Everything She Wants' Summer Deodorant Roundup

During the summer, I usually change up my deodorant/antiperspirant in the quest to find one that keeps me so fresh and so clean.

In June, I wrote about DeoDry, the Body Shop's new natural deodorant with volcanic mineral and essential oils. I gave it a try, along with a few others -- some tried-and-true and some new to me.  Here are the results:

DeoDry Dry-Effect Deodorant (Chilled & Breezy Stick): I love that this Body Shop deodorant doesn't contain aluminum salts and promises to provide 24-hour protection.  My verdict: The clean scent is nice, but because it's not an antiperspirant it definitely didn't keep me dry.  (B-)

Secret Sheer Mineral Solid (Citrus Bliss):  The splash of gold on the container is pretty and the "mineral" label sounds natural (but it contains aluminum). The tag line for Secret Sheer is "great protection doesn't have to be heavy. Let your skin breathe." My verdict: This deodorant/antiperspirant is supposed to keep you dry and reduce odor, but it didn't do either.  (C-)

Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof (All-Day Fresh Scent): This is usually my go-to deodorant/antiperspirant for excessive sweating and stinky pit control.  Secret's Clinical Strength formula contains skin-soothing conditioners and odor-fighting capsules. My verdict: It doesn't work as well as it used to, and the scent is a bit strong.  Next time I'll try another scent. (B)

Arm & Hammer Ultra Max Invisible Solid (Powder Fresh): Whenever Secret fails me, I switch to  Arm & Hammer.  It usually controls odor, but lately it hasn't been keeping me dry (something must be up with my hormones). And the white solid shows up on your clothes, so I switched to the the powder fresh invisible solid.  My verdict: The scent is a little strong, but it keeps me relatively dry. I also like the invisibility.  (B+)

Obviously I need some guidance.  Respond to this post and let me know your most effective deodorant/antiperspirant brand.

Everything She Wants' Link Love

As you already know, Everything She Wants is great. But I've decided to share the love. 

So here's a list of a few of my fave blog posts of the week (notice that my Jacqueline Laurita post is included; it's an oldie but a goodie!).

1. Bronzers for Brown Skin - Makeup by Kim Porter 

Getty Images

2. Wanna Be Featured on Temple of Glam? Submit Your Favorite Summer Look - Temple of Glam 

3. Get the Look: Kimora Lee at Inception Movie Premiere - Black Style Central 

4. Shut Down. No really, phones off! - The Bliss List  

5. Jacqueline Laurita of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" Cleans House - Everything She Wants 

6. Make Your High Heels More Comfortable - Her Goody Bag 

7. The Importance of Online Plus Size Magazines - Stylish Curves  

8. Fashion at Comic Con 2010 - O So Chic

9. Essence Magazine Hires a White Fashion Director? -La:Dolce:Vita Fashion Fix

Best Place to Get Your Eyebrows Shaped in NYC

If you want perfectly shaped eyebrows without the hassle of waxing or tweezing, it's time to visit Shobha. 


The New York City salon has locations in Soho (594 Broadway, 212.931.8363), midtown  (41 E. 57th Street, 212.223.2872), and Columbus Circle (3 Columbus Circle, 212.977.7771). 


The downtown location's India-inspired interior is bathed in warm hues of orange, red, and gold.  You'll recline in a barber's chair while a Shobha specialist shapes your brows specifically to frame your face.

The sewing thread pinches a little, but that mild discomfort is a small price to pay for beautiful brows.  Shobha's technicians are experts at the brow grooming technique that's been practiced by women in India for generations.

During a visit with Shobha's resident hair removal guru Anjali, she told me I have an oval face shape (the most coveted facial shape by the way). Based on that angular shape, I should always ask for more rounded and soft brows.  Conversely, the more rounded your face is, the more arched and angular your brow shape should be.

You'll pay $20 for a 10-minute threading session.  I know that sounds a bit pricey when you can get your brows waxed or threaded at most nail salons in the city for $7.  Anjali explains, however, that threading is just the technique and Shobha's staff are experts at eyebrow shaping.

Everything She Wants Tip: Try sugaring, a natural alternative to waxing. But be cautious if you have sensitive skin (I found out the hard way). Shobha also has a product line including Rosewater Toner Mist, Shobha Brow Pencil in Earth and Sand, and Rosewater Freshening Cloths. Appointments can be scheduled over the phone or online.

5 Cool Places to Shop in Brooklyn's BoCoCa

With so many great shops in the connected neighborhoods of Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens (affectionately called BoCoCa), I rarely need to leave Brooklyn to satisfy my shopping fix.

Here are five of my faves:

Jonathan Adler (378 Atlantic Avenue, 718-855-0017): This Adler outpost on Atlantic Avenue's "Antique Row" is a great place to window-shop and dream of the day you’ll be able to afford quirky chachkas like a fragrant “Muse” candle ($78) encased in a collectable ceramic container.

Dear Fieldbinder (198 Smith Street, 718-852-3620) : Owner Laura Fieldbinder stocks her gallery-like store with feminine, trendy designer tops, frocks and accessories.  Standout brands include Ted Baker, Deborah Sweeney, and Knox.  Check in often for the store's deeply-discounted seasonal sales.

Cozbi (530 Court Street, 718-246-7960): This lovely little shop in Carroll Gardens is run by former art director Cozbi A. Cabrera.  Cozbi’s one-of-a-kind handmade cloth dolls (called Munecas in honor of the designer’s Honduran heritage), fill a void in the collectible doll market.  They’re a a hit with Oprah, who has featured the Afrocentric dolls in her magazine and ordered them as gifts. Cozbi also makes women’s and children’s clothes and has illustrated several children’s books.

Kimera (366 Atlantic Avenue, 718-422-1147): When I thought my wedding dress wouldn’t be altered in time, I almost made a mad dash to Kimera to buy one of their elegant, handmade silk gowns as a replacement. The Moroccan-theme boutique has a line of apparel, accessories, and home decor with global influences.

Re/Dress NYC (109 Boerum Place, 718-522-7962): Brooklyn is home to several consignment shops including hipster staples Beacon's Closet and Buffalo Exchange. But Re/Dress is the only one that specializes in women’s plus size fashion.  The boutique’s bubbly owner, Deb Malkin, keeps the inventory funky and the store’s vibe lively. Bring in your gently-used and never-worn name brand and vintage clothing size 14 and up and receive 25 percent of the resale price or 40 percent in store credit.

Zumba: The Rhythm is Gonna Get You

I'm not usually a gym girl. But thanks to the dynamic dance-aerobics-fest that is Zumba, I'm a proud, card carrying member of my local YMCA.
Led by uber-perky instructor Alma Bonilla, each 60-minute Zumba class feels more like a Latin dance party than a calorie-crunching cardio workout.

Salsa, merengue, and Samba steps intertwine with the grapevine, Tae Bo jabs, and hip-hop moves. Super Alma teaches four frenetic Zumba classes a week at the Atlantic Avenue Y (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday).

Everything She Wants Tip: If you're in the area, you can try Zumba for free every Sunday through August 22 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Jacqueline Laurita of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" Cleans House

It's not an act.  Jacqueline Laurita of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (Sundays at 10 p.m. E.S.T.) loves to keep her home tidy. 

"People think because we live where we live that we’re not real housewives," Jacqueline says during an interview at her sprawling, suburban New Jersey abode. "But we do our own cooking and cleaning."

So the perky mother of three is the perfect spokesperson for Mr. Clean.  In her spiffy kitchen, she demonstrates the effectiveness of Mr. Clean's newest Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaners with Febreze Freshness.  Then we visited her super-sanitized bathroom, where Jackie shows how to use the famed Magic Eraser.


Jacqueline is also candid about the show. She says everything we see is real.  "It's not scripted," she assures. 


Even when the cameras aren’t rolling she and her neighboring sisters-in-law Caroline and Dina Manzo and loveable table-flipper Teresa Giudice get together for weekend barbecues and family dinners. Teresa calls while I'm chatting with Mr. Clean (seriously, the real Mr. Clean was there), and Jacqueline passes me the phone.


“Hi honey,” Teresa greets me in her classic Jersey girl accent.

Since the second season wrapped, Jacqueline had a breast reduction and dropped her baby weight by eating healthy, drinking lots of water, doing the Bar method workout, and a "jump start" with Japanese diet pills.


Will there be third season?  "Our ratings are through the roof," Jacqueline says.  "So I’m pretty sure they’d have us for another season."


Want more dish on “The Real Housewives of New Jersey?” Read my interview with Jacqueline:


Everything She Wants: Is Danielle [Staub] for real or is the drama played up for TV?


Jacqueline Laurita: It's real. I find her a hard person to get along with.  But it's part of what we signed up for. We're contracted to [interact].  I met Danielle right before the taping of the first season. She goes to our salon. They were looking for a single person to bring on the show. Dina is actually the one who suggested her, and I passed her name on to the producers.


ESW: This season focuses a lot on issues between you and your teenage daughter Ashley.


JL: The mother-daughter relationship is always a challenge. We’re always working at our relationship. I went through the same thing with my mother and now we’re closer than ever. You can only guide your children so much and then they learn from their own mistakes.


ESW: Do you watch the season as it happens?


DL: We get the shows every Wednesday for the Monday show so we can blog about it. It’s crazy because you don’t know how it’s going to be edited. It’s funny how they cut out when I’m doing laundry and cleaning the house. They don’t care about that. They want the drama. But it’s fun because I’m with my family.

ESW: Why do you think New Jersey has become so popular?


JL: People have a misconception of Jersey. “The Sopranos” set the tone. So when we came out they tried to stereotype us. Then all these other shows like “The Jersey Shore” came out. I think people are the same everywhere. I’m sure there’s a table-flipper in Ohio too. We’re not representing any state. We represent ourselves. 


ESW: Has being on the show helped you develop a thicker skin?


JL: I think I’ve always had that. But you learn to find the humor. So if someone says something [negative], I either agree like yeah I am like that or you see what you need to tone down. I’m a very open and honest person. I’d rather have people love me for who I am. With the show, you have to be okay with not being perfect and putting it all out there. It’s the same with Mr. Clean. A lot of people come to me to represent products, but I can’t endorse a product unless I believe in it.


Watch the following video to find out this real housewife's cleaning tips:

Lost in Antigua: From Sugar Ridge to Halcyon Cove

You know how nothing on the TV show “Lost” was coincidental? Well, I had a “Lost” moment on my recent vacation on the Caribbean island of Antigua.


One night while my husband and I lounged in our mosquito-covered canopy bed at the luxe boutique hotel, Sugar Ridge, we came across a local hotel beauty pageant on the tele.

Sugar Ridge room/J.C.

Halcyon Cove/J.C.

The Ms. Rex pageant included five contestants representing two Antiguan Rex Resorts -- Hawskbill and Halcyon Cove.  The pageant seemed like a throwback from the ‘80s and reminded me of the “Miss Black America” pageant from that era.

Ms. Rex winner/Caribarena

The flamboyant Ms. Rex host was a bald, bow-tied black man who spoke with a dramatic, “Showtime at the Apollo”-reminiscent delivery and stressed that the contestants speak with “clarity.” 


The winner, Donella Loncke, wore a sparkly blue gown and had a certain twinkle in her eye. I picked her as the winner before she was crowned.  We found the pageant amusing. 


Little did we know, the next night we would literally become a captive audience at a Rex resort. After our flight on Delta was unceremoniously cancelled due to mechanical problems, Antigua’s less than courteous Delta crew informed us we would be put up for the night.

  

When we arrived at the Halcyon Cove, it dawned on us that this was the hotel from the pageant, and there was nothing amusing about it.  This was certainly no Sugar Ridge, and the staff certainly wouldn’t win a Miss Congeniality prize.

Our room reeked of mildew, had a lock that was partially unhinged, and the WiFi was intermittent.  I know I sound like a Yankee brat, but this was not the best way for Delta to make amends for their inconvenience. On a more positive note, the hotel was right on the beach which allowed us to take another dip in the calm, baby blue Caribbean sea.

Me with Ms. Warri Pier/J.C.

The highlight, however, of our impromptu stay at the Halcyon Cove was the local celebrity we spotted.  Bussing tables at the hotel’s beachside eatery, Warri Pier, was none other than Anne Marie Phillip, Ms. Warri Pier from the Ms. Rex pageant.  Anne’s solemn demeanor changed when my husband greeted her with her pageant title.  She also beamed when I asked her to pose for a photo.

The buffet lunch at the Warri Pier was nothing fancy, but not bad.  The seagulls sure like it.  In the evening, we ate at Halcyon’s more formal dining room, Arawak Terrace. Alas, no sight of Ms. Rex runner-up, Ms. Arawak Terrace.

As we dined, a local musician played a Casio keyboard and sang ironic pop tunes barely above a whisper.  One Republic’s “Apologize.”  Phil Collins’s “One More Night.”  Peter Cetera’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.”  Indeed.  At least I met Ms. Warri Pier.

The Genius of Joan Rivers and Other TV Beauty Products

No judgment here, but how many of us have had inappropriate thoughts about those Shake Weights commercials?  And the "fashion" Snuggie had me at, it's a leopard print blanket with sleeves.

As riveting as those products are, lately I've been fixated on two beauty items being hocked by comedian Joan Rivers. There's her Right to Bare Legs, a concealer you apply to your legs to hide unsightly blemishes, varicose veins, and even tattoos (her demo is big on body art).  Rivers claims her Right to Bare Legs will make your legs look younger, slimmer, and sexier.  It also promises to be sweat proof and water proof, and not to stain your clothes.

Rivers is also the mastermind behind Great Hair Day Fill-In Powder, which gives fine and thinning hair the illusion of volume and thickness.  I guess the funny lady has a thing for paint products.

Another as-seen-on-TV product that's caught my eye is the Cami Secret.  My hubby hipped me to this blouse-altering short-cut.  When you feel your cleavage is dipping a lil too low, add a lacey Cami Secret.  For those old enough to remember, it's a lace-version of a dickey.  It comes in assorted colors, attaches to your bra, and gives you the layered look without the bulk.  As silly as it seems, I'd try it if they design a style without the lace.

Spice Up Your Summer Fitness Gear

Has the heat wave cooled down your workout? Perhaps a change in gear is all the motivation you need to get physical.

Here are three cool-and-colorful items on Everything She Wants' radar that will surely spice up your fitness routine:

Evangeline Lilly (not pictured) wore a CalibyCali tank on "Lost"

Your boobies will thank you for investing in a  CalibyCal "Classic Tank" ($58) in assorted colors. The hidden figure physics bra has mesh in the back, which holds your girls in place in a perky position.  Additionally, the front-panel with soft cotton lycra lends support and comfort without unwanted straps and hooks.

Wooloot Wave watch in violet

Not only is the Wooloot Sport Wave Sports Watch ($19.99) a fun and trendy plastic watch; it's good for you.  The ultra-lightweight, waterproof watch comes in a variety of shades and contains tourmaline, a semi-precious mineral stone known for its ability to help the body detoxify, increase concentration, and improve circulation, sleep, meditation, and relaxation.

A hoodie with its own headphones?  That's the genius of HoodieBuddie ($44), a vibrant, cutting edge collection with patent-pending technology that enables sweatshirts and other apparel with mp3/iPod connectivity through an input jack in the pocket and machine washable, drawstring earbuds.

Natural Hair Care Tips from Blogger, Miss Moon's Musings

I was recently featured on the cool blog, Miss Moon's Musings.  So I wanted to return the favor.  The blog's Brooklyn-based author, Audrey, has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to natural hair care.  And goodness knows, African-American women like me with natural hair are always on a quest for products that will make our non-chemically-treated hair bounce and behave.

Audrey of Miss Moon's Musings

Here are Miss Moon's Musings awesome product recommendations and tips:


A rule of thumb for me when trying a new hair product, is to give it at least three months -- of course unless it made your hair feel horrible and/or fall out after the first use! I have never tried a product and had dramatic results the first time around. And despite the promises from the manufacturer, I probably never will. I've learned that time is the true test. Stick with a regimen for a few months and your hair will tell you if it's working.


Shampoo: Hands down has to be ApHOGEE Shampoo for Damaged Hair. I've always struggled in selecting a good shampoo. It was hard to find one that didn't result in my hair feeling stripped. What initially attracted me to this shampoo was the fact that it claimed that only one application would result in thoroughly clean hair. I'm from the "Rinse, Lather and Repeat" school of shampooing, so I was skeptical at first. But after continuous use of the product, I discovered my hair and scalp were not as dry. What I've learned is that I was a bit heavy-handed with the shampoo. Using only one application is the method I've found to truly work wonders for me.

Conditioner: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner -- I love this stuff SOOOO much I once convinced a beauty supply store to open up for me just so I could grab a bottle after they had closed! I first purchased the Replenishing Packs, which is a great way to sample the product before comitting to buy a large bottle, and my hair was in seventh heaven. It has amazing slip and is easy to wash out... and you cannot beat the softness you get from using it.

Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave-In Conditoner -- I first purchased this for braids.  I wanted to condition my hair daily while I had the braids to avoid breakage afterwards. I love this leave-in so much that I continue to use it. It's fantastic for leaving twists in for a few weeks. I apply it once a day to the twists to plump them up and soften.

Moisturizing: Qhemet Biologics Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm -- When I first opened the container, I said, "Wow... it's really like honey!" The consistency is wonderful for moisturizing hair that's prone to dryness (like mine is). I use it every other night before wrapping up my hair to keep my braid-outs soft and shiny.  A little goes a long way with this product!

Styling: Darcy's Botanicals Avocado & Honey Twisting Cream -- This is my newest love. After a few bad experiences incorporating new products into a tried-and-true regimen, I made a vow not to try anything new. After reading amazing reviews on the web, I decided to make one exception with this cream and I am so glad I did. I love the softness my hair gets without losing curl definition. I've tried it on both braid-outs (which is my go-to style) and twist-outs, and was very pleased with the results.

Shine: Carol's Daughter Tui Jojoba Shea Butter Sheen Spray -- Not only is this spray fantastic for a lovely sheen without weighing your hair down, but it smells delicious! My hubby-to-be loves to steal my pillow in the morning just to get a smell!

One Too Many Hot Dogs? Grab for Pepto-Bismol

I've lived in Brooklyn for a long time.  But today I felt like a true Brooklynite as I witnessed one of the most captivating and disturbing things I've seen in a long time -- the July 4th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating competition up close and a little too personal.

Dynamic duo: Joey and Pepto /John Carluccio

Shaking. Nearly choking. And doing a twitchy dance. Four-time champ Joey "Jaws" Chestnut chomped down 54 red-food-colored Nathan's dogs in ten-minutes, a far cry from the record-setting 68 dogs he devoured in 2009.

Nevertheless, the revved up Coney Island crowd cheered him and his distant competitors (record-holder Sonja "Black Widow" Thomas and beauty salon owner Juliet Lee represented for female competitive eaters) on with our Pepto-Bismol thunder sticks.

What better place to get reacquainted with the pink bismuth staple in your medicine cabinet?

"When you have one too many, reach for Pepto," says Procter and Gamble external relations manager Carlos Taveras. "[The Nathan's contest] is a combination of celebration and over-indulgence."

Taveras adds: "Forty-percent of consumers have Pepto, but less than a quarter use it.  [So this] is a reminder."

I'm sure Chesnut and the other gorged contestants will be crying for Pepto for days to come.  From experience, I can attest the Instacool chewable tablets come in handy.

Photo credit John Carluccio

The champ later told press the 94-degree-heat and lack of any real competition affected his performance.

His nemesis, hot dog eating pro Takeru Kobayashi, was in the Coney crowd but a contract dispute prevented him from competing.  A black-clad Kobayashi was arrested after he tried to get on stage as the contest ended.

Oh well, there's always next year for a U.S.A. vs. Japan rematch.  Against my better judgement, I may be there to watch.