Catching Up -- Five Friday

I fell off a giant cliff near my school and am just now getting back to normal from the horrific accident.

No, that's not true at all, you silly cats and hood rats.
I'm just busy. & (slightly) lazy. & formerly sick with some crazy unknown illness that's really no more serious than just the common cold.

I am BACK for a bit, though, to catch you up on the not-so-cool things going on in the world of SS. My students sit silently taking a standardized test (draft writing, my bad!), so my downtime is great and I am lah-ving it! Here's a quick (or not so quick) Five Friday for you, random updates edition!


1. First things first, this weekend is St. Patrick's Day and I may look more Irish than I really am, but damnit, I celebrate like a champ. The downtown festivities cannot be missed and the weather is proving to be quite charming and lovely for a wonderful time of outdoor day drinking.....BUT what to wear, one might ask? Well, I have been searching far & wide for the perrrfect pair of green jeans. "A pop of color by way of denim is so in right now, SS, how easy for you!" -- HAH, I laugh at your naivety, because the only jeans I could find were mint, teal, turquoise, sea foam, or just about any shade of green aside from IRISH green. That is until I walked into Old Navy post-workout one night out of sheer bordem (or sheer panic of needing green jeans). LAST pair of true green pants that exist on the planet...and they were on the mannequin. Nuh-uh, SS ain't havin' that! I promptly turned into "that girl" and asked one of the employees if I could de-pants their female model. She didn't seem fazed at all--helpful even!--to endure the awkward task. Once I had the pants in my hand, I thanked her kindly for her de-robing skills and also apologized for being "that girl" (which makes you even more so "that girl") -- air quotes over. Green pants found. Let the drinking commence! (tomorrow, that is....) I leave you with not a photo of new skinny pants (sort of self-explanatory) but a recipe for a grrrrreast Irish beverage that sounds disgusting but you need to taste it to believe the magic. Fo' reals. If my one sistahh is reading, she'll be proud I posted this!

IRISH BREAKFAST SHOT -- If you do it correctly, the finishing taste is exactly like pancakes...wild!
1. In one shot glass, pour two counts of any whiskey and one count of butterscotch schnapps.
2. In another shot glass, pour in some good ol' orange juice.
3. Take the first shot and immediately follow with the second.
4. Let the pancake taste fill your mouth with joy.
.......you're welcome ;)

2. Second things second, I have a new baby! She's adorable, really, and although I've dressed her in the one color I hate most (pink), she still somehow shines and sparkles like a true superficial piece of technology after my own heart.

{awkward crooked photo much? sorry.....}

I know, I know, the "newww" iPad is coming out THIS Friday (aka today), but why not jump on this deal?! The iPad 2 is now $100 cheaper and the "newww" iPad has grrreat specs and all, but I don't need all that mumbo-jumbo schtuff when the 2 is just as cute. Done deal. I went up a bit in SSB's book for owning one. What a loser techy he is!

3. On the topic of technology, I have been bah-bah-busy with stuff at school...but mostly outside of my own classroom. Seniors are starting to get hellishly sick with something I can only find to be LAZINESS, but they have some cutesy name called "senioritis" -- I mean, I had it too....but for four years of college, so it was entirely different....and entirely warranted! Oh, right, technology. Well, in the midst of all the cray-cray going on, THIS happened.....

MAN DOWN. MAN. DOWN.

...and I cried.

...and I called SSB.

...and I got a new phone/case the same day.

...and all was right with the world again.
(if you're like me & want durability without buying an Otterbox, buy a SPECK case!)

4. Can I make a shout-out now? To one of my dearest blogging pals, The Procrastinator! I was out shopping at Marshall's to find a yoga towel (ok, to find just about anything cute) when I came across a makeup item she recommended to me a few months back. & WOAH, honey child, I lahhhhve it dearly. I dare not leave you in suspense any longer....
Enter: The Balm Products
I found not ONE, not TWO, but THREE different sets from The Balm and I just could not decide....so I picked up all three. Then, a small voice (or my friend) told me I was being irrational considering two of the sets had very similar products. I let my better thoughts win out and purchased only two. Life-savers, I tell ya! The products include.....(sorry no personal photos of post-purchase packages since I ripped into those bad boys faster than La-Lohan gets outta jail!)

If you do not have any of their products yet, you MUST scope them out ASAP. The packaging alone suckered me in before the inner genius in me screamed and said, "THIS is what The Procastinator was talking about!"
The products I purchased are two blushes (Hot Mama & Frat Boy), a shine powder (Sexy Mama), and a mini kabuki brush (sooo soft!) -- the BEST of the bunch (and the reason I freaked out) was the Bahama Mama Bronzer...so fab, I love it a ridiculous amount!
If you are not already following The Procrastinator's posts, you're missing out, dear readers! Go check her out immediately. Seriously....go.

5.I leave you with just ONE teacher rant story to end this hodge-podge-fodge post!
Male Student: Miss Smith, I wanted to ask you something, but really do not want you to be mad at me.
Me: Ok, well opening with that line never ends well, soo.....
Male Student: But Miss Smith, I'm one of the best in this class, and I really need your help!
Me: Ok, ok, shoot....
Male Student: I am entering a local radio contest to win VanHalen tickets. Soooo....
Me: Ok, spit it out, class is starting...
Male Student: Well you only win the contest if you enter a photo of your teacher while they're teaching.
Me: That doesn't make any sense!....I'm not a fan but I know that's not how their hit song goes...
Male Student: Uhhh, well this is awkward now. It is a hot teacher contest.
Me: Sit down, it's not happening.
Male Student: (whispering to classmate as he walks away) I'll just get the photo when she isn't paying attention.
Me: I heard that.
Male Student: Shit.
....and scene. All in a day's work of educating our youth....on what you should never ask your teacher. (PS the actual radio contest is not a real teacher contest...just for people to dress up like slore-bags and pretend to play hot teacher for a couple snapshots. I meeeean, I don't play pretend anymore, kitty cats, those days are past me, thank you very much....I don't pretend to play the bitch teacher anymore, I just am her!)


I am so sorry for straying from the SS scene as of late. Promises to do better, but promises are empty, soooo I'll just go ahead and say I'll see ya when I see ya next ;) --which WILL be soon!
RANDOM FINISHING NOTE: Listen to Gotye's "Somebody I Used To Know" and let your ears jump with melodic joy. It's good. SO. good.

Until next time, I hope you have all been doing faaabulously in your own lives.........

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...............................

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............

Five Friday - SS Santa Edition

How long has it been since I've done one of these?
Don't answer that.....

....I think I stopped because they just got monotonous, fo reals.
Seeing as how it is dangerously close to Santa's arrival, though, I thought maybe I'd do a mini wish list for my classic "Five Friday" post -- bring it back with some Christmas class, ya dig? ;)

Christmas dies a little when the fat red-suit man is no longer real and when your parents stop asking for a "wish list" (which mine still do, but not nearly to the feverish extent in former childhood years) BUMMER, seriously. This holiday really has sneaked (yeah, not snuck!) up on us this year, so I've had little time to consider my gifting options. Below are five that I would be happy to give or better yet...receive for myself, bitches!

1. Urban Decay's 24/7 Eye Pencil Travel Size Set of 5 in NAKED
Why not receive a gift that goes with the greatest eye palette of all time?! I think having mini neutral liners from UD would be an amazing gift. I would love to try these out, too, as I have never purchased one of the 24/7 pencils before. I know, I hear your hushed gasp of shock! Buttttttt, dear sisters, if you're reading, take note. Please & Thank You!

{I think they come in a great size, too, a serious deal!}

2. Ray-Ban Classic Aviators or Wayfarers
I am terrible with sunglasses, so I'm the classic girl who "doesn't deserve nice things." However, I love these sunnies so much, I would consider taking extra good care of them if someone was extra nice enough to give them to me (cough cough, SSB!) -- I would like the gold aviators or the classic black wayfarer....you know, because I'm clearly a badass.

{Ray-Ban knows their shit, for sure!}

3. Fur Throw Blanket
After seeing one of these bad boys at Marshall's recently (which, bee tee dubs, I've become obsessed with their home section as of late!), I had to have one....but didn't really feel like buying it. They are awesome, though! So many color options; a dark brown one with a plush side in addition to the fur. They also had one, though, that was a wild sandy fur color that was out.of.control, hunny! It would look bananas in my bedroom and I'd do Rachel Zoe so proud....and not only because I just used two of her catchphrases!

{Look, this one already comes with a nice bow for wrapping!}

4. New iPhone Case
I feel like I think about "needing" a new case more often than not. Really, I'd be fine and completely content without a new one....had my recent case not just committed pocket suicide. I pulled it out in a rush and the side (that was super-glued shut) caught my pocket & snapped to an unfixable point. I would consider repurchasing the same one (Andy Warhol's print of an old telephone) but wouldn't mind getting a new one that was a bit girlier. I currently have an EIGHT dollar one from ON (feels like highway robbery) that looks like an old cassette tape....pretty badass, but I could still use another option ;)

{DVF knows her clothes and now she does the iPhone beautiful justice, too!}

5. New MBMJ Watch

I love the one I already have, but I could always use a gold/rose gold option for those accessory days where a silver watch just isn't vibing with the rest of my outfit. Girl problems are so tough! I love simple watches, not into bling-tastic ones, but it needs to be masculine. I hate small watches. Yuck city. I mean, I'd be pretty freaking content with the one below!

{Love the two-tone style, simple but sleek}

This could sound totally bitch-tastic, but that was a fun "Five Friday" to do! Now that I got to write my own Christmas list, I feel much more into the holiday spirit. Granted, my family and friends have most likely finished their shopping already, but I'll be sure to keep these items in mind when I'm out shopping for myself post-Christmas...is that wrong of me? Probably. Do I care? Definitely not.



Until next time, I hope you are also diving whole-heartedly into the holiday season. I will be back to show some weekend pics of SSB and myself in awesome Christmas attire...............

November Favorites

Yes, I'm still alive! I know it's only been a week but dear gawwwd it's felt like ages since I've checked up on everyone's blogs (and my own!) and this is one of the things in my life that keeps me sane, so you can only imagine how crazed I am! This past week was out of control and it is great to take this time to catch my breath and blog a bit!

Now that December is here, I thought I'd share some monthly favorites!

1. "Dirty" Chai Tea Latte - Take a chai tea latte, add vanilla & a shot of espresso (or two), and you just made one dirty but delicious drink! It's the perfect blend, trust me on this one, I'm an sbux whore after all (or just a whore dating a barista, whichever....)
**Perhaps I should do a new 'bux drink every month seeing as how I did a drink last month!**

2. New Ink - Obviously a favorite considering I got them in the beginning of this month. I am so in love with my new roman numerals and feather. Plus, they gave me another reason to buy new tops for work to cover them, even though I don't really have to, considering my tats are not naked women or swear words.

3. Dermalogica's Daily Mircofoliant - My skin was all sorts of "blah" this month -- sometimes dry, sometimes oily, sometimes downright miserable. This kept my skin from going full-blown hideous on me, thank the good skincare lords.

4. Florence + The Machine's Ceremonials - SUCH a fantastic album, it was on my iPod non-stop....and a group of students may or may not (read may) have caught me belting out to it on the way to school one morning. "So you like to sing in the car Miss Smith? That's hot." -- Good thing I have no shame.

5. Colorful Beanie - A favorite towards the end of the month, yes, but damnit I love this hat already, I wore it as often as I could! I was tempted to say "yes, of course!" to those few who have asked me if I made it myself, but let's be real, SS has no real talents like that. Only $5 from F21, though, so at least I have the talent of noticing a good bargain! (sorry for the blurry photo of it)

6. Covergirl Eyebrow Pencil in Soft Brown - My eyebrows are practically invisible against my face, thanks natural blonde hair. This one matches perfectly to my new darker hue, to the point where people who know about my blonde brows will say, "Genius idea to color your brows to match." Yeah, I would never actually color my brows, that seems too dangerous to me (says the girl who has gone to get her lashes tinted......but hey, those bad boys are invisible, too!)

There you have it, my favorite products/items/whatevers for the eleventh month of the year. Let's hope the last month of 2011 is a fantastically beautiful one! Here's to 20-ish days until Santa comes......SANTA?! I KNOW HIM!!! (couldn't resist!)

Until next time, I look forward to reading about your favorites for this month!.........

a REAL superficial sanctuary...

I am BACK to be a beauty blogger, imagine that! Well, a sort of beauty blogger. Let's hop into it!

Am I one in a long line of people who all want this vanity set but just doesn't want to shell out the money for it?
No? I'm the only one?
Whatever. Now I bet you've added yourself to the list ;)

In its place (for nowwww), I have an Ikea desk and it suits me just fine. I recently got rid of a very small one and replaced it with the one in the below photo. I just reorganized my girl-tastic corner and thought I'd share my space-saving and organizational tips with you....most of them you've probably heard/seen on YouTube videos and/or other blogs, but perhaps I will have new, earth shattering tidbits for you.......or not, a girl can dream. I don't have nearly as much makeup as most "beauty bloggers" or "beauty gurus" (both terms I do not enjoy using for myself!), so if you have a shit ton of palettes or 1,586 single eye shadows or every flipping thing MAC has ever sold, it's best you look for someone else's tips....I'm just not that crazy. Yet.

{hell yes John Mayer looks at me everyday while I prepare myself....

if only I could say that literally, but that may upset SSB.}

1. Keep main makeup/skincare in view.
It may be that I wake up well before the sun and don't even speak until I order my Starbucks in the morning (unless I talk to myself while getting ready....which happens sometimes a lot), but I like my makeup out in the open where I can grab it, put it on, and goooo. I bought a clear makeup case from Target, the ones with all the little compartments. My main makeup goes in this clear case, along with other random items I may find myself needing last minute (extra concealers, eye brushes, lip balms, etc. for the days where I wake up an go, "gahhhh who is this monster beast?!"). I keep my morning/nighttime skincare products off to the side but still out in the open, as well, so I can easily grab them. The cute drawers become cumbersome for products you use every single day.

{if we're being honest, I hate YouRebel, do not use the two foundations to the far right, or either brush in the clear case.....you caught me, pot calling the kettle black. WHATEVS!}

2. Compartmentalize according to product.
A no-brainer. I have 3 drawers (all from Target, about $6 bucks each I believe!) which all have three compartments (that's nine in total, non-math kiddos) and I separate like such.....
--Blushes (liquid and powder)
--Lipsticks & Lip balms
--Separate, Single Eyeshadows
--Mini Eye Palettes
--Powders & Bronzers
--Extra Foundations
--Eyeliners (pencils, gels, liquids)
--Highlighters & Illuminzers
--Makeup Remover Towelettes and Baby Shampoo (towelettes to clean my vanity; shampoo to clean my brushes)
**I keep the "main" products at eye level for easier access. I rarely use lipsticks so I put them in the top compartment, off to the side. Same with my highlighters and extra foundations --those are all in the white drawer that's on the far right.
**My bigger eye palettes are on a vintage side table that sits lower & goes underneath my vanity -- didn't think to take a picture of that, sorry!

 

3. Buy a Cottonball & Q-Tip holder (as well as a brush holder)
Seriously, a life-saver. I bought mine at Target in the bath section and I love it. I can easily fix makeup smudges, apply my toner, or perfect my manicures because of this little contraption without dealing with the crappy bags/boxes they come in. Really, have it on your vanity...just like using a toner, there is no exception here! I keep the bags for easy refills under the little top tier (far right in photo).
I bought two white buckets with bows from the dollar Easter section at Target this past April and keep my extra brushes in them, off to the side (again). My main brushes are in a thick glass container that is filled with sand and glass beads (both in the vase section as they are called "vase fillers" -- genius, I know) to keep the brushes upright and separated...I already had the vase at my place, so find one around your own place or invest in some sort of container to keep your brushes in. Don't let them touch very often because that spreads germs quickly (even though all the germs are your germs...love-el-ly thought, I know!)

 

4. Keep it cute.
If my entire bedroom is a disaster, my vanity will still be pristine. You do your makeup here, perhaps your morning/nighttime skincare routine (I do after I've washed my face in my bathroom/shower), so it should be pretty, just like you! I keep it clean always (hence the towelettes mentioned above), add some candles, some real (or faux!) flowers, or just little pretty touches here and there to keep it fun.....after all, if you're sitting at a pretty vanity, you'll instantly feel prettier, no? At least that's what I try to keep in mind!

So, to put it simply, keep main products within easy reach and in plain sight, extra pieces off to the side or at least not in front of your daily products, and keep it cute....after all, it's your "girl-tastic" space, your own superficial sanctuary...so make it a good (and gorgeous) one!

I know much of this was not new, but still bears repeating, right? Maybe. Well, I repeated it anyways, miss rude pants!
Doing my makeup has become much more fun now that everything has a place and it looks put together. I remember the days in college where I'd be doing my makeup in front of a mirror in my poorly-lit bathroom, all of my makeup just shoved into a makeup bag.....ugh, I shudder at the thought now that I have my own little space. Now if only I could get my hands on that gawww-ghus vanity! I don't own enough makeup and products (YET!) to make such a vanity all that useful, though. ONE day, though, one day......


Until next time, good luck revamping your own beauty-full space....let me know if you have any fun tips, too, as I love hearing them!

Fav-tober Time!

NOVEMBER BEMBER WEMBER!
Is it me or did that just make me sound like I was talking in a baby voice? Maybe? Sorry, not my intention, not trying to pull a Khloe Kardashian Odom moment here!

Hi friends! Happy first day of November, or as I like to see it, "54 days until Christmas" or even "54 days to figure out what the hell to buy everyone without going broke!" (My pal, The Procrastinator titled her blog posts for her favorites as this, futher proving we are long-lost friends -- also proving I wrote this as a draft....blast, I've been caught. This is me.............not caring, though. At least I came back to update it with something fun at the end!....maybe?)

Anywhoooo, I am very lazy this week (hello, wrote this as a draft, after all!) and have created a somewhat lackluster list of what I lusted after (see what I did there?!) this month.
On the whole lazy kick, too, I totes stole these photos from Google....I mean, I just wasn't into taking creative photos for four favorites......my bad, bloggers, my bad. At least I put them into a nice collage for you?!

OCTOBER FAVORITES

1. Fit Me! Blush in Deep Rose- Great buildable color, goes well with my new hair hue! NARS Orgasm took a backseat this month.
2. Salted Carmel White Mocha Latte - I don't even need to explain why this is a favorite....just read the freaking name. (It's orginally just mocha, but I despise that bitter flavor, so I opt in for the sweeter white mocha instead!) I get it without the whip, though, seeing as how I cannot stomach whipped cream from Starbucks. SSB is the one who told me to swap out the mocha for the white mocha....he just gets me, that boy.
3. Toasted & Hustle from NAKED - I wore these colors for most of the month, easy to swipe on, good colors for late fall.
4. Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster - Lifesaver, period. End of story. Damn you colder temps! I recommend this for anyone having less-than-wonderful dry skin issues. (Totes stole the bottle from my sis after using the sample packet...whatevs.)

BONUS! (not photographed)
5. My New "Vanity" - I got a bigger desk to act as a vanity and it has so much more space for all things girly. I love it. I actually will be doing a post on said vanity and random organization tips, so look for that this week!

I'll leave you with a photo of my new 'do that I just got done today! -- this is my (or my stylist's) third attempt at a new color ...I went about 5 or 6 weeks since the last one (and I really did love the last color choice) but decided I wanted to do more brown than red this time around....more "espresso" than "red velvet" (I don't know, what other food is red?!)........aaaand this is the result!

 {old hair photo is my previous color faded about six weeks, my bad!}
{sorry for the bad photos, using the ol' iPhone....}

Happy November everyone. I look forward to the next four and a half fantabulous weeks, so bring it on eleventh month of the year!

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



Trick-Or-Treat : Halloween Beauty

I have already mentioned this holiday in other posts, considering SSB & I were practically hopeless in finding a costume this year, but we did find ones finally & I'll be sure to share the photos with you in due time, but today I'd thought I'd share some of the beauty items that surround this hellish holiday. Some are things I am frightened of and others are items that I am batty over.....yeah, I did just used TWO puns in that last sentence. You're jealous, I know, it's fine, I understand.....

{I'd clearly make for one horrible vampire/zombie hybrid...}

TRICKS
Face Makeup from Halloween Stores - UGH, as much as I love a good face of fright on Halloween, I refuse to use the makeup that comes in those plastic-wrapped concoctions sold at Halloween stores all over. I don't care how "white" it will make me my skeleton face or vampire skin, I will not use it! It's packed with more shit than Casey Anthony's trial and I don't want to start November with a disgusting excuse for a face.

Rubber Masks - First of all, I don't like having a mask on for Halloween because it inhibits my drinking ability....something you really do have to consider when you make a killer witch's brew! Honestly, how many times have you "tried on" the mask so your friend can snap a photo of you and tag you on Facebook? Yeah, well, multiply that by, oh I don't know, TWENTY and that's how many people have also done the same thing....meaning you're rocking a rubber mask all night that's covered in other people's grossness. Did I just make you uncomfortable? Good, because it make me uncomfortable thinking about it, too! Avoid a mask if you can...and if you can't, sanitize the SHIT out of that thing before you wear it....and give your skin breaks, too, during the night or you'll be regretting that sweat fest in the morning. The only time a mask is acceptable is for those college gals who need to make the "walk of shame" back to their place in the morning after their romp in the sheets with the one of the "Village People" they met the night before. God, I miss seeing those hot messes! I was never one of them.....nope, definitely not, never.

TREATS
Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Limited Edition Halloween - A super adorable and fashion-friendly way to show off your holiday spirit! My personal favorites are  Numbskull, Ghoulie Girl, and Spun on You (I checked to make sure...it's just webs, no spider drawings, phew!)

False Lashes - The perfect excuse to look like a hot tranny mess and you're going to pass up on the most ridiculous falsies? Bad move, sister. This is such a great and easy way to amp up your Halloween face, and with so many to try (NYX, Revlon, etc.), there's no way you can't find a pair to complete your peacock or can-can dancer look. I don't know, they were the first two costumes that made me think, "Yeah, bitch, you need yourself some falsies!" The crazier, the longer, the faker, the better!

There you have it, two TRICKS and two TREATS to bring you into the holiday - I look forward to seeing everyone's costumes online as the parties get underway!

I'll leave you with the recipe of the Witch's Brew SSB & I brought last year to our shindig and will being doing the same this year....so tasty! We bought a plastic cauldron and a fake bloody hand and glued the hand to the top of the cauldron, which held the spoon. Oh, stop, I know, we're genius ;) Not really, but we thought we were being crafty! We also thought it was crafty to buy body part gummies to put in the brew....until they grew huge and were so soggy they were nearly inedible. I mean, we're not pros in the craft department, people, give us a break......

WITCH'S BREW
--1 (6 oz.) package of lime gelatin
--2 cups of boiling water 
--3 cups of chilled pineapple juice
--1 (2 liter) bottle of chilled Sprite/Sierra Mist/Ginger Ale
--2 cups chilled vodka (....or, you know, 5 cups works too)
Directions: Pour gelatin into large bowl, stir in the boiling water & keep stirring for about 2 minutes (work it out!).  After it's completely dissolved, stir in the pineapple juice. Add chilled bottle of soda pop and vodka, mix until blended. Super easy!!


Until next time, farewell ghoulish gals (ok, this post has had far too many puns and cheesy statements!)...........

Five Favorites + Month Nine = Still Five Favorites

Clearly, math is my strong subject, as an English teacher and all........

First of all, let me take this time to thank Antiqued Gold (one of mah main bloggin' bitches, yo) for awarding me the Liebster Blog Award! She may reconsider being blogger buds now that I just tried--and failed!--at speaking all ghetto fab in the last sentence, though! hah Go check out her blog, it's quite awesome.

ALSO: I added a new "page" to the top - there under "Stalk S.S" (clever, slightly creepy?!) you'll find my Twitter, Pinterest page, and Bloglovin' site (that I haven't used since the day I signed up for it)...awesome. Feel free to follow any or all for full SS updates!

Now....onto the REAL post...

Yay - October is HERE! September was all well & good but it came with enough bumps in the road to rock my happy boat (what? you don't have one of those, too?!), so I'm welcoming October with open arms!

Out with September, in with Favorites!

1. Aldo Boots - I randomly pulled these out during a mild September day and wore them almost religiously afterwards. With skinny jeans or my favorite pair of shorts on warmer days, this pair of fancy footwear never dissapointed! Love the built-in wedge effect, too.

2. Ulta Toast Lip Balm - Bought this in the middle of the month and had to wear it everyday - no exceptions! It's the perfect amount of tint without looking too harsh or done up, which is great for daytime or a full day of teaching. Easy application, soft and simple - perfect in every way!

3. Hair Color - Obviously I made my first leap into this during August, but I really became enraptured in my new hair color during the first fall-ish month and ended the month with an even warmer hue. I took this month to learn what I liked, loved, and absolutely loathed. This new tone is here to stay -- for now ;)

4. Rimmel Face Powder - Sometimes when my bronzer turned too dark or my face just didn't look put together, this powder came to the rescue. I went through the summer using Bare Minerals for this task, but screw that -- this powder does the job 10x better and is only $4 -- and usually is buy one, get one for that same $4 price....I mean, no brainer here, beauty ladies! Why I ever left it for BM is beyond me, but I'll never make that mistake again!

BONUS. Solo Dance Parties - Yep, not fashion or beauty related, deal with it. Like I mentioned before, September did not pass without stressful situations, so solo dance parties were needed to release my stress and anxiety. If you have never done this, you should probably stop reading right now and dance for a solid 5-10 minutes before finishing this post. Really, you'll thank me. I thank Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger" and Cobra Starship's "You Make Me Feel..." for keeping my dance parties energetic.

....Now that we have the "favorites" out of the way, let's just note one very important thing....

SSB & I are still costume-less! We have taken the comments and emails into consideration and have narrowed it down to, oh wait, NOTHING....we're planners, clearly. Hopefully it all comes together soon enough because let's just note another important thing.....

Halloween Countdown = 30 days!
Halloween Party = 27 days!
....so many options, so little time!

We went for 2.5 hours the other night to the Halloween store....and all we left with was this:

{let's just say he didn't like my "Kung Fu Panda" idea of him

being a ninja/kung fu artist and me being a panda....so I just 

bought it because, let's face it, it's a panda hat/scarf, so badass!}

.....and it wouldn't be a true fall day unless I wrote this in a coffee shop (ok, or just Starbucks) with a hot coffee (ok, or a Salted Carmel White Mocha Latte that's just "warm" now), listening to Florence + The Machine, and rocking a scarf and boots but still being chilly because of the fall air, which describes my current state exactly. Oh yes, my loves, fall is here.



Until next time, farewell to all and I look forward to reading your favorites......

Fall Favorites : EYE Spy a Guest Blogger!

Hello lovelies! Here is the last installment of my mini-series of Fall Favorites. I thought I would end the series with some fantastical (it's a word, look it up!) fall eye looks for you to rock during day and night. Yes, yes, you can thank me later for being so damn thoughtful ;) But really, you should be thanking my guest blogger, whom I kindly asked if she could showcase her ridiculously amazing EOTD talent to share with you all!
If you have yet to check out here site, please do! You will not be disappointed and you'll find even more eye looks on her page that you can try out, so go on over to ALMOSTBRITAIN (click the link, bitches!) I did a guest post for her a couple weeks back, so if you'd like to read about my first traumatic teaching experience, click HERE (so many links, so little time!)

There are two daytime looks and two nighttime looks to ensure your eyes are always fall-ready for whatever events come your way this season!

                  -----------------------                  -----------------------                 -----------------------                  -----------------------
Hey Superficial readers! I'm Britt from AlmostBritain and awesome SS has asked me to do a few 'Fall Looks' for eyes using the Urban Decay NAKED palette!  So let's hop right into it!

Daytime Look #1

This is a very pretty, easy daytime look. It'd work well for school or work or even a daytime wedding.

I used UD's Primer Potion (the original one) all over the lid and up to the brow bone. On the lid is 'Sin,' in the crease and on the lower lash line is 'Sidecar,' and on the brow bone is 'Virgin.' For mascara, I used Tarte's 'Lights, Camera, Lashes.'

Daytime Look #2

This look is more metallic than the other and is still great for school, work and any other daytime activity!

Prime your lids (I used UD's Primer Potion) and pack 'Sidecar' on the lid.  In the crease, I used 'Half Baked' and on the outer corner of the lid I used 'Smog'.  On the brow bone is 'Virgin.'  For mascara I used Benefit's Bad Gal Lash.  I skipped mascara on the bottom lashes only because the humidity where I live is at about 80% and I find this mascara leaves a nice ring underneath my eye.  You, of course, can add mascara to the bottom lashes!



Nighttime Look #1
This is one nighttime look that is dark and metallic; perfect for a girls' night out, an evening date, or a nighttime event if you like a more intense look!

I primed my lids with UD's Primer Potion and packed on Creep on the lids, and I do mean packed. This is about five layers of Creep. I didn't want to go for the obvious Gunmetal in the crease, so I opted for Half Baked to give it a little punch. I mixed Sin and Virgin for the brow bone color. I lined my waterline with MAC Fluidline in Black Track because it's the only cream liner I own. Any cream/gel liner will do, though. The mascara I used is Benefit's Bad Gal lash.
And if you want a bit more intensity, you can always add false lashes (see photo #3)!  Here I added lashes by Sugar and they're just named Flirt.  They only go on the outer corner, which I like.  I used a bit more Creep on the lash line and a little of the Black Track just to make the false lash line not so obvious.


Nighttime Look #2
Here's another nighttime look that is not nearly as dramatic as the other look I did, but the dark outer "V" makes it lovely for a movie or dinner date!

I primed my lids (of course, of course) using UD's Primer Potion.  Then I taped off the side of my eye to make the sharp edge.  On the lid I put Toasted and blended it up in the crease just a little.  I also added a little of Toasted the my bottom lash line.  Then I busted out Hustle (which looks like a lovely red-brown in the palette but, oh my God, I can only make it turn dark brown on my eye - seriously, what the hell?) and packed it on the whole outer half of the lid and the crease.  For the inner half of the crease I used Sin and took that into the inner corner as well.  I patted Virgin onto my brow bone with my finger because I wanted to keep the definition of Hustle on the lid.  I used Benefit's Bad Gal Mascara.
If you want to add a little more definition to the eye, add some liner to your water line.  Here I used MAC's Fluid Line in Black Track (see photo #3).

So there you have it! Four looks that range from classic to dramatic, daytime & nighttime appropriate,all  super cool looks using the Naked palette!

Thanks, SS, for letting me be a part of this!

                -----------------------                   -----------------------                  -----------------------                  -----------------------                  
 
NO, thank you AlmostBritain; I feel prettier already! Now that you have some NAKED eye looks for you to warm up your fall makeup, go off and try them out for your next day/night event. I personally plan on trying each and every one of these as soon as I can. If you do not have the NAKED palette, try checking your local ULTA before going to Sephora. I have seen it at ULTA every time I've been in whereas it's consistently sold out at Sephora. Beauty people, get with it!
 
Hope you all have a fantastic weekend. Hard to believe we're on the latter end of September! Don't know about you all, but this bitch is ready for October, fo' sho' ;)
 
 

Until next time, farewell & wink wink (yeah, had to keep up with the theme!).........

Fall Favorites : Trends to Try

So today's "favorites" are a bit all over, but they all deal with "changing it up" in honor of the season. If you've hit a rut in your beauty/makeup/hair/girl routine, this post is for you!

I puruse many-a sites on a daily basis aside from stalking all your blogs (yes, yours too!) and I have come across so many different sites claiming to have THE beauty/fashion trends to try. They always show great photos of great (or not so great....looking at you lo-lohan!) celebrities to show you how the look should be done. Well, I'm here to break down all of these articles & posts and bring you what I think are some note-worthy trends to try.....all SS-approved!

1. Monotone Hair Color

(c/o people)

Says the girl whose hair is not a monotone shade, I may not be one to trust.....but you cannot deny the vibrancy of Barrymore's hair. It is a cheaper alternative to all those highlights and/or lowlights, too, so your wallet will thank you!
Monotone Colors to Try : Auburn, Espresso, Carmel

2. Bold Eyeliner (aka Cat-Eyes)

(c/o people)

I may be biased because I find Miss Kruger to be gawwww-ghus, but this look has appeal on many celebs, including Lauren Conrad and Mila Kunis. As long as you don't go to extreme lengths and end up looking like Amy Winehouse (may she rest in peace), this look should be a simple yet stunning addition to amp up your makeup routine.

3. Bold Blush

(c/o pinterest)

I love myself a good blush. It may have been the blonde in me needing a bit of color on my pale-ass face, but regardless, this is an awesome look for day or night, which is another reason to love it!
Bold Hues to Try: Plums, Mauves, and Redder Corals (yeah, I said redder....don't judge.)

4. Undone 'dos

 (c/o pinterest)

There has been plenty of talk in past season about the undone UP-do, but what about your entire 'do just being, well, completely undone when it's down? Have you ever noticed how awesome your hair falls into a perfectly rumpled mess after you've, um, rumpled in the sheets? They don't call it bedhead for nothing, girlfriend! That look has an effortless appeal that attracts men and makes women jealous. Both? Bring it on, one less day of shampooing needed ;) hah


With these looks, you should have no problem pulling plenty of Charlie Sheen's #winning in the fashion/beauty department. Cheesy? Totes. Worth the joke? Totes again. (That's "totally" for you non-abbreviated folks!) Which look is your favorite? Any other fall trends I must try out to update my look? Let me know!



Until next time, you stay classy SS readers......

Fall Favorites : Kiss and Pout

This is the FIRST of my fall makeup posts! I think the cooler temps are a great excuse to change up your look and if your wardrobe gets to have a boost, your makeup should get some updates, too....you're just plain ruuude to yourself otherwise!

Today, I want to post my favorite lip looks from the runways, all c/o Pinterest!

1. Blood Orange

I think this color is for one fierce fashionista. I would never rock this look to school, as students would think I was absolutely crazy (I say that as if they don't think that already!) or even during a daytime event, but invite me out to a girl's cocktail dinner or dancing where no boyfriends are allowed, and I'll be whistling a new tune with my newly painted orange kisser! A great way to punch up an otherwise simple face.

2. Classic Red

No ifs, ands, or buts about it...this color will never--and should never!--get old, season after season. I think it pairs well with bold eyes or simple eyes, but never with a bold blush...or any blush at all. We're going for classy, not clowny here, my darlings ;) Only boyfriend approved if you can wait to place those lips on him once you're behind closed doors....boys with lipstick smudges are reserved for late nights at sordid strip clubs or for the gorgeous men on glossy magazine covers! (and are those bracelets not to die for?!)

3. Plum Lips

Nothing screams "va-va-VOOM, bitch" quite like this look. It has a ridiculous amount of femininity to it while still being edgy. I consider it the leather jacket for your lips....imagine this with a sexy white v-neck tee and skinny jeans with your highest pair of heels for a night out. The lips do all the talking....figuratively and literally.

4. Nude Lips

I hate when my lips are too nude as they naturally have a purple tone that makes me look like a zombie (gawwwd, I'm terrified!), but I still cannot get enough of this look from the runways. It looks great on blondes, but when brunettes rock it, they always add a bold smokey eye to just give the look a whole new feel. On me, it just looks like I accidentally applied foundation all over and never realized I even had a kisser on my face. I hope you can rock it better than I, as it is a great look for this season!

Which one is your favorite or do you have another go-to lip look? I myself still stick to simple stains and balms, but I may have to try out some of these bolder lip looks soon! That red lip photo is UH-mazing, is it not?! Maybe SS should go darker like that bia.....................or maybe not.


Until next time, farewell fall-ers ;) HA, i'm hilarious......

SS & SSB need YOUR help!

In case you have yet to notice the date, as I usually always do on most days, we have hit the mid-point of September. Wild, right? With that in mind, something is just around the corner!

HALLOWEEN! 

Now, before you go all cray-zay on me and discuss your love or hatred for this holiday, you can zip it, because I've heard it all, and frankly, I don't care (sorry, that was harsh!).....but really, I tend to see all sides on the big "devil-holiday" debate.

-Yes, you're right, it is terrible holiday which has no real meaning.
-Definitely, I see your point on how it is a great time to be creative.
-Oh hell yes, it's a perfect excuse for free candy that may or may not have been touched by complete strangers first.
-Uh, I couldn't agree more that it is indeed a terrible excuse for skanks to look even skankier!

There, have we covered all our Halloween bases? GOOD. Let's move on, shall we?

SS (me, you silly heads!) and SSBoyfriend (the better, less-superficial half) need YOUR help. Last year, on a whim, we decided to be Alice and The Mad Hatter....and it went over fantastically. Not because I had the perfect hair color and bought the perfect bow headband to be Alice and, no, not because I've secretly wanted to be her for years, but because SSBoyfriend shaved off his beard and wore a full face of makeup for it and no one knew it was him. He gets all the love after I did all the work!

Photo Evidence of "Team Wonderland":

These were taken at two separate Halloween bashes, on two separate nights. 

That's TWO nights of doing that makeup. Woof.

Now, with Halloween 2011 right around the corner, we're in the planning stages again, and we just can't decide, so we're looking for YOUR help. I posted some of our ideas below, but other suggestions are encouraged! 

We want it to be fun without having to:

A) wear full masks

B) have too much fabric so we don't sweat our pants off, or

C) explain who/what we are (nothing worse than saying, "No, we're actually this and this, but your guess was sort of kind of not close at all!")

We have thought about......

A) Ghost Busters

B) Cleopatra and Pharaoh/Caesar/M.Anthony

C) Beetlejuice and Lydia

Any other couple ideas you have would be great! I suggested just being our own separate costumes since we couldn't decide on something this year, but SSB stated, "Where's the fun in that?" He's a team player, that one!

So yes, go off into the world and discuss your love/hatred/confusion with this holiday, but also help us in our quest to find a costume to out-do our jump down the rabbit hole last year. We'd greatly appreciate it!

Halloween Countdown = 32 Days!

Until next time, farewell to all my spook-tacular SS readers. YEAH, I went there.........