Aside from special occasions, I generally like to switch bags on a monthly basis. The annoying part to this is having to fit in what seems like an entire lifetime's worth of items.
For a while I had been using the Pursefection, which used to be offered on QVC. I really liked it except for it's poor quality. In fact, I ended up going through two of them in a couple years' time due to the same problem-the material would rip apart for no reason. Pockets that weren't even in use would start to fray and then out of no where there would be a hole.
After reading a lot of positive reviews, I ordered the Ready Set Go Bag Organizer by Lori Greiner, which I couldn't be more happy. Not only does this fit in all of my different sized bags but it's also really easy to take out thanks to the two side handles that are attached.
I really love how structured this organizer is, as opposed to the Pursefection which flopped around. The quality itself is quite good as well-this has been used on a daily basis for months and it still looks brand new.
Whether you have one bag or like to change up your look, I highly recommend checking this out.
Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchange for a review. For more information, please check out my Disclaimer.
Hi everyone! This is the first time this week that I've been able to actually post something.
I had a little procedure done on Tuesday and have been trying to "recover" ever since. As much as I love working on this blog, I just was not up to it. Although, over the past couple of days I have been working on a side project, which I'm really excited about.
As of right now I don't think it will be connected to this page but if you're interested feel free to send me an email and I'll give you more information.
I should be back to my regular posting schedule by Monday.
Anyway, have a great weekend and as always, thank you for visiting :)
It's always funny how fast some weeks can speed by...last week, starting on Monday was draining, thankfully things have seemed to improve since then. Is it just me or can some moments, even if they were recent, feel like it took place long ago?
Anyway, enough of my rambling...onto my five random facts:
1. One book that I never tire of reading is The Five People You Meet In Heaven, by Mitch Albom. Ironically, I can never watch the entire movie because I start to cry to the point where I almost can't stop.
2. My son and I like to have dance parties at night after he's in his pjs...I'll either play the radio or put on some of his music and we just bounce around like fools. I absolutely love listening to him sing or hum along...not to mention his adorable giggles :)
3. Billy Joel supplied my song for last week, however, presently I can't seem to stop playing Muse's "Madness". I haven't heard too many of their other songs but I'm really interested in checking out more of their work. Someone else I recently discovered off of youtube is Eric Wuest, a very talented violinist who records covers of popular songs. I highly recommend checking him out!
4. My hair is naturally blonde and I absolutely refuse to touch it's color, however, years ago I dyed the under part purple. I got bored and wanted a changed...my family absolutely hated it, of course. The freak in me misses it a little but I love my blondness too much.
5. I absolutely love looking at different views, especially of the NYC skyline...I don't know what it is but I could look at it forever.
That's all for the edition...have a great weekend :)
Well, it's been quite a week...and that's all I'm going to say...
Anyway, here we go.....
1. Some of my major cravings during my pregnancy included waffles with strawberries, hot fudge, unsweetened iced tea, and french fries. The food that I could not even talk about without getting sick were crab cakes. In fact, it was at least a year before I could eat them again.
2. Three major crushes I've had for a very long period of time are Johnny Depp (once upon a time, my walls were covered with his posters), Adam Pascal, and Chris Caffery (as previously mentioned).
2. One of my favorite parts of the day is basically once my makeup is off, I'm in my pj's, and vegging out in bed....Yeah, I live an exciting life.
4. It seems that the past few days have been a whirlwind of emotions and exhaustion. As a result, I've been playing "Vienna" by Billy Joel a lot. Ever since I was in high school, that's been what I turn to in times of crisis. After all this time, it still remains one of my favorites.
5. After hearing the news about Jason's friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer, I've decided to grow out my hair to donate to Locks of Love. I did this about four years ago and ended up cutting 12in. (10in is the minimum). If I'm not mistaken, I believe it took about two years to grow out so this is not going to happen in the near future. If you're interested in learning more or making a donation click here.
As always, thank you for supporting my blog and please know how much it's appreciated.
Have a great weekend :)
Happy Friday all....an even happier one to all those who are off today :)
Here we go...another week of random facts...
1. I haven't been able to wear any eye makeup since last Tuesday due to a very stubborn sty. This has been driving me insane because I feel extremely uncomfortable going out, especially to work, without at least mascara and eye liner on. Not good for my self esteem....
2. I'm getting ready to go down the shore for the weekend (Yay!!!!!!) What? You think it's crazy to go to the beach in March? Try this one-This was originally planned as a day trip (did I mention it's a 3 hour drive?) until my aunt and uncle were more than kind enough to let us spend the night in their condo.
3. Recently I've been playing the Hazards of Love album by The Decemberists almost nonstop. It's a twisted love story but if you really listen from start to finish you'll find that it's actually quite beautiful (and you might even cry).
4. I've been relying on meditation and prayer a lot lately and have found it's helped to keep me in a calmer state.
5. If I had a dollar for every single time that "I'm sorry" or "one moment" came out of my mouth, I'd be richer than the guy who just won the Powerball Jackpot. I swear, sometimes I feel like such a robot.
So there ya go!
I hope you have a great weekend and holiday :)
Note: This was supposed to be posted on Friday, however, I did not feel well and got lazy....
Inspired by my cousin's last high school performance, not to mention the anniversary of my own final show, I decided to go with a theater theme for this post.
1. The first show I was in was The Wiz where I played the Terrified Messenger. The only reason I was given that part was due to the fact that during auditions, I truly was terrified...this included an incredibly shaky voice and nervous laugh. It was also the role that helped me to break out of my shell. In fact, there was a part that required me to scream and it was so loud that they actually had to shut off my microphone.
2. Out of all the shows I was in, the two I hated the most were LOL, a mix of about five or six different skits, and a hippie version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Words can't describe the sheer stupidity...
3. My biggest achievement was in our middle school production of Bye Bye Birdie-I had not auditioned but had been given a one-line role and within a short amount of time had been bumped up to a much larger part. That was probably the moment when I really caught the acting bug.
4. I still have a box filled with all my play mementos, which includes assorted scenery, books, and costumes. While I have not looked at any of it in years, it's still something that I doubt I'll ever be able to get rid of.
5. My favorite performance, hands down, was my last, Into The Woods. To this day I look back and can't help but smile at all the wonderful memories. That experience was like no other and I am still very thankful to have been a part of that production.
So there you have it...the late second instalment and a little insight on my theater experience...
As always, thank you for your support and have a great week!
This is a new series that I thought would be a fun way to introduce myself as more than just a makeup addict. Each Friday, I want to post five random (mostly non-beauty related) facts about myself.
Here we go....
1. I have been writing in a diary since 2006. It mostly involves the day's events, however, there are a couple books in the stack that are solely me venting about any issues I may have had at the time. All together I think I now have at least 15 mini spiral notebooks, which many I enjoy going back in time every once in a while.
2. The shortest job I had was when I worked at a call center for five days. At the time I was so desperate to leave my job, I didn't realize what this one involved...especially the part the part that required me to study medical terms at home. After I quit, I stayed home with my son for a couple months and then went back to work with some of my former (but much loved) coworkers.
3. My nickname is Barbie, which was given by my former boss (and good friend) because of my long, blond hair. Even after I left, to this day my coworkers (and some family members) continue to use this name.
4. I am currently loving the Thai salad from Panera. In fact, we've made a trip for lunch almost every weekend for the past three weeks. It's just so yummy!
5. I currently have a love-hate relationship with my cell phone. I spend five days a week talking almost nonstop so when I'm home my cell normally stays off. It's actually become abnormal for me to have it on during the weekends.
So there you go...my first 5 facts.
Stay tuned for next week.
As always, your support is greatly appreciated! Have a great weekend :)
This month I'm carrying my new Dooney and Bourke Leather Pocket Satchel.
Fun fact: This had been ordered months ago when it was offered on easy pay, however, I ended up cancelling last minute. That's the thing about making monthly payments for high end items-(at least for me) it seems convenient at first but it's also easy to forget about, which can cause problems. As luck would have it, I happened to come across the same bag but for a more affordable price making this the 11th(?) Dooney in my collection.
After watching several Tiffany D. videos this past summer I started to fall in love with the pair of Henry Bendel hoop earrings that she wore. Since I couldn't afford that exact set, I began my search for a much more affordable version.
Unfortunately, at least in Jersey, this was not an easy task. All I wanted was a pair with just a little bit of something special to make them stand out....that didn't happen. Luckily, I happened to be on Hautelook one day and found exactly what I wanted during their Cam & Zooey blowout.
According to my receipt, I saved over $100 and for two pairs of earrings only spent $22 (including s/h).
The first that immediately caught my eye was the Orchid Flower Hoops-as soon as I saw them I knew immediately that I finally found what I was looking for. These have an antique silver look and have vines and little orchids wrapped around.
On impulse, I also added the Hummingbird Hoops because they were very different from anything I've seen before. Inside the hoop, there's a hummingbird and flower scene, which I found to make a statement yet in a classy way.
(Orchid Flower Hoops)
I've worn both sets on multiple occasions and found in the beginning that they needed to be opened up a little bit, especially the Hummingbirds. After doing that, they became so comfortable that I actually forgot I had them on. I feel like these can be great for casual or formal wear and I am quickly becoming obsessed with them.
(Hummingbird Hoops)
I have never heard of Cam & Zooey before and don't even have a clue as to where they can be found. I'd say if you're interested, your best bet would be to try Google or Amazon.
Thank you for reading this blog and showing your support.
When I was in high school I had imagined my future to be a certain way...in a nutshell, I wanted to be a princess and have a fairytale ending.
While I don't see my life being turned into a Disney film any time soon, I fully believe that I have found not one but two princes.
As mentioned in previous posts, Jason and I met in a somewhat unusual place but from the moment I first saw him I immediately saw the spark and knew I could not let him go. We've been through so much in the past five years but it's only strengthened our relationship and is a reminder that this truly is something.
As for my mini-prince, well, that little boy definitely has my heart forever. I often look at him and wonder how I was able to live before he was born.
This week has not been the best for me but this morning I thought about how lucky I am to have so much love. Amazingly, just that one little thought has managed to completely brighten up my mood :)
Whether you have a valentine or not, no matter how you spend the day, I wish you a very happy Valentine's Day...and just remember that all you need is love.
I recently looked back on my "Frankenstorm" post and couldn't help but feel like an idiot. At that time I thought, like a lot of others, that it wouldn't amount to much...oh boy was I wrong. We were lucky only having to deal with four days of no power (including the three spent by my in-laws' which was painful enough).
In my opinion, Nemo has brought back a lot of the eerie feelings created by Sandy. Sure, it's a different type of storm but I'm starting to get creeped out watching the news reports, packed food stores, and now even the snow falling.
I'm really hoping that this time around our power stays on (and no trees fall on or near our garage, like last time).
If you live in an area affected from Nemo please be safe...stay inside and keep warm with a nice cup of hot cocoa :)
I am absolutely obsessed with the Pier One advertisements and feel that whoever is involved with that marketing campaign is a sheer genius...trust me, it works!
Take me for example, my favorite commercial is the Teeter "I'm a hugga" penguin. On a whim I looked for it online and as soon as I found out that he does indeed speak I knew he had to be mine.
We were running around like two star-struck kids in a candy store and probably either entertained or scared a lot of the other customers.
Honestly, though, you are never too old for stuffed animals, especially if one says "Careful, I am a hugga!" Come on...how can you pass up on that!?!?
Thank you for visiting and have a great weekend :)
Aside from my ear lobes, my first major piercing was my nose, which was done when I was fourteen. To this day I have a feeling one of the reasons my dad agreed to take me was due to the fact that I had just recovered from back surgery several months earlier...but I digress...
Since then I've become obsessed. From then to now I've gotten the following pierced:
*4 holes in each ear
*labret
*tongue (most recent)
This year for my twenty-fifth birthday I decided to gift myself a tragus piercing. Working in an office environment means that I either need to be able to take out the studs or hide them...which makes new piercings a little difficult.
The ironic part is a couple years ago when I got my fourth holes done I swore I'd never do it again...and yet, I still decided on a cartilage piercing.
I went to Pleasurable Piercings, which is where I had my nose done and truthfully is the only studio where I felt the most comfortable. When I walked in, the girl behind the counter helped me to choose my jewelry and explained in full detail what I needed to do in order to help the healing process.
Once I was called into the piercing room, Jaime, my piercer, explained everything from how the tools were sterilized to what he was about to do. He even intently listened as I rambled on with nervousness, helping me to calm down. He was really great.
The procedure itself was, well, surprising. I had heard from numerous people that it would be quite painful and I'd even hear a "pop", but all I felt was a slight pinching which only lasted no more than a minute.
I must say, next to my nose, this is probably the easiest piercing I've ever had. Aside from a slight ache which lasted all of an hour, I haven't had any pain, in fact, I can't even tell there's a stud in my ear.
If you're in the NY/NJ area and are looking to get pierced, I completely recommend Pleasurable Piercings. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, not to mention very clean. You never see someone not wearing gloves and the piercers even wear masks for a more sterile environment. I don't know why I went elsewhere for my other piercings but I'll definitely be back for the next one (which will probably be my rook)...
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
Note: I am not affiliated with Pleasurable Piercings or the Association of Professional Piercers. I have not received any kind of compensation to give a positive review. I am solely a lover of piercings and body modification.
I make a point of carrying my Dooney and Bourke Charm handbag every January (my birthday month) because it's like a party in a bag...not to mention it was a birthday present to myself a few years ago.
While it is smaller than I usually carry, I can't help but fall in love (It's so stinkin cute!!!). I don't think these are available anymore, however, there might be one or two floating around on Ebay (which is where I bought mine).
As always, thank you for visiting my blog and I hope you have a great weekend.
P.S. I'm gifting myself a new piercing tomorrow so stay tuned for a post all about it.
P.P.S. QVC's "New Beauty, New You" day is today so check it out....25 hours of beauty products...Jason and I currently have a bet going over how long it'll take until I order something. So far, so good!
This was supposed to be posted a while ago, however, I never had the chance....anyway, just before Christmas I attended the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert that I'd been impatiently awaiting and as always, it stopped my heart and brought tears to my eyes (multiple times).You can read more about my love (or obsession) for this band in this Post.
Waiting for the show to start...
Roddy Chong
We walked in to find a light snow falling in the lobby, which was without a doubt, a perfect way to be greeted. The moment the show started I immediately started to well up with tears and spent a decent amount of time in sheer disbelief that I was actually watching them live.
Band Intros by Chris Caffery
This was the first year focusing on their third album, The Lost Christmas Eve, which if interested, you can read about Here. After reading a mix of reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect but both my fiance, Jason, and myself absolutely loved it. In fact, he has now been TSO'd!
One of my favorite moments from the evening was when the creator, Mr. Paul O'Neill, came on stage and started playing. At that point I had lost it completely...The thing is, not many people could understand how much he's changed my life so watching him meant the world to me.
"Someday"
Intro-Chris Caffery
Person Screaming-Me :)
Performed By-Kayla Reeves; Accompanied By-Paul O'Neill
(Sorry for the shaky quality)
Of course, I also have to mention when my all time favorite song was played at the end, Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24. To hear it live is such an incredible experience, quite powerful....it never ceases to bring out goosebumps and tears. While I'm at it, I might as well give a shout out to Rob Evan, an incredibly talented singer, who performed several of the songs beautifully. Then, of course, there's Brian Hicks, who narrated the story with such feeling and depth...and yes, {surprise surprise} made me cry at the end. Then there are three of my favorites from the band, Roddy Chong, Joel Hoekstra, and Chris Caffery, who have such a great time on stage are so much fun when it comes to interacting with the audience. Who am I kidding, there's not a bad member in the bunch. The amount of talent on that stage was absolutely mind blowing.
Paul O'Neill
Roddy Chong & Chris Caffery
If anything, my one and only complaint was that there was no Meet and Greet. I had been told that for certain venues, if you wait around long enough, eventually the band comes out and basically hangs out with their fans. I was determined to especially meet Chris Caffery, who I've had a major crush on literally ever since I first heard TSO. We waited around until we were the last people in the building and were asked to leave but alas, no once came out :(
While I was a little disappointed, it still didn't kill my high from watching such an incredible show. The way I see it, it'll happen when it's meant to be.
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24
(Sorry for the shaky quality)
...Perhaps next year... ;)
As always, thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.
Last night Jason and I celebrated a belated Christmas and I was really touched by what he gave me...my first pair of real pearl earrings.
What made it so special was the fact that he had remembered a pair I had my eye on months ago and had been in search ever since.
Sometimes he can really surprise me and this as one of those moments...
Happy 2013 everyone!!!!
I must say, so far this year is not what I expected as my family and I spent the past two days sick and in bed....oh well, it can only get better.
After all that occurred last year I'm hoping that the next twelve months are a little more low key. After July, life seemed to move on fast forward-my fiance got a better job and literally ten minutes after that call, my mom was rushed to the hospital unable to breathe; only to find out that she has heart disease. My adorable little potato of a nephew was born in August and a week later my mom went back to the hospital for single bypass surgery. Since then the main focus in my house has been her ongoing recovery. Thankfully, aside from a few colds and an ear infection, everyone is now heathy(ish).
Every year I come up with resolutions, yet, I never keep them...this time around I came up with "goals" that I feel quite confident I can keep for myself.
*Keep my eye on what I want out of life
I'm really hoping to stay focused on what I want and to make a move to get it.
*Watch my spending
Right now I'm tossing around either going shopping once a month or having month-long no buys all together. Either way I feel like this will probably end up helping me to save money in the long run.
*Reduce my cluttered life
I have a lot of stuff and not that much room so I want to start cleaning house as well as trying to have a little more organization in the process.
*Keep up with my blog & diary
*Try to stay healthy
~drink water: I'm beyond horrible with this; in fact, I've had to go to the ER for dehydration numerous times
~take vitamins
~schedule that dr's appointment I've been avoiding
~get my blood checked
~get more sleep...or at least don't go to bed at 1:30 when I have to be up at 6:30
*Try not to let people get me down and not take everything to heart
*Be there for my son and fiance
I'm really excited to see what this year brings and am confident that it's going to be good...hopefully, by completing these goals, I'll be a step closer to happiness and finding myself. I wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy year and may all your dreams and goals come true.
As always, thank you for taking the time to visit my blog..it is truly appreciated :)
In the days that I was home from work due to Sandy, I realized that QVC+Easy Pay=DANGEROUS!!!!!
The best example of this I can come up with are my new Lamo boots, which were a recent TSV.
From what I've seen in past presentations Lamo is a brand that's reminiscent of Uggs...but much cheaper.
These were ordered on a Monday and delivered to my door that following Wednesday, which was
perfect timing considering we were due for a snowstorm.
I have been wearing these boots basically everyday and am absolutely obsessed with them, in fact, I'm actually debating on ordering a second pair to keep at work.
They're so warm and cozy, not to mention incredibly comfortable. I even had my mom talking about how she might want to get a pair for herself.
My only complaint is that I ordered them thinking they could be used as snow boots, however, after hearing a lot of mixed information in regards to what kind of conditions these can handle, I've decided not to take them out in anything worse than a light rain.
For two payments of $20, I think this was a good purchase.
If you're interested, you can learn more about this brand and order HERE.
Truth be told, it wasn't until this morning that I realized today marks exactly one year that I've had this blog. Yes, many people still don't understand the point and from time to time I get "Oh, you're still doing that?" but I'm really proud and excited.
Having watched numerous beauty gurus, one day on my way to work I had a thought-why can't I do that? One simple question snowballed into this very site.
I just wanted to take a moment to thank each end every person out there who has either subscribed or stopped by for a brief visit. It means more than you could ever know...I especially wanted to give a special shout out to my fiance, Jason, who has given his full support throughout this entire process.
Thank you again, and here's to another year of beauty!
(Click here for my very first post) p.s. Only 2 more days until TSO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This month I'm carrying my Isaac Mizrahi leather shoulder bag, which is one of my favorites in my collection.
I have a lot of bags so I generally carry them once a month, this one, however, usually gets taken out several times throughout the year. The color is so versatile, not to mention it's so big and roomy inside....love it!!!!!!
I bought this from QVC a couple years ago and it's still available (and marked down!!!)
If you're interested, you can find out more information and order by clicking here.
As always, I thank you for visiting my blog :)
Note: I purchased this product with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchange for a positive review. For more information, please check out my Disclaimer.
