GET IT GIRL BEAUTY

A Glamourous Honor

2009-11-10T21:53:00.006-05:00

Sheer fierceness is that of Rihanna rocking this magnificent gown at the Glamour Awards the other nite. Just fab period.

Breaking Down

2009-11-03T13:22:00.003-05:00

20% off at beautyhabit.com. when you enter instyle at the checkout. I may have to go ahead & go ahead...yeah.

Purpose of Primer

2009-10-31T02:05:00.036-04:00

The purpose of foundation primer includes but is not limited to providing a flawless base for foundations & tinted moisturizers, prep and smoothes your facial skin, assists with decreasing the look of larger pores, and extends the wear and staying power of foundation. Here's a few of the best primers currently on the market:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer--Delicate, light, and silky are
all the rave that makes this product a true favorite amongst consumers. $36

Chanel Blanc Universel -- Known to be one of Chanel's top products, it has been quoted to be magical. Not only is it highly beneficial to filling in pores and those fine lines, but it also helps suppress ruddy skin tones. $44

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Oil Free Contains silicone which aids in a smooth, gliding application & fills in fine lines and wrinkles. $30

Mac Prep+Prime Skin Primer--Literally known to keep your foundation in place all day. Low impact to the budget is also a nice perk here. $25

Sephora Skin Smoothing Makeup Base--A great basic primer that's popular and doesn't disappoint in the bargain department. $12

*A note to the wise: Please be sure to exfoliate the skin at least one to two times a week to rid all scalie/dry skin possibilities. This will ensure that you're getting the best possible results of what your primer has to offer. Afterall, primer atop dry skin is not a good look whatsoever!

allwomenstalk.com

2009-10-24T13:30:00.003-04:00

FUN!! I've been quoted:-D

Top 10: Moisturizers

2009-10-24T10:45:00.006-04:00

Anti-aging, alpha hydroxy, SPF, sunscreen, fragrance free, oil free, hydrating, and revitalization are all the bling when it comes to selecting a great moisturizer for your skin. In honor of the winter months that are fast approaching, [well, they're practically here] here's the top ten list of moisturizers to keep your skin balanced and looking oh so glowing during the unfortunate tundra, wintry, cold months!

1. La Mer Creme de la Mer

2. Philosophy's hope in a jar daily moisturizer

3. Perricone MD, Face Finishing Moisturizer

4. Mary Kay Day Solution with Sunscreen, SPF 15

5. Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion, SPF 30

6. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion, SPF 15

7. Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion, SPF 15

8. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

9. RevaleSkin Night Cream

10. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer, SPF 15

Runner Up: Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Moisturizer, SPF 20

First Family Portrait

2009-10-23T21:46:00.001-04:00

Absolutely beautiful!

We Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday!!

2009-10-14T12:08:00.010-04:00

Cuz it is!! Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so excited for today. Absolutely no expectations and it's been the best day so far! Thanks to all the lovlies that have facebooked & texted me well wishes. More pictures to come shortly! WoooooHooooo..It's my BIRTHDAY!
My absolute fave: Red Velvet cake with Cream cheese frosting & candied pecans--YUMMMMMY!!

The drinks were fya!

Gotta have eats!

And more Drinky Dranks! ....Fun times!

MAC Lovaaaaahs!!

2009-10-06T16:50:00.005-04:00

Get your MAC on at maccosmetics.com until 10/24! Yes, free shipping on ALL items. Get your shop on...NOW~

Weekend Dish List

2009-10-04T21:41:00.007-04:00

-Whole Foods--I'm addicted again

-I could walk this store all day reading all the labels, looking at all the food, and eating the samples

-Doing that ALL DAY..I would definitely get escorted out!

-I like the word skank..lol

-Went to the Pie Company again..but didn't get any pie!

-Still not good though..had a cinnanon roll from Sweet Mandy B's earlier

-Tried a vanilla steamer for the first time

-YUMMY!!

-I got my desk..wooooofreakinhooo!!

-Now I'll be up all night blogging, researching, and just plain ole' surfing

-Now on to decorating the living room

-I'm thinking a deep metallic purple accent wall

-With brown microfiber chairs & leopard pillows to go with

-Talk about royalty!

-When completed, the bank acct is going on lock!

-Church was very nice--nite service that is

-Surrender & Humble yourself

-That's the focus for my week

-Productivity should be up for the week!

-I went to the gym Sunday morning

-Ran 4 miles in 44:49 secs

-Signed up with the trainer again!

-I'm excited

-Must.stick.with.it!

-Ate at Panera Bread

-Hadn't had it since last year

-Asian Chicken salad is heavenly!

-Looking forward to the DIY craft fair in December

-How about the Makeup Summit is next weekend!

-Gotta get back in the game

-Here's a picture of me in my Sunday's BestGot that summery piece from a cutesy vintage store in Chicago

-Gotta get work clothes together now :-0

-Hi Mom! :-)

Weekend Dish List

2009-09-28T14:59:00.008-04:00

-Cleaned up the house. (and still have boxes that need to get thrown out)
-2nd weekend in a row at the pie shop with Jeanne
-Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie
-It's so darn good & not too sweet
-Walked the strip afterwards
-Chicago has some of the best vintage shops ever
-They are just hidden and you have to seek out..reach out..for them lol
-Yeah that was a church song I just incorporated in the above sentence
-I finally got dependable internet at home
-Up all nite catching up on my fave sites
-I think I want a pet
-A cat to be exact
-I dunno..we'll see
-Love Pandora radio
-Church was the same to say the least
-My family always looks beautiful no matter what we're going through
-Grandma is doing much better
-It was good to hear her thoughts..heck just for us all to talk and discuss was good
-We should do that more often and without planning it
-I love Sunday dinner with the fam
-Dinner is always good when you just order it up via drive-thru
-No Sunday nap time comes into play when you have a 3 year old running around
-I should go back to church on Sunday nite
-It's a shame though that now I can't even remember what the morning sermon was about
-Went home and locked myself out of my house again doing laundry
-Yeah that's the second time in like a few weeks
-Must slow down and think about what I'm doing
-I've lived on my own for over 10 years and have never done this
-Guess I'm going through a phase that needs to be phased out--QUICKLY.
-Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha is sooooo good
-Order it skim along with whip cream on top..what a balance:-)
-A trip to Savannah is coming
-I can feel it.

Autumn

2009-09-25T13:03:00.027-04:00

I love this time of year...

The trees are beginning to turn colors..

Gotta get my house in order! I know..moved like eons ago and it semi looks like I just moved [only in the living room area though:-]

Have.to.buy.desk.NOW.

Spending a ton of idle time hanging out in random coffee shops trying all the seasonal lattes...

I absolutely HEART this store more than words will ever say! Find me here in the museum of Anthropologie!

Gotta eat tons of cupcakes! I'll just blame it on the upcoming holiday season!

Can't look this good living off cupcakes & lattes. Still gotta hit the gym...

Can't forget the grocery shopping at Trader Joe's!

Or Whole Paycheck..I mean Foods:)

Oh what a day. I'm pooped. I'll get up and do it all over again tomorrow..mmmm :)

Fall of Fragrances

2009-09-24T17:13:00.010-04:00

Here's some new scents sweeping the fall scene this year:

Oh Your Majesty...yoooohoooo! That's what the lucky people around you will be saying as they bask in the scent of Queen Latifah. With notes of cognac, incense, coriander, and mandarin orange..you'll be the queen you were destined to be! $49

Not sure if I want to sound off this fall with Paris Hilton's Siren-although the notes that make up this fragrance are indeed seductive. Apricot nectar, orchid, and frangipani blossom. Wonderful combo..I have to admit. $45

Lily and rose will delicately sweep your senses to D&G's new Anthology 18 LA Lune. The name in itself is enticing. $65

Patchouli lovers this is for you. You'll get a little ginger and Egyptian jasmine out of this as well. Giorgio Armani Idole D'Armani, $62 ....Just tell them at the counter you want the new Armani for women.:)

* All fragrances available at fine department stores.

Making It Happen

2009-04-24T15:20:00.000-04:00

Plant a thought, reap an act, plant an act, reap a habit, plant a habit, reap your lifestyle, plant your lifestyle and reap your destiny. As we think, so we will be. Let's think and be our best today : ) -Larry DiAngi

100 Faces By May 31st!

2009-04-23T13:55:00.002-04:00

You read right! I am back, grinding harder than ever! The weather is finally breaking and I'm getting my name out there..NOW! What better way than to do a 100 face blitz, adding all of this to my portfolio...YEAH!

Myself and a colleague have partnered up at a local hotel every Monday to do the do! I've got my cards ready for handout and now I'm just going to spread the word and run my mouth! Imagine what's gonna come out of this..mo money, mo money, mo! I can't wait to share my results as time progresses!

Stop The Press!

2009-04-18T08:18:00.005-04:00

I can't believe cosmetics is on sale and of all places, at Saks Fifth Avenue! That's right! 15% off cosmetics and frangrance! I guess that's tax pretty much in the Midwest since it's over 10 percent...but woooohooo! Sephora is also having a 15% sale this week. I tell you..a sign of the times! Well I have to give thanks to this fact because as you all know cosmetics NEVER go on sale. I'm on my way out the door..gotta go, gotta go!

Feeling Brave...Taking A Risk

2009-04-04T00:04:00.001-04:00

Barack Obama WINS!!!!!

2008-11-05T13:24:00.007-05:00

I'm sooooooooooo overwhelmed with happiness and excitement! Words can not express how great this feeling is! I'm proud to be a witness of such a day in history I and many others thought we'd NEVER see! CONGRATS to the USA!!!!
Courtesy of http://www.patrickmoberg.com/

Celebrity Makeup: YES or A HOT MESS??

2008-10-16T18:26:00.008-04:00

Running out of ideas as to how to do your makeup? No worries! Get a few ideas from your favorite celebrity. With a lil mascara, eyeliner, and a lipstick that compliments your look, you'll be celebrity ready. The following looks are definitely achievable at home. Take your pick:Ciara is wearing purple shadow rimmed over the top and bottom eyelids, with mascara and a black eyeliner.Beyonce is sporting the infamous brown smokey eye and she plays it down with a neutral lip.

Kim Kardashian has been toning it down lately. With an ultimate mascara to lengthen your lashes to the fullest, a pale pink blush, and a matte lipstick (Angel by MAC is her fave), you'll be well on your way.

Jada has a frosty eyelid going with chocolate brown eyeshadow outlined in her crease followed by a soft pink blush and berry lipgloss.

Now go get pretty for your nite on the town! xx

Butter Me Up

2008-10-15T19:45:00.013-04:00

As we count down to the last three months of the year, it's going to get even colder! With that said, we'll need to butter up our temples like never before. Here are a few body butter options I've come across that will assist you in remaining soft, subtle, and moisturized during the winter months.

Thai Lemongrass by Pacifica, $15.95

SweetHoneyDipChocolateBrownSugah by Carol's Daughter, $18

Glistening Winterberry by Mary Kay, $26 (Pictured: Body Butter, Mist, & Wash)

Tangerine Grapefruit, Citrus Sage, Tropical Jasmine by Sephora, $4-$16 (*Recommended: Asian Ginger Body Butter, $4)

Daisy by Marc Jacobs, $92

Papaya Body Butter by Black Opal, $8.95

Cake Eating & Little Darlings

2008-10-14T01:01:00.008-04:00

Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Today is a milestone. I'm emotional, excited, and anxious all at the same time...ooooooweeeeeee! Enough about me...on to the MAC Holiday Gift Collections that will be gracing the public in 2 short days! Little Darlings: 5 Coral Lipglass/Lustreglass
Lipglass: Underage, Ola Mango!, Pink Grapefruit
Lustreglass: Wonderstruck, Budding

Little Darlings: 5 Pink
Lipglass: Fleur Delight, Song And Dance, Magnetique
Lustreglass: Flashmode, Little VI

Little Darlings: 5 Neutral Lipglass/Lustreglass
Lipglass: C-Thru, Mouthwatering, Languish
Lustreglass: Love Nectar, Beaux

Little Darlings: 5 Softsparkle/Eye Pencils
Black Funk, Fab Orchid; Peacocked, Mint & Olive, Chocolight

This collection will also feature collections of:
Warm & Cool Pigment/Glitters
Lip Palettes
Eyeshadow Palettes
3 Brush Sets

Exciting, Right!?!?!

Color Me Nails

2008-10-13T21:44:00.009-04:00

Dazzling collections of nail colors are in effect this year:

Yoga-Ta Get This Blue..by the one and only-OPI

Lady Godiva...by Essie $8

Teal (left) & No More War (below)...by Rescue Beauty Lounge $18 each

Also HAVE to mention as I'm screaming excited that I was quoted on All Women's Talk blog about brand name Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish!! Go ahead...see for yourself!!

You Light Up My Life!

2008-10-12T18:49:00.016-04:00

It doesn't matter if you're sitting at your desk working up a storm, cooking it up in the kitchen, cleaning the house from top to bottom, or soaking up the suds and relaxing your day away in your garden tub! Candles will always set the mood and help you relax no matter what.

Lets look at a few selections below:

Soy candles by Ergo. These candles last forever and smell so delicious (ergo.com)

Altru Harmony Aromatic Soy Blend Candle ($55, gamillahboutique.com)

Henri Bendal Collection..the Pomegranate is my fave (bathandbodyworks.com)

Diffuser's..it seems like these scented firecrackers are becoming the new phenomenon. ($24, westelm.com)

Luscious

2008-10-11T09:49:00.005-04:00

While I was in the bookstore reading a magazine, I kept smelling this feminine fragrance that was soft and almost smelled similar to baby powder but a bit better. I flipped a couple pages forward, and voila! What I come to is Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink that came out a few months ago. While I'm not big on celebrity launches in perfume, I think this may just be the one that gets me into the mall to buy. I'm heading over to Macy's today!

The Fall of Beauty Books

2008-10-10T11:06:00.023-04:00

Fall is officially here and it's been forever since I've updated this blog. I seriously need to do better!

I've been in the bookstore catching up on some must reads that are perfect for curling up on the couch by the fireplace with a cozy blanket and a hot cup of blackberry tea! Here's my list:

Effortless Style....by June Ambrose

The One Hundred...by Nina Garcia

Daily Candy AtoZ

Before You Put That On....by Lloyd Boston

One Fifth Avenue.....by Candace Bushnell

The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style

Practically Posh: The Smart Girls Guide to a Glam Life....by Robyn Moreno

Fabulousity...by Kimora Lee Simmons

Happy Reading!

The Beauty of Savannah

2008-07-02T20:39:00.028-04:00

Had the pleasure of visiting one of my favorite cities in the nation...Savannah! It's been a few years since my last visit-so as soon as I arrived, I immediately remembered that there's so much beauty here in this best kept secret of the south!! When I was done with the makeup gig, I headed out to catch up on the latest and greatest of this historic town!

Took this pic in the car when I first got off the highway..so excited!

Dinner at Corleone's! Shrimp & Scallop Kabob over Garlic Penne Pasta...so yummy!

Bay St. which has restaurants, hotels, shopping...the infamous bridge that leads into South Carolina, and Broughton Street for shopping, eats, and theatre!
No matter where I'm visiting, I can never get away from my hometown, Chicago!

Who knew I would stumble across the #1 Marc Jacobs Boutique in the nation! Talk about lovely everything in this place! I was in shock & awwwe feeling like I had just stepped into a handbag museum..ha!

The best pralines EVER are found at River Street Sweets!

Oh Savannah!