Beauty Tips

3 Lessons Learned from 5 Years of Marriage

July 8th, 2011 by Karen 60 Comments

Before we got hitched, El Hub and I were, to quote my mum, “serious” (“Are you two serious?”) for almost five years, so, technically, we’ve been together for a decade.

That’s a pretty good chunk of time to get to know someone, and while our relationship isn’t perfect, I haven’t wanted to kill him in his sleep (yet), and he’s remarkably tolerant of my PMS-fueled mood swings, so I think we’re doing all right, all things considered. 🙂

Seriously, though, we’ve been together for a while, and I think we’re still pretty darn happy. Looking back, there have been a few important moments over that time and one or two valuable lessons, like…

1. Get the sleep situation under control

Oh, man. I don’t even know where to start, but to make a long story short, the sooner you can work out any sleep problems, the better you’ll both feel.

Years before I met him, El Hub worked nights, and it permanently disrupted his sleep cycle. He tosses and turns all night long (always spinning counterclockwise, which is so weird!), and on top of that snores like a small bear. I, on the other hand, sleep soundly, but I need complete silence, and for everything to be still.

Our first couple of beds weren’t doing us any favors. One, a hand-me-down full-size bed from a family member, had weak springs and a soft mattress with a dip in the middle like a “V” that would draw us both toward the center of it like a sleep-sucking black hole.

With El Hub sleeping on the left side of the dip, his propensity to roll counterclockwise would usually keep him out of the middle, but I was rarely so lucky. I’d end up in the dip, wide awake, with my shoulders bunched up against my ears and El Hub spinning and snoring like a haunted carnival ride beside me.

FUN!

One night, I got so angry that I woke him up every single time he moved or snored. Weeks of sleep deprivation had brought out my inner crazy, and I decided that if I wasn’t going to get my REM on, neither was he. So childish, I know, but wouldn’t ya know it? — the next day we decided to get a new bed. 🙂

The moral of this story: if you think this guy/gal is the one, save yourself the heartache, and get the sleeping situation worked out as soon as possible.
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Making Nail Art Easy with Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

July 4th, 2011 by Karen 44 Comments

Written by Betty

What do you do when regular nail polishes can’t keep up with your creative side? Nail polish blogger Betty shares one idea in today’s guest post.

Skeptical of nail polishes that claim to last as long as 10 days or more. How about nail stickers that make the same claim? I recently took the plunge and gave the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips (that was a mouthful, wasn’t it?) a try.

Available in a wide range of interesting patterns, like leopard, zebra, butterfly, plaid, stripes, and a selection of solid colors, too, they usually retail for about $10, or thereabouts, at stores like Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Wal-Mart, Target and CVS. These strips, which are made out of real nail polish, are supposed to look more real than other stickers, and most of the time, when I spot one of the displays, it’s usually empty.

I hope that means they’re pretty good!

The pattern I chose is called Fly With Me. Let’s see how it works…

Here’s what I found inside the package: a note with semi-vague directions (in three languages), a small cuticle/orange stick, a small pink file/buffer with two different grits and 16 nail strips. Pulling away the tab at the end of the strips exposes the adhesive side.

So, 16 strips? But we only have 10 fingers. I suppose 16 is an amount that both ensures that each box is suitable for a single manicure, while also providing some extra strips to accommodate mistakes and different sizes of nails.

Honestly, I think I’d prefer getting 12 strips per box instead of 16 if it meant being able to lower the price by a few bucks. As these are now, they aren’t very kind to a college student’s budget. A polish bottle at a drugstore costs a few dollars less and can last for dozens of manicures, but, of course, these come in some very cool patterns.

See how I think? Haha! Not to worry. Stay tuned for a way to make these strips last for TWO manicures, which certainly helps.

Before we begin…

Let’s buff down the ridges on our nails. The directions suggest using the dark pink half of the included buffer, but I find it way too rough on my nails and and use my own buffing block instead.

Ensure that you’ve created a smooth canvas upon which to work. Not a requirement, but these strips are thin and extremely unforgiving to ridges, exaggerating and emphasizing every bump. While we’re at it, let’s also even out the length of our nails.

Next, let’s wash our hands and nails. From what I’ve read, we needn’t apply a base coat here because it can reduce the longevity of the stickers.

It’s very, very important that our hands are warm when we apply. I know it might sound silly, but I tried to apply another set of nail strips once in a room with a fan on high. My hands were cold at the time, and the adhesive on the stickers refused to activate. They just kept falling off. From my experience, warm fingers and nails give the best results.

How to apply

Look through the box and select a strip that best fits the bed of your first nail. Pull the tab, and peel the strip away from the backing.

Carefully, align and press it onto each nail, one by one, cutting away any excess, like so…

Smooth each sticker down a bit, and ensure that it’s securely affixed to the nail.

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Outfit of the Day, Vol. 2: Comfy and Casual at the Museum

June 26th, 2011 by Karen 67 Comments

Because I got up a little late yesterday and didn’t have much time to get reader for my de Young museum date with Cindy, I went with an outfit that 1) I could comfortably walk around in for a few hours and 2) I wouldn’t have to iron.

This light pink dress by Soprano, another brand from the Juniors section at Nordstrom, got the job. The material, a rayon-linen blend, resists wrinkles, and because it’s soft and stretchy, I can move around in it without feeling constricted.

I knew Cindy and I would be covering a lot of ground, so I traded my usual high heels for a pair of comfy sandals. These t-strap wedges by Jambu have a manageable 2.5-inch heel, and I think the bronzy color plays well with the oversized brown belt by H&M.

You never know what the weather will be like in SF, not even in the summer (it turned out to be overcast and cool), so I topped the dress off with this cropped olive green jacket by Therapy. A blue scarf from H&M (a gift from my brother and his girlfriend last year) with pink, green and yellow flowers ties the outfit together and provides a little extra warmth and texture.

A little bling never hurts, so I added a necklace from Kate Spade and a sparkly bee ring from Cara Accessories. If you prefer simpler pieces, I think a big pair of gold hoops would also work really well with this outfit.

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5 Summer Staples: Show Some Skin with These Body Care Basics

June 24th, 2011 by Karen 24 Comments

Summer’s the season to show off a little skin, and to this I roar “Hallelujah!” After what felt like the longest, wettest, dreariest winter and spring in this century so far, I’m beyond ready to finally free myself from my cotton/polyester oppressors. So long, long pants, wool socks and turtleneck sweaters. Peace!

Summers in this part of Northern California can get pretty hot, but before I venture out in a summer dress or park my posterior poolside in a swimsuit, I like to do a bit of body beauty prep first (don’t want my hairy sasquatch legs to frighten the neighborhood kids, ya know?). For this I turn to body care basics like the fab five listed below.

1. A rockin’ razor

Furry girl says what? This vorpal gift to hairy women everywhere hacks away hair like a machete cuts through jungle. The Gillette Venus Embrace ($12 for a starter kit that includes the razor, a shower pod/case and two spare cartridges; additional cartridges are sold separately) takes care of the hair on my legs, lady parts, ‘pits and toes (don’t front like you don’t know what I’m talking about 🙂 ), and it does it with five blades.

FIVE BLADES!

You’d think that maybe four blades would have been enough, but no. Turns out that five is the new four.

This mighty multi-bladed monster gives this mini-Chewbacca the closest shave of her life. When I use it, not only does my skin feel smoother than it does after I use other razors, but the Venus shaves so close that I find I don’t have to shave as often.

2. An easy-to-apply sunscreen

Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 30

In my capacity as Tabs’ assistant/human servant, I have to be available at a moment’s notice, which means I don’t always have time to spend rubbing in sunscreen from head to toe.

When time is of the essence, particularly in summer, I like to have a good waterproof aerosol spray, and Banana Boat Ultra Defense Continuous Spray Sunblock ($10) is my current fave.

Just spritz on arms, legs and any other exposed parts, massage it in a little, and you’re done. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays and comes in three varying levels of SPF — 30, 50 and 85. It’s quick to dry and resists water ~~like most cats~~ incredibly well, ya know, just in case a shirtless Ryan Reynolds stops by to ask if you want to go swimming (I DO!).
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5 More Highly Recommended Sports Bras

June 17th, 2011 by Karen 32 Comments

Let’s go for a run! (I’m not wearing a stitch of makeup in this pic, eek!)

The Lululemon Athletica 50 Rep Bra continues to rock my socks, among other things, but like everything great, it may not satisfy my needs forever, which is why I really appreciate all of the awesome sports bra recommendations you left in the comments earlier this week.

I thought it might be handy to round them up in one place with links, just in case you’re on the market for a new sports bra.

And if you already own one that you’re happy with, please share the make/model. As a resource, this particular list is lacking in budget bras. Maybe there just aren’t very many good inexpensive ones out there, but if you happen to know of any, please pass ’em along. 🙂

1. Royce Impact Free Sports Bra ($50)

The Royce Impact Free Sports Bra is built to provide maximum support for larger sizes. Reader Nekosan says it’s, “Totally. Awesome. It actually comes in 28 and 30 band sizes, too!”

“This sports bra by Royce is styled in cotton rich fabric. Offering maximum support, it has dual layered cups with a wide concealed underband. With padded straps for comfort, its seamless inner cups wick away moisture. It fastens with velcro and hooks.” – figleaves.com

2. Title Nine 3-Reasons Support Bra ($44)

Reader Hyzenthlay recommends the Title Nine 3-Reasons Support Bra, saying “They are expensive, but it’s hard to find a good sports bra when you’re a D-cup (or larger!).”

With adjustable straps and a back closure for a custom fit, it’s another model designed to provide maximum support, even in high-impact activities like running.

“There are at least 3 reasons to buy this bra: First, it is the most popular bra for both our employees and our customers. 2nd: the super-support keeps D and DD cups from bouncing, even in high impact activity. 3rd: this bra will keep you cool and dry, with wicking fabrics throughout. Adjustable straps and back closure make for a close-to-custom fit. By Moving Comfort. 32-40 C-DD” – titlenine.com

3. Moving Comfort Juno Bra ($52)

Looking for a racer back option? The Moving Comfort Juno Bra fits the bill. It has a racer back design and shouldn’t slip off your shoulders.

Reader E says it doesn’t only look cute under a tank top. It’s also comfortable as all heck. She “…ran a marathon in it a few months ago with no hitches.”

“The Moving Comfort Juno sports bra offers supportive comfort during aerobics, trail runs, climbing, gym sessions and other high-impact activities. Soft polyester/spandex fabric wicks moisture away from skin; mesh insets offers cooling ventilation. Lower elastic band keeps bra secure without stifling skin underneath. Seam-free interior cups increase comfort. Front straps adjust using a concealed rip-and-stick closure. The fabric of the Moving Comfort Juno sports bra features an antimicrobial treatment that helps reduce odors.” – rei.com

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These Hollywood Fashion Secret Accessory Dots Are Hiding Something

June 16th, 2011 by Karen 30 Comments

Palm, meet forehead. Repeat two times.

Yeah, I’m having one of those “I totally should of thought of that!” moments. You might do the same thing when you discover the life-changing power (and no, I’m not exaggerating) of these Accessory Dots from Hollywood Fashion Secrets ($5 for 24 dots).

They’re super sticky little double-stick tape dots that adhere to bare skin and clothing to hold fabric in place. Mostly, I use ’em to keep the ends of my belts from hanging down, but they’re also great for closing gaps in shirts, and for securing scarves, jewelry, shoe straps and falling hems.

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3 Lessons Learned: Summer Hair Mishaps

June 14th, 2011 by Karen 51 Comments

Yesterday I came to the shockingly wonderful realization that the official start of summer is less than one week away, and judging by the rising temps and lack of rain in the 10-day forecast, it looks like the weather has finally gotten with the program.

Ah, summer… Such great memories, but when I think back to the summers of my youth, I’m surprised I remember them at all. There were no far-flung adventures backpacking through Europe or sailing trips around the world. Nope, my childhood summers were much more mundane. I spent most of them hanging out at the local Thrifty drugstore, where you could get a free ice cream for returning a shopping cart to the store, and watching videos on MTV (back when MTV actually played videos). For the most part, I spent my summers doing absolutely nothing.

Gawd, I miss those days!

Despite doing very little over those summers, I still managed to learn a few things, like these important lessons about hair…

1. Don’t make rash, heat-induced decisions

If the heat is getting to you and the sweat is trickling down from your scalp into your eyes, you might feel like your only relief is to cut off all or most of your hair, but resist the urge.

You don’t want to regret it later. Start by putting your hair up into a bun or ponytail, and give yourself a couple weeks to think it over.

One summer heatwave I showed up at my BFF Jen’s house to find her previously waist-length hair suddenly sitting at her shoulders. In an overheated state, she had cut her long locks herself, and it ended up looking like it had been cut by a three-year old wearing a blindfold.

We laugh about it now, but she felt pretty crappy at the time.

The lesson? No matter how hot it gets, step away from the scissors! Take time to think it over first.
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The Lululemon Athletica 50 Rep Bra: The Best Damn Sports Bra I’ve Ever Worn

June 13th, 2011 by Karen 85 Comments

Seeing as how I spent last weekend in Vancouver, the city where Lululemon Athletica was born, I figured I should give a shout-out to my favorite over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder, the 50 Rep Bra ($42).

I’ve tried gaggles of different sports bras over the years from more brands than I can remember — Champion, Nike, Adidas and Moving Comfort are a few that spring to mind — and by far my favorite so far has been the 50 Rep. It’s the most comfortable sports bra I’ve ever worn, for sure.

It comes in several prints (like the one I’m wearing here) and solid colors, from classic, sporty shades like black, white and gray, to spunkier shades like red and mint green.

The support this bra offers? Off. The. Chain. It easily tames my size 34D ta-tas, and this one (I wear a size 4), holds everything in place without that restrictive, binding, boob-squishing feel.

It’s actually so comfortable that I can even wear it to bed. The material, a fabric Lululemon created called Luon (a stretchy, durable, breathable fabric that feels like brushed cotton), never chafes my skin, not even after six miles on the treadmill. It also wicks, which comes in handy since I sweat buckets when I run.

I think the cut’s super cute, too. The neckline and arm holes are high enough to cover everything without showing too much cleavage/skin. Plus, the straps don’t dig into my shoulders, and I’m really pleased with the length from the top of my shoulders to my ribs.

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