Knot So Blah

while perusing Marie Claire's January issue,
the beauty beat struck a nice little cord.
...not only because of the stunning Natalie Portman.

but i digress.

hair and ponytails and buns, oh my.
what to do?

while i face the tedious feat of growing out my hair (c'mon, please please!)
it is beginning to sit at that awkward length.
ick.

sooo...do i just pull it up in some boring pony?
or worse, a claw?
the claw is fine for house work and running errands, but that is about it.

so here is a renovated updo, courtesy of stylist Mark Townsend.



1. High Step
pull your hair into a sleek, back high pony tail.
be sure it isn't '80s' high, and grab any large pieces from the front.






2. Braid away
braid the ponytail.
it can be loose.
if your hair isn't long enough, just twist.







3. Twist and place
coil the braid (or twist) into place on the top of your head.
it should create somewhat of a loose knot look.
pin in place with your handy bobby pins.
fly-aways are good.






4. Cleaning up

be sure to pin up any large chunks or bumps.

bobby pins and hairspray are a girls best friend.

{all images via marieclaire.com}

Kind of that corpse look...

the whole dark copper eye shadow, fair cheeks, and deep lip stick.

if you've seen Sherlock Holmes (please do!) you will notice the lovely Rachel McAdams.
she wears the almost red black eye shadow with a copper apple red lip.
it is somewhat shocking since the color contrasts are so harsh,
but then it dawns on you that it is completely beautiful.

not really a day-time look, but if you need the drama, this is it.
there are plenty of varieties, so play around.
just be careful with too many red tones.

some images to reflect a current trend.


do with it what you wish.
always,

btw...

totally unrelated to beauty...but...

i realllllly want a pooch.
some may hate them, but pugs just tug at my heart strings.
two dear dear friends of mine have one, charley.
and he is absolutely b e a uuuutiful.

check these little guys out!
who could resist?
that's all for now :)

{via mypetchronicles and pbase}

Thank you, Santa.

after a lonnng weekend filled with family time and some major r&r,
i am, alas, back at work.
boo hoo.

missing home and my parents very much.

but must always give a BIG FAT thanks to Santa, dearest (Mum&Pops!)

very happy to have received this...


and this... MAC "Nocturnelle"


while we drank a lot of this...


ate too much of these...in addition to sweet breads, almond cake, homemade chocolates, spice&candy cane cookies etc....ooof, very full!


and finally...a little bubbly cheers to a wonderful year...and onto the next.


back with more...later on.
xo,

To Sunny California We Go...

{r is for rodellee}

my sister and i are cali bound this evening.

spending Christmas in Sacramento with the parents, minus a few:
our brother, other dear sister and her hubby.
tear...

but still so glad the sky is blue and our plane can jet!

things i must remember to pack:
razor (love the venus!)
amlactin body lotion-- a little spendy, but well worth it during the winter months.
my precious jewelry (costume and family heirlooms)
and this:

Forever21, $3.80
Hair pin

a perfect addition to your holiday outfit. and oh so cheap!

can't wait for some spice cookies, hot cocoa, mum's delicious cooking, & family.

Merry Christmas&Love,

For the Love of Christmas

i baked my grandmother's famous cookies yesterday with my dearest aunties, sis and cousin.
it was dumping rain, but i was still in the best of spirits.

there is something about the Christmas holiday that just does it for me. rain, snow or shine.

wool knee-high socks.
cozy knitted sweaters.
gold eye shadow.
berry lips.
hot tea.
sizzling coffee.
cookies and chocolate (i've definitely had my share this week...)
wine. wine & more wine.
warm vanilla body sugar scrub.
pumpkin spice candles.
the best friends&family.

these past few years i've celebrated the Birth of Jesus with some of the best people on earth.
this year, although missing one of our dearest members, we welcomed another.
lots of wine, champagne, delicious eats and a good competitive game of Fish Bowl.

pictures over the years.
close to my heart that make me grin big.

A Very {Merry} Weekend

Thank goodness it is FRIDAY!
Parties, shopping and cookie baking.
Nothing more to say.

Booya.

XO,