Why Not… Melt Your Winter Woes

Published January 26, 2009 inspiration , life Leave a Comment
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January is almost over, but the winter weather and cold seems like it will never end.  Even if you’re not stuck in an arctic locale, why not try something new this week?  Small changes in your every day routine can make all the difference between another dull day, and a day where the sun shines just for you!

Why not…

  • Change your passwords to words that make you smile (or blush!)
  • Wear frilly pink underwear.  It will make you feel sexy even if no one sees it.
  • Make a mixed CD with all your favorite love songs.  Give it to your significant other, your crush, or your best friend.
  • Paint your toenails bright & glittery.
  • Answer the phone with a smile – people can hear the difference!
  • Take a nap.  Sleep upside down.  Doze off to a great instrumental soundtrack — try Explosions in the Sky!
  • Buy yourself flowers.  Write a little note to tell yourself how much you love your own great personality, quirky smile, or beautiful eyes.
  • Wear false eyelashes and send come-hither looks to the cute barista at Starbucks.
  • Forget your sweats — dress up to run errands.  People will wonder who that classy girl is walking down aisle nine at the grocery store!

Wishlist Wednesday: Retro Valentines

Published January 21, 2009 wishlist Leave a Comment
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retro valentine

I’ve always been crafty (read: crazy) enough to make my own Valentines — anything I get from the store is never glittery enough.  Plus, homemade cards just speak to the heart, no matter how craft-tarded you are.  But once I saw these adorable cards from fredflare.com, I fell in love.  They’re clever and cute, not to mention a great deal (a set of 10 for $8).  And really, who can resist a hot dog card that says, “Frankly, I like you!”?  (I know I can’t!)  Get your retro love notes here.

The Answer to Every Problem

Published January 14, 2009 advice , life Leave a Comment
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One bag of English breakfast tea

+

one bag of Earl Gray tea

+

milk and sugar to taste.

I firmly believe that the answer to every problem can be found in a mug of tea.  That combination is just my formula for the perfect tea time, but no matter what the blend, something about tea has an incredible ability to make the world’s problems seem small.  It enables the best conversations and kick starts the most productive days.  Brew a cup and see what you can accomplish today!

Secret Beauty Steals

Published January 7, 2009 beauty Leave a Comment
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Shhh –  I’ve got a secret for you!  With the economy tossing and turning these days, everyone is looking to pinch pennies.  Often times it’s the luxury items that go first.  Who can afford to spend $500 on shoes when you’ve got groceries to buy instead?  Thankfully, three of my favorite beauty products are on the shelves of my local Walmart for under $5 each!

  • Johnson’s Cucumber Melon Baby Powder – use it as a hair powder to soak up shine between showers.  This is a great product for those of you who skip days between shampoos (which is healthier for your hair!), and the cucumber melon scent keeps you from smelling like a changing table too!  Check out this article from Hair Boutique testing baby powder and cornstarch against Bumble & Bumble hair powder.
  • Johnson’s Baby Oil with Aloe Vera – this is the cheapest and most heavy duty makeup remover you can get!  Use a cotton ball to wipe away even the heaviest eyeliner.  The oil will remove all sorts of waterproof products.  Make sure you still wash your face afterwards, because the oil can clog pores over time.
  • Vaseline - anyone who doesn’t know about the benefits of vaseline in a makeup arsenal is missing out!  It works as a heavy moisturizer (great on dry winter skin!) and a wonderful lip shine.  In a pinch, it can also be used to plump lashes, as a hair pomade, blended with powder to make a cream blush or shadow… the list goes on!

With beauty steals like that, I don’t feel quite so guilty paying full price for MAC foundation and good brushes – you can’t buy that kind of quality in a drugstore!  I also save on beauty by cutting my own bangs and doing my own nails.  I also won’t pay over $3 for nail polish since I fly through colors so fast!

So what are your favorite beauty steals?  And what products would you shell out $100 dollars for?  Do you budget your beauty expenses in other ways?

P.S. For those of you who didn’t know,  MAC Cosmetics is currently having a friends and family sale — 25% off everything online with offer code MACFF9.  The sale ends tomorrow, so act fast!

Spring 2009 Fashion Trends

Published January 6, 2009 fashion 2 Comments
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Even though I’ll be stuck in winter weather in Central New York for another three months, spring fashions are already blossoming.  Here are a few of the spring fashion trends to keep your eyes on in the coming months.

Separates will be popular for mixing and matching this season as menswear goes feminine.  Softer shaped blazers may take the place of cardigans as the new layering piece.  Top it all off with a bright jacket in a fun print to show off your personality.

In denim, ripped accents and baggier styles are coming back – pay attention to anything labeled boyfriend jeans, or just raid your favorite guy’s closet for a comfortable, already worn-in pair, a la Katie Holmes.  Personally, my least favorite trend for spring is what some are calling “fancy pants” – parachute pants, dropped crotches, crops, and jumpsuits are all in style for the coming months.

Maxi dresses will be big this spring, as will asymmetrical dresses in Grecian styles.  Look for breezy skirts, floral prints, and classic black and white patterns.

With the economy in bad shape, less people are willing to shell out tons of money for big designer clothing pieces, so this spring, accessories are key.  Footwear will continue to be a focal point.  Look for new styles in gray shades, a popular color to amplify your wardrobe.  Also look out for statement jewelry – the bigger the better!

Brights and neon colors, fringe accents, and bold prints will be everywhere. Last year’s glitz and glitter will continue into the spring, with some sparkle spilling into daytime looks as well.  Satin  and beading will join forces with sequins as popular embelishments.

What are your favorite looks this season?  Is there anything you want to hide in the back of the closet with your skeletons?

For more on spring trends, check out You Look Fab for their spring fashion forecast.

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