Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Udderly Smooth
I am writing this chuckling because I realize my last several posts have been about going to thrift stores, getting bargains, and not paying full price for expensive items. I think this is funny because as you guys know, I can spend money like an Arab Sheik.
Over the years, I have tried numerous face creams. I have a oily/dry face depending on the zone. I haven't found anything I have loved. I have tried mid range face lotions like ones from Olay and Dove to expensive ones from Chanel, Clinique and Laura Mercier. I haven't found anything I would buy again - and I have been trying a new one for years.
Lately, I have had a problem with dry skin around my mouth area. It's just dry and some days peels and I hate it! A couple weeks ago, I tried all kinds of things from not washing that part of my face, applying Burt's Bees to the dry areas, and of course applying tons of moisturizing lotion. I was a little exhausted with my face because it was still dry and just wasn't looking like I wanted it. I am eating super healthy and my latest face lotion I bought from Clinique just for dry skin wasn't working. I was like, WTF.Even my Mom said something at work.
I went to the Dollar Tree on County Line and Broadway to buy some gift bags for some presents. I decided since I wasn't on a time frame to browse through the store to see what kinds of things were there. I went in the makeup isle. For the most part, it was super cheap stuff in really creepy colors. Not cute.
I went over to the lotions and scanned them and this bottle with a cow hide motif caught my eye:
I read the back and it said that it was "formulated to rehydrate cow udders". Well if this stuff could rehydrate a COW'S UDDER, I would hope that it could rehydrate my FACE!
I threw it in my cart. A buck for two ounces. The last Clinique lotion I bought was something over $20.00 for a couple ounces so I already had a steal. I came home and looked at the ingredients. They weren't all that different than all the other creams I had been using. I decided to try it out. Washed my face, applied it and went to bed.
The next morning, MY FACE LOOKED GREAT! My dry spots were practically gone and only would be noticed by me because I knew they were there but nobody else.
THIS SHIT ROCKS!! It's not greasy at all and it dries in minutes. I spilled some on my shirt and it didn't make a mark. I have been using it every single day since I bought it and my dry spots are gone. I use it on my arms and legs but it's honestly the best face cream to moisturize after cleansing I have ever used. It's also a dollar for a two ounce bottle. A DOLLAR! LOVE.
If you go on Amazon and do a search for it, there are tons of reviews - all positive and all with 5 stars.
There are also a ton of uses for it. It's recommended for people with clinical dryness and also recommended for people undergoing Chemoptherapy and a lot of doctors actually give it out with cancer patient starter kits. You can buy it a lot of places. Click here for stores. If you go to the Dollar Tree on County Line, sorry, it's sold out for now. :]
The ONLY draw back is that it doesn't have SPF but if you use foundation that has SPF, you are covered there.
If this stuff was $91.00 for 1.7 ounces like the Chanel Precision Hydramax that just came out, I would probably buy it if I knew the results ahead of time. Luckily, I can save my extra $90 bucks to put towards a worthy splurge like a fab belt - which unfortunately, I will never find at the dollar store.
Over the years, I have tried numerous face creams. I have a oily/dry face depending on the zone. I haven't found anything I have loved. I have tried mid range face lotions like ones from Olay and Dove to expensive ones from Chanel, Clinique and Laura Mercier. I haven't found anything I would buy again - and I have been trying a new one for years.
Lately, I have had a problem with dry skin around my mouth area. It's just dry and some days peels and I hate it! A couple weeks ago, I tried all kinds of things from not washing that part of my face, applying Burt's Bees to the dry areas, and of course applying tons of moisturizing lotion. I was a little exhausted with my face because it was still dry and just wasn't looking like I wanted it. I am eating super healthy and my latest face lotion I bought from Clinique just for dry skin wasn't working. I was like, WTF.Even my Mom said something at work.
I went to the Dollar Tree on County Line and Broadway to buy some gift bags for some presents. I decided since I wasn't on a time frame to browse through the store to see what kinds of things were there. I went in the makeup isle. For the most part, it was super cheap stuff in really creepy colors. Not cute.
I went over to the lotions and scanned them and this bottle with a cow hide motif caught my eye:
I threw it in my cart. A buck for two ounces. The last Clinique lotion I bought was something over $20.00 for a couple ounces so I already had a steal. I came home and looked at the ingredients. They weren't all that different than all the other creams I had been using. I decided to try it out. Washed my face, applied it and went to bed.
The next morning, MY FACE LOOKED GREAT! My dry spots were practically gone and only would be noticed by me because I knew they were there but nobody else.
THIS SHIT ROCKS!! It's not greasy at all and it dries in minutes. I spilled some on my shirt and it didn't make a mark. I have been using it every single day since I bought it and my dry spots are gone. I use it on my arms and legs but it's honestly the best face cream to moisturize after cleansing I have ever used. It's also a dollar for a two ounce bottle. A DOLLAR! LOVE.
If you go on Amazon and do a search for it, there are tons of reviews - all positive and all with 5 stars.
There are also a ton of uses for it. It's recommended for people with clinical dryness and also recommended for people undergoing Chemoptherapy and a lot of doctors actually give it out with cancer patient starter kits. You can buy it a lot of places. Click here for stores. If you go to the Dollar Tree on County Line, sorry, it's sold out for now. :]
The ONLY draw back is that it doesn't have SPF but if you use foundation that has SPF, you are covered there.
If this stuff was $91.00 for 1.7 ounces like the Chanel Precision Hydramax that just came out, I would probably buy it if I knew the results ahead of time. Luckily, I can save my extra $90 bucks to put towards a worthy splurge like a fab belt - which unfortunately, I will never find at the dollar store.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Have You Ever Been To An Estate Sale?
Have you ever been to an estate sale? If not, GO! It's like going to a thrift store...except you can find even better deals. All estate sales are different and the stuff at them reflects the person that is either moving or died. It also depends on the person hosting the sale. Some estate sales have rock bottom prices and some start high the first day and then go down throughout the weekend. I have been to high end sales at multi million dollar condos downtown or just a regular one in a mid level neighborhood. The fun thing about them is that the house and everything it is for sale - the linens, cookware, TV's, clothes, backyard ornaments, - anything. It's a great opportunity to get furniture or anything you've been needing but don't want to spend full price.
Enter - my vacuum purchase! I moved out almost four years ago and never bought a vacuum because I have a cleaning lady that comes once a month so I have never really needed one but I have always wanted one. The problem is I am a vacuum snob and wanted a Dyson. I wanted that or nothing - so I have gone without...until this morning! Sara and I went to an estate sale at the new house she and her husband bought. It's a super cute house and totally them. I am so happy for them!
I walked down the stairs of the house and it was like the clouds parted and the angels started singing because right there, was my Dyson vacuum in excellent condition. I tried it to make sure it worked. $50 bucks. I saved about $400 off the retail - these are around $450 last time I was at Target. I scooped it up as well as a Pyrex glass container to take salads on the go - for $2.00.
I would say it was a triumphant pick! Keep in mind when you go to only buy things you need or know you will use. So many things at this estate sale were so cheap and I thought, "Oh that is so cheap for that!" and was tempted to buy it...but unless I could sell it quickly on eBay, I didn't need it cluttering up my home. Be discerning at what you purchase and your time and investment will pay off quickly!
Sara and I this morning. We got our usual Friday coffee to go and hopped on over to the sale.
Enter - my vacuum purchase! I moved out almost four years ago and never bought a vacuum because I have a cleaning lady that comes once a month so I have never really needed one but I have always wanted one. The problem is I am a vacuum snob and wanted a Dyson. I wanted that or nothing - so I have gone without...until this morning! Sara and I went to an estate sale at the new house she and her husband bought. It's a super cute house and totally them. I am so happy for them!
I walked down the stairs of the house and it was like the clouds parted and the angels started singing because right there, was my Dyson vacuum in excellent condition. I tried it to make sure it worked. $50 bucks. I saved about $400 off the retail - these are around $450 last time I was at Target. I scooped it up as well as a Pyrex glass container to take salads on the go - for $2.00.
I would say it was a triumphant pick! Keep in mind when you go to only buy things you need or know you will use. So many things at this estate sale were so cheap and I thought, "Oh that is so cheap for that!" and was tempted to buy it...but unless I could sell it quickly on eBay, I didn't need it cluttering up my home. Be discerning at what you purchase and your time and investment will pay off quickly!
Happy Friday Friends!
Love, Rachel
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Thrifty Tips!
Hey Fashionistias!
I find that when I step out in a super cute outfit, killer pair of shoes, amazing work jacket - I get kind compliments from friends and even strangers to which I respond a lot with, "I got this at the ARC". They are always shocked. I find so many awesome things at the thrift store and people always wonder how I have such "luck". It's not luck. Thirft storing is a skill you need to develop and it takes practice. I have been doing this most my life. I thought I would impart a couple tips to take with you on your next thrift storing adventure.
1) Mindset. You need to be in the right mind set before venturing out on an thrift store adventure because it's work. You can't expect a victory every time. Being on the front-lines of a thrift store excursion isn't all roses and lollipops. Sometimes you have to wade through 30 things before you find something good. Sometimes you can go through the whole store and find one thing - or nothing. That DOES happen. Week before last, my friend Dara and I went to dinner and then to the ARC for some shopping. We shopped for an hour and both left empty handed. Last Saturday, we went again and I left with a killer pair of colored jeans which I am wearing today, super cute cap sleeve brown flyaway cardigan, three books I have been wanting to buy anyway, an expensive coffee travel mug, and a North Face workout shirt. (I might add that everything is half price at ARC stores on Saturdays and I left spending $11.64).
2) Figure out your mission BEFORE you go. Every time I go, I keep in mind what I need or what would compliment something I already have. Before you go, decide about three things you are actively looking for to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed. I recommend going on Pinterest and making a board for what you are looking for, for inspiration. I recently was working on a project in which I had to dress "casual country chic" and I was going CRAZY thinking of everything I had to buy. I thought I needed a whole wardrobe! My friend Karen pinned some ideas for me - I also pinned some myself and I realized I only needed a couple boyfriend cardigans and plaid shirts. The rest was in my closet! Here is my board: Show Outfit Ideas
3) To make some extra $$, shop all the sizes. I always look in sizes that don't fit me. Shoes as well. I bought a pair of Manolo's in a size 8 (I wear a 10) but I listed them on eBay for extra cash! They aren't up to much right now but most people bid in the last 10 minutes of an auction. I paid $8.00 for them at a thrift store in Pasadena, Texas. At this same thrift store, I bought three pairs of high end jeans in sizes 2-14 and just brought them up to Zoe's Consignment on Broadway...they gave me a $90.00 store credit for the jeans to which I turned in for a beautiful Missoni Couture top for spring. (This is Missoni Couture - not that Target stuff. I was devastated when the Target thing happened.) I paid under $10.00 for all three pairs of the jeans. Here is my top that I found online!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Just remember your "Three P's" - practice, perseverance, and patience.
Have fun!
Rachel
I find that when I step out in a super cute outfit, killer pair of shoes, amazing work jacket - I get kind compliments from friends and even strangers to which I respond a lot with, "I got this at the ARC". They are always shocked. I find so many awesome things at the thrift store and people always wonder how I have such "luck". It's not luck. Thirft storing is a skill you need to develop and it takes practice. I have been doing this most my life. I thought I would impart a couple tips to take with you on your next thrift storing adventure.
1) Mindset. You need to be in the right mind set before venturing out on an thrift store adventure because it's work. You can't expect a victory every time. Being on the front-lines of a thrift store excursion isn't all roses and lollipops. Sometimes you have to wade through 30 things before you find something good. Sometimes you can go through the whole store and find one thing - or nothing. That DOES happen. Week before last, my friend Dara and I went to dinner and then to the ARC for some shopping. We shopped for an hour and both left empty handed. Last Saturday, we went again and I left with a killer pair of colored jeans which I am wearing today, super cute cap sleeve brown flyaway cardigan, three books I have been wanting to buy anyway, an expensive coffee travel mug, and a North Face workout shirt. (I might add that everything is half price at ARC stores on Saturdays and I left spending $11.64).
2) Figure out your mission BEFORE you go. Every time I go, I keep in mind what I need or what would compliment something I already have. Before you go, decide about three things you are actively looking for to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed. I recommend going on Pinterest and making a board for what you are looking for, for inspiration. I recently was working on a project in which I had to dress "casual country chic" and I was going CRAZY thinking of everything I had to buy. I thought I needed a whole wardrobe! My friend Karen pinned some ideas for me - I also pinned some myself and I realized I only needed a couple boyfriend cardigans and plaid shirts. The rest was in my closet! Here is my board: Show Outfit Ideas
3) To make some extra $$, shop all the sizes. I always look in sizes that don't fit me. Shoes as well. I bought a pair of Manolo's in a size 8 (I wear a 10) but I listed them on eBay for extra cash! They aren't up to much right now but most people bid in the last 10 minutes of an auction. I paid $8.00 for them at a thrift store in Pasadena, Texas. At this same thrift store, I bought three pairs of high end jeans in sizes 2-14 and just brought them up to Zoe's Consignment on Broadway...they gave me a $90.00 store credit for the jeans to which I turned in for a beautiful Missoni Couture top for spring. (This is Missoni Couture - not that Target stuff. I was devastated when the Target thing happened.) I paid under $10.00 for all three pairs of the jeans. Here is my top that I found online!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Just remember your "Three P's" - practice, perseverance, and patience.
Have fun!
Rachel
Friday, April 6, 2012
High Five for Friday
I can't believe it's already Friday again. I love Fridays...even though I generally work Saturdays. Fridays have a feeling of freedom, finishing, and fun. Apparently, I like words that start with F. Know what else I like?
Here's 5 things!
1) I always enjoy Fridays because they start out with coffee with my cousin Sara. Sara and I are in a really good place right now and I love our ritual get togethers. Sara is moving soon so we only have a couple more dates at our favorite Starbucks. We figured out today that we've been meeting there for about 3 years! I also really enjoy Americanos =]
2) I got my stuff back from Big in the mail. No note - which was probably better. I wasn't looking forward to it so it's not really a high but I am also glad it's over with and I have my sexy fuck me shoes back and my favorite Hermes H belt (pictured below) back. I am thankful I got it past me. Good thing I didn't marry him. I like having H as my last name =]
3) I lost a pound this week after completely over indulging this weekend on Palm Sunday. I plan to enjoy myself this Sunday at the Broadmoor but not do the crazy eating all day and into the night like I did last weekend. It causes me total anxiety! Thank goodness I walked everyday. I am really enjoying being healthy again and feeling in control.
4) Over the weekend, I went to a Easter Egg dying party at my cousin Sara's house. It was nice to hang out, chat with the other gals there about fashion and boys and just socialize. It was nice to get out and hanging out with other awesome woman always makes me feel empowered.
5) So on my bucket list was a post about buying baby wipes to clean my new LV purse. I did this last night and it WORKED AMAZINGLY!!! It's my best find since green smoothies. I will dedicate a whole blog to this new find. Stay tuned.
6) I need to add 6 things...on my way to work, this cute skater boy was eating a banana and totally checking me out as we drove all the way down Santa Fe. We kept smiling, waving, flirting. I felt hot! He seemed like a total player and he yelled, "What are we doing tonight?" out the window. I just laughed and hit my turbo button on my car and smoked him. I am not ready to date and especially not this guy cat calling me from Santa Fe but this experience boosted my confidence and reminded me that I "still got it!" =]
6) I need to add 6 things...on my way to work, this cute skater boy was eating a banana and totally checking me out as we drove all the way down Santa Fe. We kept smiling, waving, flirting. I felt hot! He seemed like a total player and he yelled, "What are we doing tonight?" out the window. I just laughed and hit my turbo button on my car and smoked him. I am not ready to date and especially not this guy cat calling me from Santa Fe but this experience boosted my confidence and reminded me that I "still got it!" =]
What are you grateful for this week?
Love,
Rachel
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Bucket List (for the next two months)
As you guys may know or not know, I recently went through a break up. Breaks ups are always tough no matter who initiated it but one good thing that comes from it is you now have the opportunity to focus on other goals. In a relationship, a lot of energy is put into it (or should be). For me, I know almost every time I have gone through one, I started something new - whether it was a new job, hobby, rekindled a new or old friendship - I always try and focus on positive things I can do with my new found time and energy.
I made a "Bucket List" for the next two months. In this time, I will have an answer back about the TV show I just filmed a pilot for and I have a waiting period before I make any major moves. Tentatively, this period is March 11th through May 31st: I made a list of goals:
Lose the 10 lbs I gained between Thanksgiving and March 11th. (halfway there!)
Update resume
Replace shower curtain lining
Go to YSL Exhibit at the museum
Get album for GSM photos
Baby wipes to clean Louis Vuitton Claudia purse I just bought
Get food processor
Get car detailed
Figure out how to fix faucet in kitchen
Put David Yurman ring on eBay as well as silver Manolos, Louis Vuitton bracelet and JA belt buckle.
Pay off Chanel watch
Pay off Limited Card (why the heck did I open that thing? OH YEAH! I needed a whole new wardrobe for Paris!)
Read a book. A real one - from start to finish!
What is your Bucket List? No matter if it's a life list or for the next few months, it's always good to write things down and figure out your goals. There is also something also something so satisfying about crossing things off! Refer back to the post to see me cross things off over the next month and a half. Let's hope, everything!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
OPI: Did You 'ear About Van Gogh?
I love a new great quality nail polish in a fun color. Over the winter, I was borderline uncomfortably obsessed with OPI's Russian line. I loved the "Midnight in Moscow" color. It was a super deep purple that from a distance looked black but wasn't as harsh.
My lovely friend Karen gave me an amazing Easter basket over the weekend filled with all kinds of miniature beauty products I can't wait to try. Look out for future blogs! Among the great stuff was a new nail color from OPI's Holland collection called, "Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh?" Vincent Van Gogh was a post impressionist Dutch painter. You may know
him for his vibrant paintings of Starry Night, sunflowers, wheat fields
and a number of portraits and self portraits. The story of Van Gogh's
lost ear is a famous one. It was originally thought that he cut it off
himself during a fit of madness. More recently, historians argue that it
was sliced off with a rapier during an argument with his friend (and
fellow artist) Paul Gaugin. They purportedly kept a pact of silence so
no-one knows the real story. The name of the polish is funny - yet morbid.
The color is a light super sophisticated neutral color. I applied 3 coats but only needed two. This would make a great work polish or for when you need something
understated but still chic. Chips aren't as noticeable with this color either. I am going on three days and it's still perfect (with a great top and bottom coat) Putty polishes like this are still neutral and conservative but not boring. They still have kind of a rock and roll edge. People will look twice to figure out what color it is.
I highly recommend this color. Thanks Karen!
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