Best (and Worst) Beauty Buys

I've been writing about beauty products all morning for another site (I'll post the link when it goes live) and so I might as well review some products while I'm at it, right? I am such a beauty junky, it's really bad. So at least reap the benefits from my utter lack of self control so you know what (and what not) to buy. As always, click the pic to follow through if you want to be exactly like me and who doesn't I mean honestly.

Let's do it.

Avalon Organics CoQ10 Repair Cleansing Milk ($11.99)

I swapped my usual facial wash out for this stuff when my skin started getting dry over the summer. I also felt like after turning 30, it was time to up my game a little skin-wise. And I freaking love this stuff. It makes my skin uber-smooth and when I don't use it for a couple of days, I can totally tell in the texture. It also smells like oranges and takes of my makeup, so it's earned a permanent spot near my sink. And my heart.

But mostly my sink. My heart is full of dog videos and the last episode of Outlander. Tell me I'm not the only one.

Cailyn Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss Stick ($19)

At first, this color seemed waaaaaaaaay too dark. But after putting it on, I was pleasantly surprised. The color is very sheer, and ended up being a cross between rose and berry. Wanna see it on me? OK.


















See? Not overwhelming, but just enough color for fall. It's been my go-to for the last week.

Maybelline Define-a-Brow Pencil ($7.99)

Usually I'm all about brow powder for when I want to clean up my Groucho Marx face. But when I'm in a hurry, I don't have time to do the whole routine. I use this pencil instead when I'm rushing now. Yes, brow pencils can be too severe, so I always draw once, and smooth it over with my finger twice. It'll reduce the harsh lines and look more natural that way. This has been an "OMG, I totally forgot I was supposed to be at the school today" lifesaver.

Vintage Glam Texturizing Powder (I got it for $8 at Sally)

Hellllllo nurse! This stuff is such a well-kept secret in hair land. You know when people magically have flawless, volumized hair and you're like "WTH I honestly can't even stand her right now"? It's this powder. It puts a little grip and substance in thin hair so you can do an updo or just sprinkle a little at your roots for lift. Seriously. I love it. I know BigSexyHair also has one called Powder Play that I liked as well, but this one had a prettier package so it won and I'm shallow.

e.l.f. Pout Perfector ($2.99)

Yeah this wasn't one of the most exciting things I've ever gotten from e.l.f. (Seriously, the HD Lifting Concealer comes with me everywhere). It's just a glittery lip gloss that looks OK over lipstick or whatever. Ehhhh. Not great. I do have to buy more concealer though, so if you have a fave e.l.f. product, I would super love to hear about it because I am incapable of just ordering one thing.

Tints and Sass (stupid name) Lip and Cheek Stain ($23)

For $23, this stuff should literally transform me into Charlize Theron. But alas, while it was passable on the lip side, the cheeks were like, negative 12 on the blendability factor and I ended up looking a demented Raggedy Ann.

Reviva Glycolic Acid Toner ($6.59)

I have used Glycolix pads  for about a year and I love them, but they required militant-like sun protection, which is annoying during the summer. So I swapped 'em out for this toner, which I use with the cleansing milk above. So soft. Want to touch the hiney.

Except I obviously use this on my face. Makes it super smooth and has even help reduce my aggressive forehead wrinkle, which I never shut up about.

L'Oreal Glossy Balm ($7.99)

I bought this at Walgreens while having immigration photos done because I felt awkward about *just* buying pictures. And it's OK. I love the texture. It's really more on the lip gloss side of things, despite clearly looking like a crayon. But the color kind of intensified as I wore it, which resulted in like, a saturated bubble gum. I wouldn't be adverse to trying a new color, because I really did like the way it feels. But me and Babydoll here are consciously uncoupling.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara Mini ($10)

If you're really into long lashes, this stuff definitely does the job. I'm more of a fat lash gal myself, but I've been reaching for this and popping it into my overnight bag a lot lately, because this gives a lot of drama and impact without having to add a lot of eyeliner, eyeshadow, etc, etc. Worth the $10 for the mini? Totally. I'll probably buy more when it runs out.




Alright, I've divulged my secret shame and purchases. Your turn. Anything you've loved or hated lately? Wanna steer me in a direction to funnel my online shopping addiction? Feel free, totally.

What I Wore: Cleaned Up

My weekend ended up being bananas. Purchasing appliances has somehow turned into a minor kitchen reno (let's add pendant lights! and a new hood! and new decor!), so my house has been a total construction zone. Luckily, everything is now in its place and we're just waiting for the range hood to show up and get installed and we should be done with it.

It's been eight years since we built our home (seriously, we were baby fetuses when we built and had no idea what we were getting ourselves into) and we've always talked about doing it again, but in a dishwasher-ignited rage, I reminded my husband that we are never, EVER building again. Ugh, I'll put up with anything if it means I don't have to go searching for a screwdriver again. Our house is very quirky (thanks, logs) and nothing is standard, so we spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to make things work. Yesterday, all the guys in my husbands family had to come over and lift our new fridge over our bar because the honkin' huge load-bearing log by the kitchen meant we couldn't just roll it in. I thought I was going to have a heart attack.

After a weekend spent covered in dust and impatience, it's nice to see myself all cleaned up, even if it's just a super simple outfit. I have, however, been rocking my specs all weekend as well. Sometimes, contacts (or in my case, a contact) just isn't in the cards.

Shirt: Calvin Klein - (They don't have this print anymore, but this is the fit. (Similar) (love this)

Skirt: Calvin Klein ugh I need to stop shopping CK this is getting ridiculous. (Here) (OMG they have it in pleated) (Cheap!)

Shoes: MIA (here) (similar) (in red? I die) These shoes have been so versatile it's not even funny.

Watch: (here)

Now it's time to dig my poor house out of this haze of dust and broken glass shards. So it's back to messy clothes and an artfully arranged bun. At least until tomorrow anyway. Ah, the life of chronic DIYer's wife. 

Freaky Friday

You guys, I'm excited about grownup things today. Not *that* grownup. Get your mind out of the gutter. But finally, after a forever-long wait, my appliances are being installed. And after my new gas range was popped into place last night, I realized that I now need to go buy grownup cooking utensils. Sadly, the $50 pots and pans I got for my wedding shower 11 years ago won't cut it anymore (plus they're all dented and missing the lids somehow and I just can't shame my pretty new range with that garbage).

So that's on my list today: Buying pots and a new microwave. And I'm actually excited about that, so I guess I'm officially 30 now.

I also have a fun night with my hospital volunteer friends planned: Once a year we get together and prep stuff for the holidays and order in food and work into the wee hours of the morning and are just generally ridiculous.

Ugh Friday, you never disappoint.

So THAT'S what I'm missing from my workouts: Disco!

(Also, is it me or does this model look like a less coked-out Lindsay Lohan? Oh, she would have been so pretty). 

 Rebecca was boot shopping and sent over these beauties, which look like a stoner poncho but for feet, so even your shoes look like your life is going nowhere. 

 Bethany sent over this super special billiards dress, which is not two words I would usually put together. But my favorite part is the search term in the screenshot: Bethany, you must explain yourself immediately. 

 I've been lazily keeping track of the Fashion Week(s) hubbub and I feel like every blogger ever is shoving lace-up heels in my face. I'm sorry, but I've never seen someone wearing these shoes and thought "Wow, she sure doesn't look like a hooker." I haaaaate them. And this is coming from a diehard shoe lover. 

 Kim and Kanye: When your faces are emblazoned on what appears to be a child's macaroni-based Mother's Day present for her mom, you know you've finally made it. 

 Party in the front. But also party in the back? And party in the boobs. So basically wear this if you want to appear intellectual.

Also, this dress is called "Do Not Attempt," which I feel like is sending me really mixed messages. So wait, I shouldn't buy this dress? So we agree then. 

Dear Sperry:

I don't know what the crap this boot, boat shoe, leopard hybrid is, but it stops now. 

 Now at Chicos: Sassy clown pants for the over 60 set. 

Beth sent me these shoes, which are apparently trying to out-ugly Crocs and doing a stupendous job, really. 

Alright, I still have to get through a workout before I can throw my hands in the air like I just don't care and go shopping for kitchen supplies like a boss. Hope your Friday is equally as scintillating!

Stuff I Bought (Fall 2014 Edition)

Ah, back to blogging. I think I've finally caught up on all the craziness that was left in the wake of two weeks off. But I really do love sitting down and pecking away at my computer all morning.

I tend to head up to my hometown in fall for a few different reasons: Ontario really knows how to do the "fall" thing, whereas Utah will remain firmly ensconced in the devil's armpit for another month. But also, I like to do a crapload of fall shopping up there. And while (believe it or not) Utah does have some pretty good shopping, my parents live just outside of Toronto, which is kind of a shopping mecca.

I went three times.

I've been studiously building out my fall wardrobe with dark colors, thicker textures (read: leather everything) and boots, so I thought I'd share some of the latest stuff I've picked up.

First, this dress:

It's super on sale and while the sizes are limited, I was able to size down like, three sizes for this one (WHBM does the most ridiculous vanity sizing in the industry). I can't wait to pair it with my red and gold Guess heels around the holidays.

I also grabbed a bunch or shirts. I mainly focused on easy tops I could throw on with a pair of jeans or boots, but also wear with a skirt.

(here)

(here)

PS I bought that black shirt in gray too. Because you know, moderation and such. I also got this sweater to wear with skinny jeans and flats. Or my Fryes. Either way.

Now, some stuff that I bought in Canada I can't find online. Because it's Canadian. So I took some low-quality pictures and you can find similar stateside options below:

 You know I had to force some leopard in there. But this is exaggerated, so it's not as obvious. So I had to buy it. 

(Similar, similar)

I bought this shirt solely because it had a zipper front.  

(Similar, similar, similar)

This kensie bomber jacket looks super cool with skinny black pants and the sleeves pushed up. I die. (Similar, similar, similar)

 Love these with a cuffed dark skinny. I actually wore that with the red top up there for a dinner out with my cousins in Canada. Aaaaand it started pouring rain and I got these soaking wet. There's the advantage to not buying real suede, folks. They dried off totally fine.

(Similar, similar, similar)  

I also got these babies in the mail today, which I plan to wear with my leather pants and gray jeans so I can act like I'm the cool mom. I am sorely tempted to buy them in stone too. Arg. 

I filled in my shopping binge with a couple of pairs of pants, which aren't interesting at all. I feel like there was a clear trend in my shopping this fall: I'm into black and gray, with moto-style influences right now. Because really, who wants to wear hot pink in November? 

Other than Betsey Johnson.

I'm still on the hunt for some T-strap heels and I'd like a pair of moto pants, so if you have any ideas you could point me toward, I'd love you forever.

What are you looking for this fall? 

Extreme Vacationing 2014

I was so anxious to get home yesterday -- I'm a girl who loves routines and schedules -- that my husband and I decided it was a good thing. Hey, I like my regular life enough to crave it when I'm gone, so that's an awesome sign right?

After spending a week in Canada with my family, I flew my kids home in the wee hours of the morning, we packed up the boat and we left to Lake Powell the very same day and it was insane. LP is four hours away and it isn't exactly stress-free on the first day: I had to launch the boat solo, which isn't exactly my forte in life. Luckily, being tired didn't hit until like, two days into the trip that the tiredness set in, after which I spent hours sleeping and reading while floating around. Seriously, I read three books in the space of four days. 

I also did a ton of wakeboarding, which is totally my favorite, despite the fact that I injured myself repeatedly. What is wrong with me? I'm like "Wow, that felt like dying. Let's go one more time." 

For now, I have a long catch-up list and a couple of conference calls scheduled, so I'll work on that before I start posting again tomorrow. Let's just say I've done a lot of shopping lately and that needs to be addressed in a post. 

You can check out my travels (and my new fave shirt) on Instagram. 

Basically, I'm deliriously happy to be home and in my own bed after two weeks away. I'm also happy to be done with the guilt that came from taking my kids out of school and feeling their teachers' disapproval as well. When I told my daughter that one of her classmates was also on vacation for a week, she said "Oh, so you're not the only bad mom?"

She's eight. 

And no, I am not. Take that, education! 

What I Wore: Critical Mass

So the next couple of weeks will be super spotty posting-wise. We're about to embark on a couple weeks of traveling and between prepping for that and wrangling two kids solo while making the regular trek up to Canada, posting about clothes is kind of low on the priority list. I'm kind of at critical mass trying to get everything ready in time.

I'm typing up this post while on a conference call, I kid you not.

So uh, here's something I wore. And honestly, I can't even remember what it was for. But I liked it! So really, three cheers to me for being the best style blogger ever. It was last week. I can't remember something that happened six days ago and for which my hair looked really nice.

Top: Calvin Klein (here) Ugh I can't find it in this color! I found it in store. Here it is in (plus)
Jeans: Also Calvin Klein I'm so sorry they were having a sale: (here)

Shoes: F21 (similar) (love the toe on these) These shoes are super uncomfortable, FYI.

Watch: Same old 

Funny story! I used my fantastic magical blue shampoo twice in a row and there were streaks that were exactly the color of this shirt. I pretended like I did it on purpose. Then I went and bought a good clarifying shampoo. Back to once a week with blue shampoo I go! 

Well, my conference call is over and my to do list is growing, so I'd better take off. Remind me again why I do this to myself? 

Freaky Friday

 Oh, we are on the cusp of a long weekend and the possibilities are endless. JK my weekend is already planned so the possibilities are actually contained in a short list of activities. We're hauling our boat up our cabin for a weekend of fishing (read: tanning and reading while Justin wrangles the kids' fishing poles) but we're also planning on hitting a massive craft fair and eating a lot. Also, it's Justin's birthday on Monday, so we have some fun plans for that too. Yes, his mother was in labor on Labor Day. I like to remind him of that relentlessly. I am very excited.

Right now, I need to do some running around and packing of the boat. But also some snarking because I'm me.

How do we feel about these silky jogging pants? I wanted to be OK with them, but I was out to dinner with some friends and saw a girl wearing them with sky-high heels and they were doing very unpleasant things to her but. See above. 

 When I was a kid my mom practically rented me out as a flower girl in various weddings. I was adorable. Anyway, one wedding was completely done in this exact teal green satin because it was 1991 and that was appropriate back then. It was just about as fashionable as this abomination. 

 All I can see is a pump eating a hiking boot. 

 I wish you could have seen me jump when I first looked at this shoe. Like, I flinched away from the computer. 

 "Like, I want to look like a farmer, but a farmer who has spent some time in the city and is not disillusioned by the smell of cows." 

These pants are $100. $100 to look like a demented member of a 70s family band. 

 Look, I am aware I have the maturity level of a 12-year-old boy but when I see this shirt all I can see is a part of the female anatomy. I'M SORRY but I can't change who I am. 

I'm in the middle of a book that has a lot of information on the Puritan movement in England and eventually the United States. Those people were nuts. And threw people in rivers to see if they were witches. And dressed like this. 

And with that, I'm off. Happy long weekend everyone! Hope you eat lots of BBQ and wear sunscreen because premature aging ain't no joke.