The New Site is LIVE!!! Follow me on over!

I am ELATED to announce that the new site, ACCORDINGTOAME.COM is now LIVE!  

Thanks to the amazing work of The Blog Salon, we have a fantastic new site set up. She took my ridiculous list of "requirements" and bullet points of inspiration, two (!) Pinterest boards of Inspiration, and my incessant harassment via email and made it work perfectly.  I was looking for a more polished vibe around here, and she captured it perfectly. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!

Head on over and check it out!  For now, anyway, this site will remain active, for the archives, but new posts will be over there from now on.  Everything should be over there, but formatting might be an issue.  I am working on fresh posts and figuring out the ins and outs of Wordpress, but hopefully I'll be back at it like usual soon. I have a lot of drafts saved and waiting. 

Let me know what you think!

Weekend Update ::: Hey Big Spender!

 

Photo via TripAdvisor

That doesn't look like it's "on plan" now does it?  How are we almost halfway through July already? Not that I am complaining, because in like 2 weeks I'll be on another GIRL'S WEEKEND chillin' out, maxxin' out (credit credit cards) and nommin' on Juicy Nookies. Sans bun (then it counts for the most part!!!) With Sweet Potato Fries (man, they have some AMAZING fries at this joint!)

Test Driven ::: Dolce & Gabbana Cosmetics

All images by {accordingtoame}

A few months back, the Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics line (finally) hit Nordstrom.com. Having lusted after the products since reading about them in several magazines and having seen Scarlett Johanssen's beautiful ads grace the very same magazines for quite some time, I pounced.

Loving Right Now :::

Photos:  Urban Remedy, Ikea, Nordstrom, Tatcha, Honest, WetBrush

Tech Time ::: NIX Color Sensor

Photos: NIX Sensor Facebook

One of the Kickstarters I didn't back, which ended up with an Indiegogo for Round 2 and I still didn't back, and regret not doing so so much is the NIX Color Sensor. 

Must Have ::: Nordstrom Anniversary 2014 ShortList

I don't know why I am such a madwoman about this sale every year...but I am.  I am already foaming at the mouth over a select few items in this year's pre-select catalog for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. 

Wedding Wednesday ::: Lessons from a Wife of 9 Years

All photos by Cary Klein Photography

Somehow 9 years has managed to go by since my wedding day.  It's been an adventure, but at least I have a best friend to experience all the ups and downs of life with. 

Tech Time ::: Google Voice Transcription Fail

Photo by {accordingtoame}

I am still pretty sold on Google Voice, after my intro review last year. It's been a great move for me to incorporate that into my businesses and really, in general, into my life. One of those reasons I still love it is the transcriptions of voicemail when I miss a call and a message is left.

However...like I said in the review, it's not always an accurate representation of the message that was left. And today's post is really just to share this HILARIOUSLY awful Google Voice transcription of a voicemail. 

I am in the process of fulfilling some orders and working on the Wordpress transition for the blog. But this transcription has been making me literally laugh out loud since I got it last week so I felt it had to be shared. 

Be sure to follow according to ame on 
Twitter ::: Facebook ::: Instagram ::: Pinterest  ::: Bloglovin'

Must Do ::: Tracy Anderson Method

All Images via TracyAndersonMethod.com

I am a fan of House*Tweaking, and a pretty regular reader, gawking and envying their incredible work on their home. See, over there on the right? Dana's fantastic blog is in my blogroll.

A couple weeks ago she posted a ridiculously thorough post about her home workout and it was a serious boon of inspiration for me. Like, instantly. Dana has been doing DVD workouts from Tracy Anderson's vast collection.  

Fashion Fix ::: Stylish Passport Covers

Photo by {accordingtoame}

On my 36th birthday, I mosied in to the Main Post Office in steamy Downtown St. Louis and finally got myself a passport, complete with the single least flattering photo ever taken of me, probably in my life. (Note to the passport photographer: if you're shorter than the subject, get someone taller, or stand on something. Chin fat and jowls are not even something to joke about.)

Top Secret ::: Mary Kay Microdermabrasion Step 1

I left this little nugget out of my Skincare Routine post a few weeks back, regrettably, because I had just finished a tube and hadn't opened the new one yet when I was taking those photos. My (huge) mistake. 

Not that I didn't have an enormous amount of stuff in that photo already!

Loving Now :::

Photos: WarbyParker.com, Sephora, HailMerry, HBO, OlioESasso

Tech Time ::: Glasses.com App

This post is probably a little off the beaten path compared to my typical Tech Time posts, but it is useful technology for shoppers and for people who want to make a smart purchase on quality sunglasses. 

Must See ::: Years of Living Dangerously

Image: Years of Living Dangerously

Over the last few months, Showtime aired a series called Years of Living Dangerously. It followed some pretty heavy hitters, in both Hollywood and within the science community, as they toured the world seeing the effects of climate change. 

This is likely to be a "dangerous" post given its divisive nature, but no matter what side of the topic you fall on, it's worth checking out.  

Weekend Update ::: "What *IS* the Four?!"

Photo: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

Man, another week in June just flew right on by! 

Among other delights in this week's mail, we received the 3rd (or 4th?) Discover card THIS YEAR (meaning since 2014 started). That's, like, the 9th Discover in less than 18 months. That is ridiculous.  

Totally Obsessed ::: Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF47

Photos by {accordingtoame}, Review updated to include ingredients

Last Fall, I went to replenish my beloved Josie Maran moisturizer (previously called Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40+ and previously blogged about here, here, here) to find it had been pulled from stock everywhere awaiting reformulation. 

I had a meltdown. Reformulations and I are not friends.

Work in Progress :::

As you may have noticed, likely because I spammed the bejeez out of your Facebook and Twitter feed this time last week, I am in the process of giving myself the biggest migraine of my lifetime. I mean, migrating to Wordpress.   

Tech Time ::: Skiva PowerVault

All photos by {accordingtoame}

A few weeks ago, I revealed a Top Secret that I absolutely adore:  Sonia's Travels.  One of the amazing discoveries I picked up from watching these incredible videos was the SKIVA PowerVault compact charger. 

Must Try ::: Olomomo Nuts

Photos by {accordingtoame}

Having gotten myself totally attached and addicted to the Chili and Honey Almonds from Graze, I was on a MISSION to find a worthy substitute til they show up again in another Graze box.

Fashion Fix ::: Addicted to Boden

All images via bodenusa.com

Before I get started on the meat of this post, I had to be an attention whore for a minute (well, isn't that always on here, I guess?) and celebrate reaching a "milestone!"   In just over 4 years, I've reached 400 posts. In that time, I've shared my style, knowledge, ideas and great finds with people around the world.  Thank you all for the support and for reading what I have to share! As In light of this milestone, I wanted to let you know that over the next few weeks I will be migrating over to Wordpress, and to my domain name, accordingtoame.com and hopefully a fresher look. 

And now, back to our regularly scheduled post!

Since my last Fashion Fix post about Boden back in March, I've placed several more orders and I've been happy with each and every item.  I must be an Anglophile in my fashion sense, or finally be growing some fashion sense, because something about their product and their styling just speaks to me. 

Test Driven ::: It! Cosmetics Tightliner 10-in-1 Dual-Ended Brush

All photos by {accordingtoame}

  
A while back, It! Cosmetics had a Friends and Family promotion code for 25% off on their site. I was hankering for yet another Heavenly Ball Brush, and another French Boutique Blush Brush (which I ended up going through QVC for to get another pressed cheek stain...)

While poking around on the site, in an effort to spend more money, I mean, find more products to check out, I happened upon a fascinating new eyeliner brush, the Tightliner 10-in-1 Dual-Ended Brush.  

Wednesday Wow ::: My New Seiko Presage Automatic Watch

All photos by {accordingtoame}

Total "not so humble brag," but I just received my newest piece of awesome, a Seiko Presage Automatic Watch, direct from Japan, which I ordered from the amazing SeiyaJapan.com. 

Happy belated birthday to me! 

Tech Time ::: Totally Brilliant --- Kickstarter + MoMA

Images via Kickstarter Blog and MoMA Design Store Kickstarter shop

Because I haven't introduced you to enough Kickstarter campaigns lately, let me introduce you to a couple more Kickstarter projects I wish I'd backed last year, which I recently happened upon thanks to a the Kickstarter Design Store collaboration with MoMA.  

Must Have ::: It Cosmetics CC Cream

All photos by {accordingtoame}

I mentioned that I picked this up in a Loving Right Now a couple weeks ago. It's the first CC cream I have ever tried, or been interested in trying. I love the brand's brushes, and their pressed cheek stain, like, love-love. But I intensely hated the concealer. So I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to feel about this one.

Weekend Update ::: Honestly, though.

Image via Target Bullseye Blog

So, it's been a full year (just over actually) since I "relaunched" {according to ame} with this slightly clean, new look.  I appreciate everyone's amazing feedback, and that you love the content I've created on my blog.  That means the world to me!

If you can believe it (I couldn't!), I have just short of 400 posts on this bad boy, plus another 50 drafts in progress.  I got rid of a bunch of horrible old posts, or updated them to be less horrible, and I laugh at the evolution of my old posts vs the new ones. If nothing else, the photos alone. I still suck at taking photos of myself for product reviews.

Top Secret ::: Skincare Routine

All photos by {accordingtoame}

I am a creature of routine and habit for the most part. That extends through most facets of my life, unrelated to diet and exercise, of course, but most definitely though my beauty regimen.  My skincare routine is pretty streamlined and doesn't really change too much, save for testing something new, or when I am on the retinoid rotation I discussed back in the Aloe post. Those simply add or subtract one or two steps within my regular routine.  

Loving Right Now :::

Images:  AmateurGastronomer.com, NoosaYoghurt.com, 

Sephora.com, EagleCreek.com, Nordstrom.com, Honest.com, Poopourri.com

Tech Time ::: Apple WWDC 2014

Photos via Engadget and Apple.com (all had STELLAR coverage)

Yesterday was the Apple WWDC 2014 Keynote, which brought some incredible unveils.  This might well be one of the biggest WWDC Keynotes in years.

Must Do ::: Back the Reading Rainbow Kickstarter

Video and Photos via Reading Rainbow Kickstarter

If you have not seen or heard about the "Reading Rainbow" Kickstarter Campaign, you have got to check it out!  But you don't have to take my word for it.

Wonderful Workspace ::: Kristen from Bliss at Home

Images by: Kristin Cadwallader B@H/Carrie Fanderclai

Shoot styled by: Kristin Cadwallader B@H

I like to check out offices, snooping if you will. I love seeing workspaces and how people set them up and what works for them. 

Recently The Office Stylist had a tour of Bliss at Home's Kristin Cadwallader's AMAZING home office, and I was absolutely enamored.

Tech Time ::: iPhone 6 Rumor Mill

Image: Martin Hajek via BGR

Have you been keeping up on the latest with the upcoming iPhone 6 and the soon to follow iPhone 6 "phablet?"  I'd dare call them both phablets, but I digress.

Totally Obsessed ::: Lo and Sons Catalina Weekender

All photos by {accordingtoame}

A few weeks back I mentioned I finally ordered my Lo&Sons Catalina. And then they put out the Indigo a little over two weeks ago now. And I had to have it because it is Navy. So now I do.

Loving Right Now :::

Photos: EastonWay.com, CNN.com, Ecotools.com, 

me, Kindsnacks.com, PadandQuill.com

Tech Time ::: GOkey Fob

All images and video via GoKey Indiegogo

Remember how I said I have a problem regarding Kickstarter, and probably should avoid Indiegogo for the same reason? Well, I need to. I really do.  Because poking around on these sites is dangerous. Poking around on Indiegogo caused me to discover the GoKey.

Must Try ::: Athlete Eats

All photos by {accordingtoame} except where noted

In my (terribly flawed) attempts to eat healthier after realizing that I've gotten myself back to where the only pants that fit me are my "fat pants", I decided to head out and try the fare at a new local haunt called Athlete Eats.  

Weekend Update ::: How to Be

Photo by my sister, please don't hork it.

This is a more heavy than usual Weekend Update.  

I totally baited you with that adorable and wildly unflattering photo of my nephew scaling me on Mother's Day in a failed effort to lick the ice cream cake we got for my mom.  But it's moments like that, that remind me why I need to be grateful.

Test Driven ::: Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee

All photos by {accordingtoame}

These colorful little jars of awesome have been getting the full workout now for a couple of months, and I am pretty much in L-O-V-E.  

I am not typically a gel or cream blush kinda girl, but I was looking for perhaps a lighter feeling option besides my beloved powdered cheek stains for Summer. Perhaps, something that would stain my cheeks and tolerate sweating, but still feel super light on my skin, and help me scale down the layers I trowel on every morning for the heat and humidity we're already experiencing. Ok were experiencing. It's barely 50 degrees today...

Wednesday Wow ::: Julia & Shane's Striking Kansas City Wedding

 All photos by Meagan and Nate via StyleMePretty and the Meagan and Nate blog, 
and used with the permission of both the photographer and the couple.

Is that guestbook and J|S sign not completely incredible?!

Trolling around the net recently, my attention was jolted by the amazing stationery and decor from Julia and Shane's truly modern, and incredibly beautiful Kansas City wedding. 

Tech Time ::: SNAP Connectors

 All images, gifs and video kindly provided by the SNAP! team
This is the desk/car mount

As you have picked up on by now, I am a total Kickstarter-slash-gadget dork, and the majority of things I end up backing are in some relation to my phone, either making using my phone more convenient, charge it easier, or using my phone to track something, or track itself...

Must See ::: Do you know about "Chalkboard Mag"?

Chalkboard online magazine was created by the founders of Pressed Juicery that is centered on health and holistic lifestyles, and it's friggin' amazing.  I surprisingly had never heard of it until I read the #GSD on its founder, Suzanne, on Meg Biram's blog a few weeks ago.

Fashion Fix ::: In case you (and I) missed it, ELOQUII IS BACK!!!

Oh. My. Dog.  How did I miss this AMAZING news????

Top Secret ::: Sonia's Travels/SoniaGil.com

Since we're starting to get into prime travel and vacation season, I thought I would share a little secret of mine named SONIA GIL.  Well, I wouldn't call this a big secret, since this stunning woman has won the well-deserved Webby twice, having just won her second by a landslide.  

Loving Right Now :::

Images: JosieMaran.com, QVC.com, T3Micro.com, 

Poppin.com, MyItWorks.com, Honest.com. Collage by me

Tech Time ::: Silicon Valley on HBO

All images via HBO and Silicon Valley HBO Tumblr

My husband and I have been totally obsessed with the show Silicon Valley on HBO since it started (well before that, when we saw previews...).  

We're both huge fans of TJ Miller, and the lead in music makes us miss his show Mash Up something awful...but when we saw Thomas Middleditch, TJ Miller and Kumail Nanjiani on @Midnight before the show started and knew we would be in for a great show. All three are hilarious. 

Must Have ::: Tieks Ballet Flats

All photos by {accordingtoame} unless otherwise noted

In the vast array of shoes one has at their disposal, there are very few pairs that actually make the cut in this "comfort trumps all" world of mine.  Sure, many are beautiful, and many catch my eye. Some even get purchased, only to languish in a discarded pile in the corner. But, most days you'll find me in a pair of men's no-fray navy low-top slip-on Chuck Taylor's from the huge stockpile I have amassed.

Ok, probably every day.

Weekend Update ::: Rolled out the Blue Carpet

Yay it's finally the weekend again! And it will be a beautiful one, at that!  Can you even believe it is MAY already? I got an email today from my aunt reminding me about our annual family picnic being a month away already.  What happened to this year already....

Totally Obsessed ::: Ikea Raskog Cart

 

Screenshot from Ikea Catalog

My kitchen is tiny, and often looks like a bomb went off.  There's a reason I crop my food photos in SO CLOSE.  Who am I kidding, my entire house looks like a bomb went off all the time.

Test Driven ::: BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

All photos by {accordingtoame}

I mentioned this product in last week's "Loving Right Now," having finally received it after I waited for what seemed like forever for my pre-ordered bottle and brush to arrive.  When it finally did, I immediately tore it opened, took photos, and then shook that bottle up really well and went at it.  My husband had never seen such glee over makeup.

Wednesday Wow ::: Maud Vantours 3D Paper Art

All artwork by Maud Vantours, Photographed by Coline Buhan

While poking around online in a fit of boredom last week, I happened upon some work by Maud Vantours. I don't often just stop to look at artwork like I used to, but the amazing 3D designs made of colored paper by this artist literally made my jaw drop.

Tech Time ::: Bodyguardz "Pure" Glass Screen Protector for iPhone

All photos by {accordingtoame}, except where noted.

After my review of Spigen's UltraCrystal Screen Protectors, which included commentary about how I hate glass protectors and don't recommend them, I got quite a few messages asking which I'd tried, and would I try any in the future if something new caught my eye. Among those messages, several folks asked why I never posted the reviews.  Honestly, I never did reviews on those because I was so aggravated, and I didn't take many photos of the products, that I didn't want to give the brands the free advertising on a product I found generally sucky.

Must Do ::: Adventures in Sweating, My First Spin Class

 Photo by Brishen Lee Photography

As anyone who knows me "in real life" can attest, I am not allowed on bikes and have not been for, well, most of my life. And with very good reason.

Weekend Update ::: A Kick Ass Life

All images of Bobbi Brown by Alice Gao 

A really awesome interview went up recently on Refinery29 with Bobbi Brown. The recently appointed Editor-In-Chief of Yahoo!Beauty, and all around beauty and self-confidence badass, has some pretty incredible words of wisdom to share.  

Top Secret ::: Aloe Vera Gel

All photos by {accordingtoame}

A totally natural, and totally cheap, skin care staple, and something anyone using retinoids (which should be everyone!) should have on hand is Aloe Vera Gel.  

Why, you ask?