Miss California, Alyssa Campanella won the sought out title last Sunday Night and was very shocked! She said she was, “like whoa!” After seeing her in person at the press conference after the show, I think she shouldn’t be shocked at all. She is absolutely stunning. She wore a Sherry Hill green mermaid dress that just brought out her red hair and beautiful smile. She said she was kind of scared because she was not sure with her red hair and green dress if she would look like a Christmas tree but she said it totally worked and she loved it. Her tough question about marijuana being legalized in California, had to be a doozy but, she answered very confident and said “Well, I understand why that question would be asked, especially with today’s economy, but I also understand that medical marijuana is very important to help those who need it medically,” she said during the pageant. Whew! I was sweating for her when that question was asked by one of the judges, Caroline Manzo, but she did it. She was a former resident of New Jersey, moved to California a couple years ago and now representing California, Alyssa owes it all to her Mom who got her into pageants since she was 15. The question was asked during the press conference, Star Wars or Star Trek? She said, “STAR WARS of course!” Why? Her Dad introduced it to her when she was little and loved it ever since! Of course she was talking about Padme and not Princess Leia like in my time! She was so sweet and very poised and she sure does it with finesse and class.

Before the show started, I was there to meet and greet all the judges and hosts for the evening such as Andy Cohen (Host and Executive Producer, “Watch What Happens:Live”) and Susie Castillo (Miss USA 2003,MTV VJ, Face of Neutrogena). My favorite moment was meeting the host of the evening, Giuliana Rancic (Anchor, E! News, and E!’s Fashion Police) because I have been watching her forever and it was just my moment. She is absolutely beautiful in person as she is on T.V. and very sweet. Loved her dress! She was really short on time but I managed to take a picture with her as well as with Rocco Dispirito my favorite judge. Not only is he handsome but, he cooks. What girl doesn’t like that?

Other  judges at the show were, Marcus Allen (Former NFL player and Hall of Famer), Tyson Chandler (2011 NBA Champion), Mariel Hemmingway (American Actress and writer), Penn Jillette (Penn and Teller), Lil Jon (American Rapper), Caroline Manzo (The Real Housewives of New Jersey), Zuleyka Rivera (Miss Universe 2006), and Suzi Wiss-Fischmann (Co-Founder of OPI Products).

Some of the celebrities that I met were: Holly Madison (star of PeepShow), Jeff Timmons (Star of Chippendales, former 98 Degrees singer), Tinie Tempah (British Recording Artist), Sharise Neil (Designer of Kandy Wrappers swimwear), and Eric Turner (Singer featured in Tinie Tempa’s song: “ Written in the Stars”).

Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrete was absolutely the most beautiful woman and I was glad that I got the chance to greet her. She was accompanied by former Miss USA Rima Fakih and Kamie Crawford, Miss Teen USA 2010 who was just beaming on Sunday night as well!

All of the celebrities were on a time limit so the best I could do was to say hi and take pictures. However, Kelly Osbourne didn’t seem to mind taking a picture for Beyond Beauty Basics. I still like you Kelly! She was rushed along to get to the show.

As for my first Red Carpet event, I learned a lot, took great notes on what to do the next time, and really just excited to do this again. I would like to thank all the assistance from the Miss USA Pageant staff that was really pleasant and very organized. I would also like to thank Photographer, James Bakalar for all of his photos. Well there you go. I think I have pageant fever so now I just need to get the wave down!

Tonight my friend, Lisa, joined me because we all know ladies its fun when you have a friend to go with. She was the perfect friend to ask!

I am always ready to learn something new about beauty, fashion or whatever is going to make me look better and younger! LOL! Who doesn’t want to know that, except my teenager who thinks she knows everything?! Okay…enough of the tweener talk.  Let’s talk shop. These are the booths that attended tonight:

Village/Health Club & Spas:  Mandy Campbell (Group Exercise/Pilates Director) about took me to another level in exercising! She taught me a little bit about Pilates tonight.  Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates in Germany, the UK and the USA. As of 2005, there were 11 million people practicing the discipline regularly and 14,000 instructors in the United States.  Thank you Wikipedia for the definition.  With Pilates you use your mind to control your muscles which increases your strength, flexibility and control of your body.  Well I found out fast that I need to really work on the flexibility part but I burned a little bit of calories as Lisa and I was sweating as we were holding our legs up in the air and switching it back and forth as our necks were tucked in and hands were extended at our sides moving them up and down in a fast pace.  It was just as much as a workout as you are reading this difficult definition of what we were doing! LOL! What I am trying to say is that if you want to do some serious Pilates look Mandy up. She is the real deal and she works over at the Village/Health Club in Scottsdale.

The next vendor that interests me was Planet Beach.  They have fantastic creams and lotions, drinks, and a whole spa that will leave your body feeling younger. I was really interested because after having three children and I am getting older, I would love to have something, actually anything that will make my body feel firmer and to get rid of cellulite!  They promise just that.  I get a free week for just tonight so I will let you know how that goes, so stay tuned.

Threading: I visited with Gina Bagby, Director of VIP Services, who works at the W Scottsdale Events and she told me I had to check out her girl who threads. Have you heard of it?  Joy Morjaria is her name and she really cleaned my eyebrows up with a method called threading. She uses this white string and moves it along your face to get rid of unwanted hair.  She reshapes your eyebrows so that it looks natural.  Her advice to me was that my eyebrows were too thin and too round. I agreed with her so she told me that I needed to grow it out in two weeks and come back to her.  She also told me to put Vaseline on my eyebrows to have it grow faster. Wow! Glad to know that little tad bit! Joy was just an awesome lady and she will be seeing me again in two weeks because after she reshaped my eyebrows, I could really see the difference.  I also met her awesome niece Risha who was there helping her.  Joy, for fifteen dollars to reshape my brows….I will definitely be there! If you don’t live in the Phoenix area I hope you can locate someone close by who can do this for you. It’s really a cool technique and a another option over waxing.

Bliss: You probably already heard of this full treatment spa.  They also sell a lot of lotions and masks. Their products always smell so clean and fresh!  I got a hand treatment from Jeni Pekar, esthetician.  She applied Triple Oxygen instant Energizing Mask that felt so nice and smelled like citrus which left my hand feeling like brand new!  You can also find their products at Sephora as well.

Lulu Lemon:  This is an all workout clothing and they have a store here in Scottsdale and their clothes feel amazing! I have been to the store and love everything from workout pants, tanks, shirts and much more. The contest for one of their awesome headbands was to see who can do planks the longest.  Planks is when you hold your self up from the ground with your hands and butt down, elevating yourself straight and keeping your balance with your feet.  I have to say I am very competitive and wanted that head band so Lisa, me and this other girl was ready for the competition.  Sad to say I came in second but the girls at Lulu Lemon said we were all so great and held that position the longest girls so we all got received a free headband!  Yay!

Neuro drinks were there as well. I am a fan of these drinks. To find out more about these fun drinks click on the name and find your local store that carries them.  My favorite is Trim because it tastes great and curbs your appetite! Who doesn’t love that?!

Pop Chips: These are great “Popped” chips that I thought was so yummy! I tried the barbecue bag and it was really yummy! One bag is 100 calories and there is no Trans fat or saturated fat. I enjoyed this snack very much! Try a bag if you can’t put down your current bag of chips! This one might be a healthier choice.

Another thing I want to try this year is spray tan.  Just to even everything out.  Bella Bronze is the company of choice this evening and they come to you so she had the tent and the spray ready in hand.  I wish I was clothed better for this one but I was not. I will have to wait another day when I could get in my bikini and get sprayed! I learned that you should probably do it in the morning because you can’t get wet or wear tight clothing for six to eight hours after you get sprayed.  You can still go into the sun and there are no streaks or funny discoloration. I was intrigued. I hope I get that done before a Vegas trip in the summer! I will keep you posted on this as well!

I met so many people and fun ideas to keep in shape and look your best! No wonder why all the celebrities look fantastic! You could too just a click away on to finding what is best and affordable for you! So make your wish and make it happen in 2011! Happy New Year everyone!

This ‘Night of Extravagance’ was not your typical fashion event with a runway and model cat walk, but more of an intimate showcase of Edwing D’Angelo’s most recent designs.  Around the lavender aroma smelling Molton Brown store were displays of what seemed to be the designers fall 2010 collection of evening dresses.  With a young, chic edge to his looks it is easy to see why FELA star Saycon Sengbloh is a fan of the designers work and was pleased to host the event. Saycon Sengbloh commented on the designs by saying “Edwing’s dresses are elegant and super fun to wear.”

My personal favorite of the night was piece displayed in the stores front entrance.  It is a little over the top but that was what I admired most about it.  I can see musicians and celebrities such as Beyonce, Hilary Swank or Jessica Biel walking down the red carpet in this dress with the exposed back and dramatic train of ruffles.

This new idea of taking fashion off the runway and showcasing it to an audience in a smaller setting is a new trend in the industry.  It allows people to appreciate the detail like works of art. Additionally it a bonus by being able to have the event at a beauty store like Edwing D’Angelo did at Molton Brown, having fashion and beauty together under one roof is a power combo. Overall the event was packed with friends, press, Broadway starlets and close family members; with that being said the night was a NYC hit and you can tell everyone was having a great time by the scarcity of wine!

Come join Clinique and Milly for a celebration of fashion and beauty and enter to win a pair of tickets to the Milly fashion show during New York Fashion Week! Anyone who attends the event has a chance to win.  No purchase is necessary.  Attendees can also sip champagne while Clinique Consultants pamper them with makeup looks that match their favourite Milly design, chat one-on-one with Michelle Smith and have the designer autograph their limited-edition Milly for Clinique bag.

The one-of-a-kind Milly for Clinique cosmetics clutch is filled with Clinique’s best of fall beauty and is available exclusively at Bloomingdale’s counters nationwide and at Bloomingdales.com with any purchase of $25 or more beginning September 1^st through September 19^th.

If that’s not enough Clinique fun for you, here’s additional Clinique Events during Fashion’s Night Out:

“Friday Date Night”:
What: Clinique hosts “Friday Date Night” to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out.  Consumers are invited to bring their significant others to get
their skin pampered and learn great skin care tips for both Women and Men.
Where: Clinique counter at Lord & Taylor, Fifth Avenue NYC and Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills
When: Friday, September 10th from 5-7pm

“Makeup Bag Confessions”:
What: Do you need help organizing your makeup bag? Let our Clinique experts take a peek into your bag and help you create your best look for fall.
Where: Clinique counter at Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Beverly Hills, Macy’s Herald Square, Macy’s Kings Plaza, Macy’s Parkchester, Macy’s Rego Park and Macy’s Staten Island
When: Friday, September 10th from 5-7pm

WONDERFUL THING! So save the date! Starting August 30, American Express Cardmembers will be able to register their cards online at www.americanexpress.com/entertainment to receive a $100 statement credit when they spend $500 or more at participating retailers, including Tory Burch, DVF, Intermix, Theory, Helmut Lang, and Domenico Vacca during Fashion’s Night Out and get their shop on in style! What a great offer! Thanks FNO for your love of my shopping addiction that you negotiated a deal with my favorite plastic card! I HEART FNO!

The unparalleled voice of singer, Macy Gray, gave us insight into her conservation of energy that she like’s to practice in her home. She truly portrayed a vision of what “Mother Earth” may be perceived to look like; her dress was made of all natural and creamy white organice fibers. As she sweetly walked the “Green Carpet”, she answered most questions in a whisper; humbled and honored to perform for The Origins Rocks Earth concert.

I caught a glimpse of the charismatic Ryan Star vibrantly lighting up the carpet even more than all the flashing bulbs. He is no rookie when it comes to “Being Green” raised in an Eco-friendly environment and taught at a young age about the importance of recycling and conserving energy.  Throughout his musical set, he was very vocal on his position as one of many Earth’s Soldier’s that is lending an every day hand in “Saving our Planet”.

I tried not to blush, as I spoke to AJ Crimson, MUA (make up artist) of celebrities such as Fergie, Missy Elliot, Pershia White, to Amerie and Christina Milian, as well as entrepreneur’ of Kissable Couture. With an aura as bright as his, I see how he not only has the skill to make people look radiant physically, but AJ Crimson projects radiance that gives his client that extra glow.  He works with every color of the rainbow in his pallet; ironically his last name is Crimson, as he rocked a pair of Red, Nike high tops and his favorite Marc Jacobs Jacket.

There were messages throughout the show, how WE the people can make a difference for ourselves, our children, and our world. Awareness is key, and I think that everyone that participated in coordinating the Origins Show shared their knowledge, talent, and passion to Save the Earth.

Suave truly had me thinking I was on a mini-vacation at the Mango Mandarin Bliss event launching the new Suave® Naturals, Mango Mandarin Refreshing Body Wash. For someone like me who is originally from the tropical Philippines and has mangoes and citrus running through my veins, I was in ultimate heaven as soon as I arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s MoBar in NYC. I was treated to a hand massage using their new indulgent body wash and the experience was invigorating. It was clear to  me that Suave has successfully formulated a product that can completely awaken my senses while leaving my skin soft and smooth.

A Little Dab’ll Do Ya

Hair oils were big this year; especially Argan hair oils. They were EVERYWHERE! It’s as if every company sat down together and decided everyone has to have a product that either contains Argan or is simply pure Argan oil. With so many products available, which one do you choose? Here’s my suggestion: Macadamia Natural Oil. I instantly fell in love with this product for a few of reasons. First off its’ got my Top 3 musts down: Great scent? CHECK. Light weight? CHECK. Non-greasy? CHECK. Besides all that, the macadamia oil used is PACKED with essential fatty acids and Omega 7 which replicates the natural oils our scalp produces for protection & replenishing. SU-WEET! Here’s the best part ladies and gents, I have an oily scalp and super long hair (great combo right?) and after using their products JUST ONCE my hair was soft, bouncy, and shiny. You can purchase these products online here, average product is about $25.

My WTF Moment

Paris Hilton Hair Extensions: Maybe I’m late to the game, but I don’t remember hearing anything about this product ever coming out which is why I was dumbfounded when I came across this booth (literally stopped in my tracks and spilt some coffee on my shoes). For some reason Dreamcatchers – a global beauty company specializing in new hair technologies, hair-care and personal care products – thought it would be an awesome idea to have Paris Hilton be the focus of their product. Is her image suppose to make me want to buy hair extensions (as oppose to vomit like it currently does)? Can someone please show me the market research on this? Am I alone? They were also selling “Paris Hilton Celebrity Styler” curling irons at the booth; which I tried in order to be fair to the product. It worked, but didn’t work better than any other regular curling iron. If you feel the need to have Paris Hiltons name on all your hair care accessories, you can buy the curling iron for $65 at http://celebritystyler.com/

A Sexy Good Time

Pino Natural Spa Therapy Massage Candles: This product blew me away at the show. The candles are made with high-quality natural waxes and soothing coconut oil; which is great for improving the skin’s elasticity. If you haven’t heard of a massage candle before, they’re a 3 in 1 product that serves as a candle, massage oil, and moisturizing lotion. I know your first thought, how hot are they? I have sensitive skin and even I thought they were mild. The melting temperature for the candle wax lies between 120 -140 °F, making it possible to apply the liquid wax composition directly on the skin for a gentle and warm massage. So go ahead and safely fulfill that semi-fantasy you’ve always had involving hot candle wax and hours of massages. Currently, Pino only sells to professionals but the sales rep told me the massage candle should be available in smaller sizes to the public soon. Can’t wait!

Mama Mia, Thats a Spicy…Shampoo?

Alter Ego was the outrageous Italy based company I was hoping to come across at the show. Their demos were filled with loud dance music, outlandish hair styles, and a throng of people by their booth (mostly due to the shampoo samples being thrown into the crowd by what looked like an Italian ShamWow guy). Their main sample was the Alter Ego Nourishing Shampoo which is fortified with – wait for it – tomatoes. Apparently, the yeast and bio-enzymes derived from tomatoes can be used to moisturize, reinforce hair at it’s roots, and faciliate detangling. I swear, I learn something new everyday. They also have a garlic hair cream treatment that supposedly leaves your hair super soft with rich peptides and mineral salts. You can purchase the shampoo/hair cream on the Alter Ego website for about $25 each.

It certainly was a night of celebration to see “The Cove” cast, director Louie Psihoyos, producer Fisher Stevens, Richard O’Barry and others from their crew enjoying such an honor. We had an amazing time speaking to a few of the attendees and finding out what they had to say about the film, including new “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Aiden Turner, Jerry Ferrara who plays Turtle on “Entourage”, Evan Handler from “Sex and the City,” Geoff Stults from “Happy Town,” and many more.

Jerry Ferrera:

BBB: What are your thoughts about “The Cove”?

JF: “It’s not just something you look at.  It’s something that opens your eyes to the existence of this situation. It makes you want to do something about it.”

BB: Do you think that “The Cove” nomination for an Academy award will make more people aware of this situation?

JF: “Definitely.  The nomination will open more people’s eyes to this ongoing problem. Yes, we can make a change and help this cause.”

Ben Stiller:

BBB: What are your thoughts about “The Cove”?

BS: “The film was well-toned and captivating.”

BB: What can the average every day person do to stop problem of dolphin slaughtering?

BS: “Don’t go to parks where they exploit the dolphins.  Don’t support the problem.”

Richard O’Barry:

BB: You have uncovered a dark secret about dolphin slaughter that many do not know is happening, how we can we help?

RO: “I’m going to Taiji Sept. 1!  Go to the website www.thecovemovie.com and be a part of the solution!”

Geoff Stults:

BBB: What did you think of this amazing film?

GS: “I loved the film! I want to do whatever I can to help. I’d like to get my friends and family involved too, by showing them this film and making them aware of the inhumanity to dolphins.”

The film’s publicist suggests that the young people of our generation need to be aware of this problem and make strides to help the cause.  Be aware and spread the word.