5 Reasons This Week Will Rock

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It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of my oh-so-fun “5 Reasons” post. It’s a post I like to do every so often to help get me smiling about the week ahead. Who-hoo! We all know how I just (enter sarcasm here) LOVE Mondays. And while they’re not my favorite after a productive, fun-filled weekend, they too, still deserve some R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

So, as I make a consorted effort to get excited about the fact that’s Monday (again, already) and transition back into the routine of the week – I’m looking forward to the little things. I think one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard time and time again is to “always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.” If I keep this concept in mind, while consciously treasuring and getting excited about the small things in life, I can’t help but think I’ll kick Monday’s ass (excuse my French).

As they say, perspective is everything…even when it comes to Monday.

Here are 5 reasons this week will rock…

#1.  After 3 MONTHS of one of the most torturously comedic cliffhangers ever, The Mindy Project is back and they’re rightfully apologizing for such a lengthy hiatus with a 1 hour spring premiere. Will Mindy and Danny finally get it together and admit they have the hots for each other after their kiss in the sky? The point is – don’t bother me this Tuesday night between 9:00pm-10:00pm. I’m unavailable.

(p.s. If someone were to ever ask me who I’d want as my famous BFF, hands down, it would be Mindy Kaling. Rashida Jones, a close second.)

#2. What will surely be a nice addition to my week? Looking for something in my purse and actually finding it. For almost a month now my now defunct make-up bag kept popping open. Every make-up brush, tube of mascara, and lipstick I carry was always in the bottom of my purse. I finally went to Target and treated myself to a new make-up bag. I can’t wait to have the pleasure of seeing the bottom of my purse again. (Hey, it’s the little things, remember?)

#3. I love pasta. I also love anything that I can come home and whip up after a long day in no time. On one of my solo nights in this week, this super simple Pasta with Fresh Tomato dish will be on my dining agenda over old episodes of Ally McBeal on Netflix. Win. Win.

#4. I’ve been hearing manicure miracles about Essie’s All in One 3-Way Glaze. This formula is your base coat and top coat in one, while strengthening and providing a high shine. Ladies claim that your mani/pedis last longer, with no chipping or dullness. An at home spa treatment this week using this new gem is in order. I’ll report back on if it’s worth the hype.

#5. A mid-week date night with my boyfriend at one of our favorite theaters, some candy for sure, popcorn perhaps, and this incredibly interesting documentary on street photographer, Vivian Maier. Finding Vivian Maier, follows the story of a nanny who secretly had a passion and talent for photography. Her photos, unearthed in 2007, shortly before her death in 2009, are making a huge buzz on the art scene, labeling her one the best photographers of the 20th century. The film delves into the life and times of a woman who clearly preferred anonymity and secrecy, while being a mystery herself. This should be a good one. Here’s the trailer:

Cheers to another Monday and week ahead! xx

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What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

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You wouldn’t know it by looking out the window at our trademark California sunshine as I write this, but a storm is vastly approaching the City of Angels. By the time you read this, we’ll be in the mist of an actual (and very much-needed) rain storm for the next 5 straight days. In “LA speak” this means alternating between downpour then drizzling, on and off, just before the next random heat wave. Not usually one to get too excited at the prospect of rain (especially when I prefer to be wrapped up in a soft blanket at home watching movies all day and not sitting in traffic heading to work) I know that this particular storm is a godsend to our ongoing drought emergency. Looking ahead to an upcoming long weekend on my end, it looks like I’ll be spending the last days of February primarily indoors. It’s prompted me to think about small pleasures on a rainy day: a good book, a warm beverage, things to do to pass the time, and a fun umbrella to have handy when you do brave the outdoors.

Here are a few things I’m lovin’ right now to guide us through the rain and to the rainbow, until our trademark sunshine joins us again. xx


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 rainy day footwear – Knee Length Cozy Socks

rainy day mani inspiration – Suzi and the 7 Dusseldorfs by OPI | Amazon

rainy day protection – Bumble Umbrella | Target

rainy day neck wear – The Nellie Knit Scarf | Grace & Lace

rainy day chocolate fix – Homemade Hot Chocolate |  heart.love.weddings.

rainy day self-care – Why and How to Take a Detox Bath | Healthy Living How To

rainy day read Think on These Things by Jiddu Krishnamurti | Amazon

rainy day organization inspiration – 52 Meticulous Organizing Tips for the OCD Person in You | Buzzfeed


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2012: Best in Beauty

I’m not a high maintenance gal, but this doesn’t mean that I don’t like to always look put together. I’m way too O.C.D. with a healthy dose of perfectionism for sloppiness! 🙂

I didn’t really transition into the “girliness” of being a girl until my mid-twenties (when more astute attention was paid to clothes and makeup). It’s still growing and evolving; as it should when you come more into your own and want to redefine your look. The simple fact of getting older, wanting to try new things (and let’s be honest: as well as my addiction to tips found on Pinterest, the blogosphere, and my subscription to Glamour magazine) led me down a path this year to take the time to enjoy and grow into that fun girly side a bit more and experiment with new products.

These are beauty findings I discovered this year, that I’ve come to love, use, and recommend to those looking to (re)capture the “girl” in all of us; tried, tested and true. Happy primping!

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Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Light Stay-In-Place Makeup, $36.00. I recently switched from using powder makeup to this foundation after successfully using a sample that I got during the L.A. Cupcakes and Cashmere book signing (gotta love cross promotion). It’s super lightweight, doesn’t clog pores, lasts all day; and most importantly, doesn’t feel like liquid is sitting on your face. Four reasons I’ve never used liquid makeup. Also, this inexpensive but very sturdy Studio Tools Large Foundation Brush from Target, $6.99, does a wonderful application of my new face makeup.

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My favorite new find for a warm glow on your cheeks would be courtesy Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks, $25.00. I have a warm, chestnut skin tone and love the Milk Chocolate, though Bobbi’s got you covered with 9 other shades to suit your skin tone. The best part? You can sweep it on your lips for a touch of color as well.

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My favorite nail polish on the mani/pedi front: Tangerine Crush from L’Oreal’s Colour Riche Femme Fatale Collection, $4.99.

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Dressing up the eyes has become much more dramatic and long-lasting with these two new beauty finds: Sephora Collection’s Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara in Black, $15.00; and Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Eye Pencil, $24.00, in Mahogany.

Highlights: Fall Inspired

Hey there Glitterati!

Took a short hiatus but I’m back with tons to catch you up on! First, some highlights. Much needed smiles came from these recent findings. Coincidentally, they were all a nod to the Fall season:

{Do yourself a favor and go out and get a tub of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese. I had my first bagel with this spread a few days ago and my tongue did the happy dance.}

{The Halloween decorations have begun! If you need an inexpensive way to salute the season, these pumpkin shaped lights from Target are perfect. Similar here.}

{While the heat is still ever-present in L.A. (and even I’m over it at this point), we did get our first Fall rain last week which promoted some candle burning at home and clean air (and mat) outside.}

{This t-shirt I saw in the storefront window at Wet Seal put a huge grin on my face – naughty, naughty!}

So much to talk about with you all, and I’ll get you up to speed. In the meantime, have a great week! 🙂