Find of the Week: Joe’s Jeans

Posted on February 6, 2014 by phjiao

Hi friends – today Lola and I were at Westfield Mission Valley, and we when we walked by Loehmann’s we noticed it had “Going Out of Business” signs. The entire store was on sale. I inquired and was told all the items in the store went on sale about a month ago. The last day the store will be open is this Sunday, February 9. Five days left, all items are on sale for 50% – 80% off the marked price. It took us about an hour of sorting through the racks and shoes, then try them on – and we found good sales! I found four items, two for me, two for gifts. I was tempted to buy two more Joe’s jeans (at $50 each) and a pair of Cole Haan shoes, but decided not to get them.

My biggest fid were these blue tuxedo Joe’s skinny jeans for $50! They were priced at $99, and retail for $185. I have other Joe jeans, so I knew this was a good deal!

Lola found four items as well – her bet purchase was a pair of stylish black leggings (just last week, we had seen some very similar at BCBG for four times the price)!

There are all kinds of items, clothes, shoes, purses, hats, socks, scarves, accessories, even the store fixtures are for sale. There were plenty Joe jeans in multiple colors and sizes. I also tried on some cute skirts and dresses.

It may take you a while to look through the racks, but it will be worth your time, you can find great deals!

Happy shopping friends!

Hugs,

Paola

Front view of the jeans.

Back view of the jeans.

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Find of the Week: Sonicare

Posted on December 20, 2013 by phjiao

My teeth are important to me. Not just the appearance of my teeth, but the health of my mouth. I will need my teeth the rest of my life, so I try to take care of them. One of the products that I use to keep my teeth healthy is my Sonicare toothbrush. I have had a Sonicare toothbrush for about 15 years. I remember buying my first Sonicare for about $100 at Costco. Every few months I would change the brush head. That one lasted about 10 years, until I took it on a long trip to Europe and busted it by using the wrong converter for the charger. The charge lasts about 10 days, so the other times I had taken it on trips abroad I wouldn’t take the charger because I didn’t need it. If I was on a trip for more than ten days, I would use it as a manual toothbrush on the last days. After the trip where I busted the toothbrush charger, I did some research regarding prices and bought another one at Bed Bath & Beyond for about $90 (I used the store’s 20% off coupon). Believe it or not, a few years later, while on my honeymoon in Europe, I busted it again with the converter. I remember hearing a small blasting sound in the hotel room after the brush had been plugged in for about an hour, the next day my toothbrush wasn’t working. So, I bought another one, this time at Target, for about $75 or so (with mail-in-rebate offer). I preferred the first one I bought because it did a vibration motion which notified me when it was time to move to my other arch of teeth. The one I currently have does not have a vibration motion notification, but it does stop brushing after 2 minutes, which is the recommended time to brush your teeth. Needless to say, I have not taken my charger with me in the past trips we have made abroad. I plan to keep this toothbrush for a long time!

You may be asking yourself why I keep buying it over and over again. First of all the quality is excellent, I had the first one for about 10 years! It still worked perfectly. The handle had turned slightly off-white, but mechanically it was fine. I would probably still be using it if I hadn’t charged it improperly in Europe. I like this toothbrush because in addition to seeing the difference in my teeth, I feel it in my mouth. My breath is fresher in the morning when I use this to toothbrush. To avoid traveling with the toothbrush’s case, which is a bit bulky, I occasionally use a manual toothbrush on weekend trips. I can feel the difference on my teeth and in my breath when I wake up when I use a manual toothbrush.

According to usa.philips.com, the Sonicare toothbrush has three engineering innovations: Sonic technology drives bristle tip velocity, clinically proven results, and dynamic clean action for clean feel. It delivers more strokes in two minutes, than a manual toothbrush can in one month. It also removes up to seven times more plaque, resulting in a cleaner and healthier smile. It has soft bristles, a powerful clean, gently massages the gums which stimulates blood circulation and helps dislodge plaque.

It is true – the bristles are soft and my mouth feels really clean after I use the toothbrush. I have had less plaque and a healthier smile!

I decided to write this post because the Sonicare toothbrush is one of my favorite products – and it is on sale tomorrow and Saturday at Macy’s. When I saw the ad for the toothbrush, I started to think about who I could buy it for as a Christmas gift! It is that good of a deal. It is on sale December 20 & 21, before 1:00pm, for $39.99. That is the lowest price I have ever seen it at. It is regularly $199.99 and will be $79.99 after 1:00pm. So, if you want to buy a gift for yourself – get this toothbrush, your smile will appreciate it! Even though $40 may seem high for a toothbrush, if you buy four or six manual toothbrushes per year, you are already spending about $40 per year. If taken care of properly, a Sonicare toothbrush can last you for years, you only need to buy the brush heads and clean the base occasionally. I buy my replacement toothbrush heads at Target for about $25 for two. If you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, the brush head should be changed about every three months. The heads have a color indicator that let you know when it is time to change them.

If you miss the Macy’s sale, you can also find it on sale at Bed Bath & Beyond, a set of two Sonicare toothbrushes is $129.99. So, you could give it as a gift to your spouse or another family member….and for yourself at the same time!

Do you have a favorite toothbrush? If you buy a Sonicare, let me know what you think.

Hugs….and happy brushing,

Paola

This is the sale Macy’s is having on December 20 & 21, 2013, before 1:00pm.

This is the 2013 holiday ad from Bed Bath & Beyond.

This is my toothbrush at home – I keep it plugged in next to my bathroom sink.

This is the toothbrush case. It was included with my first toothbrush and I have been able to continue using it with my other toothbrushes. The brush heads come with covers, so those could be used to protect the toothbrush when traveling (if you don’t buy the case).

Secret Weapon to Remove Make-Up When I am Tired

Posted on December 15, 2013 by phjiao

One thing we may all have in common these days is that we all seem to be busy, way too busy, as if there just aren’t enough hours in the day (at least on weekdays). Am I right?

I had acne when I was younger and still get a break-out occasionally, so in addition to taking care of my skin to preserve it looking nice and healthy, I try to avoid breakouts by removing my make-up daily. This is an important part of my daily beauty routine and helps my skin breathe at night, particularly because I wear heavy make-up when I have television shoots. Some nights, I am just exhausted or busy, and I don’t remove my make-up as soon as I arrive at home. I will make dinner for my husband, then clean the kitchen, do stuff around the house, prepare my outfit for the next day, and before I know it, I am in my pajamas and in bed….dreading that I have to get up to remove my make-up. Particularly in cold weather, it is hard to get up from under the warm covers. Sometimes, I’ll say to myself, I’ll just sleep a little and get up later to remove my make-up. That works sometimes, but I don’t rest very well because I keep thinking that I have to get up to wash my face. About 90% of the time I will get up to wash my face, but that interrupts my sleep, which is not optimal.

On a recent weekend trip to visit my mom we stayed up into the wee hours of the morning catching up. Once we were getting ready to go to sleep, she pulled out her make-up removal towelettes. I noticed how she easily removed her make-up with the towelette and she told me how much she likes them. So, I tried one and it removed my make-up pretty well and my skin felt soft and hydrated the next morning. I am not certain it is as effective as using my usual make-up remover and face wash, particularly because I don’t apply face moisturizer & eye cream when I use the towelette, but it is definitely better than going to sleep with my make-up on. I recently purchased Olay Wet Cleansing Towelettes and keep them next to my night stand. On nights when I am super tired, like last night….I simply pull one of these out and remove my make-up as I am laying in bed, then just apply lip moisturizer (which I keep in my nightstand drawer). So, if you are a busy person like me and sometimes wish there was a simply option to removing your make-up on long days, you may want to try this option. It works for me and I am pretty selective about what I use on my face! Have you used make-up removal towelettes on your face? If yes, which one’s do you use?

Hugs,

Paola

PS – How to Make Eyeshadow Last 24 Hours & Crease-less and FWSD The Art & Beauty Behind Fashion.

Look at how much make-up they removed. I even use them to remove the eyeshadow, mascara, & lipstick.

I purchase the Olay make-up removal towelettes for sensitive skin (alcohol-free), but there are many other brands as well. I purchase these at Target for $4.99 (packet of 30 towelettes). You can find these type of products at Walmart, Target, CVS and many other drug stores.

Favorite “Go To” Floral Top

Posted on October 26, 2013 by phjiao

We all have what is called a “go to” item in our closet, be it a dress, suit, skirt, top, jeans…an item we know will not let us down. I have multiple “go to” items! This one shoulder, floral blouse is on of them. I bought it for a trip to Miami. Then, I wore it in Las Vegas for dinner with friends (with other couple’s), to emcee and do the Ribbon Cutting at the Grand Opening of restaurant at Westfield Mission Valley, for my hubby’s birthday party, and recently to a baptism. I was close to wearing it to this year’s Mana de San Diego Brindis Gala, but chose to wear a black dress instead (which has recently been added to the “go to” list). I like that I can wear the top with a mini skirt or capris for a Miami brunch on the beach look, or dress it up with slacks or a skirt and heels for a dressier look. It is also good for a day or night look, by changing the accessories, purse, and shoes! Plus, because of the materials, it is easy to wash at home & doesn’t require ironing (which also makes it a good item for traveling)! That is music to my ears! This how I matched it…to wear to the baptism! What is your favorite “go to” item?

Hugs,

Paola

Todas tenemos artículos en nuestro closet que nos encantan, artículos que sabemos “no nos fallas”, ya sean unos jeans, falda, vestido, o blusa. Yo tengo varios artículos que “no me fallan.” Esta blusa de un hombro es uno de estos artículos. La compre para un viaje a Miami. Despues, me la puse para una cena con otras parejas (amistades) en Las Vagas, para hacer el corte de listón y participar como maestra de ceremonia de la apertura de restaurante en Westfield Mission Valley, la fiesta de cumpleaños de mi marido, y recientemente para ir a un bautizo. Casi me la pongo para la recepcion de Brindis de Mana de San Diego, pero decidi ponerme un vestidito negro (que ya agregue a la lista de articulos de ropa que no me fallan). Me gusta que me puedo poner la blusa con una mimi falda o capris como un look mas casual para un desayuno junto a la playa en Miami. O puedo cominnarla con una falda o pantalones, tacones y cambio de bolsa y accesorios para un look mas formal durante el dia o la noche. Y debido al material es facil lavarla en casa y no requiere de plancha (asi que tambien es practica para viajes)! Esto me encanta! Asi es como me la combine para el bautizo recientemente. Cual es tu articulo “que no te falla” favorito?

Un abrazo,

Paola

Blouse/Blusa: Forever 21; Shirt/Falda: Nordstrom; Shoes/Zapatos: Cathy Jean; Purse/Bolsa: Coach; Bracelet/Pulsera: Bought in New York at shop on 5th Ave (I’ve had it for a while)

HOW I WORE IT FOR OTHER EVENTS:

Emceeing a Quinceanera Expo Runway Show – it was in North County San Diego, in August, the weather was so hot, this blouse was light & perfect for the occasion!

Participando como maestra de ceremonia de la Pasarela de Quinceanera Expo – fue en el Norte del Condado de San Diego, en Agosto y estaba haciendo muchisimo calor, esta blusa es ligera y fue perfecta para la ocacion!

I was the emcee and had the honor of doing the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Grand Opening of Tora Restaurant at Westfield Mission Valley. Photographed with my colleagues from the television station, Azteca San Diego, Marketing Director at Westfield Mission Valley, staff at Tora Restaurant, and guests.

Como maestra de ceremonia y tuve el honor de hacer el Corte de Liston para la Apertura del Restaurante Tora en Westfield Mission Valley. Fotografia con mis companeros de la televisora, Azteca San Diego, el Director de Mercadotecnia de Westfield Mission Valley, personal del Restaurante Tora, e invitados.

Find of the Week: Lancome Free Gift

Posted on August 15, 2013 by phjiao

Hi ladies,

My Macy’s promotional catalogue arrived yesterday and I saw that Lancome has a free gift with purchase! Yay! I use Lancome products and needed to buy the eye cream, so this was perfect timing! The promotion is a 7 piece gift set with any $35 or more Lancome purchase. It includes a cosmetics bag and six best selling products (pictured – you choose: a serum, a moisturizer, a perfumed body lotion, a make-up look of blush & lipstick, and receive a mascara). The eye cream I purchase costs $60, so it qualified for the free gift. I actually use most of Lancome’s gift with purchase items, particularly for traveling, and find them useful as a way to try out new products. The lip stick is full size, so it is quite useful. I’ve used their serums before and selected the Vissionnaire option to try it because my friend Lizeth recommended it recently. I like using the perfumed body lotions on weekends instead of perfume or at night before going to bed. I selected the Blush Subtil option because it is more of a brown/orange tone bronzer and because I already have a few pink blushes. Instead of the moisturizer, I requested if I could exchange it for a small eye cream and the sales associate accepted, which was very nice of her.

I am not one to buy items just because there is a free gift with purchase, but with Dior and Lancome I do because these are brands I use daily and I like the quality of their products. In this case, I know I will use the items from the gift set.

When you arrive at the Lancome counter, the sales associate let’s you select the items from the options available – and you mark them on a sheet.

There is an additional bonus gift available for two days only – on Friday, August 16 & Saturday, August 17, receive the deluxe sample of eye cream (while supplies last). Since I went today, I asked if I could pre-buy today to receive the 7-piece free gift and receive the bonus gift. Luckily the associate was nice enough to say yes since she was unpacking the bonus gifts. Hey, it never hurts to ask, the worst they can say is no.

And, while at the Lancome counter, I noticed that for a $70 purchase you could receive three more additional items: an eyeshadow palette, the eye make-up remover (which I exchanged for a serum), and a face wash. So, I purchased a mascara ($28) and that qualified me for the $70 minimum.

The free gift options with the $70 purchase included the eyeshadow palette or this eyeliner in brown or black. I selected the eye shadows, but since the associate noticed I was reading the info on the sample eyeliner, she also included it, yay! I chose the brown eyeliner. I guess it helps to pre-buy and be one of the first customers!

This is the eye cream and mascara I purchased. I like both products and use them regularly, the eye cream in particular because it is effective and hydrating.

In total, I paid $93.96 for both items and received all of the items pictured below! What a great deal! The 7-piece gift set alone is valued at $101 – $128! The eyeshadow palette, serum, and face wash are valued at $132 – $171, So in total, I received an additional $233 – $299 in products.

And, since the bottom of the form I filled said “Choose a Makeup Look – be sure to ask for a free sample of you ideal foundation,” well I asked for a free foundation sample that best matched my skin. These samples are useful for travel and to test new foundations.

The Lancome free gift with purchase is good while supplies last. These promotional items run out quickly, so if you plan to take advantage of it, I suggest you go soon!

Do you use Lancome products?

Hugs,

Paola

Look of the Day: Purple Beauty

Posted on August 8, 2013 by phjiao

I usually do not buy long, loose fitting dresses, but saw this one at Ann Taylor when I was shopping recently at Carlsbad Premium Outlets and decided to try it on. I loved it! It reminds me of a roman style dress….and that is exactly what my sister-in-law said when she saw it on me. I’ve worn it twice, once for my hubby’s birthday dinner and recently to go to the theatre with Lola. I also wore it to work with a cardigan the day we went to the theatre (and got many compliments). It is very comfortable, the material flows, yet has body to it. Bright tones are in right now and this dress is perfect for summer! And yes, it is versatile! Can you think of how many ways or to how many events I can wear this dress? I can! It’s exciting! I can also add a sweater or scarf to wear it for a few weeks into the fall and again in spring, fun!

Do you have any loose fitting or purple dresses you like? Share your dress finds with me!

Hugs,

Paola

Dress: Ann Taylor; Belt, Ann Taylor, Shoes: Max Studio; Earrings: Chanel; Necklace: Macy’s Fine Jewelry; Bracelets: Forever21

ESPAÑOL:

Hola amigos,
La temporada de primavera trae ropa en tonos claros y pasteles, los rosas, morados, azules, y amarillos, entre otros. Este año en particular, la tendencia de estos tonos están muy de moda. Se esta viendo mucho en blusas, vestidos, y hasta zapatos y jeans.

Este vestido me recuerda a un estilo romano. Viene con un cinto de tela en el mismo tono, pero decidí ponerme un cinto de piel en tono dorado. El color es un morado vibrante y profundo. El vestido es cómodo, la tela y el corte tienen fluidez. Este vestido también me lo pondré durante el verano. Lo podré usar solo, con un suéter ligero, o alguna mascada veraniega. Para una ocasión formal le puedo agregar accesorios de vestir y zapatillas, o para una opción casual me lo puedo poner con sandalias o alpargatas de tacón corrido. ¡Ojalá les guste este atuendo!

¿Tienes algún vestido en colores pasteles? ¿Te lo has puesto para alguna ocasión especial?

¡Recuerda, la mujer feliz es la mas bella! ¡Haz tu estilo relucir con atuendos en los que te sientas cómoda y contenta!
Un abrazo,
Paola

Vestido: Ann Taylor; Cinto: Ann Taylor; Zapatos: Max Studio; Collar: Macy’s Joyería Fina; Pulseras: Forever21

Find of the Week: Deluxe Beauty Essential Palette

Posted on July 19, 2013 by phjiao

This is the third time I buy this eye shadow, lipgloss, and blush palette kit at Nordstrom. They call it Deluxe Beauty Essential Palette. It is one of the products included in their current Nordstrom Insider Access Anniversary sale, for Nordstrom card holders. It is on special sale for $28.90, after this sale it goes back to $42.95 (if you can find it), the sticker says it is a value of $150. Last time I bought it for about $40+.

I bought this type of palette two years ago and have used it a lot! I posted a pic of my used palette below. I like it so much, I bought one as a gift for my friend Lizeth. I don’t wear lots of eyeshadow on a daily basis and usually wear neutral colors. I use this palette mostly for special occasions, evening looks, or when I want to get more creative with my eye make-up. It is also useful for daily use if you like to change your eyeshadow colors around or change tones according to seasons. I have also used it for the make-up tutorials I am starting to record for my vblog (coming soon). The blushes are the items I went through first. I like the lipgloss’ because there are so many options! I particularly like the very light pink and pale colors for a nude lip when I do a smokey eye. The quality of the eyeshadows, blushes, and lipsticks/lipgloss’ are good. The eyeshadows last all day or night (I apply them over Urban Decay eyeshadow base), and the blushes and lipsticks last several hours.

This palette comes with 1 bronzer (which I like!) and 4 small brushes, which are new and useful additions. It also has 79 eyeshadows, 8 lipgloss’, and 4 blushes. This is a great value for all the items included and the variety of eyeshadow colors.

I suggest this palette if you are starting to wear make-up, want to increase your creativity with eyeshadows, or want to use it like I do for special occasions or when you get the desire for additional eyeshadows. It is also practical for everyday use, but you may run out your favorite eyeshadow colors because the individual quantities per color (eyeshadow squares) are small. You can’t beat the price, this is the lowest I have ever seen it! If you were to buy separate eyeshadow, lipstick, & blush palettes you would spend more.

In order to give you accurate information, I called Nordstrom today to confirm this palette is still on sale and it is! The associate told me the price is still $28.90, quantities are limited and that price will only last for one more week. This item also makes a nice gift! So, if you have a friend’s birthday coming up or want to start your holiday shopping, this will make a nice gift! Or, you can “gift” it to yourself, like I did!

Have you used this type of palette before?

Hugs…and stay beautiful,

Paola

This is my current (old) palette. As you can see, I went through all the blushes and a few eyeshadow colors, and used many of the eyeshadows and lipgloss’.

My Weekend in Photos

Posted on July 8, 2013 by phjiao

What did you do this 4th of July weekend?

This weekend was a whirlwind….with lots of fun, most were unplanned activities!

Celebrated the 4th with family, which is always a fun time, creating beautiful memories!

I worked Friday and ended up going to a meet & greet event for the Xolos soccer team. Thankfully I never dress too casual for work, not even on casual Friday’s, so I am always ready to go to a work function, meeting, or to appear in a TV commercial or segment at a drop of a dime (these have all happened to me in the past). So, even though it wasn’t on my schedule, I was able to go to the event and had fun!

Friday night, I went to the Fleetwood Mac concert with my hubby. When he invited me to the concert two weeks ago, I asked him what songs the group was known for, he started singing “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow,” to which I replied, “I remember, that is the song Bill Clinton used as his campaign song!” Haha, we both had a laugh about it. We had a fun time at the concert, it is always nice to see my hubby smiling. I even knew about 4 songs and now know more about this amazing band!

Saturday, I planned to work on my blog. But, destiny had other plans. My hubby asked me to join him for the day in Beverly Hills, he had to buy something up there and was driving there for the day. I went with him – we had a delicious lunch, did some shopping, and enjoyed Rodeo Drive. Most of all, I always enjoy road trips with my hubby, time spent with him is always nice!

Today, my hubby had a video shoot in the early morning. After his shoot, he called to ask if I wanted to go to brunch – I dashed to get ready. Instead of going to the typical breakfast places, we went to a new, cute, local restaurant that our friend Elsa recommended. All I need to say is “delicious food & super friendly staff!” It was nice to go to a small, local place, and we plan to return. Plus, they serve salads in a bowl! I LOVE, LOVE salads served in a bowl! Remember Elaine in Seinfeld and her salad in a bowl, that’s how much I love salads in a bowl!

We are considering that I should get another car…so, my hubby wanted me to test drive the car he is suggesting. I am not as enthusiastic as he is about getting a new car, but agreed. I really like my current car (lots!), so I feel like I need time to adjust to the idea of another car & letting go of this one. My current car is in great conditions, but I’ve had it for a few years now and it’s a large SUV, and no longer under maintenance coverage. It will cost me a pretty penny every time it needs maintenance. My hubby is German (& knows lots about cars), my car is British, let’s just say he’s not a big fan of British cars, haha! He’s right though. In the long run, it will be better. So, we went to Carlsbad, a 30 minute drive, for the test drive. They didn’t have the exact car I want, but the dealer will contact us when a match comes along. I am in no rush, it will give me time to adjust to the change.

Since we were in Carlsbad, we had to stop by the Carlsbad Fashion Outlets (of course!). I am not one to go to the mall every weekend. But, when I go shopping, I become a power shopper, haha. My friends have seen it – I scan the store, see what I like, try on quite a bit of pieces, and do some power shopping. I went to three of my favorite stores and found some nice items, which will be fun to wear them this summer! I’ll share more about my shopping experience later on in a post….and did I tell you, everything was on sale – the entire stores were on sale! Love it! The best part, I got to spend the day with my hubby!

So, sometimes the best times occur when we least expect it…..or plan it! Has this happened to you before – that you had a blast and it was spontaneous?

Best wishes for a great week everyone!

Hugs,
Paola

Best Purchases: Saeco Espresso Machine

Gallery

Posted on June 23, 2013 by phjiao

This gallery contains 3 photos.

I have what I call – “Best Purchases I’ve Ever Made!” My husband chuckles every time he hears me say that. They are those items that are not only useful, they also bring joy to your life and they are … Continue reading →

Paola's Lifestyle

Life Experiences, Entertainment, Travel, Motherhood, Beauty, Fashion & More

Category Archives: Best Purchases

Find of the Week: Joe’s Jeans

Find of the Week: Sonicare

Secret Weapon to Remove Make-Up When I am Tired

Favorite “Go To” Floral Top

Find of the Week: Lancome Free Gift

Look of the Day: Purple Beauty

Find of the Week: Deluxe Beauty Essential Palette

My Weekend in Photos

Best Purchases: Saeco Espresso Machine

Gallery