It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's...an Angel?

Photo Credit (All): CBS News

I'm a bad blogger. I didn't watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last night. I am so sorry.

To be fair, I had two boys in my house, and they really needed to focus on script re-writes for the next film we'd like to make. It's a great script, but there were a couple of minor details that caused some hang-ups, and they needed to be ironed out. The last thing they needed was a fashion show full of scantily-clad supermodels.

Oh--you didn't think they'd watch it?! Oh, good Lord, no! I think we can all agree that there's very little "sexy" about the VS Fashion Show. They'd be distracted by me, jumping up and down on the couch screaming, "Oh my God, that is so cute!! Thomas, look! Isn't her hair just precious?! I love those wings!! Wow!! Look at that!!"

No work would have gotten done.

So, in the interest of filmmaking, I skipped the show. I did, however, catch up with pictures this morning, and was especially intrigued by the Superhero segment. No, I did not say it was my favorite segment. In fact, it's probably my least favorite, but I did find it interesting.

The Good

1. You could see the products. Several of the other segments costumes covered the actual items found in stores. Feathers, jewels, and fountains of lace--while breathtaking--obscured the available garments to the point that I wondered why we were even bothering with a fashion show. The Superhero segment incorporated the bras and panties into the overall design, and I really appreciated that effort.

2. I thought that the choice to go with candy-colored costumes that looked as if they had been pulled off of a comic book page, instead of copying the more realistic styles found in today's movies was a smart one. By going with the more illustrated design, they avoided making the girls look like they were modeling "sassy" Halloween costumes. All in all, it was a more fashion forward decision.

The Bad

1. While the costumes were highly stylized, the girls hair and makeup were not. I understand that there's no time for that kind of change during a fashion show, but the finished look, well, wasn't. Gorgeous girls, though, so I guess being a little unpolished can be forgiven.

The Ugly

1. Unfortunately, many of the costumes just weren't as creative as they could have been. "Superhero" conjures up so many possibilities, and I felt like this was a missed opportunity. Don't get me wrong--they were very cute costumes, but just a little on the safe side. I got more of a "space-alien-sent-to-make-out-with-Kirk" kind of vibe. Maybe it's just me?

Did any of you watch? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Gift Guide: The New Mommy

For a couple of years there, I couldn't throw a stick without hitting a bride (not that I've ever run into a bride I'd like to beat with a stick, and let's stay focused, shall we?). My guest room closet has become a sort of shrine (or sepulcher) to bridesmaid dresses past, with dust-covered satin and chiffon shrouding layers of forgotten tulle and beading. Miss Haversham would feel right at home, I'll tell you that.

However, these days, the receptions and rice have segued into ultrasounds and storks as, two-by-two, all my friends change their Facebook statuses to, "We're Expecting!!" and their names to "Mommy" and "Daddy". This is a brave new world I'm entering into, and I have no idea how to handle the territory.

I have a feeling that most of you in my age bracket (25-35) are finding yourselves buying for new or soon-to-be mommies this Christmas. Am I right? One thing I have noticed is that Mommy tends to be lost in the shuffle. Everyone wants to see the newborn baby or feel Mom's tummy for a kick, and folks bring over tons of presents for the little angel. Dads get slaps on the back and congratulations, but are generally treated about the same as usual. It's just poor Mom (you know, the one doing all the work and wrecking her figure) who tends to be overlooked. This irritates me. I know I'm totally guilty of it, myself, but I'm going to work on that.

With this resolution, I give you the Gift Guide for the new/soon-to-be Mommy. These are specifically for Mommy as a woman, an individual, and a cherished part of your life. There is more to Mommy than just being "Mommy". Ask your own Mom, and I bet she'll agree.

She is Mommy. Hear her roar.

Photo Credit: Sephora

First off, hormones going crazy = skin going crazy. Give Mom a little TLC with this set from Philosophy. Purity face cleanser and Hope in a Jar moisturizer to balance things out, and Pure Grace shower gel and body lotion for a light fragrance that's not too strong for baby. $30, Sephora.

Photo Credit: diaperbags.com

Okay, technically this is for baby, but Mom's the one who has to carry it around. If you're going to have a diaper bag, you might as well have one with a little style. This is for the Mom who pushes the stroller while wearing Manolo's. Incredibly chic, and roomy enough for everything li'l bit could possible require. A little pricey, but well worth it for all the use it'll get. $127.98, diaperbags.com.

Lastly, Mom may be a mom, but she's still a woman and could probably use a little pick-me-up after all those sleepless nights (pre- and post-baby). Stuff her stocking with a gift certificate to JewelMint, so she can pick out just the right piece of jewelry to help her get back her sparkle. $29.99-$179.94, jewelmint.com.

My Own Magnetic Marvel and Some Random Observations

Months ago, I posted about this brilliant makeup magnet board I found at Laura Thoughts. Well, as it turned out, my ten year-old, might-as-well-be-blood niece (who shall remain nameless, since she Googles herself constantly) needed something to get all of her glitter lip gloss and hair ribbons up off of the floor. Guess what she's getting for Christmas!



The camera on my phone really sucks.

 Yeah, I made that. Go ahead, be impressed. I'll give you a second to take it all in.

Truth be told, once I had all of the pieces, the whole thing took maybe half an hour to put together, and that's only because I had to stop to play with all of the cute little glitter skulls and sparkly rhinestones (and you should have seen my precious husband trying to help pick out girly fabric and shiny decorations! He's a good boy, that one. I think I'll keep him).

Here's the breakdown:

• The frame and glitter spray paint were on sale at Michael's. I replaced the glass with...
• Sheet metal from Lowe's. It comes pre-cut, so I got an 18x12 to fit the frame perfectly. Then...
• The fabric was a pre-cut scrap from JoAnn's. Seriously, I never picked up scissors for this thing. Instead of using adhesive, I simply taped the fabric onto the metal so my niece can switch it out if she changes favorite colors again.
• The chain for her hair ribbons, skulls, and foam initial were also on sale at Michael's. I hot glued the skulls in place, and the chain and initial onto strong magnets from JoAnn's.
• The rhinestone accents were some I already had, and came from Michael's. They're also hot glued on.
• The End. Easy Peasy.

I won't say the total cost, because the niece's mom reads this, and also because it will vary from board to board, since not all decorations are equal. I'm just so tickled at how cute it turned out, and really hope the li'l bit likes it. If not...dibs!

In other news, recently, I've run across some items that, while I've formed definite opinions, didn't really warrant whole reviews. Considering it's stocking stuffer season, and these fit that description, I thought I'd give some nutshell overviews of a few of these products:

Urban Decay Lip Junkie: I'm currently obsessed with this product, especially the color "Naked", but there are lots of great lip glosses out there. What makes this special? Well, I looked in the mirror this morning and was actually startled at how much my lips had plumped up since I started wearing this almost daily. It is noticeably different. This is one lip plumper that really does work. And with that, I am now re-evaluating my thoughts on Bigfoot, Nessie, and the Easter Bunny. $19, Sephora.

Olay Total Effects Body Wash: Skip it. It's oily, oddly textured, and broke me out. Plus, it smells weird. Strangely, it has great reviews, but my personal experience (over several weeks) doesn't jive. $6.79, Ulta.

Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Moisturizer: Tried them both. You know what I said about the Olay? See above and save yourself some trouble. I'd never thrown away full bottles before, but there was no one I disliked enough to pawn them off on. $9.99-$14.99, Ulta. (By the way, I really like Ulta! It's just chance that the two things I didn't like could be found there! I promise!!! We just got an Ulta, and I may move into it!!)

Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara: This is really cool. Because the brush has adjustable lengths, you get three mascaras in one. You can use the long brush for volume, shorten it for length, or use both for length and volume. Ingenious, and with the same great Buxom formula and pigmentation you've grown to love. $22, Sephora.

Lastly, Blogger has decided that I don't have permission to comment on my own blog. I guess I did something wrong, and I'm being grounded. Well, I won't stand for it! I'm rebelling and sharing my comments right here! So there!

Christine: Welcome aboard! I'm so glad you're enjoying the blog, and bless your heart for thinking I'm funny! I hope you enjoy your Unii palette, just please make sure to keep a tissue folded in it. It'll help with shifting during travel, and will also keep dust off the mirror.

Noniek: I really wanted to do some swatches, but the lighting I had to deal with was so bad (as evidenced by the photos I did take) that it seemed pointless. I do plan to go back and add some, though, so please check back soon!

Alrighty! I think that makes up for the long weekend, wouldn't you say?! I hope everyone had a fabulous Turkey Weekend. Stick around for some holiday ideas and gift guides!

Worth No Sleep and Crazy Crowds: Stila Glitz and Glam Palette

A few weeks ago, I found myself impulse buying a makeup palette. This, for the record, is not something I generally do. I'm a research, look at it, hem and haw, look at it again, research some more, justify the heck out of it, and eventually go back and get it, if it's still there and has gone on sale kind of girl. However, this was just too good to pass up: a Stila mini palette with four plummy shadows, neutral blush, highlighter, and full-sized lip glaze for $14. How could that get any better?!
It could go on sale for $10. That's how.

Figures. Anyhoo, the Stila Glitz and Glam palette is part of Sephora's Black Friday sale, and I'm going to cut to the chase and recommend it. I've used mine several times and received some really nice compliments. That's the short. Here's the long:

Packaging: The palette is constructed of heavy-duty cardboard (think: Golden Book) and opens to reveal a small mirror and instruction guide on one side, and products on the other. The entire setup is the size of my DROID, and fits neatly in a purse. Lip Glaze packaged separately in a click pen. I hate click pens, but that's just me.

The four shadows are large, and blush and highlighter are similar in size to a CoverGirl compact. My only gripe is that the blush and darker shadows are so close together that I have accidentally ended up with purple cheeks, so be careful. 7 out of 10.

Products: The shadows (champagne, rose gold, plummy fawn, and dark grape) are sheer, but nicely pigmented and silky, and work together beautifully. There is some shimmer, but not enough glitter to make this too teenybopper or inappropriate for the workplace. Heck, I wore these to church last week and got more compliments there than anywhere else.

The blush (dusty rose) is also very sheer, and pale as I am, I have to pile it on. However, the built up color is stunning. The highlighter is colorless, but imparts a subtle sparkle to applied areas.
Lastly, the raisin lip glaze, while my least favorite of the group due to it's stickiness, is a lovely deep crimson that can be applied lightly or deepened, depending on the occasion. The overall effect of the set is sophisticated and elegant. 8 out of 10.

Wearability: Overall, this is a gorgeous set, but you will need to do a bit more than the included directions let on. Obviously, you'll need foundation and powder, but I'd also recommend a black or deep purple shadow liner, top and bottom, and black mascara, top and bottom. I also like to add a little contouring to my cheek bones with a light bronzer.

With or without the additions, this is an immensely wearable set; appropriate enough for holiday parties or Christmas Mass. The colors also work well alone. You're getting a lot for your tenner, that's for sure. 9 out if 10.

Final Verdict: 8.7. You'd be crazy to pass this up.

UPDATE: These are super sheer, so they don't show up too well on camera, sorry to say. That, and I suck at photography. Also, sorry to say. From left to right: Glitz (good luck finding it), Glam, Glitter, Glow, Amore blush, and Illuminate highlighter (again, good luck finding it). 

Crazycakes-A-Thon Might Be More Appropriate

Reasons for the term "Black" Friday:
1. It's the day (weekend? Week? Month?) when retailers try to get back "in the black."
2. It's the most dreaded day of the year for folks who work anywhere near a mall or shopping center.
3. It's the color the sky will be when my mother and I line up to get into whatever sale we decide upon.
4. It's also the color of the very strong coffee I will require to survive the day.

God help us all.

Yep, Mom and I decided to brave the fray and head to the early morning sales this year. Alcohol must have been involved in the making of this decision. Well, I say that, but my brother wants (really!) to come along, and he's only thirteen, so he'd better have been sober. Oh, holy hand grenade, what were we thinking?

All joking aside, though, I'm really looking forward to going. It'll be like the Gilmore Girls (and an itty bitty Luke) do Black Friday. And, somewhere along the way, Thomas is planning to catch up with us, so we'll have a real family outing, and that's what holidays are all about, right? So, stock the fridge with frappuccinos, set all the alarms to butt-crack of dawn, and join me in scouting out some fun sales!

Beauty.com: Wanna stay home and still catch some deals? Get a gorgeous Erickson Beamon makeup bag stuffed with tons of deluxe samples--and a couple of full-sized items--with any $100 purchase.

Sephora: Online and in stores (not inside JC Penney, sorry), you can get 10 pretty darn nice items for 10 bucks each. A list is available on the facebook page. I'm making my list and checking it twice.

Ulta: Check out this leaked sale paper for some serious scores! Stores open at 6am.

Bath and Body Works: This is one of my favorites each year. For $20 with any $40 purchase, you can get a really cute black tote bag (zebra lined!) filled with over $100 worth of full-sized products!! Not to be missed! Enter code VIP11 at online checkout, or pick one up in store.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some coffee to set up on an IV drip.

It's the Holidays, and We're All In Misery

Ah, the holidays! That lovely time of year for being with the ones you love, feasting on all of your favorite foods, parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and cleaning until having your fingers actually fall off could be seen as a blessing. That last part is how I spent the first half of my day.

You see, I really want to spend this weekend decorating for Christmas. In order to do that, the house has to be somewhat livable, and after today, I have no more opportunities to even straighten up before Saturday. It was do or die, so I did. Now, I'm so tired I could die.

I hand scrubbed floors, deep cleaned the carpets, did the toilets, the tub; vacuumed, dusted, and magic erased everything in sight. If the parakeet had stood still long enough, I'd probably have febreezed her, too. In the words of Zelda Rubinstein, "this house is clean."

My skin hurts now. I mean, we're talking chapped hands and screaming fingernails, and my overall point in this post. Holidays require work, and it can take its toll. Wanna not be miserable? I've got another survival guide for you that should help. After all, all the makeup in the world can't make up for unhappy skin.

1. Smith's Rosebud Salve in a Tube. $6, Sephora. Angry cuticles, painfully chapped lips, or (in a pinch) a ring that refuses to budge after too much salt, this cosmetic equivalent of duct tape'll fix you right up.

2. Philosophy Great Skin Is In. $65, Sephora. You have to keep your skin clean, moisturized, and happy, and the best way to do that is with a daily routine that's easy to follow and gives results. This set has your cleanser, anti-aging treatment, and moisturizer all in one neat package.

3. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. $12-$28, Sephora. I blogged about this last year, but it really should be a staple in your medicine cabinet. Razor burn, weather (or cleanser) chapped hands, or rough heels, from your forehead to your toes, this non-greasy moisturizer can make it all better.

4. Bath and Body Works Shea Infused Lounge Socks. $7.50, Bath and Body Works. Soften feet and are toasty warm. Sometimes, you just need to relax a bit to feel good as new. Happy holidays, folks!

Gift Guide: Travelin' Man

My friend Chris says he reads this blog. Let's find out, shall we? (Hi, Chris!)

Chris started a new job recently, and it requires quite a bit of travel. Luckily, he's loving every minute of it, so I decided to put this gift guide together to celebrate his happiness with the new job. Also, I watched a re-run of Quantum Leap the other night, and this song--one of my all-time faves, believe it or not--was playing, and it's been stuck in my head ever since. You could view this as a way of exorcising it from my brain. Or not. Up to you.

In the spirit of Frugal Friday (yeah, I know, I posted that yesterday. Sue me), and an attempt to cut down on any shipping costs, all items are available at Walmart for either free site-to-store shipping, or low home delivery costs. If you're like me, every penny counts these days, so I try to help where I can.

Please note, this post is for the boys! So often, what's posted here is completely female-centric (it is a beauty blog written by a woman, so I guess that makes sense), but since it's the holiday season, I thought it might be nice to thake a minute or two to think about the special guys in our lives: husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and, of course, friends. At least, the ones you haven't throttled on Thanksgiving, anyway. They get something much nicer...moving on!

Photo Credit (All): Walmart

1. Travelon toiletry case. I love this case. First off, there is nothing even slightly girly about it. It's red, heavy duty, and made to take a beating (I'm looking at you, baggage claim). On top of that, it hangs up on the bathroom, so you don't have to waste any of that precious counter space in the minuscule hotel bathroom. Best of all, it's built so that bottles can sit upright. I can't tell you how many spilt bottles I've had to clean up after. Heck, I may get one if these for myself. $29.99.

2. Axe gift bundle. Well, you have to have something to put in the case, right? This pack comes with body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body spray, and deodorant in your choice of scents (I like Cool Metal because, well, it looks like liquid metal). There's also a detailer and seven music downloads. $20.

3. Kensington noise-canceling headphones. What better to listen to those downloads with? After my last plane ride, I vowed to never again travel without my own headphones, and these even come with an airplane jack. Happy trails! $39.88.
 

Frugal Friday: I Will Survive (the Holidays)!

We're doing Frugal Friday a day early this week, in the hopes that I can post the gift guide tomorrow (with pictures!), and also because you'll want to check this out as early as possible: Sephora is previewing their $10 Black Friday exclusives on their Facebook page TOMORROW! Beauty Junkies, start your engines!

Now, I have no earthly idea what will be on sale, but I do know that the imminent holiday season means parties, events, and tons of those God-forsaken atrocities known as candid photos. Dear Lord, I hate those things. In other words, it's Christmas, so get your game face on. Literally.

To help, I've put together a list of some must-have items for your holiday survival kit. After all, it's much easier to deal with crazy family and crazier crowds if you don't have to worry about looking like you just escaped the crazy farm.

1. Benefit That Gal. I know I've preached the wonders of this before, but it's just so awesome that I'm going to keep preaching. This is a luminizing primer-and a darn good one, at that-BUT you can also pat it OVER makeup to add a subtle glow and a little extra smudge-proofing. $29, Sephora.

2. Benefit Boi-ing. This bills itself as industrial strength concealer, and, boy, is it ever! Dab a little on with a finger or brush, and you're set. True story: my husband noticed when I switched to this. Really. $19, Sephora.

3. Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden. Yes, we've discussed this before, but, again, it bears mentioning. This comes in several colors, but my all-time pick is Eden because matte ivory is always appropriate. You can layer shadow over it, use it as a shadow, or even layer UNDER concealer for a little extra coverage. It's beyond must-have. $19, Sephora.

4. Urban Decay Lip Junkie in Midnight Cowboy. This is a nude, sparkle-filled gloss that looks like vinyl and feels like butter. Mild plumpers perfect your pout, while the minty flavor freshens your breath. Keep it in your purse to always look polished. $19, Sephora.

5. Couture Color Pequi Oil. A few drops of this tames flyaways and adds shine. Another great product to keep in the purse. $12, Sephora.

Soo-EE! I Like a Pig With Style!

This showed up in my email this morning:

Photo Credit (All): MAC Cosmetics

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I don't know about you, but I needed that laugh this morning. Of course, Miss Piggy should have her own products at MAC! She's a glamorous movie star with a highly-anticipated film set to roll-out nationwide next week, and can you name a bigger diva? I mean, besides Lady Gaga, who already has her own Viva Glam deal at MAC? Yeah, I couldn't either. 

It's not a full line, but the fine swine has a cute little collection that includes false lashes 36 ($15), a Penultimate eyeliner in Rapidblack ($17.50), and her very own Miss Piggy Pink eyeshadow ($15). There's no special packaging, but the shadow is a mid-tone blue pink, and supposedly (according to MAC, anyway), "the universe's most perfectly pink eye shadow." Moi recommends checking it out, s'il vous plait. 

P.S. Currently working on an upcoming Gift Guide. Here's a hint: Based on a 1961 Ricky Nelson song that has been stuck in my head since watching a rerun of Quantum Leap. Give me your best guess in the comments, and stay tuned!

Why I Never Take Off...

Wouldn't you know it? I finally get Blogger up and running, and I don't have time to use it! Blast!

You see, I ran away from home yesterday. Just up and took off. I headed for the outlet mall about 45 minutes outside of town, and wandered aimlessly for several hours. Didn't buy much (hello! Broke!), but cleared my head and enjoyed being outside for a bit.

However...that has left me with an enormous amount of catch up work to do today. I have a couple of ideas for gift guides, but no time to put them together! So, please, stay tuned and keep on the look out for new posts very, very soon. Hopefully, I can pull one together today. In the meantime, let me know if there are any gift guides you would like to see, and I'll try very hard to make that happen.

Thanks!
Erin

Frugal Fridays: Mobile Edition!

I am now blogging from my phone. This should prove interesting, to say the least. For instance, autocorrect changed blogging to clogging ...yikes.

Anyhoo, I have some fab deals for you today!

From 11:11 this morning, for 11 hours and 11 minutes, e.l.f. will ship any order over $11.11 for $1.11. The holiday collection this year is called 24kt, and features pretty gold packaging and tools. I highly recommend checking it out.

Now through Monday, Fredericks of Hollywood has 50% off all clearance and 20% off all corsets. There are some really cute party dresses (among other things) at ridiculously low prices right now.

Lastly, Jewelmint has started a daily deal that can be found in their blog. Today's is a matching ring, earring, and bracelet set for 30% off with the code WONDER30.

Happy Veteran's Day!! Take a minute today to hug, thank, or give a thought to those who risk everything for our freedom. Have a great weekend!

Gift Guide: The Stylist

As I type, I'm wearing shredded jeans, an old gray t-shirt, almost zero makeup, and holey ancient Skechers, Batman. Oh--and my hair is a total mess that wouldn't even stay in a clip.

I know you want me...*sigh*

I'm probably the last person on the planet who should be writing about beauty and fashion, right now. Normally, I'm slightly more together than this (key word: slightly), but this morning I had to go help some sound technicians set levels at the Church because we nearly killed the parishoners with feedback at 8 am Mass last Sunday, and...well, that's another story, nevermind. The point is, whether or not I practice what I preach, I do know a thing or two about what works and what doesn't, and you know what doesn't work? Disorganization. When your closet is so cluttered that you don't even know what you have, how can you put together a top-notch outfit?

Says the girl whose shoe rack, literally, imploded yesterday. *sigh*

If you have a friend, relative, significant other--whatever--who's a bit of a fashionista, I've got a couple of gift ideas that will keep their designer duds in tip top form.

1) This Whitmor Chrome Supreme shoe rack holds up to fifty pairs of shoes or shoeboxes, and can roll wherever they need it to go. This is *not* the shoe rack that currently litters the floor of my closet, by the way. $69.95, Amazon.

2) I actually own this makeup case, and can attest to its awesomeness. Durable, roomy, with adjustable dividers for customized organization. This is also about as large a case as you can get without wheels. I'm planning to order a second one after Christmas for Fighting Owl Films growing makeup supply. This can easily accomodate all of our greasepaints, effects makeup, hair supplies, and a squeeze bottle of blood. 'Cause, we all need that. Right? $49.38, Overstock.

3) Now, here's a jewelry organizer that I haven't tried, but the design is ingenious. This is a thin mesh panel that can be hung up pretty much anywhere. Earrings can either hang on the front, or be stored in rolls at the bottom. Rings also stash in the roll, and necklaces and bracelets dangle from hooks. No counter or dresser space required! $19.99, Bed Bath and Beyond.

P.S. There were pictures. They were really nice. Blogger ate them.

It's Time To Meet the Muppets

Photo Credit: All Lacquered Up

I am in so much trouble.

I thought it was bad when I realized I could use Sephora.com on my phone. Then, I thought it couldn't get any worse when the J.C. Penney across from my apartment added a mini-Sephora. I was wrong.

A great, big, shiny, gorgeous, brand-spanking-new Ulta opened up at the mall. It's walking distance from my door. No good can come of this.

Case in point: guess what's brand new, and only mere feet away--Muppet nailpolish from OPI! That's right; MUPPETS!!!!!!!!!! And it's all glittery!!!!! I am going to be so unbelievably broke...

The shades (everything from neutral bronze and safe berries on to blue, green, and rainbow confetti) carry names like "Warm and Fozzie", "Meep-Meep-Meep", "Excuse Moi", and "Rainbow Connection". Check out OPI's website to virtually try-on the colors and find retailers near you.