Cashmere

Every rich bitch loves the feel of a quality cashmere sweater, especially as the weather grows colder during the winter months.  But did you know there are very specific rules governing what counts as cashmere and what doesn’t?  There is actually a U.S. Wool Products Labeling Act that dates back to 1939 that was amended with a specific definition of cashmere.  Legally, it is required that the cashmere must come from Capra hircus laniger (the cashmere goat), the fibers must have an average diameter that doesn’t exceed 19 microns, and less than 3% of the fibers can exceed 30 microns. Who knew that so much detail went into the label of your favorite scarf, sweater, or blanket?

 

There’s also occasionally some confusion about the difference between cashmere and pashmina.   The fact is that they both come from the same source.  However, pashmina is hand-spun Capra Hircus hairs, as opposed to the modern methods that have been developed to handle cashmere.  Today, the term is used almost exclusively for the popular scarves with the knotted fringe.  This has, of course, led to misnomers like viscose pashmina and even wool pashmina, which aren’t actually made from the real cashmere fibers. Whether you’re looking for pure cashmere or you want a blend such as linen or silk, make sure that you’re buying from a reliable source.  That way, you know you can count on the statements they provide regarding the composition and the content of the cashmere you’re buying.

Celebrity News

If you’re an entertainment buff like so many of us are, chances are that you like being up-to-date on all of the latest news and rumors regarding your favorite celebrities.  With the world of entertainment being so diverse these days, not to mention who qualifies as a “celebrity” anymore, it can be difficult to stay in-the-know when it comes to the latest gossip coming out of Hollywood.

 

However, the Internet remains a great source of information for news about movie, TV, and celebrity happenings.  In particular, we are fans of absolutenow.com when it comes to learning the latest tidbits about the stars.  This website has a sleek, uncluttered format that makes it easy to read up on the latest news stories coming out of Hollywood.  The site owners have designed absolutenow.com to be a one-stop resource for more than just celebrity info.  If you’re looking for links to the hottest new movie trailers or info on the latest and upcoming flicks, you’ll find a wealth at your fingertips.  The website also features an extensive collection of photos of your favorite celebrities, organized into libraries by star.   We’re glad that there is a new Hollywood resource out there that is so simple to navigate.  After all, maybe we aren’t all celebs, but our time is valuable, too.

Intriguing Weight Loss Procedure

With all the chocolates, cookies, and fine meals, it’s a wonder anyone manages to enter the New Year without the need to buy a whole new wardrobe! Fortunately, it seems that with each holiday season come numerous articles on tips for eating lightly at parties, exercising the right way, and holiday recipes for the weight-conscious home chef.

For candidates who are serious about weight-loss goals, it seems that options for methods, procedures, and guides are endless. While it can be unfortunate that society is so focused on weight, one of the upsides is that there is a health center, book, and weight loss professional for everyone—no matter what the weight-loss goal, specific needs, or budget of the individual.

Many women and men these days are looking to holistic methods for overall health, as well as weight loss. As holistic and alternative therapies gain popularity, acupuncture and laser therapies are increasingly used to help patients lose weight. One time-tested weight loss procedure that is gaining popularity combines alternative approaches by stimulating acupuncture points in the ear. The method has been shown to be 84% to 95% effective allowing for variables in the studies. Centers for holistic approaches to health and wellness, such as ALPS Medical Center in Los Angeles, offer this procedure. ALPS is run by Dr. Abraham Ishaaya, who is not only the Medical Director there but also teaches residents and fellows at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, which is part of the UCLA School of Medicine. Treatments take 20-30 minutes and are done over a three to six-week period.

With credentials and results like these, the method is bound to attract ongoing attention in the coming years. Hopefully methods like this will eventually make weight loss easier and more natural for individuals everywhere.

BlackBerry Storm

RIM Blackberries have become the hot cell phones for anyone who wants to be able to check their e-mail on the go.  Now, the company has released an innovative new phone that’s certain to be a big hit among Blackberry aficionados and those who are interested in trying out this popular phone line for the first time.

 

So what’s so exciting about this new release, the Blackberry Storm?  Quite simply, it is the first Blackberry phone that comes with a touch screen.  Much like the ever popular iPhone, the Blackberry Storm has a large, vivid screen that is perfect for all of your mobile needs, from communication to enjoying media.  What makes this screen so unique is that it offers a tactile feature that allows the virtual keyboard to have the feel of dedicated keys when typing.   As with all Blackberry phones, this device is perfect for frequent travelers and anyone else who wants to be able to have instant access to their e-mail when they’re on the go.  And for girls who love to stay on the cutting edge with the latest tech devices, this sexy number is certain to garner quite a bit of attention.

 

Currently, the Blackberry storm is only available from Verizon Wireless.  If you’re already a Verizon customer, this might be the perfect opportunity for you to upgrade phones.  If you’re looking to change providers, consider this hot new phone as one of your options.

Digitized Hairstyle

Whether you’re the type that changes your hair style and color as often as you change your shoes, or your hair has looked the same for longer than you dare to remember, it can be difficult figuring out exactly what you want to do with your locks next.  Maybe you’re one of the lucky few that has a trusted stylist who knows how your hair works and what type of style is best suited for you.  However, most of us don’t have someone that we’re comfortable enough with to risk saying “do what you will” and still expect a result that we’ll be happy with.  How then do you figure out exactly what to tell your stylist to do with your hair?

 

The answer, as with so many things these days, lies through the power of technology.  Believe it or not, there is actually software that lets you see how different hairstyles will work with your facial structure.  While you can find software like this in computer stores, it’s easier to simply do a search online — there are numerous websites that offer this type of tool for you to use.  Generally, they allow you to upload a photo of your face and then “try on” the sample hairstyles that they have available.  Help narrow down your options or find the perfect style for yourself.  Remember that these high-tech tools can’t tell you if a style will actually work with your hair — count on your stylist for a final opinion.

Celebrity Watching

Celebrities have always been a huge part of our culture, particularly today.  It seems like people can’t get enough of what their favorite stars are wearing, what they’re doing, who they’re talking to, and the places that they frequent.  There are numerous popular websites that focus on nothing else but what it is that the most popular celebrities have been up to.  TV shows air every night discussing the lasts tidbits and details of the lives of these famous men and women.  Are you a celebrity watcher too?  Don’t be ashamed to admit it!  You’re certainly in good company.  Even if you don’t care about the drama, it’s always great to learn about the latest in fashion and more from these amazing icons.

 

If you’re looking for a place to find photos of all of your favorite celebrities, we recommend the handy database at Aahceleb.com.  This easy-to-use website features an amazing variety of celeb photos for you to browse.  It’s simple to find the celebrity of your choice when you search through the alphabetized listings.  The website hosts photos of both male and female celebrities.  If you’re not looking for anything or anyone in particular, you can always enjoy browsing the most popular photos and celebrities on the website.  There is also the “Photo of the Day” available for you to view.  Be sure to check back every day — you never know who you might see!

Nintendo DS Lite

A lot of people still think of overweight and under-socialized boys when they hear the phrase “video games.” However, times have changed, and gaming is now the new black. In particular, the Nintendo DS system has been designed to appeal to the common man and — more important to us — woman. This stylish little device comes in a variety of different colors for you to choose from. Match it to your favorite accessories! The sleek case will easily fit in your purse, making it the perfect way to kill some time while riding in the car or the next time you have to wait in line somewhere.

Just in time for the holidays, Nintendo has released a special DS bundle that even the most discerning stylistas are certain to approve of. The set includes a DS unit with a unique ice-blue shell — a perfect fit for the cool pastels that are a hit this season. Also included is a stylish carrying case in a matching shade of blue. Every rich bitch loves to coordinate! The set features one of our favorite games for the Nintendo DS, Brain Age. This hit is designed for casual play and features a wide range of puzzles that are designed to help you put your thinking cap on and focus. It might sound silly, but we’ve found this little game to be a lot of fun. If you’ve ever had the itch to get your game on, check out this limited edition set!

Necklaces: Bigger is Better

This fashion season, bigger and bolder is the “it look” when it comes to accessories.  This is particularly true of necklaces, with some styles so ambitious and oversized that they look almost uncomfortable.  However, the staggering number of styles means there’s a look that will work for almost anyone that isn’t interested in playing style wallflower.

 

Aside from just being large and in charge, many of the necklaces we’re seeing feature chunky, asymmetric looks.  The materials used in the crafting of the pieces run the gamut from precious to plastic.  Popular designer Tarina Tarantino uses candy-colored charms to evoke the brighter days of childhood.  Louis Vuitton offers a strikingly abstract piece grafted from glass and metal, as much artwork as accessory.  If you’re a fan of sparkle and shine, the luscious crystal creation of Daniel Swarovski might be the perfect accessory for you to add to your jewelry box.  You can also add a touch of nature to your style in a big way with some of the selections available.  Kara Ross offers a stunning necklace that features raw tourmaline crystals–uncut gems in rainbow shades make this an accessory that’s sure to draw attention.  For an earthier touch, take a look at Fendi’s style, featuring oversized wooden beads.

Hot Satchels

One of the hottest shapes in handbags and shoulder bags this fall is the satchel.  With a wide variety of styles available from all of your favorite designers, it’s easy to find the bag that best fits your tastes.  Some of our favorites include the bags listed here.

 

Anya Hindmarch offers a gorgeous metallic weave, perfect for transitioning from day to night.   This sumptuous leather bag is certain to be the shining star of your wardrobe.

 

Ralph Lauren’s red and black plaid shoulder bag is a true classic.  The brilliant color and cozy wool are the perfect way to warm up a cold winter day.

 

Malo offers a sleek leather bag that perfectly captures the feminine pastels that are so prevalent this season.  The almost art deco styling of this classy bag is certain to attract the right kind of attention.

 

For a brilliant burst of eye-popping color, be sure to check out the suede shoulder bag by Etro.  This vibrant purple bag with a touch of western flair isn’t for the faint of heart–no shy violets allowed.

 

Escada’s contribution to the world of satchels is a cherry-red handbag that shines in patent calfskin.  It may be roomy enough for all of your stuff, but this is one brilliant bag that could never be dismissed as practical.

 

Coach offers a luxe sterling leather bag with gold hardware.  Two-tone is twice as nice — this spacious bag has enough space for everything you might need to bring along.

Even Barack Obama Fall Off the Wagon

Barack Obama has admitted to falling off the wagon when it comes to stopping the nicotine habit. He reportedly chewed Nicorette gum while on the campaign trail. Wonder how he’ll hold up now that he will have the US economy, foreign policy, and housing crises to contend with.  


In an interview for the November issue of Men’s Health magazine, Obama explained, “There have been a couple of times during the campaign when I fell off the wagon and bummed one, and I had to kick it again.” He continued, “But I figure, seeing as I’m running for president, I need to cut myself a little slack.”

On overall health, though, it appears that Obama is otherwise fit and working hard to stay healthy. On the campaign trail, he reportedly managed to fit in 45-minute workouts six days a week.  He admits that occasionally sleeping takes precedence over working out, however, as working out must be done before the day starts.

We are rooting for Obama and anyone else who wants to stop smoking! According to Dr. Abraham Ishaaya of ALPS Medical Center located in Los Angeles, California, “Taking care of the patient as a whole is critical to achieve ultimate well being.” He explains that one condition can affect others. So, smoking affects sleeping, which can affect a person’s weight, and the cycle continues from there. Obama seems to have the right idea—try to stop smoking, as well as work out, eat right, sleep right, and all of those other simple things that sometimes seem so hard to do!