Wish List: Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler for JCP (yes, JCPenney) is one of my favorite home decor lines. This collection is punchy, in-budget and ultra chic. Jonathan Adler is known for his splashy color schemes and playful graphics. Happy Chic can be exclusively found at JCP. Shop online or in-store to add a little flavor to your domestic dwelling place.

Here's a few of my favorite pieces at the moment:
// Upholstered Headboard //
// Throw Blanket //
// Decorative Pillow //
// Elephant Bookends //
// Indoor/Outdoor Rug //
// Navy Armchair //

I love the blue, white and gold color scheme.  Don't you?

Drugstore Essentials

Ahhh, there are so many fun and exciting things going on in my life right now and I’m finding it hard to concentrate on what I’m supposed to be doing, momentarily, so I’m writing a blog post in lieu of alternative productive activities!

Drugstore skin care items worth purchasing:

1.   Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream

In an effort to lower the cost of my beauty product budget and a desperate need for quality face moisturization; I selected Garnier’s  Skin Naturals Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream as the “summer drink” for my parched face.  I bought this product in anticipation that I would use up the remainder of my daily face moisturizer, Clinique DramaticallyDifferent Gel Moisturizing Gel, sooner than later.  I finally got around to religiously using this gel cream in the evenings and as-needed for daily use and have been awestruck by the quality of this product. This product delivers all the benefits you would find in a designer skin care brand but at a fraction of the price.  The product does an outstanding job locking in moisture and does not make your face appear greasy when worn throughout the day.  This refreshing gel-cream will also help you create that natural, dewy look we all aspire to have!  Don’t let the low sticker-price detour you from buying this product.  At an astounding $8 to $9 per tub, you won’t feel guilty applying liberally and often.  Sit back and watch the magic take place!  I am so happy I discovered this knock-out product.

2.   Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub

This is the absolute perfect “summer” addition to any skin care regimen.  I bought this product because I was looking for a non-invasive alternative to a daily facial scrub.  After peddling over many other alternatives, I’m so glad I chose Neutrogena’s Grapefruit Foaming Scrub.  This product smells magical and couldn’t be more refreshing.  I’ve enjoyed working this scrub into my daily showering regimen.   The product does a good job eliminating the harmful dirt, dead skin and bacteria which are all notorious for creating breakouts.  Additionally, the gentle micro-beads work to polish the skin with visible results.  The product does include some Salicylic Acid acne medicine, but does not cause irritation.  The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub is a refreshing alternative to other daily facial scrubs and I will definitely repeat the purchase in the future. 

3.   Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Look no further for removing tough eye makeup then the coveted Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads.  I have been using these makeup remover pads for a long time and haven’t found a more effective solution for removing stubborn eye makeup.  The pads are the perfect size and come pre-moistened.  They are composed of a soft solution that doesn’t irritate the eye and is not too oily (which is often the problem with most eye makeup removers).  Before using the product, I would recommend washing the face and using the pad to do the extra “clean up”.  A reliable product at a great price?  There is no better solution!  

I'm curious; what are your favorite drugstore products?

Strictly Budgetary: The Big Day

The True Cost of a Wedding

In light of a handful of friends and family tying the knot in 2012, I found this diagram to be a interesting representation of how to budget for The Big Day.   I can appreciate the money saving tips at the bottom of the diagram; especially the suggestion of booking off-season and involving creative friends/family to help with wedding preparations. 

Do you think the average cost of a wedding, $27,000, is out of park or accurate?  What elements of the wedding (photographer, venue, dress, etc.) are you most willing to splurge or penny-pinch on?

Sited sources: theknotinc.com, www.smartmoney.com, and money.cnn.com.

26 and Counting

Liz, from Twenty Six and Counting Blog

One of my favorite fashion blogs is 26 and Counting and today Liz (the creator) is looking exceptionally cute.  I love Liz's daily fashion blog because of her sense of creativity and her dedication to "remixing" outfits which already exist in her closet. 

Liz makes a conscious effort to construct both budget-friendly and stylish work wear outfits.   Most of all, I enjoy her sense of honesty, humility and her commitment to posting daily entries.  I always look forward to seeing what she pulls together!

Don't be fooled.  Liz is a hard working and ambitious young professional.  It is astonishing that she manages to maintain a full-time job, a successful blog and pursue a masters degree--all at the same time!  Keep inspiring and keep up your great work, Liz!