The East vs. West debacle has always been widely debated throughout history. And it still holds true today. New Yorkers enjoy the quick pace of their city, while Californians enjoy being laid back surfers. But that’s not the only East/West debate. In fact, there are two types of massage techniques that have their base within Eastern medicine and Western medicine. When considering a career in massage, which should you pick? Different massage therapy schools base their own curriculum on these different techniques. It’s something important to consider. With which method can you see yourself siding and working in day by day?

Western massage focuses on the digestive and nervous systems. Common types of Western massage include Swedish massage and myofascial release. The main focus is to create a sense of relaxation and muscle tension relief.

Eastern massage deals with balancing the body and its parts. Massage therapists use more vigorous techniques to treat patients. Tui Na and Shiatsu are forms of Eastern massage.

Read more about these types of massage therapy here, get started on your massage therapy career, and prepare to help others feel better soon.

-Amanda Fornecker

I couldn’t help but notice all the great compliments I got this week on my nail polish. It’s a great conversation starter and an excellent way to stand out in the crowd. From darks to neutrals, which colors would be best on you? I’m sure your nail technician is sure to give you the best answer. Until then, here are some of my favorites for this time of year.

The color that has been keeping my nails warm and the compliments flowing all week long is Essie’s Chinchilly. This dark gray is a perfect combination of neutral and dark to match any outfit no matter where you’re going.

Neutrals are certainly in for any season. Limo-scene by Essie is a light pink that keeps your nails neat and clean, while giving them the shine they deserve to keep you out for a night out on the town or for a quiet day at the office.

I love Mr. Right Now by Sephora by OPI. It’s a deep red that is great for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, and winter in general. For your next party, get your nail technician to spice up your life with some bold color.

By talking with your licensed nail technician, you’ll be able to find out what’s hot and in for the current season and what might go best with your skin tone. After all, professionals know best and they are on the very pulse of every fashion trend.

-Amanda Fornecker

I miss the days of the old Disney cartoon movies. I grew up on The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and others. These are some of the greatest movies of my childhood and when I think of them a little deeper, I can see some great lessons…

Cinderella
OK, so we may not all have a fairy godmother, but this can be seen as a lesson (although extreme) in paying your dues. Sometimes, you may feel that you have been working up your way for quite some time at your job. But one day, your prince will also come and you’ll finally flourish into the princess you’ve always been. So with a little hard work and some patience, the clock striking midnight will not turn the carriage back into the pumpkin, but may indicate your advancement in your beauty career. Don’t let your evil stepmother get you down!

The Little Mermaid
We all know that Ariel wanted more and what’s wrong with thinking outside of the box (or the ocean)? Although you may sometimes need to make sacrifices to get where you want to be, it can be worth it in the end. Obstacles come up (let’s just hope they’re not as scary and crazy as Ursula) and you can overcome them with a little perseverance, honesty, and hard work. Maybe a little rearranging of your life may be in order, but just think of how happy you can be in the end when you finally get your yummy Eric.

Beauty and the Beast
Yes, this was certainly a lesson in beauty being more than just skin deep and going beyond first impressions. But it was also about taking chances, standing up for what you believe in, and even hitting the books. Belle loved books and got everything she wanted. Of course, she had to overcome some tough situations, but her curiosity and zest for life (and beasts) helped her to get her gorgeous golden gown and her gallant gent (even though he was kind of a giant gargoyle before…).

These were all Disney love stories between two people, but your love affair can be translated to a beauty or spa career. Do what you love, work hard, and you will triumph in the end.

-Amanda Fornecker

It never rains in LA (except for around awards time). So when the rain came pouring down on the red carpet on Sunday at the Golden Globes, there were experts on hand to ensure that the Hollywood beauties looked their very best. For Leona Lewis and Emily Blunt, that lifesaver was hair stylist Laini Reeves. With Living Proof No Frizz, both Hollywood starlets stayed frizz-free and glamorous in the pouring rain. Here’s what she did:

For best actress nominee, Emily Blunt – Laini Reeves cut her hair to shoulder length just for the Golden Globes and then created a curl that was blunt and chic, but still a little fun.

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: First, Laini applied the NO FRIZZ, WAVE SHAPING CREAM FOR MEDIUM TO THICK HAIR ($24) to Emily’s wet hair to prevent the hair from frizzing. She then added a bit of the new LIVING PROOF FULL ($24) to add a bit of body to the wave. She started creating the pin curls by taking half inch pieces of hair and wrapping each piece around her fingers and then pinning them to the top of the head. Reeves recommends alternating the twisting monition both clockwise and counter clockwise to add dimension. She then let the hair dry naturally. After the hair was completely dry she used both a medium curling iron, and small barrel curling iron to accentuate the curl. To add a bit of sophistication to the look, she used a flat iron on each curl, straightening the bottom inch of the hair.

For Leona Lewis, artist behind ‘I Want To Come Home’ from Avatar who was nominated for best original song, Laini Reeves created a soft romantic down-do inspired by her glamorous purple dress.

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Leona has very thick hair, so it actually performs better if it is not freshly washed. Laini used the NO FRIZZ STRAIGHT MAKING SPRAY ($24) on her dry hair, to prevent fly-aways and keep it from frizzing in the rain. She then parted the hair in the middle and used a flat-iron to straighten the hair. To create an asymetical look, she pulled the hair to one side and then used a three inch curling iron to add a bit of bounce to the ends.

Look for Living Proof products at a Sephora store in your area.