Hello?
Hello?
Is there anybody there?
If there is....I'm now blogging over here: thebluehourblog.com
No longer fashion, but all kinds of things! Feel free to find me there!
Monday, November 2, 2015
Saturday, June 7, 2014
[Review] Physicians Formula Wrinkle Corrector & Firming Cleanser
Have you ever tried a product you didn't like for a really stupid reason? This is one of those products for me. Frankly, it may be an awesome product. But I can't get around the fact that this cleanser just doesn't lather.
I use a Clarisonic daily, and I just hate that I can't tell if this is properly reaching my entire face. So, if we're being honest here - I have no idea if this stuff actually works. I bought it on a recommendation - I can't remember whose recommendation - and was confused as to whether I was actually getting my face clean.
I use a Clarisonic daily, and I just hate that I can't tell if this is properly reaching my entire face. So, if we're being honest here - I have no idea if this stuff actually works. I bought it on a recommendation - I can't remember whose recommendation - and was confused as to whether I was actually getting my face clean.
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| Buy |
Has anyone else ever used this? Does it work?
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
[Review] Vitabath Cupcake Couture Heavenly Coconut Creme Body Wash
I'm always on the search for my "holy grail" products - for skin, for hair, makeup, etc. I've been working my way through some body washes, and finished two recently. The one I'm going to write about here is the Vitabath Cupcake Couture Heavenly Coconut Creme Body Wash.
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| Buy here. |
This body wash is sulfate & paraben free, and contains coconut extract. And let me tell you - it lives up to its name in terms of scent. OH. MY. GOODNESS. It smells like heavenly coconut - rich and just sweet enough - I would love a candle that smells just like this!! It's not, however, a smell that lingers after you're out of the shower. For me personally, I like a slight lingering smell with my body wash - usually because I shower at night and head into bed, and I like having a very slight scent on me prior to jumping under the covers. This, however, doesn't linger. Which could be great, or not so great, depending on your preference.
The consistency of this body was was a creamy, opaque gel that is white in color and lathers beautifully. I always use a loofah/shower poof/whatever you wanna call it, and it lathers great. The bottle also lasts a really long time.
Overall, my skin is normal, and I didn't find this to be super drying or super moisturizing. I don't know that I'll repurchase it because I love it, but perhaps only if I'm swayed again by the delicious smell....
Monday, February 17, 2014
[Poll] M&BB Monday Poll
Every Monday, Karen over at the Makeup and Beauty Blog does a poll asking visitors to comment. I thought it might be fun to occasionally post it and answer it on my blog. And if you're into makeup, Karen's blog is an awesome resource for all things makeup!!!
This week's poll:
1. Your favorite pair of pajamas?
I really don't wear pajamas in "pairs" persay. I have a bunch of pajama pants that I usually just pair with tees or tanks. But my favorite pair of pajama pants are navy Nautica ones with multicolor anchors on them. I got them at Macy's during an after-Christmas sale 2 Christmases ago and haven't been able to find them for such a steal since.
2. Do you still de-fuzz your legs in the winter?
I do, but less frequently. And I probably wouldn't at all except that I work out and wear capris or shorts, so I don't want to be the girl with the gross legs at the gym.
3. When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes?
Last Sunday. I spot clean them daily but on Sundays I actually give them a real wash.
4. Have you ever worn eyelash extensions?
Nope, and I don't have the desire to, simply because they're so expensive for how long they last!!
5. What are three of your eye makeup staples?
Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Too Faced 3-Way Liner, Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara
6. What’s your stance on long, pointy nails?
I think they look dated. Kudos to gals who have the confidence to wear them, but they're definitely not something I'm personally into.
7. What’s one weird thing your pet does?
She chews on her face. She's a boxer dog, and they have these jowls - and so often they get stuck in her mouth. It makes me laugh every time.
8. Are you more of a palette or a singles girl?
Definitely a palette girl. I have singles because when I started out with makeup I didn't know palettes existed, and I've purchased some singles because I really loved the color, but my preference is almost always for palettes. I like how easy it is to create a look with a palette because the colors are so complimentary. I also love how easy it is to grab one when I travel and get multiple unique eye looks out of it over the course of a trip!
9. Do you take cream and/or sugar in your tea?
Neither because I think tea is gross.
10. To do great things, you must _____.
Work hard!! Give it some effort! Nothing great happens solely on its own.
How would you answer these questions?
This week's poll:
1. Your favorite pair of pajamas?
I really don't wear pajamas in "pairs" persay. I have a bunch of pajama pants that I usually just pair with tees or tanks. But my favorite pair of pajama pants are navy Nautica ones with multicolor anchors on them. I got them at Macy's during an after-Christmas sale 2 Christmases ago and haven't been able to find them for such a steal since.
2. Do you still de-fuzz your legs in the winter?
I do, but less frequently. And I probably wouldn't at all except that I work out and wear capris or shorts, so I don't want to be the girl with the gross legs at the gym.
3. When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes?
Last Sunday. I spot clean them daily but on Sundays I actually give them a real wash.
4. Have you ever worn eyelash extensions?
Nope, and I don't have the desire to, simply because they're so expensive for how long they last!!
5. What are three of your eye makeup staples?
Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Too Faced 3-Way Liner, Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara
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| 3*Way |
6. What’s your stance on long, pointy nails?
I think they look dated. Kudos to gals who have the confidence to wear them, but they're definitely not something I'm personally into.
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| Not my thang! |
7. What’s one weird thing your pet does?
She chews on her face. She's a boxer dog, and they have these jowls - and so often they get stuck in her mouth. It makes me laugh every time.
8. Are you more of a palette or a singles girl?
Definitely a palette girl. I have singles because when I started out with makeup I didn't know palettes existed, and I've purchased some singles because I really loved the color, but my preference is almost always for palettes. I like how easy it is to create a look with a palette because the colors are so complimentary. I also love how easy it is to grab one when I travel and get multiple unique eye looks out of it over the course of a trip!
9. Do you take cream and/or sugar in your tea?
Neither because I think tea is gross.
10. To do great things, you must _____.
Work hard!! Give it some effort! Nothing great happens solely on its own.
How would you answer these questions?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
[Beauty] The Lipstick Tag. Just Because.
I stumbled across this and thought it would be fun to do. I tag anyone else who wants to do it!
1. How many lipsticks do you own?
Too many. Next question.
2. What was your first lipstick?
I don't remember the color name but it was a CoverGirl Lipslicks Lipgloss. It was a really frosty ballerina pink. I probably still have it at the bottom of my lipstick stash. I was maybe 12 when I bought it?
3. What is your favorite lipstick brand?
This one is tough. I have a hands down favorite lip product brand - Tarte - but more specifically I love their lipsurgence pencils. These are essentially lipsticks but they're not really called "lipsticks".
If we're talking about a for real lipstick, I have to go with BareMinerals or MAC.
I have to give honorable mention to Kat Von D lipsticks - they have amazing staying power, but I find that many of the colors don't work with my skin tone.
4. What is your most worn lipstick?
I don't really have one! I switch it up frequently. If I had to pick right now, I'd say that lately I've been reaching for Private Party by MAC. Bummer, it's a limited edition!
5. What is your favorite lipstick finish?
I'd have to say satin, but I love the look of a matte as well. Problem is, many matte formulas are so drying!!
6. What was your last lipstick purchase?
That's an easy one. MAC Viva Glam V.
7. How many lip products are in your bag right now?
HA. This is great. 15. Seriously. Revlon lip butter in Pink Truffle (1), MAC Viva Glam V (2), MAC Private Party (3), Nyx Matte lipstick in Whipped Caviar (4), Nyx Butter lipstick in Pops (5), Rimmel Show Off lip lacquer in Celestial (6), Wet N Wild Mega lip color in That's Berry Beautiful (7), Tarte Lipsurgence lip lustre in Kind (limited edition - 8), Maybelline ColorSensational lipstick in Untainted Spice (9), Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Clearly Pink (10), Revlon Colorburst gloss in Orchid (11), ELF lip gloss in Take Me Out (limited edition - 12), an Ulta lip liner in Flesh (13), Too Faced Lip Insurance lip primer (14), and a company-branded Ericsson lip balm (I'm guessing it's made by Nivea by the looks of it - 15).
8. What's your favorite red lipstick?
I really don't have one! I have a hard time finding the right toned red for my fair skin. I'm still looking for a red I love!
9. How do you store your lipsticks?
If it weren't so embarrassing I'd show you. Right now, I have a drawer full of them, plus a plastic shoebox that's also full. I have a small cosmetics bag that houses only glosses, and a second cosmetic bag where my overflow lipsticks are now headed. I'm planning to reorganize them at some point this month and would like to have them all in two of the shoebox size plastic boxes.
10. What lipsticks are you currently lusting after?
Oh, there are plenty. Urban Decay Revolution lipstick in Turn On:
UD Revolution Lipstick in Venom:
MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo:
Tarte Lipsurgence Matte Lip Tint in Berry
L'Oreal Color Riche in Purple Prelude
Nars Matte lipstick in La Paz
Wet N Wild Fergie Vicious Varnish High Shine Lip Stain in Global Fierceness
So that's it for the tag!
1. How many lipsticks do you own?
Too many. Next question.
2. What was your first lipstick?
I don't remember the color name but it was a CoverGirl Lipslicks Lipgloss. It was a really frosty ballerina pink. I probably still have it at the bottom of my lipstick stash. I was maybe 12 when I bought it?
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| Woot woot! |
3. What is your favorite lipstick brand?
This one is tough. I have a hands down favorite lip product brand - Tarte - but more specifically I love their lipsurgence pencils. These are essentially lipsticks but they're not really called "lipsticks".
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| Fave! |
If we're talking about a for real lipstick, I have to go with BareMinerals or MAC.
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| Marvelous Moxie |
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| MAC |
I have to give honorable mention to Kat Von D lipsticks - they have amazing staying power, but I find that many of the colors don't work with my skin tone.
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| Kat Von D |
4. What is your most worn lipstick?
I don't really have one! I switch it up frequently. If I had to pick right now, I'd say that lately I've been reaching for Private Party by MAC. Bummer, it's a limited edition!
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| From the 2013 Holiday collection |
5. What is your favorite lipstick finish?
I'd have to say satin, but I love the look of a matte as well. Problem is, many matte formulas are so drying!!
6. What was your last lipstick purchase?
| From the 2013 Holiday collection |
That's an easy one. MAC Viva Glam V.
 | |
| Viva Glam V |
7. How many lip products are in your bag right now?
HA. This is great. 15. Seriously. Revlon lip butter in Pink Truffle (1), MAC Viva Glam V (2), MAC Private Party (3), Nyx Matte lipstick in Whipped Caviar (4), Nyx Butter lipstick in Pops (5), Rimmel Show Off lip lacquer in Celestial (6), Wet N Wild Mega lip color in That's Berry Beautiful (7), Tarte Lipsurgence lip lustre in Kind (limited edition - 8), Maybelline ColorSensational lipstick in Untainted Spice (9), Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Clearly Pink (10), Revlon Colorburst gloss in Orchid (11), ELF lip gloss in Take Me Out (limited edition - 12), an Ulta lip liner in Flesh (13), Too Faced Lip Insurance lip primer (14), and a company-branded Ericsson lip balm (I'm guessing it's made by Nivea by the looks of it - 15).
8. What's your favorite red lipstick?
9. How do you store your lipsticks?
If it weren't so embarrassing I'd show you. Right now, I have a drawer full of them, plus a plastic shoebox that's also full. I have a small cosmetics bag that houses only glosses, and a second cosmetic bag where my overflow lipsticks are now headed. I'm planning to reorganize them at some point this month and would like to have them all in two of the shoebox size plastic boxes.
10. What lipsticks are you currently lusting after?
Oh, there are plenty. Urban Decay Revolution lipstick in Turn On:
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L'Oreal Color Riche in Purple Prelude
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Wet N Wild Fergie Vicious Varnish High Shine Lip Stain in Global Fierceness
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So that's it for the tag!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
[Random] A Body Type Guide - WOW.
Seriously. This might be the most interesting YouTube video I've seen in ages. Who knew?
Friday, January 3, 2014
[Beauty] Why Is No One Talking About This Product?
I've mentioned previously that I have really gotten into makeup and beauty products as of late. I've been watching all my favorite beauty gurus on YouTube and trying to teach myself how to be better at putting on my face.
With this new-found interest has come a bevy of new-to-me products. I generally stuck to the drugstore (knowing little about mid-range or high end products, period), but as I discovered the world of beauty bloggers and makeup vloggers, I started to expand my interests.
Now, I have a great mix of both drugstore and mid-to-high end stuff. I don't have much of the super high end lines (Chanel, Dior, Guerlain, YSL, Marc Jacobs, etc) - but I have tried a lot outside of those. There are products recommended by lots of ladies that I have tried and loved - Urban Decay shadows, Tarte lip products, BareMinerals Mineral Veil....but there is one product that recently I have been loving and no one in the blogging/vlogging world is talking about it!!!! And it's a drugstore find!
It's the ELF High Definition Powder. I got mine at Target. This stuff is "pricier" for ELF - I say pricier because most of the line is $1-$3. But oh wow is it amazing. It feels like silk on my skin. It makes my face look airbrushed. It's easily a dupe for the BareMinerals Mineral Veil that sells for $20.
I'm shocked as to why no one else is talking about this?? Is it hard to find? Is it hidden among other more attractive items in the rack? I have no idea. But its praises must be sung. What about you? Have you tried it?
With this new-found interest has come a bevy of new-to-me products. I generally stuck to the drugstore (knowing little about mid-range or high end products, period), but as I discovered the world of beauty bloggers and makeup vloggers, I started to expand my interests.
Now, I have a great mix of both drugstore and mid-to-high end stuff. I don't have much of the super high end lines (Chanel, Dior, Guerlain, YSL, Marc Jacobs, etc) - but I have tried a lot outside of those. There are products recommended by lots of ladies that I have tried and loved - Urban Decay shadows, Tarte lip products, BareMinerals Mineral Veil....but there is one product that recently I have been loving and no one in the blogging/vlogging world is talking about it!!!! And it's a drugstore find!
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| Here |
It's the ELF High Definition Powder. I got mine at Target. This stuff is "pricier" for ELF - I say pricier because most of the line is $1-$3. But oh wow is it amazing. It feels like silk on my skin. It makes my face look airbrushed. It's easily a dupe for the BareMinerals Mineral Veil that sells for $20.
I'm shocked as to why no one else is talking about this?? Is it hard to find? Is it hidden among other more attractive items in the rack? I have no idea. But its praises must be sung. What about you? Have you tried it?
Thursday, January 2, 2014
[Shopping] I'll Stop the World and Melt With You
I spent the first day of 2014 relaxing and doing minor things around the house. It's so nice to have the time to be able to do these kinds of things when I haven't had many days like that in a long time. It was also super nice to not wake up on New Year's Day and be hungover - it's probably been a few years since that was the case, as much as it makes me cringe to say that. I didn't get dressed until 4pm. And it's ok to have one of those kind of days every now and again!!
Along with some cleaning and some DVR-catching-up, I also ran out to pick up a few quick things (which is really why I even got dressed in the first place). As part of my new goal to start getting back in the gym, and as a precautionary measure for my runs, I wanted to buy an armband for my iPhone. I've been carrying my phone in my hand on runs, but after my little "incident" with my hubby's phone (I dropped it in a parking lot and shattered the screen), I'd like a little more security for it! I not only grabbed one on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods, I also picked up a few of the Under Armor hair bands I love.
Along with some cleaning and some DVR-catching-up, I also ran out to pick up a few quick things (which is really why I even got dressed in the first place). As part of my new goal to start getting back in the gym, and as a precautionary measure for my runs, I wanted to buy an armband for my iPhone. I've been carrying my phone in my hand on runs, but after my little "incident" with my hubby's phone (I dropped it in a parking lot and shattered the screen), I'd like a little more security for it! I not only grabbed one on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods, I also picked up a few of the Under Armor hair bands I love.
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New Armband! |
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| So cute! |
While I was out, I popped into Payless since it's right by Dick's and I have had my eye on these shoes for awhile. I saw they went on sale online and also saw they had my size at my local Payless.
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| Here |
Online, they were on sale for $20 (from $40), but in store they didn't appear to be marked down. I asked the girl who was working and she said 90% of the time they can honor the online price (some very specific online sales can't be honored). I brought the shoes up and they actually rang up for the sale price - plus Payless was offering 20% off sale/clearance items, so I ended up paying $16 for them!! They're actually super similar to a pair of Elizabeth & James heels that I have (see this post), but the E&J ones are super high (read: super difficult to walk/stand in for more than 10 minutes), and they're super expensive so I'm always hesitant to wear them for fear of them becoming all beaten up.
For $16, I can buy a dupe. And they're close to these, which were the shoes I was originally wanting when I bought the E&J shoes.
In the evening, I went to meet my dance friends at Wild Bill's for our normal Wednesday debauchery. There weren't many of us there but it was fun nonetheless.
Until next time...
Until next time...
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
[Random] A New Year is Upon Us
Last night I rang in the New Year with some of my favorite people - my husband and I attended a party at my friend Cheryl's house. All my dance team ladies and gents were there, and it was such a fun, festive atmosphere that started the new year with love, laughter, and good spirits.
We spent the evening eating delicious food, drinking sparkly drinks, and enjoying fun and entertaining conversation with old friends and new acquaintances. We began the new year with a countdown, the ball drop, confetti poppers, a champagne toast, and fireworks in the street.
As 2014 starts, like many of you, I'm thinking about new beginnings and clean slates. I'm beginning this year by focusing on 1-4 things each week that I want to work on. Some of these things will be new habits I'm trying to introduce, some will be tasks to be accomplished, others will be things I want to be more focused on.
To start 2014, I am focusing on three things in the first week. Number one sounds kind of ridiculous - but I'm trying to break a stupid habit. I often, when lost in thought or not doing anything, chew on the inside of my cheek. I look ridiculous doing it, and it's so subconscious I don't realize I'm doing that. I'm trying to be more mindful of when I'm doing it and make myself stop when I notice.
The second thing is to start lifting weights again this week, 3 times a week. I got a new gym bag and some new gym clothes for Christmas this year, and it's given me sufficient motivation to make this one of my first goals.
Number three is also sort of health related, but I'm just dipping in my toe. For this first week, I'm going to focus on wearing my pedometer each day. I want to monitor the average number of steps I take over a week, so that in week two I can set an attainable goal for number of steps each day. Just getting into the habit of wearing my pedometer is goal enough for me this week!
One kind of bonus focus is to start taking daily outfit photos so I can participate in What I Wore Wednesday, even if the photos are snapped on my phone.
What are you working on in the New Year?
We spent the evening eating delicious food, drinking sparkly drinks, and enjoying fun and entertaining conversation with old friends and new acquaintances. We began the new year with a countdown, the ball drop, confetti poppers, a champagne toast, and fireworks in the street.
As 2014 starts, like many of you, I'm thinking about new beginnings and clean slates. I'm beginning this year by focusing on 1-4 things each week that I want to work on. Some of these things will be new habits I'm trying to introduce, some will be tasks to be accomplished, others will be things I want to be more focused on.
To start 2014, I am focusing on three things in the first week. Number one sounds kind of ridiculous - but I'm trying to break a stupid habit. I often, when lost in thought or not doing anything, chew on the inside of my cheek. I look ridiculous doing it, and it's so subconscious I don't realize I'm doing that. I'm trying to be more mindful of when I'm doing it and make myself stop when I notice.
The second thing is to start lifting weights again this week, 3 times a week. I got a new gym bag and some new gym clothes for Christmas this year, and it's given me sufficient motivation to make this one of my first goals.
Number three is also sort of health related, but I'm just dipping in my toe. For this first week, I'm going to focus on wearing my pedometer each day. I want to monitor the average number of steps I take over a week, so that in week two I can set an attainable goal for number of steps each day. Just getting into the habit of wearing my pedometer is goal enough for me this week!
One kind of bonus focus is to start taking daily outfit photos so I can participate in What I Wore Wednesday, even if the photos are snapped on my phone.
What are you working on in the New Year?
Friday, November 22, 2013
[Shopping] Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes!
Ok, maybe the title is a bit of an exaggeration. However, this has been a shoe filled week.
I had a pair of plain, pointy toe black pumps. I had them up until this past Tuesday, when I threw them away. I had put on an outfit and was trying on 230498 different pairs of shoes and none looked right. What I really needed was a plain, closed toe pump. I put on the ones I own - and promptly cringed because they were embarrassingly worn and beat up. It then became my mission to replace them, because as a gal who wears them frequently for work, I shouldn't be without them in my shoe collection!
I started out at Macy's since my husband works there and the discount is always a plus. I didn't find anything that jumped out at me for a decent price, so as I was leaving the mall, I saw Payless and decided to pop in. Because I'm so hard on my black pumps, I thought a cheap pair might be able to tide me over.
Instead, I walked out with these:
aaaaaand I also left with these:
Not quite black pumps, but definitely cute!!
I did find some pumps for a great price online at Macy's, so I ordered a pair (and maybe another pair? oops!). I will post when I get them!
Hope you all are having a wonderful day. Thanks for reading!
I had a pair of plain, pointy toe black pumps. I had them up until this past Tuesday, when I threw them away. I had put on an outfit and was trying on 230498 different pairs of shoes and none looked right. What I really needed was a plain, closed toe pump. I put on the ones I own - and promptly cringed because they were embarrassingly worn and beat up. It then became my mission to replace them, because as a gal who wears them frequently for work, I shouldn't be without them in my shoe collection!
I started out at Macy's since my husband works there and the discount is always a plus. I didn't find anything that jumped out at me for a decent price, so as I was leaving the mall, I saw Payless and decided to pop in. Because I'm so hard on my black pumps, I thought a cheap pair might be able to tide me over.
Instead, I walked out with these:
 | |||
| Here |
aaaaaand I also left with these:
 |
| Here |
Not quite black pumps, but definitely cute!!
I did find some pumps for a great price online at Macy's, so I ordered a pair (and maybe another pair? oops!). I will post when I get them!
Hope you all are having a wonderful day. Thanks for reading!
Monday, November 18, 2013
[Beauty] The Perfect Palette
I've not been blogging around here too much lately because my attention has kind of waned. Not to blogging necessarily, but I've found myself gravitating a bit away from fashion and towards makeup. I've lost a bit of motivation in terms of photographing outfits and all that jazz, and I haven't been putting nearly as much thought into outfits as I'd like.
What I have done is recently discovered the fantastic world of YouTube beauty videos. This has been great because like I have been insecure with putting myself together clothing-wise, I've always felt the same way about makeup. My mother never wore makeup, and I never really learned how to do it. The last few months have been a crash course in learning how to make my face pretty.
So, in an effort to revive this blog and really make it about what I'm currently passionate about, I'm going to be working in some more makeup/beauty related things. Especially because I've been picking up a lot of the seasonal packages available at Sephora and Ulta and trying out products I never would have thought to try otherwise.
This "Palette Tag" has been going around lately, so I thought I'd use it for my first beauty related post! If any of you would like to do this on your blog, I tag you!!
Perfect Palette Tag Questions:
1. Best Packaging
This is a tough one! I don't know that I have a palette whose packaging I get overly excited about. I guess if I had to pick, I'd choose Urban Decay's Vice 2 palette. It's huge, which isn't great for traveling, but it has a gigantic mirror that opens to the perfect angle and the hard case protects the shadows. It's also really pretty!
2. Best Color Payoff
Anastasia Lavish palette. Hands down. This one just needs a teeny, tiny tap of product to deliver plenty of color!
3. Most Versatile
This was no contest - my Coastal Scents 120 palette. 120 shadows. You don't get more versatile than that.
4. Best for Traveling
I like any of the Too Faced palettes for travel - my faves are the Smoky and Romantic palettes. They have a good variety of shades, from light to dark, and it's easy to get a number of full eye looks out of each palette. Plus, they're small and relatively compact and well built to withstand a bit of travel!
5. Biggest Regret
This one is easy - the Kat Von D Ladybird palette. I don't know what it is about this one, but the shadows crease on me within 2 hours, no matter if I use a primer, a base, a primer with a base, or even nothing at all. There doesn't seem to be a single thing that keeps this stuff from creasing!!
6. Best Color Names
Meet Matt(e) from theBalm. Each shadow is named after a "Matt" as though they were people. I think it's adorable.
7. Least Used
This, in all reality, would also be the Ladybird palette because I don't reach for it knowing how badly it creases on me, but in the interest of making each answer unique, I'd have to say the Sonia Kashuk Jewel of an Eye palette. I think it's because there are no really light colors in here and rarely do I do an eye look without light colors. I find that I have a lot of these colors in other palettes or individual shadows, so I often forget to grab for this one!
8. Most Used, Most Loved, Desert Island
This one is easy. The Urban Decay Naked palettes take this one away. I use them constantly and I can do a lot with them. I wouldn't say they're totally desert island because I couldn't live without color, but they are definitely my most used and most loved!!
What I have done is recently discovered the fantastic world of YouTube beauty videos. This has been great because like I have been insecure with putting myself together clothing-wise, I've always felt the same way about makeup. My mother never wore makeup, and I never really learned how to do it. The last few months have been a crash course in learning how to make my face pretty.
So, in an effort to revive this blog and really make it about what I'm currently passionate about, I'm going to be working in some more makeup/beauty related things. Especially because I've been picking up a lot of the seasonal packages available at Sephora and Ulta and trying out products I never would have thought to try otherwise.
This "Palette Tag" has been going around lately, so I thought I'd use it for my first beauty related post! If any of you would like to do this on your blog, I tag you!!
Perfect Palette Tag Questions:
1. Best Packaging
This is a tough one! I don't know that I have a palette whose packaging I get overly excited about. I guess if I had to pick, I'd choose Urban Decay's Vice 2 palette. It's huge, which isn't great for traveling, but it has a gigantic mirror that opens to the perfect angle and the hard case protects the shadows. It's also really pretty!
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2. Best Color Payoff
Anastasia Lavish palette. Hands down. This one just needs a teeny, tiny tap of product to deliver plenty of color!
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3. Most Versatile
This was no contest - my Coastal Scents 120 palette. 120 shadows. You don't get more versatile than that.
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4. Best for Traveling
I like any of the Too Faced palettes for travel - my faves are the Smoky and Romantic palettes. They have a good variety of shades, from light to dark, and it's easy to get a number of full eye looks out of each palette. Plus, they're small and relatively compact and well built to withstand a bit of travel!
5. Biggest Regret
This one is easy - the Kat Von D Ladybird palette. I don't know what it is about this one, but the shadows crease on me within 2 hours, no matter if I use a primer, a base, a primer with a base, or even nothing at all. There doesn't seem to be a single thing that keeps this stuff from creasing!!
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6. Best Color Names
Meet Matt(e) from theBalm. Each shadow is named after a "Matt" as though they were people. I think it's adorable.
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7. Least Used
This, in all reality, would also be the Ladybird palette because I don't reach for it knowing how badly it creases on me, but in the interest of making each answer unique, I'd have to say the Sonia Kashuk Jewel of an Eye palette. I think it's because there are no really light colors in here and rarely do I do an eye look without light colors. I find that I have a lot of these colors in other palettes or individual shadows, so I often forget to grab for this one!
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This one is easy. The Urban Decay Naked palettes take this one away. I use them constantly and I can do a lot with them. I wouldn't say they're totally desert island because I couldn't live without color, but they are definitely my most used and most loved!!
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Friday, November 1, 2013
[NaBloMoPo] Eat Drink and Be Merry
Today's prompt:
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry for tomorrow we die. The world is ending tomorrow. What does your last dinner look like?
Yeesh. Could we start off a little more morose? Yikes!
Well, if I have to plan a last dinner, we're going big. I am taking every person I love in my life - my husband, our families, our friends - to the biggest, loudest, most celebratory dinner. On Mt. Washington, in Pittsburgh. I would take the people I love to a place that I love.
We would be rowdy, and laugh, and drink wine and cocktails, and celebrate life. Because even without the world ending, life is something to celebrate. Family and friends are something to celebrate. Every single day.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry for tomorrow we die. The world is ending tomorrow. What does your last dinner look like?
Yeesh. Could we start off a little more morose? Yikes!
Well, if I have to plan a last dinner, we're going big. I am taking every person I love in my life - my husband, our families, our friends - to the biggest, loudest, most celebratory dinner. On Mt. Washington, in Pittsburgh. I would take the people I love to a place that I love.
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| the view from Mt. Washington |
We would be rowdy, and laugh, and drink wine and cocktails, and celebrate life. Because even without the world ending, life is something to celebrate. Family and friends are something to celebrate. Every single day.
[Life] A Month of Giving Thanks: A Blessing
Well gee. Isn't this an easy prompt to start the month of thanks?! A blessing? My husband.
My life wouldn't be what it is without him.
And like many husbands, he drives me crazy at times, but there is so much good brought to my life because he is in it.
He's my biggest supporter. My rock. He has more faith in me than anyone. He's there when I need him. He's loving and kind and such a huge part of the happiness of my life that there is no better blessing than this. Him
My life wouldn't be what it is without him.
And like many husbands, he drives me crazy at times, but there is so much good brought to my life because he is in it.
He's my biggest supporter. My rock. He has more faith in me than anyone. He's there when I need him. He's loving and kind and such a huge part of the happiness of my life that there is no better blessing than this. Him
Friday, August 16, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
[Life] Off My Game
Guys, since falling off the blogging wagon about 2 months ago, I've really struggled to get back into it. I haven't been willing to invest the time or the energy in taking pictures, and I've not been planning outfits. I found myself gravitating towards more beauty related things - tutorials and beauty favorites and recommendations on youtube instead of outfits and bloggers in my RSS feed.
Sigh.
I'm not ready to give up this blog because it really is beneficial in keeping me from just being lazy and not putting myself together (which then results in me not feeling as fabulous as I would if I had just made the effort). So, I'm trying to come back. What I really need is to get on a roll with some photos. I haven't pulled out my tripod in months.
I'm also going to share some of the beauty discoveries I've made. And perhaps some recipes and things. But I'm trying to get the drive to come back to this 4 days a week minimum. Crossing my fingers!!
Sigh.
I'm not ready to give up this blog because it really is beneficial in keeping me from just being lazy and not putting myself together (which then results in me not feeling as fabulous as I would if I had just made the effort). So, I'm trying to come back. What I really need is to get on a roll with some photos. I haven't pulled out my tripod in months.
I'm also going to share some of the beauty discoveries I've made. And perhaps some recipes and things. But I'm trying to get the drive to come back to this 4 days a week minimum. Crossing my fingers!!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
[Life] Happy Birthday Husband.
Today is all about this guy.
Usually I'm rather poetic about my feelings but today I'm just going to say this: Happy Birthday, Hubby. You're my world and I love you so much. Let's make it great!!
Usually I'm rather poetic about my feelings but today I'm just going to say this: Happy Birthday, Hubby. You're my world and I love you so much. Let's make it great!!
Friday, July 19, 2013
[Beauty] Ipsy Glam Bag
If you're interested in your own Ipsy Glam Bag, you can sign up here. Please note that by using this link, I'll get referral credit which could result in an extra item in my next bag. Just sayin.
I think we're all aware there are a ton of subscription beauty services out there. I was, at one point, a Birchbox subscriber, but after a year I didn't feel I was getting my money's worth. I got a few repeats and more than a few product types that I wasn't interested in (acne serums, exfoliating scrubs). I got a number of really random items that I thought were essentially fluff items - things thrown in that were of no value that appeared to be added solely to reach the proper item number - you know, "friendship bracelets", stickers, postcards. And the final straw was when I started getting more and more samples in those little packets or cards that you can get for free at makeup counters. Come on. I'm paying you $10 a month to send me 3 samples I could get for free, a friendship bracelet I'll never wear, and one legitimate product sample bottle? I know some gals have had great success with Birchbox - I just wasn't one of them.
So I was leery about trying Ipsy's Glam Bag. For the same $10, you get "a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products" - that's straight outta their About page. After seeing some of my favorite YouTube beauty vloggers open their bags, I thought I'd give it a try. Honestly, I was drawn by the "deluxe samples" and "full-sized" products. July was my first month and this is what I got:
Guys, Coral Crush is the bright one in the middle. I have no idea what in the world I answered in my quiz that would make Ipsy think that Coral Crush was the best color choice for me. Now, granted, I have yet to try it. So I don't have any feedback on this brand or product - but I'm a little scared of the color. Most of my lipsticks fall in the color family of the other two. However, I'm willing to try this one, and I'm loving the fact that it's a full size lip crayon!
I haven't tried this one yet, but I'm excited to - I've been looking for a facial sunscreen that works well with my makeup. I'm guessing everyone got this plain, unscented one, or the tinted one, as that was another of the options for this month's bag. Frankly, I'm glad I didn't get the tinted one, since my skin is so pale a lot of times tinted stuff that's not made for fair skin looks ridiculous on me. The only downside of this is that the sample size on this one is pretty tiny.
I'm super psyched about this one. I love the color (even though I have similar colors...but that's my issue because I'm a polish addict rather than an issue with Ipsy, haha) and I'm stoked to try it. Plus, this is a full size polish!!
Finally, I got this Sexy Hair Humidity Spray. I haven't tried it yet, but can I just say Ipsy got it so right with this one??? I live in Atlanta, where the humidity runs about 800% on the daily during the summer (and the other 3 seasons sometimes). Also, I am an avid fan of a few of the products by Sexy Hair - namely this stuff. Not joking. It is the jam. Plus, this spray was a great size - obviously not full size but definitely a deluxe sample. If this stuff works, it'll be going in my travel toiletry bag for sure while I go grab myself a full size version and I'll still get a lot of use out of it.
So that's it for this month's grab bag. What products didn't I get? The tinted version of the sunscreen, Sexy Hair's Soy Renewal Beach spray, Benefit's Benetint, Demeter Salt Air perfume roll on, and Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub.
Out of all the options, I'd say Ipsy definitely did great. I have no interest in a microdermabrasion scrub (I'm finicky about my skin routine; very rarely does it change). I also mentioned why tinted stuff is usually bad. I don't use beach sprays often - maybe 10 times a summer - so that wouldn't have been my preference. I'm kind of indifferent to the perfume, and while everyone on the Ipsy site was pining for the Benetint, I love eye products way more than lip and check products, so I wasn't all that bummed that I didn't get it.
The only thing I wasn't loving this month was the size of a few of the products. However, I did get 2 full size products and one definitely large sample, plus the bag they came in was cute and will be useful, so I can't complain. I'll update with what I thought of the products as I use them, and am looking forward to see what next month has in store!
If you're interested in your own Ipsy Glam Bag, you can sign up here.
I think we're all aware there are a ton of subscription beauty services out there. I was, at one point, a Birchbox subscriber, but after a year I didn't feel I was getting my money's worth. I got a few repeats and more than a few product types that I wasn't interested in (acne serums, exfoliating scrubs). I got a number of really random items that I thought were essentially fluff items - things thrown in that were of no value that appeared to be added solely to reach the proper item number - you know, "friendship bracelets", stickers, postcards. And the final straw was when I started getting more and more samples in those little packets or cards that you can get for free at makeup counters. Come on. I'm paying you $10 a month to send me 3 samples I could get for free, a friendship bracelet I'll never wear, and one legitimate product sample bottle? I know some gals have had great success with Birchbox - I just wasn't one of them.
So I was leery about trying Ipsy's Glam Bag. For the same $10, you get "a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products" - that's straight outta their About page. After seeing some of my favorite YouTube beauty vloggers open their bags, I thought I'd give it a try. Honestly, I was drawn by the "deluxe samples" and "full-sized" products. July was my first month and this is what I got:
BH Cosmetics California Collection Eye Shadow Sample
Ok. So I was really excited about this one when I saw that it was going into the July Glam Bag. (Side note - when you subscribe to the bag, at the middle of the month you can go to the website and see which items are in that month's bag. You can also which of those items your bag will contain. For July, there were 10 items and each bag had 5, decided upon by your preferences in your quiz when you sign up). Anyway. I was excited. I just got my first BH cosmetics palette and so far I really like it - the colors wear pretty well. However, these colors are all a little crazy - that gold is GOLD. And Hollywood is actually a really deep, dark, sparkly purple. Not sure I'll get much wear out of it. Plus, BH Cosmetics are generally pretty affordable, so I was surprised to see that these shadows were on the smaller side. I thought they would be full size since the full size isn't overly expensive.
Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush
Guys, Coral Crush is the bright one in the middle. I have no idea what in the world I answered in my quiz that would make Ipsy think that Coral Crush was the best color choice for me. Now, granted, I have yet to try it. So I don't have any feedback on this brand or product - but I'm a little scared of the color. Most of my lipsticks fall in the color family of the other two. However, I'm willing to try this one, and I'm loving the fact that it's a full size lip crayon!
Coola Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented
I haven't tried this one yet, but I'm excited to - I've been looking for a facial sunscreen that works well with my makeup. I'm guessing everyone got this plain, unscented one, or the tinted one, as that was another of the options for this month's bag. Frankly, I'm glad I didn't get the tinted one, since my skin is so pale a lot of times tinted stuff that's not made for fair skin looks ridiculous on me. The only downside of this is that the sample size on this one is pretty tiny.
Nailtini Straight Up Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai
I'm super psyched about this one. I love the color (even though I have similar colors...but that's my issue because I'm a polish addict rather than an issue with Ipsy, haha) and I'm stoked to try it. Plus, this is a full size polish!!
Sexy Hair Weather Proof Humidity Resistant Spray
Finally, I got this Sexy Hair Humidity Spray. I haven't tried it yet, but can I just say Ipsy got it so right with this one??? I live in Atlanta, where the humidity runs about 800% on the daily during the summer (and the other 3 seasons sometimes). Also, I am an avid fan of a few of the products by Sexy Hair - namely this stuff. Not joking. It is the jam. Plus, this spray was a great size - obviously not full size but definitely a deluxe sample. If this stuff works, it'll be going in my travel toiletry bag for sure while I go grab myself a full size version and I'll still get a lot of use out of it.
So that's it for this month's grab bag. What products didn't I get? The tinted version of the sunscreen, Sexy Hair's Soy Renewal Beach spray, Benefit's Benetint, Demeter Salt Air perfume roll on, and Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub.
Out of all the options, I'd say Ipsy definitely did great. I have no interest in a microdermabrasion scrub (I'm finicky about my skin routine; very rarely does it change). I also mentioned why tinted stuff is usually bad. I don't use beach sprays often - maybe 10 times a summer - so that wouldn't have been my preference. I'm kind of indifferent to the perfume, and while everyone on the Ipsy site was pining for the Benetint, I love eye products way more than lip and check products, so I wasn't all that bummed that I didn't get it.
The only thing I wasn't loving this month was the size of a few of the products. However, I did get 2 full size products and one definitely large sample, plus the bag they came in was cute and will be useful, so I can't complain. I'll update with what I thought of the products as I use them, and am looking forward to see what next month has in store!
If you're interested in your own Ipsy Glam Bag, you can sign up here.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
[OOTD] Jolly Roger Flying on the Picnic Table
I have to apologize in advance here - the next few days of pics are phone pics (blech). The weather here has been so ridiculously rainy I haven't been able to get outside to take pics. Bear with me!!
Earlier this week, the hubs and I went for a date night. We decided to be adventurous and went to our good buddy Scoutmob - you know, the app with deals that you don't have to prepurchase. Our choices are always limited - my husband is a vegetarian, but he's also a big strong dude, so places that only have salad or a plate of sides as options for vegetarians are not options for us. (And you'd be surprised how many restaurants that includes).
So we narrowed it down to a Thai place and a Mexican place and ended up going for Thai. I tend to forget that these places are always a crapshoot. I got a little nervous when we pulled up - it was in a Big Lots shopping center. (Side note - this is one of the sh*tty things about Atlanta - everything's in a freakin strip mall). We go inside and this place looks like a lunch place - not much in the way of ambiance and decor. And they don't server beer or wine. My hubby, being the trooper that he is, was into staying.
And I'm so glad we did. The food was amazing. I personally put a lot of stock in the ambiance of a place so I was a bit disappointed when we first arrived, but the delicious food and giant portions were great for the both of us, and I'm glad we went. Have you ever had one of those experiences? Where you're a bit nervous because of how something appears and then are pleasantly surprised?
Earlier this week, the hubs and I went for a date night. We decided to be adventurous and went to our good buddy Scoutmob - you know, the app with deals that you don't have to prepurchase. Our choices are always limited - my husband is a vegetarian, but he's also a big strong dude, so places that only have salad or a plate of sides as options for vegetarians are not options for us. (And you'd be surprised how many restaurants that includes).
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| Top: H&M Jeans: Target Shoes: Jessica Simpson via Macy's Scarf: London street market Bracelet: New York & Company |
So we narrowed it down to a Thai place and a Mexican place and ended up going for Thai. I tend to forget that these places are always a crapshoot. I got a little nervous when we pulled up - it was in a Big Lots shopping center. (Side note - this is one of the sh*tty things about Atlanta - everything's in a freakin strip mall). We go inside and this place looks like a lunch place - not much in the way of ambiance and decor. And they don't server beer or wine. My hubby, being the trooper that he is, was into staying.
And I'm so glad we did. The food was amazing. I personally put a lot of stock in the ambiance of a place so I was a bit disappointed when we first arrived, but the delicious food and giant portions were great for the both of us, and I'm glad we went. Have you ever had one of those experiences? Where you're a bit nervous because of how something appears and then are pleasantly surprised?
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
[Shopping] Dressing Room Diaries
Time for another edition of dressing room diaries. These things pile up on my phone and I want to share them before the items are no longer in store!
Let's start with Old Navy:
I thought these dark green shorts were classic and versatile - bought! I really liked this top, but I have a lot of white tanks and felt that it wasn't worth $18. If these go on sale, I might grab one or two, but for now, I didn't get any.
These seahorse print short were adorable. Definitely grabbed them!
Every time I look at this pic I wish I had bought these shorts. They're adorable. However - my Old Navy only had them in smaller sizes and while these look ok, they were so tight on my waist that they were borderline rip-them-off-immediately uncomfortable. Didn't buy. I've even tried them on 2 more times since this trip and am reminded of their uncomfy-ness.
Lastly from Old Navy - this striped sheer tunic. I loved it and could think of plenty of ways to wear it. Bought it!
Now on to Gap:
I've been looking for a pair of cutoffs this summer to replace a pair I got rid of. So far the search has been unsuccessful. I'm thinking I might just have to make my own, but it's going to be hard to find a pair of jeans I'm willing to part with so I'm exhausting all my store bought options first. I didn't like this pair, specifically because they are the cutoff version of mom jeans:
YIKES! These too had the same issue:
WHOA!:
Then New York & Company. I had bought this shirt:
And the first time I wore it I realized how much I loved it. So, remembering they had it in black too, I went back for the second color because there are very few tops I put on and am just head over heels for. So I got the black:
Aaaaaand the pink:
I need to stop going in there because I buy more jeans I don't need. Like these Miss Me jeans:
I also tried on this pair of True Religions, but the original owner appeared to have hemmed them and while they were fine for flats, they didn't work with heels. I have so many heels that I prefer the longer length. I generally only buy "flats jeans" when they're a great deal. And while these were a great deal at $65, that's steep for jeans I can only wear with about 20% of my shoe collection. I didn't get these:
Lastly, Target. I tried this dress on:
And I really wanted to love it. But the way that it hit against my high hips just made me look wide in the waist. I spent a solid 15 minutes trying to decide but eventually walked away. You can probably still find this for about $18 on the sale rack!
Let's start with Old Navy:
I thought these dark green shorts were classic and versatile - bought! I really liked this top, but I have a lot of white tanks and felt that it wasn't worth $18. If these go on sale, I might grab one or two, but for now, I didn't get any.
These seahorse print short were adorable. Definitely grabbed them!
Every time I look at this pic I wish I had bought these shorts. They're adorable. However - my Old Navy only had them in smaller sizes and while these look ok, they were so tight on my waist that they were borderline rip-them-off-immediately uncomfortable. Didn't buy. I've even tried them on 2 more times since this trip and am reminded of their uncomfy-ness.
Lastly from Old Navy - this striped sheer tunic. I loved it and could think of plenty of ways to wear it. Bought it!
Now on to Gap:
I've been looking for a pair of cutoffs this summer to replace a pair I got rid of. So far the search has been unsuccessful. I'm thinking I might just have to make my own, but it's going to be hard to find a pair of jeans I'm willing to part with so I'm exhausting all my store bought options first. I didn't like this pair, specifically because they are the cutoff version of mom jeans:
YIKES! These too had the same issue:
WHOA!:
Then New York & Company. I had bought this shirt:
And the first time I wore it I realized how much I loved it. So, remembering they had it in black too, I went back for the second color because there are very few tops I put on and am just head over heels for. So I got the black:
Aaaaaand the pink:
Next, my favorite consignment shop, Alexis Suitcase.
I need to stop going in there because I buy more jeans I don't need. Like these Miss Me jeans:
I also tried on this pair of True Religions, but the original owner appeared to have hemmed them and while they were fine for flats, they didn't work with heels. I have so many heels that I prefer the longer length. I generally only buy "flats jeans" when they're a great deal. And while these were a great deal at $65, that's steep for jeans I can only wear with about 20% of my shoe collection. I didn't get these:
Lastly, Target. I tried this dress on:
And I really wanted to love it. But the way that it hit against my high hips just made me look wide in the waist. I spent a solid 15 minutes trying to decide but eventually walked away. You can probably still find this for about $18 on the sale rack!
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