Let's Try Another One....

I am starting to think maybe I am not on a search for the perfect mascara, maybe I just like trying new things to see what they are like.  Take Mascara for instance.  I just bought the new Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara from CoverGirl.  I tried it yesterday morning and I like it.  There are 2 steps. Step One is the basecoat which promises to add volume to your lashes.  Step Two in the finishing coat that is meant to intensify your lashes.

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The brushes are a little hard to work with because of the design.  As you can see in the picture, they are actually connected and the make-up itself is on the end.  I felt like I was constantly trying not to get mascara on my hand and face.  Once I did get it on, it looked good.  I like the coverage and the way it makes my lashes look fuller.  But then it came to taking it off.  I will be honest, I usually use one product on my eye make-up to take it off and a facial wipe on my face to take off the rest.  I actually had to use my eye make-up remover twice to get it all the way off.  I did use it again today, I want to give it a second chance.  I think once I get used to the brushes and know that it takes some muscle to get it off I should be fine with this product.  You can't really go wrong with CoverGirl, but it would be better if it was easier to use.

Hugs, Kiki
 

 

Yellow Isn't Just For Lemons Anymore

I have been looking through some websites lately, especially my favorites Julep and Coach, and I am noticing a lot of yellow.  This seems to be the color of Late Spring/Early Summer, and I don't mind one bit.  Yellow has always been a happy color for me.  Daffodils and Daisys are some of the happiest flowers out there, both yellow.  Pastels have been hot for awhile now, but yellow seems to be the stand-out color.  I found this beautiful Yellow from Julep for my nails.





This color can be a little bright for some people, so if you start out with just yellow on your nails it is a good way to pop just a bit without taking too much of a risk.  But I have to tell you, I have a yellow dress at home that I wear sometimes and nothing makes you get noticed more than this beautiful color.  And the bonus is, It really brightens your mood too.  You can go to www.julep.com to order online.




Growing up, I always had a pair of Tretorn Sneakers for playing tennis.  The other day I was on www.tretorn.com and came across these cuties.  This is another way to add a little color of season to your wardrobe without going overboard.  I understand fashion can be a little scary sometimes, but when you take little risks here and there to get out of your comfort zone you will be amazed at the results. 



So here is my challenge to you.  Go online today and buy something yellow!!  I would go with the nail polish.  It is super simple, plus once you check out the Julep website you are going to start wondering why you didn't go there sooner.  Then post your pictures on my blog so you can share your pop of color with all of us!!

Hugs, Kiki 

Is This For Real???

One of the best parts of getting to work on Monday morning is looking through the ads from the Sunday paper.  I have a very nice man at work who saves them for me every week and leaves them  at my desk.  I scour the Target, JC Penny, and Kohl's ad.  Today was no exception.  But something took me by surprise when I was looking at the Kohl's ad, something so unexpected I had to save it so I could look at it a little later to make sure I wasn't seeing things wrong because of the early hour.  I will let you see the picture so you can see it for yourself.

Do you see it???  White sandals with Black Socks!!!!  I still can't believe my eyes.  This is from the Vera Wang collection exclusively at Kohl's.  I will be honest, I don't even know how to feel about this.  Could this really be a new trend??  By the end of the summer will I have the exact same look??  I want to say no, all my instincts are saying no, but .....I am scared.  I used to think I would never wear Chucks but now I have a half of closet full of them.  So what do you think??  Would you rock this look??  I guess you can never say never.

Hugs, Kiki 

I Could Totally Be A Burlesque Girl



 Now we all know that the Flamingo Hotel is the home of Donnie & Marie, but did you also know it is home to the best Burlesque show in Vegas??  X Burlesque has a show every day of the week and is incredible.  I was able to attend one of the shows, but I also took the X Burlesque University.  Yes, that is right, They will teach you how to be a Burlesque dancer!!  I was in heaven. 



X Burlesque Troupe

To me, showgirls in Vegas are like Rock Stars.  I love them.  They are glamourous, beautiful, and their bodies are amazing.  The class meets on Saturdays at 3pm.  Two of the showgirls from the troupe teach a few tricks of the trade.  First, they go over how to apply false eyelashes, which really helped me a lot, I always struggle with that.  Then they go over a few make-up tricks, including how to put on blush so it really accentuates your cheekbones, and a cool trick to keeping your lip gloss on without getting your hair stuck in it.  I won't give anything away, but it is pretty brilliant and helps with the sparkle as well.  Then, after your make-up and lashes are showgirl worthy they teach you a part of the routine.  This is when the fun really begins.  You get to pick out a feather boa to use and then you get up on stage.  Whitney, one of the showgirls, walks you through step by step.  There is no rushing and if you have questions or can't get the move down right away she really helps you out.  After learning about 4 pieces you put the whole routine together and they add the music.  This is soooo much fun!!!  But wait, there is more.  After you run through the routine a couple of times with music they break the group up into 2.  You go back on stage and perform and then stand in a line just like you are auditioning for the show.  The sound guy then picks a winner from the group.  I am not going to lie, I was BEYOND excited when he picked me!!  I always knew I had it in me to be a showgirl, I just needed the chance to shine!!  lol  The X Burlesque University was so much fun!!!  You even get a diploma, a make-up kit and a picture to take home to show everyone.   I told my mom all about it and now she wants me to teach her the routine.  I suppose craving the spotlight runs in the family;) 


 This was a highlight of my trip to Las Vegas.  I would highly recommend it to anyone who just wants to let loose and have a little fun with a boa.  For tickets and more information check out www.xburlesqueuniversity.com  or www.flamingolasvegas.com 


Hugs, Kiki

Doing the Outlets in Vegas

One part of my trip that I was looking so forward to was the shopping.  All the hotels have so many beautiful shops that you don't get to see everyday.  There is the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood and of course all the shops in between.  But what I couldn't wait to check out was the Las Vegas Premium Outlets.  My first big decision was, do I check out the North or the South location?!   After talking to a few friends about it I decided to go to the South location when I arrived in town on Friday.  I was blown away.  It was everything I thought it would be, and there was even a Dunkin' Donuts!! 

With all my excitement of getting there, I couldn't wait for the bus, so I actually grabbed a cab at the Monte Carlo.  That probably wasn't my best decision, it cost around $25 to get there, but I just couldn't wait.  Upon my arrival, I grabbed a delicious Iced Coffee at Dunkins and got to work on my recon mission.  At first, I walked around the entire outlet to see what was there and take mental notes on what I wanted to buy.  I think this helps when you are in a new city shopping.  Sometimes, with all the excitement of new surroundings, you make bad decisions when you are spending your money.  If you see something and then come back later to buy it, it gives you a little time to think about it to make sure it is really something you need.  I have made many bad choices shopping at 3 in the morning on Black Friday Sales, so now I take my time.  I found many great deals, and some that I am glad I walked away from.

When outlet shopping you have to keep in mind, it is not always the best price.  Don't get me wrong, the prices are good, but if you don't really need it and it is not marked way down, you are just spending money that you could use elsewhere.  The Loft Outlet is a good example.  The prices are great but if you hit it right, you can get killer deals right here at the regular Loft at ABQ Uptown.  I did get a great deal at the Coach Outlet.  I had received a coupon in the mail that I brought with me so I received an extra 15% off my purchase, plus I noticed they had more of a selection in Vegas than we do in Santa Fe.  There is a New York & Company outlet that was really nice.  I was able to get a nice dress for summer, jewelry, and even a gift for my Mom for around $50.  But the store that I was looking most forward to was Michael Kors.  I finally bought my first Michael Kors purse and I love it!!  It did cost around $90 which is better than it would be if I went to Dillard's, and it was a dream come true so it was priceless to me.

All in all, I was very pleased when I returned home and unpacked my treasures.  I didn't buy anything that made me think, why did you buy this??   Which is always good.  From what I hear, the only real difference between the North and South Outlets is a different variety of stores.  They are both mostly the same with a few exceptions.  I also heard that the North outlets are a little more expensive.  I am already planning a trip to the North on my next adventure to Las Vegas, which I am hoping will be at the end of the summer.  I would say the Las Vegas Outlets South is a FIND and I would plan to give  yourself at least half a day to go check it out, you will be happy you did.

Hugs, Kiki 

Vegas Week Begins!!!

I spent a long weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada and let me tell you, that town is amazing!!  The rumor in my family is that I was conceived there, and I tend to believe it.  There is something about Vegas, besides the obvious, that just does something to me.  Not only is it exciting around the clock, it also makes me feel like anything is possible in life, I just have to go after it and I can make all my dreams come true.

This time around I stayed at the Flamingo, which was a first for me.  This hotel is pretty fabulous.  You can stroll the courtyard housing a wildlife habitate featuring, of course, Flamingos.  The pool area is amazing.  There is an over 21 side which has a live DJ and waterfalls.  You can go to the other side of the pool, which is a little quieter if you just want to relax in the sun.  It does get busy, considering the temps were in the 90's and expected to reach 100 by this weekend, so I would suggest you go down and claim your spot early.  But if you walk around you can usually find a chair to sit on.  Everyone at the pool is extremely friendly too.  I actually met a couple with ties to Albuquerque on my first day in the sun.  And I met a lady on my last day who was there to celebrate her friend's birthday who had traveled all the way from Canada.



The rooms are incredible too.  I booked my stay in one of their Go Rooms.  They are newly remodeled and the views are spectacular.  My room overlooked the pool and wildlife habitat.  I could also see the new High Roller in the background which was gorgeous at night all lit up.  Although I didn't do much gambling, the casino floor is huge.  There are gift shops, restaurants, and a buffet.  The restaurant Carlos'n Charlie's is fun.  I didn't eat there, but at night there is dancing and they offer a special cover charge that actually gets you free drinks all night long.  I had a blast dancing until 3 in the morning. 


A fun fact: The Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas was actually the third resort to open on the Strip and is the oldest resort on the Strip still in operation.  It is conviently located too.  Easy to get to everything, especially considering the Las Vegas Monorail has a stop at the rear of the property.  I am already planning my next trip back and the Flamingo is where I will stay.  I would call The Flamingo Hotel a FIND!!!

Hugs, Kiki 

Pretty Little Nails

Having pretty finger nails are so in right now.  I just received some nail polish in the mail and I am kind of in love right now.  It is from Julep and the colors are so cool, pastels.  I have the blue on right now and actually gave it to the lady who did my pedi so my nails would match.  The kit came with 3 colors.  A pink, yellow, and blue.  It also came with a little nail buffer which is super cute.  This is another monthly service, the first box is free and then it is $10 every month.  But that is my last monthly box subscription.  (I know, I have a problem and I can't stop subscribing) 

I first heard about Julep from Marie Claire Magazine.  The website www.julep.com is pretty cool.  You first take a short quiz so the experts can figure out your personal style and then they send you a customized box of goodies every month, the first box being free.  You can also go online and order cool beauty products.  They have a face brush that I have an eye on.  I am really looking forward to my box for next month.  You can even flag products you are interested in.  Check it out today and tell me what you think.  www.julep.com is a FIND!!!

Hugs, Kiki

Feeling A Little Aveda Today

I went to get my hair touched up yesterday at Casa Verde Spa.  I love my new blonde look but my roots were coming through.  It came out incredible, they really do a great job there.  Later that night I was in an Aveda mood so I decided to wash my face with my Tourmaline Charged products and use the Radiance Masque.  This product has both avocado oil and muru butter.  It exfoliates and helps gently shed dull, lackluster surface cells and leaves skin radiant.  At least that is what they say it does.  This was my first time using it and since I am leaving for Vegas in 2 days I figured why not give it a try. 

WOW!!  It really does work.  You simple smooth it on and wait for about 5 minutes.  It drys just a bit and then you know it is time to wash it off.  My skin felt incredible.  I had a glow that wasn't there before I started and it was silky smooth.  This morning when I put on my make-up I could tell the difference when I started with my foundation.  You know how sometimes your skin just looks dull even after you put the make-up on....well not today.  I think I am going to start using this masque at least once a week.  I love the glow and I also noticed my make-up is lasting longer today, which is fabulous, considering the fact I put it on at 3 in the morning.


Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque from Aveda is a FIND!!!  Pick some up today at Casa Verde or check out their website at www.casaverdespa.com  You can give them a call at (505) 881-0464

Hugs, Kiki

What is Your Favorite.......

I love to try new products.  I am always at CVS buying some new facial scrub or shampoo.  But I want to know what you love too.  What products can you just not live without??  I would love to try them too and of course tell the world.  On my recent trip to my favorite drug store I bought the new Biore Heating Mask and Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser.  I plan on trying that one out tonight.  I will let you know in the morning if it really does clean out your pores and make your skin look better.   I also was able to get some new shampoo that I am bringing with me to Vegas this weekend to try out.  


Tell me what you love and what I should try.  Leave the product name below in the comments or send me a message.  I would love to try new things!!!

Hugs, Kiki 

Snacking on the Job

It is no secret I love my shows on TV.  Especially Bravo and Hallmark Channel.  Sometimes when you are up late you see commercials for things that you don't normally see.  That is what happened one Saturday night.  There is a company called Graze.  Now I am a big fan of the, pay $10 a month and you will get a surprise in the mail.  Normally my thing is make-up, but this one looked cool so I tried it.  For $6 every two weeks they send you 4 samples of snacks.


They are unique snacks too, like Fruit & Seed Flapjack and Garden of England, a delicious mix of strawberries, blackcurrant, and soft apple pieces.  One time the box even had a mini bag of microwave popcorn that was out of this world good.  The box arrives twice a month but you can receive one every week if you would like.  The point of the Graze box is to have healthy snacks at work to enjoy throughout the day and it is encouraged that you have the box delivered to your office.  They also have incentives for you to spread the word about this cool idea and have your co-workers sign up too.  It really is a fun concept.  Some of the snacks are of course better than others, but in the end it is the just the right amount that even if you are not crazy about the flavor you can enjoy it anyway. 

You can sign up at www.graze.com and use my Friend Code Kikig9kzp.  Now if you excuse me, I am going to enjoy one of my delcious snacks!!

Hugs, Kiki

And Tomorrow We Are Having Chicken and Waffles!!!

Church's Chicken & Waffles

Chicken and Waffles is a very trendy food item lately.  It seems most restaurants have their own spin on this Southern speciality.  Today at work, Church's Chicken came in with their version of it.   I swore I wouldn't try any, and then it happened, the sweet smell of waffles and syrup came wafting down the hallway.  I still was ready to stay strong, and not indulge in this treat.  But then I saw the boneless fried chicken with a dipping sauce and I was a goner.



The Chicken and I

I will be the first to say it, I am not a big fan of fried chicken.  My husband actually stops for Church's every Tuesday and he knows the only thing to bring me is the Coleslaw.  But that smell, it was simple too much for me, so sweet and delicious, I had to try it.  The waffles are adorable, just the right size with little caramel pieces sprinkled on top.  The Chicken and Waffles comes with a Maple Butter dipping sauce that is just the right amount of sweet.   Here in Albuquerque, we are a test market for their new menu items. I would say this is a keeper.  The portion size is just enough as well, not too much so you won't get that feeling of..what did I just eat afterwards.  Just enough so you will be craving it for next time.  I have a feeling the next time my husband is bringing something home from Church's I will be requesting this.

 

Hugs, Kiki

 

 

 



Popejoy Does It Again

Popejoy Presents brings some of the best plays straight from Broadway to town for us to enjoy.  And they have done it again.  War Horse opened on Tuesday night, and the show was amazing.  After seeing the movie, it was hard to picture how they could bring the glory of Joey to the stage.  But they did, and it is breathtaking.  Through the expert work of puppeteers, Joey comes to life right before your eyes.  It is an amazing piece of machinery that you just can't keep your eyes off of, and even though you know it is a puppet, it provokes so much emotion you find tears in your eyes throughout the production.  The love that the main characater, Albert, has for his horse just made me want to go home and hug my cat Tedi.  And his determined spirit to never give up the fight to find his beloved horse makes you realize there is nothing greater than the love we have in our hearts.  This is a must see production.

War Horse runs through Sunday May 4th at Popejoy Hall on the UNM Campus.  You can get your tickets today at www.popejoypresents.com or www.unmtickets.com