women

“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Jackie Goldschneider discusses her eating disorder and shares advice for others

| kristencastillo

“Eating disorders rob you of so much enjoyment and so much comfort and they really can kill you.” That’s the message from “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Jackie Goldschneider.

I interviewed her recently for this Mediaplanet article, in which she describes her decades-long eating disorder and recovery. Here’s an excerpt:

“It is not worth it. Eating disorders rob you of so much enjoyment and so much comfort and they really can kill you. It’s a shame to suffer for so long. I wish I had done this earlier.”

Jackie Goldschneider.

Read the full Q & A article below:

“Real Housewives of New Jersey” Star Jackie Goldschneider on Overcoming Her Eating Disorder

What you need to know about hair transplant surgery

| kristencastillo

Model Chrissy Teigen shared she recently had eyebrow transplant surgery. In an Instagram post, she explained she’s tired of wearing makeup to fill in her eyebrows. For her eyebrow transplant surgery, her surgeon Dr. Jason Diamond transplanted hairs from the back of her head to her brow area.


Want to know what’s involved in hair restoration?


I interviewed International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) president Dr. Paul McAndrews for this Mediaplanet article. He explains how the procedure works and questions patients should ask.

According to a 2019 practice census survey, ISHRS members treated more men than women – 84.2% men, compared to 15.8% women – for surgical hair restoration procedures.  Over half of all surgical patients worldwide were ages 30 to 49 years old.

Hair transplant surgery helps restore naturally growing hair by surgically taking hair from the sides or back of the scalp and moving it to areas that are thinning or bald. Surgical hair transplants are permanent and can be used on the scalp, as well as eyelashes, eyebrows, and other facial or body hair.

Read the full article here.

Samantha Harris and Jaclyn Smith on their respective breast cancer journeys

| kristencastillo

One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. In my Mediaplanet article, celebrities Samantha Harris and Jaclyn Smith share their respective breast cancer journeys and offer tips to others with breast cancer. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

“When you get breast cancer, it opens your eyes up to a lot, because you never think you’re going to hear those words, ‘cancer.’”

Jaclyn Smith
Samantha Harris and Jaclyn Smith Share What It’s Like to Receive a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

“Listening to your inner voice and your gut is such an important factor,” she said. “And being your own best healthcare advocate, because we know our bodies better than anyone else. We’re in them every day.”

Samantha Harris

Celebrating Summer with Thrive Causemetics Summer Collection

| kristencastillo

Thrive sent me three limited edition shades of their brilliant eye brightener: Tara, a rose mauve shimmer, Racquel, a soft silver shimmer and Betty, a sky blue shimmer. These colors are inspired by a tropical beach filled with bright skies and a great sunset.

I tried all three colors including blending the Betty and Racquel. I really like how these shades make your eyes pop with color and how long last!

Did you know? Thrive Causemetics products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free and consciously formulated without parabens, phthalates, sulfates and fragrance. #gifted

Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Her Autoimmune Disease Journey During Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month

| kristencastillo

March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month and TV host and dancer Carrie Ann Inaba is talking about her chronic pain from autoimmune diseases.

In my Mediaplanet article, she shares how she manages the pain and how she’s helping others through her platform Carrie Ann Conversations.

Carrie Ann Inaba on Managing the Pain of Autoimmune Conditions

Here’s an article excerpt:

“Pain is a powerful teacher,” said Inaba, who wants to be a resource for people living with pain and autoimmune disorders. She recommends taking notes at each medical appointment since the appointments can be stressful and distracting. She also encourages communicating your pain to your doctors, and if a doctor isn’t helping you, to seek another opinion. 

“You can’t give up,” she said. “Life with or without pain is a gift and I’m grateful for it all.”

Staying Organized While On the Go

| kristencastillo

Holiday travel season is almost here. That means packing suitcases, carry-ons and managing accessories while on-the-go. More than ever, it’s important to be organized.

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I recently traveled for work and before I went to the airport, I prearranged the essentials including my tickets, ID, money and gadgets.  Instead of stashing everything in my purse or computer bag, I kept it all neatly packed away in a rollup bag.

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Great Useful Stuff sent me their TechAway Travel Roll, a tote that has a place for all the basics you need to have handy when traveling, including charging cords, earbuds, passport, sunglasses and other gear.

 

The TechAway Travel Rolls come in three colors: black, hunter green and the cabernet red. I received the cabernet red, a sophisticated deep burgundy shade. The bag retails for $25, an affordable price for keeping all the essentials in one handy, secure place.

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It’s sturdy and held all my gear and gadgets. I’m already planning my next trip and know this travel roll will be making the trek with me.

On Trend: 2018 Fall Fashion

| kristencastillo

Ready for animal prints, power tailoring and sequins? Sounds like you’re ready for fall fashion 2018!

Autumn is here and I’m excited to show you the hot looks for this cool time of year. Neiman Marcus invited me to their fall fashion preview so here’s what you can expect when you’re shopping this season.

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This season, women are going to be wearing a lot of what Alex Yáñez, stylist for Neiman Marcus at San Diego’s Fashion Valley, calls “peacock colors.” That means saturated blues and greens for a bold, eye-catching pallet.

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The power pantsuit is back too. Tailored suiting, including double-breasted jackets and strong shoulders, is very in vogue.

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Leather is making a big statement this season as well. Whether you choose matte or patent leather, you can rock this look head-to-toe.

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Get ready to roar! Autumn is all about animal prints including zebra, tiger, and leopard, as well as other amazing prints. Feel free to mix, match and layer this wild and sexy style.

Who says sequins or just for parties and night time? Yáñez and his team at Neiman Marcus say you can wear sequins day or night – shine any time you want.

When it comes to accessories, expect to see western wear like cowboy boots a lot this year, as well as lace up boots. It’s a 90’s throwback but a definite must this season.

Top flap handbags both slouchy and structured are going to be the it bag.

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And when it comes to jewelry, look out for crystals and jet black jewelry – very dramatic! Finish your ensemble with a glow. Luminous skin is going to be all the rage this fall.

For men, autumn is all about tech tailoring. Thank innovative suits that blend both performance and function.

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Guys will be rocking turtlenecks, velvet and velour too. Men will bundle up during cold weather with a performance parka – both cozy and cool.

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For accessories, men will be wearing chunky runner shoes with an exaggerated sole. That’s definitely fun and functional footwear.

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Men’s styling is going to include a lot of utilitarian details including cargo pockets camouflage this time of year. Expect accent colors in shades of wine, burgundy and blue.

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What fall fashion pieces and trends are your “must-have” looks this season?

💍 Ready for the Royal Wedding! 💍

| kristencastillo

The Royal Wedding is days away and I’m swooning over wedding details for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

I love weddings and royal weddings are no exception. They’re large events where no detail is overlooked! I’m looking forward to the Markle’s dress, accessories and her hair/makeup. She’s always very stylish and I’m sure her wedding look won’t disappoint.

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Oleg Cassini and David’s Bridal are celebrating the royal wedding too. They sent me this sparkly crystal cupcake along with this wedding book, “Oleg Cassini The Wedding Dress.”

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I’ve had fun looking through the book and reminiscing about past royal weddings and other notable I Do’s.

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The 320-page book details Cassini designs over the years, including runway looks, the history of wearing white, the significance of wearing a touch of blue, and the history of bridal styles.

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Cassini was also the personal stylist to former first Lady Jackie Kennedy throughout her life. After she wore his strapless empire waist design, the style became a hit. It’s a still the number one dress choice for brides.

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The royal wedding happens this Saturday, May 19. It’s an early day with tv coverage of the nuptials starting at 4:30 am EDT, which for me is 1:30 am PDT. Maybe I’ll just stay up Friday night so I won’t miss a thing!

Are you planning to watch the royal wedding?

Chocolate + Caramels = Yes, Please!

| kristencastillo

Chocolates are my favorite treat. They’re a great dessert, especially for parties and events, like weddings.

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Recently Fran’s Chocolates sent me their famous salted caramels. These Gray and Smoked Salt Caramels are available in dark and milk chocolate, paired with soft buttery caramel and topped with gray and smoked sea salts.

The caramels look pretty and taste delicious!

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An added bonus? The presentation – box and bow – can be color coordinated.

FullSizeRender 32A tasty and eye-catching option for wedding favors.