I said last week that I wanted to do a rant/rave blog. I've come across some new products lately that I've been pretty impressed with so I want to share those with you. Even though it started as a rant/rave idea, it's actually turned into more of a list. I don't really have anything to "rant" about so I just stuck to the "raves". Anyway, here's my list:
Best makeup find: I have two things in this category. The first is the Smashbox Photo Finish Face Primer. I don't wear this everyday, but when I do there is a noticeable difference in the way my skin looks. You apply it before you put on concealer and/or foundation and it helps everything glide on more smoothly. It also help minimize the appearance of pores. The second thing in this category is a definite MUST HAVE in my makeup bag. I wear this everyday and love it. Its Revlon Superlustrous Lip Gloss. I have this gloss in three different colors and will definitely invest in other colors that I see. It goes on smooth, isn't too tacky feeling, lasts for hours, and gives good sheer color. I love it and definitely recommend it to everyone. My favorite color is Glossy Rose. It seriously is flattering on every skin tone. Don't believe me? Well, every bridesmaid at Lindsey's wedding borrowed that lip gloss on her wedding day and it looked good on all of us. So there.
Best face wash: I'm always hunting for a great face wash. I'm usually underwhelmed by what I find. They either make my face too dry, don't get it clean enough, are too tingly, or a combination of all of those. But, this face wash is completely different. Its Dove Cool Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser. I'm completely mesmerized by this face wash. It's not tingly but you can feel it working and once you wash it off, your face feels so clean and so fresh. I've definitely noticed my pores looking smaller too.
Best CD: I've been downloading a lot of songs lately and have been using my phone as my MP3 player. I read (on perezhilton.com) a ton of stuff about Katy Perry and decided to download her CD, UR So Gay. It is fantastic. You've probably heard her song, I Kissed a Girl on the radio a million times by now but the whole CD is so good. She kind of reminds me of Alanis Morissette but more snarky and with a more upbeat tempo. I really do love every song on the CD. Another one to check out is Coco by Colbie Caillat. It's been out for quite a while but I recently downloaded the whole CD and have really been enjoying it. Its very mellow and happy. Its a good CD to listen to on a summer day, sipping lemonade and thinking fondly of the one you love.
Best Reality Show: My favorite reality show of this summer season is definitely Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. I watched their first reality show, Inn Love, but for some reason I like this new show so much better. Its funny and seems very real and down to earth. Its good fun entertainment. Another favorite of mine is Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List. Hilarious is the best way to describe it. I've been watching this show for the three seasons it's been on and I laugh my ass off every time. I'm a huge Kathy Griffin fan and think she's one of the funniest people ever.
Best Scripted Show: Joe and I have been watching the show Generation Kill on HBO. Its a mini-series about a group of soldiers that were the first to invade Iraq when the war started. It is a true story written by a Rolling Stone writer who was embedded with the troops at the start of the war. It's definitely a different look at the war than we're used to seeing. Its also interesting because the show is based back in 2002 when all the feelings about September 11 were raw and our country was really looking for revenge. But, its also really funny too.
Most Anticipated Show Return: As much as I love the summer, I am anxiously awaiting all my shows coming back in the fall. The ones I'm looking forward to the most are: How I Met Your Mother- if you're not watching this yet, you need to start! It is so funny and Neil Patrick Harris is great in it. Gossip Girl- OMG the scandals. This show is so far from reality but is so drippy and cheesy and full of drama that I just can't help but watch. Dexter- this show is on Showtime and is THE BEST drama on TV. I'm serious. Its about a forensics detective in Miami who is also a serial killer. If you don't have Showtime, go rent the DVDs. Trust me, its worth it. Entourage- I can't wait for my boys to come back! This show is so funny and full of decadence and drama. It's really a great summer show but it'll be nice to have it back in the fall. And finally, the new 90210. This one isn't technically coming back since it'll be an all new cast but I'm still excited. I just hope that its as good as the original was.
Best Blogs: Of course, perezhilton.com is my go-to site for all things gossip and celebrity related but I have a new site that I'm really into lately. Its a blog on self.com called Eat Like Me. Its an actual nutritionist who documents what she eats everyday. Its very insightful to me that she eats healthy foods but doesn't diet. Its all normal, grocery store food that is easy to prepare and actually looks like stuff I'd eat. I've gotten lots of food ideas from reading the site.
Favorite New Magazine: I'm the queen of magazines but even I am very excited about this one. Its People Style Watch. Its all about fashion and shopping but the twist with this one is that they show you AFFORDABLE clothes at stores and sites that are accessible to normal people. It is also great because it shows you how to put outfits together or how to take a look and make it your own.
Favorite New Shoe: I recently purchased the best pair of shoes that I've worn probably ever. They are black Josette pumps by Jessica Simpson. These shoes are the most comfortable shoes! Even with a four inch heel I can stand and run around in these all day at work and still be comfortable. The leather is super soft and they hug my feet. They're a little pricey at $80 but well worth every penny.
So, there you have it. My favorites list. I hope that you all will try something on this list and hope that you like the products as much as I do. I always like to share tips with people when I find something that is really great and hope that you all will do the same with me. I am always open to suggestions!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hell Yeah....
That was my exact reaction, word for word, when I opened the mail box this afternoon and found a new InStyle Special Makeover Edition just sitting there waiting for me. It was the only thing in the mail box... no bills, no junk mail, nothing, just a delicious new magazine for me to pillage. It was shaping up to be quite a nice night.
You see, Joe already had plans to go see Batman with "the boys" so I was fully prepared for a night at home, alone with the dogs. Once the magazine came I knew I had to make it an even better night and crack open the bottle of wine that's been sitting in the wine rack for weeks now. I threw dinner in the oven, popped the cork, changed into my most comfy pajama pants and found the sweetest spot on the couch.
One of my favorite reality shows, How to Look Good Naked with Carson Kressley, just returned for it's second season and I had the first episode on DVR so I turned that on while I waited for dinner to be ready. I love that show. They bring on women who have self-esteem and body issues and help them to realize that they're not ugly, fat hags like they think but they are beautiful, strong, and sexy women. Its a great show but it always makes me cry. Seeing the change that those women go through is wonderful.
After the show was over I made myself a plate and settled into my magazine. Dinner was a plateful of Publix brand pizza rolls... because they go so well with red wine.... totally classy. Unfortunately for me, and my fresh magazine, after two and a half glasses of wine I'm much more interested in spilling my drunk guts out to strangers on the internets than I am in learning how to "make myself over" with the help of InStyle magazine. Let me ask you this, why does it take $600 shoes to be my most fabulous self? I think the writers of InStyle have lost all touch with reality. Have they seen the state of the economy lately? I wish magazines would offer more economic options for those of us who can't afford to prance around in designer labels everyday. I live in Titusville for Heaven's sake, not Milan.
Anyway, for now its back to the couch and maybe a few old episodes of Sex and the City. I'm halfway through my third glass of wine, Lord help me, so I've probably only got 45 minutes to an hour before I crash out anyway. Here's to alone time, magazines, and girly TV!! Oh, and wine.
You see, Joe already had plans to go see Batman with "the boys" so I was fully prepared for a night at home, alone with the dogs. Once the magazine came I knew I had to make it an even better night and crack open the bottle of wine that's been sitting in the wine rack for weeks now. I threw dinner in the oven, popped the cork, changed into my most comfy pajama pants and found the sweetest spot on the couch.
One of my favorite reality shows, How to Look Good Naked with Carson Kressley, just returned for it's second season and I had the first episode on DVR so I turned that on while I waited for dinner to be ready. I love that show. They bring on women who have self-esteem and body issues and help them to realize that they're not ugly, fat hags like they think but they are beautiful, strong, and sexy women. Its a great show but it always makes me cry. Seeing the change that those women go through is wonderful.
After the show was over I made myself a plate and settled into my magazine. Dinner was a plateful of Publix brand pizza rolls... because they go so well with red wine.... totally classy. Unfortunately for me, and my fresh magazine, after two and a half glasses of wine I'm much more interested in spilling my drunk guts out to strangers on the internets than I am in learning how to "make myself over" with the help of InStyle magazine. Let me ask you this, why does it take $600 shoes to be my most fabulous self? I think the writers of InStyle have lost all touch with reality. Have they seen the state of the economy lately? I wish magazines would offer more economic options for those of us who can't afford to prance around in designer labels everyday. I live in Titusville for Heaven's sake, not Milan.
Anyway, for now its back to the couch and maybe a few old episodes of Sex and the City. I'm halfway through my third glass of wine, Lord help me, so I've probably only got 45 minutes to an hour before I crash out anyway. Here's to alone time, magazines, and girly TV!! Oh, and wine.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Weekend Wrap-up
Hey ya'll... hope you're all having a nice summer. Sorry the blog posts have been few and far between. Things here have been pretty boring lately. We're just cruising along in our same routine... work, work, work, clean house, hang out with dogs, work, work, work.
We had a really nice weather weekend here this weekend. I know a lot of you wouldn't consider it nice, but this is definitely my kind of weather. Sunny and hot! It was really a scorcher this weekend. The high temps were around 95 but with the humidity and all it felt like 101! But, the sky was gorgeous blue with big, white, fluffy clouds. Prior to this weekend it had rained for practically two weeks straight so we took full advantage of the outdoors yesterday. We had some friends over yesterday for a little pool party and BBQ. It was really nice to be outside in the sun and hanging out with friends. Once you add in the cool pool water, the heat barely gets to you at all. I went a little overboard with the Coronas and was asleep by 7pm but I had a good time nonetheless.
Today my mom and I went to lunch and to see Mamma Mia! The movie was ok. I guess I didn't realize just how many songs there would be. I knew it was a musical but I think there were more songs than actual dialect. Plus, I was kind of uncomfortable with the ladies in the movie. Meryl Streep looked awesome but she had two girlfriends who looked every bit of in their 60's but acted like they were 25 and were hunting for men and sex the whole movie. I don't know, there's just something about grandmas hunting for men that turned me off. It was really bright and colorful and the music was good though.
I don't really have that much else going on right now. Joe and I are throwing around the idea of taking a weekend trip to Clearwater, FL. It's about two hours from here on the west coast of Florida and it's supposed to be really pretty and relaxing. I'm not sure if I want to spend the money or save it for our New York trip in August. Speaking of, we're really looking forward to our trip and feel like it'll be here before we know it. We're trying to plan out all the fun stuff we want to do while we're there. I think we're only going to take one day in the city so we want to make it a good one. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Oh, and family, let me know what your plans are while you're up there so we can coordinate.
Anyway, I think that's all for now. I promise I'll try to think of some more interesting stuff to write about. I've actually been thinking of doing some rants and raves of music and products that I've been using lately so maybe I'll try to get that together some time this week. Until then...
We had a really nice weather weekend here this weekend. I know a lot of you wouldn't consider it nice, but this is definitely my kind of weather. Sunny and hot! It was really a scorcher this weekend. The high temps were around 95 but with the humidity and all it felt like 101! But, the sky was gorgeous blue with big, white, fluffy clouds. Prior to this weekend it had rained for practically two weeks straight so we took full advantage of the outdoors yesterday. We had some friends over yesterday for a little pool party and BBQ. It was really nice to be outside in the sun and hanging out with friends. Once you add in the cool pool water, the heat barely gets to you at all. I went a little overboard with the Coronas and was asleep by 7pm but I had a good time nonetheless.
Today my mom and I went to lunch and to see Mamma Mia! The movie was ok. I guess I didn't realize just how many songs there would be. I knew it was a musical but I think there were more songs than actual dialect. Plus, I was kind of uncomfortable with the ladies in the movie. Meryl Streep looked awesome but she had two girlfriends who looked every bit of in their 60's but acted like they were 25 and were hunting for men and sex the whole movie. I don't know, there's just something about grandmas hunting for men that turned me off. It was really bright and colorful and the music was good though.
I don't really have that much else going on right now. Joe and I are throwing around the idea of taking a weekend trip to Clearwater, FL. It's about two hours from here on the west coast of Florida and it's supposed to be really pretty and relaxing. I'm not sure if I want to spend the money or save it for our New York trip in August. Speaking of, we're really looking forward to our trip and feel like it'll be here before we know it. We're trying to plan out all the fun stuff we want to do while we're there. I think we're only going to take one day in the city so we want to make it a good one. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Oh, and family, let me know what your plans are while you're up there so we can coordinate.
Anyway, I think that's all for now. I promise I'll try to think of some more interesting stuff to write about. I've actually been thinking of doing some rants and raves of music and products that I've been using lately so maybe I'll try to get that together some time this week. Until then...
Monday, July 14, 2008
Knee Jerk Reaction
I think you all know by now that I'm the first one to admit that I'm a tad neurotic. Ok, maybe more than a tad, most of my thoughts could probably be construed as neurotic. I've come to terms with it and know that it's just a part of who I am. But, there are some occasions when even I am caught of guard by my neuotic-ness... is that even a word? Anyway...
This weekend I was watching the show "Clean House" on the Style Network. I'm sure most of you have seen it. A crew, and host Niecy Nash (Reno 911), go into the homes of some very messy and disorganized people and clean it up, sell their stuff at a garage sale and redecorate. Well, the episode I was watching was a special two hour episode. It was "Clean House: Messiest House in America II". Oh my God you guys, I can't even describe to you how bad this house was. There was shit stacked to the ceiling in the living room, dirty dishes and boxes and food covering every inch of the kitchen, there was even a litter box that hadn't been cleaned since the couple got rid of their cat- two years prior! It was horrible. The couple, of course, had a million excuses as to how they let their house get so bad. It was ridiculous though, I don't see how anyone could let their house get that far out of control.
Then I started looking around at my own house. Now, I know that my house isn't anywhere even remotely close to as messy as the house on this show but, being that I'm neurotic, I started thinking about how something like that even happens. I mean, do you just stop vacuuming, or stop doing the dishes? Do you hang on to stuff for so long that you just run out of places to put it and start stacking it in your living room? Do you hate cleaning the bathroom so much that you just don't? I hate cleaning the bathroom. I'll usually put it off a little longer than I probably should. Can you feel the neurosis building? Yeah, I did too and I immediately got off the couch and went and scrubbed my shower. I gotta tell you, I felt a lot better afterwards. Even though I know I will never be disgustingly neglectful of my household chores like the people on that show were, at least I made a step towards cleanliness.
I'm like that with other things too though. I see a woman with leathery, wrinkly, tan skin and tell myself that I'm too old to be in the sun without sunscreen. I see the faintest hint of a wrinkle on my forehead and make sure that I slather on my Oil of Olay every night. I see a poor, uninformed fashion victim at the mall wearing "mom jeans" and I immediately start reassessing my wardrobe to make sure I'm not falling into a fashion rut. It's like every time I see something that could somehow, someday happen to me I have this knee jerk reaction and jump into trying to fix it... even if it hasn't even started happening to me.
I know I keep saying that I'm going to try really hard not to concentrate on the future and that I'm going to try to live in the present but sometimes it's really hard. I guess I feel like I've worked so hard and have been so introspective with myself to get to where I am now, which is probably the best I've ever been... definitely my most fabulous self ever. I just don't want to stop looking at myself in realistic terms and really thinking about and working towards what makes me happy or what I love or what I'd like to change or what I won't settle for. I want to keep evolving and getting better and not get stuck in ruts. I know ruts are inevitable but maybe they're easier to crawl out of if you've got a little bit of momentum to push you though.
So maybe knee jerk reactions aren't so bad after all. They are essentially the kick in the ass I need to keep reassessing myself and the world around me. I could probably stand tone them down to say, a knee bounce or something and save myself the craziness that usually accompanies the "jerk reaction". But, then again, if I could do that, what would happen to that crazy, neurotic girl inside me that just loves to get out and go ape shit? Sometimes it's fun to let her out.
This weekend I was watching the show "Clean House" on the Style Network. I'm sure most of you have seen it. A crew, and host Niecy Nash (Reno 911), go into the homes of some very messy and disorganized people and clean it up, sell their stuff at a garage sale and redecorate. Well, the episode I was watching was a special two hour episode. It was "Clean House: Messiest House in America II". Oh my God you guys, I can't even describe to you how bad this house was. There was shit stacked to the ceiling in the living room, dirty dishes and boxes and food covering every inch of the kitchen, there was even a litter box that hadn't been cleaned since the couple got rid of their cat- two years prior! It was horrible. The couple, of course, had a million excuses as to how they let their house get so bad. It was ridiculous though, I don't see how anyone could let their house get that far out of control.
Then I started looking around at my own house. Now, I know that my house isn't anywhere even remotely close to as messy as the house on this show but, being that I'm neurotic, I started thinking about how something like that even happens. I mean, do you just stop vacuuming, or stop doing the dishes? Do you hang on to stuff for so long that you just run out of places to put it and start stacking it in your living room? Do you hate cleaning the bathroom so much that you just don't? I hate cleaning the bathroom. I'll usually put it off a little longer than I probably should. Can you feel the neurosis building? Yeah, I did too and I immediately got off the couch and went and scrubbed my shower. I gotta tell you, I felt a lot better afterwards. Even though I know I will never be disgustingly neglectful of my household chores like the people on that show were, at least I made a step towards cleanliness.
I'm like that with other things too though. I see a woman with leathery, wrinkly, tan skin and tell myself that I'm too old to be in the sun without sunscreen. I see the faintest hint of a wrinkle on my forehead and make sure that I slather on my Oil of Olay every night. I see a poor, uninformed fashion victim at the mall wearing "mom jeans" and I immediately start reassessing my wardrobe to make sure I'm not falling into a fashion rut. It's like every time I see something that could somehow, someday happen to me I have this knee jerk reaction and jump into trying to fix it... even if it hasn't even started happening to me.
I know I keep saying that I'm going to try really hard not to concentrate on the future and that I'm going to try to live in the present but sometimes it's really hard. I guess I feel like I've worked so hard and have been so introspective with myself to get to where I am now, which is probably the best I've ever been... definitely my most fabulous self ever. I just don't want to stop looking at myself in realistic terms and really thinking about and working towards what makes me happy or what I love or what I'd like to change or what I won't settle for. I want to keep evolving and getting better and not get stuck in ruts. I know ruts are inevitable but maybe they're easier to crawl out of if you've got a little bit of momentum to push you though.
So maybe knee jerk reactions aren't so bad after all. They are essentially the kick in the ass I need to keep reassessing myself and the world around me. I could probably stand tone them down to say, a knee bounce or something and save myself the craziness that usually accompanies the "jerk reaction". But, then again, if I could do that, what would happen to that crazy, neurotic girl inside me that just loves to get out and go ape shit? Sometimes it's fun to let her out.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
My Glamour List
One of my favorite articles in Glamour magazine is the Glamour List. It's usually a list of 10-15 items that range in subject but are all mostly about coming to terms with who you are. Basically, the lists are about not apologizing, accepting you for you and not being pressured to be someone you're not. I've been working on my own Glamour List and I want to share it with you. My list is called:
12 Things that I've learned
1. The girls who called you a slut in high school will eventually become sluts themselves so don't sweat it. It's usually the ones that have their noses stuck the furthest up in the air that eventually have their legs up in the air. Don't judge people for their choices, you could eventually be making those same choices.
2. That nude, boy short underwear are a girl's best friend. No V.P.L.- Ever! I think there comes a point in almost every woman's life when your butt gets a little too jiggly for a thong. Enter the nude boy short. Undetectable under even the tightest white pants, they can make a huge difference in the way your outfit looks.
3. Just because there are 1,001 sexual positions doesn't mean you have to use them all. I'll stick with what's comfortable, gets the job done, and makes my husband and me happy and save the crazy stuff for those 18-25 year old girls who are still trying to figure out how to "please their man". Quick tip- if it takes 1,001 sexual positions to please him, he's too high maintenance- move on!
4. That you can't predict the future. The best you can do is deal with it as it comes at you.
5. That high heels can make you feel instantly more sexy. Your posture changes, the way you walk changes, your whole attitude changes when you put them on. And really, what's sexier than a confident woman standing tall and walking with her head held high?
6. Hot chocolate with marshmellows can go a long way in changing your mood. I don't know if it's the nostalgia, the sweet scent, or the soothing warmth but just a few sips usually puts a smile on my face.
7. I'm not always right. Even though I like to think I'm always right, I know that I'm not. Sometimes putting my pride to the side and admitting I'm wrong, as hard as it is, is the most mature response.
8. There is nothing so horrendous about my face or body that I would suffer through surgery to change. I've had surgery, it sucks, I damn sure don't want to put myself through it to change something that really isn't that bad. Saggy boobs, chubby belly, wrinkles... all ok. It's the way you work them that makes the difference.
9. Not having a fancy title is ok with me. I don't need to be the CEO, CFO, VP, or any other string of letters to be satisfied with my job. I need a good paycheck, co-workers and supervisors that treat me with respect, and a sense of pride that I am giving my all everyday.
10. Shopping may not be good for my credit cards but it's good for my soul. I get such high endorphins from shopping. It's my drug of choice. It's irresponsible and materialistic but it makes me so happy.
11. Compromise. Getting your way is great, but if it takes kicking and screaming and throwing a tantrum to get it, it's definitely not as fun. Why not compromise and save everyone involved a lot of grief? You definitely come away looking like the better person.
12. I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darnit people like me. I know it's a silly Saturday Night Live bit but it's still a good mantra. I AM good enough, I AM smart enough, and, gosh darnit, people DO like me.
12 Things that I've learned
1. The girls who called you a slut in high school will eventually become sluts themselves so don't sweat it. It's usually the ones that have their noses stuck the furthest up in the air that eventually have their legs up in the air. Don't judge people for their choices, you could eventually be making those same choices.
2. That nude, boy short underwear are a girl's best friend. No V.P.L.- Ever! I think there comes a point in almost every woman's life when your butt gets a little too jiggly for a thong. Enter the nude boy short. Undetectable under even the tightest white pants, they can make a huge difference in the way your outfit looks.
3. Just because there are 1,001 sexual positions doesn't mean you have to use them all. I'll stick with what's comfortable, gets the job done, and makes my husband and me happy and save the crazy stuff for those 18-25 year old girls who are still trying to figure out how to "please their man". Quick tip- if it takes 1,001 sexual positions to please him, he's too high maintenance- move on!
4. That you can't predict the future. The best you can do is deal with it as it comes at you.
5. That high heels can make you feel instantly more sexy. Your posture changes, the way you walk changes, your whole attitude changes when you put them on. And really, what's sexier than a confident woman standing tall and walking with her head held high?
6. Hot chocolate with marshmellows can go a long way in changing your mood. I don't know if it's the nostalgia, the sweet scent, or the soothing warmth but just a few sips usually puts a smile on my face.
7. I'm not always right. Even though I like to think I'm always right, I know that I'm not. Sometimes putting my pride to the side and admitting I'm wrong, as hard as it is, is the most mature response.
8. There is nothing so horrendous about my face or body that I would suffer through surgery to change. I've had surgery, it sucks, I damn sure don't want to put myself through it to change something that really isn't that bad. Saggy boobs, chubby belly, wrinkles... all ok. It's the way you work them that makes the difference.
9. Not having a fancy title is ok with me. I don't need to be the CEO, CFO, VP, or any other string of letters to be satisfied with my job. I need a good paycheck, co-workers and supervisors that treat me with respect, and a sense of pride that I am giving my all everyday.
10. Shopping may not be good for my credit cards but it's good for my soul. I get such high endorphins from shopping. It's my drug of choice. It's irresponsible and materialistic but it makes me so happy.
11. Compromise. Getting your way is great, but if it takes kicking and screaming and throwing a tantrum to get it, it's definitely not as fun. Why not compromise and save everyone involved a lot of grief? You definitely come away looking like the better person.
12. I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darnit people like me. I know it's a silly Saturday Night Live bit but it's still a good mantra. I AM good enough, I AM smart enough, and, gosh darnit, people DO like me.
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