Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
I can't keep beauty secrets to myself. For some reason they are yummier when I share them. I think this secret contributed to being mistaken as ten years younger (It makes all the slathering and slopping on and trying stuff worth-while.)
Anyway, I have recently purchased a Pretika Lightsonic Pulsating Light Skin Therapy set. Whew, that's a mouthful. And I have to say I like it. The biggest benefit I have noticed is smaller pore size, along with, lifting, glow, and over-all more youthful looking skin.
I was slightly concerned about the safety, but I have seen more expensive ones in InStyle and various other places. I feel they are pretty well accepted for safety and effectiveness. I felt comfortable trying it, espescially since it was lower strength. And after a month or so I haven't noticed any ill effects.
I also didn't mind the noise or vibrating like some reviewers had mentioned. Sometimes I don't want to take the full amount of time to do it before bed, but if I am reading it doesn't feel like a bother.
I didn't get the combination red/blue light of some other devices because one website said the blue light could damage eyes - not worth the risk in my opinion.
It is not a miracle device, but hey if it helps me feel pretty, then it's worth the smallish price-tag and time.
I can't guarantee the safety, but I do recommend you buy on-line at Target, so that if you don't like it, you can return it to any Target store.
Finally a Good Hair Day for Fine Flat Hair
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy.
I promise I am not getting paid to promote these products, but when I find something good, I want to pass it along.
After years of teasing, hair spray, drying upside down, mouse, and volumizers, I have finally found something that turns my fine mousy hair into popstar locks. It changes my profile, the shape of my head, and my outlook on life.
OK, maybe I shouldn't go that far, but I do love ghd's (appropiately abreviating good hair day) fat hair lotion. It is worth the sticker shock (17 bucks a pop from Shampooline.com) and the unpleasant smell. I feel like I have finally won the battle with my locks.
On special occasions where I would have spent 30 minutes torturing my scalp, I can spend 30 seconds sliding this stuff in. OK, it is even a bit gunky, so I wouldn't do it everyday. But it is worth all the drug store volumizers combined that are collecting dust in the back of my closet.
There are just some evenings when you want to step out as Sasha (Beyonce fans know what I am talking about.) And on those evenings great hair, or good hair I guess, is worth almost any price.
I promise I am not getting paid to promote these products, but when I find something good, I want to pass it along.
After years of teasing, hair spray, drying upside down, mouse, and volumizers, I have finally found something that turns my fine mousy hair into popstar locks. It changes my profile, the shape of my head, and my outlook on life.
OK, maybe I shouldn't go that far, but I do love ghd's (appropiately abreviating good hair day) fat hair lotion. It is worth the sticker shock (17 bucks a pop from Shampooline.com) and the unpleasant smell. I feel like I have finally won the battle with my locks.
On special occasions where I would have spent 30 minutes torturing my scalp, I can spend 30 seconds sliding this stuff in. OK, it is even a bit gunky, so I wouldn't do it everyday. But it is worth all the drug store volumizers combined that are collecting dust in the back of my closet.
There are just some evenings when you want to step out as Sasha (Beyonce fans know what I am talking about.) And on those evenings great hair, or good hair I guess, is worth almost any price.
Sephora Candy
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
Let me tell you about a little box of loveliness. The Sephora brand Blockbuster Palette is akin to the whimsy and delight of a box of Mariebelle chocolates but without the calories.
It is full of little "candies" of color. I feel like an artist dipping my brush in and out of shades of purple and popping my cheeks with posie pigments. Painting and playing all day. I am like a little kid in her mommies makeup.
For makeup junkies, there is no need to blow your wallet on every new color that comes out. Quickly the new color fades into the old and falls down behind the drawers where it wastes away. But with a rainbow pallet of tiny colors, you never get tired of the new combinations all in one handy spot. And there is just enough to keep the imagination flowing without wasting away unused. I highly recommend it for the makeup conossieurs and the bold and playful.
Let me tell you about a little box of loveliness. The Sephora brand Blockbuster Palette is akin to the whimsy and delight of a box of Mariebelle chocolates but without the calories.
It is full of little "candies" of color. I feel like an artist dipping my brush in and out of shades of purple and popping my cheeks with posie pigments. Painting and playing all day. I am like a little kid in her mommies makeup.
For makeup junkies, there is no need to blow your wallet on every new color that comes out. Quickly the new color fades into the old and falls down behind the drawers where it wastes away. But with a rainbow pallet of tiny colors, you never get tired of the new combinations all in one handy spot. And there is just enough to keep the imagination flowing without wasting away unused. I highly recommend it for the makeup conossieurs and the bold and playful.
How to Deal with the Mean Girls
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
What is one of the biggest foes to your possible relationships? Mean Girls. You know who they are, always gossiping, creating alliances, and backstabbing. There are a lot of them out there, waiting to come between you and your man. How do you navigate these dangerous waters?
One, make sure you’re not being a mean girl yourself. Is there something you are doing to invite mean girls into your life? Be honest, have you stolen a friends’ boyfriend, let out some information you knew would do someone in, or made friends with one girl to firewall another? It happens. And it usually comes from insecurity. So deal with the insecurity and vow to never let it turn you into a mean girl again.
Two, thank the mean girls for the valuable role they play in your life. They are the Weeders. That’s right they weed out the good guys from the bad. Some boyfriends or potentials will get trapped in these pits of seducing mean girls on the way to the altar. So, thank the girls for showing you what your guy is really like. It’s hard to know his character when there is no competition. But sooner or later someone will throw themselves at your man and better to know now than after you’re married that he has a wandering eye.
The Weeders will also help you in another way. Sometimes they like to plant rumors or persuade your man that YOU’RE the bad girl. If he believes it, then thank them again. He doesn’t trust you and is willing to trust someone he may hardly know. That kind of relationship is built on a shaky foundation anyway.
That said, we don’t want to let these girls come in any closer than they need to be. Maybe your friend flirts wildly with a guy that you’re interested in. OK, talk to her about it and let it pass. But if she competes over everyone, she is not a friend. She is using you as a scorecard for her confidence. It’s hard to feel good about yourself when your friends are always tearing you down. Let the mean girls go, be a friend to yourself, and make room for someone else more trustworthy.
Sometimes these girls are hard to spot. They butter you up, confide in you, and let you cry on their shoulder. Watch out, they may just be digging for information to use to their own advantage.
Of course not every girl is a mean girl, and some are mixture of mean and sweet. But make sure you’re not a mean girl, and let your friends pass the test of time before you trust them too much.
What is one of the biggest foes to your possible relationships? Mean Girls. You know who they are, always gossiping, creating alliances, and backstabbing. There are a lot of them out there, waiting to come between you and your man. How do you navigate these dangerous waters?
One, make sure you’re not being a mean girl yourself. Is there something you are doing to invite mean girls into your life? Be honest, have you stolen a friends’ boyfriend, let out some information you knew would do someone in, or made friends with one girl to firewall another? It happens. And it usually comes from insecurity. So deal with the insecurity and vow to never let it turn you into a mean girl again.
Two, thank the mean girls for the valuable role they play in your life. They are the Weeders. That’s right they weed out the good guys from the bad. Some boyfriends or potentials will get trapped in these pits of seducing mean girls on the way to the altar. So, thank the girls for showing you what your guy is really like. It’s hard to know his character when there is no competition. But sooner or later someone will throw themselves at your man and better to know now than after you’re married that he has a wandering eye.
The Weeders will also help you in another way. Sometimes they like to plant rumors or persuade your man that YOU’RE the bad girl. If he believes it, then thank them again. He doesn’t trust you and is willing to trust someone he may hardly know. That kind of relationship is built on a shaky foundation anyway.
That said, we don’t want to let these girls come in any closer than they need to be. Maybe your friend flirts wildly with a guy that you’re interested in. OK, talk to her about it and let it pass. But if she competes over everyone, she is not a friend. She is using you as a scorecard for her confidence. It’s hard to feel good about yourself when your friends are always tearing you down. Let the mean girls go, be a friend to yourself, and make room for someone else more trustworthy.
Sometimes these girls are hard to spot. They butter you up, confide in you, and let you cry on their shoulder. Watch out, they may just be digging for information to use to their own advantage.
Of course not every girl is a mean girl, and some are mixture of mean and sweet. But make sure you’re not a mean girl, and let your friends pass the test of time before you trust them too much.
Holiday Makeup for Dummies
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
Invited to a fab party but don’t know how to do your makeup or hair? Don’t worry, I have an easy hair and makeup guide that will get you in and out in five minutes. The main thing to remember is add something a little special in one area and go easy every-where else.
#1 Stick with Simple hair. You are in luck this year because ponytails are all the rage. Just curl hair or straighten it and slick it back to the middle part of the head and secure with an elastic for a pony. (Too high is too “Bring It On,” and too low is too 90’s.) Add a pretty clip to make it more festive, or wrap a strand of hair over the elastic and tuck it in for a sleek look.
#2 Go light on the foundation. The biggest makeup faux pas around the holidays is too much foundation. A lot of color over thick foundation is more showgirl than holiday! Just put on a little concealer and powder like you would any other day.
#3 Pick one area to focus on: the eyes or the lips. Focusing on the cheeks brings back the Vegas look, let’s avoid that. If you are going for the eyes, a sparkly eye liner crayon will add a festive touch. And you can’t mess it up. Mary-Kate and Ashley have a nice one called Glistening Night at Wal-Mart.
If you are going for the lips as a focus, use a pretty bronzy crayon on the eyes, like HIP’s Color Rich Cream Crayon in Attentive . It will look festive without competing with the lips. Also, pile on a good mascara to get a natural but dramatic look. I like Mary Kay’s water-resistant formula because it really thickens the lashes but keeps them silky.
If you are going to focus on the lips, bring out the pretty crimson color. This is the one time of year you can definitely get away with it, even at an office party. Just remember to do touch-ups because it can fade with the hors deuvres.
#4 If your look still needs a perk, sweep on some bronzer on the cheeks and nose. This will add a little flair without competing with the other colors.
Mainly just have fun and add a little drama without going overboard. That way everyone will notice you and not your raccoon eyes.
Invited to a fab party but don’t know how to do your makeup or hair? Don’t worry, I have an easy hair and makeup guide that will get you in and out in five minutes. The main thing to remember is add something a little special in one area and go easy every-where else.
#1 Stick with Simple hair. You are in luck this year because ponytails are all the rage. Just curl hair or straighten it and slick it back to the middle part of the head and secure with an elastic for a pony. (Too high is too “Bring It On,” and too low is too 90’s.) Add a pretty clip to make it more festive, or wrap a strand of hair over the elastic and tuck it in for a sleek look.
#2 Go light on the foundation. The biggest makeup faux pas around the holidays is too much foundation. A lot of color over thick foundation is more showgirl than holiday! Just put on a little concealer and powder like you would any other day.
#3 Pick one area to focus on: the eyes or the lips. Focusing on the cheeks brings back the Vegas look, let’s avoid that. If you are going for the eyes, a sparkly eye liner crayon will add a festive touch. And you can’t mess it up. Mary-Kate and Ashley have a nice one called Glistening Night at Wal-Mart.
If you are going for the lips as a focus, use a pretty bronzy crayon on the eyes, like HIP’s Color Rich Cream Crayon in Attentive . It will look festive without competing with the lips. Also, pile on a good mascara to get a natural but dramatic look. I like Mary Kay’s water-resistant formula because it really thickens the lashes but keeps them silky.
If you are going to focus on the lips, bring out the pretty crimson color. This is the one time of year you can definitely get away with it, even at an office party. Just remember to do touch-ups because it can fade with the hors deuvres.
#4 If your look still needs a perk, sweep on some bronzer on the cheeks and nose. This will add a little flair without competing with the other colors.
Mainly just have fun and add a little drama without going overboard. That way everyone will notice you and not your raccoon eyes.
The Saloon's Sweet Sad Light
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
The first time I went to the Saloon at Broadway and 65th I had just moved to New York to escape betrayal and heartbreak from my hometown. I went to their outdoor café with an old acquaintance, Jen; and I was happy to soak up a little of her familiar glow. She was actually my older sister’s friend from high school whom I had always admired for her Prom Queen beauty and sassy sweetness. So I felt like I was entering an almost fairy- tale world when we sipped our frozen drinks and I poured out my stories. The sadness melted away as we literally rubbed elbows with fellow New Yorkers and watched the jostling crowd mill through the sidewalks. The setting sun in the fountain at Lincoln center seemed to cast a magical light that made everything seem different, shiny, and new. We wandered over there to watch the pretty painted swing dancers swirl and step and hop to the summer jazz music.
A while later I worked at the Saloon while I was in school. I discovered more sweetness and heartbreak as well. I realized that sadness tends to flow even through the prettiest and most glistening streets.
One evening I gazed at Brooke Shields overwhelming beauty lit up by the candlelight glow of the cozy bar. I laughed as my buddy mingled with John Corbett. I gladly gave directions to John Lovitz and thought it was ironic that even Kevin Spacey wasn’t allowed in before we opened, even though he peered longingly through the locked doors.
One evening I caught my own rising star. A nice looking funny guy at the bar would catch my attention every time I would go to pick up drinks to serve. We hung out later, and I was giddy with his struggling-urban-boy makes good story. He seemed so down to earth even though he was meeting with a big record label the next day. I quickly got caught up in his excitement, but a few months later I realized that all the glitter and shine in the world couldn’t substitute for love. So I let him go so he could rise back into the sky and I could love him in a different way from afar.
The building was torn down later that year, but I still keep the sweet friendship with Jen that started in the café and another friendship that started in the cozy back room. And I still keep the stronger more alive self that I met in the bustling glittering crowds.
The first time I went to the Saloon at Broadway and 65th I had just moved to New York to escape betrayal and heartbreak from my hometown. I went to their outdoor café with an old acquaintance, Jen; and I was happy to soak up a little of her familiar glow. She was actually my older sister’s friend from high school whom I had always admired for her Prom Queen beauty and sassy sweetness. So I felt like I was entering an almost fairy- tale world when we sipped our frozen drinks and I poured out my stories. The sadness melted away as we literally rubbed elbows with fellow New Yorkers and watched the jostling crowd mill through the sidewalks. The setting sun in the fountain at Lincoln center seemed to cast a magical light that made everything seem different, shiny, and new. We wandered over there to watch the pretty painted swing dancers swirl and step and hop to the summer jazz music.
A while later I worked at the Saloon while I was in school. I discovered more sweetness and heartbreak as well. I realized that sadness tends to flow even through the prettiest and most glistening streets.
One evening I gazed at Brooke Shields overwhelming beauty lit up by the candlelight glow of the cozy bar. I laughed as my buddy mingled with John Corbett. I gladly gave directions to John Lovitz and thought it was ironic that even Kevin Spacey wasn’t allowed in before we opened, even though he peered longingly through the locked doors.
One evening I caught my own rising star. A nice looking funny guy at the bar would catch my attention every time I would go to pick up drinks to serve. We hung out later, and I was giddy with his struggling-urban-boy makes good story. He seemed so down to earth even though he was meeting with a big record label the next day. I quickly got caught up in his excitement, but a few months later I realized that all the glitter and shine in the world couldn’t substitute for love. So I let him go so he could rise back into the sky and I could love him in a different way from afar.
The building was torn down later that year, but I still keep the sweet friendship with Jen that started in the café and another friendship that started in the cozy back room. And I still keep the stronger more alive self that I met in the bustling glittering crowds.
Holiday Wish List
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
My Fashion Friday was actually filled with shopping. Although it was fitting, I'm sorry I didn’t get out my usual post. But I am here today to put out my Holiday Wish List. It’s always fun to get new things, especially clothes. So I wish you lots of fun presents, but more than that, I wish you the wonder and newness that the gifts represent. So this year I have a different kind of wish list, for me and you. Enjoy!
May our lives be filled with:
1. The clarity and brilliance and sparkle of a glistening diamond necklace.
2. The freedom, excitement and power of a shiny new bike.
3. The comfort and love of a big plush teddy bear.
4. The possibility for music and melody of a new ipod.
5. The security and warmth of new feety pajamas.
6. The fresh viewpoint of a new camera.
7. The confidence and strength of high polished black leather boots.
8. The ability to see that time is ever moving like the ticks of a new watch.
9. The regal fortitude to face a cold world like a long wool coat.
10. And everything sweet, special, and surprising like a stocking full of goodies.
My Fashion Friday was actually filled with shopping. Although it was fitting, I'm sorry I didn’t get out my usual post. But I am here today to put out my Holiday Wish List. It’s always fun to get new things, especially clothes. So I wish you lots of fun presents, but more than that, I wish you the wonder and newness that the gifts represent. So this year I have a different kind of wish list, for me and you. Enjoy!
May our lives be filled with:
1. The clarity and brilliance and sparkle of a glistening diamond necklace.
2. The freedom, excitement and power of a shiny new bike.
3. The comfort and love of a big plush teddy bear.
4. The possibility for music and melody of a new ipod.
5. The security and warmth of new feety pajamas.
6. The fresh viewpoint of a new camera.
7. The confidence and strength of high polished black leather boots.
8. The ability to see that time is ever moving like the ticks of a new watch.
9. The regal fortitude to face a cold world like a long wool coat.
10. And everything sweet, special, and surprising like a stocking full of goodies.
Stuff the Turkey, Not Yourself!
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
Ooh, today is when we talk about fitness…kind of hard to do when I just woke up from a tryptophan induced nap. Ah well, holiday eating, like most things, is good with a little balance.
I let myself eat until I was a slightly full, not busting out like a Macy’s balloon. I didn’t devour everything on my plate, but I tried everything so I didn’t feel like I was missing out. And, I plan on having a light dinner.
To help burn off extra calories, yesterday I took an extra long run and tomorrow I plan on working out.
So, in the long run, a little Thanksgiving indulgence balanced with some self restraint is a good thing.
Just Remember:
1. Try everything, but don’t eat huge servings
2. Don’t be afraid to eat light before and after the big family meals
3. Take some breaks to work out. It will relieve holiday stress and extra pounds.
4. Enjoy one day of a little indulgence. You can get back on track tomorrow.
Ooh, today is when we talk about fitness…kind of hard to do when I just woke up from a tryptophan induced nap. Ah well, holiday eating, like most things, is good with a little balance.
I let myself eat until I was a slightly full, not busting out like a Macy’s balloon. I didn’t devour everything on my plate, but I tried everything so I didn’t feel like I was missing out. And, I plan on having a light dinner.
To help burn off extra calories, yesterday I took an extra long run and tomorrow I plan on working out.
So, in the long run, a little Thanksgiving indulgence balanced with some self restraint is a good thing.
Just Remember:
1. Try everything, but don’t eat huge servings
2. Don’t be afraid to eat light before and after the big family meals
3. Take some breaks to work out. It will relieve holiday stress and extra pounds.
4. Enjoy one day of a little indulgence. You can get back on track tomorrow.
The Holiday Exes
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
Since Wednesday is "boy day" and the Holidays are upon us I decided to write about the Holiday Exes. You know the ones that crop up whenever nostalgia strikes. Instead of asking them why in the heck they are back for more punishment, I have decided to take them for the gift that they are.
Most of us are of the opinion that we have to own someone. It beefs up our dating resume and our self-esteem. When we break up with them, we feel like we have lost something.
But after many destructive breakups, I have decided to take a different approach. I am grateful for the opportunity to have someone come into and out of my life. I have learned something from them and hopefully they have learned something from me, even if what we learned was how not to do a relationship. So instead of thinking of the relationship as owning each other I have decided to think of it as borrowing each other.
My Mom always told me to return something I borrowed in better condition than when I received it. So now when I break up I try to bite my tongue, be kind, and not flaunt someone new to prove what a catch I am. Since the guys don’t really “belong” to me and vice versa, I am glad I could borrow them for a while.
And the nice bonus is a few guy friends to keep around for company, advice, and a rich life. Not everyone was made to be my guy. I am still of the opinion that there is “the one” or several “ones” and one will finally step through all the hoops it takes to be “the one.” So while I am trying on others for size, I try to keep them in good condition. So that when nostalgia strikes them around the holidays we can be happy to talk to each other with no expectations. And I can wrap up again in their hug, like a comfy old borrowed sweater.
Since Wednesday is "boy day" and the Holidays are upon us I decided to write about the Holiday Exes. You know the ones that crop up whenever nostalgia strikes. Instead of asking them why in the heck they are back for more punishment, I have decided to take them for the gift that they are.
Most of us are of the opinion that we have to own someone. It beefs up our dating resume and our self-esteem. When we break up with them, we feel like we have lost something.
But after many destructive breakups, I have decided to take a different approach. I am grateful for the opportunity to have someone come into and out of my life. I have learned something from them and hopefully they have learned something from me, even if what we learned was how not to do a relationship. So instead of thinking of the relationship as owning each other I have decided to think of it as borrowing each other.
My Mom always told me to return something I borrowed in better condition than when I received it. So now when I break up I try to bite my tongue, be kind, and not flaunt someone new to prove what a catch I am. Since the guys don’t really “belong” to me and vice versa, I am glad I could borrow them for a while.
And the nice bonus is a few guy friends to keep around for company, advice, and a rich life. Not everyone was made to be my guy. I am still of the opinion that there is “the one” or several “ones” and one will finally step through all the hoops it takes to be “the one.” So while I am trying on others for size, I try to keep them in good condition. So that when nostalgia strikes them around the holidays we can be happy to talk to each other with no expectations. And I can wrap up again in their hug, like a comfy old borrowed sweater.
Bodacious Blush With a Natural Bristle Brush
Instead of reaching for chocolate, come to Mary's Candy Bar and find something yummy to chew on.
What’s the quickest way to get a luxurious makeup look? - using brushes with natural bristles. Not only does it feel fab, but it helps with Cindy Crawford’s makeup mantra: “blend, blend, blend.” The soft bristles help the color glide on evenly and not cakey.
Blending well is especially important during the holidays when we have fairer skin. Bright blush or bronzer can look a little harsh unless it’s applied smoothly.
And if you are going for a dramatic look for the eyes, a soft brush will keep you looking glam not garish. You can accomplish the smoky eye without looking like Ricky Racoon.
Another bonus of natural bristles is being able to wash the brushes regularly. A good brush will hold its shape with several washes so you can stop the spread of germs, ick! No-one wants a cold or a blemish during the winter.
What’s the quickest way to get a luxurious makeup look? - using brushes with natural bristles. Not only does it feel fab, but it helps with Cindy Crawford’s makeup mantra: “blend, blend, blend.” The soft bristles help the color glide on evenly and not cakey.
Blending well is especially important during the holidays when we have fairer skin. Bright blush or bronzer can look a little harsh unless it’s applied smoothly.
And if you are going for a dramatic look for the eyes, a soft brush will keep you looking glam not garish. You can accomplish the smoky eye without looking like Ricky Racoon.
Another bonus of natural bristles is being able to wash the brushes regularly. A good brush will hold its shape with several washes so you can stop the spread of germs, ick! No-one wants a cold or a blemish during the winter.
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