Tag Archives: blogger

My Dream Workspace

My Dream Workspace

My Dream Workspace by any2ndnow

Lately, I’ve been thinking about creating a better workspace at home.  Should it be in the bedroom, or should it be in a common area, especially with a growing boy who will need a larger space to do homework in the future?  I was inspired by WeWork to think of my dream workspace and what would it include.  If you are unfamiliar with WeWork, they create beautiful shared workspaces that build community and inspire through togetherness.  They have office spaces all over the world, including the US and London (check out their amazing space at Aldgate Tower).

My dream workspace would incorporate art and music, as well as functionality and comfort.  I absolutely love the space in the picture above, because it looks like it leads to a common area, which we have in our family room at home.  I want to move my husband’s turntables to our room and get a decorative, yet functional record player to be placed aside a large shelf for our growing record collection.  We would have a desk for the computer, and a drafting table that could double as another desk when needed (as we have a couple of laptops).  I could also level the drafting table to hold my mini-lighting studio to use for product pictures.  Finally, I’ve also always wanted a beautiful chaise lounge, which would add to the modern vintage feel of my ideal workspace.  I would then sprinkle the walls with our favorite music and movie posters.  If it all works out to be as visually appealing as it is functional, the “office” could also be used as a backdrop for outfit posts!

Thank you WeWork for helping me really put some thought into my ideal workspace.  Now, how do I convince my mother that we need to move the china cabinet into another room…

DAISO Japan Grand Opening in Kearny Mesa & Deluxe Goodie Bag Giveaway!

Daiso_Orange_FaceI’m SO excited!  DAISO Japan is opening a new location in Kearny Mesa, and they have a grand opening celebration happening September 12th & 13th, starting at 10am!  If you are unfamiliar with DAISO Japan, they are a bright and cheerful retail store who’s mission is to help customers “find surprises and fun!”  Their stores are filled with lots of Japanese based items where most of the prices start at $1.50.  I’ve been to the Mira Mesa location more times than I care to count, and I can easily lose track of time because they have so many adorable yet useful items.

IMG_1794 - Copy (960x1280)Inside of the DAISO Japan Mira Mesa location, pretty isn’t it?

In addition to goodie bags for the first 100 customers who present a receipt for that weekend and other fantastic prizes DAISO Japan is giving away during their grand opening, I’m also giving away a deluxe DAISO Japan goodie bag filled with items from their store to one lucky local Any Second Now reader, who will receive their prize at the grand opening!

TO ENTER THE DELUXE GOODIE BAG CONTEST:

  • Input your information in the Rafflecopter widget in this post for one entry.
  • For an additional entry, post a blog comment in the “Comments” section below.

The winner will be chosen at random and announced on this blog on September 9th. 

Cheers and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Edited to add on 9/22/2015:  For transparency, the original winner, Ronald D. did not respond to the initial and subsequent emails sent, and did not pick up his prize at the grand opening. I randomly selected another winner and have contacted Judy L. as the new winner!)

Sunny Essentials: Strolling at Seaport Village

Strolling at Seaport Village

 

Salt City Optics challenged select bloggers to create a board expressing what we think would be our “Sunny Essentials” for the summer, and where we would use them.  I’m a big fan of all of our local sites in San Diego, one of my favorites being taking a leisurely walk around Seaport Village.  I like to take walks in the late afternoon to early evening during the summer, right when it’s still light enough to throw a blanket down on the grass and bathe in the glow of the sun, but cool enough to enjoy the breeze while watching the sun dip into the horizon.  I’m lucky to live in a city where shorts and sunglasses are the standard, nearly all year round!

If you would like to purchase a pair of prescription sunglasses from Salt City Optics (like those awesome “Mulholland” ones by Spy, pictured above), use the code SUNNY20 to get 20% off at check out. Cheers!

Strappy tank top
modcloth.com

Converse rose shoes
$81 – office.co.uk

Turkish beach towel
dianesbeachwear.com

Sunglasses
saltcityoptics.com

Monkeying Around at Kipling’s Fashion Valley Grand Opening!

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I took my family to the grand opening of Kipling’s first full price retail location in the San Diego area at Fashion Valley.  As I’ve mention previously, my mum is a big fan of Kipling, and really only carries their brand of crossbody bags, totes, and backpacks.  After getting to know the company, I can see why!

Our tale is a fun one that dates back to 1987, when three designer pals in Antwerp, Belgium stumbled upon a happy accident on a loom and discovered crinkled nylon fabric … and voila! A world of bright and colorful bags and accessories were born. Playfully dubbed Kipling, after the clever little spirit of the monkeys in Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, our story came to life and has been an inspiration around the world ever since. – From the official Kipling Website

The new store is bright, colorful and fun just like their bags!  I know my mum loves the utility of Kipling’s purses in their signature crinkle nylon.  She never has to worry about her purses getting wet or having stuck zippers, and is never lacking for easy style.

It was a change of pace for me to bring more than just my hubby or son to an event, but it made for a fun late afternoon with my family.  Be sure to visit Kipling’s newest location at Fashion Valley, cheers!

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IMG_7197My favorites: The metallics

IMG_7228No detail was spared!  How cute are the decorative elements on the tables?

IMG_7201Dominic and Mei-Lin are enjoying the sounds of the DJ

IMG_7231Grabbed a quick picture with one of my blogger buddies, Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape!

IMG_7233It was fun bringing my family to an event, and of course my mum couldn’t leave without purchasing a new Kipling backpack (which earned her the free gift with purchase)!

IMG_7592My new little pouch c/o Kipling is so cute!

Come to Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR Wrap Party This Weekend at Fashion Valley!

Kiehls LifeRideKiehl’s is having a wonderful event tomorrow to support the final stretch of LifeRide for amfAR, which is their philanthropic collaboration to ride across the US to raise funds and awareness for AIDS research.  This two-week motorcycle ride culminates right here in San Diego at the Kiehl’s location in Fashion Valley from 12pm-1pm.  There will be bites and sips courtesy of Soda & Swine and Juice Saves, and you can also meet all the riders!

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I’ve always known about Kiehl’s and their wonderful products, but got a chance to know Kiehl’s a little better recently by trying some of their more popular ones.  In reading up on their history, I had no idea they started out as a pharmacy back in 1851!  That alone lets me know they’re experts in understanding what’s best for my skin and how to take care of it.  My immediate favorites were the Ultra Facial Cream and Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.  Both are rich and creamy, so you don’t need much to get what you need out of the product, and my skin just drank it up!  My next favorite was their Lip Balm #1.  I have incredibly dry lips that are constantly peeling, especially in summer weather.  My lips stayed soft and didn’t peel at all the entire day!

My next on the list to try will be the Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate and the Super Fluid UV Defense Sunscreen.  I’ll definitely be using the sunscreen at this weekend’s event, as we know it’s going to be a hot one here in San Diego.  It’s +50 SPF, so I know I’m going to get the protection I want!

I’m excited for Kiehl’s event with amfAR tomorrow!  Be sure to follow along on my Instagram (@any2ndnow) for all the fun, and you can join the conversation by using #LifeRide6.  Additionally, Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic and founder of San Diego Style Bloggers will also be on site to cover the celebratory festivities, so please come on by.  Cheers!

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FTC Disclosure:  I received product and was asked to review the product in return.  Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(All photos taken by me, except for the flier which was courtesy of Kiehl’s.)

Girls Night Out with Sassy City Chicks August 12!

Sassy City Chicks 8.12.2015
(I posted this on San Diego Style Bloggers, and wanted to post it here as well, since it’s this Wednesday!)
Looking for something to do on Wednesday night with your girls?  Check out Sassy City Chicks Girls Night Out event on August 12, 2015.  Here’s the best part: we have 25 tickets to give away!  It’s first come, first served so follow these instructions below to get your complimentary ticket!
Redeem a ticket by using the code SHOPSD
Click on the SAN DIEGO button and enter the code.
A complimentary ticket option will then appear!
When:
August 12, 2015
6pm-10pm
Where:
Parq Restaurant & Nightclub
615 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101

Nail Art: Stamp Collecting

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I made my first attempt at serious nail stamping.  I’ve actually acquired several nail stamping discs over the last couple of years, played with the discs a bit, but that was the extent of it.  Recently, I received some really cute nail stamping discs from Born Pretty with British and French travel themes, so I wanted to try them out.

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I really just jumped right in without thinking about placement, or knowing any kind of technique, which is why they look like a bad photocopy!  Since my first attempt was not what I had hoped, I went on You Tube and found several tutorials and new techniques to try out, which actually made the stamp art look like nail wraps.  I guess this means I’ll need better stampers to make this work.  I’ll definitely post pictures of my new and improved nail stamping art!

Kiss 100 Tips Curve OverlapAlso, I tried another fantastic product from Kiss, which I got for a steal at CVS with a coupon.  I really like the Kiss 100 Tips Curve Overlap nail tips because they are easy to cut & file to the size and shape that I want.  The glue provided is very strong, and I’m currently using the Real Life Brush On nail kit by Broadway nails to smooth out the nail tip.  But soon, I’ll move to Kiss’ acrylic fill kit for a more even surface (all the products I mentioned are available at BeJour.com).

Just a reminder: if you like the Born Pretty nail stamps you see here, or if you are going to make a purchase from their site, Born Pretty has given Any Second Now readers a 10% discount by using CGG10 at check out.  Cheers!

FTC Disclosure:  I received product and was asked to review the product in return.  Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(Kiss 100 Tips Curve Overlap picture courtesy of BeJour)

ASICS Opens at Carlsbad Premium Outlets!

ASICS grand opening Carlsbad

 A quick post to tell you all about a great offer to take advantage of over the weekend at Carlsbad Premium Outlets.  Cheers and have a great weekend!

“ASICS will open a nearly 3,000 square-foot store between Banana Republic and Calvin Klein.

Committed to developing the most advanced athletic products in the world, ASICS will celebrate their grand opening with special offers. From July 23 to 26, shoppers who spend $50 will receive $10 off. If they spend $100, they will receive $25 off, and shoppers who spend $150 will receive $35 off.

ASICS is an acronym derived from the Latin phrase, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano – a sound mind in a sound body. The store specializes in athletic shoes, apparel and accessories.”

For more up-to-date news and events, follow Carlsbad Premium Outlets online at twitter.com/CarlsbadPO and facebook.com/carlsbadpremiumoutlets.

Nail Art: “Real Life” Sparkle

14821432I tried something different than my normal nail care routine for artificial nails:  I did it at home!  I have these great nail wraps and stamp plates from Born Pretty that I would love to try without having to wait until my nails are the right length, or until I go into a salon just to get the acrylics.  So I tried the Real Life Brush-On Gel Nail Kit by Broadway Nails, which I recently purchased from Target.  They are very easy to use, but remember to re-apply the gel and activator once you file the nail seam to smooth out the nail tip.  This will help strengthen your nails for whatever polish or wrap you want to apply.

The result?  I think the pictures speak for themselves!  In fact, it worked out so well that I purchased two more kits.  So for the price of one salon visit, I get four complete nail changes.  But really, how absolutely pretty are these nail wraps from Born Pretty (available here)?  The pictures don’t nearly do these lovely wraps justice, and now I want to try all of the colors!

And remember, if you like the nail wraps you see here, or if you are going to make a purchase from their site, Born Pretty has given Any Second Now readers a 10% discount by using CGG10 at check out.  Cheers!

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FTC Disclosure:  I received product and was asked to review the product in return.  Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(Rings from the WendyB Collection by Wendy Brandes)

Review: Cappelli Straworld Pack-A-Hat!

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Pack A Hat CollageHappy 4th of July weekend!  I’m currently creating an extended post about my trip to Santa Barbara with my good friend, Angi, because it involves great company, great food and Martin Gore (there’s a bit of a preview in the collage below)!  In the meantime, I got the chance to test drive a great hat from Cappelli Straworld called the Pack-A-Hat on the way back down from Santa Barbara, in Old Town Camarillo.  We were at an outdoor café having brunch, so it was a perfect time to wear this multipurpose, portable hat.  With the weather warming up significantly, I’m always looking for ways to minimize exposure to the sun while I’m out enjoying travelling with friends and family.  The Pack-A-Hat is rated at a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+ which gives me the confidence that I can get the appropriate protection.  I also love the convenience of it folding into a cute little clutch that I can stow away in my tote bag!

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BAG870_BLOGClick the image above if you would like to purchase your own Pack-A-Hat!

FTC Disclosure:  I received product and was asked to review the product in return.  Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.