Friday, October 30, 2009

What's Your Favorite Halloween Treat?


Pretty much my FAVORITE candy of all time is Laffy Taffy. It's rare to get it while trick or treating, but my mom gets the Laffy Taffy sticks to give out every year! I have already had plenty this Halloween season, but I can't wait to go home this weekend and stuff my face with some more chewy deliciousness! Strawberry and grape flavored please!
Least Favorite? CANDY CORN (and the candy corn pumpkins)! I'm sorry, but it's just gross! A totally disappointing treat.
Have a great Halloween everyone!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Beauty Edition


OK, I have a mass of info from my beauty consultation the other night, so I will probably just spout stuff out in a crazy random order. I apologize in advance. I would put pics with all of these, but I am pretty lazy, so it's not going to happen. Disclaimer, these are just his opinions....feel free to disagree. There are things that I love and will never give up...I know how we get attached to our beauty products. As a general note for the points below, he said that when it comes to skin care and your base makeup (meaning foundation, concealer, etc.) you should be more particular about what you buy. When it comes to color (such as blush, lips, eyeshadow, etc.), use what you want and what works for you. Here it goes.

  • Best Foundation out there, hands down, is Armani. He also is a big fan of their concealer.

  • If you are going to go with a drugstore brand, Loreal is best, because it's made by Lancome and Oil of Olay has great skincare products too.

  • Mac was made for TV/Stage/Movies and drag queens, it's too cakey and thick for everyday wear. (Reminder: He is talking about their foundations and powders. Their colors are pretty wild, but if that is the look you are going for, so be it.)

  • Girls our age (my sisters and I range from the 22 to almost 30 mark) should only use foundation and concealer as their base in the morning (or whenever you put makeup on during the day)....no powder. Your face loses dimension and looks flat when you put powder on. Save powder application for later in the day if you are oily (like me!) and need to touch up.

  • If you use bronzer, use a sheer, brown toned one and skip the orangey/red tones. Bobbi Brown's 'Natural' and Armani's 'Sheer #1' are great colors. Apply bronzer using the '3 rule', start at the temples and do and 3 figure down your face, hitting the hollows of your cheeks and under your jaw line.

  • Apply bronzer and blush with a big fluffy brush, using the side of it. It disperses the color softly.

  • If you aren't using a make up removing cleanser (it will specifically state it on the bottle) then you aren't getting your makeup completely off. Use a makeup removing cloth or baby wipe (make sure it's alcohol free!) to get make up off, then cleanse.

  • Speaking of alcohol, do not use ANY product that contains it on your face! A lot of toners have it as an ingredient and it's terrible for your skin. This also goes for Salicylic acid....just say no.

  • For everyday eyeliner, instead of putting a line across your top lid, lift the lid and apply liner in between lashes from underneath (I know this doesn't translate well without a step by step). This will make eyes look more natural and the eyeliner will actually be doing its job...which is making your lashes look longer.

  • Your eyebrows are sisters, not twins. They aren't going to look exactly the same, but they should look related.....think about it.

  • If you have oily skin (like me) always use oil free products. Turns out I am using a Bobbi Brown foundation for people with dry skin....thanks sales person. Loreal and Oil of Olay have great, cheap, oil free moisturizers.

  • On that note....ALWAYS moisturize! Preferably with a lotion containing SPF. This goes for day AND night ladies, and throw in some eye cream while you're at it....you will thank him later. My sister was using a Bobbi Brown eye cream and she told Kris that it burned when she put it on....she thought this meant it was working (oh Megan you bust me up).....he looked at her like she was certifiable. If it stings, DON'T use it.

  • If you have oily skin, don't use creamy cleansers.

  • Exfoliate no more than twice a month.

  • If you are looking into using a higher end, department store skin care line, there are 2 that stand out. Chanel has some of the best dermatologists in the world and Trish McEvoy's husband is a dermatologist, enough said.

  • Don't use Clinique.....ever. (I know, I am a fan of the Dramatically Diff. Moisturizer, but I found out one of the main ingredients is mineral oil. Mineral oil + oily face = MESS. Bye bye DDM)

  • Along with Clinique, don't use Bare Minerals....ever. Your putting rock dust on your face and it's going to stretch out your pores like crazy. Note: Mineral makeup = GOOD, but Bare Minerals = Bad.

  • If you can afford it, invest in good, natural hair, brushes. They are better and can last forever. Treat natural brushes like your own hair. Shampoo them (or you can use a mild face wash) every 2 weeks AND condition once a month. Wash foundation brushes every week.

  • NEVER, EVER, EVER use a sponge for foundation. It's a breeding ground for bacteria, that you are putting back on your face. Use a foundation brush. You can use a sponge for powder, but you have to wash those every week too.

  • Primers are a good thing. They help your makeup stay on longer and prep your face.

  • Nars' Mud Mask made with Dead Sea mud is god sent. It will bring all of the impurities to the surface.

  • Armani's natural bristle foundation brush is amazing and if you buy one, it will last your entire life.

  • A highlighter can be your best friend (I saw it an action and am a believer). YSL's Touche Eclat highlighter is amazing. Use it on top of cheekbones, under eyes, under your brows, and draw a line down the center of your face and blend outward to give yourself a 'spotlight' look.

  • Start with foundation in the center of your face and blend outward.

  • When applying eyeshadow, your eyelids will have different textures (could be due to sun exposure among other things). When Kris was doing my eyes, my left eye took color better than my right. Compensate, by applying more to the right or less to the left...you get it.

  • OK, lets end with an interesting one. This is going to be hard to explain and you have to be VERY careful, but I saw it in action and it was pretty amazing. If you have dark under eye circles, take a blue/red lipstick and it MUST be a blue/red, not orangey or pink red. Put a little bit on your finger and pat it under your eyes in the dark spots. VERY lightly people, so there is just a little pink. Then put your concealer over the lipstick. The red/blue tone neutralizes the dark colors and it covers it beautifully. Again, pretty amazing. Make sure to use a lipstick that won't clog your pores (I think he said Armani's don't) and USE CAUTION...I can only imagine horrible red eyes if this isn't done right!

Wow, that was long. Again, these are only opinions, don't be offended. Hopefully you all found something in there that was helpful or new!

image/photobucket

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

My Mug Needs Serious Help



Last night we had a friend (of a friend), who is a makeup artist, come over for dinner and a makeover/watch and learn session with my sisters. He has worked for a bunch of different high end lines and knows a TON about makeup, so I was bracing myself for a potential slap on the hand when it came to my beauty regime. Well I was right, everything I thought I knew about makeup went out the window in about 5 minutes! I have been using so many things that I don't even need and learned so much about my skin and what is best for it. Only problem is that now I want all new stuff! He was so nice and patient with me, as I rattled off a thousand questions! If anyone is looking for a makeup artist for events, weddings, etc., I highly recommend! Tomorrow I will share some of his helpful tips and list some products he suggests. Thanks again Kris!!!
On an annoying note, I just spent the last half hour trying to clean the tomato soup from my keyboard that I spilled all over it! Hope I never have to use F1 through F4 again, cause I am pretty sure they are goners. Any suggestions on how to clean it?
image/ flickr

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

You Da Man Walt


Well, Disneyland was absolutely magical, as expected! No matter how many times I go there, I am blown away by how well they execute every single detail. The imagination it took to build that place is seriously amazing. We were in California for exactly 48 hours and 24 were spent at Disneyland/California Adventures. By the end I was deliriously tired, my feet were killing me, and I had probably gained 10 pounds from all the food, but we had SUCH a fantastic time! It was a beautiful and sunny 80 degrees both days and we went on every ride (some twice) except for 2 (we only skipped them because they were boring ones) and saw just about every show possible. We were just as excited and giddy as all the 6 year-olds there, literally running through the park with excitement! Disney was decked out in Halloween decor everywhere and it looked awesome! It wasn't too crowded either, on the first day we walked right up to splash mountain with NO LINE! Anyway, I could go on forever....it was just a perfect way to spend the weekend and such a fun group to be with! I can't wait to go back again!
Unfortunately my pictures aren't great, my friend Katy took the better ones. But here are a few.

Princess hats for everyone!

Plan of attack

The entrance dressed up for Halloween


Teacups!

The Disneyland band

Meghan & Scott dancing to the band

What a good sport. I made him try on everything!

This is for you Carol!

Disneyland, it's been real. See you next time!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Halloween Babies Are Simply Adorable


One of my favorite things about Halloween is seeing babies in costumes. They are always ridiculously cute! I want one just so I can dress them up!


Got back from our insanely fun Disneyland trip at midnight last night and up for yoga at 5:30am.....I am barely surviving. Hopefully tomorrow I will have some pics to put up! Happy Monday!
image/ babydon

Friday, October 23, 2009

What have I done....

I broke down today....it's bad. I hate the person I have become because I have done what I chastise people for year after year. When I turned on my Pandora at work today, I couldn't help myself. I made a new station and turned my speakers down really low so no one could hear....so no one could hear......my beloved Christmas station. I know! Holiday music is certainly NOT acceptable before Halloween and I usually have a problem with it even before Thanksgiving. It pains me when I walk through Target in September and see the holiday decor for sale! But I did it....and it feels so good. There's no going back now!

FA-LA-LA-LA-LAAAA-LA-LA-LA -LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
image/ dorondo

I'm Goin to Disneyland!!!!



Tinkerbell has always been my favorite! Who is your favorite childhood (or current) Disney character?


Yep, today is the day! I haven't been to the happiest place on Earth since my freshman year of college, so this trip is long overdue! We have made a pact to go on every ride, let's hope we can make it happen. We also have a reservations at Blue Bayou, which is the restaurant in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I have always wanted to go there! SO EXCITED!

Have a wonderful weekend!

I love the old Disneyland logo!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

INA! Yeah, we're on a first name basis......


I love you Ina Garten. Not only for your amazing home that I would kill for, but I swear you are the Queen Midas of cooking, everything you touch turns into deliciousness.
Back a couple months ago when I was unemployed and had time to 1) cook and 2) go to Pike Place Market in the middle of the day, I made her Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup. Well, technically I made the Roasted Winter Vegetables first and then made the leftovers into the soup (she is a genius). I just defrosted the soup a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic! Ina does it again! It was incredibly filling and had great flavor. It's the perfect soup for this time of the year. I highly recommend......but then again, there really isn't anything of hers I wouldn't!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Wishful Wednesday



Doing my first wishful Wednesday from Kelsey's blog!

Ohhh how I wish I was going on vacation tomorrow, but at least I only have to wait 2 more days (Disneyland here I come!). But, as much fun as Disneyland is, it isn't exactly on the top of my list.

'I wish'....I was going on vacation tomorrow, and I would want to go........ON A SAFARI!!!

I mean, does it get any cooler than that??? It's like being in one of the DVDs from the Planet Earth series!


images/TSC




How I Love a Pumpkin Pastry.....



This morning my good friend treated me with these yummy Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing found here. They were my first official pumpkin confection of the fall! Thanks Meghan for the sweet treat!

Birthday x 2



Happy Birthday to my Mom AND Sister! I know, born on the same day....crazy huh? I told you this month was full of Birthdays! Hope you both have a sweet day! XOXO

A Foggy Wake Up Call



So foggy this morning in Seattle.....I just wanted to stay curled up in bed.



images/rlrouse, childslife


Monday, October 19, 2009

Kushibar


A couple of us girls went out to dinner on Friday night, hoping to get into Wasabi Bistro in Belltown. Of course, we got there at 8pm and didn't think about making a reservation beforehand, so we were denied and sent back out into the pouring rain. Due to the AWFUL weather and the totally impractical shoes I was wearing, I refused to go far. So, we hopped right next door to Kushibar Japanese Street Food and it was a delicious decision. We had a variety of interesting dishes, my favorite being their House Ramen, which I liked even better than Pho (which is hard to beat in my book) and it was perfect for the rainy weather. Perhaps the best surprise was the curry popcorn you get as an appetizer. Who would have thought? Popcorn tossed in curry powder.....simply delightful!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Cheesy Goodness

Wednesday night, we had Meghan's Birthday dinner at Bizzarro, which was absolutely delicious! I had an amazing cheesy pasta dish that had a Gorgonzola bechamel sauce. Mmmmmm I love anything with cheese, especially if it's Gorgonzola or any other in the blue category! The sauce seems similar to this recipe, minus the leeks, but this looks pretty delicious too. My dish was topped off with bread crumbs and red chili flakes...yummm....I could definitely go for a second round right now.
What do I have to look forward to for lunch today??
Spaghettios....a far cry from this mouth-watering dish, but I'm not gonna lie....I HEART Spaghettios.

image/the district domestic


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

A Little Something For Fall



I love this scarf from Anthropologie! It's so cute and girly! I especially like it in Chartreuse. My sister bought it weeks ago and I have been totally jealous ever since. Then, last night I found a similar one for half the price. Hooray for me!!


Yeah....not so fast. Apparently, I was overly excited about it and after deciding I didn't need to try it on, I made a quick purchase. Bad decision. While I was playing with it at home, I realized it was horrifying and too much fabric. UGH! Guess I will have to spend the extra $20 for the original. Now that I have been teased, I definitely need it.

Birthday Season


October is my month of Birthdays!! It's craziness! It seems as though everyone was born in this month, but me! Anyway, today is my dear friend Meghan's 26th! Happy Birthday Megnog! Tonight, my lovely friend Carol, of Everyday Delights, and I are taking Meghan for our ritual Birthday dinner to celebrate! However, the Birthday events do not end here because next weekend we head to Disneyland! Meghan wanted to go for her Birthday and really, who can resist the happiest place on earth? So excited!
image/20x200

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

It's About Time


OK, I know Fall started weeks ago, but apparently I was in denial. I am now officially on the fall bandwagon and ready for the leaves to change, to eat anything and everything pumpkin, and to break out my cold weather gear. I never really get into fall until the weather changes and I go to my parents house and see the fall/Halloween decor. Halloween just happens to be THE favorite holiday of my mother and our house is decked out the weeks leading up. And when I say decked, it's not just pumpkins and cobwebs. We are talking machetes and severed limbs on our front door, a cauldron full of severed limbs in the kitchen, every mirror on the main floor covered in black fabric, and even the taxidermy get scary masks to wear. Halloween is not to be taken lightly in our house. And that was just a sampling of the craziness that goes on. However, my family is first to admit that we love it and Halloween just wouldn't be the same without my mom's enthusiasm.
I just love this time of year.....so glad that I have decided to officially acknowledge it.
image/Vogue

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Passive Aggressive Refrigerators



I was cracking up when I saw these on thechive.com today. What makes them so hilarious is that I can completely relate to these people because at my previous job this happened all the time! I would NEVER even think about eating a co worker's food! I swear, I would bring in a half gallon of milk and it would be gone by the next day. At least these people had the nerve to say something about it, although a few got some pretty great responses!




images: thechive.com

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Good Golly Princess Lolly!

I prefer my generation's version of the game above. The characters are too modern looking now, some things are just better left alone.

Who didn't love Candyland growing up? If you disagree with that statement, then something is seriously wrong with you because, hands down, it is one of the most fantastic games ever created. Just the idea of a land made of candy was enough to make me pass out with excitement.

For the game's 60th anniversary this past August, Lombard Street in San Francisco was transformed into a Candyland board. If I were 6, I would have been on the first flight down. Could that sound any more fun?

At my house we had the interactive Candyland that came with a cartoon VHS, which you played along with the game. I am still upset that my mother taped over it, the 2005 version of Candyland: Great Lollipop Adventure is just not the same. Although, apparently Universal and Hasbro made a deal and we might see a feature film based on the game! I can hardly contain my excitement!





images: sfappeal, sflist

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

WANTED: Old Boots to a Good Home



I NEED a pair of cowboy boots for this fall. They are so rugged, yet can be completely beautiful at the same time. My only requirement is that I want them used. They have so much more personality when they are broken in and dirty. It's one pair of shoes that always looks like they could tell a great story.
image: flickr

Monday, October 5, 2009

Greek Week(end)

Traditional Greek Dancing


Every year my family saves the date for the Tacoma Greek Festival, put on by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. We have done this for at least the last 7 years, if not longer, and every year is just as fun as the next. There's traditional Greek dancing, a bakery, and other fun things, but most importantly huge amounts of delicious Greek food! Of course, the one thing that I look most forward to is a dessert that I have only been able to find at this Greek Festival called Kataifi Ekmek. After researching it a little more, I found out that it is actually a Turkish dessert that is very popular in Greece. Anyway, it's basically a layer of finely shredded pastry dough, vanilla custard, and whip cream, served cold. They run out of this dessert almost every year, but I figured that by going to the festival early, I would be assured a piece of this deliciousness. Well, I figured wrong because they were already sold out! I just about cried! Because I didn't get my fix, I just may have to attempt to make it myself one of these days.


Kataifi Ekmek

Friday, October 2, 2009

Slapstick Chick


I know this book came out a couple of years ago, but I can't help it, I find it completely hysterical. I was flipping through it the other day, for the hundredth time, and it never fails to crack me up! The captions and pictures are priceless.















Thursday, October 1, 2009

1 Down, 30 To Go


Today starts my 31 day hot yoga challenge! For the month of October I have to take a class everyday, or double up on classes if I miss one. Yikes! I have taken various yoga classes before, but never really got into it. That is, until I started hot yoga and I am obsessed with it! My horoscope for this month said that is was a good time to start a new fitness regime, so hopefully it means some good will come out of this. Wish me luck!
image: life123