Meet my two new BFFs "Sophie" and "Amber"

(Sophie on top - Amber below)


Nail swag alert!

Julep(R) has the hottest polish. Right now I'm rocking "Amber." "Sophie" is the newest in their fall collection.

Not only does Julep(R) have awesome hand care products, they've got the colors that set it off.

Check them out:

www.julep.com

Balance Bar (R) Mini-Bars - Just Perfect for the trip across Campus!

I'm so excited. My mom sent me a care package. Well, actually, she packed it in my stuff before I left home. School hasn't started yet but I'm back on campus three weeks early for my new job. More about that in another post.

Any-hoo - these new 100 calorie Mini-Balance Bars are PERFECT for treating yourself without over-indulging.

The Balance Mini-Bars come in Cookie Dough (me love Cookie Dough) and Double Chocolate Brownie.

You'll want to add these to your list of must-have dorm supplies.

Oh - I'm working on my 2012 Back to College Supply List - so stay tuned.

But, you can get a head start with the Balance Mini-Bars.

Happy Monday!


xoxo,


Simonie

What I'm Watching Now - "The Nail Files" on the TV Guide Network

So excited about all the new fall nail colors. And on that note, super excited about the return of the TV Guide Channel's "The Nail Files" reality series.

They were in San Francisco recently to promote the show, give free manicures and nail "swag."

If you don't know about this show, click on the link below:


http://www.tvguide.com/News/Nail-Files-Premiere-1052052.aspx

Happy 100th Birthday, Julia Child

Today would have been Julia Child's 100th birthday. While most of my memories of her come from the movie, "Julie/Julia," I have seen enough Cosby Show reruns to remember this one in particular!


http://youtu.be/vJSCKCj0FUU

Fairytale Brownies - These Are Going to Cost Me Another 30 Minutes at the Gym!

OMG. My mom brought home these little treats from work. She said that one of her vendors sent them as a gift.

I am trying so hard to avoid sweets, but they keep finding me - everywhere I go!

These are like little bites of joy. My tummy is smiling. . .my thighs - not so much.

If you are compiling your list of care package items for your trip back to college, make sure to send this link to your parents. They'll deliver directly to your dorm. Which is good, but also bad.

Fairytale Brownies (R)

www.brownies.com

"Craving" A New Color? This Might Be the MAC for You!

I needed a makeup fix - really bad. You know how it is when you want a new beauty product but your budget is - well, tight, but you just have to find a reason to get into the MAC makeup store?

Well, I had to look no further than my lips. I hadn't had a new lip color in a really long time.

I went into the store to find a "nude" shade. Well, the one that I wanted was out of stock. (Another post for another day because I am determined to find it).

But my mom was with me and she said "THIS color looks great on you."

I wasn't convinced at first because it wasn't the exact shade I had in mind.

And now, I can't stop looking in the mirror!

I think this new "CRAVING" color by MAC was just what I was "craving."

xoxo,


Simonie

I'm Having A "Caramel Nut Blast"

One of my favorite things right now is the Balance Bar Caramel Nut Blast.

They had changed this up a bit and it didn't taste the same, but now, the ORIGINAL Recipe is back and tastes better than before.

I try to keep a stash in my tote for work (yep, getting my grind on this summer) and also in case I need to sneak a snack on the train ride home.

It's less than 2 bucks a bar and better for me than a bag of Skittles. Although, I still love my Skittles!!

Have a great weekend.

xoxo,


Simonie

Cool Jerk

Stopped dead in my tracks in Walmart when I ran across this "Sweet Baby Ray's" Beef Jerky.

I must admit beef jerky is one of my guilty pleasures.

I know, I know, it isn't healthy. But hey, what's a little beef jerky every now and then between friends?

Just in time for the 4th of July .

www.bridgfordstore.com


*FULL DISCLOSURE*

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 oz (28.0 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 90Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.0g2%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 25mg8%
Sodium 480mg20%
Total Carbohydrates 6.0g2%
Sugars 6.0g
Protein 11.0g
Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0% • Iron 6%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

I Am Getting Sleepy!!!

I know, I know. I sort of fell down on the blogging job. My second year of college was even harder than the first!!

But it's summer now and I'm ready to get my blog groove on. I want to apologize for not posting - but I promise things are about to change.

Okay, so today I walk into the doctor's office and saw this machine that I absolutely have to have. It's called a "Marpac Sleep Machine."

The purpose is to create a calm space to induce relaxation.

Quite honestly, I'm not a person who has trouble falling asleep, probably because I'm up all night studying usually (okay, sometimes I'm having a good time out). Anyway, this thing is amazing.

You can get them at Target and Walmart and online.

www.marpac.com

I'm Shattered Again

I tried the OPI Shatter Polish when it first came out and I wasn't that impressed. However, my mom got her nails done over the weekend with the Black Shatter and a Silver Under Polish and it looks pretty good.

The way shatter works is you apply two coats of regular polish and let it dry completely. You then apply one layer of shatter. The effect is - well, shattering! LOL


I'm thinking of trying it over the holiday season. The colors don't seem to look good for a long time and when I'm in school and get busy, I usually use just a plain polish. However, I only have a couple more weeks left before finals and I'm thinking of treating myself to a professional shatter manicure.


I was thinking Red Polish with Black Shatter. Any other suggestions?

Long Time - No Blog - I'M BACK!!!

And hopefully this time I'll do a better job of keeping up this page. I have been SO busy that I don't know where to begin.

My second year of college has been super crazy. I guess fun is for Freshmen, because I'm in high gear now.

I'm still having a good time but there's definitely more work and less play.

I'm excited to share that I have been taking more music courses and even got up the courage to post a couple of singing videos to my YouTube Channel!! (MakeUpCrazyGirlie).

I am a little behind on the newest trends in makeup, so I plan to take advantage of my Thanksgiving Break to catch up and try some new products.

Look for posts all week.

One thing I've discovered is all the new holiday drinks at Starbucks. Yummy!

Nothing helps me get through a late night of studying like a Peppermint Mocha!!

I hope you can forgive me for being a slacker but I'm starting to feel like a grownup with real responsibilities!

Stay warm in the cold weather!

xoxo,

Simonie

It's Been TOO Long - But, I'm Back!

Hi, Guys!

I know I haven't blogged in forever but this second year of college has started off with a bang. A bang of books, that is.

I can't believe I've already finished by freshman year. So, I won't make excuses but just know that I've missed you like crazy.

I did get a chance to do a little shopping or shall I say "browsing" at the mall this weekend. That is, until I caught this horrible cold that I'm nursing right now.

But while I'm locked up in my dorm room, I wanted to tell you before I forget about this fragrance from Gucci that I just love.

Gucci Flora.

I tested it at Sephora and it smells like flowery goodness!

This will definitely be on my list for Santa.

Don't take my word for it. Stop into Sephora and test it yourself.

And, I promise, I won't ever stay away so long again!

xoxo,

Simonie

My New Fave Snack

Okay, I'm now addicted to Pretzel Crisps! They come in so many neat flavors. I was working so much this summer and commuting by train for 2 to 2 1/2 hours each way - every day!

I had to find something that I could fit in my purse and discreetly enjoy without getting a fine on the train! LOL

Pretzel Crisps to the rescue.

They're also super good dipped in peanut butter or Nutella (R).

There are so many varieties that you can't possibly get bored!

www.pretzelcrisps.com

I'm Back!

Sorry I've been away for a while but I got a job this summer and I'm getting a real taste of the 9 to 5. Which for me, is more like 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.! If I wasn't sleeping on the train during commute, I don't know what I'd do!

Anyway, I went to my family reunion this past weekend with my Granny. We drove from Houston to Cane River, Louisiana. How hot is hot?? I wanted to show them how we do it in Cali, so I spent a lot of time thinking about what color to paint my nails.

I settled on "Eternal Optimist" by Essie. It seems to go well with everything and is the perfect summer color. And since I won't have time to do my nails before I go back to work, it will make the perfect transition to "ready for business."

I promise not to stay away so long. Even if I have to blog between naps on the train.

Have a great week!

xoxo,

Simonie

It's Hot!

Summer's here. It's hot. I need to cool off. My mom drinks this Crystal Light Ruby Red Grapefruit and I'd never tried it until today. I wanted something that would be delicious without a lot of calories. I think I may have found it.

I never thought grapefruit could taste this good. Since I'm going to be commuting to work this summer, I'm looking for fun stuff to put in my lunch. Does anyone know if they make this particular flavor in the "to go" packs - you know the ones that you pour in your bottled water and shake?

If you find it - let me know.

But, for now, this is doing the trick.

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay beautiful!

xoxo,

Simonie

Beauty Tip of the Week: Island Escape Cream Shadow Collection by Pur Minerals

I love getting gifts in the mail. Especially, makeup. Pur Minerals sent me their new Island Escape Cream Shadow Collection to try out.

Sea Foam, Passion Fruit, Ultramarine and Sand Bar are all neatly packaged in a mirrored compact which includes the shadow brush.

The colors look good enough to eat.

I'll be celebrating Memorial Day in the Islands. . .so to speak. The weather is beautiful here today and I get an extra day off from school tomorrow - yay!

I'll let you know how they wear. But, you don't have to wait for me. You can check them out for yourself at Ulta or online at Purminerals.

xoxo

Simonie

What's Up With Keri (TM) Lotion?

I must be getting old because I'm starting to get nostalgic. As you know, I love to try new makeup and beauty products. However, sometimes I like to go back to an old favorite.

I was thinking about my grandmother a lot this month. Maybe because of Mother's Day in May. I don't know. But, anyway, she's been gone for three years now and I still miss her. One thing I miss is the Keri Lotion that she seemed to keep in endless supply.

Whenever she would see me looking a little, shall we say "ashy," she would say, "Simone, here use this Keri lotion." She always kept a big pump bottle.

Well, this weekend, I went to like four stores and couldn't find it anywhere!! Now, I know that it's still being made because I cut a coupon out of the paper a few weeks ago for 2.00 off. But what good is the coupon if I can't find the product?

I ended up buying a pump bottle of Vaseline with Cocoa Butter instead but that is not the same as my Grandmother's Keri Lotion.

If you find it, can you let me know where you got it? I'm starting to get a little compulsive about this.

Have a great week!

Simonie

It's All in the Cosmos - Cosmic Raspberry Lip Color by Bobbi Brown

If you know me, you know that I usually don't wear brightly colored lipsticks. I'm more of a gloss gal. Although, I have been known to rock MAC's "Woo Red" from time to time.

But I went to the mall last weekend and as I was browsing the Bobbi Brown counter, I ran across this new hot shade that I just love. It's called Cosmic Raspberry 3 (and it's got SPF 12).

Guess who got the last tube left? That's right - your girl!

I think it's perfect for lifting the mood. Especially on Friday the 13th!

Do you have a favorite shade of lipstick?

These Rocks Rock - Pur Minerals Exotic Rocks

I've used Bare Escentuals since I was 14, but now I'm ready to try something new. I haven't used Pur Minerals before but I figured what better way to start than with their Exotic Rocks.

Exotic Rocks Trio includes:

Lava Rocks
Hot Rocks
Glow Rocks


Triple the depth, drama and dimension with the adventure-ready Exotic Rocks Trio, featuring two new additions to the Pür Rocks family. Give skin a rosy radiance with the popular Hot Rocks, turn up the heat with Lava Rocks and touch the sun with Glow Rocks. Use alone or combine the multidimensional shades for an endless array of gorgeous looks for eyes, lips and cheeks.*
Pür Minerals does NOT test its products on animals.

* www.purminerals.com

Designer Animal Crackers

OMG. Found the cutest cookies ever at Safeway. I'm a lover of all things Lilly Pulitzer and these special edition boxes of Barnum's Animal Crackers are no exception.

Really? I mean, really? Could these be any cuter? I want to buy hundreds of boxes and hoard them except I know that they would get stale.

Any idea of what I could make from empty animal cracker boxes.

Get them while you can because they're "Special Edition." I wonder if Princess Kates like animal crackers?