My Favorite Things: A Good Stud Earring

Something short and sweet for friday!

I think a nice, classic stud earring is another great addition to a girl's wardrobe. These earrings are David Yurman "cookie" earrings and they are my favorite. I like that they are 18k and sterling silver so they go with everything The little pave diamonds don't hurt either..lol I also have a cute necklace to match. I love David Yurman!

What are your favorite earrings?

Happy weekend everyone!

My View:30 Day Shred

I have been working out and eating healthier since the end of last summer and I can barely type this right now because I did my first day of Jillian Michael's DVD 30 Day Shred (actually the first level, of which there are three, is available through Comcast cable On Demand's Exercise TV, so if you are in the USA and a Comcast customer, check it out for free, that is what I did)...boy did this DVD kick my butt!

I had to write about this and recommend it to anyone looking to lose weight, tone up, start exercising or switch up their exercise routine. I had complications from a medicine I took previously and I gained weight as a result, which was devastating to me. Being a former model, I find myself concerned about being slim more than most.  So far, I have lost over 20lbs and am back to a slim frame, but now I want to be healthy, strong and  get super toned for summer!

This workout is about 20 minutes long..and I thought how hard could it be? Trust me, its challenging! It consists of a "circuit" type workout, where you do 2 minutes of strength-training, 2 minutes of cardio and then 1 minute of abs and then repeat the cycle. It has three levels that you are supposed to start working up to, and are cautioned not to start the next level until you are ready. From how sore I predict to be, I am sure I will be on Level 1 for a while.

Just wanted to share this, even though it isn't beauty or fashion related, because I know how hard it is to lose weight, and this is a great quick (only 20 minutes, so no "I'm too busy" excuses!) and really effective way to get your body moving. You only need a mat and some hand weights and can workout in the privacy of your home.  It can be found online on various sites for well under $20, and it worth that and so much more to get us a little healthier. Check this one out ladies, its fantastic!

xoxo

Benefit Coralista Dupe

This is both a rave for Korres blush in general as well as a tip to show what is an EXACT dupe of Benefit Coralista blush, at a slightly lower price.

I love the color of Coralista, it is a pinky-coral flush and lovely, especially in the summer. I do not get much pigment from it though, and more get a shimmer than the actual pigment when I use it. When I was going through my blush collection though, I saw that a particular and neglected Korres blush is literally the same exact color as Coralista, with what I see as a better pigment and color payoff on the skin. The Korres blush is in the shade "peach", but it is really a pretty peachy-pink.

Flash

No Flash

See, flash or no flash, the color is exactly the same!

Seriously guys, this blush even feels the same as Coralista. It is that really soft, finely milled, texture of Benefit with a better color payoff.  It looks so beautiful on the skin...it makes me long for tropical weather. Now, I don't want anyone getting it mixed up and thinking this has a super pigmented finish. Both of these blushes I don't see having the same intense pigmentation as some blushes, like those from NARS, but they are soft and give the cheeks a beautiful flush nonetheless.

It is also less expensive, which is always great, although marginally so. The Korres blush is $24 and Benefit is $28, although there is a code for the Korres website so often, you can get the blush for 30% off more often than not (I know I did), so with that considered, I think it would be good to check out. Korres is also a lovely brand in general, with an emphasis on natural and organic products going into their skincare, haircare and makeup. I have enjoyed everything I have tried from them. Happy blushing!

xoxo

My View:Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden

This is the newest rendition of the famous Urban Decay Primer Potion. The original is a favorite of mine, and I think it is hands down the best eyeshadow primer out there. If you haven't tried eyeshadow primer in general...it will change your life. I was never able to use eyeshadow before I used this, as they would be blah in color, crease and disappear on me within what seems like minutes. This stuff helps your colors stay vibrant and last for hours. Fabulous!

In respect to Eden, it is kind of what I wanted the original to be. I used to use a skintone MAC paint pot overtop of the original to give me a more opaque and perfect lid. With Eden, you don't even have to! The original is fine, although it is more sheer and doesn't cover as much as I would like. Eden is liked a pumped up version of the original, and is a more opaque, nude color that makes my eyelids look flawless. The only other one is called "Sin" and is a shimmery champagne, which is fine if you like that look, although I prefer to have a base without shimmer. Eden is the most opaque out of the three, and becoming my favorite of the lot. Loves it!

If you have any discoloration or like to have a very even, perfect canvas for eyeshadow, then definitely try out Eden. I love it even when I am not wearing eyeshadow for a "your-eyelids-but-better" look.  My only hesitation in getting this would be if you have a very rich or deep skintone. Perhaps the more sheer, original version would be better as this might make your eyelids unnaturally white. But I would say to a great majority of people, this would work beautifully. Great addition to the line Urban Decay. Brava!

xoxo

Valentine's Day Gift Guide-Under $50

Happy February everyone! 

 So Valentine's Day is coming up, and even though there is no romantic love this year for me, my mom is my valentine, and I couldn't ask for a better one : )

So if you are single like me, or just looking to buy something for someone you love in your life like a mom, sister, friend, aunt, cousin...whomever...a little gift to say "I love you", I decided to compile a few things I have seen around that I think would make a great gift. And since we all want to be fabulous and not broke...I wanted to keep this gift guide all under $50.  The greatest gift would be to spend some quality time with the person you love, no gift needed or money spent...but if you can swing it..every girl loves to open a little something sometimes!

Sephora Favorites-Give Me Some Lip Valentine's Day Favorites -This is a deluxe sampler from Sephora that includes a chance to try 7 of Sephora's most popular pink and red lipsticks! It includes 6 sample size and 1 full size Korres lipstick and it cute as can be. It's $25 and found only online at sephora.com.

A YSL Lipstick- They are some of the most luxurious, beautiful formulations around and they would be a great, elegant gift for someone you love. Very chic packaging and beautiful application. They have several formulas, but I think the prettiest is the Rougue Volupte, which is linked here. They all run around $30 and I think they are a beautiful idea for the holiday.

A Personalized Starbucks Card-I know this is kind of like a gift card and not the most romantic to some, but if you love your Starbucks as much as my mom and I do, then this is a good idea. They have a new rewards program where you can sign someone up for a card, which you can personalize with their name or a special image, natch, and then after a certain number of drinks you get one free! I can taste the Cappuccino's I love to have with mom right now!

Tiffany Little Blue Book Journal- Who wouldn't want to get a bag from Tiffany's for Valentine's day? I wanted to keep the gifts under $50 (this is $45), so I chose the adorable leather bound journal printed in their signature "Tiffany Blue" color. So cute, right?! Perhaps its the fact that my favorite color is a light version of Tiffany blue (more into the  light Robin's egg blue, if ya wanted to know) is the reason I love this, but I think its a nice thoughtful present to give anyone. Under $50 and still from Tiffany's! Writing a little note inside how much you love that person, and you already have the wrapping done for you a with their signature box and bow. Perfect!

NARS Love Me Set -Well it is called the "Love Me" set, so how perfect is that for Valentine's Day? It includes one of the best blushes and highlighters around (Orgasm and Albatross respectively) in a cute duo palette, as well as Nars lipgloss in orgasm, which is a lovely peachy pink shimmer, and is a pretty color to top any lipstick or worn alone. Very cute!

Well those are just a few suggestions for you to ponder. Happy Valentine's shopping everyone! xoxo

My View:Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge

I really like Bobbi Brown's pot rouge's.  They really give your cheeks a fresh, dewy, wanna pinch-your-cheeks kinda glow. I have had them for some time, and my recent purchase, and subsequent return, of the MAC cremeblend blushes reminded me of just how lovely they are. (The MAC blushes are a lovely product, but broke me out. If they agree with your skin, I recommend them, although I tend to have problems with a lot of MAC skin stuff.)

I have five. The colors from the top are described in the photo below. They are (from Top Left)  Pink Raspberry, Calypso Coral, Raspberry, Summer Tan and Pale Pink. Sorry for the various swirls and finger marks; they are a well-loved product in my collection.

They are not a dry texture which I normally like in creme blushes, but as they are supposed to be for eyes and lips, and the creamy, almost buttery, texture works well here. They might not have the best staying power for me since they are so creamy and I am so oily, but I find setting it with a powder blush, or even a light translucent powder helps the staying power. I applied the pale pink today, and the beautiful flush I got was so natural and pretty, it made me want it to be summer! The product gives you that gorgeous flush I just love in summertime.  I tend to think Bobbi Brown's whole line, in general, is quality, beautiful stuff. These little beauties are no different!

They retail for $22 and come in about 10 different shades. There is a lot of product in there too, it will last your forever!

xoxo

P.S-If you are interested in the shades available now, I looked on bobbibrowncosmetics.com and listed the shades available here for everyone.

Cabo Coral-A pink nectar

Calypso Coral-A bright coral

Blushed Rose-A brown pink

Chocolate Cherry-A red brown

Milk Chocolate-A chocolate brown

Pale Pink-A bright pastel pink

Pink Truffle-A red pink

Powder Pink-A light pink

Raspberry-A deep raspberry pink

Velvet Plum-A red plum

My Favorite Things: A Good Watch

The watch pictured is my one of my favorite things and something I wear almost everyday.  I see a quality, classic watch as one of the true foundations to having a a great wardrobe. I received this watch from my parents when I graduated high school..quite a few years ago!  It is still beautiful and something I wear everyday. There are plenty of beautiful watches at all price points, and I think investing in one at any level is a great idea, especially one in a classic style. I was tempted to get the Chopard "Happy Diamonds" watch, (oh how I love their happy diamond line!), but I am glad I went with the perhaps what I saw as more "boring" choice (I was in high school); because it is something I wear to this day and will continue to wear well into the future.

This watch is the "Panthere de Cartier" in the small stainless-steel style. This specific watch model that has been discontinued, but there is a similar style that looks almost identical. I think the new style is also the "Panthere" style as this is a panther-link bracelet.

I have to say I love this watch, but I am loving the look of white watches at the moment. My other favorite dream watch would be the white Chanel J12 ceramic watch. So gorgeous!

What is your favorite watch?

xoxo