Reclaim your fresh, youthful radiance

Do you need something to give your skin glow! 

High school may be long over, but you can help skin act the way it did back then by sloughing off dull surface cells to uncover smoother, more resilient skin underneath.  Try a microdermabrasion cream such as Estee Lauder Idealist Micro-D ($46). Unlike with a peel, results are instant. Use light pressure; the granulated texture does all the work.

To make extra sure you'll be carded for that mimosa over brunch, complement bright skin with an even tone: Blotchy pigmentation can add up to 12 years to your perceived age!!!  Tinted moisturizer, such as light-reflecting Olay Definity Color Recapture, $25, camouflages imperfections but appears natural. Apply a sheer coat of regular lotion first so tint won't soak into dry spots, causing splotches. Wear the tint daily; repeat the exfoliation each weekend.

I rode the bump!!

You may or may not have known that "Ride a camel" was on my to do list. Well, that has been moved to my completed list. This last week my daughter, her best friend in the whole world, Olivia, and I rode a camel. My daughter has done it before, but it was a first for me. (and Olivia).

I have to say that it was totally fun. I laughed almost the entire time. I am a big, big dork. No, it wasn't in their natural habitat, but it might be awhile before I visit anywhere that would be, so I rode the camel at the zoo.

My sister was kind enough to document it for me. Here are the pics.........

 
While we were at it, we also crossed off a few things on our Summer to do list.

We went to the zoo 

 

Flew a kite

Went to the beach

 

Went for a hike

 

We all had such a great time! Can't wait to do more things on BOTH lists!

Weekly Outfits 6/21/10 thru 6/27/10

Here are last week's outfits in review

6/21/10 Gayle One-Shoulder Ruffle Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs

6/22/10 Searl Top and Taipa Shorts by Diane von Furstenberg

Ariel Mini Dress by Black Halo

6/24/10 Gingham Off-Shoulder Dress by Leifsdottir

6/25/10 Renegade Drawstring Jumpsuit by Diane von Furstenberg

6/26/10 Brodie Plaid Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs

6/27/10 Striped Rosette tank and Piper Skirt by Kate Spade

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE thee?

Oh yes, I do love an award.....especially if it's for me! Does that make me egotistic, narcissistic, vainglorious?? (Love that word by the way). I don't know, but I do love to get them. So, you can imagine how happy I was when Green Gracie Home bestowed upon me this award....................

OK, so with great power comes great responsibility (or something like that)

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Pass this award to fifteen bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason!
4. Contact the bloggers you picked and let them know about the award.

Seven things about me: 

I have a huge crush on William Shatner. I have for years and I can't help myself. He is so much older than me, but I would totally sleep with him. Is that gross? Probably.

I lived in Nelson, New Zealand when I was 19 years old. Moved there on the spur of the moment with a New Zealand guy I met a month before. He took me and my son and I actually picked kiwi's from a tree.

I hardly EVER pay for a movie at the theaters. I cannot seem to get myself to do it. I know it's kind of like stealing, but I buy popcorn and sodas and that comes to $18.00. Isn't that enough to pay to go see a movie? I just walk in with a purpose, flash the ticket stubs I've had since 1997, and pick my seat. Is there any other way to do it?

 I will spend money I don't even have if it seems like I am getting a great bargain. Never mind that I don't need whatever it is, it's 80% off the regular price. Look how much money I'm saving................right?

Alberta Ferretti Draped One-Shoulder Dress

Original: $1,495.00

NOW: $523.00

I wanted to name my daughter either August or September, but every single person in my family vetoed it. What?? They're cute names, aren't they? Well, aren't they??

Partied a lot with Dave Krusen, the original drummer of Pearl Jam, back in my "groupie" stage.  Was completely in the "grunge scene" at its height and hung out with many aspiring bands. Live like a rock star when you're young, because it's too hard to do when you get older.

 I can eat an entire medium pizza hut pizza by myself. Now, I refrain from doing it most of the time due to the sheer amount of calories I would consume, but I can and I have and SO WHAT!! Sometimes, you just need to eat an entire pizza.

And now for the FAB 15 in no particular order:

Village

The Alternative Wife

peardrops & polkadots

Melanie's Randomness

Journey of the Incessant dieter

It's my time to bloom

It's Liv

Holiday Haven

Fruzs Vilaga

FernLaura

Nicola-x

C'est La Vie

Cafe Fashionista

Day By Day

exPress-o

So take a few moments and visit some of these blogs. You will be happy that you did. They are great for everything from fashion advice, product reviews, travel info, DIY projects, fitness and more. I bet at least one of these will become a daily read for you.  Thanks again.

Tag, you're it.........

Not just a fun game for kids anymore. Oh no, I have joined my first tag. I was reading Viva La Fashion because, well, she's a must read.........anyways, she did a tag with music. It seems fun, so I'm going to do it. If you do it too, come back and comment me and let me know so I can come over and see your fun responses.

Here are the rules!

1. Put your MP3/iPod/iTunes on shuffle

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer

3. You must write down the name, no matter how silly it sounds. So here goes.....

If someone says "Is this okay?" you say:

Full Moon (The Black Ghosts)
 

How would you describe yourself?
Take Everything (Courtney Love) 

What do you like in a guy/girl?
Running up that hill (Placebo)

 

What is your life's purpose?
 Eyes on Fire (Blue Foundation)

What's your motto?
Why (Enigma) 

What do your friends think of you?
 Somewhere only we know (Keane)

What do your parents think of you?
All the same (Sick Puppies)

What do you think about very often?
The Garden (Mirah)

What do you think of the person you like?
Take a bow (Muse) 

Silly, I know, but pretty fun anyways. This tag is for anyone who wants to do it. Have fun with it.

Dazzling-Duo Organic Facial

1 1/2 cups water
2 chamomile teabags
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup honey
squeeze of lemon juice
1/4 cup dry oatmeal (not the instant kind)
unscented paper towels


Step 1
1. Boil 1 cup of the water and pour it into a wide bowl. Add the teabags and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
2. Pour the yogurt, honey, and lemon juice into another bowl, mixing thoroughly. Set aside.
3. In a third bowl, mix the oatmeal with 1/2 cup cool or lukewarm water.
4. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Then use your fingers to gently massage the oatmeal mixture over your face, using a circular motion.
5. Leave the mixture on your skin for 5 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Step 2
1. Smooth on an even layer of the honey-yogurt mask.
2. Dip 5 to 8 paper towels, one by one, into the tea. Wring gently, and place each one over a different area of your face to create the mummy effect. Leave your mouth and nostrils free so you can still breath easily. (Hint: It helps if you're lying down, so the tissues stay in place.)
3. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse your face again using cool water to seal in the moisture and close your bores against bacteria.


* LEMON FRESH - A natural exfoliant and antioxidant, citric acid is used in many cosmetics to brighten the skin and discourage bacteria. For a quick boost that helps control oil, apply a teaspoon of lemon juice to clean skin. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.

* CARROT CURE - If your skin has broken out, skip the oatmeal scrub and try this healing alternative: Finely grate one medium carrot in the blender, and smooth it over your skin. Rinse and follow with the honey-yogurt mask. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, a powerful antiseptic that fights acne. Take that!

Summer to do list

Well, school is out and my daughter is on Summer Vacation!! YEAH!!!  We can't really do any formal vacations this summer since my husband has started a new job and can't really ask for time off.  So, my daughter and I decided to write a list of things we want to do this summer.

We were inspired by a post done by Holiday Haven.  She always has wonderful ideas and she is a daily read for me! She did a post with a list of small activities that families can do (HERE) and it inspired us to write our own list.

Here are the fun activities that my daughter and I are going to do this summer (hopefully, we will check them all off by the time she starts 1st grade.)

• Go to the beach
• Go to the rainforest

• Go to the zoo
• Go to Paradise (on Mt. Rainier)
• Go to Snoqualmie Falls
• Camp in the back yard

• Go to Friday Harbor
• Take a hike
• Go to Seattle Center

• Go berry picking
• Go to Mt St. Helens

• Go real camping
• Ride Bike on Ruston Way
• Take the train (anywhere)

• Ride the Seattle Ducks
• Fly a kite
• Go to the top of the Space Needle

• Go to NW Trek
• Go see a lighthouse

• Go to an amusement park

• Go to Chuck e Cheeses

I am sure we will add more items on our list as the summer progresses, but these were the initial things she wanted to do and I think it sounds like an awesome summer!!!

Grilled chicken with peanut sauce

1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup peanut butter (any kind)
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp red chile flakes
2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
4 boned, skinned chicken breast halves (about 2 lbs)
1 tbsp vegetable oil

1. Prepare a grill for high heat (450 to 550degrees). In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook garlic and peanut butter together until simmering, about 4 minutes. Whisk in sugar, chile flakes, soy sauce, and 2/3 cup water. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until starting to thicken, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, rub chicken with oil and grill until golden brown and almost cooked through, turning once, about 6 minutes total. Brush top of each chicken piece with 1 tbsp peanut sauce and cook just until sauce starts to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Serve with steamed vegetables and remaining sauce on the side.

Nasal Congestion

The next time you have a stuffy nose, try this old Russian remedy: In a bowl, juice one clove of garlic with a garlic press, add a half teaspoon honey, and squeeze out the inside of one aloe vera leaf. Then soak two cotton balls in the mixture and insert them loosely into your nostrils for about five minutes. (no, I am not lying) Here's why it works: Garlic has powerful antibacterial properties (it was used to fight soldiers' infections in World War II when no antibiotics were handy). Honey also is antibacterial and works as an astringent. The aloe moisturizes sore nasal tissue. Take note: Steel yourself for this remedy, because the smell of raw garlic juice can be a little hard to handle!!

Fashion Blogger Award

It took me awhile to get this out, but here it is.  Thank you to see the world through my cam! They have outstanding photos and I can't get enough!

  Now, there are so many wonderful fashion blogs out there. I love looking at the style "how to's" and the "looks" they put together. I can't believe the wardrobe some of these people have!!  I would love to have their closets.

So, I am bestowing the following award to the following bloggers...........

A Model Moment
How To...
Style by Rachael
To the Nines
La vie J'aime

The rules....

1. Give your best style advice
Be sure you have good posture! Everything looks better when you do.
 
2. Show us your "go to" outfit

 I notice I have been wearing this outfit constantly. (a little too often) So comfy and cute


3. Show us what you can't live without right now (fashion wise)

I

My Louis Vuitton. I use it almost EVERY DAY!
 
4. Pass this on to 5 other fashion bloggers
see above

Thank you for my daily fashion fix. Love your blogs!!!!

Weekly Outfits 6/14/10 thru 6/20/10

Here are last week's outfits in review

6/14/10 White T-Shirt and Love Daylight Boyfriend Jeans by CJ by Cookie Johnson

6/15/10 Cropped Leather Jacket, Obi-belt Tank and Side-Zip Leggings by Brunello Cucinelli

6/16/10 Jacquard Combo Dress by Ali Ro

6/17/10 Cashmere-Trim Slouchy Sweater, Everything Cami and High-Waist cropped pants by Vince

6/18/10 Jessica Dress by Alice + Olivia

6/19/10 Tribal Racerback Dress by Alice + Olivia

6/20/10 Fringed Aberle Dress by Diane von Furstenberg