Wednesday, June 18, 2008

I want one too!

Ideal Viewer

I know I'm a sucker for a good ad. Make it sound good ? Look good? I'm sold. Michelob Ultra has infiltrated my brain and taken hold inside a little part called the gottadrinkit-thalymus. First I was struck by the ad that detailed the events of a woman's day, which included walking the dog (hey! i do that!), going to the gym (I try to do that! ) and then drinking a beer - but a 95 calorie Michelob Ultra so as not to ruin her efforts of the day. Okay! I'll drink one too! Now they've moved on to some beer that includes fruit flavors. I'm not sure what cactus tastes like - but with this ad campaign, I'm in. Apparently, they're only on sale till Labor Day, so stock up. It's no Boons Farm, but it's worth a try. Read what they suggest for pairings below.


Pomegranate Raspberry: Serve with marinated pork and fresh vegetables. The subtle hint of berry in the beer plays off the tenderness of the meat and the light carbonation brings out the flavors in most grilled vegetables.

Tuscan Orange Grapefruit: Serve with lighter foods such as salads and grilled chicken. The tanginess of grapefruit and clean citrus taste enhances the overall flavor of these dishes.

Lime Cactus: Serve with ethnic fare such as spicy chorizo-based dish or carne asada tacos because the beer balances the dishes' heat and brings out the subtle smokiness. It also pairs well with seafood.

Hug it Out

Sometimes your guy may find it hard to say "please," "thank you," or "your new highlights really look great." And - that's just what he has trouble saying to you! Imagine how hard it is for him to say these things to his boys! These Archewood cards are perfect for the man who can't really convey just how he feels, or doesn't have monogrammed stationary. How would that feel? .. Sick as hell.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Scrubs, Lotions, and Other Products I May Never Find Again

While your boyfriend may be busy watching the Celtics (well, I am too, I just really hone in for the last ten minutes or so) you may be taking a luxurious shower and enjoying all of your favorite products. Deep conditioner, chocolate body scrub, and your favorite razor - and poof - your shower (draining perfectly or not) is suddenly a mini-spa. BUT - tonight I was shocked to find that I am running low on a few of my staple products!

First off - Kelemata Shampoo Alla Menta - my parents brought it back for me from their trip to Italy. They didn't really know what it was - but I am always eager to try European haircare products. This stuff is AMAZING. Not only has it made my hair much much better, it makes it so for 24 hours + ! Now, I'm running out, as I do with most things, much too fast. I can't find it anywhere, anywhere in English that is. If it were a french product maybe I'd have some luck translating the sites, but no luck with the Italian. HELP. This stuff is probably 5 Euro across the pond, but now I'll have to shell out for some Kerastase stateside that won't come close to doing the job.

Next up - another Italian product I most likely will never find again. It's called... "Crio - Impacco, Intensivo AntiCellulite - azione ultra rapida "effetto freddo" " So you probably couldn't read much of that except for the Cellulite. Yes, cellulite cream. And it's not just anything, it freezes your legs for at least an hour and has a smell of mint. And this stuff really works. Sorry to my male readers, who are living in a bubble thinking most women don't obsess about their cellulite. Kim Kardassssian has it. Now, use this Crio - Impacco, and follow up with some Nivea Good-bye Cellulite cream ... and you're one step closer to actually liking shorts. On second thought... no wait.. that's never going to happen for me.


Here's something I am using, that is working, that I can ultimately run out of and then find at the Walgreen's around the corner. Neutrogena Advanced Solutions - Skin polishing acne cleanser, complete with the day and night cream is really doing the trick. I've tried every cleanser there is on the Walgreen's wall and a few pricey items from Bloomingdale's and the like. For a girl like me, with troublesome summer skin, this is really working. They claim it works faster than ProActiv, I'm finding it to be true with less of those scratchy little grits of sand.

That's all for now - the last ten minutes of the Celtic's game are quickly approaching!

Weddings on the Brain

Imagine if the above dress came in white and was a bit longer - ah, gorgeous! It's a Marchesa design - which was in the press today with the wedding of the UK's Wayne & Colleen - the equivalent to Eva & Tony Parker. See her amazing Marchesa dress below - and look, it seems like this was taken someplace filled with lovely frescoes.


I can't help but have weddings on the brain. I'm thinking of dresses, locations, favors... I know, I know, a little premature right? But, a girl can dream. My sister's wedding is the best I've ever been to. Her dress weighed nearly 30 pounds, and was beautifully puffy with a tasteful art deco sparkle embroidery. She was influenced right before her wedding by watching Marie Antoinette - a visually epic movie with dresses like these. We bridesmaids - all 11 of us! - wore fantastic pink puffy dresses. I know it doesn't sound gorgeous but it really was. Trust me. In fact, my sister's dress was so big that she couldn't sit down in it! When she tried, her feet would fly up and poke out amidst the layers and layers of tulle. While many women might say - no puffy dresses! , The silhouette is really quite flattering on most body shapes. Below - some of the dresses of my dreams. And - finally, I got Aunt "St.Lucia's" ring off of my ring finger and on to my pinky! Finally, a few less people grabbing my hand posed to hear "the news." Patience, people!




Monday, June 16, 2008

Country Wrap Up



It was wonderful to be out of the hub this weekend - the roads are free from traffic, and potholes. Downsides: bug bites and a constant fear of finding a deer tick on me; Upsides: country air, most of the gardens in bloom, running free with the dogs.

Here's My Calling Card


Ah - this is great ! These calling cards from IOMOI are perfect for the self employed, or those who like to be known outside of their work! I like the squirrels, circle pattern and island pattern in brown. In fact - I'd take them all... as cards, wallpaper, skirts, dresses, and little coats for a pug who is aging gracefully. ... Update... I just looked through the IOMOI site a bit more... the coasters and to die for. Each design is more fun than the last. They are ideal for an anniversary gift, housewarming present, or favor. Perfect for the wedding on the hill in two weeks! The bride-to-be will be taking her hubby-to-be's last name, which starts with the letter 'X' ! Her monogram will be gorgeous - on one of these coasters!!




Bookmark this site ... now! Thanks to H.R.P.W.R. for the tip - she is the queen of fine paper goods!