Thursday, November 29, 2012

Out and About: Cost Plus World Market

Happy Thursday!

One of my family's favorite things to do is going to Cost Plus World Market -- they have THE cutest things ever! 
And they also have wines, chocolates, and other food items that are hard to find elsewhere. :D

I was able to take a few pictures on my phone as I was walking around the store:


Keep Calm and Carry On! :)


This picture frame is so cool!
One of the things on my bucket list is to take a requisite-phone booth tourist photo when I visit London, haha! ;) 


If you've read some of my older posts, you might remember all about my obsession with all things London, haha!
This is so perfect, I love it! :)


I would also love to visit Paris, of course!


They have pashminas and other cute accessories!


These chocolates are so so so delicious!!!


Chocolates, chocolates, and more chocolates!

The only thing I bought was a scone mix (a post on that soon!), but I was definitely very happy just walking around the whole store. :)

Have you shopped at Cost Plus World Market before?
How's your week going?

Hang in there, guys! It's almost the weekend! ;)

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Influenster: Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

Happy Monday again! ;)

I just recently finished the 20-Day Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips Challenge... I was going to wait a couple more days before writing this review, but I am so excited to share it with you guys, so I'm just gonna jump right in and start this post, haha! ;)

I've heard all about Influenster from fellow bloggers, but it took me a few months to actually join... it's a good thing that I did because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to try out this awesome product!



Why pay for Professional teeth whitening treatments? Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects is just as effective. These whitestrips are formulated with the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use. Apply once a day for 30 minutes. You'll start seeing a whiter smile after three days, with full results in 20.

- Professional teeth whitening at home.
- Advanced Seal™ Technology no-slip grip stays put so you can talk and drink water while whitening teeth.
- Apply once a day for 30 minutes.
- Results last up to 12 months.
- Uses the same enamel-safe teeth whitening agent dentists use.
- For level 4 whitening on teeth whitening meter.



Over time, your teeth yellow due to everyday activities and indulgences such as coffee, tea, and wine. While precautions can be taken, if you're not actively whitening your smile, you're yellowing it. From the #1 most awarded whitening brand by beauty editors, Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips is here to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile that lasts. With these Whitestrips, the secret is in the strip...

- Removes over 10 years of set-in stains.
- Whitens 25X better than a leading whitening toothpaste.
- Advanced Seal no-slip technology helps Whitestrips conform to teeth for noticeable whitening results without the mess, exclusively brought to you by Crest Whitestrips.
- Same enamel-safe ingredient that dentists use.


3 easy steps to a beautiful, whiter smile:

1. Peel Crest 3D White Whitestrips from backing liner.
2. Apply the lower strip first. Using a mirror, apply gel side of strip on front teeth. Align straight edge of strip with gumline. For products with Advanced Seal Technology, press gently with finger pads for 2-3 seconds onto front side of teeth. Fold over teeth. For products with Advanced Seal Technology, press gently with finger pads for 2-3 seconds onto back side of teeth.
3. Wear for recommended time, remove, and discard.


The directions are very easy to follow.
The little pamphlet pictured above gives other guidelines on how to use these whitening strips. 

Everything is pretty straight forward and they lay everything out for you, so there's really not much confusion when using these strips. :)


There are 20 strips in one package.

It doesn't have a minty or toothpaste-like flavor -- I wish it did, though.
It has a plastic-y taste, but it's nothing gross. It did make me gag a little at first, but I got used to it as time went on.

The top strip goes on with no problem. The lower strip, on the other hand, slides down and is a bit hard to apply at times.
But putting the strips on definitely got easier as I got used to it. :)

I'm not sure if there's a specific reason behind the length of the strips, but I wish they were longer (especially the lower one).
They don't really cover everything, and I seriously wish they did because they work so well!

At first I was kind of unsure about whether or not I should include pictures of my teeth on this review, but I figured I should in order to show you guys how well it works. :)

Here goes:


Top to Bottom: Start, Day 5, Day 10, Day 15, End

Please excuse the lip balm overdose (haha!) and the Day 15 photo -- I forgot to take a nice picture for it, so I had to crop one of my actual photos taken on that day. ;)

I noticed that my teeth gradually got whiter.
These strips work. They are very effective.
And now that I finished using the 20 strips from my complimentary kit from Influenster, I am definitely considering buying my very own kit.

The price ranges around $40-$45, depending on where you buy it.
It's quite pricey, but it works amazingly well -- it's definitely worth it!

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips are available at retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Walmart and e-retailers like amazon.com, eStore.com, and Soap.com.


Get your very own kit now, guys -- remember, "If You're Not Whitening, You're Yellowing!" ;)

Have you tried using Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips before?
Is this something you would be interested in?

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to the week! :D

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Shopbop Giveaway Winner! :)

Happy Monday!!!

To ease the pain of Mondays, it's giveaway winner time, haha! ;)
First off, a big thank you to Shopbop for sponsoring this giveaway -- we all love you, Shopbop!
Big hugs and a huge thanks to everyone who entered and made this giveaway a success!

Now, on to the giveaway winner...

Out of 535 entries, entry #326 won:


Entry #326 is Samantha Gilbert from whatsheloves29.blogspot.com!


Congratulations, Samantha!!! :)

Shopbop and I will email you the details on how to claim your prize!

***Thanks again to everyone who entered! I have another giveaway lined up for you guys, so please stay tuned! :)***

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Happy Weekend! :D

Happy Saturday!

The past couple of days have been extremely busy, but I promise to have new posts for you guys this week. :)

In the meantime, here is something Harry Potter fans like me will definitely enjoy:

Why so sirius?

I sang the words and I laughed out loud, haha!
Oh, how I love Pinterest! ;)

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! :D

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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Style Watch: Fall's Top Trends

Hey, guys!
Two posts in one day?! I love holidays, haha! ;)

It's Black Friday and a lot of us are probably gonna go shopping tomorrow, so just in case you need to brush up on the season's new trends, here is a recap:

Style Watch 2012: Fall's Top Trends
Leather! Pencil skirts! Menswear-inspired suits! Oxblood!
Wake up your wardrobe with fresh twists on classic styles.

LEATHER - Real or faux, tailored or ultra-feminine, it's a new staple in neutrals, jewel tones, or metallics.


BLACK & BLUE - This surprising color combination -- black with cerulean, royal, or navy -- makes a big impact in a complete outfit or in small doses.


MENSWEAR - Keep the look modern, accessible, and feminine by choosing the most figure-flattering silhouettes.


OXBLOOD - Or call it deep red, burgundy, or wine. This sophisticated color works beautifully with black, winter white, camel, or heather gray.


PENCIL SKIRTS & PUMPS - This flattering, ladylike combination works for every figure, every age, and almost every occasion.


BUDGET-FRIENDLY BUYS - Everything's under $50! Colored denims, cute dresses, and more -- enjoy these trends without breaking the bank.


I am loving Black & Blue and Oxblood!

What about you guys -- which of these trends are on your list?
Any shopping plans?

Have a happy Friday!!! :D

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! :D

Happy Thursday!!!
And HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! :D

Thanksgiving

I wish you all a happy happy day with your family and friends!
We all have so much to be thankful for! :)

Here is a fun recap of the Top 5 Thanksgiving TV Episodes from www.buzzsugar.com:



HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! :D

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What's New: Kushyfoot Yoga Socks, Flats To Go®, and Slipper Socks

Happy Tuesday!

For today's post, I just wanted to share with you guys some of Kushyfoot's new products...
I've already reviewed some of their products before, but I can never get enough of them, and I'm sure you won't be able to as well, haha! ;)

First off, here is a little something about Kushyfoot:


Kushyfoot is "the company that first brought the ancient healing art of reflexology to the world of legwear, has progressed from strength to strength, introducing unique and ultra comfortable trousers and knee highs, foot covers, toe covers, athletic and yoga socks, tights, foot and toe cushions, all of which massage the wearer's feet with every step at an affordable price."

The following products were sent to me to review for you guys:

Kushyfoot Yoga Socks/ Kushyfoot Flats To Go!®/ Kushyfoot Slipper Socks

Shall we go through them one by one? ;)

1. Kushyfoot Yoga Socks ($13.47/ 3 pairs) -


Made for the mat. 

 Kushyfoot® yoga socks are one-of-a-kind. Made exclusively to fit like a glove, socks feature open toes and a non-slip sole to grip the floor and mat. Perfect for activities that require balance and stability. Yoga socks also keep your feet clean and help warm up feet in winter months when your muscles are cold.

This is one size fits all.
Totally perfect for yoga, pilates, and other similar activities (as mentioned above)... I just haven't tried it for pedicures though, haha! ;)

Available in Tan and Black.

2. Kushyfoot Fleecy Leopard Print Flats To Go!­® ($9.99/ 1 pair) -


Fleecy leopard Flats to Go® are the newest addition to our Fall 2012 collection. These lightweight and ultra portable flats have a soft sole which allows them to be rolled up or folded so that you can tote them in your purse ready for any potential shoe emergency. Designed for indoor use and occasionally on smooth outdoor surfaces. Great for travel too!

BONUS! Each product comes packed in a mini clear plastic purse pack!

Cute print! ;)

Flats To Go® feature a:

- Zigzag sole
-Built-in elastic band at the heel ensuring a great fit every time

Available in sizes 5/6, 7/8, and 9/10.

A definite relief from wearing high heels, plus it is lightweight and portable!
I really love the fleece material -- it's really soft!

I always rave about Flats To Go® -- seriously, we all need one! :)
They also have different prints to choose from = win!

The sole is quite thin though, so these flats are not made for long wear... they are just solely (haha, pun intended!) for bringing comfort to your feet after a night or a day of looking fab in heels.

3. Kushyfoot Slipper Socks ($13.47/ 3 pairs) -


Warm and cozy for your toesies! 

 Kushyfoot® slipper socks are the perfect at home wear. Featuring a zigzag non-slip sole, socks can be worn independently of slippers on carpet as well as wood and ceramic floors on warmer months. Convenient for travel as they pack neatly in your carry-on bag.

These are so perfect for when you're just lounging at home!
My feet always get cold, but I hate wearing my fuzzy socks during the day, so this is the perfect solution to that problem, haha! ;)

Available in Black/Rose and Black/Lavender.

 To learn more about them and to order their feet-friendly products, visit www.kushyfoot.com. :)

Have you bought anything from Kushyfoot before?
Which of these three products are you most likely to buy?

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to your week!

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Salt City Bakery Giveaway Winner! :D

Happy Monday!

The Salt City Bakery giveaway I hosted ended last night and now it's time to announce the winner!
Before that though, I just want to say thanks to everyone who entered -- Thank you, guys! :D


And now the winner...

The winner of an order of delicious biscotti is Erika from www.thecardinalplanner.com!


Congratulations, Erika!!! :D

Andrea and I will email you with the details!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Out and About: Cotton On

Happy Sunday!

It's Thanksgiving on Thursday and then it's Black Friday, woot woot... who's excited???!!!
(Me, haha!)

One store I'm definitely going to on Friday is Cotton On.
They have a lot of really cute clothes at affordable prices = win!

The first time I shopped at Cotton On was over the summer at their Camarillo location. I actually took some photos, but I never got around to making a post about them, so here we are. ;)


Cotton On at the Camarillo Premium Outlets.


Their sale racks are literally everywhere (as seen above)!

There's definitely something for everyone and everything is super affordable! :)

$10 and Under rack

$5 rack

Aaaaahhhh, I am so excited to go shopping on Friday!
I already got a little bit of shopping done today -- I got two tops for only $10! I'll take a snap of the tops when I wear them and I'll tweet about it as usual. ;)

I hope you all had a happy weekend! :D

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)
Open to United States residents only. Ends tonight at 11:59pm PST.
Open internationally. Ends 11/25.

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Friday, November 16, 2012

Food Network Friday: Thanksgiving

Happy Friday!

Thanksgiving is in less than a week -- I am so excited! I love Thanksgiving because it basically kicks off the holiday season... and it brings together three of my favorite things: family, friends, and of course, food, haha! ;)

Speaking of food, let's talk about food -- Is your Thanksgiving menu ready?!
No? Then today's your lucky day because here are some yummy recipes from www.foodnetwork.com that are absolutely perfect for next week:


Total Time: 5 hours and 45 minutes
Level: Easy

Lemon, lime, and orange flavor this turkey for an unexpected fresh twist.

I know 5 hours and 45 minutes for one dish may seem like too much, but that is actually pretty quick for a turkey recipe. ;)


Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Level: Intermediate

Sage and thyme, onions and celery, stale white bread: Don't expect fancy frills with this stuffing. It's your classic standby recipe, just like Mom used to make.

Thanksgiving, turkey, and stuffing = pretty much a package deal. ;)


Chive and Garlic Mashed Potatoes for Holiday Meal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Level: Easy

For a flavorful mashed potato twist, Tyler uses Yukon gold potatoes and mixes in garlic, thyme, and chives.

I don't think I know anyone who doesn't like mashed potatoes...


Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Level: Easy

A classic made modern and fresh, Alton ditches the traditional cream of mushroom soup and canned green beans, instead using real mushrooms, half-and-half, and fresh green beans.

This looks and sounds delicious!



Food Network Magazine riffed on four basic pie recipes -- pumpkin, apple, pecan, and chocolate -- to make 50 tasty variations.
Pick your favorites and bake a few for your Thanksgiving dessert buffet.

Dessert buffet? Sounds perfect to me! ;)

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?
Are you cooking? Which of these five recipes would you like to try the most?

I wish all of you a wonderful weekend!!! :D

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)
Open to United States residents only. Ends 11/18.
Open internationally. Ends 11/25.

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Wedding Wednesday: Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

Just a quick post before I call it a night. ;)
I haven't done a Wedding Wednesday post in weeks, so here we are...

Molly Sims' wedding is one of my absolute favorite celebrity weddings and I really loved the look of her bridesmaids' mismatched dresses! :)


Here are other mismatched bridesmaids' dresses from Pinterest:

Bridesmaid's dresses

Bridesmaid's dresses

mismatch bridesmaid's dresses

Kylie!! These bridesmaid's dresses are too sweet :)

Pretty, right?!

When I get married (in the very distant future, haha!), I think I'm definitely gonna go for mismatched bridesmaids' dresses.

What about you -- mismatched or matchy-matchy?

I hope you are all having a fantastic week so far! :)

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)
Open to United States residents only. Ends 11/18.
Open internationally. Ends 11/25.

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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Not Your Mother's Hair Care: Miss Freeze™ Freezing Hairspray

Happy Tuesday!

It's not a secret that I am a fan of Not Your Mother's Hair Care products (Click the link to check out my NYM reviews!), so I guess I shall continue by sharing this product with you guys:

Not Your Mother's MISS FREEZE™ FREEZING HAIRSPRAY


So Miss Busy Body, you are a mover and a shaker, but you don't want your hair to be! Well, don't be such a softy! MISS FREEZE™ Freezing Hairspray will keep you locked in place no matter what your style is. Infused with kiwifruit & watermelon, this salon formula will have you and your hair frozen in time!

Application: Shake the can (not too hard!), spray over hair after styling for a long lasting hold. For extra strength, spray a second time.

Strong Hold
Humidity Proof

Price: $6

***from www.nymbrands.com***

This is a really good hairspray -- it holds my curls/bun/hairstyle in place, and that is something my stick-straight hair totally needs, haha!

It smells amazing. I'm happy that it doesn't have the usual hairspray smell -- I love the kiwifruit and watermelon scent!

It is a bit sticky, but that's quite normal with hairsprays. :)

The price is also really reasonable -- at $6, this is a great buy! I don't think we can go wrong with this!

Here is a video all about NYM's Miss Freeze™ Freezing Hairspray:



Looks great, right?!

Not Your Mother's hair care products are available online, at mass retailers, and at over 100 college & university bookstores.
Click here to see a full list of stores that carry NYM products.

Have you tried NYM products before?
What do you think of NYM's Miss Freeze™ Freezing Hairspray?

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to the week!

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)
Open to United States residents only. Ends 11/18.
Open internationally. Ends 11/25.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and be friends with Mimi! :)
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Monday, November 12, 2012

November: FreeBeautyEvents Giveaway! :D

Happy Monday/ Tuesday!

I just wanted to share with you guys this month's giveaway/contest from www.freebeautyevents.com. :)

For the month of November, FreeBeautyEvents is giving away the following to ten lucky winners:


St. Ives Body Lotion Naturally Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter, Olay Complete All Day UV Skin Shield Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15 for Normal Skin, and Olay Total Effects 7-In1 Wet Cloths Cleanser.

I love St. Ives and Olay -- both excellent brands!

This contest will end on November 30th. Winners will be chosen on December 1st and will be notified by December 15th.
To enter, please click here.

Good luck! :)


On select dates in November and December, Walgreens will be having their Sally Hansen event. Demonstrators will be showing their exciting new product – Insta Gel Strips. Also if you’re into free samples, you should head to the CVS L’Oreal event on December 1st. Demonstrators will be giving out samples of L’Oreal Day/Night Cream and L’Oreal Day Lotion SPF 30. To find out if this event will be near you, just enter your zip code in the upper right hand corner of their site. Information like this is available on the FreeBeautyEvents website where spas and retailers can promote their events. Anyone who would like their site visitors to know about their beauty event can make a posting for free at www.freebeautyevents.com/submit.

You can also enter your zip code to find out what makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses, and sampling events are happening near your home.

Check out their product reviews and join their weekly contests.
Keep up to date with FreeBeautyEvents through FacebookGoogle+PinterestTumblr, and Twitter.

:D

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Walgreens "Haul" + Links! :)

I hope you all had a happy Sunday!

I just wanted to share with you guys my recent buys from Walgreens:

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Fortifying Conditioner, Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash, and Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Fortifying Shampoo

Reviews on these to come soon! ;)

In other news, here are links to my posts from this past week:


I hope you all have a wonderful week!!! :D

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)
Open to United States residents only. Ends 11/18.
Open internationally. Ends 11/25.

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Saturday, November 10, 2012

The Lucky Guide to FALL SHOES!

Happy Saturday!

It's cold outside and it finally feels like November!
To celebrate Los Angeles finally saying goodbye to Summer, here is Lucky magazine's guide to Fall shoes:

***click to enlarge***


Satisfy that back-to-school craving for shiny new pairs with our roundup of the season's best.

1. HIGH-HEELED LOAFERS - Slip them on and you'll look equal parts CEO and sexy secretary.


2. HIGH-HEELED LACE-UP BOOTS - So cutting-edge, you won't care that they're not the least bit practical.


3. HIGH-HEELED MARY JANES - Add a few inches and the schoolgirl staple loses its naïveté.


4. FLAT KNEE-HIGH BOOTS - They do exist: comfortable weekend shoes that make you look super-polished.


5. EVENING T-STRAPS - With sky-high heels and festive accents, this retro style is primed to party.


6. LOW-HEELED ANKLE BOOTS - Polished, but not so polished you can't rock them at a music festival.


7. CAP-TOE OXFORDS - Super-comfy, but dapper enough to make the most casual outfit razor-sharp.


8. ANKLE-STRAP PUMPS - It's amazing how crazy-flattering a little line across your ankle can be.


9. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS - The '70s staple keeps coming back -- and, somehow, keeps getting sleeker.


Right now, all I want on my feet are my fuzzy socks (haha!), but looking at all these shoes is certainly making me happy!
I really love the high-heeled lace-up boots, low-heeled ankle boots, and cap-toe oxfords! :)

What about you guys -- which of these shoes caught your eye the most? 

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! :D

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P.S. I have two giveaways for you guys right now! Please do enter if you haven't already. :)
Open to United States residents only. Ends 11/18.
Open internationally. Ends 11/25.

Like What Mimi Writes on Facebook and be friends with Mimi! :)
Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)