A Life Passing

I have had a lot going on in my life.  This past week alone, I have dealt with a lot.  I packed up the rest of my apartment and turned in the keys, had a flat tire in the middle of the night, had to replace three of my tires, and injured my foot.  All this in three days.  The worst part of the week happened on Tuesday morning, when my grandfather passed away.  He and I were not close, but that doesn't mean that I didn't care for him very much.  He was recently diagnosed with a rare and vicious type of cancer that crippled his body in a matter of weeks.  He had a brain tumor the size of a tangerine removed not even a month ago, and now he isn't here anymore.  He was first diagnosed in March, and was a functioning adult up until his brain surgery.  It was a terminal cancer, and all I can think is at least he didn't have to suffer.  He hadn't gone through radiation or chemo, and while the last moments of his life he was in great discomfort, it did not last very long.  With everything that had been going on at the time, visiting him during his last hours was difficult, but I did manage to see him one last time.  While I knew that this was the final goodbye, finding out six hours later that he had passed was still surreal.  He had been in hospice for a week, and the emergency room several days before that.  I am not close to my family, only seeing them once or twice a year.  I don't have the best relationship with my parents either, so this whole situation has been very difficult and confusing for me to process.  I pride myself on my strength, and it has helped me get through this week.  While it is difficult for me to stay focused at work right now, for the most part I am taking it as well as I expected.

RIP Robert Wegner

Hydrating Blonde Hair!! | Olive Oil Mask

So, my hair had been downright unmanageable the past few weeks, and I had to fix that!  So, I grabbed a pair of kitchen scissors (not the best idea) and cut off a good five inches of split ends and damage.  Now, my hair comes down right at my chest, and it's crazy how much of a difference it made!  It's no longer in the way, and more importantly, it's no longer a chore to take care of.  For extra measure, this morning I applied olive oil to my hair for hydration!  I ran the bottle under the hot water for a few minutes, and then applied a small amount gradually until I felt that I had enough in my hair.  After letting it work its magic for about 10 minutes, I washed it out and re-conditioned..just because I am addicted to conditioning my hair!  I let it air dry, and applied a small drop of John Freeda Frizz Ease serum and ran to work!

What DIY hair masks have you done to your hair?  I love that you can pamper yourself with products you can find in your pantry, saving a ton of money in the process!
-E.

Drugstore Haul | April 2014

So, in the midst of "New House Shopping", I dropped by the cosmetics isle and couldn't resist picking up a few products!  I've tested a few of them, but for those I have yet to unwrap, expect a review coming soon!!
Enjoy!
 -E.

EYES
1. E.L.F. Studio Eyebrow Kit

2. E.L.F. Studio Cream Eyeliner

I tried this product out after I purchased it, and I will not be purchasing this again.  I think I might have an allergy to one of the ingredients in this product, because It caused my right eye to itch and water uncontrollably until I washed the product off..also, this product did not stay put, and after only a few hours it began to migrate into the creases of my eyes.

LIPS
1. E.L.F. Lip Exfoliator

2. Rimmel- London Kate Moss #01

I have fair skin, mainly because I work in a basement and never get to see the light of day.  While a tan would be nice, this lipstick is bold enough to make a statement!

FACE
1. Milani- Bronzer XL-Fake Tan

2. E.L.F. Studio Stipple Brush

There's No Place Like Home | LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

I have been neglecting my blog the past few weeks for various reasons.  What with work, adopting a shelter dog, and packing up my apartment, I haven't found the time, or energy to focus on you guys, and I apologize for that.  It's even harder when I've got less than three days to go!!  But don't worry, I've been brainstorming, so I've got plenty of videos planned, as well as product reviews!
Hugs!
-E.

Drugstore Duds | Conditioner

I have been trying to find ways to save money these past few months.  What with prepping to move out, and adopting an adorable pup, my hair care allowance has become virtually non-existent.  So when I finally ran out of my 34oz Pureology Hydrate conditioner that I've been using for the past 6 months, I realized that I could no longer afford my luxury conditioner, and would have to find a drug store brand that kept my color treated hair manageable.

My first mistake was not going for a hydrating conditioner, or a conditioner designed specifically for blonde hair.  I had no idea how damaged my hair was until I quit using Pureology.  It only took two washes with TREsseme's conditioner from my hair to go from soft to straw!  Even when I was applying it to my hair, I couldn't feel any moisture penetrating my hair.  I hate that this was a dud for my blonde hair, and maybe the fact that I am blonde specifically is the reason it didn't work for my hair.  Either way, I am disappointed in the results of this conditioner, and I hope that I can find an inexpensive conditioner to use, if not, Pureology is worth the splurge!

If anybody has a great drugstore or inexpensive conditioner for platinum blondes or intense moisture, tell me about it in the comments section
-E.

I Adopted a Shelter Dog!!

Meet Willie (name pending actually) my five month old black lab mix puppy!  He is quite the handful, more than I expected, but he has quickly become a beloved family member!  

April Wishlist | Sephora

The biggest problem that comes with buying a house, is not being able to spend money.  AT ALL!  So, since I have been put on a retail hiatus, I thought I would blog about the products I would LOVE to buy, if I had the money for it! :)

     

Benefit Cosmetics they're Real! Mascara

 I LOVE this mascara!!  I was given a sample size for my birthday from Sephora several months ago, and I just used the last of it.  

Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up!

I have a sample size of this as well that I started using, and its already on my shopping list!  I am loving the dewy look it gives my skin, and plan on using it for contouring as well. 

Nars Bronzing Powder- Laguna

With warmer weather FINALLY upon us, I am running out of excuses for sporting pale skin!  

Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zings

I love my brows, they've got a great shape to them!  I've got to make sure I do a great job filling them in to ensure I do them justice.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte- 15 Extreme Coral

I am not  a lipstick kinda girl, but I have always wanted to be.  Also, the packaging is gorgeous.  

Well, those are the products I have been eyeballing the past few weeks.  As you can tell, these are all high-end products.  I will be making my wishlist of drugstore products soon, and if you've got any high-end cosmetics you think I should add to my wishlist, be sure to leave a comment below!

-E.