Rags & Greasepaint

Spring Fling...

2013-04-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

A peek at my Spring favorites...some are old (went stash shopping...again), some are new...but all of them ae perfect for the season!

Some Mid-Week Music...

2013-03-20T21:58:00.001-05:00

Amazing song, AMAZING voice. How have I just heard of her?

Favorite Five of the Month-February

2013-03-04T05:10:00.001-06:00

BEAUTY:

AmLactin 12% Lotion

This is the greatest for dry, patchy winter skin. It contains 12% Alphy Hydroxy acid, so it"s going to sloth off all that old, tired skin to reveal the fresh skin underneath. This product is a miracle for extremely dry knees, elbows, and feet.

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Polish in "Pacific Blue"

I have, all of a sudden, fallen in love with blue. All shades of blue, although cobalt is my absolute favorite. For February, I bounces back and forth between this lovely periwinklesque shade and another beautiful blue (also on this list). This is a great color for spring, but I thought it was so pretty, I had to pull it out a little early.

"Alien" Parfum by Thierry Mulger

I'll be the first to admit is a bit deep and musky in comparison to the scents I usually go for, but as soon as a smelled it, it was instant love. I only have a sample, for now, but this is going to be a stable scent for me. Described as "sensual and intriguing, yet as soft and rich", with notes of Solar Accord, Jasmine Sambac, Green Notes, Cashmeran, Vanilla, Transparent Amber, its quite unique and potent. A bonus? It last FOREVER.

NYX Lipstick in Pumpkin Pie

A perfect peachy nude...looks great with my skin tone, but I can see this being a very universally flattering color.

Nina nail color in "Cobalt"

Love this color! A beautiful blue that's exactly what the name states. I've worn this pretty much all throughout February, and plan to carry it into the Spring.

ENTERTAINMENT:

"Life is but a Dream" HBO special-Beyonce

I love Beyonce, and I loved this doc. She is the definition of a amazing performer, so it was pretty cool to see a nice mix of Ms. Knowles and Beyonce the diva (or Sasha Fierce, as she calls her alter ego...I lover her...but not enough to do that).
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MakeupAlley Website

I check out this site daily. The message boards and the product reviews can suck a good 2 hours out of you, if you let them. They have helped me make many a health and beauty purchase.

Rihanna "Pour It Up"

This is THEE party song for me right now. I'll admit, February was mainly spent in PJs, drinking tea, and being covered in Vicks VapoRub, but if I didn't have the plague all month, I would have totally gotten ready to go out to this song. There is always March.

"The Amercians" on FX

A married couple, who are undercover Soviet spies in US near end of Cold War in 1981. This show is amazing. It will suck you in.

"Cocktails with Patrick" on SiriusXM

Hilarious. I literally laugh out loud at this radio show. He is also from my home state of Michigan, and everyone from Michigan is wonderful:)

BEST DRESSED: Oscars 2013

2013-02-24T19:21:00.000-06:00

The Latest: Quest for the Best Skin

2013-02-20T00:22:00.002-06:00

I've added a brand new (well, about 3 months new) product to my arsenal of skincare products. I've been using Maxi-Peel, a highly chemical exfoliator.

From the Website:

“Maxi-Peel exfoliants have the most potent combination of Tretinoin and Hydroquinone that is known to be an effective way to treat and prevent mild, moderate, or even severe cases of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Each solution penetrates the pores to reduce breakouts, and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. They can also whiten dark spots, blemishes, and other discoloration such as freckles and age spots to achieve a younger looking skin. The exfoliant line comes in three different variants:1, 2, 3 for mild, moderate, and severe cases of acne, respectively.

Anti-Acne Depigmenting Agent It contains 0.025% Tretinoin and 2% Hydroquinone, two ingredients which, when combined, effectively removes dead skin cells, blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. It also whitens complexion. It is dermatologist-tested safe for use especially among women from 18-35 years old.”

So far, this has probably been the best product for fading any dark marks I have ever used. It's amazing in that regard. However...I literally can peel huge sheets of my face off ( I will spare you the pictures of that). This is definitely something that should only be used if you have the luxury of laying low for a few days, or you just don't really care about going out with huge portions of your face flaking off. Be sure to moisturize!

It is strong and it stinks. The smell is similar to alcohol, and can burn a bit. I have gone for two weeks of using it 3 times a week. Then I took a month off. I'm currently on my second cycle of 3 times a week. Right now...my face looks horribly red and dry...but I know that on the other side of that ( I can even see some results right now), I will have a noticeably more even skin tone. Since I began using this, I use less makeup, and even choose to go without it sometime. I have been able to go without concealer if i chose too. Despite the icky phase, I am super happy with the results.

Looks to LOVE..Part 3 (EVEN More Valentine's Day Inspiration

2013-02-08T16:53:00.000-06:00

Old Navy

www.oldnavy.com

I've included some average and plus size stuff...but Old Navy is the place to go for any expectant moms who what to look a little fancy this Valentine's Day.

Check out their kids clothing and menswear as well :)

Looks to LOVE..Part 2 (More Valentine's Day Inspiration)

2013-02-06T11:09:00.000-06:00

www.simplybe.com
Plus Size-Sizes 10-28

Looks to LOVE...some Valentine's Day Inspiration

2013-02-04T07:47:00.004-06:00

I've decided to browse some of my favorite websites and show you guys some of the awesome things you can pick up to look fantastic for Valentine's Day...

First up...Forever 21
www.forever21.com

I've included both average and plus sized items (and will try to do so for the rest of the collections as well). There are a lot of other cool looks on these sites for the girl that's into Valentine's Day but not the pink and red that go with it that i didn't include (I'm a sucker for classic Vday looks)...go on over, look around, and find some other cool stuff :)

Favorite Five of the Month-January

2013-02-03T15:50:00.001-06:00

Beauty:

Maybelline Color Tattoo, Color: Bad to the Bronze

All the colors are awesome and last forever, but I've rocked this one pretty much all month. I'll admit I've even slept in them (I know, bad Jamie!) and they still looked pretty good.

Loreal Telescopic Waterproof Eyeliner, Color: Black

I have had a hard time finding any liquid liner that stays put on my oily eyelids, and this is the best I've used so far.

Pantene Moisture Renewal Conditioner

If you have dry, damaged, color-treated, or chemically touched hair, this is a great conditioner. It comes in formulas for both thick and fine hair ( I use the one for Fine). I've repurchased it several times and always keep it handy

Bath and Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream, Scent: Carried Away

A sweet and fruity scent, with notes of raspberry, white jasmine, and vanilla. I love this in the lotion as well as the body spray. For day, I usually stick to the lotion only. It's one of those scents that you can wear to work and not offend, and also wear out for a drink and still smell amazing.

Zoya Nail Color, Shade: Cho

A golden-flecked nude. GREAT manicure polish for any ladies that love the nude look, or work in an environment where you have to keep it tame with your tips.

Entertainment:

Dare Me: A Novel by Megan Abbott

This book is pretty much the movie "Mean Girls" if Regina George was a little more of a nutcase. I'm glad this wasn't high school for me, but it's a lot of fun to read about!

The Following (FOX)

It's sometimes REALLY hard for me to get into and stay into prime time dramas, especially ones that are not on AMC or HBO. This show is absolutely amazing, and sucked me in from the very first scene of the very first episode. It's creepy, intense, and scary. I love it.

"Suit and Tie"- Justin Timberlake and Jay Z

I have been waiting for what feels like an eternity for some new Justin Timberlake. It's everything I wanted!

I've been on Pinterest for awhile, but never really got into it until I set up a board this month to pin wedding stuff for my friend (and live vicariously through her wedding planning). I'm officially hooked. I have pinned and repinned enough DIY projects, makeup looks, and recipes to take me through the next 5 years.

Stardom: The A List (Android addition)

This is a fun little game that lets you waste some time becoming a hot Hollywood actress. You can customize you look, the roles you take, etc. Pretty fun way to kill some time.

The "Mane" Ingredient...

2013-02-03T13:11:00.000-06:00

In my quest for longer, stronger hair, I've come across a product that has some great reviews on Amazon and a ton of natural hair boards...

Eqyss Mega-tek Rebuilder Hoof, Mane & Tail

It's actually an equine coat builder, but over the years, some ladies (and gentlemen) have experimented and found that it grows their hair longer, stronger, and thicker. It's packed with Keratin and Protein, which are both awesome for for dry and weak strands. According to the company, regular use will increase the strength of your hair by up to 30%. A great bonus? Applying a bit to the cuticles acts as a strengthener for your nails as well!

I've been wearing my hair natural lately (in its curly state, with a bit of jojoba and curl gel to tame it). I use this, diluted with a bit of black castor oil, sprayed onto the scalp as a leave-in conditioner. I use this method 3 times a week. I also use it as a deep conditioner (including on the ends) once a week. I usually mix it with a more moisturizing deep conditioner (my usual: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenisher) for my weekly masks. I've definitely noticed a TON of new growth in the month I've been using it. I've also seen my hair become softer, and thicker, especially at the temple area and hairline.

So far, I'm having a pretty good time with this stuff. My only complaint is the smell (the artificial coconut/tropical smell is not the best). It reminds me of my pup's shampoo, but it's not overpowering when used sparingly as a leave-in, or just rinsed out. I have also noticed that I need a little bit more moisture on my ends, and use a different conditioner for that purpose. Some people can OD on the protein, and I think in one of those people if i used it more often and didn't do a little extra for my ends. Overall, I will definitely keep this around...I'm pretty happy with the results so far!

Nailed It!... 2/3/2013

2013-02-03T12:19:00.002-06:00

Light Grey-Zoya "Dove"
Dark Bluish-Grey- Sally Hansen Salon Effects "Gray by Gray"
Glitter (applied over the Zoya Polish)-Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear "in the Spotlight"

Golden Globes: The Looks

2013-01-15T01:17:00.000-06:00

THE BEST :)

AND...THE REST :(

I Need This Now...

2013-01-15T00:49:00.002-06:00

my next must have polish....that's beyonce's hand, by the way, making it even more imperative that i get this color STAT!

Nails, Inc.-Baker St.

Finally...sexy IS back.

2013-01-14T04:09:00.000-06:00

It's about time.

Sweating it Out on a Shoestring Budget

2013-01-03T00:30:00.000-06:00

I got all of these goodies from Old Navy for under 50 bucks to help stick to my goals of feeling the burn a bit more in the New Year. Looking cute while working out might seem stupid and vain, but it really is half the battle for me. the other half is just overcoming my sheer laziness.

If you need some new workout gear...definitely check out their current activewear sale.

Nailed it...1/2/2013

2013-01-02T17:43:00.001-06:00

OPI "You Don't Know Jacques!"

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear "In the Spotlight"

A Loner's NYE

2012-12-31T09:39:00.002-06:00

If your planning on ringing in the New Year solo, with a SO, or with a very small group of close friends..here are a few non-party ideas to have fun and keep it low key. I'm all about low key this year...

Some Films:
200 Cigarettes
New Years Eve
Bridget Jone's Diary
When Harry Met Sally
Rent (notice how I had this for Xmas and NYE...anytime is a good time to watch this movie)
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown

Find a great NYE themed movie or ones with cool NYE scenes..or just keep it fun and lighthearted. All films should be watched before or after Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve. Corny, but a tradition...at least around here.

The Playlist:
Walking on a Dream-Empire of the Sun
LES-Childish Gambino
Diamonds-Rihanna
I Wanna Dance with Somebody-Whitney Houston
Lights-Ellie Goulding
Nightcall-Kravinsky
This Must be the Place-Talking Heads
Dance (A$$)- Big Sean/Nicki Minaj
Bright Lights, Bigger City-Cee-Lo
Til the World Ends-Britney Spears
All of the Lights-Kanye West
Constant Surprises-Little Dragon
Pursuit of happiness-Kid Cudi
Midnight City-M83
Dog Days are Over-Florence and the Machine
I Don't Care Right Now- Lupe Fiasco
Vanished-Crystal Castles
Mouthful of Diamonds-Phantogram
Money Trees-Kendrick Lamar
We Are Young-Fun.

Again...keep it fun and upbeat. A little music while your getting dressed, cooking, or just sitting around talking and having a drink is always nice. No sappy or sad songs...especially if its a party of one...you don't want to find the most depressing songs on your IPOD to ring int he New Year.

Any additions? What are your plans?

Django Unchained...My Thoughts...

2012-12-29T12:08:00.000-06:00

I'm in no way a movie reviewer, but I love film and music, so occasionally I'll post about what I thought about what I've seen/heard.

The Good:

The acting by all the major characters was awesome. Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz stole every scene they were in…and their scenes together: Amazing. Jamie Foxx was great as Django, as well.

This was a beautiful film to look at.

The storyline was great. I liked the progression of the main characters.

The scenes that were written to cause a chuckle were pretty funny, and the scenes of the inhumanities of slavery were almost unbearable to watch, which means they were done well. There is a slave fighting scene that I actually had to look away from. I was completely uncomfortable, and I’m sure that was the point.

Samuel L Jackson. He was a horrible, awful person. I hated his character. He was THAT good, lol.

The Bad:

This movie could have used some tighter editing. At 2 hours and 45 minutes, there was a point when I began to FEEL how long it was, and felt my mind wandering a bit. In the movies defense, it’s pretty quickly pulled me back in.

Sometimes the movies move between almost slapsticky comedy and extreme brutality were a little jarring for me. I didn’t always find it seamless.

I’m on the fence about my feelings of a Rick Ross song in a movie regarding Slavery.

I think Kerry Washington’s character was a bit underwritten. She could have been played by anyone. There was nothing really in the character that let Kerry shine.

Overall, I really liked this movie. I was a bit nervous going in…would it be exploitative or campy? And I don’t think it was. I think it’s an extremely well-acted film, and while the language and visuals are often very unpleasant, so was slavery. I don’t believe any of in a distasteful way.

If you've seen the movie...what are your thoughts?

My Look...12/28/2012

2012-12-29T00:22:00.002-06:00

I have been sick for what feels like a month...actually 2 weeks...so my nose is quite red and dry (constant blowing is the culprit)...however I got bundled up and went to see Django Unchained this evening. Well worth heading out for.

Holiday Sights and Sounds...My Favorite Movies and Music

2012-12-22T08:35:00.001-06:00

If you are looking for an awesome movie with Christmas themes...here are some of the best, in my opinion...they are in no particular order...I watch them all equally year after year.

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
"Die Hard"
"A Christmas Story"
"Jingle all the Way"
"Home Alone"
"The Nightmare Before Christmas"
"The Bishop's Wife"
"Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"
"Bad Santa"
"Rent"
"Miracle on 34th St."
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
"Trading Places"
"Elf"
"The Muppet Christmas Carol"
"Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer"

If you are looking for a holiday playlist...here is the one I love to pop on every year...it always gets me in the spirit.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"- Christina Aquilera
"Blue Christmas"- Elvis Presley
"This Christmas"- Donny Hathaway
"Last Christmas"- WHAM!
"Jingle Bell Rock"- Hall & Oates
"All I Want for Christmas Is You"- Mariah Carey
"Merry Christmas, Baby"- Otis Redding
"The Christmas Song"- Christina Aquilera
"Wonderful Christmastime"- Paul McCartney
"Baby, It's Cold Outside"- Rosemary Clooney
"Santa Baby"- Eartha Kitt
"O Tannebaum"- Vince Guaraldi Trio
"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"- Jackson 5
"I'll be Home for Christmas"-Michael Buble
"Hark the Herald Angel's Sing"-Vince Guaraldi Trio
"Please Come Home for Christmas"- Jon Bon Jovi
"Winter Wonderland"- Funk Brothers
"Auld Lang Syne"- Mairi Campbell

Leave any of your favorites I may have missed in the comments:)

My Look...12/15/2012

2012-12-16T11:37:00.000-06:00

My Little Christmas Corner...

2012-12-12T19:55:00.000-06:00

After a pretty rough year, I was completely against getting involved in the holidays. Anyone that knows me knows that Fall is my absolute favorite season, and between September-January I'm in my glory! I love Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve...but this year, I just felt really blah about it all.
Thanks to some friends and family REEEEEAALLY pushing the issue and reminding me that this IS the most wonderful time of the year...I've broken down and set up a tiny little Christmas corner...I must be honest...it's brightened my spirits a bit...I may even crank up the holiday tunes :)

Apply it Right: Makeup brushes you MUST have

2012-12-12T19:38:00.000-06:00

Stippling Brush

These are absolutely amazing for applying foundations or BB creams. I prefer them to foundation brushes or your hands. They are dense enough to hold a good amount of product and the stiffness of the brush lets you buff the makeup onto the skin beautifully.

Concealer Brush

I can honestly say I personally prefer to apply my concealer with my fingertips a majority of the time. I feel the heat from my hands allows it to "melt" better into my skin. That being said, I still have a concealer brush in my "go-to" brush kit. I occasionally use it for the undereye area, and if I'm having a particularly good skin day, the brush allows me to allow a lot less product and in a more pinpointed way.

Fluffy Brush

Everyone that powders NEEDS this brush. I have oily areas on my face, and I cannot wear makeup without setting it with some Powder. I have a full sized fluffy for application, and a travel fluffy for touch ups of mattifying powder throughout the day.

Lip Brush

This, like the concealer brush, doesn't always get used, but I like to keep one in my stash. If I'm wearing a super dark shade, i like the precision that this brush gives me.

Eyeliner Brush

If you wear gel liner or use shadows as liner as much as I do, this is a necessity for you. It makes the task of creating various types of liner shapes (cat eye, thin line, thick line, etc) really easy. I'd invest in a good, full sized brush, as some of the smaller ones that may come with the gel liner aren't that great, and can be difficult to work with.

Slanted Blush Brush

These are my favorite type of brushes for blush. The angled bristles allow for more control in application, and a more natural finish. Its also the best for contouring and highlighting.

Eyeshadow Brushes

Now, there are a couple types of eyeshadow brushes that ever eyeshadow fan needs to have. A stiff bristled brush (have multiples!) that allows for precise application in the crease and at the browbone. A fluffy brush (Again, I like to have multiples) for blending shadows together.

Nailed It! 12/12/2012

2012-12-12T17:41:00.002-06:00

This blue is absolutely my favorite shade right now...and is less than 5 bucks at Sally's! Check out the NINA polishes there..,I've been very happy with the ones Ive tried.

My Holiday Wishlist...

2012-11-26T02:56:00.000-06:00