Photo by: foxtongue

Do you have a passion for sharing what you know and like?

Does writing about parenting, decorating, finances, health & beauty, technology, travel, recipes, product reviews or heck, anything else that women like to talk about when they get together appeal to you?

Have you ever considered blogging for us?

We’re looking to expand our writing staff and are in search of fun and passionate bloggers to create and maintain topical blogs.  We’re looking for women that can help us grow this blog into its full potential as a resource for all things women.

You don’t have to be a pro, but you do have to love what you do. Blog topics can be just about anything, you just have to have the passion for what you will blog about and a willingness to learn. We’re looking for bloggers who can commit to posting at least a week and can follow our editorial guidelines.

If you’re interested in writing for ConstantChatter in 2010, please drop us a note with your strengths, some sample topics and your blog URL if you’re already blogging.

Right now I’m into saving money (who isn’t?), getting ready for the fall semester at college, and splurging a little on some summer refreshments. Accordingly, here are my five favorite things at the moment:

Almost-Free French Tips – Buy the french-tip white, paint on your best first try-tips, and don’t fret when your lines aren’t good. Or even if they’re pretty bad. Get out a small, flat makeup brush (I use an eyeliner brush) and your nail polish remover. Dip the brush in the remover and drag the brush back and forth carefully along your nail to create a perfect, clean edge. I’ve been happily painting my own french tips almost weekly since catching this neat trick.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce – Cheap and incredibly tasty, homemade spaghetti sauce is also extremely easy to make. I haven’t bought pre-made sauce since discovering this recipe: Mince 1 clove of garlic, then heat in a few tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil starts to bubble, add a can of tomato sauce (crushed tomatoes also work nicely),na dash of salt and pepper, 1 bay leaf, a dash of cajun seasoning, and a few teaspoons of basil. Simmer for 30 minutes but stir often. Remove bay leaf, and you’re done! You can also stir in cooked ground beef or turkey for a meat sauce, or add cooked frozen ravioli for a semi-homemade twist.

Bolthouse Farms Soy Drinks – I discovered this brand by accident while browsing the produce aisle a few summers ago. The drinks come in varieties from smoothies to veggie juices, but I love the soy milk kind the most – especially the Vanilla Chai Tea. This type has the light taste of chai tea with a creamy vanilla aftertaste. It always seems like I’m drinking something very bad when it’s actually fairly healthful (a little sugary, true, but I like to pretend the other nutrients balance it out).

Cramster.com – This website is a lifesaver for students, especially distance learners who tend to lack the advantage of working out practice problems in groups or in class. Find your textbook (they have over 200 listed) and browse through thousands of fully-worked solutions to practice and homework problems. I practically lived on this website while taking a math course online, and I know I’ll be coming back for the fall.

Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Wash – Most of the time my body wash selection during trips to the store could be one of a few kinds. I’d never really settled on a particular brand or scent. After finding Caress’s Evenly Gorgeous, I’ve been hooked and have made a bee-line to it on the aisle every time I run out. It smells heavenly – not too perfume-y and not too soapy — and the scent stays on your skin for hours.

In no particular order:

V-MODA’s Vibe II with Microphone - These ear buds are awesome!  I’ll admit, I’ve got those wacky kinds of ears that typical ear buds fall out of.  This set is great though, as it not only comes with three different sizes, but it also comes with two different styles, so you’re bound to find the right fit.  I also love that it can work with my iPod and the newer BlackBerry phones (sadly, not my Pearl).  So there’s no longer any need to carry both a headset for the phone and for the iPod.  The V-MODA Vibe II covers both bases without that pesky cord that loves to get tangles.  This one has more of a softer, fabric cord that has much more movement and just lays better on you (especially when you’re driving).  Of course,  it doesn’t hurt that it comes with a carrying pouch…love that!

Mighty Mendit - (warning: link will immediately start playing video) I’ve been on a decorating kick at my house.  Basically, I’ve been playing around with curtains, valances and drapes and Mighty Mendit has gotten me through it all.  So easy to use.  I’ve actually been looking in my closet for anything to use it on, but so far, nothing needs mending.  But I do have more window coverings to get to

Duri Miracote - Through the years, I’ve found that if frequently reapply my top coat on my nails, both my manicures and pedicures last longer.  The Duri Miracote is actually my favorite top coat thus far.  It’s quick to dry, which  means I’m less apt to smudge.  This is good as I’ve been known to ruin entire pedicures by not allowing ample drying time.  And it’s got a good shine too, not too glossy, but doesn’t get dull either.

Glass Nail File - A while back I picked up a glass nail file to keep in the car.  I figure that when I need a file, I could be assured that it wouldn’t be too worn if I went to glass.  Since then, I’ve picked up one for the bedroom, one for my desk and one for my purse.  These things are great.  They leave such a smooth edge and file down the nails quickly and cleanly.  And again, every time you reach for it, you can trust that it won’t be worn down or dirty (they’re washable).

Debbie Meyer Green Bags – I know, I know, yet another “As Seen on TV” product.  I picked this up at Walgreen’s one day figuring what the hell.  We can’t seem to keep bananas longer than a day without them starting to turn brown.  I couldn’t keep veggies crisp and fresh beyond two days.  These things are all they’re cracked up to be!  I can keep fresh salad greens for about two weeks in the fridge…heaven!  Our bananas now last a week at least.  I think this is the best $10 I’ve ever spent.  I noticed that she now how bread bags too.  And well, for some reason, our bread tends to get moldy before we get to it (surprise).  So of course, I picked up a pack – though I haven’t yet used it.  I have high hopes for those bags though.

BONUS: Spray ‘n Wash Bright & White – I know the list is all about five of my favorite things, but after folding my laundry, I couldn’t not add this one as well.  I’ve been using the Spray ‘n Wash Bright & White for a couple of weeks now and wow, what a difference!  You see, I have to do our laundry at the laundromat and while it’s nice to be able to get multiple loads of wash done at once, things tend to get grungy. Fast.  Just a couple washes with this stuff and our whites actually look white again.  No more grey socks and towels.  I’ve been telling all my friends about it and figured I might as well add it here as a bonus.  Trust me, if your whites are dingy, give this bleach-free product a chance.

Five Things I’m Loving Right Now

Plants vs. Zombies - This game has become seriously addicting, and I’m only playing with the free trial! (The full version will run you $19.95 and is worth every penny!) Basically you defend you home again invading zombies by planting a peashooters, wall-nuts, cherry bombs, and other equally unique flora. Of course, each zombie has a different ability which can be best combated by a specific combination of plants. My personal favorite is the obvious (but unmentioned) tribute to the late King of Pop who raises other zombies for a dance number! Later in the game, the sun sets making planting much more difficult and obstacles such as a swimming pool and fog are added. As Edge Magazine put it, “PopCap has splashed spectacular imagination over every tiny element…9 out of 10″.

Days at the Library - Ahhhh!! One of the few places I can safely venture out of the house with both kids in tow! For the kids it’s playtime, getting new books and movies, having lunch with grandma…for me, it’s an escape. While the kids play in the loft in the children’s department, I get a few quite moments to myself. This summer, it’s been a place of education and socializing with new friends for my daughter. My son has finally really discovered books that entertain him for blocks of time beyond throwing them out of the pack-n-play. I have taken the time to really reconnect with a friend through a weekly Bible study entitled Java with the Judges (part of the Coffee Cup Bible Studies series). So much enjoyment in a short amount of time that doesn’t cost my family a dime…..who wouldn’t love that?

Freeing Myself of Clutter - The last week has been declutter bootcamp at my house. In the first night, DH and I through out 2 bags of stuff! We were able to set aside another two boxes to be put on eBay or Craigslist, and the car is now loaded up with 5 boxes of clothes that no longer fit to be sold at consignment or donated to the Salvation Army! I cannot tell you how freeing this is. Being the pessimist I am, I cannot help but think about all the work and decluttering I have left to do but now it’s without the overwhelming feeling of “so much junk I don’t know where to start”.

My Kids - I know I put them in my last blog post, but it’s more true now than ever before. I recently suffered a miscarriage, and while it’s been one of the most painful things I’ve gone through, it’s taught me to value my two children I have with me that much more. My DD stepped up and helped out so much when I spent the two and a half days off my feet (between bloodwork and results). DS was beyond well-behaved! I couldn’t have asked for better kids during the time Mommy was “sick”.

Naturallycurly.com - Back in April, I stumbled upon this site, and I have since been forever grateful! After reading through the information presented there and this thread from CC, I decided to take the plunge and throw out my shampoo! The bathroom is now stocked with Regis Design Line Tea Tree Conditioner, Essencia White Lotus Conditioner, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, Apple Cider Vinegar, Kraft Olive Oil Mayonnaise, and LA Looks Mega Hold Gel. I still haven’t found my exact combination of products, but since ditching the shampoo my hair has gone from a somewhat straight frizzy mess to lots of waves with a few corkscrew curls thrown in for fun!

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The bride promised that you’d be able to wear that bridesmaid’s dress again.  But let’s be honest, it’s just sat in your closet for the past three years taking up precious closet space.  Well, it’s about time you do something useful with all those old gowns and coordinating accessories.

The Cinderella Project is dedicated to building the self-esteem of underprivileged teenage girls by taking your gently worn formal wear (think bridesmaid and prom dresses) and passes them along to underprivileged teenage girls for prom.  The premise of the Cinderella Project is simple: collect formal  dresses, shoes and handbags  and give them to girls in need for the prom season.

Every spring, the “fairy godmothers” from The Cinderella Project provide hundreds of young girls with beautiful dresses and accessories for the upcoming prom season.   Many major cities have a Cinderella Project that serves their local region (just do a quick Google search). 

This year let someone else wear that dress again and help out a local young woman by donating some of thoe old, space-wasting gowns and accessories.  You’ll not only be helping the girls, but you’ll be helping yourself to some extra closet space. It’s a feel good experience for you both.

Photo by: 96dpi

As a licensed esthetician and spa founder/owner, I get asked a lot of questions by our clients and many times I hear similar topics come up repeatedly. One thing I get asked quite frequently is about the use of oil in products and on the body, particularly for people who have oily or problematic skin.

First let me explain a few basic facts…

There is a difference between oils and essential oils. Essential oils rarely cause break-outs or interfere with the skin’s natural functions, and in skin care products they are usually in small concentration. Carrier oils like jojoba, almond, avocado, safflower, and sesame oil are very different from essential oils, and are used either alone or as a base for other ingredients. Many products on the market are oil emulsions.  An oil emulsion-based product has a combination of water-based ingredients and oil-based ingredients, which are then “forced” together to create the product.

Let’s talk about how and when to use oils on your skin.

On The Face

Oily-skinned people should usually use water-based products on their skin, particularly products that remain on the skin like moisturizers and masks. Combination to dry skin types can use emulsions or products that contain certain oils to maintain hydration on the skin. A cleanser that has some oil in it can actually draw out impurities by melting away dirt and oil on the skin and rinsing clean.

My favorite cleanser is Bioelements Sensitive Skin Cleanser, which has an olive oil base along with safflower, hazelnut, jojoba oils and lavender essential oil. This is amazing for dry and combination skin types, and I have also gotten great results for oily or congested skins because the oil in the skin “sticks” to the oil in the cleanser and then disappears without stripping the skin dry. I would not use this on acneic skin because I would rather address the bacterial issues, but on blackheads and congestion it works well and I combine this with a deep cleanser for best results.

For moisturizers, a product that contains some oils helps to preserve and protect your skin like a natural barrier. One of my favorites is Bioelements Sleepwear, which is an emollient crème that contains cranberry seed oil to protect the skin and promote elasticity, bergamot oil which is antiseptic, and jojoba oil which is healing and hydrating. These oils give the skin a supple, soft feel and protect your natural moisture barrier, like a skin band-aid. It also contains a variety of amazing anti-aging ingredients.

Another favorite moisturizer is Eminence Organics Fire Thorn Treatment, which is a rich cream for dry skin types that contains Firethorn oil for firming, corn germ oil to enrich and nourish the skin, and grape seed oil which is an anti-oxidant and moisturizing ingredient.

For oilier skin types, Bioelements created a lotion-gel version of the Sleepwear cream called Oil Control Sleepwear, and it contains only the bergamot oil which is antiseptic, as well as the other anti-aging ingredients. Another light moisturizer for oily skin types is Eminence Organics Tomato Oil-Control Gel, which contains jojoba oil to nourish and hydrate, and lavender essential oil which is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial.

If you have drier skin, look for something that has higher concentrations of oils and emollient ingredients, things you will see higher up on the ingredient listing. If you have oilier skin, make sure oils are lower on the ingredient list, and look for essential oils like lavender which kill bacteria.

Don’t assume that oil is always a bad thing, even for oily skin! Many oils have healing properties that are effective and helpful ingredients in a product.

On The Body

The needs of the skin on your body is quite different from your face often times. Since most people shower every day, and usually in hotter water than is recommended, moisturizing after the shower or bath is an excellent way to preserve your skin and prevent dehydration. The ideal time to moisturize your body is right after the shower, when you have lighted patted down your skin but it is still warm and moist. Picture that your skin is like a sponge…have you ever tried picking up a spill on your counter with a dry sponge? Doesn’t work very well, does it? The sponge needs to be slightly moist in order to effectively pick up moisture, and your skin is the sponge in this analogy.

A few of my favorite body lotions and creams are our own Skin Haven Triple C & E Body Lotion, which is a light but hydrating product containing hazelnut oil as the main carrier/barrier ingredient, avocado and evening primrose and and jojoba and kukui nut oils for increased skin hydration, rose hips seed oil to repair skin’s natural moisture, carrot oil which has vitamin A to ensure fresh and youthful skin layers, and lemon and orange essential oils for a uplifting aromatherapeutic scent. Eminence Organics Mandarin Grapefruit Body Butter, an emollient and delicious product containing jojoba oil which has one of the best absorption rates for hydrating the skin. Eminence Organics Mimosa Champagne Body Lotion is a lighter product containing orange essential oils which are detoxifying, calming, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory AND support collagen formation and regeneration, and contains avocado oil which is an anti-oxidant rich in proteins, amino acids, and vitamins A, D, & E which regenerate skin cells.

The Bioelements Vitalization line has a rich body cream that contains botanical oils such as Apricot Kernel, Canola, Olive, Rice Bran, Grape, Black Currant, Sunflower Seed Oil, Bergamot, Cardamom, Clove. These ingredients provide moisture, add softness and suppleness, provide radiance to the skin, and create an aromatic experience, especially on warm skin.

Here in Los Angeles and throughout the country, we tend to live in a dry environments, with forced air on throughout the year, whether it be air conditioning or central heat.  Because this can be rough on our skin, remembering to infuse your skin with moisture to replenish what the environment has depleted is very important.   And remember, don’t always assume that oil in your product is a bad thing.

Sharōn Ronen is a licensed esthetician and the founder/CEO of Skin Haven Spa Studio & WellSpa in Los Angeles. Ms. Ronen has been recently been published in Day Spa, Skin Inc., and American Spa Magazines, and several blogs and e-zines and is also available for spa consulting services. For more information log onto www.skinhaven.com or call 323.658.skin. For more information, visit SkinHaven.com, leave your comments or send in your questions.

12/21 – PAMPER YOUR DOG HOLIDAY PACK

Time to treat your dog like the spoiled pup that he is with this pampering package including a bag of Yummy Chummies Dog Treats, the sweet smelling Tropiclean Luxury 2-in-1 Papaya pet shampoo, Evanger’s Whole Chicken Thighs for dogs, and 3-pack Sticky Sheets to pick up all that loose pet hair in one pass.  Perfect for your favorite dog lover.

12/22 – CLOSET CONTROL BOOK

Wardrobe consultant to the stars, fashion journalist, and style guru Barbra Horowitz is on call for a little clothes therapy. With expert guidance and extremely practical how-to’s, Horowitz shows how simple it is to send your fashion-happiness quotient into the stratosphere. She outlines the personality traits common to all clothes hounds, describes her unique fashion philosophy, and introduces her core concept of “eco-selfishness:” working with what you already have to get what you really want by revamping, recycling, and reselling. Throughout, there are easy instructions for restyling clothes along with sidebars packed with streamlining tips and case studies of real-life wardrobe renovations. Plus: the book includes a full-length DVD of a real-life closet therapy session!

12/23 – MIXED ROCK CD PACK

For the music fan in your life, check out these three acclaimed acts: Alice Smith, Johnathan Rice and Framing Hanley.  Your sure to find a new favorite song in this mix of CDs.

Everyone has a travel dream. For many it is hitting the road for an extended time, either here or abroad,
But many also dream of that great family summer getaway. But how many people actually get from the dreaming to the doing for that great trip? Here’s a list to inspire you to go live your personal vision of a road trip dream.

BRAINSTORM WHAT YOU WOULD WANT TO DO ON YOUR TRIP
Get everyone in on the act! Consider all the possibilities – they’ll be time later to narrow it down. The best ideas usually come from lots of ideas being tossed around. Consider how long you can be gone – really think about it, it may be longer than you initially think. Can you work on the road? Home school for awhile?

PICK A THEME OR TWO
Once you have identified all the ideas you might enjoy doing, there is a sad reality: you can’t do it all. So organize those groups of ideas into a “theme” for your trip. Maybe it is seeing some national parks, or seeing baseball games in major-league stadiums, or working on your photography skills. The ideas are endless depending upon your family’s interests. Be sure to pick some things that each person really wants to do.

RESEARCH YOUR IDEAS
Now the fun begins. To further refine your ideas, get on the Internet and browse, order visitor guides from the locations you plan to travel in, buy some books about your destinations, talk to people who share your passions, subscribe to some online “newsletters.” Get excited, get motivated to go and again – get everyone in on the fun.

ENLIST FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Even on a two-week family vacation, there are things left behind that need tending to. Watering the plants, feeding the animals, checking on aging parents, and the list keeps going. Let people know you are going to be away and get folks to help with these chores – and more.

DECIDE ON YOUR MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
More research is in order. What kinds of places do you want to stay? Do you want to move every day or stay in one spot for awhile? How important is it to have lots of your belongings with you? Do you have a suitable vehicle? Consider renting an RV or large SUV just for the trip. All of these issues will influence your choice of transportation.

DEVELOP A BUDGET TO MEET YOUR GOALS
Few of us have the luxury of unlimited travel funds, so at some point you’ve got to figure the costs out. We’ve developed a cool spreadsheet to help with that.

MAKE LISTS OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO LEAVE ON YOUR TRIP
The longer the trip, the bigger the list. There is so much to think about that it may seem overwhelming. You begin to doubt that you can make it happen. But you can. Just take a deep breath, and work through it step-by-step.

PICK A DATE TO LEAVE AND START WORKING TOWARD IT
This is VERY important. Once you have a real date to leave, everything will begin to fall into place and your trip will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. People will help you; you will have a special theme and trip to plan on. Then, before you know it, you will be on your way.

CONSIDER EMERGENCY PREPARATION
You can never really “plan” for emergencies – or they wouldn’t be emergencies! But you do need to think through things like insurance, medical and even legal issues in case something should happen along the way. Make sure someone at home has pictures of all of you (and you of each other), a description and picture of your vehicle and stay in touch with someone every day or so. Remember, no one knows you there, or will miss you if you don’t arrive at your destination – unless it is the relatives. Prepare and forget about it – don’t obsess.

SAY GOOD-BYE AND HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!
The work is done and the date is drawing near. Let your friends throw you a going-away party or two if you are going on an extended trip. Take pictures and exchange e-mail addresses in order to stay in touch. Give them your website or blog address, so they can follow your travels. Wave good-bye and embark on the journey of a lifetime!

Excerpted from Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a year for the cost of staying home ©2004-2008 Phil and Carol White. If you’ve liked what you’ve read here, be sure to enter for your chance to win Carol and Phil’s Roadtrip Dream Book Pack.

Are you looking for inexpensive ways to decorate this holiday season.  The Party Goddess has some ideas to share with you…

Think Like a Beatle – Or at least his wife. Currently Yoko Ono has a “Wish Tree” project installed in cities around the world because when she was a child in Japan she used to write wishes for the coming year and leave them in the temple. Why not create your own wish tree? Cut out squares of paper and pre-string them. Invite guests to write their wishes for the new year on a card and place them on your tree (or in a vase). Then, when the holidays are over, save the cards and put them in a scrap book to whip out the following winter.

Get Personal – Place card holders should be fun and festive enough to glam up the table while also letting guests know where they will be sitting (think individual snowflakes, ornaments or even mini evergreens tied with beautiful ribbon scraps and each person’s name).

Collect it Yourself -Take a nature walk and pick up fallen branches, evergreens and pine cones. Take interesting branches and evergreens and “flock” them using the store bought canned stuff or spray paint pine cones silver. Don’t forget to use spray adhesive to add a little extra glittery fascination. Create a centerpiece or buffet decor with what you found and adorned.

Re-Purpose What You’ve Got – Tired of your old holiday gear? Why not just switch it with a neighbor? You deliver two boxes of ornaments or supplies to them and they deliver two boxes to you. That way the house will feel totally festive and no one has spent a cent!

Or Just Reorganize Your Manpower – Don’t feel like switching with a friend? Then why not simulate your own version of Trading Spaces? Pull out all of your usual holiday decorations and have a few close friends or family members decorate your place using your own stuff (then of course you do the same for them!) Tuck things in unexpected places like the bathroom windowsill or even the counter of the master bath. You’re guaranteed not to get stuck in your same old holiday decorating rut.

Remember that we all have so much to be thankful for so put on a big smile and go out and spread some holiday cheer. I promise, you’ll feel a million times better!

These lifelines are brought to you by The Party Goddess! Hip, cool events from concept to completion. They’re L.A. based but always happy to travel.  Check out their blog for ideas that you can do at  home.