Hello, fabulous Beauty Chat readers! Along with being an editor/contributor to this wonderful site, I am also an editor and writer for iEnhance.com (another website in our network). Many of those who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery often look to personal accounts when researching their procedures, which is why we would love to hear from you. We are constantly looking for inspiring stories from real people just like you who have had an enhancement procedure – cosmetic plastic surgery, skin care treatment, or cosmetic dentistry procedure. Here are a couple of examples of some recent stories: Jana’s Story and Elease’s Story.

If you would like to share your experience with a procedure you underwent, please feel free to contact me!

I am not a fan of Valentine’s Day, not at all. February 14th is one of my least favorite days of the year. I even broke up with my very first boyfriend the day before, because I found out he got me a gift when I told him not to. Although, there was so much more to this infamous break-up than the purchasing of hearts and flowers, I just have never agreed with Valentine’s Day. Well, at least how most people celebrate it.

I don’t like the clichéd candy hearts, teddy bears that say “I love you,” cards with over-used poems, and anything else that is just plain corny and associated with V Day. There is one thing I do agree with, spending time with someone special on this day – minus the Hallmark cards. Because, despite being single and bitter about Valentine’s, I still find it sweet to do something slightly romantic on this day. More »

The warm weather is here, bikinis have been on the racks for a few weeks now, and tanning salons are getting booked. Summer is approaching and we’re ready to rock the beach! Or at least almost ready to rock…we just need to lose those last five to 10 pounds. But we’ve all got so much going on that it’s become nearly impossible to hit the gym on a regular basis.

What are we to do? Aside from undergoing a cosmetic procedure – liposuction or tummy tuck surgery – there are many diets that we could try, including the “Five Bite Diet” that Dre and Jana are currently doing, but there are also other ways to lose the weight: diet pills. Or as some companies like to call them “dietary supplements.” More »

I have struggled with weight loss for years, trying just about any thing there is out there without having to consider any plastic surgery procedures.  My friend Jana told me about a weight loss book she had been reading and suggested I read it; so I did.

The book is called “Why Weight Around” by Dr. Alwin C. Lewis. In the book, Dr. Lewis stresses that a portion controlled diet is the most effective strategy to losing weight.  He developed a two part weight loss program called “The Slimming Station.” More »

When I was diagnosed with a Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), the name alone scared me to bits. What really freaked me out, though, were the limitations I was given by my doctor. First, I was put on a permanent medication called Atenolol, which basically lightens the load on my heart by slowing it down a bit, but makes me feel even more tired than usual.

Next I was given what I call the “No-No List” which basically said no hardcore cardio exercise – no running, no excessive use of stairs; the list went on and on. Being that I was never what you would consider a “gym enthusiast,” I didn’t really have a problem with the rules at the time, but quickly found out that just about every type of exercise that I was actually interested in was considered a No-No for me. This left me with a problem: How in the world was I supposed to keep myself from getting massively overweight if I was tired all the time and couldn’t do any real cardio? More »

Exactly one week ago, I hit a milestone birthday…25 years! While many of my friends and colleagues were asking if I was getting sad or depressed, I was actually feeling pretty great about turning the big two-five. My insecure and awkward years are far behind me and I feel like I’ve come into my own; both inside and out.

However, I have to admit that working with some pretty fashionable and makeup savvy ladies has definitely helped! Beauty Chat’s resident fashion guru, Elana, has offered some great tips to wear things that I’m normally afraid of. For example, the bright red tank I donned on my night out to celebrate was something I may have passed up a couple of years ago. More »

The case will always rest, exercise is good for you. I know, big shocker! Even simple exercises such as walking or jogging can bring you a step (no pun intended) closer to becoming a healthier, new you.

It has been proven several times over that those who exercise regularly tend to live longer, but why? I think we need to examine the effects of lack of exercise and what it does to the body. I know I am experiencing these symptoms myself: increase in weight, fatigue, loss of flexibility, increase in laziness, inability to do simple tasks, decrease in self-esteem, knee pain, lack of mobility, increase in risk of injuries, and depression.

In essence, lack of exercise is a probable cause of the never-ending “tired” look we all have developed some time in our lives. You all know what I’m talking about- dark circles under the eyes, paleness in the face, and bloodshot eyes; in other words, you aren’t alert and living to your full potential. More »

L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara makes your lashes so glamorous that they look like falsies…seriously! I don’t like the glue or the process of putting on false lashes, but I do love the dramatic look I get from them.

L’Oreal has taken false lashes and put them in a bottle, which requires only two simple steps to apply:

• First, apply the nourishing base coat.  No need to let it dry!
• Second apply the lash extending top coat.  That’s it!

I have received so many compliments on how long and full my lashes look…bonus!

It does not get smudgy or flake off; even tears can’t phase this stuff.  When it comes to remove your makeup, you don’t even have to use soap. The warm shower water takes it off easily, without leaving those black circles under your eyes. 

Go to your local beauty supply store and give it a try.  Let us know what you think.

Photo Credit: Ulta.com

I don’t know what it is about the cold, but sometimes it just brings me down. I am not sure if it has to do with the Holiday’s, but I have a hard time having a jolly season. For those of you who are traveling this winter in the same shoes as I am, no worries, you are not alone; winter blues are not uncommon.

The most logical synopsis for this phenomenon has a lot to do with the pressure of the holidays; family get-togethers, increase in routine stress, unsolved family issues that erupt during family celebrations, and economic problems.  There can be so many reasons behind the mystery of winter time blues, yet most of the feelings you have during the winter were always there, just increased by holiday stress.

Even though the holiday season may be coming to a close, it’s not too late to find a spellbinding relief to this overbearing stress. More »

How many times have you tried to change your hair, makeup, or style? While Madonna may be the cause for so much focus on change, sometimes it’s best to stick with what works.

This is something I’ve only recently learned and it only took me about 10 years to figure it out!

My “problem” has always been my pin straight hair. At one point I hated my straight hair so much that I even got a perm. However, because my hair was so long, it was hard to manage and didn’t look the way I thought it would. More »