Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Got Burned?

spend a minute with brow raised beauty
Have you been burned lately?  No, no,  Physically.  Well, here's something I also picked up at the counter the other day - a perfectly appropriate BRB Tip.  My friend Moshi uses toothpaste on barely there but unfortunately there burns (we're talking MINOR barely burned skin like a tiny curling iron mishap, you hear?  Otherwise call 911 because burns are no joke).   This would have helped me last week when I decided to drop the flat iron on my ear and it produced a really cute red mark that looked like a hickey.  Thank goodness for hair...
I'm not looking forward to my next bout with this issue, but I'm curious to see how toothpaste actually works:)  *Disclaimer: Try it at your own risk.  

As a responsible beauty advisor, I must EMPHASIZE that you should Go Here to the MayoClinic.com for the 411 on Burns.  PLEASE.  It walks you through identifying what level burn you have and deciphers what to do when working with Chemical burns (may help some of you at-home colorists).  It also helps you determine whether or not to go to the ER STAT.

Quick stop-drop-and roll call (this is directly copied from the above site as of today for those of you too lazy to click the link)


By Mayo Clinic Staff
To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the extent of damage to body tissues. The three burn classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care:
First-degree burn
The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. The skin is usually red, with swelling, and pain sometimes is present. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires emergency medical attention.
Second-degree burn
When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.
If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.
For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, take the following action:
  • Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
  • Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
Caution
  • Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a burn victim's body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.
  • Don't apply butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection.
  • Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.
Third-degree burn
The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.
For major burns, call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
  1. Don't remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
  2. Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).
  3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR.
  4. Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
  5. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.
Get a tetanus shot. Burns are susceptible to tetanus. Doctors recommend you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If your last shot was more than five years ago, your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot booster.
Be Careful out there my friends,
xBRB

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Waking Up With CHANEL-Why We Should Go Back to the Make-up Counters

spend a minute with brow raised beauty
 Well,  I certainly hope I will be more of a blessing than a curse on this earth.  It's hard though.  What do you think? Yeah? I suppose on that note, I'm letting you know that the page is open for business but under construction.  Please excuse the mess.  There's method and madness in it.  What was that quote from TB's Alice? Anyway, too bad for us all that procrastination waits in the wings. *sigh* So tempting...
How's everyone doing?
Me? Happy. Today I went to an event for some playtime and guess where I went? 
CHANEL
...take the time once in a while to go back to the Counters and seek Professional Help.
Yay! Gorgeous.  Today was a make-up day.  Ever do that?  Just visit the counters to say, "Hello Lovely,"?  There's something to be said about seeking out advice about a specific line from someone who consistently attends training sessions held by their label.  They are given information fresh from the runways.  I highly recommend revisiting some soon:)
 I'd like to thank Moshi and Tracy (hope I spelled it right) for a fun girl morning.  You glamour girls are great!  M and T were not only knowledgeable about the product, but they also explained specific artistic technique and shared health savvy that far surpassed my expectations.  Love finding solid consultants!! Awwwwesommmmee... They even taught me a few tricks.  Seriously, you gals are so helpful!!  I'll Definitely be back! Ok, you ready?
First, though, there's a couple of things you should be aware of:
1. Not too much sleep last night.
2. Drank more coffee than water this month.
3. Hormones are cruel.
4. Milia (tiny hardened calcium on the skin) is a beyotch.
Now, shall we?
Top: No Makeup
Left: HydraMax Serum, Beaute Initiale Moisturizer
Right: #30 Concealer applied w/brush #1
Bottom: Beige Lumiere Translucent #3 applied with sponge and Brush #16
*isn't the fluorescent lighting so flattering? not.
Imprevu Blush
Eyebrows (and excuse my designer bags), Kaska Beige Eyeshadow, Ambre Liner
 Lips (a coral I can wear): Spice Liner
ta da!
Couldn't leave with out The Poudre Douce, and HydraMax Lip Care
(BRB approved!)


I tried to show the makeup under different lighting so you could see how it's blended really well.  It looks dewy.  It looks soft.  It looks great under sun, indirect sun, fluorescents, and flash:)  
Epic Win. 




 did not receive these as product/brand endorsements. 
Quite frankly, some of these pics are a bit close for comfort, but I really wanted you to see how the Poudre Douce (pink miracle powder) really highlights certain parts of the face (mountains vs. valleys) in a flattering way.  It seems to soften it Big Time. Love. Love. Love.  And really Great for pictures (even though I'm feeling a bit self-conscious with my face all over this post) if you have a date, dance, performance, whathaveyou!  And as for the HydraMax Lip Tx, it seems to be working so far...
 Happy Weekend Friends!  Hope you get to catch some moments of pure indulgence too;)
xBRB

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Polyvore Collage: Look What I did Today Mom...

posted by brow raised beauty

Added my collage to the RUGBY theme challenge.

Via Rugby.com
Wish I could've filled the white background in with Green Grass...
*sigh*
Just not that savvy. yet.
Let's See How it Looks on Grass...
Let's See How it Looks on Grass... by BrowRaisedBeauty featuring TopShop dresses


xBRB

Monday, March 22, 2010

All Tied Up and Sprung for Spring



Dear Monday, hate is such a strong word, but I think it's the right word sometimes. Lucky for you today is not that day. 
xBRB
Ok, I confess, I actually am liking today.  I am feeling quite peaceful and content after a lovely weekend of nothing in particular.  In my little world, that's a good thing, you know?
So I've decided to spread the lightheartedness.  I was just visiting fellow blogger, GLAM LATTE, and was impressed by her ability to transition What's Hot into her wardrobe.  (You should definitely check it out if you haven't already:) )  I couldn't put my finger on why reading my Blog Roll while drinking a cup o' joe is my preferred way to start the day.  And then it hit me:  
Fashion is my favorite way to work out issues...  
Creativity Cures my Blues.  Beautiful things soothe me.  I love to read.  Is it the same for you?  So I've decided to do an homage to my past week with a few items representing my feelings of angst.  What a great way to leave the dreary, wet winter behind (even though I Love Snow) and, then, maybe, we can move onto sunny beaches in the warmth of the bright sun.  

Today's Strip Down
(It's a net-a-porter day...)

Enjoy your day,
xBRB 

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Cheating Piece of Rant

Who knows if I'll ever, ever post this one.  But I have to name the proverbial Elephant in the Room.  I call you out sucka.  Don't be all, "Who me?"  You know if I'm talkin to you.  And if I'm not, then you know who I'm talkin to so just listen.

If we're all supposed to be in this world together, well you are not helping it be better with that attitude.  You hear the word "Karma" being thrown around all the time (and maybe you use it), but re-a-lize that karma is not just a single event.  Karma is energy and we are all connected fool.  So damn, that means we are all affected by you.  You are affected by us.  Whether we like it or not.  Great. 
Then I say get off your ass and get with the program here.  
Do your part (whatever you want that to represent).

And pooparazzi, leave Sandra alone.  America's sweetheart doesn't need your stabs right now. *two fingers straight up*  I think you're a talented and beautiful soul Sandra.  Of course, I don't know you at all personally, but I feel like I recognize a strong woman when I see one.  The roles you have chosen, empower me to be better.  Your interviews seem genuine anyway.

As for the other one.  Well, I'm going to tell you the truth even if it bothers you.  Maybe things went differently than you expected. Maybe before anyone ever knew you, you lived as a lovely and kindhearted mother who was just making an honest buck.  Maybe you, like many, had good intentions in life.  But maybe someone lied to you about beauty or love.
I hope that you do not let the media lie to you.  I hope that you realize that you are too valuable a person to be getting yourself involved with this futile bullshit.  You are a couple of someone's mom, you know? Stand up and be counted.  Start making better choices  for your soul.  Make your kids proud.  Yeah, it's hard work.  We're all aware.

So just like in the past, when friends would try to warn me of certain people, I choose to make my own decisions with how I interpret "things."  That's what I'll do now.  Let's see...what are the main issues here?  Hmmm.  Good question.  Well, let me address my "Deep Thoughts" (definitely a SNL reference).

1) Why is it that we as "the public" should take sides?

2) Why are we making judgments?

3) WTH. Why has this been an issue poisoning us ALL?  I didn't make that decision.  I should be free from this hell.  I am Supposed to be free.  Who am I kidding?  I'm trapped in this hell with all of you because we are collectively "One Love. One Heart. Let's Get Together and Feel Alright."  Thanks for the reminder Bob.

*and I think that this is the most important OVERALL issue:
4) It's not who he decided to cheat on Sandra (Jen, Elin, Kate, You) 
with (Michelle, Rachel, Angelina, the Doctor's kid, Hopefully Your Name NOT Here Sista. Brotha.)
 that really matters.  
 In reference to a wise woman I know, "Think about it."  
It will always be about why.  
What is crucial is the very event or continuous events that has caused the couple down this dark and tragic road.

5) We should stand back and leave these people alone so they can try to forgive and salvage or sever ties (you bet I wrote, "and" in that particular place.  Reconciliation and Forgiveness are liberating to everyone involved).  
Issue: They made vows.  Therefore, it is not between us.  It's between them.
And that actually sucks doesn't it?  Because the accountability falls back into the laps of the two cats who started this whole situation hurling towards the unknown/now known.
 I know it's out of order right now.  I just had better jot down my thoughts before they escape me.  I may fix it later.  I may not.  Bear with me.
Rewind.
So you found out that someone was cheating on someone.  Yeah, I've heard that before.  That's a bummer.  Seriously.  My heart feels for you and I will pray that you heal with knowledge from the experiences.  Hello?  This is your mother speaking. Don't do that again.  I love you.  Don't you love you?  Is it true that we all have been touched by infidelity through at least one degree of separation?  I say yes.

Why does the media have to push us to take a side?  That's none of my business.  Trust me.  I've got enough shit going on around here to worry about that stuff.  Oh hey!  So Do You!  Well then?  Let's talk about nurturing, polishing, and fixing our little piece of the connection here as opposed to how everyone else is doing things wrong.

We are being fooled into thinking that we should judge...well, everybody else.  The truth is that this is actually a blessing so we can be more aware of our own human behavior.  WHY?  We all have decisions to make.  Everything has consequences.  So why do I think this in particular is a big deal?  Well, heck, if it's out there and the theme is growing obnoxiously repetitive, then it's a big deal because WE ALL MUST BE DEALING W/IT, right?  Right now, if it's not happening to you, it's happening to someone you know or someone they know. And if we're all connected, it's cancer within the whole.

I'm sad that the wholesome image and peace of Golf has been tarnished for me.  I'm sad that I heard a reporter actually question whether having tattoos all over your body indicated bad character.  Such Bull.  I used to golf to get away from the stress.  Plus, I know some really freaking awesome people with tattoos all over their bodies.  You can only sweep things under a rug for so long.  The Media spits it in our faces all day.
  Thanks. We get it.  
Our definition or "pursuit of" this thing called, Love, is under duress.

I have no answers.  I just can't help but think that this may indicate that so many more of us are in denial of how we really feel.  Are we living numb?  Is it because we are bombarded with distractions and expectations of what we're striving to achieve and who we are?  Is it just a matter of primal instinct and T&A overload? Then why the freak is everyone getting married? Humanity is a Hot Mess.

We struggle to find love. companionship. good sex. whatever.  Maybe it's all about just telling the truth to each other and letting the cards lie where they land.  Maybe it's about finding happiness and peace within ourselves before we let others define it for us.  Life is learning.  Hmmm.  These themes sound familiar...
Happy Pondering,
 xBRB

Plastic Surgery: To Cut or Not To Cut

Beauty is from within a place we must uncover.  However, all the stuffing and injecting in the world won't help us find a permanently satisfactory form.
I know I have threatened tummy tucks and botox, but it is really tongue in cheek.  Sure, the idea of perfection is tempting.  Who am I kidding?  I'd feel like a complete jerk if I ended up being the 1 out of 100,000 who became paralyzed.  Or even worse, what if I died?!  Who's to say I won't get "plastic fever" and can't stop until I look...melted?? What dear? No, college is out of the question.  Remember Mommy's "refreshments?"!  What if my family had to suffer because of my vanity?  My guilt from this hypothetical scenario is already over the top.  Sure, I like me. But I don't love me more than them.  And if I'm to lead by example, well, I guess I know what I must (and mustn't) do.

It's fruitless and ungrateful to strive to fulfill someone else's ideas of perfection.  We will never win that game.  My tummy is not what it was before kids, but I am learning to be okay with that.   There's history in my laugh lines and there's pride in my stretch marks.  That fact may even make you cringe.  I understand.  It's difficult for us to feel good about our bodies.  From day one, we are trained to think we need more, as if to say, "No, no.  You don't want to be you.  You want to be better."  But they are lying to us because we are good.  We are awesome.  Until we realize that, we are at the mercy of someone else's agenda.  And that never seems to go well in the long run.

I wish there was a way to click into the right mind frame as soon as we wake-up every morning so we are not led astray.  It would be so helpful to have the ability to refill the self-esteem tank when we found ourselves lower than optimal.  

Oh yeah, right, there is a way to do that: 
-Give it to God. Ask Him for Peace. Prayer is Powerful. 
-Gather your family and friends. It takes a village, but sometimes all we need is a hug and a good laugh.
-Eat well.  Food is a source of energy.  Choose wisely.
-Believe in yourself and Realize you're valuable.
-"Put a Little Lipstick on." -Mom

Trust me, I have to force myself to take my own advice.  It's a process. Beauty is fluid and it transforms into something new as we change our thoughts and our hearts.  Why do I feel continually sideswiped into falsely thinking that a new pair of  boobs, a flat tummy, and an expressionless face will better me?  I struggle with these lies.  For those of you who have made the choice to do so, I say, more power to you.  But before we decide to painfully alter ourselves, we need to consider who we are really doing it for.  
xBRB
"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou

Friday, March 19, 2010

Love Leather and Light Cotton



Feels like everyone on the blogosphere has been taking a break from their computer - or at least taking them on the road.  It's a good thing.  You know, I've actually been here - just unable to access a viable computer (you see my phone is ok for reading but not for editing.  I'm sure you get it...).  Anyway,  how's it going in your neck of the woods?  I'm sure it's busy.  But are you enjoying your life?  You should try to.

For the most part, I have been.  Of Course, there have been moments.  You know.  Moments that send you into a series of questioning that makes you spiral into an emotional mess?  Well, guess what?  If this is you, well then, WE need to spend some more time in the beautiful sunlight and really take a moment to re-evaluate how lucky we truly are.  Sure life is a pain.  At times, life is pain.  BUT IT'S SHORT. Well, then, on that note,   we should probably appreciate what we have - even if it is one, small, precious blessing, that gets us from one moment to the next.  I had a really, really, reallyreallyreallyreally, bad mood kind of a day yesterday after a full and extensive week.  But today was a piece of joy so I'm hanging on to it and moving on...

As for shopping, here are some of my latest crushes:





What can I say? I went monogamous w/ posting Topshop this time.  But alas, you know how this site operates...these are probably already snug in some lucky girls' closets.
Hope you've been fortunate before like that too;)
Cheers to pretty things,
xBRB

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