ROYAL Friday

First & foremost, let's just mention the obvious.

 

Can it get any more perfect? She looked stunning, absolutely amazing. Nearly too gorgeous for words.

For anyone who thought she did not have enough "bling" (I hate that word!) or didn't look enough like a princess (read so many comments like the two aforementioned so much on the blogs!), you can bite your tongue (I'd say something else, but we're discussing royalty, it wouldn't be proper!) 

You clearly do not understand pure elegance if you did not like her look. She nailed it. I have never been one for wanting my own "fairytale" wedding but after being glued to my TV today watching Wills & Kate tie the knot (finally!), I have so changed my mind about wanting a true-style "happily ever after." So, so perfect. I couldn't stop smiling for both of them all day long.

British rant over. What were your thoughts? Pippa looked fabulous, too, and I don't care if others thought it was too "sexy"....you're clearly just a wee bit jealous that she looked gorgeous. Her & Harry should totally hook up....Chelsea Davy will never be a part of that royal family...at least I hope not!

Give me your royal feedback! (Okay, British rant really over now!)

Now....

1. I am very short. In fact, I'm only 5 feet tall, perhaps a smidgen over five feet. I joked when I updated my license when the woman asked, "Is there anything we need to change?" and I replied, "Well ,we can change it to 5'1" and I wouldn't mind." She responded, rather plainly, "Ma'am, we only change what's true." BURN.

2. I met my current significant other in the Starbucks drive-thru. No, he's not a prince in line to be king nor does he live in Buckingham palace, but he's perfect in my eyes. We had always been slightly flirtatious when I would go in for my daily cup of joe and one day, while it was raining, we just decided to talk about more than just my coffee and exchange numbers. We've been together ever since. I'll drink (coffee!) to that.

3. I have 105 scarves. No, I'm not being boastful nor am I being in any way reasonable, but it is what it is. I started collecting them my senior year in high school just because it was quite cold that winter and now it has turned into a full-blown fashion obsession. If my room were on fire, you bet your bottom-dollar I'd grab my scarves second to my baby blankets. (No worries, I'd open the cage door for Auzlow & Luna to fly out!) I have been so lax on the Wednesday scarf posts, but this week in school was crazy busy with the kiddos. We have a field trip next week, too, but I promise more scarf posts, because I love all my babies and I'm a proud (scarf) momma!

4. This has (somewhat) been mentioned before, but I have a slight obsession with John Mayer and his music. My musical tastes are ever-changing, but he certainly stands as a front-runner for life. I have been to about five or so of his live shows and I love him even more after each of them. I know I just mentioned the love of my life in the above fact, but uh....John Mayer....call me. I know you're a whore but you know what they say, "for better, for worse..."

5. I'm more Italian than I am Irish. I look very Irish, what with the blonde hair and blue eyes and fair skin, but in case you didn't know, here's a history lesson for you. The northern part of Italy has many blonde-haired fellows and gals like myself, so despite everyone's Godfather stereotype of dark skin and dark-haired mobsters, I am 75% Italian. My personality gives it away enough for my looks to not have to do the work.

I am off to watch the rest of E! Fashion Police: Royal Wedding Edition. In honor of this show, I'll let you know who completely flopped (aside from the obvious Chelsea Davy....sorry, I'm not on this fellow blonde's side at all!)

Do I even need to explain why this is my worst-dressed pick?

...Beatrice, tisk tisk - the hair, the whore eye makeup....THE HAT (or fascinator)! 

Phillip Treacy, Beatrice is not a girl who can wear anything, even if she is in line for the throne, so best not to listen when she says "Make me a bow that is three times the size of my head!"....this whole look just fell so flat. Oddly enough, though, she still looked better than aforementioned Davy (puke-inducing).

Who was your worst dressed?

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. Have any exciting plans? I think I'm going to do a mini Ulta trip before getting ready for the birthday bash downtown. Perhaps I'll do an OOTD of my dress and post my Ulta buys (if I ever get out of bed and go!) 

Farewell, until next time....

Twenty-Three Reasons to LOVE Life!

My title has everything to do with the fact that (SURPRISE!) I am the big 2-3 today - Happy Birthday to me! I know I have been posting about Easter and my boyfriend's birthday, but today is all about me, bitches! After all, that is how birthdays work (even when you're a twin like me and have to share the day!)

So yes, my birthday fell on a holiday weekend, so I had double the celebrations, especially since the boyfriend's birthday is exactly one day before mine....killing many birds with one stone here! If you read my Saturday OOTD post, date night was actually for both of us and we bought one another a couple of gifts before dinner and drinks; overall, it was a very fun night!

I have off again today due to the kiddo's spring break (last day, though, sigh), so I'm going on a mini shopping spree today, thanks to my wonderful and loving parents! Before I post what I buy (later today - edit to come after shopping!), I thought I'd share my gifts of makeup very first that I received on Easter and on birthday date night!

My first two Coastal Scents palettes! - 88 Warm Palette & 88 Metal Mania Palette

Benefit Perfect 10 Highlighter/Bronzer (have been dying for this!)

NARS Lipgloss in Orgasm

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette (also been dying for this!)

Sephora Clensing Brush (only used once but already love it!)

d.j.v. Fiberwig Lash Extension Mascara (random brand, I know, but it was under their "Top Selling Mascaras"....and, uh, it fucking rocks! Go buy it nowww!)

88 Warm Palette

88 Metal Mania Palette

I plan on going to Express, Forever 21, and H&M and perhaps a few others for the mini shopping trip. If you're interested in seeing that "haul" let me know!

UPDATE (4/26/2011) - Birthday fun is finally over...until Saturday when we go downtown, but that's for another post! Here's the "haul" as I mentioned earlier, with some "extra" gifts thrown in that I got from the boyfriend.

Photos below are taken from site because I like the way those photos look as opposed to my own - after all, sites take these photos to "sell" you the items, so they always look better than what my own camera can do, right? Right.

EXPRESS:

This is uh-mazing to me...so fun and just the perfect amount of "sparkle" (might need to click on the photo for zoom & full effect!) It has a great ombre effect, too, which I love in scarves. I'm pretty sure I need to keep up with the scarf posts, as I realized this weekend I have nearly 100 of them....no, not kidding, I admit I have a problem.

[also got a lipgloss there to complement my new favorite pale pink lipstick - no photo needed, right?]

FOREVER 21:

I have to admit, I'm quite short so I just recently got into the maxi look. I plan on wearing this on Saturday with my brown wedges. It hits the floor when I wear it so the wedges will only be seen when I walk. I kind of prefer it that way as to how it looks on this model. It's a very slimming dress, too, and the detail is very fun in person.

I showed my boyfriend this and he replied, "This is the [insert my name] shirt. You have so many of these!" He is right, too, but they are the perfect type blouses for "I have NO idea what to wear" days - we all have them, no? A fun, trendy print without being tacky. I was digging it. F21 is good at pumping these suckers out, too, so I go there often to stock up on the latest for work, nights out, etc.

The front of this tank is just black with a little side breast pocket (such an odd term), so I posted the photo that highlights the back. A simple black top with a bit of spunk - think it'll pair well with sassy skirts. Yes, just said "sassy skirts"....am I lame or what?

This knucle ring look so much more badass in person. It's a simple gold, not so brassy as it is in the photo, and it just looks "hammered" in for a vintage effect. I love knucle rings. They make my small hands look tougher!

Just a simple but chic ring to add a bit more spunk to outfits. It actually streches in the very back, which I typically hate because it gives the ring a very cheap feel, but this one only stretched under your finger (if that makes sense) and the sides are still structured, as you may be able to tell in the photo. Love the marbled effect.

VICTORIA'S SECRET:

Cat's out of the bag - I'm a nit lion! If you have never heard of Penn State, then we can no longer be friends...I kid, I kid! I typically do not go for the PINK's college or NFL collection, but I loved this shirt (left shows front, right shows back)...it's so simple, so cute, and no actual pink anywhere on it (I typically hate the color pink!) My mother actually despises PSU (but still let me go, God bless her!) so she nearly gagged when she saw I bought this with my parent's birthday funding, but hey, I am always going to be a nit lion...so it is perfect! Are you a PSU fan? If so, please let me know!! WE ARE... (okay, PSU rant done now!)

H&M:

Photos to come (currently at work and they didn't save correctly, so I'll have to reload them again, damnit. And yes, I'm blogging from work. I have free periods, no worries, I'm not failing our youth just sitting here typing! It keeps me sane to blog during my "free" time!) I got another maxi dress (tan with a peacock-like feather detailing everywhere) and a tan cardigan that is very grandma-chic!

SEPHORA:

In case you have not read my Skincare post (look below!), I mentioned I was going to need a new bottle. I normally don't want "normal" items as birthday gifts, but I love this stuff, so to me it was no question. Seriously, love.

I should note here that I fully condone the use of Philosophy products, no matter what kind of skin you have - they cover it all! Their "Hope in a Jar" has been raved about by so many people (including Oprah!) and I have never used one of their products and didn't like the way it worked. That being said, I've never used this before, but it's supposed to be similar to microdermabrasion but in a "gentle" wash. I'll let you know what I think of it - review to come? Who knows. Most likely!

This now ends our portion of the mini shopping spree. (Sorry, we just had standardized testing and I had to read that almost every hour for FOUR hours...."This now ends our Math Testing Portion...." Gag.)

Last but certainly not least, the boyfriend came over late last night to deliver even more gifts (I am the first to admit I am one lucky gal). So on top of the Sephora purchases he made for me on our "birthday date night" (posted above - sans Too Faced and CS palettes), he delivered these bad boys!

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Wallet

I love everything yellow right now (hello, nails in OOTD post on Saturday!) so this was the perfect gift! He probably just got sick of me saying, "I need a new wallet!" everytime we went out. The card slots are a bit tight (that's what she said...stop, disgusting, moving on!) but I'm sure it's just the new-ness. My last wallet was much more card/space friendly, but this one is way cuter, so fashion defeats function in this one!

Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume Set (Perfume, Lotion, Mini Roller)

Yes, yes, yes, yesssss! I finally got it - and the ridiculous thing is he didn't even know I wanted it (when he's good, he's good). I have it on today and it just smells so fresh and fun and basically perfect. I am a fan of anything Marc Jacobs, but Daisy is my favorite of his scents by far! I was a giddy little child when I opened this!

So overall, turning 23 went pretty damn well! Like I mentioned before, we're throwing a bit of a bash Saturday downtown with all of our friends and family members (or rather, my family members since his are still too young for drinking), so I'll have to post my look with the new F21 dress on Saturday. Off I go to educate our world, as I only have a smidgen of minutes left in my "free" time. Do you have any of the purchases I mentioned above? If so, let me know what you think of them. Even if you don't, I'd love to hear your feedback!

I hope you all have a fantastic week and I apologize for the mammoth-sized update! Birthday post is officialy blown out....get it, like a birthday candle? The lameness never stops!

Easter Sunday Funday - Save Face (Skincare Routines!)

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU & YOURS - if you celebrate, hope you got a great Easter basket filled with yummy goodies. If you do not celebrate it, then I hope you still had a very enjoyable Sunday Funday!

If I can help it, I'll save face as much as possible, no matter the cost! I mean this in the sense of actually saving my face, whether it be from dryness, oiliness, or dare I say it, those pesky breakouts! But saving face can actually "save face" as the infamous idiom states, because you can clearly put your, well, clear face forward which betters your reputation on the whole....maybe? Just go with it.

Therefore, I'm going to breakdown my skincare routine...cringe. I thought about how to do it, if I wanted to include price, what all I should include. This is what I broke it down to: a morning skincare routine (and price, sigh), a nighttime skincare routine (and price, sigh again), and a last-minute section of "goes on my face but not always" routine (and price, ouch).

MORNING ROUTINE

1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Clear Scrub (that's a mouthful...that's what she said) - $8
2. Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 - $15
3. Garnier Anti-Puff Eyeroller (only on those "woof" days) - $12
4. The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream - $17
5. Neutrogena Lip Balm - $8
6. Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray - $17

MAKEUP ROUTINE POST (click!)

NIGHTTIME ROUTINE

1. Philosophy's Purity Cleanser (love, love, love for makeup removing....on my fourth bottle...clearly need to buy a fifth soon!) - $20
2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (5 days/week) - $50
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Clear Scrub - $8
4. Dermalogica Bedtime for Breakouts, only a thin layer, let dry completely - $22 (apologies for not having it in the photo; currently not using it because I ran out, gasp, need to buy a new one, like, tomorrow!)
5. The Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream (ahhh-mazing!) - $18
6. The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream - $17
7. Neosporin Overnight Renewal Therapy Lip Treatment - $5

THE RANDOMS

1. CVS Brand Mint Masque (once a week, usually Saturday or Sunday Morning) - $3
2. Mario Badescu (NEW to my routine, but plan on using it 3 days/week) - $24
3. Neutrogena 2-in-1 Fight&Fade Gel for Spot Treatments (great for those breakouts that happen around the "time of the month"....hey, I'm only human!) - $9
4. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for Spot Treatments (on the nights I don't use the 2-in-1 gel) - $17

TOTAL = $270

The fact that most of these products are purchased at least once a month, if not more, makes me cringe at the fact that I spend nearly $500 on just my face (including the price from my makeup post). That doesn't include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, shaving gels, shall I continue? Being a girl is an expensive task, but being a girly girl is just downright ridiculous. I wouldn't give it up for the world, though, product junkie through and through....are you with me or are you with me? I have many other products that sit and look cute on the shelf, but considering they are rarely used (even more so than my "randoms"), there's no need to post them or bore you with an even longer post about things I buy but don't use. We're all like that, right? Right.

I'm sure my number is pale in comparison to most beauty bloggers out there, so I'll cut my losses and take it in stride this time....this is like golf to me, the lower the number, the bigger the winner. That's how it works, right? Right.

Farewell, my loves. Feel free to post your morning/night routines to share with the rest of us! Are there any products in your regimen that you cannot do without? Let me know, I'd love to try them out!

Date Night (OOTD)

Before date night begins, I had some extra time to post my outfit and makeup. The boyfriend's birthday is tomorrow so we're going out tonight to just celebrate with the two of us and next week we're getting all of our friends together for a bigger group bash downtown. It's a pretty solid spring day here and I wasn't feeling jeans but also didn't want to overdo it, either, so this outfit is simple but chic in a very effortless way (in my opinion, anyway!)

Face Time (no, not on your iPhone):

 

Revlon ColorStay Makeup in 150

e.l.f. Mineral Booster Powder in Sheer

Physicians Forumla Happy Boost Light Bronzer

NYX Eyeliner in Deep Blue

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic

NARS Blush in Orgasm

e.l.f. Pigment Eyeshadow in Golden Goddess

e.l.f. Duo Eyeshadow in Blueberry (Crease)

e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal (under brows for highlight)

Maybelline One by One Mascara (top lashes)

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara (bottom lashes, duh)

Outfit:

Silk Blouse, Skirt, Ring, Sandals (hidden): All Forever 21

Nails: OPI's "Need Sunglasses?" I've only ever painted my nails this twice & the first time was back in 2009 and I just posted that photo in a previous blog so I was inspired to paint them sunny again!

I actually LOVE this blouse, it is so loose but classy at the same time so it never looks frumpy. It's so silky and light that it's perfect under a jacket in the winter and by itself for summer months. The skirt is just as versatile and I've worn it with boots and a sweater to what it is paired with now. I have a feeling it will become a staple in my spring/summer wardrobe....regardless of how "loud" it may be!

So date night is downtown for some birthday shopping, dinner, and drinks. Let's all hope the April rain stays away! Hope you enjoy your Saturday and have a very Happy Easter, too!

Until next time, farewell.....

Friday, Friday, Getting Down on Friiiday

Had to, sorry. Moving on...

This isn't an exciting post but it IS another five Friday facts for your reading pleasure. I did close to nothing today which was fantastic because the weather was positively dreadful.  The boyfriend and I also have a special date night tomorrow so I decided to do the whole face mask, mani, pedi, bubble bath extravaganzaaaa in lieu of getting drinks with my sisters. I also went on a VERY mini haul to CVS after watching youtubers and reading beauty blogs. I bought the Revlon Colorstay foundation and matching concealer...didn't even realize the dude at the register did not give me the buy one/get one 50% off deal until after I got home...the jerk face! Does he know nothing about great beauty deals? Sigh...Also, I did a great deal of web surfing so before the real post, here's a mini post on that!

[If you are into beauty just as much as I am, two GREAT websites to check out are elleandblair.com and the just released thebeautydepartment.com - the first is a site created by two of the best beauty gurus from youtube & the second is actually Lauren Conrad's new site with her hair & makeup artists! I love Lauren Conrad so this site is awesome; both sites include a lot of good tips and just random posts that bring out the girly girl in all of us. I spent much of my time on both of these websites today during my lazy hours! Also, another youtuber that's great is MissGlamorazzi's channel. What are some of your favorite beauty websites or favorite beauty youtubers?]


Ok, side notes over....onto the real post!

1. I have two parakeets.  I must truly be the queen of impulsive purchases, because both birds were purchased, well, quite impulsively. I went with my mom on a random food run for the pets and ended up buying birds. I call them love birds even though they aren't technically love birds. They are named Auzlow (boy) and Luna (girl). I love their names more than I love their constant squawking (which is only annoying when I'm trying to nap or iChat with friends) but they are both pretty stinking cute. Auzlow (mainly blue with navy and white detailing) is named such because I love the name but my parents told me they would never accept it if I named my future son "Auzlow" so my male bird got the title. Luna (mainly white with blue and black detailing) got her name because I love Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood is so ridiculously weird that she is ridiculously awesome. Luna and Auzlow are two peas in a pod and they both love bopping around to Silversun Pickups and La Roux (esp. Auzlow!)

 

(Auzlow during the first week I got him...about two years ago.)

2. I have never seen Titanic. I never thought this was weird until I told someone this fact in college and they literally gasped. I'm not a huge movie buff, but I have become more of a movie watcher in the recent years than I was back in the Titanic days. I really don't have any intention of watching it, either, which might make this fact even more earth shattering. Sorry, hopeless romantics, not happening.

3. I'm ambidextrous....by definition....but a true left-handy at heart. I only write with my left hand and do everything else right-handed (i.e. cutting, using a mouse, tumbling, golfing, throwing....you get the point). I write better cursive with my right but use my left for normal hand-writing. My twin is right-handed, as is everyone else in my family. My mother was left-handed but she attended a strict all-girls school in elementary and they required all students to write right-handed....so boring, so trivial! Perhaps that is how I got my ambi talent, but I love being a left-handed kiddo, too. In my Latin class (still no idea why I took it for three years!) in high school, exactly half of the students were left-handed....cool, right? Maybe? I thought so.

4. I still sleep with my baby blanket. There. I said it. Gifted to me by my grandmother, who died when I was only 2. My twin brother had a matching blue one but who knows where it is now. Mine, on the other hand, is now in three pieces and I must count all three before I go to bed, just so I know they are all there. It is so childish, but I love love love my blanket, such a great source of comfort. In college, I roomed with seven other girls during sophomore year (WHYYYY, I still ask myself!) and 3 of us still slept with our baby blankets. One of my roommates actually had hers no matter where she was in our place...she'd bring it to the dinner table even! That's dedication.

5. When I'm not out, I'm in a ridiculously huge fuzzy robe. Hello, Rachel Zoe. Doesn't it seem like she always did the same thing on her Bravo show? Either way, it is my version of changing into sweats, which I sometimes do, but my robe will still go over them. I love my robe, it makes me feel much more glamorous even if I'm slumming around with nowhere to go. I also have another robe which I always wear when I'm doing my hair and makeup...it's much lighter and shorter so I don't sweat off while drying my hair and/or doing my makeup.

Sorry these facts were no fun, but perhaps you also share one or more of these traits? The baby blanket? The ambi hands? The fuzzy robe? Share your "about me" facts, I'd love to read them!

Also, if you have used Revlon Colorstay, I'm dying to know your thoughts. I heard so many good things from people online that I just went for it. I'm trying it out tomorrow before "date night" so hopefully it looks good! Hope you all enjoy your holiday weekend :)

Dads Rock (or at least mine does!)

Holy Happy, Thursday! (Isn't today actually called "Holy Thursday" due to Easter on Sunday? I think so...) Anyways, quick post because I wanted to share with you my new find...or more so, my dad's find which was my gain!

He found these sunglasses while he & my mom were doing some mah-jor spring cleaning and he had a hunch I'd love them...and he was so very right!


Photo:

Pretty sure Ray-Ban and other great designers make glasses like these for easily over $100 and my dad just gave them to me for FREE.99, bitches. (Sorry, my boyfriend says that when something is free, it's so terribly awful but I felt the need to use it here. Apologies sent for my lame-ass-ness.) Apparently my dad rocked them "back in the day" in college when it was okay to do drugs before you took final exams (or so he told me....) I will cherish them as if I did pay a pretty penny for them, because they are perfect for the S/S seasons!

Do you have a favorite pair of shades currently? I will still wear my aviators and wayfarers, but these are so fucking fresh, I can hardly take it! Oh, and as a side note, the leather jacket that is ever so slightly present in the photos is Silence & Noise from Urban Outfitters. Oh, and another side note....sorry for the lackluster hair...it's ridiculously windy here so I saw no point in styling it.

I hope you all have a fantastic rest of the day. The kiddos (and the rest of the district, for that matter) have off for Spring Break, so I had the chance to sleep in, go out to breakfast, and run a shit ton of errands. Who doesn't love being productive? I think my over productivity deserves a nap....which is quite counterproductive, which makes perfect sense to me!

Enjoy yourselves. Keep on keeping on, as always!

OOTD & Tune Tuesday (Warning: LOTS of photos ahead...)

I have never done an "OOTD" because during the week, I just rock my teacher attire, and although I try to be somewhat fashion-forward, I don't always go above and beyond...after all, my kiddos couldn't care less what I'm wearing. I do get the comments from my gals saying I dress better than most teachers (which is sometimes true!) but for the most part, it's very simple during the week. It's rainy here today, though, and I just felt like putting some pep in the day by doing something different....so here is my first "OOTD : Teacher Edition."

*Photo quality sucks today, my camera was being a huge bitch.
I promise better quality if I decide to do another OOTD*

Pants - Mood (a store at college)
Shirt - The Loft (such a teacher store!)
Cardigan, Ring, Necklace, Shoes - Forever21(yes, a teacher wearing F21 clothes....)
Nail Color - Essie's Lapis of Luxury

That ends the OOTD : Teacher Edition! Now onto even more...

I recently saw a post on Dream Out Loud's blog (check her out!) about the music she has been listening to as of late. I thought about doing a post on music, as well, and since "tune" and "Tuesday" start with "t" it seemed to work out just fine for me ;) So, here are some of my all-time favorites, broken down by songs, artists, and albums. Dig in and enjoy the musical snack!

Songs

Talkshow Host by Radiohead - I actually posted this song in the comment section in the aforementioned blog, but seriously, it probably is my favorite song. If a song can ooze sex and funk all at once, this song does it flawlessly. Go listen to it right this second. I know when I just feel like "agfgh all the songs suck right now" that I can go to this little diddy and life is once again restored.

In Your Atmosphere by John Mayer - I have been addicted (yes, addicted) to John Mayer and his music since the 8th grade. I have every album, both studio and live, and can listen to him endlessly. In my old bedroom before I left for college, the wall behind my door was dedicated to him....yep, I was that girl in HS. I was not so publically crazed about him (aka waiting backstage to rip his shirt off or scream his name as he enters venues for late-night shows....beiber fever is not my thing) but I definitely love him and his music. He's got talent, mah-jor talent, even if he did fuck Taylor Swift and leave her hanging. Sorry, too abrasive? Too bad. The girl had it coming, he's a notorious player....he can play me anytime, though. Right, back to the song. It's soft and calm but has a great flow and just feels right anytime of the day.

Little Lover's So Polite by Silversun Pickups - If you have never heard of this band, you need to go & download their music. This song is fantastic, both lyrically and musically. End of story. They have a ton of songs that I am in love with, but I go back to this one like the hot ex-boyfriend in college that did too many drugs. So there's that.


Artists
*Let it be known the bands/artists mentioned above are automatically on this list. Since they were previously mentioned, however, I will add more under this list.

 The Faint - So musically appealing and they're from....Nebraska? Not hating on Nebraska, but these kiddos have the sound that is more Euro Rock than, well, anything from Nebraska. Never listened to a song by them that I didn't love.

Ellie Goulding - She sounds like La Roux and Oh Land mixed into one, which is right up my musical alley. Her album "Lights" is definitely one to check out for those who appreciate funky beats with a soft female voice to complement them.

Adele - Love, love, love. That's all I can say. Smooth, soulful, powerful, and just all around fierce. Her sophomore album surpasses her first in my opinion but both are still very good.

Albums

Oh Land (self-titled album) - Awesome the entire way through. She has such an interesting sound that I cannot seem to tire of.

Sara Bareilles, Kaleidoscope Heart - Such a fun, upbeat album with a lot of spunk. She has a great voice in my opinion and some of her songs are just great for singing in the car (yep, I'm that girl!) She goes well with sunshine, too, as a side note.

Red Hot Chili Peppers, By The Way - Some albums are great for just looking back on memories and this album does that for me. It brings me to this happy and carefree place of high school, where my concerns seemed so large but pale in comparison to now. I loved those days, so I, in turn, love this album.




There you have it, a tuneful Tuesday with a teacher outfit thrown in. That last sentence sure did have a lot of "t" words...a perfect way to end, well, Tuesday!

Keep on keeping on...

Expensive Face? Let's Find Out!

I have seen plenty of posts on how much your "everyday" face costs....everything from the products you use to the brushes and sponges that apply them. I was intrigued by everyone's posts and thought, perhaps, I should look into how much my everyday face costs to see if I can finally determine where all my moohlah is going (I swear there are trolls at the bank stealing it!)

Photos First....

Here it goes....I rounded up if it was .50 or more after the dollar...just makes it easier for my non-math brain!

1. Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation - $8
2. Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder - $4
3. NARS Orgasm Blush - $27
4. Physicians Formula Happy Boost Light Bronzer - $14
5. e.l.f. Everyday Eye Palette - $5
6. Maybelline One by One Volum' Express - $6
7. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara - $10
8. e.l.f. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black - $1 (woot, woot!)
9. Too Faced Brow Pencil in Blonde-y - $19 (light blondes, go buy this now!)
10. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom - $6

TOTAL = $100

Holy shit, how did that happen? I even double-checked my math! An even 10 products for an even $100.....is this girl good or is she good? Let's break the bank even more, though, and add in the brushes and misc. products that also go on my face but are the behind-the-scene kiddos who don't actually get center-stage....

1. Eco Tools Shading Brush - $7
2. Sonia Kashuk Total Face Brush - $10
3. Revlon Kabuki Brush - $5
4. Revlon Blush Brush - $5
5. Sonia Kashuk Mini Eye Brush Set - $10
6. Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge - $9
7. Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray - $18

TOTAL = $54

Therefore, my everyday face costs under $200....thank you, Target and Ulta for making that happen! I will shell out for products that I want, sure, but for the everyday face, cheap does the trick for me. I give my stamp of approval on all the products posted, so definitely try them out if you get the chance!

How much does your face costs? (No, not your plastic surgery.....kidding, relax!) It's fun to see how much you spend (or don't spend!) on your face....the ten products posted first have been used at least one or more times through, so the everyday face could use a, well, face lift....but for now, I'm content, and that'll do until my impulsive personality tells me "it's time!"

Sadly, after having written this post, now I know the trolls may not be real (damnit) and my cash flow really goes to clothes and skincare, all the junk that goes on before the makeup or at night....because if I have to splurge, I'd rather it be for my real face and not just the face I put on in the mornings. Am I right or am I right? I think I might just be right. Perhaps a post on all my skincare products will come next....that may be too much of a doozy, though.


Have yourself a very happy Monday...let's get through this week so we can all enjoy the holiday weekend! (and something else super fun...more to come on that soon enough!)

Haul & Sunday Funday Foto

So after going to Target for a completely harmless errand run of birth control (i'm only human), johnson's baby shampoo, and kleenex, I left with over $30 worth of products that I don't need....so why not add insult to injury and drive to Ulta only to spend more? Sure, impulsive problem, let's do it!

Here's the damage done....

1&2. NYX Lipstick in Watermelon and Vitamin - Not so sure about the feeling of them, they definitely need a gloss or some rosebud salve over it (LOVE my rosebud, by the way!) but they were buy one get one (which I didn't know until I looked at the receipt) so go me for finding a deal!

3&4. NYX Eye Pencils in Teal and Bronze Glitter - I love the bright eye look that is in for S/S so I figured teal would be a great color. The glitter color looked soft but funky enough for an everyday eye look, so I took both.

5. NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic - The name is perfect for the trend(s) in S/S and the color was a perfect pinky peach to wear instead of my usual Orgasm blush. I should be getting my e.l.f. shipments any day now (feels like that post was written forever ago but I ended up making another purchase 2 days after, so they both got shipped at the same time) so the stipple brush will be a perfect match with the new blush....hopefully.

6. TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo - I have been through several bottles of dry shampoo (I still shower, I swear!) because my hair goes limp due to how fine it is...lame. I have heard good things about the TRESemme line so I figured I'd go for it and try it out. I've tried Rockaholic (good one), a salon brand (Umberto) from Target (awesome!!), and BigSexyHair's version (ehh) so I see no harm in trying out yet another.

7. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - I have heard about this lotion since before I even got breakouts in college, but never really tried it because I totally neglect the skincare section of Ulta most of the time (no clue why, though). When I just stumbled upon it today after passing up on Essie polishes (none tickled my fancy today), I was like, "This is a sign...you have to buy something!" So I did....and according to the directions, you don't shake it, but you're supposed to dip your Q-Tip into the pink part? So, let me get this straight....I just open it, dip the Q-Tip past the clear part into the pink, and then dab it on? I must be an idiot because their directions confuse me. The blonde is seeping into my brain on this one, I guess. If you have it and know how to use it, let this bitch know!!

8. Mario Badescu Whitening Mask - I go for anything that says it helps even skin tone and helps hydrate all in one. You're supposed to use it 2-3 times a week, so once I really get going with it, I'll update you on how it helps/doesn't help my skin. It was $24 for the tiny tub it's in, so it better fucking do something, even if it just makes my skin smoother. I usually use Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant and that shit is $50 so I shouldn't complain....but I'm still complaining. Ok, done now.


I also got more at Target than I needed to, so quickly, I'll post that purchase.

I got my birth control (how glamorous), an NYC eye pencil (it's double-ended; black on one side & dark purple on the other), two bottles of Johnson's Baby Shampoo (brush cleaning master), Black & White Trail Mix (chocolate covered peanuts, yogurt-covered raisins....yummo!), two $1 white mini buckets (in the Easter section but PERFECT size for my new e.l.f. brushes coming!), Vase Filler Beads for previously mentioned buckets, Neutrogena 2 in 1 Acne Fight & Fade Gel (major impulsive purchase....I like to have backup products for those random "AHHH!" face moments), and Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Makeup (in a shade darker than normal, so Classic Ivory...I'm pale, ok?) for the upcoming summer months.

To end my haul post, I will give you my TOP FIVE obsessions as of late....because I go through serious phases of being obsessed with things and then leaving them for the next best thing (I don't do this with men, though, promise!....at least not anymore...I fully condone that in college, though....I mean.....)

1. Selena Gomez & The Scene's song "Who Says" - Uhh, kind of the perfect song to dance around to and it's such a positive message. Selena can obviously sing about that topic, though, because the girl is gorgeous....some gals just have it all, don't they? Either way, a good pop tune that I'll deny liking but still jam out to in my room and/or car.
2. Starbucks Iced Grande Raspberry Green Tea Latte - The most amazing drink in the world, and now that spring is here, I've become obsessed with this awkwardly colored drink once again. My boyfriend (who works at Starbucks...it's how we met...odd) thinks I'm a nut for liking it, because it doesn't blend the best, sometimes leaving matcha powder floating in your drink, but I love love love it and will drink it like water during the spring and summer months. Go try it now! Seriously....go.
3. The Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc - Who knew my favorite dessert would start making wine? Kidding, but whoever though of naming their vineyards with such a delightful name knew I was coming....because I am addicted to this wine. I tend to go for any Sauvignon Blanc but this one has a hint of key lime and lemon, so it's crisp and refreshing, just in time for the temps to rise!
4. Physicians Formula Mood Boosting Light Bronzer - Ok, any product that claims it can make you happier is BULLSHIT, but this little bad boy is fan-freaking-tastic. It smells divine (maybe that makes you happier?) and there is an adorable pink heart mixed in with the different shades of golden tans, and it is the PERFECT bronzer for pale-skinned gals like myself. It's nowhere near orange, has a very buildable color, and blends in flawlessly. I will be buying this in bulk the next time I'm at Target. I got my sister on it, too, so even if it doesn't have the "happy" properties it claims to (seriously...bullshit, if you ask me), it at least has something that has me ridiculously addicted!
5. Houlihan's Restaurant - If you do not have one near you, I apologize, because I am ridiculously addicted to this place. They have amazing "skinny" cocktails and not to mention the best desserts ever. Oh, and don't get me started on their mashed potatoes, either. Fatass much? Either way, I love going here for happy hour...or any hour. My sister and I go after errands or shopping usually and I know I can always go there on weekend nights when everywhere else is jam-packed with people (sorry, I don't want to feel your body against mine...I don't even know you!) It is the perfect go-to place that's still extremely classy but hip at the same time.

Is there anything you're in love with currently? Any of the ones I mentioned above also tickle your fancy?

Let me know what you think of NYX products or any of the items I bought today. I love feedback and love hearing about other people's favorite products, too!

Have a fantastic rest of the weekend, keep on keeping on...

[2009]
don't be afraid of the world because 

the world will never be afraid of you.

Bedtime Stories

We all have a nightstand, correct? Even if we don't, we at least have a space where all things go for our snooze fest to be complete. In honor of my "stay-in-Saturday" I figured a post on my bedroom nightstand was pretty fitting!

First up...here's of a photo of said nightstand...

ITEMS
(My nightstand is covered by one of my baby blankets....I may or may not still sleep with the other one given to me...hey, we all have our quirks. Anyways, it was made by my grandmother and has my full name and birthday embroidered on it. I didn't know where else to keep it, so it just lies on my nightstand under everything else.)
1. Vintage Box with randomness; Goody Boar Bristle/Plastic Bristle Hairbrush
2. Eye Mask (for day naps & nights when the TV is too bright)
3. Two magazines, both Elle
4. Two notebooks, for last minute poetry and late-night writings
5. Neosporin Overnight Renewal Therapy Lip Treatment (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!)
6. Vintage Wire Container (in the back) contains:
*Book Mark
*2 pairs of glasses
*Two Pens
*Hand Lotion
*Midol (hey, don't judge)
*Checks (no clue why; can't remember the last time I wrote a check!)
*Denim Bow Clip from H&M (on the front, for last-minute hair fixes)
*Spare Contact Case (even though I rarely take my contacts out...again, don't judge!)

My cell phone usually goes on the nightstand, too, so I threw it in for the photo. Most of the time it ends up in bed with me (along with my mac and alarm clock...it's a big bed...)

I keep my alarm clock in bed because it's easier to press snooze that way....yep, completely goes against the use of having an alarm clock, but whatever. I set my phone alarm, too, just to be safe.

What do YOU keep by your bed? Do you have any items that are a must use before bed? Do you, too, end up sleeping with your phone and/or anything else odd?

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend. I have been so on-the-go lately, I'm thrilled to have a weekend in! Tomorrow is an errand day, but I also find those very relaxing, so no complaints here.

See you when I see you....farewell for now.

TGIF

As bloggers, we tend to have this wonderful page full of information on whatever it is our heart so desires, but we (some of us, anyways...me included!) tend to neglect the straight-forward, fact-of-the-matter aspect to ourselves, so to go hand-in-hand with my Sunday Photos, I will post 5 facts on Friday about yours truly. It's just a chance for you to see me in a different light, so let's go for it & see how it works.


1. I am a twin. He was born 2 minutes before me, the jerk-face. I love him dearly, though. We have the same first initial so my parents always called us "TnT" because we were truly explosive in attitude and behavior as youngsters...and even now, I suppose.

TnT - (this was on vacation so we are, uh, slightly drunk in this photo, 

so excuuuse the blank faces  & sunburned skin)

2. I was a fashion student....for one hot semester. Yes, I know (if you have read my posts before) that I now educate our youth. Such was not the case when I first started college however many years ago. I was a fashion frenzied, starry-eyed gal with big dreams to be this amazing fashion editor. Then, one day, my mind just flipped on another switch, and I knew at that moment, I was in the wrong place. Teaching and education was always in the back of my mind but it never really stood up against my interest in fashion. After leaving my fashion final (in which I let three of my fellow fashion friends cheat off of me because I did have quite the knack for it....stop, I'm not bragging. If anything, I'm admitting my fault in being a bad student), I left campus the same day and set foot on a different path...one that led me to where I am today...and I love that.

3. I am terrified of spiders. An uncontrollable, overtly awful, irrational fear of spiders. The tiniest, littlest eight-legger can send me into full blown panic. Other crawlies give me the creeps too (stink bugs, EW!) but none of them hold a candle to spiders. Last week, I even stood on my teacher chair, shaking like a leaf, as one of my students came up and killed a spider for me...(way to go Miss Smith, really showing your students how to be!) Even photos of them make my heart race with fear, as if it will jump off the page and eat my face. I'm completely normal not normal.....

4. I have one tattoo and I got it almost a year ago. My sister's fiance is a tattoo artist and I am always one for impulsive things. I thought about what I wanted, why I wanted it, and decided it'd be perfect to do it the day I decided to...all in a month. It just came to me and stuck with me immediately. It's the roman numeral four and it's on my left forearm (because I'm left-handed), right before the bend in my elbow (does that place have a name?) I got it because I am the fourth child in my family and I was born in the fourth month of the year (birthday is ten days from today, actually!) I chose to do a roman numeral because I'm also a writer and I did a series of poems with roman numerals to represent them as a series on the same female character. I always enjoyed the fourth poem in that set the most, so I decided it was a perfect fit. I got the tattoo on the last day of the fourth month....at four p.m. I know, a bit thorough, but I am big with patterns and archetypes. Hence making this fact #4....ok, I'm done now!

(the day after I got it)

5. I have a very (sometimes very) abrasive, honest-to-goodness, take-it-or-leave it personality. I don't sugarcoat it, I can be brash at times, but I never use humor to make you feel less about yourself, because honey, that's just not how I operate. I do, however, use it just about any and every other time, because laughter can cure almost anything. I think my humor and stand-out personality came from being the youngest in a big family (well, a normal-sized family of BIG personalities) and I was determined to find my own footing, regardless of what anyone said. I swear like a sailor (even my brother tells me to cool it...but I do cool it in front of my students...never slipped once!), I use the word "bitch" endearingly (just ask my sisters) and as honest as I am, I am also one of the most ridiculously loving people on the planet. It's a perfect combination that I've developed in my 22 years and I have no one but myself to blame for it. And that, my friends, is just the way I like it.

There you have it, five basic facts for Friday. Feel free to make this a "TAG" and write 5 facts about yourself every Friday. What are your plans for tonight/this weekend?; shopping, drinks, dinner, movies? Whatever you're doing, enjoy yourself and those around you. Keep on keeping on and life will be good to you in return.

Farewell, my Friday lovahs. Until next time....

It's a Wrap

My first "WW" of many to come. I thought about doing one big post on my collection, but it's a relatively big collection (they are my favorite accessory after all!) so doing one every week seemed to suffice much better. If they are terribly boring and watching paint dry becomes more interesting, let me know, and I'll cool it on the scarf posts.

My first "WW" scarf is, perhaps, one of my favorite "go-to" pieces for spring and summer. I found it at Wet Seal (yes, that store hurts my eyes anymore and I loathe the way everything looks so overtly trendy and [sometimes] trashy) but I found it in (roughly) 2007 after I spotted Nicole Richie wearing the now infamous skull scarf from the Alexander McQueen collection. I found it sitting in a pile of random pieces (i.e. socks, underwear, etc.) and was amazed at how close it looked to the "real deal" for only....hold on to your britches....EIGHT dollars. I was instantly in love. I plan on buying the real scarf in the near future (in a different color, for a bit of variety, of course!), but I will still go back to this little gem; after all, he's part of the family, and you can't just get rid of family (well you can but you'd be a terrible person..i don't judge though...)

Here's the McQueen versus my scarf....pretty damn close, in my opinion. The clear differences: mine does not have as many skull prints, mine is of a slightly weaker fabric, and my scarf has three lines outlining it as opposed to two. Oh, and of course, mine doesn't have one of the greatest designers of all time written on the corner....damnit. Note: There are other McQueen skull scarves made with a border of smaller skulls in place of the black stripes, and I do believe this skull border is the newer version. Do no quote me on that, though.

Note: I have actually not stepped foot into a Wet Seal since buying this scarf, regardless of how amazing the find was - I'm sure fate just pulled me in that day to find my little beaut. However, if you need a reason to hate this store, here's a definite killer. Wet Seal sold a shirt in their stores and online in late 2010 with a major spelling error. "If your single, so am I." Can you find the error? Somehow this shirt got through many, many people in marketing, production, etc. and none of them noticed, so don't fault yourself. I'm an English teacher, though, so the error makes my eyes water with disgust. On top of that, the statement is just ridiculously awful and cheesy - even my 8th graders wouldn't dare wear such a heinous top!

How do YOU feel about scarves? If you live in a continually warm climate, I'm jealous of you, but I still love my scarves all the same. Do you have a favorite accesory or accesories that you cannot live without? If so, post them on your blog and I'll be sure to take a look!

Sunday Funday

I think every Sunday I'll start doing photo posts. One thing I do not like about photo posts is that is seems very boastful ("look at how awesome and beautiful I am") but at the same time, it helps to be visceral, helps to not hide behind a blog and come out and see the sunshine every once in awhile.

Therefore, Sunday Funday might be the time to do just that. This particular Sunday, it's a solid 82 degrees outside, I'm sweating more than just being able to pass it off as a "glow" and I'm entirely too pale for this kind of balmy weather. Regardless, I went to Target and my salon today to pick up a few (and I really do mean a few) items for the hell of it. I waste money as much as people change their underwear, but I truly do need to cool it on the hauls. I won't bore you with long lists...they can be so terribly mundane.

Item 1 = Target Sunglasses ($12.99) - I'm the first to admit these look very "Alan from The Hangover" but I loved them nonetheless. The shape is awesome, a bit vintage if you ask me, and so very cheap that I had no reason not to snag them and wear them immediately.

Item 2 = Rimmel London Lipstick in #006 Pink Blush ($4) - I have been searching far and wide and up and down for Viva Glam Gaga lipstick (Edition 1....see former posts) and I came across this one today, as if in a dream. It seems perfect. I'm actually wearing it in the photo and will post another photo of it below. It's wonderful, I'm in love.

Item 3 = e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal ($1) - I was going to order this last night during my major e.l.f. haul, but held back, and now I know why...I could just wait and buy it not 24 hours later in the comfort of my own Target store. I have yet to use it (it is still packaged in the photo!) but I have a feeling I will adore this little bitch just as much as all my other highlighters/illuminators/whateverizers.

Item 4 = Tigi Catwalk Weightless Shine Spray ($20) - I went to get banged today (relax, I mean a bang trim) and my hair looked ridiculously frizzy in the salon mirror (they trick you, I swear). I tried out this little bad boy after my bang session and LOVED it; so light, so soft, too flipping perfect for words. Took away the frizz, added just the right amount of shine, and my blonde hair was glistening in the sunshine (not quite, but almost!) I will use this bottle up like a fat kid on cake, be sure of that!

P.S. My nails are "Laced Up" by the Sally Hansen Salon Effects. I wrote about them in my very first blog post!

SUNDAY FUNDAY  FOTO - Me, bare face (well, I'm rocking liquid blush actually!), Rimmel London lips (I wish they showed up just a smidgen better!)

How was YOUR Sunday? I spent it running errands, lunch with my sister, dinner outside with the family, and plenty of mojitos mixed in. If you are reading and are of drinking age, aren't mojoitos the perfect drink for, well, anything? I'm off to enjoy another one right now! You should, too.

If you're bored and trying to relax, take a look at my most recent haul (below) and dig your hands into some new e.l.f. products, too! You won't regret it!