Gift Guide #1 ~ Pretty Polished

Happy 1st of December!  You now officially have 24 shopping days left to get gifts for those special to your heart (including yourself!). 

Today's gift guide is for the gal in your life who likes to wear her flare on her fingertips.  Nail polish is the perfect gift for any one if your life.  You choose the price range and the color selection is endless.  It's a perfect stocking stuffer, little gift for your favorite gal at the office or little sister. 

Oh Deborah you always have me crushing hard on your polishes!  for that rockstar best friend of yours, why not treat her to the Get This Party Started set?  Or for your sweet little snow angel and Led Zeppelin fan, a little Stairway To Heaven which looks like little bits of snowflakes in a jar.  Love!

A little sweeter but still smooth as butter is this Holiday Glitter Trio.  All the goodness of butter with none of the calories...yes please!

Glitter?  Check.  Sparkles?  Check.  All out flashy fantastic - yep and the names are just my favorite!

Don't Be Eggnogious, Getting' Miss Piggy With It, Meteor Shower 

For your favorite gold digger who likes to play it cool, Gold Flash should do.

I am loving this pair together, Shine of the Times and Bobbing for Baubles.  Essie's whole holiday collection is straight up glamorous and rich.

The perfect red, a splash of white a tinge of black and a gloss of gold, could we NARS have nailed it any better with this Kabuki Mini Nail Polish Coffret?  You could buy the set and split it amongst your different girlfriends - sexy, innocent, bold and dazzling. 

Any of these polishes as gifts are sure to leave you perfectly polished in their books!

Drug Store Beauty Booty

St. Ives Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract Lotion

I have a ton of those super scented lotions that I don't always feel really moisturize as much as they scent-tize and realized I needed a good legit lotion for everyday.  I originally bought this lotion to keep over at B's but liked it so much I took it back and have it chilling in my bathroom.  The scent is lovely and light and the lotion leaves your skin so soft!  And at under $5 it is such a steal! 

Wet n Wild - Party of Five Glitters

This nail polish is straight up legit, let me count the ways why I love it so.  Last year I bought my nail polish obsessed roomie Debroah Lippmann's "Happy Birthday"  glitter polish and fell in love.  Imagine my delight when browsing Walgreens to find this $1.99 polish that is a great cheap version of the luxe brand, but also named after one of my fave shows growing up. 

Suave - Dry Spray Shampoo

While I still love my Psssssst... I am always game to try the latest and cheapest dry shampoos out there.  I found this Suave Dry Shampoo and was sure I would be disappointed, because you know...it's Suave. 

Turns out Suave really has redone not only their packaging but also their product quality.  This dry shampoo is AWESOME and smells so good!  It's rings up just under $4 and not only sprays clear but evenly, which I find is very key for a good dry shampoo. 

Lesson learned, don't judge a dry shampoo by it's cover.

Sonia Kashuk - Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I happened to stop into Target to pick up some laundry soap, groceries and toilet paper.  I can out minus $130 and a tube of Sonia's tinted moisturizer.  I have desperately been searching for a tinted moisturizer that holds a candle against Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer and while I still haven't quite found one, I have found some great, close alternatives including this one. 

A little goes a long way, let me just warn you.  The coverage is great and while the color I selected is a little lighter than I would have preferred it, blends fantastically and leaves my skin fresh and youthful (at least I like to think it does).  This is my first Sonia Kashuk beauty purchase and am quite pleased with it so far and excited to try some more of her goods. 

Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste

Hands down my favorite toothpaste ever.  I recently switched it up and have immediately regretted my decision.  I have been using this toothpaste since college and love how fresh and clean it leaves my mouth.  Also it should be noted (knock on wood) that I haven't had any cavities in 6+ years and I think it must have something to do with the toothpaste.  Back in the day it used to be this kind of awful orange tasting paste, but they have since added whitening features as well as two flavors of mint. 

If you are hating your toothpaste I really, really love this one and recommend it to everyone!

Any great drug store beauty products you can't leave home without?  I would love to hear your favorite affordable beauty products!

Summer Essentials Series ~ jaime of all trades

Happy First Day of Fall and last day of summer essentials!  We wrap up the summer series with my seriously talented friend Jamie from jaime of all trades.  Jamie is an incredible baker who creates fabulous cupcakes for any occassion and she is available for hire to use for your own party.  Jamie is also stylish, on top of the trends and happens to work for a company I love very much....Starbucks.  Her blog is full of tasty treats, fashionable finds, and all sorts of goodies to try around Seattle.  I love her dearly and am pretty sure you will love her too after reading her blog. 

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

my weleda lip balm.  one of my favorite fashionistas, katherine power from who what wear tweeted about it and i just had to try it.  i am constantly applying this stuff and it smells amazing.  i'm thinking of buying a tube for my purse, my desk, my bathroom, my car.  i can't be without it.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

bright colored nails.  they feel so summery and look good with a tan.  i'm loving essie's braziliant, seen here.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

countess luann's 'chic c'est la vie' 

(JUST KIDDING! - phew)  this is always the hardest question for me but i'm picking taio cruz's 'dynamite.'  i've been to a million weddings this summer and whenever this song comes on i wanna get d.o.w.n.  it puts me in such a good mood.

Thank you J.O.A.T. for your summer picks!  I love the Brazillant collection (I own Smooth Sailing) and I am very tempted to try this new lip balm.  I also quite enjoy dynamite and kind of love the message behind the song, as the countess would say - sa bonne!  Be sure to head over to jamie of all trades for your daily dose of fantastic.

I also would like to thank again all the people who contributed to the series this summer.  We had a lot of picks and recommendations and I feel so honored that they took the time out to share their picks and that you took the time out to read and comment.  It really does mean the world to me!  Next week, back to random posts that pop up in my head as well as a few usuals you are used to! 

Let's all be Chic C'est La Vie this weekend shall we? 

Summer Essentials Series ~ Avery Bleu

Anyone else feeling the heat wave outside?  Oooh wee, close to 100 degrees in Century City!  I am loving the warmth that has finally arrived (I am sitting in an air conditioned office however). 

Today's summer essentials come from one of my FAVE peeps, and yes I am very partial and biased because it is of course my roomie Avery Bleu is sharing her summer must haves.  Miss Avery and I go way back, like drinking too much spiced rum freshmen year of college and blacking out back (but that's another story for another day).  Miss Avery is ALWAYS on top of the trends, whether she's sporting neon nails, bright pink lips, stripes, sequins, whatever.  If it is currently in season, she is currently sporting it.  She is also always on top of celeb gossip, good music and takes excellent care of our good friend Waldo!  So make sure to head over and check out Avery Bleu just as soon as you finish checking out her summer essentials.

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Colorful nails!

Pink, green, orange, purple, yellow, glitter..the brighter and sparklier the better. I love it all, especially with a bit of a tan. Here are just a few of my faves from my massive collection.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

 

LWDs - Little White Dresses

Whether chilling poolside, grabbing drinks with the girls or *sigh* working the day away, a light, feminine LWD is perfect for any occasion. I already own a few, but always have room for another.

 

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

"Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett

Many of my friends would be surprised by my selection of a country song, as I'm typically more of a hip-hop and altie gal, but this little ditty makes me want to ditch work and relax in the sun, preferably with a cold beverage in hand. "Wishing I was knee deep in the water somewhere. Got the blue sky breeze and it don't seem fair. Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair. Sunrise there's a fire in the sky. Never been so happy. Never felt so high. And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise." You simply can't help but do a little knee bounce, toe tap, finger snap or hand clap when it's playing. The addition of Jimmy Buffett makes it even more appropriate for summer. 

AND their song, "Toes", is also good for summertime fun - "I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand. Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today, life is good today." I mean, does that evoke the feelings of summertime goodness or what?

Thanks Avery for sharing your summer picks and nail polish collection with me!  You better believe I was shocked to see your summer selection song was country!!  I have to agree to both songs though, they are quite fantastic!  I am so happy to call you one of my best friends and thankful you share a love for beauty products, chardonnay and Waldo.  XOXO

Tomorrow, Andi from Saltwater Dreams shares her faves!

I'm Loving' It

The new Starbucks "Very Berry Hibiscus" Refresher is muy bueno!  I was very hesitant to try this coffee drink that tastes nothing like coffee, but let me just tell you it is so delish.  A grande drink only has 70 calories and it contains freeze-dried berries as well.  Once I finish my beverages, I fill my cup of with water and enjoy my "spa" water at my desk.  If you are lucky enough to have them sampling it at your local Sbux, make sure you give it a try. 

Also loving the Hunger Games Triology.  I am on the final book of the series and trying to find any excuse to read it.   

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This bright, cheery and a little bit nautical look from Atlantic-Pacific.  I mean let's be honest, all of her outfits are lust-worthy but this one just screams glamorous fun in the sun.

Even though I am perfectly content and still loving my Yellow KitchenAid Mixer, I fell in love at first sight with this KitchenAid Artisan Susan G. Komen Stand Mixer in Raspberry Ice.  Not only would it be a brilliantly bold addition to any kitchen, but with the purchase of this mixer you are also contributing to the Susan G. Komen Cook for the Cure®’s efforts to cure breast cancer. 

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This ring and grey nail polish combo.  Whenever I see this photo I instantly want to run to the nearest beauty supply and pick up a bottle of grey polish (preferably chinchilly).  Grey, yellow, turquoise and a little bit of gold...possibly new bedroom color scheme? 

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Visits from friends and babies that include dinners at garlic ball heaven C&O Trattoria in Venice. 

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Holding sweet little buddy Raleigh while soaking up rays, sipping some wine at Sip in Malibu and reminiscing with friends.  This past weekend Coffey and Cabe flew down from Seattle so that many of us could meet little Raleigh as well as the handsome Easton.  It was a weekend of making the best of roadblocks and rules and fully of laughter and smiles.  So much fun!

Recent Purchases ~ Apothica.com

The generous people over at Apothica provided me with $100 to spend on anything over at their site.  Talk about exciting stuff!  As many of you know, I am a bit of a beauty product junky and Apothica offers so many products I adore and use on a daily basis at affordable rates and free shipping on orders over $49! 

I immediately added the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster to my basket as I had been eyeing it for over a year now.

The Truth Serum Collagen Booster smells absolutely delightful and provides a nice little pick me up to my morning routine.  The energizing tangerine scent instantly wakes up my sleepy face and gives a little perk to my drab skin.  It also creates a nice barrier between my face and LA's toxic air pollution.  My only regret with purchasing the truth serum is that I didn't buy the Three Little Wonders Box Set (as seen above) which I believe would have provided more dramatic results. 

In any case, Ole Henriksen carries a variety of beauty products I am dying to try including this African Red Tea Glow To Go.

My next purchase was the Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner in Carbon Black.

I love the look of liquid eyeliner so much and I have concluded that my favorite type of liquid liner are "pen" style.  They glide on so much easier and create the perfect liquid line.  The Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner is a wonderful beauty product.  It stays on all day as promised and lasts a really long time.  I used it at least 3-4 times a week and purchased it back in February and only just ran out of it this weekend.  For $20 you get a great quality product that lasts a long time.  FANTASTIC!

The third purchase was a little more difficult to select as I wanted so many things.  I however decided to share the wealth and purchase the Voluspa 3 Wick in Decorative Tin French Bourbon Vanille candle for B.

B had just moved into his new place and it needed a little accent that not only smelled "manly" but also matched his dark wood decor.  I am already a devoted fan of Voluspa candles and wanted to introduce B to my fave candle distributor.  While I enjoy almost every single scent they offer, I needed to find one for B that wasn't overly perfumey or in an ultra girly casing.  Check and Check. 

I have to say that I was over the moon for all my purchases from Apothica.  They shipped my items in a timely matter, and threw in some free samples to try.  A nice added touch was that a consulting rep from the site sent me an email to follow up on my purchases and product satisfaction.  Never had any of my other beauty sales rep follow up on an order, love their customer appreciation!

Since I have exhausted my last order officially, I have begun hunting for my next beauty purchases...currently in the lead are:

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Glitter In The Air 

perfectly wispy - reminds me of cotton candy at the fair

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe

loving the blue and green glitter combo - gets me excited for Seahawk football (fingers crossed)

Eminence Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream

I am still on the hunt for a good night cream and I am completely sold by the fact that the words "blueberry" and "recovery" are in the same product title.  I have read all the wonderful benefits of eating blueberries and figure, it must be good to place directly on your face as well, right?  Added bonus, the products is organic. 

I am pretty sure my shopping cart will be full to the brim once I finish looking at the website.  I highly recommend trying Apothica for your next beauty purchases, they have a great return policy as well and guarantee the lowest price. 

Get shopping my beauties and be sure to share what you buy or love!

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Easter Style Under $50

Ditsy Floral Ruffle Dress, Open Side Suedette Heels, Haute Pink Nail Polish, Pressed & Faux Ivory Bangles

In case you are still trying to throw together a sweet little outfit for Easter or just a cute look for brunch with friends, all of the items above will cost you a grand total of $50.20!  They are all easily interchangeable with other items you already own and are perfectly flirty and sweet and just scream spring! 

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?

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. 

I'm Lovin' It

Can we just agree that these BEBAROQUE LOURDES Black Tights are just marvelous?!?  I mean, I am just speechless looking at them.  Birthday wishlist - check.

As if EmersonMade's stuff wasn't already adorable as all get out, she has to go and introduce a new line of soft, cozy, darling t-shirts, like this Paper Valentine Heart Tee that would be just perfect for V-Day. 

My GF Christy gifted me the refreshing Satsuma Body Butter this past Christmas and it just puts me in the best of spirits every time I slather it on.  Added bonus, I am pretty sure it curbs my appetite all whilst giving me super soft skin.  SWEET SATSUMA!

I have shorty stubby legs that make finding tall boots close to impossible. Call it a Christmas miracle but my these Steven by Steve Madden 'Mary' Distressed Leather Boot not only fit my calves but also they are just the right high and don't dig midway into my kneecap.  Plus the color is just awesome and goes with just about anything at all.  The zipper down the back is my absolute favorite feature. 

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I have always loved my girl Cameron Diaz as she reminds me of my bestie Mrs. R amd she absolutely killed it at the Green Hornet premiere last night.  The shoes, the bold red dress, the makeup the hair - perfection.  Do we think that prego Rachel Zoe picked this entire look out for her? 

AND ONE I'M NOT LOVIN' SO MUCH...

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Before I departed for Seattle I opted to get a mani/pedi before my Chocolate Sun and chose the festive and fun OPI Nail Lacquer, Glow Up Already, 0.5-Fluid Ounce for my nails.  I loved the results (similar to the picture above) and couldn't wait to sport it around town.  Only problem was I woke up the next day missing the polish on my pinky and then through out the rest of the day the entire nail polish came off leaving me with 4 fingers polished. 

NOT A HAPPY CAMPER!

I am not sure if I should be pissed at the nail polish or the manicurist.  Lesson learned that glitter alone doesn't work for my nails and should only be used in conjunction with a solid nail polish color. 

What are you loving so far in 2011?