B.L.Gene: Everything Seen.: Around the World and Back Again.

Yesterday was one of the best days I have experienced during my time in Tucson. I woke up did my usual routine and about 2:15 got picked up a good friend, Caleb T. We decided to do some christmas shopping, so first on this list was going to the town of Oracle.

Little did I know it was about 30-45 miles away! But I was down for a trip. I saw the most amazing little "villages", there was an electric store in a mobile home, a pretty cool senior center, and a landscape that was unique to Arizona.

Our destination was a little antique shop, that looked like you could find everything you ever wanted. I saw a really old camera that was cool, but didn't buy and a lot things my mother could blow her hard earned money on. Caleb settled on a rooster tea pot, for his mom because she had rooster fetish. After that we were off, but rather than going the way we can back from we decided to take the long route.

We then stopped off at a little place called San sumn or other, which I must say was oober strange, but very cool. There we went to a Family Dollar, the nicest Family Dollar I have ever seen, and looked for a Justin Beiber poster for Caleb's dad... don't ask or make implications about this on.

Sadly we weren't able to find it, so we ended up leaving and going to a really delicious restaurant across the street called "ROMOs". It was sooo good. Initially I was going to get a burro, but then someone challenged me to get something else, so I didn't an made it about 1/2 way through the meal... FAIL.

By the time we left it was dark, and we were on very rough dirt road for about 30 miles.

It was all great fun. I was convinced either my friend was going to leave me out in the middle of no where, we were going to get stuck in the middle of no where, or a bigfoot was going to run out infront of our car and then we would get stuck in the middle of no where.

Thankfully we made it back to Tucson, alive and bigfootless and Caleb had the great idea of going to winterhaven. I had no idea what that was, but I found out it was a big ole' neighborhood that went christmas crazy! But before we could enter we had to get 67 cent canned food as a fee to get in. But before that we got a ticket by one of those traffic camera, I'm so glad I ducked down, I'm sure it's a great photo. But when we got to Winterhaven pretty cool to see how much work people actually put into the spirit of christmas. Made me kind of wish I put up cool stuff in my apartment, but all we has is the Charlie Brown Xmas tree. Anyway, what I learned today is that:

1. I wish I had more friends willing to do pointless stuff with me.

2. Any restaurant named Romo's (in Holbrook and San-sum-or-other) is automatically amazing.

3. Christmas is a very resource heavy time.

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Skinatmate

So as a new years resolution I decided I am going to take really really good care of my skin. In the nature of being proactive I decided to invest in some skin are tools

The first of which is the "Keep Me Clean" facial wipes. I usually buy the nutrigena make up wipes but they are getting a little expensive so I decided to try another brand. I also bought this because it includes witch hazel, which is a natural astringent. It costs 4.38 for 35 wipes. I found out if you go to a Family Dollar you can buy face wipes for 2.99 generic, so that might be my next buy after I run out.

The second thing I purchased was Blotting Tissue. I put in these in my sister stocking stuffers last year, they never gave me any feedback. But I noticed my face gets oily so rather than using make up to cover it up and clog my pores I decided to try removing the oil. I'll let you know who this works after a few tries. They were a bit expensive, I am sure they can be purchased cheaper but I paid 4.00 for them.

The last thing I invested in was Biore's Deep Cleansing Pore Strip. I have pretty clear skin, but I don't really like the texture of it. So I thought maybe keeping my pores clear will help. I have used these before a suggestion from a friend, and know they work great. I ended up paying 8.00 for these.

I am not sure exactly how I am going to coordinate these into my current skin care regime, but I think they will be a great help. I'll keep ya'll updated on how it goes. Oh I almost forgot I use Merle Norman skin care products:

LUXIVA® Foaming Cleanser Normal/Oily
Richly concentrated foaming cleanser

LUXIVA® Brilliant-C Cleanser
Refreshing, silky cleanser

*** I ran out of this, but it is amazing. I little blemish marks were gone within a week, and my skin looked bright and glowy. I would HIGHLY recommend this. This comes in a set with moisturizer and a vitamin C serum.

LUXIVA® PREVENTAGE™ Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry
Helps firm, defend and protect skin

LUXIVA® AHA Toner Normal/Oily
Exfoliating toner improves skin tone and clarity

*** I use this sparingly because I feel like toner dries out my skin, but it is a good buy.

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Music and Junk!

Portugal the Man

Portugal The Man. It has a mixed twisted, dark, chill sound. But I think it's good to listen to different types of music, so try it out!

Lykke Li

Lykke Li. I love this girl. Her album is about to drop so I suggest you pick this one up. If you have any doubts about her talent youtube her and be amazed! I am looking forward to this one, she has released an EP with the songs Get Some and Paris Blues. So if you can't wait for the CD download those it should help!

Cake

From the people who brought you "Short Skirts and Long Jackets" comes Showroom of Compassion! I am super excited about this album. From what I am hearing it is an album that is true to Cake, but has a twist in each song. You can pre-order it now or just wait for it to be released!

The Head and the Heart

I love this song. This is how I feel about life. I have so many dreams, I get lost in mind mind but I always tell my family "Don't you worry about me".

Sherman Alexie's The Toughest Indian in the World

I have recently started a new book! I'll let you know how it goes!

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Finds of the Day!

This post goes out in honor of one of my favorite fashion icons, Jessica Szohr. I love her bo-ho style, and how she uses simple things to make intricate looks. She is not afraid of patterns and can accessorize for DAYS!