5 Easy Things To Do

"We never know the worth of water till the well is dry"
- Thomas Fuller

New Year~ New You!

Now that it's a new year, I am highly motivated to change certain bad habits. 
I've already conquered these... Maybe you can too!

These are 5 REALLY simple things you can do to help save the planet, and save you money! 
It's really easy to do, makes a big difference, and can easily become a good habit!
JUST DO IT!

1.  Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL):
CFL's use up to 75% less energy (which means a lower electric bill!), Last up to 10x longer, and Provide the same light at lower wattages.
They cost more when you buy them, but will cost you less in the long run.
* You need to dispose of them by recycling (but it will be YEARS later) because they contain trace amounts of mercury (less than a thermometer), but can do damage to the environment.

2. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS:

This is one of my biggest pet peeves.  Why keep a light on if you're not in the room? You're using more energy and paying more money!  And for those that live in an apt. building where you don't get a bill (AHEM, Boys in 23J !), you're going to make the maintenance fees higher!!!
Turn the D*** Lights Off! 

3. Change the temperature 2-3 degrees:

I know it's cold people. I'm even cold in the summer! But you DON'T need to blast the heater at 80+ degrees.  The lower you keep it, the more money you save. 
Wear a cozy sweater! Snuggle under a blanket. Cuddle with someone you love (or are attracted to!).  Buy an ugly SNUGGIE if you have to! But turning down the heat even a few degrees makes a huge difference (to the environment and your wallet!)
Read HERE for more ways to save on heating costs

4. Turn off the Water:

So simple, but a lot of people are always keeping the water running. 

Hopefully you'll pick up these easy habits... and teach them to your kids too!

Turn off the water when...

1. Brushing your teeth. 

2. When you're in the shower~ Turn off when you're doing all your business and turn back on to wash off.

3. When doing Dishes. Turn off the water when you're soaping the dishes.  And don't fill up the whole sink with water (although I don't know if people really do that....)

*If you have a leaky faucet, make sure to take care of it asap. You'd be surprised how much water gets wasted!

Americans waste sooo much water. Think of the Africans that have to walk miles and miles to get some dirty water  =*(

5. RECYCLE

If you are still not recycling... you seriously suck.  It's so simple! Reduce. Re-Use. Recycle. 

- If you have children, speak to the directors and encourage them to recycle.  All the Pre-Schools I worked at never recycled, so I would do it myself.  They go through soooo much plastic, and Paper!  And if your office/work place doesn't recycle, talk to them... or start it on your own!
- Save your old paper and use it as scrap to jot down notes and lists. 


These are the simplest things you can do... and it REALLY does make a difference!
Start with these simple tips and you'll be amazed at how easy it was and how you should have done them a long time ago!
Two words people: Global Warming.  Hello... Did u not think this summer's weather was crazy? It rained almost everyday! That's not normal!... 
OK... before I go into a whole schpeal... I hope you take these tips into account and make them a part of your life. 

We only have one Earth, people. Take care of it!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Chanel No. 5

"I always launch my collection on the 5th day of the 5th month, so the number 5 seems to bring me luck- therefore I will name it No 5"

- Coco Chanel

How can a smell become so legendary? Because it's Chanel.
Created by Coco Chanel, who had once said "Women perfume themselves only to hide bad smells", she went on to make fragrance history by creating Chanel No.5

She wanted to create a fragrance that smelled like a woman, and not a flower bouquet: "I want to give women an artificial perfume. Like a dress- Something that has been made. I don't want any Rose or Lily of the Valley.  I want a perfume that is a composition."

Originally launched in 1922, it ranks in the top in perfume sales, and it's believed that a bottle is sold somewhere in the world every 30 seconds.

Click here  to find out what notes the floral perfume contains

When asked what she wore at night, Marilyn Monroe answered, "Five drops of No. 5"

Chanel doesn't mess around with their advertising.  They hire amazing directors to create small but beautiful masterpieces:
* Estella Warren/ Nicole Kidman - These beautiful commercials are my favorite. The Nicole Kidman one is in French. Click Here for the American version (directed by Baz Luhrman)
* Audrey Tatou - This is a great commercial... but a little long. Click Here for the sweet and shorter version (directed by Jean Pierre Jeunet~ director of Amelie)
* Catherine Deneuve - So gorgeous. "It's one of the pleasures of being a woman"
* "Marilyn Monroe " - Fun and Flirty

An article I recently read from Allure said that wearing Chanel No. 5 sends out the signal that you want to be kissed and you have a better chance of meeting your soulmate.
A British survey revealed that 1 in 10 women (out of 3,000) met their soulmate while wearing this perfume.
Kisses? Soulmates? Chanel?   It all sounds good to me.
So I now have my first bottle of Chanel No.5 and we shall see where it leads me (or I should say comes along with me).

Oh Chanel.... How I love you.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

The Lovely Bones

I used to read a lot when I was younger. I would always carry a book around with me~ I'd read at restaurants, during dinner, waiting around in the car, and in the bathtub.
My favorites were Roald Dahl books (Especially Matilda),  the Sweet Valley High series, and the Baby Sitters Club series (I always played Stacy while Rita played Claudia)... much to my mother's chagrin~ she wanted me to read more classic books.

Once I got to High School... Reading took a back seat to playing.  Haha... Yes... I will admit that I was a horrible student growing up.  My teacher's always said I had "lots of potential".. but that potential was used gossiping about my latest crush, passing notes in class (and getting caught occasionally), and planning when we were going to sneak out to NYC again!
Thank God for Cliffs Notes and Spark Notes.


I only started reading for pleasure when I went to London my Junior year of college.  One of my three roommates was reading a Blue book with a picture of a charm bracelet on it.  My roommate said the book was really good, and I could read it when she finished.

I started reading the book... and I fell in love.  My love of reading had been reawakened!  Reading is awesome!

The Lovely Bones is a beautiful story about a young girl named Susie Salmon who was brutally raped and murdered (This happens in the beginning so I'm not really spoiling anything).  The rest of the novel is basically about Susie looking down (not specifically from Heaven or Purgatory) on her friends and family and seeing how her death has affected their lives.

It's been a really long time since I read this book... but it's my favorite.  When I see cheap copies of the book in the library or at thrift stores, I will buy them so I can lend them to my friends.
I've lent this book to many people and most of them have loved/really liked it.

The book is very graphic at certain parts~ The rape scenes are especially difficult to read because the author was raped in real life and it's so realistic
I received a call from Tracy at 2:30 AM screaming, "OMG!!! WTH is this?!?!? I'm so scared right now! I can't go to sleep! I'm not reading this! Why did you give this to me?!?!"
However, if you can get past the graphic details.... it is soooo well written.

The movie is coming out on January 15 (Sorry Doyle... Peter Jackson beat you to the punch... but you can make a better one someday!)
It doesn't look that great... but I'll still watch it.  If you plan on watching this movie, I highly recommend you read the book before.  If you find out the whole plot from the movie before reading the book... the experience won't be the same.

So... I hope you read this book and love it as much as I do.  It's changed my life.
And get off Facebook and read a REAL book!  ;)  

Books. It Does a Mind Good.

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Make Up Forever HD High Definition Foundation

For all you ladies (and metros) that have been looking for the perfect foundation, I present to you Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation.

I am not a huge fan of foundation because I don't really like the feel of it.. but this stuff is AH-MAY-ZING!!!!

An oil-free medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining on-screen and in real life.

What it does: Creates a soft-focus effect, designed to meet the coverage concerns of those in the spotlight. It creates a complexion that looks flawless, even in bright or harsh lighting.

This is a liquid foundation that is not thick, but is definitely thicker than other foundations.
* The best way to use this foundation is to use with a round (not circular) sponge because it will give a more flawless and airbrushed look.
* With this foundation, most people will not need concealer.
* You put this over the areas you need and if you have problem areas... just layer and blend.

The result of this foundation is great- your skin looks flawless without looking like you’re wearing a ton of makeup. And although this foundation is a little thicker, you need only the tiniest amount to see a difference.

This foundation is made for HD television and film, where you can see every microscopic imperfection zoomed by a hundred-fold. It creates almost an air-brushed look.

When using this product, you'll want to apply directly to skin and blend quickly because it dries fairly quickly.

* This product is a definite must have. If there’s only one foundation that I recommend to you, this is it. Trust me...Your skin will thank me.
You’re welcome.  =)

Retail Price: $40

 Ingredients:
- Relipidium: Moisturizes the skin ( + 46% after 4 hours)
- Fucogel: Forms a microfilm that prevents dehydration and protects against external aggression
- Sericite: Enables rays of light to spread more widely, intensifying the radiance of the complexion

Available in 26 different shades

Singing and Dancing Through Life- My Favorite Musicals

OOOHHH.... How I love a good musical!!!  The first one I remember going to see was either the Secret Garden with my cousin or Cats when I was a girl scout.  Now those two were not the best ones around... but I've seen many more throughout my life that are just out of this world!

My friends have always said that I live in Irene's world... and in Irene's world... Life is a Musical! Sometimes I really want to just burst out singing into song.  Wouldn't it be great to sing when something good happens or do a dance off when you're angry at someone? 
The costumes, the sets, the music, the MAKEUP!!!! SIGH~ it's all so glorious!
Although life may not really be a musical, I can pretend it is at Karaoke (My go-to song is Oasis' "Don't Look Back In Anger") and in the shower ("On My Own" and "Tomorrow" were my standards growing up... )

Here are my favorite musicals (Broadway and Movies) that I've seen:

Musicals- The real deal.  Singing. Dancing. Amazing Sets! How can you not love Broadway???

* Les Miserables- This is a classic musical.  I've seen it many times, and it never disappoints.  The songs are amazing, the scenery... everything! If you've never seen it, you MUST watch it. It changed my life~*

* Wicked- This is also another amazing musical.  So many "WOW~ This is amazing!!!" moments. Favorite songs: Defying Gravity (AMAZING), Popular (So funny), What Is This Feeling, Because I knew You (So touching... There should be more songs about friendship)

* Lion King- You have to see this. This is a musical that has an AMAZING set (the animals come to life!!! how?? You must see for yourself!)

* Phantom of the Opera- Definitely a classic.

Movies

* The Sound of Music- We used to have this on VHS so I watched it ALL the time.  I always used to do the whole "Good Night" scene on the stairs for my parents. And I love the Goat Herd Song. We had a Sound of Music sing-along on African safari.  My favorite movie musical!

* Mary Poppins- I'm very similar to Mary Poppins~ "Practically perfect in every way" (haha) and you never know what I'll pull out of my bag!   ;)   Soooo good. Julie Andrews is the best~*

* Annie- Ms. Hannigan scared me as a kid... but a wonderful movie nonetheless.

* The Little Mermaid- My favorite Disney movie!!!!
* Grease- Summer Love and the Ultimate Makeover!

* Moulin Rouge- I didn't like it the first time I watched it... I thought it was weird. It's now one of my favorite movies.  The costumes.. The music... Baz Lurhman is a genius

* Chicago- I haven't seen this on Broadway, yet... but I've seen the movie tons of times and it's next on my list of shows to see... the soundtrack is awesome!!!  Makes you want to sing and dance...and hate men  ;)

* Glee-This is SUUUUCH a good show~ They take popular songs and sing them. Simple enough... but they're SO GOOD.  And the story lines are interesting: funny, serious, poignant.  It's got it all.

OK. Now go out... Sing and Dance your little hearts out!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day ~*

Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go Kit

I love gift sets because you get such a good deal.  A great deal that I highly recommend is Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go-Kit.

With this kit, you get so much for your money (Retail Price: $48 at a $98 value)
* You can get full size products at a fraction of the price and a sample of my favorite Argan Oil!
* It is Natural and Organic ~ All the products (minus the Eyliner) contain the Argan Oil
* The Eyeliner contains Organic Shea Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil

I think this makes an excellent gift for a friend and for yourself (which is exactly what I did!).
It's a Limited Edition so go for it before it sells out!



What it is:
A kit featuring Josie Maran's best-selling and award-winning products.

What it does:
Josie Maran's kit contains best-selling products that are sure to bring out your natural beauty with universally flattering shades that leave your skin glowing. Josie's kit is an eco-chic way to get gorgeous and is a perfect introduction to the line, as well as a smart jumpstart to a healthy new makeup regimen.

This set contains:
- 100% Organic Argan Oil (3-5 uses)
- 0.14oz Plumping Lip Gloss in Daring (sheer shimmering rosy nude)
- 0.12oz Cream Blush in Sunrise (soft pink)
- 0.17oz Mascara in Black
- 0.04 oz Eye Liner in Black

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens (all)
- Sulfates (all)
- Synthetic Fragrances (all)
- Synthetic Dyes (oil, mascara, eyeliner)
- Petro-Chemicals (all)
- Phthalates (all)

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

* ~ New Year, New You ~ *

One of my favorite scenes from the movie The Curious Case of  Benjamin Button is when he writes a letter to someone special.  I am writing this to all my (MANY) readers      ;)
I find it to be very poignant and moving. I hope you read it and feel the same way, too!


For what it's worth,
It's never too late (or too early) to be whoever you want to be.
There's no time limit. 
Start whenever you want.
You can change or stay the same.
There are no rules to this thing.
We can make the best or the worst of it.
And I hope you make the best of it.
I hope you see things that startle you.
I hope you feel things you never felt before.
I hope you meet people with a different point of view.
I hope you live a life you're proud of.
And if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.


 Click Here to watch the scene from the movie. Brad Pitt is gorgeous. Enjoy!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Take It Off, Baby- Shu Uemura Skin Purifier (Cleansing Oil)

I first tried the Shu Uemura Skin Purifier in college when my friend Angela brought it on a camping trip.
- Unfortunately I'm really bad at reading directions so I used it the wrong way and hated it.  =T
- Luckily, they were selling a trial size 3 pack at Neiman Marcus (and I liked the clear case it comes in) so I figured I'd give it another try. I'm glad I did.

This will take off ALL your makeup. Whether it's everyday Waterproof Mascara or hard core Tammy Faye Baker makeup, it will come off.
* DO NOT USE WATER WITH THIS PRODUCT!!!  That was my mistake the first time. It will basically end up not doing anything.  You only need to get a few drops of oil on your hands/fingertips and massage into your skin.  Once the oil is on your face, THEN you can add water (but I don't until I'm ready to wash it off)
* I like using the oil because you're not tugging on skin to get makeup off (which can eventually lead to wrinkles).  Give yourself a quick massage while you're at it.  Your skin will thank you.

Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium
What it is:
Two-in-one cleanser and makeup remover.

What it is formulated to do:
shu uemura's Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I is a rich oil that gently removes makeup and impurities. It's infused with medicinal herbs, such as chamomile and licorice root, to soothe and smooth dry, sensitive skin. It's ideal for those with damaged, dry, or sensitive skin, as well as for those who seek antiaging benefits.

 Here is a more detailed description:

 debut of cleansing oil
while working as a makeup artist in hollywood in the late 1950's, shu uemura discovered Unmask, an oil-based cleanser used by film stars and makeup artists on the set. applying heavy stage makeup multiple times daily, actresses often often developed sensitive skin from harsh make-up removers. uemura saw that the cleansing oil removed make-up gently, yet effectively, while maintaining the skin’s natural level of moisture.

the joy of cleaning
the secret to shu uemura cleansing oil is protecting the skin's delicate moisture balance while removing makeup and impurities in a single step. blending rich botanical oils, including avocado and jojoba, with natural phyto ingredients, cleansing oils are formulated in six varieties for perfect, gentle cleansing specific to skin's daily needs. gentle, thorough cleansing is the first step to beautiful skin.

high performance oil system
all of shu uemura's cleansing oils are formulated using the unique hpo (high performance oil) system, a complex combination of three moleculary distinct oils that trap the lipophilic residue of stubborn waxes and oils found in waterproof mascara, foundation and lip color. once emulsified by water, the cleansing oil encapsulates hydrophilic residue, such as dirt and sweat, gently lifting both types of impurities from the pores simultaneously.

cleansing oil's high affinity to skin allow for a gentle yet effective cleansing without disrupting skin's natural balance.

This oil is a great gentle cleanser and will work on all skin types. 

Retail Price: 

5 oz:  $28-$35

15 oz: $62- $75


for best results using shu uemura cleansing oil, follow these easy steps:

1. use 3-4 pumps of cleansing oil on dry hands

2. spread gently and thoroughly over dry face.

3. add a few drops of lukewarm water to face to emulsify.
(oil will turn milky white)

4. rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

                                                                        

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Girl Power- My Favorite Female Artists

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels.

Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and Kick Ass."

-Maya Angelou

Here are some of my favorite female singers.  They're all great writers, singers, and have lots of personality. I love strong girls that have more to talk about than love and heartache. These fabulous ladies are quirky, have spunk, and aren't afraid to say whats on their mind.  You may know some of these lovely ladies... you may not.  I hope you enjoy their music as much as I do. They are the sh*t.

"Girls. You never know what they're going to think"

-Holden Caulfield
(Catcher in the Rye)

Kate Nash-  She is someone I discovered last year and have been playing her music non-stop ever since.  She's English/Irish (Love it!), plays piano and guitar, and has some of the cheekiest lyrics around! She rocks!

Foundations- "You say I must eat so many lemons, because I am so bitter"  One of my favorite songs.

Mouthwash- I can relate to this song. And not many people write about dental floss! =D

Merry Happy- Girl Meets Boy. Girl Loses Boy. She'll be fine!

We Get On- A whole mini story in a cute song. 

Pumpkin Soup- The girl just wants to snog!

Navy Taxi- A beautiful but melancholy song I can relate to.  ~ "I really hate always being late. And now the other train is late... Great..."   "It's your life and no one else's. Don't let someone put you in a box"

Regina Spektor-  I've seen her live a few times and she is fanatastic. She writes her own music, plays guitar and piano.  So cute. So quirky. So talented.

Fidelity- This is the first song I heard of hers. I was in love at first song.

Us- May be my favorite song of  hers. Definitely Top 3. Cool video.

That Time- Weird... but fun~ "Hey Remember that time when my favorite colors was pink and green?"

Apres Moi- Kind of dark, but it's a great song

The Call- A pretty song used in the Chronicles of Narnia movie

Eet- Good song.  "You're using your headphones to drown out your mind"

Laughing With- "No one laughs at God in a hospital. No one laughs at God in a war" "No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they've got and they don't know what for".  Something to think about...


Lily Allen- Her songs sound so happy and cute.. but the girl has a lot to say. So cheeky and naughty!

Smile- Sounds so happy and cheery. But listen to the lyrics

Alfie- Written about her pot-smoking brother. haha.

LDN- One of my favorite Lily Allen songs. "You might laugh, You might frown walkin 'round London Town". "Sun is in the Sky. Oh Why Oh Why would I want to be anywhere else?"

F*** You- Haha. I love this song. Said to be written about Bush or the British National Party... but I find it to be quite universal ;)
The Fear- If I were to make a music video, it would look like this!

Not Fair- Wow.. she wrote a song about a boy who's bad in bed.... sucks to be him~*

22- This song is depressing... but nice to address issues women in their 20s have    =(  "It's sad but it's true how society says her life is already over"

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Clinique Great Skin Everyday I/II

My first review of the decade will be a from a line that I have used since I was a teenage girl. They have the best free gift with purchases!

Clinique is the first hypo-allergenic, dermatologist-driven line.  When Vogue published the article "Can Great Skin Be Created" in 1967, Estee Lauder's daughter-in-law brought it to her.  A year later, Clinique was created.

Clinique is a great line... especially for people who are no frills- no fuss, like a regimen, and have sensitive skin.
* They test their products for allergic reactions on 600 people, 12 times to make sure there are zero skin reactions. That's pretty hard core!

When I was working at Sephora Times Square, I saw someone pushing a huge cart full of Clinique gift sets.  My good deal radar was buzzing.  I took a look and saw that it was an AWESOME kit.  I asked the price. $25 (at a $55 value!!!). Perfect! I was actually going to review 2 of the products in this set... so I am now able to kill two birds with one stone.

Great Skin Everyday I/II is "a perfect introduction to Clinique's best-selling, best-loved formulas".  It's great to carry around for travel, or if you want to try the products without investing a lot.  Although the products are travel size, they will last you a long time and you'll definitely be able to figure out which products are worth buying full size.

What it does:
This kit features a bevy travel-friendly skincare must-haves. Experience the world-famous, dermatologist-developed 3-Step Skin Care System (Liquid Facial Soap, Clarifying Lotion 2, and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion); Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes, and Lips; and Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. Don't forget All About Eyes, Clinique's number-one eye treatment formula, along with the special Sephora-exclusive Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey.

This set contains:
- 1.7 oz Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips
- 1.0 oz Liquid Facial Soap Mild
- 2.0 oz Clarifying Lotion 2
- 1.0 oz Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
- 0.21 oz All About Eyes
- 1.0 oz Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
- 0.17 oz Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey 

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion-  I use this moisturizer on all my photo shoots.  It has more of a liquid texture.  It's light and sinks in pretty quickly, but is very moisturizing.  It's simple. No frills. It gets the job done.  It now also comes in a gel formula.

Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief-  I really like this moisturizer.  It's a very light gel formula. I like the texture and think it's also a really good moisturizer.  You can also use this as a moisturizing mask! But just put on a little thicker layer and don't wash off.... then your skin will be super moisturized!

All About Eyes- This is a good, simple eye cream.  I don't know how well it is at getting rid of under-eye circles, puffy eyes and, fine lines.. but I honestly can't tell the difference with any eye cream.  However, if you're skin and under-eye area is dry... this will definitely give you moisture.  Even though I can't tell the difference with eye creams... I still use them...and you should too. haha. Better to be safe, than sorry...

Take the Day Off Makeup Remover-  This is an oil based remover.  Its safe for contact lens wearers and can be used to take off all your makeup.  It gets your makeup off really easily. 

So with all these great items in a perfect travel size at a perfect budget price... how could you resist?!?  Pick them up fast because I don't know how long they'll last (special items at Sephora go fast!)

Things to Splurge On- Beauty on a HIGH Budget

Dad: "You just love to spend money!"

Irene: "Sorry... My parent's never taught me the value of a dollar..."

If you've gone shopping with me, or seen my room, or seen my car... you know that I love to shop. 

My mother always tried to teach me to use money wisely~ Don't buy lots of cheap things. Invest your money on quality items.  She wore designer clothes, had Chanel and LouisVuitton bags, and used Estee Lauder and Shiseido makeup. However, she wore them forever and didn't go on crazy shopping sprees.  My father also never shops.  I don't know where they found me, 'cause I love to shop!

* In actuality... I don't like to spend money... I just like having lots of stuff. One of my biggest thrills in life is getting something for free, or getting something great at an amazing discount.  I am THE bargain shopper.
* For example... find someone who can get a pair of Dolce and Gabanna shorts for $25, a New with Tag Diane Von Furstenburg dress for $40,  and a pair of Christian Louboutains for $60.  Yes. I'm an awesome shopper.

Now I do spend a lot of money... but I RARELY buy things full price and don't usually spend a lot on one item.  Here are the things I AM willing to spend a lot of money on.

Creme de la Mer- This is the cream of the crop (haha).  One of the first "luxury" cremes. It is my favorite moisturizer for my dry skin.  You need only use the slightest amount and it lasts forever.  It is EXPENSIVE, but worth it. I'm on my third jar.  Give yourself the gift of good skin. You're worth it.  Just skip a few meals like I do. Then you'll have great skin AND be skinny!!!  ;)

 Coats- I LOOOOVE coats. I have tons. My favorite ones are fitted winter coats. I think it's worth it to invest in a good coat. For cold winters, you can't beat a Northface. They are ridiculously warm (and I'm ALWAYS cold). My favorite coat is a Teal Zac Posen coat which I spent hundreds on... It's worth it. Mackage is my favorite line. They make beautiful fitted coats with lots of style. You don't have to dress ugly to stay warm. Invest people.  It's worth it.

Jewelery- I love buying huge fake jewelery, but you can't beat a pair of beautiful diamond solitaires or a strand of pearls.  Every woman should have a pair of diamond and pearl earrings (You don't need to spend like crazy... but it's nice to have the real thing), and a strand of pearls.

You can find beautiful pearls for cheap at Overstock.  Surprising.. but they really are very nice.  And if you buy a diamond, make sure it's not a Blood Diamond! Do you want a little African child to have lost his limbs, family, or his life so you can sport some bling???  =(

 
Chanel- I love Chanel. It's my weakness.  The quality.. The designs...It's unparalleled. I am willing to shell out lots of cash for Chanel.... but only if it's discounted and I get it at my favorite consignment stores!  =)

A Quality Handbag-  For everyday use, you can use a cheap bag, but every woman should have at least one beautiful Designer Handbag.
Please don't spend a lot of money on the new "IT" bag because in a few months... everyone may be carrying the Chinatown knock off and then it's not so special.  I like to buy handbags that don't have the label written all over (Unless its' Chanel!).  If you're only going to buy one, get it in a neutral shade (Black/ Tan) because you'll get the most wear out of it. 

Cashmere- It's expensive, but it's much easier to find at good prices nowadays.  Cashmere is worth it's weight in gold.  You're not going to find something that is so thin, yet gives so much warmth. The more ply, the better.  I have a 4 ply sweater... it's FABULOUS. It's worth it.  And if it starts to pill, just get an electric sweater shaver.

So, there are definitely tons of ways you can spend your money.  As someone who is a thrifty shopper but loves fabulous things, these are my picks for things that are worth spending your money on.  Invest in a quality item, and it'll last you forever. 

My Life in '09

" Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today"  
-James Dean 

2009 has been an amazing year.  Here is my life the past year. It's long and written more for me... but if you're bored and have a lot of time on your hands, this is my life in a (very big) nutshell. ~*

Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner

"Heart on her lips, and soul within her eyes

Soft as her clime , and sunny as her skies"

-Lord Byron

This is going to be my last makeup review of the year, so let's end it with my favorite product. Eyeliner! Don't be afraid, ladies... Want to look more glamorous in a few seconds?  Liquid eyeliner! So simple.. so perfect~*

I had previously written a review of eyeliners before.  Since then, I have moved from using the Bobbi Brown daily, to Stila's Smudge Pot. They're both awesome... but once I start using something, I usually stick with it... for a while...

For the days when I'm REALLY rushed ('Cause I'm always rushing around...), I use my Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony. The eyeliner is quick drying and lasts all day.  Fast. Quick. Beautiful.

This eyeliner is like a felt tip pin.  I know I reviewed the LORAC Front of the Line Pro, but I actually prefer the Hourglass one. 

* I think the LORAC is great for people who like or are better with slightly flimsy eyeliner brushes.  It bends easier and isn't stiff.  If you like that kind of brush, then this is great for you.
* Personally, I prefer using firm-tipped eyeliners.  It's faster and easier.  You can get the same precise line in half the time. 


What it is:
A moisturizing water- and smudge-proof felt-tip liquid liner that contours and lines the eyes with precision.

What it does:
Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner creates strikingly definitive eyes with a waterproof formula that offers all-day staying power. The line dries quickly to prevent streaks, smears, and transfers.

What else you need to know:
Calligraphy Liquid Liner is formulated with Pearl Protein and a botanical blend of Chamomile, Aloe, Rosemary, and Perilla extract to condition and nourish the eyes

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Phthalates

Retail Price:
$32

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

The Adventures of a Paperclip~ The Paperclip Project~*

I was recently playing a very intense game of Taboo over the Holidays (Yale was the best: "Insane Clothes" = Straight Jacket, "Navel Dirt" = Belly Button Lint.. haha. Go Team KL. Team Choi stinks), and someone mentioned a guy that had traded One Red Paperclip and ended up with a house!  In only 14 trades, he was able to end up with a HOUSE! How crazy is that?!?

Well, I was thoroughly intrigued, and I decided that my cousins and I should all do our own paper clip project.  Starting on January 1, 2010, we have a year to take a paperclip and trade as much as we can within a year to end up with the best trade.  Whoever has the best trade next year will win a prize from all the cousins (Prize yet to be decided).   We can start with any kind of paperclip... as fancy or as simple as you want. 

I have a feeling I may be the only one that actually follows through and doesn't forget about this (and if you haven't heard anything about it come July, I probably have forgotten so please remind me!)... but I think it'll be a fun thing to do.  I plan to do things the right way.... so although I can probably end up with something awesome (because people love giving me free stuff... ), I'm only going to trade things (instead of getting something for free and giving them my object).

If you like doing fun and pointless things, join me in my paperclip project!

So who's going to be the first one to help me out?  What do you want for a little old paperclip full of potential?   Let the trades begin! 


*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*