My November Favorites

I love finding inexpensive little gems. So far, for the month of November these are my favorites:

Paul Mitchell: Forever Blonde Shampoo $17

This purple metallic shampoo helps keep my hair frizz free and healthy. I use it every day and my hair, which was dramatically colored lighter is nice and silky smooth. It has the awesome KerActive protein that really helps keep your hair healthy.





TokyoMilk Perfume: Song in D Minor $36

I am not one to wear perfume. If I do I tend to stay with Versace or Michael Kors. After getting a massage at a boutique style salon, I picked up the tester and it instantly reminded me of my childhood in Japan. I picked up the bottle and happily paid the $36. I have been using it for 2 weeks and there isn't a dent in the bottle. This fragrance is White Orchid, Orange Flower, Gardenia, and Amber. It smells so light and fresh.








Essie Nail Polish in Merino Cool $6

I am addicted to nail polish, especially Essie brand because I love the names of the different colors and I like that it lasts longer than OPI. This color is perfect for November and matches all my clothes and is a lot more visually appealing verses my usual black polish.



Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate and Carmel Squares:

Oh my sweet-toothness! So yummy and satisfying, it helps when things are hectic at work. Definitely worth taking a break for. These make the holiday season so much better.  What's even better, I purchased them for $2.99 at Ross!














Leave a comment on what your favorite product is and I'll feature some of them next month! :)

Holiday Go To Outfit

The holidays are coming up and that means a lot of parties. I like having a go-to outfit that is super easy to wear and that doesn't take a lot of fuss. I don't have time to run to the dry cleaners or have the money to spend on a punch of outfits I'll only wear once. I was recently asked what I was planning on wearing for the holiday season for non-formal parties. For a party I recently went to, I wore a simple Bluish-Purple Dress, a collar necklace, a black jacket, black tights, and black wedges. I had fun with my make up and hair.

Dress: Target Brand, $24.99

Jacket Coverup: Macy's INC, $24.99

Shoes: Nine West, $55.00

Neckless: Forever21, $5.99
Tights: Hanes, $3.99

Hair: A Jersey amount of hair spray, along with anti-frizz serum and a 1 1/4'' curling iron.

Makeup: Virgin in the the original naked eye palette,  HD Forever liquid matte foundation, and a translucent finishing powder.

I didn't have to purchase anything expect for the tights, it doesn't get cold in Hawaii--only chilly (68 degrees lol). It's just other things that I incorporated and have never worn together before. I have been trying to save money, so instead of buying new dresses I am just going to keep revolving what I have. For each holiday party

I go to I'll mix up my neckless, hair style, and possibly my jacket (...hmmm maybe add a few metallic skinny belts). I am not a fan of black dresses, since everyone usually wears them--I like to stand out.

Have a fun holiday season with your outfits. Black is out and fun colors are in! Express yourself.

Sarah

My Favorite Products

  *Disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any of the below companies and I do not receive compensation of any kind regarding the below. These are my thoughts and opinions.

I received a request to talk about my beauty regime and what I use on a regular basis. Here is what I use.

Skin: I used to frequent the tanning salons when I was younger. When I did, I started to use Hempz lotion. This stuff is the best in my book. It makes my skin feel silky smooth. It is non-greasy or oily. I no longer tan, however I still buy this lotion. It's great for everyday use and I usually apply after I take a shower. They have different fragrances. This is not the same Hempz lotion that they sell at Walmart, I thought it was the same--until I brought it home. I usually purchase Hempz at tanning salons and some spas carry this as well. I have also seen it on Amazon and of course, you can purchase it at the Hempz website. It costs me about  for $15 and it lasts for about 2 months.

Eyes: When I thought money grew on trees, I used to purchase Dior Mascara at Sephora. I would go out with my (now former) friend, and my mascara would suddenly go missing *dramatic eye roll with no dior mascara*. The day after, I really needed mascara so I stopped into a drug store on the way to work and stumbled upon L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes. It was about $7 and gave the same results as the Dior Mascara. I use waterproof black and I have been using it ever since. Usually two coats and my eye lashes are long and gorgeous.

Lips: A few posts ago, I wrote about my Too Faced, La Creme lip stick. I wear this everyday and apply only twice. It's a great product that I pick up at Sephora. It is $21.00, which is a little pricey for lipstick but I really love it. Per Sephora's Website: Indulge lips with luxurious color and super moisturizers including white lotus flower and power peptides. This rich formula comes in abundant shades in four essential color ranges: nudes, spices, pinks, and reds. Edited to only the most fashionable shades, it’s impossible to pick just one.

Teeth: Every 6 months I whiten my teeth with Crest Whitening Strips-Advanced Vivid. They work for me, I know a lot of other people don't like them. I usually wear the stips before taking a shower, washing my face, and getting ready for bed. They can be costly, however when I see them at my local drug store on sale, I purchase 2. On Walmart's website they are listed for $39.97, however I purchased 2 for $19.95 each when they were on sale. Just keep a look out. Remember to check the box to see if there is an expiration date.

Nails: I use Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, I have it in my purse at all times. I found this particular product at Walmart for about $3. I use it twice a day and I've had it for over a month. I usually apply it at work during down times. It's not waxy or has an overpowering smell.

Skin Care: Philosophy's Purity Made Simple helps my skin. My skin used to be very splotchy, dry, and full of blemishes. I received a sample of Purity and I loved it so much, I purchased it once my sample was finished.

Sephora sells this for $20 for 8oz. The 8 oz bottle has lasted me for about 4 months. It is a pH-balanced formula that dissolves dirt and makeup while deep cleaning pores.

Concealer: Laura Mercier: I use the SC3 since my skin has a very annoying tendency to turn pink. This can be purchased at Sephora for $30. I use it regularly and I've had this concealer for about 3 months now.

Per Sephora's Website: This versatile concealer contains a unique two-shade system: one to match the skin's depth of color and one to match the skin's undertone, making it possible for every woman to custom-blend her own perfect shade. The high level of pigment requires very little product to achieve perfect coverage.
 

Face Makeup: Later this week I will cover face makeup, I have a bunch of different stuff and will cover it there. Stay tuned!



Blog Entry Requests

Aloha. Bonjour. Konnichiwa. Hello!

I have been a little busy lately and haven’t had time to update as often as I’d like. I plan on updating this blog more often. My goal is at least Wednesdays and Saturdays.

I have received some requests to talk about certain topics from people who read this blog. If you ever have any requests, please comment in this blog. The comments are moderated and I don’t make them public. So other than you and I, no one will see the requests. You can definitely remain anonymous.

Enjoy :)

In Memory of Willard Moore

If you have been following me on Pinterest, you'd know that I've been really keen on Doctor Who. I am pinning everything into my wibbly wobbly timey wimey board. I love the Doctor and all of his companions (all, except Martha--really). It has really taught me a lot. It's one of those television shows that has everything for everyone.

I was watching the episode when the Doctor and Amy were with Vincent Van Gogh (spoilers!) and the Doctor said

“the way I see it, every life is a pile of good things & bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but, vice versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant”

The bad things in life don’t spoil the good things. I think that’s the disconnect with most people. I used to be able to hold a grudge against someone because of one bad thing that they did, and I forgot all of the good things that they did. Just because they did one bad thing, didn’t cancel out all of the good things.

On September 26^th my Grandfather passed away. First and foremost, I love my grandfather. I wanted to make that extremely clear before I start this.

My grandfather did a lot of very bad things to his family when it came to money and he lied often. His reputation was tarnished and that’s what he was known for. Circa 1995: I remember when our family lived in Houston, he picked up my sister and me and he told us that he was taking us to a Leann Rimes concert. Leann was very popular during that time. My sister and I were so excited; we had never been to a concert before. We got to where the “concert” was supposed to be and there wasn’t one. No people. No stage. No Leann Rimes. I remember him stopping and asking people about the concert. My sister and I were upset, we went back home and didn’t say anything. It was a fabricated lie. Looking back, I think he was trying to show his love for us, but in his reality. I have heard stories as well as witnessed the damaged he has caused, this was just one example.

When I first found out that he was ailing a few weeks ago, I tried to remember good things about him. It was honestly very hard. My “memory well” was poisoned with stories and experiences. Of course, I didn’t want him to be sick or die. I later found out that he was going to go into hospice. Like David Tenant and Matt Smith always urge in Doctor Who, every human life is important. The bad things in life don’t spoil the good. I sat down and made a list of all the wonderful things and memories, a few are:

1. The Fourth of July Parade with all of the family members.
2. He used to drive with his knees and my sister and I would giggle.
3. He would have a small refrigerator outside and it would be filled with Dr. Pepper.
4. He had a pool and my sister and I would play in it with him, Aunt Janet, Uncle Robert, and their dog.
5. When my family moved from Carlyle, IL to Houston, TX; I went with my grandpa via U-Haul. That’s when I formed my love of R&B. It took us a little over a day to get there.
6. One thanksgiving during my college years, he helped us prepare Thanksgiving dinner.
7. His love for BBC America, Sherlock Holmes, and Mysteries. He loved to read.
8. He had this waterbed and he would throw my sister and I on it like it was a trampoline.

These great things will not be spoiled by the bad things. I will learn from my grandfather’s mistakes. Yes, there were bad things and good things. I think he was a good person who was just lost along the way. I love my grandfather so much. Anyone that reads this and knew him, please remember: The bad things in life don’t spoil the good things.

In Memory of Willard Moore

  

My Lovely Sunday: Jewelry Organizing

 This past weekend I was organizing my closet. I finally got out all of the unnecessary junk (suit cases, rubbermaid containers, etc) and put it into the storage unit in the building I live in. I also wanted to find a way to organize my jewelry so I wear it more often. In the past all of my necklaces, bracelets, and earrings were in a disarray in clear fish tackle box. 

I had to go to Ross on sunday to see if they had any towels on sale, with no luck in the towel selection I stumbled upon the tie organizer. At first I thought I could use it for scarfs or belts, but when I came home and had no place to put my necklace. I decided to see if my things would fit on the tie jewelry organizer. 

Along the right side of the organizer, the black rubber bars lift up from the metal--this makes it easy to remove any item that you want. I am sure if you wanted to do this, you could decorate it. I liked how it looked at the end and didn't think I should add anything else.

The top row I placed my long/bulky necklaces along with bracelets and rings. As the rows go further down, I place the necklaces throughout the rubber bars. 

I have added this to the top row of my closet, right next to my clothes so when I'm picking out what I'm going to wear I can pick out my accessories at the same time. 

I do keep my earrings in the tackle boxes, I haven't figured out how I'm going to display those. However, I'm sure I'll find a creative way.

Gotta Love SEPHORA

I'm waiting to go out with my friend and I decided to write in my blog since I haven't for awhile, it's been hectic and I'm sure I'll explain later once I wrap my head around everything.I finally fixed my make up, it's below. I'm seeing spots a little from the bathroom light shining in my eyes.

Recently I went from really beautiful blonde to a better blondish color that was better for my skin. I really like it. While switching hair color I noticed that my make-up wasn't matching... so, I purchased a few things from Sephora. I just took this picture and it's dark out, but it's a beautiful dark blonde with no highlights and sublet low lights.

Close-ups may make hair shorter than it appears :)

Yes, I know my eyebrows are untamed and unruly...but I like them.

IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY, EVERYONE MUST SHOP.

The other day I was in Microsoft Word and I thought to myself Does anyone play around with the designed fonts anymore?.... nah... Apparently, My work building does!

During the lovely holiday, I went to Sephora and did a little damage. It doesn't look like much but this is what I got. Links are included.

From left to right:

Too Faced Tented Beauty Balm, Too Faced La Creme Lip Blam, Kate Somerville Exfolikate, and Kate Somerville Moisturizer

Kate Somerville has an amazing line filled with things that will make you 1) look youthful or 2) continue to look youthful. 

I don't have a picture of the moisturizer because it's currently in the bathroom with my roommate just darted into. Which makes me afraid to go inside after she's finished. However, it's very nice and silky on my skin. 

http://www.sephora.com/kate-somerville

In Naked Dolly

http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1442342

I am usually not one to wear lipstick, lip gloss, let alone chap-stick  but I ADORE Naked Dolly. I think it's the perfect color and I don't have to apply it too often. I like that it's still sheer enough to see my actual lip color. 

So far the Beauty Balm is nice, I think mine is a little dark. I was expecting it to be like the silicone base pore corrector that Too Faced has, but it's not. I do like it though.