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| Copyright SugarFreeSheila.com © 2001 - 2010 |
| Since my site visitors write in and ask about my favorite practical go-to's and standbys, I thought it would be nice to incorporate a laid-back page on: My Favorite Products & Things RIGHT NOW My only rules for it being listed here? It must not only be cute, but most importantly affordable! WORKOUT PANTS Old Navy Women's Yoga Pants - So flattering and comfortable! There are several different types of Yoga pants of varying fabrics at Old Navy; so, if you are looking for them, keep your eye out for 93% cotton and 7% spandex. Available in both black and charcoal shades. I'm short, so I have to have these taken up a bit at the tailor! Victoria's Secret Side-Stripe Yoga Pant - These come in 3 lengths & 5 different colors. Conway - If you live in NYC, please check this place out for cotton workout pants. Whenever I visit, I usually find a great pair for lounge wear at home. A lot of their t-shirts are great for the gym, too. SNEAKERS Definitely the Nike Shox for me, as they offer a comfortable, springy step - and the slight platform of all 3 Nike sneakers doesn't hurt a girl of barely 5'3" either. SWIMSUITS Don't rule out Target if sites like BlueFly don't work out. Out of all the designer ones I buy, it's the Target ones that yield the most compliments - ha! JEANS I just love trying on jeans, and in fact make a point when shopping to stop in stores and boutiques just to try out brands I would not typically wear. I compare the fit of a ton of different jeans, remembering the size, model, and wash for future reference - and if that particular jean stays in my mind (which, in my opinion, is the true test of whether a purchase is worth it), I go back later and buy it. This not only saves time, but most importantly avoids the old "Oh, it's good enough" impulse purchases - which ultimately means quality-over-quantity clothes in my closet. The fit I personally tend to go for is Straight or Skinny; I avoid Bootcut & especially Flare. Straight make my legs look as long as possible! Skinny is perfect for knee boots. Levi's Tilted Straight Michael Kors White Denim Jeans Levi's Slouch Straight 504 - in the dark Blush (Stretch) wash, as well as the lighter Railer. Charlotte Russe Refuge line of Bootcut jeans - Fit like a slim straight-cut jean. Why Charlotte Russe? Well, a huge gripe I have about the smallest Misses jeans as well as even a lot of the juniors is that while the waist & seat might fit just fine in a pair, the legs are baggy - which may be comfy, but photographs horribly. After going on a Juniors Jeans Mission at a couple of malls, I finally came across these. They're snug and look fantastic - and they maximize the look of the legs! "Juniors jeans only work on girls with no hips," you say? Well, mine are 36" - the kind of hips rappers sing songs about - and most fit me just fine. Fit Tip: This isn't the coolest thing to admit, but I'll cover it here anyway because it might help some other women out there choosing the perfect denim. Up until recently, I avoided jeans that were sized according to the waist (i.e., 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and so on) because, frankly, I had no idea which would fit me. Since my waist measures 23½ inches & size 24 jeans looked like a size for a child, I just opted out of taking the time out to try a ton of them on to find my size out altogether. Well. Apparently it is common knowledge that to determine the size for jeans sized according to the waist, simply add two inches to your own waist measurement and there you go. Phew! That's all! All that stress was for nothing. So, with all of the women reading this wondering how on earth I didn't already know about this, if the above little tidbit helps just a few other girls out there, then the slight embarrassment is entirely worth it! SLEEPWEAR I almost exclusively wear underwire camisoles/chemises/babydolls at night - some come in sets with matching underthings. Burlington, Marshall's, & TJ Maxx carries adorable designer sets marked way down; I'll grab whatever is cute in my size, and they always work & provide valuable support as well. If I'm traveling and the temperatures are warm enough, a smocked terry cover-up does double duty for wearing after a shower, as well as for sleeping since they also offer support. TOPS If it's cute enough to return to the store to get more colors and even to buy for others as gifts, it qualifies as a favorite. Points are added for not being acrylic or wool - even some the nicest cashmeres can make me itch! Gap Short-Sleeved V-Neck Favorite Tee - I have this one in every color but black. It doesn't wrinkle, is thick enough to prevent show-through, and has just enough Spandex for a terrific fit. Does everything but your taxes. Banana Republic Petite button-down shirts. PERFUME Silver Rain by La Prairie - light and lovely ... my signature scent. Miso Pretty Body Mist by Blue Q - costs just a few dollars, but I always get compliments on it! Chanel Chance LIP GLOSS MAC Plushglass - any color - and there's even a lip-plumping effect in there! Feels very cool & tingly. MAC Lipglass is the only sponge-applicator lip gloss I like, as I prefer a brush tip applicator (Lipglass Chromeglass has the latter, and I love it, too). This is very sticky, so I only wear it if my hair is in a bun or ponytail that day. BourjoisEffet 3D Lipgloss - Your hair won't stick to this! Prescriptives Moonbeam Reflective Gloss. My ultimate go-to lip gloss. Shimmery, beautiful colors, not sticky, and most importantly, no double-dipping required for good coverage. Jackpot! MASCARA Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lash Tint Mascara in Blackened Brown - I'm really big on using this one when I travel, because I just love that it lasts for several face washes. All you have to do to look "done" is curl your lashes and apply some lip gloss! Huge time-saver. L'Oréal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara - The only one I've come across to rival Voluminous. Feel free to zoom way in on the Thanksgiving 2009 photo below. BOOKS When it comes to books, I'm quite finicky about Fiction (nothing from the "Chick Lit" genre, please!); I don't care for Self-Help, Spiritual, Romance novels, Sci-Fi, or Fantasy, & instead generally prefer Non-Fiction, Biographies, True Crime, Historical, and even Reference books. You can find out what I'm reading now via GoodReads.com. Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition by Peggy Post - I've loved these books since I was a little girl. European Customs & Manners by Nancy L. Braganti & Elizabeth Devine - I've had this one for 14 years & still refer to it! MOVIES Trading Places - I make a point to watch it every Christmas, and never laugh so hard than when I watch this movie - and I love Jamie Lee Curtis' character. Shirley Valentine - Finally available on Region 1 DVD; a very dear favorite. The Mirror Has Two Faces The Big Kahuna Mermaids - I love Cher anyway, but especially in this one. In the Name of the Father Terms of Endearment Guess Who's Coming To Dinner - Love this one. Here is a 10-minute clip of the best scene in the movie. Last of the Mohicans Superman I MOVIES/PROGRAMS I'VE RECENTLY SEEN & RECOMMEND Mildred Pierce Mayor of Casterbridge (2003) Tsotsi - I loved this movie; it had such heart. Firelight Yesterday Jane Eyre Death Proof - one of the best movies I've seen in months. Here's the trailer. Tarantino always delivers! The Girl in the Café - I adored the very endearing Kelly McDonald in this movie. The Grey Zone - I love movies about the Holocaust. Weight of Water - I really love anything Sarah Polley is in. Her directorial debut, Away From Her, was so wonderful. Secrets and Lies "Rome" on HBO - probably the best series I've watched to date. "Ladette To Lady" on Sundance "Creature Comforts" on BBC (not the new U.S. version) "In Treatment" on HBO - Such a wonderful new show. I watched them all On Demand via DVR. My personal tastes do not tend toward sitcoms and non-cable TV dramas; however, I love independent & foreign films, biographical & historical films, & old movies. Please free to e-mail me to recommend your own favorites - I'd really love to hear them! Rabbit Proof Fence Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont P.S. I Love You - I watched this on my laptop on a recent flight and cried all the way through it! The Bridge - Tastefully done documentary about Golden Gate Bridge suicides. I first heard about it on a "20/20" segment. Another Perfect Stranger - I was just about to go to sleep when this started. 5 minutes in, I knew I was going to be sucked in to watch the rest! It was very good. Up in the Air * My latest movie updates are on fed my Facebook. Add requests are accepted on the last day of each month (explained more in FAQ). BRAS (Okay, getting a bit personal here!)
SPORTS BRAS Nike Dri-FIT. Get a size smaller for when you do cardio, and you will pass the pencil test forever. Well, here's hoping. PRACTICAL BUYS World Food Programme Feed Bag - Eliminates the "paper or plastic" issue, which means less trash accumulated in your kitchen if you're like me & hit the supermarket almost daily. I especially love that this one isn't a reusable tote seen in all the celeb gossip magazines, and mimicked by the masses. Furthermore, the proceeds feed a child in Africa for one school year - and it's butch enough for your man to use, too. WEN Cleansing Conditioner - For years I've only used sulfate-free shampoos anyway, so the fact that this is sulfate-free is hardly revolutionary. What does it make it a great practical buy is the fact that it is the only sulfate-free 2-in-1 I have ever come across, & it is its own deep conditioner & detangler. This is an amazing product for busy working ladies and moms - not to mention making a no-nonsense shower for those who travel frequently. Eco Cup. You can find a million different versions on the Internet. I don't like mugs, & don't care for the waste of paper coffee cups - so color these ceramic coffee shop-style cups a great compromise. U.S. SUNSCREENS Because I avoid the sun & am adamant about getting the most protection, I exclusively use La Roche-Posay Anthélios, Heliocare SPF 50 Gel, and Bioderma Photoderm sunscreens 99% of the time. However, not everyone prefers to order sunscreens from abroad, or to settle for the unimpressive Mexoryl sunscreens released in the U.S. Fall '06 (addressed more on this page). The following offer decent amounts of UVA protection, and since some are tinted & really work in a pinch if I'm in a mad rush! Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 70 - Provides a nice little sheen whenever I am not wearing pants/jeans. For the back & legs, stepping into the bathtub first to avoid a slippery mess later. Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 36 - VERY cosmetically elegant. Even with the decent level of zinc oxide, there is no stickiness, shininess, nor any white cast. MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 - a whopping 16.10% of zinc oxide and no shine or white cast whatsoever. Coppertone Sensitive Skin Faces SPF 50 - 14.5% zinc oxide GADGETS Franklin Speaking 11th Collegiate Dictionary - Perfect to have with you if you're a big reader. XM Pioneer Inno Portable Satellite Radio - I take this one with me to the gym. You can save songs you love on the radio - even if you catch them right in the middle - very convenient. I almost never buy CDs anymore. BlackBerry Tour - Just got one & love it! (972) 999-5237 / Messenger PIN 30F7DC36. * If you send a request, please don't forget to introduce yourself! Additional content will be added to this page from time to time. As with any page of my website, links are provided strictly to demonstrate visuals - I do not recommend any specific sellers or vendors for any product. |
| February 2nd, 2007 - Dallas (Sassy, my almost-9 year-old Jack Russell) Might as well include my favorite dog, too - she's got Sass appeal. ;) |
| March 20th, 2007 On a cruise, sailing to Jamaica |
| April 26th, 2007 - Gazeebo Burger in Plano, Texas For my niece's Flat Stanley project, Flat Jordie is sharing my bunless Avocado Cheddar Burger with a House Salad with Ranch on the side to start. I even took her along to the salon & car wash earlier that day. I think only moms & teachers will get this!! |
| August 12th, 2007 At the Dallas post office, picking up SFS.com mail! |
| If foreign travel is your life's passion, there really is no map more humbling than this one. |
| October 29th, 2007 - Wiltshire, England At Stonehenge |
| November 2007 - Shopping in Funchal, Madeira At the time, this was the closest I'd ever been to Africa |
| November 28th, 2007 - NYC In front of Penn Station about to head downtown. |
| Mother's Day 2008 Just had Mother's Day brunch at Sullivan's |
| July 21st, 2008 I forgot my World Food Programme Feed Bag, so I carried out the groceries I got by hand. :) |
| October 2008 - Curaçao Lighting really does not get worse than rainy, overcast, and high-noon. But I held a swimsuit poll of 4 choices for my site visitors a few months previously - and since this one was selected & I'm not exactly a beach bunny, I smiled and made the best of it! |
| October 2008 - St. Maarten Loaded up with my usual SPF 50+, and on my way to go Rhino Riding! |
| November 25th, 2008 - Barcelona, Spain The airline lost my luggage - I was close to a month with no clothes, no hair tools, no skincare products, no makeup - nothing. Not my favorite character-building experience. |
| Thanksgiving Day 2008 - Gibraltar Outside St. Michael's Cave at the Rock of Gibraltar. Everyone was gasping at how close I was getting to the Barbary Macaque (who was giving me the stink eye), but it was worth it for the shot! |
Last Updated June 2010
| Feb 15th, 2009 - Addison, Texas In front of Barnes & Noble (no plastic - loot is in my handbag!) after having lunch at Houston's. |
| SFS before makeup! This is a travel visa I had taken converted to what I would look like if I were 50% chimp. Sure wish the Barbary ape could have seen me like this! |
| Thanksgiving 2009 Mom & dog-ter portrait! |
| January 2010 At the Vatican. |