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A Funny Thing Happened On My Way To The Email Box….

17 Mar


First, let me start off by saying Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of my readers and followers, near and far. I hope your day was filled with tasty meals of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, Irish soda bread, shots of Irish whiskey and more Guinness than you can imagine. Okay, well I don’t wish EVERYONE that, but if it’s your thing then more power to you. If it’s not, like the French Sassy Auburn girl, then just put on a nice green shirt like I did and call it a day. Erin Go Bra-less…. or something like that.

Second…. WTF? Okay, here’s my deal when it comes to my blog. I review things, and I admit I tend to review the things I really like more than things that I don’t. Just because something doesn’t jazz me 100% doesn’t mean someone else isn’t going to like it. But if someone comes right out and ASKS ME what I thought about a product? Oh I’m gonna tell them. You are going to get the redhead, sassy review–and probably not in 100 words or less either. You get my drift.

So yesterday, a company that I had recently purchased some makeup products from (and have many times in the past) sent me an email because of my blogging reputation and purchasing frequency with them. They wanted me to review the latest products I had gotten from them for their website. Okay, cool. I think customer reviews are a fabulous thing. Not everyone knows they can come to a website like mine or other bloggers to get information on what is good, what is better, what is great… and what is not! Sometimes you have to take the reviews that are on the company’s website with a grain of salt because they can be slightly tainted. I mean, if you are there making a purchase, there is a good chance you already like the item and aren’t going to dish any dirt on it. Sites such as totalbeauty.com and makeuptalk.com are good to get true, honest opinions on just about anything. I respect them for that.

This company asked for my opinion on six products: a new necklace, a new lipstick formula they recently released, a bath product, a perfume, a sensitive skin face wash, and a anti-aging facial moisturizer. Sounds easy enough, right? I wrote a “blurb” saying I loved the necklace (so gorgeous and versatile); the lipstick which is excellent for moisture, gloss and a hint of color; the bath product which smells like yummy fresh baked goods; the perfume which was just meh–kinda so-so as it was really strong and just not my style; the face wash was hellacious as it burned my face and eyes terrible and honestly could NOT believe it could be for sensitive skin with that much chemical fragrance in it; and the facial moisturizer that made my face itch, burn and actually caused it to break out and get flaming red. I handed out three 5-star ratings, one 3-star rating and two 1-star ratings. I submitted them to their online product review “committee” and went about my business.

Today, a funny thing happened on my way to the email box. As I checked the emails for Sassy, I saw six responses regarding the reviews I had done yesterday for those products. They were happy, thrilled, couldn’t be more excited with the reviews I gave 5-stars to. They were so happy to tell me they would be putting them up on their website immediately and were ecstatic to put my name and opinion with their product. Yeay Sassy! Love you Sassy! Then…. the 3-star product’s rating , however, was still being “reviewed” and they informed me they would get back to me with a decision as to when (and if) the review would be used. Hmmmm. Kind of made me scrunch up my face and tap my toe a little bit. Just a tad suspicious if you ask me.

Then, the corker. The shock of all shockers. The “You’ve got to be %#@&’ing kidding me!” of all “You’ve got to be…” You get my drift. This company–a company whom I have done business with on and off with over several years–sent me an email saying they would not be using my 1-star reviews on their product review site because they “didn’t meet their expectations.” EXCUSE ME? Didn’t meet your expectations? Oh, so let me get this straight: if I love your stuff, you’ll whistle Dixie, shower me with kindness, and praise the ground I walk on. But if I tell you how I REALLY feel which doesn’t float your boat, you’ll take my honest review and toss it out with yesterday’s bad lettuce. Keep what works for you, ditch what doesn’t. You know there, dillweed, if you didn’t want HONESTY about your products, why did you give me the option of either a 1-2-3-4-or 5 star rating? Hmmmmmmm?.

Yeah–well–that don’t fly with me. If THEY aren’t going to let the public know the facts, I will. So take notice people. Here’s a quicker than quick review about the latest items I just purchased from this company….. AVON:

SHINE ATTRACT LIPSTICK (in Nude Love and Passionate Red): Nice sheer colors, not bold, tons of shine, very moisturizing. Somewhat long lasting. Love ’em.

STYLISTA “Y” NECKLACE GIFT SET: Gorgeous “Y” styled necklace with black crystal gemstones. Comes with matching earrings. Looks great with everything–day and night!

BUBBLE DELIGHT BUBBLE BATH: I actually bought this to use in my hand soap dispenser in my bathroom and it works great. The Vanilla Cream scent smells just like a cupcake, lathers nice, and keeps hands soft!

FAR AWAY EAU de PARFUM PURSE SPRAY: The scent is “nice” but really isn’t my style. A little too heavy on the amber and musk for my liking. It does last and lightens up after wearing it for a while. All in all, not completely for me though.

 

mark CALMING EFFECT COMFORTING MILK CLEANSER: Holy smokes, this was a product from hell for me. It might be for sensitive skin but its scent and formula burned my eyes terrible, even when I didn’t get it NEAR my eyes. Very drying on my face, made my skin feel way too tight. Just not all it was cracked up to be. Won’t use it again, and won’t recommend it either.

 

mark FOR GOODNESS FACE ANTIOXIDANT SKIN MOISTURIZING LOTION SPF 30: All the hype behind the product sounded great–oil free, natural ingredients, high SPF. Good stuff, yes? NO! It burned my face, causing me to get red and break out! Way too irritating for my skin… and it didn’t smell all the great either. No way, no how. Buh-bye!


 

There ya go Fashionistas… you want REAL reviews? Ask me. I’ll give it to you straight up. And if a company only wants you to see the good stuff, I seriously suggest asking your friends, checking blogs like mine, and looking into those great makeup sites for reviews–both good and bad–before you decide on a product. You want REAL opinions from REAL people when looking for something, right? I mean….I would want my friends to tell me honestly if I looked like a ruffled banana in a tiered yellow tank top (yeah, been there–almost did that). Sorry…. that was kind of a random flashback.

So, I’m sorry to have to give you a little dig today Avon but it’s the consumer’s decision to choose to buy a product with ALL the facts… not just the ones you see fit. You don’t want that kind of rep, do you? Hopefully you’ll reconsider how you “choose” you reviews in the future. It might just be better for your business than you think.

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Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 1 (Finally!!!)

16 Mar

I am done! What has it been… four months that I have been working on this ten item list? I can’t tell you how happy I am. Not that it is over. I mean, I really learned a lot about myself. But I honestly just want to get back to blogging about he things I love: makeup, fashion, glamour, jewelry, purses, shoes, hair, nails. Everything that makes Sassy who she is. Even recently, I have been seeing things I’ve wanted to take pictures of or write about and realized I couldn’t until this challenge was done.

Now, the day is here.

ONE PHOTO

    Some of the challenges say that the one photo has to be of me. I hate getting my picture taken. The more “posed” I am, the more self self-conscious I become and over think how I should look. (I watch too much “America’s Top Model” I think). Sometimes my semi-candid photos are the best. But to pick a photo to be my ONE PHOTO… well, I could only think of one. It was the happiest day of my life, with the people I love the most. Honestly, it was a no brainer:

    This is me, Sassy, on my wedding day, when I married my wonderful husband and soul mate, Mr. Sassy, and my two beautiful children who were the best flower girl and ring bearer ever–Kayla, then almost four and Jonathan, then almost six. It was a dream come true that day. Everything was perfect. And we had so much fun.

    Fourteen fabulous years later, things aren’t much different. We are still as happy as we were were on that day, if not more. The love continues to grow by the second–as well as the kids. Our daughter is preparing for her Senior Ball and will be graduating in June. Our son is attending college for math and computers and has become a man right before our eyes. I really am not sure when it all happened. One minute they were wearing ruffled socks and little tuxedos and now they are thinking about their future. Time moves too fast. It really does.

So there we have it people, my Ten Day “You” Challenge. Everything you wanted to know about me from which concerts I long to see to foods I absolutely love. Now it is time to move on to bigger and better things. A blog about everything fun, chic and girly. Sometimes we’ll have a “tea party” and dish on men a little bit or even gossip a tad. Other times you might just get a photo of something I’ve seen and LOVE or even new products that I’ve tried and loved–or hated. You get honesty here folks. I’m nor promoting anything (yet!)so you want the REAL scoop from a REAL person…. you’ll find it here.

Now, you have to help me: we want to get EVERYONE to subscribe to this blog, so you have to tell EVERYONE! Tell them about me on:
Pinterest (SassyAuburn)
 Twitter (@SassyAuburn)
or Google+(SassyAuburn)

Oh yeah, I’m everywhere!

Plus, don’t be surprised if you see me go bigger this year. I’m debating locking in my own domain name. Because really….. IS there another Sassy Auburn? (low English chuckle)…. Ha!, I think not.

So you ready everybody? Let’s get ready fashionistas! It’s game one!

Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 3

2 Mar

I am so glad I am nearing the end of this challenge and will be getting back to writing about clothes, makeup, nails, fashions, glamour, skin care and the rest of the stuff that I love. This little challenge has made me think a bit. I guess that’s a good thing. I’ve thought of the places I dream to go, realized I don’t read enough, and other things. I hope this has made you reflect on yourself a bit. Made YOU do some thinking about you. Because you don’t need to think about me. You can just think of me when looking at lip glosses. Ha ha.

So today is day three, which is three films. Oh wow. This will be hard. When I love a movie, I REALLY love a movie. Especially this week because as I type this, a marathon is on the channel AMC. And what is that marathon for? Well, we’ll make that movie #1…

Three Films

    1. The Godfather – This movie actually has a funny story for me. When I began dating my husband, Mr. Sassy, (who is VERY Italian!), he was shocked that I had never seen this movie. In fact, he was so shocked that he insisted that before we went out on any more dates, I had to see it. So that weekend, he came over to my apartment with a pizza, some soda, and two movies: The Godfather and Clerks. Although Clerks is epic and on a cult-admiring level, The Godfather is one of THE best movies ever made. I fell in love with it that evening and I turn it on whenever it is on TV. This week celebrates it’s 40th anniversary so it is non-stop Godfather epics all week long. I’m thrilled. And I’m watching every one of them.

    2. Big – Released in 1988 with a still young Tom Hanks as the lead character, this movie became a favorite of mine almost immediately. I think part of the reason why was because when I went to see it, I had NO IDEA what it was about. I had gone with friends to see another movie, but it was sold out. We didn’t want to go home, so we just took tickets to the next movie that was starting that still had seats available. It was Big. It’s a fabulous fantasy story that is realistic enough that you hang on every scene. It’s believable, it’s funny, and it’s a must see for anyone who thinks they want to grow up too fast!

    3. The Breakfast Club – This is THE movie of my generation. I think everyone has seen this movie, and if they haven’t, they really should come out from under their rock. It is a reflection of high school, not just in the 80’s when the movie was made but even now. There is a character in the movie that everyone knows or relates to and you find yourself sitting with the young, famous actors and actresses like you are a part of their world for those 2 hours. It is one of a kind, never needed a sequel and will always be a favorite of my generation.

That was actually easier than I thought it would be. If I had to get into a list of four, five or six, it might get a bit more challenging. I am a huge fan of comedies, so movies like Sixteen Candles, Old School and Animal House are always a turn to when my mood is low and a good laugh is needed to remedy the blues. But if someone left me on a dessert island with three movies (and electricity and a DVD player), I wouldn’t be upset to have just those three I picked. They’d keep me entertained for a long time!

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The Ten Day “You Challenge” – Day 4

22 Feb

I think someone should have called this the “Worse Than A Root Canal You Challenge” because I’m finding it very hard to stay focused and get this finished. Maybe it’s because I am most used to writing and comfortable talking about my passions: fashion, glamour and makeup. I’m not really comfortable talking about myself, although my husband, Mr. Sassy would probably debate me on this since when we go out with friends, he can’t get a word in edge-wise. I guess it’s the radio talk show host taking over.

So today we are on day four, which is…. let me look…. four books. Oh really? I am a fashion magazine fanatic. I don’t think I have read a book–cover to cover–in years. And you know what? That is pathetic. I should work on that.

Some of the best books I have ever read, though, I read when I was in high school. And elementary school. So here’s my very “childish” list:

Four Books

    1. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger – This was actually a “banned” book in my high school (NO, I’m not THAT old!) and my English teacher “encouraged” me to buy the book (since it wasn’t even in our school library) and do an extra credit book report on it. The book, and that teacher, literally changed my life. I think if it wasn’t for her and that assignment, I wouldn’t have had the desire to get into writing like I did. Thank you, Mrs. Mueller!

    2. The Pistachio Prescription by Paula Danziger – A typical teen book that I read when I was in 7th grade. I could totally relate to it so much that it just became my Holy Grail. About 10 years ago, I found an older paperback copy of the book in a Salvation Army for 50 cents. The memories came flooding back, I bought it, and it sits next to my bed even now. When life gets a bit overwhelming, I pick it up and read it again.

    3. Inside, Outside, Upside Down by Stan & Jan Berenstain – This was my favorite book as a kid, and my favorite book to read to my kids. The book is fun, simple, easy to understand, and NEVER fails to make me smile. Even now that my kids are older, if I say a line from the book, they will laugh out loud. To me, that’s awesome.

    3. How To Be A Winner by Zig Ziglar – I’m not one of these people who are all woo hoo about motivational and self-help books. But what was nice about this one was I obtained it on audio tape! I remember I would listen to it in my car constantly. I like how it made me feel, I like how it made me think. Out of them all, I would recommend everyone listen to this one at least once.

That was a bit of a challenge. I guess I remember more of the books I read when I was in school than I have since I have gotten out. Most books I pick up now are reference books. Something about fashion, color pallets, makeup application, things like that. I think that’s something I’ll have to change this year. Read more. Whether it be self-help, fiction, non-fiction, motivational…. I think it would be good to put words into my mind, instead of just accumulating them waiting for them to come out on paper. Or in my case… in my blog! Yup, gotta do that. Make it happen, Sassy!

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The Ten Day “You Challenge – Day 6

23 Jan

I am trying like hell to stay on top of my promise to myself–to blog each day like it was a diary. I would have done this sooner, but between football and other work obligations, this got pushed to the end of the line. But have no fear, I’m here with Day 6. And considering how tired I am you just might get an interesting answer to today’s list.

Six Places, huh? Like places I want to go right now? Where would I like to go in my lifetime? Like geographical places… or events? Hmmm. Well, this is how I’ll put it:

Six Places

    1. NYC — to see the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and actually see a designer’s show.

    2. Italy — so my husband can show me the beautiful sights that he talks about so often.

    3. The Bahamas — I’ve been there once, but it was simply so beautiful that I just want to go again.

    4. A Foo Fighter’s Concert — They are the Foo Fighters. Need I say anything else?

    5. Heinz Field — I want to see my Steelers play football, baby!

    6. Napa Valley — to experience a wine vacation like no other!

Hmmmm. That was easier than I thought. Okay Fashionista fans of Sasssy…. do you have any place special places you want to go someday? Doesn’t matter how big or how small, how far or how close. It’s about you! Share away!

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The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 7

22 Jan

Oh I really am a slug aren’t I. I mean over ONE MONTH since I last posted? I’m thinking I have to stop thinking of this as a project and keep it light like I’m writing in a diary. Hmmm. Now that I think of it, my diary entries weren’t great when I was a teen. Someone stole someone’s boyfriend, fire alarm in the middle of 2nd period during the pouring rain, pop quiz in trig. Maybe my adult diary of fashionista me can be a little jazzier, less boring, and not Midol necessary. I think I can do that.

Let’s get this finished up first: My Ten Day “You” Challenge. Day seven is seven wants. This could be easy…. This could be hard. I don’t want it to seem like a bucket list, so I think I will focus on the things I want in 2012. This year. Immediate or short-term wants. I can also think of some as goals too. Okay. Here we go.

Seven Wants

    1. To have my skinny jeans fit me the way they used to.

    2. More laughter, less pain.

    3. A pair of Christian Louboutin pumps.

    4. To write an article, a review, or ANYTHING that will put my name in print in one of my favorite fashion magazines

    5. An interview with a “star” that I can write about with passion!

    6. To find a way to re-organize my closet in a way that would make even Carrie Bradshaw say, “Good job, girl!”

    7. Stay grounded.

It’s here. The time has come. It’s time I start preparing myself for some big things this year. Big things. Things that I can call my own. Things I can get the credit for. Things that will make me a household name! Okay… I might be thinking crazy big here. But you know what they say…. especially in the fashion and glamour industry??

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The Ten Day “You” Challenge – Day 9

19 Nov


I never said that my Ten Day “You” Challenge would be done in exactly 10 days., now did I? Okay, so I’m a tad inconsistent (and noticeably lazy) lately. Work with me people….

Where were we? Oh, yeah, so today is Day 9–Nine Loves. This will certainly be easier than the ten secrets. I could put my husband down nine times but I’m sure that’s would not be very soul-searching of me. So, let’s dig a little deeper….

Nine Loves

    1. My fabulous husband

    2. My two great kids

    3. My kittie cats (all five–yes I said five–of them)

    4. Pistachio ice cream

    5. Fall

    6. Jeans (All brands, all styles, all prices!)

    7. Writing about makeup and fashion

    8. Designer handbags

    9. A fabulous steak dinner, complete with baked potato & sour cream

I probably could change the list each week — adding things some days, taking things off on others. The above nine, however, will always stay the same. Of course there is one thing I didn’t put down but I don’t think I should have to. In fact, it should be so much of a given that is should be everyone’s number one. And what is that great love?

Yourself.

That doesn’t mean you have to be a narcissist or egotistical. It just means you have to love who you are, what you are, where you’re at, and where you’re going. Getting to that point doesn’t happen in days, months or even years. In fact, many aren’t at that point yet at all. And that’s okay. For some it’s a work in progress, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Because the key word there to remember is this: progress.

I challenge all of you to enjoy your loves…. if possible, every day of your life!!

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Have You Missed Me?

21 Oct

Oh my loyal fans….

I hang my head in shame for abandoning you as long as I did. I didn’t run away with another man. I wasn’t giving birth. I didn’t get kidnapped by aliens. I wasn’t the only victim of the rapture. I DID get caught in Hurricane Irene for two weeks, but we thankfully came through that with only a few minor scratches. The fact is, I’ve just been busy. I know, I know… no excuse for the tweeking fashionistas of the blogging world. But, you see, I didn’t really run away or even decided to just stand still. I’ve been moving ahead. One step and blog post at a time.

In late May, an opportunity was presented to me to do some writing for a fabulous website that I frequent several times a day. They had seen my work on here, plus I had already written a few odds and ends things for them and they were pleased with what they saw. You could say this is a stepping stone for me. My wish is that it will lead to eventually writing for a magazine! But for now…. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and loving every word I write.

So when I’m NOT here, where can you find me? You can look me up, 24/7 right here or at:

http://www.makeuptalk.com/beautyblog/

If you are wondering which articles are mine, they aren’t too hard to find… they are the ones written by SassyAuburn!!

But, just so I don’t feel like I have left you hanging, I’ll let you know what are some things I just can’t live without right now:

ELF Angled Eyeliner Brush – I unfortunately lost the angled eyeliner brush I got from Sephora several months ago. No clue where it went. A friend of mine told me she had been shopping at Target recently and discovered ELF cosmetics. They were awesomely good and ridiculously cheap! Although I was not in need of any cosmetics, I could not pass up on a couple of their brushes, especially this one since I needed a new one. Target carries several ELF items, but their website is full of even more inexpensive goodies. It might be a brand I’ll have to investigate further. Target, $3.00

Make Up For Ever Diamond Collection Lip Gloss in Shimmering Baby Pink – I’m the first to admit I have a lip gloss addiction. This is easy to recognize if you go into my makeup drawer and start counting. The problem is that I get easily bored with my glosses and very seldom use them up… then buy more. MUFE’s gloss was something I picked up on a whim with a gift card I had and I must have liked that whim very much because it is almost gone. It honestly might be one of the first lip glosses I have ever (almost) used up in years.. if ever. Good color, great glitter and moisturizing too. Sephora, $18.00

BareTraps’ Lace-Up, Side Zip Bootie – The flat, combat-style boot is ALL the style this season and I’m right on board. These boots are so comfortable and go with just about anything. I love tucking my skinny jeans in them and wearing them with my edgy leather jacket. Rocking chic! Next week, I’m going to try them out with a frayed, denim skirt and a graphic tee. I think everyone should have at least a pair of these in black, and if you can, get a pair in brown too. (I did!) TJ Maxx, $39.99

Playboy’s Play It Lovely Perfume – Talk about prejudging. I really didn’t think I would like a perfume by Playboy. I don’t even know why either. Maybe because I thought it would be too strong, or too cheesy smelling, or maybe it wouldn’t last on me. I spritzed a bit of Play It Lovely on while waiting at my pharmacy one day, and I have to say I liked it right away. Hours later, Mr. Sassy even said I smelled good so I realized it had stay power. With notes of citrus, blackberries and juicy peaches, orchid, amber and patchouli, it comes across very fresh immediately, but its deeper sensual side comes through after a just a little while. It’s definitely not as expensive as many of the other designer fragrances on the market, but certainly ranks right up there with them. A nice addition to my scent collection. CVS, $14.99

I hope you get a chance to check out a few of the things that I’m loving right now and please stop into the MakeupTalk blog to read all of the articles I’ve written since June! Okay… well, maybe not all (there is a lot of them!) but certainly take a peek around. With the leaves changing and temperatures falling, I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about fall and all the beauty and fashion items that will be going along with it so stay tuned. Although you may only hear from me once a month or so from now on, I guarantee… it will still be the fun, sassy stuff I’ve always had in the past!!

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Marvelous Finds In March

14 Apr

My husband just asked me what today’s date was. I honestly had to pull up the calendar app on my iPhone because, frankly, I had no clue. Time seems to have stood still for me because no matter what I am writing—a check, a bill, a letter, a gym excuse my for my kids—I have been putting down “March” on everything. Then it dawned on me when my husband had me check today’s date that I had been writing the wrong date for several weeks. Maybe it is because it just doesn’t feel like spring too much here in Upstate New York yet. Maybe it’s because all of the days feel the same to me lately. My guess? If I refuse to write the real date, life will slow down. Yeah, well, not so much.

So since I am already two weeks behind for all of my April writings, I figured I better chime in quick with my awesome March discoveries before I get them confused with April’s. If I don’t watch myself, I will be writing that my latest fashion find in July was a pair of cashmere gloves. Without further adieu, here are a couple of things that I added to my glamour and fashion collection during March that you may want to look into as well:

1. Grape Seed Oil— I have never hid the fact that I think that several natural oils are fabulous for medicinal, nutritive and moisturizing purposes. Grape seed oil is derived when the light oil is extracted from the seeds of several different kinds of grapes. Mainly, the seeds left over from making wine are used for this purpose. It is wonderful when the oil is used for cosmetics and skin care because the natural anti-oxidants and age-fighting properties found in grapes then get transferred directly onto the skin. Grape seed oil has a built-in astringent quality so it is great for naturally tightening the skin. It also contains linoleic acid which is known for cell repair and renewal, keeping skin at its most youthful state. And finally, because it is a lightweight oil, it is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin providing excellent moisturization—even around the delicate eye area—without clogging pores. I now use grape seed oil every night before bed to moisturize my face and neck, with a little shot on my cuticles as well. My skin has never been so soft and smooth! Available at most supermarkets in the organic oils section

2. NYC (New York Color) Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil— A while back, I had found a great sharpen yourself eyeliner that I insisted would be the pencil I would use for the rest of my life. It wasn’t a big, well-known brand and I could only get it at one store locally. Yeah, well, that changed when I saw the display with my eyeliners in it wearing a big “Clearance” sign on it last month. Damn. Time to start hunting once again. While shopping at my local Wal-Mart one day, I saw a big display for the NYC brand. They had an extensive variety of products and colors at a price that was more than reasonable. I liked the fact they had a waterproof eyeliner that was the kind you sharpen yourself, which is the only kind I will use. After using it only once, I knew it was my new favorite liner. It was soft, easy to apply, and had superb stay power. The color was true and still sharp and strong even when it was time to take it off at night! For those who like these kind of liners, this is a must try. Available at many local retails for less than $4

3. mark Save The Day Anti-Acne Concealer Stick— I wish I could take the credit for discovering this item, but all the love has to go to my daughter. She has often asked me if I knew of any acne-treatment companies that also made a concealer that would hide a stubborn pimple while treating it as well. To be honest, it really wasn’t my department. I am the queen of the dry skin, not really a breakout princess. But after doing a bit of research, I saw that mark. had a product that was just what she was looking for. Not only does the concealer stick contains 2% salicylic acid to treat the culprit, but it also comes in four medium-coverage, buildable shades. This little item has become a cult favorite with her friends as all of them love how it hides and treats little flare ups at the same time. Available at Avon.com and through local Avon representatives for $6.

4. Steve Madden’s Shelbi Wedge Sandal— Okay, here’s the story behind this purchase: I had won a gift card from DSW during the holidays. I thought it would be fun to buy a pair of peep-toed boots when they went on sale after the holidays. When the pair I liked arrived at my house, I realized I didn’t like them at all. By this point, it was March and the thought of buying boots was silly and I knew I really should look for a pair of sandals instead. So I went to my local DSW store, returned the boots, and tried on anything and everything that caught my eye. Originally I shied away from wedges because… well…. they just didn’t jazz me. HA! That was until I tried on these little cuties! The heel isn’t too high (2” stacked wedge), they were comfortable as heck and they looked chic and stylish! I grabbed a pair in black. The weather around here finally allowed me to wear them for a full day this week. My feet loved them as much as my eyes. A perfect shoe to wear with jeans, capris or shorts! I love them so much, I think I’ll grab them in the color taupe sometime in the near future. Available at DSW retail stores and DSW.com for $49.95



I think I can finally say that spring is beginning to show itself after a long, hard winter. People are breaking out their bright colors, packing up the heavy sweaters and coats, and everyone is sporting the fashions and glamour of the new season. But as April evolves, are we serious when we say that the dark, cold gloom that hung its head over us for so long must surely gone? Well, if we listen to the gospel of the late Leslie Nielsen from the ever-popular movie Airplane, we would believe it one hundred percent:

“I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.”

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Great Finds In February…

6 Mar

Let’s face it—people are sick and tired of winter. Living in Upstate NY myself, I am so done with the cold air and the snow. Not that long ago, we actually saw temps in the 50’s which felt like a heat wave to us. The only bad thing about that is it melts only SOME of the snow, which runs into the roads, which splashes against the cars, which turns everything outside into a grey, dingy, dirty landscape. If the sun isn’t shining, it is “blah” at its best.

This starts to become the time during the season where we know spring is around the corner and we are getting antsy. Spring fashions are dribbling into stores, fresh fragrances are being introduced, and makeup colors are becoming brighter and fresher. Even though it is still way too early to break out the sandals and sundresses, it doesn’t mean we can’t add a few springtime teases to our lives. Here are a few things I picked up to get me in the mood:

“Carried Away” Select-A-Shimmer Body Lotion – Time to stimulate the senses! I have always been a big fan of body lotions. Not only do I get a light scent that isn’t too overpowering, but I also moisturize my skin at the same time. With key fragrance notes of red raspberries, white jasmine and whipped vanilla, Carried Away is a romantic fragrance with a playful side. Plus, the Select-A-Shimmer lotion allows me to add a little or a lot of sparkle to my skin when I get out of the shower just by a click of the cap. Add more glitz to your arms when wearing a cami, or maybe a little glow on your legs if you’re wearing a skirt. Nothing says fun more than a sweet scent with a little bit of shimmer! (Bath and Body Works retail stores & bathandbodyworks.com, $14)

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in “Tickled Pink” – When people think about spring, they usually think about the colors of the flowers that fight their way up towards the sun as the weather begins to warm. Tulips, lilacs and roses do not just put beautiful scents into the air, but also show us new colors to delight our eyes. Putting those colors into your makeup pallet can really give your look a lift and break you out of the winter blahs. “Tickled Pink” is a soft, elegant baby pink that works on almost everyone. Plus, the L’Oreal’s Colour Riche formula goes on smooth and creamy, keeping lips moist with conditioners like Vitamin E. A nice, long-wearing lip color that doesn’t just look luxurious but also won’t break the bank! (local retail stores, $9)

Katy Perry Nail Colours by OPI – Okay, fact is fact: advertising sells. When I first saw the ad for Katy’s new nail colors in my daughter’s teen magazine, I fell in love with them. They were bright, fun, whimsical and… well… oh, so Katy! And if you think this “29+” mom wanted to wear them, you should hear the teen girls talk about them. Especially my daughter! Twice when we went to the retail store that carried them, they were sold out. But then finally… we struck gold! My daughter purchased the “Teenage Dream” which is a true pink glitter polish with all the glitz and glimmer that a girl will love. I myself got “The One That Got Away” which is a deep, dark berry with lots of shimmer. There is also “Not Like The Movies” which is a rich silver with an edge, “Last Friday Night” is a bright blue with fierce glitter, and of course the uber-popular “Black Shatter”–a black top coat with a broken-glass effect which is so chic! Katy’s colors are hot, fresh and in demand by ladies of all ages! (select retail stores, from $5)

Ruched Sublimation Top by Body Central – An airy top with cool shades of mauves and pinks make this pullover easy to wear and a must-have in your closet. A deep v-necked front keeps it sexy, the long-waisted length keeps is practical. Finally, imagine the top being immersed in shimmery silver dots and you have this top that is great for day or nighttime wear. Still a little too cold outside to wear this short-sleeved top alone? Just throw on a lightweight cardigan without it losing its jazzy appeal! (bodyc.com, $19.80)

Believe it or not, the weatherman has predicted I will be getting 6-10” of snow for this evening. No… really. This is not going to deter me from thinking about the brighter days of spring on their way, however. My new scents, shades and fashions will look great when the pastel tulips and the green grass begin to show their weary heads. But until then… *sigh*… I will see what I can do to match up my new February finds with some winter-friendly boots and some warm and cozy gloves. Who knows–maybe I’ll even paint my snow shovel pink. With flowers.

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