"I Die"

Yesterday was a horrendous, horrendous work day, so I apologize for the lack of a blog update. Shame on you, Beebs.

However, my best girls and I topped off the night with a fabulous dinner at Ping for Ms. MacMillen's 24th Birthday! Delish.

So... I need a little inspiration--not to mention I haven't treated myself to some killer beauty products in a while...so I'm feeling a bit bogged down. Hello MAC, where are you!?

I found this look from another blog and my oh my, it's to die for.

{judiciaryreport}

"I Die." (We all love Rachel Zoe, do we not!?)

Try this look with any deep matte blue you can find-- MAC, Loreal, CoverGirl etc. Keep the lips nude and cheeks fair.

Peace, Love & Cheerios,

Who's The Boss?

Totally unrelated to beauty, but...

If you haven't seen TLC's "Cake Boss" then you are really missing out... and I mean really missing out!

My dear cousin Johnny first told me about "Cake Boss" and I was a little skeptical-- a show about cake making? I'm not so sure...

{TLC}

Well, I'm the idiot. This show is exciting, delicious, drama-filled, Italian family lovin' goodness! Carlo "Buddy" Valastro is "The Boss" and a master baker! The cakes are beyond phenomenal and the entire baking staff is referred to as "The Familia." His crazy Italian sisters run the bakery downstairs with his saucy Italian mother (who clearly wears the pants in the family) is the Business Manager.

{TLC}

Buddy took over Carlo's Bakery after his father, Buddy Senior died suddenly. At the age of 17, Buddy Jr. began his journey in baking and is quite frankly, the best out there!

{TLC}

Dropped in the cobblestone streets of Hoboken, NJ, you will get a kick out the thick New Jeresy Italian drenched accents and dramas of a demanding art bakery kitchen.

Watch this video from season one: Bridezilla. She is a monster!
http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/cake-boss-bridezilla-ruins-her-cake.html

Season 2 premiered last night and it was hysterical! Check out TLC's website for more information: {http://tlc.discovery.com/}

"Cake Boss"

TLC

Monday Night's @ 10/9c

XO,

So Divine

{carriecouture}

It is pretty much a fact that I am totally in LOVE with J.Crew!

These crew cuts have truly stepped it up in that past couple of years. Not to mention the overly depressing yet beautifully-addicting catalog, especially this 2009 November issue.

Plus, I die over those red peachy lips!

{jcrewaholics}

As always, check the website for fabulous inspiration: http://www.jcrew.com/

Pretty pretty.

{carriecouture}

But I also found a fantastic blog for all those addicted to everything j.crew-- click the blog title "So Divine" above.

Indulge in the divine.

XO,

XOXO

So thrilled it's Friday!

Even with this rain, I feel like channeling Blake Lively's look of dark liner, thick eyelashes and hot pink lips. Love them!

{Rolling Stone}

I reallllly heart Gossip Girl, it's true. Sassy fashionistas with sometimes too much foolishness. But it's still my Monday night guilty pleasure for further beauty inspiration.

Have a {fabulous} weekend!
Toodles,

Pour Me Another

Totally unrelated to beauty, but...

One of my dear seestars + Favorite cousins in town/moved home + the most adorable baby cousin, Audrey Pants, equals wine time!

{a little preview of Harrington cousin/family action...minus a few}

I absolutely love Pour Wine Bar in NE Portland on Broadway and 28th. I can taste that merlot cabernet as we speak... I die.

Totally quaint, with a hip mod feel and a plethora of wines...plus very nice service!

Can't wait.

Happy {Thirsty} Thursday, ya'll!

XO,

Obsessed: She Wolf

{VF.com}

Alrrrrright! My friends are going to laugh in my face that I'm even blogging about this...

Maybe Halloween is actually telling me to dutifully take on the role as "She Wolf" for my costume and it's no jest, I'm pondering it....

Or is it just that my roommate and I are pretty much obsessed with Shakira's "She Wolf''?

{qtorr}

All I can say is although the video is a bit much (to say the least) the song is catchy as ever and Shakira looks absolutely gorgeous! Her milky caramel skin with bright honey blonde hair in contrast to her espresso eyes is quite the look for this Columbian beauty.

In fact, she's like a much prettier version of Beyonce...don't ya think?

So check this out...if you can handle it ;) Video link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aEW_Z5Va5s}

Toodles!

Spook Town

{MAC Facebook}

Scarrrrry pumpkins!

MAC is doing a phenomenal job at interpreting Halloween with these freaky, but ever-so-real Halloween makeup masks. Only to then inspire my closest girlfriends and me to morph into the roles of "Safari Predators" for All Hallows Eve. We are most excited.

Check out the video below. Welcome to Spook Town, everyone!

{Not Afraid to be Freaky}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgmgyRX9Zn4

Can't wait for October 31st...

Happy Haunting,

Indugle in Gingerhood

{Polyvore}

TGIF!

Although I'm ready for some cocktails and dancing with my lady loos (who isn't?!), it's time for some beauty bloggin'...

Since my younger years, I have been a major fan of Origins Skincare. I remember perusing Nordy's with my mother and auntie, often opting for the Origins body cream. Luscious, creamy, and incredibly delicious, I became a lover from the moment I spread this stuff all over my awkwardly long arms and legs.

During a regular trip to Nordstrom Rack this past weekend (trying to be a good girl and saving my HARD earned moola), I came across the Origins body soufflé and was immediately brought back to my days in NE Ptown. I was so excited! I had almost forgotten about this gold mine of pure goodness.

Therefore, indulge in Origins Ginger Soufflé Whipped Body Cream, $27.50

Yes, it is a bit on the spendy side, but it will last you ages and gives you supple, smooth skin! Mmmm, delish!

{Origins available at most Nordstrom's, Nordstrom Racks and obviously, Origins retail stores}

HAPPY WEEKEND, Y'ALL!

XO,

Parched Pucker

With the dry air and harsh winds comes the parched pucker. And I must say, it's the worst!

Indulge in this tiny, but generous product-- Softlips.

A premium conditioning balm with SPF, shimmery tints, and flavorful varieties.

I bought the two-pack for $2.99 that included the standard vanilla balm, as well as the pink shimmer tint. Well, let me tell you what...the shimmery tints make you look like you're a 14 year old, pre-pubescent, angsty pre-teen. Not a good look.

Some may dislike the tiny, skinny stick, feeling like it doesn't give a full range to your lips. To each his own. I lather this stuff on before bed and I'm addicted, to say the least.

Try it out for yourself! Available pretty much everywhere...

Ta-ta. XO,

Riddle Me This

I must say, I hate my nails. For years I wore the fakies-- both 'do it yourself' and salon quality. However, I played sports or got bored and would sourly rip them from my nail beds. Hence, a horrid set of brittle, weak, thin nails.

It has taken me years to get back to 'nail normalcy' (if you can even call it that) and they are still a sad, sad representation. My father has great nails-- in the sense that they are strong and beautifully shaped, no doing of his own. Just born with some beauties. My mother's hands are graceful and womanly, yet hardworking and thus, we share a passion for stick on nails.

But now, I have sworn to no longer stricken myself with the pain and frustration of fake nails. So, riddle me this-- what's a girl to do for brittle nails?

Wear this: OPI's Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener, $11.95

{Rite Aid, Fred Meyers, Ulta Beauty, Sephora, and more}

Promises to prevent natural nails from peeling, cracking and splitting. A colorless polish, it helps smooth ridges and keep your nails strong and hard. You need to use it repeatedly-- a coat or two every day. My mother is famous for painting her nails just before bed, or as she is running out the door to dinner or church...and I have seemed to pick up that habit. But nevertheless, this stuff is my ultimate saving grace!

Toodles,

They Call Me Mellow Yellow

As the chilly fall gains momentum and because it's Monday (argh), I'm sipping my usual mug of cafe au lait and wearing some juicy yellow to jazz up my Monday blues!

You should do the same :)

{Mark Rothko, my favorite modernist painter}

Smooches,

Got Minx?

I'm a little more than just curious about this new trend...Minx nails?

Basically Minx nails are a sort of peel off, glue on nail covering in all sorts of prints, colors and designs.

Now, time for a DDS (as my college girl friends coined, "Deepest Darkest Secret") that is somewhat of a guilty (well a totally) guilty pleasure-- I watch Real Housewives of Atlanta (LUH it!)

The infamous NeNe and Sheree head to the salon and treat themselves to a pair of these nail stickers in the Alter Ego episode http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4CGOKkRr0Q and since then, I've been seeing them all over the place, especially beauty magazines.

Ladies such as Beyonce (woof), Rhianna, Lady Gaga and Blake Lively seem to be loyal fans.

Bewildered much? Click on the title above to see the Minx website.

Not too sure if this is my style...

XO,

Pure Goodness

Like all my beauty shopping trips, I always try something new...or something new always catches my eye and pulls me into the never ending trap of beauty product obsession.

But nevertheless, I found yet another fabulous hair conditioner for colored hair (*ahem, 10 years of coloring here).

SamyPure promises to deliver sulfate free and 100% vegan hair products, meaning no harsh chemicals and no animal by-products. They have Colorcare, Smooth&shine and Volume&body products that address all types of hair and hair issues.

I chose the Colorcare conditioner for $3.99 which contains proteins, vitamins and botanical extracts to nourish and protect color treated hair from fading. Also leaving your hair smooth with no heavy, waxy feel.

Booya!

Now go get some!

Stay tuned for upcoming Mint Julep face mask...

XO,

For the Love of Rose

{DECLAN MCCULLAGH PHOTOGRAPHY}

Let us not forget about the rich history of Apothecaries! Dating back to Medieval and Victorian days, the use of fresh rose from the gardens became a staple in apothecaries, coined Rose Apothecary (creative, yes?).


Rose was known for powerful therapeutic properties, healing sore throats and skin rashes as well as a multitude of other illnesses. It was also believed that the petals would eliminate wrinkles and give a youthful appearance if rubbed on the skin.


C.O Bigelow chemists took on the challenge and have re-created the powers of Rose Apothecary. From lip balms, to oils and toners, there is something for everybody.



My 'die to try' this season is the Bigelow Rose Water Skin Tonic, $5.00




Said to have witch hazel, super hydrating rose water and relaxing chamomile infused with exfoliating salicylic acid to regenerate your skin. A very gentle tonic, the rose water perks up tired-looking skin while promoting a bright radiant complexion. A must for the upcoming winter!


And who doesn't love the intoxicating smells of rose?


"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
-- Shakespeare


Find C.O Bigelow products here: {http://www.bigelowchemists.com/}

Smooches,

She's Dead...Oh So Dead

Sadly, I may have to put my dear ceramic flat iron to rest today.

Not only did I have an adorable pink flat iron that I found at Marshall's over 2 years ago for only $30 (marked down from $100), this thing had power! Not bulky or heavy and perfect for traveling. She endured some serious bumps, drops, bruises and hits, but she never let me down...

Until this morning when I was jamming and wiggling the power cord 'til I could finally see that red light blinking at me...however, it was only in jest.

Goodbye, sweet mistress. You will be missed.

Another moral of the story is check out Marshalls for great beauty deals! :)

Happy Monday! xo,

Whoa Rosie!

As I scoured the October issue of British Harper's Bazaar, I came across a face that struck me silent, a face that I had never seen....or so I think. Either way, whatever.

Her name is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley from Devon, England and she's (for lack of a better word) GORGEOUS!

She has the incredibly large, pouty lips with soft eyes and high cheekbones. Although I am an always loyal follower of Gwyneth, Heidi and Kate Moss, I must say, Rosie is a face you will not forget. She is more than striking!

Interestingly, she has that 'British look.' Like that classic royal look. I don't know what it is and I can't put my finger on it, but I think you get what I'm saying. She is a show stopper and I think not even 21 yet. And it doesn't hurt that she has legs for days.

Below are some of her impressive shots. I especially love the avant-garde shots for Exit Magazine.

A whole lotta Rosie.

xox,

Mini Magnificence

Like always, I took a special little trip to Walgreens after I returned from a grueling 24 hours of travel from the glory that is Paree. How could I not? Although I cherished (and still do cherish) my time in Paris with family for 10 stress-free days, I missed my routine excursions to Mecca, aka Walgreens.

I picked up the usuals: hair conditioner for colored locks (another awesome new find and post to follow soon), face night cream, lip gloss, razors and floss (gotta keep up these toofs!). However, I took a brief gander at Wet 'n Wild's newest shiz...and I found a very tiny, but very powerful product.

For $3.99, you can pick yourself up a mini jar of their mineral powder for your face. Coming in only a few shades, I had to make a decision to whether I was fair, medium, light or tan. Naturally, I chose the lightest and to my surprise, it gives a very nice, even glow without making me look like a ghost.

Wet 'n Wild Natural Wear Mineral Foundation, $3.99

It is a mini piece of gold for your face. It can't be more than an ounce or two (so I'm talkin' mini), but the powder is packed with a punch. Wet 'n Wild even includes a mini kabuki brush to blend. Although, not the softest bristles. But nevertheless, you can't really beat the price of $3.99 and it's all natural with no ingredients that clog you pores. Plus, perfect for traveling or for your purse for daily touch-ups.

Ooo la la...so grab yourself one and enjoy!

Ta-ta XO,

More Bumble for the Bees

There is nothing more in this world that I love than getting my hair done. OK, OK, this may be a bit of an exaggeration...but its close enough to the truth.

I relish in the feeling of walking into a salon that smells of exotic shampoos, sprays and creams. Music is bumping, there are magazines galore, and my nerves just twitch with excitement and anticipation.

Er, wait...is that just me? Am I the only one that gets this thrilled and who loves their salon that much? Well if you have a stylist like mine (known her since I was 5; she's been working on these locks since I was 12 and happens to be my best friend's mother!), you would too. Especially if your stylist works at Sugar Laboratories in NE Portland. Sheer gloriousness.

But I digress...the real point of this post to finally expel my love for Bumble & Bumble. Again, another product my mother introduced to us wee lads in our early teens, this stuff still remains a must-have for stylists.

After a successful visit to the salon last week, I finally caved and bought this gem:

Bumble & Bumble "Bb Does it All" Styling Spray, $24 for 10 oz

The ultimate working spray that gives a light hold, texture and movability, while helping your hair respond to your hot styling tools with heat protection. It gives an easy control, while never feeling sticky or heavy. A light aerosol spray and even better, ozone friendly and nice to your lungs. Plus, smells like heaven!

After blow-drying your hair, spray a fine mist over your entire head before styling with a curling iron or flat iron. After you have finished your entire look, spray this on your roots and massage into hair for lift and texture. And, voila!

mm mm, more bumble for my honey.

Me likey.

Toodles,