October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween!

Hi There! It's Saturday night and there are a ton of fun costumes wandering the neighborhood's streets, asking for free handouts of sugary treats. Yep, you guessed it, it's Halloween!

This year E and I decided to keep it a simple and picked up some Ben Nye and Snazaroo face paint and play up our money makers in the Dia de los Muertos theme. We had the best time! Ok, so I had the best time, but E was a great sport!

Check us out.





And who can forget these two cuties? 
Little Lulu and Bella had to avoid the face paint, but these costumes are a perfect fit. 



Bella is a Mummy...



and, sweet Baby Lu is a Rufferee.


Please be safe tonight and courteous to others. We all deserve to have a little fun this evening. 

Blessings! 

October 26, 2015

Manicure Monday! 5 OPI Polishes Perfect For Fall


If you're like me, and love getting your nails done, then you'll be excited to spruce up your mani/pedi with these creamy shades from the OPI Venice collection.

I've fallen in love with these nail lacquers, and I'm not just saying this because I'm half Sicilian. Shown here are just five of their 16 available polishes that I'm sure you'll fall in love with, too. 


The creamy blend of cool and warm shades complements any skin tone,
 making them ideal to wear during the changing seasons. 


The fun names are true to OPI fashion, and fun to ask for during your next salon session. 
Want to buy your own? Purchase your favorites at a local beauty salon, and take them with you to your next appointment. 


Each bottle is approximately $8 each, so you can't go wrong with buying two or three. Check out all of OPI's products at OPI.com 


October 23, 2015

Beauty & Abuse



"What's one thing you would change about yourself? Be it interior or exterior..."

When Actress Debra Messing was asked this question, she answered, "my nose." 

On her first movie with another famous actor, they did a side by side scene, and the director yelled, 'cut! How quickly can we get a plastic surgeon in here, her nose is ruining my shot.'

She laughs now at the remark, but the truth is, this was her very first film, and a comment like that regarding something she has no control over, has stayed with her years later. 

Some times, we don't realize how our words can impact other people. 
Some times our own internal dialogue can be just as bad. 


Many men and women are attacked daily by what they look like. 
And as we see in Hollywood, a lot of people will turn to plastic surgeons to destroy how they were naturally made, to create an ideal version of how they wish they were born; thus altering their aesthetics in an irreversible way. Their new reality is drastically altered, but the truth is, many people will still have something to say about their "new" version of beauty. 
Our current world has been turning towards a darker sense of communication. 

We quickly judge others and attack them without understanding their story. 

We aren't born into a world of darkness. It's bright and unfamiliar, yes, but it's not dark. It is over time, that with poor teaching, lack of care, harsh words, and lack of love, that what we see with our eyes is actually indicative of what our hearts feel. 

Ok, so maybe you disagree with this... You say,  'You handle things your way, and
 I'll handle things my way... ' 

That's fine, but think about your self awareness at this very moment. 
Are you upset because you're the giver of harsh words? 
Do you quickly say how stupid something is, how ugly people are, or even spit dark slurs? 

Bad words and thoughts are easy to think up. 
But it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. 

So what if we reversed this negative attitude and tried harder to be kinder, yes, tried harder...

I believe we would hit a road block.

When we get so comfortable being grumpy and internally dark, it's easier to use that broken crutch, than it is to put in the work to find y(our) happy. 

But the next time you see someone get laughed out for having a big nose, picked on for being born fat or, very skinny, judged for their inability to play sports, 
outcasted for being too sensitive, or attacked for believing in Christ, think first. 

Each of these people may be silently suffering. Abuse, be it verbally, mentally, physically or spiritually, doesn't see race, it doesn't see gender, it doesn't see age, and it doesn't see religion. Abuse breaks the heart, it torments the mind and it breaks the spirit. 

We all fall victim to abuse at some point, and we all can be the abuser in some way. 
It's tough, but it's important. Hold your tongue. 
But if you can't, it's ok to ask for help. 


October 20, 2015

Bella Bella Bella

Just wanted to spread cuteness your way today. 

Look who's back from the groomers. Pink bows and all. It's Miss Bella! She even got a warm, coconut oil, treatment. 

What? Every girl needs a spa day. 



Have a great day everyone! 

October 19, 2015

Suede & Flannel

Warm tones and suede just scream fall. 

Although the temps in Cali are still a bit warm, I couldn't help mixing a flannel with some brown booties this weekend. 

I'm a November baby after all... 





Booties are from Lucky Brand and the purple flannel is Massimo, sold at most Target stores and target online. 

October 17, 2015

Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival

If you're local to the SoCal area and looking for something to do this weekend with your family, check out the Pumpkin Festival at Cal Poly Pomona college. 




The large festival is held this weekend only, and carries rows upon rows of pumpkins and sunflowers naturally grown by the college's agriculture club. 



All pumpkins are available to purchase, but the sunflowers are for viewing, only. And of course, photo opps.


After picking out and purchasing your pumpkin, walk over to the petting zoo and snuggle with a goat.




Feeling hungry or need a new hat? All are welcome to enjoy some delicious eats or shop the booths of local vendors. 




My only recommendations for this weekend would be to wear sunblock, drink plenty of water, and if you plan on buying several pumpkins, bring a wagon. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. 

Parking is free, and stretches for miles so be patient; be prepared to walk, and make sure to hold the hands of little ones. 

Happy Harvest! 


October 16, 2015

Ulta Purchase

I just went in for some eyeliner,  it's really not my fault! 


NYX cosmetics are on sale. Buy one item at regular price and get a second one at 50% off. 

I truly went to Ulta, with a set mind to purchase the white and vinyl black liquid eye liners. I wanted the matte black as well, but that was sold out. Some girl called and put the last two on hold. Um...is that legal?

I did find a deep purple/plum color that whispered to me in the mean time, so I bought that for now, but I'll return later for that black matte. 


I've never tried these loose eye shadow powders before, but they looked so pretty, I grabbed four.

...And of course I had to even out my sale to an even number, so I bought five single shadows. 

Most people compare NYX (pronounced: Nicks) to MAC. I don't know if I would, and although I like both brands, I think I lean just a bit more towards NYX when it comes to their eye shadows and their price points. 

After filling my basket with shadows, I strolled around the store a bit, and lingered around a few "last call" and "hot deal" shelves where I spotted Giovanni products. I had never tried the Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner, before, but marked down to $2.00 each, that's a bargain worth trying!  

My total: $44.81

Not bad, for a day trip to find liquid eyeliner. ;) 

#girlproblems  

October 13, 2015

Hurry over to H&M's Flash Sale!

I had no idea I was going to stumble upon a great deal while shopping at H&M, today.

With nothing but browsing on my mind, I tried on a few pieces and behold, the magical lighting; the voices of angels singing, and an awesome $9.99 red, flash sale tag, reflecting off my eyes! Major score. 


I couldn't decide on which (navy or cream) color I liked more, but for only $9.99 each, who needs to decide? I bought both! 

The deal only seems to be in stores, as I couldn't find this top online for you. Sorry, fashionistas! Hurry up and grab yours today before they're all sold out! 

Seriously... This lighting though. Who installs this? I need it in my life. 


Happy Shopping! 

October 12, 2015

E's Birthday Weekend

This weekend was all about delicious eats and celebrating this cutie's life. I can't express enough how important birthdays are to me. Whether or not it's being able to celebrate someone on the actual anniversary of their birth, sending a birthday wish via text, email, social media, or by mailing a belated birthday card, birthdays are wonderful! 

So let me start by saying, cheers! And to everyone that has celebrated, or is about to celebrate their birthday, do it with class and happiness, and may you be surrounded by those who love you.

And to my sweetheart, E, you are so special to me. Your kindness runs deep, the man that you are overwhelms me with each passing day, and your respect and zest for life inspire me to keep my own spirit growing with vigor. Happy Birthday, my love! You are blessed beyond measure and I'm grateful for your life. 




The first evening, on E's actual birthday, we celebrated by visiting Orange Hill Restaurant. A fine dining experience nestled into the hills of Orange County, California. The view was spectacular, although the weather was toasty. May I interest you in visiting 100 degrees Sunny Cali? Phew!  We opted for indoor seating. 

Pale peach and amber colors glowed around a bright orange ball of flame as we watched the sun set. Beautiful!  I was so moved by the scenery, I forgot to snap a photo, sorry. 

From what I was told by our server, the evenings are even more romantic as lit fireplaces adorn the outside patio and homes and businesses light up the dark hills. Insert beating heart emoji.

We started off by chomping on some sour dough buns with creamy butter sprinkled with Hawaiian sea salt. 




Calamari came next. YUM!


E had the steak. 

I had the most delicious chicken, creamy mashed potatoes and garlic dressing drizzled over asparagus and carrots. HOLY MOLY! E was so jealous that he ate my other piece of chicken and most of my mashed potatoes.

And then came, dessert.


The next day, we traveled back to Orange County, for brunch. I scurried around on the Internet to find a popular local spot that served mimosas, and this was the winner - The Filling Station


E grabbed an omelet with onions, bell peppers, bacon and who knows what else.  I, on the other hand, ordered an omelet with bacon, pepper jack cheese and spicy sausage. I needed protein, because we were both about to dive into a plate of cinnamon french toast, and by no means was I going to be satisfied with just that. 


Ok - I was wrong. I was so full, I couldn't finish my omelet. This place definitely lives up to its name. The meal was so delicious and, well, filling.  

The little cafe rocked nothing but oldies music and our server was so sweet and attentive. The weekend was a pure hit, and ended with E watching the Cowboys play the Patriots. 

Although the Cowboys lost, E was still very happy with his birthday weekend, and that made me very happy.