03.01.2013
Inspired By: The Year of the Snake


If there’s one thing I know about, it’s a snake.  And guys, 2013…it’s the YEAR of the snake or, the black snake, to be exact.  I’ve always been curius about astrology and, in all honesty, I think it definitely does have some merrit…but, you know, you can’t take it too seriously (like anything in life, really) and I’m constantly annoyed by all of the hippie dippies out here in LA when they say “what’s your sign?” after I say “hi, I’m Jamie.”  I digress.

1. Zara Snake Print Neckerchief: I like a good neckerchief…who doesn’t?  A good scarf can dress up any plain outfit and animal print is always on-trend. 

2. Jennifer Fisher Brass Large Snake Cuff: I’m weirdly into snake jewelry, ask my friends, and this Jennifer Fisher cuff is pretty bad ass, I have to say.

3. Rachel Zoe “Laura” Snake Ballet Flats: It’s totally cliche but anything that’s Rachel Zoe-approved is A-OK by me.  I love a good ballet flat.  I love me some animal print.  So…done deal.

4. Essie Magnetic Nail Polish in “Snake, Rattle & Roll”: Aside from having the coolest nail polish name EVER, this polish is actually pretty awesome.  It lasts longer than most and gives nails a really unique texture.

5. Jacqui Aiche Extra Long Snake Ring: If you read this blog, you know I love a statement ring, which is why you shouldn’t be surprised at all that I love this extra long, gold, snake ring.  DUH.

02.05.2013
Inspired By: Chocolate


If I have one true love on this planet, it may very well be chocolate.  In fact, I’m craving it right now (and trying to fight it off!). UGH.  I may actually make a trip down to my apartment building’s vending machine since I just read some really cool info from Dr. Murad.  According to the skin expert, “before there was medicine, there was food.  And before there was food, there was chocolate!”  It’s all about moderation, accoring to the Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad Skincare.  Chocolate invokes the feelings of comfort, romance and happiness. It’s given as gifts for major holidays and is an ancient delicacy that was exclusive to the upper class.  Here are a few chocolate myths…sign me UP.  There’s a Twix bar downstairs with my name on it…

  • Contrary to what you grew up thinking, chocolate does NOT cause breakouts
  • Chocolate contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and protect the body from aging caused by free radicals
  • Chocolate is a slight mood elevator, as it contains phenyl ethylamine
  • The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being
  • Cacao contains antibacterial properties that fight tooth decay


Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa:
 I just adore this bronzer.  Not only does it smell delicious, but it also give me a great shade of bronze that’s not orange or too fake looking.

LUSH Chocolate Whipstick: I usually end up licking this off about two minutes after applying.  If you could bottle up chocolate in a little pot, this would be IT.

Demeter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cologne Spray: Demeter has the most amazing scents so it’s not very surprising that they have a chocolate chip cookie fragrance.  I mean…if you’re hungry, spray this.

Philip B. Chocolate Milk Body Wash & Bubble Bath: Like we learned above, chocolate has a lot of benefits for your skin, so why not use it as a body wash?

The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub: I love me a good body scrub and guys, this IS a good body scrub.  It exfoliates but doesn’t leave your skin dry or rough.  Plus, the smell is an obvious bonus.

10.31.2012
Inspired By: The Seasons

Philosophy Candy Cane Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath: The smell of candy cane is obviously synonymous with winter and the holidays.  This all-in-one product smells like your childhood.

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream: Lavender exudes spring and all things floral and colorful after a few months of dreary, cold weather.  Your hands probably need the moisture.

The Body Shop Coconut Milk Body Lotion: What trees grow on the beach?  Palm trees.  And what grows on palm trees?  COCONUTS.  It’s a main ingredient in sunscreen and all things summer.

June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque: Pumpkin is a staple ingredient for a TON of beauty products since it has a ton of benefits for your skin.  This peel is fantastic; it won’t dry you out and my face feels fresh and rejuvenated after using it.

08.23.2012
Inspired By: Ice Cream


DEMETER Fragrance Vanilla Ice Cream: It’s basically just summer vacation in a bottle.  Enough said.

Freeze 24-7 IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Besides an awesome name, this nourishing moisturizer (perfect for my dry skin!) firms and even tones the skin for immediate long term benefits.

I Love…Vanilla & Ice Cream Shower Smoothie: I mean, who doesn’t, right?  I love an awesome body wash, as you probably know, so smelling like an ice cream shop in the shower always makes me uber happy.

Slatkin & Co. Root Beer Float Candle: A treat that always delights…sweet root beer poured over pure vanilla ice cream, with a touch of nutmeg will literally FLOAT through the room when you light this candle.

Philosophy Marshmallow Cone Lip Shine: The taste of marshmallow ice cream that’s fat free?  I’ll take it.  This lip shine is also super hydrating and really softens your lips.

 

02.11.2011
Inspired By: “sober January”

So last month I decided to do a little cleanse/experiment where I didn’t drink any alcohol for the entire month of January…31 days to be exact.  I like to call this crazy project “sober January” and I’m happy to report, it was a total success. 

Admittedly, it ain’t easy to refrain from a glass of wine here or a vodka soda (aka “a Linds” as Amber from BeautyBloggingJunkie.com taught me) there but I managed to do it…and it felt great.  Here are the items that got me through my Gwenyth-like project.

Seltzer: Whether you call it “soda water,” “club soda” or seltzer, it is and, will always be, my favorite non-alcoholic beverage.  And when you add a little lemon, it makes you feel like you’re (almost) drinking a vodka soda (a Linds).

Urban Decay Clean & Sober: One, I love the name and two, I love the mermaid on the packaging.  This gel-based makeup remover is oil-free and contains mild cleansers coupled with soothing botanicals like jasmine, sacred lotus and a touch of lavender for a calming scent.

Amy Weinhouse “Rehab”: The hit song from 2007 (?) always put me in a soulful, jazz-type mood.  I actually really like the whole “Back to Black” album for when I feel like I should be a hipster living in Williamsburg…or the LA equivalent, Silverlake.

Diptyque Mimosa candle: Now I know this candle doesn’t smell like an actual mimosa drink but I like the irony, nonetheless.

 

01.24.2011
Inspired By: “Black Swan”

So I recently saw the movie “Black Swan” and instantly fell in love.  As a former ballerina I can appreciate the way Natalie Portman trained so hard for the role and she danced beautifully, I might add.  In all honesty the movie was, yes, super creepy but I find myself entirely inspired…

ASOS Feather Corset Dress ($258.60)

Etsy Feather Lace Gloves ($31.99)

Qi Willow Cashmere Leg Warmers ($77)

Prada Cutout Ballet Flat ($590)

Swarovski Swan Pendant ($80)

Natalie Portman as the Black Swan in Rodarte

 

08.16.2010
Inspired By: Katy Perry’s “California Gurls”

So welcome to my new series- Inspired By.  The first edition?  Katy Perry’s “California Gurls.” After watching the music video I’m still a little confused as to what a cupcake bikini has to do with California but nevertheless, it’s cute and fun…just like California.  Here’s my roundup…

Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom Solid Perfume – This 100% vegan (so LA) solid perfume is an ode to the SoCal sun.  Its scent has a lemony hint but not overpowering, like Pledge.

Benefit California Kissin’ Lip Shine– Fact: LA is the land of the perfect smile.  This lip product combines sexy shine with West coast cool.  The aqua blue sheen actually makes teeth appear whiter and it can be worn alone or with your favorite lipstick or gloss.

h.wood Ruby Lip Shine Pot– What’s more Hollywood glam than red lips?  This little lip pot is packed with powerful ingredients like jojoba oil, coco butter and shea butter to help you get the perfect Hollywood pout.

Too Faced California In a Compact – Even though Katy Perry is what some might consider “white toast,” mostly everyone in California has a bit of the golden sun glow.  For us pale girls, we can resort to “California in a compact” which is much better for your skin anyway.

Smart Girls Who Surf SPF 30+ Sunblock– Besides waxing my board, applying sunblock is probably my number one priority when I’m surfing.  This specially made-for-surfers SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in addition to good for you ingredients like green tea extract and Vitamins C and E.

Leslie Blodgett Santa Barbara Eau de Parfum Spray– I had my first Santa Barbara experience a few months back and it was a memorable one.  The website describes this scent as picturing yourself sipping a cool drink on the pier, staring off into the Santa Barbara sunset without a care in the world.  Le sigh.  Top notes include pepper, lemon, cassis and peach, which all sound delicious.

American Apparel Nail Lacquer in “Palm Springs,” Malibu Green” and “Downtown LA.”  Need I say more?  Three unique places in Los Angeles that are all fun and bring special qualities to California.