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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

April Favorites 2015

First off, I apologize for not being as present on the blog recently. Things have been tough and getting to me lately and I've had a difficult time finding the motivation and subject matter for posts. I will hopefully be posting some more about this in the future. But for now, I'll try to at least keep the weekly posts going and hopefully I can increase from there.

Ok no more Debbie Downer... let's talk about April Favorites. There have been a few things that I've been absolutely loving this month! Disclaimer - Please be aware that the perfume is not cruelty-free.


Coach
Poppy/Poppy Blossom Rollerball
I have a terrible time picking out perfumes as I spoke about in this month's Ipsy bag post. But I was hanging out in Ulta one day (as you do) and smelled this deliciously sweet, fruity, and flowery scent. It was like a sniff of happiness. This was the Coach Poppy I smelled, I didn't learn there were 2 scents until later. And of course they were out of it the 2 times I went to purchase! Then on a spur of the moment trip to Sephora I found it and haven't looked back! I love both scents and wear them almost daily.

It's a 10
Travel Size Miracle Leave-In Plus Keratin
I bought this product on a whim from the travel-size bins at the check out line. I had heard about this product from Essie Button and thought, hey I like soft hair! So I grabbed it... and the rest it gloriously silky history!  Now it is a little pricey, especially for the travel size, but I do think it's worth it. Before I blow dry my hair I put in this product right after my shower, then after my hair has dried I add a heat protectant and mousse. I do use a lot of products, but I can immediately tell the difference when I don't use this one. It just makes my hair smooth and silky and I think it helps hold the blow dry as well. Overall I <3 it and want more!

Real Techniques
Miracle Complexion Sponge
Wow do I love this sponge! It makes blending in foundation and concealer a breeze! I start by wetting the sponge until it gets really soft and a bit larger, then I wring out all the water and squeeze it a few times in a towel... I really don't want all that water. Then I squeeze some foundation onto the side of sponge (a little does a long way with this) and dot it over my face. And then the fun of pushing/bouncing the sponge all over my face to blend it all in. It works quickly and I feel it gives such a lovely, real-skin look to the makeup! I usually use the flat end to do areas like my nose and chin and the pointed end for blemishes. Overall this thing is awesome, especially because I've had such issues lately with getting foundation to lay right on my skin.

Mom's Necklace
Ok, so you can't just find this one everywhere, but I love it so much I had to share! My mom has been beading for a few years now and I definitely reap the benefits. But I just love this necklace she made for me this month. The turquoise is beautiful and enhanced by the smaller green and white beads. Also a benefit of my mom making my jewelry is that I can get it to fit just exactly where I want it. No awkward in the shirt/on the boobs necklaces here! Thanks Mom, this is great!

Sorry this post was so wordy... I guess I had a lot to say. Have a great all!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

April Ipsy Bag

After a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma for work, I needed a little excitement. And low and behold my Ipsy Glam Bag was waiting for me as I walked through the door. I'm not afraid to admit that, after greeting my dog and cats, opening the bag was my first task! Although I get excited about the Ipsy bag coming in the mail and it was a good bag this month, I have decided to switch subscriptions. More info below. But for now, here's what came in my April Ipsy Glam Bag.


JulieG Nail Color
Damsel
This is a fun pretty pink that will be great for summer toes weather! I've never heard of this brand before though (well most in this bag) but I'm excited to see the consistency and longevity of this product.

Hey Honey
Good Morning - Honey Silk Facial Serum
After looking online, I felt this product had pretty good ingredients so I'm trying it today... we'll see what happened. Fingers crossed!

Starlooks
Satin Finish Lipgloss - Cuddle
We all know that I just don't get along with lip products... no matter how much I try :( But if I did, this is a really pretty lipgloss!

Aromachology
Sophisticated & Sensual Eau de Parfum
I don't know if I've talked about my perfume troubles before, but I am extremely picky about perfumes/scents and my nose gets overloaded very easily in the store. So usually I give up or have Oscar pick something but recently I found a Coach roll-on scent that I love! And now a few weeks later I get sent this scent and I love it too! 2 for 2 woo hoo!

theBalm Cosmetics
NUDE Dude Eyeshadow Single - Fit
I always love a coppery eyeshadow and this one is no exception. It's beautifully shimmery and gives kind of a metallic look. It's one of those colors that you can wear it alone and it gives the effect of multiple shades. It's pretty cool.

Well that's my bag this month and I'm excited to keep using these products and reporting back. Now I have decided to switch subscription services. After some research and thought, I'm changing over to Petit Vour for $15/month. This monthly box includes vegan and cruelty-free products. I decided that it will be nice to be introduced to new cruelty-free brands and not have to always worry about getting products that aren't cruelty-free like I currently do with Ipsy. I'm excited and should get my first Petit Vour box in May.

Have a great week everyone! I'll be talking to you again soon :)



Tuesday, April 14, 2015

25 Random Facts About Me

Well I've been doing this blog for about 10 months now and I think it's about time you all get to know me a little better! Below are 50 true but random facts about me... enjoy!


  1. I am a Gemini in most ways, except for that whole social butterfly thing.
  2. I love talk radio, NPR and morning/afternoon talk shows. I only listen to music for certain occasions.
  3. I seriously dislike (seriously, seriously) any type of melon! It's a texture thing.
  4. My favorite food of all time is sushi. I've been eating it since I was 1 and have never looked back!
  5. I once memorized Pi to 203 decimal places for a contest (which I lost) using Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, but the next year I still remembered it to 71 places and one a free college course! To this day I can recite it to about 21.
  6. It took me a long time to narrow down what I wanted to do with my life; I have wanted to be a Marine Biologist, Archaeologist, Lawyer, and Graphic Designer.
  7. I am a huge nerd! I love sci-fi and fantasy movies, books, and TV and of course I love learning about history through documentaries, museums, and books... yes, yes I know.... nerd!
  8. I am horrible at telling jokes. I only know 1 and it's really long and terribly dirty....
  9. I rarely like (and often hate) actresses on movies and TV and the characters they play. I just feel they either aren't getting the strong women character right in media. Sorry this is a big pet peeve of mine, excuse the rant. 
  10. I do think Hermione Granger (Harry Potter) is one of the best female characters of my time though!
  11. My favorite books are all fantasy series: Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, Percy Jackson, and Eragon!
  12. I love love love Disney movies! A Goofy Movie might be my favorite.
  13. I am not a hugger, my hugs are reserved for family and close friends only. Watch out, I can dodge a hug like nobody's business!
  14. I am hugely sarcastic, which translates terribly into blog form :( 
  15. I hate cardio, but love weight training!
  16. I have a minor obsession with blue and white ceramics.
  17. I like crime dramas but they scare me, so I can't watch them after dark.
  18. I have had all kinds of odd jobs: daycare, hostess, door-to-door sales, theme park, retail, and higher education!
  19. I'm scared of horses :(
  20. One of my worst fears is zombies - I hate the whole idea of them; the way they walk, how there's so many of them, being in a world where your constantly scared... eek I just gave myself shivers...blegh! Can someone tell me why they're so popular? I don't get it.
  21. I apparently am the spitting image of my mother, we look alike now and when we were young, I have the same issues as her, and we like so many of the same things!
  22. Oscar often has to encourage me to spend money on myself, I can get stingy with my money.
    He reminds me it's ok to go all out every now and again!
  23. I use "bananas" in place of cus words! It makes me smile and therefore less angry!
  24. I can rock a home french manicure - on my hands and feet.
  25. I cannot hum... it tickles and I don't like it.
Well that's about all I could think of about me, I hope this helps you know me a little better. Now it's your turn, I'd love to get to know you better. What's one fun fact about you?

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Workout Gear Wishlist

Workout Gear Wishlist




Recently I've been trying to get back into working out. I've been doing pretty well going about 3 times a week after work. I always try to talk myself out of going because I need to go the store, gas station, work late, blah, blah, blah, excuses! The funny thing is once I'm there I get really into it and work hard and push myself. And I always feel amazing afterwards! 

I decided that to keep myself motivated I want to treat myself when I hit certain milestones. Working out for 5 days in a row, 2 weeks in a row, etc... So here is my wishlist of clothes, shoes and gadgets I think would make exercise more fun!

I decided that printed leggings would be really fun and make me happy when I look down. Not to mention, cute workout clothes always make exercise more bearable. And these training shoes are adorable and that blue color...wow! 

I really like this black top because it's not too clingy and kind of flows over the tummy area, which is an area I'm not very confident in. 

Then, this Jawbone UP24 is a fitness and sleep tracker... these things just fascinate me and I wonder if they'd be super helpful or super annoying :| hmmm... It also gives you a reminder if you've been sitting too long, I could be down with that!

So are there any workout clothes, shoes or gadgets on your wishlist?

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Bright Spring Makeup

Happy Spring everyone! Although my allergies have been going bananas, I am excited that Spring is here along with some warmer weather. I know I haven't posted a look recently (blog on that soon) but I was inspired this Easter Sunday to go all out with the Spring look.

For my makeup, I was trying out BareMinerals powder foundation, concealer, and setting powder. I've never used a powder foundation like this before so I bought a trial kit. I was concerned that I'd look all powdery, but it blended into my skin really well and had pretty good coverage. Also, I felt like it left me looking glowy, which is awesome for a powder!

I wanted a neutral eye because I was going to go with a bright lip. I know, shocking, I never do lips, but like I said, Spring inspired me :)


See the makeup I used below:

Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar | Physician's Formula Mineral Glow Pearls | BareMinerals Up Close and Personal | Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes | NYX Matte Bronzer | Milani Baked Powder Blush in Corallina 

I found this at Marshalls, but can't find it online anymore :(
Then the hair... I really tried all sorts of new things! I decided to do a braided look, almost like a reverse milkmaid. But braiding is not my expertise and it turned out kind of cute! So I suggest giving it a shot :)

I did a dutch braid which is the opposite of a french braid in that you put the pieces of hair underneath instead of over the top... it's hard to explain, but it worked. I then attached the braided ends in the back and hid the hair ties. Finally, I sprayed the braids with dry shampoo and pulled (massaged) the braid to make it look bigger and fuller.

I like how it turned out! What do you think of this Spring look? Anything new you're trying this season?