Funfetti Fridays

Think I might whip up the ol' Funfetti cake tonight. I like making myself sick by eating an inappropriate amount of raw batter.

On a side note, my boyfriend thought that the little frosting tub was the cake mix.

He said something like, "Wow! I can't believe a whole cake comes outta' there!",

I was like "WHAT are you talking about?" and showed him the 1 pound box, eggs, oil, whole deal. I love it when boys have "blonde" moments. My boyfriend is always making fun of me, and it's just not fare!

It's 'fair'. I kid I kid.

Once Upon A Beefy

Channing Tatum in a shirt + tie = porn for girls.

He is soooo hot. I first fell in love with Beefy LaRue in 2006's Step-Up (dance movies are so inspirational by the way). And I think it's so cute that he's married.

BJ Nails

$15 for a mani-pedi.

Yes, you heard that right.

And yes, it really is called BJ Nails (which makes it even funnier).

This nail shop is a hidden gem! It's clean and the people that work there are really nice. They have a lot of no name polish, but they also have Essie. Hooray!!! Because I use my hands a lot painting and making jewelry, my manicures "expire" much more quickly than the average gal, so for me, that unbeatable price takes the guilt out of getting them so frequently!

BJ Nails
11653 Santa Monica Boulevard (cross street is Barrington)
tel + 1 310 231 1138

Secret "Recipe"

I have always been divided between my coffee house patronage. Starbucks or Coffee Bean? They both have so much to offer just in different ways!

I'd say that I frequent Starbucks more, but my favorite drink is at Coffee Bean, and it's a secret drink that I concocted (and by secret, I mean not really a secret, it's just that the baristas always ask me if I'm sure this is what I want)...

Served only before 11am Coffee Bean brews a flavored coffee of the day, delicious flavors like Cinnamon Swirl, Creme Brulee, French Vanilla, (FYI Black Forrest Cherry was really weird and gross so I don't recommend that one). Anyhow, I order the flavored coffee of the day over ice. Add some splenda and milk and voila! A zero calorie, latte quality drink. Plus its the cheapest thing on the menu! LOVES IT.

Lady Grey

Lady GaGa covers the September issue of Vanity Fair UK.

If you love GaGa like I do, check out GaGaDaily. It's a website dedicated to Miss Stefania, tracking her every fashion and music move. I'm a free bitch baby!

Thrashed Army Tee: Splurge or Save?

uhh... SAVE if you ask me!

This Forever21 top (below) is deffffinitely the broke man's Balmain, and by 'broke man', I mean reasonable woman.

$11 versus $1,625... I mean c'mon people!!! What do you think?

Makeup Bag's My Middle Name

I am loving Chanel's summer pop-up makeup collection! Hot pink, cool minty turquoise, and khaki bronze... so freakin' cute! Plus I've always loved the pink/mint green color combo in general, it feels like an extension of my personality.

I think that Chanel compacts are a great investment because of how smart they look. Black lacquer with the Chanel logo = classic. It's like having couture in your pocket for under $50! But I must admit I never liked Chanel lipsticks, they always tasted like "grandma"/bad/rotten wax flavor. Anyhoo, that's besides the point. Check out Chanel's hot video here.

Bye Bye Birdie

Miu Miu's Spring/Summer 2010 bird platform with crystals. Take a moment for silent meditation. Ahhhh... Joy.

Flower Child

To commemorate the life of Alexander McQueen, Visionaire Magazine's latest issue, entitled "Spirit" is dedicated to the late designer. The publication will feature contributing artists such as Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, and Lady GaGa.

Inside the book like magazine, will be pages made from hand-pressed seeded paper embedded with wild flower seeds, that if planted will bloom into a real garden. The edition is limited to 1,500 original numbered copies and is available for purchase at $295 here.

Long live McQueen!

Snuggle Puss

If you haven't read Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed (and the sequel Something Blue), you must!!!

It's a smart "chic lit" read that will have you laughing so hard you thought you may just pee in your pants.

But hurry up because Something Borrowed, the movie, will be hitting theaters soon! It stars Kate Hudson (love her! such great bohemian style), Ginnifer Goodwin, and the cuteness that is John Krasinski.

When I read it, it was like a secret love affair, I was turning down plans with friends so I could go home and snuggle up with My Book. I read it in like 6 days!

And I'm sorry but how freakin' cute is the cover! Such a clever illustration. LOVES IT.

Bow Peep

How cute is this satin top!

Available in blush pink or taupe, it features an oversized bow and zipper at back nape. I could see this with jean cutoffs and gold bangles for summer fun or with dressy slacks and a cardigan for the office. Sweet and sexy.

$22.80 at Forever21.

Summer Stock

Five new limited-edition shades have been added to Nars lipgloss collection. Albatross, Angelica, Luster, Oasis, Super Orgasm, and Strawberry Fields are the newbies on the block. From all of us at OnceUponAShine (which is just me), welcome to the world! $24 each at Sephora.

What I Could Really Use Now

...is some Haribo gummies. They legit make me happy. They are soft and chewy and come in silly designs like fried eggs and diamond rings. God I love candy!!!

Business Woman's Special

Michele: Did you lose weight?

Romy: Actually, I have been trying this new fat free diet I invented. All I've had to eat for the past six days are gummy bears, jelly beans, and candy corns.

Michele: God, I wish I had your discipline.

- Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, 1997

Avant Garden

Hawt! Check out the makeup at Dior's latest couture show in Paris. These strong lines in bold bright colors have a futuristic feel to it, while the dark lips and high arched brows are totally romantic and reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. With bulbous hair and fluorescent cellophane as the finishing touch, these models are like flowers in a field just waiting to be picked.

A New Leaf

I am hear to announce... that yesterday... I put on sunscreen.

SPF 45 to be exact. And I wasn't heading out to the pool, I simply slathered it on my arms, legs, and chest before going about my day.

As you may know I have been a long time sun worshiper. I bought my first tanning salon session when I was 16 years old. I have multiple tanning salon packages in multiple zip codes. I've always loved being outside, lounging by the pool or beach, soaking up the sun rays with a great book. I would use tanning oil with SPF 8 or 15 and figure that it was sufficient protection, then enjoy my golden brown tan.

But today I am a new woman. I now wear sunscreen (who am I!!!) Seriously though, I don't want wrinkles, freckles, or even worse melanoma, so action needs to start somewhere. Just as I try to keep a "healthy" diet (vegetarian + junkfood), I am now vowing to take care of my skin. Plus I am totally loving Coola's organic sunscreen, $32 here. And you know what! I feel really good.

Have You Ever...

Googled "what do I do with my life?"

I have. A while ago. Just saying.

My Little Pony

Totes.

Secret Trick

Okay, I will share this with you...


When I buy clothes I cut off all garment tags that say "Large" and "Medium" and leave the ones that say "X-Small" and "Small".

It instantly takes off ten pounds. I kid I kid. But it does make me FEEL skinnier.

Note To Self

I was taking a bubble bath goin' about my usual bathing routine, when my boyfriend barges in to get his phone charger.

"Are you SHAVING your toes??!!!"
"Go out!!!" I shout at him, embarrassed by my hair removal crusade.

He shakes his head laughing and exits.

It doesn't matter how close you are to a person (my boyfriend and I have been together 2+ years) no girl's beauty secrets should be exposed in that way! I mean, I wasss shaving my toes, but they're not even hairy! Heavy sigh. Boys just don't understand.

Note to self: Close the bathroom door.

Armadillo

These cognac leather booties are now in my "collection" aka closet. They're called the Annton and they are from Steve Madden, $129. I think they'll be great for fall! Plus I always prefer platform wedges to stilettos (more comfortable)!

It's like a lace-up Oxford meets (the poor man's) McQueen armadillo booties.

Short Story Long

True Story:

As you know, Sephora is one of my favorite stores. A go to happy place. I am an avid makeup (and underwear) collector. So I'm at Sephora making my usual rounds when I spotted The Balm's "For Keeps" Lip Stain Palette. I wanted both color choices immediatly. But I noticed that they were $28 each and I was "trying" to be good that week, and budget my money. So I told myself if I reeeealllly wanted the lip stains later in the week, that I could go back and get them. I walked away empty handed. Cut to sad music, walking alone on a windy leaf-covered street. Sigh..

Two days later, at the photo shoot for my headband line, I noticed the same lipstains in the makeup artist's trunk. With urgency I asked her if she liked them, how they worked, and which color palette she preferred. As she began talking and describing the lipstains my eyes grew big with desire. This reconfirmed everything I knew inside. I NEEDED THEM.

Long story short, last night my boyfriend and I were discussing where we should go to dinner, and I suggested 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, not because I necessarily wanted to eat there (sneaky sneaky), but because there awaited the Golden Arches (a Sephora store) open until 11pm.

Alas! I bought the lipstain. I chose the Petunia Pink/Raspberry Red palette. It was everything I ever hoped for and more. The dry color cakes become activated when you add water and it stays on for hours. Watercolor for your lips! Not only did I leave 3rd Street with a belly full of Italian food, but I also left with "For Keeps" tucked safely away in my makeup bag.

I Need You Now

Proenza Schouler fall 2010 black jacquard coat with toggle style buttons


More fall fashion from Proenza Schouler ready-to-wear runway

King of the Butterflies

Damien Hirst is one of my favorite artists and some one I greatly admire. Not only is his artwork revolutionary, but he is also the world's richest living artist. Most notable is his work of dead animals submerged in large glass tanks of formaldehyde. Sheeps, sharks, cows sliced in half..

And while death is a constant theme is his work, his installations are striking, gorgeous, and profound. 'Superstition' was a 2007 show at Gagosian Gallery that featured cathedral stained glass windows made solely of butterflies and house paint. Lots of windows. Huge. Made from millions of butterflies. So beautiful and violent at the same time. The pulling apart of butterflies' wings. The silent sound of death and that spark that is life. I will never forget the first time I saw it and I was inspired to share it with you.

Deep stuff I know, but it is so important to me that I could only write about it with a seriousness and sincerity.

The Importance of Elsewhere-The Kingdom of Heaven , 2006

Kaleidoscope VII, 2004

For the Love of GaGa!

Obsession

Mulberry's Alexa bag in oak buffalo leather. $1,150

It's been sold out for nearly a year. In multiple countries. I went to multiple Mulberry stores. In multiple countries (UK, France, and Italy). It is now in stock at Net-a-Porter. Enough said.

FALL in Love

Autumn is such a romantic time of year, especially in California. Now I know we don't get "real seasons" in Los Angeles, no snow days or shoveling driveways, but I do love watching the leaves change color. From green to yellow to deep orange and red, that time of year can be quite special. And while it's still July, I am getting very excited for fall fashion. Wool coats, cashmere scarves, and knee high boots with tights... I can't wait!

Michael Kors fall campaign features Carmen Kass in a gorgeous cowl neck sweater. How she rides a bike in those 4 inch leather boots is beyond me! I need training wheels on my bike, and that's with sneakers!

Green Clean

A few days ago, I cleaned out my closet and to my surprise, by taking out items and editing, my wardrobe seemed to get bigger and more fabulous. There was space between the hangers! Everything looked so beautiful. Organizing your home and environment can make such a huge difference in your life. Invest in yourself, not just by buying things, but by taking out the clutter too! A clean home = a clean spirit.

HeatherBrookes Interior Organization is an LA based company that specializes in eco friendly reorganization. They are the masterminds behind fabulous celebrity closets and recycling things you don't need. But you don't need to pay the celebrity price! Mention OnceUponAShine blog and get a free consultation. Clean annnd green, a win win for all.

Community Service

"Excuse me, but I have donated many expensive Italian outfits to Lucy, and as soon I get my license, I fully intend to brake for animals, and I have contributed many hours to helping two lonely teachers find romance"

- Cher Horowitz, Clueless, 1995

Time for Tee

This cotton "Ultrasoft Sleep" tee from Victoria's Secret is my absolute favorite. I probably have 10 of them! Not only is the fit really flattering, the super soft cotton is so cozy and comes in a rainbow of colors. Paired with leggings and uggs for an afternoon movie or worn with jeans and heels for a laid back look, this tee is a must have.

I sleep in them too! 2 for $30 here.

Stranded on a Deserted Island

And you can only bring 5 beauty products with you.. these would be my 5:

1. Physicians Formula yellow concealer, about $6 at drugstores.
It hides under eye circles and masks red bumps and blemishes.
This concealer + a moisturizer with SPF = my daily foundation

2. Smith's Rosebud Salve, $6 at Sephora
I use it on my lips and cheekbones. It smells great and has a light feel to it unlike those sticky lip glosses. And in the dire event that I really do get stranded on an island, I'd totally use it as a hair shine or on dry skin!

3. Maybelline Full N' Soft Mascara in Very Black, about $5 at drugstores.
My regular mascara was Maybelline's Lash Expansion, (Rest in Peace) but it was discontinued last year. Heartache. I tried every mascara under the sun from Chanel to Revlon and finally settled on Maybelline's Full N' Soft. It makes your lashes look really long and washes off easily.

4. MAC satin lipstick in Brave, $14 at MAC
I love this medium tone mauve pink. It makes my lips darker while still looking au natural. The matte lipstick stays on for hours and looks great on both blondes and brunette! It's my fave!

5. Boujois Eye Shadow Trio in Bronze, $18 at select Sephora stores

I've been using this bronze eyeshadow for years. The light shimmery beige is great for under the eyebrow and to highlight cheekbones, the medium bronze as an all over eyeshadow and blush, and the darker brown as a smokey eyeliner. J'adore!
6. Lancome Juicy Tubes Lipgloss, $18 Lancome

Okay, I know I'm only allowed 5, but this I would sneak in as #6! This lipgloss tastes amazing and comes in fun shades like Moulin Rose, a soft sparkly pink and Spring Fling a sheer creamy beige. I also love Pure which is clear. A cosmetics classic.

7. Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil in Blonde, $22 at Sephora
What. I'm sneaking this one too! As a blonde, I've search high and low for an eyebrow pencil that is not too dark, and this blonde pencil is the best. It's light enough to match my hair color and look natural, while still dark enough to define and shape my arches. Plus it comes ready with a really useful brush. Anastasia is the eyebrow Queen, all hail perfect brows!

Summer Gazpacho

I love summertime because there are certain foods that just becomes more alive with the season. Chilled tomato gazpacho is one my favorites! Not only is it delicious and filling, but one cup of the delectable soup is only 50 calories. Plus it's full of vitamins and anti-oxidents from all the veggies.
When I was in Madrid last month, they even had gazpacho on the McDonald's dollar menu! A bargain! Gladly I ordered it along with a side salad. Who knew Micky D's could be so healthy? I had to travel nearly 6,000 miles to get there, but hey who's counting!

Try your own Summer Gazpacho with this fabulous recipe. I like adding cucumber and avocado to mine!

Inspiration

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

- Albert Einstein

Eye Candy

When I'm surfing the web, or perusing through gossip sites, I usually skip through the boring stuff (Jon Gosselin, Lindsay Lohan's lawyers, blah blah who cares) and go straight for the eye candy.

That is, the paparazzi shots of young female starlets. Hayden Panettiere at the beach, Alessandra Ambrosio getting a pedicure, Kristin Cavalari roaming Robertson Blvd. in five inch heels. You get the picture.

Now get this. I've come across a website that skips all the boring boys and goes right to the girls. It's called The Skinny Website and while it focuses mostly on celebrity weight gain and weight loss, it is indeed a feast your eyes.

What's in a Name?

As Shakespeare's Juliet once said,

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

Well let me tell you what's in a name.. A LOT! Especially when it comes to picking out your manicure color.

When I pick out a nail polish at the nail salon, it is like making a life or death decision. Such importance placed on the very hue! It could inspire my outfit choices (and mood) for the entire week! A great nail polish name can make or break the final decision. For example, I was about to choose a soft melon Essie tone when I flipped it over and it read "Clambake". Yuck. Clammy McClammerstein. I just wasn't feelin' it..

So I opted for a muted lilac called "Miss Matched" instead. Waaaayyy cuter. And I must give props where props are due, to OPI for the legendary color AND name, Lincoln Park After Dark. Me & Linx have been going steady now for a good three winter seasons.

This Just In

At Forever21!

Oh My Gucci!!!

I rarely shop online (sometimes I'm an XS, sometimes an L), but I just bought this dress for $27.80 here. Celadon green is one of my favorite colors, and with the white lace detail and smocked waistband I figured it was an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up! Paired with my favorite brown boots and Lanvin bag, or heels and gold jewelry, I knew, right away that this dress would become a wardrobe staple. Call it love at first sight.

Guilty Pleasure

I have no shame about it.. so I suppose it's more of a regular pleasure, then a guilty one, but I am totally obsessed with ABC's The Bachelorette (& The Bachelor). Like sister and brother, these two have been so good to me on those lonely Monday nights over the years, and I must say this season has been quite entertaining!



As far as who should win? I think that Ali should pick Chris! He is just so adorable, sexy AND sensitive! And I'm sorry but Roberto looks like Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street - boyfriend has just got to go!

How excited are we for..

Rodarte for MAC makeup line!
OBSESSION!!!!


The capsule collection hits stores September 15th and includes an array of glosses, eyeshadows, pigments, and blushes. Inspired by the Mulleavy sisters' road trip through Texas and Mexico, the desert palette is soft-hued with shades of taupe, mint, blush pink, and icy blue.

That marbleized blush is totally reminiscent of their chunky knit sweaters and crazy mohair tights.

As Rachel Zoe would say, "I DIE".

I'll be your ever ever..

Sia's new album, We Are Born, is my new jam. Seriously legit.

I've been a Sia fan ever since I heard the decadently emo "Breathe Me" on HBO's Six Feet Under back in the day (best show ever by the way). However, We Are Born takes my adoration to a whole new level. Part pop, part alternative. These tracks have amazing beats and gorgeous lyrics.

Take track 5 "be good to me"
------------------------
Be good to me,
I need you now more than ever, ohhhhh,
I'm faithfully, and when your gone, I'll be your all,
I'll be your ever, ever...
------------------------

So romantic it inspired me to send my boyfriend a cryptic text message:
lex: i'll be your ever ever
alex: you'll be my whaa?
lex: uch nevermind. it was supposed to be romantic. its a line from a song


Track 2 "Clap Your Hands" is totally infectious. it's fun and bouncy and just pure pop, while track 10 "I'm in Here" is a whispery ballad, so beautiful you won't even know what to do with yourself.

You can download the album on itunes or go to Sia's MySpace page for a listen. http://www.myspace.com/siamusic