Tuesday, January 19, 2010

This Just In: Rave Reviews for Remington® Frizz Therapy Iron

Okay, I'm always the last to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to gadgets; but this looks pretty darn bandwagon-worthy. This Iron even got a Good Housekeeping Award! Check it out…

New Remington Frizz Therapy Iron
Hot Off The Press!


The Remington® Frizz Therapy Iron has already received rave reviews as one of Good Housekeeping Research Institute’s prestigious V.I.P. (Very Innovative Product) Award winners (the only beauty product of the bunch) – and was recently featured in the New York Daily News as one of the “9 Smartest Buys in 2010”!

The revolutionary Frizz Therapy Iron is the first flat iron to use frizz-resistant technology to protect hair from the outdoor elements, dramatically diminishing frizz (65% less than a traditional iron) and firmly resisting humidity all day (up to 15 hours) to maintain a silky smooth style. The iron employs next generation ceramic plates with special porous properties infused with a blend of frizz-resistant micro-conditioners that are emitted during styling. Complete with digital heat settings that range from 300°-430°F and a one-hour auto-safety shut off, the Frizz Therapy Iron is the newest must-have for sleek, frizz-free hair!

Remington Frizz Therapy Iron is available at Target, Amazon.com and other fine retailers.

.

Told You So: Elizabeth Grant Skin Care is Winning Awards

Just got this info about Elizabeth Grant Skin Care. I was really impressed by them (check out my reviews here and here); and it seems I wasn't the only one. Read on…

Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Wins TWO FASHION Magazine Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards

Caviar Nourishing Mask and 24 Hour Eye Smoothing Cream win top honours in their respective categories


The readers have spoken and Elizabeth Grant Skin Care is a beauty favourite in not one, but TWO categories. FASHION Magazine’s 8th Annual Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards winners have been revealed and- Caviar Nourishing Mask has won the Mask Over $25 category and the 24 Hour Eye Smoothing Cream has won the Eye Cream Over $35 category.

This is the 4th consecutive year that Elizabeth Grant Skin Care has received a Readers’ Choice Beauty Award, and the 2nd year in a row to win in two categories. Margot Grant, Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Elizabeth Grant International says, “It is an honour to be included in these awards and we are so proud to be a FASHION Magazine reader favourite in two categories. Thank you for choosing Elizabeth Grant Skin Care!”

Elizabeth Grant Skin Care’s Caviar Nourishing Mask is a deep treatment to intensely nourish and hydrate your skin. The advanced formulation contains precious caviar’s Omega 3 Fatty Acids that deeply moisturize and help smooth out the appearance of the skin. Nourishing the skin from the inside out the Omega 3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient for skin rejuvenation, and Torricelumn™ work together to revitalize the skin making it appear more firm, smooth, and youthful.

The 24 Hour Eye Smoothing Cream is a lightweight cream that helps diminish the appearance of crow's feet, fine lines and wrinkles, and the look of fatigue for a full 24 hours. Containing Torricelumn™, 24 Hour Eye Smoothing Cream is a superb moisturizer formulated to provide extra nourishment and support for the eye area. This amazing eye cream also contains youth preserving Vitamin E to help fight free radicals and defend delicate skin around the eye area from the environment. 24 Hour Eye Smoothing Cream helps your skin appear firm, lifted and smoother.

.

Try a Little Luxury (Kat Burki)

Hey, take a look at this yummy, cozy cashmere travel set from Kat Burki. Kind of makes me just want to go somewhere (okay, I kind of already did; but now I want to even more).

.




Monday, January 18, 2010

Start the Week Sexy: Cosmoholic Liquid Lipstick (review)

Hey I'm back (sort of)! Still a little brain dead, still behind on the laundry, and still looking for my groove; but essentially back to the usual. I still have a bunch of gorgeous products sitting on my desk with post-it notes stuck to them just waiting to appear on this blog. I thought about featuring one of them, but all the little yellow things looked a bit overwhelming. So I decided to just try one of the new things that didn't have any post-it notes attached yet. Enter Cosmoholic Cosmetics.

Special Valentine’s Day Gift Set:
(Rockstar Red & Prudish Pink in a special red gift box)

Blurb: Cosmoholic contains a nourishing “repair kit” for your lips (crafted by a chemist; a nerdy one!) that feeds the skin, forming a barrier to keep nasty irritants out, so your lips don’t look older than the rest of your beautiful face! Cosmoholic isn’t sticky. Period. Cosmoholic gives you tons of shine and no shimmer! (Except for Gold Digger - this special Cosmoholic color takes you from day to night with just a little shim-shim!) Cosmoholic doesn’t contain fragrances (those are for perfume!), but vanilla flavors and macademia nut oil for moisturizing. It also has vitamin E (nature’s miracle vitamin), vitamin C, and antioxidants. Cosmoholic comes in 7 highly pigmented shades - colors like Prudish Pink (are you a prude?) and Rockstar Red (or are you a rockstar?) - so you can have a little bit of personality in your pocket or purse.

One word: Sexy.

Really? You want more words? Fair enough.

Even though I was over-reacting to just about everything last week, I still found a bit of time to try out these glosses. It's not such a big surprise that I've tried out an awful lot of lip glosses in my day. But the bigger surprise is that these actually managed to stand out and wow me. The two colors I tried are lovely. "Prudish Pink" is a super soft, neutral pink and "Rockstar Red" is a yummy cherry.

These come in an adorable little red gift box, and the two colors are wonderful; but it's the formula that really…ahem…shone. The finish is highly pigmented, yet still sheer. No shimmer, just a soft, wet, see-through shine that is drop dead sexy. "Prudish Pink" made my lips all soft and kitten-ey, and "Rockstar Red" (favorite) made my lips look like two moist, plump maraschinos. The glosses wore well, and my lips felt soft.

To learn more about Cosmoholic, check out the super cute website. Read things like Behind the LipGloss, and make sure to check out the list of stores where Cosmoholic is available.

And just in case you're still having a bit of trouble finding your Monday groove, here's a bit of pre-80's pep from Elvis Costello and the Atrractions:




Start the Week Energized: Liz Earle Daily Energizing Offer

Check out the great offer from Liz Earle Naturally Active Skin Care. Get the Hip and Thigh Gel, Body Wash and Body Brush for $40 (a savings of $22)! Check it out…

Kick start the New Year and give dull winter skin the brush off with our new daily energising offer.

Step 1: The perfect starting point to our energising range, Liz swears by daily dry body brushing before bathing. Sweep our long-handled body brush across your limbs and torso, directing strokes towards your heart to improve circulation and leave skin soft and smooth. Daily body brushing not only improves skin tone but is also a great way to boost our circulation and lymphatic system.

Step 2: In the shower, massage our revitalising Energising Body Wash onto wet skin. Containing plant-derived foaming agents from corn and coconut it gently cleanses for soft, invigorated skin and subtly scents with a delicate fragrance.

Step 3: Finally massage Energising Hip and Thigh Gel into your skin, paying particular attention to hips, thighs, stomach and upper arms to boost the circulation.

* Offer available from January 4th through February 14th 2010, subject to availability, while stocks last.

.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Thursayishness

See? This is how little brain activity I have going on. Instead of a snappy heading, I am now resorting to telling you what day of the week it is. So sad. So very very sad.

Anyway, I posted a few more bits of beauty world news for you to read while I'm running around in a panic. I won't be posting tomorrow (I'll be traveling most of the day), but I should be back with my usual opinionated reviews once the singing has been accomplished.

In the meantime, I found some cute serotonin-producing pictures to ease some of my…er…our panic…er…stress.

Please join me in appreciating the array of cuteness (then read the beauty news).

.

People's Choice Awards #3

Curly Girls, we were definitely represented at the PCA's. Check out the curly vibe brought to you by Ouidad!

Trend Alert - Celebs Choose Curls!

The people may choose the winners at the People’s Choice Awards, but celebs like Mariah Carey, Jessica Alba and Carrie Underwood chose to rock curls, texture and waves on the red carpet last night.

For A-list hair, Ouidad Styling Mist is a Hollywood mane-stay. Styling Mist is a light spray designed with a dual purpose – to hold a style in place and as a setting spray to secure strands in a specific pattern. Designed for long-lasting hold while allowing movement and is never sticky – Styling Mist keeps curls famously flawless.

Ouidad is available at www.ouidad.com and at certified Ouidad Salons, select Sephora stores and Sephora.com
.
.


People's Choice Awards #2

Another gorgeous look at the PCA's.

Red Carpet Beauty from Julie Hewett Los Angeles

On the red carpet at the people's choice awards Wednesday night, Olivia Wilde stunned us with her natural glow, red lips and shimmering eyes. Here's how to get her red carpet look with some of your favorite JHLA products...

Cucumber Extract - prep & tone your skin with our calming cucumber mist.

Organic Camellia Balm - prep your lips to create the perfect soft canvas for red lips

Ora Mineral Mix #1 - for a flawless complexion buff onto your face with the JHLA kabuki brush.

Omit Concealer - Light using the JHLA concealer brush, apply coverage where needed. can also be used on eyelids as an outstanding eyeshadow base for crease-less color!

Custom 2-Pan Palette - with dolce & terra eyeshadow. for a soft nude shimmer blend dolce all over eyelid and along the lower lash line, then use terra eyeshadow for a very subtle natural contour effect in the crease.

Patine Eye Pencil - for subtle definition, line the upper lash line with this pencil and blend into shadow.

Rose Scented Mascara In Black - for thick dramatic lashes use several coats of mascara, wiggling from the root to the tip. don't forget to coat your bottom lashes too!

Peachie Cheekie - using the chubby cheekie brush, blend a "checkmark" from the apple of the cheeks back towards the hairline. The perfect flush for all skin tones.

Gem Noir Lipstick - a sheer rosy-cheeks red. sweep a layer on your lips using the JHLA lip brush.

Harlow Lip Lush - an extra punch of red shine for a glamorous pout!

We hope you picked up some great beauty tips! stay tuned for even more beauty breakdowns, and check out even more at juliehewett.net!

Peace & beauty, the jhla team!

Questions? Comments? Need color advice? Contact Us!

info@juliehewett.net * www.juliehewett.net * facebook * twitter
.

People's Choice Awards #1

Check out Diane Kruger's awesome look at the PCA's! I am all over this "yeah, my hair just naturally looks fabulous" thing she's got going on.

Diane Catches A Wave At The People’s Choice Awards

Leading lady Diane Kruger hit the red carpet at the 2010 People’s Choice Awards in a curve-hugging Hervé Léger dress and a curvaceous ‘do to match. Celebrity hairstylist Richard Marin let us in on how he created her perfectly undone beach waves in just five easy steps:

Start by spraying sea salt texturizer in hair.

Blow dry with the diffuser attachment on the Remington Professional Dryer with hair flipped over for maximum volume. Do NOT run your hands through hair while drying as this will cause frizz. Dry 90% of the way and air dry the rest.

Next, use the Remington T-Studio Heated-Clip Rollers, alternately curling sections of hair with a 1 inch roller and 1 ¼ inch roller until the entire head is set.

Unroll when cool and shake your head around A LOT to tousle the curls.

Amp up the volume with a dry spray shampoo, and finish off the look with a spritz of hairspray to control flyaways. Shake, spray, shake some more, and you’re out the door!

Remington Professional Dryer is available exclusively at Walmart. Remington T-Studio Heated-Clip Rollers are available at Target and Walmart.

.

LA Girls – DO THIS (Fekkai)!

Here is an awesome event at the Fekkai Melrose Place salon, “So Chic, So Fekkai.” It's taking place TOMORROW (Friday, 1/15/10).

.

Fekkai at CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund

Get a look at these two styles (and a cool video).

Frederic Fekkai Partners with CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund
hosted the LA Runway Show for the 2009 Designer Finalists


Frederic Fekkai's Lead Stylist, Renato Campora Created Two Signature Hair Styles with an Emphasis on Texture

Look #1: The Wet Look


The first look is a sculptural and edgy ponytail. It’s modern, young and sexy. The texture tells a story through the wet and twisted hard hair. Pieces are left in front for an effortless feel, inspired by some of the graphic trends shown in the collections. To achieve this look:

- Use your hands as styling tools to create this piecey look.
- Apply Fekkai COIFF™ Extra Control Styling Gel to damp hair and comb through with fingers, no blow dry required.
- Pull hair into textured sections before twisting together into a low ponytail just above the nape of the neck.
- Secure the twist with bobby pins, letting shorter pieces fall to the side.
- Shape the hair into a long sleek ponytail.

Look #2: The Dry Look

The second look is a modern, angelic take on a tousled, bohemian style. It’s dramatic, yet romantic and very wearable. Hair is full and voluminous with an airy soft texture that allows for movement as you walk. Pieces are left in front to frame the face and accentuate the jewelry shown in the collections. To achieve this look:

- Apply Fekkai COIFF™ Strong Hold Mousse to damp hair and scrunch with fingers as you blow dry completely to create the wild texture.
- Wrap hair in big sections around twist-ties (fabric curling rods) to create volume at the roots and soft curl for movement.
- Tease hair at the roots using a fine comb, and apply Fekkai Au Naturel Powder Clean Dry Shampoo to add thickness and extra structure, but no weight.
- Pin the sides to the back of the head and secure with bobby pins.
- To secure height at the crown, finish with a fine mist of Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray.

PRODUCTS USED:
Fekkai COIFF™ Extra Control Styling Gel Never flaky or sticky, this lightweight medium hold gel keeps hair exactly where you want it. The innovative all Day Style-Memory Lasting Complex shapes and controls the hair throughout the day…and night! Retail Price: $23.00, Bloomingdales

Fekkai COIFF™ Strong Hold Volume Mousse Fully fabulous. This ultra-light whipped mousse achieves the impossible? all day, all-out body and texture that never falls flat. Retail Price: $23.00, Bloomingdales

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray - This lightweight formula holds volume to lift the roots and delivers powerful fullness that is never stiff or sticky. Retail Price: $20.00, Saks Fifth Avenue

Fekkai Au Naturel Powder Clean Dry Shampoo: This naturally formulated product free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrances, gently cleanses hair with a natural botanical blend, infuses hair with conditioning ingredients, removes excess oil and builds volume. Hair is left refreshed and revived without the use of water. Retail Price: $23.00, Fekkai.com


.

Red Carpet Beauty from Julie Hewett Los Angeles

Vegas Baby! And Eva Longoria looked amazing thanks in part to JHLA!

Get This Look!

Eva Longoria hosts a New Year's Eve Celebration at Eve nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here's how to get her flawless look with some of your favorite Julie Hewett products!

Ora Mineral Mix - #2 using the JHLA kabuki brush, buff onto your face for a flawless complexion.

Omit Concealer - Medium - using the JHLA concealer brush, apply coverage where needed. can also be used on eyelids as an outstanding eyeshadow base for crease-less color!

Custom 2 Pan Palette - with silverlake & dovima eyeshadow. blend silverlake all over eyelid up towards the browbone and along the lower lash line, then use dovima eyeshadow for a brow bone highlight.

Fig Eye Pencil - line the upper lash line and wing out at the edges for a hint of cat-eye.

Rose Scented Mascara In Black - for thick dramatic lashes use several coats of mascara, wiggling from the root to the tip. don't forget to coat your bottom lashes too!

Natural Cheekie - using the chubby cheekie brush, blend a "checkmark" from the apple of the cheeks back towards the hairline. Then apply a sheer layer to your lips.

Mimi Lip Lush - for a soft shimmering pout!

We hope you picked up some great beauty tips! stay tuned for even more beauty breakdowns, and check out even more at juliehewett.net!

Peace & beauty, the jhla team!

Questions? Comments? Need color advice? Contact Us!

info@juliehewett.net * http://www.juliehewett.net/ * facebook * twitter
.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Aaaand…Suddenly It's Wednesday

Hey everyone! I'm still cramming little music notes into my head, so no reviews until the weekend (no brain cells equals no review).

But I just put up some of the awesome information I've been getting about some of the gorgeous new collections.

In the meantime, I will send you relaxing thoughts as I try to stave off the panic as my Friday deadline looms ever closer…

.

Hi, I Feel Pretty and I'm A Cosmoholic

Okay, someone in beauty land has really caught on to the true nature of product junkiedom. Take a look at some seriously jones-worthy stuff from Cosmoholic (along a few Valentine's Day beauty tips)…

Ahh…Finally, A Lipgloss With Personality!!!

We all have our obsessions, and while many are short-lived, there are some that stick with us and become extensions of our personality. I'm sure we can all think of a shopaholic or chocoholic in our life, but do you have a Cosmoholic in your life yet? If not, you will soon, because Cosmoholic Cosmetics is for women of all ages: the cosmetics junky, the on-the-go professional, the sassy stroller mom, and the trend-setter teen. It's for the woman who wants classic colors with an edge. It's for the woman who wants to stay ahead of the pack. It's for every woman who's ever wanted a lipstick and a lipgloss in one easy applicator.

Created by makeup industry vet, Jody Cohen, Cosmoholic Cosmetics is a collection of liquid lipsticks that go on like a lipgloss, but have the real, deep, beautiful pigment of a lipstick. Ahh…finally, a lipgloss with personality. And now this amazing product is also paraben free!

Cosmoholic contains a nourishing “repair kit” for your lips that feeds the skin, forming a barrier to keep nasty irritants out, which prevents lips from looking older than the rest of your beautiful face. Cosmoholic liquid lipsticks aren’t sticky and give you tons of shine without the shocking shimmer. However, if shimmer is what you’re looking for, Cosmoholic still has you covered with the Gold Digger shade – this special Cosmoholic color takes you from day to night with an extra pop of shimmer. This collection doesn’t contain any fragrances, but includes vanilla flavors and macadamia nut oil for moisturizing. It also has vitamin E, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Cosmoholic Cosmetics consist of 7 highly pigmented shades – colors like Prudish Pink (are you a prude?) and Rock Star Red (or are you a rock star?) – so you can have a little bit of personality in your pocket or purse.

Valentine's Day Beauty Tips

Jody Cohen’s Glam Tips For Every Woman Whether She's Taken, Crushing or On the Prowl

Status: Taken
The 'Romantic' Look: Glowing with a rouge lip. This look is sexy and your lips will definitely do the talking.

Eyes: A light brown shimmer over the eyelids. Curl lashes and apply lots of mascara on top and bottom lashes.


Face: Use a shimmer bronzer as normal, but add extra on the apples of the cheeks. Sweep a small amount of a pink or rose shimmered blush on the apples of the cheeks.
Lips: Cosmoholic Cosmetics' Rockstar Red as a matte stain (Use the gloss applicator and dab a little on the bottom lip and spread the pigment with your fingers)

Status: Crushing
The 'I'm Desirable' Look: Sexy eyes with a soft lip. This is the perfect look to sport on a date night.

Eyes: Wing the eyeliner or eyeshadow out from the eye. This will give your eyes a sexy shape. Lots of mascara and liner on the bottom rim of the eye. Trick: Use a wedged makeup sponge to guide the line and use the same sponge to clean the line up

Cheeks: pink or rosy color

Lips: Cosmoholic Cosmetics' Prudish Pink. Because you are playing up the eyes, this color will soften the look.

Status: On the Prowl
The Glamorous look: Repeat the 'Romantic' look but go all out with the Rockstar Red!! You will be sure to stand out and let everyone know that you are ready for love.

Tips: if your eyebrows are sparse, make sure to always color them in! Women tend to neglect them...Eyebrows transform a face.

SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT SET: Rockstar Red and Prudish Pink in a special red gift box with box for just $36 – a value of $40.50!
.

Mad, Fab and Rad: Bobbi Brown Makeup Face Lift Collection

Oh just check out all the cool stuff to make you look all new and spiffy…

New Year… Where’s the New You?
Give us 5 Minutes. We’ll make you look your best.


“I designed this collection to give women all the tools they need to look well-rested and bright-eyed in five minutes flat.” – Bobbi Brown

This January, Bobbi makes it easy to keep all of your New Year resolutions with her Makeup Face Lift Collection, which allows you to instantly brighten your face and play up your eyes with just a few simple tweaks.

New Extra Eye Repair Cream

Do your eyes need something extra? Packed with peptides, natural plant oils and humectants that target wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness, this rich concentrated cream visibly revives eyes. Use morning and night- warm between fingers, then pat gently around eye area. Once cream is absorbed, follow with Tinted Eye Brightener or Concealer.

Tinted Eye Brightener

Bobbi’s Tinted Eye Brightener, now in a NEW portable pen! Back-of-cab makeup artists (you know who you are)- with just a quick twist and a click, this lightweight Concealer instantly brightens under-eye circles and refreshes your makeup. Available in eight shades.

New Brow Pencils

Instantly give your eyes a “lift” with defined eyebrows. These creamy, blendable pencils give you the natural look of eyebrow powder with the precision of a pencil and come with their own sharpener. Available in five shades.

Brightening Lip Gloss

Introducing two new shades of Brightening Lip Gloss. This sheer, reflective formula wakes up your face and helps create the illusion of fuller lips. Wear alone or on top of your favorite Bobbi Brown lipstick.

.

Estée Lauder and Michael Kors

Oh there's fashion everywhere! Check out this dynamic duo (limited edition)…

.

Big Good Girly Sale at Cake Beauty!

Hey check out the thoroughly fabulous sale at Cake Beauty (through this Friday):
.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Girls’ Night UP! (Redux)

Hi everyone! I'm still running around like a crazy person this week (singing-related insanity), so I haven't had time to type up my latest reviews. Right now my reviews consist of post-it notes with various impressions scribbled on them attached to the various products that the remarks are about. God help me if those post it notes come unstuck before I have a chance to type them up.

Anyhooo...Today, I'm going to re-publish my "bra" posting from back in June. Since yesterday was about dresses, I thought a little "foundation" refresher wouldn't be such a bad thing. Enjoy!

Girls’ Night UP! (originally posted 6/29/2009)

Hey, guess what? There’s a big long holiday weekend coming up and some of you may be going out. Some of you may be hitting the holiday sales and some of you may be doing both.

And speaking of “both”…

Instead of droning on about sunscreen again, today will be a (demi) frank discussion about beauty for the…ahem…breasts. That’s right, I’m talking about “the girls,” “bazooms,” “cans,” “cha-chas,” “honkers,” “pillows,” or the new term I just learned from my friend, Kristi, “the talent.” (FYI, there’s a pretty decent list of entertaining terms to be found online.)

If someone asks me what my best feature is, I’ll usually say, “my eyes.” But I’m not being entirely honest. Don’t get me wrong – I think my eyes run a close second; but like many red-blooded, modern girls; I think my “girls” are the real shizzle. But my honest response wouldn't be a very ladylike response to that question (or would it?).

I have been loving my lacy, cute bras that I discovered last November. They’re feminine and pretty; but unfortunately the support is only moderate and there isn't much…er…coverage. When summer finally arrived in Philly, I realized I was in trouble. There was no way I could wear a summer t-shirt without broadcasting way too much information about myself (and/or the weather). I felt pretty exposed instead of just pretty.

So this weekend I hung out at the mall with Nancy (previously mentioned friend) and we went into a lingerie store so I could do a little shopping. I was looking for the same style I had (but with heavier fabric) when Nancy marched over to a rack (pun totally intended) of lined, plunging bras and declared that those were what I needed. Well to me they looked enormous and I couldn’t believe one of those things would ever, ever fit under one of my shirts without looking like battle armor. Again, I should just learn to shut up because Nancy was 100% right. I put one of them on and – Oh My Freaking Heaven – the girls were gorgeous! Then I put my shirt on and…wow! Not only were they properly dressed, but they were downright perky. And - dare I say it – buoyant!

Needless to say, my spirits are equally buoyant (especially since I also found some lacy ones).

Of course everything starts with getting the right size! Here's where size really matters, ladies! Get measured. As far as I’m concerned, the best, most accurate measurers are at Victoria’s Secret. (Sadly, they don’t carry my size, so I have to look elsewhere for the actual garments.)

Here are some resources. You have all week. Get busy!

Victoria's Secret – Awesome, gorgeous, girly lingerie. And if you're able to wear petite, super frilly styles, you will hit the jackpot! They also carry clothing, swimwear and beauty. Right now they’re having their semi-annual sale and clearance. Even if you don’t end up shopping there, I strongly recommend getting measured there.

Caçique/Lane Bryant – Yummy lingerie for the full of figure. Great variety of cute, sultry and/or practical lingerie. The stores carry a huge selection in sizes usually only found in catalogues – which is great because you can try on lots of stuff. Right now, there’s a buy 2, get 2 free promotion online and in stores.

One Hanes Place – Great deals and a huge selection of sizes and brands like Bali, Playtex, Wonderbra, etc. Most of the stores carry standard sizes, but you can order special sizes online. And they usually have some kind of BOGO promotion going on.

Bare Necessities - I’ve never bought here, but they seem to have a tremendous (sorry, couldn't help it) range of brands (from Playtex to Wacoal) and an excellent range of sizes. They also have a semi-annual clearance event going on right now.

Department Stores like Macys, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Target, Sears, etc. – They generally carry standard sizes, but often have great sales and the very latest designer styles. And many of the lingerie departments have qualified staff who can take your measurements.
.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Monday Girly Gown Porn

Sorry for not posting over the weekend, everyone! I'm getting ready for a singing thing and I hit a wall big time. There were no brain cells left over for beauty reviews.

But rather than leave you in the lurch for another day, here's some over-the-top serious girliness...in dress form. Enjoy!

I couldn't leave out Valentino

Oksana Couture 'Alina'

Newspaper Dress (made from 30 copies of the 'Financial Times') by Gary Harvey

Dresses (made of test-rejected condoms) by Adriana Bertini

Gorgeousness from YSL

Jemma Sykes, the 'Elizabeth' dress for Butcher Couture

Happy Monday!
.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Winter Hotness: Victoria's Secret Daily Glow Moisturizer and Lip Gloss

One of my New Year's "ideas" (I don't make resolutions) was to do something a little more different a little more often. Nothing big, just the occasional detour from the usual to enrich my perspective. Another "idea" I had was to make some kind of order out of the landslide of beauty and skincare products that is threatening to take over my apartment. This includes trying out some of the items that I already have before bringing in new ones. Today we are combining two "ideas" with the help of Victoria's Secret.

Daily Glow Moisturizer (on SALE!)

Blurb: Drink in a sexy touch of sun, every day. Long-lasting formula combines the benefits of moisturizer with a hint of self-tanning formula to subtly draw out your skin's color and give it a natural, sun-kissed glow. With anti-aging ingredients to keep skin looking young. Essential Ingredients: Aloe butter and silk protein nourish and hydrate, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E provide protection, pearl extract helps maintain healthy, young-looking skin. Apply each day to clean skin to build a healthy glow.

Lip Gloss (in "Lover")

Blurb: VS Makeup evolves our popular Very Sexy® Makeup line to create one comprehensive, on-trend collection of perfect shades and textures for lips, eyes and face. Find gloss perfection. Lasting shine and rich color in a variety of alluring finishes. Wear alone for pure gloss or layer over lipstick. Fluid lip gloss with a high shine finish.

I picked these two items for a few reasons. Number one is that I just plain love the whole VS vibe. Somehow any product from them just feels extra hot and sexy. Maybe it's all the cute lingerie you have to walk through to get to the beauty section. I also chose two items that would add a little sizzle to the dead of winter.

The moisturizer is a great value (especially now that it's on sale). It works well as both a moisturizer and a gradual self-tanner. It goes on easily and evenly and absorbs very quickly. I have extremely pale skin; and I got a nice gradual bit of color that looked golden (not orange).

Add to my new "tan" a pretty lipgloss. "Lover" is a shimmery brown/beige that gives a nice tawny glamorous shine. It has pretty good staying power without being gooey or sticky, and it also keeps lips soft and pretty.

It's always worth paying a visit to the VS website. Ditto for the actual stores. And right now their Semi annual sale is going on. They don't carry bras in my size, but I swear they have the best measurers anywhere. I go in there to shop for gifts, and I usually make sure to get measured when I'm there. I may treat myself to a little visit this weekend. This week has been a long one, and a little extra girliness might be just the thing.

Happy, happy Friday!
.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Spend the Night Together: Phyto Phytodensium Mask (review)

That mildly lurid heading was solely for the purposes of drawing you into my blog. How cheap of me. But I'm in need of a cheap thrill or two. This week is kicking my butt. This is day #4 of my first week back after a lovely amount of time off, and it's year end. I am dragging.

Are you ready for the equally cheap segue way? Good. Ahem…

My hair, however, is not dragging. Last night I tried out a new hair mask from Phyto (pronounced "Feet-Oh"), and my hair is looking all vacation-ey again.

Phytodensium Mask

Blurb: As we age, hair often becomes weak and fragile, requiring specific care, Phytodensium mask densifies and visibly thickens hair that has thinned over the years. Gatuline® age-defense is derived from a carefully selected walnut extract which protects against free radicals and harmful environmental factors. Birch and horsetail leaf extracts restore minerals to the hair shaft. A botanical protein complex increases the hair's level of resistance and elasticity by forming a protective layer. This delicious treatment features grapeseed and black currant seed oils, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that naturally soften and regenerate the tresses. The results are maximized volume, shine, and manageability. A unique botanical protein complex fortifies and amplifies each strand's diameter for a plumping effect.

This is called an "anti-aging" mask. And I feel that these last few days of good honest work have aged me and my hair something fierce. (Not really, I actually love my job...just not this week.) Anyway, last night I put some of the mask on my ancient, decrepid hair, made a little braid, slept on it all night, rinsed this morning, and was rewarded with soft, pretty hair and perky "youthful" curls. Aside from how much better my hair looks today; I'm also thrilled that this mask contains no parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals or pthalates.

You can peruse more Phyto products on the website, or try out/purchase a few at places like Sephora, drugstore.com and Skin 1.

Happy Day Before Friday!
.

Wowee! Urban Decay Spring 2010

OH-EM-EFF-GEE! (See how I made that all edgy?). New stuff from one of my all time favorites, Urban Decay. Four new Pencil shades (I highly recommend "Oil Slick"), new sparkly shadows, a finishing powder, and a matte primer potion!

Oooh….! Aaaah!

24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil – 4 New Shades!

Previously only available in Holiday gift sets, we're introducing four new fame-bound shades to our beloved 24/7 pencil family: Crash (a rich deep eggplant), Oil Slick (black with silver sparkle), Mildew (a dark green based on our best-selling shadow), and FINALLY, Binge (a long awaited navy).

We load nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E and Jojoba oil into these pencils, rewarding your skin with ultra-smooth application and texture. Our creamy-on-the-eyes, waterproof formula may be what keeps our 24/7 eye pencils atop the industry's best seller list each season... or perhaps it's the rock-royalty colors we continue to introduce.

NEW Stardust Eyeshadows

This Spring, we've transported ourselves away from the constraints of earth and created a galaxy of hypnotic shades and textures. Introducing NEW Stardust Eyeshadows from Urban Decay.

Stardust Eyeshadows are an explosion of twinkling, prismatic sparkle against a wash of pretty color. Powder-fine bits of glitter (40% more than our most dazzling shadows) miraculously feel silky smooth. No scratching, no fallout, just sexy sparkle. Stardust redefines glitter shadow.

Wear it dry for a sheer veil of color, or try it wet for more vibrant, intense color. But really... did we mention that it's all about the sparkle?? From uptown neutrals like black, grey and brown, to unabashedly downtown shades of turquoise, green and purple...it's here. Inspired by all things cosmic, Stardust shadows are named for the iconic riffs of Ziggy Stardust, the hypnotic era when Studio 54 was at its pinnacle, and nostalgic longings for nights at the laserium.

Just a little "squeeze" opens the soft-touch component, jam packed with shadow! The fill is 3.5g—over TWICE the fill of our standard Eyeshadows. You're welcome.

Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder

Designed for stars of film and flat screens, Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder, our high-tech translucent powder, keeps you camera ready at all times! The micro-fine powder fools the eyes with "optical blurring" ...imperfections are seemingly airbrushed away for a soft-focus finish. Skin appears flawless, even under bright, unforgiving light.

The micro-fine, silky smooth powder feels incredible! Tiny water particles float along the skin's surface and actually "burst", creating a microscopic ball bearing effect when the powder is applied. The feel is refreshing, smooth, and light as air.

Apply as a finishing touch after your foundation. Thanks to oil-absorbing properties, skin stays shine-free, and foundation stays in place longer. Or, wear it along for a bare, but "perfect" image of youthful skin. This one miracle shade works on a wide range of skin tones.

Used UNDER make-up, it transforms foundation into a liquid powder and feels amazing! The sleek gunmetal lid and clear base showcase a unique mess-free system and attached puff. Other brands require swirling, brushes and hassle, whereas ours is all-in-one, and even has an "on/off" feature to keep your purse powder-free!

Eden Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Since so many of you love Sin, the shimmering champagne version of our beloved Eyeshadow Primer Potion, we decided to launch Eden, a tawny-hued, MATTE addition to our Primer Potion family.

Experiment with Eden alone as a crease-proof, "almost naked" matte shadow. The neutral, nude hue smoothes out skin tone and brightens up the eyes...a perfect no-makeup look. Or, use Eden like our original Eyeshadow Primer Potion – just a swipe before your favorite shadow delivers vibrant, stay-put, all day color... and absolutely NO CREASING!

Skip your brow bone highlighter and let Eden peek out from behind your other shadows. (You already do that with Sin, right?) The neutral shade is a great complement to just about any shade... and one less step in your eye makeup ritual.

Eden comes in our iconic Eyeshadow Primer Potion genie bottle. To differentiate it from our other shades, the cap is tinted purple, and the bottle is finished in a matte, neutral shade with a suede-like feel.

.

Awesome New Launch from Jan Marini

Oh-Em-Gee! Check out the new launch by Jan Marini! A new face primer with hyaluronic acid, peptides and red, white and green tea extracts! How thoroughly awesome does this look? Let me know after you start looking…

New Age Intervention® Prime Face Primer by Jan Marini
Gives an Immediate “Airbrushed” Effect plus Skin Rejuvenation Benefits



New Topical Agents Target Elasticity, Skin Volume, Inflammation and Wrinkling

Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc. announced the introduction of Age Intervention Prime Face Primer, which gives facial skin an immediate “airbrushed” effect while providing remarkable rejuvenation benefits. Age Intervention Prime features an innovative and proprietary formula that includes newly developed topical agents that target elasticity, skin volume, inflammation and wrinkling to deliver extraordinary results.

Age Intervention Prime instantly perfects the skin and provides a radiant plumped and refined surface. Prime can be worn with foundation for an incredibly smooth and flawless long-wearing finish. Even without foundation, skin looks polished and beautifully reflective while pores and imperfections are minimized.

Age Intervention Prime also delivers a potent combination of anti-aging and anti-inflammatory technologies that dramatically lessen the appearance of many aging skin flaws. Skin looks and feels younger from the first application and results are progressively more noticeable with continued use.

Key Ingredients:

• Co-Enzyme Q-10 Nanotechnology. Co-Enzyme Q-10 is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that acts like a “cellular battery” to boost the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate. Newly developed nanotechnology delivers this proven topical agent in a manner that increases efficacy. Studies also indicate that CoQ10 encourages the production of collagen and elastin and helps to protect the skin from sun damage.

• Palmitoyl Oligo Peptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide 7. New targeted peptides that provide super skin rebuilding and rejuvenation benefits, and noticeably reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Lys’lastine®. Data demonstrates that this recently discovered natural dill seed extract can actually boost the synthesis of elastic fibers in the skin. This substance causes an increase in an enzyme that is responsible for the functionality of elastic fibers. The stunning result is skin that is less “slack” with greater elasticity and “bounce.”

• Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres. Hyaluronic acid attracts water to the skin and acts as a super moisturizer. Newly developed hyaluronic acid microspheres act as molecular sponges that provide not only extraordinary moisturizing capabilities, but also add volume to skin layers. This phenomenon exerts pressure in the direction of the skin’s surface resulting in a much plumper smoother surface.

• White Tea Extract. A powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune function of skin cells. White tea extract helps protect skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure in order to provide anti-aging benefits by building the skin’s resistance against stress factors that may cause the skin to age.

• Red Tea Extract. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Studies suggest that it can significantly decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles and also has a calming effect on the skin.

• Green Tea Extract. Medically validated green tea extract is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that significantly decreases the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Green tea extract also helps reduce the appearance of skin redness, including rosacea, and has demonstrated anti-acne properties. It may also assist in protecting the skin against sun damage.

• Pomegranate. A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps support cellular regeneration and protect the skin against sun damage.

Age Intervention Prime is offered in a convenient 1 oz. pump bottle.

About Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc.: San Jose, CA-based Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc. (JMSR) is a recognized leader and innovator in skin care, providing state-of-the-art technologies and breakthroughs in medically based skin care therapies. The JMSR Skin Care Management Center is used and trusted by physicians and skin care professionals worldwide to ensure optimum results for their patients and clients. For more information, please visit www.JanMarini.com.
.

Coming in February from Jo Malone

Since I'm a gigantic fan of rose fragrances, and the new fragrance chronicle(™) from Jo Malone is right up my little blog alley. And if that isn't enough, there's a new vitamin E body balm, and a lovely massage promotion. Get busy reading…

The Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle™

The Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle™ tells the story of an elegant and luxurious floral fragrance. Red Roses Cologne was first introduced on Valentine’s Day in 1996 and is composed from seven of the world’s most expensive varieties of roses. Its voluptuous character unfolds like the enticing scent from a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. With a twist of fragrant herbs teasing the senses and a fresh yet sensual sparkle, Red Roses lingers delicately on the skin. This elegant scent possesses an intensity that’s impossible to resist, one which ensures a lasting allure.

Discover an invitation to the intriguing world of fragrance through this elegant ensemble of the Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne and its three accompanying accords, designed to enhance the top, heart and base notes of this original scent. Through the unique Jo Malone philosophy of Fragrance Combining™, become the creator of your own signature scent. Simply choose the fragrances to blend together which best suit your mood or the occasion and bring to life your own personal story of Red Roses.

Bring a radiant sparkle to Red Roses by combining it with the refreshing scent of Moroccan Mint Leaf. The harmonious marriage of herbaceous mint and sweet basil, blended with water jasmine and violet, adds a modern twist to this classic floral.

Create an exquisite rose scent that’s crisp and clear by adding a touch of Ice Rose to the voluptuous heart of Red Roses. This unique frozen ice accord, when combined with rose, is reminiscent of the delicate scent of flowers in the morning dew.

To bring a rush of sensuality to Red Roses, layer it with the intensely rich and balsamic notes of Honeycomb. The tantalising scent of sweet honey, artfully blended with precious woods and resins, adds an enveloping warmth to Red Roses, creating a very sultry dry down.

Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle™: Red Roses Cologne 30ml, Moroccan Mint Leaf 9ml, Ice Rose 9ml, Honeycomb 9ml

Introducing Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Balm
The latest addition to the cult classic Vitamin E Collection


Jo Malone Vitamin E skin care collection launched over 20 years ago with the Vitamin E Gel. Originally hand-mixed in small batches and sold only to those in the know, it quickly became a cult favorite skin care essential for both men and women and expanded to a collection that includes a Lip Conditioner, Nourishing Hand Treatment and Body Treatment Scrub. Now, the collection takes pampering to the next level with the Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Balm. The Vitamin E collection is renowned for its outstanding moisturising qualities that gently nourish and care for the skin with a high concentration of antioxidants. Utterly sumptuous to the touch, each product encourages smooth, supple skin.

Immediately soothing and hydrating, Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Balm is a rich, concentrated cream that deeply conditions the skin. The Vitamin E Body Balm absorbs quickly, instantly easing dryness, while restoring and comforting skin all day long. The subtle, sweet scent combines effortlessly with any Jo Malone fragrance.

Key ingredients and key benefits: Vitamin E, the Jo Malone signature skin care ingredient, is rich in beneficial antioxidants and helps fortify the skin against the damaging effects of the environment. Shea butter, cocoa butter and wheat protein all provide superior natural barrier repair while coconut oil brings a depth of even more powerful moisturising benefits.

Vitamin E Luxury Hand & Arm Massage

Discover the Jo Malone Vitamin E Collection and experience a luxurious massage to ensure that hands and arms are exceptionally nourished. This complimentary 30 minute appointment will include a gentle exfoliation, relaxing massage, an intense moisture mask and is completed with a spritz of your favourite Jo Malone Cologne. Please contact your nearest store to arrange your appointment. Subject to availability

Available at Jo Malone Shops,
www.jomalone.com, specialty stores including Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide. Available exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada.
.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Bionic Morning: Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic (review)

It's my third day back at work after a nice long holiday break. I spent Monday and Tuesday getting caught up and now I'm flagging a bit. Quite frankly, I think that after a long vacation, we should be allowed to ease back into the full work week more gradually. Like, first a two-day week, then four days, then the full five. Somehow I don't think my idea will fly though. Maybe I should just put it in the suggestion box anyway (anonymously, of course).

Anyway, my need for additional perkiness this morning neatly coincides with my scheduled review of a fine item from Exuviance. They blew me away in July (see review) with some of their skincare, so I'm thrilled to talk about another great product again.

SkinRise Bionic Tonic

Blurb: The perfect way to start each day! Renew your skin, spirit and senses, revealing a healthy, radiant complexion, with enhanced clarity, smoothness and firmness. This powerful moisturizing, antioxidant and anti-aging tonic contains a triple blend of Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) and a marine botanical to moisturize and condition skin. Eucalyptus and cucumber refine and stimulate, while green tea extract helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and harmful environmental factors. Alcohol-free.

The jar contains 30 pads soaked in the tonic (nice and easy for my confused and blurry mornings). The peppermint and eucalyptus provide both perkiness as well as pampering. I found the tonic invigorating, but not drying at all. And the nice collection of PHA's, anti-oxidant and anti-aging ingredients is a great boost under my daily moisturizer (one note, the tonic contains algae extract - in case you're sensitive). The tingly feeling lasted for quite a while; and both my moisturizer and sunscreen seemed to go on a little more smoothly.

Check out the Exuviance page at the Neostrata website. I'm a big fan of their products for oily/acne prone skin; so if you also have those concerns, it's definitely worth a look. There's also free shipping and 3 samples for orders over $75 (and a sample of the rejuvenating treatment mask for orders over $100).

Happy Wednesday!
.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Manly, yes (but I like it too): Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser (review)

Remember those commercials for Irish Spring? Do you have any idea what I'm talking about? No? Of course you don't, I'm being completely unclear. The old Irish Spring soap commercials from the 70's and 80's are hilarious. They talk about the manliness of the soap; and make sure to point out that the ladies will love it for the fresh, clean scent. Thanks to the magic of youtube, you can see these commercials and laugh your head off any time of day.

And thanks to the magic of technology (and that whole metrosexual thing a while back), men's skincare has come a long way since the lone "manly" bar of deodorant soap. Today, I'm going to invite you all to embrace your masculine sides for a moment…with Jack Black.

Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser with Aloe and Sage Leaf

Blurb: This dual-purpose 2-in-1 liquid cleanser and toner removes deep-down dirt and oil, for clear, smooth, shave-ready skin. Works gently, without over-drying, to leave your complexion clean, hydrated and fresh. Using a blend of naturally derived, sulfate-free surfactants and certified organic ingredients, this PureScience® formula locks in nature's best to please even the most sensitive skin. Fragrance-free. Oil-free. Paraben-free. Sulfate-free. Dermatologist tested. Vegan. Oat and coconut derived, sulfate-free surfactants gently but effectively cleanse the skin. Witch Hazel acts as a natural astringent with soothing properties. Certified Organic Sage Leaf and Rosemary provide antibacterial and healing benefits. Certified Organic Chamomile and Aloe Leaf help soothe and reduce redness.

In case you want to try this, but are afraid to disturb your girly mojo; rest assured that this cleanser is also in the "for Her" section of the website. Feel better? Okay then. No matter who they say this cleanser is for, I can't imagine anyone not liking it. It has a subtle, clean, fresh (sage) scent and it feels unbelievably soothing and rich. It removed every bit of my makeup thoroughly, yet very very gently. It also left my skin soft and balanced. I would urge anyone looking for a great gentle effective cleanser to give this a try.

Beauty websites are pretty fun places to visit, and this website is no exception. While you're there, you may also want to check out the Winter Skin Care Essentials. Jack Black is also available at Sephora and fine department stores.

What? You want more fun? Okay, have a look at these old Irish Spring Commercials:




.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Get Fresh: Amarté Aqua Veil (review)

Shortly before Christmas, a friend of mine let me try a new organic face cream (he made it himself). It was awesome. I loved the way it felt on my skin: hydrating and invigorating, but also very light. Sadly, I only got a sample (no recipe). But it got me thinking that even though winter in Pennsylvania is dry and cold; there are other places where a winter moisturizer doesn't need to be very heavy. So I made a mental note to: 1) wangle another sample out of my friend, and 2) feature a lighter moisturizer. Item #1 may take some finagling; but #2 is pretty simple, thanks to the folks at Amarté.

Aqua Veil Pure Hydration Serum

Blurb: An extremely light facial humectant. Natural herbs and intensive moisturizing ingredients synergize in softness as the skin soaks in nature’s moist fresh vitality. An aqua veil is formed immediately upon application with resultant coolness and softness. Designed for combination skin; ideal for all skin types. Functions: Moisturizes, improves breakouts. Key Ingredients: Natural Betaine, Extracts of Cucumber, Mallow Flower, Sambucus Nigra Flower, Arnica Montana, Parietaria Officinalis, Hedera Helix.

I got this in my BeautyFix box a while back, and it took me a while to try it out. I wish I hadn't waited so long, because it's really a great find. It's calming and hydrating as well as being cool, light and refreshing. It also contains lots of healing and soothing ingredients like Arnica Montana and Mallow Flower. It has a fresh cucumber fragrance and feels like a dewy layer of water on my skin. And it not only feels good, but it lasts and doesn't aggravate breakouts.

Since my post-holiday head is still trying to adjust to Monday, I'm just going to direct you to their website so you can have a look around. You can also find Amarté products online at sites like dermstore and glow.

Happy Monday!
.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Blue Moons and The New Year: Rarity and Clarity

Since New Year’s is my favorite holiday (really); I feel obligated (okay, entitled) to indulge in a little bit of overthinking, pondering and (non beauty product related) introspection.

One New Year’s Eve (many moons ago…sorry), my dear friend and I spent the evening barhopping. At one bar, we came upon a concoction known as a “Blue Moon.*” “Yum!” we said, “this hardly tastes like alcohol at all!” So in our infinite wisdom, we drank way too many, had hilarious fun, staggered home, and woke up the next morning with the most god awful hangovers ever in our wretched 20-something lives. At the time, I thought the lesson was that too much fun could make a person really sorry in the morning. But years later I can barely remember the god awful hangover. I mostly remember the hilarious fun. So maybe that’s another lesson.

This New Year’s Eve not only heralds a new decade, but it also features the astronomically rare (and nifty) blue moon. A blue moon is the second full moon in a month - a rare occurrence. And the last New Year’s Eve blue moon was 20 years ago. (For a detailed explanation of a non-cocktail blue moon, check out the National Geographic.)

Photo from The Christian Science Monitor

More interestingly, some folk wisdom says that time of a blue moon is an opportunity to “release” things. I take this to mean “things” that cause trouble, hold you back or no longer serve you. Maybe it’s some kind of physical or emotional clutter. Maybe it’s a habit, expectation or way of looking at the world. Maybe it’s an actual person, place or thing. All I know is that letting go of something that doesn’t belong in my life is a sure fire way to make more room for something that does belong.

So why am I trying so freaking hard to tie astronomy and cocktails together in the same holiday blog entry? Well first, you all know I can’t resist a cheesy tie-in. And secondly, I actually think that both a fond memory of a drinking binge and a timely bit of folk wisdom might provide some useful guidance.

2009 has seen a lot of changes in my life. There has been a lot of hilarious, explorational (new year, new word) fun. There have also been some not so hilarious times of insecurity, panic and general neurosis. As this year/decade ends and the new one begins; I want to remember that living fully means the occasional crappy “morning,” but mostly it means many “nights” of joy, discovery and probably some kind of lasting fulfillment. The occasional mistake, misstep or excess is a small price to pay for opening up my life. I also want to remember that in order to make room for new things and new people; I’m going to probably have to let go of some things that might feel safe and comfortable, but in truth are probably crowding out any new growth and development. I’m going to spend a little bit of time tonight (and hopefully all year) getting really clear about some of the things I do want – and then getting clear about how I can make room for them.

Enough now! Thank you for letting me ramble. And as always, thank you for visiting my blog. I promise to return to my regularly scheduled beauty blogging on Monday.

I wish you all a wonderful and memorable evening, and a new year full of love, health, discovery and prosperity!

Happy New Year!


*Blue Moon Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- Twist of peel of Lemon
- 3/4 oz. Blue Curacao
- 1 1/2 oz. Gin

Stir gin and curacao with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Add the twist of lemon peel and serve.

.