Skincare Spotlight...

Good Morning, all ...

For those who have anxiously awaited a new Skincare Spotlight, the wait is over...

This week's featured product is.... (drum roll please)....

Too Faced's Candlelight Luminizer

This product is a GODSEND! Having used almost every other luminzer/highlighter out there, I feel that I've finally found ... the one. If you're tired of highlighters being too sparkly, coming off too shiny, or just all-around fake, this could be the one for you, as well.

The ingredients include actual gold, reported to tighten skin and hide imperfections, as well as collegen-producing vitamin C, calming aloe vera, and antioxidants like pomegranate to smooth and radiate sad skin. With a retail price of under $40 (purchase at http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P241300&categoryId=B10), it's a MUST HAVE for your skin care arsenal! Use either over foundation to brighten things up, or simply over moisturizer... either way, you're bound to love it!

Well that's all for today, guys. Job #1 has been taking over 90% of my time, leaving very little for #2, or extra curricular activities, but I promise to keep you updated on the latest and greatest!

Love,
J

Thursday's Tunes of the Week

Good Morning, all...

Today, I bring you a rather random selection of songs that I've chosen for this sunny Thursday morning... Whether they're old classics, or have just hit stands, I promise you will not be disappointed.

10. Hologram - Katie Herzig - This little songstress came to my attention via Sara Bareilles' random tweets. She had mentioned that her song "Wish You Well" was her pick of the day, and while that song is AMAZING, it's a bit deep for today's playlist. Hologram, however, is an upbeat number sure to get those toes tapping, and carries with it a sense of springtime.

9. February Air - Lights - The song originally featured in the 2009 Old Navy "Next" commercial really just sunk it's teeth right into my brain until I eventually tracked it down. This poppy little number is impossible not to like, regardless of month.

8. Naive - the Kooks - An old favorite, it's come to my attention that far too many people are NOT familiar with the Kooks (or at least this amazing song). With lyrics that confuse and befuddle almost every person that hears it, this British quartet rocks with instantly recognizable guitar and harmonics that rival a string symphony.

7. Wild - Poe - If you're a long-time Money fan, you've already heard of this and/or downloaded it as I suggested. Poe seems to have fallen off the face of the earth in recent years, and I'm thinking, if enough of us purchase her albums/download her music, maybe she'll bless us with a reappearance? :/ Here's hopin'. This little ditty outlines the exact emotions you pass through when the one you never thought could hurt you betrays your trust. A MUST for any scorned rocker chick.

6. It Never Gets Easier - Straylight Run - A timeless classic, Straylight kicks it up yet again with the 2005 single from their EP "Prepare to Be Wrong" - a 6-track LIFECHANGER if you've yet to discover it.

5. Done Wrong - Ani Difranco - The usual feminist takes a break from her girl-powered anthems to do a personal piece about relationships, and a tale of one gone horribly wrong. Without overdoing it, Ani manages yet again to conjure thoughts of your own past issues, mix with a dash of anger and a melancholy melody, and POOF - pure genius.

4. Everybody Knows - John Legend - Every now and again, a girl needs John Legend. This pure piece from the 2008 hit "Evolver" is sure to have an effect on you - whether it's just stuck in your head, or brings back memories of another time, you'll love this whimsical track from a true musician.

3. Baby, I Love Your Way - UB40 - That's right, I did it. I put UB40 on the list. With spring here, and summer right around the corner, it's impossible to not have an "anthem", and this cheesy remake is MINE (it's cool, you can borrow it). A reggae-inspired cover of the Frampton hit, it's IMPOSSIBLE to not find yourself jammin' in the car. It's a much needed escape from the dreary winter landscape, and seriously pumps a sister up. :) You're welcome.

2. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes - Ke$ha - While Ke$ha's better known for her hit track "Tik Tok" or her new release with 3oh!3 "Blah Blah Blah", this lesser-known tune of her "Animal" EP takes the cake. For an upbeat breakup song, look nowhere further. Whether you're in the mood to cry, or to just sing at the top of your lungs, this one's a keeper, and matter of fact, so is miss Ke$ha. The album itself is pretty amazing, for someone that takes such a nonchalant, humorous approach to music.

and finally....

1. Sorry I Stole Yo Gurl - The Friday Night Boys - If you're a fan of Owl City, Postal Service or HelloGoodbye, I'm pleased to introduce your new favorite band. This uptempo number assaulted me when I was dragged into Hollister recently, but by the end of it, I was singing along and boppin' around. This quirky little number will hit you in the face with their unapologetic anthem to adultery. You're welcome. :)

I hope this list finds you all well, and that you take the time to give any of these a try. In the meantime, the Money must bid you adieu. Comments are welcome!

xoxo,
J

I'm so sorry, my babies!

Well, after yet another hiatus, yours truly has returned.

Sorry for the delay, guys.

Regardless, this is just a quick update to let you know that as of tomorrow, Money's Random Thought of the Day will be up and running with some new features. I will be adding some suggested topics to the lineup, as well as making some of my favorite things available to you in new and exciting ways.

That's right, kids...

Mommy's home.

xoxo,
J

New Additions to Money's Chrismukkah List

1. "InStyler" - the hair product/appliance. Sells in retail stores and online. Basically the all-in-one of straighteners/curling irons/shiners/etc.
2. Rachael Yamagata "Elephants" tote from her website.
3. Hardcover Twilight Saga (so I can stop borrowing Mom's)
4. Anything off my AE wish list @ www.ae.com. Search by name.
5. (Spoken with the voice of the Price is Right announcer) ... a new carrrrrrrrrrrrrr! lol

Loves,
Money

Money's Christmas List

So, it's been a while, and I'm sure 50-75% of my readers are pouting. But life's tough. lol.

Sorry guys, but with the holidays, the second job, and the fact that my sweetheart got to stay an EXTRA week with me, I've been a bit MIA.

In the meantime, however, to avoid sending out 800 emails to family and friends up my rear about Christmas gifts, I've decided to make things easy for ya. Below is a list of things that would make Money smile. :)

1) Anything from Sephora. If you need hints, let a sister know. If all else fails, gift cards work wonders. :) AND it'll give a girl something new to review on the blog! See how I just made you getting me Sephora a gift for us BOTH? :)
2) (Family only, as this is an expensive item) - The 3 step kit from Proactiv or the 3 step from Boscia (Oily set). Either one will work just dandy, and will save poor Money from using CVS knock-off Clean & Clear. :)
3) Gift cards to the following: Target, Walmart, American Eagle, Pacific Sunwear, or pretty much any girly store in the mall. Unless your Tiff or Kim, who already know my style, and are welcome to get me a random item of clothing.... :) lol If you are not one of these people, please refrain from purchasing actual clothing, as it will make me sad having to wear it out of pity. lol
4) Bumble and Bumble ANYTHING. Again, kind of a large price tag on some of the items, so don't worry if this is not an option. Any of the following would be LOVELY - "Prep", "Shine", "Thickening" spray, or any shampoo/conditioner set (preferably the thickening).
5) Nothing says "I Love You" like a tanning package.... or a few visits... lol. :)
6) GC to Hair Cosmopolitan, if all else fails. This way, Money can get her hair did, or just go product crazy. :)
7) Pretty much ANYTHING shiny.
8) Sephora Collection Ultimate Blockbuster - palette for 2009
9) Philosphy's "Winter Escape" set -- sephora or online
10) Smashbox's "Wish for the Stars" set
11) Too Faced Glamour to Go 3 set
12) Too Faced Mascara Layering Kit

So, I'm pretty sure that's it thus far. I'll edit it later if something else comes up, but most of the sephora items are $20 or under, and no matter how hard I try, most of you will not listen to my pleas of "I DO NOT want ANYTHING for Christmas".

Hopefully this helps.

And if the Nana is reading this, sorry for the vulgarity. :)

Jecca Leigh

Thursday's Tunes of the Week...

Well, good morning, faithful readers!

This week's tunes will be the top ten most recently added songs on my Ipod... I.E. the new and noteworthy of November 2009... Enjoy!

1. Ain't No Rest for the Wicked - Cage the Elephant. This laid back track first caught my attention on MySpace of all places. With a Beck-esque sound and simple melodies, it's an automatic favorite.
   
2. Russian Roulette - Rhianna. Rhianna takes it back to the days of "Unfaithful" and brings you this new ballad. Both mysterious and heavy, her newest single will take you on an adventure from beginning to end.
3. If You're Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To) - Weezer. The boys come back big time with this poppy little number that you can't help but bop along with. With sweet, wholesome lyrics and a catchy bridge, it's perfect for a mood-boost.
4. Wheels - Foo Fighters. It's about time they dropped a new song! While this one is surely more pop sounding than their previous work, it's still an instant classic. The guys step away from heavy guitar and angry screams for this track, and do not disappoint.
5. 1901 - Phoenix. This indie hit from the french foursome is just what the doctor ordered. With a sound equivalent to the Nick & Norah soundtrack, you'll be singing along in no time.
6. I Like It Rough - Lady Gaga. Okay, guilty pleasure number one on this list. The beat's fantastic, and melody's pretty catchy. Whether your pro or anti-Ga, this one'll be stuck in your head for hours.
7. 3 - Britney Spears. Okay, definite guilty pleasure number two! Britney finally gives up trying to hold together any semblance of a positive image, and belts out this nasty number confirming her iconic whore status. But the beats pretty decent. So what the hell..
8. Red Light - David Nail. The only country hit to make this week's list, this depressing ode to the break up is melodically and lyrically wonderful. While I personally believe the idea was stolen directly from the boys of Matchbox 20 and their little-known-hit "Rest Stop", I'm still down for a good "slit-your-wrists" track.
9. Heartbreak Warfare - John Mayer. LOVE IT! One of Mayer's newest tracks to be released, this little ditty has one of the best analogies I've seen to date. With lyrics comparing the absolute destruction of fights and breakups to chemical warfare, it's bound to hit you, and hit you HARD. Plus there's the loving mention of my least favorite drug, Ambien,... gotta love it.
10. Kings and Queens - 30 Seconds to Mars. IT IS ABOUT GOD-DAMN TIME, BOYS! For years I sat, waited and wished for them to drop a new EP. The second I lose hope, up it shows on the billboard top twenty - a new song from an old favorite. With the typical sweeping melodies and hard rhythms of any 30 Seconds song, you'll feel instantly at home. The boys shy just enough away from their prior sound to showcase their change and growth, but not out in left-field leaving you wondering "what happened?!" Can't wait for the new EP - if it's anything like this title track, it'll be a chart-topper in no time!

Well that's it for me. Hope you enjoy, and feel free to leave your "OH MY GOD, JESSICA, YOU'RE AMAZING..." comments below.

xoxo,
Jecca Leigh

The Following Is A Public Service Announcement...

This is what happens when you drink with Kimberly Jolin... I present to you, my faithful audience, a brief selection of ridiculous one-liners brought on my FARRRRR too much wine in FARRRRR too short a time span...

"I hear that, brotha!" - Kim, speaking to the fictional character Michael Scott, at far too loud of an interval.

"You can TOO scuba with asthma! They said so on America's Next Top Model!" - Kim, very offended that Creed on the Office had his information wrong.

"That's what happens when I drink -- I get SMARTER! It's INSANE!!!" - Kim

"The Ramen may taste like shit, but these brownies are f***ing goooooooooooooooooood!" - Kim

"Have another glass of wine, Jess..." - Kim, said repeatedly throughout the night, not a good move.

"EVERYTHING I say is funny when induced by Moscato!" - Kim

"I can't find a notebook, but I do have a shit ton of bills I don't intend to pay?!" - Me

"I don't know why we decided to whisper that ENTIRE conversation?" - Me

"I'ma put some Fibersure in my ramen!" - Me, very decidedly.
"I think that's a GREAT idea!" - Kim, very supportive of my brilliance.

"I'm not gonna see you for the rest of the night, am I?" - Kim
"Nonsense, I take very quick poops..." - Me (apparently no topic is sacred after the third glass)

"What the hell is THAT about?! When I have NOTHING going on, I get home in five minutes. When I wanna get home and have a glass of wine, hang out with you, maybe take a shit? Retarded people EVERYWHERE!" - me, yet again, referencing bowel movements. lol.

"Shit. The timer's still going and I took the brownies out twenty minutes ago." - me

"Are you ready?" - Kim getting all spookyyyyyy before Paranormal Activity
"Yes, and that's not the light switch..." - Me

"Tell me when you're done writing down the stupid things I say..." - Kim
"Stop saying stupid things, now I have to write THAT too!" - Me

"I need you to not judge me right now!" - Kim, said while spooning brownie batter out of the bowl


It was a top night, Kim, a TOP NIGHT! Must do it again soon.

xoxo,
J