THAT's Embarassing...

Everyone gets embarassed sometimes, but the way to lift those horrible feelings from your shoulders is to listen to other humiliating stories that people have experienced. Here's my personal favorite: a girl had her crush over for a school project, and he was using her computer for research when he found a picture of HIM on her desktop that was his MySpace default. Apparently, she had sent it to a friend and had forgotten to delete it, and the guy thought she was stalking him. THAT's awkward (see title link). And no, that story is not about me (seriously).

It's Party Time!

Want to plan the perfect summer bash and fit it into a small budget? Throw a stellar party that nobody will forget for less than $100 (see title link)! Your weekend will be fun-filled for sure.

C.O.D.s

Nope, I'm not referring to the popular fish. I'm referring to the acronym that stands for Creepy Older Dudes. We hear a lot about predators lurking on MySpace or girls cornered against their will, but there are hundreds of teenagers that enter into relationships with guys older than them WILLINGLY. That's a scary thought: imagine a 15-year-old dating a 22-year-old, for example. Both are most likely in completely different places and want completely different things out of a relationship. It's important to understand this if and when a similar situation ever happens to you (see title link). Think twice before pulling a Miley. We all know how THAT ended.

Is this really NECESSARY?

This is possibly the most uncomfortable blouse I've ever seen. It's a Necessary Objects by Ady-Gluck piece and costs $48! Yikes! It may be classy, as the description on the website says (see title link), but it sure isn't fun! The cream color looks best out of all of the 3 shades (black and white are the others), but I'm not sure about it being fit for every occasion, because it doesn't look fit for ANY occasion.

Flirt on a Dare?

I was reading an issue of Seventeen magazine today and stumbled upon an article that reportedly teaches you how to be a better flirt. The most ridiculous tip that I saw (there were 50 total) was going to the Apple store, walking up to the hottest guy you saw, notice what he was looking at and abruptly say, "My friend just got that and loves it! Are you getting one too?" because apparently guys love to talk to about technology and will fall madly in love with any girl who shares that interest (or pretends to, that is). Honestly, how many guys will give you a weird stare when you randomly approach them and start talking to them (see title link)? The tip was appropriately titled, "Catch his eye-Pod." Corny or what?

Meet Mark

Mark Winstick Hook Up Eye Shadow Stick in the Moody shade (it's a pale blue) is a great, affordable way to make your eyes look incredible. For just $5.50, you get an ultra-creamy formula which feels wonderful as it glides onto your lids and gives your eyes a shimmer that's lasting. I went on a road trip yesterday and my lids were still blue by the time I'd gotten out of the car hours later. It's a great pick, so check it out (see title link)!

Don't YOU Want to be a CoverGirl?

I love the variety that this little case gives me. CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 3-kit shadows (Blast) in the Dazzling Metallics combination is amazingly versatile. They blend together perfectly, without one or two overshadowing another. I wore the yellow shade to work today, and it's still visible on my lids! It's opthalmologically tested, so you can guarantee its safety. It looks silky and sheer on your skin. I went for a subtle, natural look. But with these shades, you can go for a bold or smoky look as well! Buy it for just $5.19 (see title link).

XOXO

Here is a pair of beautiful, unique shoes from XOXO. They're flat yellow gladiators and do cost $60, but are sure to get your feet noticed in the heat. Plus, the tops are made of fabric, so they're extremely light and useful for walking (see title link)!

Katy Perry

I'm not the biggest fan of Katy Perry's voice, but her individuality and candor are admirable. In an interview with Seventeen magazine, when asked if she was ever self-conscious about anything, Perry candidly discusses her "very early development," and how she was cruelly nicknamed "Over-the-Shoulder Boulder Holder" in ninth grade, admitting that she would wear baggy clothes to disguise the awkward parts of her body. I think talking about such a delicate time and situation takes guts, especially when you're admitting it to millions of readers (see title link)! Katy's full interview is worth reading...check it out!

Juillet

Check out this month's issue of Seventeen magazine...there are tons of cool points in fashion, beauty, and dating, among others. Plus, Katy Perry is the cover girl for July 2009, which is bound to provide an entertaining interview (see title link).

Nature's Cure

If you want to battle acne on your face as naturally as possible, try Nature's Cure 2-Part Acne Treatment for Females. By taking an inside-outside approach, it treats your visible acne and prevents future breakouts. This system comes with homeopathic tablets that work to trigger your face's natural defenses against your acne. You may be wary about medication, but I speak from experience when I say that homeopathic medicines have absolutely no side effects or risks. If you don't want to take my word for it, talk to a homeopathic doctor. Either way, the kit comes with vanishing cream that contains benzoyl peroxide to work on the external acne. It's a spot treatment that you can apply 1-3 times per day that kills acne-causing bacteria, unblocks pores, and reduces inflammation. The cream, too, contains natural, skin-soothing botanicals that prevent redness and dryness, as do aloe vera and allantoin. Without irritation, the colorless, unscented, and greaseless 5% Benzoyl Peroxide cream will have you feeling and looking fabulous, for just $7.87 (see title link).

That's What Friends Are For!

I suppose my one post on working out has turned into a weekend series! One last note: This is sort of a no-brainer, but try exercising with friends! If not physically, work out at the same time and keep in touch with each other through texting or something else so it feels like you're in it together. Doing anything is more fun with a friend, so try it out and attain some body peace (see title link)!

Workout Glam?

I just wanted to add one more point to my previous post about working out. It's easy to feel discouraged about exercising when you feel sweaty and disgusting. And the celebrities who grace the covers of fitness magazines looking absolutely flawless in a sports bra or sweats don't help the cause much, either. But those are just photo shoots; when the rich and famous are captured without warning while working out, they look just as unglamorous as you and me. Here's Ashley Tisdale, for example, working out in a gym, I'm guessing. I am in no way condoning paparazzi and the havoc they wreak on celebrities' personal lives, but I think that this picture shows the reality of celebrity's looks. Ashley, too, is sweaty and plain-looking without makeup and some tanning oil. But she looks BEAUTIFUL nonetheless, because she is doing something wonderful for her body. It's through workout sessions like these that she gets those beautiful, toned legs that everyone (including myself) envies. So get inspired and get started (see title link)!

Workout Role Model?

As diligently as I work out once I get into the habit, I absolutely HATE it. Dancing around my room (with the door closed, of course!) is so much more appealing than lying on the floor and doing sit-ups. But those flat abs don't arrive on their own. Not for ANYBODY. Sure, some may have flat stomachs and be accomplishing it effortlessly, but it takes a strong person to have toned muscles in those abs. I've always admired the way Leighton Meester looks. She may be thin, but she looks HEALTHY. Her abs are clearly defined and she "swears by a week of really great cardio," according to a Seventeen magazine (see title link). Leighton's my workout role model. Who's yours?

Get Inspired by Whitney!

18-year old Whitney followed a strict diet and fitness regimen to reach a healthy weight. She lost over 100 lbs. in four years! The key to losing weight is doing in in a healthy way. She just imagined Healthy Whitney, her alter-ego, someone who was popular and ran track, and really boosted her own self-esteem! Check out her blog and get inspired (see title link)!

Hairspray (No, Not the Musical!)

Sally Hershberger Brilliant Hairspray gives me amazing volume and a perfectly shaped finish as well as a strong hold. It's dry to the touch, unlike other soggy hairsprays because it contains no water, so frizziness after blowdrying isn't really an option. The best part is, there isn't any hardness when it dries, just an amazing strength and glossiness to my hairstyle. It's designed for all hair types and is available online (see title link) or at Walgreens stores for approximately $13.

Got2b Mousse

Got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Luxury Mousse is a quick tool I use to smooth my hair over in the mornings. At 7 AM, my hair is frizzy, dull, and completely unmanageable. My fly-aways disappear when I use it and leave my head smooth and soft to the touch, not hard like other mousses. It stays in place, too, so you've got the best of both worlds! So check it out...it's only $6 (see title link).

'Cause Who Doesn't Love Dior?

We all wish for expensive things sometimes. Even if our guts tell us that a $600 bag is overpriced and overrated, a tiny part of us remains infatuated with the designer label and glamor that seems to come with buying it. Well, for the majority of us who don't have the cash to spare for a pair of Christian Louboutin heels, why not buy some designer makeup? From the countless times I've spent at Sephora with my friends, I've come to realize that designer makeup really IS more long-lasting and bolder than the kind you get at the drugstore. Of course, my makeup drawer is filled with cosmetics I've bought at CVS, but if you DO have a yearning to splurge on a name-brand, I'd suggest buying Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow, which costs $58 (see title link). My personal favorite shade is Smoky Design. Although the price is steep and definitely eyebrow-raising for a piece of makeup, it is more manageable than a pair of Ray-Bans. According to the Sephora website, each quintet contains a "creamy blendable base, versatile iridescent shadow, satiny contouring eyeshadow, shimmering highlighter, and sultry matte eyeliner," along with a cheat-sheet filled with technical tips from Dior's best makeup artists. The 5 shades included in this particular variety are dark grey, sheer glittering silver, gunmetal grey, white shimmer, and matte black cream.

Go French!

Want a quick and easy French manicure without busting your budget at the salon? Pick up Kiss Everlasting French Glue-On Nails at your closest drugstore. The package guarantees that they're better than salon nails. I'm not so sure about that, but they'll definitely give you a sophisticated look without chipping or wearing, and that pure, white tip is a show-stopper (see title link).

Can't Live Without 'Em!

This is a bit off-topic from my usual product reviews. You might say that there is no need to mention an item like this that every American has already heard of. But that's the amazing part; Life Savers Gummies 5 Flavor have been a name in children's pockets, women's purses, and waiting rooms for decades. The brand has, after all, been around since 1912. The donut-hole shape and fruity taste are immediately recognizable to anyone without the aid of Wrigley's colorful packaging (since buying the brand from Kraft Foods in 2004). It is these qualities that make the candy truly iconic. I'm going to pick up another box today (see title link) for $1.29...are you?

Johnny Martin

Johnny Martin has designed the most sophisticated pair of shorts I have ever seen. The simple khaki shade but loose, trouser-like shape and medium length make them extremely classy, yet understated. They cost $40 (see title link), but check out your local Macy's or Dillard's stores to find a pair on sale!

Lane Bryant

Lane Bryant carries the most sophisticated and chic plus-size clothing for women that I have ever seen. Their Lace Inset Gauze Maxi Dress is a beautiful white piece that features a flattering triangular waist to float over the middle of your figure. It has a delicate smocking detail in the middle and even comes with satin trim and a hem filled with lace and ruffles for a classy look. The best part is, Lane Bryant is having an amazing online sale! This regularly $80 dress is on sale for 55% off, so it currently costs just $36 (see title link). Time for some summer shopping, perhaps?

Lucy Love

Online shopping can be a hassle, but lulus.com makes it simple and even fun! I just found a beautiful, yellow dress from Lucy Love on the website. It's $39 and perfect for the beach. When you're basking the sunshine this summer, bring it along; it'll get you noticed for sure (see title link).

Make It? Break It?

Here's a smart, fun show to check out for the summer. Make It or Break It is a series starring four teenage gymnasts and their joys, sorrows, and drama-filled lives. The stunts are impressive, the tears heart-wrenching, the smiles infectious. On a rainy afternoon, I decided to check out the first episode On Demand, and I was hooked. I watched all three episodes that have been released so far the same day. So check it out (see title link)!

Havaianas!

I recently ordered a pair of Havaianas and am eagerly anticipating their arrival in the mail. What are Havaianas, you ask? Only one of the most comfortable lines of flip-flops and similar sandals ever made. Sure, Havaianas are slightly overpriced; many of their shoes are $18 or more. I've bought $3 black flip-flops from Target, so what's the point of paying more for Havaianas? The answer is the focus of the brand; Havaianas specializes in flip-flop styles only, so they create every kind of style and color combination possible. You can find a unique shade and design that couldn't be found elsewhere (see title link). Until the package arrives, I'm stuck simply talking about it. So what are you waiting for? Check them out!

Be a CoverGirl!

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Eyeshadow is a great tool to give yourself a glamorous but natural look. I used the white color for the bottom of my lids and it added a bit of extra pizzazz! All of them blend together really well with each other, so you can use them as a combination as well. The price is a dollar more expensive online (see title link), but you can buy it at the drugstore for just $4! The Pure Romance shade is my personal favorite.

Letter to the Editor

Letters to magazines can be extremely influential. They can be the most ridiculous opinions (in your point-of-view, of course) and can still be published for the world to see. One girl wrote to Seventeen magazine about convincing her strictly-abstinence-believing mom to change her views to the opposite extreme. She was proud of the accomplishment as well. Seriously, write in and see what happens (see title link)!

Need a Friend?

Seventeen magazine's editor-in-chief, Ann Shoket, has wonderful, inspirational, and encouraging letters each month. You can friend her on MySpace, Facebook, and even Youtube (see title link)...she invites people to connect with her if they ever need to talk to someone.

Fabulous!

The designer of Baby Phat has come out with a brand new line, called Fabulosity Kimora Lee Simmons. This Jeweled Halter really stood out...the shirred aspect is amazing and really helps keep the attention toward your upper back and shoulders. Although it was $26.99 when I saw it at the JCPenney store today, you can buy it online on sale for just $18.99 (see title link). It comes in Black 002 as well, which was the color I thought looked best.

Eye Makeup Remover?

Clean & Clear Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (Oil-Free) is a great way to get that waterproof mascara off without being brutal on your eyes. It doesn't strip away the moisture, either....it's really important for that delicate eyelid skin. You really can use it every day if needed. The formula contains cucumber extracts and aloe vera, to go one step further and really refresh that skin. You can buy it for just $7.99 (see title link).

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadows are an amazing staple for your makeup case. The four shades blend perfectly together without looking ridiculous or overdramatic. You can combine them or wear a different single shade every day (see title link)!