Challenges Mean One Thing, Strength

This past week has been extremely stressful. I've spent hours searching for apartments, toured some that might have come straight out of a scene from a horror film and put my $75 "holding fee" on a couple of places. I put quotes around "holding fee" because I'm not quite sure I trust the whole situation. But, signing a lease in New York City is what I would imagine it's like buying a home, well, back home. I'm also wondering how the hell am I going to move on my own? I don't have a car, any family remotely close, no burly boyfriend to carry my bed, etc. I'll be sure to tell you when I sign my papers and post pictures of me dragging my bed across Wall St. Ha Ha

I'm also a little nervous about my baby sis. See, today she left for Austria. I'm super excited for her, maybe a little jealous and wish I would have done this in college too! I made sure to tell her plenty of times to be safe. I have sent her two emails already!! I forgot she can't call so I have to say thank goodness for Facebook. (I can't believe I'm thanking something that has become my No. 1 procrastination device!) I made sure to ask her what she included in her "beauty bag." Be sure to check back and I'll keep you posted. Let's see if she took the advice her big sis gave her, pack a few key items and you'll be set. And as I was going through some of my favorite items in the Lancôme beauty closet one day, I noticed that several items are small enough to be a carry-on item!

I guess after writing this post it has me coming back to the "beauty" of one thing, friendship. And the strength friendship provides. Reason one, my old roommate Em called after work. Even though I was two weeks late in getting her gift in the mail, she absolutely loved it. I made her a necklace and earrings to go with a dress we both bought. I was in New York and she was in Iowa, neither of us had a clue. Reason two, my friend Jen has listened to me bitch and whine, debate and cry over what's my next step. And she's still answering my calls. Reason three, my mom and her group of friends like to spoil their children in nurturing ways. They gather monthly to make homemade cards. She sent one a little while ago that I read every morning before I leave for work. It says...

"Every experience God gives us, every person he brings into our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." -Carrie tenBoom, Holocoust Survivor

Reason four, my mom (and our family) has a dear friend who is struggling with a parent in hospice. I was on the phone with my dad tonight sharing a few times I remember being around her. She is a great lady and I can't imagine what my mom's friend is feeling at the moment. Mom and another friend from the great "mother's group" went to visit their friends mom tonight. Before they left they reminded the mother they'd take care of her daughter. I guess it's true what they say, the beauty of a few great friends is more than words can explain.

So, I know it's only Monday. Some of us might have already experienced a long week. But try to remember that things could be worse. And maybe try reaching out to an old friend. Friendship is beauty, embrace it.

P.S. To all my girlfriends who remember our middle school years, I was in the supermarket last night and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" came on. I don't think I need to say anymore.

Sweet dreams from NYC.

Sexy, Fuller Lashes Just in Time for Summer

It's no secret that Lancôme is the global lash expert. Lancôme's Definicils Mascara is the No. 1 luxury brand mascara on the market. I have used this formula religiously for the last year and make sure I always have a new tube on-hand.

Can my love for a great tube of mascara get any stronger? Thanks to Lancômes latest lash discovery, Definicils Precious Cells, it can! Definicils Precious Cells is the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes and deliver lash by lash fullness. Lancôme's newest ambassadress Julia Roberts is the face of Definicils Precious Cells. Now we're talking serious beauty.

Ingredients found in "DPC" working to create healthier lashes include:

• Swiss apple extract: will restore the environment of the epidermal stem cells in vitro.
• Madecassoside: derived from centella asiatica, a healing plant from Madagascar, will help to strengthen and thicken lashes.
• Arginine: amino acid with conditioning properties.

The formula is creamy and defines your lashes beautifully, while also creating a fuller look. Plus, for those of you who struggle with weak lashes that fall out easily, this mascara is easy to remove. It even reduces the chance of lash loss!

According to Lancôme, after four weeks, a panel of 101 women raved about the new mascara. More than half of the women perceived their lashes to be in better condition and reported a reduced loss of lashes during makeup removal.

I have to tell you, I have never purchased or worn fake lashes. Nor have I tried any products to make my lashes longer. I will tell you, I'm a fan of this new mascara. My lashes appear fuller, longer and healthier. And I've only been using it for a few weeks. The price is unbeatable too, $29.

Definicils Precious Cells will be available August 2010 at all Lancôme counters nationwide and on lancome-usa.com. Pre-order on lancome-usa.com now to make sure you are one of the first to try!

Image courtesy of lancome-usa.com.

Since We Last Talked...

Hi, all! Wow!! I can't believe it's been a few weeks since I've blogged. After today's post, I'm sure you'll understand why. Between events for work, designing jewelry, apartment searching and going "back to school" I've hardly had time to sit back and relax.

First, we've had a couple events at Lancôme recently. We visited with editors from respected beauty and fashion publications in the magazine industry. This event was held at Jerome Dreyfuss in SoHo. (Click on the link to see pictures of the studio and the amazing handbags) The weather was perfect, the sun was out and I was able to take some time during my day to explore all SoHo has to offer. I had lunch alone on a park bench along the cobble-stone streets, and it was nice. As soon as I can tell you about Lancôme goodies we discussed, I'll let you know. What I can say is this, if you like Lancôme's Tresor you'll "be in love" with the aroma of what's next.

Yesterday, Lancôme hosted an event for bloggers and vloggers at The Lancôme Boutique on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. Legendary makeup artist Sandy Linter was on-site offering makeup tips and answering all your makeup question needs! It was a lovely afternoon and there were plenty of Magnolia cupakes to go around. Plus, everyone who attended the event was matched for their personal shade of Lancome's new Fresh Wear Foundation. I can't get enough of this product. I'll be sure to share more details about the event and Fresh Wear later.

I have started designing jewelry again. My dad has made too many great pieces lately so I guess you could say I felt intimidated and needed to step-up my game. I'll be sure to show you my first "collection" once I'm finished. I get so lost in the bead stores that hours will pass and I don't even notice.

And, I went back to school? That's right. It's been a really tough and stressful past month. Iowa State decided to call and tell me after what I like to call "my first graduation" in December that I was 1.5 credits short. I was ordered to take another two credits and had to write a 20-30 page research paper. There is one lesson I learned from this experience that I'd like to share with everyone. Document everything!! I wish I had.

Lastly, I have to move. I learned that while I decided to visit home for Alumni Weekend my room was not unoccupied while I was away. A couple items have since gone missing. And there's way too many bodies in one tiny area for any privacy whatsoever. So the search is on! I'll keep you posted. I'd love for visitors this Summer.

Don't forget to read my blog tomorrow. I'm going to share how I got longer, fuller lashes in less than a month by using a new Lancôme mascara. Don't worry, it's affordable and you can too!!

I want to start giveaways soon. Write me, please. Ask me anything you want to know about makeup, beauty and skincare. If I can't provide the best answer I will ask an expert who can. What products would you most like to see in a giveaway? What's something you've been anxious to try and learn about?

Enjoy your Sunday afternoon. The pictures above are from my day in SoHo, the event at The Lancôme Boutique and a couple others in Manhattan.