So cool, so bold, so Chaud (with a Lasting Sensation)

           Oh me oh my! I'm slowly but surely building up my lipstick collection. It has became an obsession as of lately, if I'm going to be honest. And I'm not exactly taking baby steps when it comes to the colors. I fell in love with this color while I was watching Jenn Im from Clothes Encounters on YouTube. She was wearing this lipstick in her video and it simply looked GORGEOUS! I still lusted over it for a couple of weeks, I was very patient.

Brick-o-la la la

              Last week I welcomed to my collection of lipsticks my third MAC lipstick. After watching a marathon of Estée , Essiebutton on YouTube, I came across her Winterlicious Tag video (a while back). She showed this lipstick and swatched it and I instantly knew I needed it in my life! Sadly it took me a while to actually get to a MAC counter and even remember to buy it. It was in the back of mind though!
          

Butler Please, you're my favorite.

Butler Please from Leading Lady collection

               Every time I went to the store I'd walk by the Essie nail polish display and would be automatically be drawn to this polish. I honestly don't know why I didn't purchase it the very first time I saw it. I mean I loved the shade from the very start. I usually don't tend to branch out on my color selection for polishes because i have a medium complexion and I never know if any "exciting" colors will look ok or just plain out crazy on me. I took the plunge and bought it any way, I daydreamed about it too often to just ignore it. According to the Essie.com site this particular polish is from the Leading Lady Collection for  Winter 2013. Although I bought this around April. I don't get how it could be for winter when it comes out during the beginning of the year. Anyway I'm pretty sure you can still find it in stores and it shouldn't be too hard to come across.

Don't forget to ask!

       
              I'm, not the only one who has a hard time asking for things even when they're free, am I?
I love samples as much as the next person but if I don't plan on buying anything I feel like a mooch. Luckily for me I really wanted to get "my fix" of beauty products. So I walked into Macy's and the first thing I lay my eyes on is the MAC counter. Shyness usually wins me over when an employee comes over. But this is where you get your lady balls, lol. I don't know squash about make up and what go better with my skin. So to avoid looking like a party clown I always ask for colors that are better suited for my complexion. The employees are always very helpful! I didn't ask for any samples here because I'm not sure they do lipstick ones and that almost always what I'm most interested in.
   
             Next we walked the clinique counter. I've always heard the best about this brand. Especially for troubled skin, such as my own. They have make lotions and potions to help with a wide spectrum of problems. Mine being acne scaring and discoloration. Any, I've been looking into "BB" creams and now the new "CC" creams. I asked to match my skin color and viola! Medium it is. This is when I asked for a sample and little and behold I got it and then some.

                 So don't miss an opportunity to learn more and get some freebies.

The versus!

                 I'm no expert when it comes to make up or the products that come along with the art of it, but trial and error is a way to go. Doing research is helpful. I love reading blogs and watching videos on youtube about this sort of thing. I like learning better by watching someone do than by reading (for the most part). I've also learned that asking never hurts. I always walk into cosmetic stores asking questions and if possible asking for samples. Don't want to be looking like a clown if I can avoid it. And don't be afraid to go for something out of your comfort zone, maybe you'll find something new you love.
               Earlier this week I went into Ulta to get a couple of things I wanted to try out. In my mind brush are pretty much the starting point of make up, right? With the right brush or applicator every this can go on smoothly.... no pun intended. When I went back home after picking up a pair of brushes I rushed in and put them to the test.
               Here I let you know my very non-expert opinion on how this went about and comparing with my previous products.

Carmel by the sea and a sea of shopping

                
               So this past Tuesday was quite eventful. Usually Tuesdays are the one day during the week I get to go out and hang out. The men get out of work early and the farmer's market is open.This day was particularly sunny and warm. Which here in Monterey is actually not something that happens often and at the same time in fact. Any, my friend Christina and I decided that we head to Carmel and enjoy their beautiful beach and strip of shops and restaurants. We first head to this cute little hole in the wall chinese restaurant called Tommy's Wok. Although small it was nice. Their food definitely made up for the small space.

Bomb Ass Brownies

    So since last summer I've been on a coconut kick. Coconut water, coconut m&m's, and now coconut oil. Apparently I'm not the only loving on some coconut as of lately. I've been reading up on on coconut oil as of lately and all it's uses. (Have I said coconut enough?) Not only does it taste good but it's good nutritionally but "esthetically" as well.

 

Saving Face

      As of recently I've been trying to learn more of taking care of myself inside and out. When you look at yourself what the first thing you notice? For me it's my face. As I've gotten older I've noticed I haven't been the kindest to my face. With stress and anxiety my poor face looks like a battle field. Sure make up can help hide the little flaws, but what about the big picture?
    Not too long ago I found out that what you eat really doesn't affect you skin. Of course drinking water, though, should be on the top of you list.
    Here are some of the items I'd love to try:

Strawberry and Banana Fields

             Alright so as my first official post I have made MUFFINS! If you know me, you know I love baking. Anything other kitchen activity and I might burst into flames. Also I love finding recipes that I can actually work with. You know not all of us have all those eccentric ingredients.
  Anyway lets get started with this.

Strawberry Banana Muffins
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¾ cup chopped strawberries
   

West to East

So I'm creating this blog as sort of a diary. Little reminders here and there of things I love and things I'll miss. Sharing my currents loves and lusts. I will also write about my life as a military wife, the different places i'll go, and most of all my dog!