You’ll Love My Goodies Today!

Help Me Find The Words…

If you don’t know how to say it yourself, let the greats do it for you. This anthology includes 200 love letters from over the centuries by poets, princes, and other historical figures. Available for $12.50 at BN.com

Clutch Me In Your Arms and Never Let Me Go…

iPad cases that can double as clutches in the most adorable and affordable way.

Juicy Couture Gem Lock iPad Sleeve, $128, available at Bloomingdales.

Ted Baker Quilted iPad Sleeve, $71.35, available at ASOS.

Dooney & Bourke Case for the iPad, $65, available at Dooney & Bourke.

I’ve Got To Get A Grip!

ION Nouveau Art Case is an artistic “new art” designer case for iPhone 4, the curved graphic art form is perfectly built and harmonized with your iPhone 4. A piece of art is now translated into the hi-tech device.

• snap-to-fit hard grip cover
• compatible with all iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S
• full access to all phone controls
• durable Polycarbonate structure
• iridium coating offers non-interruption of phone signal
• moiré-free / anti-glare screen protector included

Available online at Ion $35.99

I Am In Control!

This ultra-light mist uses a proprietary technology that makes ingredients easily absorbable by hair follicles. Use it to calm brittle, dry strands while giving a bit of styling hold.  Available online at Beauty.com $20.00

Young Love…At Any Age

Dr. Brandt’s Lineless Lines No More Filler & Volumizer 0.35 oz (10 g)
Plumps up the nasolabial folds in particular, however there are other products in this line that also can be used on lips and other areas. Can be used over make-up! Available online at Dr. Brandt.com  $55.00

Oh Baby!

Baby Quasar Photorejuvenation Light Therapy, Red

This tiny tool packs a powerful punch using FDA-approved infrared light to generate heat (not too hot) that according to the company, emits a skin penetrating wavelength that triggers the fibroblasts to reactivate collagen production when used 2-3 times per week for about 30 minutes a session.  Buy it full-price at Spalook.com $449.00 or discounted at Amazon.com $310.00.

Is Blood The Fountain of Youth? Hmmmm?

According to a company Selphyl, it is, sort of with a little help from your doctor. Selphyl has developed a new treatment for wrinkles, scars, and general skin impressions using your own blood. Results last up to a year and a half and there have been no reports of allergic reactions because the treatment magic formula comes from your own body. In particular, it is used to treat acne scars and damaged areas around knees and ankles using PRP- platelet rich plasma technology which has been around at least a decade. The results are evident immediately, but continue to enhance over a three week period. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and the Dr. draws a small amount of your own blood and separates the platelets from the fibrin, then places them into a concentrate known as the matrix. This is then injected into skin impressions, acne scars, wrinkles, and folds. Results last up to a year and a half!
The treatment is FDA approved and currently available. For more information, visit Selphly.com

Let’s Make A Spark!

How much would you love to be able to use a topical cream to re-ignite cell regeneration? Well, you can! Thanks to Bioelectricity research and a new product by RoC’s New Brilliance Collection. These two products work in combination with each other utilizing E-pulse technology found it its Activating Serum. When combined with various companion creams containing the anti-aging Boosting Complez, the serum’s essential ion-mineral conductors boost the flow of energy in the skin, renewing cells and promoting a rejuvenated appearance. You will begin seeing results in just one week! $50.00 rocskin.com

Steal My Heart Away…

You have no clue how addicted I am to this website. Just heard about it and boy do I love it! It features a live auction of various stolen goods that have been re-claimed by local authorities.  Every auction starts out at just $1.00 and there is absolutely nothing sold that is counterfeit, because that would be a crime! So, if it says it is a 10K Aquamarine stone encrusted with diamonds in white gold selling at $141.oo- it really is!!! Visit my true love of the day: Propertyroom.com

Spring Fashion Trends to Expect for 2012 and Amazing Designers

1. Not-So-Mellow-Yellow

2. Ridiculous Red

3. Fishtail Skirts & Midrifts

-Expect a lot of crazy colors and patterns (not just the same old floral prints)

-Palazzo Pants and Jumpers (Evening wear included)

-Lazer-cut pieces in different fabrics from designers such as Valentino,

If you are like me, you might not quite be ready to take that leap into the lovely summer uniform we have all come to know and dread as the bathing suit! Or even worse, the BIKINI! However, these suits will have you doing back handsprings as you swan dive ever so elegantly into this years pool of amazing choices!

Head First:

WBH Swim.com for “Retro” Swim Caps

Vintage Bubble Crepe Swim Cap with Petal Flowers

$12.75 each

Match your swimsuit with this Swim Cap in a variety of colors
*Snug fit aids in keeping hair dry!
*Great for people with a lot of hair
*Very durable (one size fits all)!
*Packaged in a polybag

If swim caps aren’t your thing, which let’s face it, most of us hate them! Then, there are always scarves, such as the oh so classic “Jackie O.” and giant sunglasses look, or a really great big hat with a scarf wrapped around the band to match your suit, or a trendy little Fedora- the options, are endless! Just Go Big or GO Home! I always try to bring a really fabo towel too that either compliments my suit or is very beachy. And do not listen to anyone who tells you not to wear make-up! They are crazy! That is why waterproof mascara was invented! Goodness gracious! One more thing, no one can force you into a bathing suit, so do not let it stop you from attending a summer pool/beach party. Just wear a really cute outfit and say you are either going somewhere after wards, or just coming from somewhere or you cannot get in major sun due to medication- or just don’t say anything at all and make them all lust after you! Have fun whatever you do!!

Abby Fender- Your Bargain Buddy and Personal Shopping Material Girl!

For Some reason, I have been really inspired by the iconic photos taken of Grace Kelly featured in the March issues of Vanity Faire. One in particular features her in a white bikini sitting on a red and white striped towel. It is just proof that even the simplest suit can make a beautiful statement. Of course, Grace Kelly could wear a potato sack and make it look beautiful, but you get my point.

Now, time to go to the “deep-end” and see what we can find!

I have decided to pick suits that will flatter the average gal.  I am sticking with classics and vintage/retro prints and styles.  My personal style is a mix of classic/vintage with a touch of modern flair- so, I am going to incorporate those elements in my top 10, or 11 I guess, swimwear 2010 picks!

Belafigura V Neck Plunge Swimsuit Available for Breast Cancer $180.00

Pop Diamond $172.00

Double Layer Tank Obsidian by Calaossidiana on Etsy $240.00

This suit is truly special- I am posting a white suit that it exactly the same suit, but the other layer is not sheer, unfortunately, she did not give us any other shots of the black suit, but it is absolutely stunning and unique. Here is the other suit to compare:

Sabz Luxury Indigo Snake Bandeau $147.00

Badgley Mischka India Tankini $140.00

Pins and Needles Ruffle Bottoms $38.00 and Bandeau Top $48.00 Urban Outfitters

Ella Moss Sunset Bikini Top $67.00 and Bikini Bottom $59.00

LSpace Fringe $122.00

LSpace Slinky Plunge $122.00

Gottex Tanzania One-Piece $198.00

LSpace Milano Cream Lola Top $66.00 and Twiggy Bottom $60.00

Juicy Couture Pleated Gauze Bandeau Top $85.00 Ruffle Bottom $89.00

Now Let’s Shape Up- The Easy Way!

And one more little happy helper you might like, because they are really cute and really effective!

Reebok “Easytone” Metallics $124.98 or try the FLIP FLOPS for $59.98!!!

Now, for the REAL Fun! You will make people start calling you Esther Williams after this! Check it out!

http://WWW.AQUALILLIES.COM

Have a blast as you pick up the basics of Synchronized Swimming: ballet legs, layouts, torpedoes, back tucks and more!
Ongoing Classes are held oceanside in the pool at the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica.
Each session is $152 and includes 6 classes. Email them at workshops@Aqualillies.com and reserve your spot today!

Now that we got that over with, how about rewarding ourselves with a few accessories!

Gotta Have The Bag!

other colors available

LL Bean Boat and Tote Bag, Zip-Top small to XL $24.95 -$37.95

Sailor Tote Bag –for market or beach $33.00

Mingzy 005- On The Beach Bag $64.00

Take Me To The Beach Personalized Pull Cooler $36.00

How About A real life-saver?

Instead of those ugly dry sacks you get at the Army Navy Store, try a cute and practical alternative, even the woman making them hasn’t thought of this yet!  Instead of the “Ouch Pouch” just for kids and toddlers, make it the “Ouch Pouch” for sunburns, or “Oops Preventative Pouch” For when you get your cell phone, camera, ipod, buried in the sand castle instead of just yourself! And, they’re on SALE!!!

The “Ouch Pouch” 3 for $15.00 special!

A Little H2O Anyone?

Vapur Foldable Water Bottle $8.95

Wooloot Negative Ion Sport Watches – Light weight and water resistant $19.95

And of course, you wouldn’t be set for the sun without your sun glasses, but not just any sunglasses!

High Tech Fashion with TriSpec Bluetooth Sunglasses with many styles and colors available. $199.00 each.  At least you will look cool while talking to yourself.

Turn Back The Hands Of Time- In Seconds!

Here are some great new products I think everyone should know about since they might be the next best things to replace expensive and painful injection-based beauty treatments, not to mention surgery.

PRODUCT #1

Nanoblur by Indeed

Believe it or not, “Nanoblur” is only $19.00. I found this product perusing the New Beauty Magazine Spring 2010 Issue. This stuff works in seconds and is not a joke. It is great if you are tired and have a party to go to, or just want to look extra great. They also have another product for a more long-term solution to aging and wrinkles, “Snoxin,” which works in the same way, but takes 65 days to almost completely erase wrinkles, fine lines, and crows feet. Check out their website for more information about Indeed and their products. I love their methodology and the fact that they don’t use harmful cancer causing parabens nor do they perform animal testing!

PRODUCT #2 Gets a little bit Prickly.

The Scientia Derma-Roller (A product utilizing Micro- Needling to annihilate Cellulite, Wrinkles, Scars, Stretch Marks, and Alopecia or Baldness!)

This is not a torture device- promise!

While I am totally on board, when it comes to eastern medicine meeting western medicine, which is certainly the case here, I want to put a disclaimer on this recommendation before everyone gets so excited and logs on to purchase their very own “Scientia Derma-Roller.” I strongly recommend consulting a trusted and trained professional to perform this simple procedure. A doctor can do this in no time and might even recommend you perform the treatment at home. But, before you decide to skip this step all together, make sure you are a good candidate for this treatment, as it does require needles and varied lengths in needles for different treatment areas. I would hate for you to get an infection or not benefit from the treatment and waste your money just because you got a little anxious! Okay! Just a little warning.

According to Merchantcircle.com,

Micro-needling creates tiny infiltration channels through the skins surface (the stratum corneum) that remain open for less than an hour with many benefits. It has been scientifically proven that the needles of a Derma-roller induce such a dramatic amount of collagen in a short session (20 to 30 minutes). We have scientific proof that the needling procedure triggers new collagen fibres, new melanozyts, stimulates re-vascularization, hair growth, evens out scars, re-pigments stretch marks, fills depressed acne scars, softens scars and so on. The Dry Needling or Micro-Needling procedure significantly stimulates your skins collagen to grow and repair, thus enhancing the appearance of stretch marks, acne pock marks, large pores, wrinkles as well as, enhancing the penetration of skin creams and serums. It is well known that only a small percentage of the active ingredients in skin creams penetrate the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin and reach the middle (dermal) layer where they are required to produce an effect. This is why stretch-mark creams and wrinkle creams are not effective.

How It Works:

Micro-needling is CE approved as a medical device and is a barrel-like roller incorporating 192 micro-needles in 8 rows, needle diameter is 0.25mm. These needles are so fine and short that they only penetrate into the top layers of the skin. CIT can be performed on ALL areas of your body. Unlike ablative procedures, CIT can be performed repeatedly. Great for: Acne scars, Wrinkles, Stretch marks, Alopecia and Cellulite. (For Cellulite, the needles induce the bodies own collagen (CIT) in deeper skin layers to strengthen the connective tissue and to minimize the typical “orange-skin-appearance”). Rolling the cylinder on the skin surface creates even deeper micro-channels on the epidermis and dermis. At the same time, these longer needles will destroy scar collagen bundles, atrophic stretch marks or cellulites bundles (orange skin).

Depending on your skin condition, and to achieve maximum possible results, we recommend an initial treatment of 3 to 4 treatments. As the new collagen formation needs time to mature, we propose an interval of 4-6 weeks before the next CIT is commenced. As your skin continues to age an annual refresher of CIT should be considered.

PRODUCT #3

VitaminWater ZERO

Glaceau has introduced a new and improved version of their wonderful health drink we already love so much but for those of us who would like to have a guilt-free “health rush,” they’ve recently released “Vitaminwater Zero.” It is jam-packed with vitamins including, 100% vitamin C, 40% vitamin b3, b5, b6, & b12, and vitamin e, as well as 100 mg of ribose! Now that is one healthy drink if I don’t say so myself. Not only is it full of nutrients we need, but it keeps you hydrated with good old fashioned electrolytes and it comes in a variety of new yummy flavors like “Go-Go” (mixed berry), well heck, just see for yourself! Enjoy and bottoms-up!

PRODUCT #4

The Beauty Box “Test Tubes” from New Beauty Magazine

These things are so cool! Along with my new-found passion for New Beauty Magazine, I also discovered this super “Beauty Box 2,” which you can purchase for $29.95 every three months, and they will ship you the newest issue of New Beauty Magazine along with a “Test Tube” full of premium beauty products featured in the new issue of the magazine! Now that is really neat. Maybe I am just a promo fanatic, but then again, I did major in advertising and marketing for a reason-I love it! Check out their website and see what you think or just check out their website to see their awesome magazine and what they are all about!

And The Award Goes To…

Well not exactly,

The “WHO”: Selma Blair, Tracey Cunningham, Kristen Davis, Kylie & Kendall Jenner, Jaime King, George Kotsiopoulos, Eva Longoria, Mandy Moore, Chloe Moretz, Rose McGowan, Alice Eve, Arianne Phillips, Mara Roszak, Zoe Saldana, Randall Slavin, Molly Stern, Elizabeth Stewart, Cameron Silver & Christos Garkinos of DECADES and more.

Khloe Karashian presents Kylie Kendall Jenner Style Sisters Award at the Hollywood Style Awards with Palladium Jewelry The Palazzo Las Vegas

WHAT: Style expert George Kotsiopoulos, hosted this year’s 2011 Hollywood Style Awards to celebrate the trendsetters in fashion, honoring celebrities, influencers and the style elite who are leading the way in the world of fashion.

                                   Jaimie King and Chloe Moretz at The 2011 Hollywood Style Awards 

WHERE: The ever stylish Smashbox Studios held an amazing cocktail party and presentation with the oh so chic “Ghost” chairs for every member in attendance.  The small circle of industry insiders were all part of the celebration.  In every acceptance speech, you began to get the feeling just how small the fashion world is here in Los Angeles.  Word to the wise for those of you wanting to get into the business here, do not burn any bridges! You will certainly need them!

Honorees recognized at the 2011 Hollywood Style Awards Gala included: Elizabeth Stewart for “Stylist of the Year” presented by Kristen Davis; Molly Stern for “Make-Up Artist of the Year” presented by Mandy Moore; Mara Roszak for “Hair Stylist of the Year” presented by Zoe Saldana; Tracey Cunningham for “Colorist of the Year”; Arianne Phillips for “Costume Designer of the Year”; Kylie & Kendall Jenner for “Stylish Sisters”; DECADES for “Hollywood Boutique of the Year” presented by Selma Blair; Chloe Moretz for “One to Watch” presented by Jaime King; Randall Slavin for “Photographer of the Year” presented by Eva Longoria.

Office Organization-Make It Simple-Realsimple!

Tonight I realized with the help of a friend that I am a total “Elle Woods” when it comes to office organization and supplies. I think there is something very classy and beautiful about great notebooks, pens, stationary, and creating a beautiful, interesting, and functional work space. Here are some of my favorite finds at some amazing prices!!!

Portable File Tote in Turquoise!

Portable File Tote

Bring your file cabinet with you. This tote has a durable exterior, file folders, and an easy-to-carry handle.

To buy: $30, Target, target.com for store locations.

Portable Planning Calendar with Stickers!!

Portable Planning Calendar With Stickers

Create your own calendar organizing system with 18 customizable labels and month-at-a-glance grids. Comes with 560 repositionable, color-coded labels and 18 monthly, dated grids.

To buy: $15, Target, target.com for store locations.

Flexible Planning Calendar with Stickers! My Fav!!!

Flexible Planning Calendar With Stickers

Available in a pre-dated and an undated version, this calendar comes with 560 reusable labels in four colors.

To buy: $11, Target, target.com for store locations, and Mead, mead.com.

Flexible Card Wheel

Card Wheel

Clear pockets in this portable organizer make it easy to browse and locate contacts.

To buy: $7, Target, target.com for store locations, and Mead, mead.com.

When You’re Done at Target, Hop on Over To The Container Store and Enjoy The Sale!!!

Safari Letter-Sized File Folders $4.99 reg. $5.99

Safari Letter-Size Interior File Folders

File with style! These colorful, patterned Letter-Size Interior File Folders make organizing more fun! Made from premium, heavyweight coated card stock, they feature 1/3 cut tabs and coordinate beautifully with our Letter-Size Hanging File Folders and Letter-Size Interior File Folders.

• Premium, heavyweight 0.5 mm coated card stock
• 1/3 cut tabs
• Each package of six folders includes two of each pattern

Made in the USA

Mini- 3-ring Binder

Mini Three-Ring Binder Black & White Floral

7″ x 9″ h

Price: $15.99 Each

The Container Store

Mini Paper Pockets

6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″

$11.99 Each

Sarah Pinto Notebook $12.00 eachSemikolon Organizing Box $42.00 each

Bella Leather Expandable Tote $96.00 each

Bella Document Envelope $55.00 each

Gloss Business Card Holder $3.00 each

Marvel Carry-All Bag $72.00

Moonsus Gallery Laptop Case $318.00 each

Mesh Zipper Bag Set $10.00 each

See Jane Work Basics Magazine Holder $14.00 each

Dot Calculator $12.00 each

Folle 26 Stapler $78.00 each

Minor Emergency Kits $6.00 each

Sew Chic Emergency Kit $10.00 each

Sew Chic Emergency Kit $10.00 each

Staple Free Stapler

Clip-On Label Holder Set $10.00

See Jane Work Basic Notebook Paper $8.00 each

Semikolon Slim 1.75" 3-Ring Binder $15.00

See Jane Work Basics Financial Organizer $10.00 each

See Jane Work Basics Financial Organizer $10.00 each

Punctuated Page Markers $10.00

Before the procedure...I was still smiling.

To Fill or Not To Fill???

To fill or not to fill, that is the question. Unfortunately, I got my answer the hard way. One day, someone commented on my lips needing to be just a bit more plump. Well, that is all it took for me to speed dial my dermatologist and schedule an emergency appointment!  (My first major mistake) I think most women consult with well-known plastic surgeons about this kind of stuff and research everything about the doctor they choose, but oh no, not me! Vanity is not only considered a sin in some religions, but it can also be a self-induced form of punishment! So, I am sitting there and wondering if the doctor will understand that I only want a little bit of plumping, and I don’t want it to look fake and all duck-like like a lot of women I see everyday.

I thought, well, this is either going to really turn out to be great and look amazing, or it is going to be a MAJOR mistake, so I am taking a 50/50 chance. I never thought to consider that the doctor might have bad eye sight or an inability to understand symmetry.  I was too busy thinking about the celeb’s lips I wanted!  I thought a little bit about allergic reactions and the time it would take to dissipate from my lips, if the results were not exactly great. Three months tops- I could live with that!

So, as I wait to see the doctor I begin to have second thoughts. I felt really vain sitting there and wanting to change something that really wasn’t all that big of a bother to me, but ever since that comment, I just could not stop thinking of that Nip Tuck episode, where “Kimber” is trying to get her baby into modeling and this major agent says he will rep the baby if Kimber gets the baby’s lips plumped so she doesn’t look like a “villainous vixon” but rather the “bee-stung beauty that books!” I wanted “bee-stung” beauty booking lips too!

The nurse calls my name, and I jump up, heart pounding, and go through the door. It was like walking through the gates of hell, the guilt was beginning to get to me, bad! There is a really nice nurse waiting for me in the room and she asks why I am seeing the doctor today. I said, “Well, I would like to have my bottom lip just a tiny tiny bit bigger, but I am really nervous and don’t want to do it if it is going to look fake!” I then proceed to ask the nurse, “is the doctor good at lips? and should I do this or not- I mean, do people come out of here looking really weird?” She said, “if I were you, I wouldn’t change a thing. You are a beautiful girl and I would hate to see you do something to change yourself, because you do not need it. Honestly, I would just forget it and leave.” This is the second red flag! She was being honest with me, telling me NOT TO DO IT !!! Why did I even ask her opinion if I was just going to ignore it? Vanity vanity vanity- that’s all I can say. The devil made me do it. So, I said, “Hmmm. thank you so much for your honesty, and I will talk to the doctor about it and explore my options.” She walked out and then I never saw that nurse again.

About 30 seconds later, in walks the doctor. He asks me the same question, I give him the same answer. He says, “Well, maybe we could just give you a tiny bit of Restylane. We could do the “Rosebud” lip or “the Paris lip” (named after Paris Hilton of course).  I thought, that sounds lovely. A rosebud lip, who wouldn’t want that?!! So, I continue with the procedure. He warns me that it is not going to feel good and it will really hurt. I thought, “how bad could it possibly be?” They apply a bit of numbing creme and then he sticks the right side of my bottom lip, a little off center and I feel some pressure- nothing too bad. Then sticks it a little bit over to the right again barely injects anything and voila- he’s all done. He hands me a mirror and I look and think to myself- it is looking a little off-center, but I guess it will gel out in a little while. I am sure it won’t stay like this. It looked pretty good other than that. The nurse hands me a cold pack and says to just keep the pack on my lip all day to prevent swelling and bruising.

Two hours later, my lip is not only looking bee stung, but it is feeling bee stung, but only on the right side. I got so annoyed, I decided to call up the doctor and ask his nurse what the heck was going on! She tells me that it will even out by tomorrow and that I should massage my lip a little. Well, I had been shoving my lip trying to get the stuff to move to the freaking center the past hour with no success. The nurse then warns me, “whatever you do, do not push on your lip.” Oh! So glad to know that NOW!

Fat Lip- but just on the right side, not so bad right? This can be fixed in the morning- stupid little mistake, but...smile is rapidly fading.

The next morning I wake up and it is even more evident that my lip is crooked! I am so mad I call them again! I needed to get in ASAP and I was not kidding around. Well, the doctor was not available until Friday- two days away and I would have to be worked-in. I said “FRIDAY!!! I have a crooked lip and I cannot go to work like this, isn’t there any way he can fit me in today or tomorrow morning?” She says nonchalantly, “No. I am sorry. That is the soonest available time.” I lost it! I was not going to have a crooked lip all week and hate myself for the next 72 hours! I never do this because I hate confrontation, but this was one time that I found it necessary to be a little pushy. I responded in a no nonsense manner, “listen to me okay. I am not going around anywhere looking like this. It is the doctor’s mistake and I am not going to wait around. This is an emergency and you will fit me in first thing tomorrow morning or else you will have a big problem on your hands. Now. Tell me, when is your earliest available appointment tomorrow?” To say the least, I was worked-in that morning at 9:00 am, and was his first patient.  He walks in and takes a look, no “I’m sorry, this is no good, we gotta get this fixed.” No. Instead he said, “So, you want a little bit more on the left side?” I was like, yeah ya think??!! I didn’t say that, but I was thinking it for sure. He starts injecting, and injecting, and injecting, and injecting all on the left side of my lip! 6 injections later, my lip is riving in pain, and totally and completely blown up like a balloon. I said, “Doctor, does this stuff move once it is in the lip?” He said, “No. Not really. Abby I made it a little bit bigger than you said you wanted, but I think you’re going to like it.” He smiles and walks out of the room. I was like, he just doesn’t need to think! He just doesn’t need to even speak to me, I am so mad at him, the nurse who told me to “massage” my lip, and most of all, myself!

Two hours after second procedure. Fat Lip overload! What the heck was I thinking? Smile is pretty much gone- on the verge of tears.

I called my best friend on the way home sobbing. She said it couldn’t be as bad as I thought and to just get some rest. I couldn’t stop looking at my giant lip in the mirror. As the hours progressed, so did the size of my lower left lip. It felt as if I had been stung by 500 bees. I sent my friend a picture, and she responded, “that looks like it hurts.” I thought, it looks like more than that! It looks like someone gave me a fat lip! Which they did, but not exactly the way I had planned.

So, I thought I would share my story with ANYONE thinking of getting any type of filler in their lip. Here are a few tips:

1. Research your doctor and get a referral

2. Listen to your gut and the nurse warning you

3. Learn to love yourself the way you are, because you don’t appreciate the beauty you have until it gets really screwed up by some idiot doctor!

4. Do not go back to the same idiot who messed you up in the first place, go to someone who knows what the heck they are doing to fix it the way it should be fixed.

5. Read this blog and know, there is nothing fake about my story. It is as real as it comes and embarrassing too, but I am doing my penance.

About 8 hours after second procedure. OMG! I hate my doctor! What Have I Done???!!! Shock and Pain are the only ways to describe my current state at that point.

Live and Learn,

Abby Fender- Your bargain buddy and personal shopping material girl

For The Love of Lashes

Everyone is digging all of these amazing new products to get those peepers popping! No one really minds spending $100-$200.00 a month to be able to bash those lashes in full effect. But, are they really being given the information they need to determine if the product is even safe or effective? If you are like myself, probably not, since all we care about these days is instant gratification.

Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting-in on an employee training session at “Naimee’s Beauty Supply” in Los Angeles.  I was just about to leave the store and this really cute guy asked me if I would like to sit-in on their presentation to learn a little bit about lashes, and how could I refuse? So, he was actually the sales rep for “NeuLash.” Of course, I was skeptical being that the information was coming from a biased source, but they allowed me to “grill” them and had some pretty interesting information to share.

I have had eyelash extensions in the past, and they just fall off and irritate my eyes after speding $150-$300.00! So, I was considering asking my doctor for a perscription of “Latisse.” After all, I do love Brooke Shields and anything she does I am willing to try! BUT NOT NOW! I found out that Latisse is a very dangerous product. It was originally used to treat patients with Glaucoma, but they discovered that patients were actually experiencing hair growth around the eye area, particularly the lash line. So, instead of going back and reformulating the product for a more suitable and safe applicator with a thicker consistancy, they just decided to continue distributing the product via medical perscriptions, which added to the appeal.

If your doctor says it’s safe, it must be safe, right? Wrong. People with light colored eyes, basically any color other than brown, are at risk for permanent brown stains on their irises! Not only that, but Latisse does not have any type of preservative, so it requires you to use a new applicator to apply the nearly liquid drippy substance on the top lid of your lash line everyday. Women do not realize the danger of the drippy formula. Well, I am here to tell you! That drippy formula was not intended for the outside of your eye in the first place. It seeps into the corners of your eyes when you sleep and actually can cause accidental hair growth on the inside and outside corners of your eyes! The rep told me that he had one client who used to have her facialist pluck the inner corners of her eyes due to this very side effect. Not good. Also, if you accidentally let any of the formula drip down the side of your face, it will actually cause hair growth in the very place in dripped. How would you like a permanent harry tear line down your face? That would be oh so cute! I was shocked and it takes a lot to shock me, as I love to try everything when it comes to beauty products, surgeries, any thing to improve what God gave you! So, I thought, if these people are going to shoot down Latisse, a well-known, highly popular drug prescribed every single day, they better have a really good argument to support their stance!

That is when they began to talk about “neuLash.” It is not a drug- it is a cosmetic, meaning it did not have to be approved by the FDA, however the makers of neuLash went ahead and performed laboratory testing to meet FDA standards. The consistency is much thicker, so it stays in place, and it does not cause any harmful side affects like discoloration of the iris or dark circles around the lids. You only have to use it for 6 weeks and the product lasts for two years. Also, you can use it on your lower and upper lashes as well as your eyebrows! Now, how great is that? I wanted to know about their preservatives, as we all are discovering most preservatives aren’t good for your body and could even cause cancer! They are all natural preservatives and have been tested and approved! Whew! Now let’s discuss the bottom line, shall we? Latisse costs a fortune every month and neuLash is $180.00 for the large bottle exclusively sold at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. If you want to purchase the smaller bottle, you can through neuLash’s website, but you will end-up paying $150.00 for half the amount of neuLash, so you might as well get twice as much and spend a little bit more.  The larger size is only available at Neiman’s and Saks.  Here is a list of benefits straight from their website if you are wondering, so check it out ladies and men!

PS: The female rep had the thickest, longest lashes I think I have ever seen and she did not have an ounce of mascara on! She said she has to trim her upper lashes because they get so long!! That is what I am talking about!

Check it out at http://www.neulash.com

and purchase online at www.NeimanMarcus.com or www.saksfifthavenue.com

neuLash Safety Assessment

• Safety/regulatory status in the US and the European Union – APPROVED
• Consumer Skin Sensitization Patch Study – PASSED
• Ophthalmologist Eye Irritation Potential Study  PASSED
• All ingredients have been successfully marketed to consumers in the US and/or Internationally.
• Cruelty – Free
• Paraben – Free

Flash those Lovely Lashes Ladies!

Abby Fender- Your Bargain Buddy and Personal Shopping Material Girl!

Abby@myhautespots.com

Missoni Madness

While sitting in room 5-302 a.k.a. “The Jurors’ holding room,” I decided to find some amazing Missoni buys online. And in honor of The Missoni family members visiting Neiman’s in Beverly Hills today and the Walk of Style honoring event at the Rodeo boutique this Sunday, it seems quite appropriate.

I hope you like what you see- all available online at Etsy.

Oddly enough, all of my closest friends are engaged.  And while I have always heard that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, I would trade 100 diamonds for just one best friend any day, although my BFF’s might not be so willing to give their “square cut’s” up-especially now!   In support of all five of my closest girl and guy friends currently engaged, I have decided to post an all out wedding bliss post filled with cool links, pictures, ideas, sites, and top planners in hopes of possibly answering some of their questions and maybe some of yours.  Weddings are really tough and expensive these days. (Just something I am learning)  I just don’t think it should have to be such a daunting and overwhelming task. So cheers and let’s make this a little bit more fun!

Location! Location! Location! It is not all about the dress when you live in L.A.!

I am finding that the biggest challenge for my friends is booking the venue. Whether it is an outdoor wedding you want or just a venue that will allow you to treat your guests to a luxurious and intimate party for under $80,000.00 – it is no easy task! So, here are some options.

Here Comes The Guide

The Wedding Compass

All About The Details

Wedding planners can prove to be invaluable and truly “worth their weight in gold” at the end of the day. However, I must preface this by saying the right wedding planner is key- otherwise, you are better off having your special day completely unorganized and totally crazy but the way you want it, even if it is a little bit crazy! Here are a few I would recommend.

Lindsey Hamilton Events

Peonies & Palettes Boutique Wedding Planning Co.

or just plan yourself using The Knot’s planning tools.

The Knot's Planning Tools

Inspiration

Beautiful Backyard Wedding

Elegant Blue Wedding Chair Covers

Unique Beach Wedding Decorations

Sea Shell Place Card Holders

Boutique Tents