What’s in my Bag

May 20, 2014May 20, 2014Leave a comment

I am such a sucker for these.

Whether it’s in a magazine, on YouTube or a blog – “what’s in my bag?” gets me err’ time. Esp when it’s like Cara Delevingne’s bag. It straight turns me into that chick from Mean Girls:

Anywho – onto the goods!

Currently I am using the Tory Burch Holly shoulder bag in vintage vechetta. Pretty fancy name for a brown purse, it was a gift from The Bry and I lurrve it.

Thank you Cards

Thanks Target Dollar Bins!

I always have thank you cards with me for some reason. I mean, you never know when you will be sitting at your desk and realize “CRAP! I never sent my aunt a thank you for bringing me cupcakes last week when I had a cold!!” You see? They are essential.

2. Wallet

Why YES. That IS a senior picture of The Bry himself!

This would be my black Hobo wallet purchased at Jackson Hole Bootlegger on sale. It was a HUGE splurge at the time and has served me quite well over the past 3 or so years.

3. Mini Makeup Bag

Valentines Gift from Bry’s Mom!

Contents include NYX Butter Gloss in eclair, Mac Fleur d’Coral lipstick, chapstick from Whistler that was $6, Rimmel blush and Covergirl blush brush, Yaby concealer, Jo Malone samples in Peony & Blush Suede and a mini Origins mascara. Whew!

4. Various Meds

For my ailments.

5. BBW Hand Lotion in Warm Vanilla Sugar

How can you not love this scent? I like it all year long. The formula is actually decently thick and moisturizing too.

6. Glasses and glasses cloth

SNOOZE.

7. Various Coupons

99.9% of the coupons I clip never actually get used. When I do remember to use a coupon, I feel SO triumphant. Like, I could have $200 of useless crap in my cart from Target, but if I used a $1 off coupon on ANYTHING I am SUCH the bargainista!

8. Weekly Planner

Let’s be honest. Since there are no kids, job, or house to run (haha, like I ever did that anyway) my planner now contains such momentous events as “last day to use 20% Ulta coupon” or “Dance Moms Marathon”. You know, the IMPORTANT things in life.

Enthralling, I know! What is a staple in YOUR bag??

Liebster Madness

May 6, 20144 Comments

Another ~~day~~ Liebster, another dollar.

I have been nominated a few more times for this honorable award from the adorable Abby, of Hundred Acre Beauty, the amazing mommybeauty and Treana (fellow bride to be) of Treana’s Transitions. Thanks girrrls!

Since I have been nominated before (here and here) I’ll keep it short and just answer a few questions, promise 🙂

11 Random Facts About Me

I just started wearing contacts regularly and I HATE putting them in.
When I was in 5th grade, I was the Tin Man in our school’s production of the Wizard of Oz. I was on the news and behaved like a regular asshat.
I am passionate about LGBT rights.
Cereal might be my favorite food. (Who wants a Top 5 cereal post!?)
I can play the first few measures of Vanessa Carlton’s 1000 Miles on the piano.
I HAVE never and WILL never eat a banana. I DESPISE them.
I believe Edith Bouvier Beale to be one of the best humans ever.
Debra Messing bugs me.
I have an obsession with serial killers.
One of my lifelong dreams is to sing in a gospel choir and be the only white person.
I have Bill Crystal’s autograph.

Questions for Me

1. What is your favourite food/meal to have on a special occasion?

Crab cakes, birthday cake w/rainbow chip frosting, ice cream cake. Various cakes.

2. Your favourite hobby?

Blogging! Writing! I also like reading, singing and dancing around the house and baking cupcakes. Also, makeup. Shopping for it, applying it, organizing it, etc. AND I enjoy playing volleyball and running (downhill) when I can.

3. Dream job?

PR for a theater or ballet company. Makeup artist. Product development/marketing for a high-end cosmetics company. I’d also take Rick Steve’s job.

4. Favourite brand of makeup?

If price were no object, Nars or Chanel. Brand I use most? L’Oreal or MAC.

5. What is your guilty pleasure?

Lifetime Movies, Shows like Greek and Make it or Break It, Tricky Sticks from the Pipeline (OMG). Swedish fish.

6. What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

Even though I looove me some makeup and hurr curr – I am also kindof a major ragamuffin. I have perpetual bedhead and smudged mascara.

7. When I ask what makes you happy? What is the first thing that pops into your head?

VACATION. Christmas time. Sun.

8. Greatest accomplishment?

I gotta say volleyball. It was MY WHOLE LIFE for a good, oh, 10 years or so. Firstly, I am not coordinated. I am also clumsy and kind of a walking disaster BUT – I worked my ass of for a good while. And it paid off – both teams I played for in college won the league. I received awards and broke some school records. My senior year I was even awarded first team all-american and was MVP of the league! For the gangly, B-team, awkwardness that I was – I think I ended up doing pretty well for myself. *plz note I played at a community college and a Div. 3 college – I’m not Misty May or anything CLOSE.

9. What is on your agenda today?

TONS.

Buy falsies and new tanning mitt
Pack boxes for move
Try to work out (probs not happening)
Self-tan
Watch 8-10 YouTube videos
Do a mask
Try to get Bry to slow dance with me in the kitchen
Curl my ‘stensions
Paint nails pastel pink

BOOM-shakalaka!

Let’s keep up.

Meeting Sprinkle of Glitter

April 21, 201413 Comments

You guys.

I met Louise.

You know Louise, of the YouTube channel Sprinkle of Glitter?

If you don’t, allow me to fill you in. Louise is from England, married and has an adorable 3-year-old daughter, Darcy. Her channel focuses on all aspects of life, from makeup/beauty, to day-in-the-life vlogs to serious, deeper subjects. I think people love Louise because she is relate-able, animated, hilarious and seemingly humble. Now that I have actually met her in person (pinch me again) I can confirm that she is in fact, all of these things.

So how did I meet her?

She flew all the way from the UK to Seattle for a visit with her dear friend (and fellow YouTuber) Marie of Bits and Clips. One day, 20 minutes before I had a appt with the doc, I saw a post on Facebook outlining a meet-up she was having in Kerry Park. Obviously, I had not planned on going, but as soon as I realized our proximity I ~~hyperventilated~~ casually decided to go.

I know I sound crazy. She makes videos on the internet…SO WHAT!? Well. YouTube celebs (youlebrities?) are kindof maje. The lucky ones have morphed from normal people who enjoy sitting in front of a camera and talking, to celebrities in their own right.

I DIGRESS, heres the deets:

The park had about 50 girls, anxiously pacing too and fro, clutching their lovely hand-written notes and small gifts for Louise. They were shaking. Shaking. I say girls, because they were just that. The vast majority of this mob was made up of high school girls and college students. There was the odd Mom bob, but I noticed that these women were dropping off their high-school daughters, not actually attending the meet-up. So then I felt like a douche.

As Louise pulled up I thought, “Oh wonderful! They found a spot in the front!”. Meanwhile, the girls behind me were nervously emitting muffled screams and twisting their purse straps as they caught sight of her. This was REAL y’all. People was losing they shizz.

She came out of the car and immediately addressed the crowd, saying “Hi!!”. She was everything. Gracious, well-poised and adorable without being obnoxious. Right off the bat, she exclaimed, “You all look so American!” and of course we all chuckled.

Then it was dead silent. Everybody was just stunned, shocked and in awe. The air was palpable. So naturally, I started nervously blurting things out. Word vomit, I think they call it. You know me.

When it was my turn for a picture with her, I told her I was probably the oldest person there. I also said that I make “uncontrollable ugly face” in pictures and was sorry for that, to which she said “Don’t say that! You look wonderful! You could have elephantiasis!”. hahahahaaaaaaaaa

Oh Louise.

I side hugged the bejesus outta her and said more awkward things as you might expect.

Am I patting her?

I almost kissed the top of her head while singing let’sgotothebeach EACH letsgogetaway, but thought she might have me arrested, right there in the park.

Oh, and obvs I had to get one a’these:

Just two besties

It was a wonderful treat for us Seattlites, to receive a sprinkle of glitter from my personal favorite YouTuber, Louise!

Here we all are! (via her Twitter):

Op. There’s crazy me. Laying it on thick.

The Liebster Award: Take 2

February 19, 20142 Comments

What appropriate timing!

Oscar Sunday coming up and I get nominated for another Liebster Award? Move over Meryl. Take a seat, Ms. Bullock. There’s an up-and-comer and she’s taking the world by storm!

Big thanks to the lovely Brandi of That Saucy Mama for the nomination.

If you care to read more about the specifics of the Liebster Award, see this post.

Here are the 11 questions I was asked to answer:

1. What made you want to start a blog?

Originally it was to document my fiance Bryan and I’s life together in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I wanted to write about our adventures in the mountains, my learning to ski, recipes and everything in between.

2. If you were given a shopping spree, in what store would you choose to use it?

OMG What a great question! So many schools of thought here. I suppose at this prudent, nesting stage in my life, it would be Restoration Hardware. BUT. The other sides of me would scream “SEPHORA!”, “BERGDORFS!” or “TAAAARRRGET!”.

3. Do you wear makeup everyday, or just on special occasions?

Errday my friends.

4. Who is your favorite band/singer/musician?

DUDE. These questions! Toughie. Dead or alive I am assuming? Honestly, my favorite music to listen to is all from Musicals and/or Disney. Does Ariel count as a musician?

5. What is the one thing, no matter how crap your day was, that can make you smile?

Several things. A cocktail. Ellen DeGeneres. My fiance. Talking to any member of my family. Sandwiches. Texting my friends ugly pictures of myself with “the claw”. Serial killer literature. Or of course, baby monkey.

6. Are you a tech junkie, or just a tech user?

USER all the way. And while we’re on the subject, let’s bring back the rotary dial!

7. If you were a lip product, what product and color would you be? (lipstick, gloss, balm…)

MAC Saint Germain lipstick. All. The. Way.

8. What is your favorite type of blog post to read/write?

I love reading mommy blogs because one day I will be a mom and I will need all the help I can get. My favorite posts to write are probably vacation re-caps, because hey, I just got back from vaca b*itches!

9. What is your go to type of outfit?

Well, this is obviously seasonal. However, right now I would have to say, Gap skinny jeans, a slightly baggy sweater, boots, a scarf and my new Tory Burch purse :). But of course, you’re never fully dressed without ~~a smile~~ diamonds.

10. Do you have a favorite meal to cook?

I get more of a kick outta baking. Namely cupcakes. I make a mean salad dressing, I suppose. And these are also a favorite of mine to make.

11. Are you a glass half full, or glass half empty person?

Half full forever. Nay, brimming! OVERFLOWING.

Dance with life, people. Dance with life!

November Favorites

December 6, 20134 Comments

Yep! I’m about 6 days late on this.

(I was just about to add the #sorrynotsorry hashtag but I’m sick of seeing it and I would wager you are too!)

So let’s get to them products!

Makeup

1. Stila eyeshadow in Bliss: Top row, middle shade

This color is my GO-TO crease color. It’s matte. It’s effortless. I love it.

2. Wet’n’Wild Lipstick in Cherry Picking

Such a pretty deeper, bright pink. I heard about it from Fleur and I am so glad I did. Also, it costs $2!

3. Starlooks Eye Pencil in Topaz

I received this in my November Ipsy, which I had mixed feelings about. At first, I didn’t know what to do with a silver metallic eye pencil…in 9th grade this would have been great 🙂 Anyways, I smudged a little on my lower lash line last weekend and kind dug the whole “snow fairy” effect it gave. Since then, I have been smudgin away!

Bath & Body

1. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Body Butter

Ermahgerd. This smells like pumpkie pie and I have contemplated licking myself after I apply this to my skin just to see if it tastes good. It doesn’t.

2. Purity Face wash by Philosophy

After an hour long conversation with a sweet sales-woman at Ulta, I decided to give this crazy-popular face wash a try. I explained to her my concerns: nearing 30, currently no skincare routine and looking for a little wrinkle prevention. Among several other things (like a Clarisonic) she recommended this stuff, noting that it completely removes makeup, can be used to wash brushes and most interestingly, it removes the wax coating from fruits! So far, I am really liking it and Bryan does too!

3. Montana Mountain Air Foaming Hand Soap from BBW

I got this for 2 reasons: the blue matches our powder room and because it said Montana. I mean, whaaaat?! Anywho, I am OBSESSED with the smell of this and sadly, BBW only came out with the soap (which I can’t find online anywhere) and nothing else!

Random Faves:

1. My SEAHWAKS shirt a’course!

2. Having this car jar in my life:

3. Kristin Gehm and her husband, Bob on YouTube

I happened upon Kristin’s YouTube channel through Emily Noel or “Beauty Broadcast”. I absolutely adore her videos, especially the weekend vlogs. Also, her dear husband Bob is seriously hilarious. His demeanor is so great and I love the way they interact. Check out both her makeup and vlog channel!

The Sunshine Award!

November 25, 20135 Comments

It’s a sunshine day!

A big bear hug to Debbie for nominating me for this award. Please go over and check out her blog for amazing reviews on beauty and makeup products…not to mention two ADORABLE chihuahuas who I want to kindnap…(jk kindof).

Behold! The 11 questions I was asked to answer:

1. What inspired you to start your blog?

I wanted to learn WordPress to help broaden my “professional” skill set, but honestly my love for writing is what has kept this humble little blog chuggin along. I always have felt that there are too many blogs out there, be it beauty, lifestyle, fashion, healthy living, etc. where everything is moon-pies and rainbows. I happen to favor (both in life and on the internet) those folks who aren’t afraid to keep things real. And that, my friends is what I have aimed to do on my blog.

2. What’s the best beauty advice you ever got?

When in doubt, add more blush.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

West Richland, Washington! JOKES. I would (and will) go to New Zealand…and walk the path to Mordor. Wearing a cape. And I’ll do my hair like this:

4. What one beauty product can’t you live without?

I look like a mutant alien when I am bare-faced so this one is a toughie. I would have to say mascara, just because it transforms me back into a human. A close runner up would be deo. For the B.O.

5. Do you have any pets?

GAH! Don’t ask. The short answer is no. The long answer is that unfortunately my fiance and I both work full-time and therefore, cannot devote (what I feel to be) the appropriate time to a dog (the only pet I would consider having). One day, I will rescue a chihuahua (or 7 of them) and I will name her/him Mordecai after Richie’s pet hawk in The Royal Tenenbaums.

6. Do you prefer going out or spending a low-key night at home?

Toss up. I luurrve going out, but a night at home is oftentimes just what the doctor ordered. If I am going out, I tend to favor shopping at Lush, eating crab cakes, drinking gimlets or seeing Disney on ice. A great night at home would include a $7 frozen yogurt with absolutely no fruit toppings, Pretty Little Liars or anything on ABC Family, You Tube, the fireplace, candy crush, candy and one of Bryan’s enormous hooded sweatshirts from college which I will inevitably spill froyo on.

7. What’s the best meal you ever had?

Another toughie. I would have to say our meal at Merriman’s in Kapalua while we were in Maui was top notch. It was comprised of scrumptious bread for the table, warm crusted goat cheese and charred ahi.

Either that or the time I ate 3 beef supreme chalupas at 2 am on New Year’s Eve in college.

8. What is your favorite skincare product?

Confession: I am dangerously close to the big 3-0 and I really don’t have a skincare routine. GASP. I need help and WOULD LOVE any recommendations down below. My skin type is dry to normal and my skin concern would be preventative wrinkle care so I don’t have to get 390,23423 rounds of Botox. GO!

9. Who’s your favorite YouTube Beauty Guru?

I would have to say Louise, from Sprinkle of Glitter takes the top spot. I also love her bestie, Zoella.

I watch these two relentlessly and not necessarily for their beauty know-how, but just because they are hilarious and awesome. For straight up makeup application, hauls and what-not I LOVE Jaclyn Hill. Her winged eyeliner vid is seriously life-changing.

10. What’s your favorite makeup look?

Bold, winged liner with a subtle shimmery (think Stila kitten or MAC vanilla pigment) shadow and a bright pink lip. Also plenty of Soft and Gentle highlight.

11. In the last week, name one thing that made you smile?

My fiance dancing in the kitchen. Watching the YouTube video of that girl falling on the ice (below). Getting my November Ipsy! Talking to my mom about what kind of vanity I want for Christmas. Texting with my 3rd sister, Rachel about Thanksgiving!

The Autumn Tag

September 24, 20132 Comments

Much thanks to Kate for tagging me!

Fall is hurr and I couldn’t be more excited.

Favorite thing about it? Wrapping up in blankets, Brach’s Autumn Mix (the candy corn, indian corn and pumpkins one), crunchy leaves and (dare I say it?) football! Too many.
Favorite drink? Starbucks Chai. Mmmmm!
Favorite scent/candle? Leaves from Bath and Body Works! Pumpkin Cupcake would be a close second.
Best lipstick? Er…Mac Creme Cup. I know it’s not a darker shade but I truly wear this color every day.
Go to moisturizer? I need to be better about this! I still love the Origins Vitazing for underneath my makeup. Body Shop body butter for my body is just KILLA.
Go to colors for the eyes? HANDS DOWN my Stila ‘In the Light’ palette. I left this at a hotel two weeks ago and almost broke down in tears. Luckily, they found it and shipped it back to me for free! The colors are buttery soft and there is a great mix of shimmer and matte shades. I find I can create any look with this baby.
Favorite music or band/singer to listen to? Anything Disney, per usual.
Favorite outfit to wear (i.e. boots and scarf combo)? Definitely jeans, ballet flats or flat riding boots and a tank with a baggy grandpa cardigan. Can’t go wrong!
Autumn treat? Besides treating myself to multiple baskets of wings on Sundays…I’m really wanting the new Rockateur blush by Benefit. Can’t help myself when it comes to anything rose gold!

YAHOO for fall! Check out Kate’s blog if you’re in the mood for awesome reviews and all types of products. She is awesome!