tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55304551588768907052024-03-05T03:55:38.394-06:00RAVE ON!Daily raves on my favorite things: beauty products, recipes, books, clothing, stores, etc. If it leaves me with a good feeling and meets or exceeds my expectations, I'm going to share it with all of you on this blog!Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-84860716966869459792009-11-13T21:26:00.011-06:002009-11-13T21:58:40.997-06:00Rave of the Day: Books that Make Me Think, and Help Me Grow<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Usually, I stick to one thing at a time with each rave, but today, you guys get a package deal, because I'm just in that kind of mood. I feel abuzz right now, just walking away from a wonderfully smart, warm, thought-provoking conversation with two AMAZING women. We started the evening as total strangers, but we shared an almost instant connection; these two incredible women each herald from my home state of Wisconsin (holla!) and I met them at a chiropractic business conference in St. Louis, MO. Love how small the world is sometimes, and how serendipitous it can be. They each shared unbelievable stories of triumph and heartache, and I felt like there was SO MUCH we could talk about, share, take in, appreciate, and learn from one another. We became a sisterhood.<br />
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During the course of our conversation, we started talking about one of my favorite personal development books, </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://strengths.gallup.com/110440/About-StrengthsFinder-2.aspx"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Strengths Finder 2.0</span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">. Are you familiar with it? It's a really detailed assessment tool that helps people find their top five key strengths, encouraging people to FLOURISH in their capabilities , shining a light on what makes them unique/special, doing the things they have a gift for and enjoy doing, versus focusing on trying to improve their weaknesses, which is important in it's own right, but gets entirely too much attention in our society. Very, very interesting stuff. And it makes perfect sense, right? I mean, it's much more fulfilling to hone your natural skills and center your focus and attention on them, rather than trying to improve an area that you struggle in and don't take a deep interest in. I love their example, "What good is a sundial in the shade?" <br />
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After you've completed the looooooong questionnaire, it explains what is most important to someone with this or that strength, what most motivates a person with this strength, how to effectively communicate with them, etc. etc. Compelling stuff.<br />
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The authors behind Strengths Finder 2.0 also wrote </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://strengths.gallup.com/114079/Full-Bucket.aspx"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How Full is Your Bucket</span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">, an equally amazing book that asks you to consider the effect your actions, your attitude, and your WORDS have on those around you, whether it's in the workplace, your marriage, your kids, AND, how your attitude affects YOU, your health, your longevity, and your overall life experience. Primarily, it asks, do you focus on the positive, or the negative? Are your words and actions filling up someone's emotional bucket, or are your words/actions depleting someone's bucket/life experience? (And is your attitude, in turn, filling or depleting your own bucket?) Very simple concept, this relatively new (and growing!) field of Positive Psychology...and very important.<br />
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Oh, and a little tidbit...Purchase "How Full is Your Bucket", and you will receive a complimentary code to take the "Strengths Finder 2.0" assessment for free. Boo-yah.<br />
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To avoid this blog post from getting annoyingly long (too late?) I'm just going to bulletpoint some of my other favorite self-development/ business-building/team-building books that made me self-reflect and look at things with a new perspective/appreciation. Click the link to learn more about each specific book, and if it resonates with you, buy it, or head to your library and check it out.<br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.whomovedmycheese.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who Moved My Cheese?</span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> by Spencer Johnson, M.D.<br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://topperformer.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Top Performer: A Bold Approach to Sales and Service</span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., & Carr Hagermann, PSP<br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=0roI5Pqz_RMC&pg=PA2&dq=FISH!+Catch+the+Energy+and+Release+the+Potential#v=onepage&q=FISH!%20Catch%20the%20Energy%20and%20Release%20the%20Potential&f=false"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fish! Catch the Energy & Release the Potential!</span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> by Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., Harry Paul, & John Christensen.<br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.naturalselling.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Natural Selling</span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> by Michael Oliver<br />
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I think I'm going to stop here. I've got other books in mind, but I think they deserve their own post and explanation of why they resonate with me, and how they've affected my life on a more personal level...<br />
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And, finally, if you do the Strengths Finder, share your results in the comments! I'll share mine, for anyone interested:<br />
1) Relator<br />
2) Achiever<br />
3) Empathy<br />
4) Positivity<br />
5) Connectedness <br />
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You'll have to get the book to see what they mean... :)</span></span> </i>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-27517179007957283002009-04-14T17:02:00.028-05:002009-04-15T10:04:20.104-05:00Rave of the Day: Susan Boyle on "Britain's Got Talent"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxPZcSBbU5Rgu5no5l2QUthL1FK25sieuMHhNFQKn4Zx4vIWvvh9S9QduTjkMoGFMJKkfbTrLXj9HvQgzcRDe-q1xs26gamOB3Iwiqoclfd_OFcaqUNTCm_bRKsnob7ghxq74RUuDCeT-/s1600-h/susan_boyle_audition.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxPZcSBbU5Rgu5no5l2QUthL1FK25sieuMHhNFQKn4Zx4vIWvvh9S9QduTjkMoGFMJKkfbTrLXj9HvQgzcRDe-q1xs26gamOB3Iwiqoclfd_OFcaqUNTCm_bRKsnob7ghxq74RUuDCeT-/s200/susan_boyle_audition.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324674773612568018" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Susan Boyle. Wow. She's inspiring the world with one performance. You've seen her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY">audition to Britain's Got Talent</a> right? Again, WOW. Just incredibly uplifting. Truly, a celebration of the human spirit, and a pure triumph. Gives me goose-bumps every time I watch it.</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">think Entertainment Weekly's <a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/susan-boyle-why.html">Lisa Scwarzbaum</a> nailed it on the head in this article:</span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><blockquote>I'm still stuck on Susan Boyle, and still weeping...I play the YouTube clip over and over of Boyle, the frumpy, middle-aged British lady who marched out on the stage of the national TV show Britain’s Got Talent this past weekend. She bided her time through the judgmental hoots and snickers of the studio audience and judges (headed by international snickerer-in-chief Simon Cowell). She sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. And she brought a worldwide audience to their feet -- to her feet -- with the grandeur of her voice.<br /><br />...Right now I'm pondering why the experience of watching and listening to Ms. Boyle makes so many viewers cry, me among them. And I think I've got a simple answer, at least for me: In our pop-minded culture so slavishly obsessed with packaging -- the right face, the right clothes, the right attitudes, the right Facebook posts -- the unpackaged artistic power of the unstyled, un-hip, un-kissed Ms. Boyle let me feel, for the duration of one blazing showstopping ballad, the meaning of human grace. She pierced my defenses. She reordered the measure of beauty. And I had no idea until tears sprang how desperately I need that corrective from time to time.</blockquote>Pretty well said, no? I'm drawn to tears because of her grace, her humility, and her quiet display of confidence in spite of being cast aside. It's the way she blossoms before our very eyes as the song goes on. It's the fact that she has proven the audience wrong after the first note, and has them on their feet within the first three lines of the song. Watching this, you FEEL that her life-long dream is becoming reality. What an extremely powerful thing to witness, and what a gift she shares with her music.<br /></span></span></span>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-72296360795681639642009-04-10T11:31:00.009-05:002009-04-11T11:08:29.508-05:00Rave of the Day: My Favorite Vacation Spots to Get Away From It All<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuvTssVNKM0IX99tF4isRCVjR2grCadWTE8lAq2Qhyphenhyphen_N4ggL3CF47M68nhRZ7LNTEotn038xdsX9emm97hOlGMEyIGoQ8AvKySx5s9yF8RHc9mCqwYpTdnuZ4AXpg1hb0kh99pH0kS1Fa/s1600-h/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuvTssVNKM0IX99tF4isRCVjR2grCadWTE8lAq2Qhyphenhyphen_N4ggL3CF47M68nhRZ7LNTEotn038xdsX9emm97hOlGMEyIGoQ8AvKySx5s9yF8RHc9mCqwYpTdnuZ4AXpg1hb0kh99pH0kS1Fa/s200/GetAttachment.aspx.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323093619274344066" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I know, I know, I've been neglecting this blog, and I'm sorry. My mind has been on other things the past few weeks because </span></span></span><a href="http://www.weddingbycolor.com/bananapants/milestones/53354"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">we had to put our dog down</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. (Bone cancer.) But as hard as that was, I have to say I was completely uplifted by the support we've had from friends, family, even complete strangers. The love and compassion we've experienced has been pretty amazing. </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We still miss our Sami, and will forever remember the silly "clown face" he made when he was really happy. (This picture is just a hint of that face.) I thought I would honor him by showing you some places that have given me the same type of face and feelings of pure joy and happiness. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These specific getaways allowed me to connect with nature, and slow down enough and pay attention to stuff that often goes overlooked and is taken for granted in everyday life. Places Sami would have really enjoyed. Here they are, in no particular order:</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/">Lake Tahoe, NV/CA</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Remember the old Loony Toon cartoons, when they would go away for camp somewhere? You know the ones, where there's a huge lake with crystal blue water surrounded by mountains and trees? Well, I'm pretty sure the animators used Lake Tahoe as their inspiration. In one word: picturesque. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was fully in-tune with my senses here - the warmth of the sun on my skin, the sound of the water hitting the rocks on the shore, the fragrant flowers (smelled soooooo good), the uber fresh air. It was amazing. Time moves at a much slower pace in Tahoe country. (Hint - go early. We went to a NV state park at 7 a.m. and basically had the whole place to ourselves. As we were leaving, busses full of kids showed up and we were so happy we decided to get up early that morning.) Lots of very cool shops in the resort towns surrounding the lake too.</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.yosemitepark.com/">Yosemite National Park, CA</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I had a very similar experience here too. Everything is just stunningly beautiful, particularly at Yosemite Valley, which allows you to really see the grandness of it all from a distance. (There's a reason Ansel Adams was drawn to this place.) </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I can't wait to go again, and next time, I'm doing it right, hiking, backpacking, and camping for a few days and really getting to the core of Yosemite. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> A perfect 10 in my book.</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/bryce.htm">Bryce Canyon National Park, UT</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Amazing red rocks in cool pipe-like formations, deep blue skies, (moderately easy) hiking trails zig-zagging through it all - who ever knew Utah was so frickin COOL? These natural ampitheatres reminded me of castles, and are breathtaking. Some of Mother Nature's finest work, in my opinion. </span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion.htm">Zion National Park, UT</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sticking with Utah (such a great state - so much more than Salt Lake City and skiing), Zion National Park was AWESOME. It's biggest claim to fame is that it's one of the best places in the continental United States to star gaze because a) the high elevation and b) lack of light pollution. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Of course, there's lots of great stuff to do during the day too. We did a ton of hiking through the canyons, and cooled ourselves off by wading through a shallow riverbed and getting into a water fight. Sami would have been ALL over that, trust me!</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/">Blue Ridge Parkway, VA/NC</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have to show the East Coast some love too. If you're looking for a road trip, it doesn't get much better than this beautiful drive. 450+ miles, spanning from Shenandoah National Park in VA to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in NC. And no commercial traffic is allowed, so that means no big rigs riding your butt down the mountain passes. Booyah!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There, I've showed you mine, now it's your turn to show me yours! </span></span></span></div></div><a href="http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/"></a>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-27105190307173594082009-03-19T22:38:00.027-05:002009-04-11T10:43:03.123-05:00Rave of the Day: "Three Weeks With My Brother"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYWW_UT1rNcrgqle4_TDZ5VXjLKyPyvtNY4s89dY35nBgufoRKgkWsyBaTX3ndznuJsB45-WPQ0RVtGOmP38zFBCQG_woPhujb6ZIgmQUaBpXYvbXulFOWBYp94JhkrEUmct7u4oT1mzd/s1600-h/400hCover_ThreeWeeks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYWW_UT1rNcrgqle4_TDZ5VXjLKyPyvtNY4s89dY35nBgufoRKgkWsyBaTX3ndznuJsB45-WPQ0RVtGOmP38zFBCQG_woPhujb6ZIgmQUaBpXYvbXulFOWBYp94JhkrEUmct7u4oT1mzd/s200/400hCover_ThreeWeeks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315116696976928370" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">"Three Weeks With My Brother" </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">by Nicholas & Micah Sparks</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This is one of my </span></span><a href="http://www.nicholassparks.com/Novels/ThreeWeeks/Index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">all-time favorite books.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> I don't want to get too detailed in my rave, (you do like to be surprised when you're reading, right?!) but here's my general reflections.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This journey hits some of the most amazing places in the </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">world, and Nicholas and Micah's "very real" descriptions are better than anything </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">you will find </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">in a history book or travel guide. Non-fiction at it's finest.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Nicholas & Micah Sparks are great storytellers, and their touching memoir </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">made me laugh out loud AND grab for the Kleenexes...NUMEROUS TIMES. They masterfully tied</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> the</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> tales of their childhood and adulthood into their </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">trip around the world, and take you full-circle on their journey. You begin to realize this isn't just a story about their travels; this is really about the journey of their lives. (Um, did you </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">really</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> expect anything less from the author of "The Notebook?")</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Please, if you haven't already, get a copy and escape for a few hours. Perfect for a long flight, makes a great beach read, and I've heard the audio version is A M A Z I N G. </span></span></span></span></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-51797944405897223492009-03-14T09:57:00.016-05:002009-04-11T10:42:15.642-05:00Rave of the Day: Car Talk with Click & Clack<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3f4gjuY37_Lq88UQJSY7UDZY5U1U628z5F2ZppQVrDEzTrweUZzirmKXfm_2IIg81s9Xsg_FztozlTYlyfVWoRjSs_YOaymY4j3zkbXeZipJctvzLk0F0VNRwOu45KVBILIhZ_VDFBR3/s1600-h/Picture+55.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 89px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3f4gjuY37_Lq88UQJSY7UDZY5U1U628z5F2ZppQVrDEzTrweUZzirmKXfm_2IIg81s9Xsg_FztozlTYlyfVWoRjSs_YOaymY4j3zkbXeZipJctvzLk0F0VNRwOu45KVBILIhZ_VDFBR3/s200/Picture+55.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313058588798671842" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Car Talk with Click & Clack </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Tappet Brothers on NPR</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love talk radio, especially when it's informative AND funny. <a href="http://www.cartalk.com/">Car Talk</a> is the epitome of this, and I always look forward to their weekly podcast on iTunes. (Thanks Dad for making me listen to this with you! I was hesitant because I have no interest in cars, but YOU WERE RIGHT and the show is soooo funny.)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The hosts are two insanely hilarious brothers, Tom and Ray Magliozzi, aka Click and Clack. They come complete with Boston accents, and callers try to stump them with various car problems, which they are usually able to diagnose. Sounds boring, but trust me, it's not with these two! No problem is too silly, and no solution is too outrageous. These two poke fun at each other, themselves, and their callers, and it's all in good fun.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Click and Clack are even featured on </span></span></span><a href="http://www.en.wikipedia.org.wiki/Car_Talk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wikipedia</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (although, is that really any major feat?!) and the article gives a great overview of the show's features. So go check it out if you want to find out more. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tune in, and you will learn about car repair, mechanic rip-off schemes, and the "names" of the Car Talk Staff, like the Snowboard Instructor, Soren Dekeester. (Hee hee!)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Waste an hour with them today!</span></span></div></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-14926137656498831952009-02-26T19:01:00.018-06:002009-04-11T10:43:49.339-05:00Rave of the Day: Favorite Workout Tunes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl4j0D-_tHtMgeuObU73LaN96qfjLuMdy8bdI99vUEPxEZEtxTskHGEd6rwAbObcZgviEkHmEggCUi5K1Xcy62a706Sj6szBJoDIEfV98IWp79Kyfsxh_yojdSp7iAECuqrEl6VTiHw37/s1600-h/image.axd.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtl4j0D-_tHtMgeuObU73LaN96qfjLuMdy8bdI99vUEPxEZEtxTskHGEd6rwAbObcZgviEkHmEggCUi5K1Xcy62a706Sj6szBJoDIEfV98IWp79Kyfsxh_yojdSp7iAECuqrEl6VTiHw37/s200/image.axd.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307280445401661618" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Two of my favorite DJs (shout out to Jason Matheson and Alexis Thompson on <a href="http://fm107.fm/">FM 107.1</a> out of Minneapolis!) were talking about their favorite workout music today, and it got me thinking about what songs I'd like to shake my groove thang to. (Hey, I figured I'll start with the music, and then I'll get my lazy butt to the gym! Gotta have your priorities straight!)</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I created a <a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/15288633099/standalone">playlist</a> with some of their suggestions, some of the other listener's suggestions, and a few of my own picks. Take a listen, maybe it will help you too, or at least give you something to listen to while you clean the house, or have a party?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Not all of the songs are "clean" so consider yourself warned if you have little ones...and the songs are all over the place, from princess pop (I know, I know - it's terrible, but the upbeat tempo just works for this, so stop judging me!) to hip-hop to techno to 80s to Aretha Franklin to rap to classical music. I TOLD</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> you it was all over the place.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left; margin-left: auto; visibility:visible; margin-right: auto; width:450px;"> <object width="420" height="270" data="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/mp3player_new.swf?config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_red_noautostart.xml&mywidth=420&myheight=270&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Floadplaylist.php%3Fplaylist%3D59721223%26t%3D1236026618&wid=os"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#e8e8e8"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/mp3player_new.swf?config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_red_noautostart.xml&mywidth=420&myheight=270&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Floadplaylist.php%3Fplaylist%3D59721223%26t%3D1236026618&wid=os"> </object><br /><center><a href="http://www.profileplaylist.net/"><img src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/images/create_red.jpg" border="0" alt="Get a playlist!" /></a> <a href="http://www.mysocialgroup.com/standalone/59721223" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/images/launch_red.jpg" border="0" alt="Standalone player" /></a></center> </div><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">What songs keep you going when you're about to pass out on the treadmill?</span> </span></span> </div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-57097866998547817762009-02-13T13:05:00.018-06:002009-04-11T10:44:12.460-05:00Rave of the Day: My Favorite Perfume is a Men's Cologne?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii195/jasonmuhu/MSR/PradaInfusiondHomme.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 384px;" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii195/jasonmuhu/MSR/PradaInfusiondHomme.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I know what you're thinking. What? Has she gone completely off her rocker?</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Her favorite perfume is a men's cologne? Seriously?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">SERIOUSLY. First of all, it's Prada, so can you really go wrong? And really, people, just hear me out.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5530455158876890705&postID=5709786699854781776"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Prada Infusion D'Homme</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> was designed to closely resemble the women's perfume, Prada Infusion D'Iris, but is a little less "sweet" smelling. It provides a unique soapy scent and is great for an</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">overall clean feel with a light touch of florals and woodsy undertones. It reminds me of the smell of your guy when he runs out of his soap in the shower, and reaches for your fancy stuff.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Here's how </span><a href="http://www.sephora.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sephora</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> describes it:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span></span></div><blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Fall under the spell of Infusion D'Homme, the new refined men's fragrance from Prada. Utilizing the finest traditions of classic perfumery, Infusion D'Homme works closely with the body to create a subtle yet distinctive scent. This sensuously crafted essence blends intoxicating citrus and woody notes for an understated, but lasting, impression.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Notes:</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Tunisian Neroli, Iris Pallida, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Incense, Benzoin</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Style:</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Classy. Sophisticated. Elegant</span></span></span></div></blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Next time you're at the fragrance counter, take a little gander to the men's cologne section and check this little puppy out! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(And so you're not going into this completely blind, here's some other [women's] fragrances that strike my fancy.)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Vera Wang <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The Fragrance</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Fresh <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Pink Jasmine</span></span></span></span></div><div><blockquote></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Trust me, you'll be glad you did!</span></span></span></div></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-42397017663305741762008-12-28T19:16:00.019-06:002009-04-11T10:44:47.926-05:00Rave of the Day: Big Star Jeans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdx8t9rYT8kYG_HyBoYNJXLONwFB-5LDVLd4xcbsgquuDdiqL72S_vEu3C4xZ4MihotCDYi4MomNlbd7UN4EaDC817DnMA0B-35kTxfZr3oU_3s6h2kIRGXzISESh7Ev7y3smvK4NtH7d/s1600-h/170163WSWF9PP_CPO_dtl_v1_m56577569831663164.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdx8t9rYT8kYG_HyBoYNJXLONwFB-5LDVLd4xcbsgquuDdiqL72S_vEu3C4xZ4MihotCDYi4MomNlbd7UN4EaDC817DnMA0B-35kTxfZr3oU_3s6h2kIRGXzISESh7Ev7y3smvK4NtH7d/s200/170163WSWF9PP_CPO_dtl_v1_m56577569831663164.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287127792468695474" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Big Star Jeans</span></span><br /></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I LOVE LOVE LOVE Big Star Jeans because they fit extremely well, stretching to accommode my proportionately wide hips while being snug enough around my waist that there is no gap in the back, AND they are long enough that I can even wear heels in them! They're stretchy and offer plenty of give, so that dreaded fat roll by the back of your hip that can be created by some jeans (you know what I'm talking about) never appears. Best of all, they're super cute on. Ah, it was a struggle to find the perfect jean for me, but I've finally done it! Never again will I have to dread jean shopping. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I spent the day with shopping with my cousin a few weeks back and noticed she was wearing them too and she said told me they were all she wore anymore. I think you can say they are a favorite among the "hippy" girls (which would be all of us) in my family! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here's an excerpt that </span><a href="http://www.zappos.com/n/br/b/1636/Big%20Star.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Zappos.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> wrote about the brand:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Big Star Jeans are inspired by western and vintage themes, with updated treatments and details that appeal to the modern consumer base. Successfully defying categorization by creating specialized fits, intricate washes and trend conscious designs that appeal to all taste levels and lifestyles, Big Star Jeans has revitalized the jean industry.</span></span></span></blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Big Star Jeans come in a wide variety of sizes and inseams, in women's and men's European sizing. I purchase mine at </span><a href="http://www.thebuckle.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Buckle</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and love that they offer free hemming. Because of my height (I'm 5'8"), I get the extra long inseam, 35", and then get it hemmed so they're just right for me. (The 33" long inseam is almost there but just misses the mark, especially after a washing or two.) I've seen a few of their jeans have inseams as high as 37", so there's hope for even the tallest of the tall ladies. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Prices for women's jeans range from $85 to $150, and the majority are in the $100 range. If you're lucky, you may also find a pair you love on sale! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Go try a pair on today and see for yourself! </span></span></span></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-59375349671241648522008-12-19T18:45:00.019-06:002009-04-11T10:45:21.937-05:00Rave of the Day: A Great Hand Cream Disguised as a Foot Cream?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpX8aT33AqfzvAelyJpg9jwID4SIlgeusd9ikKY6KWVYTvBoNW1_8Qb-yHyJWNTvPHVto-JpabC8D1Hu8kDbwqesneW14YEi6HtLo7sVcy2bhJHuYZ8OeTRlfY9SzeTQ0tIRzGigfvnU_/s1600-h/21AM0XT4FPL._SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpX8aT33AqfzvAelyJpg9jwID4SIlgeusd9ikKY6KWVYTvBoNW1_8Qb-yHyJWNTvPHVto-JpabC8D1Hu8kDbwqesneW14YEi6HtLo7sVcy2bhJHuYZ8OeTRlfY9SzeTQ0tIRzGigfvnU_/s200/21AM0XT4FPL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286856751567351826" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cucumber Heel Therapy by Creative Nail Design</span><br /></div></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This rich </span></span></span><a href="http://www.creativenaildesign.com/Products/Product.aspx/1134"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">foot cream</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was introduced to me during a pedicure. Apparently my nail technician was (rightfully) horrified by the ginormous calluses on my feet, and let me tell you, this stuff works wonders. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But I'm not writing about this as a foot cream, even though it's amazing in that realm. Nope, I've found another use for this holy grail product. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Each winter, my hands become painfully dry and sensitive. The smallest thing like unlocking a door or struggling with a zipper leaves me with little red abrasions that are tender to the touch, and pretty soon my fingers become covered with the painful buggers! Youch!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A friend of mine that had also discovered this wonderful foot cream mentioned one day that she used this in the winter as a hand cream too. Genius! As soon as I got home, I tried it, and within a couple of weeks, the little red bumps were completely gone and became a thing of the past. A little of this stuff goes a long way, so not much is needed. I now just keep it by my bedside table and put some on before bed and apply a little more before I head out the door in the morning. They also make an adorable little travel size, perfect to keep in your purse to use during the day as needed, and again, a little goes a very long way, so it lasts a lot longer than you think it will.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here are some other great finds for dry hands:</span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.essentialdayspa.com/decleor-nourishing-comfor-p_1250.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Decleor Nourishing Comfort Hand Cream</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> - I've used this too to treat/prevent my winter dryness and *</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">love, love, love*</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> this hand moisturizer. It sinks right into my skin without feeling greasy and leaves them soft and supple. My red bumps be gone with this lotion too. Did I mention I love this stuff? The essential oils used in this smell heavenly! If cost were no issue, I'd personally exclusively use this hand cream, but the Creative Cucumber Heel Cream is a much better value and hey, in this economy, I'm all for saving a few bucks. (Decleor is $18 for 1.7 oz versus $20 for 4 oz of the cucumber cream, AND I've found even better deals for the cucumber cream online.) </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Still, this is le creme de la creme, and I like to give (and receive! hint, hint) it as a gift. Decleor is made in Paris, so it scores instant points for being luxurious. I personally think the professional size has a better presentation (it's a pump in a clear bottle, not a bright yellow tube that you squeeze the lotion out of), but the yellow tube works great too and is easier to throw in your purse and take with you. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.oneminutemanicure.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One Minute Manicure Spa Treatment Moisturizing Scrub</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> - This is a great exfoliating treatment that makes your skin feel silky silky silky. Just massage the sea salt/essential oils mixture into your hand for a minute, rinse, dry with a towel, and rug the remaining essential oils into your hands to let them sink in to your skin. You will not believe how soft your hands are! This is a must-have product for winter dryness, and I also like it as a foot scrub in the summer and an all-over body scrub before applying self tanner. I prefer the flip-top packaging because I find it easier to use than scooping it out of the jar. Great fragrances too and well worth the $9.95. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What are your favorite hand treatments?</span></span></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-69624957581443868352008-12-18T11:22:00.030-06:002009-02-15T10:24:25.460-06:00Rave of the Day: The Best Meal I've Ever Made - A New Spin on Meat and Potatoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fabshopnet.com/StashPP/images/StashedPP_whatsCookin.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 158px;" src="http://www.fabshopnet.com/StashPP/images/StashedPP_whatsCookin.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pork Chop Dinner</span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I made this for dinner last night, and it was so good there was no doubt in my mind that it HAD to be today's rave. Seriously... </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's. That. Good. My mouth is still watering. The juiciest pork chops ever, great flavor, AND it was easy to make. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4 pork chops</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 can Cream of Mushroom soup</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix packet</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1 large sweet potato (or yam), sliced</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1/2 yellow onion, sliced</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">salt to taste</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">garlic salt to taste</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Place the pork chops on tin foil on a cookie sheet with high edges. Salt and garlic salt both sides of the pork chops. Place the slices of onion and yams on top of the pork chops. Combine soups, and spoon on top of the chops. Wrap in tin foil, and place in 350 preheated oven for 90 minutes.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My honey said this was one of the best meals he's had in a long time. I was so happy to hear that, I did a little happy dance sitting at the table - hey, you know you've done it at one point or another! I agreed with him, and was quite proud of my sudden mad cooking skills.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Another plus with this meal: clean-up is a *snap*. The soup leaked out of the wrap as it cooked a little bit (that's why I recommend a cookie sheet with edges), but we were done cleaning up after dinner within 5 minutes. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hecks Yes!! Gotta love old 4-H cookbooks for stuff like this.</span></span></span></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-33655671778403584702008-12-17T13:01:00.038-06:002009-04-11T10:46:42.923-05:00Rave of the Day: The Best Treatment for Rosacea & Acne I've Found!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.purpleemu.com/store/media/redness-c.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="http://www.purpleemu.com/store/media/redness-c.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Purple Emu Redness & Blemish Control</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I discovered Purple Emu three weeks ago while searching for effective and gentle treatments for rosacea, and only wish I would have found this product years ago. </span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);"></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let me begin with a disclaimer: my rosacea is mild, just in the initial stages, and I had small raised red bumps on the apples of my cheeks, and my nose had a consistent red flush. I've had these symptoms for several years, and found that avoiding products with parabens, and sticking to products with natural ingredients worked better for my skin and didn't leave me with the irritation that synthetic products caused. I also have a pretty consistent [read: annoying] history of breakouts along my chin and jawline.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I dedicated a day to learn more about rosacea and its suspected causes, treatments, and which specific ingredients have been shown to be effective, etc. One of the best resources of available treatments I found was </span><a href="http://www.internationalrosaceafoundation.org/nonprescription.php4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The International Rosacea Foundation</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. They list several treatment options on their website, and </span><a href="http://www.purpleemu.com/store/arlite.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Purple Emu's Redness and Blemish Control</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> really caught my eye because it included all of the ingredients I was looking for: Jojoba Oil, Zinc Oxide, Sulfur, Tea Tree Oil, White Willow Bark Extract, Camomile, Aloe Vera, and Green Tea. This also includes Dromaius (Emu) Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Arnica, Marigold, Burdock, Camphor, Eucalyptus, and Vitamin E. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">[This is the full list of ingredients.]</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I purchased the .5 oz jar for $25.95, and that will probably last me 6 months. Nettie, the owner of Purple Emu personally called me and answered my questions about how much product to use (just enough to sink into the skin, applied with the fingertips - more is NOT better with this stuff) and recommended that I use the product every night until my rosacea and acne subsided, and then to move to just using it every other night as a preventative treatment. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">By the way, how awesome is it that she personally called me? I was blown away that she took the time to do that; it really speaks to her passion, and how much she stands behind her product. She recommended that I use this with emu oil (which I happened to already have, but that they also have available) to help the product absorb into my skin better, making it even more effective. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Update: I've found that I like jojoba oil even more than emu oil; it's more moisturizing for my dry skin.</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I received my package, I was pleasantly surprised that she had also included a free sample jar of the Super Rich Moisturizer - a generous 30 day supply. I really like this in treating my super winter-dry skin (along with a hydrating serum by Phytomer), but that's another rave for another day. :) </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Just as Nettie said it would, my skin broke out a little more than normal during the first week of use. Stubborn acne that had been just under the surface for years started to come up and heal, and my rosacea bumps began fading away. After 10 days, my skin looked the best it had looked in a long long time, and it only continues to get better. I'm not completely acne-free yet, but now when I do get a breakout it's very small and heals quickly. The best part though is my rosacea has almost completely disappeared! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I gave myself a great Christmas present this year: clear skin. If you have the same issues I had, you should definitely check out </span><a href="http://www.purpleemu.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Purple Emu's</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> products! </span></span></span></span></div></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-16930886323325090312008-12-16T20:45:00.056-06:002009-04-11T10:47:19.713-05:00Rave of the Day: The Best Mineral Makeup I've Found!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYat3RH5M1Jxw3ROY1S5GPbzdku5VZ5BlhwgdkdvirTXKy7oe5QyECnHHmXzKPunRlFLT4sAwKiZ9HaT4DyPA9Fvbp60WHMhOCWai-lGOTaMeZUZs4eIlYgAU6RPFx39TUAbWkXx0nu_EP/s1600-h/mm-lumiere.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYat3RH5M1Jxw3ROY1S5GPbzdku5VZ5BlhwgdkdvirTXKy7oe5QyECnHHmXzKPunRlFLT4sAwKiZ9HaT4DyPA9Fvbp60WHMhOCWai-lGOTaMeZUZs4eIlYgAU6RPFx39TUAbWkXx0nu_EP/s200/mm-lumiere.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280793468138187538" /></a><a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-family:verdana;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-family:verdana;"><div><a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia;"></span></a><a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);"></span></span></span></span></a></div></span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lumiere Cosmetics</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I've been using mineral makeup for almost 5 years, using everything from Bare Escentuals Minerals to Jane Iredale to Alima. Hands down, the best mineral makeup I've used is </span></span><a href="http://www.lumierecosmetics.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lumiere Cosmetics</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> because it provides natural looking coverage, it lasts all day, AND best of all, it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. I love that it just looks like I have great skin, not that I have on great makeup. </span></span></span></span></span><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <br />I found this line during an online search for "best mineral makeup". I came across a forum and several people were raving about this all natural mineral makeup (it does not contain bismuth oxychloride like some other popular brands, which left redness on my cheeks), and because they are a smaller company, their prices are low - i.e. you're not paying for marketing - and Kim, the owner, is amazing. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <br />Lumiere offers several foundation formulas customized for different skin types. I've tried all of them, and my favorite is Cashmere. Samples are available for as little as $1, so I recommend trying them all and see which formula and shade works best for your skin. (My skin is dry and sensitive, and I like the really subtle glow Cashmere gives. Some formulas provide heavier coverage, others help control shine and all of that is outlined on the website to help you figure out which type will best suit your skin's needs.)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Here is the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">best advice</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> I'll probably ever give on this blog...are you ready for this? Really, it's brilliant. Brilliant! My personal tip for finding the right makeup shade for you, based on my own accidental aha! moment: </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I took a digital picture of myself with no makeup on, and uploaded it to my computer. I compared that picture to the foundation shades on the monitor to try to find the closest match, and narrowed it down to 4 shades; (I originally thought I was Warm tone, and was going to just order the two lightest shades, but when I compared my picture, the Golden tones were a better match.) The picture didn't lie, when the colors arrived, I experimented, and it was clear that Fair Golden is my shade. Now, anytime I'm looking to try new makeup shades - blush, eye shadow, all-over face colors, anything really - I have a recent digital picture of me up on the screen and compare that to the color swatches. I only go with colors that *pop* with my coloring. This has introduced me to colors I would have otherwise never considered trying, like deep red blush, coraly pinks, lavender eyeshadows and I ALWAYS love the results! (Lumiere makes this easy, because they provide HUGE color swatches on their site, and they are accurate, at least on my monitor.)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Here's a picture of me from a couple of weeks ago: all Lumiere makeup, except my mascara. Excuse the poor quality of the picture, but hey, it's better than nothing, right?</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTZyCRCTJIJd4RBIQy5UFRgGJQiDe8HY69279LfXj5nbqkLNHr-8evh1GTI9fQWjCtyClTm2uD4j1M-lBM9uQYfnD_6w6zfBMqpl5QF9kVU08FWjQB9Bv4uZVS-HUMecALWKsY2bbcio1/s1600-h/BananaPants.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTZyCRCTJIJd4RBIQy5UFRgGJQiDe8HY69279LfXj5nbqkLNHr-8evh1GTI9fQWjCtyClTm2uD4j1M-lBM9uQYfnD_6w6zfBMqpl5QF9kVU08FWjQB9Bv4uZVS-HUMecALWKsY2bbcio1/s320/BananaPants.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280861183179098402" /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I exclusively use Lumiere for my primer, foundation, blushes, all-over color, bronzers, etc. (Basically, if it touches my face, it's Lumiere makeup.) I've used their eye shadows too (which are great), but like all mineral-based eyeshadows, I've found they work much better when used with a sticky eye primer like <a href="http://www.urbandecay.com/categories/EyeshadowPrimerPotion.cfm">Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion</a> or <a href="http://www.toofaced.com/category_template.asp?dept_sub_id=18&dept_id=3">Too Faced Shadow Insurance</a> to keep the color rich and avoid creasing. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, if you're looking for some new makeup, check out </span></span><a href="http://www.lumierecosmetics.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lumiere Cosmetics</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. You won't regret it. A jar of foundation lasts me 9 months (and I wear makeup pretty much daily), and costs $18.00. Seriously: $18.00 lasts 9 months. It's the best makeup I've used, and I've tried a lot of high end brands. How can you beat that? Sales! Kim is usually offering a discount or free shipping, and she often posts the code(s) right on the site.</span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What's your favorite makeup?</span></span></span></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5530455158876890705.post-63974787286857353592008-12-15T16:22:00.027-06:002009-04-11T10:47:45.061-05:00Rave of the Day: Blast those Dark Under-eye Circles!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wrinklelessskin.com/images/products/thumb/TeamineEyeComplex.gif"><blockquote></blockquote><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://www.wrinklelessskin.com/images/products/thumb/TeamineEyeComplex.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Teamine Eye Complex by Revision</span></span><br />I've been fighting dark under-eye circles for years, and decided to try this eye cream out after reading <a href="http://www.epinions.com/review/Revision_Teamine_Eye_Complex/content_192954732164">this</a> glowing review on epinions.com. </span></span></span></span></span><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Everything Patty says is true. Within a week, I noticed my dark circles fading away. I've been using this for three weeks now (morning and night), and although my dark circles haven't disappeared completely, they are much less noticeable, and I can get away without concealer if necessary, which is something I never would have considered before this miracle cream. Wow! </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> <br />The best deal I found for Teamine is $43.50 with free shipping at <a href="http://www.lovelyskin.com/details.asp?PID=112969">lovelyskin.com</a>. I'm guessing this jar will last me 4 to 5 months, and I think it's worth every penny!</span></span></span></span></span><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />I also wanted to share this great tip about applying under-eye concealer I came across this week: warm the cream concealer on the back of your hand before applying. It blends much easier and prevents it from looking cakey. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />I hope you find just as good of results as I found with this wonderful eye cream!</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);"></span></span></div></div>Jannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16326001947980669470noreply@blogger.com0