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


(more…)
Read More
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
Read More
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
Read More
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…)
Read More
5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland

12.15.2009
Gift Idea: David Yurman Luxurious Bath and Shower Gel (for your label-obsessed cousin)

So I got the chance to try out David Yurman’s Luxurious Bath and Shower Gel that just came out last month and admittedly, I love it.  I’ve never been a huge fan of David Yurman jewelry mainly due to the fact that I think it’s overpriced and over-rated but hey, one a man does shower gel well, they he’s ok in my book.  I immediately thought this would be the perfect gift for my label-obsessed cousin since I obviously can’t afford to buy her anything from the jewelry collection.  The Bath and Shower Gel diffuses the rich notes of exotic woods and patchouli with the fluidity of peony and waterlily…mmmmm.  Pure luxury.

12.14.2009
Gift Idea: Clarins Gold Attraction Eye Quartet and Liner Palette

So when I saw Clarins limited edition Gold Attraction Eye Quartet and Liner Palette, I was instantly in love.  First off, the seasonal palette is inspired by Venice (only my favorite city in the whole world) and, as quoted by Clarins, “the light and sumptuous radiance of Venice: its beautiful golden palaces, their facades with subtle colours and patinas and the unique architecture that allows light to seep through the fine stonework.”  Um, couldn’t have said it better myself.

The gorgeous silvery pink can be used for eye base and the natural beige can be used for lids when a subtle look is desired.  OR, apply the pearly yellow gold with the deep golden brown shades and combine the dark chocolate eyeliner to intensify and illuminate your eyes.  Ah, I’m having flashbacks to Ponte Rialto as we speak.  And, since this particular palette is a limited edition, it makes a perfect gift for your old BFF from study abroad.

12.14.2009
And 4 years later, I bought a new pair of pants

So back during senior year of college, I lived in a pair of stretchy black foldover bootcut leggings and I’m not afraid to admit it.  I probably wore these pants at least 3 days a week and when asked where I got them, I would lie and say they were from Bloomingdales but, in reality, they were from none other than Target.  I’m not really sure why I didn’t want to admit they were from the practically chic Tar-jay but for some reason I didn’t.  Anywho, after college, I obviously couldn’t wear my favorite leggings to work but I wore them on the weekend and now, 4 years later, they are finally worn down to the bare threads and completely stretched out in the butt, haaa.  Before I go on, first I have to let you know that I actually never wear leggings.  I actually really don’t like my legs, which is way after I discovered these little black miracles, I wore them all the damn time.  Naturally I panicked that I wouldn’t be able to find an exact match, but thanks to the lovely buyers at Target, I was proven wrong.  These are leggings FOR THE PEOPLE.  I’d like to personally applaud Champion for making such a fabulous product.

12.13.2009
Not Just (Sunday) Brunch at XIV on Sunset

So I actually haven’t “done brunch” since I left New York so when I heard about the new “Not Just Brunch” promotion at XIV on Sunset, I basically began telling people that they were obligated to check this out with me.  I managed to convince my friend Sarah to dine a la circus freak with me before a little Christmas shopping at the Century City mall and we were both really and pleasantly surprised with how fun and amazingly delicious the food is at XIV.

I didn’t really know much about XIV except that it’s super close to my apartment and that I saw Maria Menounos walking in there when I first moved to LA and was walking down the street on my way to Chateau Marmont.  Anyhow, the atmosphere is masculine but in a really chic way and the menu has yum things on it like deep fried french toast and falaffel burgers.  Yeah, I had a hard time deciding but I settled on the falaffel burger (comes with fab fries) and a mimosa cause hey, it was brunch right?  The performers, or, as I liked to call them, “circus freaks” just kind of roam around and do their thing.  We saw some fire breathers, a guy who juggled some fire sticks, a girl on stilts and plenty of ballerinas.  It was hilariously funny yet really classy at the same time.  I’ll definitely be going back and especially when people are visiting from New York because this is definitely one thing I can say I never saw in the city that never sleeps.




12.11.2009
Gift idea: Hanukkah gift set from LUSH

So we all know it’s true, people pay way more attention to Christmas than they do to Hanukkah.  With all the cute Christmas beauty gift sets, you’d think there’d be some equally cute Hanukkah choices, no?  Well LUSH has come to the rescue, yet again.  Better Than a Blintz gift set is a combo of four of LUSH’s best-selling bath bombs and it’s pre-wrapped with reusable post-consumer recycled packaging, so you can feel good about supporting God’s chosen people AND the environment.  NOTE: This product is currently sold out online, but check your local LUSH stores to grab one.

12.10.2009
Best beauty gifts, as told by beauty bloggers!

So I’ve been toiling over this question: if I had unlimted funds, what would be the ULTIMATE beauty gift to give my loved ones?  The answer?  Well, I turned to some of my favorite TotalBeauty bloggers for their top picks.  I have to say, I want pretty much everything that they listed (as expected) and I’m sure you will to.  Enjoy!

 

HomeSpaGoddess.com loves the Clarisonic PLUS Skincare System.

KraseyBeauty.com: “My pick is the Make Up For Ever Aqua Eye Collector’s Set.  With 25 of the most amazing liners, there is so much to love.”

BeautyandFashionTech.com: “I would give them a full set of good makeup brushes.  Anna Sui and MAC are a couple of favorites.”

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog.com: “The luxurious and scrumptious Jo Malone Pamper Kit, which includes Pomegranate Noir Bath Oil, Body Creme and Body Powder.”

TheStylePage.com: “Bond No. 9 New York Bon-Bon Box, which contains 18 Bond No. 9 fragrances in pocket spray form wrapped in foils to look like candy!”

FabOverForty.com: “My ultimate beauty gift would be the Bobbi Brown Black Plum Beauty Trunk filled with beauty goodness.  It’s $1,000 this year!”

Bionic-Beauty.com: “YBF Skincare – All their facial serums/treatments are amazing.”

SickaThanAverage.com: “La Mer has some amazing gift sets –the Signature Collection is a nice one since it includes a travel-sized Creme de le Mer, Lifting Face Serum and Eye Concentrate.  It’s the kind of gift anyone can appreciate, regardless of their age, personal style, etc.”

DivaDebbi.blogspot.com: “Just tried out the Temptu Air Brush Foundation System.  It IS awesome!!!  No wonder everyone looks so perfect on the catwalk and the red carpet…”

 

 

12.09.2009
Gift Idea: Tom’s of Maine travel size products (your eco-friendly dad)

So my Dad is super manly and doesn’t like any frills when it comes to toiletries (he won’t even allow me to refer to his products as “beauty products”) so when I came across these fab travel-friendly products from Tom’s of Maine, I knew I had found the perfect gift for my padre.  He recently retired and has already paid me a visit in LA so I know the fact that these are all under 3 oz. will come in very useful.  What did I pick up?