It's Only Been Over a Month!

Whoops!  Whatever have you done without my beauty updates!?

I hope your year has been great and you're looking forward to an even more fantastic year than this past year!

My lastest beauty "thing" is haircolor.  Several years ago I attempted to color my own hair and it turned out so dark, and took so long to wash out, that I never tried that again.

Until recently.

The cost for coloring my hair at the salon every 6 weeks was just crazy.  So I thought I'd give it a try again!

I started with a semi-permanent color.  That way, if it was bad, it wouldn't take too long to wash out.  It turned out great, except my gray showed up way too soon.

Part of the trouble is, I get too nervous and don't leave it in long enough.

My next try was a permanent hair color.  For this one I tried Garnier Nutrisse  (No 63-brown sugar, to be exact).  This turned out great too, except I still didn't leave it in long enough, and darn those grays, back so soon!

I think I will try the same Garnier Nutrisse again and leave it in longer!

I'm also part of a panel to test something else (top secret, so I can give you any more info on this one-yet), so that should be interesting.

Speaking of panels-yes, I love to give my opinion, so I'm on several beauty panels, with well known companies.  One I recently did, sent me a certain garment to test out for a month or two.  I was to wear it wash it, and all of that, and then report back on it!  It's fun-and I get free stuff!

I've also been known to give my "two cents" in the Life section of USA Today! Whenever they have a subject that they think I may have experience with, they will send me an email and ask me some questions!  My name's been in there for a story on nutrition/kids, one on shopping for school clothes, and one on Christmas shopping for kids.

So--I will update you sooner (sooner than my last update) and let you know how the hair coloring goes!

Cheers and Happy 2011!

Jen

I'm a Poor Sport and a Runner

First of all, I keep saying that I do not consider myself to be a runner.  But I've been running for a few years and have been in several 5k's now.  But the reason I say I do not consider myself a runner is due to the fact that I really just entered the 5k's to challenge myself...and..to win!

Yes, that's right!  I never considered myself to be a competitive person either, but realizing that I was in an age bracket where I might have a chance of winning a silly medal, made me want it more!

So I guess I got lucky, because the first 3 5ks I ran in, I won for my "age category".  Which really made me want to keep up with this!

Although I have improved in my time (just be seconds) on each of my runs, the last 3, I did not even place in the top 3.  Grrrrrr.....why are these older women running?  This is crazy!

So now I must practice more and get better!

All kidding aside, I just love the 5k runs!  I go by myself (although one of my runner-brothers-or-amazing nephews are usually there!  I love it!  I love the challenge!

And I am ready for the next 5k!! Bring it on!

Challenge yourself.  It helps keep you young!  Just baby steps, that's fine...but just do it!

Jen

Testing Testing!

Hi there!

Welcome to my "beauty blog"!  Sorry I haven't updated this in awhile!  I just had the new OPI  Axxium nail polish applied at Color Nation in Rocky River, Ohio.

So that's what I'm testing out right now.  It supposedly last 2-3 weeks, but the 2nd day I already had a little chip, which Rachel touched up for me (but it still chipped the next day).

So far, going on over 1 week, there are a few other light chips on the edges, but they still look better than the normal manicure.

I'll update you in a few days!

just a little something from http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/

Jen

Yummy Cupcakes LaBella Cupcakes!

If you're in the Cleveland, Ohio area you must stop by the cutest cupcake shop!  It's called LaBella Cupcakes and is located in Lakewood, Ohio, 15208 Madison Avenue.

Red Velvet
Cookies-n-Cream
Lemon
Pumpkin Spice

My husband and I  just stopped by and bought these yummy cupcakes!  I'm not a big frosting fan, but the frosting is so delicious I ate it all!

I'm saving the Cookies-n-Cream cupcake for my daughter, but if she doesn't get home soon I may have to give in to temptation!

Stop by and check it out for yourself!  New flavors added everyday!

Check out their website for all the shop info:  http://www.labellacupcakes.com/

Enjoy your weekend!

Jen

Basic Black Dress

I love it! Find one classic black dress and you have a million outfits~!

I don't care if you're 19 or 91....size 0 or size 20!  You must have a basic black dress!  If  you are 19, well then go for an edgier, shorter style...and just a "tad" more conservative for us "mature" ladies!

This basic black dress happens to be from Ann Taylor and cost $148.00.  I love the neckline on this one!  You can actually take a sleeveless black dress and throw a classic white cotton shirt under it and have a more casual business look!  Check out stores like H & M for great prices and a great selection!

I love pearls and I found this vintage set at a thrift shop!

Add some bright red shoes (yes these were so cheap at Charlotte Russe!  Don't be afraid to step out of your regular shops!  I honestly would have never even gone into this store if it wasn't for my teenage daughter!  Now I love it!  It's a great place to add inexpensive accessories!  I also bought these red shoes in black!  They have a chanel look to them with the gold chains!  Add even more flair with a red belt!

I also love my sexy gray snake skin (not real silly) pumps from Ann Taylor!

I unique touch is a vintage handbag!  I happen to have quite a collection of vintage handbags, but I picked this pink patent leather bag and black patent leather bag, since they are two of my favs!

So find yourself a basic black dress and have fun changing it into a million outfits!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Jen

We have a ton of nail polish

I didn't realize just how much nail polish we have at our house until I started cleaning out the bathroom!

Between my 17 year old daughter and I, we have quite a collection!

I've avoided buying any more nail polish (oh what took me so long!).  The main reason isn't because I realized we had enough here, but because everytime I would buy a new nail polish I would realize I already have the same one here or it's so similiar!  Yes, I am a bit conservative when it comes to nail polish.

Then there's my 17 year old daughter, Katherine, with all her fun colors!  That is definitely not my style, but they look so cute on her! 

I think the craziest I've gone with nail polish is a dark grape color (woohoo).

What's your favorite color nail polish?

Jen

Word for the Day is Bagaceous

My word for today  is "Bagaceous"!  You must check this out http://www.bagaceous.com/ for the latest from Milano, London, and New York!

They have the most fabulous super model named Gnunga!  He's sophisticated yet friendly and cuddly!

Bagaceous is full of gorgeousness you must check out!

Please be sure to check out my friend's collection!  The Louisa Catherine Collection!  Absolutely stunning pieces!

And who doesn't love a furry super model!?

And don't forget...create your own style! Be unique!

Jen

My Beauty Word of the Day - Slough!

I'm going to have a new segment on my blog called Beauty Word of the Day!!  Today's word is slough!  Yes, you heard me right, slough!

I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but I do know that we need to shed those icky old dead skin cells to have our skin  glowing and youthful!

Keep an exfoliating facial cleanser in the shower so you'll remember to use it everyday.  My favorite right now is Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Cream Cleanser.  Claim on the tube says "exfoliates to detoxify and speed cells' natural regeneration process";  I believe it!

Don't forget a body scrub too!  I have bought some great handmade ones on http://www.etsy.com/ (I'll try to get the specific shop names if you want).  Right now I'm using Softsoap Spa Radiant Body Wash.  "Exfoliating with mineral sea salts".  It smells great and I love the color (told you I wasn't a doctor).

So slough away and be radiant!

Slough!

Jen

My Beauty Blog

Hello there!  So glad you stopped by!  This is my beauty blog!  I love makeup, clothes, accessories, and all that girly stuff!

I'm going to try to update this blog more often, so if you have any ideas or questions, just let me know!

Pretty porcelain flower frog

Beauty really does start from the inside! You really can't shine without starting with giving yourself some time to enjoy the little things in life!  I know we're all busy, but it really only takes 15 minutes to go outside and enjoy the beautiful blue sky! 

I love to take my camera along.  When I have my camera I seem to notice the little things I usually (and most of us) take for granted.

A rusty fence turns into beautiful art!  So does a blue sky with a hint of a gorgeous tree full of still-summer-green leaves!

Enjoy a few minutes to yourself!  Try yoga to relax, it certainly helps hyper-me!!

A perfect sky!

Don't forget-I'm looking for ideas and questions!

Take time for yourself!

Jen

You're Not 20!

I know if you read any magazines, it seems the only women in the world are 20 something!

I 'm here to say that is not true!

I'm guessing there's more women out there, like me, that are not 20 something...perhaps even 20 something times 2!

My blog will focus on us!

Start with confidence!  That's the basis for beauty!  Feel good about who you are!  That will radiate!

Be proud of your "wisdom" (that's what the call it when we get older), but we do get wiser, hopefully!

Smile!!

Jen

Beauty Sleep

I'm always tweeting about needing my beauty sleep, kind of as a joke, but it's true! I do love my almost 8 hours of sleep! Althought lately I guess it's probably been a little less (oh geez, now I realize why I look the way I look!).

When I was "working" I was definitely a stickler for getting my 8 hours of sleep!

Now that I'm "not working" (haha) I'm guessing I get a little less sleep, but geez...I'm pathetically happy!

I really shouldn't be!

I was laid off from a great job (at least on paper), in April of 2008.

That is when I started my first Etsy shop http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ (encouraged by my best friend-oh, she happens to be my daughter too!! Lindsey!

That was a perfect way to add a little extra income.

Wait...then, my husband was laid off from the same company--ouch!

So, now here we are, in our "offices" at home!! I'm in my living room office, and Bob is in his dining room office, and yes...we our next to each other, just about everyday, for ...well.. a lot of hours! I hadn't actually thought about that!

I actually asked Bob today, if I was annoying! If you check me on twitter, you might be able to tell I'm very active!! I don't think of it as hyper, but most probably would!! He actually answered rather quickly (which makes me suspicious) "no!".

Now I am trying to remember why I started this blog in the first place.

Oh-yeah, it was about getting your beauty sleep.

I'm tired. I work hard. I think most of us do. Some of us don't need to. Some of us need to but don't. Some of us don't need to, but do! Whatever! I'm not here to judge (but I will!).

Work your butt off while you can.

But enjoy life along the way. I really believe it's about balance!

I personally, have never been happier. This is coming from a person with an unknown future-an an unknown financial future.

But I know who I am and what I can do!

I will get my "beauty sleep" and persevere!!!

I wish the best to all of you!!

Jen

Trying the Link Thing!

here goes!





http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/

and this

http://www.etsy.com/shop/wuglyees

Testing Testing

Okay, I just received some helpful info on getting my links to look more professional, thanks Deb!

But before I try that, the main reason I'm blogging today is to maybe, just maybe, help one person to get motivated to move!

I know there are a thousand excuses, believe me, I've been there, and even now I sometimes will get into an excuse rut, but push myself out of it asap!

If you've read my "tweets" you will see that I love to stay active! I am a member of our great city rec center and they offer a wonderful variety of classes and have good selection of workout equipment for the days I'm not taking a class!

In 1995 I finally quit smoking! It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be! Once I finally decided I had to quit (what took me so long?!), I quit cold turkey!

Soon after that I decided I should actually try to get active since my lungs were starting to heal and I was feel so much better!

I started with little baby steps! I seriously could only do about 8 minutes at a time (not kidding!). It was a gradual process.

Then I got the nerve to actually go to our rec center! Another time when there are a thousand excuses not to go! But when you really think about it, most people at the gym are feeling just like you-or at least they started that way! Think of it that way and you'll be fine!

So here I am now, working out at least 6 days a week for at least an hour a day. I know another excuse is time, so even if you can just run in place for 20 minutes at a time, whatever!! Do it!

I feel better than ever! Not only do I feel better physically, I feel better mentally! When I get in a slump and have no energy, I find my boost from a workout!

I think I'll save this post and then try the link thing!

Good luck everyone!

Jen

Vintage

As you well now, I love antiques and vintage! I always have! When my daughter, Lindsey, suggested I join Etsy (she already had a jewelry shop there), it sounded perfect for me!

And it has been great! I'm having so much fun! Everything about having my shops is right up my alley!

I love the shopping (of course), the marketing and promoting, getting to know fellow vintage Etsy shop owners (great people and so helpful!), photography (that's been a big learning process, but it's become my favorite part of owning my shops!), oh, and I can't forget...wrapping the sold items! Okay-maybe that's my favorite part!

So where was I? Oh! I wanted to show you a couple of ideas on how to use vintage items. They don't have to be used for what they were originally intended for.

For example, the large Indiana Glass Co Milk Glass Teardrop Compote is perfect for pretty washcloths in your powder room! Of course, the brass dresser mirror is a good place to keep your favorite pearls! Also any pretty little vintage item like my cute little milk glass dish is perfect for storing cotton balls!

Oh-and that perfume-one of my favorites! It's Burberry-The Beat (I purchased it from Nordstroms)! It's not too overwhelming! For a lighter summer fragrance, you might also like Clean Warm Cotton (purchased at Sephora).

So hunt for some pretty vintage treasures and give them new life!

Happy 4th of July! Have fun and stay safe!

Jen

New post new post!

Since I just updated my other blog http://www.jensvintage.blogspot.com/ I thought I might as well pay some attention to my "beauty blog" too!

Okay, so it's summer (in case you didn't notice)! That means adding a little color to your pale skin! I've never gone to a tanning booth place (just seems creepy to lay in some hot lamp thing), and the only time I "lay out" in the sun is in August when we're in Cocoa Beach, Florida (yep-my husband loves Florida in August!). Even then I wear big hats (which embarrass my daughter) so I don't get that "barney rubble" look-anyone that's a bit older knows what I mean! You no longer get that pretty tanned face-just these big dark spots that look crazy! Haha just looked up "embarrass" to be sure I spelled it correctly, never noticed it actually ends with "ass", how appropriate!

See, you notice I don't focus well-I'm easily distracted. So what was I talking about? Oh-summer-and tans!

So, I try to remember to use sunscreen, especially when I know I will be out in the sun for a long period of time. What I use daily is Jergens Natural Glow. It's a great moisturizer and gives just a hint of color to your skin. Maybe once a week or so I will use L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze. That gives a pretty subtle color too!

So-there you have it! My summer beauty tips 101! More to come!!

Happy Summer!

Jen

I can't stand it!

Okay, I know I said I'd try some of my free Nordstrom products, but this PM "Tranquility" Go Smile "Luxury" Toothpaste tastes awful! I tried, I really did, but I cannot bear to use it any longer! It tastes like your brushing your teeth with perfume!

So that's it-if you think you would love to brush your teeth with perfume, go ahead and buy it!

Jen

I'm Getting Wiser, Right?

Please tell me I'm getting wiser! You know they say (who is they?) that we grow wiser as we grow older. I think "they" say that just to make us feel better about aging!

Keeping a sense of humor during these "growing wiser" years is so important! For example, last night at spin class (not yarn-the bike), before class actually started, I was up chatting with some of my fellow spinners, when my instructor, Brenda, said "Jenny, you're leaking". That was the perfect opportunity to tell her that this sort of thing happens as we get older, usually when we cough or jump. That got a good laugh, which is what I was hoping for. I knew she was actually talking about my cheap water bottle.

So I am not sure that I'm getting wiser, but I may be getting funnier! Or is it more funny? Oh geez, I'm definitely not getting wiser!

Okay, so where was I? Oh! I bought some perfume from Nordstrom. I bought one of my favorites, Philosophy Amazing Grace (if you don't like heavy perfume, you'll love this light clean fragrance) and "The Beat" by Burberry (I was in the Hue store-love that place, and the saleswoman was wearing this fragrance and I loved it).

Along with this came a cute blue makeup case full of fun free samples! My favorite is the "Very Hollywood" Michael Kors perfect-actually, it's the bottle that I think is so cute!

I received a ton of other stuff, the one I found most interesting was "Go Smile" Luxury Toothpaste! Really!? "Luxury Toothpaste"!!?

So, since I love to give my opinion I thought I'd start by picking two of the items I received and try them out and let you know what I think.

Of course I have to pick the "Luxury Toothpaste"...and let's see...what else should I try? Oh, this one sounds good... Bare Minerals "Flawless Definition" Mascara...I love flawless stuff!

So I will get back to you next week and let you know what I think of these two products and then I'll try a few more things from my new "bag of tricks"!

Keep Smiling!

Jen

Style

Wow! I didn't realize I hadn't updated my "beauty" blog since January! I sure hope you've been able survive without my beauty tips!

I've been meaning to write a blog about style for awhile now. What pushed me to finally do this is when I was at my hair salon today (Dante Lucci's in Rocky River, OH). I love going there just to see what everyone's wearing! I also have to give a lot of thought as to what I'm wearing too! Not to say this place is snooty and pretentious, even though it is an upscale salon, everyone is far from snooty and pretentious!

One of the girls at the front, Jen (no not me) has amazing style! She always looks glamorous! And she loves vintage! She can take a great vintage jacket, some inexpensive beads, and a vintage brooch, and turn it all into something so cute!

I just found out she's going to be featured in the Plain Dealer, next Wednesday, in the style section! I cannot wait to see it! She really deserves the recognition!

I'm lucky enough to have an entire room (we have a bedroom attached to our master bedroom, which was perfect as a nursery when the kids were babies) devoted to my clothes and shoes and accessories! I've always loved fashion! On one of my shelves I keep a picture (the one's shown here) of Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. They seem to give me that eye of approval which I need!

I think I'll make this a continued "style series" since as I am writing this, I keep thinking of more things to say about style!

I have several "InStyle" books that I love! Most of them are at least a few years old now, but that doesn't matter. Classic pieces never go out of style.

I also believe you don't have to spend a lot to have style. You have to know yourself first of all. You don't want to copy anyone's style. A great way to figure out your style is to go through magazines. Rip out pics of things you love, whether it's a picture of a movie star, a pair of shoes, whatever. Start a scrap book. You'll start to really get an idea of what you like and can go from there.

I believe you don't have to have a closet full of clothes (but I do) to have style! A great pair of jeans, classic pumps, pearls (gotta have pearls), a nice blazer, a white cotton tshirt...to name a few. From the basics you can add more fun stuff, like scarves, vintage jewelry (always unique), a cute hat..you get the idea! Add a few of the latest trends, but I would definitely not spend a lot on those.

I happen to love the classic style of Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy. But I also admire the women that aren't afraid to push it to the limit a bit! You have to admit, Lady Gaga might just be another singer if it weren't for her special style!

So there you have it! My 1st of an ongoing style series!

I'd love to hear who your style icons are!

Jen

I've Got 10 Minutes

Today I am using my timer method. I haven't done this in awhile, but I know I need to focus and this is the best method for me!

I put the timer on for 20 minutes, in that time I cannot go near the computer or anything related to either of my Etsy shops. You would be amazed at what you can get done in 20 minutes! I cleaned two bathrooms, put a load of wash on, folded towels, hung up coats that should have been hung up a few days ago, and more!

Timer goes off and I put it on for 10 minutes-a 10 minute break to do whatever I want! For this 10 minute break I decided I should update my "beauty blog"! I'm sure you've been waiting for my latest beauty tips...right!!?

Well here it is!

I kept seeing the commercial for the roll on makeup that was supposed to be like airbrush makeup! Eva Longoria is in the commercial, and I thought I'd give it a try and see if it would make me look like her! This is by L'Oreal and called "True Match Roller". I wasn't sure what color to get and decided on "neutral".

I also have shown the makeup I have used forever, Clinique "superbalanced makeup". I love this!

As far as the L'Oreal True Match Roller, I can't say I love it. I did not end up looking like Eva Longoria! Darn!! Also, the color I chose might be a bit dark for my skin and I didn't like the matte feel/look to this.

So I will stick with my tried-n-true Clinique makeup, which I can now buy at my favorite beauty store, Sephora! Sign up for one of their cards, it's free and you get cool stuff after you buy a certain amount!

So there you go-that used up my 10 minutes so it's back to work for me. I'm going to start thinking about what I'll do on my next 10 minute break!! This is fun!

Enjoy your weekend-use your time wisely!

Jen