Joyful for "GLEE"

Are you a gleek or are you completely out of the loop?  Wednesdays on Fox have been the thing to watch for the past few months.  Why?  Because their new show GLEE is absolutely fabulous!

This show is sooo great. It's made me laugh. It's made me cry. It's made me drive my roommate crazy by playing the songs over and over again! It has AWESOME music. I actually tend to like their versions better than the real ones... and they take songs I don't generally like... and make me put it on repeat! 

I like the character of Rachel Berry (played by Lea Michele) because she's an AMAZING singer.  Her personality can be annoying, but you have to admire someone (even if it is a fictional character... ) who has such passion and drive.

I could give you a full description of the storyline and characters... but it's best to experience Glee for yourself. The first half of the series (13 episodes) is coming out on DVD on 12/29/09, but I think Fox will probably be airing the old episodes again.  Don't miss it!

This guy has all the songs on Youtube. Too much great music in one place!! AGHH!  =D

Here is the Glee the Music Volume 1:
1. Don't Stop Believin'- I don't like Journey.  I Do like Glee's version of Don't Stop Believin'! 
2. Can't Fight This Feeling-  Another song I didn't like... but do now.
3. Gold Digger- Kanye sucks, but this is a great song.  Mr. Schuester does a great job!
4. Take a Bow- Rachel's version gives a different feel to the song~ Both are A+
5. Bust Your Windows- Not my favorite song.. but the girl can sing.
6. Taking Chances- I like Rachel's version better than Celine's... and that's saying a lot....
7. Alone- Duet with Kristin Chenowith and Matthew Morrison.  She is awesome.  I like it more every time I hear it
8. Maybe This Time- These two ladies are awesome.Lea Michele holds her own.
9. Somebody to Love- I LOVE this version of the song. Sorry Georgie... Glee beats you in my book.
10. Hate On Me- Sorry.. I'm hating on this song... but you may like it~ =T
11. No Air- I like this better than the original... especially since Chris Brown turned out to be a major P.O.S.
12. You Keep Me Hangin' On- I love the original song (SO 80's!!!)... but good singing and cute dance sequence!
13. Keep Holdin On- I love their version!!!

14. Bust a Move- Haha.. This song rocked in the 90's, and it rocks now! Am motivated to make this my karaoke song!
15. Sweet Caroline- I like this version. I dedicate this to David Abromowitz 'cause you rocked this karaoke song in Hawaii.  Good memories! Shah Kah!
16. Dancing With Myself- I just think it's cheeky of the Glee people to use this song... you do know what they say it's really about, don't you?  ;)
17. Defying Gravity- How can "Wicked" get any better? It just did! (Not to say this version is better..they are both equally fabulous. Just in their own way)

Glee: The Music Volume 2 is also out.  Click here to hear previews.

Go Get some Glee in your life!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

What is iRene Wearing?

 "When the dog bites, When the bee stings, When I'm feeling sad.

I simply remember my favorite things, And then I don't feel so bad"

- The Sound of Music

I love stuff.  I especially love wearing stuff.  Here's a few stuff I am wearing right now.  What are you wearing to keep warm and fashionable?

1. Genetic Denim Shane Jeans- I never thought I could pull off skinny jeans.  I can.  I rock them.  Almost every day.  They are awesome and I have 2 pairs in blue and a pair in gray. They're expensive... but I got mine for $50.  They run bigger (I fit into size 26 when I usually wear 27).  If you can find these babies, they are the best skinny jeans around.

2. Big Rings- The bigger the better. I ain't getting married any time soon, but who needs a man to buy me a big old rock anyway?  The ones I wear the most are my green rectangular "emerald" ring, my huge bling bling "It's Chanel... J/K! It's Forever 21!" Camelia ring, and my big pink plastic Urban Outfitters ring.

3.  Scarves-  HOLY COW... It is FREEZING in the city!  Luckily I have my huge Pink and White Marc Jacobs scarf to keep me warm.  I also love my pashminas (white, pink, yellow), and my new favorite... a RED cashmere scarf that is soooooo warm and wonderful. Cashmere's great 'cause it's light and soft.. but keeps you warm and toasty.  I also just bought a beautiful white Chanel Rabbit scarf.  It's my baby.  I haven't worn it out... but she makes me happy. All bought at my consignment stores... Will work for fabulous clothes.

4.  Boots- Spyder Boots: Never heard of them... but they're apparently for Snowboarders.  All I know is that I got them at T.J. Maxx for $50 and they are oh so warm.  Even warmer are my Pajar Snow Boots (also bought at T.J. Maxx a year or two ago).  These are awesome.  I live in them in the winter.  I'm sorry.. but UGGs were originally called UGGLY.  Take away the "L" and the "Y"... they're still ugly. (Don't get me started on CROCS!)

5.  Tights/Leggings- Brown, Black, Striped, Knit... I love them.  Now that it's getting too cold to wear them on their own with a dress/skirt, I'll have to wear them underneath my jeans.  But tights are awesome.  Rock them if you can stand the cold.  Recently bought a pair of Mossimo leggings at Target for $7.  They're grrrrrreat!

6.  Hoodies- I love a good hoodie.  My favorite? Josh's Volcom sweatshirt that I've brought on every trip in 2009 (Cali/Grand Canyon/Vegas, Seneca Lake, Honduras, Africa, Virginia).  Sorry Josh... you may never get this hoodie back  =)

Here is Josh's sweater at Giant Canyon.  That's my grandma.  I didn't learn to accessorize from her.  Notice the yellow Michigan hat (courtesy of Ms. T.Cho), the double strand pearls, the blue souvenier shirt, and the black jumpsuit with Neon Green and Orange Stripes. My 82 yr. old Grandma wears whatever the hell she wants (which I DID learn from her) and Grandma rocks!  

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Makeup Brushes- "Crown" for a Queen

One of the most asked questions I get as a makeup artist is what kind of makeup brushes to buy.  I'm always a little hesitant to answer.
Brushes DEFINITELY make a big difference in makeup application... However, it's hard to say which brushes are best... and how much is a person willing to spend on a brush?

If you are willing to spend the money, I definitely recommend investing in quality brushes.  With good care, they will last you YEARS.  I still have my first Prescriptives brushes from when I was in high school (the paint is kinda chipping on them... but whatever.. they work... and I don't throw away ANYTHING!)

I have many favorite brushes from different companies, but since I rarely write about budget items (Sorry people... Unfortunately I have really expensive taste... Sucks for me... Good for the economy) I am going to introduce you to one of the best beauty secrets in the biz that you've probably never heard of.

Crown Brush is a family run business that have been making brushes for years.  They are great quality brushes for an AMAZING price.  They actually make brushes for many cosmetic lines (but of course, once they are branded, the prices are jacked up too!)

I was first introduced to this line at the Makeup Show in NY.  I was skeptical at first because the brushes were so cheap... but after doing a little detective work, I found out that the people that know their stuff also use Crown Brushes.  So I bought a few.  And the next day I bought more. and more. and more.  Now I have a huge collection of Crown brushes (some multiples), but I DO use them all the time.

Crown has been manufacturing brushes for over 20 years. Our expert staff is specially trained to help guide you through every brush purchase. Whether you are ordering from our open stock catalog or creating an entire private line; Crown is the leader in quality, price, and customer satisfaction. These are the key principles that have made Crown a leader. We offer the highest quality brushes to the international beauty, nail, and skin care market; at the lowest industry price. When you buy from Crown, you are buying factory direct. 

Most of my brushes are from the Luna Series (especially BK5, BK3, BK9, and ESPECIALLY BK13 for blending).  I think buying the brushes individually are better than the sets... but that's up to you. 

You can't go wrong with Crown Brushes.  They're cheap, reliable, soft, and don't shed.  What more can you ask for in a brush?  So, now you know.  You're welcome.  Now go get yourself some brushes and blend, blend, blend to your heart's desire!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Is Your Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

"Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day"

My friend Golda recently said to me, "U make me smile!!! Ur so happy and cheerful all the time".   It was nice to hear this, but it made me think.  Yes, generally I am a happy and cheerful person... but I have my days when I want to be the biggest b*&%$ and tell off the rude and obnoxious people I encounter... But I try to take a step back and think... is it really worth it?  Most of the time it's not.  But sometimes, people really are the worst... and they should know it!

It's not easy trying to look at the bright side of things.  I'm a very extreme person in general... Black/White~ There is no gray.  I like to call myself an Optimistic Pessimist.  It's really easy for me to see the negative in things, people, situations (unfortunately)... however... I choose not to focus on the negative, and try to find a positive. 

I've been on both sides of the fence.  Only seeing the good (and basically living in my own little world where everything is bright, shiny, and beautiful) and pretending the bad is not there.  It's not very realistic, and it can hurt you in the end... because when life comes crashing down on you and everything suddenly seems a mess... you probably won't be prepared to deal with it.

I've also been on the other side... where I could only see the negative in everything and life was bleak, dark, and miserable.  It's really easy to get to this point... but it's a horrible way to live.

In the past few years, I've learned to find more of a balance.  Yes, it's still really easy to be a hater and be pissed off at the world... but in the end... you only end up hurting yourself.

I believe that what you project, you get back.  I believe in karma. I believe in being a good person and doing the right thing.  I believe that by doing good, you receive good (which also applies for the negative).
If you are constantly negative... yes... your life will suck! Try to see the good... Don't expect anything, ... and life just may surprise you. 

It's really easy to make your day.. and someone else's a little bit better.  Help someone pick something up.  Hold the door open. Smile! Have a conversation with someone you don't know (Some of the best conversations I've had are with strangers).  Hold the elevator.  Let someone cut in front of you in the car. Tell someone if their fly is open  ;)

I remember one day while walking in the city with Crystal, a man passing by smiled at us and said, "Hello! How are you today?" It was really simple... but it made me feel good.  "I'm gonna try that to the next person that walks by" I told Crystal.  And lo and behold, another man was walking down the street and I did the same.  He looked surprised, but replied, "I'm good. Thanks!" and left smiling.
Happiness is contagious. And Negativity is a virus.  What are you going to spread?

I always hated the idea of the cup being half empty or half full.  I like to think that's it's just there.  It's what you do with it that counts:  Are you going to enjoy it? Are you going to let it sit there and go to waste?  Are you going to watch it rot? Are you going to fill it up?  Life is what you make of it.... but that's just my two cents~*

I love this commercial!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler- Go Big or Go Small?

Now I personally hate to curl eyelashes.. whether they be my own or a clients.  I know it makes a big difference if you do... but I just feel like doing it a lot will break my long but skimpy lashes...
Regardless.. there are times when eyelashes should definitely be curled...and when that time comes... you should have the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler.  This is the standard that all makeup mavens have in their kits.  If you're going to buy something, might as well get the best~

It has also been recently redesigned with a new mushroom shape~ here are the details: 

What it is:
The one and only shu uemura Eyelash Curler is now even better! This iconic tool, adored by professional makeup artists and celebrities world-wide, has been redesigned to deliver the perfect curl with ultimate precision.

What it does:
Perfectly measured and finely balanced, the new shu uemura Eyelash Curler is designed to ensure superior functionality and performance. The upgraded silicone pad in a new "mushroom" shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl. The new, patented hinge is specifically engineered to apply the perfect amount of pressure on eyelashes. The calculated shape, size of frame length and ergonomic handles ensure stability and control, while the curved angle suits all eye shapes.

Retail Price: $19

I recently bought the Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler and I love it! I don't have to curl all my lashes (I just do the ends) and the slighest squeeze makes a big difference.  It's great for less of a curl, or for more detailed curls.  You get the best of both worlds!

What it does:

With the new Mini Eyelash Curler, You can achieve the utmost precision in eyelash curling plus the convenience of portability! The mini curler's unique smaller head allows you to accentuate even the smallest lashes, especially those on the inner and outer corners of the eyes for an elegant expression. Every shu uemura curler is curved to suit all eye shapes and have features developed by professional make-up artists, including:
- rounded firm silicone rubber to curl gently while providing a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety
- ergonomic handles shaped and sized for optimum curl as well as stability and control


What else you need to know:
When coupled with the full-sized curler, the mini curler enables professional control over creating the perfect curl. Use the regular curler first to create the curl across the lash. Follow up with the mini curler where ever you want more definition - especially on the outer and inner corners.

Retail Price: $17


So if you want to open up your eyes with minimal effort, grab yourself an eyelash curler and bat those baby blues/greens/browns!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Oh... the things we do to be beautiful ....

When I have a brand new hairdo
With my eyelashes all in curl,
I float as the clouds on air do,
I enjoy being a girl!

- Flower Drum Song

So these are a few of the things I've done over the years in the name of beauty.  Maybe you'll laugh... Maybe you'll cringe.... Either way, I hope you get some enjoyment out of my misery ~
It ain't easy being fabulous!     ;)

SKIN
* After I make a cup of tea (usually white or green tea), I like to squeeze the water out and wipe the tea bag all over my face/neck/arms.
* Make a mask out of honey/tea bag.  I haven't done this in years... and it kinda hurts....
* Put tea bags into my bath (haha.. can u tell I like tea?!?)
* Rub lemon all over my freckles... yes.. i have freckles.. I hate them.    >=P
* Put toothpaste on "pimples"- it doesn't work (at least for me)... and it kinda stings!
* I bought a mud mask in Korea when I was 12 and used it at home.  My face was red for a week. My dad still talks nags me about it ("Stop putting all that stuff on your face! Remember when you ......." )
* Over the years, I've done everything to get rid of the beauty mark under my nose: scrub, poke with various sharp objects, try to scrape away,  pop.... everything... it's gotten angry and has gotten bigger over the years... =T    (It doesn't know it yet, but I'm going to get it removed professionally!)

* Gotten wrapped in mud, plastic, and a big silver wrap that makes you feel like a human burrito (I actually thought this was awesome!)

HAIR
* I got my hair permed when I was 5 years old (what was my mother thinking?!?!).  They forgot about me and burned my hair.
* Middle School: SUN IN = ORANGE HAIR for years 'cause I thought I was so cool. haha
* Now: ORANGE HAIR w/ Roots because I'm too cheap to get my hair dyed professionally... and I think I'm too cool  ;)
* The 80's "Wave" bang... hairsprayed til it's rock hard!!!
* Put oil in hair, cover in shower cap for 30 min. (This works sometimes, and doesn't at other times)
* Put egg whites in my hair ( I really don't think this does anything...)
* I've slept with various curlers/curling devices/braids in my hair... only to have to take a quick shower before school started 'cause it was a hot hot mess!
* I used a straightening iron on wet hair... the sizzling sound your hair makes is the worst  (Grace: "OMG IRENE!!! Your hair has to be dry!!!!"...)
* My mother did a RUSK straight perm on my hair in high school... I swear I've had the frizziest head of Asian hair ever since!

HAIR REMOVAL
*  The first time I shaved my legs... I literally shaved off a 3 inch long piece of skin... it was one of the most horrific experiences of my life... true story...
* Threaded my "moustache".  Painful, but quick.
* Wax. Everywhere. Ouch.
* I once shaved my "moustache" when I was 6 or 7 'cause it looked cool when my dad did it.  I cut myself...

RANDOM
* I used to do the "I must. I must. I must increase my bust exercise" when I was in middle school. My friends don't believe me but I still swear it worked. haha.
* Slim-Fast.  YUCK!

These are just a few of the many things I have done over the years.  Oh, if you boys only knew what it takes to be a woman!  Oh well... I wouldn't trade being a girl for anything! 


"If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody."  
-Holden Caulfield

Give the gift of Warmth!

Baby it's cold outside!!!  If you live on the East Coast, you know the winters here can be brutal.  Those that know me know I'm ALWAYS cold.  I hate blasting the heater and I hate being cold even more.  What is a girl to do to stay warm at home?  Turn down that thermostat and head over to Restoration Hardware and shop shop shop!

I discovered their Luxury Plush Foot Duvet's a few years ago.  That's a fancy way of saying they're slippers.  But not just any slippers. BLANKET SLIPPERS (Say WHAAAT?!?). Yes... Slippers that have down and furry softness inside.  I know. sounds warm, right?  Wait til you put these on.  They're sooooo warm, soft, and wonderful.  I have tons of them. I have probably bought over 20 pairs of these...  I love giving them as gifts 'cause I think Koreans have really bad circulation and our feet are really cold.... =T

Restoration Hardware also has Luxury Plush Throws (aka a Blanket).  But again... not just any blanket.  This is the best blanket you will ever buy... that costs less than $50.  It is the softest, thickest, warmest blanket that has brought me hours of comfort and joy.  I have tons of these too (I know I have a serious shopping problem. Help me~).  Blanket + My Couch= Evil Couch.... Once you're on it... you're not getting up and you WILL pass out really easily.  My friends can attest to this.

Sooo.. these make WONDERFUL gifts for the fabulous people in your life (Only the fabulous ones...  Mediocre people don't deserve such greatness) ... and especially for the most fabulous person in your life. YOU!

Best part... we're in a recession now so they've lowered the prices.  I bought them FULL PRICE ($20 and $59), which is a HUUUGE deal for me (Girl does not do retail)... and they were worth every pretty penny!

So stay warm ~ warm at home... warm at heart!

Retail Price:  Available in 7 colors

Slippers- $16  

Blanket- $39 

*~ Have a beautiful day~*

UPDATE: I just found out that it comes in a robe. The angels up above are singing and playing harps in these robes.  Gotta go get one. Peace out y'all!

You ARGON-na Love Argon Oil

Back in my college days, I spent hours going through magazines and would put up pictures and ads I loved.  One picture I had on my blue wall at Rutgers was a Guess ad of Josie Maran.  Little did I know that almost 10 years later, I would be freelancing for her organic cosmetics line~!
(Side Note- Should I be putting up pictures of Robert Pattinson on my blue wall in Fort Lee so that we can make beautiful babies together?!?)

I'm so glad that I actually like her products because honesty is my policy, and I wouldn't be able to sell something I don't believe in.
Josie Maran Cosmetics promotes Luxury With A Conscience. It's a natural organic line, it has recyclable and biodegradable packing (made from corn  plastic that breaks down in 30 days!), and they source the Argan Oil from a women's co-op to help them socially and economically. And most importantly, the products are great for EVERYONE.

The first Josie Maran product I will be reviewing is my favorite: Argan Oil.  You may have heard about Moroccan Oil for hair.. but you can actually use this all over! It's like the next big thing in beauty news.
Now I know what you're thinking... I have really sensitive skin. I have oily skin. I have acne. How can you put oil on your face?  TRUST ME!
Once the oil sets in... it works miracles.  You're skin is SUPER DUPER soft and feels like a little Bubba  (baby)!

What it does: 
Josie Maran Argan Oil is a legendary oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. Argan oil is known to have many treatment benefits, including hydrating and nourishing skin, as well as toning and firming. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne.

I've only worked for Josie Maran 4 times to this day, and I was really nervous the first time I used it on people with oily skin and sensitive skin~ I have not had one person say this was too oily for them or irritating by the end of the makeover.
* If you already have a moisturizer you use, you can add a few drops to give you a boost of moisture
* Use it EVERYWHERE~ face, hair, body, cuticles, lips.... EV-RY-WHERE~*
* The smell can be a little strong (Some people love it, some people don't... ), but I swear, the smell goes away and you are left with pure softness.
* It can take a little while to sink in ( about 10-15 min. for people with oily skin)
* You don't need a lot of it  to make a difference (but I slather myself in it...)


For those who really can't stand oily products, they also have the Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick.
This is great for sticking in your purse/car or on the go.  You can use as lip balm and smooth it on your face when it feels dry mid-day.  Also can be rubbed on palms and ran through hair to get rid of fly aways and to add moisture.

What it does: 
Josie Maran's best-selling Argan Oil now comes in a stick form! This multi-purpose balm offers all the benefits of the nourishing oil, which includes anti-aging ingredients rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. A head-to-toe spot treatment for dry areas in need of moisture, this soothing balm conditions and repairs skin as it hydrates. Use it to moisturize chapped lips, soothe dry skin, tame fly aways, alleviate itching and stinging from insect bites, moisturize dry cuticles, relieve chafing skin, soothe stretch marks, calm sunburn, soothe waxed skin, and much, much more.

The first time I tried it, I was literally touching my face all night. My friend Angela finally had to shout, "OK IRENE! You're skin is soft!!! I get it!!!"  ;)  

For those that are wary and cautious... or don't trust me (WHAT?!?!), they also come in small sizes.  

It also comes in a bronzing formula.  It is a best-seller and gives you a beautiful glow all over your face or body, or just on your cheeks for a sun-kissed glow.
 

This is one of my favorite products... and that means a lot.  And if you can't wait to buy this awesome product, make sure you go and buy it when I'm working at Sephora!   (hee hee.. which is why I'm being sneaky and NOT putting up a link!)     ;)

Retail Price:

Argan Oil: 

0.5 oz- $14

1.7 oz- $48

Bronzing Argan Oil: $52

Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick:

.12 oz- $6  (HELLOOO!!! What a steal!)

.55 oz- $22




*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~* 

Where to Eat in Jersey

What do Whitney Houston, Brooke Shields, Frank Sinatra, Tom Cruise, Shaquille O'Neal, Kelly Ripa, Bruce Springsteen, John Travolta, and Derek Jeter all have in common? They are all from New Jersey!!!

Yes, I am a born and bred Jersey Girl.  I've been told that I say that I'm from NJ with such pride... haha.. I don't know about that... but Yes, I love having grown up in NJ. I grew up in a very nice part of NJ in Bergen County.  I went to a Blue-Ribbon School which we liked to call "Happy Valley".  It was great growing up here, because I got the solid suburban childhood, and NYC was right across the bridge!

Now I know what they say about us~ We're the armpit of America... NJ smells... People have accents.. blah blah blah.  Well, all I have to say is that it's not NJ that smells... it's actually Staten Island~ and I've never met anyone that has a JOISEY accent!

Jersey has it all: Beaches, Skiing, Casinos, Great Education (Hellooo Princeton!), Six Flags Great Adventure, We have TONS of malls, No tax on clothing and shoes (F#$& NY and it's 8.875% sales tax!) and most importantly... We have GRRRRREAT food !!! =)

As a self-proclaimed expert of Bergen County, here is my list of recommendations for places to get fat and/or drunk! Here are my favorite places to fulfill all your gluttonous desires:

Koreans know that to get the best Korean food on the East Coast, you have to go to Palisades Park (aka Pal Park) or Fort Lee.  Pal Park is basically a mini Korea. You will find more signs in Korean than in English.
BBQ and Korean: Deh Gee Koom, Pal Gak Jung, Dong Bang Grill (Haha. My Caucasian friends call it Bang Dong Grill),  Moo Goong Hwa- No info.. but it's by the clock in Closter  Te Min Quan- I never liked Chinese/Korean noodles til I ate the spicy ones here  Pho 32 -This isn't korean... but whatever. Good Pho and Spring Rolls

Korean Bars (This is the Korean equivalent to an American's Irish Pub~ we get drunk and fat here): Ja Yu In, Baden Baden (Best rotisserie chicken), Triple  ~  Now if you make it to the bars, you must have a tequila shot Korean style~ I can't tell you what it is here, but ask and I will tell.  And even if you hate tequila, it tastes Mmm Mmm Good! Sik Gaek- Great seafood~ Drink Korean "sake" aka Soju (Drink Baekseju for one that doesn't taste like pure alcohol)
American: Chakra (Great ambiance and food) Old Man Raffertys (One of my fav's... I never had a bad meal here) Cheesecake Factory (I know it's a chain, but the Salmon, Pasta Da Vinci, and Red Velvet Cheesecake are AWESOME), Cubbys- Best fall off the bone ribs~ Not fancy at all Houstons- Delicious spinach dip and ribs
French/Spanish/Italian : Madeline's Petit Paris (My FAVORITE restaurant.  Not cheap, but the food is delicious, and the white hat-wearing chef and his wife are sooo cute!) Meson Madrid- Excellent paella and raw seafood  Big Red Tomato- The Big Red Tomato is delish and the never-ending garlic knots are dangerous. Big portions for a small price
Japanese/Chinese: Mitsuwa- Japan in NJ- the place immediately to your left from entrance has the best Curry Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)  P.F.Chang's- Another chain... but the lettuce wraps are off the hook

Take Out/ Sandwiches:  Picnic Cafe (Known for gyros, but I love the fried chicken and rice~ Great people and price) Bartolomeos (AMAZING sandwiches and food. Good portions)  Hansel and Griddle  (great food  for Rutgers students) Tospia (New, Filling, Cheap Sandwiches) Tenafly Hot Bagels- Best breakfast and bagels in Jersey! Fish On The Fly- Amazing lunch specials from 12-2.  Huge lunch for less than $8
Pizza: I like Jersey pizza better than NY (Gasp!)... YEAH~ I SAID IT!  Rudy's is preferred by girls, while the boys seem to like Ray's
Diners: Northvale/Tenafly- Owned by the same people.... Best diner food I've had.  I grew up on the CBC (Chicken Bacon Cheddar Sandwich) with curly fries....
Dessert: Yogomango/ Fruits Gelateria, Paris Baguette/ Gateaux (If you haven't experienced a Korean bakery, you are missing out!!!) Cafe Angelique- in an old train station. very cute  Archetypus- This is the cave cafe... it's cool for a new experience~
Free Food: Any Han Ah Reum/H-Mart (haha.. have fun trying to read Korean) on a Saturday or Sunday.  They give away so much free food (haha.. my best friend and I would eat lunch there every Sunday after church... whatever... I buy everything I eat!)

* So... that's about it.. All you Bergen Folk.. Let me know if I've missed anything!
* For those that aren't from Jersey, hope you are lucky enough to eat all this deliciousness that I've been able to experience.
OMG... I'm so hungry now...         =T**     (that's me drooling)

Bon Appetit! Buen provecho!
Mah sheet gae muh geu seh yoh (Eat well in Korean)!

NARS- The Multiple Coffrett

Now that it's the Holiday Season (Hooray!), NARS has come out with a set of their best-selling cult favorite Multiple Sticks.  They're small, but will last forever and they're easy to carry around. 

I find that they work best as blush or highlighters, but they can also be used on eyes and lips
If you don't like shimmer, this set isn't for you.  If you are~ SHINE ON!

The Multiple Coffret

What it is:
A set featuring three shades of the iconic NARS The Multiple - a multi-purpose formula for the eyes, cheeks, and lips - in sleek mini components.

What it does:

This set features three shades of the iconic NARS Multiple cream stick with a cult following that adds a dose of sheer, shimmering color to every complexion. The multi-purpose formula can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips and can be easily applied with your fingertips. This set allows you to get a gorgeous glow on the go with travel-size versions of the multi-tasking, cream-to-powder stick.

This set contains:

- Orgasm (peachy pink shimmer)

- South Beach (shimmering apricot)

- Copacabana (glistening pearl)

Retail Price: $40

Click here to purchase

Can you go a day without shoes? - TOMS

"No one has ever become poor by giving" 

-Anne Frank

The Holidays are here (yay!)  Are you looking for a gift for someone special in your life?  Don't give them junk that they'll never use and throw away (gasp!), give away, or hide in their closet/basement while it gathers dust~
Give them something that is useful and is for a good cause.

I first learned about Tom's Shoes when I was in Africa.  Two of the college students from Biola University were wearing these shoes that definitely were not construction shoes.  I'm not gonna lie... I first noticed them because I thought they were UGLY (haha)
"What are you guys wearing?  Isn't it dangerous to wear those while lifting rocks?" I asked.
They said they were fine and that  for every pair of shoes you buy, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.  WOW! What a great idea! Combine two awesome things: Shopping + Helping a child in need = Pure Fabulousness

I knew I wanted to get a pair when I got home (even though I still thought they were ugly).  Then I saw the AT&T commercial.  It made me cry (or at least tear)... you can watch an unclear version here.

So I bought my first pair in black (I figured they were the safest bet...).  Now I have awesome clothes and awesome shoes, but since I have flat feet, I live in flip-flops until my toes are gonna freeze. So I decided to give my TOMS shoes a try.  OMG~ They were soooo comfortable.  They were as comfortable as my flip flops, but my feet were warmer!  I wore them everywhere... and this girl is a busy girl~ I'm always on the run!  I've kind of worn through my first pair, so I'm ready to get another one.  Not sure if I'll move on to color... maybe the black glitter?..... we'll see.

So... although these shoes aren't the most fashionable (My friend Bobby calls them my ninja shoes... but he thinks General Tso's chicken and Chicken Teriyaki are Korean food, so whatever~) but I do surprisingly get compliments on them, they are sooooo comfy, and they're for a good cause!

These would make a great gift to someone, or for yourself.  Now if you want to give these as a gift, I suggest buying them the TOMS GIFT PACK , which is worth $50 and a documentary DVD about TOMS SHOES.  I suggest this because you never know which shoe the person will like best... but more importantly because there's a superstition that says you shouldn't buy someone shoes because they'll use them to walk out of your life~ (ooh weeh ooh ~*)  ;)

If you don't like the shoes, they also have cute t-shirts, hats, hoodies, and a new necklace. Each item equals a pair of shoes for a child.  One for One.

It's really easy to forget about other people.  I know I never got involved until recently.  This is an easy way to help make the world a little bit better.  By buying a pair of shoes, you can help change a person's life.  Give a gift of love.  Happy Holidays everyone!

Click HERE to buy a pair!

"For it is in giving that we receive"

-St. Francis of Assissi

Videos:
TOMS SHOES
Can you imagine a day without shoes?
WARNING- Graphic, but really touching

Tarte Treasure Chest

Ooh... I loooooove the holidays: the lights, the glitter, snow~*  Best of all... I love the Holiday Gift Sets!

One palette I buy every year is from Tarte.  This year, they've upped the ante with their largest palette ever! Tarte Treasure Chest  has 16 full sized shimmer eyeshadows, matte eyeshadows, and lipglosses. It also contains a mineral powder bronzer, luminzer, and 4 blushes.  With this one kit, you will not need makeup for a loooong time.

Now I know most of you don't like using color as much as I do, and you may think that when you first see the colors in this kit... but once you actually play around with them, you'll find them to be more wearable than you think.

I've found that over time, I'll try out a color that I orginally didn't like... and that would end up being my color of the moment. 

It's also free of parabens, petro-chemicals, sulfates, and all that other blah blah blah~

It's a $686 value for only $52.  It's practically free!!!  It's probably one of the best values around, so go out and get some treasure!

Click here to purchase

Retail Price: $52