August 2014 Ipsy Bag & Look

If you have never heard of Ipsy, check out their website to learn more!

This is my second Glam Bag! I like the products, but they are super small sample sizes this month. I know it's a sample subscription, but boy are these tiny! lol

Take a look at everything I got in my bag this month, with swatches and more info. I also created a look with all the products from the bag!

The bag this month is round and white with orange polka dots and zipper. The theme is "beauty schooled" and it reminds me a little of a pencil case. :) 

The Products

1. URBAN DECAY - Perversion Mascara

2. LORD & BERRY - Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil

3. COASTAL SCENTS - Shadow Palette Sample - Set 28

4. ABSOLUTE - You're the Balm - Green Apple

5. DR. BRANDT - Pores No More - Pore Refiner

Color Swatches & Info

1. URBAN DECAY - Perversion Mascara

"Get bigger, blacker, badder lashes with our ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara. So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion glides on and gets you sexy in one stroke. (Yet it won’t quit until you say when.) It’s insane how black it is…the purest, deepest, most intense black color imaginable.  Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that’s not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of “pull” so it glides through lashes. The result: incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it’s been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. Our formula NEVER gets brittle or clumpy." 

I actually do like this mascara... but I don't think I want to pay $20 for it! It does seem very creamy though. It glides on super smooth. I didn't notice clumping either. The results below are after only one coat of Perversion.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2. LORD & BERRY - Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil

"A kohl eye pencil that lines, defines and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth finish.
Ophthalmologist tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye."

Tiny little pencil. The full size is $15. I would have to agree with the description above, but I wouldn't want to use this anywhere it might come into contact with wetness. From my experience with kohl pencils, they smudge pretty easily, yeah?

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3. COASTAL SCENTS - Shadow Palette Sample - Set 28

"Coastal Scents Shadow Palette Samples are an ideal way to try these highly pigmented, stunning shadows. Each miniature-sized palette offers four specially selected, complementary shades to create a variety of looks."

I got the more tame colors this round. Very pretty though! They are super soft and the pigmentation is great! I could use these colors in quite a few different combinations too. The colors in this palette are: Cocoa Diamond, Reef Coral, Rainstorm and Bronze Peach.

  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4. ABSOLUTE - You're the Balm - Green Apple

"Treat your lips with the ultra-moisturizing Duo Lip Balms from Absolute New York. Our lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smoothens, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have duo for sensationally soft and luscious lips!"

 I recieved green apple, but it reminds me more of watermelon. In my opinion it smells pretty yummy and goes on thinly and smoothly. Popping this nomnom in my purse. It has a very light pink tint. Also the only full sized product in this months bag.

  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

5. DR. BRANDT - Pores No More - Pore Refiner

"A cult favorite, Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup."

Well, I was impressed. I hate my big pores and I saw a noticeable difference very quickly when I put this just on one area of my cheek. I'll only use it on special occasions because this baby is $45 for an ounce! It is a light flesh tone in color and smells a bit like an acne cream medicine. I can see why it's one of their best sellers.

The August 2014 Glam Bag Look

Here ya go! I used the Coastal Scents eyeshadows, Lord  & Berry eyeliner and the Urban Decay mascara. :) Quite a nice "natural" kind of look. Simple for back to school too. Can't go wrong with some nice neutral eyeshadow. Brown shades are always my go to colors.

 

Summer Fun

It has been FOREVER. I am sorry to have been away for so long... no excuses!

Instead, look at my adorable nieces! Summer is so swell. <3

My Smash Book [6]

Long time no see! I woke up early today and had a 4 hour long smashing session. Here is a set of pages that I finally completed! The Princess Pages! I think every girl goes through that stage. ;P These pages have been sitting half done for months, but they are all done now! I started a bunch of pages too. I'll share those some other time though. :) Don't want to shove too many pictures in one post! lol

I also updated some other pages that I already had. Here is the new and improved bunny page!

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Here are previous pages:

U.P. Trip

Greenfield/The Henry Ford

Birds

Butterflies

Bunnies (now the old version)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I used lots of random pink, purple and red things. lol Whatever I could find that was girly! Other embellishments include a charm bracelet, burlap flower, ribbons, etc. I also cut out pictures and passages from fairy tales. Parts of  Cinderella, The Frog Prince, The Goose Girl and Beauty & The Beast are there. :)

NYC Expert Last Lip Color

In my Influenster Uni Vox Box, I recieved this Expert Last Lip Color in the shade "Forever Fuchsia" by the brand New York Color. At first I was skeptical about such a bright pink, but I love it! This lipstick is creamy and moisturizing with a bit of shine. There are 20 different shades offered, ranging from plums to peaches to true reds. The best part is that you kind find them at your local drug store for only $1.99!

Benefits

Wears up to 6 hours

Long-lasting shine

Amplified color

Velvety and glamorous finish

Perfectly outlines lips

Doesn't feather or bleed 

 

 This color is actually very wearable and I am definitely going to try some more colors! I'm quite impressed. :)

March Books

Here are two book videos for March! I did my haul and wrap up video in the same day. They are a little late and I am a little sick. lol So here are the books I bought in the month of March and also the books I read and a little of what they are about and what I thought of them. :)

Influenster Uni Vox Box

 I just received my Uni Vox Box from Influenster the other day. I got some cool stuff in this one. :) Everything is free and sent for review from Influenster. Check out their site for more information. ;) Some items may have separate reviews later.

Here are all the products that I got:

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure: $5.99 for colors/$7.99 for patterns. imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails is the revolutionary way to achieve a flawless manicure in seconds. Just peel off, press on, and you're done - NO glue needed! High-shine colors, trendy designs and glam glitter nails that last up to a week!

Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia: $1.99 Ready to take your lips to the next level? Try our NEW Expert Last Lip Color in twenty tantalizing shades. Get intense amplified color and shine that lasts up to 6 hours. Our moistrizing formula glides on easily for a silky smooth, velvety finish for all day wear.

Pilot Acrobal PureWhite: $4.59 - $7.49 Acroball PureWhite combines a glossy white barrel with Spring Pantone inspired grip colors and smooth writing advanced ink, which combines the vibrant color of gel with the quick drying benefits of ballpoint ink, so you can write effortlessly.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation: $4.99- $5.49 Lightweight liquid mousse texture leaves skin shineless, yet feels weightless & cakeless. The weight is over - finally, shine has met its matte. Available in 8 shades.

Red Rose REAL TEA Premium Water Enhancer: $4.49 Finally - a water enhancer with no dyes or coloring that's made from real brewed tea. Make boring water taste tea-rrific with REAL TEA from Red Rose!

Mall Haul

I had a lovely girls day out with my mother and some friends! After a late lunch at Olive Garden, I got some great deals at Deb and Claire's. I also received the gift of undies from my mom's friend Becki. lol Enjoy my little mall haul! ;)

 Claire's had their usual 10 for $10 sale going on! Always fun!

I got a minty blue bow barrette, a black bow claw clip, a black wrap bracelet and some adorable 3-D nails! They are blue with cute white bows and little gems. I also got six pairs of earrings! Some dangling keys, long arrow heads, gold bows with pink roses, tiny black horses, little gold skulls and some coral colored chain ones. :)

Once we arrived at Deb I noticed a pink sign that mentioned that their clearance items were buy one get one free. I bought a $15 dress and got the other dress for free! They are similar layered ruffle strapless styles with stretchy belts. One is a cute blue, purple and white flower pattern. The other is a teal, orange and white kind of tribal tie dye pattern.

And lastly, I was given the gift of two pairs of undies from Lane Bryant as well. lol My mom's friend had some special LB money to spend. You can't go wrong with some quality cotton hipster undies!

Bringing Home Gerbils!

I've recently decided that it would be a good idea to get some gerbils! I have a 10 gallon tank that used to have fish in it. They were too much work and not all that fun, to be honest! The tank sat empty in my room for ages, but after starting work again at a small local pet store,  I remembered how much the little gerbils intrigued me. It took about a week or so to collect all the supplies I needed to make a neat little habitat for them. The most expensive part was the wheel! The actual tank and stand were a gift, so lucky me. lol

So, meet my cute little men! Smitty and Tater are dark eyed white gerbil brothers that were actually born in the store last summer. :) Being a hockey fan, they are named after two of my favorite Red Wings players. One being Brendan Smith who most of us fans call "Smitty" and Tomas Tatar who some of us affectionately call "Tater". lol They are curious little monkies who love to chew and climb. They seem pretty happy in their new dwellings! Here are all the things I bought to help me get started on my new gerbil adventure! I've included some links so you can get a better view of some of the products. Check local pet stores, Amazon, Ebay, Dr. Foster and Smith, and other online pet products sites to find the best deals. :)

(1). Making the Platforms

To make these platforms, I mostly used unfinished craft wood from Hobby Lobby. The "legs" are made of 1 1/2 inch wood cubes. The bottom level has three sets of two cubes that make the legs. I did this to make it tall enough for it to double as a hiding area. The top level is separated from the first by one cube. The first platform is a 6 x 6 inch square and the top one is a 9 1/2 x 3 inch rectangle. I used some non-toxic glues to keep the pieces together. The wood was a little over $4 at Hobby Lobby. I used this piece and this piece. I had the cubes laying around. They were meant for a scrapbooking project. They came in a pack of nine and I bought them for only $1.47 at Merchandise Outlet!

(2). Other Supplies

I bought a Super Pet 8oz plastic water bottle and holder from the store I work at. I might later invest in a nice glass one! Together, these cost around $8. I also invested $14 into a Super Pet Silent Spinner Wheel from another pet store since we were all out and I didn't want to wait. lol I got the "regular" size, which is 6 1/2 inches and supposed to be for hamsters and gerbils. I have been making wood chews for my own rabbits for a while, so I decided to hang one by a paper clip in the gerbil tank. I bought my supplies from this lovely seller on Ebay. I also have rainbow colored wood chew sticks that I bought at Walmart for around $2. I am saving up toilet paper and paper towel rolls for them to chew up as well. I decided on the aspen bedding (packaging is a bit different than that link, mine is blue) made by Alfa Pet. It is finely chopped and looks great for burrowing. It's very safe for them, unlike pine and cedar. The 9 liter bag cost only around $2 compared to the $8 Carefresh and Critter Care bedding.

(3). Room for Growth!

I also plan on getting a tank topper! That will give them even more new levels to explore. I found this Chew Proof tank topper by Ware that seems to quite nice. It comes out to around $30 where I've been looking online.

(4). Exploring Their New Home

They seem really happy and they just love that wheel! It is now officially worth that $14. lol I hope they continue to enjoy their new home and I can't wait to see them become more comfortable here.