sutra, or read a few passages from a favorite romance novel to put you in a sexual state of mind. If that’s not your speed, just spend some time thinking in detail about the last time you had sex, which will help rev your appetite. Dr. Zoldbrod also recommends going for a walk to boost endorphins, wearing lingerie to work or even thinking about your favorite celebrity crush. By reminding yourself to keep sex at the forefront of your mind all day, the positive vibes will last well until bedtime, inspiring you to make a move.

4. Send a Nonverbal Cue. 

If verbal requests for sex are out of your comfort zone, don’t worry: non-verbal initiation can be just as powerful. Try a kiss on his neck or a little ear-nibbling while he’s on the computer or watching TV, suggests Dr. Nelson. Then escalate the gesture by stroking his arm while you’re sitting near each other. Ramping it up slowly like this serves two purposes: First, the element of surprise can boost sexual feelings; secondly, the non-verbal come-on can be unexpected, which could pave the way for spontaneous sex, says Dr. Nelson.

5. Try Something New Together. 
Explore unknown territory as a couple, whether that means attending a free art class at your library, going to see a foreign movie or signing up for a volunteer opportunity in your community. “When couples do new things together they produce more dopamine, the feel-good brain chemical,” which will help make you feel closer, says Dr. Zoldbrod. And if you enjoyed that foreign film or art class and ended up making love when you got home? That tradition will likely catch on, so doing it after any excursion may become a delicious habit.

6. Be Generous with Compliments. 
As relationships progress, couples are often less inclined to court and compliment one another. Noticing—and appreciating—each other’s positive attributes not only fosters affection, but will also remind you both of the early days of your relationship, when sex was likely intoxicating and frequent. The key here is to identify those times that your partner looks sexy or really impresses you, and tell him rather than keep it to yourself, says Dr. Nelson. Try something like, “I was looking out the window when you were mowing the lawn. You looked so hot in those shorts!” Or, “Honey, you just look so sexy to me when you’re cooking us dinner.” That kind of appreciation is an ideal segue into sex. 

7. Change the Timing. 
Instead of initiating sex as the two of you are brushing your teeth or settling into bed with a book, make your move during unusual-for-you times, says Dr. Nelson. The idea is that by taking him (and yourself!) by surprise, you may shed a few of your inhibitions, since the experience will feel out of context. “Try anything that’s out of the ordinary, like hugging him from behind when he’s washing dishes and whispering, ‘Wanna do it?’ in his ear,” says Dr. Nelson. Turning the expected on its head sparks excitement—for both of you. Conversely, the same thing might happen when you make the effort to schedule sex; the anticipation—and the habit—all build sexual excitement as you count down towards "go" time.

8. Play the “Remember When” Game.
As you’re sitting on the couch together, or over dinner, recall your best, sexiest memories. “Saying things like, ‘Hey, remember that time when we went to Jamaica on that vacation and it took us a whole afternoon to even leave the hotel room?’ tells him that you are thinking about him in a sexual way,” says Dr. Zoldbrod. And reminiscing together about past experiences will not only pave the way for a romp in the hay, but will also reinforce the bond between you as a couple. 

9. Be Straightforward! 
Being absolutely direct is natural for some women, and a little harder for others. If you can master it, nothing works better, says Dr. Nelson. What man doesn’t want to hear, “I’m taking a shower. Care to join me?” Or, “Get in bed. Now.” The perks of being direct are that you don’t have to worry about being clever or creative, or expending loads of time and energy conjuring up ways to ask for it. And in this case, practice makes perfect! The more you directly ask for sex, the more second nature it will become. 

Read more: Initiating Sex - How to Initiate Sex - Woman's Day

Love, 

ALPHA

Camera Shooting Modes

Many people, when using their cameras, do not always understand what shooting mode can or should be used for different situations. For those who do not know, this will hopefully help you understand camera shooting modes.

Auto Mode
This mode is pretty straight forward, As the title suggests, this mode is automatic, thus the camera will set everything for you including aperture, shutter speed, flash, white balance and ISO. This mode is good for those who are unfamiliar with how to use other modes on cameras. It is also useful when you want to take a picture quickly and you do not have time to make adjustments yourself.

Program Mode (P)
Program Mode is a semi-automatic mode. The camera still controls most of the functions, but you are able to control ISO, white balance, flash. For example, you could prevent the flash from firing automatically and instead raise the ISO to compensate for low light conditions.

Aperture Priority Mode (A or AV)
In this mode, obviously, you control the aperture. This means you control the amount of light that comes through the lens and the depth of field. This mode is useful if you're concerned about having control over the amount of the image that is in focus, and are photographing a stationary image that won't be affected by shutter speed.

Shutter Priority Mode (S or TV)
This mode helps you freeze fast moving objects and is used when you want to use long exposures, for example when taking pictures of sports or wildlife. The aperture is set automatically.

Manual Mode (M)
This mode allows complete control over all the camera's functions. Manual mode means that you can adjust all functions to suit lighting conditions and other factors. However, using manual mode requires a good understanding of the relationships between different functions - in particular of the relationship between shutter speed and aperture - which is why this mode is mostly used by professionals.

Love,
ALPHA

Candy-Colored Jeans

Check out these skinny jeans. 

Seriously...look at them!! 

Colored jeans have been popular for a while - why? because they're fun! DUH. 

Something tells me though that they will be especially popular this winter.

You should snag a pair (I already have green and red!) 

All Jeans from Joe's Jeans. 

They have FIFTY FIVE COLORS. 

GAHHHH

Love, 

ALPHA

I've Learnt That...

• you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
  
• no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
  
• it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
  
• it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
  
• you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for life.
  
• no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
  
• you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
  
• we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
  
• there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
  
• true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
  
• just because someone doesnt love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
  
• maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated
  
• no matter how good a friend someone is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
  
• no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
  
• just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
  
• we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
  
• you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
  
• there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
  
• no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar, you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.
  
• the people you care most about in life are taken from you to soon.
  
• although the word "love" can have many different meanings, it loses value when overly used.
  
• love is not for me to keep, but to pass on to the next person I see.
  
• there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.
  
• even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
  
• every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
  
• I still have a lot to learn......

- Anonymous    

Love,

ALPHA

Sex is No Accident

These are just too hilarious. 

Retro MTV Anti-Sex Campaign 

Let's be serious. 

Sex isn't an accident. 

Use a Condom!

Love, 

ALPHA

Bespoken Art

With Bespoken Art, you can immortalize any recorded sound on a frame-able, hang-able piece of customized canvas. From wedding vows to dog barks to your favorite song, Bespoken Art does it all. They’re printed on artist’s grade canvas and given a final protective coating to stop aging and fading. The prints are fully customizable in color, text and font.

(Carpe Diem) 

Cool Right?!

I so totally want one...

Love, 

ALPHA

742 Ways to Say I Love You

Obviously I'm not going to put all 742 ways...but here's to read all (or most) of them. 

Click Here! 

Here are my favorites (within the first 100!) : 

3. Dance with her in public.
4. Dance in the rain. (Even in your best outfit)

11. Notice when she does the little things

21. Stargaze on a clear night (New moons are the best times)

27. Tell her she is beautiful, even in sweatpants and a tee-shirt. (And I mean it)

35. Flirt in public. (Yes, that means holding hands)

39. Always chase after her (Especially after fights)

40. Touch her in a loving way (Seduce her) 

52. Don't just tell her you love her, show her.

56. Introduce them as your girlfriend/boyfriend to your friends

59. Know her favorite flower, color, number, animal, song (or band) and movie

70. Share your deep dark secrets with each other

80. Talk to each other using only body language

87. Hold them and gaze into their eyes and realize how much you love them and tell them that

88. Gently run your hand across their cheek and look into their eyes

95. Don't have sex, make love

Provided by Mia Carmel is Thinking. 

Love, 

ALPHA

The World's Best and Worst Lovers

World’s Worst Lovers:

((in order))

Germany (too smelly)

England (too lazy)

Sweden (too quick)

Holland (too dominating)

America (too rough) 

 Greece (too lovey-dovey)

Wales (too selfish)

Scotland (too loud)

Turkey (too sweaty)

Russia (too hairy)

Ooo...sorry Ballack...

World’s Best Lovers:

((in order))

Spain

Brazil

Italy

France

Ireland

South Africa

Australia

New Zealand 

Denmark

Canada

Oh. I totally. Accept this. 

Provided by Divine Caroline

Love, 

ALPHA

Ralph Lauren Collection

I feel like Ralph Lauren is an underestimated label. Well at least I thought that myself until the latest ads from the fashion house caught my eye in Vogue. The Fall 2011 season's collection is warm, rich and very sophisticated. I'm in love with it. Satin, velvet, silk, suede, leather and everything galore. His inspiration? 

"I have always loved the glamour and sophistication of the 1930s

 and its Art Deco and Chinoiserie influences"

I love how you can clearly see the influences in this particular collection.

I think it's amazingly beautiful. 

The 2011 Holiday seems to follow after the Fall season's style. 

They are some beautiful dresses. 

Finally, Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 Collection follows this whole 1930 theme and once again it is stunning. Unlike the previous collection, it's soft, smooth, and extremely classy. I can't get over it!

"For Spring 2012, I was inspired by a romantic kind of nonchalance - 

an effortless glamour that is always timeless" 

Bravo Ralph Lauren.

You aimed for glamour. And this is glamour captured perfectly. 

Love, 

ALPHA

You're Tired...

Are you really just tired...or is it something else?

You're Tired...

...But only before (and the first day or two of) your period

That pre-flow dragginess may be cause be a hormone-induced dip in levels of the brian chemical serotonin, leaving you feeling sluggish and blah. It might also be the result of cramps interrupting your sleep. Keep the cramps under control with anti inflammatory pain relievers, and make sure you don't skip the gym. Working out will pump your energy and help get your levels of serotonin back up. 

...Plus you have an annoying eyelid twitch

The twitch is a weird but sure top-ff that you're seriously stressed. Instead of trying to turn in a little bit earlier each night, focus on eliminating anxiety by doing things to help you unwind during the day, like music break, going to yoga class, and soaking in a steamy bubble bath before you hit the sack. 

...And your brain feels foggy; you keep messing up small tasks at work and forgetting things

You're probably sleep-deprived. When you shortchange yourself more than a few nights in a row, your brain isn't able to recharge its neurotransmitters, so you can't think clearly. Stay alert by aiming for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted quality shut-eye a night. Avoid caffeine after 4 p.m., turn off your gadgets (laptop, phone, etc.) before bed, and lower your thermostat so that the room isn't too warm. 

...Every day around 4 p.m., then the fatigue lifts by 6

The human body normally hits a wall for about two hours in the late afternoon, and the sloth-y feeling gets even worse when you instinctively down a bag of greasy chips from the vending machine or go on a mochaccino run to try to miraculously revive yourself. Here's the right way to fight the fatigue: Get up from your chair and stretch, take a 10 minute walk outside for a fresh-air fix, and/or have a glass of cold water or a high=protein snack, like a handful of nuts or a turkey-and-cheese roll up. 

...And you've been feeling sad and out of sorts for weeks

Depression might be the culprit. When you're hitting bottom, your body can feel all out-drained as if you have zero focus or energy for anything. This I'm-so-exhausted-I-can't-even-microwave-a-bag-of-popcorn mentality happens even if you're scoring seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night. See your primary care physician, who can help you figure out if depression is the cause and steer you toward treatment. 

...But the exhaustion only strikes within an hour after you eat lunch

You're in a carb coma. White-flour breads and other starchy lunch staples get turned into sugar by your digestive system really quickly, which cause your blood-sugar levels to spike. Minutes after you eat, you'll feel a boost of energy - then crash hard half an hour to an hour later as your blood-sugar level plunge. You need high-energy foods, like chicken and fish paired with veggies and whole grains, which take longer to digest. Also, aim for four to six smallish meals instead of three or four bigger ones. The more you eat at once, the more energy it takes to digest, and that conks you out. 

Provided by Cosmopolitan Magazine: January

Love, 

ALPHA

How To Be a Goddess

“Picasso said, ‘There are only two types of women – goddesses and doormats.’ You, my dear, are a goddess.”

What makes a woman a “goddess?” What attributes and qualities does she have? What is it about her that makes her so attractive and desirable to men? And could I (or any woman for that matter) truly achieve “goddess status?” 

Ten Commandments of a “Goddess"

1. She is confident and self-assured. What is confidence? As far as I see it, confidence is derived from knowing who you are and being comfortable in your own skin. It comes from believing in yourself and in your capabilities. It is NOT arrogance. No way. In fact, truly confident people are humble and gracious. They don’t need to flaunt themselves for other’s approval and attention. They listen more than they talk and they enjoy giving compliments more than receiving them. How you dress, carry yourself, and converse all demonstrate your level of confidence. It’s no surprise guys are very quick to pick up on this. When a man meets a confident woman, her value in his eyes instantly rises.

2. She is strong and independent. A goddess doesn’t let life live her, but instead she lives her own life. She has goals, dreams, and aspirations separate from her love life. In fact, she would never entertain the thought of giving herself up just to be with a man. Catching and keeping him isn’t the end all be all of her existence and she won’t “melt” into a guy, trying to be who and what she thinks he wants. It is perfectly wonderful to want, and even need, a man. But to compliment you, not to complete you.

3. She is emotionally stable. I recently read a fascinating article. It stated that most men have a deep need to be loved by a woman who is emotionally tough and dependable. When I think of a goddess, I think of a woman who is in control of her emotions. She doesn’t fall apart, break down, or throw fits if things don’t go her way. She doesn’t become a wreck over the little things and her world doesn’t revolve around never-ending drama. A goddess would never expect a man to act as her therapist. (Ever!) After all, that’s what girlfriends are for, right?

4. She is optimistic. A goddess has a sense of humor. She can joke around, see the “good” in nearly every circumstance, and enjoys life. She is not bitter and does not allow resentment to take a hold of her. She is fun and has the ability to laugh with others and at herself. A goddess is happy with her life and with her place in the world. As a result, others are drawn to her and her energy is contagious.

5. She takes care of her appearance. A goddess knows that when she looks good, she feels good. Her health and well-being are important to her. She is well groomed and dresses appropriately for the situation, without trying too hard to be noticed. As Coco Chanel said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” It’s important not to go to extremes, however. A woman’s attractiveness is not determined by her daily caloric intake or by sporting a four figure handbag. Although high heels and mascara are not foreign concepts to her, a real goddess knows that true beauty starts within.

6. She won’t chase a man. Can you imagine a goddess throwing herself at a man or working overtime to impress him? I sure can’t. But how often do we women act like this? We’ll initiate all contact. We’ll “accidentally” run into him. Heck, we’ll bake him cupcakes and deliver them to his office after the first date. We might as well jump up and down while holding a sign that says “Pick Me!!” A goddess wouldn’t do this. Instead, she lets men come to her and show her their level of interest. She allows a man to pursue, to court, to woo; thereby encouraging him to step up and be a man.

7. She does not accept disrespect. Boundaries are a good thing. There is nothing wrong with knowing how you want and deserve to be treated. A goddess doesn’t allow a man to throw her scraps and then try to convince her it’s an entrée. When she is treated in an unacceptable manner, she has the strength to stand up for herself; even if it means walking away.

8. She is not easily attained. A goddess knows her worth. She doesn’t give off the “I’m desperate for a man! Any man will do!” vibe. Instead, she occupies herself with the business of her. She walks with pride through her own life and carefully analyzes those men who catch up to her. She is the picker. She is the chooser. And she strives to choose wisely. As a result, the man who wins her heart also believes he has won an incredible woman. To paraphrase the famous dating quote: PLAYING hard to get is ridiculous. BEING hard to get is marvelous.

9. She is feminine. It is entirely possible to be a CEO, a professional athlete, or have an A-cup and still be undeniably feminine. Femininity doesn’t mean acting like a little girl, a weakling, or an airhead. Not even close. Nor do you have to forgo jeans and baseball caps or the ability to hang with the guys. Being feminine is about embracing yourself as a woman. It’s about being charming and gracious. It’s about radiating warmth and openness. The vast majority of men are instinctively drawn to “femininity.” At the end of the day, they want a woman who is a lady.

10. She prizes her sexuality. A goddess is neither prudish nor promiscuous. Although she enjoys sex and physical intimacy, she realizes that it is a valuable gift and doesn’t allow herself to be used or treated carelessly. She won’t dress overly provocatively or flaunt her “sex-ploits” on a date. She waits before consummating relationships and is trustworthy in matters of fidelity. The goddess views sex as “special” and she encourages her man to treat her like a “special” woman.

From Girls Guide To...

Love, 

ALPHA

Vogue: Lauren Bush & David Lauren

I just thought these pictures were just so adorable and beautiful!

From the December issue of Vogue. 

so precious!

Love them all so much - i want them to be my wedding photos.

Love, 

ALPHA

8 Common Beauty Mistakes

Common Mistake: Using Conditioner All Over Your Hair

Most people apply conditioner as they do shampoo: starting at the top of the head and working it all through the hair. But the hair closest to the roots is healthy new growth; it's the ends that are older and more likely to be damaged. Apart from wasting product, conditioning the roots can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy, says Gina Lees, a stylist with the Adolf Biecker Spa, in Philadelphia.

Common Mistake: Applying Foundation Without Giving Moisturizer Time to Dry

The creaminess of a moisturizer can cause makeup to thin out if the moisturizer hasn't had enough time to soak into the skin. "This can result in blotchiness and ultimately limit the amount of coverage your foundation can offer throughout the day," says Laura Geller, a makeup artist in New York City.

A Better Way: Wait 60 seconds, until the moisturizer is absorbed. Or, if you're short on time, blot your face with a tissue after moisturizing, then apply foundation.

Common Mistake: Spraying on Perfume After You Are Dressed

Perfume can stain fabric, and fabric fibers can make perfume smell unpleasant. "Fragrance is formulated to be applied to the skin, where it interacts with the heat of the body," says Terry Molnar, executive director of the Sense of Smell Institute, in New York City.

A Better Way: Before dressing, lightly dab or spray it onto the skin at one or two of the "pulse points"―knees, wrists, base of the throat, and behind the earlobes. And don't rub your wrists together. This breaks down a perfume's molecular structure.

Common Mistake: Plucking Eyebrows Too Close to the Mirror

When you're focused on every little hair, you don't keep track of the shape of the entire eyebrow. The result? Thin or uneven brows.

A Better Way: Find a large mirror near a window, then step back a few feet to survey your face, says Ramy Gafni, owner of RamySpa, in New York City. Brows should be in proportion to your face shape and the placement and size of your features. Move closer to the mirror and begin tweezing. Step back after every few hairs to check the symmetry of your brows.

Common Mistake: Neglecting Your Neck

When you take care of your face, don't stop at the chin: The skin on your neck can be thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your face and just as prone to changes in pigment, elasticity, and texture―and, yes, to wrinkles.

A Better Way: When applying sunscreen to your face, keep going, covering your neck and even your chest. (Spread some on the backs of your hands, too―another vulnerable area.) "A separate neck cream is not necessary―these are marketing ploys," says Ole Henriksen, owner of the Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa, in West Hollywood, California. Your day and night face moisturizers, as well as most treatment creams, should work just as well on your neck. But if you use products containing alpha hydroxy acids or retinols, do a spot-test first.

Common Mistake: Using Moisturizer to Reduce Puffiness Around the Eyes
A salty diet, among other things, can cause fluid retention around the eyes. Step away from the eye cream! Hydrating ingredients hold water in the skin, so moisturizers and eye creams may make your eyes look even puffier, says Heidi Waldorf, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, in New York City.

A Better Way:  If the skin around your eyes is puffy but not red, irritated, or itchy, apply a cold compress or an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes. You could also follow up with a lightweight eye gel containing caffeine, says Waldorf. If your eye area is puffy, red, irritated, or itchy, see a dermatologist. You may have an allergic rash.

Common Mistake: Bathing or Showering Until Your Body and Hair Feel "Squeaky Clean"

The sound may be satisfying, but it also indicates that―either by staying too long in the shower or bath or by scrubbing too vigorously―you've removed the natural oils and lipids that seal in moisture and protect your skin and hair.

A Better Way: First, evaluate your tools and products: A loofah sponge or a medicated shampoo may be stripping your skin and hair, says Loretta Ciraldo, a Miami dermatologist and the author of 6 Weeks to Sensational Skin. In general, try to limit your shower or bath time to 10 minutes or less and use warm, not hot, water.

Common Mistake: Overmedicating Blemishes

Ack! You have a breakout. So you blast it with a spot cream. Then, for good measure, you douse it again. "Most of these treatments contain acids that penetrate the skin for hours after they are applied," says Ciraldo. "Overuse can result in a burn that causes redness, peeling, and irritation."

A Better Way: Follow the directions on the medication's package; most say to use it once or twice a day. Avoid drying out your skin.

Provided by Real Simple.

Love, 

ALPHA

Anal Sex?

A Beginner's Guide

According to Glamour.

As we’ve shared our daily sex tips over the last couple of months, one hot topic has popped up in the comments section more than a few times: anal sex. I think a lot of us are super curious about the subject but shy about approaching it. So, we reached out to Dr. Rachel Needle, a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist to share some expert advice about anal sex.

Anal sex is still very much taboo! This doesn’t change the fact that between 6-40% of people report having tried some type of anal stimulation or anal sex. The truth is that everyone has an erogenous zone in their anus—males and females. Whether you think it feels good, are curious, or your partner is asking you to try it, here are some things you should know before engaging in anal sex!

1. Relax your mind and body! If this is your first time trying anal sex, spend a few minutes relaxing your mind and your entire body. You can also relax your anal muscles. To see what that feels like you can tighten them by squeezing your butt muscles and holding for a few minutes, and then releasing.

2. Use lots of lubrication! Unlike the vagina, the anus does not produce its own lubricant. The more lube you use, the more comfortable and enjoyable anal sex can be. Don’t forget to make sure you are using a water-based lubricant. Before going right to anal sex you may want to begin by using a finger to become comfortable with anal play.

3. Communicate! As with all type of sexual activity, verbal communication is a must! Talk to your partner about your fears or desires for anal sex. Continue to communicate when first trying anal sex by letting your partner know if it hurts or if you would like him to move more slowly or more quickly. It is important that you feel comfortable so don’t be afraid to communicate!

4. Women—you stay in control! Especially the first time you are trying anal penetration, it is good to be in control of your man’s penis so that you can guide it at a pace and pressure that you are comfortable with. Take your time in getting it in. This is also good because the lining of the anus is very sensitive, so pay attention to your body and stop if it is too painful. Some good beginning positions for when trying anal sex are doggie style and laying on your side with your partner behind you on his side.

5) Be safe! To minimize the risk of infection, be sure to clean your genitals before and after engaging in anal sex. In addition, do not go from the anus to the vagina as this can lead to infection or complications. Use a condom! If you are engaging in anal sex, discard that condom and put on a new one before penetrating the vagina to minimize the risk of infection.

Tip: There are many shared nerve endings between the walls of the vagina and the anus, so stimulating the vagina simultaneously can be extremely pleasurable. If you feel comfortable, insert something (perhaps a finger or a vibrator) into your vagina while you are engaging in anal play.

Don’t feel pressure to engage in anal play! And remember that if you try it and don’t like it, you don’t have to do it again. Some people don’t choose to try anal sex and some just don’t enjoy anal stimulation once they have tried it—both are OK! Everyone has different likes and dislikes. Love it or hate it, you are not alone.

For More Info: 

Anal Sex! 6 Tips to Make it Enjoyable for YOU!

Cosmopolitan Q&A

Private Sex Questions Answered 

Love,

ALPHA

Get Emma Watson's Style

All you need is...

1. Little Lace Dress

2. Gorgeous Greys

3. The Trench

Love,
ALPHA

Emotional Baggage Check-In

Have some baggage you need to express?

I stumbled on this site "Emotional Bag Check" where you can either choose to write out your problems or you can help others with their problems. The interesting part is that it's actually just a music site. Like when you choose to help someone with their baggage you suggest a song to them. 

I think it's a great way to help people out. I mean music is very emotional and touching and when you hear that one song - it makes sense you know? It's comforting and really can help you overcome your problems!

Totally check it out. 

Love,

ALPHA

Happy Kwanzaa & Boxing Day!

and...

Love, 

ALPHA

Alpine Sweaters

We've all heard about the 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' and now there are parties designed around it. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of ugly Christmas sweaters out there but this Christmas I couldn't help but notice all the cute Winter sweaters there were. Here were my top favorites:

TopShop

Old Navy (Left) TopShop (Right)

Roxy

American Eagle

Abercrombie & Fitch 

Love, 

ALPHA