5 Steps To Finding A Pair Of FABULOUS Sunglasses!

So, I went to try on sunglasses the other day. I do this often and leave empty handed because I like the glasses I already have better. This time, with my trusted coconut latte in hand and my two (brutally honest daughters) shopping a few stores down, I got serious. I was looking for cat eye, or aviators or the new circle glasses.  I was open minded to say the least.

I was looking for something to fit my face shape (oval)  and different from what I already have. I also wanted something to wear for early morning coffee runs when I don't have makeup on....

I tried on new Prada glasses and loved them until my daughter walked in and vetoed them. Apparently, they looked like I should be wearing them "on Halloween, and that's it, no where else."  Luckily, I'm used to their candor so I moved on to the next few pairs I had selected, but they all looked like ones I already have so I left empty handed.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect cat eye that isn't too extreme or dated. When I find them I'll tell you. In the mean time I did find a pair of big black aviators.

Here are a few questions I ask myself when shopping for sunglasses;

1. Does it flatter my face shape?

Know your face shape but don't let charts or old rules dictate what kind of glasses you can wear. I have an oval face and aviators typically make my face look droopy but I found a pair that were wide enough at the temple to actually look....just right.

2. Be sure to look at your profile.

3. Be sure to look at how the glasses look with your hair out of your face and up in a ponytail.

4. Look at them on your face in natural light. In most stores the sales associate will accompany you out into natural lighting with a mirror.

5. Notice the weight of them. Sometimes, if they are heavy after a while you can get a headache.

Happy Hunting!
xox


My new favorite glasses, Tom Ford.

https://www.sydewalk.com/profile/PaulaLalanne/sydewalks/8/tom-ford-cyrille-aviator-sunglasses-co-neiman-marcus/ 





 

Here are 5 steps for ordering a FABULOUS glass of wine!

Have you ever sat down someplace fabulous and picked up a wine list only to be overwhelmed or confused by the selections? I know I have, and in the spirit of making it to Friday, I thought this might help. Here are 5 steps, I wish I could say they're simple but they are rather in depth, that hopefully help you select the perfect glass of wine to dazzle your taste buds. If you already have your list of tried and true libations, still give this a shot.  If you don't then here is what you should do....

 

 

 

1. Decide if you are in the mood for red or white. This is easy, you may have a natural preference. Sometimes it's something as simple as the weather being cold and a glass of red at room temperature sounds perfect, or it may be hot outside and a crisp cold glass of white may sound perfect. If you are still undecided then a simple rule of thumb is, red goes with heavier dishes like pasta with red sauce, steak, pork or lamb. White typically pairs best with fowl, fish and light dishes. This is not always the case but it is a good  place to start.

2. Now once you know if you are having red or white the list will typically be categorized by varietals, regions or just plain "Red" and "White". Don't be afraid to ask for help. Unfortunately in this scenario you do get what you pay for, unlike the After Christmas Sale at Neiman Marcus where wine has a set price and that's it. The exceptions are wines being promoted or Happy Hour

Once you've asked for help you may be asked if you would like something "buttery, dry or fruity" if you are inquiring about white. Buttery means fuller bodied and heavier like a Chardonnay. Crisp or fruity is often how Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are described. Bold and fruit forward is usually how a Cabernet  is described, this is the "biggest" of the reds while Pinot Noir is the "lightest"...usually. Sometimes the bigger the wine the slower you will drink it but...stranger things have happened.

3. Foreign wines are often best to try if you are experimenting, here's why. In Italy the summer is long and warm, with a nice ocean breeze that still keeps the temperature mild. Grapes like to take their time to mature and thus Italy is the ideal growing region. Argentina is also known for throwing out some pretty fabulous wines too.  So if there is a section of foreign wines, I'd definitely ask your sommelier or server for suggestions. Remember they will suggest what they like and it could be different from what you like so be aware of that.

4. Price. This can be confusing. Wine can be all over the board with price. For example, one of my favorite wines is Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay form the 2012 vintage and it isn't expensive. Never feel as though ordering the most expensive glass means you will like it the most or even get the best. Also be aware,  you really do get what you pay for when it comes to wine....to an extent. Have you ever had a headache after one glass? Chances are it was too high in sugar and the best quality grapes were not used.

5. Lastly, ask for a taste of the one you are thinking of ordering if you're not sure. You might even ask to try two and compare them. Usually when I do this I'm the most happy with my selection. Often the two will present a sharp contrast when tasted back to back and the decision will be easy.

Finally, remember everyone has different tastes and preferences so there really is no wrong choice.

Cheers! xox


 

5 Fabulous Things I'm Currently Obsessed With!

So, this summer I had a love affair with pink. I've always loved this chic feminine color and with my fresh tan, pink seemed like a perfect fit. Below are my FABULOUS favorites!

 

1. H&M Rose Gold Locket Necklace 2. Blending Sponge 3. O.P.I., Mod About You 4. Sephora, Orchid Luster Matte Lip Gloss 5. Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield with SPF 30

1. H&M Necklace

This necklace is perfect with a simple top and dresses up just about anything. I love the bold simplicity of it.

2. A blending sponge changes your makeup game completely. Dampen it and your foundation will look seamless. I also use it for under eye concealer application.

3. O.P.I. Mod About You

I LOVE how bold and very purely pale pink this looks on. Also, I am very olive and this polish has a lot of pigment so the color looks amazing on.

4. Sephora Matte Luster in Orchid

Sephora's Luster Matte Gloss is perfect to wear alone or to contour your lips while adding moisture. Use a simple dot in the center of your pout in a shade lighter than your base color for added moisture and a fuller look.

5. Murad's Inviviblur smells divine and I love how smooth my skin feels after it's applied. It does double duty too, it has SPF 30 in it!
 

Fabulous Couscous Salad for Fabulous Hot August Nights!

Here is a quick easy go-to salad I've been making all summer. I probably need to make bigger batches of this because it is so yummy and healthy. I usually serve it with grilled chicken or salmon, and of course a glass of ice-cold Cakebread Chardonnay.

Couscous Salad

1 cup of whole wheat couscous prepared according to directions

1/2 cup of diced and peeled cucumber

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/4   cup of chopped basil

2 tablespoons of Orange Muscat Champaign Vinegar (Trader Joe's)

2 tablespoons of EVOO

Dash of sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Mix veggies then add the couscous once it is cooled down. Add vinegar and olive oil.
Chill for thirty minutes before serving.



Pop open your favorite glass of vino and enjoy!
 

5 Reasons Why This Is the Holy Grail Of Foundaions!

I finally found the holy grail of foundation....MAKE UP FOR EVER recently came out with a new foundation  just as I was looking for something better than what I was using. It's called HD High Definition Foundation.  I was previously using a foundation that didn't break me out, but the colors were never right, and I was spending way too much time bronzing it up to make it match my ever-changing skin color. Finally, I decided, with literally thousands of options, I should be able to find something better...anything. I began test driving foundations for about a month, and much to my surprise, I actually didn't feel like I was settling when I tried this one. Here are the reasons why. 

1. I didn't break out.

This was HUGE for me. I literally held my breath each morning after I started wearing it before I looked in the mirror. I was expecting a new blemish to pop up, and to my surprise, I didn't have any unwelcome visitors! Hooray!

2.  The color match was perfect.

I have A LOT of yellow in my skin and it was absolutely identical to the color on my neck, which had some self-tanner on it.

3. It felt light.

It's not the lightest weight foundation as it's medium to full coverage, but it didn't feel overly heavy like other foundations I've recently tried.

4.  It looked great in pictures.

Haven't you ever noticed how your foundation can have a very different camera look? I struggle with this all the time. In the past my foundation has always looked too pink or just plain off. This is the first time I've actually liked the way my skin looks on camera.

5. It goes on easily and blends well.

I use either a blending sponge or brush, but either way it goes on easily and quickly because it isn't too thick.






                                      

In sunlight.

 

Without flash.

 

With flash.