Chris Hemsworth - What to Look for in a Man

Photo:  People Magazine 2014

Today: this face on magazine stands around the world.  Despite the Twitter chatter that other stars should have received the title, in my book Chris Hemsworth is the "Sexiest Man Alive."

He's even sexier in person.  I had a chance to meet Chris last Oscar season at a screening for his film, Rush, hosted by the Directors Guild.  The PR team emphatically stated Chris would not be signing autographs or taking photos.

I happened to be in one of the front rows and before his handlers could whisk him off stage, Chris was taking selfies with us and signing pictures. Thor up close - sexy? Um, speechless. 

Photo:  People Magazine 2014

Besides the fact that he's hot, Chris seems to have qualities that would make for an ideal mate.  He's married but if you're looking for more than a Tinder hook-up, here are five traits I saw in Chris that would make any guy the sexiest man alive:

1.  He's humble about his looks.  
Chris honestly didn't seem to notice or care how hot he is.  Maybe it's the scruff or the tousled hair or the not-too-shredded muscles - but he doesn't seem like one of those guys who spends half his time at the gym or in front of a mirror.  That translates into knowing you'll get his attention, whether in the bedroom or the boardroom.

2.  He's gracious.
Chris could have walked off the stage shielded by his handlers but you could tell he wanted to be gracious to the audience.  I'm sure he hates getting mobbed by fans but he seems to accept it as part of the cost of fame.  He doesn't seem to let the adoration get to his ego.  A gracious guy is one who makes others feel significant instead of insisting the spotlight always be on him.

3.  He can laugh at himself.
Chris laughed often during the Q&A and it was easy to feel happy and upbeat listening to him.  Ever been with a guy where you're always afraid you'll say the wrong thing and set him off? No one's worth that much work. A sense of humor goes a long way during stormy times.

4.  He's authentic.
Chris didn't seem to be worried about protecting an image.  He's doesn't act like Thor in real life; he has soft spots.  The guy who never appears weak? The mystery may seem alluring initially but you'll eventually find yourself pounding on the wall he's built around his heart. A truly sexy man doesn't need a false version of himself to attract others.

5.  He honors his wife and family.
Chris probably gets hit on constantly but I loved how he honored his wife even when she wasn't around. He didn't try to come across as a stud. He wasn't ashamed of the ring on his finger.  A man who honors those around him? Sexy times 100.

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Pt. 1: Keeping Up With the Kardashians - Younger Looking Without Injections

I'm breaking my promise not to cover the Kardashians. Sorry!  I'm sure fans caught the premiere of  Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Some segments are shot in my Santa Monica neighborhood so I'll be sharing some of their hot spots.

This is a month for breaking out of my tomboy shell - shooting a talk show pilot for women, testing spa facials and checking in to a luxury villa.  

Since I'll be getting my first facial soon, I asked celebrity beauty expert Dana Waldie for recommendations.  I'm not interested in trying the 'Bloody Vampire' facial Kim debuted on a recent show, but I do want to test the hottest trend in Hollywood: microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is nicknamed the "lunchtime peel" since you can go back to work right after the facial. The procedure is painless and leaves you with younger looking skin without the use of chemicals or needles.

Shay: What is microdermabrasion?

Dana: Microdermabrasion is a mechanical form of exfoliation almost like a little vacuum you'll feel on your skin. It sucks up the dead skin cells and will literally make your face feel as smooth as a baby's bottom. 

Shay: What is it doing for the skin?

Dana:  The best candidates are people with pigmented, sun-damaged skin, oily skin and anyone concerned about anti-aging prevention because it reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

It's not for people with acne breakouts because that will spread the bacteria and someone with rosacea or sensitive skin should never have microdermabrasion performed.

Shay:  So you can get microderm that morning and rock the room that night!

Dana: One caution, I don't recommend the form of treatment that spits out little sand granules because that can scratch the surface of your skin. A few places offer a diamond-tipped wand, which is definitely a luxury high-end service. 

Shay:  Can't wait to try it!   
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Dana also says microdermabrasion isn't permanent and works best when done every 4-6 weeks. Check out more info in Dana's blog here and also in this piece from top experts on the procedure.

How to get a flawless face and find the best spa treatments for you as my "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" series continues.

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Blot Your Lips!

Photo:  Melran. Etsy

"Blot Your Lips!" is about living life beautifully - hearts set ablaze. Words. Images. Inspiration.  It's also about chasing an impossible dream that took me from a small Bible Belt town to Hollywood.

The name, "Blot Your Lips!" came from my first TV job fresh out of journalism school.  I was hired as a reporter at a midwestern NBC affiliate that was surrounded by cornfields. Really. 

On slow news days - when a tornado didn't rip through a mobile home park or a freight train derail - I would catch up on notes from viewers with our evening anchor, Pam. 

One viewer wanted to make sure she got our attention.  She had mailed a crisply-folded white Kleenex with these words written on it in bold, red marker: "Honey, blot your lips!"  Below the words, she had demonstrated the perfect blotting technique.

Instead of throwing the note away, Pam pinned it up on our newsroom  bulletin board. She wanted to keep it as a reminder to check each other's makeup and hair before we went on air.  Our station was too small to afford stylists so we were on our own.

Some nights we would simply ask each other, "Blot?"  It was our code for, "Do I look ok?"

Pam taught me that we don't have to be enemies even if we're competing for the same spotlight. And she taught me how to stay beautiful even when people do ugly things to pull you down.

I hope she kept that Kleenex. And I hope here you will find words, images, inspiration that set your heart ablaze.

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