Farouk CHI Volumizing Flat Iron from Misikko

It's like an addiction--I chopped all my hair off a few weeks ago and now I can't stop. Last weekend I went in for a trim and ended up going even shorter! Although having shorter hair greatly limits the amount of things I can do with my hair, it's so nice not having to spend over a half hour blow-drying it. I save money on products because I use about 3/4 as much as I had to with long hair. And the only styling tool I really need is a flat iron.

And sadly, mine has been broken for a while.

The people over at Misikko must be mind readers. They were kind enough to send over a beautiful, bright red Farouk CHI Volumizing Flat Iron for me to try out and review. First thing I love about the CHI flat iron? It heats up ridiculously fast. The 3/4" curved ceramic plates took a little while to get used to--however they are perfect for short hair, bangs and creating lift at the roots. Apparently you can also use the iron to create sculpted waves and curls, but my hair is too short to really test that out. All in all--I've owned a few flat irons in my day and the CHI is by far my favorite.

As for Misikko's site, it's simple and easy to navigate. They feature unbiased reviews from customers. The prices are competitive and they offer some good shipping deals. Plus, it looks like with most items, they will send you a free little gift with purchase. (Always a plus!) So if you are in the market for a flat iron (or anything hair/skin/beauty related for that matter)--check out the site.

Sites To Love: "Shop It To Me"

If only I actually had the cash to burn--I would appreciate this site even more. But since I don't, I've been subjecting myself to abject torture over the past month that I've had a free account with Shop It To Me. My weekly email from them is loaded with BCBG dresses, Rock & Republic jeans and Steve Madden shoes (oh my)--all on sale.

How does the site work? It's sort of like your own little personal shopper. You sign up for a free account and tell SITM what designers/brands you like. (Over 500 are featured) You can also input your size and how often you want to be notified of sales. Every time one of your brands goes on sale (and in your size), SITM lets you know. On average, users of the site save about 40% by using SITM.

So what are you waiting for? :-) www.shopittome.com

Nope....

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. But thanks for the emails I received inquiring to make sure I hadn't. :-)

After the move, we went on a week long (and much needed) vacation to Hawaii with my fam. Now I'm back, trying to get over my jet lag and still unpacking boxes. I've got a ton of new product reviews to write and I'm hoping that after my finals are over this week and the semester is done, I will actually have some time to write them.

Update--(in case you were wondering...)

I know there are a few readers of the blog I know in real life--some of whom comment and others who just like to lurk. (It's okay lurkers, I forgive you) Most of these people already know all about the things going on with me over the past couple months. But for those of you I don't know in real life, I thought I would share. Just in case there are one or two of you out there who actually read the un-beauty related posts. ;-)

Next weekend we are FINALLY moving into the new house. There has been so much hassle with the bank that owns the house and the realty representing the bank that it's taken way longer than planned to set a closing date. Huge headache. But thankfully that will all be over with soon.

In a few weeks I will have finished my first semester back at school. Because things have been so stressul outside of school lately, I haven't really been able to enjoy my classes as much as I had been when I first started. Hopefully once we're all settled into the new place and I start back for summer classes, I'll have more time to devote to really getting into my classes. I've decided on my major (public relations) and am now trying to figure out a minor.

I started a new job that I love! And best of all, it's actually related to what I'm going to school for. Pretty much, I'm at the lowest possible point of the totem pole in the event planning/promotions department at a major sports radio station in Detroit. It's incredibly satisfying to know that I've got my foot in the door so early into working on my degree. I don't get to do much writing (for press releases, etc.) --but that's what I've got the blog for. :-)

Sale Item of the Week: Kensie Cardigan

I hate thinking about cold-weather clothing now that spring is FINALLY right around the corner....at least I hope it is! But now is the best time to buy fall and winter stuff, because it's all on sale.

This week at Macy's, this (very cute) Kensie cardigan -originally $88- is on sale for $60.

Splurge of the Week

In the past, I know I've preached about how important it is to invest in some quality makeup brushes. (They really do make a world of difference.)

One particular type of brush that has become a staple for me over the past year has been the Kabuki brush, which is made with goat hair. It's perfect for applying powders and bronzers and a good Kabuki brush is so soft, you'll wish you could have a Kabuki pillow. And a Kabuki bed.

I've finally found the perfect one--MAC's 182 Buffer Brush. It will run you $45, but if you take care of it, it's going to last you a long time. So, next time you're wandering by the MAC counter, see if you can try out the 182 for yourself and let me know what you think.

"The Hills" Returns--Thoughts & Rants

-*- Ahhhh!!!! I miss Paris! The shots they got of the city were AMAZING!
-*- Free designer ball gowns?!?
-*- I cracked up over Whitney's "tounge-waggling" when she got frustrated after they discovered Colette was closed. (Sidenote: Whitney is not always on my top dressed list, but she looks great this entire episode.)
-*- I can't believe I would ever utter the words "props to Spencer", but there is no way I would have lasted half as long in Colorado with the treatment from Heidi and her parents. Awkward!
-*- Why would Audrina call Lauren while she's in Paris to tell her about Brody? Wait until she gets back! She's in PARIS!
-*- Heidi's face looks plastic. I'm amazed she can show any signs of emotion--oh wait, that's right, she didn't! Spencer shows up unannounced and she doesn't even look surprised. But that could be because this episode, moreso than even the previous episodes, is TOTALLY SCRIPTED!
-*- Not digging the red lipstick on Lauren.
-*- Not digging the dirty looking French rockers.
-*- I love the champagne under the Eiffel Tower. :-)
-*- Club Neo is "pretty fancy"?? Why is everyone there wearing T-shirts and jeans? I was waiting for Lauren to spill something on that dress.
-*- I think the curling iron burns were a ploy by the producers to create some drama.
-*- Another free designer dress!?!
-*- Mopeds and designer dresses?!? I was waiting for her to rip the second one. Haha.

Ahhhh.....why am I so obsessed with this show? Because I want to live vicariously through these girls, that's why.

What were your thoughts on the show?