A Few of My Favorite Things: The Makeup Edition

I've decided to start a random series of posts of some of my favorite things. Not that any of you care what my favorite things are, but as I've said before and will likely say again, "My blog, my rules!"

The first in this random series will cover some of my favorite makeup items. I should tell you up front that I am pretty partial to Bare Escentuals make up, but I think there are a few other brands that make the favorites list, so this certainly isn't another infomercial, nor am I now, nor have I even been, any kind of spokesperson for anyone! I'm just the girl next door who's found some fantastic items I thought I'd share.

Please note these are in no particular order. And be sure to tune in at the end for a sweet surprise!

 BE Buzz Latte Lip Balm

Deliciously silky and buttery but with a light java flavor. Leaves my lips soft and supple and makes a great base for lipstick and gloss. Glides on easily and this stuff lasts forever, or so it seems. I'm still working on my first tube, and I love it now as much as the first time I used it.

Lash Wow by POP Beauty

This is a recent addition to my makeup wardrobe and oh my what a lovely addition it's been. No flaking, no lash breakage. Blackest of blacks, this mascara doesn't clump and leaves my lashes looking like I just stepped away from the lash bar. I've even had to tell people that my lashes aren't fake! The comb wand layers each lash with this glossy black mascara that provides the ultimate in volumizing, lengthening and thickening coverage. It's magical.

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Organics Sheer Lip Tint in Barely There

If I had to pick just one piece of makeup that I simply can not go without, it'd have to be this refreshing, über glossy lip tint from C.O. Bigelow. Worn alone, it provides just a hint of natural color and deliciously minty, non-sticky gloss. Layer over your favorite lipstick for Hollywood shine and a mega color boost or wear alone for a more casual but glamorously glossy look. Either way, this tube of wonderful goes everywhere with me

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

I used to hate wearing eye shadow, mostly because it would never stay on! That all changed when this little tube of awesomeness found it's way into my makeup kit. Talk about stay put action; this pretty much waterproofs my lids and keeps my eye make up bright and intact - even through a sweaty, 3 mile run!

Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

Best finishing powder ever. 'nuff said.

CHANEL Rouge Coco in Muse

In case you haven't already figured it out, I have a serious thing for lip products. And this lightly rose scented with just a teeny twist of vanilla flavoring stick of delicious lip color is my newest lip obsession. I tried it while on a recent trip to NYC and found a color that is near perfect for day and night, dressy or casual - Muse. This creamy formula has great staying power and leaves my lips soft and 

super kissable. 

And last but most definitely not least.

Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix

This fine spray is what keeps my makeup intact all day, and when I say all day I really mean all day, through a sweaty run in 90 degree heat and well into the night. Just a spritz in the morning (before my mascara goes on) and I can rest assured that my face will look as freshly "done" at the end of the day as it did when I got ready that morning. Yes, this ranks right up there with the other absolute must haves. Definitely.

Ok - so, now you know what some of my favorite make up items are. Some you may be familiar with and others you may never have heard of. Well guess what? I like to share. I want you all to know the fabulousness that are these items. Ok. One. At least one of these items.

So here's the thing. I am giving away one of my favorites items to a randomly selected reader, and the winner gets to choose which one! All you have to do to win is answer the following question in a comment on this post, and be sure to include your email (you'll need it to claim your prize!):

What's your favorite make up item?

Is it a lip gloss? Eye shadow? Foundation?

Tell me, I really want to know!

And because I really do love lip stuff, I'm also giving away three (3) of the C.O. Bigelow Mentha Organics Sheer Lip Tint in Barely There to three (3) randomly selected winners (one each to each of the three winners.)

Let's recap, shall we?

The Giveaway:

1. One of my favorite makeup items, to be selected by the randomly selected winner

2. Three of the C.O. Bigelow Mentha Organics Sheer Lip Tint in Barely There to three randomly selected winners (one lip tint to each of the three winners)

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment answering the aforementioned question

2. Include your email in the comment. Entries with no email will not be entered in the giveaway. Winners will need their email to claim their prize.

3. Only one entry per person/email; multiple entries will be disqualified.

Deadline to Enter:

Entries will be accepted through 11:59pm (CST) on Monday, May 24, 2010.

Other random info:

1. Contest open only to residents of the continental U.S.

2. Your email will not be used or sold in any way; it is not collected and is only used for winner verification

3. Contest is sponsored by My Dyalog and no one else. The makers of these products have no idea who I am. 

Winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 25th, or sometime shortly thereafter.

Be sure to check back to see if you've won (winners will need to email me from the email noted in their comment to claim their prize!)

Go ahead with your glamourous self now and thanks for stopping in!

Here's to fabulous makeup and the blessing of sharing!

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Mobile Blogging: Butting Heads and an Apology

Today, I let the worst side of me come out. After butting heads with
someone over something completely insignificant, I finally snapped.
The result? I mouthed off. And instantly regretted it. I don't like
being mean, cruel, rude. It's not who I am. But when all the right
buttons are pushed in the right sequence, well let's just say, it
wasn't pretty.

I came back after lunch, calmed down and level headed. And I apologized.

My apology went over like a lead ballon, but I guess that's to be
expected. Deserved even, as I was quite an ass.

<Sigh>

I have to remember that God made each of us unique and special, and
gave us all a mind, and opinions, of our own. Just because someone is
willing to voice their opinion as strongly as I voice mine doesn't
make them wrong. Lord knows, more often than not I'm the one that's
wrong.

So, if you happen to be reading this, know that I am sorry.

Here's to holding your tongue and doing unto others as you'd have done
unto you.

Sent from my iPhone

Randomness on Tuesday

I have a sneaking suspicion I may be developing a bad shopping habit.

I now have icons on my iPad for:
The Bible
The NY Times
Facebook
TweetDeck
BlogPress
Bloomingdale’s
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
Saks
Bergdorf Goodman
Zappos
Summertime (blog)

I LOVE Chanel lipstick – it has a super light aroma of roses and hints of vanilla and it goes on super creamy and luscious.

I had a dream about a turquoise Coach purse. It was a really brightly colored purse. And it was FABULOUS.

I want to do another giveaway soon here on the ol’ blog. Maybe this week. It will be cosmetics related.

I want to learn to SING! I love singing, but can't hold a note or carry a tune to save my life.

I finally started another Kathy Reichs book.

I miss riding my bike.

I need a haircut.

I'm thinking about coloring my hair. Deep red/brown. I guess that would be auburn.

I think red/brown hair would look gross with my olive complexion.

I wish I was pale white. Like that actress..from Bride Wars. Can not for the life of me remember her name – OH. Anne Hathaway.

I wish I could get a glimpse of what my life would be like if I had children.

I'd like to throw out everything in my closet and start over. Except maybe my shoes and purses. And I'd like to start over 90 pounds smaller.

I fantasize of sleeping for twelve hours straight.

Sometimes I get tired of smiling.

I love doing laundry. Except whites. Pairing socks and folding t-shirts sucks.

I've started training for a 10K. I hurt all over, but a good kind of hurt.

I often think I have no idea who I am.

My favorite music is worship music. Amazing Grace gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

Unlikely people make some of the best friends.

The worst kind of lonely is the kind experienced when you're not alone.

My husband can make me laugh over the most random things. Like Gringo tacos.

Converse sneakers have no arch support.

I thoroughly enjoy blogging; even if no one's reading my posts.

I've said "I", or some variation thereof, no less than thirty times in this post. Oh, thirty-two. Self absorbed, much?!

Here's to another Tuesday under the belt.

- Posted via BlogPress on my iPad

Mobile Blogging: New York Observations

I've been home from the Big Apple for a week and now that I've had time to recover from the canceled flight, and get over being bumped from our new flight, and being stuck in Flushing NY for the night, now I can revisit the time spent there and my observations of the Big City.

Now, New York is known for many, many things. Shopping,
food, world renown attractions like the Empire State Building and
Statue of Liberty, Broadway shows, everything moving at the speed of
light, rude natives, crazy cab drivers. Some make it a super popular
place to be while others are complete stereotypes, now grown stale.
And some attractions, well, one at least, will break your heart.

These are some of the observations I made on this trip:

Women wear their shoes and carry their "little brown bags" from
Bloomingdale's as a badge of honor. The more worn out either is, the
more honorable it is to have it.

The people seemed to have slowed down a bit. That constant state of
"rush" seems to have dissipated. Don't get me wrong, New Yorkers still
move and speak with purpose, but it is less hurried, and certainly
more inviting.

The city felt cleaner than it has in years past.

The food was just food. Maybe I didn't eat at the right places.

The water is super soft; you don't need conditioner for your hair.

The people are super friendly, especially if you flash 'em a big smile!

Ground Zero is still incredibly moving. Those working in the space seem to do so with a deep reverence and those who visit will take with them a reminder of what was lost that day, and it will be with them always. The construction of new buildings and the WTC Memorial also serve as reminders that life goes on, ever moving forward, hopefully a bit wiser and undoubtedly a bit stronger.

There are ways to enjoy the finer sides of NYC on a budget. The TKTS both is definitely one of them if you're in the market for a Broadway show.

If the day is hot, one of the best ways to cool off is to hit the waterways around the city. Seeing New York from the refreshing deck of a clipper sail ship is undeniably one of the coolest things I've ever done (pun intended!)

And finally, the most eye opening observation of this trip is that the city doesn't change! What does change is our expectations of it, often colored by where we are in our lives and the adventures and experiences we choose to fill our New York City days with. The city seems to morph to your needs, satisfying or disappointing as much as your attitude will allow.

I broke up with NY last week out of sheer frustration and more than just a touch of homesickness. But I am ready to kiss and make up with this jewel of a city, whose bright lights beckon and whose fierce spirit and tough as nails attitude make it one of my favorite places in the world. I love ya', New York!

Here's to the Big Apple and the people who make it great!

Mobile Blogging: Coming Home

After a crazy day yesterday, cancelled flight, bumped from new flight,
a six hour wait to get re-booked for a flight the next day and a hotel
for the night, I can honestly say I am more than ready to be back home.

This morning found us at the Newark Airport no less than three and a
half hours early for our flight. Bad calculation on my part for what
traffic and the commute would look like from a time perspective. No
matter. We made it, cleared security, and patiently waited for our
flight home.

With the risk of getting bumped again quite high, I resolved to make
the most of the situation. My Kindle and iPhone fully charged, I had
several entertainment options available to me. Watch a movie? Read a
book? Surf the Web? All I really wanted to do is sleep.

As the time for boarding approached, and after watching many flights
go out maxed to capacity and passengers continued being bumped from
flights, my anxiety grew. I just had to be home today. Not only
because I had to work but because I missed my husband and fur babies
something fierce.

By the grace of God we made it onto the flight and with only a one
hour delay, made it home safely. Claiming our luggage was also a
breeze (it came home on our flight yesterday, without us) and before I
knew it, I was at long last home.

I enjoyed my trip to the big city and hanging out with my friend, but
I'm learning that the max I can normally stand to be away from my
beloved husband and furry little pets is likely three days. Anything
beyond that and I become quite cranky. Just ask my friend, she'll tell
you.

It really is true, you know: "there's no place like home."

Here's to coming home!

Sent from my iPhone

Mobile Blogging: New York Minute, Day, um, 5?

Got woken up.
By a text.
Saying our flight had been cancelled.
Called the airline.
Got another flight.
Packed.
Had breakfast. Yes. At the hotel.
Headed out.
Gagged on the humidity.
Went to Bloomingdale's.
Got a few small gifts.
Went to Times Square.
More gifts.
Caught a cab.
Went to the airport.
Checked in for our flight.
Got bumped.
Had a hissy fit.
Learned next available flight was tomorrow.
Pitched another fit.
Pouted.
Seethed.
Accepted the situation.
Talked to my husband.
Sat and waited. And waited.
And waited.
Exchanged texts with a friend.
Got new flight info.
Seethed again.
Got hotel info.
Dismayed that hotel is in Queens and flight's out of Newark. New Jersey.
Gulped down anger and frustration and a deep desire to be home.
Broke up with New York.
Took a shuttle to the hotel.
Decompressed.
Talked to my husband.
Had dinner.
Updated blog.
Tried to crash.
Read.
Thought about being home.
Remembered that it's not about me. Not even a little.
Crashed.

Here's to being indicted into the brotherhood of bumped passengers.

Mobile Blogging: New York Minute, Day 4

Woke up to a city abuzz with tourists and locals on the move.
Had third complimentary hotel breakfast.
Joined the throng outside.
Whined about the heat.
Walked around.
Caught a bus to B&H Photo. Remembered, upon arrival, that they observe
Sabbath and the store was closed today.
Hopped a cross town bus to South Street Seaport.
Watched the tourists.
Had a dirty water dog. Gotta love street vendor food.
Talked to my husband.
Boarded a sail boat.
Went for a cruise.
Took photos of Lady Liberty.
Relaxed.
Returned to shore.
Had a mini Belgian waffle with Nutella. YUM!
Got discount tickets to Mary Poppins.
Took the bus uptown.
Headed for Rockefeller Center.
Slow bus.
Banged my shin. Hard. Have a huge bruise. And lump.
Had to skip Rockefeller.
Caught a cab back to hotel.
Rested.
Went to dinner.
Carnegie's Deli.
Had huge roast beef sandwich.
Couldn't finish it all.
Headed to Times Square for the show.
Was diverted to Eighth Avenue.
Learned of a bomb threat in Times Square.
Made way to theatre. Jostled by evacuation crowds.
Prayed for safety.
Sat down to show.
Prayed some more.
Prayed a lot.
Saw Mary Poppins musical.
Allowed myself to be distracted.
Loved the show.
Headed back to hotel.
Rested.
Got scoop on the "situation".
Talked to husband.
Told him of bomb scare.
Reassured him we were safe.
Prayed some more.
Headed out for souvenier shopping.
And late night snack.
Times Square still empty.
Took photos of an empty Times Square.
Eerie.
Surreal.
Had coffee and dessert.
Back to hotel.
Packed for return home.
Watched newscast of bomb threat.
Updated blog.
Prayed.
Crashed.

Here's to a safe return home.