Ewwww, gross! Your purse is a germ bag.

Hello my people,


I'm fresh home from my Alabama road trip.  We drove straight through instead of staying at a hotel.  Ahhhh, it feels good to be home.  The trip was great.  I'll never forget the memories my Daughter and I made this week.  Awesome best sums it up.

The travel wasn't hard.  I am used to packing and taking off.  One thing that stuck out like a sore thumb to me after yesterdays dirty public restroom experiences, was germ bag purses.  What Do you do when there is no door hook?  I usually keep my purse on my shoulder.  But what if it's too long?  Or maybe you are in a restaurant or somewhere else that you may have to put your purse on a table or a floor.  Yuck right?  Here are a few ways to prevent purse germs and how to clean them once you have them.

How to prevent getting germy:

First, never set your purse on the floor anywhere.  Including your own home.  People track things in on their shoes.  Just think, I you have a dog and you walk in your yard.... See where I am heading?  It is best to hang them on a hook or put them in a designated drawer.  Preferably a clean drawer.

Second, If you are in a public area such as a restaurant it is helpful to have a purse hook.  You can find these for purchase in most book stores.  Even some clothing stores sell them where you purchase purses.  There is also another pretty cool product called the fumi bracelet purse hook.  It is pretty adorable.  Here is the link:  http://www.zookhooks.com/fumi-bracelet-purse-hangers.aspx

 

Third, when in a bathroom, always hang your purse on the hook provided.  If there is no hook, hold onto your purse in anyway you can.  Just DON'T put it on the floor!  


How to clean your purse:

First, Take all the items out of your purse.  Make sure all the hidden pockets are empty.  Shake the inside of your purse out over trash can.  If that doesn't get out all the little crumbs out, take out your vacuum with the smallest of nozzle attachments and vacuum the inside to get all those creases and seams.  If your purse is fabric, this isn't necessary.  Just flip the inside lining to the outside and run it through the wash cold with like colors.  Now if your purse is leather or leatherish type material, then you will have to clean it by hand.  Once the inside is clean, You can give the outside a bath by using a soft cloth and some warm lightly soapy water to get the dirt off.  Then use a cloth with warm water to rinse the soap off.  I have to admit that I am a cheater and a germaphobe.  I use clorox wipes to clean my purse or handbag all the time.  

Second, lysole is your friend!  It is perfectly acceptable to spray it on the bottom of your purse and the surfaces that you touch the most on it.

Third, if you have already determined you have a germ bag there is a product that you can use to remove every last one of them.  I uses UV light to destroy the little boogers!  You can almost hear them screaming "help me I'm melting" as they are being wiped out.  I am seriously thinking of getting one.  If I do, for sure I will review it on missditz-thebeautifullife.com.

Pocket purifier

 

http://www.purelyproducts.com/

Thing dandy little device will kill germs on door knobs, light switches, cellphones, and anything you want to de-germ.  You can travel with it and use it on surfaces in your hotel room.  I am sure that there are larger more professional models out there too. 

Death to the germs!!  For all of you that for your own reasons have taken up the cause of preventing germs, I hope this information has helped. 

Have a great weekend.  Take a moment to subscribe to missditz-thebeautifullife.com

Leslie

Freebies with Benefit purchase

Today while I was killing some time, I wondered into an Ulta store.  I've run out of erase paste.  Here was a good opportunity to purchase some.  I decided to flip through the circular, and saw that there was a free finding Mr. Bright (which has erase paste as well as a few other benefit products) with a $25 purchase.  So, I purchased the That gal face primer.  I've never tried this.  This will be a great chance to try something new to review and perhaps tutorial.  There was also supposed to be a free benefit shower cap with this offer.  They had run out.  Instead they gave me a benefit day timer.  Who can't use a place to keep appointments and phone numbers, and emails? 

 

What a great bargain.  I got all these things.  I've never tried the Girl meets pearl or the That gal.  That gives me something great to look forward to trying.  Soon as I get back to Texas I'll have to show you the products and do a quick trial of them.  I'm looking forward to that. 

We leave Alabama in the morning.  I'll talk to you in a couple days my people. 
Thanks for stopping by missditz-thebeautifullife.com


Leslie

When will the reconstruction happen you ask?

Hello people,
I am sorry I have been so late in my updates about the whole reconstructive process #2.  That's what I am calling it.  Unless you all can suggest a more creative name for my second try at reconstruction?  I am taking all suggestions. 

My presurgery appointment to finalize everything will be on March the 22nd.  The surgery will be on April 4th.  If you haven't gone through surgery before here is what happens.  Before you can have surgery the doctor needs to make sure you are healthy enough to handle the operation.  They send you for blood work called a CBC panel to make sure that your blood looks good.  In my case they also had me go for an EKG for my heart, as well as a chest ex-ray.  For some reason there was some sort of cloudy mass on my right lung.  Since my cancer was on my right and that is the side I've had so many surgeries on, it is most likely a bunch of scar tissue.  Just to be on the safe side, I'll be going in for a Cat Scan on Monday. 

I'm feeling really well.  It is something that I am starting to get excited about having done.  Hopeful is the best word to describe my emotions.  I'm hopeful that this time there aren't any infections or complications.  That it is smooth sailing and that I won't have to have any further surgeries of any kind of nature in the future.  You all have been so supportive.  Thank you so very much.  You guys are the greatest. 

Thanks for stopping by to see my update. 

Leslie

Having a blast in Dothan Alabama

Well People,

I'm in Dothan with my daughter visiting her friend.  I have met his family and they are terrific people.  We've been to the smallest street in the United States. 

smallest street in the USA

Today we went to the visitors center to see the largest peanut.  Since this is the peanut capital of the world. 

I did do a little beauty shopping today.  There is a Merle Norman here, and a few of the bigger l  lines such as  Estee Lauder, and Clinique. So, I didn't buy any samples or find anything to do reviews of tutorials on.  This is a small but charming town.  Because my daughter brought me here to meet her friend Phillip, I have met his parents and brothers and sisters and made some terrific new friends.  Stretching your boundaries beyond your comfort zone, can really be a terrific blessing to your life.

Thank you for stopping by.

Leslie

This side of the Mississippi

Well people,
This week I am taking a road trip with my favorite Daughter.  Well, my only daughter.  We made it from Tx through Louisianna, and crossed the Mississippi into MI.  I've been on "that" side of the Mississippi.  Now I am on this side of it.  I wonder what things are going to be like on this side.  We have stopped for the night and will be taking off tomorrow on our way to Alabama.  So People, if you would post a comment to let me know what we should be doing in Alabama.  Thank you very much.

Leslie

Lady Gaga....I have a question?

Okay, so check this.  I have all this bizarre questions that roll through my mind while I am day dreaming.  Is there really a hollow tree with Keebler elves making chocolate goodness just for my daily joy?  Did Elvis fake his death?  Is Agent Mulder right?  Is  the truth really out there?????

The question that is baffling me is this.  We have all seen lady Gaga on stage in her fantastical outfits.  You look at her, and there is no way to tell who the real her is.  So, If The Lady were to go out in public incognito would she go as her self?  And would anybody be able to tell or recognize her besides Perez or Paris Hilton?  I know.... It overwhelms the mind doesn't it?

All silliness aside.  I truly do wonder what Lady Gaga looks like when she lets her costumes down and throws on a pair jeans.  Would she be recognizable to a mere mortal like me?  I searched all over the internet for a photo of her as herself.  I could only find one of her performing at the met in 2010.  She was performing at the request of  Anna Wintour.  Miss Wintour had asked her to stay out of costume and not to get all sweaty.  Prior to going on stage this threw Gaga into a full blown tantrum that made her lock herself in the bathroom.  Only coming out when Oprah came to the rescue telling her she was needed and the event couldn't go on without her.  Now I get the outfits.  Before I really though it was about being creative and talented.  After reading the article (which I will link) I really think the outfits are an armour, and provide protection for her fragile nature. 
http://www.thefablife.com/2010-05-05/lady-gaga-locks-herself-in-dressing-room-at-met-gala-oprah-coaxes-her-out/

Did you see the picture.  She is really pretty.  Would you recognize her in public?

Well my people, thanks for dropping by missditz-thebeautifullife.com.

Leslie

Manafest on CSI Miami this Sunday March 13th.

Guess what all you fans of the talented Rock/Rap performer Manafest.  He will have his song "Bring the ruckus"  featured on CSI Miami this Sunday the 13th. He is not only talented vocally but  He is also a trend setter in his own right with his own distinctive style. Plus he is quite the skate boarder.   If you know him and love him already, catch CSI Miami to hear his song featured.  If you don't know who he is check it out anyways so you can see how badly you have been missing out on full on rockin music.  If you are already going to be watching CSI then you're going to get a bonus that.

  

 

http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/artistdetail.php?artist_id=390 

Enjoy the show and the song if you watch. 

 

Leslie

 

 

Modcloth -I've received my cabin fever goodies!

There is nothing more exciting to me than receiving a package in the mail.  When you have a box to open, even if  you know what is inside, it's like opening a present.  I love that feeling.  The cabin fever sale couldn't have come at a better time.  We'd been through and ice storm, then went to Colorado where it was freezing.  So, when we got home and it was still cold, seeing the sale, it was destiny.


A lot of people look at the prices and think this store is waaaay too pricey.  If the clothes where average  off the rack regular quality clothes, I would agree with that statement.  These items are made by established as well as up and coming designers.  The clothing has unique buttons, detailing and style.  Many of the items are either actually vintage and snapped up quickly, or fashioned after vintage items.  You'll find the stitching is double stitching, there are french seams, and stitch in the ditch stitching.   Higher quality fabrics and trimmings plus all of the extra attention to detail make the clothing completely worth the price.  There is an old saying that one quality piece of clothing that is classic not only will last but will stay in style.  There you go, it is worth the price.

Here are some photos of two lovely jackets that I ordered.

Gumdrop Detective Coat

Double Breasted Carmel Coat

I really love both of these.  The picture on modcloth shows much better the detailing on the gumdrop jacket.  Here is their photo.

Just look at how amazing those buttons are.  But it's the sleeves that really got me.  Plus I just loved how it flairs out in the skirt.  This is my example of paying a little more for great quality.  This is a classic design, great quality, it won't go out of style, and I will be able to wear it with anything for years to come.  Now, I'm not saying run out and spend a fortune on clothes.  Buying a few key classic pieces to punch up your wardrobe each season will build your wardrobe over time.  Then you weave in the regular clothing in with them and Voila!  You have a completely amazing style. 

Thank you for stopping by missditz-thebeautifullife.com.  Take a moment to subscribe or leave a comment.

Leslie

Glasses as a beauty accessory.

Four eyes, You got four eyes! That is the phrase that sends panic and fear through every young child when they hear the dreaded sentence, "you need glasses" It seems that the younger you are the more traumatic it can be. For some reason young ladies take it harder than young men. Kids can be brutal to one another about things like that. Saying things like "boys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses. Not so I. We have all seen how mesmerizing the bookish librarian can become when she shakes her bun out and removes those glasses. Well, I say glasses can be cool if you have them. Use them as an uber cool accessory. If you're lucky enough to be able to wear makeup to further accessorize you glasses and draw more attention to your big beautiful eyes.

Michelle Phan, who is one of my all time number one favorite makeup artists, has made several videos about how to accessorize your eyes with glasses. As well as how to play up your glasses with amazing makeup. Here is just one of many of my favorite videos from her. The video sort of goes over into my side frame. To fully enjoy this video please expand it to full screen. Chic Makeup for Glasses:




Many well known stage, movie and musical artists wear glasses and look quite trendy with them. This goes beyond reading glasses, and includes sun glasses. Women and Men alike. Some of those men even wear makeup. Such as Mr. Johnny Depp. The sun glasses can be seriously cool too for those of us born without out the need for glasses.

Jennifer Garner

Kirsten Dunst

Lisa Loeb

Johnny Depp

 

Hugh Laurie

 

Michael Weatherly

When you put on sunglasses it immediately adds an air of mystery to you.  There is just something about having your eyes closed off from the world that makes you suddenly become more wonderful looking.  See there, you don't even need to put on eye makeup and you look wonderful!  What a bonus it is to have a great pair of sunglasses.  So, get a pair, or ever two or three.  They don't have to be pricey. They just have to look cool to you.

Jeffery Donovan                                     

Leighton Meester

Tammin Surok

I hope you enjoyed watching the amazing makeup wizardry of Michelle Phan.  Isn't she blow your mind great?  This article has been a blast to do.  Time was lost.  It went so fast.
Thank you for stopping by missditz-thebeautifullife.

Leslie

Eyeliner Art

There are so many cool ways to do up your eyes with eyeliner beyond the standard fill in around the lash line. Today I want to show you something simple, easy and quick. Perhaps not filled with drama, but it does add an extra bit of PUNCH to your eye. During this season of Mardi Gras, and Carnival, a lot of people will be doing extra fun things with their eye makeup. Things such as actually drawing on their own masks with eyeliners and eyeshadow. The looks are only limited by your imagination. Don't be afraid to try new things.

So here is the video.



Thank you for coming to missditz-thebeautifullife.com

Leslie

It's not a beautiful life with cellphone mayhem!

Oh my people.  Today I had the most wonderful honor of watching my daughter be accepted into the Phi Theta Kapa.  The international honor society.  The ceremony was beautiful.  Except for the cell phone orchestra.  You would think that cells have been around long enough that people would know some simple etiquette.  When in a public even, you either turn it off or turn the ringer to off.  If you hear one cell go off it should be a signal to you that you should check to make sure yours is off. 

One phone went off, and I was like, "okay, that's to be expected, now everyone will turn them off".  Then another and a third, then a fourth.  That is around the time I was fantasizing in mind of standing up and turning around toward the sound and saying "hey, we all think your ring tone is cute, but we would enjoy it more if you would play it after the ceremony is over, so why don't we ALL turn our phones off?"  That made me smile.  Cause I know that by actually doing that I'd be worse than the ring tones themselves, but the idea of totally calling out a person who is disrupting a special time made me grin.  Heck, earlier in the event a young woman with a cranky child even left the room with him rather than interrupt things for everyone else.  I appreciate that simple common sense act.  It couldn't have been fun for her to leave.  But it was sure thoughtful.

Since this site is as much about having a beautiful life as it is about makeup, and beauty products.  I just want to remind everyone to be beautiful with your electronic sound pollution.  Today made me aware of how many of our electronic products give off little beeping, buzzing, and whirring noises.  From our digital cameras, and phones, to even the wireless headsets.  I'm going to become a positive force in not causing cellphone mayhem!

Have a beautiful day today.

Leslie

The joy, and the pain of a mammogram

My people, today I did the thing that sends most adult women into a cold sweat of absolute dread.  Yes, that is right, the word whispered in hushed tones with a shudder in our voice.  A mammogram.  For me it is ever so special.  Since one side is sort of less than there.  The technician gets to wedge me, cram me, squish me, and cram me into the machine.  If you have never had a mammogram here is what the machine looks like.

The mammogram I had today was a presurgery test for my reconstruction.  Which I will be doing bright and early on the morning of the 21st of this month.  I made a promise to yall that I'd keep you posted so here are the details.   I'll be having a section of muscle moved from under my shoulder blade to my breast muscle.  Then they will slip an implant that can be inflated with fluid over a period of time.  This will is called tissue expansion.  After many months of a bit of pain and healing, I should be back to normal.  Plus I get to have a nice tattoo of a a nipple area. 

That is a lot of detail right?  Breast cancer and reconstruction can be a very scary thing.  I am not sharing so much of myself to scare anyone, but instead to let you know it is going to be okay, if you are facing this yourself.  The mammogram, well, that's just annoying.  The surgery, once you have it all mapped out and know what to expect it is just a series of steps.  Put one foot in front of the other and before you know it you will have walked them all. 

As things progress, I'll be keeping you posted, cause your my people.

Leslie

What is in my kit?

An artist's kit is a wild and mysterious adventure. Filled with many products. Professional high end products as well as inexpensive products from a many odd and unique place. How about I start at the beginning. Without going and labeling every item I have in my kit, I will hit the high notes and add the filler items.

Firstly you must have a great cleanser, toner and moisturizer as these three items are the basis of achieving a final beautiful image. I use cetephil, witch hazel, and first aid ultra repair cream. You really need a great set of brushes, if possible two so that you can not have to stop and clean while working on a client.

Now you've used the triad for healthy skin to prepare for the rest of your makeup. For most of my life I didn't use this and once I began it made such a huge difference in how my makeup looked and lasted it like a miracle. That product is a facial primer. There are a lot to choose from. My favorite is Makeup forever HD. You'll need a good concealer or color corrector (hiding dark circles or going back after shadow application to clean up under eye area), foundation, powder, blush/bronzer, eyeshadow primer (I use Lime crime) eyebrow pencil or wax, eyeshadow, eyeliner or all sorts,and Finishing powder. Don't forget lipstick, or lipgloss.

Those are the basics for cosmetics. I also carry headbands for holding hair out of the way. A good pair of tweezers to capture the stray eyebrow hair or other facial hair, q-tips for cleaning up mistakes around the eyes or cleaning up around the lip line. Most professional artists will use a blending palette for mixing cream makeups to create a new color. You can buy one or use pre-cut wax tissue paper palettes that you can purchase at hobby lobby or beauty supplies. I cheat and use the back of my hand.

Washing your hands and hand sanitizing is very important to keeping cross contamination down between your hands, brushes and their skin. Once you have washed, toned and moistured their face, the last thing you want is to blow on a brush to remove excess powder and then put your yucky germ riddled brush on their face. That is another reason for having two sets of brushes instead of just one.

How to carry your kit from place to place. There are a lot of fancy professional kits out there for carrying your products. You don't need to spend a fortune. A suitcase with wheels works fine. You can keep your individual items separated into specific bags for the type of cosmetic that is in them. The suitcase can be divided into sections using sponge that you buy at the fabric store. Or you can simply buy a suitcase that has sections already.

Here is a small list of makeup companies I use:
Kryolan
Makeup Forever
Mehron
Ben Nye
Graftobian
I also really like this web site www.cherryculture.com.  There is a large selection of High quality professional products as well as high quality inexpensive products from companies that have been around forever.  That are staple products in kits around the works. Such as Girlactic, and amuse.

Have fun as you build your kit.  Wether it is a kit for your own personal use or for financial pursuits.  Thanks for reading missditz-the beautifullife.com

Kickin it old school

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Curl Formers

For the very best in Spiral curls, There is the curl formers curling system.  I have shown this system to you through the companies video promotion on youtube.com.  Since then I've purchase a set of my own and tried them a time or two.  They leave a really nice ringlet curl.  It is very soft and feminine.  What I love most, for myself anyway, is that my hair is thin.  That means I can put the curlers in with damp hair then blow dry the curlers a bit and Viola!  I have saved time and effort and have nice spirally curls in a very short time.  Below is a video of the whole process from beginning to end.  I hope you enjoy.  They are super easy, and fun to use. 




I'm glad you could stop by missditz-thebeautifullife. Feel free to explore all the pages, and read older articles. Take a moment to subscribe.

Leslie

Benefit You Rebel review

Recently I ran out of my face powder. I decided that it would be a good time to try a time saver product. I have a thing for benefit, so I got myself a tube of the You Rebel. It is moisturizer and foundation. That is a total twofer. I still put my regular moisturizer on. Dry skin ya know. Well, I have been using it for a month now. The consistency is really think and creamy. I put a pearl size drop on the back of my hand and then use a buffer brush to wisp it all over my face and neckline. Going from a powder to a cream is a huge change. I hadn't realized that the powder was making me look even more dry skinned.

John Galliano, what is up with that?

Wow, This guy is crazy.  Crazy talented, and crazy in the head.  If you haven't heard, Mr. John Galliano Fashion designer for the house of Dior has been caught been very naughty in a Paris bar, chastising a couple (who wasn't even Jewish) with massive anti semitic statements.  All caught on film and posted all over the internet, played on news channels all over the world. 

Here is the brief and most important part:




This video so offended Miss Natalie Portman, who is the new spokesperson for Dior. She also was born in Jerusalem Israel, and happens to be Jewish. Much right to feel offense yes? She made a nicely worded statement about her offense at his being part of the company she is now a rep for. Not long after, Mr Galliano was Let go.

After you have watched the video I want to state something that should be obvious to anyone who studied history in Junior high or High school. Yes, Hitler killed Jews, but he also killed Gypsies, Catholics, and Gays. Mr. Galliano happens to be gay. Not saying he is a hypocrite, but if his pricey fashionista shoes fits.... He can't love Hitler, If Hitler would have killed him for his lifestyle, and still hate Jews can he? I dunno, it seems sort of twisted logic to me. I'm much confused by this. Why couldn't he just eat his dinner and leave the other diners to eat theirs in peace too? The world may never know. I suppose that is what keeps the world going. The interesting things that crazy people do. Wether you love his fashions of not, I am sure the majority would agree there is a way to behave in public, and that wasn't it.

Bottom line for me is that Natalie is Bad Ass and I love her as actress and a person. Her Statement was classy and not hateful. It could have been emotional and mean spirited. I'm so proud of how she handled it.

Well, I guess I went on a bit of a rant myself didn't I?

Thanks for stopping by for this one.

Leslie

As Promised, update on my reconstruction process.

Well my amazing people.  Tomorrow at 2pm I go in for the appointment that got canceled due to the recent snow storms.  What I think this appointment will accomplish is this.  I'll have an exam, discuss the type of surgery options and make some choices, set a date, and get the process rolling.  I am feeling anticipation since this whole process from beginning till now has taken so long.  My cancer began in 2001 and I had my reconstruction in 2007.  Yea, that is a long long time to wait.  Fear, makes you do crazy things right?  Also I feel a little anxiety.  Really though, what I feel is that light at the end of the tunnel moment. 

After the appointment there will be more details for me to share with you.  Such as what the surgical process with be, when it will happen, and how crazy stressed out I am waiting for it to be over.  If you are going through this, know someone who is, I hope seeing me going through this takes the scare factor out of it for you.

My experience has been one of those rare percentages they tell you about that will have complications.  The usual surgery is smooth and uncomplicated.  So fear not my people, if you are going through this, this will be fine. Get a well respected Doctor that has a great hospital to support him/her.  Never go through a surgical center.  You lose some of your patient rights.  Check your Dr out through the State board of medical examiners to make sure there have been no complaints against them.  It helps if you have had a friend that has gone through this that has recommended this Doctor to you as well.  If  you have done all this homework, and your Doc has checked out, then you should proceed with confidence.  Focus on your health.

Since I am going through this and opening up to you, if you find that you want to open up to me, you can post a comment or direct email me. 

Thank you for stopping by missditz-thebeautifullife.  Leave comments, or subscribe if you have a spare moment. 

Leslie

Have you ever thought about being a makeup artist?

It has always been something I have enjoyed dabbling with.  Messing with cosmetics on my face, that of friends, and family members.  Over the years, I have had poor impulse control when it comes to the purchase of products in new cosmetic lines.  My beginnings were in Cosmetology right out of high school.  That really doesn't go into too much depth when it comes to makeup and color theory.  It took me till well into my adulthood to take a class or two.  There are not too many schools that are anchor schools here in Texas.  Most of the solid well know school of makeup artistry are in London, Toronto Canada, California,  and New York.  The school I chose is quite nontraditional.  It is a traveling school called Last Looks Makeup Academy.


The classes I took were "just eyes, and bridal makeup".  Though I would love to take 5 days with a madman.  Working with latex and doing special effects sounds very challenging to me.  If you've considered going into makeup and don't want to pursue a career as an estetician to get there here is the link to find future classes in your city.  http://www.lastlooksmakeup.com

The classes are incredibly informative and fun.  Well worth the price.  It is also very helpful to get your hands on every single book you can read on all types of makeup applications.  Right  now I'm hunting for the Ford Modeling agency book.  It is basically the cosmetic and model bible.  

I hope you enjoyed your stop at missditz-thebeautifullife.

Leslie

Speaking of Oscar, I'd like you to meet my grandpup Oscar.

You have often heard Oscar Barking in the background saying "hello, hello, notice me!" Yet I've never taken the time to introduce you. Since it is a special weekend named specially after him, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Oscar Myer Wiener Dog. Or As his momma calls him, Ozzie Mandias. I just call him Oz or buddie.

I'm too sexy for my scarf, arf arf

He is small, Just about 8 inches tall, and 9 pounds, but he has a mighty bark.  Right now he is barking that you must watch the Oscars because they named it after him!  I hope you enjoyed finally meeting the face behind the bark.  Please enjoy yourselves as you watch the Oscars the evening.  If you are drinking, have a designated driver.  Safety first!

Thanks for stopping by missditz-thebeautifullife,

Leslie