Latisse Update:

I got my first "comment" on the lashes today so this stuff might just be working. I am just at the 11 week mark. With mascara they look great, though mostly length not so much thickness yet.  I am still on my first bottle. I ran out of brushes this week and ended up going to Sally's and buying some disposable lip brushes which were seriously the same thing except not in "sterile" packaging. They're covered tips or whatever though.  I need to take a photo on Monday for 12 weeks. I might have forgotten the 8week photo...

I MIGHT be a stalker. Just maybe.

So today I called Nordstrom to hopefully grab another pair of those CJ Cookie Johnson Beautiful Bootcut jegging things I got a couple of at the Anniversary Sale. I asked for my normal sales person and the woman said "I'm sorry she's not here anymore, she relocated out of state!"  I almost cried!  I was able to get assistance in tracking a pair of them down at another store though, since according to the website, they're not selling this style anymore. I'd have bought them online had my size still been available. But the nice lady who helped in my usual girl's place has them being shipped.

The pro to this is that I got them for $55 or something since they're on clearance. Woot! The con is that now I am freaking out that my normal awesome salesperson is gone. :(

So...what do I do? I google her. And I found her Facebook. And I messaged her.  Probably went too far. But this girl GOT ME. She got my style, she gave me little pushes to try things on that I never wouldve otherwise and for that I am totally grateful.

Ill miss you A.H.!

STACY & CLINTON ARE BACK!

Two shows into the season.... I really liked the first one with Mindy Cohn, and found it particularly  refreshing that she refused to use their funds for this event and paid for it herself. She seems very well-adjusted and is amazingly well-educated.  She looked great, and I was impressed with how open and understanding she was about all of it--she really actually was interested in everything they were showing her.

The last one that was on, Wanda maybe? was also fascinating. A family therapist who grew up a Menninite. She really had a hard time grasping and accepting that she's a woman. But DAMN was she a babe!

Private Practice from Thursday Nov 4! OMG!

I finally got to watch this episode on Saturday and I was completely blown away.  I do have a bit of a beef with how Shonda Rhimes manages to slack ass horribly on one storyline for one show but then the other gets fucking amazingly awesome. This episode was very graphic and very violent but it was definitely an episode that I hope will raise a little awareness.  I have a huge personal issue with how many women who are raped refuse to report it because it's embarrassing.  I cannot begin to imagine how a person who was raped feels.  But they did an incredible job with this portrayal.

I unfortunately see this storyline being the end of Cooper and Charlotte because I think her keeping this away from him, and everyone, will eat her alive, and he already has issues with her keeping things from him.  If ANYONE should have been told about this, Violet.

And yes, dear, I realize this is a TV show and therefore not real.

Latisse Update approx 6 week mark...

I think this weekend was the first time I really noticed any sort of a difference. It seems that there is a bit of a change in length but definitely not yet in thickness at all. But they do seem to stay curled better when I curl them and put on mascara where they did not do well before.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Pi - Kirkwood Location

This review is strictly towards the Kirkwood location.

My husband and I went there last night for dinner, I had been to this location for carry out and have eaten at the CWE location with success.  Read the rest after the jump...

Latisse--one month in.

I am taking photos as I go, really planning for some photos every 4ish weeks.

So far I have been using this for about a month. I don't see any difference yet, tho I have missed a few doses sporadically.  I know it's a bit early for any results but I had hope.

A new favorite show: BLUE BLOODS!

I know I am not alone in loving this show. However I will admit that 75% of my love is really for Donnie Wahlberg versus the show itself. The casting is stellar though.  I would love more overarcing story than just one crime case a week though.

Anyway...I am rooting for Donnie's new partner to be Jennifer Esposito. He's had three at least by now, and it's only been 4 eps. She was, in my opinion, the best fit for him in terms of chemistry. Though I can see that leading to an issue with his wife down the line.

Probably the single best "wedding video" I have ever seen...

http://vimeo.com/15821639

...tell me that is not insanely awesome.  Seriously.

There's some back story about why her father was unable to walk her down the aisle. A few months ago he suffered a serious infection that put him into a coma. He is still in a level of coma that has prevented him from a lot of improvement but it does sound like there is a slow improvement.  I just remember her telling all of us, and how unbelievably heartbroken we were for her.  But the family decided to go on and it sure looks like they made a good choice. I hope that he awakens soon so that he can at least SEE the video. He would be filled with love and joy, I'd bet.

PRODUCT REVIEW: FRS Energy Drink--Low Cal Orange

Photo: FRS

I learned about this stuff from the Hungry Girl website and there was a try-it offer that included a bottle of the concentrate and a pack of the chews, though the liquid is now replaced by the powder packets, which I am sure is easier and cheaper for them to ship.

The first thing I tried was the concentrate. It's a jug about the size of a soda bottle that comes with a little dixie-cup style measuring cup. So I dumped one serving of the liquid into a cup and added the water to it and stirred.  At first I thought it wasn't the best tasting stuff but it grew on me a little. It's kind of like strong tang.  I didn't notice any sort of energy increase, but I do know that I didn't fall asleep at my desk. So that has to mean something...

LATISSE aka the beginnings of a lengthy review.

Today at my yearly dermatologist appointment (or should I say, full scale inspection that should have resulted in a lovely dinner!) I asked about Latisse. I have been reading about it on blogs, in mags, on forums, and obviously seeing Brooke Shields and Claire Danes in the ads hasn't hurt either. I only hesitated because I was concerned about eye color change. I like the color of my eyes so adding more brown isn't really appealing, but I figured if that happened I would quit using it.

So I called the pharmacies around town before filling it, on the recommendation of the doctor and nurse practitioner, and ended up just settling at CVS. Regularly priced, it's $98 at Walmart, but I'd rather pay more than enter the gates of hell, Target didn't have it in stock to give me a price, CVS was $115 and Walgreens was $119. I went with CVS, and was smart enough to get a coupon from the Latisse website for $20 off. So vanity is not cheap. I really hoped this product would help me get darker, denser lashes so that my morning mascara routine could maybe be cut in half. It seriously takes like 10-15 each morning just to do my mascara. Which is ludicrous. But we'll see.

I will try to take pics as I go. And hopefully at the end can show a series.

Stay tuned!

UPDATE #1 on It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye--

I FINALLY received this stuff today, it's a long skinny tube that seems like there might be nothing going on but just as a quick test on my hand, it doesn't require much. I see this being like the Mary Kay tubes that last a decade.

Color is good, they were right, this color would suit many complexions. It also came with a double-ended brush, I might give it a whack when I try this stuff out tomorrow morning.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Fountain on Locust.

Photo: Fountainonlocust.com

I guess I am a couple years late to review this place, but since I was there again tonight with friends I decided to give it a go.

This place is a winner.  Because I am still healing from a lot of nasty dental work plus a pretty heinous oral surgery from last week...and some complications from that (boo!) I was really limited on what I was able to order, besides their very famous ice cream, which was a given being that I am dealing with serious sugar addiction. 

The pro to that was that I was going to venture back into soups, which is something I've been kind of "banned" from with the infection I have going on (did you know that soup/heat causes the infection to spread like wildfire? Not exactly what I wanted to deal with so I avoid it lately).  Anyway...I decided tonight to try out their Hummus and pita as well as their Corn Chowder.

COMING SOON Take 2: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer.

I read about this a few months ago in a magazine, I am thinking it might have been Lucky, sometime in the last say 4 months.  I have also seen it pop up on MakeupAlley a few times, and read a few reviews in the Productville area, then the plethora of youtube reviews, though from what I understand, and what some of them say, the company sent those reviewers the products for free to try.  In order to remain unbiased, I made sure I purchased this myself.  Since I knew it's been on HSN before, and I, of course, missed that presentation, I made sure I hurriedly bought it tonight from QVC since it was a one-time only thing, and I am pretty sure that the price I paid, $23 maybe, includes a nice looking brush.  I BARELY got in on time to get the color I wanted, which QVC called medium, but the company  calls Neutral Medium. For once it appears I am NOT the lightest shade in something.  Thankfully my Pre allowed me to buy it online in a hurry. I should have this within a week or so.

I cannot wait to try this out. It looks fantastic, and just watching the presentation on QVC I was pretty impressed. We shall see.  So stay tuned for an initial reaction and I am sure Ill make a followup.

Coming soon: A product review for Acne.org Treatment

I am in the process of trying to reign my face back in.  I have definitely retired the alien deathray laser gun (Clarisonic) for now, that thing seems to have been the biggest culprit the raging acne I developed. I don't know if it's because it harbors bacteria like nothing else, or if it's just not cleaning as well as it should...who knows. But it's not worked well for my face.

A lot of folks on various blogs and forums have mentioned this Acne.org line of products as being godsends for their faces, so last week I ordered myself a tube of the Treatment, which is a 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide treatment gel.  

PRODUCT REVIEW: Garnier Caffeine Anti-Dark Circles Eye Roller

After reading the reviews over on Makeupalley.com, a site at which I kill many hours during a workday, I decided I would pick this item up. I kind of figured that my shiners would not likely benefit from the tint, as it was probably WAY too sheer...but I was pretty surprised that it's really NOT that sheer. It is by no means opaque, but it's definitely not sheer. Considering how many layers of "opaque" concealer I need to not look like the walking corpse I usually am,  the idea of swapping a few out to have a little "brightness" is definitely appealing.  And this has allowed me to lose at least two full on layers of spackle.  I start with a layer of this, let it dry down a bit, then I add the opaque stuff. Then I rub the roller on the top of my finger and dab more of this over the opaque. Rinse. Repeat. A few more times. And yet that's still less than I usually use...

PRODUCT REVIEW: Smashbox Pro Waterproof Second Skin Concealer

Photo: QVC.com

After viewing a particularly compelling presentation of this on QVC last week I finally decided to try it. I know, I know, you're thinking "the models on there have barely any facial failings so of course a concealer will work wonders!" and you're right, and I still bought it, hook, line and sinker. 

CLINTON KELLY for QVC

Last Friday brought the premier of Kelly by Clinton Kelly  for QVC, a line of clothing designed by Clinton from What Not To Wear.  I immediately snatched up the Deep Purple version of this "faux wrap" dress, in sizes Medium, Large and XL just to be safe. I have so far received the Medium and the XL and may be keeping the Medium, unless when the Large arrives it fits well. It's immensely flattering, as I kind of expected it to be. And I love the color. I, like everyone else, am really into the deep purple this fall. Which is a nice change from my blue, teal and green closet.   It actually makes that gigantic fail of a "mothers apron" on the front of me look less grotesque, and for that I am pleased.  I figure it might be a good wedding guest dress.  Here is the multi-color  version from the QVC site.

SHAMELESS PLUG: Iron Barley Restaurant

Last Friday I got to spend some quality happy fun time with some old buds of mine (HI GUYS!) and for our "monthly meeting" we chose Iron Barley.  My husband and I are quite fond of this restaurant but with it being on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, the ability to get a table kind of made it harder for us to deal with, so we backed off.  I was quite excited when the gang all went on Friday and it was a REALLY nice night and we could eat on the back patio, which was a delight.

I got my usual "Panella" appetizer which is a flaming skillet of incredible.  Three lovely wedges of melted mozzerella with some really great "broth" of some kind on top and some pico as well, and it's served with wheat tortillas. It's so good that is really all I should get because it fills me up so well. For like an hour even!  But then I got the Strip steak as my entree, like a fool, since I had just had serious dental work the day before, so chewing was not exactly smart. And it's like taunting a dog with table scraps when you get a divine piece of meat and you can't eat the damn thing.

There's seriously not a bad thing on the menu, and the service has been pretty stellar every time. Though it's a little pricy for a regular meal out...it's definitely worth it and is a great experience every time.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Cover Girl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Brown

Photo: Covergirl.com

I think the color actually has a real name but BROWN is really what it is. A really deep dark chocolate brown.

Usually I line my eyes with just the Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner that I got from QVC, but lately I have been trying to oomph it a little, possibly in part due to my Kim Kardashian makeup love. So I started lining my eyes with a dark brown pencil along the lashes before adding the Smashbox. Though some days I go a little beyond and look like a hooker. But that's not exactly a terrible thing. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Loreal Voluminous Mascara Waterproof in Carbon Black

I love to watch the YouTube videos that Kim Kardashian and her makeup artist Mario put up, there are 3-4 "parts" showing how he gets her all spackled up for an appearance. Her makeup is generally pretty bang-on amazing, so I always try to emulate it, in the laziest way possible, of course.

Photo: Lorealparisusa.com

Mario mentioned that he loves Loreal Voluminous, especially the Carbon Black shade, and I know of at least one very lovely blonde mamacita that likes that one also. But I need waterproof mascara or my mascara will run down my face like a freakshow. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Laughing Cow's new flavors!

As a (failing) WW member, and a member of the Hungry Girl nation, I was super excited about the 3 new Laughing Cow flavors for Fall. Yesterday at Dierberg's I was able to get two of those three (the third is Blue Cheese which I am not interested in). The two I picked up are Queso Fresco and Chipotle and the Mozzarella, Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil.  I typically stick to the Light Original and the Light Garlic and Herb flavors but I decided to be daring since I had a $1 coupon for each flavor. I should have stuck with the usual.

Photo: Fitoriblog.com

ETSY SWOON! Fingerprint wedding bands.

Photo: Fabuluster's Etsy Shop

These are totally awesome....a little steep, probably because they're a lot of work, but they are AWESOME. Very personal and very sentimental. 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabuluster

Got my crocs order--MARNIE warning--

First these are wicked adorable...and second I think they feel lovely. The warning: They run 1 full size large. lol I was walking right out of the 8. Luckily I can go to the St. Louis Galleria location and exchange them for a 7.

Lookin forward to rotating these into my winter outfits.

And the Navy Malindi is wicked awesome. I am also glad I got another black and brown, for when the others die. I can't remember how they looked when I bought them but the new ones are nice and shiny and look darker.  I know my friend J's looked darker than mine. I might just swap out for the new ones already.

Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers...

Anyone use these things?? Over the weekend, right around the time I said to stop me if I buy anything else, I learned that HSN had a helluva special on these things. So I went for it. I have lapped them about 100 times in Target and refused to buy them since I have about 300 of those white and black plastic hangers.  This was t he way to get started. They arrived today, and I am dying to tear apart my closet and redo some of the "organized by color" situation, into an "organized by 'item' by color" so that my cardis are all together, my pants are all together, my tanks, etc. I hope that's easier.

Another cute outfit.

Perhaps I should make this a more regular feature, what with all the cute stuff I just piled into my closet.

Yesterdays was cute, but not exactly exciting. Not that any of my outfits really are...

Anyway...this is my first time wearing this top. Dig it.

Ann Taylor Trouser Jeans
Crocs Malindi in Brown (probably shouldve gone black or even navy here...)
and the adorable top, "Filtre" brand, still available at Nordstrom:

LOL! God I love Trinny and Susannah!

http://racked.com/archives/2010/07/26/trinny-and-susannah-release-what-they-did-next-a-mockumentary-of-well-what-they-did-after-what-not-t.php#more

PRODUCT REVIEW: SparkleSparkle cleaner by Nventa.

I have NO idea how I managed not to review this product yet. This is like...crack for me. Many of those poor souls that have the misfortune of having met me at least one time in real life know that my rings DO NOT get so much as a single speck of dust on them before they are again cleaned.  I just like my rings as clean as can be.  Well one of the linchpins of my cleaning regimen is Sparkle Sparkle.  I was turned on to this stuff by a vendor that I will not mention who made my original wedding ring that went awry. This was the only positive out of that experience.  

This stuff...I have no idea why it's so good but it is. I buy the Platinum Jewelry cleaner, obviously having platinum rings. (I linked to the little kit, which is a good thing to start with, just save the little bottle if you love it, and buy the larger one found HERE to refill the little one for travel.) If you have white gold or gold, get the cleaner made for Gold.  I spray it on my rings, let them sit for a few seconds and then use a little baby toothbrush to scrub them, then I rinse with hot water. I then spray again and let it sit for about 30 more seconds (usually while I do the other ring) and then rinse again with hot water. Then I dry meticulously with qtips and paper towels and then a blast of the blowdrier on a cool setting to get the last bits out.  That's on the days where I don't just dunk the baby toothbrush in 91% running alcohol.

CUTE outfit alert...

I mentioned yesterday that I would be wearing my super cute outfit today...even if I only get one wear out of my white jeans,

here's a TERRIBLE photo of said outfit...try to ignore the fact that my office looks like a bomb went off. And that big caulk mark on the wall.

Lazy Sunday...pretty damn rad.

After spending a sweltering and nasty day yesterday at the St. Louis Zoo (an amazing zoo, which is FREE by the way...a rarity), with some awesome friends and their adorable offspring, I am having a totally lazy Sunday. Watching a range of junk on tv, from house hunters, to food network, to reruns of RHofNJ and reading magazines...re-reading mostly anyway...

ANNIVERSARY GIFT REDO...

Well the husband did a killer job on the Anniversary Gift (the Michele DoubleTour watch) but unfortunately, they make their watchbands for little waiflike people, and not for actual adults who eat. So I was extremely sad that we sent it back for a refund.

It's the Most Wonderful Time...Part TWO.

Well..I am an addict. I went back there right as they opened today to return those two shirts, and buy the cardi's that the husband said I should get more colors in (husband suggested spending? SOLD!) I ended up buying 4 more shirts ON TOP OF the cardis I went back for. So...

Besides a green and a navy version of the "studded" cardigan--they were out of the purple, and a teal version of the long gray cardi (that has to be ordered as they're out of my size BOO!), I ended up with 2 tshirts with really nice ruching on the sides that really made my gut look slightly less grotesque, which I got in black and white, the other colors were meh to me,  and they look good alone AND work with cardis. Then I got two shirts not on sale that I loved for the last 4 months, one is teal with this ivory lace, and the other is navy all over...very similar.

I figure my altered jeans (they were really all made for amazon people...) will be done fast because i got in there on the first day. Ironically as I was paying for all of this stuff and doing the return, the alterations girl was there to ask questions before she started bec she thought she was short one pair. I explained that the 5th got returned.

I am most excited about the CJ jeans and the WHITE ones...why am I so excited about jeans that will get one wear before I inevitably destroy them with a spill.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE!

Starts today and ends August 2.  THIS is the big spend of the year for me. I go hog-wild. I preselected a LOT on the 3rd so hopefully I beat the mad rush on most of it.

I took one thing back tonight and had all the jeans I bought altered.  The list...

.33ctw Kwiat diamond studs (my anniversary gift watch had to be returned bec it didn't fit...this is the replacement)
2 pr of the CJ Cookie Johnson Bootcut "jegging" jeans
1 pr JAG Stretch Bootcut jeans
1 pr KUT from the Kloth White bootcut jeans (not on sale)
Sequin tank top, ivory and dark gray (pg 20 in catalog) but taking gray back (shown in black)
Long Gray open cardi (pg 27 of catalog on left)
2 of the tank tops the same model is wearing on that same page, one in lime green, one in ivory
black Steve Madden pleather jacket (looks KILLER)
purple "halogen" sweater with awesome detailiing on back
dark grey cardigan with stud detailing (Getting more)
lime green tshirt with embellishing (taking back, not in love with)

...and I think a couple more shirts but I can't remember.


I would say I did pretty well!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: The Mack, Macklind Ave St. Louis

Yes, we eat out A LOT. As showcased by the fact that I am a raging lardass despite working with a trainer 2x a week.  My eating...well that's a different entry for another time.

I was REALLY craving a burger on Monday, but I did not feel like going to the typical favorite, Seamus McDaniels, for this burger. I also know that any time I do have Seamus I end up with the Pepper Jack Cheese Sticks. So in a fit of self-control I did some Yelping for a closer option. The Mack came up as an option and we've never been there, though I've driven by a few times.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Cheese-Ology, UCity, MO

This place was ridiculously built up, and I could NOT WAIT for it to open.

I did wait to go, a couple days anyway. I was shocked how tiny the location was! So I would be nervous about a rush there as there's a long wait for the finished meal to be out to you... We ended up risking a Friday evening rush and this became our anniversary dinner.  I had the 4-Cheese option, large size. And there is no way macaroni is worth $14. ...well the Shaved Duck in a trough would be.  The 4-Cheese was nice, but certainly not worth the price! Maybe if it was 2x the size...I dunno.  This four  cheese had a nice surprise in that one was a goat cheese. It was little "blobs" scattered through the dish. Random little collections. It added a nice touch. But still not $14 worth.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: The Shaved Duck, St. Louis, MO

Photo: TheShavedDuck.com

This might be a new favorite. If for no other reason than the best damn macaroni EVER.  It's creamy and delicious. So good.  I really hope they end up on Diners, Drive-in's and Dives one day. Wait. No I don't. I want to still get a table.

The husband and I had a REALLY nice meal there a week ago. He had the Meatloaf and I had 1/2 Roasted Chicken. I call a draw on who won. My chicken was DELICIOUS. And I took half home for lunch the next day, and the reheat was even better, and this is from a woman who DOES NOT REHEAT FOOD.  I had the cornbread and the mac and cheese with mine, and boy were those nice choices. Esp. that mac.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Hwy 61 Roadhouse, Webster Groves, MO

This was a pleasant surprise. I had heard it was good, but never made it a point to check out and wow we were missing out!

We went around 2 on Sunday (yesterday) and it was VERY cleared out, presumably busier in the morning for their brunch.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Pi Restaurant (CWE location)

I finally had the opportunity to check out the much hyped and much raved about Pi restaurant.  A big group of us went and only a few had previously been there. If anything should be worth the hype on that entire menu it is the Apple Pi and Salted Caramel Ice Cream. As soon as I saw the dessert listing I was plotting how I was going to handle getting and eating all of them. But I have had a ridiculous thing for Salted Caramel Ice Cream of late...so I made that my top pick. 

I did learn that if you want to beat a crowd, you go to the CWE location on a Friday, between 5 and 615 PM. That's the beginning of a rush but you can still get a table. I also am told around 3pm on Sunday is the same, really slow.

...and so it begins: The Great Bathroom Closet Clean-out 2010

I have needed to do this for quite a while. 2 years, at least. I think the last time I did it was actually 06...after my appendix removal. In fact, it has to have been. HOLY SHIT did I amass a lot of crap in the last few years. And this is what ISN'T all over the shower, the window ledge, and on the door of the closet in the hanging baskets that I bolted in. That's easier to clean out I think. But I should probably sort that out at the same time.  That 24 piece collection of Bath and Body Works hand soap is ridiculous. But the hair dye I can use in 2 months. Since I need 3 boxes at a time. eep.  And who in the hell needs 5 bottles of the same Theraflu cough medicine.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY BEST FRIEND AND THE POOR SAP WHO MARRIED ME.

Because he's a saint. I am one hell of a nightmare to live with. I am a slob, a packrat, a materialist, an over-shopper, a terrible saver, and I kick like crazy in my sleep.  When I am not stealing the blankets. I have my own set of blankets, and I still steal his anyway. Smooth.

He got me a fantastic gift, a beautiful Michele Watch.  I wanted to get him a Conan replica sword, but I think I need to wait until the real deal goes on sale with Arnold's estate. Somehow a replica isn't quite the same as one with Arnold's real skin-bits on it.

I love this guy more than the day we got married 5 years ago, even more than that AWESOME cake, and while we've had our ups and downs, just like every couple does,  he still sticks with me despite my craziness.  Because Bitches be Crazy.

I love you babe!!! Happy 5th!

Super cute story: LOVE!

OMG! This is the sweetest story about a couple spending their 60th anniv. at the Waldorf and paying what they paid for the room in 1950! Love like this does exist out there. :-)

It was a memento of their first night as man and wife: a receipt for $26.72 from the Waldorf-Astoria, where Edith and Robert Scalise began their life of wedded bliss.

Exactly 60 years later, the 85-year-old lovebirds checked into the famed Park Ave. hotel for the second time in their lives - and paid not a penny more.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Tower Tacos, Cherokee @ Michigan

My husband and I ventured down to Cherokee Street yesterday, a small strip in St. Louis known for antique shops, head shops and fantastic authentic Mexican restaurants. It was his first time and probably my 2nd or 3rd in my life. 

Photo: TowerTaco.com

I had heard great things about this place, and decided today would be a great time to go for lunch.  Perhaps I planned that kind of poorly in the regard that it was PACKED down on Cherokee Street, and all of the restaurants were just swarming with people to watch the Mexico-Argentina soccer game.  I am not at all following the World Cup so had I been I might have known better...Woops.  But we were able to sit, and order, while waiting a little longer than normal to do so.

PRODUCT RAVE: Edy's Fruit Bars, Coconut Flavor

YUM!  I love them. I have eaten 3 in rapid succession. They're at least modestly good for me...120cal each with protein in them.

http://edys.com/brand/fruitbars/flavor.asp?b=136&f=2155

MORE ETSY LOVE: Some TO DIE FOR Clutches, perfect for a wedding.

I came across this seller today when I was bored at work, and looking for reasons to blow money. I think this is pretty amazing reason! Really the four below are all pretty amazing reasons!  I LOVE them, I wish I had checked into this prior to the wedding.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49912057/salegolden-peacock-silk-lined-clutch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49951708/salepeacock-clutch-in-iridescent-silk

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48437568/salepeacock-feather-silk-dupioni-clutch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48437633/salepeacock-feather-silk-dupioni-clutch

A REALLY COOL IDEA FOR A WEDDING: "In Case of Emergency" box

This would be BRILLIANT for a shower gift I bet. I remember hearing about these a few months prior to my wedding, and wish I had remembered to do it for mine, and especially as a gift for friends or my sister's wedding.  The person in this story had the box made by her uncle.  It is brilliant.

...Though for the husband and I, it would have been a Pina Colada or something. We're not wine people really. We really don't even drink. So maybe Diet Dr. Pepper and Diet Dew...?

Either way, REALLY great idea!

ETSY LOVE: Necklush...looks really cool!

I spotted these on Etsy today, they look pretty fascinating. It's like a scarf necklace combo. I might have to get one for later in the year.

Ill be honest, the first person I thought of when I saw them was Anna. She liked scarves, and she brought me back the most amazing one ever from Greece, which I still wear in the winter. Got lots of compliments in NYC!

If anyone gets one I want photos!

Doh...helps to show one!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48253813/necklush-ultra-misty-aqua-blue-w-print

Followup on the Spa Day at Vitality Unlimited Spa in Webster Groves MO

Well I am just a few hours past my spa day experience and I will give them a B overall as a spa. I was pretty pleased with the majority of it, and my negatives are mostly little niggling things and one big thing.

I got there about 15 minutes early, as I was asked to do, and apparently the rocks for my massage were not ready. So to kill time before that they brought me back to this room all the way at the back (this place is deceptively massive). They asked if I was interested in this T-Fit Vibration thing they had. Supposed to be a 1 hour workout in 10 minutes. Since it was a time killer and looked both fascinating and hilarious, I said OK. And it was certainly both. The 1hour workout is going to have to reveal itself tomorrow or Monday because otherwise my opinion is BS but it was fun and funny. Luckily I was alone. However, while I stood there letting my flubber jiggle all around me, I saw a woman (employee) walk up to that door with a McDonald's bag trying to get in. I don't think she saw me.  At this moment it was about 5 minutes past 10. So as it finished I grabbed my purse and wandered back up front, and discovered that that was my masseuse. Whether the stones were ready or not, I think she was just late. Either way...whatever.

Product Review: OPI Axxium

Photo: OPI.com

Since I have given Shellac a review, I figured I better go do a real OPI Axxium one. They are similar products, though the way they go on is entirely different.  I truly hope this version lasts on me better than the Shellac, though I don't recall my initial Axxium experience being too positive. My mom gets Axxium done on her hands and feet and loves it. I keep wanting to make my hands look less like gross, but the upkeep tends to be too much for me. I am not a lotion person, at all. Hate it, makes me feel gross. Kind of like sweat...I feel trapped in a shell or something.

Hopefully this experience is nice, and lasts a little longer. I need to make sure my photos work again this time. My Shellac ones have not been showing up for me on here.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Juicy Couture Travel Wallet

Photo: Nordstrom.com

On the prowl for a new wallet (which I do not need), I ended up finding this on sale at Nordies website during the sale, and used one of my many Nordstrom gift cards for it. It was pretty steep considering it's not solid leather, but since it was a gift card I went for it. I believe it was $108 with shipping and I had it in like 2 days. It's stuffed to the gills and despite my dislike for zippers on my wallets like this, I am actually really liking this one a lot. I got this green one. In fact its on sale now even cheaper so I might buy another as backup. I love that the big zip pouch actually detaches from the wallet, which is great for traveling. I need to snap some "stuffed" photos.

It's available in this green and in hotpink also.

I am super excited for this Spa Day on Saturday!

The wonderful husband got me a great birthday gift, a spa day at the Vitality Unlimited Salon in Webster. I am really excited. I was going to do it two weekends ago, but decided to wait til after the wedding and some training to really treat myself. Id say a weight loss reward but I have eaten like a fat man at a buffet this week so I am not so sure there is much loss to speak of. 


The package consists of a La Stone Massage, Any Specialty Facial and a Seasonal Pedicure and I am most excited about that Stone Groping. Massages are the bomb anyway, but a rock one? Pretty snazzy. Really all I should do in these things is get one of each massage all back to back. Who could get tired of someone just rubbing them all day. I'd need someone to pick me up and carry me out. Heaven.


The pedicure sounds fascinating. I don't know what makes it seasonal though. Fruit? Margarita? Hot pink polish?

Congrats to the happy couple! Some preliminary vendor reviews...

My sister and her wonderful fiancee, Tony got married this past Saturday. Other than some really typical St. Louis random weather it was lovely. And we got to have some Drewes, which always is a bonus.

Follow the jump for the reviews! 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Shellac by CND (CreativeNailDesign)

Photo: Creative Nail Design

On Friday, May 7th I went to Creations to see the lovely Jennifer Kopolow for a VERY new product out in salons now called Shellac. This product is essentially a gel-polish that is painted on like regular nail polish, but "cured" under a specifically designed UV lamp, kind of a mini tanning bed for hands/feet. That process is vital to the product in that it's the way it "sticks" to your nails. It is also what makes the product "rock hard" and keeps it on and fairly impenetrable for 2 weeks or more. I was on day 5 and aside from a bit of tip wear (noticeable in a few instances), a few little "gashes" and "cuts" and some edge-lifting, they still looked great. You'd have to be really looking at my hands up close to see any of those issues, and this is still a record with me, gel nails and acrylics lasted all of 2 days on me before they were terrible looking and lifting enough to worry about.

ETSY CRAZINESS: I sense an addiction brewing.

I was reading my new Real Simple while I ate lunch today and as I was browsing through the "Gift Guide" I came across a listing for "This Charming Candy" and their interesting suckers. So I checked out the seller's shop and now I am having to block it out of my mind. Two different lollipop options have me going nuts. First is the Salted Caramel Lollipop shown in this beautiful photo. 

Photo: This Charming Candy's Etsy Store.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Cleansing Oils -- Shu Uemura and DHC

Photo: ShuUemura.com

Cleansing Oils are cropping up everywhere these days...

Photo: DHCCare.com

I bought my first bottle of Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil (green) in San Francisco at the Nordstrom Westfield while we were driving the West Coast Hwy 1 in 2006. I have been using either the Shu or the DHC since. I know when I first heard of it, I thought "what oily skinned human would slather oil over their face to clean it?" and after trying it, apparently *this* oily skinned human would. Except that I mostly use it to take off the 8lbs of eye makeup I slap on every morning. For the most part it helps remove that, though I have to really let it sit for 30 seconds before I start really working it all off and then rinsing. Then I use the Alien Deathray Laser Gun with a regular foaming cleaser to clean up the rest.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and Crema Nero Eye Cream.

Photo: ArmaniBeauty.com

Most of my in-real-life friends and acquaintances know that I am very pasty white. And by very pasty white I mean that ream of paper you just bought that said Ultimate White 100% brightness. But I am not your typical pasty white. I am some gross mix of white, olive green and yellow. Like jaundice or ...sick looking. And that's just my everyday look. 

So when I am looking for a foundation, it's a battle. Not many brands cater to my skintone, and tend to stay pretty neutral, or in my language "PINK". The closest matches I have ever found are Laura Mercier Oil Free in Porcelain Ivory (actually this is dead on, if only it would just stay on my face for more than an hour), Shu Uemura Face Architect in 964 and 974 mixed, and apparently now I am pretty close in the Giorgio Armani line, with I think #2...though it is still a little pink for me.

Wish me luck...

I am starting with a trainer tonight, hopefully he can whip some shape into me. I'd like to be less of "a" shape, even temporarily. I have to cram myself into a bridesmaid dress in less than a month, and as of now I don't think it will zip!

How dare food be tasty and anywhere within a 30 mile drive of me at any time. It just jumps right in my mouth. All by itself. True story!

We'll see how it goes. I am extremely busy trying to finish off Summer weddings at the moment so I am really trying to balance getting that in without eating into my assembly timeframe at night, so that I can still be in bed by 10 for my 545am wakeup call (serenity now!)

Correction... I was VERY excited for dinner.

Tonight is my brother's very belated birthday dinner. We are going to Wapango. The husband and I went a couple years ago for lunch one Saturday when we were wanting something new. And it was GOOD. I hope it's just as good today. I already know what I want, or at least part of it. The Columbian Arepas are what we shared last time for an Appetizer. And I think I might need them again. But for dinner I am way torn:
Yucatan Chicken Tacos
Red Corn Chicken Enchiladas
Tacos de la Calle
Black Beans, Cheese and Spinach Enchiladas
Empanadas de Pollo, Queso, y Puerco

Can't. Wait.


---UPDATE--- 821pm
We just got home from our dinner at Wapango and I can honestly say I was super disappointed, I think almost all of us were. The Arepas appetizer was the best part of the meal. I got the Red Corn Enchiladas and they were only ok. The sides were awful, the rice was flavorless and hard--completely undercooked. The "slaw" was just gross. My husband got the salmon and it was so overcooked it was a rockhard paperweight. His sides were only ok also. My brother and mom got the Cayo Chicken and neither thought it was anything special or tasty. My brother's girlfriend got the Nachos and she said they were ok, though didn't seem blown away. My dad got the slow-roasted pork and he liked his a great deal. My sister got a small chopchop salad that seemed to be well received, and then the crab enchiladas, she enjoyed them, but my husband tried a bite and got a piece of crab shell with his bite. He did say that beyond that they were good. My sister's fiance left with a nasty migraine not long after they arrived so Ill have to hear if he liked his red corn enchiladas.

For what you pay to eat at this place, it's a shame the food isn't that great. They don't have many new reviews going around that applaud it. We were able to walk right in to get a table and when we got there for dinner at 5pm, and for a good while afterwards, we were the only ones there. The service was ok, though I went without a refill for far too long several times. Mostly because I got a glass of ice and about a shots worth of soda.

Kind of a bummer, but we didn't leave hungry.

PRODUCT REVIEW: ENJOY Sulfate Free Hydrating Shampoo and Instant Reconstructing Conditioner

While I was buying a replacement bottle of Vitamino Color earlier today, I spotted some smaller sizes of the ENJOY line of products. It's a line I was hoping to try as it was sulfate free, and despite previous attempts at finding a sulfate free line that I liked, I hoped this might be a good one.

PRODUCT REVIEW: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster

I bought the Root Booster by John Frieda at Walgreens one night after reading a review on another blog, I need to find it because she was bang on.   My hair is long and fine and I have about 5 people's worth of hair on it. Which in turn, makes it kind of heavy and not very voluminous.  It also won't hold a curl very long, despite using Caruso rollers. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Loreal Serie Expert Vitamino Color Shampoo vs. Kerastase Bain Miroir

I started using the Kerastase Bain Miroir (hot pink bottle, not see through) in September of 2006ish, after seeing it on a shelf in a pretty swanky salon in Santa Monica, California.  I didn't buy it then because it would have been a pain to travel with, especially considering all the crap I already bought out there.  I used it for the most part all of the last 3 and a half years, only occasionally skipping it for either WEN or something cheaper and saving it for the first week or so after I did my roots and touchups.  I always told myself it was just Color Vive with a way steep pricetag, and while it is REALLY expensive for Shampoo, it might be worth it.  All $34 a bottle of it.   Now there is one that is even more ridiculously priced that I am dying to try since Jean Godfrey-June reviewed it in Lucky a couple months ago, (even the sample travel size is like $50!) but I haven't quite given into that. I came very close a few weeks ago to doing it but I rushed myself away from the site in favor of Perez Hilton.

PRIVATE PRACTICE WATCHERS---was anyone else...

SPOILER WARNING!!! IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THIS WEEK'S EPISODE (which may have been the season finale) DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!!!!!!

I do not get this "monogram sticker on back window of SUV" trend.

I saw another few today, and I have to say that I think it's pretty..odd.  I started seeing it about maybe mid-summer last year, mostly on the ridiculously wealthy SUVs in Frontenac, a wealthy suburb of St. Louis. I actually recall seeing 4 in a row parked in front of Saks ALL with these large monograms in pink vinyl stuck to the middle of the back window.  It's started to expand into the back windows of the "less ridiculously wealthy" population.

Am I the only one that thinks they look silly and make no sense?  Especially if you drive like shit, which many people in this city are prone to do, why would you want your initials on your vehicle?  Aside from making sure anyone who's ever been around you in traffic to avoid you like the plague in the future.

PRODUCT REVIEW: LaRoche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme

During our trip to NYC earlier this year, I drug the husband all around the Upper East Side to all the fancy "drugstores" to obtain all the products that are damn near impossible to get anywhere near where I live and/or impossible to find online.  One of the products on my list was the LRP Anthelios sunscreen. This stuff is supposed to be the greatest sunblock on earth for especially pasty skin, but for sun protection in general. And now I see why.