Liebster Award

Hey Ladies,

Sparklegirl (http://sparkle101-sparklegirl.blogspot.ca/) nominated me for this award.  Definitely check out her blog if you have a chance :)  Her caramel popcorn recipe looks devine!

Here are the rules:
1.When you receive the award, thank the person who gave it to you and post the link to his/her blog in your post. 
2. Post eleven random things about yourself
3. Answer the eleven questions that the tagger has set for you and post your answers to your blog
4. Choose eleven inspiring bloggers with under 200 followers. Link their pages in your post and create eleven questions for them to answer.
5. Go to their pages and tell them.
6. No tag backs!

Got it?  Here we go!

Eleven Things About This Twenty-Something

1) I have a master's degree in public policy.
2) I love South Carolina's weather and want to live there.
3) I like to read, especially "chick lit."
4) I am really into the show Parenthood at the moment.
5) I hate scary movies.  Eek!
6) I have a dog.
7) I have a sister.
8) I never wear rings.
9) I want to find a job that I am really passionate about.
10) I love chewing gum.
11) I hate to run.

1. Why did you start your blog?

I started my blog because I love reading other people's blogs, especially those about beauty and lifestyle.

2. Whats your favorite organizational advice?

Pick out your clothes (including undies) the night before and lay everything out.

3. Whats your favorite colour and why?

Pink- it is such a happy color!

4. Do you prefer high end makeup or drugstore?

I love both, but I have more drugstore makeup because it is more affordable.  I am a junkie for Revlon lip products and Urban Decay eye shadows.

5. Who is your favorite youtube beauty guru to watch?

Tanya Burr

6. If you could have one thing in the whole world what would it be?

For my entire family to be happy and healthy indefinitely.  If we are talking material possessions, I would never say no to a cute apartment in Paris <3

7. What are you dressing up for Halloween as ?

Sadly, nothing.  The bf and I are skipping Halloween to stay home and clean. 

8. What would you like to be when your older or out of school?

A mommy :)

9. Whats your Favorite season?

Summer

10. Whats your Favorite beverage to drink?

Dr. Pepper!

11. Whats your favorite hair style to wear?

A somewhat sad looking ponytail on lazy days, ringlets when I am feeling fancy :)

Eleven Inspiring Bloggers:

http://www.dressedinthecity.com/2012/10/flowers-and-frills.html
http://london-bredladieswholunch.blogspot.com/
http://sarahstitch-knitandsew.blogspot.com/
http://dreaming-daffodils.blogspot.ca/
http://scolvinbeauty.blogspot.com/
http://smokingpeaches.blogspot.com/
http://blushingantics.blogspot.com/
http://fantasticadventuresofme.blogspot.com/
http://dress-it-up-6.blogspot.com/
http://beautybyalexiajade.blogspot.com/
http://www.beautymoxie.com/


Eleven Questions:

1) What is your favorite part of being a blogger?
2) What time do you get up in the morning?
3) Where would you like to travel in the next year?
4) Who is your role model?
5) Who should pay on a first date?
6) How did you come up with your blog name?
7) If you had to eat one food every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
8) Do you live in the city, the suburbs or way out in the sticks?
9) What is your favorite store for clothing?
10) Which (if any) monthly subscription service is your favorite?
11) What are you most looking forward to about the holidays?

Alright, blog away.  I look forward to reading each and every one.

Talk Soon,

T.

A to Z of Beauty Tag

Hey Ladies,

Two of my favorite beauty gurus, Fleur de Force and Louise from Sprinkle of Glitter, recently did a YouTube video on beauty products from A to Z.  The video is below, so definitely check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LMmXRNsXag&feature=g-all-u

I thought it was a cool idea, so I wanted to do a quick post using this tag.  If you want to do it too, just pick a beauty related brand for each letter in the alphabet and choose your favorite product from that brand.

Picture from Sephora

Almay Line Smoothing Concealer
Buxom Lip Tarnish Scandal
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
Deborah Lippman The Stripper to Go
Essie Penny Talk
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Waterproof Mascara
Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Smoothing Mousse
Inglot Eye Shadows (want to try)
Julep Jennifer

Picture from Sephora

Korres Pomegranate Face Wipes
Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder
MAC Lipstick in Angel
NYX Megashine Lipgloss in Beige
OPI Every Month is Oktoberfest (want to try)
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Face Wash
Q-Tips
Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation
Stila Convertible Color in Peony
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Splendor

Picture from Drugstore.com

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Blunt
Versace Bright Crystal
Wet N Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow in Nutty
X
Youngblood Mineral Primer
Zoya Nail Polish in FeiFei

Picture from Amazon

Picture from Sephora

Picture from Zoya

Talk Soon,

T.

Bargain Polish Smackdown: Sinful Colors vs Spoiled by Wet N Wild

Hello Ladies,

Over the last week, I have gone polish crazy!  In particular, I wanted to check out two bargain polishes: Sinful Colors and Spoiled.  Both are regularly $1.99 a bottle.  You can get Spoiled exclusively at CVS, and Sinful Colors is sold at Walgreens.  I had never purchased either brand, but this week, there was a 2/$3 sale on Spoiled and a .99 sale on Sinful Colors.  I bought two of each and will share my thoughts below.

L to R: SC Ciao Bella, SC Cinderella, Sinful I Got So Plastered,  Sinful Distant Memory

Initial Thoughts: The color selection from both brands is great.  Spoiled comes in 72 shades, and Sinful Colors releases collections periodically.  The packaging is very similar (nothing special), and the prices can't be beat!

First up, Spoiled by Wet N Wild :)  All photos are two coats and no top coat.

My favorite color of the four ended up being Spoiled I Got So Plastered.  It is a really pretty metallic pinkish brown, almost a rust color.  I love the finish on this one because metallics tend to be forgiving, and my painting isn't always the best.

The brushes on the Spoiled polishes are a bit wide, which I don't mind.  However, if you have small nails or want to get elaborate with your designs, this brush will not work.  The formula is think and opaque with two coats!

Next, I tried Distant Memory by Spoiled.  This color was opaque after just one coat, but I did two anyway. The weird thing about this polish was the finish was matte.  I don't mind a matte finish, but this one looked chalky and made my nails look dry. A top coat would be a fast fix, so I will probably never wear this polish without one.

On to Sinful Colors...

Ciao Bella is a gorgeous deep blue with a hint of shimmer.  I fell in love with it as soon as it was on my nails.  The SC formula is not as thick as Spoiled, and the brush is much thinner.  I found the opacity of this polish to be good and was pleased with just two coats. 

Last up is SC Cinderella.  This is the polish I was most excited about in the bottle, but I disliked it the most of the bunch.  The formula is so thin, and this polish is so pale.  As you can see, two coats did not do the job.  Plus, it was runny and took forever to dry.  The previous three shades took a while to dry (no longer than a Revlon Colorstay Polish on my nails but longer than Essie), but this one was tacky for a half hour after painting my nails.

Winner of this Smackdown: For me, it is definitely Spoiled.  I was able to wear the polish for about three days without chipping.  The SC polishes both chipped within a day.

For under $2, I would recommend trying both brands to see which works best for you.  When I want a bright, cheap color, I will be reaching for Spoiled.

Have you tried either of these brands?  What are your thoughts?

Talk Soon,

T.

Drugstore Makeup Tag

Hello Ladies,

I <3 Drugstore Makeup!!!

This tag has been floating around on YouTube, and I thought it would make for a great Friday blog post. 

Feel free to share your answers to the questions in the comments or leave a link to your blog.  I tag all of you!

1. Favorite Drugstore Brand in General?

Revlon- Their lip products are the best, and I love a good lip product.  In particular I love the Lip Butters, Kissable Balm Stains and Super Lustrous Lipsticks.  

ELF Studio blush in Fushia Fusion
eyeslipsface.com

2. Favorite Face/Cheek/Lip Product?

Face: Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

Cheek: Elf Studio Blush in Fushia Fusion

Lip: Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

3. Least Favorite Drugstore Product?

Wet N Wild Perfect Pair Eye Wand- I found the coverage and staying power to both be disappointing.  It is a good idea, but the product leaves a lot ot be desired.

4. Best Drugstore Bargain?

Wet N Wild Silk Finish Lipstick- These babies are less than $1, and the color payoff is amazing.

Light Berry Frost is on the left; Light Beige Frost is on the right.

5. Favorite Underdog Product?

Spoiled Nail Polishes- I love these polishes, and they are $1.99 at CVS.  With two coats and a topcoat, they last me about five days.  Also, the color selection is fabulous!

Spoiled Nail Polisn in I Got So Plastered

6. Overpriced Drugstore Product?

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush- The color payoff is not there, and this blush is about $8.  For $3, you can get a great ELF blush, and a NYX blush is around $4.50.  The Maybelline blush is not worth the price. 

7. Best Drugstore Dupe?

One of my all-time favorite eye shadows is UD Blunt.  I think NYX Single Eyeshadow in Vanilla Sky is a pretty good dupe for Blunt.

NYX Vanilla Sky
$3.99 cherryculture.com



Urban Decay Blunt
$18 urbandecay.com



 8. Product that isn't worth the hype?

Physician's Formula Happy Booster Translucent Powder- it smells good, but the packaging is bulking.  The powder itself doesn't do much for me.  You can get way better powders/highlights for less than this one.

Alright, girls.  It’s your turn!  Let you know what you think.

Talk Soon,

T.

Little Black Bag #2

Hello Lovely Ladies,

I received my second Little Black Bag and was pleased with my items.  I did only get three items this time around, but I LOVE one of them.  Love!!!!

For a review on how LBB works, check out this post:

http://thelifeofyouraveragetwenty-something.blogspot.com/2012/09/little-black-bag.html

First up, is this adorable bag by Street Level.  This was my "must have" item for the month. 

Anyway, I love this bag.  It is so cute, the material feels good (not cheap at all), and it is different than any other bags I own.  It is very structured and seems like it will hold up well.  Plus, it can be carried as a shoulder bag or crossbody.  So cute and versatile!

Even the interior is adorable :)

According to LBB, this bag retails for $78.

Next up is this cosmetic case by Deux Lux.  It looks really cute, but it is not at all functional.  It is completely flat.  I could get three lip glosses in there, but it was a tight squeeze.  For as much room as this pouch would take up in a purse or bookbag, I will store my lip glosses elsewhere, thank you very much.

LBB values this at $22.

Finally, we have these faux pearl earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane.  I like them a lot and will probably get a good bit of use out of them.  They are not something I feel like I would gravitate toward if I were out shopping, but they're nice to have.

The look good with my hair down.



And they look good with my hair up!

These retail for $28.

Final thoughts, I love my handbag, but I can probably find one elsewhere that I like just as much for less than $50.  The other items are nice bonuses, but I am not blown away by them.

This will probably be my last month doing LBB for a while.  I like the concept a lot, and I may go back to it in the future.  For now, I will enjoy the items I have and spend my $50 elsewhere each month.

What are you thoughts on my items?  On LBB in general?

Let me know in the comments <3

Talk Soon,

T.

Product Review: Sephora Collection Smart Dual Action Exfoliator

Hey Ladies,

For the last month, I have been using a new exfoliating face scrub.  I got it from Sephora (on sale!) for $13.  I have combination skin, but it does tend to get dry in the winter. I am twenty-six, and my skin looks better than ever!  In part, because this exfoliator is amazing.  I use it twice a week to help with deep cleaning and am loving it.

There are two different sections.  The white one is for your face, and the green one is specifically for your T zone.  The white gel scrub is gentle, while the green one is a bit more intense   The product also smells really good!  It is definitely a gritty exfoliator, so if that is not your thing, probably best to skip it.  You get a lot of product (4.2 total ounces) for the price, and it has not made my face feel dry at all.

I love how soft my skin feels after using this product, and my face seems to look a bit glowy-er too.   I definitely recommend heading over to Sephora to check it out for yourself!

http://www.sephora.com/smart-dual-action-exfoliator-P276327?skuId=1258417

Talk Soon,

T.

Three Things I Want to Do in the Next Three Months

Hello Girls,

I have been posting a lot about makeup lately.  And I LOVE makeup.  It is not a hobby; it is an obsession.  But I wanted to take some time to talk about some goals I have set out for myself.  With work, family, friends, volunteering, taking care of my fabulous dog and trying to go to the gym, I feel like I am busy all the time.  However, there are other things I want to do, and I need to make sure I find time for a bit of self-improvement.  Here are three things I want to accomplish in the next three months!

How could I not want to spend all my time with her?

1) Join a conversational Spanish Meetup group and actually go to a meeting.  I started taking Spanish over the summer and really enjoyed it.  I also practice a lot on memrise.com.  It is such a cool site because it really enforces memorization.  Unfortunately, it is mostly just vocabulary, and I need to practice stringing my sentences together.  Time to habla espanol!

2) Lose 10 pounds.  I am trying to lose weight and feel great, but I don't want to set myself up for failure.  I think aiming for 10 pounds in 3 months is realistic, and I can do all kinds of fun things to exercise.  Today, I went for a great hike!

Beautiful Hike

3) Pay $1500 toward my credit card.  I had a bit of a spending problem.  Now, I am on a budget (that still allows me to go out, buy clothes, makeup, etc), and I am ready to start making some progress!

What are your goals for the next few months?  Have you recently accomplished any of my goals?  Any advice?

Talk Soon,

T.

Mini Drugstore Haul

Hey Girls,

I recently went to CVS and picked up a few things.  Revlon lip products were buy one, get one half off, so I got two.  I also needed a new foundation and a fall nail color.  Let's get started!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain- Honey
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick- Cherries in the Snow
Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation- 220 Nude
Essie Nail Polish- Power Clutch

First up, Revlon Balm Stain in Honey.  I really like this color.  I had tried a few of these in the past and had mixed experiences.  I love the brighter colors, such as Sweetheart and Lovesick, but was unimpressed with the only pale shade I had previously tried, Precious.  I decided to give the paler shades another try with Honey and was pleasantly surprised.  It is a perfect "your lips, only better" shade, is easy to apply and wears well.  The color stays on your lips about as long as your average balm, but it does lack the staying power of a traditional stain.

Wearing Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

This color can be found on Amazon for $5.99.

http://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Bitten-Kissing-Stain-Honey/dp/B008HP2VRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350528521&sr=8-1&keywords=revlon+kissable+balm+stain+honey

Next, I tried a bold color that I had heard rave reviews about: Revlon Cherries in the Snow.  I was a bit nervous due to the intensity of the shade, but I had heard good things from my trusted YouTube gurus.  It is a beautiful color in the tube and is surprisingly wearable on the lips.  I expect to get a lot of wear out of this lipstick.  In true Colorstay form, the color does stay on for a long time.

Revlon Cherries in the Snow

Amazon: $7.51 http://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Lustrous-Cherries-Snow-440/dp/B000W9HDV8/ref=sr_1_6?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1350530043&sr=1-6&keywords=revlon+cherries+in+the+snow

I actually needed a new foundation, and my sister recommended the Revlon Colorstay Whipped foundation.  It is a medium to heavy coverage foundation, and I love the thick consistency.  It is easy to blend, and the coverage is awesome.  I am wearing it in both of the above photos.  I am shade 220 Nude.  This is quickly becoming the foundation I reach for the most.

Amazon: $4.98 http://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Color-Whipped-Cr%C3%A8me-Makeup/dp/B0082D9VTS/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1350530125&sr=1-3&keywords=colorstay+whipped+foundation

Finally, nail polish!  I went to CVS to buy Revlon Colorstay Spanish Moss, which I did purchase.  However,  a few days later, I received Essie's Power Clutch in my Birchbox and decied to include it in this haul as well.  Sadly, I am not really loving it.  I love Essie's formula and ease of application, but the color is not a favorite. What do you think?  Should I give it a second shot?

The lighter shade (pinky and middle finger) is Revlon Colorstay Spanish Moss.
The darker nails are Essie Power Clutch.

Amazon: Spanish Moss- $5.45 http://www.amazon.com/REVLON-Colorstay-Enamel-Spanish-Fluid/dp/B006PANXX0/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1350530171&sr=1-1&keywords=revlon+spanish+moss

Essie Power Clutch- $6.40 http://www.amazon.com/Essie-Power-Clutch-Nail-Polish/dp/B005FDCXNE/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1350530201&sr=1-1&keywords=essie+power+clutch

Anyway, that is all for now.  I should get a Little Black Bag tomorrow, so I will post on that soon.

Let me know what makeup you have bought recently and what you are loving at the moment!

Talk Soon!

T.

Fall Inspired Nails

Hello Ladies,

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Monday!  Over the weekend, I went home to visit my dad and got to see some beautiful trees.

In honor of fall, I put together a "changing leaves" inspired nail look. 

Thumb: Essie Don't Sweater It

Index Finger: Maybelline Color Show Orange Fix

Middle Finger: Essie Penny Talk

Ring Finger: Maybelline Salon Expert Bitten Plum

Pinky Finger: Revlon Colorstay Spanish Moss

Glitter: Wet N Wild Wild Shine Hallucinate

I added the glitter for a little sparkle, since this was a weekend nail look.  For work, I will return to my go-to Revlon Sheer Rose or Julep Jennifer. 

Picture from Sephora- Julep Jennifer

Talk Soon,

T.

Weight Loss Update and OOTD

Hello Lovelies,

My weight loss is going okay.  It is not super duper awesome, but I have been eating slightly better and trying to exercise.  I have lost three pounds in the last two weeks.  I am really considering a 5K running program, even though I am not much of a runner.  It is just such a beautiful time of year to be outside, and it isn't too hot.  If I am ever going to run, perhaps this is the time?

I may do the couch to 5K and blog about.  Let me know in the comments if you are interested in hearing about my progress. 

This is the one I am considering:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

And here is my current weight loss photo and sort of an outfit of the day:

Please ignore the mess that is my apartment.  The boyfriend and I are kind of lax about cleaning during the week.

Jeans: Oldnavy
Vest: Wetseal
Jeans: Oldnavy (about two years ago)

Check back this week for a mini-makeup haul and a fall inspired manicure!

Talk Soon,

T.

NOTD- Essie's Don't Sweater It

Hello Ladies,

I have new nail polish love: Essie's Don't Sweater It.  It is a brownish gray with a hint of purple and is the perfect neutral for fall!

With flash

Without flash

It looks so pretty on the hands and will definitely be a go-to color for me in the coming months.  What do you think?  Any other polishes I should try?

P.S.  I am doing a weight loss update tomorrow!

Talk Soon,

T.

Fall/Autumn Tag

Fall/Autumn TAG <3

Hey Girls,

Ashlee, over at the Makeup Wonderland, tagged me to do this post.  Also, you should definitely check out her blog.  It is one of my favorites, and her Ashley Benson hair, makeup and outfit post is dead on. 

http://dulcet-sparkle.blogspot.com/2012/10/hello-fallautumn-tag.html

Anyway, read below to find out my answers to all these fall related questions.  I tag all of you to do this TAG next, and I look forward to reading your posts too.  Just leave a comment with your answers or a link to your blog :)

1. It's finally Fall/Autumn what are you most looking forward to this season?

I love the fall foliage!  I am looking forward to heading to the mountains for hiking and wine tastings.

This is a picture taken in the county where I grew up.  So pretty!
Pic: Grahams Farm

2. What Fall item in your closet are you most excited to pull out?

Boots, over-sized sweaters, LEGGINGS!!!

3. Since Halloween is the first holiday to celebrate we all get treated with a horror movie marathon all month long..What is your favorite scary movie to watch?

I am not a scary movie gal J

4. What's your favorite fall treat? 

My dad’s vegetable beef soup- it is amazing!

5. Now that summer is finally over, what will you miss about it?

The warm weather, the beach, coral blush.  Sigh, I will miss a lot about summer, but I like to try new things in the fall.

6. What Makeup/Beauty Products do you like for Fall?

- Essie’s Don’t Sweater It

- Darker lip products, like Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie

- LUSH bath products, particularly the bath melts

6. What have you recently bought in preparation for the upcoming season?

- A Leaves Candle

- Printed jeggings

- Statement earrings to wear with my hair down

8. Have you ever been Trick or Treating?

Um, yes. Many times J

9. Name the first five things that come to your mind when you think of Fall? 

- Beautiful LEAVES 
- pumpkins
- Cider
- Fireplaces
- Cuddling <3

10. What is your favorite season and why?

Summer is my favorite because I tend to travel the most during the summer, but fall is a close second.  Yay for October!

Talk Soon,

T.