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

I couldn’t resist the tempting commercials for the new Maybelline Falsies mascara and ran out to CVS last week to buy my very own tube.  Had to see what all the hype was about… 

Although I am known for switching mascaras about as frequently as I change my (can’t think of anything not gross to insert here, sooooo let’s go with sheets?) – which is v. often – I am really loving this particular mascara! 

As you can see from the picture, the wand is curved – like your eyes should be – so it hits all the lashes at once.  The mascara is also pretty thick + smooth, but not at all clumpy.  Most importantly, the tube is definitely not expensive, an adorable shade of purple + the name “Falsies” is super duper cute.   Right?! 

I’ll be honest, though, much like Herbal Essence shampoo will never leave your hair bouncing like the hair models on the commercials, Maybelline Falsies does not under any circumstance make your eyelashes look like this chick’s from the print ads… 

So, just be realistic.  I am seriously loving this mascara + plan to buy two or three more tubes before I get distracted again and move on to the next big thing. Ahhhhh, make-up ADD, you’ve made me CVS’s #1 customer!

xx, L

I really think they taste even better than Quaker’s chewy granola bars. And, you can quote me.  No really, you can.

Here’s the Q+DD on Fiber One bars’ nutritional facts:

Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 140 g
Fat: 4 g
Carbs: 29 g  (not fantastic, but i’ve seen worse…)
Protein: 2 g
Dietary Fiber: 9 g  (35% of your daily value!)

I go through a box a week, and pick them up whenever I see them. They are e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.- Kroger, Publix, CVS, gas stations…

for you, Ams.

Try ‘em, you’ll see.

xx, L

the group over new years

I have to tell you, I really couldn’t be more excited!  Aside from the predictable awesomeness that I can expect from hanging out with these folks, the wedding is in the JERZZZ!

oh gosh, i really hope they're invited!

SO unbelievably stoked!  And, I’ve been practicing…

Okay, so, when I asked Slick this morning about the attire for the wedding, he alleges that he talked with the bride and she said “any dress will do…” which means he actually didn’t talk to the bride because no girl in her right mind would ever leave wedding-related attire so vague.  After I gave him a hard time about it, he consulted reinforcements and we now know that the attire is black tie (Bumpit) optional.

My dress is set, but one very important question remains:  To Bumpit or not to Bumpit?  

totally bumped

Although the Texas girl in me always defaults to my vintage cowboy boots as my signature way to jazz up an otherwise blah outfit, I am REALLY considering trading in my country kicks in for my very own Bumpit for the occasion!

bye, bye my beloveds

I’ve just been so inspired by my favorite Jersey Shore party girl, Snooki:

And, my favorite Jerseylicious villianess, Tracey:

Plus, hair height is kinda in my Roberts’ blue jeans…

mother.

I think I’m going to BUMPIT!  Heading to CVS in 10…wish me luck.  Ahhhhh! 

xx, L

Apparently, I spend WAY too much money at CVS, because as I was checking out my reciept appeared with an attached coupon for $7.50 free CVS $$$ for being such a good shopper. “Hey, Big Spennnnderrr!”  Instead of saving it for a rainy day, I turned right around and picked up some mascara I’d been eyeing only three hot minutes earlier.  In order to take advantage of the entire $7.50 credit, I also threw in the first pack of gum I spotted that was within an arms reach.

Wrigley's 5 Gum

I consider myself to be sort of a gum aficionado.  After years of research and serious contemplation, Orbitz sweet mint flavor + Trident Layers (generally) are my personal favorites. 

This was my first experience with 5 gum. 

I’m pretty sure that it was designed for boys.  The pack of gum is the size of a money clip, and could easily slip into a guy’s back pocket.  You don’t pop the gum out of a crinkly foil wrapper or pull it out of a chunky pack, but instead 5 gum has sort of a fancy paper clasp that, when opened, reveals neatly lined up gum – like a pack of cards.  Its sleek black packaging with masculine designs reminds me of an Affliction t-shirt.

what's up? you from around here?

Boys:  Purchase this gum, throw on your overly-designed graphic tee + totally rad shades, slather on some hair gel + spike up that faux hawk (don’t forget your Axe deoderant), move straight to Dallas (do not pass go or collect $200), but DO watch this video:  http://www.30kmillionaires.com/

Or not.  The flavor that I picked up is called “Solstice.”  The first couple of pieces initially tasted a little bit like mint, and then more like peanut butter.  I couldn’t decide if that was awesome or gross, so I kept chewing.  Just now – half a pack in – I noticed the expiration date for the gum: 10/20/09.  Thanks, CVS.

Ick.  Orbitz fo’ life, yo.

xx, L

Among a number of other important properties, B vitamins support and increase the rate of cell metabolism and help to raise your energy level.  Since I’ve been taking the vitamin, I haven’t necessarily experienced super human strength or marathon runner’s energy bursts, but I haven’t gotten sick and I’ve been generally feeling pretty good. 

I asked pharmacist friends of mine a few weeks ago if they thought I was exaggerating how important taking B vitamins is for my body, and they said that they both personally take a B vitamin supplement and strongly recommend it. 

love you, lucy.

I get my B vits at CVS, but if you are braver than me, you can also get them as injections.  I’d personally rather lay face down in an ant pile than subject myself to shots that I don’t absolutely have to have, but to each his/ her own. 

Just wanted to let everyone know – I’m liking my daily B. 

xx, L

(my trusty tube of Aquaphor)

…I got distracted in the Nivea section of the lotion aisle.  They just have such great products, and I’m a total sucker for their packaging. 

Anyway, I happened to notice that they’ve recently dabbled into lip care and had a little promotion running for their “A Kiss of Moisture” Essential Lip Care balm.  Promotional advertising usually works pretty well on me, so naturally I decided that I’d give it a shot.

now featured as an essential item in my purse

Adios, Aquaphor!

While I stood by Aquaphor for the last few years because it was so much more moisturizing than any other lip balm I’d ever used, I have to admit that it could get pretty messy (heaven forbid the cap comes off while it’s crammed inside your purse with 1,800 other items) and I never really cared for how slimy it felt upon application.  Nivea’s lip balm comes out of the tube like lipstick but fatter.  It’s not messy at all, and it’s incredibly moisturizing – doesn’t wear off as easily/ quickly as Aquaphor.  I think that they are both good products, but I have a strong preference for Nivea now. 

Pick it up at your local CVS - you’ll see what I mean.  I don’t go anywhere without it. 

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