My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)


(more…)
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My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)

4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


Because we all need to help save our planet, and these are four easy (and also fun) ways to do
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4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet

Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


You guys know I’m picky about lip gloss, but I recently tried two new (to me) products and had to
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Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life

5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland


Because I know you want to shop (but not for touristy junk)... (more…)
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5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland

02.18.2011
Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder

So who doesn’t love being happy?  I’m way into this new line because Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder is pretty amazing.  Happy Booster is the first ever makeup line created to stimulate happiness.  Yes, you read that right…makeup that stimulates happiness.  The ingredients are specially formulated to boost your mood- the color combination, texture and aroma all work together to give you a “happy boost,” if you will, which I’m seriously obsessing over.  Makeup should make people happy.  I know what you’re thinking though…what exactly actually boosts your mood?  Well this product contains Euphoryl, rich in Omega 3 and a known anti-depressant is in this baby in addition to a mood-enhancing fragrance and “happy skin,” which is derived from Arctic Rose, which mimics the effect of endorphins, also known as “happy  molecules,” for a sense of wellness and pleasure.

What’s even more interesting is the survey that Physician’s Formula conducted a Kelton’s survey on happiness.  I think anyone going through their quarter life crisis pretty much assumes that they’re the only one feeling down in the dumps but according to this survey, that’s not even close to the truth.  Only 18% of women are reported as being at their happiest!  ANd 39% said they aren’t as happy as often as they would like to be.

The fact that over 76% of women also reported that happiness can be found with the simpler things in life further proves that all makeup should make you happy.  Thoughts?

02.17.2011
Formula LA haircare

So when I got the pitch for Formula LA, the first ever line of hair and skin products specifically for Los Angeles, I was all ears.  After two years of research, Formula LA was developed and guess what?  They’re also working on other products specfic for a ton of other cities and not gonna lie, I would die for this if I still lived in New York (hello humidity).  But the LA line is also fab- the science breaks down to the sun, the air and the water in the city of angels.

The LA sun is strong and can cause serious damage to your locks which is exactly why there’s sunscreen in the shampoo and conditioner to block out the harmful UV rays and preventing the damage that causes brittle, flat hair.

The LA is D-R-Y, let me tell you.  On top of that, LA has a major pollution problem (fact: I had a perma-cough for the first 3 weeks I lived here until my lungs got adjusted).  This formula was developed to counteract the exhaust and other pollution that’s in the air here.

The water.  Honestly, I haven’t noticed bad water but apparently others feel differently.  The formula here prevents minerals from binding to your hair, which is a majorly good thing.

02.16.2011
Calnaturale Svelte Sustained Energy Protein Drink

So over the past year I’ve had to make a concerted effort to intake more protein in my diet.  It’s kind of a long, boring story but I had some tests done and found out that my iron levels were a tad low and it was causing my hair to thin (!)…and we all know that’s just simply unacceptable.  Turns out all my body needed was protein (at least 3-6 oz. with every meal–bye bye veggie burgers) and some iron supplements and bam, my hair is in much better condition.  Now, if you live alone, I’m sure you can relate to how much of a pain in the ass it is to cook chicken or fish for every meal (and who cooks anyway) so I’ve been on a search for an amazing protein drink but hadn’t found anything I liked until now!

Calnaurale Svelte Sustained Energy Protein Drink in Chocolate (my weakness and, of course, my favorite flavor) is delightful.  Each bottle contains a whopping 16 grams of organic protein (and that’s a LOT) from fresh organic soy milk, along with organic complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.  What does all that mean?  It means you’re getting all the good stuff with out the chemicals.  This brand also contains only 9 grams of sugar per bottle and is dairy and gluten-free for anyone who has those concerns.  Personally, I try to keep as many chemicals out of my body as possible between not drinking any soda, not eating any processed meats, almost always buying organic, grain-fed eggs, etc. so a product like this makes me feel ok about supplementing lean chicken or fish for some chocolate goodness.

02.14.2011
Peppermint TEAquila cocktail

So I recently attended a gifting suite where I met the two ladies who run their family’s business, Valencia Tequila, which I love and adore.  Unfortunately the gifting suite was during January (aka Sober January) and so I couldn’t taste the tequila while I was there but the owners were nice enough to send me a bottle to try once my cleanse ended…and boy, was it worth the wait.  I tried the family-owned tequila’s amazing Peppermint TEAquila recipe, which I’m sharing with you below because it is a MUST-TRY, amazing cocktail that I am now obsessed with.

  • 4 oz. Moroccan Peppermint tea
  • Marquez de Valencia tequila
  • Agave nectar
  • Serve over ice
  • Add dark chocolate shavings for garnish

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.

 

02.09.2011
The second annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

So last year I created the very first Anti-Valentine’s Day Gift Guide and boooooy was it a hit.  My friends emailed it around like it was a Lindsay Lohan crotch shot and so, with crotch mentioned, I present to you the second annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.

An amazing blowout

Blow dry blars are popping up all over…but in LA, nothing beats Drybar.  I recently visited their new West Hollywood location, which is much closer to my apartment, and I continue my adoration for this salon.  When you’re having a bad day nothing, I repeat nothing, beats an amazing blow out.

LUSH It’s Raining Men Honey Rich Shower Gel

I’m a self-proclaimed shower gel junkie and for as much as I like this product’s name, I equally like the smell.  It’s Raining Men is made with lotus flowers and a dash of honey to soothe dry skin while cleansing.

Kate Somerville Clinic

I had one of the best facials of my life at Kate Somerville’s Clinic in West Hollywood so when I was recently invited to a press event at the Clinic, I was pretty excited.  There’s something insanely relaxing and zen-like about the decor; it’s super girly and chic and just sitting in the waiting room puts me in a better mood, which is exactly why a facial or massage at the Clinic would make for an ideal Anti-Valentine’s Day gift.

Frederick’s of Hollywood Feather Fantasy

How very Black Swan, no? I’m not one for wild and crazy lingerie but with my recent feather obsession, I’m way into this bra and panty set.  Wear it for yourself and feel sexy doing it.

 

Baked By Melissa Valentine’s Day mini cupcakes

These cupcakes are my most favorite in the whole wide world and I can’t think of a better day this year to eat a few (or a small box) of these.  The Valentine’s Day version comes in a special Valentine’s Day box so you can also gift these to your mom, sister, single girlfriends, etc.  LOVE.

02.08.2011
NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil

So I think I’ve finally found the perfect hybrid of lipstick and lipgloss in NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil.  Personally, I’ve always preferred a gloss over tradional lipstick since I find lipstick to be super drying but there are also plenty of times that I’ll put on my fave gloss and then walk outside to have the wind push my hair right into my gloss. Gross AND annoying.

I was recently reading an interview that Glee’s Heather Morris did for Teen Vogue and she mentioned that she also prefers lip pencils over super glossy products since she’s a dancer and always whipping her hair back and forth (had to say it), which made me even more excited when I found out about the launch of this new hybrid product from NARS.  The pencil is super lightweight but the color is still exceptionally rich.  It also boats a blend of moisture-rich hyaluronic spheres and Vitamin E, which is only a good thing, girls.  We have a reall winner here.