Britney the baby-machine

You have got to be kidding me?! Ms. Spears (I am sure she will revert back to the surname after the inevitable 2006 divorce) and her moochilific husband are trying for baby #2. As if thei world needs more products of that waste-of-a-human's seed. Come on Britney, this man will literally bankrupt you! Plus, with as much money you do still have, why do you still look so puffy, haggard, and really WT? By the way, having more babies won't strengthen the relationship--just ask Shar Jackson or whatever her name is....


By Jeannette Walls
MSNBC
Updated: 2:45 a.m. ET Dec. 29, 2005
Britney wants another baby — with the same daddy.
Despite the widely reported woes in the marriage between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Spears is eager to give their son Sean Preston a sibling — “the sooner the better” — according to In Touch Weekly.
“Britney was advised to wait at least three months after her baby’s birth before trying to get pregnant again,” a “friend” told the mag. “Now that that’s passed, she wants to try right away.”Spears reportedly is hoping for a girl this time around, and is actually thinking that another baby will help smooth out her rocky relationship with Federline. “She is hoping another baby will strengthen her marriage to Kevin,” another friend told the mag.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9916574/

Good Holiday?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas...mine was pretty darn good. I can't wait to try out my new Cuisinart food processor. Gotta a lot of cashola as well, and, although it is burning a hole in my pocket, it's going in the good ole savings account till I am no longer seduced by all the good sales going on...Congrats to Kirstie-Lou for snagging the digital camera finally! Hopefully I will get a new one for my b-day...that is, unless my b-day gets forgotten, which happens quite often when you have a birthday 2 weeks after Christmas....

Who is this?

A blurb from PageSix:

"December 26, 2005 -- WHICH TV personality, who keeps failing upward despite his discernible lack of talent, is starting to look bizarre? He brags to his friends about his use of Botox, but now the collagen lip implants and the too-blonde hair are making him look not only scary, but weird . . . WHICH Oscar-winning actor is a major horndog? While being interviewed recently by a cute blonde, he made suggestive motions with his hand and became visibly aroused."

Ok, my guess for the first one is Ryan Seacrest, but no clues on the second---any ideas?

Amen!

Saw this in Liz Smith's NY Post column today, and it was just too good not to share....

'AS WE approach Christmas and — yes, also the new year of 2006 — I am thinking about the ongoing quarrels over "putting Christ back into Christmas" and whether or not the expression "Happy Holidays" is just a secular stupidity? And should every public display include along with the Nativity, Hanukkah candles, a Kwanzaa cloth, a Buddhist temple and a Muslim mosque? Do we have the right to insist on certain names for certain symbols meaningful to us while denying others the right to be merely indifferent, or even blasphemous?

I do think it's all a matter of choice and tradition. Just as I know that any God I can believe in has to be the one who is mighty enough and secure enough to have given man the right to decide for himself. The choice is to believe in God — or not, as one sees fit.
I like to say "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" because I was raised in a Christian Southern tradition that believed deeply in the sentiments implied. But feel free not to say it back to me. It's your choice. I wouldn't think of not keeping to the traditions of Hanukkah even though they are not the traditions I was raised in. And I would never ask my Jewish friends to call Hanukkah by some other name just because it pertains to a religion not my own. I respect the customs of all religions, even ones I don't believe in or even some that seem to me to be subverting freedom of choice and tolerance. I would never enter some religious place wearing shoes or without covering my head if the custom was to do otherwise.
Of all of America's Christmases, it seems to me this is the one where we need to make an effort to respect one another, to observe each other's differing customs with calm acceptance and to stop all this fighting over nothing.
You can enjoy the pagan side of these holidays without being a Christian or subscribing to religion. Just as I go to Hanukkah celebrations and seders and enjoy them without being Jewish.
Go ahead and say Merry Christmas, or not. But say something from your heart.'

Merry Christmas!

Well, it officially bit the dust....

SIMPSON FILES FOR DIVORCE
Dec. 16, 2005 3:02 PM PST
LOS ANGELES -- Us Weekly is the first to report that Jessica Simpson officially filed for divorce from her estranged husband Nick Lachey this afternoon in Los Angeles Superior Court. In documents obtained first by Us Weekly, Simpson cites ''irreconcilable differences'' as the reason for the divorce and cites Nov. 23 as the date of separation.


Jeez, Jessica, you couldn't at least give a shot? There goes your career and reputation--if the general populace (your fans) weren't already on Nick's side, they are now....

See the article...http://www.usmagazine.com/

Aveda hair products..

I realized that I am an Aveda hair products junkie. I was doing my hair this morning, and I realized that at least 5 styling products...

Phomollient -- this works great on fine hair. It comes out as a foam, so a couple of squirts will go a long way. The foam is light and really gives an extra lift to your roots. Just blow dry upside down to add additional volume. I prefer this over the Volumizing Tonic (yet another Aveda product) because it doesn't make my hair feel as stiff.

Air Control Hairspray -- the spray is really pricey (I am guessing around $25) but this is honestly the best hairspray I have ever used. The one thing I really hate about hairspray is how sticky and stiff your hair looks after you have used it. Air Control keeps your hair in place, but it really looks natural, as though you just swept it into place. Plus, you can run your fingers through your hair without them getting stuck. Try doing that with AquaNet! The smell isn't overwhelming either.

Sap Moss Styling spray - now this is a little heavier, and something that I believe would work well on those who have thicker hair. I like to use it when I am doing my hair super straight. Now, my hair is natural straight, but I find that if I use the styling spray beforehand, it controls flyaways better and doesn't adopt that little wave in front if you have tucked your hair behind your ears. Use sparingly though.

Defining Whip -- I believe this line (in the blue bottles) was designed specifically for fine hair. I love to use this as a finishing product, especially if I blow out my hair in chunky layers. I take a little on the tips of my fingers and work it into the ends of the layers, defining each layer. Basically I want my hair to look layered, and this helps. I also will use it in lieu of hairspray (got conserve that expensive stuff!)

Control Paste -- I used this before I found the Defining Whip. It works REALLY well for thick hair, but even then I would use sparingly. I still use it for pulled back styles if I want a really smooth polished look, no flyaways.


Surprisingly, I do NOT like Aveda's shampoo. I have blonde (don't know if you caught that from the name of my blog...) baby-fine hair, and I find the conditioner especially leaves my hair somewhat coarse and dry. I have tried it all too-- Rosemary Mint, Color Conserve...I have even tried the Chamomille (sp?)...same results every time.

I would recommend ARTEC Kiwi Shampoo and Conditioner (which surprise, I just found out it is owned by L'Oreal). I have been using it for about 7 years now and still love it. I have yet to find a suitable replacement that makes my hair as shiny and glossy and soft, above all. I have no split ends either. Another bonus is that it smells pretty good also. But the best part is the price--usually $30 for a gigantic bottle, and Ulta always has a buy-one-get-one-free deal. You can't beat that.

You smell so good, what are you wearing?

Well, this is probably a little ego-stroking, but I get asked this question a lot....well, here's my secret...I shall share...

There are 4 components to this smell...

1--Oil of Olay Moisturizing Body Bar. I usually use that or soap by Dove.

2--Lavendar Salt Scrub from World Market. I got this in a basket I got as a gift randomly from a cousin of mine. It leaves your skin buttery soft--not sure how works, but it works well. Plus a big ole tub of it is $12, so it's fairly inexpensive.

3--Laura Mercier Lavendar Basil Body Butter. This is probably my favorite scent ever. And my biggest splurge (other than my car). $50 a jar and I can go through it in less than a month.'

4--L'Instant by Guerlain. This is my signature scent. I used to mix things up and try a different perfume in the summer versus the fall, but I love this smell so much that I have stuck with it. It layers so well on top of the body butter.

So that's my secret--of course, the key is finding one that works well on your own skin and body chemistry. I also think it really reflects your personality as well.

Enjoy!

Some makeup favorites...

I was thinking about some of the products I really love...

1--Bare Escentuals makeup: it's a loose powder foundation you apply with a brush. This stuff is phenomenal. It can be intimidating at first, because the thought of having to apply foundation or concealer with a brush freaks me out. But, it's surprisingly very easy. The best part, you can use the same foundation as concealer. And this stuff works like magic. I still have a lot of redness leftover from a breakout (those little red spots/scars that take FOREVER to fade, especially for a fair girl like me) and you just tap a little of the makeup on the spot...poof, erased. The best part is that is extremely light -- I wear it when i run, I've slept in it before, and it never gets cakey, or worse, makes you breakout. Sephora has these great starter kits for $60 that contain all the brushes you will need plus two shades of foundation to practice with.

2--Nars Orgasm Blush: this truly is the most universal blush around. Gives you that flush without being over the top. And it is truly something you can wear every day.

3--L'Oreal Voluminous mascara: I do love Lancome Definicils, but come on, I can't be spending $21 a tube every 6 weeks! This is a great substitute. It's not clumpy but gives your lashes a natural boost. And it is only $6 so I don't feel guilty.

4--Cover girl concealer in "The Neutralizer": I carry this with me everywhere. It has a bit of a yellow undertone so it is really good at covering up imperfections. It is great for little touch ups and it is very cheap--been using if for years.

5--C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Balm: Yum! This lip balm is infused with peppermint oil, so not only does it give your lips a little sheen, it tastes good too...great for when you don't have a mint and you need a little fresh breath. Just lick your lips! Plus it comes in several different tints, which lately I have been using as a substitute to my current lipstick. You can find it at Bath and Body Works...

Pride and Prejudice

Ok, a quick little post about this movie--GO SEE IT!!!

I have to say, when I first heard they were making another version of my absolute favorite book of all time, I was totally skeptical. I mean, Keira Knightley? She has wierd under-bite thing going on and she won't be able to pull it off. Plus, Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy and no one else will ever be able to fill his shoes! Come on, I know I am right, even Helen Fielding agrees with me!

Well, I was wrong. And if you can believe, I have seen this movie 3 freaking times in the theatre. I NEVER EVER do that! That says something.

This version takes place when Jane Austen orginally completed her first draft of the book, 1797. So for the mini-series fans, the dress and time are a little different. The settings are more earthy and rustic--you actually feel like it is 1797.
They take a little liberty with the plotlines, but that had to be expected since it is a 2 hour movie. They really gloss over the Wickham storyline, and I really wish they would have expanded more the meeting of Darcy and Lizzy at Pemberley, but hey, you can't have everything.

But here's what I loved about the movie. Keira does a wonderful job as Elizabeth. She's strong but effervescent, and I love that you really see her emotion without her saying a word. Her chemistry with Matthew MacFayden is undeniable. He does a terrific (yup, me the cynic Colin Firth lover) job as Darcy, brooding yet you can see something in his eyes, and you just know the whole time he is pining away for Lizzy. And in the scene in which he first professes his love, well, it was incredibly sexy! It's raining and they are yelling, and his blue blue eyes...all I can say is "wow." They make Bingley a little dorky, Caroline Bingley a little more bitchy (which is good) and Mrs. Bennet a little less shrill and annoying, which is something I really hated about the mini-series. I absolutely loved the way they changed how Darcy and Elizabeth end up together, and the additional dialogue they added made me cry (all 3 times people!).

You leave the theatre believing in true love. Go see this movie!!!!!

Oh, one quick PS--does anyone else think the actor who plays Wickham looks like Orlando Bloom with lighter hair?

Grey's Anatomy

Ok, how much do I love this show?? I am totally addicted to it!! It took a couple of episodes before I starting watching on a regular basis (I have never been a Desperate Housewives fan, so I didn't pick it up right away), but now I am hooked on every last word uttered down to the last minute before the purple rollercoaster pops up on screen. The writing is phenomenal--quick, witty, and totally engaging. The cast has this amazing chemistry--they just click. You don't find that often in TV shows... and of course, Patrick Dempsey just makes things a lot easier...he truly is Dr. McDreamy. I have had the secret nerd crush on him since "Can't Buy me Love" days with huge 'fro that probably weighed more than him at the time. When I saw him in "Sweet Home Alabama" all I could say was, "Damn! Ronald Miller filled out!!"

So, I figure I will give a little re-cap of each week's episode a la EW TVWatch and TVGuide Watercooler...

So, could this week's episode be any better?! (Maybe that will be my tag line or something...)
Izzy is that scary psycho Christmas freak, the one that puts the insane amount of decorations up (much like my father, who has literally littered the front lawn with Christmas tree topiaries and poinsettas...) Of course everyone puts up with it to help her cope with Alex shagging the skanky nurse (am I the only one who thinks she is really not pretty at all?). Bailey, who has gotten progressively more pregnant each week (9 months my ass!) provided a little comedy with all her pregnancy issues ("Excuse me, don't want to throw up in the body cavity...") gulping down strawberry milkshakes and finally passed out on a gurney at the end of the episode. I loved that she is showing more of her human side by letting the other interns help out Alex with his studying. Speaking of studying, the interaction between Christina was priceless...Alex is manhandling her boob, and in that great dead-pan voice she says, "Ok, that's assault. This [and she flips his hand upside down] is examining." Then O'Malley walks in and eventually gets his turn, prefacing it with "No rectal, no asking me to cough." Again, how great is the writing?!!! Meredith and McDreamy of course continue to make googly eyes at each other, but the great moment is when Derek finally tells Addie that he fell in love with Meredith, that it wasn't a fling, or revenge. And the best part was that he started it with, "I am not telling this to hurt you, or because I want to leave you..." Uh, yeah, and when my hubby tells me that, I would so want him to stay with me. Christina and Burke had an interesting side story, revolving around his spirituality and her non-belief in anything except medicine. I have a feeling Burke will rub off on her more than she wants -- especially after that touching scene with her and the little boy, asking him to fight, because death wasn't the best revenge.

There were no scenes from next week, so my guess is the show is in re-run mode until next year, but I think I will still tune in to see some of those first episodes I missed...

Holiday party checklist

Sooo...my company's holiday gala is on Friday, and I started thinking of all the things I have done and bought to get prepared for this night...I thought I would share some of the cool beauty finds...

1. Most important---a great dress!! Last year I wore black, so I decided to go for red. I found this great little strapless cocktail dress by BCBG Max Azaria that has bubble skirt and red sash you can tie into a bow. I figured it was classy enough for the party and fun for the after-party

2. Mystic tan--now, down here in Texas we have had record heat, but I still lost any semblance of a tan about a month ago, so a Level 2 mystic tan from Palm Beach Tan does the trick. Back a few months ago they had a special, so I bought a package of 6. The key to these tans though is to know where to put the barrier cream. Pay special attention to your hands and ankles and toes...

3. Spanx power panties---ahh, a girl's best friend, especially when that girl has been eating Mexican food almost everyday. They are a little pricey ($25) BUT worth the investment. These aren't one-time use undergarments...they slim you out, no VPLs, basically make you look better than you might actually feel.

4. Shoes and bag--now, I already had some great little heels with rhinestone straps, and I borrowed a little clutch with these beautiful red flowers on it, but these two items are a very important part of the entire ensemble....

5. Earrings--I found these fabulous rhinestone chandelier drop earrings. If figured the dress should be the focus, so no necklace, just great earrings...and they match my shoes...

6. Hollywood fashion tape---now, I am not going to be pulling a J.Lo and wearing a dress where my entire boob is hanging out save for a small strip of fabric, but I am wearing a strapless dress without a bra, and I did the "Woohoo" test. This is when you are really drunk and start cheering on anything and everything--your arms flail about as if independent from your body...I noticed that the chest area was perilously close to making a live appearance. So, Hollywood Fashion tape to the rescue. This is basically double stick tape, but a little better. The strips are covered on both sides, so you slap a strip on, pull off one side to make it stick, get your dress all aligned, and peel of the other side to stick to the garment. No muss, no fuss. And no special appearance from "the girls..."

7. Holiday party makeup---my favorite part. For this party I only needed to pick up a couple of things:
Benefit Hollywood Glo--this stuff is great. it comes in a big container with a huge powder puff, and you smear it all over yourself before going out. It gives you this great, almost sparkly (but not so much that you look like you glittered yourself up) sheen that makes your skin look amazing.
Fake eyelashes--now, I was going to buy Vincent Longo fake lashes, but they were $14 a pop and you only got one pair. Since I am not the most experienced in the world of false lashes, I decided that wasn't worth the price. So I bought the Sephora brand for $8 and I get quite a few. I haven't had a chance to practice though, better get on that..

See, only 7 items for a party I might spend 2 hours at...but girls will agree with me on this, once you are out of school (where there are lots more opportunities to dress up) this is the one time of the year where you can get all dolled up and feel beautiful. And the guys, though they bitch and moan about all the time and effort are totally blown away and groping you all night when they see how great you look.

Break-ups...

ok, seriously, what is the deal with everyone in Hollywood breaking up? What, now we're through the baby-wave and it is time for the divorce cycle?

It all started with Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt....he went to shack up with "oh-no-I-am-not-a-home-wrecker" Angelina Jolie and traipsze all over the world adopting babies and flying planes and wearing stupid hats with bad facial hair.

Then you have Jessica and Nick--a couple who made a fortune exploiting her Christian values (which she ultimately turned her back on). Amazing how avarice changes you Jessica, huh? She went from funny, dim-witted but lovable, and maybe a touch spoiled to a plastic diva-in-training with a 5-person entourage and future of skankiness ahead of her. Is it just me or has she become incredibly trashy-looking? Maybe her pervy dad (Dude, you were a minister!!!) had a hand in that.
Nick is I am sure no saint in all of this but he sure is going to come out of this smelling like a rose...and with a gigantic wad of cash...

Let's see, the rest of the list...
Christina Applegate/Jonathon Schaech
Eddie Murphy and his wife
Nicole Richie and what's-his-name (breaking news...)
Paris and Paris (could she be any more of a publicity whore?)
Renee Zellweger/Kenny Chesney (wait, I think I blinked and missed that one)
LB's Talan and Kimberly Stewart (this one TOTALLY took me by surprise..maybe they broke it off so she could baby-sit the kids her 90-year old rocker dad is impregnating women half his age with)
Britney/K-Fed (well, maybe it isn't official, but come on, that union has the shelf-life of a dairy product)

What other couples are getting engaged in Hollywood...should we start making bets now on how long before the break-up?

Tom and Katie? Oh wait, that won't happen...they signed a contract, right??