DECLUTTERING: Getting Started

SOURCE: Google

Now that my busy season at work is done and I have time to breathe and recuperate, it is time for me to start tackling the things that I have been putting off for a long time. Biggest and most important task -- DECLUTTER MY BEDROOM AND OFFICE.


I use work as a convenient excuse not to jump into the piles of clutter I have accumulated over the years. My closet is bulging, my drawers are stuffed to the gills, and there are piles of stuff growing and multiplying on my floor. My bedroom is in sad shape and my office is starting to become a mess as well.


I have no idea how it got to this sad state of affairs. So, before I start to become a candidate for the television show "Hoarders", I decided to declutter. My biggest reason for decluttering is that I will be moving temporarily when my condo goes through renovations. I don't know exactly whether renovations will happen this year or next, but I decided that I should get ahead of the game because moving all of our stuff out of our condo will be a massive operation.


There is a current trend to declutter with numerous articles and videos about how people have decluttered their homes and now have a new lease on life. Before-and-After pictures are tagged with "#konmari" for the author Marie Kondo who has started a decluttering revolution with her book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up". In the book, Kondo advises readers how to break ties with items that no longer bring them joy. While I am all for ridding myself of items that no longer bring me joy, I am not looking forward to actually doing it. Just looking at the mess in my room is enough to scare me away.


However, like I said in my previous blog post, I need to start making changes and decluttering the rooms where I spend most time in (my bedroom and office) seem like the most logical places to start. While Kondo suggests that you tackle decluttering by categories rather than rooms and do each category from start to finish, rather than in chunks, I don't think that I am going to be able to do that. Instead, I will need to tackle my office by separate areas and over separate periods of time for my bedroom.


So far, I have decluttered my desk shelves in my office, which produced a full bin of papers for the recycling cans. It was amazing how many old documents I was keeping for reasons that I have since long forgotten. I still have my office desk drawers to tackle and bookshelves. As for my room, I installed a closet system that I purchased on Amazon to help with my bowing closet rod and went through the clothes in my closet in the process. I got rid of two large shopping bags of clothing and one large shopping bag of shoes. I know I can still go back into my closet and find more things to purge. I also went through 75% of my jewelry collection. It's a small start, but I feel like I accomplished something and something is better than nothing, right?


I have a long way to go. As part of recreating this blog, I am thinking about giving updates of my decluttering process. I know that it will take awhile, but I will try my best to remain on course. Wish me luck!

RAMBLE: Changes Ahead...

Source:  Google

It's been years (two years!) since I last posted something on this blog. Honestly, I was considering taking this blog down, but I came to the realization that perhaps that this was a perfect opportunity to make some changes.


I originally started this blog as a way to keep up with my writing skills, provide some beauty reviews, and insert some rants and raves about various topics. This blog was also supposed to be a bit therapeutic for me as I navigated through this roller coaster ride that we call life.


Today, was reminded how much of a roller coaster life can be. I found out that a friend of mine lost her job. It wasn't her fault. It wasn't anybody's fault. It was just life. Her new boss, who was tasked to make changes in the office to turn things around, made a decision that the office could not keep her. While you hear of job loses all the time, especially when a new company or management takes over, it hits home when it happens to someone who you are close with. This is a huge change that she must deal with head on. Looking for a new job, learning new skill sets, and adapting to a new work environment. It seems like an insurmountable feat. Even though my friend is hurting now, I am confident that she has the strength to move on and find something new after she gets over her shock and is able to process everything.


This occurrence caused me to start reflecting upon myself and how I deal with change. I think I'm like a lot of people because I don't care for change. I know people who embrace change because it is an opportunity for them to reevaluate themselves and make improvements. My initial reaction is that change is hard because it forces you to go outside of your comfort zone and dip your toes into the pool of the unknown and unpredictable.


However, despite my initial reaction to change, I realize that I have dealt with change quite a bit in the last five years. I left my job and my long-term relationship ended with a broken heart. As hard as it was for me to leave my job, even though I was totally miserable, I ended up finding a position that I enjoy and challenges me. As for my broken heart, it mended over time and was made whole again with a new and exciting relationship. So, change isn't that bad entirely; just a little scary and painful at first.


I am thinking about making some changes to this blog because change can be good. Please join me as I dip my toes in the pool of the unknown!

SHOPPING THERAPY: Spring 2014 Drugstore Makeup Haul

As I explained in my previous post, I have completed a series of retail therapy sessions due to work-related stress. Although these therapy sessions result in a depletion of my funds, I have to admit that I have fun shopping and it does help in relieving some of my stress…at least, that's what I tell myself…and that's my story and I'm going to stick with it. So, as part of my retail therapy, I ended up purchasing a few makeup items from the drugstore in addition to my purchases from Sephora. Here's a rundown of what I purchased over the course of this past Spring.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

1.  CoverGirl Lash Exact Waterproof Mascara in Very Black

I am totally in love with the CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion mascara, but the applicator is a bit too chunky to use on my tiny, measly bottom lashes. Thus, I usually go without applying mascara on my bottom lashes. However, I am always on the hunt for a mascara that would be great to create some volume and length to my nonexistent bottom lashes.

What instantly attracted me to this product was its skinny, long applicator that I thought would be better at grabbing my nonexistent bottom lashes rather than the short, chubby applicator of my Lash Blast Fusion mascara. The website states, "no clumps on the brush means no clumps on the lashes for a defined and long lash look". This product is also waterproof, which is a must, especially for my lower lash line.

So far, so good. I've been using this product off-and-on for about a month. The formula is waterproof, but comes off easily when I remove my makeup at the end of the day. I find that the applicator is great for my bottom lashes too. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

2.  L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black

Like I previously stated, the CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara is my favorite mascara, but that doesn't mean that I am not willing to try other mascaras available on the market. After all, cosmetic companies are constantly coming out with the latest and greatest.

I saw a number of positive reviews of this product on YouTube and decided to give it try. I have to admit that I haven't had much luck with L'Oreal mascara products. I tried the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes mascara and didn't like it. See, my previous beauty review. Thus, I was a bit skeptical about this mascara.

I should have trusted my initial skepticism because while I like the butterfly applicator brush, the formula is a nightmare to remove from your lashes. I still use this mascara from time to time, but I have learned my lesson and will only apply a light single coat to my lashes. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

3.  Physician's Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush in Rose

I don't know why I keep buying blushes. I'm getting a little better at exercising some restraint these days. I bought this product on a whim one night as I was perusing the makeup aisle of Longs. I am a fan of Physician's Formula products even though the you need to pay a little more.

I thought that the packaging of this product was super cute with the bow. The website states that the multi-colored palette of blushing shades brightens and enhances skin tone while adding a touch of naturally radiant color. This compact includes a small mirror and applicator brush on the bottom.

I haven't tried this product out yet. I have so many other blushes in my makeup drawer that I reach for those out of habit and routine. Speaking of makeup drawers, I have a new setup for my makeup, which I hope to post an entry soon (hopefully sooner rather than later)! I'll try to post a full review on this product later when I have a chance to try it out.

SOURCE: Walgreens.com

4.  Wet n Wild Fergie Shimmer Palette in Rose Champagne Glow

I am a big fan of Wet n Wild products. Honestly, you are getting the most bang for your buck when purchasing Wet n Wild products because the quality is really good. I have a variety of the Wet n Wild ColorIcon products and love them!

I discovered the Fergie Center Stage line while watching YouTube beauty videos. I was intrigued by this new line, but decided to hold off because I knew that I already had way more than enough blushes. However, I then discovered that the Rose Champagne Glow was more of a highlighter than a blush. I was instantly sold because I wanted a couple more highlighter shades to add to my makeup collection. I always use NARS in Albatross, but sometimes I was in the mood for a more pinkish glow.

I like this product thus far and have been using it on-and-off for about three months now. It is not too sparkly and does give you a nice healthy glow. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

5.  Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick

This is actually my most recent discovery, so I am not sure if this counts as a Spring or Summer purchase, but I'll just sneak it in under the Spring haul since who knows when I will be able to get around to posting a Summer haul entry. I am a huge fan of the Revlon Color Burst Lip Butters and own seven shades thus far. However, I wanted a lipstick with more staying power than the Lip Butter lipsticks, but that apply just as smooth as the Lip Butter lipsticks.

The website claims that this product provides instant moisture and all-day color with a soft suede finish. I bought two colors in Fashionista and Socialite and then went back and bought two more in Couture and Iconic.

I like the smooth application of this lipstick and it truly provides all-day color. It doesn't rub off when you drink or eat, which I find fabulous. The one problem that I have with these lipsticks so far is that they can be a bit drying, but not to the point where your lips chap. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

So, that's it for Spring 2014. I admit that my retail therapy sessions were quite successful and stimulating. I also hope that these blog posts will help me get back into the swing of things and blog more often. I've been really terrible. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

SHOPPING THERAPY: Spring 2014 Makeup Haul from Sephora

I've been putting in super long hours at work. Long hours at work means major retail therapy. As much as I tell myself that I have way too much makeup, I still end up being suckered into buying the latest and greatest. Now that I have major retail therapy needs, I give into my buying temptations so much easier.

In fact, I collected so many things this past Spring that I decided to separate these posts with items from Sephora and items for the drugstore. Thus, here's the latest haul of makeup or beauty items from Sephora that I added to my ever growing makeup collection this past Spring.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

1.  NARS The NARSissist Cheek Kit

I discovered the NARSissist collection from NARS from Beautylish on my Flipboard app. By the way, if you haven't discovered Flipboard yet, you must! The NARSissist Cheek Kit comes with a highlighting blush in Devotee (luminous alabaster sheen), a soft sheer powder blush in Orgasm (peachy pink with gold shimmer), and a brown-based bronzer in Laguna (diffused brown powder with golden shimmer). It is a blush trio compact that is great for travel and includes a travel-size blush brush.

I am a fan of NARS blushes and own Albatross and Deep Throat. I've been meaning to try more colors, but I must admit that the price of these blushes are a bit too expensive for my modest budget. Thus, I thought that this trio was a perfect alternative for me to try other shades.

The only thing that threw me off a little when I opened the package was the size of the compact. It is about the same size of a regular sized NARS blush compact and each pan contains only 0.08 oz. of product. I guess when Sephora describes this palette as a great travel product, they weren't kidding. This palette is listed at $49, so I have to admit after looking at the product (next time I am going down to Sephora to see it in-person before placing my order online), I feel a bit cheated.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

2.  NARS The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette

Since I was going to get the Cheek Kit from this collection, I also had to get the eyeshadow palette as well! This is my first time trying NARS eyeshadows and I thought that this palette would be a perfect way to be formally introduced.

This lovely palette contains fifteen neutral shades (0.003 oz. of product each):

• Row 1 from L to R: All About Eve (flesh toned neutrals), Madrague II (matte caramel), Fez (velvety cocoa), Bali (neutral), and Coconut Grove (deep brown infused with reflections);
• Row 2 from L to R: Madrague I (matte cream), Nepal (soft sheer rose), Ashes to Ashes (shimmery violet based brown), Brousse II (black violet), and Mekong (espresso infused with gold); and
• Row 3 from L to R: Bellissima I (shimmering beige with subtle glitter), Lhasa (lavender grey), Bad Behavior (deep pewter), Dogon II (charcoal black), and Pandora II (matte black).

I don't think that I have ever seen a NARS eyeshadow palette with this many shades, so I knew that I had to get it as soon as I heard about it. I know that I already own a ton of neutral palettes from Urban Decay and NYX, but this limited edition palette was too hard to pass up even at the retail price of $79…ouch.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

3.  NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

My newest obsession is setting powders. Ever since I fell in love with the Revlon Photoready Translucent Finisher, I am sold on finishing powders. I was browsing through my YouTube page and saw videos from makeup gurus raving about this product.

According to the Sephora website, this setting powder is designed to enhance the look of foundation without a trace of color and extends makeup wear due to NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex that optimizes light reflection on the skin.

I live in sunny Hawaii where the air is humid and maintaining a makeup matte finish can be a challenge, especially with my oily skin. I love this product so far. I dust just a little on my face otherwise it can get a bit cakey. I also use a fluffy face brush to apply the product rather than the little puff that is included. I still love my Revlon Photoready finishing powder, but I am so happy that I found an alternative.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

4.  Divergent Multi-Piece Collector's Palette

All I know is that there is a movie out called "Divergent". That's it. I don't know what the movie is about or who stars in the movie, but at least I know that there is a movie. Sephora has come out with a limited edition palette that includes an eyeshadow trio, blush, bronzer, and lip gloss.

What attracted me to this palette was the packaging. The set comes in a gorgeous iridescent metal box that makes it perfect for traveling because everything you need is right in the box. The eyeshadow comes in Candor Lace, Luminous Taupe, and Envious Chocolate, which are all nude shades that can be easily worn for day or night looks. The blush is a rosy-mauve shade while the bronzer is a deeper matte color for easy contouring. The lip gloss is in Artistic Mauve.

I haven't tried this palette out yet because I've have other palettes that I previously bought that I should and need to try first. Since this is a limited edition palette that was available in-store or online exclusively at Sephora, you need to act quickly. This palette is $32.50 while the Divergent Multi-Piece Collector's Kit is valued at $59.50. This kit is also limited edition and is an enormous collection with twelve eyeshadows, three high gloss transforming eyeshadows, two blushes, one shimmering bronzer, one illuminator, four lip glosses, and a double-ended eye and cheek brush. Sephora also offers a 7-Piece Nail Art Kit with five nail polishes, one high-gloss transforming nail lacquer, and nail water-transfer tattoos. I bought this set for a friend for her birthday and she loved the different shades.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

5.  Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray

I am always on the hunt for a good waterproof eyeliner that won't budge along the bottom of my eye line. I've tried so many eye pencils that honestly I lost count. I read good things about the Stila Waterproof Eye Liner Stick on the Internet as well as on YouTube that I have to try it out for myself.

The Sephora website states that this eyeliner is a highly pigmented, waterproof eyeliner that glides on to deliver intense, vibrant color with staying power. The application is soft, smooth, and easy on the eyes to create a high metallic, sultry, inky intensity that lasts. Sounds good, right? However, how many times have I heard that statement made about other eyeliners on the market?

Beside the claims of staying power, what really attracted me to this product is that it is a retractable eyeliner pencil. I am really adverse to regular pencils that need sharpening. I just find sharpening eyeliner and lip liner pencils to be so messy. I haven't used this eyeliner yet because lining my bottom eye line isn't part of my normal daily routine, but I will try to post a review once I finally get around to using this.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

6.  T3 SinglePass Professional Straightening & Styling Iron

I know what you're thinking. I already have straight hair, so why do I need a flat iron? I have naturally straight hair, but because I routinely wake up with bed head, a flat iron is a must for me to straighten out the kinks and allow my hair to fall nicely. I've been using my Conair flat iron for years (I previously posted a Beauty Review on that flat iron), but I noticed that after years of daily use, it was starting to become a little unreliable.

I already own two T3 hair tools, including the T3 SinglePass Twirl 1.25 Inch Curling Iron and the T3 SinglePass Whirl, so purchasing a T3 flat iron only seemed like a logical choice. The Sephora website states that this flat iron maintains the selected heat temperature for effortless, high-speed styling and smooth, shiny, long-lasting results. The results delivers frizz-free, healthy, cuticle-smoothing styling.

So far, I find that the T3 flat iron heats up relatively fast (although my Conair flat iron heats up faster) and maintains even heat throughout use. I like that the this flat iron has a curved body and beveled plate edges so I am able to curl under the bottom of my hair. My hair comes out silky and smooth and with some light hairspray, it stays this way throughout the day, including even throughout the most humid times.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

7.  Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

I am a big fan of liquid eyeliner for my upper eye line and I find that I have greatest control using a felt tip rather than brush tip. However, ever since using the Physician's Formula eyeliner (I previously posted a Beauty Review on this eyeliner) I am becoming better at lining my eyes with a brush. I recalled the saleslady at Macy's a while ago telling me that the Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner was the best she has ever used. However, after already purchasing quite a few makeup items from her, I wasn't in the mood to drain my pocketbook even further.

Recently, I decided to try this eyeliner. Not because I need another eyeliner. I am more than happy and content with the Physician's Formula eyeliner, but because I was in the midst of a major retail therapy session. So far, I can't say that I hate this product, but I don't totally love it either. I am still using my Physician's Formula eyeliner on a daily basis. I hope to submit a more detailed review on this product later.

That's it for this past Spring. After all of that merchandise, I was still below obtaining VIB status at Sephora. That status would come during my summer purchase. However, that haul is rather boring because it includes backup items, such as Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. On to my drugstore haul! To be continued...

SHOPPING THERAPY: Fall 2013 Make-Up Haul

I've been trying really hard this year to be good and not give into the temptation to purchase more make-up. I have accumulated so much that I haven't been able to even try some of my items out yet. However, now that the holidays are here, there are so many great items available and I just couldn't resist. Here's a list of items that I have accumulated so far.

SOURCE:  Sephora.com

1.  Urban Decay Smoked Eyeshadow Palette

I bought this palette a while ago from Macy's, but haven't had an opportunity to use it yet. I was instantly attracted to the great shades in this easy to travel with and lightweight palette. This palette has a total of ten shades (of which five are exclusive to this palette), including neutral mattes and shimmering jewel tones for a range of smokey looks.

Top row from left to right: Kinky (ivory matte shade); Freestyle (nude matte shade); Mushroom (taupe shimmer shade); Backdoor (chocolate brown matte shade); and Blackout (black matte shade). Bottom row from left to right: Barlust (dark bronze shimmer shade); Rockstar (purple shimmer shade); Evidence (sapphire blue shimmer shade); Loaded (emerald green shimmer shade); and Asphalt (silver shimmer shade).

SOURCE: UrbanDecay.com

2.  Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette

This lovely palette is the follow-up to the popular Vice palette that Urban Decay released last year. I was tempted to buy that palette, but decided against it when YouTube Makeup Gurus emphasized that the colors in the Vice palette were super bright and vibrant. I prefer palettes with more neutral colors for everyday wear for work. However, the Vice 2 palette looked like it mixed neutral shades with more vibrant shades, which sold me on this palette.

Row #1 (at top) from left to right: Smokeout (dark taupe-black satin); Lovesick (black matte with iridescent micro-glitter); Shellshock (bright metallic silver); Coax (medium metallic pink with golden iridescent micro-sparkle); and X-Rated (baby pick satin). Row #2 from left to right: Prank (deep navy matte with turquoise floating pearl); Madness (bright metallic blue shimmer with blue micro-glitter); Strike (antique gold shimmer with silver micro-glitter); Stash (deep olive green shimmer with iridescent micro-sparkle); and Poison (charcoal satin with iridescent micro-sparkle). Row #3 from left to right: Radar (metallic brown shimmer with iridescent micro-glitter); Damaged (bright metallic emerald shimmer); Voodoo (metallic purple shimmer with iridescent purple micro-glitter); Betrayal (bright purple satin with blue shift); and Derailed (medium metallic taupey-brown shimmer). Row #4 (at bottom) from left to right: Dope (warm champagne satin); Toxic (metallic copper-pink shimmer with tonal micro-glitter); Habit (light nude matte); Ambush (metallic brown satin); and Rewind (medium brown matte).

SOURCE: Sephora.com

3.  Smashbox Limited Edition Heat Wave Eyeshadow Palette

I originally spotted this palette at Sephora during the summer. I was instantaneously attracted to the earthy shades, which were perfect for an everyday look. However, I decided against buying the palette at that time. A couple of weeks ago, I was checking out the new Nordstrom Rack in Kakaako and spotted this palette again, but for less the cost. Seriously, how could I pass this up?

This palette contains ten rich neutral shades that work for day and night time looks. Each shade also has a wet/dry formula that can transform your eye look from natural to amped-up. The palette contains shades that are unnamed, but include neutral shades such as nude, peach, bronze, copper, gold, taupe, and brown. The back of the palette has a QR code that offers additional looks for you to try.

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

4.  e.l.f Essential Little Black Beauty Book - Eye Edition in Cool

I don't own very many e.l.f. cosmetic items because there are a few places in Hawaii that sell e.l.f. products or a huge array of these products. The most popular place to find e.l.f. products in Hawaii is Target, which is not place that I regularly frequent. Last Christmas, I noticed that the makeup section at Sears had a few e.l.f. products and I bought the Fall Festive e.l.f. Essential Little Black Beauty Book.

I recently found some more e.l.f. products at T.J. Maxx and liked the shades in the Cool palette. This palette includes an array of 48-eyeshadow shades from neutral colors to vibrant, jewel tones. I especially liked the array of pinks and purples, which are the colors that I like to wear. Although I don't usually wear blues and greens, I liked that these colors are available for me to use. The size and weight of this palette also make this item perfect for traveling. I took my Fall Festive palette with me this summer on my Baltic Sea and Russia Cruise. It was perfect to use to create day-to-night looks.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

5.  MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in Champagne and Matte Black

I am always in the hunt for a good eyeliner that stands the test of time - no smudging or fading and long-lasting - especially for my bottom lash line. I am a fan of Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. However, after a while I find that even these pencils will fade or smudge. Aqua Eyes is listed as one of Sephora's bestselling eyeliners that promises you won't have raccoon eyes at the end of the day.

I've been hearing about MAKE UP FOR EVER products for years from YouTube Makeup Gurus, but never tried this product line. The other night while at Sephora, I decided to bite the bullet and bought two Aqua Eye pencils in Champagne and Matte Black. I intend to use the Champagne shade along the inner corner to middle of my bottom lash line and the Matte Black shade for the middle to outer corner of my bottom lash line. I hope that this eyeliner lives up to everything that the YouTube Makeup claim it does.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

6.  Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original

I am a HUGE fan of Urban Decay's Primer Potion, so while I was at Sephora the other night, I decided to pick up a backup since I am starting to run low. See, my Beauty Review on this product. Although the primer potion comes in various shades, I prefer the Original shade.

The Original Primer Potion creates a more vibrant eyeshadow look that lasts for 24 hours and never creases. The formula glides on smoothly and dries invisible. The squeeze tube allows you to control the amount of product to use and the nose-tip applicator allows you to apply the product directly onto your eyelid.

I wear this product religiously because my eyeshadow creases like crazy without it due to my oily eyelids. I can't totally vouch for the vibrancy of the eyeshadow while using this product since I tend to use an eyeshadow color base before I apply my eyeshadows. However, the eyeshadow lasting power of this product is fantastic.

SOURCE:  Sephora.com

7.  NARS Powder Blush in Albatross

Like Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, I am a HUGE fan of NARS Powder Blush in Albatross. I previously bought this product along with the blush in Deep Throat and absolutely love Albatross so much that I use it everyday as a highlighter on my cheeks. Thus, I hit pan on this product in no time at all and decided to pick up a backup the other night at Sephora.

Albatross has just enough shimmer to naturally highlight your cheeks and create the illusion of higher cheekbones. It applies smoothly - not chalky - and has a satin finish. I use a small flat top brush to apply this translucent blush along the tops of my cheekbones and sometimes on my Cupid's bow.

Except for the powder blushes, I haven't tried any other NARS products. I was thinking about trying the bronzers, but quickly reminded myself that I already have quite an array of bronzers at home that I haven't used yet.

So, that's it. More eyeshadow palettes for me to play with. Hopefully that is the last of my purchases for a while. Crossing my fingers and avoiding looking at the Sephora website.

SHOPPING THERAPY: Online Release of the Naked 3 Palette

SOURCE:  Sephora.com

It has certainly been a while since I blogged, but I wanted to send a quick note to all makeup addicts out there that Urban Decay has released its latest edition of its every popular Naked Palette online! The Naked 3 palette is expected to be available in stores on December 12, 2013, but Urban Decay has decided to start online sales of the Naked 3 palette prior to its slated in-store release.

The Naked 3 palette is available online now at Sephora.com and Ulta.com. It is already sold out on UrbanDecay.com. Sephora limits your purchases of the palette to two palettes per order, which is perfect as I picked up one for myself (of course!) and my friend for Christmas.

The Naked 3 palette debuts 12 rose-hued neutrals in a range of shades from pale, shimmery pink to deep black matte with red micro-glitter and in matte, pearl, and glimmering metallic finishes. The shades are as follows (from lightest to darkest):

• Strange (pale neutral pink matte satin)
• Dust (pale metallic pink shimmer with iridescent micro-glitter)
• Burnout (light pinky peach satin)
• Limit (light dusty rose matte)
• Buzz (metallic rose shimmer with silver micro-glitter)
• Trick (light metallic pinky copper shimmer with tonal micro-sparkle)
• Nooner (medium pinky brown matte)
• Liar (medium mauve shimmer)
• Factory (pinky brown satin)
• Mugshot (metallic taupe shimmer with slight pink shift)
• Darkside (deep taupe mauve satin)
• Blackheart (smoky black matte with rose red micro-sparkle)

I am so excited about this new palette as I absolutely love my original Naked and Naked 2 palettes. I brought my original Naked palette with me when I traveled to Japan, San Francisco, Scandinavia and Russia, and the Pacific Northwest. That palette has traveled more miles than any other eye shadow palette I have in my makeup collection.

So, get your credit cards ready and get yours today because I imagine the Naked 3 palette will go out like hotcakes! Merry Christmas!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Essie in Fiji and A Cut Above

SOURCE:  Essie website

I am back with another nail polish review. I polished my nails in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I think everyone has known someone close to them that have been afflicted with breast cancer. One of the secretaries at work was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years ago. She is married with two sons and courageously and successfully beat it. She is now in remission and grateful. She proudly pins a pink ribbon to her blouse every day this month as a badge of courage and a statement of strength.

Pink is the color for breast cancer awareness and many have been donning pink this month to show their support towards finding a cure. I've noticed NFL and MLB players with pink gloves, socks, or shoes. Just a little touch of pink to show their support.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. notes the following:

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

I was tweeting with a follower the other week who loves makeup and nail polish as much as I do. She told me that OPI has a special nail polish set for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The set includes a bottle of pink polish and a bottle of pink glitter polish. The pictures were beautiful and I was so tempted to get the set, but the little shopping angel on my shoulder gently reminded me about the constantly growing stash of nail polish I own. And then I remembered that I own a bunch of pink nail polish as well as a pink glitter polish from Essie. I decided to save $16 and use what I already had on hand to duplicate the look that OPI created.

Essie's Fiji with Essie's A Cut Above

I used Essie's Fiji with Essie's Lux Effects line in A Cut Above. What do you think? When I posted this picture on Twitter, a follower loved it and suggested that the next time, I apply the glitter overlay with a ombre effect. Good idea...now, just to figure out how to apply an ombre look. Hmm...

THE PROS:

• APPLICATION:  Fiji is opaque and creamy with a glossy finish. I only needed to apply two coats. The polish did not streak upon application either. A Cut Above consists of small and medium flecks of pink glitter. I only applied a single coat of the glitter overlay polish over Fiji. For application of A Cut Above, see Cons below.
• AVAILABILITY:  Fiji is a popular polish shade that is part of Essie's permanent line of polishes available at most major drug stores.
• AFFORDABILITY:  Essie polishes are not cheap, but they are not crazy expensive either. For the quality, you get a solid product at a reasonable price.

THE CONS:

• APPLICATION:  The first nail I applied A Cut Above to, had more glitter than the subsequent nails I painted because there was more glitter on the brush from sitting in the bottle. Thus, my index finger of my left hand appears to way more glitter than my ring finger, as seen in the picture.

I really like this look. So much so that I ended up buying the OPI glitter nail polish. I know... I'm a hopeless nail polish addict. Sigh...

SHOPPING THERAPY: Eye Shadow Haul

NYX 'Butt Naked' Palette
SOURCE:  Nordstrom.com

I told myself that I would abstain. I didn't need anymore eye shadows. I had more than enough in my makeup drawer. In fact, my drawers were filled with eye shadows that I didn't even TRY yet! I thought I was being pretty good. I've remained on the wagon for a while now, but I've also been busy with work, so that was a beneficial distraction for me. In fact, I walked into Sephora at least three or four times WITHOUT buying any makeup products for myself. So, just when I was ready to pat myself on the back for a job well done, I fall off the wagon and become the owner of some more pretty eye shadows! ARGH! Maybe I'm am too easily suckered into the pretty colors or susceptible to clever makeup ads in the stores.Whatever the case may be, just stick a bulls eye on me and label me "target consumer" across my forehead.

Last night I was browsing around Nordstrom Rack; not looking for anything in particular. My boyfriend wanted to pick up a gift card for a birthday present and some socks for work. While he waited in the checkout line, I decided to browse the makeup area, which is located near the checkout stands. I casually looked through the nail polishes (did you know that Nordstrom Rack has Butter polishes?) and Urban Decay stuff, but nothing caught my fancy. I looked through the NYX collection as well. Just as I was about to conclude that I didn't see anything, I found the the NYX 'Butt Naked' Palette! I couldn't believe my eyes! I always wanted to try this palette, but always talked myself out of buying it off of Haute Look or the NYX website. I watched the beauty gurus rave about this palette, but as the owner of the Urban Decay Naked and Naked 2 palettes, I kept reminding myself that I didn't need another nude palette. Plus, I already own a whole bunch of NYX ten color 'Runway' palettes as well as a whole bunch of single shadows and trio sets. But, how could I resist? There it was right in front of me. No shipping and handling to worry about. No waiting for it in the mail. It was right there in pristine condition. So, I did what any sane makeup loving gal would do, I bought it, and just in a nick of time too because I found my boyfriend had already made his way up to a cashier. Score! No waiting in a long checkout line either. Seriously, it was meant to be, right?

L'Oreal Colour Riche Shadow Quad in Rose for Romance
SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

My next eyeshadow purchase...well...I have no excuse for that one. I was at the drugstore the other day and discovered that L'Oreal cosmetic products were all 30% off. I'm a sucker for sales and L'Oreal is one of my favorite (if not top) drugstore brands. L'Oreal has revamped its Colour Riche Shadow Quads recently. In fact, I've noticed that L'Oreal seems to be phasing out the HIP line of products. I don't see as many HIP Shadow Duos anymore. I bought two quads--Rose for Romance and Sultry Seductress.  I haven't tried either quad yet, but intend to do a Beauty Review for each as well as the NYX 'Butt Naked' Palette, so stay tuned!

SHOPPING THERAPY: Forever 21

Long time no blog!  I know...I know...where in the world have I been all this time?  Well, pretty much keeping up with life and all that life throws at you.  I think at a certain point, I just got too lazy to keep updating this blog as well as my food blog.  I started these blogs as a creative outlet, but I lost interest somewhere down the line.  Although my interests may stray, they don't go on a permanent hiatus.  So, here I am logging back onto this blog (I admit I had a hard time remembering my password!) and posting my first entry in MONTHS!  I am going to refrain from making promises to keep up with this blog on a more regular basis because I just don't want to be riddled with guilt later, like today when I realized it has been forever since I posted anything on this blog.  Instead, let's just say, "Hello again, friend!  So nice to blog with you again!"

SOURCE:  Forever21.com

And with that introduction, let's just jump right into things, shall we?  I haven't been buying too many beauty products recently.  My drawers are becoming full of products that I haven't used yet.  Instead, I thought I would submit a shopping therapy post since (1) I haven't done one of these in a really long time; and (2) I've been doing more clothes shopping lately than shopping for beauty products.

I admit that I rarely if ever go into Forever 21 and if I do, it is a super rare occasion that I actually buy something from there.  I don't know what my hang up is about the place.  Perhaps it's because the original Forever 21 at the mall I frequently shop at was always such a mess.  Clothes were poorly displayed or mismatched on the racks due to the small store space.  I also didn't think that the clothes were all that great.  You kind of get what you pay for -- meaning that the quality of the clothes was...well...rather cheaply made.  Plus, I was starting to think that I had fallen out of the the store's target age bracket.  But then, Forever 21 got a bigger two-level store space at the mall with plenty of room to nicely display their merchandise.  Because of this, I was able to actually browse through the racks and discover items that I can wear without looking like I am desperately trying to cling to my 20s even though I am well into my 30s!

SOURCE:  Forever21.com

The other night, I was at the mall with a lot of time to kill before meeting up with friends for dinner.  I decided to pop into Forever 21 and take a peek.  I mean after all, just because I browse through the racks, doesn't mean that I am going to buy anything!  (Yeah, right!)  Well, as you can already predict, I ended up finding a cute blouse and dress that I can wear to work.

The first is a cream chiffon blouse with contrast black short sleeve cuffs and rounded neck and self-tie.  I usually pair this top with a black pencil skirt and wear it either tucked in for a neat, polished look or out for a fun, flirty look.  The other is a sleeveless navy polka dotted chiffon dress with a floral crocheted waistline.  I usually pair this dress with a cropped white three-quarter sleeve two button blazer that I got from Banana Republic years ago.  I love how the skirt of the dress is flirty, but you must be careful on windy days because it has the potential of flying up.  This dress does have a drawback.  The skirt length is a little too short.  Look at where the skirt length falls on the model in the picture.  Since I am short (5'3"), the skirt falls a little longer on me than on the model's long legs.  However, it is still a little short for my personal comfort zone even though my coworkers insist that the length is fine.

So, am I hooked on Forever 21?  Only time will tell.  I am still a faithful Macy's shopper.  After looking through the entire store, I can say that I would wear about 10-15% of its inventory.  By in large, I still fall outside of its target age group.  Gone are the days of teeny short shorts and tube tops.  I can't be forever 21.  Sigh...

BEAUTY REVIEW: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen in Blackest Black

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I've been doing a lot of nail polish reviews lately, so I thought I would shake things up a bit by selecting another type of beauty product to review.  I am still in the process of slowly cleaning out and reorganizing my beauty products.  I admit that I've kept some of these products way too long, but only for the purpose of posting a beauty review before tossing them out.

Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen is one of those products that I have been keeping to review.  As you all know, I am a fan of the felt tip liner.  For some reason, I'm not very good at applying eyeliner with a brush tip unless its the Physicians Formula's Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum.  Perhaps with more practice, I will be able to apply my eyeliner with a brush tip like a pro, but until that happens, I am more than satisfied with using a felt tip eyeliner.  Thus, Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen seemed to fit my criteria and I had to try it, especially after some of the beauty gurus on YouTube raved about this product.

THE PROS:

• Application:  The felt tip liner applies the product smoothly across the lash line, but I suggest using this product for only your upper lash line and using a pencil eyeliner to line your bottom lash line.  I use short small strokes along my lash line to apply the product.  The felt tip allows you to apply a fine to bold line depending on the look you want.  This is also a great product to easily achieve a cat eye look.
• Availability:  Revlon cosmetic products are widely available at all major drugstore chains.  However, this seems to be a very popular product so stores tend to run out of this product fast, especially when Revlon products are on sale.
• Price:  The felt tip liner retails for about $9 to $10, which is a deal considering the price of other high end eyeliners.

THE CONS:

• Performance:  The eyeliner formula is not as dark as I would like it to be, even if it was in "blackest black", but it is darker than some other black eyeliners I've used before.  A huge drawback for me was that it is not waterproof.  It tends to smear on my lids, especially around the corners of my eyes where moisture tends to collect.  I also noticed a little bit of smearing under my bottom eyelid area.  Boo hiss.  I am not a fan of raccoon eyes.
• Variety:  This eyeliner only comes in three colors:  Blackest Black, Black, and Blackened Brown.  Even though I usually use jet black eyeliners, having a wider variety of colors would probably make this product even more attractive.

Again, I have more pro points than con points, but the performance of a product is an paramount factor in my book when it comes to eyeliners.  I don't hate this product, but I am not totally in love with it either since I have other eyeliners that I feel perform better than this one.

BEAUTY REVIEW: OPI Nail Lacquer in Chicago Champagne Toast

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I am trying my best to stick with my plan to make use of all the nail polishes I have accumulated.  Honestly, what is the sense in buying all these lovely bottles of polish without ever using them?  Every time I see big displays of OPI, Essie, or Sephora polishes, I am overcome with excitement.  I slowly feel my willpower cave in and my body being magnetically drawn to the display.  My eyes are dazzled with all of the pretty shades.  It's actually really sad to realize that I am such a vulnerable and gullible target consumer.  But, I digress.

During a recent sidewalk sale at the mall (again, I am such a sucker!), I picked up a couple of OPI polishes, including this classic favorite in "Chicago Champagne Toast".  I've been a fan of this color for a long time.  In fact, it was one of the first shades I used when I sported my long acrylic nails.  Yes, I used to have acrylic nails when I was a poor starving law student until I realized that one of the reasons I was a poor starving law student was because I was spending money every two weeks to get my nails filled, filed, and polished.

"Chicago Champagne Toast" is described on the OPI website as a "fine pink champagne with an understated shine".  I'm not sure if that description is totally accurate because the polish looks more peachy than pink to me and the shine is pretty frosty.  Well, you be the judge by looking at the picture of my finished nails.

OPI's "Chicago Champagne Toast"

THE PROS:

• Performance:  This polish is opaque and I found that only two coats are sufficient.  I used a base coat (Revlon's Quick Dry Base Coat) and a top coat (Seche Vite) to complete my manicure.  Due to the frosty finish, you need to make sure that you apply your polish carefully.  The polish stands up to the daily wear and tear and usually lasts on my nails for about one week before noticeable chips and cracks.
• Affordability:  OPI polishes are not cheap, but cheaper than some of the high end polishes, such as Butter, Chanel, and Nails Inc.  For the quality, you get a solid product at a reasonable price.

THE CONS:

•  Color:  I am not sure whether my issue with color should be under its own separate category or lumped under the performance category.  However, as much as I love this color, I swear that the color in my most recent purchased bottle is different from the color in an older bottle.  Maybe it is just me, but I remember "Chicago Champagne Toast" as being on the nude side rather than pink/peachy.
• Availability:  OPI polishes are only available at salons.  However, now that OPI also makes the polishes for Sephora, you can find OPI polishes at any mall or outlet mall.  My biggest complaint is that OPI has so many limited edition polish lines that unless you fall in love with a color that is part of OPI's Classic Line, you may need to wait and find a dupe in a subsequent collection.  Luckily "Chicago Champagne Toast" is part of OPI's Classic Line.

Hmm...so with two pro points and two con points, it looks like a tie.  However, as I stated before, this is one of my all time favorite OPI polishes and therefore, this polish receives a thumbs up from me!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Essie in Lilacism

SOURCE:  Essie website

Recently, I've been making a conscious effort to polish my nails.  I keep buying bottles of pretty nail polish shades, but never get around to polishing my nails.  Thus, I am making an effort to get off of my lazy butt and start polishing and manicuring my own nails.

As part of my effort, I am also trying to use all the colors that I currently own.  I bought Essie's Lilacism several months ago at my local drugstore.  I was looking for something pale/neutral with a hint of lavender.  Even though Lilacism looked a little darker than what I had in mind, I thought that I would give it a whirl.  So what did I think?  The verdict is still out.

Perhaps it is because I am so used to neutral, pink, and red shades on my finger nails.  Or, perhaps I am used to a polish with more shimmer.  Whatever the reason may be, I am just not totally head over heels for this shade.  The polish is opaque, which I like because I find that many of the Essie polishes are sheer.  I only needed to apply two coats of polish to achieve my desired finish.  Lilacism does not have any shimmer or sparkle to it, but leaves a very shiny opaque finish.  A plus for this type of finish is that your application does not have to be super straight.  For a little more desired sparkle, add a glitter top coat.  The application was pretty easy; no noticeable streaking, which Essie is also known to perform.

My nails with Essie's Lilacism

THE PROS

• Availability:  Essie polishes are now widely available at more large retail drugstore chains, including Target and Walgreens.  I remember the days when we needed to visit the salon to get our hands on Essie polishes.  In fact, I didn't even hear about Essie polishes until about five years ago.  I got this bottle at Longs Drugs.
• Affordability:  Essie polishes are not cheap, but they are not crazy expensive either.  For the quality, you get a solid product at a reasonable prices.
• Performance:  As stated above, this polish is opaque and does not streak on application.  I used the Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat; two coats of Essie's Lilacism; and Seche Vite top coat. I did my nails on Sunday night and after five days, I don't see any noticeable chips; just a little wear and tear on the tips of my nails, but that is due to typing on my keyboard at work.  Since Lilacism is a lighter shade, little chips in your polish isn't very noticeable.

THE  CONS

• Color:  Despite a good performance, I am not crazy about the color.  The lighting in the picture above lightens the actually color of the nails.  It is very lavender; almost the shade of an Easter egg.  In fact, after I finished polishing my nails, I thought that perhaps I should wear this shade for the Spring rather than the Fall.

One would think that after three pro points and only one con point that I would give this product a thumb up.  However, the color point really weighs heavy for me.  I don't dislike it enough to give it a thumbs down.  After all, if I really hated it, I would have taken it off and changed my polish.  I am going to keep Lilacism in the rotation, but perhaps I will revisit it when the Spring rolls around.

RAMBLE: More Than a Number on a Scale

SOURCE:  WKBT website

October is National Bullying Prevention Month.  While every month seems to hold great importance towards the prevention or awareness of some worthy cause, bullying is a topic of much national discussion.  No longer is bullying reserved for kids on the school yard.  Bullying has transcended to college, the work place, and especially online.

Just recently, WKBT News 8 This Morning anchor Jennifer Livingston bravely went on camera to address an email she received from a viewer.  In the email, viewer Kenneth Krause writes:

"Hi Jennifer, It's unusual that I see your morning show, but I did so for a very short time today.  I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn't improved for many years.  Surely you don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young people, girls in particular.

Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain.  I leave you this note hoping that you'll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle."

Rather than allow these words to get to her or merely brush these words off from an obviously rude viewer, Ms. Livingston decided to publicly call him out by addressing his email on air.  The video is below:

 

Hooray Jennifer!  Hooray for your bravery!  Hooray for standing up for yourself!  Hooray for believing in yourself!  Hooray for knowing who you are!  My favorite part of this video is when she said:

"You don't know me.  You are not a friend of mine.  You are not a part of my family.  And you have admitted that you don't watch this show.  So you know nothing about me but what you see on the outside.  And I am much more than a number on the scale."

We are ALL much more than a number on the scale and for Mr. Krause to believe that she owes the public a slim figure (after three children) at all times is ludicrous.  I doubt that Mr. Krause feels that he should be defined by his weight, so why expect the same from Ms. Livingston?  He is the one that is perpetuating our society's warped beliefs that you have to be thin in order to find happiness.  It's hurtful remarks like these, which are masked as pieces of advice and help, that cause many to forget that what you are inside is truly beautiful, remarkable, and powerful.

Mr. Krause, you are a bully.  Your remarks, regardless of your offer to help Ms. Livingston, were intended to be hurtful.  Your remarks and response to Ms. Livingston's video indicate your insecurities and weaknesses.  Mind your own life before taking jabs at someone else, especially one that you know nothing about.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Clinique Continuous Coverage SPF 15 in Ivory Glow

SOURCE:  Clinique

I don't know many women with flawless skin.  Admit it ladies, we all have some blemishes that need hiding or a little touch up, so a good concealer is a must have item.  My favorite concealer used to be Almay's Nearly Naked Cover Up Stick in Light/Medium until I found out that this concealer was discontinued.  Instead of searching for a concealer from the drugstore, I decided to go to the department store.  I am a satisfied and dedicated user of Clinique products for moisturizing, cleansing, and face makeup, so I figured I would give its concealers a whirl.

Incidentally, my mom uses Clinique's Continuous Coverage and suggested that I try it.  I'm glad that I listened to her (I admit it, I don't always listen to her) because it does a fantastic job with covering my facial blemishes and sun spots without leaving a cakey appearance.

THE PROS:

• The performance:  This liquid product provides full coverage and is easy to apply onto the face with using your fingertips or concealer brush.  It applies on smooth and leaves a matte finish without streaking.  It also does not leave a cakey appearance and easily blends with your foundation.  I use this product under my liquid foundation.  This product provides such great coverage that you can use this as a concealer or a foundation.
• The benefit:  This product has SPF 15, so it provides protection from the sun.  Although I always wear sunblock under my foundation, a little more protection can't hurt.
• The variety:  This product comes in four different colors to match a full spectrum of skin tones, including Creamy Glow, Ivory Glow, Porcelain Glow, and Natural Honey Glow.  I use the Ivory Glow, which is good for light to medium skin tones.
• The packaging:  This product comes in an easy to use squeeze tube with a needle point nose.  Forget the messy doe foot applicator wands or the pumps that sometimes squeezes out too much product.  The squeeze tube allows you to control the amount of product you need.  However, the Clinique website states that new packaging is being phased in, so I am not sure if it is just a change to the color or design of the tube or if Clinique is doing away with the squeeze tube all together.  I hope that is not the latter because I love the squeeze tube.

THE CONS:

• The price:  This product has a retail value of $24 for 1.2 fl. oz., which is pretty steep, but I find that this product lasts me several months since just little goes a long way.
• The availability:  This product is not available at drugstores.  However, Clinique is widely available at most major department stores and Sephora as well as outlet cosmetic stores, such as Ulta or the Cosmetic Company Outlet.

All in all, I am sold on this product.  Again, I guess mothers do know best because this product performed great on my skin.  Even my female coworkers noticed the difference and asked me if I was doing something different to my regular skin care routine because my skin looked clearer and brighter.  I give this product a thumbs up all the way!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Neutrogena Formula Moisture Wrap Body Lotion

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Yes, long time no blog.  I am obviously having a difficult time consistently blogging, which makes me wonder if I should keep this blog going, or just face reality and close it up.  Perhaps a blog month is needed for me to change my tune.  "Blog-tober" anyone?  How about "Blog-vember"?  But, I digress.

I was looking through my room the other day and realized that I have all these used products that I am ready to chuck, but have been holding onto because I wanted to blog about them.  In light of my growing "to chuck" pile and an urgent need to reduce the clutter, I decided that I better start blogging again.

I have been looking for a good body lotion.  Although I suffer from dry skin mostly on my hands and face, which I have great moisturizers for each, I would like to address my ashy legs.  I was a pretty consistent user of Victoria Secret body lotions, but stopped using them.  The scents were driving my olfactory senses batty and my favorite scent was discontinued.  Boo hiss.  I noticed the Neutrogena Formula Moisture Wrap Body Lotion in my local drugstore and decided to give it a try.

I am a fan of the Neutrogena sunblock line, so I was eager to try out the body lotion line.  Perhaps the hand cream and foot cream products are better, but the Moisture Wrap Body Lotion needs more work in my humble opinion.

THE CONS:

• The body lotion has a thin, almost watery, consistency.  I could shake the tube and hear the product bouncing vigorously around inside.
• Due to the lotion's thin consistency, it takes a while for the lotion to settle into your skin.  I found myself fanning my legs to speed up the drying process.
• The body lotion is not the best for extremely dry skin.  My legs are not extremely dry, but the lotion didn't do enough to moisturize my ashy legs.  Perhaps after continued use I would have seen more results, but I am impatient and didn't see much results after one week of continued daily twice-a-day use.
• The body lotion has a slight fragrance, so it is not "fragrance free" as advertised.  Perhaps my sense of smell is a little more sensitive, but this product does have a slight fragrance that reminds me of Keri Lotion a little bit.  I don't think that it is off putting at all and really don't mind it, but the tube says "fragrance free".
• The body lotion leaves a slight sticky feeling on your skin.  I prefer moisturizers that don't leave a greasy or sticky feeling.

THE PROS:

• The price.  The regular retail price for this product on Drugstore.com is $7.99.  I think this product costs more at my local drugstore in Hawaii since things tend to be a little more expensive here.  Still, that's super reasonable for body lotion, especially from a pretty reputable brand, such as Neutrogena.
• The size.  The body lotion comes in a generous 8.5 fl. oz. tube, which at $7.99 comes out to $0.94 per fl. oz.  Very reasonable, especially when you consider that body lotion from Bath & Body Works comes in an 8 fl. oz. bottle at a retail price of $11.
• The availability.  Neutrogena products are sold in every major drugstore chain.  The Nordstrom Rack I visit also has a large variety of Neutrogena products available at a discounted price.

After writing out the pros of this product, it's a shame that I didn't like this product more.  I just wished that it performed better because at the end of the day, that's what really matters in my book.  Since I don't have much use for it now, I am chucking this into the trash can.  What a pity.

RAMBLE: You Are Not Special

SOURCE:  YouTube

I usually listen to the radio as I get ready for work in the morning.  Usually the only items I pay attention to are the traffic updates, the news, and sometimes the Hollywood gossip feature.  The rest of the items that fill the airwaves fall into the "background noise" category.

So, in order for something on the radio to catch me attention, it has to be something unusual.  This unusual sound byte perked my ears up last week.  The deejay mentioned a high school graduation speech given by the high school's English teacher.  The speaker stood in front of the Wellesley High School graduating class and said, "You are not special."  This speech was so extraordinary that its video on YouTube has gone viral and has sparked debate about how appropriate the speech was for a high school graduation.

Right off the bat, sure, I agree with the opponents of this speech.  How could you say to a bunch of happy high school seniors full of promise and dreams that they are not special?  Why, that's almost down right rude and mean to say, especially on their special day.  However, critics are taking these four words, "you are not special" out of context.  Mr. McCullough is not insulting his beloved students, he is encouraging them to be all that they can be.

Mr. McCullough states:

"Yes, you’ve been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped.  Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again.  You’ve been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored.  You’ve been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie.  Yes, you have.  And, certainly, we’ve been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs.  Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet.  Why, maybe you’ve even had your picture in the Townsman!  And now you’ve conquered high school… and, indisputably, here we all have gathered for you, the pride and joy of this fine community, the first to emerge from that magnificent new building…  But do not get the idea that you're anything special.  Because you're not."

Hmm, I have to say that I agree with him.  Parenting philosophies have changed over time.  We no longer believe in the notion that children should be seen and not heard.  We provide our children with everything we can to nurture them, love them, protect them, guide them, and educate them.  We celebrate all achievements whether big or small, turn negatives into positives, and teach rather than punish.  We love our children and only want the very best for them.  And honestly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  However, what if all of our love and care creates a false sense of entitlement in our children?

He goes on to justify:

"You see, if everyone is special, then no one is.  If everyone gets a trophy, trophies become meaningless.  In our unspoken but not so subtle Darwinian competition with one another--which springs, I think, from our fear of our own insignificance, a subset of our dread of mortality--we have of late, we Americans, to our detriment, come to love accolades more than genuine achievement.  We have come to see them as the point--and we’re happy to compromise standards, or ignore reality, if we suspect that’s the quickest way, or only way, to have something to put on the mantelpiece, something to pose with, crow about, something with which to leverage ourselves into a better spot on the social totem pole.  No longer is it how you play the game, no longer is it even whether you win or lose, or learn or grow, or enjoy yourself doing it… Now it’s “So what does this get me?”  As a consequence, we cheapen worthy endeavors, and building a Guatemalan medical clinic becomes more about the application to Bowdoin than the well-being of Guatemalans.  It’s an epidemic--and in its way, not even dear old Wellesley High is immune… one of the best of the 37,000 nationwide, Wellesley High School… where good is no longer good enough, where a B is the new C, and the mid-level curriculum is called Advanced College Placement.  And I hope you caught me when I said “one of the best.”  I said “one of the best” so we can feel better about ourselves, so we can bask in a little easy distinction, however vague and unverifiable, and count ourselves among the elite, whoever they might be, and enjoy a perceived leg up on the perceived competition.  But the phrase defies logic.  By definition there can be only one best.  You’re it or you’re not."

His logic is one that is highly debatable and controversial to some, but I have to admit that I agree with him.  Despite his words being hard to swallow at first, his point is simple:  Everyone does not receive a trophy at the end of the game.  Life is about winning AND losing.  You have to learn how to win and lose.  While the sting of failure is often avoided at all costs, failure is the source of some of the greatest lessons in life.

Mr. McCullough advises:

"The fulfilling life, the distinctive life, the relevant life, is an achievement, not something that will fall into your lap because you’re a nice person or mommy ordered it from the caterer.  You’ll note the founding fathers took pains to secure your inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness--quite an active verb, “pursuit”--which leaves, I should think, little time for lying around watching parrots rollerskate on Youtube.  The first President Roosevelt, the old rough rider, advocated the strenuous life.  Mr. Thoreau wanted to drive life into a corner, to live deep and suck out all the marrow.  The poet Mary Oliver tells us to row, row into the swirl and roil.  Locally, someone… I forget who… from time to time encourages young scholars to carpe the heck out of the diem.  The point is the same: get busy, have at it.  Don’t wait for inspiration or passion to find you.  Get up, get out, explore, find it yourself, and grab hold with both hands."

He concludes:

"None of this day-seizing, though, this YLOOing, should be interpreted as license for self-indulgence.  Like accolades ought to be, the fulfilled life is a consequence, a gratifying byproduct.  It’s what happens when you’re thinking about more important things.  Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view.  Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.  Go to Paris to be in Paris, not to cross it off your list and congratulate yourself for being worldly.  Exercise free will and creative, independent thought not for the satisfactions they will bring you, but for the good they will do others, the rest of the 6.8 billion--and those who will follow them.  And then you too will discover the great and curious truth of the human experience is that selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself.  The sweetest joys of life, then, come only with the recognition that you’re not special.  Because everyone is."

And that to me, is the REAL point of Mr. McCullough's speech.  Don't merely think that you are special.  Instead, BE special.  Live up to your potential.  Those are words that we should all continue to live by.