Serendipitous Sea Glass: An Unexpected Craft Project

I don't try my hand at crafts very often, and when I do, I need something simple and easy that offers instant gratification.  When I found this pretty sea glass painting idea at Child's Prose, I was inspired and considered trying it.

I have a necklace of clear glass beads that is lovely, but when I wear it, the pieces literally disappear against my skin and it doesn't make a statement at all.  Ange gave me some great pointers to paint the necklace, and suggested using clear nail polish as a sealer once I painted the beads with glue dyed with food coloring.

Her suggestion inspired me once again, and instead of taking the time to mix the glue and food coloring, I skipped that step and headed straight for my new bottle of Ciaté Paint Pots Nail Polish in Superficial.  (Knowing me, there has to be a beauty tie-in here somewhere.)

(The Before Shot, still practicing my photography skills.)

I love blue and turquoise jewelry, and since the nail polish is a great shade of teal-slash-turquoise, I took a risk and decided to use it to paint my beads.  I don't wear the necklace often, and I started at the top with a single bead, just in case I didn't like the result.  But I was pleasantly surprised, so I just kept going.

To balance the beads and keep them from smudging, I literally grabbed my bread basket off the counter and hung the necklace from it.  That proved to be a smart decision and I was able to paint the entire necklace in less than an hour.  I then let it dry all morning and painted a clear layer of (what else?) nail polish as a top coat when the boys went down for their afternoon naps.

(Halfway finished.  I put some paper towels in the basket to catch drips.)

I'm surprisingly thrilled with the end result, and the beads look stunningly beautiful in the sunlight.  For the price of a bottle of nail polish, I now have a gorgeous necklace that coordinates nicely with my pedicure.   How cool is that?

(Still drying after the clear top coat.)

(Stunning in the sun.)

What Works For Me: Birthday Beauty Haul

Ryan and I have known each other over half our lives, so, at this point, it's kind of hard to plan surprises.  For birthdays, we've taken to buying our own presents, which is actually really fun and ensures that we both get exactly what we each want.  My birthday is this month, and I had a few beauty items (what else?) that I wanted to try.  Check out my loot from Sephora!

I know, I'm such a beauty junkie.  But before you judge me too harshly, check out what I actually purchased.

(My actual purchase.)

And what I got for free.

(Free samples!)

Sephora's Beauty Insider program offers rewards based on previous purchases, plus a birthday gift, so I always stock up in July to maximize my money.  This time around, I scored two perfume samples, a cologne sample for Ryan, deluxe samples of mascaras by Laura Mercier and Kat Von D, and my free birthday gift, two deluxe samples of lip treatments by Fresh.  That's enough perfume, mascara, and lip balm to keep me supplied for months, and they are also great to stash in your makeup bag for both daily outings and longer trips.

Sephora also offers great samples at Christmas, so I often purchase gifts there for my sisters and friends, then distribute the little extras among them, too.

To celebrate my birthday, I actually bought Korres Wild Rose Regimen Kit, since I've been dying to try their bestselling Wild Rose Moisturizing and Brightening Cream.  Beauty kits are typically a better value than the actual size product when trying something for the first time, and you also get to sample other brand products, too.  There's less commitment this way, and if something doesn't work out, you haven't invested in the full size product.

I also purchased a second Caviar Eye Stick by Laura Mercier, and I am in love with its creamy, sparkly texture.  I already own the Khaki stick and thought about purchasing Turquoise (which is not sold at Sephora) but decided to play it safe with Amethyst, which is always appropriate for my brown eyes.

Since I didn't take the plunge with turquoise eyes, I splurged on Ciaté Paint Pots Nail Polish in Superficial, a dark teal-turquoise.  I'm still pretty conservative when it comes to makeup, but I think it's fun to try new colors, especially on my toes.   Ciaté is new to Sephora, and I'm excited to try one of its bold colors.

And finally, to top it all off, I reordered some jeweled nail stickers made for Sephora by OPI.  I first purchased these last year on a whim, and they are so much fun.  I only use the stickers on my toes, so they last for months, and at $5, you can't beat the price for a little bit of body jewelry.

All total, I spent less that $100 on my actual order and received much more than that in products and samples.  I'm completely set for summer and fall now, and won't need to order anything until Christmas.  I highly recommend taking advantage of free membership programs like Sephora's Beauty Insider, because they truly help you stretch your beauty budget, and it's so much fun to try new products for free.

Bésame Mucho

(A vintage beauty vignette in my bedroom.)

I've been using Bésame Cosmetics' Crimson Cream Rouge for several months, and I am falling in love with this company's dedication to vintage beauty products.  I recently ordered their new Brightening Violet Powder and Classic Masterliner Pencil in Cerise and Red for lips.  Both products are excellent and, because they are so beautifully packaged, I feel elegant just using them.

Violet, a classic, old-fashioned scent, is my favorite choice when it comes to perfume, and I knew that I would love this new powder, which softly illuminates your face.  The powder itself is very lightly scented, which fades quickly after application, and it goes on easily with the included powder puff.  

I was initially surprised at the small size of the powder container, but because a little goes a long way, you don't need to use very much and it should last for many months.  The compact size makes it easy to tuck the powder inside your cosmetic bag and reapply while you are out.  And, perhaps best of all, the container features a built-in sifter, so there's no danger of spilling the loose powder.  That's a very nice touch that I truly appreciate.  Here are a few pictures of the violet powder and its lovely packaging.

(Bésame Cosmetics Violet Powder in its gorgeous box.)

(A pretty little detail.)

(The vintage powder container.)

(The container has an attached sifter to avoid spills.)

I also use the two-sided lip liner every day, and because it is thicker than most lip pencils, the application process is incredibly easy.  Each side is also retractable, which sold me right away, because I'm not a fan of cosmetic pencils that require sharpening.  That's simply too much work as far as makeup is concerned, and sharpening should be reserved for knives and writing utensils, not something that enhances your natural beauty.

(Bésame Cosmetics Classic Masterliners Pencil for lips with two sides and retractable pencils.)

I am continuously impressed with the quality of Bésame Cosmetics and I hope to try more of their products soon.  

Have you tried any fun beauty products recently?

Not Just Another Pretty Face

This is one of those posts that I don't like to read.  Not that there's anything wrong with it, but I'm a "beautiful things" kind of girl, and there's nothing beautiful about this.  Not really.

I've mentioned before how this post really affected me, and I've thought about writing my own version of it for a very long time.  I've written it in my head millions of times.  In fact, if I'm totally honest, I've daydreamed about writing a bestseller, and going on Oprah to tell the world my story.  I even had a title picked out.  It would be called Ugly.

But the truth is this: I haven't written that book (because what I have to say can fit within a blog post), Oprah's show is over (I was never the biggest fan), and I am not ugly (not in the true sense of the word).

But I do have scleroderma, and it does affect my face; so at times, just like most women, I have felt ugly.  I have scleroderma, and it affects my face.  My face, the first thing people see when they meet me.  I have scleroderma, and it affects my face. 

Scleroderma is a rheumatological, autoimmune disorder that affects the connective tissue of the body.  It manifests itself in various forms, and the catchphrase for the Scleroderma Foundation is "The Many Faces of Scleroderma" because, quite simply, there are so many varying factors within the disease, and each person's experience is incredibly different.

I was officially diagnosed in 2003, but I've probably had scleroderma my entire life.  Not much is known about the cause, and research is constantly being conducted to learn more.  In my case, the disease attacked the collagen on the right side of my face, leaving a large indentation on my forehead and severely shortening the roots of my lower right teeth.  Doctors use the term, en coup de sabre ("mark of the sabre"), to describe the linear scleroderma I have, since it can look rather like the patient has been struck in the face by a sword.  Nice.  But, other than the cosmetic issues that come with this collagen loss (dry, sensitive skin, hating having my picture taken, and the possibility of my teeth falling out), I've been extremely fortunate and have remained quite healthy.

I do have an overactive thyroid, which is common among scleroderma patients, and both of my pregnancies were considered high-risk.  Both of my unplanned c-sections were probably due to scleroderma, and since the boys' births, I've suffered from fairly severe, random joint pain that is now mostly under control.  I undergo an annual echocardiogram (topless, under a paper vest, while the male technician and I chat about our children) to look for signs of Pulmonary Hypertension, a serious secondary issue for some scleroderma patients. And the other day, I had 12 vials of blood (ouch!) taken from my arm by a nursing student, just to figure out if the weird bumps on my fingers might be digital ulcers.

To say that scleroderma affects my life is an understatement, and time-wise, it amounts to a part-time job with lots of labs, tests, and doctors' appointments.  But I am not scleroderma, and it does not define me.  It is a part of my life, and I have to deal with its consequences, but I have so many other interests (like this blog!) that are, well, interesting, so I like to focus on those.

I willingly admit that having facial involvement is incredibly hard at times, especially for a young woman, but I've shed many more tears over the scar on my abdomen (which nobody sees but my husband and me), than I have over the abnormal parts of my face.

Several years ago, I met with a wonderful consultant for Jane Iredale Cosmetics, a company that provides what is known as "camouflage" makeup, and she carefully showed me how to cover and disguise what she called "my distraction."  I will forever be grateful to Jane Iredale for giving me more confidence, and since I'm such a beauty product junkie, I have so much fun experimenting with products and playing up my good features, like my eyes.

I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and even though I feel like I'm advertising my health issues literally, with a sign on my forehead, some people don't even notice.  Last year, I saw a new doctor who was young and wore hipster glasses, and he mentioned that he saw the affected area around my mouth.  I was kind of shocked, because yes, it is there, but it's most noticeable on my forehead, which he didn't even see. 

I love fashion and makeup, and I try to look my best, especially when going to the doctor.  I think it makes such a difference, and when I feel good about myself, others see it, too.  I had my regular thyroid labs drawn recently, and the phlebotomist asked me about my forehead.  I told her about having scleroderma, and then she offered me $500 for my eyelashes.  I spent the next five minutes giving her a lesson in applying mascara, sitting there with a needle in my arm.  It was probably the most fun I've ever had during a blood draw, and all thanks to a little Maybelline Great Lash. 

I guess the point of this post has been to reveal my vulnerable side, but to show you that I'm okay, too.  My family and friends know that I have scleroderma, but they also know that I have more interesting things to discuss, like my favorite book, or that new lipstick I just bought, or the fact that Rhys has chosen the occasion of his second birthday to start talking in full, understandable sentences.

When people ask, I'm ready to answer.  That's the teacher in me.  It's just not my favorite topic because it's kind of boring (who wants to talk about connective tissue all day long?), and there are so many other things worth seeing and doing.  So you won't find me waxing poetic about scleroderma regularly on this blog.  I might mention it from time to time, usually in the context of something much more fascinating, and there's a label for it over on the right.  This makes post number four, so you can see how often I write about it.  And I'm not in denial (how can I be when I see it every day?), but it's just one part of my life, and a pretty small part, at that.

I guess I just wanted you to know.

I have scleroderma, and it affects my face.  But I am not scleroderma, and it does not define me.

Top Left: February 2009, with post-pregnancy roundness in my face.  Top Right: April 2009, really skinny after postpartum thyroid issues.  Bottom Left: December 2011, picture ready with makeup and mascara.  Bottom Right:  June 2012, my good side.

More Summer Beauty Buys: The Sunshine Edition

I'm a big fan of Jane Iredale Cosmetics, and though it's been out for a while now, I just recently decided to purchase their Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen.  With an SPF level of 30, this powder can be worn alone, under or over makeup, and also anywhere on the skin.  It's great for men (though it did appear powdery on Ryan's face when he let me try a dab, good sport that he is!) and children, too.  The powder's package can be a bit tricky to figure out, so here's a short tutorial to guide you.

The powder arrived in a beautifully wrapped package, with a lovely sprig of lavender and a sweet note.

 Powder-Me SPF with a mirror on the lid.

Once the lid is removed, the sponge applicator is visible. 

The powder comes in a small cylinder with a mirror on the top, and once you remove the lid, the sponge applicator is visible.  You then unscrew the applicator, dip it into the powder, and apply it to your skin.

Just unscrew the sponge, dip it into the powder, and apply.  Easy as pie!

Since I have oily skin and larger pores, I've found that this sunscreen works best if I apply it under my mineral foundation, rather than on top, where it settled into my skin a bit.  It took several days of experimenting to get the right look for me, but I'm happy with the powder and know that I'm getting plenty of protection from the sun.

I've also been applying it to my neck, chest area, and arms without any problems.  Once you rub it in, it basically disappears, and the best part, in my opinion, is that you can't feel the powder at all, so it's not heavy, like SPF lotions.  As far as sunscreen goes, this powder is definitely on the expensive side, but I can use it every day, in every season, all over my body, so it's worth the extra cost.

And, as a little gift inside my pretty package from Jane Iredale, I also received a deluxe sample of Tantasia Self Tanner.  Let me just say that my natural skin tone is pale, not in a lovely Dita Von Teese-alabaster-kind-of-way, but in a bright-white-snowblind-kind-of-way.  I'm okay with that and have never used a self-tanner, especially after listening to my sister recount the story of how she once applied too much tanner and used nail polish remover (acetone, anyone?) to try and, um, remove it. 

But, I figured I had nothing to lose, and so Saturday morning after my shower, I first applied my regular lotion, then a small amount of Tantasia to each leg.  I was really impressed by how well it went on, dried quickly, and left no streaks.  I made sure to rub it in until my legs were completely dry, and that was it.  There's already a slight glow, and since the lotion is buildable, I can keep using it this summer to safely darken my tan.

Of course, I'm quickly running out of my little sample, so Tantasia might soon end up on my Covet List, too.

Summer Beauty Buys

I'm definitely a beauty junkie, and it doesn't help things when my mom passes along her back copies of Allure Magazine to me.  Reading a magazine devoted to beauty products only makes me want to buy them (of course!), and though I usually resist the urge, this month I decided to try a few new products for summer.

Since I love to wear makeup every day, but don't have much time in the mornings, I'm always looking for double-duty products that can speed up my time in front of the mirror.  June's Allure ran a small piece on eye color pencils, which are sort of like eyeliner, but thicker and blendable, so they can double as eyeshadow.  They also dry fast, are smudge-proof, and can last the entire day without creasing.

I decided to try Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Khaki, and though I've only been using it since Friday, I'm really thrilled with the results.  It comes in a retractable tube, so there's no need to sharpen it, and it's quite thick, like a crayon.  It goes on fairly dark, so I apply it to my lash line, just like eyeliner, then blend it upward on my eye toward the crease.  I prefer to use a sheer shadow underneath as a base, and I think this helps to make the stick easier to blend, but you could use it by itself for a darker look, too.  I have read that some women apply the stick at the crease of their eye and then blend down, so that's another way to apply it.

All of the shades of the Caviar Stick look lovely, and Khaki, the color I tried, is a neutral color in sparkly brown.  I really love the Turquoise color and am debating buying it, but I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to try such a bright shade.  It's not sold at Sephora, where I bought the items in this post, but is available directly from Laura Mercier's site. 

Laura Mercier's Caviar Eye Stick Eye Colour in Khaki.

The second product I tried was Yves Saint Laurent's Volupte Sheer Candy in Mouthwatering Berry, a sheer, fruit-punch flavored lip color.  I'm a big believer in wearing lipstick, and I still go the old-fashioned route and apply multiple products to achieve the look I like best.  Around the house, I'll wear plain lip balm or gloss, but when I'm out and about, I feel naked without something heavier on my lips.  It's not unusual for me to wear four products (base gloss, lip liner, lipstick, and more gloss) at once, just to pick up James from school.  I know that sounds crazy, but that's how I've always done things, and it works for me.

But in the heat of summer, it is nice to apply just one (or two) products to my lips and be done with it.  So I decided to try this super fancy colored lip balm to see if I can stand using just one product, and the verdict so far is YES!  The color is a sheer, berry stain that is buildable, and you can wear it light and glossy (like I do at home) or heavier (with a liner) for a darker look.  Since it's considered a gloss, the tube is fairly emollient and doesn't last as long as regular lipstick, but it leaves a nice stain on your lips and is easy to reapply without a mirror.

And probably one of the best things about this product, aside from the lovely, fruity scent, is the packaging of the tube itself.  I swear it looks like some kind of secret weapon or storage compartment right out of a James Bond movie, and the case is elegantly designed in gold and red, with the YSL logo surrounding it.  I don't normally get excited about product packaging, since that's no indicator of how well the item truly works, but this piece could be displayed alongside the prettiest perfume bottles. I don't think I've owned such an elegant tube of  lipstick since my mother gave me Guerlain products for my wedding ten years ago!

The Volupte Sheer Candy comes in ten different fruit shades at Sephora, and since it's an Yves Saint Laurent product, it's not the most affordable gloss.  Still, it will last me the entire summer and is so much fun to use, that it's worth the splurge, in my opinion.

The gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy in Mouthwatering Berry.

Pieces of June

June is finally here and it's gearing up to be a wonderful month.  We even had a small cold front blow through last night, so it's not incredibly hot yet.  I'm anxiously awaiting a Sephora delivery that should be here any minute (Where are you, UPS man!?!), and I hope to share my goodies with you next week.

The class I'm taking officially starts today, so I'm excited to delve into that, and I've been hard at work this past week on a new project that I will write more about soon.

Later this month, Ryan and I will celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary, and I can hardly believe it.  We've actually been together a lot longer, since we met in high school, but ten years of marriage is a huge milestone.

There's lots to look forward to in June, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

What Works For Me: Solvere Acne Clearing Products

I've always had oily skin, but it didn't truly become acne-prone until I was trying to conceive my first baby.  And since I've been either breastfeeding or pregnant since 2008, I've had to be extremely careful with the types of acne products I can safely use.  Prescription-strength azelaic acid works fairly well and is safe while pregnant and breastfeeding, but it doesn't completely eliminate my hormonal breakouts.  Since my dermatologist told me to come back when I'm not nursing and she'll prescribe something stronger, I've been on the search for a cleanser that will help prevent breakouts while not irritating my sensitive skin.

I've tried my fair share of acne cleansers over the years, from mail-order clubs to department store brands, and everything in between.  Dermatologists recommend using only a mild cleanser or bar, but I've found that I need something stronger to stay acne-free.  I can't remember how I ran across it, but Solvere Acne Clearing Cleanser has solved most of the issues I had with other cleansers.  It contains 2% salicylic acid, the amount considered most helpful when treating acne, and since I just put it on and rinse right away, there's no residue settling into my skin, so it's safe while breastfeeding.  (Large amounts of salicylic acid, in the topical form like a peel or taken orally, are not recommended during pregnancy.)

Solvere's cleanser is extremely thick, almost the consistency of shampoo, so a little goes a long way.  I also find that, because of the acid, I only need to use it at night, and then I just wash my face with a much gentler cleanser like Cetaphil in the morning.  I'm also a fan of Solvere's Fortified Moisturizer, which is rich and creamy without blocking pores.  Both products help to prevent breakouts and I'm really thrilled with their performance.  Plus, they are comparable in price to drugstore brands and come in large quantities, so they are very easy on your wallet.

It took me a long time to find the right products for my skin and my current state of motherhood, but these really work for me, and I hope they might help you, too.

Little Things

This is the view from my backyard today.  Even in the pouring rain, the Rose of Sharon is so lovely and vibrant.  The blooms don't last long, so we enjoy them while they are here.

This arrived in the mail today, and the packaging is so lovely that I had to save it.  The rouge reminds me of the kind my grandmother used to wear, and a dab to the cheeks and lips is enough to make you blush all day long.  The line is created by a cosmetics historian who loves the elegance of bygone eras, so I had to try it.

* * *

After school, James was watching PBS' "Martha Speaks," about a dog who ate alphabet soup, which traveled to her brain, enabling her to talk.  I thought I recognized the voice of Jennifer Westfeldt, who is the real-life partner of Jon Hamm.  A few minutes later, a character named "Ham" appeared, and sure enough, both Westfeldt and Hamm were making a guest appearance on the show, along with their real-life dog, Cora.  Though I recognized Westfeldt's voice and animated character right away, John Hamm threw me a bit.  He didn't sound like Don Draper at all (too bad!), and I think the animators drew him more like a young Kyle MacLachlan.  See for yourself here, though we saw a re-run, so I don't know if the second episode will air again tomorrow.

Curly Girl Tip

I embraced my curly hair a long time ago, mostly because I'm lazy and refuse to blow-dry or straighten it, especially in the heat of the Texas summer.  Whenever my stylist gives me straight hair, everyone oohs and ahhs, but it just doesn't feel like me.  Currently, I'm trying to grow out the bob I've had for several years in favor of just a tiny bit more length.  Since I started highlighting my hair last year in another attempt to hide my grays, I've noticed that my hair seems dryer and frizzier, too.

So, searching for a way to fix this problem, I ran across this article and decided to give it a try.  I always wrap my hair up while I get dressed in the morning, so how hard would it be to try a t-shirt instead of a towel?

Well, I'm pleased to report that it worked and I'm enjoying the results so far.  My hair is much curlier, less frizzy, and holds product well.  I'd post a photo, but I hate having my picture taken.  Maybe I'll work up the nerve later this week.  In the meantime, here's hoping this new trick helps my hair hold moisture during the hottest days of summer.

"Mad Men" Madness

Ryan and I gave "Mad Men" a try a few years ago right after finishing the entire series, "The Wire."  Maybe it was the subtle plot line or the obvious sexism, but after two episodes, we kind of gave up.  We don't have cable and mostly watch shows via Netflix, but even still, it was impossible not to hear the hype from mainstream media about the show's popularity and influence.  And, as I searched for inspiration for our recent home renovation, I ran across post after post referencing the revival of mid-century modern (MCM) decor, thanks largely in part to "Mad Men."

I'm not in the habit of jumping on bandwagons, but after exhausting the limits of reality shows currently available on Netflix, I decided to give Don Draper and his crew another chance.  And this time, I was hooked.

Right now, I'm in the middle of season three, as Don courts the eccentric Conrad Hilton and Betty takes a sudden interest in, um, local politics.  (Interesting sidebar:  Chelcie Ross, who portrays Hilton, is an old college chum of my dad's; they were in ROTC at then-Southwest Texas State together, and both went on to serve in Vietnam as Air Force officers.  My dad looks a lot younger than Ross does, though.)

As much as I like the show, I have to limit my viewing, because it's easy to get sucked into the sadness, especially right before bed.  Such beautiful people leading such vapid lives leave little to look forward to, and yet we all come back night after night.  I know I do.

Tonight is the premiere of the show's fifth season, and I can't watch for the reasons I mentioned above.  I feel a bit left out and a little panicky, because I know I will probably finish season three this week, and that leaves only the 4th season to watch on Netflix.  So what's a girl to do then?  I have read that some die-hard fans refuse to watch the show until they can see the entire season all at once, so I guess I'll be in good company.

And recently, I ran out of my favorite pressed powder, which is amazing, but on the expensive side and only lasts about two months.  To get more bang for my buck, I hunted down Coty's Airspun Face Powder, after seeing it in a scene from "Mad Men."  My grandmother always kept a container in her bathroom and I used it as a teenager and liked it, but now it's not sold in many stores (I know, because I called around), though I did find it online.  And, on a whim, I decided to order some red lipstick, just for the heck of it.   And, yes, I do understand how product placement works, though I'm pretty sure Coty's presence in the scene was just an accurate detail.

Estee Lauder also launched a "Mad Men" line recently, which consists of a red lipstick and a cream blush.  So, even if you can't watch Betty Draper on television, you can still look like her, ice-princess that she is.

It really is a mad, mad, mad, mad world, but it's a lot of fun, too.

True Colors

I received an email from Dermablend today, and it must be the coolest ad I've seen in a very long time.  Seriously, it gave me chills!  I once tried their products to camouflage the effects of scleroderma on my face, but I found the makeup too heavy for my taste.  It obviously works, though!

Happy Halloween!

Poor Kate

There's an interesting article about Kate Middleton on ABC News' site today.  It seems she's taking a lot of heat for wearing the same pieces of clothing over and over again, and critics are also tired of her hair and eye makeup.

I've been beating the "no black eyeliner" drum for months, thank you very much, and I definitely agree that it makes her look hard.  She's a beautiful woman, but not many girls can rock the Cleopatra look.  Snooki can, because she has large eyes (and, well, she's Snooki), but Kate can't, and she needs to listen to those who only have her best interests at heart.  Interestingly, Kate's mother and sister also line their eyes entirely, so I see a family fashion intervention in the works. 

I do personally like that the Duchess recycles her outfits, because that's what real girls do, and she certainly seems like the genuine article.  Plus, she's on Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List, and that's no small accomplishment.

And I seem to remember another famous Princess who had a hard time parting ways with her eyeliner, though, back then, it was blue, not black.

Let's give poor Kate time to learn the error of her ways as she adjusts to life as a member of the Royal family.  I, for one, wouldn't want to be in her shoes, even if they are really cute and affordable.

Worst Dressed List

It seems that Austin, our fair city, has found itself smack-dab in the middle of GQ Magazine's list of the 40 worst-dressed cities in America.  At number 18, we come in exactly one slot above the Jersey Shore, which isn't saying much at all.  Sorry, Snooki!

I grew up south of here in San Antonio, where making a trip to the grocery store requires full makeup and perfectly styled hair.  In fact, I used to wake up at 5 am each morning during high school, just so I had plenty of time to shower, scrunch my waist-length curly hair, do my makeup, and get dressed before the first bell at 7:08.

Back-to-school shopping involved a trip to the Clinique counter to stock up on makeup, as well as the purchase of several pairs of shoes to go with all of the new outfits we bought to start the year off right.

When I first moved to Austin and began teaching, I quickly realized that none of my fellow teachers wore pantyhose with their skirts and dresses.  That was beyond weird to me, because it seemed almost vulgar to let your bare legs show, plus how did they keep their panty lines from showing?  Where I'm from, it's not unusual for women to wear pantyhose with shorts.  It took me that entire year to get used to the idea of bare legs, but I finally started wearing open-toed shoes and sandals as summer rolled around.  The next year, I ditched the hose, and I have never looked back.

I also remember sitting in a teacher meeting and realizing that I had on more makeup than any other woman in the room, a fact that shocked me quite a bit.  That, I can't give up, and I still wear full makeup and fix my hair each morning, even if I have no plans to leave the house.

While my husband was on vacation from work recently, we made a day-trip to Boerne, a quaint little town just north of San Antonio, known for its historic district with antique shops and boutiques.  At the local Dairy Queen, the only restaurant my little guys can handle at the moment, I spied a middle-aged woman with the most beautiful long, blond hair.   It wasn't platinum-blond, in that past-my-prime-but-desperately-trying-to-fake-it way, but a natural blond that was perfectly styled to go with her perfectly applied makeup.

I remember thinking that I don't see many women her age who wear their hair that way, since it obviously requires a lot of time and attention, and then I realized that I was no longer in Austin.

Ta Da!

My living room is not the only place getting new curtains!

When my mom was visiting a couple of weeks ago, she talked me into wearing purple nail polish on my toes.  Even though I'm a cosmetics junkie, I'm pretty tame when it comes to color, and I never stray far from basic reds and pinks.  Purple is out there for me, but I tried it and it grew on me.

And guess what?  Now, my toes are blue!  Not bright blue, but a light, silvery color that actually looks nice with my skin tone.  So I figured it was time to update my blog again, too.

There's that whole movement now inspired by the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, "Do one thing everyday that scares you," and I think purple toenails have to count for something, at least in my case.

Good Hair?

I just got an email from Ulta, advertising a $20 haircut and style.  As they describe it, that's a savings of "up to $35."  But before you run right out and take advantage of their sale, please be warned that you run the risk of looking like this poor girl.

Total Gleek

My latest Sephora email is advertising a new line of OPI nail polish inspired by my favorite show, Glee.  OPI always has cute names for its polish, and this collection is no exception.  You can choose from Diva-in-Training, Slushied (a bright blue), Hell to the No, Mash Up, Who Let the Dorks Out?, Miss Bossy Pants, and Gleek Out.  They even have nail stickers with tiny music notes and gold stars, a la Rachel Berry.

I'm not big on trendy nail colors, but I might just have to get these!  And Glee is back after the Super Bowl this week!

An Ode to Jo Malone

Nothing in the world can make me feel lovelier right now than my Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne. I'm not a fan of those pink pomegranate scents from certain trendy mall stores, but somehow, I can use her lotion and cologne, climb in bed with my Elizabeth Jane Howard novel, and I'm instantly transported to a country house outside London during a summer in the 1960s. There is nothing more luxurious in my life at the moment.

Thank you to my mom for venturing into the abyss to buy this for me. It's my favorite Christmas present this year.

Christmas Surprises

Over the weekend, I ordered these from here. Today, the soap arrived, along with a $300 coat that I obviously did not order because: A) I am pregnant and radiate enough heat without a coat, and B) I cannot afford a $300 coat that requires a signature upon delivery.

So, I did what any decent person would do and contacted the store immediately. I joked to my husband that I was pretty sure they wouldn't tell me to keep the coat, which is what happened once when I received a really ugly vase from Pier 1, in place of the curtains I had ordered.

In this case, I was sent a postage-paid sticker to send the coat back, but I also got 20% off my next purchase. Some lucky girl in San Francisco gets a beautiful coat for Christmas and I get to go shopping! It's a win-win situation.

Thank you, Le Train Bleu!