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#28: Read 100 books

I finished another book. I actually finished a couple of days ago, but haven't had time to update. I love reading series, getting invested in the characters, not being able to wait and see what happens. This is book number 6 of 10. I highly recommend the Alexandra Cooper series. She is a NY DA in charge of the sex crimes unit. Great series.

style star: Alice Dellal

I haven't blogged in forever- I've just been in a blogging 'funk' for the past couple of months and I didn't want to force it. Sometimes you just have to take a bit of a break! When I'm feeling more up to it I'll come back to blogging in full force. But for now, here's a style star for you- model and partygal Alice Dellal. I love that this chick is fearless! She doesn't just dress 'grunge' but lives it. I can't decide if I like her better as a natural blonde, bleach blonde or a brunette- but she definetly rocks all three.

#27: Read 50 Non-crime books

I read my first non-crime related book, Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann. It has been a long time since I have read a book on a different subject. I would have never read this book on my own, but it was the next book in an online book club, so I thought I would give it a try. It took a little will for me to get into. I think part of the problem was it was not my typical subject matter. But once I got into it, I liked it. It is the a story on various people revolving around one central event. It reminded me of a cross between Crash and Vantage Point. Yes, I will relate books to movies whenever I can.

Perfume reviews : Chant d'Aromes by Guerlain: fragrance review

As I lay my hands on the black and ivory keyboard of my Pleyel, fingering Le Lac de Côme, I can't but feel the optimism and bright sunshine of a summer's day that Chant d’Arômes by Guerlain evokes in me as well. One of the lesser known Guerlains, it is akin to an innocent young love that is blossoming into the happiness of womanhood. This summer I happily rediscovered this old flame of mine and have been enjoying its tender peachiness and delicate, caressing powderiness anew.

Chant d’Arômes was created in 1962 by young Jean Paul Guerlain for his future wife, who was so loyal to her favorite Ma Griffe by Carven that she didn't wear any of the fragrances of the house her fiancé was about to inherit! In a getting even roundabout way, Jean Paul created this peachy, lactonic, floral chypre to lure her into wearing a Guerlain and thus made his first foray into the illustrious line of creations of the historical house.

Erroneously translated as "Language of Flowers" sometimes, its French name in fact has the elegiac meaning of "Song of Aromas" which beautifully echoes its oneiric musical cadenzas.

The translucent opening of Chant d’Arômes ~with what seems like a dash of mandarin~ is not unlike the older version of Ma Griffe which was much brighter due to lots of bergamot and aldehydes or Chanel No.22 with its incense touch, lending a sparkling and intriguing character to the composition. It very soon melts into the embrace of the undecalactone of peach skin ~soft, fuzzy and completely mesmerising; tender like the hand of a mother, loving like the gaze of a lover in the first throes of romance. The flowers are all subdued and well blended into a medley of harmonious arpeggios, revealing little hints of this or that at the most unexpected turns, never heady, never loud. Through it all, there sings the brassy contralto of cinnamon, accountable to benzoin, but also reminiscent of the styrax ambience of vintage Ma Griffe's drydown. You would be hard pressed to distinguish any single ingredient as they all sing together with the smoothness of a choir performing Pachelbel's Canon in D; optimistic, lightly sweet, but with the slightest mossy autumnal background, a debt to the unsurpassable Vol de Nuit.

And yet Chant d’Arômes does not aim to be a link in the Guerlain chain, but making a fresh, ever young start it takes us into the realm of the eternally sunny. Although officially classified as a chypre floral by Guerlain, I find that its chypré qualities do not make it difficult, but on the contrary it serves as the perfect choice between floral and chypre for those who do not like the extremes of either category. Its innocence fondles the mystery of youth.

A penguin foams past the biology.

Perfume Reviews : Couture Couture by Juicy Couture: new fragrance

The brand responsible for velour tracksuits decorating the behinds of It Girls across the USA is coming out with their third scent, after Juicy Couture and Viva La Juicy.

According to Thread.co.nz Megan Robinson: " 'New York, New York, so good they named it twice...' Perfume companies seem to be taking this advice to heart with the recent release of Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci, and now, Couture Couture by Juicy Couture". The fact that it is a misnomer needs little pointing out, but the term couture has been used very loosely for a long time now. Perhaps Rachel Joe, celebrities' and celebrity stylist on whom the newest fragrance has been based on picks up some couture designs for her wealthy clients for formal affairs, but other than that, let's not reference the glory days of Balenciaga and Givenchy, now shall we?

Perfumer Honorine Blanc from Firmenich composed Couture squared with top notes of pink grape, orange flower and mandarin, a heart comprised of plum, honeysuckle and star jasmine, and base notes of sandalwood, amber and rich vanilla. Sounds perfectly predictable! (yet potentially pretty).

Eau de Parfum Spray 30ml $99.00 / 50ml $138.00 / 100ml $184.00 / Body Lotion 200ml $79.00 / Shower Gel 200ml $69.00. Official launch is predicted for 12 February 2010.

Perfumes reviews : L'Arte di Gucci

L'Arte di Gucci wraps its intensely rosy heart garlanded with hypnotic, greenish narcissus into a luminous, characteristic aldehyde burst (evoking half part soap and the other part slightly overripe fruit) like a whirlwind into one of my favourite 80s pop tunes, Kim Carne's Betty Davis Eyes; hysky-voiced, with a swagger in her stride, dressing to impress. Yet the astounding thing is those were more innocent times than today, "pure New York snow" and all notwithstanding. I guess this fangled vampire with "lips sweet surprise" and luminous, deeply honeyed eyes which reminds me of tailored curvaceous suits that yes, Betty Davies might wear, preferably after a manipulation or two, is more girly and good than taken credit for.

"And she'll tease you, She'll unease you, All the better just to please you..."

Long discontinued, it can still be found sometimes online (there is a 1oz bottle available at Amazon right now) and on Ebay,although for alarmingly increasing prices.
The unusual bottle was designed by Serge Mansau and is presented in opaque black in the miniatures circulating.

Notes for L'Arte di Gucci: Bergamot, fruits, coriander, aldehydes, greens, rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, mimosa, tuberose, narcissus, geranium, orris, amber, musk, oakmoss, patchouli, leather, vetiver.

Hairstyles Tips: DIY Haircare in New York City

While everyone in New York City talking about unemployment rate, that just released recently, where the city’s unemployment rate, up from 9.5 percent in July, is higher than the national rate of 9.7 percent and much higher than the 8 percent reported for the rest of the state, the State Labor Department’s figures show. Hairstyles Tips will showcase how you can save money by DIY haircare treatment at home, ie. shinier hair.

1. Shampoo your hair. Don’t use conditioner. The oil will provide all the moisture your hair needs.

2. Towel dry your hair. Keep the damp, warm towel for step 4. Over the sink, work the warm olive oil into your hair and scalp.

3. Wrap the plastic wrap around your hair.

4. Blow dry the damp towel so it’s hot and wrap it around your head over the plastic wrap.

5. Let the oil work for 20 minutes. If the towel cools down, hit it with the hair drier again.

6. Shampoo the oil out after 20 minutes. Again, don't use conditioner. You might have to shampoo and rinse 3 times, depending on how thick your hair is. But the good news is this shininess should last for a month!

Follow these simple steps, you will have more shinier hair at home with just olive oil!

Top Three Perfumes For Winter

This winter there are a number of new perfumes to choose from if you are looking for something new. Depending on your personality and type of use, there are a few selections that have been narrowed down to help you in your decision. Furthermore, for the winter months, no matter what, the best perfumes will be a bit more bold, warm and spicy than you may be used to wearing. The bold notes exude confidence heading into 2010. Warm notes are always welcomed in the colder months as comforting touches throughout your day. And spices are great for awakening the senses, and romantic inclinations.

Your perfume is a reflection of you. And winter perfumes are a reflection of both who you were last year, and who you are becoming. Change can be good, no matter how large or small. Your personality does not change at will, but will constantly change slightly with knowledge. For the out-going and the slightly flirtatious, Marc Jacobs new Lola perfume is perfect. Lola is a sweet and spicy blend of pink peppercorn, sparkling pear, ruby grapefruit, peony, rose, geranium, vanilla, Tonka bean and creamy musk. Sugar and spice, youthful, flirty, with a touch of sensuality. One of this year's most popular perfumes for winter.

Winter perfumes can be very romantic and passionate. And what better to represent passion that Lancome's new Magnifique, which is an interpretation of the color red? Magnifique is a spicy, woody, floral that is bold but not too overbearing. It is sexy without being cheap and it is floral without being too sweet. The fragrance notes include spices like saffron, caraway, cumin, plus Bulgarian rose, jasmine, sandalwood, and vetiver, for a slightly musky finish. Woody fragrances for women are in this year, and Magnifique is a great wear for those who want to feel a little more sultry this winter.

MAGNIFIQUE by Lancome for WOMEN: EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 2.5 OZ

Another fragrance that has lovely, woody and spicy notes is Bvlgari's new Blv II for women. Blv II is also a romantic fragrance, with an ethereal feel. Imagine walking into an enchanted winter forest with a secret winter garden in the center. Only this garden seems to be floating. Blv II is light, enchanting, and marvelous. Fragrance notes include delicate violet, star anise, licorice, frosted mandarin, iris, spicy patchouli, vetiver, benzoin, amber, cistus flower and musk. This fragrance is for the curious and adventurous, who also have a romantic and mysterious personality. Blv II is an almost magical fragrance that will lead you confidently into the new year.

Bvlgari BLV by Bvlgari for Women 2.5 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

Lose Weight the Best Way

I would have endless supplies of money if I got a penny every time someone said 'what is the best way to lose weight?' There are simple answers that will help you lose weight fast, I am sure everyone has heard them, they sound like 'go get surgery', or 'take my magic pill every day', or 'let me cast this magic spell on you to get the weight off'! There really is one answer that can come from this question if you want the truth.It is pretty easy actually to answer 'what is the best way to lose weight?' There are two concepts that I'm sure many people already know about. The small answer is exercise, and diet, the bigger concept is what I'm going to explain with the rest of this article. I find it easier to take things apart and look at little parts of them at a time in order to find an answer that I can get my head around easier.Definitions.com tells me that a diet is; to regulate food especially in order to improve the body's condition, or to feed according to a required regimen. It is a clear definition and tells us a great deal, but what it comes down to in the end is that a diet is simply the food you eat. This makes things easy to understand for me!People tend to make dieting much tougher than it really needs to be and thus tend to have great big problems losing weight. They think that you have to not eat at all, quit eating your favorite foods, or do something else equally distasteful.It seems as if a lot of people can't get those super tiny model sizes and beat them up about it, translating that into their diets! All of this is not really true though, the fact is the food you eat is vital to losing weight, and having an eating program that you can personally follow without a big problem is equally as important. There are many factors a diet can take into account such as portion sizes, or different types of the same food. Many diets on the market work really well and there are lots! You have me to do your looking for you though, so you don't need to bother doing all the footwork to find a great diet! My plan for this website is to get the best of the best diet and exercise regimens for you here so you can get them in a single place.

#9,21,44,45,56,58: Update

So some of my 101 tasks are going to be ongoing for the 1001 days. I will periodically update them to keep track of my status.

#9 - Reduce water usage
I think I am doing pretty well with this. I was very wasteful with water. I have since stopped letting the water run when I am brushing my teeth. I think I read somewhere that it saves 8 gallons of water each time you do that. I will have to look up the actual numbers. I also used to let the water run for the shower until it got hot, then I would turn on the shower. I realize that the shower faucet puts out more water than the showerhead, so I know I am saving water there. I have been looking up other ways I can cut back on water usage and I don't know how dedicated I am for some of them. I know some people follow the motto "if it's yellow, let it mellow" (with regards to the toilet and flushing), but I don't think I am there yet. Maybe as I continue on the journey to becoming more "green" I will adopt that one??

#21 - Track my experience in my blog
Self explanatory.

#44 - Make the bed every day for 1001 days
I had to modify this one a little. I know. But, I am only going to commit to making the bed when I am the last one out of it, which is 99% of the time. The weekend this challenge started the Hubs had taken off work. So I was knowing I wanted to make the bed, but he was still in it. Once my day gets going I am not going to go back and make the bed. So, I have made the bed every day that I was the last to get out of it, so far.

#45 - Clean the kitchen every day before work for 1001 days
I have been doing this. Now what I consider cleaning the kitchen with regards to this challenge is to make sure there are no dishes in the sink, the counters and stove are cleaned off, and the floors are clean. So I have been doing that so far.

#56 - Donate to charities through CFC every year
Now I have to admit that for 2010 I had to sign up for this before the new year. But this year I donated to the Marine Mammal Center. They rescue, rehabilitate, and then release marine mammals. They also have a huge educational component, which I love. I have a special place in my heart for marine mammals. Hopefully I will get to go visit this facility one day (maybe get to check of another task by doing it).

#58 - Go to church more regularly
Well there has only been one Sunday since this challenge began and I did go to church. For me going to church is such a great experience. I always learn something and I feel like it is always related to something I am experiencing in my life. This past Sunday, Dr. Washington spoke on the determination needed to achieve your goals. Definitely something the Hubs and I needed to hear.

#28 Read 100 books

I just finished reading Boneman's Daughters by Ted Dekker. So it took me 6 days to get me through this book. I liked this book; it kinda reminded me a the Saw movies. You know, what would you do to save the life of someone you loved. Parts of the book frustrated me because I wanted the truth to come out. I would recommend it to someone who likes crime/suspense books.

Fighting Women's Hair Loss Issues

There is a huge amount of curiosity about the beauty products among all the women. The beauty products are plenty in the market but there are only a few, which can be termed as great products. It is known that there are very few products, which are natural and very effective.As we grow old our skin exfoliates very quickly, and it is very important to shed that exfoliation and revitalize the skin. The skin is very sensitive and bears a lot of wrinkles as it grows. To control the aging process of the skin you must apply certain skin facials or other products.Home facial solutions and moisturizing creams are the best ways to restrict aging to certain areas of the face. Applying home facial solutions are always a great way out. Skin intensity is a new product which is based on the basic principles of facial nourishment with the help of facial packs.The key ingredients of this facial solution are:Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a red wine extract, which can help you tackle premature aging. It is an anti aging solution which can help cure wrinkles and laugh marks.CO- Q10: It is a special enrichment supplement which can help you nourish the skin tissues.Collagen: It is prepared in the laboratory; this adds strength to the binding of the skin.Aloe Vera: It is the oldest herbal extract which can help you cure the skin disorders like pimples and acne.Turnera difussa: It is a natural herb, which can help you cure many fine lines and wrinkles.

Is There a Way to Lose Weight Fast?

There have been quite a many individuals all over who really do want to know how to lose weight fast. Fact is this is a question that many people have asked throughout the years wanting to know what actually is needed in order to lose weight. Of course there are some general tips that one could highlight so that you would know how to lose weight fast. One thing that you need to know is that losing weight is something that will need dedication and patience. It is certainly not something that can be done overnight. A decent plan of action is required.When you really do become interested in knowing how to lose weight fast, all you need to do is to browse the World Wide Web for more detailed information. At this point it is easy to detail a few tips which are also very important. As many fitness gurus will tell you, fat really is lost in the kitchen. You have to decide what to eat and what not to eat. Most of the food that we eat is processed junk which only helps to pile on the pounds. This is just one of the basic tips that are would answer part of your query in how to lose weight fast.Consider another very important tip in how to lose weight fast. Exercise. It really is rather simple you see. What you must remember is that you have to burn more calories that what you actually take in. But yes, this is easier said than done. What is also necessary is that you consider some form of weight training. It is known that cardio workouts along with weight training will help you burn more calories. These two tips alone should help you know how to lose weight fast.Once you have understood the basics of weight loss what you must remember is that there is much in the way of dedication and patience that you need to adhere to. But it will not be easy to be honest. There is much you need to do in order for you to actually make weight loss a decent success. You must also know that a few other things need to be looked into. For example your genetics and family history are integral when it comes to weight loss. Sometimes you may not be able to lose much weight due to bad genetics. But this must not deter you from at least trying to lose weight.

FDA Approves LATISSE To Increase Eyelash Length

RevitaLash Revitalash Eyelash Conditioner 0.13fl.oz./3.88ml

Allergan, the makers of Botox, announced that the FDA has approved LATISSE (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% as a treatment to increase eyelashes in length, thickness, and darkness.
Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in LATISSE™,was first approved in 2001 as a medical product to lower intraocular pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Available only through a doctor, LATISSE™ is a once-daily prescription treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile, single-use-per-eye disposable applicator.

According to LATISSE™, users can expect to experience longer, fuller and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks, BUT in order to maintain long, thick, dark eyelashes, you have to continue using LATISSE. If you discontinue using it, eyelashes will gradually return to where they were prior to treatment over a period of weeks to months (average eyelash hair cycle).
COST: For a year's worth of long, thick, dark lashes, expect to pay almost $1,500 a year -- or $120 a month.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Eye redness (3.6%)
Itchy eyes (3.6%)
Skin hyperpigmentation (2.9%)
WARNINGS:
Allergan warns against applying LATISSE to the lower eyelid because it may cause darkening of the eyelid skin which may be reversible.
LATISSE™ use may also cause increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely to be permanent.
It is possible for hair growth to occur in other areas of your skin that LATISSE™ frequently touches.
It is also possible for a difference in eyelash length, thickness, fullness, pigmentation, number of eyelash hairs, and/or direction of eyelash growth to occur between eyes.
These differences, should they occur, will usually go away if you stop using LATISSE™.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY:

It was a media frenzy last year when the FDA had U.S. Marshals seize over 12,000 tubes worth $2 million of Jan Marini's Age Intervention Eyelash, which contained bimatoprost that caused swelling of the eyes in some users -- including us! -- although Jan Marini Skin Research denied that the product contained bimatoprost.
The jury is still out for us, but we will keep you posted if we use it or discover any new information. Do you think you would be interested in using LATISSE on your eyelashes?

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