Maxi Dresses...Better Late Than Never!

So I've just become slightly obsessed with maxi dresses.  At first I thought the waistbandless comfort would increase the speed of my increasing waistline (I'm 35, it was going to happen someday, I know).  Then I thought about it again and realized I don't care.  So I ordered one.  Didn't love it.  It wasn't the right neckline or something for my linebacker shoulders (currently en route to Brooklyn, NY to be enjoyed by my best friend, Christina).  I did, however, start pining for one from Boden http://www.bodenusa.com/# .  I was initially drawn to Boden years ago when I had a pregnant friend.  They had such stylish, comfortable looking maternity clothes and I was really impressed with the quality of the skirt I gifted to her (after pregnancy she gave it back to me and I had the waistband altered for me).  I've cruised their site now and then ever since and always check the clearance since they're a bit pricey.  That's where I found their Voile Maxi http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Clearance/Womens-Dresses/Below-Knee-Dresses/WH245-BRN/Womens-Mocha-Daisy-Voile-Maxi.html?NavGroupID=4 , on sale, free shipping and returns, and it comes in long!  I received it yesterday and it fits AMAZING!  I've been wanting a casual "blazer" to wear with jeans so I think Boden is going to be my first "stop" for finding the perfect one.

Stay tuned...

Lululemon Model...Yep, That's My Friend



David Coligado for Lululemon

 I don't have to tell you how great Lululemon is, AGAIN...but I will.  It's the hottest workout gear on the market right now and I don't foresee it losing it's "hotness" anytime soon.  If you don't believe me check it out in the stock market.  Nothing like numbers to help prove something.

One of the great things about the Lululemon company is they have "ambassadors".  Ambassadors are regular people like you and me who are yoga instructors, trainers, gym employees and owners, and now fans and avid athletes.  Ambassadors get free Lululemon clothing to wear while they do what they do.  Basically, they get paid for advertising with free clothing.  I now have two friends who are Lululemon ambassadors.  One of my best friends, Alissa Andres, who's an instructor at The Dailey Method in Naperville, IL http://www.thedaileymethod.com/naperville.html and Dave Coligado (who's practically my brother).  Dave is an avid marathon runner and a head to toe, inside out fan of Lululemon clothing.  He is currently plastered in print ads at the Rush St. Lululemon location (and maybe others in Chicago).  I am also hoping my cousin, Lindsay Stilphen, who's a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness in Sacramento, CA http://www.24hourfitness.com/ClubList/ca/sacramento becomes a Lululemon ambassador, too!

I love a company who appreciates their fans and knows a creative way to advertise.  Who wouldn't want free clothes they wear and buy anyway.  Lululemon, you're genius!  Alissa, you're amazing!  And Dave, well, you're one of a kind and an all around fantastic person!

I think everyone should have at least a little Lululemon.  Head on over to the Rust St. store and check out their poster ads of Dave while you're finding that new yoga tank you need or go online for the latest in Lululemon run shorts http://www.lululemon.com/.


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Allium "Globe Master"

Right now through October 5th Michigan Bulb http://michiganbulb.com/default.asp?sid=0820032&eid=092811MB&utm_source=em&utm_medium=spec&lm=mich&M2 is offering FREE SHIPPING on purchases of $20 or more.  What more reason do you need to to spruce up your Spring?!

Kindle The Great...& Free Books!

My sister, Rachel got me a Kindle last year when the Wi-Fi & 3G ones first came out.  Lets just get this out of the way, I LOVE IT!  I read a lot and I travel a lot.  It used to be I would panic when I was getting to the end of a book at work because if I didn't have a back up ready to go I would be bored to tears (yes, there are times when I hardly have anything to do).  Those worries are behind me now that I can just download another instantly.  My Kindle is also a dream to travel with since, as many know, I am a ridiculously light packer.  I even only carried on when I went to Sydney, AUS for 10 days this past July.  Which leads me to yet another bonus of having my Kindle Wi-Fi & 3G version.  There is no monthly charge for the Wi-Fi or 3G with the Kindle.  Of course, connecting to someone's Wi-Fi often does have a charge but 3G is always free.  I was able to stay connected, even overseas, via email and Facebook, even surf the web, thanks to my Kindle's 3G capabilities.

Here's where the free books come in.  While there are tons of free books available in the Kindle store, they're not the latest and greatest (well some are classics), but in the next couple weeks you'll be able to "check out" books from the library for 14 days on your Kindle.  All you need is a library card and pin number to your local participating library.  Check here to see if your library is Kindle ready http://search.overdrive.com/ .  I already have holds placed on a couple books!

So if you don't have a Kindle (or other e-reader) there's no better time than now to get one.


And get one of these great covers http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JXVOEA?ie=UTF8&tag=thepromus-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004JXVOEA(with or without a light) to protect you Kindle and give it even more of a "book" feel. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DZ167A?ie=UTF8&tag=thepromus-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B003DZ167A

The Dilema

I'm sitting here watching the Bears Game featuring yet another un-stellar performance by Jay Cutler that is unfortunately not going to end in a win regardless of how his team members try to carry him.  Kris and I have both detached from the disappointment on the screen and begun playing with our cell phones.  I'm answering emails and Kris is, believe it or not, checking out my latest blog.  Then he asks me "what are you going to blog about today" and I reply I don't know and ask for a suggestion. His reply...shoes.  In the words of TLC, "what a man, what a man, what a really good man!"

Great idea.  Problematic idea as well.  See, this is the time of year I try to extend my flip flop/sandal wearing as long as possible...like literally until the first snow fall.  Then, until the snow disappears, I wear my Uggs religiously.  Although these forms of footwear are fashionable and popular, they tend to limit my outfit choices.  I don't own any "regular" shoes.  I have great dress shoes and functional gym shoes but nothing I can just wear with a nice casual outfit (jeans, t-shirt, sweater) and feel regular and not too dressy.

The shoe department is where I fall flat on my face.  I see tons of shoes in magazines and catalogs that look amazing with the outfits on the models but they have 3" heels or chunky wedges or just go with whatever the model is wearing for wherever it is she's supposed to be going...which is not anywhere I'll find myself going to anytime soon, if ever.  I know I should go to a department store or DSW in my favorite jeans and a mid-weight jacket and try and try and try on shoes but that's not the way I work.  To me, shopping is stressful.  I get overwhelmed.  I see it, I like it, I buy it (or obsess over it).  My Dad has proclaimed me the best power shopper ever and I have to agree.  I can get myself and others in and out of a mall with everything we intended to get within an hour.  BUT I CAN'T FIND REGULAR SHOES FOR FALL AND WINTER!
I NEED your help!  Please, if you haven't joined as a member of my blog please, please, please do so.  This is the only way you can comment on my blogs and I really need your comments and input right now as my toes are getting a bit nippy.  For those of you who are following my blog via e-mail, that is great.  I follow that way as well because I like to get my musings in my inbox in the morning.  However, e-mail followers cannot add comments.  To become a member, you need to have a Gmail account (or flicker or maybe yahoo).  Just above the pictures of current members (followers) there is a box with a Google "g" followed by "Join this site".  Please click this box and you will be asked for you Gmail/yahoo email and password.  Once you've become a member follower you will be able to leave comments and hopefully have me in Fall and Winter appropriate shoes by mid-October.

Thank you for all your help.  I'm so eager to read your comments and suggestions!  Some ads will pop up in boxes on the right and left pertaining to shoes as well.  I encourage you to click on them for additional suggestions.

The Perfect Staples Of Your Garden's "Outfit", Perennials!



My design/install of sister's Seattle garden.



So I was thinking, maybe you don't want to plant those bulbs yourself, or maybe you're not quite sure what goes with what and where.  Behind every great outfit there are great designers.  Yards and gardens are no different.  Now that you've ordered bulbs for a beautiful Spring consider treating yourself to a whole lifetime of gorgeous, no fuss seasons.  Now is the perfect time to contact a local landscape company for design and installation.  Besides, after all those golden leaves fall a professional can plant your bulbs and give your yard a quick Fall clean up preparing it for both Winter and the upcoming Spring.  Plus, I bet a designer or a Master Gardener, such as The Country Gardener's, Kristopher Wulff http://www.thecountrygardenerltd.com/index.php can provide answers and solutions to all those landscape issues you've been putting off all these years.  This just may be the year you pull together the garden of your dreams.



Rachel's garden one year later.


Whether you consult a professional or research and tackle design and installation yourself, now is the time to get started.  Not only is Fall the time to plant bulbs but it's also a great time to get perennials, the staples of your yard's "outfit," in the ground and established before the first frost.

http://www.thecountrygardenerltd.com/

"Outfits" For Your Yard

I was welcomed this morning by my blushing Sedum 'Autumn Joy'.  Today is the first day of Fall and my beautiful Sedum reminded me how plants and flowers make the perfect yard accessories changing from season to season.  The brilliant colors of Spring, the bold and resilient colors of Summer, the hardy rustic colors of Fall, and even the grays and surprises of Winter.

Yes, it's Fall, and while I encourage you to enjoy it's brisk temperatures, surprise warm days, mosquito free nights, and communing around bonfires, I also want you to look to spring for a moment.  Now is the time to get your orders in for bulbs and get them in the ground.  Every year I like to pick out 3 to 5 (or more) varieties of flowers I want to enjoy with the first Robin sighting.  The trick is to pick bulbs that bloom in early (late Feb and March), middle (March/April), and late Spring (May and early June) so you have gorgeous "accessories" popping up until your perennials begin blooming.

  

This year I ordered my bulbs from Michigan Bulb http://www.michiganbulb.com/.  Right now they are offering $20 in free plants and you can find coupon codes online for free shipping.

Roots Be Gone!

I personally can't stand my hair the two weeks before my next appointment.  My hair has been completely gray since my late 20's.  I used to DIY with boxed color until I was introduced to my great, and reasonable, hairdresser who now does it for me every 6 weeks.  That's all fine and good but my hair grows pretty fast and gray roots are VERY noticeable with brown hair.  There's always been the option of grabbing another box of color or calling in for an emergency touch up.  I've even tried going every 4 weeks for a while but I felt like I was always having a hair appointment, plus the cost starts adding up.  So what do you do between appointments?  Well, there's a variety of messy touch up DIY boxes that all claim to be easier and blend better.  You could get those touch up pens or wands that deposit globs of color and paste your hair to your scalp.  And what about if it rains or you sweat?  Until recently, I was using a foundation brush to apply dark brown eye shadow to my roots.  The drama of it all just about makes me want to "go gray gracefully."

My saving grace (or what saved my brown hair) is this amazing new root concealer from Rita Hazan.  This master colorist has created a product that is the lightest aerosol mist from a pinpoint actuator (like the "straw" attached to your can of keyboard cleaner).  The water and sweat resistant color is sprayed exactly where you want it, dries almost instantly, and won't come off until you shampoo it out.  I know, I've slept with it on and it's never gotten on my pillows or sheets (even looks great the next day).  Since the application is so fine the four shades blend almost flawlessly with your color.  Really!

Now my color can look salon perfect 6, 8, even 12 weeks after my hair appointment.  People I've told about Rita Hazan's Root Concealer have been amazed and thrilled with the results themselves.  Extend the life of your color, and save money too.  Get yours now, only from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P282611&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=6008(Amazon shoppers can purchase from Sephora through Amazon).

Easing Into Fall Fashion

So, tomorrow is the first day of Fall and although magazines and catalogs are preaching "layers, layers, layers" I find it's just a little too warm to start bundling up.  Besides, even though the crisp air is nice and inviting, are you really ready to walk away from summer yet?  This is the time of year I like to take a page out of the "hipster's" style guide.  No, it's not skinny jeans on guys or shorts with slouchy socks and combat boots.  I like scarves.

Scarves are an accessory that make both a statement and sense.  Don't put away your tanks and short sleeves yet, wear a scarf with them.  It's a great fall look and the right scarf gives you that happy medium of light and chunky, warm and cool.  Not only that, many scarves can double as a light wrap for when the sun goes down and you're out enjoying a nice bonfire with friends.

So don't go reaching for your wool sweaters and thermal underwear just yet.  Enjoy the invigorating cool temps for a while.  There will be plenty of time to bundle up in a month or two...save it for winter.

Truly "Fabulous Foaming Face Wash"

I'm a freebie junkie, thus, I'm the perfect customer.  It's like I'm screaming, "send me more, more, more so I can fall in love and BUY more, more, more!"

Not too long ago I found out my tried and true face scrub had been discontinued.  Now, this would have been tragic had I not just received a sample size bottle of Bliss' Fabulous Foaming Face Wash http://www.blissworld.com/bliss-fabulous-foaming-face-wash/.  Now, "Foaming" is not something that's going to sell me on a product, exfoliation is.  A lot of products say they exfoliate and I'm sure some actually do, but I have to FEEL the actually scrubbing while it's exfoliating.  So there I was, out of my favorite facial cleanser, forced to use a product I'd always thought wasn't something I'd love.  Boy was I wrong.  I had no idea there were tiny little scrubby particles in the Fabulous Foaming Face Wash.  The bottle says it exfoliates but you can't see anything in it and the blurbs about it in Bliss' catalog never mention tiny scrubby particles.  I couldn't believe it, it felt great and my skin felt great.  It wasn't as scrubby as my previous wash but it accomplished the same feel.  I loved it!  It feels fresh and light, smells great (not slightly medicinal like my previous wash), and, of course, it does what it claims to do.  Needless to say, I'm now on the second of my purchased full size bottles.

I highly recommend trying Bliss' Fabulous Foaming Face Wash for yourself.  You can walk into any Sephora and ask for a sample or you may even have one on hand from your last Bliss http://www.blissworld.com/ or Sephora http://www.sephora.com/ purchase.

"I Love The Millie!"

It all started last month when I went to California with my parents and two sisters.  They were both effortlessly carrying their Hobo wallets wherever they went.  Yes, they both totally have it together, but it was the "look" that hooked me.  I needed a wallet like theirs!  I wanted to have that "I have it together" look.  Plus, they both have them in fun, yet mature and stylish colors.  Upon returning to work I began emailing my sister, Rachel (a wallet guru in my eyes) links to various wallets.  Of course, I started narrowing it down to the Hobo International brand http://www.hobobags.com/ for it's colors, quality, construction, slots and spaces, and variety of sizes and styles.  See, the idea was to be able to carry cards and cash but also be able to hold my chapstick, cell phone, and keys without looking bulky.  One more email later and my choice was made.  Rachel replied, "I LOVE THE MILLIE" and that was it.  I went to Amazon and purchased mine for only $49 since it was one of last season's colors.  Then I proceeded to purchase one for Rachel as a thank you for having me join her in Australia the month before.  Turned out Rachel's love for the Millie was true as true can be because the day before the one I ordered her arrived she called to tell me all about the one she just got!  And, when I told our sister, Jessica (new mother of beautiful twins) about this and Rachel now having two of them, she excitedly annouced that she "wants one.  It would be so handy when running errands with the babies."



Mary Rose's Della and free coin purse.

 Whether it's the Millie, the Della (chosen by my friend Mary Rose of Next Gen Green www.nextgengreen.blogspot.com after one of my "consultations"), or any of their other bags and wallets you will enjoy it's quality and timeless style for years.  And you'll get a lot of  "oooh, I love your wallet".

Right now, Hobo International http://www.hobobags.com/ is offering a free coin purse with purchases of $75 or more and as always, free shipping on orders of $150 or more.

You can also find the Hobo that's right for you at a variety of shops and sites, as well as, Amazon http://www.amazon.com/ where you are sure to find a style in your favorite color, for the right price and get free shipping on most orders of $25 or more.

Stylish Sweater-Thanks Next Gen Green

Next-Gen Green: Element EcoWear's Century Sweater a welcomed supri...: I recently bought the Century Sweater and am waiting for it to arrive in the mail. It is from Element EcoWear, an earth-friendly, fair-trad...

Earn More Points At Sephora With Mascara

Calling all Sephora Beauty Insiders.  Now until 9/27 if you purchase any mascara (maybe badGal in Plum http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P222454&categoryId=B70 ) you will receive double points for your whole order.  You know what double points means, more deluxe samples and other goodies.

If you're not a Sephora Beauty Insider yet, sign up http://www.sephora.com/beautyinsider/index.jhtml%3B$sessionid$R3GQVBKDCVPFMCV0KSKBHOQ;jsessionid=R3GQVBKDCVPFMCV0KSKBHOQ.  It's free and easy.

No code is necessary to earn your double points so enter one of their other codes at check out like SKINSTARS and get 7 free skincare samples in addition to the 3 you always get to pick.  And, as always, shipping is free on purchases of $50 or more.

http://www.sephora.com/

My Amazon Favorites

Some of you have been asking why I took "My Favorites" link off.  Well, it's back and better than ever!  Find things for yourself and everyone in your life with just a click of a button.  If you can't remember that "thing" you asked me about a while back don't worry, go to http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/ and I'm sure it'll be pictured right there just to the right of my blog with a link that will take you straight to the item.  Happy shopping!

Stylish, Quick, & Simple Hair

Trying to get the perfect effortless looking bun is a trick many women and girls attempt on a regular basis.  The scrunchy, elastic band, chopsticks, and a couple dozen bobby pins never seem to get the look right.  So, the second I saw a commercial for these Spin Pins by Goody

http://www.goody.com/#/grid/simple_styles/products/simple_styles_spin_pin I went straight to CVS to get a set.  Unfortunately, they were not in stock yet.  Bummer.  But, as you should know by now, when I am on a mission and cannot be stopped until I succeed.  I finally went to the Goody site and paid way to much shipping to have my Spin Pins and you know what, they are every bit worth it!  They can now be found in your local drug stores and grocery stores.  My friends are curious when they see the actual pin and then amazed when I show them how to do it and encourage them to give it a try.  It works the first time every time!

Heading to the beach or the pool, twist your hair and wrap it around it's self and then simply "screw" the Spin Pin straight through the middle from side to side.  Viola, you're good to go.  The look is even perfect for when you don't have time to fuss with you hair for an evening out...it creates the perfect chic messy bun.  Put it all up, put half of it up, for thicker hair use one in each side of the bun.  They even come in two colors for light hair and dark hair.  I have two sets now so I can have one in my purse, one at work, one in my car, and one at home...basically everywhere I have a tube of chapstick.  There's really no reason not to have one if your hair is long enough to wear up.

My Magic Sleep Machine

I'm exhausted. Stayed up way later than I'm normally used to (capable of). However, as I get comfortable at my parent's place I miss my white noise machine. No matter where I am or what time of day it is, when I turn it on my mind and body just know it's nite nite time.

I was first introduced to the Marpac Sound Screen Sleep Conditioner when I was a nanny for a toddler and newborn. It was amazing. Not only did it lull the children to sleep with the constant calm non-noise like noise but it also acted as an added distraction and constant "blocking" other noises. I have since both gifted and recommended this to many new mothers and received rave reviews.

Why would this be great for adults as well? I have several friends who've heard it in my room and just had to know what it is and where I got it and all of them enjoy the same result. Have a husband who snores? No problem. The consistent white noise seems to keep random snoring from jarring me awake or, if I am awake it calms me so I can fall back to sleep. If there are loud guests it dulls the noise. And if you're a city girl lik me who's found herself living in a quiet wooded area, it adds some constant sound to make the quiet not so loud the way silence can be.

The best way to sum this product up is, "home is where my Marpac Sound Screen Sleep Conditioner is." You don't need pills or tea to fall asleep quick and soundly. It's been proven to me time and time again the best sleep comes with this white noise machine on.

Everyday Jeans...Literally

Two guys I work with just walked in my office and asked me if I am going to wear this pair of jeans everyday next week, too.  I have to laugh.  A - because they even bother to notice my jeans are the same (it never ceases to amaze me what they notice about various outfits), and B - they are the same jean but not exactly the same pair.  You see, I love my True Religion Joey's http://www.truereligionbrandjeans.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=904503647&colorid=26565&sli=1 !  I have 4 pairs of them in various sizes and states of wear and tear...or shall I say REpair thanks to a very special lady know as Mrs. DaCoach who has reconstructed my worn out jeans for years now.  Of course, the #1 amazing thing about them is I haven't seen them look bad on ANYONE.  The rise, pockets, wiskering, cut, flare, and twist of the seam all come together to make for the perfect look.  There is also something very special about the stretch in them.  I don't know why or what makes it different from other brands (or even if it is different) but I have 3 different sizes and I am able to wear them all no matter what my actual size is at any given time.  These are the feel great jean every girl should have in their wardrobe whether they cost $179 or $319, or even better, you get them on Amazon.com or from a consignment shop, you will look fantastic in them!

Amazon.com Has It!

For as long as I can remember, when people ask me "where'd you get that?" or "where do you think I can find something like...?" I've been saying "GO TO AMAZON!"  Now, my new answer is, "GO TO MY BLOG AND CLICK ON THE AMAZON LINKS!"  As everyone should know, you can find just about anything you want or need on Amazon.com.  You can find deals, new products, used products, comments, groceries, reviews, things you haven't thought about in forever (maybe 8 tracks), ask questions, more often then not get free shipping, gifts, and so much more.  Amazon.com is my go-to site for the vast majority of "stuff" in my life, even coffee.  It's my one stop shop when I need to get a gift to go here, find that specific lure for my husband (Hi Kris!), need a new belt and duvet covers, and we're almost out of coffee.  "CLICK" and done!

So now when something on my blog catches your eye, or there's just something specific you're looking for, simply head down to the bottom of my page and click on over to Amazon.com.  You're a hop, skip, and a jump away from whatever it is you've been looking for.
http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/

Throwback Mask At A Throwback Price

Do you remember this mask, Queen Helene's Grape Seed Extract Peel Off Masque  http://search.ulta.com/review/prod5023084/Peel%20Off%20Masque ?  In the 90's it was one of those products you could go to the grocery store or drug store and buy off the shelf with your own babysitting money.  It was inexpensive and it worked.  Well, a few months ago it popped into my mind and I remembered how fun it was peeling it off and how soft my skin felt afterwards.  I became obsessed with finding it and searched everywhere, Jewel, CVS, Walgreens, and more.  It was nowhere to be found.  I even enlisted the help of my sister, Rachel, on the West Coast and my best friend, Christina, on the East Coast.  Both of them remembered the mask fondly but neither came across it.

Fast forward a couple months, I'm visiting Rachel in Seattle and we hit the local Ulta Beauty store http://www.ulta.com/ for some supplies.  Low and behold, there it was right in front of me, looking exactly the same as when I was a teen!  And for the low low price of $3.99!  I don't remember what it cost in the 90's but $3.99 is a steal as far as I'm conserned.

Yes, I bought it.  Yes, I use it weekly.  Yes, it's still super fun to peel off all in one piece.  And most importantly, yes, it still clears my face of "debris" and makes it feel fresh and soft!

FYI, if you spend $50 (sometimes it's $25) or more online at Ulta http://www.ulta.com/ shipping is free!

Get Out There & Run...In This!

Need motivation to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with a little stroll?  Try this on, Lululemon's Run:  For Your Life pullover http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-tops/Run-For-Your-Life-Pullover-87435?cc=9021&skuId=3421113&catId=women-tops & Run:  Speed Skirt http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-shorts-skirts-and-dresses/Run-Speed-Skirt-32828?cc=0002&sli=1.

This crisp weather reminded me my SUPER FANTASTIC sister, Rachel, bought me this pullover when we were in Sydney, AUS this summer.  I was so excited it was winter there because it meant I could "buy now, wear now" knowing it was way to hot in the states to wear it anytime soon.  The fit is amazing and in addition to Lulu's signature thumb holes, it also has a ponytail hole at the peek of the hood.  How cool and thoughtful is that?!

 Now, let me just tell you about Lulu's run skirt (skort).  This skirt has the most useful hidden pockets, the "shorts" under the skirt does NOT ride up, and it gives you the cutest little flourish from behind.  The last time I wore it was the Soldier Field 10 Mile run, and yes I completed the run in the allotted amount of time, but best of all I had multiple runners/joggers/walkers compliment me on my outfit as they passed me.  I'm pretty sure runners don't do that so it must have really made an impact!

So, combine this fitted, ingenious pullover with Lulu's oh so flattering run skirt and you shouldn't need any more motivation to get out there and show yourself off...I mean run.  And to the runners I join in upcoming runs, stay tuned for my next fashion forward "running" outfit!

Reversible, Trendy, & Recycled!

When asked by my Next Gen Green nextgengreen.blogspot.com friend about a purse I immediately thought of the Reversible Bike Tube Striped Hobo.  It's recycled, has well thought out pockets, you can switch up your color with your mood...or your outfit, and it's a hobo so it's totally "What's In Now!"  As if it could get any better, it's only $75!  Check it out and get yours now at http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/reversible-bike-tube-striped-hobo

An Apple A Day...

Right about this time of year, when the temps go down and you start trying to pull on your jeans, I need a little pick me up and a way to encourage myself to eat healthier both to ward off colds and flues but also, and very important, to slide into my beloved jeans easier.  Enter, THE HONEY CRISP APPLE!

This time every year the rush is on to gather up as many of these crisp, juicy, sweet, and all around delicious apples as possible.  With just the first bite my body sings.  I feel better both inside and out and all of a sudden I want to make better choices for myself.  It's the perfect snack, you will be full and satisfied for hours.  Try eating one of these, or any other variety, examples of nature's perfect foods every day for a week.  I just bet you start (or keep) making healthier decisions and feeling great!

Grab some at your local supermarket or, for some fall family fun, check out Garwoods Orchard in LaPorte, IN and U-Pick some yourself!  http://www.garwoodorchard.com/

Amazing Lashes-Be A BADgal

It won't take long for the world to realize I'm a self proclaimed Sephora Whora!  It's my go-to store and site for everything bath, body, beauty, and fun.  http://www.sephora.com/

You've asked so here it is, Benefit Cosmetics has my absolute FAVORITE mascara!  BADgal Plum Mascara intensifies your eye color as well as making your lashes look long and beautiful in a "natural" way.  I love the way it's not so in your face like black mascara and in the rain (or the lake) if a little smudges under your eyes you don't look like a raccoon.  http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P222454&categoryId=B70

I encourage everyone to head to their local Sephora (or my house) to try BADgal Plum Mascara on one eye...you'll notice that "I can't quite put my finger on what's so gorgeous about her" look right away and immediately apply to the other side!  While your there sign up to become a Beauty Insider for loads of free samples, birthday presents, deals, and a whole lot more.  Or sign up online.  Plus, you get free shipping on purchases of $50 and up.

An Ode To Dawn Dish Soap

Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
The stain on my duvet
is gone thanks to you!

Came home to a sick cat :o( today and thought my beautiful new duvet cover was ruined. Scrubbed some Dawn dish soap on it since it's come through for me in the past and voila good as new! I'm pretty sure a stain pretreated with Dawn can disappear in a snap. Do not, however, put Dawn in your wash machine...think tons of suds!

I LOVE DAWN DISH SOAP!  Plus, when you purchase Dawn proceeds go to cleaning up animals in oil spills.  All around win win.

My Look For Less

So maybe you're not looking for my look, but you are looking for a few great separates, stop by Posh Upscale Resale on Hwy 12 in New Buffalo, MI.  From shoes and bags to apparel and jewelry you'll get a great deal on quality items...and maybe walk out with something from my personal collection.http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Posh-Upscale-Resale/139922922700620?sk=wall

Easy Money

This is genious!  My co-worker has totally been raking in the cash by posting stuff for sale on this Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Porter-County-online-garage-sale/141652792588360

If you're selling you don't have to do anything but take a picture and post.  Buyers come to you!
If you're shopping you have the convenience of a local seller and saving lots of money!

Find a garage sale page in your area and make and/or save money from your desk.  You know you're on Facebook right now anyway.