Halloween Trends: Five Easy Steps for Skeletons Scary and Sweet

The skeleton is a very popular Halloween costume, especially the trendy and colorful dead skull candy look. 9037 Salon wants to share with you some easy Halloween make-up tricks that will have you looking scary or sweet in a flash. A few supplies are a must. You’ll need white and black cream base foundation, available at your local Halloween store, a black and gray pencil liner, black and grey eye shadow, cosmetic sponges and makeup brushes.  For a more colorful design, replace the black foundation and liner with the color of your choice.  Add extra features to make your look a little more unique, or if you’re going for the skull candy vibe, draw on flowers and funky designs that are sure to turn heads at any Halloween gathering.

• Step One: Apply the white foundation with a cosmetic sponge and cover your face, lips, and neck until you have an even amount of coverage.
• Step Two: Using a concealer brush, apply black (or color you chose) to your eyes making a circle from under your lid to right below the eyebrow. Fill in completely using your sponge if necessary.
• Step Three: Apply black (or color you chose) to your nose. Use the black liner to draw on a skeletal nose, and fill in with the black makeup using the concealer brush.
• Step Four: Apply black (or color you chose) to your cheeks.  Suck in your cheeks to accentuate your cheek bones, and follow under your cheek bone with the sponge to give cheeks a sunken in affect.
• Step Five: Create lips using the black liner to line the place where your lips separate, extend the line to where the black cheeks begin on each side. Make little vertical lines about a half an inch apart across the lip line you just created.
• Step Six: Keep it basic or customize with colorful face paint, glitter or glue on rhinestones. The possibilities are endless!

9037 Salon is located at 9037 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV. 89117.  For information on makeup design help, call them at 570-7108.

Slide Into Summer – The Return of Wet ‘N’ Wild

By Heather Turk

There are plenty of great ways to cool off during those scorching Las Vegas summers: go for a swim, eat an ice cream cone, crank up the A/C. But if you’re looking for a fun way to beat the heat and add a big dose of nostalgia to go with it, Wet ‘n’ Wild is back in town and here to stay.

The Wild Side

Memorial Day weekend will herald the return of the world’s most famous water park brand as Wet ‘n’ Wild opens an all-new $50 million water park near the I-215 and Sunset Road. This updated edition of the iconic park, once a prominent fixture on the Las Vegas Strip, will feature more than twenty-five ingenious slides and attractions, promising a different experience from its previous incarnation that hopes to attract fun loving families from all over. “There has been a tremendous amount of evolution in the water park industry [since the Strip Wet ‘n’ Wild closed], and Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas will have the opportunity to bring some of these innovative rides to our guests,” said Trevor Wilson, director of marketing and sales for Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas.

The new Wet ‘n’ Wild combines some of the industry’s top rides with traditional water park favorites like the Colorado Cooler lazy river and Red Rock Bay wave pool, the latter of which was named by Las Vegas resident Ted Stringer in an online contest. Other innovations include the Constrictor, a fan favorite at other Wet ‘n’ Wild parks that was recently voted a Top 5 water ride by the Travel Channel show Xtreme Waterparks. Boasting the tightest and highest banking turns in the world, guests will rocket to speeds of up to eighteen miles per hour as they slip and slide their way down an enclosed flume into a series of corkscrew turns on a multi-person raft.

Other memorable attractions include Canyon Cliffs, a slide which sends riders on a gut-wrenching, free-fall drop from more than four stories in the air; and the Hoover Half Pipe, an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride that takes the notion of whitewater rafting to the next level. Guests drop fifty-seven feet before being shot up the side of the Hoover wall and back down again, experiencing the rush of sheer weightlessness before exiting into the calm waters below.

But the most eagerly anticipated fixture has got to be the Rattler: a three-person experience featuring forty-foot drops. The brainchild of leading water slide developers WhiteWater, it’s the first slide of its kind in North America. “What makes the attraction so unique are the two Rattlers riders will enter as they make their way down 360 feet of fun,” said Wilson. “Each Rattler will provide them with different sensations as they oscillate back and forth throughout the tube.”

While there’s no shortage of thrills for park guests, Wet ‘n’ Wild also boasts several tamer attractions for families. In addition to the 1,000-foot-long lazy river, there’s an interactive children’s area on Splash Island featuring five fun zones, nine slides and a huge timed tipping bucket that spills 300 gallons of water onto eager guests below. Young visitors can also avoid the three-foot waves of Red Rock Bay in the shallow end, which has lighter, gently rolling swells.

The hot temperatures and long days of summer can be unbearable here in the desert if you can’t find the perfect way to cool yourself off. Thanks to the return of Wet ‘n’ Wild, Las Vegas residents can escape the blistering sun while enjoying thrill-seeking, adventurous fun with the entire family!

Footloose and Fancy Free – Sandal Ready Feet for Summer

By Aly Wagonseller

They’ve been bundled up for months now, and the time has finally arrived for your feet to come out of winter hiding. Strappy sandals, casual flip flops and barefoot walks in the sand await. But even if you’ve maintained your bi-monthly pedicure, your feet may still need a little TLC.

Confiscate the Callus

Closed toe shoes and heels produce those pesky areas of hard skin known as calluses and corns. Removal can be challenging and time consuming, but well worth the effort for smooth and sexy feet. Start by avoiding shoes that produce friction and pressure on already affected areas. Over a period of approximately two weeks, get into callus removal mode by trying the following regimen before you go to bed:

• Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salts or essential oils for 15-20 minutes.
• Dry feet thoroughly. Using a gentle motion with a pumice stone, remove dead skin from the area. Be careful not to be too aggressive as this can cause irritation.
• Moisturize feet with a thick emollient cream and put on socks to hold in the moisture.

If necessary, wear protective pads that cushion corns from shoe friction, but be careful using over the counter callus and corn softeners that contain salicylic acid. Although effective, these can irritate skin and cause infection if not used properly. If you are diabetic, see your doctor.

Big Bad Bunions

A bunion is a common condition associated with a prominent bump on the inside of the forefoot where the big toe connects to the foot. Women are ten times more likely than men to develop bunions because of high heels, but the condition also runs in families and increases in size over time.

“Bunions are a big problem,” according to Troy Watson, MD,  an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in adult foot and ankle reconstructive surgery at Desert Orthopaedic Center and founder of the Foot and Ankle Institute. “This deformity isn’t pretty and can cause a great deal of pain.” But while bunions don’t look fashionable, Dr. Watson believes that surgery should never be performed for cosmetic reasons only. Instead, Dr. Watson recommends the following options for combating the pain bunions present:

• Choose comfortable, soft shoes with a wide toe box.
• Get fitted for a soft arch support.
• Investigate slings that take the pressure off the second toe. Many of these are in flesh-tone colors to help camouflage the bunion while providing relief.

A variety of shoe manufacturers including Naturalizer, Nava, Aerosoles and Ros Hommerson are dedicated to supplying comfortable shoes with style, making suffering in the name of fashion a thing of the past. For more foot care advice from Dr. Watson, visit www.feetmd.com.

Pedicure Protection

Pedis are so much more than a cosmetic procedure. Investing in a bi-monthly pedicure is a surefire way to keep ingrown nails and calluses at bay while sporting toes in living color. Still, it’s important to entrust your tootsies to sanitary practices to avoid damaging fungus and infection. Asking your salon how they clean their instruments and bowls should never be a problem. Things to look for include:

• Bowls that are cleaned with a hospital-grade, EPA registered disinfectant between every procedure.
• Stainless steel tools that are sterilized in an autoclave chamber. Remember, just because tools are pulled from a jar of blue liquid does not mean they are sterilized.
• Brand new emery boards and nail buffers that are sealed and opened just prior to use. These items should never be reused.

Never let a pedicurist use a credo or razor blade on your feet and be sure to speak up if the operator is too rough or if the procedure is hurting. For added protection, purchase your own tools and sanitizing agents and bring them along to your appointment. Locally owned company PediPack.com has super cute kits that contain eleven professional implements in a convenient roll-up pouch. They make great gifts too!

Forget about the weight of the world on your shoulders! Our feet are the true, unsung heroes on our body. By treating them right all year long, you’ll be ready to show them off in style this summer season.

Festive Festivities – Five Secrets to a Perfect Holiday Gathering

By DeDee Birdsall

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season eating away at your already busy schedule, do you really have time to host a holiday party? Of course you do! The key to any memorable seasonal gathering is planning ahead. With a few simple hosting secrets, you can keep the stress of playing host or hostess at bay and marvel as your party becomes the talk of the neighborhood!

Secret # 1: Festive Focus (3 – 4 Weeks Before)

A party planning checklist can keep you focused and help avoid the bottlenecks and last minute frenzies that go into preparing for a holiday party. Organizers can be found online via a simple Google search, but you can get a jump on things a few weeks beforehand with these easy tasks:

• Create your invitation list.
• Send invitations via snail mail, e-mail or phone call.
• Plan the menu and drinks and create your shopping list.
• Create a holiday music playlist via iTunes or Pandora.com.
• Decide on take-home gifts for your guests.
• Enlist help for cleaning, organizing and running the party.

Secret #2: Deck the Halls (2 Weeks Before)

Decorating is a snap for holiday parties since most of the trimmings are already up and can be completed in advance, but make sure you focus your adornments on areas that your guests will see: the front door, entryway, restroom and the main entertaining areas. There’s no need to go over the top and spend lots of money. Lights and greenery are both beautiful and cost effective.

When it comes to decorating, don’t neglect your tablescape. With just a few holiday accents and some dressed up dishes, your bountiful feast provides the focal point for the entire gathering. Stage your platters and serving trays at varying heights to add plenty of elegance and depth.

Secret #3: Build Your Buffet (1 Week Before)

Ditch the sit-down dinner and opt for a festive hors d’oeuvre buffet to keep things simple. Stocking the pantry and preparing food ahead of time can help you pull things off with only a couple hours of prep. Consider laying out a few warm dishes along with some dips and sweet treats for variety. Chafing dishes will help avoid having to heat in the oven or crock pots and bring a touch of class to everyday dishes, particularly finger foods such as meatballs or eggrolls.

For sweet treats, roll out your finest holiday cookie and candy recipes and keep the portions small. Freezing cookies and bars is easy and can be done well in advance thanks to these tips:

• Bars – Line pan with heavy duty aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray. After baking and cooling, remove the bars but do not cut them. Wrap completely in foil and again in heavy duty plastic wrap. Pull out of the freezer, thaw and cut before serving.
• Baked cookies – Stack baked cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a disposable aluminum pan. Cover with heavy duty foil and plastic wrap. Freeze and thaw at room temperature the day of the party.

Set aside a drink station with bottled drinks in “help yourself” containers as simple as holiday adorned galvanized buckets filled with ice. If you don’t have enough glasses, invest in plastic disposables. Designating a signature drink or two is another great way to keep the spirit bright, but old standbys such as eggnog will delight guests with a nostalgic, once-a-year indulgence.

Secret #4: Small Favors (1 -2 Days Before)

Party favors make a great thank you gift and a perfect way to show some love to your loyal guests. Trees-to-Go make wonderful holiday mementos. These miniature evergreens can be planted in small tins with labels that include season’s greetings and tree care instructions.

Other ideas include baking small loaves of your favorite holiday breads wrapped in festive packages or creating “Jingle Jars” filled with batches of homemade spiced nuts decorated with ornaments, jingles bells and ribbon, also wrapped up nice and neat. Keep things simple but add your own dose of creativity. Arrange gifts near the door so guests can grab one as they depart.

Secret # 5: Holiday Ambience (Day of the Party)

Set the mood by dimming the lights, putting on some background music and burning a few candles – and don’t forget to include the scents of the season. Whether you use holiday candles, a Scentsy burner or simple plug-ins, nothing says holiday comfort like a room infused with signature aromas. Anything from pine tree to candy cane to gingerbread cookie works great!

With a little preparation, planning and a few simple secrets, you’re on your way to hosting the perfect holiday gathering and enjoying it just as much as everyone else. Relax and greet your guests like the hostess with mostest and you’re sure to have a holiday get-together to remember.

Peppermint Martini

If you’re still looking for a signature drink to help spice things up a bit, try this tasty peppermint martini for a dose of the holidays in a glass.

Serves 10

2 ½ cups white chocolate liqueur
1 ¼ cups peppermint schnapps
1 ¼ cups vodka
Corn syrup
Crushed peppermint candies

Crush candies in a food processor. Dip rim of glass on corn syrup. In a shaker, combine 1 cup of white chocolate liqueur, ½ cup schnapps, ½ cup vodka and ice. Shake and strain into martini glasses. Repeat twice with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.

A Sweet Surprise – Homemade Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen

By  DeDee Birdsall

There’s no better gift to give this holiday season than a heartfelt batch of homemade baked goods or treats. Everybody loves a sweet surprise, so what more unique way is there to send a message of warmth and caring than with sweet confections wrapped in pretty packages. From cookies and quick breads to delicious candies and more, you can impress your friends and loved ones with a personal, special gift that can be ready in a few simple steps and help brighten anyone’s season.

Cakes, Cookies and Quick Breads

Cookies and bars always make for a tasty and traditional holiday treat. It’s that one time of year when we seem to abandon the old standby of chocolate chips and break out more inspired, elaborately decorated delights. For a festive presentation, arrange your cookies in specialty boxes available at your local craft and hobby stores and adorn them with ribbon, tissue paper, and gift tags. You can also fill a vintage jar with cookies and tuck the recipe in with a little ribbon so your friends and relatives can make their own once your supply has been devoured. Either way, you’ve got a unique gift with plenty of flair that will catch anyone’s eye – and sweet tooth!

Some of the most well-loved edible gifts include cakes and quick breads, which you can bake in almost no time at all. With a few supplies and some creativity, quick breads can live up to their name and be ready in a flash, perfect with a cup of coffee on Christmas morning. Wrap them in grease and moisture resistant glassine paper tied up with waxed twine for a cute packaging idea, or purchase small decorative loaf pans that you can cover with cellophane, ribbon or other adornments. Finish it all off by cutting up an old Christmas card to make a festive gift tag.

Specialty Drinks, Sauces and Infused Libations

Tasty libations always help to make any holiday more relaxing – but they also make perfect gifts! And they’re even better when they’re homemade. Crank out some Limoncello, a wonderful Italian after dinner drink, by steeping strips of lemon in vodka or grain alcohol. Package in sealable bottles with the recipe attached. Simple yet elegant. With gifts such as these, it’s a good idea to plan far ahead as the steeping period required can take time. On the plus side, this should give you ample opportunity to jazz up your packaging with fancy decorations and instructions. Barbecue sauce, homemade fudge, carmel sauce and homemade vanilla extract also make great gifts for the foodie in your life with easy to find recipes available on the Internet.

If you’re short on time and can’t seem to come up with any cute bottles and jars for your special drinks or sauces, visit www.save-on-crafts.com, where you’ll find a wide selection of inexpensive options. From chalk board tags to wax seals and burlap bags with holiday tin tags, this website is a must for discovering the perfect holiday packaging. You’ll be amazed at what you find, including plenty of small vessels with sealable lids that work perfect for sauces. Just tie a small serving spoon onto the side, add some holiday embellishments and you’re all set to go.

Sweet Treats and Trail Mix

Everyone loves peanut brittle around the holidays, and with easy recipes designed for the microwave, it’s a cinch to put together. Just make sure you don’t break it up before you gift it; leave the fun stuff to your friends! Place the solid block of brittle on a cookie sheet, wrapped in cellophane, and include a small hammer with the gift so your loved ones can work out a little holiday stress. Trail mix makes another perfect gift with hundreds of possible recipe concoctions. Store inside a pretty jar or cellophane treat bag and attach a catchy seasonal name to the outside.

Don’t have time to make your own candy? Fill up a vintage mason jar with red and white holiday treats for a beautiful gift or display. Cardboard boxes and metal containers or canisters can also be turned into gift holders for homemade candy and are also ideal for hot chocolate mix or homemade marshmallows. Decorate by gluing holiday scrapbook paper, festive Christmas wrap or even old wallpaper samples to the outside. Cover the lid with fabric and ribbon and you’ve got a gorgeous gift container. You can even store individually wrapped confections in Christmas stockings or mittens! Attach a gift tag and hang on the door for a delicious holiday surprise.

Homemade gifts show a lot of heart and add a personal touch to the holidays, so why not think outside the box this season and create something special for the ones you love. Help satisfy a sweet tooth and bring friends and family together for a holiday everyone is sure to remember!

For the Season

Holiday Houseguests – A Survival Checklist

Holiday Houseguests – A Survival Checklist

Halloween Haunts

Halloween Haunts

From Ho Ho Hum to Whoville Hootenanny – Holiday Entertaining with a Twist

From Ho Ho Hum to Whoville Hootenanny – Holiday Entertaining with a Twist