Non-cluttering CD Display

I never was the type to display my cd's stories high and out. But this sleek and multi-functioning idea makes me want to take out my cd's from the drawer.

(image: studio lo)

water-proof in spring showers

water proof accessories: Liberty of London for Target bag and umbrella
Longchamp le pilage bag
Hunter rainboots
J.Crew Rainy Day Ballet flats

clogs are haunting me..

to succumb or not?

source: shinestyle.com

lately

i've been using magazine recipes and toaster oven to bake and grill novelties to my kitchen.
i've never baked cookies before but this recipe from real simple magazine seems pretty simple :)
one serving size (guessing a cookie) is stated to be 122 cal...so an energizing snack with fiber!

Serves 60
Hands-On Time: 15m
Total Time: 50m
Note: includes cooling time
Ingredients
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon apple pie or pumpkin pie spice (or substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
Directions
1.Heat oven to 375° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2.With an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the butter, brown and granulated sugars, corn syrup, and vanilla for 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and pie spice. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Stir in the oatmeal.
3.Form the dough into tablespoon-size mounds. Place on the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake until lightly browned at the edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to wire racks. Cool completely.

By Sara Quessenberry, December 2006 (from realsimple.com)

skin whitening products

contrary to the US, in certain parts of the world, skin whitening products are a major market in the beauty industry.
having a preference for lighter skin, i have tried looking up recommended products in korea and japan. unfortunately, their whitening lines are not available in the US even if the brands are.

i have yet to figure out all the major products out in the US beauty market that provide whitening therapy. here is what i have figured out so far.

whitening/even- toning/discoloration products included

-vitamin C
-arbutin (really hard to find in the US products)
-hydroquinone (usually in prescription products)
-pitera
-barberry/ raspberry/ mulberry
-licorice
-grape seed oil
-soy (aveeno, fresh)
-rice oil (fresh)
-lactic acid
-kojic acid


the big idea is that these ingredients suppress the secretion of melanin, which is responsible for dark skin tone, and stimulate skin cell growth so your skin is refreshed more often.

vitamin c

products that claim to provide this ingredient to your skin can be found pretty often in the US from the body shop to upscale brands like murad and kate somerville. however, reviews on improved discoloration are hard to find and most of the time the ingredient has been targeted to improved collagen production and antioxidant relief.

shiseido's white lucent line emphasizes this ingredient

• some of their products include rice germ enzyme
• ranges from $48.00 to $128.00
• reviews are not that consistent
  

freshel whitening c whitening night essence

• specialty stores aren't available in the US yet for kanebo but some of their products are available at japanese/asian supermarkets.
  
• sleeping pack from kanebo
  
• $11.00 for 4 oz.
• good reviews in terms of whitening

l'occitane immortelle brightening renewing serum

• This water-like gel serum smoothes and firms the skin's surface, while lightening uneven pigmentation thanks to the dual-action of vitamin C and raspberry extract.
  

• L'Occitane's signature Immortelle essential oil protects skin against aging by boosting skin microcirculation and promoting collagen synthesis.

• $52.00 for 1 oz
• good reviews on sephora

Ole Hendriksen Enlighten Me Pigment Lightening Serum

• THC, lactic acid, lemon and mulberry extracts, combined with ester-C
  
• this serum helps suppress uneven pigmentation and with regular usage, will lighten the skin to new levels of luminosity. It can be used on any skin type and layered with your usual skincare products
• $48.00 for 1 oz
• mixed reviews
  

pitera

• the main ingredient of fair skinned-cate blanchett-branded sk-ii's facial treatment essence, aka 'holy water,' is
  
• amino acids and vitamins to your skin. the ingredient was developed by sk-ii
  
• 90% of the essence providing effects in 28 days
• singlely the most recommended product for whitening online so far
• $185 for 7.3 oz!!

Caudalie Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream

• A velvety night cream containing grape acids and the Caudalie exclusively patented ingredient, VINIFERINE.
• VINIFERINE controls tyrosinase, which is responsible for the unorganized, overproduction of melanin which results in the appearance of dark spots, discolorations, pregnancy mask, age spots, etc.
  
• helps to reduce existing dark spots and prevent the appearance of new ones.
  
• Overnight it gently, yet effectively, accelerate skin's natural exfoliation, eliminating the melanin-loaded dead-cells (the areas where dark spots exist) to reveal smooth, luminous skin. Wake up to skin that is more uniform, smoother in textures, nourished, and radiant.
• $68.00 for 1 oz
• good reviews for non-oily skin

DDF Intensive Holistic Lightener

• Naturally and safely banishes hyper-pigmentation on the spot with powerful holistic lighteners that synergistically work to fade discoloration caused by sun damage, blemishes, scarring. Evens out skin tone. For individuals sensitive to Hydroquinone.
• Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Kojic Acid, Licorice Extract, Mulberry Extract, Bearberry Extract, Azelaic Acid, Vitamin C, Lycopene, Grape Seed, CQ10.
• $52.00 for 0.5 oz
• good reviews for non-oily skin
  

on the look out for sneakers

it's about time i got a new pair!

in terms of quality and comfort i would go for the sperry top-sider boat shoes from above.
so soft and the most comfortable shoes! plus they are so cute and go with everything.
unfortunately they have some leather in them which is putting me in a moral dilemma.

• Genuine Handsewn Construction and Padded Tongue for Durable Comfort
  
• Stain and Water Resistant Leather for Durable and Lasting Wear
  
• 360° Lacing System™ with Rust Proof Eyelets for a Secure Fit
  
• Molded EVA Cushion Midsole for All-Day, Under-Foot Comfort
  
• Air Mesh Upper Panels for Cool, Breathable Comfort Around the Foot
  
• Non-Marking Rubber Outsole with Wave-Siping™ for Ultimate Wet / Dry Traction
• $79.00

so the second choice would be a pair of 'green' boat shoes from keds.

keds meadow mocs in khaki from their green line would be my choice.
i have yet to try them. when i buy shoes comfort is key!
they also have some classic versions of keds in their green line so check out if interested.

• Friendly organic cotton uppers for a healthier environment
  
  
• Recycled rubber to help reduce waste
  
  
• Eye-catching colors created from non-toxic inks & dyes
  
  
• Nickel free eyelets, ISO-9001 certified factory and recycled insoles
  
  
• Shoe laces made from 100% recycled PET (water bottles)
  
  
• $55.00

one more choice would be from TOMS shoes.

for every pair you buy they donate a pair to a child in need so you are promoting charity.
also this pair is from their new vegan line.

• Upper material made of 35% hemp + 65% post-consumer plastic bottles
• Recycled rubber sole
• Faux suede insole
• $48.00
  

in terms of color i would choose the vegan red clay woven TOMS.
most of their designs seem a bit chaotic for everyday usage.
also, i'm not too sure how comfortable these will be, especially when it rains. they seem so whimsical.
although i like how they cover at least half of your foot, unlike the keds mocs.



perhaps i'll just buy TOMS and when it rains i can use rain boots like these! harhar

• Waterproof rubber upper in a pull on knee-high rain boot style with sealed seams and Hunter logo detail.
  
• Matching shaft strap adjusts with a metallic buckle.
• Shaft is 16 inches high, 14 1/2 inch shaft circumference.
  
• Orthopedic last, anti-bacterial lining, fabric topped cushioned insole.
  
• One-piece flexible midsole and traction patterned outsole, low 1 inch heel.
• $117.00 but (15% off at shoes.com with free shipping)
  

Louvre Museum

In and out of the Louvre.
Spotted: Michael Cera, Renaissance Man