Small Makeup Geek Haul

I love Marlena from Makeup Geek, especially ever since I read this article about her and her success with the brand.  I love a great story of how a businesswoman rose to the top.  Marlena recently uploaded a video on her channel informing us that 100% of the proceeds from one of her foiled eyeshadows, the color "Caitlin Rose" would be donated by the company to Batten disease efforts in honor of a friend of her family.  I decided to support and pick up the eyeshadow, along with a few others from the foiled collection.



Makeup Geek's foiled eyeshadows provide a metallic finish.  The eyeshadows are made with a liberal amount of oil to keep the texture smooth.  This hopefully won't be a problem for those who don't have naturally dry lids.

Untamed ($9.99 1.8 Grams/0.064 oz) is a bright coppery orange with warm undertones.  The foil effect on this shadow is very prominent and gorgeous.

Flame Thrower ($9.99 1.8 Grams/0.064 oz) is a warm copper color, much like a clean penny.  The foil on this shadow is also gorgeous and the pigmentation is vibrant.

Pegasus ($9.99 1.8 Grams/0.064 oz) is a bright aqua color with a silvery foiled finish.  It is quite sheer and cool toned.

Caitlin Rose ($9.99 1.8 Grams/0.064 oz) is an amethyst purple color with a blue pearlescent sheen.  It is a bit sheer and would need a bright base underneath to get the foiled effect out of it.

Generally I'm really happy with the colors I got.  Untamed and Flame Thrower, both beautiful sunset-y colors, are definitely my favorites.  I love how golden and vibrant they are.  However, Caitlin Rose and Pegasus were not as vibrant, as you can see in the swatches.  

 I'm super excited to try these out.  The colors are gorgeous.  As you can tell I'm growing my Makeup Geek eyeshadow collection.  I think I need two more to finish filling this palette.  If you have any suggestions for the next two I should buy, let me know!

Simple Polka Dotted Skirt

This outfit post wasn't as easy as the last one to complete.  My husband and I need more practice with the camera, but we'll get there.  We headed around the Union Station area after Church to shoot these photos.  The weather was crisp and cool but the sun was doing something weird, which definitely tested my patience.  We tried, and hopefully next week will be better.

 Forever 21 tank, jean jacket, and bag | Old Navy Skirt | Shop Klassiq sandals 

Alex & Ani Bracelets | The Current Custom Necklace

This past weekend was pretty fun--I had a dance party by myself listening to the "La Bouche" Pandora station (points if you know who they are) after being inspired watching Night at the Roxbury (horrible movie, by the way).  I also saw the new Entourage movie, which was pretty awesome especially since I didn't care much for the show, and I tried out a new Korean BBQ spot.  It's back to work now, can't wait for the weekend already.

Friday Favorites

I've stopped doing favorites videos on my YouTube channel, so I decided maybe I would start bringing them over here!

Cute votive candle holders from Target for $1 each that I've sat in the windowsill for decor.

 I'm obsessed with my Day Designer.  I use it mainly for work, but slip in a few personal things here and there.  It keeps me super organized!

I've been on a no carb/no sugar diet for the past three weeks (just one week to go!) so I haven't been able to have my morning coffee.  I've replaced it with the Blueberry Slim Life Green tea from Yogi, which although doesn't have any added sugar, tastes nicely sweet.

This candle really makes me feel like I'm in a spa.  The smell is gorgeous and I love having it burning while I'm relaxing in the tub.

I've been patting Sweet Almond Oil into my skin after cleansing in the morning and it leaves my face looking glowy and youthful.

This weekend I don't really have a lot planned.  I've been staying up lately working on several new projects, so I may just get some beauty rest.  I also want to take a stab at this no-carb pizza with a cauliflower crust.  What are your weekend plans?

summer bucket list round two

I was looking through old blog posts and was reminded that I had a summer bucket list about two years ago.  I didn't get to do much on the list, so I figured it was only fitting that I try it again.  It's technically still spring but the weather insists that summer has come early.  Here is my summer bucket list, round two.

1. watch an outdoor movie
2. make a new friend
3. have a rooftop party
4. create and blog a fresh summer salad
5. make homemade macarons from scratch
6. visit the tidal basin in DC
7. go white water rafting in West Virginia
8. visit a farmer's market
9. eat Maryland crabs - Done!
10. go for an early (before 9am) morning run

What are your plans for the summer?

the first outfit post

I love fashion and putting looks together.  I'm a youtuber before I'm a blogger (although that could change at any moment), and I find it easier to just pose in front of the camera when I'm both the subject and the videographer.  But posing for fashion photos I have always found difficult.  My husband has tried time after time in the past to take pictures of me for blog posts, but I always pitched a fit because I hated how "fat" my arms were or how bad the shadows casted.  I'm lucky to have a husband that deals with my antics.  After many failed attempts, I came up with a game plan for how to properly shoot photos, and we were finally able to produce something decent.  This is our first real try, so be gentle!

Forever 21 tank and trench | Old Navy Jeans | Coach Heels | Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag 

Fossil Watch | Ell and Emm and JustFab Bracelets | Asos Necklace

As you can probably tell, it was so windy outside!  It made me want to give up, but I'm glad I didn't.  Hope you enjoyed this post and I hope there will be more outfits to come!

PS.  I did a What's in my Bag video some time ago showcasing this handbag in case you want to see more of it!  And there's also a video on the fossil watch I'm wearing!  And the bracelets!  Videos everywhere!  

PSS.  There's an instagram giveaway on my account right now to win a free MAC lipstick of your choice.  Go check it out!