Makeup My Way

Today, I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner to talk make-up!!

I have to start with 2 disclaimers.  

1. I'm cheap. 

2.  Convenient is the name of my game!

I've never put a lot of time or money into makeup or pampering goods. $10 was my cap.   I'm the girl that used mascara WAY past the expiration date.  Then my sister moved in with me for a while and I'd occasionally use her makeup.....best/worst mistake!

Suddenly, I realized the fancy stuff from Ulta was kinda amazing.  I was still too cheap to buy it for myself, but after one birthday gift from her, I'm addicted.

So, here's my favorites collection (last 3 product pics borrowed from company websites)

1. Urban Decay Naked Palette - YDK is my favorite color.  The brush is also amazing.

2. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara in black.  It actually gives me the appearance of lashes!

3. Clinique Eye Liner.  I have about 5 colors. They last forever!

4. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer. Old Holly never knew she needed this.....a sample came with my palette; now I'm hooked.  I don't wear it to work because I'm not sweating, moving, etc., but on weekends, vacations, trips, etc. I haul out the good stuff.

5.  Eye Shadow Crayons.  I'm still on the search for the perfect brand, so suggestions are welcomed.  I just love the convenience....I can apply while doing something else. 

And you can't wear makeup without the perfect remover/cleaner....

6. Cetaphil Cleaner. The only product I've ever found that doesn't leave my skin greasy or dry.  Takes eye make-up off without irritating my contacts too!

So now I have an Ulta account and an expensive makeup addiction.  Thanks Sister ;)

All I Ever Wanted Was To Try Stitch Fix....

Yeah the title is overly dramatic. 

Stitch Fix isn't designed for chunky girls and I have mourned that several times.  And then it happened, a referral from a friend, for a service for plus size ladies. I signed up instantly!  After the excitement passed, I did some homework....and the nervousness set in lol. 

Let's just say, the girls who share pictures from their Dia&Co boxes on a lot of social media sites are a lot more um creative and comfortable than I am.  We're talking crop tops and mini skirts and bling.

So I waited and finally my box arrived.  Oh my.

Pretty package

Let me start by saying, I wrote pants/skirts/dresses must be tall/long at least 3 places on the survey. 

Please also note all photos were taken by an impatient husband and all poses/goofy expressions are a result of my hate for being in front of a camera. 

Item #1
Regular length blue jeans
Pros: Dark wash like I prefer
Cons: Hello floods and a little too flared for my liking.

Item #2
Red wrap top
Pros: Gives me the appearance of a chest.  "Flowy" to hide muffin tops.  3/4 sleeves
Cons: Elastic around the back which does nothing for my back blubber

The flood is coming, the flood is coming.  I refuse to show you the backside view!

Item #3
White blouse
Pros: I was pleasantly surprised by this item.  It looks funny in the picture because of static cling and nothing underneath, but I really liked the piece.
Cons: $69 price tag.  Um hell no. Of course I like the priciest item in the box. 

My pants and a clingy shirt

Item #4
LBD with back cut out
Pros: Longer sleeves; black
Cons: Shapeless and short shorty short

I can't believe I am even posting this one.  The awkward stance is classy!

Item #5
One of the ugliest necklaces I've ever seen
Pros: I got a good laugh
Cons: The list is too long.  GAWDY!  Some rapper is definitely missing his bling!

You know you want one of these for Christmas!!!  And hello pant fuzz!

So tomorrow I'm contacting the company to see if they can give it a better try.  1 out of 5 aren't good odds. 

We'll see how it goes.  If anyone else is feeling brave, here's my referral link: https://www.dia.co/r/19jr

Crabbier Than Crabby

Yesterday I hated the world.  I was so cranky I couldn't handle myself!  I was in desperate need of some grace and junk food!   When my husband didn't want to split a banana split with me, I lost it.  Poor man thinks I'm mental.

Anyway, I decided to get my hair done thanks to a salon coupon and I put myself to bed early and today I'm back to normalish.  Not surprisingly, CD1 came to visit so I see the Doc Thursday. 

In other weekend news, I made this recipe.  Perry and I loved it, Keith not so much.  I also got in some Hobby Lobby, Kohls, Trader Joes and consignment store shopping. 

Happy Monday (Wow that post was a jumbled mess)

Five Friday Favorites

OK so I started this post on Thursday.  Sue me ;)

Thanks to my super cool phone, all pictures will be at the bottom, but you get the idea folks!

1.  My dear friend Boom Chicka Pop in Frosted Sugar Cookie.  Dear God above don't let this be a limited time flavor.

2. This beach house which I will be making my home one week this summer!

3.  The sunshine that FINALLY made its appearance yesterday.

4.  The awesome dishes I found while antiquing with my Sister.  Vintage Pyrex *swoon*

5. Sisters Sleepover.  I'm staying with Heidi and the furry kids this weekend.  Watch out shopping, we're coming for you!

Griswolds and Goodies

Saturday morning was spent running errands and feeling sorry for the people with a sheer look of panic in their eyes as they rushed to shop for gifts. 

Stumbling across some awesome coupons at Target for baking ingredients (Cartwheel and text to save) inspired me to attempt peanut butter balls for the first time.  

I quickly learned it's time to invest in the commercial size KitchenAid, but overall it went well.  I of course turned on Christmas Vacation to enjoy while rolling the filling. 

It's nice to enjoy some laid back days before the holidays. 

My Grandma's Super Healthy Recipe
3 sticks of butter softened
1 bag of powdered sugar (2 lbs)
1.5 jars of peanut butter (27 oz.)

Mix together and form into balls. Freeze for an hour or more. 

Melt candy coating bars and dip balls. (I obviously haven't perfected this technique)

Dry on wax paper.

Enjoy!

Endangered Gift Cards

I know I shouldn’t bring up such a controversial topic this close to Christmas, but I’m a rebel like that.  Please tell me this….when did gift cards get such a bad rep?!?!  I blame Scrooge and the retail world. 

To do my part to help kill the lies, rumors and fibs, here is my list of 10 reasons thoughtful gift cards make the ultimate gift (in no particular order).

1. They kill the guilt.  When someone gives me cash, I feel that I need to pay bills or save it for some unforeseen emergency.  With gift cards, poof no guilt. 
2. They save you from the return line.  Those things are a beast around the holidays so I avoid them like the plague.
3. Let’s be honest…I despise cheap candles, fleece PJs, most bath products, processed meat and any of the other “what do I buy her fill in” gifts.  If you can’t find something personal, just give me the gift card.  Sorry, I know that sounds catty.
4. The deals are always better after the holidays.  That $25 dollar sweater just got turned into 2 sweaters, a scarf and socks after the holidays when I buy it with my gift card.
5. You get fuel points folks.  Who doesn’t love saving money on gas when you buy them from the local grocery/gas conglomerate?
6. They’re much easier to wrap.  There are no weird corners, running out of tape or trying to find the perfect box.
7. They encourage date nights.  I’m not going to hold my dinner and movie gift cards hostage and exclude my husband, so they give us an excuse to go on a date.
8. They force you to try something new.  I’ve tried quite a few new restaurants and stores thanks to gift cards.
9. They allow you to fib a little.  (i.e. This conversation:

Husband: Where are you?

Wife: Starbucks

Husband: Again?

Wife: Honey, I have a gift card.

Husband: Oh, ok.  Enjoy.

*Note if anyone ever tells the husband that I have reloaded the aforementioned gift card at least 5 times since he bought it, I will block you from my blog.)

10. They make for a great surprise down the road when you discover a forgotten, misplaced card and get to go shopping!!  (not that I have done this…no no)

So there you have it, Holly Riggle’s argument to save the Endangered Gift Card.  I’m off to buy a few myself after work.  Two restaurants, Cabela’s and ITunes - The recipients will surely appreciate me not trying to pick out ammo or buy them a salami log or unwanted CD.