RAMBLE: Happy New Year!

SOURCE:  Google

Happy New Year!  I can't believe it, but another year has come to a close.  I must be getting older because I remember thinking that only old people talk about how time flies.  However, in my "old age," I can see the truth to this statement.

Before I start rolling with this blog post, let me extend my sincere apology for missing the last two days of Blog-cember.  I was doing so well leading up to the wee last days of December and honestly thought I was going to be successful in my mission to add a blog post every day during the month.  Alas, all my best intentions fell through as I got really busy with wrapping up all of my end of the year responsibilities and obligations.  I hope you all understand.  Again, please accept my apologies.

In evaluating 2011, I am still on the fence.  Last year brought a lot of tough times and stress, which cumulated into a really bad period for me on the work front.  In light of the new year, I guess the proper thing to do is to redirect my negative energy and pain and turn it into something positive.

The positive thing that came out of this whole ordeal was that it could've been worse.  I know that sounds like such a cliche, but there is a lot of truth to that statement.  When everything started going south and going south very fast, I knew that I needed to leave my job.  What was fortunate for me was that when a door was slamming in my face, another door suddenly opened and shuttled me through the threshold.  I am so fortunate that everything worked out in the end.  Now, I am happier and in a position that encourages me rather than put me down and place the blame on me.  I have to thank my lucky stars.  And on that note, I guess 2011 was a good year because despite the stress, I came out of it and am a little stronger and wiser as a result of that experience.

Now comes the New Years resolutions for 2012.  I don't usually make resolutions because I don't see the point in making lofty goals and promises that are broken in a matter of months.  However, I am going to make an exception for 2012.  I still harbor bad feelings and ill will towards those that made my life a miserable at my old job.  I want to try to let all of those ill feelings go in 2012.  There isn't much point in continuing to speak poorly about one particular individual.  It doesn't mean that I forgive her or want to bury the hatchet, but the snide and catty remarks should stop.  Instead, I need to recognize that she is no longer a friend, colleague, or supervisor of mine, and move on.

Happy New Year everyone!  Let's make 2012 a good and positive year!

RAMBLE: Rifling Through Baskets

SOURCE:  Google

My zaney encounters continue, but this time at the drugstore.  During the same trip to the drugstore where I bought my two Wet n Wild Coloricon trios (see, previous blog post), I had the oddest run in with the woman standing behind me in the checkout line.

I had a basket full of miscellaneous items that I was relieved to place on top of the checkout counter when I got close to the cashier.  My basket was full and heavy.  The normal procedure at the Downtown Longs is to keep your items in the basket because the cashiers will unload your items as they scan them and then bag everything.  The Downtown Longs is so congested that there is not enough room for you to stack your basket at the front of the checkout counters.  Instead, the cashiers collect the empty baskets next to them behind the counter.

I was the next one in line and excited to be that much closer to getting out of the store when all in a sudden, I felt an odd shiver down my spine.  An older lady in large dark sunglasses with no clue of personal space was standing immediately behind me.  It was way too close to comfort and I could hear and feel her breathing down my neck.  I turned around and flashed her one of my dirtiest of looks.

Obviously, this woman could not take the hint that I wanted her to get her nose out of my personal space because she then rested her hand on the edge of my shopping basket.  Before I knew it, she was starting to RIFLE through the items in my basket!  It was like she was doing her own personal shopping in my basket!  I quickly pulled my basket away from her greedy paws; foolishly thinking that would stop her rude and socially abnormal behavior.  I was wrong.  She then moved with my basket!  Finally, I had enough of this woman and said, "Lady, get your dirty paws out of my basket!"  She didn't say anything in response, but took her hands out of my basket.  She didn't step out of my personal space, but I figured I could put up with that longer than her poking around in my shopping basket.  As I waited for the cashier to scan my items, I took a good look at this woman.  All she had in her hand to purchase was a tube of hemorrhoid cream!

That was just a strange encounter indeed, but after witnessing the men acting like monkeys in the banyan tree on palace grounds and the four homeless guys swinging punches at each other, I really shouldn't be surprised, right?  Well, they say things tend to happen in threes, so hopefully yesterday's zaney encounter will be the third and last for me.  Crossing my fingers.

SHOPPING THERAPY: Wet n Wild Coloricon Eye Shadow Trios

Wet n Wild Coloricon Trios

I went to the drugstore during my lunch break with a list of items in hand.  When I am at Downtown Longs, I make it a point to strictly stick to the list.  The whole plan of execution is quickly find the items on the list, stand in line at the checkout, pay, and then get the heck out of there.  Downtown Longs is a complete circus during lunch time.  For the sake of my sanity, I try to spend the least time as possible in that store.

Today's trip to the Longs was no different.  I diligently gathered the items on my list.  Trash bags, contact lens cleaner and solution, and Airborne.  All the items on my list were on sale, including Maybelline cosmetics with a 30% off discount.  As I made my way down the cosmetic aisle to the Maybelline shelves, I noticed that the Wet n Wild section had a bunch of new eye shadow trios!

I am a big fan of the Wet n Wild Coloricon series and have the eye shadow trios, singles, and six color palettes, blushes, and bronzers.  I still want to get my hands on the eight color eye shadow palette, but heard that those are only sold at Walgreens.  The Walgreens closest to my house lacks parking, which is the biggest reason why I don't go there.

I ended up picking to two new Wet n Wild Coloricon trios in "I'm Getting Sunburned" (trio on the left) and "Silent Treatment" (trio on the right).  I am most excited to try "Silent Treatment" with taupe eyelid shade and deep brown shade with sparkles for the crease.  I can see myself using this trio for a day or night time look.  Both trios look like they are shimmery shades, especially "I'm Getting Sunburned" with its golden shimmery eyelid shade.  I am a little hesitant about the bright pink shade for the brow bone.  I guess I can't diss it until I try it.  I can't wait!

By the way, I ended up buying the Wet n Wild trios at regular price and nothing from Maybelline.  I'll do a Beauty Review on my new purchases soon!

RAMBLE: Looney Sights

SOURCE:  Google

Is it a full moon out tonight because I witnessed some crazy things during the beginning and end my lunch hour today.

I cut through Iolani Palace grounds to meet my boyfriend for lunch today.  I usually enter through the back entrance on the Capitol Mall area and walk past the parking, the palace, and band stand to exit on the corner of Richards and King Streets.  As I was making my way through the back entrance, I heard a bunch of cheering and hollering going on next to the State Archives.  It sounded like a cheers at a sporting event of some sort.

When I looked to my left to figure out what in tarnation was going on, I observed a bunch of grown men climbing up and swinging like monkeys on the vines of the huge banyan tree next to the State Archives.  Meanwhile, the rest of the adults in their party were cheering them on like they were at a high school track meet!

I realize that perhaps these tourists (yes, they were visitors) are not aware that Iolani Palace grounds are considered sacred and should be respected as such.  However, don't they realize that they are on PALACE grounds?  Would they behave the same if they were on Buckingham Palace grounds?  I suspect not.  It really googled my mind that grown adults would see hanging vines as an opportunity to play Tarzan.  Weird.  Needless to say, the state sheriffs and police officers were not amused and they asked these bozos to knock it off.

After lunch, I was walking along Hotel Street to get back to my office and heard yelling, but this time coming from the corner of Hotel and Richards.  I saw four men who appeared homeless, yelling at each other and before I knew it, they were swinging punches at each other and getting into quite a WWE match in public.  Where in the world are the cops when you need them?

Needless to say, Hawaii people love wrestling, boxing, and MMA.  For some reason they like to watch a good fight whether it's a professional or free to the public.  A group of onlookers already formed to watch the fight.  At that moment, I didn't know what to do.  Should I call 911?  Is 911 the number to call?  Should I run to the District Court House and get a police officer?  Should I run into Alii Place and get a security guard?  While I pondered what the proper thing to do was, I noticed that a bus driver was making a call on his cell phone.  By the time he was done placing a call, the four men stopped beating each other out and then had a shouting match.  After the exchange of a few loud expletives, the four men dispersed and headed in different directions.  Weird.

What disappointed me the most about these two incidents were that they happened in front of other visitors.  The Iolani Palace tour group were getting ready to start their tour of the beautiful historic palace when those monkeys decided to swing to and fro in the banyan tree.  The fight broke out in front of a handful of tourists waiting for their bus to take them back to Waikiki.  What they must think about Hawaii!

My lunch hour was a real head scratcher.

RAVE FAVE: iPod Touch

SOURCE:  Apple.com

I was obviously a good girl this year because "Santa" brought me a wonderful gift...an iPod Touch!  I have an old iPod Nano with a measly 2GB on it.  At the time I got it, it was the newest and latest with its thin construction and color graphics to support album covers and photos.  I thought I was hot to trot.  Despite its rather small memory capacity, I loved my iPod Nano.  I carried it in my purse and listened to my iTunes at work, while schlepping around downtown, or riding the bus.  I had a clear plastic cover to protect it from dings, scratches, and scuffs.

Ah, but technology moves much faster than commercial marketing and popular culture, and before I could even get my new iPod Nano out of its box, my model was already obsolete.  My iPod Nano was created before the iPhone and iPad craze with its superb capabilities and conveniences at the touch of your finger.  Despite this, I was satisfied with my obsolete Nano until I got my MacBook Pro.  I shamelessly felt that my  MacBook Pro should have newer accessories as "friends."  I know...I'm not proud, but I admit it...I am becoming an Apple snob.  So, this year for Christmas, I asked "Santa"for an iPod Touch.  I was enamored by the cool touch screen feature as well as the various applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, FaceTime, iTunes, and text messaging.

I should disclose that I am a loyal BlackBerry user, so getting an iPhone is out of the question for me.  I know...it doesn't make sense that someone who just admitted she is becoming an Apple snob would turn around and admit that she is a BlackBerry fan.  Despite that contradiction, I wanted the conveniences of having my MacBook Pro in the palm of my hand without converting over to an iPhone (and a new cellphone carrier!).  The iPod Touch satisfies my needs.  And hey...I get an iPod with way more memory than my Nano to boot!

I am slowly getting used to my new sidekick, which comes at a perfect time since our busy season at work is quirky approaching.  I love it!  Thank you "Santa!"

BEAUTY REVIEW: L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Sunset Red

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Since it is the holiday season, I've been using red lipsticks to be festive.  One of my favorite red lipsticks used to be from Clinique until the company discontinued that shade for another shade of red that didn't quire compare to my favorite.

I was using Revlon ColorBurst lipstick in Crimson, which is a gorgeous deep red, but for some reason, I am not a fan of the scent of the Revlon ColorBurst lipsticks and eventually placed this lipstick to the side.  It's a shame because I liked how the Revlon ColorBurst lipstick line moisturized my lips.  My favorite line of lipsticks is L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick; regardless that some people think that only old ladies use this line.

I am in love with the L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick in Sunset Red.  It is a subdued shade of red that is not bright like a fire engine and not too deep that it looks bloody.  Instead this shade of red is really pretty with a hint of a gold undertone that lightly catches the light in the sun; hence, its color name.  Like all the other shades in the Colour Riche line, this lipstick is creamy and keeps your lips supple, soft, and smooth.  This particular shade lasts me throughout the morning (even through sips of coffee and breakfast) with only a minimal touch up after lunch.

Thumbs up for this lipstick shade.  It is my new holiday favorite!

RAMBLE: Christmas Tidings

SOURCE:  Google

It's Christmas Eve and it's almost midnight.  Now that I am an adult, Christmas is different for me than what it used to be when I was a kid.  I remember being so excited about Christmas...the Christams decorations, Christmas cookies, Christmas trees, Christmas shopping, and of course...the CHRISTMAS PRESENTS! Now, Christmas means shopping lists, mall chaos, traffic, headaches, and overspending.  Oh, how I wish I could I go back in time when things were brighter, shinier, and more exciting.

However, now that I am older, I appreciate Christmas on a different level.  I see it as a time for families to come together again, to wish each other peace and happiness, and let bygones be bygones.  It's more than the presents and the commercial market strategies.  This season, I am thankful for my family and friends, for finding new opportunities, and appreciating the opportunities that I currently have.  Those are valuables in my life that you can't place a price tag on, or never return, exchange, or refund.

Merry Christmas everyone!

RAMBLE: Epic Win

Scoreboard at the Stan Sheriff Arena

I don't think I am going to make it in time for my daily blog post, but I have a really good excuse.  I just got home from the University of Hawaii Men's Basketball game against Xavier at the 2011 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.

Xavier is ranked 15th in the nation, but after tonight, their ranking will probably fall due to two straight losses.  Tonight, UH came on the court slow, but once the momentum started and the crowd got into it, the men caught up with the Musketeers and beat them in overtime 84-82.  What an EPIC game!

I am so proud and happy for the UH Men's Basketball team.  It's a win like this that brings them together and gels them as a team.  What a great win the for the team, the coaches, and the school!  The Diamond Head Classic is televised nationally on ESPN, which is such great exposure for the athletic program and the University.  First it was the announcement of Norm Chow as our new UH Football head coach and the next day, a big win against Xavier.  What a great Christmas present for UH!  Go Warriors!

PIC PICK: Hoops

UH vs. UC Davis at the Stan Sheriff Arena on December 11, 2011

After the University of Hawaii Football season ended earlier this month, I packed away my tailgating supplies and got ready for UH Men's Basketball.  I have to admit that I like watching hoops more than football sometimes because the games are shorter and the Stan Sheriff Arena is closer to where I live.  After a rather disappointing football season, many UH sports fans are also looking forward to seeing some more wins rather losses and are hoping that this year's basketball team will secure a winning season.

A couple of weeks ago, I finally attended my first basketball game of the season and brought my new camera!  Here's a picture that I took using the miniature effect on my camera.  Pretty cool, huh?  GO BOWS!!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Like I stated in my previous blog about mascara, I don't have long and thick eyelashes.  Instead, my lashes are short and sparse, so whether I have mascara on or not doesn't really matter in the long run because it is unnoticeable.  However, I still wear mascara and am always looking for a product that will create the illusion that I have more lashes and save me from wearing fake lashes.  Honestly, I am just too darn lazy to apply fake lashes every morning.

One day, I couldn't find the tube of mascara that I usually use at the drugstore.  I kind of started freaking out for a bit because I was worried that the brand discontinued it.  My friend suggested that I try Maybelline Great Lash mascara because she read that it is one of the most popular mascaras on the market.  I was a little skeptical, but I was desperate because I just threw away my last tube of mascara.

I purchased the waterproof formula and read the product claims that it it is waterproof, conditions as it thickens with all day wear without clumps, globs, or smudges.  I give this product a huge thumbs down.  This mascara has a wetter formula that I am used to, so with my teary eyes, I quickly noticed smears and the development of raccoon rings under my eyes.  While I noticed that my lashes thicken, it did not lengthen and it took awhile for the mascara to dry.  After about a week of wearing this mascara every day and wiping away the excess around my eyes every day, I decided to mind another mascara.

PIC PICK: Backyard Finds

Using the zoom lens on my new camera

I got a new camera for my birthday!  It's a Canon PowerShot SX130 IS digital camera with 12.1 megapixels and a 12x optical zoom.  I loved my old Canon digital camera, but was looking for something that could take better pictures, especially in low lit settings or close-ups.  I love my new camera because it handles these conditions perfectly, but offers even more features, plus HD video!  Thus, I couldn't wait to try it and have been snapping away every since I got it.  I am getting to know my new friend.

This is a picture of a flower that I found in the backyard of my boyfriend's family's house.  I don't know what kind of flower it is, but it caught instantly caught my eye.  What's the big deal about this picture?  I took it from the deck area above using the optical zoom feature on my camera.  Pretty good, huh?  I think so!  Did I mention how much I love my new camera?

BEAUTY REVIEW: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil in Black

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

As I mentioned previously, I found my holy grail eyeliner.  Well, liquid eyeliner.  I am still in the hunt for a pencil eyeliner that will stay put along my bottom waterline.  Like a lot of my cosmetics, I have some conditions or preferences when it comes to my pencil eyeliners.

First, the pencil has to be waterproof, smudge proof, and fade proof.  Second, I also prefer a pigmented liner.  Finally, I prefer a retractable pencil rather than a regular pencil that requires sharpening.  However, that part is becoming a negotiable feature if the pencil is waterproof and smudge proof.  I guess I am a picky-picky girl, but I honestly just know what I like.

The Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil looked like it fulfilled all my requirements.  It claims to contain a waterproof formula that lasts up to 16 hours and won't smudge, smear, or fade away.  The pencil is a retractable crayon with a pull out sharpener to get your crayon to a nice shape point for thin precise line. Lastly, its carbon black formula is rich and intense.

Unfortunately, my water eyes are too much for this product to handle because by lunchtime, my eyeliner along my bottom waterline was fading and smearing fast.  My raccoon eyes were developing and I ended up taking a tissue and gently wiping the eyeliner along my bottom waterline away.  I had such high hopes for this product, but after about a week of consistent daily use, I decided that this was not the pencil for me.  I still use this product from time to time, but only for short periods of time before the raccoon in me makes an appearance.

RAMBLE: Shopping Mayhem

SOURCE:  Google

It's that time of year again when everyone flocks to the malls to find that something special for the ones they love.  It's the favorite time of year for retail stores to sucker customers into buying their inventory by razzling and dazzling people with sales, bargains, and discounts--all just in time for Christmas.  I know, I sound like a bit of a Grinch, but honestly, I'm not.

I love the sights and sounds of Christmas.  I have a Christmas tunes playlist on my iPod.  I decorate my office with jingle bells.  I embrace the spirit of giving.  However, there are things that I am not a fan, such as the Christmas shopping crowds, the lack of parking, and all the stress that results from Christmas shopping.  I truly believe that people turn their brains off when they are stuck in the middle of a crowded department store.  All reasoning seems to fly out the window as people stress over what to buy for Aunty Martha and debating whether to buy a gift for Uncle Charlie even though they know that he never gives anything in return.

Today, I braved the mall with the determination to finish my Christmas shopping once and for all this year.  No excuses.  I only had a few people left on my list with ideas of what to get them, so I didn't have any intention of mindlessly wandering around the mall.  I had no intention of falling prey to the deals and steals with the pretty twinkling lights and shiny tinsel.  I was a chic on a mission with a strategy in hand, but unfortunately, many of the people at the mall were not today, which drove me batty.

After 15 minutes at the mall, I soon realized why I dread Christmas shopping.  I had to put up with the screaming kids who were just over it, the baby strollers blocking the aisles, the people stopping in the middle of the aisles or mall walkways without any warning, and the shoppers who decide to monopolize the salesperson's time by asking whether she can check in the back to make sure that the sweater doesn't come in periwinkle.  Seriously lady...I am sure that cousin Susan will like the lavender sweater, and if not, the store has a reasonable return and exchange policy.

Needless to say, I finished my Christmas shopping today.  I have to admit that I am proud of myself because I waited patiently in long checkout lines and didn't lose it.  I negotiated my way around crowds without making any snarky remarks to those who were causing the pile up.  I even smiled at the woman who monopolized the salesperson's time by making her look for one more silver bell ornament for her.  I was still annoyed though and it reminded me once again this year how stressful Christmas shopping is and how much I need to avoid crowds.  Now that's a bah humbug!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Revlon Ceramic Wet and Dry Hair Straightener and Curling Iron

SOURCE:  Folica.com

I was trying to figure out what to blog about today and nothing came to my mind.  I didn't feel like doing a review on makeup, although I did buy two Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzers today at the drugstore in "Princess" and "Goddess," but I didn't think that was enough to warrant a haul post.  Nothing popped into my head that spurred a ramble post, so basically, I was stuck.  I decided to quickly scan my bedroom and write about the first thing that caught my eye.  POOF!  I spotted my straightener and curling iron.  I should've taken a picture of my actual hot tool, but in the interest of time, I found this picture online that was the closest to mine minus the wet and dry feature.

I have to say that this is my favorite hot styling tool because it does an excellent job at straightening my hair without damaging it.  My hair comes silky and smooth and can be used on wet or dry hair with a flip of a switch.  I have to admit though that I haven't used the dryer feature on my tool.

For the curling iron feature, simply lock the barrel and use the curling iron clip to grip onto your hair.  The ceramic barrel is smooth to allow you to twist the segments of your hair around it.  However, I find that the clip does not hold my hair segments tight enough against the barrel in order for me to achieve tighter curls rather than waves.  Thus, I use the flat iron feature far more than the curling iron.

This hot tool comes with cool tips to make it easier for you clamp and pull the tool through your hair and heats up pretty fast.  The swivel cord prevents the cord from getting tangled and knotted while the auto shutoff saves you from the all day worry of whether you remembered to turn off you curling iron.  This is a great tool to travel with because you just need to bring one tool rather than two and saves space in your suitcase!  I highly recommend this hot styling tool and so glad that I have it.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Physicians Formular Concealer 101 Duo in "Yellow/Light"

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Like many women out there, I suffer from dark under eye circles.  Sometimes I can get away without concealer, but for the most part, applying concealer is part of my regular makeup routine.  I am always on the hunt for a good concealer, but my hunt is a little harder because I have some conditions.

First of all, I do not like wet liquid concealers, which you need to apply with a brush.  I prefer concealers with a thicker consistency, so that I may apply the product with my fingertips.  I feel like I have better control that way and besides, it is one less makeup brush that I need to clean.

Second, the concealer needs to provide good coverage with relatively easy application.  I like thicker concealers, but I want a concealer that is so thick that it is like applying nearly dry paste to my under eye circles.

I am a fan of Physicians Formula products, but usually wait for the brand to go on sale at the drugstore as the regular price can be relatively higher than other brands.  It looked like this product fulfilled my conditions, so I was eager to try it out.

The Physicians Formula Concealer 101 comes with a yellow shade to color correct dark under eye circles and a light shade to cover yellow and any minor skin irritations.  The package contains a small applicator brush.  I have to give this product a thumbs down.  The consistency is just too thick and the coverage is too patchy.  The concealer is also so thick that it is difficult to extract the product to apply to the skin.  The small applicator brush in the compact is of absolute no help to serve the product's intended purposes and claims.  Back to the drawing board to search for another concealer.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Maybelline Expertwear Quad Eye Shadow in "Plum Smokes"

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Maybelline's Stylish Smokes quad eye shadow in "Natural Smokes."  In fact, I previously did a review on that product.  It's a great "go-to" every day eye shadow that you can wear day or night.  Thus, I was looking for more Maybelline eye shadow quads to add to my collection.

I noticed the Maybelline Expertwear Quad in "Plum Smokes" one day as I perused the makeup aisle at the drugstore.  I tend to gravitate to eyeshadows in plum shades and thought this might be a good quad for a day or evening look; just like the "Natural Smokes" quad.

I was right!  I love this quad!  The four shades are separated as follows:

1. Base:  Light peachy shade
2. Lid:  Lavender shade with slight gold undertones
3. Crease:  A subdued violet shade
4. Liner:  A rich chocolate brown shade with a slight sparkle finish.

I follow the numbered sequence on the package, but are more than welcome to mix and match the shades with others you may already have on hand.  These shadows go on easily and lasts long if applied with a good eyeshadow base.  The only drawback I can tell with this product is the packaging.  I really don't understand why Maybelline went from four equal squares to two long ones and two short ones.  To top it off, the rectangular eye shadows (base and liner colors), so you will run out of the based color fairly fast, which probably mades Maybelline happy as we find outselve buys more Maybelline products.  

RAMBLE: Co-worker Clutter

SOURCE:  Google

Today was the last day of work for one of my co-workers. She is moving onto another job and leaving behind her clutter.  I am supposed to move into her office space tomorrow and I am dreading what I will find as I bulldoze my way through her mess.

I am not the neatest person in the world and am ashamed to admit that my bedroom is looking rather cluttered right now with Christmas gifts that need wrapping and stacks of clothes that need to be donated to Goodwill.  However, I keep my office space in relative good order.  It is nearly impossible for me to produce neat and tidy work from a messy work space.  For some reason my brain is just not programed in that manner.

That is clearly not the case for my co-worker.  I was appalled to discover her office literally filled from floor to ceiling with STUFF...papers, files, books, shoes, trash, and even empty soda cans strewn haphazardly on the floor.  Every inch of desk space was covered and every book shelf packed.  Oh, and did I mention the smell?

She was reminded to clean out her office before she left work tonight because I would be moving into her office the next day.  The office space I currently have now will be filled by a new hire on Friday, so it doesn't give me much time to clean out her office and move my stuff in.  When I left the office this evening and peeked into her office, I didn't notice much progress.

Perhaps I am not cutting her enough slack and tomorrow I will arrive to work with a completely cleared out office to move into.  The power of positive thinking, right?  I have a feeling that I will be up to my ears in Clorox wipes, Swiffer dusters, Febreeze, and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.  I better wear something comfortable because I will be lots of spring cleaning!

BEAUTY REVIEW: L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Mascara is a makeup product that I wear daily, but don't really get that much bang for my buck.  I have really skimpy eyelashes.  They are short and sparse and really don't show up even with a ton of mascara on.  However, it is far better for me to wear mascara than without, so there I am every morning in front of the mirror; carefully applying mascara.  Honestly, I just don't have time in the morning to apply false eyelashes either.

I am always looking for a good mascara that will provide me volume and length.  However, the most important feature for me in a mascara is that it has to be waterproof and smudge proof.  I have gone through far too many tubes of mascara claiming to be both, but by lunch time, my raccoon eyes set in, which can be difficult to wipe away.

I was excited to hear about the new L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara, which claims to have a lash sculpting fiber formula that adheres to lashes for a volumized, sculpted lash effect.  Lashes are supposed to appear fuller, longer, sculpted, and curled.  Furthermore, and of most particular interest to me, the product claims to be clump-free, flake-free, and smudge-free.  I was intrigued and decided to see how this mascara would perform on my wimpy lashes.

Unfortunately, I give this product a thumbs down for several reasons:

1. The wand is too long.  With a long applicator wand, I feel like I have less control of the mascara brush and application.
2. The applicator brush is too long.  I have small eyes on top of the fact that I have wimpy eyelashes, which makes applying mascara a little trickier for me, especially when reaching my corner lashes.  I  poked my eye more than a couple of times when I used this product.
3. The triangular shape of the mascara tube is hard to grip.  I am used to a round tube and the angles of this mascara tube do not comfortably fit in my hand or between my fingers.
4. You really need to build this product onto your lashes.  The formula has a drier consistency, which I prefer over a wet formula, but needs building with several applications to achieve a thick and full lash look.
5. The formula is not clump-free.  While building up my mascara, I noticed that my lashes were starting to clump together.  I had to stop before all I had was only a couple of spider leg lashes on each eye.
6. The formula is not smudge-free.  While I admit that I tend to have teary eyes, I noticed that by lunch, I was developing raccoon rings around the outer corners of my eyes.
7. The formula takes a little more elbow grease to remove.  I use the Physicians Formula Cleansing Lotion to remove my makeup.  I love this product because it takes off all of my makeup, including my waterproof mascara with little rubbing.  I needed to do a little more rubbing to remove this mascara from my lashes.  I noticed clumps on my lashes even after I washed my face, which I had to carefully remove by hand without pulling out my lashes.

I usually end up loving products that are raved about by YouTube makeup gurus, but this time I have to pass on this product.  Back to my favorite mascara--CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion!

RAVE FAVE: Organization Tip for Hair Pins

Finally organized!

I've been meaning to for a very long time to get organized.  I am so tired of seeing my things from hair pins, accessories, jewelry, makeup, and handbags lie scattered though out my room.  It's not total chaos--more like controlled piles of things that belong together, but no real structured organization.

I love to watch videos on YouTube offering organizational tips.  I get ideas and inspiration from these videos, but the motivation doesn't last too long once I start looking at the prices of possible containers, baskets, bins, and furniture.  Then, the question becomes how many containers, baskets, and bins do I need?  I also am aware that I need to get rid of a whole bunch of stuff before I can even begin to organize and reduce the clutter.  Going through my closet and dresser drawers...[sigh]...now, that's going to take even more time.  So, I decided that perhaps I just need to start small and slowly work my way through my controlled chaos.

One area that needs some organization is my hair accessories.  I have accumulated over the years a huge array of pins, elastics, barrettes, and clips.  I've resorted to filling Ziploc bags and have an old Neiman Marcus box full of products that I bought as backups and I haven't touched yet.  Getting a measly bobbie pin in the morning can be a bit of an ordeal.

The containers stack neatly.

Today, while I was meandering through the aisles of Longs Drugs trying to find the plastic forks and spoons, I came across a trio of small plastic square containers.  I immediately thought that these containers would be perfect for my bobbie pins, which at the time, resided in a flat Snoopy tin I got for Christmas with paper trays to separate the different types of pins.

Now, my hair pins have a new home.  I placed my pins in the following manner:

• U-shaped bobbie pins and flat mini hair clips;
• Large bobbie pins and alligator clips; and
• Standard bobbie pins.

The best thing about separating my hair pins into containers is that they stack neatly--one on top of each other.  Now I can easily reach for a bobbie pin without rifling through a box of other hair clips, pins, and accessories.  Also, because the containers are clear, I can quickly find the type of hair pin I need.

The next problem, finding a place to put the containers.  Oh well...baby steps...

RAMBLE: Coffee Addict

A fresh cup of 100% Kona coffee at Orchids at the Halekulani

I admit it.  I have a problem.  I am addicted to coffee.  It has come to the point where if I don't have a cup of java, I develop a nagging headache, my mind is a little fuzzy, and...well...I am a wee bit grumpy.

This morning I woke up with a splitting headache that a couple of extra strength Tylenol caplets did not help.  I had a brunch to attend this morning, so I didn't have time to nurse my headache with a few more hours of sleep.  Besides, I knew the real reason behind my headache:  Lack of my morning cup of coffee.

My addiction is actually not that terrible when you consider that studies find that a cup of coffee a day helps prevent strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and certain cancers.  It's not like I am popping No Doze pills in addition to my morning java, or drinking gallons of coffee a day to keep the shakes away.  However, I admit that I am better off with my daily cup of coffee than without.

Needless to say, after my cup of coffee at brunch, my headache became a thing of the past.  The cobwebs cleared and I started to speak a little more cognitively.  I guess for now, my morning cup of java and I will be attached to the hip.  Sounds like a happy coexistence to me!