Well ladies, I've just ended a long-term love affair. After almost ten years of commitment, my eye began to wander. My urge to stray became so great that I decided to no longer fight it. My beloved mascara and I finally called it quits.
For years I kept company with L'Oreal Voluminous mascara. I was blissfully happy during those years, and I had eyes for no other. Then, suddenly, I was possessed by an alarming thought, "What if Voluminous is not The One"? Did I rush into a commitment too soon? Is there another one out there for me? Haunted by these thoughts, I decided that Voluminous and I needed "a break". I assured Voluminous that it wasn't him, it was me, and that this experiment might actually strengthen our relationship. In the back of my mind I believed Voluminous and I would find our way back to each other.
While Voluminous and I were on our "break", I met Lash Blast. I picked him up at Walmart for $6.49. At first he didn't seem my type, but I decided not to judge him by his packaging alone. It is, after all, what's inside that counts. So, I decided to overlook his loud, orange packaging and gimmicky fat wand and give him a go. Sure, he wasn't as sleek and handsome as Voluminous, but he could perform, (if you know what I mean).
Lash Blast's rubber bristles gently combed and separated my lashes as it deposited color. The result was a thick and gorgeous fan of lashes that was soft to the touch. A single coat was all I needed for a natural daytime look. For a dramatic evening look I simply added a second coat. Even on the most humid summer days, Lash Blast never migrated, ran or smudged.
It was a tough decision, but when Lash Blast washed off with Cetaphil and water, I knew it was curtains for Voluminous and me. Can you blame me for wanting to be with a mascara that doesn't require a separate eye makeup remover? Funny, I never realized how high-maintenance Voluminous was all these years. So for now I'm going steady with Lash Blast....at least until Revlon 3-D goes on sale.
Getting former Sex Pistols, Cook and Jones, to play on the album is a dream for Ian Brown. Growing up in the Manchester suburbs, his life was changed by the power and attitude of the Sex Pistols, a band whose rebel mantle the Stone Roses readily took on in their brief tenure as the UK's hottest band. The Pistols pair don't disappoint.
When Ian Brown gets guests on his records they give him their best shot. Let's not forget Paul Ryder, the erstwhile brother of Happy Monday Sean, whose loping bass line gives the same two tracks a dirty northern funk. Ian always said that Paul was the greatest bass player in town and Mani would always agree.When you got one great Manc bass player on your album, why not get another?
ex-Smiths Andy Rourke plays on 'Goodbye To The Broken' and 'On Track' in a neat nod to the classic Manchester band lineage.'The World Is Yours' is lush and respectful to the louche sexuality of the groove. Its got attitude with Brown's husky vocals that combine a very northern in your face attitude with the wisdom of the soul singer, course and affecting they are also Brown's best vocals yet.
Ladies, we all know a thong enthusiast.I'm not talking about the male variety (what red-blooded heterosexual male isn't).I'm talking about that annoying chick that gapes at you incredulously when you tell her you hate to wear a thong."What do you mean," she gasps, "You can't even feel it!"Seriously, how can you not feel it?It's between your butt cheeks for heaven's sake!A thong may help your pants fit better, but nobody looks chic or sophisticated whilst trying to dislodge a major wedgie.
As a student of TLC's What Not to Wear, I've learned that what you wear under your clothes is as important as the clothes themselves.The right intimates can enhance the fit of your clothes, thus transforming your body.Intimates need not be pricey.In fact, I've discovered the most fantastic line of panties and body shapers, and they're made by .....Hanes!
Hane's Barely There line may not get the attention that similar offerings from Victoria's Secret receive, but it should.It's been my experience that Hane's panties, cost less, are more comfortable and wash up better than those from Vicky's. Every bra, panty and body shaper in the Barely There Line is tag-free.Most are also seam-free, virtually disappearing under clothing.Admittedly, the color selection is not very exciting, but the Barely There Line is not meant to be seductive.Fleshtone, black and white make perfect daily underpinnings and perfect wardrobe workhorses.
My favorite from the Barely There line include the Jeaniousbikini and the Breathpant smoother.The Jeanious bikini is made of the coziest satin microfiber and slides effortlessly under your tightest, low rider jeans.It is utterly undetectable under your most fitted pants.They can frequently be found at Kohl's retailing at 3 for $14 dollars.Similar panties at Victoria’s Secret are retailing at 3 for $30.The Barely There line also offers a body shaper along the lines of Spanx.The Barely There pant smoother provides as sleek a silhouette as Spanx without being nearly as restrictive.Furthermore, the Barely There pant smoother retails at $26 compared to the Spanx version which retails at $68.
It took me a while to figure out why Victoria's Secret charges so much more for clearly inferior products.Then it dawned on me, Heidi Klum ain't cheap.I guess somebody has to pay her salary, but it doesn't have to be me.
A few titles donned by Kaka (in no particular order)...
Armani model Born-again Christian Footballer of the Year Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People European Footballer of the Year Latin Sportsman of the Year World Footballer of the Year
The man is only 26 years old. He's one of the sexiest men on the pitch, remained a virgin until he married in 2005 and rather than stipping down to a bare chest after scoring a goal, he praises God and strips to a shirt stating "I Belong to God".
Kaka intriques us. He lives the exact opposite life that is exuded and almost expected of the footballer. To top it off, he's voted the best in everything he does....hmmm....no partying? no hookers? no drugs? no scandals? crazy WAG wife? (nope, his family is absolutely beautiful and sound) Yes, intriquing.
Stats Age: 26 Born: Brazil Position: Midfielder (2nd Striker) Team: AC Milan/Brazil National Team Relationship: married & recently became a poppa
You look bored... Think you've seen it all? Well, get ready for a show that will make you squirm with joy. Each month, sideshow freak Jared The Conjuror will present you with a calvacade of strange performers, hand-plucked and ready to show you what they're made of. Circus performers, Burlesque Dancers, Freaks, Comedians, Magicians, Contortionists, Weirdos, Pain resisters, Jugglers, Strong men, Psychos, Manipulators, Acrobats, Musicians... these are only a few things that you may expect at the show. Each month will have a new line up and each month you will ask yourself over and over... what the hell was that?
Ladies, mark my words: I will never, ever buy another tube of lipstick at the department store. This is an easy promise to make as I've just discovered the treasure that is L'Oreal Colour Richelipstick. The Colour Riche line has been around for a while now, but I''m a bit late for the party...sort of. See, I had a tube of Colour Riche in Sandstone back in the nineties when brown lipstick was all the rage. Coupled with my fair hair, it made me look like a vampire. Well, flannel shirts didn't flatter me either, I suppose. It took me some time to figure out that I'm prettiest in pink. Armed with that revelation I gave Colour Riche another go. L'Oreal's Colour Riche formula is divine. It glides on smoothly and wears like a dream, never bleeding or feathering. It may not have the longevity of "long wear" lipsticks, but I don't mind because I've yet to find a “"ong wear" formula that doesn't dry out my lips. My best shades reside among the pinks, but the line offers great options in the coral, tawny, rose, violet, red, brown and nude spectrums as well. I counted at least 59 shades, so I defy anyone to tell me they can’t find a flattering shade for themselves in this line. Since I've never been able to do a nude lip without looking like a CSI floater, Colour Riche's Gilded Pink is a great alternative for me. It gives me a subtle, natural look that is appropriate for daytime. Bella Donna Mauve is my glam shade, suitable for a summer night out wearing a pastel sundress and a killer faux tan. Finally there is my beloved Tender Pink, a lippie so divine it has vaulted to Holy Grail status. It is the most perfect, polished version of my lips that I ever could have imagined. My Bobbi Brown Sandwash Tulle has now been relegated to the land of misfit lippies. L'Oreal once marked their tubes "perle" and "cream" to indicate which shades contained shimmer and which did not. This is no longer the case, which is a bit of a shame. I like to avoid shimmer because I'm convinced it emphasizes the thinness of my lips. At $6.99 a tube (sometimes BOGO at drugstores like CVS and Rite-Aid), I’ll throw the dice. Right now I've got my eye on the award winning Pink Lady which is constantly sold out at my local haunts. My fellow cuties, it is amazing how empowering a swipe of truly flattering lipstick can make you feel. I suggest you go get you some!
Kings of Leon opened the first ever Friday night timeslot at the Oxegen Festival in Ireland this past weekend. They were voted the Act that Most Fans Want to See in a poll earlier this year. Check it out...
Jose Mourinho, the manager with the immeasurable ego and style to match. We love this man. The press really, really love this man.
The self-proclaimed Special One has delivered on more than one occasion, bringing more championships to his teams in a shorter time than say... the not-so-special managers. Catch him in any interview and you're hooked, never knowing what self congratulatory praises will be spewing from his lips.
Jose's former team, Chelsea, was dressed exclusively by Armani. Yes, you heard that correctly - an entire team of hot, fit footballers wearing Armani -being led by this man! And to top it off, their lounge at the stadium was also designed by Giorgio!! Did that stop Jose from dropping to his knees on the pitch during a fit of rage at the ref? Nope, not our Jose.
He's on to Inter-Milan this season, so check back to see who he's wearing. Will it still be Armani? Will the team move on to Dolce & Gabbana? Versace? The possibilities are endless.
Okay, so back to the fabulousness of Jose and his Armani wearing self. Yes, we agree he is the Special One....thoughts?
Stats
Age: 45 Born: Portugal Position: Manager Team: Inter Milan Relationship: married in 1989 to Matilda (aka Tami), a childhood friend
Are you liking our themed days? We're now on to Wednesday, which covers a wider spectrum than others.
Wednesdays will focus on getting through the mid-week doldrums by doing something for either yourself or others. The much referred to hump day will be the no-schlump day around these parts. It's as basic as a home remedy or simply bringing a new charitable organization into your sights.
We'll start with those frizzled up, dried out, over processed lockes. If you're like us, you may be confused as to what your natural color is. No worries, these home remedies are sure to make a difference. You'll never see a concoction we haven't tried ourselves.
Enjoy...
Bi-weekly booster of Olive Oil Energy level: pressing start on your microwave
To Do: heat a few large drizzles of olive oil in a small bowl for 20 seconds massage into hair from roots to ends (more at the ends) plop on a shower cap for 20 minutes wash & style as normal
Monthly Deep Conditioner Energy level: wrist movements required for peeling, mashing & unscrewing
You need:
1/2 avocado, peeled
1/2 small jar real mayonnaise
medium mixing bowl
shower cap To Do:
mix avocado & mayo in bowl until creamy smooth WASH HAIR massage mixture into wet, washed hair from roots to ends (more at the ends) plop on a shower cap for 20 minutes wash & style as normal
Line: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy
Products: Luminizing Face Primer & Your Skin Makeup
Ladies, I've taken a vow. As gas and milk prices each approach five dollars a gallon I can no longer justify buying cosmetics at the department store. In the past I've been suckered in by the "try before you buy" allure of the cosmetics counter. However, now that most national drugstore and discount retail chains offer liberal cosmetic return policies, buying cosmetics at these places has never been easier. Thus I have sworn an oath to make my cosmetic purchases at drugstores and discount retail chains only (at least until the economy turns around). Also, it is my solemn promise to share my discoveries with you, my fellow cost cutting cuties.
Sally Hansen, famed manicurist turned cosmetics mogul has partnered with my girl-crush Carmindy from TLC's What Not to Wear to develop a line of budget friendly cosmetics. The result has been the mostly stellar line aptly named Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy. Although the line has a few kinks in it, overall I have been extremely impressed with their offerings. It is exactly the kind of line I would expect from Carmindy, whose attitude toward her craft is admirable. The line is playful and fun, yet refined at the same time.
The first product I tried was the Luminizing Face Primer. For those of you who are not sure what a primer is, think of it as a thin canvas that fills in lines, pores and wrinkles to insure better foundation coverage. While I'm not exactly a primer virgin, I don't use one daily, and I don't have many to compare this one to. If you're into primers $9.99 for .48 oz seems like a pretty good deal. However, since I'm not a "primer person", and I noticed virtually no difference in the way my makeup wore with or without the primer, I will be returning that product.
The second product I tried was the line's Your Skin Makeup liquid foundationwhich retails for $12.99 for 1 oz. In the interest of full disclosure I'll admit to being a mineral makeup enthusiast. That being said, I'm pleased to report that this is the most impressive liquid foundation that I've ever used. Until I switched to mineral makeup two years ago, I tried liquid foundations from MAC, LORAC, Clinique, Lancome, Prescriptives, and just about every drugstore brand imaginable. My favorites had been Revlon's long discontinued Touch and Glow and more recent Age Defying offerings. This entry by Sally Hansen and Carmindy blows away the competition. I'm fair skinned and selected the lightest shade, Ecru Beige. I was certain in would make me look ghostly, but it blended beautifully and was a perfect match. The makeup was lightweight and breathable, and the coverage was buildable. It left no mask line and I was able to conceal my annoyingly ruddy cheeks. Best of all, it wore beautifully throughout the day and I never felt the desire to scrape it off with my fingernails.
I should point out that the line does not have a huge range of colors, which could be a good thing for people like me who agonize over large selections (most of which don't look right on anyone anyway). On the other hand, if you find your skin tone is usually hard to match, you might not find a suitable shade. Hopefully if the line is successful Sally and Carmindy may add a few more shades to the lineup. Also my skin tends to be dry, so this makeup may not suit someone with oily skin. Again, hopefully if the line is successful we'll see formulas designed for specific types of skin.
The Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy line is somewhat elusive. It is slowly popping up at Duane Reade, CVS and Ulta, but it is not widely carried. With Carmindy's popularity and the blog buzz the line is receiving I can't for the life of me figure out why the line is not in wider distribution. There are so many gems in this line that it was worth the effort to seek out, however.
So is everyone else a bit on the foggy-side this morning from the long holiday weekend? Feeling like your eyes are bleeding? We're right there with you. Yeah, we know it's been 13 days since the boys were on Letterman but this is our first Music Monday posting and it's saved for them! We actually ended up getting invited to the sound check - ooooo yes...YES...YES!!! (sorry, there are no backstage stories to reveal) Not sure the video does them justice, but everyone was spot on. So tight & so together. Whether you're a fan or not, you can't deny the longevity & passion of Motley Crue......(and the dirty hotness of Mr. Sixx) Big congrats on 98k first week sales & rave reviews of the Crue Fest kick-off!
Happy Independence Day all! We're back up and running with a slightly new format, starting today with Footballer Fridays...
Call him what you like. We'll call him the hotness that is Fernando Torres - Liverpool striker and prime contributor to winning Euro 2008 for the Spain national team.
We thought it would be best to begin our Footballer Fridays with the likes of Torres. Doesn't THIS go much nicer with that cup of coffee than a big fat muffin? Yes, we thought so too.
So, we invite you back every Friday to check out the new footballer of the week. Now because we realize that football is not on the radar of most Americans, we have single-handedly decided to bring it stateside, into your laptop viewing zone one hot baller at a time. We thought this may be an introduction welcome by many. It's possible we have a few viewers who follow the game, thinking, what a crappy way to bring this fine young group of talent to the American public. Well, you should know that we do follow the game and have for a bit of time. (yes, we even know the off-side rule!) That being said, sit back and enjoy Mr. Fernando Torres....
Stats Age: 24 Born: Madrid Position: Striker Team: Liverpool/Spain National Relationship: dating high school sweetheart
