Glossed Over

Here's the long-awaited lip gloss post. I went back through some WIWW posts and figured out what glosses were featured so you can see them in action.

I always hunt for gift sets (Christmas time, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day tend to be when they are in stores). You can get tons of colors without having to spend too much. I do, however, usually spend a bit more on lip gloss than on other beauty products because I find the pricer ones are less sticky and stay on longer than less expensive brands. I also look for neutral shades that will go with most of my daytime looks. That's again the plus about gift sets. You usually get three super wearable shades and a couple of more daring ones for evening.

My favorite brands for glosses are:
Stila (smooth, great colors, not sticky)
LORAC (slick, dense colors)
Bobbi Brown (a little thicker than most, but very pigmented colors)

These lip glosses were my new addition this Christmas:

LORAC Tie Dye for Lip Gloss Collection
These are full size glosses for only $25.00 and the colors are amazing!!!
Here are samples:
Flaming Mix (which I have been wearing for most of January):

The Mix (a nude):

Shocking Twist:

Some of my favorite Stila Looks:

Here's a great value set that many of these looks come from.

Grapefruit and blush together:

Stila Guava and Seashell mixed:

Apricot:

And Bobbi Brown Buff with Stila Blush over it

Please share some of your favorite gloss or lipstick colors! I'd love to find some new shades.

What I Wore Wednesday 1/26/11

Here are my looks for this week's adventures.

Wednesday, 1/19/11

Day at work and an evening with my parents and prayer sisters.
This is the piled-high posy look.

 Turtleneck: Old Navy

Sweater: Anthropologie

Pants: Talbots

Shoes: Clarks

Posy Pins: The Pleated Poppy

Earrings: Local Shop

Thursday, 1/20/11

Work and dinner with my inlaws
The pants and jacket are navy, but can't really tell in the photo.

 Top: Style and Co (Macy's)

Jacket: Jcrew Academy Jacket

Pants: Van Heusen

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's
Reason for the yellow shoes: there is a tiny bit of yellow in the top, but it's really because I cannot seem to find a great pair of navy shoes, so I always pair navy pants with bright, complimentary shoes.

Beaded necklace: me

Earrings: Brighton

Friday, 1/21

Work and lots of cleaning at home

 Top: Liberty of London for Target

Sweater: Old Navy

Pants: Lee

Shoes: Born

Earrings: Pear22 on etsy 

Posy Pin: The Pleated Poppy

Saturday, 1/22

Dinner with friends

This was a totally new look for me with the belted sweater. Daring, I know.

 Top: Liberty of London for Target

Sweater: Target

Jeans: Marshalls

Boots: Target

Earrings: Van Heusen

Flower pin: Forever21

Sunday, 1/23

Church, Target shopping, Bible Study homework

La-la-looooving my new ruffled scarf!!! You must stalk The Pleated Poppy's shop for when these are listed and get one. So comfy and versatile.

 Sweater: Ann Taylor Outlet

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Born

Earrings: Glitz Glitter

Ruffled Scarf: The Pleated Poppy

Posy Pin: The Pleated Poppy for incourage

Monday, 1/24/11
Back to work.
I ADORE this jacket. Waited and waited and then sought it out at three different Talbots for a great sale price. And I love that it incorporates my favorite shades of teal and works well with some neat gems.
It was pretty chilly today, so I did layer a wool Jcrew cardi under the jacket for warmth.

 Jacket: Talbots
Top: Banana Republic Outlet
Pants: Dockers
Shoes: Clarks

Tough to get an all-inclusive gem shot, but managed.
Earrings: Local shop
Beaded necklace: me
Petal Drop Necklace: the Pleated Poppy

Tuesday, 1/25/11
(Eleven months till Christmas)
A very productive work day.

 Top: Ann Taylor Loft
Cardi: Jcrew
Pants: Calvin Klein
Shoes: Clarks
Have had this shirt for 3 years, the sweater for 2. Why is this the first time I am pairing them together???

Necklace: Lisa Leonard Hope is the Thing
Earrings: Jewelscapes


I have not forgotten my lip gloss post. I do promise it's coming. Just want to actually go through photos to figure out what I was actually wearing instead of making it up, as I am convinced beauty magazines do when they say, "get the cover look." I want to be accurate for ya!

Linking to
the pleated poppy 
and
Bejeweled Wednesdays

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Getting to Know Me 2011

I'm linking up with Michele at Imperfectly Wonderful Word to share some things about me. Feel free to join in the fun, too!

Getting to Know You 2011

1. What time did you get up this morning?

9:37

2. Pearls or diamonds?

Pearls

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

Slightly embarrassed to admit this, the Dilemma.

4. What is your favorite TV show?

Antiques Roadshow, the Office

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?

Zone Bar or Luna Bar

6. What is your middle name?

Marie

7. What food do you like the least?

Peas

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment?

Since getting an iPod, I haven't listened to one CD in a while. I'm really enjoying instrumental music by Jon Schmidt now and play it at work to keep me calm.

9. What kind of car do you drive?

Hyundai Sonata

10. Favorite Sandwich?

2 eggs and cheddar on a roll

11. What characteristic do you despise?

Liars!

12. Favorite item(s) of clothing?

Long cardigans

13. If you could go anywhere in the world for vacation, where would you go?

Not big on travel (I used to think I was, but  I get too stressed out). Maybe Italy.

14. What color is your bathroom?

A very mellow yellow.

15. What is your favorite brand of clothing?

JCrew and Anthropologie

16. Where would you retire?

I would love to stay in NY, close to family.

17. What was your most recent memorable birthday?

Last year we all went to the wineries. It was like a grown up party.

18. Favorite sport to watch?

Baseball

19. Favorite saying?

Shut the front door!

20. When is your birthday?

March 23rd

21. Are you a morning person or night person?

Night Owl

22. Are you part of the problem or the solution?

Oh dear. I think I have to admit that I am part of the problem, then blow up, get frustrated, and try to solve it.

23. Do you have any pets?

Nope. Never have.

24. Any new and exciting news you would like to share with us?

I would like to start knitting or crocheting this year.

25. What did you want to be when you were little?

A teacher.  It didn't happen...

26. How are you today?

Ok, but slightly on the cranky side. Woke up with a headache (I'm thinking caffeine withdrawal), but starting to feel better.

27. What is your favorite candy?

Cherry Jolly Ranchers. Throughout high school I ate them by the bag.

28. What is your favorite flower?

Orchids.

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?

June 25th, my hubby's birthday. We're planning a Disney World vacation with friends.

30. What are you listening to right now?

Anthony Bordain on No Reservations. Apparently he's visiting Mexico.

31. Do you wish on stars?
No

32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Kelly Green

33. How is the weather right now?

Flipping freezing!!! It's 16 degrees today.

34. What is your favorite soft drink?

Soda makes my tummy feel weird. I usually opt for iced tea instead.

35. What is your favorite restaurant?

Sapporos (Japanese place by my parents' house)

36. Natural hair color?

Blonde

37. Siblings?

Brother, Chris and sister-in-law, Lauren.

38. Favorite day of the year?

Christmas

39. What was your favorite toy as a child?

American Girl Dolls

40. Summer or Winter?

Winter. I actually like to bundle up.

41. Hugs or Kisses?

Hugs

42. Coffee or tea?

Tea (a little milk and lots of sugar)

43. Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate

44. Favorite season?

Fall. Love the seasonal activities (apple picking, pumpkin picking)

45. Last time you cried?

A couple of weeks ago. My dad had a little health scare, I watched some tragic episode of House, and there ya go. Emotional explosion.

46. What is under your bed?

Space bags with off-season clothes and shoes.

47. What is your favorite smell?

Clean laundry.

48. What are you afraid of losing?

my voice

49. Salty or sweet?

Salty

50. How many keys are on your key ring?

Six

51. How many years at your current job?

Five

52. Favorite day of the week?

Saturday

53.  What was the last thing you had to drink?
Venti non-fat Caramel Macciato. First one in a while.


54.  Ever go to camp?
Yup, day camp. Haaaaated it.

55. Favorite book?
White Oleander.


Thanks for taking the time to get to know a little bit more about me!

What I Wore Wednesday 1/19/11

Another week of looks.

Wednesday, 1/12

SNOW DAY!!!!! Yay for an unexpected day off from work.

Tee: Target

Sweater: Gap

Pants: Old Navy

Slippers: Acorn (my new favorites)

Diamond studs: Gift from my cousin

Thursday, 1/13

Work, haircut, and dinner with my husband's family.

 Pants and top: Kohl's

Sweater: Jcrew

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Earrings: Liz Palacios

Necklace and Posy Pin: the pleated poppy (can't wait to receive my new ruffled scarf...)

Friday, 1/14

Work and a movie with the hubs.

 Top: Ann Taylor

Sweater: Anthropologie

Pants: Macy's

Boots: Target

Beaded necklace: me

Earrings: Jewelscapes

Necklace: Lisa Leonard from up here

Posy Pin: the pleated poppy

Saturday, 1/15

Spent the morning with my parents and the afternoon celebrating a dear friend's engagement.

Top: Rarebits

Jeans: Marshalls

Sweater: Target

Boots: Clarks

Earrings: Van Heusen

Sunday, 1/16

Church and lunch with my inlaws

 Top: Brooks Brothers Outlet

Sweater: Jcrew

Skirt: Ann Taylor Outlet

Boots: Clarks

Tights: Kohl's

Earrings: Anthropologie

Necklace: Lisa Leonard Hope is the Thing (my one little word necklace for the year)

Monday, 1/17

A day off, had to go to a wake. Otherwise very low-key.

Top and cardi: Ann Taylor outlet

Pants: Van Heusen

Shoes: Born

Earrings: Macy's

Necklace: Lisa Leonard Hope is the Thing

Tuesday, 1/18

Busy day at work, relaxing night at home.

 Top: Loft

Jacket: Gap Outllet

Pants: Van Heusen 

Belt: Jones NY

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

Earrings: Van Heusen

Necklace: Diamonique from QVC

Linked to

the pleated poppy

&

Jewelscapes Bejeweled Wednesdays

What's Your Word?

So, in blog land there's lots of word selecting going on and I just love reading others' selections.  It so wonderful learning about the reasons why certain words were chosen and how the word will be lived throughout the year.

A couple of weeks ago my prayer group and I got together for our first meeting of the new year. We all shared about the words we had picked for 2010 and how we enjoyed them, loved them, and lived them.

Then we all selected our words for this year.

Our words for 2011 are:

Heal

Bloom

Joy

Hope

Inspire

Cherish

Rich

Plus we all made our word visible for the whole year (they'll go on vanities, window sills and shelves in our homes) to remind us to CHERISH the RICHness of a year filled with HOPE, HEALing, and JOY while we watch the year ahead BLOOM.

Let it Glow - Skin Secrets

I have to thank so many of you who have complimented my skin. Can't lie though, my mantra is "You only have one skin" so I do try my best to take care of it.

When I was in college I spent waaaaay too much on skin care products and makeup just trying to find the perfect products to make my pale face look less gothy. I used to go to Bloomingdales for Bliss facials and buy everything they recommended and I rarely saw results that were worth the price tag.

A few years later I read one of my favorite books "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" by Paula Bengoun

What I love most about the book are the ratings for every single cosmetic and skin care product you can imagine. Plus, all the ingredients are explained and the reviews describe why some products are incredible and why some are just hype.

This past year I stopped searching for that perfect pricey product and completely changed my skin care routine based on Paula's reviews from Beautypedia. Right now use of Beautypedia is free for January and February so I really encourage you to head over there, type in the products you have and those you've always wondered about to see if they are worth it.

I've also switched from using over-priced products and use many drugstore finds or products from Paula's Choice. Paula's Choice prices are low and you don't need to use a lot of product, so they do last. I typically place an order for refills every 6 months. This new routine has helped me stop wasting my money on beauty products and my skin has completely been revitalized (and no, I don't sell any of the products mentioned. I just love the results and am excited that others even noticed my skin).

I also accepted the fact that I have slightly oily skin and need to stay away from products that are designed for extra dry skin. What a change I've seen!

My current routine is:

Paula's Choice Hydralight Face Cleanser

Olay Regenerist Serum

Paula's Choice Moisture Boost w/SPF 20 Moisturizer (for day)

Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture Infusing Lotion (for night)

For occasional breakouts, I use a light layer of Exfoliating BHA Lotion

It's a simple, fragrance free routine and the results have been remarkable.

My go-to makeup choices are also from Beutypedia suggestions:

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Ultra Hydrating, Cream Whipped Foundation or

Paula's Choice Best Face Forward Foundation

Maybelline Dream Matte Concealer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Powder

Benefit Benetint, Stila Convertible Color (in Gerbera or Lillium), or L'Oreal True Match Blush for cheeks (Paula doesn't always recommend cream blush, but I'm a big fan)

MAC Cream Color Base in Pearl for under-eye highlighter

Almay One Coat Nourishing Mascara

So my advice? Know your skin type, buy products designed for it, and don't spend more than you need to. Oh, and SPF!!!! My favorite wrinkle prevention trick!

And for next week, we'll check out my favorite lip glosses...they need a post all to their own!

Getting Organized Day 10: The Laundry Room

It has been nice to see all the cool organizing prompts over at a bowl full of lemons and many of them have been put into action previously by my hyper-organized husband.

Finally, Day 10 - the Laundry Room, was for me.

Here is the before:

Pretty, pretty, pretty messy. And majorly disorganized.

Moved out the laundry cart, cleaned the floor underneath (eeeew) and voila:

Containers helped here quite a bit. All stain removers and pre-treaters are up top with dryer sheets.

Row 2 is cleaning extras (soaps, swiffer stuff)

and the bottom row is laundry detergents, softener, and bleach.

The boxes in the back were previously organized, so this challenge took a little less time than expected.

Linking to