5 Healthy Valentine’s Day Tips: Best Foods for Your Main Squeeze

Heart healthy tips for you and your loved one!

How do you show your love on Valentine’s Day?  Cards and roses may say that you really care, but a healthy and delicious meal will show your loved one that you’ve got a heart of gold.

Read 10 Romantic Movies For Valentine’s Day

There are so many foods that are known to be heart-healthy. Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to feature these foods in a delicious, healthy meal that you can literally eat to your heart’s content.

1. Toast your loved one with a glass of champagne. Not only is it festive, but it contains plentiful polyphenols, which are naturally-occurring compounds in grapes that help to maintain healthy blood flow and blood pressure.

2. Start your meal with a colorful salad.  Brightly colored carrots, tomatoes and spinach get their hues from carotenoids; a group of antioxidant pigments that help maintain heart health.  Toss in some avocado for a bonus; its healthy fat helps your body absorb these beneficial compounds. You can even go a little nuts on Valentine’s Day.  Tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios contain substances called phytosterols that help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.   Toast them lightly first to bring out their flavor, then add to salads or veggies.

3. You may be devoted to your one and only, but there are plenty of fish in the sea.  It’s a good thing, too.  The healthy omega-3 fats found in ocean-caught fish help to keep certain fats in the blood – like triglycerides and cholesterol – within normal range.

4. You may never know what you’re going to get in a box of chocolates, but you’ll get more from a box of the dark treats.  Naturally occurring compounds in cocoa called flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals to support heart health.  The darker (and more bittersweet) the chocolate, the better it is for you.  (Milk chocolate has a lot less of these healthy compounds, and white chocolate has virtually none).

5. While you’re at it, drizzle some melted bittersweet chocolate over fresh berries for a more beneficial dessert.  Berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins that help maintain heart health.

Luigi Gratton, MD, vice president of nutrition education at Herbalife.

5 Lingerie Sets to Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day

You’re guaranteed an amazing night if you surprise your guy in one of these looks.

You have everything set and ready to go for your romantic Valentine’s Day date. New haircut? Check. Sexy little black dress? Check. Dinner menu? All set. Candles, of course. Some new lingerie? Hmm, not yet.

You may have the urge to resort to the drawer of lingerie you already own, but why not get a new set just for this occasion. For one, it counts as a Valentine’s Day gift to your guy (you’re welcome) and it also shows him that tonight, you are celebrating the love you share in the bedroom just as much as the lovey-dovey stuff.

Check out what we found at Fredericks of Hollywood, the store that knows all about sexy lingerie. Founder Frederick Mellinger invented the push-up bra (thank you so much!) and celeb fans throughout the years have included ’50s pinup Bettie Page, Dita Von Teese (above), Nicky Hilton and Pamela Anderson.

Here are five sexy lingerie sets from Fredericks’ Valentine’s Day collection. Pick the one that’s right for you, and get ready to really enjoy the holiday with your valentine. And specially for BettyConfidential readers, Fredericks is offering free shipping on orders of $85 or more. Just enter the code XWKBETTY to redeem this exclusive offer (but hurry, cause it ends on February 2!).

Ruffled Hearts Two-Piece Set

This two-piece set is a go-to outfit for upping the sexiness factor. Men go weak in the knees whenever thigh-high stockings are involved. ($38, fredericksofhollywood.com)

Rhinestone Heart Babydoll

Open up his heart (and his eyes) in this subtle yet sexy babydoll. This is a great ensemble if your guy is the type who doesn’t let you wear lingerie for very long before it hits the floor. ($38, fredericksofhollywood.com)

French Maid Terry

Couples who like to play pretend in the bedroom will put this French maid teddy to good use. Slip this on after dinner and enjoy your just desserts. ($34, fredericksofhollywood.com)

Carmen Teddy Chemise

This chemise is very sensual, thanks to its flattering cut, but it allows you to leave a little bit to his imagination – perfect for newer couples. ($29, fredericksofhollywood.com)

Read Winter’s Hottest Lingerie Trends 

Sequined Hearts Two-Piece Set

If Valentine’s Day is the time when you really let your hair down, heat things way up in this barely there two-piece set.  ($36, fredericksofhollywood.com)

Happy (sexy) Valentine’s Day!

5 Dates to Take Yourself On This Valentine’s Day

Who needs a man when there are plenty of fun things you can do solo?

Cupid’s aim may have missed you this year, but there is no dodging the inevitable February 14th arrow. Regardless if you call it Valentine’s Day, Single Awareness Day or declare it “Take Off Work to Avoid Co-Workers Getting Flowers” day – the 24-hour span of roses, candles, and dinners is well on its way.

As a lady flying solo, it can be easy to turn bitter when a lack of chocolates (the ones from your mom don’t count) leaves you without a sweet aftertaste. But, instead of drowning yourself in wine alone at home or attending every anti-Valentine’s Day party, think of a different approach.

Read Ode to Epic Fails of Valentine’s Day Past

Why not celebrate “me” even if you’re not part of a “we”? (Actually, you are – if all of the single ladies are in fact, sans man, we’re at least all battling the dating trenches together).

Here are some single Betty Valentine’s Day approved dates to take yourself on:

Date #1: Dinner and a movie
You don’t want to sit in a dimly lit restaurant with couples “oohing” and “aahing,” violins playing, and a proposal in the works a few tables over. But, what’s wrong with digging into something greasy and meaty? Treat yourself to a dish you usually keep away from your diet and top it off with a movie you’ve been dying to see. If it happens to be a romantic comedy, laugh at how easy it is to predict the ending – when in life, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Date #2: Take a walk to remember
Sometimes a gal’s best friend isn’t a puppy or a man who acts like a dog, but the city she loves the most. Maybe you aren’t living in your ideal location, but somewhere in your town is a road, a place, a smell, a memory that brings you incredible joy. This V-day, map out a new route to love and let the lights and sights be your guide.

Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Bettys!

The best of V-Day

-The Betty Editors

Dear Bettys,

No matter what your plans are to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and whether you’re  single or in a relationship, we’ve got ideas, advice and must-dos to help make your whole weekend romantically – even wildly – fun.

Here’s a roundup of our favorite V-Day stories and tips … to be enjoyed, we hope, with some  chocolate!

• If planning on going out to dinner, find the perfect shade of red for you! And if your dazzling dress doesn’t get your guy to drool, find out if he’s truly into you with these foolproof signs.
  

• Staying in this year? Head to Netflix to stock up on the top 10 most romantic films of all time, or create the ideal evening with the man of your dreams. Psst more fabulous suggestions are waiting for you, including how to boost your kissable quotient using the latest in lip plumpers!

• Single gals can have a ball as well, so if you’re date-less, just gather up your best girlfriends and host a cocktail party!
  

• Chocolate is packed with antioxidants and flavanols, so no need to feel guilty about indulging. However, don’t forget that men also deserve tasty treats!
  

• Speaking of men, why do they seem to fear V-Day?  And what do they really think about women and sex?

• If you’re lucky enough to be spending the weekend at a romantic getaway, make sure to pack these five must-haves for a sizzling good time!

• Who says this special holiday has to be all about romance? This is a wonderful time to show your family how you really feel.

How ever you choose to celebrate this fabulous day, we hope you have the time of your life!

Love,

The Bettys

How to Throw an Oscar Party and Be a Star!

With recipes and how-to videos, setting the stage for your own Oscar event is super easy!

-Teri Gault

An Oscar Party is your chance to live the fantasy of glitz and glam! And it all starts with setting the stage…To set the stage, start by wiping the slate clean. Remove all decorator items, family photos, and any other décor that doesn’t fit the bill of clean, sparkly, classy, and glamorous in the room you’re throwing the party. Even remove lamps from tables, unless they fit the following concept.. You can place four uplight floor lamps in the four corners of the main viewing room, shooting up and across the ceilings. These are your starlights!

Hampton Bay 6-3/5 inch uplight floor lamp ($11.97, homedepot.com).  Or take this multi level floor lamp and turn the lights up to the ceiling for that spotlight look.

Read How to Shop, Live Well And Save This Year

Perfect Home Essentials gloss oyster 3-light floor lamp ($13.92, homedepot.com). You can even string Christmas lights across the ceiling from all four corners to create the ambience of a “starry” night. If you happen to have a 60’s mirror ball, it could be fun with a spotlight on it! Now, gather up anything clear and sparkly, like faceted glass decorator items from bedrooms and any rooms not used for the party. Bring them into the party area for touches of light and sparkle to set the scene. A trip to a thrift store can turn up glass faceted items that can cast refracted light from votive candles inside. You can even greet your guests in the entry way with a fifteen foot “red carpet” found at a party store. Here’s one we found for $6.99.

How to set up the buffet., video how-tos and more up next!

12 Out of This World Celestial Pieces for Spring

Pay homage to spring’s starry nights with celestial print tees, baubles, and more. The universe CAN be yours, ladies!

-Diana Denza

Ever since starlets like Alexa Chung and Carey Mulligan hit the red carpet in celestial prints, the ‘Net has been chock full of spacey duds. And there’s nothing not to love about the upsurge in galaxy-print pieces on the racks. They’re funky and colorful –not to mention flattering! How could we argue with that? With these 12 pieces, you’ll have them all starry-eyed in no time. Forget ruling the world –we’re aiming to conquer the universe.

10 Date Night Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank

… because romance doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

-YourTango.com

If you’re looking to impress, dinner and a movie will make more of an impact on your wallet than your date. With a little bit of creativity inspired by these date night ideas, it’s easy to score big even on a little budget.

These five are free:

1. Beach blanket bingo. Whether you are near a beach or not, you can find a romantic place to gaze at the stars and one another. Take a board game or the Would You Rather book with you and watch the sparks fly.

2. Hey good lookin’, what ya got cookin’? It doesn’t matter what’s being served. If you heat things up in the kitchen and cook for your partner or make a meal together, you’ll leave feeling satisfied.

Read 25 Date Night Ideas That Aren’t Cheesy

3. Match point. Find love by squaring off on the tennis court, bike path, hiking trail, basketball hoop or first base. Playing a sport together will charge up your endorphins and get you ready for the other games you’ll be playing later on. Plus, there’s nothing sexier than a hot shower together.

4. Free your mind. Bookstores and college campuses often host free events with authors. Although it’s encouraged, you’re not required to buy the author’s book, but you can get an hour of great entertainment and culture (and often a free glass of wine) just for swinging by with your date.

5. Toys for hots. If you’re at a point when you feel comfortable in your relationship but possibly a little bored too, it’s time to shake things up. Luckily you don’t have to go to a sex shop to change your bedroom experience. Start out with a strategically placed ice cube or scarf as a blindfold. Once you get comfortable you can work up to more adventurous tools and techniques.

Read the rest here!

How to Vacation Like an Oscar Winner: Unwind on the Caribbean Island of Anguilla

Get away from it all just like the stars do post-awards season on the beautiful Caribbean island of Anguilla!

-Courtney Cachet

Ever wonder where the stars go to relax after awards season is over? It has to be somewhere relaxing, fabulous, luxurious and private.

For an A-lister caliber beach vacation, just follow in the footsteps of Oscar winners like Sandra Bullock, Robert DeNiro, and Denzel Washington, to name a few. Grab your LV luggage and your swimsuit and head over to the Caribbean island of Anguilla!

Because of its abundance of private villas, 33 pristine beaches and friendly hospitality, it’s become the island of choice for the Hollywood set when it comes to recharging post-awards season. When my family and I recently visited Anguilla, instead of staying in a hotel, we stayed in the ultra luxurious Sea Villa in Long Bay. From the moment we arrived, we felt as if we were staying in our own home—if, that is, our home consisted of 8,000 square feet perched on a bluff overlooking a half mile of beach just for us. Yeah, that kind of wow!

Read A Vacation, Once and For All

Sea Villa has four master suites with oceanfront balconies, and one bedroom with a private courtyard. There was no shortage of luxurious amenities: A gorgeous granite kitchen, laid back furnishings, an infinity pool and jacuzzi, a library, outdoor showers, bathrooms the size of a one-bedroom apartment, three tennis courts, a workout room… you name it, it had it. There was even half a mile of beach, complete with chairs, umbrellas and enough toys to keep my children busy for hours. This villa has been inhabited by some of the world’s biggest stars, and when you see the complete privacy of the beach, you can immediately understand why.

Up next: Where to eat, what to do, who you’ll see, and more!

How to Fight With Your Partner (Without Ruining Your Relationship)

Try these expert tips to prevent a marriage meltdown and keep your partnership in healthy, fighting shape.

-Rachel Grumman Bender, YouBeauty.com

Every couple—even the blissful ones who seem madly and annoyingly in love—argue now and then. But how you fight—and recover from an argument—can make all of the difference when it comes to having a happy, healthy relationship.

By identifying fighting styles that can wreck your relationship over time (stonewalling, anyone?) and learning better ways to communicate even in the heat of the moment, you can maintain a stronger, better partnership.

Fighting Styles That Do Damage

Arguing in a destructive rather than a constructive, communicative way not only makes marriage more stressful and frustrating, but it can also lead to divorce. One of the biggest predictors of divorce is having one partner who deals with conflict in a constructive way while the other partner completely withdraws, according to a 2010 study in the Journal of Marriage and Family, which observed 373 couples across 16 years to determine how conflict patterns determine divorce.

“‘Shutting down’ is actually one of the worst relationship killers,” says Cheryl Burke, a licensed mental health therapist in Winter Park, Florida. “Many intimate relationships are destroyed by an inability to communicate. When one partner or both has developed a pattern of shutting down when they’re uncomfortable, it is because they do not trust the other person enough to share their thoughts and feelings. In fact, in many cases the person does not even know that it is a trust issue.”

Read How to Prevent a Breakup

Another deadly weapon some couples wield in a fight is putting each other down. “Belittling communication is also extremely detrimental to any intimate relationship because over time it causes emotional resentment between the couple,” explains Dr. Burke. In fact, according to the leading marital conflict researcher, John Gottman, Ph.D., contempt (such as rolling your eyes at your partner or calling him an idiot) is the number one predictor of divorce.

Adds Burke, “when resentment begins to build it contaminates the couple’s desire for intimacy, especially with the female.” And—no surprise here—research shows that intimacy is a key component of marital satisfaction.

Even in communicative couples, one or both partners may have a hard time letting go of the idea of “You’re wrong, I’m right.” Instead, they stubbornly fight to be right rather than working on actually resolving the problem.

“A rigid communication style is harmful to intimacy because usually when one person digs in, the other also becomes inflexible; ergo, progress is halted,” says Burke. “At this point, couples tend to focus only on their perspective of the problems, instead of focusing on resolution.”

But it’s not just your fighting style that’s important—your ability to move on once the spat is over can also affect the health of your marriage. When it comes to how well you bounce back from a fight, your attachment style often comes into play. According to a 2011 study published in the journal Psychological Science, couples’ abilities to recover from a quarrel may depend on the type of care of they received as infants.

Ok, peeps! Before you can scarf down the last of those pink- and blue-wrapped chocolate eggs, it’ll be picnic time, gardening time, and did someone say Cinco de Mayo? Yep! While winter drags on at a snail’s pace, spring whizzes by faster than LiLo’s prison sentences.

As such, I spied a few gorge picks for your outdoor spaces that’ll have you upstaging that Martha Stewart wannabe neighbor of yours in no time. I wanted to keep it chic, spring-like and simple with a palette that works with most homes (including apartment balconies). I also got everything from Overstock.com, so you don’t have to wait on line or drive anywhere. Besides, we need all that time to shop for the fabulous outfits we’ve been dying to wear since December!

Happy Spring! We are definitely off to a fabulous start!

Hey, Beautiful! The Secrets to Preventing and Dealing with Dry Skin

Keep your skin soft, supple and sexy with these top tips.

-April Daniels Hussar, sponsored by Simple® Skincare

As someone with sensitive skin, I know that keeping the right balance of moisture in your skin can be tricky, because with the wrong products or treatment, skin can get overly dry or overly oily. Like Goldilocks, we’re looking for “just right” — here are the top 5 things that help me!

1. Apply lotion or moisturizer after your wash your face or bathe.

Hitting your bod with a lotion of some sort right after you step out of the shower can help lock in moisture. Just pat yourself dry and apply at will! For your face, stick with a sensitive skin moisturizer (I’ve been using Simple Skincare’s Replenishing Rich Moisturizer (that offers 12-hour moisturization!) and it works great — click here to read my full review).

2. But, avoid OVERwashing.

Obviously it’s important to wash your hands and body, and cleanse your face, but be careful — too much soaping up can cause your skin to dry out, leading to flakiness and itchiness. I never use actual soap on my face; instead go for a nice, gentle cleanser. I’ve been using the Simple Skincare Moisturizing Facial Wash for a few months now and it has become of one of my all-time favorite facial skincare products — it really does cleanse and nourish my skin without stripping it dry OR leaving an annoying film. LOVE.

3. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!

Sloughing away dead skin is essential to keeping the new skin underneath nice and healthy. I use a body wash with an exfoliant in it about once a week (this really helps with getting a smooth shave, too) and a different exfoliating product on my face once or twice a week.

4. Don’t forget your beauty sleep.

Nighttime is one of the skin’s best times to heal itself. I use a heavier night cream in the winter than in the summer because I feel like my skin is oiler in the hot months. One of the tricks to dealing with dry skin is not trying to over-moisturize it — that tends to make my own skin feel like it’s dry and oily at the same time!

5. Drink up!

Staying hydrated is really one of the keys to great skin. I’m not talking about overdoing it — I personally have never noticed that loading up on water has any affect on my skin, but I sure can see it in my face when I’m dehydrated! Alcohol especially can be really drying — a good rule of thumb, for more reasons than one, is to make sure that for every cocktail or glass of wine you have, drink a glass of water or a club soda.

FTC Full Disclosure: April Daniels Hussar is BettyConfidential’s Executive Editor and in that role she is a brand ambassador for Simple® Skincare. The views and opinions in this post are her own; visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

10 Top Tips for Great Online Photos

It’s surprisingly easy to look your best in a photo that’ll stand out from the rest online.

-Kate Houston

Whether you’re online dating, on Facebook, or Instagram your photo has to compete against millions of others. So how can you stand out? By taking tips from people who know how to get noticed–-advertisers. Oops, were you expecting advice from supermodels? Let’s face it, it doesn’t take an expert to make you look hot.

10. Let friends call the shots

Though I recommend at least one professional headshot, enlisting friends has several advantages. Friends are fun, free, and game for helping you pick different clothes for different settings. A good camera and a good friend go a long way in making fabulous online dating photos. Don’t have a good camera? Rent one and ask for a tripod to prevent shaking.

9. Boost your confidence

Trying to look hot, wholesome and smart is hard enough, but while a camera is pointed at you? Talk about pressure. So how do you inhibit your inhibitions? Take a good look at yourself before the camera does. Practice in front of a mirror. Smile big, smile small, turn, tilt, put a foot forward: try it all. Soon, you’ll be ready to strike a pose faster than toddlers in tiaras.

8. Have a seat

Still too coy for a Kodak moment? Then sit on a stool and relax. While you’re at it, cross your legs. Put your elbow on your knee. Lean forward into your hand. Have your friend take a shot looking down as you look up. Sit on a log, on the ground, or on a boulder. For that matter, be unique – sit atop a car! Every advertising expert knows that the best way to stand out is by doing the unexpected (but keep it natural).

7. Pose like a pro

If you follow every tip on how to pose, you can end up looking as relaxed as Madonna’s face (could it get any tighter?). So remember these few: Always turn slightly to the side. This minimizes the focus on shoulders and can be slimming. Look slightly above the camera so that your eyes are wide open. Lastly, keep from looking stiff by bending an elbow or knee. Chill is hot!

Read 10 Online Dating Safety Tips Every Woman Needs to Know

6. Do it on the side

Have the light fall on your good side. Side lighting makes everyone’s features pop out well than front lighting (which is made even worse with a flash). Light is easy enough to control when shooting indoors. However, for outdoor photoshoots, try to schedule time in the morning or afternoon so you can avoid the glare of a noonday sun.

5. Smile, yes smile!

Recent research suggests that women should smile and make eye contact, while men should look away and not smile. Be warned, just because something has been researched, doesn’t mean it’s been researched scientifically and results are often hypotheses. Fact is, advertisers spend millions trying to make their products likeable and trustworthy (also key in online dating). That’s why, with the exception of phonily-foreign cologne ads, most models smile.

4. Show a bit of skin

I’ve seen dating profile pictures that showed more cleavage than a Girl’s Gone Wild video. I’ve also seen guys lifting their shirts to show off their abs. A little cleavage is sexy. It’s also fabulously flirty and less typical to wear something slightly off-shoulder. For men who want to show abs, do so naturally with a shot of you playing beach volleyball or surfing.

3. Pay attention to detail

In online dating, it’s important to look your best, yet still look natural. So try these touches for cyber stardom: use eye drops to clear redness; use face powder (dudes too!) to minimize shine; keep gel on hand to tone down flyaway hair; and bring clear gloss (again, men too). Women might want to touch up with some makeup, just don’t overdo it.

2. Consider your environment

Make sure all visual elements in your shot work well together. Though clothes need to enhance your body and complexion, they also have to complement the backdrop. For instance, if you’re by a colorful garden, then wear a strong, solid color so that you’re not overshadowed. Any time I’ve had a photoshoot or TV appearance, I deliberately chose clothes that stood out within the setting. Never let a background (or a shared shot with people and pets) dominate. Go Kardashian and make the world revolve around you.

1. Use subtle messaging

Though you want to keep the focus on you, secondary elements can reveal subtle aspects of your personality that, in turn, can attract the eye of someone liked-minded. If you like to hike, take a photo of yourself hiking through a mountain. If you love sports, have a friend capture you cheering for your favorite team. Advertisers do this all the time to maximize the message. The caveat? Go light on party pix. Snooki is mesmerizing for all the wrong reasons.

On a final note, I’m always asked how many photos to post. My personal ideal is four to six head and body shots. That way you don’t seem to by shying from the camera and hiding something. Nor do you appear conceited or desperate.

On another final note (I mean it this time, I promise), it’s been said that every picture tells a story. However, to make that story come alive, you need to complete your self-summary. Take it from an advertising expert – if you treat every element of your online dating profile like a marketing opportunity, your competition won’t stand a chance.

Kate Houston has been an ad writer and marketing expert for 20 plus years. She also founded trysweettalk.com, the only service in North America to use ad techniques so that dating profiles, LinkedIn profiles and professional bios stand out and get noticed. Check out her blog and follow her on Twitter or check out her Facebook page.

3 Steps to Ready Your Closet for Your New Spring Wardrobe!

The stores may be tempting you with their gorgeous new spring clothes, but make room in your closets first!

-Harvey Helms

I love the middle of February! Spring fashion and cosmetics are arriving! All my favorite mags weigh about 20 pounds each because they are stuffed with all the new deliciousness soon to arrive at a store near you. Or just a click away digitally depending on which shopping fix you need to satisfy.

But girls, it is also that time of year to go into your closet[s] and take a long hard look at what has to go. If you want to take a martini shaker and your favorite glass, be my guest. That will make it more fun. Just don’t start shopping until you make room for what’s coming. Still have items with tags hanging in there because you didn’t find the thing to wear with it? I love InStyle magazine because it tells you which trends and what goes with what if your fashion challenged in this area. But! Back to your closet!

Here are my three practical tips to get the job done!

1. Take trash bags with you into the closet

When you’ve finished stuffing them with things to go–put the bags immediately in your car and set the GPS for Goodwill or your fave thrift store. If you leave piles on the floor somehow they’ll end up back in your closet. NO! They must go!

Read Get Sexy Skin for Just Pennies A Day!

2. If you haven’t worn it in a 2 years get rid of it

Seriously. If you hear yourself saying, “But I might wear it again,” ignore that thought ‘cause you know deep in your heart you are not going to wear it again. Sentimental clothes like wedding gowns and your first prom dress belong in storage. Not in your everyday closets!

3. If you have some crazy pieces

You purchased these things that look retro or just strange really–create a Halloween costume box that can be stored in the garage or basement. You know, the 50s skirt you thought was so cute? Or the black netted top for the disco? You can go as a 1950′s vampire this year! Fabulous.

Okay my lazy princesses! Get those martinis shaken but not stirred and do what you have to do!

Happy Cleaning!

xo

Harvey

Harvey Helms is a beauty culturist and writer, drawing on 30 years of experience in cosmetics,fashion and design. Harvey has held positions ranging from Global Director of Beauty for Revlon Cosmetics to Executive Director of Special Events for Donna Karan Beauty. Harvey currently lives and works in Silicon Valley, where he just finished writing his first book in a trilogy of three: an engaging tell-all on the fashion industry. Follow Harvey on Twitter.com/HarveyHelms.

Read all of Harvey’s columns here.

Photos

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

NY Chic City Style vs. LA Cool Style

Both cities are hot, which city’s style is cooler? You be the judge.

-Brittany Johnson, NewYorkGirlStyle.com

New Yorkers are fast paced and loud, while Los Anglinos are laid back and relaxed. New Yorkers take cabs, subways and trains to get to where they are going. In Los Angeles, dwellers hop in their convertibles and drive. New York residents embody a style of classy chic, while Los Angeles denizens pull their looks from the ideal of bohemian comfort.

The differing fashion trends and styles of New York and Los Angeles stem from the climate differences. New Yorkers experience the harsh highs and lows of each season, whereas Los Angles dwellers thrive in warm sunny weather almost year round.

New York style

NYC style is chic: effortless sophistication, with fashionistas bundled up in enough layers to face the fickle elements. The city’s style is an amalgam of Wall Street business, Upper-West Side prep, Lower-East side hip, and various degrees of punk. Black is the color of choice for these trendsetters from their heels to their fingernails. New York style is everything but comfortable.

When constructing a NY chic look, pair an embellished top with dark designer denim. Finish with a structured blazer or leather jacket and sky-high stilettos. This outfit can be used to wear to work, and then out to play. New Yorkers have to think about these kinds of things, because there is simply not enough time to make it home after a day in the office to change before going out.

LA style

The California cool look is all about styling yourself by instinct rather than trends. There is less emphasis on appearing polished–-undone hair and makeup can look amazing. The emphasis on L.A. style is placed on comfort. Maxi-dresses, loose tops, fitted jeans, and a pair of leather flip flops are the standard for the area.

To create an outfit with a Cali vibe, I’d suggest that you pair a flowy bohemian  dress with espadrilles or wooden heels. This outfit can be worn through out the day. When you hit the town at night,  trade the loose dress with a more form fitting one. Finish your L.A. look with minimal makeup and natural hair spritzed with salt water to create beachy waves.

NewYorkGirlStyle.com is a website that covers the latest trends, fashion news, celebrity style and more. More from NewYorkGirlStyle.com:

• How to Style Trendy Chic Geometric Patterns
• How to Get Smooth Healthy Sexy Feet
• Jennifer Aniston Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Photos 1, 2, 3

Why Your “Friendship” With Your Favorite TV Character Is a Good Thing

This type of special friendship has a name—a parasocial relationship—and it could even be good for you. Here’s why.

-Nadia Goodman, YouBeauty.com

When Laura Moore, a business school student in Toronto, first “met” Liz Lemon on 30 Rock, she thought, “I’ve found my soul mate and she is on TV.” The clincher: A season one episode when Liz, explaining to Jenna how her new relationship is going, said “Terrible. I just want to go home and watch that show about midgets and eat a block of cheese.”

For Laura, the line was a revelation. “I’ve thought that exact same thing!” she says. She’s been a fan ever since, relieved by the thought that someone else thinks like she does.

Television has returned after its summer hiatus, but if you’re a little too excited to hear about your favorite characters’ adventures and heartbreaks (and maybe caught a few reruns just to “hang out” with them over their agonizingly long vacations), rest assured: You are not insane.

Feeling like you’re friends with a fictional character is a common phenomenon—one that psychologists call “parasocial interaction”—and it can even be good for you.

Parasocial interaction is psych-speak for relationships that, unlike real friendships, only go one way. (As in, Friends’ Rachel Green has no idea that you exist even though you know that she once owed fifteen dollars in a poker game and watched her daughter’s birth.) These fictional friendships are surprisingly similar to real-life friendships and go from first meeting to intimacy to breakup, just like any real-world affair.

Read 9 Pop Culture Love Lessons to Unlearn

Stage 1: The “Getting To Know You” Phase

When Chris Basler, a screenwriter in Los Angeles, was in high school, he had what he calls “an intense personal connection” with David Fisher of Six Feet Under. David’s plot line in the first season centered around coming out to his family—something Chris had yet to do—so watching the show every week with his parents hit very close to home. “It was really painful,” he says. “I knew that his struggle was the same struggle I was going through.”

Seeing ourselves in a character can help us establish a bond, explains Dara Greenwood, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at Vassar College. That connection can feel intensely personal, especially since we get to witness their inner struggles.

Since Chris works behind the scenes, he knows that fictional struggles come from somewhere real. “Writers write what they know. If they’re writing a gay couple dealing with adoption, that’s coming from a real place,” he says. “Watching it on TV lets you know what’s normal and what other people are dealing with.”

While some characters show us the person we are, others show us who we aspire to be, and can even help us get there. (Don’t we all want our conversations to be as punchy and witty as Seinfeld?)

“Some research suggests that individuals with lower self-esteem may benefit from feeling connected to a character who is more in line with their ‘ideal self.’ It can help them internalize that perspective,” says Greenwood. Ultimately, it may come down to whether the qualities you admire are healthy and achievable. If they are, idealization can be good for you.

How to Look Fabulous in Photos: Pro Tips from Alain Martinez, Brad Johns + More!

Thanks to these pro tips from photographer Alain Martinez, makeup artist Carmindy, stylist and blogger Felix Mercado, and hairstylist Brad Johns, you’ll never take a bad photo again!

-Courtney Cachet

Have you ever noticed that we take a lot of photos of ourselves? I mean a LOT. Photos of us are everywhere—and they live forever. Unless you’re Kate Upton, this can be a scary thing. But it doesn’t have to be! After many years in TV, I know a few people, so I hit up the pros on the best advice to get you looking fabulous in all your photographs. I may not be a model, but through the course of my career (and a lot of bad shots) I’ve learned how to take a pretty good photograph. Mostly, I’ve learned there are four equally key components needed to taking the perfect shot: Hair, makeup, clothing and the all-important photographer. As such, I gathered an A-List team of pros and asked them for their top tips when it comes to looking your best in photos. Because forever is a long time—and now you can’t rip them up when you don’t like them!

The Hairdresser AKA Hair God: Brad Johns

Voted the Best Colorist in New York by Allure Magazine, it’s safe to say that Brad Johns knows a thing or two about your tresses looking fabulous. “Your hair is your most important accessory,” he says. “Before you put a stitch of makeup on or one piece of clothing, it’s just you, your naked body and your hair. It had better look good.” Johns, who is famous for the buttery blonde look, goes on to say that a few highlights and a great blowout make everyone look gorgeous without looking too “done up.” Bottom line: when in doubt, err on the side of a more natural look—even if you have to color a little to get there. And don’t be cheap with your hair. Ever.

The Makeup Artist/Magician: Carmindy

Carmindy is well known as the makeup queen of TLC’s What Not To Wear. She works with real faces all day long, so I was eager to call on her for some tips. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she had some great advice that we can all follow: “When prepping your face for photos, just like the camera, focus in on your best feature,” she says. “This year is all about metallic eye shadows, so let your eyes be the star of your very own beauty show. Follow these simple steps to get the perfect photo ready look!”

If you’re not feeling your absolute prettiest, Carmindy says it’s no big deal. “To “wake up your face,” mix a little liquid shimmer into a few drops of foundation for a fresh, wide-awake glow. For another instant wake-up call, use a thin concealer brush and sweep on a little under-eye concealer from the outside of your lower lash line up to the end of your brow and blend. The concealer will highlight this area and visually “lift” the eye.” And it’s cheaper than Botox!

Up next: Tips from stylist/blogger extraordinaire Felix Mercado and fabulous celeb photographer Alain Martinez!

A Vacation, Once and For All

Looking for a family-friendly getaway? Look no further than Santa Barbara, California.

-Deborah Perry Piscione

We all suffer from burnout every now and then. Whether you’re overwhelmed from work, personal issues, or just life in general, sometimes you just need to take some time out and give your batteries a chance to recharge. And what better way to do it than to get away from it all—literally?

This was the situation in which I recently found myself: I had had enough, and just needed a break—that is, with three young children in tow and a husband who could not join us due to work commitments. I wanted warm sun, relaxation, and not to have to get onto an airplane.

Living in Silicon Valley, we are blessed, as you can spend decades exploring California and not be bored with the diversity of the milieu—California truly is one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth, and just driving from one destination to another is a gift.

I gathered my kids, twin boys Drake and Dominick (both age 7) and my daughter, Dayne Alexandria (age 3), onto the living room floor, opened up an old Atlas (yes, a paper atlas), and had them each suggest a place on the map that they’d like to travel. It was very quickly decided upon that beach, sun, and swimming were at the forefront of a winter vacation. As far as we were concerned, at that moment, you could have Lake Tahoe and anything else that represented cold temperatures.

We wanted to drive to somewhere we had not been, or at least in which we had not spent considerable time. Santa Barbara spoke to us, screaming our names. It was an easy and, quite frankly, beautiful 5-hour straight shot down Highway 101. Knowing that this was going to be my only vacation and/or break for the foreseeable future, I needed idyllic accommodations.

With young children to haul around, the definition of “idyllic” takes on a different meaning, but any family can relax and recharge at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club at the Four Seasons Biltmore. The stunning ocean view, Olympic-size pool, chair-side service, and selection of kids’ amenities make a stay here an indulgence you won’t want to vacation without.

Up next: What to do, where to eat, and more!

MBFW Backstage Beauty:The Secret to Glowing, Runway-Ready Skin

Models on the runway for Cynthia Rowley’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show had the most gorgeous skin we’ve ever seen. Celeb facialist Joanna Vargas tells us how to get the look!

-Courtney A. Leiva

Loving the gorgeous glow as seen on the breathtaking models at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cynthia Rowley show? Us too! Lucky us, we had a backstage pass to the show, so we were able to get all the secrets for dewy, runway-ready skin from celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas.

To complement Rowley’s collection, makeup artist Romy Soleimani created fashion-forward beauty looks using the Joanna Vargas Skin Care line full of hydrating creams and rejuvenating serums. Despite the dark and vampy palette for fall, Vargas stresses that glowing skin is here to stay.

Read Get the MBFW Look: Mally Roncal’s Fierce Smoky Eye for Tracy Reese

“Skin finishes this season will definitely be dewy. Nothing says beauty more than a clean, bright face and this year will be no exception. Oxygen in skincare and even foundations is the reigning, all important ingredient, which only tells me that the glowy, shiny face is still the trend,” says Vargas.

Steal this coveted runway look yourself by investing in these Joanna Vargas products that were used for the show backstage:

Dessert… for Breakfast?

A new diet study claims that changing the time of day you eat dessert can help you lose weight.

-Violet Owens, YouBeauty.com

Let them eat cake! Er, for breakfast, that is. A new study out of Tel Aviv University suggests that it’s okay to indulge your sweet tooth if you’re dieting—as long as you do so early in the day.

Here’s the deal: Researchers selected 193 obese adults to be part of two separate diet groups. Both groups adhered to a stringent daily calorie count: 1,600 calories a day for men and 1,400 calories a day for women. One diet group had to stick to a low-carb diet that included a 300 calorie breakfast, while the latter lucky ducks not only got to scarf a 600 calorie, protein- and carb-heavy breakfast, they also got to munch on desserts such as cookies, cake and even ice cream.

By the end of the initial 16-week period, both groups had lost a whopping 33 pounds per person on average, but at a 16-week follow-up, the researchers discovered something very surprising: The low-carb group had regained most of the weight they had lost (around 22 pounds, on average), while the dessert-at-breakfast eaters had continued to slim down to the tune of another 15 pounds.

While the researchers contend that the second group was able to lower their levels of ghrelin—the hormone responsible for food cravings—by indulging early on (thus preventing pig-outs later), we’re somewhat skeptical. After all, in a country where overdosing on sugar has reached epidemic proportions, encouraging people to eat sweets and suggesting that they’re actually conducive to weight loss sounds downright dangerous.

Read How Long Should You Wait to Have Sex?

Still, could nibbling on that cupcake in the morning make the difference between diet success and derailment? We asked Cleveland Clinic dietician and YouBeauty Nutrition Advisor Kristin Kirkpatrick, R.D., to “weigh in,” so to speak, and she agreed that something about this diet sounded a little too sweet to be true. “Americans are eating too much sugar, period, so this is a confusing study because it sends the message that eating chocolate cake every day with breakfast is okay and can even help you lose weight, and that’s not right,” explains Kirkpatrick. “Limiting calorie intake, eating less and burning more will always be the way to lose weight.”

While Kirkpatrick acknowledges that the occasional indulgence can psychologically help prevent dieters keep from going “hog wild,” which may have been the case in this study, she also points out that by starting your morning eating sweets—which are incredibly addictive—you set the stage for sugary cravings all day.

Instead, she recommends pairing a protein and a complex carb (think a hard-boiled egg and a piece of whole grain toast) to jolt your metabolism and regulate glucose levels. Notice she did not mention adding Yodels to the menu—sorry folks!

And if you’re just completely going to lose it if you don’t eat a chocolate chip cookie pronto? It’s okay to go for it—once in a while. Your waistline may thank you.

More from YouBeauty.com:

Celebrities’ Favorite Healthy Breakfasts

What’s Causing Your Sugar Cravings?

Children’s Breakfast Cereals: The New Junk Food?

3 Tips to Avoid the Dreaded Friend Zone

No one likes being friend zoned by the guy or girl of their dreams. Here’s how to avoid it!

-YourTango.com

I recently went on a “date” with a friend’s cousin. We hit it off, but whether it was romantic or platonic was unclear. At the end of our drawn out lunch, I pondered our chemistry with optimism and looked forward to our next date … that is, until I received a follow-up text a few hours later that read: “I had a great time. It was really nice talking to you, and now I’ve decided to try online dating. Can you help me with my profile?”

Read How to Keep Your Cool When a Guy Disappears

… Not exactly music to a single girl’s ears. So, I offered my advice and consequently find myself firmly rooted in the friend zone of someone who might have been so much more. Here’s what I should have done differently:

1. Don’t do lunch. There is something about getting dressed up at night that sets a tone for romance that even the best of lunch dates simply cannot do. Save your day dates for your real friends and your first dates for after dark.

Read the rest here!