Here & Now

Just Bitten

Just Bitten, $7.50 Drugstores

Drugstore alert! 

This product is major.

I can't say enough about Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.  This product provides all the benefits of a stain/tint product but applies and feels like your favorite lip balm.  The color can be intensified by the amount you apply.  If you desire a super, color-rich lip; you'll want to apply two or three coats.  If you prefer just a subtle look; apply one coat.

Update: I applied my Balm Stain at 8am this morning and it lasted through breakfast and two cups of coffee, lunch and some afternoon snacks and the stain is still on my lips.  No joke!

As evidenced above, you can't beat the stay-power of this product.

With 12 vibrant shades, you really can't go wrong!  I am tempted to buy in two or three colors, I love this product so much!

Kiss away . . .

Calm, Cool & Collected

Do you have a critical summer interview on the horizon?  Read these tips to help you feel calm, cool and collected during the hot summer months. 

1. Wear one less item in transit - On the way to the interview, wear one less item than you plan to wear at the actual interview. For example, carry your jacket or blazer. This way, you'll be cooler in transit and your jacket will be crisp. Once you put it on, you don't have to worry as much about the dampness of your shirt becoming too visible.
2. Wear comfortable shoes - It's tempting to wear a pair of heels, but during the summer, it's better to opt for comfortable flats or dress shoes. Dressy sandals can also work well, depending on the dress code of the business. Whatever you do, don't show up wearing flip-flops.  Personally, I always think that heels look more professional than flats but make sure your heels are comfortable and you aren't walking like a wobbly giraffe!
3. Give yourself 15 minutes to cool down - Allow yourself extra time to cool off before your interview time. Depending on where you are going, spend a few minutes in the bathroom or at a nearby business to get refreshed and gather your thoughts. This is the perfect time to put some cold water on your face or neck. It's also a good idea to always carry a nice handkerchief for just this situation. Once you're cooled off, you'll feel more confident about the interview. 
4. Select garments that don't show sweat - It's best to wear fabrics that have a little bit of Lycra, to prevent wrinkles and stay away from linens and other fabrics that tend to show sweat or that look rumpled easily. Plan for the hottest day, and anything less will be a pleasant surprise. 
5. Bring along some breath strips - To feel fresh, it's a bad idea to put on more cologne or perfume. On hot days, the overwhelming perfume smell can trigger allergies even in those who aren't as sensitive to it. Instead, get a pack of breath strips that dissolve quickly in your mouth. It will give you fresher breath and can even make you smell better overall.

Best of luck! xo

Happiness

Flash Bauble Sale

Check out these flashy buys:

1. BUBBLE NECKLACE on sale at The Poke A Dot Shop 

• Over 10 colors to choose from!
• Use promo code SUMMERFUN at checkout for major discount!  
• $20 (including shipping)
• Take into consideration 10-21 day lead shipping time

2. VARIOUS STYLES on sale at Stella & Dot

• 2 day sale!
• "Like" Stella & Dot on Facebook 
• 60% off Garbo Link Bracelet: $31.60 http://bit.ly/NicBaM
• 50% off Tigris Earrings: $29.50 http://bit.ly/OOw9DE
• 40% off Alexandria Necklace: $53.40 http://bit.ly/xKO1II

Get your baubles before they're gone!

7 Fall Finds Under $100

I am just ecstatic about this concept board.  Shall I dare discuss Fall fashion yet? xo

1. Earrings   House of Harlow 1960 - Sunburst Button Earring   $30.00

2. Blazer   Ark & Co. - Pop Blazer   $59.00

3. Ring   Sabine - Faceted Statement Ring   $24.00

4. Blouse   Collective Concepts - Color Block Blouse   $69.00 

5. Jegging   Free People - Biker Babe Legging   $98.00

6. Bootie   Michael Antonio - Moxby   $59.00 

7. Cuff   Hive & Honey - Geometric Stretch Bracelet   $28.00 

Find all of these fabulous finds at Piperlime.com! 

Workin' Nine to Five

So I have been “back to work” for approximately a week now and one thing is for sure; I need to keep my office diet in-check!  I'm now being tempted by the break room goodies, caffeinated sodas and coffee pick-me-ups, lunch outings, corporate parties and special functions.  Now that I have an expectation for what I'm up against, I am feeling more prepared and motivated this week to put my nutrition back on track!  In an effort to discover new, healthy snack choices; I came across this informative list of snack items.

SnackAttack: 10 Yummy Low-Calorie Snacks by Arizona Foothills Magazine

1. Hard Boiled Eggs: For a natural protein boost in the middle of your busy day, enjoy one or two hard-boiled eggs. One medium hard-boiled egg delivers a host of essential vitamins at just 81 calories.
2. Tomato Topped with Balsamic Dressing: Ok so it’s not the authentic Caprese Salad from Italy, but it’s pretty close, and minus the fat! You can’t go wrong with stuffing your face with tomatoes at only 30 calories a pop (medium-sized). This tasty veggie is packed full of vitamins and minerals, most notably vitamin C and vitamin A.
3. Celery with Peanut Butter: Did you know you actually burn off the amount of calories in a stick of celery just by chewing it? This means it has negative calories! Spread some low-fat peanut butter on these crunchy green veges and take in some good fats as it is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Cup of Cottage Cheese and a Grapefruit: Dieters often steer clear of cheeses because they are chock-full of fat. Well delicious cottage cheese is the exception to the rule… And no it won’t give you “cottage cheese thighs.” This healthy snack is low in fat and carbs, and very high in protein — just what you need to decrease that body fat percentage. Add a grapefruit to the mix, because this special fruit is low in calories and sodium, high in potassium and fat burning enzymes. Perfect!
5. Sargento’s Low-Fat String Cheese with an Apple: If cottage cheese isn’t your cup of tea or you’d like something more mobile, try healthy string cheese, like Reduced Fat, Low Moisture Mozzarella String Cheese by Sargento. This particular brand is filled with snacks at only 50 calories each with just 2.5 grams of total fat. However, this isn’t going to stop your stomach from rumbling, so throw in a juicy apple rich in Vitamin C.
6. TCBY’s Fat- & Sugar-Free Frozen Yogurt: Who would have thought stopping at your local TCBY would actually be healthy for you? Well it is when you choose the fat- and sugar-free frozen yogurt. Just three ounces of a fat-free brand will only set you back 100 calories.
7. 14 Whole Natural Almonds: Nuts are jam-packed with fat… good fat! A measly 14 almonds, in particular, are not only just 80 calories, but have 3 grams of protein, 7 grams total fat and 1.5 grams dietary fiber.
8. Hummus with Whole Wheat Pita Bread: This Middle Eastern creation is delicious and super healthy. It is filled with fiber and dripping with olive oil for our essential fat burning, fatty acids. Choose whole wheat pita bread for dipping. This has less simple sugars and even more fiber!
9. Fiber One Yogurt with a Banana: For all you gals with a sweet tooth, yogurt is the healthiest way to get your daily fix. Try Fiber One’s non-fat, 50-calorie yogurt packs. These delicious treats are filled with fiber, which will help your belly feel more satisfied. Toss in a nutritious banana for some more fiber, potassium and vitamin B6.
10. 100% Dried Fruit Bars: Try these delish Trader Joe’s Handmade Fruit Bars… if you haven’t already. You’ll be hooked! They are less than 50 calories each.

TIP: For years my mother has prepared her hard-boiled eggs with a dash of white vinegar.  This is the best trick for making easy to peel hard boiled eggs.  Follow the simple steps below for the perfect, hassle-free hard boiled egg:

• Place water in a large pot. Add desired number of eggs. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of white vinegar to the water and a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil for two minutes.
• Cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let it stand for 11 minutes. When eggs are done, remove them from water and allow them to cool. 
• Crack the shell at both ends of the egg and begin removing the eggshell, which should come off easily.

Happy Monday, ya’ll!

Sleepless in Seattle

Seattle Skyline

Okay, life update.  I have officially moved back to the PNW and couldn’t be happier about the decision!  I landed a contract position with Media Plus+ to fulfill the role as Political Media Coordinator through the remainder of the political season.  

I have had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with my family and my boyfriend, Mac, who has just recently finished his fishing season in Alaska.  I have enjoyed practicing yoga on the beach, hiking and camping in the Cascades, drinking lots of coffee and revisiting with old friends.  I am sorely missing my sweet dog, Bella, and all of my Flagstaff friends; but, I am looking forward to becoming a Seattleite and taking full advantage of this fantastic city!

Side note; I’ve stumbled into a fairly bleak and bland looking cubicle and need to stay up to speed with the trend-setting, power chicks I work with.   Any suggestions on how to dress my cubicle up without going  overboard?  I was thinking a few framed pictures, a desk lamp, a nice calendar, etc.  Am I missing anything?

Happy trails and here we go!