I love, love, love red poppies. I even have a tattoo of them on one of my calves. Such a gorgeous, overlooked flower and so much fun in a print.
Needless to say, these jammies are totally on my holiday wishlist.
Crafted of fine cotton flannel, these are machine washable for easy care. Sizes XS to XL.
On sale for $99.99 at OnlyPajamas.com.
Pajama of the Day: Red Poppies
Saturday's Cocktail: Black Orchid
No, it's not the fragrance, but I bet this one smells heavenly.
I haven't actually tried this one yet, but I've placed a bottle of Creme de Violette on order at my local Alcoholic Beverage Control shop. Yes, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we still have a hard time getting our spirits.
Here is the recipe:
- 1 1/4 parts Grey Goose L'Orange vodka
- 3/4 parts creme de violette
- 3/4 parts lemon juice
- 1/2 parts simple syrup
- 1 dash peach bitters or orange bitters
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add all ingredients. Shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into martini cocktail glass and garnish with flower.
And if you're looking for any new bar accessories, take $10 off $75 Purchase at Barware.com with code SW-8937. I am getting ready to order some martini glasses, as shockingly enough, I don't own a set. Don't ask me how that can be, as I have no answer for you.
Photo and recipe via CocktailTimes.com. Go there, seriously.
Beauty Bytes: Are Natural Products Better?
| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| Buyer beware! Don't get suckered by dodgy labels on beauty products |
 Admit it: When you buy a product labeled "organic" or "natural" you get a warm, fuzzy feeling -- even if it costs twice as much. Well, it's our job to bring you down to earth: Organic and natural beauty products are often twisted on labels to the point that they're virtually meaningless terms. |
Pajama of the Day: Black Cat by Natori
A little something super sexy and super luxe for Halloween. This is called "liquid satin" and it's easy to see why. With a generous boyfriend cut and drawstring pants, you'll be comfortable and looking incredible.
100% polyester, so machine washing isn't a problem. Sizes XS through XL.
$250.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Moroccan Oil Daily Hair Treatment Review and Giveaway!
MoroccanOil is one of those things that I use every single day. While I waxed poetic about the hair masque that is part of this line, I neglected to mention how incredible the daily treatment is.
Applied after washing and before any other styling product, MoroccanOil has managed to truly tame my frizz, make my coarse hair easier to work with, and get this: reduce the drying time on my hair.
That's right. I don't spend nearly the time blowdrying my hair that I did before I started using this product. I don't have any scientific way to measure this, but my best guess estimate is it's reduced by about a third.
I love it. I've sung it's praises to just about everyone I know. If there was one downside to it, I'd say that it is on the pricey side.
BeautyChoice.com is running a special right now, just click through this to get the good deal: MoroccanOil $5.00 Off. Coupon Code: AFFMG5 Expires: 10/01/08 .
BUT! I have a brand new bottle that I'm giving away! Yes, indeed. I love it so much that I'm sharing the love. Just enter below, and you'll be notified via email if you win. Good luck!
Update on Sephora Friends and Family from Musings of a Muse!
What would we do without the Muse? Yesterday I was crushed, thinking that there would be no Friends and Family discount from Sephora this year. But the Muse was on the case and got to the bottom of it and presents to you the code for your Friends and Family shopping this year.
Three cheers for the Muse!
Apple Getting Into Fashion?
Fashion Week Daily is reporting that this little beauty has been designed by Gopinath Prasana. Obviously it hasn't been made yet, and Apple certainly doesn't have anything to do with it, but isn't it gorgeous?
According to the article, the iBangle "will have music control buttons, a hold switch, a multi-control trackpad, and an air chamber on the inside that will inflate, so the bracelet is held taut against your wrist." You would hear the music through wireless earphones. Check out the article at Fashion Week Daily.
Photo by Fashion Week Daily
Beauty Bytes: Ah-ha Uses for Beauty Products
| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| Consider this the MacGyver guide to beauty. These "off-label" tricks will solve last-minute emergencies and more |
 Don't throw out that metallic gold eyeshadow just yet! Instead of chucking products that don't work quite like you had hoped, find out what else they can do for you. These tips, culled from blog confessions, expert advice and our own personal experiments, will have you reusing your makeup in no time, not to mention save you money and get you out of emergencies (like that day you forgot your concealer at your friend's wedding). |
For the Men Friday: Peruvian Maca Root from the Body Shop
The Body Shop has released a new line specifically for men that includes Peruvian Maca Root, which is said to revitalize and energize skin.
The line includes a Face Wash, a mild cleanser; a Face Scrub, with exfoliating rice and easy rinsing to make shaving easier; Shave Cream, which protects the face with skin-softening creams and prevents razor burns and nicks; Wash Off Shave Oil, for a precision shave and easy wash oil to soften bristles; Face Protector, a SPF 15 lotion that helps combat signs of fatigue and maintain firmness; Oil Balance Protector, which hydrates and reduces shine with oil-targeted technology; Eye Serum, which helps reduce signs of fatigue and puffiness; and a Deodorant Stick, which is "hard on odor, soft on skin," quick drying, and long lasting.
To sweeten the deal, they are running a special: Buy any 2 skin care products and get 1 free. Happy shopping!
New from Aerin Lauder's Private Collection: Amber Ylang Ylang
I am absolutely dying over this offering, and I'm not even a huge Estee Lauder fragrance person. But the combination of amber and ylang ylang is just thrilling to me, since I don't have anything remotely like it in my collection.
And aren't these bottles absolutely gorgeous? They do have a bit of a backstory. Apparently, the parfum bottle cap is adorned with semi precious stones of tiger eye, smokey quartz and red agate. The eau de parfum bottle cap was inspired by an exquisite hammered gold necklace and matching bracelet Aerin received as a gift from her grandmother Estee.
The top notes are Italian bergamot, geranium, and ylang absolute. The heart includes Bulgarian rose absolute, cinnamon, and incense. The dry down is amber, sandalwood and vanilla bean.
Sounds absolutely lovely! Although I admit that sandalwood always terrifies me. I continue to try it out, though.
Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang will be available in November from EsteeLauder.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman.
Total Beauty Web Tour
Beauty's SPOT returns to the weekly web tour with a hot salt scrub body treatment at Bliss San Francisco. You must try - DIY instructions included.
Viva Woman shares with you three ways to counter UV damage on your skin.
Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog finds jeans for real women who eat!
Beauty411 introduces you to the stunning Chanel Holiday 2008 Makeup Collection.
Fabulous Over Forty discusses the importance of winterizing your skin .
Smashbox Cosmetics backstage at Caroline D'Amore Spring 2009 Fashion Show-Talking Makeup!
The Makeup Divas reviews Smashbox's Limited Edition Ultimate Beauty Palette.
Boutique Flair offers Sephora-inspired Bootiful Tricks For A Haute Halloween!
Frappelattes gives her review of NARS Lip Gloss in Female Trouble, a beautiful dusty pink lip gloss for the season!
CaliforniaCosmetics gives you a close up view to MAC Passions Of Red.
Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Trick On Eyeshadow Palette .
Glossypink brings you some old Hollywood glamour with one of the most beautiful actresses of the time!
Alison of the Advice Sisters is blogging about Spa Magazine's 11th Annual Media Event Massages, Makeup and more!
Head on over to Beauty in Real Life and find out more about Avon's Beauty Breakthrough Tour. While you're there, enter the giveaway with Avon (valued at $100!).
Beauty Junkies Unite asks you-- What is pink, pretty, and has your name all over it? Hint: It's NEW!
AHS shares how she uses Evian Moisture Mist & it's not how you are expecting!This Gloss is IT!
Beauty Blvd. shows off her new favorite lip gloss! Bet you can't guess the brand!Yellow is THE Color!
I Heart Heels brings you the latest yellow hues seen on your favorite celebs! Check out who’s wearing it!
Hot Beauty Health says to stay beautiful with This Works Travel Kit while flying this holiday season.
The Jet Set Girls are giving away a Lilyette In-Motion Sports Bra
Visit Spoiled Pretty and enter the TalkIs Chic giveaway, sponsored by Stila. $204 worth of glam goodies is up for grabs. Is it in your reach? Enter to find out!
Pajama of the Day: Coffee Lovers
It's that time of year again, where I become obsessed with comfortable pajamas that I want to lay around my house in. I love coming home from work after a long day and immediately changing into something comfortable and warm then putting my feet up with a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
So I'm bringing you my pajama of the day, because I love them. Expect to see daily pajamas through the month of November.
This piece of fabulousness is called the Coffee Lover's Pajama. It's a two piece set made from cotton twill with long sleeves and drawstring pants. 1960's style retro length (that means they go to the ankles). Sizes from XS to 2X. Currently on sale for $41.98 at OnlyPajamas.com
Perricone's Ceramic Face Smoother
I've had the opportunity to try Ceramic Skin Smoother by Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals, and it's a favorite of mine. While it can be called a serum because it does have some benefits to the skin, where it really shines is as a primer.
It's a gel type oil-free serum/primer that also contains microspheres to help fill in fine lines, Fullerenes/Nanotechnology Vitamin B60 as an antioxidant, Xylitol which acts as a humidifier to draw moisture to the skin, Beta Glucans to bind moisture to the skin, DMAE which helps the skin feel more firm, and water soluable Vitamin E to smooth and nourish the skin.
Apply this after your regular skin care routine and prior to makeup. It gives an amazingly velvety feeling that makeup just clings to. It also does a fairly good job at oil control as well, and that's saying something as there is plenty of oil on my face to control.
Available at PerriconeMD.com for $75. Plus, they offer free shipping on any order over $75!
No Sephora Friends and Family This Year? The Muse Says No
One of my favorite beauty bloggers has just dealt me a shattering blow. Turns out that we may not see the usual Friends and Family 20% discount at Sephora this year! I'm crushed. Check out Musings of a Muse for more information this shocking turn of events.
Benefit Says: Trick or Treat!
Get yourself on over to Benefit Cosmetics to take advantage of a special Halloween offer! Hurry, though, because it's only through tomorrow. Free US Standard Shipping on ANY order on Oct. 30th and 31st only! Enter promo SPOOKY08 at checkout.
Happy shopping!
How to Wear It Thursdays: Weekend Casual
It's the weekend, and you just want to lay around in some sweatpants and a nappy t-shirt. Nothing wrong with that, except...why look frumpy when you don't have to?
Slip on a pair of ultra-comfortable yoga pants, a fun t-shirt, a soft wrap if you have to go outside, and some Converse. Never forget the funky socks, though. They add everything to an outfit.
Make a promise to ditch the yucky weekend wear and go into something more stylish.
Weekend Casual by retrodiva
Are You On Blog Lovin'?
Bloglovin.com has gotten really popular lately! And since we're all about whatever is trendy and new, be sure to follow Daily Dose of Coffee on Blog Lovin'. Just click here: http://www.bloglovin.com/blogg/284835/daily-dose-of-coffee
Storing Your Makeup
I don't know about you all, but my makeup storage situation is getting pretty desperate. My addiction is quickly outgrowing the current storage that I have, and I need something to keep everything organized so that I don't have to dig around to find that one tube of whatever it is that I'm looking for.
I really love this Train Case by Solia. I probably don't really need anything that rolls around, but it opens to have four shelves on each side and that just makes my little Virgo heart happy.
What do you use to store your makeup in? I need inspiration!
What Better Way to Show Your Love of Coffee?
Is there anyone in your life that loves coffee as much as I do? Then this Coffee Bean Necklace would make a fantastic gift! They can proudly declare their caffeine addiction around their neck each day. The best part? There is a bracelet and earrings to match.
Necklace, $48 at UncommonGoods.com
Limited Edition Estee Lauder Holiday Collection: Vintage Jewels
I mentioned recently how I was loving the look of the new collection by Estee Lauder called Vintage Jewels. Now I have more photos, and they are just lovely. It is described as "decadent color collection of quiet blacks illuminated by hints of rich Amethyst, Sapphire and Emerald gemstone hues.
I love darker colors for the fall and winter, and these fit the bill perfectly. This is a photo of the Signature Eye Shadow Duos in Sapphire. Also available are Amethyst and Emerald. Complete the look with the limited edition Smoked Eye Pencil in Smoked Amethyst, Smoked Emerald, and Smoked Sapphire. The liners are made not only with pearls to give that true pearly effect, they also have moisturizing oils such as jojoba, vitamin E, and cottonseed so that they don't tug at the delicate eye skin while lining.
The Shimmering Jewel Powder, seen above, is designed for those holiday occasions where you need just a t
ouch of shimmer. Not overpowering, just enough to add a glow. Wear it over makeup or on it's own.
Also as part of the collection are two new shades of Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Black Cherry and Ruby. Can you tell the lipstick has a special cut bullet to match the gemstone look of the collection? Love it.
Had to give you one more shot of that gorgeous lipstick against the Amethyst colors. Will you picking up any part of this collection? I know I'll be heading to the counters to see if it works for me.
Badass Hair Giveaway at SparkleShelf.com
SparkleShelf.com, a great beauty resource, is giving away a huge Badass Haircare Pak from Badass Hair. The pack includes:
- FREE Working Spray
- THE EXTREME Smooth & Thick
- SWITCH Shine & Texture
- SPRAY IN Conditioner
- ECSTASY Luxury Shampoo
- VANILLA OCEAN Luxury Deep Treatment
I've been curious about this brand but haven't had a chance to try it myself, so if you win, I want to hear all about it! Now, run over to SparkleShelf.com, register to be a member (it's free), then enter the giveaway. Good luck!
Book Review Tuesdays: Marie Claire Makeup
If you're more of a visual person instead of a wordy person, then this book is for you, especially if you want to be inspired by makeup looks.
Marie Claire Makeup
It's the step by step descriptions that make this book worthwhile. For example, do you have trouble using false eyelashes? Doesn't everyone? Marie Claire Makeup
How about the best way to apply lipstick? Brush, tube, or finger? How about ways for each one? That is the type of information you will find in here. From best colors to seasonal palettes, Marie Claire Makeup
Highly recommended! Do you own this book? What do you think?
Ask Me Mondays: How Does Dry Shampoo Work?
Q: I'm really interested in the new "dry shampoos" to help preserve my blowout. How do they work, and which one do you recommend?
I love dry shampoos! I don't wash my hair every day, because it is thick, coarse, and terribly curly, and I have to use massive amounts of heat to get it straight after washing. If I washed it every day, I'm quite sure it would break off from the abuse I'd inflict on it.
Which is why I love dry shampoo so much. It works by absorbing the oil along the scalp, usually with some sort of talc base. After you give it a minute to soak everything up (oil, extra product, dirt, whatever), you simply brush it out, and all of that yuck goes with it.
Another benefit is that "dirty" hair holds styles easier. Have you ever scheduled an appointment for an updo with your hairstylist and you are instructed to come in with unwashed hair? That's because hair with a bit of grit holds a style longer. Adding dry shampoo to your hair will achieve the same effect.
Which ones do I like? I think they are all great. It really just depends on how much money you want to spend. I've put together a little slide show of all my favorites. Pick one that matches your price point.
Photo: Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser
Holiday Gift Idea: Benefit's B Spot Set
If you haven't tried Benefit's B Spot yet, you're missing out. While it's still the trademark floral that Benefit is known for, this is a more grown-up and sexy scent.
This gift set includes a bottle of the fragrance, a small travel bottle, and a leather mirror. Gorgeous!
$38 at BenefitCosmetics.com
Spa Week Partners with WeddingChannel.com
If you are planning on getting married soon, or if you are already in the throes of planning your wedding, you should definitely check out Spa Week's partnership with WeddingChannel.com! Not only can you manage your registries, you can get your fill of all the fabulous wedding content right on Spa Week's pages! Don't forget to book a relaxing spa day for you and your bridesmaids. Trust me, they deserve it!
Lazy Sunday Music: Single Ladies
It always takes me awhile to warm up to anything Beyonce does. But this one has finally cought on in my head:
Pick it up at 
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