Friday, December 28, 2012

Dark Shadows...limited edition palette


I'm a Johnny Depp fan through and through.  Dark Shadows was an ok movie...glad I saw it, but not an all time fave.  (I did catch some of the tv show from the 90s on the syfy channel at like 4am though, and found myself pretty caught up in it ...so I'll probably give the movie another chance once makes it's way to cable.


NYX produced a palette for the movie and I know some people were lucky enough to receive it in some beauty subscriptions.  Once I saw the pics that were posted I was so envious that I tried to purchase it online.  I couldn't find it anywhere (at least not at a reasonable price).  Then a couple months back I happened through the mall and wandered into a new shop that has the most random beauty selection!  They've got a whole section of false eyelashes, a great nail selection and masks make up and skin care all for great prices.  They are geared to an Asian clientele, but are super friendly and helpful when I can't figure out what something is.  The best part is they had the Dark Shadows palette, and it was under suggested retail. 

I brought it home, and love it.  It's become my daily go to.  There are matte shadows and shimmers.  Pretty grays and coppers.  It also came with a shadow primer which works wonderfully.  I haven't tried the eye liner it came with, or too much of the blush and bronzers...but really I got it for the shadow selection.  NYX did not disappoint...and I will definitely be checking them out again in the future!  Ps: the glosses are pretty nifty too.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

what I gave and got

For work we did the "Secret Santa" thing and I got a cozy little throw blanket and a Starbucks card, for my gift I picked up a little set Lush...unfortunately it went to the only male in our office...who opted to pass it on to his brother's girlfriend (I hope she liked it, I loved the scent of the soap and body wash and liked the idea of the scrub).  I thought it might go over better in a female centric office but perhaps next year I'll go for champagne or movie tickets. Oh well live and learn.    I think the simple fact that I'm planning on what I might do next year at the office party is a good sign, I really do enjoy my new job.



My mom got me the Sexy Little Stowaways set from Benefit, okay so I chose it but whatevs.  Minis of faves and new things to try! I like the Stay Don't Stray primer, Bad Gal Lash is always a good choice, and I've been using the It's Potent eye cream. Tried out the "Pore fessional" and Hoola (bronzer) this morning and got to say I'm a fan.  I realized just how much Benefit I've been using lately too, love their products and their cheeky packaging too.

I got my mom the Remington iLight Pro, an at home laser dealy.  We'll see how it goes.  There were super mixed reviews with this and the No-no (which was what she was originally looking at) and also the Tria.  This one seemed to have the most affordable replacement parts. 


How was your Christmas?  Best of, worst of?  Always love to hear from you!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry merry!

Happy and Merry!


Cheers to you and yours, have a lovely day.

love, tam

Saturday, December 22, 2012

my non new year's resolutions

I think we can all pretty much agree that all our vows to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and volunteer our time to charity are all noble goals...that we don't really end up keeping.  Yet each year we feel like we get a bit of a do-over. This year though, I'm just going to get a jump start on the new year and instead of resolving to be the best version of me, I'm just going to put some intentions out there and hope for the best.. No start dates (certainly not January first), and no deadlines... Here we go:


not quite...heehee
I'm going to find a way to remotivate myself to exercise.  A long time ago it was easy for me to pop over to the gym on my way home from work, but it's been a while since I've been exercising on regular basis.  I've got a meeting with a personal trainer next week (day after Christmas) to try and help with the matter.  Other than that my upcoming plans to get moving are to try a trampoline class...they've just opened a Sky Zone in my area and I saw a clip of their aerobics class (SkyRobics) and it looked like fun. 

I'd also like to give some horseback riding a try...I've only been a couple of times, but I love it.





To bring out my inner Katniss I'll also give archery a shot over withPasadena Roving Archers, I've got some friends that will check that out with me.



I'm not going to stress too much over food.  I try to be healthy, but have my lapses (especially right now with all the baked goodies and candies around).  So yeah, that will get back to normal-ish after a bit.


A little goat friend from The Gentle Barn, how could you not wanna help out this guy?

As for making the world a better place I will continue to donate to places like The Gentle Barn, and my local humane society (where I picked up my charming lil' monster Mitch).  The Beauty Bus Foundation is something I'd like to be involved with.

I'd like to become a better planner.  I want to get together with friends and plan outings and such.  There are things I like to do, but I generally just wait for someone else to make the plans. 

I'm going to continue with my continuing education...I like classes and school, who knew?  I've decided I'd like to take an online class about Effective Selling, because sales looks like it is to be a part of my life...I'm also looking into classes about computers, because I'd like to be more computer savvy.  Skin care and make up classes are still on my to-do list.  And a cooking class or two...too!


New Year's Resolutions haven't worked for me, have they worked for you?  What's on you to-do/to-try/or to-consider list? 

Cheers!~~tami

Monday, December 17, 2012

nice enough to buy it twice

While I totally enjoy trying out beauty and skin care products (and find a certain joy in merely being in the cosmetics section of department and drug stores), there are some items that I like enough to buy twice (or more).

nice enough to buy it twice

I've been a fan of the Clinique BB cream for a while now, and that doesn't appear to being to stopping anytime soon...I've also had a love of mascaras for a long time...so let me get to some of my new favorites:

Benefit's Ultra Radiance: a super refreshing spritzy toner.  I began using this over the summer when my skin just needed a little wake up call durning the day. Now that the weather is colder, I've been using it prior to my serums.  Such a light fragrance (kind of cucumbery).  

Cherimoya Nail Polish Remover Pads with Cuticle Oil: I picked one of these up at random for 99 cents at a clothing shop.  One little pad removes the nail polish from all ten fingers!  It's not harsh like acetone removers, there is not much of a scent and while your fingers might feel a little oily I'd take that any day over the sting of regular removers.  Added bonus, no spills.  I went back to the shop and bought a couple more, what a bargain.

Pond's Cold Cream:  I know that there are some mixed views regarding cold cream, but I like it.  When I've got some real make up removal to take care of, I dampen my face rub a little cold cream on and then take my face cloth and wipe off. Voila, no make up and my skin feels soft.  If it's feeling a little to oily, I wipe with a cotton ball of toner.

Tarte Bronzer and Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation: A couple of my favorite powders.  Park Ave. Princess bronzer gives a nice summer-year-round type of glow...then a quick dusting of Bare Escentuals (I use golden medium) and I feel good to go. 

Puritan's Pride Retinol Cream: I use it as a night cream, every other night or so.  It's a good price, and I love waking up with my skin feeling all glowy.

What are some products that you like enough to purchase again?




Sunday, December 16, 2012

a little Betsey Johnson love

There is something in Betsey that I will always love.  I remeber watching a fashion show of hers once, and she used Playboy Bunnies as models because they were curvier than the typical runway models.  They all had a lot of bounce and jiggle in their step and big smiles on their faces...then Betsey came out and finished the show by doing a cartwheel on stage.


She is all about fun and pink and hearts and bows. These are things I will never outgrow.  Some of her stuff is a bit outrageous for the day to day of running errands, going to work and stopping for coffee...but it's always super ultra mega girly.  I tend to stick with her picking up her jewelry.  I've got a pink leopard heart necklace and a little owl ring that I always get compliments on.  I also picked up her Sephora by OPI nail stickers with cherries/lightning bolts/bows.  These are currently one of my favorite things because it makes me and my fingers happy. (Sadly, these appear to have been discontinued).  Currently I'm wearing OPI's "La Paz-itively Hot" with some cherry and lightning bolt accents.