Festive fall fare

Fall's colors beat the gaudy holiday colors we will see in a few months (ahem, green and red). However, you don't want to look like a Halloween costume. Cute accessories liven up those grays, plums and browns we all love bringing out. This necklace, by cardinalhouse (on etsy.com), is just want my wardrobe needs! The orange is a muted shade that won't make you look like a tacky old woman- or a pumpkin. The brass finish on the hardware is refreshing and gives us a much needed break from plain old gold. Pair this necklace with a plum blouse and a pair of skinny jeans tucked into some boots.

Or where it will all black- like a witch.

-ani

In the Nude

Fall's award season is bringing my favorite look back- nude lips. I looooooove this look and I think it is very wearable for the everyday gal. I prefer a non- matte look but not a sticky lacquer look either. Avon makes a great lipstick that does the trick. It contains SPF 15, lip conditioners, and is has the ability to match your true lip color by bringing it down to a more neutral tone. This helps you skip the “Do I want a pink nude or a beige nude?” questions you might have. I bought this 5 years ago and have not found another lipstick that can outshine it. (it's called Beyond Color Plumping Lip Conditioner)

Try this look instead of a red lip- you might get addicted.

-ani

Clean up that make up

I have the perfect blush brush from MAC that I use for ALLLL my bronzers, blushes and powders. Problem: the pigment stays in the brush unless you “’brush” it off on a paper towel or hand towel. I don’t want to stain my Tiffany blue towels and paper towels leave lint behind. Well, low and behold in the car cleaning aisle they sell these Scott Shop Towels that are washable (or throw ‘em away). They are the best for wiping off excess blush, lipstick, eye shadow, or any other kind of make up you can think of. (And you don’t even get any lint on your brushed, holla!) They come in a large role so they are easy to replace and it’s only a few bucks.

This might be the best non-beauty product out there.

-ani

Burn some smell off...with steam

I HATE it when I go to a restaurant and leave smelling like it or worse- like smoke. What makes this even more depressing is when your silk blouse smells like it too. A quick way to get rid of that smell is to steam it. Yep, just good ol’ fashioned hot water.

What to do:

• Hang the smell-offending item on a hanger in the bathroom.
• Run a hot shower or bath water. If using a bathtub, pour a bit of cider vinegar in the water- this will really get the smell out. Let it sit for a bit and then remove from the sauna.
• You can also use a humidifier to do the same thing.

OR

• Fork out some cash for a nice steamer. I prefer anything that SHARK makes- they have the most powerful steamers out there.

Extra: Did you know that steamers can also take out wrinkles, remove deodorant marks AND sanitize?

-ani

Unpolished abolished

I am not a Type A personality at all. However, when it comes to the care for my shoes- you better believe I have some serious obsessive tendencies (thanks to my father). Shoes that are broken, scuffed, and plain worn out are simply unattractive and wrong. Take the extra time to take care of your shoes and they will look new every time you step out. Here are a few tips:

• Buy yourself a shoe polish kit- Kiwi is the only brand I use (get black, brown and a clear polish).
• Nordstrom carries a great can of protective spray for leather/suede shoes. It’s only $10 and you are an idiot* if you don’t have this.
• Storage- When changing your shoes out for the season, put your shoes in a air tight container. First clean top to bottom (the INSIDE of your shoes get a bit gross too), store them neatly, and lastly do not store them where they might be exposed to high temperatures. Leather shrinks when it is near heat. Also, keep lavender pouches in their to absorb any unwanted odors.
  
• Get a good shoe repair man- they can fix heals that are broken, repair ratty soles and just help out with general maintenance. Worth the money!

*bigger idiot if you don’t have this and you live somewhere where it rains or snows.

Get to cleaning!

-ani

Green is the new Black...

...Polish that is. When the black nail polish craze came out a few years ago, I was quickly bored with it. I wear enough black- I didn't think that I needed to follow suit with my nails. Nail lacquers quickly changed to incorporate darker colors for those who need variety (OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark anyone?). This fall, green is all the rage for the phalanges. OPI's Here Today... Aragon Tomorrow is a lovely emerald green. It has a nice slight shimmer and in the sun light it radiates the mossy hue that you want. This is a nice way to update your look for the fall for a few bucks.

Take the risk and go green with this gem.

-ani

A second look

I haven’t given Payless Shoes the time of day that I should have. Well shame on me! After reviewing their fall collection I was amazed. Seriously people, they have drool worthy shoes. I am so obsessed with these purple booties by Payless own brand and suede grey pumps by Abaete’ for Payless. A major plus is that the price is right and I won’t feel guilty buying a few pairs. Watch out world, I’m giving everyone a second chance (and looking good while doing it!).

P.S. Won't these purple boots look cute with my skinny jeans?
-ani

Seriously, what took them so long to invent this?

I rarely see an ad in a magazine that impacts me so much that all I can think about is getting that item-until, I saw a little ad for Band-Aid® Friction Block™ Stick. It is a genius defense system that wards off rubbing and irritation from wearing your Christian Louboutin heels. The stick is superbly small so you can throw it in your purse. Also, the formula is invisible so you can wear your D’Orsay heels with out anything showing! (Unlike regular Band-Aids that do show when you are wearing open toe shoes.

I love it when smart people get together and create problem-solving products like this one.

-ani

iTunes iLove

Any song that has the words “boom sha-la-ka" is a song I want to listen to. Lucky for me Boom, sung newcomer Anjulie, has those very words. Anjulie has a sultry-vintage voice that Corrine Bailey Rae and Duffy brought to the masses a few years ago. Boy, am I glad that this sound is in! Pop this tune in on your i-Pod for a road trip when you get sick of your shuffle mix.

boom...sha-la-ka..... la-ka.....boom.....boom

-ani

ani-cdote has an e-mail address!

e-mail anicdote@gmail.com to have your name put on the *new post* list! Just send a note with your preffered e-mail address you want ani-cdote updates sent to!

-ani

Panic in the kitchen

I hate it when I look in my fridge and I see nothing to eat. At that point, I am probably too lazy to run to the grocery store, or I am not in the mood for any fast food. However, last night I took a quick inventory of what I already had, and found I could make some really good meatballs for a sub!
What you need:

• 1lb ground meat (I had turkey on hand)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (if you don’t have this, just add another ¼ cup of bread crumbs)
• ¼ cup BBQ sauce (Or any kind of sauce, like marinara)
• ½ cup any kind of shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar)
• Add any kind of spice that you want (Chile powder, Onion powder, Garlic powder) for a little kick

Mix ingredients together, you may need to play around with the ratios.

• Make the meatballs any size (I like tiny ones for sandwiches)
• Broil them for 6 minutes on each side
• Fill up a saucepan with part water, part BBQ sauce- equal portions
• Simmer meatballs/BBQ sauce for 20 minutes

Voila! This is soooo easy and it takes no effort. Plus, if you make a double batch you can freeze the rest for a later date.

Mangez!

-ani

Mentioning the Unmentionables

We all know the super giant lingerie company, Victoria’s Secret, rules the world when it comes to bras and undies. You can always find them in a mall and a very accessible online. However, I stumbled upon some fabulous skivvies a few years ago when I left all of my undergarments at home on a trip. Where, you ask? The Gap- no, seriously. They have great sleepwear, lovely bras and lacy, hot underwear that are top quality. My patronage to the Gap Body store is always 100% satisfaction in cut, color, pattern, and wear n’ tear. Check out a Gap Body store or go online to gap.com to check out their cute stuff! And let’s face it, I want to see what a normal girl looks like in the merchandise- not a super model.

-ani

Replace THESE with THAT!

Dump out all of your hand cream, lipgloss, lipstick and do-dads from your purse. Toss them aside and replace with Rosebud Salve. This is the perfect I-do-it-all salve that has a slight pink tint and the most heavenly smell. I carry this everywhere and I won’t switch purses with out it. Plus, it comes in a cute vintage tin that can be used later for buttons, change or jewelry! You can pick this little space saver up at Sephora or Urban Outfitters.

-ani

Hey is for Horses

Saddle up, partner! Equestrian accessories can really polish any kind of outfit you have on. That is why the Death and Texas weekend bag is a must have for the complete equestrian look- with out the horse. The bag is great for a quick weekend get a way, with out looking like you are hauling luggage around. The combination of materials are classic with brass, leather and soft cotton. This is what I would consider a staple in any cowgirl’s wardrobe. You can purchase this and other fantastic bags at www.dntx.etsy.com . (Check out DNTX's Handlebar Bag and The Clutch - you will be obsessed)

Happy trails (and shopping) to you!

-ani

g is for grapeseed oil

This is the multi-purpose moisturizing beauty product that all beauty product junkies need. You can find it at any health store (i.e. Trader Joe’s, Mustard Seed, Whole Foods) in the beauty aisle. This oil is all about the moisturizing, and all about not being greasy. Here are a few ways to use it.

• Hair 1. Heat it up in the microwave for a deep conditioning scalp treatment. 2. Or dab a little on the ends before styling it. (People with straight hair should use it after they style it.)
• Skin 1. This is great for a little under the eye treatment before you go to bed. My skin feels so soft the next morning. 2. This is great for a post shave or a post sun pick me up. The oil is kind of “thick” so it rubs on really nicely and you will have a glowing sheen on your body. VaVaVoom!
• Hands and Feet 1. Slather this on your tootsies and put some socks on- instant cure for the dry feet! 2. Rub this on your cuticles while you are watching tv at night. Your hands will be so soft the next morning!

With one bottle of grapeseed oil, you will replace lotion, foot cream, hand cream, hair oil treatments, hair masques, hair moisturizing products, split end treatments and eye cream.

G is for grapeseed oil, but it is also for go get it now!

-ani

Here's the skinny

Let's face it, most women aren't skinny or rich. However, I found a way with the Forever 21 Lindsey Skinny Jeans. These jeans are GREAT for gals who are "fat-bottomed" (which I am). Oh, did I mention that these are $12.50? Yeah, they are. I debut-ed these jeans in Manhattan with a really cute pewter blouse and hoops. I looked skinny and had a ton more cash in my pocket to buy other things with!

-ani

Putting Java and Jive back together

Coffee drinkers are very fickle creatures. I know, because I am one of those “coffee people”. So, when you are brewing some Joe for guests or yourself, what coffee do you use? I'll tell you what to use- go to your local Starbucks and pick up a 1 lb. bag of Café Verona. This will please the most fickle coffee drinkers, and the laid back coffee drinkers will sing for joy. (Okay, they might not do that but you get the point!)

* For those who need decaf, try Decaf Café Verona!

Bottoms up!

-ani

Nectar from the gods

I have been asked numerous times- how do you make the best cup of coffee? Easy. Here are 4 simple steps that have been adapted from my years as a barista.

1. Water: Only used filtered or bottled water. Bad water=bad coffee.
2. Grind: Have Starbucks grind the coffee to match what kind of coffee filter you have.
3. Fresh: Keep your coffee beans OUT OF THE FREEZER/FRIDGE. Put it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
4. Portion: Use 1 {level} TBSP per 1 cup. (Starbucks recommends 2 TBSP per 6 oz. but it just doesn’t work like that at home)

People will rave about your glorious java skills and will come back for more!

And you will thank me for it.

-ani

iTunes iLove

This is the "Year of the Vampire", but Shakira took a different route and went for lycanthropy. (I can only assume she read the Twilight series and is “Team Jacob”) Her new single She Wolf/Loba is seriously addictive. I really like the Spanish version, but opted for the English version so I could sing along to it. (For those who are bi-lingual, you will appreciate Loba.) It has that Thriller feel when she howls and I swear she sounds like Deloros O’Riordan from the Cranberries in some parts. To sum it up: fun song with a fun summer beat-which has earned its spot on my iTunes “25 Most Played”.

-ani

Web Gem of the Week

This juicy little nugget came my way and I cannot get enough! www.thelaundress.com is as addictive as its name. I am obsessed with how my clothes are laundered and I truly thought I was alone. WRONG! This company is more compulsive about their laundry and they can prove it! They have amazing products (They have a product for every kind of fabric) and crazy tips for your threads.

You will never want to dry clean again.

-ani

Branded and Labeled

Retailers are becoming extremely savvy about providing the consumer with private labels (aka “off brands”). They sometimes are cheaper or better than the leading manufacturers. Let me tell you---- there is nothing “off brand” about these 5 fabulous retailers.

1. Nordstrom: They offer a wide variety of private label brands including: J.Nordstrom, Brass Plum and Nordstrom (jewelry). I bought some lovely earrings that I sport with out the guilt of spending too much. (My awesome earrings are pictures above!)
   
2. Costco: This mega store offers the best of the best brands. The secret? Have other manufacturers give Costco their product and Costco will slap on their private label, Kirkland. Starbucks, Newman’s Own and Sealy are several brand giants who provide their products to Costco but under the name of Kirkland. Genius.
3. Target: Target walks the walk and talks the talk. They provide us with fashion favorites like Isaac Mizrahi, Converse, and Sonia Kashuk! However, Target’s brands are just as outrageously great as the fashion brands. I love my Target HOME 600 count cotton sheets. Believe it, they are just as good as my 900 count Egyptian cotton sheets from Macy’s.
4. Heinens: This local grocery store has the finest private label that food can offer. Two Brothers offers a variety of products like their Spice (wildly popular at my household), chipotle roasted chicken and more. Go to www. Heinens.com to find a store nearest you! You will not regret this trip.
5. Sephora: I was introduced to their brand about 9 years ago. I love their eye shadow selection and they cost a fraction of my beloved M.A.C. eye paint. Whenever I want to try a color, I find Sephora’s brand is the way to do it. Plus, I don’t get buyers remorse.

-ani

Pearls of Wisdom

Pearls have to be one of my all time favorite kind of jewelry. I received my first strand of pearls when I was 16. I was so proud of my new treasure. I go vintage shopping and always see signs for vintage pearl pieces. How can you find out if the pearl broach or pearl ring you are about to purchase is really a true pearl?

My grandmother, who was an antique dealer, told me a little trick I use whenever I am about to buy pearls. Take the pearl and lightly rub the pearl between your top and bottom teeth. If the pearl feels "sandy", you have found a legit pearl. However, if your pearl feels "slippery", then it's a fake.

This is a great trick that has helped me to decide whether or not I am buying a real pearl.

Happy hunting!

-ani

Nailed it

I love how my midwest wardrobe turns into a garden of fresh colors for summer. However, it was most depressing when I could not get a polished toe that went with my whole summer get up. Wearing pinks, corals, and poppyseed reds -it’s really hard to find a polish that can go with everything. (Especially since my pedicures last FOREVER.)

THEN, the wonderous OPI company came out with Most Honorable Red. It goes with every summer shade you can imagine and does not discriminate against skin tone. The color is truly a chameleon and works very hard to turn red, pink or orange whenever you change outfits.

You can find this wonderful nail lacquer at fine salons, opi.com, or at Marc’s (my favorite place to get OPI).

Oh, and do yourself a favor- buy it in bulk.

-ani

** The photo simply DOES NOT does not serve this color justice.

Lettuce have salad

I may be apart of a dying breed of brown baggers. I still like to pack a good lunch and bring it in to work. However, packing a salad is a pain- it gets soggy if you prepare it the night before OR you have to bring fifty different elements to work in order to have a decent salad.

Here is an easy way to pack a salad... No extra work, no 5 million containers of dressings/garnishes.

• Prepare extra lettuce the night before (like when you are making dinner).
• Put ALL veggies/seasoning on bottom of a container.
• Layer dressing over veggies/seasoning.
• Add a meat of your choice (I always make an extra chicken breast so I can throw it in my salad).
• Add lettuce (fully washed/dried) .
• Throw cheese/croutons in a small plastic bag.

Voila! You have a salad that is packed and ready to go. The dressing will marinate the veggies and meat over night AND no soggy lettuce, croutons, or cheese.

Eat and enjoy!

-ani

Salutations

Welcome to ani-cidote, a blog that promises quips to solutions on all things that transpire in real life! I will note two very important things about ani-cdote.

1. All solutions/opinions are from years (okay, only 26 years) of harvesting tiny bits of information that must be shared with everyone. Some tips/solutions/opinions are my own, some are from others who graciously let me in on their little secrets. I will do my best to give credit to those who were the original idea-masters behind the fabulous tips.
2. ani-cdote was not my idea. A few people liked what I had to say and encouraged me to share my thoughts with others. They will probably be my only followers, so this is for you!

I hope you enjoy my little ani-cdotes!

- ani