Looking and feeling fabyouless.

The best way to get through a stressful schedule or even a stressful time in your life is by creating a routine. Routine can consist of the simplest things, such as which shampoo and moisturizer you will use for this month, or which shoes you will hide away until next summer approaches because even with every good routine, it must change in order to keep life exciting. We can all only wish for more hours in a day and more weekends in a week; or we can accept the reality and dislike whoever thought 24 hours in a day is enough. This blog is about how I start off my days by looking and feeling fabulous.


Some of the things I use on daily basis consist of the following:

This shampoo + conditioner can save you a lot of money on expensive perfume. It literally keeps the scent in your hair all day (unless you are a smoker.. then not much helps anyway. So now that I have officially quit, I may brag about it at times where it doesn't even fit in). I am absolutely obsessed as it makes your hair feel soft, gives it a shiny look and does not allow it to frizz.

If you still have some spare change left over and don't think shampoo and conditioner is enough for a great smell, you may want to invest in MY personal favorite perfume on the planet of earth:

I will never forget the day I was introduced to my favorite scent. I had visited a friend who works in Bloomingdales on Lexington Ave. Of course the visit was not short as I spent the afternoon doing shopping as well. I passed by the perfume section just because. An older, extremely elegant Russian saleswoman approached me, asking if I had a specific type of scent I typically liked. I didn't really have a direct answer so I had asked her for a recommendation. This is the first (and last) bottle she picked up. I knew within seconds that this will be a keeper for how ever long they produce it.

You can't just have fantastic hair and smell like the best stuff on earth. You must also take care of your SKIN! I stopped using different body gels and began to use soaps. I must say, the following soap is by far the best one:

This soap is not pleasant to use due to "granola" bits inside which can be quite sharp at times, but it can be used as a body scrub. I definitely recommend it though, because the after feel is fantastic. It leaves my skin very smooth and has a great natural scent.

The skin of your body is no more important than the skin on your face! If there was one thing I can't imagine not having behind my bathroom mirror, it's this moisturizer:

I had tested SO many different "recommended" companies, that I began to feel like I will be doing so for the rest of my life; until this magical face cream appeared in my life! I went from Clean n Clear, to Dr. Hauschka, to Avon, to Nivea (shipped directly from Europe since they use higher quality ingredients).. and for some reason, NONE would make my face look and feel the way I'd want. Nuxe 24 hour moisturizer cream is the way to go. Highly, highly, highly (and I repeat a 100 more times-highly) recommended.

After I am fresh and clean and properly moisturized, I am prepared to create art on my face. Before applying ANY foundation or powder, you MUST use a primer. I personally use one from Forces of Nature, but Mac has a great one as well. It gives your skin a silky feeling and applies the make up in a smooth way without making it look dry or packed on. My face only appreciates MAC products as I have also tested anything from Loreal to Lancome to Chanel foundations. Different levels of different qualities because you really won't know what fits YOU best until you try it. Mac has a fantastic foundation (Studio Fix Fluid):

 

which I top off with Mac's Skin Finish:

 

 

 

In the summer time, I use Medium Dark. Once the fall enters, I switch to Medium. This Skin Finish powder just smoothens out your face and gives it a very neat and clean look. Obsessed! Now you can't just leave your cheeks bare. They must be complemented. Not all of us have been blessed with Tyra Banks's cheek bones! So we must do it another way:

The powder on the left looks the same as the Skin Finish, but it actually has a shine to it. You don't want your entire face to be in glitter, but the cheek can use a special touch. I use one brush stroke for each cheek because I don't want it to look packed on. Directly on top, I add a Powder Blush for a tint of redness that makes the face look fresh and natural. My favorite Powder Blush is Desert Rose. With all those steps, the face has been painted. Now, moving on to the eyes. If you use eye shadow, a Paint Pod (also Mac) is highly recommended. It maintains the eye shadow and does not allow it to crease. For daily basis, I like to only use mascara for a more dramatic look on the eyelash instead of eye shadow. Believe it or not, the best mascara happens to be one of the cheaper brands as well. I have tried Dior, YSL, and other high priced brands before coming to the same realization: if you find the best, why search for better?

Loreal Voluminous. I use blackest brown, which is dark enough to override my light lashes but not too dark to make them look unnatural. This brush separates each lash perfectly and clumps it just where the dramatic look should be--in the outer corners. One negative side of this mascara is that it dries up fairly quickly. I go through one about every 3 weeks. But just a small FYI, even the higher brands do not last for more than a month whether they are put to use or not. And the big difference? About $30-$40 you-es-dees.

Sometimes you don't want to go for the natural look, but you do not have the time or patience to do your eye make up. You just want to add a little touch that can change the entire look. LIPSTICK! And this is where Mac steps in again. I use Mac for a more funky look and Mary Kay for a more classy look:
















1. Mary Kay: Give Dreams
 2. Mac Sheen Supreme: Zen Rose


I am sticking to these two colors for now. Until I want to change my routine...



Toodles!

Olym [ pics ]

I follow the Olympics like I follow e-cards on Instagram. All. Day. Long. I must say--this years shenanigans are quite entertaining. The gold medal won and kept by a guy who admitted cheating, the famous dive that can be done by a football player just as graciously as Stephan Feck, and of course the undeniable excitement of Henrik Rummel on the podium.

I am a very proud Latvian during these games though. Why?

That's why.. Not only did you just learn that LATVIA is indeed a country, you also just learned that it's where I'm from!

**An update, Latvia won the BRONZE medal in Beach Volleyball**
**Update #2, Latvia won the GOLD medal in Cycling (BMX)**

Here are some OlymPICS:

SERIOUSLY. No one! Ever.

More entertainment: 

"So far China has won the most gold medals, ladies and gentlemen. The Chinese athletes can't wait to get home and show the medals off to the kids who made them." -Conan O'Brien

"The European countries are really hoping to do well in the Olympics. If they win gold medals, they can use them as cash." –David Letterman

"At the Beijing Olympics in 2008, they handed out 100,000 condoms. This year it's 150,000. That's 100,000 for the U.S. basketball team and 50,000 for everyone else." –Jimmy Kimmel

"We're not allowed to watch the Olympics in the office. Luckily, everyone is really into their work today, shouting with joy at their screens." Michael Spicer




But just like any other shenanigans, these are over as well. I DO congratulate all the participants and winners of this years Olympics! Lots of gold and silver that I could have used for jewelry has gone to talented people instead.

Are you as happy....

.....As Happy Little Humans? My dear friend Kate has blown me away, yet again. Her strive up the ladder of success is a motivation for many. Katerina Smotrich, the founder and CEO of Happy Little Humans has made her dream come true--to have her own nonprofit organization that deals with kids in need. To further explore what she does, please visit www.happylittlehumans.com. Being on the Board of Directors has definitely pushed me to support the right cause and volunteer. This charity's purpose is to put a smile on childrens faces and distract them from any negative reality that might surround them.


Please join the New York team for an enjoyable afternoon of art making on August 19, 2012. Through creating and reflecting on art, participants can cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences, enhance cognitive abilities, and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art. Volunteers do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.


To sign up for this event, please send a brief message with your details to info@happylittlehumans.com
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Bright, brighter and brightest!

Just when I thought Spring was around the corner, June has approached. These past 6 months flew by so quickly, that I was barely able to catch up. This season is filled with many birthdays (including my own) and wedding celebrations. I'm still trying to figure out what the craze of young marriage is all about or maybe I'm just growing up a lot quicker then I had wished for when I was younger.

For my birthday this year, I decided to change things up a bit. My last two celebrations were so adventurous that I decided My Moon will help me calm down this year. If you haven't been there yet, make it your obligation. The food is fantastic and if the weather permits, SIT OUTSIDE! (You're welcome).



Each season brings new style ideas and as a fashion follower, I can truly say, it's about time these colors are in and do not look cheap. As neon became the new black, I have become quite obsessed with the following items:

These bright colored Cambridge Satchels have become such a sensation that I am considering of getting them...ALL...to match my new obsession of neon wedges:

Unfortunately for you, I was unable to find the royal blue ones that I personally own, but the style is the same. Fortunately for me, you might not know what I am blabbing about therefore unable to copy me by purchasing them.



Another one of my obsessions is bright nail polish! Essie had discontinued one of my favorite colors: Mint Candy Apple....but thank God for eBay. You won't regret it! And if you do, I don't want to know about it.
Here are a few more great neon colors for the summer:

There are also plenty of eye-catching accessories to match some rainbow outfits:

Designers themselves became bored of their typical nude, black, white and ivory items. Even Mr. Most Uncomfortable Shoes on The Planet has switched to the dark (neon) side:

Since I am not the only fashion follower, here is a link to some eye candy:
https://www.facebook.com/FashionIsMyDrug


Sorry boys, this blog is not meant for your type of species.


Toodles! :)

Thirsy Thursdays -> Longest Fridays

My mission for today is to not fall asleep on my desk at work. I decided to join my friends Gleb, Illan and Sal for an outing to the Bunker Club. This outing lasted until 5:00AM which only seemed like a good idea yesterday. I was lucky enough to catch a nap between sunrise and work with my feet still numb from dancing... & now I'm in that awkward phase of the day between never drinking again and noon.

                                                               Illan DJing at Bunker.

These boots are NOT made for walking.

I've learned...

I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there's always two sides. I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I've learned that it's a lot easier to react than it is to stop and think. I've learned that you either control your attitude or it controls you. I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, than how many birthdays you've celebrated. I've learned that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to friends. I've learned that it isn't enough to be forgiven by others; sometimes you just have to learn how to forgive yourself. I've learned that no matter how badly your heart is broken, the world won't stop for you. I've learned that backgrounds and circumsta...nces might have influenced who you are, but we are responsible for the people we become. I've learned that you can't make somebody love you; all you can do is be somebody who can be loved. And most importantly, I've learned that no matter how old or wise you think you are, life never stops teaching.

#White Girl Problems.

Oh, the dear MTA system. The ipod doesn't go loud enough to cut out the Mexican playing his guitar. Today for example, I had the pleasure of not one, but TWO subway celebrity artists. The older male sitting next to me leaned in to be able to hear my iPod instead. Unfortunately for me, his odor level reached the worst case of 2011 so far.

I also cannot tolerate rush hour. I am barely able to squeeze through people with a bag that's usually half my size and the 7 people holding on to one pole sometimes hold my hand instead. I try to pretend my balance is top notch so I don't have to hold theirs back, but once in a while it's inevitable. Most of the time, I am wearing heels which make these missions so much more difficult.

There are rare occasions that I get lucky in the mornings to sit my tooshy and rest my feet. Usually, by the time the Q reaches my departing destination, I am "holding hands on the pole". I try to read to occupy the time instead of staring around and being creeped out by every other person. I literally had a guy stand in front of me on a semi-lucky morning when I got to sit down and stared at me the whole time right in the face. I don't get uncomfortable easily, but this was certainly something.

I can understand people putting on an occasional layer of lipstick, but to come in looking like Frankenstein and leaving the train like a barbie, that just blows my mind. How does a girl manage to do a full face makeover on a moving train? I am talking about foundation, mascara, EYELINER (does that not sound dangerous?). Then she made a perfect braid and turned it into a perfect bun. Practice must have made this task perfect.

And hot food? No, it is not okay for you to eat Chinese food on a 6PM rush hour train. Whoever told you it is, LIED.

Here's a tribute to the one who matters most...

My daddy. The one person who I love unconditionally and thought I'd never lose. I don't know one person who has a personality like his. Humor combined with the kindest heart no longer exists.. It did. Until August 26, 2006.

One thing I am so happy to know is that I reminded him how much I loved him every single day. I think about him numerous times a day and can't wait until the thoughts don't bring pain, yet accept that he is in a better place and I did have the greatest memories; that I should cherish those moments and turn them into a positive feeling as oppose to sadness.. I'm getting there. Time heels all wounds. Even the deepest kind I never thought existed.

So here is to the best father in and outside of this world; the kindest heart. I love you with all of mine.

      Dominican Republic: during an amazing family vacation in 2002. Dancing "Salsa" on a boat.

                                                      

I miss you.

I got designer bags under my eyes...

SO, as a first entry I decided I'd update you all on my life in a bulk.

First things first, I got an accounting position at VP+C! It's quite exciting to get myself out of my comfort zone at Improcom. Though I love my job #1, I must say, any change that's positive is a great feeling. Two jobs and school sounds a lot more hectic than it feels. Somehow the achievement is so rewarding that even when I collapse in bed (mummy style), it just feels so right. I look in the mirror and can barely recognize myself because life is flying by. But-- that's when I'm happy. When time is spent - not wasted. I see a reflection and realize I'm no longer that little girl getting ready to get driven to high school. Responsibilities went from just getting out of bed to getting out of bed being the least of my worries. But becoming a woman is far more rewarding than just the title. I am no longer in fear when it comes to the future. Independence has taught me so many lessons that I cannot imagine it being any other way. After all, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" right? Or at least that's what they say.....

So work and school takes up many many many hours of the day and my apartment is beginning to look like a dungeon owned by someone untidy and not someone who diagnosed herself with OCD. I'd upload a real picture but that would be social suicide. Most of the time when I unlock my door, I jet to the bed. I lay for 15 minutes calming my feet down for torturing them in heels for 10 hours. When they forgive me, I try to force the rest of my body to move slightly towards the edge of the bed until I give myself no choice.. Either fall off or get up like a normal human being. I can tell you this- it's a 50/50. I finally make a plan in my head on what I am going to do first. Wash dishes, clean dust, put my clothes away that are weighing down my couch, put my shoes away that have taken up my whole right side of the carpet... (reminder: I live in a studio. Paint the picture yourself) and then of course as soon as I figure out this life-changing dilemma, the phone rings. The feeling of possible freedom from this plan when Alina is on the other line asking me if I'd like to come out just takes over my head and my new plan is to cut out the old one and grab a cup of coffee instead! I tell myself that the coffee will give me the energy to do all the cleaning after... But of course after, I tell myself I'll do it the next day. Basically-- Saturday comes and I finally get to it. It's not as bad as I made it sound, but for someone who has her clothes color coordinated in her 5 ikea closets, this is a bad sign.

Just to paint a small picture for you (in case you lack creativity and imagination):

Ok, I over exhadderated (on the second picture only). Neither of these pictures are actually mine but I'm sure you can now understand. Time is very valuable.

Toodles!