Pretty Shiny Sparkly

Triple Makeup Bag Giveaway

Kristina — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:01:23 +0000

I purchased three makeup bags for three followers, because I wanted to say thank you so much for your support! It is not lost on me that clearly this blog wouldn’t have been possible without you. NOTE: Please watch the video to know exactly how to enter–because you want to make it count, dontcha? Enter once per day, per bag. Open worldwide! I will close the giveaway June 3, 2013 at midnight CDT time! YouTube Click here to get to the YouTube comments page! Twitter Use the buttons below to a) follow, and b) easily tweet with #pssgivesback Follow @PrttyShnySprkly.....

One Year

Kristina — Sun, 12 May 2013 05:00:36 +0000

It’s been a year since we exchanged vows, and I absolutely cannot believe that our first year of marriage has come and gone. I know it sounds so cliché, but it literally has flown by! So many wonderful things have happened since then: an unforgettable honeymoon in Paris & Provence, buying our first home, settling into said home, starting my first year of residency as Dr. Braly (it’s “braw-lee”), being witness to some amazing weddings of family & loved onces (I’m looking at you, Tracy! And Frank!), and of course meeting wonderful, amazing people like you, from my blog. Of course,.....

Birthday Blog Lovin’

Kristina — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:01:25 +0000

Well yes, folks – today’s ma’ birthday. I’m one year closer to the big 3-0. Time flies! It seems like just yesterday I was in my mother’s womb…filming a vlog and thinking, “This will make a great blog post!” But in all seriousness, today might actually prove to be a miserable one: I’m starting a very tough rotation at work, I’m on day shift for 12 hours while my husband is on night shift, which means we won’t even see each other until tomorrow night! :( So no b-day celebrations or kisses or dinner. But you know what would truly make.....

Sunday Best

Kristina — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:30:43 +0000

We all have heard about The Statement Necklace–but isn’t it time we made a statement with the actual clothes on our backs? Since when do accessories get to have all the fun? I especially love incorporating more than one trend in a piece that is still utterly wearable, that makes a statement, but doesn’t scream it. That can be so hard to balance with spring trends, sometimes, especially with all the color. That’s why I love this dress by London Times so much – it incorporates my favorite colors to colorblock (orange and hot pink), and makes it totally wearable by incorporating it.....

April Beauty Favorites

Kristina — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:29 +0000

I really stuck by some staples this past month, but I did discover a handful of new favorites to love – so I wanted to share them with you guys! Enjoy! (Links and names of each product listed after the jump – so click on!) Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash (American readers, I recommend this U.K. eBay seller as this is not available in the States) LaRoche Posay Effaclar Duo Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (AMAZING and worth every penny – need I say more?) L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream in Fair Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation Covergirl Eyeshadow.....

Spring Makeup Trends

Kristina — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:29 +0000

Few things excite me more than the beauty industry’s marked favoritism when it comes to the season of spring. An explosion of colors – this year the tendency is toward two fresh but very different palettes: pale pink, and vivid coral. I love pale pink on the lips with a clean, neatly defined eye. For nights out I love a flush of dewy color on the cheek with a bright pop of coral lipstick and a very neutral, barely-made-up eye. I think you’ll find that the latest beauty trend is a very minimalistic eye – great news for those without.....

Kitty, Kitty

Kristina — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:39:31 +0000

This sweater was an impulse buy but oh, how I love it. I love the muted grey color, the cat face who looks like she’s about to roll her eyes (a habit I cannot seem to shake despite my best efforts). Slouchy boyfriend jeans are hard to pull off for any short gal, so I’m starting out tentatively with a petite version also from ASOS. It’s hard to make any boyfriend jeans work if you’re not a supermodel, but honestly I really don’t care. These are jeans for being comfortable. These are errand-running jeans–but so much more thought-out than sweatpants. Because.....

The 5 Best Concealers

Kristina — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:16 +0000

From one acne-prone gal to another: I have tried them all. Watching the video above, I show you just the CURRENT concealers I have in my collection (which of course doesn’t include all the old ones I’ve since thrown away). But I’ve narrowed them down, with difficulty, to my absolute top 5 favorite concealers at the moment. Now, by no means am I saying this will always be my favorites, as the technology is getting better and better and formulations are becoming higher coverage with less “weight” so…this is, as they say, “subject to change”. But I’ll be sure to.....

J’ai pas vingt ans

Kristina — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:10:33 +0000

Hi. How is everyone today? The other day, I wore a dress. It had a high-low hemline. Also, I did not wake up this morning and suddenly know how to speak French. I just named this post after one of my very favorite songs by one of my very favorite artists. (Crazy enough, our driver in Paris on our honeymoon, babysat her as a kid! He was floored that I knew of her and liked her so much, since she’s not well known here in the U.S.)

21 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

Kristina — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:01:04 +0000

I filmed this video about 3 weeks ago, which I wanted as an intro for my new YouTube channel design (YouTube is updating channels now, and you can select a video to run for people who are not yet subscribers). So I thought, hey, why not film one of those ubiquitous “## Things You Didn’t Know About Me” videos that are so prevalent on the internet? (And by prevalent, I mean, this search has over 2.6 million results.) But then I kind of forgot all about it because, well…other posts got in the way. My memory was jogged when Emily.....

Blue Steel

Kristina — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:10:11 +0000

Any given weekend, when I’m running errands and try not to look sloppy, I will throw on a long shirt, my trusty Pixie pants, maybe a bracelet or two, and these workhorse flats. They’re not the most fashionable (I mean…they’re Aerosoles) but they’re so comfortable for flats, with a lot of cushion, which makes walking around large stores or malls pain-free. If I’m not carrying my beloved Chanel purse around, I’m carrying my work bag. A “What’s In My Work Bag?” video was one of my most highly requested videos, and I’m happy to say that I filmed it for.....

What’s In My Work Bag

Kristina — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:01:48 +0000

One of my most highly requested videos – for whatever reason! After this video, the next thing you requested was to take a peek at what I bring with me to work. Now, for reference, in case you’re unfamiliar or you’re just plain new here (hi!), I’m a resident physician full-time. That means I’ve got to be pretty conservative, and plan for the unexpected. Buy the bag here. Would love it if you’d subscribe to my videos on YouTube: it’s free and it just means I’ll show up on your youtube news feed when you sign in! I’m so excited that.....

Just Bought That

Kristina — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:00:47 +0000

Starlite mated with Mr. Snuffleupagus? Just bought that. This delightful yellow-fringe-winged number? Just bought that. This amazeballs sheer lace cover-up “slash” mosquito net? Just bought that. Just bought that…for Kim Kardashian. (And maybe also for Kate Middleton, if she behaves.) Photos via theberry.com If you haven’t already noticed by the end of this post…. APRIL FOOLS! Click below for some of my past April Fools day pranks: A New Direction For PSS (2012) Style Icon: Kristen Stewart (2011) What are some of YOUR favorite red-carpet fashion mistakes? Tweet them with the hashtag #justboughtthat and let’s all join in the grimacing!

Basic Everyday Makeup Tutorial

Kristina — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:33:56 +0000

Do not let the fabulous rainbow colors fool you: this is a pretty simple, everyday makeup look. Now, I’m no makeup artist, and yes I fudge up sometimes in the video (and trust me, I’m aware). But I do put on makeup everyday, and have been doing so for the last 15 years or so. I’ve created this video in a more sophisticated editing program that I’m trying out. Do you like the way this video runs? I would love your feedback on my videos, so I can continue to bring you content that you guys want. Click for more.....

Bloggers Do B&W Stripes Better

Kristina — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:12 +0000

This is Bloggers Do It Better. Unfamiliar? Catch up here! Are you ready for a dizzying conglomeration of black and white stripes? Fashion world, prepare yourselves, because this is how bloggers do black and white stripes better! Nobody was more amazed than I when the Spring/Summer ’13 collections churned out endless amounts of the monochromatic pattern formerly reserved for inmates. I have always had a fondness for stripes, often pulling on a Breton-striped shirt and jeans and calling it a day. But this season was different. We saw bold, thick, statement-making swashes of black and white. There’s nothing delicate about.....

The Meeting

Kristina — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:24 +0000

French Connection is doing a remarkable thing these days: turning their customers into film directors. Click above or here to watch the film I created. It was actually pretty fun! French Connection is inviting you to edit their advertising campaign into your own short film clip, complete with soundtrack and special effects. Using their special film maker, you can create and personalize your own film clip using the imagery provided and then share it with the world. It’s quick, easy and could even become part of French Connection’s official advertising campaign. Crazy!! These days I’m really into editing, and beyond editing.....

Confessions of a Fashion Blogger

Kristina — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:01:22 +0000

I will admit, the black and white bold stripes trend is a tough one for the vertically-challenged such as myself. And nothing is harder than wearing bold horizontal stripes. But…go big or go home, right? I dusted off this beautiful Rachel Zoe dress that they gifted to me about a year ago, and decided to “fun it up” with some knee-high boots, tights (it was a chilly day) and cinch it with a fluorescent pink studded belt. I already had all of my stuff ready to go for Monday in my work bag, so I just grabbed it, and off we.....

First Impressions: Maestro

Kristina — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:00:51 +0000

In this video I give my first impression (i.e. quickie) review on my new (spoiler–favorite!) foundation: Giorgio Armani’s Maestro fusion makeup. This revolutionary foundation comes with a glass dropper to dispense the product, which is highly unusual. But the reason is this foundation is so fluid, it goes on like nothing you’ve ever tried before. And the result is like a layer of skin-perfecting pigment blended into your skin. A satiny finish, this product does NOT look like you are wearing foundation. It makes you look like you have perfect skin. It’s absolutely amazing. Here it is on my skin:.....

Bloggers Do It Better: Black & White Stripes

Kristina — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:00:31 +0000

Long-awaited. The return of Bloggers Do It Better. Learn how to participate. Link up your outfit on March 27th’s post here on Pretty Shiny Sparkly! For the Spring 2013 ready-to-wear collections, it seemed like all the designers decided to get together and make black and white a Spring Thing. Is it just me, or does it seem like black and white just isn’t very…springy? I may stand alone, but the fact of the matter is, big bold and beautiful black & white stripes are IN for spring. I’m not talking about teeny little Breton stripes, people. I’m talking bolded, underlined, italicized stripes......

Chanel Classic Flap Review

Kristina — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 06:30:37 +0000

I am absolutely obsessed with my dream bag–and I literally cannot believe it is finally in my hands. Since I was in college, I have lusted after the Chanel Classic Flap bag. I’ve always been a little 13-going-on-30 (also known as older than my age), preferring to wear pearls and lipstick when peers were wearing Soffes and scrunchies. There has never really been a question about size for my first (ahem) Classic Flap: Jumbo. You know how big my purses are. Five feet and change doesn’t deter this gal from big, honkin’ bags. I need to carry my iPad mini,.....

Spring in My Step

Kristina — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:00:36 +0000

Clockwise from top left: Fresh Rose Face Mask, Steven Fearless Cap Toe Pumps, Tufted spots pouf ottoman, Alice + Olivia striped top, Topshop Crochet Panel maxi, Schutz Arieli Lace Up Boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC in lavender Spring is calling down here in the South, and while I know in some parts of the world you are still experiencing chilly weather, allow these daydreams of summertime fashion and beauty to lift you out of your cold, gray day. Nothing says spring to me more than the smell of fresh roses, which is why this face mask is an absolute must–especially.....

Haul: Ulta, Kevyn Aucoin & More

Kristina — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:31:54 +0000

I filmed this haul video earlier this past weekend…sorry for having two haul vids so close in timing to one another, but in my defense, that last one was as far back as January! I know I’m a shopper but it’s not THAT bad, I swear… Since I made these purchases, I’ve really been loving the sculpting powder and the Tarte blush. Both gorgeous, natural, and I could see myself wearing every day. I’ve also since purchased an ah-MAZING foundation by Giorgio Armani called Maestro–totally revolutionary, and I’ll be explaining my thoughts on the foundation in a separate video. Shop.....

Castle on a Cloud

Kristina — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:45:41 +0000

I feel like giving myself a litlle pat on the back. Outfit post, yay! It feels like forever since and I have been able to go out and shoot my outfit of the day. And it feels like forever since I’ve thrown on this blouse that I designed under my Glitterati by Pretty Shiny Sparkly label. I always find it best when wearing something billowy up top, to pair it with something form-fitting on the bottom, so I threw on my black toothpick jeans and my now trusty little urban outfitters boots. I grabbed my glorious new Chanel and we.....

Drugstore Haul

Kristina — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:55:29 +0000

Just brilliant, Kristina. Film a massive drugstore haul video at the end of January and then forget to upload it. This was a real forehead-smacking moment for me today. Now, don’t go crazy, but the next post is a haul video too, only it’s one I filmed TODAY. So I promise that one is new, and to prove it to you, you’ll see my new haircut in it. But this one has to go up first because, well, I’m anal like that. Ew, I can’t believe I just wrote “anal” on Pretty Shiny Sparkly. Keepin’ it real, folks.

Happy Dance

Kristina — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:09:02 +0000

I did not believe I would have the privilege of being able to write something like this, but, mind-boggling as it is…here I am. Pretty Shiny Sparkly has been nominated a 2nd year in a row for best fashion or beauty blog! I’m so touched you guys, seriously. And while I know there’s probably no hope of winning against giants like Emily (who won last year), I’m so humbled and sincerely grateful that some of you even considered me to be in the likes of these people. Truly honored. I may or may not have jumped out of bed and done.....

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Kristina — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:01:38 +0000

It isn’t often that I devote an entire post to a single product, but when you’re inspired, well…that’s just what this product does for me. Allow me to have a fangirl moment here for a sec–I was able to get my hands on this mascara a full week before it was allowed to be sold in Sephora stores nationwide, because of my awesome sales associate. When she told me that Dior was coming out with an amazing mascara that would obviate the need for eyelash curlers, I slammed my hand on the table and said “SOLD!” without even a glimpse.....

The Skimmer Jean

Kristina — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 02:03:48 +0000

If you like the new skimmer jean from Gap, you’ll like the discount even more. From 2/21 to 2/27, try the new skimmer and get $20 off regular price styles. For a limited time only so act fast!* Also, you can comment here, tweet this post, create an original Instagram, or visit my Facebook page for a chance to win a $50 Amex gift card, just because I love you (and Gap loves you, too). (Make sure to tag me @PrttyShnySprkly on Twitter, @Pretty Shiny Sparkly on Facebook, @prettyshinysparkly on Instagram, so that I can see your post and count.....

February 2013 Faves

Kristina — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:00:27 +0000

HB and I are on a much needed vacation–we’re off to New Orleans for some R&R and sightseeing, and then off to my best friend’s wedding in Bastrop, Texas next weekend! I hope you all have a great week! I managed to film my February favorites video before we left. What are YOUR favorite products or things from this month? Let me know in the comments below.

The Dotted Line

Kristina — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 06:01:27 +0000

Gap Skimmer jeans in polka dot (c/o) | Prabal Gurung for Target sweater | H&M blazer Massi necklace & earrings (c/o) | DIY Sam Edelman boots | Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag It’s good to get fall into the Gap again. When I was younger, I adored Gap. And then somewhere along the line, we grew apart. I’m happy to be reunited, and so excited to see all the colorful, pastel-ly, confectionery colored jeans they are bringing out this spring. And I love this new skimmer jean – for pear-shaped women like me, it’s nice to have a little room in a skinny jean without broadcasting to the world.....

Meet The Winner

Kristina — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:00:27 +0000

I was so excited when I emailed the winner of the RM bag giveaway for her address and found out she also lived in Houston! There was a bit of confusion because someone else had a really similar name and thought she won, but after verification I found the true winner (Ly). We connected on Facebook to verify her details and confirm her identity, and that was when I discovered she also lived in my city. Something I have always wanted to do was to take every opportunity to meet you guys in person. It’s part of why I love.....

Treat Yourself

Kristina — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:33:35 +0000

Massi corragio necklace, Diptyque Rose Duet candle, Finn heart & arrow earrings, t+j designs Crystal iPhone case, Massi corragio earrings, Heart umbrella, Eberjey India bralette This Valentine’s Day, it really shouldn’t matter if you’re with someone or not. I’ve spent many a V-day wallowing in singledom watching Bridget Jones Diary and shoving Twix bars into my pie hole. (I highly recommend this box set, from experience.) Others I’ve spent painting the town red with my girls. Now that I’m married, I plan to spend it the way my husband and I always have since we’ve been together: dinner at one of the most quaint, unassuming,.....

Sephora Haul & Giveaway Winner

Kristina — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:23:37 +0000

Sorry it has been a while guys, I’m working in an ICU this month and I’m at work from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM and even later some nights. I have a haul video for you that I filmed before the start of this rotation, thankfully! (Click the image above or click here to watch.) And I’m announcing the winner of the Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag giveaway! Drumroll please… Congratulations Ly! Please email me your information so I can send you this gorgeous bag! Thanks to everyone who entered, 2,468 is a lot of entries! Wow! I’ll definitely have to.....

New Maybelline Lippies

Kristina — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:12:10 +0000

Somebody needs to stop me. I buy way too much beauty!! But I’m slightly addicted to lip butters, and these new contenders from Maybelline (as an answer to Revlon’s Lip Butters) are no less than we would expect from the queen of all drugstore lipstick brands. Yes, the don’t last quite as long as Revlon’s, but what I’m super impressed with is the color range. Not that there’s tons–yet–but that the ones they chose are so downright fantastic! I bought my favorites and swatched them for you guys, below. I also purchased two of the new Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids, in.....

My Fragrance Collection Pt 2

Kristina — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:09:29 +0000

Click here to see Part 1! Clearly I’m addicted to fragrance…the last perfume in the video is the one I’m currently wearing, and love it so much! Product links after the jump! What perfume are you wearing right now? Let us know in the comments below! Products Mentioned

Dot Dot Dot

Kristina — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 06:03:06 +0000

I am obsessed with my latest find: polka dots and peplum? Could there be anything in this universe more appealing to this magpie? Methinks not. Because I’m wearing my Hudson and 7 For All Mankind jeans embarrassingly thin, I decided to invest in a new pair; these are by Joe’s Jeans, a brand I had yet to try, and I’m pleasantly surprised! I will be getting them hemmed, though because even though these are a “petite boot cut” they are anything but petite in length. Length aside, they are a great pair of jeans and best of all they aren’t low.....

My Fragrance Collection Pt 1

Kristina — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:33:10 +0000

I don’t know why I love perfume so much. It is only on the rarest of occasions that I manage to go through an entire bottle. But the ones that are my absolute favorites – I can. Not only does a fragrance–more than clothes, in my opinion–literally transform you into someone else…but it also has the power to transport you as well. Product links & more backstory after the jump! There’s one fragrance in my collection I did not showcase in this video, and that’s Marc Jacobs’ Lola. I keep the bottle, though its nearly full, but I never wear.....

Peekaboo

Kristina — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:03:19 +0000

Sometimes it can be a bit hard to find that perfect crewneck-and-statement-collar combination, but this sweater really never fails me. It’s probably a decade old, but it has seen me through time and time again (thanks, Gap, I really should shop there more often these days!). This past weekend was one of those blissful weekends where you do everything and nothing. Finally stored the Christmas decorations in the attic (they’ve been lounging in the hallway for an embarrassingly long time). Saturday and Sunday we spent together, doing couple-y things like grocery shopping and cooking enormous meals (using our new grill,.....

What’s In My Bag + Giveaway

Kristina — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:00:28 +0000

It’s time for an updated what’s-in-my-bag video (I explain what this means in the video, if you are unfamiliar, but in a nutshell: it’s a popular type of video on YouTube, all nosy and such). Again, I want to thank you all for your sweet support and for being a part of this blog. It’s been so great meeting so many of you over the past few years. I hope to meet many more of you in the coming ones! As a thank you, I’d like to give one of you wonderful people a Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag. It’s in.....

Favorite Products of 2012

Kristina — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 06:00:29 +0000

It’s about that time of year, folks. No, I’m not talking about the time where we all make fun of my facial expression above (we’ll save that for later). I’m talking about that time when we pack up our Christmas ornaments, throw out the Christmas tree, and sit down with a hot mug of hot cocoa, log on to YouTube…and watch 2012 Favorites videos. No? You don’t do the same thing, and look forward to it all year like I do? Well, maybe I’m obsessed. And maybe you don’t care, but if you do, you can watch mine. I also.....

Relaxed

Kristina — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:25:43 +0000

Hope you all had a relaxing weekend — I know I did. Sometimes it’s just a slouchy-shirt-and-jeans kinda day, no? Thanks for reading!

Our Wedding

Kristina — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:00:32 +0000

Our wedding day was absolutely magical. It was the best day of my life–I had never spent an entire day surrounded by people I love, celebrating my husband’s and my love for each other. Absolutely magical. I am so thankful to our parents, our friends, and our families for making such an amazing day possible (and for an extremely romantic honeymoon in Paris). Our wedding was featured today on Style Me Pretty so click over to check it out as well as find out more about our wedding theme, and see more photos from the reception! I will continue to.....

Top Highlighters

Kristina — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:00:40 +0000

We’re approaching that time of year when we (we meaning beauty and style bloggers) start to gather up all of their favorite products of the year in anticipation of the ever-popular Yearly Favorites (for example, come Dec 31, YouTube will be rife with 2012 Favorites videos–they’re awesome!). I’m working on my list and will get set to film it soon, but in the meantime I wanted to share with you some of my favorite highlighters. I’m a highlighter nut. It all started with my purchase of a then little-known company called Benefit’s highlighter called High Beam. At the time, Benefit.....

Merry Christmas

Kristina — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:15:11 +0000

What an amazing year it has been! I’m so happy to have you guys in my life, I wouldn’t write this blog without you. Please cherish the day, no matter how you spend it or celebrate the holidays, be close to the ones you love. I’d love an encouraging tweet or a merry christmas on facebook, as I’ll be in the hospital on call today on Christmas Eve and tomorrow on Christmas Day! Merry Christmas!

White Chocolate Cinnamon Pretzels

Kristina — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 06:01:57 +0000

The easiest thing in the world to make, I whipped these together in less than an hour and divvied them up to go along with some Christmas presents for all the girls in my family. They transform an ordinary pretzel into amazing crave-it-can’t-eat-just-one deliciousness. And you don’t even have to turn on the oven. I can’t take credit for this fabulous recipe, that all belongs to Your Cup of Cake. I honestly have no idea how I stumbled upon this recipe but I’m so glad I did. I pinned it months ago to remember to make them for Christmas. Yum!.....

Panasonic Lumix G5 Pt. 2

Kristina — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 06:00:25 +0000

Earlier this month I introduced you to my new little friend: the Panasonic Lumix G5. I told you about its mirrorless system, which enables it to be a DSLR without all the bulk that a DSLR requires. Interchangeable lenses, stunning image quality and depth, and all of those user-friendly features normally only found in a pocket cam (like scene recognition)–but in a DSLM (that’s Digital Single Lens Mirrorless). I also hinted about one of the coolest features it has, which are its creative filters. Move over, Instagram. The Panasonic Lumix G5 lets you shoot still photos AND video using any.....

Splurge or Steal: Gel Eyeliner

Kristina — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:02:03 +0000

Back with another edition of SPLURGE or STEAL: this time it’s the battle of the gel eyeliners. Gel eyeliner rapidly gained popularity in the mainstream thanks to its impressive results in the cat-eye department, and its set-it-and-forget-it staying power. I’ve long used Bobbi Brown’s Long Wear gel eyeliner but these two drugstore renditions have me swooning. And I’ll never go back to the high-end stuff.

The Worst BB Creams

Kristina — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 06:01:52 +0000

About six months ago I chronicled my experience with BB Creams, both Asian and non-Asian, and today I’m here to give you a little update on what I’ve found. I’ve tested more BB Creams, and continued testing the same ones more thoroughly. Click below to find out where I buy my asian BB creams. Overall, as I stated in the video, the asian BB creams are my favorite (P.S., I get mine from this site). But they are not for everyone, and I remain frustrated that my favorites thusly exclude a great portion of you because of the lack of.....

Haul: Forever 21, AE & More

Kristina — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 06:01:31 +0000

I really love doing videos for you guys, and with my husband and I’s schedules, we are often like passing ships in the night, so outfit posts are harder to shoot these days. And this darned daylight savings time certainly isn’t helping! I hope you guys like videos, because I’m really enjoying making them. I’ve recently become an official YouTube Partner, yay! Please subscribe to my channel. Products Mentioned American Eagle faux-leather sleeved military jacket American Eagle navy & lace sweater Forever 21 camel oversized sweater Forever 21 peter pan collar blouse Forever 21 black and white pearl sweater Ferrero.....

Panasonic Lumix G5

Kristina — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:03:16 +0000

Panasonic sent me their new mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (let’s shorten that to MILC), which is the hybrid system between pocket cams and Digital SLR’s. We can’t call them SLRs, because they don’t have a mirror to…well…single-lens-reflect. Or something. Anyhoo: I was most excited about getting this camera in my hands once they told me some of the specs, because of what it can do for video. Autofocus (during filming). Soft focus blurred backgrounds. Incredibly sharp HD. Holy moly. Watch the video below to see how it performs in video quality, and stay tuned for an upcoming post in which.....

Holiday Heart

Kristina — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 06:10:51 +0000

Did you gorge yourself as much as I did this past Thanksgiving? I’ll admit, I was a bit of a downer–my dog went missing the day before and sadly is still missing. We are on Winnie Watch, and even sent out a Pet Amber Alert for her (didn’t know they had those!). Fingers crossed and hearts open that she comes back to us safe and sound. Missing dog aside, I do have a lot to be thankful for this year, and one of those things is you guys. Without you, I wouldn’t be writing this blog. I’d probably be jotting.....