Features

Interview & GIVEAWAY: Dr. Ian Smith On Shredding Pounds Once and For All!

January 7, 2013

Now that we’re a full week into the new year, are you still on track with your resolutions? If you’re like countless Americans who’ve made the commitment to get in shape this year, Dr. Ian K. Smith’s new book, Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—Six Weeks, Four Inches, Two Sizes, will make it easier to keep your promise, and keep those pesky unwanted pounds in the past.

The New York Times best-selling author’s latest effort serves as a comprehensive weight-loss manual. Think of it as a book version of a hard-nosed personal trainer and nutritionist, outlining in reader-friendly detail what it takes to well, shred those hard-to-ditch pounds. From stressing the importance of meal planning to strategic ways to switch up workout routines to increase weight loss, Shred doesn’t skimp on articulating the methods and techniques needed to complete the six-week program. Plus, it includes easy recipes for delicious smoothies, soups and stews to help maintain the plan.

But don’t be mistaken, this isn’t your typical diet book. There are no gimmicks to getting in shape. It takes hard work, dedication and will power to see successful results as the former “Celebrity Fit Club” medical expert expresses throughout the book.

I recently spoke with Dr. Smith to discuss Shred, working with the president and his favorite pig-out food!

The Shred: Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches

Shred: The Revolutionary Diet—6 Weeks, 4 Inches, 2 inches; Available here, $15

BGG: What sets Shred apart from your other books?

Dr. Ian Smith: It’s all of my best strategies in one place!

BGG: Tell me your thoughts on the key to losing weight with Shred.

DS: It’s not really a diet, it’s a way of life. It’s about a way of living. A lot of people think that they should go on a diet if they’re going to a reunion, birthday or on vacation. It’s fine to lose weight for those purposes, but I am interested in you losing weight permanently and for long-term healthy reasons, as well as aesthetic reasons.

BGG: Why is it so difficult for individuals to lose those last few pounds?

DS: When you’re so close to your target weight, it’s in general just more difficult to lose weight. People who have been successful at losing weight reach a plateau because they’ve done what they’ve been doing and their body has settled in and now they have to shake it up. The body has to see different foods, different quantities, etc. That’s what “Diet Confusion” is all about. “Diet Confusion” is about keeping the body off kilter so that you keep your metabolism going and your body won’t get adjusted to the same foods.

BGG: What do you want to convey to women about weight loss?

DS: I want women to know that weight loss is possible and weight loss is possible through making lifestyle changes. It is not about gimmicks to get those last few pounds off because once you stop the gimmick, the weight is going to come back. It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding a way to eat and exercising comfortably. It’s about making smart choices and balance.

BGG: Did you always want to work in the healthcare field?

DS: I always wanted to be a physician since I was a little boy; so my dream has come true. I was supposed to be a surgeon, but I got into weight loss and nutrition by accident. I was a columnist for Time magazine and a lot of my readers would and in questions about diet, weight loss and supplements. In order to fulfill the needs of my readers to understand in a complicated and frustrated marketplace I started becoming an expert in nutrition and weight loss.

BGG: Tell me about your involvement with President Barack Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

DS: We (ambassadors for the White House) go around the country whether it’s on TV, in schools or churches to spread the importance of getting people to eat better and exercise more.

BGG: You’ve had many notable accomplishments throughout your career. What makes you the most proud?

DS: I think the 50-million pound challenge and having the ability to enhance the national dialogue about the need for us to lose weight and to be healthier. I think that was a big deal.

BGG: We all know that you’re incredibly fit, but what’s your indulgence when you just want to pig out?

DS: I was recently on “Rachael Ray” making barbecue steak, buttered mashed potatoes, and honey glazed carrots!

Watch Dr. Smith cooking in the kitchen below:

Be sure to follow @DoctorIanSmith on Twitter for daily health tips, quotes, etc.

Is losing weight one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, leave a comment below and you could win a copy of Shred! One lucky reader will be randomly selected and announced later this week!

Category: Featured, Features, Giveaway, Giveaways, Health, Interviews, Travel & Lifestyle, Uncategorized, Wellness | 6 Comments

Interview: Oscar James Talks Party-Ready Hair, Hollywood Styling and Trends

December 27, 2012

There’s no denying that Beyoncé, Halle Berry, Tyra Banks and Vanessa Williams are naturally gorgeous. But like the rest of us, they get a little help from professional hair stylists to amp up their beauty. At some point in each of their careers, Oscar James has been that stylist.

For over 20 years, he’s styled some of the hottest stars in Hollywood. From magazine covers to monumental career milestones, James has made sure that his celebrity clients always turn heads. I recently caught up with the Emmy-winning stylist to talk go-to styles for the holiday, dry hair and more!

Check out the Q&A:

BGG: I know that you believe that taking care of the scalp is the foundation to having beautiful, healthy hair. What’s the best way to treat excessively dry scalp?

OJ: Look for nourishing shampoos and conditioners that really focus on the scalp and include vitamins and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter. After washing, make sure you condition your scalp properly to help lock-in moisture. You’ll want to use a lightweight oil to moisturize dry areas of your scalp on a regular basis. A great option is CLEAR Ultra Shea, a new line of shampoo, conditioner, and treatments (oil and balm).

CLEAR Ultra Shea available here; $5.99 (each)

BGG: Many women are beginning to transition from relaxed to non-chemically-straightened (natural) hair. What protective styles do you recommend for women during this process?

OJ: During the transitioning process, the hair can be fragile at the “break line” or the point where the relaxed and natural hair strand meet. If you’re going natural, make the transition easier with styles like braids, weaves and wigs.

BGG: Now that most of the country has entered into cold-weather territory, how can we prevent our hair from becoming dull and brittle?

OJ: Make sure that you use a deep conditioning treatment on your hair and scalp every two weeks. It’ll hydrate your scalp and protect your hair. You can use the heat from a heating cap or hood dryer for 15 minutes to help seal in moisture.

BGG: With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, what are simple yet festive styles that readers can try at home to dress up their hair?

OJ: The holiday season is the perfect time to go all out with something very chic and glamorous. Right now, I love the top knot and a high ponytail. It’s the perfect ‘do for a holiday party or a night out dancing. It’s a great way to look chic while partying the night away because you won’t have to worry about sweating your hair out because it will be swept up and off the face. The best style always comes back to starting at the right end of hair, the scalp, so make sure that you pay attention to your hair and your scalp.

BGG: You’ve styled some of the most glamorous women in Hollywood, what’s your all-time favorite look?

OJ: I’ve worked with countless celebrities during my 20 year career span so it’s difficult to select a favorite look! One of my favorite looks was Halle Berry when she won her Academy Award. It was just such a special day and to be included in history in that way was (and is) priceless.

Halle Berry during her acceptance speech for winning the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 2002 Oscars.

I also love Vanessa Williams on the cover of the October 1994 issue of Essence. It was one of my first covers and is still one of my favorites. Then, there’s the New York Times Magazine cover with Tyra Banks. It still takes my breath away. Sometimes everything just comes together and that cover was one of those times.

Tyra Banks on the cover of the Tk issue of the New York Times magazine.

Tyra Banks on the cover of the June 1, 2008 issue of New York Times Magazine.

BGG: What hair trends do you predict will be huge in 2013?

OJ: I’m not big on trends. I feel that healthy, well-nourished hair and scalp are always in fashion. The goal is always healthy hair that shines and is full of body.

Follow Oscar James on Twitter: @OscarJamesHair

What do you think of his popular styles for Halle and Tyra? Do you have your style planned for New Year’s Eve?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Hair, Halle Berry, Interviews, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

BGG Chats w/Oyin Handmade’s Jamyla Bennu

December 12, 2012

I’m always on the hunt for new natural products that are made with our hair and skin in mind. When I heard about Oyin Handmade (I know, where have I been?) I knew it was a line that I had to try!

Created by wife-and-husband team, Jamyla & Pierre Bennu in 2001, Oyin has become a coveted brands amongst consumers who appreciate quality, hand-made (no mass manufacturing here!) all-natural hair and body care products.

From herbal “juices and berries” conditioners to almost good-enough-to-eat ash-fighting whipped puddings, Oyin only uses the finest “good-for-you” ingredients to keep our hair and skin looking good. Plus, the packaging is fun, fresh, and incredibly eye-catching.

Jamyla Bennu

I recently caught up with Jamyla to talk Oyin’s loyal following, entrepreneurship, and more!

Check it out below:

BGG: With so many natural beauty care brands in the marketplace now, why do you think your customers keep coming back for more Oyin Handmade?

Jamyla: We work hard to make awesome products that are simple, packed with nutrition, effective, and great smelling. We think folks keep coming back because the products help their hair be the best it can be. But with limited distribution people do go out of their way to get our goodies, purchasing online most of the time; and we think they are willing to keep doing that because we make the experience fun and rewarding for them. It’s another thing we work very hard at—thanking our customers for their business with personable customer service and communication, little gifts in the packages, fun packaging, and a sense of connectedness with the people whose hands make the products. As a smaller-scale company, that fun and the personal connection is something unique that we can offer.

BGG: I know that all of your products are individually special like your children, but if you had to choose one that you’d recommend for everybody what would it be?

Jamyla: Yes, this is a tough one. Maybe the Honey-Hemp conditioner, because it’s such an all-purpose workhorse of a product. You can use it to deep-condition, to co-wash, as a leave-in and as styler.

Honey Hemp Conditioner, available here; $12

BGG: How does the Oyin philosophy of only using natural and “good-for-you” ingredients translate into your overall lifestyle?

Jamyla: I live for nutritional density, not using ‘filler’ in my products or my diet. Every ingredient in our products has work to do, and I strive for the same in the foods I eat and feed my family. For instance, why ‘spend’ my carbs on nutritionally vacant refined or processed starches when I can choose healthy whole grains, brown rice, etc.? That being said, I’m a believer in balance. I feel food offers us an opportunity for both nourishment AND enjoyment—and if you want to ‘spend’ some of your belly space on a decadent dessert or a treasured comfort food, I think that can be satisfying emotionally if not nutritionally (laughing). The key is balance, education, and making sure our bodies’ needs are met.

BGG: Did you always have aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur?

Jamyla: I’ve always valued freedom and creativity, but didn’t always know how to arrive at a career where those attributes came in handy. I arrived at a small business career quite through trial and error.

BGG: What’s been the key to successfully balancing your business and family life?

Jamyla: I don’t think anyone has the ‘key’ to that. We are still working to achieve that balance every day. Having a partner who is a full team player in business and home is vital.

Whipped Shea Butter available here; $10

BGG: What are the advantages and disadvantages (if any!) of working with your better half?

Jamyla: I can’t think of any disadvantages. It’s one of the things we enjoy most about our lives.

To get your hands on these awesome products, click here!

Have you ever used Oyin Handmade products? I’m obsessed with the Sugar & Berries pomade (it’s even included in my Holiday Gift Guide)!

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Hair, Interviews | 2 Comments

In Case You Missed It: Fabulous Celebrity TwitPics of the Week!

December 7, 2012

Check out this week’s fabulous photos from some of our fave celebs! Have a wonderful weekend!

Jamie Foxx and Oprah

Laila Ali with her babies.

Terrence J and Kerry Washington

Melanie Fiona

Alicia Keys with her husband, Swizz Beatz.

Laz Alonso and Megan Good on the set of their NBC series, “Deception.”

Shaun Robinson and Usher.

What’s your favorite photo from the bunch!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Celebrity Photos, Featured, Features | 4 Comments

Prevent Chapped Lips with L’Occitane

November 29, 2012

I usually don’t suffer from chapped lips, but so far this season my lips have been drier than the Sahara Desert! Luckily, I have an arsenal of treatments to slather on my lips when they’re in need of TLC.

Balms are great at keeping lips moist and supple throughout cold-weather season, but sometimes certain brands leave behind that icky white residue. That’s why I’ve been obsessing over L’Occitane’s Limited Edition Mango Flower Lip Balm for the past few days. It’s chock full of natural ingredients such as organic shea and mango butters. Plus, it manages to hydrate and soothe my lips without creating that nasty film that gathers in the creases. Its non-sticky formula makes it stand out from so many others that I’ve tested.

If you’re on the market for a bomb lip balm, this is by far one of my faves!

L’Occitane Shea Butter Mango Flower Lip Balm available here; $12