Mini SS Review : MAC

Happy Weekend & Happy March kitty-cats and hood-rats! I am here today to send out a mini review on TWO products I think you need to add to your arsenal.....ASAP ;) Consider this a review and a favorites during the month of February, considering I purchased them a solid two (ok, three) weeks ago. Failed blogger much?!

I love beauty and hoarding products as much as the next superficial bitch, but I have never actually purchased MAC products before. Sure, I've stolen an eyeshadow or blush from my sister one or ten times, but that doesn't equate to actually owning my own items...until just recently. Here are the three I purchased on mere impulse.

First & foremost, I already send this review was on TWO products, but there are three shown here. WELL, dear readers, I am returning the foundation after only one use. I wanted so badly to love this Pro Longwear Foundation after hearing such rave reviews, but I think MAC's foundation colors are just too dark for my paler complexion. Also, the consistency felt tacky after a bit of time on my face. I went back to my Revlon ColorStay for my date night after wearing the MAC all day and my skin looked so much better. I swear, I have yet to find a department store foundation that I love as much as my drugstore Revlon and Maybelline products, fo' reals!
What are your thoughts on Clinique's EvenBetter Foundation (what I was going to buy before my MAC splurge)? My sister is a fan, but I didn't know if anyone out there had something negative to say about it. A foundation that works as skincare and isn't a BB cream is a-ok in my book! I may give it a try.....we'll see.

My MAC impulsive splurge wasn't completely lost, though, oh no, hunnies! I also bought the SkinFinish Natural in Light Plus and I cannot put into words how obsessed I am over this product -- it is unbelievable! It sets my foundation to last all day and it's never too cakey or chalky, even if I accidently put too much on my brush. It blends flawlessly, covers beautifully, and I don't even really need concealer after using it. If you have yet to buy a MAC product or you just are in the market for a new setting powder, THIS is the powder to buy. It makes my MUFE HD powder look like a whimpy bitch, no joke. Run to your MAC counter/store and buy this!

Now that I am back to my blonde locks (and damnit, it feels SO good!), I realize my lip colors from my brunette/auburn days only work if I add a bit of bronzer to my face.....which I habe been much to lazy to do lately. I wanted a lip balm that was a bit like a lipstick and the lip butters were recently sold out at my Target, and there I was in front of MAC's Sheen Supreme colors.......and found my darling, literally. Ultra Darling is the cutest stinking color out there right now, hands down. No matter how light or heavy of a hand I use to apply it, it always looks good! I have been applying it over my BabyLips balm (which is the best damn $2 I've ever spent!!) and it makes my lips look fuller and so healthy, I have used it consistently everyday since buying it and I cannot imagine life without it now! Really, even if the color isn't for you, buy another Sheen Supreme Lipstick, because they are fantastic.....I myself plan on finding another shade to enjoy just as my asmy pink darling ;)

There you have it, my two new favorite products. Please do yourself a favor and grab a Natural SkinFinish and a Sheen Supreme Lipstick in your favorite shade. You will not be disappointed in the slightest. After all, SS would never point you in the wrong direction ;) I got yo' back, bias!


Until next time, farewell pretty faces and beautiful people...............................

Haulin' Whore

Happy Monday to you! It is a happy Monday simply because the kiddos are not here, we have a nearly full free day to get ahead on lessons, grades, and the like. What am I doing with said free time, though? Well I took an hour in the moring to do grades......and then I hung up new posters and am now writing this here post. Yep. That's what teachers who are ahead do. That's what teachers who do work on the weekends do. That's what cool teachers do.

{New Posters = gotta inspire the students, ya know?

Well, at least it makes the room look cute....}

I spent the weekend having a girl-tastic time with my pal while her hubs was out of town and SSB was working like a dawwg. We had to fit in some shopping, so naturally I spent money I don't have on things I don't need. How fabulous. Let's take a peak, shall we?

(Sorry, I used online photos because I'm at work and wasn't proactive about taking these photos last night because I was still hungover from the weekend....my bad, yo. Really, these photos look wah-ayy better than any photos I would take, too. I need a Photo 101 class, fo reals.)

--Well, I went ahead and bought a new accesory for my arm. My old MBMJ watch was great, but this gal wanted something new. Enter this baby. I already have my eyes on yet another one, soooo maybe I'll go for that when spring/summer rolls around.....I have issues.

{I just found out yesterday the inside dials actually do work. Bonus

...even though I don't really know what their purpose is....}

--Forever21 is that place where I could go in knowing very well I need nothing and leave with practically everything. I limited myself this time around, but sheesh, it's a vaccuum in there, sucking you into buying just about anything your eye catches.....aside from the bedazzled crop tops. Yowza....
**Leather Vest with Studs - Neccessary. I don't know why it is, but it is. & I f*cking love it.
**Feather Dress - Perfect for work with a blazer. Bring on the spring colors!
**Fur Vest & Belt - I've been needing a fuller, longer vest and had to buy a belt to match, obvi. (Imagine the image without the buckles. Go figure, F21's site didn't have my exact vest, but this looks identical aside from the built-in buckles.)

{I love how the studs (vest #1) are subtle but still stand out, but

I detached the belt that just hangs there....not my favorite.}

--My pal needed to return something to Aldo, so naturally, I browsed while she did so. She actually doesn't like these shoes (claims they are "growing on her") but I just needed to have them despite her friendy advice. I wore them out that night and they are way more fun than I originally thought. I dig 'em. You may not. In the words of this same pal, "that's what makes the world go 'round."

{Have you ever seen a pointed toe booty?

probably not. which is why these are badass.}

I leave you with a photo of me and SSB from daaa bar on Saturday. Of course I rocked my new studded vest, even though you can't see it very well in the photo. Hair is looking slightly blonder and will be even more true-blonde when my next appointment rolls around in two weeks. Woot woot!

{I swear this is one of the first times I

did something to my hair in fo'eva.}

Until next time, I'm off to act like a real teacher.....maybe make a seating chart or two. You know, so my seniors can just ignore it in a less than a week. Awesome...........

First Haul of 2012

Yay, Happy New Year & all that jazz!

It's back to work tomorrow after a too-short break away from the kiddos, so I thought I'd help the wounds by shopping. Apparently, everyone else in my town thought the same.....woof.

I headed to Victoria's Secret for their semi-annual sale before going to Old Navy and Ulta. A mini spree, yes, but I'm still stoked about the goods!

Shall we just skip the VS portion of the shopping trip? I think so...
Oh, and let's forget the fact that I lost my camera cord and had to take these with my trusty iPhone.

OLD NAVY
Striped Sweater -- Not entirely sure what drew me in about this seeing as how it is bright and has stripes, but nevertheless, I love it now. A bit of nautical, a bit of prep, perfect for work!
Twisted Neck Top -- I picked it up merely because it was cheap, but the effect of the "twist" around the neckline is really cute, and again, stripes! Sensing a pattern....no pun intended.
Bobble Bottle -- Thanks to my blogging buddy AlmostBritain for telling me about these! I will (hopefully) be able to keep h2o bottles out of my car by using this bad boy which filters the water for you. Woot woot! Found it by the check-out at ON, couldn't resist!

ULTA
*Thanks to my dear, dear friend in FL who got me an Ulta giftcard for Christmas. She just knows me, that one!!*
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero -- Finally! I got one! I went to see if they had the NAKED liner set from the holidays, but alas, it was sold out. Bummer. Still, I knew I needed to add one of these bad boys to my arsenal and the one I picked up was the last Zero, so it was really fate calling out to me. Obviously.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion -- Have used this before but was bone dry on my last bottle. I am slightly addicted to this stuff even though my skin problems are (usually) non-existent. This stuff works, though, for those "ahhhh" moments around the time of the month.
Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie -- (Another) finally! I have been looking for these everywhere and could never find them. I was entirely unsure of what color to get, but this raspberry hue looks rich and perfect for the winter months. I may have to review this bad boy, more to come perhaps.
Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Love Letter -- Could not pass this "color" up when I saw it; very newspaper nails but without the work/mess! Clearly anything that looks like it took time but didn't is a winner in my lazy-ass book.
Urban Decay Mini De-Slick Setting Spray -- Running low on my "All-Nighter" spray and thought I'd give "De-Slick" another chance. I could use some oil control as of late so hopefully this work better than the classic spray.

There you have it, a haul to start off the new year right! As a side note, you should definitely hit up your nearest VS for their semi-annual sale. Ridiculously good deals! I got eight items for $100....and let's be real, ladies, most bras there retail for at least $75 -- and who doesn't love a great sale?!


Until next time, I hope your new year is also starting off wonderfully............

Mini Haul

Hello friends! I hope you all had a fan-freaking-tastic weekend -- I hope the weather was crisp but not too cold, sunny but not too hot, and you made plenty of wise decisions....like drinking that extra cocktail (or extra three cocktails) before asking Siri on your new iPhone 4S to find you a taxi home (because, you know, she can totally do that).

I don't have a 4S, which means I don't have Siri.
Whatever, I'm not bitter.
It's not like I'm worried SSB will leave me for her.
Stupid bitch, better watch her back!

(Now leaving bitch-tastic mode and entering into sing-songy voice.....)

Anywhooooo, while my weekend was all over the place, I did fit in some time to run to the mall and grab some things that I didn't need, but a sale sometimes cannot be passed up!
I would like to also preface this mini haul by stating that whoever was in charge of stying/photographing these photos was either blind, stupid, a man, or all three. You'll see what I mean, I'm sure.

RASPBERRY SHERPA COLLAR LEATHERETTE JACKET (F21)

I feel like I am starting to collect leather(ette) jackets this year more than I've been adding to the scarf collection. Regardless, this jacket could not be passed up when I walked passed it yesterday. Total steal.

{Honestly, they could have picked the size down (or TWO sizes down) to put on this model. My jacket is much more fitted than this frump-di-dump look...& those pink bottoms with the jacket? Hmmm, no thank you!}








"PUFFER" VEST IN TWEED (OLD NAVY)

I actually am not a classic puffer fan in the slightest, because I personally do not want to remind anyone of the Michelin Man by my choice of dress, but ON hit it out of the park with this bad boy using tweed. So cozy, so chic, and it was the perfect topper to the current outfit I have on!

{again, a man must have photographed this, it is much more fitted and not so bulky in person.}








MAXI SKIRT IN GREY (OLD NAVY)

I love these for work. I thought this print was good for any season and the pleated effect is much prettier in person. Think it'll look cute with boots or normal wedges, depending on the weather. Very flowy and simple, my favorite feel in a skirt! Plus, it was on sale for $15, woop woop!

{again, not a flattering photo, the colors of the skirt are much more vibrant in person.}








SLIM CAPRI TROUSERS IN BUTTERSCOTCH (OLD NAVY)

I bought these for work simply because they were on sale for NINE dollars. Sadly, my height makes them normal length....like, really?! That would happen to me. It gives them a cute tapered effect, though, so I'm ok with it. The material looks dreadful in the photo, but they're much looser and a bit more chic in person....have I said that for every photo now? It's because it's true -- we need to find these photogs and beat them with their cameras!









MEN'S SKULL TEE (H&M)

Ok, while I definitely didn't need this, it was just TOO badass to pass up. Pair it with the raspberry jacket I first mentioned, skinnies, and some boots.....yeah, I'd dare you to mess with me then, people! Really, though, I probably read too much into it and bought it because I thought it had this deeper meaning about aviation when, in reality, the designer of this tee probably just likes skulls. & hey, you know, that's ok in my book, I like them too, obviously. Bonus points for the men's section on this one.








.......and one thing entirely unrelated to clothing but a recent purchase (made before the shopping trip) that my credit card probably maybe quite possibly hates me for.


Skullcandy & ROC Nation Aviator Headphones in Brown

BOOM. I was a fan of my Zumreed's for sure, but when I saw these bad boys in the Apple Store recently, I knew they would be mine before too long. Of course I have already used them and they feel great even after extended wear (the issue with my Zumreed's) and their sound quality is crisp and wonderful and I feel like I'm being enveloped in the sound. Ahhh, so in love. Not to mention I feel like a badass pilot bitch in them.....Jay-Z, you done good, son. This was the last pair at my local Best Buy, so thank you to the four men who went on a wild goose chase to find them for me because they were not in their correct location. Oh, and no thank you to the man who stayed behind to "keep me company while I waited" -- awkward conversation and your escort to the front of the store as I left was entirely unnecessary. & just so we're clear, mister BB man, I will not be coming back in a week to tell you if you should buy these headphones even though you made me pinky promise. Yes, I'm breaking a pinky promise. It's entirely his fault and not my own, I just wanted some damn headphones!


That's it for the mini haul. I know my posts have been slacking in the beauty department, so be on the look out for some beauty-related posts in the near future. I mean, I've been on a killer complaining/rant streak, so if that's more your style, feel free to read my rants on shoes and the terrible SMH acronym that I wrote in previous posts.

ONE MORE THING! I now have a Tumblr. Not entirely sure why, but it is what it is. If you'd like to follow that, here's the link (CLICK!)....I plan on just using it as a "vision board" of sorts to keep my inspiration flowing. Plus, I'm a blogger....why not just add myself to another social medium?! I added it to the "Stalk SS" page, too.


Off I go to try and be teacherly.....the youth is safe, people, I've got this, clearly (says the teach who is blogging......)


Until next time, farewell lovahs.......



Collective Haul (I Have Problems).....

Why oh why must I have a problem? Fall is the best time but also the worst time because I want to buy everything! I can't even blame the upcoming season, though, because some (ok, most) of what I bought has nothing to do with the cooler season coming. Let's just hop into it, shall we?!

I recorded a video for this haul and then realized I never turned my TV off in the background and the birds love talking to the TV so the mix of background noise was ridiculous and I just didn't feel like recording another 15-20 minute video....I guess I'm too used to the noise! haha

The items below are separated by store. Forever21 first, Target second, and Marshall's third!

F21 FOTOS

>>Don't you love the blush tone of the blazer?! I went for a light khaki one but this blush tone was far too cute to pass up. The navy one completes my "neutral" color blazer collection :)
>>The bird jacket is a whimsical buy, thought it'd be a good "pop" piece for some fall outfits.
>>The boots? Love them, period.
>>(The blouses photographed horribly, so I posted their photos from F21's site to give you a better idea of their fit and shape.) Both tops are such rich fall colors and I love that the mustard top was only $19 as opposed to the $50 one I saw at Nordstrom that looked nearly identical. The rusty rose? Looks good with the new 'do ;)

TARGET TIIIIIME!

>>Lipstick! Just like I talked about in my brunette makeup post, I need to start wearing some color on my lips. These two shades were just the colors I was looking for.
>>It's Revlon's fault for making me buy this. It looked so cute in the bottle, metallic but dark, again "perfect for fall" (Can any of us say this too much? I think not! haha) Steel-Her Heart will be on my nails ASAP! Terrible nail swatch, I knowww.
>>I never listen to the #1 beauty rule of "don't brush your wet hair." Yeah, I detangle my hair in the shower, but needed a comb to do the job when I get out of the shower. I really will try to follow this beauty rule now! (Forgot to take a photo of it, but come on, it's just a comb....)
>>This top was definitely an impulsive purchase, but all their "graphics" were on sale, win!

MARSHALL'S MADNESS

>>Bookends + Fleur De Lis = Perfection. I hate that Affliction has nearly ruined this symbol, but I still love it....it's been in almost every notebook that I have written in since high school (thanks B&N for your too-cute journal/notebook section!) so these were a must-have investment for only $10 a piece! Love the cracked effect and how one is a rustic orange and the other is a nice mustard. Gawwwd, I really just want to stare at them all day, I'm pathetic, I know.
>>Apparently I've been buying too many bracelets as of late, so I needed a new jewelry holder. My other one is a dark steel color with birds, so I needed to keep the "bird" theme going.
>>I call him Henry. Henry has no purpose, no real use, but he is awesome nonetheless! I picked him up out of the Halloween section thinking he could hold my bracelets, but then I found the bird stand and still couldn't part from him. He will stay on the bookcase no matter what season or what holiday. He's Henry, we like Henry, Henry stays!

So there you have it, my collective weekend haul! Thanks to mom for buying the clothes, she supports my "work apparel" funds ;)

I'm off to relax a bit before going out tonight with my sisters and some friends for my sister's future sister-in-law's birthday downtown (woah, sisters everywhere!)


Until next time, farewell love bugs!

July Favorites

The month of July went by faster than Lindsay Lohan's house arrest....and that is just terrible! I usually love July and it all it has to offer and now I'm staring August in the face and although that's all well and good (hello beach vacation oh so soon!), I'm still bummed July felt like a blink of an eye.

Nevertheless, let's buck up our pretty faces and discuss all things favorited (not a word, but whatevs) in the steamy month of July!

1. Hauls - Can you favorite hauls? I think I can, especially since I'm still on my spending freeze until vacation and it is ALL due to those nasty but wonderful shopping trips to Ulta, F21, and the like. Blast those beauty buys and fashion finds...I look cute, at least, even if my wallet is crying. We're not talking right now. It's fine...it'll come crawling back, they always do!

2. Homemade Daisy Dukes - If there was ever an item of clothing that I love as much as my adored baby blanket (don't judge) it is definitely my pair of homemade cut-offs from years ago. I think my mom was going to give the jeans away (they were my sister's) and instead, I took them and cut them and folded up the ends to make cute little cuffs, did some hand sewing (not my finest hour of craftsmanship) and voila, my favorite shorts were made! They fit loose which is why I love them. Who knew you could wear short shorts AND eat your cake, too? I'm practically a miracle worker! July saw these bad boys.....a lot. Perhaps too much...

3. Vegetable Juice - Gotta work on the insides to make the outsides look good, no? I started eating tomatoes like it was my job this month and then that transferred over to my new love for vegetable juice. A full serving of veggies in every eight ounces, so I've been downing this all month, whether it's by can or just buying the big bottle....and I have noticed a difference in my skin and health since drinking that in place of juice or coffee....ok, so I still drink the coffee. A lot.

4. Physcians Formula Mosaic Bronzer - I will never stop searching for bronzers no matter how many times I buy them. I bought this one and forgot about it, but after buying my waterproof one from Tarte (which I do like, not to worry!), I came across this one and fell in love. I must have been too pale for it when I first bought it but now it works perfectly with my somewhat tanner skin. The mosaic colors blend nicely so my face isn't one big brown circle, and it doesn't have the shimmery effects of a disco ball, either.....yessss! I use it as a softer base and then use the Tarte in areas where "sun naturally hits." I hate when people say that, sounds so pretentious for whatever reason. Says the girl who just used the word pretentious.....

5. Bare Eyelids - I prefer going nude....on my eyelids, that is. I am either too lazy or too sweaty to wear shadow so I just do a nice color on the waterline....it's like the inverted shadow look! It gives my skin a more sunkissed look, too, because the eyelids just become a nice bronze color like the rest of me instead of having some other color stealing the focus from my tan. I still rock the occasional gold lid or even smoky brown, but for the most part in July, this chick was nude.....on my eyelids, that is!

6. Dry Shampoo - Heaven in a bottle, am I right? This month I got really lazy with my hair and this shit helped, as it always does. This should probably be a favorite every month, for real. I go between TRESemme and Umberto's.....I am currently looking for Bastitse's XXL Volume one, so if you know where it is, help a sista out!

7. Netflix - I already discussed this in a previous post but after buying it in July, it's become my serious amigo and I have no idea why I waited so long to be without this media BFF. If you don't have it, get it, really. Stream it to the laptop and you're set! Such a serious favorite (or obsession) of mine this month!

So I know there were very few items of beauty in that favorite list, but hey, I'm nothing if not honest....I haven't used very many beauty products this month because it's sweaty, I work as a nanny, and it's sweaty....and really hot.

Here's to August...may it slow down just a bit more than July's speed-demon actions and let us revel in it's summer joy!

Travel post coming soon....a sort of "what's in my (many) travel bags?!" Look out for that!

I leave you with a photo from yesterday.....I took the kiddos I nanny to the nearest amusement park and this photo pretty much sums up my life.

Just barely too tall to ride on a Kiddieland ride. No, I am not sad that I cannot ride, but rather, sad that I pretty much just miss the cut-off....and I'm 23. #nannyfail (Yes, I did just hashtag in a blog post....whatevs.)

Thank you to my boyfriend for coming along with us, he made the whole trip much easier because the boys loved him being there! We actually had a decent bit of fun...as much fun as you can have with an 8 year old and a 5 year old at an amusement park!

Until next time, as always....farewell love bugs.

I've been a bad, bad girl.....(Thanks Fiona Apple....)

Ok, let me preface this by saying that I did not pay for ALL of this. No, I'm not awesome and have sponsors who are now telling me to blog about this....if only. My dearest mother gave me her card to find the maxi skirt I have been searching far and wide for and I FOUND IT....but then found a lot of other cute things, too! No, no, don't think I abused my parents' funds like that...I paid for the rest of what I bought, so go me for being nice to my parents, boo me for stepping off of the "spend-freeze" train.

I most definitely made a haul video where I crack some bad jokes and become scatter-brained because I was trying to film quickly before I went out to dinner and from that point up until now, I cannot for the life of me figure out why it won't let me upload it. It keeps telling me there was an error, boo! So, yes, out of tiredness and laziness, I am giving up and writing about this haul. The photos are not that great but it gets the job done, so don't judge too harshly!

Let's talk fashion!

From Marshall's:

 

FINALLY found my long-searched-for black maxi and I owe it to Little Petite because I saw her OOTD and her black maxi outfit was SO cute, I had to know where she got it. Turns out she found it at Marshall's (which is why I went to my own) and I have to say, now I love that place....I never knew they had such good deals!

Second maxi is a great print for summer and transitioning into fall. Can never have too many maxis, and Who What Wear just had an article on printed maxis, so yay for my new one....I am just sooo fashionable (note : sarcasm!)

They place the shoes in the front of Marshall's....much too smart! I saw a pair of wedges that were all one color (top and wedge, I mean) and it was a gorgeous chestnut brown, but alas, not in my size :( This pair is the same style but different color and honestly, I love them just as much. I need all the height I can get and I like to wear wedges under my maxis so it looks like I may just be that tall naturally since the skirt hides the shoes for the most part- hey, a short gal can dream!

This bag really didn't need to be purchased, but it's Tommy Hilfiger, a cute color, and on clearance! It was a nearly $80 bag and I got it for $10....so I was basically forced to buy it! Such a cute bag for the beach and the snap closure is great since none of the other bags I have for the beach close. So yes, I somehow rationalized that I needed this beach bag so now it sits in my room, as anxious for the beach as I am!

I drove over to Target afterward just to pick up some basics to pair with the new skirts....they are, like I already said, basic, so I just posted the links - if you feel like looking, click away! One is actually not so basic and quite cute, though!

From Target:
Black Ribbed Tank
Green Ribbed Tank**
Khaki Ribbed Tank**
White Boyfriend Tee
Converse Ruffled Splatter Print Tank
**Colors not posted online - tanks are currently on sale for $5 on their site but were $9 in stores, so I'm not sure if I actually found the exact tank, but it's close enough....who hasn't seen basic tanks? Target has great ones!

I mentioned www.WhoWhatWear.com above, so click on the link if you'd like...I highly recommend it! Be sure to sign up for their daily emails and check out their books, too, they're awesome!
Also check out Little Petite's page because, like I said, she gave me the answer to where I could finally find the long-searched-for maxi!

So yes, BACK on the spend-freeze train. All aboard to happier wallets! (Cheesy, whatev). Hope you all enjoyed the weekend!
Beach Countdown = FIVE days! Travel version of "what's in my bag(s)?!" to come soon!


Until next time, as always, farewell love bugs!

HAUL (Beauty & Fashion)

So here's the thang, y'all. I really never say "y'all" first of all....and secondly, I had completely planned on doing a super fun haul video with all the wonderful things I bought instead of doing a long post, but then I realized....I started this as a writer, and I think I may convey my message just a taaaad better through writing on this one. I'll do my best to still make it entertaining, as always ;)

The haul crosses so many different places over the weekend and in the past two days, so here's the list: Forever21, Sephora, Nordstrom, Target, Walmart (hate this place!!), and even a grocery store (woah, SS, slow your jets!) You will be glad to know that I have, starting yesterday, put myself on a debit card spending freeze until I go on vacation. Yes, debit card freeze.....you have to keep the credit card for emergencies, no? Totally ;)

Let's begin with photos!

There are more fashion items that were not posted on F21's site and one of the bracelets is really just a stand-in for the real one I got, so let's hear it for F21 and their failed website of TOO MUCH SHIT that IS NOT IN STORES. I love a good deal at F21 as much as the next fashion whore, but really, "people's gotsta get their shit togetha" if they want to keep me as an avid shopper.

Eh, who am I kidding? I'll still go back. You probably will, too, let's not kid ourselves!

Ok, so beauty items! Yay, let's hear it for me and my NON-stick-to-it-approach on the whole PXP matter. I've hit a beauty rut, though, and this was necessary. After this haul, it really does appear as though I'm set on my beauty products for now. Really. I swear. This time I mean it.....honestly!

1. Nail Effects - Loved "Kitty, Kitty" the first time so I bought it again to put on my twinkle toes for the beach. Countdown = 18 days (not counting today!) Woohoo!
2. Tarte Bronzer - Waterproof AND matte, need I say more? Not sure how well it lasts on my face, but the humidity here may be to blame for its melt factor. Oh, and my high sweating issue in any temp above 85 degrees....lovely.
3.  Burt's Bees Purifying Gel Cleanser - Wait, what's that, SS? You're not using a scrub anymore?! You are correct, dear reader! I heard from the woman in Sephora that using a scrub on skin daily is safe is about as truthful as munchkins living in my closet stealing my missing clothes (ok, so she didn't say that but I did....) I have to agree with her, too, because it makes sense (who would have thought?!) I will still exfoliate up to 3x per week (duh), but we'll see how this new non-scrub regimen goes!
4. All-Nighter - Now, if I were a street walker and needed to be on the corner all night, this shit would be awesome. Really, though, I use it because it works and I need that in this dead heat of summer.
5. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner - Have never used Kiehl's and have not used a toner since college. I feel like I need one to help my lackluster skin as of late, and Kiehl's is a solid brand to try, so I went for it. Review to follow perhaps?
6. Jason Thin-To-Thick Shampoo - I really don't understand why I care so much about what I put on my face but neglect my hair products which may contain such crap. My friend (who I may pressure into guest blogging about this!) is super into all products that are made without her "list" of enemies. She was buying this brand while we went grocery shopping for food (apparently we just love shopping for anything these days!) and I saw this kind and was intrigued. Natural ingredients and promises to thicken my thin hair? Deal. Let you know what I think soon enough!

Onto the fash-e-on! (Did that come out like a French guy? It was meant to, anyways.....)
Note: Some of the items I had to actually photograph, totally killing my pretty Polyvore work, but the maxi just photographed terribly, but hey, it's another maxi, so we've all seen them, right? Right.

1&2. Headwraps - I wore a thin scarf wrapped around my head while I was down South on my first vacation of the summer and when I came across these, they had that turban effect that was so popular last fall (yeah, yeah, so I'm far behind, whatev!) I like to have something on my head at the beach or by the pool so it's not all flopping around, wet on my face....the wet dog look doesn't work for anyone, dah-ling! So one in paisley and one in cheetah, because why not match it to my nails and be a total loser, right?
3&4. Bracelets - The one on the top right IS the one I got and I love it! I saw it before in previous trips to F21 but never bought it until this last haul. It matched the dress I bought really well so that was reason enough. The other bracelet is the right size and style, but the one I bought has blue/turquoise "gems" placed around in....only about four or so around the whole thing...simple and dainty but very pretty.
5. Maxi Dress - Posted about wanting these in my last post and only left with one. Like I said, F21's website-to-store ratio blows big time, so I couldn't find the ones I really wanted, but I do like the one I got a lot. The pattern throughout looks like this:

6. Top - Flowy, romantic-feel, wing-like sleeves....it's perfect! I'm so excited to wear it out because it makes me feel so girly and fun.

So there you have it, my latest haul that goes from high-end skincare to the grocery store! Look out for reviews soon on Kiehl's, Jason Shampoo, and maybe some OOTD posts, too, since I've been failing on those big time. I am sorry if you really would prefer this in video, but I was just in the mood to write, so deal with it ;)

Hope you're all surviving the week. I for one am super excited for the weekend!



Until next time, farewell love bugs and fellow bloggers....

Haul + SURPRISE!

I was driving home from Ulta when I thought to myself, "Hauls are so much fun!" Then, as I was driving, another thought occurred (no worries, my brain didn't explode from the overload of thinking!) and I said to myself, "Hauls are even more fun in videos."

So yes, dear readers, I don't know why I decided to do it, but I made my first video. Yeah, I don't really know why other than the fact that, like I said to myself in the car, hauls are better in videos....slightly more organic, little more fun. I apologize for not being the typical gawh-jus beauty blogger like the rest of the people who make beauty videos, but whatever, I'm only human, not plastic and perfect....so don't judge me, all right? Awesome.

If you decide to no longer read/follow my blog after viewing the video, cool, totally up to you (and your loss, right?) If you do decide to stay, thank you kindly! I really don't think I'll be making a habit of videos, as I mention in the vid that I do enjoy writing more, but we'll see, we'll see.

Without anymore talking, here it is....my Ulta Haul Video!

Please Note:
1. I realize the photos in the background are a bit odd....the one that looks like a dog is, in fact, a dog...my boyfriend dressed up as one for Halloween one year. He's nothing like a dog in real life, not to worry ;) The other are just me and friends and/or family.
2. This video is so ridiculously amateur so be kind....I'm no pro videographer!
3. When I said I got the OPI polish from the beauty/salon section, I have no idea what I was saying. I get my hair cut at a salon that has a store connected to the front (sort of like Ulta....but not really), so I got the polish there, not at Ulta.
 4. I make weird faces....it's just my nature, part of the humor, no? Thanks, YouTube, for making an awesome Herp-Derp face for the screen shot opener. Awesome, really.
5. I finally opened the bronzer....and I'm sorry it looked so pink/purple/not bronzey in the video. Here's a better depcition of it:

6. I talked about two liners I got at Target....yeah, well, they didn't melt in my car (yippey!!) Here they are....

Enjoy! Please feel free to leave your criticism in the comments, but don't be mean....that's just not nice...obviously. I'm off to paint my nails and enjoy the HP marathon on TV....yeah, I know it's Saturday but I went out Thursday and Friday night, so my I (and my liver) need to lay low tonight. So thank you, HP, for having a marathon on TV ;)

Until next time, farewell lovahs!

Little Late - June Favorites

I have returned, alive, from the mini-vacation my family took to visit our extended family down South. After receiving far too many mosquito bites, random cuts and bruises (WHERE did those come from?!) and a twinge of sunburn, I'm glad to be back home, with my laptop and my own bed and bathroom, that's for sure!

Considering we were on a boat everyday, I kept the makeup very very minimal. That being said, I'm thrilled to discuss beauty-related things now that I'm off the boat and my feet are on dry land. SOOOOO, without further a-do, I present you with my.......

Orgasm Blush - I have had this for awhile and have sadly hit pan pretty hardcore on it, but I kept it stashed away for a couple months until June rolled around....and now I'm obsessed all over again. I don't care about the cost, I'm buying it again as soon as I run out!

Waterline Liner - I always look at different makeup looks to see what I want to try on myself. The one thing I always loved on other's eyes but steered away from was eyeliner on the waterline...or that part right below your eyeball before your lashes, for you confused readers! I decided to give this look a try on a whim in mid-June and love the look! I still need to adjust to it but it makes the blue in my eyes really stand out and gives them a bit of an edgy touch that isn't too hooker/emo/biker, which were all looks I was afraid this look would give me. A sigh of relief I still look like myself with liner on my waterline!

Stila Gloss in Majesty - I bought a pack of 8 Stila glosses from Urban Outfitters awhile ago...honestly, I don't even remember when. I loved all the colors except for one, so I gave it to my sister. It just looked too dark from the tube and I was instantly uninterested....until I saw it in her bag and tried it and LOVED it. The berry color comes out like a light stain for the lips, just enough color without looking too bare or too dramatic. I stole it back...after all, it's not like she paid for it, I did ;)

Mojitos - Pretty sure this is my summer drink staple. I just cannot get enough of this refreshingly wonderful drink! I drank far too many of them over the month of June and July should be no different. It's a nice change from my usually mundane vodka soda, and summer deserves to have a little difference!

Loose Tanks - When it's hot hot HOT out and there's little I want sticking to my body (sweat, gross, yuck), these bad boys tend to be my go-to and they definitely were through the month of June. I love a good loose tank in a pretty print. The two I have from Target get the most compliments (imagine that!), so I need to go back and see if they have more because you can't go wrong with a good tank for summer.

I was pretty boring for June. All the working (teaching and nannying) really did me in so I'm super pumped to start my 3-day weeks soon enough. Much more time for laying by the pool....and more blogging, of course! 

Hope you all had a wonderful June and your July is shaping up to be just as great! I'm off to get some beauty rest after dropping some serious cash on my new Victoria's Secret card on these two bad boys....

Can't go wrong with a blue suit, right? For a gal who loves this color in just about any shade, it's odd I don't have a single blue bathing suit. I had to change that ;)

I typically hate pink on me, but this neon shade just screamed summer to me, and it also screamed at me to buy it....how rude, but I obliged, so I'm hoping it looks good! 

If you're not new to this blog, I hope you like the face-lift I gave to SS...this soft pink and black reminded me of an old-school-summer-vacation, so I went with it....I don't even like pink (as I already mentioned) so I'm not entirely sure how/why I decided to make the change. Whatevs.

Until next time, as always, farewell my lovahs!

Project X Pan Success (Kinda...) & Makeup Haul! (Photo Heavy)

Hello virtual world! Let it be known it is currently almost 10:30, I woke up at 9:30 to write this because YES, I am not working. I worked over 30 hours....in the last three days. It was a bit of a crazy three days, too, so I am relieved to have a bit of time off!

Onto the better news! I have come to report about THREE products that have bit the dust and just so happen to be included in the Project X Pan that I have been (not really) slaving away at since I blogged about it. What products, you ask? Chill out, I'm getting there!

Now I know the rules "state" that you shouldn't can't buy any beauty products at all until all of the items in your project have been finished, but really, I'd be a terrible beauty blogger if I couldn't report the latest purchases and discuss reviews with the rest of you, am I right? Really, you all basically forced me into it, so shame shame shame on you! (But seriously, thanks for feeding the beauty bitch inside me...) So once I post about the products I've fnished, I'll fill you in on the, um, new products I just bought!

Here are the products that are finito....three down, seven to goooo!

Philosophy Purity Cleanser - Now, is it cheating if I've "hit pan" on this product before, like, five times? I love this cleanser and even though I have used it for so long now, I still may do a review on it for those of you who are not quite convinced yet. You will be once I write my review! No, my writing isn't that phenomenal (although you are more than welcome to think that!) but it really is a great item to have in any beauty arsenal!

e.l.f. Eyeliner Pen - This little bad boy is so shriveled up and I apologize for not being able to physically show you how dried out it truly is....I don't even know how I'd prove it? My real proof is that most of my purchases today were of the eyeliner variety, so that's proof enough....right? Good, let's go with that!

Yes To Tomatoes Daily Pore Scrub - Should be noted I went out to Target five minutes before they were scheduled to close because I was bone-dry-outttt of this product. Bonus? It was on sale for a dollar off. Cha-ching!

Another good thing about this product! 

You don't even need to scrape the sides, this sucker uses every last bit, 

does the dirty work for you! (Read the rest of the review here.)

So my Project X Pan has made a nice little dent! My bronzer has hit pan hardcore, so that should be going next. The hand cream and rosebud salve may never, ever be finished, so I'm an idiot for putting them in the project! Also an idiot for putting in my NARS Orgasm blush, because now that I've been using it like crazy, I never want it to end! Blast, isn't that how beauty always works?

Now onto NEW purchases, YAY. An Ulta haul is exactly what I've been needing - oddly enough, I had more restrain than usual (probably because it's summer and "less is more") but I still walked away with more than what I went in for!

Essie's Borrowed & Blue - Now, before you think I'm running out to buy this because I'm engaged, cool your jets because I'm totally not (boyfriend: take note). However, this color is absolutely perfect for me. I love all shades of blue...no really, I do, so I obviously needed to add this one to my collection. Word to the Ulta gal who checked me out at the register - remove your "buy one, get one free!" sign that's currently hanging below your Essie polishes because it's a LIE, you evil bitch. "Uhhh, nooooo, that isn't coming up on here, sorrry." Fine, I'll only get the one polish, then, you dirty skank. Haute as Hell (name wrong maybe?) was my "free" choice but alas, false advertising wins again....

Looks a bit silvery in the photo but it's a matte, soft blue in reality. LOVE!

NYX Slim Eye Pencils in Black/Brown and Satin Blue - I really don't need new liners, but considering the e.l.f. one is a shriveled up bitch, it was time to give pencils another go-round. I plan on using the brown/black for a waterline pencil, but that look still confuses me and since I'm so blonde, I'm a little nervous I'll look like a cheap hooker. I love the way it defines everyone else's eyes, though, so I may give in and try to see how I can make it work for a pale-ass blonde like myself! The satin blue is just a fun midnight color that I think will be great for summer to bring out the baby-blue's.

EOS Lipbalm in Lemon - Heck yes, I finally got that blasted little egg thing! It was by the checkout (go figure) so I snatched it up so super fast! They only had Lemon or Sweet Mint left and although the Sweet Mint was in a gorgeous egg color, I don't like Mint on my lips, only in my mouth...it's weird, I know, but I'm very adamant about this! So Lemon it is...and it definitely tastes like a lemon drop (for you of age readers) so that part is a total bonus, too!

 

Bare Minerals Finishing Veil - I needed a new powder after my e.l.f. mineral booster bit the dust (DAMN, why did I add this bad boy to the PXP?!) My friend raves about Bare Minerals, and honestly, so does everyone else, so I figured I would try one product first before taking the powder plunge. I like it so far, maybe I'll love it soon enough. I have been wearing virtually no makeup to work as of late so I need to give this little guy more of a test run before I can really say it's got a steady rental in my makeup drawers.

I also went to F21, Sephora, and Marshall's for last-minute trip items (not really, but that sounds legitimate, right?) so here are those purchases!

[Everything is shown here, but the dress is really the one thing 

that stands out (go figure), so more photos are down below!]

Marshall's - Swim Coverup Dress
I really didn't need one of these (just like everything else I bought, really) but I kind of did seeing as how I wanted a cover-up that wasn't just daisy dukes and a tank top. I liked this dress at first but then kept asking my sister "Are you suuuuure it isn't too MTV Jersey Shore" to which she replied "Torrie, you're blonde and pale and look nothing like someone who just drinks all day, you're fine." She made a solid point, so I bought it. It's growing on me. We're going down South for the July 4th weekend and this will stand out like a sore thumb, and I like that aspect about it!

F21 - Ring, 2 Bracelets
I don't really know why I have been buying so much jewelry lately. I think it's curbing my shopping addiction; see, if I'm not out buying a ton of clothes but still buying a ton of inexpensive jewelry, well, at least I'm still buying something, right? I've tricked my brain into thinking this is logical, so I'm going with it until I wise up. I thought the little "wish" one was cute, and the gold/silver mix on the other is really balanced, I think. Why people don't get smarter and make bracelets smaller for those of us who have very tiny wrists is beyond me, but I find it quite rude!

Sephora - Feathers
My friend and I will (most likely) be getting the real deal put in today, but I couldn't help but buy these ones for a test run before taking the plunge into the more "permanent" look. I liked the outcome a lot and even though it was $25 bucks, at least I know I like them now and can use these as back-up. Let me know what you think of this trend...do you have them, love them, hate them, think I look ridiculous? My boyfriend saw the photo and responded with, "You got them? It looks like lizard tails in your hair, which is BADASS." Boys....they just don't get it.

Have you made an recent summer purchases? I plan on making a few more before we leave (which is tomorrow at midnight, so technically Saturday morning?) I really need SPF 30 sunscreen because it's supposed to be hot as hell and I wanted a GOOD/GREAT book to read on the way there, so please give me your suggestions! I wanted to buy Lemony Snicket's but alas, the whole series doesn't come in one big book (which was what I was banking on finding when I went to B&N last night), so really, if you have a good book (chick-lit need not apply considering I really have ready too many of those lately!) then let me know!! 

Enjoy your day. I know I will considering I am OFF work and will be until July 9th. Do you hear that? I do! It's a chorus of angels singing for my happiness!

Until next time, farewell you beautiful bloggers and readers ;)