Author Archives: Ashley DeLarge

The Very Inspiring Blogger Award!

Comments 3 Standard

VeryInspiringBloggerAward

I’ve heard and read many words when people try to describe my blog (or myself.) ‘Funny,’ ‘nerdy,’ ‘descriptive,’ and ‘detailed’ come to mind right away since they’re the most recently used adjectives that have been brought to my attention- but hearing/reading the word ‘inspiring’ and realizing it’s being applied to me and my writing is enough to render me temporarily speechless and definitely make me blush.

When the lovely Caitlin over at BUBBLEWRAPPEDBLOG  informed me that she’d nominated me for the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger Award,’ and saw the kind words she’d written on her blog detailing the nomination- I was so immensely flattered. as well as surprised. I adore Caitlin’s blog, which covers a wide array of subjects from beauty, to books, to movies, and so much more- and it is so beautifully written. I highly recommend giving her a read if you haven’t already done so!

Per Caitlin’s entry, here are the rules for the ‘Very Inspiring Blogger Award’:

1. Thank and link the amazing person who nominated you
2. List the rules and display the award
3. Share seven facts about yourself
4. Nominate fifteen other amazing blogs and comment on their posts to let them know they have been nominated
(Optional) Proudly display the award logo on your blog and follow the blogger who nominated you

Okay, let’s get the uninteresting facts about myself out of the way!

1. The very first comic book series I got into as a kid was ‘Bone’ by Jeff Smith. I was going camping with my dad near the end of Summer vacation before I went back to middle school, and knowing that I’d probably want something to read in my tent at night, he picked up a couple of the books when the illustrations caught his eye. I was hooked- completely swept up in the adventures of The Bone cousins, Thorn, and Thorn’s grandmother. From there, it didn’t take long for me to start collecting  ‘Archie’ comics, then ‘Betty & Veronica’- before I transitioned into the Marvel universe and so on. I still have, and always will have, a soft spot for ‘Bone’ though!

2. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans, if only for a few days- and now it looks like I may get that chance this Fall after a couple of my girlfriends recently invited me along for a weekend trip to The Big Easy. I’m especially keen on paying my respects (and making a wish) at the tomb for Marie Laveau, and finally setting foot on the famed Bourbon Street. I won’t be lifting my shirt for plastic beads, however- but I am determined to catch a jazz performance!

3. The first time I ever flew on a plane was when I was 16 and an extra-curricular group I belonged to in high school was heading down to Florida for a week to participate in a National competition. It was only a couple of months after 9/11, and I was absolutely terrified to the point where I sprained my friend’s hand during take-off because I squeezed their fingers so tight. Now, years and countless trips later- and I’m almost always asleep by the time the plane takes off.

4. I collect key chains from almost everywhere I go. Not all of them make it onto my key ring (right now I have San Diego, Miami, NYC- and Boston to represent home- on my actual ring,) but they’re still nice to have for when I feel like mixing it up a little and occasionally alternating them. The ones I don’t use are stored safely in a little box in my bedroom. I’m not sure when I started collecting key chains. I think it may have been right after high school when I first began venturing out into the world- but it just sort of stuck. They’re little keepsakes.

5. While some might consider Sunday to be a “day of rest,” it’s usually the day where I both catch up on errands and pamper myself to prepare for the work-week ahead. I sleep a little late, I go through and organize my e-mails, I fill my gas tank for my weekly commute to and from my office, I meet up with friends for lunch, and I treat myself with a manicure, sometimes a pedicure, and an iced mocha latte. It might sound boring, but it’s pretty relaxing and helps me avoid any snarls during the week in terms of scrambling to do something I could have easily taken care of on my day off. Sundays are typically the day some of my favorite shows are on, too (‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Mad Men,’ etc.) although most of them are on hiatus right now.

6. I love to roller skate! I’m not graceful by any means, and I’m prone to falling on my ass whenever I have to make a sharp turn- but it’s still so much fun- especially with the right people! The closest rinks (yes, they still exist) are a little ways away from me, but it’s almost always guaranteed to be a good time when you get a group together to go skate to 70’s and 80’s tunes for a couple of hours. I’ve never considered joining a roller derby team- mostly because I’d get annihilated- but I can see the appeal.

7. I could eat breakfast food at any hour of any day (or night.) I’m partial to Greek omelettes and corned beef hash, myself, but I won’t say no to egg whites and bacon at 2 in the afternoon or pancakes at 4 a.m. if I’m up and feeling super hungry. I’m one of those “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” kinds of people- but that means you can eat it at pretty much any time and it still counts- and anyone who can’t appreciate a good plate of scrambled eggs and sausage for dinner is not to be trusted.

And now, for my list of inspiring bloggers who I feel deserve this award. In no particular order: these writers inspire me with their words, their artistic visions, their creativity, their content, and their kindness. I enjoy reading their blogs- and I hope you will, too!

And there you have it. Again, so many thanks to Caitlin for the nomination. I’m so very grateful!

xox

GLOSSYBOX: May 2014 Review.

Comments 3 Standard

May2014GlossyBox1

May2014GlossyBox2

After April’s shipping debacle, it seems GlossyBox is back on track- going above and beyond with May’s box- a collaboration with BERGDORF GOODMAN. Not only did subscribers receive six high-end samples covering skin care, hair care, and makeup- but we also got an added bonus in the form of a $25 BERGDORF GOODMAN gift card that can be used on any merchandise in store or online. I’ve been perusing their website over the past few days, debating on what I should apply my gift card towards, and I’m leaning towards a nice, thin scarf for when I travel this Summer- since it can get a little chilly on airplanes!

But enough about my indecisive shopping- let’s get to the samples.

What I Received:

Alterna Professional Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Complete Correction

Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in ‘Lychee’

Lancer Skincare Eye Contour Lifting Cream

Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer

RéVive Skincare Intensité Volumizing Eye Serum

May2014GlossyBox3

Product # 1: Alterna Professional Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream for Hair 10-in-1 Complete Correction ($25)

I’m a big fan of Alterna’s Bamboo line, since the styling products have given me fantastic results in the past. I’ve heard great things about their CAVIAR collection, too- but I’d never tried it ’til now. This lightweight cream, which provides multiple benefits such as frizz-control, anti-breakage, and UV protection, combed through my damp hair easily without weighing it down- and didn’t feel stiff once it had dried. My curls looked shiny and felt silky smooth to the touch- and stayed that way all day. The best thing about this product is that it can be used by itself. It doesn’t necessarily have to be paired or followed-up with anything to make my hair look and feel great.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I LOVED this cream. Just a small amount per use gave me incredible results in minutes, and the protection and nurturing benefits were only a plus. When I stock up on my Bamboo products, this will also be a must-have in my order. I highly recommend it for all hair types.

May2014GlossyBox4

May2014GlossyBox5

Product # 2: Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in ‘Lychee’ ($34)

I am so ridiculously picky about lip glosses- especially ones that cost a pretty penny. If I’m spending more than a reasonable amount on a lip color- I expect mindblowing results. This $34 tube of bright pink pigment was described as being able to stay shiny for up to six hours while providing continuous hydration. If by “hydration,” they meant “stickiness,” then yes- that’s exactly what it did. My lips felt tacky for a couple of hours after I applied this gloss- and the color? It barely showed up. In order to get any of the pink to pop, I had to layer a ton of this stuff on. I wasn’t a fan, and this product is definitely not worth the price.

Would I Purchase?: No. This lip gloss was a total dud. Between the lack of color and the horrible sticky finish- I was disappointed in this one. From my own makeup collection, a good dupe of the color without all the fuss (but with SPF!) would be Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear in either the shade ‘Kissyfit’ or ‘Cabana Crush.’ The best part? Clinique’s is waaaay more affordable.

May2014GlossyBox6

Product # 3: Lancer Skincare Eye Contour Lifting Cream ($275)

I’ll give you a minute to get over the insane price tag on this one. Take your time. Believe me, when I found out- I needed a couple of minutes myself. Reluctantly breaking away from my $3 tub of Vaseline, I gave this light cream a try- gently patting it around my eye area before bed for a few nights. Admittedly, the cream felt a little weird when it started to sink in. It wasn’t painful or irritating by any means, but my eyes did water- if only slightly and very briefly. The mornings after each use, I have to say- the area around my eye looked smoother, and brighter. I was impressed.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Okay, okay, hear me out. I would absolutely purchase this if I won the lottery- or if I had an excess of cash, didn’t have to worry about things like bills or keeping a roof over my head or food in my kitchen- and felt like being frivolous. This really is a good product that delivers quick results and if $275 was within my reasonable and rational price range to spend on a .85 oz bottle, I would do it.

May2014GlossyBox7

Product # 4: Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme Cologne Absolue ($140)

When it comes to anything rose scented, I’m a little cautious. I love roses, and their fragrance is pleasant in moderation- but many times in perfumes or candles- it can easily cross the fine line between subtle and overwhelming. When I first sniffed the opened bottle of this perfume, it did seem a bit strong- but once it was on my skin, it smelled more like a beautiful blend of floral and musk. It was, in a word, intoxicating, and it stayed on me for hours and hours without fading- so multiple retouches weren’t necessary at all.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I don’t think I’d wear this perfume much during the day, since it seems a bit heavy for the office or when I’m out at brunch with friends, for example- but this would be a beautiful evening/night out perfume- and unlike a $275 eye cream, I wouldn’t feel guilty for splurging on this.

May2014GlossyBox8

Product # 5: Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer ($45)

I don’t ask much when it comes to primer. Hold my makeup in place and don’t clog my pores- and we’re good. This particular formula, infused with Vitamin E and chamomile, not only held my makeup in place all day without causing any blackheads or breakouts- but it kept my skin looking and feeling soft and supple, too. As the description of the product stated, this primer helped my foundation ‘glide’ over my skin- giving me even, flawless, and long-lasting coverage. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful primer love affair.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I’ve tried a lot of primers over the years, but this is definitely one of my favorites. I liked the consistency, the ease in which it applied to my skin without drying me out (or making me look shiny,) and the way it held my makeup for hours. The price is a little steep, but a little goes a long way- so if and when I do purchase this in the future, I know it’s not a product I would run out of quickly.

May2014GlossyBox9

Product # 6: RéVive Skincare Intensité Volumizing Eye Serum ($350)

I know you’re probably still reeling from the $275 price tag of the other eye cream I received in May’s GlossyBox, so I’m sorry to throw this $350 one at you so soon. The final sample I received, and unquestionably, the most expensive of the bunch- was built up to be the crème de la crème of eye serums- capable of considerably diminishing dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines in no time at all. I half expected unicorns, rainbows, and a wish-granting leprechaun to pop out of the bottle the moment I opened it.

I applied this as instructed for a couple of nights (and on one occasion, I accidentally got some IN my eye and there are no words to properly describe how badly it burned,) only to wake up and be completely underwhelmed with the results. While my eye area did look a little brighter- it wasn’t nearly as effective as the Lancer eye cream. $350 for this? I’ll pass.

Would I Purchase?: No. This serum was all hype and minimal results. I wasn’t impressed with it at all.

Overall, May’s GlossyBox was a fun, if not extravagant experience. While I did find a couple of products that I would definitely consider splurging on- the others were simply nice to try. As far as the two samples I didn’t enjoy, however- they were more than made up for with the $25 gift card. Very, very cool.

May 2014: In a Nutshell.

Comments 3 Standard

InANutshellMay20141

Boston Common - May 2014.

Boston Common – May 2014.

For all my excitement and incessant pining for Spring to get here, it came and went in a flash- and now Summer is at our door. I won’t complain, though. As long as the weather is warm, I’m happy- and Summertime means getting to do a lot of my favorite things: going to the beach and actually being able to swim in the ocean, going on picnics, wearing shorts (as silly as it sounds, I look forward to that!) and using some of my accrued (and much deserved!) vacation time for extended travel, or even to simply take a day off to go to an amusement park during the week.

May was lovely, with my days divided between work and spending as much time outside in the sun and around the (finally!) blossoming trees and flowers as possible. I had kicked off the month in NYC, eating cupcakes and laughing so hard it hurt at Chris Hardwick with my good friend Alison, and today I am wrapping up the month with an iced coffee and seeing the much-anticipated “Maleficent” movie with friends after a quick stop at my office. It’s the first of many Summer movies I’m looking forward to this year.

While June will be spent mostly working, of course, as well as finishing up my costumes for July’s San Diego Comic-Con (photos coming soon!), I am also planning another weekend trip to NYC for some Marvel-related geek-dom, and to Maine to visit a beach community I haven’t been to since my teens. I’m really excited and am looking forward to sharing what will surely be a LOT of photos.

Au revoir May- and Spring! Bring on Summer!

A Sample of Summer…

Leave a comment Standard

AbandonedHouseMay141

AbandonedHouseMay142

AbandonedHouseMay143

AbandonedHouseMay144

AbandonedHouseMay145

AbandonedHouseMay146

It’s been chilly and rainy outside for most of today, so to keep myself occupied (as well as warm and dry,) I’ve been going through some of my photos from this past Memorial Day weekend. The photos above were taken off of a sleepy, winding road in Rhode Island on Saturday. The house, which had caught my eye early last year when I drove by it after photographing another abandoned location- has been left to be claimed by the elements and the plants growing around and into it. The small barn/garage next to it, which had been standing the last time I’d seen it- has since buckled and somewhat caved in- presumably under the weight of all that snow we had this past Winter.

What I hadn’t noticed my last time in the area, however- was the old, abandoned bus-like vehicle tucked away in the woods across from the house- hidden behind some tall grass and trees. That was a pleasant surprise.

MemorialDay20141

MemorialDay20142

MemorialDay20143

MemorialDay20144

MemorialDay20145

MemorialDay20146

MemorialDay20147

On Memorial Day, I layered my most patriotic (and adorable) crop-top and headed up to Hampton Beach to kick off the 2014 Summer season with an afternoon by the sea. The actual boardwalk was a mob scene, with bumper to bumper traffic and pedestrians everywhere- so I headed North along the coast and found a nice little spot a few miles away where I could park my car, climb over the rocks, and have a peaceful and spectacular view of the water.

I know it feels like Spring only just got here not that long ago, but I’m already excited for Summer. I’m a total beach bunny at heart- and this past weekend was enough of a tease for me to want to go back and just dive right into the ocean instead of sitting on the rocks above it!

Loot Crate: May 2014.

Comment 1 Standard

May2014LootCrate1

May’s Loot Crate, after a minor delay, arrived yesterday afternoon, where it was feverishly opened before I even glanced at the rest of my mail. This month’s box, themed “Adventure,” a collaboration with various creative curators and gamers- might be one of my favorite crates to date. Oh, that rhymed. Look at that.

Instead of mailing out the traditional mini-magazine included in each box, Loot Crate opted to publish the pamphlet electronically, e-mailing it to subscribers days before their boxes arrived. In it was a a spotlight of some of the curators involved in this month’s box, as well as a brief history of the “Minecraft” phenomenon, a Q&A with the author of the “Peter’s Panels” web comic, and a nice nostalgic write-up about what makes “The Legend of Zelda” a timeless classic.

May2014LootCrate2

Of course, I received my “Adventure” themed monthly collector’s pin- but I also received this ‘Legend of Zelda’ inspired bottle opener key chain. My BFF4EVA, Sean, is one of the biggest ‘Legend of Zelda’ fans I know, and I’m having a crisis while I decide whether or not to give this to him as a gift- or keep it for myself because it’s just so damned adorable.

May2014LootCrate3

May’s crate included a soundtrack from the YouTube series, ‘The Friend Zone,’ which I’ve never watched but plan on checking out. Described as a “YouTube show centered around a bunch of friends and awesome guests talking about things going on today in geek culture,” the CD is apparently a collection of music from the show.

I also received two temporary tattoos inspired by YouTuber Markiplier, whose game-playing videos ALWAYS make me laugh- and while people outside the gaming/”Let’s Play” community may not recognize the pink mustache and glasses- these are actually really cute out of context and something I’d wear for fun.

May2014LootCrate4

In May’s crate, I definitely got my share of stickers, these two sheets featuring logos for the curators involved in putting together this month’s box. I’ll be giving these to my niece, who may not be old enough yet to understand YouTube- but definitely understands stickers and will surely find a place for these.

May2014LootCrate5

I don’t play ‘Minecraft.’ The temptation has been great, especially since a lot of my friends love it so much, but I haven’t given in (yet.) I received this cute, blocky hanging cow figurine in May’s crate, which will find a home with one of my aforementioned friends who collects little ‘Minecraft’ themed things like this.

May2014LootCrate6

I absolutely LOVE Funko figurines, and I fully admit I actually squealed a little when I saw this Adventure Time/Ice King tin in May’s box (with a little Gunter inside!) This is something I’m shamelessly keeping for myself, because I have about 10,000 uses for the tin, and the Gunter figurine will look rather cute alongside my collection of ‘Walking Dead’ and ‘Winter Soldier’ Funko dolls I’ve been accumulating around my place.

May2014LootCrate7

May2014LootCrate8

And lastly, my favorite part of May’s Loot Crate: this exclusive typography-built Link t-shirt designed by Zen Monkey Studios! While I’m on the fence about handing over my ‘Legend of Zelda’ bottle opener to Sean- this shirt is absolutely and 100% mine (I’m wearing it right now!) It’s soft, comfortable, and fits perfectly. I love it!

I had so, so much fun un-boxing May’s crate, and I’m anxiously waiting for the announcement of June’s theme!

Where the Wild Things Are

Leave a comment Standard

MayZooTrip1

MayZooTrip2

MayZooTrip3

MayZooTrip4

MayZooTrip5

MayZooTrip6

MayZooTrip7

MayZooTrip8

MayZooTrip9

MayZooTrip10

Back in January, I had gone to Roger Williams Park Zoo at my cousin Paige’s insistence. Even though it had been snowing/freezing rain most of that day, we had seen quite a few animals, and I had mentioned coming back in the warmer weather so that we could check out the rest of the park- including a couple of new areas that, at the time- were under construction.

Last weekend, I had given Paige the option of choosing a daytime destination as a belated birthday present since our schedules didn’t permit my planning something for her actual birthday a few weeks ago, and ever a fan of looking at animals- Paige once again chose the zoo. Above are some of my favorite pictures I snapped while we spent the afternoon walking around in the sunshine. Not surprising, more of the animals were out and about- including the kangaroos which were too adorable for words.

And now, with a beautiful three-day weekend ahead of me, I’m off to enjoy this wonderful weather (and maybe get some work and errands done. I can’t make any promises on that, yet!)

Geek Chic Cosmetics: “This Isn’t A Democracy” Eye Shadows.

Leave a comment Standard

GCTWDEyeShadows1

I had mentioned it in a post last week, but in case anyone missed it- the lovely Imogen recently sent me the entire “This Isn’t A Democracy” Walking-Dead themed eye shadow collection from Geek Chic Cosmetics. It’s definitely not a secret by now that I love everything TWD-related, and I certainly love makeup, so the mash-up of the two brings me an indescribable amount of joy. As much as I wanted to wear all of these six shadows at once, I paced myself- limiting my eyes to one color per day so that I could get the best sense of application, pigmentation, and longevity for each one individually.

Geek Chic Cosmetics, a vegan and cruelty-free company based out of Oregon, was founded and is run by Chantel, Deb, and Phil. They have a wide array of eye, lip, face, and body products with “geeky” themes and collections geared towards different fandoms- like ‘Sherlock’ and ‘Lord of the Rings,’ among others. Browsing their site is a lot of fun and I fully plan on purchasing some of the stuff from their other collections soon.

But first, let’s talk about “This Isn’t A Democracy.” For $5.99 per shadow ($1.25 per sample,) these shades come packed in a nice round pot with an image of Rick Grimes, gun in hand and Carl’s future hat on his head, overlooking what’s left of Atlanta. If the packaging wasn’t enough to sell me on this collection- the names of the colors included in it absolutely did.

GCTWDEyeShadows2

GCTWDEyeShadows3

GCTWDEyeShadows4

Shade # 1: “We’re All Infected”

From Geek Chic’s website: “Yeah, Rick, that’s approximately number one on the list of things I’d want to know. A bright blue teal with violet interference and sparkle, darkens when wet to also make a great eyeliner. Can stain.”

This deep and dramatic teal was the first shade from this collection that I tried, and with it’s rich pigmentation and glitter- my eyes definitely popped! As someone with very blue eyes, I’ve been told that blues and aquas are shades to be avoided with shadows and liners- but this color was beautiful and definitely something I’d wear for a bold look during a night out, or blended with one of my golden shadows for a more subtle, Summer-y/beachy daytime look.

GCTWDEyeShadows5

GCTWDEyeShadows6

GCTWDEyeShadows7

Shade # 2: “He’s Korean”

From Geek Chic’s website: “You got some balls for a chinaman.” Daryl figured it out eventually, okay. A ruby pearl shadow with soft golden shimmer.”

One of the best throwback lines to Season 1 came in the form of Daryl Dixon, who had previously disregarded Glenn’s ethnicity way back when, bluntly correcting his big brother Merle by telling him Glenn wasn’t, in fact, Chinese- in the second half of Season 3. It’s also the name of this beautiful (and very sparkly!) rose-hued shadow that didn’t look too dark on my lids. This is a gorgeous neutral color that is suitable for daytime wear, but please be advised- this shade has a LOT of sparkle- so be sure to gently sweep a clean powder brush under your lower lids and along your cheekbones to collect any fall-out.

GCTWDEyeShadows8

GCTWDEyeShadows9

GCTWDEyeShadows10

Shade # 3: “You Best Pray I’m Dead”

From Geek Chic’s website: “Am I the only zen one around here?” Definitely most likely to survive a zombie apocalypse. It’s good to be the fan favorite. A survivalist badass with a soft nougaty center. Aww. Golden green with a subtle red glow.”

Although this shadow is described as having a subtle red glow- I couldn’t see it at all. On my lids, this shade looked like a light mint green/gold. It was considerably lighter and less sparkly than the previous two shadows, but still noticeable. I liked that I could wear this shade by itself for a subtle hint of color, or blend it with other shadows to create bright, fun looks for work.

GCTWDEyeShadows11

GCTWDEyeShadows12

GCTWDEyeShadows13

Shade # 4: “I Ain’t A Judas”

From Geek Chic’s website: “I know how the safety works.” Andrea stuck to her ethics and trusted her gut. Unfortunately, and it got her labeled untrustworthy by all sides and got her killed in the end. It’s okay, she’s still alive and well in the comic. A soft silver with golden interference and copper sparks.

Comic Andrea > Show Andrea. With that fact out of the way, this was another lighter, less-sparkly shade that, like “You Best Pray I’m Dead,” is tame enough to be worn during the day all by itself- or blended with other eye shadow shades. Personally, I think this is the perfect grey to use when creating a classic smokey eye since it’s not too dark or loaded with glitter.

GCTWDEyeShadows14

GCTWDEyeShadows15

GCTWDEyeShadows16

Shade # 5: “Clementine Will Remember”

From Geek Chic’s website: “So often, games saddle us with with kid characters that are basically luggage who exist solely to artificially inflate tension. Clem broke the mold and made our hearts melt every time we had to dash her tenuous hopes, either on purpose or when our thumbs “slipped”… either way, Clem will remember that. Steel grey and packed full of red, gold, and copper sparks. A color to remember.”

I think I may have actually wailed when I saw the name of this shadow, because Telltale’s “Walking Dead” game, and specifically the horrors and devastating losses poor little Clementine has had to face through each episode- has pretty much destroyed me. This shade, venturing back into the darker, more pigmented territory- was a very cool looking grey/black with multi-colored sparkles that showed up brilliantly in the light. I plan on blending this with “I Ain’t A Judas” to create that classic smokey eye I was talking about.

GCTWDEyeShadows17

GCTWDEyeShadows18

GCTWDEyeShadows19

Shade # 6: “Stay in the House, Carl”

From Geek Chic’s website: “He’s definitely not in the house. Try out by the swamp near the loose zombies. Unsupervised. A luscious chocolate brown with copper and golden highlights.”

And finally, my favorite named shadow in this collection. This color, while dark and without a lot of glitter or sheen, looked really pretty around my blue eyes. This would be a phenomenal color to use in the fall, but I think the hint of gold/bronze in this shadow would make for a very pretty dramatic, nighttime look for the Summer.

Overall, I really enjoyed “This Isn’t A Democracy” as a whole. The shadows were pigmented, applied easily and evenly, and lasted all day without fading, smudging, creasing, or flaking. I like that I can mix and match the shades, the lighter ones and the darker, bolder ones- to create different looks as opposed to being stuck with a cluster of difficult colors that are near impossible to work with or blend. I will say that if you are not a fan of sparkle, you might want to steer clear of shades like “He’s Korean” and “We’re All Infected,” both of which are very glittery. I loved the look of them, however- and any excess could be easily fixed in no time at all.

And with all that being said, count me among the newest fans of Geek Chic Cosmetics. They’re fun, affordable, and their eye shadows are really good quality. I’m already compiling a list of some of their other products and collections I want to try soon!

And thanks so much again to my beautiful, sweet, and amazing friend Imogen for sending me these shadows!

Ipsy Bag: May 2014 Review.

Leave a comment Standard

May2014IpsyBag1

May2014IpsyBag2

One of the things I love about Ipsy is that they aren’t afraid to mix it up. One month I may receive a bag that consists mostly of makeup, then the next month- it’s all about hair care- and so on. I never feel like I’m receiving too much of the same types of products month after month, which means I rarely get bored.

While May’s bag did include both a cosmetic and hair care product, three out of the five focused on skincare. The bag itself, a cute leaf-printed pouch, was made with really soft material and will most certainly be used again in the future.

What I Received:

derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo

Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50

Lulu Blossom Dreamsicle Body Balm (*FULL SIZE!*)

Eva NYC Rock-a-Wave Curl Cream (*FULL SIZE!*)

May2014IpsyBag3

May2014IpsyBag4

Product # 1: derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub ($32.50)

In April’s Ipsy Bag, I had received a dr. brandt microdermabrasion scrub that I had really liked despite it’s high price tag. This scrub, which is half the cost of the dr. brandt one- is also identical to it- right down to it’s lemon scent. I have combination skin that is prone to occasional breakouts, especially in the more hot and humid months- so these types of products are phenomenal for clearing out my pores and sloughing away any dead skin and bacteria once or twice a week. This particular scrub gave me great results. My skin felt smooth, soft, clean, and refreshed after each use- and the cost is a lot kinder on my wallet than the previous microdermabrasion product I’d received from Ipsy.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I’d actually purchase this scrub instead of the dr. brandt one, not because it isn’t a great product- but because this derma e scrub is less costly, but gives the same fantastic results. I highly recommend this for anyone who needs a little something extra in terms of exfoliation and deep-cleansing for their skin.

May2014IpsyBag5

May2014IpsyBag9

Product # 2: Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo ($14- $17 for Full-Sized Palettes)

At first glance, I thought the color combination of this duo- a pearl/white sheen and a light purple- was a little odd, and I wasn’t entirely sure if it would look good on my eyes. Fortunately, the shades weren’t too dark, and when blended, gave me a subtle smoky eye that I could wear during the day- including to the office. The downside was that blending this shadow proved to be a task in itself. The colors in this duo aren’t really pigmented that much, and I found myself having to keep applying more and more of each shade to get it to show up on my lids at all.

In terms of longevity, the shadow lasted most of the day with primer- and I didn’t notice any fading or fall-out along the outer corners of my eyes until much later on in the evening (after I’d applied it early in the morning,) so that was another positive aspect of the shadow I was pleased with. Unfortunately, the finished look and the long-lasting formula doesn’t lessen my disappointment with the difficulty I had applying it.

Would I Purchase?: No. I like Pacifica’s body creams, and I’ve heard great things about their perfumes and skin care (although I haven’t tried them for myself yet,) but this eye shadow was so poorly pigmented and the amount of time it took to get it to not only show up, but to blend properly- was frustrating. I’ll stick with my Urban Decay palettes for now.

May2014IpsyBag6

Product # 3: Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50 ($12.99)

One of the most valuable lessons I learned early on in life was to always wear sunscreen. Another valuable lesson, one that I learned the hard way a couple of years ago after a day-long excursion at the beach that resulted in the worst full-body sunburn I’d ever experienced and a week’s worth of being bedridden with sun poisoning- was to always make sure your sunscreen hadn’t expired before you put it on. I replace my bottles often and do expiration date checks regularly for that very reason. I like high level SPFs, so when I saw this colorful tube of SPF50 in May’s Ipsy bag, I was pretty happy.

This waterproof formula, which is free of harmful chemicals or added fragrances- sank into my skin easily and didn’t make me feel or look oily and sticky. I applied this on all of my exposed skin before a recent all-day outing in the sun- and didn’t get burned or red at all. Success!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! With Summer just around the corner, and a week-long trip to Southern California looming not too far in the distance, I’m going to need to stock up on more SPF to get me through the sunny days. This Hang Ten sunscreen is fairly priced and does exactly what it’s supposed to. I have a feeling I’ll be ordering a full-sized bottle soon.

May2014IpsyBag7

Product # 4: Lulu Blossom Dreamsicle Body Balm ($10)

Why, oh why, haven’t I heard of LuLu Blossom Cosmetics before now? Natural and vegan? Cute packaging? Even cuter product names? It’s like everything I love about independent cosmetic brands rolled into one- with the added bonus of smelling amazing, too. This non-greasy, all-purpose balm, in a convenient little tin, smelled just like an orange creamsicle- so naturally I wanted to slather it all over myself. Luckily, the balm is pretty solid, which means no mess and no wasting the product by accidentally taking more than necessary, either. A little goes a long way- and I managed to moisturize my elbows, knees, cuticles- and even tame a few frizzy flyaways- with just a couple of dabs from the tin. This is definitely another “perfect for traveling” product.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! As much as I love a good body cream or lotion, this balm is really convenient- not only for travel, but for the multiple ways it can be used, too. I really liked that it was instantly hydrating, but didn’t leave any kind of film on my skin or in my hair, and more than anything- I really, really liked the citrus/vanilla fragrance- which is very Summer-y.

May2014IpsyBag8

Product # 5: Eva NYC Rock-a-Wave Curl Cream ($8)

When it comes to hair styling, I look for products that won’t weigh my curls down or make them look and feel stiff or crunchy. It wasn’t easy- but I’ve found a handful of go-to styling creams and sprays that have worked wonders for me over the years. I’m never opposed to trying new products or new brands, of course- so I didn’t hesitate to scrunch this lightly cocoa-scented cream through my freshly washed hair while it was still damp, letting it air dry, and hoping for the best.

The result was soft, manageable curls that were refreshingly crunch and frizz-free (thanks in part to the Argan Oil, I’m sure.) My hair looked shiny- not slimy- and felt hydrated and conditioned. I have a feeling this product will join my collection of keepers.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! For $8 a bottle, I would definitely purchase this in the future- and probably in bulk. I have thick hair, but I achieved great results using only about a half-dollar sized amount of this cream. I couldn’t stop touching my curls after each use.

May’s Ipsy bag was a hit for me. I really liked four out of the five products I received (and loved the bag!) and was introduced to a couple of new brands I plan on exploring more in the future- which is really what beauty box subscription services are all about.

Odds & Ends.

Comment 1 Standard
May2014OddsAndEnds1

“Ashley, I’m wearing my ugly sneakers. Don’t show the internet my ugly sneakers.” Me (left) and my mom. Mother’s Day 2014.

In my teens, my relationship with my mother was strained and tumultuous, to say the least. I was a stubborn, rebellious, and often ungrateful pain in the ass who thought I was right about everything- and my mom, who was just as stubborn, had the common sense- and what I considered to be audacity at the time- to tell me I wasn’t, in fact, right about everything- and what an obnoxious twit I was being. I vividly remember shouting matches between us being a weekly occurrence while my poor father or older brothers tried to play referee before tempers flared too much and something in my parents’ house got broken. I’m pretty sure I damaged more than one door from slamming them so hard on a regular basis.

In my early twenties, things hadn’t improved much. My mother and I could never really see eye to eye on a lot of things- be it my wardrobe, my impulsive and sometimes reckless travels, my circle of friends, or the guys I dated (in her defense- she did end up being absolutely right about them- although back then I’d never have given her the satisfaction of letting her know that.) I never thought things would improve between us, and I had vowed that if and when I had children of my own- I would never be the type of mother to them that mine was to me.

But naturally, as I got older, matured a little, gained some perspective about myself and the world around me- the underlying bitter tension between my mother and I seemed to diminish slowly but surely and was instead replaced with patience and understanding as we started to connect and bond. When my dad became ill a couple of years ago, my mom and I drew strength from each other, and came to rely heavily on one another to get us through the toughest of times when he passed away a short time later. We grieved together. She’d lost her husband- the love of her life, and I’d lost my father and best friend. In the wake of that loss and the grieving, we’d finally fully-developed the mutual respect that had been missing during my teens and early twenties.

It’s not always easy. Sometimes I drive my mom nuts and vice-versa. Sometimes we argue or make each other cry- because, like I said- we’re both stubborn- but we both finally understand how much we truly love each other and how that love comes with no strings attached.  I love my mom. I respect her, and I’m grateful for all the sacrifices she’s made for me (including some of her sanity, I’m sure.) I don’t have kids- and probably won’t for a long time- but if and when I do- I can only hope to be at least half the type of mother to them that my mom is to me.

May2014OddsAndEnds2

May2014OddsAndEnds3

May2014OddsAndEnds4

May2014OddsAndEnds5

For Mother’s Day this past weekend, my mom and I spent the day shopping (including buying each other lovely candles!) disregarding our healthy diets to scarf down a platter of deep fried seafood and fries- and go for a nice, long drive through the back roads of picturesque Western Massachusetts to take in the scenery, sunshine, and fresh air. It was a beautiful, relaxing day- and set the tone for the remainder of this week.

May2014OddsAndEnds6

Another thing that set the tone for this week? An AMAZING belated-birthday (or on the flip side- a very, very, very early birthday present) from my wonderful, beautiful, incredible friend Imogen across the pond! It was on my table when I came home from work yesterday afternoon, and I admittedly teared up- in a good way- while reading the very kind words she wrote inside my card. I will cherish it always.

I was more than content with the card and the caramel mini eggs, but Imogen had included a couple more surprises for me, too!

May2014OddsAndEnds7

May2014OddsAndEnds8

In the world of Harry Potter, my favorite house has always been Slytherin. Save for a few genuinely bad eggs, I’ve always thought Slytherins were misunderstood, or, such as the case with Draco Malfoy, misguided- as opposed to just genetically downright evil (yes, I’m aware I’m talking about fictional characters. I just have a lot of feelings, okay?!)

Anyway- any quiz, game, or questionnaire related to determining which Hogwarts House I’d belong in, I’ve hilariously always ended up in Slytherin. Imogen (a Ravenclaw for sure,) knows this, and sent me a pair of Slytherin leggings to wear to proudly show my support for what is CLEARLY the best house.

May2014OddsAndEnds9

May2014OddsAndEnds10

And last, but certainly not least, Imogen- who is a huge “Walking Dead” fan like me- sent me the full collection of TWD-themed eye shadows from Geek Chic Cosmetics. With fun names like “Stay in the House, Carl,” and “He’s Korean,” I CANNOT WAIT to try these out. I’ll be doing a separate post within the next few days dedicated entirely to these shadows- including swatches and reviews.

Imogen, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I’m seriously at a loss for words right now because of how surprised and appreciative I am. I adore you! This was one of the best belated/super early birthday presents ever!

These past couple of days have been so phenomenal!

GLOSSYBOX: April 2014 Review.

Leave a comment Standard

GlossyBoxApril20141

Oh, GlossyBox, what can I say about you that hasn’t already been said? Some months, you blow me away with the quality and value of what you send me (March’s box was a perfect example of that.) Other months, I’m underwhelmed- but one thing always stays consistent- your shipping method is downright stressful. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve grown accustomed to being charged for my box at the beginning of the month, only to receive it weeks later, sometimes at the beginning of the following month- but April’s shipping was pretty much a disaster. From my understanding, the boxes were sent out at the last possible second before billing began for May, and trying to track them was near impossible.

GlossyBox, I love you- I do! I’ve been introduced to so many wonderful brands and products through your service (and $21 a month is a steal!) but you’ve got to get your shipping under control. I don’t expect it to always be perfect, because things happen and that’s life- but there needs to be some improvement, if only a little bit to keep subscribers in the loop on the status of their stuff!

Anyway, I DID eventually receive April’s box, so let’s get to it.

What I Received:

Caldrea Tea Olive Lime Body Wash

Bellápierre Cosmetics Super Gloss in ‘Vanilla Pink’ (*FULL SIZE!*)

Ciaté London Paint Pot Nail Polish in ‘Twinset and Pearls’ (*FULL SIZE!*)

Aqua Spa Relax Body Crème

LA Splash Cosmetics Eyeshadow Sealer/Base (*FULL SIZE!*)

GlossyBoxApril20142

Product # 1: Caldrea Tea Olive Lime Body Wash ($18)

I can appreciate any product that smells like a dessert, so when I first caught a whiff of this foaming body wash, which reminded me of Key lime pie- I was pretty excited to try it out. The wash itself lathered up nicely, and paired with the lime fragrance, which wasn’t too overpowering- it was actually really refreshing. My skin felt hydrated and smooth- and stayed that way long after my shower.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This is one of those products that I’d not only love to have for myself, but available for guests, as well- and it would also make a wonderful gift. I really liked the fragrance (I’m a big fan of anything citrus,) but I especially loved how soft- but cleansed- my skin felt after each use.

GlossyBoxApril20143

GlossyBoxApril20144

Product # 2: Bellápierre Cosmetics Super Gloss in ‘Vanilla Pink’ ($24.50)

When I saw this tube of rosy-neutral lip gloss upon opening April’s GlossyBox, I wasn’t exactly excited, and was already prepared to be blasé about how it looked on my lips. Whenever cosmetic subscription services send any kind of lip color, nine times out of ten- it’s a rose/neutral- and it can get sort of boring after a while! Regardless, I opted to give it a chance- and I’m certainly glad I did! This vanilla-scented gloss, packed with vitamin E and moisturizing oils, applied smoothly, not sticky- and left a slightly-frosted finish that didn’t look too shiny or sparkly. It was just right, and didn’t wash me out.

I loved the way this product looked and felt, but there was only one downside- the longevity. This gloss didn’t last nearly as long as I would have hoped, and multiple re-applications were necessary to keep the color on my lips.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. I really did love the overall quality of this gloss, from the color to the finish to how soft it made my lips feel- but it’s lack of staying power is a near deal-breaker for me. If Bellápierre Cosmetics could re-formulate this so that it had the same texture and consistency, but lasted twice as long- I’d buy it in a heartbeat for sure!

GlossyBoxApril20145

Product # 3: Ciaté London Paint Pot Nail Polish in ‘Twinset and Pearls’ ($15)

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Ciaté nail polishes before, but had never actually tried them until I received this bottle in April’s GlossyBox. At first glance, I thought the packaging was simply adorable (look at the little bow! Just look at it!) and the pearl color of the lacquer seemed really pretty. When it came time to get a proper manicure this weekend, I brought this product with me- and although the polish applied easily enough and dried quickly, I was a little disappointed with how transparent this particular color looked on my nails, like I had nothing on them at all! Ciaté is advertised as being highly pigmented, so I was a bit let-down with this one.

Would I Purchase?: No. Don’t get me wrong- I would LOVE to try some of the other beautiful shades Ciaté has to offer, but I wouldn’t purchase “Twinset and Pearls” again. It did absolutely nothing for me.

GlossyBoxApril20146

Product # 4: Aqua Spa Relax Body Crème ($9.99)

Having run out of my hand lotion earlier this week, I was relieved to find a nice (albeit slightly warped) travel-sized tube of hand/body cream in my April box to use as a replacement. This rich cream smells heavenly- truly relaxing and therapeutic- and sank into my skin without leaving behind any kind of film or greasy residue. My hands felt intensely moisturized and soft for hours, and the fragrance lasted just as long. Even now as I type this, I can still smell traces of the lavender! I think this would be a great before-bed body cream to hydrate the skin and calm the mind. It’s lovely.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Like the body wash I received in April’s box, this is another universally awesome product that I’d not only keep for myself, but purchase to gift to others, too. The moisturizing benefits of this cream are fantastic, but so is the aromatherapy!

GlossyBoxApril20147

Product # 5: LA Splash Cosmetics Eyeshadow Sealer/Base ($8.99)

I’m a stickler for my Urban Decay Primer Potion. It’s worked well for me for years, and I’ve never really had a reason to venture to other eye shadow primers because of it. I’m never opposed to trying something new, however, and seeing that this primer had a convenient doe foot applicator for mess-free precision- I gave it a go and hoped for the best.

So here’s the good news: this primer held my eye shadow in place all day. I mean all. day. There was no creasing, no fading, and no flaking. My shadow didn’t budge and looked freshly applied from morning ’til night. Great, right?

The bad news? Applying this stuff was a nightmare. It was sticky, like glue, and felt heavy on my lids even after it had dried- and even though it held my shadow in place, actually applying and blending the shadow on top of this product was a process all in itself since the consistency of the primer was so tacky. Yikes.

Would I Purchase?: No. Despite the fact that this primer packs a powerful punch in terms of all-day wear, actually getting this product on my eyelids- comfortably, mind you- was such a hassle that it outweighs the good aspects. I’ll stick with my Urban Decay Primer Potion, thank you!

The shipping debacle aside, I liked April’s GlossyBox. The body wash and body cream were big hits, and even the lip gloss was nice, despite it not lasting all that long on my lips- so three out of five products having favorable reviews isn’t bad at all. May’s box, a collaboration with Bergdorf Goodman, is shaping up to (hopefully) be a great collection of products, so I’m looking forward to that. Fingers crossed that it arrives before mid-June!