The Compromise

Everyone says the hardest thing about being in a relationship is the compromise, having to stray from exactly what you want to give your partner a little bit of what they want. We have had our fair share of compromises in the almost 7 years we have been together, but there is one thing I have not given in on. I have my reasons and he has his and we both feel that each of our reasons are good ones for wanting or not wanting to give in, so for now its been pushed to the side.

It is just this one thing that I have a hard time compromising because its not like "what's for dinner?" or "who is taking out the trash?", its personal. We have talked about different options and well we just haven't come up with one that works for both of us. Anyone ever had something they couldn't come to a compromise about? Would you just give in because you don't want to create an argument?

On a lighter note, I never posted this outfit I wore to a friend's wedding ceremony. Too bad I forgot to take a picture of what I wore to the reception because we were running late and it was a complete thunderstorm that evening.

Dress: Unknown, Belt: Target, Shoes, Jessica Simpson

This is one of my favorite dresses because it is so comfortable and is a great alternative to my little black dress.

Twilight Glow

After two weeks of searching for Twilight, the new Ulta Professional Nail line color, I found it this past weekend thanks to Laurel from A Good Build. There were only 2 bottles of this left when I got there and I snatched up one along with Green with Envy, an emerald green.

Twilight actually looks very similar to OPI's Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees from the new Suede Collection. Twilight was actually on sale for $4.99 when I got it, but I think that deal is over now.

What do you think of the color? I actually REALLY like it. But I may be biased because I have been really into gray lately.

I was also able to pick up Queen Helene's Mint Julep mask at Ulta as well. I went to 2 Walgreen's and 1 CVS on Friday looking for this mask and couldn't find it. I have read great reviews on this mask and how it helps with acne and blackheads. I have only used it once so far and I will say that it left my face super soft and smooth. I will give a review of it after a few more uses.

I normally don't buy drugstore cosmetics. I remember the high school days when the foundation you bought rarely matched your face and the eye shadow never was as bold as it appeared in the packaging. Well, after reading some great reviews online of some products, I decided to give it a try.

First I bought L'oreal True Match liquid foundation. Let me start by saying I normally do not wear liquid foundation because it always felt too thick to me. True Match is not thick and is actually pretty light. There is a little "chart" that is on the display that helps you choose which color will best work for you. I think the "chart" got my color spot on. It lasted me all day and did not rub off after 6 hours. I have combination skin and usually get slightly oily after about 5 hours around my t-zone. The foundation didn't make me more oily at all which is one thing I was afraid of. I would highly suggest anyone looking for a good inexpensive foundation to try L'oreal True Match, I think you will be nicely surprised.

Sorry no pics of the foundation because I could never post pictures of my face without any makeup because right now its not in the best shape it has been. Maybe once my skin clears up a little I will.

Winter Kate & Jimmy Choo

I love Nicole Richie's style, she is always so effortlessly chic. I am so glad that she has changed her life around from those early partying days of hers. I love how much of a family woman she has become, but also has time for herself and her career. We all know that she created the accessories line House of Harlow 1960 and a maternity line named Nicole.

Nicole just announced that she has launched a contemporary women's line named Winter Kate (her daughter Harlow's middle names). We can expect her Bohemian style to be reflected in her designs that will be sold at stores such as Neiman Marcus starting February. I could only find one image from the line, but will post more if I come across them.

Image via frillr.com

I can't wait to see what the rest of the 37 piece collection will look like. I am not too crazy about the above vest/shirt, but I am sure she will have some very cute dresses in the collection.

Speaking of new collections, I wish we had an H&M here in Houston so that I could buy something from the new Jimmy Choo Collection for H&M. Just in case you haven't seen the pieces, here they are.

Image via chicintuition.com

I want the gray dress, blue dress, faux fur vest, and pretty much all of the shoes! I am jealous of all you ladies with an H&M around the corner. If you have an H&M near you, are you going to go the first day the collection hits? What items are you trying to get?

Move your ass, go berserk...

...eat your salad, no dessert!

I've been kind of avoiding this for some time now. I mean who wants to admit that they gained quite some weight? Before the wedding I started eating better and was moderately active. Then about a month before the wedding the stress started to kick in and I just didn't want to eat. I didn't realize how much weight I had lost until my final fitting and the seamstress had to take my dress in 2 inches. I knew it wouldn't last long.

Well, here we are about 8 months after the wedding and I am ready to admit that I HAVE GAINED IT BACK (and possibly a few extra)! *cringes* I feel that if I write it down, I am more inclined to do something about it. While I am not at the heaviest I've ever been, I don't want to get back to that because at that time I think most of my meals were fast food. I wish there was a miracle fast way to do this and keep it off. I see all the commercials for different diet pills, cleanses, and even know people who take prescription drugs to suppress their appetite. While those might give me quick results, the minute you stop them the pounds start packing back on.

In my attempt to eat healthier and be more active I signed up on thedailyplate.com with a friend. Dailyplate is a free resource that helps you keep track of the calories you consume and the calories you burn with your daily activities. It also helps you figure out how many calories you CAN consume to promote weight loss with your level of normal activity. I just signed up last night so I don't know all the things you can do with the website, but if anyone uses it, got any pointers?

I find that it is hard to keep myself motivated. I go for about 2 weeks eating healthy and trying to stay active and then fall in a slump. Go for about a month in that slump, and start feeling motivated again.

What do you do to stay motivated about eating healthy and staying active?

Fall Into Me Baby

Fall calls for a whole new set of accessories. Here are some that I have been lusting over.

Sequin Beret from Topshop.

Circle Scarf from American Apparel. Which can be worn several different ways, including as a skirt.

Leather Gloves from J. Crew.

Argyle tights from Forever 21.

I really like those argyle tights. Speaking of Forever 21, there was a ring on their website listed under New Arrivals that I have been desperately wanting (the expensive version). When I saw that Forever 21 finally made one, it was no longer for sale. I don't know if it sold out that fast or maybe they had to take it down for whatever reason. I am hoping to go to the store today to see if by any chance they have one at there. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I have been dying to break out my tights for the fall and actually wore some yesterday. It was horrible because it was slightly chilly in the morning but then went up to the mid 80s in the afternoon. I just couldn't take it anymore and had to take them off. Stupid Texas weather!

The other day I previewed Michael Buble's newest CD "Crazy Love". I love his voice! There is one song on there that makes me melt "Hold On". I am a little biased, but "Crazy Love" is great too because it was our first dance song (the Thea Gilmore version).

Dark and Gloomy

So the weather here in Houston has been pretty dark and gloomy lately. I guess the time change next month also plays a role in the darkness. Anyway, I'm normally a light pink nail polish wearing girl, but lately I've been wearing dark colors again. I was looking through my Ulta advertisement that came in the mail and LOVED the three new colors that they came out with for the fall.

To my disappointment, I went to 2 different Ulta locations last week to no avail. How can you advertise something new and not have it at 2 of your locations? There are only a hand full of location in Houston. So Ulta please hurry up and send all the locations your new Ulta Professional line fall colors because I want to buy all three. Its hard to see the colors online, but here is one that I plan to buy whenever I can get my hands on it. Twilight:

My nails will start chipping probably 2 days after I get them done, so I stopped getting them done at a salon and just do it at home. But lately I have noticed that they don't start to chip as early. I wonder if its because some of the colors at the nail shop look like they have been watered down or they are just old colors. Anyone has have that problem?

What colors are you looking forward to for the fall this year? Obviously I have the dark gray above and a dark green and purple, both jewel tones.

StyL'D

I am sure many of you readers love to watch The Rachel Zoe Project as much as I do. Well I recently just stumbled upon a new fashion show reality TV show that will be airing on MTV at the beginning of November. If follows several aspiring stylists who are in a "junior stylist program" with the famous Margaret Maldonado styling agency. I can tell from the preview below that I am going to be hooked on this new series. Do you think its going to be "bananas"?

Styl'd - MTV Shows

Vested in Fall

I always tie "happenings" with season change. When I was younger I always knew it was the summer when the neighborhood pool opened. These days, I consider it fall when Starbucks brings back the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Sad I know, but I love those things! If you haven't tried a Pumpkin Spice Frappe, those are good too.

Anyway, one thing I love to wear in the fall are vests. They add an extra layer of warmth and add a little spunk to a rather simple outfit. I mainly wear my vests with jeans and a plain tee, but if you are adventurous with your style pair them with a dress for a different spin on things.

Here are two styles I am currently loving:

The above vest is the Rachel Comey Traveler's Vest. I love the look, but not the tag of $679. I did find a similar option that is much more budget friendly.

The "cheaper" option is by BB Dakota and is going for only $60.

This Alexander Wang Motorcycle vest is HOT, but the tag of over $1,200 is not.

This one is from Guess which isn't as long as the Wang one, but has a similar vibe to it. There is also one from Express that is only $68, but their website has been down for the past couple of days.

If I didn't put myself on a spending freeze I would have bought the BB Dakota vest already. I actualy was THIS close to buying it in August, but was saving up to "feed" my expensive hobby (which is the reason I am on a spending freeze).

Anyone else on a spending freeze? How are you dealing with it? If I keep myself busy on the weekends I don't really get a chance to go to the mall, so I am good. Gosh, I sound like I have a problem huh? :)