Female Winter Olympic athletes share medal-winning winter beauty tipsSo when top-performing athletes like skier Lindsey Vonn, ice dancer Tanith Belbin, speed skater Allison Baver and bobsled gold medalist Vonetta Flowers prepare for winter, they pay special attention to their beauty routines and have excellent advice on how to handle the winter weather and its effects on how women look and feel. Even in the cold, stay cool Rigorous activity, no matter how cold the temperatures, will make your temperature rise. To stay fresh throughout training -- or even on days off -- athletes want an antiperspirant that can keep up with their demanding lifestyles. The best options out there combine strong protection against odor and perspiration, and a fresh scent that will last throughout the day. "Antiperspirant is a must-have for U.S. Olympic athletes during training and competition," says bobsled gold medalist Vonetta Flowers. "Staying fresh and cool with Secret Clinical Strength Sport gives me confidence that I can be dry and comfortable all day long." Show off your hair With cold winds whipping through their hair, Winter U.S. Olympic athletes know just how dried out hair can get. Their hair products have to stand up to some of the most extreme conditions because when the helmet comes off, or the spotlight shines on them, they want their hair to look its best. It often takes more than just one product to maintain healthy locks through the trials of winter weather. "I'm in and out of hot and cold environments throughout the winter, which strips moisture and is tough on my hair," says Lindsey Vonn. "I like the way Pantene Ice Shine keeps my hair moisturized and looking great." Beat dry skin The lack of humidity in the air throughout the season is also a concern. Even normally well-balanced skin throughout the year calls for extra effort to keep it moisturized in the winter. Winter U.S. Olympic athletes rely on products that help to keep their skin soft and supple."I spend a lot of time in a cold arena and my skin gets very dry. I love that I can start fighting dryness in the shower with a moisturizing body wash like Olay Body Wash with Body Butter Ribbons," says ice dancer Tanith Belbin. A shining moment As winter weather tends to be windy and drying, lips may also feel parched and flaky. To keep lips looking shiny and fresh, these athletes use a gloss to add some sheen and keep them looking their best. "I like Covergirl ShineBlast lip gloss because it gives my lips beautiful shine and lasts for hours," says bobsled gold medalist Vonetta Flowers. Because they are always on the go, training across the country and competing around the world, these U.S. Olympic athletes look for products they can find easily, even when they're away from home. To keep your look in gold medal condition, take the extra steps that will fight off the beauty-diminishing effects of winter. Courtesy of ARAcontent |
Top 10 kitchen and bath trends for 2010To compile the findings and determine the latest kitchen and bath trends, the organization surveyed those members who designed a kitchen or bathroom during the last quarter of 2009. According to NKBA, the top 10 trends for 2010 are: 1. Shaker style kitchen design 2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes 3. Quartz countertops 4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets 5. Polished chrome finishes 6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers 7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads 8. Marble vanity tops 9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks 10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes In the kitchen Making a big statement throughout the kitchen in 2010 is the addition of functional drawer appliances. One such example, which has been specified by nearly a third of NKBA's kitchen designers, is modern refrigeration technology. Turning convenience into a luxury, under-counter refrigerated drawers feature adjustable horizontal and vertical dividers to keep frequently used items close at hand. Perfect for the ultimate entertainer, refrigerated drawers are quite roomy, typically tall enough to store a 2-liter bottle and wide enough to hold items such as serving trays and pizza boxes. If you're tired of running the dishwasher when it's only half-full, consider installing a dishwasher drawer. Because it's independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens, as well. Another popular element to include in the kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pull-out faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers, it's an easy way to make a design statement at the kitchen sink while increasing functionality. The new Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen seamlessly brings simple sophistication to the kitchen with its transitional styling that complements virtually any decor. It's available in a chrome finish, which is another 2010 trend to look for in appliances, accents and hardware throughout the entire kitchen. For more information about the Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636). In the bath Granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels - used by seven of every eight designers - however, in 2010 alternative natural materials, like marble, will continue to grow in popularity. According to NKBA, just under half of bathroom designers utilize marble, as it provides a sophisticated look that's reminiscent of Roman baths with its regal, refined detail that exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marble countertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface - ideal for child-friendly bathrooms or homes with just one bathroom that see a lot of traffic throughout the day. NKBA also forecasts that integrated sink tops will be a popular choice this year, as you can easily use existing items to achieve this look. By adding a sink into an antique dresser or chest, designers are creating one-of-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent of all clients. Polished chrome finishes are another bathroom design trend for 2010. Look to incorporate this chic metal accent into all your hardware by updating the accessories in your bath, as well. You'll be able to make a big impact with small updates like new towel bars and robe hooks, for a completely coordinated look. Courtesy of ARAcontent |