Beauty 2.0

I thought because the last post was inspired by the creativity of REAL SIMPLE, I would continue to share some of the great products, and tips I have learned over the past few weeks.

First, let me start with the products:

This past (past) weekend in ATL opened my eyes to the amount of information lost on me about makeup, from my cosmetologist friend. She introduced me to, along with some tips, to the product SMASHBOX http://www.smashbox.com/products/6029/Eyes/Eye-Shadow/index.tmpl

I love, love, love their products. I have only used MAC and Bobbi Brown before, but now I found that the colors and the price of this makeup are too good to be true! I love the lush colors and the long-lasting stay of the makeup. My friend told me that you need to replace makeup anyway at least every couple of months because of the bacteria in the brushes [which need cleaning after every use] So instead of spending a fortune, which I have, I have turned to products like REVLON [target is selling some killer lipsticks right now] for lipsticks and SMASHBOX for their eye makeup. LOREAL also sells great foundation, too!

I haven't found a mascara yet, but apparently you are supposed to hold on to those no longer than a month!
TIP: My friend informed me that you should not pump your mascara up and down, but swirl it around before you apply it from the tube.
TIP: do not rub the bottom of your liner from you eye, use a smudge brush. And don't apply liner to the outside of you lid, it blocks your oil glands.
TIP: stick to two shades lighter or darker than your natural skin tone: for me that is: rose, gold, peach, beige, plum etc. [but for nights out you can always have fun, or other outfits, this is just a natural state]
TIP: make sure to use the right kind of brush! MAC does sell the best brushes!!

Also she told me the best makeup remover is: Neutrogenia Foam cleanser

Homemade Cleaning Solutions from REAL SIMPLE

A little treat came by way of mail the other day, the newest edition of REAL SIMPLE. I always love this magazine because it offers down-to-earth prices, as well as many more things: beauty tips; recipes for the week; ways to stay healthy. You cannot go wrong with an issue.

In this current issue, the team decided to make it about cleaning. When I first picked it up, I might have had the same reaction that some of you do: yuck, who wants to clean? But as I dug into the issue, I actually found some useful tips that were too good not to share:

1: white vinegar is good to have in your kitchen for mold, dust, bacteria; it is also good for bathrooms for the same purpose.. Today I bought HEINZ unfiltered white vinegar. It is also good to soak your clothes in, or if you have smelly, workout clothes, leave the vinegar soaked in the stain for 20 minutes.

2:  1 tbl and 1/4 cup of water of hydrogen peroxide is good for disinfecting your kitchen cutting boards and any other problem areas, as well as putting on fresh fruit and soaking it from the grocery store. You can also disinfect your trash cans with it.

3: heel marks and other wall stains can be cured with Baking soda. You can also use it to whiten your teeth. Strawberries also do this for you!

4: If you need to clean brass or copper, put salt on a lemon-half and you can scrub!

5: to clean windows, put 10 drops of lavender lemongrass and 2 ounces of water

the content of this blog post was provided by REAL SIMPLE: APRIL 2013

RELEVANT MAGAZINE: What to know at 25ish

The amount of reading I do after college is an embarrassment. To remedy that, I have been trying to find online publications that relate to the stage of life I am in, or just sound words of wisdom. RELEVANT magazine seems to do the trick. The guest writers combined with the staff present various topics of faith, life, God, dating/relationships and music. 

I have read a few articles to date that are good-reads: 3 things to know before marriage, women in the church, and the one I am posting today. RELEVANT is a magazine I recommend if you are interested in the current thoughts about any of these topics. 

The reason I chose to feature this one today stems from this constant state of discontent that we both feel, [Ross and I] about aging; about careers; about finances. The author makes some valid and telling points I think, for all stages of life.

It's worth checking out.

https://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/whole-life/features/25956-11-things-to-know-at-25ish

The Science of the Purse

Last weekend when I was on my trip to ATL, one of my friends amazed me by having everything you would need in your purse. I find this amazing because a) I don't carry a purse b) I am not an organized person c) I am not really into carrying heavy things. BUT this past weekend I was convinced that I need to change this because yesterday I needed eye drops, a pen, chapstick, paper, gum, and Rigby's leash. This could all be solved by the power of the purse, or "purse science." I also believe it makes you  feel more secure when you go places, knowing that all you need is just within reach!

So I am on the hunt to check off my list of items that would complete the science:

pen
notepad
eyedrops
chapstick
phone charger/car charger
gum
advil/midol/tylenol
headphones
emergency kit -bandaids/tampons/neosporin
lotion
on-the-go makeup kit
iphone holder
stamps
dog food/dog treats
poop bags

these are all of the daily things that I think I would need- now to find a purse big enough. In the meantime, I stumbled upon an etsy shop that sells purse organizers and they look great!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DivideAndConquer/sold?ref=shopinfo_sales_leftnav

Real Simple: The Best Time to Buy

This post is mainly for my mother-in-law, and for anyone who is curious what months offer deals for items like furniture, etc. March is the month for Tv's and sandals!

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/spending/best-time-to-buy-00000000028717/page3.html

A Date's Best Friend

This post is a follow-up to the great finds helping your wallet. I have known about this website for a while, but haven't posted about it yet. My best friend is always going to events where she works, or for a wedding and I always catch her in amazing dresses with a sizable price tag. I asked her how she could wear so many great dresses and jewelry, and she told me about Rent-the-Runway.

Basically you become a member for the site and you order a 500 dollar dress for 70 dollars with insurance and a three-four day use. They send you the box free with a return label to give back with no hassle or fees attached. Some of the dresses haven't even been worn. This past weekend for her engagement party she wore one and had two extra to share and I ended up wearing an adorable Kate Spade dress out of it. For a small price you can rent these amazing dresses and not have to go out and buy each dress for an event. I see it as an investment because when I was trying to find a dress to wear to her party I found all of my expensive ones just didn't cut it. I wanted new trends and fancy jewelry without the cost of actually buying them.

We are living in a market today where companies are now starting to recognize the value of cheap, used, but classy expenditures like renting your wardrobe. Tom, from Parks and Recreation, had to get it somewhere right?  So check out the site and read the fine-print. I was on there this morning and saw so many dresses I wanted to rent, but no events to go to yet. Weddings, reunions, anything: it's worth it, just order.

http://www.renttherunway.com/

oh, and if you feel generous, recommend me, and if you tell your friends about it, have them recommend you. There is a special deal if you do!

kelseymccrorie@gmail.com

Retail Steal

I was on Pinterest the other day and came across a website for good clothes that are affordable. Good meaning they are a decent thread count and higher quality than forever 21, but same pricing. I ordered a sweater from there and washed it without problems. If you are looking for alternatives to heavy-hitting stores, this is a good one! They have reputable shipping as well.

Check it out. It's called Sheinside
http://www.sheinside.com/