Mane

I have, until this point, been lackadaisical in addressing a core part of our female existence. Something that can make a good day or a bad day. Our crown of glory. One of our defining elements. Our Hair. (you think I'm exaggerating think Medusa, Rapunzel, Delilah . . . . .)

I have recently discovered a key to making my crown sparkle. The perfect line of hair products. Now that is something.

Pureology

It is a line created for color (or colour if you're feelin fancy) treated hair that actually works. My colour lasts literally twice as long before fading with these products. I have found this line in my grocery store lately, too. This makes them doubly appealing as I don't have to be at the salon to purchase more. There are several variations within this line and its up to you to find the one that best suits your mane-type. I use the moisturizing line and it doesn't fall flat (neither does my hair as it has in the past with most other moisturizing products).

Lastly, this is a vegan product. Go figure.

I'm All Aglow

"I'm all aglow (hmmm hmmm) and now I know (hmmm hmmm) . . . . . . .the key to all heaven is love."
Brownie points (betty crocker classic fudge - the perfect boxed brownie and the recipe for my mom's quick brownies the perfect homemade) to those able to place these song lyrics . . . . .not you suzanne

so we all know love can give you that special glow . . . .pregnancy does it too . . . .and sometimes a low-grade fever. for those of you looking for a way around these . . . .I have the solution. looking "fresh" is a goal to have. its one of mine. I hate the "made up" make up look. hate it. dewy and fresh is the way to go. i have found that most compact powders and loose powders give you the "made up" look. will never do.

Clinique makes a perfect loose powder called Gentle Light Powder in Glow 3 Neutral (works for most skin tones but can go to a lighter or darker "Glow" if needed). Its sets without caking. And more importantly, gives you that "he just kissed me!" glow without actually having to be kissed. has subtle particles that catch the light without making you look like you have glitter on your face. Use with caution as people always gravitate towards those with the glow.

*will need larger brush than the one provided to best apply

"You Make Me Feel"

For some it may be that black dress that fits you like none other. for some, the feeling you get right after you get your hair did. for some, pretty underwear. for others, the right red lipstick with glossy gloss. for some, sparkly "jewry" . . . . .what makes you feel like a natural woman???

for my 10-month-old daughter, its her bows. (yes, i know this for a fact, and no -mom- this is in no way a projection . .)

Sophia has not a real strand of hair to speak of. She needs her bows. When she was born, the mad search for how to get an adorable bow on a head of no hair begun. Any mom would do the same, right?

I hated all the velcro bows, and the headbands with the attached bows as they left indentations on her sweet little head. Then, I found a woman on ebay (who obviously is in touch with her inner natural woman) who custom makes headbands and bows.

The perfect bald-headed baby girl gift. The bows are on clips (any bows with alligator clips will work with the bands) that you attach to the headbands and can change (a girl needs options). The bands are stretchy and soft and don't leave a mark on baby's head. Bliss! Hooray! You will be an instant hero. The bows can be used later when actual hair is available. You may need to practice restraint with the bows . . . . .(tho I cant say I was able to).

The Perfect Bows and Bands

Wife Beater

Always think that term is funny, especially when my 100% italian husband sports them. (i also think kevin kline in "i love you to death")

Let's face it, we all need one. they are often our foundation, what holds us up. a constant, wife beaters are, in our wardrobes.

This was one of my longest searches after I had my last baby. I wore (wear) them a lot as another layer, a third piece if I may. What I found was that there was something wrong with ALL of them (and i tried them all - gap, old navy, victorias secret, express, ann taylor, etc) Either they were too thick and bulky, they didnt have enough stretch, werent long enough, got all wonky and stretched out after wearing them for an hour . . .. none of them would do.

Then I tried Kohl's as a last resort and heaven opened up and shined down upon me. This tank is long enough, has the right amount of stretch, and keeps its shape, making it the perfect wife beater. (and is $7!!)


The Perfect Wife Beater

** this is not a tank meant to be worn on its own. it is a "holder-inner", a "peek-out from beneather", a layer

if you need a good all-by-itslefer try jcrew - they also just came out with a tank that has a ribbon edge for some interest - brilliant but a bit pricey

Wear Alone Tank

Ribbon Tank

Two's Company

Lets go more abstract for a moment. those who follow, follow.

The perfect blend of decor styles:
French Country meets Paris Chic (isn't this also the perfect woman: grounded, sure and sweet melded with alluring, intense and current???)

example:
crystal chandelier above barn wood planed kitchen table with black sheaf back chairs (extra tall) and toile wide drapes - horchows lovely panels are on sale AFTER I bought mine somewhere else . . horchow toile panels and candles galore! (note: my kitchen at the moment)

Lunch

I admit it. I'm hooked. but no one ever said that when I do something I don't really DO it.

Have to write this in as I just enjoyed the perfect HAM SANDWICH.
I didn't even realize that I just perfected about a month ago when my husband started refusing to make his ham sands bc they "were just no good".

Home Pride Wheat Bread (nothing else will do)
Hatfield Lower Salt Tavern Ham (thin sliced but not shaved *this ham has no fillers)
Belgioioso (yes correct spelling) Provolone (you can thin slice and do 2 slices or medium slice 1)
Kraft Light Mayonnaise (we all know how awful for you reg. mayo is and fat free is free of taste)
Regular yellow mustard
(all of the above is avail at Acme)

Mayo on both slices of bread and mix the mustard on one side with the mayo.
Cut in half with sharp knife (dull knife smooshes bread)
Divine.

A Different Kind of Staple

It was suggested that I show my "range" right off the bat (I am tempted to continue with perfect basic clothing essentials - I will return to that path shortly as I am committed to sharing these jewels).

For those of you who are knowers (knowers, seekers . . .youll catch on), you know that a glass of true southern sweet tea is bliss. Even those not blessed with a southern upbringing or southern friends may have caught wind of this piece of heaven in a glass. Still, sadly I cannot call myself a true southern lady as I do not brew tea every morning. I admit it. I have, however, found the perfect store bought sweet tea. (I should say here the perfect store bought sweet tea above the mason dixon line where publix does not exist bc their's is the real deal).

I first tried all of the teas advertised as "southern" sweet tea. Gross and Gross. Syruppy yuckiness. Then I tried a northern Turkey Hill regular iced tea. Grosser. And what is all that pulp-like film in the bottom of the jug????

I decided to put that quest on hold and go in an entirely different direction. Turkey Hill has a Green Tea (unexpected, I know! also comes in diet). I tried it. I love it. It is mild like my nana used to make it and sweet without being sickening. The perfect substitute *sometimes these are the best finds as they give us options in this big ole world.

(also comes with mango flavoring - not the perfect southern sweet tea substitute, but a nice drink by itself)

The Beginning

In the beginning, God created woman. God also created for her a perfect pair of denim jeans. They made her happy. She ate too many apples (and entenmann's chocolate chip cookies - a bonus - hands down the best store bought ccc's). God took her jeans away. She was crushed. She tried to trade her man for those jeans back. God said no.
Until now, we have all been searching for those Garden of Eden jeans. I have found them.

Gap Essential Jeans. There. It is out there in the world.
The Perfect Jeans

They have the perfect amount of stretch (enough that you can move, but not so much that they settle into ridges). They are high-ER waisted without being mom jeans. They are pricey but not designer pricey. They have a wider leg (between a boot cut and a straight leg).

The darkest wash is the way to go (I was tempted by the other 2 washes, but the dark wash gives the superior fit - you don't believe me??? you have much to learn)

If you are straddling sizes, go with the smaller. You want to initially put them on and think you're pushing it a bit . . . .in 1 1/2 to 2 hours they will fit exquisitely.

Wash them. Wash them. Wash them. They get even better with age.

I have 3 pair.

I started with these bc they have been both my most exhaustive and most gratifying quest. You are welcome.

My First Ever Blog

Ok. So. My first blog, my first time blogging (oh gag I really said blogging) - up until this very moment I believed blogging to be just the dumbest of dumb. I stand corrected. If I can justify my insanity by blogging (that's 3x) then I am in. Stay tuned for the very best of the best of all that is findable.