President Barack Obama's approval rating has hit its highest point in two years - 60 percent - and more than half of Americans now say he deserves to be re-elected, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll taken after U.S. forces killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.
In worrisome signs for Republicans, the president's standing improved not just on foreign policy but also on the economy, and independent Americans - a key voting bloc in the November 2012 presidential election - caused the overall uptick in support by sliding back to Obama after fleeing for much of the past two years.
Comfortable majorities of the public now call Obama a strong leader who will keep America safe. Nearly three-fourths - 73 percent - also now say they are confident that Obama can effectively handle terrorist threats. And he improved his standing on Afghanistan, Iraq and the United States' relationships with other countries.
Despite a sluggish recovery from the Great Recession, 52 percent of Americans now approve of Obama's stewardship of the economy, giving him his best rating on that issue since the early days of his presidency; 52 percent also now like how he's handling the nation's stubbornly high 9 percent unemployment.
Impressions of the nation's fiscal outlook have improved following last Friday's positive jobs report, which showed American companies are on a hiring spree. More people now say that the economy got better in the past month and that it's likely to continue doing so in the coming year

Laila Ali Lauches New Hair and skin care line

Knockout Laila Ali continues to show the range of her talents. The new mom is known for the boxing skills she inherited from her famous dad, but outside of the ring she's in touch with her feminine side and recently launched a hair care and skincare line. Her skincare line Laila Ali Derm Essentials and hair care line Laila Ali Professionals are made of 100 percent organic materials and specifically created for women of color. This brings new ideas of organic products to the African American community, which we have less of. The hair products are all professional grade quality and sulfate-free so that your hair won't be stripped of moisture. As African American woman our hair needs moisture to not look so dry and damaged. Both lines are budget friendly, priced from $13 to $18, and all of the products are currently available online now, but are scheduled to hit drugstores this fall. Treat yourself to an age defying cream, tone equalizer, ultra-hydrating body lotion and daily face wash and moisturizer, or choose from a wide range of hair care products including a curl defining gel, purifying shampoos and repairing conditioners in the lines. For a woman with a strong career chose, Laila Ali sure knows how to market her feminine side and with class and elegance. With Her low price line and her verity of items I’m sure that her produces will be a great seller.

Donna Karen Urban zen collection

Bali is definitely a place surrounded with a magical emanation of spiritual powers; the place under the spell of natural beauty where spirit, mind and body become one with the flux of inspirations. With all those attributes of Bali there is no wonder that such artistic minds like Donna Karan find the source of her artistic muse in the Urban Zen Collection. Fascinated with the rich Balinese culture, local craftsmanship and purity of the nature, Donna aimed to "bring Bali home" literally. This is the way she lives with her personal taste of exterior and interior constructions.

Donna cooperated with local artisans in order to retain the tradition of Balinese design with fresh modern features. The collection of the furniture is very simple but with a sophisticated and versatile touch. There is an intentional contrast between rough wooden structures and soft lines of pillows and the variety of colours like natural, aged, golden honey, brown or black lacquer. As the result the balance is the solution through industrial generosity and casual simplicity with creation of ZEN atmosphere.

Oscar de la renta Bridal, Tea Party

There was something enchanting in the air at the Oscar de la Renta showroom where he presented his Spring 2012 bridal collection on Monday, April 11, in New York.

Always one to put on a show and create something awe-inspiring, de la Renta this season set the scene to something you would expect little girls to conjure up if they let their young and vivid imaginations run free. Always refined of course, these little women could be found hosting a tea party in the garden out back surrounded by freesia and lavender scents as they sip tea, or at least gesture as such, in little white gloves and paint pictures for each other envisioning their fantastical wedding dreams.

With the youthfulness to the collection came an understated elegance that only de la Renta could pervade. Long silhouettes with bodacious skirts composed of ruffles and organza florets gave the illusion of a woman running through a patch of petals as they joined together to adorn her body. Rabbit hair on a white feathered bolero and scarf meshed perfectly with the springtime garden fauna.

Offering something novel to the bridal repertoire, de la Renta utilized the neckline in square shapes and more angular cuts. All 37 designs were white except for a couple of degrade silk organza gowns in pink and a tea length version in pale blue.

Mixes Chick Sueing Sally

one of the most beloved haircare lines for naturally curly women and kids, Mixed Chicks, just filed suit against Sally Beauty Supply. The reason? Mixed Chicks is claiming that the mega beauty chain's new hair line, Mixed Silk, is infringing on the their trademark. They're also alleging that Sally Beauty Supply is using the Mixed Chicks logo on its website to direct consumers to their infringing products...

Mixed Chicks Co-Founder Kim Etheredge has this to say: "We've worked hard to build the reputation of the Mixed Chicks product as one of high quality. We want our clients to know that the Mixed Silk products have no connection with our products, and Mixed Chicks has not endorsed or authorized them." We're fans of both Mixed Chicks and Sally Beauty Supply, and hope that they reach an agreement soon!

Skin Care Tips from a Model

Joan Smalls

In the morning, I always make sure to wash my face with a salicylic acid cleanser and moisturize with a combination of lotion and Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I know it’s supposed to be used at night but I like putting it on for daytime because it makes my skin look dewy and glowing!

I also use the Advanced Night Repair before I go to bed—during Fashion Week my skin gets really cracked and sensitive with all the touching and rubbing that happens when putting makeup on and taking it off. It’s important that I get nutrients back into my skin.

Make-up foundation tips

SEASONAL UPDATE
Don’t wear the same foundation with a summer tan as you would in the winter. Skin color changes with the seasons, so your foundation should change, too.

TO BE PRECISE
For the most professional application, use your fingertips or a triangle sponge to apply foundation. Natural sea sponges don't cover evenly—save them for your bath. Instead, try foam wedges—the smooth surface strokes on evenly, the tapered edge blends make-up into tough to reach spots like corners between the eye and nose.

BRIGHT-EYED TIP
Use foundation on your eyelids even if you never wear shadow. It evens out the lid’s tone and instantly brightens.

THE BLEND TREND
Be sure to double-check your neck when applying foundation. To avoid a severe line where your makeup stops and your neck begins, start at the center of the face and blend outward, gradually applying with a lighter touch as you approach your neck and hairline.

SHAKE THINGS UP
If you are using a liquid foundation, always shake the bottle vigorously before applying.

FINE LINE TAMER
To smooth fine lines, normal to dry skin types should prime their skin with a primer like COVERGIRL and Olay Simply Ageless Primer. Primers moisturize and even skin tone for a smoother makeup application.