radiance? luster? yes please!

{rave}

I think it is that time of year where we all could us a little highlight.  

glominerals - glohighlighter

Product description: Add a hint of radiant light with glominerals highlighter. Apply this pink luminizer anywhere you want a subtle, natural glo that can instantly brighten your complexion. The perfect finishing touch!

Price: $16.00 

Where can I get it?

Glominerals or  Amazon

What does b* say?

It claims that it has vitamins a, e, c, and also contains green tea extract.  I like that I am getting my daily vitamins from my makeup ;)  Kidding but what I do like is the sheen\natural glow that I get from this.  One thing is that a little goes a LONG way. 2 benefits from that... the bottle will last you longer and you can start by applying a little and build from there to get your desired glow.

  

the one month that being a villain is not such a bad thing

{rave}

Ready or not the holidays are here

For me they hit so fast.  I am still trying to figure out what happened to the last 9 months.  This season and the season to come is by far my favorite time of year.  Not for the weather... Not for the festivities... It is all about the family!

I was window shopping at the mall and came across this fun line...

Mac and Disney Collaborated to give us this...

My top picks are

M·A·C 'Venomous Villains - Maleficent' Nail Lacque

Product description: Revolutionary new high-gloss formula. Visibly different. Provides a no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer!

Price; $13.00

Where can I get it?

Nordstrom

What does b* say?

I think this high gloss polish is oodles of fun.  I like that it is not black.  The vibrant bluish purple is a nice change.

Venomous Villains Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo

A combination of two menacingly stylish Mineralize Eye Shadow shades in one compact pick up the wickedly dark look and feel of the M∙A∙C Venomous Villains collection. Limited edition.

Price: $25.00

Where can I get it?

MAC

What does b* say?

This duo is dramatic and fantastic!  The Duo's are "my dark magic" Deep pink with pink pearl / Deep plum with purple pearl  or "She who dares" Deep navy with blue pearl / Deep forest green with lime green pearl.  They are hard to find and a limited edition.  I would say the are fashion make up or night make up.  And we all need a little of both!  

Happy Haunting

A quad palette that will not break the bank

{rave}

Wow, so much to post so little time to do it in.

My last eye shadow post was all about SHIMMER, but sometimes I want something a little more subdued.

I am really drawn to this shadow because I love the color combination and not to mention that it brings me back to my youth!

When I was younger Clinique was the Bees Knees...

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad

Product description: Spicy

Limited Edition: A midtone golden bronze with a shimmery golden yellow, a deep khaki green, and a golden rose.  Colour Group: Tawnies

Price: $25.00

Where do I get it?

Amazon or Clinique 

What Does b* say?

I have been on a huge Bobbi Brown Kick I am not sure if you noticed or not.  This new palette was a nice relief!.  The colors are bold and girly.  I like the matteness {?} of them.  The application is delicate but if you desire it can be more dramatic!  I really liked all of the different palette options I ended up with Spicy but Choco-Latte, Teddy Bear, and Pick Chocolate were all in the running.

Hope you have a great Friday!

Make sure to check in this weekend for some great Florida Finds

Insanely refreshing

{rave}

Okay todays item is a 

LOVE LOVE LOVE

I think the people who came up with this are

genius genius genius

No water, No paste, Just Brush and Voila

Colgate Wisp

Product description:

Soft pick gets to hard to reach places, Bristles gently remove food and other particles, Powerful breath freshening, Discreet and portable

Price: $1.89+

Where can I get it?

Walgreens Amazon or any drug store in the tooth brush isle

What does b* say?

I think this product is a must must have.  Dates, dinner, lunch, business meeting, work conferences... whatever... it is brilliant.  I love that it is no nonsense, no fuss, and leaves your mouth ridiculously fresh!

a steaming way to pack

{rave}

More times than not, when packing for a trip, I find that the clothing I'm packing is creased and wrinkled.  A solution dry cleaners?  

My solution...

The Conair Upright Fabric Garment Steamer

 Product description: This compact upright steamer takes up little floor or closet space, yet is loaded with power for professional results.

Price: $45+

Where can I get it?

I got mine at target, walmart, or Amazon

What does b* say?

I actually find ironing therapeutic so I never really saw the need to steam.  But one day, I was at Janie and Jack getting C and G some Church close, and I watched one of the sales gals iron out a crease in the back of shirt I purchased and from then on I was hooked.  It is easy, heats up fast, and take wrinkles out even faster.  Plus you don't need to hassle with an ironing board.  This may not be the nicest steamer but it gets my jobs done!

{fav}

Some time steaming or ironing clothing can waft an unpleasant smell.  I like to spray this on my clothes prior to prevent that.

MARC JACOBS SPLASH - COTTON, 
Like fresh linens on a laundry line blowing softly in the warm summer wind, Cotton has airy top notes of fresh linen breezes and liquid oxygen, infused with peach and crisp citrus mandarin, orange, and bergamot accords. The heart of this fragrance is made up of the brand new Marc Tee signature accord, captured from an actual Marc Jacobs t-shirt, mixed with cotton flower and fresh lavandin notes wrapped up with lily of the valley. The dry-down of this fresh fragrance is a blend of cotton musk, smooth white suede, rich sandalwood, and blonde woods.

Price: $65.00

Where can I get it?

Sephora

What does b* say?

This is what I imagine heaven smelling like!  Clean and fresh.  I spray this on my linens preferably right out of the dryer. 

PS - Am a huge fan of this in flight WiFi.  2 thumbs up for delta.  But I am going to take one thumb back because they charge to much for bags! 

My Santa Monica top 3

{crave}

#1

Hands down my favorite thing about traveling is the food.  

And let me tell you Santa Monica did not disappoint!

With much luck I stumbled across this place

BLUE PLATE

Located on:

1415 Montana Ave
Santa Monica CA 90403
(310) 260-8877

There slogan is: Neighborhood joint serving healthy comfort food

It was farmers market fresh and absolutely divine. 

 Dinner was so good that we came back for lunch the next day!

b*s favs

The fish tacos,  chips salsa and guac, beet and goat cheese salad, macaroni and cheese(amazing), sweet potato fries w/special sauce (the sauce was unreal),  and peach\berry crisp with an extra scoop of ice cream.

Yes, I did try all of these and I would bet that you could not go wrong with anything on their menu.  Their price's are reasonable and the quality of food is impeccable.  I strongly suggest that if you are in the are in the are you hit up this little joint.

{rave}

I originally saw this on Lauren Conrad in US Weekly or In Touch and instantly fell in love!

Then I saw it in person and liked it even more

Rebecca Taylors Layered vest

Product description: Dramatic tiers of knit ruffles adorn this one-button design featuring a deep V neckline and an extended banded hem.

Price: $259.00

Where Can I get it?

Nordstom

(best price)

What does b* say?

Love it.  It is great for fall and adds an unexpected flare to any out fit.  Pricey? Yes.  Classic? No

 Worth it?  

I leave that up to you!

{crave}

We have lit the same candle scent in our home for 4 years. 

It is my all time fav and will get it's own post soon.  

But I will tell you one thing this may be a new addition to our house hold when the other burns out.

grapefruit pop candle by: Jonathan Adler

Product description: Grapefruit is a blend of pink grapefruit, white grapefruit rind, green vine accords, pink freesia, and passionfruit.

Price: $38.00

Where can I get it?

Jonathan Adler

What does b* say?

As a kid I didn't like grapefruit at all... the smell, the taste, nothin'

But the older I get the more it grows on me.  And like I said this may be the new house hold scent. 

award winning eye liner

{rave]

I didn't start wearing eye liner till college

It seemed like all the products I tried were heavy and would be half way to my nose mid day

then I was introduced to these two products

In 

Chocolate Shimmer Ink or Caviar Ink

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

This award-winning liner gives you the look of liquid liner with the ease and feel of a gel formula. Long-wearing, water-resistant color glides on and let’s you get it just right before it dries—then stays without a smear or crease until you take it off. 

To apply: Dip tip of Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush into gel formula (coat both sides of brush head). Wipe off excess on tissue before applying to eye. Work quickly as product becomes transfer-resistant once dry. To remove, use Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover.

Price: $21.00

Where can I get it?

Any Major department store, Nordstrom or Amazon

What does b* say?

This is not my every day liner {Post to come} But I do use this occasionally and love it.  It glides on you can choose how thick or thin and I love the color options.  Chocolate shimmer for day and Caviar to add some depth and a sultry look at night.  

{Apply with this}

Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush

Easy to hold and control, this slim, tapered Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush creates a flawless line. The brush hairs are finely pointed and tightly packed for precise application.  Winner of Allure magazine's 'Best of Beauty' Award.  By Bobbi Brown.

Want to make sure your makeup stays on for your big event?

{rave}

I already posted about my favorite foundation.  I wear that everyday but on the rare occasion that I want something with a matte finish and want to be assured that it will stay on all night I use this

|

|

\/

 Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder

Product description:The final touch to the perfectly made-up face. Bobbi Brown's Sheer Finish Loose Powder as a pressed powder in a sleek, square compact. An elegant and easy way to carry with you through the day.

 

Price: $24.00-$32.00

 

Where can I get it?

Any department store that carries Bobbi Brown

I get mine at Nordstrom

Or

Amazon

What does b* say?

I like to wear this pressed powder at night.  During the day I don't mind the dew that the stila foundation gives me but on a date night or event night I like to matte down the shine.  I still want shimmer but I can achieve that with my bronzer brick and eye shadow.  This pressed powder is great if you have an oily t-zone.  I also really like the color selection it is not all white and powdery.

the lost year

{rave}

It is Sunday afternoon and as I reminisce on this past week I am overwhelmed with emotions.  Exhaustion, emotional and spiritual rejuvenation,  and a greater respect for the addict\alcoholic that fights the fight everyday.  As some know I am on the operations team at Cirque Lodge as well as the event planner\coordinator.  This last weekend we wrapped up our 11th annual alumni reunion a big thanks goes out to all of those who came out to rekindle their recovery.  We had some great uplifting and life changing speakers which leads me to today's rave...

The Lost Years: Surviving a Mother and Daughters Worst Nightmare

About the book:The Lost Years is a true life story of addiction and recovery that reveals the brutal details of the worst that can happen to an ordinary family and how they triumphed over adversity. It describes a daughter's decline into alcohol and drug addiction, and her mother's attempts to rescue her yet protect herself and her other children. Written as a dual narrative, mother and daughter give their first hand accounts of the years lost to addiction and alcoholism, and how tough love, intervention and rehabilitation eventually saved them and their family. Kristina now works in the treatment of addiction as an expert interventionist and Constance shares her hope and recovery with families, in Al-Anon meetings and in their community. 

Price: $10.00+

Where can I get it?

Amazon Borders or Barnes and Noble

What does b* say?

12:30pm Saturday September 11th Kristina Wandzilak and Mother Constance Curry took foot on the Cirque stage.  A hush came over the crowd of 375+ Cirque alum as they began reading an exert out of their book "The lost years".  The duo carried on, one at a time, depicting detailed accounts of Kristina's alcoholism that began at age 13.  Constance explained her roll as a co-dependent mother trying to take care of 4 children,  be the perfect soccer mom, and still get dinner on the table to appease her once alcoholic husband.  Kristina described to us her first occurrence with alcohol at the young age of 13 and then went in to detail about her life as it spiraled downward almost to her eternal rest.  She shared with us being homeless, robbing homes,  selling her body, holding men at gun point all to get high.  

Finally, concluding with the point of redemption. 

I am inspired by the Kristina's ability to over come addiction.  I strongly recommend this book to any adult who is suffering with addiction or any adult who has a loved on who is suffering.   It does contain vivid accounts of rape, drug use, and language.  I do not recommend it to children.  Whether you suffer from addiction or not you most likely know some one who does.  I like how it explains alcoholism and drug abuse as an illness that can be successfully treated with therapy, support, etc.  I find it empowering, I am honored to work at Cirque and I am grateful for those who are sharing their stories.  It is my prayer that those who suffer will find help!

my new burlap pillow

{rave}

I have been searching lately for some new pillows to perk up my couch.  

Low and behold I found the perfect "burlap" pillows at Swiss Days {a bizarre that takes place in Midway, Utah the weekend of Labor day}.  

Price: 

$30.00+

Where can I get it?

Like I said I got mine at Swiss Days, unfortunately the booth that I got mine at didn't have a website or blog.  They are in the process of creating one and when I do I will have a link to their site.  In the mean time, here are some alternatives that I found...

Etsy, Etsy, 

or 

learn how to make them here

What does b* say?

Well the definitely won't be the pillow that you choose to lay your head on but man are they cute.  Mine say HOME, CHEERS, and GATHER and I think they are the perfect addition to our couch.  Another thing is that they are reasonably priced!

Down Set Hike...

{rave}

I am definitely not the gal who watches Monday night football by herself but I am a total college football fan!  Unfortunately for me it is not so much about the game as it is about the memory of sitting next to my daddy and besties, eating a cougar tail {a foot long maple bar, YUM}, enjoying a hot dog, and sipping on coco. 

 What ever your excuse this rave was a gift and I am crazy about it!

First and Girl

The official Jock & Jill Collegiate line. Pick your favorite University and wear it with pride.

Brigham Young University Earrings (Dangle)

Product description: These dangle earrings are a fun way to show off your favorite University. It could be yours, that or a loved one to represent your favorite team or school. These delicate rhodium plated* and hand painted dangle earrings displays the Collegiate Logo of your choice surrounded by 18 small crystals. *Rhodium is derived from platinum. It is a durable precious metal that is silver in color.

Price: $15.99

Where can I get is?

First and Girl 

or

at your school of choice's book store and stadium stores

What does b* say?

This is a brilliant gift for the "feminine fan"!  I was shocked with the quality and even more shocked at the price.  I think it reasonable and elegant.  I love how the diamonds add the perfect amount a bling!  I will definitely be sporting these this Saturday!

Check this out too...

 Check http://www.firstandgirl.com/ for a team near you!

Coming Soon!

zappos? yes!

{rave}

I am not a huge fan of online shopping.  I like to see, feel, and touch the products I am buying.  Plus I am an impulsive shopper.  If it's in front of me most likely I'll buy it, where as online I have too much time to think about it!  Not to mention that waiting 5-7 business days is pure torture. I want to wear it NOW!  But, last year I was given some Zappos gift cards and I have to say I am a total convert!  I used them for the first time today and while I was checking out I had some issues with the gift cards.  It was late and I was tired, I knew I needed to call the 800 number but was dreading dialing it because I didn't want to deal with an automated system or the representative on the other line.  I am on work calls everyday with 1*800 numbers and by the time I get off the phone I want to pull out my hair and take a nap!  Not this time!!!  If I had more thumbs this rating would be higher but I give ZAPPOS TWO thumbs up.  And we all know my thumbs are larger than average so this is saying a lot!

I highly recommend this to all!  The person on the line was pleasant and very helpful.  She issued me a new card without making me feel like and absolute idiot.  No explanations just basic necessary info and bam she sent me a new code!  Not to mention that she upgraded me to VIP...OHHH.  Which means next day shipping. AMAZING.  By Tuesday Miss. G  will be sportin' these.

Yeah for Zappos!

It's not the "Pit's"

{rave}

I am crazy about Donna Karen Cashmere Mist.  I first fell in love with the perfume and then stumbled upon this...

Donna Karen Cashmere Mist

Product description: The ultimate cult product. Try it to believe it. Totally gentle and effective. Delicately scented with Cashmere Mist, this advanced formula also controls wetness and perspiration, keeping you feeling dry and smelling fresh all day. So gentle it can be used immediately after shaving without irritation. Perfect for even sensitive skin.

Price:$12.00

Where can I get it?

Nordstrom or online

What does b* say?

I love the perfume I think the smell is mature and divine but the deodorant is above any other that I have tried.  I read this comment,  "the best deodorant on the market today, keeps you dry, smelling great! Would recommend it to all. Worth the little extra".  And they are my sentiments exactly!!

*b's shower essentials

{rave}

I don't know about you but I totally have a shower routine.  I put a clarifier in my hair, exfoliate, shave upper extremities, wash out clarifier, shampoo, shave lower extremities, wash shampoo out, condition hair, wash face, scrub feet, and conclude by washing out conditioner.  I rarely skip a step and if so, I feel completely incomplete.  OCD? Maybe I like to think of it as CDO {alphabetically} but obsessive or not there are a few must have items that every women should have in their shower arsenal. 

Mach 3 Razor by Gillette
Product description:The Mach 3 Razor Blades refill pack is compatible with the best manual razor on the market, the Mach 3 Razor by Gillette.  To achieve the closest shave with less irritation, Mach 3 razor blades are the right choice.  The blades are effective even when shaving against the grain, and allow for the closest shave in the fewest strokes.  The Mach 3 razor blades have patented DLC comfort edges and advanced lubricating strip which allow for an effortless glide.  The blue lubricated strip on the Mach 3 razor blades fades to conveniently indicate a replacement cartridge is necessary.

Price: $7.25+

Where can I get it? Any market or grocer or www.amazon.com

What does b* say?

 Hands down the #1 most important item in the shower.  I am a compulsive shaver!  Hairy = not clean.  And the Mach 3 {for men} is the bomb.  Clean close shave and as long as the razor is not dull you will NEVER have razor burn!

Trish McEvoy #9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Body Polish Sugar Scrub

Product description: Luxuriate with Trish's skin-softening Sugar Scrub. Treat your skin to a skin-softening treatment. Rich, creamy and infused with sugar granules and sea salt, Body Polish Sugar Scrub gently exfoliates your skin, leaving it velvety smooth to the touch. Richly scented with the warm aromatic scent of Blackberry & Vanilla Musk.

Price: $48.00

Where can I get it? Nordstrom or any other major department store

What does b* say?

This scrub is very gentle and it leaves my skin very smooth.  Not to mention that the smell is intoxicating!  It's one of Mr. Ace's favs {not on him... on me:)}

Gena Pedi-Pro file

Product description: Washable, Double sided, Large surface area.  Pedicure wand for removal of calluses and dead, dry skin. Leaves feet soft and smoothe.

Price: $2.49

Where can I get it? I get mine at my local beauty supply store Sallys 

What does b* say?

This is nothing fancy but for me it is a must have.  I don't like to wear shoes in the summer.  So this a fix to my predicament.  No shoes = foot file for soft more supple skin.  

Nylon Exfoliating Glove
Product description: Use with your favorite soap or scrub, Wonderful exfoliator, Scrub in circular motion for radian skin.

Price: $3.49

Where can I get it? www.amazon.com

What does b* say?
I prefer my glove to a luffa.  Why?  Personal preference.  I like that it goes on my hand and I feel like I have complete control of the soap.  I my opinion I douse soap on a luffa and have no idea where it has gone.  Plus I can lather with the glove on my left hand and shave with the razor in the right. {rocket science}

Happy Friday!