on holiday

I'm currently in Haiti visiting my family so it's going to be quiet 'round these parts. sometimes it's good to get away, unplug and just breathe. that's what I fully intend to do while I'm gone (in case you haven't noticed, my mind's already on vacation as seen by the total lack of proper grammar). I guess I could have been a good blogger and scheduled posts in my absence but let's face it, shit happens.

I still love you. Don't ever leave me.

My goals for this trip include:
1. sleeping
2. eating
3. perfecting my French
4. crossing the border into the Dominican Republic (wouldn't that be badass?)

Physically, I'll be back in the States on the 23rd. Mentally, I probably won't be back until Sept. 1.

Don't tell my boss.

Isn't the photo above breathtaking?!!?!! I took it last summer, when my uncle convinced me to go hiking (which meant climbing a fort/mountain thing). this isn't what one normally thinks of when I say "Haiti" but goes to show there's more to this tiny little island than what you see on TV.

uno mas...

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

how much is too much?

Sunglasses: Karen Walker; Lipstick: IMAN Red

My love of a great pair of sunglasses knows no bounds. As we're nearing the end of summer (am I the only one who goes by the school year calendar?) I fnd that my love only intensifies. There's a difference between summer shades and fall. I could be making this up.

I am making this up.

When a coworker strolled into work several weeks ago with these guys, I knew immediately I had to have them - even if it were only for a photo. I've longed over them as a few of my favorite bloggers rock them in daily outfit posts but temptation is calling. I think this is one item on a very long list of Fall weather necessities.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Beauty on the Go: 3 Brands That's Got You Covered!

As you're reading this, I'll be on a plane making my way to Haiti. While I'm thrilled to have a week and a half where I'm legit off the grid, packing was one hell of a hassle. What do I take? What CAN I take without TSA getting a five finger discount on me? Luckily there are brands that think about these things so you don't have to. Check it out:

1. Supergoop Weekend Essentials Tote
Whether you need TSA approved sunscreens for your carry-on or just something small enough to keep your bag light for a weekend getaway, Supergoop's Weekend Essentials Tote seriously helps a sista out in need!

This bright, travel-friendly terry-cloth tote is packed with everything you’ll need to stay safe during your end-of-summer retreat:
- SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes: Ideal sun protection on the go for both face & body, these paraben-free, water-resistant swipes deliver powerful UV protection.
- SPF 30+ Everyday UV Lotion: A perennial favorite, this lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen lotion mist for face and body is great for all skin types.
- SPF 30+ MintFusion Lip Balm: With an atypically high SPF, this lip balm protects, soothes, and hydrates stressed-out lips with its super-antioxidant and regenerative formulation. The glossy formula adds a great shine over lip color, too!
- SPF 30+ UVA/UVB Sunstick: A super easy-to-apply sunscreen stick that protects small spots (especially the eye area, lips, nose, earlobes and hands, not to mention scars) from aging and burning UVA and UVB rays.

$39.50 at Sephora.com and Supergoop.com

2. M·A·C Sized To Go
A collection released by M·A·C not too long ago, these little guys are gifts of wonder!

M·A·C now allows you to carry on all of your favorite regime: Fix +, Cleanse Off Oil, Cleanse Off Oil/Tranquil, Pro Eye Makeup Remover, Demi-Wipes, Studio Moisture Cream, Strobe Cream, Green Gel Cleanser and Oil Control Lotion - everything you need to keep your skin cleansed, refreshed and hydrated. Each item is sold separately but if you had to pick only ONE item, make it the makeup wipes. You. Will. Not. Regret. It.

Prices start at $10. Check out maccosmetics.com for the full collection.

3. Dermalogica Daily Defense Kit

I've actually been cheating and using the Dermalogica Daily Defense Kit ($20) this whole summer (which leads to me slightly panic since I'm out of body block). The kit includes the brand's Daily Defense Multivitamin Body Block SPF 20, the SPF 30 Solar Defense Booster, Solar Shield Lip Balm, and the After Sun Repair (a gel moisturizer that can help calm irritated skin). The Solar Shield Lip Balm has permanent residence in my handbags since I use it as a balm for my lips and other random areas.

Happy travels!

Disclosure: Samples provided for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

4 Contests You Should Be Entering Now!!

As a former athlete (track team, wha! wha!), I all about being competitive. Rarely do I ever post about brand contests but these guys are a few my favorite brands so I'm making an exception. If you win, remember who sent ya ;)

1. Lose it to Redken!
Shoutout to all of my virgins (Redken haircolor virgins, kids)! Head on over to the Redken Fasbook page and upload a photo of yourself in the “Redken Haircolor Virgin” tab. You'll receive a Redken Haircolor Virgin stamp on said photo which will be added to a library featuring other entrants. Users have until September 30 to vote for their favorite Redken Haircolor Virgin. The winner will receive a three-day trip to La La Land (Los Angeles) and a haircolor makeover with Redken Celebrity Colorist Tracey Cunningham. There will be ten first-prize winners who will be awarded a $250 gift card to be used at their local Redken Salon.

2.Diptyque Summer Twitter Promotion
Twitter gals (and guys!) tell @diptyqueparis you favorite summer vacation #scentmemory for the chance to win a large indoor/outdoor Figuier candle!!

3. Happy Birthday Maybelline Great Lash!

On Sunday, August 14th from 7pm - 9 pm EST @Maybelline is throwing a Twitter Party in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Great Lash, their #1 selling, iconic mascara! It will be an evening of Great Lash fun, including beauty tips, trivia and Great Lash prizes. The evening will also celebrate the launch of the Great Lash Limited Edition collection designed by Max Azria, Vivienne Tam and Tracy Reese available exclusively through Target. The three new mascaras will be available starting August 14th through Target.com and available in Target stores nationwide on August 21st.

4. Aveda "Sky High Hair" Facebook Contest
Visit the Aveda Facebook page to enter the "Sky High Hair" Facebook contest. The rules: upload a photo of yourself and your BEST 'do (check out the entries, people are going all out!) Winner receives a year's supply of Control Force Hair Spray (aka a whole lotta hairspray).

Good luck!

Disclaimer: Aveda a is a client at the company I work. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

My Top 5 Go To Red Lipsticks

Ever since I mustered up the courage to wear red lipstick, there's absolutely NO stopping me! There's something magnetic about a red lip - whether it's a bright cherry red or deep wine. It instantly polishes up your look and turns any outfit into a WOW. Below check out my top five must have reds that take you from summer to winter and back again.

1. Bite High Pigment Matte Pencil in Pomegranate, $24
I love a good pencil since it's just about the easiest way to apply a lip color. This deep red applies smoothly and has MAYJOR lasting power.
2. Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE SPF15 Pure Colour Satiny Radiance in Le Rouge, $30
Another slightly deep red color that provides deep pigmentation without bleeding or feathering. Although on the expensive side, I love wearing this when I feel like dressing up.
3. Revlon Super Lustrous - Creme Lipstick, Fire & Ice, $7.99
CLASSIC! This is a BRIGHT red that is definitely not for the shy. I absoultely love the way it looks on dark skin and have gone through two tubes within the last three months (no easy feat!). Since it is a brighter red, I keep all of the focus on my lips by keeping my face bare (foundation, mascara and lips) paired with a crisp white tee and jeans.
4. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, $24
The one that started it all. When I was easing into the whole red lips territory, I purchased Dragon Girl after haring rave reviews. A little on the bright side (through not like Revlon's above) this lasts through breakfast and lunch with perhaps a reapplication during the evening.
5. IMAN Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick, Iman Red 005 $8.99
Anything with the name IMAN on it has me hooked. This provides a pop of color since it's neither cherry red or deep wine. I apply in the morning and by midday I'm left with what looks like a stain (perfect since I can just add a bit of clear gloss for a wuick pick me up and refresh).

Disclosure: some samples provided for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.