My boyfriend definitely knows how to make me smile.

While working late the other night, he changed the sign at work from the 

image on the left, to the right.  He's so amazing.  And he makes me laugh. :)

 {Image by my brilliant boyfriend}

Myth vs. Fact: The Beauty Edition

Separating facts from myths can sometimes be an easy thing to do, especially when the question is whether or not it takes seven years for your stomach to digest bubblegum or figuring out if JFK really said he was a jelly doughnut to the Germans.  When it comes to beauty rituals however, I find myself getting a bit confused.  

Do I or don't I use hot water to wash my face?  Do I need a cleanser?  And a primer?  And then the moisturizer and then a finishing product when it's all said and done?  It doesn't help that there is a vast array of products constantly being developed, changing the myths into facts or vice versa.  Lucky for us, Real Simple Magazine has put on their debunking hats and configured a list of myths and their truths.  Here's my quick synopsis of the article, including my own thoughts.

Myth: Expensive beauty products = Better ingredients

RS Experts: Use what works for you.

Me: I completely agree with Real Simple's experts.  I can't tell you how many times I've gone to the department store and purchased expensive moisturizers, cleansers, mascaras, etc.  Was it worth it?  Well, it varied.  My moisturizer is my lifesaver.  I need it.  I love it.  And I don't mind spending the bucks to buy it because I feel the difference.  However, I have completely quit buying expensive mascara, eyeshadows, face wash and rouge.  I used to think, because I had sensitive skin, I had to get a certain department store brand for everything, but then I realized, the $4 eyeshadow from Target worked just as well and my eyes didn't look puffy or irritated despite the product being cheaper.  So, always figure out what works best for you, regardless of price.

Myth: "You have to suffer for beauty"

RS Experts: Yes & No, depending on why you're suffering.

Me: Totally agree.  If you're injecting Botox into your face, that needle is going to hurt.  Face lifts, liposuction, breast augmentations - those things are supposed to hurt because they are considered major surgery.  But if your face wash is burning layers of your skin off, or those fabulous heels [you bought at a discount and love even more because of that] are causing your feet to swell and blister because they're too tight, then no, you should not be suffering for beauty.

Myth: "Less is more when it comes to your makeup and hair."

RS Experts: Agreed.

Me: Yes & No.  I've tried doing the natural look with makeup using only powder and mascara, and it did not work.  Instead, it took the normal amount of products but in different shades.  However, if I'm going out for a night on the town, I will get "all dolled up" by adding eyeliner, a bolder shade of lipstick and an extra coat of mascara.  With my hair, I stray from the Dolly Parton look and try to keep things simple.  In fact, I don't use any products on my hair despite owning texture creams, mousse, hairspray, heat protectorates and de-frizzers. 

No matter what, use beauty products to enhance your best features, regardless of brand or price and suffer only when absolutely necessary.

Happy Monday, Lovelies!

{Image by Kat MacLeod via Real Simple.  For the full article, click here}

Return to the Blogosphere

At long last, I am posting.  It's been about six months since my last post and so many things have happened that I wish I could share them all with you through a fun & quirky video montage. Unfortunately, I didn't make a video.  I have pictures, but no cute video.

The biggest news I'd like to share with everyone is that I have resigned from my day job at an incredible and loving accounting firm to pursue my passion for baking!  I would not have guessed three years ago that this is something I would be doing, but I am excited nonetheless and can't wait to enter pastry school on July 5th.  [I am secretly cringing at the thought that I may be the oldest person there, even though I wouldn't quite consider myself old just yet]  The other great part about going to pastry school (and baking up a storm) is moving to Austin, Texas!  I absolutely love Austin.  It's weird.  It has great vintage stores I can peruse before class.  It's a smorgasbord of fun & creative people.  And it makes my boyfriend happy.

So, I deeply apologize for being absent the last six months.  I did not die, I was not taken hostage by a maniacally deranged cupcake eater who forced me to make endless batches of red-velvet cupcakes, and I was not on a secluded island off the Pacific Coast without internet access (though I did spend many hours watching episodes of Lost).

I am back.  Hope you're ready!


{photo by Alicia Bock}