What I Got From SANTA ... HAUL

Merry Christmas, lovelies!  It's the most wonderful time of the year - a season of giving and receiving :)  I won't show what I gave (because those things don't belong to me, haha), but I WILL show you all that I received today from the generous and loving hearts around me, including my sisters and parents and, yes, even Santa (just let me feel like a kid, okay?).  While I do hope you all have better things to do on CHRISTMAS DAY than read this, I would still love for you to do so and, of course, enjoy ...

Before I begin, I'd just like to point out that there is no rhyme or reason to the order in which I posted ... I just kind of went for it ;) Oh, and it's going to be a long one - be warned ...

I've been coveting a re-usable Starbucks cup for nearly a year, but I've never wanted to spend my hard-earned money on one.  My mom decided to relieve me of my suffering and gift one - all hail the re-usable VENTI - and I LOVE IT.

 YES, LADIES - IT HAPPENED ... I got the newest Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette for Christmas.  I won't say much about it now (I'll do a full feature later), other than that it is a "GIFT TO ALL OF MANKIND" (quote credits go to my best friend ... Hi, Haley, if you're reading!).

THIS MOVIE ... since my middle school days, I've been a huge huge fan of the Mortal Instruments series (yes, I'm one of those people who actually read the books), so when it became a movie I was STOKED ON STOKED.  Santa delivered happiness with this one ;)

These items (hilariously enough) were in my stocking - I'm actually pretty happy with these, because who doesn't need an extra loofa and hair elastics?  Practical gifts always win with me, haha.

ALRIGHT, SO THESE ARE ULTRA COOL ... You guys all know that I have curly hair, so I use DevaCurl products and get Deva cuts a few times a year.  I've been using a microfiber towel (by Deva) to take excess moisture out of my hair all this time, but its a bit annoying to shape around the hair.  These carry the same concept, but are GLOVES ... Pure Genius, haha.

You know when you don't know what to ask for, so you pathetically stoop to the level of looking up what a [your age here] - year - old  [your gender here]  would like for Christmas?  That's how I found this book, to be completely honest ... I'm so glad I got this, it is literally (just as advertised) the girl's guide to everything - from wearing the right dress to the right party and looking fabulous in pictures to fixing your computer and bargaining at a car dealership.  I highly recommend this to all young women - my sister (who is in college) also received one, and she loves it just as much as I do :)

Yes, this is three sides of the same cube ... A cube of mini nail polish, that is ;)  My little sister (I can't believe she's fourteen, already!), who is growing up to be a major nail-enthusiast as well, got this for me :)  As you can see, it's probably the widest range of winter colors available - and cheap, too!

While I am quite skilled (if I do say so, myself) at doing my own French Manicures with regular white and sheer polish, its always good to have kits like this to make things easier and you, as a beauty-conscious member of society, lazier :P  I definitely plan on using this ... maybe I'll do a review ...

Curiosity killed the cat ... All he wanted was to know what I was doing, so he decided to smell every item thoroughly and impede on my photography-process :p

More complete randomness found in my stocking ;)  Whoppers are my favorite candy (next to Twix bars), so I always get them for at least one holiday.  I'm also a big fan of caramel (hence the Ghiradelli) and am a crazy gum-addict (I admit it).  Also, who doesn't love Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate?

Hello again, Christmas kitty.  Are you enjoying sitting right in my camera-space?  I know you are, you little delinquent :p

More gifts from the tiny sister ... When I took her shopping the other week, I mentioned that I wanted a pair of geometric earrings, and she did not disappoint :)  Also, she got me a cute pair of snowflake drop earrings, which is very characteristic of her - she always gets me quirky things that do not relate to any other piece of my wardrobe or any other accessory I own :p

There he goes again, wanting to be a part of the fun.  His name is Chase, so you can now greet him accordingly :p  ANYWAY, AS FAR AS THE GIFT - I received this same gift two years ago, I believe, but thanks to Mr. Mischief (pictured above), who likes to mark his territory, I wasn't able to use it much.  My mom decided to let me try for Round Two with this gift :p 

ELEPHANT SWEATER!!!  I saw this in G-stage just the other day while shopping for my friends - and on that note, it was pouring rain on that day.  Why the hell was it raining in Southern California, you ask?  For that, I have no answer.  All I know is that living here, where it's 80° with clear skies on Christmas day, has spoiled me terribly :P  ANYWAY, WHEN I SAW THIS SWEATER, I was overcome with desire.  I absolutely love elephants.  Sure enough, Santa came through for me :)

AND THAT IS A WRAP, LADIES ... I'll probably be posting another Christmas haul at a later date, as I still have various parties to attend (where more gifts will be exchanged) with family and friends :)  So stay tuned for that as well as a Deva Review in honor of my one-year anniversary of receiving a Deva cut, a Naked 3 Feature, and possibly a Favorite Products of 2013 to wrap up this year :)  Also, as usual, be looking forward to my regular outfits and updates.  Thanks so much for reading ... 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:11

Love you all

<3

The Tiniest BLACK FRIDAY HAUL

Greetings, beauties!  With the Thanksgiving festivities coming to a close, I decided that I would post my purchases from BLACK FRIDAY, although I must say that it was possibly the most pathetic shopping trip ever.  I'm not bitter about it, though - who doesn't love to save money, right?  Anyway, I got a total of four things (like I said, pathetic).  Be prepared as you scroll down, though, one of them is a bit different - a rarity, of sorts, on this blog.  I hope you all enjoy...

White Knit Sweater with Chest Detail ::: H&M ::: Original Price: $29.99 ::: Black Friday Price: $14.95

So, the weird thing is that this sweater is the only article of real clothing that I bought (I know, it's crazy), which leads me to believe that either I'm getting more picky or that the stores need to step it up and get on my level.  Anyways, I'm very glad to have bought this, because it's one of those "perfect" articles of clothing that one happens to find.  It's slightly over-sized (very flattering, not frumpy), so I was able to get a size small with a great amount of comfort.  Also, it's actually warm - functionality and style usually don't come hand-in-hand these days, but this sweater does the job.  I'm very happy with this purchase - and the PRICE :)

Mid-Calf Women's Socks ::: Active Ride Shop ::: Original Price: $6.99 each ::: Black Friday Price: 5 for $25

I absolutely love Active, although it's one of those stores that limits what I buy due to the prices (Obey, Billabong, etc? Come on, now).  SOCKS, however, are always within a jobless teenager's budget!  These are ridiculously comfortable - I have a few other pairs, usually I wear them with boots.  To be honest, I've never thought that there was such thing as a pair of quality socks until I started buying them at Active.  Seriously, get some.

 Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (Paperback) ::: Barnes & Noble Bookstore ::: $15.95

And here's that one off-beat item that I wanted to show you :)  Then again, reading exhibits intelligence, and intelligence is beautiful - so maybe it's not so offbeat on a style and beauty blog as some may think.  Anyway, I'm not sure if you all know, but I've always absolutely loved to read.  Unfortunately, because of school, I don't get the chance to read much for enjoyment anymore, but I've decided that this holiday season will be for relaxing - it will be a time for curling up with a cup of tea and a book.  I've had my eye on Never Let Me Go for quite a while now, as the phrase itself holds a deep, personal meaning for me.  Therefore, THIS will be the book for the holidays.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll even write a review...Or MAYBE I'll make this a lifestyle blog, as well ... Stay tuned ;)

And that's a wrap, lovelies!  Thank you so much for reading :)

Love you all

<3

Black Friday Pre-Game HAUL: Cathy Jean Booties

Hello ladies!  As you all know, the most wonderful day of the shopping-related year is coming, so the stores are gearing up for the big sales :)  Interestingly enough, though, Black Friday ended up falling pretty late this year, so a lot of stores are also extending their sales.  Cathy Jean has been having a GIANT sale for the last week and a half (50-70% off everything), so I felt like I just HAD TO capitalize on the amazing deals, without my life being threatened during the Black Friday trampling-spree.  Anyway, I only bought one pair of shoes - some heeled booties - but I took a bunch of pics so you can all see from EVERY angle :)  I hope you all enjoy...

Okay, so you've gotten an eyeful, now it's DESCRIPTION TIME :)  So, these boots were originally $79.99, but I got them for $40 (well, $43 because I live in California and we have sales tax) because they were a whoppin' 50% off!!!  I love sales :D  Anyways, they have a tiny heel (I think it's an inch-and-a-half) so they are totally wearable for school, but they still look classy.  Personally, I think they're a bit more grown-up than the crazy-popular combat boots, so if you're trying to adult-ify your style, then definitely go for these!  They come in this color (like a distressed taupe - totally beautiful), as well as pure black and a distressed steel-grey.  If you have a Cathy Jean near you and plan on purchasing these, please know that they run VERY large.  I'm usually a size 7 (small feet, I know), but I ended up getting a size 6.5 in these and I still have more-than-enough toe-room, but I wanted to buy them that way since I know I'm going to be wearing thicker socks with these when we get deeper into the winter time.  As far as styling goes, these boots are very versatile - you could wear them with leggings and jeans for the colder months, and skirts and dresses for the warmer ones!  I tend to stay away from shorts and boots, no matter the style, because it brings an image of a hooker from space to my mind :P Anyway, that's everything, I hope you all loved these (because I definitely do)!

Make sure you check back toward the end of the week for a Black Friday Haul and possibly a Friday File (I'll try to get them both up, but 'tis the season not only for turkey-bloated tummies, but also for college application deadlines, so I'll have to see what I can do).  Thank you all so much for reading!  Comment at the end of this post, why don't you?  Oh, and check out my Pinterest - it's so visually appealing right now, I can't even deal.

Love you all

<3

Review: L'Oreal Mascara

Hey gals!  I decided I would post a review today, comparing two of my L'Oreal Mascaras: Voluminous Carbon Black (my all-time favorite) and one I recently purchased (check out my last last haul), which is the Voluminous Power Volume: 24H.  I must say, the Power Volume has quickly surpassed my other mascaras (I have A LOT) and gotten to second place, and you're about to see why...

This picture shows my right eye, which has two coats of mascara on it: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black as the first, and L'Oreal Voluminous Power Volume 24H as the second :)  I know I'm not fooling anyone, but just for conformation, I AM NOT wearing fake lashes of any kind (tchh ... it's a Monday).

OKAY, so I apologize for the blotchy skin and strange coloring and what not, but I'M A TEENAGER, WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME ... Anyway I think this picture is pretty accurate in showing you the difference between my two eyes.  On the left (as in, the left side of this picture, not my left eye) is one coat of Voluminous Carbon Black, which is a STAPLE in my life, topped with a coat of the Power Volume: 24H mascara.  On the right is simply two coats of my Carbon Black, which I've been wearing for almost a year!  I don't think I'll ever go back, though - the Voluminous Power Volume adds more dimension, and since it's "blackest black" (as opposed to "carbon black"), it's much more noticeable.  Also, it enhances the volume created by the Carbon Black base without making it look clumpy or gross or overdone.  I LOVE THIS COMBINATION, and I encourage everyone to buy both of these!

Maybe I only notice it because it's MY EYE, but in the very first picture (which is the two mixed together) it seems like I have longer eyelashes than in this picture (two coats of Carbon Black).  Also, the lashes are more defined - instead of having 1,000 tiny lashes, I have 800 BIG lashes, ya know?  I don't know, maybe I'm crazy...the point is, I love my new mascara routine :)

Alright, y'all that's everything I have to say about these mascaras, so I guess I'm done...I'm totally in the country mood (watching Luke Bryan perform at the AMA's last night was just MMMMM), hence the "y'all."  I hope every single one of you plans to have a Luke Bryan song-marathon RIGHT NOW, because that's definitely what I've been doing all day ...  

Thanks so much for reading! Hope you visit again soon :)

Love you all

<3

ULTA, Target, and Bath & Body Works HAUL

Why, hello, lovelies!  It's HAUL-time again :) I've been meaning to post the Bath & Body Works fragrances (and body butter) that I bought for about two weeks, but I haven't gotten around to it until now.  The Ulta and Target products, however, are very NEW, so I'm not as bad at updating as you may think!  Anyways, this is everything, I hope you enjoy!

ULTA

 DevaCurl ::: Ultra Defining Gel ::: $18.95

DevaCurl ::: No-Poo (Travel-Size) ::: $7.95

Alright, so first things first: I have curly hair.  For so many years, I had no idea what to do with it, until last year.  I got a Deva Cut from a trained curly-hair specialist last December, and I've never looked back.  For all of you curly girls out there, I can tell you there is NO OTHER WAY than Deva.  The cut has allowed me to grow my hair five inches longer than it's EVER been, and, on top of that, its healthy and shiny and beautiful.  I've been meaning to do both a video and a super-long blog-post about this for the last 8 months or so, but the Deva system has become such a regular part of my life that I forget.  ANYWAYS, that's all I'll say about it for now...stay tuned for what is to come about Deva.

 NYX ::: Pore Filler ::: $12.99

If you all remember, I tried the Proactiv acne system nearly a year ago, and I found that it's NOT for everyone.  It made my face red, blotchy, itchy, and sensitive, and when I stopped using it, I broke out like CRAZY - I suddenly had a lot more acne than I did before Proactiv.  Anyway, long-story-short, I've developed a lot of acne scars on my face (little dents and discolored marks, mostly on my cheeks) as a result of using Proactiv, and I've had to use some pretty gnarly make-up tricks to cover them up.  I just bought this yesterday, so I haven't used it, but I'm hoping it can fill my acne marks as well as it shows on the back of the box!

 Japonesque ::: Travel-Size Eye Smudger Tool ::: $14.00

Ahhh makeup tools ... how I love thee.  Okay, so I HAD a smudging tool, which I use mostly when I fill the gaps in my eyebrows (whether I use eye shadow or a brush pencil, I still use it), but recently it's simply disappeared - how annoying, I know.  Anyways, I had to buy another, because I've been dying without it, and so have my eyebrows.  When I buy brushes, I usually go for Real Techniques by Sam Chapman, but they don't have a smudging tool as far as I know, so I went for the travel-sized smudger by Japonesque, which is another brand that I absolutely LOVE.  My next project is to get me some Sigma ;)

TARGET

 Sonia Kasuk ::: Brush and Sponge Cleanser ::: $6.99

Okay, so nostalgic moment: the first makeup brush I ever bought (in my LIFE) was a short-bristled angle brush by Sonia Kashuk, so it seemed fitting to bring back the memories with her brush cleanser.  For a while, I've had the e.l.f. brush shampoo, but I wanted to see if there's something that feels more gentle (I always feel like I'm about to "spider" all of my brushes when I'm using the e.l.f.) when cleansing.  Maybe I'll do a review on this one.

 Trim Beauty Care ::: Professional Eyelash Curler ::: $3.00

I'm glad this curler was cheap, because I honestly only bought it for the refills - I have my own eyelash curler, but it didn't come with refills, and it's now discontinued (worst luck ever, right?).  So, I decided to just buy a new one (it comes with FIVE extra plastic things - I'm officially in heaven).

 L'Oreal Paris ::: True Match "Super-Blendable" Liquid Concealer ::: $8.00

There's not much to say about this one - it's a regular buy for me because it's SO amazing, even better than some of the more expensive products I've bought in the past.  The shades are awesome because they come in a range of TONES - warm (yellow undertone) and neutral (pink undertone), so you can get a perfect skin-match every time.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

BATH & BODY WORKS

 Body Mist ::: Coconut Lime Breeze ::: $14.00

This is a new buy for me - I got it, originally, just to put in my team locker (I'd rather smell like citrus than sweat after practice, you know?), but the smell is so amazing and fresh that I've decided to just keep it at home.  I know that fragrances and perfumes are very particular for each person, so not everyone will like this smell, but I LOVE IT - it's clean and island-y and not too strong.

 Body Mist ::: Twilight Woods ::: $14.00

Twilight Woods is the best body mist to ever be on the market, in my opinion - it's sweet and sexy and woodsy and warm and cuddly... it's a perfect mix of feminine and masculine smells.  Simply amazing - I've worn it nearly every day since eighth grade.  Enough said.

Body Butter ::: Sensual Amber ::: $15.00

I believe that "Sensual Amber" is a new scent - in the store, it was in that special area on the wall.  Anyway, it smells amazing.  It has the warm and sweet elements of "Twilight Woods," but is a completely different smell at the same time.  It's very subtle, too, which I like.  Definitely re-buying this when I finish the tub (I hope it's in the store to stay, and not just seasonal).

ALRIGHT, Y'ALL - that's everything, for now.  Hopefully, you've been inspired by my purchases :)  I'll be posting reviews for a few of these, as well as some of the products in my last haul.  Black Friday is also coming up, soon, so stay on the look-out for THAT lovely haul, as well as my Friday File styling tips (I did promise you guys one, didn't I?) and much, much more!  Thank you all so much for reading (I know it was kinda long), I hope you visit again!

Love you all

<3

Super Random HAUL

Hey lovelies! So, I've been shopping around at different stores for very different things, but I decided to bundle it all up into one haul to make it easy.  Clothing, jewelry, beauty products - you'll see it all in here.  Anyways, that's all I have to say for now - hope you enjoy!

 Chunky Gray Cardi ::: Forever 21 ::: $29.80 ::: Size Small

 I know, I live in Southern California, but that doesn't mean I don't need sweaters for the fall and winter!  This was an AMAZING find - I was originally going to buy one for $50 from Cotton On (they just came out with a new line of knits - check them out!), but while I was browsing around, I found this beauty!  The body of the sweater is a bit longer (maybe five or six inches past my pelvic region?), but the arms are a great length, so it doesn't look sloppy or hobo-ish in any way!  Awesome price, too!!!  Love it.

 Cubic Zirconia Studs (2 different sizes) ::: Claire's

Gold Plated Hoops ::: Claire's

Alrighty, so I've bought these studs before (maybe I showed them in a haul? I don't know), but they were stolen over the summer while I was at the pool!  I think somebody thought they were real diamonds :P  At any rate, they're amazing - so classy and versatile.  If you can't afford real diamond earrings, these are a perfect substitute, and a jewelry STAPLE.  Moving on ... I got a pair of gold-plated hoops!  As my regular readers know, I wear tiny silver hoops (about the same size as these) in my second piercing, which have a little wrap-around rope detail on them.  I absolutely love them - I almost never take them out.  So, I decided it was time to have a gold pair, just to complete the cycle.

CVS / PHARMACY HAUL:

 Essie ::: "Stylenomics" Nail Lacquer ::: $8.50

I couldn't resist buying this one - my favorite polish brand is Essie.  The colors are so perfectly pigmented, the packaging is beautiful ... just EVERYTHING about Essie, I love.  Anyway, I've had my eye on this color for a while, but I was always hesitant because I thought it looked too black (if you don't know, "Stylenomics" is a very dark green).  But, I decided, since it was winter, that it was time to take the plunge.  I haven't tried it yet, but I will definitely post a manicure when I do!

Skintimate ::: "Strawberry Tangerine Tango" Moisturizing Shave Gel

Gillette ::: Venus "Embrace" 5-blade Disposable Razors

OKAY, now on to the beauty-related products.  I did a video on shaving tips and tricks a while ago (I'm pretty sure it was the last video I uploaded), so you can check that out on my YouTube channel, if you so desire.  Anyway, these are my shaving products - I ALWAYS HAVE THESE, they are my favorite for the razor-method.  I used to use Veet and Nair, but, honestly, the smell is unbearable, and it takes too long - and I'm lazy.  This shave gel is so awesome - it makes your legs silky smooth, and (I think) prevents you from cutting yourself!  Also, these razors are the best on the market, in my opinion.

 L'Oreal ::: Voluminous "Power Volume 24-Hour" Waterproof Mascara

This was a first-time buy for me!  I always always always go for L'Oreal's Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara - it's my all-time favorite, and I have a tube of it not only in my bathroom, but in every bag I own.  I decided, though, that as a blogger, I had to branch out in order to provide you all with valuable information.  Therefore, I decided to go for this mascara.  I'll post a review when I've opened it!

Maybelline New York ::: "Great Lash" Clear Mascara

This is my favorite, dears.  I've been using this to brush my eyebrows since I was a freshman in high school (I'm a senior now!), and it has never failed me.  Amazing price, amazing product.

Alright, loves!  That's everything, for now, I'll be posting a Friday File Outfit this week and a Bath & Body Works Haul very soon, so stay tuned!  Sorry I haven't been blogging - I've been working my butt off trying to finish my college application essays.  They're still not all done, but I'm in a better place now than I was a week ago.  I hope you all have a fantastic day!

Love you all

<3