Beauty & Fitness

Playlist: Makeup Obsessed

July 18, 2015 by Michelle Leave a Comment

Lately, I find myself reading beauty blogs and following Instagram accounts like make__up__madness and thebeautyacct. I’m lusting over shadow palettes and brush sets. So, I thought I’d share a few of my recent purchases. The palette above; however, is a great palette from Coastal Scents that I’ve had forever. And clearly, I love looking at it more than actually using it.

I seem to have the biggest makeup dilemma when it comes to mascara. I do love the Kat Von D mascara, and have been using that for some time now. But, when I ran out of that I’ve been working my way through a series of samples. Every time I get a choice of a mascara sample to get with my points I go for it. I’m pretty impressed with the They’re Real! mascara. This one is definitely worth getting in a standard size the next time I’m in the market. Still a few samples to go, though.

I’ve never ordered from Too Faced Cosmetics before, but when I saw their Sugar Pop shadow palette, I had to have it. I have to say, my experience ordering directly from Too Faced was fantastic. Quick service, and look it comes in a pretty pink box!

Even the inside is filled with pink packing material! See, seriously, how could I resist those macarons!

I love the tin itself. It’s bright, it’s fun, it has macarons as well. I literally clapped my hands with excitement when I opened the box!

And here’s the palette itself. It comes with a little guide for three different looks. Plus, they’ve laid out the colors to make it super easy to coordinate. And the colors are fantastic. I’ve used all of them and I love the pigmentation. I will definitely be getting more Too Faced products in the future!

Obviously, my shadow palette was a little bit out of my normal color range, but I’m so glad it is. Recently, I’ve done a lot of stepping outside my comfort zone colorwise. An online group I belong to full of other makeup obsessed ladies has been enabling me like nobody’s business. They were directly responsible for the Too Faced palette, and also for my Urban Decay eyeliner habit. They kept talking about the Asphyxia liner so much that I had to pick one up on my last Ulta spree. I’ve used it several times and love it. I’m finding the need for a whole drawer full of UD liners. As you can see, I also brought home a new OPI polish. This is Shine for Me from the Fifty Shades of Grey collection. It’s so pretty on.

And then, I decided to spread the love and place a Sephora order too. I’d recently found out that they still had the limited edition Urban Decay nail polish in stock after one of my polish divas ordered it. When they released these, I opted for Addiction which was a gunmetal grey that I fell in love with similar to Chanel’s Graphite. But, then later I saw a friend wearing Vice and lamented not buying it when I had the chance. But lo and behold, Sephora still has it online! So, Vice was mine finally. I also decided to order a new lipstick, because who doesn’t need a new lipstick every once in awhile? After seeing some of the publicity around Kat Von D’s unaplogetically named Underage Red, I decided a bright red lipstick that I couldn’t say no to. And for my free samples, I chose a couple of perfumes (I’ve been wanting to try some Elizabeth & James) and a Smashbox Photo Finish primer. Very happy with my loot!

And finally, I had to share the new perfumes Eric gifted me with. D&G Light Blue and Thierry Muegler’s Alien Essence Absolue. The Light Blue is perfect for summer, and the Alien is perfect for nighttime or fall/winter. It’s a spicier and woodier, which I love in a heavier fragrance. I’m still wanting to add to my perfume selection though…all in due time.

What’s on your playlist this week?

July in Photos

August 17, 2013 by Michelle Leave a Comment

This summer is just zooming by like nobody’s business. Frankly, July was a rough month. Started out fine but then it took a nosedive. My crazy work schedule took over again and a lot of late nights left me feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Near the end of the month I made some adjustments in my attitude and did my best to start looking at things from a place of gratitude and abundance. Amazing what a difference that makes. Two things that have really helped me are the IG posts from @tarotandtea, particularly her daily tarot advice, and Katie O’Keefe’s blog and IG. I’m loving watching her moving through #intentionalaugust and #mth (making things happen). Both are two roads to the same destination, a destination of re-engaging with myself and what means most to me. All a work in progress, but I’m feeling a lot better equipped to deal with the “stuff” that’s going on in my life right now.

So, what adventures did I get up to in July? It was so nice to have a long weekend for 4th of July, and you can see I celebrated with a fun mani. I spent a day with some girlfriends over that weekend too – I even baked cookies! Eric and I opted to not go out to see fireworks, but instead we enjoyed the evening at home and watched some of the specials on tv.

We had lots of rain in July and it actually made for a much cooler summer than we’re used to in Texas. I love it when it rains, so it’s always a little bonus.

As part of my attitude adjustment, I spent some extra time on myself – nails (of course), some new makeup (eyeliner and powder), dug out my favorite summertime heels (don’t those cherries kill you?), and some summery statement necklaces like my starfish that jingle! I even went through all the lipstick I have hoarded in my purse. Amazing what you find in there.

I had a little bit of relaxation time that I spent working on a gift for my Goddaughter (a summery yellow quilt) and catching up on my DVR’d shows, namely the red carpet from the Oscars. Yes, it was in February.

Eric and I also did something for ourselves, we finally ordered our frame for the photo we printed from our honeymoon so we could hang it over our bed. The frame is perfect and goes beautifully with the warm tones of the sunset from the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Apologies for the reflection/glare in the photo…but trust me it looks wonderful. And it allowed us to mark our bedroom as complete on our home improvement list.

So that was July, and we’re already halfway through August so I’d better start thinking about my August in Photos post!

First Days of Spring

March 23, 2013 by Michelle Leave a Comment

With the first day of Spring this week, my thoughts turn to clear sunny days and soft colors. Although this morning is full of thunderstorms and chilly winds. But, I can indulge in my little piece of Spring right here! Lately I’ve been catching up on my DVR’d shows, which includes several hours of Red Carpet watching. Seems the days are gone when I can actually watch things live. But, what surprised me about this year’s Oscar Red Carpet was the overall softness of the colors. There were very few bright colors, particularly the emerald green I was expecting to see everywhere. But there was no lack of gorgeous dresses to choose from, as you can see above. One of my favorites was Jessica Chastain in that amazing coppery beaded Armani Prive gown. So many subtle shades.

And Chanel has released their lovely Spring collection of nail lacquers, Printemps Precieux. You know I normally go in for the dark, vampy colors like Accessoire, but I’m really drawn to Emprise, which is a rosy beige. Perfect almost nude nail that would go perfectly with a brighter wardobe. And Fracas, who can resist a pretty, bright pink? This one will most definitely transition into the summer months.

Even Starbucks is celebrating Spring in Japan with their new Sakura line. It even includes cherry blossom macarons (which you know I can’t resist). It’s too bad that this lovely pink deliciousness won’t be available in the States, but from what I hear the taste (not cherry at all) might not translate to the American palate. But what fun a pink latte would be (as long as it’s not strawberry, since I’m allergic!).

And I saw a photo on Instagram the other day of the new Coach handbags in Mint. I can’t resist, such a gorgeous color for Spring. Too too tempting. Alas, I am on a new handbag hiatus, so no Coach bag for me. But look at those fun tassels too. Gah!

I did have to indulge in my own version of that luxurious mint color though. How do you like my Essie Mint Candy Apple mani this week? Perfect, huh? Such a fun color. I’ve really enjoyed wearing it.

And how can I resist anything in a bright pretty yellow? (I can’t) Of course, the J Crew bubble necklaces are almost everywhere these days, but I just love it in yellow. A fun bright pop of color against a subtle colored top? Love. It.

What’s bringing thoughts of Spring to you this week?

February in Pictures

March 7, 2013 by Michelle 1 Comment

I can hardly believe another month has come and gone. February was a rough month for me. It marked the one-year mark of losing my dad. It still feels fresh, and he was on my mind a lot this month. Work was also very intense this month, but I did manage to take a couple of days off in order to have a long weekend at the beginning of the month. And while January is always very peaceful and quiet, full of new potential…February for me is the first burst of color and seeing progress on new projects.

This February I found myself drawn to pretty spring colors, visually feasting on dreams of Paris and macarons. I found time on my days off to finish some crafty projects – one a gift for a friend and one a quilt I’d started two Thanksgivings ago. It feels so good to be able to focus on some fun things I wanted to do. And it seemed that Lana Del Rey’s music was my personal soundtrack throughout the month (still is – I can’t get enough of it).

Eric and I celebrated Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras with a King Cake and dinner out. It’s been several years since I made a King Cake (this one was bought)…maybe next year? I managed to spend an afternoon with a good friend (much-needed girl time) and wrapped up the month with a very delicious work dinner.

Despite the memories February brought with it, and despite the craziness at work, it was a good month and I’m so pleased to have been so productive and even steal a little time for myself!

January in Pictures

February 2, 2013 by Michelle 1 Comment

For 2013 I thought it would be fun to start a new tradition at the end of each month and share some photos from the previous month – just as a little look back into my days.

January was definitely a month for refocusing and it seemed to spark my creativity too, since I spent a lot of time working on some crafty projects. I took a day off work at the beginning of the month to spend with Eric and my niece and go see the Trains at Northpark. We, of course, had to stop for gelato. Work has been extra difficult this month, so there were several nights I came home in need of comfort food – like the grilled cheese sandwich Eric made for me. I did try to take time for myself though, by leaving early one Friday afternoon and going to the quilt shop to pick up my Hex on the Beach kit and a few fabrics I fell in love with. And we even had snow! Last Saturday morning I had a couple of hours to kill between my hair appointment and my eyebrow appointment, and I spent that time curled up in a comfy chair, sipping Starbucks and reading. Decadent!

My last mani of the month was the perfect transition into February – Essie All Tied Up with an accent nail of OPI Berry Berry Broadway.

Looking forward to seeing what February brings!

Things I Love Thursday: Bond, James Bond

January 17, 2013 by Michelle Leave a Comment

It’s possible, and very likely, that I’ve mentioned my love of James Bond before. So much so that Eric and I recreated a tasty cocktail in honor of Casino Royale. I grew up watching James Bond films. The first one my parents introduced me to was Thunderball. Both of my parents loved Bond movies, and I became instantly enamored with them. My dad even took me to look at Aston Martins one weekend, so that I could appreciate Bond’s (classic) vehicle of choice in person. Over the years, there have been many Bonds, some better than others, but I am a particular fan of Daniel Craig as 007. I love his slightly rough around the edges Bond.

Over the holidays I had the great fortune to get to see Skyfall with a dear friend. There really is nothing better than seeing a Bond film with a fellow fan. And I can’t get the Adele theme out of my head. Perfect choice for the film. And even better, in honor of the film and the 50th anniversary of Bond, OPI released a gorgeous new polish collection. How could I resist?

And I especially love the Skyfall polish that appeared in the film. Gorgeous color.

Of course you know I couldn’t resist adding some of the Bond polishes (I WANT THEM ALL!) to my collection. A friend of mine treated me to a set of four of the OPI minis from the collection, and Goldeneye just begged to be first.

I did treat myself to two of the full-size polishes from the collection. I fell in love with this one, The World is Not Enough. This is such an interesting color, sometimes grey sometimes pink. Love it! (This one was also one of the minis in the four-pack)

It was even a good companion to my red cup!

The next one I tried out was the other full-size polish I purchased, You Only Live Twice. I did also do a pedicure with this polish, so I got to doubly enjoy it. This is a gorgeous cherry pink that really was the perfect color for that film’s representation. I really hated to take this one off.

But, I replaced it with another mini – The Spy Who Loved Me. Which is a gorgeous red and the perfect polish for our Cocktail and Dessert holiday party.

The only one I have left to try on is Live and Let Die. It’s the last of the four minis. Maybe that will have to be my next manicure? I’d really like to invest in some more of the full size polishes from this collection – they really are all stunning. I especially want Skyfall, Tomorrow Never Dies, and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. But I seriously would love to have them all! Even the Man With the Golden Gun 18k gold flake.

I’d intended to watch Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace back at the beginning of November while on a little trip I took, but that never materialized. I’d wanted to see them again before seeing Skyfall, so I’ll just have to settle for watching them now and rewatching Skyfall when it is released on DVD.