The Importance of a Thank You Note

Personal thoughts for the day--I feel in this day and age, people are losing their sense of decorum. Certain social niceties are being lost or forgotten and I'm here to do my part to help try and resurrect one form of social nicety: the thank you note.

Growing up, my mother was very Emily Post. Thank you notes were one of the things she always insisted upon, and up until a certain age, she also insisted on proof reading. I am forever grateful to her for this and always make sure to have my thank you notes written and mailed within a couple weeks of the gift or event in which they are in response to. 

I'm here to plead that everyone, if you aren't already, please begin this habit. It shows gratitude and effort on your part to acknowledge what the recipient has done for you -- a little act with a big impact! 

I picked up these new thank you notes at Target today. Now who wouldn't want to send and/or receive these precious little things?!

I'm Officially on a No Buy For Awhile

Well, this weekend we drove an hour to get to Trader Joe's (basically our fav grocer) to stock up on must have items (like turkey bacon and frozen fish). Of course, we stopped at the mall and Nordstrom Rack. Because, why not, right? 

JCrew was having their Extra 40% Off Sale, and being a Saturday, the store was PACKED. Which, to be honest, gives me terrible anxiety because the majority of people do not have public courtesy or space respecting abilities. So, I ended up leaving with 2 pairs of earrings (in the black boxes), a necklace and a super cute/cozy tee. All 4 items after discount were under $30. Hubbles picked up a very cute...I mean, very cool...l/s baseball tee.

At Anthro, after several sideways glances from Hubbles and shamelessly putting items on hold I almost knew I wouldn't be back for, I walked out with another pair of earrings. Because Lord forbid I ever have naked lobes!

Of course I had to stop into Sephora. Where, funnily enough, I was complimented on my hot pink ballet flats 3 times in less than 5 minutes. I go into super sensory overload when I walk into a Sephora and have to stop myself from spending copious amounts of time at every display. Luckily, I went in with a plan and picked up another Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion as well as another Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light. I am in love the Ambient Powders from Hourglass and am so happy to add these to my collection.

I had a return at Macys and made a bee line for the MAC counter as I had my sights on the MSF (Mineralized Skin Finish) in Soft and Gentle. Sadly, they were out. But my new favorite sales associate (who is probably the most fabulous person I have ever met) suggested the pigment in 'Naked' as a substitute. She said it 'was her jam' and lo and behold, a swatch on my hand sold me. This is going to be a gorgeous highlight! Or eyeshadow!

Nordstrom Rack was more of a success for Hubbles. He walked out with a new pair of Joe's, some workout clothes and socks. I stumbled upon the Stila Artist Essentials Set (part of their 2013 holiday collection) for a mere $36 (if I remember correctly). Such a steal! As well as a basic slvls black blouse -- because you can never have enough of those, right?

A stop in TJ Maxx, and I spotted a NYX lip gloss trio. I love their mega shine glosses, and mine in Beige is definitely on it's last legs. This trio not only has the ever popular Beige (that's not really a beige color at all) as well as 2 other colors (Sugar Pie and Nude Peach) for only $7.99. One normally retails for around $5. Such a steal, and they smell a-mazing...like cherries. 

Time for a Furniture Update!

Hubbles and I recently purchased the Carlisle Upholstered Grand Sofa and Love Seat from Pottery Barn. As we're waiting for them to be built, we're also looking for other pieces including a new dresser, accent chair and display unit/large bookcase for the living room.

Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

I'm a big fan of flash sale sites…especially for housewares. There are so many flooding the inter webs now; and many try to incorporate their apparel, shoes, beauty and accessories with home wares. But I find that the sites that deal solely in home wares are the best.

There are 2 sites, that in my opinion, have no comparison: Joss & Main and One Kings Lane. OKL tends to be a little higher priced, but they are both still very affordable. Like other sites, new sales are added daily; so you are never lacking for choice. Sign up for your membership and start perusing!

Joss & Main

One Kings Lane

Review: Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade

This product has been so hyped for a little while now. I've had the same brow routine forever and didn't think it needed to be changed. But I figured, why not give it a go? Holy Moly, I'm so glad I did! 

The Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade is so quick, easy and long lasting! I highly recommend picking up this product. Currently, they have 5 shades: Blonde, Auburn, Dark Brown, Chocolate and Ebony (I use blonde). But, they are releasing a couple of more shades this fall I believe; I know Taupe is one of them. But although Blonde looks like it will be too light on my dark dishwater blonde brows, it works wonderfully! I can't say enough good things about this product. So glad I talked myself into it :).

This is how it is described via Sephora:

What it is:
A smudge-free, waterproof pomade formula that performs as an all in one brow product. 

What it does:
This creamy, multitasking product glides on skin and hair smoothly to create clean, defined brows. The standout formula works as a brow primer and provides color, sculpture, and shading. It is ideal for oily skin and in humid climates.

Obviously, the Dipbrow-ed brow is on the left.

Wednesdate Wednesday -- Gilded Eyes for Spring

Gilded eyes are big for Spring. So for today's Wednesdate, I took advantage of my new Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten to achieve the look…

Products:
Benefit Porefessional
Revlon Skin Lights in Bare Light
Revlon Age Defying Firming + Lifting Foundation
Nars Light Reflecting Loose Powder
Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow (to contour)
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure
Physicians Formula Eye Booster Liquid Liner
MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara
Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Blonde
Urban Decay Revolution lipstick in Native

For the eyes:
Apply Stila's Smudge Pot in Kitten over lid. Pat Stila's Eyeshadow in Kitten over the smudge pot. Take Buck from the Naked palette and define the crease as well as the outer half of the lower lash line. Then take Sin from the Naked palette onto the inner half of the lower lash line, in the tear duct and along the brow bone.

Apply a black liquid liner across the top lash line and apply mascara. And finally, lipstick to finish! I love how this look turned out, very fresh and youthful. I told my husband I felt like a spring nymph -- he got a kick out of that one!

And here is our massive sushi (or snushi, as Hubbles calls it) lunch…yum yum!

Sephora Birthday Haul

Another birthday came and went and so I decided to spoil myself at one of my favorite places…Sephora! Let's look at the loot!

Waiting for that UPS man again...

Why is it that whenever a package for Hubbles arrives, it's here before lunch time or right after? When I'm waiting for something…it's almost 4 and still not here (both via UPS). What to do in the meantime? Sit in the sun and watch a documentary on the 'lost' books of the Bible…obviously! #nerdalert

(When I say 'sit in the sun', I of course mean inside. Because outside it's below freezing…yes, still!)

Dual Review - Rimmel Scandaleyes Liquid Liner & MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara

Rimmel Scandaleyes Micro Eyeliner

Photo Credit: FeelUnique

I was so excited to try the new Rimmel Scandaleyes Micro Eyeliner. I'm always looking for an applicator that offers enough precision to get a super thin, exact wing that glides on effortlessly and is easily built up.

I thought I had found the perfect drugstore liner. The Rimmel Scandaleyes Micro Eyeliner has a firm, precise applicator that glides on smoothly without tugging. Not to mention the comfort grip on the handle. The pigment does however leave something to be desired as it is not as black as I would prefer it to be. 

The problem, however, was that this liner did not last at all! It broke down throughout the day and smudged at the edges. I did not set it with a black eyeshadow (as I'm often apt to do) which could make a difference. But alone, it did not pass the test. For me, this was a flop. 

 MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara

Photo Credit: Sephora

I received a sample of the Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant mascara as part of my birthday gift from Sephora. Normally, I'm not a huge advocate of investing in high end mascaras. Something like mascara has such a short shelf life and there are so many great options at the drugstore. But who says no to free samples?

I was pretty impressed with this mascara! The wand kind of scared me initially. It almost looked too large to do anything except make a mess. I was mistaken. It really lengthened my lashes and although a rather wet formula, didn't weigh them down too much. I wouldn't say this was extremely volumizing on my lashes, but definitely helped a bit. For $24 (Sephora) though, I don't know if it would compel me to ditch my other great drugstore mascaras. So I say that it's a great mascara, but not great enough to shell out the money. I'll finish my sample, enjoy it while I can, and move on.

From Bouquet Bag to Vase

I got dressed to go buy flowers…yes, really.

After seeing my favorite local florist post that they had a huge selection of flowers 50% off for 'Happy Hour'…I rushed to make it over there! So in celebration of 60 degree weather, I kept it simple and springy…

For the eyes, I used my new favorite everyday neutral duo, Nars' Kalahari (thanks, AC!)

I finished with Jordana's liquid liner in brown and Physician's Formula Organic Wear Mascara.

For the face, I used Revlon's Firming + Lifting Foundation, Physicians Formula Nude Wear blush in Natural and Benefit's Hoola

On the lips, ELFs Matte Lip Color in Natural

OOTD

This super voluminous green hanky side silk green top is an oldie from Anthro
Pants are Pilcro (from Anthro)
Shoes are from Nordstrom Rack, brand name MIA
Bag from Zara

My New Favorite Lip Butter

Move on over inferior lip products! Yesterday at Sephora, in the checkout line of dozens of mini products, I spotted the Korres Lip Butters. I've seen these on many UK beauty blogs and was intrigued.  So I decided to pick up the Jasmine (light pink) shade.

Holy moly. It is amazing. So creamy, makes your lips feel moisturized, has a pleasant scent and light pink finish. Love, love, love! 

Oh, and it's $12 at Sephora. Well worth it! 

NYX has come to CVS

Last night, Hubbles and I ran into our local CVS to make a return. Little did I know that within a few days of being there, they added NYX cosmetics! I'm a fan of NYX and immediately knew it was going to be a longer than normal visit. Sadly, their selection from the pretty broad range is rather small. But I did pick up a couple of things…

-- NYX Rouge Cream Blush in CB11 Boho Chic -- super creamy! Almost a lipgloss consistency. Color payoff is quite nice. With a stippling brush it would be ideal for dryer skin. Great for the warmer months as well.

-- NYX Wonder Pencil in WP01 Light -- I've seen this product on blogs and Youtube for a few months. The idea is that this can used as an eye brightener (on the water line), as a spot concealer and as a reverse lip liner (line outside the lips to keep color from bleeding or feathering). Excited to give this one a go!

-- NYX Slide On, Glide on, Stay On & Definitely A Turn On Water Proof Extreme Shine Eyeliner -- Now that is a name! Geesh! Anywho, upon swatching, this wasn't as dark as I would like it to be. But luckily I wouldn't say this is 'extreme shine'. I like to use these types of creamy eye pencils to tight line, and staying power is key! This one could be a good one. I tried smudging it almost immediately after swatching, and it was almost totally set. Good sign!

Divergent Cosmetics - Divergent Multi-Piece Collector's Kit by Sephora

I was finally able to get my hands on it! After being sold out twice on the Sephora website, I ended up (weirdly) finding it in the Sephora of my local JCP. It is the only Sephora within 100 miles to have it in stock. Super shocking! I am kicking myself for not ordering it when it was released early for the VIB and VIB Rouge members! Oh well, lesson learned. Funnily enough, the girls at Sephora said I am the only one who has come in looking for the kit -- one didn't even know they had it! Clearly word has not reached smaller town Midwest, America!

So let's get to the good stuff!

This kit is a limited edition kit exclusive to Sephora. It includes 3 eyeshadow palettes, a cheek palette (with 2 blushes, a bronzer and a highlighter), 4 mini lip glosses and a dual ended brush. Here is how it is described:

"Each of the three eye shadow palettes contains four coordinating High Pigment Eye Shadows plus one High Gloss Transforming Eye Shadow to draw immediate attention to the eyes. The High Gloss Transforming Eye Shadows impart a shimmery, diamond-like reflection that is transparent when applied dry and translucent when applied wet. Mix and match the shades to achieve a unique look every time. The kit also includes a cheek palette with two Long-Wear Blushes, Shimmering Bronzer, and Radiant Glow Illuminator. Four High Shine Lip Glosses round out each faction’s look. Use the double-ended eye and cheek brush and the included Get-the-look cards to choose your faction and proclaim your loyalty."  -Sephora

I am seriously impressed with the quality of this kit. The looks are pretty much endless and I am super curious to try the 'transformer' shades as a topper. I will say, the bronzer looks like it is too dark for me, but hey, we'll find other uses for it (hello, crease color!).

The Photos