If I were a rich (wo)man....

I'd ONLY shop at Neiman Marcus! I had the pleasure of visiting the original flagship store in beautiful downtown Dallas last year. It was truly one of the greatest moments in my shopping life. I wandered the beautiful store, department by department and was met with sincere, warm greetings from every sales person I encountered. I'm not sure if it was the southern hospitality (I found EVERY soul in Dallas to be fantastically pleasant and friendly, even the freeway drivers), the Neiman Marcus customer service ethos, or a combination, but these sales people were wonderful. I wanted to buy everything I saw, from cosmetics, to Prada jackets, to Burberry scarves, to Christmas ornaments, to SHOES!!!

Shoes, that is why this memory came flooding back to me, urging me to write this blog/shopping memoir. I was perusing the internet for untouchable luxury goods, and of course ended up on the Neiman Marcus website salivating over Christian Louboutin ankle boots...

So, this year marked the 100th anniversary of Neiman Marcus (September 10, to be exact). In honor of this achievment they are having a $10,000 shopping spree sweepstakes! Click here to enter (and you'll receive fabulous email news so you can keep up with what is going on in my dream store). Good luck, and happy window shopping...

P.S. Neiman Marcus has no idea I'm writing this blog or plugging their site- I just feel like sharing the 'wealth' :)

Mistress of Mixology

I love my beauty 'cocktails' just as much as actual cocktails! You may know about my affinity for mixing up the mascaras to create the perfect blend of qualities. Today I created a fabulous shower gel concoction!

Recipe:
Onto a bath brush (I like the kind with the removeable wooden handle and hand strap with natural bristles), or body pouf, pour a mixture of:

• two parts Johnson's Extra Care 24 Hour Moisture Wash (smells amazing. kind of a baby soft scent, very mild, won't interfere with your perfume but leaves you smelling awesome. creamy and uber-lather-y, your skin will be soft and moisturized, but in no way greasy, after use)

• one part Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Shower Gel in Exotic Coconut. The BB&W website describes much better than I can..."Toasted coconut folded into sweet cream. At once, both fresh and sensuous."

scrub-a-dub-dub, focusing on dry elbows, etc., inhale the warm, tropical, perfect-for-a-cold-winter-afternoon bath-pick-me-up aroma, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a creamy body moisturizer. Today I chose to continue the tropical theme and used BB&W Signature Collection Classics Body Lotion in Coco Cabana , classic light coconut scent cut with just enough mystery "tropical" scent. It doesn't matter what body lotion you chose as long as you love the scent and it moisturizes like crazy and that you USE it! especially after scrubbing.

Save the Bubbles!

I LOVE CHAMPAGNE!! It's no secret. But often I want to enjoy a nice little sip of champagne without polishing off an entire bottle. Afterall, a bombshell doesn't need an excuse to drink it. Just relaxing on my couch with Mr. Bombshell after a long, productive day, is reason to celebrate. However, Mr. Bombshell, and our kitty sidekick, B., don't drink it, so unless I'm ready to seriously indulge, I need a way to capture the bubbles.

Enter Mr. Bob Sholes from Arroyo Robles Winery in Paso Robles, CA. I recently visited his fabulous shop for wine tasting and, of course, shopping. During the very generous tasting, we sampled two wonderful sparkling wines, a classic California Champagne, and an amazing almond flavored variety. I noticed these fabulous little silver toppers that allowed the sparkling wines to remain, well, sparkling, even after they were open for a bit. And guess what? Mr. Sholes genius-ly sells them in his shop! I found something similar online, Superseal Champagne Stopper. "A metal stopper provides a pressure tight seal to hold in the fizz."

Hurray! Now I can have as much or as little of my beloved bubbly as I like.

DO Believe the Hype!

Confession time: I have purchased yet another lip gloss. Smashbox Lip-enhancing Gloss in Hype! It looks very peachy-nude in the tube, but is actually slightly pink and 'me-only-better' on the lip. I tried this shade on one day at Sephora. I was having a rough day and decided to perk myself up with a lunch time trip to my little oasis in the mall. I'm not sure what drew me to it, it's not a color I would normally gravitate towards, but I tried it. I loved it. But I didn't buy it because, frankly, I just have too many glosses. Upon nearly every subsequent visit to Sephora I tried it. I kept loving it, but kept telling myself that I should NOT buy an $18.00 lip gloss until I have used up at least ONE of my current lippies. But the color is so pretty and the formula is very smooth and super long lasting for a non-sticky gloss. I resisted about one month. I caved this past Friday afternoon. And I don't regret it!

Here is what Smashbox has to say about it:

"TRUE COLOR– Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil nourish with a touch of creamy color. Velour wand perfectly contours lips. 8 stay-true shades."

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I love the holidays! My 'holiday season' starts October 1 with Halloween decorations and continues through the New Year. Between marking all the upcoming events on my calendar, decorating my bombshell abode (first for Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and the grand finale- Christmas!), and just enjoying the rush, I can't get enough!

Tonight my house smells like the ultimate Holiday Haven because I made a big batch of chocolate chip cookies and I have a few decorative arrangements filled with cinnamon scented pine cones! The aroma combination is fabulous. I cannot stop inhaling!

Not all bombshells are domestic, but a beautiful, cozy, and stylish home-base is essential to the bombshell lifestyle.

The easiest way to make your place smell like the holidays? Fill any fabulous bowl or tray (a silver cocktail tray would be perfect) you have on hand with scented pine cones. I picked up a generous bag of them at my local grocer for less than $3. I filled a little cornucopia-shaped basket with them (I love the kitsch factor of a cornucopia at Thanksgiving!) on my mantel, and put some on a tray in my entry way. Guests get a wiff upon entering, and then another as they make their way into the living room.

No domestic skills needed to put out pine cones. Now, if you want the added deliciousness of smelling fresh-baked cookies...you may have to turn on the oven.

lola et moi

I love the phrase 'et moi', possibly because it is one of the few French phrases I understand, but none the less...

I came across the most adorable line of clothing for little girls called lola et moi. This line is designed by a Lebanese woman named Rania Tohme and her pieces are fabulous for bombshell-ettes!

According to the lola et moi website, "Entering the world of "lola et moi" is getting back to the colorful, sparkling and candy-like world of childhood. Designed for girls from ages six months to ten years, the Beirut-based line creates vibrant separates inspired by retro patterns and traditional silhouettes and updated with fresh, unusual fabrics and whimsical adornments. The result is a playful, yet sophisticated, look that is equally chic at school or at play from a California beach town to urban metropolis."

Is this not The Bombshell Biker in a nutshell? I almost want to have a baby JUST so I can dress her in lola et moi...

I've Got Good News & Bad News, part 2... sweet tartes!

Now for the good news...

Report # 2 on my recent trip to Sephora:

I picked up something fabulous. Tarte Rise & Shine lip stain & lip-enhancing gloss. I am a huge fan of the Tarte gel cheek stains, which I have been known to wear on my lips even though they don't taste great. So, with the lip product, one end is a nice berry stain. You apply this with a wand and wait for 15 seconds. Then proceed to the other end where you will find a light pink gloss that seems to cause some sort of chemical reaction when applied. As soon as you touch it to your lips it begins to tingle. As it tingles it begins to darken the lip, creating a crushed berry hue with nice shine and oomph. Oh yeah, and it tastes good.

I may have to get another tube so I can keep one in my train case and one in my handbag.

After perusing the Sephora website I came across a cute little set- Lovin' the Fast Stain- which is a mini cheek stain and a mini lip stain. I don't recall seeing this at my new Sephora so, darn, guess I'll have to keep checking back in with them until it arrives...

Bombshell-In-Training

I spent a fabulous Saturday afternoon visiting Sephora and Bath & Body Works with my BSS (Bomb Squad Sidekick), S. and her super-fun little girl, J.

We spent over an hour sampling glittery stuff and perfumes. Little J and I have very similar taste in fragrance. We both are drawn to the sweet, food-y scents. J. couldn't get enough of the Britney Spears In Control Curious in the classic black atomizer with pink sprintzer thingy. I have to admit- it smelled awesomely chocolately, sweet, and was not over-powering. It would look perfectly at home on any mirrored vanity.

I smelled something new, Lawrence Dumont Vanilla Orientale. Oh it was so light and yummy with spicy undertones. I was going to purchase, but after wandering the store for an hour I re-smelled my wrist to find that the dry down was pure vanilla. Not even a hint of the "orientale" left. So disapointing. It still smelled good, but I have a Bath & Body Works vanilla perfume that smells just as good...

J. decided on a Sephora Girls coin purse/compact. It's pink with a cute little kitty cat and unzips to reveal a small collection of perfect eyeshadows and lip glosses for Bombshell-ettes.

S. finally chose a Tarte Blushing Bride blush gel stick. The color is so pretty and I can't wait to see her rosey cheeks next time we get together.

I made a small purchase that I'll report on later...

I've Got Good News & Bad News, part I

I guess I'll start with the bad news first.

Last night on my trip to the new Sephora, I picked up a fat tube of Sephora Collection Lash Plumper mascara. It has a HUGE brush on the wand, which was what drew me to it immediately. It is similar in size to the DoirShow and Benefit Bad Gal brushes.

This is Sephora's own description:

"Lash Plumper- What it is:A volumizing mascara. What it does:Fatten your flutter with this lash-plumping formula. The larger brush, with slightly tapered edges, reaches from root to tip, for truly bat-worthy volume and glamour. "

I put on many coats. It didn't really 'fatten' to my liking. I was forced to augment with the no-fail L'Oreal Voluminous.

What I DID like was the truly black ink-y-ness of the Sephora mascara. My lashes are dark anyway, but now they are soot-like (in a good way).

I am off to do some Bombshell buffing at le gym, so I will test out the staying power and report...

Final Verdict: I will add the Sephora mascara to my ever-growing family of mascaras, but it won't be a go-to on its own. It will have to be relegated as an 'ingredient' in a multi-mascara cocktail.

News Flash!!!

Nigella has a new book coming out November 1!!

NIGELLA EXPRESS: 130 RECIPES FOR GOOD FOOD, FAST

This is just what we (Bombshells on the go) need!

Thank you Nigella, I love you ;)

Pilgrimage to Mecca

After months of waiting, the boarded up store-front taunting me, SEPHORA has opened in my local plaza. Today was the grand opening and I promptly received a text message from my beauty-addicted friend, R.

So, after my Friday night dinner date with D., we headed over so I could spend the gift certificate that has been burning a hole in my handbag since my birthday back in May (May 18 to be exact, hint, hint). I could easily have put it to good use online, but I made a vow to myself that I would keep it until the store opened...

D. dutifully wandered about with me, smelling things I offered him, acknowledging my outbursts of 'cute!', 'pretty!', 'I've always wanted to try this and it smells fabulous/repulsive...', etc. But when it came time to check out, the line snaked around the store, D. ditched me and waited outside. No problem, I made new friends in line, gave some advice ("oh- get the travel tube of Smashbox Photofinish Primer, not the glass bottle", "Wet n Wild has a lip plumper that works way better than Lip Fusion for about $48 cheaper", "oooh, have you tried Smith's Rosebud Salve? It's fab!"), and managed to check out with a balance left on my gift card!

True to form, I bought MASCARA and PINK LIP STAIN/GLOSS. I also got samples of eye make up remover and teeth whitener. Reviews will follow... stay tuned.

The Bomb Squad

Girlfriends. Aren't they fabulous? I recently spent an evening with some of my older friends (not elderly, I mean friends I've known a long time...)

We had a blast, chit chatting (ok gossiping), devouring platters of hors d'oeuvres, swilling, er, sipping cocktails... and trying to watch a movie, but the conversation was just too fabulous!

I have recently met lots of new and wonderful girlfriends via my Bombshell Biker Myspace. I can't wait to meet even more like-minded gals and guys. Swapping tips and tid bits is my passion...

MUAH!

Annie get your Gun

The old west... those broads were tough. You had to be tough to survive in that world. Can you imagine heading out west on a stage coach or covered wagon or even by train? It would take weeks upon dusty weeks to get to your destination and you had to maintain your dignity while wearing a corset!

My favorite show- Deadwood- on HBO shows some of these amazing (and crazy!) women. They did what they had to do to make it, but they looked great doing it. Maybe in real life their faces were a little more haggard, but they still curled their hair, wore beautiful full skirts, and put a little rouge on their cheeks- even if they had to drag those beautiful full skirts through the mud- they looked great!
I'm finding inspiration in the wild west women- scrubbed skin, a little blush, bee-stung lips, up-swept hair, a girly outfit, and a gun...

Hey Dollface!

I have 'hit pan' as they say in the realm of beauty addiction. I actually got to the bottom of a compact of MAC cream foundation and used a brush to scrape every last bit of it out.

That was 2 days ago. Foundation was desired, but travelling to the mall and shelling out $30 was not. Plus, I'm on a self-proclaimed 'no buy'(except mascara) until I use up all the -admittedly ridiculous amounts of- cosmetics I have in my train case!

So yesterday I went the no foundation route. This is not entirely unusual for me, but I generally wear it on workdays. Instead I used some of the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer that I had thrown aside after using for a few weeks. It is a nicely textured gel skin primer that you smooth on before applying foundation or you can wear it alone to mattify your skin. I detest the matte look on myself, but I wanted smoother looking skin so decided to try it. Basically it backfired. My skin wasn't smoother in appearance- just slightly splotchy and dull. Not recommended on its own if you need any coverage, but it does smooth your skin and makes your foundation glide on...

Today I decided to try something else. Before applying anything but sunscreen I dabbed Stila Lillium Convertible Color (see my post entitled "How Cheeky" for a review) onto my cheeks. Next I took out my little pot of Lorac "Coverup"concealer that I rarely use because I can't be bothered with concealer AND foundation. I used my Stila foundation brush # 27 to dab it on the trouble spots- around my eyes and nose and this little red spot that I have on my cheek- and blended. I then dotted on Estee Lauder AeroMatte Ultralucent Pressed Powder- Transparent (how chic- just to say it!) to set the concealer and blush.

Can I just say that I may not need a full foundation again! This cocktail of concealer and powder provided the evenness I desire but with more staying powder than the MAC foundation. I felt smooth all day, when usually I'm requiring a mid-afternoon touch up.

voila

mmmm

Bombshells Gin Sander and Anne Barone write of eating fabulous, high quality foods in small amounts in order to be thin, chic, and healthy.

Tonight I decided to do just that. I had a small sandwich made of fresh out of the oven french bread, a thin layer of mayo (something I have only recently come to enjoy), a thin slice of Tillamook Medium Cheddar Cheese (talk about fabulous and high quality- Tillamook rocks!), and 3 slices of dry Italian salami.

It tasted so wonderful and it was really just a finger sandwich, yet quite satisfying.

If only I had enjoyed it with a glass of red wine at the dinner table or al fresco instead of sitting in front of the computer with a diet sh-sh-shasta... next time the Bombshell will win and the computer will lose.

Bombshell Body Bubbly!

I love body lotions and oils. My skin tends to be dry, so I'm not afraid to slick it up. Even on my face, I've been known to smooth on some high grade olive oil.

Newest discovery: Vaseline Intensive Care Vitalizing Gel Body Oil, With Brazillian Nut and Almond Oils

-It looks neat in the bottle- all bubbly- like champagne!

-It smells amazing- subtle, but sweet, nutty, warm... YUMMY

-It made my skin feel good! I smoothed it on while still damp from the shower before bed last night. This morning I felt soft all over and my skin smelled delicous!

-It was only $6 for a bottle that will probably last forever...

keepskinamazing.com

My Name is The Bombshell Biker, & I'm a Mascara-holic

Ok- I now use three, yes, three mascaras at once. I am constantly on the hunt for hugely volumizing mascara that won't break the bombshell bank (but I would be willing to pay top dollar for something perfect)

I have come up with a cocktail that is working wonderfully (if only a little flaky). The problem I have found with all volumizing masacaras is the flake factor. It seems that if the formula is specifically for volume the flakes just come with the territory. I thought I had found volume nirvana in Diorshow (and the faint rose scent was an added bonus). Diorshow is fabulously volumific- but it flakes as bad as the drugstore brands- so I decided not to spend $25 a tube...

So- onto the recipe:

1. begin with a few swipes of Rimmel Lash Maxxx. The tiny (hot pink!) comb brush separates and somehow plumps. On its own it would probably take about 45 coats and 45 minutes to get the result I want, but included in the 'recipe' it's necessary and great.

2. next step is a new take on my previous HG mascara- L'Oreal Original Voluminous- but with the curved brush (the curved brush makes it quicker to cover all the lashes in a few swipes) . Dip in the tube and don't wipe any of the glorious excess off. A few goopy swipes...

3. thirdly, Revlon 3D Extreme, it's new and the wand is tiny compared to how it is represented in the picture, but again, as a component to this recipe, it works! The odd little brush does a great job of plumping (if this weren't majorly flaky on its own I'd wear it alone). Using the brush, I start at the base of the lashes and wiggle it up through the thick clumps I've purposely created. It separates somewhat and thickens EVEN more...

4. fourth and most important step- back to the Rimmel Lash Maxxxxxx. Use the tiny comb-brush to separate the clumps and 'sculpt' the lashes to wing out a bit on the sides.

5. this is actually the most important part- using a moistened cotton swab- clean up all around the lid where I've made a huge black mess!

Give Summer the Bootine

Can it PLEASE not be 95 degrees anymore? I am craving boots and tights and little jackets. I want to wear my new ankle 'bootines'! I got them in black and am seriously contemplating the gray version.

I was originally going to buy the gray, but knew that the black would be more versatile...

The first day it dips below 80 I am wearing them! That'll be in about 1 1/2 months here in Bombshellville. (and its got nothin to do with global warming...)

The Uniform

I struggled all long, hot summer to find my perfect bombshell uniform for the 100+ degree heat here in bombshellville. I still haven't found it. Some ideas:

• white cotton eyelet dress with cork soled platform sandals or basic flip flops, silver or colorful plastic bangles.



• white ribbed men's tank paired with black a-line skirt and above-mentioned shoes. (the black skirt would keep it from looking too bohemian, like it might with a peasant-y skirt.) Could also be paired with sneakers (no socks), but would then need to be dressed up with rhinestones (jewels, not bedazzled sneaks!) and an animal print handbag...



• i'm trying to come up with a bombshell outfit that incorporates black cargo capris... hmmmmm... not sure if its possible

Poodle-icious

I am a MAC newbie- I've toyed with the occasional MAC product. I bought mascara once- not better than my beloved L'Oreal... I do use the "paints" in bare canvas as a primer before eyeshadow and it's great. But, for some reason, I had never fallen into the MAC cult. I love their marketing and advertising and apparently this new collaboration with Barbie got me.

I needed a pick-me-up on Friday afternoon, so I hit my local mall on my lunch hour.

The perfect pink lip gloss or should I say lip glass was unearthed....Pink Poodle! It's bright bubble gummy, but can be either a sheer was of color, or a bright pop depending on how much you apply. And, just like everyone says, it does last a loooong time. It's thick, but not overly sticky. It stayed inside my lip line which is very important to me. I can't stand when gloss migrates and feels like its crawling on my face. (as much as I loved the Philosphy gloss in Strawberry Daquiri, it would not stay put!)

If your inner-bombshell is craving a pink pout- take the Poodle for a walk...

Bronze Bombshell

It's raining today, but it has been quite spring-like in Bombshell-land and I'm getting a bit spring feverish.

The remedy? Start to cultivate a hint of a sun-kissed glow. I love, love, love a perfect porcelain complexion, but the California Girl in me yearns for a tan in the summer. I am not willing to subject my skin to frying, so I only go the fake route. I've done the Mystic Tan spray booth (kind of expensive, but worth it for, say, a summer trip to Vegas), self-tanning lotions, sprays, mousses, etc. Everything but the booth is a little too much work for me. The upkeep anyway...and the mess in the bathroom, and on my white, high thread count sheets, and the stink...

So last night I tried something new. There are tons of brands of body lotion with the "gradual tanning" thing going on. I've tried some in the past. Last night I tried L'Oreal Sublime Glow. It smelled pretty good, just a hint of the tell-tale self-tanner smell after about an hour or so. But the best thing was how soft it made my skin- like silk or butter, or silky-butter! And, I woke up with a, well, Sublime Glow! Just the hintiest of hints of a tan. I put lotion on every night after my evening bath, so I can put this on just as easily. We'll see how long my desire for a tan lasts, but I think I can safely say that I'll be glowing sublimely until mid October...

Making the right Choice

Paula's Choice is a line of skin care and cosmetics by Paula Begoun, the self proclaimed "Cosmetics Cop". I first became familiar with Paula when my dear late friend Adrienne A. introduced me to Paula's book- Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. Paula has personally tested thousands upon thousands of cosmetics and written concise, informative, and useful reviews of all of them.

She then created her own line of products that do the job without skin irritants and without breaking the bank.

I have been using a couple of her products for a few weeks now and was so impressed that I recently placed another order on her website. I plan to continue replacing my existing products as I run out with her fabulousness!

Product # 1- Final Touch Toner for normal to dry skin. As I've mentioned before- I don't generally use toner daily, but this sometime usage is a thing of the past. Since this is formulated for dryer skin types it feels great and NEVER makes my face feel tight after use. I just feel like I've prepped my skin for the next step. I use it TWICE a day now- morning and night!

Product #2- Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion for all skin types. This contains 2% hydroquinone- the highest legal percentage. I've not been using this long enough to see any actual 'lightening' effects- I have a few hyper-pigmented spots around my eyes- but it's also filled with anti-oxidants and other 'good-for-your-skin' stuff so my face looks more 'glow-y' (what I'm always after) and feels really soft.

You are also able to purchase sample sizes of most of the products for 50-80 cents each. With my first order I got the 8% alpha hydroxy acid solution, essential moisturizing sunscreen spf 15, one step cleanser, essential moisturizer, and some other stuff. I fell in love with it all- so I placed another order for the full sizes of the AHA and the sunscreen. Reviews to come...

How Cheeky!

I am a blush fanatic. I once made a list of all the blushes I own and it was ridiculous. But I actually use them all, depending on my mood and what I'm doing. Cream for most days, gel for out of doors-y days, powder when I'm in a hurry, or for staying power over the creams, etc.

However, the blushes in my train case might start worrying about their status...I have found something fabulous that I have worn daily since I received it in my most recent Sephora order...drum roll please...

Stila Convertible Color in Lillium. It is quite peachy and I was a little leery at first because I tend towards the berry shades. After the first swipe of this creamy, dreamy product I was hooked. It gives a dewey, fresh look. I have constantly been receiving compliments on how "glowy" I look since I started using it. It blends easily, and a little dab will do ya.

Peach blush, the fountain of youth?