Gorgeous Glam

Weekend Bliss

2013-05-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to a long 3-day weekend! Plans to bar-b-que, go to the beach, have a pool party, work on some paintings, and visit with friends who are coming into town from Canada. I decided to wait on launching the boutique until next week since the holiday weekend was coming up. I don't want to rush into such an important event! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Beach House

2013-05-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

There's really only one place I crave most days, and that's the beach. Living in California so close to the beach is really something wonderful. Now if only I could figure out a way to get that beach house in Hawaii that I dream about! Working on it! Where is your dream house location? xx -Taj

Obsessions

2013-05-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

The director and I went out for a bite to eat last night at our favorite Mexican restaurant. It's a little

hole in the wall, hidden gem sort of place here in LA. I ordered the tacos dorados and boy were they good! Perfectly stewed meat, shredded lettuce, mexican crema, tomatoes, and monterrey cheese in a crispy taco! Of course I also ordered a horchata, (a sweet rice flavored drink) which I could drink for breakfast, lunch and dinner! We then decided to stop buy the grocery store and since we were in the hood, we went into a market called Vallarta. As soon as you walk in, all the senses are overwhelmed. There is this loud spanish music blasting overhead; happened to be a mix of regional banda, merengue, and cumbias to be exact! Brightly colored piñatas hang from the ceilings waving in the breeze from the air conditioner and people are moving around everywhere you turn! The bakery is pumping out freshly baked pan dulces (sweet breads). It was like a super market party! Baby glam loved all the hustle and bustle! I think it's safe to say, it is the funnest grocery shopping experience I've had in a while!

A few obsessions...

(New sparkly shoes...a girl can never have too many!)

(Beautiful earrings from my dear friend Splendarosa, check out her blog here!)

(Confession: I'm slightly obsessed these days with shower caps! I love deep

conditioning my hair in them or doing home made oil treatments!)

(I found the cutest notebooks in the Target $ section!)

(Glitter tape for all my sparkly projects)

(New paint brushes)

(Wasabi tape, aren't they precious on these spools!)

(A new little glam treasure I found!)

blush

2013-05-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Weekend flew by! I had breakfast in bed yesterday followed by lots of

lounging by the pool since it was 100 degrees and too hot to do little else!

I'm working on the final touches for my boutique and I am hoping to have

my launch very soon, in the next two weeks! Amazing how many set backs

I've had recently, but that won't stop me, I'm pressing full steam ahead!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend? I'm headed out to cut my roses and

make bouquets for all the rooms. The bushes are overflowing with flowers

and smell sweet as can be.

Ave Maria

2013-05-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

While I was pregnant with Baby Glam last year, I had a very special connection to

the Holy Virgin Mother Mary. I remember being scared at times of how my life

was about to change and hoping that I would be a good mother to my first child.

I had no idea what to expect. Giving birth itself was a scary thought. Raising a

little life to go out into the world is a great task to embark upon. All these

thoughts and more would swirl through my head and I found peace in thinking

of the path that Mary the mother of Jesus walked. I imagined what she must have

felt and how scared she must have been to carry such a responsibility. It gave me

strength to walk my own path.
I remember when I was in the hospital in the

delivery room, on my fifth or sixth hour of labor, I asked my husband to put on

the song Ave Maria for me to help my nerves. From the moment I heard that

beautiful song that Celine Dion sang, I felt this great courage and peace for

my delivery. I knew it was soon time for her to come into this world and I was

opening the door of life for her through my strength. There was no more room

for fear or doubts. It was time to for her to come into our lives. Later, after she was

a few weeks old, my mother-in-law mentioned to us that Baby Glam was born on

the same day as Mary was said to have been born and that the day was in her honor.

Life is beautiful that way and I believe in miracles!

As I think of all the beautiful mother's who have or had the ultimate task of

raising children, I can only feel honor and respect towards the name Mother.

Mother's you are beautiful. Happy Mother's Day!

Life Does Whatever Necessary to Mold Us Into Shape & Prepare Us For Greatness

2013-05-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

This past week has been a trying one for me. Metaphorically speaking, I've been walking through the valley as they say. I know many a blogger appears to have a pretty fabulous and problem free life but if you prick any of us we all will surely bleed! I know that I don't follow blogs to read about other people's problems, but there is a certain aspect of humanity and personalization that is absent many times. I think a picture can be painted that life is always perfect in the blog world and as women I find that actually sharing some of our trials along with our successes with each other is much more meaningful. Don't get me wrong, I like to escape into this wonderful world of creativity and passion for art, beauty and fashion as an escape just as much as the next gal, but I wonder, is there courage in sharing and connecting on a deeper level that is much more satisfying? Life is mountains and valleys and the in-betweens. I think for me, I like the whole picture every once in a while not just the perfect mountain tops. What do you think? As a blogger do you ever share? xx -Taj

Blooming

2013-05-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes nothing inspires me more than simply flowers...

Weekend look...

2013-05-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm hitting the beach this weekend and having a staycation that I so badly need. We'll be staying at the Fairmont bungalows in Santa Monica and I am looking forward to eating, sleeping and relaxing on the beach with a good book! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Five Minutes With Marina Ruiz & Zulekya Silver

2013-05-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a new series called 'Five Minutes With...' and to start it off I had the pleasure to interview Marina Ruiz and Zulekya Silver of Univision’s hit reality competition show, “Nuestra Belleza Latina” (Our Latin Beauty) It's down to the top 10 finalists and two of these Latin beauties’are representing our hometown of Los Angeles!

Five Minutes with Marina Ruiz

What is the best thing about being a Latina at this moment?

The best thing about being a Latina these days is that we are dreamers and fighters. Being part of this contest is a beautiful and yet difficult experience and, even though giving up might be tempting at times, I thank the Latin blood that runs through my veins; I’m still here, fighting for my dream.

What are your favorite beauty products?

My favorite product is Garnier Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity hair products.

Who or what inspires you and why?

My mother is my greatest source of inspiration. Every time I feel sad, I remember that she’s out there, proud of my achievements. She inspires me because she is a hard-working woman and always looks for the way to accomplish everything she sets out to do.

What is your favorite vice?

My favorite vice is eating chocolate. I even steal chocolate and sweets from the judges’ table during “Nuestra Belleza Latina” tapings.

What has being a contestant on ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina’ taught you about yourself so far?

“Nuestra Belleza Latina” has truly been of great help. It has helped me to be confident, to learn that just having a pretty face doesn’t mean you’re better than everybody else. Everyone told me I wouldn’t accomplish anything here, but I’ve noticed that the nicest thing about someone is authenticity.

Five Minutes with Zuleyka Silver

What is the best thing about being a Latina at this moment?

Precisely this moment! If I wasn't Latina I wouldn't be on 'Nuestra Belleza Latina'. This show has given me the opportunity to inspire young women to follow their dreams and be a positive voice.

What are your favorite beauty products?

Peter Thomas Roth, Jurlique, Clarasonic and of course Maybelline!

Who or what inspires you and why?

I was recently very inspired at the “Filly Brown” movie premiere. Seeing so many Latinos succeed in Hollywood makes me want to work even harder. I know I will soon be starring in my very own Hollywood film!

What is your favorite vice?

Purchasing celebrity gossip magazines at the airport. It's the only time I don't feel guilty for not being productive.

What has being a contestant on ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina’ taught you about yourself so far?

Being on the show has made me a very disciplined person. It has also taught me to always do my best so I never have regrets. The key is to always be present.

Thanks ladies, wishing you the best of luck!! (Love the pink dresses!)

Pretty Fav Things and Rachel K CC Cream Review

2013-04-26T12:19:00.001-07:00

Some of my favorites this week all happen to be pink...hmm. (wink wink) I'm finally getting

around to doing a review for the Rachel K CC Cream! Lastly, it's Friday, and it's been a long week

of work. I have some great interviews coming up in the next couple of weeks with some inspiring people. It's a new series I'm doing since I work in Los Angeles and have the opportunity to rub shoulders with

so many talented, successful people, I thought it would be a great idea to share some of their advice, thoughts and fashion/beauty favorites with all of us! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

p.s. the boutique is launching very very soon! xoxo -Taj

Rachel K CC Beauty Balm

Here's what it claims:

CC Cream is a much more refined and improved BB cream which combines various benefits all in one - color control, oil control, whitening, brightening, moisturizing and UV protection with SPF 35 PA ++. It enhances our complexion by improving its texture, balancing skin tone and brings forth the quality of real skin - dewy, fresh, elastic and with a glow. The end effect is a flawless, non oily (matte) and radiant complexion.

Review:

A CC cream is a color correction cream.

The CC cream comes in two color ranges: Original (pink undertones) & Neutral (yellow undertones). I use the darker of the two, neutral. It comes in 1.4 fl oz.

To apply I use my fingers and pat it on. I don't suggest rubbing it in as it doesn't apply as well.

The consistency is creamy, smooth and matte. I use it as a primer under my everyday makeup and on my clients more so than a tinted cc cream alone. I find that it easily disappears into my skin covering redness, fine lines, pores and pigmentation. I personally only apply this product in the areas where I need it. Mostly, my t-zone and anywhere I have pigmentation or visible pores. On my clients, I use it on fine lines, acne scares and t-zone.

The scent of this product is nearly nonexistent, but when I apply it I do notice a slight scent that disappears soon after applied (it is a very natural scent that I cannot quite describe). I do find that it brightens my face with a lovely glow, however it is on the borderline of being too light for my skin tone. If you are a NC 30 or darker I would not suggest wearing this alone as it will be too light! But I do recommend that ANY color complexion can wear it as a primer and that is my suggestion for this product overall anyway. If you have dry skin you will want to moisturize before using this product. Oily skin complexions will love this product for it's mattifying effect. It dries to a velvety finish. After it sets, I apply foundation and powder. I find that it makes any makeup last much longer and keeps the set well. I also noticed that in flash photography it is unnoticeable and leaves no white cast It fills in pores & lines wonderfully, and it improves overall skin brightness and acne scars. I have noticed an improvement in my skin over the last couple of months.

Overall, I find that as a primer, applied in a proper way, it is a game changer and I highly recommend it for anyone.

Currently it is available only online at https://www.rachelkcosmetics.com/

Disclaimer: I purchased this product myself and these are my honest opinions.

Crown brushes

So soft and dense. I love all the eye brushes the best.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster

Love the sparkly little hearts! Perfect for swooshing over my neck and

decolletage area for a warm glow!

EOS

Not only is it 95% organic and 100% natural, this strawberry one reminds me of

my strawberry shortcake doll I used to have when I was a child! Smells just like it!

Kate Spade Twirl Parfum

I love the pink, orange and gold packaging!

The confetti bottle and the very cocktail-ish scent of pink watermelon,

blackberry and red currant is a must!

Little Paris Kitchen

2013-04-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

There are little pleasures in life that I really can't live without: chocolate of course, and another one of them is my favorite cooking show. The Little Paris Kitchen on the Cooking Network. It's hosted by Rachl Khoo, she is this gorgeous creature who shops the Paris food markets in the most beautiful red lipstick (of course!) and wears her hair in perfect updos all the while looking fabulous! She is an English chef living in Paris and runs the smallest as she says, restaurant in the city (La Petite Cuisine à Paris) from her tiny flat. She makes French cuisine easy even for the skeptic and leaves you drooling for more every episode. Her lavender glazed chicken is on my list this weekend! If you haven't seen the show yet, I don't know what you are waiting for! Her style is my inspiration this week, French ooh la la! xoxo -Taj p.s. Rachel's recipe for Onion & Creme Fraiche Tart are at the bottom of this post!

RACHEL KHOO'S RECIPE FOR TARTE FLAMBÉE (ONION AND CRÈME FRAÎCHE TART)

Provence had Pissaladière, while in Alsace they have tarte flambée, a pizza-style base topped with crème fraîche, lardoons and onions - popular ingredients in Alsatian cuisine.
Gluten-free is a concept that hasn’t quite caught on in the land of baguettes, and it can be frustrating for anyone on a gluten-free diet who wants to try delicious French pastries and bread, so here I’ve replaced the regular wheat base with chestnut flour and tapioca starch. This means no kneading is required – just mix the ingredients together to form a ball.
For a sweet topping, replace the onions and lardoons with thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and brown sugar.
Ingredients:
160g chestnut flour*
140g tapioca starch
1 teaspoon guar gum**
1 ½ teaspoons baking poweder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon light soft brown sugar
5g dried yeast
½ teaspoon sugar
190ml warm water
For the topping:
4 tablespoons crème fraîche
2 red onions, thinly sliced
100g lardoons or cubes of smoked bacon
4 sprigs of thyme, leaves only
Make the base. Mix together the flour, tapioca starch, guar gum, baking powder, salt and sugar in the warm water. When the yeast begins to foam, pour it into the well and mix everything together to form a ball. Roll out the dough between two pieces of baking powder until it is 5mm thick, then place it into a baking tin that is large enough for the pastry to sit flat. (The shape doesn’t really matter, it’s the 5mm thickness that’s important.) Remove the top layer of paper and trim off any excess paper from around the edges of the bottom piece.
Preheat the oven to 200C and place a large baking tray in the oven to get hot.
Spread the crème fraîche over the dough, then sprinkle the onions, lardoons and thyme leaves on top. Slide the baking tin onto the hot baking tray and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the edges are crisp. The tart is traditionally eaten warm, but it’s great cold too.
*Chestnut flour can be bought in health shops and online. For tapioca starch, try your supermarket or a Chinese grocery store.

** Guar gum is a very powerful thickening agent made from guar beans. You can find it in powdered form online and in health food shops.

Neon and Floral

2013-04-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was super hot here in LA. We had 90's already which means it's

going to be a hot summer! I did some spring cleaning/decorating around the house and I'm waiting

on one more bookshelf to come in for my living room. I'm doing a whole custom

wall of bookshelves for all my books! I still have no idea where I'm going to put all

my cookbooks though. I collect cookbooks like I'm a master chef or something! My vintage Julia Child

books are my fav! I wore this gorg eShakti dress yesterday, it just makes me happy to look at it.

It reminds me of a Lilly Pulitzer doesn't it! I just needed an excuse to wear my new neon BCBG's too,

is anybody else out there obsessed with neon right now? I swear I'm having flashbacks to sixth grade!

xoxo - Keept It Glam - Taj

(Dress: eShakti, clutch: American Apparel, Shoes, BCBG, Necklace: H&M, Sunglasses: Dior)

Floral Blazer

2013-04-18T10:36:00.001-07:00

All I can think about is floral blazers this week. They are the essential Spring is here piece! Throw it on over skinny jeans for a lunch with the girls, or wear it to the office with a pencil skirt and sleek slicked back hair, so chic! xoxo - Keep It Glam - Taj

Skyfall

2013-04-16T10:11:00.003-07:00

Sometimes it's hard to think about fluff and beauty when our country is going thru a sad time, our prayers are with you Boston. But in all things, we must press on. Black, gold, lace, leather, studs. I'm craving it all!
Sending hugs and kisses to all of you and hope you are having a blessed week so far! xx -Taj

Neon

2013-04-11T12:44:00.001-07:00

These BCBG shoes are so bright, I can't wait to wear them with dark skinny jeans or white jeans and a denim top! xx

Le Meow

2013-04-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Le Gorg...Every glamour girl needs a little touch of leopard in her home somewhere!

Fierce

2013-04-08T12:23:00.003-07:00

Happy Monday sweets! I finally finished my shoot this weekend!

It was a lot of work, I was exhausted once the whole thing was over. Like fall

in bed and crash out exhausted. But it was a lot of fun and we got some really good shots for

the boutique! Sharing a few pics below...Hope your weekend was fab! xx -Taj

My kinda casual outfit...

My mantra lately

Makeup table...this is only one side!

Sneak peak at model ...

Can't wait to share with you the launch soon!

Neutrogena Shine Control Line first impression

2013-04-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer ($12.99)

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer helps makeup apply more smoothly and last longer, while optical modifiers help minimize the look of pores. Can be worn alone or under foundation. This lightweight, non-greasy formula with patent-pending rice protein technology acts like a sponge to absorb excess oil so skin stays shine-free and fresh looking all day.

8 hour shine control with or without makeup
Extends the wear of makeup
Matte finish
Won't over dry skin or clog pores

Review: Smell: it has a light scent to it that didn't bother me. Texture is slightly grainy? I can't put my finger on it, maybe it's the rice protein, but it isn't as silky smooth as I would like. It is however, very lightweight which I liked a lot. I applied it to my whole face with my fingers and then applied the Shine Control foundation and powder. It did help keep my face mostly oil free for eight hours. However, as an overall primer, I wish it had some properties that I think a primer needs such as minimizing pores and making the makeup last longer. I think I will only use it on my t-zone in the future, because it did keep my oiliness at bay which I loved. But I will still use my Rachel K primer/CC cream on the rest of my face for lasting power, pore minimizer, etc.

I'm going to go over the line briefly - swatches and comparisons will be at the end of the post.

Neutrogena Shine Control Liquid Makeup SPF 20 ($12.99)

Neutrogena Shine Control Makeup helps provide 8 hour shine control in a lightweight, breathable formula. Shine Control Makeup blends perfectly for natural-looking coverage with a soft, matte finish. Broad-spectrum SPF 20 helps protect against sun damage.

8 hour shine control
Lightweight, breathable formula
Won't over dry skin
Broad spectrum SPF 20

Available in eight (8) shades: Classic Ivory, Natural Ivory, Buff, Nude, Soft Beige, Natural Beige, Fresh Beige, Warm Beige.

Review: I love this foundation and have reviewed it before here on GG which you can read entirely here.

Adding the full Shine Control line to my foundation routine does make a difference in keeping the oiliness at bay. The foundation gives a medium matte coverage,and has a thicker consistency. I do usually have to blot around my nose area around the 4 hour mark and by eight hours the makeup is holding up with the use of the Shine Control primer on the t-zone and my Rachel K primer on the rest of my face. This foundation is one that I love for oily skin users and I keep it in my makeup kit. I do wish it had a wider selection of color choices though!

Neutrogena Shine Control Powder ($11.99)

Neutrogena Shine Control Powder helps skin stay shine-free and fresh-looking all day. The lightweight powder with patent-pending rice protein technology acts like a sponge to absorb excess oil and instantly eliminates shine for a fresh look that lasts for 8 hours. Layers invisibly over makeup with a matte finish.

Claims to:

Blends invisibly into skin for a flawless look that’s never overdone
Perfect for on-the-go touch ups
Won't over dry skin or clog pores

Review: The powder comes in one color: Invisible and comes with a little powder puff applicator. I was very skeptical of the light chalky color right away. After applying the primer and foundation I applied the powder to my entire face with a powder brush. It felt very matte and I looked like a ghost. I added some blush and bronzer to add some depth back to my face. At the four hour check, my face was mostly matte and I did a small touch up around my nose area with the powder. I did a flash photo of myself and it did show some white cast in the photo. At the eight hour mark, I was relatively shine free. I took another flash photo and the white cast was less noticeable. Overall, the product did the job of keeping me mostly shine free in the t-zone area. The cons are that it only comes in one color. I don't believe this would work on darker skin tones very well. I am an olive medium to light skin tone and it was still very white on me. I also wouldn't use this as an all-over face powder but more as a touch up/blotting powder throughout the day.

Hope this review helps you dolls with oily skin!
XOXO - Taj - Keep It Glam!

Disclaimer* this post is in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Neutrogena. All opinions are my own.

Blooming

2013-04-03T11:33:00.003-07:00

I'm back from a week of entertaining family. Back to business, and this weekend is a very special one coming up. I'm doing a photo shoot for my boutique finally! It's funny how things haven't slowed down one bit, but instead have gotten quite busy. As if to say: if you really want this it's only going to get crazier! Do you ever feel like that when you are working on something? A million other things seem to suddenly present themselves? Distractions, opportunities, etc. Well, it happens to me, and all I can say is bring it! I'm not pushing things to a later date! Another thing that gave me goose bumps this week was that I received my bank card with my business name on it! I couldn't have been more thrilled when I opened it! Nothing brings more joy than working on your dreams! Hoping you all are having a wonderful week so far! xo - Taj

Just Gorg

2013-03-27T12:58:00.004-07:00

Total girl crush right now on Shanina Shaik!! xx - Keep It Glam - Taj

Sweet

2013-03-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

I love walking down the candy aile's in stores right now. All the pretty pastel colors everywhere! Of course I have to display my candy out where I can see it in the prettiest of tea cups and saucers. The Director says I'm banned from buying anymore Easter candy but I can't help myself! Even the baking sprinkles and sugars have to come home with me! My little bunnies that I have set around the house must hop around at night and nibble on all the candy....

Pastel Jordan Almonds

Sweet & Sour Jelly Beans

Speckled Little Eggs

Chocolate Malt Balls

Ready for Baking!

Details

2013-03-21T10:46:00.002-07:00

Glamour...It's all in the detail. Just like life, isn't it the little things that matter? A pretty small note in the mail from a friend. An unexpected surprise from a loved one. A genuine big smile from a stranger. They matter. I'm off to attend a Tresseme event this afternoon with celebrity stylist Marco Pena. Hope you dolls are having a wonderful week! xoxo -Keep It Glam! - Taj

That girl

2013-03-19T12:24:00.007-07:00

Over the weekend I stopped by my favorite thrift store. I always have certain things in mind when I go, otherwise it can be overwhelming. Not to mention Saturdays everything is half off so you have the crazies running around snatching everything up. I headed straight for the linens where, not many people graze. I found some beautiful pink napkins with delicate crochet details. I also scored a beautiful mint tablecloth for $3! The biggest score was a gorgeous seafoam green mirror for baby glam's room. Hope your week is going well! xx -Taj

(Thrifted linens with pretty details)

(Shabby chic mirror)

(I took Barbie's anniversary calendar and turned it into art work above baby glam's crib)

(Every glamour baby needs her own chandelier! Restoration Hardware)

My Irish rose! xx

BH

2013-03-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Weekend! Looks like we've got lots of sunshine in store here in LA! I'm headed to a dinner tonight in Beverly Hills with some very affluential ladies and I'm excited to pick their brains on being successful business women. Nothing I admire more than women who whole-heartedly support other young women. I also just want to stay home this weekend and get my closets organized! I'm going bananas with the clutter, I can't sleep at night! Do any of you get like that? I have to be organized! Oooh and it's St. Patrick's Day! Don't forget to wear green! xoxo -Taj

It was all a dream

2013-03-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Been working sooo hard on my boutique. I'm on the grind. I've met with all my vendors, and I'm working
on my inventory now. Styling my pieces, figuring out makeup and hair. It's all a dream. But it's also
a little bit scary too, all the what-ifs. Somehow, I just press forward and keep making leaps of faith.
The best part is that I'm enjoying the journey in all of this. Being a mom, working full time, it can get overwhelming, but the dream, the passion, just gets more intense every step I make. One of the things
I really love about being a woman, is that we truly can do it all. The greater the challenge, we always
seem to rise to it all and keep pushing forward. We can't ever give up, not because of age, or lack of education and money, and definitely not because of being a mom, and putting our dreams aside. We can't give up when we feel blue, or alone, and overlooked. We have to remind each other to keep believing and hoping. Our dreams are real and they belong to us, and I for one, absolutely believe. xoxo -Taj