Las Vegas Part I

 

I can definitely say I ended my summer on a high note.  From this past Thursday to Sunday, I was in Las Vegas for a Bachelorette Party for my dear friend Jacki.

We did everything "big" for her celebration... bottle service, VIP tables, cabanas, etc... etc... and it was so worth it.  We danced, sang, and laughed til we cried pretty much the entire weekend.  

Here are a few pics to show you some of our fun.... I'll be back soon with new Blonde & Lippy posts!

85% off Sale at Mango

The Mango Outlet is having a huge sale... UP TO 85% OFF!  Here are a few pieces I love:

Visit the Mango Outlet Sale:

Post-4th Detox

ph: glamour.com

After America's birthday celebration yesterday (and after cocktailing to celebrate it), I'm feeling a little bleh (for lack of a better word).  

But as luck would have it, I came across this article from Glamour.com.  Not only is it great for a little post-cocktail detox... you can do this every morning to give your body a little jump start:

Experts say that the simple act of sleep can pull water from your body, leaving you dehydrated. Citric acid—what's in lemon juice—helps the body's enzymes function, which in turn can stimulate your liver and help it detox. And the clean water helps return hydration to your body, while flushing out your kidneys. People who drink lemon water in the morning report that they experience a big mental boost and have increased energy!

Plus, it's filled with vitamin C—one lemon has 187 percent the amount you need in a day—which is a great antioxidant that helps boost your immune system.

To unleash these benefits, add the juice from half a freshly squeezed lemon to a glass of warm water (warm is apparently easier for your body to process than cold).

Full article here.

Spring & Summer 2013 Trends Runway Inspiration

ph: imaxtree

Show Some Stem

1. Susana Monaco Leaf Print Short    2.  Splendid Striped Shorts    3. Ready or Nautical Shorts

4. Plenty by Tracy Reese Fringed Short      5.  Flower Punch Short        6.  FP Tiered Eyelet Short

7. TopShop Beaded Short          8.  Free People Impanema Short              9.  Cosmic Metallic Short

A Few Must-Haves for Vacation

• Ray Ban Aviators
• Josie Maran Argan Oil (for only $29!)
• Obagi Nu Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35
• An adorable alligator bottle opener (I also love this one)
• Fedora to keep just a little shade on my face (similar)
• J Crew Flip Flops
• A great magazine.

My New Favorite Sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen

This random purchase at WalMart has turned into one of my new favorite summer products... Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen... IT SMELLS AMAZING, Y'ALL!!  

After my sunburn a few weeks ago, I have come to realize that SPF15 really doesn't do much for me.  I am going to stick to an SPF30 or higher as much as I can from here on out.  Another change I am making is switching to sunscreen in a can... I feel like I miss WAY too many spots on my body when I apply the lotion.  I always find random streaks of red (or white- depends on the sunburn!) from not covering myself completely with sunscreen.

Also, this stuff feels amazing when you reapply it.  And let me stress REAPPLY because you should always apply sunscreen BEFORE you go out in the sun.  Anyway,  I love the feel of the cool mist on my skin.  And again... the smell... in love! 

Most importantly, it is moisturizing.  It isn't sticky like most sunscreens.  So those of you who complain about the smell or the stickiness of sunscreen... there goes your excuse to not wear it.

And if any of you have your own favorite sunscreens, please send them to me or comment so I can try them out.

A Multi-Purpose Beauty Product

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick

First, please excuse the GIGANTIC photos of my face, but it's the best way for you to see the product.  Oh and excuse the sunburn too, but 7 hours on the lake will do that to you. 

I love Josie Maran's Argan Color Stick for several reasons:  

Numero uno- I love the smell!  I know that's weird but it really does smell great.  

Number two- it is dual purpose.  In these photos, I used it on my cheeks (the apples of my cheeks) and my lips.  I didn't want to spend a lot of time on my makeup since I was on vacation- I did BB Cream, one sweep of bronzer to contour my cheeks a little, then Josie Maran Argan Color Stick on my cheeks and lips.  (eyes you can't see, but I did eyeshadow and mascara... didn't get a good shot without the sunglasses)  The color stick is luminescent, so it really gives your cheeks a beautiful glow and dewy finish.

Number three- It treats your skin!  Since it has Argan Oil in it, it replenishes and repairs your skin.

• Purchase Josie Maran Argan Color Stick in Petal Pink-Neutral Pink at Sephora
• Or, check out QVC's website to see some of the sets they offer that come with the Josie Maran Argan Color Stick.  They actually have an entire Josie Maran section with great deals.
• Learn more about Argan Oil here.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Lake

Here are a few shots from the long weekend.  My friend John is gracious enough to have his friends come to his lake house on holiday weekends and there is so much to do.  Whether it's four-wheeling, boating, shooting skeet, or just lying on the pier, you can find something you enjoy in this beautiful place.

This trip was truly special because we had John's friend who is one of Emeril Lagasse's test kitchen chefs along for the trip.  Stacey's job is to create and write recipes, so to say she can cook is quite the understatement.  Everything she made was from scratch and for the most part, healthy.  Check out the picture of the Prosciutto (and lord knows what else... we'll call it HEAVEN) Pizza a little further down.  It was hands down the best pizza I've ever eaten.  Even the dough was homemade!  

But what's even more exciting- Stacey is going to start sharing her favorite recipes with everyone via this blog... (I'm also trying to convince her to start her own!).  So, hopefully, I will get the recipe to that fabulous pizza (and several of the other things she made this weekend) soon.  

Everything she made this weekend was whole and organic and SO DELICIOUS, so I'm hoping she can help me learn how to cook fabulous healthy meals that even a Louisiana girl like myself can enjoy!

Shopping Break @ ShopBop

                               

                 

                         

A few pieces I'm coveting at ShopBop (especially the sale ones!) 

Click the pictures to shop!  

The Best of Beauty: Mattifying Moisturizer

SEPHORA COLLECTION 8 HR 
Mattifying Moisturizer with Sunscreen

So I finally tried one of the products I listed on this post.  A friend asked me a few weeks ago to do a post on a good moisturizer that helps with shine.  I thought that was a great idea- especially since the temperatures outside are rising- (I love you Louisiana, but these summers are brutal).

First, let me give you a run-down on my skin type again.  Pretty normal, but can be oily in the summer on my nose and chin area.  Occasionally I get some shine on my forehead after an entire day of having makeup on my face- and who doesn't?  How nice would it be to be a guy and not have to wear makeup every day?  Ok, let me back up.  Scratch that-  I LOVE MAKEUP.  Still, wearing makeup every day annoys me.  But, if I've got to do it, let me do it the best and healthiest way possible for my skin.  Which is why I use B.B. Cream and a good moisturizer.  One reason this moisturizer really intrigued me was because it contains antioxidants- AND sunscreen!

I tried 3 products that I heard were pretty decent when it comes to mattifying your skin:

• SEPHORA COLLECTION 8 HR Mattifying Moisturizer Sunscreen 1.69 oz ($22.00)
• The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion, 1.69-Fluid Ounce (ranges $10.00- $13.00)
• Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 l PA++ ($39.50)

I definitely like the Sephora Mattifying Moisturizer the best.  I also liked the consistency and smell of the Body Shop Tea Tree Lotion, but it felt almost like a film on my face.  The Murad Mattifier was a little better, but it was a very thick lotion... wasn't in love with it.

I really liked the Sephora Mattifying Moisturizer right off the bat because it was light consistency and blended easily into my skin.  I do have to say that it has a bit of a sunscreen smell to it, but given that I do a lot of running around during the day, I like that I KNOW it has sunscreen in it and is protecting my skin from the sun (without the greasiness of sunscreen!).  

As far as being a mattifier, it definitely worked.  I didn't have that icky end-of-the-day gross makeup feeling on my face.... which was AWESOME!  It gave me the shine control I was looking for.

I also loved that it has a pump, which to me says it will last me a long time because I won't use too much product at a time.

Last but definitely not least, it is only $22.00!!!  This is my new go-to day moisturizer.

Welcome to the Jungle Part Deux

LOVING the Tropical and Animal Print Trends for Spring & Summer 2013... and instead of the usual leopard prints, here are some pieces that mix it up- a few different bright, fun leopard prints, sequin python skirt (dying over that), the Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag (a great piece that would go with so many things- I am always looking for a good crossbody bag, especially living in New Orleans during festival season), those adorable harem pants...you get the point.  Check out these fun (and for the most part, affordable) pieces.

• Rebecca Minkoff Leopard Print "Kiss Kiss" Crossbody Bag (On Sale)
• Tropical Print Harem Pants (only $17.80...Tried these on and bought them in another print-didn't have my size in this print- they fit so cute!)
• National Geographic Muscle Tee (just sold out!)... it was from Nasty Gal... here's another cute tropical muscle tee- Paradise City Muscle Tee
    

• Topshop Back Cut Out Body-Con Dress (also comes in green)
• Topshop 'Crazy Croc' Scarf (love a fun Spring/Summer scarf... wear it around your neck, on your head, etc.)
• Topshop Bright Parrot Shorts
  
  

• Haute Hippie Python Sequin Miniskirt (expensive, yes... but WHAT a killer piece)
• Leopard Print Pencil Skirt ($15.80... love the detail on the back)