Monday, November 30, 2009
cyber monday deal...40% off at tarte.com

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Friday, November 27, 2009
more black friday deals
Fabulous deals abound.
If you haven't already rushed out your door, check out what's happening with the Black Friday sale info below...
Online deals:

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black friday magazine deal at amazon.com
Just want a little something for yourself?
Here's something that you won't have to even change out of your pj's for.
Amazon.com has some beyond fabulous magazine deals going on right now.
There are magazine subscription discounts for $3 off, $5 off, and $10 off a yearly (or two year) subscription...depending on the mag.
The best deal of all?
There are actually several magazine subscriptions to be had for only $5!!!!!
No. I am NOT kidding you.
$5 freaking dollars!!!!!
Which ones?
Well.....People Stylewatch (my fave mag btw), Cosmo, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Southern Living, and Food and Wine.
There's also a few others, but these definitely stood out to me.
If you're going to take advantage of this, you might want to head over there asap...not quite sure how long they're doing this for and you really don't want to miss out on the deals.

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Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
don't forget to enter the functionalab giveaway and an important clarification
Hey guys!
Don't forget to enter the fabulous Functionalab giveaway that's going on right now.
It's easy to enter, but I'm just gonna clarify the rules a little for you...
1. You have to become a fan of Functionalab on Facebook first. Click here to do that.
2. Once you've become a fan of Functionalab on Facebook, you can then leave a comment on the giveaway post. Tell me in your comment what Health Drops you are a "fan" of and leave your name. Here's the link to the giveaway post.
So, you can't just leave a comment and call it a day. There is a way for me to tell if you became a fan or not. please don't make me get all Cyber-Nancy Drew over here. ; D
That's it and good luck!

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a little update and a little video...
Happy almost Turkey day! I have been sooooo missing in action these last few days getting things together for the holiday and little l's birthday, plus (wait for it) I joined a gym!
Well, technically I've been donating (as the fabulous Amber of Beauty Blogging Junkie fame says) for the past month or so, but not any more!
I found a gym buddy and have started to go on the regular. I feel so much better and can't wait to start shedding this baby weight before it becomes freaking teenager weight. Ya know what I mean?
Anywho, that's been my thing and that's why I've been here and there and not really here on the blog as much as I've liked.
Sorry!
To make it up to you, here's a clip from an old Thanksgiving episode of Friends...the one where Rachel makes the horrible trifle. My favorite line is delivered by Ross "it tastes like feet"...hilarious.
Enjoy!

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
scents i'm loving...
The bottle just screams display me don't you think?
What has me going is how long the scent lasts and how fabulous it smells.
Totally not overpowering at all.
I'm not a perfume expert, but I can definitely catch the gorgeous florals and the warmth from the amber woods.
Makes this just about right for fall and winter.
Kenzo Power Cologne ($68)
All I can say is holy cats my husband smells AMAZING when he wears this.
It's just the perfect scent for a man.
Not too strong. Not too light.
Just perfect.
What you want your guy to smell like.
A woody citrus-it contains notes like verbena, bergamot, cardamom and even black pepper too.
Whatever it is, it equals hubba-hubba.
Seriously.
Burberry The Beat Eau de Parfum ($49.19 at fragrancenet.com)
This is one of those pow kinda scents that really gets you right off the bat.
Definitely not for the faint of heart.
This is for the person who wants to be noticed.
But in a majorly fab way.
It's considered a woody floral with notes of bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper, mandarin, ceylon tea, iris, white musk, vetiver, and cedar.
I noticed the pepper and musk immediately.
So a little dab did it for me.
Great for the nubby knits of winter.
editor's note: samples of all were provided for by the respective representative for each brand.

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Labels: fragrance
kiehl's friends and family discount

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Monday, November 23, 2009
sally hershberger on hsn
Hey...give me a break.
It's almost 11:30pm, I'm getting a little punchy here, and I can make up words if I want to.
Make sure you check her out on HSN November 24, 2009 at 8am, 11am, 3pm and 8pm EST.
She'll be featuring a ton of products including her latest addition, Luxe Layers Protective Blow Out Gel ($18)...an HSN exclusive.
Hershberger's hair care line is one of the few that I've been really really curious to try, but have yet to make the time to check it out.
I'm curious to hear from you guys.
Have you ever tried it?

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Saturday, November 21, 2009
because it's not just about beauty...
That's due to my Italian heritage and the fact that I love to cook.
The only issue I ever have though, involves my son....little l.
He has got to be the world's most pickiest eater.
Seriously.
Getting him to eat a veggie is like trying to get me to not eat a whole pint of Haagen-Dazs in one sitting...impossible.
Well, when this popped up into my inbox, all I could think of was genius and does this rep know me or something?
I am going to keep the writing in its entirety so you can see where I'm going here...
Having trouble getting your kids to eat certain foods? Need kid-friendly recipes for the holidays? Annabel Karmel has your back!
I mean...really...is there a hidden camera in my house?
Annabel Karmel, a mother of three, is an international bestselling author of 15 books on nutrition and cooking for babies and toddlers, as well as a familiar face on British television. She has appeared on tons of TV programs, including the Today Show, The CBS Early Show and The View.
Annabel offers hundreds of new and easy recipes for specific age groups and her books are the perfect guide for parents who want to help their young ones down the road to a healthy and nutritious lifestyle.
Uh...yes...me please. Little l's nutrition tends to consist of cereal, chicken fingers, pb and j, and the occasional random hidden veggie. Oh and those chewable Flintstone vitamins...he's all about them.
All kids love anything with marshmallows (honestly that is so true...little l could eat a whole bag if given the chance), so spice up Turkey Day this year with Fluffy Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes.
If you’re picky eater won’t touch turkey (he's actually not too bad with any poultry...but these would be awesome for another dinner or lunch some other time), try these cool Chicken Dippers.
Both recipies were taken from the book The Complete Party Planner by Annabel Karmel.
Honestly?
I AM BUYING THIS BOOK TOMORROW!!!!!!!
I even found it online for under $12 at amazon.com. Click here to take you there.
Also, be sure to check out Annabel’s website (annabelkarmel.com) for more info and some other fun recipes.

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Friday, November 20, 2009
elizabeth grant beautiful colors finishing touch
It's a makeup primer, but that's just the beginning.
Using it underneath my foundation, it manages to make everything last longer and imparts a delicious glow to my skin.
I also use less product.
The fact of which totally works for me and (retrospectively) Big L who finances most of my beauty purchases.
Okay...all. Sheesh.
As with most of EG's products, this also contains Torricelumn™ a fabulous moisturizing compound....so it makes my skin feel hydrated too.
If that's not enough for you, check this out, it's said to be a favorite of Jessica Biel. Tell me her skin doesn't always look divine.
Find yours at elizabethgrant.com.

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Labels: skin care
Thursday, November 19, 2009
hair tips and tricks from the butterfly studio salon
Well, that's why I'm here honey.
The amazing stylists over at NYC's Butterfly Studio Salon have decided to share some of their hair wisdom with you...tips you could definitely use to get you through the cold months ahead.
So without further delay here you go!
Brushing your hair 100 times a day will not make your hair grow faster, it simply stimulates the scalp but it will cause breakage. To help your hair grow faster, simply massage the scalp for five minutes at a time. This will also stimulate the blood flow and will NOT cause breakage –Kattia Solano
First, apply a volumizing product on damp hair. Then flip your hair over and dry it upside down, which is the key to creating volume at the roots. At first, it will look a bit out of control, but you can set the hair with Velcro rollers or smooth out with a curling iron. If you use a roller set, blow dry with heat for a few minutes and then finish with cool air. Remove rollers and brush or run your fingers through hair. If you use a curling iron, then you can set the curls in place by spraying 2 inch sections with hairspray and curling. –Kattia Solano
If you have hairspray buildup: first shampoo hair then create a paste with baking soda and water. Work the paste into hair, comb through and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse and condition for optimum results. - Nicole Descoteaux
If you have oily buildup: add a 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, such as Palmolive or Dawn, to your shampoo. - Dana Vuljevic
You're welcome!
To make an appointment, or to find out more about the salon, visit butterflystudiosalon.com.

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nail color du jour...perfect formula pink gel coat
Actually this should be titled "What's Been on my Nails for the Last Couple of Weeks" if we really want to get technical here.
I've been wearing Perfect Formula Pink Gel Coat ($29) for the past two weeks and I'm totally impressed. It brightens my nails, shines them up like crazy, and makes them feel insanely tougher then they've been recently.
Hence the longer length.
The gorgeous little sheer pink tint it delivers had me at hello.
You can wear it alone, or under and on top of your regular color.
It's a definite splurge, but worth it in my opinion.
Find it at qvc.com and perfectformulas.com.
editor's note: this review includes a product provided to me by a rep from the company. the links provided are not affiliate links...meaning they are links but I am making no money from them...trust me on that.

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Labels: nails | what's on my nails today
beauty buy of the week...lorac smoky eye collection
Where else can you find such a crazy assortment of beauty delights, have them shipped to you, and have a 30 day money back guarantee?
This new collection from LORAC is exclusive to QVC.com.
Packed with essentials including 3 Eye Shadows in just the right shades (Dream, Joy and Beige), Front of the Line Liquid Liner, Special Effects Mascara and 3 Brushes for mistake-proof application, this set has all you need to create that coveted smoky eye look that Carol loves to create on her A-list celeb clients.
All packed inside this fab Croc Case.
The price is even more fabulous...$32.50.
Pretty much a no-brainer if you ask me.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
what i'm loving now...
La Mer the Radiant Concealer SPF 25 ($65)
Yes, it's a tad on the splurge-y side, but boy does it work.
It conceals under eye circles like a dream and does not crease...a problem with most.
Comes in a sweet white leather pouch and has it's own brush, so that just ups the luxury factor by ten.
Love it for the way it makes me look as if I actually got the required eight hours of sleep.
Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream ($17.50)
What you need in your bag, on your bedside table, and in your medicine cabinet.
A rich cream that instantly moisturizes your hands and softens your cuticles.
Lasts through washings, yet absorbs quickly.
Positively perfect for the cold and colder months ahead.
Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara ($22)
The last "extreme party" I went to took place in the nineties and involved a heavily liquer-marinated watermelon.
I'm pretty sure it also involved a really interesting game of quarters...but I digress.
What makes this product so phenomenal is that fact that you can apply, reapply, and then apply again without it getting all caked up and gross looking.
The most amazing thing?
Throughout it all, my lashes stayed flexible and soft with out-to-there length and volume.
Loves it.
and finally...
editor's note: this review includes a products provided to me by reps from the respective companies. the links provided are not affiliate links...meaning they are links but I am making no money from them...trust me on that.

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Labels: bobbi brown | clinique | la mer | nuvo cosmetics | tarte
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
hercut
Ridiculous, you might say.
Do they work?
Most definitely.
All you have to do is choose your Shampoo (normal to oily, normal to dry, dry) and Conditioner (light, medium, deep), then it's a matter of choosing your haircut type for your styling aid...called Catalyst:
Pretty much every style is based on one of these five, so you can easily choose the one that works.
Because my hair is chin length...as you can see in my brand spankin new photo under the "About Me" section...I tried The Bob Catalyst ($28) along with the Normal to Oily Shampoo ($22) and Light Conditioner ($22).
They all worked together like the perfect team.
The shampoo and conditioner left my hair clean and hydrated. Plus the intoxicatingly clean scent that remained after rinsing, lasted throughout the day. Every time my hair would swish around by my nose, I'd catch a whiff.
The Bob Catalyst uses something called a tumbling polymer, that's actually designed to give your hair forward flowing movement.
The unique combo of the cream and the clear gel-like product (in one pump-topped bottle) worked wonders to leave my hair straighter and not static-y. It also made for a totally easy blow dry that lasted throughout the day.
Lurve that.
Find yours at hercut.com.
editor's note: this review includes a product provided to me by a rep from the company. the links provided are not affiliate links...meaning they are links but I am making no money from them...trust me on that.

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Monday, November 16, 2009
cold weather skin care tips
Enjoy!
· Golden Rule. Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean applying SPF should end too. My cardinal rule is that sun block should be applied every day, not just when you are headed to the beach. Keep SPF next to your toothpaste so you remember to apply after brushing or switch to a moisturizer that contains UVA or UVB protection. This level of protection is important because many all-day moisturizers advertise SPF protection, but one in five offers little protection from harmful UVA rays and break down well before the day's end, leaving your skin unprotected.
· Half Dry. When the air conditioner turns off and the radiators turn on your skin will notice. This will cause its water content to condense and then evaporate, ultimately drying skin out. To help combat dryness, try this trick once you get out of the shower – don’t completely dry off. Leave some water on your skin and then apply moisturizer. The moisturizer binds the water and allows more water to be absorbed, keeping skin moisturized. Also, try not to use hot water, instead wash with lukewarm water. Hot water draws water out of your skin that is in place to keep it moisturized.
· Lip Trifecta. Once the temperature drops, so can the moisturization in your lips. To help prevent dry and cracked lips, look for a lip balm that targets dryness in three ways with antioxidants, SPF, and moisturizers. All three ingredients will work to exfoliate and moisturize lips. I always recommend a product like NeoStrata Lip Conditioner SPF 15 which has alpha and beta hydroxyl moisturizers and vitamins to help take off the dead, dry skin that causes chapped lips.
· Food for thought. Fall foods like apples, pumpkins and squash all provide Vitamin C, which is highly beneficial for skin. It decreases the appearance of wrinkles, provides daily fiber which prevents skin inflammation, and is a potent antioxidant. Also, the skin of an apple contains powerful antioxidants – it alone provides two to six times the antioxidant activity than the apple flesh alone.
And finally...
· Strength and Beauty. Fall and winter wardrobes usually mean thicker fabrics and layers which can mean heavy sweating as temperatures change from outdoor to indoor. To help fight sweat, I suggest my patients apply a clinical strength deodorant like Dove Clinical Protection Visibly Smooth before bed. Research shows that your circadian rhythm is lower at night. As a result, the body’s sweating mechanism slows down allowing skin to be more receptive to absorbing Dove Clinical Protection and giving it time to build a strong level of 24-hour wetness and odor protection while keeping you stubble free for longer.

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Labels: skin care
Sunday, November 15, 2009
found...the perfect black flat...bp. revel flat
Why?
Well, one of the reasons is my foot is a tad on the large side...that's mainly due to some seriously flat feet (don't get jealous now).
The other is that they're narrow as all get out (you're positively green with envy...right?).
So that basically means that my foot tends to look friggin GINORMOUS in anything I tend to try on.
These, though, are spot on.
I actually bought these in pewter...the one they had in black was a tad gluey in spots...and will be getting these in black asap.
They feel comfy on and fit like a dream, due to the elastic on the sides of the shoe...this causes the shoe to not sit flat, it does that funky curvy thingy when they're not on.
I should note that they tend to run about a 1/2 a size small, so try your true size and 1/2 size up just to be sure.
The flats work with my wardrobe staple (jeans) and would definitely hit the mark with dressy work pants as well.
Plus they're under $60 ($59.95 to be exact) so your wallet will thank you.
Find yours at nordstrom.com.

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Labels: shoes
Saturday, November 14, 2009
limited edition creme de corps holiday collection
Loving the hands and the primary bursts of color.
100% of the net profits from each bottle sold...in the US...will support RxArt (a non-profit national organization, committed to fostering artistic expression and awareness through the challenging, yet rewarding task of engaging young patients through contemporary art in pediatric hospitals).
If that doesn't make you want to go out right now and grab a bottle, try this on for size...the original Creme de Corps body cream is enriched with skin-nurturing ingredients such as Jojoba Butter, Shea Butter, and Sweet Almond Oil.
In a nutshell it's a gorgeously rich skin cream that can hydrate even my wintery-dry skin.
A bottle will always find a home on my dresser.
There also isn't any real scent going on either, so guys and girls can both enjoy the benefits. I've totally got Big L hooked too!
Grab a bottle today for only $26.50 (8.4 oz), $44.50 (16.9 oz. w/ Pump) and $70.00 (1 liter).
Find yours at kiehls.com.

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Labels: kiehl's
Friday, November 13, 2009
and the winner of the maybelline prize pack is...
And it's not even Saturday, as per my usual timing.
How's that for fabulous?
Anywho, the winner of the Maybelline prize pack that includes...a Maybelline compact mirror, full-sized samples of Great Lash BIG and other fabulous Maybelline NY products is...Linda May!
Congrats Linda, you’ll definitely be putting your freshest fall face forward with this $75 prize!
Be on the lookout for a confirmation email from me to arrive soon.
For those of you who didn't win, stay tuned for a new giveaway announcement next week!
If you can't wait until then...head on over to my good friend Paula over at Older Girl Beauty. She is having a giveaway celebrating her 1 year in the beauty blogging biz. Let me tell you ladies, it's a giveaway that's as fantabulous as her blog...the retail value is $300! So hurry on over!

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estee lauder advanced night repair synchronized recovery complex
This is one of the reasons why I'm able to look presentable come morning.
Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex ($47.50-$74.50) is truly a miracle worker, as far as I'm concerned.
I'll just apply the serum at night, after washing and before moisturizer, then it's all hello-glowy-skin come morning.
And that's just the best thing ever.
Because, trust me, I need all the help I can get.
I mean...really...with our new baby and a really really over-active toddler, I'm lucky to get one minute of peace, let alone a full nights sleep.
Just saying.
Find yours at esteelauder.com.
editor's note: this review includes a product provided to me by a rep from the company. the links provided are not affiliate links...meaning they are links but I am making no money from them...trust me on that.

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Labels: estee lauder | skin care
some tips for your tips...courtesy of skyy hadley
I mean...really...WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?
It seems like it was just summer and I was sweating my makeup off and now it's almost winter.
WINTER!!!
Anyway...Skyy Hadley, owner of As “U” Wish Nail Spa (that's her in the pic, is she not simply gorgeous?), is here to give us some tips for keeping our skin, and especially our hands, healthy!
Read on...
Gloves and mittens can sometimes tear at our nails. If your nail splits, cracks or tears on the edge, drop a small amount of nail glue on the nail where it is damaged and then lay a tiny piece of facial tissue over the nail glue. Let the nail glue dry and gently buff to smooth. The benefit of using tissue rather than fabric is that when the tissue dries over the glue, it will become clear. If you use a fabric, like silk, you will see the individual stitches in fabric.
If you get a hang nail, resist the temptation to pull. Take a nail clipper and gently clip the hangnail at the root. Spray the entire nail with an astringent, to prevent germs and bacteria from infecting the nail.
Here's a great DIY treatment...
If you can’t make it into the salon to be pampered, you can make your own moisturizing treatment for your hands and feet that will counteract the drying effects of the cooler temperatures.
Take one cup of regular oatmeal and ½ cup of regular milk and heat up over the stove. Stir until cooked, add sugar to thicken the mixture, and then let cool a bit. When the mix is thickened, apply to hands and feet. Leave on for 5-10 minutes. The oatmeal soothes dry, itchy skin, and the milk acts as an exfoliant to help get rid of dry and dead skin cells. Finish off with pure shea butter as a moisturizer or a product that contains shea butter.
Thanks Skyy!
If you're ever in the area, stop in to Skyy's gorgeous Hoboken, NJ salon for some fabulous treatments.
Check out the menu of services at asuwishnailspa.com.

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Thursday, November 12, 2009
nars limited edition 15x15 book launches tonight!
In celebration of 15 years of iconic beauty and François Nars, the limited-edition 15X15 book (only 1,500 copies are available of the $80 book fyi), individual portraits from the book, and photographic interpretations taken by the participants, will be available for purchase on the 15X15 Online Gallery.
The countdown starts now...there is literally a clock that is counting down the hours, minutes, and seconds on the site... and the sale will begin tonight at 8pm EST through December 12, 2009.
100% of the proceeds from the project will be distributed among the 15 charities chosen by the participating celebrities...Amber Valetta, Carla Gugino, Daphne Guinness, Isabella Rossellini, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Marc Jacobs, and Naomi Campbell...just to name a few.
You can even become a fan of the NARS 15X15 Project on Facebook and pick up some exclusive details leading up to the launch.
How fab is that?
Just remember to head on over to the 15X15project.com today!

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
this just in...new u by ungaro color collection for avon
Just got this email the other day and I had to share ASAP!
Available now for $10-$20 through your Avon rep or avon.com. Although I did not see it yet on the site, it should be there soon...keep checking back.

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what i'm loving...bobbi brown glitter lip balm palette
While the colors aren't dark...basically very sheer versions of the colors you see above...they definitely deposit enough shine and sparkle.
Don't let the word "sparkle" scare you though, it doesn't look disco-ballery, but it can definitely pack a glittery punch if you add too much. If that's not your thing, use enough to make your lips moist (they are balms after all) or layer a little over one of your fave lippies. Another thing to do is to just touch a dab in the center of your bottom lip for a nice pow effect.
I myself love a little shimmer in the morning, noon, and night though...so it works for me.
Something to check out either way.
Find yours at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.
editor's note: this review includes a product provided to me by a rep from the company. the links provided are not affiliate links...meaning they are links but I am making no money from them...trust me on that.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
nars holiday 2009 limited edition gifts
Just in time for some gorgeous gifting, NARS has come out with their 15th Anniversary Palettes ($75 each).
Then there's this one...
Wild at Heart, which puts the emphasis on bold lips as opposed to eyes. Although, honestly, you could still create a fierce eye with this selection as well. It also comes with the Orgasm Blush/South Beach Multiple duo.
Love. Love. Love them.
As if that's not enough get you going...behold NARS The Multiple Coffret ($40).
Adorable little mini multiples that are only sold at Sephora stores and at sephora.com. With the limited edition trio, you'll get a mini Orgasm (the infamous peachy shade loved the world over), South Beach (the shimmery apricot that is a fab bronzer too), and Copacabana (a pearly sheen that will give leave you glowy).
Snatch them all before they're gone...as each one is a limited edition.
Find the palettes at narscosmetics.com and sephora.com.

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