word to yo mother

Cute Cari keeps two different flavors of it in her purse at all times – and it’s not just for emergencies – this gum is the real deal.  (Love hanging out w/ Cari + preparing w/ her for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day for the Cure – more on that tomorrow, but the gum she carries around + generously shares completely sweetens the deal!)

cari's keepin' it fresh w/ ice breakers

Without further adieu, here’s the money:

Ice Breakers Ice Cubes - Peppermint

It’s AMAZING!!  (Totally deserving of all caps + two exclamations.)  Peppermint was the first flavor I tried and it’s super refreshing.

Ice Breakers Ice Cubes - Raspberry Sorbet

Cari also carries around the raspberry sorbet flavor in her Kate Spade, you know, just to mix things up.  It’s also awesome. 

Compared to other gum, Ice Breakers Ice Cubes come in adorable mini square shapes, have colorful mint crystals + is really soft.  All of this may sound frivolous, but it’s not…because I say so…

I just really like this gum.  In fact, “I like it…a lot!” 

approved by lloyd christmas

Make an Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum run to CVS, Walgreens or your local drugstore today!  (Before Cari + I buy it out = addicts.)

xx, L

The hair that grows out of my head, however? Something more like…

Sideshow Bob.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to beat my mane into submission, but between the straightening irons, curling irons, hot rollers, velcro rollers, blowdryers, highlights, lowlights, bi-yearly Keratin treatments and products, products, products… My poor hair takes a LOT of abuse.

Eventually, it starts looking and feeling well, a little like…

…you know what I mean.

Friends, I have FOUND A MIRACLE PRODUCT:

Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat

Here’s the Q+DD: You can use this product either as a leave-in conditioner OR a masque-type treatment. The instructions say that if you are using it as a leave-in, to apply a dime sized amount to towel dried hair before styling. If you’re using it as a treatment, apply liberally to your hair and leave in for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

But being from the school of “More is Better”, I have been sleeping in gobs of this stuff for the last 3 nights and my hair did a 180!

No lie, I picked Linds up last night and she asked me if I had in extensions. My hair isn’t any longer, it’s just healthier and shinier and fuller.

If you are having haystack head problems, I am begging you to run out to your nearest CVS and pick some up. Just so you don’t have sticker shock, it’ll run you about $20, which seems like a lot for something you don’t get at a fancy-pants salon, but just do it, ok?

In short: Celebrity Hair, HERE I COME!

…and just in time for the Oscars!

xx, L

Sooooooo, I’ve been using mineral make-up for several weeks now – and I’m totally sold on it.  I love how it sits on my face and doesn’t feel heavy.  I love that it is so easy to apply.  I love not feeling like I need to wear concealer in addition.  My only complaint, though, was that I felt like the amazing coverage that mineral make-up was initially giving me upon application was seriously fading over the course of the day.

All I want to know is:

1 – Who, exactly, do my minerals think they are?

2 - And, WHERE do they think they are going??

I went back to Ulta @ Buckhead Station and explained my situation to one of their make-up specialists:  I’m constantly on the go and sometimes don’t have time or the opportunity to reapply make-up after work and before one of my bajillion obligations or social commitments.  But, I still want to look like I have make-up on!  She recommended that I start using this bad boy under my make-up every day:

my secret weapon

She told me that SMASHBOX’s Photo Finish Primer is silky + lightweight and will increase the longevity of my make-up.  In fact, it’s frequently used in photo shoots – make-up artists and photographers love it, apparently.  She said Photo Finish will also reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores and it’s oil-free.

I told her that products with a name like “SMASHBOX” were most likely going to be wayyyyy too sexy for my really sensitive skin.  She told me that she, too, has very sensitive skin and she’d never broken out from it.  I was skeptical. Most of my make-up comes in organic-looking packaging and is plastered with “dermatologist approved” or “hypoallergenic.”

(So what, I have allergies…)

Alas, I tried it and I am pretty sure this product was made by angels – totally heaven sent!! It’s holding onto my minerals and giving me great all day coverage even into the evening, without irritation.  Now, I put it on each morning after my moisturizer.  It seeps into my skin almost immediately - and then I start working with the minerals…

Ooh ooh ooh – as far as eyeliner is concerned, I really need for it to stay on all day, too.  No time to reapply! I swear by Revlon’s Colorstay Eyeliner.  Swear by it! It’s pretty cheap and will stay on all day long.  Fact.

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner

Finally, I used L’Oreal’s Telescopic Mascara for the first time today and I really like it.  It has a teeny tiny application wand that I think is supposed to help you avoid getting clumps.

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

I’ve been known to jump around from mascara to mascara with no loyalty whatsoever.  For the last few months, I’ve been using Maybelline’s XXL Volume + Length Microfiber Mascara and have been very pleased with it, but it definitely gets clumpy quickly.  I absolutely looooathe that!

Maybelline's XXL Mascara

I’m seriously considering a semi-permanent (at least) switch to L’Oreal Telescopic after using it this morning.  It just looks so natural and came out very evenly on my lashes.  I am impressed with the length of my lashes, too.  I’m definitely not married to it, but I think I’ll at least switch to it for a few months.  Will let you know how it goes…

That’s all! 

xx, L

Bare Minerals Starter Kit

I have to admit that I am a teeny-tiny bit skeptical, but I am hopeful that Bare will be everything that it touts in all of its advertisements.

Bare Minerals

I used it for the first time today - following all of the steps detailed in the Starter Kit DVD.  Immediately, I could feel a difference between using mineral make-up and the junk I’d previously slathered on my face for years.  My favorite item so far is the mineral veil; it leaves such a pretty glow.  We shall see how this goes…  It just may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

xx, L

The problem is that I’ve been blessed to be cavity-free for 27 years.  I didn’t need braces or a retainer – even though I wanted one like all the other kids.  I brush and use a tongue scraper multiple times a day.  But, I’ve never really developed a steady flossing habit because everything has been just fine so far without it.  I know what you are thinking…ewwwwwww.  Well, shut up!! 

(Fine.  I don’t really mean that.)

I recently decided that it was time for me to finally develop the habit.  I take excellent care of my skin beacuse I want it to look good when I am older – why wouldn’t I want the same for my teeth?  After some serious thought, I realized what I don’t like about flossing has much less to do with forming the habit than it does with the actual floss I’ve been using.  I’ve never liked traditional floss.  I always take too much or too little.  I don’t like the way it cuts into my fingers or stretches my cheeks.  Soooooo, I bought this kind the other day and I love it:

Crest Glide Floss Picks

TADA!  Crest Glide Floss Picks are totally the way to go.  They are so much easier to maneuver and they are stupid cheap (20 for around $3.99) for something that will actually encourage* me to floss.  I am going on five days straight of flossing now, too!!  Pick them up at your local CVS or Publix. 

Happy hygiene to you!

xx, L 

*I am embarrassingly needle shy and as a kid my mom used to encourage me to get shots at the doctors office by bribing me with treasure trolls.  It worked, but I am absolutely terrified of them now.

However, this past year I finally found “the one.” Now, my boss, my mom, my aunt, my roommate and a number of my girlfriends all use it – and, although it is found at the drugstore, it feels like I’ve always imagined designer lip gloss should feel.  Fo’ reals.

***Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Gloss***

I use #20 "Dreamy"

Product Description: Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Gloss brings long-lasting shine and sheer color to lips, without the stickiness.  Actually moisturizes, softens and smoothes lips because each shade is packed with moisture-boosting emollients and nurturing botanicals.  Lips look healthier and feel softer.

Pick it up for around $8.00 at your local CVS.  I hope you love it as much as I do!!

xx, L

We used  to abuse my mom’s fake hairsytlist ID (don’t ask) to stock up on all our hair goods, but now it’s just easier to get everything directly from our local CVS.  Even Pureology (love) is sold there now! 

CVS at Ansley Mall retails the 12 oz. bottle of Biosilk Silk Therapy for $35.99.  It’s a pretty penny for the drugstore - if I do say so myself.  Well, let me tell YOU, about the deal I stumbled across (fate, obviously) at Tar-jay in Atlantic Station yesterday:

TBDE! (the best deal ever)...

$26.99 (total) for 12 oz. bottles of the Biosilk Silk Therapy, Shampoo AND Conditioner

Seriously, run – don’ t walk.  This is an incredible deal!  And your hair needs all the help it can get with six more days predicted of this horrendous weather…  Yuck and Ick!

You’re welcome.

xx, L

My beloved hairstylist, Doug, finally talked me out of my unfortunate Pantene obsession.  I’ve moved on.  However, I still can’t quite get myself out of the drugstore.  (CVS gets me every time with those coupons at the register…)

Anyway, my sweet mommy recommended L’OREAL Vive Pro Hydra Gloss and I’ve been using it for a little over a week.  I really like it and I feel like it’s putting a lot of moisture back into my poor color-treated hair.  I don’t feel like it is building up either, which is a problem with other drugstore shampoos.  It’s got royal jelly (no clue), omega 3&6 (think we generally eat this) and olive oil (Rachael Ray will be proud) in it and it’s a whopping $4.99 at your local CVS.  Definitely try it if you are looking for a new shampoo or conditioner! 

Just remember to apply as Mr. Madison instructs:

photo credit: esquire.com

“Shampoo is better.  I go on first and clean the hair.  Conditioner is better.  I leave the hair silky and smooth.  Oh, really, fool?  Really.  Stop looking at me, swan!”

xx, L

Here’s a brief breakdown of my aromatic evolution:

Junior High: “CK One” by Calvin Klein & “Om” by GAP

High School: “Happy” by Clinique

College: Lolita Lempicka (still one of my favorites)

Early 20′s: “Light Blue” by Dolce & Gabbana

Mid-20′s: “Rush” by Gucci

Now: (drum roll please…) “Fantasy” by Britney Spears

You may be asking yourself – “how could something like this happen?” Well, I spotted the jeweled bottle on the dresser of a girl I babysat for and just had to try it on. I assumed it was going to smell like bubble gum and Teen Spirit, but surprisingly, I loved it! I did some serious thinking and ran to CVS with my hard-earned babysitting money to get a bottle of my own.

Listen, those of you who know me knew that something like this was bound to happen. It’s no surprise to anyone that I am just a little obsessed with Princess Brit, but I NEVER thought I would buy a celebrity-promoted perfume. So not PLU! However, I’ve learned that it’s more important for a perfume to mix well with your chemistry than it is telling someone that you wear an icky-smelling designer perfume for the sake of it being designer. When you boil it down, I’m just not that prissy.

On a bi-weekly basis, I have coworkers, store clerks and complete strangers ask me about my perfume. I proudly tell them that it’s from the Princess of Pop, herself. (I even spotted a bottle in my roommate’s bathroom. I live with her and she can smell it on me every day. Still, she liked it so much she bought it for herself!) AND, it’s sold at your local CVS (spotted it at the one on North Highland) or Kohl’s for around $30. Hello, it’s a recession, people! Enjoy!

photo credit: fragrancenow.com