Byron and Tracey Salon Event, Beverly Hills

Poppy Montgomery and Molly Stern. Poppy played Marilyn Monroe in a tv movie years ago. I had to use self control to not accost her. Molly is a famous makeup artist who has worked with the biggest names in the industry.

My new BFF Toby Fleischman. Remember a few months ago when I posted Evan Rachel Wood's amazing looks on the red carpet? Toby is the one who is responsible for the flawless skin and beautifully done makeup. She's so fantastic! I seriously wanted to hang out all day with her. She applied false eyelashes and retouched my makeup. I need her with me for all my red carpet events.

My sunglasses were falling apart so I was very grateful to pick up a pair of these Carerra sunglasses.

I am always excited and honored when I get invited to an event. In this case, I had two events to attend on Thursday. The night before any event I stress about what to wear. I’m so neurotic that this is how it usually plays out:

I stand in my closet, trying on a variety of outfits. I can’t wear a particular skirt or dress with my high heels because the heels give me blisters. But my legs need the heels so they don’t look like stumps. Scratch the dress/skirt. I could wear a sleeveless shirt but I have a mosquito bite on my arm. Are my upper arms flabby? Maybe I should go with long sleeves. But its supposed to be in the 80’s. I could wear a light jacket…but don’t want to get stuck carrying it if I’m too hot…

Do you see my dilemma? The stress! Really, as if anyone really cares what I'm wearing? They don't.

The Byron and Tracey Salon is located in Beverly Hills, one of my favorite places where the streets are paved with gold and diamond dust glitters in the California sunshine. Where ever you look, celebrities are strolling up and down the streets, smiling their thousand dollar smiles. Okay, not really. But the grass is a verdant green and the trees are very tall and when I see the Beverly Hills hotel, surrounded by skinny palms, my heart swells a bit in my chest.

The salon is very glam and lovely and all white. Modern and clean, its a beautiful place. Bursts of flowers and Cover Girl cosmetics were artfully displayed. Chic girls and boys ushered in clients and guests while I stood in the entrance, taking it all in. My friend was swept off to get her hair done while I went into the courtyard and stared at Poppy Montgomery who was next to me. We drank Alize cocktails, tried on Carerra sunglasses, stopped by the Express table. I say that like we were actually together which clearly we were not. By the way, she’s gorgeous. I was so proud that I didn’t actually blurt out something embarrassing like I usually do when I see a celeb.

When I went back inside the salon, not the least bit tipsy from downing cocktails at 11am, I was introduced to Molly Stern and Toby Fleischman. I was so excited to have my makeup touched up by Toby and indulge in some girly chit-chat with her. I could have spent all day hanging out with her. I spotted Amy Smart getting her roots done, Poppy was getting a little color touch-up and there were a variety of starlets floating around. I cant keep up with the new crop of actresses. They are all super young and hot and wear tiny shorts and high heels and make me feel like an aging, flabby, dork. I’m so glad I’m a writer, not an actress. The insecurity would kill me.

Toby used Cover Girl cosmetics and I loved the lip stain. They don’t just come in red, there’s a nice variety of shades to choose from. Toby gave me the tip to use a smidge of the long lasting stain on my cheeks…ahhh! The color will last all day! She used dark eyelash glue and individual lashes on my eyes, dabbed on a bit of the new Cover Girl-Olay foundation.. Oh and she gave me a new Lash Blast mascara which excited me. You can’t beat a good drugstore mascara like this one.

Sadly my time at the Bryon and Tracey salon came to an end although I didn’t want to leave. As I was about to exit the salon, a black SUV with tinted windows rolled up. The cluster of paparazzi outside the door assumed the position, crouching and leaning and yelling, flashbulbs going off like fireworks. A tiny, makeup less Nicole Richie was quickly ushered inside as if she were the Pope. She didn’t stop, didn’t pause, didn’t make eye contact. She just kept walking quickly through the salon like she knew exactly where she was going. Everyone parted like the Red Sea as she sailed by.

Just another day in the life of a celebrity.

Loving Books...

The only thing I really like about summer is the reruns on tv. I'm not missing out on much if I decide not to turn my television on for a few days. That's not to say I'm not recording my guilty pleasures like Jon & Kate or The Real Housewives of NJ, but for the most part, summertime means reading a book or two a week. The best time of the day is when the kids are tucked in bed and I get to lay down and read in the peaceful space that is my bedroom.

One book that I've been anxious to read is called Cartwheels In A Sari by Jayanti Tamm. This novel looks compelling, it received great reviews and its at the top of my pile to be read this summer.

I got a sneak peek of Mating Rituals of the North American WASP before it came out a few months ago. I enjoyed it, didn't want it to end, then spent a few days wondering if I could somehow turn the novel into a screenplay. Perfect summer book- its light, funny, well written, and I highly recommend it. Lauren Lipton is plain awesome.

I read this in record time. I didn't know anything about The Help when I checked it out of my library. I thought it was about an English maid, to be honest with you. I had no idea it was about the deep south during the 1960's. Run and get this one today. Kathryn Stockett is a great new author to watch.

Still Alice is about early onset Alzheimers. Really happy subject, right? But the novel is so well written, emotional and dramatic that it needs to be on your summer reading list. It is a quick read that will leave you in tears. Sorry, but it will.

Hair, Hair, and Hair

Herbal Essences Hydralicious shampoo contain swirls of moisture to repair hair while also cleaning and imparting a light fragrance. I dig the super lather of the shampoo and the light conditioner that rinses out quickly but leaves hair soft.

There are three versions- Featherweight Hydrator for dry brittle hair. This will not weigh hair down but will nourish hair. Self Targeting Hydrator conditions only the area of hair that needs it, for example the ends of hair that tend to be dry and needy. The Reconditioning Hydrator gives attention to hair like mine that is dry, damaged, frizzy and needs a little extra TLC.

The Hydralicious line contains ingredients like water lily nectar, red vanilla, aloe and Hawaiian sea silk. For a drugstore brand, you cannot beat this! I use these products when I want my hair to be conditioned and soft quickly.



Not to be confused with Chlorine. Klorane's delicious and gentle pomegranate shampoo and repair balm is formulated for color treated hair. I've been using the shampoo plus conditioner as well as the no- rinse care with pomegranate product. Gentle but not drying, fruity but not too sweet smelling.

Pomegranate extract is used to assist in prolonging hair color while it also repairs and protects. The pomegranate fruit is known to be very high in antioxidants, I can't help but think it also strengthens hair, especially weak color treated hair like mine! I use the entire Pomegranate system to keep my hair in tip-top shape. I know you will love the fact that this line of products is plant based, suitable for sensitive skin but won't put you into debt. And it works! Check it out here.

David Babaii for WildAid
WildAid "is a non-profit organization that works with governments and communities of the world to reverse the devastation of our planet’s wildlife." David is a celebrity hair stylist who partnered with actress Kate Hudson to create this line of products to benefit WildAid.


The range of products goes from shampoos to styling aids. I've been using the David Babaii blow dryer and really loving it. For straight hair, I use the attachment but when I make my hair wavy, I just quickly blow it dry. It doesn't sound like a jet engine in my ear, its pretty quiet. There are cool, warm, and hot settings as well as low, medium and high settings. It seems to dry my hair faster than my old blow dryer which is a plus. I don't want to spend endless time in the bathroom drying my hair.

I tried the Hydrating Formula Shampoo and Conditioner which are paraben and sulfate free. I've found that (sometimes) natural ingredients leave my hair clean but heavy and dry! However these left my hair feeling moisturized and silky. Thank goodness! I had high hopes and was not disappointed.

You can learn more about David Babaii for WildAid by clicking here.

Perricone Reader Giveaway!

This is a contest that I want to win! Unfortunately for me, I cannot choose myself as a winner.

I'm giving away a bottle of the Advanced Face Firming Activator by Dr. Perricone MD.

Here's what you need to know about this amazing product:

"Our best seller, Advanced Face Firming Activator, transforms skin to appear firm, toned and absolutely glowing, while preventing further damage. Formulated with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE that work synergistically to visibly resurface skin's texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reveal a radiant and healthy complexion. Paraben-free."

The contest is open to everyone in the United States and will run until Monday. So hurry up and send me an email at Distressedbluejeans@gmail.com with the subject line FACE. And keep checking back for more reader giveaways!

Daily Dollfaces

Nicole Richie looks fabulous and her daughter Harlow is a doll. Look at her tiny shoes! I really love the name Harlow. I thought about naming my daughter Monroe but it reminded me too much of that guy from Too Close for Comfort.

I was so caught up in Twilight fever last summer that I couldnt look at a picture of Robert Pattinson without swooning a bit. He personified romantic, handsome Edward Cullen. Now, I'm over it.

Here's a trend I'm going to let sail right past me- those little rompers. Blake Lively looks good but no one over the age of three should really be wearing them.

Look at Ashley Tisdale's toned legs! Makes me want to do a few squats today. I love her boots. I want a pair of my own!

Winona Ryder is back on the cover of magazines. I thought she was so beautiful back in the day, the day being the '80's. Those gorgeous doe eyes, the dark hair...I hope she starts making more movies, she was so talented.

I adore Tori Spelling but not so much that odd looking implant, all smushed up against her darling baby girl.

Speaking of implants, I wonder if Pamela Anderson ever considers removing hers for smaller ones? She'd look so fit and in proportion with more refined bags of silicone.

Two thumbs up for Paris Hilton's hair cut. So much better than her broke down bleached extensions.

I'm not doing back hand springs for the vivid hot pink Barbie gown but I do like the hair and makeup.

Cutest little family. I'm glad Matthew finally moved out of his Airstream trailer. Probably not the greatest place to raise a kid. Although something about a hippie bohemian lifestyle sounds good sometimes.

I'm biting my tongue, trying to comment on the mullet redeux....I think Kate had implants. In earlier episodes, she had much smaller boobs. Maybe she's been going tanning too. She looks like a completely different person compared to when Jon & Kate Plus 8 began airing.

Mariah's been on the down low lately, hasn't she? I keep waiting for news that she's expecting a little Hello Kitty baby.

Kim Kardashian has seriously been blessed by the beauty gods, the girl is so gorgeous.

Kate Beckinsdale wearing Ashley Tisdale's boots.

Another super fit Hollywood body, Jessica Biel. Give her ten years and two kids and see if she still keeps that figure. I shouldn't compare my own body to hers but I do. And I sure like hers better.

So this is what being pregnant with your fourth baby looks like? I would trade those dominatrix heels in for soft slippers the minute I got home! Heidi Klum has awesome maternity style.

Cute outfit, Jessica Alba. Everytime I wear a hat like hers, I feel like I should be singing in a barbershop quartet.

I love Halle Berry's hair. When you have a lovely face like hers, this is a very flattering style. Look at her adorable little girl!

I have a bathing suit cover up too but it extends down to my knees! I'd like to see Cameron Diaz settle down and get married and have a baby or two. I don't know why I want this for her, but I do!

Bump alert! Sarah Michelle Geller is pregnant chic in her blue dress. Love it. Gone are the days when being pregnant meant looking frumpy!

Fergie has a really big part in her hair, doesn't she?

Unflattering photo of Kate Hudson, yes but she gets paid the big bucks and probably couldn't care less about my comments. I prefer her as a sunny blonde.

All You Need To Know About SUN Protection

Coppertone NutraShield for Faces offers not only sun protection by anti-oxidants to aid in skin repair. I especially love that in comes in an spf of 70. And you can find formulas for both the body and face. This is perfect for those concerned with premature aging. If you use this, you can skip moisturizer because all your skin needs are met with this single product.

A friend of mine who has very, very sensitive skin can only use Aveeno. This brand used to be known for its lotion but has branched out to include a variety of gentle products including sunscreens. I love the Positively Ageless Sunscreen for the face, with an SPF of 70. My kids like the Active sunscreen. The sprays are genius for soccer games and outdoor activities. Just a quick spray down and they are protected.

I have Aveeno sunscreen in the bathroom downstairs, upstairs and within easy reach of being outside in the yard.

Neutrogena has a formula for whatever your sun care need may be. Whether or not you have a baby with soft innocent skin, or you are sweating outside, or want the highest possible SPF for your face (I do!) or need a cooling spray, Neutrogena has it all. Last summer I was dying to get my grubby hands on the dry spray. I can't stand sticky or oily sunscreens. Lucky for us, technology has improved so much that most sunscreens whether they are a lotion or spray, absorb quickly. There's no excuse for forgetting sunscreen every day. I'm talking cloudy days, days when you aren't going to the beach, days when you are inside and only running out for the mail.

Each morning, I reach for my Neutrogena Faces spf 90 and pat it over my face, chest and hands. I also use Murad Moisturizing Lotion for Oily Skin on my T zone.

The Facts:
53,792 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin, 30,544 of them men and 23,248 of them women

8,345 people in the United States died of melanomas of the skin, 5,283 of them men and 3,062 of them women.

Only 56% of adults practiced at least one of the three sun-protective behaviors (use sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing, or seek shade).

Who forgot the sunscreen?

Risk Factors
People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer:

People who have excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, usually from the sun (but also from tanning lamps and booths) * A lighter natural skin color. * Family history of skin cancer. * A personal history of skin cancer. * Exposure to the sun through work and play. * A history of sunburns early in life. * Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun. * Blue or green eyes. * Blond or red hair. * Certain types and a large number of moles. *

What You Can Do:

Avoid sun exposure during between 10 am and 4 pm. * Always wear sunscreen with UVB and UVA exposure protective chemicals and with SPF 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. * Apply at least one ounce — about a shot glass full — of sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply frequently — at least every two hours if in continuous sunlight. * Wear sunglasses treated to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.
Have a routine whole-body skin check by a health care professional once a year.

Find out more here.

Hair Diaries: The All Nighter and Zero Frizz

The rock bands of the 80's would have had much better hair had products like Zero Frizz been on the market. Just imagine Bon Jovi and Motley Crue with smooth, shiny locks instead the big mess of frizzy hair. It's not too late for you Brett Michaels! Under that cowboy hat and bandanna, whats left of your hair can be smooth and soft!

Zero Frizz is a miracle in a bottle. I have the worst, most disgusting hair ever. Just a quarter sized amount of Zero Frizz Corrective Hair Serum transforms my coif. I concentrate the silky serum on the ends of my frizz and then blow dry. WOW, big different.

If I have the time, I can mess around with a bunch of products and focus on smoothing down three inch sections of hair with a blow dryer. Most often though, I want to dry my hair quickly so I can pursue other, more glamorous activities. A dollop of this, a little time with the blow dryer and all is good. I highly recommend Zero Frizz which can be found at food and drug stores nationwide.

My next must-have hair product is The All Nighter. It's a styling powder that absorbs oil. You know how the day after a good hair day, your hair might look a little dirty but you don't want to go through the ordeal of blowing and styling? Shake a little of The All Nighter in your roots, brush your hair- instantly clean! Robert Pattinson would be wise to shake a fistful of this in his greasy hair. Freshen it up a bit for all the teenage girls and middle aged moms.

The All Nighter comes in several different colors so your roots match the rest of your hair. Its toxin free, eco-friendly, and lightly scented. I quickly shake a bit through sections of my hair, right onto the root area. I blast each area with a blow dryer on a warm or cool setting, then I pull my hair back into a pony tail. This shaves about twenty minutes off my morning routine. It's a time saver, that's for sure. To learn more, go to StylingPowder.

Have a Happy Hair Day!

Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth

Don't be afraid to scoot over and sit a little closer to me this summer. I've been using Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth and liking what I'm experiencing. This sweet little product minimizes the look and feel of underarm hair. It also softens stubble and makes pesky underarm hair less noticeable. Can I use it on my legs? Bikini line? I get so tired of shaving.

Dove Ultimate also gives you round the clock odor protection, truly this works. I know because I've put it to the test every day for the past couple of weeks. I've used the scent called "Wild Rose" which is a pleasant floral. I also dig the clinical strength formula which blasts odor and wetness like nothing you've ever experienced. This one is my go-to for long days or special events.

You can find Dove everywhere you shop. Walmart, Target, grocery stores, drugstores. For more information, click here. And go here to enter the Dove Sweepstakes and more!

Darac Beauty Feature Focus

Love this idea of how to slim and shade and highlight features. Darac Beauty takes the guesswork out of how to apply the shades. I'd be playing up my eyes and playing down other features I'm not so crazy about. Wish I could do this on my entire body!

Darac Feature Focus
"This trio of coordinating cream gel makeup is designed to enhance your best features and play down those that are not your favorite. Perfect for anyone who wants to visibly enhance their eyes, cheekbones, and jaw line, while down-playing any feature they find less than perfect. Adding just the right amount of light versus dark in the right areas of your face with Feature Focus can make your skin brighter, eyes look bigger, cheekbones and jaw line more defined, neck slimmer, nose sleeker and imperfections less obvious. A portable acetate facial silhouette temporarily adheres to any mirror to help you achieve a perfect application."

Learn more at http://www.daracbeauty.com/

BioFit Seven Way

After seeing Jenny McCarthy's shifty boobs, I skipped over to Victorias Secret to take a gander at the bra selection. Sidebar: my husband always used to take the catalogues from the mail. When questioned, he'd tell me he liked looking through so he could pick things out for me. But when I never received any VS goodies, I got wise to his ways.

I'm contemplating this BioFit Seven Way Bra. Is it worth the price tag of $49.50? In the summer I wear a lot of tanks and sundresses. I always wear the same ill fitting strapless bra because I can't seem to find a really great one. I suffer through the summer in this awful bra.

Flipping though the photos of how to wear the Seven Way, you can see its a very versatile bra. If you need more than seven ways to wear your bra, there's one you can modify one hundred different ways. There's pictures. Its like the Kama Sutra of bra straps!