Tag: All

  • ENHANCE YOUR VOCABULARY

    ENHANCE YOUR VOCABULARY

    To be truly fabulous… you must constantly expand your mind… Intelligence is a critical component to becoming a remarkable woman.  On that note, here are a few words that should be in your personal repertoire {add them to some of the words that should already be in your dictionary… which you can review here}.



    wan·der·lust ˈwän-dər-ˌləst {noun}: a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.
    In a Sentence: Though she found someone whom she very much enjoyed, she wondered if her ability to commit would be irreparably damaged by her incessant wanderlust; would she have to choose between the boy and the world? {personal thought: I think my hypothetical “she” should be able to commit to both the boy and the world}
    In Your Life: What a delicious affliction to have… I personally like to think of myself as a rolling stone {with strong family roots, of course}.  The world is a large and crazily captivating place.  If you have the ability to move about {meaning that you are relatively functional and at least quasi-resourceful}, you should be experiencing bouts of wanderlust… and acting on those impulses.  The definition cites an “innate desire.”  If something is pulling on your heartstrings so strongly, it would be a disgrace to ignore the call to travel.  See the world… even if it’s just the next town over.  Learn a new language.  Take in a new culture.  Go with an open mind. The growth that you will experience will surprise you… and make you even more captivating.

    rev·er·ie ˈre-və-rē, ˈrev-rē {noun}: 1. a state of dreamy mediation or fanciful musing. 2. a daydream.
    In a Sentence: She got lost in a reverie on a daily basis; it was as if her soul demanded it.
    In Your Life: This is an absolute necessity.  Daydreaming is food for the soul.  It tells you who you are, what you want, and acts as the very best motivator.  Some individuals justify their time spent in reverie by referring to it as “visualization.”  If that gets you going, then feel free to call it that {I, personally, feel that word doesn’t do the true experience of being lost in reverie any justice}.  The first step to getting something done is imagining it being done.  Even if your reverie involves nothing productive {per say}, it can at least put a smile on your face and elevate your mood to even greater heights… Everyone knows that a happy girl {and, yes, with that wistful post-reverie smile you’re wearing, you are clearly “happy”} is the most beautiful kind of girl.

    gour·mandˈgu̇r-ˌmänd, -mənd {noun}:  one who is heartily interested in good food and drink.
    In a Sentence: The city’s restaurant tour is not just an incredible social experience, it is basically a mandatory exercise for any true gourmand.
    In Your Life: Could anything be more wonderful than an amazing meal paired with the perfect wine? {rhetorical question… though, if answered, I realize there are many things equally/more wonderful… but to find them requires a good deal of thought}  You, as a woman who seeks experience, culture, and knowledge, should have developed a hearty interest in good food and drink at this juncture in life.  And, if you have not? Then get going.  This is a pleasurable task and the experience can be shared.  If you find a great restaurant {bonus points if it isn’t well known} you should immediately plan a dinner here for your girlfriends, that guy you’ve been eyeing, your parents, etc.  Eat, drink, and be merry {you little gourmand, you}.

  • VISUAL INSPIRATION

    VISUAL INSPIRATION


     {all images and their original source can be found on my Tumblr}

  • HOW TO – WAVY HAIR TUTORIAL

    HOW TO – WAVY HAIR TUTORIAL

    All you need is a 1″ barrel curling iron, hair clips, hairspray & smoothing cream.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HjgrTK6YFs

  • FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – BLUSH & LASHES

    FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – BLUSH & LASHES

    The Story: I am a false lash junkie.  I glue those suckers on each and everyday… and, honestly, it was becoming a bit tiresome.  Then I heard about lash extensions and found myself incredibly curious.  As if by fate {or some very lucky happenstance}, I had the pleasure of meeting Shannon Loar-Coté at one of the events that my company {Kiki E LLC} designed.  It turns out that Ms. Loar-Coté owns a lash boutique business.  I immediately booked my appointment at Blush & Lashes.


    The Place: Blush & Lashes specializes in lash extensions and make-up for print, photo shoots, film, and events.  The business is run by the aforementioned Shannon Loar-Coté {a gorgeous woman with a phenomenal personality}.  The second that you walk into The Montecito Aesthetic Institute {the place Blush & Lashes calls “home”}, the stage is set for your makeover.  Shannon’s lash boutique instantly makes you feel like an Old Hollywood bombshell… it could be the decor {mirrored furniture and glamourous lighting}, the sounds of scratchy jazz playing in the background {Billie Holiday, Ella Fitgerald, and some Cole Porter classics}, or Shannon’s very own retro beauty.  Maybe it was the fact that the phrase “Hello Gorgeous” was on the walls and in the advertisements.  Whatever it was, it worked.  I was instantly ready for my makeover.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi2ijETPkvI

    The Process: Shannon told me to arrive without any eye makeup {a huge feat for this makeup addict}.  After adjusting to my wide-eyed look, I drove to the Montecito Aesthetic Institute on Coast Village Road in Montecito.  Shannon greeted me and put me at ease instantly.  I lay down on a comfortable bed and Shannon applied a collagen pad under my eyes {the added benefit is that you look well-rested after the lash application}.  She then gently taped down my lower lashes so that she could work on my upper lash line.  Shannon worked very precisely and quickly.  The sound of the retro jazz in the background was soothing & left me hoping that I would look like one of those foxy jazz songbirds from the 30’s upon completion.  In about an hour, it was time for the big reveal.  No mascara. No eye makeup.  I looked at myself in the mirror and fell IN LOVE with the extensions.  I was an instant lash extension addict.  I highly recommend this… check out the before and after.

    The Details: for $200 you can get a full set of lash extensions like mine.  Fills are $125.  They last about 3 weeks before a touch up is needed.  They are waterproof and eliminate the need for eye makeup {though you can always add some makeup for extra va-va-voom}.  I think they are perfect for someone looking to have the “done up” look without the effort or for any woman who wants to feel beautiful {and, hey, who doesn’t?}.  Shannon also offers lashes in other lengths if you want a less dramatic look.  The Montecito Aesthetic Institute is located at 1150 Coast Village Road.  Visit the Blush & Lashes website here.  Give Shannon a call at 805.689.9613. Seriously, do it.  I wake up every morning ecstatic that I did.

    {all photos taken by my utterly fabulous & incredibly talented little sister, Kaitland xoxo}