You light my fire, MATCHBOOK MAGAZINE!

Seriously awesomely creative, fun, carefree, and full of whimsy, this magazine strums my little girl heartstrings and thrills my happy-go-lucky adult half.  If you happen across this post and you feel inclined to check out the link, you will probably find yourself longing for the opening week of each month so that you can scour the playful, innovative writing and view the equally fun photos in each month's edition.  Full of style regarding decor and dress, as well as classic personalities (last month featured Ella Fitzgerald) and books I admire as an English teacher, it's pretty much THE magazine that has my name written all over it on every single page.  I bet you'll feel similarly.  While I wish they had printed versions as I am a serial magazine chopper and gluer (into my journal and various art projects), I do appreciate and admire Matchbook's use of technology and expression of modernity.  If you're in the mood to read a magazine that channels Kate Spade-ish fun in its style of expression, pick one up.  Check it out, Issue 4, hot off the presses.  (And, while you're at it, dig deep into the archives to read issues 1-3.)  Feast your eyes on Matchbook Mag right here!

My Secret Weapon

Ok, I formerly swore up and down in countless beauty polls that the one make-up product without which I would never leave the house was a sweep of mascara.  However, one multi-tasker that never fails to make me look and feel my very best has pushed that mascara to the side, at least for my most minimalist face days--Benefit's Benetint.  Just swiping the little paint brush on my apples, a swipe on my forehead, and a dab on my nose and chin, then blending does the trick.  A simple swipe or dab and blend lasts ALL day and into the night.  The color looks natural and beautifully noticeable all at once.  For a more dramatic look, I always put one extra dab right in the center of my cheeks after I've blended the first time.  Then I just blot the drop in with my finger tips rather than blend.  Last but not least, for a more complete look, I swipe a coat (or two in the evening hours) onto my lips.   I'm also in love with the rosy scent (reminiscent of Rosy Rose Petal, a childhood friend some of you may remember).  I will never, ever be able to say enough about the glow I get from this charming glass jar.  $28.00 will get you a bottle that lasts a year (and counting) even with daily use.  As a Sephora-obsessed shopper (to which my make-up drawer can attest), I've tried MANY stains--Tarte, Urban Decay to name two, and nothing comes at all close to this magical potion! Out of all of my greatest make-up lessons and purchased products, I count this as my number one, a product that I will use until I'm a little old lady, or even then!  While it's been out for ages, a new shade, Poppy, has joined forces with the original.  I've yet to try it because I seriously doubt I can love anything else as much as I love this classic.  What do you ladies think?  Has anyone ever tried it?  What are some beauty products that have stolen your hearts?
To add this product to your make-up bag, click here!

Forget the Glitter Nail Polish,

I'm crazy for glitter flip flops!  Old Navy's recent addition to their infamous array of flip flops just got a little bit more sparkly!  The shining star of the store's seasonal flip flop wall is VERY reminiscent of last year's JCrew Jelly flip flops, only much cheaper and in more sparkly color options.  I am currently at a fork in the road to my color choice, but am leaning most towards the gold glitter pair.  Blue seems fun, too, for that color pop, and it's certainly cemented itself as one of the top runners in the race to Color MVP of 2011, along with green; after Kate's (errr, Catherine's) Navy engagement announcement dress and Pippa's evening reception dress, both seem to be neck-and-neck.  At $9.50, they're flying off the shelves (especially in silver).  What do you think--too immature, or fun and adult-appropriate?

Check out the entire description and snag them here!