I read a fabulous post on Shine recently, which lists some of the author's favorite things about the Summer season. Love it - and I'm adding a few of my own:
1. Driving with the windows down and moon roof open in my Beetle on a warm, starry night
2. The beachy smell of sunscreen
3. Breaking out my Storm Watch Yankee Candles, which for some reason I only do in Summer
4. Sitting on my front porch, enjoying a cold beverage, after a long day of work
5. Reading a girly book or fashion mag in my back yard
6. Bumpy's ice cream sundaes (and snickering at the adults driving the bumper boats while waiting in line)
7. My cat in the open window, happily sniffing the breeze as it blows in
8. Old Navy flip-flops in every color imaginable
9. Walks around Central Park
10. Watching baseball on TV with the hubby at night
11. Not worrying about the National Grid bill
12. Snagging an outside table at a restaurant or bar
13. Free outdoor concerts
14. Going in to work and leaving work during daylight hours
15. SPAC!
What are some of yours??
Here is the original list:
http://www.shine.yahoo.com/event/makeover/101-best-things-about-summer-1791801/
Stars, Daisies and ButterfliesThese are a few of my favorite things...
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Fellow Lost fans: I thought this post on ew.com was so awesome, I just had to share. A map of all (well, most) things Lost! And I completely love that one of the taglines the article can be found under is "geekery". Yes!
http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/16/lost-map/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ew%2Fpopwatch+%28Entertainment+Weekly%27s+PopWatch%29
http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/06/16/lost-map/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ew%2Fpopwatch+%28Entertainment+Weekly%27s+PopWatch%29
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Like most girls, I can easily kill a half hour wandering the last three aisles at my local CVS, perusing new beauty products (and sniffing the new shampoo and body wash scents when no one is looking). The best part of drugstore shopping is all of the great deals you can strike, especially if you have coupons or a discount card. Combine that with the fact that there are some pretty amazing products out there for less than ten bucks a pop, and you have beauty shopping nirvana. Here are some of my favorite wallet-friendly drugstore beauty buys, all for less than a ten spot:
1. Suave Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner, Almond and Shea Butter ($3.49 each). I always struggle with moisturizing hair products - my hair is very dry, but also very fine, and most products weigh my hair down. Enter this wonder duo, which is Suave's version of Aveda Dry Remedy. Presto! I have soft, shiny hair for seven bucks total. Who knew?!
2. Revlon Ped-Expert Pedicure Kit ($9.99). This is the closest you can possibly get to salon-soft feet at home! I'll even venture that my feet are softer when I use this than they are after a trip to my local nail salon. You get a set of nail clippers, a little pink nail file that I promptly stashed in my purse, and a pink "ped egg" that removes callouses and rough skin with the textured side, then files for extra smoothness on the flip side. All of the gross dead skin lands inside the device, so you can open it up and dump everything without having to deal with the mess. I love high heels, and therefore get some pretty tough callouses on my feet - this whisked them away in literally minutes. My feet are now happy feet.
3. St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Invigorating ($4.29). I been using St. Ives scrub since I was a teenager. My skin was much different then - oily and very prone to breakouts - but regardless of how my face is behaving, this scrub does the job without irritating. It's just "scrubby" enough, and I find I don't need to follow up with a cleanser afterward. It leaves my skin refreshed, and never tight or dry.
4. CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lip Gloss ($5.49). I am a total lip gloss addict. I won't even begin to calculate how much I've spent over the years searching for the perfect one - shiny but not sparkly, stays put but isn't sticky, and is just the right shade of pink for my lips. This gloss totally fits the bill, for much less than all of the tubes I've plunked money down for at Sephora. I'm especially partial to the Watermelon shade, which is just a few shades pinker than my natural lip color.
5. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($7.99). This favorite of my dermatologist seems to work for everyone. For my combination dry/oily skin, it cleans without stripping, and since it is dye and fragrance-free, it doesn't irritate me at all. A friend of mine with dry skin also swears by it.
6. Bonne Bell Lip Smacker ($1.99). Maybe you haven't used this since grade school, but I dare you to try the Dr. Pepper flavor and tell me you don't have the perfect pinky-red lips...that also happen to taste delicious. The vanilla is also amazing. Tuck one in your pocket when you don't feel like carrying a purse.
7. Sally Hansen Color Quick Nail Color Pen ($6). For some reason, I assumed all nail polish pens were cheap - the type of polish that starts chipping a few hours after you apply it. I tried this on a whim, and I am totally impressed. It's a quick-dry formula, and the polish goes on evenly without the pen getting messy. It lasts a few days before signs of chipping set in, which isn't bad in my book. And the nude shade is fantastic for short, neatly-manicured nails.
8. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes Refill Pack ($7.99). These are the answer to a clean face when you don't have the time and/or energy to break out the soap and water. I like this brand in particular because it's strong enough to remove stubborn mascara, but gentle enough that my face isn't stinging afterward. I buy the refill pack (which is resealable) instead of the plastic case - more portable and less expensive.
9. Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($5.99). These are perfect for quick T-zone touchups. Better than powder, because they remove the oil without adding a cakey layer of makeup. I keep a pack in my purse, in my desk, and even one in my car.
10. CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Liquid Foundation ($6.99). This is a great foundation for those of us who want coverage, but not so much that we look like we piled the makeup on with a spatula. There's not much of a fragrance, which is a major plus over the old formula. And I do notice my T-zone is less oily when I use it. I love the pressed powder in this line as well, but that would make this a list of eleven, which would just drive me nuts. :-P
1. Suave Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner, Almond and Shea Butter ($3.49 each). I always struggle with moisturizing hair products - my hair is very dry, but also very fine, and most products weigh my hair down. Enter this wonder duo, which is Suave's version of Aveda Dry Remedy. Presto! I have soft, shiny hair for seven bucks total. Who knew?!
2. Revlon Ped-Expert Pedicure Kit ($9.99). This is the closest you can possibly get to salon-soft feet at home! I'll even venture that my feet are softer when I use this than they are after a trip to my local nail salon. You get a set of nail clippers, a little pink nail file that I promptly stashed in my purse, and a pink "ped egg" that removes callouses and rough skin with the textured side, then files for extra smoothness on the flip side. All of the gross dead skin lands inside the device, so you can open it up and dump everything without having to deal with the mess. I love high heels, and therefore get some pretty tough callouses on my feet - this whisked them away in literally minutes. My feet are now happy feet.
3. St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Invigorating ($4.29). I been using St. Ives scrub since I was a teenager. My skin was much different then - oily and very prone to breakouts - but regardless of how my face is behaving, this scrub does the job without irritating. It's just "scrubby" enough, and I find I don't need to follow up with a cleanser afterward. It leaves my skin refreshed, and never tight or dry.
4. CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lip Gloss ($5.49). I am a total lip gloss addict. I won't even begin to calculate how much I've spent over the years searching for the perfect one - shiny but not sparkly, stays put but isn't sticky, and is just the right shade of pink for my lips. This gloss totally fits the bill, for much less than all of the tubes I've plunked money down for at Sephora. I'm especially partial to the Watermelon shade, which is just a few shades pinker than my natural lip color.
5. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($7.99). This favorite of my dermatologist seems to work for everyone. For my combination dry/oily skin, it cleans without stripping, and since it is dye and fragrance-free, it doesn't irritate me at all. A friend of mine with dry skin also swears by it.
6. Bonne Bell Lip Smacker ($1.99). Maybe you haven't used this since grade school, but I dare you to try the Dr. Pepper flavor and tell me you don't have the perfect pinky-red lips...that also happen to taste delicious. The vanilla is also amazing. Tuck one in your pocket when you don't feel like carrying a purse.
7. Sally Hansen Color Quick Nail Color Pen ($6). For some reason, I assumed all nail polish pens were cheap - the type of polish that starts chipping a few hours after you apply it. I tried this on a whim, and I am totally impressed. It's a quick-dry formula, and the polish goes on evenly without the pen getting messy. It lasts a few days before signs of chipping set in, which isn't bad in my book. And the nude shade is fantastic for short, neatly-manicured nails.
8. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes Refill Pack ($7.99). These are the answer to a clean face when you don't have the time and/or energy to break out the soap and water. I like this brand in particular because it's strong enough to remove stubborn mascara, but gentle enough that my face isn't stinging afterward. I buy the refill pack (which is resealable) instead of the plastic case - more portable and less expensive.
9. Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($5.99). These are perfect for quick T-zone touchups. Better than powder, because they remove the oil without adding a cakey layer of makeup. I keep a pack in my purse, in my desk, and even one in my car.
10. CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Liquid Foundation ($6.99). This is a great foundation for those of us who want coverage, but not so much that we look like we piled the makeup on with a spatula. There's not much of a fragrance, which is a major plus over the old formula. And I do notice my T-zone is less oily when I use it. I love the pressed powder in this line as well, but that would make this a list of eleven, which would just drive me nuts. :-P
Friday, June 4, 2010
I love these things ~ the great Kristi Gustafson posted this on her OTE blog today (http://blog.timesunion.com/kristi/27967/ff-my-story/), and I thought I'd join in the fun!
Hi, my name is: April
But you can call me: Shauna (Ferris Bueller flashback)
Never in my life have I: flown on an airplane.
My high school is: a lot different from when I graduated in 96!
When I’m nervous: I think of the scene in Legally Blonde when Elle was walking into Harvard for the first time and said out loud to her dog and herself, "Don't be nervous...everyone will love you!"
The last song I listened to was: REM ~ Man on the Moon
If I were to get married right now: I'd be a polygamist, considering I'm already married...
My hair is: in need of a major change (hello, brunette!)
When I was 4: I begged my parents for a cat, and ended up with four because my mom couldn't bear to break the sister kitties up.
Last Christmas: was surprisingly drama-free!
I should be: whittling down my boss' out-of-control email inbox
When I look down I see: really cute shoes
The happiest recent event was: walking in The Crossings with a dear friend, and deciding to make it a weekly endeavor - so much fun!
By this time next year: my husband and I will have BOTH paid our cars off ~ whew!
My current gripe is: people who feel the need to drive down my street blaring rap music. I've taken to shouting "No one thinks you're cool!" out my living room window when they drive by. I'm sure they don't hear me, but I feel better.
I have a hard time understanding: people who would rather be negative and miserable than positive and happy...it's a choice you make.
There are these girls: who spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about other people and not themselves.
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: my amazing husband!
I want to buy: a particularly gorgeous Kate Spade bag that I love, but would never spend the $395 to own.
I plan to visit: my grandmother next weekend - can't wait, I miss her like crazy!
If you spent the night at my house: you'd get to enjoy the sweet new air conditioner we just put in the window of the spare room.
The world could do without: centipedes, millipedes, and the like. *shudder*
Most recent thing I’ve bought myself: Coffee
Most recent thing someone else bought me: A fancy pen, which I adore.
My middle name is: Dawn
In the morning: I absolutely have to be up before 7AM, even on the weekends, or I feel like I'm wasting the day.
Last night I was: in bed early, watching the Golden Girls and thinking of Rue. :-/
There’s this guy I know who: is a million times more talented, thoughtful, and amazing than he will ever know. <3
If I was an animal I’d be: a cat
Tomorrow I am: cleaning out my scary clothes closet and selling/donating a whole lot of stuff.
Tonight I am: having a movie night at home.
My birthday is: not in April, despite my name. :-)
Hi, my name is: April
But you can call me: Shauna (Ferris Bueller flashback)
Never in my life have I: flown on an airplane.
My high school is: a lot different from when I graduated in 96!
When I’m nervous: I think of the scene in Legally Blonde when Elle was walking into Harvard for the first time and said out loud to her dog and herself, "Don't be nervous...everyone will love you!"
The last song I listened to was: REM ~ Man on the Moon
If I were to get married right now: I'd be a polygamist, considering I'm already married...
My hair is: in need of a major change (hello, brunette!)
When I was 4: I begged my parents for a cat, and ended up with four because my mom couldn't bear to break the sister kitties up.
Last Christmas: was surprisingly drama-free!
I should be: whittling down my boss' out-of-control email inbox
When I look down I see: really cute shoes
The happiest recent event was: walking in The Crossings with a dear friend, and deciding to make it a weekly endeavor - so much fun!
By this time next year: my husband and I will have BOTH paid our cars off ~ whew!
My current gripe is: people who feel the need to drive down my street blaring rap music. I've taken to shouting "No one thinks you're cool!" out my living room window when they drive by. I'm sure they don't hear me, but I feel better.
I have a hard time understanding: people who would rather be negative and miserable than positive and happy...it's a choice you make.
There are these girls: who spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about other people and not themselves.
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: my amazing husband!
I want to buy: a particularly gorgeous Kate Spade bag that I love, but would never spend the $395 to own.
I plan to visit: my grandmother next weekend - can't wait, I miss her like crazy!
If you spent the night at my house: you'd get to enjoy the sweet new air conditioner we just put in the window of the spare room.
The world could do without: centipedes, millipedes, and the like. *shudder*
Most recent thing I’ve bought myself: Coffee
Most recent thing someone else bought me: A fancy pen, which I adore.
My middle name is: Dawn
In the morning: I absolutely have to be up before 7AM, even on the weekends, or I feel like I'm wasting the day.
Last night I was: in bed early, watching the Golden Girls and thinking of Rue. :-/
There’s this guy I know who: is a million times more talented, thoughtful, and amazing than he will ever know. <3
If I was an animal I’d be: a cat
Tomorrow I am: cleaning out my scary clothes closet and selling/donating a whole lot of stuff.
Tonight I am: having a movie night at home.
My birthday is: not in April, despite my name. :-)