I'm a big fan of:

Calvin Klein - Electric Edge Liquid Liner Marker Pen

LUSH - Godiva Solid Shampoo

Jonathan - Spray Dirt

Shout Out: Emerald City Shoe Repair

I'm a terrible procrastinator when it comes to getting my shoes repaired.  I waited about a year too long to get my favorite pair of black boots fixed. The heels were worn down, there was no tread left and I was letting in water at the toes on rainy days.   I knew it wouldn't be a cheap fix and kept looking for a pair of replacement boots. No luck.   I've been pleased with the multiple pairs of heels I've had replaced at Emerald City Shoe Repair, so I trusted them with my boots.  

Dropped my boots off on Thursday morning and picked them up the following Tuesday.  $47 later and it's like having new boots again.  I'd highly recommend Emerald City Shoe Repair! 

Location:

306 Union St, Seattle WA 98101 (between 3rd Ave & 4th Ave on Union St)

Contact: 

206-215-4070 (no website or email that I can find)

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 9:30am - 6pm

Sat. 11am-5pm

Sun. CLOSED

Lovely things, happy things

Favorite new (to me) CD: East Village Opera Company "East Village Opera Company"

Favorite souvenirs from Spain (thanks Mom & Dad!!):

Everyone's favorite 'Big Brother'

September 2--Google launched their browser, Chrome.  I've been testing it for the past 20 days and gladly left IE, Safari & Firefox behind.  It's fast, doesn't slow down my PC (huge problem with other browsers), and easy to use.  The only drawback is that Google now has even more access to every bit of information pertaining to you and your internet habits.  If you feel that 'Big Brother' over your shoulder you can use Chrome in Incognito mode (CTRL+SHIFT+N).

Try out Chrome.

Restoring Sanity (tips for insanely busy, but responsible adults)

If you're anything like me, your life is extraordinarily busy and full of responsibilities (don't you just love being an adult!).  My search for sanity and order usually involves making lists, a habit that started in grade school (Type A tendencies?).  Recently, I've been looking for a replacement to post it notes and one of my good friends (via his iPhone-list making-guru friend) sent me to Zenbe Lists.  

I've tried a few options/systems for keeping track of all those pesky "to dos".  It's not easy!  I wanted to find technology that's useful online and on my iPhone...why was that so hard to do?  Zenbe Lists are practical, easy-to-use, sync with the iPhone and come with a few extra perks (like sharing lists with friends).  

Just to give you a snapshot of the insanity--between now and the end of December I have: 

• future sister-in-law's bridal & personal shower
• future sister-in-law's bachelorette party
• brother/future sister-in-law's wedding (did I mention I'm a bridesmaid)
• numerous YP events I help with (+ other church responsibilities)
• sister's bridal & personal shower
• sister's bachelorette party
• sister/future brother-in-law's wedding (did I mention I'm the maid of honor)
• family events-unrelated to weddings
• friend gatherings (birthdays, random, etc..)
• national holidays
• 2 week vacation in Europe (right between the two weddings)  

That's just the social "stuff".  I also have a full-time job that I love and occasionally I attempt to get a few hours of sleep.  All this to say, if I don't have my life organized and easy to access everywhere I go--I'll be lost and stressed.  So try it out!  See how much easier your life can get with Zenbe Lists :-) 

Guilty Pleasures, Part II

I'm a girl. Now hopefully, that's not too big of a shock to anyone. My best friend started wearing make-up in the 4th grade and you'd think I would have wanted to do the same. Maybe I did, but I don't remember. Considering I used to hide my mother's horde of make-up (mascara & blush) so that she wouldn't be "fake", I doubt I was too envious of my best friend. All that to say, I didn't start experimenting with make-up until I was 17. That's when the obsession began.

Here's my Top 10 favorite make-up recommendations (in no particular order):

1. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
2. Benefit Cosmetic Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner (any color)

3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

4. Tarte Cheekstains (any color)

5. Benefit Cosmetic You Rebel
6. Urban Decay Surreal Skin Mineral Make-up

7. Paula Dorf Transformer

8. Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion (any color)

9. CARGO Eye Shadow Palette (Paradise Island)

10. Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer

11+ (other items I'd recommend): Stila Kajal Eye Liner, Tarte Lock & Roll, ShiSeido Cream Shadow, Smashbox Highlighter Quad, Tarte Clean Slate, NARS Eyeshadow (powder) Duo & Smashbox O-Glow

Coming soon: Fragrance, Hair, Skincare, Bath & Body