And The Winner Is……

A big thank you to all that entered my giveaway. I really, really triple wish I had a skincare set to give to all of you.

I used the Fred Flintstone method of drawing a winner. I typed out everyone’s name, making 2 entries for previous blog followers.

I then folded up the names, put in my trusty bowl, shook it up, and picked the first name my nubby little fingers could grab.

Sweet Caroline is the winner!! 

Please contact me so I can get your mailing address.

Thanks again everyone.  I printed all the design topics/dilemmas you’d like me to discuss. I’m excited, especially since I’ve been struggling for topics. Please be patient, there are a lot of things to cover, and sometimes this mama is slow.

My First Giveaway! CELLCEUTICALS!

I’m excited to announce my very first giveaway! First off, I am in no way being compensated or receiving endorsements from Cellceuticals or the developers of their products. This giveaway consists of products that I use regularly and bought myself. I love them so much that I want to share them with a lucky winner.
I did a post HERE a while back describing my skincare regimen. The Cellceuticals system combined with retinoids and diligent sun protection has totally changed my skin! My skin feels healthier at (gasp!) almost 40 years old than it did 10 years ago. I can have rather reactive and sensitive skin. This program has calmed my skin a great deal and it never feels irritated and tight after using it.
Kim Kardashian loves Cellceuticals too. Check out her recommendation.
The winner will receive (1) 5 piece Cellceuticals Skin Treatment System which includes:

• Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser- This stuff is the bomb diggity. It never dries my skin out. I use it on my Clarisonic Brush and it cleans like no other cleanser I’ve used.
• Extreme Defense Anti-Cell Damage Skin Treatment-This is the day treatment. Feels very light and clean.
• CellGenesis Regenerative Skin Treatment- This is the night treatment. It feels like a light serum and moisturizer mixed together.
• Bonus size of Ceractive Active Moisture +Barrier Repair Skin Treatment
• Bonus size Neocell Micro-Resurfacing

Total Value of: $120.00

To enter:

1. Just leave a comment or question, or let me know if you have a design/decorating topic you’d like me to discuss in the future. This equals 1 entry.
2. If you are a follower of the blog prior to this contest…..you get 2 entries. *Just to make sure, let me know that you are a follower in your post.

That’s all! No retweeting (unless you want to), no telling me how much you love me (he he. Unless you want to.), and no becoming a blog follower (even though..I’d love for you to follow). I won’t make you jump through hoops, build a shrine to me, or follow me when you follow 453,832 other blogs.
The winner will be announced Wednesday, January 27th after 12 pm Central Time.

Yes, I’m Still Alive!

I apologize for the lengthy break from blogging. I’ve had several people ask if I’m okay….and yes, I am. I’m still dealing with these debilitating migraines. I’ve seen a new doctor and tried taking an everyday medication. I literally gained 8 lbs. in 2 weeks! I ate all the time, walked around in a constant stupor, and the worst part-headaches are still there.

So yesterday, I started taking a beta blocker. I’m not having good feelings about it. I don’t know about y’all, but I feel the less medicine you take….the better. My next plan of action after I talk to my doctor on Monday: 1) I am going to clean up my eating habits 2) See an acupuncturist and 3)Start getting therapeutic massages either weekly or bi-weekly.

Do any of you have experience with accupuncture or alternative medical treatments?

On a happier note, I’m going to host a give-a-way next week. Stay tuned….details will be posted tomorrow.

Hugs and encouragements!!!

Latisse Review

I’ve officially been using Latisse for 4 months now. I really wish I had taken “before” pictures, because I can tell a tremendous difference in my lashes. Not only are they longer, but a lot thicker and darker.

Initially, I was a little disappointed because I couldn’t see a a noticeable difference until about week 7 or 8. Then it was like I woke up with Bambi lashes. The only side effects have been occasional itching and redness (which I can’t totally attribute to Latisse) and eyelid darkening. I can handle the darkness, but I’m not digging the purple & pink darkening around the corner of my eyes. I’ve reduced my number of uses now to about 3 days a week & can tell that the pigmentation is fading a little.

Here are some pictures with and without eye makeup. I cannot believe I’m showing pictures without makeup, so excuse the splotchy skin….and for the love of wax….I need to make a phone call to get those man-brow eyebushes waxed.

No makeup/mascara. I can tell a difference in the thickness here.

No makeup. You can see the darkening of my lids here. No biggie….kinda matches the eye shadow I wear.

With mascara and eyeshadow. Thank God for makeup.

Side view with mascara, without concealer. You can see some of the pink/purple darkening in the outer corners & lower lash line.

Scary close, huh?

Are any of you using Latisse and what have your experiences been? I have decided I can deal with the side effects to get compliments like “Are you wearing false eyelashes?”

Are You Wearing Undergarments Out in Public?

You might remember a while back, I bought a corset during my Forever 21 buying frenzy. I’ve worn it a couple of times and really like the way it looks and feels. Because of the weather, I’ve been topping the corset with a black boyfriend blazer. Not a biggie, because that’s how I’d wear it anyway. Mama don’t wanna look like a Pussycat Doll.

The funny thing is the last time I wore the corset, I had a woman say, “Wow, that’s creative. I never would have thought to wear an undergarment in public. That’s cute, but I don’t think I could pull that off.” Yes, she went there. No words for lady under a fashion rock.

In salute of wearing girdles in public and panties on your head, I give you these corsets---

White House Black Market -Swirl Jacquard Tank

You can't see the boning in this tank, but it's there.

White House Black Market-Belted Jacquard Tank – on sale $39.99

This one has boning too.

Arden B -Linen Pleated Corset – only a few left

Anthropologie- Needlepoint Corset Top

And my favorite…in fact, I’m ordering one today in black.

Victoria’s Secret Lace Corset Top

If a corset top isn’t for you, take a gander at these accessories.

Nordstrom-Lockheart Brand “Tied and True” Handbag

Modcloth- Fancy Footwork Heels

Here are some tips on how to wearing a corset top and not looking trashy or like Madonna during her “Who’s That Girl” tour~~

1. Pair the corset with something masculine like a boyfriend blazer & jeans.
2. This look isn’t for large breasted women. Too much boobage showing=not good.
3. Don’t wear the corsets that are cropped and show your belly.
4. One option is to find a corset fitted at the top with a looser flounced or pleated bottom. See the Victoria’s Secret top above.
5. Another option is to wear a longer corset belted. This makes the corset seem more like a “legitimate” top.
6. If you are self conscious about corsets being too low cut, try one that has a straight across bodice rather than a “V” cut one. Again, see the Victoria’s Secret one above. That’s why I like that one so much!
7. Wear something “prim and proper” with the corset. A very simple cashmere cardigan and longer pencil skirt paired with a corset would look stunning.
8. Make sure the fit is correct. If the corset has boning in it and is too tight, you’ll feel like you have swords piercing your belly.
9. If you wear the corset alone and it’s too tight, you will have junk hanging out of the bottom and fatback and fatwings in full force.

Do you girlies wear corset tops? Is it a look you’d try?