Dear fellow shopaholics,

 As you know, there are SO many online boutiques out there to feed our addiction. I would like to introduce you to some of the sites I've been shopping at lately. They all have a good mixture of trendy and classic pieces and most importantly, you won't see everyone and their mother wearing them. If you know of any other lesser known sites, please, do share via commenting below!

Happy shopping!

xoxo,

Alessandra : )

youreyeslie.com

nastygal.com

pixiemarket.com

asos.com

"Every human being is the author of his own health or disease."

My Two Cents: The title of today's blog post is a message that I hope my readers take seriously and adhere to. We are only given one body and one life, so it is VERY important that we make smart decisions about what we're eating, how much we're exercising, the amount of stress we endure, the people we surround ourselves with, and so on. I was very disturbed to recently find out that my mother may be pre-diabetic. It is frustrating not only because I care about her health, but because her mother and all of her sisters already have diabetes. One more will possibly be added to the list. Yes, there are some genetic facotrs related to the prevalence of diabetes in certain communities, BUT I don't want to make excuses for her or other memebers of my family when I have watched them feed their bodies questionable food for years.

Aside from food, my mother and I talked about how the mind and body are intricately connected. STRESS KILLS! Your body performs and serves you better when your mind is clear and free of worry. Try not to let the everyday hustle and bustle of life take over your sanity and peace of mind (as I have too often let happen).

I think it's all about self-control and treating yourself (mind and body) to the respect it deserves. We all deserve health. We all deserve happiness. And having both is completely and entirely up to you.

xoxo,

Alessandra

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Beauty 360

Last night, I attended the Mocktinis and Lashes event at Beauty 360 (Connecticut Ave) hosted by Uptown Girl Entertainment. The set up was lovely and the staff extremely welcoming, but I have to begrudgingly admit, tickets should have cost more like $10-$20 instead of $35. There were tons of cupcakes and chocolates but no product samples. There were eyelash applications but no "expert" advice on makeup/skincare/etc., (even though my MUA, Shayla was very pleasant). I overheard one of the guests complaining about the lack of things to do at the event, asking the host, "Is this it?" I hung around for an hour, waiting for more people to show up, before deciding it was time to go.

On the bright side, the "mocktini" was delish, the store itself offered an array of top-of-the-line products (I will highlight one in an upcoming post), and ticket sales went to a great cause (GWFCC). I guess that makes the time and money spent worth it.

Pics below!

xoxo,

Alessandra : )

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Guests were greeted with a table full of goodies. I had a pink cupcake. It was wonderful!

After walking around a little bit, Shayla, an esthetician and MUA offered to apply my first pair of fake lashes. I chose the ones on the right. To my surprise, they looked really natural! I'll definitely be wearing them over again, but only for a special occasion. I can't imagine wearing them all the time.

Before last night, I had never heard of this company. While browsing, I found this AMAZING liquid eyeshadow in hot pink. And when I tried it on all I could say was (in the words of Rachel Zoe), "I die." Not only was the color great but it has moisturizing properties so your eyelids aren't dried out by the end of the night.  

Guests receiving eyelash/makeup applications (right) and a mini-manicure (left)

Aura Spa at Vida Fitness

AURA SPA on 15th Street in Northwest Washington hosted an open house tonight. The spa welcomed guests into its intimate facility with tons of organic fruit and vegetables, wine/cocktail tasting, and goodie bags. I listened to two estheticians explain the facials offered at the spa and how they can specifically design a customized facial for each client. They also introduced us to their line of products:

GM COLLINS PARIS

Supposedly, this Canadian line was specifically designed for Canadian and American skin due to the climate in this area of the world (as opposed to using products from Asian or European countries like a lot of other spas)... interesting right?

Yummy fruit and veggies for the guests.

Two employees discussing skincare, facials, and the spa's product line.

Wine, cocktails and cheese thanks to Agora. I tried the white wine and it was great. (Don't ask me what the name of it was because I don't remember lol).

G.M. Collin skincare line.

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Spa Open House!

 

If you're looking for something to do when you get off of work (other than choosing from the large assortment of happy hours in DC), check out this spa's open house event. Wine tasting, refreshments, demos and free samples... Sounds like a winner! See the flyer for more details!

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Product Review: Lancome Mineral Foundation

I've found it. My favorite foundation to date. Lancome's Ageless Mineral Foundation. If you are insecure about blemishes and acne scars like I am, this foundation is perfect! It contains 100% mineral pigments that go on smoothly and condition the skin while you wear it. Other mineral foundations (from Mac or Bare Escentuals) did not give me enough coverage. My imperfections were still clearly visibile, even when I piled it on. Lancome's product, however, covers beautifully and it looks like you're not wearing anything at all. The $42 price tag is well worth it.

Even though the product is geared toward those who wish to fight signs of aging, this foundation is for all ages. Try it and let me know what you think!

xoxo,
Alessandra

Mocktini and Lashes Party : )

I've never worn fake lashes... I've been too scared of looking like I'm dressed in costume. But since this event is benefiting the DC Fashion Foundation, I think September 17th will be a good time to try them out! Event details below: