Chic Affordable Luxuries

October 27, 2008

The Tale of Despereaux

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , — chicluxe @ 2:32 pm



Baby Despereaux

I was reading a forum and was delighted to find out this winter and animated movie based on the book “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo is scheduled for release. I love the book. It’s a great story for adults and children. There is a website for the movie by Universal Pictures with lots of goodies including videos and photo galleries. There is a gallery on Imdb, a video trailer, and the listing of the cast and crew. So exciting!

October 24, 2008

Autumn

Filed under: Uncategorized — chicluxe @ 8:53 pm

I think taking a walk in autumn is one of my favorite things. The coolness in the air feels fresh and crisp and helps me clear my mind. I found a few lovely New England autumn shots.

Source: Science Photographs by Vance

October 17, 2008

Sharing Music

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — chicluxe @ 4:18 pm

The main goal for my blog was to share ideas on affordable luxuries while developing my writing skills. To me luxuries are the things that are outside the perimeter of our necessities. Those things that are extra and enhance our lives. Whatever brings a smile to your face or makes your life a little sweeter, something that comforts you. For me it’s the ability to spend time writing, drawing, and reading a good book.

I also had the goal of sharing great music because that is also something many people can enjoy at a reasonable price. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t enjoy some type of music. It’s one of the things that all people can relate to regardless of race, nationality, religion, you name it. In my opinion, music is universal and speaks to our humanity.

Y.

Anggun

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — chicluxe @ 4:16 pm

I found a link to Anggun’s website while I was reading a fashion forum. When I heard her song I’ll be alright, I thought I recognized her voice. After watching several of her music videos I came across Snow on the Sahara. I finally realized where I had heard her before! I loved that song when it was released. Actually, I couldn’t get enough of it. My new favorite is I’ll be alright. Since going through way too much drama this past year, entirely more than my share in my opinion, I find the song is soothing and motivating.

I’ll be alright

Tell me is it worth the pain
When our pride plays the wrong game
Blinded by suspicious mind
Thougt u could read my heart and cross the line

In everything u see
Keep everything back me

Though my broken heart, tear my dreams apart
I’ll be alright
I’ll be alright

Just a broken heart, not a word to fight
I’ll be alright
I’ll be alright

Deep that bad taste in your mouth
Half your truth stay on your side
Unleash all your demons free
They’ve been hiding
All that you’ve refused to see
Take everything back me

Though my broken heart, tear my dreams apart
I’ll be alright
I’ll be alright

Just a broken heart, not a word to fight
I’ll be alright
I’ll be alright

Obvious inside I’ll be alright

Through the years, many tears
I have wasted
I’ve moved on,
moving on

Can’t erased can’t replaced
What I’ve tasted
Life’s goes on,
an on…

I’ll be alright

I’ll be alright – French

This was the first song I heard by Anggun years ago, I still think it’s lovely.

Snow on the Sahara

Only tell me that you still want me here
When you wander off out there
To those hills of dust and hard winds that blow
In that dry white ocean alone

Lost out in the desert
you are lost out in the desert

But to stand with you in a ring of fire
I’ll forget the days gone by
I’ll protect your body and guard your soul
From mirages in your sight

Lost out in the desert
If your hopes scatter like the dust across your track
I’ll be the moon that shines on your path
The sun may blind our eyes, I’ll pray the skies above
For snow to fall on the Sahara
If that’s the only place where you can leave your doubts
I’ll hold you up and be your way out
And if we burn away, I’ll pray the skies above
For snow to fallon the Sahara…

Just a wish and I will cover your shoulders
With veils of silk and gold
When the shadows come and darken your heart
Leaving you with regrets so cold

Lost out in the desert
If your hopes scatter like the dust across your track
I’ll be the moon that shines on your path
The sun may blind our eyes, I’ll pray the skies above
For snow to fall on the Sahara
If that’s the only place where you can leave your doubts
I’ll hold you up and be your way out
And if we burn away, I’ll pray the skies above
For snow to fall on the Sahara…

October 15, 2008

Beauty Without Cruelty

Filed under: Uncategorized — chicluxe @ 8:12 pm

I just found out about this interesting company called Beauty Without Cruelty.They have “a full line of cruelty-free, vegetarian skin, body, and hair care products made with the finest natural ingredients and organic aroma-therapeutic essential oils, and a full line of color cosmetics to meet the needs of every woman.” Well, maybe not every woman, but they do have a wide selection that seems to be suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies. The prices are great. I already found a bunch of favorites for my wish list.

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Gentle Eye Make-up Remover

BWC Extra Gentle Eye Make-up Remover with herbal extracts and vegetable glycerin gently removes all types of make-up, including water-resistant, completely and easily without irritation. Leaves no oily residue. Make-up can be re-applied immediately after use.

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Facial Cleansing Milk

BWC Extra Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk is a rich, creamy, soap-free cleanser that delicately removes daily impurities and make-up without drying your skin. Nature’s own soothing emollients and nutrient-rich plant oils keep your skin hydrated and calm. Pure organic, aroma-therapeutic essential oils and herbal extracts balance and tone leaving your skin clean, soft, and nurtured. Rinses clean.

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Facial Moisturizer

BWC Oil-Free Moisturizer effectively hydrates your skin with light, oil-free plant humectants that replenish balance, and support the skin. Nature’s own organic aloe vera combined with organic aroma-therapeutic essential oils and vital botanical extracts tone, smooth, and protect. Anti-oxidant vitamins help neutralize environmental damage. Light formula that absorbs quickly.

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Fragrance Free Hand & Body Lotion

BWC Fragrance Free Hand & Body Lotion moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin–the perfect all-over body treatment. Nature’s rich emollients shea butter, jojoba, and kukui nut, combined with organic aloe vera gel smooth, nourish, and replenish your skin. Keep your skin youthful—use everyday! This special botanical fragrance-free recipe with arnica and calendula can be used right out of the bottle or customized by adding your favorite essential oil (such as lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, chamomile, geranium).

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Revitalize Leave-In Conditioner

BWC Revitalize Leave-in Conditioner maximizes your hair’s lustre, body, and manageability. This light, plant-based recipe provides all-day protection from harsh environmental elements, chemical treatments, and heat styling. Pro-vitamin B-5, biotin, and jojoba combined with organic aroma-therapeutic essential oils of Ylang Ylang and Lavender condition and rejuvenate. Works as an effective, leave-in de-tangler for all hair types, especially chemically-treated. Helps prevent split ends and the frizzies. Will not dull or weigh down your hair. Ideal for everyday use.

October 14, 2008

Song Of The Day

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , — chicluxe @ 2:24 pm

One Step At A Time by Jordin Sparks

Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you’ve always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can’t touch

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you’re gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you’re feeling more and more frustrated
And you’re getting all kind of impatient waiting

[Chorus:]
We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There’s no need to rush
It’s like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It’s gonna happen and it’s
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
On step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You’re confused, you got it all figured out
Everything that you wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours
If they only knew

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you’re gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you’re feeling more and more frustrated
And you’re getting all kind of impatient waiting

[Chorus:]
We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There’s no need to rush
It’s like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It’s gonna happen and it’s
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
On step at a time

When you can’t wait any longer
But there’s no end in sight
It’s the faith that makes you stronger
The only way you get there
Is one step at a time

[Chorus:]
Take one step at a time
There’s no need to rush
It’s like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It’s gonna happen and it’s
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
On step at a time

[Chorus:]
One step at a time
There’s no need to rush
It’s like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It’s gonna happen and it’s
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

I’m so crazy about this song. I keep listening to it over and over!

October 13, 2008

October Deals – Too Faced & Jovovich-Hawk

Too Faced Cosmetics

I love the packaging of the too faced cosmetics. They’re feminine and the products are great quality. The website has a cool “beauty school” feature that gives you a step by step lesson for creating certain looks.

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My favorite item is the super set “Tricks of the Trade” because it includes basic cosmetic essentials in a small kit. It contains: Totally Toasted, Absolutely Invisible, Mini Lash Injection, Shadow Insurance, and Totally Nude Lipstick.

From Instyle:

Co-founders, Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson are the designers behind this prestige beauty collection used by top makeup artists. Celebrity loyalists include Sienna Miller, Jennifer Garner, Gwen Stefani, Fergie and Katharine McPhee. Check out toofaced.com and use promo code INSTYLE08 from September 26th to October 31st to receive 20% off your purchases

Basic Boutique

I found a couple of cute items on sale at Basic Boutique. For the best discounts search the links for 50% off and 70% off items. My favorite designers on Basic Boutique are Jovovich-Hawk and Madison Marcus.

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Jovovich-Hawk Alex Top Price:$81.60

“Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk design clothes that encompass the belief of “feel good, look great, feel bad, look great”. Jovovich Hawk makes clothes that are relevant to the lives of independent, hard working, creative funny, elegant and romantic women.”

* Yellow silk tank features high ruffled neck with button closure at back.
* Paisley eyelet detailing along bottom hem.
* 100% silk.

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This flowy chiffon dress by Madison Marcus is amazing! Price:$97.50

“Madison Marcus is a contemporary clothing line that blends femininity and playfulness to create silhouettes that are wearable and flattering.”

* Layered silk chiffon dress features varying shades of jade at cuffs and bottom hem.
* Pleated detail with silk trim at yoke.
* Short ruffle sleeves.
* 100% silk.

From Instyle:

This Illinois-based boutique offers collections by coveted designers like Alexander Wang, Castle Starr and Jovovich-Hawk. Check out basicboutique.com and use promo code INSTYLE08 from September 26th to October 31st to receive 25% off your purchases.

October 9, 2008

Project Runway 5 Final Four Collections

Well, this is the last season for Project Runway on Bravo. I hope the show does just as well over at Lifetime. I like the final collections. All of the designers stayed true to their personal style and inspirations. My favorite collections were by Korto and Leanne. I think it’s between them for the win. Jerell had a great idea, but he had a little too much going on, if he had pulled back slightly I think he would have made it to the top three. Kenley had an interesting collection, but I have mixed feelings about the bird wedding dress. My favorite Kenley piece was the white dress with the hand painted flowers. I can’t wait to find out who wins. Until then, I found video of each of the collections.

Korto Momolu

Leanne Marshall

Jerell Scott

Kenley Collins

October 6, 2008

Jane Carter Solution

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — chicluxe @ 5:51 pm

Taking care of naturally curly hair can get expensive. Especially if you choose to use all natural products. One line of all natural products that is reasonably priced and works well for me, is Jane Carter Solution. The products are designed for dry hair and are made of natural butters, and certified organic essential oils.

They are available on the Jane Carter Solution website and are currently on web sale through Vitamin Shoppe. Here are a few of my favorites from this line:

Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner VS Web Sale Price: $9.99

This conditioner works really well to detangle and moisturize hair.

Revitalizing Leave In Conditioner VS Web Sale Price: $6.99

This product is pretty good for refreshing second day curls. It’s a very light leave in and combines well with gel or curl creme.

Nourish and Shine VS Web Sale Price: $17.99

Nourish and Shine brings dry hair back to life. It’s like a pomade. Only a teeny amount is needed to moisturize curls. It’s great for getting rid of the crunchy feeling of hair gel.

October 2, 2008

Rebekka Pierre Art Collection

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , — chicluxe @ 2:24 pm

Rebekka Pierre

She creates artwork with acrylics, watercolors, oils, and mixed media. I love the colors and movement in these paintings:

Untitled

Cygnus in the Ocean of Bliss

Continuum of Tears, Rain and the Ocean

I’m crazy about watercolors, this one caught my attention:

Untitled

Check out more of her artwork on her flickr gallery.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bekkasinnervisionz/sets/72157594405946766/

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