I am lost without my mascara. I absolutely have to put it on before letting anyone except Bob, of course, see me. Otherwise, my light, skimpy lashes simply disappear...a thought too frightening to bear.
But after losing every last hair to chemotherapy several years ago, I don't go for anything rough. That's why I adore these lash-boosting formulas. They darken sparse fringe beautifully, have all-day staying power and come off without a struggle. Plus, with prices ranging from about $6 to $36, you can buy several and have fun layering them for a show-stopping look.
Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara
What it is: A multi-tasking formula that volumizes, lengthens and lifts lashes with dramatic results.
What I like: I'm a long-time Elizabeth Arden fan. I give my mother Elizabeth Arden's holiday gift set every Christmas and she gives me the mascara. It's one of our favorite traditions!
Like the rest of the Elizabeth Arden family, the Grand Entrance mascara offers a lot to love. The glossy formula helps my lashes look both fuller and longer. Rich in vitamins, it promotes healthy lashes and I'm all about that. Since it resists water, I don't have to worry about my teary allergy eyes ruining the look. I've seen no smudging or flaking and it comes off easily with makeup remover. The small bristles on the slightly curved brush grab and coat every single hair, even tiny lower lashes, without clumping. Everything about this one, including the eye-catching red packaging, is designed for big impact. Try it in Stunning Black.
On the Shelf: $24 at Beauty Brands stores and BeautyBrands.com
Texans celebrate Cinco de Mayo not because we're history buffs, but because it's an excellent excuse to eat great food and drink great drinks. Tequila in all its forms and bastardizations (I'm wagging my finger at you chocolate margarita) is a big part of that celebration.
A couple of years ago, Charlotte and I were down at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa and I fell in love with infused tequila. I sampled several, but three were standouts: strawberry/jalapeno, lemon/basil and mojito.
They were all good, but the easy standout was the strawberry/jalapeno.
This bad-boy drink was like a jalapeno punched me in the mouth, then felt bad about it and let his strawberry girlfriend to kiss me on the mouth. It's hard to forget something like that. And I didn't.
I talked my way into getting the JW Marriott recipe and I'm sharing it with you.
The video 'splains it all, but for those of you who aren't fans of my work in blogger cinema, jump past the video and print out the recipe.
Bearing the colors of the Italian flag, Pizza Margherita is the world's most famous pizza. In June 1889, Raffaele Esposito from Pizzeria di Pietro e Basta Cosi served his version of the tomato, mozzarella and basil pizza to Queen Margherita. The queen had never eaten pizza before, but she so loved Esposito's pizza that she sent a letter telling him so. Esposito's pizzeria still exists but is now called Pizzeria di Brandi. The queen's letter still hangs on the restaurant's wall.