MOI XOXO

If only Hawaii were closer, Candice Morales just might be a commuter. “I’m a little island-obsessed” admits the peripatetic makeup artist and hair stylist. The words “bronzer” and “glow” comes out of her mouth 365 days out of the year so of course tropical resorts enter her mind quite often! Candice Morales knows a thing or two about make up and hair styling as this OC based celebrity racks up car and frequent flier miles jetting off to LA and NY for cosmetic and hair shoots. She even gets to act out her resort obsession by hopping off to her favorite island destination of Kauai and Honolulu complete with her own cabana, to relax after attending to demanding models! I got her to stop and answer a few questions for me on her beauty products of choice and what she likes to do to relax.

Moi:I think I know you pretty well to say to come between you and your makeup is like don’t touch a black man’s radio station! You probably love your makeup and hair products more than you like small children! Thanks to you I am in love with my Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing Powder compact. This amazing bi-colored bronzer combines the perfect blend of pearlescent gold and warm bronze to create a warm and vibrant bronzed complexion all year long without the harmful effects of the sun. How did you come across Physicians Formula makeup and the Summer Eclipse powder?
CM: Well I am always looking for products that have great STAYING POWER as well as good for your skin! I’ve used everything from MAC to Dior *word to the wise* MAC is a great powder for photo shoots but not for daily wear as it clogs the pores. I came across the Summer Eclipse Powder at Rite Aid and thought why not it looks nice and I have always been a big tester of brands. So in doing this, I found a great powder and bronzer combined. No matter what time of the year this powder gives the face a nice hint of color and staying power that I need. I especially love using it when I take pictures, it gives me the GLOW I need without looking caked on. Make up should enhance your beauty not cover it! I use this powder right after I apply my foundation and for those hot summer days when I don’t want to wear too much makeup. I apply a light moisturizer or a tinted one by either Neutrogena or MAC as both reflect light to give that dewy look. Then apply the powder to set the makeup. I also keep one in my purse for personal touchups

Enough make up, I want to be nosey:

Moi: What’s your favorite off-duty activity?
CM: My hammock and a good magazine! If you only knew how many I had! Moi understands!

Moi: Of course I understand, I have as many magazines! So what’s the last book you read?
CM: Skinny Bitch which is a great book on what to eat and what not. Also Face Forward from my favorite makeup artist of all time Kevyn Aucoin. I find his book is great to try out new and different looks

Moi: What’s in heavy rotation on your Ipod?
CM: Prince, JayZ, Jlo, AliciaKeys, Janet and Michael Jackson, Bob Marley - if you saw my ITouch I have over 4,000 songs, everything from - hiphop/r&b/reggea/jazz/classic rock/rap.. I got it all!

Moi: Favorite getaway spot?
CM: Fiji, Paris, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Brazil. For local travel I like to venture to AZ, Vegas, and NYC

Moi: What’s your favorite store in the world?

CM: Target - How addicting is this store!! For high fashion finds I do Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barney’s. For quality and budget friendly finds, I venture to H&M, Forever 21 and Asian boutiques found in the strip malls for those little select pieces.

Moi: What is your favorite work of art?
CM: I can’t say I have a favorite but I do favor Herb Ritts photography

Moi: What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
CM: Egg white and roma tomatoes omelet from Panini’s

Moi: What’s your dream job (other than your current occupation)?
CM: When I was younger a model but I am only 5′0!

Moi: Tea or coffee?

CM: I prefer tea to be exact, Starbucks black tea sweetened on ice otherwise known as honey ice tea mama drink! I’ve gotten everyone hooked! Depending on the occasion, I love a good Vanilla Latte or Cinnamon Chai!

Moi: When are you happiest?
CM: I would say NYC at Christmas shopping or with my loved ones in Puerto Rico and my new favorite is on Moi’s couch chit chatting and being gals!

Moi xoxo

Mascara is the number one item you ask any female and she will answer she cannot part with it. She can have a complete bare face even on her way for a swim or lay out at the beach and she will still reach for mascara to complete the look. Since mascara should be discarded and replaced every three months, that makes it easy for me to test a variety of brands from drugstore finds to department store staples. A lot of tubes come and go in my vanity table but there is only one that has a permanent fix in there and no it is not Maybelline’s Great Lash mascara. My choice is often overlooked as it doesn’t get heavy press but the die hard NARS fan knows its a classic. Nars cosmetics are at the top of the beauty industry food chain. Top makeup artists choose Nars makeup and it’s a favorite among fashion magazine beauty editors, in the makeup bags of many Hollywood starlets, and the fashion world’s top models. If that kind of status doesn’t carry a little weight, I don’t know what does. Nars cosmetics are not simply a short term “hot beauty product”. It has staying power as a favored product line beyond trend, because it has delivered fabulous results in the most scrutinizing beauty circles. This mascara doesn’t have a fancy name and doesn’t tell what it does. It’s simply called Mascara by Nars Cosmetics. Comes in Black Orchid which is the inkiest black you will come across and Bamboo Brown for fair skinned ladies. I have both regular and waterproof formula for rainy and beach activity days. One swipe and your lashes are transformed into long and lush versions of false eyelash extensions. Zero smudges, flakes, clumps, and washes away at the end of the day with no tugging. Enough said!

Available at department stores $23.00

Moi xoxo

You might not know the name, but there is a better than good chance you have dined on one of textile designer, Sandy Chilewich’s woven vinyl place mats as her designs have become quite popular, turning up in new restaurants and interior design shops across the country. These place mats are as practical as they are pretty. They are also taking the world of table top by storm. Sandy doesn’t follow trends and follows her own instincts which is why she is the trend setter she is. The mats look amazing, but I am equally thrilled that they are as tough as vinyl and they clean up with the swipe of a sponge which is good for the planet. Easy care equals green and guilt free when no washing or dry cleaning is involved. They also offer timeless style. These mats work with almost any design style you can think of, from cozy classic to polished modern to bohemian chic. Best part is I know they are going to look as good in ten years as they do now!

Moi xoxo

Americans have been wearing the German brand Hugo Boss for more than 100 years. As one of the most beloved brands in Europe it is experiencing tremendous growth in the states. Hugo Boss clothing stores are found in major shopping centers within the United States but what some people don’t know is their intimate wear is unisex for gender equality! So whether your a business professional male to a stud butch woman, Hugo Boss will offer quality underwear, casual tees, and socks in comfortable cuts and simple styles for easy integration into your lifestyle. Their exclusive use of German cotton blends give Hugo Boss garments the smooth shaping and breathable comfort that’s perfect for year round wear. I find the best deals on Hugo Boss undergarments at Macy’s and if you have the patience to sift through bins, you will find past season styles at your local Marshall’s.

Moi xoxo

You don’t have to live in Florida to keep abreast of Moi’s favorite East Coast destination. Ocean Drive is a coffee table thick magazine that reports on entertainment and local events in the stylish world known as Miami, Florida. The magazine also has interviews with celebrities, and stories on music and nightlife. Visiting the sunshine state soon? Read top rated hotels from budget friendly to first class. Your steps away from the latest news on Miami & South Beach fashion, entertainment, and the white sand beaches of South Beach. It’s definitely worth a read! There is also a Spanish edition available chock full of Latin culture and photographs of the most beautiful scenery around! The bikinis and women are not bad looking either!

Mo xoxo

This is fast approaching a favorite restaurant of mine. Bluewater Grill unveils a new look at its third location that just opened at The District at Tustin Legacy. Tustin’s Bluewater Grill has a cool urban design that’s a major departure from its New England-nautical vibe at its original dockside Newport and Redondo Beach locations. It’s being marketed as “high-style on the high seas” and I LOVE it. There’s much to take in and admire: the large, open dining room in chocolate, taupe, rust, orange and red tones; the striking ship-inspired barrel ceiling with floating chrome sculptures of fish gliding through a kelp forest. Not to mention the silk-wrapped lights, antique glass fishing floats, and stunning circular live seafood bar where you can enjoy oysters grown and harvested exclusively for Bluewater Grill; sashimi, seared ahi tuna, mussels, clams and much more. What hasn’t changed is Bluewater Grill’s dedication to serving the highest quality seafood, classically prepared, at fair prices, in a friendly, casual environment.

Moi xoxo

Who knew that text messages would become the latest food technology? When you text EWINE Match at “411511″ with the name of your dish or the main ingredient, you will immediately receive three suggestions from a database of wines within the $8 to $12 range. Are you picky over the type of fish you are eating? To be sure the fish you are eying for dinner is sustainable, text fish along with the name like salmon to “90430″ and Friend of the Sea will text back with conservation concerns or a seal of approval message. When your in a hurry and cannot make a quick call, use Gomobo to text order for you. Already available in cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, this service sends your order to the restaurant or coffee shop, instantly charges your account, and sends you a text confirming your pickup time. Set up your service online at gomobo.com and then text “466626″ for one step ordering!

Moi xoxo

I woke up this morning with the realization of why I haven’t posted a comment in awhile ..I have writer’s block. Let’s think again what that means? My lack of and temporary loss of ability to begin or continue writing, usually due to lack of inspiration or creativity. Thank god a big inspiration for me is coming over tonight and I feel my brain will jump start once more!

Don’t you wish your girlfriend was as hot as my Baby Sis?

Moi xoxo

Mobile tattooing is the new craze! Search through your local online Craigslist and you will find an ample supply of tattoo artists offering the option of getting inked in the comfort and privacy of your own home or office. My main concern regarding tattoos whether from a shop or from home is everything should be clean and sterile. Tattooing is minor surgery. To be safe, you must shop for tattoo artists like a dentist. With the introduction of mobile tattooing, there are things you can look for, but your best bet when scouting for a mobile artist is to talk with them and ask questions. Your tattoo artist should be way more concerned about being clean and safe than you are, after all, you deal with one tattoo that day and your artist is dealing with many people every day. If the artist blows off questions or gives you vague answers, that’s not a good sign. If they are happy you are asking, answer your questions clearly, and show a genuine concern for safety then you are probably in good hands. My partner gets the “tattoo itch” once a month and wanted to share her tips on how to pick a great mobile tattoo artist as she gets Pride redone on her stomach in the video above. (Rated R for inappropriate language and slight nudity)

Choosing a Mobile Tattoo Artist

• Talk to people who have tattoos about their experiences with mobile tattoo artists. If you like the work they are wearing, ask for a referral.

• Go online and read about tattoo artists and the art of tattoo to help you understand industry standards or expectations. It wasn’t until we visited one tattoo shop here in Orange County, CA that we learned most artists would not put “lips” on the neck which would violate the old school rule of no hands or neck application. This lead to us finding a mobile artist to do the job at home.

If you Insist on a Professional Tattoo Shop

• Once you have decided on a tattoo shop, go take a look around and note whether or not the business is adhering to safety standards. The shop should be clean in appearance. Artists should not be eating or drinking in their work areas.

• Notice if the artists in the shop are wearing gloves. All of the items used in the tattoo process such as ointments, ink trays, antiseptics, and needles should be in one-time use packages. Needles should be taken out of the package in front of the client. All surfaces, tattoo table, cords, and instruments should be covered in a moisture shield such as plastic wrap. This measure protects everyone from infection from pathogens.

• If the shop and the artist check out, consult the artist. Look at photos of his previous work and plan your tattoo. If you feel comfortable with the artist and share a vision for your tattoo, book an appointment to get it done.

Moi xoxo

You asked and I said yes! Here is a peak inside of my black and white purse, which matches every M-F wardrobe!

Inside of my Candies Quilted Dome purse, I tote a lot of everyday essentials—like a bold yellow Bottega Veneta wallet, Eclipse gum, Miss Sixty shades, and a good book, in this case Burr a historical novel by Gore Vidal. I try not to waste time reading trash at the office. I saw a documentary on the author and picked this up. If I do want to escape from reality, I snatch my US Weekly.

Buried deep inside is:

• hotel notepad for jotting ideas
• change for coffee
• clear cosmetic purse so I can find my stash easy
• digital camera
• eye cream
• match cars for bribing my son
• business card holder
• chocolate sunflower seeds from baby sis
• hand creme ~ yes Lumene!
• treo
• louis vuitton covered checkbook
• amore pacific face spray
• tiny pen flashlight
• tampons
• qtips
• tissue

Last but not least, I can’t leave home without my coveted lip glosses. My lips are always chapped probably from all my yapping so I’m addicted to lip balms and glosses. I have about six in my bag usually from Chanel in similar colors. I just reach in and grab one!
Whew! I’m tired from just listing all of that!

Moi xoxo