Favorite Make-Up Products

For the last year or so, I have been on a quest to find my "holy grail" in make-up and skincare products. While I'm still working on creating and retaining a proper skincare routine, I have found some of my favorite make-up stuffs and I'm excited to share it on Lauren and Bre's new link-up! Add it To My List will be a monthly installment of recommendations on anything you want- button below to see others' recommendations! Now on to the cosmetics!

[sorry for crappy photo]

Old Faves

Urban Decay Naked (original)- every color I could possibly need and lasts forever. 

Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion- obviously the best, tried and true. A little bit packs a punch.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil- I received a set as a Christmas present and never looked back. It's a little hard to remove, which is just a testament for how well it stays on for the long haul. 

Maybelline Define-A-Lash- It would be hard to convince me that any brand is better than Maybelline for mascara. This one is my fave because it doesn't clump and makes my lashes look super long. I strive for length more than volume. 

MAC blush in Flirt and Tease [discontinued]- I stocked up on this on Ebay when I found out it got discontinued, as it is one of the few shades that looks good on me without being overwhelming. 

Smashbox Lash DNA [discontinued]- volume and length for dayssss, but it did get a bit clumpy. It was fine if I used one of those eyelash separator things. 

New Additions

Burt's Bees lipstick in Scarlet Soaked: I love the color and creamy texture. It's also quite moisturizing, but tends to bleed. Works well with...

NYX Wonder Pencil: I forgot where I heard about this one, but it's supposed to conceal blemishes, stop lipstick from bleeding and fading, and brighten eyes if used as an eyeliner on the waterline. I've never used it as a concealer, but it's great used as a neutral lip and eye liner. It stays put throughout the day without drying out your lips which was a huge deal for me because I love creamier lipsticks. 

Covergirl Queen Collection Stay Luscious lipstick in Passion: I received this in an Influenster box and was skeptical that the bright color was too bright. I don't wear a lot of lipstick and when I do, I tend to stick to more subdued shades but this pink-red would work well on just about any skin tone. It's not sticky and stays on well through multiple cups of coffee or wine, you pick. 

NYX Studio Effect Photo-Loving Primer: I've never used a primer before, so I wanted to start with a clear one that was inexpensive but also had solid reviews. (Also, Jill recommended it on Steph's blog, so I knew it had to be good.) 

Rimmel soft kohl eyeliner: Goes on smoothly, and stays there. What more do you really need from an eyeliner? I always keep this in my bag for on the go touch ups. 

Smith's Rosebud Salve: I don't know what took me so long to try this stuff, especially since I love the smell of roses, but I love it. It actually acts more like a lip treatment for me especially in winter when my lips tend to crack and chap fairly often. And a small tin lasts for a really, really long time.

Sephora Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer: I love the gel-to-powder formula and the sponge-tip applicator because it makes it easier to apply without going overboard.  It's lightweight, blends well, and covers and brightens dark under eye circles. And they have a large selection of shades to match any skin tone.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (not pictured): I hardly ever wear foundation because I don't like the idea of covering my entire face with something and I feel like I'm wearing a mask. Also I feel like it gets on everything, and since I don't wear it often, I'm always touching my face when it's on. But if I do wear it, I like the shades and feel of this one. It also blends easily.

Favorite Dupes:
E.L.F. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer- Picked this up because I didn't want to pay for the UD one. It doesn't work as well, but a solid back up for $2. 

E.L.F. Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Please- I forgot my coveted Naked palette when I headed to VA for a wedding. For reference, the colors are comparable to Virgin, Toasted, and Dark Horse from the Naked palette. (Website says online only, but it's available in just about any drugstore.)

What are some of your tried and true make up favorites? 

Three on Thursday

Stealing a page from Steph's blog, here are three things I'm loving/recommendations I'm making this week: 

1. Team Adidas Originals Men's Adi Racer Low Goodyear Sz 6 Driving Black Shoes (Rare). Yes, you read that correctly; technically, they're men's sneakers. But they are awesome. I bought these bad boys on Ebay *as new* for $40 after my old faves crapped out on me and they no longer make them. (Similar here.) I may get these for summer, but since they're on Amazon there's no rush.

 

2.  Town House Flatbread Crisps in Tomato, Basil, and Mozzerella. Purchased these on a whim, could not stop eating them. Typically I'm not a snacker, so that's definitely saying something. Also, I just figured out that I'm more into savory than sweets. 

3. Create 365's Happy Planner Mini. Several years ago, I had a planner that I loved and bought it every year for about 5 years, at which point they unceremoniously discontinued them. I loved them because they came in every color imaginable, had a faux leather cover, and included a subway map which was super helpful since I was working in NYC at the time and am directionally challenged. (Edit: Ok, apparently they started selling them again, but now they're goatskin and come in only 2 colors. Lame.) Then I went the full-blogger route and purchased the Paper Plum Design Planners for two years. Though I liked it the sturdy cover, personalization, pockets, and allthespace, I found it was too big and heavy to carry around on my commute, so I often just left it at work. Not so helpful. I think I first heard of these on Donna's blog, and upon seeing it in person, purchased it immediately. I love it. It's small enough to carry with me everywhere and has enough space to jot down everything I need (including meal plans/food diary, post ideas and some financial stuff). I chose the horizontal layout but they have vertical one as well if that's more your style. The best part? You can add to it as needed! Want to add a finance or fitness tracker? They have inserts for them, and online tutorials for how to make your own! Also, right now they're only $10 (and there's a 40% off coupon on the Michael's website.) Double win! 

What are some things you're loving lately? 
Linking up with Kristin! 

2016 Highlights // Word of the Year // Small Goals

First, some highlights from last year:

+ I visited 5 new places: Asbury Park, NJ, Williamsburg, VA, Key West/Islamorada/South Beach, Jim Thorpe, PA and my birthday trip and one I've been wanting to visit for years, New Orleans!

Key West, FL in March

+ I lost my job,... and got a new one! That in itself has made this year trying, but I'm so grateful to have been given a new position and a new challenge.

+ I saw two Cirque du Soleil shows (Kurios: A Cabinet of Curiosities and Paramour), Stevie Nicks with Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders, Kevin Griffin (from Better than Ezra),  the Go Go's, Weezer and Panic! At the Disco, Fitz and the Tantrums, Sara Bareilles, Whitney Cummings, and The Boss (Bruce Springsteen).

+ I kept up traditions: Met/Phillies game, San Gennaro Festival, NJ State Fair, Renaissance Faire, blogger day(s), Surf Taco after beach days, annual camping trip and annual Halloween party.

NY Renn Faire 2016

+ I tried new things, like hijacking other people's Ubers, hitchiking, and line dancing with Christmas midgets.

+ New foods of note: gumbo, jambalaya, grits, turtle and alligator soup, seafood cioppino, piecaken, and limoncello cheesecake.

gumbo, jambalaya, and "dirty rice" and beans

+ I got my craft on with a cork wreath, painted wine glasses and a double/couple's canvas. I went to my first hockey game in 20 years! And became a fan of the NY Rangers.

+ I celebrated two graduations, 2 weddings, a lot of birthdays, and the birth of my friend's baby boy

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Word Of The Year: Choice

I've never had a word of the year, but I've been thinking of this particular word since around October. My mom kept mentioning it to me. "Remember, it's up to you; you have a choice." And then I started exercising that choice. I said no to things that felt like obligations but that I didn't want to or have to do. I said yes to spending more time and energy deciding what I wanted to and where I wanted to be and who deserved my time and resources. And you know what? It really did help to change my mindset about a lot of things, so I want to keep that word in mind for the rest of the year. 

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Small Goals for January

I mentioned before that I don't like the term resolutions. I like doing quarterly/seasonal goals because I feel like I have more time to complete them but those are more like seasonal bucket list items and they usually stay the same for each season. (For instance, I want to go to a baseball game in baseball season, and I always want to go to concerts/fairs/etc.) I stopped doing monthly goals because I felt like a failure if I forgot about them or didn't do them, but I'm bringing it back. So here are a few small goals for this month:

• Track spending and reassess my budget (and no shopping with the exception of some calf-fitting black boots)

• Power down by 10 (the latest!) and read before bed

• Do it now. I'm terrible at reading a message and thinking "I'll reply later" or missing a call and thinking "I'll call them later" and then later comes and goes, weeks go by and I forget completely and when I finally remember it's embarrassingly late. This has to end. Trying to remember things like that is taxing and actually adds unnecessary stress, whereas if I just do it now, I won't have to remember and it probably takes like three seconds. (Adopted from Amanda.) 

• Clean out at least one closet

• Create and maintain a daily/nightly skin routine. I'm thinking exfoliate twice a week, and mask at least once a week. Still trying to figure it out. 

What's your favorite memory from 2016? 

Do you have a word for 2017? 

Linking up with Writes Like a Girl and Kristin. 

Currently: January

Reading: One for the Money- Janet Evanovich for Erin's Reading Challenge 6.0! I really want to read my books this year, so 5 of them for the challenge are ones I already own.

Watching: I finished The OA on Netflix over the holidays. I have SO MANY QUESTIONS! Has anyone watched it? Please share your thoughts!

Listening to: a lot of Spotify. I caved and purchased Premium (99 cents for 3 months- how could I not?!). Really digging Fitz and the Tantrums Radio, which updates weekly with upbeat tunes. Two recent faves: Fresh Eyes- Andy Grammar and Fingertips- Leo Kaylan

Burning: Mahogany Teakwood from BBW. It's a heavier scent that I can best describe as smelling like men's cologne.

Eating: leftover spaghetti with meatballs (last night). Coincided nicely with National Spaghetti Day. 

Gathering: recipes! One of my goals for this year is to get back into cooking (something I've just stopped doing around,... mid-October maybe?). I got the Budget Bytes Cookbook for Christmas and I'm revisiting my food-related Pinterest boards in an attempt to find some enticing dinner ideas. So far I've only eaten leftovers (uh, cleaning out my freezer?), but I did finally go grocery shopping and made a meal plan for next week! Baby steps.

Writing: to do lists, a revised weekly schedule of what I want to do at home each day, and posts! Expect to see a 2016 Recap, Favorite Make-up/Beauty of 2016, and a New Orleans recap soon! 

Making: space. I did a lot of organizing/cleaning/purging over the break, but I'd like to do some more, particularly in my closet. I was able to create this little reading nook in my bedroom though, which has become one of my new favorite spots.

imagine a fluffy throw blanket over one side

Sipping: red wine, as I do in the winter.

Following: not a whole lot lately. I took a break from social media last month (except IG and a couple of random posts here),  but I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. I started following a few new-to-me blogs in the last week though. Shooting Stars Mag, Nesting Nomad, My Pixie Blog (another NJ native!), and Write Like a Girl to name a few.

Resolving: I don't really like the term "resolutions." I make quarterly goals (more like a seasonal bucket list) and 101 in 1001 goals. There are a few key goals I'd like to reach this year though, like overhaul my finances in general and track my spending this month, save more money, pay off a student loan, and get rid of excessive "stuff" in my apt.

What's currently new with you?

Linking up with Anne, Kristen, Gretch, and Kristin!

December Stuff and Things

I haven't done weekend updates in awhile, but the last two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind. Here's what's been happening in my world.

Last week my good friend M treated me to a wine glass painting class for my birthday. I was thrilled because it was different than the usual canvas style and, ya know, wine. It was awesome to have some one-on-one girl time and catch up. Fun fact: I used to have an Etsy store where I sold my own painted wine glasses before it became a "thing."

Over the weekend M and her hubs invited us over for Christmas tree decorating and dinner followed by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Blue and I got spoiled with a syrup set, decorative night lights (2, one for each apt), plug-ins, and dish towels which is apparently a tradition for them. 

You know what NOT to get vegans for Christmas? Cashmere scarves, which I realized were animal-based while en route to their apartment for tree decorating and dinner. I'm scrambling to find something to deliver now. And because I just found this list last night, I'm sharing this last minute gift guide. Procrastinators can still get Christmas presents online in time for Christmas! Yay for technology (and Amazon Prime).

I thought the movie was awesome, particularly the last third. The ending was perfect. M disagreed. If you're considering seeing it, just know that you don't need to have seen any of the other Star Wars to understand this one. 

On Monday we had our office Christmas party. I was super excited because in my last department, all we ever did were potlucks in the conference room (if anything). I was super excited because this dept rented out a bar for several hours complete with catered food/drinks, games and giveaways- and I won a Chromecast! Woot! Now I just need to figure out how to use it and what to do with my Roku. 

The morning back from my vacation, my boss told me that I would be filling in for our telecommunications person as she was going to be out on medical leave for 3 months. I moved from the basement to her office. The view is much better here- I forgot how nice it is to have windows again. And it's my first time in my own office, even if it is temporary. It's a lot of trouble shooting and my brain hurts by the end of the day but I like being back in the main office where all the action happens (for the most part).

Friday night goals: 

For now, I'm sitting by the yule log YouTube video with my Spotify Christmas playlist and praying this day goes quickly and smoothly.

How are you celebrating the holiday?

Christmas Wishlist 2016

Happy Wednesday friends! I've been falling off the wagon with blogging lately, and even though my birthday was two weeks ago and Christmas is in only 6 days (!!!), I'd figure I'd share some of the things that are on my wish list.  Of course, any and all gifts are welcome, but "I'll tell ya what I want, what I really, really want!" 

Big Ticket Item: Photo Printer. 

One that connects to my phone, so I can just plug my phone in and boom! Full color photos come out. My mom is forever complaining that I "never have any pictures" which is entirely true since I don't use a "regular" camera anymore; I take photos with my phone. Also, I kind of miss the whole idea of looking through photo albums/scrapbooks. And I always say "Oh, I'll just make one online" but I never do. 

Other Big Ticket Item: iLife vaccuum. 

I don't have a pet, but I hate doing chores, such as sweeping. This would be more of a "nice to have." It's also $150 less than the Roomba.

Team/Fan Wear: I just became a recent NY Rangers fan, and was so sad when I went to a game and had no gear. This sweatshirt is awesome, but a hat would be just fine too. 

Cold Weather Accessories: I can never have too many hats/scarves/touchscreen gloves/fuzzy socks. This year I really want this awesome double duty hat that could also be used as a scarf! And some comfy flannel lounge pants. 

Throw Blankets: I love my fuzzy throw blankets and use them year round. Unfortunately, this fox one that I found in late summer is no longer available. :( 

Mugs: Another item you can never have too many of. 

Stocking Stuffers: desk accessories, ear buds (mine break constantly), magnets, ornaments, gift cards, scratch-offs. 

Other: Next year I want/need to get back into cooking. I've been following Budget Bytes on IG and have tried several of her recipes with much success, so I'd get a lot of use out of her cookbook. I'm out of my favorite perfume, so adding that to the list. I've been wanting a flask for years, and how cute is this one?! Love desk accessories, especially sticky note sets and a daily funny calendar. And an iphone compatible tripod would come in so handy. This one is only $12 and comes with a remote control. 

What's on your wishlist this year? 

Seasonal Goals//Bucket List Check-In

Back in September I made a list of all the fall things I wanted to accomplish. 9/15... not too shabby! Scroll down to see what's on the deck for Winter. 

Fall Bucket List

drink allthepumpkinales: Check! We actually attended a pumpkin beer event called the Great Pumpkin Road Show and even though it closed down early (some city code violation) we got to sample at least 5 new pumpkin beers. Unfortunately, I forgot to check them in so I don't remember what they were. Womp.  But I purchased some new ones for home too. My fave? Schlafly Pumpkin Ale.

craft something: Fail. 

put up fall decor: Check! (even if it was the day before Thanksgiving)

go to the Central Park or Bronx Zoo: Fail. 

attend another concert: Check check! Stevie Nicks with the Pretenders! Kevin Griffin from Better than Ezra! Cirque du Soleil: Kurios! 

Stevie Nicks with Chrissie Hynde

enjoy a PSL or 5: Check!

bake Oreo pumpkin cheesecakes~ an annual tradition!: Fail. 

dress up and host our annual Halloween party: Done son! 

attend an Oktoberfest event: Fail. 

complete the Fall Film Challenge: I DID watch 25 movies, but they weren't all from my original list because I couldn't get them all. And then Jenn announced a bonus round, so I watched the reamining 5 from that list, which I carefully curated from Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Video. 

attend a football game//tailgate//or throw a Football themed party: Fail. 

visit a new city: TRIPLE CHECK YAIS! Jim Thorpe, PA and New Orleans! 

Steamboat Natchez in New Orleans

go pumpkin and/or apple picking: Semi-check? We went to pick pumpkins and apples, but all the pumpkins were already picked just chillin in a patch which was lame, and we were cold so skipped out on the orchard part. 
check out the Highline: Fail. 

attend a fall festival or winery: Check! 

Winter Bucket List

Go see the tree in Rockefeller Center

Union Square Holiday Market
See a play/musical on Broadway

Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity

deck the halls

craft some stuff

Go see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: tickets purchased for tomorrow!

have a holiday movie night- complete with hot cocoa and footie pajamas

Attend a hockey game: tickets purchased! 

Attend a holiday party

Go to a concert

try a new noodle house