Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Ulta/Target Haul



I went back to Ulta on Sunday to exchange one of the Sula polishes I bought last week. Wasn't happy with the color. (Gonna do a Sula review post soon.)
Since I was low on body butter, I ended up getting a jar of Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in almond and honey. It smells so good that I want to eat it!
In addition, I also bought an essence nail art stamp set for $3, since I've been wanting to try the popular Konad stamping kits.
The Ulta sales lady said the kit didn't really work that well for her because she probably didn't do it right. I figured I'd give it a try anyway.
In Target, I bout a jar of Shea Moisture Shea Butter. It's infused with coconut and hibiscus, ethically traded and made with natural and organic ingredients.
The smell reminds me of hair grease; funny because it can be used in hair.
I likes this product.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Hide Yo Kids, Hide Yo Wife...

Call me ignorant but one of my fave videos out right now is one featuring Antoine Dodson.
Dodson has become an Internet superstar after passionately sharing his opinions in a news report about someone who allegedly attacked his sister, Kelly earlier this month in Huntsville, Alabama.
Here's the original news report:



People called the station and complained about Dodson. I'm not one to judge (but I did silently question the hidden agenda) but soon after (the Internets are mad quick!!!) the news report was broadcast, this viral video blew up:



Don't even front. This. Is. The. Jam!! The beat. The hook...it's genius!!! LOL.
And that viral video has since spawned many other covers. Even North Carolina A&T's marching band plans to perform the song during a performance:



And now, according to The New York Times, Dodson is using proceeds from the song to move his family out of the projects.
And I recently heard on the Tom Joyner Morning Show that he was fishing for a record deal and is supposed to be working with comedian Mike Epps on a project.
I'm glad that some good has come out of an originally negative situation.
O, and no word yet on the alleged attacker.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Bass guitar lessons are going smoothly...



So I've been practicing my bass guitar faithfully since I bought it last month.
It's kind of cool.
Actually, it's kind of funky!
I'm still pumped up about it and just as eager to master the playing techniques.
I started taking lessons a couple of weeks ago at a popular independently-owned Virginia Beach music store called Alpha Music.
My instructor's name is Damien and he's a pretty nice guy.
He was very patient with me, especially since I'm learning this thing for scratch.
Damien said that he also learned to play the bass guitar from scratch that gave me some hope about my abilities because he was in there slappin' like Larry Graham.
So far, my playing is OK-at least by my standards.
Honestly, all I know how to play is "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
That and the "Major Scale."
Those are the two songs that Damien gave me to practice.
I'm supposed to "master" them before my next lesson and I think I'll pass that homework assignment.
Another thing with this bass guitar is that I've heard from a few people that I need to cut my nails in order to play bass.
Damien said I didn't have to but I did because I spent all that money on the bass guitar and didn't want to mess up the strings, or my nails.
Damien also said that my fingers would be a little sore after flicking the strings. I haven't experienced that yet; maybe I haven't been playing enough!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

10 ways to save $1,000 by the holidays

I recently read an interesting article on how to save $1,000 by Christmas.

In short, here were the tips:

1. Lower your cell phone bill.
2. Lose your land line.
3. Staycation instead of vacation.
4. Raise your insurance deductibles.
5. Drop the gym.
6. Drop premium cable channels – or drop cable altogether.
7. Sell Stuff.
8. Save on Food.
9. Haggle.
10.Carry only cash.

Now, I've only done half of these suggestions: Numbers 2, 3, 5 and 8 and have saved about a couple hundred dollars a month.
Do you do any of these suggestions?
If so, how much have you saved so far?
Will you by buying holiday gifts with your savings?

Monday, August 23, 2010

Blog Spotlight: Holly's Folly

Check this beauty out:



Isn't she purrrrrdy in all her pink and green glory?

I won her from a giveaway that the lovely bead artist Holly of Holly's Folly Bead & Jewelry Blog had a while ago.
Cupcakes. Fish. Seahorses.
Whatever it is, Holly makes her own glass beads and jewelry in all kinds of cute little shapes.
She sells them in her Etsy store.
Check her out and support a talented lady!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Ulta haul and NOTD

Whew!
I needed to exhale after last week.
It was a very busy, but productive and successful week for me.
While working hard, I had Sally Hansen's "Commander in Chic" on my nails.
Yes, I finally gave in to the "greige" nails trend.
It's a weird color: both ugly and chic.
I hate it and I love it.
No other nail color has had me this conflicted before!
What do you think?



Today, I treated myself to some goodies from Ulta.
I hadn't been to an Ulta in a long time, mainly because I prefer Sephora more but that's a whole 'nother post!
I got two Sula Paint and Peel polishes in "Teal" and "Kelly" ($5) that I had been eying for a while, a Chocolate Masque ($2)and a Sally Hansen natural lipstick in "Golden Berry" ($1):



I used a coupon on the lipstick (which is soooo a fall color) and totally forgot to use the $3.50 off a $10 purchase. Oh wells, there's always next time, right?

How was your weekend?

Friday, August 13, 2010

Almay lip gloss


Name: Almay lip gloss ($8)

Game: When I want to go dramatic with my eye make-up, I usually apply this gloss to my kisser. It's not too sticky like other inexpensive glossies and it's a gorgeous and shiny neutral. It's part of Almay's pure blends collection and is 95.8 percent natural. I managed to snag this bad boy for about $1.50 from a clearance bin at Target. The gloss is made without parabens and talc, and the package eco-friendly because it's made with 28 percent post-consumer recycled material. The gloss is also contains antioxidants with lotus, orchid and acai. Not bad for a cheap lip gloss.

Photo from http://www.drugstore.com.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Strange Fruit: Dragon fruit


I recently stopped by my local grocery store to buy some produce and came across a strange looking pink-ish fruit.
Curious, I asked the worker exactly what it was and he told me that it was a Dragon fruit.
He opened it up for me and said that it had a similar taste to a kiwi.
I bought it, and it only costed about 99 cents.
The inside kind of reminded me of cookies and cream ice cream:



The texture and taste did remind me of a kiwi's because of the seeds, but the dragon fruit was a little bit more bitter than a kiwi.
I love to try new things and will be eating more of this fruit.
Eating it was quite an experience.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Nails, nails, nails!

OK, last week was a crazy week for me but I still managed to swatch and wear lots of colors.
First up on my nails were wet n wild's "Jezebel..."



...and "Lady Luck"



Next were SinfulColors' "Innocent..."



...and "Call You Later"



Currently, I have on Lancome's "Miss Perfectly Pink..."



...and Sephora's "Gypsy:"



I think my fave is the Lancome one. Which one do you like?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

New Badu video:)

So my girl Erykah Badu released part two of her controversial "Window Seat" video over the weekend.
It features rapper Rick Ross and Badu's second single, "Get Munny."
It's all right but I think I need to see the next part to fully grasp what the heck is going on.
And she cracks me up with that darn Rick James wig, lol.
What do you think of the video?

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

NOTD: I got the blues

Here are the latest swatches from my SinfulColors haul last month...

"Gorgeous" is on my right hand:


"Rise and Shine" is on my left hand:


These are both two beautiful lacquers but I have to say that "Rise and Shine" is totally rocking my world right now.
This is one of the prettiest polishes I've ever seen and worn in my life.
It's bright, cheery and looks so pretty against my skin.
Matter of fact, it looks like it can go well against any skin tone.
"Rise and Shine" made my night when I put in on my nails.
And it has been making my week ever since.
This is going down as one of my fave polish purchases ever.
What do you think of the colors?

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Rite Aid haul:)


OK, Lord knows I don't need any more nail polish but I scooped up these babies for 50 cents each over the weekend at Rite Aid.
I signed up for their wellness card, which gave me a discount.
The colors are "Lady Luck" and "Jezebel," from wet n wild.
These are two hues that I've been wanting for a while.
Swatches to come soon!

Monday, August 2, 2010

My make-up giveaway winner is...

...Cindy!!!!

Congrats Cindy for winning my latest contest! I will contact you regarding your shipping information.
Thanks everyone for entering and supporting my blog.
Have a happy, prosperous and productive week:)