20-Something Something

I've heard that living through your twenties is one of the most ridiculous roller coaster rides there is. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns and we're not quite sure what's coming up 'round the bend or can really see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I've made mistakes...BIG ones. I've lived and learned. I've loved. I've lost. And most importantly, I came undone. In the past 3 years, I've held more jobs than you can imagine. I've switched career gears more times than I can count and frankly, I still don't really know what I want to be when I grow up.

I do know that I want to be: Something.

“[Success is] doing what you love and having a positive impact on people’s lives
without starving to death.”—Gloria Steinem, feminist

I want to make myself great. I want to actually realize what I have before it's gone. I want to take advantage of every opportunity that's out there, and start pleasing myself before I please others (mind out of the gutter, pervs).

I've passed up too many opportunities and let others pass me by because I was too uncomfortable, or comfortable for that matter. I was in line at New York Fashion Week with Heidi Klum walking by with her entourage, only now to find myself behind a desk. I was talking to Ashlee Simpson on the phone and hugging FloRida in the same day. If only I had known then what I know now. I would trade anything to be back in that position. I was passionate about what I did. It was what I wanted to do.

“…You don’t have to pattern your career after anyone else’s. Set your life up by your own rules.”—Tina Fey, writer/actress

Back then, I didn't realize I could be Something. I didn't realize how quickly it could fade, and I couldn't wrap my head around the Big Picture. I was too eager to please others. I was scared of losing. I was uncomfortable with all of the Hoopla surrounding my position and decided to live the simple life-without Paris and Nicole.

I pleased someone else. Not myself.

I have four years left of my twenties. Ironically when I turned 20, I set goals for myself. There's a list about a mile long. I may have hit a little hiccup, but I'm trying to get myself back on track.

I will be Something. Something great. Something that I am proud to be.

“If you’re not scared shitless by your new job, you haven’t reached high enough.”—Leslee Dart, publicist

*All quotes courtesy of Elle.com "25 Year's of Elle's Best Quotes"

Weekend Gem

"It's not always rainbows and butterflies,
it's compromise that moves us along."

~Maroon 5

Review: L’Oreal Paris Lash Boosting Serum

By: Lee

Want long, full lashes without breaking the bank or a prescription? Thanks to L’Oreal, you just may be able to have them! I first purchased the serum about a month and a half ago and I’m still on the same bottle.

Price: $12.50-$14.99
$19.99 for kit with Lash Boosting Mascara

Directions: They recommend applying twice daily: With your makeup and their Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara, and at night before bed without any makeup. The applicator is a curved piece of foamy-material much like that on eyelash curlers. Apply a thin line on the roots of your eyelashes and then swipe your eyelashes with the applicator.

Grade: C+
Although I’m not quite sure if it’s actually thickening and growing my eyelashes, it certainly helps to create the illusion. It also promises less lash fallout during makeup removal which is absolutely TRUE! Definitely worth experimenting with and I’m sure to keep using it to ensure my results.

Day Date

My boy and I like to be active. We're homebodies trapped in a social butterfly's life. It's a great way to live. It can also take a toll on the wallet. Luckily, my boy and I are crafty. We're very creative with how to steal a date at any time of the day with using minimal funds. This passed weekend, we were living the high-life in NYC on Saturday night, splitting everything 50/50. Dinner, drinks, cabs and subways-all put a huge dent in my checking account.

Come Sunday, we decided to have a nice, relaxing day that wouldn't cost us an arm and a leg. We made breakfast for ourselves, something we've recently instilled. Gone are the days of stopping for breakfast and an iced coffee from the local coffee shop at $5 a pop, now it has become more of a treat than a necessity. We had gorgeous weather on Sunday, my boy just started driving towards the historic village of Hyde Park. FDR's old stomping grounds. We pulled into the Vanderbilt Mansion, a beautiful home turned tourist attraction. The grounds overlook the Hudson River and there are plenty of paths to walk and open grass to picnic. Had we planned ahead, we could have brought a homemade lunch, but my boy likes to fly by the seat of his pants.

(via)

Strolling the grounds of Vanderbilt hand-in-hand was the perfect day date I could ever dream up. Not a cloud in the sky, the peacefulness of the Hudson Valley and the love that we share.

If you're on a budget, there are plenty of great day date's in and around your area. You just have to open your eyes and your mind.

Other great day date's can include:

-Driving Range: a bucket of balls and club rentals aren't that expensive. If neither of you are golfers it will be a great laugh to share and it kills some time.

-Bike Ride: Whether there's a trail, a lake or a beach a bike ride is great for your health and your relationship.

-Flea & Farmer's Market: There are great deals to be had at both of these markets. At the farmer's market you can save money on some fresh fruits and veggies as part of a scrumptious meal to make for your significant other. Flea Markets let you discover other people's trash could be your treasure, plus one-of-a-kind, hand crafts are great to finish your home with.

Where do you like to have "Day Dates"?

Sunkissed

It's been almost a month since I left my homeland of Puerto Rico. It was a glorious vacation filled with excitement, new experiences and a sunburn to remember. Mi madre wasn't kidding when she told me to beware of the tropical sun.

Needless to say, I was slathering on aloe for a few weeks until the peeling subsided. I was left with a killer tan and an even better complexion. As the month of May winds down, my tan is also. Rather than expose my tender skin to a tanning bed to keep up the bronze, I am turning to myself---and self tanner.

I know what you might be thinking:

"You'll turn orange!"

"You'll smell weird!"

"Your clothes will turn all different colors!"


On the contrary, since I am obsessed with beauty products, I have tried my share of self tanners. I prefer a gradual tan, that way if you miss a spot it's less noticeable. Plus, it deepens and fades just like a real tan. The obvious choice to go with would be Jergen's Natural Glow. However, this is only my default if I can't find other brands that I prefer.


My current favorite-Nivea Sunkissed Beautiful Legs, $7.67 at walmart.com.

The "tan" smell is bearable (but not non-existant), it gives a gradual tan, fades naturally and, although its title says "legs" I apply it all over my body for the same effect a few times a week. I keep a tan in between beach weekends and I don't have to step foot into a tanning bed.

What are your favorite self-tanners?

Review: Mary Kay Acne Kit for Oily Skin

By: Guest Blogger-Lee

I know I’m not the only one who has tried almost every acne cleanser kit under the sun. I also know that I’m probably nowhere near done testing, but here’s one that I’ve come across that actually makes a difference. I have very oily skin and it’s a bit hard to keep the zits away as moisturizing is one of the key helpers. Moisturize my oily skin?! Sounds like a death-wish!

Deep Cleanser Formula 3 (6.5fl.oz. $12)

Blemish Control Toner Formula 3 (6.5fl.oz. $13)

Oil Control Lotion Forumla 3 (4fl.oz. $18)

Clarifying Mask 3 (4oz. net weight $14)

Directions: Much like any other kit you buy, you wash your face twice daily with the cleanser, followed by the toner and the lotion. I, personally, only use the mask once weekly, which also exfoliates.

Grade: A

This product isn’t exactly the cheapest -- especially with Proactiv selling it’s soul to gain back it’s not-so-faithful following -- but as a lady with oily skin, it’s been well worth it. Each product is sold separately, you don’t have to purchase everything, and if you run out, you obviously only have to buy what you need more of! I’ve only had to replenish two of the four products once and I’ve been using it regularly since November (and yes, I use it as directed, twice daily!). Oily skin? Give ‘er a try!

The Dealio

I started FBDC a long while ago-hoping to turn this blog into my main money making adventure. I always had/have all of these ideas for great posts. Since I am a constant shopper, always looking for the latest and greatest beauty product and dealing out dating and career advice, it seemed like the perfect venture.

I finally have my two feet planted firmly on the ground. The ambition at my finger tips and ideas a plenty.

My current job, is great. I love it. It took me some time to get to this "place." To become content. I finally feel like I belong and I am encouraged to do my best. No one is holding me back. I'm running with the horses! Not literally, figuratively. I swear. There is one downfall, however. My pay. Over the next few years, and even the next few days and months, I will have to become crafty, resourceful and for lack of a better word...cheap.

This blog will be my way of voicing my frustrations of wanting the nice things, but not always buying them. And also my thrifty suggestions for a designer shirt found in Marshalls, or my picks in the Walmart beauty aisle...plus low cost date nights and how to make a career wardrobe work on a tight budget.

I am very excited for this venture.

And I am glad you are along for the ride.

xoxo,

Allie

Ode to Olympic Fashion

Originally posted here in 2008.

Growing up in the 1980’s, there were a few fashion mistakes to be made…OK, a lot. Fortunately, my fashion faux pas’ are kept far away from the public eye. Unfortunately for Olympians, their scores--in fashion are recorded for all to see for years to come.

In 1896, before Ralph Lauren began designing Olympic outfits, athletes had to work with what they had, which wasn’t much. Originally, contestants competed for the Gold, Silver and Bronze—for their respective countries, nude. And although it would make the games, a little more interesting to watch, clothing has now become mandatory.

The United States tend to stick to the basics: red, white and blue. But it was Hungary in this year’s Parade of Nations that took home the Gold for “Hideous.” Not all Olympic outfits look like Elmo vomited on them; some outfits have been more memorable than the competition for the Gold. Like Venus and Serena Williams, who won the Gold in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, looked adorable in their respective outfits, while Mia Hamm kept it sporty in 2004.

Besides Ralph Lauren having his sewing hands in the Olympic Games this year, Adidas happens to be the official sponsor, with Nike biting at their Campus ST’s.

As an official sponsor of the Beijing games, Adidas is outfitting staff, volunteers and officials. Always in competition, Nike is dressing the U.S. track, basketball, and softball and BMX teams and is also providing the U.S. winners with podium wear, while Adidas is doing the same for Chinese winners. Also on the podium, there will also be a nod to Olympic history. U.S. medal winners will don a hooded warm-up jacket Nike modeled after the one worn by athletes at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Ralph Lauren isn’t the only designer having all the fun, Ports 1961 is dressing several NBC commentators, while riding-boot maker Ariat is outfitting the equestrian team.

Although the Olympics have never been specifically about fashion, the competition is getting heated between the designers who are trying to make fashion at the 2008 Summer Olympics a Gold win.

Beauty Battles…and How to Win.

As trite and egotistical it sounds, it’s not easy being beautiful. Us ladies, have to battle superhuman forces in order to look prim, proper and perfect. It’s these beauty battles that test our wits, our ability to think on our feet, and more often than not, our patience. It’s those days when you want to curl up in a ball in your bed, or cry out on the roof tops, “why me???” that truly encompass our womanhood. All hope is not lost my friends, the battle can be won.

Hair:

There’s always the inevitable: rain on your wedding day, a traffic jam when you are late to work or school and yes, a bad hair day. Whether it’s too flat, too frizzy, or just too blah, this is a battle that is almost always won and with a plethora of options. One, more obvious option, is a hat. Luckily hats are still in style and relatively affordable. Another option is a scarf. Not a winter type scarf, a flowy, colorful chiffon, silk or suede scarf that will help to accessorize your outfit when your hair just won’t cooperate. Our personal favorite option, taking cues from Blair Waldorf, a headband. Headbands are so in right now, there are so many different kinds you can choose from that you don’t even have to have a bad hair day to fashion one of these baby’s on top of your head.

Pimples:

Those little suckers pop up everywhere and have the worst possible timing. Acne solutions can be found almost anywhere and everywhere, some can take weeks before there is a noticeable difference in your skin and others can be fixed momentarily. Not as harsh as benzoyl peroxide, tooth paste and bacitracin are two solutions that are worth a shot. If you don’t have access to either of these treatments, be sure to always carry around a tube of concealer, it will reduce the redness surrounding the pimple and buy you time to find a treatment that suits your skin type.

Puffy Eyes:

Whether you were crying your eyes out at the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy or recovering from a late night midterm cram session, puffy eyes are a dead giveaway of something gone awry on your face. Luckily, cucumbers aren’t just a garnish for delicious salads, they also contain special enzymes that de-puff and calm the area around your eyes. Also, cold, refrigerated used tea bags work just as well. The tea actually has a slight tissue shrinking astringent effect like the cucumber.

Dry Lips:

If you’re like Napoleon Dynamite and your lips hurt real bad, it could be the cause of chapped lips. Medicated lip balm can come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors. As with any form of dry skin, it also helps to exfoliate. Jane Iredale’s Sugar & Butter Exfoliator & Plumper does the trick to make your lips kissable and smooth.

To look prim, proper and perfect had proven to be an uphill battle with beauty. Although the battles maybe a speed bump in our daily routines, we always win the war.

Alien Abduction

There are many things, in life, that are sacred. A woman's alone time in the bathroom "putting her face on," is one of them. We all have customized rituals, specific products and do-hickies that we use, as well as actions that shouldn't be witnessed by the opposite sex. Most of the male population fail to understand the importance of our alone time in the bathroom. Unfortunately, for most of us gals, it takes more than a shower and a shave to get ready for the day.

This morning, I shared my morning routine with my boyfriend of 8 months. He was brushing his teeth as I applied blush to the apples of my cheeks, he turned away to wipe his face of the toothpaste using a towel hanging on the back of the door. When he turned back, he yelped.

Him: "Aaahhhh!"

Me: "What?"

Him: "What are you doing to your eye??"

Me: "I'm curling my eyelashes!"

Him: "Aaahhh!"

I laugh. An eyelash curler is a scary thing, to anyone who doesn't know how it works or what it is.

After a confusing, disturbed stare I broke the silence.

Me: "I love you."

Him: "I love you too...alien."

The Diary of a Beauty Guinea Pig: Susan Posnick's Color Me

If you listen to The Kooks, they tell you to “shine on.” I’'m all for shining, but in the right kind of way. Back in the mid to late 1990’s glitter was all the rage and I abused it. When my friends and I would go out, and by going out we went to the mall, I would have glitter all over my eyes and my chest…...possibly even my arms. Shining and sparkling were a must to pick up eligible 15 year-old boys.



Ten years later and hopefully a little wiser and less glittery, I would still like to shine when I’'m picking up eligible doctors or lawyers. That'’s when I reach for my Susan Posnick Color Me in Champagne Shimmer. Color Me does just that, colors any part of your body with a hint of color and shimmer, from your cheeks, eyes to décolleté. Color Me'’s limited edition champagne shimmer has hints of pink and gold sparkle that instantly illuminates the skin and gives it a warm, flushed look.

Color Me is pretty goof-proof, making it a breeze to apply anywhere you desire a lush blush or a little shimmer. It’s travel friendly and is stored in a petite self-dispensing pot with an attached puff and mirror for easy application. Sweep the puff onto cheeks using gentle strokes or use the edge of the puff to apply as an eye shadow.

Color Me is also anti-bacterial, water resistant and sweat proof and enriched with Vitamins A and E.

Susan Posnick’s Color Me is available at susanposnick.com.

Article originally posted here: Kiwibox.com

The Perfect Pair...of Gloves

There aren’'t many things I like about the winter season, the cold weather being one of them but a cute winter accessory like a warm pair of gloves is a reason to celebrate the frozen tundra temperatures of the North East. Recently, being the spaz that I am, I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of gloves (I lost the leather ones my mom gave me for Christmas last year in the monster that I call my closet). To find the perfect, warm pair of gloves there are some restrictions. They must keep my hands and fingers warm, they must be functional and they must be cheap (I lose gloves, sunglasses and umbrellas to no avail).

It was this mission that I set forth while roaming through Target on my lunch break one day last week. I needed a pair of warm gloves that would be functional to my needs: driving, warmth and cuteness. I stumbled across a pair of leopard print fleece fingerless gloves, complete with a mitten flap and a hook to attach the two as to not misplace. But, the best part …they were on sale, for $2.00. This got me to thinking. Maybe there are others out there, like me, who is searching for the perfect pair of gloves. After a bit of online shopping, Kiwibox and I were able to come up with a few options to keep your appendages warm for the remainder of the winter season.

Accessory Network Heart Print Convertible Gloves
Absolutely adorable, warm and functional and they come in a variety of colors, I’'m sold!

$8.00 at Nordstrom

Cherie Flower Glove
Accenting a long pair of gloves with a knit flower is chic which makes this pairing of gloves a must-have winter accessory.

$7.50 at DELiA*s


Sylvie Fingerless Gloves
Since Kiwiboxers are from all over the world, a stylish pair of crochet-knit gloves in bright colors can do the trick if you don’t live in too cold of a climate.


$4.80 at Forever 21.


Women's Driving Glove
Very stylish and very practical, and not too expensive.

$19.99 at Wilson’s Leather


Fossil "Polly" Colorblock Convertible Gloves
These gloves are two-fold…literally. Worn in two different ways, this super trendy design can be utilized as a solid long length glove, or fold up the cuff, slip the thumb through and you have a color block style that fits just below your wrist.

$16.00 at Dillards


Article originally posted here: Kiwibox.com

Review: Total Energy Pulse Point Balm

There was a time in my life, long ago, when I would jump around my basement doing windmills, singing at the top of my lungs. …When I look back at these home videos (a.k.a blackmail for my parents) I wonder where I obtained so much energy. Albeit I'’m only 25, but it takes great pains to actually get up to go into the basement for anything now, let alone attempt a windmill.

This is where the Body Shop’s Total Energy Pulse Point Balm comes in and saves the day. Not only does it smell great, but it works almost instantly for a pick-me-up-- jumping around a basement doing windmills is optional.

Apply this pocket-sized balm to your pulse points when you need to be energized. I tried it on days when I avoided caffeine and I was immediately awoken by the scent.

The Community Trade organic bergamot essential oil has a fresh, green, citrus scent that uplifts the senses. The Guarana extract and ginger oil are known for their energizing properties and Happy belle, derived from the Monks Pepper plant, mimics the effect of endorphins and induces a sense of happiness.

Although I may never be able to obtain the amount of energy I had as a child, I will definitely continue to use Total Energy Pulse Point Balm whenever I need a pick-me-up.

Review: Robert Ramos,Volumizer

If there is one thing you will learn about me through this column is I’m a sucker for a great product. When I received Robert Ramos’ Volumizer in the mail I scoffed to myself thinking that, even if used properly, my hair would look like a grease ball and would only have lift at the roots making me look like a rounded cone-head.

I decided to try Ramos’ Volumizer on damp hair so I may scrunch to make it wavy with volume. This I felt would be a true test. And it passed. With flying colors.

A little of this stuff goes a long way, a few sprays at the root holding the bottle 6 inches away from the root and you’ve got volume! I got the volume I needed, without the sticky or greasy feeling. It enhanced my wave when I applied it to my damp hair and after a bit of scrunching, I was pleasantly surprised.

Robert Ramos Volumizer contains Hydrolyzed Algae, Keratin Amino Acids and Rice Protein to create the body you want when you scrunch or blow dry. As a stylist, Ramos’ created a great product that would help our hair rather than assault it, while also doing good for the environment. All of his packaging is reusable and recyclable.

He even has celebrity clients like Jessica Alba.

For more information, log onto robertramos.com

Article originally posted here: Kiwibox.com

Review: LaLicious Sugar Souffle Body Scrub

Lily Mango Sugar Soufflé body scrub sounds as delicious as it smells. LaLicious should be called delicious (Editor’s Note: I would not recommend eating the product, although it does smell good enough to do so, considering I was blessed with Island Guava and Lily Mango).

I'’ve always been a fan of scrubs (body, not the TV show). I love the way they make your skin feel afterwards, it’s like washing away a week’s worth of skin and debris. I find myself scrubbing, alternating between Lily Mango and Island Guava, as often as possible. After runs at the gym seem to be my most favorite time to use the scrub, the scent fills my shower letting my mind escape to a tropical island for a few seconds.

The great thing about Sugar Soufflé Body Scrubs is that they’re gentle and featured with LaLicious’ signature hand-whipped technique which is so rich with moisture that they can also be used as a shaving cream. A 2-in-1? I’m sold! There is also no need to apply lotion after using the Sugar Soufflé scrub as the soufflé acts as a moisturizer all day long. Helping you look, feel and smell radiant.

For more info, check out lalicious.com.

Originally posted here: Kiwibox.com