DID YOU KNOW?: ONLINE SHOPPING

So I'm starting a new series of blogs called "Did You Know???". It's basically a collaboration of random facts, ideas, or events that I find unique/interesting.

DUK (did you know) FACT #1: SHOPPING IS THE DEVIL.

According to my March 2010 issue of Cosmopolitan, "online window- shopping taps into your brains' reward center, triggering a shopper's high." Anyone with a background in Psychology or even basic Physiology should know about dopamine and the "feel good" effects it has on our brain. Martin Lindstrom, author of Buy-ology: Truth and Lies About What We Buy says "The neutrotransmitter dopamine is released, providing a feel- good high, similar to taking a drug. The dopamine increases until you swipe your debit card..."

MY TWO CENTS: shopping releases dopamine. It allows me to feel fantastic until my card is charged, and the rush of excitement and happiness quickly diminishes. To re-fill the void, people shop again.. and again. LAME. No wonder spur of the moment purchases and high credit card statements are constant and vicious cycles. But alas, it makes sense.. I'm a shopaholic because it's just genetically programmed in me-- it's beyond my control. Take that, Mom!!

introducing... CUPCAKES!

Question: Why is your blog named xoxoCUPCAKE?

Answer 1: I'm a HUGE fan of desserts-- anything tiny, sweet, cute, portable, and yummy is definitely right up my alley. I guess it's no surprise that I was one of the first to hop onto the cupcake bandwagon that emerged a couple years back. I was so crazy about cupcakes that I tried almost every cupcake shop in San Francisco (I think?); a cupcake connoisseur is what I like to call myself. Some of my favorite cupcake shops in the greater Bay Area include: Sweet Things, Kara's Cupcakes, Sibby's Cupcakery, Miette, and of course, the infamous Sprinkle's Cupcakes. Though I've moved onto bigger and better things (macarons, anyone??), cupcakes still hold a special place in my heart, just like this blog. I'm a cheese ball, yes. :)

Answer 2: Anyone that knows me personally knows that I own 3 doggies, and I am crazy about them. They're my babies. While I was in cupcake mode a couple years back, I received my 2nd dog as a gift. And what did I name him? Yup, you got it.. CUPCAKE.

With that being said, it's destined that my blog is named xoxoCUPCAKES. I always have and always will have much xoxo for both cupcakes-- doggie and dessert. :)

FOOD for the BRAIN

It's nearing 2am, and in the midst of attempting to study Anatomy and writing reviews on Yelp, I've come to realize that I'm damn hungry. Instead of practicing self control (what's that?), I find myself scrummaging through the bag of loot I purchased earlier today. Backtrack.. I was shamelessly wandering the snack aisle of Target today, casually "browsing" for "healthy" study snacks. And what did I come across? Stouffer's Whales. Now you may wonder.. "What the hekk are Whales?!" I, too, found myself asking the same question. Due to curiosity and letting the Chinese in me kick in (Whales were $1.00 for a 7 oz. box VS Goldfishes, $2.24 a bag), I found myself pinching pennies and opted for the Whales instead. (side note: honestly, there's no pinching of pennies going on, I'm just saving for Sigma brushes!!)

So what are Whales? Through Google, I learn that Whales are a knock off .. errr, "second rate snack" of my beloved Pepperidge Farm Goldfishes. My initial thoughts? .. "How dare someone second rate MY goldfishes!!!" Anyway, check this baby out:

Cute, huh? The Whale is bigger than the Goldfish cracker. Go figure. The taste is bland, lacking in pungent cheddar flavor, and does not live up to its description: a "baked snack cracker with REAL cheddar cheese". The texture is slightly off, not crispy like Goldfishes. The whale is cute, but in a nutshell... WHALE FAIL.

Final verdict: Pepperidge Farm Goldfishes trumps Stouffer's Whales. Pay that extra ~$1.50. This is just another example of the classic phrase "you get what you pay for."

To my readers: any other snack suggestions?

MAC Riveting Collection

As a self- proclaimed MAC fiend and your dear friend, I feel that it's my duty to inform you that MAC is releasing yet another collection-- The Riveting Collection, on February 18th, 2010. I love you MAC, I really do, but you're straight hustling poor, unemployed me!!! I'm still recovering from the Spring Colour Forecast collection! Personally, I'm torn between the rapid release of collections. My heart beats "YES YES YES!!!", but my poor little wallet is cursing at MAC. WAHHH... :(

Anyway, here's the promo pic. Looks chic n edgy, with a sliiight S&M-esque feel to it, no?

At a quick glance, I'm really loving some of the items this collection has to offer. The lippies scream "SPRING IS HERE!", and the wide range of colors ensure that there will be something for everyone. And don't get me started on the blushes. I LOVEEEES them! They look super pigmented and oh so bright. Yay :)

My mental checklist of items to check out/swatch/purchase (?):

True Babe Creamy mid-tone bright blue pink (Cream) (Limited Edition)

Dirty Plum Deep Plum (PRO)

Full Fuchsia Very bright iridescent fuchsia (PRO)

Small list, yes. Too bad it grows exponentially every time I step foot into MAC. :)

hii :)

Now, you might be wondering "why start a new blog?". Good question, kiddies. Well, due to other obligations, I've pretty much up and left my old blog 5 months prior. It slowly but surely sank to the bottom of my priority list, and that is NOT acceptable. Since it's (sorta) the beginning of a new year, I'm determined to make 2010 the year I become a blogging ADDICT/QUEEN. HELL YES. Therefore... new year, new start, new outlook.. and hence a new blog.

This NEW and hopefully IMPROVED blog will include things I love: food (especially desserts!), makeup, fashion, and doggies.

until next time...