Que Sera, Sera

I was first introduced to this song via the Alvin & the Chipmunks album. In fact, for many years I believed that Uptown Girl, Witch Doctor, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Beat It, and Surfin' USA were all written by Alvin, Simon, Theodore, or one of the Chipettes.

There was something about the carefree lyrics and rousing chorus that just got to me, even at age 5. So, it brought a smile to my face when I came across this great print designed by Nicole Balch:

Que Sera, Sera Print - Making It Lovely

Plus, it's FREE. Hooray.

Whatever Will Be, Will Be.

Crushin'

Hydrangeas are wonderful. Punchy, vibrant, feminine, and bold.

I think I have a crush on them.

Trip ABCs

I've had the adventure of visiting the DC area lately, in particular, Annapolis. I know a good egg who resides there. Last weekend, I found many new sights, sounds, and tastes. Here is a glimpse, A to Z.

A is for Annapolis:

B is for Breakfast at B.B. Bistro:

C is for Capitol:

D is for Dining Dockside:

E is for Exactly What I Expected:

F is for Feet in the Fountain:

G is for Gelato at the Gallery:

H is for a Huge Hydrangea:

I is for I'm Just a Bill:

J is for Judy:

K is for Kitchen (Julia Child's):

L is for Lion King:

M is for Mass:

N is for Nom Nom!:

O is for Odd:

P is for Pirate:

Q is for Queen:

R is for Ricardo:

S is for Select Your Own Six Pack:

T is for Tea for Two:

U is for United States Naval Academy:

V is for ¡Viva México!

W is for Washington:

X is for Xword:

Y is for Yet Again:

Z is for Zzzzz:

It turned out to be a pretty fun game. In fact, now that I'm back to the daily grind, I can't help but think of things alphabetically. 

In the Sky With Diamonds

Recent Discovery:

Lucy Beer

"Lucy is a light English summer ale, spiced with ginger, lime, and coriander. It will remind you of warm summer nights on the beach."

OK, so that may not be for everyone...but then again, neither am I. I like it.

I think the next step is to visit Starr Hill Brewery and get myself a poster.

I wonder why I have Orphan Annie eyes?

Dippity Do

Once I stood behind a woman waiting my turn to purchase a Metrocard.

More waiting.

Still waiting.

Finally, the middle aged woman turned around, sighed with exasperation, and pleadingly asked me (in the most silvery and syrupy Georgian accent), "Sweetie, I'm sorry, but I have no idea what it means to "dip" a credit card...?"

I smiled, took her card, inserted into the slot and removed it, and handed it back to the puzzled but grateful woman.

It is a strange phraseology, no?

This Face

Melts. My. Heart.

Angel/Devil

Bunch of balloons on a crowded subway.

1 Train - NYC

Totally adorable or beyond annoying?

Happiness in a Flower

These are popping up all over New York City:

Lincoln Center - NYC

I want to pluck one from its friends and blow the blossoms into the air like a giant royal dandelion...but I think I'd get fined for that.

Does anyone know what these are called? My friend's mom calls them Frozen Fireworks, which I think is a deliciously accurate title. Thanks, Jasmin's Mom!

Katy Perry would be jealous.

Behind the Moon, Beyond the Rain...

Favorite movie: The Wizard of Oz.

I've always loved this girl:

And yes, her little dog too...

Not to mention the knock out shoes:

And the song. Oh, the song:

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Eva Cassidy

So it's no surprise that I would have to buy this bubble bar, regardless of a need:

LUSH - Dorothy Bubble Bar

I'm also thinking of buying this gingham shirt-remind you of anyone?

Lands' End Canvas - Gingham Poplin Shirt

Pucker Up

It's warming up outside (well, maybe not today) and that means we are crawling out of our caves and re-entering society. It's essential for those lips to look good while sipping a margarita al fresco or catching up with a bestie, so it's time to get your lip gear in shape. I'll admit, I usually select products based on cutesy names, but these are some of my actual favorites: 

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Luster. Out with the mattes, in with the sparkly tint. These easily applied twist up sticks also give plump and shimmer without the use of scary chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster "Frisky"

Korres Lip Butter Glaze is another great natural choice if you want to go more glossy. They use organic bees and sunflower seed waxes to create a shiny and vibrant pop of color. I am partial to "Pomegranate".

Korres Lip Butter Glaze

Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Volupté is a stylist favorite, and can do no wrong. Plus, the mango smell is delectable.

YSL Gloss Volupté "Frozen Cherry"

Fresh's balm-like Sugar Lip Treatment is nourishing and attractive and has the added protection of SPF 15. I'm dying to try the new "Honey" tint. Try sticking it in the freezer for a refreshing application.

Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment

A lot of these lovely lip treatments are an investment, so in times of need I turn to an old standby - Labello lip balms. I used to only find them overseas, so I was constantly begging friends to score me a new flavor or product during their travels. In the last year or so, the company joined up with Nivea and now sells a version here in the states. You still have to search other countries for some of the more interesting flavors. I always thought the hunt was the best part anyway!

Labello Lip Products

NARS. You kill me. So many excellent products to drool over. My latest obsession (and I do mean obsession): Velvet Lip Pencils. Chunky, so very smooth, and colors that work on anyone. "Happy Days" and "Bolero" are in constant rotation for me.

NARS Velvet Lip Pencils (Matte or Gloss)

Another NARS miracle is any makeup product in their "Orgasm" shade. It's perfect. The Multiple is a smart choice since you can use it on your eyes, cheeks, body, and lips. It gives you a natural pretty flush, and who wouldn't want that in multiple ways? :)

The Multiple by NARS "Orgasm"

If all else fails in lip maintenance, get yourself a RingPop and suck away.

SMOOCH.