A Night with Dr. Huxtable

October 10, 20142 Comments

OH YES.

He’s one’a the greats. Right up there with Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Martin Short and of course Robin Williams (may he rest in peace). Bill Cosby is one of those comedians who can make me laugh with a single facial expression. Or one gruesomely awesome sweater. One proclamation, stating “Theoooo likes the swirly puddin’ poppppss!”. Oh, but he is so much more. A poor kid who “didn’t know he was poor”. A guy who won the hearts of millions doing stand-up comedy, writing books, and of course playing our favorite TV Dad, Dr. Huxtable. He is a master of comedy. He is a man I feel privileged to have seen live.

Bryan’s job earned us a spot at the company table a couple nights ago, for a local youth program aimed at keeping kids off the streets after foster care. An absolutely wonderful organization and one that Bry and I were happy to support, the evening kicked off with a cocktail hour. With Mr. Cosby as the head-liner, I wasn’t surprised to see this AMAZING list of cocktails presented at the bar:

And OF COURSE jello shots. Because what night with The Cos would be complete without them?

After a couple of drinks, we all headed into the banquet hall for dinner.

The menu consisted of a soup, entrée and the best part – dessert. I had the goat cheese tart with asparagus and was SO excited to get through it so I could dive into the CANDY centerpiece. Btw, Milk Duds might be a life-changer. Like, HOW have I not been eating these everyday of my life??

After our dinner, Mr. Cosby was introduced and slowly made his way onto the stage. The guy is 77 and yeah, he looks it. He sat down, adjusted his mic in a crew neck sweatshirt that said “Hello Friend” and – instantaneously became the comedian I remembered.

He began by talking about his childhood in the Philly projects. He recounted such details as drinking water from empty Hellman’s mayo jars and nearly setting his house (and himself) on fire on more than once occasion. He talked about his family, his parents and his granddad. Then he went into (his famous) bits about Adam and Eve and of course, The Bible. I had to squeeze Bryan’s arm in sheer excitement when he began that part.

As a kid, we had a few Bill Cosby stand-up routines on vinyl and I would sit and listen to them for hours. I still have some sections memorized. Here I was, some 20 years later and finally listening to the real thing! It was pretty amazing.

He concluded his routine in the most sincere, grateful and classy way possible. He thanked each and every one of us for being “a part of the solution” to helping kids have a better life no matter the hand they were dealt. What a guy, that Cosby. What a guy.

We drove home that night with sugar comas, sore cheeks and full hearts. Definitely a Cosby kind-of night :).

Happenings

August 21, 2014Leave a comment

A couple weekends ago, Bryan and I drove over to Seattle to visit friends and watch the Seahawks training camp with our pals the Lipes. Saturday night we had a scrumptious dinner with the Grims and celebrated their little girl’s 2nd birthday. Elmo cupcakes all around!

On Sunday we drove out to Everett and were bussed in (via schoolbus, SUCH a throwback) to the Seahawks training facility. We spread out our trusty Seahawks towel on the grass, devoured a pulled-pork sammie at 10 am, and watched m’boy Lynchie sag his shorts into man-pries. Them Hawks looked real sharp out there, doing football things and running around. It def got me excited for fall!

Mel and Me!

Hustle Like Russell

When we got back to Portland that night, we discovered that “Bite of Portland” was going on right by our apartment, which took care of dinner plans! I have to say I was pretty disappointed in it overall. $5 to get in, with a smattering of food booths/trucks which were NOT cheap and scant $6 wine pours. We ended up having some good stuff but it was a bit spendy for walking around in goose poop. Spokane’s Pig Out in the Park beats Portland by a landslide.

Clearly over the tiny pours

My dinner: hummus and pita

Bry’s lamb gyro

Street taco to share

Mid-week we also ventured into the out-of-doors for a mini adventure! We drove to Mt. Hood National Park and decided to do the 4 mile-ish Mirror Lake Loop and boy, was it purty!

The next weekend we ventured east, to my ol’ stomping grounds of wonderful Spokane, Washington. One of my besties, Holly was turning 30 on Saturday so we decided to make a little weekend of it and stay at The Davenport Friday night. We arrived late and immediately had drinks in The Peacock Room and then headed over to Steelhead for dinner.

As we walked to dinner down the all too familiar streets of my past, I felt strange pangs of nostalgia. These were the streets I traipsed along what felt like SO long ago – single, with chunky highlights wearing clearance tops from Hollister. Where I went on dates, met girlfriends for drinks and spent my piddley paychecks at River Park Square. Here I was now, 7 years the wiser with a hus-cat on my arm and budding wrinkles on my face. WEIRD.

We plopped down at Steelhead next to two gals in their early 20’s. Bedecked in 5-inch heels and picking at their salads with hopeful eyes and painted lips, they chatted nervously about this guy and that. Which bar they should “start at” and where they hoped to end up (of COURSE I was eavesdropping). I wanted to take these young women by the shoulders, look deeply into their kohl-rimmed eyes and tell them that none of it matters. To go out and have fun and be 23 and not worry about men, or looking as close to a hooker without actually being a hooker as possible. To NOT WORRY about playing “games” and just enjoy life. But alas, I dug into my pizza and fry combo with a smile on my face. An “I’m glad I figured out a little something” kind of a smile.

Most comfortable bed EVER

The next day was Holly’s 30th and we celebrated out in Greenbluff where her fam owns some property. It was right out of a Dixie Chicks music video, sprawling orchards with apricots and peaches, laced with sunflowers and hummingbirds. And a’course like any country song, we had plenty of beer :). Holly’s dad roasted a pig and everyone brought sides and fixins (how great is the word fixins, btw?). We set up a huge tent to keep out of the sun and everyone set up their respective “campsites”. We drank strawberry lemonade-vodkas, had delicious birthday cake and obvs s’mores at the end of the night.

The highlight had to easily be the epic game of Chubby Bunny that Holly and Matt (her fiancé) played around the campfire. No joke, I have never laughed harder. Why is that game SO FUNNY!?

The next day we all packed up and hit the road. I had three marshmallow remnants stuck in my hair, soooo YEAH.

Lastly! I am well on the way to changing my name, which is kindof a major b**** if you ask me. I understand that there are automated websites that do everything for you nowadays, but they also cost money. I waited at Social Security for nearly an hour the other day and today I plan to do the same at the DMV. Lets change this tradition to boys taking the girls’ last names, mmmkay?

Rockin’ Moroccan

May 30, 20147 Comments

Moroccan. OIL.

I started using this preciousness over 3 years ago, based on a recommendation from a stylist who came into the coffee shop I worked at. She had long, GORGEOUS locks and said she owed much of her mane’s success to Moroccan Oil. So, as a poor barista I walked down to the salon and forked over the $25 for a .85 oz bottle.

Weeks later, the state of my tired, broken hair had improved ions and I was also completely addicted to the smell of the stuff. Like liquid diamonds, I treated it as such. Savored every drop until the bottle was empty and off to the salon I’d go, happily exchanging my hard-earned tips for not even an ounce of this oil I quickly realized, I could not live without.

Like Lassie, Moroccan Oil has remained a tried and true, dependable, and loyal friend. There for me when other products failed. A shoulder to cry on after bad highlight jobs, split ends and one too many bottles of crappy shampoo.

Recently, sister Amy gifted me this set made in heaven. Three blissful products in LARGE sizes just for me. I am truly blessed. Here are the goods!

When just the color of the bag makes me giggle like a school girl, YOU KNOW the stuff inside is worthy of heroic introduction.

::cues Hallelujah chorus::

Of the three, I must admit I am the least excited about this, only because frizz isn’t something I suffer with. Perhaps I can bring ‘er on humid vacay?

Cannot WAIT to try this stuff you guys. A Moroccan Oil heat protectant? You had me at Moroccan.

Annnnnd the money shot. This is what I have used and loved these past years but in a, get ready for it– 3.4 ounce sized bottle of righteousness. The majesty will be unleashed very soon, as the last 1/4 of my mini bottle is slowly dissipating. Perhaps I’ll throw a party when I delve into this perfectly mastered bottle? I can see it now! Turquoise and orange streamers, maybe a firework or two?

And of course, the All-American Chocolate Cake from Costco. But that my friends, is another post ;).

April Favorites

May 1, 201411 Comments

It’s that time again! Here are my favorite things from the month of April.

Makeup

Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer by It Cosmetics

This stuff is srsly life-changing and dare I say it, I may like it better than my beloved Mac Pro-long wear. I received a sample with a recent Ulta order in the shade medium. The color works for my undereyes but ideally I’d like to have the light shade for maximum brightening. The formula is thick, but quickly thins out once the heat from my finger loosens it up. The anti-ageing and waterproof properties in this stuff are SERIOUS and it does. not. crease. Guys, I’m in love I’m in love and I don’t care who knows it!

Maybelline Color Elixir in Breathtaking Apricot

To anyone that has not tried this lipgloss formula from Maybelline, I beseech you. As Kool and the Gang would say – get down on it. The pigmentation is reminiscent of something you might find at Sephora (for 3X the price, mind you) and the consistency is vury nice. Wear it on it’s own. Throw ‘er over a stain. You can’t lose.

Lancome Gloss in Love in Color 146 Peach Snow

My wonderful pal (and cousin-in-law) gave me this lipgloss and, as the name suggests, I am in love. First of all, the packaging is SO cute and quite inventive. Instead of screwing the wand back into the tube (TWSS?) it clicks into place. The color is soooo pretty and really comfortable on the lips.

Mac Pigment in Vanilla

This is one of those items where I “shopped my stash” and re-discovered my love for this staple pigment by Mac. It sheers out lovely and looks smashing swept all over the lid, or as a highlight in the inner corners. Why I don’t use this more, I don’t know.

Beauty

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

Welp. The can I have of this product is SO OLD. Spring Break 2005 old. Luckily, this stuff is still being sold in both spray and lotion form in drugstores everywhere. I am very interested in the lotion form, as I do tend to incorporate a lotion into the spray when I use it. I cannot explain how awesome this stuff is – leg makeup doesn’t begin to convey it’s splendor. I currently rock 3 bruises in various shades of purple, sprays of spider veins (sexy) and a general paleness that can only be rivaled by Voldemort. This stuff hides all my imperfections with ease, stays put throughout the day and washes off fairly easy with a bit of body wash. Airbrush legs for the win!

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

I have already praised this product, but I thought it deserved another quick mention as we round the corner into summer. If you have troubles with your foundation moving around, blush disappearing or eye shadow falling, just use a few sprays of this stuff right after you apply your makeup. While I can’t guarantee it’s going to protect yer mug in the event of a tropical monsoon, it will help keep the makeup where it should be.

CND Solar Oil

I have a sample sized bottle of this stuff and (when I remember) it just gives my at-home manicures that little somethin’-somethin’ extra. It moisturizes my cuticles so incredibly well – I may just spring for the full-sized bottle once I run out.

Misc.

Pink Sands by Yankee Candle

While searching for a Starbucks napkin in the ol’ glove compartment the other day (sidenote – they make THE BEST face blotters), I randomly found a car jar by Yankee in Pink Sands. I have owned the candle in this scent before and once I ripped open the package, I remembered why. The smell is just intoxicating to me. I can’t describe the scent without sounding like a damn fool, so here’s what Yankee says about it:

Treat yourself to an exotic island escape with the beautiful mix of bright citrus, sweet florals and spicy vanilla in this scented candle. The perfect scent for escaping the winter blues or setting just the right mood any time of the year. The beautifully blended scents of the islands will captivate you and bring memories of favorite vacations rushing back.

Tyler Oakley’s Blog

You all know I love me a sassy gay man and Ty-Ty is just HILARIOUS. I frequent his tumblr for my daily lols and am never left unsatisfied. Here is one of my all-time fave sayings from his blog.

hahahahaaaa

And lastly, this. Because, duh. (Thanks to Ray-Ray for sending it to me!)

Rodan + Fields Self-Tanner and Skincare Review

March 31, 2014February 22, 20177 Comments

**For more pictures and an updated review on this product, click here!**

My lovely co-worker and friend, Megan was kind enough to allow me to try a few products from the Rodan + Fields skincare line to try. She has been selling their products for about a year and lemme just tell you, her skin is gorgeous.

Rodan + Fields Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan 4.2oz $24

As a huge fan of any cancer-free tan, I was thrilled to try this one in particular because it is made by actual dermatologists. Which means I knew it wouldn’t be poisonous, cause break-outs or be super orangey.

And I was right.

Step One: I started out by taking a shower and exfoliating my skin with the Tree Hut Body Scrub in Brazilian Nut which smells DIVINE. As any avid tan-in-a-can girl will tell you, exfoliation before tan application is key.

Step Two: I used 2.5 pumps per leg and noticed right away that the product was not tinted. Some brands use what’s called “color-guard” to make it easier to see any areas you have missed. The color-guard tint also means that usually it’s best to apply with a tanning mitt.

Since this foam is clear, I just used my bare hands and went to town. The smell was really nice and kind of citrusy, WAY better than most self-tanning products. The label advised “finishing one area completely before moving on to the next” and when I began to work the product into my skin, I knew why. The foam absorbs SUPER quickly into the skin, which means you gotta work quickly. No dilly-dallying. No time to stop and clip your toenails. But I kinda loved it. I loved that it was absorbing so nicely and evenly into my skin, instead of sitting grossly on top, making me feel “wet”. Literally, 5 minutes later, I was all done!

Freshly applied – nevermind my gross, veiny foot

Forearm – before

Step Three: After a thorough hand washing, I walked around our bathroom watching YouTube makeup tutorials and eating handfuls of Fruit Looks naked while the product completely dried. Now THERE’S A SITE! Within minutes, my skin felt completely dry (not like, dry-dry though) and I could get dressed.

*Here are shots from the next morning.

Overall, I really liked the tanning foam. The developed color is not super dark, but I think that’s what I like about it. While I would not use it for that instant, deep dark tan – I love it as an everyday, subtle “glowy” tanned look.

The next products I reviewed came packaged so cutely and conveniently. Here we have the Microdermabrasion Paste, the Night-Renewing Serum and the Lip-Renewing Serum.

Step One: I started out with a (relatively) clean face (makeup wipes only).

Just. Don’t be jealous.

Then I squeezed out the entire packet of paste onto the tips of my fingers and began massaging it into my skin for 30-60 seconds as instructed.

The paste had a wonderful, almost warming effect on my skin and felt amaaaazing as I worked it around. Call me cray, but I could literally feel my skin moving and tightening below the surface of the product. SOMETHING was happening and I luuurved it.

Step Two: A minute later, I rinsed the product off and patted my skin dry. Then I went in with the face serum and literally – just, oh m’lord. The Hallelujah chorus went off in my head. Or maybe my face? Hallelujah! Said my pores. Hallelujah! Exclaimed my fine fines. It was like my skin was finally given a big ol’ drink of water. Actually, not a drink. It was given a Big Gulp.

Guys, this serum is JUST the best. The best, Jerry, the best. My skin was like a friggen’ baby’s bottom.

Step Three: Then I smeared the lip-renewing serum all over my mouth. And I mean everywhere. I went WAY outside the lines and into the corners. It felt like the most luxurious lip gloss ever, like a rich oil. Even after Bryan and I watched an episode of Dexter AND I drank water – the product was still there, sinking into my lips.

So, yeah. I have never experienced such an enlightening night of skincare before in m’life. Perhaps it is because I haven’t tried products that really work. Which is kindof a depressing thought. No, these products are not cheap. But, I am a firm believer that with skincare – you absolutely get what you pay for.

I am so impressed with everything I tried from the Rodan + Fields line and will keep you all in the loop if I try out anything else. If you are interested in purchasing any products from the line, just click any of the links!

‘Til next time – stay lovely!

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My Morning/Nighttime Skincare Routine

February 7, 20145 Comments

Never did I think that I would write a blog post with this title. But now that I have turned the big 3-0, taking better care of the epidermal layer has become somewhat more important.

Nice closed-mouth smile there, Nat.

Before I begin, a history…

High School

I washed my face with whatever soap my Mom bought that was on sale at the grocery store. I remember using Clean and Clear (and under control) when I had breakouts, which I STILL have faint scars from on my temples and sides of my chin. But no SPF. NO moisturizer. NO nothin’.

I liked this because it “burned”

I also tanned on the daily, reasoning that the UV rays were “drying” out any skin problems. I would actually stick my chin up as high as it could go in order to get my face closer to the top of the tanning bed. You guys, I shudder. I shudder at the thought of this.

College

In college, taking care of my skin meant, you guessed it – more tanning. Maybe the occasional purchase of a bottle of a gimicky face wash at Wal-Mart. Or those Dove Daily Facial Pillows, I thought those were THE BOMB, ya’ll.

Post College

After college, my routine of reactive face care continued. Taking off my makeup before bed? Please. I was lucky to brush the crud off my teeth, after too many Jäger shots and a 2 am Jack in the Box run.

Last Few Years

A few years ago, my priorities changed. Read: going out 4 times a week no longer sounded like fun and spending a night in with Bryan and a tub of froyo was way more appealing. It was at this point, I regularly began to actually remove my makeup before bed. More often than not, a makeup removing wipe was the weapon of choice but at least it did the trick. I started buying whatever moisturizer was on sale at the drugstore and was like, “You’re doing it Peter!”.

Then about 1 year ago, I got like, really interested in my face. Haha, that sounds so vain. But come on, 29 candles on the birthday cake and NEVER getting carded will do that to a girl. I started trying different products and trying to determine exactly what my skin needed and what my “skin concerns” were. GOD I sound like an infomercial right now.

So anyways, here’s my current line-up. Alot of it comes from my recent haul at Ulta.

Morning

Step 1: Rinse

That’s right – I don’t wash my face in the morning. My skin is dry/normal and I find that washing it twice a day is not necessary. Instead, in the morning I splash warm and cool water on my face to kind of wake me up.

Step 2: Toner and Moisturizer

I spray my face with the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater and let that set in. I follow up with the Neutrogena Rapid Wrin kle Repair Moisturizer with SPF 30 and make sure I take it down my neck and under my chin as well. This stuff has retinol so you know it’s serious. If I want something with a little tint, I will use the Origins Vitazing (great for the summer time).

Step 3: Eye Creme

Then, I apply my Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Creme in a C shape around my eye, patting it in with my ring finger. If I want something even more brightening, I will use the Origins Ginzeng Eye Creme. It isn’t as rich as the Tarte, but it gives off a beautiful pearly-pink shimmer.

Step 4: Lip Scrub

I have been using the Bubblegum Lip Scrub from Lush and I am in love. This is my first time trying any kind of lip scrub and good God – I have been missing out! It makes lipstick glide on (with no gross flakiness) and last longer. Plus, this one from Lush is basically castor sugar so I just lick off the excess. Teehee.

Step 5: Self Tanner (Occasional)

When I do use a self tanner, lately it has been the Tarte Maracuja Self Tanner. It has an olive base, as opposed to orange, which I like. I just found this one by Too Faced at T.J Maxx for $8 so I’ll also be using this.

g_70027

Nighttime

Step 1: Cleanser

I use the Purity facewash from Philosophy like so many do. It is a great, gentle face wash and I am now addicted to the subtle scent. What I love about this face wash is that it removes makeup AND cleanses the skin. I feel like I am saving a step.

Step 2: Toner and Serum

Again, it’s the Mario Badescu toner. I am dying to try Bioderma – like literally dying. Must plan another trip to Pari! Then, I put on the Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum.

Step 3: Moisturizer and Eye creme

I then use the Boots No.7 Lift and Luminate Night Cream and make sure that I get it everywhere. Then it’s the Tarte Eye Creme again.

Step 4: Lip Balm & Hand Lotion

I keep the Nivea Caramel Cream Kiss Lip Butter on my nightstand as well as the Jacqua Buttercream Frosting Body Butter (I have loved these products forever).

And that’s it! What skin care products are you loving?

Ulta Haul Y’All

January 24, 20144 Comments

RHYMING 🙂

My one (and only) New Year’s Resolution was to start caring for my skin. Once a 16-year old with a yearly tanning membership – I have traded in my goggles and Australian Gold for Mystic Tans and SPF 70. But that’s where it has stopped.

To me, turning 30 hasn’t meant many changes. Case in point: I still listen to hits from High School Musical. OMG Sharpay yes. But it’s time to start smearing on the ol’ war paint so to speak. A war against wrinkles, crows feet and laugh lines.

So with no further adieu, I give you my newly acquired army hailing from Ulta.

You’re welcome for the awesome pics I took on the carpet.

1. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Moisturizer $21.99

After doing a small amount of research, I discovered this product by Neutrogena. Earning high marks for it’s wrinkle-smoothing effects and a high SPF – I decided I would give it a try. Since it contains retinol, I wasn’t sure how it would react with my dryish skin. Jury’s still out, I’ll keep you informed.

2. Boots No. 7 Lift & Luminate Night Creme $17.44 (on sale)

This I bought based on an article I read on Oprah.com because, really, it’s Oprah. I chose this because it does not have retinol (don’t want to go overboard) and so far, I have been loving it’s ULTRA thick consistency and the great smell.

3. Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment – Collector’s Edition $38.00

This I bought after Rebecca, from the Issaquah Ulta recommended it. I luuurve me some maracuja and anything that is going to brighten up my dark circles. Plus, the packaging is adorbs.

4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater $7.00

I got this based on a recommendation from YouTuber Jaclyn Hill. Plus, anything that is rose-scented wins my heart.

5. Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in Godiva (on sale for $4.99 in case the sticker isn’t orange enough)

I got this because I saw another YouTube (I’m obsessed, clearly) Kristin Gehm. The pic doesn’t do this justice, it is SO pretty with subtle, itsy-bitsy sparkles and a great nude undertone.

Here it is on my nails, in really orange light:

6. OPI Mariah Carey 2013 Holiday Nail Polish in My Favorite Ornament $4.95 (Also on sale)

Rebecca, from Ulta was wearing this as an accent color on her ring finger and as we were talking, I totally interrupted her and was like “WAIT STOP WHAT IS THAT COLOR?” It is seriously the most beautiful glitter of all time. Ever. Amen.

7. Hoola Bronzer by Benefit $28.00

I needed a new bronzer and they were sold out of the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soliel, so yeah. I have heard wondrous things about this bronzer and so far…I FREAKING LOVE IT.

8. Samples: Perricone Nutritive Cleanser, Juice Beauty Trio, DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer (Moisturizing Serum)

I am VERY excited to try the DDF serum, as I have heard great things about this line. I’ll be sure to share, don’t fret :).

And last, but not least check out my Seahawks eye look:

Thank God I saved that glitter from 7th grade volleyabll games