Happy New Year!

This year, my adorable husband and I decided to spend New Year's Eve at home.  We're going to eat a delicious dinner, reflect on the past year, discuss future plans, watch movies, and lounge in our pajamas.  I am really looking forward to it!  ♥

Here is what I'll be wearing, eating, and drinking this evening:

No make-up for me tonight; I will only be wearing lip balm that, according to the picture above, is almost the same size as my shirt.  Ha!  As far as my hair goes, it will be in a Britney Spears-type bun on top of my head.  I am going to look so fierce!  How is this look not on every runway?  Every red carpet?  LOL!

I hope you all have a wonderful time tonight!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My acne and braces bring all the boys to the yard!

Four years ago, I decided to take the plunge and get braces.  Here is a snippet of the conversation my orthodontist and I had at my initial appointment...

Orthodontist:  "You're going to need to have your wisdom teeth, one bottom molar, and a front tooth

removed before we can begin orthodontic treatment."

Me:  "Ha ha ha!  I'm sorry...  I thought I just heard you say that I need to have a front tooth removed.  I'll look like a hillbilly!  Quick!  Someone grab me a banjo and find me a close relative to marry!"

Unfortunately, my orthodontist was serious.  Two months after my consultation, I was toothless, sporting braces, and speaking with a slight lisp.  And then, ath if I didn't already look ridiculouth, I developed a cathe of adult acne.  Why couldn't all of this have happened to me circa 1992, when everyone else my age was getting their awkward on?

[photo courtesy of: http://www.rankopedia.com/CandidatePix/5331.gif]

Kate Gene a.k.a. Neil Goldman in 2006

Nowadays (thanks in part to Proactiv and chugging absurd amounts of water), I rarely break out.  But when I do, I make myself an aspirin mask.  I love how it exfoliates my skin.  So much, in fact, that I may retire my beloved St. Ives Apricot Scrub.  This mask really works wonders!

There are different ways to do it, but I do it the Michelle Phan way.  I add a tad more honey and a little less water than she does, but otherwise our "recipes" are the same.  Her video is very informative; it's definitely worth checking out.

My only complaint?  The mask smells gross.  The good news is, I may not have to use the mask as often anymore because I got a Clairsonic for Christmas from my awesome in-laws!  Whoo hoo!  Review to come soon...

Have a great day, everyone!

I FREQUENTLY READ YOUR BLOG AWARD

The funny and very sweet J-ezzy gave me my first award!  Thank you so much!

I truly appreciate people taking the time to read my posts and leave me comments.  I am having a great time blogging and getting to know each and every one of you!

I FREQUENTLY READ YOUR BLOG AWARD

[In order to accept this award, you must nominate ten bloggers and post your list on your blog.] 

Like J-ezzy, I broke the rules and chose eleven.  We're such rebels!  LOL! 

Here is my list:

J-ezzy

http://apetitediva.blogspot.com/

Nee
http://kittylovesmakeup.blogspot.com/ 

Bombchell
http://www.bombchell.com/

April
http://aprilathena7.blogspot.com/

Miss Natty
http://nattyngeorge.blogspot.com/

Holly
http://hollyannaeree.blogspot.com/

Suzy

http://macnc40.blogspot.com/

Leina
http://makeupbyleina.blogspot.com/

Steph
http://dskjewelry.blogspot.com/

K. Lo
http://www.katrinalomidze.com/

RenRen
http://www.makeupbyrenren.com/

If you haven't already, check these ladies out!

Have a great day, everyone!

Operation Dress Hunt

When my best friend asked me to be her maid of honor, I was ecstatic!  Sarah is like a sister to me; I am so touched that she chose me to stand beside her on her big day.

We're currently on the hunt for maid of honor and bridesmaid dresses.  I suggested we look at some with poofy sleeves.  For some strange reason, she wasn't into the idea.  (I think someone was worried I'd steal her thunder if I wore a dress that stunning.  Pwhahaha!) 

Good thing I have a back-up plan...

[photo courtest of: www.sodahead.com]

Ha ha ha!

But seriously, do any of you have designer or dress recommendations?  Sarah and Mr. Sarah are getting married during the summer of 2011.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!  The Bride-to-Be follows my blog, so say hi!  :)

By the way, her colors are jewel toned pinks and purples, like the ones in the photograph below.  Isn't that a gorgeous color combination?

[photo courtesy of: www.photobucket.com]

I hope y'all are well!

Thanks, ladies!

Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit

Frida Kahlo, a world-renowned Mexican painter, was known for her vibrantly colored self-portraits that depicted her pain and suffering.  She was also notorious for her unconventional appearance.  The late artist proudly rocked flamboyant clothing and...  a unibrow and mustache.  Now, I'm not normally a fan of facial hair on women, but Frida worked it!  You've gotta love the gal for being herself!

I don't have a lot of facial hair, but I do like to keep things in check by using tweezers and Sally Hansen's Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit.  The kit is inexpensive and easy to use.  You just warm the strips between your hands, peel them apart, stick 'em where you need 'em, and tear them off.  Included in the box is a small container of azulene oil, which helps soothe freshly waxed skin and gets rid of any sticky residue left behind from the wax strip.

They really work!  See?

BEFORE:  I resembled an old Asian man/Captain Hook.

AFTER:  I look like a clean shaven old Asian man/Captain Hook.

Ha ha ha!

Have a great day, everyone!

P. S.  I'm going to be doing a giveaway when I hit 100 followers!  (Eh...  It may be sooner because I'm getting antsy to do it.  LOL!)  Make sure to check back for details!  :)

These Christmas e-cards will melt your heart...

   

Ha ha ha!  

In all seriousness, I hope you each have a fantastic day filled with family, friends, food, and fun.  

Merry Christmas!

N. Y. C.'s Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder

A couple months ago, I purchased the mega-hyped N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder (720A/Sunny) at my local Ulta.

One thing a lot of people complain about is the fact it's difficult to find a natural looking bronzer without shimmer or sparkles.  I, for one, don't mind getting my Edward Cullen sparkle on.  (However, I prefer keeping my shirt on when glittering in the sunlight, unlike my favorite vampire.)

[photo courtesy of: www.sigmatwiomega.files.wordpress.com]

Having said that, matte bronzer is better for contouring.  It also seems more winter-friendly, if that makes sense.

Here is my pros and cons list:

Pros:  matte, natural color, doesn't break my extremely sensitive skin out, dirt cheap at $2.99

Cons:  no hinge on the compact, takes a bit of elbow grease to build up the color

Would I re-purchase this?  Yep, but I'm still going to try out other matte bronzers in the meantime.  Any suggestions?

Have a great day, y'all!

P. S.  Ulta is currently offering 20% off your entire purchase.  Go check it out!

www.ulta.com

Caramels, Chocolate Lip Balm, & Cherry Culture... Oh my!

Last night, my adorable husband surprised me with an early Christmas gift...  Fran's Salted Caramels!  I almost lost it, I was so excited!  I read about these chocolate and salt covered caramels over a year ago, and have been going crazy wanting to try them.  Word on the streets is President Obama has these flown in to him.  Good enough for the leader of our country?  Good enough for me!  LOL!  Believe it or not, I'd rather receive treats than jewelry or any other gift.  Crazy talk, I know.  I am hardcore candy and baked goods addict!

In addition to the delicious caramels, my husband also got me Sweet Beauty's Organic Chocolate Lip Confection Balm to review.  It smells like it should be edible and has a creamy consistency.  The packaging is really cute; definitely more grown up in appearance than the Lipsmackers I usually tote around!  It's not as long-lasting as some of the other balms I own, but perhaps that's due to my scarfing down a box of caramel goodness and nachos after applying it.  ;)

♥  THANK YOU SO MUCH, HUSBAND!  ♥

In other food-related news, Cherry Culture is offering 20% off all orders until December 27th!  (Get it?  Food-related?  Cherry Culture?  I'm SO clever!)

*cricket...  cricket...  cricket...*

Ha ha!  EPIC JOKE FAIL.  Anyway, click on the link below to be re-directed to their site.

Happy Shopping!

****  UPDATE  ****

12/23/2009 - I am loving this lip balm!  I don't have to re-apply it very often after all, which is nice.

I've learned my lesson...  No more reviews until I've used a product for more than fifteen minutes.  ;)

I am one Buxom Babe!

Over the summer, one of my sisters sweetly surprised me with a tube of Buxom Lip Polish in "Claire", a pretty mauve color with tiny sparkles.  I've been hooked ever since.  Buxom Lip Polishes are extremely moisturizing, shiny, and have great staying power.  Unlike some glosses, these aren't sticky or tacky.

When I started running low, I tried the Michelle Phan gloss saving trick.  (Check it out if you haven't seen it!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poBgTkYsUvl)  Sadly, there was so little to salvage that I decided to toss it.  I replaced "Claire" with "Katie".  Before you start thinking I'm narcissistic, know that I picked this gloss simply because I liked the color.  Okay, and maaaaybe because of the name.  LOL!

"Katie" is a shimmery, milky pink that is perfect to layer over lipstick.  I wouldn't wear it on its own as it's very sheer.  As far as plumping goes, the gloss has a cooling effect when applied and gives my lips a subtle boost.

Check out my before and after pictures...

BEFORE

[photo courtesy of: www.babble.com]

AFTER

Ha ha ha!  I wish!  Unfortunately, I didn't like the way the pictures of me wearing the gloss turned out, so I've got a swatch for y'all instead.

Have a great day, everyone!

Forever 21 Shoe Love

I am obsessed with fashion.  I truly believe it is an art form and would love to go to NYC's Fashion Week!

I adore trendy clothes, shoes, and accessories.  However, I tend to dress more on the classic, conservative side.

That said, I have been drooling over these shoes from Forever 21 for weeks!

photo courtesy of: www.forever21.com

photo courtesy of: www.forever21.com

These shoes are the hotness!  I adore the studs, the five inch high heel, and the straps...  Sigh.  Sadly, I don't have anything that would match these shoes other than my handbags.  I suppose I could wear them with slacks, or maybe my Victoria Secret sweats.  Ha ha!  Just kidding!

What would YOU pair these with?

I'm married to Napolean Dynamite.

My adorable husband lost his Chapstick.  Ever since the cold snap hit, he's been complaining that his "lips hurt real bad".  Hmm...  I seem to remember a certain liger fan saying those exact words...

photo courtesy of: www.cinemablend.com

I have offered, on numerous occasions, to let him use my Bonne Belle Lipsmackers, but he refuses to wear anything that will tint his lips.  (I betcha if I offered him a pair of moon boots and tots, he'd be all over that!  Ha!)  Does anyone else still use Lipsmackers, or am I the only 12 year old trapped inside a grown-up's body?

[L to R - His, Hers]

So, while at the grocery store the other day, I decided to solve Napolean's my husband's parched pout problem by buying him a new tube of Chapstick.  They were all out, but they did have Blistex's Deep Renewal Lip Treatment.  The husband had nothing but good things to say about it, so I decided to give it a whirl.  It's definitely emollient and moisturizing.  Smooth, but not greasy or waxy.  My only complaint is I'm not 100% sure I like the scent.  The good thing is, it's a very faint smell that you really only notice upon initial application.

Oh, well.  All that really matters is the fact that the man of the household's kisser doesn't "hurt real bad" anymore.  ;)

NYX Eyeshadow and Base

I wear a smokey eye every day, regardless of what I'm doing.  My best friend and I ran a 5K last year, and I showed up to the event with a fully done up face.  (Minus falsies, of course!  LOL!)  Some think it's a bit much, but I have fun with it!

I really like NYX products.  I only own a handful of eyeshadows from them, but I plan to get more.  As many of you already know, NYX's shadows are, for the most part, smooth, easy to blend, and pigmented.  The only shadow out of this lot that gives me any grief is Frosted Ocean.  I've never experienced such horrible fallout in my life!  That said, it's a very pretty color - regardless of where it lands on my face.  Ha!

[L-R] Black, Frosted Ocean, Iced Mocha, Purple, & Cherry

Swatches with flash.

Swatches in natural light.  No flash.

I used NYX's Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone underneath all of the swatches shown above.  I'm still on the fence about this product.  Once blended in, it's just a bit lighter than my skin tone.  It definitely brings out the true color of my shadows, but even when applied lightly, it creases.  I don't have super oily lids...  Has anyone else experienced this?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

TREsemmé Conditioner Review

You've seen the commercials...

TREsemmé, TREsemmé, oooh la laaah!  (You know you just sang that in your head.  Don't lie.  LOL!)

When I initially opened the bottle, I was disappointed by the consistency.  The conditioner was slippery and on the thin side.  I assumed that, because the product wasn't very creamy, it wouldn't hydrate my damaged and dry locks.  Boy, was I wrong!  My hair is so soft now.  My hair ties occasionally slip out of place if I don't have some kind of product in my hair.

The bottom line?  I highly recommend this product.  I've been using it for a month and still love it.  It's inexpensive and works wonders.  Bonus:  It has a scent that reminds me of an old Escada perfume I used to wear.

Unfortunately, I don't have "before" and "after" pictures to show y'all.  Maybe I'll take an "after" shot of me now, Shakira style...  Now that's a hair flip!

photo courtesy of: badhairday.typepad.com

Work it, Ms. Thang!  LOL!

Love Letter

Dear My New Cute Pumps,

I will never forget the first time I saw you.  The clouds parted and a ray of sunshine (a. k. a. the lights at Ross) gleamed off your shiny, black patent leather.

Imagine my surprise when I saw you were $27.99, knocked down from $110.00!

I immediately threw you in my cart.  Never mind the fact I am nursing back and knee injuries and all I've been wearing lately are tennis shoes.  My physical therapist said to exercise.  She didn't say it had to be done in Nikes...

I hope you're enjoying your new home in our shoe rack.

Do I like my new make-up brush holder? Fa shizzle, bizzle.

I recently purchased a container from Ross to hold my brushes.  It was a steal at only $3.99!  I think it looks elegant on our bathroom countertop.  (Almost as elegant as the Windex streaks on our mirror.  Ha ha ha!)

Despite the love I feel for my new brush holder, I do miss my old one...

Yes, that's a coffee cup with rappers on it!  I'm pretty sure it's the coolest coffee cup ever made.  LOL!

Which do you think is better?

P. S.  No more double-ended brushes for me!  They are a pain to store!

I'm so emo.

I heart these nail polishes!

[L to R] Nicole - Black Cat-cha Later, Jessica - Merlot, Jessica - Sweet Breath

The Merlot polish looks lighter than it is in real life.  It's a deep, blue red.  Sweet Breath is what I wear when I want my nails to look clean and natural.

Black Cat-cha Later is the color I have on my nails 95% of time these days.  It looks black from a distance, but is actually a really deep burgundy color.  The only downside?  When it starts chipping, I feel a little emo.  Seeing my chipped black polish makes me want to listen to angsty music and cover one eye with my bangs.  LOL!  (I actually love emo music, so I'm not really hatin'.)

  

Ahh!  So pretty!

So, I really love a good french manicure...  Unfortunately, I have yet to master painting a clean white line.  I will leave this technique to the professionals!  Speaking of nail salon technicians, if you haven't seen this Anjelah Johnson video, watch it!  It will make you ROFL!

I've got to enjoy wearing colored polish while I can.  I am a healthcare worker who is temporarily out of work.  As soon as I put those ♥ super cute pink ♥ scrubs back on, I'll be buffing my nails and leaving them bare.  However, that won't stop me from playing my emo tunes.  ;)