FitSugar

How to Set a Formal Place Setting

partysugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:36:36 -0800

Since so much thought, time, and preparation goes into making the Thanksgiving meal I think it's important to properly set the table. Thanksgiving is only three short days away, so why not do the place settings tonight? From the utensils to the water glass, it can be hard to remember where everything goes. That's why I've put together this helpful slideshow - learn how to create an elegant place setting now.

View Slideshow ›

How-To: Alicia Keys's AMAs Makeup

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:00:03 -0800

Most of you loved Alicia's makeup at the AMAs last night, so to help you get her gorgeous blue shadow and pink lip, I got the lowdown from her stylist, Ashunta Sheriff. "Alicia's look was inspired by her hand-beaded gown, which was various shades of blue," she says. "The look was pretty, regal, and sexy." To get a step-by-step on how Ashunta created the look, just read more.

Thanksgiving Tip: Freeze the Butter Before Making Pie

partysugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:32 -0800

When making pie dough, it's very important to use really cold butter. This will ensure that the crust is rich, flaky, and buttery. Most recipes remind you that the butter should be cold, but whenever I'm baking a pie, the first thing I do, before measuring anything, is cut the butter into 1/4-inch cubes. I put the cubes in a small dish and place it in the freezer. Then, I start making the dough. The butter is in the freezer for only a few minutes and doesn't really freeze; instead it gets really cold. Do you have a tip for great Thanksgiving pie?

Hollywood's 10 Hottest Ways to Wear Cat-Eye Liner

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:49 -0800

Cat-eye liner is never out of style, but it's having a huge red carpet resurgence right now, and celebrities (with their stylists' help, of course) are coming up with increasingly cool and unique new takes on the classic look. Recently, I've seen a ton of gorgeous new looks on some of Hollywood's loveliest ladies, and since the rest of us don't have Pat McGrath to help us out, I decided to do step-by-step breakdowns for 10 of the best looks I've seen lately, so that you can do them yourself at home. They're pretty, sexy, edgy, and perfect for a holiday party. Are you as excited as I am? Then just click through.

View Slideshow ›

How-To: Make a Pretty Thanksgiving Garland

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:30:01 -0800

If your family is anything like mine at Thanksgiving, there are likely a few kids running underfoot who'd love a planned activity. That's why this Thanksgiving leaf garland is so perfect: it gives kids a meaningful task, and is a quick enough project that you can make it before turkey hits the table.

Here's What You'll Need

This leaf template
Colored paper/construction paper
Twine, yarn, or string
Scissors
Double-sided tape
Pens or pencils

To find out how to make it, read more.

Here's how to make it, from Full Circle:

Trace out leaf shapes using the leaf template.
Cut out leaves in a variety of colors.
Help children write what they're thankful for on each leaf. Then have the kids take leaves to other friends or family members and have them write down what they're thankful for.
Space leaves evenly on twine or yarn. Using doublesided tape, attach the leaves to the twine.
Hang from a doorway, or along a wall, or even from a chandelier.
Enjoy Thanksgiving!

Source

How-To: Step Up Your Game at Work

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:09 -0800

Spinning your wheels at the office might earn you a paycheck, but it's unlikely to put you in line for a raise or give you much satisfaction. Fulfilling your responsibilities is good; trying harder can make you great. Step up your work game by putting in more effort in subtle ways that may just get you noticed.

View Slideshow ›

Get Ashley Greene's New Moon Premiere Hairstyle!

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:51 -0800

In the run-up to last night's New Moon premiere, I spoke with Ashley Greene's stylist, Ted Gibson, about how he creates her hairstyles. "It takes over an hour to create her sexy, voluminous hair," he dished. Want to find out more about how he created her look, what it's like working with her extensions, and what he does to keep her hair healthy? Then just read on.

Stretch It: Twisting Hip Flexor Stretch

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:22 -0800

A common complaint among runners and cyclists is tight hip flexors, the area in front of the hips above the quads. Here's one of my favorite ways to lengthen that area, while also getting a subtle spinal twist - two great stretches in one!

To learn how to get into this stretch, read more.

Begin in a lunge position with the right knee forward and the left leg extended behind you. The right knee should be directly above the ankle. Place a folded towel underneath your left knee if you feel any discomfort under or around your knee cap.
Rest your left hand on your right knee and bend your back (left) knee. Reach your right arm behind you and clasp the arch of your left foot. Lower your pelvis until you feel a nice stretch in the left hip flexor.
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, and then switch sides by bringing the left knee forward.

Get Marissa Miller's Victoria's Secret Makeup Look

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:16:00 -0800

Wowza! I've been checking out the photos from the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show that took place in New York City last night and they are smoking h-o-t! The Angels are scantily clad in custom lingerie, dripping in accessories and have added five or so inch heels to their already lengthy legs.

But instead of feeling insecure, I just embrace their beauty and focus on their amazing hair (yes, they're all wearing extensions) and their dewy and sparkly-looking pink makeup.

To recreate this look at home, begin with a clean, hydrated and well moisutrised face. Then, apply a primer, followed by concealer to any red areas or spots, and medium-coverage foundation to the face, neck and decolletage. Next, dust a translucent setting powder all over and buff it to a natural finish by using a clean and fluffy brush.

To find out how you can achieve the rest of their makeup look at home, and to see more images of the models getting ready backstage, just read more.

CHEEKS: Although your skin is matte and prepped, all that you've created is a flawless canvas - and now it's time to have some fun! Add a liquid luminzer all over the face and blend into the foundation with a sponge for a dewy look. Next, apply a medium perky-pink blusher to the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards and upwards toward your cheekbones.
EYES: Start by sweeping a pale and creamy champage shadow from the bottom of the lid all the way up to the brows (which by the way must be filled in and perfectly shaped). Then, using a windshield-wiping motion, apply a taupey-grey coloured shadow in the crease for depth and a slightly smoky look. Over the grey, add a touch of pink shadow and blend well. Curl your lashes and apply a powder liner to the upper and lower rims of your eyes. Lastly tack on a full set of false lashes followed by two coats of black mascara.
LIPS: The goal for this lip look is full, glossy and most of all...kissable! The colour should fall somewhere between a pale pink and a medium rose lipstick topped with oodles of shimmery and sheer pink gloss.

View 15 Photos ›

How-To: Turn Pumpkins Into Candleholders

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:36 -0800

Your jack-o'-lantern may be rotting on your back porch like mine (oops!), but that's no reason to shun pumpkins altogether. You can make seasonal candle holders that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table from some inexpensive, mini pumpkins from your grocery store or local farmers market. I noticed this little trick within a DIY for making a mini pumpkin centerpiece on Martha Stewart, but I'm not so keen on the entire centerpiece idea. So, to make just the candle holders, you'll need a utility knife, a melon baller, tapered candles, and mini pumpkins. To learn the steps, read more.

Here's how to do it, according to Martha:

First, cut a round hole in the pumpkin's center with a utility knife, enough to hold a candle but not all the way through. You may want to trace the circumference of your taper onto the pumpkin first to make sure your hole isn't too wide.
Then, make space for your tapers by carving the inside out with a melon baller.
Then, slip your taper in.
You can also stack your pumpkin candle holders for a different look. If you do this, you'll want to use two pumpkins about the same size. Carve the top pumpkin all the way through, but leave a base on the bottom one.
Fini! So easy.

Source