GUESS WHAT?!!?...

I FINALLY GOT MY WALES 72 E/S PALETTE TODAY!!! WOO HOOO!!! I'm so excited I can't stand it...darn, why did I have to get it the day that I had to work an open to close shift?!? I really want to play in it NOW!! BUT (unfortunately) I have to be back up and at 'em by 6:00 in the morning--inventory waits for no man, or woman or makeup session...sigh! I've taken a couple of quick pics to post here of the palette--the colors are soooo pretty...hope they wear well:

I just had to swatch a couple of the colors, even though I can't do any playing tonight:
From left to right: E352 (a light turquoise with a hint of shimmer), E308 (dark orange/tangerine with shimmer), E332 (a deep hot pink matte color) and E284 (dark teal, more green than blue with shimmer). Beautiful! I can't wait to play (guess what I'll be doing on Friday after I go in for a few hours of inventory work?!?)

Gotta run and try to get some sleep, but before I go, here's a FOTD , a recreate of the gold, red and black look that I did a tutorial on a couple of weeks ago:

sorry for the shine--it's been another 14+ hour day; just 1.5 more weeks to go! Anyway, y'all be blessed, hugs and peace and I'll report in on the Wales palette again soon! janel

Just Thinkin'...

Hey y'all! Just thought I'd post another entry for kicks and giggles (and also to play some catch-up!) It's been another L-O-N-G day at my store, but at least I got a little accomplished in terms of my inventory prepwork. That made me feel a little better, even thought I'm now dog-tired and I WILL be going in tomorrow to do more prepwork (I normally don't work on Sundays--that's what assistants and supervisors are for LOL!) Anyway, thought I'd give you another look this week, kinda similar to the "Barbie" but using silver and purple/plum. First, let me post a couple of pics of the look--I wore it to work today, so excuse the somewhat shiny face...

Next, I'll post a pic of the products that I used--all drugstore stuff by Covergirl, Wet 'N Wild, Milani, and Maybelline:

Creating this look was easy and fairly quick: after priming the face with my oil-free moisturizer tinted with my foundation, I put on a little Rimmel of London's primer on my eyelids, then a touch of concealer, then set it all with powder. The plum shade of the Aziza jumbo pencil was used as an eyeshadow base up to the crease in the lid. Then on went the Plantina by CG, keeping it under the crease. In the crease two colors--CG's Forever Fig from the inner corner half-way across and then Milani's Deep Desire from the half-way mark to the outer corner forming the V. The lightest pink in the Milani Runway Eyes Fashionista Pinks palette was used as the highlight under the brow. L'Oreal's HIP cream eyeliner in 905 Black and Maybelline's Colossal Volum's Express were used to line the upper/lower lashline and define the lashes. Cheeks were kissed with Wet 'N Wild's Silk Finish Blush in Pealescent Pink and the lips were lined with a Jordana medium brown pencil and filled in with two colors--Sugar Plum Fairy Mega Color by Wet 'N Wild and Amethyst by Savvy. All in all, it took just under 10 minutes and that was WITH interruptions, as my husband (separated) always seems to call me when I'm in the middle of getting ready for work. Anyway, hopefully you find this look pretty; I know if you purchase these products for duplication, the look will be CHEAP! I think the most expensive product used was the Runway Eyes palette at $6.99. And did I mention that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the COLOSSAL VOLUM' EXPRESS mascara? I'm getting these HUGE, PHAT lashes with just one coat--and absolutely DROP DEAD GORGEOUS lashes with a second! I think that this mascara deserves a picture of its own (LOL):

This stuff is DA BOMB! Drop me a comment or three and let me know what you think. Be blessed, hugs and peace...janel

All Right, Y'all! The "Barbie" Makeup Video...

Hello everybody! Guess now you're sayin' "geez, first she wasn't posting forever and now she's posting, like, 50 times a day!" LOL You all know how it is--it's either feast of famine! Anyhoo, here's the video/tutorial on the "barbie" makeup look that I posted about last night using Milani's Runway Eyes Fashionista Pinks palette and Rimmel of London's Smokey Noir palette. Cheeks are Wet 'N Wild in Heather Silk, lips are by Wet 'N Wild Mega Colors in #902B--
Sugar Plum Fairy. Also used Hip Creme Eyeliner in 905 black, NYC's Eyeliner Duet in Black/Endless Love, Maybelline's The Colossal Volum' Express mascara and for the video.....TA DA!!! I decided to add false lashes and used Lash Grip eyelash adhesive! Hope you enjoy...

Hello Beauty Lovers (and other Stuff!)

Hey everybody! How's it going? This has been a week from hell for me, for the most part, as far as work is concerned. Just couldn't seem to get anything accomplished--I did finally get my fall/winter fabrics out, although I don't think I've got it set according to the merchandising plan (at least not all the way). But heck, I needed to get the store turned from spring/summer to fall/winter and I did that, whether it's right or not. I also needed to begin prepping the store for inventory on August 14th by going through each bolt of fabric and checking the SKU number for valid weight factors--it takes every bit of three weeks to get through the entire store (and I have a small store); anyway, did I get any of that done?!? OF COURSE NOT--because I was much too busy being a sales associate because several of my sales associates (long timers) decided to be dumb this week--not knowing what was on sale, not assisting at the cashier's station when needed, not knowing how to demo sewing machines, not knowing our product inventory, etc. I just don't understand what they don't understand about the MANAGER having other things to do besides be a sales associate--like ordering product, making out schedules, monitoring payroll, getting the fall/winter setup completed, PREPPING THE STORE FOR INVENTORY, etc. Am I just expecting too much from my associates? They aren't trained to do some of the things that I do, but they are trained (supposedly) to offer assistance/advice to customers with all the authority that their years of sewing experience gives them. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM!!!??? I recorded a short rant last night and uploaded it to YouTube; it's shown here if you wish to listen. It didn't solve any problems for me, but I felt better for getting some of the aggravation off my chest...

Anyway, on to my beauty finds! After leaving work early today (actually, I did leave early, but I was still working--I went to another store to pick up a mis-delivered special order that I'd been looking for for over a week. This will make my customer very happy!) After picking up that order, I stopped at Walgreens on the way home to pick up some eyelash adhesive so that I can do another look for Barstowmama's video drugstore makeup challenge contest. While in the store, I took a gander at the makeup wall (I couldn't resist!) and finally decided to purchase one of the Runway Eyes Eye Shadow Palettes by Milani (I've been eyeing them for a while--sorry for the pun!). I picked up the Fashionista Pinks palette because I've been looking for a vibrant pink to add to my collection. A couple of weeks ago I told you all about the NYX Shocking Pink e/s that I purchased; I love the color in the pot, but it sorta washes out on my skin. So now I'm on a search for a base that will enhance the color. Anyway, back to Milani. This compact has six bar shadows--five in varying shades of pink and one in a frosty white for highlighting. Here's a shot of the compact:

I love the colors--the pinks range in shading from a peachy-pink to a deep victorian rose, with a fushia and a shade that reminds me of a cranberry, just a little more pinky. The colors seem to work pretty well on me also, I just wish that the strips were a little wider-- it's a little ackward getting the color on a full size flat shadow brush. Here are a couple of pics of me wearing a "barbie" look (pink and black--my daughter dubbed this look, not me!):

So, tell me what y'all think, hmmmm? I think with my next payday, I'll splurge and get another one of the Runway Eyes palettes--maybe the blue one? I also got three new Wet 'N Wild Mega Colors lipcolors that I just love!!! #902B (Plum Fairy), #910 C (Vivacious), and #906C (Chocolate Fondue). Here are swatches of these (left to right):

I'm wearing the Plum Fairy in the pics--pretty kewl, huh? The shadow compact: $6.99, the lipsticks: $1.99 each. Not bad... Another thing that I got was a quad by Rimmel of London called Smokey Noir--as the name implies the colors are smokey: a platinum silver, a medium gray, a dark gray, and a light silver. Now, what I really wanted was a medium gray shadow (hard to find for some reason) and I wanted a single, but this was all I could find. Here are swatches (top l/r: medium gray/platinum, bottom: light silver/dark gray):

I will probably try to do a look/YouTube tutorial with these tomorrow--maybe a gray and pink look? What color lip would you do? Something to dream about.

I can't wait for my Wales palette--one week closer to delivery!!! YEAH!!! You all have a good one and I'll talk with/at 'cha later. Be blessed, hugs and peace...janel

Re: The Drugstore Makeup Challenge!

Re: the Drugstore Makeup Challenge: Part Deux

I Know, I Know...WHERE HAVE I BEEN?!?

Hey people! I know, I know, it's been a minute since I've posted anything. It's been a zoo every since I 've been back from North Carolina. I just spoke with my mom; she's doing better. Not ready to run any races by any means, but she sounds better and seems to be moving a little better. Man, those internal bruises take SOOOOOO long to work their way out--like forever! So far, all of the testing has come back negative and she's due to go see a neurologist this week for another test. She really wants to know if she "blacked out" or what exactly happened; I'm afraid that if testing doesn't show anything conclusive, she'll be very fearful and hesitant about driving again. And that would just really hurt me, since I've never seen my mother afraid of anything. I hope she doesn't shut down...

Anyway, I do have a little to tell you beauty-wise. I ordered a Wales 72 color eyeshadow palette off of Ebay last week! I'm so excited--I should have it in my hot little hands in a couple of weeks. Ms. Bree (VintageGoddess on Nappurality) talked about this palette in one of her makeup videos and I was very much intrigued. Goldenchild789 also talks about the Wales palette in several of her videos, and the colors looked soooo yummy...so I took the plunge! Will give you my opinion about it once I get it in hand.

Also, I have entered my first video makeup look contest! Barstowmama, of Youtube fame, has issued a challenge to do a makeup look--either casual, sporty or formal, using only drugstore makeup. You know the kind of makeup--the "cheap" stuff, such as Wet 'n Wild, or Jane--that kind of stuff. Actually, a lot of the "cheap" stuff is pretty good. I've got a lot of e/s from Maybelline, Milani, Cover Girl and I've even got some Wet 'n Wild lipcolors! Anyway, the object of the contest is to show that you can create really neat looks using the not-so-expensive makeup. Not that I have anything against MAC, Stila, NARS, etc. It's just that I can't afford those brands (most, if not all, of the time) and most of my makeup shopping is done on a tight budget that just doesn't allow for a lot of spending at those upscale makeup counters. Anyway, I created a look using Maybelline, Milani, Black Radiance and Physician's Formula cosmetics and I do believe it came out pretty well. I'll include a link to the YouTube video here and y'all let me know what you think.

Also, if you've been keeping up with my YouTube tutorial videos, you will know that I've been on a mission to find a mascara that will make my long, but somewhat sparse eyelashes more lush and full. Well, I think that I may have found THE ONE! It's by Maybelline and it's called the Colossal Volumn' Express. So far, I LOVE IT!! It really gives me some PHAT lashes (how sexy is that?!?)

Anyway, I guess I'd better get off of here for the time being; I have a very early wake-up call. It's now that time of year at which I begin to prep the store for inventory. Three weeks of going in before the (butt) crack of dawn and reading/comparing a bunch of SKU numbers to the approved SKU listing to determine what fabrics have valid weight factors...WOW, WHAT FUN! Just what I always wanted to do--work continuous 14-16 hour days for the next three weeks. Sigh, I need a vacation...y'all pray for me. Be blessed, hugs and peace...janel

I'm In A Contemplative Mood...

Hey everyone--I'm in a somewhat contemplative mood today. Several things have occurred that have me feeling a little unsettled. First, last night my mother called me from North Carolina and let it be known that she'd been in an automobile accident--on July 1st. Thanks be to God that she didn't suffer any serious injury, but the car was totalled and she was the only one involved in the accident. I couldn't get over the fact that neither she nor my stepfather, whom I dearly love, called me before last night. I guess it's probably because they didn't want me to overreact, like I'm probably doing right now. So, of course I was talking to her on the telephone and crying my eyes out and trying very hard not to let her know that I was really that upset, because it would make her upset and she really doesn't need to be upset right now. She said that she was checked out at the hospital and they didn't find anything wrong but gave her a prescription for pain (because she would be sore for a few days) and then they released her. So as of right now, she's home--a little sore but doing all right.

As she was telling me what happened as best as she could recollect, my memories of my dad's suicide were triggered and I felt again all the things I felt when I found out that he was dead. Disbelief, hurt, anger--in general a huge amount of distress and anxiety. I understand the why of his suicide, and since it's been such a while ago, I truly thought that I'd reconciled myself to what had happened and my feelings of being left alone. Obviously, I thought wrong, because once I got off the telephone, I totally lost it, thinking about finally losing my mom, whether by accident or natural causes. My mother and I are very close, as were my father and I. His death left me feeling ripped apart for a long time and even now sometimes when things remind me of him (like at Christmas time--that was his absolute favorite time of the year) I can get really depressed. I still really miss him. I remember when I went back to work after his funeral and I saw some rabbits cashing each other in the field behind the apartment complex that I lived in at the time--OMG! I got to work and I boo-hoo'd for the better part of the day (he loved to go hunting and loved wildlife and taught me a great appreciation for animals of all kinds). Sometimes now when I see rabbits or squirrels playing in the grass I'm transported back to my father and it just really hits me again that he's gone. My mind started going along these same kinds of tracks after speaking to my mother. Now I know intellectually that at some point I will lose her because no one lives forever but there's still a small part of me that just can't begin to imagine my life without her. She's my best friend. Inside, I'm still shaking just thinking about how she drove across the road, hit a tree and went down into a ravine. And the really bad part for me is that she says that she really doesn't know what happened--she didn't black out, she didn't hit anything in the road to make her lose control of the car--she just went off the road. I've got a friend that going to lend me some money so that I can fly to North Carolina tomorrow for a few day to see for myself that she's all right. You'd have to know my mom, but sometimes she doesn't let on that she's hurting more than what's she's told you.

The other thing that happened today is that I have to do an employee review. The review itself wasn't going to be a walk in the park, because I had to review my senior supervisor (senior in that she's been with the company for over 20 years) and her review was not the best. She's a nice person, but she is not, in my opinion, supervisory material. I've had to put her on a 90 day track to dismissal from her supervisory post, although she could be retained as a sales associate. Of course, downgrading her to a sales associate would have an impact on her wages, because she would no longer earn the differential that she gets now for being part of the store management team. In addition to that, I had to let her know that she can no longer keep her full time status, because the company is only allowing two full time positions per store: manager and assistant manager. All others working will be classified as part time. She will be losing her medical benefits unless she opts to pay for them herself. I was hoping that the company would allow those that had full time benefits to keep them and just tell us that no one else would be eligible unless they were being hired in/transitioning to the manager or assistant manager position, but alas this was not the case. I really hated to be the one to tell her. So, all in all this has not been one of my cheerier days...

A friend of mine has loaned me the money to go to North Carolina tomorrow to be with my mom and step dad. I'm so grateful that they loaned me the money, no questions asked (except for "how much do you need?") but I'm also feeling really upset that have to ask because I don't have enough of my own money to swing this myself. My salary is a joke, especially with the price of gas and everything else now. I have NO SAVINGS, nothing to fall back on and it's getting to the point where I have to seriously consider what/how I'm going to eat and put gas in my car to get to work. It almost doesn't pay me to work--I'm not getting much out of it except for more headaches trying to figure out how I'm going to live on the pittance that I make. But, that is another rant entirely. Guess I'll close this for now before I go off in another direction. I promise, the next entry will be beauty related and a lot happier in tone! Be blessed, hugs and peace! janel

Makeup Tutorial: Green and Gold Eyes--The Results

Makeup Tutorial: Green and Gold Eyes!

Outer Beauty (and Inner Beauty)

Tumultuous Tuesday!

Hey everyone! Well, this Tuesday just wasn't quite as teriffic as last Tuesday, but not as bad as it could have been. Had kind of a rough weekend--I worked last Saturday, as usual, but opened up SOMETHING in the stockroom that apparently had some type of fabric dye or chemical finish that later caused me to have an ASTHMATIC EPISODE. Now mind you, I've never been diagnosed with asthma and I noticed before I left work that my chest was feeling a little tight; but then again, my sinuses were also feeling really tight, signaling the onset of a sinus infection. Usually my chest will develop some mild tightness associated with the sinus infection once it starts to drain. Anyway, by the time I get home, I'm feeling really bad so I begin taking some antibiotics that I had left over from my last round and went to bed. At about 2:00 am, I ended up driving myself to the ER because I absolutely could not breathe in or out. As it turns out, the ER docs decided that I was having an asthma attack probably brought on by an allergic reaction to--whatever. Several hours and a breathing treatment later, I was back home and feeling really out of it. Sunday I spent doing not a lot of anything; not very motivated and still feeling kinda out of it. Monday at work I was rather hoarse and the very short walk from my store to the bank and back to make the deposit left me with a constricted feeling in my chest again and the fear that I would possibly have another episode. This was really frightening, because I've never been so clogged up that I couldn't breathe at all, not even through my mouth. Today, I finally felt more like myself, just a little paranoid because I had to work in the stockroom again to clear out the rest of the merchandise from last week in prep for this week's delivery. The things that change as you get older...

Oh well, life goes on. To keep this kinda beauty related, I got my second order of NYX cosmetics last Friday! Five more eyeshadows: Odessey, Red Head, Hot Pink, Apricot Moose, and Violet. I love them all! I am really taken with the idea of doing a red, black and gold look--what do ya think? I'm planning to work on this one on my day off on Thursday. The Apricot Moose is a medium shade peach color, but it lightens up considerably on my skin--I think it would work with the right base; I just have to find the base! Same with the violet--it's a medium dark red-purple, but again the color washes out on my skin. Any suggestions as to what base and who makes it? Would love an answer to this--now that I have these colors, I would hate to not use them because the colors don't work with my complexion. Odessey is a dark graphite grey/black with a silver sparkle--I LOVE that! Very dramatic! The Hot Pink really is a hot pink color but again it seems to fade a little on my complexion. I like all the colors and think they will look great on my eyes, I just need to find the right base. HELP YOU ALL!!

My latest three videos are linked here: Green and gold eyes tutorial and results and Outer Beauty (and Inner Beauty). Hope you all like them. Here are some pics of the FOTD using the green and gold:





Anyway, I guess that's it for this post. I'm still celebrating my lociversary, although the official date isn't until 7/4. I'm just gonna celebrate all week and into the next week and the next week and the next...I LOVE MY LOCS!! Six months and the love hasn't worn off yet. I truly hope this is a life-long thing...no, I KNOW THAT THIS IS A LIFE-LONG LOVE AFFAIR! HAPPY LOCIVERSARY TO ME!!! Be blessed, hugs and peace to you all...janel