Beauty Blabber - LUSH's Sandstone Soap

I am big into bubble baths so naturally I am big into LUSH. The Canadian company specializes in all natural, handmade body products with an emphasis on decreased packaging. At first I was so obsessed with the bubble bars and bath bombs that I didn't even notice the myriad of other products they offered. I started branching out to their foot care products - Best Regiment Ever = Ocean Salt Scrub followed by Volcano Foot Mask, followed by Fair Trade Foot Lotion followed by socks. As I've worked my way through the scrubs, shampoos, creams, and face masks I realized I totally was neglecting the soap. So I decided to change that.

Sandstone is the first soap I've purchased from LUSH and it is amazing. It has a sweet citrus smell that stays on your skin hours after you've gotten out of the tub. It has actual layers of sand within it to exfoliate your skin and Litsea Cubeba Oil, which is used as an antiseptic. This also gives the soap it's lemony tropical smell. It lathers well, leaves you squeaky clean and lasts forever. You're welcome.

Weekly Obsession - Cindy Sherman's Retrospective

I found Cindy Sherman's art, like most of my most satisfying life discoveries, through the amazing John Waters. There's something about a beautiful woman mucking herself up that's very interesting to me - obviously Mr. Waters feels similarly. Sherman has spent years transforming herself with makeup, costumes, and prosthetics to create a continuous exploration and questioning of the individual self. Her retrospective started at the New York MOMA on February 26th and runs until June 11th. It then travels to San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Dallas. FYI Locals - SF show is July 14th to October 7th.

For me the most exciting thing about her work is that Sherman always was the subject of her photos but at the same time wasn't. Her makeup, costumes, and plastic body parts created a vague but universal portrait of someone else - both anyone and everyone. Her photos are all comments about humanity not herself. Even during the 1980s when her work became very dark, I felt like it was equally influenced both by the personal matter of her divorce and the very public matter of personal shame and fear caused by the outbreak of AIDS.

Until reading the press on her current exhibit, I was not familiar with one of Sherman's earliest series, "Untitled Film Stills." These photos ring of a much subtler and even vaguer female transformation. There's no obvious female film types - no Gidget riding a wave or Honey Ryder nurse. This collection of ambiguous females seem to channel the Hitchcock heroines but aren't exact reproductions. They do not reference specific movies, roles or even stereotypes but of that nameless allure of celebrity and Hollywood. I'm excited to see what other new hidden treasures I will find in her work.

Weekly Obsession - Headache-Proof Your Home

Headache-Proof Your Home by Andrea Bartz in the March 2012 issue of Health was really insightful. The article brought up simple fixes to surprising headache triggers in your home. Here's the gist:

1. Bright, glaring lights can be a huge migraine trigger. The article suggests purchasing dimmers or lower wattage bulbs. Dim incandescents are preferable to halogens and fluorescents because of their more muted light. Install blinds and shades to help regulate sunlight.

2. Hidden allergies like dust mites, dander, and mold can be found in even the cleanest homes. The article suggests investing in air purifiers, a humidifier, microfiber allergen blocking encasements for your pillows, mattress and box spring, and a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuuming upholstered furniture twice a week and changing bedding weekly will significantly lower allergens.

3. Intense aromas of any kind can cause headaches and most homes and apartments have inadequate ventilation. Use unscented candles, nontoxic cleaners, and crack windows. Air purifiers that have carbon filters are also good investments for cleaner air.

4. Similar to lighting, super bright screens on laptops and tablets can cause discomfort. Lower the brightness setting on your gadgets and get a glare reducing filter for your monitor.

Other hidden diet triggers to avoid are aged food and drinks (cheeses, cured meats and dried fruit), aspartame - as if we needed more reasons not to ingest chemicals, food additives such as MSG, and alcohol - duh.

Sunday Supper - Super Easy Bean Salad

I customized this salad from Eating for Lower Cholesterol by Catherine Jones and Elaine B. Trujillo. The recipe is really basic, there's no cooking involved and the salad is filled with folic acid and fiber while remaining cholesterol free. Feel free to add or swap any of your favorite veggies, spices or beans.

1. Rinse and drain 1 can of black-eyed peas, black beans, and chickpeas.

2. Add 1/2 diced red onion, 1 diced cucumber and 2 stalks of celery also diced. Mince 3 garlic cloves and add to the bowl.

3. Squeeze 1 lime, 2 tsps rice vinegar, 1 tbs olive oil, a dash of chili powder and cumin, salt and pepper to taste, a splash of Worcestershire Sauce, and a couple handfuls of torn cilantro. Mix gently and portion into 5 containers for the week.

Beauty Blabber - Chanel Nail Polish Spring 2012

I'm definitely on a Spring kick and Chanel's new nail polish for the season is getting me even more excited. April, May and June - shown above from left to right are all super fun colors perfect for sandal season.

April is a perfect transition color - still a little dark but less intense then Vamp, which is probably the best winter color ever. May is the ultimate pink but more reminiscent of tulips than sorority girls. It's like a punched up pale pink and is destined to be my spring neutral. I feel like June is destined to be my summer neutral. The coral will look good on every skin color and will look super hot with a tan.

Thank goodness my favorite neighborhood nail place has the latest Chanel colors!

Weekly Obsession - Pretty Pleats

Is it just me or is the best spring trend the total revival of ladylike glamour? From the use of peplums at Jason Wu and Thakoon to the gold lame with ultra feminine accents at Nanette Lepore to the traditional a-line dresses and swing coats with lace at Marc Jacobs prissy reigns supreme. And I'm loving it! What's better than a return to pencil skirts, lace and pastels with the arrival of warmer weather?

I'm thinking the easiest way to get in on this trend is with some pleats. They instantly soften any look and some flirty femininity. You can go all out with a pastel skirt or reign it in with a simple pleated black maxi. Pleats look good on everyone and give a fresh preppy feeling to any outfit. Simply put - pleats are my new bows.

Here are some standout choices for me from the Spring 2012 shows :

1. Christian Siriano's pairing that gorgeous chartreuse (totally my favorite word) maxi with that clean boat neck tee. Such a youthful take on the trend. Also great for people who aren't ready to go to work in gloves and a stole.

2. The cotton candy pink and blue with the contrasting black pleated dress from Prada is in my opinion the height of easy, pretty chic. Doesn't this dress look like something you can throw on and be fabulous in? Plus the neckline is gorgeous.

3. I've always loved Jill Stuart for its simplicity. This little number combines pleating, sheer fabric, and color blocking - 3 hot trends for spring. Yes, please.

4. The light as air look is always very ladylike, but they shook things up at Burberry with the below the knee pleated skirts in heavier fabrics. This look, while still adorable is more forgiving and also great for transitioning into fall. Note : The pom-pom hat is totally optional.

5. This pleated dress from Christian Dior is the perfect spring dress for any body type. Throw a cardigan over it and you can rock it at work. Also it's simple design will surely be copied by mass market national chains so you can pick it up on the cheap and I love that it reminds us that pleats are not just for the bottom half.

Where to Eat - Marlowe

I've been dying for a cheeseburger for the past month and a half so this weekend I went specifically looking for one for lunch with my brother and Andrew. After mulling over a couple of standbys and new locations we decided on Marlowe in SOMA. I have to say it's probably in my top 5 in the city.

We started with a baked oyster for each of us. Although I didn't quite get exactly "New England chowder in a shell" as the menu stated, I definitely got the general feeling. The oysters were baked with breadcrumbs and had a thick, creamy consistency reminiscent of a chowder. If they didn't say New England I probably would have responded better to them. As a native New Englander, I am very picky about my chowder - especially West Coast chowder. Overall it was a tasty way to start a gluttonous lunch. I ordered the cheeseburger and Andrew ordered the fried chicken sandwich so we could cut them in half and try two items. The burger was cooked perfectly - I can't stand when I order one medium rare and it's well done. The bun was on the larger size but I actually prefer more bun to burger because I end up making less of a mess. It acts as a grease guard if you will. The bacon was crispy but the cheese and caramelized onions were pretty unremarkable. The horseradish aioli was probably the best part. Horseradish has such an amazing, distinct flavor that it's really easy to overuse, but the aioli was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of bite. I also really appreciate the fact that they didn't serve a giant portion of fries because it's virtually impossible to leave any on your plate and you end up overeating.

I was kind of worried that the fried chicken sandwich wouldn't be as good and we'd end up fighting over the cheeseburger, but it held its own. The chicken wasn't remotely soggy even though it was topped with a bed of greens that had been dressed in Caesar aioli. I appreciate the large amount of greens and that there was plenty of Parmesan mixed in as well. It basically tasted like a crispy chicken Caesar salad.


Because we were with Andrew we obviously ordered dessert. I have to admit I always want nothing to do with it when ordered but definitely come around for one or two bites when it arrives. We had TCHO chocolate cream pie. The crust was a mixture of crushed graham crackers and chocolate cookies. I really liked how they kept it loose by not adding butter and baking it like a traditional crust. It was texturally interesting against the chocolate cream. It was also sprinkled with cocoa nibs and sea salt. Basically you can't go wrong with a dessert in a jar.

Overall I got my cheeseburger fix and then some. I'd definitely go back and am curious about their dinner menu.

Where to Eat - Sol Food

This past weekend I had some much needed sister time. Before we went shopping in Mill Valley she took me to Sol Food in San Rafael. They have two locations. We went to the smaller place for overflow where you order at the counter and go in the back to an outdoor patio and ate under the heat lamps. Sol Food serves Puerto Rican food and everything we had was delicious.

We started with the tostones, which were plantains mashed, twice fried and drizzled with olive oil and garlic. We didn't realize until after we ordered but you can get any sandwich on tostones instead of bread. I'm for sure trying that next time.

We split two sandwiches so I could try as much as possible. The Nino Pobre was probably the best po boy I've had. It was really simple but delicious. Breaded and fried shrimp on a french baguette with iceberg lettuce, tomato and cilantro lime mayo.

We also split the Bistec. Although not nearly as good as the shrimp po boy, it definitely had its merits. The steak sandwich had avocado, carmelized onions, garlic mayo and swiss cheese on french bread. The sandwich as a complete whole tasted balanced together, but the steak on its own had a rubbery texture I didn't care for. It was also really messy to eat for too little reward.

Perhaps the standout was the homemade hot sauce. Every table is equipped with a bright orange bottle that is a mixture of vinegar and peppers. It's provides heat without the burn and is awesome poured liberally over tostones. All in all I would go back for the hot sauce alone just be careful not to mistake it for orange soda and swig it.

Monday Supper - Shrimp Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette

Long weekends turn Sunday Supper into Monday Supper - Thanks President's Day! So after a week of lunches with cheese followed by a week of lunches with meat I feel the need to lighten up. I always turn to a fresh shrimp salad when I want to go lighter because shrimp has protein without the fat and fills me up. I got this recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food.

1. Season one pound of shrimp with salt and pepper and add to to a large skillet with two teaspoons olive oil. Cook until opaque throughout and place aside.

2. Add one more teaspoon oil and half of a small white minced onion stirring until cooked. Add two minced cloves of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and cook until fragrant. Add cooked shrimp and toss.

3. In a medium bowl whisk together three tablespoons oil, juice from two limes, and cilantro. Add salt and pepper. Divide shrimp, Bibb lettuce, and two shredded carrots between four portions. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with cilantro.

Weekly Obsession - Power Plants

Martha Stewart's Whole Living Magazine is a new favorite publication of mine. Power Plants by Sarah Engler and photographed by Johnny Miller was the March issues' standout for me.

The article recommends plants to help increase the quality of your environment. Each selection describes the level of maintenance of the plant based on its light and water needs.

The first section has blooming plants that give off fragrance known to sooth by reducing stress. The above Hoya plant is my pick as it had the smallest level of maintenance and I love the look of the waxy leaves. The following sections have plants that help with air purification like bamboo and energy boosting like jade.

Last year I moved from an apartment that had an outdoor patio where I could grow tomatoes, chili peppers, cucumbers, and herbs. Since I've moved I've been meaning to research plants I could have in my new place under my current light conditions. This article is a blueprint for that.

Happy Gardening!

Weekly Obssession - Modo Eyewear

I haven't upgraded my eyeglasses since before college. They were so warped that they barely stayed on my face, but last week was the last straw when the arm snapped off. I thought about attaching a stick to one end and holding them up to my face costume ball style but decided to just buy a new pair.

My eye doctor just recently started carrying Modo's ECO (Earth Conscious Optics) line. It is the first and only certified eyewear made entirely of recycled materials. They are handmade in SOHO. The simplicity and sophistication of the design feels like a fresh take on Rayban. I bought a pair similar to the ones above and am absolutely loving them.

At $190 they are reasonably priced and they also make some really fun sunglasses. Modo also has collaborations with Jason Wu, Derek Lam, and 3.1 Phillip Lim that are less green but equally awesome.

Beauty Blabber - Bloom.com

Bloom.com bills itself as a "Social Beauty Store." It definitely hitches a ride on the social media of that, assuring new members they can share product reviews with each other, post purchases to Facebook, blah blah blah. I'm not really into that or in the product recommendations for my skin type, eye color, etc - I find them always to be a bit off. However, this site is pretty amazing.

I'm a HUGE fan of free gifts. Why is everything better in sample size? I know it's all a marketing ploy to get me to order more to qualify and then to order the new product I try, but there is just something about free stuff! So Bloom.com offers three levels of gifts.

You qualify for the Silver Bloom Bonus by spending under $50 purchases - you get 3 free samples (I know, I know just like online at Sephora but hang in there!)

Gold is for $50-$100 - you get 3 trial size products and 2 medium size products.

Platinum is for over $100 - you get 5 trial size, 4 medium size, and 1 full-size products.

Although the selection of products is not as varied as Sephora, Bloom.com has some great brands including Ole Henricksen, Skynn Iceland, StriVectin, Kinerase, Peter Thomas Roth, Pangea Organics, Ren, and a bunch of drugstore brands like Almay and Revlon.

I'm not saying Bloom.com will take over Sephora - which also has a pretty great rewards program and a selection that can't be beat - I'm just saying that maybe we should start taking advantage of all the great rewards programs out there! So stock up on your staples or try something new and get a little prewrapped present free with purchase. Afterall, Christmas is a long time away!

Happy Valentine's Day!

In honor of this special day, I've decided to give my Top Ten Worst Couples! Enjoy!

10. Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy - Too many karate chops.

9. Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt - The surguries, the crystals, that beard...all too much.

8. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera - So many affairs...why drag others into your volatility.

7. Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII - When she couldn't give him a male heir to the throne he accused her of adultry and incest and cut off her head.

6. Sammi and Ronnie from the Jersey Shore - Actually any relationship from the Jersey Shore will qualify.


5. Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson - Sometimes you have to just cut the cord...especially when your girlfriend does drugs, kidnaps people, steals jewelry, and has a police record. You have to wonder what sort of issue Samantha has for wanting all that baggage!

4. Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielson - The whole thing just stunk of WHAT?!

3. Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes - It ended with her head in an oven.

2. Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka - Canada's Barbie and Ken Serial Killer Couple.

1. Brittney Spears and Kevin Federline - I think we are all still getting over the damage this one caused. Note - It came after a SERIAL KILLER COUPLE. That's a bad relationship!

And if that's not enough for you to be pumped about being single today I have one word for you:

ADELE.

Sunday Supper - Lighter Beef Chili

So after my January detox, last week I got my cheese fix. This week is my meat fix. I got this chili recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Light and made my usual few amendments. It lightens up by adding extra portions of beans and tomatoes and using ground sirloin instead of chuck. Also if you want to make this vegetarian you can replace the meat with lentils and seitan.

1. Sweat a minced onion with four minced cloves a garlic in 1 tbs oil in a large pot. Add salt and pepper.

2. After about 3 minutes add 2 tbs chili powder and 2 tbs tomato paste. The recipe also calls for 2 tbs unsweetened coca powder but I didn't want the added sugar. I also added a minced jalapeno for a little extra heat. (A little tip - by adding seasoning to the aromatics before the other ingredients the flavors intensify.)

3. Add 1 lb of the leanest ground sirloin and saute until brown. Add two cans pinto beans and two cans of diced tomatoes. Reduce to simmer and cook until thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Portion off and serve with toppings if desired - baked tortilla chips, low fat sour cream, cilantro, an green onion. (I like using Tofutti's Better then Sour Cream. It has no cholesterol, no diary, and and only 85 calories per two tbs. Tofutti also makes a Better than Cream Cheese that's amazing on a wheat bagel with sliced tomato, basil, and salt and pepper.)

Weekly Obsession - Coyuchi Bedding

I am officially OBSESSED with Coyuchi. Don't ask me how to pronounce it - trying to makes me beyond uncomfortable. The company has the most amazing organic cotton and natural bedding, bath towels, sleepware and baby things. (FYI - I have begun to notice baby things more now that my childhood friend Tina is with child. I'm making mental notes on what to spoil the little sweetie with. Two words - Burberry Snowsuit.) Back to the bedding - everything is so soft. It literally feels like you are sleeping in a moshpit of puppies.

Fulldisclosure - The website is super pricey - I don't want to meet the person that spends $1,000 on a blanket! However, there is an outlet store in Point Reyes Station. If you can't make it there you can call in and have the ladies tell you their selection and send it to you. (They are super nice and have assured me they do this all the time. My mother is also a big fan.)

Last outlet trip I purchased a gorgeous gray devet cover with some stripped detailing towards the end of the bed, sheets for myself, a flannel sheet set for my parents, and two European pillow shams to go with the new duvet. I basically got a brand new bed and spent under $400. I highly recommend anything and everything from this company. The only downside is it becomes nearly impossible to get out of bed.

Beauty Blabber - Top Mascaras

I unfortunately was not blessed with thick, long lashes. Having a best friend with amazing ones - ahem Emma - has given me quite the inferiority complex. At any one moment I usually own two or three types that I layer.

Here are my top five mascaras:

5. Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara - Benefit has such cute branding and packaging that half the time I don't know if I like their products or the containers more. I have actually never met a Benefit product or brow bar girl I haven't loved. This mascara is a solid performer. Great for thickening.

4. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! - I've recently started dabbling into this brand. I got a makeup set from my mom last summer and really liked the mascara. It's all natural, which is for sure a plus when it comes to putting stuff near your eyes. The thick purple fabric packaging is also really easy to spot in your makeup bag. It may just be me but my lashes definately feel healthier when I use this one.

3. Lancome DEFINICLS High Definition Mascara - I'm pretty sure this was the first mascara I used. I like it best as the top coat because I feel like it seperates any gunk I've got going on.

2. Benfit They're Real Mascara - This is a relatively new product, but I fell in love with it the very first time I used it. I use it everyday and love how it lengthens. Plus the whole concept behind it is pretty witty. I can't believe someone just thought of it last year.

1. Dior DiorShow Mascara - A total classic. No one does mascara like Dior. This mascara has a cult following and every girl I know has used it at one time or another. It does everything - curls, thickens, lengthens. It's a definate must have.

Sunday Supper - Caesar Salad with Spicy Shrimp

I just purchased Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Light and have been waiting for February so I can try this salad. (I wasn't eating cheese in January.) It came out really well so expect more recipes from here in the following weeks.

This salad swaps buttery croutons for homemade tortilla chips and uses light mayo thinned with water to reduce calories and fat but not texture or flavor. The lime offers a fresh take on the dressing - I've always used lemon in the past.

1. Preheat your oven to 375. Spread 1 tsp vegetable oil on both sides of 4 tortillas. Season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Bake for
5 minutes, flip then bake for 5 more minutes. Let cool, then break into pieces.


2. Mix 1 lb raw shrimp with 1 tsp oil and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp chili powder. Spread on baking sheet and bake until cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes.


3. For the dressing whisk together 1/3 cup light mayo, the juice of two limes, 2 tbs Parmesan cheese, and 4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced. Add water by the tablespoon until you get the dressing to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.


4. Portion off into separate containers. The recipe says it serves 4 but I got 5 servings out of it.

Weekly Obsession - Kate Spade Stationary

In my opinion there are two types of people : Kate Spade and everyone else. She can literally do no wrong. Her clothes are flawless, shoes are adorable, housewares surprisingly practical, and purses are timeless. At times I have thought my purpose in life was to collect every idiom bangle she has ever made. (Spoiler Alert - It isn't and I didn't.)

After the holiday season everyone has tons of thank you cards to do - (Let's not discuss the fact that it takes me until February to thank people for gifts in December.) - so I thought I'd spotlight some stationary. The obvious choice is Kate Spade. Always bright, preppy and witty her stationary is by far my favorite. Money Saving side note - You can go to Papyrus and get buy two get one free on boxed stationary. They always have a cute selection that includes Kate Spade. The below "Sealed with a Kiss" cards are just a sample of what she has to offer.

Beauty Blabber

I'm a complete hoarder when it comes to beauty products. Full size, new products, free samples - I store them all in my medicine cabinet until I've used every last drop. I've decided to use my knowledge to better everyone else's face. From now on I'll be highlighting great products, giving recommendations, and reviewing purchases. Feel free to write in and ask any questions!

Full Disclosure - I am by no means an expert, but I'll do my best to help and I'm definitely the girl all my friends come to for recommendations on the best foot cream.

Let's kick things off with one of my new favorite products: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

This cream uses olive oil and witch hazel to instantly fight all traces of fatigue. It's great for mornings after long nights out or when you want to fake a full 8 hours for that 9 am presentation. It has a fresh citrus smell - Is there anything worse than a smelly face cream? I've been using it everyday for about a month now and have noticed a substantial increase in glow. I'm not sure if it has SPF, my tinted moisturizer does so I'm covered. Make sure you are - the gingerbread lady look is so high school.