NYLON Magazine: Going Digital

Quite honestly, I think NYLON Magazine is one of the biggest publication eyesores when it comes to layout and design. Yes, I know that’s probably their intent as a ploy to be different then other publications, and at the same time it looks completely unappealing.

I do hold a subscription, but only because it was a gift. I also promptly give said subscriptions away, never bothering to even flip through the mag. It gives me a headache. Note to future gifters: I totally appreciate your generosity and please don’t subscribe me to NYLON.

I received an email today letting subscribers know that our current and future issues will be in digital form, sent via email as attachments, unless we request otherwise. Oh. Hell. No. Somebody overpaid for my subscription and it better come in paper form.

I completely understand wanting to go “green” by reducing paper (and of course the publication wanting to cut costs on printing an actual book). At the same time, magazines are little luxuries that many people like to tote around and read at their leisure. When I read magazines, I like to devour them in one or two sittings, then look at the advertisements. There is no way I would carry around a lap top just to read a magazine and it’s impractical to tote them to the beach or doctor’s office.

I know the digital age has been among us for some time now and the future of the written word is and will continue to rapidly change formats from paper to electronic. I’m aware that someday perhaps all of my favorite publications will only be accessible via Internet and it makes me sad. For now, I expect to be able to tote them around in my handbag and be able to access them without being logged on.

Yes, I do indeed read a lot of articles online. It can be convenient and I totally appreciate it but there’s just something about feeling a glossy page between my fingers and hearing pages flip that makes me happy.

Want to read the email that was sent out? Click below.

Spa Talk

While getting a pedicure today, one of my fellow spa-goers was talking with everyone in the room about family, work, etc. She was sharing little anecdotes and I found one to be funny and wanted to share. It’s almost dead-on what she said, though not exactly word for word.

 ”My mother always said the one time you can pick your family is with your in-laws. Unless you’re like me! Mine lived in Europe and I didn’t meet them until the day before the wedding. Had I met them sooner, my husband would still be a bachelor. Lucky for us, they swear they will never move back to the states.” – Random Lady

Product Update #1

I’ve decided to update on products I’ve reviewed that I’ve been using for a while. This is the first installment, focusing on products reviewed from September 2008-January 2009.

Lancome Oscillation Mascara: The verdict on this one still stands and it’s simply not for me. I totally like the idea, I just wish it had a better brush and the formula was easier to apply. To get optimal results with this product, I still have to wipe the brush a few times to remove a lot of product so it goes on smooth and isn’t as clumpy.

Skyn Iceland Pure Cloud Cream:  I ended up becoming nauseated by the smell. It was a clean scent and fairly pleasant, I just personally can’t wear highly scented products on my face. The texture was nice although after finishing the jar, I didn’t really see any noticeable changes in my skin.

GHD IV Styler: I still love this. I don’t use it often because I dislike heat styling my hair daily. I can see and feel the difference in my hair when I do, which makes me want to use more often.

Stila Paint Your Pout Red Talking Lipstick Palette: The red lipsticks feels drier and is harder to apply then when first opened. The balm isn’t as dry. It still talks, although honestly I have only ever pressed the button for directions twice (one when I got it, and once last week to see if it works). Great in theory, not so great in execution.

Argan Oil = My New Liquid Gold

For the past two weeks, I’ve been using Josie Maran Argan Oil under my PM moisturizer (currently Korres Thyme Honey Moisturizer). Love, love, love! I want to bathe in it but alas, I only have a small sample vial of the product. You can also use Argan Oil as a hair treatment, on your body, and it’s also recommended for dry cuticles and eczema.

My oily skin is prone to occasional breakouts, especially when I’m PMSing. Since I started using it, my skin looks clear, radiant, and feels a tad less oily. It’s certainly not a miracle product but I do admittedly adore it, so far. The texture is neither thin nor thick, it is quickly absorbed, and doesn’t have a heavy scent. I’d describe it as slightly earthy in a good way. While I like this brand, I am also researching other brands that sell the same product for perhaps a bit less. I might break down and buy a bottle if I don’t find a suitable alternative. Buyer beware: make sure you check ingredients of what you are buying as some companies add fillers to keep the price down.

Design Analysis + Enter to Win!

A few weeks ago, I sent my friend, Melissa, a photo of my antler lamp because she wants one for her home. It’s no longer available from where I got it and she wants hers tweaked a bit anyway so she’s trying to find someone who can do a custom job. She emailed be back asking if she could analyze my nightstand. I said sure and forgot about it. She’s currently attending some interior design school in L.A. to add to her other three college degrees so I figured was for an assignment of some sort. Upon arriving home from my trip, I checked my email and received the description of what my nightstand says about me. It’s kind of cool to see, from a design stand point, what my choices say about their owner:

Night stand: Your table is made of dark wood, which shows that you might lean towards modern pieces. It appears sturdy, signifying that you like stability in your life. The large open shelf and open bottom shows that you desire a good amount of physical space in a room and don’t like to feel closed in.

Lamp: You need a convenient light source, which shows you are practical, and you picked an off-beat piece, showing your fun side. You might occasionally take unexpected risks.

Sleep mask: You might have a good amount of natural light in the morning. This could wake you before your desired wake-up time or you might not have a traditional schedule and sleep later then most.

Jar: You might apply lotion or cream before bedtime as a ritual. You could also be slow to put things away.

Alarm clock: The modern shape and color show that you are not traditional. It looks like the battery is out, which tells me that the ticking might have been loud and woke you.

Driftwood: Natural wood elements tell me that you like the outdoors-especially the beach. If you found this item on a trip it also shows that you might be somewhat sentimental.

Dish with necklace and basket: You have a quick spot to put your accessories at the end of the day. It’s possible that you dislike clutter.

Melissa was indeed correct about almost everything.  The “dish” is a little round plaque that a friend bought for me when he went to Jerusalem, I just haven’t found a spot to hang it yet. The “necklace” is actually a rosary. Even though I’m not particularly religious, I like to have it around. The “basket” is where I keep all of my aromatherapy stuff. Also, hidden in the back are my MP3 player and speakers.

Want your nightstand analyzed, too? Melissa has offered, just for my readers, to analyze ONE of your nightstands. Enter to win by sending an email with ”hello beautiful drawing” in the subject line to ciao_bellezza at comcast dot net. Include a photo of your nightstand in jpg format. You may also send a link to a flickr or photobucket photo instead of an attachment. Please also include name, state, and age. Winner will be picked at random on April 1, 2009. You will be notified by email and results posted on my blog.

Jellies!

Of all the times I’ve been to Monterey, I’ve never ever been to the aquarium. One of my friends lived there and we really didn’t do much touristy stuff. I wanted to go this time, and I did. My fave exhibit was Jellies: Living Art, which showcased several different types of jellyfish. My fave was the Black Sea Nettle (above). Their tentacles seemed to dance around and a florescent light in the tank made them glow a vibrant orange. I thought it was great you can photograph several of the exhibits. Some you can use flash, others are strictly no flash, although I kept mine off the entire time to be on the safe side. If you are ever in Monterey, the aquarium is totally a must see, and it’s a non-profit so ticket sales help to keep the facilities open.

The Ocean Rows Us Away

Adieu! I will be off again during the next few days for part two of my birthday celebration in Monterey.

While I’m away, check out my new fave fragrance line, Pacifica! My fave scent is Malibu Lemon Blossom, which is the perfect balance of fresh and floral. It’s very light and I think it’ll totally be one of my spring/summer scents. A close second is the Tuscan Blood Orange fragrance, which to me smells like gummy life savers. Included in the line is a solid fragrance, 1.2 oz fragrance, body wash, soap, body lotion, body butter and candles in several sizes.

Spring Trend: Brights

I’m SO ready for winter to end and I totally embrace the bright makeup trends of spring. Not a fan of hot pink lips or green eyeshadow? Translate the trend in a way that works for you. Pick up color in your accessories; from bracelets and hair accessories and even to your office supplies (neon Post-Its, paper clips, and pens).

1. Carnelian and Garnet Bracelet by Busarin, $53, novica.com

2. OPI for Sephora “Digital Diva” polish collection, $9 each, sephora.com

3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Vert, $16, urbandecay.com

4. Orange Lilly Flower Hair Clip, $7.50, mydivascloset.com

5. Spa Glo Sky Blue Mineral Eyeshadow, $10, spaglo.com. Alternative: Bare Escentuals Azure Eyeshadow, $13, bareescentuals.com

6. Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow in Liquifuchsia, $24, kevynaucoin.com

7. Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Adore, $18, urbandecay.com

Solution for Sleepless Nights? Probably not.

For my birthday, my mom bought me one of those cheesy drug store fountains with “calming” LED lights. More specifically, it’s the “cordless tranquility fire pit fountain” from Innovage Home. She knew I haven’t been sleeping well lately and thought it would help to hear water in the background. Awe, thanks Mom! Last night I inserted the required two “AA” batteries and 8 oz of water, turned it on, and tried drifting off to sleep. The motor kept me up and the trickling water sound was totally annoying. She totally meant well and I feel like I have to use it or at very least keep it somewhere conspicuous so she can say, “I’m so glad you like my gift!” Maybe the more I use it, the more I’ll like it?

Checking Out

It’s Friday March 13th, which means it’s my birthday! I’ll be away celebrating for a few days and will be back soon.