ZAGG Keyboard For Your IPad

I am so excited I just go this new keyboard for my IPad2. I no longer have to blog by typing every letter of the alphabet with one finger. I know I am a very good writer in my heart and having to blog by taking up more time than I do with a keyboard is just a waste! The company I got this keyboard from is call ZAGGkeys. Look it up at www.zagg.com. It is affordable and worth every penny. The instructions are really easy and straight forward. All it requires is for you to go into your settings in your IPad and pair it with this keyboard device.

For anyone with an IPad or IPad2, I highly recommend this! If it wasn't for inventor peeps at ZAGG, I'd still be taking a million years just to blog a single sentence!

FASHIONISTA: A VALENTINE CLOTHING AND HAIR PAIRING

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching so in the spirit of romance, we must discuss the gorgeous + girly strapless dress. You pretty much have free-reign on hair when wearing a strapless, so this is a great time to try all of those fun new flirty hair styles that you’ve been PINNING!

Chignon or bun: Try to keep it back and show your neck or have it slightly off to one side. It’s important not to crowd the neck with chignons because that can make your neck appear shorter. Always remember to check the sides and back for balance using a hand mirror. Leave some loose, romantic pieces down. That will bring attention to your decollete!

Center part: A center part is not a must, but the even balance of hair on each side can be really nice. Curly, wavy and straight hair all go well with a strapless dress, but it’s always fun to try a new texture when you can. This is a really fun opportunity to put curls in straight hair or flat iron our your waves or curls! You'll love putting waves in straight hair and pairing it with a strapless maxi– so boho!

Short hair: If you have short hair, curl it up! Or if you have curly short hair already, try adding a little sparkly accessory to pin a piece back. If your hair is long, now is a great time to practice that faux bob! Try not to have it too “set” if you’re going for a romantic look. Let it be a little more tousled!

Surviving the Winter: Cold Weather Hair Care Tips

People often mistake winter weather as “the best hair weather”. That is both true and false. No your hair doesn’t frizz in cold weather which is amazing! On the other hand, cold weather can also be quite harmful to your hair. Here are some rules you should follow to protect your hair during these cold winter months:

1. Don’t go outside with your hair wet, you risk breakage. Your hair will freeze if it’s cold enough outside and may break.
2. Limit your use of “hot” items on your hair such as a blow dryer, curling irons, and flat irons. And if you choose to, make sure you use a heat protector prior to use!
3. Once you have your hair moist, lock in the moisture by running your hair through cold water; this will also give your hair an extra shine. This also helps with fly aways and static.
4. A little trick for your hair when it is dry and styled, if you still have fly aways, spray a little light hairspray or light morrocan oil on your hands and touch them down  Your hair will not be greasy at your root, I promise!
5. Lastly, I always recommend to my clients to leave a deep conditioner in their hair once a week for about 20 minutes. You could also keep it in all day if you choose in a nice slicked back bun. Just don’t forget to rinse it out! This will keep your hair moisturized, especially in these dry months.

I am a Stylist at Salon Heaven and Spa in the South Loop of Chicago. You can find me on twitter @hairbymeganb.

                     For Salon Heaven and Spa's Twitter, click here: @salonheaven1505 

Computer Love

Experts share their best tips for finding a date online

We’ve all heard the online dating horror stories. He said he was 5-foot-10…but that was his width. He said he was a real family man…which meant he lived with his parents. He said he was a feminist…which meant he wanted you to pay for dinner.

Yes, it can be scary, but the truth is that more and more of us are hitting the keys to look for love — over 40 million people and that’s just here in the US. And while the old stigma may be gone, we know that online love can be tricky: What do you write on your profile? What do you leave out? Who do you look for? What picture do you pick and is it OK if it makes you look 10 pounds lighter?

With that in mind, we have fantastic tips from a few renowned dating experts. Since V-day is right around the corner, why not go ahead and get your online dating on!

Kate Houston, founder of trysweettalk.com, an online dating profile writing service, suggested attacking your online profile like a marketing tool. “Do what advertisers do and surround yourself with subtle messaging. If you love hiking, post a photo of yourself outdoors. If you like dogs, post a photo with your pet. Human beings size up situations very quickly, so maximize your visual opportunities.”

The opening is key! Kate said, “Tips always say to have a great username and headline. In truth, they don’t matter. What matters is your photo and your opener. In online dating, people see the photo, skip over the headline, and go straight to the first lines of copy.”

Kate also suggested that while you want to showcase the best you, humility goes far. “Profiles that are playfully self-effacing help to relax people and make them more comfortable with contacting you.”

Cait Robinson writes for Nerve.com and just launched the brand-new, very cool dating site Nerve Dating. She suggested avoiding lists. “Instead, tell stories. ‘Last summer, I went surfing at the Jersey Shore nearly every day with my dog Rufus. It was a fascinating anthropological experiment. Buy me a beer and I’ll tell you more.’ That example gives a possible date plenty to talk to you about. Plus, you sound like an active, interesting person.”

Cait also suggested enlisting the help of friends. “Summarizing yourself as the cute, pithy individual that you are can be a daunting prospect. If you aren’t sure how your profile looks, ask a friend to proof it. They can catch any potential Charlie-Brown-sulking statements, as well as good-naturedly make fun of you for any weird phrasing or half-truths.”

Dr. Vondie Lozano, licensed marriage and family therapist, explained that you should consider your online dating adventure an investment. “Choose a site that’s a bit of a financial investment and that requires a more lengthy questionnaire/application process. That will help screen out people just looking for a quick hook-up.”

Clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula suggested keeping it real. “Post a picture that is you at your best, but is in fact you now. Not 50 pounds lighter or even with a hair color that you no longer have.” And avoid the bait and switch. “Don’t say you’re interested in football and fishing unless you really are.”

Dr. Durvasula also suggested cutting out the red Solo cup. “Don’t be drunk or otherwise incapacitated in any of your profile pictures. It makes the viewer wonder, or you will attract people who find that an endearing trait.”

Rochelle Peachey, dating expert and founder of the Transatlantic dating site I Love Your Accent, suggests staying flexible on who you are looking for. “It’s perfectly OK to be specific about who you would like to meet, but don’t discount the man who appears to be everything you desire but is 41 and not 39 or maybe he’s 5-foot-9 and you wanted 5-foot-10. You make the rules but make sure they bend just a little.”

Rochelle also suggests that in the end it’s up to you to make it happen. “Flirt, flirt, and more flirting. Do not sit back and wait for it all to happen. Send a message to someone you are attracted to. You will only get back what you put in to dating online.’

Paul A. Falzone, the CEO of eLove Matchmaking, is all about being as safe as possible. “Avoid using screen names that reveal your identity or location.” Further, he suggested, “When mail or phone contact is necessary…try to use an office phone number and address or a postal box.”

xx, Beautyqueen

Botox for your Hair?

The  L’Oreal Professional Fiberceutic Treatment, will help turn back the hands of Time on your hair. Consider this treatment BOTOX for your hair! This treatment is specifically for Clients who have dry, damaged, brittle and split ends. This is for a girl who insists on getting a small trim or what I call a “Dusting,” but we, hair stylists know that she really needs 3 inches cut off. Fiberceutic, is enriched with Intra-Cylane molecules. What? Intra-Cylane is a water activated molecule that is able to deposit into the hair after evaporation takes place. It reinforces the protective layer of your hair.  The molecule finds the damaged fibers and gets the hair revitilized again. This treatment strengthens the fibers from the inside and protects against further damage.

This is only offered as a In Salon Treatment and is important that these next steps are followed by your hairstylist.

Fiberceutic Serum, Sealer

When you leave the salon, you will feel an immediate change in your hair. Your hair should feel stronger and fuller. You should follow up at home with the Fiberceutic Hair Masque. Using the masque at home will prolong the In Salon Treatment and will prevent further damage.

I can not wait to try this out on my clients. I already have a few in mind!

If you'd like to come in for a consultation and appointment, please contact me at 773-683-8635 or hairbymeganb@me.com

ANWER ME THIS: PUT HUNGER ON ICE. (email questions)

The healthiest options in the frozen food aisle

Dear Beautyqueen,

I never seem to have time to cook my lunch before work and I hate eating out every day.

Do you have any suggestions for a hungry but healthy girl on the go?

Melissa

Dear Melissa,

You’re so right. Going out for that midday meal every day can cost you serious cash and calories! So what’s a busy girl to do? Well it’s time to go frozen.  I am suggesting that you hit up the frozen food aisle in your grocery store.

Old-school TV dinners have come a long way from their high calorie, low flavor, unenticing meatloaf and mashed potatoes beginnings. These days, there is a slew of super-healthy but still tasty options — many of which are organic, vegetarian, and even vegan! When I am running around at work, I like to pop one of these in the microwave because I know I am going to get a nutritious but satisfying meal in minutes. Check out a few of my fave frozen meals that are perfect for a fast, economical, and healthy lunch!

Healthy Choice Pumpkin Squash Ravioli: Frozen meals don’t have to mean TV dinners from the ’50s. Love these super gourmet pumpkin squash raviolis! Yum.

Kashi Chicken Florentine: You can’t help but love that this delicious and filling dish is just 290 calories! Packed with grilled chicken and a ton of veggies, it’s a winning lunch.

Cedarlane Garden Vegetable Enchiladas: Get a little spicy with these tasty enchiladas filled with cheese, beans, and veggies.

Amy’s Kitchen Roasted Vegetable Lasagna: Lasagna is definitely a great guilty pleasure but the typical calorie count can leave you with way more guilt than pleasure. Amy’s Kitchen has a healthy twist on the classic dish that makes for a super-comforting lunch.

Moo Moo’s Poblano Chick(pea) Patties: These tasty chickpea cakes made with brown rice and poblano peppers are über-filling and completely delish! Not to mention that these babies are gluten free and vegan.

Healthy Choice Portobello Spinach Parmesan: Not only are we big fans of all the veggies, but at only 270 calories, you can get your cheese fix without the guilt.

xx, Beautyqueen

Got any questions for me? Hit me up at hairbymeganb@me.com!

EAT WELL ON THE RUN

The healthiest fast food options

Even the best FabFitFun girls can make an occasional bad decision: ditching the gym for happy hour with the ladies, spending an entire work afternoon on Facebook or dialing the ex at 1:00am after FB stalking him all afternoon and then drinking margs with the girls.

And, of course, all of us have occasionally given in to the notoriously loud call of those enticing fast food windows. Even though we know they’re filled with deep fried, fat-laden food; late, stressful nights at work can help make them a very appealing option. Luckily, many fast food restaurants now offer healthier choices, which means eating on the go does not have to be a diet disaster.

Check out the healthiest choices when that fast food craving strikes!

Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Chick-fil-A’s chargrilled sammy is a great fast food find! A boneless, skinless chicken breast is marinated, grilled and served on a whole wheat bun for a nutritious and fast lunch!

290 calories, 4g fat, 36g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 29g protein

Dunkin’ Donuts’ Egg White Turkey Sausage Sandwich

Skip the sugary, deep fried ring and check out one of DD’s oven toasted breakfast sandwiches filled with heart-healthy proteins like egg whites and turkey sausage.

280 calories, 8g fat, 32g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 19g protein

Taco Bell Fresco Style Bean Burrito

When you get a craving to run for the border, pick up something from their lower fat and calorie Fresco menu. The 350-calorie fiber-filled vegetarian bean burrito is super tasty and satisfying.

350 calories, 8g fat, 57g carbohydrates, 11g fiber, 12g protein

Subway’s Veggie Delite Sandwich

There’s a reason why Subway’s slogan is “eat fresh.” They really do have quite a few healthy choices available for all your fast food needs. My fave is the green-packed Veggie — a 6-inch on wheat. Pair it with a cup of their tomato soup for a super filling vegetarian lunch.

230 calories, 2.5g fat, 45g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 9g protein

Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita

Whole wheat pita bread is stuffed with grilled chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, tomato, and served with healthy fire roasted salsa. This delish combo totals under 330 calories.

326 calories, 10g fat, 35g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 23g protein

Carl’s Jr. Original Grilled Chicken Salad (with low-fat balsamic dressing)

Mixed greens, grilled chicken, red onions, shredded cheese, tomatoes, and cucumber slices make this salad a filling choice. We love the tangy low fat dressing.

305 calories, 10g fat, 4g fiber, 25g protein

Wendy’s Large Chili

This rich, meaty chili is high in fiber and surprisingly low in fat. With 310 calories for a large bowl, this hearty meal will fill you up without filling you out.

310 calories, 9g fat, 31g carbohydrates, 26g protein, 10g fiber

McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets with Sweet ’N Sour Sauce

I'm talking about the small version, which means a mere four nuggets. It’s not exactly a meal but does make a pretty decent fast food snack for just 220 calories!

220 calories, 10g fat, 11g carbohydrates, 10g protein

So even if you don't have time to enjoy a super healthy meal, at least there are options out there that can tie us down until a real meal comes our way!

xx, Beautyqueen