Cosmetic Toss

LORAC, Unzipped; Sephora

Stila, Waterproof Eyeliner; Sephora

I had an epiphany early last week and realized my makeup bag needed a makeover, stat.  My eyeliner and eye shadow palette were looking a little . . . sad.  A sad appearance led me to believe that my makeup might be a potential bacterial hazard.  Yikes!  Let’s get real, bacteria happens and it is critical that you keep your makeup bag clear of any potential “bacteria-parties”. 

After a little research I found there are quite a few inconsistencies as to how frequently you should toss makeup to ensure your makeup bag stays healthy; but I think the following article provides a decent suggestion as to how frequently you should discard opened cosmetics:

Expiration dates: 
Beginning from the time you first open these products

Powders and shadows // 2 years

Cream shadows // 12 to 18 months

Foundation // 1 year

Lipstick & lipliner // 1 year

Mascara & eyeliners // 3 months

Makeup brushes // Clean weekly using a mild detergent

Makeup sponges // Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled

Ha!  I am impressed to say that I actually “toss” out makeup more frequently then suggested.  Most of my makeup ends up running out before the expiration date comes due but it is important to toss out expired makeup when the time comes due.  It is even more important if you occasionally share makeup with friends and/or family.  Needless to say, always err on the side of caution.  If there is an odor, toss.  If you start breaking out, toss.  If the pigment in the makeup starts to discolor or deteriorate, toss.  Pretty simple stuff.

So, my makeup bag ended up being “clean” but I still treated myself to a new eye shadow pallet from LORAC and some new waterproof eyeliner from Stila.  I have been wearing less and less eye makeup recently but the LORAC palette comes with both 10 beautiful neutral-shade eye shadows and a bonus eye primer.  The two together are a match made in makeup heaven.  I am also really excited to try Stila’s waterproof liquid eyeliner (with a felt tip).  I have heard rave reviews of its mighty stay-power and ease of use. 

Moreover, don’t neglect the health of your precious makeup and if you ever need an excuse to buy more makeup; remind yourself of the potential health risks of ignoring the signs of spoiled cosmetics!

Lights, Camera . . . Action!

Truffle Popcorn

Oscars, yes?

One of my favorite lifestyle/newsletter/websites, GlitterGirl, released some totally to-die-for recipes to make on Oscar night and I am intrigued.  With five recipes suggested; all require just five ingredients or less (hello simplicity!) and all are a healthier version of something you might otherwise make.  Perfection?  I think yes.  And, who can resist sweet potato fries, macaroons and truffled popcorn? 

Utter the word “food” and I’m instantly convinced.  Oscars, you better bring it this year! 

Happy Weekend, Friends!  Do something special for yourself.

Be Kind to Yourself

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Excuse me for the prolonged absence from writing a post!  I spent a gorgeous few festive days in the Pacific Northwest catching up with friends and spending quality time with family.  I worked for a mere day before continuing my holiday vacation into the New Year in Pagosa Springs, Colorado with my boyfriend and our great friends.  We made big meals, drank plenty of spirits and skied for days. 

I am now settled back into the ol' homestead and knocking back piles of "to do's" at work while trying to formulate my New Year's resolutions.  In light of another New Year, I think these words of wisdom must be shared.  I have seen this article passed around by a few family and friends but I continue to be impressed by the inspirational content and feel it is worth sharing, too!  I really hope you enjoy reading and reflecting on this article.  I also hope you had an incredible holiday season and are looking forward to a prosperous, positive New Year!

Be kind to yourself and to others.

Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving!

Poster

"People who love to eat are always the best people"- Julia Child

Well if Julia Child said it, it must be true!

All my love to you and yours for a relaxing, happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend.

Five things I am truly thankful for:

1. A supportive, loving family
2. Creative, fun-loving friends
3. A cozy, loyal puppy dog
4. Chocolate and other delicious treats
5. Magazine subscriptions, access to blogs, salmon, gold-hued things, sunny sunshine, an education, PBS documentaries, floral print, leather, flashy jewelry, the great outdoors, cozy coffee drinks, music, high heels, a great job, and really stinkin' sweet boyfriend....

Strictly Budgetary: The Big Day

The True Cost of a Wedding

In light of a handful of friends and family tying the knot in 2012, I found this diagram to be a interesting representation of how to budget for The Big Day.   I can appreciate the money saving tips at the bottom of the diagram; especially the suggestion of booking off-season and involving creative friends/family to help with wedding preparations. 

Do you think the average cost of a wedding, $27,000, is out of park or accurate?  What elements of the wedding (photographer, venue, dress, etc.) are you most willing to splurge or penny-pinch on?

Sited sources: theknotinc.com, www.smartmoney.com, and money.cnn.com.

Lucky Magazine: A Holiday Party-Going Guide

Outfit: Meeting friends at the bar

Happy Saturday!

So I was casually reading my December 2011 issue of Lucky Magazine this morning and I must say that this issue was really fun to read.  

Highlights from the publication: the "How to Dress for a Party" article.  The article is exactly as it sounds, how you dress *appropriately* for specific holiday occasions (i.e. cocktail hour, dinner party, drinks with friends at the bar).  

Not only does the article suggest valuable information on how to construct the perfect holiday outfit, but it suggests tips which prepare you to be on your best game for your big night out.  

Some valuable highlights being: how to transition from day to night in a flash, pros and cons to carrying clutches vs. shoulder bags, quick fixes in case you show up to an event either under or over dressed, easy hair up-dos, holiday event going emergency kits and how to rock the seasons most trendsetting fashions without going overboard.  Again, all relevant and highly useful information.  

What to do if you are...

Overdressed

Pull a few strands out of your updo and mess up the hair around your hairline

Wipe off your lipstick and any heavy eyeshadow

Take off anything flashy like earrings

Push up or roll up your sleeves to the elbow

Underdressed

Go into the bathroom, dampen your hands and slick you hair straight back

Dab red wine on your bottom lip for a quick lip stain

Show more skin by undoing the top few buttons of your blouse

Keep your overcoat on

Bring on the festivities!  It's time to party!

Friends

Okay--Bella needed to make a debut on the blog.  So here she is.

"Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog;

but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog. "-- Douglas Mallock

Give your favorite friend a hug today, four-legged or not!