November is practically over and most of us have already gotten majority of our shopping done. Now a days it takes weeks or even months of planning ahead, taking note of who wants what, what gifts are appropriate for who and at what age, gifts based on need or necessity, buying items that friends and family are obsessed with like movies, games, beauty products, accessories...etc. Some people have gifts ready by October because you have within 90 days (for most stores) to return or exchange an item - remember to keep your receipt and always ask for a gift receipt as well.
For those last minute online shopper, here are some things to keep in mind:
ETA - when will the item arrive
Coupon Codes - there is always Groupon and Living Social but Instagram is also one of the best sources for various discount codes. If you follow certain companies or products then for sure they are posting all kinds of #blackfriday or #cybermonday discount codes.
Gerard Cosmetics, Jordana, Bare Minerals
ItsJudyTime Eye shadow palette 2 for $ 13.95
Bright festive color bags are great to use when you're short on time for wrapping.
Bare Minerals Lipspectacular 6pc set for $26.00 (values $50+)
There are still those last minute gifts out there that you can get at your local grocer or nearby mall (depending if you get there as soon as it opens). Sometimes it could be hard to think of something for a friend or family member, but you can never go wrong with tea paraphernalia and coffee mugs. Nearly everyone loves tea or coffee!! Here are some of my suggestions for those beverage lovers out there ---
Ladies let's be real, when it comes to products that work or are affordable... we're all ears! We want to know who's using what, where to buy them, how much and does it really work. I put together some stuff that I have used up and nearly finished the past few months, also wanted to share my two cents about these brands.
I've been using the Neutrogena brand makeup remover towelettes for a while before trying the Walmart equivalent - the Equate brand. Neutrogena makes it quick and easy to wipe off makeup with a few swipes and passes on the face even with stubborn eyeliner and mascara. The only downside is that there are only 25 counts per pack versus Equate which has 40 counts, not to mention the price difference where Equate costs less by a few dollars but contains nearly twice as much more product. However, while going through the Equate brand I found that the clothes weren't as moist in comparison to the Neutrogena ones. But I realized that as you get towards the end of the pack, the actual makeup remover liquid that soaks the towelettes is more apparent which makes cleansing way more efficient. So it's best to invert the Equate pack several times before using to ensure the entire contents have absorbed the liquid.
Pond's Cold Cream - gently massage over the face with your fingers and use a damp wash cloth (preferably warm to hot) to wipe of any residue that the towelettes may have left behind especially around the eye area. This is an awesome step to follow afterwards because you can be sure that you have truly gotten rid of nearly everything that would clog your pores.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - best used with a spin brush to exfoliate the face, leaves the skin fresh, smooth and is nondrying. This is a high end brand and can be purchased at Sephora, I got the travel size for $16 near the check out counter.
Lancome Bifacil liquid makeup remover - contains oil and liquid components that melts makeup easily with the use of a cotton pad. Can be purchased at department stores. Mine was included in a gift set with a $35 purchase at Macy's, I was able to sample this product and am quite satisfied.
WHERE to find: local drugstores and beauty supplies (CVS, Walgreens, Ulta Beauty... etc.), Target, Walmart and department stores (Sephora, Macy's and Nordstroms)
Christian Dior, Josie Maran, VO5, Neutrogena
The only lip product that I consider a treatment in this photo is the Christian Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing and Plumping lip balm. I personally don't think that this has plumped up my lips but that was not the reason why I purchased it in the first place. Upon hearing several raves about this on YouTube I went ahead and got this at Sephora because I wanted to see if it would smoothen out my lips - because HELLO dry and cracked lips are my problem. I was pleasantly surprised that it actually did very well locking moisture in and each time I use this I rarely experience peeling on my lips. This too, is a pricey brand (around $30) but is well worth the money especially because you will not go through this quickly. Once you put it on it helps retain your lips healthy, normal suppleness and condition that you will need not reapply constantly.
V05 Hot Oil Therapy and Neutrogena Triple Moisture - the 2 products I use for maintenance and hair care because I don't keep schedule on trimming my hair and because I blow dry my hair every other day I also want to bring back moisture and somehow help in preventing hair loss. I use the V05 Hot Oil all over my scalp and mainly the roots of my hair, and the Neutrogena moisture treatment is mainly for the ends of my hair to rebuild and protect it from heat damage.
Josie Maran Argan Oil - this to me is an "all around" product that you can use as a face and body moisturizer and a hair care treatment as well because it is light and is easily absorbed that it doesn't leave you with an oily film over the body or giving your hair a greasy looky. It provides just the right shine that looks absolutely healthy!
Where to find: Sephora, online, local drugstores and beauty supplies.
Ecopure Essential Kiwi Juice - I wish there were English translations on the back of this packaging, I sure am curious as to what other ingredients this product has... like if it is all natural or made of organic ingredients. Anyhow it was a rejuvenating mask to use, it is a cloth mask that is soaked in kiwi juice that you leave on you face for several minutes and when removed, just massage the left over liquid on you face till it is entirely absorbed. It is refreshing and best used during your night cleansing routine just before bedtime. Unfortunately this was given to me so I do not know where to purchase this :(
AMIRA, Ecopure, Michael Todd True Organics
Amira Clarifying Toner and Michael Todd True Organics Blue Green Algae antibacterial toner - these two toners I love because of their restorative and healing properties. The Amira toner contains witch hazel extract that is known for several healing benefits to the skin. And the MTTO toner is awesome for acne treatment, especially during that time of the month when suddenly a zit appears or seems to be forming. Both are gentle and nondrying.
Where to find: Seafood City and online. Michael Todd True Organics are quite generous with discount deals on Groupon and Living Social.
Bath and Body Works, Spring Valley, Boscia
Last but not the least... I purchased the Bath and Body Works Black Currant Vanilla body wash in Sensual that leaves you smelling and feeling extra "special" when you get out the shower. It is a treat for the senses and leaves you feeling silky smooth. Fish Oil gels have been a long time supplement I've used to help boost the health of my skin and hair. Boscia Greentea blotting sheets have been a life saver when it comes to eliminating and absorbing oil on my face throughout the day and helps prevent overuse of face powders. Blotting first before retouching can aid in avoiding clogged pores hence reduce blackheads and whiteheads. Lastly, the one product non beauty is the lens cleanser I've been using to clean the LCD of my phone. I never thought of using this until I read the label and saw it indicate that it is formulated for glass, which is what the NOTE 3 screen is made of.
Where to find: Mall, online, supermarket, Sephora and local optometry offices.
Taking a concealer brush I apply the lightest shade under my brows, drawing a line below the brow bone to shape out where I want the highlight to be and where not to exceed with the brow color later, from the thickest part of the brows all the way to the tail.
Next using an angled brow brush and medium brown eye shadow, I fill in the basic shape of my brows making sure the sparse areas are covered being careful not the over apply the powder at the thickest part of the brows. Do this using a light hand to maintain the most natural shade and shape. At this point I do not pull the shadow all the way towards the tail because I will be applying a different product in this area.
Next I use a brow pencil to build a little more shape - drawing light, upward feathery strokes to mimic the actual hairs.
And then I take a smaller brow brush ( preferably dual ended) and a dab of brow pomade to draw a fine, crisp line along the base of the brows, bottom arch, all the way to the tail and filling in this area for a sharp, deeper but natural gradient finish. Lightly brush through the brow hairs (using the spooly end of the brush) to soften the look. I have learned that warming up the pomade first on the back of my hand before using it helps soften it and makes it easier to work with. I apply product by gently pressing the sides of the brush onto the pomade. Defining the bottom of the brows gives them dimension and emphasizes a clean finish :)
Brush through the brows with tinted brow gel to seal the deal and lastly pat on some translucent powder where the concealer was first placed to mattify the overall look and you're done!
This weekend I devoted time to de-clutter my slightly spacious closet and boy oh, boy... believe me it was easier said than done and though this may look fairly simple and nothing fancy, I am just glad that this little space is tidier than when I started. This walk-in is probably around 8x8 feet and each side has built in hanger racks/shelving that was already installed from the get-go. I did not want any handyman skills involved such as tearing down stuff and remounting them. My goal was to remove the main bulky furniture and downgrade it but retain functionality. I took out the Ikea Kallax shelf that consumed so much room at the far end wall and replaced it with a smaller, slimmer one also from Ikea the Bitrade shelf in white (which I couldn't find online) that I purchased at Emeryville.
Gray storage boxes from Ikea, plastic drawer storage from The Container Store.
I wish I took a before photo but at the same time I'm glad I didn't because it just was not a pretty sight. The clutter I cleared were empty makeup packages and boxes that have accumulated the past year or so - apparently I like hoarding cardboard and I am so bad LOL; some of the other stuff are also what you see in the pictures like my vampire book collection - both Twilight memorabilia and paperback paranormal romance novels. As shown in the photo above I have my makeup collection here and for now this is temporary and subject to change.
these are ALL empty... so sad to see these go :(
Hello Bella! :)
One thing I took into consideration this time was to go with a white color shelving unit to match the wall so not to visually take away from an already tiny space. I find that bold solid color furniture seem to appear embossed from the background and can occupy way too much. The previous brown shelving unit was just such an "in your face" object that appeared closer to the center of the closet that when you go inside it feels as if it is drawing attention from the space - bulky, hulking and intimidating. A space should feel and be both personal and efficient where you need not stress over where to find things but know that all is properly stowed away in a system that best works for you yet reflects your sense of style or overall personality.
shelf top
view from the doorway, as you can see I have clothes hanging on the lefthand side
capture your feelings for the season through color
Warm. Rich. Festive.
~ the top 3 words that come to mind when I think of Fall/Autumn ~
Tis the season of layered clothing, boots and pumpkin spice lattes. What I'm most excited about are the shades that enhance beauty because let's face it, the change in seasons are all about Color - warm tones such as maroons and burgundies, rich reds and the vibrance of gold in jewelry or accent pieces. Pops of colors to add that extra oomph to our wardrobe #OOTD - for example arm candy such as wristlets and clutches. Invest in a festive piece that you can bring out yearly that has structure but is timeless. Something simple and stylish that could add class and functionality to an attire.
Photo details:
Nail polish:
Sally Hansen - Wine Stock, Bare Dare and Clear'd For Take Off (available at CVS, Walgreen, Target and Walmart)
When you're pressed for time and cannot prepare a decent meal for the day but you need something on the table rapido, bust out with them leftovers and don't feel bad about it! :)
It'll take some jazzin up with items you may already have at home in your refrigerator and pantry, a few minutes of your time and Voila! You've got a revamped dish that might just be 'Mom and Pop cafe' worthy!
Last night's leftover:
Pork Sisig
I placed a single serving amount of leftover Sisig on a plate with a scoop of rice garnished with a couple pinches of crispy fried garlic flakes, topped with one sunny side up egg and cracked black pepper. Prior to plating I reheated the Sisig stove top on a skillet to render the excess fat, discard this. I like to serve this with a side of chili garlic sauce dipping and a tall glass of ice cold water - Sisig is best when heat is mild to moderate spicy.
