August 2010 – Hillary Quinn

my brush with fame

As a magazine beauty writer, I’ll be the first one to tell you that applying makeup with a really high-quality brush is one of the smartest moves you can make. In fact, a good brush (which can cost over $50) actually lets you get away...

in Beauty, Shopping - National

beware: forged flatware

Back in the day when hubby and I first registered for our everyday flatware (we’re talking long before the nifty, computerized registry “guns” were invented…a time when engaged couples actually walked around with paper and pencil), we followed the standard mantra fed to us by...

in Home Design, Shopping - National

i’ve got a wedgie!

Ever see a celebrity wear something that you just have to have? (Yeah, I know. Stupid question.) And then you read the caption on the photo and find out that you’d need to buy a winning Lotto ticket to afford the look? Happens to me all...

in Fashion, Shopping - National

confession: i’m a gift horse

How many times have you run into a store at the last minute to buy a gift bag, bow, and some tissue paper to wrap a present? Been there, done that. And I’m always annoyed at myself because the whole kit- and-caboodle, not including the...

in Home Design, Shopping - National

makeup: base notes

I’ve been addicted to a $60 designer spray-on foundation for a few years now. It gives flawless coverage—not unlike one of those pro-style airbrush machines that makeup artists use on photo shoots. But it’s a big can (not really travel worthy), and I’m hating the...

in Beauty, Shopping - National

shelling out pennies at tj.maxx

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m obsessed with T.J.Maxx. And I’ve been obsessed for quite some time (not just since they started coming out with those commercials about the buyer in Paris who over-ordered 5,000 designer silk blouses). When the budget allows, I find myself making...

in Home Design, Shopping - National

my juniors’ dress wins first place

Have you ever had the chance to check something off your bucket list? I finally did a few months ago, when I traveled to the Kentucky Derby for a weekend of horse racing, mint juleps, and some seriously gorgeous hat viewing. Knowing that the ladies...

in Fashion, Shopping - National