We've all heard phrases like red hot or lady in red used to describe the attractiveness of a woman. That's certainly true, IF it's done properly.  "Proper", of course, is subject to definition, depending upon your goals. Right now I'm going to talk to you about looking and feeling sexy this Valentine's Day whether your having a girls night at a martini bar or a special dinner date with your man!

The LRD (Little Red Dress) .... Is it a staple in your closet?

         Several studies and psychologists have provided strong evidence that both men and women found the opposite sex significantly more attractive and appealing when they were wearing the color red. Funny enough, when men were shown pictures of  the same woman, one picture wearing blue and the other in red, the men were more likely to date the woman in red and also said they'd spend more money on her!?!?  

        Now, I am definitely not suggesting this be your goal for wearing red, but it's interesting to see what a huge difference a color can make in one's opinions. Psychology is certainly not short on surprises!

         I remember my second date with my boyfriend.  We went to a trendy pizzeria (my dream date - who doesn't like pizza and wine!?) and I wore a knee length, boat neck, cotton dress from Forever 21 in a deep red.  My wardrobe consists mostly of neutrals and black but it was a warm evening and I chose to wear this comfortable dress.  Well, I've never received so many compliments and to this day he still talks about that $20 dress which I now save for special occasions.  After reading these studies, I don't think I would have gotten the same reaction if it was in a different color.

If a red dress or red shirt is too bold for you and not quite your style, there are other easy ways to incorporate red into your look.

Here are a few ways to add some red flair this Valentine's Day:

* Statement necklace

* Arm candy

* Earrings or a bold ring

* Red heels or even some black pumps with red soles

* Lip gloss or lipstick

* Hair accessories (headband, hair bow, hair feathers)

         If you don't have any red pieces, you can always revamp old jewelry with paint.  Just head to your local craft store
or dollar store for some crafty and affordable inspiration!

Colors can portray different feelings depending on the context, but on the dating scene this color truly is considered RED HOT!

Until next time, XO

P.S  Want to treat yourself this Valentine's Day?  Check out my DIY fashion post and video by clicking HERE

10 REASONS YOU SHOULD DRINK MORE LEMON WATER

I'm sure we all know how important water is for our health. The ol' "DRINK 8 CUPS A DAY" rule has been ingrained in our minds for years now.  Some of us may follow it and not really know WHY we're doing it. But, did you know you can improve the health benefits of water just by adding some lemons in it? Lemon water can not only improve our health, but is also a beauty remedy that people swear by!

So I am going to cut to the chase and give you 10 solid reasons why YOU should be drinking lemon water

1. It balances your pH levels:  Many of us have highly acidic diets  and lemon is one of the most alkaline foods we can ingest. Though it is high in citric acid, once we digest it, it helps reduce your body's overall acidity. An imbalance in the body's pH levels can affect all major body systems - especially the digestive (liver, gall bladder), intestinal (colon and small intestine), circulatory and immune systems in particular, which each depend upon pH balance to function well.  Also, many vital bodily functions, including enzyme activity and hormone balance are completely dependent upon the body maintaining healthy pH levels

2. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds.  They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function and also helps control blood pressure.

3. Assists in weight loss:   Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. Also, drinking more water throughout the day can help you feel fuller, so you eat less!

4. Acts as a natural diuretic  Lemons can help you if you are retaining water. Lemons actually increase the rate of urination in the body, helping release toxins at the same time as reducing unnecessary water retention. 

5. Can clear up skin problems: If you are facing acne, lemon water can help clear it up over time. By reducing the toxins in your blood, your skin can clear up within a couple weeks! Lemon juice when applied directly to the skin, can reduce the appearance of acne related scars. 

6. Aids digestion:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials in the body. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

7. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis.

8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs. It’s thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies too.

9. Reduces the effects of stress: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. Lemon water can give you a quick boost of vitamin C, which will reduce the nasty effects stress can have on your body. 

10. Gives you that healthy "glow": When your healthy on the inside, you'll notice it on the outside. By clarifying your body of toxins, you'll notice your skin has that healthy glow. When we are full of toxins it is sometimes noticeable by giving us dry, sallow skin. 

"Like" us on Facebook for Daily DIY, Hair & Beauty Tips: http://www.facebook.com/stylestrands

Get Ready with Me!

My latest video is up on YouTube and I filmed a "Get Ready with Me" / Date Night Make-up Tutorial! I used the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette to achieve this look and I seriously LOVE  this palette. It goes on so nicely and you can take the looks from day to night so easily! It's so amazing! 

So if you haven't already, check out my tutorial here! 

Also, I am having a giveaway on my channel, and I am giving away some AMAZING products, including the Naked Basics palette. So check out my YouTube Channel to enter.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE! 

xo

Chelsea

 Beauty Bundle GIVEAWAY!

In this giveaway, we'll pick one lucky winner to win a beauty bundle that will include:

To enter, you will need to be a subscriber on our channel, and also leave me a comment under the giveaway video telling me what your 2013 new years resolution is! Click HERE to enter! Good luck!

 DIY Tomato Lemon Face Mask

So its that time again, DIY SUNDAY!

I'm going to share with you a really great face mask that I discovered on trusty ol' Pinterest, that is suitable for those with acne-prone skin. Unfortunately I couldn't find the original source of this recipe, but I did have the chance to try this out and it was great. It does work quite well, and if you are looking for a DIY mask that is easy to make and won't CAUSE acne but will actually reduce it... try it out.

Tip: if you have acne this is safe to use, but if your skin is broken at all , I wouldn't use it due to the lemon 

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon rolled oats
• 1 small tomato – about the size of your fist or smaller will do the trick
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Directions

1. Blend oats until it forms a powder

2. Add the tomato and lemon juice and blend until smooth.

2. On a clean face,  apply the mask, letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes

3. Using a warm wet cloth, wash the mask off and rinse with water.

If you try this out, leave me your comments and suggestions below!

XO

Chelsea

YAY! It's DIY Sunday and I have a lovely little DIY teeth whitening project for you today. I have personally tried this and it WORKS!

This is a really cool and easy way to whiten your teeth at home, without spending tons of money on those expensive teeth whitening kits!

*Note: Do not do this everyday!*

What You Need:

• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Baking Soda
• Whitening Toothpaste (or any toothpaste will do)
• Toothbrush

Directions

• Take a small mouthfull of hydrogen peroxide and swish around your teeth (similar to how you would use a mouthwash) for 1-2 minutes
• Take your toothbrush, and add a pea size amount of toothpaste to the brush
• Add Baking Soda ontop of the toothpaste, and brush teeth as normal
• Rinse with water and voila.. a whiter, brighter smile!

Style Strands Blog is making it official - Every Sunday we will post a NEW and exciting DIY beauty project! So if you haven't already, subscribe to our VIP mailing list  (scroll to the very bottom of the site to find it!) to receive our weekly DIY posts direct to your mailbox. Dont worry - we aren't spammers. You'll only receive valuable information, and we wont be flooding your inbox!

Let's get started!

DIY Spicy Sugar Scrub

Sugar scrubs are inexpensive, but will make your skin feel silky smooth without being too harsh!

What You Need:

3/4 Cup sugar

2 Teaspoons ground cloves

2 Teaspoons grated orange zest (or lemon!)

1.5  Cups Sesame Oil (can replace with coconut oil)

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in large bowl.

Apply mix using hands or washcloth on damp skin, and rub in circular motions.

* Mix will last up to 6 months - store in sealed container in cool, dark cupboard *