TAG: About Me...Get to know Mendi

Last week you got to know Jayme a little better and today it's my turn.  We were tagged by our friend Madeline from Cappuccino and Fashion to do the "About Me" or "About Us" tag, since there are two of us.  Hopefully this will help you to feel like you know us better now and we'd love to hear your responses to these same questions, so feel free to jump in!

Mendi's About Me

1. Do you have a middle name?
My middle name is Ann, which is also my mom's name.

2. What is/was your favorite subject in school?
Definitely English.  I have always loved to read & write.

3. What's your favorite drink?
Starbucks Non-Fat White Mocha with whip.  Gotta have the whip!

4. Favorite songs at the moment?
Anything by Adele.  I go through phases with music.  It varies from Eminem to Taylor Swift.  The last three CD's that I bought were Adele, Keane & Mumford and Sons.

5. What would you name your children?
Right now, we're only thinking of names for kids of the four-legged variety.  We prefer to meet our puppy and see their personality before naming them.  After we met Nugget for the first time, we knew instantly that she was a "Nugget."  Zoey is rarely called by her actual name...most of the time it's Buggie, which was what I nicknamed her shortly after we brought her home.  Their "gangsta" names are Nugz & Bugz, because obviously two chocolate Labs need gangsta names.  Duh.

6. Do you participate in any sports?
I don't participate in any sports now, but I did play softball and compete in gymnastics growing up.  Now I don't dare do anything that will break a nail.  Hahaha.

7. Favorite book?
It's hard to pick just one.  I read a book two years ago called The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard that I loved so much that I finished it in less than 24 hours.  I basically put it down only long enough to get a few hours of sleep.  I prefer books that have a controversial topic or something that is ripped straight from the headlines, like a Jodi Picoult book.  But sometimes I'm up for a good ol' chick book too, like something by Nicholas Sparks or Kristin Hannah.

8. Favorite color?
I love coral and navy.  If it's in a stripe pattern, then that's even better!

9. Favorite animal?
Obviously dogs...I especially have a weakness for Labs, of course.

10. Favorite perfume?
Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture

11. Favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving...for the three F's:  family, food & football

12. Have you graduated High School?
Yes, Class of 1996.

13. Have you been out of the country?
I have been to Mexico twice.  We honeymooned just south of Playa del Carmen in 2004, then went to Puerto Vallarta in 2009 for Jayme's wedding.

14. Do you speak any other languages?
I took three years of French in high school, but unfortunately it's one of those things that because I haven't used it on a regular basis, I've lost it.

15. Do you have any siblings?
I have two older sisters, Tracy & Shelley.

16. What's your favorite store?
Nordstrom, Sephora, Anthropologie & Fossil.  They get me in trouble.

17. Favorite restaurant?
My favorite local restaurant is The Boathouse at Sunday Park.  It's on the Swift Creek Reservoir, which is where the hubz & I got married.  They have an amazing outdoor deck and the sunsets in the summer are spectacular.

The view from The Boathouse at Sunday Park in Midlothian, VA --
See across the water there??  That's where the hubz & I got married in a gazebo on the water in April 2004.

18. Do you like school?

I enjoyed school, but I can't say that's a time in my life that I look back at and miss.

19. Favorite YouTubers?

There are many, many YouTubers that we subscribe to here on Her Late Night Cravings who I watch on a regular basis.  I love to catch up on YouTube videos at night on my iPhone just before I fall asleep.  I love Makeup by Tiffany D for her tutorials, The Current Boobies for just mere curiosity of what she's up to and JLovesMac1 for pure entertainment value.

20. Favorite Movie?

My faves include Stepbrothers, Bridesmaids and Tommy Boy.  Kinda shows my maturity level, huh?!?

21. Favorite TV show?

Oh geez!  I totally get sucked into the reality shows like Big Brother, Bachelor Pad, Jersey Shore and Flipping Out.  My guilty pleasure this summer was Love In The Wild.  By my #1 fave TV show by far is The Vampire Diaries!  Two words: Ian Somerhalder.  Yes please!!

22. PC or MAC?

PC

23. What phone do you have?

iPhone 4

24. How tall are you?

5' 5-1/2"

Meet my family:

The hubz & I

Nugget (aka Nugz)

Zoey (aka Bugz)

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better!  We'd love to hear more from you.  Feel free to do this tag on your blog (link back to us if you do) or drop us some answers in our comments section.

Tune In Tokyo: Japanese Yakyu (Baseball)

We are back with our third installment of Tune In Tokyo from our dear friend Stephanie.  Enjoy!

Japanese Yakyu (Baseball)

Summer just doesn’t feel like summer without going to a baseball game, right?  Well, here in Japan “yakyu” is ranked as the nation’s number one sport.  Over 20 million Japanese enjoy baseball each year and my family is definitely a part of it.

My husband Jay 

Growing up near Detroit, I watched the Tiger’s play at Tiger Stadium in Corktown and now as an adult, it’s the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.  The Swallows play at an outdoor stadium, Meiji Jingu Stadium, which was built in 1926 and is located in central Tokyo.  According to my husband, the Swallows are historically one of the worst teams in their league, so in a way I feel right at home cheering on the underdog!

Jingu Stadium has seating for over 48,000 fans and features the only scoreboard in Japan that lists each player's home run total and batting average for the entire of the game.  The Swallows fans seem pretty calm and relaxed compared to rowdy fans in the United States.  Put it this way, you don’t see any drunken disorderly behavior while at a game at Jingu Stadium.  The weekend games are filled with families, whereas the games during the week you’ll find more business men.  The cheerleaders only cheer during the week too. Coincidence….I think not!

My favorite part of the night is when the Yakult fans sing their team song, Tokyo Ondo, every time they score a run. Fans open their umbrellas and sing the lyrics to Tokyo Ondo, which is a traditional Japanese song. The song is also sung during the seventh inning stretch, so you're guaranteed to witness it at least once per game.

The night we went, the Swallows were playing the Yomiuri Giants, and both teams compete in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Tokyo Ondo

Kutabare Yomiuri, (Screw you, Yomiuri)

Kutabare Yomiuri, (Screw you, Yomiuri)

Kutabare Yomiuri, (Screw you, Yomiuri)

Kutabare Yomiuri, (Screw you, Yomiuri)

Ha-a, odori-o dorinara, (Ha-ha, while we dance)

Choito Tokyo O-ondo, yoi! yoi! (Feel the Tokyo heat, there! There!)

Hana no miyako-o no. (In the Capital city)

Hana no miyako no ma nakade, (In the Capital city)

So re! (Hey!)

Ya to na so re yoi! yoi! yoi! (Take that! There! There!)

Ya to na so re yoi! yoi! yoi! (Take that! There! There!)

I love the “Yo! Yoi! Yoi!” part!  Makes me wish I knew the chant by heart and had an umbrella to partake! It’s similar to the chants and rituals of college football, but it’s more cordial because the opposing team’s fans let them chant without interrupting or cheering over them.

We can all agree that a baseball game wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the beer, right?  The biru girls carry a partial keg on their backs, and they go around selling beer in the stands.  The hardest part is deciding on which Japanese beer to choose: Kirin, Asahi, Sapporro, or Yebisu.  It’s a toss-up between Sapporo and Kirin for me!

Kanpai (cheers)!

What are your favorite summertime memories at the ballpark?  HLNC would love to hear from you!

~ Stephanie

August Giveaway Winner...and Miss Irene

When there is good and bad news we always elect to hear the good first.  So here goes...

The winner of our August Giveaway is H&K Style Journey!!  They are a mother/daughter blogger team who love to have fun with fashion.  Congratulations to Heather and Kayla!  You are the proud new owners of the following:

OPI Touring America Mini Lacquer Set

Four of the best from OPI's Fall 2011 collection:  French Quarter for your Thoughts, Honk if you Love OPI, A-taupe the Space Needle & My Address is Hollywood

Benefit "Eye Gotta!" The Annie Collection

Described on Sephora's website as "a Sephora-exclusive kit featuring award-winning creaseless cream shadow/liners and powder eye shadows"

We can't wait to see you guys incorporate your prizes into your outfit posts!!

And now on to the not so good news... Most of you know that Hurricane Irene traveled up the East Coast this past weekend and while none of us were hurt in any way (which is the most important thing) it did leave lots of trees down and many without electricity.  We have been without power since Saturday morning, so we aren't going to be able to blog as much as we normally would.  Also, it may be awhile before we have new videos for you guys, because we had planned to film over the weekend, but Mother Nature had other plans.  So hang tight and bear with us while we deal with the aftermath of Miss Irene.  We promise that things here on HLNC will back to normal as soon as the electricity is back on...which can't be soon enough!!

Here are some pictures of the damage we've seen out and about in the Richmond area:

We hope that all of our East Coast friends are safe and sound.  Please let us know how things are around where you live.

We will be back to our regular schedule very soon (fingers crossed)!!

(Giveaway winner chosen via Random.Org)

It's In The (MINI) Bag!

We're always keeping our eyes peeled for the next fashion trend & this fall we see a plethora of mini bags showing up in stores & on our favorite celebrities.  Perfect for a day of shopping or a night of dancing, these bags will keep your hands free to grab all those must-haves for fall or to hold a cocktail or two.  Wear them across your body for the ultimate in comfort & style.  So, in the name of fashion, we decided to share some of our favorites (from the "affordable"...to the "not so much").  Drum roll please...

Ruched Leatherette Handbag

www.forever21.com = $16.80

AEO Studded Crossbody Bag

www.ae.com = $29.50

Double-Stud Crossbody Bag

www.gap.com = $39.95

Jessica Simpson Bella Faux Leather Crossbody Bag

www.nordstrom.com = $42.00

Emory Small Flap

www.fossil.com = $88.00



BCBG MAX AZRIA Indigo Leather 'Femme Fatale' Crossbody
www.bluefly.com = $106.99



Gem Lock Flap Crossbody Bag
www.juicycouture.com = $148.00



Frye Crossbody Pouch
www.southmoonunder.com = $178.00

Tory Burch 'Moonlight Stacked Logo - Reva' Leather Clutch

www.nordstrom.com = $295.00



See by Chloe Houndstooth Mini Shoulder Bag
www.saksfifthavenue.com = $350.00

Leifsdottir Wilshire Boulevard Bag

www.anthropologie.com = $398.00

The Classic Quilting Noho

www.marcjacobs.com = $675.00

What do you think?  Will you be leaving your gigantic handbags behind this fall to lighten your load with one of these adorable mini bags?  How much is TOO much to spend on a handbag?  Would you ever think of splurging on a mini bag, or is there just not enough bang for your buck??  We'd love to hear your thoughts!  

TAG: About Me...Get to know Jayme

Recently we were tagged by our friend Madeline from Cappuccino and Fashion.  It's the "About Me" or "About Us" TAG since there are two of us.  It's a great way to get to know us and hopefully for us to get to know you better.  We will post our answers in two separate posts so as to not overwhelm you guys with personal info. :-)

Jayme's About Me

1. Do you have a middle name?

Yes, my middle name is Lee - like the jeans. It runs through some of the women on my mom's side of the family. 

2. What is/was your favorite subject in school?

English was my favorite subject.  I even majored in it while I was in college.  I've always loved to read and write...not so keen on grammar though!

3. What's your favorite drink?

Diet Coke and Champagne...a perfect day is to start the day off with a Diet Coke and end it with a glass (or bottle) of Champagne.  :-)

4. Favorite songs at the moment?

Anything with a beat.  I love all kinds of music but Hip Hop and R&B are my thing!  If I have to name one it would be "Otis" by Jay Z and Kayne West featuring Otis Redding

5. What would you name your children?

Well I have three - Jade, Barkley and Cooper  :-).  They are my fur babies.  See pics below.

6. Do you participate in any sports?

Yes, I play on a co-ed touch football team.  It's so much fun! 

7. Favorite Book?

It's funny because as an English major you'd think that I have one...but if I answered this question then it would probably take me a year to figure it out.  It's such a tough one.

8. Favorite Color?

It changes all of the time.  Can I pick a rainbow?  :-)

9. Favorite Animal?

Dogs first and then hummingbirds, dolphins, manatees, monkeys, frogs... I just love all animals!! 

10. Favorite Perfume?

I used to not wear too much perfume but some of my faves are Ralph Lauren Romance, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Spade Twirl and MAC Turquatic

11. Favorite Holiday?

Definitely Christmas!  Just ask my hubby because I watch all of those cheesy Christmas movies (as long as they are happy!)

12. Have you graduated High School?

Yes, many, many years ago.

13. Have you been out of the country?

Yes, I have been to the Bahamas (twice), England and Mexico (twice and I got married in Puerto Vallarta in 2009).  There are SO many other places I need to see though!

14. Do you speak any other Languages?

Well I took many years of Spanish but I'm not great at speaking it.  I can understand it and read it a little better than I can speak it.  :-)

15. Do you have any siblings?

I have an older brother (4 years older) and we are nothing alike.  We don't look, sound or act alike in any way.  It's bizarre! 

16. What's your favorite store?

Sephora, Nordstrom, Target and DSW

17. Favorite Restaurant?

I'm not sure I have one...I just love to eat out and it doesn't have to be fancy.  I like places where you can sit and have a drink and just relax and hang out.  I must admit that if it's a bad night (as in I want to eat bad) I do love me some Popeye's Chicken!

18. Do you like school?

I always liked school.  In fact, I was really sad to graduate college. 

19. Favorite YouTubers?

There are so many.  I will say that the ones that got me excited to join the YT community would have to be Makeup By TiffanyD, Makeup Geek and even The Current Boobies (I just like her daily escapades). 

20. Favorite Movie?

Again, I have issues with picking my favorite anything. I'll say that I loved 8 Mile, Hustle & Flow, Bridesmaids, The Hangover and almost any CHICK FLICK (like The Proposal)...I'm not ashamed to admit that.  I like happy light-hearted movies.

21. Favorite TV show?

So hard because I have a ton: Cougar Town, Modern Family, Chuck, True Blood, What Not To Wear, Vampire Diaries, Flipping Out, Jersey Shore and all of the Housewives...and the list goes on.

22. PC or MAC?

PC but would love to go MAC since I'm in love with my iPad and my iPhone.

23. What phone do you have?

iPhone

24. How tall are you?

5'3" but I'm still hoping to grow.  :-)

Meet my family:

My husband of almost 2 years -  Wes

Jade 

Barkley

Cooper

Thanks for reading and I hope I didn't bore any of you!!  Feel free to leave anything about yourself as we'd love to know about each and every one of you.  Mendi's will go up next week so stay tuned!

Beauty Battle - "Bringing Sexy Back"

As we've mentioned previously, the purpose of these videos is for each of us to try out the same product, then keep our opinions to ourselves until we can share our thoughts with each other while the camera is rolling.  Here's our third installment featuring Sexy Hair Organics' Moisture Boost (hence the name of this post)...

We absolutely love Beauty Battles!  And we hope you do too!  We've gotten some new recommendations and we can't wait to do this again.  Please keep the recs coming our way!

Making the Grade: Fall Polish Report

Leave it to us to turn something like the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2011 into a post about nail polishes.  When we first saw these colors a few months ago, we immediately thought of what amazing polishes these colors would make.  So, in true HLNC style, here are the top 10 colors for fall (along with a brief description from the fine folks over at Pantone) and the polish that we think makes the grade.

"Bamboo, a surprising fall hue, brings a warm, exotic flavor to the season.  Like a filtered sunset on the waning days of fall, Bamboo is a standout yellow with a subtle green undertone."
 HLNC's pick: Chanel's Mimosa                              


"Radiant Emberglow, a traditional autumnal tone, emanates the warmth of a glowing fire - the perfect panacea to the crisp air of fall."
 HLNC's pick: Orly's Peachy Parrot                 


"Offering a sense of continuity from spring, dynamic Honeysuckle adds a bold punctuation point.  This playful, reddish pink works..."
 HLNC's pick: OPI's My Address is Hollywood


"Phlox, a magical, deep purple with a hint of mystery, is an outstanding statement when worn on its own."
 HLNC's pick: NARS' Tokaido Express           


"Evoking the freshness of a cool mist in a dark forest, Cedar is a versatile, mid-tone neutral green."
 HLNC's pick: Barielle's Positive Zen-ergy          


"Deep Teal, a strong, blue-toned green, suggests ocean depths and the color of the sky as daylight descends into darkness."
 HLNC's pick: Zoya's Cynthia  


"Rich, decadent Coffee Liqueur brings a sense of elegance to fall, and is a savory alternative to basic black."
 HLNC's pick: China Glaze's Street Chic 


"Nougat, a deliciously warm camel tan."
 HLNC's pick: Essie's Case Study         


"Orchid Hush, a unique tone of gray with complex orchid undertones..."
 HLNC's pick: Sally Hansen's Pedal to the Metal    


"Quarry, a reliable medium gray, remains, as always, a practical, dependable staple."
 HLNC's pick: butter LONDON's Lady Muck    


These colors were love at first sight for us.  We're SO ready for fall now!  Are you with us??  Or are you still hanging on to the last few days of summer?  Drop us a comment to let us know.