Entry #6 - First World Problems - Technology? Beauty? How about both?

There is, or at least there WAS a game on google play that was entitled "First World Problems." The idea of the game was to figure out what was actually a problem and what was fake. I loved it! Played it all the time and got some surprising insight and answers as to why we put so much time and effort to make things easy in this life.

Considering the First World Problems directly with technology, that's easy! We can think of a million. But, how about technology in beauty? Puts a little twist on things, right? Well, here's some technological advancements that have made our beauty life so much simpler, and healthier!



Let's start!
As a young girl, I remember ripping out pages from a magazine when I liked someone's makeup or their hairstyle. That's all been erased by google. Look up anything you  want.

Here's a fun one! How many of you go to the mall to purchase your makeup or your perfume? Why do we do that? Because of all the free gifts, right? First world problem, how many Lancome or Estee Lauder lipsticks do you still have under your sink because it wasn't your color? Now, they will assess our skin color and put together a free gift that is just right for us!

True story, yesterday my husband and I went to the mall. We went into "Perfumania" to look at some cologne for him. The sales girl was very nice and helpful and let us smell different men's cologne. With some smelly coffee beans in between, of course. When my husband decided on Dolce & Gabbana Intenso, I said, "Babe, let's go check Macy's right across the way and see if their prices are any cheaper." So, we did. When we got to Macy's, of course, their prices weren't cheaper, but guess what? They sold us a whole kit that included lotion and a travel size cologne. Also, they gave my husband a leather travel bag, some samples of other colognes and a few samples for me too! We didn't save money, we spent more. But, because we got "freebies" that we wanted, it was worth it!

This is a big one! Tanning. In the olden days, we would slap on baby oil or rub bacon all over ourselves. Now, we can't put enough SPF on and waterproof at that. Burning isn't an option! But wait, here's another first world problem, what about tanning beds? They are governed as to how long we can "bake" in them, but what the UVA rays that our bodies are still absorbing? Better yet, who has had a spray tan? First world problem, can't sit anywhere or move in bed too much so it can set for at least 24 hours.  See, the latest and greatest technology isn't always the best!

Is anyone interested in high fashion? Designer names? New York fashion week? Some of us have dreamed of this our whole lives. Now, thank you YouTube, we can have a front row seat, right next to the Kardashians and enjoy the whole event online, live!



We're on a roll now!

Remember how hard it used to be just to buy foundation? The beautiful, fluorescent lights of a grocery store, trying to find a mirror to hold the shade we thought would be best for us, up to our cheek. Good luck when you actually put it on! Now, we  can get an exact match to our skin tone for any level of foundation, cover up or face powder. With current technology, we don't have to guess anymore.


How did we EVER keep up with the changing makeup styles? Looked in magazaines, watched TV shows, any outside source to stay in the know. Now, we can search for seasonal trends, or year long changes.

Dare I continue with the old and talk about eyelash curlers?


Through modern technology, now, we can grow our own!

It's easy to see, we've come a long way in advancement within beauty, specifically relating to technology.

It's easy to see that we've come a long way in beauty, specifically in regards to technology advancements within the beauty industry. You only have to look at the things you use on a daily basis to notice that we are an ever evolving society. Are "oldies but goodies" just a phrase we use, or a concept and value we believe. What I've spoken about in this blog and the supporting pictures, was that so bad? What I'm trying to say is that, if we didn't know about all these advancements, we couldn't miss them 

Technology is an ever changing and always changing necessity in our lives. How we choose as individuals to let that necessity dictate our life, is a whole other blog discussion!

Any first world problems you can relate with or have?? Share them here! Would love to chat wit you!

Entry #5 – Wall-E or Wall-Gee?!? Technology, what is happening to our society?

If you’ve had the chance to watch the movie, “Wall-E,” great! If not, you should take some time out and watch it. This is where our future is headed. 

In the scene below, you will notice that the people of Dystopia, the futuristic city in the movie, are all consumed with their TV’s/Monitors/information gear. They don’t see what’s going on around them.  

Enough said, don’t want to say any more “spoilers!” Here's a clip from the movie, "Wall-E"

 

What do you think???

Is this where we, as a society, are headed?

If you are like most of my blog audience, you think that YOU are NOT obsessed with technology? Huh?!?

I can prove differently!

Let's think about the clip we just watched, what technology are the people of Dystopia obsessed with? Their monitors. Why? Because they keep getting streams of information.

Okay, let's flip to today! What piece of technology do we get non-stop streams of information on?

Our smartphones. Why? Because it's our most important mode of information gathering. It's how we keep in touch with family and friends. Our social media source. It's how we get our news, because let's face it, with Netflix and Hulu, who needs cable, right? What about Presidential alerts or amber alerts, or here in Arizona we get a lot of inclement weather alerts.

Safe to say it's our single most important mode of communication, 24/7, right? YES!

Still don't believe that we are a society obsessed with technology? Well, here's more proof:

How many times have you put your hand on your pocket, then smiled because you knew that your cell phone was with you and safe? Hmmmm??? Be honest!

Or how about, when you "think" you feel your phone vibrating in your pocket, you reach down pull it out and nope, no one called or text or messaged, nada! Your body is just giving you the sensation of your phone vibrating. But, we're obsessed thinking, oh someone texted me.

How about this, if you accidentally drop your phone it's almost like your phone stopped breathing. You're running around where's the battery? The back cover? Sweat running down your face, getting madder and more frantic by the minute until you turn it on and the welcome screen shows. Now you can relax!

Sebastian Maniscalco, one of my favorite comedians, says it best.

Where technology was and where it is now:

So, I leave you with this! Consider where our future is headed, based on how we live now. Don't be part of that statistic, be the exception! Make an effort TODAY, to spend more time talking with people, face to face/eye to eye contact. Make a resolution, no Facebook for a week! Can you do it? Let's NOT be the boy in the video, that can't take his eyes away from the monitor for one minute. Or the people you can't leave their information source, even to eat. Last question, how many of you have gone into the bathroom and realized you didn't have your phone and went back out to get it? It's okay, you don't have to confess, but that's a habit that's not easily changed.

Share your Success stories here! Would love to hear them. Questions, Quips or Qualms, open to it all!

'Til next time...Bye for now! 

Have to go charge my cell phone. 

Entry #4 – Your hair and you! Were you meant for each other?!?

Have you given thought to your hairstyle recently? And, yes, I’m talking to you too guys!

Let’s take a look at a female celebrity and a male celebrity and how they transformed their look over the years…

For example, DARE we talk about Rachel Green from “Friends?” Why not? Her hairstyle, “The Rachel,” has made her character a hairstyle icon for years!

The EARLY Rachel...

And the LATER Rachel...

Wow! What a transformation, right? But, notice she's still styling for her face shape!

Now, let's look at the Male Hairstyle Icon. Who is it?!?

The MANY changes of George Clooney...

 Again, we made our point! Same face shape, but many changing styles.

So, both of these icons that we've grown up with, have been the role models for hair through the eras. How then, does one decide what's right for them?

All in all, what it primarily comes down to is face shape and hair growth patterns. You will notice that in most of George Clooney's hairstyles, his hair naturally parts to the right. So, most of his hairstyles naturally go to the right. In the Rachel hairstyles, she has thick, primarily straight hair, so the styles that suit her hair best are those that frame her face and accent her jawline.

For you, these key points may be mute. In that scenario, let's take into consideration YOUR face shape.

Those who have a heart-shaped face, round, square, diamond, triangle, honestly there's a style for any face shape!

Here are some examples:

Some ideas of women celebrities and their hairstyles.











And, for male face shapes!








As you can see, the sky is the limit! What I've found with being in the beauty industry for many years, is most people knows what looks good on them. But, we are forever trying to keep up with the times. So, we always think we need to make changes!

I believe, if you are happy with your hairstyle, and it looks good on you, then go with it! Why do we have to change with every season? Or with the New Year? Let's be us and let's stick with us!

Change is good, but why fix it, if it ain't broke?
And here endeth the lesson!

Share your fave haircuts and styles below!

Entry #3 – “Do you wanna’ blow up a gas station?!?”

How many times have we heard, "Don't talk on your phone when you're pumping gas?" Too many times to count, right? Well, guess what? It's not true! You can safely talk on your cell phone while you're pumping gas and you won't blow up the whole gas station! Let's find out why...

                                                

There’s a little show I love to watch, it’s called MythBusters. Most of you probably haven’t heard of it! Oh wait, you have? HA HA…just kidding! Of course, EVERYONE knows about MythBusters. I think it's a great show and I’ve learned a lot watching their episodes.

Here is just one of my faves: 

Penny Drop from the Empire State Building

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHxvMLoKRWg&t=1m08s

Bottom line…it all relates to terminal velocity. Yes, the penny’s weight remains the same, however, the weight appears to increase simply because of the increase in speed on the way down. Of course, taking into consideration the height that the penny is dropped from, the speed increases exponentially which creates an impact that would appear to be that of a one-ton car or heavier.

After reviewing the article cited below of Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman who are the hosts of "Mythbusters," on the Discovery Channel Network, I was very intrigued by their deduction of and informative response to the myth about cell phones and the blowing up of gas stations. What I learned was that it isn’t necessarily about any one of us talking on our phone while pumping gas, but more importantly what we naturally do “while” pumping gas and talking on the phone. For example, if you are Italian, like me, you talk with your hands. No matter if I’m on the phone or having a conversation in person, my hands are naturally moving the whole time I’m talking. You might ask, “How does that have any impact on blowing up a gas station?” Well, let’s dissect that a little further. 

What are we doing when we are talking and moving our hands? Any ideas?

Two words…wanna’ play Hangman???

By Creating _ _ _ _ _ _   _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Give up?!?

Okay, here’s the answer: by Creating STATIC ELECTRICITY.

Yes! You guessed it! By creating static electricity, which happens naturally when we are moving. Our car then becomes the conductor of that electricity, which will create a “spark” of electricity.

What do we know about sparks that Smokey the Bear tells us? “

One little spark can create a fire!”

This stands true for electricity as well. That little spark of electricity can create enough of a spark to cause a fire. Which in turn, can ultimately blow up a gas station.

Without even recognizing it, our natural human movements and traits can lead to our downfall.

Ways to be Proactive in stopping this: Be mindful of your surroundings. Be on the watch for others and their actions. Be aware and watchful to help stop a catastrophe before it happens!

I learned a lot through this research and information, I hope you have too. Just knowing myself and my style of communication, I will avoid being on the phone during times when I’m getting gas, just to avoid the temptation of creating a spark that comes so naturally for me!

You can read the full article about Adam and Jamie's outcome of gas station and cell phones here:

http://www.businessinsider.com/mythbusters-coolest-tech-myth-2014-10

Share with me your thoughts and takeaways from this article as well.

Entry #2 - "The Decision!"

SO….Based on my 1^st Blog entry, as well as my research, I’ve decided that I would like the feel, tone and the interaction of my blog to be from a personal perspective.  In the next few blogs, I will take you into the mind and world of Pianti’s Passions!

Being a Cosmetology graduate (1600 hours), Aesthetics Instructor graduate with vocational certification (650 hours) and earning my Dermalogica Post Graduate Certificate of Achievement (100+ hours), I feel somewhat qualified to talk about everyone’s favorite topic, skin care. I know what you’re thinking, how does this apply to me? Well, the minute we grow out of our “baby skin,” the environment, as well as our genes are when everyday life starts to take its toll.

Notice how thick the baby's subcutaneous skin is?  Over time, this diminishes and changes the way our skin looks

TRIVIA QUESTION: What is the largest organ of the body?  Multiple Choice?  OK.

A.  Brain               B.  Stomach        C.  Lungs              D. Skin

Did you get it right?        D.  Skin

Do we take care of our other organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys? How much more should we tend to the largest organ of our body?  The skin!

People often make a joke, my gluteus maximus is the softest and whitest skin on my body.  Did you ever stop to think why???  Normally, that area of our body NEVER sees the light of day, in other words, The SUN!

FACT:  ONE of the biggest contributors to aging skin is sun exposure.

Little known FACT:  By the age of 18, most people have received 80% of their entire lifetime’s sun exposure! 

How? Vacations in the sun, Sunbathing, Exercise like walking, running or biking outdoors!  Those are obvious, but how about mowing the lawn? Driving your car? Walking into a store? All of this combined contributes to sun exposure.

So, with these two contributors, Sun and Aging Skin, what can we do NOW to stop or even reverse the process?

You remember the old saying, “You are what you eat?” Well, this involves the skin too. Eating healthy is just as important as what we put on our skin. For example, if you eat 5 tablespoons of tomato paste/sauce, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, daily, after 12 weeks your body would create a natural SPF protection against the sun! Amazing, right?   Read about the 25 Best Foods for Healthy Skin here 

Now, what do you put ON your skin?

Putting on sunscreen, EVERY single day, rain or shine is just as important as not leaving the house without being fully clothed. You’ve all heard about the UVA and UVB sun rays, right? Did you know that most sunscreens ONLY block the UVB rays?  So, the SPF relates to how much of the UVB rays are being deflected.  It’s the UVA rays that actually penetrate the skin and age us quicker.

Some suggestions on Sunscreen are...the higher the SPF is not always better!  For example, if it takes you 10 minutes to burn, then an SPF would be active protection for 2 1/2 hours on you.  Why?  10 minutes to burn times SPF 15 is 150 minutes of protection!  Web MD provides a great article that will take an in-depth look at SPF factors.  Check it out! 

All in all, my takeaway for you from this discussion is...no matter your age, gender, or nationality, it's very important to take precautions to protect our skin now.  Sooner rather than later!  You will thank me when people say how young your skin looks when you are in your 50s.

Again, I always welcome your comments, questions or information anytime!

Thanks for reading! 

Entry #1 - The Zany World of Blogging...

Welcome to my first entry into the world of blogging.  I was asked, what are my thoughts about blogging?  Honestly, I'd have to say I'm excited about the opportunity of blogging.  I've always wanted to Blog. Wondered, would anyone be interested?  After some random searches, what I found was that there is an audience for almost any topic!  How encouraging.  Write and let your audience take it in and enjoy!

I decided to dig a little deeper into the huge, crazy, zany world of Blogging!

Here are my personal reviews of three very different blogs, with three very different ideas of engagement.

Professional, yet a personal feel blog, is for Danny Brown.  This was an interesting website as it is classified as a professional blog.  Mr. Brown is a personal blogging consultant, Can't imagine that someone would pay money to learn how to blog personally/professionally? I guess this blogging stuff is bigger than I had imagined.  For some, I suppose it's a way of life?!? Interesting!!! Mr. Brown's website was quite engaging and user-friendly.  He seems to draw in his audience by asking you to click the "read more" radio button if you are interested in reading more of the article.  Genius way to gauge people's interests.


Now, onto personal blogs.  I assumed personal blogs would represent everything about a person that's personal and private, with some insider information.  Not so! A prime example of this is Ian Ender's blog.  It's concise, to the point and very matter of fact. I wasn't really fond of his blog page. Even though he takes out the "fluff" and only feeds us the facts, it was a bit boring. As if he doesn't really care about his audience's interests in his blog.  Obviously, he only states the obvious!

For example, here's just a cutout from his home page, which is his only page.

Remember, this is just a piece of his pic on his  blog.  But, if you look at this detail, it shares with us, the audience, insight into who the author, in this case, Ian Enders, is!

I guess like they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words!"

Finally, I wanted to review a corporate blog. Interestingly enough, corporate blogs seem to have a niche market.  No matter what their industry is. I looked at several company blogs until I happened upon Posse, an Australian referral service.  You search an area or an industry, and you will get recommendations for eating, drinking, shopping, etc.The owner, Rebekah Campbell, has a blog where she visits her many obstacles and challenges while trying to start-up Posse. One could almost say that her blog hinges on a personal blog, versus a corporate blog.  I suppose with direct reference to the Posse business, it's still "business as usual." I rather enjoyed her honesty in opening up and sharing her trials with the audience.  She keeps her tone within her blog, very professional while attempting to connect with a personal audience.

Overall, visiting each type of blog proved helpful in the type of blog and topics I would like to share. Also, great insight into the content that the majority finds useful like aesthetically pleasing, the level of knowledge shared and the visual engagement.

Hope this blog attempts to cover briefly, the areas that you will be writing about within your blog topics.

And, remember....there is a blog and a topic for ANY audience member!