Update on the "List" and other randomness

Actually, there is no update other than to say that I've purchased and returned a pair of Merrill sneakers that I LOVED, but realized didn't quite fit. : (

I'm still on the lookout for all of my fall items...

I'm also getting ready to read the new Anna Quindlen book: Rise and Shine: A Novel. As a side note, I don't quite get why books use the words "a novel" in the titles of their books. Is the publishing world really that worried that we'll think it's a calendar or something?

My New Favorite Foundation!

From the Lancome.com site:

TEINT IDOLE ULTRA
Enduringly Divine & Comfortable Makeup 14-Hour Retouch-Free, Oil-Free
Discover a 14-hour ultra-resistant makeup with divine comfort. This retouch-free, oil-free foundation features innovative highly resistant pigments for 14-hour wear. SoftFeel™ technology glides on to comfort skin with flawless full coverage that lasts all day.

I have used so many different types of foundation (powder, liquid, cream, mousse, expensive, cheap, you name it!) and this is far and away the best feeling stuff I have ever tried. It goes on evenly with just my fingers, evens out my skin tone, and stays on all day! I've been using it for about a week now and I absolutely love it!

*Thanks, Mom, for giving it to me!*

Finished the Book

Candace Bushnell's The Lipstick Jungle was much more than I expected.

If you are a fan of what I call "snapshot" stories, or stories that provide a current snapshot view into the main characters' lives, without delving too deeply into their backstories, then you'll enjoy this.

The novel revolves around three New York City power-women (Wendy -- President of a motion picture company, Nico -- Editor-in-chief of a magazine, and Victory -- Successful fashion designer) who are in their early forties. The novel goes back and forth between the three women's perspectives, but it is told in the third person.

The formula used in the writing is simple: Protagonist is successful and has it all, comes to a crossroads, faces challenges, has resolution. Most stories fall into this category, but not all of them work. It may be cliche to say so, but I like the formula and I like the content and the way it was put together. Another bonus is the fact that the author is writing from an insider's perspective, and her attention to detail is excellent.

If you are looking for a super-fast read, this is not your book. While it is a page-turner, it is 435 pages long, and does take some time. I can usually blast through your basic fluff novel in one to two evenings. This one took me a week.

Here you will see the main ingredient of one of my favorite summer drinks... The Cherry Limeade. Think back to when you were a kid at Sonic. Now fast forward to now. This is so much better! Mainly because of, well, you know, the vodka!

Recipe for a killer Cherry Lime-ade:

• Glass of Ice
• Add a shot or two (okay, three) of cherry-flavored vodka
• Fill to almost the top with 7-up or Sprite
• Squeeze in the juice of half a lime
• Add a splash of grenadine
• Stir and enjoy

*recipe courtesy of my husband, Dr. Pop, and also Carlos and Charlie's on Lake Travis

What's your favorite mixed drink?

What I'm Reading

Yes, I totally get the shoe thing...

I haven't been a huge fan of Candace Bushnell's writing (other than Sex and the City -- the show, not the book). I read Sex and the City and 4 Blondes and I just wasn't that into either one. I can usually tell by the first sentence whether or not I'm going to love the book or not. It took a page with this one, but I do love it. It's about three friends in their early forties, living in NYC, enjoying hugely successful careers, two have families, one is single. It is almost a "coming of age" story despite their ages, though, as each goes through their own set of challenges both with their careers and families. I cannot wait to finish it... And then I'll have to get Trading Up (the book she wrote just before this). It all goes to show you that you shouldn't give up completely on a writer, especially when she has proven she can be vastly entertaining (again with the SATC!).

Objects of Desire

Oh Mr. Choo... Oh Mr. Blahnik...

I love shoes that have a touch of pink. These definitely fit the bill.

These could count for my "something animal print" that is on my list to buy. This shoe (I have it in acid green -- purchased at Last Call by Neiman Marcus in South Austin) is one of my all-time favorite shoes in terms of comfort and style. Plus, did I tell you it's ACID GREEN??? It looks great with jeans, black pants, khaki pants, skirts. Who knew green was so versatile?

Time for a shopping trip...

It's time to update the old wardrobe for fall and winter. Here's what's on my list:

• Grey flat-front boot cut pants
• Black, high-heeled, pointy toe boots
• Long sleeve white t-shirt
• Violet pin-striped shirt
• New pair of Merrill sneakers
• Long denim skirt
• New brown belt
• Khaki boot cut cords
• Chocolate brown cowl-neck fitted long sweater
• Something animal print
• Long black skirt in either a jersey or knit

That's all I can think of for now on the clothing front.

I also need to purchase some beading wire and pull out my beads. It's been a few years, but I need to start making necklaces again. I cannot for the life of me justify spending money on chunky beaded necklaces when I have the most gorgeous turquoise, garnet, and red coral beads around!

Because sometimes shoes deserve a home of their own...

Just having a boredom attack and wanting to get in on all the fashion blogs out there. Actually, that's not really quite true. I just want a place to dish about clothes, shoes, hair, books, and stuff that takes up slightly too much room over at Mrs. Pop's place. :)