Catch Up!

Wow, its been a while.

Since the last time I blogged I have:

Re-enrolled in school.

–The Institute of Integrative Nutrition – Health and Wellness are passions of mine.  However, as of late, they haven’t been enough of a priority in my life.  After trying the Atkins diet starting in October I got REALLY sick.  REALLY really sick.  I originally felt amazing.  I had so much energy and I was dropping weight like crazy.  I had read all the books and scoured the internet for feedback and tools about the diet.  I found the good the bad and the ugly.  Based upon my own research, I decided to move forward.  I took it very seriously and very rarely cheated.  THEN, I started to have some tummy trouble.  That tummy trouble turned into colon issues.  Those colon issues are currently dictating all my activity levels in one way or another.  It is a disaster.

I try hard to not use my blog as a soap stand…so forgive me for this.  It drives me absolutely crazy that I spent 16 years in school learning algebra and world history (I do understand the importance of world history).  These years are meant to prepare you for the real world.  Unfortunately, I have found few occasions in “real life” that require any kind of geometry or algebra.  In the event that I do need any geometry, I find that GOOGLE solves everything.   I am resourceful.  CRAZY resourceful.

In all 16 years of learning, I was never taught the two most important lessons for daily activities: eating and spending.  No coincidence that our country is well known for being obese and in debt.  I resent our education system for not spending more time teaching me the importance of the value of food and a dollar but spent weeks on the value of a right angle.  That said, I should say, I loved my teachers and school.  I had a great school experience otherwise.

All of that to say that for years I have been considering going back to school to learn more about nutrition so that I can teach/help people understand the importance and the basics.  I finally took the first steps and enrolled!

I have so much to learn and a burning passion to help people understand the importance of food value.  This is why I chose the Institute for Integrated Nutrition. Stay tuned for more!

Also, my SHH and I planned and executed a wedding this month.  Our very good friends T and J LOVE got married and SHH and I did what we could to make this event as smooth as possible.  During and after the event we received so much positive feedback that we decided to throw our hats into the wedding planning business in SB.  We really had a great time together 🙂  we had talked about this as a possibility for years and finally pulled the trigger-we are in the practice of pulling the trigger lately :).    It is a HUGE risk, but we are excited to test it out.

Also, we celebrated our one year wedding anniversary!

and one year later…

We took an amazing weekend spa getaway.  I highly recommend a spa getaway.  Seriously, it was amazing.

And now on to products….

I had a recent Sephora Haul….

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat, Radiant Touch

“What it is:
A luminizing pen that brings light and radiance to the skin, immediately erases any signs of fatigue, and brightens the complexion.

What it does:
Loved by models, makeup artists, celebrities, and women everywhere, the award-winning Yves Saint Laurent TOUCHE ÉCLAT Radiant Touch is like eight hours of sleep and an instant pick-me-up in a magic wand. With a few strategically placed strokes of TOUCHE ÉCLAT, the complexion immediately looks rested, rejuvenated, and radiant.

What else you need to know:
TOUCHE ÉCLAT banishes shadows and tired-looking eyes by adding light and creating an instant lift to the eye area. TOUCHE ÉCLAT widens eyes when used between the eyebrows and along the sides of the nose, and creates fuller looking lips when used in the hollow of the chin and around the contour of the lips. It’s formulated for all skin types and for anyone who wants instant radiance, luminosity, and lift.”-Sephora.com

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

I have heard LOADS of raving fans on Vlogs go on and on about this product.  Apparently YSL, has been a leader in the world of foundations (which I do not wear) and recently the launched YSL Touche Eclat as a foundation in Europe-it will launch here next month.  The foundation is getting RAVE reviews and I wanted desperately to try the highlighter 🙂

Drumroll pls…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

I really loved it.  Looooved it.  It is the perfect amt of glowy.  That said, I have a few others that have a similar affect for less.  I don’t often discuss pricing but for $40 for highlighter I felt a responsibility.  Since highlighter is one of the only products I wear, I will keep this as I like it a lot, but I don’t know that I would re-purchase.

VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY – Glossy Balm

“What it is:
A glossy lip balm.

What it does:
This balm dresses your lips in a sheer veil of brilliant color boosted with vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruit extract. Its ultra-light, sensual texture leaves lips feeling soft and hydrated for up to eight hours and is ideal for year-round use.”-Sephora.com

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

OBSESSED.  I love the color, the formula and the smell is so dreamy. It’s like chap stick, but longer lasting and amazing color.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.

Bio-Oil

“Bio‐Oil is a specialist moisturizing oil that smooths and tones scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. It is also effective for aging and dehydrated skin. Bio‐Oil has won 80 skincare awards since its global launch in 2002. It is America’s #1 selling multi use skincare oil.”  Biooil.com

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

This might be my very first drug store find review.

For weeks I have been hearing rave reviews for Bio Oil.   FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.  I finally made a special trip to CVS to investigate 🙂

So far, I really like it.  It makes my skin so so so soft.  Though, the scent took some getting used to for both me and SHH.  It’s not bad, its just different.  Also, I made the mistake of spending time in the sun hours after application and I am quite certain that even though I applied SPF 50, the reason I burned is the residual Bio Oil.  I will continue to use it for now as I love the way it makes my skin look supple and feel so soft.  Stay tuned for more on Bio Oil.

Ciate Caviar Paint Pots

I have been on pins and needles waiting for these to come out…you all know how I feel about things with Caviar in the title….

Image from sephora.com

What it is:
A two-step revolutionary nail art kit that inspires head-turning results.

What it does:
Created in London, this one-of-a-kind nail art innovation brings avant-garde catwalk nail styling to your fingertips. Featuring pearlescent beads for a 3-D effect, this kit includes everything you need to express yourself with your hands and become an instant nail connoisseur.

This cutting-edge manicure lasts at least 48 hours. To ensure your new manicure last even longer: seal the free edge of your nails with a top coat to ensure durability, make sure you allow the pearls to set for at least 15 minutes, and work on one nail at the time while nails are still wet.

I finally found them (in limited supply) at Sephora last night.

We (my cute lil aesthetician, turned neighbor, turned friend) had a little nail polish picnic last night.  Complete with champagne thru a straw and 12 colors of pink:)

Its easier than you might think it would be, but still more complicated than a standard manicure, it was helpful to have a partner for this application.

In this last picture you can see that my first nail, my thumb, didn’t hold up too well.  I made the mistake of not actually reading the instructions.  After the second coat you are suppose to apply the pearls and press them into the nail.  I skipped the pressing part and this is a direct reflection of the finished product.

 

MY PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT WHORE OPINION:

Its like unicorn glitter on my nails.  I love it.  I wish they had more staying power, 48 hours isn’t enough time to enjoy these fully!

Speaking of Unicorn Glitter…My SHH got me an early 1st anniversary gift…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neons.

I always feel like I am just behind all the”cool” trends, for instance, I am just now catching on to the 80’s neon craze 🙂  Fortunately for me its seems to be back!  Neon pink is my fav…clearly.

In other news, something happened today that has never happened to me in all my years….I hit pan on my Laguna bronzer!  This is beauty blogger lingo for, I am almost out and am at the bottom (pan) of my compact 🙂

I switch product so much and so often that I NEVER ever get to the bottom of ANY PRODUCT–the closest I have ever come has been lip gloss.  This is a true testiment of my undying love for this product.  The picture above is a Nars Duo with Orgasm and Laguna.  It’s so great for summer…and winter…and fall…Lets face it, I live in Cali, we only have one season and its called…AWESOME.  I totes recommend this Duo!  DO IT, GET THE DUO!

Best Text Msg Regarding VAG CREAM!

k:  “Few Things:  What is the name of your amazing lip gloss I tried at LIME (dinner)?  and I have vag cream on my face right now.”

m:  1.  BEST.MSG.EVER  2.  DIOR LIP GLOW 3.  Your face will thank you later:)

Confused?  GO HERE: I have VAG CREAM ON MY FACE!

Weddings on my mind!

I have a few lucky ladies in my life getting married in the coming months….It is SUPER EXCITING!

I remember this planning stage very very well.  It was only a year ago that I was one month away from becoming a Mrs.  The 30 days leading up to a wedding are generally considered the most intense. To all the SOON TO BE MRS.’s out there, I salute you.  Planning a wedding isn’t easy, and its such an epic day.  The stress is UNBELIEVABLE and 100 worth it!

MODelicious: Fabulous Wedding Dresses By Wedding Blog - MODwedding | Wedding Websites for Modern Brides + Grooms
Image from: http://www.luxfinds.com

Oh Oscar...you complete me.
Image from Wedding Chicks

This is such a cute post Bachlorette Party gift idea. I LOVE IT
Image from: http://www.shineonwithlb.com

John & Jacqueline at the table - Lisa Larsen/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Sep 12, 1953

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS
Image from: revel-blog.com

Currently obsessed with Yellow!
Image from: theknot.com

Love this sweetheart so much!
Image from: theknot.com

lol
Image from: Plum Tree Studios

For the sporty couple:)
Image from: theamericanlegacy.tumblr.com

MmmmMmmMmmmM
Image from: marthastewartweddings.com

awesomeness is having synchronized swimmers as wedding entertainment
Image from: stylemepretty.com

love love love
Image from: junebug.com

Updates!

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:  Post one week of wear—They chipped, a lot-at the cuticle ironically. Grr….Annoyed.

So after my review about the post ombre Aveda Products my FB BFF commented about Kerastase Fibre Architecte.  While I was in Denver last weekend I had discovered that I hadn’t brought a leave in product so I picked it up to test it out.

It’s a little different than some of the other Kerastase products in the sense that it’s not an all over product.  I was instructed to only apply to my lengths and ends and only on dry hair right before curling or straightening.

My professional Product Whore Opinion: I did as instructed and it was like the heat from my curling iron mixed with the product glued my split ends together.  So while it doesn’t get rid of my split ends, it does mask them VERY well.  This product has definitely made the most difference in the appearance of my hair.

Overall, I would say I like the Caviar mask the most, its more of a repair product. However, I like that this product is an everyday solution to my raggedy ends.  This said, I LOVE my ombre…LOVE IT.  Totes worth the dry ends!

In other news, my SHH switched to my Peaches AHA/BHA Cleanser.

Product Description:With alpha and beta hydroxy acids as well as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, this cleanser provides a deep cleaning by removing dead skin cells and accelerating the skin renewal process. Jojoba beads prevent occlusion of the pores. Pure antioxidants completely penetrate the skin’s layers to feed it and to reverse the aging process.

This product is used as your primary cleanser and can be used both morning and night.

For all skin types

In his SHH of a Professional Product Whore Opinion:

He uses this with his Mia everyday and has been noticing that his skin is more balanced.  No breakouts in the two weeks since the switch and he likes the “lemony scent.”  He’s also mentioned that he likes the little crunchy bits too (it has a little bit of exfoliating).

Ab Fab April Finds

Caviar Anti-Aging Overnight Hair Rescue

“What it is:
A deeply penetrating overnight treatment for damaged hair that repairs while you sleep.

What it does:
This powerful treatment repairs and replenishes damaged hair, restores and reinforces hair strength, and prevents future breakage. It absorbs instantly and won’t leave greasy residue on pillows or sheets. The more you use it, the healthier your hair becomes.” -Sephora.com

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:   HOLY SMOKES BATMAN.  That said, I should mention that I am constantly a victim of marketing…CONSTANTLY.  For instance the other day I bought Crest GLAMOROUS whitening toothpaste.  Really?!  Glamorous?  How so?  How is that measured?  I’ll tell you how… PURCHASES BY SUCKERS LIKE ME!  This product was no different.  I recently got suckered in by the Alterna Caviar line.  Mostly because it says CAVIAR–David and Victoria Beckham eat Caviar–I bet Will and Kate do too.  I love their accents, and Kate and Posh have amaze hair.  I want to put Caviar in my hair!  CHA-CHING!

The truth is, I got this as a Sephora sample last night.  Applied, enjoyed the pleasant scents, pulled hair up, slept on it, and washed with Caviar shampoo this morning.

MY MANE LOOKS AWESOME.  SERIOUSLY AWESOME.  Princess Kate ain’t got nothin’ on me (Ironically, that’s NOT the first time I’ve used that line in my blog.)

My split ends have disappeared….VANISHED!  WHAT WHAT?!!?!  ALACAZAM-ED!

GO GET A SAMPLE!  DO IT.

Sephora by OPI TRENDTIPS

“What it is:
A collection of precut nail strips in a variety of lavish designs.

What it does:
No fuss and lots of flash: flaunt flirty, fabulous designs on fingers and toes in one simple step with these nail appliqués. Sephora’s authority in beauty trends combines with the color expertise and renowned quality of OPI for a collection of gorgeous, detailed tips no salon can replicate.

What else you need to know:
These real lacquer strips are made of a solid-film material with an adhesive back. They feature extended wear, zero dry time, and easily remove with standard polish remover. Each pack includes a set of 16 strips to fit all nails.” -Sephora.com

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:My other FB BFF (who I have actually met once, but thru the wonder of Facebook have fallen deeply in love with)”the hot Russian” as I refer to her fondly, told me about these.

EASY PEASY BEAUTIFUL!  I was pressed for time last night and didn’t get to my mani pedi.  I grabbed these walking out the door at Sephora.  I was apprehensive, but curious.  I FREAKIN LOVE THESE!  It took me a few to get it down pat, but I LOOOOVE them.

Moral of the story:  when the hot Russian tells you to do something…do it.

CHANEL OMBRE D'EAU FLUID IRIDESCENT EYESHADOW

CHANEL ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

I was standing at the Chanel counter-waiting for help when the woman next to me noticed I was looking at the CHANEL OMBRE D’EAU FLUID IRIDESCENT EYESHADOW she swore up and down that it was the best shadow she has ever used.  And that the little vile of awesomeness will last forever.  Nuff Said–PURCHASED–CHA CHING

The CHANEL ILLUSION D’OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW I watched in one of Tanya Burr’s beauty Vlog’s.  She has the worlds best pouty lips and English accent–You already know how I feel about Posh, David, Will and Kate.  So I ran out and….CHA CHING.  LOVE IT.

Because they are both long wear liquid-ish shadows they last forever–I obviously love that:) and it doesn’t get stuck in my Asian Eye crease.  Also, I mean it when I say, CHANEL HAS THE BEST COLORS!  I am just ga ga over them.

IT WORKS BODY WRAP

“The It Works body wrap is a detoxifying wrap that works to target the areas YOU choose in a 45-minute application. The body wrap is approximately 21″ long and 11″ wide at it’s widest point.  It comes pre-packaged and ready for use right out of the bag.  There is no need for a messy application process.  Simply pick the area you want to get results in and place the applicator smoothly on your body and use saran wrap or an ace bandage to keep it in place for 45 minutes.

You can achieve better results by drinking lots of water during your wrap day and for 3 days after, since the product continues to work for 72 hours after you remove it.

So take an hour for yourself, relax and lose.” -http://bodyapplicators.com/

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

My very good friend from college told me about her experience with these.  I obviously had to know more.  So I bought them, shipped them, and tried them on Monday night.

I did everything the box says.  I drank all the required water–Before and After.  I measured in three spots and marked the locations of measurements:)

I put the slimy wrap on at 5, instead of saran wrap I used Spanx x2:) I laid patiently for two hours–FREEZING.  The medicated wrap has a mentol-ish tingle.  But I was FREEZING.  TWO SWEATSHIRTS AND A BLANKET COLD.

At 7 I peeled it off and rubbed the rest of the lotion in.  I retook my measurements…DRUM ROLL PLS….1 inch in 3 places in 2 hours!  Weird!

While, I don’t recommend this for “weight loss” as I truly believe you need to eat well for health.  I do recommend these for a “PRE-EVENT I NEED TO LOSE A FEW INCHES TO GET IN TO THIS AB FAB DRESS FOR THE SAKE OF MY SELF ESTEEM.”

Update–its Wednesday now, I did the original wrap on Monday, re-measured this morning 1.5 inches.  WEIRD!  Love it:)

To purchase–USE MY FRIEND: Mandy at agregoire4@gmail.com  SUPPORT MY FRIEND!  She is amaze!

April Birchbox and PetiteBox info

Nothing I was over the moon excited for, but overall a good box.

I am pretty jacked to try the Amika hair mask…especially considering my recent Ombre.  SHH and I are headed to Denver at the end of the week and will be taking in a Colorado Rockies game, so the Zoya purple nail polish was well timed for my team spirit manicure:)

I really like the Taylor Swift Wonderstruck scent.  I was surprised by this to be honest, I am really picky about scents.

The Dropps and the Juice Beauty Blemish clearing will come in handy with our impending move next week.  I’ll keep you posted on those.

Every month with my Birchbox I feel like other bloggers get better stuff.  I did some changing of my profile to see if next month might be better. I have a few friends that get their boxes in the first week of the month, this makes my wait seemingly longer.

If you’d like to sign up click here:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=bhxzm

Also, for you ladies out there that are pregnant or have friends that are pregnant, check this out:  Petite Box  its like BirchBox but for expecting/new mothers.  I can’t imagine anything better than a monthly box full of lil gifts while I am preggers.   I sent this to a friend who is 7-8 months along, I think she really liked it:)  Its a fun gift to give!

Image from What if No One's Watching

Image from What if No One's Watching

Image from What if No One's Watching

Image from What if No One's Watching

LOOK AT ALL THAT LOOT!  What a great concept!  Check out more details on this blog: What if No One’s Watching  She has a fab full review about each product:)

All these songs are about me….A day in the life via chat

Nikki:  I legitimately think I am hotter than Zoe Saldana

me:  duh

Nikki:  lol

I love I can say shit stuff like that out loud to you (via gchat) and you don’t judge

or if you do judge you don’t tell me

me: no time for judging when all these songs are about me.

Nikki:  omg  I LOVE YOU

Later that day:

Back story:  old friends-we used to be so cool-we haven’t seen our group of friends in a long time.  Needless to say we have all changed-there are more babies, and husbands than diet pizza and swag.

DISCLAIMER:  I know some of you might be offended–pls try not to be–this is intended to be funny.  Neither of us have kids, so its hard for us to understand the joy of parenthood.

If it helps, imagine this is a conversation between Will Arnett and Christina Applegate.

• M
  

  • ok Ill let you know. I have to get out there soon.  I think i kinda dread it because all my friends are married/mommies ….and babies give me anxiety for some reason

• Mali
  

  • SHOOT, me too. Jos told me yesterday that it’s my turn….wtf does that even mean?  Why can’t it be your turn?!

• M
  

  • HAVE A BABY!  Your life can be over too!

• Mali
  

  • woo hoo!

• M
  

  • Give birth!  Destroy your body! Never travel again! Weeeeee!!!!

• Mali
  

  • I love over, and pooh, and hating my husband, and vomit, and raw nips and a split open vag.

  • WEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

• M
  

  • When people ask you who will take care of you when you get old (and they always do when you tell them you are unsure about having babies). Tell them housekeeping at the Four Seasons will!

Ombre Update

I went back in on Friday and had it toned out.  LOVE IT.  I am so happy with it.  LOVE PAM!  GO TO SALON LUCIA!

(I LOOK SO SLEEPY HERE!)

I also went on an emergency run to Aveda last night to get some repair products.  I had been treating my ends with some Kerastase products but felt like they weren’t helping at all.

Last night I used my new Caviar shampoo (stand by for this review) and the Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment:

“Our intensive weekly treatment deeply penetrates to help repair, seal and smooth even the most damaged hair. Using the power of pure plant oils and quinoa protein, it restores health, silkiness and shine.

• Helps strengthen hair weakened by chemical processes, heat styling and environmental exposure
• quinoa protein penetrates the hair shaft, working from inside to help strengthen and repair
• phellodendron and barley seal in moisture
• castor, jojoba and meadowfoam seed oils smooth hair’s surface”-AVEDA

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT since yesterday.  Dare I say the MOST SIGNIFICANT I have ever noticed in a product.   Its hard to tell which of the two made the most improvement as I treated last night and used the leave in today.  But, I LOVE the results.  The breakage was so so so visable yesterday…I was applying oil 3 times a day!  Even then it was still looking raggedy!

Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair

“Our daily leave-in treatment instantly repairs damaged hair by 26%*, helps protect from heat styling and detangles to help prevent further damage.

• Certified organically-derived quinoa protein penetrates hair to instantly repair damage and strengthen from the inside out.
• Wheat protein helps protect from heat styling—such as blow-drying and ironing.
• Soy-derived oil detangles to help prevent further damage and breakage.
• Certified organic essential oils including bergamot, mandarin and ylang ylang provide an uplifting aroma.”-AVEDA

My Professional Product Whore Opinion:

Love it.  Again, I am not sure which of these two products made the most difference, but I am willing to say that the combo is my fav!  SUCH A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE on my dead ends!