Still My Fave

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If you have read Catcher in the Rye this picture should give you a kick. If not then it is a really random photo!

I FINALLY finished Catcher in the Rye last night (can I just mention I am a horrible reader in the winter). The last time I read this book was my junior year or high school and I fell in love with this book. I was a little nervous to pick it up again some 11 years later, but let me just say I was not disappointed.

J.D. Salinger created quite a masterpiece with Catcher. As I read the book this time I around I was amazed at how current the book still is, even though it was written in 1951. The main character Holden I think represents a little piece of all of us. Perhaps not all his emotions at once but as I read this book, I found myself laughing out loud and feeling sad all at the same time. His over analyzing of everything and everyone is what hit me closest to home.

I really cannot say enough good things about this book. It keeps you thinking, and left me feeling a little heavy (not necessarily in a bad way). Which is why I am excited to get started on my next book Traveling Light a book I was lent by my girlfriend Lisa.

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RIP J.D. Salinger. Thanks for leaving behind such great literature.

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Daily Goods Part III

Hello my little beauties! Today I close up my daily goods postings with all the other random, miscellaneous stuff I use.

Eyebrows:

I totally forgot one vital piece in my previous post about eyes that I couldn't live without. Benefit's Brow Zingsin light is a must have for me. I have blonde (almost white) eyebrows and I feel absolutely naked without darkening my eyebrows. I went the longest time without doing it, and then got them tinted every month and then tried to find my perfect at home color and nothing worked. Until I was browsing Bloomie's and the guy at the Benefit counter did me a favor and introduced me to this product 4 years ago. No turning back. The color is spot on and make my brows look normal and non-clown like (major plus). If you are not darkening your brows or filling them in, I really must insist that you give this product a try, you will be amazed at how many people comment about you looking different (in a good way) and they won't be able to figure out what it is!

Lips:
I am constantly hunting the perfect lip gloss color with the right texture and cannot share one I love with you as I am currently still hunting (any suggestions for a pretty pink I can wear everyday that isn't sticky?). What I can share with you is the product that I do use daily on my lips, which is the Smith'sRosebud Salve Strawberry Lip Balm. I have been using this product since I moved to LA (almost 7 years ago - EEKS!) and I just love it. It provides a pretty sheen and hint of color but keeps my lips moisturized and plump. I use the Minted Rose at work and am kind of dying to try the Menthol Eucalyptus pot next winter.

Shampoo:
I have tried numerous shampoos that promise shiny, voluminous hair for my fine natural blonde head and have been disappointed numerous times. I finally tried John Freida's
Luxurious Volume Shampoo and I am quite the happy camper. I can usually find it on sale for less than $7 a bottle and the bottle lasts me quite some time.

Now I'm not complaining about having naturally blonde hair (the money I save makes me mucho happy) but one negative is that the tiniest bit of chlorine turns my hair a lovely shade of green. Unfortunately it seems as though my apartment has an usually high amount of chlorine in the water and my hair has developed a tint of green to it. I checked in with my stylist Mrs. F and she recommended a purple shampoo to help with the problem. I picked up a bottle of Rene Furterer Okara Mild Silver Shampoo and can proudly say, problem has been solved.

I also think my lack of green hair has something to do with Bumble & Bumble's Sunday Shampoo which I use once or twice a week. This product is fab for getting out all the product you use in your hair and also removing chlorine.

Conditioner:
I love Bumble & Bumble's Thickening Conditioner for my fine locks. It conditions without leaving my hair greasy and a little goes a very long way. I have stopped searching for conditioner as this guy is my perfect match.

Thickening Spray:
Besides hairspray I really don't put much in my hair because it tends to get weighed down easily. I used to only use the Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray but tried out John Freida's Luxurious Volume Root Booster Spray and it appears to me that it achieves the same results at a fraction of the cost. I spray a little of this into my roots after towel drying my hair and then proceed to round brush my hair for the day. It definitely helps!

Hairspray:
Hairspray is another product that I am always trying to find. And every time I try something new, I am always wishing I would have just stuck to my all time fave which is Bed Head's Hard Head. It has a pleasant sent, isn't too sticky but provides enough hold to curl my hair as well as lock my bangs into place without then sticking together all weird. My stylist Mrs. F always shakes her head when she sees me using another brand, as she also says it is the best hairspray on the market.

Dry Shampoo:
Let's be honest ladies, we don't always have time to wash our hair everyday (and really it isn't good for your hair to do so), but we don't want to roll around town or the office with greasy hair that screams "I overslept this morning and only had time for a body shower" or "I had a overnight sleepover and came straight to the office" do we? No, we don't. Enter Dry Shampoo. How did we go so long without this product? In high school I always used baby shower but inevitably ended up smelling like a baby and having a really white scalp. No good.

I have tried many dry shampoos on the market and still love the first one I was introduced to by Mrs. R the best. Batiste Dry Shampoo is an absolute dream! The pink bottle smells just like Michael Kors perfume and just a spray here and a spray there will not only have you out the door in a jiffy but have you smelling pretty. The bottle will cost you less than $11 and last me on average about a month. Best news! They just started selling travel size so that you can include it on your carry on. Fantastic!!

Deodorant:
I know that sweating is a good thing, it means your body is functioning the right way and all, but let's face it, sweat is gross. Which is why I use Secret's Clinical Strength Waterproof Deodorant. Now I'm not saying I'm a big sweater, but in times of stress and extreme heat, it happens. This puppy works like a charm. No sweat stains, even if I am sweating it inside. I've tried almost all the other "clinical deodorants" on the market, and this one is by far the best.

Body Lotion:
For everyday use, this lotion rules. Lightly scented, highly moisturizing and priced great, you cannot go wrong with this lotion. I especially love it in the summer as it gives you legs just a little extra sheen with your tan (fake or real).

I try to keep my scented lotions for the weekends or after work (no one wants to be overpowered by your scent) and was introduced to this yummy vacation in a bottle scented Coconut Milk Body Lotion from The Body Shop by Mrs. R. It seriously smells so good, goes on super easy (it's a spray bottle - gotta love that) and it's light and luxurious. When you walk past people they will think you have just come from the beach. Yummy and tropical smelling.

Perfume:
Scent is such a personal thing. Have you ever thought someone smelled so good and then asked them what they were wearing and one of two things usually happens?

1) They "forget" what they put on because they don't want you copying their smell. Signature scents are important to folks.

2) They tell you, and you rush to your local Sephora or wherever you buy perfume and spritz yourself with the goods only to find out it stinks on you and doesn't smell anything close to what it did on them?

Both things have happened to me, which is why I am glad to have found at least one "signature scent" for myself (even if I copied my girl Felicity to find it). Burberry Classic is that scent for me. I can wear it all year round and I ALWAYS get complimented and asked what I am wearing. It is a yummy perfume that I am sadly running very low on, that I will continue to wear on through the years.

And my dears, that's it. All three parts of my go to beauty products. Again I must clarify that I don't use all of these products all together in one day, but they are always stocked for my use. I hope I have provided you with some new products to try and if you have any recommendations or alternates for the products above that you can't live without please do share!

XOXO

Song Of The Week: Whataya Want From Me

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I remember last season of American Idol so vividly...I remember looking forward to Mr. Adam Lambert's performances every week. He was fresh and exciting to watch but had to vocals and talent to back it up. Plus he is really, really pretty. I rooted and voted for him to be announced the next American Idol, but alas that was not his fate.

Apparently not winning AI isn't such a bad thing, as his latest single "Whataya Want From Me" is getting plenty of airtime. The first time I heard this song I had no idea who sang it, just that I really liked it. Then towards the end, I had a suspicion it was Mr. Lambert with his signature screaming (meant in a good way). And now, I cannot get enough of the song. SOOOO GOOD!

Did you vote for Kris Allen or Adam Lambert? How are you feeling about the latest season of American Idol? Any favorites?

Forever Frugal Friday - Spring Basics

This weekend is supposed to get into the 80's here in LA and I couldn't be happier. However, I was browsing my wardrobe and noticed I need to start stocking up on some Spring basics. Here are the three items I am hoping to pick up this weekend.

This Braided Trim Knit Dress is a perfect swimsuit cover up or running errands around town. Throw a cardigan over it, some leggings and flats and you can easily stay warm once the sun goes down.

This Sleeveless Drawstring Top is a fantastic piece to add to wear with any denim bottom. It's a little fancier than a T-Shirt but still casual enough for that dive bar or bonfire party.

I love navy and green together and this Striped Slub Knit Top reminds me of that darling Splendid tank I have been wanting but at a much friendly price. I would pretty much wear this with any and everything!

What spring basic can you not live without?

She's Just Being Miley...

Love her or hate her, she looked RADIANT at the premiere of Last Song yesterday.

all pictures via Zimbio

Her makeup was absolutely flawless and it's a look I am hoping to recreate this weekend. I love the dramatic liquid liner, and the intense eyes with the pretty subtle pink glossy lips.

I loved her entire look from her hair to the leather one shoulder dress. Do you also notice she is sporting the new trend of hunter green nail polish? I have been hesitant to try the color on my nails, but am loving it on her last night and rethinking my stance. Last night Miley proved that she is no longer a girl but not yet a woman either (thank you Britney).

And can we just talk about her Über hot Australian boyfriend whom she met on the set of the film? I think they are darling together! Oh young love!

Word Up Wednesday

(I lost the link for this one! It's from flickr - sorry!)

Great philosophy for everyday!

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Love this one!

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....or at least try not to be

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*Sigh*

Some pretty flowers I received today that made me smile.....big.....and often today.

Happy Birthday Jaime!

Happy 30th Birthday Wishes to my P.I.C Mrs. F (yesterday)!!! I am a day late posting, but felt lucky to get to spend the big day with you yesterday. May this year bring joy, happiness, health and lots more memories. You have always been there for me and I cherish our JHS Cheer days, Crazy Monkey Wine evening and all the laughs we have shared! I cannot wait for the memories we still have ahead of us!

Love you Jim Jam!!

XOXOX

Song Of The Week: Us

Regina Spektor - US
Uploaded by reginaspektor. - See the latest featured music videos.

Can I just mention how much I am loving spring already? I can't help but be in a good mood with all the sights and smells. I know I am way behind, but I finally saw "(500) Days of Summer" a few weeks back and I just loved it. I loved that the movie warned you it wasn't a love story, but yet I still fell in love with it, and also the soundtrack!

I loved "Fidelty" by Regina Spektor and "Us" has found a special place in my heart as well. The song is happy, romantic, upbeat and just lovely and makes me smile no mater what. This song has me wanting to run through a field holding hands with a special someone and giggling the entire time. Corny - yes, but I can't help it, that's what I wanna do :)

Forever Frugal Friday

Can I just mention how excited I am that Spring arrives tomorrow? I am loving that daylight savings is in effect, walking Waldo at night is even more enjoyable now! As I walk I take in all the sights and smells, including the little baby ducklings and the first smells of BBQ in the evening. It is all just so dreamy and perfect...kind of like this Blissful Woven Top from Forever.

It is just what I need to ease into spring. Although I would love to head right into tank tops and sundresses, once the sun goes down, the evening are a little on the chillier side.

I would love to add this top to my wardrobe and pair it with these cute 'Sammy' Roll Hem Stretch Denim shorts from Joe's Jeans.



And to add a little glitz but comfort at the same time, I would sport my fun Gold Glitter TOMS that I received this year as a birthday present (and you know that TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need every time you purchase a pair).

Spring-a-ling-a-ling is here! Woo-hoo!

Let The Madness Begin!

Last night I was a little like this (it was St. Patty's day!)...

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And now feel a bit like this.....

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But luckily March Madness has begun.........

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......and if the games this morning (Villanova had me holding my breath) are any indication of the tournament to come, it is going to be a crazy month! I have three brackets going right now and am crossing my fingers to get lucky in at least one (preferably one that pays out).

Do you have a bracket filled out? Who do you have winning it all? What underdog team are you rooting for? Villanova all the way!

Happy, Happy, Happy!

Today is a fabulous day as I have many things to be happy about....here goes!

Happy 30th to the beautiful and lovely Marge! You look amazing and always have me smiling and laughing with our daily emails! May you have lots O' green beer today in celebration!

Love you lots and lots!

A very happy anniversary to my parents! I love you both so much and feel so lucky to call you my parents! Cheers to many more years of laughter and love!

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And a very Happy St. Patty's to all of you incredible readers. May this year bring you all lots of luck, love and happiness! And just a friendly reminder....

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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 !!

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.

Happy {Daylight Savings} Weekend

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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...

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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!

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!