Best Brush Ever!

 

no seriously.  this little guy is amazeballs. 

 

i have super fine hair that is a pain in the butt to comb out when i get out of the shower.  so much so that i don't brush my hair ever. 

 

for reals.  i only brush my hair when i get out of the shower.  and even then i don't actually brush it, i just comb it and it usually takes a some time and results in a loss of a lot of hair and a bit of a sore head (and god knows how many broken hairs). 

 

so imagine my delight when my new hairdresser ashley worked this nifty weird gadget through my hair in a matter of seconds (all while it massaged my head).  i immediately asked what the hell was that.  and she informed me it was called the "tangle teezer" and it was great on all types of hair, wet or dry. 

 

i was of course sold and ready to purchase only to find out that they are kind of hard to track down (i should have ordered online).  a few weeks ago i found this sparkly brush at barrington court health & beauty supply and couldn't wait to try it out at home...turns out it works just as well at home as it did in the salon! 

 

it does sometimes make me feel like i am brushing a horses tail due to the shape and sound, but i promise you, this brush is life changing!  it's the perfect brush for summer beach days, or everyday shower days!

Happy Weekend!

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yahoo for friday!  this week has been a busy one at work and i am looking forward to the weekend more than usual. 

 

tonight i'm heading out to celebrate sweet kimi's b*day, tomorrow morning i've got circuit works brentwood with my fresh from paris gal pal christy, a much overdue haircut (still no idea what i am doing to it) and a night out to fully maximize the great blowout i receive. 

 

sunday, i will begin to attack my closet.  organize, organize, organize.

 

wishing y'all a fantabulous weekend full of sunshine and smiles!

 

xoxo

 

Drug Store Beauty Booty

 

1 ~ got2b rockin it encore fresh dry shampoo

i have never used the got2b products before and kind of find them a bit gimmicky.  i was forced to try this dry shampoo as it was the only option at the grocery store and i was in dire need of some.  well my friends, turns out jokes on me, because not only is this stuff totally cheap but it always totally works and makes your hair smell amazing.  it isn't the best dry shampoo i have ever used but i much prefer it over the dove and suave dry shampoos. 

 

2 ~ clean clear morning burst skin brightening scrub

this goodie was recommended to me by mr. b himself.  when we were home in may for the young wedding my parents had this in their shower and b kept raving about how much he liked it.  so i thought i'd surprise him with a tube of it at my house.  well wouldn't you just know that it turns out i quite enjoy it myself as well!  the scent is incredible and it really does do a lovely job of exfoliating and leaving your skin clean and clear and under control!

 

3 ~ maybelline color show nail color "green with envy"

i kept seeing this color at the drug store and picking it up and then putting it back because i needed another nail polish color like i needed  a hole in the head, but it turns out that i did need this color for the wedding i attended in september!  the color is very similar to the essie "mint candy apple" but a lot less goopy.  it required two coats (like most polishes) and lasted at least 3 days without chipping.  i received many compliments on the color and will definitely be exploring the other colors in the collection for my next special event. 

 

4 ~ garnier fructis body boost conditioner

i have extremely fine hair that is so easily weighed down.  finding the right shampoo and conditioner is down right difficult.  i usually stick with the bumble & bumble thickening products but always require a little extra conditioner for my ends and don't want to waste the expensive stuff on that.  i recently purchased this conditioner for less than $4 and i absolutely love it!  it has a lovely scent and leaves my ends soft, straight and healthy.  in fact since i started using it, people have complimented me on my hair a lot more frequently. 

 

THE FAIL

 

organix nutritional acai berry avocado shampoo

after raving last post about organix coconut conditioner, i figured i would absolutely love their acai berry avocado shampoo which smelled wonderful.  wrong.  i have pretty normal hair, neither oily nor dry, but when i began using this shampoo i noticed my hair looked really flat, dry and dull.  not at all what the bottle promised.  i also felt as though i had to use a lot of the shampoo to get my hair clean.  not a fan at all.  after about two weeks it was back to bumble and bumble and my hair has been a lot happier. 

Drug Store Beauty Booty

it's that time again!  below are some of my favorite (and some serious fails) beauty products you can pick up at your local drug store. 

1 ~ l'oreal paris hip studio secrets professional color chrome eyeliner in silver lightening. i use this for my inner eyelids to lighten thing sup a little and it glides on so easily and stays put.  great product!

2 ~ organix nourishing coconut milk conditioner.  i love anything and everything coconut and tried this fabulous conditioner when a friend was in town.  it is a thick conditioner that really moisturizes and smells amazing.  i buy the travel size since i just use it at the ends of my hair and the scent in the shower is luxurious and the softness of my hair after using it is incredible.

3 ~ maybelline eye studio master precise liquid eyeliner.  i thought i my search for an over the counter liquid eyeliner was over when i found this one, but my thoughts they are a changing and i am now in love with this maybelline product.  it is about the easiest liquid liner to use and the color is true black and the thin tip allows you to really make it simple or layer it up and make it all dramatic.  amazing stuff.

4 ~ dove refresh+care invigorating dry shampoo.  if you have read my blog at all, you know that i rely heavily on dry shampoo to make my shampoos last that much longer. i have tried may dry shampoos and definitely have my faves but finding one for under $5 that actually smells good and works was sort of like hitting the jackpot for me (okay not even close - but i was happy). 

5 ~ l'oreal voluminous power volume 24h washable mascara is the mascara to beat all other mascaras.  i think that i am done searching for mascaras and it feels great to have one that is so wonderful and comes with such a little pricetag.  if you like any of l'oreal mascaras i am pretty darn sure you will love this one as well.  one coat provides great coverage and elongates those lashes.  two coats leaves you with a phenomenal set of lashes, no falsies needed.  seriously, do yourself a favor and give it a try.  it is a mascara to put an end to all other mascaras.

6 ~ burt's bees radiance serum.  i am a big fan of serums under my daily moisturizer and can no longer go without using one.  my fave serum is a bit of the pricey side ($65 min) and i am always on the hunt for a good serum for under $30.  when one of my fave bloggers sequins & stripes shared that she loved the burt's bees i set out to buy it immediately - only to find that it is really hard to find or always sold out wherever i go.  luckily one day i found it at cvs and i have been using it for over two months now and while i haven't noticed anything dramatic, i do think it has had a good effect on my skin.   

and now onto the fails, which luckily are outnumbered by the loves!

maybelline volum' express mega plus mascara - before i found my trusty l'oreal i tried out this mega plush one and was excited at the potential.  well i was a bit of an idiot and bought it in waterproof (which i hate) but had already opened it and was so mad at myself i went back and bought the normal version as well. 

big mistake.  the bendy brush that is supposed to be so helpful and allow for great ease of applying didn't bend at all and was actually on the flimsy side and annoyed me.  the mascara was also very wet and made my eyelashes stick together in wet long clumps leaving a less than desirable look.  i gave it 5 tries and then tossed it.  boo.

covergirl lineblast eyeliner - this little diddy was purchased for $12 in a von's grocery store in estes park underneath the stanley hotel in colorado.  i was low on my maybelline precise liner and wanted to get another one in case for the wedding and unfortunately all they had was this covergirl one.  i was hopeful and optimistic that this shorty would be even better than my maybelline product. 

not so much.  this liner is very wet and does not go on black even though the color is enduring black.  in fact my first time using it straight out of the package required me to go over the line i just drew three or four times to get the proper coverage i wanted.  i don't use the word hate very often (except when discussing magic) and i quite hate this product. 

there you have it my friends.  my fave (and least fave) drug store finds that are all under $10!  isn't it nice to save some cash-ola and spend it on something nice? 

any other drug store beauty i am missing out on that i must try!  please share!

AllSaints McQueen

has anyone else been watching sytycd?  oh boy i just love that show.  i love the music, the choreography, but often times i enjoy cat deely's incredible wardrobe. 

the 200th episode of sytycd premiered with cat walking out in this bedazzling allsaints oyster long sleeved dress and totally squeaked out loud.  then i saw the gorgeous taylor from glitter guide wearing it for her bachelorette party and i was oh so jealous. 

the colors in the dress are modest and calm - a complete juxtaposition with the head to toe sparkle.  the colors intrigued me and led me to my next obsessions the alexander mcqueen swarovski crystal double-skull bracelet, the swarovski crystal accented skull barnacle ring and the enameled skull bangle all which would work on their own with this dress or absolutely anything else!

unfortunately these items are all but a wish in my lust list, which left me craving some actual sparkles and shine that i can afford. 

deborah lippmann's dancing in the dark is just the perfect combo of dark and light. 

loafers aren't normally my style but make them pink and add glitter and all of a sudden they are just my style.  these kate spade cora glitter patent leather & metallic loafers may be on the pricey side but they would be worth the splurge since they are work friendly!

bobbi brown's sparkle eyeshadow is a great way to add shine and glitter into your life without looking like a stripper.  pretty and lady like and just right for that special night.

lastly the emi-jay gold glitter hair ties are just awesome for summer ponytail's or to keep your hair back and end up with a dent.  i picked up a few a few years ago and fell in love and was recently gifted a glittery black and tie-dye one from mrs. r.  adore!

what's your thought on glitter and shine everyday?  do you save it just for special occasions or wear it all the time loud and proud?

Headgear to help your Rearview

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I like to pretend that I look as lovely and perfect as this lady above on the treadmill at Circuit Works whenever I workout.  However, last night when I wasn't paying attention and hopped on the treadmill I ended up looking more like this...

No joke, totally ate sh*t last night on the treadmill in front of (luckily) only 10 people.  Just because I wasn't paying attention.  Be careful people, the treadmill really will kick your a**!

Back to the point of this post...

Whenever I work out, I need my hair COMPLETELY off my face/neck.  These people at gyms who work out with their hair down I will never understand.  Maybe it's because I sweat a lot and end up looking a tomato, but every strand of my hair needs to be tightly tied, pined and whatever else so that it is not in my face. 

I have baby fine hair that is slippery as all get out and requires a ton of hairspray to hold curl and a special headband to keep it locked in for my workouts.  And so I bring you to my favorite headband and a review of other headbands that actually work, and are guaranteed to keep you looking somewhat cute and put together. 

Thank you Miss Kord for being a fabulous friend and picking up this Braided Headband from lululemon for me.  This sucker is TIGHT!  It holds my hair in without any fidgeting and is the real deal folks.  In fact you shouldn't purchase any other headbands until you buy this one.  It really is a workout changer my friends. 

I picked up my own lululemon Slipless-Headband and like it ok.  It works pretty well and averages 1 or 2 pushes or secures during my workout.  It is a little wider than I prefer but leaves little to no indent in my hair so I am able to run around town without headband crimp.  It's alright as an alternative but I don't think I will purchase again. 

The Lucy Power Double Strap Headband is my 2nd favorite after the lululemon braided goddess.  The one has little grippers that stick to your hair and it is available in a variety of colors and the double band helps keep my hair in tact.  I generally only have to adjust once during the workout with this guy and I could see purchasing a few more in different colors. 

The first headband I bought for working out was the American Apparel Shiny Headband.  This one doesn't stay in that well at all, but it is by far the cutest of the bunch.  I use this one when I absolutely have no other headbands available and it requires the extra help of bobby pins to keep it in place.  A good option is to use this pretty headband to cover the indent of the braided headband after your workout!

Do you have any headbands that you think are the bees knees and stay put after a hard workout?  I would love to hear your suggestions! 

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 ~ Mr. & Mrs. OB

Today's (much delayed) Summer Essentials comes from mama to be Emily from Mr. & Mrs. OB.  I first met Emily in summer of 1999 when she pledged Alpha Gams and we have been sorority sisters (and friends of course) since then.  Emily has always possessed great taste and style and looks oh so dang cute as a preggo!  Be sure to follow her progress (she is already at week 36!) and her fantastic SF life over at the blog.  But first take a look at her selections below!

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

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue -

I have a lot of hair and it is thick/wavy/curly and can be a frizzfest. Being pregnant has increased my internal temp quite a bit so blowing my hair out some mornings it just not gonna happen! My hairstylist introduced me to this product and I just love it. I put a few pumps in when my hair is still wet and let it air dry for an easy beach hair look. It also works great for when I do wear my hair straight. It smells yummy and is not overpowering! 

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

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Summer Nights -

I am craving warm summer nights spent outside! Summer nights in San Francisco are usually spent under quite a bit of fog with a chilly wind coming in off the bay. I miss summer dinners in a backyard, lingering over dinner with friends and family! I just want to jump in this photo for the perfect movie night!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Sly & the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime" -

Love this song and listening to oldies in the summertime. When I hear this song it makes me want to be in a lounge chair with summer beverage in hand enjoying the nice warm breeze.

Thank you so much Emily for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your summer faves!  I am in LOVE with the backyard photo and love Shu Uemura products!  They smell oh soo good!

Check back tomorrow when Jen from The Look 4 Less shares her summer essentials!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Hip Lip

I am so excited for that Lindsey over at Hip Lip is participating in this years essentials guide. I found this awesome blog via twitter and am always checking out which food I will be drooling over, which fashion pieces will have me swooning and just for general humor - the girl is hilarious!

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

TwistBands -- With the 100+ degree temperatures in Texas, I need my hair out of my face and off my neck! I love twist bands. They don't crimp your hair, come in lots of fun colors, and actually look pretty cute when worn on your wrist.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Dresses, dresses, dresses! I'm not a huge fan of shorts so naturally dresses keep me cool. I have a serious addiction. My favorite brands for summer dresses that won't break the bank: Everly, Collective Concepts, Free People, H&M, Jenny Han, Nordstrom BP. Swell is also a great place to find beachy affordable dresses!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

I can't get enough of ADELE's new album: 21.

Maybe it's because we share the same name, but this list is very similar to items I am loving this summer as well!  "Rumor Has It" is amazing and I love wearing those TwistBands as bracelets as well.  Such great selections.  Be sure to head over to Hip Lip and immediately bookmark this fantastic site.  Thank you so much Lindsey for sharing your picks with us! 

Check back tomorrow for Holly over at Zucchero Zucchero's summer must haves!

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Watch Your Head

1. hair ties 2. twisted gold lame headwrap 3.diamond pattern fedora 4. braided seed bead headband

In the summer months ahead, it is always nice to pull your hair back and protect your scalp from those burning rays.  Whether you are tying it back in a pony, covering it up with a hat or pulling back the bangs with a headband we all want to look stylish while doing so.  These nifty head goodies will make sure you are protected as well looking pretty. 

Psssssst...

Psssssst.....I have confession...

I have been cheating on my regular Batiste Dry Shampoo - Blush (5.05 oz.) with Psssssst Instant Spray Shampoo 5.3 oz (150 g) and I don't think I ever want to go back to the old one.

I found Psssssst Instant Spray Shampoo 5.3 oz (150 g) at Walgreen's a few weeks back and thought for $6.99 who cares if I hate it. 

Guess what, I don't hate it and actually am quite enamoured with the goodness that is Psssssst Instant Spray Shampoo 5.3 oz (150 g).  It has allowed me and my fine blonde hair to go days without washing.  I used to only be able to get away with every other day.  With this baby, I washed my hair on Wednesday and didn't wash it again until Sunday!!  Yes I wore my hair up on Saturday so I got away with an extra day, but this stuff is seriously the bomb.com. 

So if you are looking to add a little time into your mornings (and a little volume) be sure to pick up a bottle (or two), you won't be regretting it, I promise. 

Psssssst....pass the secret along!

Word Up Wednesday {plus a little extra love}

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I am so late on my Golden Globes Red Carpet Review that it seems silly to try and cover it now.  Suffice it to say that I loved Emma Stone and Claire Danes the most.  Apparently I am peachy keen!

What I did want to share about the Golden Globes is how extremely happy and proud I was of my bestie Jaime who did a phenomenal job styling Kacy Byxbee's hair for the 2011 Golden Globes.  I mean just look for yourself!!

Could the waves be any more gorgeously perfect?! I am lucky enough to call her my friend and hair stylist and if you live in LA you can possibly too!  She works at a darling new salon in Manhattan Beach called Bardot and all the girls there are super talented and are sure to leave you walking out of there feeling like a million bucks. 

Congrats Jaime on a job well done!  I am so proud of you! 

XOXOXO

I'm Lovin' It

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Rachel McAdams look for the Morning Glory premiere.  Love her hair, love the dress, love the makeup, love her...need I go on?

This incredible My Heart Necklace By Boe.  It's a little bit rustic, a little bit girly and a whole lot of lovely.

(photo courtesy of Richie)

Be prepared to learn of my major obsession with anything and everything Trader Joe's!  This Pumpkin Ice Cream "accidentally" made it into my TJ's basket this past weekend and I accidentally had not one but two bowls of it.  It is divine in absolutely every single way.  I want to top it with some crushed graham crackers and whip cream the next time around.  This stuff is dangerous...consider yourself warned.

A few weeks back in Solvang, we did a tasting at the phenomenal Vineyard Riverbench and though it was my third tasting of the day and I may have had a serious buzz, I do NOT regret my purchase of the Govino Shatterproof Recyclable Stemless Wine Glasses-Set of 4.  My roomie and I were just saying we wished we had "to go" wine glasses for walks at night with the dog and wouldn't you just know that these babies are all that and more.  These glasses would make a great gift for anyone come this holiday season, and to spruce it up, why not add a bottle of buttery goodness alongside of it with the Riverbench 2008 Chapel View Chardonnay.  Easily one of the best Chardonnays I have ever tasted (and I have tasted a lot  few). 

Drybar Review

This past Saturday we celebrated my good friend Mr. Cohn's MBA graduation at the Viceroy in Santa Monica.  The party was fabulous and full of good drink and eats (truffle fries - TDF).  I figured this event was the perfect time to use my Groupon to Drybar in Brentwood.  So off we went (my girls Avery and Spry joined in on the fun) to get our hair did.

(all images via me)

My first impression upon walking in, was that this place was darling.  My fave color happens to be yellow and this place is just dripping with fun yellow accents.  The entry way is cozy and cute, with a fun and appropriate chandelier to greet you.  A line of chairs is immediately in front and you pick from a menu the look you are going for.

 

Here are all of our before shots.  My hair up in a bun was straight from batting cage practice in Sherman Oaks and a little unruly once we took it down.  Avery (upper right) also opted for a bun, while Spry (bottom left) went for a mini faux hawk.  All three of us opted to get the "Southern Comfort".  I do love me some big hair and curls. 

We were whisked away to the wash bowls (next time I will opt for the 10 minute scalp massage) and then placed in a chair with a glass of champagne and Sex and the City right in front of me.  Not too shabby!  It was really quite enjoyable and such a great way to get ready for a Saturday night out. 

THE RESULTS:

Overall I loved the experience.  It was relaxing fun and all of the girls that work there are so nice and so fun.  They really made you feel welcomed and pampered which was the best part.  I liked the overall finish of my hair but was pretty sure it was something I could do myself (and usually do). 

I think our "Southern Comforts" all turned out well, and Spry enjoyed hers so much she got a membership.  If you are looking for a place to get pampered and not drop a lot of dough, I would highly recommend making an appointment at Drybar.  I think I will be returning again for my next big event when I want to get a little bit spoiled. 

(Funny story about the picture above - after the Viceroy we jumped over to Rick's Tavern on Main Street (much more casual) and were asked by many a ladies why were were A) all dressed up and B) in complimentary shades.  After numerous shoulder shrugs (it was just a coincidence) Spry began telling everyone that we were bridesmaids in a wedding that was "Berry & Citrus" themed and that Spry was the MOH and "killed her speech".  We got quite a laugh from it, and made some nice friends in the process.)

Summer Essentials Series ~ No Day But Today

Happy Friday dolls!  I am currently nursing a two beer/allergy headache but the sun is shining and it's Friday so no complaints here!  Today, Courtney over at No Day But Today is sharing her summer essentials.  Court is a girlfriend from college (GO COUGS) and one of those people who just glows.  She is always smiling, as sweet as can be and a new mama to the gorgeous Charlotte.  Check out her summer needs below!

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray - 4.0 oz.: Coming from a girl whose least favorite activity in the world is blow drying her hair (it's thick and there is a lot of it!), the B&B Surf Spray is the perfect excuse, especially in the summertime, to not DO your hair. Just let your hair air dry a bit, spray on the surf and you are set for a summer day!

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

Living in Seattle, currently I am just craving the sunshine! It seems to be making us wait a bit this year...but assuming it arrives soon, this summer I am craving this adorable swimsuit.  I love everything about it! And being that I just had a baby, I'm pretty happy that one piece swimsuits are still fashionable.

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

Train - Hey, Soul Sister (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Trains

I know it is getting a bit overplayed, but I still just am loving Train's "Hey, Soul Sister"...something about it just feels like summer fun to me, driving around with the sunroof down, singing your heart out!

Thanks Courtney for sharing your picks!  You are the second blogger to rave about the B&B Surf Spray.  I haven't used it in a while but it may be time to try it out again.  Be sure to stop over at No Day But Today and check out the adorable Charlotte.