What's in my makeup bag?

One of my favorite things that I love to do with my girlfriends is getting ready to go out - I love chit chatting, helping out with hair and makeup, sharing tips and items, getting a second opinion on a look, and listening to music and dancing while doing it!

While my makeup bag is actually filled with many more items than the ones listed, here are my essentials favorites.

Face:

Benefit's "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer: I like this because it's super lightweight, and feels really nice on the skin. If I'm feeling too lazy to put product on my face, I'll at least put this on because it makes your skin look well hydrated and refreshed!

Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage Concealer: This is the perfect all-purpose concealer. I like that you can mix and blend the two shades to cover the different areas of your face - it's really great for covering blemishes and scars, as well as covering up any dark circles under the eyes.

Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation: This has DAMN good coverage.

elf Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal: I'm going to go ahead and admit that I AM a giant brand snob when it comes to cosmetics. While I love Benefit's High Beam highlighter, I hated the packaging. This one costs only a DOLLAR, has a similar shade, better packaging for application, and I PROMISE it's just as effective. Just make sure you try to mix/shake it when you can cause I hear it separates in the bottle, and BLEND WELL when using it!

Eyes:

Benefit's "They're Real!" Mascara: I had never understood or cared for mascara until I used this one. The first time I wore it, my mom actually did ask me if I was wearing falsies!

LORAC's  Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner: I am OBSESSED with this eyeliner. I like that it's a pen applicator, which makes it super easy to draw and fill in your cat-eye or winged eyeliner!

Sonia Kashuk Deluxe Travel Eyelash Curler: My friend Nancy introduced me to this baby - I watched her use it and was instantly fascinated with how well, quickly, and simply it worked. You will NEVER see me using a metal clamped eyelash curler ever again. It actually gets ALL of my lashes, doesn't pull on my lashes, and I mean I can talk about this eyelash curler all day, but you kind of have to use it to just KNOW.

Urban Decay's Vice Palette: There are SO MANY fun shades in the palette. Literally the sky is the limit when it comes to creating looks with this palette.

Urban Decay's Naked Palette: I own both Naked's, but I find myself using this one more for everyday looks.

Lips: 

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage - I am obsessed with this shade. I tend to wear matte textured lipsticks most often because they're long wearing, and if you prep your lips, you don't really need to worry about how it's holding up throughout the night, because at a point it kind of just becomes a bold lip stain, and it doesn't really smear.

Urban Decay's Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Punch Drunk: This is a red-orange color that is super bold, and probably not that many people can pull it off, but I love it because it screams FUN. The first time I wore it, someone stopped me and asked me what it was and where I got it from.

Cheeks:

Stila's Custom Color Blush in Pink: Looking at the color in the pan, I would have never guessed this would be the right color for me, but once applied, it's totally different! It really is a self-adjusting color, and on me it's more of a rosy coral. I like that it's soft, because I feel like a lot of my previous blushes have felt more harsh.

Benefit's Bronzer in Hoola: I'm actually not very picky about bronzer - I just know that I need it and this is what I'm currently using. Bronzer is your BEST FRIEND for contouring your cheek bones.


Now that I've shared with y'all what's in my makeup bag, what's in yours?

This made my dog throw up

If you know me personally, it is no secret that I am OBSESSED with my dog, Jobin! I thought I'd write a little bit about him and his story.

I have always adored dogs my entire life. Unfortunately, my parents were not too keen on adding a pet to their responsibilities. When I was about 4 years old, we did try once. My aunt gave our family a brown, full bred, weiner dog. One day, I had to go to the doctor because I was sick or something, and I don't remember much about the visit except that it happened and that they did some tests or something, but it ended with my parents telling me that I was allergic to dogs, which meant we couldn't keep our dog, Poochi anymore. We ended up giving our sweet dog to my cousins for Christmas, and I remember being devastated that year. Our living room was literally flooded with presents, and all the best toys (I'm pretty sure this is the year I got my Barbie convertible), and that night, I couldn't have cared because I was SO heart broken. All I did on Christmas Eve was lay face down on the couch in a poofy dress, avoiding everyone, and when my mom DID make me get up, I just sat with my face in my hands. There is photo evidence that maybe I'll indulge y'all in someday.

Halloween 2012

So how is it that a girl that is allergic to dogs is able happily live with a dog now? I want y'all to know that I have never taken allergy medicine in result of being around a dog, and that Jobin has pet dander and sheds like nobody's business. Jobin sleeps in my MY bed with me. It actually took me way longer than I want to admit to figure out that my parents lied to me about being allergic to dogs. I was 4 so obviously I believed it and had to live with it - but the following years, NOTHING has happened with my encounter with other dogs and my parents really never brought it up again. I mean I should have figured it out sooner, but I just went with it. So there's a short little story about my parents and how they're terrible and clever and how I lived a lie for most of my life.

Back when I was living in Indiana, I was probably undergoing the most mature and independent period of my life. I felt confident enough to be responsible for a dog. This was a decision that I had put a LOT of thought into. I went to a no-kill shelter, because I knew I wanted to support a place that dedicates their time to an animal no matter how long it takes for them to find a home, regardless of aesthetics, or how damaged/traumatized the animal was.

We've spent a lot of time at the vet.

I paid a visit to the the Southside Animal Shelter, not really thinking I'd find the right dog for me, but moreso to browse and take some steps forward to get the ball rolling on my decision to adopt a dog. I wasn't really sure what I was looking for, except for something that was on the smaller side so that I could carry/hold it when needed. 

Jobin's name comes from a scene in the movie, "I Love You, Man". Back at the shelter, my dog, was then known as Bixler. Bixler is the name of the street that he was picked up on the first time he was sent to the shelter. For who knows how long, Jobin had to scrounge for food and defend himself amongst other animals. Jobin is by no means aggressive, wild, or out of control, but he is very protective over his food and WILL snap if another animal comes near it. He eats everything he is fed and wants more, with the mentality that he may never be given food again.
A couple had adopted Jobin when he was taken to the shelter the first time, but they ended up taking him back to the shelter once they had a baby. Jobin stayed at the shelter again for about a month before I came to visit.

Jobin on his 7th birthday.

When I first approached Jobin's crate, I remember thinking about how cute, but funny looking he was. Jobin is half chihuahua and half pug. The first thing he did was press his entire body along the front of the crate - all he wanted was to be petted! I petted him through the crate, and then he'd turn on the other side. The lady working at the time asked me if I wanted to take him out for a little bit. I felt like things were really going fast, but all I could say was yes yes yes. We took him into a room where we could play and sit down and let him run around a little. He didn't move around much - he just wanted to sit in my lap and gnaw at a rope toy. I immediately fell in love with him because he's a total cuddler, super chill, really loving, and responded appropriately when I talked to him or asked him silly questions. I filled out the paperwork for him that day, and then got to take him home the next (February 6th. 2011).

When I took Jobin home, I was pretty lucky to find out that he was house trained, and that he adjusted to his new home very well! The fact that he didn't pee all over the house, knew some commands and tricks, made for a pretty easy transition for the both of us - him with a new home, and me being a fur mom for the first time.

There's a lot to be said about different changes Jobin has had to endured during my time with him - switching apartments, me getting in and out of relationships (it had GREATLY affected him too - he gets attached easily), then moving back to Texas (away from all of his dog friends) into a house filled with a LOT of people and a lot more space (which he adjusted to far better than I expected), having surgery, and staying behind in Houston when I left for a month. He loves the Texas sunshine, as I knew he would (he used to sunbathe by the windows ALL the time in our old apartment), he loves laying on his belly on a rug in the kitchen and watching my mom cook (my parents totally love Jobin). He is definitely a trooper, and I love him for being loyal and a constant for me when I live in such a crazy crazy world.

My adorable niece LOVES Jobin!

Jobin and I are a lot alike in that we love to cuddle, we love food, we love to lounge, we are both feisty brats, and we are happiest when others are happy with us. I LOVE working with kids because they make me feel loved and appreciated. Jobin is a dog that loves to be loved. When people are nice, kind, and loving, I am definitely wagging my metaphorical tail.

Our one-year anniversary

A few reasons why Jobin is so special:

1. He is the biggest people lover, EVER. Even though he always barks when someone's at the door, as meets or recognizes the person behind it, all he wants to do is sit in their lap! He is obsessed with my mom, and loves my friends. Whenever I leave him at the vet, he gets a LOT of brags from the staff there. (The truth is, he hates other animals and just wants to be with people!)
2. He looks like he has winged eyeliner.
3. He's a little chunky but has a tiny head.
4. He's my little cuddle bug.
5. He likes to give kisses, but on the mouth ONLY. He will never lick you anywhere else unless there's food on you!
6. Sometimes he smiles for the camera.
7. He is a chihuahua pug mix, which means he's brilliant, but super chill.
8. He is a good sport when I want to put him in clothes.
9. He can fashion his own donut bed out of a blanket. It's kind of amazing to watch.
10. He is such a big part of our family - he even thinks he has his own seat at the table.
11. Even though my niece and nephew are unintentionally a little aggressive with him, and I know he hates it, he's super forgiving.

Holiday Gift Guide

It's November 1st, which means that we have 50-something shopping days until Christmas! For those of you having trouble finding the perfect gift for the special people in your lives, I've compiled some gift ideas based on a few of my personal favorite things. Hope y'all find this helpful!

Empower Cardio Core N More 3 lb Hoop

For your friend that loves to exercise (and is seeking variety) OR For your friend who wishes they exercised more but doesn't have the time or motivation: This thing is my new obsession! This is an easy and SUPER fun way to get your exercise in while your watching TV. I bought my niece her own (regular) hula hoop so she could join along with me and she loves it.  There are variations of exercises that you can do with it to get both your strength and cardio in. You can find these at Target, and probably at some other places, but I know they have less expensive versions at Wal-Mart and K-Mart as well.

For your friend who loves to read/cry: This book will make you cry. If you haven't read yet, gift it for yourself. It's not a happy book at all, but it will give you a lot of feelings.

For your most loved, cherished, treasured, and coolest friend: Space Jam on DVD. I've ordered the 2 disc version online (from Target), but the simple/non shiny version with just the movie is available at Best Buy.

For your Cat Obsessed friend (we all have AT LEAST one): These flats from Urban Outfitters are so in right meow.

For your friend that LOVES to bake: This apron from Paper Source is owl sorts of cute! Fun/Sad story: I lusted after this apron for a year and a half before buying it for myself.

For your guy friend: Reinbeer. Googly eyes, red pom poms, and pipe cleaners. Hot glue that ho.

For that special kid in your life: It might be your own child, your best friends child, or your niece of nephew. Get them away from the TV and computer, and give them the tools they need for their own FORT KIT. Things you can include are a couple of sets of sheets, a flashlight, clamps/clothespins, rope, ties, suction cups, glowsticks, a snack, the sky is honestly the limit when it comes to forts... trust me.

For your nerdy or germaphobe friend: This Pocket Microscope (also found at Paper Source, $9.95), could come in handy. I shudder just thinking of the things you'd see at a bar or public bathroom!

For your lady relatives: Could be your mom, grandma, aunt, in-laws, boyfriends mom or sister; either way, I'm obsessed with Scentsy's flameless candle warmers and scents. There is a scentsy warmer designed for the taste of every woman, and there is a scent to match every womans sniffing pallet!

For your friend that loves arts and crafts and all things shiny: The Mini BeDazzler - so you can BeDazzle on the go. I mean... why not?

For your favorite girl: this gold skinny mini longbow necklace from kate spade is super simple, but elegant and dainty! The length of the necklace is about 28", so it hangs long; just around the boobie area.