Beauty Product Alert!: Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse

I recently ran out of my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($42) and my budget is a little tight this month,  so I thought I would try a lower cost product that I could pick up on an errand to Target. After reading a few reviews and spending way too much time in the cosmetic aisle, I decided to try Maybelline's Dream Liquid Mousse which I will refer to as MDLM ($8).

MDLM is a water based, liquid foundation that creates an opaque matte finish or "airbrushed" look on the the skin. This is different from what I am used to wearing because the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer has less coverage and leaves a  more dewy finish. After wearing MDLM for a few days, I found that I am very pleased with the matte finish that MDLM creates. It does not look unnatural at all. I have very fair skin and I often find it difficult to locate foundations/tinted moisturizers that match my skin tone well, but this was not the case with MDLM.  I was very pleased with MDLM's color selections and I ultimately opted for porcelain ivory which is an exact match! 

I only have two complaints about this product:  

1.) It does not contain sunscreen, so I need to add another step to my morning regimen. 

& 

2.) It does not have a cap, so it makes it difficult to travel with it.

All in all, I think this is a great product that provides a lot of bang for your buck.  I highly recommend it! Now, all I need is a recommendation for a good sunscreen. Do you happen to have one?

Go Rangers!

Lately I've been so bad about blogging because I went out of town last weekend and on top of that the Rangers have been playing! I'm so excited that they've made it back to the World Series! Anyone else a fan of the Rangers?

Anywho, I got to get back to the game and more importantly, Ian Kinsler. They are in need of some serious encouragement tonight!

I hope to finish a fun fall craft project and to post about it this weekend. Be back soon!

A Sweet and Magical Novel

I just finished Garden Spells a novel by Sarah Addison Allen and it was such a sweet read, I just had to share a little about it.

This is a fairy tale like story about two sisters that reconnect with help from some of their family's magical abilities. The family home shelters a garden with enchanted flowers and a special tree that bears apples that tell the futures of the people that eat them.  In addition to to being a magical story, there's also a little romance and a lot of small town charm involved.

I just love books with a little enchantment that allow you to suspend reality a little, but otherwise take place in a regular setting -- this genre is considered Magical Realism.  

Other novels I've read in this category include: 

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel 

   

Chocolat by Joanne Harris 

What's your favorite genre of books? And what books are you reading these days?

Fab Product Alert!: Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder

"Dear to the heart of a girl is her own beauty and charm." - Ovid 

I am always tempted by fab beauty products! I am always on a quest to hopefully keep my skin looking young and flawless. (Example A, Example B and Example C to follow)

I was a little concerned about the following product.  I mean I'm not really into the Kardashian look. No offense ladies, but I am not a huge fan of the airbrush look for everyday makeup -- I want a more natural look. 

Surprisingly, Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder turned out to be just what I was looking for!

It's a translucent powder that's perfect for setting foundation or to cover any shiny spots when you decide to skip the foundations. I love it because it helps to create a soft looking and even tone to the skin without drying it. Not to mention, I can now be captured in HD without having to worry about how unforgiving it can be! 

"All right Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close up!" - Gloria Swanson, Sunset Boulevard

Summer Product Alert!: Spackle Under Makeup Primer

Can I tell you about my new favorite product for summer? Well, honestly by favorite, I mean aside from the awesome self tanner that I am still on the lookout for! If you have any suggestions for me please post a comment below.

Back to my current favorite product.....It's called Spackle Under Makeup Primer by Laura Geller and it's perfect for keeping your face/makeup flawless even when it's 90+ degrees outside! Use a little all over your face before putting on your foundation and it will keep your face looking beautifully matte! So you can say bye bye to that shiny t-zone!

I was a huge fan of Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer for years (I used it for my wedding and I was so pleased with my photos), but Laura Geller's product is such a great value for the amount of product you receive. If you haven't used a makeup primer before, you should try one, it will literally change your life!

Laura Geller - Spackle Under Makeup Primer

Smashbox-Photo Finish Foundation Primer 

Fab YouTube Find

I saw the sweetest video today and I just had to share it. It's of a sleeping baby kitty and his momma. It's just the cutest thing ever, but you'll have to see for yourself. I hope you enjoy!

Books by Laura Hillenbrand

Laura Hillenbrand is an author intensely interested in history who writes incredible books about true American heroes both human and animal. 


Her second book Unbroken is a great read to remember all of those who have served in the military and who have guaranteed the freedoms we enjoy.  It is the true story of an American hero,  Louis Zamperini, an Olympian who survived overwhelming misfortunes  during World War II. As you eagerly turn the pages in this book, you will also be afraid to.  Though it is very gritty and sad, this story is a true testament to the human spirit and the strength of a personal relationship with God. Zamperini's amazing strength and perseverance throughout the horrors he endures is truly inspiring. Louis Zamperini is still alive and kicking. You can learn more about his amazing story by visiting his website or reading this 2010 Wall Street Journal article about the book.

Seabiscuit: An American Legend was her first book about a sports legend,  a horse who beat the odds. Seabiscuit captured the hearts and minds of the country during the Great Depression when Americans were in need of a distraction from the suffering that many were enduring. The energy and special skills of three misfits (the jockey, trainer, and owner) help the unlikely Seabiscuit succeed. This is another inspiring story that demonstrates how an animal or a person can triumph with the help of others. To learn more about this amazing horse visit the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation. 

Have any thoughts on these books or any other books that I should read? Please leave them as comments below. 

Meet My New Best Friend

I have a new best friend! Her name is Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System. A friend at work introduced us and we've been bffs ever since!

This product is inexpensive and easy to use. I bought it for right under $30 which is significantly less expensive than some similar products on the market. The brush is super soft which was an initial concern of mine since I have sensitive skin.

A sample size of the Olay Professional Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser comes with the system. This cleanser is very gentle and I have found it good for sensitive skin. i like to use the brush and the cleanser in the shower in the morning. The combination leaves my face feeling as if have had a mini facial each time I use it.  

I like to follow it up with the Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum and Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream as part of my anti-aging skin regimen.   

I highly recommend trying this product -- it's a great value and so far very effective! 

Do you have favorite anti-aging products? If so, leave me a comment with what it is and what you love about it! 

Peepin' It Real Again This Year

It's Spring again and that means my nemeses are back-- Marshmallow Peeps and Bunny Basket Eggs!  They are by far the most vibrant colored and most sugary holiday candy of all time. Some people find these candies inedible, but sadly not this girl! Now I must make a beeline for the elliptical in order to work off all these empty calories!  Happy Saturday!

Who do You Think You Are?

"If you don't recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are." -- Madeleine L'Engle

One of my favorite shows is a series called “Who Do You Think You Are?"  It combines two of my favorite things 1) celebrities and 2) genealogy. Each episode features a celebrity embarking on a journey to trace their family history. The celebrity discovers fascinating stories about their ancestors which involve much intrigue, heroism, love, tragedy, and betrayal. Several episodes have featured the celebrity uncovering a relative who has overcome adversity to find freedom and opportunity in the United States. A few even discover how their relative was instrumental in shaping world history. You can learn more about the show by clicking here. My favorite episodes so far have been the following: 

Brooke Shields

Lionel Richie

Sarah Jessica Parker

Kim Cattrall

Tim McGraw


I'm off to ancestry.com to do some of my own research! 

"You are our living link to the past. Tell your grandchildren the story of the struggles waged, at home and abroad. Of sacrifices made for freedom's sake. And tell them your own story as well — because [everybody] has a story to tell." -- George H. W. Bush 

Have you seen Jennifer Hudson lately (J-Hud as many affectionately call her)? 

I am just blown away by her!   

A few of her accomplishments include: Wife, Mother, Weight Watchers' spokesperson, Academy Award Winning Actress, Grammy Award Winning Recording Artist, and American Idol Finalist. But most impressive of all, she's a survivor. She has triumphed in spite of the horribly tragic murders of her brother, mother, and nephew. In several interviews, she credits her faith, music, new baby and fiancé for helping her find the courage to overcome  this adversity. I think her recent physical transformation demonstrates just some of her personal strength.

As a spokesperson for Weight Watchers she has apparently positively influenced the company's stock price (the new point system may have a little something to do with that too). You can read more about her experience with the Weight Watchers' program here. 

She is also debuting a new album in late March. Read more about Jhud here.  

Ivanka Style

I was at the mall on Saturday and I couldn't help but pass by the shoe section. Much to my surprise, I found a new, reasonably priced brand of shoes that I just love! Apparently, Ivanka Trump has been busy! This socialite, businesswomen, heiress and model just launched Ivanka Trump Footwear a line of classic and old hollywood inspired shoes. Here are a few of my favorite pairs from her collection: 

Not only are her shoes fabulous, but Ivanka is very impressive too! She's poised, intelligent, hardworking and well-educated. She also seems extremely well-adjusted considering the fact that she's grown up under a microscope due to her famous family.

Ivanka is also a newlywed and she just recently announced that she's expecting her first child with husband, Jared Kushner. Here's a picture from their stunning wedding:  

via People.com 

New Lip Products

Benefit's Lip Shine in Nookie Nookie: Opal Glaze is my new favorite gloss.  It's sheer and shimmery. It also has a great scent and it is sort of tasty too. The best part is that it is not sticky at all. I love the applicator brush, it allows it to glide on  smoothly.

                                   

     

I pair it with this Too Faced lip liner. It creates perfect natural color and blends beautifully!  

I'm always interested in trying new products.  
What are some your favorite products for your

lips? 

Fallon's Thank Yous

I love to end my Friday nights watching Jimmy Fallon write his weekly thank you notes. I'm a sucker for good manners! 

Jimmy sits down and narrates his thank yous to a beautiful piano tune! Here is one of my favorite segments: 

While looking for this segment, I learned that apparently his thank you notes  will be compiled into a book. My friends, Christmas has just came early! Check out the latimes blog by clicking here  and read more about it.   

Also, don't miss one of Jimmy Fallon's finest moments of his show with JT! 

Snowmageddon 2011 continues and I am kicking myself that I haven't broken down and purchased a pair of "inclement weather boots".  I think today just might be the day to breakdown and do it. Here are a few of my favorites:

Chooka Classy Classic at piperlime.com 

Women's Pelican Tall Boot Grey Leopard at sperrytopsider.com

Hunter Original Fuchsia at zappos.com 

Do you have a pair? Which are your favorite? 

Hollywood Glamour

The cover for the Hollywood issue of Vanity Fair has been posted on their website and it is amazing as always! 

This is a star-studded issue with amazing images  captured by Norman Jean Roy. This year's old Hollywood glamour themed spread includes some of my favorite young celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Olivia Wilde, Mila Kunis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Rashida Jones. Check it out! 

Haute Cafe

Every year Lavazza (an Italian coffee company) comes out with an amazing marketing campaign. They produce a calendar as a portion of their campaign which is composed of images from the most innovative photographers, including the latest trends, and of course the delicious coffee. The imagery is always edgy and bold.  This year's photographer is  Mark Seliger,  here are just a few of my favorite images:

The 2011 calendar can be viewed in full at http://www.2011.lavazza.com/. Some of their past photographers include:  EUGENIO RECUENCO, DAVID LACHAPELLE, FINLAY MACKAY and ELLEN VON UNWERTH. Who are some of your favorite photographers? 

About Me

A little bit about me:

• I recently turned 30 and I am ready to kick off this decade with a bang!
• I am an "old soul", enthralled by the Victorian era, the 1920's, and the1950’s.
• I am married to my best friend, who shares my passion for the past and a slightly old fashioned point of view.
• I believe in persistence and that you have to work hard to accomplish goals.
• I am the oldest child in my family, so being bossy comes with the territory.
• I am reserved and a little hard to get to know at first.
• I love to learn; my newest challenge is navigating the digital and social medias.
• I love "projects" and spend way too much money on craft products and tools.
• I love old movies, especially musicals, but offset them with teen tv dramas like Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Beverly Hills 90210 and The OC reruns.

These are just a few of my favorite things:

• PJ's and Slippers
• Cape Cod, MA and South County, RI Beaches
• Porcelain Figurines
• Silver and Gold Charms
• Heisey Lariat Glass
• Wedgwood Jasperware
• Family Genealogy
• Almond Champagne from Flatcreek Estates
• Peonies, orchids and hydrangeas

I have so much more to share with all of you! Follow my blog and check back soon for new musings and products listed in my Etsy store! I'd love to hear from you, so please leave me some love!

I HEART BRAVO

How did I survive without Bravo??? I mean what was actually on tv before Project Runway, Flipping Out, Kathy Griffin Life on the D-List, and the Real Housewives series(s)??!!! What mindless, entertaining -- fun! I find myself watching episodes again and again.

Although this is not my favorite season of Project Runway, how can I not watch in wonderment -- just hanging on pithy comments of Michael Kors, or fondly counting the number of times Tim Gunn will say "Make It Work" and then waiting in suspsense to hear who Heidi Klum will give the ax with her signature "You're Out" and "Auf Wiedersehen!" If not just a fabulous show, definitely an amazing catchphrase generator!!!

My two newest obsessions from Bravo..... The Rachel Zoe Project and Million Dollar Listing!!! Back with more details on them later.....

Pekoe and Oolie

The little ones are growing up so quickly -- I wish there was some way to keep them little kitties forever!

The little tortie is named Oolong or "Oolie" for short and the little orange one is named "Pekoe". Can you tell I have an affinity for tea?