Makeup: Classics and Newcomers

In the May issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine there is a Best List: Beauty & Style, chart of iconic colors.  These are tried and true, classic colors that flatter most and will make you happy day after day.  

I swear by the Nars blush, OPI nail laquer, Mac lip pencil and Clinique lipstick colors. 

Two rather new beauty products in my bag are:

Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks

These eye color sticks come in a range of 12 colors in a creamy formula that is convenient, long wearing and crease resistent. Apply with a brush or finger.  I love this product for travel or in my gym bag.  

Buxom Sculpted lash mascara

Isn't mascara mostly about the applicator?  

Consider Sculpted Lash Mascara as lash artistry at its best. The “S” shaped brush grabs and thickly coats each lash, allowing you to sculpt, shape and style for a full-on, fanned-out effect. The nutrient-rich formula coats each lash from root to tip, ensuring your volume and shape lasts all day with no clumping or flaking.  (taken from the Sephora site)

It's true, no clumps and you can fan out your lashes for a great effect.  This product makes the most of skimpy lashes.

What products and colors do you depend on?

I'm Now on the Lululemon Team

I haven't had a boss, or had to be at work on time for over a decade.  I've worked from home on my own terms.  

That all changed this week as I started to work for Lululemon.  I've been wearing these workout clothes for years and even have my original purchases that are now 8 years old!! 

lululemon manifesto

power Y-tank

I have a collection of these tanks.  They are my absolute favorite exercise tops.  Moisture wicking, built-in shelf bra, lightweight fabric, thin racerback straps for unrestricted movement and a long enough length to keep the your midriff covered.

speed crop

My lululemon "bottoms" are the yardstick I use when buying non-athletic pants.  If they don't feel as good as my lulu's, I don't want them.  

Now I get to wear these clothes to work as well as for workout.

Have you ever tried Lululemon athletic wear?  If not, stop reading this and go try it on for yourself.  Let me know what you think.  

This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer.  

New Pantry Staples

I try to keep my pantry stocked so that I don't need to run to the grocery store each time I prepare dinner.  Having a variety of staples allows me to use leftovers creatively too.  While these products may not be new to consumers, they are new to me and I thought I'd share.

Nothing new about black beans but these beans are packaged in a pouch and are microwaveable.  The beans are in a seasoned sauce and have 130 calories per 1/2 cup serving, 2 servings per package.  I made fish tacos the other night and we had these beans on the side.  Great for a quick meal.

I was at the grocery store searching for corn tortillas to cut into strip and fry for topping my tortilla soup.  My gaze shifted to the right and I spied these packaged tortilla strips.  No decision here, frying was done for me.  The zip lock pouch keeps these fresh for the next time I want to use them.  

In our house it was an unwritten rule that Heinz was THE ketchup.  Hubby brought to my attention, Cook's Country ketchup taste test.  In the blind test, the Heinz Organic ketchup nudged slightly ahead of the Hunt's 100% Natural product as the best tasting ketchup.  BUT the Hunt's product is 1/2 the price of the Heinz Organic and therefore considered the best buy.  The non-fructose product has a very bright, fresh taste.  I'm a fan.  You can watch the video of the taste test by clicking here.  

What pantry staples do you like to keep around?  Any new ones?

Decorate Like Nate Berkus

The November issue of Architectural Digest features Nate Berkus and his apartment in a 19th century Manhattan duplex that he recently renovated.

You may know Berkus from his home make-overs on The Oprah Winfrey Show or his own television show (that is no longer in production).  In his usual style, he performed his own home make-over in just three months. 

Living room before.

Living room after.

Love this cozy space.

all images above AD

Starting October 21, you can find the Nate Berkus for Target collection.  150 items in all.  Here is a small sample.

I LOVE that gold "urchin-like" object.  

Bedding

Pillows, vessels and boxes.

Are you intrigued?

Cozy Up

It's been cool enough to turn on the gas fireplace.  Time to get cozy.

Cozy Up by spiralstyle 

Orange Grade Blanket / Fallen Birch Branch Votive Set / Velvet-Wrapped Pumpkin, Small / Barnes Pillow / Hand Knit Soft And Warm Women's Superwash Wool Socks by silviaol

Cork Bowl  Crate and Barrel 

I love natural materials in autumn.  This cork bowl would be beautiful filled with pears, apples, or nuts.

Grillin' and Chillin'

Cedar paper grilling wraps from Cedar House

Wrap your food in cedar paper for grilling to get a great cedar-smoke flavor.  These sheets are made of real cedar wood.  

Cedar Grilling Papers from Home Depot

Soak the cedar papers in water, wine or fruit juice for 5-10 minutes, then wrap up your food in the paper and tie with the included string.  You can use these wraps on the grill or in a pan on the stove.  The wrap will retain the juices of the food, creating natural steam for moist, flavorful food.

Rabbit Wine-Chilling Crystal Carafe

Keep your wine chilled to the perfect temperature.  Add ice to the metal core in this carafe.  The wine will stay the perfect temperature for 90 minutes even if the ambient temperature is 80 degrees.

Sweet Inspiration

My sweet tooth is craving macarons.

I found lots of macaron inspired products so I guess I'm not the only one with a  macaron passion.

Macaron Inspired by spiralstyle 

How about an iPhone cover displaying colorful macarons?  Pliadesigns $38