This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zyrtec. All opinions are 100% mine.
When I first heard the phrase “Allergy Face,” I had to laugh…but it’s SO TRUE. As someone who has suffered from allergies my entire life, I can tell you from real life experience that allergy face (e.g. puffy, red, swollen face) is really NOT FUN. I have to admit, I used to just deal with it but lately I’ve been using Zyrtec and it really does help. Basically it’s a great OTC (over-the-counter) med to get rid of your allergy symptoms that can be caused by anything, really…e.g dander, mold, pollen, etc. Personally, pollen always gets me. The video above, starring the lovely Rebekah George and Debra Messing (!), will give you some tips on how to prevent allergy face.
Don’t forget to Check out Zyrtec on Facebook and also check out this funny (yet so true) infographic that explains all of the ways you can hide allergy face and also, where you’re probably making some makeup bag mistakes (we’re all guilty).
So, I can’t take credit for this genius story idea but, let me tell you, I’m way into it. I saw this post on Refinery29 a few weeks back and thought “um, I NEED to do this with my LA blogger friends” because, as I’m sure you know, cats get a lot of shit. Look, I love dogs, I really do, but cats are way cleaner, smarter and are just as fun (most of the time). My Gemma and Gea provide me with endless hours of entertainment, love and affection…so, with that said, here are three LA bloggers (including me!) who are awesome, stylish and also happen to own a cat or cats, plural. Take that.
Our cats started out as my then boyfriend’s (now husband’s) cats. They were both adopted in NY. I came into the relationship with my adopted dog Hayden – who felt very left out during this photo shoot 🙂
If your cats were human, what would be their fashion staples?
Dakota (the grey Russian Blue Mix girl cat) would have to have a faux fur coat she wore everywhere and lots of jewelry…she’s definitely a diva! Gazpacho (the orange Tabby boy cat) would always wear suspenders…he’s a nerd.
If your cats had a blog, what would they be called?
“Delightfully Dakota” and “Gazpacho – Not Just Cold Soup”
Why did you choose your cats’ names? Is there a special meaning?
My husband choose Dakota just because he liked the way it sounded and it seemed to fit her. Before he adopted Gazpacho, he had seen that name on a menu and thought “that would make an awesome cat name” so when he adopted the orange Tabby his name was already picked out.
What are the weirdest things your cats do?
Dakota loves to suck on ears! Gazpacho is just super nervous all the time…it’s hilarious.
If your cats could speak, what would they say?
Dakota would demand lipstick and Gazpacho would tell everyone to calm down.
Do your cats get annoyed about how much time you spend blogging?
YES! Dakota jumps in my lap all the time when I’m blogging and Gazpacho will look up at me and meow super loud until I give him attention.
JAMIE
When and where did you get your cats?
I rescued them both (they’re mom and daughter!) from a foster family in the Hollywood Hills, right next door to Chris Brown’s graffiti house– not kidding. (holding Gea in the photo)
If your cats were human, what would be their fashion staples?
Hmmm, I can see Gemma in a maxi dress…yeah, I’ll go with that. And Gea? Gea is totally tall and has long legs so I can totally see her wearing some cutoff jean shorts.
If your cats had a blog, what would they be called?
Probably their nicknames: “Gemma Angel” and “Gea Ballerina.”
Why did you choose your cats’ names? Is there a special meaning?
I always really like the names Gemma and Gea (with the Italian spelling) and I also wanted to honor my previous cat, Angel, who passed away in December 2011 at almost 17 years old. Gea sort of adopted “Ballerina” as a middle name because she danced while she walked when I first took her home. It was the CUTEST THING EVER.
What are the weirdest things that your cats do?
There are SO many things. Gemma licks everything (and constantly) and Gea likes to crawl under the rug. It’s cute, yet kind of weird.
If your cats could speak, what would they say?
Gemma would definitely tell me that she needs more attention (she doesn’t) and Gea would ask what time lunch is being served.
Do your cats get annoyed about how much time you spend blogging?
YES but mostly Gemma. She can’t just sit on my lap while I’m working…no, that’s not good enough. Gemma needs to either sit ON my laptop or claw at my hands while I type. I’m obsessed with her.
I got Stella a little over 2 years ago when I lived in Texas. She was the runt of the litter and (as hard as it is to believe) no one wanted her! When I first set eyes on the sweet angel, she was passed out in a teeny tiny ball. Some things never change!
If your cat was a human, what would be her fashion staple?
I love this question! Stella already sports a orange leather collar with crystal embellishments (she has to be chic at all times) but if she could wear actual clothes, I think her staple would be a girly dress with big sunglasses. She’s such a diva.
If your cat had a blog, what would it be called?
I’ve often thought about starting a blog for her! Gosh, I am such a cat lady. It would be called “Stella Says.”
Why did you choose your cat’s name? Is there a special meaning?
My cat’s name actually does have a special meaning. My all time favorite band is The Beatles. I grew up listening to them with my Dad so they are very special to me. I also love fashion, obviously. Stella McCartney is a major favorite designer of mine and she happens to be Paul McCartney’s daughter. Put two and two together. That’s how I got my angel’s name!
What’s the weirdest thing your cat does?
Where do I start? I think the absolute weirdest thing she’s done is climb up my blinds in my living room and hung out for a while. She’s also been spotted acting a fool on cat nip.
If your cat could speak, what would she say?
If she could speak, she would most likely demand me to get her a lounging chair for the patio. Unfortunately that will not happen because I live on the first floor and she cannot be trusted.
Does your cat get annoyed about how much time you spend blogging?
She definitely does. When she’s really had it, Stella climbs up on my desk and physically sits on my computer. Little brat!
Laundry by Shelli Segel Lace Sheath Dress: Sometimes it can be hard to find a good (and yet, still comfortable) cocktail dress. I was recently sent this gorgeous dress and now I’m actually hoping I get invited to something fancy this week so I can wear it. The color is amazing and the fabric feels soft and has some stretch to it, which I love.
Viewfinder app: It’s basically your camera roll re-imagined. So instead of just picking one or a few photos to share with your whole social network via Instagram, Viewfinder takes it up a notch by displaying and organizing all of your memories. It’s a personal assistant of sorts for your photos which, personally, I REALLY need.
Frederick’s Knit Romper: I’ve never been a fancy pajama person but I actually really enjoy wearing this romper around my apartment…though, I definitely DO cover up when the UPS guy comes knocking.
Boscia Cool Blue Calming Mask: I’ve been loving this cool, calming mask for my sensitive skin! It’s also great for summer, since it’s so hot out, and of course it’s also fun to peel off the blue colored mask.
Last month I posted about a little something called FOMO. I find that summer is probably the best time of the year to try new things and experience fantastic firsts that you can’t wait to make a regular part of the season…and trying Jack Honey’s versatile “something for everyone” taste is one of them. The Jack Summer Swarm photo contest is all about sharing the excitement of those firsts, e.g. those experiences you’re glad you didn’t miss out on.
Jack Daniels is asking people to submit photos of their own most awesome, FOMO-driven summer moments for a chance to win the Ultimate Summer Trip—(a $5000 travel voucher to plan exactly where, when, and how they want to travel).
The winning photo is partly decided by popular vote on the site, so sharing with friends is key. There are also prizes every week just for voting, as well as for simply submitting photos, so there’s added incentive to vote for your friend’s pics (so basically, make sure you vote).
Above are my favorite photos…I mean do they not just scream summer?! Check out the site and let me know which three are your favorites and, of course, don’t forget to vote.
Famous people like to hear the truth (ok, maybe most of the time)
Spend your time doing what you love and enjoy doing
A great hug is underrated
Some men DO really like cats
Be thankful and appreciate every moment
I struggled with whether or not to write something about Cory’s tragic passing; to say that his death came as a shock to me is a total understatement. Though I hadn’t spent time with him in over a year, at one point I did see him often and was always greeted with a smile and a GIGANTIC HUG. At the time, I would laugh about his hugs to our friends and jokingly refer to them as “borderline inappropriate” because they were those deep, close hugs where someone literally wraps their arms around you and your entire body, and they lasted just a tad too long (but hey, I wasn’t complaining). It’s kind of crazy to think how happy I’d be to have one of those hugs right now, and that’s just it. Cory was the kind of person who you instantly felt comfortable around and wanted to spill all of your secrets to. It’s kind of unreal to meet a person like that even once or twice in your life, which is why he’ll always have a special place in my heart. Cory’s laugh was contagious and it was very difficult to not smile and giggle when he was around. He was kind, giving, and compassionate toward others, which are qualities that are sometimes rare here in Hollywood.
Cory was also the kind of person who didn’t cut the line at the Empire State Building…I’ll never forget that one. He told me about how, when Glee first started airing, he was in New York and really wanted to go to the top of the iconic building…why not, right? He got into line and a guard came up to him and said “hey man, I know who you are…you don’t have to wait in line.” Cory politely declined. “What?!” I asked as he’s telling me this story. “I mean…lines suck.” He then told me “I don’t want to be THAT guy. I want to be treated just like everyone else…but THAT is when I knew things in my life were about to change…” He, of course, was referring to fame – a completely foreign and somewhat scary concept to him.
One of my favorite memories of Cory is kind of a silly one, but it’s important and meaningful to me. A few of us were hanging out by his pool and I told a funny story that kind of just fell flat (hey, it happens to everyone). I could tell that my face was turning a little red and I felt stupid. I looked around for some assistance and then I locked eyes with Cory. He smiled at me and said, “I TOTALLY get it.” It’s small but it’s one of the little things that good people do for others. THAT is the kind of person Cory Monteith was. He had his demons, he tried to fight them and, sadly, he lost, but I will always remember Cory for saving me from embarrassment and, of course, a few other things: our mutual hatred of country music, his Twitter obsession (FANS: he DID read all your tweets, by the way), our talks/his advice on what I want to do with my life and, lastly, the shockingly honest and vulnerable way he embraced his sobriety for so many years. For someone with that many demons, it couldn’t have been easy; I admire him for that.
If you finish reading this post and take away even just ONE insight on Cory, I ask you to take this: please don’t remember him for being another victim of “Hollywood, fame and fortune.” One, because that was his worst nightmare and two, because Cory isn’t a victim at all. Cory achieved almost everything he ever wanted out of life and, as sad as I am that he passed at such a young age, I at least take some comfort in that fact. Rest in peace, Cory. You will be desperately missed.
To make a donation in Cory’s honor, you can visit Project Limelight, a charity that he supported for many years.
You know when you feel like you want something to eat but you’re not quite that hungry? I felt that way today, after eating a big breakfast. It was around 2pm and I knew that if I didn’t eat then, I would be hungry by 4 and then my dinner schedule would get ALL KINDS of messed up. UGH, it’s a tough life, lol. Anywho, I came across this recipe on Shape.com and it looks so good (and easy). I skipped the quinoa and apple, since I didn’t have any at home, but the combo of sauted kale and avocado is light and yet, I’m still satisfied. Oh, and two words for you: truffle salt.
