Friday, September 30, 2011

Momiji Hello Kitty Doll

I was super happy to receive this doll (along with the matching accessories) from my friend this week. I wanted "Astrid" the most out of the six dolls. I'm just in love with her white hair, rainbow dress, and Hello Kitty guitar. These Momiji dolls kind of remind me of the Kimmidolls.

Check out the other dolls..


P.S. Momiji dolls are "message dolls" so they're really neat for gift giving. =)

Have a fantabulous Friday everyone. <33

Thursday, September 29, 2011

How to make a love package..

I was making a love package for a friend over the weekend so I thought I'd do a post on a "how to" for one. I absolutely love giving "packages" as opposed to a single gift. These are things I personally like to do when it comes to my love packages:
  1. Stick with a theme. This could mean similar colors, shapes, patterns etc. For this box, I went mainly with pink, purple, and strawberry flavored snacks and sweets.
  2. Add lots of yummy treats. I like adding foods that you wouldn't see at your local CVS or Target.
  3. Add some useful items. For this box, that would be the hand sanitizer and the Sharpies (but in the color theme of course.)
  4. Add fun, random things. Hello Kitty air freshener, toy flower, and golf erasers? Check.
  5. Make sure it's nicely packaged. To me, presentation means a lot. I forgot to add a photo of the "final product" but I simply tied it all together with a teal bow (ran out of time) to match what I was wearing. =P (It would've been frilly and pink if I had the time!!)


Have a super gorgeous Thursday everyone. <33

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Up All Night

I was up all night baking these darn cupcakes. Sure they're the lazy woman's version of a Hello Kitty cupcake but they still took so long to bake (different cake flavors, mixing frosting colors, cleaning, etc.) Six hours total and I'm finally done.


I think I'll be taking a LONG break from cupcake baking after this. I'm tired and I'm only on a few hours of sleep. Can't wait until tonight!! I look forward to sleeping and cuddling with my Lotso bear.

Have a beautiful Wednesday my loves. <33

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

4 New Glosses

THE best "pick me up" for me personally is a tube of lip gloss. You can go with the drugstore route and spend anywhere from $1-8 (sometimes there's even a BOGO deal) or you can go high end and splurge on that $30 tube of magic lip serum you've been eyeing for months. Either way, a tube of gloss does wonders when you're having a bad day or aren't in the most wonderful mood.
I picked up the (first) three above last week -the Nuance gloss has been in my "to try" pile since the collection came out but it was long forgotten. The forgotten products in your stash also work as fabulous pick me ups when you don't want to spend!
Swatches..
From top (with flash): Cargo Classic Lip Gloss in Alexandria, L'Oreal LeGloss in Peach Fuzz, L'Oreal Le Gloss in Baby Blossom, Nuance Ultra Shine Gloss in Pomegranate
  • Cargo Classic Lip Gloss in Alexandria is a mauve baby pink with shimmer. When swatching at the store (Beauty 360), I thought it would be much more pigmented so I was rather disappointed that it applied sheer on my lips. For $22, it's really nothing special -just a nice every day gloss.
  • L'Oreal LeGloss is flipping amazing. At around $8 (way cheaper if you go to Walmart or Target), I got two tubes of pigmented gloss that I'd never expect to come from a drugstore. Peach Fuzz is a bright almost neon tangerine out of the tube but on the lips, it applies as a nice, natural color with a tangerine orange tint. I expect Baby Blossom to be a big hint since so many girls tend to reach for the nudes and pale pinks. The color is a milky very pale pink that's super opaque with no shimmer. It's nice but it can be a bit much -you only need the teensiest amount.
  • Nuance Ultra Shine Lip Gloss is the first product I've tried from Salma Hayek's new line. I bought "Pomegranate" hoping for a more subtle, very natural looking gloss and it's quite nice. Once applied, it looks very natural with a tint of raspberry pink and no shimmer.

What are some new glosses you've purchased or rediscovered in your collection?


Have a terrific Tuesday lovers. <33

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Weekend Presents: MAC Dress It Up Pro Longwear Lipcreme, Stickers, & Friendship Bracelets

Sometimes the best presents are small and thoughtful. Well in this case, only one of the items (the lipstick!) was meant to be a present but friend boy ended up buying me the other things while we were at Walmart. I got the new MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in "Dress It Up" (from the Styledriven collection), cutesy stickers, and a friendship bracelet set.

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in "Dress It Up"
MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in "Dress It Up"


I swiped on Dress It Up (a pale blue pink) today and it's become on of my current favorites. I love that while it's still a pale pink, it's "dark" enough to wear for fall. As for the formula, it applies smoothly which I really appreciate since so many pale lippies tend to accentuate any dryness/cracks in the lips. I'm not sure about the wear yet -I'll have to test it out more. (Christine's review here)

Now, is Dress It Up different from the other 54935840 pale pink lipsticks in my collection? Not really. However, I do often run into problems with my pinks being too cool or making my lips look super dry (not cute) so this is a winner in my book. It's just a really nice standard pale pink and I urge your warm skinned ladies to give it a try (it'll look amazing on cool toned gals as well.)


Have a wonderful (rest of your) Sunday lovers. <33

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Anyone here?

My (main) computer where I do everything exploded is currently experiencing some technical difficulties. I'm trying to add the Blogger app to my iPhone but it's been a pain in the behind. I'm still here though! I had a few posts ready but I can't get the photos up.. grrrr..... It really hasn't been my week. Anyways, I hope to be back by Monday.

Have a lovely weekend everyone. <33

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A little love from BeautyFix

I'm so excited to be working with BeautyFix. I first heard about them from another blog and I was instantly intrigued. I sent them an email and now here we are. The first package included eight products plus a makeup bag (of my choice) and two samples. It will take a few weeks to test everything out (there's a lot of skincare in here) so look out for the review in a month or so.

How does BeautyFix work? It's simple. You create a beauty profile by doing a survey (they ask for skin type, hair type, etc.) and when you're done, they come up with a bunch of products for you to choose from. You choose eight products and one makeup bag and you're good to go.

What I like about BeautyFix is that unlike other "surprise boxes", you get to choose what's inside. Yes, I love the idea of a "surprise" but I hate when I'm not even interested in half of the contents inside. Below are the products I received.

I really look forward to trying out all my new goodies. Let me know if you have any questions at all (in the comments or via email.) Is BeautyFix something you'd like to try? Let me know!

Have a fabulous day lovers. <33


Disclosure: This post contains products sent by the manufacturer or a PR firm working for the company. For more information, check out the disclaimer at the bottom of the page.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

I got to the mall...... and buy toys

I went to the mall the other day and came back with a shirt and then tons of toys for me, myself, and I. Just kidding. Three were for the kids but the rest were for me. ;) I got a few to add to my Toy Story collection. =)

I also had to pick up Pocahontas. I love Pocahontas. She's strong, independent, and brave. What more could you ask for in a woman?

Oh yea, and this is the sushi I ate for lunch on Friday. It looks (sort of) good but it made me so sick. =\


Have a gorgeous Sunday everyone. <33

Friday, September 16, 2011

Too Faced Sweet Dreams Makeup Collection Review & Swatches

Repurchase: Yes
Price: $52.00 (eyeshadows: 15 x 0.03 oz) (bronzer/highlighter: 2 x 0.14 oz) (blush: 2 x 0.08 oz) (primer: 0.35 oz)
Overall Grade: A-

I've been yearning for this baby (along with all the other Too Faced holiday products) since the promotional images came out. When I saw it available on Sephora.com (early isn't it?!), I promptly placed an order and paid extra for faster shipping. Was it worth the extra three bucks (for shipping)? Heck yes.

The Packaging: The palette is made of durable, thick cardboard. This year's theme features a gorgeous trapeze artist sitting on top of a pretty pink swan. There are also plenty of butterflies, flowers, and glitter. The edges of the palette remind me of a fancy picture frame and while I thought they'd be easily bent out of shape -the cardboard is again quite thick -you'd have to really force it to wreck anything.

The palette opens to reveal a nicely sized mirror and 15 eyeshadows. Underneath, a drawer holds the bronzer, highlighter, blushes, and instruction cards. The only bummer is that there is no compartment for the Shadow Insurance (primer) -when I opened up the box, it was just placed at the top of the palette.

While the packaging is undoubtedly beautiful, it's slightly unpractical. While there are no pop-ups or wasted space like last year's palette, the palette is still quite large huge gigantic. It's about the size of most of the novels on my bookshelf and would easily blend in with them. I'm running out of space for humongous palettes like this.

Instruction Cards
Ingredients

The Product: This palette offers a great value -you get more than you pay for. However, compared to Enchanted Glamourland (last year's palette), you're paying $52 versus $49. Also, instead of getting a full size lip gloss, you get an extra highlighter and blush.
Eyeshadows- They eyeshadows are fabulous. I always use a primer and with TFSI, I have no issues -they last all day without creasing. The color payoff is great and the texture of the eyeshadows is very smooth and soft. However, Lovey Dovey, Cut the Cake, and Cop A Teal seemed to be especially soft because I received some fallout from those three shades.
Prior to ordering, I was a little hesitant to purchase the palette because I was afraid of repeats. There are a total of six repeats (just from palettes I already own.) However, that's still nine new shades. I do have one problem with Too Faced and their repeats though -sometimes they're inconsistent. For instance, they'll use the same color name but it's a totally different color. Take Smolder (in this palette) and Smolder from the Eye Love palette -one is navy and one is black!
Chocolate Soleil Bronzer- This bronzer seems to be fairly neutral and I see it working with many skin tones. It's matte and isn't too deep or too light providing a very natural bronze shade. However, it is by no means "flat" -there's a nice natural sheen to it but no over the top glow or glitter. Also, the bronzer has the yummiest chocolate scent and surprisingly, it doesn't bother my sensitive skin. It lasts about 3-4 hours (on bare skin.) For me personally, I'd prefer something a little darker (because of my skin tone) but this is a great option for those who prefer a more natural bronze.
Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder- This highlighter gives off a sheer ivory champagne glow with lots of small golden shimmers. I'd call this, "natural without being totally natural" -does that make sense? This lasts about 2-3 hours (on bare skin.)
Cocoa Rose Blush- This is a very neutral pink and gives a natural wash of color. On my skin, I can barely see it (just because I have medium/tan skin.) So honestly, I can't tell you how long this lasts or doesn't last.
Sweet Pink Blush- Now this is a blush I like. It's gives cheeks a punch of color while remaining natural looking yet playful. It lasts about 4 hours (on bare skin.)
Shadow Insurance- TFSI is one of my absolute favorite beauty products. It prevents eyeshadows from creasing, enhances color, and locks down your eyeshadow all day (about 10 hours.) I also prefer this over UDPP when the skin area my eye area is extra dry -it works better and doesn't make the dryness worse.

The Color:
Eyeshadows
  1. In The Buff- Matte ivory
  2. Peach Fuzz- Very light peach with gold glitter
  3. Copper Peony- Tanned orangey peach with golden shimmer
  4. Teddy Bear- Matte chocolate milk brown
  5. Lovey Dovey- Rich sable brown with shimmer
  6. Satin Sheets- Shimmery pale golden champagne with a touch of rose gold
  7. Cut The Cake- Shimmery lavender mauve with slight hint of periwinkle
  8. Party Girl- Shimmery bright violet with blueish purple glitter
  9. Nice Ash- Smoky charcoal gray with shimmer
  10. Smolder- Matte deep grayish navy
  11. Honeymoon- Antique gold with olive
  12. Label Whore- Shimmery, slightly reddened rich brown with greenish teal reflects
  13. Nice Stems!- Shimmery clover green with a touch of lime
  14. Cop A Teal- Peacock blue with shimmer
  15. First Dance- Matte plum
Bronzer/Highlighter/Blushes
  1. Chocolate Soleil Bronzer- Matte natural neutral tan with sheen
  2. Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder- Sheer champagne ivory with golden shimmer
  3. Cocoa Rose Blush- Soft neutral pink brown with minor shimmer
  4. Sweet Pink Blush- Natural flushed pink with subtle golden shimmer
Swatches (I included both non-flash and flash swatches for this review because the sun was messing with my photos. I think the non-flash photos are more true to color BUT with a little more warmth -which is why I included the flash photos for comparison)..
Above (no flash) from left: In The Buff, Peach Fuzz, Copper Peony, Teddy Bear, Lovey Dovey
Above (with flash) from left: In The Buff, Peach Fuzz, Copper Peony, Teddy Bear, Lovey Dovey
Above (no flash) from left: Satin Sheets, Cut The Cake, Party Girl, Nice Ash, Smolder
Above (with flash) from left: Satin Sheets, Cut The Cake, Party Girl, Nice Ash, Smolder
Above (no flash) from left: Honeymoon, Label Whore, Nice Stems!, Cop A Teal, First Dance
Above (with flash) from left: Honeymoon, Label Whore, Nice Stems!, Cop A Teal, First Dance
Above (no flash) from left: Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, Cocoa Rose Blush, Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder, Sweet Pink Blush
Above (with flash) from left: Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, Cocoa Rose Blush, Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder, Sweet Pink Blush
 
Overall: The Too Faced Sweet Dreams Makeup Collection would make an excellent present (for you or some else). It can be an instant makeup collection for a beginner or fun addition to any makeup junkie's drawer. Because the palette does have a few eyeshadow repeats, I'd double check before adding it to your cart and hitting the checkout button. Is it the palette of the year? I don't think so (mainly because of the repeats) but it does house some amazing products and shades. But all in all, for $52, you get such a terrific value -it's definitely worth a second look.

Where To Buy: Sephora

More Photos..

What are your thoughts on the Too Faced Sweet Dreams palette? Have a lovely Friday everyone. <33

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Too Faced Sweet Dreams Makeup Collection Sneak Peek & My Lunch

I just got the Too Faced Sweet Dreams Makeup Collection in the mail and I'm so excited for it!! I just needed to post a little sneak peek.. I'm working extra hard on getting a review up. I put five other reviews on hold (misc.palettes and products) for this and it should be up by (I hope!) next Monday or earlier -hopefully earlier. =)

And I thought I'd share my lunch for today: pasta and salmon. It's delicious.. my mom made it haha. =P

Have a beautiful Thursday afternoon my loves. <33

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

How was your luck with Missoni @ Target yesterday?

Yesterday was an insane day in TargetLand. I'd been looking forward to their highly anticipated Missoni collection to hit the stores for months but I didn't even realize just how highly anticipated it would be. I checked the website a few times before 5 a.m. Tuesday morning (when I went to bed) and nothing was up on the site yet. At 9 a.m. when I checked again, the site had crashed. At 10 a.m., I headed to my first Target. At 10:15 a.m., I was informed that practically everything was sold out.

I've never seen so many frantic women running down the aisles at Target before. From young twenty-year-olds to middle age housewives, everyone was grabbing whatever Missoni leftovers that they could get their hands on.

I spoke to a few Target employees at each of the stores. Everyone pretty much told me the same story. People were lined up outside at 7 a.m. and by 8:15-8:30 a.m., everything was gone. Ladies were piling everything into their carts -without even looking at the prices or sizes. This obviously meant that they were buying just to re-sell. Smh..

When I got home, I checked eBay and was not surprised to see a ton of listings -I'm talking in the thousands. This really bothers me. They need to place a limit on how many items each person can buy when it comes to collections like this. Because we have all these people hoarding everything only to resell it and then there's people like us who just want a few things for ourselves -not to resell anything and get over on anyone. Everything on Ebay is at least triple or more times the normal price. It's absolutely ridiculous. What also ticks me off is that Target (from what they said) will not be getting anymore Missoni shipments into the stores (I hope this isn't true though so still crossing my fingers!)

All in all, I went to a total of four Target locations. The first was a total miss -I couldn't find a single thing. I found the boots and flats at a second Target (Thank God I can fit kid's sizes), and then I found the rest at the third forth stores.

Girls Rain Boots ($29.99)- I bought a size 3 but I'd love a size 4. I could probably get away with leggings and thin socks but I could never ever wear jeans or pants with these (due to how slim the calf area is (on me at least.)

Girls Flats ($22.99)- I got these in a size 3 as well which is a tad small but the size 5 was way too big. Again, I'd love a size 4. I prefer the colors in this flat over the women's version (mostly purple) but I really would've loved to buy both. Oh well, at least I got one.

Girls Pleated Sweater Skirt ($24.99)- This was my last pick (size x-large.) I'd say it fits like a women's x-small or small. I'm so happy I tried this on. I don't generally wear or buy skirts but I really like the soft pleats and it's not too frilly for my body type.

Floral Scarf ($14.99)- The colors look faded and washed out due to the sunlight but it's a gorgeous design. I don't generally wear scarves like this but I will now! =)

Bobby Pins ($6.99)- I found this laying on a random table (thank goodness for rude customers who leave stuff laying around on the wrong shelves.) I wasn't going to get them at first but hey, it's Missoni! I thought I'd "splurge."

Headbands ($9.99)- The last item I purchased was a set of two headbands. All the sets either had a missing band or broken one so I grabbed two that were in perfect condition. I really wanted the solid blue band (goes well with my hair color) but it was cracked.

This is what all the Missoni walls and shelves looked like. Lonely, sad, and all alone.

Xhilaration Purse ($3.74)- This purse was randomly placed on one of the racks with no clearance stickers. However, I decided to take my chances since there were no others like it around. Good call because it turned out to be just under 4 bucks! The "leather" is quite soft and I love the clasp and color. This just might be the best buy of the day.

Did anyone else go to Target hoping to score some Missoni goods? What did you get? And what did you want but couldn't get?

Happy Wednesday everyone! <33

P.S. Please don't support those eBay sellers trying to get over on us. If they're trying to sell at for hundreds/thousands, you might as well get the "real thing" anyways. I think in terms of buying on eBay (for these Missoni items) I'd only get it if 1) I desperately love and need it and 2) It's only $5 above the retail price. It's not a matter of money -I feel like it's definitely a principal thing. It's not right that people are buying out the store only to resell it and make loads of money.