For the Love of Linen

This week has been crazy! Even though we had the day off on Monday, I spent plenty of time on a couple of work projects in preparation for the rest of the week. Fortunately, I was able to get some relaxation in as well.

As I've written about before, I am in love with bubble baths. A good bubble bath relaxes me and puts me in a great mood for the rest of the evening. I do have to say, though, I have definitely been re-thinking my stance on bath towels. It used to be that I'd reach for any one of the thick towels in my linen closet but I've become less enamored with them (too heavy, sometimes don't air dry well, etc). Well, at Christmas, my husband purchased two sets of linen towels for me and now I am hooked!

Photo via

"Why linen?" you ask? Here's the deal: linen is absorbent, dries quickly, feels luxurious and doesn't take up a ton of space on the closet shelf. It's also not heavy, which I really like. Hubby giifted me with the goodlinens Diamond Weave towels that he found on the website The Grommet (you MUST check it out!). I absolutely LOVE these towels and now they are all I use. I'm never caught with a damp towel because these dry so fast. And you know how those thick towels can sometimes smell not so good (like musty smells never leave them no matter how much you wash and dry them)? Yeah...that doesn't happen with my goodlinen towels. So check them out!

Photo via

Besides the natural color of the Diamond Weave, they also have a couple of other patterns which I will be sure to try out (and you should too). One of the other things I love about this towel is that it's made by a small business and I love supporting artisans. 

Love these towels! goodlinens, you have a new fan for life!!!

Ages of Beauty rating:: *****

Urban Decay Ink for Eyes in Perversion

Have I told you lately how much I love Urban Decay’s Ink for Eyes? No? Then let me tell you now! I first bought this liquid liner when it first came out earlier in 2014. But then things went to hell in a hand basket and I stopped blogging for awhile (and I had planned on telling you then about my new favorite black eyeliner). Suffice it to say that Ink for Eyes was a staple for me all thru 2014 until I mistakenly left the top off of it after months of use and it dried out during a business trip (sad face). BUT I LOVE IT! Let me show you why…

See that tip? Yeah, I know…you really have to look hard because it’s so tiny and fine. That’s one of the many things I love about this liner. Precision is key when drawing a fine line whether it’s on paper or on your eyelids and this liner is as good as it gets. I can achieve the finest, blackest line ever on my eye lids or go thick, rich and dark for a more dramatic look. And flicks and cat eyes are NO problem! If you’ve never been able to get a good flick or cat eye, then this one is for you!

See how perfect? The color is also a to-die-for rich, deep black. Perversion is glossy and the blackest black. What’s not to love?

Yes, that is the thinnest black line you have probably ever seen (OK, maybe not). This stuff also holds tight, doesn’t smudge and lasts all day and into the evening. Awesome stuff!!

You can purchase UD’s Ink for Eyes at Sephora for $20 (click here). I know you’ll love it as much as I do!

Ages of Beauty rating: *****

Outfit of the Day: Business Casual at a Conference

2014 was the year for business travel and if the beginning of 2015 is any indication, there will be a lot more business travel to come. I spent all of last week at my company’s global sales kickoff. It was just me and 3,000 other people, from all over the world, in Orlando for the week. Trips like these are really nice because not only do you learn a lot about the plans for the coming year but it’s a great opportunity for exposure to other cultures and languages. Fortunately, I love my job and the people I work with (even though we all work out of our homes, I see them A LOT!) because I end up spending plenty of time away from home. Believe me…coming home is really sweet!

Packing for business travel can be difficult due to climate, unpredictable weather and airlines (ugh!). I usually try to plan and cram everything into a carry on but since this trip was six days long, I decided to pack a larger bag and take many of my favorites. Most of the time, conference dressing means business casual (no suits) and since this one was an employees only affair, that meant I could take advantage of my very serious collection of clothing by Dobbin! In case this is your first time reading this blog, I must tell you that I absolute love this brand! Dobbin’s fashions are made in the USA, using amazing European fabrics (you will be amazed at the quality!) and priced just right! Just the fact that I, literally, purchase multiple items from every collection is a testimony in itself—I have NEVER fallen in love with a brand before! Not only is the fit just right but they have great sales (and they’re having one right now)!! Here’s a peek at one of the outfits from last week.

My outfit began with the gorgeous Luisa Silk Blouse from Dobbin. The beautiful black and ivory print ensures that this top works with a majority of the items in my closet. It’s comfortable and a great layering piece.

My pants were also from Dobbin: the New Stanton Slim Pant in Black Stretch Corduroy. Honestly, I thought these pants were like my velvet feel pants from Talbots---the corduroy is that soft! And just like the other New Stanton pants in my wardrobe, this fit is amazing! On my feet I wore a pair of LK Bennet burgundy colored suede booties from last year. Even though the heel was quite high, the platform inside ensured that these babies were really comfortable! (Here’s a pair that looks just like them but in black)

Because I am always cold (and temps in large ballrooms tend to be on the chilly side), I topped my outfit off with a Talbots Charming cardigan in black. I have these in many colors and they are great!

Outfits like this take me thru most conferences and even when it’s more of a prospect or customer facing event, these same pieces can be easily dressed up.

I’m getting back into the “regular blogging” groove so stay tuned for more this week!

Outfit of the Day: Bright and Beautiful!

It may sound old fashioned, but there's just something I love about a new dress! And a dress that is beautiful, bright AND comfortable, makes me happy beyond words! That's just what I found when I put on my new Carmen Ponte Flip Dress from Dobbin Clothing. I've written about Dobbin a lot, not just because they are a great American success story (and the founders are really nice!) but because I literally feel like I could be a fit model for their larger sizes. Seriously, everything I have purchased from Dobbin fits like a dream, is great for travel, and always looks great (and no, I am not a paid spokesperson for Dobbin)!

Now, I am not a thin person. My normal size is a 14 or a 16. I am short and I have what is known as a large hourglass figure. I've long ago become comfortable with my body and I know what looks good on me and what doesn't. In other words, I work with what I have. That mindset allows me to face the world with confidence and impacts (positively) how people interact with me.

In addition to the beautiful dress, I am wearing a Talbots Charming Cardigan (it's cold in the office where I'm working this week but I have no problem taking it off and exposing my arms) and my Stuart Weitzman cork wedges. I'm comfortable and polished looking and that's half the battle, right?

My Current Must Haves

I’ve tried so many products this Spring and Summer and since I’d much rather write about the ones I like, it’s time for my current favorites! Each of these has been my go to for several weeks and they are worth telling you about (so you should try them too :) )! Click on the links below to find these products.

Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Hand Soap (OMG!!! Beautiful scent!!)

Julep polishes in Maddy and Ramona

Sephora Formula X polish in Invincible

IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Stain in Pretty in Peony

Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation (light enough but stays put in humidity)

MyKitsch.com Headbands (these don’t stretch out on my big head!)

IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Eyeshadow Palette

Bella Fresca Bath & Body “Sand and Surf” Handmade Soap (smells like my favorite beach scent!)

You Smell Wet Wipes

and…

Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume (the absolute best beach scent of all times!!!)

What are you loving so far this summer?

Another TV Obsession: Revenge!!!

Happy Monday!!! Hope you all had a great weekend and a great Father's Day. If you've been following this blog, You know that my father passed away two months ago, so it was a bit of a sad day for me, but I tried to keep busy by reoganizing my office, taking on a number of DIY projects and watching marathon sessions of my new favorite TV show, Revenge!

I'm not watching much TV these days, so Revenge is one of those shows that I didn't discover until I saw it in the lineup on Netflix. I blasted thru seasons one and two and then switched over to Amazon Prime for season three. This show is full of soap opera drama and it is just amazing at how evil and dastardly some of the characters are (I'm looking at you, Victoria Grayson!). Plot twist after plot twist has kept me interested and I swear, this show is like crack!!! 

Emily Thorne and Victoria Grayson
(Emily Van Camp and Madeleine Stowe)
Picture via

My favorite character is Nolan Ross, the delightfully geeky computer nerd who is perfectly played by the delicious Gabriel Mann. I've always been attracted to smart guys, and he's as smart (Nolan--despite his social awkwardness) as they get. Plus, he's got great taste in clothing and houses (and he's a great friend to Emily Thorne, the Queen of Revenge).

Gabriel Mann

Photo via

Photo via

Revenge really does grab you and pulls you in. There's so much going on in this show---intrigue, murder, love, sex, scandal...the list goes on and on. I've also been reading a little bit how the show is made and interestingly enough, one of the stars of the show, "Grayson Manor," the summer home of the fabulously wealthy Grayson family, actually doesn't even exist---it's completely computer generated!!! Check it out in the picture below:

Photo via

Amazing, huh?

Anyway, Do yourself a favor and get yourself over to either Netflix or Amazon Prime to begin watching this addictive show. If your're anything like me, you'll devour the first couple of seasons and be ravenous for more!!!

Paula’s Choice Mega Length Mascara---My New Holy Grail!!!

Man, I love a good mascara! I’m known among my friends (and here) for going to great lengths to find the perfect non smudging, ridiculous length lash making mascara. I’ve found it with two high end mascaras (see posts here and here) and have almost found it with several drugstore mascaras. Imagine my surprise when I also found it with Paula’s Choice newest mascara, Megalength! I normally think of Paula’s Choice as a skincare brand but I am impressed with this mascara. Check out the before and after pictures, below!

Before Mega Lash

Before Mega Lash

After Mega Lash

After Mega Lash

 Paula’a Choice describes Mega Lash as volumizing, lengthening and water resistant. I’ve been wearing it every day since it arrived in my mailbox and have to say that I love it! There’s no flaking smudging or racoon eyes with this mascara but it’s easily removed at the end of the day. Perfection!!! In the pictures above, I’m wearing two coats on the top lashes only. Just imagine what it will do if I apply it my bottom lashes! Vavavooooom!!!

Available for $12 on the Paula’s Choice website (here), this is a heck of a great buy. If you’re a makeup junkie, you NEED this mascara. In fact, you need it even if you’re not! This one goes into my “Love” category!

Ages of Beauty rating: *****

Physicians Formula Super BB Cream

When I temporarily moved my home base to tropical Florida, not only did the dryness of the winter instantly leave my skin but I also suddenly had a need for major spf! At the same time, I began to be pulled in twenty directions at a time, leaving a lot less time for making myself up. Fortunately, the local CVS had just what I needed---Physicians Formula’s Super BB Cream! I’ll say it right up front---I LOVE this product and it has been my “go to” tinted moisturizer for quite awhile now. Read on to find out why and see before/after pictures!

Before BB Cream (mascara only)

Hate me if you will, but while I’ve been in Florida, my “office” has often been outside on the patio in the sunny, 80 degree + weather! Although I am under an umbrella, I always make sure to have spf on my face and the easiest way to do it is with a tinted moisturizer. Physicians Formula Super BB Cream comes equipped with spf 30, which is just perfect for my purposes. It’s soooo easy to smooth on the face, doesn’t settle into my huge forehead and nose pores and dries to a satin finish. In Florida, my skin only has minor dry patches here and there and I find that my skin absolutely loves this product. Super BB Cream also seems to have more of a medium coverage than some of the other BB Creams, whose coverage is often pretty sheer. If you compare the “before BB Cream” picture above with the “after” below, you’ll see what I mean:

After BB Cream

You can see that the darker patches right under my eyes are less noticeable (I’m not wearing any concealer or powder in the picture above) as is the darkness on my chin. My blotchy redness also seems to have disappeared! I’m not doing any special “airbrushing” in these photos, just showing you exactly my results. Pretty impressive, huh? Based on my experience, I think that most people will enjoy this BB Cream except for those with oily to very oily skin. For oily ladies/guys, a layer of setting powder will probably help but the formula may be a little bit too emollient for you.

Super BB Cream Light/Medium

Super BB Cream Light/Medium

About the only negative I see about this product is the color selection. In the drugstore, I only saw Light/Medium and Medium/Deep although the Physicians Formula website also lists a “Light” shade as available. Based on my coloring, which is in the NW/NC 20 range in MAC foundation, the Light shade must be very pale. The Deep shade does not look like it would work for very dark skinned ladies so that is disappointing as this is such a great product.

Overall, I’m in “love” with Physicians Formula’s Super BB Cream, which means that not only does this product earn a Five Star Rating, it also goes on my highly coveted “Love” list! Have you tried Super BB Cream? What do you think?

Find Physicians Formula Super BB Cream for about $14.99 at a drugstore near you!

Super BB Cream after concealer, blush, powder and lipstick

Ages of Beauty rating: *****

Products I’m Loving!!!

It’s been a week since I’ve posted due to my focus on my Dad’s health issues and work. Just about everything that could have gone wrong with Dad has, but we’re hopeful that now he’s on the (very long) mend. My husband is visiting me in Florida this week so I thought I’d start the week off right---with a blog post! :)

Even though I haven’t posted very much, I have been testing products like crazy! I’ve got so much material, pictures, products, etc but no time to write. Over the weekend, I spent some time downloading and editing, organizing and planning so I hope to do a lot of posting in the next couple of weeks. Starting things out , I’ll give you a sneak peek of some products that I have really been loving lately. Scroll down for more!!!

Clockwise from bottom left:

Tarte BB Tinted Undereye Corrector

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Snow Peach

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum

Skin Actives Scar Gel

Physicians Formula BB Cream

Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

Garnier Soothing Cream Cleanser

Paula’s Choice Mega Length Lash Extending Mascara

Revlon Stainless Steel Nail Groomer

Absolute Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover Pads

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel in Apricot Nectar

Maybelline Color Show Nail Enamel in Neutral Statement

From top:

Esqido Mink Eyelashes in Unforgettable

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Revlon CC Cream

Cover Girl Blastlipstick in Glimmer

Skin Actives Revitalizing Night Cream

Skin Actives Anti-Aging Cream

Skin Actives Antioxidant Day Cream

My own DIY Cuticle Cream

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Snow Peach

Skin Actives Anti Aging Creams and My DIY Cuticle Balm

Stay tuned for more reviews coming your way!! Thanks for your patience as I navigate the waters of eldercare.

L’Oreal Revitalift Moisture Blur—A Dupe for Mac Prep & Prime Skin?

Every so often, I’m pleasantly surprised when I try a new product and this is the case with L’Oreal’s Revitalift Moisture Blur. This product is billed as a moisturizer that doubles as an  “instant skin soother.” Moisture Blur may some familiar and that’s because it’s in the same family as L’Oreal’s Revitalift Miracle Blur, a primer that I thought I reviewed but it turns out I haven’t (I do like it). While that one is very definitely not billed as a moisturizer, the products are actually very similar. Both contains large amounts of silicone oils and reduce the appearance of fine lines (therefore “blurring” the imperfections on the face). But as I wore Moisture Blur for about four days, I realized that rather than feeling (and performing) like a traditional moisturizer, it reminded me so much of one of my favorite high end primers, Mac Prep & Prime Skin! See below for the ingredients of both products and then an “in English” explanation from me.

L’Oreal Revitalift Moisture Blur Ingredients:

DIMETHICONE • AQUA/WATER • GLYCERIN • ISONONYL ISONONANOATE • DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER • VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER • ALCOHOL DENAT. • BUTYLENE GLYCOL • LAURYL PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE • METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER • BORON NITRIDE • PEG/ PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE • HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN • CI77163/BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE • SILICA SILYLATE • PHENOXYETHANOL • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • MAGNESIUM SULFATE • ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE • PARFUM/ FRAGRANCE • CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID • TETRASODIUM EDTA • RETINYL PALMITATE • LINALOOL • CI 77891/TITANIUM DIOXIDE • BENZYL SALICYLATE • SODIUM HYDROXIDE • BENZYL ALCOHOL • CITRONELLOL • GERANIOL • LIMONENE • ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE • SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE • CI 77491/IRON OXIDES • COUMARIN • N- HYDROXYSUCCINIMIDE • HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE • DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE • ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE • PALMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDE • CHRYSIN • PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7 •

Mac Prep & Prime Skin Ingredients:

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Sucrose, Isopentyldiol, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Gellidiela Acerosa (Algea) Extract, Morus Bombycis (Mulberry) Root Extract, Hypnea Musciformis(Algea) Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Poria COcos Sclerotium Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Amorphophallus Koniac Root Powder, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Algea Extract, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosephate, Masnesium Myristate, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Saccharide Isomerate, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Silica, Plysorbate 20, Alumina, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyethylene, Phenyl Timethicone, Triethocycaprylysilane, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Bismuth Oxychloride.

To net this out for you, both products have silicones and water as their first ingredients (typically words ending in –cone and –ane are dead giveaways for silicones). Silicones give both products their slippery feel, the “line filling” capabilities and also moisturizing characteristics. The L’Oreal product also includes glycerin as its third ingredient, which is a traditional moisturizer as well. Both products include thickeners, stabilizers, fragrance, chemicals that make the lotions glide over the skin and preservatives.

When I review a product and its ingredient list, I always first look for the preservative because that will (usually) indicate where the 1% mark is. At and below 1%, ingredients do not have to be listed in order of percentage but everything over 1% does. So that means that in the L’Oreal product, there is more water than glycerin but there may or may not be more salicylic acid than chrysin. In both lists, I highlighted the preservative ingredients. Now, on its own, phenoxyethanol is a perfectly good preservative but it’s also an ingredient in a common non-paraben preservative called Optiphen Plus. The rules of ingredient listings say that companies must list the individual ingredients rather than the trade name of the ingredient so Optiphen Plus becomes phenoxyethanol, capryl glycol and sorbic acid (aka potassium sorbate). It is used at percentages between .5% to 1.5%, which means that pretty much everything after that ingredient is used in very small quantities, which may not make much of a difference in the formulation. It looks to me that Mac is using Optiphen Plus while L’Oreal is using phenoxyethanol as a preservative (I couldn’t find the sorbic acid but it may be listed using a name with which I am not familiar).

With that in mind, the biggest differences between these two products are the actives (anti aging chemicals) in the Mac Prep & Prime Skin and the price. Mac Prep & Prime Skin costs $30 for 1 ounce and I paid $19.99 for 1.7 ounces of L’Oreal’s Moisture Blur. After using Moisture Blur for a week, I used it alongside Mac Prep & Prime and, in my opinion, they performed identically. That means I have found another drugstore primer (or moisturizer, depending on how you want to classify it) that I absolutely love!

Have you tried Moisture Blur? Do you love it as much as I do?

Ages of Beauty rating: *****

Indulging a Bit of Self Pity with a Sweet Treat

We all have days/weeks/months where little (or big) things have us feeling just a wee bit sorry for ourselves. When that happens to me, I try to get out of it as quickly as possible and I've found that the best way to deal with it is to indulge the self pity in a small but potentially impactful way. Now those of you who know me in real life, know that I'm not much of a shopper, that I like to cook and bake and that a bubble bath goes a long way (heck---my blog readers know that about me!). I had a situation this past weekend that sent me into self-indulgence mode.

I have many pets (or had) and have often said that when I die I want to come back as one of them. They are very well cared for and tend to live long lives. Well, this past weekend, I had to put one of my cats down (and she was the second cat I've had to put down this month alone). Misty definitely lived a good, long life. She was 21 years old (I literally have her birth records) and had recently gone into full kidney failure. As a result, Misty was anemic, had lost a lot of weight and was dehydrated--all due to her kidneys no longer functioning. Leading up to this outcome, Misty and I spent quite a bit of time together. Here we are snuggling a few nights ago:

Misty's death came three weeks after Max's. Max was a twenty year old rescue whom I found over ten years ago in an animal shelter in Oakland, CA. He was such a sweet guy but he finally succumbed to hyper thyroid disease and had gone from 19 pounds in his prime to less than five. 

After spending Saturday morning at the vet's office, I decided to do something I NEVER do---shop. Now, I really like to online shop but as far as I'm concerned, malls and shopping centers are a waste of time (yeah I know---I don't have the shopping gene). Saturday, however, I decided to spend several hours in Bed, Bath & Beyond, catching up on the shopping I needed to do for several home projects. I also decided to purchase the ingredients for my final act of self pity---baking (and eating) a couple of recipes of luscious, ooey, gooey indulgent cookies. I'll just share one recipe here, today, but will share others in the future. Whether you're looking for a little indulgence or looking to satisfy your sweet tooth for peanut butter and chocolate, these fit the bill. They also freeze really well, which is what I did after eating two (that actually did the trick!) so don't feel bad about controlled indulging!!! The recipe (which I have included below) is from Beantown Baker and it is delish! I believe it calls for regular sized muffin pans and peanut butter cups but I used the mini versions of both. Doing this, the recipe made 42 cookies and each one is just enough to satisfy my need for a little indulgence. Here are a few pictures that I took during the process as well as the recipe. Enjoy!!!

P.S. If you're looking for more great recipes, check out the Beantown Baker's awesome site by clicking here!

Reese's Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

ingredients:

For the Peanut Butter Cookie Layer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
14 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, frozen (0.55 ounces each)

For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Layer
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt

For the Ganache Layer
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
7 0.55-ouncce Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, frozen (0.55 ounces each)

directions:

For the peanut butter cookie crust
Heat oven to 350˚F. Mix butter and sugar until creamed in a large bowl. Mix in egg and peanut butter until smooth; stir in flour and salt. Grease 14 cups of 2 muffin pans and press dough evenly into the bottom of the cups. Bake at 350˚F for 12 minutes or until light golden brown and set. Immediately press a frozen Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center of each cookie cup. Let cool 5 minutes, then remove from pan, place on wire racks, and allow to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

For the peanut butter cookie dough
Add the butter and brown sugar to a large bowl and mix until creamy. Mix in the milk and the peanut butter, then stir in the flour and salt. Spread the peanut butter cookie dough evenly over the cooled cookie cups.

For the Ganache
Place chocolate chips and cream in a small microwavable bowl; microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Continue stirring until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Place dollaps of ganache on top of the cookie dough layer. Place cookie cups in the refrigerator for an hour or until ganache is set. Cut Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in half and garnish cups with them, if desired.