The Late Night Infomercial Suka

Yes, I'm the one who stays up late and (cough) makes infomercial purchases.

I've gotten:

A super duper drill that cuts through anything...love that thing!  Whatcha got?  I'll cut it for you!

A table saw...my brother broke it.

The Magic Bullet blender...so-so.

Free Money Books...didn't get a dime.

Real Estate Investments...I own one house, mine!

A vacuum...I think???

Feet for a sewing machine to create new stitches...gave them away still in the box 2 months ago with the receipt from '99.

Windsor Pilates...I do it occasionally, as a matter of fact I took it out today!  

Some book about health...that should tell you because I can't even remember what it was.

Another money book...I just got it today, I'll tell you later.  I'm determined to find some free money, apparently, to pay for these things I keep buying off of infomercials!

I'm sure there are more that my memory has blocked out, but I've saved the best for last.

AND I'm ashamed to say...I bought Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty 3 months ago!  ROTFL

Sorry, I didn't take a picture and I couldn't find a larger picture online, okay I got too lazy.

Go ahead, I know you are laughing at me.  My dermatologist looked at me like I was crazy and had a good laugh.  I figured I might as well try it, she is beautiful, what do I have to loose.  Yes, I am the perfect consumer.  I should try sleeping more, it would keep me out of trouble.  So, here is the scoop on Cindy's product.

First, there are wayyyyyy too many products: eye, masque, decollete, morning, night, toner, cleanser, serum, creams.  Oy vey!  I was in the bathroom too long, but I admit I did like pampering myself...in the beginning.  In the end, I was like give me a break.  I don't have Cindy's money, I have crap to do.  So, I started skipping steps and that was that.  Did the products work you ask?  Somewhat.  I think they are good for sensitive skin, which I have.  I can't say that I saw any noticeable changes but things didn't get worse either.  My skin did feel nice.  I do really like the mask I will admit.  Oh, I also really like the serum but it is so small that it doesn't last a month so that could be kind of pricey.  The one thing that this kit did get me in the habit of doing is using a toner.  I now see the benefit and will continue but will probably use Burt's Bees as I really like their all natural products.  

Ok, there you have it.  Have at me or you can admit to your infomercial purchases also.  

Maxi: Yea or Nea?

Where does the time go?  If I only got paid on my own island because I sure do spend enough time there.  My bad!  Anyhoo...

I love a maxi dress. Vintage all the better. I have no less than a dozen vintage maxi length dresses so I can rock one at any time of the year. I always get compliments but they are often accompanied by someone saying "Tami only you can wear that and still look good." Comlimpent or diss? Not sure. Don't care.

The following was on the Sartorialist site...fabulosity from the streets of Paris:

So, how do you feel about the dress?  Do you like maxi dresses in general?  

Cher-isims

I never realized how much I liked Cher until I was visiting Rosina at Middle Ageless and she had some wonderful quotes by Cher.  Who knew she was full of wisdom? Cher actually made me think this evening.  I have a new view or went back to my old view on men, hey Cher agrees...hee hee.  Here are my favourites:

"I had my nose done, my breasts done, and my teeth done.....If I want to put my tits on my back, it's nobody's business but my own."

"A girl can wait for the right man to come along but in the meantime that still doesn't mean she can't have a wonderful time with all the wrong ones."

"Don't take your toys inside just because it's raining."

"I don't need a man. But I'm happier with one. I like to have someone I can touch and squeeze and kiss. But I don't fold up and die if I don't have a man around."

"If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen."

"It's not necessary, in order to be a complete person, that I have a man. It's not the end-all, be-all of my life."

"Men aren't necessities. They're luxuries."

"Men should be like Kleenex, soft, strong and disposable."

"Some years I'm the coolest thing that ever happened, and then the next year everyone's so over me, and I'm just so past my sell date."

"Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have the possibility of being great."

"Living your life the way you want to live it is the most important thing so if you have to pay small prices along the way, it's not important."

"If you are going to wait for someone to encourage you to do something, you just better give up."

Guess What I'm Getting????

My best friend called me today and said for my birthday she decided what she is getting me and I have no say in the matter...

A PUPPY!!!!! 

I went looking today but didn't find one I liked.  I'm going again tomorrow.  I guess if I can't have a man I can have a wo-man's best friend.  I'll keep you posted on my puppy.

Any suggestions for a small, playful dog that is good with kids?  

Product Review: Obagi Nu Derm Clear

As you read in my post yesterday Obagi Nu Derm is some strong stuff.  Apparently, there are people who swear by Obagi, but I am not one of them.  I have sensitive skin and it didn't work for me, it burned me thus making my hyperpigmentation worse.  My dermatologist (the real one) said I could use it on my back but I'm afraid to even use it there.  

As with most name brands it is expensive.  90 bucks!  But a little goes a long way.  I imagine this bottle would last a few months...If anyone uses this I have a bottle going real cheap.  

Has anyone had success from this or any Obagi product?  

How the Dermatologist Jacked Me Up

Do I look happy?  NOOOOOO!!!!!  

I haven't been taking the best care of myself, I'll admit it.  I've been crazy stressed, don't sleep like I should and haven't been eating right.  So, when a few months ago when I started getting dark spots on my face I was concerned.  I changed my facial products.  No avail.  I tried to sleep more.  No luck.  I am trying to drink more water.  Nope.  So, I purchased OTC Esoterica fade cream.  That worked a tiny bit but I was still concerned because it wasn't really working.  Dark marks on the face...not cute.  I had to wear concealer/foundation moisturizer and I don't like concealer and foundation.  

I finally broke down and contacted my dermatologist but it was 45 days to see her.  Not good enough.  I looked for reviews for other top dermatologists.  I made an appointment with one since the wait was only a week.  Immediately (when I walked through the door) I knew I wouldn't like this dermatologist but my face needed help.  She gave me a more potent lightening cream, Obagi.  I used this stuff for 2 weeks and my face got worse.  As a matter of fact the chemicals burned my face.  

Uh, oh.  Not happy.

I contacted my regular dermatologist and begged for an emergency appointment.  I went the next day and she looked at my face and said "What happened to you?"  I told her the story and she said the treatment was too strong for my skin since I have sensitive skin.  She also informed me that the burn went down a layer or two on my face and the only way to get the discoloration out now is a combination of natural lightening products and laser.  

OUCH!  

So, let's talk how much money I'm out now.  I paid $115 to the first doctor for treatment and products that made me worse.  My regular doctor (who I trust) says I need new products and laser.  Products and office visit $365.  Laser which I haven't had yet $350.  

Oh, and what did this all start from?  Hormones I'm told.  WHAT?????  

Is this what I have to continue looking forward to in my 40s?  HORMONES messing up my life, body and face?  I've been taking hormones for 5 years now and I'm just 40!  I wonder if I need a new prescription or if this is par for the course.  I'm not coming off of them because the doctor said I'm too young and they have their benefits of which I'm totally in support of.  

ARRRGGGGHHHH!!!!! 

I guess until this goes away it's concealer and foundation.  Any good recommendations out there?  

Oh, what did I learn from this?  Never trust my face to anyone else except Cultura.  Just like my dentist, they are both a little more expensive but oh so worth it!  

Giveaway #2: Any BITCH Can Cook

Ahhh...don't get your thongs all worked up and in a knot. BITCH is a term of endearment in this case.  Lil' Wayne or Snoop said the same thing didn't they?  

clearing throat

So, if you're a B(abe) I(n) T(otal) C(ontrol) of H(erself), but you're tired of thinking what to put on the table every night, this is the cookbook and apron for you! From Appetizers & Drinks (spinach balls, Texas Trash, & Bloody Marys) to Breads & Brunch (peach muffins, banana split muffins), Sandwiches & Soups; Salads & Sauces; Main Dishes; Vegetables; & Desserts, this cookbook is full of comfort food at its finest (and easiest).  Cookbook and apron: $50 value.

Have I cooked anything from this cookbook?  Of course not, I don't wonder about what to put on the table, cereal is cool with me.  

The contest will run through Wednesday, July 22nd.  Just leave a message here or email me and I'll enter you in the contest.   Not that I've mailed the prize from giveaway #1, but that is not the point.  I'm slow hitting the post office -you still win- I'll mail the prizes at the same time.   LOL  (Now you understand why I hate to post things on Ebay!)

Youthful Looking Nails?

Is there a such thing as youthful looking nails?  Do men really pay attention to your nails?  Do I really feel better if my nails are done?  I used to think the answer was no until recently.  

I used to be very high maintenance but it was hard on my purse and on my nerves.  I made (and am still making) an effort to pare down my lifestyle which included getting rid of those acrylic nails.  I continued to keep my nails trim and clean but I gave up fingernail polish (the toes stayed done) because it never stayed on very long.  I did find a few that stayed on a few days but it became too much trouble, so I just didn't bother.  

One of the things I have promised myself (for my 40s and beyond) is that I am always going to look good just for me which includes my nails.  As a result, a few months ago I started polishing my fingernails again, however I was using a neutral polish.  I loved the way it looked but I didn't think anyway else noticed.  I was wrong.  

The past few weeks several men (even twenty-somethings) have said how nice my hands and nails look.  One man said what color is that, peach?  WOW!  I always do my nails now.  The neutral dries fast and gives a quick gloss.  I can do my nails in 15 minutes (or less) and I'm  good to go. I've branched out to lighter neutrals and may even try fashion colors again...as long as they come from OPI or Essie.  Love them!

Do you do/get your nails done regularly?  What is your favorite polish brand?

More Sequin Love

Silly rabbits, sequins don't equate to old age! I was too sick to do a fashion show of me rockin' sequins but I will.  They are definitely not for everyone, like vintage clothing, but they don't signify old age.  People Magazine had a poll about sequin pants and only 12% of the participants said they would wear this trend.  Not surprising that I am part of the small percentage; I've always had my own program and walked to my own beat on my own island.  

Angie Harmon (age 36), Blake Lively (age 21) and Eva Herzigova (age 36)

BTW, I feel better today.  I'm going to eat and drink like I've just gotten released from the hospital for the week.  I'm afraid of food right now.  Sickness is always a great way to loose a few pounds! ;-)

Spoke To Soon...

ARRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!  It won't let me be!  

Can I get a break?  I've missed a great weekend.  

I want my money back for the crab legs that made me sick, I'm requesting that tomorrow!

Feeling Better

It's 3:46 am and I'm FINALLY starting to feel better.   My stomach cramps, body aches, headache, fever, hot/cold flashes and nausea have started to subside.  I think today I will actually be able to take a shower and enter the land of the living.  I won't be 100% but better.  

Whew, that was terrible!  

BTW...the culprit was crab legs purchased and cooked at Safeway.  

Food Poisoning...HELP

Anyone ever had food poisoning?  I have a small (what is small) case of it.  

What can I do other than lay in a little ball on the floor of my bathroom?  

HELLLLLPPPPPPP!!!!!!!

Washing That Gray Right Outta My Hair!

Remember the commercial jingle from the '70s?  

"I'm gonna wash that gray right outta my hair.  I'm gonna wash that gray right outta my hair."

whistling now....

Well, that is exactly what I did today!  No, my brows aren't gray, but I need to look like a natural redhead don't I? 

And how was your day?  

The Color Purple

Last week one of my friends (a former client) called me and said she was taking a couple of her friends out for dinner and to see The Color Purple...to my surprise I was invited also.  Wow. How nice. I took my mother to see The Color Purple on Broadway when it first came out and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I definitely was excited to see it again.

Five of us met at the Kennedy Center for dinner first at the Roof Terrace Restaurant.  Can you say YUMMY?  OMG. If you have a chance to catch a show at the Kennedy Center please, Please, PLEASE eat dinner at the Roof Terrace; you won't regret it, I promise.

Next, the show.  Fabulous.  It was a little different from when on Broadway, but IMHO it was better.  Fantasia did her thing as Celie! 

"I curse you.  Until you do right by me everything you think about is gonna crumble!" (maybe I should have said this to Mr. Wonderful last week...tee hee hee)

If you haven't seen the Color Purple yet...GO!  As you can tell, we had a great night.  I must spend more time with my friends.  More girl's nights I feel are coming up this year before baby girl comes home AND you can quote me on that one!

Has anyone else seen The Color Purple? 

Sequin Love

Now this is how you do it...

A fabulous silver streak in the hair (mine will always be dyed though),

a casual yet appropriate enough top,

a great sexy pair of heels,

AND

a pair of funky sequined pants.  LOVE!  Oh, yes...I love sequins, metallic and anything sparkly!

Does anyone else love their fabulousness?  Tell me I am not the only one.  

Thanks Coco+Kelley for the great picture yesterday.  

So Far, 40 Sucks!

As Tam says I keep it real, so I'm just keepin' it real...thus far 40 sucks! I've been having a miserable month so I needed to take an unexpected break from the blog world for a little while. Since life seems to keep getting the best of me I've decided what the hell, I might as well start blogging again--it's a legal and inexpensive diversion albeit time killer.

The only thing I will share about the past few weeks is Mr. Wonderful is history. I was surprised and heartbroken because it was perfect, but apparently only on my end or in my mind. He told me last week that he was looking for someone like Erykah Badu. WTF? Erykah Badu? In the words of one of my friends...I guess he wants a weirdo with 3 baby daddies. Sighhhhhh.

Good Bye! Good Luck finding your Erykah.