e.l.f. love

I stopped at Supertarget last night and grabbed a few more e.l.f. (eyes, lips, face) products to try.  I am so thrilled that Target has created a large display area just for these products and have expanded their offerings. Oh, and Dollar General now carries a limited number of e.l.f. brushes and implements.   EVERYTHING I have tried from this line has been exceptional, and actually makes me question why I still spend so much money on department store cosmetics. . . anyway, here are a few of my thoughts on what I've tried.


This is my go to eyelash curler.  I have others, some that cost $20 +, but I keep reaching for this one.  It's easy to hold and curls my lashes uniformly, not bent, just a nice big curl.  My lashes are blonde and straight, so I curl them before I apply mascara and it really helps create the illusion of longer, more voluminous lashes. I just can't get over the price point for this quality implement.


I just bought this one yesterday.  I was testing it out on the back of my hand a few minute ago and can't believe the beautiful, delicate shimmer it adds. It felt nice and creamy going on; I've been messing around with the dab i put on the back of my hand and it's  not budging.  It's the weekend and I don't plan on putting on makeup today, but I can't wait to use this to add subtle highlights.  I've been using Benefit High Beam, and it's ok, just on the runny side.  I think this will be much better.

I've used the e.l.f. lip glosses and nail polishes too, and have been quite impressed.  They also have nail polish remover pads that come in a lidded case, perfect for travel.  The nail remover formula is unique, in that I think it's oil based but it's moisturizing, has a nice light scent, and removes even dark polishes with no problem.  I

Clarisonic review

I have problematic skin.  My skin can go from almost flawless to dry or broken out in a matter of hours.  I also battle large pores.  After seeing positive reviews about the Clarisonic, I thought it might help resolve some of my 'issues'.  I was lucky to be receive this as a gift a few months ago (thanks Rob!), and I can't imagine my life without it.  Believe all the great things you've heard about it; it's been really great results for me.  I wish I had taken a "before" picture.  After about 2 months of use, here is what I've noticed about the improvements to my skin:  no more dry patches, pores appear smaller, fine lines have been reduced, and my skin feels firm but soft.  I've also noticed that I'm using less product afterwards (lotions/serums, etc.).  I use it two times a day and take it apart and clean it about once a week.  It works best (for me), with a foamy cleanser.  I tried using it with an exfoliating cleanser but found that to be too harsh. I think the movement of the brush is enough to exfoliate, so a mild soapy cleanser works just fine. The charge lasts about two weeks, and I love that it is waterproof, so I can cleanse my face while I'm in the shower.  It is an investment.













I usually follow up the Clarisonic treatment with this serum:

And a moisturizer.  I've been liking this one lately (it came in a Beautyfix kit.  Sadly, I can't afford to replace it when it's gone, not at $75!):

Hello, my name is Wendy. And Teeter.

Wendy is a tiny little kitty.  The offspring of a cat (who sadly disappeared) that someone dumped at our house a few years ago.  Her mom had a huge litter of kittens, we kept 3 and found homes for the rest.  This is Teeter: 

Teeter is amazing.  He used to be a feral cat.  We'll never know where he came from or what happened to him, but one day he came up to the house.  He was rail thin and his front paw was dangling off his body, mummified.  His back leg was bleeding and bone was sticking out.  Our vet thought he would survive, and even said it was a miracle he'd lived through whatever trauma had befallen him.  His front leg was amputated and back leg treated.  He hid in the basement for several months (he knew to use litter box, without even being shown!),  gradually coming upstairs for short periods of time. He's been a full fledged member of the family for several years now, and is one sweetheart cat.  He's also very fat, sassy, and confident.  

What we've been working on today

The horror!  3, maybe 4 layers of paint.  The red layer was our doing. I loved the color, but I was sloppy and didn't remove the older layers (which were bubbly and uneven from age) before painting it the first time. I'd say one of the hardest lessons we've learned in our house remodel is that it's so much easier to do it right the first time - even if it means extra work or a longer timeframe to completion.  I was never happy with the crackly/bubbly finish on the door.  It will be painted with this: 

Martha Stewart High Gloss in "Ladybug" - I'm very excited to try the new Martha paint line from Home Depot. My fingers are crossed. . . I really hope the paint is good quality, because there are some gorgeous colors in the line and I have big plans for these paints. 

American Apparel Nail Lacquer review

So, American Apparel has come out with a new line of nail lacquers.  They were 3 for $15, or $6 each.  I bought three.  I've had mixed results with this line.  First off, here is a picture of my nails in "Peacock" 3 days after application.  Not the best wear ever, but I've had worse.  And to be fair, I've also done a lot of housework the past few days.

Here is a picture of all 3 colors I purchased: 

The lavender shade is called "L'Esprit" and I haven't actually applied it to all my nails.  I started to, but it seemed to be a little bit streaky and I wasn't feeling very patient that day.  But the third color, "Mouse". . . . .  wow!!!  It's one of the best polishes I've had EVER.  It applies evenly (no streaking) and wears incredibly well.  It's very close in color to Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in "Commander in Chic", which I also have.  I love "Commander in Chic", but the color is a bit darker than "Mouse" and the American Apparel is easier to apply.  It's also very similar to Chanel's "Particuliere"; in fact, so similar that a Chanel counter employee assumed that's what I was wearing!  

If you have an American Apparel store near you and love experimenting with fun nail polishes, I'd recommend browsing their selection.  I purchased mine at the Country Club Plaza shop in KC, MO.  The display was on the counter, in front of the register.  

This is the topcoat I use (and love!):

Armani Lip wax review

Another impulse purchase ($27).  I tried it on at the Armani counter (Hall's at Country Club Plaza, KC MO.  A beautiful department store, btw) and thought the berry color was so pretty. It feels lightweight and goes on smooth and silky. Unfortunately, I can't get the stuff to stay on.  I pile it on and then add even more, but it rubs off so quickly.  Just after applying, the color looks very saturated and the berry color is stunning.  I think applying a lip liner first would help.

Chanel Rouge Coco review

I've always enjoyed makeup. My family always likes to remind me of my subscription to "The Face Place" when I was ten.  I begged my mom to give me the money to start a subscription to the monthly makeup program.    I used to curl my eyelashes on the 45 minute bus ride to school each day.  Except for the unfortunate morning when the bus driver hit a section of washboard country road and I pulled out a big chunk of eyelashes.
I'll be reviewing products frequently.  Because I have BAGS of makeup and other cosmetics that I've purchased and have yet to try.
I treated myself to a new Chanel lipstick a few weeks ago and now I want more.  I bought this shade:

Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color in Organdi Rose.

I also bought it in Mademoiselle.  Which was kind of crazy, because Organdi Rose and Mademoiselle are almost identical in color. I think I got caught up in the "Mademoiselle" frenzy, because it was sold out at the Nordstrom counter for months.  They had just received a new shipment the day I was there.  Anyway, the Organdi Rose works best with my complexion (Blonde hair and fair skin, cool undertones), so I am going to return Mademoiselle or give it to my sister.  At $30 each, it's an investment.  But SO worth it.  The formula is creamy, moisturizing, and extremely long wearing.  There is a very subtle rose scent.  Seriously, this lipstick glides on with ease and doesn't bleed or migrate to my teeth. The packaging is also beautiful, as you would expect from Chanel.  I could never afford a Chanel bag or suit, so I think it's OK to spend $30 to indulge in just a bit of luxury.

My favorite magazines

Sunset.  This magazine helps get me through the long Kansas winters.  Lots of great ideas for the garden, plus travel, cooking, and home decor.  I never fail to discover the best little restaurants and shops to visit when I travel west.  Some of my best travel memories would have never happened, if not for Sunset.


Allure.  I'm a makeup JUNKIE.  I need to stop.  But this magazine makes it hard with so many makeup reviews, previews of new products, etc.  Not 'deep' reading, but lots of pictures and total brain candy.


Marie Claire. Like Allure, but with celebrity interviews and a few reviews of music and movies, as well as several in depth articles about current events.


Bust.  This is a good airplane magazine.  So many interesting articles and movie, book, and music reviews.  It takes time to read through it all.


Paste.  Another good "traveling" magazine. It can take hours to read through this one and I like the digital sampler.


Country Living.  One of the last shelter mags I like, now that Domino, Cottage Living, and Country Home have folded.


I also like Lonny.  The digital format is easy to use and quick to load. But,  I will always prefer old school paper and ink magazines.

Apple Magic Mouse

Just got it.  If you have a Mac, it's vastly superior to the track ball mouse.  We had two - one a wireless.  Clunky and the track balls stopped working after a few months.  This is sleek and easy to use. Plus, I like that I have right click functions.  

Hello, my name is Norma

This is Norma.  She is one of the sweetest dogs you will ever meet.  Someone dumped her on the back porch a year and a half ago along with her friend, Cliff.  They were cold and scared and starving.  And I already had two dogs. I didn't think I could handle two more dogs, so I planned on taking them to a no kill shelter.  And then I noticed the bond these two dogs had and realized they would probably die without each other.  And the odds of them being adopted together were probably nil. In fact, Norma probably wouldn't have been adopted at all, since she is a pit bull and so many cities and counties in Kansas have pit bull bans.  So they stayed.  And I'm so glad they did.  

Norma is gentle and loving.  She worries about her kitty friends and checks on them routinely.  She loves to cuddle with them too.  

Here she is with Cliff.  They are inseparable.  Cliff cries when she is not nearby.  She likes to sit on Cliff. And he loves it.  

Second Thyme Around

One advantage to living in Kansas is the abundance of thrift and antique stores (and auctions!), all with very fair prices.  If you're near Manhattan, KS try stopping at Second Thyme Around. It's located just a few miles south of Manhattan, just off Highway 177.   I found this vintage silver plated plate rack there last weekend for $18.  It is perfectly suited for these Restoration Hardware plates I've had stored away.  The stock is always changing and you'll find large furniture pieces (some perfect for refinishing, other pieces great just the way they are), along with vintage knick knacks, dishes, etc.   

It was quite tarnished, but this. . .

 

cleaned it up in a snap. This is my go to product for cleaning the vintage silver pieces I've picked up over the years.  I like that cleaner is embedded in wadding, which eliminates the need for two cloths.  And a little goes a long way.  

Love this sewing book

First post!  The world of blogging is vast and overwhelming. I've been an avid follower of quite a few blogs for years now and felt it was time to start my own.  I have enjoyed discovering new things on other blogs and now would like to share some of my own finds.   Let's start with this book. . .I bought it when it first came out a few years ago and still love it.  Perfect for any skill level and the projects make it easy to incorporate fabric from my vintage stash.  I am revisiting this book and plan on making some new projects from it, pictures to come later.

  

And a new book that is on its way.  Based on the preview, the projects look divine.

  

And another book that I will be ordering when it comes out. . .

This pattern has been sitting on my sewing table for a month now.  I love the look of this tunic, I'm just waiting on the right fabric.