Weekly Wrap-Up

Hey everyone!  I know, I know, it’s been about a month since my last wrap up.  The past few weeks have been very hectic around here but I hope to get back into the swing of things now that it’s seemed to calm down some.

I want to start this week by just saying life is too short, always remember that.  Make sure your friends and family know how much you love and care about them.  This past month we experienced a death in the family when Aaron’s uncle passed away in early June.  Then, a week later, the best boss anyone could ever have, passed away suddenly.  Both were gone way too soon and will be missed terribly by many people.  Always strive to be a good person and make your mark, you never know when you’ll leave this world.

So, now that I’ve depressed everyone, what do you say we move on to happier things?  I’m working on a new segment for the “Weekly Wrap-Up” to replace the weight loss section.  Since I’m mostly maintaining with small fluctuations, I figure there’s not much to report here.  I’m thinking of doing  a segment on upcoming weekly sales, like on Hautelook, Rue LaLa and Gilt (all flash sights for those that don’t know) and also in brick and mortar stores like Sears and Kohls.  Probably also Ulta and Sephora too (these would be online and in store specials).  This would start with next week’s wrap-up, I didn’t think of it in time to put together the sales for this upcoming week.  What’s everyone think about this idea?   I’ll try it for a while and see how it goes.

Moving on to purchases this week, I only have a few.  At Ulta I picked up some Ulta Extreme Wear gel eyeliner in “Strut”, a nice purple.  I have this same eyeliner in “Ink”, a blue, and find that it’s very good for the price. Regularly it is $10.00, I got the new one on sale for $4.00.

I also grabbed a new nail polish, “Vermillionaire” by essie. It’s a bright orange I can’t wait to wear.  I usually only wear orange at Halloween but I think this color is perfect for summer.

The last item I got at Ulta is the Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy flat iron spray.  I usually use Aquage Shine Spray when I flat iron my hair, but thought I’d try this out.  I have the shampoo, conditioner and hydrating mask in this line and so far I like it.  I’ve used the flat iron spray once so far so the jury’s still out on it.  I really like the Aquage stuff a lot so we’ll see if the Organix spray will work well enough to replace it.

At Target I picked up a Revlon Just Bitten Kissable lip stain in “Rendezvous”, a really pretty coral color that doesn’t look to bright orange-y on me.  I also got a Loreal leGloss in “Plum Rush”, a pinky-purple. So far, I’m not liking this one, it has a weird taste and not near as much color as the ads claim.  That’s okay, this one was on clearance for like $1.72 or something like that.  I’m gonna give it another try buy may end up giving it to Scarlett.

The final item I got a Target was a cute turquoise, black and magenta color block strapless dress by Xhilaration.  It’s really nice and casual.  It will probably make an appearance next week as the “Outfit of the Week”.

Speaking of “Outfit of the Week”, since I missed getting it up on Friday, I’ll go ahead and include it here.

Blue top:  Susie Rose (Walmart)

Black skirt:  twenty-one (Forever 21)

Black heels:  Mossimo (Target)

Silver heart lock necklace:  Tiffany & Co.

Gunmetal cuff bracelet:  no brand (Burlington Coat Factory)

Silver tank bracelet watch:  Coach

And closing out this evening is this week’s manicure in “Wavelength” from the Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition collection. This one is a bright pink to coral changing one.  It’s been reminding me of something else since I put it on, I just can’t figure out what.  Don’t you hate when that happens, lol.

Well, that’s it for this week.  I hope everyone has a great week ahead.  I’ll talk to ya’ll later! J

Weekly Wrap-Up

Hey everyone!  Well, it’s Sunday again, how was everyone’s weekend?  Mine was pretty good, did a little shopping, celebrated Aaron and Becca’s birthdays, now just getting ready to head back to work on Monday.  I was on vacation this week so I’m sure I’ll be a bit behind on things tomorrow but I get to see my awesome coworkers so that makes up for it, lol.

So, since I was on vacation this whole week I really have no idea if I’ve lost, gained or maintained any weight.  I’m gonna guess gained since I have not worked out nor eaten well at all.  Starting tomorrow I’m gonna have to get back in the game.  I’ll be honest, I just really didn’t care.  My plan this week was to sit and not do anything I didn’t want to do, so that’s what I did, lol.  My schedule changes on the 7^th of May and I’ll be getting off work 30 minutes earlier so I’ll have a little more time in the evening to work out and cook healthier things.  It will also give me a chance to use the workout room at work which gives more exercise options.  Wish me luck, I’m gonna need it J.

I did manage to pick up a few beauty items at Ulta on Friday.  I got 3 new eyeliners.  One was a replacement for my Loreal Carbon Black Intense liquid liner.  This is my favorite liner of all time.  It’s just really easy to use and a great starter liner for anyone who’s never used liquid liners before. 

I also grabbed a Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen in “Blackest Black”.  This one is more like a fine tipped marker.  I’ve seen a lot of reviews that state this eyeliner is the best to use for winging so I decided I’d try it out.  It’s very similar to MAC’s Penultimate which I’ve tried before but for quite a bit less money.  I’m hoping it lasts longer than the MAC one did.  That one either dried out fast or had very little product in it to begin with.  I’ll be sure to let everyone know what I think.

The last eyeliner I got was one of NYX’s Jumbo Eye Pencils.  The one I got is called “Purple Velvet (623A)” which is a dark metallic purple.  I actually don’t use these as eyeliner but more as base for different shadows.  That’s really what these work the best as.  I have two others, “Dark Brown (602)” which is a matte dark brown obviously, and Rust (619) which is a dark metallic red.

The next thing I picked up was a new essie nail polish in “Sure Shot”.  It’s a bright magenta pearl.  It’s actually what this week’s manicure is so the picture will be below.

The final item I picked up at Ulta was the new NYX “Crimson Amulet” palette that was inspired by the new Dark Shadows movie.  It has 24 eye shadows in a wide variety of colors from darks to lights to neutrals, 5 blushes, 4 lip glosses, an illuminator, a small tube of eye shadow primer and a small liquid eyeliner.  I haven’t tried any of the colors out but from my experience NYX eye shadows are quite pigmented so I have high hopes for these.  I’ll be sure to get swatches up this week and start working on some new looks.

The last beauty item I purchased this week I don’t have yet.  I ordered a new Crown Brush palette from Hautelook.  This one is called “Blizzard” and has 28 “shimmer” (frosted) colors.  I’m really excited about this.  I love my Crown Brush “Smoke It Out” palette and I’m positive this one will be just as awesome.

Moving on to fashion purchases this week I stopped at Target and got some colored denim crops by Mossimo.  The color on the tag says “orange” but I think they’re more of an orange-coral mix.  To go with them I got a white three-quarter sleeve peasant style top and a pair of coral colored sandals, both by Mossimo.  I also have a light/foam green lightweight Mossimo scarf I ordered on the way as well.  I think this will turn into a really cute outfit and will probably end up as the “Outfit of the Week” the first time I wear it, lol.

My last purchase for the week isn’t really a beauty or fashion purchase but I do love it.  I got a new tattoo on Thursday.  My friend Jared helped design it and the tattoo artist, Bryce at Addictions in Ink Tattoo and Piercing, adjusted it some more.  It’s a crow with eyes in the wings, based off the graphic from the cover of The Crow movie/CD jacket.  I chose this as a tribute to my late friend Aaron who passed away 10 years ago last month.  I had it put on my right calf and the detailing in it is absolutely amazing.  I had originally planned on having it on my right wrist but it never would have fit and looked good.  I think it turned out just AWESOME and I LOVE it!

I’ll finish up tonight with my manicure, “Sure Shot” by essie.  Like I said above, it’s a bright magenta frost that looks really great for this time of year.  I’m also including a shot of the cute pedicure I did myself.  I just thought it was pretty!

Well, that’s it for this week, I hope everyone has a great week ahead.  I hope to have a new tutorial up sometime this week.  You would have thought that with a whole week off I’d have a slew of looks to show everyone but really, I did as little as possible this last week, lol.  If anyone has any suggestions for things they want to see or know, whether it be looks or just topics in general, let me know in the comments and I’ll put something together! 

Again, everyone have a great week and I’ll talk to y’all soon J.

Purple Smokey Tutorial

Happy Wednesday and Happy Leap Day!  The week’s half way over!  To celebrate I’ve got a new tutorial this evening.  This one is new smokey purple from my NYX “Box of Smokey Look” palette.  I think it’s really pretty and hope you do too.  Enjoy and I’ll talk to everyone later! J

Products used:

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer

NYX “Box of Smokey Look” Palette

Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Eye Liner

NYX Slide-On Eyeliner in Purple Blaze (SL10)

MAC Mascara X in Black

Face:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Liquid Foundation in NW20

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Baked Powder in Soft and Gentle

Stila “Love at First Blush” Palette in Pink

Too Face Pink Leopard Bronzer

Revlon Colorstay Lip Butter in Crème Brulee

Pink and Purple Valentine's Look

Happy Valentine’s Day (tomorrow anyway) everyone!  Love is in the air, flowers are being delivered and boxes of chocolate are all around.  I hope it’s a good day for all my readers. 

For this day of hearts and cupid I have created a cute pink and purple look that’s great for daytime and should still look nice as evening comes along with dinners and movie dates.  It’s sweet, romantic and has some added sparkle.  Check it out, enjoy and I’ll talk to everyone later!  J

Products used:

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer

Crown Brush “Smoke It Out” Palette

NYX Glitter Mania in Pink (GP04) and Purple (GP07)

Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Eye Liner

NYX Slide On Eyeliner in Pink Suede (SL01)

MAC Mascara X in Black

Face:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Liquid Foundation in NW20

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Baked Powder in Soft and Gentle

Stila “Love at First Blush” Blush Palette

Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer

MAC  Iridescent Loose Powder in Silver Dusk (as a highlighter)

Revlon Colorstay Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

Pretty in Pink

The past year or so I’ve been wearing mostly dark, smoky looks which have become rather boring and predictable, so when my new Crown Brush palette arrived last week I was very excited to try out some new looks.  The palette has some really pretty bright and pastel colors and so far I have come up with two new looks to share with everyone.

Tonight’s look I created using 5 of the pink shades in the palette.  It’s a mostly pastel look with a bright pop of pink in the corner.  It’s a very nice day look that can be turned into more of an evening look by just adding a bit of glitter.  Check out the video below to see how to achieve the look.  I’ll talk to everyone later!  J

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer

Crown Brush “Smoke It Out” Palette – Pink shades only

Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Eye Liner

NYX Slide On Eyeliner in Pink Suede (SL01)

MAC Mascara X in Black

Face:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Liquid Foundation in NW20

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Baked Powder in Soft and Gentle

MAC Sheertone Blush in Pink Swoon

Stila “Empowered in Pink” Palette Blush in Pink

Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer

Revlon Colorstay Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

Grey Smoky Eyes

Finally!!  As promised, the long awaited Grey Smoky Eye Tutorial!  Sorry it’s up so late but I did finally conquer all the technical difficulties I was having except for one, the very end of the video got cut off but I'm okay with that at this point.  I'm just happy I finally got it finished.

This look is a good one for someone just starting to try out bolder, smokier looks.  If anyone has any questions about any products I use or where I get them leave a comment and I’ll be sure to let you know. 

 And now, on to the pictures, products and video and I’ll talk to everyone later!  Enjoy!

Products Used:

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer

NYX For Your Eyes Only Smokey Eyes Eye Shadow Palette

Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Eye Liner

NYX Slide On Eyeliner in Platinum (SL08)

MAC Mascara X in Black

Face:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Liquid Foundation in NW20

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Baked Powder in Soft and Gentle

MAC Sheertone Blush in Pink Swoon

Stila “Empowered in Pink” Palette Blush in Pink

Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer

Revlon Colorstay Lip Butter in Peach Parfait

No Video So Here's Some Lip Butters Instead

I know I said I’d have a tutorial up sometime either Monday or Tuesday and now it’s Wednesday and there’s still no video L.  I’ve been having all sorts of problems with software and disc issues.  I thought I got it figured out last night then “BAM!”, more problems this evening.  I hope to have it up tomorrow or Friday night at the latest.  This has really caused more headaches than it should, lol.  Sorry for all the delays, I will make it up to everyone.

So, in place of a video I do have the swatches of the Revlon Colorstay Lip Butters I purchased at Ulta last Saturday.  Recapping those I picked up Sweet Tart (a semi-opaque pink), Peach Parfait (a transparent peach with some frost) and Crème Brulee (a transparent nude).

Sweet Tart

Peach Parfait

Creme Brulee 

Top to Bottom:  Sweet Tart, Peach Parfait, Creme Brulee

Sweet Tart

Peach Parfait

Creme Brulee

If you’re looking for some new lip colors these are great for just about any skin tone.  The possible exception to that is Sweet Tart, it can seem a little bright.  However, the Lip Butters line has a wide array of colors so everyone should be able to find something flattering.  The formula of the product itself is very nice.  All the colors are creamy and moisturizing without being too…slick.  I hope this helps anyone who may be torn about picking up one or two.  I find them to be a great product and plan on getting a few more colors.

That’s all I have for tonight.  Again, I hope the tutorial is up by tomorrow evening.  My Crown Brush palette is finally on the way as well as a new NYX palette so I’ll have many more colors to work with soon.  New colors means new ideas and new ideas are always fun!

Hope everyone has a great night, talk to you soon! J

Weekly Wrap-Up

Once again it’s Sunday, time for this week’s wrap up.

Starting out with the weight loss progress, I’m down another 1.4 pounds this week.  I probably ruined that this past few days, though, as I haven’t been eating well.  Weekends are the hard part, mostly because I’m not eating regularly.  I usually only eat something  for lunch and then dinner so I want to snack a lot in the evening.

During the week I eat on a regular basis.  For example, I have a yogurt for breakfast, on my first break I have a cheese stick and an orange, I then have a healthy lunch and finally on my last break I have an apple.  These are spaced out about every 2 hours.  I then go home and make supper, which may or may not be the healthiest, I’m working on that, and then before I go to bed I’ll have a light snack.  All of this keeps me from being hungry all the time so that I don’t just eat everything.  I really need to find a way to do this on the weekends too and I’ll be good.

Moving on to beauty purchases, I filmed a haul video that you can find at the bottom of the post.  Because of this I’ll just quickly mention what I got.  I picked up 3 of the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters (2 at Ulta and one at Target) in Sweet Tart, Peach Parfait and Crème Brulee, all very nice colors and I plan on having the swatches up this coming week. 

I got some new Conair hot rollers and some roller clips to go with them.  I’m going to try curls in my hair rather than my usual straight look.  I think I’m gonna need to practice a bit first though, lol.

I also got a package of the Say Yes to Cucumbers (I say “carrots” below in the video by accident) facial towelettes.  I really like these, they’re great for sensitive skin and they’re not perfume-y, they just smell like real cucumbers. 

I bought a nice light pink nail polish from Essie called “Raise Awareness”, a left over from Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.  This was in the clearance bin at Ulta for $3.99 instead of the normal $8.00 Essie usually sells for so that was nice.

Lastly, I was able to get some more cotton rounds at Ulta since 2 weeks ago they were all sold out.  I prefer these ones over any other, they’re priced nicely and they don’t fall apart leaving cotton pieces all over. 

That’s it for beauty purchases this week, check out the video below to see the products.  Next week I’m hoping to have my new Crown Brush eye palette to show everyone, along with another one possibly.

 This week’s manicure is Neeka by Zoya, from the Smoke and Mirrors collection.  It’s a pretty pearly purple with grey undertones.  It’s a very nice for fall and winter.

So that’s it for today.  I hope to have a tutorial up possibly tomorrow or Tuesday on a grey smoky look.  I’m still trying to find the best place to film but I think I’ve got it figured out.  Anyway, hope everyone has a great week, again check out my video below.   Talk to everyone later! J

Weekly Wrap-Up

Wow, it’s Sunday already!  Weekends go too fast and weeks too slow, don’t you agree?  Anyway, it’s time for the weekly wrap up.

Let’s start with this week’s results of the Wedding Challenge at work.  I’m down two pounds!  It seems a bit easier this time to stay within my calorie allowances since I have so much support from the people I work with.  We’re such a GREAT team!  Working out is taking some getting used to though.  I totally got off track the past year or two.  I had been going to the YMCA 3 times a week but I got lazy and stopped going.  Then my shift at work changed to me getting off later and I just couldn’t find the time to fit it in.  Now, with the elliptical at home and Just Dance 3, I can’t blame it on not enough time, lol.  The last thing I need to do is find healthier recipes to make for dinner for all of us, if anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

Moving on to purchases this week, they’re not very interesting.  This week’s shopping pretty much just consisted of groceries and other household or work necessities.  I did order a new some new eye shadow.  It’s a Crown Brush smoky eye palette I found on Hautelook.  Once, I receive it I’ll be sure to post and review.

I did buy one other thing, since Aaron gave me what was left on his Wal-mart gift card.  I picked up the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie.  It’s a really pretty, well, raspberry color, lol.  It’s a bit more opaque than I thought it would be.  All the swatches of other colors I’d seen had been more transparent and gloss-like.  It’s still a beautiful color and I think it should work well with my skin tone.

And lastly this week, here’s the purple smoky eye I was sporting yesterday in support of my Kansas State Wildcats, even though it didn’t help all that much L .  This is one of my most worn eye shadow looks as anyone who knows me knows my favorite color is purple.  Hope you enjoy!

 Products used:

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer

Maybelline Stylish Smokes Quad in Amethyst Smokes (06)

Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Eye Liner

NYX Slide On Eye Liner in Purple Blaze (SL10)

MAC Mascara X in Black

Face:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Liquid Foundation in NW20

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Baked Powder in Soft and Gentle

MAC Sheertone Blush in Pink Swoon

Stila “Empowered in Pink” palette Blush in Pink

Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer

MAC Iridescent Loose Powder in Silver Dusk (as a highlighter)

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Cosmo (LG110)

Well, that’s all for this week!  Hope everyone has a great upcoming week!  Also, if there is anything anyone would like to know or any look someone would like to see, let me know in the comments and I'll see what I can do.  

Talk to everyone later! J

Weekly Wrap-Up

I’m gonna try this for a while and see how it goes.  I’m not sure exactly what it will involve as not every week is that exciting.  At work a group of us are all trying to be healthier and eat better so I’ll probably mention my progress in losing, gaining or maintaining weight each week.  Fashion and beauty purchases will also be listed, although those aren’t necessarily “weekly” things especially since I’m trying to cut back on the spending.

We’ll start this week’s wrap up with the weight loss.  I’m trying to lose just 10 pounds.  The majority of my friends don’t think I need to lose any weight.  Admittedly, I don’t look like it but it’s there.  I’m 5’3” and currently weigh 140 lbs.  This puts me right on the border of normal/overweight for my BMI.  Ideally, I should probably be at about 125 lbs. but I’m just gonna start with the 10 lb. weight loss and go from there.

To do this I’m trying to eat better  and work out more.  I’m using a website and app for my phone called Loseit.com to track my calorie intake.  Based on my age, height and current weight I have a daily allowance of 1,421 calories which can be difficult to stay at or under.  I’m also working out at least 3 times a week.  Aaron bought me an elliptical for Christmas that I use that after work for 20 to 30 minutes.  Also, Santa brought Scarlett Just Dance 3 and Smurfs’ Dance Party.  Both provide a great workout so I’ll probably start doing those as well.  With support from friends and coworkers I think it will go well.  It’s only been a week since I started so I haven’t had another weigh in yet, that will be in next Sunday’s wrap up.

Moving on to fashion and beauty purchases there aren’t many this week.  I only bought two beauty related items.  I replaced my Revlon Brow Fantasy.  I got Light Brown this time as I think the Brunette was slightly too reddish for me and didn’t look good.  This is one of the best brow pencils/gels I have used.  On one side is the pencil and on the other is a tinted gel.  The pencil is glides on real well, it’s not too hard and not too soft, and the gel sets your brows nicely without feeling too stiff or goopy.

I also got a full sized Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer to replace the travel sized one I got myself for Christmas.  I really like the way this looks on me, the way the colors of the palate blend together so it’s not too orange (like some bronzers do) or pink (like blush) on my skin.

That’s it for beauty items.  I do wish I had realized that the Revlon items were buy one, get on 50% off at Ulta though as I wanted one of the new Colorburst Lip Butters.  The color I really wanted was sold out though so it’s okay.  They’re on sale until January 21^st so I’ll pick two up next payday and maybe they’ll have been restocked by then.

Lastly, and this will be bi-weekly, is my current manicure, Anja by Zoya, from the Smoke and Mirrors collection. It's a very pretty deep burgandy cream.  I'm just starting to like ceam-based colors.  I usually go with a pearl or very glittery polish but I have found some creams that look very nice on me as well.

Well, I guess that’s all for now.   Have a great week and I’ll talk to you all later! J