Monday, August 31, 2009

A.J. Wright! Like TJ MAXX but Less Expensive

Hello Divas!

I hope all is well! I hope your life is simply fab! I have been out of commission...super insanely busy, but I am getting back into the swing of things!

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend a Sneak Peak Blogger event for the opening of the new A.J. Wright store at StoneCrest Mall in the greater Atlanta area. A.J. Wright is like the Old Navy of Discount Stores and is HUGE in Canada. You guys know how much I love shopping at discount stores. I always find designer items for less! So I can buy more while still on a budget!

Representatives from the company gave us information on the company; brands carried by AJ Wright; and a tour. I was pleased to discover that in addition to men, women, and children designer clothing items, AJ Wright also carries home decor items, brand name toys, and bridal party dresses!

The company provided me with a $100 gift card to see how many items I could buy with $100! Considering I am a bargain shopper I was up for the challenge:

I purchased the following items:

Luxe hubby a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt for only $12.99! Yes only $12.99! This is by far the least expensive price I have ever seen for Ralph Lauren Polo shirts. Amazing!

I purchased Luxe baby several play wear items. These sets were only $6 a piece.

Luxe son was in tow and I picked up several 3-pack Hanes Briefs for only $2.99. These briefs are $5.99 in Target! Woot! I also purchased Luxe son Hanes undershirts for $3.99. In addition, he talked me into buying him a set of Transformers. Fortunately the Transformers were only $19.99 for 3.

For myself, I purchased a pair fabulous and cute beige flats for $10, Levis dark wash straight leg jeans for $12.99, and a men's oxford shirt for only $12.99.

Another thing I like about AJ Wright was their selection of dresses! So cute and affordable! This dress is 100 silk and was only $29.99! You can't beat it!

I would certainly become a regular shopper at AJ Wright for cute dresses, adorable shoes, and items for the luxe kids. Like I said this discount store caries the same items as TJ MAXX, Ross, and Target but at significantly better prices. As you can see, you can shop for the whole family and get a ton of items for the low! Prices at AJ Wright are up to 70% off retail! Now that is my kind of store!

Toodles!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Fun Fridays! MACs, Fun Events & More

Hello Hello Divas!

I am back! Where was I? Lost without my beloved MAC Ibook G4. I know its time to get a new one, but I just can't part with it just yet. My power cord went kaput and I have been without a computer for 4 days! So I am so sorry for the delayed posts, but I will certainly make it up to you guys! Here are a few updates on events that have passed or coming up that I know you guys will enjoy!

Last Friday, I attended the VIP Grand Opening of the new Carol's Daughter store in Lenox Mall, Atlanta, GA. I had the amazing opportunity to interview Lisa Price, the visionary and owner of Carol's Daughter. I did film it on my mini VADO pocket cam. As soon as I figure out how to download the video, I will post the interview asap. I did purchase the Almond Cookie Fragrance and it is insane! Love! It is my new signature scent! Yummy!

Lux, The Salon in Grant Park, Atlanta, GA, is offering $10 blowouts or styling services if you have a job interview! Talk about helping a girl out during the recession! LOL! This service is called "First Impression Style" and is only offered on the day of your interview. Proof of interview is required. Lux caters to all ethnicities and hair types and provides a wide range of hair care services. Visit their website at www.luxsalon.biz for more information.

If you love handbags like me you are going to love this new handbag club! Smacking Fab Bags is an online community and handbag club that delivers a brand new fabulous handbag to its members every month! The membership fee is only $45 per month! The bags are of the latest styles and truly divalicous! Check out their website here at www.smackingfab.ning.com.

I had the amazing opportunity to attend a Sneak Peak shopping event at a AJ Wright discount shopping store. You guys know how I love discount shopping! AJ Wright is like a mini-TJMAXX but with better prices! I mean I found a Ralph Lauren Men's Polo Shirt for only $12.99! Check back on Saturday for a review of my shopping experience and see all the fab products I purchased with only $100!

Love ya and Toodles!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Fun Fridays! Cool Events: Deka Athletics 2 Day Lululemon Fitness Event!

I hope you are having a fabulous Friday!

Calling all of my Athletic Divas! Deka Athletics, located in Buckhead, is hosting a two day fitness event on August 28th and 29th. This event will feature Lululemon Athletic gear, a health and fitness expo, representatives from the hottest gyms and athletic clubs in Atlanta, and food from Souper Jenny. Boy do I love Souper Jenny. If you live in Atlanta, it is a must do lunch spot! Yummy! I know my girls Shenia and Dawn should be there! They love working out, eating healthy, and Souper Jenny! LOL!

Deka Athletics is the only retailer in Atlanta selling Lululemon Athletic gear!
What is so special about Lululemon Athletic gear? Well its simply HOT! The workout clothes are so stylish and fashionable, they make you want to get yourself in the gym...or at least walking. (Trying to motivate myself) Anyhoo...check out some of the cool items they sale.





Nice!

Deka Athletics is located at 375 Pharr Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. Their phone number is: 404-869-9600.

I hope to see you there!

Toodles!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Trim's Neat Feet Portable Pedicure System

Hello Divas!

I hope your Wednesday is Fantabulous!

While in Hilton Head, I needed a pedicure in the worst way. Since I have been so busy, I did not have time to go to the nail salon to get a pedicure. I figured, I would just get one when I arrived. But I found it difficult to locate a nail salon near the beach! So I went to a CVS to find a pumice stone and other tools to do my own pedicure before hanging out on the beach all day. Crusty feet and the beach don't mix! LOL!

Well I found this cute little portable pedicure system by Trim. I was intrigued because this pedicure system looks like a mini Clarisonic and you Divas know how bad I want a Clarisonic. I digress.... The system is a mini power tool with four different heads to give your feet a nice pedicure. How neat???!!

There is a pumice head that smooths rough areas; a brush that cleans feet; a sponge that is used to apply lotion or your favorite foot cream; and a small file to give your feet a final once over. The portable pedicure system also comes with a drawstring bag for easy storage. Plus it fits perfectly in my beauty case. I love products that I can easily transport!

I soaked my feet and used the pumice head to smooth my rough feet. The power tool moves in a circular motion. I applied it to my feet and it removed most of the rough areas. I would have liked it to remove more dead skin, but my feet were smooth enough to present in public! I then applied a nice foot cleanser and used the brush to clean my feet. The motion was very soothing. I think I like this brush the best..it was like a mini-massage. I didn't use the sponge to apply lotion, but I did use the file to give my feet a final once over. The file did not make much of a difference, but it is a nice concept.

Overall the tool gave me a decent pedicure. I loved that I did not have to use a lot of energy giving myself a pedicure because the power tool does it for you. Now that is genius! I do think it could be a little more powerful, but for $10 it was definitely worth the purchase. You can purchase this portable pedicure system from any CVS or Target.

Toodles!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Luxetips Interview With Napoleon Perdis!!!!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a truly fabulous Monday! I just returned from a 3 day mini-vacay to Savannah and Hilton Head and I feel refreshed and ready to face the world! It is just what I needed before the start of school!

I was offered the amazing opportunity to interview the make-up guru himself, Napoleon Perdis! I am so excited to share is make-up tips and beauty philosophy with you fab Divas! I was scheduled to meet the legend in person on June 23, but unfortunately Mr. Perdis had to cancel his trip to Atlanta. I was bummed, but he graciously agreed to answer my questions via email! How sweet is that???!!!! Check out the interview below. He has a fantastic tip regarding Mascara that was new to me. I can't wait to put his tip to the test!

Luxetips: I am in love with the NP Set Line at Target. What was your inspiration for creating this line?

Napoleon Perdis: I wanted to create something fresh, fun and accessible for women across America. I like to think of it as the democratization of makeup – everyone should be able to afford a stellar foundation, a great primer and a sophisticated eye shadow palette. I was inspired by breezy Californian style, in particular Los Angeles and Palm Springs where I live, and the idea of speedy glamour. Women are more time-strapped than ever, so we wanted to distill the options to the essentials.

Luxetips: Your primers are famous! What sets your primers apart from others?

Napoleon Perdis: I'm know for my Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer in my prestige line so naturally I wanted to extend this to NP Set. My original NP Set primer is paraben-free and contains a magical mix of ingredients such a Soybean Oil, Pomegranate Extract, Green Tea Extract, Vitamins A, C & E, and more. It has a luminized finish and ensures your makeup lasts. Recently I added a Pore Perfecting Primer, for a flawless finish, and a Bronzing Primer for a hint of color all-year round.

Luxetips: The pre-foundation bronzing primer is genius! It looks great on all skin tones. What were you hoping to achieve for women when creating this primer?

Napoleon Perdis: Often times women want to walk out of the door with little makeup and a natural, healthy glow. This product combines the idea of a bronzer and primer so reduces the need for both steps. In fact, some women may choose to skip foundation altogether. Just add mascara and some gloss and you're done.

Luxetips: What are the three basic make-up products every woman should wear for an everyday look?

Napoleon Perdis: Primer, Foundation, Mascara

Luxetips: Your products are very diverse and compliment any skin tone. Why did you decide to make makeup for all women instead of one particular group?

Napoleon Perdis: I come from Australia which is incredibly multi-cultural so it was never a question for me on whether I should offer an extensive arrange of shades – it was always a certainty.

Luxetips: What is your make-up philosophy?

Napoleon Perids: I like women to have fun with their beauty routine, to feel empowered and to experiment. My NP Set brand beliefs are:

1- Glamour in a split second (immediate satisfaction, immediate gratification and do-it-yourself beauty).

2- What’s In It For Me – The collection is almost entirely paraben-free and let’s consumers know “what’s in it for me,” a list of all beneficial ingredients in the product.

3- Global village beauty – NP Set is all about jet set glamour – exuberant color, breezy attitude and knowing style.

4- California cool – Palm trees and star motifs found on packaging reflect relaxed California glamour.

Luxetips: When did you know you wanted to become a make-up artist?

Napoleon Perids: Since I picked up my very first makeup brush as an adolescent to help my mother primp for a soiree.

Luxetips: What is the best makeup trick you use when applying makeup?

Napoleon Perdis: Mascara first! Applying mascara as your very first makeup step is like a morning cup of coffee – it immediately wakes up the face and lets you know the direction to go with your makeup. The mascara opens up the eyes and you may realize that there is not much else that you may need to complete the look.

Luxetips: You are definitely living your dream. What advice would you give to others who are working hard to accomplish their dreams?

Napoleon Perdis: There is absolutely no substitute for hard work, perseverance and passion.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Napoleon Perdis NP Set Makeup Palettes

Hello Divas!



I hope you are having a great day!



As I previously blogged, Napoleon Perdis has introduced a new NP Set line at Target and the colors are just fantastic and the make-up is functional! I am such a fan of functional make-up because as a woman on the go, I need functionality.



Napoleon Perdis sent me a sample of their new NP Set make-up palettes and I just had to share them with you guys because they are gorgeous and so easy to use. First of all check out the packaging.



The palettes come in the cutest little compact cases. They are compact enough to fit inside any purse. Plus the designs are adorable.



These sets contain 5, yes 5 eye shadows, 3 lip glosses, and a blush. You also get two NP Set brushes for application. The colors in the make-up palettes are based on a specific style. For instance, if you are a rocker-chic Diva, the Denim Set is for you. This sets contains a beautiful violet, apricot, and lilac eyeshadow. Plus there are 3 hip lip glosses ranging from bronze to a shimmery pink.


The Sweater Set is for the a nice warm pink glow during the winter months! I call her the Winter Diva...she is dressed in her fly warm clothes but still glowing. This set contains a very pink blush, bronze, purple and gold eye shadow, with true pink and apricot lip glosses.



Lastly, the Career Set, is for the Career Diva. The woman on the go handling business! The colors in this palette best match my skin tone. This set contains a deep purple, light bronze, and gold eye shadow. There is also a bronze, pink, and coral lip glosses with a bronzy rose blush. Actually the blush reminds me of my fav NARS blush, Lovejoy.



The palettes come with step by step instructions on how to apply the make-up for a day or night look. So even if you are a novice, you can't go wrong with these palettes! They are only $29.00 bucks at Target! Considering the amount of product in the palette, this is a true steal!



Toodles!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash

Hello Divas!

I hope your Wednesday is too awesome for words!

Dove has just released a new sensitive skin moisturizing body wash that is simply the bomb! Why? For the past 15 years, I have only used Dove soap for sensitive skin. It is the only bar soap that will not break me out or dry out my skin. See I have super hyper sensitive skin. If I wash my body with the wrong product, I break out in the worse way. Ugh! Although I absolutely love body washes, I have to be very careful using them. If I notice one bump, blemish, or dryness within a few days of use, I have to stop using it! So when I discovered Dove was releasing a body wash specially formulated for sensitive skin, just like their awesome soap, I was elated!

This body wash, like the soap, is hypo-allergenic, soap free, and unscented. However, I found that there is a scent but it is very mild and pleasant. It also contains NutriumMoisture™ which is Dove's new patented technology that uses 100% natural moisturizers that nourish the skin well below the surface. Genius! Divas this body wash lathers like a dream! Plus it is so moisturizing. After use, your body feels like you have slathered it in lotion! No kidding. But the best thing about this body wash is that I can use it without worrying about whether my skin will have a negative reaction. Aaaah! Now that is what you call piece of mine.

Dove Sesitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash retails for $8.99 and you can purchase it at any CVS.

Toodles!

Toodles!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

I Need This in My Life: Hayden-Harnett Black Onyx Sonia Tote

Hello Divas!

I hope your Monday was fabulous and your Tuesday beautiful!

My good friend, Renee of Cutiebootycakes and I were on the phone in the wee hours of the morning talking and we began discussing her Hayden-Harnett Trophy bag she was rocking at the CamiCakes Sweet-up/Tweet-up we both attended. I mean pure fabulousness! Check it out!

Well we began shopping online and I came across this Sonia Tote that I have to have! Divas, tell me what you think.

I don't know if I should buy the Sonia Tote or the Tamasin Tote I blogged about a month ago.

Sonia Tote.

Tamasin Tote.



One thing for sure I will have a large black Hayden-Harnett tote before the fall hits! Hayden-Harnett is a small designer label that specializes in unique and quality clothing, handbags, and accessories. What I absolutely love about Hayden-Harnett bags is that the leather is like "butta" and the whole world will not have your bag! Also if you sign up for their newsletter, you will receive notification of any special sales or deals not advertised on their website. Renee swears by the newsletters. She already has two Hayden-Harnett bags! Love it! Visit Hayden-Harnett's website here for more hotness!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Mocha Moms National Conference, Chicago, and LancĂ´me

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a truly fabulous Friday!

I wanted to write this post sooner but I am beat! I had to travel to two different cities to give two presentations in two weeks. Between travel, speaking, work, kids, and writing obligations, I have not slept over 3 hours in 2 weeks! Whew! However, starting next week, I will be back to my regularly scheduled posts!

This past weekend I gave a presentation on "How to Live the Fabulous Life on a Budget" at the National Mocha Moms Conference. Mocha Moms is a non-profit organization that supports women who choose alternative work schedules or career paths to devote time to their families. The presentation went off without a hitch! The ladies loved the tips and even had some tips of their own to share. Here I am speaking.

I discussed thrift and consignment shopping, high end department store outlet shopping, how to purchase staple items on a dime, how to re-decorate your home for less, drugstore brand quality beauty products, and beauty gifts with purchases. You know I could not wait to share that I purchased my Target Thakoon dress for 40% off the regular price. Gotta love Target.

LancĂ´me graciously sponsored this presentation and provided all attendees with a full tube of LancĂ´me Hypnose Waterproof Mascara and a full tube of La Laque Fever Optical Rose lip gloss. The Optical Rose shade is a sparkly sheer pink gloss. I kid you not, it looks great on all skin tones! The ladies were going crazy over that lip gloss! It creates the perfect nude lip with a hint of sparkle! My friend Dawn is actually wearing it in this pic!

Now you all know how much I love LancĂ´me Defencils Mascara but LancĂ´me Hypnose is pretty darn good. This is a volumnizing mascara. The special patented brush builds your lashes with each stroke. I apply 2 coats and my lashes are nice and lush. However, I still love my Defencils. LOL! I coupled the Hypnose Mascara with LancĂ´me's Indigo Charm eyeliner for a night out on the town. I must say I look pretty hot! LOL!

Singer/Songwriter Angie Stone was the keynote speaker for our luncheon on Saturday. She shared her life story and how she has overcome pain, loss, and heartache. It was a truly inspirational speech.

Later that night, my friends and I partied the night away! Chicago is a lovely city. It is huge, but spaced out and very clean! Don't we look like we are having a good time!



Of course, I am not used to hanging out until 4 in the morning 3 nights straight. Here I am on the El train on my way back to the hotel after clubbing. I think you can stick a fork in me. I am done.


I hope you enjoyed this post! I had a ton of fun in Chicago! The ladies were awesome, Garrett's Popcorn scrumptious and Deep Dish Pizza is simply divine. Of course, nothing beats Michigan Ave. shopping! LOL!

Toodles!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Revlon's Brow Fantasy Pencil & Gel

Hello Divas!

I am still recovering but getting back into the swing of things. The conference re-cap post is coming...still organizing and gathering pics! You guys are going to love it!

I just want to hip you guys to a great drugstore eye brow grooming pencil. Revlon's Brow Fantasy is functional and great quality. I first used this eye brow grooming pencil on my friend Deslyn at her wedding. It was exactly what we needed to define and tame her eyebrows. Revlon's Brow Fantasy is a pencil and eye brow gel in one. You simply use the pencil to fill in brows for a defined and/or full look. I love that the pencil portion is wide and very creamy. It fills in eye brows with ease. Next you use the gel to tame any fly away hairs and set the look in place. The gel is tinted with the color of the pencil and will last all day long. I know because I never had to re-touch Deslyn's eye brows on her wedding day! Using this pencil literally takes 2 minutes! It is so quick and easy and certainly does the job! The pencil comes in four shades ranging from dark blond to black. If you are on a budget, this is the perfect eye brow grooming kit! This pencil retails for $6.99 and you can purchase it at CVS.

Toodles!

Monday, August 3, 2009

NARS Fall Nail Collection: Tokaido Express

Hello Divas!

I hope you had a fabulous weekend!

I am still recovering from my trip to Chicago. I was a presenter at the Mocha Moms, Inc. national conference. I discussed tips on how to live the fabulous life on a budget! I will have more details on my Chicago adventure later.

I received an email from NARS introducing their new Fall Collection Nail Color: Tokaido Express. Gorgeous! This nail polish is a deep amethyst with flecks of gold! It seems that deep jeweled tone nail polish is the current hot trend for fall. I can't wait to try this one. Fall here I come!

Toodles!