Must Do ::: Goals for 2014, and a Happy New Year!

Photos by {accordingtoame}

It's that time again, the end of one year and the beginning of a fresh new one.  It seems these things, these years, go faster each time. 

Before I go any further--Happy Birthday to my Dad and to my cousin, K.  Love you!

I officially opened my Whitney English Day Designer and really started using it this week, and was glad to use the actual book and not just the printouts I had made to tide me over. I am looking forward to hopefully getting more organized. This time.

Weekend Update ::: And a fine Fa-la-la to you, too

Photo: Allure.com

Wow, I cannot believe Christmas has come and gone already, and we're only a few days from 2014!  I have my Whitney English Day Designer already cracked open and I am starting to really get down to business with that sucker now.

Top 10 ::: Hair Favorites

I get asked frequently by readers, and by friends and family, what my favorite and must-have daily driver products are, things I cannot get by without in my vanity arsenal. I saved those lists for this month, because as you know, I discover and try out new things constantly, and share my reviews with you pretty often, so they kind of evolve over time. "Favorites" can change on a dime, but it's the ones that you go back to that end up being "the ones." 

Top 5 ::: Best Gadgets/Devices of 2013

Photos by {accordingtoame}

I am consistently asked by readers and friends and family for a "top 5" and "top 10" of various things I use everyday. Be it apps, gadgets, skincare, haircare, makeup, whatever.  I decided to work on those lists over the last few months and close out the year with those posts and this week marks the last of the lot.

Must Have ::: Tweezerman Lash Comb

Photos by {accordingtoame}

I mentioned this amazing little gizmo in my Top Secret eyeliner/mascara tutorial, and in my Top 5 Cosmetics list, and felt it deserved a post of its own.

Not a lot of folks know how important a great lash comb can be, and how big of a difference a metal lash comb makes in the overall appearance of your lashes after a mascara application, regardless of which mascara you use. 

Fashion Fix ::: Champagne Watch Taste, Beer Budget

Photos by {accordingtoame}

While in Hawaii, I tried on a couple of Rolex Datejust watches, mid-size 31mm, Rolexes blend of stainless steel. These were obviously fantasy events for me, with items well out of my budget now or anytime in the even distant future. Since those luxurious adventures, I have been on the hunt for a classic (steel bracelet) watch that looks similar these Rolexes above, or two other classic favorites, the Cartier Ballon Bleu and the Cartier Tank.

My Top 5 ::: Skincare Favorites

Photos by {accordingtoame}

I get asked frequently by readers, and by friends and family, what my favorite and must-have daily driver products are, things I cannot get by without in my vanity arsenal. I saved those lists for this month, because as you know, I discover and try out new things constantly, and share my reviews with you pretty often, so they kind of evolve over time. "Favorites" can change on a dime, but it's the ones that you go back to that end up being "the ones." 

Welcome Home ::: Soleil Moon Frye's Worldly Home

All photos: Domaine Home Feature

Actress (you might remember her as Punky Brewster!), entrepreneur, tv host, blogger, author, mother (and at press time, mother to be!) and creative dynamo, Soleil Moon Frye has some pretty incredible ideas going on in her beautiful mind and behind that pretty face. Not to mention some serious energy to make it happen!  

Tech Time ::: My Top (Desktop) Apps/Sites

I am consistently asked for a "top 5" and "top 10" of various things I use everyday. Be it apps, gadgets, skincare, haircare, makeup, whatever. I thought I'd start answering those requests with a tech related post about mobile apps I am a regular user of.

Must DONE ::: Great Closet Cleanout 2013

All photos by and for {accordingtoame}

I finally accomplished a task I managed to avoid most of the year. It took me an entire holiday weekend, too.  That header was supposed to have DO crossed out and say Done, but Blogger didn't play nice so it just says Done and I gave up. 

Weekend Update ::: Foodie Gifts and Stocking Stuffers

Photos: Silpat, Poptions Popcorn, Pearls and Coffee Blog, 

Bed Bath and Beyond, Foodie, Vosges, Product of GIR

We're yet another week closer to Christmas and the New Year, and with that, you're likely looking for your last minute stocking stuffers and little foodie-friendly gifts.  Let's close out this week with the final installment of my top gift picks for one and all! 

Totally Obsessed ::: Travel Friendly and Luxe Finds

Photos: Sonia Kashuk, Tumi, Jonathan Adler, Integral Design, 

Flight001, Tieks, Truffle, Mophie, Lo&Sons, Bobble

What do you get those that seem to have everything and struggle to make a list because they truly don't "need" anything?  Here's a few of the best gift ideas around, all with plenty of time to order and ship. 

Loving Right Now ::: Best Gift Ideas for He and She!

Photos: Tumi, Nordstrom, Michael Kors, Razer, Brookstone, Uggs, Malin+Goetz

It's prime time for gift shopping, with great deals abound. This year introduced some fantastic new gadgets and gizmos to the world, and of course, a few came out just in time for the holiday season.  

Tech Time ::: Best Techie Gifts

Photos: Apple, PLX Devices, Handbag Butler, Olloclip, Nest, Nordstrom, Coin, Samsung, Fitbit, 1Password, Evernote and Dropbox

Must Have::: La Mer Cleansing Gel

Photo: Nordstrom.com

I mentioned in my DHC Cleansing Oil "Must Have" a while back that I am a devoted fan of La Mer's Cleansing Gel, and oh am I ever.  I have been using it regularly for a couple of years, and sporadically prior to that for a couple more years, alternating it with various other cleansers ranging from the good old Dove Sensitive Skin Bar, to the Simple Moisturizing Foaming Face Wash, to the newer Ultra Gentle Foaming wash by Neutrogena.  The price point was painful but when I finally devoted myself to it and worked out the cost-per-use ratio, it really was worth the investment.

Fashion Fix ::: Field Jackets

Photo: Nordstrom

For the last year or two, I have been in lust over the Barbour field-style jackets. Most recently, the "Beadnell" Waxed Cotton Jacket caught my attention on Nordstrom's site, in part because it came in Navy. To quote Ms. Mackenzie Horan, "Navy or Nothing!"

My Top 5 ::: Cosmetic Favorites

All photos by {accordingtoame}

I get asked frequently by readers, and by friends and family, what my favorite and must-have daily driver products are, things I cannot get by without in my vanity arsenal. 

Wednesday Wow ::: Gorgeous San Francisco Wedding

All photos by Jennifer Eileen

So, during a slow day at work, I was cruising around 100 Layer Cake, and came upon this absolutely amazing Black, White and Red wedding that was held in San Francisco. I freakin' love that city, and I also love that color combination. 

Tech Time ::: My Top 10 (Mobile) Apps

I am consistently asked for a "top 5" and "top 10" of various things I use everyday. Be it apps, gadgets, skincare, haircare, makeup, whatever. I thought I'd start answering those requests with a tech related post about mobile apps I am a regular user of.

Must Read ::: Oprah's Favorite Things 2013

All photos: Oprah.com

One of the things I miss about Oprah still being on TV everyday is the "Favorite Things Show". That was the one show every year that I usually would make sure I caught because I freaking loved the reactions of the people in the audience--almost always handpicked by Ms. Winfrey herself and truly deserving of all the booty she bestowed on them--but even more, to see what was on the list each year.