Is spring here yet?

I've been meaning to come back to this blog for some time now and am finally getting back to it!

Even though we've had a mild winter in Chicago, I've been counting the days until Spring. I'm ready to shake off the cold and get my face in the sun! However, it's still about 35 degrees here. So until then, I'm brushing my face with Chanel's new blush de horizon. 

A light combination of rose, coral and peach, a light brush of the de horizon gives you a fresh sun kissed look - almost as if you just came in from a light run. It's almost gives a look of innocence - a nice departure from harsh blushes and bronzers. 

It's a limited edition, so give it a try!

In other news, I've signed up for my third Chicago Marathon. Here's hoping for an injury free season! xoxo

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I haven't updated this blog in so long, I almost forgot I had it! 2011 has been pretty fantastic so far. I've been keeping myself uber busy with urban adventures, high heels in the snow, an extravagant staycation and quite a few decadent dinners.

I'm hoping to update this blog about once per month. Until next month, please enjoy these beautiful Brian Atwood T-Strap Platform Sandals.

Best Product Find of 2010

My best new product find of 2010 was most definitely Boscia's Luminating Black Mask. I've been using it for three months, and my skin has never looked better! Good luck finding it in stores - this item has been flying off shelves!

There have been a lot of other great finds this year, including Dior Show's BlackOut Mascara, Byredo Bal D'Afrique parfum and Kate Somerville's  Exfolikate, and a lot more products to discover in the new year!

2010 Chicago Marathon - Done!

Yesterday, I ran my second Chicago Marathon. And it was a disaster. I had done a very poor job training this year and spent most of the summer goofing off with friends and imbibing a bit too much on the weekends! Marathoners typically want to work up to a 20-mile long run three weeks before the race. My longest was 17 miles. I knew I was in trouble.

When I ran the marathon in 2005, I was fully prepped and trained. I even did a 22-mile run two weeks before the race... just for fun. I ended up finishing in 4:36 that year, which is not bad for a first timer.

I went to bed on Saturday night a little nervous. I had a dream that I was running the marathon in the pouring rain in my Tory Burch flats. Miz. I woke up at 2am and struggled to get back to sleep.

I woke up again at 5am, got dressed, forced some food down (eating that early in the morning is just awful), and made my way to the race.

I crossed the start line at 8:02am. The start of the race was not bad. The first 10 miles actually felt great. The crowds were amazing as usual, and I discovered that Lady Gaga is awesome running music! Then I felt a pain in my right foot that lasted throughout the entire race. I was in rough shape.

Mile 11 - I stopped by an aid tent and contemplated getting my foot checked. Instead I stretched out my legs, took a bathroom break and went on my way. I am stubborn like that!

At this point, I thought maybe I had a stress fracture. But I pushed through it. I knew my dad was waiting for me at mile 18. So I told myself I would run until then and then drop out of the race. When I saw my dad 50 feet ahead of me, I had a burst of adrenaline that kept me going until mile 20. My dad was a saint. He helped me keep pace, brought me frozen paper towels, grapefruit slices, and a frozen water bottle. It was about 88 degrees outside, and the sun was beating down. It was Hot.

When we got to mile 20, my legs gave out. Completely. It hurt to move. The last 5.5 miles were a painful combination of walking and jogging. Actually, walking and limping would be a more accurate description. We had people on the street spraying us down with water hoses and spectators handing out ice cubes, salty pretzels and even cupcakes. And we all know I never say no to cupcakes!

When I saw the sign that told me I had a half mile left, I shook off the pain, looked at my dad and we both ran towards the finish line. Some people cry out of joy when they finish. I was overjoyed with happiness that it was OVER. I got my finisher medal and then collapsed shortly afterward. Today I am in very rough shape and can barely walk. But it was completely worth it!! 

Thank you to all my friends and family for supporting me this year. And huge thanks to those who donated to Children's Memorial Hospital. And biggest thanks to my dad, who pushed me to the end. I would have never finished without him!

So the lesson here is: if you sign up for a marathon, train properly for it so you don't want to die on race day!!

Chicago Marathon, you're a pain in the ass, but I just can't quit you. See you in a few years. 

How do my pores look now?

Ever since I read about  Boscia's Luminating Black Mask in New York Magazine last month, I had to try it. Immediately. Not surprisingly, it had been sold out all over the city until I found it at a Sephora in the suburbs! I was a little nervous trying it out as the mask comes in a sleek black tube and resembles black liquid latex. It looks like it could be the Darth Vader of skincare products.
 
 Twenty-five minutes after slathering the dense mask over my pores, I carefully peeled it off to reveal smooth and amazingly clear skin, as well as a nice boost in circulation. Just after one use.

A few things to note:

• Make sure to use a very thick layer of the mask for easier peeling.
• This is a great product for those who are more breakout prone. Or perhaps you have a bad habit of wearing makeup to bed (tsk tsk!) and need to clear your pore gunk!
• Don't forget to avoid the eye brow area, as well as your hairline.
• After peeling, remember to tone and slather on a great moisturizer. The mask is very effective in removing impurities, but I find that it also strips away a lot of the moisture. Replenish and don't forget a good eye cream.  
• If you are currently using an exfoliating product, I'd use this as an alternate. Using them together will leave your skin too raw.  
• Probably not ideal if you have very dry or sensitive skin. 
• You might want to use it when you are home alone. You might scare your pet or significant other. The mask dries in a high gloss... so you will look quite frightening.

At $34, this is an inexpensive way to help keep your skin clean and radiant. I will be incorporating it into my regular regimen!

Summer Shoegasm

Ok. One more post. I really love these Yves Saint Laurent Suede Tribute Sandals.

I love them so much, I would wear them to bed. 

Summer Update

In case you haven't noticed, I am taking a bit of a hiatus from this blog. Marathon training is consuming my life this summer and I haven't had much time for more. I have been making sure to wear lots of sunblock - no wrinkles for this lady! This summer, I stuck with Amore Pacific's SPF 30/PA+++. It's lightweight, oil-free, and has done an amazing job of preventing sun spots and freckles. The key component here is the PA+++, which protects against the UVB rays that cause sun damage. Not many brands will give a PA rating - the ones that do are usually Korean or Japanese. The higher the +, the higher the protection. I didn't believe it until I tried it... and now I am definitely a fan! Between running outdoors, shopping and laying out by the pool, I spend a lot of time in the sun. This is the first year I haven't had one Asian freckle!

Other updates this summer...

After taking six weeks off of Latisse, my eye lashes went  back to their "normal" length. Le sad, indeed. However, I got back on it a few weeks ago, and they started growing like weeds again. It's really amazing how quickly I saw results the second time around.

I am now about eight months away from my 30th birthday, and my forehead wrinkles are back. And they look worse when I put makeup on. AND Manfriend is not allowing me to botox my face back to life. If you have any other suggestions, please do send them!

I received the most beautiful Peony fleur du hair accessory from the lovely Kelima K. Photos to come soon.

Lastly, I am about 60 days out from the Chicago Marathon, and I just completed a 14-mile long run over the weekend. I'm still alive, and my legs aren't doing too badly!