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Eco-Friendly Beauty Solutions

Like makeup and passionate about the environment? Check out these eco-friendly beauty solutions, sure to keep you — and the planet! — looking good:

Use Organic Makeup
Numerous companies manufacture products made from plant oils, minerals, and various extracts. These products are not only environmentally-friendly, they're also healthier for your skin. You'll be helping your skin and planet at the same time.

Go Cruelty Free
Cosmetics companies will often test their products on animals. Alternative testing methods are available, however. Look for a Leaping Bunny Logo on the packaging, and you'll know it's cruelty free.

Recycle
Take part in a makeup recycling program. More and more stores and recycling centers are accepting makeup containers for recycling. Also, stores like MAC and Origins have programs to turn in containers, some of which can get you more makeup!

Conserve Water
Invest in a low-flow shower head and limit your shower time. You'll be saving lots of water! Turning off the water for activities like shaving and brushing teeth can also go a long way in helping the environment.

Avoid Disposables
Not only does a reusable razor help reduce landfill waste, it will be cheaper for you in the long run. Also, you'll be doing a lot of good by cutting out disposable sponges and Q-tips when applying makeup. Use brushes or your fingers whenever possible.

Rustic Inn: South Florida’s Finest Seafood!

For over 50 years, this family-owned landmark has dished out impressive recipes—like world famous garlic crabs—and has served famous patrons like Dan Marino, Johnny Depp, and Jimmy Buffett. Not bad for a place that started out as a hole in the wall roadhouse saloon! Although the eatery naturally sees a high demand for steamed crabs by the bucket, you can also enjoy a wide variety of shellfish options ranging from fresh seasonal oysters, Key West shrimp, top neck clams, and spicy conch salad. And for the adventurous eater, traditional Florida options like frog legs and fried alligator are unconventional specialties of the house. Entrée options also include linguini in a homemade sauce that has been famous since the saloon’s beginning, and the “Admirals” and “Skippers” Platters, which both allow you to surf & turf your way to your shellfish of choice. Dress is casual, but you may want to wear one of their traditional crab-eating bibs—due to the amount of shellfish you’ll be cracking!

Rustic Inn
4331 Ravenswood Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 584-1637
www.rusticinn.com

Timpano Chophouse: Steak In Style

If you’re looking for a great steakhouse experience in south Florida, regulars rave about Timpano—this classy restaurant delivers awesome food in swank décor that will have you feeling like a million bucks without spending it. Order a martini right off—that’s the bar’s specialty, and they make them amazingly with a variety of flavors. Regulars rave about the spectacular sizzling mussels as an appetizer—these delicate shellfish are cooked to absolute perfection and the sauce they come with will make you want to bottle it and take it home. The Caesar salad is great as well, elevating this standard to something truly special. Steaks are one of the specialties of the house, excellent cuts of meat, served to order and served with delicious garlic mashed potatoes. Desserts are also amazing—the cheesecake lollipop tree is something utterly spectacular, and the dessert shots are cute and delicious. This place is a winner.

Timpano Chophouse
450 E. Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 462-9119
www.timpanochophouse.net

Trip Idea: Utah

Utah? Yes: Utah. Whether you're looking for world class skiing, great hikes, fine dining, or fabulous cultural experiences, Utah's a great vacation destination! Here are four highlights of this lovely state:

Sun Valley – A world class ski vacation awaits in Sun Valley, just 35 miles from Salt Lake City. Stay at the luxurious Snowbasin Resort, and enjoy a wide range of terrains meticulously maintained for skiers and snowboarders.

Dinosaur National Monument – Take a look at real dinosaur fossils still embedded in the rock of Dinosaur Quarry, hike through canyons full of amazing rock formations, or take an exhilarating whitewater raft trip down amazing class III and IV rapids.

Monument Valley – The sandstone rock formations in Monument Valley are one of the most surreally beautiful sights in the country, if not the world. You can spend a whole day driving and hiking through this breathtaking area, and there’ll still be a lot more to see.

Cedar City – A center for winter sports as well as cultural pursuits, Cedar City makes a great weekend getaway for travelers of all stripes. Head to Cedar City for the Utah Shakespeare Festival and do some skiing while you’re there.

By The Bay: Traveling To Tampa

If you’re en route to the Big Guava (as Tampa is called by locals), you’re in for a treat. One of the largest cities on Florida’s western coast is overflowing with entertaining stuff to do. This quick guide will point you in the right direction.

Tampa underwent massive surges of growth in the 1950s and 1960s, as post-war prosperity swept the area. The town built two of the most popular tourist destinations in that time – amusement park Busch Gardens and the spectacular Lowry Park. Tampa was voted one of the best outdoor cities in America by Forbes Magazine, and one visit to Lowry Park will show you why. The temperate weather means that the park stays green year-round, with beautiful meadows and forests.

Located in the hip Channel District, the Florida Aquarium is widely regarded as one of the best in the United States, with over 20,000 species of animals and plants represented. While you’re in the area, visit the SS American Victory, a former World War II victory ship that has been transformed into a floating museum.

In late January, Tampa hosts the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, called by many the Mardi Gras of Florida. This rambunctious event kicks off with a flotilla led by the pirate ship Jose Gasparilla and features parades, concerts, street festivals, and more.

Tampa also has a number of excellent restaurants, as the melding of cultures in the region means you can get excellent Cuban, Cajun, French, and much more. Some of the best include Six Tables, Donatello, and Mise en Place.

Miami Heat: The Next Dynasty

The people of South Florida are craving a title from their beloved Miami Heat. Last season may have ended with a disappointing showing in the Finals, but that doesn't change the fact that the current lineup in Miami is an almost unbelievable collection of talent. The dream trio of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh are still going strong, and they're still hungry for championship rings. There's plenty of other talent on display, too. Udonis Haslem and Norris Cole are standouts in a team with solid defense all around. Erik Spoelstra continues his duties as head coach, where he has helped the Heat shine for several seasons and shows no sign of slowing down. Now that all of the hype has died down a bit, Miami can get down to business. This is a team for the ages, and if last season didn't bring home a championship, it was the first chapter in what could be the next big NBA Dynasty.

Go to http://www.nba.com/heat for Heat info, including schedules, tickets, and merchandise.

Dress To Impress: Five Classic Wardrobe Pieces for Men

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look good. Stars and normal folks agree that having a selection of essential wardrobe classics to base an outfit around gives you a lot more options. Whether you’re dressing for a business lunch or a night out on the town, these essentials should be the core of your closet.

• Every man should own a great, well-fitting suit. You can have one custom tailored, but a less expensive option is to buy a suit off the rack and have it altered to fit perfectly. This is not as costly as you might think, and a well-fitting suit is always a winner.
• A white button-down shirt is an essential part of any wardrobe. You need it for your suit, but you can also wear it over jeans for a more casual look. Opt for cotton over synthetic fibers, and make sure to iron it before you wear it.
• Fitted jeans are key. Avoid baggy jeans – they don’t do anybody any favors. A pair of well-fitted jeans will help smooth and straighten your silhouette, and they’re remarkably versatile.
• Sunglasses are essential for a number of purposes. Protecting your eyes from UV rays will help preserve your vision, and they’re also a great fashion accessory. Opt for classic styles like Ray-Ban Wayfarers over trendy looks.
• A pair of casual sneakers is essential. Avoid puffy running shoes or sports shoes and go with something with a classic profile, such as the timeless Converse All-Star or a pair of Vans low-tops.

Holiday Safety Tips!

Your Home:

Oh how joyous is a beautifully lit holiday tree surrounded by wrapped gifts in front of your bay window with the shades open for all to see. Thieves who survey neighborhoods are looking for the right target. Keep your shades drawn or do not display your gifts until the last minute. This is too inviting for a criminal to resist. Don’t be a target.

If going away for the holidays, make sure to stop your newspaper and mail delivery or have a trusted neighbor retrieve it for you on a daily basis. The accumulation of newspapers or mail is a clear sign that no one is home.

Leave on lights or put several lights on timers to give the impression that someone is home. A dark house and yard provides way too many hiding places for the bad guys.

Shopping:

Always go shopping with friends or family but never alone. There is safety in numbers. It is less tempting to the assailant if he may need to struggle with more than one person.

Stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings at all times. The darker the shadows the more concealment they provide.

If you carry a purse, keep it in front of your body and close to you at all times. Never leave a purse on the shopping cart unattended.

Carry your keys in your pocket or hand. If a thief gets your purse you will still have the keys to your house and car. Besides, you should be looking for your keys when you approach your car.

Always dress casually and do not wear expensive jewelry while shopping. Thieves and pickpockets are attracted to expensive clothes and jewelry.

Don’t flash large amounts of cash while making purchases.

Don’t carry more packages than you can handle.

Never make trips to your car to load the trunk of your car and then return to the store. They are watching you and know that now the lute is stored safely in your car. Or is it?

Lock your car and activate the alarm and don’t leave items in plain sight. A car with a laptop or other items on the front seat is way too attractive to the thieves.

Always park in a well-lit area and away from large vehicles. Large vehicles or other obstacles and darkness provide way too much concealment for the bad guy.

While walking to your vehicle, assure that your keys are at hand so that you do not hesitate when you approach your vehicle. Keys should be kept in your pocket or hand but never in your purse.

Before you step into your car, please look inside and assure that there is no one hiding inside. It doesn’t only happen in movies.

Have a Happy and Joyous Season!

Hitting The Water: Take A Trip To Key West

The Florida Keys are among the most beautiful destinations in the Sunshine State, and there’s no better gateway there than Key West. The southernmost point of the continental United States, this island has been a destination for sun-seekers and fun-lovers for generations, and there are many great reasons to visit.

Most people head to Key West for the water activities there – the Atlantic Ocean is crystal clear and warm most of the year, and beaches are full of beautiful people catching rays. But there’s more to do here than just enjoy the climate. To learn a little more about Key West, visit the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, a beautiful museum that was once home to the legendary naturalist.

Key West is also home to one of the biggest sailing events in the United States, the Key West Race Week every January. This annual regatta brings boats from all over the Eastern Seaboard and is thrilling to participate in.

Key West is also a vibrant cultural center, with a number of hip clubs to enjoy live music, DJs, and dancing. Visual arts have a home here as well, with the Studios of Key West, located in the island’s historic armory, providing working space for artists of all stripes.

For some of the best nightlife in town, head to the Duval Street district, which is home to excellent restaurants, bars, and clubs. Everything here is within walking distance, which makes it more convenient.

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