Mother's day gifts

So mother's day is almost here and unlike previous years (where I waited until Friday afternoon and then drove desperately to the mall to find something that didn't exist) I have my gifts taken care of this year. But maybe some of you are still pondering that perfect gift. Maybe your mom, sister, wife, or other women in your family have everything they need. Let me start off by saying a women never has everything she needs, kind of like the saying that a girl can never have too many pairs of shoes (or too much makeup in my case.) And of course it's the thought that counts. But it's also nice to get a little something special once in a while. Flowers are great and so are chocolates but something unexpected is just so much better.


So what to get you ask. Well let's brain storm. What does she like, what are her interests. I know some of you are tempted to go out and get her favorite perfume, she'll love that. Well if that's what you got the last ??? years then she's probably already loved it several times over especially because she has four bottles. Be a little adventurous and find a new scent that you know she will love just as much. My all time favorite perfume is Juicy Couture Couture Couture. But recently I tried Play by Givenchy and I love it. There's always room for something new in a woman's vanity.



Think of what she may need. A new mother always needs more hours in the day (well all of us do really) to get things done and mostly to sleep. She rarely thinks of herself. Give her the gift of time, whether it's a day out at the mall with her girlfriends, a day at the spa, or a day at home doing whatever she wants, (most likely sleeping) or nothing at all while you arrange a play date and a day out for you and the little bundle of joy. As much as you might be tempted to have a romantic dinner with her (which is also a great idea maybe arrange that too, on a different day of course) everyone needs some time to themselves without interruptions and new mothers just never seem to be able to fit that into their busy round the clock schedule.



Another good idea for new mothers (mother in general) is a makeup palette that includes it all. Mothers just don't feel like they have the time to look pretty (especially not the the time they had pre baby) but that doesn't mean they can't. Urban Decay, Too Faced cosmetics, and Smashbox all make great palettes and kits that include an array of products to make any look easy. These products are available at Sephora and Ulta.



For the new makeup lover or just someone that's getting back into it, this Borghese brush set from Costco is perfect, inexpensive, and everything she will need for a full face of makeup. It comes with 10 brushes and a brush roll. And for just under $30 you can't beat it.



And finally for someone like myself that has enough makeup already but always loves trying more there's birchbox.com.
It's a yearly subscription service that sends out a box of randomly picked new on the beauty market sample size products every month for the serious beauty lover to try. It's $10 a month and perfect for those who love to try it before they buy it. And it's a gift that keeps on giving.



And if u really must go the traditional route and buy flowers and jewlery, don't forget to be creative and that a certain teal blue box always puts a smile on a woman's face.

Happy Mother's Day!!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

All Things Royal

I planned on waking up early this morning to watch the Royal Wedding. Who was I kidding? If I don't have to wake up for work I don't get out of bed before 8 o'clock without a fight. But today was going to be different. Thanks to DVR I didn't miss a moment of this royal affair. And it was quite royal. Every girl's dream is to be a princess, meet prince charming, and live happily ever after. And today Kate Middleton's dream came true, making it a little more believable for the rest of us (ok, not really). She looked absolutely stunning in her Alexander McQueen gown and her absolutely gorgeous smoky eye that made the statement that smoky eyes are no longer for the night owls. The lace looked very elegant, the tiara just the right amount of flash, and the bouquet. the perfect size, let the dress shine. A fairy tale for the whole world to see. It made me wish that we had a royal family in the US, if only for the richness of the customs and traditions.

Then come the guests. There were many stunning guests at the affair. With each arrival the hats kept getting more and more extravagant. My best dressed goes to Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece. Her dress was gorgeous and at the same time understated. The accessories went so well, without looking matchy matchy the way they do when you wear bright colors. The look was classic and very put together. Victoria Beckham wowed as usual in a navy dress, her own design, that was very simple, therefore letting her headpiece do all the talking. And the bride's sister, Pippa, looked amazing (but in no way upstaged the bride) in her Alexander McQueen white cowl neck dress that flowed with exceptional elegance.

And the worst goes to: sisters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice (just all around bad, way too much going on there from the hats to the, uuugggghh, enough said.)

Even though most of us won't get the chance to be a princess, (there's still Harry) we can all feel like one every now and then. Here are a few things I love that have that royal touch and never fail at making me feel like royalty.

Juicy Couture Couture Couture - This perfume smells amazing. It is my all time favorite, and just looking at the ornate design of the bottle transports me to a different time.

When I think of riches I think gold. Unfortunately I'm not a fan so rose gold is the my answer. It's very feminine yet has a presence about it, and I get compliment on this watch multiple times daily. It dresses up anything that I'm wearing, even a pair of sweats. (hard to believe I disliked rose gold just a month ago.)

Tiffany & Co. earrings are timeless. They will suit me for years to come. I wear them with everything and they make me feel elegant. They add just the right hint of class to any outfit but never look over the top.

LUSH products make me feel pampered. Every single item I have ever gotten from LUSH has had a feeling of luxury. I love the way you feel after pampering yourself with a long bath or a face mask.

A great pair of heels (I don't own these, but mother's day is coming, I wish.) I like being comfortable so heels are not an everyday occurrence but on those rare occasions they make me feel elegant (and tall). The right pair of heels can finish off just about any outfit (except for sweats in this case, but I'm sure some would beg to differ.) Heels just make a look polished.

8 Most Worn Items

Here are my 8 most worn items, things I reach for on a consistent basis, in some cases even every day. Included is a mix of cosmetics, clothes and accessories.

Recent Product buys, New face routine, and Things I'm loving.

So it's been a while since I've written but I've been sick and working a lot. Not much has changed in Chicago. It's the end of April but everyday I wait for it to snow. A month ago I was waiting for nice weather but that always brought disappointment, so I figure if I wait for it to snow maybe it'll start getting nice outside (yeah I know, it's all about me.) I've bought some makeup in the last month, I'll highlight the exciting products below. I also bought a few clothing items which I'm still waiting to wear because it's been cold. The cold weather and being sick has almost made me go back into a hibernation, not really being active for the last couple of weeks, other than hiking this past weekend. That was short lived though, because I haven't done anything since.

I've been kind of lazy lately, neglecting my everyday face routine. This has caused some minor break outs, which I'm working hard at correcting. I was using a retinol treatment (Avene Triacneal which I received from a friend) during most of March and part of April but I think it was clogging my pores and contributing to my breakouts so I had to discontinue it. In it's place I have resumed using a Neutrogena moisturizing cream with retinol at night following my cleansing and toning routine. In the morning I added Mario Badescu glycolic acid cleanser and toner to my routine and an seeing good results. I have only been doing this for about two weeks, so I will give it more time and once I'm ready to review I will post a review here as well as a day/night face routine video on youtube which will include all the products I use and the order I use them.

In other news I've gotten back into reading a lot. I just finished "Water for Elephants." I managed to read it in 3 days, it's that good and I can't wait to see the movie. I have finally started reading the Harry Potter series. I had put this off for years while the books sat on my bookshelf but with the last installment approaching at the theatre this summer it was time to get reading. I am amazed at how well the books flow and the vivid fantasy world that the writer creates. I now see what all the hype was about. I'm almost done with the second book and it's only been 4 days of reading. I anticipate being finished with the whole series by June. Next I plan on reading the next book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris and "The Hunger Games."Back to beauty items.

I did make a few purchases in the past month or so. Most of them were not that exciting, or were at the time, but have lost their initial thrill. The few that I'm excited about are as follows.

1. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Dollface - This blush has amazing staying power (easily over 12 hours for me.)

2. Hard Candy Fox in a Box Boxed Powder in Skinny Dipping - just got this and have not opened it but it's in a color that i do not currently own and I think it will go great with coral lipstick.

3. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Gel CreamLiner - I'm particularly interested in the brown liner. These are getting great reviews and it's sort of hard to find a budget brown cream liner.

4. LaVanila deodarant in Lavender Vanilla - let me start out by saying that this deodorant is ridiculously expensive and if i hadn't had a sephora gift card and a discount code i'm not sure I would have purchased it, but with that aside it is a good deodorant, last all day, smells pleasant but not overpowering and is organic, but really expensive.

5. Sephora by Opi Cover me in petals - this nail polish is so pretty and i'm so into corals for spring so it's right up my alley.

6. Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge - have been using this sponge all month for applying foundation/concealer/cream products. It's amazing, and leaves a flawless finish to your face. It does stain though and seems like not that great quality but for $10 it's good. I still plan on buying the Beauty Blender in the future when this one dies.

I am, for the first time in months, excited about a limited edition Mac collection that comes out tomorrow. I think all the recent collections have been boring and all the upcoming collections through summer, are nothing to write home about either. And really, let's be honest I'm only excited about one product, and it's a re-premote, so maybe I'm not as excited as it appears. The product is Ever Hip lipstick. This lipstick came out with the Liberty of London collection. It is a very pretty pink/coral lipstick, and is one of the few limited edition items I've seen while I've been collecting that does not have another lipstick that even comes close to it in color. It was the first Mac collection I purchased something from but this lipstick was sold out by the time I got to the store. Hopefully I will be able to pick it up tomorrow at the Mac counter at my local Macy's (I seem to have the best luck there.) (Liberty of London packaging shown in this picture, coming out in regular packing this time.)

And lastly I'm loving some of my samples that I have. I really need to stop buying for a little bit (yeah right) and go through my samples because I have so many piled up and most of them look like they have potential. The once that I am loving and will be purchasing in the future are:

1. Origins Vitazing

2. Origins Starting Over Eye Cream

3. DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew

4. Urban Decay

5. Givenchy Play perfume

New Hauls

Here is a couple of older hauls, check them out to see what i got.

Update

So for those of you wondering, no I haven't disappeared. I've been quite sick and then had to work extra hard to make up for being sick. I'm in the process of filming more videos and have plenty of blogposts coming up but in the meantime here is my March favorites video to hold you over. And if you like it subscribe to my YouTube channel for more like it. Thanks and I'll be back soon. Also follow me on twitter http://www.twitter.com/macmeblush

Trends That Inspire Me

So It's the end of March and it's cold again. Disappointing. They say "March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb." I think the lion ate the lamb. (reminds me of a line from twilight, but anyway) March is officially my least favorite month of the year, because it's such a tease. I've been having some sinus problems lately, which have been keeping me home from work, (the only drawback to spring for me ) but have not been keeping me from the mall (go figure.) So I went to the mall with a friend yesterday (yet again, for the ???? time this week, I see meetings in my future.) It's such a letdown to look at spring fashion on display, bring home your purchases and know that it might be a while before you get to wear it, (around my house doesn't count? does it?) I've still made some purchases, but I think my wallet would be suffering more if it was nice outside and I could wear my items, and get instant gratification. But I was still inspired enough by all the light airy spring apparel to do this post. So as i was gathering my thoughts and catching up on twitter (yet another problem might be in the works) I ran across a tweet about Spring lace and eyelet trends by BellaSugar. I love lace for spring, it's so light but sophisticated at the same time. Some of the items highlighted in this post caught my eye so they will be included. And as I logged on a little while ago, my friend's blogpost "Closet challenge"

(her blog http://www.gummyvision.blogspot.com)

not only inspired me to look in my closet for things that I already own but may have not thought of wearing for Spring, but also for single items I own, so that when I do make Spring purchases I buy things that already work well with what I have. No need for a new wardrobe here, just a few updates.

Trends that inspire me (aka things i'm lusting after):

Nudes - I love nudes already, and now there is such an abundance of them this spring.

Nine West Handbag - Innovative Large Messenger Bag (picture taken at Macy's)

This bag is perfect for spring, big enough for all your things, including a quick trip to the beach. It can easily take you from spring to summer, and the one with green accents can easily take you into the fall. I'm not into Nine West handbags, nothing from them has caught my eye in years, so this was a nice surprise. This bag has clean lines, and a sophisticated Hampton feel, while still being fun.

BCBGirls Women's Estrella Platform Pump (picture taken at Macy's)

These shoes are so beautiful. This style can easily be worn for a summer night out instead of the expected open toe pump or slingback. They just sit so well on display. I wish they sat so well on my feet. I was devastated to find out that was not the case (especially because they retail for $118 and I found them online for $42, so for those of you that are still interested, head on over to Amazon and make this your steal of the season.) I found them to be very uncomfortable, aside from the fact that the heel is just shy of 5". The cutouts which make these standout, also make these very uncomfortable, because they pinch the skin as you walk. But these were my inspiration to keep looking for that perfect nude pump.

Rose Gold/Coral Accessories - A few days ago I told a friend that rose gold was not for me. Then I tried it on, and there's no going back. I've been reading everywhere that as far as watches go, rose gold is in, and big is out. I don't know about all that but as far as i'm concerned (I love my big watches)I'll rock the rose gold trend through the summer and then we'll see. I think it's a very feminine look. I tried on a few watches in rose gold and I found that since it is different, it's best to keep the watch simple, because the gold should be the focus.

The first image is just a mix of rose gold accessories

Coral dawn flower earrings (fredflare.com)

These have such a spring feel to them. The coral looks very bright and playful and would be a great addition to a muted nude outfit as a pop of color. These are the type of items that stores like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and maybe even Target carry on occasion. But if these are a must, the best part is they're only $10.

Fossil Tree of Life bracelet

I saw this bracelet at a Fossil store when I was trying on some rose gold watches. When I tried it on with one of the watches it looked like it belonged. Just the perfect addition to dress up a simple watch yet simple enough itself not to take away from the watch. Can also be worn layered with other bracelets (they have others in rose gold that are just as cute) or by itself for a dainty effortless look.

Lace/Eyelet - The lace/eyelet trend is back. Something lacy can easily take an outfit from day to night without much effort. Also perfect for those that don't want to go crazy with color, because lace is enough of a spring staple.

We The Free Lacy Stripes Top

This top is perfect with some leggings or skinny jeans for daytime. I love casual/relaxed looks during the day and this is one of my favorites. Or dress it up with a blazer and some heels for a night out.

Forever 21 Floral Back Vest (Forever21.com)

I have a couple of these vest from last summer and i love them. They go perfectly with a plain t or tank and a fedora hat. And they're sleeveless so they'll keep you cool on a hot summer night instead of opting for a short sleeved sweater.

Green/tan - Kind of an odd trend for the warmer months, but I'm seeing lots of it in the stores.

Rubbish Drawstring Parka (Nordstrom.com)

This lightweight jacket is great for those April shower days. It's light so you won't be too warm, it matches literally everything, and because it's lightweight you can easily tuck it into your bag when you are done with it. I've been looking for something like this for a while, it would be perfect for when i travel to go with every outfit.

Elizabeth and James Eden Crisscross Platform Sandals (Shopbop.com)

I think this shoe is great for dressing up a cute shirt dress. Or even a pair of khakis for a quick run to the office.

Sperry Ladies Angelfish (Journeys.com)

I love these boat shoes. The fact that they are water and stain resistant makes them even better. They are the perfect shoe for exploring in comfort, while on vacation. They come in many different colors and styles so there's something for everyone.

I'm sure many of you are asking, "Where's the color?" I'm always sick of seeing bright neons for Spring, not to say I don't like them, they're just so predictable. So I felt I had to find the other trends out there, the less predictable ones. And as for color, a little pop of color goes a long way, a necklace, a pair of great feather earrings, and if all else fails, a bright coral lipstick always does the job. Hopefully Spring won't keep me waiting too much longer.

And I'll even throw in some color. (well my version of color anyway.)

Soprano Racerback Maxi Dress (Nordstrom)

I saw this dress at Nordstrom the other day, and it was the main inspiration for this spring trend blogpost. It comes in coral (pictured here) and navy, and I have to have both. This will be my staple all Spring and Summer long.