RAMBLE: Co-worker Clutter

SOURCE:  Google

Today was the last day of work for one of my co-workers. She is moving onto another job and leaving behind her clutter.  I am supposed to move into her office space tomorrow and I am dreading what I will find as I bulldoze my way through her mess.

I am not the neatest person in the world and am ashamed to admit that my bedroom is looking rather cluttered right now with Christmas gifts that need wrapping and stacks of clothes that need to be donated to Goodwill.  However, I keep my office space in relative good order.  It is nearly impossible for me to produce neat and tidy work from a messy work space.  For some reason my brain is just not programed in that manner.

That is clearly not the case for my co-worker.  I was appalled to discover her office literally filled from floor to ceiling with STUFF...papers, files, books, shoes, trash, and even empty soda cans strewn haphazardly on the floor.  Every inch of desk space was covered and every book shelf packed.  Oh, and did I mention the smell?

She was reminded to clean out her office before she left work tonight because I would be moving into her office the next day.  The office space I currently have now will be filled by a new hire on Friday, so it doesn't give me much time to clean out her office and move my stuff in.  When I left the office this evening and peeked into her office, I didn't notice much progress.

Perhaps I am not cutting her enough slack and tomorrow I will arrive to work with a completely cleared out office to move into.  The power of positive thinking, right?  I have a feeling that I will be up to my ears in Clorox wipes, Swiffer dusters, Febreeze, and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.  I better wear something comfortable because I will be lots of spring cleaning!

BEAUTY REVIEW: L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Mascara is a makeup product that I wear daily, but don't really get that much bang for my buck.  I have really skimpy eyelashes.  They are short and sparse and really don't show up even with a ton of mascara on.  However, it is far better for me to wear mascara than without, so there I am every morning in front of the mirror; carefully applying mascara.  Honestly, I just don't have time in the morning to apply false eyelashes either.

I am always looking for a good mascara that will provide me volume and length.  However, the most important feature for me in a mascara is that it has to be waterproof and smudge proof.  I have gone through far too many tubes of mascara claiming to be both, but by lunch time, my raccoon eyes set in, which can be difficult to wipe away.

I was excited to hear about the new L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara, which claims to have a lash sculpting fiber formula that adheres to lashes for a volumized, sculpted lash effect.  Lashes are supposed to appear fuller, longer, sculpted, and curled.  Furthermore, and of most particular interest to me, the product claims to be clump-free, flake-free, and smudge-free.  I was intrigued and decided to see how this mascara would perform on my wimpy lashes.

Unfortunately, I give this product a thumbs down for several reasons:

1. The wand is too long.  With a long applicator wand, I feel like I have less control of the mascara brush and application.
2. The applicator brush is too long.  I have small eyes on top of the fact that I have wimpy eyelashes, which makes applying mascara a little trickier for me, especially when reaching my corner lashes.  I  poked my eye more than a couple of times when I used this product.
3. The triangular shape of the mascara tube is hard to grip.  I am used to a round tube and the angles of this mascara tube do not comfortably fit in my hand or between my fingers.
4. You really need to build this product onto your lashes.  The formula has a drier consistency, which I prefer over a wet formula, but needs building with several applications to achieve a thick and full lash look.
5. The formula is not clump-free.  While building up my mascara, I noticed that my lashes were starting to clump together.  I had to stop before all I had was only a couple of spider leg lashes on each eye.
6. The formula is not smudge-free.  While I admit that I tend to have teary eyes, I noticed that by lunch, I was developing raccoon rings around the outer corners of my eyes.
7. The formula takes a little more elbow grease to remove.  I use the Physicians Formula Cleansing Lotion to remove my makeup.  I love this product because it takes off all of my makeup, including my waterproof mascara with little rubbing.  I needed to do a little more rubbing to remove this mascara from my lashes.  I noticed clumps on my lashes even after I washed my face, which I had to carefully remove by hand without pulling out my lashes.

I usually end up loving products that are raved about by YouTube makeup gurus, but this time I have to pass on this product.  Back to my favorite mascara--CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion!

RAVE FAVE: Organization Tip for Hair Pins

Finally organized!

I've been meaning to for a very long time to get organized.  I am so tired of seeing my things from hair pins, accessories, jewelry, makeup, and handbags lie scattered though out my room.  It's not total chaos--more like controlled piles of things that belong together, but no real structured organization.

I love to watch videos on YouTube offering organizational tips.  I get ideas and inspiration from these videos, but the motivation doesn't last too long once I start looking at the prices of possible containers, baskets, bins, and furniture.  Then, the question becomes how many containers, baskets, and bins do I need?  I also am aware that I need to get rid of a whole bunch of stuff before I can even begin to organize and reduce the clutter.  Going through my closet and dresser drawers...[sigh]...now, that's going to take even more time.  So, I decided that perhaps I just need to start small and slowly work my way through my controlled chaos.

One area that needs some organization is my hair accessories.  I have accumulated over the years a huge array of pins, elastics, barrettes, and clips.  I've resorted to filling Ziploc bags and have an old Neiman Marcus box full of products that I bought as backups and I haven't touched yet.  Getting a measly bobbie pin in the morning can be a bit of an ordeal.

The containers stack neatly.

Today, while I was meandering through the aisles of Longs Drugs trying to find the plastic forks and spoons, I came across a trio of small plastic square containers.  I immediately thought that these containers would be perfect for my bobbie pins, which at the time, resided in a flat Snoopy tin I got for Christmas with paper trays to separate the different types of pins.

Now, my hair pins have a new home.  I placed my pins in the following manner:

• U-shaped bobbie pins and flat mini hair clips;
• Large bobbie pins and alligator clips; and
• Standard bobbie pins.

The best thing about separating my hair pins into containers is that they stack neatly--one on top of each other.  Now I can easily reach for a bobbie pin without rifling through a box of other hair clips, pins, and accessories.  Also, because the containers are clear, I can quickly find the type of hair pin I need.

The next problem, finding a place to put the containers.  Oh well...baby steps...

RAMBLE: Coffee Addict

A fresh cup of 100% Kona coffee at Orchids at the Halekulani

I admit it.  I have a problem.  I am addicted to coffee.  It has come to the point where if I don't have a cup of java, I develop a nagging headache, my mind is a little fuzzy, and...well...I am a wee bit grumpy.

This morning I woke up with a splitting headache that a couple of extra strength Tylenol caplets did not help.  I had a brunch to attend this morning, so I didn't have time to nurse my headache with a few more hours of sleep.  Besides, I knew the real reason behind my headache:  Lack of my morning cup of coffee.

My addiction is actually not that terrible when you consider that studies find that a cup of coffee a day helps prevent strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and certain cancers.  It's not like I am popping No Doze pills in addition to my morning java, or drinking gallons of coffee a day to keep the shakes away.  However, I admit that I am better off with my daily cup of coffee than without.

Needless to say, after my cup of coffee at brunch, my headache became a thing of the past.  The cobwebs cleared and I started to speak a little more cognitively.  I guess for now, my morning cup of java and I will be attached to the hip.  Sounds like a happy coexistence to me!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Conair Infiniti You Style Curler & Straightener

SOURCE:  Amazon

I've been looking for a new flat iron and curling iron lately.  I have an old Revlon wet and dry flat iron and curling iron that I mostly use to straighten my hair, but I wanted something that heated up higher.  While the flat iron feature does a good job with my hair, the curling iron does not get hot enough to keep the curl in my hair.

My hair is naturally straight and has a difficult time holding a curl unless a lot of product is used or the tool is a salon tool.  I find that drugstore curling and flat irons do not get as hot as the ones found in salons, at least in my personal opinion.

This opinion rang true until I found Conair's Infiniti line of hairdryers, curling irons, and flat irons.  The nano silver tourmaline heating plates create shine and volume without ruining or frying your hair.  Conair Infiniti has a You Curl product, which is a clip-less curling iron that is all the rage with YouTube beauty gurus.  However, I didn't hear about the You Style implement until I happened to peruse through the shelves of my local drugstore when Conair hairstyling tools were on sale.

The Conair Infiniti You Style tool is a flat iron and curling iron in one tool.  You can create waves or curls using the curved edge curling plates or straight styles using the traditional flat straightening plates.  The product comes with an instructional DVD to help you create different styles.

I used this to straighten my hair for the pin straight look and found that this tool left my hair silky, smooth, and shiny.  I kept running my fingers through my hair without any resistance.  The curling feature is a little trickier and takes some practice and more time to do, but once I got the hang of it, my curls lasted longer than they usually do when using my Revlon curling iron.

Some of the negative reviews regarding this product are that the curls do not form correctly even when following the instructions.  I found three tricks to help me achieve the curls I want:

• First, curl smaller sections of your hair to help disperse the heat better.  Smaller sections mean that curling your hair will take more time.
• Second, loosely wrap your sections around the "barrel" of the instrument before pulling the "barrel" down while holding the end of your section with your fingers.  Be careful that you don't burn your fingers while doing this.
• Third, pull down the instrument slowly through your parted section.  The slower you pull it down, the tighter curl you create.  Again, this method will take more time.

All in all, this product does what it claims to produce.  However, in the morning, I don't have time to curl my hair in the fashion that I just described above; thus, I end up using the flat iron feature.  I think I get faster results by using my old curling iron even though the curl doesn't hold as long.  Unfortunately, I just don't have time in the morning.

RAMBLE: Denim Fridays

SOURCE:  Google

I recently switched jobs and one of the perks of my new job is that we get to wear jeans on Friday!  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate casual Fridays.  While I appreciate the need to look and act in a professional manner, I also appreciate working in comfort.

Today I complemented my favorite pair of denim skinny jeans with a pair of five inch black peep toe Jessica Simpson platform heels (yes, I own a pair of Jessica Simpson shoes!), black camisole from Aeropostale, and tan and black horizontal half sleeve sweater from Style & Co.  I swear that I got so much done today because I was comfortable.  With jeans on, I find myself curled up comfortably in my office desk chair.  I don't feel the need to sit properly with my legs neatly crossed while making sure that my slip is not showing.  Don't get me wrong, I love to dress up for work, but I appreciate comfort too.

My previous job followed a strict dress code that explicitly stated that no denim of any kind was allowed, even denim jackets.  I admit that I was a bit of a rebel and wore tailored dark denim blazers.  The other piece of clothing that was banned was capri or ankle length pants.  While I understand prohibiting shorts or mini skirts at work, capri and ankle length pants are so much more comfortable and sensible for Hawaii's warmer climates.  Alas, my former boss is a traditional woman with a very strict mindset of how her employees represent the office and our profession.

While my new boss appreciates our profession and reminds us that we represent the office, he also recognizes comfort.  So, during our slower months of the year, we are allowed to wear denim jeans on Fridays, but of course within reason.  I usually bring a pair of slacks with me to work; just in case I need to meet with someone.  Other than that, I am essentially in my office getting my work done in comfort!

Well, I better enjoy is while it last because next month our busy season starts and we won't be allowed to wear jeans on Friday until May/June.  I plan to milk these last few Fridays of 2011 for all its worth!

SHOPPING THERAPY: Blingy Hair Bows

Pair of bow hair clips from Hello Beautiful

I know...Christmas is the season of giving when we all flock to the stores to buy something nice for someone on our Christmas list.  So, I did just that today.  In fact, I bought something for my mom and all four of the secretaries in my office.  That's five Christmas presents all together, so surely in the spirit of giving, it is only fair that I can give to myself too, right?

As the lovely ladies at Hello Beautiful were wrapping all of my Christmas presents for me (thank you!), I perused their large selection of jewelry and hair ornaments.  I am starting to collect a lot of hair clips, bows, and pins lately.  Hair ornaments are just so cute and cheerful.

I found all sorts of shiny and sparkling hair clips, combs, and pins as well as super cute headbands with glittery studs or colorful feathers.  I found these two bow hair clips for $6 each.  The black bow is adorned with shiny silver studs while the white is decorated with white iridescent studs.  Both are fastened by an alligator clip on the back and can be worn on the side or back of the head.  The store had other colors too, but I thought white and black were the most versatile.

I already wore the black one tonight at dinner.  I thought they were perfect for the holidays and can be worn all year young during the day for extra charm and at night for a little pizazz.  Happy Holidays to myself!