Liebster Award

March 11, 2015March 11, 20157 Comments

First let me say Thank You to TiffancyC from Life According to Tiffany for nominating me for the Liebster award. The word “liebster” has German origins and several definitions: dearest, sweetest, kindest, nicest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, welcome, sweetheart and even boyfriend. The Liebster Award is a way to share and discover new blogs with less than 200 followers (I dislike this number lets make it 1000). This “award” given by bloggers to fellow bloggers includes answering eleven questions and posing eleven new questions for the newly nominated bloggers. So let’s get started!

1. If you could only blog about one topic, what would you choose? I would have to choose beauty, only because I really enjoy taking still photos of things like makeup and other beauty products and finding ways to make them visually interesting.

2. What is/was your major? My B.A. is in Communications specializing in Graphic Design

3. What’s your favorite physical attribute about yourself? My eyes.

4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, MA.

5. How many makeup products do you own? A LOT. Too many to count right now. More than 100 but probably less than 200.

6. How often do you work out? 3-4 days a week

7. How much would you pay to have your makeup professionally done? Maybe a couple hundred bucks. Depends on the occasion.

8. What’s your favorite brand of makeup? MAKE UP FOR EVER

9. Day or night? Night

10. What’s your dream vehicle? Range Rover

11. City or country? Country

NOMINATIONS:

glitterinhereyes

typewriterial

lightsabersandlipsticks

THE ENDEAVOURS OF EVERYDAY LIFE

Diary of A Marketing Misfit

ANNA VS DESIGN

losingscrews

QUESTIONS:

1. Why did you start your blog?
2. If you could make a living blogging would you quit your current job?
3. What topic do you wish you could blog about, but are too afraid?
4. Do you share your blog with family and friends?
5. Has your blog ever upset a family member or friend?
6. Everyone on earth subscribed to your blog, what would your next blog post be about?
7. Name one celebrity you wish was reading your blog. (This person can be living or dead.)
8. Who/what is your favorite blogger/blog?
9. Would you ever want to collaborate on a post with another blogger?
10. Which blog topic is your guilty pleasure?
11. What is the one thing you really dislike about blogging?

RULES:
1. Answer the 11 questions posed by the blogger who nominated you.
2. Nominate 11 new bloggers with under 200 followers (I dislike this number lets make it 1000).
3. Ask your nominees 11 new questions.
4. Inform the nominees of their nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.

Eating an Orange with a Fork

March 9, 2015March 9, 20155 Comments

Today I ate an orange with a fork… and a knife. It occurred to me that I had never done this before and at 25 years old I no longer have a lot of firsts. So in the spirit of firsts I wanted to document this moment. Kind of like a baby book. Now on to why I ate an orange with a fork and knife.

Back in October there were a lot of changes happening in my life and I decided it was also a good time to make some healthier changes. So with my mothers help I started trying to make healthier food choices and attend the gym. My biggest issue with food is that I don’t eat enough and when I do eat I usually eat the wrong things. Feeding myself is my biggest annoyance (showering comes in second, if you are a girl you probably understand). I have to do it everyday at least three times a day, I have to spend money on it, I have to pick the right food (whatever that is), and I have to prep it, cook it and package it to bring to work. Don’t even get me started on how I also need to find time to eat it while I am busy at work.

So that brings me to the orange and the fork. Today my fiance packed my lunch (he is awesome) and in it was an orange. I like oranges and orange juice, I hate having to peel and eat an orange. I also hate how many snacks I am required to eat on a gym day. I also hate the gym (more on that in another post). This is where the fork comes in (finally). Forcing myself to eat the orange I decided to treat it like a nice steak, cutting it up into smaller pieces and eating it slowly. Tricking myself into thinking I was eating something way better helped me make it through the whole thing and I know later when I am at the gym I will b glad I did.

So I was wondering if this would work for other things I don’t really enjoy eating. Have you ever tried tricking yourself into eating something because it was healthy or you knew you needed it for energy later? Maybe this is normal and I am late to the game but I am pretty happy with my discovery.

Home – Photography 101

March 9, 2015Leave a comment

Home is when I am with you.

“Home” by Kassandra

Annoying Pinterest People

March 9, 2015March 9, 2015Leave a comment

Disclaimer: This is a rant. Which means it may annoy some people. You have been warned.

Do you ever scroll through Pinterest and see some of the things your friends or acquaintances have pinned and immediately think to yourself there is no way that person is ever going to get their shit together and accomplish that? Well that thought occurs to me almost every time I find myself on Pinterest.

Today for instance someone I was friends with but haven’t spoken with in ages has been posting a lot of home DIY and decor related posts. Let’s call her Sally. Well Sally is in her early thirties, has one divorce under her belt from a marriage that didn’t last a year, no kids, and still hasn’t completed her degree. She goes through men like most people go through paper towels and her specialty is taking dudes V-Cards. Sally has been in a relationship for a year now, according to Facebook, and it looks like she is finally moving in with her man. So naturally, like most women, she is starting to cover Pinterest in home decor inspiration or “Pinsperation”. Now I know everything I have said is totally judgemental but sorry not sorry, I need to rant.

Because I was friends with her for a several years I know her living habits, with and without men, and when she was married. She is not a “Suzy homemaker”, Martha DIY sort of girl. So when she starts covering my feed with images of beautiful renovated kitchens and bathrooms I want to scream. WHO ARE YOU KIDDING? You will never do that unless you hit the Lotto and can hire someone else to do it. Why do people feel the need to constantly Pin things that are totally unrealistic. Even for inspiration? This girl hasn’t DIY’d a day in her life, I am not even sure she knows how to do the dishes.

So yes I am totally being a judger. But in this particular situation I am annoyed so I need to rant. And I realize I am probably less annoyed with her Pins than I am with her lifestyle choices. I just hate that people try to use social media to make their lives look better than they really are. Like why can’t she Pin a “10 ways to make a relationship work” article or “How to keep your house tidy 101”? That would be a lot more realistic and i could deal with the honesty. And let’s be honest I would read both those articles too because you can never have too much knowledge right?

Well rant over. I feel better now. Thanks.

February Favorites

February 28, 20152 Comments

Lost Girl – February Favorites 2015

Beauty: MAKE UP FOR EVER
Basically anything from MAKE UP FOR EVER Professional. Their Rouge Artist Natural lipstick is to die for. My everyday shade is N9. I have finished my sample size I received from Sephora and already purchased a full size. If I could afford a lifetime supply I would purchase it now just to be sure I would never run out. And do not even get me started on their Limited Edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection. Check out these two posts to truly understand my obsession: Fifty Shades of Sephora and Dior & Fifty Shades of Grey.

MAKE UP FOR EVER & Fifty Shades of Grey

Fashion: Black
To be fair I have always been a fan of black. It’s slimming, it’s classy and it basically goes with everything. Lately though I have been doing a lot of all black outfits. This is something I never used to do because I just felt either too dressed up or too dark, it’s a fact that bright colors tend to make us happier. This past month I have really embraced the “all black everything” motto and I love it. If you haven’t given this classic look a try go for it! I still pair my all black outfits with a colorful shoe or at least a gray shoe just to keep it interesting.

Blogger(s):
VELVETGH0ST – Gabby is my #1 Youtuber so when she started her blog back up I could not be more excited. If you don’t know Gabby you are definitely living under a rock (or you just have more of a life than me). She is super sweet, down to earth, hilarious human being, and she has a killer accent since she is from the U.K. Go check her out if you haven’t yet!!

Technology:
GroupMe app by Mindless Dribble Inc. – This is app allows you to start group conversations with all the people in your life. You can name each group so you know who is in it, for example you can have a group for your work friends, college friends, and cousins all separately. The app allows you to send photos, emoji’s along with your typical text messages to all devices. So an IOS device can share emoji’s and photos with an Android device. The app has it’s own emoji’s as well as ones you can purchase through their store. You can also use your own emoji’s already loaded on your device. Try it out it’s wicked fun.

Food(s) & Restaurant(s):
Healthy Wraps – I make mine with sliced ham, cheese, lettuce, cucumber, and shredded carrots with ranch on the side for dipping.

The Rice Bowl in Bradenton, Florida – This is my go to when I am in the mood for sushi/maki. I am also a big fan of their beef lo mein.

Movie(s) & T.V. Show(s):
Fifty Shades of Grey – This does not need an explanation, go see it if you are over the age of 18. Here is the link to the Fandango site to order tickets, you’re welcome.

Cinebistro – Fifty Shades of Grey

Firefly – This is a space western T.V. show from around 2002, I know it sounds strange but watch it. There’s one season and then a movie to wrap it up called Serenity.

Music:
Fifty Shades of Grey Soundtrack – Again this does not need an explanation, go to iTunes and buy it. You’re welcome in advance.

A Perfect Circle Radio on Pandora – This is a station I listen to a lot at work. I have a very broad musical taste and this is not a mainstream top 40 type of station. If you like Tool, 10,000 Days or Puscifer you will like this station.

Feeling Really Lost

February 26, 20157 Comments

Lately I have had some major writers block.

A lot of what I do at my day job revolves around creativity in writing, graphic art and brainstorming new unique ideas. As my job demands more of my brain I find my myself unable to accomplish all I want to do with my blogging.

I never want blogging to become a job, or something I feel guilty about walking away from for a few days. Unfortunately my inner nature does not allow me to avoid this guilt so when I missed my first Sephora Saturday post last week I have felt miserable ever since.

This week my effort outside of work has been to keep moving on a story I started called Call Me Ishmael. This story developed from a Daily Prompt and has become a real creative outlet for me. After getting some really useful feedback from Izzy Grabs Life I have felt compelled to write more and write better. I want to be deserving of the time and effort other bloggers have put into reading my posts and writing comments to help me grow as a writer.

If you have experienced this same writers block please let me know how you’ve handled it. Are there any particular tricks to getting the creative juices flowing when they have basically run dry?

Thanks so much for all the feedback, I appreciate all the comments, as each one helps me become a better blogger.

Call Me Ishmael Part 1
Call Me Ishmael Part 2

Calvin Klein – Reveal #REVEALMORE

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015Leave a comment

Courtesy of Influenster I received a sample of the new Reveal for men fragrance from Calvin Klein. Even though I am completely down with women using men’s fragrances I decided to have my fiance test this fragrance and give me his opinion along with my own. Two heads, or noses, are better than one right?

Reveal VoxBox – Courtesy of Influenster

My fiance spritzed the scent on his chest, blending it in with his wrists and immediately said “That is strong.” I did not agree as I thought the scent was subtle and did not attack my nostrils like some of the other fragrances he has worn.

“It smells like I have been in the kitchen with an apron on baking cookies all day.” He said next. Coming from him I was surprised because he is not the stereotypical dude and actually does most of our cooking. He then explained that it gave him the feminine vibe from the scent rather than a manly woodsy one. My guess is that his nose was picking up the vanilla a lot more than mine hence the baking cookies comment.

Reveal fragrance for men by Calvin Klein

The scent mixed with his natural scent was very appealing. Closing my eyes and smelling it had me imagining him in the woods chopping down half the forrest in order to build me the most magnificent log cabin. Before I could allow myself to daydream further he interrupted by saying again how strong the scent was.

Sadly I do no think this will be a scent I will be purchasing for him. Although I do plan on seeking out the Reveal fragrance for women as I thought the mens scent was luxurious.

Lost Girl received this product(s) complimentary to test and/or review from Influenster.com

MAKE UP FOR EVER Fifty Shades of Grey - Give In To Me

Dior & Fifty Shades of Grey

February 15, 20151 Comment

This particular work week has been the toughest since starting at this new company about 3 months ago. So last night I needed some serious retail therapy and that means Sephora! Also I was trying to kill some time as I had tickets to Fifty Shades of Grey at 11:05 p.m. After Sephora I ended up in the cosmetics section at Dillard’s.

At Dillard’s I was drawn in by the Dior displays. I have always admired the Dior cosmetics for their flawless packaging and designer heritage but had never sampled any of their products. Currently I have a sample size of the Miss Dior scent Blooming Bouquet which I love so I stopped to smell the other Miss Dior scents.

The lovely sales woman got me talking about what type of make-up I used and what I had recently purchased at Sephora as I had the bag in hand. She could tell that I was fully stocked on the most essential beauty items so she brought me over to show me the new Dior Cheek and Lip Glow. I was instantly hooked by the product as it was a two in one item that was a lip gloss stain as well as a cheek tint. I do not have anything like it in my current beauty collection so I new I had to have it and that it would be a great first Dior purchase. Currently it only comes in the one shade 001 which is described as a “blushing rosy tint” so it is very pink. I am not sure if Dior plans on coming out with other shades but I believe 001 is a fairly versatile shade although I recommend going into sample it before purchasing. And if you go to the Dillard’s at the UTC Mall in Sarasota, Florida ask for Marlein at Dior she is wonderful. Before I left she made sure to make me an appointment for the Dior Backstage Artists who are coming at the end of the month.

Dior Cheek and Lip Glow – Shade 001

Last Sephora Saturday I wrote about my purchase from the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection so if you haven’t read that post I would read it now before continuing.

I know I said I was having a hard time justifying the purchase of the additional MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey items but with the movie finally here I lost all self control and went ahead and purchased both the Give In To Me Makeup Kit and the Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Innocent.

MAKE UP FOR EVER – Give In to Me (keepsake box)

The Give In To Me Makeup Kit comes with four Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; a Graphic eyeliner; a Smoky Extravagant mascara; a Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14; and an exclusive keepsake box. The shadow palette shades are my typical everyday neutrals so it was a perfect purchase which I know I will get a lot of use out of. The lip gloss is fabulous although I realized when I got home that I already own the shade D14 which I purchased on Black Friday as one of the $10 Sephora deals. The graphic eyeliner is so precise I may switch from my favorite Sephora brand. This eyeliner applicator is made for perfecting a winged look or cat eye. The mascara I currently have a sample size of so I new the full size would make a great addition to my growing mascara collection. I have been thinking about doing a review on all the mascaras I own, let me know in the comments if you are interested in a post like that in additional to weekly Sephora Saturday’s. And if you did what I suggested by going back and reading last weeks post you know how I feel about the Rouge Artist Natural lipsticks. I will not stop until I own them all.

Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; Graphic eyeliner; Smoky Extravagant mascara; and Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4.

Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625

MAKE UP FOR EVER – Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14

The Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Innocent includes an Aqua Lip lip pencil in 3C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in shade 3, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D16 which also came with the Black Friday $10 Sephora deal. Currently the Sephora website no longer has the two shades of the Tease Me Lip Set available for purchase so I would hurry to your local Sephora before they are gone. Especially for the passionate shade as it contains the Limited Edition Shade 50.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Tease Me Lip Set – Innocent

Tease Me Lip Set – Innocent – Aqua Lip lip pencil in 3C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in shade 3, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D16

All of the items that are part of the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection come with pamphlets on how to re-create Anastasia’s looks from the movie. I cannot wait to sit down and start re-creating looks from the hottest movie of the year. There are sure to be some photos to follow.

Let me know what you think of these products and be sure to see Fifty Shades of Grey which is in theatre’s now!!! “Laters Baby!”

Shiny Copper Penny from 2008

February 13, 2015February 13, 20153 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Buffalo Nickel.”

“What was I doing in 2008?” I thought after actually finding a penny that was minted after I was born.

It took .5 seconds for me to feel ridiculous because at 25 years old 2008 happened to be one of the most important and transitional years of my life.

In March my fiance and I got engaged. It was his sophomore and my freshman year and we had been together for 3 years (and will be celebrating 10 years this March). We still aren’t married mostly because we were focused on our educations and careers and partly because weddings are expensive.

That summer we both spent ninety percent of our time at the baseball stadium we worked at. Our days consisted of inventory, receiving concession stand food, and cleaning. Our nights were spent running concession stands full of teenagers who were selling overpriced popcorn and soda. We made a lot of money and we had a lot of fun. It was out last season working for the Sea Dogs and as much as we enjoyed ourselves we wouldn’t go back.

In September we officially moved out of our parents homes in Maine and into an apartment together in Boston where we both went to college. We adopted a cute kitten and named him Nelson. My mother moved from Maine to Long Island NY to move in with her now husband.

The first few months living together were tough but we bought an air conditioner and we got through it. We became best friends with Billy and now he is like family.

Thank you Daily Post for reminding me of an important time in my life.

Fifty Shades of Sephora

February 8, 2015February 8, 20159 Comments

This Sephora Saturday is all about Fifty Shades of Grey. I recently picked up some items from the MAKE UP FOR EVER limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey collection. If you knew me personally you would know all about my obsession with Fifty Shades of Grey, I have read each book so many times I’ve lost count. So when I saw these limited-edition pieces from MAKE UP FOR EVER I knew I had to have them. All the pieces were used on the set of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie by Victoria Down, Head of the Makeup Department for Fifty Shades of Grey. Definitely check out Sephora’s Glossy interview with Victoria Down where she spills all her secrets from the set.

The first item I picked up is the Tease Me Lip Set in the shade Passionate (it also comes in a nude shade called Innocent). This set includes an Aqua Lip lip pencil in Matte Raspberry 10C, an Aqua Rouge lipstick in Limited Edition Shade 50, Clear and a Lab Shine lip gloss in D4 Shimmering Grenadine. The set also includes a pamphlet on how to re-create the different looks from the movie.

MAKE UP FOREVER Tease Me Lip Set – Passionate

Now let me just say my favorite, and everyday, lipstick is MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Rouge Artist Natural in N9. I love the quality, the moisturizing formula and how it just gives a little pick-me-up to my natural lip color. So I was not surprised when I tried on the Aqua Rouge lipstick and was blown away by the quality and long lasting wear. The first time I wore it was to a party where I was constantly sipping a cocktail and not one spec of that lipstick came off on my glass the entire night. That was the night I also realized that limited-edition Shade 50 is MY color. It packed just the right punch of sass without making me look like I had tried on my mothers lipstick. So basically no one buy it so I can purchase every last set. Just kidding, but not really. I would recommend this set to all and especially the Aqua Rouge lipsticks from MAKE UP FOR EVER. It is the perfect lipstick for all day wear, and special events where you need long lasting coverage.

From left to right: Aqua Lip lip pencil in Matte Raspberry 10C; Aqua Rouge lipstick in Limited Edition Shade 50; Shade 50 with Clear; and Lab Shine lip gloss in D4 Shimmering Grenadine

The second item I picked up was the Desire Me Cheek Set. This set includes three Artist Shadow blushes in I-526, I-808, S-748, a Travel Precision blush brush in 150 and an exclusive keepsake pouch. The set also includes a pamphlet on techniques and backstage secrets from the set of Fifty Shades of Grey movie. The set is designed to let you go from a healthy innocent glow to seductive flush of desire and everything in between.

Desire Me Cheek Set – Three Artist Shadow blush in I-526, I-808, S-748; Travel Precision blush brush in 150; and Exclusive keepsake pouch.

My favorite shade has been I-808 which I like to use on my brow bone and then also mixed with the S-748 on my cheeks. The S-748 is a lovely color but on my skin tone it looks a bit orange by itself which is why I combine it with the I-808.

From left to right: I-526; I-808; and S-748.

The one set I have not yet purchase because firstly its pricey and second I have just not been able to justify it is the Give In To Me Makeup Kit. This set comes with four Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625; a Graphic eyeliner; a Smoky Extravagant mascara; a Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4; a Lab Shine lip gloss in D14; and an exclusive keepsake box. As the movie release draws closer I find I have less and less self control and may cave in and buy it.

Please let me know your thoughts on these products and the MAKE UP FOR EVER brand in general. Also let me know if you decide to go out and purchase these items after reading this. I love to know that I am not alone in my Sephora or Fifty Shades obsession. Be sure to come back next Saturday for my next Sephora Saturday post.