RAMBLE: The Dentist

SOURCE: Microsoft

I just got done with my six-month cleaning at the dentist this morning.  I don't have a fear of going to the dentist, but it is not high on my list of places to visit either.

As a kid, I used to dread seeing my dentist because of the fluoride treatments.  I loathed the moment when he would pour that gooey fluoride into the dental trays and place one up top and the other on the bottom row of teeth.  He would offer me the choice of grape or bubble gum flavored goo; like that was going to make the whole ordeal better.  It didn't matter what I chose because both tasted horrible.  From then on, for what seemed like an eternity, I would be left stranded on the dental chair as my teeth soaked in the fluoride goo with a suction straw perched in between the two trays.  Despite the icky flavor and uncomfortable wait, those fluoride treatments worked because I didn't have cavities as a kid.

Nowadays, kids don't have to go through these treatments.  I don't know what dentists do to help kids prevent cavities, but with all the advancements in dentistry, I am sure these treatments are more kid-friendly than the fluoride goo.  In fact, nowadays, kids see pediatric dentists who specialize in children's teeth.  Pediatric dentists have kid-friendly offices with tools and machines that are not so intimidating and scary.  Hmm...maybe that's what I need because as an adult, I am still a bit apprehensive about seeing the dentist.  I just feel so vulnerable sitting in the dentist chair with my mouth gaping open with a suction straw hanging from the corner of my mouth as a dental hygienist scrapes, pokes, and prods around in my mouth.  The part that I hate the most is the scraping...[shudder].  I compare it to nails on a chalkboard!

So, you can imagine my apprehension this morning as I checked in for my regularly scheduled six-month check-up and cleaning.  However, I was pleased when the dental hygienist pulled out the water pick to clean my teeth!  HALLELUJAH!  No scraping, no poking, and no reactionary shudders!  Of course, she needed to do a little clean-up afterwards with her tools, but it was nothing I couldn't handle.

The best thing about today's visit?  No cavities!

BOOB TUBE REVIEW: Grey's Anatomy "This Is How We Do It" (Season 7, Episode 17)

SOURCE: ABC

In Episode 17, Arizona is still struggling with co-parenting with Mark as an unusually over bubbly and excited Callie experiences all the perks of motherhood.  Meanwhile the Chief comes to terms that Adele is ill and Teddy comes to terms that her marriage may not be just a mere convenient arrangement.  Finally, Lexie and Jackson continue their hot and steamy romance while Lucy stops toying with Alex long enough to see the great guy in him.

Husband and Wife
Despite her resistance, the Chief tries to get Adele admitted into Derek's Alzheimer's clinical trial, but Derek informs the Chief that pulling someone off of the waiting list could compromise the entire study.  However, when a woman decides to withdraw from the study to prevent her son from totally rearranging his life to take care of her, Derek agrees to test Adele to fill that open spot.

Derek, Meredith, Adele, and the Chief meet for the test results.  Adele is relieved and elated that she is one point shy from qualifying for the trial; however, the Chief breaks it to his wife that the one point deficit indicates that the disease has not advanced enough for her to qualify, but indicates that she has the disease.  Adele is in denial until Meredith elaborates on Adele's test results.  Adele said "pool" instead of "spoon" as one of the words she was asked to memorize and she told the Meredith that she and Richard went to Hawaii for their honeymoon when they stayed home.  Adele starts crying hysterically and tells Richard how unfair this fate is for them, especially when she and Richard are finally back on track and are in the kind of marriage they were meant to be in.  As the Chief holds and comforts Adele, Derek looks at Meredith--probably wondering to himself if one day he might also be in the same situation with Meredith.

Meanwhile, Teddy is starting to realize that her marriage to Henry might be something more than a convenient arrangement to maintain medical insurance coverage for him.  Henry is admitted to Seattle Grace complaining of chest pains.  While hopped up on morphine for the pain, Henry admits to Teddy, as the Chief and Cristina are in the next room, that he's gaga over her.  As a result, the Chief refuses to allow Teddy to perform surgery on Henry to remove his tumor.  Still in the hunt for Chief Resident, Cristina quickly volunteers to do the surgery herself.  A complication during surgery, throws Teddy into a panic, but Cristina saves Henry's life.  In recovery, Teddy tells Henry that their marriage is still a fiction.

Complicated Relationships
Lexie and Jackson are in the "honeymoon" stage of their relationship, which thoroughly tests April's patience as she can't seem to find a room in the house where the two lovebirds are not in making out with each other.  April, on the other hand, has her own concerns regarding what kind of relationship she has with Dr. Stark.  She likes spending time with him, but becomes confused when Alex drops hints that her friendship with Dr. Starks will become a sexual one.  As a result, April tells Dr. Starks that she just want to be friends with him to which Dr. Starks tells April that he wanted to more than just friends.  Back at home, April kicks out the kissing duo from the livingroom to watch the movie on cable that she and Dr. Starks were supposed to watch together.  April looks lonely as she eats her bowl of popcorn by herself.  Perhaps she is having second thoughts on wanting to be just friends with Dr. Starks?

Bailey is also trying to figure out how to handle her working and personal relationship with Eli, especially when a diabetic patient comes into the hospital that could be a good candidate for the Chief's new clinical trial.  However, the FDA has not approved the Chief's clinical trial yet and to make matters worse, her patient's husband is intolerable.  When Bailey introduces the idea of the participating in the new clinical trial to the patient, Eli steps in and ask about the associated risks before Bailey has a chance to get to them.  Bailey later confronts Eli about him questioning her in front of a patient to which Eli sarcastically admits that while he was only looking out for the patient's best interests, he understands that the relationship between him and Bailey is that he is the nurse and she is the doctor.

When things go from bad to worse for her patient, the Chief decides to perform a cell transplant to try to save the patient's life even though an FDA waiver has not come through yet.  The surgery goes well and the FDA approves the clinical trial after the fact.  When an exhausted Miranda leaves the hospital at the end of the day, Eli is waiting for her.  Eli soothes things over with Miranda by explaining that at work she can wear the pants as the doctor, but outside of the hospital, he is the man who wears the pants and he is taking her back to his place.  With that cleared up, Miranda follows her man home.

After being turned down numerous times by Lucy, Alex appears to focus his attention on becoming the next Chief Resident by parking his trailer outside of the hospital in order to get first dibs on surgeries.  Lucy is not impressed when Alex swipes food from Callie's baby shower, but wonders if she is not seeing something in Alex that all the others obviously see.  Meredith explains to Lucy the type of guy Alex is--the one whose girlfriend went nuts and the one who took care of his cancer stricken wife only leave him after.  Alex is fundamentally a good guy underneath his rough exterior.  Lucy decides to visit Alex at his trailer and joins him on a meal of swiped finger foods from the baby shower.  Looks like things may finally happen between these two.

Baby Triangle
Callie is now six months pregnant and loving all the attention impending motherhood brings, including a baby shower, which Mark has single-handed planned all the details down to the scrapbook station and glitter pens.  The baby shower was the funniest part of this episode.  To see all the doctors totally out of their element or totally and unexpectedly embracing it was a hoot!  Although Arizona was positive that Callie would not go for the whole girly-girl shower, Callie is totally embracing all the hoopla as payback for the all the baby showers she had to sit through and act like she was enjoying.  Unlike Mark and Callie, the rest of the gang are a bit remiss in their baby shower participation level, but gather to decorate onesies with glitter pens.  Too funny!  April decides to decorate her onesie by drawing a pie slice and spelling out "Cutie Pie" above it while Cristina is busy drawing a diagram of the heart, complete with the chambers and aorta.  Alex draws a blue surgical scrub shirt on his onesie while Meredith...well...she decides to tap into her inner Jackson Pollack and create abstract art.

Mark approaches Lexie at the shower and thanks her for coming.  Mark clearly still has feelings for Lexie, but she explains to her former lover that she has moved on and is seeing someone new.  Later, when Jackson asks Lexie if she could do a "consult" for him, Mark figures out who the new guy in Lexie's life is and is crushed.  After the shower, Callie thanks Arizona for putting up with Mark and the whole baby shower bit by inviting her to spend the weekend alone with her at a bed and breakfast.

In the car on their way to the bed and breakfast, Arizona is upset that Callie is receiving text messages from Mark.  Irritated with him disrupting their alone time together, Arizona flings Callie's cell phone in the backseat of the car she is driving.  Clearly annoyed by Arizona's behavior, Callie takes off her passenger side seatbelt to reach in the back to retrieve the phone.  In frustration, she tells Arizona that she will do anything to make things better; all Arizona has to do it ask.  Arizona responds by asking Callie to marry her.  At that second, Arizona suddenly sees a vehicle in front of her and slams on the breaks.

Next episode is the musical episode where Callie will have an out-of-body experience while her colleagues at Seattle Grace scramble to save her life.

BEAUTY REVIEW: The Body Shop Almond Oil Daily Hand & Nail Cream

SOURCE: The Body Shop

To follow up with my Beauty Review on Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, I thought it was only right that I include a review of my daytime daily hand cream.  A couple of years ago, I received a tube of The Body Shop's Almond Oil Daily Hand & Nail Cream as part of a Christmas present.  At that time, I was on the hunt for another hand cream as my lotions from Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works were not providing much relief for me.  I already had a trip to Las Vegas planned, so I threw in the tube of hand cream from The Body Shop into my suitcase and decided to test it out in the dry climates of Nevada.  To my delight, it worked well and I have been a dedicated user of this product ever since.

The hand and nail cream is a light non-greasy formula that includes almond oil and soy oil to help repair skin's moisture barrier, restore moisture, and add smoothness to your hands.  The shea butter softens and vitamins A, E, and F nourishes skin.  The beeswax moisturizes as well as conditions the nail beds.  The cream has a soft almond scent unlike some of the stronger scents from the Victoria's Secret or Bath & Body Works lotions.

I use this on a daily basis during the day and follow up at night with my Kiehl's hand cream.  I also find that this hand and nail cream is perfect to use when giving manicures.  I usually follow up the manicures I give myself at home with this product.  While I admit that the price of this product is a bit high ($16.00 for a 3.4 fl. oz. tube), it's a good and long lasting product, especially when you factor in the organic and community trade ingredients incorporated into the cream.  Furthermore, you don't need a lot of product to moisturize your hands, so it lasts a while for me.  I highly recommend this product for people who are graduating from the heavy scented lotions and looking for real relief.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

SOURCE: Kiehl's

I admit that I am a bit of a hypochondriac and germ freak.  As such, I find myself constantly washing my hands, which in turn causes skin dryness from the frequent soap and water use.  I used to use hand lotions from Victoria's Secret or Bath & Body Works, but found that I was buying the lotions for the delicious scents, not because they worked well at moisturizing my hands.  After that revelation, I started to use the Bath Shop's Almond Oil Daily Hand & Nail Cream, which worked well, but it took a while to heal my sometimes really rough, dry, and cracked hands.  And then I found Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and...HALLELUJAH!

The lotion is a thick salve that offers "heavy-duty moisture treatment" for "all-day care and protection."  All I need is just a little bit to moisturize both hands as too much will leave a grubby and slightly sticky feeling.  The salve contains avocado, sesame, and other botanical oils and natural wax from olive oil to sooth, moisturize, and condition your hands with a slight fragrance.

Due to the thickness of the salve, I usually use it right before I go to bed so that I can allow the salve to work its magic.  My hands are instantly soft and smooth and it soothes my cracked skin and allows for them to heal quickly.  Dry patches on my hands are remedied faster than when I use the Body Shop hand cream and because I use a small amount, a 2.5 ounce tube lasts me months.  I use my Body Shop hand cream during the day due to its light non-greasy formula (and also helps with my nails) and my Kiehl's salve at night.  I find that this combination protects my hands through all the hand washing I perform on a daily basis.  Despite it being a bit pricey ($13 for a 2.5 oz. tube and $20 for a 5 oz. tube), I highly recommend the hand salve because it is the most effective hand cream I've ever used!

BOOK LOOK: Laura Joh Rowland "The Snow Empress"



SOURCE: Barnes & Noble


I went to Barnes & Noble on Saturday night to buy "The Cocktail Handbook: Cool Drinks from Hawai'i's Hottest Bartenders" from Jesse Greenleaf and Amie Fujiwara as a gift for a friend.  What started out as an altruistic trip turned out to be a shopping trip for me.  Oh bother.

I am a big fan of Laura Joh Rowland's San Ichiro series.  Ever since I read "The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria," I've been hooked.  That first read caused me to read the books that followed as well as the books that preceeded.  Perhaps it is my Asian History background that attracts me so much to these books, or it is the intriguing mystery plots that suck me in, but I am a huge fan.

The San Ichiro series is set during the Tokugawa period (17th-century) in Japan and San Ichiro is a samurai detective for the Shogun who, along with his wife Reiko, investigates murders within the Tokugawa Shogunate.  Laura Joh Rowland is fantastic at weaving in period culture and history within each of her fictional mysteries.  I can never figure out the mystery until the end.

Like I said, I wasn't planning on buying any books for myself, but since I was already in the bookstore, I figured that I should browse around and see what else was available.  I ended up in the Mystery Novels section and found "The Snow Empress," which is the 12th book in the San Ichiro series.  Along with my new (at least for me) San Ichiro installment, I also bought:

• "Lipstick Jungle" by Candace Bushnell
• "Trading Up" by Candace Bushnell

I recently finished "One Fifth Avenue" by Bushnell and thought it was a fun and easy read.  Bushnell is also the author of "Sex and the City."  After reading "One Fifth Avenue," I was interested in reading more of her books.

So, with the cocktail book, one Laura Joh Rowland mystery, and two Candace Bushnell reads, I was out approximately $55.  Oh well, at least I am stocked up on reading material for a while.  I can't wait to start "The Snow Empress" soon!

BOOB TUBE REVIEW: Hawaii Five-O "Na Me'e Laua Na Paio" (Season 1, Episode 19)

SOURCE: CBS

It's been several weeks since a new Hawaii Five-O premiered.  I was starting to wonder when everyone's favorite crime drama would return as I was getting a little tired of reruns.  In Episode 19, the team is introduced to a new face while reintroduced to an old one.

Larisa Oleynik joins the Five-O cast as a CIA analyst with personal interest in helping McGarrett track down his parents' killer.  If you thought that CIA analyst Jenna Kaye looked familiar, then you are recalling the film 10 Things I Hate About You where she played Julia Stiles' (Kat) younger materialistic sister Bianca and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's (Cameron) love interest.  Wow, talk about stacked cast with Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Heath Ledger!  Who would've known that all of them would go off to be successful in their own right after the movie wrapped.

This episode also includes the return of Wo Fat played by Mark Dacascos (or better known as the Chairman on Iron Chef America and former Dancing with the Stars competitor).  With Jenna's help and information, McGarrett discovers that Wo Far is the mastermind behind his parents' death.  However, it will take a lot more information and evidence for McGarrett to take a powerful man like Wo Fat down.

Meanwhile, Danno, Kono, and Chin Ho are busy trying to solve the mystery that starts with a costumed man plummeting to his death beside a Waikiki hotel pool.  Honolulu Medical Examiner Dr. Max Bergman (Masi Oka) helps the team solve the mystery thanks to his wealth of comic book knowledge as well as experience at the Medical Examiners Office.  The death of the masked man leads the team through a chain of events that eventually allows them to solve another mystery.  D.B. Sweeney (remember him from the movie The Cutting Edge?) also appears on this show as a wealthy attorney and possible murder suspect.

So what did I think about the show?  It was good and it looks like it will be leading to a very eventful and exciting season finale as McGarrett tries to take down Wo Fat.  Plus, I heard that McGarrett's sister Mary Ann (Taryn Manning) will be returning to show (not sure for this or the next season), so sounds like more is in store of the McGarrett family.  As for my favorite part of the show...Johnny D, hands down!  James Ransone plays a career criminal with a sarcastic sense of humor that keeps Danno on his toes.  I enjoyed the interaction between Johnny D and Danno as Danno and McGarrett sift through the loads of stolen goods Johnny D has acquired.

Looks like the season is winding down to a thriller!

BOOB TUBE REVIEW: Private Practice "Love and Lies" (Season 4, Episode 16)

SOURCE: ABC

Silly me.  I assumed because there wasn't a new Grey's Anatomy last week and there wouldn't be a new Private Practice.  Wrong!  Oh well, thank goodness for ABC showing their recently aired episodes online, so that I can get caught up on my favorite shows!

The last time we heard about Addison, she was in Connecticut taking care of the Captain and Archer after Bizzy's funeral.  While she was away, Naomi and Sam rekindled an old flame that caused the both of them some confusion and led to more questions.  Also, Violet was preparing for the release of her book while making "nice-nice" to her colleagues and friends after she made some disparaging remarks about them in the book.  In this episode, Addison comes back as well as an old character, Dr. Gabriel Fife, Charlotte tests the moral compass of the doctors at Oceanside Wellness, and Amelia tests the limits of her friendship with Michelle.

Lying to a Friend to Protect a Friend from the Truth
Amelia persuades her friend, Michelle to get tested for the gene for Huntington's Disease.  Ever since she watched her mother succumb to the disease, Michelle has been reluctant to make any plans for the future, including finding love, out of fear that she may have the gene and eventually die from the disease.  When the test results come back positive for the gene, Amelia lies to Michelle because she knows that Michelle will kill herself rather than suffer and die.

Pete persuades Amelia to tell Michelle the truth and Violet suggests that Amelia give Michelle a reason to live despite her fatal diagnosis.  Amelia profusely apologizes to Michelle for lying to her and starts to list some of life's joys, such as Rocky Road ice cream and driving with the top down on a sunny day.  She promises Michelle that she will be there for her through everything and will take care of her when things get bad.

Loving Yourself
Meanwhile, Violet is having a difficult time deciding on her picture for her upcoming book.  She thinks the first set of pictures is too sexy and is not how she wants to be perceived.  Her second set of pictures, although studious and professional, are not Violet either.  Sheldon explains that Violet is the type of psychiatrist who is caring and comforting, and sits on the couch with her patients and listens.  She is the not the uptight psychiatrist with an academic book in her hand behind her desk like the second set of pictures portray.  Finally, with Pete's help, Violet takes photos revealing her abdominal scar from the attack.  This is who she is now.

Finding Love
Sheldon is starting to loathe his role as the office boyfriend for the ladies to confide in about all of their problems.  He's there for Addison to give her a shoulder to cry on and comforting words as she grieves; he's there for Naomi who is feeling conflicted about her kiss with Sam and her possible feelings for Fife; and he's there for Violet as she struggles to figure out the image she wants portrayed on her book jacket.  When Charlotte approaches him to ask him a question, he promptly and defiantly resigns as everyone's "not-boyfriend-boyfriend" despite the fact that Charlotte was only simply reminding him he pledged a $1,000 for a recent fundraiser.  Sheldon tells Sam and Pete to step up to the plate and deal with their women, but Sam and Pete bluntly tell Sheldon that it is time that he find his own woman.

Testing the Moral Compass for Love
Charlotte riles things up at Oceanside Wellness when a couple asks to harvest the eggs of their unborn child who has a fatal heart condition that will cause the baby to die within a day of her birth.  Charlotte and Addison consider going through with the procedure while Naomi and Cooper are dead set against it.  As Addison prepares to go down to the hospital to deliver the couple's baby, Naomi confronts and questions her best friend regarding Addison's real intentions on going through this morally questionable procedure.  Naomi suggests that the real reason is because Addison cannot have a child and she sympathizes with the couple's desperate measures.

At the hospital, Addison is forced to perform an emergency C-section to save the baby.  She is shocked when the parents tell her to go ahead with harvesting the baby's eggs without seeing the baby first.  They explain that they don't want to fall in love with the baby.  Meanwhile, Cooper is in the nursery cradling the sick baby and tells Addison that being a parent is a lifelong commitment, not matter how long or short your child's life may be.  Affected by his comments, Addison brings the baby to her parents and tells them to be there for their baby.  After quietly observing the couple bond with their baby, Charlotte assumes that the procedure is off.  She also makes amends with Cooper when their differing views on the risky procedure places an unnecessary kink in their relationship.

Winning Back a Lost Love
Fife makes his return known to Naomi by filling her office with rare African Flame Lilies.  After allowing Naomi some time to grieve, Fife makes it clear that he is back in town to be with her, and he won't take no for an answer.  However, Fife realizes that there is still a spark between Naomi and Sam, and he tells Sam that Sam was the one that left Naomi and it is too late ask for Naomi back.  Meanwhile, Sam is trying to figure out if there are still feelings between him and Naomi.  Naomi insists that the kiss between them was purely nostalgia and nothing else.  However, Sam keeps pushing the issue, which pushes Naomi over the edge.  Addison walks in at that moment and asks Naomi if there is anything she needs to know.  Naomi blurts that there will always be something between her and Sam because Sam was her husband and her relationship with Sam will always trump Addison's relationship with him.  Sam and Addison ask Naomi what is really going on with her to which Naomi explains that she doesn't think that she belongs at Oceanside Wellness anymore.  Oceanside used to stand for something, but with the slew of questionable actions the gang has made recently, Oceanside doesn't feel like her home anymore.  At that point, Fife joins the group and tells her to come with him to Zimbabwe.  He quit a fantastic dream job to win her back.  However, Naomi explains to Fife that he is part of her past as well as everyone else.

Letting Love Flow
Addison hasn't stopped crying since she got back from Connecticut.  As she sits on her back porch, Amelia joins her and tells Addison that her tears are really freaking her out.  Addison tells Amelia that she is actually crying because her mother killed herself and she would do anything to have another moment with her.  As Amelia comforts her, Sam comes over.  It looks like their future together is questionable...

It looks like the writers of Private Practice are starting to set up the story line for Audra McDonald's exit from the show.  In February, the producers announced that she would be leaving the show at the end of Season 4 to go back to New York and be with her family.  However, the producers made clear that Naomi will still be around (although in a limited capacity), so it doesn't look like the writers will kill Naomi off the show like they did with Dell at the end of Season 3.  I miss Dell.  We just have to stay tuned to see how it will all unfold!

BEAUTY REVIEW: NYX Eyeshadow Trio in Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze

SOURCE: Amazon

As I said before in previous reviews, I tend to gravitate to neutral shades.  It doesn't matter how many neutral eyeshadows I have in my personal makeup collection, I still catch myself looking for more.

My favorite neutral shadows are from the Revlon Colorstay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quads in Coffee Bean and in Copper Spice.  The circle of my favorite "go-to" eyeshadows became larger when I discovered the NYX Eyeshadow Trio in Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze.

This NYX Trio was my first NYX product purchase and started my NYX collection thereafter.  These neutral shades have a satiny finish when applied and last well throughout the day if a eyeshadow primer is applied first.  I use the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.  I usually use all three shades:  Mink Brown on my eyelid, Deep Bronze on my outer corner, and Aloha on my brow bone for highlight.  This creates a really simple and clean look.  If I want a more dramatic look for evening, I apply more Deep Bronze for a smoky eye look.  On the weekends, I will wear a sheer application of these shades and apply a thin line of eyeliner with mascara to highlight my eyelashes.

This palette started me on my love connection with NYX eyeshadows!  It is one of my favorites and it is so affordable too!  Love-love-love!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Scunci Topsy Tail



SOURCE: Amazon

I think we've all seen this product on TV.  It's been around a long time because I remember seeing the commercial when I was in high school.  Back then, we didn't have a As Seen On TV store, so we hesitated about buying things off of the boob tube.  Moreover, the Internet was still in its infancy stage, so you couldn't order online or check out any online product reviews.

When I saw the Topsy Tail at Longs Drugs, I was really tempted to buy it because I am always looking for alternative ways to pull back my hair.  I admit that I am usually in a rush to get ready for work and doing my hair is always hastily pulled back into a ponytail.  That week, Scunci products were 50% off at the store, so I bought it.

The Topsy Tail comes with a large and small topsy tail tool.  The product comes with instructions on how to use both tools with pictures of the different hairstyles to create with the tools.  While everyone is most familiar with the standard inverted ponytail created with the large tool, the small tool is my absolute favorite.  By using the small Topsy Tail tool, I can wrap a small section of my hair around the base of my ponytail to completely cover my elastic hair tie.  No bobby pins...no clips...no hair ties with fake hair...just my own hair creating a sleek and elegant look.  It will also stay put throughout the entire day and it only took 10 seconds to create!  I get compliments all the time from ladies asking me how I managed to wrap my hair around my ponytail and got it to stay.  Shh...it's a secret!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Physicians Formula Gentle Cleansing Lotion

SOURCE: Physicians Formula

Dermatologists and cosmotologists strongly recommend taking off your makeup before you go to sleep.  I was actually surprised to find out how many ladies sleep with their makeup on a daily-basis.  I admit that I there are nights when I am too exhausted to take off my makeup and crawl into bed, but I pay for my laziness when I wake up with a blemish or two.  Argh.

I used to use makeup wipes to remove my makeup, such as the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, but this routine started to become a bit pricey in the long run.  The makeup wipes were convenient, but when used daily, I found myself constantly buying refill packs.  I found some of the liquid toner makeup removers too harsh on my skin and removing my makeup with cotton balls or pads proved to be inefficient.  Finally, I ended up using my face cleanser to wash off my makeup, which worked, but wasn't efficient in washing away waterproof mascara or eyeliner.  Then, my mom introduced me to Physicians Formula Gentle Cleansing Lotion.  She had been using it for a long time and suggested I use it when she discovered my dual purpose face cleanser ritual while on a trip with me.

At first I was a bit skeptical.  All it looks like is a bottle of moisturizer.  How is this going to remove my makeup, dirt, and oils from my face?  I tried it nonetheless and quickly fell in love with it.  All I need is a small quarter-size dollop of this product to remove makeup from my entire face.  The lotion is non-greasy and I apply it with my finger tips in circular motions.  When I wipe the lotion off with a Kleenex tissue, I can see all the makeup and dirt the lotion removed from my face.  This product does not leave my skin irritated or dry like other makeup toner products I previously used.  My waterproof mascara and eyeliner is wiped away completely (no raccoon eyes!).  The lotion is also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist approved.  I follow-up with washing my face with my face cleanser and then apply Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2, and then Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.

I love this product because it does a great job in removing all of my makeup and lasts a long time.  It retails in drugstores for about $7 to $8, so even if Physicians Formula products are not on sale, it is still a very affordable option to purchase.  Moms really know best!

SHOPPING THERAPY: Maybelline Cosmetics

SOURCE: Microsoft

This week, Long's Drugs is having a 40% off sale on selected varieties of Maybelline cosmetics products.  I used to use Maybelline eyeshadows all the time several years ago, but stopped after they started to irritate my eye area.  Recently, I've rediscovered Maybelline's current product line, which is different from the line that I formerly used.

I am a huge fan of the Stylish Smokes series and have seen numerous videos on YouTube about the Eyestudio eyeshadow line.  The Eyestudio line intrigued me because the colors looked so pretty and blendable, but I refrained because I have so many eyeshadows already.  In fact, I have some quads and palettes that I haven't even tried yet!  Case in point, I just bought my Urban Decay Naked Palette and I haven't dipped by brush in any of the 12 colors yet.

Anyway, a 40% off sale on Maybelline products was too much of a good deal to pass on, so I bought a whole bunch of stuff.  Here's what I ended up getting:

• Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Beige:  I am currently using up my Dream Matte Powder in Sand.  I found that Sand is a little too light for my skin tone so I am hoping that Beige, which is one step darker, will be a better fit for me.  On sale for $4.67.
• Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Rose Petal:  I currently own the Dream Mousse Blush in Pink Frosting and Soft Plum.  I am looking for something between the two and it looks like this shade might be it.  On sale for $4.43.
• Maybelline Eyestudio Eyeshadow in Legendary Lilac:  I love the colors in this quad, especially since I tend to graviate to neutrals and plums.  On sale for $5.69.
• Maybelline Eyestudio Eyeshadow in Copper Chic:  I love the colors in this quad, especially since I tend to gravitate to neutrals and plums.  On sale for $5.69.

As always, I am planning on doing separate reviews on all of these products in the future.  It looks like my make-up collection just got a little bigger!  Sigh...

SHOPPING THERAPY: Urban Decay Cosmetics

SOURCE: Urban Decay

Like many ladies out there, I've been patiently waiting for my opportunity to get my paws on the Urban Decay Naked Palette.  When this palette first came out on the market, I was like, "Nah, I have way too many eyeshadows as it is now.  Don't need another set."  Plus, I never tried any of the Urban Decay eyeshadows before, so I couldn't assess whether the cost matched with the quality.  The only Urban Decay product I own is the Eye Shadow Primer Potion, which I treat like royalty because it keeps my eyeshadow put!

But then, I started to buy into the buzz.  YouTube makeup gurus went on and on about how wonderful this palette was and contributors on Makeup Alley also raved about with more than 80% of its reviewers rating that this was a product they would purchase again.  Also, I love using neutral eyeshadows.  Well, in that case...I need to get myself one and see what the fuss is all about!

"Houston...We have a problem!"  I went down to Sephora and I was informed that they have been sold out of the Naked Palette for months.  Roh-oh!  They politely inquired whether I would like to add my name to their looooong list of names on the waiting list.  I passed on the offer and decided to try Macy's instead.  No Naked Palettes at Macy's either, so I figured that it wasn't meant to be and I must stay content with all the eyeshadows I already own.

But then, another wave of Naked Palettes came in and YouTube makeup gurus who weren't able to get their hands on the palette the first time were now raving about it.  I caught the buzz again and went down to Sephora.  Nope.  I went down to Macy's and...TA DAH!!  They have it in stock!  The salesperson at Macy's explained that they got a shipment of 200 Naked Palettes last week and after distributing palettes to all who were on the waiting list, they have a few left over.  I was finally able to get my paws on one!  YAY!

The salesperson at Macy's explained to me that the Naked Palette still has all 12 great neutral eyeshadows and mini Primer Potion, but now has Karma Eyeshadow Brush instead of the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil.  As a result, I also threw in a 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero to try since everyone swears that this pencil is waterproof and smudge proof.  We'll see about that....  I'll do separate reviews on each, but just wanted to share my exciting news!

So here's my breakdown (or damage) at Macy's:

• Urban Decay Naked Palette:  12 neutral shades including shimmers, satiny, matte, and glittery textures, a mini Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, and a Karma Eyeshadow Brush.  Retail value:  $48.00.
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero:  A creamy waterproof long lasting eye pencil.  Retail value:  $18.00.  I know...$18.00 for an eye pencil!  That's pretty pricey, so we'll see if this little pencil lives up to all its hype.

I haven't tried either one yet.  I've been too busy admiring my palette to swatch any of the shades.  I know, silly me!

RAMBLE: Mother Nature Brewing Up Major Trouble in the Asia Pacific Region

SOURCE:  AP Photo

Is is just me, or has Mother Nature recently been brewing up a huge pot of natural disasters for the Asia Pacific region?  There was a huge 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand in late February that toppled tall buildings and killed dozens of people.  Then there was a 5.4 magnitude earthquake that shook Yunnan, China on March 10, that killed at least 25 people and injured 250 people.  And, just one day after China's quake, there was the 9.0 magnitude earthquake near the east coat of Honshu Island of Japan that not only violently shook the country, but then caused unrelenting tsunami waves that quickly surged six miles in from the coast line and decimated everything in its path.

The earthquake was Japan's most severe quake in history and the actual magnitude is still under discussion.  Some are saying that it may be as high as 9.4.  That same violent quake then caused turmoil in the Pacific Ocean with tsunami warnings quickly spanning from Russia, China, Taiwan, and Guam.  Hawaii's civil defense sirens started blaring approximately three hours after the earthquake and two hours after live footage captured surging tsunami waves eating up Sendai Prefecture.

As we made a quick assessment of our provisions (batteries, flashlights, water, canned goods, blankets, etc.) and we powered up our cell phones, I just watched in horror of footage coming out of Japan.  The quake and tsunami happened in the afternoon when children were still in school and adults were at work or out-and-about.  These were people who left the house that morning and probably forgot to tell their family members that they loved each other because like the rest of us, how were they supposed to know that a huge earthquake and tsunami would hit later on that afternoon?

Tsunamis were still kind of a unknown natural disaster to many Americans even after the huge tsunami that hit Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka in 2004 killing 230,000 people or the tsunami in Samoa in 2009 that killed at least 189 people.  There was footage of the aftermath on TV, but that didn't bring context to how terrifying tsunami waves are for life and limb.  Case in point, people in Hawaii as well as the West Coast (California, Oregon, and Washington) were flocking to the coast line to see the waves.  They were thinking that tsunami waves were like surfing waves.  The live footage of the tsunami in Japan dispelled those notions as entire villages were destroyed and flattened in a matter of minutes.  I was so horrified to watch cars booking it out of the waves path, only to be swallowed up.

Hawaii suffered some minor damage due to the tsunami waves, but for the most part, we were spared the mass destruction and heart break that the Japanese are still trying to grasp.  This experience makes me appreciate the power of Mother Nature as well as keep in mind what is really important in life...family, love, and life.  My heart goes out to Japan and I will be making a donation to the Red Cross to help.  Please help.

BOOB TUBE REVIEW: Grey's Anatomy "Not Responsible" (Season 7, Episode 16)

SOURCE: ABC

I am already behind on my Boob Tube Reviews, but thankfully Grey's Anatomy is going through re-runs for the time being, which allows me time to play a little catch up.

In Episode 16, Meredith and Derek's baby plans hit a snag and Callie discovers that her baby plans aren't totally in sync with Mark's or Arizona's while Owen and Cristina reach an impasse on any future baby plans.  Meanwhile, Alex, Lexie, and April each learn lessons in love while the Chief is forced to come to terms that Adele may be sick.

Baby, baby, baby...
Meredith tells Alex that she is noticing the fertility drugs are affecting her vision, but brushes it off in hopes that her blurred vision will go away as she starts her day at work.  As the day progresses, she notices her vision becoming increasingly worse, but keeps silent about it until she admits to Derek in surgery that she can't operate because she can't see the patient's brain.  Meredith and Derek immediately see Lucy who tells the baby hopeful couple that Meredith needs to stop taking the fertility drugs or risk permanent vision loss.  Between her inhospitable uterus and blurred vision, Meredith starts to wonder if she and Derek will ever have a baby.

Lucy is also keeping tabs on the Callie-Mark-Arizona baby triangle and comments that the prenatal check-ups are getting a bit crowded.  Lucy asks the expectant triangle about performing an amniocentesis to check for any genetic defects.  While Arizona thinks the test is a good idea, Mark voices his concern that the test could raise the chances of miscarriage.  The decision is left to Callie who decides to go ahead with the procedures after much careful consideration.  Mark goes along with the decision, but makes it clear to Callie and Arizona that he is taking his fatherhood duties and responsibilities seriously and wants to be included in all decisions regarding the baby.  Callie is impressed with Mark stepping it up, but Arizona confides to her that she is still not thrilled with Mark's involvement.  She explains that Callie is getting her "bi-dream," but this situation is not what Arizona wanted.  She doesn't really care for Mark and the idea that she will need to work with Mark to raise the baby together with Callie is not part of her dream.

With all the baby talk going around, Cristina tells Owen that she is so glad that he is not trying to knock her up.  Owen tells her that maybe not know, but hopes to some time in the future.  Cristina reminds Owen that when they got engaged, she made clear that she never wanted children.  Remember when Cristina was pregnant with Burke's child and miscarried while in surgery?  Owen remembers Cristina saying that, but understood her statement in the context of a resident.  Once her residency is finished, he is hoping that Cristina will change her mind and they could start a family.  Cristina asks Owen when she has ever changed her mind and walk away.  Later on, Cristina tells Owen that perhaps they rushed into marriage, especially when she was still suffering from PTSD.  Owen makes it clear to Cristina that regardless of their quick wedding, they are now married and married people who love each other work through things.  Cristina doesn't get to cop out of their marriage when the going gets tough or they hit an impasse.

Lessons in Love
Concerned about Meredith's vision problems, Alex asks Lucy whether fertility drugs could be affecting his friend's vision problems.  Lucy sees Alex's question as an excuse to ask her out again and calls him out on his ulterior motives.  Alex asks her out one more time and is shut down again.  FAIL!

When Meredith treats Allison, a patient in Derek's Alzheimer's clinical trial, she notices Allison's son Kyle sporting a rather large bump on his neck.  Although Kyle may be young, he is an asset to his mother by helping her remember things and getting her through the day, especially while Kyle's dad is at work.  Meredith suggests a doctor take a look at Kyle's bump, which Kyle's dad apologetically admits they've been neglecting because they've been busy taking care of Allison.  The bump on Kyle's neck turns out to be serious and Dr. Stark wants Child Protective Services called.  April, Arizona, and Meredith balk at the mere suggestion of calling in CPS, but Dr. Stark is adamant as he questions how Allison and her husband can take care of Kyle when Kyle is clearly taking care of them.  April stands up to Dr. Stark and explains to him that a call to CPS would destroy a family that loves and supports each other fiercely, and that the call would be a huge mistake.  To April's surprise, Dr. Stark agrees and tells her to hold off on calling CPS.  After a little thought, he then asks April out on a date!  April is floored, but then surprises everyone when she accepts his date invitation.  Never saw that one coming, huh?

Meanwhile, Teddy, Lexie, and Avery are treating Ricky who suffers from cystic fibrosis and is a prospective lung transplant recipient.  In preparation for the transplant surgery, the team finds out that Ricky's girlfriend, Julia also suffers from cystic fibrosis, but kept her condition a secret in fear that Ricky would be taken off of the transplant list.  Teddy is livid when she finds out and worries that Ricky will squander his gift of new lungs if he continues to stay with Julia.  She gives Ricky and Julia an ultimatum--break up or no transplant.  They agree to break up, which Teddy doesn't buy, but agrees to go through with the transplant surgery.  Later, Lexie finds Julia sitting outside of the hospital.  Julia explains that she believes that everyone only gets one soul mate and Ricky is her one soul mate.  If she can't be with Ricky, she worries that she will never find love again.  As Avery listens from afar, Lexie tells Julia that she will find another soul mate because everyone has more than one in this world.  Lexie explains that Julia is lucky she found one of them, but there are more out there and she will find love again.  Julia decides to end her relationship with Ricky.  Later, Avery talks with Lexie and tells her that he overheard her conversation with Julia.  Avery tells Lexie that Mark is not her only soul mate in this world and there are a ton of guys out there who would kill for the opportunity to be with her, including himself.  One thing leads to another and those two wind up in the shower together!  See, I knew it!

The Chief finds out that Adele is back in the ER again.  This time she slipped and fell in the supermarket.  While she blames her fall on her new walking shoes that are supposed to tone up her derriere, the Chief starts to suspect that it is something more.  He asks Bailey to check out his wife, who in turn guns a gamut of tests, including one for substance abuse.  Bailey is stumped and seeks Meredith's insight about Adele's first visit to the ER.  Bailey admits to the Chief that she shares Meredith's concerns that Adele may be showing signs of Alzheimer's and suggests seeking the input from the best neurosurgeon in the country who happens to be at Seattle Grace.  The Chief finds Derek, Mark, and Owen on the rooftop hitting golf balls.  He asks Derek to please look at Adele to which Derek agrees.

Grey's Anatomy: The Musical?
I thought I was hallucinating when I heard that Grey's Anatomy was planning on a musical episode, but lo and behold, March 31 will be its premier.  Interesting...

RAMBLE: Help Rather Than Profit From Charlie Sheen



SOURCE: Huffington Post


The story of Charlie Sheen just keeps getting more bizarre with each passing day.  Frankly, I haven't been paying too much attention to the constant media buzz because the media is making money off of a man that is clearly sick.  The cameras and television interviews merely fuel Charlie Sheen's antics and weird behavior rather than allow himself and those who really do care about him to get help and hopefully heal.

Yes, the whole drinking of tiger's blood, his goddesses, porn star pals, and Two and a Half Men drama are making the headlines, but what happens when the cameras stop snapping pictures and ignore the crazy man on top of the rook wielding a machete and yelling, "free at last...free at last?"  Hollywood is unfortunately full of a lot of sick and self-destructive celebrities who crave the camera's attention, so Charlie Sheen is just one of many.  At the rate that he's going, some of the damage he's done may be irreparable.

Let's say Charlie Sheen gets sober, receives psychological help, and takes his sobriety and mental illness issues (I am only guessing this) serious.  Will that be enough for him to get his life back again?  And yes, again because this isn't the first time he had to battle addiction.  His two year-old twin sons were removed from his palatial home in ritzy Mulholland Estates by California Child Protective Services.  I don't think CPS workers get many calls to remove children in that neighborhood.  This is not a mere custody dispute between him and his ex-wife because now the State of California is involved.  He will eventually have to prove to the State that he is healthy enough to gain and maintain contact with his children.  This is not so easy to prove when you are on the roof waiving a machete in the air.

Charlie Sheen was recently fired from the hit television show, Two and a Half Men on CBS.  Warner Bros. Television submitted an 11-page letter to Sheen's attorney to justify terminating Sheen from the show.  According to People.com, the letter describes various attempts made by the show producers to help him by visiting his home, reaching out to his family, giving him time off and even making a private plane available to take him to rehab after his partying ended with him in the hospital.  The letter goes on to state that along the way, he has lost considerable weight, missed rehearsals, flubbed lines, and made inflammatory comments directed towards the show's co-creator, Chuck Lorre.  Even after considerable rehabilitation and therapy, it will take Charlie Sheen some time to prove himself hire-able rather than a liability.

And then there is his family.  When Charlie Sheen ended up in the hospital after complaining of severe stomach pains about a month ago, his father, Martin Sheen practically cried for help.  His son's spiraling behavior appeared all too familiar for the elder Sheen as he's seen his son go down this destructive path one too many times.  His ex-wife, Denise Richards has two little girls with him and is reportedly very worried about her former husband and wisely keeping their daughters away from their father for the time being.  What must the girls think and how will all of this eventually affect them?  While you can never sever the love you have with your family members, trust can be broken.  It will take Charlie Sheen some time to rebuild that trust.

I'm not saying that it will be impossible for Charlie Sheen to get his life back.  Robert Downey, Jr. was a raging drug addict a long time ago and considered unemployable in Hollywood after he got sober because hiring him was too risky, not to mention the high insurance price tag attached to that risk.  However, he persevered and is now back on top.  Anything is possible because when there is a will there is a way.  The question is whether Charlie Sheen has the will and wants to find the way.

As the cameras continue to camp outside of Charlie Sheen's mansion and his Twitter followers anxiously wait for his next tweet, I think the whole situation is sad and very disconcerting.  NBC and ABC have hit record number of viewers for their Dateline and 20/20 exclusive interviews with him and as a result, have profitted from his illness.  I say, turn the cameras off and stop following his every move so  that he may get the help that he so desperately needs.  That's just my humble opinion.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Fresh Eau de Parfum in Pink Jasmine

I don't normally wear perfume on a daily basis.  Going to the fragrance counter at the department store or places like Sephora overwhelm me.  After testing two to three scents, they all start to smell alike and I have a difficult time deciding which one to purchase.  I hate those magazine fragrance inserts with the paper flap that is supposed to allow the reader to test the fragrance out.  Those things are never accurate (smells like perfumed paper and glue) and ends up giving me a headache.  So, I usually forego the perfume and hope that my daily shower and antiperspirant will combat any odors...yikes.

I got a free bottle of Fresh Eau de Parfum in Pink Jasmine in a swag bag from an event my friend helped organize.  She had a ton of fragrances already and gave it me to try--not because she thought I was stink (at least I hope not!), but because she knew that I was looking for a fragrance without all the hassle of shopping for one.

Since I don't normally wear perfume, I kept on forgetting to dab myself in the morning.  One evening as I was getting ready to leave for date night, I remembered I had this and gave it try.  It smelled wonderful and my boyfriend liked it too!

Fresh's Pink Jasmine is described on the Fresh website as:

• Top:  Red Orange, Freesia, and Spring Lilac
• Heart:  Magnolia, Peony, Fresh Jasmine, and Tiare Flower
• Base:  Previous Woods, Velvety Peach Skin, and Marshmallow

It smells so fresh and clean without being too floral or fruity in scent.  I prefer clean scents over smelling like a flower shop or a fruit basket.  Just a dab goes a long way so I use it sparingly as not to kill my co-workers or loved ones...that is if I remember to use it!  I'm learning...  One of my favorites now that I highly recommend!

SHOPPING THERAPY: L'Oreal Cosmetics

This week, Long's Drugs is having a 25% off sale on selected varieties of L'Oreal cosmetic products.  I have a few L'Oreal products that I use on a nearly daily basis, so back-ups are always necessary.  There are also a few products that I wanted to try or products in a different color.  The sale is a perfect opportunity (and excuse) to try out these products.

I went to Long's during my lunch hour and braved the masses.  Everyone else in the entire town seemed to be present and accounted for in the store!  I tucked my head down and charged my way through the store very carefully and methodically.  I needed a few other miscellaneous items (i.e., paper towels, contact lens solution, Tylenol, etc.), which required me to cover most of the store to mark off all items from my shopping list.

I saved the cosmetic aisle for last since (A) the L'Oreal display is located right next to the entrance with heavy traffic, and (B) I needed a little additional time to select what I wanted.  Here's what I ended up getting:

• L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Baby Blossom:  I have blushes from this line in Innocent Flush and Precious Peach.  On sale for $7.99.
• L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Blushing Berry:  This is one of the lipsticks I frequently use daily and is a back-up since I am presently running low in this color.  On sale for $6.69.
• L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Make Me Blush:  This is one of the lipsticks I frequently use daily and is a back-up since I am presently running low in this color.  On sale for $6.69.
• L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Sunset Red:  Trying this color out since I am looking for a good crimson lip color for night.  On sale for $6.69.
• L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Tender Pink:  A really pretty nude color that I wanted to give a whirl.  On sale for $6.69.
• L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner in Carbon Black:  My favorite and must-have eyeliner!  I have a number of back-ups, but I still keep these in stock just in case!  On sale for $6.39.

I am planning on doing separate reviews on all of these products in the future.

Goody hair accessories are also 50% off at Long's this week, so I picked up the Goody Spin Pin.  I saw a couple of YouTube makeup gurus raving about these pins and I thought I would give them a try since I am constantly putting up my hair up and away from my face at work.  I'll do a separate review to tell you all what I think.

After all of that, I am broke, but happy that I have a bunch of products to play with!  Shopping therapy is so much fun!

RAVE FAVE: AK Anne Klein "Kalei" Pumps

About six months ago, I was browsing around Nordstrom Rack killing some time before our movie.  I wasn't in the hunt for anything in particular, including shoes, especially black pumps.  Like I always tell myself:

"I really don't need anymore shoes!  I only have one pair of feet!  Step away from the shoe rack, woman!"

But, then the little devil on my other shoulder starts loudly chirping in my other ear and usurps all voice of reason.  Sigh...

So, there I was minding my own business in the ladies shoes section of Nordstrom Rack when lo and behold, the heavens part and the light shines on this black pump with the cutest little rose detail at the front of the shoe!  The little devil on my shoulder suddenly exclaims:

"Ooh!  You don't have a black pump like that!  Try it on and see how it fits!  Go on....you know you want too....  Trying on is F-R-E-E!"

Before I knew it, I was flinging off my shoe in the middle of the shoe aisle to try on the pump.  That was all it took.  Ka-ching!

The AK Anne Klein "Kalei" is a 3-1/2 inch d'orsay heeled leather pump.  The leather rose ruffle at the peep toe creates an added flirty look to this fairly comfortable shoe.  The only problem I have is that my foot tends to slide forward in this shoe and cause the back heel to flap against my foot as I roll my foot while walking.  My foot is a perfect size 7, which is the size I bought, so perhaps this is caused by the design of the shoe or that the shoe runs a little big (or both).  Nevertheless, these are one of my favorite pumps to wear to work and goes perfectly with an ECI dress baby doll I own with coincidentally the same rosette embellishments!  These are great day and evening shoes, so I can go from work to dinner without worrying about remembering to pack a pair of evening shoes with me in my work tote.  One of my favorites to rave about!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with Helioplex in SPF 70

I am reaching the age where I need to be more conscientious about my skin care regimen and exercise more preventive measures.  Although I live in a predominately sunny climate, I wasn't in the daily habit of wear sunblock on my face.  Tsk, tsk, tsk....

When I started using the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, the Clinique counter salesperson at Macy's reminded me to make sure that I wear sunblock with the product.  I figured that it was about time that I concentrated more on my skin care and bought the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock in SPF 70.  SPF 70...sounds like over kill, but the SPF 45 and SPF 70 were the same price, so why not get the higher SPF?  I realize that I am only kidding myself since I read that ultra high SPF levels do not necessarily mean more protection, but I wasn't losing money in the process.

I apply this product every day after applying my moisturizer (Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion) and the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector and before applying my concealer and foundation.  When applied without a moisturizer, my skin becomes really dry (probably due to the dry-touch formula).  Thankfully, my skin has adjusted well to this product and I haven't had any breakouts.  I find that some sunblocks have a strong scent, but this product's scent is very mild and hardly noticeable by me.  The application is pretty smooth and doesn't leave a greasy or chalky feel, and my foundation applies smooth on top of the sunblock.

Perhaps it is in conjunction with using the dark spot corrector, but I find that my face is brighter and more evenly toned.  My face does tend to get a little shiny sooner now that I have more product on my face, but nothing that a little blotting and powder can't rectify.  I recommend this product.

BEAUTY REVIEW: L'Oreal De-Crease Eyeshadow Base

I am a newbie when it comes to eyeshadow bases or primers.  In fact, I didn't even know that there was such a thing or that you should apply for longer lasting eyeshadow wear and performance until I started watching YouTube makeup guru videos.  All these years, I just lived with my eyeshadow fading after a long day at work and shrugged my shoulders when seeing a crease along my eyelid.  Oh silly me!  The gurus predominately use the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (or UDPP as they all affectionately refer to it by) in their videos, but I wasn't so thrilled about the price tag attached to the product.  Thus, I was happy to find out that L'Oreal came out with their own version and I wanted to give it a try.

The L'Oreal De-Crease Eyeshadow Base comes in a small bottle with a wand applicator.  Unlike UDPP, it only comes in one color.  The product is pretty thick and a little chalky, but being a complete newbie in using primers, I didn't have anything to compare it against.  The product is supposed to prevent creasing and fading for 8 hours.  I found that by using the product, my eyeshadow did last a little longer, but not by that much.  By the end of the work day, my eyeshadow still faded and creased.  Furthermore, because the consistency of the product is so thick, I didn't feel like I ended up with much usable product of the total 0.2 fluid ounces in the bottle.  Most of the product stuck to the side of the bottle and it was nearly impossible to get to the sides of the bottle using the wand applicator.

After using this product daily for two straight weeks, I stopped using it and decided to buy the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.  I am sold on the Urban Decay product and chucked the L'Oreal De-Crease product in the rubbish can.  The L'Oreal product is way cheaper than the Urban Decay product, but such a disappointment in the end.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Maybelline Stylish Smokes Eyeshadow Quad in Natural Smokes

I am trying to refrain myself from buying more eyeshadow quads because my eyeshadow collection is getting too large for what I really need.  After all, I only have one pair of eyes and usually wear a single look per day.  However, I broke down and bought this product in Natural Smokes after rave reviews from various makeup gurus on YouTube.

I thought I would give it a try since I always tend to gravitate toward browns and neutral shades for eyeshadow.  Case in point, I am a huge fan of Revlon Colorstay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quads in Coffee Bean and Copper Spice, and NYX Trio Eyeshadow in Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze.

The color pigments in the quad palette are pretty good and tend to last throughout the day.  Although I noticed that the colors have a tendency to blend into one color by the end of the day.  I use the brow, lid, and crease colors eyes.  If I am going for a more dramatic evening look, I will use the outer corner color to line my under eye lash line.  I also use my Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion before applying this product to ensure that the colors will last throughout the day and not crease.  I prefer not to use a color base, but have used the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in French Fries in the past.  However, I think the lid color looks better and has a more satin dewy finish on my bare lid without a color base.  It's totally up to each individual's preference.

This product has such a good color pay off that I bought the Stylish Smokes eyeshadow quad in Amethyst Smokes.  I haven't tried that one yet, but intend to in the near future.   All in all this quad is great for day and night time looks.  If you plan to wear this look from day into the night, you may need to reapply as the colors do blend easily.  You may need a touch-up before heading out for the evening.  I totally recommend this product!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Pewter

I am a faithful user of the L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liner in Carbon Black.  I use this to line my upper eyeline and then if I want a more dramatic evening look, will use a pencil liner for my bottom water line.  Thus, I don't normally line my undereye area.  Is that good or bad?

Anyway, I bought the Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Pewter a while ago.  I wanted an eyeliner for my undereye waterline that was waterproof and smudgeproof with a retractable pencil since I hate to keep sharpening eyeliner pencils.  I am so lazy sometimes.  This product looked like it fit all of my requirements.

Unfortunately, while I liked the retractable pencil, my liner faded in no time and washed away by lunch.  I guess I have really watery eyes.  The smokey eye look is one thing, but the racoon eye look is something else entirely and just not my cup of tea.  After one week of use, I quit using it and moved on to a different product.  In fact, as I cleaned out my makeup collection to get rid of old or expired cosmetics, I recently chucked this product in the trash.  Don't forget to check your cosmestics ladies!  However, I am keeping my Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black because that holds up pretty well.

BOOB TUBE REVIEW: Private Practice "Two Steps Back" (Season 4, Episode 15)

The truth hurts, but it all depends on how we cope with the truth that truly sets us apart from one another.  Some harbor their emotions and stew, some act on it in conducive or non-conducive ways, some get angry and loud, and some accept it in a mature and level-headed manner.  It all depends on the person and the circumstances.  In Episode 15, the doctors and patients at Oceanside Wellness all dealt with painful truths.  While some came out ahead, others may have fallen behind.

Violet's honesty hurts
Violet is learning to practice what she preaches when she suddenly finds herself on the outs with the rest of the gang by failing to filter her opinions regarding those she works with in her book.  She explains to an irritated Pete that she added more details per her publisher's request.  However, Pete makes it clear to his wife he hates her book and any details regarding his first marriage and mother's incarceration are his story, which is not Violet's business to tell.

Later at Oceanside, Violet gets the cold shoulder from her colleagues.  Amelia doesn't appreciate being called a whore while Sheldon sarcastically tells Violet that he loved her description of him as "sexual leftovers."  Cooper expresses his anger with being described as a "man child," Naomi is shocked when she finds out that Violet mentions Maya's pregnancy, and Charlotte can't believe that Violet claims she knows her fiancee better than Charlotte does.  Much to Charlotte's chagrin, Sam can't help but agree with Violet's claim.

Violet allows the office an opportunity to criticize her out loud to make everyone feel better.  Amelia blurts out that Violet is condescending, Naomi says Violet is cheap, and Sam says she can't dance even though she thinks she can.  Violet apologizes to the gang and leaves it up them to take a vote on whether she should go ahead and publish the book.  Later, Pete tells Violet the gang voted to allow her to publish.

Charlotte and Cooper take one step forward and two steps back when the truth comes out
Charlotte and Cooper visit a therapist.  Cooper tells the therapist that Charlotte won't wear her engagement ring even though he had it fixed and polished.  Charlotte explains that her engagement ring broke when the doctors cut it off her finger to treat her broken left hand from the rape.  She goes on to explain that the ring is a reminder of the rape.  After realizing this, Cooper offers to buy her another ring, but Charlotte says she doesn't want another one.  Cooper is stumped as to what to do and explains that the engagement ring is a step towards marriage.

In therapy, Charlotte tries to convince Cooper that they are moving forward in their lives because there are no more lies or secrets.  However, Cooper admits to her that he kissed Amelia after Charlotte was raped.  He tries to apologize and reminds her of all the times he forgave her in the past, but Charlotte asks for time to process it all.  Later, Charlotte confronts Amelia and asks her whether Amelia kissed Cooper back.  Amelia tells Charlotte that it doesn't matter if she did or not because Cooper was a scared and lost man at the time.  Amelia tells Charlotte that Cooper's love is a gift.

Back in therapy, Charlotte tells Cooper that she forgives him.  Charlotte explains that while she knows that the rape is not her fault, she takes the blame for the lying and cheating.  Cooper was the first man to know all of her and still love her.  Later on, Charlotte suggests to Cooper that they should have a spring BBQ for the their wedding and they should even make it kosher for his parents.  Next step...marriage!

Protecting your daughter from the truth
Erin brings her teenage daughter with Down Syndrome to visit Sam.  Erin's fears that Tanya might be pregnant are confirmed after Sam performs an ultrasound.  Naomi helps Sam talk to Erin about her options, but Erin is unsure whether she will be able to take care of Tanya as well as a baby (who could potentially also have Down Syndrome), and leans toward aborting the baby.  In the meantime, Naomi is able to convince Erin to allow her to perform genetic screening on the baby.  Sam questions Naomi whether pushing for the genetic screening stemmed from her personal views against abortion, but she denies it and says she wants to allow Erin an opportunity to properly weigh all of her options.

Erin also battles with deciding whether to tell Tanya that she is pregnant.  However when Tanya's boyfriend Ricky who has severe learning disabilities comes into the examination room after Naomi performs the genetic screening test, Erin explains to the two that they made a baby together.  She breaks the news that there is no guarantee that they will be able to keep it.

Upon receiving results that Tanya's baby does not show any signs of Down Syndrome, Naomi and Sam drive over to Erin's house to deliver the news in-person.  However, Erin tells them that she took Tanya in that morning to get an abortion.  It's too late.  Erin explains that she will figure out how to explain to Tanya what happened.

Acting out to protect one from the truth
Sheldon treats Andie, a woman who suffers from multiple personality disorder.  Andie's sister Laura and Laura's fiancee, Jack are moving to Arizona and Laura, who has taken care of Andie since their parents died in a car accident many years ago, is worried about leaving Andie in California by herself.  Laura explains to Sheldon that even though Andie was diagnosed with multiple personalities, Andie has not shown any of her other personalities in almost ten years.

After talking with Andie, Sheldon meets Andie's alternate personality, Gina who screams at him to back off.  However, Gina says that she doesn't hate Jack.  He later meets child-like Maggie who is upset with Jack for taking Laura away from her.  As Sheldon gets to know Andie and her other personalities, he is intrigued at how fast Andie is able to switch between her different personalities.  Jack questions if Andie is really sick due to the timing of her behavior--just weeks before he and Laura are supposed to relocate to Arizona.  Laura is adamant that her sister is sick and will stay behind in California if necessary to take care of Andie.  Sheldon starts to grow suspicious too.

During a group meeting, Gina screams at Jack when he starts pushing Laura to open her eyes that Andie just doesn't want them to be together.  She tells him that she hates Jack.  Sheldon tells Andie that the jig is up.  Maggie is the one that hates Jack.  Andie got her personalities reversed.  Andie admits to her sister that she faked it because she loves Jack and didn't want Laura to take him away from her.  Later, Laura tells Andie that even though she is still mad at her she loves her.  They try to work together now knowing the truth.

Naomi stops hiding the truth
While Addison stays back in Connecticut to help the Captain move out of the mansion, Sam is back in California.  He and Naomi are processing that Maya may be attending Columbia University and will be taking Olivia with her clear across the other end of the country.  What about Dink?  Isn't also safe to assume that Maya's husband will be joining his family in New York City?  Sam tells Naomi that he and Addison have been going through a lot of stresses in their relationship lately, and a little time apart is probably good for them.  Naomi knows Sam all too well and calls him out that he is actually really lonely without Addison.  She offers to come over with Olivia and eat dinner with him.  At dinner, Naomi admits to Sam that she is still hurting that Sam chose Addison.  As a result, she is doesn't trust Addison the same way like she used to, but is trying.

After finding out about Tanya's abortion, Naomi is riddled with guilt.  Sam tries to convince her otherwise, but it's not working.  Naomi instead asks for a hug, which leads to an intense moment as Sam pulls Naomi closer and they start to passionately kiss each other.  Looks like while Addison the cat is away, Sam the mouse will play!

BOOB TUBE REVIEW: Hawaii Five-O "Loa Aloha" (Season 1, Episode 18)

When the pilot episode of Hawaii Five-O premiered in September, Danno was portrayed as a wise cracking police officer from New Jersey who was only in Hawaii to be close to his daughter.  The only glimpse of his marshmallow-y inside was portrayed in his loving relationship with Gracie.  Remember when he tried to surprise her a stuffed bunny only to be upstaged by a real bunny?  Danno's disappointed face said it all as he quickly shoved the floppy eared toy in the backseat of the car.  Poor guy.  Episode 18 dives further into the softer side of Danno while rest of the gang is entrenched in a diabolical mystery that is killing targets one after the other.

First up, someone is taking down targets one-by-one via remote controlled explosions.  McGarrett, Chin Ho, and Kono figure out the connection between two murders, and are in hot pursuit of stopping a third one from occurring.  The murderer is targeting the children of individuals involved in his son's DUI case.  As a result, the judge's daughter is killed when her zipline snaps and the prosecuter's son is killed when the car his son is driving explodes.  Both the judge and prosecutor receive phone calls from the murderer prior to witnessing their children die.  A quick high-tech investigation reveals that the next target is the son of the public defender who defended the murderer's son.  However, the murderer's plans are thwarted when the gang arrives just in time to stop the explosive from going off in the 13 year-old's backpack.  As it turns out, the murderer was reluctant to push the remote control button after realizing how young his target was and doesn't fight arrest.

I thought this particular storyline was pretty good and kept me interested throughout the show.  However, I kept on thinking that somehow Danno's brother would be involved in the murder scheme.  Danno's brother Matt had his own set of separate problems.

Matt Williams (Dane Cook) arrives into town with a stack of presents for his niece Gracie.  Danno and Matt go down memory lane with Rachel along for the ride since her husband is out-of-town.  However, all is not peachy during the memory lane journey when Danno notices that his younger brother is being watched and followed.  He quickly finds out that the men are FBI agents and that Matt is the target of an FBI investigation.  Matt comes clean with Danno and tells him that he lost millions of dollars and is trying to recoup the loss and come out ahead by securing one last big deal.  The deal is the reason why he is in Hawaii.  Danno pleads with Matt to turn himself in to the authorities and assures his younger brother that he will be next to him every step of the way.  However, after the deal falls through, Matt prepares to skip town.  Danno eludes the FBI agents and catches his brother right before he is about to board a chartered private jet.  With Danno's gun drawn, he pleads with Matt to stay or he will shoot.  Matt gives Danno an ultimatum--either shoot him or say goodbye to him.  Danno watches Matt board the plane and says goodbye.

As much as I liked the mystery storyline, I was kind of irritated by the Danno's brother storyline and thought it was a distraction.  Plus, I thought Dane Cook's character was a little creepy, but I did like the fact that Danno and Rachel seem to be on better terms.  The bromance between McGarrett and Danno is getting better and more believable.  I can't believe it, but Hawaii Five-O is almost at the end of its first season already!  Can't wait to see what else is in store!