January, 2012

The holidays have come and gone. I got everything I could ever want in my life, and I am so blessed and happy! However, with the new year brings a new list of beauty goodies, so here’s what I recommend for positively beautiful gift ideas of 2012.

1. Stila.  I love their $25 holiday lip glaze set (It’s a $110 value, so you’re saving a ton!) There are 8 amazing glosses in the set.  Add a lip gloss with a card or a bottle of wine and you’re set!

Another great gift from Stila is the Daydream Palette (at $111 value but only $18 online!). This is perfect as it has every color on the rainbow, so any of your girlies will like it.

I also of course have my Lightning Rose Candles available for sale, which make perfect gifts! You can get them in everything from Lavender and Vanilla to Amber and Jasmine scents. You can purchase for a special price of one for $10 or three for $25! Please email lightningrosecandles@gmail.com to place an order.  There is very speedy delivery to all US states and I can ship International with easy payment through Paypal!

2.Chanel Nail Polish: Chanel Denim-inspired nail varnishes are all the rage! The colors are so hot, they sold out fast. Chanel only made them available in store and online for the month of September, as it was a “Fashion Night Out” exclusive. They named them “Les Jeans de Chanel” — just the name is amazing! If you didn’t get a chance to nab some back in September, great news! Check out  www.ebay.com and find them there.

3.  Sugary Smelling Perfume As many of you know through my beauty blogs here on Positively Celebrity, I love sugary smelling perfumes and mists. I went to Victoria’s secrets the other day and discovered this!

It’s a flirty-fresh fragrance sensation that you spritz on in the scent of Candy, baby! They say it’s an indulgent duo of spun sugar and warm vanilla and they are SO right. It smells much like yummy candy mixed with vanilla and is my absolute favorite. I didn’t have time to buy it so that’s why it’s on my list for 2012! It’s also a bargain at $12 or special the for only $25, at www.victoriassecret.com.

Happy New Year to all, 2012 is going to be very special!

Love and light,

Emily Lightning Rose

@emilyrosetv

Awards Season 2012 is officially in full swing, and Hollywood’s biggest stars came dressed to impress for Sunday night’s Golden Globes!  As one of the first major red carpet events of the season, A-list fashionistas were setting trends worthy of a double take.  Here’s a rundown of the biggest trends that we’re definitely going to see this Awards Season!

Black & White

The classic color combination is reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour.  Best Actress winners, Claire Danes and Kate Winslet, looked stunning in sophisticated black and white gowns with sexy and feminine twists.  Kate went for a refined Jenny Packham gown with flutter sleeves, a keyhole neckline, and Swarovski crystals at the waist.

Claire literally turned heads in her modern J. Mendel column gown with a daring open back covered in sparkling rhinestones.

Bold Blues

The hottest color on the red carpet was like a dazzling sapphire gem, with starlets making dramatic statements in striking shades of blue.  The voluptuous Sofia Vergara stole the show in a body hugging custom Vera Wang mermaid gown with cascading ruffles and draping.

“The Artist” actress, Berenice Bejo, looked amazing in a vibrant cobalt blue Gucci strapless gown and a matching vintage clutch.

Sleeves

From the runway to the red carpet, Hollywood’s latest fashion trend is sleeved dresses.  Best Actress winner, Michelle Williams, was an image of romantic elegance in a navy velvet embroidered gown by Jason Wu.

Best Actress winner, Laura Dern, sparkled in an emerald Andrew Gn gown with a plunging neckline and belted waist.

If you’re looking for a special occasion dress and want the Golden Globes look for less, check out Faviana.com.

Known for recreating the best celebrity red carpet looks, the design team at Faviana is currently working on replicas of Angelina Jolie’s custom Versace stunner, as well as Jessica Alba’s lavender embroidered Gucci gown.

Both will be available in the next 6-8 weeks with prices starting at $250!

My favorite movies are Purple Rain, Grease, and The Bodyguard. Call me lame, but it makes perfect sense that as a music enthusiast, I hold in high regard movies that rock … literally.

And those who best know me are fully aware that getting me to go to the movies is like asking me to exercise without my iPod. Chances are, I’m not gonna do it.

But despite being void of the musical-like themes to which I’m usually attracted, when the Red Tails hype hit, I knew this movie was a must-see for me.

Starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Terrence Howard and fully funded by George Lucas, Red Tails tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American pilots who fought during World War II as part of the United States military. The film highlights the Airmen’s plight to be recognized for their valiant combat service during the tumultuous Jim Crow era.

The well-written screen play (John Ridley and Aaron McGruder) seamlessly introduces its cast of colorful characters. Each soldier has his own set of memorable nuances, and observing the spectrum of their personalities makes you feel as if you’re hanging out with a group of life-long buddies. From Ne-Yo’s (Andrew “Smokey” Salem) lovable southern twang…

…to Terrence Howard’s (Colonel A.J. Ballard) strong-willed temperament…

each character’s liveliness makes even mundane soldier tasks seem interesting.

Red Tails aerial combat scenes were extraordinarily breathtaking. From bullets hitting the planes’ canopies to spectacular nose dives from simulated altitudes, the sophisticated special effects create impressive, authentic battle scenes. Only Avatar and Star Wars have boasted more special effects than Red Tails.

Considering the prejudices Tuskegee Airmen faced, Red Tails could have easily been heavy with negative rhetoric. While the film does acknowledge the Airmen’s obstacles, it focuses more on their triumphs as brave, All-American heroes.

A positively, awesome movie that will encourage older generations to reflect on the past and will inspire younger generations to be hopeful for promising tomorrows!

Sunday’s Golden Globes carved out two clear front runners for the upcoming Oscars race:  the black and white silent film “The Artist” and the family drama starring George Clooney, ”The Descendants.”

Each film won it’s category for Best Picture; “The Artist” for Comedy or Musical, and “The Descendants” for Drama.

Each of the films’ lead actors also won their Best Actor category; George Clooney for Drama and Jean Dujardin for Comedy or Musical.

“The Artist” bested everyone by bringing home the most globes, three, with a win  for Best Original Score.

The Globes are looked to as a barometer for what we will see for the rest of awards season, so expect both films to be showered with statues and speeches.

The Oscar nominations will be announced on Tuesday, January 24, and following that both George Clooney and Jean Dujardin are nominated in the same category for the SAG Awards on Sunday, January 29.

Does all of the critical praise movies receive around awards season make you want to go see them?  Leave us a comment and let us know!

Red Carpet season 2012 is officially underway!  The Golden Globes did not disappoint as they kicked us into high gear for the rest of the awards season.  Here are my picks for the best moments from the Globes:

1. Brangelina works the red carpet

WOW!  The couple owned the red carpet upon arrival, thanks in part to Angie’s “all eyes on me” look.

2. William H. Macy & Felicity Huffman’s little ditty

Instead of following a boring script, the adorable husband and wife team sang a little song (in two-part harmony) to introduce the nominees for “Best Supporting Actress In A TV Series.”

3. Octavia Spencer’s win

Everyone loved her in “The Help,” and it was such a deserving win!  She seemed so genuinely nervous and appreciative, and I love that she quoted Dr. Martin Luther King on the anniversary of his birthday.

4. George & Brad’s bromance

There was a major bromance happening between George Clooney and Brad Pitt last night!

They introduced each other’s films for the Best Film Drama category, and during George’s acceptance speech for Best Actor, he showered Brad with more (verbal) love.

What were some of your favorite moments from the Golden Globes?  Leave us a comment and let us know!

With the start of the New Year comes the realization that we’re even closer to the theatrical release of some majorly buzzed-about films!  Here’s the skinny on what I’m excited to see in 2012:

The Hunger Games, March 23

Jennifer Lawrence stars in the adaptation of the popular young adult novel series.  I have only started reading the book (I’m definitely reading the book first this time – I learned my lesson at “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”), but I’m excited for this one.

Katniss seems like a cool chick – and I love a butt-kicking heroine!  I’m also intrigued by the unexpected choice of casting Elizabeth Banks as a villain…with pink hair.

The Dark Knight Rises, July 20

The Bat is back.   It’s the last time Christian Bale is suiting up, so I’m hoping that this one goes out with a bang.  I have loved Christian Bale’s portrayal of Batman, as I have been uber attracted to him since “Newsies,” circa 1992. This time, Anne Hathaway joins him as Catwoman…could it get any better?  Um yeah, it could, since Oscar-winning Best Actress Marion Cotillard and the adorable Joseph-Gordon Levitt also have roles.

Breaking Dawn Part Two, November 16

Bella is back for the last time and finally, FINALLY as the vampire she always wanted to be.  I’m hoping they don’t skimp on the special effects, since some of them were pretty cheesy in Part 1.  Although I’ll inevitably be sad when it’s all over, I really can’t wait to see Bella and Edward’s love go to a whole new level, share in the joy of their daughter Renesmee and see Bella try out her new powers.  I’m getting giddy just thinking about it!  We do know the identity of the actress who plays Renesmee – Mackenzie Foy – but we haven’t seen one photo from the film that already wrapped some time ago…details please!

The Great Gatsby, December 25

This is my favorite book!  I love reading and re-reading the story every few years, and there’s nothing better than envisioning the cars, clothing, and fabulous parties…except actually seeing it!  I cannot get over what amazing actors have been cast; Leo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Macguire almost guarantee us an amazing movie.

The first photos have been released, and the costuming is beautiful.  What more could you want? Other than for it to be Christmas already?

What films are you looking forward to this year?  Anything we missed?  Leave a comment and let us know!

So it’s a new year and I’m sure we’re all full of resolutions. Most people’s main resolution usually involves fitness and bettering themselves. On a side note…my resolution this year? To have blackberry free dinners! I don’t mean to be one of those people (ugh, I totally am, I admit!) but unfortunately if my phone is in my eye line, I just have to pick it up. Even if nothing important is really going on…it’s just habit for me to pick it up and scroll through my messages. This year it’s staying in my bag when I’m at dinner — I promised myself!

But back to my blog. A very common resolution is to work out more.  I would actually love to get the “numbers” for gym membership sign-ups in January — I bet it’s a positively crazy compared to other months. I would also love to see the numbers on all of the people that sign up, go crazy the first month or two, then basically give up…which means they are having to pay a monthly fee until they can cancel the membership.  Not cool So instead of wasting your money on a gym membership this month, give personal training a go!

I like personal training with a fitness expert named Robert Torres because he comes to me — how cool is that?! There are many benefits to that other than just convenience.  The main thing for me is that I’m literally allergic to gyms…I feel like I am, anyway! I hate walking in and seeing 55 people on a treadmill and another 50 waiting.  It’s like a rat race and automatically makes me want to walk out. Other people’s sweat on machines also doesn’t tickle my fancy, plus I hate being watched when I’m making a “omg-I’m-in-major-pain” face.

In life, I always find things are more fun when shared and enjoyed. A friend can really motivate you, especially on a day when you’re feeling really lazy.  So why not share a trainer? If you are share a trainer, it’s usually cheaper if you do two people at a time, so if you’re looking to duck out I’m sure your friend will change your mind pretty quickly! Training with a friend also takes the intensity off.  Add a friend, some support and some laughter…and the workout just seems easier.

I’ve been training with Robert for a little while now, but in this new year my friend Erin wanted to get a trainer. I automatically advised Robert of her interest and he came up with the genius idea of doing a very cost effective buddy training session. We met at my house, (he comes with all the equipment necessary, including weights and resistance bands.  First, he took us outside for a 5-minute warm-up run, then back inside for all our other exercises (we were hurtin’ the next day, trust me!)

We both explained our problem areas and he came up with a plan to suit us both. We completed a full body workout from squats and jumping jacks to sit-ups and some deep stretching to end the routine. The hour flew by as me and Erin basically moaned and giggled and kept saying “what 5 more reps, really?!” Robert didn’t take any of our complaining and made us rally on each rep.

So the moral of the story? Find yourself a workout buddy and set a goal together to NOT GIVE UP! If you’re in the Los Angeles area, schedule a personal training session (with or without a buddy) with my fitness expert, Robert Fitness at bodywork_la@me.com.  You can also follow him on twitter @bodyworksla. Pricing is based on individual, duo or group training.

Happy 2012, everybody! What are your specific fitness goals? Comment below and let’s check back at the end of the year to make sure you achieved them. DREAM BIG – you can do it.

If you or someone you know has given birth in the past several days, congrats on the new addition but regrets on having your momentous occasion Kanyed by the arrival of Jay-Z’s and Beyonce’s Blue Ivy Carter.

Born into a pop culture Camelot, the birth of B and Jay’s little girl has trended on Twitter, kept its place atop Yahoo! searches, and inspired proud new Papa Hova to record a beautiful new song called, “Glory.” Featuring none other than bound-to-be-a-star, Blue Ivy’s, vocals, Jay-Z’s “Glory” divulges intimate details of Baby Blue’s conception.

Even if you’re not a fan of the couple, you’ll appreciate the heartfelt, daddy to daughter tribute.

I cried the first, second, and third times I listened to the song. Enjoy.

T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle

I have admitted before that I am as much a junkie for reality tv as I am for music. So when VH-1 announced the launch of “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle” reality series, I was both excited and cautiously optimistic.

I was excited about the show because I have been a T.I. fan since his rougher-around-the-edges, “24s” days.

I was only cautiously optimistic because, with T.I.’s checkered past of arrests and extended prison stays, I wasn’t confident a reality show starring The King of the South would depict him positively.

Those concerns were quelled quickly once I got hooked on the “Hustle.”

A devoted father who teaches his kids the value of working hard to earn a living, a loving husband who showers his wife with emotional support in her personal endeavors, a smart business man who’s actively involved in his entrepreneurial pursuits is T.I. in this no-holds-barred series.

He shows regret for making the bad decisions that put him behind bars and expresses humility for being “cool” enough to take the stage alongside Taylor Swift. T.I. and Tiny’s colorful personalities will make you love watching their hustle, too.

Where’s the Beef?

Some say it’s an old school rapper’s attempt to reclaim his relevance, and others will say it’s a new school artist’s campaign to defend his brawn, but either way it’s beef. And it’s between Common and Drake.

In November, Common released single, “Sweet,” where he implicated Drake for being just that with his sing-song rap style. In his rebuttal song, “Stay Schemin,” Drake declares his sing-rapping doesn’t make him a “b*tch” as claimed by Common. Not to be out beefed, Common remixes “Stay Schemin” and slams Drake a second time.

All 3 tracks are below. Listen and let me know which rapper has won this war of words so far!

Pop singing sensation Selena Gomez has announced that on January 20th she will be performing a charity concert for UNICEF at the House of Blues in West Hollywood!

“Giving back has always been important to me,” she said in a statement. “This concert allows me to connect with my fans in person which is one of the best parts of my job and to raise money for important causes at the same time. I can’t think of anything I would enjoy doing more.”

This won’t be the first charity concert for Selena Gomez, who in 2009 at the age of 18 became UNICEF’s youngest goodwill ambassador, joining the ranks of Joel Madden, Dayle Haddon, Lucy Liu, Clay Aiken, Marcus Samuelsson, Summer Sanders, Alyssa Milano Sarah Jessica Parker and more.

The teen idol and current girlfriend of global wunderkind Justin Bieber performed for UNICEF in 2011, and she has traveled with the organization to Ghana to help bring clean water to the third world country via the Celebrity Tap Project as well as released multiple items via her clothing line, Dream Out Loud, to help raise funds.

Tickets to Selena’s concert at the House of Blues are currently available via Ticketmaster.com and not only will she be performing, but she will also be bringing multiple special guests to the event! Don’t miss out on what is sure to be a very entertaining evening for a very good cause.

All of us here at Positively Celebrity are amazed at all that Selena Gomez has done with UNICEF, and can’t wait to see her show! To get the scoop on all that the singer has going on with her very hectic schedule, please visit SelenaGomez.com and to learn more about UNICEF, please visit unicefUSA.org.

As always, be sure to check back for all things celebrity from Richard Munassi right here at Positively Celebrity!

It’s a new year and our televisions have been taken over with new shows!  I love when the mid-season premieres start so I have a whole new batch of shows to watch, review, and love.  Just this week I’ve seen two new shows to report back to you about, and they have two things in common: they are both about fashion and they are both named after the main character, but that’s where the similarities end.

“It’s A Brad, Brad World,” premiered Monday on Bravo, and I’m already a raving fan!  The docu-series follows Brad Goreski, formerly Rachel Zoe’s style director, who was heavily featured in her Bravo reality show “The Rachel Zoe Project.”  Now that he’s gone solo, we get to see much more of his hilarious personality.  Throw in his boyfriend of ten years Gary who loves to display his dry (and twisted) sense of humor, and you’ve got a hit!

The show centers around Brad’s brand new career as a freelance stylist, trying to gain celebrity clients and styling magazine shoots (and p.s., it is ALL about his signature bow tie and glasses!).  Brad also auditions his first would-be assistant in the first episode, which didn’t go so well.  The trailer for the rest of the season looks fab; lots of travel, tears, and fashion!  Can’t wait!  ”It’s A Brad, Brad World,” airs Mondays at 10pm EST on Bravo.

“Jane By Design” premiered Tuesday on ABC Family, and centers around sixteen-year-old unpopular high school student Jane (played by Erica Dasher).  Jane loves to make her own clothes, and when she attempts to interview for an internship with a fashion label in New York City, she accidentally lands the job as the evil boss’ assistant, (evil boss = Andie McDowell!).

This happens to be opportune timing since her older brother has failed to pay the mortgage since their father’s death, and mom isn’t in the picture.  The half days at work (you know that doesn’t really happen anywhere, let alone fashion) give Jane some much-needed space from a mean girl/bully who her best guy friend is secretly hooking up with.

The show is much like ABC Family’s other dramas; a great looking cast with some serious problems that somehow seem light and lovable, soapy situations and fierce wardrobe, hair and makeup.  While “Jane By Design”  may not give a completely accurate portrayal of high school or the fashion world, we love their take on it.  ”Jane By Design” airs Tuesdays at 9pm EST on ABC Family.

Will you be tuning in for either of these fashion-themed shows?  Leave us a comment and let us know! And be sure to check back often for more of the latest tv news and reviews from Megan Stecher, right here on Positively Celebrity!