kaplanMD Perfecting Serum

A rich treatment concentrate, clinically-proven by independent lab results, to lift and firms skin up to 60% in as little as two weeks.

Patented skin brighteners balance uneven skin tone, while a complex of peptides and antioxidants improve skin elasticity and visibly reduce expression lines. An amazing 50% concentration of Hyaluronic Acid provides exceptional efficacy, skin plumping and a remarkably silky after-feel. Directions for Use: An extremely concentrated formula - after cleansing and toning, apply pea-sized to skin. For maximum efficacy, apply before Day or Night Cream. Can also be used as a make-up primer for smooth, flawless foundation application.
1.3 oz. $295

From BeansTalk: We know, this is not an inexpensive serum, but it’s lovely to put on and you only need an extremely small amount to cover your face. It also goes under your day or night cream. We haven’t tried the kaplanMD day or night cream, but based on the serum, it’s probably a great set. We love a matched set, our shampoo is the same brand as our conditioner. If you have the coin kaplanMD, you’ll no doubt be happy with the results.

Mirren Dressed Like a Queen

Actress and presenter Helen Mirren poses at the 16th annual BAFTA/LA Cunard Britannia awards in Los Angeles November 1, 2007. The awards are given out by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts/Los Angeles (BAFTA/LA) to outstanding talents in the entertainment industry. Mirren wore a gown by Tadashi Shoji. The legendary actress shined in a pearl silk jersey gown with ruched bodice and draped front hot off the runway from Tadashi Shoji’s Spring 2008 collection. Helen added some sparkle to her look with with a pair of Mikimoto 9mm and 12mm White South Sea dangling pearl earrings with 1.19ct diamonds set in platinum, two Pearls in Motion 7-7.5mm Akoya pearl bracelets with 1.46ct diamonds set in 18k white gold, and a Pearls in Motion necklace with 7.5-8mm Akoya pearls with 1.16 ct diamonds set in white gold. She carried a pearl-colored gown with Mary Norton’s SCEPTRE (a clutch truly fit for The Queen) – a silver metal clutch encrusted on both sides with Swarovski crystals and pearls in a diamond pattern. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES)

Static Out

There is little we dislike more than static – in our hair or on our fingertips. Check this out….

Wash Away Hair Static & Frizz Pitch

If your hair is misbehaving, instead of trying harsh chemical treatments, the right shampoo and conditioner can take your locks from that “just stuck my finger in a socket” look to a shiny and manageable mane.

With products from Linden Leaves and Portico SPA, wash away frizz and static in just one shower.

Linden Leaves
Rosemary and Cypress Shampoo features a fragrant blend of smoothing glycerin, scalp-balancing cypress, and nourishing, shine enhancing rosemary oil.
Availability: www.lindenleavesusa.com, MSRP: $21.95

Balm Mint and Tangerine Conditioner features essential oil of tangerine to smooth and shine, and nourishing balm mint.

Availability: www.lindenleavesusa.com, MSRP: $21.95

Portico SPA
Clarifying Shampoo includes anti-frizzing glycol, volume-enhancing wheat protein, strengthening pro vitamin b, and conditioning birch bark and ivy.
Availability: www.porticospa.com MSRP: $14.00

Moisture Rich Conditioner is formulated with softening marshmallow, calming birch bark, and strengthening pro-vitamin b.

Availability: www.porticospa.com MSRP: $14.00

Scents Available: Lavender + Citrus, Lemon Verbena, Eucalyptus, White Ginger

The Limelight

Stuart Weitzman brings back the green, with lime accents.

Double Click on Above Image to Enlarge.

Angelina Jolie looks pretty in costume for her latest film, The Changeling.

Idol's Carrie Underwood Strikes Fashion Notes

Country music’s rising superstar, Carrie Underwood completed her red carpet look for the American Music Awards with Mary Norton’s Sceptre – a silver metal clutch with Swarovski crystals and pearls in a diamond pattern. Underwood attended the premiere of Enchanted in a dress by Donna Baxter for Elsie Katz Couture. The singer, who performs a song in the film, looked stunning in a single shoulder cocktail dress of peony satin organza cascades with baby sequins and hand-formed blossoms from Elsie Katz Couture’s Spring/Summer 2008 Collection. Underwood completed her look with a sparkling clear crystal oval shaped ALCAZAR clutch by Daniel Swarovski Paris.


Carrie Underwood arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini) Singer Carrie Underwood poses on the press line at the world premiere of 'Enchanted' at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)


and....

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens accessorized her glittery gold frock, also at the AMAs with Mary Norton’s Cornwall – a glitter painted python minaudiere with quartz stones.

La La Land Launches

The La La Land Launch on 16 November featured a bevy of pop stars. Here’s a look at who was in Santa Monica to celebrate, thanks to our friend Matt Meyerson of plopculture.blogspot.com

1) Cisco Adler showing up with new protégé Lisa D’Amato from Top Model who did an interesting impromptu performance during Cisco and Shwayze’s set. Check here for the footgage: http://plopculture.blogspot.com/2007/11/lisa-damato-rips-it-up-at-la-la-land.html

2) Jason “Wee Man” Acuna rolling up to the red carpet hands full of signed items he donated to the store to sell to benefit Children’s Hospital LA.

3) Chris “Big Black” Boykin showed up with a posse of guys equally as big, spotted checking out his own signature BB line that was on the shelves at La La Land.

4) Heidi Montag with CEO of Anchor Blue announcing an inked deal for her to do her own line of apparel and accs. for the retail chain.

5) Heidi and Spencer Pratt reuniting with old friend Jesse Billauer (paralyzed surfer and founder of LifeRollsOn.org) on the red carpet and posing for pics.

6) Perez Hilton staying the duration of the party and having a blast shooting footage, taking pics and sipping on Fiji Water.

7) Alison Becker talking to Daniel Ballard, partner of t-shirt line Local Celebrity which is often supplied to her show, The F List.

8) MMA Legend and host of the IFL, Bas Rutten dancing with his young daughters to Cisco and Shwayze’s live set.

9) Actor Andrew Keegan talking with Jesse Billauer over a few Speakeasy Beers about their 2005 Rip Curl Malibu Pro Celebrity Surf Bout team victory. Oh the glory days!!!

10) Olympic Swimmer and Model Amanda Beard staying just long enough to get her picture taken on the carpet.

11) Music video director Paul “Coy” Allen taking advantage of the 40% off friends and family offer that night and picking up a few tees for himself.

Platinum Players

Beyonce, Ashanti and Christina Applegate sparkled in Platinum jewelry at the “2007 American Music Awards” in Los Angeles on November 18th.

Beyonce selected Platinum, diamond and sapphire earrings + bangles, and a Platinum cocktail ring valued at $1.3 million dollars by Lorraine Schwartz.

Ashanti also wore a pair of Platinum and diamond earrings, a Platinum and multi-colored diamond mesh bracelet and a cocktail ring by Lorraine Schwartz.

Presenter Applegate wore a Platinum ball bracelet, leaf earrings and a Platinum flower ring by Neil Lane.

Christina Applegate arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Singer Ashanti arrives at the 2007 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California November 18, 2007. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES)

The Must-See Unseen

BeansTalk Received This From Our Friend, Uber-stylist/Actor Phillip Bloch The Unseen Premiering on Starz Network November 2007

See our gorgeous friend completely transform himself through amazing acting!

Independent Spirit Award™ Nominee Lisa France, steps behind the camera again by directing an extraordinary Gothic drama on a shoestring budget all while harvesting breakout performances, most notably by newcomer Phillip Bloch.


While “The Unseen” does have tones of racism, it’s primary focus is on how severe and dramatic silencing a horrible crime can destroy trust and love amongst friends and family.

As third time writer/director, France began to cast the film it was important that each actor be truly committed to this independent film. It was an integral part of this movie making experience that each actor truly understand the life experiences of their character from the heights of happiness to the depths of despair and pain, thus is what inspired this extraordinary ensemble cast including Gale Harold, Steve Harris, Judah Friedlander, Catherine Dent, Michele Clunie and introducing Phillip Bloch.

Her choice of world-renowned celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch to play a blind, abused, shut-in was not a forgone conclusion or an easy decision. Still, after four months of intensive blind training at the Atlanta Center for the Visually Impaired, it became evident that chosing Bloch was the only choice for the leading role of Sammy. In this breakout performance, Phillip Bloch has stolen the hearts and imaginations of film festival audiences across the country.

It was also clear to France that this movie must be shot on location in the deep South, in the small town of Haralson. The town and its surroundings were not just a location, but a character with a personality and role in the story
France’s knowledge of each character, story and ability to pull performance from actors, has allowed audiences to experience the ultimate shock any parent would feel upon discovering a secret eating away at the innocence of their child. Although a tough subject to tackle, much like in “Anne B. Real,” France was sensitive to how to deal with the violence and pain by carefully using the lens in a creative style to only reveal what what was necessary, while still conveying the dramatic truth.

In “The Unseen,” France poignantly deals with the aftermath of this inexplicable crime and strong subject matter in a tasteful and touching script. The crime that goes “unseen” becomes a governing force in the lives of each character. Thematically, the film centers on how the unseen things in life can create massive conflict, pain, misunderstanding and loss if they are never spoken and then in return forgiven.

Viewing Schedule: The Unseen

Thursday, November 1 Starz InBlack (East) 4:30 PM ET/11:50 PM ET
Tuesday, Nov 13 Starz InBlack (East) 4:20 PM ET
Wednesday, Nov 14 Starz InBlack (East) 12:15 AM ET
Monday, Nov. 26 Starz InBlack (East) 4:20AM ET
Tuesday, Nov. 27 Starz InBlack (East) 12:30 AM ET
Thursday, Nov. 29 Starz InBlack (East) 2:00 AM ET

Actress Julianne Moore arrives for a Cinema Society screening of the film "I'm Not There" in New York November 13, 2007. She wore a cape by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. Julianne selected to wear a black tiered wool snap cape from the Fall 2007 collection.REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES)

Life On Mars: Second Season

We are so happy this series is back. If you haven't seen it, you should check it out, it's great.

John Simm returns as time-travelling detective, Sam Tyler, who, after a near fatal car crash in present day, wakes up dazed, confused and in 1973. Freaked out by his new and outdated surroundings, Sam tries to return to the present. Has he gone crazy, in a coma or travelled back in time? Winner of an International Emmy®, BAFTA and RTS Award, Life on Mars is the latest critically-acclaimed U.K. drama slated for a U.S. pilot, in this case by David E. Kelley for ABC. SPECIAL TWO-HOUR PREMIERE: Life on Mars, season two, premieres Tuesday, December 11, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT

In season one, while pursuing a gangland killer, Sam confronted deeply repressed memories of his murderous father. He managed to free himself from the guilt and fears of his childhood, but somehow still remained trapped in 1973 with diminishing hopes that he’d return to his former life.

Season two sees Sam clearly established in the upper echelons of Manchester’s Police force but, it’s still the ‘70s, so he’s still at odds with his chain-smoking, bigoted, technologically-backward and corrupt boss, Detective Chief Inspector Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister). With classic music from David Bowie, Santana, T Rex, ELO, Roxy Music and Thin Lizzy, a guest role by Hustle’s Marc Warren and an episode written by the creator of Torchwood, Chris Chibnall, the finale season promises a thrilling finish and, finally, the fans will learn the truth about Sam Tyler and how he came to be stuck in 1973.

Gene’s maverick methods of policing continue and his desire to rid Manchester of criminal scum is stronger than ever, now that his mentor, Superintendent Woolf (Kevin McNally, Pirates of the Caribbean), is back at the precinct. However, Sam is astonished to find that his own mentor and inspiration from present day, Chief Inspector Glenn Fletcher (Emmet Brown, Outlaws) has also joined the team – although he’s just a fresh-faced, new recruit in 1973, dealing with the extra pressure of the racist attitudes of his new colleagues. Marc Warren guest stars as Tony Crane - another ghost from Sam’s ‘future past’ – who’s a sleazy casino owner with a line in counterfeit cash. When Sam realizes the danger Crane’s girlfriend, Eve (Yasmin Bannerman), will face in the future, he tries to put him away in a style that’s more old-school than what he’d usually recommend.

As Sam continues to use his knowledge and the techniques of the future to solve crimes in the past, each case offers some key to the mystery of his life. And, as the series draws to a close, the messages and visions Sam habitually perceives start to link up, pointing in one direction. Perhaps the voices he hears aren’t those of doctors by his comatose form in modern day. Perhaps Sam’s journey has murkier origins than he imagined. Certainly, its destination will chill Sam to the core.

www.bbcamerica.com

THE “2007 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS” ANNOUNCES WINNERS

Awards Handed Out At the Star Studded Ceremony Broadcast Live on ABC

Beyoncé Honored With International Artist Award of Excellence

LOS ANGELES, CA – November 18, 2007 – The American Music Awards tonight announced winners of the “2007 American Music Awards” during a live event televised on ABC. For the first time in AMA history winners were selected by the public via online voting.

Host Jimmy Kimmel and celebrity presenters such as Carrie Underwood, Usher, Kid Rock, Christina Applegate, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Miley Cyrus, James Blunt, Helio Castroneves, Akon, Amanda Bynes, Justin Chambers, Jennie Garth, Josh Groban, Tony Hawk, High School Musical stars Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale, Snoop Dogg, Ryan Seacrest, Mel B., Jordin Sparks, Taylor Swift, Blair Underwood, Matt Dallas, Solange Knowles, Kellie Pickler, Fabolous, Chyler Leigh, Gene Simmons, Slash, Kirk Franklin, Lyfe Jennings, Scott Weiland and Sean Kingston handed out awards for the best of Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip Hop, Latin, Alternative, Adult Contemporary and Contemporary Inspirational, and Soundtrack. International superstar Beyoncé was also honored with the “International Artist Award of Excellence” for her tireless efforts to bring music to the global community.

The “2007 American Music Awards” ceremony featured scores of special live performances including a very special performance by Beyoncé and country sensation Sugarland. Other highlights included a performance by Rihanna featuring Ne-Yo, a medley of a new and a classical hit by legendary rock group Duran Duran, as well as scintillating performances by Mary J. Blige, Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Avril Lavigne, Queen Latifah, Chris Brown (featuring by T-Pain), Celine Dion, Fergie, Daughtry, Soulja Boy, Rascal Flatts, Jonas Brothers, Nicole Scherzinger and will.i.am.

The “2007 American Music Awards” recognized Beyoncé with the “International Artist Award of Excellence,” which recognizes those artists whose popularity and impact cross national boundaries and is only given when there is a deserving recipient who is worthy of recognition for their accomplishments.

Past “International Artist Award of Excellence” winners include Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin, the Bee Gees and Aerosmith.

The “2007 American Music Awards” were produced by Larry Klein with Louis J. Horvitz directing. Writers were Barry Adelman and Fred Bronson. Executive in Charge of Production is Bob Bardo. Associate Producer is Don Harary.

WINNERS OF THE “2007 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS:”

POP/ROCK

Favorite Male Artist: Justin Timberlake

Favorite Female Artist: Fergie

Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Nickelback

Favorite Album: Daughtry / Daughtry

COUNTRY

Favorite Male Artist: Tim McGraw

Favorite Female Artist: Carrie Underwood

Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Rascal Flatts

Favorite Album: Carrie Underwood / Some Hearts

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES

Favorite Male Artist: Akon

Favorite Female Artist: Rihanna

Favorite Album: Justin Timberlake / FutureSex/LoveSounds

RAP/HIP-HOP

Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Favorite Male Artist: T.I.

Favorite Album: T.I. / T.I. vs. T.I.P.

ADULT CONTEMPORARY

Favorite Artist: Daughtry

LATIN MUSIC

Favorite Artist: Jennifer Lopez

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC

Favorite Artist: Linkin Park

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

Favorite Artist: Casting Crowns

SOUNDTRACKS

Favorite Album: High Musical 2

FAVORITE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST (ALL GENRES)

Daughtry

INTERNATIONAL STAR OF THE YEAR

Beyoncé

T-MOBILE AWARD

Carrie Underwood

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2007

The Spice Girls perform at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2007 in Hollywood, November 15, 2007 (Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)


Heidi Klum models at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Hollywood, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Lisa Rose)

We thought we'd put this up, but apparently didn't upload it - so here it is it embodies our current intolerant state. We love it.

Lela Lee is SO Our Hero

We just love the purple "Annoy" one. We already got the "You Speak English So Well!" "I was born here, dumbass!" but we'd love to get the "Annoy" one. We also love the "I Hate People" bag in the previous entry. www.angrylittlegirls.com Find the little girl who is you.

We felt like this all day. Well, most of the day :). www.angrylittlegirls.com

What Not To Hair

10 Helpful Tips for Hair Replacement and Extensions from Hair Art Inc.

Hair Piece Don'ts

(note: That is the back of Britney Spears' head -- she is probably the best public don't)

* Research the type of “hair” used in your hair piece. Unless it’s high quality real European hair (the only kind used by Hair Art), chances are your hair-piece could look fake.

* To maintain the most natural looking tresses, avoid the temptation to give your new hair piece any highlights.

* Don’t use a hair piece to totally change your look. If your natural hair is visibly straight, don’t curly

* Don’t get sloppy when attaching your hair piece. Follow your natural hairline so that your hair piece isn’t worn in the wrong place!

* If ever there was a time to get A-list treatment, this is it. Don’t trust just anyone with something as important as your hair, go to the most experienced professionals…go to Hair Art.

Extension Don'ts

* If it’s long luscious hair extensions you desire, go for it! But don’t get carried away, keep your extensions lengthy yet chic.

* If you’re going for a youthful, natural look, avoid colored hair extensions. Try shades that will enhance your natural hair color.

* Be cautious of pulling your hair up in styles that will reveal your hair extensions. No one needs to know your secret to gorgeous hair!

* You won’t fool anyone if your hair extensions are coarse and waxy looking. For the best results make sure that high quality, real hair is used for your hair extensions.

* Hair extensions are a fun way to try new things and experiment with new looks. However, adding curly extensions to straight hair may look a bit artificial and vice versa. Stick with your natural texture.

Hair Art locations in Hollywood, Sherman Oaks and Anaheim. For more information contact Jackie Yu at 310-217-8900 or visit www.hairartinc.com

Lovely Locks

Talk about your locks of love. Despite our already deep plunge into middle age, we have held onto our longer-than-it-should-be hair. Each week we find a grey hair (which we pull). We are well aware that we’ll soon have to opt for the mature woman’s curse: coloring our hair.

But until then, we’re thankful for products. Products that shampoo, condition, moisturize, detangle and shine. And products, that allegedly work from the inside out.

On our jaunt to the Manhattan Beach Sephora (see archive), we bought Phytophanere Dietary Supplement - Hair & Nails. We were more than a little taken aback at the $50 price tag, and really, we weren’t influenced by the claim that Jennifer Anniston took eight caps daily and her hair grew like crazy.

We’ve been taking them for almost three weeks now and our hairs are very shiny and look healthy. So we can recommend it. Or at least, the ingredients. We think we may have to put together our own hair concoction of the oils, etc. in them, and it probably will be cheaper (although that’s a lot of caps.)


Phytophanere Dietary Supplement - Hair & Nails
Phytophanere is a dietary supplement for lifeless hair and weak, brittle nails. Super nutrients like carotene, wheat germ oil, and brewer's yeast nourish, protect, and help maintain healthy hair and build strong nails.
120 Caplets:
Carrot Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Fish Oil, Brewers Yeast.

In doing a little bit of web research, there are other hair supplements. In fact there are a whole bunch of them. We cannot vouch for any of them. And you should probably be careful in what you injest. Many are various forms of multi-vitamins. The ingredients of the above are oils and they seem to work.

Anyway, as for other available supplements , they include:

Nioxin Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex $20 for 30 caps.
Super Hair Energizers $13.95 for 60.
GNC Biotech™ Corporation Shen Min® Hair Nutrient $34.99 for 60

Oh Mysterious Mummy!

More than a thousand years before any known contact between East and West, hundreds of mummies, many with blue eyes and light hair, were buried in a Chinese desert. It’s a discovery that could substantially rewrite the history of contact between East and West and challenge the assumption that China developed largely in isolation. On Sunday, December 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, the National Geographic Channel’s Explorer: China’s Secret Mummies goes on a unique forensic journey to determine who these people were and where they came from.

The Tarim Basin in western China is an arid, forbidding landscape long thought to be one of the natural barriers that enabled the East to develop separately from the West. But a remarkable archaeological find by a Chinese expedition in 1978 — a series of mummies, many with Caucasian features — called into question theories about East/West migration. The mummies remained in a regional museum, all but hidden for a decade, until Victor Mair, an expert on ancient Chinese texts, chanced upon them and realized their importance. Examining their clothes and the artifacts buried near them provided some clues about their origin. It wasn’t until earlier this year that Spencer Wells, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and director of National Geographic’s Genographic Project, went on a mission to use advanced DNA-analyzing technology to decode the mummies’ genetic identities.

The desert conditions of the Tarim Basin provided natural mummification, which helped prevent rotting and disintegration. China’s Secret Mummies helps put the significance of these mummies into perspective. The wool cloth, for example, demonstrated that sheep-herding, which originated in the Fertile Crescent, had progressed eastward. And bronze implements buried in the same vicinity as the mummies raised tantalizing possibilities that these people introduced bronze to the Chinese.

But where did these people come from? The weave in many of their garments, recognizable as plaid, suggested a European origin, but definitive answers were elusive. While the physical evidence provided many clues, it raised as many questions as it answered. The investigation then looked to DNA analysis, which offered more promise of determining the origin of these enigmatic mummies.

Earlier this year the Chinese government allowed Wells and other scientists a limited opportunity to examine the mummies, with the hope of finding useable DNA samples. China’s Secret Mummies details the scientists’ efforts to locate DNA samples within leathery inner tissue that had not degraded over the millennia. The scientists were ultimately able to extract enough material to yield some intriguing results. The genetic trial suggested that far from being an isolated outpost, this section of the Tarim Basin was constantly inhabited for some 1,700 years until around 300 B.C. Preliminary results also hinted that these people came from all over the map: Europe, Mesopotamia, India and elsewhere. Overall, such findings bolster the idea that China did not develop in complete isolation from the rest of the world, and that, indeed, outsiders might have impacted its development.