in and out... (2)

Time for an update!

IN:

1.) 8 hours of sleep.
Remember when we thought naptime was totally unnecessary? Oh, how I long for those days once more...

2.) Oreo cookies.
Um, not the whole package... but one or two really can sweeten the day!

3.) Friends/Family.
Never forget the preciousness of connection with another. I wouldn't trade my relationships with my siblings and my bffs for the world!

4.) Robot Chicken.
It's so damn tasteless, but I can't look away. Inappropriate is sometimes hilarious! Sometimes...

5.) Personal style.
There's nothing like improving on or learning how to really wear your clothes and not let the clothes wear you.

6.) Hair pins.
Once I learned how to use these, I found that they hold my hair in all the right places.

7.) Fall!
I'm so excited for changing leaves, carving pumpkins, boots, sweaters, and Thanksgiving (it's my favorite).

8.) Fresh contacts.
I love when I get my new prescription for contacts each year. Not only can I see better (#1 priority!), but it's nice to take a break from the glasses every once in a while.


OUT:

1.) Laundry.
No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get rid of it all. Ugh!

2.) Dentist appointments.
I'm long overdue for a visit. Clean teeth are great... Hands in and out of my mouth? Not so much.

3.) Flat tires.
I had a nail in mine the other day. Interesting how something so tiny created a problem so huge! Lucky for me, a handsome and helpful cutie pie volunteered to help. Don't get me wrong. I'm no "damsel in distress", but I'll be the first to admit I did not know what I was doing! Hats off to self-sufficent, tire changing ladies round the globe...


The pros still outweigh the cons! Woo-hoo! ;)

i know why the caged bird sings.

Okay, not only is this post's title one of my favorite books (by one inspirational woman, i might add...), but I thought it also described today's photos wonderfully. Except... no singing for me! I wouldn't want to subject any of you to that torture, ha ha! Lately, I have been loving my look. Experimenting with photography has been some of the most fun. I think we could all use a little more self-love, no?

Dress: Dots $9
Belt: ?
Sandals: gifted by the bf (...he's got great taste!)
Earrings: another gift... from mom.
Glasses: true prescription.

♥

aren't we all?

I thought this photo summed it up for us recessionistas...

...need I say anymore? ♥

wanna know what I'm using right now?

Even if you don't, I'm STILL gonna tell ya! ;)

This stuff is all cosmetics right now. I'll update on the bath/body products later...

Primer: Skindinavia T-Zone Makeup Primer. This stuff is AWESOME. It goes on so smooth and creamy; non-greasy and long wearing for combo/oily skin. I found it hiding on an Ulta clearance rack for like $4.89 one day and our fate was sealed. However, I have hit pan on it and did a little research for more on their website... this stuff is like $35, y'all!!! And, it's only 0.5 fl oz. I love, love, love but I probably won't be repurchasing any time soon. If anyone has a good suggestion for a replacement, please email!

Foundation: Maybelline 24 Hr Superstay Foundation in Caramel. I personally like this new foundation. Expect a review soon.

Concealer: Black Radiance Perfect Blend Concealer in Walnut. It comes with a dark and a light shade for premium blending. Personal tip: A little water on your brush goes a long way when applying...

Powder: CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder in Translucent Honey. Ever notice how translucent powders for women of color are never REALLY translucent?? Ha! I do like this though. Sometimes, I even skip the foundation but lightly dust my face anyway. It keeps me oil-free and fresh looking.

Bronzer: Napoleon Perdis Liquid Veil in Buenos Aires. Just the tiniest bit is all you need.

Highlighter: I have a few, just none I'm using at the moment.

Blush: Wet N Wild Silk Finish Blush in Berry Shimmer. You pay $2.99 for some nice pigmentation... check out my previous post on this.

Eyeshadow Base: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin. At first I didn't like this, because it had color in it. Why did I get it then? It was the only one left in Sephora and I didn't really notice the different tone of the bottle until I got home. I thought it was special edition packing too, so my dumb butt opened it up! I've finally gotten used to it, though. It's really nice for highlighting your inner eye corner when you aren't wearing any other shadows, but works just as well as regular UDPP when you do.

Eyeshadows: Model Co. in Ibiza, Palladio Herbal Eyeshadow in Black Raven and Sally Girl Eyeshadow in Cranberry ($1!).

Eyeliner: NYX Felt Tip Eyeliner in Jet Black. The felt tip is great! It works just like a marker pen. For me, the color comes out just right, without being too harsh.

Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast in Black Brown for those "natural" days. I've been having quite a few of those lately...

Lip Conditioner: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Stick. Two words: lasts forever.

Lipstick: If I even wear any, Sonia Kashuk's Luxury Lip Color in Sheer Champagne is a good choice. It goes on nice and smooth, and there's a nice color payoff too. Basically, it's a pretty nude with a hint of sparkle; no drying out either!

Lipgloss: Bonnebell Cherry Berry Kiss... until it fell out of my pocket and broke today. Boo...

Nail Polish: Ulta Nail Laquer in Pink-a-Boo. Don't you just love the name? That and the light pink tone won me over!

Overall, I don't think I have paid more than $10 for any of these products...

What are some of the products you've been using? When was the last time you fished through your makeup to determine your favorites?

Figure out what you like best by using your own products to fill in the blanks.
Happy Wednesday! ♥

...then she told me these shoes didn't go with this outfit.

I just wanted to post a few pictures of the day. I've been wanting to test my abilities in throwing some outfits together, so here goes...

I felt tough, but sweet in this! And these shoes have got to be some of the most comfortable in the WORLD!

Tank: Walmart $4

Jacket: ....?

Skirt: Fashion Bug $4.88

Shoes: Anne Michelle $10

Belt: Dots $5

Bracelet: Target $1

♥ 

chai tea vs. tai chi

Just wanted to throw in a few pictures from the day...

Top: IDK?!

Shorts: Walmart ($3!!!!)

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Ring: H&M

Bag: Chinese Laundry @ TJ Maxx... it was like $15!

Was feeling very mellow for the day... Whoever said it wasn't easy being green??? ;)

two! count 'em, TWO fabulously frugal finds!

Guess what I found? Give up? No worries... I'm gonna tell ya! I went to Target and Walgreens and procured some sweet stuff. I went to Ulta to see if they had the powder blush I wanted and was sorely disappointed. That trip was a total bust! So, I stumbled into Walgreens to peruse their makeup aisle instead. I didn't see anything worth trying until I was on my way out. I noticed their Wet N' Wild display and decided to take a look at their blushes. None had ever really caught my eye before now. I saw one in Berry Shimmer for $2.99 and thought, "What's the harm?" Take a look...

This stuff was well worth the $3!!! It's SO pigmented and has incredible staying power! It complemented my skintone well and had just the right amount of sparkle to catch the sunlight. Saying I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. My point? Don't judge a blush by its price. Go check them out for yourselves! Given some of the other blushes I have tested, this stuff is about as pigmented as Nars. When I say pigmented, one light-handed tap may be a little too much color, so go easy. If it's not for you, who can really complain over the amount spent? Not even me, and I'll admit... I'm a cheapie.

After Walgreen's I zipped on over to Target to get some necessities (Ick... necessities usually don't include the fun stuff!). Anyways, I stumbled across their cosmetics clearance and looky what I found...

Okay, okay. Maybe I didn't "stumble" persay. It was more like a deliberate detour in that direction. Still, I got the Napoleon Perdis Liquid Veil in Buenos Aires Bronze 03. This stuff is AWESOME! It's supposed to be for those who want a little color to go a long way. Boy, does it ever! I used mine as a highlighter to bring a nice, healthy glow to my face. You still don't know the best part though...I got it for $3.50! Now if that isn't frugal AND fabulous, I just don't know what is! I'll let these pics speak for themselves. What do you think?

I guess I'm a little curious. What do you think is on that clearance rack (or affordable display) just waiting for you to scoop up? You may want to take a look! ;)