Liebster Blog Award

Hi guys! 

So this post is going to be a little bit different.  I am so grateful to be nominated for this award by Rosalie from Rosalie Jayne!  I feel so honored to be one of the nominees and Here are my answers to the questions, thank you so much Rosalie!

If you haven't heard of this award, it is to help give a boost to blogs with less than 200 followers.  While I write no matter how many followers I have (and I think it is a whopping 12 or 14), it would definitely be nice to be recognized in the blogging community along with the big-league bloggers.  Here are the rules (which I copied from Rosalie..)

-Post 11 random facts about yourself

- Answer 11 questions from the person that nominated you

- Nominate 11 new blogs (with under 200 followers) and make a new tag of 11 questions for them to answer!

Here are my 11 random facts.

1. I can wiggle my ears.

2. My favorite food: peaches or zucchini

3. I cut my real eyelashes by accident the first time I applied my own fake lashes (I HAVE SINCE LEARNED!)

4.I have an awful addiction to shopping, especially for beauty products

5. I can speak almost-fluent spanish.

6. I play the piano.

7. My dream is to write for Allure Magazine.

8. New York City is my favorite place in the world.

9. I work in retail. I love every second of it.

10. I am venturing to Cleveland to attend college next year.

That was more difficult than I expected it to be!! Here are my answers to Rosalie's questions:

1. If you could only eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would it be?

Cheeseburgers and French Fries. Hands down.

2. What is your favourite city that you've visited or that you'd like to visit?

Favorite that I've visited- NYC or Lisbon, Portugal.  I would love to visit London.

3. Favourite Beauty item?

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments. I can't live without them.  My favorite color is Rose.

4.If you could change one thing about your life what would it be?

I would be more frugal with my money.  I like to spend TOO much.

5.Coffee or Tea

TEA!!! I am a die-hard tea drinker.  The Teavana workers know me by name.

6. Do you collect anything?

I have a makeup collection, but I don't really collect specifics. One thing that I particularly like to add to my collection are Urban Decay Eyeshadow palettes. I am addicted.

7. Is there a natural phenomenon in the world you've always wanted to see or go to? (e.g the northern lights or the grand canyon etc.)

Hmm. I would like to see a water spout.  Doesn't sound that interesting, I know, but I would like to see one.

8. What is your starsign? Do you believe it means anything?

Scorpio.  I don't read horoscopes or anything, but I think that I am definitely stubborn because of my star sign.

9.Favourite Item of clothing?

Leggings.. I am lazy.  I also love my boyfriend's old sweatshirt.  Sorry.. I know that is two! I can't decide between them!

10.What is something you are passionate about and why?

Writing. I could write all day, every day, about anything.  I can't exactly say why, I've been doing it for years. I am obsessed. 

11. Who inspires you?

My mom.  She puts my sister and I before everything and I am so appreciative of that.  I want to be a mother like her.

Almost done!! Here are the bloggers I am nominating.

Lucy- Lucyandbeauty

Liyana- LiyanasAdviceDalia-  theintrovertedbrunette

Rosalie- RosalieJayne

Mary- MaryBerry

Jen- Polish and Pearls

Maddy- Unstitched

Abigail Jayne- Everything Has It's Beauty

Eleanor- The Lipstick, The Girl, and Her Wardrobe

Lisa, Golden Glow

I hope you all choose to do this as well!

Here are my questions:

1. When did you start blogging?

2. What is your favorite skincare product?

3. Lipstick or Lipgloss? Why?

4. Who is your favorite blog to follow and why?

5. Where would your dream vacation be to?

6. What is a language you wish you could speak?

7. What is your favorite guilty pleasure TV show?

8. Who is someone you look up to?

9. What is your favorite part about blogging?

10. What is your go-to outfit?

THANKS! I hope you decide to do this as well! XOXO

ANM

Beauty Product Wishlist

Hi everyone!
In the northeast we got POUNDED with snow... and I am snowed in. :(
While I wish I could get to work/school/someplace outside my house, I am going to be relaxing for the remainder of my weekend.
So, out of sheer boredom, I have been torturing myself for the last hour or so with looking at beauty products that I cannot buy for another week.  (For those of you new readers, I am majorly trying to save money for IMATS by not shopping for all of January).  The no-buy has been going well, and I think other than two days where I know I will absolutely be buying things (1. Winter formal=makeup consultation=NECESSARY $50 minimum purchase that I am more than happy to oblige to and 2. buying a Valentine's Day present for my boyfriend), I am going to try and keep it up.  I have some really awesome reviews coming up in the next few weeks to put on here that I hope you all like!

That all being said, here is my wish list: (all pictures taken from Google images)

 

 

 
 

In Order:
Essie Nail Polish in Barefoot and Topless- I have been eyeing this for a while.  I think it would be a perfect color for the rest of winter and into spring and summer.  Nude polish has been really popular lately, and it goes with every outfit. (Target)
Urban Decay OZ Eye Shadow Palette in Glinda- I saw this on Urban Decay's twitter account and then saw that they released it online this week (it isn't expected to hit stores until March!!) and with each blogger who posts pictures I am falling more and more in love. It has my favorite UD 24/7 pencil in it, 6 pans of shades (2 duos!) and a lip gloss pen (that reminds me of the Nars Matte Velvet Lip pencils).  I am going to try to hold out until Sephora.com gets it in, which is expected to be very soon. UD has been nailing it lately in the industry and has been launching so many new and amazing products. (urbandecay.com)
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Porcelain Pink- Although I am a big MAC fan, I have yet to try one of their MSF products.  I have heard amazing things about them.. but this is the particular one I wanted to try the most, and my MAC counter has been out for weeks.  I am really starting to get worried because it is a limited edition product and I'm not quite ready to start hunting for it at CCO's.  I feel like every time I go to buy a different one, I don't like it as much as I like the swatch of the Porcelain Pink, and I end up buying a mineralized blush instead (by the way.. check those out, I am loving Amber Glow and Dainty lately!). (maccosmetics.com)
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville- I tried a sample of this at Sephora and love it.  I am running low on my UD Naked Skin liquid foundation and am ready to purchase a new bottle.. so I may be giving this a try.  It is designed to be hydrating, and with my dry skin, it is definitely something I am looking forward to. (Sephora)
YSL Glossy Stain in No. 7 "Corall Aquatique"- This product must be on every blogger's list that I follow here on Blogger.  This particular color is one I have only seen online, but the color looks beautiful.  The stain is supposed to be really long-wearing and hydrating, which is an issue I've been having with a lot of my MAC lipsticks lately.  While the cost is up there a little ($32 would make it the most expensive lip product I own), I am still debating whether or not it is worth it. Any thoughts? (Sephora)
Lancome STAR Mascara- I am in love with this mascara.  If you are a big fan of full, long lashes (and who isn't?) this is for you.  I received a sample of it in one of those "spend $25 and get one of these sample bags" early in October, and at first I was a little sketched out by it.  It is flat on two sides and has really long, fluffy bristles on the ends.  I thought, "how could the flat side ever be beneficial?" and surprisingly, its awesome.  I will use it by swiping the flat side on first, and then defining with the bristles.  Not to mention, the bottle is beautiful.  (Macy's, Sephora)
Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Mask- Go back a couple of posts to see my review on this. I do not need to say more.  It is the single most amazing skin care treatment that there is, and I am desperately running low.  I dread when that day comes, and so I am ready to stock up.  (Sephora)
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Orchid - I have a Caviar stick in Amethyst already, and when I bought it, I felt the colors were all really dark.  I was so excited to find out that they came out with all new colors that were light and perfect for spring.  This color is beautiful, soft, blendable, and long-wearing.  I love using it as a base and also alone.  (Sephora)


That's my list!!! What's on yours? Any opinions on mine? Feel free to comment below :)
Stay safe and have a great weekend!
xoxo, 
ANM




DISCLAIMER: I am not being sponsored by, nor am I affiliated with, any of the companies mentioned.  All opinions are honest and my own.

Getting that Glow

Hey, what's up? (Throwback Hollister greeting-- I used to work there a long time ago!)
But really, I hope everyone is enjoying themselves on this wonderful holiday.
I am writing from the safety of my bedroom.. with a horror story and some questions.

Let me preface this by stating that I hardly ever go tanning. Sure, I love to lay by the pool (and who doesn't?), but I am not a tanning-membership-bronzing-oils type of girl.  

Today, however, I bravely ventured to the tanning salon with my sister (and I know you are all probably gasping with disgust.. but let me finish) HEAVILY armed with spf-85 sunscreen ready to get a head start on my summer glow, since we will be heading to Florida in a month or so. I bought a 10-minute session (I tan very easily and rarely burn) in a stand-up-booth.  

10 minutes later, I came out with the glow I was looking for. I felt great, came home, took a shower, and headed off to work.  About halfway through my shift, I started to feel the after-sun-tingle in my face and shoulders.  I turned around to look in the mirror and.... LOBSTER. TOMATO. CRAB. FIRE ENGINE. CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG. I am running out of words to describe how red I was and currently am as I lay in bed slathered from head to toe in Aloe Vera.

So I wrote this article for three reasons.  The first being that, aside from skin cancer risks, 10 minutes in a tanning bed is actually painful IMMEDIATELY, and not just in the long term.  The second and third are what really prompted my writing this blog post: I have two suggestions for sunburn care (Which I gratefully accepted from my amazing coworker as she presented me with ideas that worked in treating my burning face), and I also was wondering about some others.

Here are my two sunburn-soothing miracle workers.

1. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
The second I put this on, I and my skin together both went "aaaah". It is so relieving, which makes sense because the word 'relief' is in the title.  It is also incredibly hydrating but is in such a lightweight gel form that you wouldn't typically expect. Essentially, the only real ingredients in it are water and aloe.  Don't ask me why this isn't marketed as an after-sun product, but it definitely should be. It is a light pink color and has a fresh, clean smell to it that is similar to that of Clinique's other products (I am a long time fan of their All About Eyes Rich eye cream.. fantastic.)  I may have to keep using this as part of my winter skincare routine and not just for sunburns.. but I have strong faith that it will work well for both. (found at most Clinique counters and Sephora)

2. Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel
While I didn't see the immediate relief with this product that I did with the Clinique, I think I may favor this one just a tad more (solely based off of its after-sun capabilities). The cooling effect wasn't instant, but I definitely felt it once the gel had time to absorb This, unlike the Clinique, is marketed for after-sun use, and is cooling and ultra-hydrating.  I found the smell to be definitely similar to yogurt itself, and the consistency of the white gel to be a little thicker and cream-like than the Clinique, which I liked. Another pro is that, as with most Korres products, there are little to no additives or chemicals used. (Found at Sephora)

I will be purchasing full-sized in the future, no doubts about it.

On to my next topic: How do you all feel about the St. Tropez self-tanning line? I am incredibly clumsy with self-tanners and am trying to find something remotely fool-proof that won't leave streaks or me looking like another bright color than I already am.  I have heard wonderful things about that line, but I am looking for some more personal opinions. Let me know :)

I hope you all enjoyed this random, unlike-winter post.  Spring and summer are just around the corner, thank God!!!

XOXO
ANM :)

Favorite Winter Skincare Products

Good morning/afternoon/evening (depending where in the world you are!)
It is FINALLY the weekend.. and a long one at that!! I think I may be more excited about having Monday off than I am for Christmas... maybe!
In the United States, particularly in the North East, we have been getting hit HARD with freezing cold and ice.  The air has been incredibly dry, and my skin has not been coping very well.  So far this winter, I (luckily) haven't had to break out my hard-core winter skincare routine, with the exception of a few products here and there.  However, I finally decided to get back into the routine, and here is what I have been using!

Biore Blemish Treating Astringent

This was probably the first skincare product I ever used, and though Biore has ditched the  green packaging (which confused me for quite a while), it still works like a charm.  Its perfect to clear up small blemishes and they're usually gone the next morning if I put it on before bed. (CVS, drugstore.com)

Peter Thomas Roth Complexion Correction Pads

This is probably my favorite skincare item, winter or summer.  They can be slightly drying, so I make sure to use it no more than twice a week.  The smell is slightly strong, but is peachy and bearable.  I like how the pads are double-sided and I especially favor the textured side way more than the plain mesh one (if you ever buy these, you will see what I mean!).  They remove all traces of makeup, clear up blackheads, and after using them for a few weeks, I definitely saw a difference in the size of my pores. (Sephora.com)

Philosophy Have a Cherry Christmas 3-in-1

So, I am not a big fan of bubble baths/bath bombs/shower gels (with the exception of Soap & Glory's Clean on Me), but I LOVE this product. It makes me incredibly sad that they only offer it around the holidays... But I stock up.  Its not an overpowering cherry scent, but I find it to be really relaxing. The color is also a pretty iridescent pink with slight shimmer running through it, that you never see outside of the bottle (which I appreciate.. I am TOTALLY fine with the glitter staying IN THE BOTTLE). For those of you not familiar with Philosophy's 3-in-1 products, they are essentially shower gels that can also be used as shampoo and bubble baths.  The cherry is definitely my favorite of all of them. (Sephora.com, Philosophy.com)

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

This is another year-round staple of mine.  My skin gets extremely dry in the winter, and it hydrates without causing excess oil.  Its non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.  It is essentially the perfect moisturizer.  You used to only be able to get it from the Dermatologist (which is how I discovered mine), which is why it is still kind of a low-key product.  However, its now available at almost every drugstore, and I even found some in the skincare aisle at my grocery store! (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Target)

Smith's Strawberry Lip Balm

You may recognize Smith's as the creator of the cult favorite Rosebud Lip Salve.  This is essentially the same product in a light pink, sheer shade with the best smell in the world.   It is super hydrating without being too heavy. The strawberry is amazing, and at $6 a jar (which typically lasts me 6 months or more!) you can't beat it. (Sephora.com)

Korres Wild Rose+Vitamin C Sleeping Facial

Even though I am a long-time Korres fan (their Volcanic Mascara is to die for), I must admit I was slightly skeptical of this product.  How can a mask work miracles to your skin overnight? Will it make me break out? (If you can't already tell, I don't break out often, but freak out when I do and am terrified of provoking it.) However, after several uses (and several days of running on less than 3 hours of sleep), I can honestly say that it does work miracles to your skin overnight.  It actually did make my skin brighter! After one use, your skin looks amazing, the product smells amazing, it feels amazing.. You get it, it is amazing. (Sephora.com)

Hope you guys enjoyed this!! What are your favorite winter skincare products? I'd love to know! 

I will be posting a lot more frequently in the next few weeks, and have a ton of new posts to come! Have a GREAT weekend!

XOXO, ANM

My 2013 So Far

Hi, guys! Hope your week is going fantastic... one day left until the weekend!
So, today I decided I would take a break from the beauty posts to talk a little bit about how my 2013 has been going so far, and to make some announcements, and basically just ramble on.. as I tend to do sometimes.  I guess that what blogs ARE for, no? :)

My first announcement... I will be attending IMATS NYC in April!!!! I cannot be more excited, I am going with one of the most amazing people I know, make up artist Jacqui Phillips.  Check her out at www.jacquiphillips.tv . Are you going? Comment below and let me know! 

On that note, here are a few stories from my year so far.

I work in retail, and I consider it to be both a challenging and rewarding job.  On this particular day, however, it was definitely more on the rewarding side.  At my store, we are trying to incorporate the use of Mobile POS's.  While this is not exactly a fan favorite among the associates, I was trying to ring a customer up using it when I encountered one of the many technical problems that occur during use.  As I apologized to the woman and attempted to fix the problem, I threw in a couple of samples for her to try.  She thanked me for being so nice and began to tell me how she was only at the store because she was in therapy from her 21-year-old sister's recent death.  The fact that she felt comfortable enough to share this was astounding, but she continued in saying that its associates like me and stores like mine that make her feel better than therapy can.  So, there you have it: Retail therapy. Ever since, then, I feel as though I can come to work with a smile on my face and know that I am making (somewhat of) a difference.

Today, my mom was pulling up to a stop light as she saw an older man trying to cross the street with his walker.  While he accomplished his endeavor of crossing, he got up onto the sidewalk and began to make it up a small hill of snow in order to make it to the pharmacy.  He slipped and fell, and lay on his back in the snow.  She was at a stop light, and could do little to move lanes in order to help him.  However, once the light turned green, she moved over and pulled into the pharmacy, while she and another woman who had just arrived helped him up and got him out of the cold.  Keep in mind, it took a few minutes for the light to change, and at least 20 cars passed in the time.  Not one stopped to help him.  As my mom told me this story later this evening, I couldn't help but to be disgusted that no one stopped to help the old man, probably hurt and laying in the snow with no hopes of getting up.  I am making a (very late) resolution to stop assuming others will take care of a problem, because clearly, they do not.

On a final, lighter note, my store completed a food drive this week, and my neighborhood is accepting donations for one family to take to the humane society.  In a world that can be so cruel, it's comforting to know that there are people who truly do want to help.

So, sorry for that long, rambling post, but I felt like sharing some insight from my year so far.  Let's make it all of our resolutions to be the person who does the right thing, and doesn't wait for others to do so.  That's a start.

Here's to bettering the world for not only ourselves, but for everyone else.

Have a great night!
XOXO,
ANM

December Favorites & Giving Back

Hey, everyone! Happy Tuesday :)

Today I wanted to talk about my favorite products of December. Sorry that its so late! I have been super busy with school and work. This month I discovered and re-discovered a ton of amazing things I wanted to share with you guys!

Before I begin, I just want to talk a little bit about giving back.  As part of my New Year's resolution, I am trying to do more for other people.  So, for the months of January (and I am going to tap into my will power to try and do this for February as well) I am going to be going on a no-buy for any kind of thing that is unnecessary. Which means.. shopping is a no-go.  While this is in part because of my trip to the NYC IMATS in April (there's another announcement!), I also want to use the money to give back to the community.  WIth the money I am saving from not spending on myself, I'm planning on buying some toys to take to the Children's hospital, school supplies for the local preschools... and anything else I can think of (if you have any ideas or suggestions, PLEASE post them in the comments box below!)  Don't worry, I will keep the blog posts coming!! This is just giving me an opportunity to use up some stuff I haven't gotten a chance to yet.  

At work this week, we had a food drive for the local women's shelter.  So many associates (including myself) brought in items and we filled a huge amount of boxes.  Way to go everyone! I know that the deserving recipients will really appreciate it. 

On that note, here are my DECEMBER FAVORITES!!!

Glam Glow Mud Mask 

So I put the best item first.  Oh, my God.  It is AMAZING!! Its a miracle product, and the greatest skincare item I have ever owned.  Glam Glow makes two masks, and this is the second, newer one they have released.  It's advertised as an acne mask, and the other is supposed to be strictly exfoliating, but after trying both as samples, I am definitely a bigger fan of the mud/acne one.  Though I don't have acne (and I probably just jinxed myself.. and a breakout is headed my way), it pulled out every impurity there could ever possibly be in my skin.  I was shocked. But, the greatest part is that, as it dries, you get to see everything it uncovered.  It was life-changing.  Whenever my no-buy is over, that is the number one product on my list.  Seriously, you need this product. (Sephora)

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

After being a hardcore Bare Minerals fan for the last 4 years or so, I decided to change it up and try a liquid foundation.  I am beyond impressed.  There is such a huge range of colors, and I really like their idea of "half" colors-- which are smack in the middle between two colors.. which is perfect for people like me (I am shade 4.5).  I've been applying it with a Beauty Blender (which will be featured in a review coming up soon).  It's medium-level coverage that glides onto your skin beautifully.  Another plus is that it lasts- I've been using mine daily since the first week of December and I'm only 1/2 way done with the bottle. (www.urbandecay.com)

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment

This is more of a year-round favorite that I've just been using more frequently now that my lips are dry from the cold! It's the perfect shade on me and provides sheer color and a ton of moisture.  (Sephora)

Smashbox Under Eye Primer

I have been blessed with huge, puffy, dry, dark circles underneath my eye that no amount of concealer can ever seem to cover.  Luckily, I found this.  I put it on after my eye cream (Clinique's All About Eyes Rich), allow it to dry, and then apply my concealer. Not only does it provide a ton of hydration, but it also makes concealer last longer and apply more smoothly. (Sephora)

Soap and Glory Hand Food Hand Cream

I bought this as a replacement for my Bath and Body Works' Warm Vanilla Sugar anti-bac hand cream.  It's heavily moisturizing, but a light formula.  It smells amazing, and has marshmallows in it (who knew they could work so well in a hand cream?) (Sephora)

Bath and Body Works Body Lotion in Lemon Vanilla

I am a sucker for Bath and Body Works.  I am also a sucker for anything with lemon (think.. L'Occitane Verbena!) and Vanilla.  So, on my annual day-after-Christmas-shopping, I saw a bottle of this wonderful product for just $3 for the Semi-Annual sale.  I can't believe I never knew about this whenever it was a regular item.  I bought two bottles.  Needless to say, I am on bottle number two. (bathandbodyworks.com)

Urban Decay Vice Palette

All I can say is wow. It comes with 20 never-before-seen colors in the new formula!  Right now I have to say, my favorite color has to be Vice! Good job naming the palette after it, UD :) (www.urbandecay.com)

Thanks for reading... Talk to you soon!

XOXO

ANM

MAC Haul!

Hey guys!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend... I am spending it relaxing in the mountains, by the fire with my boyfriend :)

So anyways, here is a recent haul of things I bought the day after Christmas at MAC! Unfortunately, I have an awful weakness for that place... I went in determined to buy solely my Studio Fix Powder and Concealer (complete staples of mine) and ended up with this... I feel like a horrible person.

HOWEVER.. The Pressed Pigments are back in stock!! My store has been sold out for weeks.  I picked up just one to make sure I liked it first.. and I am in love. I'm planning on picking up a few more soon.. which will probably be the next time I make it to the store. Probably tomorrow... Haha!

Here's what I picked up!

MAC Powder Blushes in Dame (Right) and Springsheen (Left)

I absolutely love these blushes.  They are silky, highly pigmented, and easy to apply and blend.  So far, I've been using Dame a lot more because of winter.. I think once my skin warms up in the Summer, Springsheen will be a lot more flattering.  It's much more coral than I had expected.. I just kind of randomly picked two that I liked. Dame, however, is the perfect pink blush.  Overall.. I'm really happy with both of them.

MAC Single Eyeshadows in Freshwater, Nylon, Mythology, and Pressed Pigment in Blonde Streak (From left to right).  These are just your typical shadows, very pigmented, and shimmery.  I got the three shadows to do a version of Michelle Phan's Midnight Luster eye look for New Year's Eve, and they did the trick perfectly!! The Pressed Pigment is wonderful as well.  It's a little less soft compared to the eyeshadows, but to me, that was to be expected.  The color payoff is amazing.  I really like it for the inner corner of my eye.

MAC Lipstick in (From left) Brave (Satin Finish) and Syrup (Lustre Finish).

I was looking for a nude/pink type of color and found it in both of these. I originally, in the store, thought they were really different, but upon trying them on at home, found them to be actually pretty similar.  They are both fabulous colors and I can see myself using and wearing both of them, but I think if I could go back, I would have just picked the one.  Syrup is slightly more purple in color, and actually looks like a light purple/taupe color if you take a quick glance at it.  When you swatch it, though, it turns out to be that great nude/pink combo color I was looking for.

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed!

XOXO

ANM

What I Got For Christmas/ Nails/ DIY

Hi, everyone! 
I hope you all had an amazing New Year's and enjoyed your time off. I sure did :)
While I'm relaxing on my last few days off before returning to work, I figured I would post a few things I've been working lately, as well as a few makeup-related gifts I received for Christmas.

First off, I wanted to show you a picture of my nails, which I recently painted for New Year's Eve.  I went to a Hibachi restaurant with some girlfriends.

The colors I used were both Essie:  "Bahama Mama" and "Beyond Cozy".

I also used the New Sephora X Base and Top coats... They are AMAZING! I can't say enough good things about them.  I know at my store they are sold out but if you can get them... go ahead. They're awesome. I have a few colors in the Sephora X that I have yet to try.. but they work just fine with regular nail polish. 8 days and counting and no chips.

Moving on....

I am in the process of redoing my room and makeup storage/collection.  Tomorrow I am heading to Ikea to see what they have... I've seen so many other bloggers on here using storage systems from there and I can't wait to check them out. However, I have also been checking out Pinterest (which I am on constantly... Seriously. All. The. Time.) and found a really cute idea: to frame shopping bags: I picked up frames from Michael's and used bags from Henri Bendel, MAC, Tiffany's, Coach, and Swarovski.  Here's what the Henri Bendel one looks like:

I am super excited about it.  So cheap and will look awesome with the others.  I will be sure to upload some more pictures of the final products when my room is done.

And last, but not least (I'm sorry.. this post is going to be super long): What I got for Christmas!

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. This year, traditionally, my sister and I took toys to Children's hospital.  It is one of my favorite parts of the holiday.. and I believe that Christmas is a time that we all should especially try and give back.  I plan to do that more often.. It shouldn't be reserved for a holiday.  Comment below what you do to give back around the holidays.. I'd love to hear about it.

That being said, here is what I received (beauty products only).

Urban Decay Smoked Palette                         Urban Decay Ocho Loco Set (Sephora.com)

Beginning with the Smoked palette... First off, I am a HUGE Urban Decay fan.  They recently redid the formula of their eyeshadows, and they are even more soft, buildable, and pigmented than before, and I can't get enough.  I originally really wanted the palette simply because of the Mushroom color, which is sold as a separate, single, color.  However, I ended up falling in love with the rest of the palette and while I LOVE Mushroom, now my favorite color featured in it would have to be Loaded, the shimmery emerald green color.  It also comes with a mini UD primer potion and a full-sized Perversion 24/7 liner.  Which brings me to the Ocho Loco set.  Oh. My. God.  It is amazing.  The set comes with 8 full-sized UD 24/7 liners and a Grind House pencil sharpener.  The colors in the set are Rockstar, Psychadelic Sister, LSD, Stash, Hustle, Mushroom, and (another) Perversion.  I am in love.

Stila 4-peice Lip Liner Set (Available at Saks Off Fifth Stores) in (from left to right) Aspiring, Passionate, Obsessed, and Charming.  This set, which I think runs for around $12 for the set (which is unbelievable, considering Stila's usual prices) is amazing.  It has 4 full-sized lip liners, which are really soft pencils. The bright pink (Obsessed) is a little too bright for me, and I'm not sure if I'll use it.. we'll see.

Tarte LipSurgence 5-peice Holiday set... I have never tried Tarte lip products prior to receiving this set.  It comes in 5 really wearable colors that vary from strongly pigmented to light and sheer.  All have a really moisturizing formula, which I like because my lips get so dry in the winter. From left to right: Enchanted, Elite, Exposed, Escape, and Sweet.  My favorite, if I had to pick just one, would be Enchanted.  Its a really dark red tint that looks kind of scary to begin with, but is so sheer and can be worn as an everyday color.

I hope you enjoyed reading! Until next time,

XOXO 

ANM