Big Trouble in Stream of Conscious

Photo Credit: IMDb

So, last night Thomas and I were discussing how that Disney exec announced to the world that story didn't matter anymore in movie making. If you missed that, you can read all about it here. I just kind of stared at the screen for a while in stunned silence. Anyway...we both wondered what old Walt would have to say about the situation, and I mused that he probably welcomed Roy into Heaven with two questions: What the heck are they doing to my company, and were my last words really 'Kurt Russell'?

Well, that just led to a conversation about the awesomeness that is Kurt Russell, which, inevitably, led to Big Trouble in Little China. That, in turn, got me on an Asian-inspired fashion kick, which ended up with me scouring the interwebs for a cure to my craving. What I found was a cheesy but fun dress-up doll game. Yes, I'm thirty-one and too old for paper dolls and Barbie. So what? This is cool, and a lot easier on the credit card than a wardrobe upgrade. I warn you, though, it's mildly addictive as a time-waster, so proceed with caution. Now, if you'll excuse me, I want to see the blue formal with a silver hairstyle...

Boredom Buster: Design Your Own Makeup Palette

I know; I promised pictures and stories from my Disney World trip...I lied. Well, only partially. I have, like, a grand total of two decent pictures on my phone, and one of them is Thomas in a fez ('cause fezzes are cool). The rest of the pictures are on my mom's camera, and it's at her house, patiently awaiting download onto my computer tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll have stuff for you then. Key word: hopefully.

In the meantime, I ran across this little deal yesterday, and it's too good to pass up. Too Faced Cosmetics has an online exclusive: you can get one of their custom palettes (regular price, $35) for $17.50 right now, plus there's free shipping with the code travel until July 25th (which I totally missed, and am now kicking myself over).

Photo Credit: Too Faced Cosmetics

I love this palette. You get to pick a blush (pink, peach, or Sun Bunny bronzer), an eye shadow duo, and either a lip gloss, mascara, glitter eyeliner, or eye shadow primer. Then you get to customize the cover and add an optional gift message. I've been searching for some pretty pinks to break up my usual peach/bronze routine, so I opted for Pinch My Petals pink blush, Totally Toasted eye shadow duo (milk chocolate and toasted almond), and I Love Myself pink Mirror Mirror lip gloss. The cover is customized with a pink fishnet stocking background and black chandeliers, and inscribed with "Erin's Pink Palette". It's uber-girly, and completely awesome. Plus, the eye shadow alone would have run $17, so for fifty cents more, I got the blush and gloss to go with. Oh--they're also sending lipstick and lip plumper samples. It's a can't lose deal.

By the way, if you're stumped for what to put in your palette, I'd suggest Sun Bunny bronzer (it's my all-time favorite, and works great on all skin tones), George & Wheezy eye shadow (icy gold and bronze pearl), and a Lash Injection mascara. Those are great shimmery but natural colors for a glowy, polished look, and you can have it all in one place.

One more awesome thing, and then I promise to quit gushing. After I placed my order, I received a phone call from a rep at Too Faced. Seems they'd run out of the lip gloss I'd originally chosen, and rather than just randomly toss in a replacement (as so many other companies would), they called to see what I'd like in its place. That really says a lot about how they value their customers, and it's very much appreciated. $17.50, Too Faced.

**UPDATE! It appears that Too Faced has discontinued this palette. The items are still available, though, so stay tuned for a review of individual pieces. Thanks!

Cheap Tricks: Recession-Era Retail Therapy

The economy sucks. Blows. Is in the proverbial toilet. Is not my friend. However, rather than invite a political rant into my comments section, I have decided to go with the flow, embrace the present, and look for an inexpensive way to support my shopping habit. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the World's Sexiest Wholesaler!!!

(Seriously. That's what they call themselves. I wish I were making that up.)

I googled "lipgloss refills", and somehow ended up here. Not that I'm complaining. The site's a hoot. Yes, there are tons of makeup brands to choose from, ranging from LipSmackers and NYC on up to MAC and Estee Lauder, but there are also some seriously upscale clothes and accessories. Like Betsey Johnson? BCBG? Michael Kors? Juicy Couture? Nautica? Nordstrom? Calvin Klein? DKNY? Mudd? They're there, and they've brought along a lot of friends. I don't mean that there are one or two items from each brand, either. There are one thousand (1,000) items from Victoria's Secret alone. Oh, and the prices border on theft. Fifty percent off retail seems about standard.

Another cool thing about the site is that most of the items are things that aren't available in stores anymore? Miss out on that cute PINK bag? Short on cash when the MAC Disney Villains Collection debuted? Well, you just might be able to find what you're looking for here.

The site isn't fancy. Don't expect to find sizing charts, clear descriptions, or even high quality photography. This is the online equivalent of the salvage mart, but it's a fun way to kill an hour or so, and your wallet won't be too much lighter for the experience.

Another, slicker site is BeautyTicket.com. There's not as much of a variety to choose from (don't expect shoes and purses), but site is easier to navigate, and there are some how-to videos that accompany pre-packaged sets, which is nice. Here again, there are great brands (Smashbox, anyone?) at super steep discounts. You can also sign up for email alerts about sales, new arrivals, and exclusives.

Happy shopping! If you find anything cool, let us all know in the comments section.

You Learn Something New Every Day

Tropical Depression Bonnie is keeping me indoors this evening. In her honor, I thought I'd type "Tropical Storm" and "Cute" into Google and see what popped up.

Photo by Lindas Online

How precious!! The Freya Bamboo Island Short (along with two different matching tops) is available from Linda the Bra Lady for $34.99. It's a clearance sale, so sizes are limited, but there are tons of other equally darling suits on the site.

I'd never been to this particular site before, but I love that you can shop by bra size, and sizes range from 28AA to 50M!! There's also "Bra School", where you can calculate your correct size, search a style guide, solve bra problems, and learn how to properly care for your "unmentionables". I'm bookmarking this one!

Alrighty. I'm off to try to finish the laundry before the power goes out.