Category Archives: Fabulous Feature

Voyage Phoenix Feature!

I know it’s been awhile, but I promise I’ve got some good posts to put up in the next few weeks!

First up: I was featured in an online magazine called Voyage Phoenix, where they highlight inspiring people in the Phoenix, Scottsdale & Tempe areas, including cities like Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa. Both myself and Susan from Styles Revealed have a feature, and we’re talking about how we got started as influencers, and how we balance blogging with work, our families and life in general. It was awesome to be included in such esteemed company. Thank you Voyage Phoenix for the feature!

http://voyagephoenix.com/interview/conversations-inspiring-cyrillynn-chen/

Grand Opening: Double Happiness Jewelry & Home

I apologize for the lack of posts lately! Sometime life happens and we all get caught up, which has happened these last two weeks! But I promise to be posting more regularly, as I’ve been attending several events and have been taking outfit posts with my sister during my new days off. In the meantime, I wanted my first catch up post to be about this wonderful new kiosk that opened up at Liberty Public Market called Double Happiness Jewelry.

Stephanie Wells, jewelry designer and author of The Earring Style Book, brings her gorgeous creations locally to Liberty Public Market and has expanded her line to include “Wall Jewelry” and home accessories. I had the pleasure of attending their grand opening, which was busy from when I got there to when I left! Good luck to Stephanie and her new venture, and you’ll be seeing more of her beautiful jewelry and home designs here!

Yummy chocolates shaped like gems by Mission Heights Chocolates!

Delicious Chimney Cakes were provided by Mia Sorella

I bought this fantastic silver ring, but I think I also want it in gold!

Thank you to Daisy Mae PR for inviting me to celebrate the Double Happiness Jewelry and Home grand opening!

Getting Pampered at French Nails & Spa at Sabre Springs Plaza!

I love getting pampered, but I love it even more when it’s at a great price! Earlier this month, my sister and I found a lovely little nail spa tucked away on Poway Road. It’s called French Nails & Spa at Sabre Springs Plaza, which just ten minutes from my sister’s condo in Rancho Bernardo (much to her delight). It is a quaint salon, with cute details throughout, like the cosmic painted ceiling fan and opaque ceiling tiles with pictures of clouds and aquariums. They have a whole menu of services, including acrylic nails, gel color, waxing, sugar waxing & facials and are open 7 days a week. I had the manicure and spa pedicure for just $35, and my sister had the spa pedicure as a standalone service for just $23!

French Nails & Spa is located at Sabre Springs Plaza, 11385 & 11395 Poway Road, San Diego, CA 92128. They take walk-ins, but they can be reached at (858) 679-6729 for appointments as needed.

Cheers and have a great weekend!

I fell in love with the cosmic ceiling fan (above) and decorative ceiling tiles (below)!

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation to patronize a business at Sabre Springs Plaza. Although I did receive compensation, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(All photos by Rholnna Jiao)

Winter & Traveling Skin Care Tips from 7 Image Salon

Having just returned from Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday, I found my skin suffering from the wear of travel and weather. 7 Image, a new salon here in San Diego, has provided Any Second Now readers with some great tips for caring for your skin while traveling during the winter, especially with Christmas fast approaching. FYI: 7 Image is owned by Michel Sproles, wife of NFL running back Darren Sproles (if you are a football novice, he started with my favorite team, the San Diego Chargers, but currently plays for the New Orleans Saints). Thank you 7 Image for these great tips!

7 Image Salon Gives Winter and Traveling Skin Care Tips

The holiday season might be the most wonderful time of the year, but colder weather and flying from city to city can sometimes take a toll on your skin. No one likes dry, cracking skin. Don’t fret, 7 Image Salon is here to help with tricks of the trade on how to keep your skin looking its best when out and about traveling this holiday season.

·         Moisturize and stay hydrated: Moisturizing is even more important while traveling and during the winter months; constant moisturizing keeps skin soft and prevents skin from drying out. Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water is important since dehydration is revealed through your skin. Take advantage of those free cups of water from the flight attendant to keep skin nice and soft.

·         Keep showers short: After a long day of traveling and a day in the cold, it might be tempting to take a long hot shower or bath; however, the hot water and soap will strip skin of moisture. It’s best to keep bathing time to 10 minutes or less and only for once a day. If you can’t keep away from your long, hot baths, apply lotion before jumping in to help prevent the drying effect of the soap and hot water.

·         Hydrate Lips: No one likes having to deal with chapped lips! Before applying your favorite lip balm, moisten lips with cool water and then apply the balm to seal in moisture. Moistening with cool water first helps the top layer of skin become more absorbent and allows the balm to lock in hydration and help prevents dry, chapped lips.

·         Skip the toner: Toners often contain an alcohol base, which can strip skin of natural oils and dry skin out even more. But if you must, try to find a toner that is not alcohol based.

·         Keep on shaving: Even though it might be tempting to skip the razor during the colder months, a way to remove dead skin on legs is to keep on shaving. By shaving you’re not only removing hair, but also exfoliating and allowing the skin to absorb lotion better. Resulting in smooth, silky non-dry legs.

For more info about 7 Image, please visit 6050 Mission Gorge Road or online at 7image.com

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Read In Style: Win a Pair of Readers From ICU Eyewear

Ever since I discovered the wonderful world of stylish-yet-affordable-glasses, I just can’t get enough! So when I was approached to do this campaign for ICU Eyewear, I thought, “Of course I’ll share this great giveaway!” Dr. Dean and Wink are lines from ICU Eyewear, and they prove that reading glasses (aka “readers”) can be fashionable and fun. I love the fun patterns of the Wink line and the bold frames of the Dr. Dean line.

“Wink by ICU Eyewear is transforming a cold, utilitarian piece of plastic into a unique and highly-personalized fashion statement. Each pair of Wink readers tells a story, starts a conversation or at the very least turns a few heads. By being true to itself, the brand has also turned some heads in the fashion industry, giving it that touch of Madison Ave credibility a fashion accessory needs. The aptly named Wink gives women a stylish, affordable and playful way to share a little bit (or a lot, depending on the pair) of their colorful personality with the world, while being able to read with ease.”

“Dr. Dean Edell brings optical acumen to this stylish-but-not-flashy collection of frames, creating the kind of product that is intelligently and reliably made from every perspective. Dr. Dean’s are the only reader brand endorsed by an ophthalmologist, Dr. Dean Edell, and are the smartest brand on the market today. Dr. Dean is an optical accessory, not just a magnifier. Stylish in his smart and classic approach to readers, Dr. Dean’s are for the sophisticated man who still wants to look good.”

Tell ICU Eyewear which is your favorite pair of Dr. Dean or Wink glasses and be entered to win one (1) free pair of the reading glasses you voted for.

ICU Eyewear is giving away 1,000 pairs of Dr. Dean and Wink glasses or 40% off one order of readers from the ICU Eyewear.

The giveaway is active from August 14th 2013 at 12am PST and ends on August 27th, 2013 at 11:59pm PST.

The 40% coupon code is valid until October 1st, 2013 on reading glasses only.

One entry per email address. Winners will receive their free pair of reading glasses via First Class Mail and will be delivered 4-6 weeks after the giveaway ends.

Here’s how you enter!

1. Go to the Read In Style Giveaway page by clicking the link to enter your email address and gender.
– Your gender determines if you vote for the Dr. Dean or Wink readers.

2. Based on which gender you selected, vote for your favorite pair.

3. You will then either be selected instantly as a winner and asked to fill out your shipping and Diopter details OR receive a 40% off coupon for all readers on the ICU Eyewear site.

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by ICU Eyewear

Fabulous Feature: Beauty-Full Tuesday

I had the pleasure of being featured by a new blog addition to my “Daily Reads Too” section called Cardigan Empire (how cute is her header?). Reachel Bagley is a fashion consultant extraordinaire, who has a vast array of services (seen here), which includes creating look books. She sent me an lovely email asking me to think about beauty and how I allow myself to feel beautiful. Check out my contribution to her fabulous feature called “Beauty-Full Tuesday“. Thank you so much Reachel!

Fabulous Feature: Le Suivre Vendredi

It’s been a wonderful few weeks of features, and I’m proud to be featured by a new favorite blogger that I just added to my “Daily Reads Too” section. The blog is called 33 Avenue Miquelon, written by the incredibly witty Cameron Miquelon, a talented writer and Francophile out of Louisville, Kentucky. She has featured many of my favorite bloggers, so I’m honored that she has added my blog to her esteemed list. Check out the feature by clicking on the picture, and then take a look around. I’m sure you’ll understand why I’ve added her to my favorite blogs to read everyday. Merci!

(FYI: Le Suivre Vendredi loosely translates as “To follow Friday”)

An IFB Project: A Walk to the Park

A recent project by the Independent Fashion Bloggers Network sparked an impromptu walk around my neighborhood. The challenge was to take a walk around to see what inspires us about where we live. Since my son loves to take part in my outfit pictures, I thought I would follow him around our neighborhood, which included a walk down to a beautiful local park.

This is the spot right outside my house where I take most of my outfit pictures (which is really outside the fence in front my neighbor’s garden). I like to take photos there because of its easy access and the plants with the brightly colored flowers.

About a five-minute walk from my house is Parkside Park. It used to be a very large empty lot owned by the city. When we were younger, we called it “The Canyon”. For years, many of us wondered why the city didn’t either build more houses on it or do something else with the lot.

My sister actually may have had a hand in getting the ball rolling on this project when she submitted a letter to the mayor of National City. Through a school project in Junior High School, they were asked to write a letter to a city official asking them to make a change in their neighborhood. She asked that a lot called “The Canyon” in our neighborhood be turned into something functional such as a public park. Soon after, we all received the news that a park was going to be built. I’m not entirely sure if my sister’s letter was the inspiration for the city to take action, but we would like to think so! Whatever the case, my son loves it.

Thanks IFB for such a great project idea! It was nice to stop a moment and remember what wonderful places there are right around the corner.

Fabulous Feature: LINK LOVE With a TWIST

This is a fabulous feature by B of Beautifully Invisible. I was honored to be nominated by Madison of Fashion Tales, and so touched by her sweet words. If there is anything I learned as a blogger, it is the importance of community. Enjoy this list of some of the best reads in the blogosphere, which includes some of my “Daily Reads” favorites!

LINK LOVE with a TWIST, June 22, 2011

A few days ago someone asked me to describe the concept of Link Love with a Twist to them. When I explained that the posts included every week are not picked by me, but rather submitted for inclusion by others, they were first surprised and then intrigued.

“So, it’s kind of like the People’s Choice Awards of fashion blogging!” they said.

I laughed, because obviously there are no real awards involved (sorry!). Yet the concept is similar. Each of the links below left a marked impression on a reader, who then decided they simply had to spread the wealth and share it with you.

I think that is a reward in itself!

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Ambuji – Fashion and Architecture: “I want to nominate Ambu of Ambuji.com for this post. The last 5 posts of hers have been great but I really liked the visuals of this one and how it all links together. She has put together some very interesting and thought-provoking work on her blog. I just had to share!” – Yvonne of Fashion RECON

Any Second Now – Pieces From A Working Mom’s Wardrobe: “I initially loved this post and Cyrillynn’s outfit, but later when I’d heard that a commenter decided not to forever hold their peace, spurring a negative comment, it saddened me… You see, I love this post because of the after effects – the love and support from such an incredible community; the positive comments and truth that we (The FTFCommunity, along with others) shared. This is what the blogging community is all about, supporting and being able to uplift each other, stating our opinions yes, but not in a hurtful manner. Despite the unnecessary negative air pointed in Cyrillynn’s direction she gracefully shines on. Check out the post for yourself, and see how good our girl is rocking her style!” – Madison of Fashion Tales

Beautifully Invisible – Guest Post: How to Not Be a Savage Blogger /”Follow Back” Alternatives for New Bloggers: “It’s so nice to hear some viable tips on what new bloggers should be doing rather than just hearing what they should avoid. And the graphics Jamillah chose pretty much speak for themselves.” – Marissa of The Well-Appointed Catwalk

Blah Blah Becky – Lipstick: A History: “I have a new love for lipstick and an old love of history. Since all the rage lately is bright, bright lips it was really great to see this thoughtful history of lipstick written by Becky.” – Jamillah of made-to-travel

Bonjour Simone – Fashion and Feminism: The Media’s “Ugly” Women: “This post on “Ugly” Women in the Media was awesome! Does throwing on glasses and “ugly” clothes make beautiful women like Tina Fey, America Ferrera, and Anne Hathaway ugly?” – Ashley of ASHLEY4EMERGY

A Brit Greek – Just browsing for the perfect brow shape: “Want to know the secret to perfect eyebrows? This post is the definitive guide to eyebrows that you have been searching for all your life. Trust me: tips, tricks, and inspiration await!” – B of Beautifully Invisible

By Anika – Sexy is a state of mind: “So many times I feel that women believe the only way to be sexy is to bare it all. I too once thought this way (and if you want to let it all hang out, that’s great for you), but I’m so happy to be to a point in my life that I feel sexy regardless of I’m wearing (or not wearing). Anika reminds us that clothes don’t necessarily make a woman sexy; it’s the woman that makes the clothes sexy!” – Rocquelle of Consider Me Lovely

Stephanie of The-Loudmouth seconds this submission and adds an additional choice: Beautifully Invisible – A Rant: Why Women Are (at times) Their Own Worst Enemy: “Both of these posts are powerful, moving and thought-provoking… I’m both proud of who I am and know the changes I need to make after reading these!”

Full Time Fabulous – look hot on the beach – and protect yourself doing so: “I want to nominate Kristy Elena’s post on protecting yourself from the sun. It is a very thorough post that I really enjoyed and I think everyone should read!” – Anna of designedbyann

miss vinyl ahoy – Refinery29 has grossly misguided views on plus size: “When you hear the term “plus-size”, what comes to mind? Size 14? 16? 20? 22? What about a size 10? This post was inspired by a tweet that refered to women who wear a Size 10 and above as plus-sized. What are your thoughts?” – B of Beautifully Invisible

My Illustrative Life – SlutWalks: trying not to miss the point: “I’ve been reading and thinking lots about slutwalks, and this is one of the best posts on the subject I’ve read. I agree with pretty much everything Claire says here.” – Franca of Oranges and Apples

Rusty Sarcasm – Explanation Tumblr and Explanation Tumblr, Take 2: “I LOVE tumblr and this thorough walk-through from Heather at Rusty Sarcasm will help you love tumblr too. When Tumblr recently made some changes Heather added a part 2!” – Jamillah of made-to-travel

Those Things They Said – Photo Editing: “I loved Melanie’s tutorial for editing outfit pictures in Photoshop. While I never like to see people alter their physical look in a graphics program it’s absolutely necessary for me as a graphic design enthusiast to run all of my photos through Photoshop before they make it to the blog. Melanie’s example offers great cropping tips and the sort of coloring that warms a picture without making it unrecognizable.” – Casee Marie of The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower

UN-stitched – Fashion Heirlooms: “In this post Christine shared a heartwarming photo session with her young daughter and documented the list of sartorial messages she intends to instill in her daughter through her own representation. I was touched by her dedication to her daughter’s genuine beauty; she proved that attention to fashion does not provoke vanity, but that it has the capability to teach valuable lessons and encourage self-esteem.” – Casee Marie of The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower

What Are Years? – My ethical dilemma with fashion blogging: “Such a great post, bringing out some of the ethical dilemma’s around outfit blogging with some wonderful discussion in the comments too. It really made me think (and write a novella of a comment)!” – Franca of Oranges and Apples

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Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their favorite post of the week!

If you would like to submit a post for inclusion in the next edition of Link Love with a TWIST, please do so here.

If you would like to publish this post on your own blog, the code can be found here.