Home Furnishings

Rugs? Yes.  Lighting? Yes.  Throw pillows?  Yes, please.  

Safavieh has it all.  And, today on ideeli, was a featured boutique vendor.  Before today, I had no brand recollection of Safavieh, but now, I’ll consider myself an absolute fanatic.  Chic, stylish and unexpected prints, patterns and color.  What more could you ask for in home décor?   

Consider this: you plan your wardrobe to a certain extent and you want it to reflect your personal style, correct?  Safavieh décor is an absolute reflection of personal style and intrigue but in the form of home furnishings.   

If ever I win the lottery or become god-awfully rich overnight, you can make certain a plethora of Safavieh home furnishings will adorn my living quarters.  Until that time arrives, I can day dream and pin to my hearts content on Pinterest.

Take a gander at some of ideeli’s discounted Safavieh merchandise.  If you are inspired enough to purchase from ideeli, think fast!  Ideeli boutiques are available for a limited time and products are available until supplies last.  It’s a dog eat dog world out there, folks.  Or you can be old fashioned and just check out Safavieh's website and drool along with me.

What are your favorite home décor websites, retailers, or brand names?

Getting Some Air

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In today’s case "getting air" may mean being swept away in a treacherous wind tunnel.  We are anticipating a Pacific winter storm from the west to roll in this evening and dump 3 to 8” inches of snow.  I am comfortable with the prospect of more snow (more snow = more skiing on the weekend and I am totally okay with that!).   

However, being outdoors today is just plain uncomfortable, the wind gives no mercy!  I am looking forward to Zumba after work and creating a delicious pot of turkey chili with my sweet babe this evening.  Reading a book or magazine could easily be worked into the evening agenda, too.  Monday, you’ve been good to me.  Thank you!

Lights, Camera . . . Action!

Truffle Popcorn

Oscars, yes?

One of my favorite lifestyle/newsletter/websites, GlitterGirl, released some totally to-die-for recipes to make on Oscar night and I am intrigued.  With five recipes suggested; all require just five ingredients or less (hello simplicity!) and all are a healthier version of something you might otherwise make.  Perfection?  I think yes.  And, who can resist sweet potato fries, macaroons and truffled popcorn? 

Utter the word “food” and I’m instantly convinced.  Oscars, you better bring it this year! 

Happy Weekend, Friends!  Do something special for yourself.

Facial on a Budget

Biore ULTRA Pore Strips; $7.99

Rekindling a product adored in your past is always a pleasant surprise.  An example?  My re-introduction to the ever-nostalgic, Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.  During a routine trip to the drugstore last night, I felt compelled to purchase a box of Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and I'm so glad I did!

My first experience using the Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips was back in my pubescent days of high school.  I remember a period of time where I was just dying to purchase the pore strips and used them regularly for a few years.  In the early 2000s the Biore Deep Cleansing Strips were ever-so-popular as a result of extensive advertising. 

Anyway, I bought the product and used it a couple nights ago and I am head over heals in love with it; just as I was 10 years prior! 

I would recommend upgrading to the Ultra edition of the Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.  Instead of containing 8 strips you only get 6 strips but its worth the slight upgrade.  The pore strips do what they are supposed to do . . . clean your pores!  And needless to say, I was long overdue as in my strip looked like a porcupine’s back after removal.  It was disgustingly-cool. The strip also peeled off a layer of dead skin and actually conditioned the skin, making the skin on my nose feel softer than usual.  After using the product, I could still make out the pore indentations on my nose but  the pores remained free of dirt, bacteria and the process appeared to visibly reduce the appearance of white/blackheads.

Talk about a mini-facial for less than $10?  Super-fab!

Have you been re-introduced to a beauty product from your past that you have had a positive experience with?

Let Go

Truth.  And, thank God tomorrow is Friday, right?

Bootie

Kendi, rocking the nude bootie!

The bootie, oh the bootie!  The bootie is a shoe you can’t go wrong with.  It's a versatile, stylish and comfortable alternative to a pump or a knee-high boot. 

Here's some reason's why the bootie is simply the best:

1.  No need to fuss with knee-high boots if you sport thick calves or muscular legs. Go ahead and give your legs some breathing room while still sustaining the appearance of wearing a boot. 

2.  You can wear booties with trousers, bootleg or flair style jeans or pants; however, the skinny jean looks best.  Try rolling up the cuff of the jean to create a fun and fresh look!  Exposing ankle is sexy, right?

3.  Unlike flats, the booties traditionally have a modest to high-heel, most baring just a modest heel.  Anytime I can get away with wearing a heel, I will.  I am odd in the fact that I cannot stand flats and the bootie is a fabulous alternative to pulling off a casual but put-together look. 

4.  Comfortable.  Every pair of bootie that I have owned has been extremely comfortable.  When a shoe is comfortable you wear it and that is a good investment.

5.  Cross-seasonal.  Don’t know if I just made that term up but what I’m saying is that you can honestly wear the bootie year-round if you style correctly.  Winter; with skinnies and an oversized sweater.  Spring; with a maxi skirt and cotton tee.  Summer; with boyfriend jeans and a flirty tank.  Fall; with tights and a blazer.

6.  Can be dressed casual or fashionably chic.  Fun colors?  Sign me up.  Pointy or almond toe?  Work appropriate.  Check, check and check.

The most conflicting issue of all. . .  which to choose?  With such variety in style and selection I would recommend buying a nude or neutral pair first.  Nude is chic and will elongate the look of your legs (and will go with just about…anything).  If you feel inclined; buy in multiples!  Once you find the perfect pair, see if it comes it different colors. 

What is your favorite way to style the bootie?

Report; $99

Lenscrafters

                                                       

Coach eyeglasses - Lenscrafters

       
I made a new eyeglass purchase this weekend, horray! This was my first experience buying eyeglasses from Lenscrafters and I have been more than happy with the whole experience. Bonus: I was lucky enough to have my parents with me to help pick out the perfect pair!

I was impressed by Lenscrafters in the following way(s):

Frame selection.  They carry so many stylish frames to choose from.  Some brand highlights: Coach, Tiffany’s, Ray Ban, Prada, Burberry, Tory Burch, and the list goes on. Also, during the frame selection process, they have cameras to snap photos of you with the frames on your face; providing both a front and side profile image.  This is a major bonus to help you select your favorite and most complimentary frame.

Price.  They seem to have competitive pricing relative to the quality of product.  They offer a discounted product with boutique-style experience.  It's quite nice! They take a variety of insurance plans and offer  discounts for members of AAA and AARP.  Watch out for sales!

Friendly sales staff.  The sales staff made my experience very enjoyable.  There was no “bait and switch” activity happening (which can often happen in these purchasing environments).  They appeared to maximize the use of my medical benefits by calculating different pricing and promotional alternatives to get me out the door with the best possible price. The sales associate that helped me even walked me to the door at the end of our appointment (a very sweet gesture).

Quick production.  My glasses were finished to perfection in less than 8 hours.  Need I say more?

Technology.  Lenscrafters is the only retail optical store that utilizes a high-tech system to accurately fit frames to your face (private or boutique stores also use the same technology).  They pop out the plastic showroom lenses and apply the frames to a sensor mount and then apply the frames to your face and then take a picture.  The sensors sync with computer software making sure the lenses/frames are in the accurate spot.  If I can remember correct, the system can measure up to a tenth of a millimeter in accuracy!

Insurance coverage.  You can buy insurance coverage that protects your purchase for up to a year.  Their policy covers all damages except for being lost or stolen.  Upon damage you pay $25 to get a completely new pair of glasses.  So, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can do a direct exchange within 90 days of purchase (frames, lens quality, etc.).  Talk about being covered. 

Needless to say I highly recommend Lenscrafters for your next eyeglass or prescription sunglass purchase.

Cha Cha Tint

Cha Cha Tint; Sephora $29

Benefit Cosmetics Cha Cha tint was a gift from Santa this year.  My thought for purchasing a cheek tint was to wear it on the slopes.  I am not one painting my face before I go skiing but... a little waterproof mascara, some heavy duty sunscreen and a little cheek tint never hurt anyone!  I can attest, the cheek tint is perfect for outdoor activity fun (low-maintenance beauty solution) or working the product into your everyday beauty regimen. 

Benefit Cosmetics, Cha Cha tint, delivers to the fullest. The color looks natural,  it is easy to use and the stay-power is impressive!  However, it took me a while to really get the hang of the application process because 1) a little bit goes a long way and 2) using moisturizer to lubricate the cheek is the key to creating a streak-free glow.  Also, the Cha Cha tint is different in respect to other cheek stains because it is not your classic rose or pink color.  The shade is a color-rich coral shade that compliments just about any skin tone.

Here is my application process:

1. Wake up
2. Wash face
3. Apply Clinique Toner
4. Apply Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel all over face
5. Rub a little extra moisturizing lotion in circular motion on the apple of the cheek
6. Make sure the lotion is distributed evenly before tint is applied
7. Apply a light stroke of Cha Cha tint to the apple of the cheek and rub in you’re your fingers in a gentle circular motion until the color is completely blended (start rubbing quickly after application or risk the appearance of streaks)
8. Apply additional tint for desired intensity of color (remember: a little goes a long way)
9. Repeat steps 5-8
10. Apply whatever foundation/powder/tinted moisturizer you generally use (I use Mac Studio Fix plus Foundation Powder) over the top of the applied tint and all of over the face
11. For added shine, apply a light dash of your favorite bronzer or luminzer over the cheek to enhance your already natural glow (I recommend Lorac’s luminzer)

I give this product a solid 2-thumbs up!

Blazer

Blazers; there's nothing more simple and polished then a tailored jacket.  The thing I love most about a blazer is you get maximum polish for minimum effort (i.e. when you are scrambling to get ready in the morning for work).  Also, blazers come in all sorts of textures (light cotton, lined-wool), styles (cropped, boyfriend), colors (black, light blue, . . pink) and weights (summer vs. winter weights). 

Anyway, I was out shopping with my fashionista friend (Ms. Meghan Bas) last weekend we unearthed some pretty serious blazers during our excursion. 

The first find we found was a closeout deal from Ann Taylor Loft.  The blazer is exquisitely made of black wool/tweed with faint white speckles with an applique that runs along the bottom hem and breast flaps.  This blazer was a quaint $24 plus tax and I am certain I'm going to get a lot of use out of it!

I also managed to snag a fun and fabulous bright pink blazer from H&M!  This blazer will transition into Spring very well and I am looking forward to wearing this bold new style. 

Get wild, be crazy.  Buy a fabulous jacket and rock it!