On the Juice

I had resisted, but this love affair was meant to be. I went to a Juicy Couture outlet in Las Vegas to check out a hand bag. I fell in love with it. I bought it. I carry it daily. I get lots of compliments on it's cuteness. It is the perfect size, it's black leather so it goes with nearly everything, and it has a gold chain across the front that has lock and key charms that are soooo precious.

Then I started falling in love with other Juicy things- NEVER the velour sweats with words across the bum, but other things- all their jewelry, their real clothes- like coats, dresses, blouses, sweaters. I went into the Juicy boutique in Santa Barbara. They had the most adorable displays of candy inside giant crystal urns. The sales staff was lovely. I was unequivocally smitten.

I recently went to the boutique in Pasadena. I bought two necklaces, one for me and one for my sister for Christmas. I have started wearing the necklace, which is a heavy-ish metal chain with a heart charm with a big toggle closure in the front, with my very special, delicate platinum necklace with a diamond pendant (I got from DH for Christmas last year) entertwined. I love the precious/rocker (bombshell/biker) combo.

And now-- ooooh-- I got an early Christmas present from DH yesterday-- a Juicy watch. It is a classic style but with fun, girly details and I just LOVE it.

I love the crowns and the doggies and the frivolity of the designs. And I justify my addiction by telling reminding myself that it is MUCH less expensive than Marc Jacobs!

Bombshell Battlescars

One of the conundrums of being a Bombshell Biker is loving Las Vegas but hating second hand smoke!

I recently returned from 3 days in Sin City. You cannot escape the cigarette and cigar smoke in this town- it is permitted everywhere! We were lucky enough to have a non-smoking room at the lovely Palms Resort & Casino , but had to sacrafice a King size bed and settle for two Queens to get it.

In order to keep my skin from suffering the carcinogenic onslaught, I was diligent about my skin regime while there and am continuing with the damage control at home.

I've been using the Re 9 anti-aging line from Arbonne for about nine months. Two of the products from this line were especially important during my trip. The toner and the serum. I don't use the toner every night, generally, but while in Vegas it seemed to really help get my skin extra clean and get rid of a (possibly subconscious?) layer of smokey film on my skin. Then the serum... I am a huge fan of serums anyway and use them nightly, but felt like the smooth, anti-oxidant rich gel was really helping to combat any negative, aging effects on my face.

Upon my return home, I've been using Estee Lauder's Advance Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex Serum(just the name makes my face feel younger-looking!) This feels stronger to me than the Arbonne serum, so I usually use it only once a week or so, or after I've been out in the elements. I'll use this nightly for about 3 days before switching back to the Arbonne serum.

The second thing I'm using (actually tingling on my face as I type) is Arbonne's Thermal Fusion Enzyme Masque. You apply this oil-based mask to your clean, dry face and then 'activate' it with water. It starts to get warm, the more water you apply the hotter it gets. It is supposedly a natural alternative to Retin A, Renova, and Glycolic Acid- all I know is that my face always feels exceptionally smooth afterwards and it has a nice glow that lasts a while.

Beyond this, I'm drinking plenty of water, exercising daily, taking my multi-vitamin, and getting TONS of sleep to recover from Viva-ing in Las Vegas. But no matter what- I had the best time!