December 15, 2010
LADY GAGA, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, FOURSQUARE, FOOD TRUCKS, EBOOKS AND THE FEATURE FILM THE SOCIAL NETWORK AMONG USA NETWORK’S TOP “CHARACTER APPROVED” IDEAS AND INFLUENCERS OF 2010
USA wraps up the year by posting Best of Character Approved 2010 Lists and a Special Holiday Gift Guide at characterblog.com

NEW YORK – December 15, 2010 – USA Network’s Character Approved Blog (characterblog.com) has chosen Lady Gaga, Alexander McQueen, Foursquare, Food Trucks, eBooks and the feature film The Social Network among many others as some of the biggest cultural influencers, trends and ideas of 2010.

Each of the eleven experts who contribute weekly updates to the blog handpicked ten people, places and/or things that have had the greatest impact in 2010 across architecture, art, design, fashion, film, food, music, social good, technology, theatre, and writing.

The lists also include events whose effects reach far beyond their designated category, such as the freeing of Aung San Suu Kyi, the introduction of the text “Haiti” campaign, the release of the documentary Waiting For Superman and the success of the nonprofit Making It Right New Orleans. The year-end content was announced today by Alexandra Shapiro, USA’s senior vice president, brand strategy and digital.

“

USA Network is proud to recognize the game-changing innovators, innovations and influences of 2010,” says Shapiro.  “We created the Character Approved Top Ten Lists as a way to celebrate all of the contributions over the past year that have made a mark on the American cultural landscape.” (more…)

The summer weekends are equated with relaxation; fun in the sun and warm weather getaways. But, getting there is half the battle…

Inconvenient long lines, pushy patrons, travel delays, and the overall discomforts go hand in hand with summer travel. Fortunately, there is an easy way to bring comfort to long-haul trips.

(Image courtesy of – AgroLabs Peaceful Sleep^{TM –} All Rights Reserved)

Weighing in at just 3oz, AgroLabs Peaceful Sleep^TM is a unique formula that consists of chamomile extract, lavender, L-Theanine, Passion Flower extract and other key ingredients to help provide for a soothing, restful sleep.

The formula supports relaxation, provides the nutrients to support total body cellular renewal and allows for an overall healthier night’s sleep; it allows consumers to awake refreshed and energized, reaching a deep level of REM sleep.

One shot of this “au natural” super juice will have you wishing you were still in transit. Plus, the convenient size allows you to bring them everywhere – even on board airplanes.

More Information

Please follow me on Twitter at: http://Twitter.com/HairBoutique. I look forward to meeting new people from all walks of Twitter and learning from their Tweets. Visit us at Hairboutique.com located at: http://www.HairBoutique.com, on Facebook, MySpace and YouTube.

Thank you for visiting us at The HairBoutique Blog and for leaving your comments. They are very much appreciated. We apologize in advance but must remove any direct advertisements or solicitations.

Yes, my saga with air travel continues.   First there was the recent double punch of an American Airlines trip from Dallas to Burbank (regional airport near Los Angeles) where I sat for hours on the return leg waiting for a mechanic to drive a part to the plane from LA.

(Image of airplane courtesy of Haap, Media, LTD – All Rights Reserved)

I was less patient than normal on that trip because on the first leg from Dallas, the AA plane was also sent back to the terminal due to, you guessed it, a mechanical problem.

Two mechanical issues on two different planes on just one trip was a show stopper for me.  Fed up with American Airlines, their delays, and all their never ending rules I switched for my next trip to US Airways.  I was in air travel heaven for my trip from DFW to San Diego.

The US Airways planes departed and landed precisely on time, I had tons of leg room, the seats were nice and the restrooms were fresh and clean.  Ahhh.  Even though I had to change planes in Phoenix, I was very impressed with US Airways.  They also seemed to have less rules and more pleasant flight attendants.  Maybe I was just annoyed with American at that point but US Airways won my favor for sure.

Last week a death in the immediate family found me scrambling for a direct flight from Dallas to Madison, Wisconsin.  You guessed it.  I was back on American Airlines.  Even worse than being forced to travel to Madison, the airplane was a ERJ145 which means small seats, tight spaces and very little room for overhead bags. (more…)

Google news picked up a report by the New York Times written by Daniel Lewis regarding Spanish physican Mario Zarza Manresa who was reportedly kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo and forcibly removed of all his hair.

A Congolese government minister confirmed the actions taken against Dr. Manresa saying all of his hair (head and body hair) was shaved off in the hope it would provide magic powers in battle.

Congolese Information Minister said Zarza Manresa, who was in the country as a tourist, had been “shaved completely by Ibrahim (a rebel leader) who believes in magical fetishes made with head hair and body hair of whites. (more…)

Tonight was the premiere of Jessica Simpson’s new reality TV Show, “Price Of Beauty” (POB) on Vh1.  The show included both the good and bad sides of beauty in Thailand where Jess and her besties, Ken Paves and Cacee Cobb visited on their first stop.  During the course of the first POB season the three will visit eight different cities.

The three friends were offered the opportunity to eat a Thai specialty which included fried worms and dead bugs.  Yes, the menu at a Bangkok food market included crickets and cockroaches.

Jessica bravely put a worm in her moth and immediately freaked out, ultimately retching from the delicacy.  She was told the treat would help her burn extra calories.  ‘It had a little slime in the middle of it and you could feel the legs,’ she noted.

As always, Jessica showed her goofy side as well as her compassionate side.  When the trio met a Thai woman permanently scarred from face bleaching, her eyes brimmed with tears and she gave the woman a big hug.  It was a very touching moment. (more…)

Who Is Ken Paves?

For the past 14 years Ken Paves has remained one of the most sought after hairstylists in the world. He has been recognized by and his work has appeared in Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, GQ, In Style, American Salon, Modern Salon and many other publications around the world.

(Image of Celebrity Hairstylist Ken Paves on Bravo/TV’s Shear Genius 3 where he was a very special Guest Judge with show host Camilla Alves – Bravo/TV – All Rights Reserved)

In fashion and entertainment he has created award-winning styles on the tresses of Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, Celine Dion, Fergie, Eve and Jessica Alba to name a few.

Dubbed by the media as the “hottest hairdresser in Hollywood,” Ken has been a regular guest since 2003 on The Oprah Winfrey Show as well as a highly sought after expert for countless entertainment and fashion programs and publications.

Ken recently transformed, to rave reviews, the makeovers for the current season of America’s Next Top Model as well as led “Oprah’s Great American Haircut” show. He has become an industry favorite for his talent and vision, and his unparalleled dedication to his clients.

Ken’s bio page for designing the looks for Celine Dion and her cast for her “A New Day” show noted that what is so great about Ken, besides his talent, is that he has never lost sight of the fact that he is in the service industry.

Industry insiders respect Ken for his unique vision and hairstyles that incorporate innovative, confident and sexy designs. Understanding that hair is not only an accessory to his client, but also an accessory to fashion, Ken’s signature trademark is classic to modern with an impeccable interpretation of personal style. (more…)

Earlier this evening I had an amazing interview with celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves who has been busy with Jessica Simpson promoting “The Price Of Beauty” on Vh1 which premieres tomorrow night (March 15, 2009, 10 EST/9 CST).

(Image L-R of Cacee Cobb, Jessica Simpson, Ken Paves in Thailand in the food market – The Price Of Beauty – Vh1 – All Rights Reserved)

Before I even discuss Ken’s comments about his amazing journey making the series I need to start at the very beginning which for me started last year in Los Angles.

It turns out I was in Los Angles to meet with Ken who was doing a series of photo shoots for his popular HairDo line.  At one point I was having coffee at a popular West Hollywood Starbucks when I first heard Vh1 had just approached Ken to join forces with Jessica to film “Price Of Beauty” for the network. (more…)

Fan favorite, Cheyne Whitney and his longtime girlfriend Meghan Rickey hit the jackpot when they won the 15th season of the popular reality TV show, “The Amazing Race.”  Cheyne, 23 and Meghan, 24 are both from San Diego, California and have been in the spotlight ever since they took home the $1 million grand prize.

(Image of Meghan Rickey and Cheyne Whitney – CBS – “The Amazing Race” – All Rights Reserved)

Cheyne orchestrated a very elaborate romantic weekend in San Diego on Sunday, February 28th, to surprise Meghan with a long anticipated proposal.  Well, at least it was anticipated by the media.  Cheyne told PEOPLE “the question that comes up most is ‘when are you guys going to get married?’

He also told PEOPLE “I’ve been planning this since the Race ended, so I’ve been like, ‘I’m working on it! I’m working on it!’ (more…)

I’m a huge fan of “weekend warrior” type trips and one of my favorite destinations for a quick weekend get-away is Las Vegas! There’s literally something always going on: a party is always brewing, there’s a steady stream of amazing artists coming to perform, and I’m such a regular at some of the spas the staff are always shocked to realize I actually live four states over.

My normal Las Vegas bundle of goodies includes the bare essentials needed for staying fabulous on the go.My signature day-time look is both perfect for lounging in the spa, shopping, and lunching with friends: Michelle Roy in conjunction with a low pony and adorned with a hair flower.

As simple as it sounds, these three combined create an easy look that screams effortless beauty. For a pony, I recommend Michelle Roy.

Tarina Tarantino If you manage to get it wet while enjoying spa services or lounging poolside, the fabric dries quickly and won’t snag your hair. (more…)

I recently reported that some of the Miss America 2010 contestants got together at Universal Studios to meet each other and enjoy beautiful Orlando.

(Image from Orlando Attractions Magazine – All Rights Reserved).

After I published the Blog I was contacted by Ricky Brigante, Creative Director for Orlando Attractions Magazine.  Ricky wanted to let me know the magazine actually joined the Miss America 2010 contestants when they visited Universal Studios for a couple of hours.

As a result of joining the Miss America group the magazine was able to capture some amazing photos as well as a 6-minute video of the gathering which they posted on YouTube.

If you would like to see some great photos from beautiful Orlando with the gorgeous Miss America 2010 contestants check out the following link:

After checking out Orlando Attractions Magazine link for their images of the recent Miss America gathering I also checked out Attractions Magazine.  I must confess I had never heard of the magazine but after looking through their website I was very impressed. (more…)