12.05.2013
Holiday Gift Guide: The Little Market

The Little Market gifts

 

A few weeks back I attended the launch party (and also a blogger sushi lunch!) for The Little Market x Citizens for Humanity where I learned about Lauren Conrad’s latest project: The Little Market, a company she started with friend Hannah Skvarla, that’s mission is to build sustainable partnerships with artisans in developing countries, by connecting them with customers through an online marketplace. They seek to empower women artisans to rise above poverty and support their families.  So basically, Lauren and Hannah have been traveling the globe in search of amazing ethically-made products that practice fair trade principles.  If you know me, you know I love this kind of stuff and, even better, they’ve sourced a TON of amazing items that would make for perfect holiday gifts.  Here are my favorites:

1. Block Print Elephant Journal (handmade in India)

2. Rose Gold Candle (handmade in India)

3. Black Knit Baby Sneakers (handmade in Peru)

4. Aqua Round Glass Pitcher (handmade in Mexico)

5. Mint Vanity Trunk (handmade in India)

6. White Dove Ornament (handmade in Nepal)

Lauren Conrad The Little Market2

Annette, Lauren Conrad, me, Kelly

11.19.2013
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Premiere with COVERGIRL

Jennifer Lawrence Catching Fire Premiere

Jennifer Lawrence, in Dior, at The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Premiere in Los Angeles

I’m not ashamed to admit the fact that I love (seriously LOVE) both of The Hunger Games movies.  Sure, I know everyone raves about the books but I’d rather be surprised while watching each movie, as they come out.  Sorry I’m not sorry…and luckily for me, COVERGIRL is the official beauty sponsor of Catching Fire, the second Hunger Games movie in the series.  COVERGIRL invited me and a few LA bloggers and web editors to a fun prep suite at The Standard Downtown, followed by the official Los Angeles premiere of the movie and guys…it was just SO GOOD.  My mouth literally DROPPED at the end, but don’t worry…I won’t give away any spoilers!  You NEED to see this movie when it opens (this Friday) and also make sure to check out the COVERGIRl Capital Collection– a fun assortment of Hunger Games-inspired makeup, all of which is awesome.  The Flamed Up Mega Curl Mascara is my favorite not only because it’s a great mascara but also because every time I use it, I start singing Alicia Keys’  “Girl On Fire”…love.  “This girl is on fiiiiiiiiiire; she’s walking on fiiiiiiiire.”  Must-see, must-sing.

catching fire premiere LA

11.11.2013
Three Questions With Cynthia Nixon

CYNTHIA-NIXON-as-Miranda-Hobbes-in-New-Line-Cinemas-comedy-SEX-AND-THE-CITY-2-a-Warner-Bros.-Pictures-release.-Photo-by-Craig-Blankenhorn-16-960x1440

Anyone who reads this blog probably loooved the Sex and the City series and Miranda Hobbes was always one of my favorites.  Well now that the series is over, Cynthia Nixon (e.g. the real Miranda) has decided to help spread awareness about Rosacea, something I’ve mentioned on my blog a TON of times.  It’s crazy to think that nearly 16 million Americans suffer from the condition but only 78% even know what it IS…insane.  Rosacea is often mistaken for acne, but unfortunately acne treatments can make rosacea worse, but the good news is that seeing a derm can help can your rosacea under control (like mine).  Check out RosaceaFacts.com for more info and resources and, with out any further babbling, here are the three questions that I exclusively asked Cynthia:

Q: When did you first realize that you had rosacea and what did you do about it?

A: When I was in my 30’s, I started noticing that my cheeks would flush and blush and sometimes I would get pimples. I assumed it was acne that was coming back to haunt me from my teens. Once I spoke with my doctor I realized there were things that trigger my rosacea, like spicy foods and red wine, I knew what to avoid. She also gave me a prescription treatment to help manage my condition, which really helped get my rosacea under control.

Q: What are your favorite beauty products to use that help reduce inflammation and/or cover the redness?

A: I think what my dermatologist has really helped me identify is what I can do to help reduce flare-ups, rather than using make-up to cover it up. Some of that includes regularly using a prescription treatment, avoiding harsh cleansers and scrubs and my triggers, like red wine and spicy food.

Q: If you could give your 22-year-old self any advice, what would it be?

A: I think my advice would be to visit a dermatologist if there is something going on with your skin. Also, skin issues that pop-up as you age can’t be treated in the same manner as those you suffer from in your teens.

 

11.06.2013
Three Questions With Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams

You may have already read my review of the new adorable film About Time (out November 8th!), but I was also lucky enough to also interview the lovely Rachel McAdams.  Here are my three questions with the movie lead.

Q: If you could go back in time, what would you change?

A: I wouldn’t go back and paraglide.  I was thinking about that the other day, those mistakes you wouldn’t make again, yes.  No, that one, I really wouldn’t do that again, yes.  That was terrifying.

Q: What’s something that you’d want to relive?

A: My dad had to go away for work sometimes, and we recorded on our little Fisher Price recorder a tape for him to put in his truck when he was driving.  And we sang jingles from our favorite cartoons.  And they both had big spaces between their teeth when they were little.  And my brother, I’ll never forget this, singing Thunder Cats, Thunder, Thunder, Thunder, Thunder Cats.  And it was so cute.

Q: How did it feel to play a time traveler’s wife again?

A: Well, I didn’t know anything about time travel in this one, so…ignorance was bliss in this one.  It’s funny.  I don’t know what that’s about.  Subconsciously, I’m going towards time travel all the time but I’m never the time traveler.

 

10.30.2013
Because Blake is Worth It

Blake+Lively+Savages+Premiere+W5nP1BnP7V1l

If anyone ever asks me which celeb I’d LOVE to look like, the answer is always, hands-down, Ms. Blake Lively.  It’s not surprising that she was just announced as the newest brand ambassador the L’Oreal Paris, and I, for one, am pretttty excited to see her ads once they come out.  Blake = perfection.  Also, I love the fact that they made the announcement on the brand’s French Instagram account…tres original.

What do you guys think about Blake being the latest L’Oreal celeb?

10.24.2013
Get The Look: Gwen Stefani At The Pumpkin Patch

gwen pumpkin

I recently came across this photo of Gwen Stefani (pregnant with her third child, btw) taking her two boys, Kingston and Zuma, to a California pumpkin patch for Halloween…and nearly died.  First off, she is probably the hottest pregnant woman EVER and second, how cute is this casual cool outfit?  Here’s how you can re-create the look:

Gwen Stefani fashion

 

Victoria’s Secret The Date Push-up Bra

LNA Modal-Jersey Tank

Citizens of Humanity Distressed True Denim Straight in Slash

GAP Leopard Jacquard Sweater