Woot, woot.  I'm on a roll here with post two of the day.  Let's pretend this isn't post #4 for all of November, k?  Haha.

Anyway, I had a pretty good amount left on the gift card my mom gave me for my birthday so I went to MAC and decided to pick these up when they came out in store.

I actually learned about this collection (Glitter & Ice) a few weeks before it even launched through my MAC friend, Carmen, who pulled me into the back room and personally walked me through the products and such.  I wasn't allowed to take too many photos, but she did let me sneak this one.

I knew right away that I would be skipping a lot of the items in this collection, however the beauty powders and paint pots did catch my eye.  When I returned to finally purchase a few weeks later, I had narrowed down my wishlist to just three items.


I think these photos speak for themselves.  Obviously I chose to only pick up the paint pots since I only had two others in my collection, until this purchase.


One of the first things I noticed was how annoying the packaging is.  I HATE the silver boxes because it attracts and intensifies the appearance of fingerprints and smudges and djddksmsfdjkddsl I hate that.  I wasn't much happier when I took out my paint pots either.  I already knew what they would look like, but I didn't realize how much I hated the white caps until I found myself obsessively makeup-wiping my hands while swatching to not dirty the caps. How annoying to think that I will have to be extra careful with these.  Oh well!

L-R:  For Effect, Morning Frost, Let's Skate

T-B:  Morning Frost, Let's Skate, For Effect

Morning Frost is such a beautiful neutral (almost bronze) shade.  I normally dislike frosty and metallic finishes, but I felt this that in this particular shade it was fitting.  Let's Skate is another one I couldn't resist.  It's a pale champagne-pink with tiny gold/silver specks.  I couldn't resist it.  Lastly, For Effect stunned me with its deep, smoky gunmetal black color. I normally avoid dark eye products (except for eyeliner, of course), so I decided getting my first dark colored paint pot wouldn't hurt.


Thank you all for reading!  I hope you enjoyed my haul.  Please let me know if you have any questions of requests, or if you picked up anything from MAC/this collection.

I'm aware my birthday was in late September, but I didn't use the gift card my mom gave me until a couple of weeks ago.  I decided to break this haul into two posts since the second set of items are from an entirely different collection/season.

Sorry that the swatch photos are taken on my iPhone.  I took the product photos at night, and then my camera battery died and I can't find the charger... so I used my iPhone since it's daytime now.

Top:  Pink Swoon, Bottom:  Peaches

As a blush addict, I probably own way too many pinks and peaches.  I think I got these mostly because everyone else had them, and I figured there was nothing else I really wanted so why not add them to my collection already?  Pink Swoon is a blue toned pink blush with a sheertone finish.  I only bought this because of how pretty I thought it was...  I don't really regret it either since I got it for free for my birthday.  Peaches, as you can see, looks very orange on me.  I did really cake these swatches on though and was surprised with how pigmented they were.

Top:  Creamy Bisque, Bottom:  Moleskin

Hello, ladies!

As you know, Christmas is coming up.  Lately my husband and I have been talking about what we want for Christmas.  Unfortunately for him, he can't get what he wants until he gets back because of the Navy.  Luckily for me, my husband said I could splurge this Christmas since I've been such a good girl and since he wont be able to buy anything anyway.

At first I couldn't think of anything I really, really wanted...  but after some thought, I decided that I wanted a new purse.  Please keep in mind that I actually recently sold two of my Louis Vuitton bags (I made a profit due to the price increase too, hehe) that were just collecting dust in the closet.

I decided that I deserve a new bag, but I can't decide between these two.

I WILL eventually have both, but I just want to know which you lovely gals think I should get first.

My best friend and I have loved Balenciaga bags for the longest time.  Personally, I faint every time I see Lauren Conrad rocking one.  At one point, I was debating between this beauty and the Chanel my husband purchased me for my birthday (see post here).  In the end I decided to go the Chanel route since it was more expensive, but there hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about this beauty.

Not only is Balenciaga underrated, but it's also chic and sophisticated.  It's the perfect bag to wear on days (or nights) you want to feel stylish, but not in-your-face or showy.





Another beauty that I've been drooling over for months is the Louis Vuitton Evora MM in Damier Azur.  It's a little more casual than Balenciaga, but considering I have more "showy" bags I felt I wanted one more suited for everyday or work anyway.  I could wear this beauty anywhere and everywhere, though it's probably better for day outfits.

As you all know, I'm a huge fan of all things Louis Vuitton.  I love the rich history behind the brand, and I truly feel that nothing is more iconic.  LV is literally the most powerful brand in the world.  Now who can resist that appeal?  No one, apparently, because it's been sold out for the last six months.  Grr!


What do you ladies think?  Which one should I get for Christmas?  I'm leaning towards the Balenciaga a little since I already have a Louis Vuitton, but the latter is just so cute I can't make up my mind.

Please help!

So, I am in a fantastic mood.  Just the other day my Sephora package finally arrived.  It took foreeever; I first ordered my items on October 26th and they just now arrived.

Anyway, as some of you know I started a pretty strict no-buy (shopping ban) a few months ago... right about the same time I took an unexpected break from blogging.  I eventually even deleted my Twitter to avoid enabling.  Now that I've hit my financial goal, I decided it was okay to splurge a little...  not that I spent anything. I had $300 store credit, and one of my aunts had actually given me a $100 Sephora gift card for my birthday so I had a good chunk to play with.

I will be doing separate, more detailed and photo heavy reviews/posts on each brand/item type (so stay tuned!) I purchased, but wanted to give you guys an idea of what to expect....... and of course share the goodies I picked up this year.

I decided to separate each item by brand/type to keep things nice and organized for you.  Enjoy!



So, there's a story behind this little beauty.

One day I came to work and noticed that one of my already lovely coworkers was looking especially dazzling.  I knew something was different; in fact, I already knew that her hair looked fantastic.  Having a similar hair type as her (thick, wavy, sometimes coarse and frizzy) I descended upon her like a ravenous eagle in the sky.

She immediately gushed about her amazing new hair straightener and how much better and more efficient it was than her CHI.  Like many others, I have been using a CHI for ages now (I believe 2007 or so) and to hear (and see) that something was better?  You bet I added this baby to my shopping list.

Although I purchased this just a couple weeks ago, it is no longer available on the Sephora website.  It was an exclusive and retail price is $225.  I don't know if I would have purchased this had I not had a gift card, but I will let you all know once I get more use out of it.



One of my girls actually helped me pick these out, and I am so grateful because I LOVE these.


Chloe is a very popular perfume.  I'm no good at explaining scents, but I can tell you that I am a big fan of clean, flowery scents.  If you're into that, check this out.  It's also very simple which I like.  I would wear this to church or a daytime event (shopping with the girls, brunch, etc).


Especially Escada is a new arrival but it is amaaazing.  It fits the flowery category that I often go for, but it smells so rich and sophisticated.  Ignore the gaudy packaging and check it out.  You will love it; it's perfect for a girl's night out or a romantic date.  Actually, I love this so much I would happily wear it inappropriately.


Issey Miyake's L'eau D'Issey Florale is the most floral of the three.  It's kind of a deep innocence...  not sure how to describe it.  But check it out, it's awesome.  I'd wear this anywhere.  It's probably a great choice for work or a job interview or to meet the parents.



I got my first taste of Illamasqua a couple months ago, and I actually really liked it!  I decided to pick up some more items to add to my collection.


I decided to be ~mysterious~ and not reveal so much in the preview haul post, but this beauty here is none other than the famous Ore pigment.  All I can really say at first glance is that it's GORGEOUS... but also very shimmery and very messy.



I also decided to pick up their eyeliner.  This particular product is called their Eyeliner Cake.  It's a powder, and to use it you're supposed to dip your eyeliner brush into a small amount of water.  I've heard mixed reviews, but seeing as I got this for free I decided to give it a shot.  My MAC Fluidline is almost gone anyway.


Come on... you didn't really think I'd forget to pick up a blush now, did you?  This here beauty is Katie.  It's much deeper pink here than in real life, but it's a very pretty pale blue-pink.



Another brand I've been seeing all over the beauty blogging world was Guerlain.  I never really purchased anything from them before.  Look at their prices and you'll probably guess why.  However, I decided to purchase from them during the sale.

My first impression of the brand is WOW.  I've never seen such beautifully and carefully packaged products before.  There are so many details, it's as if nothing was overlooked.


Seeing as my MAC Blot Pressed Powder is almost out, I decided to replace it with Guerlain's Meteorites Compact Powder (I got the medium shade in 02 Teint Beige).  Despite the price, it has nearly flawless reviews.


I also picked up Guerlain's Meteorites Powder For The Face (01 Teint Rose).  Let's be honest here.  I ONLY bought this because of how pretty it was.  I sampled it in store and it didn't really impress me, but the little multi-colored beads and the gorgeous packaging completely appealed to the hoarder in me so I had to have it.


So that's my Sephora F&F Sale Haul.  Like I said, I will be doing separate posts for every brand/item type, so stay tuned for information overload.

Thank you all for reading!  I hope you enjoyed my post.  Please let me know if you have any questions, comments...  and please share what you hauled as well!

I was actually nominated a few weeks ago but cannot for the life of me remember who it was.  However, while playing catch up on my dashboard, I saw Vintage Makeup's post and remembered to do this.  Let's just say she nominated me since she nominated everyone anyway.

1.  I have a soft spot for animals, especially puppies and kittens.  I have three dogs (two live with my parents), and have rescued/taken care of two baby kittens.

Toothless (left) and Shadow (right)

My puppy, Spartacus

2.  I used to be a shopaholic.  I could spend $3,000+ on one bag and not feel bad.  These days I'm a lot more frugal, and I've actually never been happier.




3.  I first met my husband when we were both working in the Geek Squad.  The pick-up line I used to pick him up was:  "You look like Waldo."  (Obviously I have major game because we're married now.)




4.  I love to read and write.  I could literally spend the entire day reading the same book without getting tired, and I've started a million stories.  One day I actually hope to finish/publish something.  As a sidenote:  I've never met anyone that could out-read me.





5.  I collect make-up, but don't wear it very often (and when I do, it's pretty minimal).  Most people who know me in real life have no idea how much I like the stuff.




6.  One of the very first pictures taken of me and my husband together was of me PISSED at him for drinking too much, LOL!  It still makes me laugh even though this photo was taken almost two years ago.

Please ignore my pissed off poutface.  Haha!

My sexy dork husband.  <3

7.  A lot of people think I'm mean because I don't smile very much in person.  I've been called a snob (and far worse things) but I'm actually really nice and really weird once you actually get to know me.

So, as you all probably know, Sephora is currently having their annual friends and family sale.  For many women, this is the only time of year that a splurge is justified.  Even I broke my spending ban to take advantage of the 20% off offer.  Unfortunately, a few key items on my list were already sold out.

I got tired of waiting for my package to arrive, so I decided to go ahead and just share some things I didn't get to buy to kill some time and to show you guys I'm still alive.

I also decided to go ahead and include some other things I want/wanted but decided not to buy.  For those of you who were actually lucky enough to snag some of these before the sell out, I'm totally jealous of you!  I guess it wasn't meant to be.  I'll just have to live vicariously through y'all for now.  ;)

Hey, ladies.  It's been a while and a LOT has happened in my life lately...  so much more than I can handle.  Maybe later I will open up about this but right now I wanted to announce and congratulate the winner of my $200 Birthday Sephora Giveaway.