The NAKED Palette...

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Several times a year I often find myself buying different shades of brown eye shadow.  I always think I want a new color, but if you look in my makeup drawer they are all basically the same shades! I recently discovered a new palette of brown eye shadows that has me hooked and maybe cured from buying all those individual shades.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

The Urban Decay Naked Palette is full of twelve neutrals and more options of brown than I could ever imagine.  It's absolutely a perfect palette of browns! The case is a bit of an investment at $50, but I figure I was spending $13 a pop on each individual brown shadow I was buying from my other makeup supplier.  I love how the palette allows me the option to make my eye very neutral with colors like: Toasted, Buck, and Sin. Or, If I am wanting to go for a smokey eye I can use Creep and Gunmetal.  The Naked Palette is definitely becoming a staple of my makeup supplies!
                        

The other MILK...

Monday, July 23, 2012

I've never actually been diagnosed as lactose intolerant, but I've convinced myself that I really am.  I hate the bloating feeling that comes after eating ice cream or drinking milk, but I love the taste of these two! I have since discovered almond milk, which is a good alternative to milk, but even better is almond milk ice cream!!! Almond milk and almond milk ice cream are just what you think they would be- ground almonds. But, unlike regular animal milk- almond milk contains no cholesterol or lactose.  It does however contain Omega-3 fatty acids, so it's good for your heart and it's also high in protein.

Now almond milk is not some new Hollywood trend or the latest fad- it actually dates back to the Medieval Times when it was a staple in kitchens because milk would spoil too quickly.  I have had the pleasure of tasting several almond milk ice creams.  The consistency doesn't taste as creamy as the real thing, but at least I can enjoy my guilty pleasure without the bloat.  Here are my two favorites...
                                       

                                                    
                                                                        

The SALE is on...

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially starts TODAY!!! I've already picked my top items that will be in my shopping bag upon checkout. 

I've been eyeing these boots for several weeks now.  The color is incredible and I love how the leather already looks worn. This is a Fall/Winter staple.

                                                           FRYE Melissa Trapunto Boot


  I have yet to buy an incredible rain jacket even though I own 20 jackets or so.  This one is all water   proof and has a hood! I am counting on it to keep me dry if we ever get rain!

                                                              Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket

If you've never worn a Shimera Seamless Tank I highly recommend purchasing one.  These tanks are so soft and the best part is they don't ride up the sides of your body like most tanks do.  They stay in place the whole day.  Plus they come in an array of colors to go with any outfit! 
     
                                                                   Shimera Seamless Tank
                                                             
The sale lasts until August 6th, but these incredible items won't last long! Go fill up your shopping bag.





What are you toting...

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Every year it seems I go looking for the perfect pool/beach tote to take along my towels, sun screen, magazines, and whatever else finds its way into the bag for the day.  This year was no exception and lucky for me, there's no shortage of totes out there.

There are ones that are more design appealing and could probably be used as a daily purse as well.
 
  Victoria's Secret Wavy Print Tote


Then there are ones that are the perfect combination of Summer colors. 
 
 Target Pink Straw Strip Tote


You can also find ones that are under $10,  but still cute enough to be pool or beach side
Old Navy Canvas Beach Tote


And of course the traditional jute cabana tote
                                           
        O'Neill Cabana Tote


FAB Summer Nails...

Monday, July 16, 2012

I am obsessed with painting my nails.  I actually feel completely naked and out of sorts in between polishes when my nails are bare.  I am not sure how I became like this?  Maybe it's because I remember growing up my mom always paining her nails a bright red color.  Maybe it's because I used to spend half my 20's at the nail salon getting my fake nails and fake french manicure put on- thank god I grew out of that stage!  It doesn't really matter at this point as long as my nails are painted. Summer is the perfect time for using fabulous colors on the nails and right now I am into bright pinks and corals.  Here are some of my favorites:
                                                 OPI Strawberry Margarita


                                                  essie bachelorette bash
                                                    Salley Hansen Mango

Here's some easy tricks I learned from a magazine a few years ago to keep that manicure looking fresh.
 1. Make nails superclean- use cotton pads soaked in alcohol.
2. Use cuticle oil to coat nail beds at least once a day- Helps to prevent polish from chipping.
3. Do an extra top coat the same day you do your nails- Helps extend the mani by at least two days.
4. Always hold the brush parallel to nail and paint a stroke down the middle of your nail, then do one down each side.
5. Fix polish mistakes with a lip brush or a paint brush.

What are you favorite Summer nail colors?

British Invasion in KC...

Thursday, July 12, 2012

The other day I was perusing the 2nd floor of Halls when I noticed a new collection of shoes and handbags by British Designer L.K. Bennett. Now,  L.K. Bennett has been around since the 90's, but has only recently become more well known in the states thanks to a certain Dutchess and her family.  Kate, Pippa, and Carol Middelton have all been seen on several occasions wearing L.K. Bennett shoes and dresses.  Probably the most iconic is the Sledge Nude Pump which has a 4" heel and 1/2 " platform.  Kate has been seen wearing these shoes on more than 12 occasions and more recently wore them for the entire weekend of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. 






                           
                                                                     
The shoes are a bit pricey at $325, but are they comfortable?   Since I was there, I went ahead and tried them on of course,  and was pleasantly surprised how comfortable they felt. So comfortable I might even be able to pull an 8 hour work shift comfortable. These shoes are definitely an investment but will practically go with anything,  and I figure if they're good enough for this Dutchess then they're good enough for this Kansas City gal!!












                             



Downtown Parkville...

Monday, July 9, 2012

We attended a wedding at Piropo's in Downtown Parkville this past weekend.  It was quite lovely besides the over 100 degree heat.  I had forgotten how beautiful Parkville can be with the scenes of Park University and all that downtown has to offer.  This is a quaint location for a wedding, but I would maybe recommend an outdoor wedding in the Fall instead.

                                                   Park University Campus

                                                       Downtown Parkville

                                     Dress: Trina Turk for Banana Republic; Bracelet: J Crew
                                                   Earrings: Stella & Dot; Clutch: LV
          
                                                                            Sledge Nude Pump

The Magical Brush...

Friday, July 6, 2012

I love Summer! I love being outside, I love cooking on the grill, and I love laying at the pool! When I am laying out at the pool, I  am very good about putting on sunblock, especially on my face.  However,  I am not so good at putting on sunblock on a daily basis when I am getting ready in the morning.  I am not sure why- maybe I am worried about my face being sticky? Maybe I am afraid of looking more oily than I already do? All I know is I don't wear sunblock like I should every day!  Until NOW!!!  I recently discovered sunblock in a brush. It's magical! There are several new brands on the market ,and they claim to be lightweight mineral blends that provide chemical-free broad-spectrum protection. These wonders dust on invisibly over makeup and some even have a hint of bronze.  I have actually stopped using my normal compact throughout the day, and whenever I am feeling in need of a quick shine over I just pull out my magical brush! These sunscreens are slim tubes that fit perfectly into your handbag and won't spill because they have a brush and cover.  I have recently purchased one by Peter Thomas Roth at Beauty Brands, but there are several ones out there!




                                                         Bare Minerals $28
                         
                                                  Peter Thomas Roth $30

                                                        
                                                      Colorescience $50
                  
                                                           





A new adventure...

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

 I woke up this morning to find this beautiful sight going across the skyline of our backyard. 

                                                           
I thought to myself what an incredible adventure that must be! And, what a perfect day for my first post ever in this new world of blogging.  I am getting ready to take a wonderful adventure in my life as well, and am so excited!  What a day for celebrating! A new blog to start, a new job to start, a new outlook on life to start(with the proper outfits of course).   

                                           

                                                                    
                                                    Top & Shorts: J Crew; Clutch: Express; 
                                                  Bracelets: Banana Republic and Stella & Dot; Shoes: DSW

I hope you'll follow me on this amazing adventure and all things thoughts du jour... Have a wonderful 4th of July with family and friends and I look forward to getting to know you.



                                                          

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