Give Thanks Everyday!

I seriously grubbed on some deep-fried goodness! I hope you all had a delicious thanksgiving day! REMEMBER: just because thanksgiving is behind us we don't have to stop being thankful! Give out some of your delicious goodness to others around you! lots of love! ~zhet

Are You Loyal to Your Makeup?

I have been an avid M.A.C. cosmetics-user/collector for many years.  I am somewhat embarrased to say that I have spent a few thousand dollars in one year on M.A.C products (I know because I once spent all of my income tax refund check just on makeup alone- who does that, right?). I eventually had to sell what I was not using.  Am I addicted to M.A.C- umm maybe...ok yes!  But lately in the past year, I have been eye-ing other product lines.  I'm not cheating on M.A.C- maybe just taking a short separation.  Don't get me wrong, I still love M.A.C.  He has great eyeshadows, pigments, slimshine, fluidline, and brushes as well.  The best part about M.A.C is his recycling program.  Return 6 empty plastic containers and get one free lipstick!  Yay!  What other make-up line does that for you? (Oh did you notice me refer to MAC as a person...? To me- he is!)

So I'm due for more foundation and concealer and I'm thinking about trying MakeUp Forever or Giorgio Armani.  I've also ventured off and used Nars, Smashbox, Benefit, and Urban Decay.  There are many I would like to try, just hoping MAC doesn't get too jealous.  hehehe  This is where my product-junkie-self takes over.  But I feel that staying with MAC products for the rest of my makeup wearing life is being unfair to the other beautifully packaged and worthy products out there. I study quite a few professional make-up artists and yes M.A.C is just as much their household name as is Lysol, but there are other cosmetic lines that will do the job just as good or perhaps even better!  

So the question for you all is, have you stuck with the same product line for quite some time?  If so, why the loyalty to one brand?

Dear MAC,
   Don't hate me for this, but I would like to start seeing other brands.  Don't worry you're still my numero uno!  Trust me, it's not You, it's Me.  You've always been good to me.  I just feel like I'm missing out on something more exciting!  You still hold a place in my makeup bag and forever will.  Love, ME.

Closet Confession #4: A Beautiful Book that Reminds Me of My Ugly Past

If you are human, you've made your share of mistakes in your past.  I know I have had my share of them.  While I am not proud of some of the choices I have made; I am happy to know that they have transformed me into a stronger and better person.  I don't do too much revisiting of past memories, sometimes they can be devastatingly painful, some are better left forgotten, but at the same time, there's always a lesson to be learned from such bad decisions.  The ones I do love to revisit are the joyful memories.  Those should stick around forever and tickle the insides of your heart! 

However, I will share with you one of the most ugliest moments of my past (I received a lot of whispers, judgements, and ugly looks from this one- so bear with me and please refrain from throwing your daggers) is when I was involved with a married man.  It was such a complicated time in my life and those who are close to me (back then and now), know what I was going through.  If you've ever been in a situation like this, then you know the emotional turmoil and despair that comes with such an embarrasing ordeal.  If you've never experienced your HEART and your MIND at war, well this is a perfect scenario to experience that.  When I became connected with the social networking site, Facebook, I reconnected with an old school friend who is now a critically-acclaimed author. It came as a surprise to me when I found out that my author friend, Naiomi Pitre, came out with an e-book called, "He Loves Me More, Even Though He's Still Married To Her!"  I just had to sit down and read it.  However, before reading it, I mentally prepared myself for any emotions and feelings that may come up to make my "inner-self" feel like a horrible person again.  I had to remind myself that I once was young and naive and that "LOVE" the powerful emotion that it is, had grabbed a strong hold of me by the collar! 

As I sat down and read my friend's e-book, I couldn't help but nod in agreement at every sensible reaction "the other woman" was feeling.  I saw myself many years back saying and doing the same things.  I found myself justifying my actions and most importantly I was also compromising my own morals and values.  I hated myself for what I was doing behind people's backs but at the same time I was loving the excitement of faraway escapes and late night calls!  This book was meant for me but no, this was not my story; it's just very much like it.  Knowing that, I wondered about this "other woman" in the book.  Where is she now?  Who IS she?  I'm sure we went through similar heartbreaks and breakdowns during this period.  I only wish I would have read this book early on and it probably would have given me some clarity.  Who knows, I may have ended the illicit affair sooner than later.  Eight years ago I started writing a novel based on my story as "the mistress", it has been quite a struggle for me to finish it.  So I found much solace in reading my friend's book.

From the website: http://www.bestgirlfriendyouneverhad.com/ : "If you have ever been in the situation of being involved in an illicit affair with a married man, you MUST buy this valuable book that will open your eyes to what is REALLY going on! Get amazing tips, insight, and a behind-the-scenes peek at the diary of a mistress who has found herself in a sticky predicament! Order your secure download now!" Clickity click on this link!


“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path.”~ Paul Coelho

The Door that Separates The Doormat and Self-Respect

We all, at one point or another, were emotionally halted by someone in our lives who had a complete hold of our being, whether it be a significant other, a close friend, a family member, co-worker, or employer.  Now you're tired of being the person who everyone takes advantage of.  You are probably known to be the most forgiving and kind person, right?  You are the one most people request favors from because those around you know that you are always willing and able. You run their errands, you babysit, you drive people around town, and you even get volunteered for tasks without you knowing.  Others have taken your kindness as your weakness and now you are just about fed up or have been fed up for quite some time. But for some reason, you can't seem to shake them and their behavior from affecting your life.  Although we have a strong desire to cut the relationship altogether due to their toxic behavior, we just don't know how or when this will happen. If you don't have that energy-draining person in your life, kudos to you and that means you have managed to erase them from your circle. But you also know that you reached that point at some time in the past and you were questioning yourself the same question that most of us now face. When do we stop letting the other person use us as their daily doormat and start respecting ourselves?

Each one of us has a different concept of the word "value" and how much we "value" the relationship we have with the other person. How much we value the relationship also has a direct correlation to how much "mistreatment" we are willing to take to keep that relationship. Sometimes we will lose our selves unknowingly because we have a strong "hold" to whatever keeps us connected to the other person. So why haven't you let go?


People fear the concept of appearing "selfish" more than they want to embrace the concept of "self-respect". I'm guilty of it myself. We must all start looking after ourselves first and foremost. This doesn't mean that we are selfish, we just need to respect ourselves more. In talking with someone yesterday, I learned that we must ask ourselves a personal question, "When will enough be enough?" There should be a point where self-respect takes over; There is a door that separates the doormat and self-respect. If we continue to let that type of behavior continue, we will end up feeling resentful and disappointed with ourselves. We must tell ourselves at what point will we draw the line. After you have confirmed that with yourself, tell that person who has been that "dead wood" in your river of life at what point you will cut it off completely. Be serious about it and follow through, otherwise the other person will just call your bluff.


It is never okay to allow another being to slander you, degrade you, emotionally, verbally, and physically hurt you. Nor is it okay to allow them to take advantage of you and your abilities over and over. Setting healthy boundaries is important for your sanity and for those who don't understand limits until you mark it in chalk. Believe me, there are those out there. They may have the best intentions and they think they know you are okay with how things are going but never underestimate the power of honesty. Be upfront and honest about your demands of respect. Don't allow them to make you feel guilty about your decisions. If they clearly don't have enough respect for you to understand your wants and needs, end the relationship completely. "You" are the one you will be with for the rest of your life. Treat "You" with the utmost respect.

Hugs with loads of love!

The Weekend of a Lonely Bird, 3-wheeled Car, Feathers, & Faces in Sacramento

I am just now recuperating from a memorable weekend in Sacramento!  Wow, so many good times were had.  Arch, Tonya, and I had an incredible laughter-addictive girlie-weekend.  This trip was meant to relieve some stress and I think that was successfully accomplished!  Yay!

Let me start by saying we flew Allegiant Air- that is a whole story in itself but later I will give you the short story of Allegiant Air!  It was Friday afternoon when we boarded this aircraft and it was announced that TSA was going to be boarding along with us for random security checks...hmmm.  At this point, Arch and I looked at each other with a questioning look.  WTH?  So as we pass the lady who took our boarding passes, she points down to Arch's carry-on bag and yells to the TSA agent, "You want that one?" Arch pauses and I increase my pace down the jetway. "oh crap" I thought...luckily they let her pass on by. 

As we arrive Stockton Metro Airport, our adventure begins.  Tonya, who is Arch's long time friend, who is also our Sacramento-resident tour guide, meets us at the airport to take us to our rental car!  We are about a 45 minute-drive from Sacramento and all I could see when we get off the plane were meadows of green pastures.  I was not used to seeing California this way.  I was more used to traveling to Southern California with the traffic, smog, and tall buildings. 

Maybe an hour later, after a pitstop to the nearest Starbucks, we pull up to Avis Rental Car (which was part rinky-dink car dealership lot and part car rental place), and I spot this blue car! 
Wow!  Please tell me this is not our weekend rental?  But lo and behold I look to the left and we spot 5 Latino Men pushing a Ford down the lot...or please don't tell me that ONE is our car!  Are we in the Twilight Zone yet? We had Arch's husband fooled for about a day and a half telling him that the little blue 3-wheeled car was ours for the weekend.  And he was a bit concerned that the thing didn't come with helmets!!!  It may not have came with helmets but it did come with a rock to ludge under the tire to act as our emergency brake!!! lol

We were grateful that our hotel room was nice, clean, and comfortable!!!

That night we ate at The Hot Italian, a pizza and pannini bar, a swanky place with ultra-hip seating and a really cool atmosphere.  Arch, Tonya, and I met up with Lia who introduced us to the owner and brought us some wine.  The waiters/waitresses wear these really cool tshirts that have italian words on them & we spent pretty much the whole night trying to translate!  We "mangi-d" (or is it mangiare) on a pesto pizza and a prosciutto pizza, but the best part was the dessert!  I may have had a glimpse of heaven- this heavenly baked bread with hazelnut spread sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with berries is called Zucchero!  It definitely is to die for!

After dinner, clearly came dancing!!! We ended at Faces!!  Click on the link to learn about this awesome dance place.  We got there when it opened and stayed until the lights came on- but in Cali- you know everything closes at 2am- unlike the wee hours of the morning in Vegas!  But it was all good!  Faces is packed with just that, many different faces from many different sexual orientations and 3 or 4 awesome dance floors packed full of free love!  They even have an outdoor pool!  Our favorite was the video lounge- where they played R&B and Hip Hop videos.  I met a handful of friendly faces at this venue!

On Saturday, we strolled through Old Sacramento, got a glimpse of the Capital Building (breathtaking, BTW), and ate lunch at Fat City.  The ambience was historical and antique furnishings filled the place.  We sat next to this humongous card catalog sort of thing way back in the restaurant. 

What was a bit eerie was when an old gentleman offered to take a picture of all 3 of us in the back corner of the restaurant, the photo was extremely dark and not too visible, and mind you, there was enough light and NO, it wasn't a camera defect.  But all the pictures taken at our table were fine.  We asked the old man to take numerous photos of us and they all came out the same. Hmmmm....

The funnest time we had was inside a costume mansion called Evangeline's.  I think we spent a good hour and a half in that place and then came back for seconds on Sunday afternoon.  A variety of hats adorned our heads while in Hat Land and I left Old Sac with a peacock feather hairpin, that was screaming, "oh bring me to Vegas, dahhhhling!" See picture but don't mind the bags under my eyes, I was functioning on 5 hours of sleep if even that. 

ALso some crazy socks walked away with me from Sock City- who would've thought I'd buy $40 worth of socks!!!  Oh I can't forget to mention the Rocky Mountain Caramel Apple that we purchased on Saturday afternoon but didn't get eaten until Sunday afternoon.  We initially requested to not have it cut, for fear of it turning brown through oxidation, but for reals, we could not locate a good sturdy knife to cut the darn thing which was our reason for returning to Old Sac on Sunday!  We snacked on our traveling apple and 2 Malibu & Pineapples that afternoon!  It was great!!

So among other eventful things that happened, our stress-free weekend was capped off by getting back on the Lonely Bird- The Allegiant aircraft!!  I call this the lonely bird because it was the only plane that flew into Stockton "metro-port" business park.  It wasn't an airport, it was a business park!!!  The terminal had one gate, one security check, one check-in counter, one gift shop, one restroom, and a crowded room full of crazy amish looking people.  Why was I the only one to be patted-down and go through the extra long measure of security inspection in the crowd of people?  Was I the only one with a bellyring and a shirt with metallic adornments?  I guess so.  So after everyone boarded the plane, the employees of the terminal all went home and left the place looking like a ghost-town.  See the picture of the terminal from my wing-view seating!

One hour in the air = a mini bottle of Chardonnay for me + a mini bottle of Cabernet for Arch! To top it all off some crazy pictures of downing the bottle mid-air...(still awaiting the photographic evidence from Arch)!

Everyone needs one of these getaways!

Grab Your Bananas!

A couple of nights ago, I was sitting bedside in the hospital next to my best friend who has a heart condition (thank goodness she is okay now) and we overheard the woman who was in the bed next to her, arguing with the nurse and adamantly refusing to take her Potassium pill, although it was the doctor's orders.  (Our mouths dropped when the lady called this caring nurse- a "dumb bitch" as she walked away) This lady's potassium level was too low which may have caused problems with her heart, thus hospital admittance. 

Here's a quick overview: Potassium is a mineral (electrolyte) in the body. Almost 98% of potassium is found inside the cells. Small changes in the level of potassium that is present outside the cells can have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles.

Potassium is important to maintain several bodily functions:

•Muscles need potassium to contract.

•The heart muscle needs potassium to beat properly and regulate blood pressure.


The kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium. It removes excess potassium into the urine.

When potassium levels are low (hypokalemia), you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired.

•The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (this is a measure used to evaluate the level). Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.  (The lady in the hospital in the bed next to my friend had a potassium level of 3.2- ouch!)


•Almost one out of five people hospitalized in the United States has a low potassium level. Up to 14% of people otherwise seen in doctors' offices have slightly low potassium levels.

To learn more about potassium, click here.

So it just puzzled me why the woman in the hospital didn't want to increase her potassium level and accused the potassium medication of deteriorating her health!  This sounded so absurd to me. It does help to be educated of things especially related to your health.

When I first did hot yoga (Bikram yoga), at 105 degrees Farenheit with a 40% humidity, towards the end of the hour when I'm doing my Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana), I would get a horrible headache at the start of this pose.  I, later learned that it was due to a lack of potassium; and that I needed to eat a banana a couple of hours prior.  Bananas have miracle-working capabilities, let me tell you!  They are supplied with tons of minerals and vitamins that we humans need.  So don't forget to consume your 2 bananas daily!

Remember that when you feel good, you look good also.

BANANAS = a Happy Heart!

Closet Confession #3: Fondness For Things on My Head

Yes, I have a fondness for things on my head but not just any old thing, I have a great love for HATs! 

"And all your future lies beneath your hat."~ John Oldham

Far far away and many many moons ago, I would sit on the floor and set my eyes on that gigantic wooden box in our living room and watch old black and white movies.  The fashion of the women in the old movies always amazed me.  They were so elegant and poised.  And the one thing I noticed a lot were their hats.  There's just something about hats that put a different spin on a person's wardrobe, their attitude, and their outlook.  To put it simply, hats are fun!

I wish many more people would see the life in hats and wear them proudly.  It puts a smile on my face to be out in public and spot a person lovingly wearing their hat.  It does however, bumms me when I spot people using hats as a "bad-hair-day-don't-want-to-show-off-my coif-while-I'm-runnin-errands" kind of accessory.  I don't think hats were meant to be used for that purpose although whomever came up with the idea may have seemed like a brilliant idea at that time- a lazy idea- but I guess somewhat brilliant nonetheless. 

I wore my black and white plaid fedora (which by the way was on-sale & super cheap that my husband snagged for me at Tilly's- $4.99) to a football game!  Football isn't really my thing, but I thought I'd make it fun by sporting my fedora!  I played my own head-games while there (hahaha) and didn't mind the brisk wind that made my fingers numb.  I could've sported my hubby's ivory and black houndstooth LA Dodgers baseball cap like the one in the picture (but this one is a Red Sox one), which I bought for him and am now homesteading it!  It is a tad bit too big but it's all good. 

Ohhhh and remember when J.Lo wore her floppy hat for the first time a few years ago? 

When I went to the garment district in L.A., I grabbed me one and I still have it to this day.  From what I hear, it's making a comeback.  But nevermind that, it's fun and floppy and puts a smile on my face.  I think I last wore it to the Golden Nugget pool over the summer.  My favorite head accessory- is my top hat! It just takes me to a circus-y & Fosse type of world.

There are a couple more hats that I'd love to add to my collection.  I am lusting after the sexy and mysterious cocktail feather hat.  It  is so 1930's-1940's inspired, especially with the veil netting attached to it.  But since it's getting cold out now, my wishlist bears the furry Russian pom pom hat (reminds me of a strong Russian-man march), and the cute Panda Pilot hat (oui-oui)! (from Karmaloop.com)

If you don't have a love for hats, maybe you should rethink your decision:

"I have a hat. It is graceful and feminine and give me a certain dignity, as if I were attending a state funeral or something. Someday I may get up enough courage to wear it, instead of carrying it." ~ Erma Bombeck

On The Fashion Circuit!

Being Unique and Being Outrageous are two essential ingredients to great fashion! Karmaloop is doing a Design a Tee-Shirt contest.

Flex your creative engines and show how sick of a tee shirt designer you really are! Show the world your g-swag! Not to mention, by entering, your tee could be the next hot Sneaktip tee available first at Karmaloop and retail affiliates throughout the world!!!! Click here for all the delicious details!



And here are a couple of discounts for you:
 
Victoria's Secret is having a sale: 20% off any Single Item, enter offer code CLOTH20 at checkout.  Click here for the goodness!  Oh this ends Monday!
 
Express is also having their Friends and Family discount: Get 20% off In-Store and Online: enter code 429. CLickity Clickity!  This offer ends good November 6-7!  (I don't usually shop Express but I like getting the discounts)
 
Ok, the weekend will be here tomorrow and you can probably scope me out at the mall.
 
See you lovelies!
 

I've been MIA but I'm back with some new things to share...

Okay, well I've been hibernating for a few days, relaxing and filling up my literary food tank.  Just completed a couple of great books this past week (both fiction and non-fiction).  If you know me, you know that I love all things related to beauty and fashion and I am a strong believer that true beauty comes from within yourself.  The outside appearance is just the icing on the cake or to put it another way- a great book with an eye-catching front jacket cover.  What better way to develop on your inner beauty by feeding yourself knowledge and stories you can learn from.  Reading a fantastic book feeds the soul and can transform you from within.  Needless to say it's also a great way to relax.

I completed "Why We Want You To Be Rich" by Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump in one week.  Let me first say, that Kiyosaki's book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" changed my way of thinking back in 2006.  This is when I decided to start my own business.  I was determined to make my own wealth and start paying myself instead of making my employer rich.  So when a friend of mine (Naiomi Pitre) recommended to me another Kiyosaki book, I jumped on it right away.  And wow, the book gave me more insight than before on financial education.  The one thing that still puzzles me to this day is why our schools aren't teaching our kids who are technically "on their own" at the young age of 18 to have this financial knowledge under their belts as soon as they graduate.  Perhaps it's all a conspiracy of the government so that people of society are clueless to the fact that our country will be broke by the time the Baby Boomers will start retiring (which is now) and the "Social Security Wallet" will be dried out and empty.  Also when our children become adults this country will be in serious financial trouble (as we are seeing now).  Hmmm...Anyway I highly recommend this book so you can get an idea of where we (our country) are headed, if we are not already there now.  Boost your Financial IQ!!! It's worth it.

So after reading that book, I decided I'd take some down time and enjoy something else on a different level.  I love poems (reading and writing them, I usually write when I have time to ponder on a few things) so I ordered Naiomi Pitre's "How Nasty Is Too Nasty" CD- a collection of erotic Spoken Word poems performed by the artist herself.  It's quite romantic and soulful.  (It's perfect to listen to with your significant other- if you know what I mean!)  Later, I turned to her book, "In The Panty Drawer- Journey into a Mind of a Sexual Woman" which were a collection of short stories and poems.  And let me tell you, it is raw passion at it's finest!  I enjoyed it very much and completed it in a day.  I suggest you take a peak here.  Naiomi Pitre is a very talented unique author.  I also highly recommend her as your one of your bedside books. 

I'd love to know what you thought after reading these books, feel free to leave comments or email me.

Your innerself may be asking for a make-over!
HUgz *