"Self-love is not so vile a sin as self-neglecting"


-William Shakespeare

The Best Way To Shop

Shop through igive to support the New Repertory Theatre! Here's how it works: shop your (and my!) favorite websites by clicking through igive, or install the igive shopping window on your computer. The retailer will give a percentage of your sale to The New Repertory Theatre. What's in it for you? Besides supporting a great cause, you get access to special shopping deals!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Tree Hut Creamy Body Wash Almond & Honey


Last spring, I received a GIANT box in the mail with a full set of Tree Hut products. This, naturally, was one of them.
This really is a "creamy" body wash, leaving skin clean and soft. While I am allergic to almonds when eaten, I don't have any problem with them topically. This is a blessing as Almond Oil is great for softening skin, as is honey.
Amazingly, after checking the ingredient list, I learned that there is enough of each to make a difference appreciable in more than just scent. Here's hoping this line gets more play!
Retail: $5.69
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Remede Energizing Cleansing Cream


I didn't realize how much I liked this cleanser until I ran out. It really did make my skin smoother and clearer, I started breaking out again when I ran out. It is a thick cream with a nice exfoliant-gentle enough to use as a twice daily wash. You might think it is pricy, but one tube lasts for months!
Retail: $38
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Saturday, September 13, 2008

I'm Back!

Yes, I have been AWOL well, all summer. We can blame my being busy with a new boyfriend, a fabulous makeup and wig gig (oh no, that rhymed!) with a celebrity, rubbing elbows with some political bigwigs. And some shopping.

Stay tuned for more of my very opinionated self!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Dumbass Headline of the Week

And the award goes to the Boston Sunday Globe, Money & Careers section, for:


"Multilingual workplace can translate into opportunities"

My new weightloss secret...



Honestly, am I the only one who finds this odd?








and......







Is it web-based email in a pill, or an online calorie burner? Did I just uncover the greatest conspiracy of the 21st century? Or did I just blow your mind?

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Official Decree

I am lifting the ban. This could be the perfect opportunity for a young man looking to get in on the ground floor with a smart, funny, sexy, independent, low-maintenance woman. Clearly, whatever issues I have surrounding dating, self-esteem is not one of them.



I do have some questions for my loyal readers. (assuming that I do have loyal readers. Hello! Is anybody there? The numbers on the tracker keep going up, but you know, the comments option is there for a reason.)

I think that the whole dating thing has changed since the last time I got into all that. So, first question.


  • How do I find guys to date? I work for a professional theatre company, so clearly, I'm not meeting any eligible guys through that avenue. Well, I am, just not eligible for me. I am meeting lots of fantastic men who are great dancers and have excellent fashion sense. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I used to live in a hip little town, where meeting people was fantastically easy. But now it's not so easy in the big bad Boston. Everybody says that the internet is the way to go. Okay, I guess we actually did answer that question.

  • How does one plan a date? What should one do? And how does a person who doesn't drink deal with date jitters?
  • What's the deal with the whole sex on the third date thing? Is that a myth? It seems awfully regimented.
  • Okay, here's a really tough one. I've always had really close male friends. Where is the line between friendship and something more? The line between date and hanging out? How can you tell the difference between 'he's just not into you" and "he is into you but he's shy and/or respectful?" How do I let someone know I'm interested in them without being a total embarrassing dork? Can I just have a friend call his friend to find out if he likes me? Am I destined to be perpetually stuck in junior high?
  • At what point in the dating process do you tell someone your secrets? I don't have any dark, scary secrets, but there are some things you don't share right away. But, there are some things that you don't want to wait too long to tell.
  • Why am I doing this? Why don't I just go back to the plan of being a crazy cat lady? Oh, right. There are some things feline companionship just can't offer.

So, seriously. Leave some pithy advice. Use the comments. And if your best friend thinks I'm cute, tell my best friend and we can go roller-skating. My mom can drop us off if his mom picks us up.

Monday, April 14, 2008

What are you trying to tell me?


I saw this bus stop billboard on my way home, and I'm confused. "you can't buy happiness, but you can drink it." What does this mean? Nestle Quik is no longer for sale? Drinking Nestle Quik will make you happy and you can't buy any mwah-ha-ha!
Or does it mean that Nestle Quik is now free?
And really, isn't it all just a little too close to drinking the Kool-Aid?

Saturday, April 12, 2008

A love letter

When I was twelve years old, my grandfather, my mother's father, died. He had been ill for over year. He had been a carpenter all his life, and for years before it was found to be harmful, worked with asbestos. He died of asbestosis. Grandfather, or Grandpa OJ, as my cousin Robert called him, was from Canada. I have a very vivid memory from when he was ill, of visiting in the hospital when his family from Canada made the trip down to visit. I remember exactly how he said firmly, with his French-Canadian accent, "This is my granddaughter." The light in his eyes was palpable. He died a few weeks after this. I didn't know for some time why that memory stood so strong for me.




My grandfather had an eighth-grade education, but he was smart. He had a few strong beliefs: educating oneself (he read the paper cover to cover every day after work with his tea), tolerance (I love my mother's story that of all her friends' parents, he was the only one that accepted her gay best friend, without comment-and remember, times were different back then!), the value of a hard day's work (he never missed a day until he got sick), but most of all, he believed in family.




A few years after he died, my mother sat me down and told me our family secret. Grandpa OJ was not her or my aunt's biological father, and so was not my biological grandfather.. My grandmother had been married before she married Grandfather. Uncle David was his biological son, but there was no blood connection between Grandfather and my mother, auntie Beth, my cousins Robert and Mark(the other cousins weren't even born yet), or me. But he was my real grandfather. He loved me. He doted on me. Every day I see the toy box he built me for my first Christmas. "Built by Grandpa, December 25" it says on the inside. Robert and Mark each have one too.




My grandfather visited me last night. Every once in a great while, he visits my aunt and myself. I'm not sure why we are so lucky to have this happen, while the rest of the family does not get to have this miracle happen to them. But Grandfather visits me in my dreams. It is real though, I know that he is the one who chooses to come to me, when I need him. Last night, I was in an old house, similar to the one that my mother grew up in. They was some scary dream stuff going on, with bad guys after me. But my grandfather was there and he saved me. In my dream, he died to save me. Then, in my dream, I found a secret room that had belonged to Grandfather. It was full of pictures, notes, letters, diplomas, and all sorts of other family documents. All of which were of my mother and myself.




When I awoke, I was still processing the dream. Then I looked at the calendar. April 12. My grandfather died 21 years ago today. I know why he visited me last night. To let me know that he could not have loved me more if I had been his blood grand-child. That he loved me fiercely, and was proud of me. That he would have done anything for me.




I love you, Grandfather. I miss you. I wish that you were here. I feel bad for my cousins who never knew you. Robert and I are the only ones who remember you. You taught me the value of education, and pride in my work, and tolerance. But, most importantly, you taught me the value of family and unconditional love. I will always love you, and will always be thankful that you were my Grandpa OJ.


Friday, April 11, 2008

Something else I like

  • Rummaging in dusty secondhand stores accompanied by someone with a similar appreciation for the finer things in life. But not similar that we end up playing tug o' war with the same coveted item.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Something I don't hate

I feel kind of bad about the things I hate post but I was probably starting to get sick with scary death illness, so that may explain it. To make up for it, I've decided to list something I love:

  • Afternoon naps between freshly laundered sheets, while the sun shines on my slumbering self and there is a breeze in the air.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Note to Oneself

Just because you think that your blog postings are solely for the amusement of your friends, try to remember that anyone with an internet connection can, indeed, read them.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

No Dates in '08

I've always thought of myself as a woman more often single than coupled. But, I've recently realized that, statistically, the opposite is actually true.

SO, after the long, drawn out breakup with the 5 year boyfriend, which happened roughly in October, I decided that there would be no dating in 2008. (For me. I don't care what the rest of y'all do.). This is the year of me.

I have made this well publicized to my friends, who are all convinced that it will not work.
So, simply as an exercise, of course, I've decided to list what I am looking for in a man, if I were, which I am not.

  • Someone taller than me. This is easy since I am 5'3".
  • Someone intelligent and well-read, yet not pretentious or a know-it-all.
  • Someone who will not tell to not wear makeup. Men who do this are still imposing their beauty standards on me, just under the guise of being "Enlightened" or "Feminist." Back off. I adhere to nobody's beauty standards but my own.
  • Someone who is honest.
  • Someone who can respect that I need my own space. I don't want to spend every waking moment with somebody. I can't miss you if you don't go away.
  • Someone who respects that my job is important to me.
  • Someone who will remember my birthday.
  • Someone who will not get on my case about smoking. I know it's bad for me. I'll quit when I'm ready.
  • Someone who, upon realizing that to me the ideal date is a trip to the drive-in, will not rest until this particular wish of mine comes true.

This was actually kind of fun. Perhaps this is the beginning of a theme.

*Finally, a confession. I have not been on a first date in over 5 years. The thought is actually kind of terrifying, which may be part of the reason I have vowed "No Dates in '08"

Friday, April 4, 2008

Still Tired

I've learned that being the center of attention is not nearly as much fun as I had anticipated. So, I've created this FAQ for you all....


  • No, I am not contagious.
  • I was at Beth Israel.
  • Yes, I do have health insurance.
  • The doctors have no idea how, where, or why I got it.
  • No, I don't want to hear about your friend, neighbor, cousin or hairdresser who had it and almost died.
  • Nor do I want hear about the newspaper or magazine article, or Dateline story about people who do die from it.
  • I was on IV antibiotics.
  • I am now taking two oral antibiotics, for a total of 6 pills everyday.
  • Yes, I am eating lots of yogurt.
  • The worst side effects are lightheadedness, dizziness, and fatigue.
  • Other side effects I am feeling are nausea and loss of appetite.
  • I will feel better when I'm done with the pills-next Friday.
  • I'm just really tired.

And a few just for mom.....

  • I'm fine.
  • No, work isn't too much.
  • Yes, I did make a follow-up appointment.

And, just to prove that I am more than just a cynical bitch, some people were truly lovely to me, so....

  • H.S. Thank you for calling me at the hospital to see how I was feeling, and telling me to call you if I needed anything, and not once asking when I was coming back to work. That support is why I pushed the doctors to let me come back to work so soon.
  • M.S. Thanks for telling me to let you know if I needed anything even after I came back to work. You have enough going on as it is without worrying about me!
  • B.O., B.H., and R.L. Thanks for telling me how worried you were, and for being impressed with me coming back to work so soon!
  • A.F. Thanks for forbidding me to do any cleaning around the apartment.
  • V.H. Thanks for looking after the Paws-cat while I was in the hospital.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Lavender Naturals Spa Reflections Shower Gel


I liked this shower gel so much more than I expected to! It has a nice lather, surprising as it is sulfate-free. The lavender scent is gentle rather than cloying. It reminds me of the old balsam shampoo scent. For the health conscious, or for hippies, it is vegan and gluten-free.
Retail: $8.19
Rating: 4 lipsticks

My Brush with Death, well, sort of



I have always been convinced that I would come down with whatever disease or illness is currently being overblown by the media. Finally, after years of paranoia, it happened!




I spent part of last week in the hospital with MRSA- also known as the "superbug," or the "killer staph infection." I did not have so bad a case that my life was feared for, but bad enough that they kept in the hospital hooked up on IV, and I will be taking meds for a awhile and I still kind of feel like crap.




I could tell I was feeling better when I took some pictures of my IV for the blog......





The lighting in my hospital room was not great, but I still think it looks pathetic, and therefore warrants sympathy.

First thing I did when I got out of the hospital?

Starbucks Skinny Caramel Latte!

Monday, March 24, 2008

You mean Zombie Jesus Day*

Our mainstage show closed yesterday, and not a moment too soon. It actually was a great show, with a great cast, but staying though intermission every night was really wearing me down. I will miss the cast though, especially Nancy. We started playing "the game," every day-she would come to the office to try to guess how many seats we'd sold. She came down yesterday while I was on the phone, and tapped me on the shoulder. I thought she was coming to play "the game," but she was leaving me a closing present! I love getting closing presents from actors. It makes me feel loved.

Now we just have the super controversial festival in the Black Box. We actually had a protester last night, handing out a flyer about "The Other Rachels." It had pictures of Israeli women killed in acts of terrorism. I am thinking about photoshopping in a picture of myself and passing it around to my co-workers. I haven't decided yet if that will be funny or tasteless.

All of us on staff are now getting sick, because we are all working too much, and breathing the same air. I've also noticed that at each festival event, there are fewer staff members around. Something tells me that we will never do a festival again!

I'm taking my cold to bed now.



*My Israeli friend's response to my greeting of "Happy Easter, Christ-Killer" yesterday.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

My, Somebody is Wearing Cranky Pants Today!

So, for the fourth day out of seven, there was no hot water or heat in my building. This has sent me into a tailspin of crankiness, so, I present to you....

Stuff Ladylipstick Hates!

  • Lack of hot water. This seriously interferes with my beauty routine. I mean really, I refuse to take ice cold showers. Therefore, no shower, no shampoo, no shaving. I may start coming to work early so I can shower here.
  • Fashion magazines that use bad puns for the title of fashion spreads. This seriously insults my intelligence.
  • When people comment, in an accusatory tone, on how many shoes I own. Now, I am not humorless. I do own a lot of shoes, and, with someone who is close to me, I will even mock myself. Shoes are my crack. But for those who need to have that tone, listen up! I am a single, self-sufficient woman with no dependents (well, except for my cat). So, if I want to spend my hard earned money on shoes, BUTT OUT! I am tired of that slightly condescending tone, as if my very morals are in question for buying shoes. (and may I point out, I always buy on sale. I am an expert bargain shopper. That's why I look better than you.) Yeah, so don't use that tone, and then drive away in your SUV. Who's really at question here? Again, I am not talking about the girls of theater who say things like "you always have great shoes." Comments like that are great. When you say something like that, I will tell you both where I got them and how much I paid...and you will be amazed. Besides, aren't we supposed to by buying shoes to stimulate the economy?
  • Waiting for the bus on cold, windy nights.

Yep, these are a few of my least favorite things. Maybe someday I'll post things I love, but not today!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

My Review of 100in Layered 6mm-7mm White Pearl Necklace

Originally submitted at SmartBargains.com

Layered pearls - the look of the season. This elegant necklace reaches 100 inches in length, offering endless ways to wear it.



A Must Have

By Ladylipstick from Boston on 3/19/2008

5out of 5

Pros: Good Quality, Durable, Versatile, Good Length

Best Uses: Going Out, Everyday, Formal Occasions, Office

Describe Yourself: Bargain hunter, Modern, Stylish, Career

The wonderful thing about pearls is that they dress up and add class to any ensemble. The wonderful thing about these pearls is how versatile they are. Long loose strands, shorter and doubles up, knotted. Truly a great investment.

(legalese)

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Body Shop Peppermint Pumice Foot Scrub

This foot scrub is a must for the summer that I still believe is coming. If you are going to wear open-toed or open-back shoes, you must take care of your feet, or incur the wrath of Ladylipstick. And while we're on the subject, if your heels spill over the back of your open-back shoes, they are too small. This is the footwear equivalent of camel toe.
So, back to the foot scrub. This is to be used on wet skin. I would say that during flip flop months, use it twice a week. It feels fabulous, it is both abrasive, yet strangely spongy. It really smooths heels and the balls of your feet. Retail: um, yeah. It's out of stock online, so I couldn't get the price. I think it's $16.00.
Rating: 5 lipsticks

New Directions?

So, today's reader poll....would more people read my blog if I interspersed my product reviews with actual posts about my life?
Does anybody really want to read the inner musings of a theatre administrator?
Will my co-workers read it and kick my ass?

You the reader can decide!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

My Review of Kenneth Cole Reaction Hill-Laree Mary Jane Wedges

Originally submitted at SmartBargains.com

These mary janes from Kenneth Cole Reaction feature a dark-to-light finish, perforated detailing and a sensibly-high wedge heel.



Cute but Painful

By Ladylipstick from Boston, MA on 3/11/2008

1out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels too narrow

Pros: Stylish, Attractive Design

Cons: Toe area too narrow

Best Uses: Office

Describe Yourself: Stylish

The shoes are very cute, but the toe box is way too narrow. By mid-day, my toes feel painful and compressed.

(legalese)

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Moisturizing Shampoo Amber to Maple

This shampoo made my red hair soft, bouncy and shiny! It was truly fantastic.
Retail: $6.59
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Skin Primer


I'm not often impressed with primers, but this one really did the trick. My skin looked soft, fresh and flawless, my foundation blended more easily and lasted longer. This is a keeper!
Retail: $39
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Bain De Soleil Streakguarde Dark Self Tanning Creme


I've been using this about once a week all winter. It gives a natural looking tan, and, true to its word, does not streak. My only complaint is that it has a strong self-tanner scent.

Retail: $5.99

Rating: 4 lipsticks

Big Sexy Hair Big Volume Shampoo


The best volumizing shampoo I've tried! Adds volume and bounce, without drying out the hair.

Retail: $9.99

Rating: 5 lipsticks

Friday, January 11, 2008

Then I Bought These Shoes, Now I'm a Believer

If you get the bliss catalog, then you've seen the MBT shoes. I've been both intrigued and skeptical of these shoes that are claimed to increase muscle tone, burn more calories, improve posture and balance, fight cellulite and varicose veins, and overall kick butt!


Now, I do tend to trust bliss. They really do carefully edit what they sell, but these sounded a little too good to be true. Besides, I won't lie-they are pricey.


So, bliss sent me an email that select styles were on sale. I broke down. I chose the cute ones...


I ordered them on Tuesday, and they were delivered on Wednesday. (bliss customer service deserves a post of it's own. I chose the free standard shipping, and got them in less than 24 hours!)

I wore them around the house on Wednesday, and wore them in earnest Thursday (I wore them for my commute to work, and changed into dress shoes when I got there). By the time I got to the bus stop, I already felt my calves working! All day at work, even after I had changed shoes, I felt that my posture was better. I wore them home too, and around the house while I was doing a general clean-up. You know, doing the dishes, taking out the trash.

That night, my legs felt worked in way I had felt since I was a competitive rider. (horses, not bikes). I am so excited about these shoes! I may just add a few other MBT designs to my wish list.

The sale is still on. I highly recommend snatching up a pair before they go!

Retail: $159-$270 (depending on if you find a sale, what model, and where)

Rating: 5 plus lipsticks!!!!!!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Body Shop Almond Oil Conditioning Hand Wash


This is a fantastic hand wash. Is is very softening and does not strip skin at all. A must for winter!
Retail: $12.00
Rating: 5 lipsticks

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Ladylipstick's Totally Vain New Year's Resolutions!

I don't usually make resolutions, but I've got some this year. In no particular order, my resolutions, with notes and some pats on the back for already starting on some of them!

  • I will keep my drawers and closet better organized. I have already re-orged the closet, and 50 % of the drawers.
  • I will keep my shoes better organized. I've ordered two shoe organizers from Target.com.
  • I will recognize that haircolor is a privilege and not a right. I will not abuse that privilege by letting my roots grow out.
  • I will stop picking at dry cuticles. To this end, I will keep my hands from getting dry by wearing gloves outside when it is cold, rubber gloves when cleaning, and applying hand cream every time I wash my hands, and at other times throughout the day.
  • I will remove my rings before applying said hand cream.
  • I will flatten my lumpy stomach. Phase one is upping the fat-burning. Phase two is toning.
  • I will develop a yoga butt.

There you have it. Happy New Year!