Thursday, January 30, 2014

Books I'm Excited For: February 2014

There are a lot of books that are coming out in February that I want to read. It started to seem like every time I found an interesting book, it was coming out in February. So I'm going to just jump right in!

I'm also trying a new format for this feature- If you want to know more about a book, click on the book itself and it will take you to its Goodreads page. This way, you can add it to your own shelf, read the descriptions and other's reviews. I will list below if I have received any from NetGalley, or if I have reviewed them.



cress by marissa meyer   The Martian by Andy Weir   When Audrey Met Alice by Rebecca Behrens   Sitcom by SaulAusterlitz   photo Runner_PatrickLee_zps82a6a991.jpg   Runner by Patrick Lee   Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens   Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb   After I'm Gone by Laura Lippman   Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg   The Troop by Nick Cutter

I received the following books from NetGalley to review: When Audrey Met Alice, Sitcom, Runner, Better Off Friends, and The Troop.
I've already read The Troop and my review was posted here.

Hopefully you guys like this format, because I really think I do!
There are so many awesome books coming out next month! I'd love to see your reviews if you do one on one of these books, so be sure and link me below! And feel free to add me on Goodreads!



FTC: Some of the books mentioned above have been provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I am not in any way affiliated with any of the authors mentioned.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Pinspiration: Superbowl Nail Ideas

I am a huge football fan. So it should come as no surprise that I love the Superbowl. Not just because the commercials are great (though they are), and not just because Bruno Mars is performing this year (though I do love him!), but because I love the game. I grew up watching football with my grandmother, and it's a tradition I still enjoy with her today. From September to February, we are together almost every single weekend.

One of my favorite things about the Superbowl is how into it everyone I know gets. It's exciting, especially when you are invested in a team. And I'm the kind of girl that tends to go all out- team colors from my eyelids down to my fingertips. And this year is especially exciting, because my favorite team, the Seattle Seahawks, are going to the Superbowl!!!

Here are some fun nail ideas I found on Pinterest for both the Seahawks and the Denver Broncos.
(As always with these Pinspiration posts, if you click on the picture, it will take you directly to the pin to repin. These photos are not mine, and I do not claim to have credit over them. Please visit the blogs that are pinned directly!)



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Holy Wow! I really wish I could do this. Maybe with enough patience I could do something similar on my left hand, but there is no way I could do it on my right!


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This is a really cute and simple idea for Broncos nails. You could also swap out the blue and orange for a different blue and green and have really simple Seahawks nails!


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This is another one that you could definitely swap out the colors on. I love the simplicity, and the little football. So cute!


I have quite a few more ideas posted on my Beauty Pinterest board. I usually post these on there while I'm working on the post, so be sure to check out that board to see things first!

Have a good Superbowl Sunday everyone! Go Seahawks!!!

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Book Review: Candlelight Christmas (Lakeshore Chronicles #10) by Susan Wiggs

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Description from Goodreads
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SUSAN WIGGS INVITES YOU TO AN UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS IN THE CATSKILLS

A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O'Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O'Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.

One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake— Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she's the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas.

Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods, and toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime.


My Review

I started reading the Lakeshore Chronicle books in 2012, and, so far, I've enjoyed all of them. Something about the community of characters, and that a lot of them reappear time and again. 

Logan is a character that, I have to admit, I wasn't super excited to read about. But I've read all the other Lakeshore books, so I felt like I needed to read this one, too! (Bookworm justification at it's finest.)

And I'm glad I did, because it is now one of my favorites of the whole series!


I wasn't sure about Logan because of who he was in Daisy's story- her ex husband/baby daddy, not really a "good" guy but getting better. He owns his own insurance agency, and is now steady. He splits custody of Charlie  with Daisy, and sees him on holidays and in the summer. 

Then he meets Darcy at Camp Tioga, and his whole outlook changes. It's almost love at first sight for both of them, but Darcy is still reeling from a terrible divorce and the loss of her stepchildren, so she is not really wanting to be into Logan because of Charlie.

Through the book, which moves very quickly, Logan and Darcy are thrown together for family holidays because Darcy is Logan's sister India's best friend. She goes to their Thanksgiving, to escape her ex-husband (her family and his family are old friends, and spend holiday's together), and they experience things together and eventually fall in love. And, Darcy and Logan may just discover they can leave their past behind them and move forward together.


This was a great Christmas book. I read this at the beginning of January, but there was still some of that Christmas magic in the air. And this book helped me hold onto that magic just a little bit longer. I definitely could see myself re-reading this next Christmas. It was just a sweet Christmas romance that made me really happy.


I gave this book four stars on Goodreads, and I believe it definitely deserved that. It was sweet and a nice read. I highly recommend checking out the series as a whole, if you like romance novels.


You can purchase a Hardcover copy of this book here, or a copy for Kindle here.


FTC: I borrowed this book from my local library. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post contains amazon affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Friday, January 24, 2014

The Sally Hansen Total Knockout Vox Box

I was lucky enough to qualify for and receive the Sally Hansen Total Knockout Vox Box from Influenster! (For more information on what Influenster is, see my first post here.)

I was really excited because it's NAIL POLISH! And although I only had two of the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polishes, I have wanted to get more because I really like the finish and the colors. I also like that you don't have to use a base coat or a top coat. (Although, I do because it's my routine and my nails stain really easy. And I like a top coat to smooth things out. But you really don't need to with these.)

I received THREE (yes, three) of the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polishes in my Total Knockout Vox Box. I thought I was only getting one, so that was an awesome surprise! The colors I received are Jaded, Pat on the Black, and Red My Lips.

I forgot to get a picture of the box, but what you're really here for is the nail pictures, right???


 Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Jaded

I wanted to use ALL THE COLORS so I did. Because I wanted to try them all. The first one is Jaded. It took about three coats to get the look of what I have on, and it's still not completely opaque. I like my polish opaque, so this is a little frustrating for me. But it is a lovely color that I can definitely see loving on my toes in the springtime.
To me, it is extremely close to a For Audrey dupe. Not quite blue enough, but pretty damn close.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Pat on the Black

The second color is Pat on the Black. It is a deep wine color, but definitely just looks black. This got a little patchy on me, but that could be because I failed and didn't let the first coat dry completely. As far as dark nail colors go, this is a good one. In person, it doesn't lean as black as it does in photos, but it is very dark. If you're into dark polish, I recommend trying this!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Red My Lips

And the third color is Red My Lips. I think this is my new favorite red nail polish. The formula is amazing, and the color reminds me of this red shirt that I lived in during high school. The perfect red. Opaque in one coat, but I used two for good measure. And because it was so beautiful, I just wanted to keep applying it. I might actually take off all my other polishes and use this one. Or, wear it for Valentine's Day. Either way, if you're a red polish fan, run out to get this right now. I'll be here waiting.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Please Sea Me

You can see I also have a blue. See, I didn't want to just add another one of my three, so I grabbed the other solid polish I have from this line in Please Sea Me. (The other polish I have is a glitter called Mermaid's Tale, which you can see here.) I received this in my Allure Fall Beauty Box, and I just love it. It can run a little thick, so I would advise to get as much off the brush as possible before applying to your nails.


Overall, I'm really happy with these polishes. For the price, and if you count the fact that you really should be getting a complete manicure from these, you can't beat it! Most of my polishes run from $3.99 up to $10.00, plus base and top coat and you're looking at $20.00 for a complete nail look. This way you can save a little money, and get a great quality product.

Thank you so much to Sally Hansen and Influenster for the products!


FTC: I received the first three nail polishes from Influenster for review purposes. The last polish was purchased by me with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post contains amazon affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

New Beauty Test Tube January 2014

I'll have to be honest up front- I'm not super thrilled about everything in this box. But, the things I'm happy with, I'm SUPER excited about, so I still feel like this box was a worthwhile purchase.




New Beauty Test Tube January 2014

The New Beauty Test Tube is available 6 times a year for $29.95 each (plus shipping and handling).


Votivo Red Currant

Votivo Red Currant (1 candle tin - Full Size!)
The perfect fusion of sweet and tart scents in this candle take your senses on a refreshingly fun aromatic journey.
How To Use: Place candle lid underneath before burning to prevent damage to your furniture.
Benefits Include: Fragrant and Fruity: From the brand's Aromatic collection, the distinct blend of fragrances comprising the Red Currant scent reads like a recipe card for a true culinary delight- tart red currants, golden fruit glaze, vanilla bean, raspberry and sugar cookies- promising a deliciously sweet scent; and Attention to Detail: In addition to using the finest wax, for longer-lasting candles, each Votivo candle is hand-wrapped and each seal is hand-pressed, ensuring uniqueness and a commitment to quality.
Will I Use It?: This is the second time in two boxes I've received this brand's candles, and they are 0/2 in me wanting to use them. Again, the description of the scent is right on- it's just not really for me. It's very, very sweet smelling, and my husband and I both don't like when a scent is straight up sugar. So I will definitely be passing this along to someone who will enjoy and use it.



Biosilk Volumizing Therapy Texturizing Powder

Biosilk Volumizing Therapy Texturizing Powder (0.5 fl oz - Full Size!)
Is your hair looking a little deflated by midday? This unique powder formula can give strands a much-needed boost any time of day to keep your style from falling flat.
How To Use: Sprinkle small amount of powder to the roots where additional texture and lift is needed. Use your fingertips to massage the powder into the roots, lifting the hair as you go.
Benefits Include: Style Lifter: Oils that build up and weigh hair down throughout the day are no match for this silk and rice protein formula that absorbs excess oil and lifts hair at the roots for a dose of midday volume; and Protective Formula: The paraben-free formula also protects strands from damaging UV rays.
Will I Use It?: This is the product in the box I'm super excited about. I've been using it almost every day since receiving the box, and it is amazing. It gives my hair a bit of volume, and also helps with some excess oils. I've been using this in conjunction with my dry shampoo, and getting amazing results! My hair looks like first day hair, only with more volume. I will definitely keep using this!



Pantene Expert Collection Pro-V Advanced+ Keratin Repair

Pantene Expert Collection Pro-V Advanced+ Keratin Repair (Shampoo - 3.9 fl oz; Conditioner (2.5 fl oz)
The Pantene Expert Collection uses Pantene's triple-blend formula to repair two years worth of damage in just two minutes.
How To Use: Shampoo: Massage into hair and work into a rich lather, Rinse thoroughly; and Conditioner: Massage into wet hair after shampooing, Comb through with your fingers along the length of your hair, paying particular attention to the ends, Rinse thoroughly.
Benefits Include: Multitasking Cleanser: This shampoo goes beyond conventional cleansing duties to fight many facets of damage, including split ends, frizz, dullness, and dryness; and Powerful Protector: Pro-V Advanced+ Keratin Repair Conditioner, with its triple blend complex, wraps hair, which is made of keratin, with a protective layer to help restore the surface to a healthy looking smooth condition- without weighing your style down.
Will I Use It?: I do plan on using this, but I haven't yet. I currently have three different shampoo/conditioners in my shower, and I need to use those before I start using this. I've never used a keratin shampoo or conditioner before, so I'm not quite sure what to expect, but I will definitely post a review after I have the chance to use it!



Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner
Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner

Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Sailor (Full Size!)
An eye essential, Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner is the perfect choice for a bulletproof liner that will make you look like you've just been done up by your own personal makeup artist.
How To Use: Always start with a clean lid that has a layer of Mally's Eye Shadow Base or a light dusting of eye shadow for a long-wearing foundation.
Benefits Include: High Performance: This professional quality, waterproof, long-wear eyeliner will not come off until you take it off; and Easy to Apply: Versatile and easy enough for anyone to get red-carpet results, the formula glides on smoothly, then sets to a beautiful finish. Plus it can be mixed and matched, applied in a fine or thick line, or smudged for a sultry look.
Will I Use it?: I have used this, but I'm still forming my opinions. My first opinion was negative, because it's not a twist up- you have to sharpen it. When will companies realize we do not like having to sharpen pencils anymore?? It is a total waste of product. My second opinion was also negative because this did smudge a bit when my eyes watered. I'll keep testing it out and getting back to you all.



Moroccanoil Body Butter

Moroccanoil Body Butter (1.7 fl oz - Full Size is 6.4oz)
Get softer, silkier skin from head to toe with a luxuriously rich body butter that melts on contact.
How To Use: After cleansing, massage the butter into damp skin. Concentrate on dry, rough areas that need extra moisture.
Benefits Include: Skin-Soothing: Drawing on the ultrahydrating properties of shea, cocoa, and mango butters, this velvety moisturizer soothes and softens while locking in moisture for long-lasting nourishment; and Powerful Ingredients: Infused with a healing blend of antioxidants, proteins, and vitamin-rich argan oil, this deeply nourishing body lotion helps improve elasticity and radiance.
Will I Use It?: I am actually really excited to use this, I just haven't yet! I have about 4 different things of lotion open right now and I need to use up at least 1 of those before I open this. I've heard only good things about it, so I have high expectations!



Revlon Age Defying Wrinkle Remedy Line Filler

Revlon Age Defying Wrinkle Remedy Line Filler (0.4 fl oz - Full Size!)
This lightweight, colorless formula with hyaluronic acid instantly fills fine lines, wrinkles and creases, visibly smoothing skin and readying it for a flawless makeup application.
How To Use: Use alone or under makeup. Pat into fine lines and wrinkles before applying makeup.
Benefits Include: Precise Results: A needle-nose applicator helps deliver products directly to wrinkles around the eye area, forehead, and mouth, and even targets marionette lines for instant results; Women Agree: According to the brand, 90 percent of women in one study said skin looked fuller and plumper when used under makeup.
Will I Use It?: No, this isn't really a product I am in need of at this time, so I'm going to pass it off to my mom and see what kind of results she gets!



June Jacobs Skincare Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque

This June Jacobs Skincare Papaya Purifying Enzyme Masque (1.6 fl oz) was also in my tube, but wasn't part of the Beauty-To-Go, or a part of the tube itself. I'm not really sure why I got this, but after reading some reviews, I'm excited to use it! It seems like it works great for dry skin, and my skin has been a little on the dry side lately. After I get a chance to use it a few times, I will do a follow up review!



January 2014 New Beauty Test Tube Beauty To Go

And this is what was included in my Beauty To Go Bag- The Philosophy Inner Grace Shampoo, Bath, and Shower Gel (2 fl oz), the Lumene Time Freeze Firming Day Cream (0.5 fl oz), the DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew (1.5 g), and the Perlier Grapefruit Foam Bath (2.5 fl oz). 
I'm not a big "bath" person so I'm not sure when I'll get around to using the Perlier, but I might pass it off to a friend. I've used the Philosophy shower gel a couple of times, and I honestly just don't get the hype- it's not better than my cheap body wash. I haven't used the other two, and the DDF packet really isn't enough to get an idea as to how I would like it, but I'll definitely do an update on the Lumene. 


Overall, I believe even though I won't use a few things in this tube, it was still worth the price. I'll at least be keeping my subscription through the next one!





FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the New Beauty Test Tube catalog included with the box.)
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Not Your Mother's Way to Grow Long & Strong Shampoo Review

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Today I'm reviewing the Not Your Mother's Way To Grow Long & Strong Shampoo.

I love the way this stuff smells. It's pink, and it smells delicious. Like a handful of fruity candy. And overall, it has performed pretty well. However, sometimes I feel like it gets my hair too clean. Like, squeaky clean. So clean I expect to hear that squeaky noise that windshield wipers make.

That's not a bad thing- having really clean hair is what a shampoo is supposed to do. But it makes my hair so clean, it feels dry, and looks dry after I use this. I have very long hair, and I always have to use a conditioner, but if I'm using this, I have to use a deep conditioner to get any type of moisture back into my hair. For me, this could easily take the place of a clarifying shampoo, because it gets everything out of my hair, including my natural oils.


I have used this once or twice a week for a few months now, and overall, I'm really happy. I time it so I use it when I'm ready to use a deep conditioner- I learned this after I tried to use it with a standard conditioner and could not get my hair to come untangled after my shower. So I was ripping out a ton of hair. But when I used my deep conditioner, it definitely solved that problem.
I haven't tried its Conditioner equivalent, so I can't speak to whether that would replenish what this product seems to strip out of my hair. But when I repurchase this product, I will also be purchasing the conditioner to see how they perform together, and provide a complete review of both at that time.


This product isn't marketed as a clarifying shampoo, but for oily-haired girls that color their hair like me that are looking for a clarifying shampoo, this is an unexpected one that isn't going to completely remove your color or make it look dull. But it is going to remove all the buildup caused by various products. At least it did for me.
But as far as making my hair stronger, I think this product failed on it's own.


FTC: This product was purchased with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post contains an amazon.com affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Book Review: The Smitten Book Club by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt

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(This book provided to me by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson - Fiction for review purposes.)

Description from Goodreads
""Consider that your beau is like a coveted novel whose compelling first lines you've just begun to read." --A Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship"

At a rummage sale, Heather, a member of the Fireside Book Club, discovers a turn-of-the-century romantic advice book written by a once-famous Smitten, Vermont, resident. When she shares the precious volume with her friends in the club, they find clues about a hidden treasure rumored to be buried in their tiny town.

As Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly take turns reading the book, each projects onto it her own literary tastes. Heather sees it as a mystery. Abby discovers delicious dashes of Jane Austen. Lia sees in it the idealism of a bygone day. And Molly just wishes they'd made the book into a movie!

One by one, each of the women finds romantic love--often in spite of the historic book's advice. And in searching for the legendary gold, the friends discover the best kind of treasure. The kind that brings hope and healing to each of their hearts.


My Review

I have this book on my Books I'm Excited For list for January 2014, and I actually did end up enjoying most of the book. It's not that I didn't enjoy the book overall, there were just a couple things here and there. 

This book is broken up into four parts with four separate subtitles, so this review will be broken up in the same fashion. All four parts of the book utilize a fictional story entitled "The Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship", which guide the woman to romance, and to find a local buried treasure.


Love By The Book by Colleen Coble: This is Heather and Paul's story. Overall, I was disappointed. I understand Heather is a mess because her baby daddy left, she's a single mom, and Paul broke her heart in the past by leaving to "find himself", but I didn't care one bit. I struggled with this part of the story. 


Shelved Under Romance by Kristin Billerbeck: This is Abby and Wyatt's story. This was a cute, easy read, and went much faster than Love By The Book. I actually finished it really quickly! I still don't understand why her mom is so protective, but the hang-gliding date between Abby and Wyatt was cute, and I loved Billerbeck's description of it- it actually makes me want to give hang gliding a try! I think I might look up Billerbeck on Goodreads and see what other stories she has to offer!


A New Chapter by Diann Hunt: This is Lia and Joey's story.  I went into this book knowing this was a "Christian" based book, and the themes were very prevalent in this section. I don't find anything wrong with that, it's just something to note. Lia and Joey's story made my heart so happy! As I may have mentioned before, I love when a story incorporates a friendship as a romance, especially one that has been years in the making. This was my favorite of all of the stories. I loved Grace (though I guessed what would happen at the end, almost exactly, so it was predictable), and reading about Joey's journey to forgiveness and into Lia's heart just made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I do love a good romance! 


Happily Ever After by Denise Hunter: This is Molly and Gage's story. I don't think it ruins anything to say I was nervous about this one because Molly loses her husband shortly before the book starts. But by the time we get to Molly's story, it's been a year. So that eased my nerves a bit. (Not that I judge a mourning period, and everyone has their own, but this is Christian novel, and I couldn't imagine they'd have Molly fall in love immediately after losing her husband.) I didn't really like the "conflict" in this one because it seemed so obvious and staged, but the romance was sweet. And I like that everything is resolved.



All four stories interweave, and all connect the mystery of The Gentlewoman's Guide, which makes the full story come together as cohesive, and not just pieces of one whole.  I found the Gentlewoman's Guide to be filled with really old school advice on how to act when courting a man, some of which I laughed out loud when reading. It was clearly meant to both tie into the story and provide a chuckle at the old rules of romance. There was also a "scavenger hunt" of sorts running through the book, and it does get resolved, which was also nice. All in all, this book pretty much tied up with a nice shiny bow.


I gave this book a 3 star review on Goodreads, but it's really more like 3 and a half. It was a cute, lighthearted, sweet read, with only one disappointing portion. I don't think I'll be re-reading this at any point in the near future, but it was a nice quick read to start off the New Year! (Fun Fact: This was the first book I read in 2014!)

You can purchase a copy of this book on paperback here, and for Kindle here.


FTC: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post contains amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

What's In My Makeup Bag? (As of January 16th, 2014)

Time to give getting naked a break!

I bought some hair color at Sally's (along with some nail polish removing pads), and got a free makeup bag! So I decided to isolate my makeup brushes in their own separate bag.
(Side note: They built this really nice new shopping center in my town and it has an Ulta. Now, they're also putting in a Sallys. So in the event of Zombie Apocalypse, you'll find me there.)

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Oh, and look what my husband got me for Christmas- the Sonia Kashuk brush set that was available over Christmas!

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I love them so much! They're all so soft and wonderful.

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Mascara!!!
I also bought a new Cover Girl Lash Blast Length because I needed it back in my life. So pretend that's pictured there, also.

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I really hate that Lorac powder. I need to throw it away. But it's here for now because maybe I'll decide to un-hate it.
And I decided to give that Rimmel foundation another try!

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LOOK WHAT I GOT! LORAC PRO TO GO!!! My sister-in-law bought this for me for Christmas- we pretty much always get each other makeup or something makeup related. Because we are both obsessed and feed each other's addictions. But anyway! I'm super excited to have this and have been playing with it a little already, and I really, really like it!
I'm going to do a full review and do a pinspiration post on it soon.

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Cheek stuff. There are also two blushes and a bronzer in the Lorac Pro To Go palette.

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Along with the palette's, I decided to throw in some single shadows. I'm using Samwise the Brave, Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold, Into the West, One Ring, and I Am No Man from the Geek Chic Fellowship Collection, and Chosen One from the Geek Chic It's Dangerous To Go Alone Collection.

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And I'm tossing in this. Because why not!


I'll be updating my makeup bag now at the beginning of every month. So you guys will see a new bag again really soon!


FTC: The Sonia Kashuk brushes and the Lorac Pro To Go Palette were gifts. Everything else was purchased by me with my own money.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Book Review: Romeo, Romeo by Robin Kaye

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Description from Goodreads

Rosalie Ronaldi doesn't have a domestic bone in her body ...

All she cares about is her career, so she survives on take-out and dirty martinis, keeps her shoes under the dining room table, her bras on the shower curtain rod, and her clothes on the couch ...


Nick Romeo is every woman's fantasy - tall, dark, handsome, rich, really good in bed, AND he loves to cook and clean ...


He says he wants an independent woman, but when he meets Rosalie, all he wants to do is take care of her. Before too long, he's cleaned up her apartment, stocked her refrigerator, and adopted her dog ...


So what's the problem? Just a little matter of mistaken identity, corporate theft, a hidden past in juvenile detention and one big nosy Italian family too close for comfort ...



My Review

I know I say this a lot (I say a lot of things a lot, get used to it!), but this was a cute story.

Initially, I wasn't sure. I thought it was just going to be a smutty little novel, based on the fact the two main characters have sex before the 90th page. But it became this really nice story of two people falling in love that weren't looking for it.

It's the kind of story that's been done over and over, but I really like the way the author wrote Rosalie. She was a strong woman who didn't need or want a man in her bed at night. She has Dave, her dog, and she keeps her boyfriends at a distance. 

Nick is the kind of man that didn't want serious, either, and I think it completely blindsided him when he realized he's in love with Rosalie. That's why he's taking her to the doctor when she's sick, staying the night, and walking her dog. I think the reader realizes this before he does!


Most of the story, Nick is pretending to be a mechanic, when in fact he is a millionaire. This is in large part because he's always been "that guy" for women (rich and powerful). Rosalie figures out who he is long before he realizes it.

Complicating matters, Rosalie is acting interim CEO for a Ferrari dealership Nick has always wanted. Things get messy when Rosalie learns this, as well. 

Overall, this was a quick, light read. It was fluff more than anything, but it was entertaining and did keep me wanting to find out if things got sorted out and if Nick and Rosalie get their happily ever after, even though they never wanted it. The ending was cute, not the best or the worst I've ever read. It was a sufficient read all around. Based on that, I gave this book a three star reading on Goodreads, but if 3 1/2 was possible, it would get that instead.



You can purchase a copy of this book in paperback here, and for Kindle here. 



FTC: This book was free as part of a Kindle promotion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This post contains amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Pinspiration: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Since receiving the Naked 3 Palette, I've had a lot of fun coming up with ways to wear it. And I've been utilizing Pinterest to come up with new ideas!
Here are some of my favorite I've run across!

(Clicking on the link will take you directly to the pin so that you can repin to your own boards. Please visit the blogs of the people you pin- it means a lot to us bloggers to see that people enjoy what we do!)


 photo naked3pin_zpsd3c7b4de.jpg

I really love how soft and sultry this is.  And it's the only way I've been able to get Blackheart to work for me and not look like I got socked in the face, so that's always a good thing!



 photo naked3pin_2_zps9497b30f.jpg

I haven't tried this look yet (I'm still a tad too afraid of Blackheart), but I plan on at least trying it out soon on a day when I'm okay with taking my makeup off right away (as in, not a work day). I really like the combination of colors used.



 photo naked3pin_3_zpsf43563e0.jpg

This has basically been my go-to, every day look since discovering this pin. The combo of colors is perfect, but still soft enough for my day job. I love it!


I really love the Naked 3 Palette by Urban Decay, and I highly recommend it if you haven't already purchased it. It is well worth the price for the quality and amount of product you are getting, and I definitely would consider repurchasing if anything was to happen. This is a solid runner up to the Lorac Pro as my favorite palette!

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Golden Globes Red Carpet 2014

It's award season!
I don't watch all the award shows, but I always watch The Emmy's, The Golden Globes, and the Academy Awards. I love the awards, but I also love the fashion. So I like to share some of my favorites and least favorites from these!


First, the favorites.

 photo OliviaWildeGG2014_zpse0a35ad1.jpg
(Best dress I've ever seen on a pregnant woman.)

 photo ZosiaMametGG2014_zpsddb03aff.jpg

 photo MelissaRauchGG2014_zpsccde067f.jpg

 photo MelissaMcCarthyGG2014_zpse21778e1.jpg

 photo ReeseWitherspoonGG2014_zps5983cebb.jpg

 photo MayimBialikGG2014_zps5330a69d.jpg

 photo KaleyCuocoGG2014_zpsb457fb83.jpg

 photo JessicaChastainGG2014_zps941e765a.jpg

 photo ChrisPineGG2014_zps7a6e14ad.jpg
(I mean... where'd I put my brain??)

 photo AmyAdamsGG2014_zps957ae88c.jpg

 photo ArielWinterGG2014_zpsb6a8edfc.jpg

 photo tinafeyamypoehlerGG2014_zps1beea0e3.png
(loved these dresses!)

 photo ChanningTatumAndJennaDewanGG2014_zps4fa94b5d.jpg


And my least favorites.

 photo PaulaPattonGG2014_zps6a349a88.jpg
(What is the actual...)

 photo ZoeyDeschanelGG2014_zps96a5f1ae.jpg

 photo JoannaNewsomandAndySambergGG2014_zps978ee38e.jpg

 photo JenniferLawrenceGG2014_zps9cbca129.png
(I am a huge JLaw fan. Just not so much of this dress.)

 photo DrewBarrymoreGG2014_zpsc1254fda.jpg
(pregnant women can look gorgeous... but not in this.)

 photo EdieFalcoGG2014_zps425ac53d.jpg


If you'd like, you can view all my Red Carpet posts here, or check out my Red Carpet Pinterest board here.