New Year's Eve FoTD and Yummy Meals!

Me and the beau usually stay home during New Year's Eve and watch the Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve special, have a few drinks, and stay up until we pass out. However I still wanted to be festive and do a fun but easy smokey eye. This is a classic look that will match with everything. The lashes are an extra touch of glam.

What I used:
-L'egere BB Cream
-Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer/Highlihg
-MAC MSF Natural in Medium Plus
-MAC Utterly Game Blush
-Elf Beauty Book Smokey Eye Edition-The first row the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th colors
-L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara
-Korean Lashes
-Revlon ColorBurst lipstick in Pink Sugar
-MAC Innocence, Beware! lipstick
-MAC Lustreglass in Lustrewhite

I also wanted to post some food porn from Christmas and this evening. Both John and I decided that I would cook for Christmas and he would cook for New Years. 

So here's Christmas Dinner:

Appetizer:
Bruschetta with Crusty Crostini

Main Entree:
Pan Roasted Duck Breast with a Balsamic Reduction and Roasted Potatoes

Here was tonight's dinner:

Appetizer:
Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Main Entree:
Filet Mignon in a Mushroom Gravy with Wild Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Each dish was delicious! I really can't wait to start cooking more intricate dishes in the new year!

I hope that all of you have a safe and wonderful New Year's celebration. I wish for all of you to keep all of your resolutions and also to have an overall great new year! If you didn't have a great 2010, so what? Think of 2011 as a new slate and a great way to start anew. No more hanging on to old gripes and negative feelings, instead promote positivity!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Love, Hug, and Kisses,

Dupe Alert: Match For MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick

One of my favorite MAC lipsticks has to be Viva Glam V. It has a lustre finish and is a neutral pink will a pearly sheen to it. It's a great everyday color that is a perfect MLBB lipstick. This is actually the first MAC lippie that I ever purchased! MAC's Viva Glam line donates every cent of each purchase to the MAC Aids Fund to help men, women, and children who suffer from the disease.

Now as much as I love MAC's purpose with Viva Glam I also understand that many people cannot afford to purchase department store lipsticks due to their financial situation. I will say that if you do have that extra bit of money and do love the color of the Viva Glam line please purchase from your local MAC store or counter to help those in need!

For those who are looking for a very similar shade to MAC Viva Glam V, you are in luck. Maybelline has a shade in their ColorSensational line that is quite similar. Nearly There and Viva Glam V look almost identical on my lips and my hand. Nearly There has more of a red undertone compared to Viva Glam V's pink undertone. Both have a nice pearly sheen and are great for an everyday neutral look. It's not an exact match but it's pretty darn close! If you are pinching your pennies, purchasing the Maybelline ColorSensational lippie in Nearly There is a great option. Be on the lookout for the BoGo sales!

Christmas Eve FoTD

Hey all! Just wanted to do a quick blurb and FoTD. This is the look I'll be sporting when I go see my beau's family today. It was super quick and easy.

I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and Holiday weekend! May it be filled with joy, great eats, great gifts, but most of all may it be filled with love!

What I used:
Face:
-Revlon PhotoReady foundation 004 Nude and 008 Golden Beige mixed together
-MAC Sheertone blush in Pink Swoon

Eyes:
-Urban Decay Naked Palette--Virgin as highlight, Smog on entire lid, Naked to blend
-Maybelline Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara in waterproof

Lips:
Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Nearly There 

Gotta end in a goofy pic!! You can never take yourself too seriously!

HAPPY FRIDAY AND HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!

Review: MAC Sheertone Blush In Pink Swoon

This was my first blush from the MAC permanent line. It took me a while to finally purchase it even though every time I went to the MAC counter and looked at the blushes I would pick this blush up to test. I didn't even know that half the time it was Pink Swoon until I looked! When I did purchase it, I was very glad I did. The pink may scare some people away because it looks so bright but it's a sheertone blush. It means exactly what the name implies. It's very sheer and can be built up to the level of opaqueness that you want and desire.

On my hand I have three swatches of Pink Swoon. Starting from the left is three swipes of the blush, the middle is two, and the right is one swipe.

Since it is a sheertone blush, it will give you a nice glow. It's subtle enough to not be crazy pigmented but it's noticeable enough to give your face that extra oomph. There is no shimmer or glitter in this which is nice for those days I don't want to sparkle. As far as I know there is no exact dupe for this. According to some websites, there is a Shiseido Majolica Majorca blush (PK333) and a L'oreal blush (Freeze Frame Fuschia) that are similar but not an exact match.

Of course the price may deter some people from purchasing this blush. It's retailed at $18.50 USD but contains 6 grams/0.21 ounces. I don't know about you but 6 grams is plenty o' blush for me to last for a while. I've had this blush for about three months and I have barely made a dent in it.

Overall, I love this blush and do recommend it for those who love pink blushes and want a nice flush. If the price is an issue I'm sure there are other nice pinky blushes that will do the same.

Pros:
-Sheer
-Gives a great flush
-Can be built up
-Part of MAC's permanent line

Cons:
-Price

Would I Repurchase? Yes

NoTD: A Combo of Rimmel and Milani

What I used:
Rimmel Base Coat Top Coat Pro
Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Hot Cocoa
Milani 3d Holographic Nail Laquer in 3D

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

I think this looks so festive especially with Christmas literally right around the corner!!

Happy Monday!

A Quick Tag Post!

Answering 8 Questions:

RML from Words Fall Through Me was sweet enough to tag me to answer some of her questions! Thank you!! <3

1. What movies would you recommend watching around Xmas? It's a nostalgic, sentimental time of the year, after all! I love The Muppet Christmas Carol! It brings back so many memories of when I was young.

2. And speaking of which, what are your plans for the holidays - both Xmas and New Year's Eve? Christmas is pretty quiet this year, I'm having dinner with my family and the beau's family. NYE's is still a work in progress

3.  How do you feel about Xmas? Are you actually celebrating the birth of Christ, or are you just in it for the food and presents? =P Though I am not a Christian, I celebrate Christmas for the family aspect. I am extremely grateful for everyone that has come into my life. I do love the food though.

4. Enough of Xmas. What do you think about right before sleeping, with your head lying on the pillow? I pray to wake up to a better day than the day before.

5. And what's your first thought when you wake up? I make a mental list of all I need to do in the morning or I think "toooooooo early"

6. If you killed somebody, where would you bury the body? =P I would throw it into the ocean I guess. Lol, never really thought of that.

7.What song do you avoid listening to, and why? (If I'm not prying, of course) There's a version of "The Best I Ever Had" that I avoid listening to because it reminds me of some not so good times.

8. Is there any song that inspires you to be a better person? To dare, go places, do things? Go the distance? (Mine is "Go the Distance", from the Disney movie Hercules, LOL! I always feel like I can do ANYTHING when I listen to it!) Defying Gravity from Wicked! I love the Glee and Idina Menzel version, it makes me really want to defy anything that brings me down

My Version of Aronofsky's Black Swan

"I had the craziest dream last night about a girl who has turned into a swan, but her prince falls for the wrong girl and she kills herself. " ~Nina from Black Swan

Who would you be? The Swan Queen, pure, innocent and true? Or would you want to be the Black Swan? The one that seduces, allures, and manipulates?

I tried out this look today cause I've been dying to see this movie. It was fairly easy to create the look. There are a few different tutorials on how to do it. I realized that my version looks different because I have more space between my brows and eyes that Portman does in her photo. Anyway, hope you guys like, I feel I look kinda creepy haha. And I do have a top on ^^

Peace out Boys and Girls!

Review: Milani Baked Eyeshadows

Milani recently released a new line of baked eyeshadows. There are two versions of this, the metallic version and also the marbleized version. They are essentially the same, even some of the metallic eyeshadows have a bit of the marbling effect of them. This eyeshadow can be used dry or wet.

I picked up the colors, Melange (marbleized), Blue My Mind (Metallic), and Drenched in Gold (Metallic). These eyeshadows run from $6.99 USD and up.

The packaging is lovely and lightweight but can be a bit bulky for some. The odd shape may prove to be an annoyance for those who like to stack their eyeshadows or organized them. There is a curved applicator that clicks into place. It has two applicators on each end. One is a generic sponge applicator and the other is a liner brush. The liner brush is crap, don't used it to line your eyes.

The colors are beautiful and I think Melange might be a more glittery dupe of MAC's Gilt By Association. I don't have the eyeshadow to compare it but I think I it looks pretty darn close! Blue My Mind is GORGEOUS.

So what's bad about this eyeshadow? Both Melange and Drenched in Gold are very shimmery and glittery. Also each of these eyeshadows have fallout, I tested them out and I had color fall all over my cheeks. Using them wet obviously didn't have as much fallout.

Pros:
-Inexpensive baked eyeshadow
-Using a wet brush will not ruin the eyeshadow
-Great colors

Cons

-May be too glittery for some
-Bulky packaging
-Fallout

Would I repurchase? Eh, only if there was a color I really wanted.

Review: L'egere White Multi Blemish Balm (BB) Cream

I had jumped on the BB cream wagon after watching a few tutorials on YouTube and reading a few reviews on blogs. I really wanted to try these creams because they seemed so easy to use and still had decent coverage. The only thing that perhaps bothered me about BB creams is the limited shade selections. We're all not the same color ya know! I eventually settled on L'egere's White Multi BB Cream due to the many positive reviews I read.

You can click on the picture to enlarge the ingredients or just read the description here:

"All in One Functions: sun protection+make up base+ skin cover+ foundation for 24hrs

Whitening & Skin Care Formula: White Multi BB Cream acts effectively on irritated skin, concealing dermal blemish and helps skin rejuvenation with innovative active ingredients. Blocking the penetration of UV rays and other harmful factors.

Good For: Skin that needs protection, irritated skin by peeling and laser procedures, sensitive and trouble skin."

I have to say I am quite impressed with this BB cream. It has medium coverage and goes on smoothly. I apply it with my fingers since it warms up the cream and also allows better blending. There is a light floral scent that does fade once it's applied to the face. This is my go to foundation when I'm feeling pretty lazy or when I'm out running errands. It has enough coverage to conceal most of my redness but I don't look like a I have a ton of product on my face. It's no wonder why so people love it!

You only need a small amount to cover your entire face. This is especially true if you use your fingers. It says that it's a white multi BB cream, so I guess it's suppose to have whitening properties but I haven't noticed any difference. Maybe if I use it more on an everyday basis I would notice something. I have also read some reviews where people have broken out from it. I don't have this issue and I have what I think is sensitive skin, but read the ingredients if you aren't sure. This doesn't really control shine so oily to combination skin will have to blot or set with a powder.

The color matching is best suited for about NC20 to a light NC30. I don't feel like I look washed out, sickly, or grey. The BB cream does look darker when it first comes out of the tube but it lightens up when you spread it. Here is a picture for reference:

Pros:
-Lightweight
-Easy to Use
-Great for everyday
-Only need a small amout
-Tube will last a long time

Cons
-Some may not like the smell
-Limited color range. It only comes in this shade
-Not good for picture taking
-No shine control

Would I repurchase? Yes

NoTD: Milani One Coat Glitter in Silver Dazzle

Instead of watching the Jets playing terribly, I decided to do a quick NoTD. This is Milani's One Coat Glitter in Silver Dazzle. I used Rimmel's Finish Pro polish in Purple Rain underneath to provide a darker base. Hope you guys like!

Food Post! Recipe: An Easy Beef Bourguignon! Pic heavy!

About two weeks ago, I had Netflixed the movie, Julie & Julia. (Let me say that this is an awesome movie and everyone should watch it.) Moving on. This movie incorporated two of my favorite things, writing and food. All the food that was in this movie made my mouth water and my hands itch to make something. So for the next three days I baked my low-fat version of mini red velvet and chocolate cupcakes. I got a little bit too excited and baked over 75 of them...doh!

After than baking stint I stopped for a while until I found this beef bourguignon recipe in Cosmo's January issue. The ingredients were fairly easy to attain and it seemed really simple from the directions so on Monday I power walked in the cold to my local ShopRite and bought all I needed. It was super cold that day and this stew was a perfect way to warm up. I prepped and took pictures to show you guys how everything came out!


Ingredients:
-2 Pds of lean beef cut into 1 inch cubes
-Salt and Pepper
-1/4 Cup all purpose flour
-1 tbsp of olive oil
-4 medium potatoes cut into 1 inch cubes
-2 medium yellow onions, sliced
-4 carrots, cut in 1 inch pieces
-2 cloves of garlic, sliced
-1 bottle of dry red wine
-2 tbsp of tomato paste
-2 bay leaves
-2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp
-10 oz of white mushrooms, quartered

The ingredients

 Potatoes rinsed and uncut

 Cut into 1 inch pieces

Slicing the onion 

All done!

 

It said to quarter the mushrooms but I halved mine.

 I also bought baby carrots and used those instead of the larger ones

 Beef sliced into 1 inch cubes

I didn't flour my beef. Didn't feel the need to. Here we are browning the meat. I also seasoned it with salt and pepper here.

 Partially cooked but thoroughly browned

Throw in the onions, taters, and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Cook until onions are translucent. Then add the sliced garlic and cook for two more minutes.

Throw the beef back in

Pour in the entire bottle of wine and 1 to 2 cups of water to cover the meat and veggies.

Add the tomato paste, bring to a boil and then let it simmer for about an 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

 Yummmmm

Stir in about 1/4 cup of flour with two tablespoons of room temperature butter. This is to thicken the stew!

Add it and mix it in

Add the mushroom and let the stew cook for another 20 minutes

All done!

I served mine with some Pillsbury biscuits ^__^

His and Mine

 The verdict?

I hope you enjoyed my food post! If you guys liked it, I'll try to incorporate them into my blog more often! 

Oh and....HAPPY FRIDAY!!