Chanel-o!

Beauty Products Worth the Splurge: Beauty Products Not Worth the Splurge

Shell out the cash on these and you won't regret it.

1. Eyeliner- do you think looking like a bloodshot raccoon is hot? So why would you MAKE yourself look that way.The consequences to a cheap liner can be serious, I've even gotten infections from some. I'd rather wear nothing at all than cheap, clumpy, eye-irritating liners. But even within high-end products, not all liners are created equal.
If you have sensitive eyes like me and want something that doesn't budge, here is my All-time favorite:
Clinique Quickliner For eyes( Now comes in INTENSE if you want more color)

2. Brushes: sometimes the reason why your makeup looks funky is not because of the product, but the brushes used. Brushes seriously make a difference, and believe me, before investing in them I thoutht they were a total waste of money. If your clueless like me and don't feel like shopping around, play it safe with MAC brushes.

Here are my three favorites: 217(blending shadow brush) 239 (applicator shadow brush) 129 SE Blush Brush

Mac 239

3. An eyeshadow Palette: "what do you need ALL those colors for?" said amateur Rosie. "DUH!" you need them to mix them!!!!

 Back in the day I used to just color block my lids or do the basic, dark medium, highlight and my eyeshadow always looked like...well: eyeshadow! But then I discovered the importance of palettes. The larger the spectrum of shades in your palettes, the better the gradient and the more you can create EFFECTS with your makeup.

The obvious favorites for first-timers are Naked One and Two by Urban Decay. But I am also in Love with the Too Faced ones. I have the Matte eye and honestly I already want more!!!

Too Faced Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Now for Products Not Worth the Splurge:

1. Lip Product: Mac,Nars and Chanel make gorgeous colors and I will keep buying them, but honestly every time I pick up some random, no-name, bottom of the shelf lip product I FALL IN LOVE. Plus some higher end products get flakier faster than lower end...again don't know why. One of my favorite cheap lippies is from Mercadona!!!(a spanish supermarket)

Deliplus Larga Duracion Barra Labios

2. Mascara: High end ones just suck. The brushes are all the same and the product just sucks. I feel like since high end brands are more luxurious, they are more conservative and therefore play it safer. Drugstore brands are the ones that really experiment with brushes. I always have and always will love L'oreal anything when it comes to mascara. From Lash Architect, to the new Collagen line, L'oreal is awesome!

3. Foundation: Who woulda thought you could go cheap with foundation!!!!! After spending a ton of money to either look like an orangoutang or a bleached out vampire, I gave into the hype for L'oreal's True Match foundation. And let me tell you, 16 euros later I found the best, most natural, blend able, blemish free foundation that makes all of your makeup blend in perfectly on top. I am in love!!!!

Toodles for Now Beauties!!!

Rosie's(Healing) Spicy Soup

So your walkin in a winter wonderland, happily singing, "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow," when suddenly: "AAAAAACHUUUUM."

It's here, your first winter cold.

Next thing you know your the Mcnasty on the bus snottin' all over everyone and contaminating the whole place. I hate that person. But more often than not, I've been that person.

I have a notoriously bad immune system, so when I got to college I decided to take matters into my own hands, since sick days were no longer freebies. I started taking super good care of myself and developed preventative remedies for the common cold.

One of which was my famous Spicy Soup, which has been used as a remedy as well as to prevent the winter cold. All my friends, roommates, boyfriends and family members that have tried it loved it.
So now I'm going to share it with you!

BTW: i don't really measure when I cook so your just gunna have to deal. sorry :)


You Will Need:
A big Pot

Chicken Breast

Chicken Broth(cube or liquid, whatever floats yer boat)

Parsley

Cayenne Peppers(3 small dried ones)

Tabasco Sauce

Limes/Lemons

Fennel(hinojo in spanish)

Clove(clavo in spanish)


Directions:

1.Pour broth in pot and bring to boil.

2. Cut fennel in half and "nail in" 3-6 cloves in each half. stick into pot.

3. Chop chicken breast, stick into pot.

4. Chop Parsley, smoke some pot, I mean stick in pot.

5. Stick 3 small Cayenne pepper in.

6. Add Lemon/Lime juice and A LOT of Tabasco sauce...make it BURN!

Remember: The More it Burns(!) The Better you Feel!

Happy Holidays!

Fennel/Hinojo

Clove/Clavo

Dried Cayenne Pepper

Top 3 Organic Beauty Products: For under 5 euros!!!!

When I first started shopping for organic food I also noticed a whole isle of beauty products, but I always thought that they would be less effective, since they don't have any strong chemicals in them. After shopping around I have to say some work better than others, but before I get into that, here are some important reasons why you should try organic beauty products.

1. Less chemicals means less striping of essential oils in your skin and hair.

2. Organic beauty products are made by local brands and giving back to the local economy is key, especially during the "crisis".

3. Organic beauty products are kind of the "underground brands" of beauty, so they are a lot Cheaper!!!

4. These products feature natural ingredients in a more "raw" form, meaning that you get the most of each ingredient.

5. Its good for the environment, ofcourse!

Now there are however a few cons to organic beauty, for example, shower gels may not clean as effectively and can leave you a little, well...stinky. So you do have to shop around, here are my top three products:

1. Ecoato Exfoliante Facial(con cascara de almendras)- This is a great facial exfoliator. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the St. Yves apricot scrub. This one is made with almond shell, smells absolutely amazing and leaves your skin exfoliated as well as hydrated. It was a little bit too hydrating for my skin type(combination/oily). But if you do have dry, sensitive skin this is great and is under 5euros!

you can order it online here

or purchase at any local organic food store such as Ecocentro, naturasí etc.

2.  Acorelle Soin Gommant, Miel et Amandes(honey and almonds): OMG OMG OMG, this stuff is Amazing! It smells like delicious honey combs and sweet milk....its like warm comfort food in a beauty product! This gorgeous, creamy, body exfoliator  leaves the silkiest feeling on your skin. I'm not usually that into body exfoliators but this one is so delicious,effective and seriously leaves your skin fresh and renewed. if any one product, definitely try this one!

again I found it for under 5 euro(!) here

3. Olea Nature-Gel de Baño- this is a very local product from Valencia, which I can no longer live without(caution this product is addictive). Like I said before a lot of organic shower gels can leave you stinky, however since I have very dry skin my search for the perfect organic soap was important. 

I was left in awe by this product. Not only does it leave you lemony fresh and clean, but its infused with vitamin E and pure virgin Olive Oil.

What I love the most about this product is that it leaves a small layer of protective moisture on your skin making you feel baby soft. Since using this product and the Acorelle body scrub, I use about a quarter less lotion and my skin stays softer way longer!

heres where you can purchase it for once again Under 5 euros!

Hope you enjoyed this post

Please subscribe for more posts

and: Happy Holidays!!!!!

Awesome Electric Blue Nails!!!

So before I say goodbye to my quirky nail polishes for the next 5 months(until my massage therapy course ends), I just wanted to post a pic of this cool nail polish I picked up from El Corte Inglés the other day.

Its a Bourjois "So Laque" 7 day polish. Now at first(as usual my skeptical ass) I thought it would chip easily, but it actually wears super smooth, dries surprisingly fast and as you can see, doesn't really chip.

But, unfortunately, I heard my massage therapy teacher make an indirect jab at me stating that "colorful nails are unprofessional." And while he might be right(although I tend to believe that dainty nails make the massage more tempting), I for one think that his smurf face, 70's haircut and stank attitude are rather unprofessional.

 But hey what do I know, right?

Luckily, there are a lot of gorgeous nudes that are trending this season.

Oh and also in a rather discriminatory manner; When bringing up what to do in case a client asks you for a "happy ending" he happened to direct all his attention at me and the hot blond that sits with me....because of course, thats all that will ever be expected from us.....what a charmer that midget is.

Anyways, sorry to sound off, here's the polish!

The Secret To Gorgeous Hair!!!!

Here it is girls: The Secret to Gorgeous hair, no matter what your hair type is.

In the previous entry I talked about Protein Thirsty vs. Coarse Frizz, now you know what kinds of basic ingredients to put in your hair masks, based on the type that you have.

However, in either case, if you add 2-3 gel caps of Vitamin A(aka Retinol) it will nourish your hair like no other treatment. Vitamin A is a nourishing, oily substance that feeds and tames the hair, leaving it soft and silky for a long time!

You can buy Vitamin A at any Pharmacy, just be sure to ask for gel caps.

Here are two Ingredients(one for Protein Thirsty and the other for Coarse Frizz), that should be used as weekly hair masks applied to the hair for AT LEATS One Hour, before washing and conditioning.

My Sister's Gorgeous Finer Curls

Protein Thirsty Hair Mask:

1/2 mashed Avocado

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

2-3 crushed Vitamin A pills

Coarse Frizz Hair Mask

1 tbsp Olive Oil

2 tsp Lavender Oil(found at natural foods store)

2-3 crushed Vitamin A pills

My Coarser Curls

Feel free to play around, mix and match the basic ingredients, but always add the Vitamin A. Whatever works best for you.

Hope this Helps, and please be sure to Subscribe to my blog for my tips n tricks.

Mwaxxxx

Let's Talk Hair: Protein Thirsty Vs. Coarse Frizz

Fine Protein Thirsty Curls

 When it comes to DIY hair treatments,I have tried it all: olive oil, almond oil, Keratin, Coconut oil, lavender oil, avocado, mayonnaise, cholesterol, Eggs!

Hell I've been two slices of bread away from having a sandwich on my head!! Some things have worked and some things just have not, mostly because there are two different types of dry hair: One is Protein Thirsty and the other is Coarse Frizz.

Let's Break it down:

Protein thirsty hair is finer, has a tendency to chip on the ends and doesn't frizz up as much. Instead it can look dull and limp if you don't feed it protein rich treatments once in a while.

Protein thirsty hair needs to be fed..well: Protein, in the form of: Mayonnaise, Hair Cholesterol, Avocado, Eggs, Keratin etc.

Coarse Frizz is rebellious and unruly. It is always looking for moisture in the air so it pooffs up like a poodle.

Coarse Frizz(although hers is Beautifully tamed)

Coarse Frizz needs to have the oil and moisture sealed into its ends so that it doesn't frizz up, it needs oils such as:
Olive Oil, Cocont oil, Almond oil, Lavender oil, Argon Oil, etc.

Now Take Note(because I have made this mistake): Protein Thirsty hair may get even limper if you put too much Oil in it, and Coarse Frizz can begin to chip and dry out if you feed it too much Protein. I don't exactly know why, but I do know it from experience and have heard other people say it too.

Finally, although I have been talking about curly hair, this should also apply to fine straight hair and coarse straight hair, however I cannot speak directly from experience as I am not familiar with those hair textures.




So....in my next entry I will be giving the SECRET INGREDIENT, which can be added to any of your hair masks and is extremely effective in nourishing and taming BOTH types of hair.

                                                            Toodles for now, Beauties!!!

Morning Thoughts: Stud not Slut

You know lately, ever since I saw that stupid movie "What's Your Number"(yes that was lately, things here move slow!), I've been feeling both self-conscious and rebellious about these stupid social laws.

See I never thought I should be keeping count or that there should even be a given number that a woman should have, in fact as an (ex) serial monogamist I just thought I was falling in and out of love a lot. What could possibly be slutty about that?

Plus I was never one to have a bad rep, steal anyones man(NEVER!), wear promiscuous clothing or show my kuka on the dance floor(haha). It had never even crossed my mind that I was "supposed" to feel ashamed until I saw that damn movie(screw you Anna Faris!). In fact until hollywood got under my skin, well I kinda did feel like a stud.

I shamefully made my list, sighing back and forth and then I rebelled. This is bullshit! if I walk like a lady and talk like a lady then I must be one; and no stupid movie, or bizarre puritanical standards, or patriarchal crap is going to tell me otherwise.

So I did what any buddhist would do and looked to nature for answers. I have a theory that if you can find an example of human behavior in nature then it must have a deeper more innate explanation than "YOU'RE WRONG AND GOING TO HELL!!!".

Take Peacocks, for example, they demonstrate and make it easier for us to accept the idea of men wanting to groom themselves and feel like the attractive sex.

I found that I'm a type(as we all are) and my behavior is based on my type.

Just look at the Queen Bee, she runs that shit(like a Boss!). She's the Queen of her castle and come time for her to reproduce she gets to pick one of the many, many worker bees to be her suiter. Does she test them out, I dunno, but she kind of has the same vibe as I do. Strong, poised, elegant and kind of a female stud.

Now let's go back to Humans. When you think of Elizabeth Taylor, what thoughts cross your mind? I got Beautiful, Elegant and Poised. I never once got Slut. Yet she has been married several(several) times and has probably bedded triple that. Liz Taylor is kind of a Female Stud.

Jennifer Lopez.....Kind of a female Stud

Cleopatra same thing.

What I'm saying here is, slutty behavior,like stealing guys or being sloppy, has nothing to do with whether or not you get lucky(most guys don't even want those girls unless they're down to the wire) and vice versa.

Now all we have to do is coin our term or concept, like metros did with "peacock syndrome", so that people can begin to see the more modern perspective on the different types of women that exist.



So you see people, its all about the way you present yourself. Make your decisions with integrity, carry yourself with grace and always have good respectful intentions. Oh and before you go painting the town red, cultivate yourself, don't go relying on some guy to reassure you.

   Heres to all the Lady Studs!

Well-Being Spain: Two Garnier Skin Products That I have been Loving!...

Well-Being Spain: Two Garnier Skin Products That I have been Loving!...: When it comes to skin products I tend to be safe and conservative, only sticking to brands like Clinique, Lancome and Clarins. But last sum...

Two Garnier Skin Products That I have been Loving!!!

When it comes to skin products I tend to be safe and conservative, only sticking to brands like Clinique, Lancome and Clarins.

But last summer I was at my wits end with sun damage and blackheads and my Clinique products were actually making it worse at some point.

I used to use the typical clinique three Step skin care system and then as a foundation either Clinique Anti-blemish solutions(which is not THAT ant-blemish) and Clinique stay matte oil-free foundation(which broke me out!).

I was no longer getting hormonal breakouts, but rather black-heads turning into...problems. I needed something to unclog my pores ASAP! And natural exfoliators(like the almond or apricot scrub) was just not cutting it.

So...... I decided to try  Garnier skin naturals Pure Active (Exfocepillo). As you can see, it has this cool little rubber brush that digs into your pores and scrubs everything away.

 Now guys, I don't just rave about every product I try, but this was honestly a God Send!!!! The formulation is fab, it has Salicic Acid and "HerboRepair" (whatever that is)...so it actually dries the oiliness and heals problem areas.

Also, sometimes after I use a product for too long my skin gets used to it and it stops working. Well I don't know why(touch wood) but this hasn't happened yet with this cleanser and I've been using it everyday for like a month. Plus its Garnier so its so much cheaper than high end stuff.
If you get Blackheads; You Have to Try This!!!






Next up is the Garnier BB cream. Now i've been wanting to try a BB cream for a while, in order to force myself to wear spf and wear something healing, that isn't full coverage. My Clinique foundation was good but it kept clogging my pores, rubbing off on clothes and it would turn darker on the skin as the day wore on.

So I got Garnier BB cream for combination to oily skin in the color Medium. Spf 20


When I first put this on my hand I was like "Oh NOOOOOOO, I got the wrong color, this is waaaaaaay too light". But theeeeen, I blended it into my skin, and although it is a bit lighter than my usual foundation, it actually matches my skin tone perfectly.

It blends really smooth and leaves the most gorgeous dewy, velvety matte finish. Plus it NEVER rubs off(so goodbye skin stains on my WHITE massage therapy uniform). I am loving this and I can feel that it's good for my skin. check out the finish!

Bye beauties, and please subscribe if you haven't already

*both products can be found at Corte Inglés/local department Store

Favorite Fall/Winter Lipsticks

I love Fall, I love Winter. The leaves, the celebrations, the snuggly socks and the scent of apple cinnamon in my home; it doesn't get much better than that.

Back in the day, I used to change my home decor and clothing with the seasons, but since I've been experimenting with makeup lately, I've realized how important it is to change up your colors too.

I used to be a peacock eyes all- year- round,kinda girl, a look that became synonymous with my name, heck even those who didn't know my name("ye know the girl with the teal eyeliner).

But then one day something horrible happened, every girl's worst nightmare: Both of my favorite Mac Teal and Royal Blue liners were....were.... Discontinued!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAh!!!!!!

So, I began to expand my horizons and try new things. It was a blessing in disguise. Now I experiment with seasonal palettes, lip colors etc.

As the scenery changes so will your skin tone, here are my three favorite lip colors for the fall/winter months.

Favorite Pink/Nude: We all love nude lips, but going too nude in the winter will make you look dead. So unless its Halloween, you may want a nude that has a rose or plum undertone. I went for plum as I'm loving all the brownish/purple shadows that are trending and will match perfectly.

This is Sephora Rouge N17. they say its a cream, but it has a bit of a matt look to it which I love.

Favorite Burga-Berry: Burgundy berries are IN IN IN right now. But if I go too burgundy I look too mature, and if I go too berry it looks a little cheap. So I found my one true love with this bold burgundy berry that doesn't make my face look  hard. What I like about this color is that you can wear it as a stain or layer it on thick and get two completely different looks, and as the day goes on the pink comes out for that raspberry bitten look I just love.

You can also wear it with a natural shadow or a smokey brown eye(which I usually never do with bold lips)

Here's Dior Addict Extreme in Black Tie: it wears slick but pigmented and lasts quite a while.

Favorite Festive Red: This winter I want a Red that matches my ornaments. I want to feel the festivity of Christmas!!!! This is an AMAZING pin up red. It has this great blue undertone that looks elegant but not old, sexy but not slutty and bold but not tacky. I love it! I wouldn't wear it for any other occasion than Christmas Eve or New Year's(forget family dinners), but I still think it's Fantastic.

Here's Makeup Forever in Moulin Rouge:Wears Slick and comfortable, stays put and lasts very long

Ok, those were my three favs, hope you enjoyed this post and PLEASE follow me if you haven't already!

What are your favs for this season?

Bisoux!!!

I Declare Hype

Alright, so I'm usually not the one to buy into youtube hype, but when one of my all-time Favorite Beauty Gurus mentioned Bioderma I just had to check it out. It is supposed to be(according to 99.99999%) of beauty Gurus, like, THE BEST makeup remover Everrrrrrr.

My conclusion, after scouring the internet just to find out where I could purchase it in Seville: WAH WAH WAAAAAAAAh......Lame.

The hype just does not match the product in my opinion. Why? you ask so inquissically(is that a word or am I just being Daintily Ditsy?). Simple, it just doesn't remove makeup all that well. 

I noticed the Product reminded me of my Lancome Micellaire Douceur(my current favorite makeup remover) so I decided to compare the two on the same cotton pad and this is what I noticed:

Lancome Eau Micellaire 200ml Pros and Cons:

Pros: Lancome removes double the eye makeup in one sweep. 

          It smells better

          It moisturizes the eye area, essential for avoiding wrinkles and irritation

          Its good(but not Great) on the rest of the face

          

Cons: Fragrance may irritate eyes

           I got a 200ml bottle for 30 euros(so yes pricey)

           You do need to use 2-3 pumps to remove all makeup(bottle runs out fast)

Bioderma Sensibo H20 500ml Pros and Cons:

Pros: 500ml for 20 eusos(the price is mos def unbeatable)

          Fragrance free

          Removes makeup....but hey

          oil free

          good on face, specially problem areas

Cons: It dries up eye area, which is so bad for wrinkles

           it doesn't feel nice as you wipe away makeup

           it stole some of my lashes(waaaaaah give´em back!)

           You need a lot to remove makeup so big bottle is probably really necessary.

Overall Lancome removes makeup much better than Bioderma so I don't understand why it's so overrated on Youtube . I think it's probably because you get a big ass bottle for next to nothing, but then... those youtubers live in the U.S or Canada where Bioderma is even pricier, so I still don't get it. I notice a lot of youtubers don't try the same products as I do because they are higher end. I grew up in Switzerland with a posh Chanel-aholic Mommy, who taught me that it was always better to shell out a little more cash and get quality rather than quantity.

I vote Lancome, especially since any facial product is important for avoiding wrinkles and keeping my problem areas cleansed, so it's worth the extra cash.

However, yeaaaaaaaars ago, back when I was just a rookie at all things Beauty, I like accidentally bought this Dior makeup remover(that even looks like the Lancome one) and it was AMaze-Balls beyond all Amaze-balls. I don't know if they discontinued it or I re-bought the wrong one, but when I tried it again it wasn't quite the same. I will keep searching for it and let you know what the verdict is.

Toodles Beauty-holics.

Happy Post Halloween Hangover-All Saints day!!!

            

Well-Being Spain: I Moved!!!!

Well-Being Spain: I Moved!!!!: Hey guys! it's been a while and a lot has gone on since the last time that I blogged. Well-being madrid is now based in Seville, because Yes...

I Moved!!!!

Hey guys! it's been a while and a lot has gone on since the last time that I blogged. Well-being madrid is now based in Seville, because Yes, I moved!!!!

It has been such an exciting, easy, fun and happy move, although I miss my peeps back in Madrid. Seville is beautiful and getting things done is so easy and relaxed. I thought it would be so relaxed that I would get lazy, but it's actually the opposite; I feel alive and inspired to create new things.

I came here to do a massage therapy course, which I will be starting in October. I am also really excited about that, as I love giving massages and I hope it will someday lead to opening my own spa. Since massage therapy is part of the well-being theme I will update you guys on how the course goes.

The past few months have been crazy and full of action, I can honestly say that by trying new things and getting in gear, I truly am beginning to feel my life getting back on track. Its not easy graduating mid-crisis with very little or no guidance, but if you follow your gut you will always find your way.

Heres what I've been doing in 2012

January: After a tough move back from the U.S and a dramatic break-up I started writing Rosie 'n The Boys, a cultural and personal memoir of four spanish guys that I dated, each coming from very different spanish regions. Each one represents their region when it comes to romance, drama and deceit.....and eventually a messy love triangle erupts.

April: I decided to go to seville for a month to see if I would like to live here....turns out I do! it was an incredible month, I met new people, met up with old friends and enjoyed the feria. So much fun!

July-August: I did the entire Camino de Santiago Again! This time I went with my two favorite cousins and Luis. However I came back with plenty of  amazing new friends and so many good memories. It really was a party, not at all your average Camino as there were more people than I could have ever imagined. We weren't the best "pilgrims" but we were definitely the funnest.
I found a lot of joy in helping injured people by massaging them and found that I may have a unique talent for it.

So both trips equated my new direction: Moving to Seville +  Learning Massage Therapy

I never knew how easy life could be once I stopped being afraid and started Living It!

Hope this inspires you! :)))))

Oat-cakes and Fruit: a breakfast treat

Just because you eat healthy does not mean you can't have pancakes once in a while. I found these great ready-made oat-cakes from the dukan diet brand down at corte ingles, they are delicious. I just heated them up and fried some bananas and cut up some nectarines to us as toppings. I just had one and im already full! Dieting is not so bad after all.
They are super healthy, full of fiber and protein but since they are made with oats they have very little carbs. Hope you enjoy!!!

Headphone Review

I've been a Headphone Ho every since I first discovered the beauty of Good music at age 13. I think it all started with the Slim Shady Lp while I was in my rap phase.

Since then my taste in sound has bracnhed out a lot, but I've always respected a few brands when it came to hearing those beautifull tunes blast in my ears. I started playing drums when I was abut 15, and I was one of those (stupid) drummers that chose never to where ear plugs. So i needed something powerfull to blast my rock, partially because I was passionate about my music, and also because I was half deaf.

Nowadays I'm big into biking and I need something with serious surround sound for my techno, that's practical while im on my "vehicle".

Either way, at every stage in my musical life, good headphones are a must. Here is a review of the ones that I currently own. I'm over earbuds so these are all HEADphones...the real deals.


1. Panasonic RP-HTX7(in pink)
Rating:***


Pros:


They come in pink!!!!and other cool colors
like most panasonic headphones the sound is Powerfull
Nice Surround sound
Stylish vintage look
they hang loose around ur neck


Cons


they cost about 60euros
they mess up your hair
you can't wear big earrings with them on(it hurts)
They r Gi-Normous




2.Sennheiser HD229
Rating:**


Pros:


They look cooler on than the previous pair
a little cheaper(about 57 euros)
they are smaller and comfier
Hang nice around your neck
they don't mess up ur hair


Cons:


They are supposed to have "good deep base"....not true
Overall sound is not that great
not very good surround
they are loud as f*ck on the outside so ppl stare at you when you blast ur muzak!




3. Random ass headphones in a ziploc bag that I bought from VIPS


Rating: infinite *´s


Pros: 


THESE ARE THE BEST HEADPHONES EVER!!!!
I picked up these cheap, crappy looking headphones one day when I just needed a pair to get me home and WOW, was Blown AWAY by the sound, price, comfort, EVERYTHING!

Dunno what these are called but they are from VIPS and come in a Ziploc bag

Super comfortable, plush


surprisingly nice sound


Very good Surround


Teeny tiny so you can wear anything and they don't mess with your hair


You can turn the headphones around 360, so that they face the outside and share ur sound.


they cost 10 FREAKIN EURO!....unbelievable!


Cons: honestly.....none, these are all I use nowadays.










Finally these babies are on the WISHLIST:


Hello Kitty Skullcandy Headphones
I want these because I have been dying to try Skullcandies and ocourse because they are Hello Kitty. I'll let you all know how they go.
Bisouxxx

Well-Being Madrid: GeoTierra: Awesome, inexpensive Gems

Well-Being Madrid: GeoTierra: Awesome, inexpensive Gems: I love my gemstones, even more than I love diamonds! Jade is a girl's best friend. Yes, I'm kind of a hippy ;P. But when it comes to buying ...

GeoTierra: Awesome, inexpensive Gems

I love my gemstones, even more than I love diamonds! Jade is a girl's best friend. Yes, I'm kind of a hippy ;P. But when it comes to buying stones around Madrid, things can get pricey or tacky. There are a lot of stands that go up in different plazas(Mayor, España, Santa Ana) at different times during the year which always sell the same tacky, overpriced gem stones. it almost seems like they all came from the same place.
So I always go to one place for the best priced, prettiest and most authentic Gemstones. It's called GeoTierra and its on Guzman el Bueno(will post address). I buy anything from Jewelry, to gorgeous carved Buddhas, Reiki Healing Sticks and decorative quartz for positive energy. I bought the cutest ring there the other day with a huge teal colored Gem for only 9 euros!!!!

I highly recommend this place so if your into stones check it out! for more information and adress check out their website http://www.geotierra.es/

Cuenca, Spain: Off the Beaten Path and into the Beauty

For many, a trip to Spain usually requires a heavy travel book full of cities and sites that are “not to be missed”. It seems almost impossible to take in all of the different cultural and geographical scenes that this incredible country has to offer,at once. However, one does not have to see every famous landmark in order understand the unfathomable beauty that is Spain.

It suffices to find a small quiet corner on this chaotic peninsula and surrender yourself to the wild Iberian essence in order to know that you have truly arrived. Time after time I have found that there is no greater place to get carried away by Spain's uncanny beauty than in the small Manchego town of Cuenca.

St. Paul's Convent

Cuenca is a small town located in the central region of Castilla la Mancha between the two rivers of Júcar and Huécar. These sacred rivers have caused the town to descend in a canyon like manner creating two large gorges between the old and new town. However, this town boasts much more than it's tremendous landscape.

 It has been considered a holy refuge to many, leading to an almost overcrowding of churches, cathedrals and monasteries; including the Saint Paul Convent, the Lady of Grace Cathedral, and the monumental statue devoted to the Holy Heart of Jesus.

It is almost difficult to imagine how numerous buildings and statues could be built on this canyon-top town, but the Cuencanos have gone even farther by adding the infamous Hanging Houses, or Casas Colgadas, a series of wood and stone, cliff- hanging buildings, which look as if they are ready to topple over at any second.

The Hanging Houses

The Hanging Houses were built in the 15^th century over one of the main gorges of the river Huécar and are the only remaining samples of this type of Architecture, left in the town. They are home to a museum of abstract arts and a restaurant where one can enjoy Cuencano specialties such as Morteruelo, a paté of hen, hare and partridge; made for those with strong stomaches.

Unlike many other Spanish cities, there is a very delicate balance between nature and culture in Cuenca, which can be seen through the skillful excavations of each architectural endeavor. Bearing this in mind, it is no wonder that this small town was named a World Heritage in 1996 and aspires to become a European Capital of Culture by 2016.

As a world traveller and a true fan of the Iberian peninsula, every trip to Cuenca always begins with a need to get away from which ever noisy city that I am currently living in. It starts with a train ride on the AVE, a comfortable and rapid mode of transportation. An AVE ticket from Madrid to Cuenca, usually costs around 30 euros, so for those looking to save money, there is also a regional train called the Cercanías which only costs 12 euros, but is a much longer trip(about 3 hours).

The view from "La Terraza"

Upon arrival and still in my state of urban consciousness, I hurry around and worry about everything possible, from where to eat, which lodging to choose or how to see it all as quickly as possible. Before long, I calm myself down and go back to my basic instincts, knowing that the best way to experience Cuenca is to feel it out.

With that said I continue to go back to the Hotel Alfonso VIII, a semi-modern three star hotel, which is moderately priced and boasts spectacular views of the entire old town from the panoramic top floor dining room, known as La Terraza.

Once settled, I put on my comfortable walking shoes and get to exploring. I follow the street signs leading to the old town and before I know it, I come upon the river Huécar.

From here on out, concrete sidewalks, turn to paved cobblestone, the sound of traffic is replaced by the sound of running water and there is nothing left but a deep silence and the smell of burnt wood-fire to greet the senses. I hear a gentle echo of dogs barking as I see all of old España in the little old man crossing the street. He wears a straw hat and carries his tools seeming untouched by by the rapid urban progression that this country has experienced in the past fifty years.

I come around the corner to the Hanging Houses, they are not big, but they are grand. They hang mid-air, fearlessly, challenging the laws of gravity. They are carved out of a traditional wooden charm, while being so progressive in architecture that one is forced to think outside the norm when admiring them. My neck croons as I cannot stop staring at them. I photograph them from every possible angle, but still cannot help but feel that I have failed to capture their true beauty.

St.Mary's Cathedral

I move on, making my way closer to them, up a steep hill. I am now in the crux of the old town, to my right are the Hanging Houses, to my left the bridge of Saint Paul (leading to the Saint Paul's Convent), and to my front and back is an overwhelming juxtaposition of stone houses, churches and foliage, each fighting for a space in this gorgeous landscape. 

I have arrived and now it's time for some hearty grub.

I make my first stop at a Mesón, or typically rustic restaurant, where I sampled ajoarriero, a traditional manchego dish made from eggs, potatoes, garlic and cod fish, all mashed into a deliciously flavorful paste to be eaten with rustic bread. I dove into the dish, face first and wolfed down every last bite. If all pastes could taste this good, then I look forward to the retiring home.

However, my travel partner, Luis Santiago Blanco, was not so lucky. He chose another Manchego dish called Morteruelo, also a paste, but made from different game meats such as hare, hen, partridge and pork. The dish tasted of strong livers which seemed to have been aged in red wine and had an aftertaste reminiscent of the scent of animal hide. It was not good, but Luis respectfully ate it all.

St. Paul's Bridge

After the interesting meal it was time to make our way over to the different sites. We cross the bridge of Saint Paul, an endeavor which would be difficult for anyone with a fear of heights. We enjoy Saint Paul's convent, where Luis tells me that his father spent time, before becoming a certified priest.

We make our way back towards the rest of the old town, when suddenly we hear the sweet sounds of gypsies playing flamenco. I don't know why, but I have always had a soft spot for gypsies, and this time as I stop to admire their performance, I am asked by one of them, to come sit next to him. Flattered, but uncomfortable, I trudge over feeling awkward by the fact that I am not familiar with the flamenco dance.

However, I cannot help but become completely entranced by the beautiful music, full of feeling and vitality. It was the first time that I had ever gotten so close to these interesting people and I felt so lucky. I gave them all the change that I had and moved on.

Las Casas Colgadas

I could go on forever about every monument that I have seen or every beautiful person that has touched my heart in Cuenca, but this would soon become redundant. What I have learnt from this special place, which keeps me coming back, is that Cuenca is not a location, but rather a state of mind. 

It is a return to a simpler Spain, a rural place where architecture and nature grow together monumentally and where one can sample a forgotten hearty taste. It contains a mystical feeling which has urged countless spiritual leaders to pay homage to its grounds through statues, churches and cathedrals.

 It is a culture where the strange gypsies walk amongst the traditional farmers and where the hanging houses impose quaint fearlessness. Most of all, it is a place within us all, a storybook dream come true, an innocence expressed through quintessential beauty that many have imagined, but few have seen.

-Rosie Bebawi