Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!

Guess who turned 50 today? That's right, my mom!! She has joined several friends at this beautiful age. The fun started yesterday when her morning "workout crews" surprised her with a large selection of birds (no, not real ones). Mom HATES birds. To poke a little more fun, last night at golf they presented her with a custom piece of fashion... a t-shirt covered in feathers. With all pranks aside, she told me last night she had a really good time. So first off, thank you to all of her friends for taking care of her birthday festivities back home.

More importantly, I get to extend the celebration with her starting tomorrow. Mom is flying to New York City for a weekend of fun, shopping, great food and hopefully a Broadway show. I have tickets for an event Friday night, but I'm afraid she'll read this post tonight and the surprise will be ruined. We're also hoping to hit up a few flea markets. I think we're both after vintage jewelry!

I just have to add, I have one of the coolest mom's ever. I can only hope that I look half as good or act half as cool as she does at 50. Here's to 50 more amazing and blessed years, mom!

I promise to put up pictues and keep you posted on our finds and fun this weekend.

I Know You Love Her Makeup Tutorials

Lancome wants your beauty opinion! This week Lancome video makeup artist Michelle Phan made her first trip to Paris. Michelle's fans have been able to follow her adventures via Facebook for the past couple of days. Among places she's been able to gather inspiration from for her next video include: The Tresor Bridge, shopping in St. Germain, Rodin Museum, Eiffel Tower and The Louvre.

Michelle also offered traveling advice on Facebook. When taking long flights it's essential to keep your skin hydrated. She recommended two Lancome favorites of mine to keep your skin healthy, Eau Fraiche Douceur Cleansing Water and Genifique Cream Serum. I have to have Genifique Cream Serum on my face before I apply any makeup.

NOW FOR THE BEST PART! Lancome and Michelle invite followers to vote on the next theme for her video inspired from her trip.

I voted for Natural Beauty, what's yours? Follow this link to vote now! http://apps.facebook.com/michellephaninparis/

Image above is from the Lancome Facebook page.

The Start to My Summer Goes Something Like This

Hi everyone, I finally moved!! Which is why I haven't been on here for quite a while. We do not have Internet yet, and in some respect it has been kind of nice. I thought I'd give you a quick update before I leave the office.

My new place (95 Wall St.) has everything I need to be comfortable and successful AND MORE! I've posted a picture above of the kitchen. Let's be real, I'm not much of a cook. But the chandelier is gorgeous and makes me feel like I no longer live in a cramped apartment in NYC.

I was walking down Wall St. the other night to get home and noticed red carpet and a large crowd in front of Cipriani. Naturally, the tourist inside of me decided to stop and check it out. A fundraiser was being held and among guests I caught a glimpse of were JLO and Marc Anthony (I will put pictures up soon). I also snapped a quick shot of a guy I thought looked like Bernie Williams. Well, I realized later it was him. So much for getting my baseball (that's been in my purse & unsigned for more than a year now) signed. I'm pretty sure my Dad has lost all faith in getting an autograph from me...

I've also been able to get my beads back out and start designing some jewelry. From the necklaces pictured above, the one that has my favorite color in it (turqouise) was designed by Dad. He continues to WOW ME WITH HIS DESIGNS!! The brown necklace is a piece I made for my old roommate, Em. Stay tuned, because I'm working on some great pieces for Summer.

Speaking of Summer, if you're reading this and you don't live in NYC...don't be jealous. The Subways seem to be extra crowded now that it's super hot out. I also feel like some people have mistakenly forgotten to put deodorant on that day!!

Lastly, I have to give Iowa State a shout out today. An adviser from Iowa State visited and I learned that not only do we have roughly 30 students doing internships in New York, but some of the companies they are working for include: Ralph Lauren, L'Oreal, US Weekly and InStyle magazine. These are just to name a few, trust me...only a few. Go Cyclones! I also got a copy of the latest TREND issue and it is full of amazing fashion & beauty...congrats, TREND on a great issue!

My Crew Back Home

I just finished Skyping with my parents and cousin Austin. Today is his 10th birthday, Happy Birthday Austin!! All I have to say is time is going way too fast. And I'm extremely thankful for the technology we have available to us. How else would my sister have sent the adorable picture of Justin (the one w/chocolate cake all over his face above) on his 5th birthday, June 1? Happy Birthday, Justin!! And Happy Belated Birthday to Aunt Krisiti on June 7th!!

I'm thankful for such an amazing family back home. I miss you all terribly. I was suppose to be moving to my new place today, but now I'm told tomorrow. Anyways, thank you family & friends back home for all the support. A few have even offered to fly out here to help move my bed across Wall St. I'm truly blessed.

The cute little one in the green polo, plaid pants and sweet sandals, that's my little guy Benjamin. When I left he was only a month old and tiny. Now he's almost 7 months and beginning to move around and mess with mom's home decor.

Miss Olivia, I saw pictures from your Utah trip with your mom. It looks like you are having an amazing time. Call me again soon, you're the only one I can have "girl talk" with!

Last but not least, doesn't Jenna look fab in her picture from Austria? Sounds like she had such an amazing time she almost didn't return. Will another Mollenhauer leave the state of Iowa, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

And Grandpa O., you are an amazing man and I'm praying for you. Get well soon.

TO ALL MY BUDDIES BACK HOME, YOU ARE THE BEST SUPPORT SYSTEM EVER. I MISS YOU!! CALL ME SOON.

Austin, good luck at your game tomorrow. Hope you get the ice cream stain out of your new ISU shirt.

xo-

At Work in New York

I have said this many times I know, but working at Lancome is never dull. This afternoon, spokesmodel Arlenis Sosa stopped by for a quick visit. Her mother and aunt came as well. She was looking fabulous, like always. Who knew that a baggy pair of jeans, classy blazer and black top could look so chic?! And the heels she had on, I wish I would have asked where she bought them!

Arlenis became a part of the Lancome family in 2008. She has also appeared in magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Teen Vogue and made People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful List. Of course, these are just to name a few. Arlenis has worked for some of the most highly known designers in the world. Fashion shows play a huge role in her career. She participated in the 2008 Victoria's Secret Show and has been in ads for David Yurman (still saving to buy a bracelet from this designer), Topshop and Gap.

Despite a quick rise to fame, Arlenis has a beautiful heart. When she arrived at the office she had a smile on her face and brought a fruit "pizza" for everyone to share. Before leaving she grabbed a couple of her favorite Juicy Tubes to throw in her purse and made sure the girls had a photo opportunity with her. We both love the shade Spring Fling!!

Enjoy the pictures above from our afternoon with Arlenis Sosa, a true beauty.

Eau Fraiche Douceur, Refreshing!

My beauty regimen was introduced to Eau Fraiche Douceur a little over a year ago. And it has never been the same! I feel so refreshed after using this product it's unbelievable. I always start by removing my makeup with BiFacil (only the best makeup remover on the market). Immediately following I dab a cotton pad with a few pumps of Eau Fraiche Douceur and wipe my face clean.

I would also recommend throwing a bottle of this product in your beach bag. Yesterday, I went to the beach with Maddy and was feeling really gritty when I got home. I was thinking it would have been nice to have this cleansing water along to wipe all the sunscreen and oil off my face before I had to sit on the train for 45 minutes feeling gross! PRODUCT BONUS, there is no need to rinse after!

Lastly, for those evenings you fall asleep before getting to wash your face or even take your shoes off (which I've done a few times this past week) it's nice to wake up in the morning and wipe off all the impurities before you shower or put on your makeup.

This product can be found on lancome-usa.com or Lancome counters nationwide, $34.50.

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.