Tag Archives: women

MAKE UP MONDAY: Red Lipstick!

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As a general rule, I do not wear red lipstick.DSC_0139

I would never have picked this color out myself, and this is why I am always preaching for women to go visit their local make up counters! I was at the Armani counter in Neiman Marcus at the Domain in Austin, and my fab friend and neighbor Lindy was helping me out.

She put this red lipstick on me, and right away we could tell it was perfect!
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The reason this red works so well is that it is a sheer formula. I know a lot of younger ladies want super vibrant matte shades, but for me and others not 21 anymore, a sheer lipstick is a beautiful thing. I wore this on New Year’s with a little frosty off-white gloss, and it came out very festive.

This red Armani lipstick goes really well with my pink clothing, or anything brick colored (my favorite shade for these cold months). This is the sort of lip product that you can bring anywhere, wear anytime- and it was the ONLY lipstick I packed with me on my last trip! It’s that versatile and wearable.

I love the sheerness, and the lightness. It was a surprising find.

So! My two words of advice-

Get yourself to a make up counter and try, try try!

And invest in the good stuff. Even totally lipstick adverse women should check out how a sheer pop of color like this can transform your whole face.

Have a great week!

-Rose

MAKE UP MONDAY: My Best Beauty Tips!

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Hello! First Make Up Monday of the New Year, so it only makes sense that I give out my best beauty tips. They are a little untraditional, since my way of feeling beautiful is not just about products. Let’s dive in!

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TIP 1: GET A FACIAL EACH MONTH AS SOON AS YOU CAN AFFORD IT.

This includes waxing and extractions to keep your face really clean. Facials have a cumulative result that work like a mini face lift over time.

TIP 2: WORK OUT

This makes a huge difference in the clarity of your eyes, and your skin. Working out helps you with looking more traditionally beautiful, as well as just body toning. I know you might be expecting a traditional tip like curl your eyelashes, but I don’t think any of those tips matter if you aren’t also doing this one.

TIP 3: EAT WELL

Your eyelashes grow, your hair is healthy, your nails are long. What better beauty trick is there than effortless beauty?

TIP 4: BUY PRODUCTS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PRICE RANGE EACH TIME.

Buy the best cleansers, moisturizers, eyeshadows, make up brushes, and all the rest whenever it’s time for a new one. Instead of three mid-prized lipsticks that cost the same as one amazing one, buy the better one that you’ll have for longer. With higher end products, there’s less worry. Lipsticks don’t flake or cling to any dryness in your lips, foundations protect better; there’s better camouflaging, hydration, and use value.

TIP 5: FRESHEN YOUR LOOK OFTEN.

Don’t get stale! I would recommend getting a haircut by someone new who has a good reputation (like I just did! And man, what a brand new haircut by someone with a fresh eye can do!). Really try new make up, since the same stuff doesn’t work as skin changes. Wear different things on different days, and get new highlights. Go to beauty counters and ask them to put new products on you! Feeling new in your own skin can help you feel extra beautiful.

What are your best beauty tips? Have you ever had a facial?

Do share!

-Rose

Weekly Favorite: Gold Jewelry

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I have three pieces of jewelry that I just adore. I’m sure you know what I mean- every time you reach into your jewelry box to slip on your favorites, you can’t help but smile. I try and make outfits work around them, instead of the other way around.

So here they are: my stand-outs!

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This long chain cross necklace makes me feel elegant, hip, and stylish. I love the aesthetic. I bought it in Austin at the Physical Fit in Westlake to wear over sweaters and plain black dresses. It isn’t in your face, and I think a long necklace works well for me since I have a long torso. I love the long chain necklace with circles for the same reason. It works well on my shape, and it’s easy to pull off since I’m a tall lady.

My hoop earrings are an absolute essential, and if you don’t own hoops, go get some! You can never go wrong. These are a light pair, and they feel very me. I have big eyes and a lot of hair, so hoops work well on me. They’re fun, nice, and go with anything. I’m even wearing these in my LinkedIn picture, so they can be professional!

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This Cladagh ring is the second one I’ve had in my lifetime. I actually wore out the gold on the first one! I bought this 10 years ago at James Avery in Austin. It is a symbol of Irish heritage, and it can be worn to remember someone. It means love, loyalty, and friendship. These can be engagement or wedding rings, and there is a certain way to wear this ring. If you wear the heart on your left hand, with the heart pointing down (pointing down like pictured), it means you’re married. If you wear it on your right hand with the heart up, that means your heart is open, and you’re ready to find love. Heart down on the right hand means you’re seeing someone.

What are your favorite jewelry pieces?

Jewelry is a great gift, and a good piece can last a lifetime. I am wearing my Cladagh ring right now!

Have a great week,

-Rose

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: For You!

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The last day of the gift guide is arguably the most important…

GIFTS FOR YOU!

I curated a list of gifts that I think are perfect to pick up for yourself while you’re shopping this holiday season.

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Armani Makeup: As you have probably noticed, I am a huge fan of Armani make up. It’s a good counter to visit- and these pink products look so fresh, healthy, and glowy. I love to apply new make up this time of year, for a real pick me up.

Necklaces & Rings: Lately I am crazy about necklaces, and am on a total fun jewelry kick. I found the one pictured in Bryant Park via a jeweler in Brooklyn. I wear it with sweaters or dresses. Rings are also fun and really important- accessorize, people!

Decorative Trays: I love this color, and it is great in my red themed kitchen. I put my spoon on it after stirring my hazelnut flavored coconut creamer into my coffee in the morning. It’s not too big, so it’s not hogging the kitchen counter. A happy gift!

Sunglasses: Italian brands are the way to go with sunglasses. I love sunglasses, and can’t have enough pairs. They’re fun, full of style, and can really elevate an outfit. You even need them in the winter!

Scented Lotion: I love this Chanel No. 5 scented lotion, and in the holidays, you can buy a smaller version, which isn’t too expensive. It smells so nice all day!

What gifts have you picked up for yourself while holiday shopping? Or are you a perfect angel and only buy for others?

Let me know!!

Take care of yourself,

-Rose

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: Moms, Sisters, & Girlfriends

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This week is the first annual THIS DAY RIGHT NOW Holiday Gift Guide!

And with Christmas just a little over a week away, it’s present buying time. It’s okay if you procrastinate until Christmas Eve. Just give something nice, fun, and useful, and no one will ever have to know!

First up are the women in our lives!

Here are my ideas for great gifts for our moms, sisters, and girlfriends.

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Room Spray: This smells great, and we love that! It’s a little more expensive that your sister is likely to spend on herself, but it’s also useful, beautiful, and looks Christmassy. A nice bottle of room spray is a great gift.

Costume Jewelry: This nice pearl necklace (in a cute sheer white bag) is pretty and special. My advice to women shopping for other women- if you like it, usually the other women in your life will like it! I want this necklace myself, so I know whoever I give it to will be pleased!

Special perfume: Creed is the definition of elegant, and this classic white bottle would look great on any woman’s vanity. This LOVE IN WHITE scent was made especially for one of the First Ladies, and it is a timeless, luxurious gift.

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Journals: Aren’t these just the best gift? You’re giving someone blank pages, full of promise.

Earrings: Light, pretty earrings are a timeless gift that you can’t go wrong with. Be sure to pick a light pair that match everything, like these plain silver ones.

Luggage Tag: This is such a pretty gift, and luggage tags are something you can never have enough of. They help you recognize your bag, encourage you to travel more, and the leather strap is durable.

Soaps: Any soap is a great gift to me! You can never have too many. Pick one that looks gorgeous in its wrap, and smells great. It’s personal, and girly.

Happy shopping! Get the ladies in your life something great.

Be sure to add THIS DAY RIGHT NOW to your bookmarks, because we are coming back each day this week with another hard-to-buy-for group. Tomorrow find out what to buy the men in your life!

-Rose

Spiritual Friday: The Sidewalks of New York

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I am in New York City today — one of my favorite places in the world.  I lived here when I was in my twenties during the city’s “Desperately Seeking Susan” years.  My old neighborhood, the lower east side, was full of Ukranian food, Indian food, Italian food and some of the best dive bars I’ve ever had the pleasure of patronizing.  The years fall away for me.

As I walk these streets, visiting the familiar Christmas highlights – entire stores decorated in bows, the tree at Rockefeller Center, the enormous red Christmas ornaments floating in the fountain on 6th Avenue – I am still enchanted.

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And I feel the poignancy as I walk — heading north to THE park.

I can’t walk these streets without recalling the young woman I was…

Not quite as sure of things, not quite as peaceful.  I am overcome with memories of friends- some lost to cancer, others to the vagaries of time and the demands of adulthood.

The seas of humanity swirl as we navigate these streets- somehow together, somehow alone.  I see families holding hands to stay together as they steer through the crowds.  I see older people bent over but still carrying home their grocery bags.  I see the busy business people – determined, focused.

And I am humbled to be one among.  To be able to share in the energy and life and craziness that is this city.

What places stir the poignant memories for you?  What places bring you joy?

Share Please!

Have a joyful weekend,
Rose

Spiritual Friday: Saying Yes

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I’ve learned this year the importance of saying YES.  I’m not talking the no boundaries, people pleasing, yes, yes, yes of my past.  I am talking about the rich experiences, the things that might make you uncomfortable, the pushing your boundaries, the making the extra effort YES.

Italy, Writer’s Workshop, Selling Course, Toastmasters, Dinner Dates, a New Job, this Blog 

Each YES has opened a door for me.  Some unexpected; some looked “bad” at first and yet took me somewhere I would not otherwise have gone.

Saying YES requires trust.  And for me regaining trust in the world and in myself was a challenge.  I had been through a pretty bad patch.  My world had gotten small.  And I realized that I wanted an expansive world.

So I came out punching (a bit).  I accepted the invitations.  I spent the money and booked the flights and found I earned the money back right away. I took the courses.  I did the work.

I accepted the help. And have people in my life now I could not imagine not having in my life.

I found friendship in the most unlikely places.

Say YES to this rich life we have been given.  I promise you it will be alright.

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What are your YES Stories?  How did you regain your trust?

Share Please!

Have a great weekend.

-Rose

Make Up Monday: Perfume Collection & Advice

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I have a carefully curated perfume collection that I just love. Scents can boost your mood, and choosing a fragrance for the day can have a hand in your confidence, your style, and the way you feel. I am not married to any one scent, and cycle through a few favorites. I feel that certain scents are better for certain people, and it’s important to know how your body chemistry reacts to perfumes.

I have three favorites that I reach for the most, for good reason.

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Creed Spring Flower:

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First, look at how beautiful this bottle is! Creed is a classic brand, albeit an expensive way to go with perfume, that makes me feel sophisticated and feminine. Spring Flowers is a rich, elegant scent. It isn’t a girly perfume, despite the hot pink bottle, and I would recommend this to women aged 35 and older.

J’Adore Dior:

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This is a best seller for a reason! This is a great gift if you don’t know what to get your sister or best friend for the holidays, because the bottle is a real stunner in person. J’Adore is a beautiful scent, and it looks great on your dresser. It’s feminine and ageless, and it doesn’t go flowery on me like many scents tend to with my body chemistry. I feel so pretty when I put J’Adore on- maybe it goes back to those commercials with Charlize Theron dripping in jewels!

Jo Malone Blue Agave & Cacao Cologne:

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I am such a sucker for good marketing, and I love everything Jo Malone does. The bottles are beautiful, and this is a great brand to support. The scents are rich and long lasting, made with great ingredients. You can also blend and combine different Jo Malone scents for a personal fragrance that works on you. My friend is blending the Grapefruit and Lime Basil one lately, as scents go sweet on her, and these colognes react differently with everyone. This is a definite recommendation from me- pick whatever Jo Malone appeals to you, and find your own signature!

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As you can see, a lot of my bottles are pretty empty! Time to find some all new favorites. When I head out to sample all of the bottles on display at Nordstrom’s this month, I will always keep in mind that classic scents work on me, perfumes with heavy floral notes are too much for me, and a few cheaper bottles are better for my frequent travel lifestyle.

What is your go-to scent? Share with me! Any recommendations?

Have a great day,

Rose

WEEKLY FAVORITE: Watches

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Watches are underrated, in my opinion.

They’re absolutely essential to any woman’s wardrobe, and yet we hardly talk about them! Mens’ watches are ubiquitous, with known brands and distinct styles. But women have to pick out watches based on taste, and sometimes it’s hard to know which are appropriate for a night out, or a business meeting, or a weekend shopping.

So here are my top three, each with their own unique purpose!

The dressy watch:

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Perfect for a glam night out, this wraparound watch that I bought in Italy is one of my go-to pieces when I want to feel dressed up.

The business watch:

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This Michael Kors watch is a great choice for a day at the office. It projects style and confidence.

The every day watch:

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My classic Anne Klein watch has several skinny chains that make up the strap, and this watch looks way fancier than what I paid for it. It looks great peeking out from under a long sleeve tee, or a casual button down.

Nordstroms, Nordstrom’s Rack, and Neiman Marcus are great places to buy watches. Nordstrom’s Rack has great watch deals for women, especially around the holidays!

Do you have a favorite watch? I want to know!

-Rose

Spiritual Friday: “Holding It Lightly”

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One of my dearest friends used to urge me to “hold it lightly.”  I would often hang up from our talks wondering exactly what she meant – what holding it lightly looked and felt like.  

I think I understand now.

It’s simple really.  Holding on tightly crushes, chokes the air out, stifles.  It is desperate.

And desperate is not good.

Holding lightly acknowledges our want, yet frees us from our want.  It allows for room, for air, for other choices.  It is peaceful

And peaceful is good.

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This week I have tried to hold it all lightly – the petty bothers; the silly disappointments; the promising news; the IRS notification – all of it.

When I am lighter, I am easier and life is easier.

Just a thought on this Friday. Have a relaxing weekend,

-Rose