September 27, 2012

Non-toxic Adventures!: Mascara

So here's the deal: when I look for a mascara, I want it to look like... va-va-voom intense lash-attack style.

Like they should be so big that people at work should whisper behind my back "Hey this is random, but do you think Joanna wears false eyelashes to work?  It sounds crazy, because it would mean she'd be applying them every morning... and it seems strange because she's so low-key and laid back*, and the rest of her makeup is so light, but I look at her lashes, and I can think of one thing and one thing only: they must be fake!"  I wish this was happening, but it's not because: (a) my co-workers would never have that conversation and (b) my eyelashes don't look close to looking fake, even though I gravitate toward the most intense mascaras I can find.

So here's the other part of the deal: as far as I know, non-toxic mascaras don't do this.  And I'd also heard that they run really easily.

Anyway, I was prepared to be disappointed when I tried Josie Maran's mascara.

Josie Maran - GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara
:: Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara $22 ::
And guys?  It's fine!  No one will think my eyelashes are fake, but it darkens nicely, doesn't clump, and even after a long, sweaty run, it didn't streak at all.  (I didn't put on mascara to go for a run, by the way.  It was already on for the day, and then I went out.)  It also washes off nicely without me rubbing so hard I lose eyelashes in the process, which is a huge plus.  One warning: the formula is a little... wet, so I found I had to develop an application technique, or else mascara would get all up in my eyelids.  But I figured it out, and it's fine.

But I've been missing my more mega-lashes, and I did a little poking on EWG's website.  And Josie Maran's mascara gets a score of 3 (3-6 = moderate hazard... it means (to me) "eh... not that bad, actually!"), and Christian Dior Diorshow Blackout Mascara gets a 4!  So I'm tempted to just go with that one.

What do you think?  Am I being a traitor to my own cause?  Or is it possible that some cosmetics really aren't even that bad to begin with?  What does it all mean?!  What do you think?


* Do you like how in this fake scenario I made my co-workers compliment me? :)

September 25, 2012

Tip Tuesday!: Labeling Wine Glasses

I recently learned the coolest way to label wine glasses at a party!

And it doesn't involve these:
 
:: barf ::

Did you know you can write on glass with a Sharpie, and it washes right off with soap and water?!  It's amazing!  Next time you have people over for drinks, you can write their names on the glasses, or pass around a Sharpie and have folks write their own messages.

:: like this ::
 
:: or like this ::

Or you could even put out a variety of colors and draw pictures!  The opportunities are endless!  Just make sure you write below where you'll put your mouth so you don't eat Sharpie.

It washes off with warm water and soap very easily -- no scrubbing needed!

If you do want your messages to stick, I hear using paint pens works pretty well.

Have fun!

And because I'm loving tips this Tuesday, check out this neat way to catalog party pics from the lovelies over at Apples & Onions!  Hint: The tip at the bottom of the post... above the adorable fat baby that I'm going to eat.
 

September 19, 2012

Jean & Jean

Rose took this picture of an intersection in Oakland...
...And captioned it:
"Intersection equivalent of a Canadian tuxedo."

Haha!

September 18, 2012

Tip Tuesday!: Cleaning Jewelry

When it comes to cleaning jewelry, I am the laziest.  Lazier even than I am with car washes (which I get every 3-4 months).  A jeweler acquaintance taught me this trick that makes it pretty darn easy to clean your jewelry.  (Although I still only do it every 6 months, maximum.)

Take a little bowl, put some 409 in it, and soak your jewelry for as long as you can stand to be apart from it.  (After 10 minutes you'll see a difference, but it's good to leave it in over night.)

:: soaking in a little prep bowl ::

Some notes:
  • Yes, I realize 409 is totally not non-toxic.  I'm still working on personal care... haven't made it to cleaning supplies yet.
  • Supposedly this works even better if you microwave the 409 for a few seconds first.  (The 409 only -- not with the jewelry in it!)
  • The jeweler suggested I do this every week.  (Never gonna happen... but good to know you can't really over-do it.)
  • The amount of weird tiny debris floating in the 409 when I went back in the morning was gross.  Ew.

September 12, 2012

The Tallest Man on Earth

So, I don't normally get all gushy about concert going experiences, but I'm about to:
A few months ago, Travis started listening to The Tallest Man on Earth, the Swedish Bob Dylan (according to Wikipedia).  I sort of liked his music (it's just one guy), but wasn't completely sold, except for the song 1904, which I am totally obsessed with:
:: there's no video... it's just this picture with music playing.  sorry. ::

I saw he was coming to the Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles and thought it could be a fun date out, plus I'd never been to the Ford.  A few takeaways, guys:

1. The Ford Amphitheater is the best.  It's really small and intimate, you can bring your own beer and wine and food, and it looks like this!!!!:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01156fb6fd15970b-320wi
:: All I wanted to do while I was there was work with a group of struggling high school kids to 
put on an original scripted adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream.  Obviously. ::

The only drawbacks of the Ford are that there are basically no normal concerts there (but if you're into Folklorico, you're totally in luck) and the only parking option is stacked parking (although it was surprisingly not at all a mess when we left).

2.  The Tallest Man on Earth is the best.  I loved all his songs!  I'm a huge fan!  He's so charming and sweet!  Get his albums!  (FYI: When he came on stage, I realized the band name must be a joke.  He's, like, 5'1".)  I half remember a quote about acting... that a great actor on stage is more interesting than if there were a cat on the stage.  You never know what the cat will do, so your eyes go to the cat, and a good actor should be that compelling.  Watching The Tallest Man on Earth was more interesting than a cat!  He has very... weird... stage presence.  (Do you know what quote I'm talking about?)

3.  The Tallest Man on Earth was wearing a great outfit:
:: via kcabano12 on flickr ::



In fact, wouldn't the gray tank, black skinny jeans and tan booties make a great summer-fall transition outfit on a lady?

It at least has gotten tan ankle-height boots on my mind.

I like this:
:: OluKai O Laila W on Zappos ::




Or this wedge heel version:
:: Tom's Chestnut Suede Wedges ::
So there you have it: Check out Tallest Man on Earth, go to a concert at the Ford Amphitheater, and let's all buy tan boots for fall!

What musicians have captured your heart lately?







September 11, 2012

Tip Tuesday: Freezing Herbs

Did you know you can freeze fresh herbs in olive oil?  Cool, huh? 

Freezing the herbs in oil reduces the browning and weird texturizing you can get when freezing herbs directly.

This is easy in an ice cube tray!

This works best with herbs you would cook into a recipe (rosemary, thyme, oregano), rather than garnish herbs (parsley, basil, mint), because (a) you're going to need to also use that olive oil they're frozen in and (b) the process probably won't keep delicate finishing herbs very well.

Here are some groovy pictures of the process (from The Kitchn):

:: filled ice cube trays ::

2012_07_02-FreezeHerbs04.jpg
:: finished product! ::



 Have you ever tried this?  How did it work?



September 7, 2012

Non-toxic adventures: Foundation

Good news, guys: Based on my experiences, I think you will have a totally okay time finding a foundation you like!

Bad news: As far as I've seen, there's no such thing as a totally decent $10 non-toxic foundation.

For those of you just tuning in, I've been trying to rid my beauty/personal care routine of weird chemical-y stuff.  Here's how it all started.  I've already explored moisturizer, facial sunscreen and shaving cream.  Now you're all caught up!

Two things to keep in mind as you read on:
1.  I'm not gifted at applying makeup.  I feel like I missed that step of adolescence where you get really good at primping.  So if I can apply this stuff and not look weird, it means it's very user friendly.
2.  Research warned me that I couldn't expect things of non-toxic makeup that I have out of my non-non-toxic makeup.  Specifically, stuff that isn't made with tons of chemicals doesn't stay put without budging for 12 hours.  So get used to the idea of midday re-application.  But on the bright side, know that you're reapplying normal nourishing stuff to your face, so it's like a luscious treat in the afternoon for your skin!

I've tried two, and I have a review from a friend on a third, so here we go:

Vapour Beauty
:: Vapour Beauty foundations, $34-$48 ::
Vapour Beauty's line is made "entirely from organic plants, minerals and vitamins."  So pretty darn clean.  They also come in a shade pale enough for me (unlike 100% Pure, which I hear is great).  I actually used the second-to-lightest color, which means I'm basically a bronzed goddess.

Vapour Beauty's website has some pretty cool features for those who want to try out their makeup but are nervous about buying makeup online:
1.  You can email them a picture of yourself and the brand/color of foundation/other makeup you usually use, and they will tell you what to buy.
2.  You can return anything for any reason within 30 days, although you are responsible for shipping costs.
3.  For $15, you can request samples of up to 5 products (I think they're really mini, but still...), and your sample pack comes with a $10 store credit.

Instead of taking advantage of any of those nice things, I emailed the company and asked who carried their products in Los Angeles.  Turns out a store that is literally 2 blocks from me carries it.  So that was easy.

I picked up the Atmosphere Luminous Foundation ($34, comes in a stick form).  The other option is Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation ($48, comes in a liquid form).  I picked the Luminous because sticks are easier for me to work with, and it was less expensive.  They have a chart to help you decide which foundation is better for you, but it was confusing.  For example, Luminous is supposed to give you a "glowing, luminous finish" and Soft Focus has a "soft, satin finish."  ...Huh?

I also got the concealer ($22, stick form), which I regret because I think the foundation's coverage is fine on its own.  (I find myself regretting this purchase more than is probably necessary, considering that I'm very guilty of buying produce that goes bad before I use it every. single. week.  And I will probably use this concealer at some point.  DROP IT, JOANNA.  IT'S FINE.  Okay.  Sigh.  Better now.)

So, what do I think of the product?  It's... different.  I need to get used to it.  There's something a little waxy about the texture for me.  That said, it looks totally normal, and the color is a great match (which is huge).  I didn't feel like my face looked any different than when I used other foundations (also huge).  It just requires a different kind of application and blending process than I'm used to, and I haven't yet mastered that technique.  (The product is activated by the heat in your skin.  You apply it directly from the stick and blend with your fingers.)

I'm moderately happy with this foundation, and would continue to explore the product line as I move into other non-toxic makeup components. 

Bare Minerals
bareMinerals - bareMinerals SPF 15 Original Foundation
:: bare minerals spf 15 original foundation, $27 ::

Okay, we all know about Bare Minerals.  (Right?)  No surprises here.  (Remember in, like, 1999 when Bare Escentuals became Bare Minerals, and then all of a sudden, you couldn't buy "Fog" scented lotion anymore?!) 

I've been using Bare Minerals and/or Bare Minerals knock-offs on and off for the past 12 years.  I'd get really into it and then think it wasn't working well/looked weird.  I remember the last time I tried to use it again was in fall 2010 on a trip (because I didn't have to worry about packing liquids with it), and Travis told me my makeup looked really heavy (he said it nicely, by the way), and I was horrified and stopped using Bare Minerals immediately.

Once I got on this non-toxic kick, I busted out the Bare Minerals again to give it another shot and lo and behold... it did look kind of cakey!  I did some research, and it turned out I was using a brush that gives really full (i.e. heavy) coverage, so I switched to this medium coverage brush, applying with a light hand, and I am super happy with the results. 

I've heard great things about Laura Mercier's mineral foundation so I'll try that one when I'm done with my Bare Minerals.  (Note: Laura Mercier isn't a non-toxic makeup line.  Just the mineral foundation.)

RMS

RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up | Spirit Beauty Lounge
:: rms beauty "un" cover-up, $38 ::


RMS Beauty has a great reputation in the non-toxic beauty world (like, supermodels use it), and I'd heard a lot of glowing reviews about this product.  It's the only foundation-esque product in this line, and you're supposed to just dab it where you need it and blend.

Unfortunately for me, it's really best for those with yellow undertones to their skin, and my skin color is basically "light pink," so I knew it wasn't worth trying.

Fortunately for me, my friend Kerry has started using it.  (You remember Kerry -- she got me started on this whole non-toxic kick!)  Here are her thoughts:
This purchase was a real whim/risk because I bought it based on (1) loving the luminizer and (2) a total guess based on the website.  [ed: ballsy move, girl!]  To my surprise, it works shockingly well -- enough to give my skin a light even tone.  It's not quite tough enough to hide a few broken capillaries but what it lacks in crazy fortitude it makes up for in a light natural coating to my skin. Everywhere else it succeeds in giving my skin a nice, even tone... so light that it doesn't look like I'm wearing makeup.  [ed: Remember in "Full House" when DJ told Stephanie the trick to wearing makeup was to look like you weren't wearing any?  Looks like RMS nailed it.]  I'd definitely buy this next time and won't be going back to Chanel :)


And some learnings...
As I continue to buy non-toxic, I'm going to try to shop at places where I know they have great return policies.  Non-toxic stuff just feels different and works differently, and it would be really nice to be able to return $30 item I'm just not wild about.

And some questions for you:
Have you tried any non-toxic foundations?  What are your thoughts? 

What stores have great return policies that might carry some of this stuff?  Sephora and Nordstrom for sure... what else?

September 5, 2012

Advice: Dealing with Parents while Planning a Wedding

A newly engaged friend recently wrote me an email asking about juggling her and her fiance's wants for their wedding with her parents wants.

Here's her email:
I just got off the phone with my dad.  My parents looked at two venues in my hometown that [finance] and I are excited about, and he sounded very negative about them.  I'm getting nervous that my parents have something very different in mind for our wedding than [fiance] and I do.   I asked them last week to describe to me what they had in mind and they said they just want what I want.  I'm starting to think that isn't going to be the case.  They have been visiting very fancy places and loving them, and we really want a down-home backyard BBQ kind of feel - NOT a stuffy country club feel.

What do I do?  Just say "thanks for all the good information," or ask them to not waste their time since I know that isn't what we have in mind?
 

Of course, the 16-year-old girl in me wants to say "Okay, you're clearly not listening and creating frustration for yourself and me. so we will just do it in [the state we live in] and pick a venue out ourselves".  But I know that's now how I want to be during this process.

This was my response, modified for this post:
Girl, as long as there are weddings, there will be families bugging each other!  No matter what the size, scope, budget/who's paying, etc.  This is life.  Of course, it's so nice that your parents are enthusiastic about your wedding and want to be involved and help you look at venues.  But you know that.  You're just getting frustrated, and I understand why.

It's not "your" day, really
Supposedly, your wedding day is "your" (your plural - you and your fiancee) day.  But I didn't really realize until 2 weeks before my wedding that my wedding wasn't really about me and my husband; it was about me, my husband, and our parents, but especially my parents.  This is a day we've all thought about for years, in our own ways and variations.  (I don't think my dad had a secret "Joanna's Wedding" binder under the bed (but cute if he did!), but I'm sure he thought about walking me down the aisle, and hoped I wouldn't wind up marrying a jerk.)

Another thing I didn't realize was all my mom's weird stresses that bugged me (like needing to know three weeks in advance what color nail polish I was going to wear) was so she could feel like she was doing everything she could to help me have the perfect day.  Which is so sweet.  I just thought she was being annoying, but really, she was going to call the nail place and make sure they had it in stock.  Again, so sweet.

It's a hard situation to advise on, because every couple is different, every bride is different, every bride's parents are different, every bride's relationship with her parents is different.  Luckily, for a lot of my wedding planning, my mom and I were on the same page (or, in hindsight, maybe she was just very sweet about it and agreeing with what I wanted).

Think about what you'll remember in a year
For some perspective, when I think back to my wedding, here's what I most remember and cherish:
- our ceremony, which felt so personal and "us" because we lovingly crafted it
- our first dance, which was so fun and bizarre because we giggled about it the week before
- not wanting to have to go in from cocktail hour because we were already loving our wedding and it was nice out
- dancing with all our friends and family (even when I had no idea where my husband was for most of it)

None of those "top memories" had to do with the venue, the food, the decor, the flowers, my dress, etc.  I generally liked our venue, but I also didn't really feel I had a lot of choices because a number of other factors that were important to me limited my options (proximity to where I grew up, hotels and airport).  There was also a lot I didn't like about our venue.  (In fact, it was kind of totally weird.)

Spoiler alert: Parents are hard.  Fact.
Also, don't forget that parents are the best at being able to tell you what's wrong with your ideas.  That's kind of what they do.  (One day we'll be parents and will be awesome at this too.)  You are welcome to ignore it.  But remember they never mean to be jerks about it.  They're just trying to steer you in the direction they think is best.  It's okay if they're a little off base with what you want.  It's only natural -- you haven't lived with them since you were 18.  It's been a while.

Planning a wedding is an intimate thing to do with your parents.  You only do it once, and it's great if you can all be excited about it.  In hindsight, I would have compromised on more things for my parents.  For example, I wish I'd let my mom co-walk me down the aisle with my dad like she wanted; I wished I'd dealt with being uncomfortable and done a short official father-daughter dance.  But in spite of that, I think (hope?) that my parents felt loved during the wedding planning process and during the wedding.

It's normal that your parents might be acting out at this time because they're officially "losing" you; it's weird and antiquated, since you've been an independent woman for a while now, but I think it still can feel that way.

Concluding thoughts, and a sample dialogue
So, in short (are you still reading?  wow!), I'd suggest you try to hear them out and see if you can get comfortable with taking some of their ideas.  And see if they can get comfortable taking yours.

If it feels really important to you to do certain things your way, you can try a dialogue like this:
"Mom and Dad, this is such an exciting time for me, and I hope you're excited too.  I want this to be a really fun thing for us all to plan together, but I know it's going to have some rough patches.  In fact, this decision about _____ is probably one of those rough patches.  It would be so easy and pleasant if we all wanted the same things, but in this instance, I really want _____ [my idea], and can't get comfortable with ______ [your idea].  I wish I could want what you want, but it just doesn't feel authentic, and I want this day to feel authentic for me and [fiance].  I hope as we continue planning, we can find a lot of other things we're both excited about.  What are your thoughts?"

Does that sound so cheesy?  If so, know this: I seriously had almost that exact same dialogue with my parents.  Fun game: Can you guess what it was about?


If you've planned a wedding, how did the process go with your parents?  In hindsight, would you do anything differently?
 

September 3, 2012

My Top 10 Running Songs This Summer

I do most of my personally selected music listening when I'm running.  Although I have a long commute, I tend to listen to the radio during the drive, which means I'm 
(a) very familiar with all the NPR correspondents (MEEEE-chele Norris.  Ha.)
(b) completely up to date on Top 40 (fun game to play next time you hear Maroon 5's "Payphone": notice that every single lyric is a cliche!)
(c) constantly having a love/hate relationship with Ryan's Roses (it's so dumb!  but it's so great!  but it's so dumb.  verdict: it's dumb.)

Whenever I'm getting geared up for an event, I take it as a good excuse to buy music on iTunes.  (Oh, and I'll consider a 5k or an upcoming "long-ish run" with a friend an event.  Any reason to buy new tunes.)

Here are 10 songs that were firing me up while getting ready for (and running) Hood to Coast:

Heartbreaker (feat. John Legend) - MSTRKRFT   
Aaaaaah... this beat is so great for exercising and getting fired up!  Purchase now!



Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass  
 It's just so peppy.  I can hardly stand it!  (Except I totally can stand it, because I love it!)


I Would Do Anything for You - Foster the People  
This whole album is really good.  Fun fact: I went to their concert last fall and was probably the oldest person there.


Song Away - Hockey
In business school, we had a "Mix Tape Club" where you would make mix CDs for a group of people.  (Wow.  After typing that sentence, I realize that really didn't need an explanation.)  Anyway, someone put this song on one of my CDs, and I got totally hooked on this band.


I Can Change - LCD Soundsystem
Thanks, Jen for recommending this on your running music post!

 
Anna Sun - Walk the Moon
This reminds me of The Killer's first album, in a good way.  (I never thought I was a Killers fan, but the one time I went to Coachella for one day, The Killers were the headliners (sort of lame, right?) and that one song with that part "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier"?  Well, I got really into it.  The end.)



Lose Yourself - Eminem
Question: Why didn't I own this until last week?
Answer: I don't even know!!!



Settle Down - No Doubt
Welcome back, you guys!  And with a nice Afro-vibe this time.  Also lovin' on Gwen, especially recently for saying there's no secret/trick to being fit -- you just exercise hard and diet every single day.  Ha.


Superbass - Nicki Minaj
This is my jam.  If you want to watch me rap it, JUST ASK!  I am super happy to oblige!

 
Power - Kanye West
This. Is. The. Sh*t.  Especially when you're tired and need some motivation. 
 
What are jamming on lately?  Always looking for recs!