Mad Men Madness

I just recently moved into a studio apartment and am living alone for the first time in my life. How do I describe the feeling of being able to have complete ownership of the remote control and being able to watch what I want when I want? ...sheer uninterrupted bliss.

I can only begin to describe how fanatical I am about the AMC TV series 'Mad Men'. I was drawn to this show immediately upon seeing the previews in 2007. I think it was the style of the female characters' makeup that primarily caught my eye. I am always interested to see how women wore their makeup in different eras. My mother grew up in the 60's and has said "that show has portrayed the 1960's dead-on". With the clothing style, use of color, body types, body language and indecency, it is difficult to not become intrigued by what went on in this story...or better yet in that time period. I'm fascinated.

Season 4 began just 3 weeks ago and since I just had cable TV installed yesterday, I wasn't able to enjoy watching my favorite show other than ordering the already-aired episodes on iTunes, after the fact. Episode 4 airs tonight and I literally cleared my entire schedule just so nothing would interfere with my 9pm hour of enjoyment. One huge wrench in my situation is...episode 3 aired last Sunday night and has not been released onto the internet...at all. Only episodes 1 and 2 are available as of yet. I have no choice but to miss episode 3 for now and jump from episode 2 to 4! Sad face. I know this sounds ridiculous...I have been watching this show since it first aired and it is against everything I believe in to miss an episode, or even any one part of an episode. I told my manfriend "I need complete silence when my show is on. I need to hear everything they say, watch their body language and see all their facial expressions." Also, you simply cannot pick up watching this show at any point BUT the first episode. The only way to comprehend what is happening throughout the storyline is to start from the beginning, otherwise none if it will make sense and you will have to then bother someone (like me) who has been faithfully watching since day one. Even then, it is difficult to understand the situation-you certainly have to see for yourself. If you haven't been watching, that is your fault. Best show EVER!

Current To Do List

1) Upload/find my favorite songs from the past
2) Try different sangria recipes
3) Be less wasteful more thrifty with cosmetic/skincare products
4) Read more books
5) Alone time
6) Figure out my new Blackberry
7) Donate clothing and shoes to Goodwill
8) Simplify & Minimalize
9) Stay In for the night more often
10) Find dog parks in New Haven
11) Find farmers' markets in New Haven
12) Drink more water
13) Be more careful with my electronic devices
14) Get a Keratin treatment
15) Make dinner more often

Oh no...Don't Tell Me That.

It pains me to say that I have heard some very unfortunate things during my adventures as Makeup Artist and Skincare Specialist...about how people treat their skin or how they use certain products. I will start with the ones that stuck out the most...the ones I cannot support.

SKINCARE NO-NOs:
1)I don't use face moisturizer. (Your skin is then aging faster than it should be.)
2)I don't wash my face with anything but water/scolding hot water. (OUCH!)
3)I use body moisturizer on my face. (It is called BODY moisturizer. Body.)
4)I use alcohol as my toner. (YIKES....hello rosacea.)
5)I use body scrub on my face. (It is called BODY scrub. Body.)
6)I wash my face with body wash/hand wash. (UGH...do I need to say it again?)
7)I don't use eye cream. (.... you are aging faster!)
8)I don't exfoliate. (your skin isn't regenerating at a normal rate and you prob have 1 or more skin issues)

MAKEUP NO-NOs:
1)I'm using my under eye concealer as eyelid base.(made for/says UNDER THE EYE)
2)I'm using my finger to apply under eye concealer. (waste)
3)I use my brow pencil as my eye liner or vice versa. (I've seen this too many times-terrible)
4)I've had this lipstick since it first came out____years ago. (throw it away NOW)
5)I'm using this color foundation/tinted moisturizer because I wanna look more tan. (This is one of the biggest mistakes women make. Match your skin first w/foundation. Then use bronzer over it to create a tan look.)
6)Powder makes my skin dry. (Your skin is dry because you do not exfoliate and moisturize properly.)
7)I wash my brushes with alcohol. (you are ruining your brushes and possibly your skin.)
8)I just use my daughter's bronzer. (Chances are, your daughter's bronzer is too sparkly for a more mature skin. Try something matte.)

There is a reason why all these statements scare me, and that is because they are all SCARY!
The year is 2010 and there is NO reason why you should have to substitute one product for another. If you have access to the internet, or access to a Sephora, cosmetic boutique or cosmetic counter at a department store, then there is no excuse. Also, be aware that some sales people are not specialists and will try to sell you the wrong product if they are out of stock of the right one for you. Research is the best way to find the right products for you. Asking questions is a good tool as well.

There is also no reason why we shouldn't utilize the proper skincare. I cannot stress how important your skincare is. Your skin is the largest organ on your body. As we mature, the skin loses it's ability to regenerate and produce collagen and elastin. After the age of 25, this production actually slows down by 1% every year. So, if you are 35, your collagen and elastin production has slowed down by 10% already. If you are a sun-whore or smoke, drink in excess, the rate you age increases exponentially. We need to give back to our skin! Proper cleansing and hydrating products are essential to your skin's health and vitality. If we pay better attention to the skin, we can preserve our youth longer. Also, no makeup will look good on tired, dry, irritated skin. The skincare steps are the most important part. Fix the skincare issues...don't just cover up with makeup!

Also, using products with your finger that are meant to be used with a brush is not the best idea. Brushes are sold for your convenience, for a better/smoother application. Using your fingers can waste a ton of makeup and will result in you having to purchase products more often. $$$

Do not save cream or wet makeup products for more than a year! PLEASE! Read my post about not being sentimental with your makeup. Expired products are an infection waiting to happen and you are simply applying dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and bacteria back onto your skin. And that is just plain gross. Get rid of them! Come on...we are always finding excuses to shop. This is a perfect justification to go out and buy new makeup!

Make a list of all the things you need to do for your skin. Make a list of all the issues you have with your skin. If the issues are severe, please see your dermatologist. Otherwise, feel free to always ask questions to a Makeup Artist, Skincare/Product Specialist! Feel free to ask me questions as well!

Slatkin & Co. Fresh Bamboo Candle

Slatkin & Co. has merged with Bath & Body works. They now produce all Bath & Body Works candles. We were sad to see Slatkin & Co. stop making their own home and bath products, but so happy that they have joined Bath & Body Works with some of their original candle recipes and for a fraction of the price! Fresh Bamboo happens to be my current favorite and Pineapple Mango coming in at a close second. The candles come in 3 different sizes. I just purchased 2 three-wick Fresh Bamboo candles for $20. Thats a steal! Such a great scent for Spring...its like fresh cut grass and clean crisp air. And they burn beautifully...the oils are pure and fragrant. Loves it!

EOS "Summer Fruit" Lip Balm Sphere

This is my new obsession. EOS Summer Fruit Lip Balm is organic and come in this funky packaging. I must admit, the packaging is what attracted me to purchase it (plus I needed some new balm). It looks like a small colorful round egg that you unscrew to get to the balm inside. The application is fun and different. The flavors are fab and the balm most definitely hydrates without color (man-friendly). Most importantly, the balm is nice a smooth and doesn't get that strange grainy feeling on your lips, in your mouth or throat. It does what it is supposed to do with a rather pleasant flavor/scent. You can find EOS Lip Balm at most local drugstores. I found mine at Walgreen's for just under $4. Other flavors you may want to try are Honeysuckle Honeydew, Sweet Mint, or Pomegranate Raspberry(this is the only flavor that comes in a stick packaging). You can buy them separately or all four in a multi-pack. Pucker up..two thumbs up!

NARS Alcapulco Candle

I will never get over this candle. It brings back emotions and memories both grand and dark. Maybe Jamaica? Or maybe college? Alcapulco has hints of chocolate, whipped cream, vanilla, and espresso. I cannot describe how wonderful the aroma is. The wax is pure black, the jar is pure black. Its slightly larger than a standard sized candle. I only burn it for a little while...the oils are so lovely and potent. NARS has 3 other candles that I also love and are so very unique. Oran, Bosphorus, and Shangri-la. These candles are made to elevate the senses and instill a peaceful ambiance. Alcapulco is noteworthy because I have purchased it many times and will continue to do so until NARS stops production...(never please?!?!) Definitely in my top 3 of all-time favorite candles. Must-have!

Lovely Day

• Getting dressed up for work
• Doing makeup all day for Laura Mercier
• The Laura Mercier family
• Bath and Body Works Pineapple luminary w/ Slatkin & Co. Pineapple candle
• Seeing a best friend I haven't seen in a while
• Hanae Mori Butterfly Perfume
• Talking to Jay
• Open sunroof
• Ella Fitzgerald
• Tocca Stella soap
• Thinking about Italy
• Beach with my sister @ sunset for picnic dinner w/Coronitas
• Peanut Butter frosting
• Peach Iced Tea
• Real Simple Magazine
• Early Bedtime