Surf the Wave

Hello Gorgeous. I hope you all had a lovely long Memorial Day Weekend!

I woke up this morning simply on cloud 9 and ready to concur the day. I just simply have some things and people in my life right now that continually bring a smile to my face.

On the flip side, I am saddened. Two very dear friends had great losses in their families this weekend. One lost a great grandmother and one her father. Another friend was rushed to the hospital by ambulance because her left side went completely numb.

I have some friends going through very rough times at work and in their finances.

I also spoke with a friend that may have a new job singing on a cruise ship.

When I think back on the tidal wave of emotions that overtook me in a simple weekend. . .love, laughter, sadness, fear, hope, excitement. . .I couldn't help but to think of how it is SO IMPORTANT to choose a positive outlook on life, no matter your situation.

I know what you are saying. . .

"If you even knew what I was going through, you'd see why I don't have a smile on my face."

I know that life's circumstances can be overwhelming. Believe me, I understand more than you know! I have been through things in my life that I simply saw no light at the end of the tunnel. No hope. No happy ending.

With the help of a supportive family and friends, my faith and simply choosing to not give up, those negative feelings that were all consuming and sweeping me out to sea, became more of a soft wake than a rolling tidal wave.

How we deal with things in life is a choice. Yes, feelings and emotions are circumstantial, but we still have a choice.

My mother, a very wise woman, has given me much advice throughout my life. She is truly my sounding board. One of the things she has told me that has stuck in my head since I was a little girl is this. . .

We have very limited control over so many aspects of our life. Don't waste your emotions on those things you have no control over.

Yes, yes I know - easier said than done to not worry or dwell. However, I have lived my life trying to do just that. Now, I am not saying just throw caution to the wind. That isn't what my mother meant. What she meant was - we have to take control and put our time and emotions into things that we can make a difference in. Those "what if this" or "what if that" happens moments are not constructive and only lead to feelings that will inevitably take you to very dark places.

So today I choose to hold on to those feelings that make me feel good. Those people, those moments that put a smile on my face.

Today I choose to help carry those through their rough waters so they can come up for fresh air and see that there is hope.

We don't get to choose too many things in our life experienes, but we can choose our reactions to what comes our way.

Remember inner peace begins the moment we choose to not allow another person or event to control our emotions.

So friends, find that inner sunshine and put on your best summer smile!

Milani’s Color Statement Lipstick Line

I’ll take a Double Espresso, Chocolate Berries and some Candied Toffees, please.

Oh, silly rabbit! I’m not talking about afternoon snacks (although they sound pretty scrumptious, don’t they?). Those are just three of the nine new sinful shades of natural and brown lippies in Milani’s new deliciously pigmented Color Statement Lipstick line.



{Natural and Brown Milani Color Statement Lipsticks from the left: Naturally Chic, Nude Creme, Dulce Caramelo, Teddy Bare, Candied Toffees, Bronze Beauty, D’oro, Chocolate Berries and Double Espresso}

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Make a statement without saying a word! True instant color. One stroke, full coverage application. This next generation lipstick gives the ultimate in color, texture and finish. The lightweight creamy formula contains vitamins A, C and E to moisturize and nourish lips. Paraben-free.

I was really impressed with these lipsticks! First off, they are super affordable at just $5.49 each full retail price - and let's not even start to think how affordable they'd become with coupons and/or sales! The pigmentation in these lipsticks in unreal for a drugstore brand; they are super pigmented and go on fantasticly. If you're looking for a sheer lipstick these are NOT for you, but if you want a full color, richly pigmented lipstick then look no further.

Honestly, I find these to be as good or better than higher end brands. I also really like the packaging because the bottoms are color coordinated with the lipstick inside, making them super easy to find what color you're looking for and they look beautiful stored in my lipstick organizer.

My favorites in this new line are Teddy Bare, Dulce Caramelo, Candied Toffees and Bronze Beauty.

I think this collection of colors really have a nice assortment for all skintones - from fair to deep - I think there is something for everyone in this bunch!

Take a peek and let me know what you’re craving.



It's Been How Long?

Recently, Tori Spelling sat down to celebrate the upcoming 20th anniversary of the very famous “Donna Martin Graduates” episode of Beverly Hills, 90210. The episode, titled ‘Something in the Air,’ premiered on May 12, 1993. You might remember: All of the students rallied together to overturn the school board’s ruling that Donna could not graduate. They began the famous chant ‘Donna Martin Graduates!’ Can you believe that was 20 years ago? This anniversary sparked me to look back in the TV time machine and see how long ago some of my favorite TV moments occurred.

22 Years Ago

Some of you may love Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby in the newest summer blockbuster, or even as Jack Dawson in the Oscar Award Winning Titanic, but my favorite Leo role was way back in 1991. You might remember the September 28, 1991 episode of Growing Pains ‘In Vino Veritas,’ when homeless student Luke Bower moves in with the Seaver family. The new family had their ‘growing pains,’ but they eventually learned to love one another and moved to D.C.!








20 Years Ago

This couple, although very young, made me believe in love. Let me cut right to the chase: On October 15, 1993, Cory and Topanga shared their first kiss in ‘Cory’s Alternative Friends.’ It was young and innocent. In episodes to come, they fought, they cried, but most importantly they loved one another unconditionally. I think the rest is history. Which brings me to my next favorite moment…



14 Years Ago

This might not have been a major moment for most of you, but it’s something that always stands out in my mind. You know: Ross and those damn leather pants! In ‘The One with All the Resolutions’, the Friends gang decided to make some serious, life-changing decisions. Well, Ross decided to wear leather pants. And on January 7, 1999 he made the very sweaty mistake of taking them off to go the bathroom. They got stuck and he found himself in a very uncomfortable situation. It all worked out and five years later, Rachel got off the plane!

13 Years Ago

Will she pick Dawson or Pacey? That was the constant question in my mind for Ms Joey Potter of the teen drama Dawson's Creek. Although when the series started she was pining over one Dawson Leery, and I will admit their first kiss in his bedroom to end season one made this girl weak in the knees, I always preferred her paired with Pacey. The budding romance between Joey and Pacey had every girl screaming "FINALLY" when they kissed on March 1, 2000 in 'A Cinderella Story.'

So there you have it—some of my favorite TV moments. There are plenty more so feel free to share them below, or on Facebook or Twitter! I'd love to hear yours! 

Tips Tuesday: Pretty Feet

Good Morning Ladies. After months of wearing socks, boots and closed toed shoes it is time to set our toes free!

 

During winter months when humidity is low, skin dries out more rapidly. In some cases, feet get so dry they peel or crack. While there are plenty of prescription medications that work wonders, I like to start with home remedies, which are inexpensive and can be just as effective.

To soften super-dry areas, soak your feet in original Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash (yes, Listerine!) once or twice a week. Mix one part Listerine with two parts warm water in a basin and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Then apply a moisturizer like Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Foot Creme, which contains hydrating urea. In addition to skin-sloughing benzoic acid, Listerine contains ethanol, which kills bacteria, fungi, and germs that can lead to athlete’s foot.

Coating feet in a cream like Burt’s Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Bilberry Foot Creme, which is loaded with moisture-replenishing honey and jojoba oil, and wearing socks to bed is an excellent way to lock in moisture for softer feet. If you can’t stand to sleep in socks, place a humidifier at the foot of your bed to keep feet hydrated.

Rev-up Your Ab Wardrobe Workout!

Hello Beautiful! This spring it's time to rev-up your ab wardrobe workout! From weekend brunch-wear to an elegant evening outfit, here are some of my favorite cool, stomach-baring looks.



{1. Tibi Molded Knit Crop Top, $285; tibi.com

2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Umbrella Box Pleat Leather Skirt, $1,203.13; my-wardrobe.com

3. Alexander Wang Lovisa Python-Effect Leather Pumps, $525; net-a-porter.com}



{1. Maje Aoutien Tie-Front Silk Shirt, $340; net-a-porter.com

2. Girl. by Band of Outsiders Boyfriend Jeans, $185; lagraconne.com

3. Derek Lam Black Leather Beau Sandals, $895; dereklam.com}

{1. Suno Metallic Crop Top $495; net-a-porter.com

2. Erdem Python-Print and Lace Pencil Skirt, $1,680; nat-a-porter.com

3. Nine West Nude Sandals, $85; ninewest.com}



{1. Rochas Cropped Silk Jacket, $462; matchesfashion.com

2. Saint Laurent Wool-Crepe Maxi Skirt, $1,850; net-a-porter.com

3. Azzedine Alaïa Cut Out Sandals, $2,190}

{1. Topshop Sheer Crop Tank, $48; nordstrom.com

2. A.L.C. Panel Knit Flare Skit, $395; intermix.com

3. Sigerson Morrison Brielle Pumps, $502}

What Your Hand-holding Style Says About Your Relationship

Good Morning Gorgeous! As you probably know, there are subtle things that men and women do in relationships to demonstrate how they truly feel. Often, the most telling signs are those that are not immediately apparent. In fact, some of these signs are completely unconscious.

Body language experts around the world study how unconscious body motions and movements signify what men and women are feeling. What your significant other cannot say in words, he or she shows through body language. It’s amazing what kind of information you can pick up on if you’re paying attention.

Although there are literally thousands of different body language signals, one of the most commonly referred to is hand-holding styles, especially when it comes to relationships. How couples hold hands says a lot about how they are feeling about their relationship at the moment. So, what does your hand- holding style say about your relationship?

Palm Facing DownIf your palm is facing down, you are taking the lead in the relationship right now. In this case, your wrist crosses in front of your partner’s. If you are feeling more dominant in the moment, you are likely to choose this hand-holding style.

The next time you plan date night, notice the way you’re holding hands. Body language experts agree that your palm is most likely to be facing down because you feel in control and confident.

If you notice that your palm is consistently facing down, it may be a sign that you naturally take a dominant role in relationships.

Fingers Intertwined
If your fingers are intertwined, you are feeling emotionally and physically connected as a couple. In this case, your fingers should be interlocked. If you are feeling completely in sync, you are likely to choose this hand-holding style.

Body language experts claim that this hand-holding style is more common at the end of a date than at the beginning. After a romantic evening or gesture, it is quite likely that your fingers will be intertwined to demonstrate your closer connection.

If you notice that your fingers are consistently intertwined, it may be a sign that this relationship is going to go the distance.

Loosely ConnectedIf your fingers are loosely connected, you are feeling emotionally distant as a couple. In this case, you are connected by only a few fingers and your bodies are separated by a sizable gap. If you are feeling trapped by the relationship or more independent, you are likely to go with this hand-holding style.

This hand-holding style is most common shortly after or before a fight. You are feeling more casual about the relationship and need some space.

If you notice that your fingers are consistently loosely connected, it may be a sign that a fight or breakup is coming your way.

Now that you know what your hand-holding style says about your unconscious, does it seem to fit what is going on in your relationship?

The Great Gatsby Collection

The Great Gatsby, due out early next month, has the whole world excited: amazing actors, Baz Luhrmann, and one breathtaking set of costumes. Along with the clothes are stunning jewels, by none other than Tiffany & Co. The Great Gatsby collection—which appears both in the film and is inspired by it, will make any girl feel like hitting up a 1920's ball.

{Bracelet of diamonds, seed pearls and platinum inspired by Chinoiserie.}




{Ring of pavé diamonds and a center diamond of 5.25 carats, in platinum.}



{Hand ornament with a daisy motif in diamonds, cultured pearls and platinum}



{Earrings of emerald-cut aquamarines, diamonds and platinum.}



{Art Deco-inspired ring by Tiffany, made of sapphires, diamonds and platinum.}



{Tiffany bangle with a fan motif of diamonds on black lacquer. }



Beauty Nostalgia

Good Morning Lovely. My last post we traveled back in fashion time and saw how many of the styles that were so popular in the 80's and 90's are coming back in to style. Some of those items I am rather excited about, while others, I can definitely leave in yesteryear.

Today, we are going to take another trip back in time, but this time look at accessories and makeup that every girl seemed to own and wouldn't leave the house without. Although I don't see these coming back anytime soon, it was a fun a trip down memory lane.

{Banana clips}

{Bauble hair elastics}

{Mood lipstick}

{Roll-on body glitter}

{Butterfly hair clips}

{Slap bracelets}