The Help Book Review

I finished The Help last Wednesday and have to say that it has been one of my favorite reads in a long time.  I laughed, I cried, and I also cringed throughout the novel.  After dragging through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Help was a welcomed change. 

The book takes place through the Civil Rights in the 1960's and tells the story through three different narratives, Skeeter - a white college grad who belongs to a ladies society and wants to change the way "the help" is treated, Aibileen - a black maid to Skeeter's friend Elizabeth and confidant to Skeeter and Minny - a recently fired by the leader of the ladies society black maid with a strong personality.

I loved every one of the narratives and the different opinion and view they had to offer.  Aibileen - nurturing, cautious and brave.  Minny - defiant, hard-working and brave.  Skeeter - alone, creative, and brave.  When Skeeter witnesses horrible acts of racism in her city, she sets out to pursue her passion of writing while trying to make a change to the future with some help from the maids of Jackson, Mississippi. 

Without giving too much away, the book has moments of extreme happiness and moments where I was disgusted that all this happened a mere fifty plus years ago. You grow extremely attached to the cause and rooting for change and when I finished the last page, I was sad to be finished and had to remind myself that these characters although fictional, really existed back in the day, and left me wishing for their happiness. 

The movie comes out August 12th and you better believe I am hoping one of my gf's here in LA finishes the book in time to see it with me!  I just started The Hunger Games (rec'd from Pink Sass) and am already loving this series, more to come about that, but for now, check out the preview for The Help.

Drug Store Beauty Booty

I've been really trying to pinch my pennies (I am thinking a fabulous vacation somewhere abroad is so in need) and start utilizing drug store beauty products.  At half the cost, I really can't be too disappointed if they turn out to be a dud (and there have been a few). 

Whenever I think of the Shick Intuition Razors I automatically think of the commercial and start singing Jewel's Intuition (Album Version).  I will say when I first saw the commercial, I thought who would ever use that big bulky razor?  Turns out the answer was me!  I received a free sample and tried it out to find that it works really well and removes the requirement for shave cream at all.  Perfect for vacations, house-sitting, the boyfriends place, or even home. 

Only negative thing is the cost for 3 refills is almost $20...not sure how much you are actually saving...but it is indeed the perfect travel companion razor. 

A gal at my work has very fair skin at work like me and always has the prettiest glow.  I finally just asked what product she used, and it turns out Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers helps her achieve this look (I think her being in her mid 20's doesn't hurt either). 

As a devoted user of Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer I was hesitant to try it out, but seeing as the tube was under $15, I was easily swayed.  While I did not end up with the same glow as Megan, I did end up with a tinted moisturizer that provides decent coverage and a built in SPF of 30.  I am quite happy with this product and while I am not sure it will replace Laura Mercier it has provided a great alternative when money is tight.

I ran out of my eye moisturizer recently and set out to purchase a new one.  Eye creams can get very pricey (even at the drug store) so it was essential I found one that I could use both day and night and focused on moisturizing (anything additional was a bonus). 

I came across the Olay Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream and felt it fit my needs best.  That was until I saw the CVS version right next to it for $3 less.  I will admit I didn't expect much from this eye cream, but I have to say that I am really pleased with just about everything from this jar.  A little goes a long way and it is very moisturizing and silky.  I use it day and night and it may be my imagination, but I think there has been a slight improvement in my general eye area.

I tried the Almay One Coat Dial-Up Mascara after reading a great review on blog (which blog has escaped me right now).  I am always game for a mascara that promises full volume and this one seemed especially great since I could decide how full I wanted that volume to be. 

Turns out it is a decent mascara but I am not loving the plastic bristle brush and tend to go right for level 3 which often has me wiping off the excess on the side of the tube.  I am happy with the coverage but will not be purchasing this tube again.  If you like those plastic style brushes, I would recommend trying this one out.  If you like Dior Show, skip it!

Call me stupid, but when I saw the commercial and magazine ad for the L'OREAL Studio Secrets One Sweep Eyeshadow I was totally sold.  Loved the colors and the idea that someone did all the work for me and all I had to do was swipe the brush across my eyes and voila!  Such a time saver! 

Only it didn't work like that at all.  Not even a little.  This product is a total FAIL.  Luckily I can still use the shadows individually and try to achieve a similar look but, please take my advice and save the $10 this shadow is going to cost you.  Just go buy the individual shadows that will last longer and you will inevitably be happier with. 

Do you have any great drug store beauty items that I need to try?  Do you love any of the products above or had better luck with the one sweep?

I'm Lovin' It

I opened the cupboard in our kitchen at work and noticed this AWESOME mug staring back at me and I just smiled so big.  I have been trying to figure out who the owner is so I can give them a big hug.  It has had all of us gals giggling this week, and for that I love it. 

Have Mercy!

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I would do just about anything to call this my bathroom.  The pop of yellow, the bright white and light = right up my alley.

My iPad will be taking its first flight on a plane this Sunday and I am thinking I really wish I owned this Vivienne Westwood Derby tartan leather iPad case.  Love that it's pink and leather. 

I have been house sitting for my boss this past week at his gorgeous house on a walk street in Venice and have been loving the evening walks with B down the boardwalk to enjoy a beer at the Venice Ale House and the Waterfront Cafe all while enjoying the sunset.

My thoughtful and sweet coworker left me these lovely and fragrant roses on my desk Tuesday morning with a note that read, "Congrats on your promotion! Very well deserved".  Instantly brightened my mood.

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  I purchased  My Private Jet back in the end of February and just got around to painting them this past Sunday and loved the results!  It lasted almost without a chip for 4 days and really sparkled in the sunshine.

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This picture is really accurate of how it turns out and shines.  The color will soon be added to my must always have a bottle of collection.

And now I need your help, should I repaint my nails My Private Jet for San Francisco or go bright and bolder for my weekend?  I am on the fence - any polish color that I should absolutely pick for the trip?

Fall 2011 RTW Collections - WWRZD Edition

Who else is super excited about Oscar fashions on Sunday? I have to say that my favorite episodes of The Rachel Zoe Project is her securing dresses for her celebs for award season!  Talk about stress and excitement. 

Will Fashion Week wrapping up last week in NYC and still happening over in London, I thought I would take a stab at Rachel Zoe's profession and try and dress all the best actress and best supporting actress nominees for Sunday.  I in no way shape or form even try and compare my selections with the uber talented Zoe, but below you will find my own version of What Would Rachel Zoe Do (WWRZD).... 

{click to enlarge all pictures from NY Mag}

I love Amy Adams and think she would look stunning in navy blue Naeem Khan or a sparkling goddess in Pamela Roland.

I am hoping Annette Bening puts a little more effort into her hair this awards season.  Regardless, she would look magnificent in this Diane Von Furstenberg gown.

Sweet little Hailee Steinfeld was difficult, as she is only 14, so I wouldn't want to age her in any of the gowns but also need to steer clear of cleavage and sexiness.  I think the Monique Lhuillier is angelic and the Badgley Mischka would look radiant against her gorgeous hair.

Helena Bonham-Carter is funky and interesting with all of her selections and as much as I would love to see her in something like the Badgley Mischka gown (feathers make it funky), I think she will veer more towards the style of this Marchesa gown which I think would suit her perfectly.

I don't know much about Jacki Weaver, but I think this Ralph Lauren dress is the perfect shade for her coloring and also a flattering fit for her figure.

My recent girl crush Jennifer Lawrence wowed me at the Golden Globes in that bright pink number, and I think she would absolutely shut.it.down in this teal John Richmond gown.  She would just glow!

I love Melissa Leo and have a feeling she will be taking home the statue, so she needs to dazzle and this Oscar de la Renta will do just that. 

Her Valentino daisy number for the Golden Globes was all wrong and I am left hoping Michelle Williams will go either bright and sparkly or sexy and sparkly.  Either dress will flatter her pixie cut.

Red is the perfect color for Natalie the sure winner for Best Actress on Sunday.  This gown will accentuate her growing bump and standout when she is accepting her Oscar.

Is it just me or has Nicole Kidman been a lot more personable on the red carpet lately?  I am leaning towards the Naeem Khan dress, but either would make her look statuesque on Sunday. 

Anne Hathaway has a great job hosting the awards and will no doubt be sporting numerous gowns through the telecast.  I am crossing my fingers this Oscar de la Renta is one of them!

She isn't nominated but always kills it on the red carpet at any awards show.  I want this new mama to be to walk down the carpet in this show stopping Marchesa.  Stunning.

What celebs are you most excited to see on the red carpet?  Do you think my picks will land my celebs on the best dressed or answering to Joan Rivers and the Fashion Police?  What was your favorite Fall 2011 RTW show? 

Ciao luvies! 

Oscar Time 2011

It's Oscar time again!  This Sunday will be an evening of glamour, movies and hopefully some laughs courtesy of co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway.  I am excited for these two hosts as they are both multi talented and sure to bring something new to the show, which it could definitely use. 

I am proud to say that this year I made it my goal to see all ten best pictures nominations.  And I succeeded!  Below are my reviews and votes for best picture (in order of my favorites).

And the nominees are.....

I kept hearing in October about this movie the The King's Speech.  I read the description of the film and was like *yawn*, even though I really like Colin Firth.  When they announced the nomination for best picture I knew I had to my butt to the theater and can I just say, I am SOOO glad I did as it is my favorite film of the bunch. 

Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are so excellent in this film.  It made me nervous, it made me laugh (a lot) and it really made me want to pick up a history book.  I LOVED it and really think it is a crowd pleaser.  I am also betting that Colin Firth takes home the Best Actor statue. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 35%

I am not sure why, but I wasn't super excited to see The Fighter - I mean it has Marky Mark in!  I watched this on a Saturday morning and was blown away by Christian Bale's outstanding performance as drug addict brother Dicky.  Also, Melissa Leo is unrecognizable as mother Alice and both deserve the supporting actor statues. 

The story is similar to all those come from behind to win movies but there is some serious heart in this film and it is my second favorite flick of the nominees. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 25%

I have loved all of the Toy Story Movies and am happy to report that Toy Story 3 is my favorite of them all.  I saw this movie with B in 3D and was holding back the tears at the end of the movie, as it just pulled on my heartstrings.  The characters, the idea of growing up and all that you leave behind and the nostalgia of my old favorite toys (Peaches & Cream Barbie anyone?). 

Toy Story 3 proved that sequels can be better than the original and also that some cartoons really do deserve to win best picture.

YBB Odds of Winning: 8%

Black Swan was a movie that disturbed me on so many levels and yet I loved it as well.  Natalie Portman's frightening portrayal of a ballerina trying to be perfect should definitely earn her the Best Actress Oscar, and the costumes and music were beautiful.  This movie literally had me squirming in my chair at parts and I left feeling unsure and weird. 

The movie was unique and interesting and I feel it deserves all the press it has been receiving, including its best picture nomination.

YBB Odds of Winning: 8%

B and I take turns picking movies at the theater and this flick was his choice.  I heart Jeff Bridges big time.  I once saw him at Palimino at lunch with his mom and he was carrying her purse for her and pulled out her seat and just was a true gentleman and ever since then I was a fan. 

The cinematography of True Grit is breathtaking and the cast is pretty impressive as well.  Matt Damon & Jeff Bridges are both hilarious in their roles and young Hallie Steinfeld is a welcomed fresh face. 

The film takes you back to simpler times and also the savageness of it all.  B and my girl Nicole seem to think that True Grit could be the dark horse and take home the Best Picture Oscar.  While I enjoyed the film, it wasn't best picture quality to me. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 9%

The Kids Are All Right was the last film I saw of the nominees and I was surprised to find that I ranked it so high out of all ten nominees.  The story is so intriguing and I found Mark Ruffalo, Annettte Bening, and Julianne Moore outstanding in their roles as parents to Joni and Laser. 

The film was the perfect combination of comedy and drama and really left me wanting to dine at Paul's restaurant and enjoying a glass of whatever Nic was drinking.  It also shows that family is family regardless of if it is man and woman, woman and woman or man and man. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 3%

I saw Inception last summer and walked away entertained, whereas B walked away disappointed and annoyed.  Which I think was most peoples reaction.  You either loved it or hated it. 

I loved the idea behind the film as well as the awesome cinematography and special effects.  The idea was creative and most walked out wondering what world Cobb was really in at the end.  Do we think there will be an Inception 2?  

Again, while I thought it was a good movie, not the best movie in my opinion. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 2% 

The Social Network or better known as The Facebook Movie was informative and amusing.  I didn't walk out of that movie thinking Mark Zuckerberg was an asshole (as I was warned I might feel) but instead I walked out feeling sorry for this genius as well as this Eduardo character. 

Jesse Eisenberg is satisfying as the role of Mark Zuckerberg and I finished the movie wondering what the REAL story is.  I also left thankful that Facebook was created. 

I know it won Best Picture for the Golden Globes by I don't think it holds a candle against The King's Speech or The Fighter. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 6%

I watched 127 Hours at my home and was told that not seeing it in the movie theater takes away some of the greatness of the film.  This movie takes you through the journey and struggle Aron Ralston experienced for (you guessed it) 127 Hours.  His knowledge and determination was impressive and inspiring.  

James Franco did a great job of portraying the highs and lows that Aron went through and the music compiled by A.R Rahman really intensified scenes and your emotions.  The landscape and scenery of the film (minus that one scene) was stunning and made me want to explore nature a little more.  

YBB Odds of Winning: 2% 

Winter's Bone was a flick I knew nothing about going into.  I knew it was a drama and that's about it.  My thought after watching was what an F'ed up flick. 

It was intriguing and dirty and made me want to shower as soon as I finished watching it.  It also made me feel so sorry for the main character Ree, played by the gorgeous Jennifer Lawrence. 

The movie was at times hard for me to follow but I ended up understanding at the end.  It is not a film for everyone but again one that leaves you thinking long after the credits end. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 2%

Now it's your turn! 

What do you think will win best picture?  Was there a film that was left off the nominations that should have been included?  What were your feelings on any of the nominated films? 

Beauty Review ~ Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

I recently joined the world of twitter (@lyndsylee) and came across this amazing post by the always stylish Amber of Amber's Notebook.  Her post was perfectly timed with my birthday party celebration (posting about soon) and I thought who needs a manicure when the look I want can be achieved at home and look so great?

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On Saturday I frantically hit up various drug stores (thank you Brandon for your patience) to find Frock Star and wouldn't you just know, third time was a charm.  I threw down my $11 dollars and walked out with a smile on my face. 

Once I was home, I ripped open the package and got started.  *Warning* it did take me close to an hour to complete this project, and I followed Amber's instructions on my IPad (reused some applications twice) and turned out with 10 sparkling nails. 

Ta-dah!

Yes I realize, not the most flattering picture, but the blackberry captured the sparkly goodness pretty well I thought.  I applied the polish stickers (that promises to hold up 10 days) on February 5.  I also went the extra mile and applied a clear top coat (thanks for the rec Amber!)

Drinking some Veuve with my new nails on February 5th.  Picture does not do them justice at all!

And here's my nails today, February 15th, 10 days later still looking fantastic and not chipped one bit.

I am in LOVE with this product.  It is one I will most definitely be purchasing again.  I would say that if you are going to purchase this product I would advise to go for the fun designs over the solid colors.  I have received numerous compliments on the polish (oddly enough - mostly from guys) and am just so pleased with the results. 

I believe I will attempt to take the polish off this weekend with just plain nail polish and advise how well that works for me. 

And just to leave you with a pretty picture of the results (instead of my sausage like fingers) please see Amber's results below.  Oh so pretty!

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*UPDATE*

Ugh..I hate to admit this since I REALLY love this product, but taking this puppies off was torture.  It took my an hour to get them off all the way and was left with pruned up fingers and sore nails from soaking in nail polish remover so long.  While I think I will use the product again and still stand behind the quality, I would advise seeing a professional for removal if you are going to use them. 

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Review

all photos via W Magazine

Some 7 months ago I shared this post with ya'll sharing that I was starting The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I eagerly jumped into this novel after hearing such wonderful reviews. 

I've decided that I have kind of a love hate relationship with this novel.  It has never in my life taken me so long to get into a book.  It seemed as though I was running a full marathon, people around me constantly encouraging me to continue on that it would only get better and easier, and it did....around page 400 (mind you the book is 600 pages). 

Yes I know, why am I complaining when I could have easily just stopped reading the book.  The answer is simple, I wanted to believe that this book would be worth it.  And in a way it was, but perhaps it was all the hype but it just wasn't as good as I would have thought. 

Moments of the book were pure brilliance and I did like the characters of the novel, but I just feel like it fell short at times (perhaps the first 400 pages).  I watched the Swedish version of the movie this past Sunday and it did make me appreciate the novel more.  I am quite excited for the David Fincher version starring the darling and angelic Rooney Mara who has transformed herself completely for the role of Lisbeth Salander. 

Below are some pictures from her spread with W Magazine - it is kind of incredible how different she looks. 

Those abs - yes please!

Rooney is said to have pierced her lip, nose and nipples all in one day for the role.  Talk about dedication!

 Give the book a chance, if it takes longer than a month to get you excited I would suggest taking a pass.  What are your thoughts on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?  Were you instantly a fan?  What page pulled you in or turned you away?  Have you read any of the other books in the series? 

Next up for me....The Help.