What’s a girl to do?  Blog.  (OK, it’s not that bad, I just like a kept home.). 

Enter my favorite household cleaning product: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Geranium Countertop Spray

Most importantly, this product truly does result in squeaky clean countertops, degreased stoves, fingerprint-less refrigerator handles, etc.  Being an all natural product, derived from Vegetable Protein Extract, that’s a great thing, because I’ve tried ‘green’ products that just don’t get the job done, ultimately defeating the purpose.  However,  it’s the fragrance of this household cleaner that should make it any beauty-loving ladies go-to.

Like a field of blossoming Geraniums, Mrs. Meyer’s recipe could double as a room spray or even an eau de toilette.  Feminine, light and so-simply Spring.

I think I’ll get off the couch now.

A veracious reader, I just finished my Book Club’s current pick: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  Immersed in the story, I was reminded that there are few things better in the world than being so completely captivated by a novel.    

Only once was I jolted from the story to hear my neighbors arguing (Just break up already, seriously.  Oh, and PS bud, you look like Spencer Pratt.  Not a compliment.).

I’ve fought it for sometime now, but this was my first e-reader experience.  I will admit, there are some pros, but there’s still something antique, traditional, and experiential about bookstores (seriously, I still get butterflies in Barnes and Noble… who remembers Pizza Hut’s ‘Book It’ program from grade school?  Whoa.  Huge dweeb.).  I adore perusing the aisles, the end caps, the smell of so much paper, touching the books, making a selection, and ultimately going home and feeling the pages as they’re turned.  One day, I will live in a space where I don’t wake up in my bedroom/kitchen/living room/office, and I will have a true library, lined with all of the books I own.  There will be a rolling ladder, and with that ladder will have come (free with purchase) a yellow, full-skirted dress.  I digress.

Below are 5 books that I found, for some reason of another, to be beautiful.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

So when this selection was made from another member of the Book Club I belong to, I headed over to B&N to pick it up.  W”H”eird, because I couldn’t find it.  Oh yes, that’s because it was in the “Young Adult” section.  Neat.  Just when I thought I had escaped a selection with a bright pink cover (I have been known to boycott all chick-lit picks), I was surrounded by 14 year-olds crooning over Bieber posters.  The story has been told 1,000 times over, Nazi Germany…  But this perspective is one of a child’s and her family; completely different than Anne Frank’s classic.  Old but new, heart-wrenching yet proud, devastatingly depressing while stunningly beautiful, The Book Thief will affect you.

Geek Love: A Novel by Katherine Dunn

Warning: Do not be fooled by the title.  This is NOT a love story.  Although it has evolved into a Best Buy tech slogan, the word ‘geek’ originally meant (loosely): a circus performer who engages in disgusting acts.  More specifically, geeks traditionally dressed in white and would bite off the head of a live chicken, allowing the crimson of the blood to splatter in stark contrast against the blanc uniform.  Now if that doesn’t say ‘crowd pleaser’ to you, I dunno what would!  I warned you, NOT a love story.  Take two carnies who pro-create with the intention of spawning newer, more sensational ’acts’.  Drugs and other peripherals come into play to create their gaggle of offspring, who somehow grow into relatable, awe-inspiring characters.  Not for the weak of heart, I’ve recommended this novel to more people than any other.

Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins

Written by one of the few authors I can read more than one book by, Robbins is an absolute genius.  His writing style is oh-so complex and impactful;  sometimes I have to read a paragraph 3 times over just to eek every ounce of beauty from it.  A wordsmith,yes, but also a fantastic storyteller.  Quirky and one-of-a-kind, seep into this story and once you’re through, tell me you aren’t yearning for a ‘Bernard’.  In it’s own way, this IS a love story, told within the confines of a pack of Camel cigarettes.

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann

A cult classic, this is a pretty ‘femmey’ book, but the topics are crisply relevant decades/generations later. A 1960′s Sex and The City. 

The Host by Stephenie Meyer 

I love serums and body icing as much as I love Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.  This somewhat sci-fi book pulled me in and didn’t let go. Written by the same author as the Twilight series (bleck!), I was skeptical, but 600 some pages later, I was a believer.  You don’t know who to root for, the ‘host’ or the ‘parasite’, but this story isn’t just about crazy futuristic possibilities… that is just the context in which Meyer’s messages about family, community, love, politics, progress (and its repercussions) swirl around it’s reader.

Me:  “My name is Tiffany, and I’m a cheater.”

Group: “Hi Tiffany.”

Me:  It was late one night, and this beautiful woman came on my TV screen.  Her name was… Beyonce’.

Group Leader:  “Go on.”

Me:  She was oh-so fabulous and had the most amazing lashes.  I had to have them.  She told me her secret… it was… L’Oreal’s Double Extend Eye Illuninating Mascara.

Group:  {Gasp!}

So I did it… I cheated again on my two fav mascaras, L’Oreal Voluminous and blinc.  Why, why do I do this?

The product promises to lengthen and intensify your lashes while illuminating your eye color.  I chose the “Black Bronze” shade forumlated specifically for green peepers.  Well, I’m here to tell you that the grass isn’t greener, and neither were my eyes after applying 2 coats.

The brush was funky and twisted, making it difficult to apply.

There was no lengthening.  There was no intensifying.

Truth be told, I was willing to forego these two attributes if my irises rivaled those of a Siberian tiger’s, but I didn’t notice even the slightest hue of color on my lashes (Oh, and I was looking).

I feel tricked and betrayed, used and abused.  The moral of this story is: Stick with what you love, and don’t let Beyonce’ make a cheater out of you too.

The result?  I don’t think I have been cleaner in my life.

With the plethora of products designed just for the tub, I tried and tested loads of bath-specific offerings, with the below being some of my favs. (Yep, and I have a Rubber Ducky who is splattered in pink and orange glitter… PrettyCity colors… Ernie, from Sesame Street, really was onto something.)

EO Product’s Serenity Bath Salts and Bubble Bath in French Lavendar

Label me old school, but for me, a bath isn’t worth taking if there aren’t any bubbles.   And, with the new tub ‘trend’ leaning towards bath salts, I can’t help but miss them.  Salts have gained popularity due to their ‘healing’ properties.  For instance, EO’s French Lavander Bath Salts incorporates both Himalayan Pink Salts and California Sun Dried Sea Salts into their certified organic recipe.  The former is more exotic, and contains a whopping 84 rich elements that promote detoxification, circulation and relaxation (can you spell B-A-T-H?).  The latter offers up valuable trace minerals that naturally soften the water while cleansing the skin.  With all of these benefits, how could I deny my bath water these functional salts?  I couldn’t.  The solution?  Combine EO’s Bath Salts with the line’s Bubble Bath, creating an irresistible bath combo.

Bath and Body Works Signature Collection Bubble Bath in Twilight Woods

Nothing new and noteworthy here except the fragrance.  Tried and true, Bath and Body’s Bubble Bath is a standby I’ve hand on tap for years.  Bubbles abound and this scent, new in 2010, is feminine and sexy, of which every bath should be.

ME! Bath’s Bath Ice Cream Luxurious Bath Bomb in Love ME!

Another can’t-ignore trend in the bath world are Bath Bombs.  The equivalent of cupcakes for your body, these scoops of luxury moisturize as they fizz and melt away when submerged in your bath water.  The only problem is, they are oh-so pretty.  So pretty, I often find it difficult to actually unwrap the beauty of a bomb from its packaging, and ultimately toss it into the tub.  ME! Baths’s Bath Ice Cream Luxurious Bath Bombs,specifically, are so adorable that they make any bath-goers job hard (each bomb takes 3 days to custom make!).  With dozens of decadent flavors to choose from (think Birthday Cake, Chocolate Covered Strawberry and Mint Mojito), I had the Love ME! flavor on hand, a fruity scented bomb that’s blended with mica, giving a soft shimmer to the water.  The package should have read: “Just Add Unicorn”, for I felt like a sparkling, soft-skinned princess after I toweled off.

Alexandria’s Mud Puddle

Last but not least, on another night, I dumped a heaping scoop-ful of Alexandria’s Mud Puddleunder the running water.  Intended as a Facial Mask, the packaging indicates that, for the truly lavish, the same benefits can be applied to the entire body when used in the bath.  Mud Puddle brags of its rich essential minerals, collagen ingredients, thermal properties, toxin-clearing and skin texture improving agents, and even ingrown hair treatment and prevention (I opted for this bath product post my montly Brazilian Wax.. ahem.).  I felt like Cleopatra, steeped in a pool of purifying Hungarian Mud.  Although not a fun product to clean up after, this bath was one fit for a queen (of the Nile).

Recently, the delicate and detailed looks of the brand Beyond Vintagehave been tugging at my closet’s romantic heart strings.  Maybe it’s the 12 episodes of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, a series set during the Prohibition Era, that furthered my infatuation with looks from decades ago, but I can’t resist the femininity of the below pieces.

 I’ve never seen a trailer look so sexy

Sans knee socks, this dress is divine

Usually a Mini, White, Halter dress would equal disaster.  Not when designed by Beyond Vintage.

All photos are courtesy of Beyond Vintage at www.BeyondVintage.com

Beyond Vintage clothing can be found at large upscale retailers such as Barneys and CUSP by Neiman Marcus (top 3 stores in the world) as well as independent boutiques such as E Street Denimin Highland Park, IL (another one of my fav stores).  Find the full list of where to shop Beyond Vintage here.

But, one of my go-to products doesn’t sit on top of the counter… its hidden underneath.

Sea Breeze Deep-Clean Astringent

The packaging isn’t fabulous, the brand isn’t touted by celebrities, and lets be frank, there’s nothing indulgent about astringent.  However, this product works, and I have been using it for over 10 years… although secretively.

My roomate, from Freshman year of college, introduced me to Sea Breeze back in the 90s when Indiana water wasn’t being kind to my skin.  My usually blemish-free complexion was riddled with breakouts (ick!).  Using a Q-Tip as an applicator, Sea Breeze zapped zits quickly (the product is intended to be used for the entire face, but I only use it as spot treatment for acne emergencies).  I’ve been committed to this astringent ever since, and to this day, when my college roomie or I complain to one another that we feel a blemish building, we both have the same advice for the other: “Sea Breeze it!”

Recently, I drained my ‘newest’ bottle (purchased over 4 years ago), and stopped at Dominicks yesterday to replenish.  Yes, the grocery store, Dominicks.  A whopping $5.49 later, I opened my bathroom vanity cabinet, and restocked my beauty budget find… where no one can see it.

Sea Breeze photo courtsey of viewpoints.com

Seriously, can this woman do no wrong?  I love “B”, as her hubby affectionately calls her, and she definitely makes the cut on my list of the Top 5 Hottest Women of all Time.

The ultimate beauty pioneer, Beyonce doesn’t shy away from rocking risky beauty trends that have yet to receive acceptance by the masses.  Maybe it’s her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, that takes the plunge, but if this style icon gives it the green light, so do I.

She first put Minx Nails on the map (another one of my fav beauty trends of 2010) in her signature Gold Lightning, metallic shade.  Then at The Grammy’s, in February,  Beyonce was the first celeb to be spotted with Hair Tinsel embedded within her golden locks.

There are over 20 different colors of Hair Tinsel to choose from.  I opted to lightly emulate Beyonce, and enhanced my blond locks with the 3D Gold color strands.  Salon O Sixty-Five on Oak Street in Chicago added these to my mane quickly and deftly (for only only $5 per strand!), and they use the brand Beyonce wore on the red carpet, Bella Via Hair.

If you want to test drive these beauties for yourself, Salon O Sixty-Five will be applying Hair Tinsel, complimentary, at PrettyCity.com’s Chicago Beauty Sample Sale Event.  Purchase tickets to the event, which is at Flirty Girl Fitness on October 6th, from 6 pm – 9 pm, here 

Photo 1 courtesy of - loyalkng.com

Photo 2 courtsey of - prlog.org

I own a Grateful Dead T-Shirt from their very last concert, before Jerry passed (Yes, I was there.  Rad dude, I know.).

FACT

My neck has been strung with multiple hemp necklaces.

FACT

I dislike the smell of patchouli.

FACT

I am pro bra-wearing (Betsey Johnsonis my fav, and the leopard diddy below you can find at Nordstrom)

FACT

 When it comes to beauty, I’m all about results and usually rely on acid (chemical peels, ahem) and needles (Botox) to get the job done, not products that leverage Mother Nature.

However, there are exceptions to the rule.

It’s not my inner hippie that made me a lovechild of the Suki Active Tinted Moisturizer, it’s the results, and Suki does it all with organic botanicals.

I used to strongly believe in not wearing any type of foundation on my skin… powder, liquid, nada.  Skin needs to breathe!  Plus, I cringe when I see beautiful women wearing a mask of makeup covering up their fabulous features.

However, Father Time has crudely shown me that as we age, we need more coverage.

I was leary to try anything liquid that would serve as an all-over face application, fearing it would have a ‘cakey’ aesthetic, but I gave Suki’s Tinted Active Moisturizer a try, and am so glad I did.  It has quickly become one of the four makeup products I cannot live without.

I love how lightweight the formula is.  As the name indicates, this product is first and foremost a moisturizer, something all skin needs.  Add just a hint of a tint, and Voila!  Your skin is hydrated, luminescent, smooth in texture and even in tone.  Now that is groovy.

I feel prettier the instant I apply this product.  The other day, my bestie asked me if I had been tanning because I was “glowing”.  (She usually sees me sans makeup; that’s what friends are for, right dude?) Nope, no tanning (ick!), it was just Suki’s flower-power. 

Peace, Love and Happiness to naturally beautiful skin

I have my standbys, but needless to say, it’s not rare for me to walk out of a meeting with a bag full of products I’ve never tried before (all in the name of research, right?).  Although I’m a self-admitted Kerastase addict (have you tried the Chronologiste treatment?), I still, no different than a kid-in-a-candy-shop, become hypnotized by pretty packaging, tantalizing smells and beauty promises from other hair product lines.

My moments of weakness have resulted in trying the below hair products.  These 3 loved my hair, and therefore, I want to show them some love back.  Interestingly enough, the reason I purchased from these lines was because of their individual personalities; yes, products can have personality.

You should know, this head of hair is a hard one to please, so Lather, Rinse and Repeat with confidence. 

Bumble and Bumble

Oh Bumble, you speak to me.  We had a conversation at Solo Salon, in Chicago (An amazing West Loop hair destination.  I digress.).  Your packaging is hip, your smell is fresh and your lingo is edgy.  How could I say ‘no’ to your new line of ‘Mending’ products.  You had to come home with me. 

Personality: The Hipster

 Bb is the extrovert of the professional hair care world and consistently so.  From the company’s website, to the brick and mortor Salons that are proud to offer their products, Bumble brings it.

For Your Reading Pleasure

The descriptions of all Bb products not only grab your attention, but while doing so, they discreetly whisper to your hair’s special needs.  

Product - Surf Spray 

He said (Bb): “Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles – whenever, wherever.”

She said (me): “Yes, I want surfer girl hair in a bottle.”

Product – Brilliantine

He said (Bb): “Gives hair polish and a sort of languid, slept-in, sexy look with separation and extra sheen.”

She said (me):  ”How do you know I look smokin’ hot in the morning?  Well, I mean, you’re right, so ya got that going for ya.  OK, not every morning… hand over the Brilliantine.”

Miss Personality (my favorite Bb product(s)) – Mending Shampoo and Mending Masque

It’s new in 2010, the Mending line.  The promise: to “repair, strengthen, shin and protect the (truly) damaged”.  The result:  They drink truth serum at Bb.  The Mending Shampoo ($28) is fabulous, but the Mending Masque ($38) stole the show.  Soft, smooth, silky… sold.

Oribe 

I wish more people knew about this line, but that’s also part of the appeal: your hair can’t get these goods just anywhere.  If I could pick one word to describe these products, it would be regal.  The packaging alone makes you proud to present it in your shower and the fragrance should be made into an eau de toilette.  If I had a say in who their spokesperson would be (voice only), it would be Robin Leech from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.  The descriptions of Oribe’s products are short and simple.  Without being smug, they say, “I’m that good.  Go ahead, try me.” 

Personality: Understated confidence with a twist

For Your Reading Pleasure

Product – Gold Pomade

He Said (Oribe): “Sleek back your hair with super-rich gold highlights for instant lustrous glamour. Excellent for use on pleasure craft, in convertibles or anywhere a little seduction is needed.  Smooth onto wet or dry hair and style sexily. Add string bikini and dark glasses.”

She said (me): “You had me at “pleasure craft” and doubled down with string bikini and dark glasses”

Product – Shampoo for Magnificient Volume

He said (Oribe): “Because everyone needs a little largesse. Body-building polymers wash in truly uplifting volume and thickness, while rare botanical extracts leave hair full, lush, strong and easy to love.”

She said (me): “I don’t know what largesse means, but it sounds fancy, and I’m definitely fancy.  I want to check out how The Other Half Lives.”

Miss Personality (My favorite Oribe Product(s)) – Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color

In gold writing, this duo promised to “extend the bright, happy life of my dye”.  It actually does that and more.  Honestly, after washing and conditioning the very first time, my color looked revived and my hair texture was supple.

 Herbal Essences

So this pick didn’t come from a Salon. {Gasp!}  Hold on, hear me out.  I got it from a PrettyCity.com event Goodie Bag. {Phew & Exhale}  (Attend a Beauty Sample Sale Event in your city this year to grab a swag bag for yourself)

Call me a hair snob, but I don’t usually pick up my mane staples at a drugstore.  However, this leave-in split end protector made me want to stop at Walgreens for more than a pack of gum.

Personality: Playful, Low Maintenance and Approachable

For Your Reading Pleasure

He Said (Herbal Essences): ”Prevent split ends and maintain your long locks—that’s the secret of a long-term relationship. My luscious leave-in is like a velvety kiss of protective conditioning that strengthens your hair against split ends and breakage. hey beautiful, let’s stay together until the end.”

She Said (me): “I can commit, and so can my hair.”

 Miss Personality (my favorite Herbal Essences product) – Long Term Relationship

 This is the only Herbal Essences product I’ve tried, and therefore it’s my favorite.  Dare I say it… I want to try the Shampoo and Conditioner.

Please Note:  All product descriptions were taken from the Bumble and Bumble, Oribe and Herbal Essences websites or actual products.

Under Eye Concealer

Tinted Moisturizer

Blush

Mascara

Yes, I have an entire vanity and train case filled with others that are saved only for a night out on the town (aren’t superfluous cosmetics a prerequisite of being a girl?), but when it comes down to it, these 4 are my staples… and all I really need.

I’ve already shared with you two of these four favs (blush by TrueCosmetics in the shade blissful and blinc mascara), so I haven’t been holding out on you, and below I continue to spread the beauty wealth.

Once I stumbled upon Chanel’s CorrecteurPerfection (everything sounds fancier in French, oui?), a long lasting under eye concealer, I never looked back.

The consistency is creamy, meaning I don’t have to pull or tear the delicate area around my eye to blend it in.  In fact, it’s so creamy that  it doubles as a moisturizer for my wrinkle-prone under eyes.

It’s not inexpensive at $40, but it lasts so long that I only have to purchase a newbie every 3 months.  And, a slimmed down makeup bags means I can afford to invest a mere $160 in my peepers, especially for a natural, non-cakey, crack-free,  just-got-8-hours of sleep look.

Try it, ‘eye’ dare you.