Late Night Parody

I've taken a little break from the blogosphere the past few days in order to get in some quality family time.  I have returned to the blog with a short video clip from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  It features Rashida Jones and my favorite, Carrie Underwood who parodies Miley Cyrus's AMA performance with the infamous... cat... and changes the lyrics from hit songs to have some holiday flair...

Here is Miley's performance:

25 Days of Christmas

Its that time of year again! My holiday traditions revolve around baking and watching ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas.  My personal favorite is the Christmas Classics Marathon, that usually airs the weekend before Christmas.  Here's the schedule:

What's On My Kindle

While I find tablets to be great because they are lightweight, I really love their use eReaders.  I have heard great things about all the products out there like Nooks, Kindles, iPads...  Personally, I use a Kindle Fire.

I love that it is light weight, has great graphics, and and is wifi enabled, meaning I can stream movies, TV shows, access the Amazon Book Store all from by Kindle Fire!

As my first semester at school is winding down, I am excited to dive into the literary world. Here's what I have saved up on my Kindle:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.  I've heard this novel is hard to get into but once you break through it is quite intense and shocking.  This has been on my Kindle for some time, so I need to read it.

Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV by Brian Stelter.  This read has been on my Kindle for some time now too.  I was interested in it because it discussed the harsh ousting Ann Curry from the TODAY Show received as she was forced out from the morning talk show.  I was always an Ann Curry fan and wanted to earn more about the event!

Honey on Your Mind by Maria Murane is a witty read about a young adult, Waverly, who is trying to find her own way in the real world.  Honey on Your Mind is the third installment of the series revolving around Waverly.  Start the series with Perfect on Paper: The (Mis)Adventures of Waverly Bryson  The books are light and quick reads, making them perfect for travel on flights or trains.

Last but not least, my month subscription to Cosmopolitan.

I'm not a big fan of Miley, but I do love getting Cosmo every month.  It's a great deal at only $1.99 per issue and it is automatically delivered to my device, making it accessible.  Again, its possible because of WiFi. 

Any books on your eReader?  What do you prefer, a Kindle, Nook, iPad or an old fashion paperback?

Tis the season to be reading.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Tonight is my last night on campus before Thanksgiving break, and I am looking forward to some R&R family time.  Not to mention some classic, delicious holiday meals.  But Thanksgiving is very late this year.  So late in fact, Americans are loosing out on 4-5 extra shopping days, which could have a big impact on the economy.  So hopefully the Black Friday deals will draw in lots of customers.

Last year, my mom and I stayed up late and stalked out Ulta Beauty to grab those doorbusters then we headed off to the mall.  This year, I think I am going to skip Ulta, because I wasn't too impressed with their Black Friday deals.

This year, I will most likely hit up Express, perhaps American Eagle, as their jeans fit great.

J.Crew/J.Crew Factory has yet to release any Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals.  Hopefully those will be up soon, I've had my eye on a few pieces.

Are you shopping Black Friday?  If you are check out BlackFriday.com for leaked flyers!

Happy Shopping, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Quick Laugh on a Friday...

With all the hype surrounding Urban Decay's launch of the Naked 3 Buzzfeed created a great parody centered around the product.  Check it out here.

Credit: Temptalia

Making the Plunge

I have decided to take the plunge into Bean Boots.  These boots are an L.L. Bean staple product.  The symbolize winter, outdoor activities and the beautiful New England landscape.

Personally, I have always been intimidated by the boots, thinking they weren't my style or would look fun on me.  But, for the greater good of my little feet, going to school in New York will require some heavy boots. So here I am, planning a trip to my nearest L.L. Bean store.

But I have to ask... 8" or 6"?!

8"

OR

6"

I mean she looks cute... Why can't I?!

CollegePrepster:

From The College Prepster

From The College Prepster

My Staple Eyeliners

Today I thought I would share with you my most reached for eye liners and a few of my favorites.  Although I do love the quality of high-end products, being a college student on a budget keeps me away from spending $20+ on an eye-liner that I can pick up at Ulta or Target for $6 or $7...
 First let's talk about gel/cream eye-liners.

These types of eye-liners can be very intimidating because you have to use a brush to apply them.  However, I find that these have better staying power and pigmentation.
My most used liner is the Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in brown.
Maybelline sells this product in Blackest Black, Brown, Charcoal, and Eggplant.

I love this shade because it is a dark brown that is neutral yet doesn't overwhelm my light complexion.  It enhances rather than make a bold statement.  For $9.99 check out Ulta, they always have a BOGO type deal with drugstore brands.

This next liner is the L'Oreal Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner 24 Hour in the shade Navy.  This too can be purchased at Ulta for $9.99.

I know it doesn't look too navy in the picture, however once applied there is a clear navy hue.  I was looking for a navy liner for quite some time, however everything I found was too blue.  This shade by L'Oreal is neutral enough that it adds a spark of blue but isn't in your face.

This eyeliner is Sephora's Waterproof Smokey Cream Liner in Bewitch Me, for $12.  

Bewitch Me is described as a metallic, deep violet.  My favorite part about this liner is the rich pigment it produces.  However, to get to the "deep violet" you have to go over the initial line you drew once it dries.  This shade is complementary to blue eyes, which is why I purchased it!  The Waterproof Smokey Cream Liner comes in 8 different shades ranging from neutrals to fun, brights!

Now, onto my pencil and liquid liners!

My favorite liner to create a defined, bold line (and a cat eye which I recently mastered!) is the L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black. The tip of the brush is narrow and flexible enough that I can achieve a line of any thickness.

The next brush on the list is probably my most favorite eye-liners of all times.  Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil can be purchased from Urban Decay or Sephora for $19 a pencil.  While they are very expsensive, they are so worth the price.  I first purchased a 24/7 pencil from Urban Decay in 7th grade, in the shade Gunmetal which is so old its not even sold anymore.  However, I do believe the replacement shade is called "Uzi".  Anyways, these are every beauty guru's favorite pencil because of the cream texture with brilliant pigment and staying power.  Everyone is sometimes afraid to branch to the gel liners, so I would recommend the 24/7 pencils as a substitute.  

These are so popular, Urban Decay is selling The Vault, 40 full-sized pencils for a low price of $300... 

Please sense my sarcasm.  This item was released about a month ago, and is already sold out.  Catch a review on Musings of a Muse.

My final pencil is your basic black liner.  Because I don't use it often, I didn't feel the need to splurge on one from UD.  Instead I went for the $1.99 NYC Kohl Eyebrow/Eyeliner Pencil that can be purchased from any drugstore.  I think its important to have a cheap, basic liner that will always be a staple.

Eyeliners and mascaras have always been my favorite make-up products.  What are yours?

Rumor Has It...

At the end of the calendar year, People Magazine names the "Sexiest Man Alive".  It is the perfect excuse to pick up that tabloid filled magazine to get your celebrity news on.  It is the ultimate man candy indulgence.  This year, People Magazine released an Instagram Video previewing who the lucky man would be this year.  According to the blogosphere, predictions claim it will be Maroon 5's lead vocalist and megastar from The Voice, Adam Levine.
How do you feel about Levine potentially being the next biggest sex symbol in America?
Here's a pic from Pop Culture and Fashion Magic's blog.

Past winners:

From People Magazine

From People Magazine

From People Magazine

Are you digging Adam Levine? Had someone else in mind?  I know I wouldn't be one to disagree with Luke Bryan on the cover of People Magazine:

From Urban Splatter

November Mornings

On my walk to class this morning I snapped this picture of the sun rising and beaming through the trees. I hope you enjoy!

Weekend Mani

Hey everyone, I hope you all had a create weekend.  I wanted to do a quick post to show you what I wore this weekend this weekend on my nails.
I picked a cult favorite by OPI named My Private Jet.  It is black/brown/bronze base with a subtle holo glitter.  On the nails, the color appears leans towards a charcoal base.  The holo isn't super in your face, but I like it for a retake of your basic black.

OPI Nail Lacquer can be purchased at almost any retailer, however colors are limited.  Check your nearest Ulta or try Amazon for My Private Jet, that is where I purchased mine from!

JFK50

I have always had a soft spot for the Kennedy family.  I've made countless trips to the JFK Presidential Library, watched documentaries, miniseries, and read books and magazines featuring this beautiful family.  Today, I felt it was appropriate to honor this immaculate man on the 50th Anniversary of his assassination.

Interested in the Kennedy Legacy?

Watch The Kennedys miniseries or JFK, a movie featuring the conspiracies around his assassination.

Or visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts.

Remember, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

Carrie on Broadway

Carrie Underwood is hitting the Broadway stage in December, as Maria von Trapp in the Sound of Music.

Being one of the biggest Carrie Underwood fans ever, I am completely excited to see her take on this new journey.  Here is newly release clip of her and co-star Audra MacDonald singing My Favorite Things, scroll down to the bottom to hear. 

Carrie just posted this cute pic of her hubby and dogs to Twitter.  Who wouldn't love these little guys?!

Time to Get a Little Naked...

This post is about one of my favorite make-up brands and my favorite line of products.  Urban Decay has been on my radar since I first purchased their Heavy Metal Glitter Liner from Sephora in middle school.
Recently, buzz has been flying around the internet about the arrival of the Naked3 palette.  It follows the Naked, the Naked 2, and most recently the Naked Basics Palette.  Personally, I own the Naked and the Naked 2, both of which are divine.  They provide warm and cool hues to create a perfect shimmery yet natural smokey look.  (Want great Naked palette tutorials? Check out MakeupByTiffanyD.  She even does a Naked and Naked 2 comparison video!) The Naked 3 contains shades of pink, bronze, and rose gold.  This will allow users to create a rosey feminine look.  Here is what Urban Decay teased us with:


These are pictures from the review/swatches by Temptalia:

I highly recommend Temptalia's workup on the Naked 3.  She swatches every shade and provides possible dupes for each color.  Even though $52 is a decent chunk to spend on yet another Naked palette, I know this will be on my vanity ASAP.  Will you buy into the Naked 3?

Unnoticed Beauties: Bellamy Young

Watch Scandal? Even if you don't watch the ABC drama, Bellamy Young and her Scandal cast mates are always in the press, especially due to their prominence on Twitter.  Scandal Thursdays include numerous trending topics from characters, to #TeamMellie to #TeamOlivia.
Both Kerry Washington, aka Olivia Pope, and Bellamy Young, aka First Lady of the United States Mellie Grant, prove to be dominant leading ladies.  Yet it is Young who is constantly left in the dust.  Where was her Emmy nod for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama?!  It is not easy to play a bitter and scornful and classy AND charming FLOTUS.  Yet Young does a phenomenal job, this was from Season Two, when Mellie decided to take matters into her own hands:


Let's look at Young's finest moments on the red carpet:

Here is Young at Elton John's Academy Awards Viewing Party.  I did some fishing around, and I believe her dress is a MacDuggal.  I am in love with her rich, luscious brown locks in a retro wavey-curley updo.  She radiates of bombshell, old school glam vibes.  Her make-up remains on point with a smoldering smokey eye in grey hues to bring out the blue in her eyes.  To balance this look out she kept the rest of her face makeup neutral with a peachy blush and lip color.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images North America

 FameFlynet Pictures

In a lovely hue of fuchsia, Young made an appearance at the Genesis Awards Benefit Gala in 2013. This dress is flattering her body shape, and skin tone.  The fuchsia lip color is complementary to the entire look, refraining from being to matchy-matchy.  Her messy side bun keeps the look playful yet sophisticated.  And who doesn't love a nude pump?!

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This look is one of my favorites.  I have always been drawn to dresses with a graphic, bold, symmetric print.  This cap sleeve, knee-length dress is a flattering shape.  Also, Young's blown out hair is a gorgeous change up from her typical bouncy and full FLOTUS curls, and provides some sleekness to match the style of her dress.

http://www.hawtcelebs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bellamy-young-at-disney-and-abc-tca-party-in-beverly-hills_2.jpg

Hope you enjoyed this installment of Unnoticed Beauties!