Thai Spa Massages

Thai massages are one of the hottest “new” massages available in spas around the world, but they are well known in the far east as they originated in India where they were developed by Buddhist monks and introduced in Thailand over 2,500 years ago. Known for their healing and relaxing powers, Thai massages are based on Ayurveda and Yoga and use passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines, known as “Sen” to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. The intention of the massage is to guide the body, mind, and spirit into balance and harmony, providing an opportunity for self-healing.

Unlike many other well known massages, the Thai massage is practiced when you are fully dressed and many spas even provide you with a specific outfit to wear. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you feet. The therapist literally uses her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions, so in some ways it feels intimate, but it is by no means to be confused with sensual or sexual massages. Thai massages originated from spiritual tradition and their purpose is to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Swarovski Forever Ring

The most glamorous ring available from the Autumn/Winter 2009 Swarovski collection Passages of Night is the Forever ring. Its name says it all as this extraordinary piece is the ultimate perfection of sparkle, style and timeless class which will last Forever. The clear all around crystal is decorated with a cross band detail of glittering Golden Shadow crystal pavé. The ring is Gold-plated and it is priced at CAD $390. Judging by its price, this ring has got to offer something spectacular and it truly does. The combination of gold and clear silver adds an irresistible appeal that is stunningly special especially for the coming Holidays as well as for any other unforgettable occasion. I love the crystal band detail as it reminds me a princess ring and because of its sparkle in color, you can wear this with both gold or silver accessories.

Coco Rocha’s complete photo spread for Romeo and Juliet

For the December 2008 issue of Vogue, distinguished photographer Annie Leibovitz recreated the Shakespearean love tragedy Romeo and Juliet entitling it “Love of a Lifetime.” Famous model Coco Rocha plays the role of the dreamy Juliet and ballet dancer Roberto Bolle is Romeo. The 33-year old Bolle “possesses an inherent sensuality tempered by an aura of extreme refinement” and the dancer has also made modeling appearances for Salvatore Ferragamo and the Gap. Coco looks romantic and loving with the various dresses she wears in the Italian setting. This incredible play between the star cross’d lovers is brought to life by this beautiful photo spread. The complete story appears in the December 2008 issue of Vogue, which features Jennifer Aniston on the cover.

Gucci’s Heart Tattoo Bags for UNICEF

For its fourth annual campaign to benefit UNICEF, fashion brand Gucci launched special white versions bags of its Tattoo Heart Collection. All the bags feature the iconic Gucci heart and rose designs against the winter white beautiful color.

“I love the idea of a heart being tattooed onto the handbags,” says Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini. “It’s a permanent mark that you can wear with pride that stays with you. I think that represents very well what we are doing here. This is not a one-off program, but rather an ongoing commitment to the incredible work that UNICEF is able to achieve. It’s really our chance to give back.”

The Gucci UNICEF Tattoo Collection is available from November 19th to January 31st in Gucci stores in more than twenty countries. 25% of the sales will be donated to the charity which will assist in providing aid to orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa.

Manolo Blahnik’s Tattoo Fan

Manolo Blahnik may be one of the most famous shoe designers, but he appears to be a desired tattoo inspiration as well. During an interview for the Bergdorf Goodman magazine, the designer explains how a “pretty Southern woman” once asked him to sign her leg and then she made it more permanent by tattooing the signature. This gives a whole new meaning to wearing your Manolo(s) all the time!

Barbie’s Fashion Show on New York Fashion Week 2009

The most loved doll of all time and a true fashion icon in its own doll special way, Barbie is celebrating its 50th Birthday in 2009 with her own Fashion Show. Its parent company Mattel Inc will market Barbie as a fashion brand with a runway show in February 2009 during New York Fashion Week and will feature many designer collaboration to guarantee an unforgettable birthday. Fifty designers will produce life-sized outfits inspired by the doll. Famous designer Vera Wang will create a life-size wedding gown which will include Barbie wearing its own mini version too. Other designers include Jeremy Scott and Diane Von Furstenberg who will also make real life garments that reflect Barbie’s fashion world.

But the collaborations do not stop there as a little further east in Shanghai, the first Barbie Flagship store worldwide, the House of Barbie, will open its doors in 2009. The store is a 3400-square-meter-store and will carry Barbie dolls and all Barbie related products. The new Barbie collection will go on sale there and Mattel says that House of Barbie will encourage women and girls to “nibble on truffles, smear on pink-tinted mud masks and shop for clothes for themselves and their dolls”.

Mattel will also sponsor New York’s IMG organised Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. The senior vice president at IMG Fern Mallis explains, “For many young girls, [Barbie is] their first association with fashion and dressing up and changing clothes.” And what an amazing year for Barbie and all its fans worldwide it will be!

Limited Edition Heidi Klum Collection at Victoria’s Secret

One of Victoria’s Secret favorite angles, supermodel Heidi Klum has released a limited edition beauty line exclusively at the lingerie brand. The Very Sexy beauty make-up collection features five products and it is available at their website. Heidi paired up with Victoria’s Secret make-up artist Linda Hay to create the beauty line. The Heidi Klum Collection Blush ($22) offers a combination of three sparkly colors to deliver a pearl luminous appeal on your cheeks. The Silky Eye Shadow Quad ($20) features four silky powder eye shadows for a long lasting and crease-proof look. The Glitter Liquid Liner ($10) is my favorite as it is the perfect way to add some emerald and gold sparkle to your eyes. The Perfect Lipstick ($10) helps to hydrate and condition your lips with Vitamin E, Coconut Oil, and Tiare Flower and the Lip Gloss ($10) provides the desired shine whether you wear it alone or on top on your lipstick. The products are beautifully presented with Heidi’s signature and a little heart in pink and come in very soft colors for a romantic and natural feel.

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