my brush with fame

Sonia Kashuk's cashmere-soft makeup brushes

As a magazine beauty writer, I’ll be the first one to tell you that applying makeup with a really high-quality brush is one of the smartest moves you can make. In fact, a good brush (which can cost over $50) actually lets you get away with buying inexpensive [...]

Share

beware: forged flatware

Great-looking flatware, at a not-so-great price

Back in the day when hubby and I first registered for our everyday flatware (we’re talking long before the nifty, computerized registry “guns” were invented…a time when engaged couples actually walked around with paper and pencil), we followed the standard mantra fed to us by the silver-haired [...]

Share

i’ve got a wedgie!

The object of my desire

Ever see a celebrity wear something that you just have to have? (Yeah, I know. Stupid question.) And then you read the caption on the photo and find out that you’d need to buy a winning Lotto ticket to afford the look? Happens to me all the time…thank you Jennifer [...]

Share

confession: i’m a gift horse

Presenting…really affordable wrapping supplies

How many times have you run into a store at the last minute to buy a gift bag, bow, and some tissue paper to wrap a present? Been there, done that. And I’m always annoyed at myself because the whole kit- and-caboodle, not including the darn gift, can end [...]

Share

makeup: base notes

My latest foundation find….

I’ve been addicted to a $60 designer spray-on foundation for a few years now. It gives flawless coverage—not unlike one of those pro-style airbrush machines that makeup artists use on photo shoots. But it’s a big can (not really travel worthy), and I’m hating the price tag.

One day, though, I was [...]

Share

shelling out pennies at tj.maxx

Oceans 11 ($11, that is).

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m obsessed with T.J.Maxx. And I’ve been obsessed for quite some time (not just since they started coming out with those commercials about the buyer in Paris who over-ordered 5,000 designer silk blouses). When the budget allows, I find myself making a weekly [...]

Share

my juniors’ dress wins first place

Mom and me at the Derby

Have you ever had the chance to check something off your bucket list? I finally did a few months ago, when I traveled to the Kentucky Derby for a weekend of horse racing, mint juleps, and some seriously gorgeous hat viewing.  Knowing that the ladies dress to [...]

Share