The Red Lipstick Experiment, Can A New Lipstick Make You Happy?

So, I've been working on this thing called HAPPINESS. 

This doesn't mean that I'm unhappy, or that I'm sad per-se, it means that I'm working towards a positive mental and physical state for my life. I, my friends, was in a funk -  and needed to do SOMETHING. So over the past month, I've made a few changes to help ME be a better ME.

Mental and physical go hand in hand, so some of what I'm doing is for body, while some things may just be simple, everyday things. What I'm looking to find is that key combination... that elusive word "balance". Not just in my life, but in my body and soul. 

I'm calling these "Happiness Experiments;" Something I try out to see what, if any, affect it has. After attending a "Happiness Bootcamp" last month, I realized the main reason that habits don't change and resolutions don't stick for me is because I throw them all out there at once. I'm also keen to declare FAILURE when the outcome isn't what I envisioned it looking like. With "experiments" there are no passes, no fails. You are trying something out. Taking it out for test drive. Trying it on for size. Some things may stick, while others don't. 

Which brings me to Lipstick. 

{Yes, you were wondering how I was going to get back around to make-up, huh?} 

It is a proven fact that new lipstick makes you happy. This has been a phenomenon tracked in women since World War 2. Lipstick is an inexpensive, non-permanent change that can spice things up. 

This particular experiment was inspired (and enabled) by my good friend, Romy of RomyRaves. Romy is the queen of fun accessories and make-up, and she's lucky enough that she's channeled this into an amazing online presence and working relationship with top beauty brands. A few weeks ago when she came down and spent the weekend with me, not only was she sporting this super hot new lipstick, she brought some for the rest of us to try. I mentioned my current love affair with Avon's Totally Kissable line a few weeks ago - but the shade I was loving over was a very pretty, but very neutral pink color: totally right in my comfort zone. 

But there was Romy - rocking this red hot lip (in Avon's Make-Out Red) that made people stop and stare. And honestly, I was in awe by her bravery and ability to work that shade. Over the next week or so I kept trying on the same color that Romy wore, only to wipe it off a few seconds later. It wasn't doing it for me - it wasn't right. Digging into my bag of Avon goodies that Romy brought for me (she knows a way to my heart is through my make-up bag!) I finally got up the nerve to try another color - Red Embrace. 

WAY better for my coloring, this red is more of a coral-red, rather than the pink-red Romy was wearing. While bright and eye-catching, with minimal other make-up I actually wore it in the daytime... and loved it. It gave my casual jeans and shirt look a kick, but it wasn't too much. It was way different than what I normally wear, but every time I caught my reflection I kept thinking how much I liked it. 

This experiment was deemed a success! I'm throwing this lipstick into heavy rotation and going to wear it with a smile.  

Anne Hathaway at the Oscars: Let's Forget About the Nipples and Talk About HER Tiffany & Co. DIAMONDS

Congrats Anne on your win for one of the most memorable cinematic scenes of 2012. Now I'm going to take a moment to direct people north, away from your pointy chest area (which honestly was probably more a sign of her last minute dress change not being perfectly fitted for her body) to the FABULOUS diamond necklace you have gracing your throat. 

Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.First question I asked T&Co was "Is she wearing the necklace backwards?" as, when people moved away from asking what she against bras, was the second most talked about part of her outfit. The answer is NO, that she is wearing it correctly, and it's supposed to hang in the back. Just another reason she is SO HAPPY she decided to shave her head for Les Miserables. 

The necklace is part of the exclusive 2013 Tiffany and Co. Blue Book which debuts in May. 

Fashion Friday! Getting Ready For Spring With Gold Wedge Flip Flops from Lindsay Phillips

YES. I've been obsessing about warmer weather and long days spent at the pool/beach with the soft sun warming my shoulders. I went to see Safe Harbor and through the whole movie I just kept thinking of how jealous I was of everyone's sun kissed noses and tan legs... sigh...

Spring is my favorite fashion time of the year. In San Diego we don't get a proper Fall, but Spring can be glorious. My Spring fashion look is more Bo-Ho, with jeans and flowing shirts and light weight scarves. Which is why when the ladies of Lindsay Phillips emailed me asking if I wanted to check out their Gwen gold wedge flip-flops and Miramar scarf, I jumped at the offer. 

While I love the look of a heel, I just can't wear them comfortably these days. My solution for the past few years has been a mini-wedge. You get a little height, a little leg elongation while still being able to walk and chase after a kid dashing into a parking lot unattended, if needed. 

The Gwen Wedge is only $39.95 and features a 1-inch wedge heel and an interchangeable embellishment on the strap.  Since the embellishments on the top of the shoe are interchangeable and inexpensive ($12-15), you can mix it up from fun floral theme to a festive gem cluster to match your mood or outfit. 

I also got the Miramar Scarf ($25) in a PERFECT coral color. I'm envisioning wearing my light-wash boot cut jeans, the gold sandals with a white top and the scarf out to many dinners or casual events this Spring and Summer. 

While the prices are good to begin with I also have a special 15% off promo code for HipMamaB readers!

Thru the end of the month, use the discount code: Lindsay15Off and get yourself ready for Spring and Summer. 

Happy Shopping!

Check out other #FashionFriday posts from around the web!

#Wordless Wednesday: What Happens When My Daughter Gets Ahold of my iPhone

By the way... are you following me on Instagram? 

7 Amazingly Stupid Bathing Suits for 2013

Between a few spa days at La Costa and a beautiful 4-day weekend with temps in the 80's, I've actually found myself in a bathing suit a few times over the past month. Since my go-to, number one black Juicy Couture bathing suit that I've lived in for the past 3 years has finally given up on me, I've found myself cruising the internet for my next great suit.

Being that I was raised in Southern California, and that from ages 5 to 18 I was a competitive swimmer, I like to think I know a few things about what makes a good and flattering suit. Over the years I have learned that (against all logic) February and March are the best times to buy swim wear -  the main reason being availability. If you wait until July, all the good suits are gone and you are left with slim pickings. 

But as I'm wandering the net looking for a suit that will accentuate my legs while hiding my tummy, be good for the beach and pool, and cute and attractive while not being a total "mom suit" I came across a few suits that blew my mind with ugliness. 

7 Amazingly Stupid Bathing Suits for 2013 by hipmamab featuring mara hoffman

At first glance, I would say these designers have never been near a beach or pool in their life. But more than that, some of these suits are unattractive on the MODELS. And if a 6 ft tall 110 lb waif can't rock it, who can?! From unflattering cut outs to fake grass skirts to the Empire State Building erupting out of your coochie, I cannot believe that these suits got made. Puffy sleeves on a one piece? DAISY DUKES? A romper? These suits made me laugh while simultaneously question the sanity of the designers, and the buyers of the stores selling these $100+ creations.