Engagement Photo Prep

June 1, 20142 Comments

Happy Weekend BBs!

Tomorrow, (well today if you’re reading this on Sunday) we are taking our engagement pics. IknowIknow, it’s like 3 minutes before our wedding (really it’s 34 days) but SHUT UP, we’re just a little late mmmkay?

So today, while Bryan took 4,000 practice exams and calculated derivatives I got ourselves ready to put on our Sunday clothes. I chose two dresses a week ago at Express that I died over. I am wearing ONLY dresses in these pics because I am a classy broad. I am outfitting Mr. Nash is slacks, crisp oxfords, khakis and a casual button-down. Call me old-fashioned but there’s something about a couple posing sweetly in sandblasted, rhinestone encrusted denim in a park that makes me shutter. Hence, we shall opt for the route more tradish.

I also needed to procure a couple beauty aids to make me into an attractive human being.

1.) A new set a’falsies

These’ll do ya.

2.) Napoleon Perdis Boudior Mist Foundation…totally NOT a necessity but me and Christian (at the Portland Nordstrom) determined that yes, actually it is.

I am really anxious to give this baby a test-drive as I wore it all day and it performed like a champ. FLAWLESS coverage, like air-brushing, paraben free and it DOES NOT BUDGE. Boom-shakalaka!

This morning I painted my feet with Sally Hansons Ruby Sequin and my fingers with Mod About You and obvs slathered Out the Door topcoat for a high-shine, LOCK-IT-DOWN look.

Next I showered and applied my Michael Todd Pumpkin Mask (which STINGS btw, youch!). I rinsed that off and let two SKYN under eye skin-cooling pads do their thang for 15 minutes. After that, I self-tanned with the Tarte Maracuja Self Tanner and watched 1/2 an episode of Scandal naked while waiting for it to dry.

After that, I applied Moroccon Oil and Pureology 21 Benefits to my hair and wide-tooth combed it. Five minutes later, I went in with my Heat Tamer Spray and let that sink in before blowing my hair dry upside down.

Later tonight, I plan to brush through my extensions and get them prepped for curling tomorrow. After I iron our clothes and consume a couple BLLs I should be all set 🙂

Wish us luck! I’ll obviously be sharing the photos…duh.

Bargains at Ulta and Macy’s

April 23, 201410 Comments

Something about the word bargain gets me excited. As do the words, “additional 90% off”.

The other weekend before I hopped on the plane at GEG (with a dream and my cardigan), we made a pit-stop at one of Spokane’s finest establishments – Macy’s Clearance Center. Not many know about this place, accessed only by rickety elevator at the store’s downtown Spokane location. The air up on the 8th floor is thick and hot. The floors creak under dated carpet and clothing racks from the late 80’s. But if you can see past all that, you can truly find some treasures…marked down to $5.99.

The day we wandered in was (lucky for us) the first day of a massive sale. 90% off original prices. NO JOKE. And since I had to catch a flight back to Seattle, we had only 30 minutes. We were a circus. Veritable lions, tigers and bears among the racks, on the prowl. There were GOOD Macy’s headlining brands like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Splendid and tons of others, marked down to just dollars.

I ended up with only two dresses, which I happily paid $18 for both. The first is a Tommy Hilfiger shift, which I promptly wore on the first sunny day after I got it.

With Lou!

It’s a little short on me (surprise surprise) but I don’t currr. The print is too fresh.

The other dress is by Rachel Roy and I thought was something I could wear to work. Also black and white is totes on trend.

rachel-rachel-roy-black-dress-sleeveless-highneck-colorblocked-aline-product-1-13765685-733309387_large_flex

This isn’t the exact one, but it’s darn close

On to the Ulta stuff!

Sorry if anyone is sick of me bragging about the bargains I find at Ulta. I can’t help it. SO —

Recently Ulta had Revlon, Maybelline, Physicians Formula and a few other brands on sale for 40% off. Which is huge. Usually they do a BOGO on these brands so 40% on anything is a real treat. Additionally in my last Ulta online order, I was given a $5 off any $15 purchase coupon. On top of that, I have been clipping coupons from weekly Redplum ads.

As a result, I was able to get these three products for stupid cheap.

Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls in Translucent Pearl $13.95

Kandee Johnson used this in an old tutorial and it looked so lovely on her. I wasn’t about to pay full price for it, so when it went on sale – I grabbed it.

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish in Pink Pineapple

I mean. The bottle is enough to make me want the entire line. I decided to get this light pastel pink because the color has become such a staple for me. I would even go so far as to say it’s my signature color. Unfortunately the color is pretty sheer and I needed three coats to get it opaque.

Maybelline Color Elixir in Breathtaking Apricot

I am fully on board the orange/coral lip trend for this spring. And if you haven’t tried one of these color elixirs from Maybelline, you are srsly missing out. They are beyond amazing and almost feel like gel on the lips. Smooth, rich and really pigmented – the apricot color adds the perfect pop of color to my face. I love wearing it with a dewy, bronzed look.

The original total for all three of these products would be roughly $30 (inc. tax).

On sale, the total came to about $18 (inc tax).

With my $5 off coupon AND $1 Maybelline coupon – I was outta there for about $12 (less than the original price of the powder alone). The girl at Ulta was even like, “Wow, you got a really good deal.”

WORD to yer mother.

Ulta/Drugstore Haul

April 9, 2014April 9, 20149 Comments

Nothing like a healthy dose of good ol’ fashioned consumerism to brighten up your hump day.

Amiright?!

This haul is comprised of multiple trips to the drugstore, one trip to Nordstrom and a recent order I placed on Ulta.com.

SO. I have made a great discovery in buying stuff at Ulta. First, you gotta sign up for the emails. Then, they will barrage your inbox with heaps of deals and coupons. Most of the time, I just use the $3.50 off a $10 purchase coupon in the store and call it good. BUT. I have recently gotten wise to the special offers that come through, kinda like this one I got the other day:

That’s a good deal, right?

Well, what I do is this: I save up a bunch of things I need to get at Ulta. Boring things. Like dryshampoo, razors, face lotion, mascara, bobby pins or cotton rounds. Or, if I have an upcoming birthday gift or mothers day gift to get, I will pick something from Ulta. The Lorac Pro palette for my sister or a little bottle of Chanel perfume for my mom. Perf.

Between the little crap that I need OR one larger gift item – I have easily hit the $40 mark and have now spent enough to get the awesome free gift online. But it doesn’t stop there. I have also qualified for free shipping, used my handy-dandy $3.50 off coupon (only for non-prestige brands) AND will receive three free samples with my online purchase. HIGHWAY ROBBERY guys.

I used this maneuver on my recent order and well, here’s the loot!

Bathina Body Oil Mist $34

Funnily enough, I discovered this product because of Lo Bosworth. Remember Lo? She was the normal-person touchstone on The Hills and is now going to culinary school and occasionally putting out the random vid on YouTube.

She recommended this oil and I was all, “well if LO likes it…”. I tested it out a few times on various shopping excursions and COULD NOT STOP smelling my skin. The scent is so beautiful and feminine and therefore I needed it.

Mac Lipstick in Sunny Seoul $16

I posted this lipstick before, but thought I’d mention it again because it really is SO beautiful and springy. I love the cremesheen + pearl formula and this one especially, is so creamy and buildable.

Essence Silky Touch Blush in Life’s A Cherry $3

I have already praised these blushes from Essence. They are velvety soft and the pigmentation is great.

Essence Crystal Eyeliner in Gold Rush $3

YOU GUYS. I think glitter is making a COMEBACK. Urban Decay recently released a new line of glitters so it must be true. I picked this one up after trying the sample at Fred Meyer and realizing it was just glorious. I can’t wait to pop a little bit on my lower lash line and be like, totes on trend.

NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair $5

Speaking of on trend, I feel like ANYTHING with the word “butter” in the name is an instant hit right now. Lip butter. Body butter. Butter polish. I also happen to like actual butter, but that is neither here nor there.

These glosses are SO hyped across the WWW and on YouTube so I just had to jump on the bandwagon. So far, I luuurve but I will keep ya’ll posted.

NYX Butter Lipstick in Gumdrop $6

I had to get a coordinating lipstick and obvi I chose the Barbiest pink there was. Which I am also noticing is another trend for this spring. Barbie lips and glittery eyes?! Thank God! The dark vampy lip trend from winter is becoming so blasé for me.

NYX Lip Primer $7

I mostly bought this lip primer because I have a couple of lipsticks that feather really bad on me. I also wanted to try it under red lipstick, which is the worst offender of feathering, or bleeding. I will let you know how I like it!

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk $4.50

This is a definite staple in my makeup collection and the second one I have purchased. It works great as an eye base or as a waterline brightener. The pigmentation is amazing and it stays put wonderfully.

It Cosmetics Freebie

I received this little set for spending $40 online. I specifically waited for an It Cosmetics gift to come up because I have been dying to try the Bye Bye Undereye Concealer and the CC cream. I also received a Hydrating Gloss Stain in Naturally Flushed.

The concealer sample is in medium, which might be a little too dark for my undereye area (I am PALE y’all) but I’m still going to give ‘er a shot.

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara $7.50

I have been using up all of my mascara samples and finally needed a fresh one. This is one of my favorites from the drugstore. It has a rubberized wand, is extremely separating and hold a curl REAL nice.

Wet’n’Wild Mega Last Lipstick in Pinkerbelle $2

I almost have the entire line of these lipsticks and for darn good reason. They are SO pigmented, they last forever on the lips, the color selection is perfection AND – they cost $1.99. How can you not?

This shade is just SO completely gorgeous, like a mix of neon pink, bright salmon and just a slight hint of orange. It’s brill.

Biotin 2.49

I take my biotin everyday so naturally, I go through it pretty quick. This is my third bottle and it WORKS.

Jordana Lipstick in Perfect Pink $1.49

I picked up this lipstick whilst shopping at the world’s oldest KMart in Hamilton, Montana (more on that later). The color sucked me in and it was only $1.49 so, match made in heaven. Unfortunately the formula is pretty dry. I have topped it with a lipgloss for better success but it is not a standout.

Jordana Blush in Coral Sandy Beach and Pink Beauty $2.49

The blushes are definitely the stars of the Jordana line. I picked up the only two shades they had left and so far, I’m really impressed with the color payoff and staying power. The colors are amazing and the packaging is really compact, which is nice.

WHEW!

That was kindofalot. Stay tuned for an upcoming post about my hurr…yes, I ordered extensions. Yes, it’s the BIG TIME.

Things I Don’t Want

April 3, 20148 Comments

You know, we all spend so much time thinking, talking and lusting about things WE WANT. Which is just sad, really. Not because we shouldn’t be materialistic (there are worse things, me thinks), but because desperation is not a good look on anyone.

So in light of this, I have decided to show you all some things I definitely do not want.

Like, at all.

THIS DRESS

What is up with the whole neoprene trend? I don’t get how is it cool to wear scuba fabric in our daily lives. While doing scuba? Sure. Washing the dishes? Applying for a loan? No.

The garment pictured, combines the lovely neoprene trend with what appears to be an un-snapped body suit (you know the ones, girls) sewn into the silhouette of a skater dress. Annd, what girl wants a butt-stripe? NOT ME.

THESE JEANS

^And these shoes^

I’ll admit it. When skinny jeans first came out, I was a big skeptic. It wasn’t until months later that I finally caved and gave into that ankle-hugging glory. But this jean trend? It didn’t work on women in the 80’s and it doesn’t work now. Plus, if you have even the semblance of a saddle bag, skintight high-waisted pants aren’t really your BFF anyway.

I have nothing against a combat boot when worn with the appropriate pairing. The above platform versions look like a castoff from that movie The Craft.

The new Velvetines from Lime Crime

I want to make it clear that I am NOT hating on Lime Crime. I frigging love their makeup and philosphpy and just, everything. And because I love them so much, sometimes it is nice when they come out with something I don’t like. The above pictured velvetine in Salem is from the new “Clueless Witch” line which has three dark, vampy shades. One of the shades would work for me, but this deep brown, matte lip color? You can guess what I think it looks like.

The Marc Jobs Lolita Palette

Oh, how I wanted this when it came out last August. I died for it. The packaging is bliss, the colors looked amazing. I was SURE the eyeshadows would be velvety soft, super pigmented and blendable. I have swatched the shadows and tried them on at Sephora a good 87263 times, and you know what? I was not impressed. Not at all.

THESE HAIR TRENDS

This looks like her colorist was drunk. Or high. And you are probably too if you find this hair stripe to be a nice looking trend.

I mean. COME ON. Do I need to say anything about this mushroom pictured above? YEAH, didn’t think so.

Oh and lastly…

HAREM SWEATPANTS

On men, especially. I mean, are regular sweatpants not roomy enough? All I can think about when I see these are DIAPERS. You could have diapers on under there.

Or these, on anyone besides Aladdin.

Any new trends you can’t stand or things you don’t want?

5-Minute Face || Natalie

April 1, 2014April 1, 20141 Comment

Check out my guest post on Pretty Wednesday today!

Pretty Wednesday

I am over the top excited that my friend and fellow blogger, Natalie, agreed to show me around the world of makeup a few days ago. She does such an awesome job of combining ‘worth it’ department store makeup with ‘it’s the same damn thing’ drug store products. I have learned so much from her over the last year or so of friendship and am honored she would share her knowledge here.

Hey there! I’m Natalie from The Natalie Diaries.

Any gal, married, single, with 3 kids or one fur baby can always use a quick way to get herself looking fabulous in the morning so Melissa and I thought it would be fun to share a few tips on how to get there with you. Here is my version of what I like to call The 5-Minute Face.

First, I prep my face with moisturizer. I like…

View original post 290 more words

Happenings

March 25, 2014April 1, 20147 Comments

Last weekend, my mom and sister came for a visit. I took a half day off work Friday so we could gallivant around the city, try on mini-hats at Joann Fabrics and drink “skinny” margaritas that necessitated Splenda packets. Really, the goal was to knock a few items off the ol’ wedding to-do list and have a little fun while doing so. We scoured the city for a perfect off-the-rack blush toned bridesmaids dress for Megan. Turns out, it doesn’t exist. We pissed off the girl manning the Nordstrom Rack dressing room by bringing additional items into the stall after the initial batch. Literally, I thought she was going to kill me, even though I was SUPER smiley. GOSH. We bought discount fashions at H&M and I made friends with the cashier at Love Culture (a shop for girls 10 years my junior). I was toting my Tory Burch around all proud and sh*t and the cashier girl was like, “My Mom wants one of those Tory Burch purses.” So I guess I’m a Mom now and have NO business shopping at places like Love Culture. Anyway, here is what I got:

Every time I go to the MAC counter I inevitably end up swatching the lipsticks. You see, I am relentless in my search for beautiful lipsticks and the Cremesheen formula at MAC has me hooked. So, while Megan was trying on 73093 pairs of shoes at Nordstrom, I decided to make good use of my time by doing the same with lipstick. As I surveyed the rows of pinkish hues, a beautiful bright shade caught my eye – Sunny Seoul. Anyone else have this shade? I tried ‘er on and after showing Nan, she said, “That shade actually looks really pretty on you!” Like WTF Nan!? So all the other lip colors I wear are hideous? So of course, I bought it and I CAN’T STOP wearing it. I do notice it feathers/bleeds a bit so I may have to invest in a coordinating pencil, or that NYX Wonderpencil or something.

Like the patch of self-tan I missed?

On me

Bryan and I are watching the 7th season of Dexter and here are my thoughts thus far… Thank GOD LaGuerta and Angel got divorced, that was one gross couple. Plus, I couldn’t stand the way LaGuerta said Angel like “Ahnhel”. Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) looks more like an alien than ever. The story is going crazy since Deb found out Dexter is a serial killer and I can’t decide if I hate that she knows. Also, the babysitter? She dresses like a common hooker but is supposed to be this good girl? I don’t get it. Also, I am dreading the series finale because I hear it is terrible. And I just realized that I have said nothing nice about this show. Oh well.

Source

Also, I randomly sprayed this stuff on my skin at Macy’s and am now obsessed and need 40 gallons.

Andthatisall.

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Summer Beauty Wishlist

March 21, 201410 Comments

Good day pretty ladies (and gents)!

As spring days become more plentiful and the heater in my car stays comfortably in the off position, I can only think of one thing.

New makeup.

To some, warmer days mean mountain biking. Or Flip flops. Maybe it’s BBQ season. For me, it’s coral blush, self tanner and pastel lipsticks.

Here is what I am currently lusting after, as the seasons change.

Body

St. Tropez Tanning Mousse

This is a cult favorite and I have seen the results look beautiful. I have been hung up on the $40 price tag but I just need to get over it. Because you can’t really put a price on a good, cancer-free tan!

Laura Mercier Honey Bath in Crème Brûlée

I heard Fleur gush about this and immediately I wanted it. I gotta say, the little honey spatula wand thingy is probably 92% to blame. I mean, how luxurious does this stuff sound?

Glam Glow Hydration Mask

I have been wanting to try this line out for some time now. Only, the clearing and Youthmud tingling formulas didn’t really appeal to me. This one, however is HYDRATING which is what momma is all about right now.

Makeup

Mary-Lou Minizer

Did I tell you that I shattered my MAC Soft and Gentle? SAD DAY, it was. Instead of just repurchasing, I kindof want to give this one, by The Balm a try. It looks just gorgeous, plus, who doesn’t love the cute name?

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye concealer.

I have gone into to Ulta twice JUST to smear a little of this product under my eyes. It truly is an amazing product for dark, blue-purplish under eye circles.

Celebration Foundation Illumination

I am intrigued by this product, having never owned a straight-up powder foundation since my Bare Minerals days. This one claims to be anti-ageing, which I am ALL ABOUT.

Hair

Pureology 21 Benefits

My stylist uses this product on me after she does my highlights and I am in love with the results. It kind of reminds me of the It’s a 10 line, but I have never been overly impressed with that stuff. This leaves my hair feeling soft, silky and STRONG. Oh, and it smells nice!

Wen Cleansing Conditioner

Omgee, am I a Wen girl and I didn’t know it? This stuff has a cult following and I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon simply because I know this stuff does not lather. However, when I really think about it, why do I need the lather? Because I have been programmed to think that lather = clean. If I start using this stuff, I’ll be sure to report my findings!

So that’s it!

What do YOU want to get for this summer?