Day Off...

Kinda. I'm still in the middle of my phone crisis, and am tying up some loose ends with my job, but I am enjoying some time here at home with the dog, and thought I'd put in a beauty review of sorts, and then get to the nap-taking.

My review is of a beauty website called eyeslipsface.com. The idea behind this website is responsible wellness products, cosmetics, and beauty tools at an affordable price. E.L.F. believes that every woman deserves to feel great about herself without having to break the bank to accomplish it. They support PETA and promote cruelty free products that cost as little as $1. E.L.F. products have been featured in Allure, In Style, and Cosmo, just to name a few. It's a fabulous idea that's been a long time coming. Check it out here: E.L.F.

Has it Happened to You?

I recently viewed my cell phone bill and discovered an insane amount of overage minutes (we're talking near to a thousand, and all of my rollover minutes used). It would be simply impossible for me to have used the phone that much, and what's more is that "In an attempt to be a little more paper conscious" I can no longer view my bill details that I receive monthly. I tried to verify this information online, and because I am now in a different billing cycle, the call details for the last cycle are no longer available. The long and short of it is that I suspect fraud on the account. Either my phone was cloned, or the system left off a part of my plan, like mobile to mobile calling, or 7 pm Nights and Weekends. I'm asking you, my Dear readers, if you have ever had this happen to you, and what you did about it. I intend to speak with the fraud department this afternoon and set up the investigation into the mess. Please, fill me in if you're privy to the process. I want to know as much as I can about this!

Time to Unwind

I've had appointments and errands to run for the better part of my day, and now I'm home to rest, relax, and recoup. I thought I'd post some fun websites I've found that would help you do the same. Go ahead and change out of those binding work clothes, and put a charcoal masque on your face. By the time it dries, you'll be ready to enjoy the rest of your evening.

Just watching this as I move my mouse around relaxes me. This might be a good thing to save in your favorites, instead of using up all of that bubble wrap.

I love Video Jug. You can teach yourself to do everything, from the cheeky to the useful. Learn how to give a good head massage, and your friend or partner will likely return the favor!

Look into your local beauty colleges and see how much they charge for a relaxing facial or massage. It will usually be half of what you would pay in a spa or salon, and you'll be getting the same treatment.

This could really help you at work tomorrow. I'm not saying you should try it, I'm merely pointing out that you have options.

Rainy Day...

It's dreary and raining today, so I thought it might be a good time to update. I've been listening to a lot of new-ish music and thought I'd share. Jim Noir is a name not a lot of you have heard of, but you've probably heard his song, "My Patch", on the holiday Target commercial. The rest of the album is fantastic. It's sort of a cross between vocal pop and electronica. Great for indies, and hipsters. His website is fun and brightly colored. Just what you need on a day like this.

I'll admit, I didn't give the newest Modest Mouse album a decent chance. This is mainly because I thought they were getting away from their roots and becoming more radio-friendly. Johnny Marr's influence extends beyond his work with the Smiths and really breathes new life into the music, however. It's a good little album, and their innovative approach to videos is refreshing. It's great that they're getting their fans involved. It also appears that they are touring with REM, which makes me so happy, I can hardly contain it.

I've also been listening to a lot of Landon Pigg, who reminds me a lot of Rufus Wainwright. You've probably heard "Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop" on a Diamond is Forever commercial this holiday season. He's also been played on Grey's Anatomy, which has launched quite a few careers. Just ask Tegan and Sara, who were having mild indie success until their song "Where Does the Good Go" ended an episode. Now they seem to be popping up all over the place. The girls are on tour, by the way. I'll be seeing them in the next couple of months. Check your local venues for tour dates, or view their website.

Answering Your Questions...

I've gotten a question, after a dry spell. Let's keep this going, Dear Readers. I love helping whenever I can!

Anonymous said...
Do you know the name of the artist and song that is played on the new MacBook Air commercial? I think it sounds a little like the Weepies.

Anonymous, you're in luck. I love that song, and I investigated it because I'm always looking for new tunes. The song is called "New Soul", and the artist is Yael Naim. Here is a link to the video. Keep your ears open for her. Apple has a way of launching many careers for indie musicians.

February's Hotties of the Month: Musician Edition

I know, I know. I'm a little behind. It's just because I've been busy, not because I forgot!





Your Male Hottie of the Month for February is Conor Oberst, of Bright Eyes. Conor was born and raised in Nebraska and is one of the founding members of Saddle Creek Records, which has brought Rilo Kiley, Tilly and the Wall, and The Faint out to the forefront. Learn more about him on his website.





I have to point out that Conor is not Bright Eyes. Bright Eyes is a band that currently has 6 members. If you consider yourself an indie lover you've probably already heard of these guys and you own Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground. If you're more of a techno-junkie, however, look for Digital Ash in a Digital Urn. It's quite a bit different from the other albums.





Your Female Hottie of the Month is Neko Case. Neko is probably best known for her collaboration with The New Pornographers. She's been doing fantastic solo work and touring for the past few years, and has several awesome albums to show for it. Neko is also doing some voiceovers for Dave Willis, the creator of Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Listen for her in the upcoming series Cheyenne Cinnamon and the Fantabulous Unicorn of Sugar Town Candy Fudge. Keep up to speed on her tour dates and album releases on her website.

Question of the Week...

Since I haven't gotten any questions from my readers for a while, I thought I'd turn the table and ask you all a question. I want to know what beauty products you can't get enough of. Is there a bath product or cosmetic staple you use that you want to tell everyone about? For guys, do you buy skincare or haircare that gives you great results? Do you have a tried and true fragrance that you love? I want to feature these products on my blog and give my other readers information on where to buy them. It'd be great to trade tips and faves with you, so send your answers my way!

I love Lulu's!

If you love handbags as much as I do, the ad that sometimes appears on the right links you to some really cute ones, so give them a peek...

They have some really cute shoes and accessories, as well. I'm not able to squeeze into Juniors-sized clothing anymore, but if I was, I would wear a lot of this stuff. Cute, classy, and slightly bohemian. It's also very affordable. Give 'em a click.

A Useful and Green Way to Clean!

I used to use Comet to clean out just about everything: the kitchen and bathroom sinks, the bathtub, sometimes even the commode. It works, but let's face it, it's not environmentally friendly, and it's kinda rough on your skin. I have a little suggestion that will give big results, and help save the Earth.

You know the boxes of Baking Soda you keep in your fridge to keep the smellies away? When you're done with it, you usually toss it out, yeah? Don't. Save it. For cleaning a small area you can mix a tablespoon of it with a teaspoon of lemon juice (you were going to use it it to flavor that water you're supposed to be drinking), and voila! You have a gentle, yet abrasive cleansing paste that smells great and cleans just as well as the Comet. Give it a try. It cleaned my stainless steel sink beautifully and removed stains from my shower. I'm a fan now, so I'll be using it from now on.