My Top 15 Fall/Winter Nail Polishes

Vampy Reds, Taupes, Grey's, Greens, Black, Blues.... Oh My! This time of the year has me diggin into my polish stash craving for the darker side. Nothing screams more ladylike and elegance than seeing a woman with perfectly manicured hands. Polish has recently taken off like wildfire. It has become the new accessory and I am totally "crack" addicted to it. How is it that a bottle of liquid chemicals make me so giddy? Let me count the ways.... 15 to be exact.


Essie's Bobbing for Baubles (A dark blue, greyish polish. Appears black in picture)



L to R: Naughty by Orly, Carry on by Essie, Owl's Lust by L'oreal, Very Structured by Essie, Jazz by Essie

L to R: Sequin Scandal by SH, A-Taupe The Space Needle by OPI, Commander in Chic by SH, Moonstruck by Confetti, Graphite by Chanel

L to R: Power Clutch by Essie, Cocktail Bling by Essie, Sew Psyched by Essie, Case Study by Essie, Starry Night by Sonia Kashuk

                                                          

Stop the Madness!!!

Are there any must haves that I've missed that you feel I need to add to my collection?

Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

Gettin My Nerd On

I never thought I'd say this (because I always wanted to) but, yes, I belong to a BOOK Club and I love it! We're small in numbers but powerful in strength. We started with four and now added another divine spirit, Wendy to the mix. We are definitely a melting pot of personalities. We've had two meetings so far and with each one, we've only gotten to love one another even more. Tish, Celina, Glenda, Wendy and Myself make up the Reading Rainbow.

First line of business, The Hunger Games. It is becoming all the Rave. People are comparing this Trilogy by Suzanne Collins to the next Twilight. I can see why they would make that comparison but I must tell you, there is so much more to the Hunger Games. I've seen the Trailer to the movie and by the looks of it, I have to say, it looks pretty darn cool. Can't wait for it. We are considering the 5 star movie goer experience that the Gold Cinemas in Pasadena claims to give you for this special pick.

Tish, aka, the quirkiest, smartest, talented, loving, and admirable woman I know writes an amazing blog. She's done such a great job of introducing each one of us and discussing our club that I urge you to click on the link provided to her blog. She took all the wonderful pictures and I love her for giving our club so much love, recognition, and props. Thank you Tish. I love you.

Book Club Meeting #1:http://www.luvandkiwi.com/2011/10/book-club.html
Book Club Meeting #2:http://www.luvandkiwi.com/2011/11/reading-rainbow.html

Shall you get your hands on the Hunger Games, I wish you Happy Reading.
I LOVE my Book Club. Wanna join the fun?

Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

New Product Alert - Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters

I had to share with you all these new lovelies that Revlon has recently released. In my opinion, they are the best of all three worlds. A lipstick, a lip moisturizer, and a lip gloss. I purchased the five shades shown below but I know there are more to this collection. Unfortunately, this was all that was left at my local RiteAid. If you come across any, pick one up and try it. Its going to be hard to dislike it. These Lip Butters are being compared to Dior Lip Glow and by price comparison, Dior $29 vs. Revlon $7.99, its a no brainer. I am very pleased with the quality of these lip butters. They're very convenient and the quality is very impressive. So far, I give them two thumbs up! Will be going back for more.

Dior Lip Glow $29

 L to R: Candy Apple, Cherry Tart, Tutti Frutti, Strawberry Shortcake, Cotton Candy

  

I have worn all five of these butters and I can tell you, they are a great product. Especially for my low maintenance girls that like to slap on some chap stick/ lip balm and go. These will moisturize your lips and give you a hint of color as well.

I am wearing Candy Apple today. What I love about the Reds in this line is that they are less maintenance than traditional Red Lipsticks. You don't have to worry about them bleeding, having to apply lip liner to make them stay, etc. Treat yourself to one if you happen to be lucky enough to spot them. Happy Shopping.

Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

405, 105, 110, 5..... I despise you all!

I recently professed my love for Los Angeles and that is still true BUT cut me some slack, throw me a freakin bone already! Traffic in LA is a nightmare. At least its mine, daily. LA, if its true that on average, everyone will loose about 3 years of their lives to traffic, then I'd say I've served at least 15 yrs, half of my life, give or take.

What is your goal? I already have grey hair. Should I just pull it out next? See photo.
Daily, I am living in my car anywhere from 3 1/2 hrs a day to 4,and that's if I stick to my work/home routine. This is my plead to LADOT to create a Super Shuttle that can whip me from the Valley to the Westside in record time.

Surprisingly enough, I don't have road rage. I just have an aching back, headaches, and stress knots that need to get worked on by a much needed massage.

If I had 3 magic wishes, having my private helicopter would be one of them. Magic Lamp, where are you?Y'all feel me out there?

Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

Gross!!

Alert: Nail Shops can be/ are Dirty and Nasty!

On a random trip to a filthy nail shop in the Montebello/East LA area two weeks or so ago, what I thought was some R&R time with my cousin turned out to be a Big pain in the Toe. I don't really deviate much from the shop I tend to go to but in the spur of the moment, I tried my Cousin's place out. Biggest Mistake Ever!!
I'm posting this and inserting this ugly picture just to warn you ladies about the risk of infection and germs that hover over these places. Granted, I'm not saying it will happen to you but still, take some precaution when getting your lovely tootsies groomed. I took antibiotics for 5 days hoping that the throbbing pain from this infection would subside. It did but now...... its back! Oh no. I feel like my toe is about the size of a grapefruit. It throbs and I can't even put a sheet on top of my foot.

Do any of you have any recommendations to a good nail shop that acutally sterilizes their instruments instead of just roll their little carts from person to person infecting them with nasty toe jam?


Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

My New Toy

I've gone MAD! Finally, I got the courage and kicked my BB to the curve and got the latest and greatest toy Ever. Ahhhh!!!

Its everything everyone has said it would be and more. I'm kicking myself in the butt for not having crossed over sooner. I understand all the excitement over Apps now. And can I tell you, Siri is a Bad Ass B#%!H. I love her. She's the main reason why I took the plunge. After being keyboard obsessed for so long, I was hesitant to go touch screen but she convinced me she was worth taking a gamble on and I'm so glad I did. I've become obsessed with this device. It has totally taken over my life in a good way. I'm more organized than ever, all my information is easily accessible,and its helping me perfect my Spanish. Its not all just for vanity purposes, this little machine can actually enhance your life. If you are on the fence about going the Iphone route, I say, DO IT! and do it NOW. Iphone + Siri makes Meli very Happy.

Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

Downtown Art Walk

I made my second appearance at the monthly Downtown LA Artwalk this past Thursday. If you don't know much about it, let me tell you. There are several blocks in Downtwon LA (I think its around 3rd and Spring through 8th and Spring) that are soley dedicated to displaying Artist's work and talent. The vibe and energy is very eclectic. You have your Pro Mecha Latinos (Go MALDEF), your Rastafarian brothers and sisters, your Hipsters, and everything in between. I  Love it.  I'm amazed at people's talent since all I can do is draw stick figures and even those look horrible. As you walk down the streets of LA, feel free to pop into one of the many and I say many new bars that have materialized out of no where, grab a bite because you will work up an apetite, or simply feel free to eat a Hepatitis Dog. That is what they're called right?
Anyway, I fell in LOVE with two pieces. I wanted to yank them off the wall and run with them but what would the Artist say about that? Hmm.... Best to just admire them for now.

I'm in Love with LA. It is very dear to my heart. I make no joke when I profess the late Tupac's same sentiment of "Live and Die in LA". When I saw this piece, I said, I have to have it. Its everything! My youth, my struggles, the streets, Life, LA. This has so much meaning to me. LA, I will never abandon you.

Artist: Taylor Scott Dunfee

This piece left me completely speechless. Jaw dropping speechless. If you can see, the words next to the heart read, "Its so Simple". Really? Is it? For those who know me, and I mean, really know me will realize how much meaning this has to me and can even picture how I must of looked standing in front of this piece just gawking at it. I almost wanted to cry, no joke. She's me. I'm her. Simple? Ha! Everything but simple. The Heart. Emotinally. Physically. Mentally. Enough said. I'll leave it to your own interpretation.

Check out the ArtWalk. Here's a link with more info. http://downtownartwalk.org/


Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

El Rey

I feel like the Luckiest Girl in the World! This past Sunday, I was blessed to be in the presence of the most amazing musical genius, El Rey. I've wanted to see him in concert for so many years and for one reason or another, something always came up and I was not able to attend. Not this year. I was pro active and bought my tickets early on. When my skin gets goose bumps, aka "chicken skin" from hearing such beatiful music, I know I'm living. I went with the best company I could of ever want with me by my side. It was Rosy #2's and my first time attending a Vicente Fernandez concert together. We sang, danced, cried and laughed together for over 3 1/2 hours. Definitely a Highlight in my book.

El Rey

Full House at the Universal Amphitheatre

Mi Linda Amiga

 For all my Latin Lovers, who enjoy listening to Rancheras, if you have not seen this man sing his heart out while tossing back too many shots of Tequila that I lost count after 10, please do yourself a favor, Go See Chente!

Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

Bag Lady

"Bag lady you gon hurt your back
Draggin' all them bags like that.
I guess nobody every told you how
All you must hold on to is you,  is you, is you....."

Ever wonder what weighs your shoulder down to the ground? Maybe 30 lbs of crap! Necessary crap that is. This is my current bag I shuffle around with me at the moment and some of its contents.

From top, left to right;

Coach Bag - My current lovely leather classic Coach Bag. Monogram styles are so out.

Pill Box - Gotta carry my daily dose around with me. No choice there.

Book - The Sibling Effect by Jeffrey Kluger. I try to always carry some kind of reading material with me.

Notebook, Never Stop Thinking - Must have something with me to jot down rambling thoughts.

Blackberry -  My gateway to civilization. Without it, it sounds stupid but I feel incomplete.

Sharpie Fine Point Pen - Won't write with anything else other than fine point. Weird quirk about me but I HATE ball point pens.

Hair Clip - Life saver for bad hair days.

Coach Wallet - Perfect size. Holds everything I need.

Keys - Minimal. Just the few that I need.

Roberto Cavalli Glasses - Without them, I can't see anything.

Rosary - A rosary made out of rose petals that my sister brought me back from Italy. That's the Catholic in me. I carry it around with me for blessings and protection. It smells amazing.

MAC Studio Fix in NC 35 - Only thing I use on my face.

Gum - Always good to have. Trying out these new Trident Layers. Let's see how I like them.

Mini Nail Files - Hate chipped nails.

Vicks - Fixes anything.

Bath and Body Hand Cream in Cucumber Melon - Must have moisturized hands and serves as double duty to calm flyaways.

Make up Bag - Keeps about 5 lipsticks,5 glosses and a black eyeliner at all times. Don't know when you might need to change your look at the last minute.

Marc Jabocs Daisy - Roller Ball perfume. Must smell good at all times, or at least try.

Band Aid - Best invention to prevent blisters on your feet from those pesky high heels or any shoe that is being a pest.

Dove Deodorant - Gotta freshen up.

Contacts - Just threw these in recently since I'm always forgetting my glasses and I'm sure you don't  want me driving behind you with my 20/20 vision.

Honest Tea - Must stay hydrated. Always try to carry something to drink with me.


I'm sure alot of you can agree with me that we share the same pain of lugging too much crap around with us but I wouldn't have it any other way. Erykah Badu, I love you.

What's weighing you down?

Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful

Current Loves

I have been coveting these 10 items so much lately that I often feel guilty neglecting all my other goodies. Some of these are definitely staples in my make up arsenal, things that I definitely use on a regular basis and others are new loves.

From Left to Right;

1. Bath and Body works Vanilla Coconut Candle. The best smelling candles in my opinion. They don't disappoint. They truly make your entire home smell divine. Try some of the new Fall scents. I keep hearing every candle with an edible name to it smell delicious.

2. Keratin Complex Repair Therapy. Am ionic Keratin protein restructuring serum. I went ahead and spent the money on a Keratin hair treatment towards the end of August. So far, the best money I've spent to date on any hair treatment. Its made my hair so much softer and improved its appearance. I was walking around with broom ends. Not cute. I apply this serum after I towel dry my hair, style and go.

3. Sally's One n Only Argan Oil. Helps give my hair a nice shine. Its light, healthy for your hair and you only need a small amount.

4. Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette. This eyeshadow palette is unlike the other UD Book of Shadow palettes. These are all new shades. My favorite is definitely MIA. The packaging is adorable. The cover has a mirror and you can use the  velour bottom portion to store things once you're done with your shadows.

5. Chance  Eau Tendre. My new fall scent. Its not as overpowering as the original Chance, which is why I like it.

6. MAC Painterly Paint Pot. My ultimate favorite primer. I can wear a $1.00 Wet n Wild eyeshadow or a $14.00 MAC shadow and it won't go anywhere until I say so.

7. MAC 129 Blush Brush. Originally, I had gone into MAC to purchase the 116, a blush brush as well, just a bit smaller. They were out of stock so this baby came home with me. We've been inseparable since then. This is a great brush to apply blush, highlighter, and to contour. Great!!

8. Korres Watermelon Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer. I don't do foundation. Never liked it. And I don't need it. I tried this tinted moisturizer and am hooked. It leaves my skin looking natural, its light weight, and provides SPF 30.

9. NARS Blush/Bronzer Trio. This baby has all you'll need. It has the always sought out Laguna Bronzer, Albatross highlighter, and the most popular NARS blush ever sold, Orgasm. This is all you need especially if you're traveling. Love the idea of having all three in one.

10. Loreal's Fairest Nude Lipstick and NARS Orgasm Lipgloss. This is my fool proof nude lip. Each product on their own is amazing but when paired together, it gives you the most beautiful rosy nude lip. Great with a smoky eye or simply as an everyday look.

These are my favorites at the moment. What are you loving currently?


Posted by Meli, Adventures In All things Beautiful