Sh-hoo-hooooes

I think it's safe to say that I friggin' love shoe shopping. Shoes are the one thing that never let you down and will always fit you, no matter how gross you feel on any particular day. Shoes are always evolving and somehow get sexier with every season. This spring I am super excited about platform sandals and wedge heels!

While rummaging through Target with my friend Erin a couple weeks ago we ran into a disheveled woman in the shoe section. Erin and I exchanged glances when the lunatic began talking to herself about how stylish the merchandise was, and how she heard platforms are making a comeback. Opressing our giggles we ran away but it stuck with me... looney or not, she had a point.


Born 'Hydrangea' Sandal in Squash $119 at Nordstrom


Seychelles Wedge Sandal in Beige $40 at TJ Maxx

On A Mission: LiLash week 4

It has been about 1 month since I started using LiLash eyelash growth serum. Since week one, I have noticed a significant improvement in the look and feel of my eyelashes. They appear longer and a bit fuller than before. I am still hoping for them to darken a bit since they are naturally so light, but meh, it's nothing a coat of mascara can't take care of.

This brings me to my next point. I am on the hunt for an amazing mascara to really showcase the fringe on these peepers. I recently bought Buxom Lash by Bare Escentuals hearing rave reviews on length and volume from that product. It does deliver fantastic length and individual separation, but not so much on volume. My next purchase will be Make Up Forever Smokey Lash. I hear great things about that mascara as well.

Sorry for the bloodshot eyes and dark lighting. One of the side effects I'm experiencing is bloodshot eyes. I've started carrying around Visine because LiLash in conjunction with allergy season makes for some pink eyes :-/

I am wearing Buxom lash in the following pictures.

Week 4:

Without makeup



With makeup


What are some of your favorite mascaras?
xo

Simple Shadows

Last time I was at the mall, I stopped into the MAC store to buy some additional natural shadows for my everyday eye palette. I bought these cult favorites based on previous reviews by YT gurus and how they appear on other people. I must say, after testing them out, I know why they are favorites. Satin taupe was a repeat purchase and one of my all time favorite shadows.

e/s from L to R
All that glitters, dazzlelight, cork and satin taupe

Satin taupe and All that Glitters are gorgeous all over the lid colors, while Dazzlelight makes for a beautiful inner-corner/highlight color. Cork is a perfect matte to use in the crease for a neutral look, or to create a smokey brown eye.

Some of my favorite neutral shadows (sorry the picture doesn't do the shades justice)



e/s from L to R
Naked Lunch, Shroom, Wood-Winked, Retro-speck and Amber Lights

Next on my list for neutrals-- Texture, Honeylust, Honesty, Mulch and Twinks

xo

It's a dog's life...

What better way to introduce my puppy, Olive, than to exemplify what a total brat she is. These pictures are indicative of a typical day for Olive. Frolic, hide, give sass, snooze, repeat.












The only thing missing from this montage are photos of the little muppet being a complete diva. Complete with pink everything and a sequined flower collar. Stay posted!
xo

You know it's gonna be a good day...

...when you try to unload the dishwasher at work and it looks like this.



Yes, that's for real. People in my office really do think dishes will get clean while piled on top of each other. A bunch of silly gooses, I tell ya.

I found out today that I am lactose intolerant. I have suffered from stomach problems for years now and was convinced I had a sensitivity to gluten or Celiac Disease. Never once did I think I was actually lactose intolerant. Mainly because I eat so much yogurt and incorporate dairy into my diet on a regular basis. After suffering extra badly for the past few months, I was referred to a GI doctor. The doctor had the lab take blood to test me for Celiac and test my thyroid. I also had to take a 3 hour breath test at the hospital where I drank a repulsive glass of creamy orange liquid and had to breathe into a tube every 30 minutes.
I called the GI doc today and she said the results of my lactose breath test were abnormally high and I have severe lactose intolerance. This makes me both happy and sad since I know what is mainly causing my sickness but I have to give up foods I love. Thank goodness they have such delicious lactose-free options on the market, such as "ice cream" made with coconut milk and coconut milk yogurt. I know there are soy options as well, but I was warned to be careful of soy since it can cause bloating with lactose intolerance. Gross!
I am making an appointment with a nutritionist on Monday. This should help me hone in on foods I can eat, what I should stay away from and what I eat that is additionally making me sick.

Any other lactards out there? :)

xo

major fashion *must* : theory tees

If there is one item that will remain in my wardrobe for as long as they continue to make them, this is it. Theory tees are the most fashionable, flattering and comfortable tops I own. Not only are they versatile-- they can be worn with dressy ensembles or a pair of jeans and Ugg boots, but they fit beautifully to the body and have a lovely scoop neck.
They come in long and short sleeve styles and a huge variety of colors depending on the season. I believe this style is called the Theory "Juin-Stay" Tee. My favorite go-to tee is the black. I find myself wearing it with anything and everything from cardigans and jeans to short skirts in the summer time.
Just to prove these are indeed a fashion investment ($75 a pop retail), they are go-tos for my mother, aunts, cousins and a few friends who are equally frivolous with their cash!
I justify a $75 tee-shirt by the amount of times I wear it. Technically, these shirts have cost me nothing but pennies :)



xo

On A Mission: LiLash week 1

I don't think there is anything girlier or flirtier than long, thick eyelashes. Unfortunately for me, I have neither. My sparse, blonde stubs are not cutting it for me anymore. After my fair share of false eyelashes and money spent on eyelash extensions, I decided to invest in a tube of LiLash. I will monitor my progress of growth over the next couple of months...hopefully I will be fluttering about by then ;)


WEEK 1:

Without makeup


With makeup


http://www.lilash.com/

Fake n' bake

This just in-- tanning beds are one of the leading causes of skin cancer! What's that? You already knew that, but still love tanning anyway? I'll let you in on a horrible little secret... I do too. Who doesn't love those warm beds, ultra violet rays and the immediate bronze glow that appears shortly after? So what if we're going to look like a leather bag with eyes in 10 years, right?

WRONG-O!


Since I was a wee chickadee, I've been on the hunt for my holy grail sunless tanner. I was left with some huge streaky messes and orange embarassments that left me no choice but to use a tanning bed. Within the last few years I have stopped tanning and felt pretty content with Sublime Bronze by L'Oreal. It was tinted and very easy to apply. However, my only gripes with that product were that it made me shimmer like crazy and and it stunk. Nothing a shower couldn't take care of, but in my opinion, this product simply had to be applied before bed.


Cue St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse. Quite a pain in the bum to apply, but once you get the hang of it you will NOT be disappointed! St. Tropez is a tinted mousse that leaves a subtle glow to the skin which deepens in time. The product goes on feather light and dries in 60 seconds.
I love that it doesn't stink like the typical dog biscut that most sunless tanners leave behind. In fact, if you go about your daily routine while wearing St. Tropez, it may even smell like a fragrance. I usually apply sunless tanners before bed regardless, but I find myself waking up to a subtle flowery scent and not like slept in a sack of dog treats.



The shade of color from the product is a nice, natrual tan. Once showered off, the skin is left with a fresh, tanned glow. It is very important when using sunless tanners that you remember to exfoliate and moisturize, pre-self tanning. This maximizes the opportunity to achieve the most flawless, natural tan.
St. Tropez has a hefty price tag as opposed to other tanners out there, but I feel as though it's worth every penny.

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/sttropez.htm

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them :)

You can't make this stuff up!

Upon arriving at my cubicle today, drenched from the monsoon that has been taking place this whole MONTH, I sat down to check my e-mail. Inbox: 1. AMEN! Nothing like arriving at work, McDonald's crack-in-a-cup coffee in hand, psyched to do the least amount of e-mail replying possible. I double clicked on this little gem and immediately the tiny giggles turned into indisguisable belly laughs.

Let me share with you the hillarity...and well, stupidity:

















My favorite is the one that says "the duck refused medical treatment" ;)

Let's get to know me..

20 Questions Tag-- why the heck not?!

1. Things you cannot leave the house without:
My blackberry, keys, lip products (burts bees, cremesheen lipglass), wallet and gum.

2. Favourite brand of Make Up:
It's between Mac and Laura Mercier.

3. Favourite flower:
Orchids, roses and hydrangeas.

4. Favourite clothing store:
Nordstrom. Then I buy randoms from boutiques and other stores.

5. Favourite perfume:
It will always be "Chance" by Chanel. Then I switch between Chloe, "Bright Crystal" by Versace and "Light Blue" by Dolce and Gabbana.

6. Heels or Flats:
Both! Depends on the outfit, silly.

7. Do you make good grades:
When I was in school, of course. Or I would get beaten with a giant stick. (ha)

8. Favourite colours:
I gravitate toward red.

9. Do you drink energy drinks:
Vodka redbull circa 2006.

10. Do you drink juice:
Bleh.

11. Do you like swimming:
I like floating!

12. Do you eat fries with a fork:
Sometimes. Depends on if I need to apply manners to the eating situation or not :)

13. Favourite moisturiser:
Well, for face it's Laura Mercier's oil-free moisturizer, and for body, Kiehl's Creme de Corps! UhhMazing!

14. Do you want to get married later on in life:
Absolutely.

15. Do you get mad easily:
Not really. I'm very laid back. It takes a lot to make me upset, but then again I can be annoyingly emotional at times.

16. Are you into ghost hunting:
I would probably pee myself.

17. Any phobias:
Plenty- spiders, heights, clowns...

18. Do you bite your nails:
No, I enjoy manicures too much.

19. Have you ever had a near death experience:
I almost drowned when I was in Texas. Terrible.

20. Do you drink coffee:
YES! I am excited thinking about a cup of coffee.