Bling Bling! Urban Decay Face Case Palette

I'm doing a lot of traveling this year, and have found, in the past, that palettes are the way to go. Toss one or two in a case, add a couple of brushes, and you're done. My latest palette find came from Urban Decay, and while it's not perfect, it's darn good. Here's the breakdown:

 

Urban Decay Face Case:

3 Eyeshadows (Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Grifter, Twice Baked)

Afterglow Blush (Hookup)

3 XXX Shine Lip Glosses (Love Junkie, Naked, Carney)
Dual-Ended Brush Applicator

 

Now, I caught this item on sale at Sephora Inside JCPenney's for $15. That's a phenomenal price, considering one lip gloss alone is $16. The item is no longer available online at Sephora, Ulta, or Urban Decay, but is on eBay. One listing even comes with a mini Primer Potion. Since this is a little on the difficult side to find, I'm going to review not just the palette as a whole, but also each individual item, in the event you're interested in finding certain pieces separately. The only things I've not seen available on their own are the blush and applicator, but I might have missed them somewhere. 

Alright, on to the review!

 

First off, the case itself is really nice. It's a deep grape color, and about the size of a small credit card holder. The inside of the lid is completely mirrored (YAY!), and the clasp, while not difficult to open, is tight enough to stop any worries of finding the inside of your purse covered in glittery and glossy goo. This could easily slide in a evening clutch, or possibly even a jacket pocket. My favorite part is how the case is rubberized. That gives enough traction to keep it from sliding out of said pocket, and also makes it possible to know you've got your hand on the right thing when you're feeling around the bottom of a dark and messy purse (not that I'd know anything about cluttered handbags...). Final verdict: I've seen some nice purse-sized palettes, but rarely one this well-made.

 

The brush is rubbish. I haven't been able to find it on its own, and that's just fine. The eyeshadow end is too small and stiff to do anything but a Kindergarten-grade job of applying, and you can forget about blending. The lip gloss end is serviceable enough, though. There's no way either end could apply blush, so you're on your own with that, anyway. Final verdict: keep it for touch-ups.

 

Okay, now for the actual makeup:

 

The eyeshadows come in the three shades mentioned above. Midnight Cowboy Rides Again is described on Sephora as "beige with tons of silver glitter". They might as well have just written "no color payoff, but you'll be blinking glitter for the rest of the day". Had it not been for the chunks of silvery beige glitter, I'd have never been able to tell I had any shadow on. I'm not sold on this one by itself, but it works well in conjunction with the other shadows in the palette, and could be a nice accent for a night out, or if you just feel like wearing glitter. I know I have those days. There is a ton of fallout, though, so be prepared.

 

Grifter is described as a "sparkling pale purple". I'd say that's a fair desciption. It's sheer, but buildable, with a very subtle sparkle to it. No glitter chunks to speak of, even though it looks like it would be full of them. This really made my hazel eyes pop, and worked beautifully with the other shadows in the palette.

 

The last shadow, Twice Baked, is a "brownie shimmer", which translates into a rich chocolate brown with a slight bronze sheen. This is beautiful in the crease and as a liner. As with Grifter, there are no glitter chunks and no fallout. 

 

Each shadow is $17, separately, at Sephora. I started out with Twice Baked in the crease, then lightly washed the color over my lids, giving the outside corner a little more intensity than the rest. I then applied Midnight Cowboy Rides Again over the Twice Baked in the crease area, and extended upwards to just under my browbone. Then I filled in the lid area completely with Grifter (the purple adds a pop of color, and the brown warms the lavendar so that auburn lasses, such as myself, don't look washed out). Finally, I lined upper and lower lids with Twice Baked, and was quite pleased with myself, if I do say so. Final verdict: great as a set. Individually, I'd stick with Grifter and Twice Baked, but go with UD's Stardust in Space Cowboy for sparkle. It's the same color as Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, but with much finer glitter and far less fallout.

 

The blush is almost a dead ringer for NARS Orgasm blush. I held the two next to each other, and the only difference is that the NARS has a little more depth to the color, mostly because of some shimmer. The UD blush isn't matte, but it's nowhere near as multi-faceted as the NARS. What this means to me, is I can leave my precious NARS at home when I travel, and not worry about it being broken in transit. Now, application was not as smooth as the NARS, but it also didn't splotch. Final Verdict: fine for travel, but if you're not buying this in palette form, just get the NARS Orgasm blush. They're so close in shade, that you might as well get the gold standard. $17, Urban Decay.  (Also, while Afterglow blush is available in other shades, Hookup appears to be out of stock.) 

 

The lip glosses are extremely moisturizing, minty as all get out, and come in three very flattering, neutral colors that don't try to compete with the blinged-out eyeshadow. Basically, tons of shine, but zero sparkle. The lightest, Carney, is a cotton-candy pink that gives your lips a little polish without looking made up. The next darkest is Naked, a nude-mauve that accentuates your natural lip color. The most intense, Love Junkie, is...well, awesome. 

 

In the palette, it looks scary. It's a wine that's so dark it's almost black. However, it goes on so sheer that it really just gives your lips a sexy, just bitten kind of flush. If you are at all familiar with Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick ($14.50, Sephora), then you know what I'm talking about. The two are eerily similar in hue.

 

My only qualm with the glosses is that they are not long-lasting. That said, they feel like butter, aren't even slightly sticky, and look beautiful on. They're available for a time at Urban Decay ($16), but are on their way out. Final verdict: grab Love Junkie before it's gone, or give the Clinique doppelganger a try.   

 

So, there you have it. Each item, plus the set as a whole. I only wish I'd found this sooner, guys. If you do find the set, remember that these are your colors only. You will still need foundation, powder, and mascara. However, that's a lot less to stuff in a bag and risk losing on vacay.

Well, Stick a Bow On My Head and Toss Me a Slushee

I miss Sanrio Surprise. It was this little store in the mall that sold Hello Kitty...well, everything. Umbrellas, folders, t-shirts, makeup, candy...pretty much anything they could slap a character on. I lived there in middle school. If I'm not mistaken, I think I even had a frequent buyer card. The store went under years ago, and a few feeble attempts have been made at opening similar shops, but it's just not the same. The Kitty has left the building.

 

Until now. Granted, there's still not an entire store dedicated to the bow-bedecked feline, but Sephora is turning over a chunk of sales space to Hello Kitty-themed merchandise. For a limited time (read: until they run out), you can get eyeshadows, blushes, lipglosses, and a host of other goodies in Kitty-inspired packaging.

 

Photo Credit: Sephora

Now, personally, I think the packaging is cute. It's a little kiddie, but in a sweet, nostalgic, kitschy way. Of course, I think $49 for a crystal encrusted purse-sized mirror in the shape of Hello Kitty is positively obscene, but for the most part, the prices for the actual makeup items are on par with other department store and specialty brands.

 

I have not had the opportunity to try any of the items myself, but going off of user reviews on Sephora, I'd say it'd be best to skip the Say Hello eyeshadow/lipgloss palettes ($35), and give the Apple Cheeks cream blush ($22) a shot. The shade Peachy seems to be the most popular, but if I had my choice, I'd go for the luminizing shade, Cottonball. It looks amazing in the photographs I've seen, and adds a pretty wash of highlighting shimmer to your cheekbones.

 

Photo Credit: Sephora

Now, for a confession: I've never watched Glee. Well, at least not an entire episode. I did manage to see Rachel get nailed with a Slurpee in the pilot, and my cousin had me watch Kristin Chenowith perform at the end of another episode (he's so sweet. He thinks I sound like her. Bless him), but that's it. Seriously. Didn't watch the Rocky Horror homage. Even missed Idina Menzel, and I saw Wicked on Broadway! I am a bad theatre geek. 

 

However, I think I may be able to atone. See, in addition to the cutesy, sweetsy Hello Kitty happies, Sephora by has also teamed up with Fox to unveil a whole line of Glee-themed Sephora by O.P.I. nail polishes! With summer-friendly shades of chartreuse, peacock green, and super hot pinks, and names like Miss Bossy Pants and Slushied, you can Gleek out your mani-pedi all season long. Happy painting, and have a fabulous weekend!

I've Got Style! I've Got Flair!

What? What's that? Awards season hasn't completely left me out in the cold? Really?

 

The amazing Magnolia has bestowed upon me a Stylish Blogger Award! Thank you so much, sugar! I am beyond flattered. As a recipient, I am required to share seven random facts about myself with you, then pass the award on to fifteen other bloggers whom I admire. So let's get started!

 

1) I adore socks. Seriously. When Thomas asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told him to get me socks. I have angora socks, cashmere socks, slipper socks, glittery socks, polka dotted socks...you name it. Oddly enough, I rarely actually wear socks.

 

2) My kid brother is, without question, the coolest Christmas gift I ever received (socks, included). Come to think of it, he came home in a stocking, which is sort of a sock, I guess. Anyway, watching him grow up has been an experience I never thought I'd have, and one I wouldn't have given up for any reason.

 

3) I suck at video games. I mean, I'm really bad. However, I'm a great backseat player. I give advice like a pro. "JUMP!! JUMP!! Why didn't you jump when I told you to?!"

 

4) Most of my wedding accessories came off eBay. My shoes (gorgeous gold and rhinestone salsa shoes, so comfortable I never had to change into flats), headpiece (identical to the $250 one in the bridal shop, but $35 online), and cake topper (that the caterer hid from us for a year--long story) were all "buy it now" lots.

 

5) I fell in love with a prom dress back in high school. It was in Seventeen magazine, and totally out of my budget. Of course, by today's standards, it's completely tacky and dated (red velvet column dress with sweetheart neckline, rhinestone straps and embellishments), but if it showed up on my doorstep today, I'd put it on, and probably not take it off until physically forced to.

 

6) You'd probably never guess from reading this blog, but I have rotten self-esteem. It drives Thomas crazy sometimes, I know. However, twice I've been complimented in such ways that I couldn't twist them into anything negative, and they're part of what keeps me going in the entertainment industry. Both were NY auditions, where no one has to be nice to you. The first was after a monologue from As You Like It, and the director's jaw literally dropped. Silence, then, "That was fabulous. Want to do another?" The other was as I was leaving the room, and I could hear the producer humming the song I'd just finished. The first part, I didn't get, but it didn't matter with feedback like that. I did get the second part, however. That's how I get through the rough times.

 

7) I firmly believe that there is a reason for everything that happens to us. However, I also believe that you can't just sit around and wait for life to happen to you. You have to, as a dear teacher of mine used to say, "Grow your own garden". Make your own opportunities. I say it to myself all the time, and now, I say it to you. Get out there and do something! 

 

Now, for the passing of the baton:

 

1. Smattering of Static

2. Temptalia

3. Epbot

4. Daddy Likey

5. Party Dresses and Chucks

6. Paperclip Hashbrown

7. Hold the Phone: a Receptionist's Blog

8. Kate's Random Musings

9. A Southern Mezzo

10. 'Bama on the Brain

11. The Erin O'Brien Owner's Manual for Human Beings

12. You Should Only Know

13. 1FunkyWoman

14. A Pretty Cool Life

15. The Pioneer Woman 

The "Important" Awards

Well, shoot. The Academy Award nominations were announced this morning, and, once again, I was snubbed. Next, they're going to try to tell me my invitation was "lost in the mail". Again. Well, fine. If they want to be that way, I'll find another awards ceremony to participate in. One where I'm appreciated. One where I'm needed.

 

One where I don't need a stylist. One where the only effort I have to put forward is clicking a mouse. Yeah...that's the ticket!

Shirt.Woot is preparing for their first ever T-List Awards, and they need our help. If you're unfamiliar with Shirt.Woot, it's a t-shirt company (probably gathered that), but an exceptionally cool one. Some shirts are your typical joke designs, but some are truly, artistically beautiful. Each day, a new shirt is featured for ten bucks with free shipping. There's also a page called "The Reckoning" where shirts that are currently available are ranked by popularity. The more popular, the longer it stays. If it doesn't sell well, it's gone. This is my current favorite, a blend of giggle and beauty (seriously, that dragon is gorgeous).

 

 

The T-List will honor the best designs of the year, as voted on by YOU! Go to "The Battle" (linked above), and cast your vote. Two shirts will be shown to you, and you click on the one you like most. It's that easy. I warn you, though, it's a long list of choices, and can take forever, but you can stop whenever you feel like it. They won't mind.  

 

As for that other awards ceremony, I'm really happy for all the nominees, especially little Hailee Steinfeld. I saw True Grit, and was blown away by her performance. At only 13 years old (14 now), she not only held her own with the big boys, but carried that entire movie. A lesser actor could have easily made that character cloying and cutesy, and possibly even brought the film down into Walmart Family Movie Night territory, but she nailed it. I'm impressed with the young lady, and can only hope she goes the path of Jody Foster or Natalie Portman, and not the way of the *ahem* Pop Tart. Congratulations!

Warm Fuzzies

I love this.

Email sent by the Layman Group. I can't crop it. Le sigh.

Not long ago, a group of actors were traveling through Huntsville, AL, and saw a similar set of signs on an overpass. It brightened their day so much that they were compelled to pay it forward. The performers grabbed some paints and posterboard, created their own signs, and stood by a busy road to let passersby know that they were, indeed, beautiful. According to a spokesperson for the group, the response was overwhelming. Motorists were even rolling down their windows and returning the compliment! All it took was a little paint and a little time, but the effort was extremely appreciated.

This really made me feel good, and golly, I needed it. In an effort to make up for yesterday's dreary post, here's a couple more things to make you feel good.

First up, we have a group called Feel Good World. This is made up of college students at 21 universities, all helping to end world hunger one grilled cheese sandwich at a time. From the website:

FeelGood is a youth movement committed to ending world hunger in our lifetime. On college campuses across the U.S., FeelGood students run non-profit delis specializing in grilled cheese sandwiches. 100% of deli proceeds are invested in organizations sustainably eradicating global hunger. But FeelGood delis are more than a vehicle for raising money. They’re also a place for creative interaction and education—an inviting environment for customers to learn about hunger’s causes, consequences and solutions.

How simple is that? I think that's the genius of it. Currently, they're at the $800,000 mark on donations. I'd love to see them reach a million by the end of the year. You can donate here, or check out their shop on Facebook.

Lastly, we have the Pincurl Girls. Jen Lukas-Landis created "Grace"--an expression of her inner child--while she was having a rough time in Graduate School. She lost her self-confidence, and Grace helped her regain her spark. As Jen became more self-assured, Grace grew, too, and now they hope to help other girls who are facing self-esteem issues.

There are inspirational greeting cards, cute "I Believe In Myself" bracelets, even wall art and clothing, all at reasonable prices. These whimsical little line drawings with motivational sayings are helping to cheer up tons of girls, and couldn't we all use a little cheering up now and again?

Just Another Morbid Monday

I ran a Google search for Personalized Pencils, and came up with this: "12 Weird Things to Do With Your Cremated Remains". Happy Monday!

 

The sick, twisted sense of humor inside me forced me to click the link, and I have to say, I've never had so much fun with death before in my life. Some of the ideas I actually already knew about (I just made a zombie movie in a cemetery. I did a lot of research. Plus, I'm weird), but some, like being made into fireworks or a set of pencils (Ha! There's the correlation!), were new--and hilarious!--to me. I'm all for honoring final wishes, but some of these are just downright creepy.

 

Well, as long as we're on a death kick (I repeat, Happy Monday!), how about a review of the new Syfy series, Being Human?  

 

I've been a fan of the original BBC series since it premiered two seasons ago. I even made a total fool out of myself at Comic-Con, gushing to each actor about how wonderful they all were, while they, mildly terrified, signed their autographs and nodded for the nice moderator to usher me away. It's a fantastic series, with fabulous acting, well-written scripts, and an intriguing (and somewhat addictive) plot. Of course, that's not even mentioning the irresistible premise of a Vampire, Werewolf, and Ghost as roommates, just trying to get by as normally as possible. In an attempt not to bore you any more with the BBC version here, this is a link to a recent post I made about it.

 

Now, for the US version. The pilot, which is all I've seen, is extremely close to the BBC version. There are a few slight exceptions, of course. Some of the events are presented a wee bit differently, at least one new character has been added, and the dialogue has been updated and Americanized, but the story is the same.

 

Unfortunately, all that does is prove just how superior the BBC version is to the Syfy. The leads are bland, as I dearly love Sam Huntington (Josh, the Werewolf), and was really looking forward to seeing him play this role. The writing (by no less than a Supernatural alum!) seems to rely too heavily on the Vampire character and his sensuality. We get it. Vampires are sexy. Let's move on. I'd like to see if this guy can do something besides pout and "smolder". Almost nothing is said of our little ghost, Sally. 

 

I made it through the entire episode, but it was difficult. Yes, this is a melodramatic show, but let's not turn it into Chekov, please. I went into the show expecting some soapy fun, and left depressed. Thomas didn't make it past the opening credits. 

 

The second episode airs tonight. I'm going to give it another go, and see if things turn around from here, but right now, my opinion is that these monsters need to stay hidden under the bed.

The Zombies Are Coming! The Zombies Are Coming!

CAUTION ZOMBIES AHEAD

That's what greeted parents Tuesday and Wednesday, as they dropped off their children at Barron Elementary and Benjamin Syms Middle School in Hampton, Virginia. According to the Hampton Roads Sanitation District, someone hacked into the password-protected sign to change the message, which was supposed to warn motorists of pipeline construction. After the Tuesday incident, locks were added to the signs, but those pesky perps managed to break the locks and change the message again. Meddling kids, or well-meaning folks with a message to get out? In either case, I'd advise drivers in Hampton, VA to be extra careful for the time being.

Speaking of zombies, my little zom-com, The Night Shift, is nearly complete! We're a few special effects and some final color-correction shy of a finished product, and I thought I'd share the new and improved trailer with all of you guys.

The Night Shift Trailer
Uploaded by FightingOwlFilms. - Check out other Film & TV videos.

We've actually been getting a lot of really good press! Here's some of what people are saying about The Night Shift:

“This looks to be a fun little horror number...we will be talking about this time next year.”--Ain’t It Cool News

“D*mn, I’m already laughing!” Reader Comment: “I love it!”--Arrow in the Head

“From the looks of the trailer, I know I will be looking forward to this one!”--Bloody Good Horror

“Goofy indie horror-comedy...a fun movie”--Horror Bid

“If you like your comedy/horror goofy, then this will sit with you very nicely as this just looks like a great fun film.”--Horror-Movies.ca

Reader Comments: “sounds like a hoot”, “looks like one of the most enjoyable horror films in a long time”, “This sounds far more interesting than just about every film I've seen in the past two months”--I Like Horror Movies

“This goes to show you that not all great movies are being made in Hollywood but in our own backyards.”--Living Dead Media

“What to watch after The Walking Dead”--The Point

“Good cheesy fun...how could you go wrong!”--Viva La Geek

“The Production Photos look good”--Zombie Command

There have been other mentions, too, and we're hoping for even more. I also have an ongoing blog at Paranormal Pop Culture, and we really owe them a debt of gratitude. That site's been one of our biggest supporters (right after Mom), which automatically makes them cool. Of course, they're really cool in their own right, and if you're in to ghosts, ghoulies, or anything supernatural in nature, you should give them a read.

We've already had invites to a few film festivals, and as things are finalized, I'll let you know where and when the movie will screen. You know, just in case you want to check it out. (and you know you want to, right?)

Okay, that's enough shameless promotion. I'm going to go hop on my trampoline and watch a rerun of Supernatural. Have a great weekend, y'all!

Does That Latte Come With Floaties?

If you look to the right side of the blog, in the "About Me" section, you'll find the words, "Coffee Addict". That's not completely hyperbole. I love a good cup of joe. Heck, I'll even drink a bad one, but I'll complain and act like a total snob about it. (Admitting it is the first step, right?)

 

I worked in a coffee shop all through college. My twenty-fifth birthday present was a really nice espresso machine. For the minute and a half I lived in New York, I worked at a chocolate shop as, guess what, a barista, and that's only after I turned down a job at Starbucks. I can tell if the espresso has set out for too long, or if it took too long to brew, and if I catch you putting cream and sugar in Jamaican Blue Mountain, I will glare at you.

 

At home, my Keurig and I have a relationship. It's probably not one that Thomas should worry about, but, in the event of a fire, it's getting grabbed on the way out the door, right after the picture albums, and maybe after the parakeets. Maybe.

 

I'm on a first name basis with employees at not one, not two, but three Starbucks in town, and I'm working on the fourth. I don't have a usual drink, but they know whatever I order will be decaf with skim milk. There's a Starbucks Gold Card in my purse, and while I may not know the PIN number to my investment company, I sure as heck remember my username and password to the Starbucks website. 

 

With all this in mind, you'd think I'd be psyched over the new 31-ounce Trenta size at Starbucks. The truth is, I really don't know what I think about it. I was going to order one today to test out for you guys, but frankly, it scared me. Instead, let's examine the pros and cons.

 

PRO: It's 31 ounces of coffee goodness.

 

It only comes iced, but that's great for Spring and Summer when it's a million degrees.

 

They only offer iced coffee and iced tea, and an iced coffee is quite a bit cheaper than an iced latte.

 

I sit in a recording booth for five hours a day. I'd never have to worry about running out!

 

It's rolling out in my state first! Yay! We never get anything first!

 

 

CON: It's 31 ounces, which is 16 ounces larger than the human stomach at rest. 

 

It only comes iced because it's too big to possibly keep hot.

 

I happen to prefer the iced latte to iced coffee. Of course, that's just personal preference.

 

I sit in a recording booth for five hours a day. How much of that would be re-appropriated to the restroom? 

 

Lastly, and this is the one that galls me, at least one site seems to be linking the Southern state roll-out to rampant obesity and laziness, and their commenters are running with it, adding in their own opinions that it's also due to our stupidity. We're not smart enough to know when we've had enough.

 

Well, guess what, I've had enough. As a Southerner who is neither fat, lazy, or dim-witted, I take major offense to the perpetuation of this stereotype. I don't know why Starbucks chose to begin this campaign in the Southern region of the United States, but I sincerely hope it was for reasons such as climate (hot weather equals cold drinks) or sales figures and store openings, and not because of ignorance and prejudice. I would think a major corporation would be smarter than a bunch of Internet posters, but I've been wrong before.

 

In any case, I'm working up the courage to try one. I'll get it decaf, with skim milk and Splenda, which should cut down on the calories. If any of you have the chance (and the nerve) to try one, let me know about it in the comments.     

 

Where Did I Put Those Red Leather Boots?

Photo Credit: Temptalia

Holy hole in a doughnut, Batman! DC Comics and MAC have teamed up to bring Wonder Woman-inspired cosmetics to us lowly mortals, beginning February 10, 2011! 

 

If you're like me, the prospect alone makes you want to slide on your patriotic bathing suit, gas up the invisible plane, and head to the nearest MAC counter to lasso up some pretty potions. However, we have to wait a little while, so let's take this opportunity to preview the merchandise.

 

The collection consists of Lipsticks, Lipglasses, Eyeshadow Quads, Penultimate Eyeliner, Pigments, Blush Duos, Opulash Mascara, Nail Lacquer, Lashes, Reflects Glitter, and Mineralize Skin Finish, as well as various makeup bags, brush sets, a mirror, and t-shirt.

 

In keeping with Wonder Woman's "larger-than-life" image, several items, namely the Mineralize Skinfinish, Eyeshadow Quads, Pigment, Opulash, Lipsticks, and Lipglass, have been super-sized.  Of course, their prices were also inflated, so there's no "33% More Free" deal here. 

 

Obviously, all shades and product names carry the Wonder Woman theme. According to Gordon Espinet, vice-president of Global Makeup Artistry for MAC Worldwide, "For spring, we have seen that one of the biggest outstanding trends is a very early, fresh '70's look. Think a shampoo commercial from 1972, or a Cheryl Tiegs or Farrah Fawcett type of girl."  That screams Diana Prince, don't you think? Look for sexy nudes, power-packed reds, and sassy purples, bearing names such as Secret Identity, Spirit of Truth, and Star Studded. One of my all-time faves, Russian Red lipstick, is featured in this collection, so at least one color is definitely awesome.    

 

As for the packaging...this appears to be a bone of contention, at least on the fabulous Temptalia blog. Readers seem to have sectioned themselves off into Team Nostalgia and Team Tacky camps: Team Tacky thinks the packaging looks like it came from a dime-store toy aisle, and Team Nostalgia argues that the childlike packaging is part of the charm.  

 

Now, I've only seen photographs, so I really can't comment on the quality of the packaging. I do recall being quite disappointed in the packaging for the Disney Villains collection, so I'm a little wary. However, the photographs look adorable, and I love the cartoonish, playful, comic-book vibe they were going for.  I guess this is just a "wait and see" area.  

 

One more thing: if you're in the market for MAC brushes, now's a good time to snap some up. Sets of three (eyeshadow or face) in cute "Utility Belt" pouches are going for $40 through this collection. A single brush can run close to that, so this is a steal. 

 

For pictures of the entire collection, check out Temptalia.    

The Bridesmaid Manifesto

I've been working on a song for an upcoming performance, and it got me thinking.  The song is "Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride" from I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, and it's a woman recounting all of her horrible bridesmaid dresses.  Cute, funny, and there's a fantastic YouTube video of what looks like a community or regional theatre production here.

Now, I'm a wedding singer.  No, not like Adam Sandler.  I'm the chick that stands in the back of the church and sings Ave Maria while the mothers are seated.  I'd guess that, on average, I do about a wedding a month.  That adds up to a lot of weddings, and the one thing that always surprises me--even after a decade, or so, of doing this--is just how God-awful ugly bridesmaids' dresses can be!

Yes, I know, it's a cliche that bridemaids' dresses have to be hideous to make the bride look even more beautiful, but really, I'm starting to buy in on it.  I've been in several weddings, and while I might joke about the "ugly bridesmaid's dress", they've never been that bad.  Some have been downright pretty, and they've certainly never been embarrassing.  Apparently, I've just lucked out, and for that, I'd like to thank every bride I've ever stood next to.  You guys are a minority:  The Bride With Taste and a Conscience.

I did the best I could picking out my maids' dresses.  I tried to account for each girl's personal taste/body type/budget first, then focused on finding something that would work with the color and aesthetics of the ceremony.  I'm not saying I nailed it (and I certainly never promised they'd wear the gowns again), but I hoped that the ladies would, at least, be comfortable, not financially burdened, and not totally hate the dresses.  Now, I have sweet friends, so I'll never know for certain if I succeeded, but I sure gave it the old college try.

From what I've seen lately, though, most brides either just don't care, or they're so wrapped up in a theme, or they have vivid imaginations that warp reality into what they want it to be.  Maybe it's like what the kid says in The Sixth Sense, "They see what they want to see".  Whatever the reason, I have composed a list of guidelines--based solely off what I've witnessed over the years--to, hopefully, help brides-to-be gain a little perspective.  I'd say that names have been changed to protect the innocent, but I have no idea who any of these people are, anyway.  Also, please note:  This is not about taste.  Taste is subjective, and every wedding is different.  This is about manners and consideration.

1) These People Are Your Friends.  Please, first and foremost, remember this.

2) Soap Operas Aren't Real.  Your maids aren't from Central Casting, and the gowns aren't by Adrian.  Just because those blinged-out skin-tight satin numbers looked amazing on The Brazen and Attractive, or whatever daytime show you referenced, with their professional stage lighting, flattering camera filters, and enough silicone and collagen that, in an emergency, some maids may be used as flotation devices, doesn't mean they're going to look as amazing on unforgiving videotape, or in Aunt Harriet's candid shots.  The same goes for Bridal Magazine pictorials.  Spanx are great, but you can't Photoshop real life.  You can, however, see #1.

3) Maids Over the Age of 15 Reserve the Right to Wear Ruffles.  I'm not saying ruffles should be outlawed.  In moderation, they can actually be quite flattering.  What I am saying is please don't ask your girls to look like human cupcakes or refugees from Ringling Bros.  If it looks like a clown, or your Lady Gaga-loving tween junior bridesmaid would squee, please think long and hard before making a decision, and see #1.

4) All Maids Are Not Made Alike.  I know, the dress you like looked breathtaking on your Maid of Honor, the 25 year-old model/ballerina/pilates instructor.  Please bear in mind that the same dress might not look so hot on your cousin, Fertile Myrtle, who will be approximately 15-months along the day of the wedding.  There's also the chance that it might look a little odd on you middle-aged, mother of three office mate.  It's not a crime to have more than one dress design, as long as the styles mesh.  For more info, see #1.

   

5) Money Is Most Definitely an Object.  You might look at the price tag and not flinch, but that may not be the case for all your maids.  These girls have to pay for a dress, shoes, bridal shower gift, maybe the shower itself, possibly a bachelorette party, and probably a wedding gift, as well.  There may be hair and nail appointments, and on top of that, maybe plane tickets, hotel accommodations, rental car...well, you get the picture.  Being a bridesmaid is an honor, but one that comes with a bill.  I'm not suggesting you choose a bargain basement gown.  I'm simply asking that you keep budgets in mind.  If you can't live without your super-pricey dream bridesmaid's dress, you might want to be prepared to chip in a bit to help out a friend.  Maybe gift the trip to the hairstylist, or pick less expensive shoes.  Whatever the solution, remember that you love these girls, and see #1.

6) Make 'Em Look Good.  I don't care if your Aunt Harriet told you that it's tradition to make the bridesmaids look bad so that you look better by comparison.  Your Aunt Harriet's wrong, and just plain cruel.  For one thing, you will be in your amazing gown, and glowing like crazy.  You are going to be the center of attention, no matter what.  Let the girls look nice, too.

I left a wedding not long ago, picked up the phone, called my mother, and told her, "this time the dresses were on purpose".  I didn't know this bride.  I didn't know the maids.  Even so, I could tell that these dresses were purposely horrid.  There's no other excuse for clown ruffle necklines (see #3) or squished busts.  All I can say is, if you do this, people will know.  They won't think less of the maids, but they will think less of you.  Also, see #1.

I know that some of these examples may seem extreme, but they're in here because I've seen them.  It's a challenge to pick out clothing for someone else, especially something that will be prominently displayed and photographed.  Just bear in mind who will be wearing it, and more importantly, why they will be wearing it.  They may never wear it again, but they'll appreciate all the thought and care that you put into the decision.  Afterall, they're your friends and they love you (see #1).  It shouldn't be so hard to return the favor.

Wonka, Wonka, Wonka!

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is one of my all-time favorite movies (the Gene Wilder version.  Not the Johnny Depp abomination), and it's been really cool, over the years, to see some of the film's confections become realities.  You can get a Scrumdillyicious bar in the checkout line.  I've had an Everlasting Gobstopper, or two, in my time.  Of course, the ones I really wanted to sample were the Fizzy Lifting drink and the Three-Course Dinner Gum.  You know, the ones that couldn't possibly ever exist.  The ones that were too fantastical to ever be true.

 

Well...maybe not.  At least one of these treats may, in fact, be closer to reality than you think.

 

According to The Telegraph, scientists have just about figured out a way to recreate the soup, entree, and dessert flavored gum, albeit without the blueberry-morphing side effect.  

 

Using microscopic capsules--the same ones that can deliver time-released medicine into our systems--researchers at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich think they might be onto something.  Certain tomato-soup flavored capsules could dissolve at the first touch of saliva.  Other, slightly tougher capsules, containing roast beef flavoring, could dissolve after a short amount of chewing.  The blueberry pie flavor would be encased in the toughest capsules, and would release after significant chewing, thus allowing for a ripple-effect of flavors, or a three-course meal.  

 

There's no word on if, or even when, this sort of treat would be available to the public, but it's pretty cool that the technology exists, and that there are people imaginitive enough to put it to use this way.

Great Rack You Got There

This morning, I laid out the most beautiful steaks to cook for dinner tonight. As I have mentioned, I'm a horrible cook, but these were too pretty to pass up. As I was setting the frozen beauties on the counter, I thought, "oh, a nice glass of wine would be fabulous with these!" Then, I looked over to the wine rack in the corner of the dining room, and noticed that it was completely and totally empty. The horror!

Okay, so there's actually no horror. It stays empty. It's the cutest little wine bottle-shaped metal wine rack, and I think it's held a grand total of two bottles of wine in the three years we've had it. I have a tendency to just transfer the bottles from the bag straight into the fridge. Oops. However, there was nothing in the fridge, so I had no choice but to hope that the wine fairy might have left a bottle in the rack. No such luck.

Not a problem. I live across the street from a big box store with a grocery section, so I drove 30 seconds, picked up a bottle (no, I won't tell you what because it doesn't technically go with steak, and it's embarrassing. Let's just leave it with the fact that I don't like red wine. At all), got carded (yay!), and went back home. Then, I shoved the bottle in the fridge. *Sigh* When will I learn? Next time, I'll pick up two bottles, so one has to go in the rack. Seriously, there is nothing sadder than an empty wine rack.

Of course, if I had this wine rack, I doubt I'd have any problem keeping it filled, if only to have a reason to play with it! RFID technology (method of automatic indentification, using tags or transponders to remotely store and retrieve data) organizes your bottles with ambience-enhancing color-coded lights. Plus, your collection can be accessed and monitored from your computer, even if it's kept in an off-property location, like a storage locker.

Photo Credit: geeksugar

So, for the past month or so, I've been giving Olay Total Effects Daily Moisturizer a whirl. I liked the stuff I'd been using, but ran out and couldn't find any more, so the switch was necessary, but with reluctance. Now, I'm nearing the end of the bottle, and have to decide whether to continue with this, or see about finding something else.

As of right now, I'm planning to continue with this, and I'll tell you why: It works. Plain and simple. There's a reason the brand has been around for ages.

When I started using this, I had deep creases beginning to form on my forehead and chest. I tried wrinkle filler (spackle)--a joke. I tried a serum, and it may have lightened the creases, or it may have just diffused the light around the area. I really couldn't tell you for sure. In any case, it wasn't enough of a difference to document. This morning, after several weeks of using the Olay, I noticed that my forehead wrinkles were significantly lighter. They're still there, but I don't feel like I have to wear my bangs "just so" to cover them. I also had to actually search to try to find the wrinkles on my chest. These were deep enough that I tried filler on them, folks, and now I can't find them. If that's not proof, I don't know what is.

Yes, this stuff is heavy, and yes, the perfume smell is a little much (though, it does come unscented, now), but you know what, I can deal with it if it reverses damage to this extent. If you're on the hunt for wrinkle relief, this is one worth trying. $18.99, Target.

It's Enough To Make Your Head...Bobble

So, things have been a little crazy around the Smith household.  Thankfully, it's been the good kind of crazy.  To start with, Thomas got a phone call over the weekend.  Now, he has this anno--er, endearing and utterly adorable habit of not picking up the phone if he doesn't recognize the number.  He figures if it's important, they'll leave a message.  In his defense, he does get a lot of wrong numbers, and they generally come around 2am, from drunk people looking for someone we don't know.

Anyway, in this case, it was important, and they did leave a message.  It was a representative from *distribution company*, who had seen the trailer for our indie flick, The Night Shift, and was interested in seeing a screener when one was available.  Yay!  Interest!  That actually makes three (I think) companies that want to see the film, so there's some hope, yet!

Of course, the film's not done, yet.  It's close.  I mean close, but there are still a few effects to cut in, the score to finish mixing in, and about a day of color correction touch-ups to go.  The champagne's chilling in the fridge, but we can't pop the cork just yet.  Until it's finished, there's no screener to send out, and until there is, Thomas and I are both nervous wrecks.

Then, yesterday I got an email from the Church gift shop that stocks my CD.  They sold out, and actually want more!  Again, yay!  So, I rushed and ordered those, so they should arrive in a few weeks.  (The album is also available on Amazon, on CD or for download.  There's a link on the right sidebar, near a picture of the album cover.  You know, in case anyone's interested...*innocent humming*)

Plus, I completely forgot that Valentine's Day was around the corner.  Between Christmas and Anniversary, V-Day totally slipped my mind until Thomas informed me he'd ordered my present.  Awww!  So, I've spent the day looking for something for him.  I think he'll love what I found, but in my search, I ran across this (no, Thomas, you're not getting one.  Sorry):

Photo Credit:  Entertainment Earth

CUSTOM BOBBLE HEADS!  OH MY GOD!  You pick the body, skin, hair, and eye color, then send them two pictures of the subject (face and profile).  Then, in about eight weeks, you get your very own personalized bobble head!  For $99, it was a little more than I wanted to go for V-Day, but I wouldn't call it unreasonable.  I can totally see Thomas' head on Superman's body, and it's a little bit awesome.  To order, call 1-800-370-2320.

Challenge: Have You Seen Me?



Photo Credit:  SK Packaging
The Plastic Version of What Betty Wants

 Adorable Napalm reader and old chum, Betty, sent me a Facebook message the other day, asking for help in finding some tumblers for her kitchen.  I can't put the exact message on here, as Facebook seems to have eaten half of it, but, basically, she's looking for white porcelain tumblers that resemble disposable plastic party cups.  She's been all over town and the internet, and came close with a little store called Stockhome.  Of course, it's in Sweden.  The website is in Swedish (which makes for fun browsing, I must say), and while the products are adorable, it doesn't matter a bit because you can't order from the site.  I don't think.  I don't speak a word of Swedish, so I could be wrong, but I couldn't click on anything to place an order. 

Photo Credit:  Langton Info Services
The Closest I've Found

I have been tearing my hair out.  The closest I have been able to come are these Spirella Max Light Tumblers.  They're lightweight porcelain, and fairly close to the look she's going for, I think.  They run $6.95 each, and come from England. 

Have any of you guys seen anything that might help out Betty?  I think what she wants sounds darling, and would be a really stylish alternative to both coffee mugs and juice glasses.  I wouldn't mind having a set myself.  If you've seen these somewhere, please let us know in the comments.  It'd be much appreciated.  

Bouncy, Trouncy, Flouncy, Pouncy!

Photo Credit:  Walmart

I should really stop attempting these "easy to assemble" projects.  In my defense, how on Earth was I supposed to know that a mini-trampoline would come in pieces, or that those pieces would come with the instructions, "REQUIRES TWO STRONG PEOPLE TO UNFOLD.  ANY ATTEMPTS TO UNFOLD ALONE MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH"?  Death?  By trampoline?  And not from a jumping mishap?  Dear God! 

Of course, I did attempt to unfold the trampoline by myself.  I'm a rebel like that.  Obviously, as I'm not typing from beyond the grave, I didn't die.  I didn't injure myself, either, but I did realize fairly quickly that it was a futile venture.  Thankfully, I have Thomas to help me this evening, but what about people who live alone?  How silly would I feel calling a friend to help me unfold a trampoline?  "Hi, Genna!  I just got the most adorable baby trampoline.  Could you come over and help me unfold it so I don't die?"  Or, "Hi, Mom!  I'm about to try to put together my new itty-bitty trampoline.  If you don't hear from me in the next ten minutes, would you be a dear and call 911?  Thanks!"  By the way, there was no warning of any kind on the box, that I could find.  Surprise!  It's a death trap! 

I will get it assembled tonight.  I'll probably burn more calories trying to open the blasted thing than I will actually jumping on it, but hey, that's a start.  Right? 

This was a Christmas gift from my Mother-In-Law, and it's a darn nice little trampoline.  I was really impressed with the quality, and that was just pulling it out of the box.  It's gotten great reviews, and came with a little exercise DVD.  I can't wait to get started, and I'll be sure to keep you guys informed of any progress.  Hopefully, I'll be better about it than I was the 100 pushup challenge.  That lasted a whole week before time restrictions kept me from being able to do them.   

While we're on the subject, here's a fun little article on the benefits of trampoline exercising.  Apparently, you can burn 30% more calories than you would doing the same workout on solid ground, and the movements are easier on your joints.  Plus, I always wanted one of these things when I was a kid!  Thank you, Carolyn!

And now for something completely different...

I thought I'd give another Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion a try.  Afterall, I did get four in the sampler set.  This time, I experimented with Eden.  (If this seems familiar, you're not crazy.  I reviewed a sample card of this back in August.  Thought it might be nice to revisit.)  According to Sephora:

Eyeshadow Primer Potions from Urban Decay are unmatched in the beauty industry! The genie in these bottles fulfills three wishes: eyeshadow that lasts, more vibrant and lasting color, and absolutely NO creasing. Apply Primer Potion to lids before shadow application and it dries down almost instantly, creating smooth lids that are super-powered eyeshadow magnets. Urban Decay offers several unique shades in their Eyeshadow Primer Potions, but all boast the same unbelievable function. Eden is a matte-finish, tawny hue and gives you a stunning "no makeup" look when worn alone or complements other eyeshadows worn in combination. Packaged in a pretty genie bottle, all these Potions are applied with a magic wand and flocked applicator.

According to me:

I like it.  Eden has a much thicker consistency than either Greed or Sin (a pink champagne hue that's just gorgeous).  In fact, it was so thick that, while I use the applicator for the other shades, I just dabbed this on my lids and used my ring finger to blend the product into my skin.  There was actually enough left over to apply a little under my eyes, as well.  There, it's working to hold my concealer in place, and actually worked as a light concealer by itself.  Also, the color is a nice nude that corrects any discoloration in the lid, to give you a clean canvas to work with.

Once I applied the primer (and I cannot stress enough to NOT use the applicator.  You'll only end up with way too thick a layer) I used an eyeshadow brush to blend on five colors (let's give this stuff a real challenge).  I used a neutral (so I don't look like a hooker with this much eyeshadow) quad from Smashbox that included a very dark brown, just to see if the primer affected blendability.  The shadows went on easily and blended beautifully.  Then I used a soft and shimmery golden brown from Stila just on the lid.  I wanted to see how layers held up, and any fallout from the sparkly shadow would give me a clear answer.  Three hours later, it's still there, and holding like a champ.

All in all, this is a winner.  The product does what it claims, and does it extremely well.  The packaging is adorable, and the price is wonderful ($18-$23, Sephora).  I have noticed with this line that a separate eye makeup remover is necessary to take it all off, but really, that just goes to prove how tough this is.  If you're looking for a good primer, give this a shot.

Oh, one more thing!  Since we're on the subject of eye makeup, here's a quick tip.  You may have already heard of this (and I can't, for the life of me, remember where I first found this), but I was in the middle of doing this today when I thought, "this is genius!  I need to share it!"

This is so easy, if you haven't heard about it, you'll probably kick yourself for not thinking of it yourself.  I know I did.  You know how mascara loves to clump up sometimes?  Even the best mascara has its off days.  Instead of using a clumsy eyelash comb, the easier (and better) route is to go with a clean, dry mascara wand.  When you run out of mascara, take the wand, clean it with eye makeup remover, and put it in your brush case.  When your mascara clumps, let it dry for a minute or so, then swipe the clean wand through your lashes.  Voila!  No more clumps, and perfectly separated lashes.  I prefer to swipe from above, twirling the wand slightly.  That seems to work the best, and keeps the curl.  So, there you go.  Problem solved!