Emily Giffin's Blog, page 8

hollybeth winner and "cleanse" details: beauty inside and out!

Congrats to Jennifer Jabaley for winning $270 worth of wonderful beauty products from HollyBeth's Natural Luxury line! Jennifer was drawn at random for her beauty tip of Pssst dry shampoo and Obagi skin care. Thanks to all for sending your beauty secrets!

And as promised, here is my very own, Post-Halloween 4-DAY "DIET-CLEANSE":

Per day: at least 8 glasses of h20, 2 cups green tea, NO limit on fruits/veggies, 1 protein (chicken breast, egg whites, salmon, cup nuts, etc). 1 glass wine OR 1 cup coffee or 1 piece of Halloween candy. In other words, a very small indulgence per day.

Hope you join us! Let me know how you do! We're finished Friday morning!

FB comments so far: (please post more below!)

Jessica Magers-Rankin, Katie Swan, Katrina Neil and 51 others like this.
Nicholas Gallagher Lol how do u type so fast..
8 hours ago · Like ·
Kari Dudley Martin Sounds like a plan.
7 hours ago · Like ·
Emily Giffin we shouldn't be hungry if we do this thing right. and we will all be more healthy by Friday morning!
7 hours ago · Like
Nicholas Gallagher I'll do it with u. Even though I'm in Australia. That ok?
7 hours ago · Like ·
Brandi Johnson I can't resist ALL the Halloween candy! lol However, I can limit myself to only a few pieces! Besides that, I'm in! :)
7 hours ago · Like ·
Emily Giffin okay: so new rule: we are allowed: 1 glass wine, 1 cup coffee or 1 piece of halloween candy a day. in other words: 1 small indulgence, whatever that may be... :)
7 hours ago · Like · 3 people
Jenelle Smith Kerr I'm in, but I read this too late. I all ready had left over pumpkin pie for breakfast. :)
7 hours ago · Like ·
Emily Giffin okay, well if you read late, that means you have to it thru breakfast on Friday morning... So c'mon and join us!
7 hours ago · Like
Nicholas Gallagher I'm under the age if 18 but oh well.
7 hours ago · Like ·
Marissa Vetere Siracusano So one protein per day? Water n 2 cups of green tea that's it?
7 hours ago · Like ·
Margie Longoria M-F? It doesn't sound too bad!!! I'm in!!! (I'm scared) lol!!!
7 hours ago · Like ·
Nicholas Gallagher Who 4?
7 hours ago · Like ·
Marissa Vetere Siracusano Oh wait i didnt see fruit n veggies .... Seems easy! I'm in!!!
7 hours ago · Like ·
Elizabeth Baron sounds so easy!!
7 hours ago · Like ·
Nicholas Gallagher Wat do I drink instead of 1 wine?
7 hours ago · Like ·
Sham Keshavjee I get the motivation, but starting right after Halloween??? well it's only a few days....
7 hours ago · Like ·
Jill Michael Pollock i was in until the no candy part LOL
7 hours ago · Like · 1 person ·
Lea Warren Love to
7 hours ago · Like ·
Dawn Miller me too! (well, not really)! ;)
7 hours ago · Like ·
Jenelle Smith Kerr I'm in.
7 hours ago · Like ·
Tiffney Pedersen I'm in.
I ate too many kit-kats yesterday.
This one sounds really good, and we get to eat something.
Wahoo!
7 hours ago · Like ·
Lisa Kozicki Mattice Count me in.
7 hours ago · Like ·
Amy Roache Stempkowski I started a 21-day cleanse on Saturday that includes no sugar, no dairy, no grains (except for brown rice and/or lentils), no caffeine, no meat (for the first 11 days). Yesterday was a text being that it was Halloween but it made me realize that I don't eat as much candy as I thought.
7 hours ago · Like ·
Kristie Carline Daaaaang i would SO join in!! But i live in south louisiana and do you know how hard it is to resist the ridiculous amounts of fried and sauteed food here? :( i promise to follow the water and green tea rules though--that i can handle:) good luck!!;)
7 hours ago · Like ·
Jennifer Caine what about brie?
7 hours ago · Like ·
Keri Stempien Count me in!! It's not so bad, sometimes you just need that extra little boost of motivation, that's all! =). @ Jill- you can make it work, use the candy as your 'indulgence' =) @ Amy- I agree, I was the same way w/ candies & sweets, but when I cut them I realized I didn't miss 'em at all!! Good luck with the cleanse everyone!
7 hours ago · Like ·
Sandi Taraschi I'm in. Only one cup of coffee will be my biggest challenge!
6 hours ago · Like ·
Danuta Hcc Eight glasses of HO2, right?
6 hours ago · Like ·
Marty Talley Bronson Add toilet paper to your grocery list... :) I've done this before.
6 hours ago · Like ·
Rebecca Nixon only one protein all day?
6 hours ago · Like ·
Jessica Johnson You'll do great! Green tea is my favorite! and it definately does its job of curbing my hunger. I'll definately try!
6 hours ago · Like ·
Eileen Isherwood I'm in:) How am I going to stay away from my lil guys reeses sitting on the table:( And butterfingers, and snickers:( This is going to be hard. LOL
6 hours ago · Like ·
Amanda Martin Oh, what the heck. I'm already doing the P90X, why not. LET"S DO IT!!
6 hours ago · Like ·
Lindsay Voorhees Sounds great, the halloween candy will be hard to resist!
6 hours ago · Like ·
Melissa Barton Seriously, I love how u allow wine in ur diet.
6 hours ago · Like ·
Melissa McCormick Sounds a lot like the meal plan I am on for gestational diabetes. Minus the wine of course. I did sneak a reese cup yesterday though :-P
6 hours ago · Like ·
Katie Swan I'm in!
6 hours ago · Like ·
Melissa Barton The hardest day of the diet will.be tomorrow....gotta grocery shop.today. I'm somewhat in. I made sugar.cookies with fronting and I can't waste them
6 hours ago · Like ·
Adi Addvensky I'm in!
6 hours ago · Like ·
Julie Sparks I'm in! Here's my plan: Fruit smoothie for breakfast (just bananas, frozen strawberries & blueberries- is a little Splenda ok?). Loads of cut up veggies for lunch (cut them up ahead of time so it's easy and you're not tempted to stray). Apples for snack (they fill you up). Chicken and veggie salad with lemon and avocado (replaces dressing) for dinner. This seems a little torturous but I'll give it my best.
5 hours ago · Like ·
Emily Giffin julie--that sounds good! thanks for the menu!
5 hours ago · Like
Tracy Pipp Boyd ‎"1 glass wine OR 1 cup coffee if must but try not to" -- you are channeling Bridget Jones with this phrase. :) good luck!
5 hours ago · Like ·
Banu Asik Elizondo Do the blueprint cleanse and prep for it for 3 days with their juice till dinner program first!!! Best to cleanse your skin+ body and also will help with cravings such as coffee and wine!
5 hours ago · Like ·
C Valdene Claux I'm starting this "cleanse" right now. It sounds reasonable and healthful.
5 hours ago · Like ·
Kate Brown im in..can we have avocados? We are headed to farmer's market right now!
5 hours ago · Like ·
Genae E Sarver does it matter the size of water glass?
5 hours ago · Like ·
Emily Paulin Tumamao Im in!!! I need to get started before thanksgiving dinner comes!!
5 hours ago · Like ·
Lauren Jones Im in!!! Working in Atlanta makes it so difficult to eat healthy sometimes but i am so going to do this.
4 hours ago · Like ·
Natalie Tulskie Lutus I'm in! I can do anything for 4 days!
4 hours ago · Like ·
Natalie Tulskie Lutus Question: are sweet potatoes allowed? (Plain, of course)
4 hours ago · Like ·
Emily Giffin how's everyone doing?? I've had a banana, 2 clementines, a bowl of raspberries and my indulgence (coffee).
3 hours ago · Like
Emily Giffin and kate and my kids are going to get avocados as we speak! woot!
3 hours ago · Like
Emily Giffin Genae. yes, of course it does! at least 10 oz!
3 hours ago · Like
Nichole Hernandez I've been doing the HCG detox diet for 39 days, which is similar but for a lot longer!...only 500 calories/day. It really isn't as bad as I thought/it sounds & have lost 14 lbs. Good luck w/your cleanse, I'm excited to get back to real food!
3 hours ago · Like ·
Jannie Kruddington I'm in, Sam keeps trying to bring me candy gifts. Last night he handed me a small bag of Halloween pretzels, along with the comment that: "I just want you to have the best day of your whole life"

Apparently he thinks the bar as set pretty l...
See More
3 hours ago · Like ·
Melissa Smoot Patafio Ok I am in! But I read this late and I will have to do it through friday :)
Luckily my hubby is a chef and I can con him into preparing most of the stuff for me! lol
I have NO excuse then
2 hours ago · Like ·
Lindsay Voorhees Fruit salad for breakfast with coffee, big veggie salad for lunch (I was probably going to buy a sandwich before I read your post! so it's a much better choice), one green tea down and tons of water! Feeling good! :)
about an hour ago · Like ·
Delight Dill Oh boy. I think I'll give it a try!
about an hour ago · Like ·
Stephanie Elliot So far I'm doing it. It's 12:40 p.m. and I haven't eaten anything at all today. I can definitely do the water and no candy option.
2 minutes ago · Like ·
Emily Giffin Steph--eat some fruit! this is not a starvation diet. (but, yes, i'm impressed in spite of myself)...
2 seconds ago · Like

is it just me--or do you want to believe the ufo sighting...

is it just me--or do you want to believe the ufo sightings are real? totally conjures Bobby Brady...


Click HERE to read all about UFO's!

New Contest - HollyBeth's Natural Luxury

Share your favorite beauty product to win a complete line of organic beauty products from HollyBeth's Natural Luxury!

I have just discovered HollyBeth's Natural Luxury line and have fallen in love with it! It's the only USDA certified organic skincare line in the Southeast. To win your own supply, simply tell me about your favorite, can't-live-without beauty product below. I will select a winner, at random, on Halloween. Good luck!

The gift basket includes my favorites and all of HollyBeth's best products: Chamomile and Rosemary Facial Cleanser, Rose and Geranium Facial Toner, Rose and Geranium Moisturizer, Grits and Honey Exfoliating Scrub, Eye Cream, Clary Sage Body Wash, Citrus Body Cream, Lavender Hand Cream, and the most luxurious product of all: the Hair and Body Silk. And for your home, HollyBeth's vanilla peppermint SHINE candle is perfect for the holiday season. The value is $270.

In addition to HollyBeth's Grits & Honey Scrub, and to help get you started, here are my top 10 beauty awards!

Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle and OPI Lincoln Park After Dark. My go-to for years, this is the perfect sheer pink for a clean, classic manicure. For my toes, I prefer neutral shades as well, although I occasionally enjoy OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark—it's plum shade is sexy, but not too dark.
La Mer Lip Baume De La Mer. Insanely expensive but worth every penny. Loaded with vitamins, botanicals, and marine extracts with a delicate vanilla-mint scent. I can't live without it.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. Just one drop will erase a blemish overnight. Like magic. I even have my husband and guy friends using it.
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer. Creamy stick that covers my dark circles, even after writing (or drinking!) all night. Very natural color--not too pink, not too gold.
Dior Dior Show Mascara. I fancy myself a mascara connoisseur and this one can't be topped. The big, fat, generous brush keeps the lashes in line and adds incredible texture and length. And of course, I use the Shu Uemura eyelash curler first. Who doesn't?
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. Creates a deep, opaque color that stays put once it dries (even at the beach!). Easy to work with and great for creating a smoky eye. Can even take the place of an eye-shadow.
MAC blushcreme in posey. A perfect, everyday shade that goes with just about anything. Blends beautifully, and you can even apply with your fingers when you're in a pinch. Nars orgasm is a close second for blush!
Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal. My current favorite scent. A heavenly, light mix of vanilla, peach, musk rose and freshly cut grass.
Patricia Wexler M.D. Sensitive Skin Calming Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30. A gentle sunscreen that absorbs instantly—and never irritates my annoyingly sensitive skin. I put it on every morning.
Paula Dorff Perfect Primer. Long-lasting foundation primer that keeps foundation and make-up fresh while nourishing with mango butter to minimize fine lines. On your next trip to NYC, visit Leonora at the Paula Dorff counter at Henri Bendel. She does amazing eyes. Tell her I said hello!

How to Enter

To win your own supply, simply tell me about your favorite, can't-live-without beauty product below. I will select a winner, at random, on Halloween. Good luck!

Tabloids..

What? Tabloids lie.... click here to read..

congratulations jessica!

Congrats to Jessica Pitzer--for having the most awful best friend! Read her "Darcy" tale below.... Thanks to all for sharing. And remember--kick those toxic friends to the curb! Or just sleep with their fiance. Ha!


Jessica's tale:

"I had been best friends with the same girl since kindergarten. We just clicked, right away from that very first day, and we lasted through the years. Sure, we fought and had issues from time to time, but we were best friends and nothing was ever supposed to change that.

Then right as she started dating a new guy (her first serious relationship, ever), I got engaged. When I took her out to dinner and told her, her first response was, "You don't expect me to be the maid of honor, do you?" Of course I did, but she thought it was too much responsibility so I delegated that job to someone else. Time passed and everyone was getting ready for the wedding, and she was the only bridesmaid who would not participate in wedding planning activities with us. She wouldn't go pick out the bridesmaid dresses with us, she wouldn't go dress shopping with me. I called her several times asking her to please go get fitted for her dress because the deadline to order and get them in on time was swiftly approaching. I didn't hear anything back.

Finally, in mid-January (the wedding was in March), she sent me an instant message over the internet saying that she just didn't think it was appropriate to be in my wedding any longer. I was completely shocked. This is the person who had been my best friend for twenty years - and all of the sudden, because she was so preoccupied with her new beau - she didn't have time to take part in the happiest day of my life. She then said, "It's up to you if you still want to invite me to the wedding."

It's a situation that still, a year and a half later, I can't quite wrap my mind around. I never would have hurt her like she hurt me. I can't even fathom doing that to someone. Awhile after the wedding she sent me a message saying that my wedding pictures were really pretty (she'd seen them on Facebook) and that it was weird not to be there on that day. Well, she could have been, and I wanted her there, she made the choice herself.

She still texts occasionally and tries to contact me every once in awhile, but it's hard to be her friend. I don't think I'll ever be able to fully get that relationship back, because how can I ever trust her again? She chose to miss out on one of the most important days of my life, and the way she notified me of it was shocking and rude, and it still hurts."

..and the winner is...

Jessica Pitzer! She won the Darcy skinny jeans! Congratulations! Please read her submission below!


"I had been best friends with the same girl since kindergarten. We just clicked, right away from that very first day, and we lasted through the years. Sure, we fought and had issues from time to time, but we were best friends and nothing was ever supposed to change that.

Then right as she started dating a new guy (her first serious relationship, ever), I got engaged. When I took her out to dinner and told her, her first response was, "You don't expect me to be the maid of honor, do you?" Of course I did, but she thought it was too much responsibility so I delegated that job to someone else. Time passed and everyone was getting ready for the wedding, and she was the only bridesmaid who would not participate in wedding planning activities with us. She wouldn't go pick out the bridesmaid dresses with us, she wouldn't go dress shopping with me. I called her several times asking her to please go get fitted for her dress because the deadline to order and get them in on time was swiftly approaching. I didn't hear anything back.

Finally, in mid-January (the wedding was in March), she sent me an instant message over the internet saying that she just didn't think it was appropriate to be in my wedding any longer. I was completely shocked. This is the person who had been my best friend for twenty years - and all of the sudden, because she was so preoccupied with her new beau - she didn't have time to take part in the happiest day of my life. She then said, "It's up to you if you still want to invite me to the wedding."

It's a situation that still, a year and a half later, I can't quite wrap my mind around. I never would have hurt her like she hurt me. I can't even fathom doing that to someone. Awhile after the wedding she sent me a message saying that my wedding pictures were really pretty (she'd seen them on Facebook) and that it was weird not to be there on that day. Well, she could have been, and I wanted her there, she made the choice herself.

She still texts occasionally and tries to contact me every once in awhile, but it's hard to be her friend. I don't think I'll ever be able to fully get that relationship back, because how can I ever trust her again? She chose to miss out on one of the most important days of my life, and the way she notified me of it was shocking and rude, and it still hurts."

Jessica

win darcy skinny jeans!

WIN these cute, only-been-worn-once J.Brand "Darcy" jeans!

They are a very small size 26--at least that's what I'm telling myself when I went to put them on for only the second time and they no longer fit!

If there's a reader out there who would like them--or who has a friend, sister, daughter who could use them, please post below! Simply share a Darcy-esque toxic-friend story in 300 words or fewer by Friday noon EST and include your email address or a way to contact to you.

My own (completel...

20 year high school reunion

I just had my 20 year high school reunion and am still reeling from all the memories, emotion, and fun. I always knew I would go as I'm a sucker for anything ringing of nostalgia, but it was so much more satisfying than I thought it would be. From the crisp fall football game on friday night to the post-party after the reunion saturday, i savored every moment.

Here is a shot of Naperville North, Class of 1990



Few friends



Then, upon my return, I began to read old journals. So great to have every...

my girl jen

Love being mentioned in the same article as my girl jen. Even if it's in a stalker-ish capacity. :)
Think she'd be a fabulous valerie in heart of the matter.

Birth Order

I find studies of birth order fascinating. I have twin sons, age 6 and a daughter,
age 3. The description below applies completely to them! Check it out! Click here!

1. The Eldest Overview
First born children are a bit like crash test dummies. Parents are learning with
every experience. The baby comes into this world and Mom and Dad both look at each other and say, "What do we do now?" Natural instinct takes over. However, there is certainly a steep learning curve when it comes to raising yo...