5 Beauty Items You DON’T Need

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I will admit, I am a sucker for a beauty product. I love make up, and have so much of it that I forget what items I actually have. I am a “beauty insider” at Sephora, and get my make up done professionally often. One side effect of that is that I have bought tons of items I don’t actually need. According to a recent article posted to Yahoo Shine there are an arsenal of beauty products we shouldn’t be spending our money on. Here are some items I was shocked to find that I don’t actually need.

1) Primer

If you have had your make up done professionally you can tell the difference. When I would apply make up at home the shadow never looked as dark, or lasted as long, as it did when I got it done professionally. Then I was turned onto primer. I was told that this product would keep my make up on my face longer, keep it from smudging, and reduce the amount of eye shadow I needed to use. While primer does it’s job, it’s a necessary addition to your make up collection. If you have foundation and/or concealer you can create the same effect. Foundation and concealer both keep make up on your face, and created a bolder look.

2) Lip Balm

Excuse me? I don’t need lip balm? That’s just absurd. Not according to beauty expert Dr. Sejal K. Shah. All you need is moisturizer. Well most women don’t use lip balm just for moisture, but color as well. If you’re not looking for color or tint, you can forego the balm and use your moisturizer.

3) Lip Liner

According to the experts lip liner actually dries out your lips, and your lips look plumpest when moisturized. However, this is only true for younger girls. As you age lipstick begins to feather out. If you’re not wearing a bold color you can get away without lip liner, but always use lip liner when applying red lipstick. You’ll end up looking like a clown without it.

Other Products the Experts Say You Don’t Need Include:

1) Scrubs: Apparently scrubs can do more harm than good, drying out your skin.

2) Toner: Not necessary unless you have very oily skin, and even then it’s not mandatory.

3) Face Blotting Sheets: Expensive and unnecessary according to experts. Try using a mask with tea tree oil instead.

Hope you’ve found this blog useful. Write us with your feedback!

Best Places for Holiday Magic in LA

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with Christmas. While many of my friends complain about the early holiday decor, I revel in it. I love the bright lights, wreaths, and garland. I love baking, and the smell of candles burning in the house. It warms my heart and lightens my soul. It comes as no shock then that I make sure to visit locations where the holiday cheer is high.

In Los Angeles there are plenty of places that put up special decor during the holidays. With plenty of shopping malls near by, there is no shortage of places to see Santa Clause. The Beverly Center is famous for their “Hunky Santa.” What women wouldn’t want a hot guy who gives gifts? Visit hunky Santa at the Beverly Center, sit on his lap, and get your picture taken. Don’t worry guys, there’s something for you as well. The Candy Cane girls perform acrobatic stunts when Santa makes his grand entrance. Want to view pics or learn more? Visit here to see what Hunky Santa is all about. The newly renovated Glendale Galleria has a Santa station right outside the Macy’s, and walk across the street to the Americana to visit Santa’s workshop.

If you’re looking for family friendly holiday cheer this season, you will want to make sure to visit the following merry destinations:

1) Disneyland

No one does Christmas magic like Disney. At Disneyland they pull out all the stops making sure you see Christmas decor everywhere you go. Sleeping Beauty’s castle is covered in twinkling lights, giving it a look as if Tinkerbell herself sprinkled pixie dust all over it. Above the pavement on Mainstreet USA hang Christmas wreaths with hundreds of lights. Mainstreet is also the location of the falling snow during the fireworks show. The Haunted Mansion is transformed into a Nightmare before Christmas. This year the movie celebrated it’s 25th anniversary, so even more changes have been made to the experience. New to Disneyland this holiday season is the “Jingle Cruise.” The Jungle Cruise ride has a special holiday theme this year. Over at CA Adventure the new Car’s Land has been decorated for the holidays. Instead of wreaths, tires are decorated and hang above the main street. Enjoy special holiday treats at any number of bakeries located at the park. Also new this year to CA Adventure is the holiday World of Color show. Expect to see Ana and her sister Elsa from Disney’s newest animated feature “Frozen”. Can’t pay the price of admission? You can still enjoy Disney magic by visiting the Downtown Disney District. The streets are decorated for the holidays, and you can ice skate with your little ones at the pixie themed skating rink. Admission is free, and parking is free for 3 hours.

2) The Americana/Grove

Looking for things to do during the weekend? You can shop, dine, catch a movie, and see Santa at the Americana and the Grove. The Grove was a Rick J. Caruso project. A little known fact is that one of the original Disney Imagineers worked on the design. The Grove opened in 2002, and The Americana followed. Both destinations set up huge Christmas trees, lights, and Santa’s workshop. At The Grove it actually “snows” once a night. There are a variety of restaurants and shops to choose from at both locations. You can get your shopping done, have a cup of cocoa, and enjoy the lights. Right next to The Grove is the famous Farmer’s Market. Enjoy fresh produce, and home cooked meals hometown and ethnic. Across from the Americana is the newly renovated Glendale Galleria with even more shopping and dining options.

3) Universal Studios/City Walk

If you don’t feel like making the drive out to Anaheim, Universal Studios is close by and cheaper. Visit Grinchmas, Universal’s Grinch themed holiday area where it “snows” in Los Angeles. Fans of the holiday movie will love this area. Universal has recreated the set of the hit movie staring Jim Carey. You can visit all of your favorite characters from the Dr. Suess book. Located next to the theme park is Universal City Walk. You can shop, dine, see a movie, play in an arcade, or dance the night away at a nightclub. Universal City Walk offers something for everyone. To purchase your theme park tickets or to learn more about the holiday festivities at Universal Studios Hollywood visit their website here.

Take some time to enjoy the holidays this year.

-Love Meesh

Squid Ink Pasta

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Food & Nostalgia

A relationship with a grandparent is very unique. They’re allowed to impart life lessons, without having to carry all of the burden or responsibilities of a parent, unless of course you were raised by your grandparent. Both of my parents worked full time during my younger years, so my grandmother took on full parental responsibilities. As a result we have a very close relationship. I spent many summers living with her, sharing a room, and stories. She was my roommate, my best friend, my inspiration, my mom, and my grandma. She was stern with me growing up, but I am who I am today for fear of ever disappointing her. Parents, want to know how you can get your kids to refrain from drugs and alcohol? Guilt! My grandmother has friends EVERYWHERE!! I never behaved badly, for fear of her ever finding out, and tarnishing how she thought of me. While kids picked on me at school for being over weight, my grandmother always made me feel special, to her I was always #1. She is a great cook, and it is because of her that I love to cook so much. Every time I cook, I think of her and our summers together.

My boyfriend often speaks of his grandfather, who sadly passed away a few years ago. While his grandfather was a tough Italian man, my boyfriend’s fondest memories of him were made in the kitchen. He loved his Italian cooking, and advice about food. To take my boyfriend back to that special time, I prepared a dish his grandfather was known for, squid ink pasta. While he used a squid ink sauce, I used fresh squid ink pasta. The squid ink gives the pasta it’s dark color and unique shine. This dish is simple to make, because most of the work has already been done for you. I found the squid ink pasta at my local Italian market, Marios in Glendale, CA. Many Italian markets carry specialty pastas with unique flavors. The squid ink gives the pasta a seafood flavor, so you do not need to add much to the dish. I added good quality olive oil, graded parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and capers. I topped the dish with fresh parmiginao-reggiano and plated with prossciutto. I surprised him when he got home, and he was taken back immediately to times with his grandfather.

Ingredients:

Parmigiano-reginao

Graded parmesan

Jarred capers

Squid ink pasta

Red Pepper Flakes

Olive Oil

Instructions:

Boil water. Add salt, and a drizzle of olive oil to boiling water. Add pasta, and cook for 8 minutes or until pasta is aldente (has a bite to it)

Drain pasta. Add back to pot. Add olive oil, red pepper flakes, graded parmesan, and mix.

Add pasta to dish. Top with capers, and graded parmigiano.

Enjoy!

Food means many different things to different people, but for most it’s comforting. Food can work as a time machine, taking you back to a time with loved ones. I hope you enjoy this dish with your loved ones.

MeeshMe

Monthly Archives: November 2013