Saturday, April 9, 2011

Forever Frugal Friday {Saturday Edition}

This past week my girlfriends and I have been discussing boat shoes and how cute we think they are.  While I love the idea of them, I am not sure if I think they are necessarily for me.  However if I were to get a pair I would most likely snag these goldies. 

Last time I went sailing the captain laughed at me for wearing my gold TOM's and commented that they were not seaworthy.  However, these little puppies are most definitely seaworthy and stylish.  

AHOY!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

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!


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.


  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.


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?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Girl Crush ~ Blake Lively

{click photos to enlarge}

Am I the only one out there who has a major girl crush on Blake Lively?  Ever since she first appeared on Gossip Girl I have been blown away by her beauty, smile and fashion.  I constantly see photos of her smiling or laughing which leads me to believe that she is a sweet and personable gal off set and in real life. 


Her red carpet fashion has put her on a few of the best dressed lists and who can blame the critics.  The girl has a killer body and wears clothes so well!  Perhaps that is why she was signed as the new face of Chanel...Her fashion choices are always a little edgy, straight off the runway and yet she gets it right almost every time.  Can we also just agree that she has the red carpet pose down to a T?


Whether she is smiling, smirking or pouting her makeup and hair is always flawless. Never overdone, and always breathtaking - her features in magazines always have me buying the mag to check out the spread.  Blake is a little bit California Girl, Bohemian Goddess and old Hollywood glamour. 


Can we also please address her ridiculously incredible wardrobe on Gossip Girl?  I mean Serena's character can drive me a little batty sometimes but her fashion always has me swooning. I love the dynamic between Serena and Blair and am always looking forward to what love triangle Serena will get herself into next and what fabulous designer she'll be wearing next.  Not since Sex and the City have I coveted a characters wardrobe as much. 

Blake's most recent role as Krista, Jeremy Renner's drug addicted sister in The Town earned her some well deserved attention and is sure to help her become a staple in Hollywood.  I for one cannot wait to see what else this beauty has up her sleeves, and most importantly, who designed those sleeves...

Monday, April 4, 2011

Song of the Week: Young Blood



Loving most things free, I always make sure to download the free song of the week on Itunes and also the free download of the week at Sbux (currently Rumour Has It by Adele - go get it!).  I had downloaded a bunch of new music this past week and listened to the "Recently Added" playlist on my IPod and heard this winner Young Blood, by The Naked And Famous (love their name) and was instantly grooving in my car and listening to the song on repeat. 

At first I thought it was Passion Pit which had me scratching my head a bit, since I didn't think they had anything new out.  Turns out it is a band The Naked And Famous and if they keep turning out tunes like Young Blood I think they are sure to have to gain many fans. 

They are a little bit Passion Pit, with a little MGMT and a touch/sprinkle of Phoenix/Foster the People.  Which adds up to pure excellence in my book.  Their show here in LA sold out but check here to see if they are coming to a city near you...Seattle ladies they will be at the Showbox at the Market on Monday the 11th!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Drug Store Beauty Booty

As much as I love shopping at Sephora, Apothica, and any department store beauty counter, the stuff adds up fast and leaves my bank account quite drained.  I thought I would share some of my latest drug store products that will still leave you with a little left for drinks out with the girls or boy. 



I bought the CVS version of the Aveeno Skin Brightener Daily Scrub and I really enjoy it.  You can use it everyday and your skin doesn't feel red or raw or like you left half of it in the drain.  I told B once it felt like little fingers massaging my face when I used it and he agreed, but instead said it felt like little angels massaging your face.  You be the judge.

My allergies have been an absolute nightmare lately (see below) and sometimes my skin feels extra itchy and irritated.  Sweet relief has been provided to me by St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash.  The scent is oh so yummy and leaves your skin silky, moisturized and best of all - not itchy! 

Did I also mention that a big bottle will run you less than $3?  I got mine on sale for $1.89!  I have a travel size of the lotion and it is equally awesome and worth purchasing for under $5.



Santa (AKA my beauty savvy mother) left Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum in my stockings this past Christmas and said it had been in all the beauty magazine and received rave reviews.  I have been using the serum every morning under my daily moisturizer and will say that while I haven't necessarily noticed any actual changes to my skin, I do love the added protection it provides against LA's toxic air. 

I read the reviews and most buyers only have positive things to say about it.  Perhaps the key is to use it both in the AM and the PM to see results... I am on the fence whether I should buy it again.


I have not purchased face powder in a really long time and I have to admit I am kind of clueless about what works well and what I need.  I love Smashbox's Halo Powder because it doesn't leave my skin flaky and dry and actually hydrates your skin throughout the day.  I don't love spending $60 on the product (but I do think it is still the best product on the market and worth it) and opted to try Revlon's Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup which is pretty much a dream.  

It comes with it's own brush in the lid and feels like you are putting on liquid makeup and yet it is powder.  The formula is oddly refreshing and a steal of a deal at $11.  I like to use this powder on the weekends without any tinted moisturizer and it provides great coverage and simple, dewy glow that we all desire.  When I use it during the work week, I only apply it on my nose and chin as it seems to sometimes fall into my wrinkles in my forehead instead of floating on top of them.  



I saw this tube of L'Oreal Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara at CVS (they really have a great beauty rewards program FYI) before I even heard of the product or saw the Beyonce commercial.  Mascara that makes my eyes sparkle, done and done. 

I opted to go the safe route and purchased the Black Crystal (Black with gun metal gray shimmer).  Unfortunately I didn't notice anything dramatic adding the sparkle and it most definitely did not turn out as the commercial promises.  The base mascara is a great mascara for everyday however and having the option to spice it up for a night out isn't too shabby of an idea.  Miss K did a much better review of the product with pictures and everything, if you are on the fence, head over there and see what you think.  After I read her review I think I may try out a bolder shimmer end next time. 



Last but most certainly not least, my trusty Zyrtec has saved my life the past two weeks.  The rain has stirred up every ounce of dust or pollen that I am allergic to and left me miserable and out of it.  Sweet Zyrtec has provided me some relief and the ability to not miss a day of work (although I did miss a Saturday night out). 

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Word Up Wednesday




dare i say spring has actually sprung?  73 degrees outside and 83 degrees tomorrow!


my gf Spry sent me this quote a long time again and i just really like it.  there is no end really...

 

love.


my body has a clear way of telling me when i am stressed.  it happened yesterday and this little gem of advice couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

Happy hump day to all of you! Muah!