PUTTING THE O IN VINO

From sav blanc to Chianti, we choose the best organic bottles under $35

OK, you’re sitting at the bar and the guy on your right says he’s an independent producer and the guy on your left says he’s the next Mark Zuckerberg. The only thing not full of fertilizer is the organic wine you’re drinking.

Yes, we know this was a long setup to get to organic wine but it beats the poem we were going to write (what rhymes with pesticides, anyway?).

By now we’ve all heard the heart-healthy benefits of drinking a moderate amount of wine, but did you hear that a new study suggests drinking two glasses of wine may significantly raise your problem-solving abilities?! Yes, we say “cheers” to that!

So now that you’ll be shopping the vino, the question is what wine to get. For years, wine connoisseurs looked down upon organic grapes, claiming that the taste could not be the same. But luckily, these wine times are changing.

Not only is there a new crop of highly respected organic wines but by going for the big “O” (not that O, but with enough wine, who knows) there are a fair number of benefits as well. Organic grapes/wines are not sprayed with chemicals and pesticides and some wine lovers believe this leads to a better, brighter flavor. In addition, organic wines have less sulfites, which is simply better for your bod!

So now that you wanna go organic, why not check out our slideshow of our fave organic wines under $35?

Frog’s Leap Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010
$22.99

The dry, classic sav blanc features notes of peach blossom, grapefruit, and Meyer lemon. The popular organic vineyard has produced this award winning wine since 1981. The citrusy pick goes well with seafood and cheese.

Quivira Vineyards and Winery Grenache 2009
$26

The complex, spicy red serves up tantalizing tones of strawberry, raspberry, and black pepper. Pairing perfectly with richer foods, this Grenache stands up well next to a variety of roasted meats.

Fontodi Chianti Classico 2008
$29.25

This full-bodied, classic Chianti features strong, delicious notes of sweet red cherries, plums, and chocolate. The smooth tannins and strong finish make it a great choice.

Hall Sauvignon Blanc
$17.95

Bright and beautiful, this is what you want to drink on a hot summer day. Crisp and refreshing, you’ll taste pink grapefruit, gooseberry, blood orange, and guava.

Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
$21.99

You’ll find dreamy aromas of currant and cassis in this spicy, complex cabernet that features a firm body and long finish (and yes, we think that sounds dirty too).

SPRING STYLE: MODERN FLIP

What do you think? Should the flip make a comeback?

 One trend that caught my eye was this modern twist on the classic Flip hairstyle. The models weren’t the only ones bringing back the flip hairstyle, Jessica Simpson and Katie Holmes have tried their own take on the flip as well.

BEAUTY TIPS 2012

MAKEUP TIP

From: Celebrity makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian

"Sometimes volumizing mascara formulas can be heavy and weigh down your lashes and take out the curl. She told me her best formula for the best lashes: 'Use a waterproof, lengthening formula first, it will hold the curl up. Then add a coat of volumizing mascara on top.'"

HAIRCARE TIP

From: Celebrity hairstylist Antonio Prieto

"If you have a problem with frizz, a boar bristle brush is ideal to smooth out the cuticle and prevent frizz. Also, keep the blow dryer pointed downward instead of sweeping it up and down your hair."

PERFUME TIP

From: Can't remember, it was years ago

"Fragrance rises, so spritz it on your ankles or behind your knees to help your scent last longer."

DARK CIRCLE TIP

From: Brow expert Kristie Streicher

"You can use your eyebrows to make dark under eye circles less noticeable. Just tweeze your brows so they're more straight-across than arched. When they're arched you get a complete circle effect (your brows and the dark circles below) and that exaggerates the dark circles, but if your brows are straight across, it breaks up that shape and de-emphasizes the circles."

HAIRSTYLE TIP

From: ME!

"Don't fight your natural hair texture, just enhance it. Though this doesn't seem like a revolutionary tip, it makes life much easier and we all really look best with a hair texture that closely resembles what nature gave us. So instead of totally straightening curls, try defining them or loosening them up a bit with a curling iron

HAIR COLOR TIP

From: Celebrity hairstylist Franco Della Grazia

"If you're worried about damaging your strands with hair color, look for vegetable color that simply lays color onto the hair shaft, or use color shampoos and conditioners that add shine to the hair. It makes a huge difference in how healthy your hair looks."

COLORED DENIM 101

What you need to know to look colorfully chic (without the Skittles rainbow)

By now, you’re probably aware that the denim section of any store has suddenly transformed into something out of Rainbow Brite’s closet. And don’t get us wrong, while we love Ms. Brite and the colored denim trend, it’s hard not to feel totally overwhelmed with the endless options of Easter egg pastels, neon, and every color of the Skittles rainbow.

Not to mention that most of us are not genetically blessed like the models we see rocking those neon persimmon pants. So how do we get in on the trend while looking fierce (and fit) too?

 Here are his rules to rocking colored denim:

1. You don’t have to be a tall, lanky model to wear them but you do have to find the right pair for your body. You have to look at colored jeans the same way you would look at blue jeans; So if you’re a boot cut girl, then go for a boot cut style, if you’re a flare person go for a flare. What you can’t do is experiment too much with colored jeans. You have to find your fit and kind of stick with it.

2. Have fun but be conscious of the color you choose! I’m not so sure that everyone should be wearing chartreuse or fuchsia on their thighs or their butt. I suggest trying a pastel instead of a bright: Not the Easter eggy colors but the neutral ones like a cream. They are not only more flattering, but also easier to wear.

3. You can color block, but keep it tonal. If you keep it tonal, it gives an illusion that makes your body look to the outside world a little bit longer and leaner; And let’s face it ladies, who doesn’t want that?! Avoid pairing two completely contrasting colors, because this will chop your silhouette in half. Try a fuchsia sweater with an orange jean or vice versa. Basically, think more “We Are (Color) Family” and less “Opposites Attract.”

4. Avoid heels. When it comes to colored denim, Flats look the freshest. But if height is what you’re going after, you can add a wedge. I am crazy for a nude shoe: Find a shoe that matches your own skin tone because that also makes you look longer and leaner. Pairing your favorite denim with Converse or cute sneakers gets a thumbs up!

5. Never, ever wear black. Do you really want to look like a bumblebee (paired it with yellow) or a ladybug (paired with red)?! I think there is nothing more garish than doing black.

6. Keep accessories neutral and minimal!  Luggage colored leathers, warm caramel belts, or a metallic (gold, silver, or bronze). And when it comes to jewelry? Steer clear of anything too colorful. Some people can make it work but you can also look like a reject from Ringling Bros. Circus and you really don’t want to take that risk..

7. Remember, this is a trend. The great thing about this look is that you can find them everywhere! Spend as little as possible at first and if you really like it then upgrade. But the reality is, a trend is just that: it comes and it goes and it’s not going to last that long so why spend so much money on a pair of colored jeans?

8. OK, So what should you buy? My current colored obsessions: The Denim Cropped Biker from Closed for a fun neon look and Gap’s Lightweight Always Skinny Skimmer Jeans in Surf Pipe Blue for a softer but still colorful option.

xx, Beautyqueen

THE EASIEST WEEKEND HAIR STYLE EVER!

This hair style picture finally gives you the permission to twist your hair rapidly into a languid loop and head out the door.

This comfortable, quick and universally flattering way to get your hair off your face using a cheap elastic, is finally fashionable. Yes, I hear what you’re saying – of course in this backstage image, the model’s hair has been backcombed a little at the crown and then smoothed back, but you don’t have to bother with that for your purposes.

I’ve deemed it] the easiest hairstyle ever. I don’t have to tell you how to do it with a step-by-step, which saves me loads of time. You’ve known the drill since high school: hair elastic, two hands, pull, twist and secure.

Here we go loop de loop…

Fast, Healthy Breakfasts

Stay strong all morning long with these delish ideas

Dear Beautyqueen,

I need some new healthy breakfast options. Got any ideas for a girl on the go?

Mary

Dear Mary,

As far as I can tell the world is divided into two equal groups. Those who thought Heidi and Spencer were a cute couple and…no, that’s not it. Those who think Paris has a great singing voice and those…no, that’s not it either. Those who eat cold pizza and doughnuts for breakfast and those who eat healthy. Yeah, that’s it. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, I’m in the healthy group.

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day (don’t tell lunch or dinner that I said that). It gives you the energy you need to get through your morning and helps you from bingeing on the bad stuff when the lunchtime hunger pangs hit! Check out my top choices:

Kashi GoLean Crunchy!: With both protein and fiber to help you stay satisfied and meet your daily needs, as well as calcium, folic acid, iron, and vitamin E, GoLean Crunchy! bars are perfect for women on the go!

MorningStar Farms Veggie Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: Who doesn’t love a complete nutritious breakfast that’s ready in just 45 seconds? Packed with protein and all things yummy, you can’t go wrong with this breakfast sandwich.

Jamba Juice Steel Cut Oatmeal: Start your day off right with organic steel cut oats slow cooked with soy milk and complemented with your choice of toppings. It’s a hot bowl of morning motivation and it’s so easy to grab a bowl on your way to work.

VitaTops: Forget the traditional sugar bombs, these decadent but healthy muffin tops can satisfy a sweet tooth without wandering into the cheesecake-filled dark side.

Kellogg’s Eggo Nutri-Grain Whole Wheat Waffles: Heat two waffles in the toaster and voilà! Way easier than mixing the batter yourself, right? Add some nut butter for an even bigger protein boost.

Corazonas Oatmeal Squares: With 13-16g of whole grain in each square, plus 5g of fiber and 6g of protein, these bars make a perfectly filling breakfast to tide you over until lunch.

xx, Beautyqueen