I’m so excited to share with you my interview with an Olympic Ice Dancer Tanith Belbin! I love watching figure skating and ice dancing therefore interviewing Tanith is a dream come true.

Tanith Belbin is a Canadian-American ice dancer. Though she holds dual citizenship, she competes for the United States and has competed for the U.S. since she began skating with Benjamin Agosto in 1998. With Agosto, Belbin is the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, four time World medalist, three time Four Continents champion (2004–2006), and five-time U. S. champion (2004–2008). 

Photo credit: NBC Sports / USOC

Tanith Belbin was born in Kingston, Ontario and raised in Kirkland, Quebec. She lived and trained in Canton, Michigan for many years, before moving to Aston, Pennsylvania to train at Ice Works. Belbin’s mother, Michelle (McKinlay) Belbin, is a costume designer and she makes some of Belbin’s costumes. She trained as a figure skater in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In this interview Tanith Belbin talks to Marta Walsh about when and how she has discovered the love for ice dancing. How does she find the right balance between a busy career and normal life. Gives advice on what does it really take to become a successful ice dancer. Reveals what’s in her makeup bag, favorite city, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: How did you discover your love for ice dancing and what were some of your greatest achievements in your career?
Tanith Belbin: I began skating with the intention of becoming a singles skater but because of my body proportion (thin, long legs), I was placed with a dance partner when I was 8 years old and fell in love with the element of interacting with another person on the ice. I am a performer and dance offered the greatest outlet for my creativity and desire to portray different characters in a program. Since finding my perfect partner in Ben, I would say the most satisfying moment in our career for me personally was when we won our first National title. To be able to say that you are the best in the country at something you’ve dedicated your life to is incredible. Now, on to the world!

As you probably already know I’m based in Scottsdale Arizona a place I love so much. This is why I was excited to take part in this year’s Scottsdale Fashion Week (SFW) and get to know my fashionable neighbours. Last night I was invited to attend a fabulous designers party at the equally fabulous Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley Arizona. Wow, what an evening. The weather couldn’t be any more perfect and the Montelucia resort where the party took place was breathtaking. I was trying to take photos, but couldn’t capture how beautiful it was around there last night. Just imagine, beautiful clear dark sky, lots of palm trees, fire features around amazing pools, chocolate desserts, and beautifully dressed people.

 Marta Walsh founder of Talking Makeup (left) Kevan Hall fashion designer (right)

The highlight of my evening at the SFW was finally getting to chat with LA Fashion Designer Kevan Hall who his sleek eveningwear was worn by a distinguished coterie of celebrated artists- including Celine Dion, Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Charlize Theron, and Salma Hayek. I’ve been at his show over a year ago during LA Fashion Week and was so glad to bump into him. After I introduced myself to Kevan I asked why Scottsdale Fashion Week? He said that Scottsdale is known to be a city who is into fashion and he has clients from Scottsdale who fly to LA especially to shop in his studio. He also agreed with me how gorgeous Scottsdale is. Kevan also talked to me about the colors he likes to use in his designs, and he mentioned that he likes to use unexpected colors and unique shade of colors. I had to ask him if he approves my outfit. I went for a rock chic look because I can’t afford to buy Kevan Hall, yet, I told him. He said yes, and I felt like the cat who got the cream. LOL.

Bobbi Brown Chrome Collection November 2009: 

“Chrome is cool and icy- it’s a very modern, but still pretty way to illuminate the skin.” – Bobbi Brown

This November, Bobbi introduces the Chrome Palette- her cool, contemporary take on holiday beauty. Featuring icy shimmering accents for eyes and lips, this chrome fold-out palette includes everything you need to create countless party-read looks including: 10 eye shadows, 4 lip shades, a Mini Eye Shadow Brush and a Mini Lip Brush.

I’m excited to share with you my interview with American model and actress Josie Maran. Josie is also the founder of her own natural cosmetics product line, named Josie Maran Cosmetics.

In this interview Josie Maran talks about what led her to create Josie Maran Cosmetics. Her ultimate beauty secret. Her passion to protect the environment and for all things green. The people that inspire her the most, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: You are known for your career as a model and actress, what inspired you to create your own cosmetics line?
Josie Maran: When pregnant with my daughter a few years ago, I decided to look for natural makeup formulas to use and discovered that none lived up to the levels of sophistication and luxury as I wanted. It was then I realized that after spending so many hundreds of hours in the makeup chair, I was uniquely qualified to create my own line of cosmetics, the type of makeup that I was searching for: chic, luxurious and, most importantly, healthy. Not long after the birth of my daughter, Josie Maran Cosmetics was born.

I’m not huge on watching sports on TV, but I must admit that one sport I do love to watch is Figure Skating. I enjoy watching the costumes, the makeup, and listening to the music. This is why I’m thrilled to share with you my interview with figure skating champion Rachael Flatt.  Rachel is 2008 World Junior Champion and the 2008 & 2009 U.S. silver medalist.

In this interview Rachel Flatt talks to Marta Walsh about her beginnings as a figure skater. The biggest moments of her figure skating career so far. Reveals some of her beauty secrets and future plans.

Photo Credit: USOC / NBC Sports

Marta Walsh: What attracted you to figure skating and what are some of your biggest moments in your career so far?
Rachael Flatt: I started figure skating when I was about 3 1/2- 4 yrs old. I was at the local mall in San Diego with my parents when I was 2 1/2 yrs old and the local skating club was hosting their annual summer ice show. I told my parents that I wanted to try it…I liked the idea that the skaters seemed to float effortlessly across the ice, loved the idea of spinning and jumping and they seemed to be having a lot of fun. About 4 months later, I started “Learn to Skate” lessons and have not turned back. Love it just as much over 10 yrs later as the day I started! Truly a life long passion!

Photo Credit: Getty Images and www.dailymakeover.com