Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Baby C Is Here!

A big congratulations and lots of love are sent to one of my favorite couples Mr. & Mrs. S, and their new addition of baby boy C! I cannot wait to get over to the east coast and meet this darling little addition.

Love you both !!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Song Of The Week: Right Here (Human Nature Radio Mix)



Today was one of those days where the sun was shining and the birds were chirping and then I got some sad news at work that one of my favorite coworkers was heading elsewhere and his last day was today. I of course cried and was shaking with the breaking news, but received a little facebook posting from my girl Kris alerting me that I had been named the winner of the always darling Amber's Notebook giveaway! Talk about much needed good news to help get me out of my sad funk. THANKS AMBER!

Trying to pick a song was a little difficult for today, but I decided on an oldie that always makes me sing along by SWV, "Right Here". I used to play this song on repeat in 7th grade and just recently added it to my Itunes collection and from the first listen I was reminded how much I love this song. It samples my favorite Michael Jackson song "Human Nature" and just brings me back to simpler days of junior high.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Happy {Daylight Savings} Weekend


Don't forget to "Spring Forward" and set your clocks ahead an hour on Sunday at 2 AM. This weekend I will be watching the Pac-10 NCAA Tournament Game at Staples with some fabulous ladies and then we will be off to dance the night away! You should be dancing too!

XOXO

Shuffle, Shuffle...


Wouldn't you just know that it has been another crazy busy week and my brain is just about on overload and I can't even begin to think of what to post...that is until Shelby posted this guy and I just HAD to participate seeing as music plays such a huge part of my life. So here goes..

The Rules:

1. Put your iTunes/ ipod (or any mp3 player) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Encourage others to play along!

My Results:


1) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
On Board - Friendly Fires (Usually!)

2) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Born Into A Light - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

3) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
No More Talk - T.I. (hmmmmmm)

4) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Spaceman - Dave Matthews Band

5) WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Union - Black Eyed Peas

6) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
What We Talkin' About - Jay-Z Ft. Luke Steele

7) WHAT IS 2+2?
She's Out Of My Life - Michael Jackson

8) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
She Is - The Fray (interesting!)

9) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Shadow - Britney Spears

10) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
She's Mine - Brett Dennen

11) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
By Night Into Paradise - Chet (Doesn't sound too bad to me!)

12) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Young Forever - Jay-Z Ft. Mr. Hudson (Ha!)

13) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
I'm Real (Murder Mix) - Jennifer Lopez Feat. Ja Rule (well....)

14) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Pump It Harder - The Black Eyed Peas (seems a little inappropriate for the dance floor...later in the night maybe - j/k)

15) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Give It Up To Me - Shakira Feat. Lil Wayne (lol!)

16) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
How To Say Goodbye - Paul Tiernan (this would have been better for the question above)

17) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

18) WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
The Heart Of Life - John Mayer

19) HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Paper Planes - M.I.A. (interesting...)

20) WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Here We Go - Mat Kearney

21) WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Boots & Boys - Ke$ha (boys for sure)

22) WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
I'll Stand By You - Carrie Underwood

23) WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
December - David Gray

24) WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Ventura Highway - America (the 101 is a scary road I avoid at all times!)

25) DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
The Chain - Ingrid Michaelson

26) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Shake That - Eminem

27) WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Miss Independent - Ne-Yo (not really - I kind of like it)

This is really fun I promise and kind of a fun way to enter into your weekend! Give it a shot!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Daily Goods Part II

Hello lovelies! This daily goods post is dedicated to my favorite beauty eye products. I have included items that I use daily (think work, running errands, etc) and also for nights out on the town. I still haven't found the perfect daily eye cream and would love any recommendations out there (preferably for less than $50). Here we go....

Under Eye:

I have been using Smashbox's Photo-Op Under Eye Brightener for a good 4 years now and this product does not disappoint. It instantly camouflages those dark circles and brightens up your eyes for real. It also adds a little extra moisture below the eyes which is never a bad thing.

Eye Shadow Prep:
This stuff is the bomb.com! I was first introduced to Urban Decay's Primer Potion by my friend (and fellow beauty lover) Lindsay about four years ago and there is no turning back. I use the "Sin" color daily for under my eyeshadows or all alone for those barely there makeup days. This potion keeps my shadow in place for a majority of the day, gives my shadows just a little sheen to them and sometimes if I am feeling a little crazy, I use it on top of my shadows at the end for extra glamour. The best part is that one tube of this baby, lasts a LOOOOONNNNGGGG time. No joke over a year, and just when you think it is all gone, I whack it on the counter and get just a little bit more for the day. Love it!

Brushes:


We all have heard (and should know by now) that good makeup brushes make all the difference in the world. I wasn't a believer of this until I started using good brushes, and now I couldn't live without the two brushes below.

For all over eye color I adore the Laura Mercier Eye Color Brush. It provides good even coverage and makes a little shadow go a long way on that eyelid.

I remember a long time ago some makeup artist in a magazine said the ONE brush everyone should own was Laura Mercier's Smudge Brush. Well of course you can guarantee that I went out and bought that brush and I have to say that I do use it everyday. I use it for highlighting the inside corner of my eyes, and for applying eyeshadow underneath my eyes and also on top of my eyeliner. This brush does not disappoint.

Eyeshadow:


Like any other girl out there, I have an abundance of eyeshadows in my makeup bag/drawer. However, I chose to focus on the colors I wear daily and share a few that are for more dramatic eyes.

Is there anyone in the world out there that doesn't use at least one shade of MAC Eyeshadow? They seriously have the best colors, are pretty affordable and let's not forget that if you collect six empty containers you can trade them in at your local MAC Store for a lipgloss, lipstick or eyeshadow. Love it! My go to colors are Vapour (inside corner, under brow bone), Dazzlelight (all over, inside corner, under brow bone), Satin Taupe (crease), Bronze (crease, under eye), Mulch (crease) and Knight Divine (crease, under eye).

Another one of my favorites for eyes is LORAC's Multi-Platinum Palette.

The colors are perfect for going out. Some grays, a sparkling black, a pretty blue and a shimmering white (perfect for highlighting). As an added bonus you get a pretty peach blush color that looks good on everyone. And it is the perfect size for popping into your purse for touch-ups later in the night.

Creme/Cream Eyeshadow:

I love the Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Color in gold for dramatic eyes. I apply it over dark eyeshadow to soften it up a bit and add a little shine, perfect for that smokey eye look.

My sister gifted me this Bobbi Brown Metallic Long Wear Cream Eyeshadow for Christmas and I just love it. I have it in antique gold and use it over my eye shadows. It gives the color a little boost and sparkle for glitzy eyes. Every time I use this product someone almost always compliments me on my eyeshadow. It is a little too sparkly for everyday wear but perfect for those nights out!

Eyeliner:

For everyday eyeliner I use Makeup Forever's Aqua Eyes in black. It goes on smoothly, lasts most of the day and washes off easily at the end of the night.

I love the look of liquid eyeliner and have worked hard to perfect the application of this tricky product. While I am constantly changing up which liquid liner I use, I quite like Revlon's Color Stay Liquid Eyeliner in black. It is very affordable and again washes off with ease.

For my inner lash line I use MAC's Pearlglide Eyeliner in Fly-By-Blu but just found out they discontinued this product. After reading the descriptions, I think the MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Sense of Style will be my best bet. I like using this color on the inner lash liner as it really makes my eyes pop and stand out. It takes some practice to apply it without tearing up, but if you can handle it, it is a trick you will definitely notice makes quite a difference in your look.

Mascara:

Thank goodness for affordable awesome mascara! I spent so many years searching (and spending) for the perfect mascara and I am going to say I think I may have just found it. The L'Oreal

Extra Collagen Mascara in black not only fattens up my lashes but also gives them a little length and a lot of color. Just a few strokes and my eyes done and done without any spider leg like lashes. It is seriously the best!


Part II is complete (click here if you missed Part I) and next week, I hope to close this reader request with hair and misc products I love and can't live without. Any eye products that I need to check out or buy immediately? Any eyeshadow colors that you can't live without? Do share your own daily eye goods please!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Desperately Seeking Sully: Vacation


All I want to do is go on a vacay in the sun. Chillaxing on a beach, with friends and a margarita in hand......

Monday, March 8, 2010

Red Carpet Rundown: The Oscars 2010

Can you believe the Oscars have come and gone already? I have to say that I quite enjoyed the show this year. It could because I love Alec & Steve, or it could have been the competition between my roomie and me over who could guess the most correctly (I won - yay free latte for me!), but most likely it was that I had seen *most* of the nominated films and was excited to just see who won (PS ~ My Hurt Locker prediction was right on).

The fashion for these Oscars however, was not as mind-blowing as I had hoped but there were some winners and snoozers. Check out my thoughts below...

YBB Faves:


(click to enlarge photo)


Good Goldie Mr. Oscar! These gals sparkled and shined in their beautiful gold gowns. It goes without saying that Sandra B showed up ready to take home the gold! She looked the part of Academy Award Winner for Best Actress in her Marchesa. This dress fit her perfectly and her bold red lips and simple hair were the perfect accents to this liquid gold dress. She looked stunning!

Cameron also wowed me in her Oscar de la Renta gold Cindrella gown. Not the normal look for Cameron. Her old style hair and red lips brought an image of Cameron Diaz back when we first met her in a little film called "The Mask". Absolutely breathtaking.

Lastly, little Miss Miley looked totally beautiful and age appropriate in her Jenny Packham dress. The cut made her look super tall and oh so tiny. I thought she finally looked less like a tween and more like a young woman. It was classy and flirty without being slutty (her mothers outfit on the other hand...don't even get me started).

You either loved it or hated it. SJP's Chanel Couture was one of my absolute favorites. The color looked incredible and she reminded me of Jackie O with her hair and makeup, just vintage classic. The back was gorgeous and I just couldn't stop swooning over her entire look. Bravo!

Elizabeth Banks also had me giddy with excitement in her Versace gray number. The layers were light and airy while the bust perfectly form fitting and showed off her amazing body. I loved the idea of her hair style and makeup but wanted her to have a little more blush and bit brighter lip color on her lips. The gray looked amazing with her fair skin but she seemed a little washed away in the face and her hair a tad on the yellow side.

Queen Latifah was impressive in that pale pink/purple Badgley Mischka Couture one shoulder dress. I have got to say that every awards show the Queen shows up to, she always dresses impeccably for her body type and always looks dazzling in whatever she wears.

YBB's Almost There:



These beauties were almost there for me. I enjoyed all of the dresses but just wasn't quite feeling the colors. Demi's dress was sublime but I was totally turned off by the color that blended in with her skin. Had it been just a little brighter or darker or something, I think she might have won for best dressed of the evening.

Rachel McAdams makeup, hair, body, fit of the dress were all so lovely (I REALLY hear this girl), but for some reason the colors of this gown, although now awful just didn't really do anything for me. I just wanted more.

Cute Anna originally was planning to wear a blue number and last minute changed over to this light pink/nude dress and I have to say the dress fit great the color, gross and totally washed her out. So instead of shining on her big night, she just sort of blended all together.

THE BAD:



These girls (stylists) definitely need to rethink their choices for their next award show. These ladies all received a scrunched nose or crinkled mouth from me.

Zoe Saldana's makeup and hair were perfect. The top half of her dress was also perfect, once you got below the waist however...kind of a big old arts and crafts mess. The top of her Givenchy gown reminded me of my favorite Barbie growing up (Peaches and Cream) and I got REALLY excited...until the cameraman panned down. It was all just too much.

The always fashionable and elegant Charlize struck out in her Christian Dior weird boob dress. It reminded me of something Bette Midler would have worn in the movie Beaches while performing "Otto Titsling". You couldn't look anywhere else but her boobs and it was just tacky.

A lot of people loved J.Lo in her Armani Prive, but I personally thought she looked like someone had made a dress for her out of that fake snow (or batting - my roommate thought) material that you use for holiday scenes. It was just too much. The side was too big and overwhelmed her fabulous figure. It made her look bigger which is always a no-no on the red carpet.

Last but not least was Diane Kruger in Chanel. It just was so unflattering. This girl is quite gorgeous and could wear just about anything and look marvelous and yet somehow they managed to find the dress that did anything but flatter. The weird sections and ruffles and everything just didn't work. Better luck next year.

Who were your favorites? Who did I forget to include in the best or worst? Who were you the most excited for?