So, being a girl with extremely sensitive skin, major acne issues, I admit that I do not wear cover up or foundation for fear of making my problems even more magnified, and worse, aggravating them beyond their already horrid state. So here I was, on the day of my nuptials to my husband, Friday, March 18th, 2011, at noon, when I decided I needed what else? Foundation. I hopped over to my nearest Nordstrom, and darted to the Bobbi Brown counter, because all I did know was that the reputation of Bobbi Brown makeup is stellar to say the least. By now you are gathering that I am spontaneous too.
Anyhow, I ended up getting the best makeover ever, which included primer, highlighter, foundation, bronzer and blush. I have been a fan of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Bronzer since this day too. I walked out of there with more than foundation, but I didn’t care that I fell into the cosmetic-counter-hypnosis, I was glowing! I raced back home and put on my dress to wear to the courthouse ceremony which was happening at 3:30. We hopped in the cab and off we went, for one of the most monumental and important days in my 28 years. We never did engagement photos, so this was it. This was THE day that our photographer would capture THE moment that we entered our blessed marriage, and I was not at all focused on the acne around my mouth, or the blemish near my hair line. I had my best face forward and I was confident and happy and soaking up every fleeting moment that made up that afternoon between myself and my husband. I was in heaven on earth; kissing and hugging and holding hands with the man I will be with the rest of this mortal life.
I can’t say it was all Bobbi Brown. I am confident in who I am a s a young woman, but this thin layer between my flesh and the atmosphere that I shared with my husband, the photographer, the judge, and my mom that day, that extra, tiny bit of conglomerated minerals and pigment made me forget my small insecurities that day, and allowed me to focus on my biggest SECURITY, a future life with someone who loves me unconditionally. In essence, Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Powerful Campaign supports my sentiments perfectly; that we are all pretty naturally, but a little makeup can make us feel so empowered to conquer whatever we are facing in our lives. We have so many features, uniqueness and angles in our faces that the beauty pulls us in and we find ourselves gazing at strangers on the train ride to work, or have to stop ourselves from staring at that girl in the bathroom who is applying her lipstick, just like a teenage girl who watched me put my makeup on in the locker room this summer at Pirate’s Cove. Woman learn from an early age that this ritual, this process our mothers, sisters, cousins, grandmothers, aunts, and friends do is something of a high importance. Makeup is personal, it is cultural, it is precise, it is intentional and it is POWERFUL! With a swipe of mascara, a blot of gloss, or as in my case, a thin layer of flesh toned cream to even my skin tone, we can really become that much more confident in ourselves.
My momma is a woman who is Pretty Powerful to me. She battled obesity by completely changing her life and making exercise and eating well a lifestyle choice. Growing up in a household of four children, she never used the word “sacrificing” when describing her career as a stay at home mother who gave us a wonderful childhood. She is a uteran cancer survivor and lives life to the fullest everyday by roller blading, taking Zumba classes, camping most weekends in the summer, playing the Dance Revolution game with her four grand daughters and continually crafting, scrap booking and reading. She is a model employee, and works tirelessly at a senior citizen hospice home where she cleans, cooks, bathes, even administering medicines, and caring for several elderly patients with the same amount of care and patience and love that she raised my three siblings and I. A natural nurturer with an infectious laugh and toothy smile, she is always my positive conscious, my honest friend my encouraging voice and my heart. Everyone who has had the privilege to work with her or be in her company knows just how selfless and loving she is.
My momma is Pretty, insert curse word for emphasis, Powerful alright!!!
Do you have a pretty powerful story you’d like to share? Comment here with your pretty powerful mention for a chance to win a Bobbi Brown makeup palette to help you or your friend put her best face forward. Also, enter to win even more awesomeness by submitting your own story here or supporting another Pretty Powerful story by voting, and win a trip to NYC and $500 worth of Bobbi Brown cosmetics! Enter here! HURRY- contest ends November 11th!!! There are also a couple Colorado cuties already up there with numerous votes- check out Lily Wotkyns here… or Michelle Cangiano who has a bucket list of 1oo things she wants to do befor she dies, and the little ambitous thing has already accomplished 33 of them! Or vote for these Coloradan pretties! Tina Morgan, Nicoleta Puscas or the gorgeous Tara Ditchen who works the Bobbi Brown counter at Park Meadows! See all of our gorgeous Colorado contestants for the Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful campaign here. Vote one vote all! Ends Nov. 11th!
Archive for October, 2011
Get Your Face On
October 18, 2011The Afterglow of Glam Bomb Two
October 18, 2011Well, last Tuesday was I experienced my very first Glam Bomb event! This was the second in a series, Glam Bomb Two, the one I had been blabbing about for weeks, and it was well worth the storage space on my blog. It happened to be a absolutely perfect fall day, with sunshine, blue skies, yellow leaves and just enough crisp in the air to wear a vintage black wool dress with long sleeves that I found this summer at a yard sale for one dollar, yes $1. From the minute I pulled up to the location and found myself parked behind my momma and her friend Irina, I knew it was going to be a great night.
One of my favorite meetings of the evening was Cristen Guest, of Rene Guest, from Austin, TX; a pixie like blonde with ringlets and a smile for days, still glowing from the birth of her baby girl (just 4 months old now.) She cuts microscope glass into diamond shapes and presses peacock feathers in between the glass and then sodders copper or other metals around it to seal it off, making incredible earrings and pendants. She also had some really drool worthy semi precious stones like a smoky quartz charm necklace I have my eyes on, or the gold Tiered Copper Leaves earrings that would hit the light just right in my dark hair.
My friends Jen Mericle and Dannell Williams popped in to say hello and shop the Bomb too! We sipped coffee from our friend Noah from Crema Coffee who brewed up a mean french press full of Intelligentsia, and chatted about our goals and the gifts we picked up. Dannell made out and found Christmas gifts for her family, which included dainty tear drop silver dangles by Christy Lea Payne, a long pearl beaded necklace for her mother, and she couldn’t sneak away without treating herself to a necklace that had a vintage skeleton key and other charms nestled in strands of chain by Maddy’s line Black Poodle.
Another stand out designer, full of charisma and with an accent like Sohpia Vargara’s, was Teresa Caballero! Glam Bomb was actually her and Cindy Ollig’s idea a couple years ago over a bottle of wine, and she was launching a line of her own jewelry that will debut in December. I still can’t stop thinking about these earrings of hers with little gold Bambi charms, and she pointed out that they had a little cross and bones engraved on their hips. I love little secret subtleties and nuances about my jewelry; more of a story or life to it, the better.
There were auctions and raffle ticket prizes peppered in throughout the night, free flowing wine and mixed drinks, and a catered spread by Occasions by Sandy that kept the hunger pangs at bay and the guests from getting a little too tipsy. The cheese selection and cheesecake and chocolate mouse dessert spoons were my favorite and always found room on my plate.
Posh Boutique sure knows how to put on a good party, and the sold out event clued me in that I wasn’t the only fan. So many guests were long time customers of Posh and Perfect Petal, and friends of Cindy. Suzanne Brown, the fashion editor from the Denver Post also dropped by to check out the hype. The goal of the event was to raise money for One of 99, a non profit that helps underprivileged youth in Denver with art and cultural activities, and raise money we did! Glam Bomb Two was a huge success raising nearly four thousand dollars! I however, contained myself and kept my debit card tucked away. I thought it best to bring a Rene guest catalog and Teresa Caballero card home for hubby to get Christmas gift ideas from.
If you didn’t get a chance to attend this Glam Bomb event, please do stop by either Posh on Larimer or the Perfect Petal on 32nd and Lowell to check out the jewelry in person.
Days 10, 11 & 12: Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Event Giveaway
October 10, 2011Why three? Because all good things come in threes!
So to wrap up the twelve days of the #GlamBomb2 event, which is SOLD OUT BTW, giveaway your true love will give to you…
A mauvey-pink multi-strand of natural beads… or…
A purple acrylic Ideal Woman necklace on a silver chain… or…
A blingy cubic zirconia tennis bracelet!!!!
I am so very, VERY excited for tomorrow night’s Glam Bomb event, hosted by one of my favorite boutiques, Posh. For those of you who are on the list and RSVP’d, be sure to check your e-mail as the address for the event was sent out today as well as a link to the site where you should purchase your ticket before hand to avoid waiting in lines. Come early to find parking and get right in to enjoy the evening!!! You should also “friend” Posh on Facebook for updates, news, photos from the event and future events and products. How you can win one of the twelve gifts posted here? Well, it is open to guests who are attending, and just be the first to approach me, say hello, and say the phrase, “on the ______ day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me!” Obviously filling in the blank with whatever day, gift, you want! See you tomorrow, get some beauty sleep!
I wanted to also shout out a special grazi to the Glam Bomb’s vendors Crema Coffee House who brews up my favorite Novo Coffee, and catering by Occasions by Sandy.
Nighty, night!
Day 9: Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Event Giveaway
October 9, 2011On the ninth day of Glam Bomb Two my true love gave to me…
a gynormous pair of silvery shell earrings!
BIG NEWS ALERT! Glam Bomb Two is SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!!!!
For those of you who have already RSVP’d, you made the list, congrats! There was an exclusive availability for 150 guests, so twiddling your thumbs in this case was a bad idea. The good news is there may be future Glam Bomb Events, and you’ll see the footage of Glam Bomb Two here so you’ll know what to expect the next time around.
So my personal twelve days of giveaways leading up to Tuesday continue, and I’m naughty, because I’m a day late now. A day late in blog land is not as serious then, well you know. So if you are attending the Glam Bomb Two event, then these giveaways still apply, because in order to retrieve the goods, you have to come to the event. Rock, er, shell, around town in these heavy duty earrings. They are dynamite with maxi dresses! So for the already registered guests, they can be yours by:
2. Getting to the #GlamBomb2 event on Tuesday, and be the first person to find me, if you are on Twitter, my handle is @gschinagl. Meet me and and be the FIRST to use the code phrase, “The ninth day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…” and the blingy is yours!
You should DEFINITELY Friend Posh on Facebook NOW and get ready for Glam Bomb Two by keeping up on the latest vendors, sponsors and jewelry designers you can expect to see Tuesday!!!
See you then!
Day 8: Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Giveaway
October 8, 2011On the eighth day of Glam Bomb Two, my true love gave to me…
a perfectly worn in leather cuff with bracket studs!
So yesterday was actually day eight, which also happened to be a Friday, and we all know how wiped out we feel on Friday evenings, hence the post today. So on this wonderfully drizzly fall day in Colorado, I am now cozy at home, after a grueling geology test at school, well it actually was very elementary but I’m horrible and can’t for the life of me get excited about Bowen’s Reaction Series, so sue me, catching up on the blog.
This is another piece that my memory fails me when trying to remember where, or how, I got it. I love it and have worn it many times, and I think it’s great when layered with floss braided friendship bracelets, thin gold or brass bangles, small ethnic prayer bead bracelets, and really just a hodge-podge of friends to chill with it along your wrist looks best. It can be hippy, or country cool too, but I like it more edgy, and it’s the perfect shade of chocolate brown that looks good with black, eh huh Kate Moss-ish.
So why am I sharing it with you? Shame on you if you don’t know by now! It’s in celebration of Glam Bomb Two, an amazing jewelry party/event hosted by THE baddest boutique on Larimer, Posh, going down on Tuesday October 11th!!! I’ll be there. You should be there too. RSVP N.O.W. to cindy@poshindenver.com. On Monday, the guests who have RSVP’d will be given the secret address of the venue for Glam Bomb Two, most likely an equally posh pad of a Denver socialite type. So up until Tuesday, I have been dipping into my own personal collection of accessories, and giving one piece a day away!
I am giving this lovely leather cuff to the guy or gal who:
1. Comes to the Glam Bomb 2 event! (Oct. 11th, 5-8 pm) RSVP to cindy@poshindenver.com. $25 at door, and for a great cause- One of 99. Location of event is secret and will be disclosed to you only when you RSVP. So check your e-mail address on Monday October 10th for the adi!!!
2. When you get to the #GlamBomb2 event, be the first person to find me, if you are on Twitter, my handle is @gschinagl. Meet me and and be the FIRST to use the code phrase, “The eighth day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…” and I’ll cuff you!
That’s it! Easy as pie! Which reminds me…there will be a pie in the sky dessert reception and cocktails, making this event even sweeter…
See you there! Friend Posh on Facebook NOW and get ready for Glam Bomb Two!
Tick…Tick…Tick
*****RSVP today to cindy@poshindenver.com*****
Day 7: Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Event Giveaway
October 6, 2011On the seventh day of Glam Bomb Two my true love gave to me…
A pair of brass button clip-ons with rows of faux diamonds!
Ooh that sounds Goddy! I love it! I have never worn these, not because I don’t like them, but just because I’m usually a huge dangly earring gal. I forget where I even got them; maybe they were given to me. They would look amazing paired with layered black onyx beads, brass and silver chains, on a black turtleneck dress from American Apparel. Tstttt….hot! Anyway, they are yours if you come next Tuesday to the Glam Bomb Two event hosted by Posh Boutique. I am getting so dang excited for this event! You should be checking Posh’s Facebook page to see all the amazing jewelry that is going to be there, or at least some of the lines.
So to snag these cute ones:
1. Come to the Glam Bomb 2 event! (Oct. 11th, 5-8 pm) RSVP to cindy@poshindenver.com. $25 at door, and for a great cause- One of 99. Location of event is secret and will be disclosed to you only when you RSVP. So check your e-mail address on Monday October 10th for the adi!!!
2. When you get to the #GlamBomb2 event, be the first person to find me, if you are on Twitter, my handle is @gschinagl. Meet me and and be the FIRST to use the code phrase, “The seventh day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…” and voila!
That’s it! Easy as pie! Which reminds me…there will be a pie in the sky dessert reception and cocktails, making this event even sweeter…
See you there! Friend Posh on Facebook NOW and get ready for Glam Bomb Two!
Tick…Tick…Tick
*****RSVP today to cindy@poshindenver.com*****
Day 6: Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Event Giveaway
October 5, 2011On the sixth day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…
A sparkling, dripping art deco-ish pair of earrings!
Half way there folks! Ah six…remember the show Blossom? Wasn’t her friend named Six? Huh…I loved that show. Yes, I just dated myself probably, but this pair has never been worn, therefore it is not dated, but perfect for a date! I bought them thinking I’d wear them for a wedding, but ended up wearing another pair. You know the drill by know, right? Glam Bomb is when? You got it. October 11th, next Tuesday, from 5-8 pm. What does it benefit? Right again! One of 99. $25 bucks at the door gets you into this event where you will get to meet and mingle with 20 jewelry designers, purchase before it hits the store, one in the same as the host of this damn fab affair, Posh Boutique, and even auction on special pieces…
So to win these dangles:
1. Come to the Glam Bomb 2 event! (Oct. 11th, 5-8 pm) RSVP to cindy@poshindenver.com. $25 at door, and for a great cause- One of 99. Location of event is secret and will be disclosed to you only when you RSVP. So check your e-mail address you use to RSVP the night before!!!
2. When you get to the #GlamBomb2 event, be the first person to find me, if you are on Twitter, my handle is @gschinagl. Meet me and and be the FIRST to use the code phrase, “The sixth day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…” and they’re yours.
That’s it! Easy as pie! Which reminds me…there will be a pie in the sky dessert reception and cocktails, making this event even sweeter…
See you there! Are you friends with Posh Boutique on Facebook yet? You better get to cliking!
Tick…Tick…Tick
*****RSVP today to cindy@poshindenver.com*****
Day 5: Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Event Giveaway
October 4, 2011On the fifth day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…
A perfectly round, medallion elephant pendant on a gold chain!
Dun, dun, dun…we are literally one week away from the jewelry event of the season, Glam Bomb Two hosted by Posh Boutique! Gearing up for the big night has been fun, as I have been picking pieces from my personal jewelry box to give away in honor of this charitable event which benefits One of 99, a great charity in Denver committed to providing under privileged youth with art and cultural activities. I have been giving one piece of my own jewelry away every day up until the day of the event! This necklace has been worn on several occasions, but is ready for a new neck to adorn. I originally found it at Anthropologie on sale and loved the safari-ness of it, and it’s gold, so, perfect in my book. The chain on this one is shorter, so feel free to swap it out with your own longer chain if you get it!
(One prize per person please, so don’t come up and sing me all Twelve Days of yadda yadda…so make sure you check back daily to scope out what piece you REALLY covet! FYI you can say the phrases out of order. For example you can be the first person I see, but say the phrase for the eleventh day.)
Won’t you come and shop with us for this future citizen shaping cause?! See my original post on the Glam Bomb Two event here with full details on the who, what, when, where…
So how can you get this little guy above you ask?
1. Come to the Glam Bomb 2 event! (Oct. 11th, 5-8 pm) RSVP to cindy@poshindenver.com. $25 at door, and for a great cause- One of 99. Location of event is secret and will be disclosed to you only when you RSVP. So check your e-mail address you use to RSVP the night before!!!
2. When you get to the #GlamBomb2 event, be the first person to find me, if you are on Twitter, my handle is @gschinagl. Meet me and and be the FIRST to use the code phrase, “The fifth day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…” and ta da, I’ll present you with your prize, one elephanto necklace.
That’s it! Easy as pie! Which reminds me…there will be a pie in the sky dessert reception and cocktails, making this event even sweeter…
See you there! Might wanna friend Posh on Facebook too, because there will be more deets on there and secrets leaking of whose comin’ to town for the big event!
Tick…Tick…Tick
*****RSVP today to cindy@poshindenver.com*****
Day 4: Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Event Giveaway
October 3, 2011On the fourth day of #GlambBomb2 my true love gave to me…
a pair of ethnic shell earrings with a trendy tribal print!
YUP! Another giveaway to get in the spirit of the #GlamBomb2 event coming up next Tuesday! I popped in Posh Boutique today, the one putting on this AMAZING show, and you guys are going to LOVE the feather necklaces and earrings by Serefina, and the feathers are all natural in color, no dye! Really, really stunning. So for the fourth giveaway I was inspired to give something a little tribal, something that is unique and unexpected. These would be great paired with silver or gold, and can completely be contemporized.
How to nab these zebra-lobers:
1. Come to the Glam Bomb 2 event! (Oct. 11th, 5-8 pm) RSVP to cindy@poshindenver.com. $25 at door, and for a great cause- One of 99. Location of event is secret and will be disclosed to you only when you RSVP. So check your e-mail address you use to RSVP the night before.
2. When you get to the #GlamBomb2 event, be the first person to find me, if you are on Twitter, my handle is @gschinagl. Meet me and and be the FIRST to use the code phrase, “The fourth day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…” and bam, put it in your bag!
That’s it! Easy as pie! Which reminds me…there will be a pie in the sky dessert reception and cocktails, making this event even sweeter…
See you there! Until then, friend Posh Boutique on Facebook to stay in the loop on all the Glam Bomb Two event news and designers coming your way!
Tick…Tick…Tick
*****RSVP today to cindy@poshindenver.com*****
Day 3: Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Event Giveaway
October 2, 2011On the third day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…
A perfectly tarnished golden cuff with a faux pearl!
Sorry that these are getting later and later, but never too late for a freebie! Here is the third giveaway for the Twelve Days of #GlamBomb2 Event. I feel like a broken record, but please scroll down to see more information about the Glam Bomb Two event hosted by Posh Boutique, happening October 11th and how you can be sure to get in! Very much a thriftonista, and a big believer and practitioner of high/low styling, this cuff-a-roonie my friends, is from Forever 21 a while back. The more you wear it, the more vintage it appears, and luckily for you it already has that feel to it- ready to wear!
How to win this arm candy:
1. Come to the Glam Bomb 2 event!(Oct. 11th, 5-8 pm) RSVP to cindy@poshindenver.com. $25 at door. Location of event is secret and will be disclosed to you only when you RSVP. So check your e-mail address you use to RSVP the night before.
2. When you get to the #GlamBomb2 event, be the first person to find me, if you are on Twitter, my handle is @gschinagl. Meet me and and be the FIRST to use the code phrase, “The third day of #GlamBomb2 my true love gave to me…” and it’s yours!
That’s it! Easy as pie! Which reminds me…there will be a pie in the sky dessert reception and cocktails, making this event even sweeter…
See you there! You may want to “Like” the Posh Boutique Facebook Page to stay on the latest and greatest leading up to Glam Bomb Two!
Tick…Tick…Tick
*****RSVP today to cindy@poshindenver.com*****
