Elle Fowler

In's and Out's 7

2010-12-29T20:13:00.003-05:00

In’s and Out’s: a really short and not nearly as gratifying favorites video.

In:

My shorter hair - I know I got my extensions out ages ago but I really can’t get over how good it feels to have all natural hair. Not only does it weigh less and feel more bouncy and fresh, but it also requires so much less maintenance. I can dry my hair in about 5 minutes now, run a flat iron through it and go. If having extensions did anything for me it taught me to appreciate my natural hair so much more than I ever would have. I’m not making any promises to never get extensions again, and being a total beauty girl by love and by profession I probably will, but still…its nice to know that I am happy with what I have.

The plush carpet in my LA apartment - My apartment has the fluffiest, softest carpet I have ever felt in my life. I have no idea what kind it is but it feels like a shag rug when I step onto it. After living in my house in college for 2 years with literally the cheapest carpet in the world (think the blue industrial kind with no padding at all) this is a total luxury.

Speaking of that apartment, Blair and my new office room - another favorite of mine; we have been working on setting it up nicely. We each have a matching desk and chair which we are going to use when we want to edit, blog, answer emails, or anything of the like. It makes us feel all business like which in turn helps us get more done. I am also buying a little shelf to put behind my desk, which will hold beauty products I want to review and write notes on.

This blog - call me crazy, but reading my old posts makes me happy sometimes. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I’m always in really good moods when I write on here. I think writing in and of itself makes me happy.

My bathtub - This is just a general “in”. I have been taking baths like crazy, mostly because it gives me an excuse to lock my door and read for an hour. Everything about bathtubs would be an in, except for my bathtub in LA, which is an out. It’s unusually oval and I don’t fit in it properly, unless I sit Indian style, which is so weird I don’t even want to go into it.

Photography – I have recently fallen in love with photography. I really, really, REALLY want to take a class, so if anyone knows any good classes in the LA area please let me know!

Out:

One apartment “out”, my closet is inside of my bathroom, which I really dislike. I had first pick of the bedrooms and I chose mine, even though Blair’s closet is NOT in her bathroom, so I must live with it, but honestly I wish both rooms had it out in the bedroom. I feel like the steam from my showers will ruin my clothing! Bad, bad, bad!

The loudness of my house in the morning - I don’t know what it is but both the humans in my house and the dogs like to be extra loud until I wake up, and then they settle down. I think it’s a conspiracy.

The creepy bird creatures from the house of night series – last night I wanted to see the moon and stars as I fell asleep, so I opened up my blinds and got back in bed. This only succeeded it giving me the creeps as I imagined those scary creatures lurking outside my window, watching me sleep. Closed went the blinds and on went the light, resulting in no goodnight moon for Elle.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T23:03:00.005-05:00

I woke up with this morning with every intention of filming a Christmas Eve vlog like I did last year, but sometimes you have to just go with the flow and do what feels right in the moment. And today, on this beautiful Christmas Eve, spending as much time with my family was just what I needed to do. I truly believe in doing what makes you happy in the moment, as long as you are not affecting others adversely. I am currently wrapped up on the couch in a big pink fluffy blanket, looking at the twinkling tree and listening to my mom and dad chatter about dinner, tomorrow morning, and past Christmas's. I just overheard "It's supposed to snow tonight. I haven't told the girls yet because they will get disappointed if it doesn't happen," which added to the magic of the evening.

For days I have been running around, completing errands that had to be run before Christmas. Now everything is done, every package received from the mail, all the presents wrapped and under the tree, the Christmas meal cooking and simmering, everything prepared. In a little bit mom and dad will call us to the table and we will eat as a family, passing things around and eating as much as we can. Afterward we will be stuffed and content, and we will sit in the living room in front of the tree, sipping on hot apple cider and listening to the crackling fire.

Later on after everyone settles into their rooms I will take a bubble bath with my Lush Christmas Eve bubble bar and completely unwind so I can fall asleep. When I was little I literally could NOT sleep on Christmas Eve, but for the past couple of years it has gotten easier and easier. I think tonight will be okay because I got up really early this morning, so I might be sleepy by bedtime. Either way, I plan on putting on the second half of "It's a Wonderful Life" and falling asleep.

Earlier I finished Safe Haven, the book I was reading by Nicholas Sparks, after which I sat on my couch and cried. It had an amazing ending that made me tear up in that lovely way books sometimes do. How is it that one author can have such a plethora of amazing stories? I would be so curious to know his story, or learn where his inspiration comes from.

I hope everyone has an amazing evening and day tomorrow, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, and that everyone remembers what this day is about: family, happiness, and celebration in what you believe. Sleep well.

Goodnight moon,
Elle

Festive Nails and Good Cheer

2010-12-22T20:54:00.010-05:00

"At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year."
-English Poet Thomas Tusser

This quote makes me feel joyful; I love it and think it completely accurate. That is exactly what I have been doing, I've been running around making "good cheer". Last night I snuggled into bed early and enjoyed falling asleep to "The Santa Clause", one of my all time favorite Christmas movies. Today I ran last minute errands, wrapped presents, spent time with my family, and filmed a holiday tutorial. I can't believe it's already the night of the 22nd; time is going by too quickly and I have a long list of things I need to complete before settling into bed on the night of the 24th.

Tonight I painted my nails with the most perfect shade of festive red. It's called Miami Beet from the south beach collection and it's perfect, creamy and gorgeous :) It looks slightly pinker in the picture than in real life.. it's more of a deep blood red. Either way it reminds me of crushed up cranberries or the red of my Christmas stocking.

My baby sister also got her nails painted; a candy cane red and white striped masterpiece. I think it turned out really cute, and she was so excited she couldn't even sit still long enough for me to take a decent picture of it. It's first a white base, followed with horizontal stripes from a red nail art pen. Pretty simple, but for her it was like Christmas came early.

So here I sit up, late tonight, sipping on hot chocolate and editing my tutorial, completely content and happy with life and the world. Sleep well everyone, I hope thoughts of sugar plums dance in your heads.

Dream well,
Elle Fowler

Peppermint Bark: One of my Favorite Holiday Treats

2010-12-16T18:43:00.015-05:00

I'm currently snuggled in front of our fireplace, watching my mom and sisters put the final touches on our Christmas Tree and passing out the Peppermint Bark that I just made. I tweeted a picture of it and got a ton of response back asking how to make it - so I figured I would do a quick blog post. I love this treat around the holidays to enjoy in front of the sparkly tree but it's also a quick and inexpensive treat to pass out to your neighbors and friends. You can whip up a few batches in 10 minutes, and then package them in a pretty little box with a bow - and there you have it, a super quick festive present.

All it takes are two ingredients, a double boiler, and a cookie tray. Like I said, very easy. For each batch you will need:
One 1 pound bag of white chocolate pieces - the ones I use look like this picture (I found this on Amazon haha!)

One 5oz. bag of peppermint crunch. I got both this and the white chocolate at a little bakery shop in town.

Last thing you need is a double boiler. My mom has one in her kitchen, but if you don't have one and don't know what they look like here is a picture:

You first bring the water to a boil in the bottom pot, and then pour the white chocolate into the top pot. Make sure to keep stirring the chocolate as it melts, keeping care to keep every drop of water out of the chocolate. If water gets in the chocolate it won't melt smoothly! Once the chocolate is melted pour in the peppermint crunch and stir it up. This entire process is only about 5 minutes long :) Then spread it out on a cookie sheet (on a piece of wax paper) and let it harden. Mine cooled and hardened in about 10 minutes. After that, break the bark up into little pieces and snack away!

Finished peppermint bark (1 batch worth, minus some snacking):

YUMMM!!! Tweet me and let me know if you try this out... it's delicious.

xoxo,
Elle

the snuggliest kind of night

2010-12-02T02:09:00.015-05:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of SlipperFairy.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

Lights off, snuggled up in bed in my most comfortable pjs, candles flickering in the background... this my favorite kind of night. Sometimes I look forward to this all day, and then I cuddle up with a good book or a romantic movie. Every now and then it seems that blogging is just the thing to put me in that zen mood. There is something very relaxing about writing on this blog, and this is really the only time that I write - the middle of the night. So here I am, happily typing and sipping on my chicken noodle soup.

Speaking of being very comfortable, I am currently loving a particularly snuggly find of mine. They are my slippers - and I am in love. I was actually sent a couple of pairs over Thanksgiving break to try out, but I immediately realized I wanted to buy my mom a few. I have two favorite pairs - my pink flip flop slippers and my little furry booties. The flip flop ones have a quarter inch of memory foam in it, which is definitely enough to sink down into. It kinda gives me that "ahhh" feeling, you know? I don't think the booties have memory foam in them but they are still quite comfy and more "fashionable" than the flip flop slippers (at least in my mind). These are machine washable and very durable, so for those of you that love slippers they would really great to try.

To be quite honest, my mom has always had this weird phobia of her feet touching the ground, so I grew up with her always telling me to wear slippers or shoes. I think I rebelled a little and tried to walk around barefoot all the time, but as I've gotten older I have started to appreciate a comfy slipper on my feet. (does that mean I am turning into my mom?) (on second thought that's not so bad considering she is the cutest mom ever).

The company that makes these slippers, Dearfoams, caught my attention with this cute little contest they are having called the Slipper Fairy. It's basically a "let's give away tons of free slippers" contest. You can win up to 15 pairs of free slippers by entering in one of 4 ways:

Tweet it: You just tweet about who you'd like to give the @dearfoams to this holiday season. You have to include the hashtag #slipperfairy
Say it: talk about who you would give the slippers to in a youtube video and submit it to the site.
Sing it: Sing the Slipper Fairy song on youtube and submit it to the site.
Match it: Play instantly on the site.

The match it option is really simple, you just type in your email and see if you instantly win slippers for you and your friends.

I would really appreciate opinions on which ones to order my mom for Christmas. I want to get her two pairs, but I don't know which ones. I think the ones that are my favorites might be to young for her, so I think I will pick her out something different. Feel free to leave suggestions for what you think she would like (or what you would give your mom)!

The Slipper Fairy is also donating 500 pairs of slippers to US military families who have loved ones overseas in our name (mine and all of you reading this blog!), which is amazing and very, very generous. I really want to thank them for that, because they did not have to do that, and I REALLY think that the recipients are going to love them.

I am down to my very last noodle...mmmm soup :) I like to pretend that the weather is cold outside, since it is December after all, but alas... LA is quite warm. Somehow it still manages to feel like Christmas though; when I was at the mall earlier they were playing holiday music and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So on that note... I am going to burrow down and zzz. Goodnight!

xoxo

Elle Fowler

Forever21 Makeup? Swatches and Review

2010-08-17T21:39:00.015-04:00

Last time I was at Forever21 with my sister I picked up a little eyeshadow set to try. I've never tried any beauty products from this store before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, and to be quite honest I didn't have high expectations. The palette cost $6.80 (VERY inexpensive) for 10 shadow colors. Here are some pictures of the colors plus the chic clutch it comes in.

I filmed a haul video for the items I purchased (which will go up tomorrow) and while showing off this set I decided to swatch one of the colors... and realized that it had amazing pigmentation. Here are all the colors swatched on NW20 skin with Urban Decay Primer Potion as a base:

The colors are beautiful! This particular palette is a bit pink heavy but they had other palettes with more neutral colors. I looked online and didn't see this one, so it might be that every store has slightly different ones. This one is from their "Love and Beauty" line and I think it is a great deal for $6.80. The colors are creamy (not super powdery) and have a beautiful shimmer to them. They blend easily and came right off with a MAC wipe. Not only would I completely recommend this palette, but I will be picking up more shadow sets from Forever21 in the future. I think they are incredible quality for a super low cost.

One gripe is the packaging... not the super cute clutch case but the actual plastic packaging the product came in... mine was super beat up and looked like the palette had been thrown around a lot (they all looked like that) but that is hardly a gripe when the product is so great.

Overall thoughts? Worth it!

Product purchased by me.

Elle Fowler

ZPalette Review

2010-08-17T20:53:00.012-04:00

For the last few years MAC palettes have been my choice for shadow organization, and in many ways they still are. They are affordable, easy to find (if you live near a MAC), and classic... I love the look of my little black MAC palettes all stacked up. I actually use a DVD holder from the container store to organize them which I find works really well. That being said, I have found another palette company that has been giving my little mac ones some competition. I will quickly insert a picture of a filled up MAC palette vs. a filled up ZPalette:

MAC Palette filled with 15 shadows: (note that you can pop the casing out and fit many more shadows if that interests you... personally I have always been scared to break my palettes). (P.S. I actually feel like saying "awww" when I look at this well loved palette).

Leopard ZPalette filled with 26 shadows:

ZPalette with the lid open (I went picture happy):

The MAC palettes are $14 and the ZPalettes are $20. I like that the ZPalettes have a clear lid so you can see the colors that are in it - I have labeled my mac palettes but sometimes the shadows get switched up and then I can never find what I'm looking for! The entire bottom of the ZPalette is magnetic so you can slap a magnet on the back of any shaped shadow or blush and put it in there. The two palettes are the exact same size, and the Zpalette comes in different colors. I'm loving the leopard print - feels much younger and trendier than solid black. It also comes in a smaller size that holds nine MAC shadows: (MAC also has a palette that holds 4 shadows).

Overall thoughts? I like the ZPalette a lot, and will use it especially when I travel since it fits so much. It is a bit more pricy than the MAC palettes but it feels really sturdy so I think that it would be durable. Another pro is that it won't look as dirty as the black mac palettes - mine get so dusty! I will be using these palettes and might buy a few, but as for completely switching my loyalties? Not yet... we will see :)

ZPalette: http://www.zpalette.com

Mac Palette: http://www.maccosmetics.com

ZPalette received for review consideration.

Where have I been?!

2010-07-19T17:00:00.020-04:00

Hello my friends! I have been quite bad lately, being incredibly MIA and such, so I figured I owed you guys an explanation. I rarely go through periods where I neglect YouTube, but this month has definitely been one of those times. On top of that, July is a really special YouTube month for me, because it was this time 2 years ago that it all started! That's right... this Friday, the 23rd, is my 2nd birthday on YouTube. I will have to make myself a cupcake to celebrate :)

So where have I been? You guys know I have been traveling a ton based on my tweets, but I rarely explain exactly what I am doing (mainly because it won't fit in 140 characters). So a few weeks back I went to NYC with Blair for some meetings and a meet up. We met with Bobbi Brown and Marie Claire, along with a few more companies. We had a meet up which was incredible and we got to meet a ton of you, which was our absolute favorite part. I don't think you guys even realize how special it is to meet you in person. We spend all of our time alone in our rooms talking to a camera so it makes it way more real when we can meet some people who watch us... makes it seem a little less silly.

Blair and I stayed in a hotel in the middle of China Town so that was fun because we normally stay in midtown; we got to explore a part of the city we never have before.

After that we flew to LA for more meetings and 2 more meet ups, IMATS and the one at Forever21. IMATS was CRAZY!!! Last year I got way more shopping done, but this year was more fun overall. We spent the entire day hanging out with more of you guys, getting to know you and answering (and asking!) questions. Here is a picture of Blair and I in our hotel room right before leaving for IMATS ------>

Another picture, this one at the Forever21 meet up:

We flew home for one night and then we were back at the airport, flying to Memphis for our Marshall's commercial. That shoot was SO MUCH FUN! Blair and I got to shop around while they filmed us, and I think it turned out really well. You can check out my dorm room decor video for the link to the commercial. Blair and I have practically moved into the airport and we have gotten quite good at it. I will make a little list of everything I carry on with me (don't lie, you are curious...)

Elle's Airplane Carry-On Requirements:

Laptop
Camcorder
Chargers
My makeup brushes in my MAC hello kitty case - you can't carry products on but I always carry my brushes... I would hate to lose them!
Fuzzy Socks
Neck Pillow
Fuzzy Blanket (these 3 things make for a very cozy environment)
Headphones
Book (I'm currently reading the City of Bones, which I quite like)
Gum (I have bad ears... they pop like crazy on planes!)
Hairbrush
Travel size shampoo/conditioner/soap (I have a cute little set for this, I'll review it in my july favs video).

So yeah.. anyways. We then flew back to LA for another project that we can't mention yet, but as soon as we can we will! We also had a photoshoot, which was SO much fun. Here is a behind the scenes picture, even though its a bit blurry because it was taken on an iPhone. We are going to Atlanta this weekend for something else... I kinda can't wait to have a whole week at home to detox, as much as I love traveling.

I promise I will be back on the video making wagon soon... this last month just got kinda crazy.

More updates:

Bear is doing wonderfully, he can now jump up on my bed by himself, which I honestly didn't know if he would ever be able to do (my bed is high). The only thing weird is that he is slightly bowlegged now, so I'm not sure if his hip set properly, although his vet said it's perfect. I have to stop myself from diagnosing him with more problems, as I am a slight hypochondriac. Case in point: Last night Blair realized she has an eye infection (we had a makeup artist that used the same mascara on 3 girls... NEVER LET ANYONE DO THAT!) and I spent almost 30 minutes in front of a mirror examining my eye, making sure it was still there.

We are not living in LA! Gah I don't know where this rumor came from, but no Blair and I are NOT in LA. We are considering moving there, yes, but we have not signed a lease yet. We haven't even decided on a place TO sign a lease at yet! Please don't believe everything you hear.. I feel like people are quite impressionable on the internet.

I wanna do a quick update on my hair extensions because it has been... 7 weeks now? They are doing great, and I am slightly addicted to them. I want to wear them forever. I have made a few mistakes with them, such as melting a few of the bonds together with my curling iron and forgetting to sleep with them in a braid one night (they tangle WAY worse than normal hair... be forewarned) but overall I think they have been pretty low maintenance. I love them, I think they were worth it, and I will get them again. Unless they pull all my hair out. And then I probably will rethink that statement. Don't judge.

I just realized I am sitting in the dark writing this post... what am I, a vampire?!

Quick list of videos coming up:

July Favs

Bath Product Review

A silver tutorial

A contest (YAY!)

Have any requests? Tweet them to me! (I sounded just like a commercial there).

Ok this post has gotten way long so I will leave you at that. I love you. That is all.

xoxo

Elle Fowler

Eyeball Stomping, Prom, and Hair Extensions

2010-05-22T11:10:00.017-04:00

After getting about 5 hours of restless sleep I am wide awake but totally exhausted, so it makes perfect sense to write a blog post right now. I am currently trying to wake up for the day so I can put videos up on my channel and be a productive human being. I have talked about my theory of being a cat in a video before (5 random facts about me) so I won't go into details, but let's just say Bear and I are on the exact same sleeping schedule. We get hungry at the same time every night (around 3am) so we trampoozle down to the kitchen and make our snacks. He runs around my feet and trips me until I go into his food room and shake his food (weird Bear habit, he won't touch his dry food unless it has been freshly shaken up), and then waits until I make my food. Then he insists on playing with the guinea pig for a few minutes, which I try to avoid letting him do because he gets little bits of pine shavings all over him, but ultimately he wins by sitting down on his haunches and howling until I come and let him in the cage. Then he gets all in "I'm a sloth" mode and gets really pliable and fits in a cage half his size. Maybe he thinks Guinea is a brother from another mother? They are like bff's.

Anyway I realized recently how incredibly scardy-cat like Bear is. We were sitting out on my screened in porch and we couldn't see anything outside because it was pitch black. Dad was taking the trash out so we heard a scary loud creak of the gate being opened, and Bear sat there with his nosed pressed against that screen, ears flat down sideways and eyes wide, looking terrified. Downright terrified. And he is the size of a lion. I do not believe he would do any protecting if a monster came out of my closet, let me tell you.

I found a video that completely and utterly depicts how Bear treats me in the mornings (around 6am). Add some eyeball stomping and sneezing and subtract the baseball bat and you have Bear to a "T":

What else is new? I recently found out that my family is going to the beach next weekend for a week, which is really exciting because I haven't gone on a vacation in AGES. My birthday is on Tuesday AND I finally made an appointment to get hair extensions so I am very excited for this coming week. I had my consult yesterday to meet the stylist and make sure she knows what she is doing, and I really liked her... so yeah, I am psyched. I have had 3 consults over the last couple years (I have wanted hair extensions since I was in high school) but I never liked the stylist enough to trust her with my hair. She is using the brand "HairDreams" which according to my research is the very best along with Great Lengths. I will vlog about them the day I get them in (next Friday) and tell you what I think.

I wore clip in's for Senior prom so I will attach a picture where you can see my hair here ---->. The only thing bad about clip in's are they don't blend as well as real extensions, as you can kinda see from my hair (I was still happy with them though :). Should I go that length? Or a bit longer, shorter? Let me know your opinion!

It is pouring rain outside, but I guess that's for the best because I have some homework to do and I know I would put it off if it was pretty out by justifying that it is a Saturday and the pool is lonely... so alas, inside I sit, procrastinating anyway. I'm currently taking a few online courses which sounded a lot easier than they actually are, but that's life. I feel like I should be on summer break, but it was my decision to take a few classes online so I guess I have to deal with the not so fun parts of it. Hope you guys are enjoying the start of summer!

Speak soon,
Elle Fowler

Project 10 Pan and 10 Lush COMPLETED!

2010-05-17T04:12:00.002-04:00

Finally, after being diligent for months I am done with my two projects. And let me say - thank goodness for that. I was getting quite bored of it. For those of you that have not been following my blog until lately, let me say welcome (lol) and quickly explain the project. The idea is to refrain from purchasing anything new until you have completely finished up 10 makeup products (Project 10 pan). I also did a spin off project at the same time where I didn't buy any new lush items. I plan on purchasing some new lush goodies and a few things from MACs To the Beach Collection (out May 27th) so I will have some makeup hauls soon!

I have been keeping you very updated on Project 10 Lush, so I will just do a mini review of the final product that I used up, a little shower gel called Flying Fox. Flying Fox smells lovely, a mix of jasmine and honey, two of my favorite scents. This is the type of scent I reach for in the evenings, but it also rejuvenates me in the mornings since I love the smell. I will probably repurchase this in the future, but for now I want to try out some new products since I haven't gotten to buy anything new lately.

As far as Project 10 Pan goes, last I blogged I had completed 4 products. Here are the final 6:

My Carmex "bland" lip balm, which I somehow liked enough to finish up. I don't have much to say on this balm except that it sat on my nightstand for a couple months and so it was bound to eventually get used up... I'm not sure I would repurchase though, I have way too many more balms to finish up first.
C.O. Bigalow Cinnoment Mentha Lip Shine: one of my favorites that I have repurchased time and time again; it smells like cookies. I always have one of these in my purse, which is why it was one of the first to be used up. I can't help but smile when I have this on, it smells (and tastes) so good!
Mac MSF Natural in Light Medium: This one was tricky to finish up, just because it is not the right shade for me. I am actually a Medium in the winter and a Medium Deep in the summer, but by the time I realized this I had used too much to feel right about selling it on a blog sale, so I decided to use it up. I wore this on days where I wasn't going anywhere important but I still wanted some coverage. It took a few months, but this product is now finished.
Clinique Superfit Foundation: I actually had 2 of these sitting in my drawer that were both about half completed, so I decided if I used them both up it could count as one product towards my project 10 pan. I had used this foundation for years when I decided I wanted to venture off and try something new, and found my beloved Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation. I don't dislike this foundation, I just got bored with it and the makeup junkie inside me wanted to try out new products. I am glad these are used up though; they were making me feel a bit guilty sitting in my drawer, unlike some MAC ones that I can justify not using because they break me out.
MAC Plush Lash Mascara: I used this up because I knew it was going to go bad soon, not because I loved it. Mascaras can't be trusted after the 3 month mark (of opening/using it) so I keep track of which ones are going to go bad when, and this one was next in line. Out of all MAC mascaras plush lash is my favorite, but I prefer L'oreal Telescopic or Benefit Badgal Lash.
Victoria's Secret Lip Plumper in Baby Pink: I love this stuff. It gives your lips a soft pink tinge, and tingles just a tad to let you know it's plumping up your lips, but doesn't burn like some lip plumpers. The packaging is also pretty, very streamlined and feminine. The only thing I didn't like was the applicator, I am not a big fan of the click up brush tip applicators; they don't seem very sanitary!

I am very happy to have completed this project, as it was generally a pain in the butt. The second you set limits on yourself you immediately want to defy yourself, but I managed to be 90% good. I say 90% because I was sent some free stuff over the course of this project, so I did get the pleasure of trying out new things without actually breaking the rules, but I think if I had not I might have cheated - hence only being 90% good. I award myself a B+ for this project. Also, I found that lip glosses and mascaras are the easiest products to use up, probably because I apply copious amounts of them daily.

For those of you that were doing this project along with me, how is it coming? Let me know in the comments! I think you can leave a comment with your twitter account now, which is kinda cool (I installed a new program).

Speak Soon!
Elle Fowler

Quirks

2010-05-07T03:10:00.013-04:00

I just raided the kitchen for a snack and found out halfway through munching on a wheat thin that the box was expired. This led me to purge my entire pantry, a much too common trend for me. It got me thinking of people's quirks. This is definitely one of my biggest quirks; I am obsessed with food expiration dates. I check it on every single thing that goes in my mouth. Even if I just bought it, it gets checked. It drives my mom crazy when I am at her house because I think she takes it personally (as if she doesn't keep her pantries clean) (she does) but it's not that at all, it's just a full-scale, blown-up quirk.

I also can't sleep if my room is over 72 degrees, but I think that is a much more common quirk. Another one, more of a pet peeve I guess, is that I can't STAND when someone states untrue information as a fact. This used to bother me all the time in college classes, when a student would misstate a fact, but it also pertains to gossip. I know all girls gossip, and I will admit that I have done so occasionally (although I am against it normally), but sometimes I will straight up call BS on the gossiper. If you are ever in a gossipy conversation with me, be forewarned :)

This might be why I am so interested in law (I was pre-law in college); I have this internal need to shut people up who talk about untrue stuff. Let me clarify though, I don't mean if someone is simply repeating or questioning something; I mean when someone states something untrue as a fact. Unfortunately, I have to deal with this a lot on YouTube and in media outlets. Let me say this: you cannot believe 90% of what you read about me online, only what I have directly said or quoted. And included in this are major news sources that I had no idea could print false information until recently. News sources can print any quote, true or not, if it comes from a person (like a hater) and no one is going to question it, even if it is an outright lie. I'm a communications/law major and I did not know that national huge media outlets could go without fact checking and be unethical, but they can. An example would be the Good Morning America piece saying Blair dropped out of school to "shop". Completely false, and a little bit negligent, since no one is going to question Good Morning America. It's a bit unfair to say something hateful about a 17 year old girl who by no means can defend herself against something as big as Good Morning America. This is not the only example, but through YouTube and dealing with this it has dulled my passion to constantly right the wrongs said about me. Sometimes I don't want to outright address an issue for privacy reasons (like my address, full name, cell number, etc) or for legal reasons but that doesn't mean I am "hiding" anything from you. It has gotten to the point where it is more like "Say what you will, and my true fans will stick with me. They are true to me, and I will always be true to them". Those of you that have known me from the beginning will know I haven't changed a bit, just grown with my audience. And that's that.

Moving on. I'm wondering, what are your quirks?

- Elle Fowler

Totally Rambly Update

2010-05-04T15:46:00.019-04:00

I think I have totally confused some of you with my back and forthness from my house to my parents house over the last month. I did a quick vlog, which I will put up soon, but while I am sitting here watching Gossip Girl I might as well fill you in on what's going on in my life. The back and forthness has been due to two things: traveling, and taking loads of my stuff to my parents house to make moving out easier - my car doesn't hold much.

It's the end of another school year, but this one is different; it was my last one. My senior year of college, my very last semester. I do have a few more classes to take this summer, since I fell behind this semester from traveling and decided to finish up online, but as for standard school, living on campus - it's over. And I am very sad and nostalgic about it; I'm having a tough time. Our lease is up at my rental house so I am moving out and back to my parents for the month of May. In June I will move on with my life, a new chapter, I just haven't worked out the details. I will be getting my own place though; after living on my own for 4 years it will be hard to live with my parents for even a month. I am quite independent, and even though I love my family to death a month will be more then enough time to regroup and figure out what my next move is. If I seemed sad in my most recent tutorial, the bonfire at the beach one, this is why. I'm attaching a picture of my little warm house that I am very dearly going to miss - it makes me sad and happy at the same time to look at it. The steps of doom are on the side so unfortunately you can't see them, that would have been funny to show! The hill drops off steeply and the steps are steep and narrow, and IMPOSSIBLE to navigate in the icy winters :) College was the best 4 years of my life, and I wish everyone the best of luck who haven't started yet. If you are in the middle of your college years - enjoy every minute.

*********************
On a more cheerful note, there are things about my family home that I miss when I am not there. Bella, my girl cat, has absolutely no coordination and is forever falling off of beds and couches, never landing on her feet. Sometimes while she is walking she trips over her own tail. She has been sitting in this one big flower pot in the front yard and it makes me fall over laughing every time I see her, plopped on the dirt with a serene look on her face. I think she meditates in there.

Bear has had his own "issues" lately. He has developed this habit of sleeping UNDER my bed instead of on top with me, which I don't like one bit. I like to hear him purr and for him to be there for me to cuddle with when I wake up in the morning. So I had this great idea to make a barricade (BEARacade - get it?) all around my bed so he couldn't get under. I sat there planting boxes and baskets all the way around the bed, plugging the holes with blankets and making it impossible for him to get under there. About an hour later I noticed he was missing, so after looking everywhere I removed a box and peered under the bed, and there he was. I have NO IDEA how he got under there. He totally outsmarted me. I'm still scratching my head over it. If anyone has any inklings, please clue me in. There he is with his favorite tennis ball ---->

Dad and I have gotten in the habit of taking a walk around the neighborhood after dinner, when it starts cooling off outside. Normally we speed walk, try to get our heart rates up (my dad used to be a runner) but the last time we literally just moseyed along staring agog at all the houses. We were like two agogers agogging at everything. The worm on the ground, the grass, different houses, everything. We were the nosy neighbors that everyone has who everyone secretly wants to buzz off.

I finished the book "Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella which I really enjoyed. I would recommend it if you want a quick, easy, girly read. It was one that I didn't want to put down, just because I related to the character and the writing style so much. I am currently at the tail end of "Need" by Carrie Jones, and to be quite honest it's been difficult to get through it. I'm not sure why, because it involves werewolves and fairies and supernatural things that I love, but it just hasn't captivated me the way I needed it to. I ended up pausing and reading the entire Twenties Girl book right in the middle. I'm also halfway through "Love the one you're with" by Emily Giffin, which is another easy read. It's basically about what happens when you find the love of your life, and you marry him, but then you find the REAL one you were supposed to be with. Do you stay with the one you married? The book is basically about that :)

I will have my April Favorites winners up soon, and as far as Tarte - that was on them. They have already picked their winners and contacted them. I will list the names in the April Favorites video, but you would have already been contacted on the email address you signed up for the contest with.

Lost just ended; it was the saddest episode. It was the one from last night, May 4th, and I am incredibly sad. I don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet - but it's a tearjerker. There are only a few episodes left - how on earth are they gonna wrap it up!? For a long time I thought that the whole island was limbo - a place between heaven and hell where the choices they made on the island affected their fate, but I just have no clue anymore. I have watched this show since the very first season. Lost nerds - UNITE!

Last thing: Project 10 Pan has been completed! I will do a separate blog post on this including the items I finished up and my thoughts, so look out for that!

Speak soon,
Elle Fowler

illumenature Candle Review

2010-05-03T00:16:00.011-04:00

Hey guys! I am currently sick in bed with what could possibly be the flu (bad Blair for getting me sick) so I can't film tonight. Therefore I figured a blog post was in order. I was sitting here noodling over what I could review when I spotted my two candles happily burning on my dresser, and thought, "I know I talked about these in my April Favorites but I will do a blog review as well". If you haven't seen my April Favorites video you can watch it here; I give away 2 of these candles, but please do not comment any "enter me's" on this blog - only on my YouTube video :)

So I was sent 6 scents, and for time purposes I only described 4 of them in my video. I will quickly describe each one, and tell you my favorites. These are available at www.illumenature.com.

The first one is my favorite, and one that I am currently burning. It is called Cinnamo n Sticks. This one has the scent of cinnamon bark and spicy yumminess. It smells exactly like big red gum. I didn't burn this one right away, I just let it sit in my room with the lid open, but when I lit it up it immediately grew in scent intensity. I took this picture RIGHT after I lit it, so it hasn't even formed a puddle yet, but it smells marvelous. I will purchase this one when it runs out. One thing I like is how streamlined these candles are, they don't look "homemade" at all.

My next favorite is the Banana Nutbread. This one smells of banana, brown sugar, and vanilla. It is a sweet smelling, cake-like scent, one that would be good in the kitchen. Obviously I am burning mine in my bedroom currently along with Cinnamon Sticks, because I love sweet, food smelling candles. I actually especially love banana nutbread, my mom makes the best banana nutbread around, but she only makes it in the fall. Maybe I will pester her and get her to make me some tomorrow. "Mom, I'm soooooo sick. I have the flu and the ONLY thing I can eat is your banana nutbread....".

Hahaha I am playing, I wouldn't use her like that, but it does sound tasty!

The next one is a scent I'm sure everyone recognizes, Japanese Cherry Blossom. It smells just like the one from Bath and Body Works, but I am not complaining because it is one of my all time favorite scents. It is a clean scent, slightly floral and very feminine. Plus, the candle itself is pretty; and I am one to judge on those things. I am big on packaging, and if it is not pleasing to the eye I don't want it as decor. The ones from Bath and Body Works are pretty as well, which is why I purchase from them often.

The next one is one I chose not to review on my April favorites, but it is still a nice scent. It is called Citrus Basil. This one smells exactly as it sounds - exceptionally citrusy. It smells like lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit, all mixed into one candle, with a bit of basil leaf. This one I would keep confined to my kitchen or bathroom, just because I like my bedroom to have a softer, more feminine and romantic scent to it. I like it though; it smells very clean and fresh.

Next is Chestnut and Brown Sugar, which smells deceivingly like banana nutbread at first, but once you smell them closely it has its own unique scent. It smells of caramel, chestnuts, vanilla and brown sugar. It is another cake-y scent, smelling like baked goods straight out of the oven. It is a bit less sweet than banana nutbread, but still smells nice and I would recommend it if you like that type of scent.

The last one is my least favorite, but I could see some people enjoying it. It is Lavender, which is a scent that I am so-so about in general. Lavender is great to use at bedtime, because it naturally makes you sleepy and relaxed. I use lavender sometimes in my baths, but it is just not a scent I am personally that attracted to. This one reminds me of laundry detergent - not in a bad way, just a clean, lavender way. It is a fresh scent, and if you are a big lavender fan then the scent is true to its' name.

So that's all of them! For reference, mine are the 8oz size, so they are $11.99 each. They are also available in a 20oz.

Speak soon,
Elle Fowler

Press On TOENAILS?!

2010-04-28T21:52:00.007-04:00

As a beauty girl, I like stepping over the bounds of ordinary to try new trends. This isn't a far extreme, but I like to think it's something most people wouldn't consider. Everyone has dabbled with press on nails, but press on toes? Very peculiar...

Regardless, I gave it a try. I spotted the box at my local drugstore and was immediately intrigued by the picture of the foot on the box; the nails were so perfect. We are not talking long extension nails here... just very nice, normal looking french pedicure toes. In a box! Some people are not a fan of the french tip for toes but I ALWAYS have mine painted in the french style. Every now and then I spring for a fun color, like hot pink, but I always tire of it and want it french tipped again (just my toes, my nails always have fun colors).

This press on set happens to be from my favorite press on nail brand, so I decided to give it a try. Plus, I have been in a nail mood lately, and just filmed a video today on my YouTube channel about the various types of nails:

I brought the box home, excited but a bit wary, and proceeded to give them a try. I was a little predisposed to dislike them, just because it is SUCH a weird concept, but I was determined to give them a fair shot. I stuck them on, taking my time to ensure the right fit for each toe, but there wasn't one for my pinky toe. They were all too long and looked like I had a freak toe (not the look I was trying to achieve, btw). My box came with complete with little flower decals, so I went all out and decorated my toenails and then went to show them off to my friends.

Let's just say they are a FREAK. CONCEPT. I felt totally bizarre the whole day, and they kept getting caught in my socks that night. I didn't notice it during the day because I wore flip flops so I could rock my tacky looking toes but I think they would feel uncomfortable in shoes. I took them off the next day, thinking they were just one step too unusual for me.

Overall opinion: nice to try, but probably will never touch them again. You might like them for a one off occasion, like prom, but don't be too concerned if you do not have the right fit for your pinky toe. You do not have a deformed toe. Broadway just doesn't make them little enough! Also, please forgive me for not attaching a picture of my toes - I find that a bit too much. I don't really like feet, lol.

Now I am off to watch last night's "The Hills" season premier and then possibly the Sex and the City movie (Blair bought it for me for no reason - nice sister). I am quite enjoying this blog, I hope you guys are as well :)

Speak soon,
Elle Fowler

Down to the final 2...

2010-04-26T22:10:00.009-04:00

Yes, that's right! I am down to my final two on project 10 lush, and let me tell you - I am quite pleased. I already have my wish list going of what I am going to try next, cough Jasmine Henna Fluff cough. They also have these amazing looking Sugar Lip Scrubs that are new on their site that I'm sure smell SCRUMPTIOUS! I personally want to try the sweet lips scent (milk chocolate yumminess!).

Anyway, as a quick catch up I will fill you in on what I have completed to date:
The highlighted ones are the ones that have mini reviews, so you can read about the individual products - I did not love all of them!
Gnome Name Bubble Bar
Ma Bar Bubble Bar
Blackberry Bath Bomb - I LOVED THIS ONE! Read the review! Do it! Do it!
Lil Lush Pud Bath Bomb
Honey I washed the kids soap
Therapy Massage Bar
Flosty Gritter Bubble Bar
Angel's Delight Soap

I finished the 9th one up tonight! I suppose I could be finished with project 10 lush since I used a product (cinders bath bomb) the night before I officially "started" this mission but I will be diligent and not cheat. I need to finish one more before I get to have a mini haul, and believe me... there will be a video :)

So the one I finished up tonight is the Comforter Bubble Bar. I have purchased this one over and over - it is truly one of my favorites. Lush claims it is big enough for 2 baths - I use it for 4-5 baths easily. It makes luscious bubbles and smells amazing, so soft and comforting. I will be repurchasing this one, I like to always have a piece for when I am in the right mood. For those 21 and over - a glass of wine and this bubble bar makes for a very happy girl.

That means one left! Then I get to do a lush haul! Project 10 pan update - I have mostly finished up a few more items, but honestly I am not being as diligent as I am for project 10 lush. I haven't bought any new products, but I have been sent stuff so it seems like I am cheating. I have been trying out new stuff and not concentrating on using up the old, but I am still trudging along! I recently went through ALL my mascaras and threw all but a few away, all ones that are under 2 months old (anything older than 3 months should be tossed anyway - eye infection alert!). I might be doing a blog sale soon to clear some more stuff out just because my collection is way too big for one person.

Let's see... any more news...
I will be posting videos more frequently (I hope!) starting this week, I have a bit of a traveling break so I want to film, film, film. Look for one Wednesday.

Chat soon,
Elle Fowler

In's and Out's 6

2010-04-26T13:31:00.015-04:00

I have had a bit of a cold for the past 2 days, and while slathering on my Carmex I came to a realization. I was using a VERY bland balm. Not very Elle-like at all. Regardless of its blandness, I actually really like it, so it inspired me to write a new in's and out's (imagine, inspired by a bland balm).

In:
Carmex original moisturizing lip balm. Now let me preface this by saying I would typically never admit to favoring such a "normal" lipbalm when I own so many blingy ones. Normally even in my sickest moments I would reach for a dazzleglass, or at least a MAC tendertone to soothe my lips. However, I mustn't tell white lies on my blog so I must admit to having my carmex on my nightstand currently (insert pointless picture here) --->

Benefit Stay don't Stray Primer. Yet another eye primer to enter my collection along with its buddies Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Urban Decay Primer Potion. I have ALWAYS held tight to the fact that I much prefer MAC paint pots to either of the two latter primers, but I really do like stay don't stray. It is a bit thicker then the other two, so it conceals my eyelids well, priming them perfectly for shadow. I find with the others (especially with Too Faced Shadow Insurance), that they are so thin and liquidy that I don't feel like I have a strong enough base on, which is why I always reach for my paint pots. Be forewarned though - it pumps out way too much, you have to pump just the tiniest amount on to your fingers. If you did an entire pump it would be enough for your entire face!

Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara. Tried for the first time in my benefit video (inserted here):

I really like this mascara! It goes on very black and doesn't clump up, and it pretty easy to use. The brush head is really big though, bigger than my eye so that takes some getting use to, but I do really like this one.

Bright Colors. I'm talking about everything; makeup, nail polish, clothing, room decor... etc. Spring time always makes me appreciate colors more, and I love that it is warming up.

Going for walks in the evenings. When the sun is going down and everything is cooling off it is the perfect time to go for a brisk walk. It gets your metabolism going so it's quite good for you, and you can help work off the dinner you just ate. (Or that dessert you know you shouldn't have had. Naughty.)

Glee! Ahhh I adore this show! It is SUCH a feel good, pick-me-up, perky show. I always end an episode feeling happy and satisfied, unlike Lost where I just feel confused and completely unsatisfied.

Easy, chill out reads. I adore intense books and novels that make you think as much as the next person, but sometimes I just want an easy "beach" read (that's what I call them). I recently bought two when I was in NY purusing around a mall wasting time (I also bought a chocolate covered strawberry), and I am really enjoying them. The first is called "Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella, who wrote the Confessions of a Shopoholic series, (which I highly recommend). It's basically about a girl who is followed around by an annoying ghost, who is her great aunt who lived to be 105 and then croaked, and now is a 23 year old flapper who likes to gamble and yell at the live beings of the world.
I'm also in the middle of reading "Need", which I also really liked but I misplaced it which is why I started on another book. It will show up someplace random like in the pantry and then I will continue on my merry way with that one. I don't mind reading more than one book at a time, but sometimes it gets wearing because you feel like you aren't getting anywhere. The 3rd book I bought, if anyone is curious, is "Love the one you're with" by Emily Giffen, who wrote "baby proof" and "something borrowed", both of which I enjoyed.

Out:
Blandness. Like my Carmex. There is no need for blandness in life.

Sweets. This is not because of a diet or anything of the sort, I have just not been craving sweets or desserts for the past week or so. Weird? Yes, but I'm not pushing it. I will wake up one night with an intense craving for ice cream, and then there will be no holding back!

Traveling so much. I LOVE traveling, but I haven't been in the same state for over a week in a couple months it feels like. No one likes being that unsteady in life, lol. I just want to chill out and lay by the pool and enjoy summer! Not that that is even an option, as dad has not sprayed the wasp nest yet so there is a whole lot of buzzing going on down there.

Grey's Anatomy. I don't know why but I have watched this show from the start, and it is not very interesting anymore. I don't look forward to it nearly as much as I used to, and lately I have been skipping episodes all together.

I guess I don't have much to complain about, I am pretty happy right now. I always have more In's then Out's so I guess that in itself is an In.

Speak to you soon,
Elle Fowler

Flowerpot Dwellers

2010-04-18T08:37:00.008-04:00

I am sitting at an airport (alone might I add - I hate traveling alone) so I am going to amuse myself by having a quick ramble. In about 3 hours I will be landing in NYC and heading to my hotel, where I will proceed to nap for a couple hours and then spend the day exploring the city. As you guys might remember, I lived in Manhattan last summer so I'm familiar enough with it to feel comfortable trampoozling around alone (even if it's only 4 square blocks from my hotel). Speaking of traveling, I have an absolute problem with overpacking, so today I compensated by packing practically nothing, which means I will have to make a quick stop at a drugstore to buy completely necessary things that I thought I could leave behind. You would think I would know myself better than that.

I'm getting quite tired of Project 10 Lush; I finished up two more products, bringing the total to 8, but there are still 2 to go. I completed my therapy massage bar and my honey I washed the kids soap. Both of these products I have purchased on several occasions, so there isn't anything new to tell you about them, but I still very much enjoyed them. I especially like honey I washed the kids soap, it's one of my all time favorite products (I love the lil honeycomb on the top!).

On a totally different note, I realized this morning, for the first time, that I have no more sensitivity in my eyes from my Lasik. I was sitting in the half dark, applying my Mac paint pot when I noticed that I was rubbing about and didn't feel anything! It took about a month to get back to this point, so I am quite excited about it. I also noticed that I now have better far away vision then up close vision, which is very strange for me (but I like it!). So mini update: yes I would still recommend it, yes I think it was worth it :)

This morning I went running about trying to say goodbye to my cats but I couldn't find Bella. Bear was running around under my feet, trying to sneak into my suitcase or my car but Bella was hiding. I finally found her in a flowerpot in the front yard, sitting in the dirt. Weirdo cat. You are not a flower. She looked very serene and happy, like that was her happy spot. To each their own, unusual creature.

Ahhh I need a new book. I finished all the house of night books that are out, so I have a new book with me for the flight - I hope it is good! It's called "Need". We are boarding now, maybe I will post again tonight since I will be bored in the hotel!

Elle Fowler

A new hair love - Moroccan Oil

2010-04-17T18:33:00.007-04:00

For the past few months one of my roommates has been swearing by Moroccan Oil, claiming it makes her hair feel and look amazing. I finally gave in and tried hers one night, but I didn't notice anything exceptional, so I ignored her statements and went about living my life. If you are curious, I have been using the Redken Satin Wear as a heat protectant, and then my Framsi Wio Straight Balm to help tame my annoyingly textured hair. Sometimes I use another product or two, but those were my only must have products until about 2 weeks ago.

I now have a new hair love. I was sent a few products to try from Eden Allure, a Moroccan Argan Oil company. I tried the Organic Moroccan Argan Oil out one night, not expecting big things (after using my roommates and feeling so-so about it), but I gotta say - this one is really nice! I have been using it every shower now for 2 weeks and I can tell a difference in the manageability of my hair. I place a few pumps onto my fingers and rub it throughout the ends of my hair, repeating if I need to. You do not have to use a lot of this at all, in fact I would be a bit nervous to use too much, since it is an oil. Moroccan Oil is rich in many vitamins and is very good for your skin, nails, and hair. I have also tried this out on my nails, and it is a great cuticle softener.

I was a bit timid to try this out on my face, even though by researching it online it has great benefits for your skin. I finally decided that since I have dry skin it might be good to try it out, so I used a couple pumps on my face. It is said to be really good for your fine lines and crows feet, as well as giving you a healthy glow. My skin literally drank this stuff up!

I know there are lots of Moroccan Oil brands out there, but I especially like the company outlook of this one. They purchase their oil from the Berber women of Morocco, helping to promote the advancement of the long oppressed group of women. They also donate a percentage of their proceeds to the Global Fund for Women - talk about empowering women! This charity helps provide relief to abused and impoverished women around the world.

I was also sent two bars of soap to try out, a grapefruit and a lavender, that are infused with Moroccan oil. My favorite is the grapefruit - it smells fruity and has little chunks in it that look like pieces of fruit. These bars are extremely moisturizing; they are not stingy with the oil, and you can definitely feel the softness. They lather up really well and have a very soft scent. If you like soaps that are not heavily perfumed these would be perfect, but if you do like the heavy scents you might not be quite satisfied with these.

Bottom line: For me, the oil is a must have. It is nice on my face and nails, but I think I will save it for my hair since I see such an improvement with it there. Moroccan oil users - are they any other techniques or uses I should try?

xoxo
Elle Fowler

Cows on the hillside

2010-04-04T00:07:00.010-04:00

I'm sitting with my entire family watching New Moon, which my dad stubbornly calls Blue Moon, and as I'm an expert multitasker I feel a bit fidgety watching a movie without doing something productive at the same time (unless I am at the theater, and even then I like to text on my phone). So I'm sitting here clack clack clacking away at my keyboard while Edward tells Bella how "she's not good for him" and "he has no soul" and looking incredibly like a big ball of torture and pain. Thank goodness for the level headed werewolves who find her; Edward just leaves her in the woods to rot.

Yesterday I was driving around and I noticed some cows on a hill. This is not a strange occurrence, since there is farmland around my town, but the strange part was that the cows were standing on a very steep mountain side, and looked like they were going to fall right out into the sky. You know that saying about how some cows have 2 legs shorter to help them stand on hills? (or not, I'm not sure it's a well known saying) It got me thinking... that sure would make life easier for them, until they got shipped off to a flatland farm in Kansas and became the weirdo lopsided cow. Speaking of cows, my littlest sister recently visited a farm with a friend and came back talking about how she likes the "'mell" of barns and that she thinks cow food 'mells good. I'll take her word for it.

Today the weather was beautiful, sunny and warm, so I decided to take advantage of it and go outside to read by the pool. This sounded like a good idea in my head :) Bear followed me outside and basically sat there in the shade to watch me struggle with moving a pool chair from the storage room to the pool area. After rotating the chair to the perfect sun-is-not-in-my-eyes-but-I-will-still-get-an-even-tan angle I plopped down only to find that Bear had already claimed 80% of the chair. So I made myself content with my 20% and started to read until I heard a suspicious buzzing. Uh, yeah. There was a wasp nest not 3 feet away from my little oasis. I'm not gonna lie, they kinda messed up the idyllic vibe I had going. I tried to ignore them but then I realized that Bear would most certainly not protect me if the wasps decided to show me who's boss, so I went inside.

Ahhh, I love this movie. Jacob = love. Why aren't there more guys like him out there? I'm gonna finish this movie up and then have an early night. I hope everyone enjoys Easter Sunday (if you celebrate it!) and if not just have a relaxing weekend :) New videos soon!

xoxo

Elle Fowler

Belle Ame Bath Products Haul

2010-04-03T16:46:00.009-04:00

Recently I was sent a box of goodies in the mail by a bath and body company. Before I get started on my haul and review I want to mention that I get sent bath products often, since I am quite addicted to anything relaxing, and rarely do I find a company that I reach for over Lush. That being said, I have really been enjoying this selection of yummy smelling goodies, so I wanted to share my thoughts with you all. I did some research on the company, and I like that they do not test on animals, and that each item is hand packaged with love. Even the picture of the store is adorable - I want to visit it!

The first item that I tried was the Honey Almond Foaming Body Scrub which is a salt scrubby dub with major moisturizing properties. It is $14.95 for an 8 oz. jar. This scrub is made up of shea butter, salt, jasmine, vitamin E, chamomile, and other soothing ingredients that feel and smell great. This is a great exfoliater, and my skin felt very soft and smooth after using it. You don't need a ton of product for the whole body, and I like how it foams up into a light lather as you are scrubbing. Before this I was using Lush's porridge soap to exfoliate but that one does not lather up at all, and it is a little too harsh for my skin. This one was not too abrasive, which I really liked. I like the scent as well - you guys know how I am about my Honey bath products. The scent lingered on my skin for the entire day, and I kept getting whiffs of it as I moved around. I must admit it looks a little deceiving, (kinda gross), but don't be fooled! It does not smell like it looks :)

The next item I tried was the Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Shower Gel. Could this one sound any more yummy?! Geez, I want to eat it! I absolutely love the packaging for this one, all wine bottle shaped and glamorous. It is $9.95 for a 12 oz. bottle. My thoughts? I love the smell, but I can't say 100% that it smells like the name implies. There is definitely a hint of oatmeal and sweetness, but I can't exactly pinpoint another scent in the shower gel. Regardless I really like the scent, and I like how the products foams up. Just like the Honey Almond Scrub it produces a nice, thick lather that Lush products simply do not do. Sometimes I feel like I am getting cleaner if my product foams up, even if it's just in my head.

Another product that I must rave about is the Goat's Milk and Honey Lavish Lotion. I LOVE the scent of this one. I can't even pinpoint it, it just smells very girlie and perfume like. I have dry skin so I am always looking for a thick and great smelling lotion to infuse moisture back into my skin. This is what the blurb on the site says "Lavish is our modern, sophisticated and feminine fragrance. Our Lavish Lotion is made with Goat’s Milk, Honey and Shea Butter. Goat's milk naturally moisturizes, hydrates and nourishes skin and is high in protein and vitamin A. Honey is naturally rich in anti-oxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, and Shea Butter is a wonderful natural moisturizer. This thick and luxurious lotion is easily absorbed by the skin, avoiding any greasy residue, and leaving a wonderfully silky feeling that lets you know that you are taking care of your skin." For $9.95 for an 8 oz. bottle it's not very expensive, and I would really recommend this one, I LOVE it! I wouldn't mind a perfume in this scent, to be honest, and I think I am going to order the bubble bath in this scent. Mmmm... girlie perfumed bubbles... sounds relaxing :)

I was also sent one of their bath bombs, the Stop and Smell the Roses scent. This is a rose scented luxurious bath bomb that is supposed to remind you to stop and smell the roses every now and then. Speaking of, when Blair and I were in LA a few weeks back we were walking past a gorgeous flower garden and I stopped to smell one of the flowers, which Blair thought was VERY odd. She made an annoyed huff and I got startled and a honeysuckle went right up my nose. I think the idea is nice, but maybe I will keep my nose to myself when I am around Blair. I haven't used this bath bomb yet because I am saving it for when I really need to relax, but my initial thoughts are that it is pretty and smells exactly as it should. It is $4.95 for the little one, and looks like it has real rose petals infused into that bath bomb, which is always fun :) This one has Kaolin Clay in it to help draw out impurities with Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids to help soothe your skin. I can't wait to use this one, I will let you guys how I like it.

I also got 3 soaps. I like all 3 of them for different reasons, and it is hard to decide which is my favorite, but if I had to pick 1 it would be the "Island Spa" scent. This one is a combination of Honeysuckle, Clary Sage and Mango - again with the honey scents! This company obviously knows me well to pick all these honey smells :) I can most definitely smell the honey suckle in this one and a tad bit of mango (which is one of my favorite fruits), but I don't know what Clary Sage is supposed to smell like so I can't be of much help there (LOL!). It has shea butter to moisturize and a layer of oatmeal to help soften the skin, and has a little seashell on the top of the soap, which I think is a nice little touch. You can bathe with this soap and set the seashell on the side of your tub and think of the beach. This soap is really nice, and not like anything that can be duped at lush - I will be purchasing one once I run out.

The other two I received are Citrus Crush and Fujian White Tea. Citrus Crush comes with a little Glycerin Orange slice tied to the top. I think I am a major sucker for these little details - the orange slice is reason enough for me to fall in love with this soap. This one is very fresh and clean feeling, and is the type of soap I would reach for in the mornings to invigorate me. I has grapefruit, lemon, and orange essential oils, and is a very pretty soap, if you know what I mean. I like the look of this one on the side of my tub.

Fujian White Tea is a very light and sweet scent that smells as you would imagine it to - a little like white tea. It has little poppy seeds in it that help exfoliate your skin and the scent lingers on your skin after you use it. It is moisturizing and soothing, and the type of soap that you could use morning or night - on one hand it is rejuvenating, but it is also soothing.

The soaps are $5.95 each and I used stock photos from the site since mine are cut up and used. My overall thoughts on this company is that I really liked everything I received, and I will be placing my own order soon. I love the Lavish scent, so I might try it in a few more products (like the bubble bath!), and since I adore all 3 soaps I think I will try a few more of those. I might use the rose bath bomb tonight - I'll keep you posted on Twitter @ellefowler.

xoxo everyone, let me know if you have tried anything or if you order anything from here!
Elle Fowler

Project 10 Pan = pain in the butt

2010-03-29T23:27:00.007-04:00

Project 10 Pan is quickly becoming a pain in my butt. It seems to drag on forever, but I am trudging forward in the hopes that there will be some sort of satisfaction at the end. After weeks of finishing nothing up I finally had a few products come to the end of their lifespan:

Mac Eye Makeup Remover - wasn't sure if I should count this since it is not makeup but I figured it counted. It's not like I can run out and buy another one though, since the shopoholic in me had a backup. Believe me, I considered "forgetting" I had one so I could go get another and then realized I was acting like an insane person.
Nars Laguna Bronzer - Best bronzer ever. I have been through a few of these, but I don't think I have ever been as diligent and responsible as I was with this one. I literally waited until it crumbled up, then used up the crumbles! I don't recommend doing that by the way, because more ended up on my carpet than on my brush (but don't tell my mom!).
The next two are mascaras, which I found easy to use up because a) I use a lot at a time, and b) I was using quite a few at once, so several needed to be used up and tossed. The first one is Fresh Supernova, which I really did enjoy. This was actually my second tube of it, but I probably won't repurchase for awhile. I want to explore new ones before buying duplicates just to appease my buying habit. The second one is L'oreal Telescopic, which I will be buying again because it is so inexpensive, and honestly one of my all time favorites. I always try to keep a tube of this around.

I have a few more products that are contenders for the project but still have a lot of work to go, so we will see. I might take a mini break after I finish 5 products if I finish project 10 lush just so I can chill for awhile - I don't want to be boring.
Out of these products I am really enjoying the benetint, although it is totally ridiculous how tiny that bottle is. I bought that $10 one hoping to save money instead of getting the big $28 one, and it is about a twentieth of it's size. Not exactly the best move, lol. I have been using it more as a cheek stain than a lip stain, just because it is a bit drying on the lips, but I like the color a lot. It gives you the just-got-swept-up-in-a-snowstorm look.

4 out of 10 isn't bad, right? For now, I'll keep working at using these products up, but don't be surprised if I allow myself a cheat haul (for good behavior :). Now I am going to get in my super comfy can't-get-out-of-bed bed and watch Lost, since I am about 4 episodes behind. I like to think Lost and my mini snickers bar is a reward for being mega productive today, since I cleaned my closet (moved around enough stuff for Bear to sit on the shelf), helped mom with dinner (we got pizza delivered), shipped some of my contest winners packages (spent an hour trying to figure out which state the Australian address was from. WA = Washington? Apparently not...), and saved a life (moved a caterpillar from the sun porch to the grass).

Busy as a bumblybee right?
Elle Fowler

a pink glittery mess of fun

2010-03-29T13:31:00.016-04:00

While diligently taking inventory of my ever dwindling lush stash I came across a gem I had forgotten about (that is why project 10 lush is fun - finding products you forgot about!). I spotted this glittery piece of pink love and decided to try it out. It's called Flosty Gritter and it is a bubble bar, so its like a solid bubble bath bar... thing.

My first impression of this was "prettttyyyyy" but as soon as I picked it up I wondered if it would create a huge mess. Glitter immediately got all over my fingers and ended up on my jeans, so I think a normal person would have thought it was too messy and put it back. Not me though, I bought one right away.

I must admit, this makes quite a mess when it is dry. I was a bit skeptical of it, as pretty as it is, and was scared to use it at first. I ran my water, broke this in half, and started to crumble it up. My water instantly turned a pretty baby pink, and the glitter pretty much disappeared. It did NOT get all over my skin and create chaos as I halfway expected. It had a light scent of cotton candy but was not overpowering at all. Here is the online blurb:
"If you're in the mood for something sweet and comforting, crumble this luxurious bar under your tap and revel in dazzling swirls of pink sparkles and fluffy white bubbles. The fragrance is delectably soft vanilla with lavender, similar to our American Cream conditioner and solid perfume. Whether you're planning a night in with chick flicks and manicures or a girls' night out on the town, start with a Flosty Gritter bubble bath.".

Bottom line - I love the scent, I love the color, and I love the glitter. It screams Elle in my opinion, and for that reason alone I will probably repurchase this in the near future :) If the dry glitter is going to bother you I would stay away from it, and don't expect it to be the most soothing of lush products, it's more of a fun lets-soak-in-a-pink-glittery-mess type bath product.

That brings me up to number 6 on project 10 lush! I have a few more that are nearing completion, and I can assure you that you will see a Lush haul as soon as the project is finished. There are a few Lush hair products I have been eyeing, including the Marilyn hair mask for blonde hair and the Jasmine and Henna Fluff Faze which is a deeply conditioning jasmine scented hair luxury. Has anyone tried either of these? Any good?

xoxo
Elle Fowler

Pores no more!

2010-03-29T04:10:00.005-04:00

I have found a new love, and it is a strange one. Let me preface this by saying that I am not keen on MAC's skincare line. As much as I love them for color, their face products have always reacted badly with my skin. Nevertheless, a MAC makeup artist recently did my makeup for an important event, and she used this product on me. It is the MAC Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment ($19.50) and it is amazing. I was sold after seeing my skin with this.

I apply it after washing my face and moisturizing, using less than a pea size amount. I only apply this where my skin has visible pores, so for me that's right around my nose and right between my brows. The MAC girl told me I needed to press it into my skin - not rub, and to let it dry for a full 5 minutes before applying any makeup on top. So every morning I dab dab dab and then let it dry while I speed flat iron my hair (less heat = less damage!).

I must admit, I don't have terrible pores to begin with, so I don't know if this would give you an invisible look if you have really large pores, but it is worth trying out! I really like how it works on my skin. It also claims to reduce oil and shine, but my skin is dry so I can't be the best help on that declaration.

Could this be my first real MAC skincare love? I will keep you guys posted on my thoughts.

xoxo
Elle Fowler

Recipe for the most comfy bed :)

2010-03-29T01:56:00.008-04:00

Today I did some sprucing up in my bedroom at my parents house, and I feel like it's finally coming together. I had never fully moved into this room because my parents moved to this house after I had moved out, so basic items like curtains were never dealt with. So earlier I went to target and bought curtains and my two basic bedding needs that can turn any bed into a super comfy and amazingly soft paradise (and it doesn't cost a ton like a temperpedic mattress would!).
The first is just the basic egg crate style foam pad. I always buy the cheapest one I can get my hands on; this one is from Target and was about $15. Sometimes you can find them on sales though, I got my one at my house for $8!
Now be forewarned, this egg crate alone will NOT give you a paradise bed, you have to combine it with the secret ingredient below. I actually never understood the appeal of the egg crate alone; I don't think that it does anything as far as comfort goes - you sink right through it!
The memory foam topper :) Just thinking about it makes me smile. Yes, that is Bear on the top of the box. This topper combined with the egg crate makes for the coziest sleep of your life. Just like with the egg crate I went into money saving mode, and bought the cheapest one I could find. This one is only 1.5 inches thick, but it seriously works just as well as the super expensive 4-5 inch ones that sell for hundreds of dollars. This one was $70 for a queen, which is a little more than I wanted to spend, but I didn't want to wait for it to go on sale (cause my mattress at my parent's house is like a rock!). If you layer this one on top of the egg crate pad you will never want to get out of bed.

***********
On a different note, I finished the book "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown. My thoughts? I really enjoyed it until the last few chapters when it was suppose to come together into a really amazing "ah ha!" moment... and it just didn't for me. The whole book was building and building and then it just stalled the last few chapters. Sad, but I guess since I enjoyed 90% of the book it was worth reading, right? At least it kept me entertained on my flights :)

xoxo
Elle Fowler

Blog Giveaway Winners!

2010-03-28T01:11:00.008-04:00

Hey everyone! I finally picked the winners for the blog giveaway. I decided to randomly pick 5 followers to win (as discussed on Twitter) since my comment idea didn't work. I used random.org for this. Each winner will get to pick out $50 worth of stuff from Glitzy-Glam. Don't be sad if you didn't win, I will have another giveaway soon!

So without further ado, the winners:

Necia...
Paulina Harkey
dejahlynn
Shayla Oseka
Isolda Hanney

Not all of them have blogs, so I linked an area of "proof" so that I can make sure the right people claim the prizes. Blogger is tricky because you can literally change your user name to anything you want, therefore becoming one of these winners. Congrats to the winners, let me know what you would like from the site (Email or twitter me).

xoxo
Elle Fowler

an eyelash discovery

2010-03-26T13:40:00.012-04:00

While applying my very minimal "going on a roadtrip" makeup this morning I made a discovery. My eyelashes are noticeably thicker and longer than normal. Only someone who diligently puts on mascara every day would even notice such a thing. I haven't been dabbling with eyelash growth serums (yet) so my only conclusion is that it must be from the absence of pulling associated with contacts. I have basically left my eyes alone for two weeks now, not rubbing them or pulling on them at all, and I'm wondering if this has something to do with the unexpected lash growth.

Blair and I are driving back to my parents house today, which I am a little nervous about only because I am used to blasting music and singing at the top of my lungs the entire way to pass the time. Blair will most likely sleep the whole way, which means no singing for me.

Here is a breakdown of my minimal but still put together makeup look:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - I love this stuff for a quick swipe across your face, but as for everyday foundation, I have moved on to a fuller coverage foundation in her line. I will review that in a seperate post or video once I am sure it doesn't break me out or do anything weird. The tinted moisturizer does exactly what it says - it gives a very faint bit of color and adds a bit of moisture, just make sure to add some powder or bronzer after so you do not look greasy. I just applied with with my fingers.

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer - best concealer I have found for under eye circles and other problem zones. Super creamy and easy to blend.

Mac MSF in Medium Deep - way to dark for me as an everyday powder, but this one makes for an excellent bronzer when I am normal colored, and a bronzer/powder when I am spray tanned. It hasn't taken the place of my beloved Nars Laguna bronzer, but it serves as a different purpose. I apply it with my Sigma SS150 brush.

Mac Blush in Sunbasque (not pictured, somehow it got lost in translation) - another color that is a bit too much on my regular, pale skin, but gorgeous when I have a bit of a summer glow. My last spray tan is still holding on a bit, so this color still looks nice on me. This is the only blush I took to LA and I love it! It is described as a gilded peach with pearl - gorgeous!
Speaking of spray tans, I paid the extra 5 dollars for the "extra stay power stuff" that they offered, which I admit sounded a bit gimmicky but I think it actually worked! I got the spray tan on Sunday afternoon, and it is now Friday, and my tan is still nice and glowy.

Mac Rubenesque paint pot - No shadow today, just this paint pot. You can tell it is well loved from the picture - it is a frosted golden peach with gold and pink pearl (could it sound any prettier?). Normally I pair this with a shimmery lid color like mac all that glitters or honesty, but today I am going for minimal.

Fresh Supernova Mascara - One of the products I am diligently using up for project 10 pan, it is almost at the end of it's lifespan.

Korres Lip Butter Quince - I am trying this one out (it was sent to me), and I like it so far. It gives a soft pink color - not nearly as dramatic as I like, but then again, it's just a lip butter. I think this stuff would be really nice to apply before bed.

Puppy Love

2010-03-25T22:36:00.012-04:00

Due to the lack of videos on my channel I decided I would do a blog before curling up with the last few chapters of "The Lost Symbol", which I am quite enjoying. Blair and I just got back from LA late last night, and we slept the entire day today. Our plane got in at midnight last night, and we were supposed to have a cab waiting, but there was none to be found... only a lone stretch hummer party bus. Talk about causing a scene. Blair immediately took up the entire bus so she could stretch out and sleep, so I just sat with all the luggage and tried to listen to music. The radio station was playing a song from the 1800s, so I tried to change it but only succeeded in turning off the entire power system (including the strobe lights), so I decided to leave my technological instincts for YouTube, and didn't mess with it anymore.

Currently I am in bed enjoying my boringly uneventful night. Blair is sleeping beside me (we are at my house) and I have reached the following conclusions:
1) I think Blair has a secret power she has been hiding from all of us. She has the ability to flick a switch in her mind and go to sleep in a second (just like cats do!). It took her all of 20 seconds to go from "Elle, where is your remote?" to being out like a light bulb. I can't even move her. She has about 80% of the bed, leaving me with 20%, which leads me to conclusion 2.
2) Sharing a full size bed with another full grown human is difficult. I haven't slept in a full with Blair since we were little girls. She is not only a cover hog, she likes to push me off the bed by rolling completely on top of me. She is like a mini sleeping burrito.
3) I have completely fallen into a "I want a puppy" mode. It started when my roommate got an adorable maltipoo puppy (Rollie Pollie Bologna), but increasingly got worse in LA. I fell in love with a Bichon Frise, and I have decided I want one. I'm thinking a bichon would have a better chance at survival than a small dog since she would at least be the size of Bear, and therefore Bear wouldn't be able to eat her (maybe... then again he might).

Speaking of, Mom called me to inform me that Bear had torn down the curtains in Blair's room while we were gone. He doesn't even have claws; I have no idea how he manages these great feats. Mom doesn't understand that he needs stimulation when I am not there for him to bother, and that he was probably just trying to tell her he wants to play in the guinea pig cage, which is his favorite pass time. He and guinea are quite close. Bear doesn't really fit in the cage well, being the size of a lion, but I think he turns on his sloth powers and gets really pliable, and somehow fits. He is essentially made of play doh.

Okay back to important updates:
I am still noodling over the contest and trying to figure out what to do, I might just pick 5 random followers to win since my comments went berserk.
Project 10 pan in the slowest thing in the world, and as of right now I don't recommend it if you want to stay sane.
My eyes are still sore (not terrible but enough that I'm not trying to tug on them or put on a ton of products) so tutorials will have to hold off for a bit longer. I am going to film some non tutorials soon though, send requests to my twitter :)
I am researching all of the eyelash growth serums and I think I want to try lilash once my eyes get completely better - what do you think? Has anyone tried it?

Okay I'm off to move the sleeping burrito and hopefully score at least 10% more bed space. Wish me luck!

xoxo
Elle Fowler

Late Night Ramblings

2010-03-21T23:27:00.009-04:00

It's 11:30pm on Sunday evening, and instead of trying to sleep like a normal person I am wide awake. Blair and I are leaving at 7:30am to drive to the airport, then we are flying to LA for a few days. We have been traveling so much lately packing is a piece of cake. My carry-on was still packed from NY, with my NAP blanket from Brookstone, my NAP neck pillow, a pair of absurdly fuzzy socks, and a brand new book. Plus I always carry my makeup brushes and jewelry in my carry-on so they don't get all mangled up in my suitcase.

Don't laugh... but I really think a pair of these NAP boots would be the perfect thing to keep my toes toasty warm, even if they would look a bit ridiculous. Planes are cold!------>

I took some melatonin to help me sleep but it hasn't kicked in so I am just going to have a nice ramble until it does. I have complied a small list of Project 10 Lush contenders - products that may be part of my final 5 lush items in this project. They are:
Therapy Massage Bar
Angel's Delight Soap
Porridge Soap
Honey I washed the kids Soap
And I have no idea what number 5 night be - maybe another bath bomb or something simple, since I still have a few. Project 10 pan is...going, I haven't finished anything up yet though, lol. I had to buy new hairspray and shampoo but thankfully those are not makeup items so I did not feel guilty in the least.

Hmmm... still wide awake. Perhaps an In's and Out's?

In:
Goggles - yes. I like my goggles. Call me crazy, but I feel "safe" in them. My eyes are feeling deceptively normal, but I will not be the one in a million case who dislodges her flaps. No. I am taking extra measures. I slept for the last few nights without them on, but then put them back on for last night (cause my left eye was swollen) and woke up with not only normal feeling, unswollen eyes, but my eye sight got better overnight! The doc told me that might happen after about a week, and it has been 9 days - so yay!

Flowers - I love when I am given fresh flowers, they really brighten up a room. My dad got me some flowers the other day, and I have been diligently watering them and keeping away flower chompers. I don't quite have a green thumb, but I am trying.

Project 10 Lush/Pan - It really is a simple pleasure to use up a product entirely. I think all product junkies would agree with me; the majority of our products simply don't get used up. It is like we are children with an extremely low attention span - there is always another product out there that immediately grabs us.

Mystic Tans - Such a nice alternative to burning your skin, and it gives you a glow overnight. It doesn't last long, can be streaky, and is expensive, but for special occasions it can be nice. I just got one tonight for LA, so I smell very self tannerish. Bear doesn't seem to like the smell, so maybe he will avoid by eyeballs tonight. He probably would anyway, because my suitcase is open with black clothing in it, so of course his first priority would be to roll all around on that, and not stomp on my eyeballs. Whatever floats his boat.

My roommates new Maltipoo - fondly nicknamed Roly Poly Bologna, (birth name Lola), she is the cutest little baby ever. I want one. But Bear would eat it. Speaking of, I asked Bear today what he thought of me getting a baby bologna and he acted totally perturbed and then ignored me for an hour.

Out:
Contacts/Glasses - This is an obvious one, so I won't bore you with details.

Flower Chompers - enough said. coughbearcough.

Blair waking me up every morning by either singing (we have a paper thin wall between us), Teddy barking, or, if nothing annoying is happening, simply coming in my room to "chat". Let's chat once I wake up. 10am is not a sensible time for a person like me to wake up. Thank you.

*****************
Tonight at dinner Dad got into a very philosophical conversation about the question "Why is a Raven like a Writing Desk?" (from Alice in Wonderland), and absolutely REFUSED to tell me the answer. So after dinner... I googled. Yes, I googled. And guess what? There is no answer! The author wrote the question meaning for it to have no answer. Apparently the author later wrote this: "Because it can produce a few notes, though… they are very flat; and it is nevar put with the wrong end in front!" (Note the spelling of "never" as "nevar"—turning it into "raven" when inverted. This spelling, however, was "corrected" in later editions to "never" and Carroll's pun was lost." - Wikipedia. Thanks for clarifying Carroll, I get it now...

One more food for thought before going to bed: There is this thing called "sympathetic pregnancy" which is where a man gains weight and suffers morning sickness while his wife is pregnant. Is it a psychological condition, you can research it if you are curious. Anyway... today I noticed Bear had an eye infection. Sure enough, we got him checked, and he needs eye drops. Just like me. He is my own little sympathy lasik case.

Goodnight everyone. No videos for a few days, since we will be on a trip, and unfortunately the comments have not been fixed on this blog :( I don't enjoy posting nearly as much since I can't interact with you guys, but I'm making do until I find out what to do about it. I'm hoping it's a Blogger glitch! Xoxo!

Elle Fowler

Quick Contest Update

2010-03-20T00:51:00.006-04:00

I'm going to bed soon, but I just wanted to give a quick update on the contest. I received over 20,000 comments, and I had on "comment moderation"... and I guess that froze up the system. I cannot access my comments now, not just on that post, but on this whole blog! As you can imagine, I am kinda sad about that.

If anyone knows how to clear out those comments let me know and we will figure something else out for the contest, and I will just know in the future that blogger can not handle this kind of quantity. Here is a screen shot of the comments :( Tweet me if you have any ideas, since comments are not available right now on this blog.

If I can't figure out how to fix this comment problem I don't know what I am going to do. I could continue posting but I enjoy getting feedback from you guys. Should I just start over? Or just not have comments on here?

Oh blogger and your comment limits, you are not making my life simple. Going to bed now, goodnight and sweet dreams everyone. Hopefully I will sleep soundly without Bear walking on my eyeballs, although I miss the little sloth terribly when I am here. Talk to you all soon!

Quick Beauty Tips - Oh, how I love thee

2010-03-15T17:38:00.008-04:00

Today has been an annoying day so far, and even though I have only been awake for about 7 hours I am ready to crawl back in bed. I woke up at 6am because my mom came in to put eye drops in my eyes, but I was so incredibly disoriented I asked her about the CIA (I blame the fact that I fell asleep reading The Lost Symbol, which involves someone from the CIA). I also remember asking her if they had custody of my blog, and her trying to convince me that my blog was still mine.

About an hour later I woke up again, still in a weirdly medicated state of confusion, and had a perfectly normal conversation with my cat Bear. He seems to think that walking on my face, in particular my eyeballs, is a perfectly ordinary thing to do, but I beg to differ. I told him he needed to have respect for me, and learn by example. I don't walk on his eyeballs, after all.

I woke up and uploaded my video, only to have it be taken down within 30 mins for "copyright". Really?! I get so annoyed at days like this, I just want to curl up and read my book. Or take a lush bath. Or both. I think I will.

Oh, I forgot to mention - we were out of Diet Coke too. I know I am "giving these up".... eventually, but for now they are my one health vice.

Anyway I uploaded another video, a Glitter Glossary Quick Tip. This one is about how you can use redness relief drops to take the red out of a pimple. I have used many things in my day to help reduce these monsters - honey, toothpaste, eyedrops... the list goes on and on. The eyedrops I have found to work though.

I also have a few more Quick Tips already on YouTube, a homemade sugar lip scrub, a quick mascara smudge tip, and a lush storage trick.

What are your quick beauty tips? I am always on the look for fast tips. Let me know what you swear by!

If I wasn't on a product ban...

2010-03-14T20:49:00.017-04:00

I spent a good part of my day today perusing about on Sephora, which was a bad idea considering that I'm on a product buying ban. I have compiled a wish list of what I would want to purchase if I wasn't on p10p - don't be surprised if you see any of these spouting up in my collection when the project is over! I'm such a sucker for the cute packaged gift sets on Sephora - it's one of my favorite parts of Christmas every year because I get a few from my parents. I particularly like shopping on Sephora because they have a great return policy - you can return items even if they are used if you do not enjoy them.

The first one is the new Sephora LashStash. I have tried two of the previous lashstash's and found some amazing mascaras in them. I like these because you get to try out 10 deluxe sample sized mascaras for $39. That sounds like a lot, but it's not when you think that you could not even purchase 2 of these full sized mascaras with the same amount of money. This is what is included:

Hourglass Superficial Lash
Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara
Korres Abyssinia Oil Volumizing and Strengthening Mascara
Benefit A Little Bit BADGal Lash Mascara
Smashbox Lash DNA
Laura Mercier Thickening and Building Mascara
Fresh Supernova
Sephora Lash Stretcher
Tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain
Cargo LashActivator

Out of these I have tried the Fresh SuperNova, which I LOVED (it might be one of my p10p completions), and Benefit BadGal, which I also liked. The other ones I have never tried, so this sample set would be great for trying out lots of mascaras to find my new favorite! You know, since I just had eye surgery it would probably be good for me to throw out ALL of my used mascaras and start over, you know... so I don't get any infections :p These sell out so quickly though, I wouldn't be surprised if they were gone before I finish p10p.

The next one had me swooning - I didn't realize this existed? If I could try one new thing right now, this would be it. It's the new NARS Orgasm Illuminator and it looks beautiful! The blurb on Sephora says, "NARS Orgasm Illuminator lights your skin from within! Deceptively sheer and decidedly luminous, it magically transforms lackluster skin into a remember-me, luscious complexion. Flirt with foundation, go it alone, or go neck-and-neck with your décolleté. The effect is, well, orgasmic." I must admit, the name always makes me blush a bit, but I have the blush and I do really love it. It's not famous for no reason, ya know? For anyone who has tried it, please let me know if it is worth it! This will be one of the first items I pick up after p10p, unless I hear it is horrible.

Another brand that is known for it's "cute packaged gifts" is Benefit. I looked through all the ones they have online now and fell in love with the Legally Bronzekit. It comes with a hoola bronzer, which I have used up and loved, a high beam (which is like a highlighter, kinda like the NARS one), a gilded which is a tequila-gold colored eyeshadow pencil (which you can't buy separately it seems, I looked), and a badgal brown mascara. This kit seems like it would give the perfect summer glow :) The best part is that it is only $35! That is NOT bad for 4 full sized products. The only thing missing is a that "gal primer", which I really want to try!

One brand I have never tried but have always wanted to is Philosophy. I have heard great things about this brand from several people, and I love their packaging! Are there any products worth trying? What about their famous Hope in a Jar? Let me know if I am missing out, or if it is worth just skipping :)

Another item, that wouldn't be on my wishlist because I have all the products, but I just wanted to share because this is what I have been using on my face, is the Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit. It comes with a mini foundation primer, a mini tinted moisturizer, an undercover pot, a secret camouflage brush, a camouflage powder brush, a velour puff, and an egg-shaped sponge. This is a bit expensive at $65, but Laura Mercier is expensive in general, and it gives you a chance to try out a ton of her products for the price of one product.

Let me know what your wishlist items are! Or, if you have recently gotten any new beauty products tell me what you think! What is worth it, and what it not?

Elle Fowler

Who Dunnit???

2010-03-13T20:14:00.023-05:00

While watering my bouquet of flowers tonight I discovered a disturbingly ancient pattern of flowers droppings around my vase. Naturally, my first thought was CROP CIRCLES! ALIENS! But then I came to my senses and remembered to think logically. Take a look at this picture -------------->

Now, there are two things that could be going on here. The flowers did not just drop gracefully down in pattern form, all facing outward. No... larger forces are at work here. There are two explanations, in my opinion. The first one is that Booga the pottery elephant has been messing with my flowers. I must admit he looks very guilty in this picture, as if he was caught "red-handed".

The second explanation I must look into is that Bear might be chomping on my flowers. Now, given that he is a monster of a cat, being part mountain lion and part firefly/sloth, I don't see how he could be nimble enough to get up there behind the vase without knocking it over. You can't tell from the picture, but I don't even see how he could have gotten up there! There is not a lot of room at all! Highly suspect... I am more likely to blame the elephant, to be quite honest.

I think Bear knows I suspect him, because he is being very cuddly right now. Let me insert an insanely fluffy picture to the left. He is all "ur's": Fur, Purr, and kinda a blurr.

You guys tell me. Was it Booga, Bear, Aliens, or something totally different?

On a side note, while writing this blog I tried to type "in my opinion" and blogger automatically corrected it to "in my onionskin". Hahahahaha good job Blogger - I'm not sure how common that phrase is, but I'm glad it's there for me when I need it most.

On a slightly more serious note (as if LUSH is serious):
Tonight I was finally feeling up for a nice bath so I mustered up the energy to walk over and start up the water. I chose a Lil Lush Pud Bath Bombfrom my slowly dwindling lush stash (which I have to remind myself is the point of Project 10 Lush), and got in. I decided to wear my goggles because I do not trust myself not to splash about like a 5 year old, and I couldn't risk getting water in my freshly cut open eyeballs (which feel fine, but still... don't wanna dislodge those flaps!). I wore sunglasses in the house all day and felt completely ridiculous, but it was nothing compared to how I felt with my goggles in the water.

Hello!!! It is not a swimming pool, Elle!

So I sat in the water with my book (still chiseling away at The Lost Symbol) and waited for the water to fill up, and then I plopped this baby in. Before I review it let me tell you my "before ponderings". I have been avoiding use of this bath bomb in favor of, for lack of a better description... prettier ones? It is not the best looking bath bomb lush makes... let's just be honest. This is from their holiday collection, hence the Christmas holly design, and is supposed to smell like Holiday pudding. It smells nice, sweet and soft, and I assumed it would be an enjoyable, if a bit boring bath bomb. Tonight was the perfect night to use it; I wasn't in the mood for a really exciting one, I just wanted something relaxing.

This is what the Lush site says:
"Looks like a pudding, smells like a pudding, fizzes like a spicy Bath Ball. It's perfect for nursing your hangover. Clove powder warms and stimulates, as aloe vera and rose calm and soothe suffering skins. Lemon peel adds a sharp citrus zing to the Ball and creates part of the authentic Christmas pudding aroma."

My thoughts? It smells nice, but the smell goes away in the water much too quickly, and the scent doesn't linger on your skin like other bath bombs do. I CAN smell it on my skin, but I just took the bath two hours ago. I doubt I will be able to smell it in the morning like I could with my Blackberry Bath bomb - review here. It fizzed up WAY too quickly - it was one of those ones. It turned the water a weird tan color, which was a bit offputting, and it was just kinda... boring. Just like I suspected it would be. Nothing exciting, not something I would necessarily buy again, but it was okay. I don't have the price off hand, since it is only available during the holidays, but it would be on the cheaper end since it was one of the smaller bath bombs.

Overall thoughts: It's nice, but just kinda blah. If I was given another one as a gift, I would use it and enjoy it, but I would probably save my money for something a bit more exciting in the future. This brings me up to number 5 on Project 10 Lush.

Quick Project 10 Pan Update: I haven't made any progress because I haven't been wearing any makeup at all the past couple days, but I haven't bought anything new either, so that's good! Project 10 Lush has been very successful though!

Elle Fowler

Tag- 40 Beauty Questions!

2010-03-13T18:22:00.011-05:00

Since I can't film (silly eyeballs) I'll do this tag on here. I can't wear makeup until mid week and I have to wear sunglasses inside right now due to light sensitivity... so I will spare you all a video of me looking like Posh Spice. -----> Not posh but you get the idea.

BTW, my eyes are doing great :) Thank you for all the get well soon and good luck comments - you guys are the best!

On to the tag:

SKINCARE -
How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice, although sometimes I am lazier in the mornings (not a morning person!) and I just want to use a cleansing wipe and then tone and moisturize. At night through I always go full out – gotta get all that makeup off!!

What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
Dry and sensitive

What is your current facial wash?
Laura Mercier Purifying Oil Light

Do you exfoliate?
Yes, I have to get all that dead skin off! I don’t do it as much in the winter though because I don’t want to irritate my skin. I love my Clarisonic for exfoliating.

What brand do you use?
I have a chanel exfoliator that I love, and I also have one by clean and clear that is really nice.

What moisturizer do you use?
Laura Mercier Flawless Skin day crème

Do you have freckles?
Yes, many of them! I have a very love/hate relationship with them.

Do you use eye cream?
Yes, every night. I think they are really important. I use Laura Mercier’s Flawless Skin Eye Crème at night and the Flawless skin eye serum in the morning.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I don’t currently, but when I was younger I did. I went on Accutane 6 years ago and that took care of it. I have a video on Accutane here.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Yes, before accutane and I hated it. It’s very harsh and didn’t do much for my acne either.

MAKE-UP
What foundation do you use?
Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer and Moisturizing Foundation mixed.

How about concealer?
Laura Mercier secret concealer for under my eyes and Mac’s concealer (the one in the pot) for any acne.

Do you know your undertone color?
I am a true neutral. I would be considered a cool, with pink undertones as opposed to yellow undertones (or NW in Mac since they do it opposite) but I am really in the middle. I have beige pink undertones.

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I love them! I would love to have permanent eyelash extensions, and I think it is something I will dabble in once my eyes are completely healed from my LASIK.

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Of course! You don’t want eye infections! Throw it out and buy a new one.

What brand of mascara do you use?
I love so many! Currently I am using up my MUFE Smokey Lash (my second tube – love it!) and my Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes. Both of these are great!

Sephora or MAC?
That’s a hard one… MAC is great for lip/eye/blush colors but Sephora is better for body and skincare stuff – it’s a tie!

Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
Yes!

What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Brushes mainly, but also cotton balls, cotton swabs, sponges, and Kleenex.

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Always – either Urban Decay Primer Potion or a Mac paint pot. I can always tell if I have forgotten to put it on, I think it is really important! It makes your color last longer and be a bit brighter – and no creasing!

For the face?
Nope, I am currently on the hunt for a good primer, which you can read about here.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I have so many favorites. I love Mac all that glitters, satin taupe, mulch, woodwinked, brule, and mutiny. I also love Stila’s Kitten – such a shimmery gorgeous pink.

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Pencil 90% of the time, gel the other 10%. Liquid is very rare; I find it hard to use.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Rarely lol! I am pretty careful Sometimes your hand just slips though!

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I like them, however I reach for them less because they are much messier and harder to work with. There are certain colors I wish came in pan form, like mutiny and tan pigment. I have pressed a few but they are still harder to work with than a regular pan shadow. I have a video on pigment pressing here.

Do you use mineral makeup?
Nope – I’m not a big fan to be quite honest. Bare minerals broke me out horribly, so I have stayed away since then. I also don’t find the coverage that great, I would prefer sticking to my liquid foundation.

What is your favorite lipstick?
I have a few but I adore Mac’s Angel and Crème d’nude. Both are really pretty, soft colors.

How about lipgloss?
Mac’s underage, little vi, and springbean.

What is your favorite blush to use?
Again, I have a lot that I enjoy. I like Nars Orgasm, Mac Well Dressed and Mac Dainty.

Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Nope, but I have sold some makeup before. Not on ebay, but on here.

Do you like drugstore makeup?
Sometimes, it depends on the product. I am not a beauty “snob” who believes that high end is always better but most of the time you get what you pay for with beauty products. I find a lot of great mascaras at drugstores though, and I love the L’oreal hip line (like the jelly balms!). Finding a really great product at a drugstore is always very exciting.

Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
Yeah! I love them! You can find cheap MAC, and usually you can find some really cool discontinued products. I wish more of these little CCO’s existed!

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Yes, but I have never gotten around to it. I would love to take a few PRO classes at mac!

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Lol, sometimes in the morning before class… I am NOT a morning person!

Name a makeup crime that you hate?
There are so many, lol! Overplucked brows, overlined lipliner, too much bronzer, etc.

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Both, for different moods. For everyday wear, neutrals. My everyday look is nude glossy lips with slightly heavier, but still nude eyes with black liner. Soft, but put together.

Which celebrity always has great make up?
I love Blake Lively’s beachy, bronzed look. I also really love Kim Kardashian’s makeup – many people think it is too heavy, but I love it! It’s all about nude glossy lips and heavy eyes, which is what I like to do as well.

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use? Mascara maybe, or tinted moisturizer. One of those!

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
I do sometimes, I did this morning to go get lunch for the family. I am not a slave to makeup, but I do love it and so I enjoy playing with it in the mornings.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Yes, but like most women I prefer myself with a little color on!

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
That’s hard… I guess Mac for colored stuff and brushes, but I don’t really enjoy their skincare or foundation products.

What do you think of Makeup??
I love it! It’s fun – it’s expression and art in a way.

LASIK - the good, the bad, and the ugly

2010-03-12T16:55:00.012-05:00

I woke up this morning and could see crystal clear for the first time in my life. It is the strangest sensation to have "naturally" perfect vision when you are used to waking up and stumbling through your morning semi-blindly until you pop your contacts in. When I was little I read the book "Hatchet" and thought to myself that if I was ever lost in the wilderness by myself I would die because I wouldn't be able to see to catch anything to eat (err... not that I could catch anything even if I could see...) (I liked that book by the way, even if it's kinda a boy book) (Oh and he kills a moose in the book - goose the moose did NOT like that part).

Less than 24 hours ago I had LASIK eye surgery and I couldn't be happier. I'm supposed to be resting my eyes for 48 hours but as you will learn in a few minutes - my body decided to do just about everything opposite of what it was "supposed" to do.

For those of you that don't know what LASIK is, it's a laser surgery that corrects your vision so you don't have to wear contacts or glasses anymore. I've worn contacts for about 10 years and have struggled with the hassle of them. Beyond the fact that they are a pain in the butt I was also sensitive to contact solution, so I had a case of constant red eyes. Over the 10 years I tried different solutions but finally succumbed to the fact that my eyes were never going to be crystal clear as long I was wearing contacts. It has also crossed my mind that the twice a day pulling of the eye area to put the contacts in and take them out can NOT be good for that delicate eye tissue. Hello premature wrinkles!

Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK; you have to be over the age of 18, have stable vision (not more than a half a point change per eye per year), and I don't think you can have a major astigmatism. They also can't guarantee to get you to 20/20 or better if you have really bad eyesight starting out. For me this was perfect; I don't have an astigmatism and my sight has been stable since high school. I was a -4.00 and a -3.75 at the time of the surgery if anyone is wondering :) Everyone is different through, so if you are interested you should ask your eye doctor for a consult. There are other types of laser eye surgery as well, this is just the one I chose.

I got to my appointment and they immediately took me back to have a few tests run - nothing major, just looking at the "layout" of my eyeballs to help them get the coordinates right (like an eyeball map!). Then they put a hair cap over my head to keep my hair out of my face, plopped two yellow stickers on my forehead, and gave me a Valium to help me relax. The Valium was supposed to calm my nerves and make me a bit sleepy, or as they put it, put me in a "I don't care" mood.

Yes... you are awake for this surgery. Are you queasy yet?

I went back out into the waiting room to sit with my mom while the Valium kicked in. All I could think about was how silly the stickers on my forehead looked, and how I really wanted to draw little walmart smiley faces on them. ------> like so.
After getting the giggles over these stickers with mom I asked the nurse what they were for, and she said it was so that the doctor knew he was doing surgery on both my eyes. Think about that for a second... if I was doing one eye I understand a sticker over that eye, but who goes into LASIK to get NEITHER eye done? No one. So why did I have to have two stickers instead of none? I'm not sure, but it sure gave me a laugh. The hair hat was another laughing matter - I looked like a very silly Dr. Suess character.

So after about 10 mins they called me back, and I told them my Valium had not kicked in yet, which they said was okay. They told me to lie down on a chair/bed and the doctor put a patch over the eye he was not working on. He put numbing drops in, taped my eyelashes back to my lids so they were out of the way, and stuck in the little thing that keeps your eye propped open. All of this sounds worse than it was. He talked me through the entire process, saying things like, "okay look at the orange blinking light, a shadow will come towards your eye, you're doing great". It was all dandelions, rainbows and sunshine.. until the flap cutting part happened. In order to treat your eye they have to cut a flap on the surface of your eye, peel it back, and then laser treat the surface. The only bad part of the whole procedure was the flap cutting. It didn't hurt, but it was a lot of pressure and scariness and then your sight goes completely black and you feel like you have gone blind. It comes back after about 3 seconds though, and you can see that orange blinking light again (I was so happy to see that little light). Then the laser comes on and you hear some clicking and you can't feel anything at all, but you can smell your eyeball flesh burning (sounds horrible but it is really quick!). Then they lie the flap back down, put a few drops in your eye, take off the tape, and voila! Perfect vision! Then they move on to the other eye.

It takes literally under a minute an eye, and the laser is only on the eye about 15 seconds. Piece of cake! They numb your eyes up first and give you a relaxant to help calm your nerves (not that mine worked, lol) so it really isn't that bad. I got the "custom LASIK" if anyone is wondering. I know the picture looks scary, but I PROMISE it's not that scary in real life - you don't really know all that stuff is on your eye.

I then waited about 20 mins and the Doctor came and looked at my eyes to make sure the flaps were lying flat and then sent me home with goggles. I kinda love my goggles - I was allowed to take them off this morning but I still am wearing them proudly. I think I will sleep with them for a few more nights so I don't rub my eyes and dislodge my flaps (which doesn't really ever happen but I am convinced it can).
I was told that I would come home and immediately want to go to bed. Apparently the Valium normally makes people very sleepy so when they go home they just pass out, but he said I could also take a Benadryl if I needed it, which is an over the counter anti-inflammatory that is known for causing drowsiness, and then sleep it off. He also gave me a prescription painkiller in case I needed it, but said patients rarely do. So I went home, got in bed... and nothing happened.

7 hours later, I was still wide awake. As soon as the numbing drops wore off I started to feel uncomfortable so I took some benadryl thinking it would help me sleep - nothing. After all that, eyeball cutting and all, my body was wired to the walls and wide awake, wanting to do anything except sleep it off like I was supposed to. This was the hardest part - it lasted about 2 hours and there was nothing I could do to distract myself (like read or YouTube) because I had to keep my eyes closed. I had to sit under my blanket with all the lights off because of light sensitivity and my eyes were watering like crazy - not pleasant. That was the part I believe most people are SUPPOSED to sleep through (bad Elle).

I finally fell asleep at 9:30 and slept through the night, waking once at 2:30 for about an hour but then falling back to sleep. I woke up with crystal clear vision - it is amazing! I have a checkup appointment in an hour so he can make sure the flap is healing correctly, but considering I am on here writing a blog post and not lying in the dark with a killer headache I think I am doing alright.

EDIT: Just came back from my check up - my eyesight is 20/10!! Which is amazing, he called it "supervision". Better that what I could see with contacts/glasses :)

I would totally recommend this to someone who is considering it, and I would do it over again if I had to. I encourage people to do research and make up their own minds though - I had a lot of people tweeting me/emailing me scary stories about how they know people who have gone blind, etc., but that rarely happens. In fact... according to most research there is not a single documented case of someone going completely blind from LASIK. Also, there is a chance I will have to wear reading glasses after I turn 40 - that does not worry me in the slightest.

So anyway, cheers to naturally good vision, no more red contact eyes, and if I get stranded in the wilderness it will not be my eyesight that inhibits me from surviving :) Time to get rid of my glasses!

EDIT again: I didn't think I had to clarify this... but of course, I shouldn't have assumed. LASIK did NOT sponsor this, my family paid for it. Not that I should have to defend myself, but whatever. I don't believe insurance covers it either, and prices vary by location. Most of the time to consultation appointment is free though.

Elle Fowler

a shoe tub and a bath bomb

2010-03-10T20:18:00.027-05:00

Project 10 Lush seems to be speeding on by, but I think it's because I am using up some of the bath items, which are used up in 1-3 baths most of the time. I don't have a bath tub at my house, so when I am visiting my parents house I definitely make the most of my tub. I have always wanted a tub with little feet on it, like this one ------>
I think they are so romantic and old fashioned, I just love them! I perused on Google for awhile, totally content to look at these clawfoot tubs when I came across this:

That's right. A shoe. Tub. A shoe tub. The most ingenious development ever. It is from SICIS and starts at $17,000. Not really in ANYONES budget for a tub..shoe...thing, but I still love it. I'm sure in the long run I would rather have a little clawfoot tub, but I very much would enjoy bathing in a shoe tub as well. And this is coming from a girl who doesn't have a tub at all. Poor me. (I'm kidding. Kind of.)

Tonight I took a bath (in my sadly normal tub) with my Lush Blackberry Bath Bomb, which costs $5.80. I normally try to split my lush items up into multiple baths, but this time I used the whole thing. With my eye surgery being tomorrow, I wanted to pamper myself a little bit more than usual. This one looked like a cartoon bomb you would see in an old Tom and Jerry episode, complete with the word "bomb" on it. (Ingenious, right? Someone at lush is a whipper snapper). Here is the blurb from the Lush website: "Blackberry smells deliciously fruity like blackcurrant, balanced out by frankincense which lends a certain air of mystery to the bath. Imagine sitting near the sea on a warm Mediterranean day, inhaling the perfume of the flowering trees as it mingles with the exotic smokey incense trailing from the Egyptian trade-boat harbored far beneath you. That's the smell of a Blackberry bath: comforting, serene, and subtly beautiful." I filled my bath up, plopped this baby in, and let it fizz up as I read my book. It smelled very floral, and not very blackberry like, but I liked it anyway. It smelled like violets, stronger than most bath bombs I have tried. It turned my water a light purple color, but it was more of a pretty lavender than a gross omg-my-bathwater-is-black-looking color. I read as I listened to it fizz and relaxed to the floral scent... when I saw a little piece of paper floating in the water.

Yes. My bath bomb had a little paper baby. Fo reals.

I got really excited at this point and almost dropped my book in the tub, so I forced myself to calmly put my book to safety before rescuing my runway paper baby. And guess what it said?

"Boom Boom".

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA oh the irony of my little cartoon "bomb". I love it. That alone would be a reason to repurchase the bath bomb. Good job Lush. I am thoroughly enjoying Project 10 Lush, because I am savoring each product even more than normal. I am working on a few more products that are taking a bit longer, like some bar soaps and massage bars, but that's a good thing - it means they last awhile, and are worth the money I spent on them.

So now I am off to read and sleep so I can be semi-rested for tomorrow. Overall thoughts? I will be repurchasing this bath bomb :)

Elle Fowler

Face Primers - Yay or Nay?

2010-03-09T22:27:00.007-05:00

Over the last year I have tried many face primers, thinking that they were an integral part of my daily routine that I was most certainly missing out on. I assumed that they were like eye primer - a step that I find impossible to leave out now, or I feel that something is missing. For the record, I use either a Mac paint pot or Urban Decay Primer Potion for my eye primer 99% of the time. I really do feel that eye primer makes a difference in the consistency, color, and wear of the eye shadow. I have always assumed that a face primer would work the same way, and once I found the right one I would always wonder how I "ever lived without it".

As far as face primers go, I have tried silicone based primers, such as Smashbox Photofinish and Mac's Prep and Prime only to find that I am definitely allergic to something in these (the silicone maybe?). I break out into little white bumps that go away within 48 hours of discontinuing use of the primer. This has happened to me with certain foundations too, like Mac's Studio Fix Fluid and Nars liquid foundations.

I have also tried non silicone based ones, like Bare Escenutals Skin Rev-ver Upper, which is not a typical primer but basically is the same concept, and my newest one, Laura Mercier's Hydrating Primer. The Laura Mercier one apparently does contain silicone in it, even though I was told it did not when I bought it. It has an ingredient in it called "dimethicone" which is a silicone oil. Now... call me a hypochondriac but as soon as I found out it does indeed contain silicone I discovered a breakout on my forehead. Was it the primer or my imagination? Let's just say after continuing the use of the primer the breakout went away - so I'm not sure.

Even beyond the breaking out part, I have never really thought primers... did that much. I don't really understand the hype - in my opinion it makes my foundation apply worse! Obviously I just haven't found the right one, but I hate buying them over and over again only to be disappointed.

So my question is, are face primers that important? Does anyone have one that is part of their routine that they would never skip? Am I really missing out? And lastly - does anyone have one that does NOT contain silicone?

Elle Fowler

Another Lush Item Down!

2010-03-09T12:17:00.020-05:00

Continuing with Project 10 Lush, I have used up a second product. This one took me two baths to use up, since I broke it in half. And it is.... (da da da DA!)

My thoughts? It's a bit pricey at $7.65, even for two baths. That's almost 4 dollars a bath. That being said, I really did enjoy this one. It smells like my favorite soap from lush, Honey I Washed The Kids, all honey and sweetness. It made a ton of bubbles that filled up my bath and lasted while I read my book (The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown). One weird thing though - the brown side kind of crumbled up on the bottom of my tub, I had to keep smooshing the pieces so they would dissolve and make more bubbles. Would I repurchase? Probably at some point in the future I will, but for now I will keep chugging along with Project 10 Lush. I did enjoy this one very much, as honey is one of my very favorite scents in bath land :) I recommend using this one at night, since it is quite soft and soothing smelling.

So that is 2 lush products down, 8 to go. I am currently using up my second therapy massage bar, which I have a review on here, and a soap from Christmas - Angel's Delight, which I quite like. I will review each product as I finish it up. I am already planning which items I wish to purchase when Project 10 Lush is over, which is probably bad of me since the whole reason I am doing this project is because I have accumulated too many products. However, I really want to try out a hair product or two and maybe ocean salt scrub for the summer. If there are any products you absolutely love and haven't heard me talk about, let me know so I can give them a try!

On a quite different note, the Bachelor, "Jason and Molly's Wedding" was on last night. I was not able to catch it on TV, but I'm thinking of watching it online - was it worth it? They were not my favorite couple, but I do love weddings! Anyone who saw it - let me know what you think.

Elle Fowler

Spring Cleaning Blog Sale - Closed!

2010-03-07T17:19:00.027-05:00

EDIT: Everything is bought and paid for! Thank you so much everyone! Until next time!

Spring Cleaning Time! I have WAY too much makeup, so I am cleaning some of it out of my collection. I have wanted to do one of these blog sale type sales for AGES but just never got around to it - but now I am! What else would I do on a quiet Sunday afternoon? Make sure to read the description of the product you are wanting to purchase! While the products sell, I will be editing this and putting SOLD! next to the item if it is already gone, so make sure to check if it is sold already!

The rules are:
1) If you want an item, say so in the comments along with your Paypal email address. I will then send you an invoice. First come, first served! Also, email your shipping address to allthatglitters21@gmail.com once you have paid.
2) Paypal is the only method of payment accepted - it's just easier and more secure;
3) Please ensure you pay for the item immediately upon receiving the invoice - or at least some time within the next 2 hours; otherwise the item will be given to the next person who requested it. If you aren't sure you want it, don't comment for it! Leave it for someone who does want it :)
4) I will ship worldwide for all but the last 4 big items, those will be US only because we don't have international tracking. However, for international it will be a "buy at your own risk".
5) US Shipping is $3 for the first item, $.50 for each item after that. The 4 designer items have an additional shipping added - see the description for that. International shipping will be $5 for the first item, and $.50 for each additional item.
5) No returns! Items are sold "as is".

Happy Shopping!!

I took all of these pictures with my camcorder (aka, not good quality) so the color of the products may be slightly off - please keep that in mind while deciding whether you want something.

Pending! Make Up For Ever Concealer Palette in #3: Originally $36, My Price $28
This palette comes with 5 shades of concealer, including one with a red hue so that you can conceal the blue circles under your eyes. I bought this spur of the moment, and I have swatched 3 of the colors. I have only worn this once. The reason I am selling is because I am using other concealers at the moment, and this palette is sitting unused in my collection. Colors look lighter than they are in person! I am NW20, and this was a bit dark for me!

SOLD BRAND NEW Mac "Honesty" Eyeshadow: Orginally $14.50, My Price: $11
This is brand new, still in box. The box is a bit scruffed up for where it has been in a drawer, but the reason I am selling this is because I already have this color in my collection. I received this as a gift from my roommate, but I already owned the color, so it got put in a drawer for awhile. Now, it's time to go to a new home!

SOLD! Mac "Mulch" Eyeshadow: Orginally $14.50, My Price: $8
This color has been used a few times - maybe under 10 times. This is a color I own multiples of because it is so pretty in the crease, but I have decided I only need to keep one. Therefore, this one is getting a new home!

PENDING BRAND NEW Mac MSF in "So Ceylon": Originally $28, My Price $28

This product has never been used, and still in the box. The reason it is not reduced in price is because it is not available for sale anymore, as it was limited edition. It's very pretty, but way too dark for my skin tone. I ordered it online and didn't realize how dark it would be on me!

BRAND NEW Make Up For Ever Star Powders: Originally $19, My Price $14

NOTE: These are sold SEPARATELY! Each one is $14. Make sure to note which color you want!
SOLD Top Left: 930 Bronze Brown
SOLD Bottom Left: 917 Gorgeous shimmery rose red.
SOLD Top Right: 955 Plum with Blue Highlights
SOLD Bottom Right: 910 Chartreuse Green
All of these are unopened, still sealed, and come in their original boxes. The boxes are a bit scruffed up from sitting in my drawer. I am selling these because, as gorgeous as they are, they just haven't been used. I am trying to part with things I have never used, as much as I would love to keep everything. That's what Spring Cleaning is all about!

SOLD BRAND NEW Mac Lightful Active Softening Lotion: Originally $30, My Price: $25

Bought this because of all the hype surrounding it when it was released... but I never got around to using it. Still unopened. Here is the blurb from the Mac Website:
"Hydrating, water-based lotion. Absorbed quickly into skin. Immediately infuses depleted skin with moisture. Leaves it feeling refreshed, soothed and soft with a more even-toned look."

SOLD Almay Smart Shade Blush in "Berry": Originally $8.99, My Price: $4
I bought a couple of these in New York for a drugstore tutorial and then never really used this one again - used twice. It's really pretty on the skin - gives you a nice healthy glow.

SOLD BRAND NEW Bumble and Bumble Treatment "Density Therapy": Originally $30, My Price: $20

I bought this because I mistook it for a product to help your hair grow longer - turns out it is more for helping stop hair loss. It has menthol in it I believe, so it will smell a bit minty, but if you have thinning hair you might want to try this out!

BRAND NEW Mac mini glosses: Bought as a set, each is $5
These came out of Mac Holiday mini sets - and these colors were never used. They are sold SEPARATELY - please note which color you want! Also, see picture below to see the size comparison to a full size mac gloss - these are mini's!
Left to Right:
SOLD Fleur De Light
SOLD Underage
SOLD Song and Dance
SOLD Little Vi
SOLD Magnetique
SOLD Budding
SOLD Flashmode

SOLD Mac "Engaging" Duo: Orginally $19.50, My Price $14
Used a couple times, this color is not available to buy anymore! It has a bronzey side and a light pink side, both mixed with lots of undertones. It is very pretty - I am just selling because it is a bit powdery and I never reach for it.

Mac Shadesticks: Originally $16.50, My Price $5
PENDING Left: Lucky Jade - used
SOLD Right: Silverblu - used but still has quite a bit of product left!

BRAND NEW Mac mini pigments: Bought in a set, each $5
Left: SOLD Gold Stroke
Right: SOLD Melon
I am selling these because I own them both in full size! They are both amazingly gorgeous colors.

SOLD Cuberry set of 5 shadows: Whole set: $5
I have used all of these colors twice or so, and they are really pretty. I am selling them as a set because I haven't reached for them in a long time. Someone else needs to love them, lol!

SOLD Urban Decay Cream Shadow in "Moonshine": Originally $17, My Price: $10
This color is silver and VERY, VERY glittery. This is why it is being sold... its glitter ball material. But, its pretty, and I'm sure someone will like it. Used twice.

Pending BRAND NEW Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow in "Frigid" Originally $18, My price $14

Deep purple with blue sheen - color is gorgeous but it has never been used, so it must go. Brand new in box.

SOLD BRAND NEW Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow in "Freakshow" Originally $18, My Price: $14

Deep purple with Red Sheen - like the one above, gorgeous color but it needs to go - it has been shown no love! Brand New. Color is deeper then what picture shows.

SOLD Chanel Double Perfection Compact in "Intense Sun Beige" : Originally $50, my Price: $20

I used to LOVE this powder!! I think I went through about 6 containers of it while I was using it, but I have since moved on to other products. This one still has about 60% left, but it comes without the sponge... because I threw it out to use this product with a big, fluffy brush. NOTE: This color is DARKER than it looks in the pictures - I didn't know how to turn off the flash :) It is probably the equivalent of NW25-NW30.

***********************************
The next 4 items are US only! I don't have international tracking and I don't want to risk these not being delivered properly! If they don't sell in the US I might re-list them for international and just pay the extra. For these items shipping will be $7.50 - no additional shipping if you purchase along with products :)

SOLD Coach Loafers, Size 8.5. Worn once. I bought these on a whim, thinking that even though they were too big I would make them work. However, after wearing them for a day I realized they are definitely too big. These would look really cute with jeans! I think I paid around $160 for them, marked down from over $200. My price: $60

SOLD Dooney and Bourke Red Bag: $60. This one is the least used out of the 3 bags. It is in near perfect condition. Red with dark brown trim work. I can't remember how much I paid for it, but it was around $150.

Pending! Dooney and Bourke Pink Bubble Bag: $50
This is one of my favorite bags - I adored this one! I considered keeping it, but it hasn't been used in awhile so it needs to go to a loving home. This one has a small spot on the front, you can see it next to the right tassle. I'm sure it could be cleaned, but I have just never taken care of it. It was like that when it was purchased. Anyway - I love the bubblegum pink colors of this bag, along with the gorgeous dark brown trim work. It can go over the shoulder. I feel like it matches my personality pretty well :) Again, I paid around $150 for this.

Pending! Dooney and Bourke Black Tassle Tote: $40 Small and classy, I used to love taking this to work with me. It's been well taken care of, and still smells like leather. Paid around $150 for this.

Glit Fit - Healthy Snacks

2010-03-07T10:29:00.009-05:00

I have been on a never-ending quest to find yummy, healthy snack options since being on my health kick. I must admit, my idea of a good snack used to be potato chips, ice cream, or Mac N Cheese. Now that I have basically cut all 3 of those things out my life, I've had to move on to other options. Here is a small list of a few I have been loving:

Apples and Peanut Butter - just don't overdo the peanut butter because it packs a lot of calories.
Carrots and Hummus
Pretzels and Hummus
String Cheese (Low Fat) with an Apple or Banana
Shrimp Cocktail - LOVEEEE THIS! If you are unfortunate (like me) and live far away from the sea I have found a decent shrimp cocktail at my Kroger.
Grapes and a protein - like Deli Turkey
Cottage Cheese and Peaches (I snubbed my nose at this one for awhile but it turns out... I love it now haha! My secret is I get the Fat Free kind - it takes away that strong cottage cheesy smell that I couldn't handle.)
Yogurt with Granola (Greek Yogurt with a bit of honey.... mmmm)
Organic Fruit Roll up (fruit leather)
Cherry Tomatoes

Everyone always says "a handful of nuts" but I don't really like nuts so that's not a good option for me. I try to eat 2-3 snacks a day, one between breakfast and lunch, one between lunch and dinner, and sometimes one after dinner if I eat early.

So my question for you is - what are your healthy snack options? I have been on this kick for about 10 months now and I am starting to get tired of the above options. I am going to the store soon so I want to pick up a few new things.

Elle Fowler

Feb-ru-ary Favorites Time!

2010-03-04T20:41:00.008-05:00

It's that time of the month again (not THAT time...)... for FEBRUARY FAVORITES! I have a little song and dance I made up and performed to my housemates about this. I basically sing "It's feb-ru-ary favorites time! Feb-ru-ary favorites time!" in the tone of "It's peanut butter jelly time" and then I just wiggle my butt around. I think everyone should try it. And if you are fortunate enough to have never heard that song, I will embed it here for your viewing pleasure - but I guarantee it will get stuck in your head.

It's peanut butter jelly WITH A BASEBALL BAT! I think that's such a catchy song :)

BTW, I am uploading/filming/blogging when I should be getting all my schoolwork done so I can go home for the weekend. I want to see Alice in 3D! Is anyone going tonight at midnight? Or tomorrow?

This month I tried out a few new things, which I review, and there are also a few old favs. I also added two non beauty favorites, which I always think are kind of fun.

So without further ado... this months favorites.

If you don't want to make a video response you can write on here what your favorites are! I need to live vicariously through people since I shouldn't be buying new things on project 10 pan.

- Elle Fowler

neverending hair struggle

2010-03-03T16:27:00.011-05:00

Everyone knows you are supposed to comb out wet hair with a wide toothed comb, right? Well I have always ignored that little bit of advice, mainly (manely? haha get it?) because my hair is extremely tangley. I have had hair dressers give up and ask me to comb out my own hair. My hair has a lot of texture to it, and I like to think it just looks like I have had a bad perm (as opposed to me sticking my finger in a socket when I was a baby) (which is what some people think. cough mom cough). So from a young age, I learned to just attack it with a hair brush so I don't have to sit there for an hour every day combing out my hair.

Fast forward to this week. It has come to my attention that my hair might not be growing the length I want it to grow because I break it with a brush every single time I shower (bad Elle). So, I hopped in the car and ran over to Walgreens to buy a wide toothed comb. This is the one I picked out ------->

I showered this morning, all excited to try out my new comb. I used my Aussi 3 minute miracle deeeep conditioner in the shower, and then a John Frieda leave in conditioner to my towel dried hair. I let it set while I applied my Lush Therapy Message Bar to my legs (another project 10 lush contender), and then started to comb.

Opinion? It was horrible. I think my hair just got more and more tangly as I went along, as gentle as I tried to be. I think I damaged my hair more than I do with my brush! What am I doing wrong? For those of you that use these combs... is there any hope for my hair type? Do you brush it in sections? Share the knowledge!

- Elle Fowler

a haul of a different sort

2010-03-03T13:49:00.008-05:00

Last night I was pondering over this blog, thinking about how I have had it for ages but never really have gotten into posting on a regular basis. I actually quite like writing, so this blog is a nice little 10 mins out of my day. I think it should be a regular thing :) This posting is about books, so if you aren't into that sort of thing feel free to skip over this one!

While I was visiting home I made a quick stop at the bookstore, picking up 3 books. The first is part of a series I have been reading for awhile, the House of Night. I got Untamed, the 4th book. The House of Night is like a mixture of vampire saga with Harry Potter - it's about these vampire's who go to a school together, but they possess witch qualities too. It's a unique mix, and interesting even though it's completely a tween series - reading level of about 8th grade. I recommend it though if you are into that type of story.

The second book is The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. I have read two of his other books, The DaVinci Code, and Angels and Demons. The DaVinci code was FANTASTIC! If you haven't read it I strongly recommend it. Even if you have seen the movie, and didn't particularly enjoy it, I would still try out the book. I have found that movies rarely match the strength of the book, so I never judge a book by its movie counterpart.

Angels and Demons wasn't that great. I read it years ago, so I don't really remember it but it didn't grab me the way I like a book to. If I remember correctly, Angels and Demons was a prequel to The DaVinci Code, and The Lost Symbol is a Sequel. It was number 1 on the New York Times Best Seller List for 6 weeks, and stayed near the top. I'm excited to read this one.

The last book I picked up was one I had never heard about - it's called Need, by Carrie Jones. The sales clerk at the bookstore recommended this one to me as I was checking out, so I figured I would give it a try. I don't know much about it, but I'll let you guys know if it is any good.

If you guys have any books you would like to recommend I am all ears! Leave a comment if you would like :)

- Elle Fowler

Bear: Part Sloth, Part Lightning Bug

2010-03-02T16:51:00.023-05:00

Sloth: a funny looking animal with a long neck that sleeps all day. The other night while I was watching Ice Age (which stars... a sloth. Go figure?) it reminded me how much Bear reminds me of one. I am pretty sure his grandma somewhere down the family tree was a sloth.

Case in point- Look at this picture. He is looking incredibly sloth-like there. On a different note, I think it is funny people think that I green screen my bedroom - this is the same bedroom with a sloth on the bed and a different comforter. That is some seriously good green screening powers!

So basically, I have come to the conclusion that bear is 50% sloth, 25% lightning bug, 20% mountain lion and 5% cat. The lightning bug (called a firefly if you aren't from the deep south) part comes from his love of my lampshade. He likes to be close to the light, ya know? It's only natural, being part lightning bug.

Hmmm... now that I'm thinking about it... maybe he is part ostrich? They like to stick their heads in holes (the whole, if I can't see you, you can't see me theory), and he likes to stick his head in lampshades...

I'm not gonna lie, sometimes I still use the ostrich theory. If I get scared at night it makes me feel a LOT better if I duck under the covers. Then whatever scary monster is there won't be able to find me.

Hahahaha I kid you guys. Maybe he is just a normal cat, but I like to think he is special ;)

'-Elle Fowler

In's and Out's 5

2010-03-02T12:20:00.008-05:00

I have an exam in 2 hours, so naturally I am doing everything I can to avoid thinking about it. It's time for (Da da da DA!) In's and Out's.

In:

Glowy skin: I just did a video on my new skincare routine, but I am still loving it! My skin is healthy and hydrated looking. I am experimenting with mixing several foundations for the perfect finish. Today I mixed a 3rd Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, a 3rd Laura Mercier moisturizing foundation, and a 3rd Clinique Even Better. By mixing them you get more coverage than the TM alone would give you, but it is still dewy and gorgeous. Here is my skincare video, if you didn't catch it already.

Tween Books: I love to read, and I read at all levels. Some days you can catch me with a classic novel or the latest Dan Brown book, but other times I have a good tween book in my hands - plucked straight out of the kids section of the bookstore. I just finished up the Percy Jackson series and I am on book 4 of the House of Night series. I stopped by the bookstore while I was home, and picked up Dan Brown's newest book, The Lost Symbol. Can't wait to start on it!

Project 10 pan: I haven't officially started yet, but I might as well today since I am thinking about it. I have a bunch of products that are at its very end currently, like 2 Nars laguna bronzers that are each at the last little rim, but I don't know if those count toward the 10 since they only have a few days left each. What do you guys think?

Growing out my hair: I have been good to my hair lately, using lots of protectant products and such, and I think I can tell a difference! My hair is starting to look really nice and long! I still want extensions though... we will see.

Visiting home: I was just home last weekend, and I get to go home again this weekend! Although the reason is scary (LASIK) it is still nice to be home for a little while to visit with family. That brings up a definite out though - driving for 7 hours each way constantly.

Out:

Glasses and Contacts: Yippee for LASIK in 9 days. I am currently on day 5 of wearing glasses (you can't wear contacts for a full 14 days before the surgery) and I am getting more and more excited at the prospect of not having to bother with these for a good, long time. When I get old and gray I am sure I will have to wear glasses to read or something, but by then I won't mind.

General frumpiness: whenever I go more than the allotted time between hair colorings/brow waxes/ or pedicures I start to feel very frumpy. I am feeling that now - my hair stylist keeps getting booked up when I have a chance to come in to see her. I just tried calling in - she is all booked up. Ugh.

Exams: I have one today - not fun. Not pretty.

- Elle Fowler

Annoyed over a deodorant

2010-03-01T23:10:00.012-05:00

I am sitting here completely annoyed over the fact that I ruined a perfectly good (and brand new) deodorant. I was puttering around my room, unpacking from my trip and trying to get ready for a LONG day of class tomorrow (and I was avoiding studying for my exam). I decided to open up the deodorant I just purchased and get it all ready for morning. You know how you have to click it about a hundred times before any products comes through the little holes? So I sat there, click click clicking while watching the Bachelor make his "hardest decision ever" when the stuff starts oozing through. Already having deodorant on, I did what any sensible person would do... took a cotton pad to wipe up the excess off the top.

STOP!

DO NOT REPEAT AT HOME!

Talk about an utter fail. The top of the bottle looks like it has sprouted feathers. I literally have a chicken sitting on top of my deodorant. The cotton ball stuck to that bottle like I had tar and feathered it. I tried wiping it clean with a wet wash cloth - it only served to make matters worse.

On another annoying note, Kroger brand cotton pads are absolutely horrible. They are very, very stringy and fuzzy. I wouldn't recommend trying to be a cheapie there (like myself).

I have been trying to save money lately, which probably is why I am so annoyed over my new pet chicken and Mr. Fuzz pads. I need to start project 10 pan. Project 10 lush has begun. See 2 posts below for more info on these. My first lush item used? Gnome Name Bubble Bar. Do I recommend it? Errr.... probably not. Here is my mini review:

Gnome Name: from the Christmas collection, which comes out every year. This bubble bar turned my water red (which was more creepy than festive) and made lots of lush, white bubbles, no pun intended. It had a nice, light smell, but it wasn't as fragrant as some other lush products I have used. I used it just like a regular bubble bar, crumbling it under the running water until it was all dissolved. Would I repurchase? Probably not... just because of the creepy red water. As a reader observed... "Looks like the little guy died in there".

Elle Fowler

What's in my bag?

2010-02-28T14:49:00.005-05:00

I finally did an updated what's in my bag after over a year! Some things stayed the same, but a few new things were added. I'm kinda boring with my bags (the inside part) as I tend to just keep the same stuff in there all the time, without much changing.

I also have discovered I have a problem: my bag ALWAYS weighs about 50 pounds. This is totally unnecessary and it leading me to an early death of a back break.

What is your top 5 things that you HAVE to keep in your bag? Mine would be:
1. My Juicy Couture key ring thingy with all my cards and quarters.
2. My makeup bag (of course!!) with all my necessities.
3. A book or 2, I always whip one out if I have to wait around anywhere. You would be surprised at how often you have to wait a few minutes without noticing! Restaurants, gas stations, banks, in line somewhere, there's tons of opportunities to get a few pages in!
4. My phone - this one is quite obvious. I am quite a texting addict, as most people in my generation are.
5. Painkillers and bandaids (tylenol, motrin, etc). I didn't mention these in my video because I am actually out (I need to restock!) but normally I always keep some on hand. You never know when you, or someone around you, will have a headache or a scratch!

-Elle Fowler

Project 10 Pan

2010-02-28T14:04:00.012-05:00

Hey everyone! Long time, no blog post :) I'm currently laying in bed watching Ice Age with my littlest sister, so I figured I would show this blog some love. I adore the little squirrel!!

Over the last couple days I have contemplated embarking on Project 10 Pan. If you don't know what this is, it's basically for people who have more makeup/beauty products than they need. You refrain from buying anything new until you have completely finished up 10 products of your choice. The "pan" reference comes from hitting pan on a product, you know, like when the tin part shows :) It's quite a good feeling to know you actually got your moneys worth out of a product. Many other YouTube gurus (lollipop26 being my inspiration) have tried this out, some more than once!

Lately I have been having buyer's remorse over some products, so that is why I am thinking about trying this out. I think it will be good for me. The hardest part about it is finding the right time to do it, and since I am having LASIK eye surgery in 2 weeks this is good timing for me... I won't be thinking about makeup for a little while after! (or maybe I will... knowing me lol.) I did some preliminary research on the MAC collections coming out in the coming 2 months to make sure nothing was absolutely worthy, but the next collection I am excited about comes out in May (the to the beach collection). I better be all finished by then! Commence lip gloss applying 25 times a day!

I don't need my collection looking like this, tons of products
in the exact same color.

I think I would do an "Elle version" of this project and allow myself to buy something if I REALLY, honestly, do not have anything like it in my collection (which is saying something because I have a lot) or if it's an everyday product that I run out of (like concealer, I only use one kind).

Anyway, would anyone want to join me on this project? Maybe if we can all complain together it will be easier!

-Elle Fowler

Beauty favs of the moment

2010-01-09T22:54:00.003-05:00

I'm on a bit of a blog kick aren't I? We just checked into our hotel near the airport, since we are leaving for LA early in the morning. We are staying at a Hampton Inn and our room is HUGE! Blair and I are sharing a king size bed and mom is across the room snuggled up next to the heater (she is always cold. Exact opposite of me, since I am always hot). Anywhooo....

I didn't get around to doing a December favorites so I figured I would do a little post about my beauty favs of the moment. Here it goes:

Hair:
Redken Guts - gives me volume and helps my hair not get greasy on the second day of not washing it. It comes out as a mousse that you run into your roots, and it gives you a bit of lift.

Redken Fabricate - An aerosol heat protectant you spray onto your hair before you use a flat iron. I love this stuff! It seems to give my hair a little bit of hold as well.

Framsi Wio Balm - This is a straightening balm that I put in my hair while it is wet. My roommate has used it for years so I borrowed it for my how to get a vampire boyfriend video. I had to order one for myself because it really made a difference. The only annoying part is it is really hard to find.

Makeup/Nails:
OPI Polish in "Bubble Bath" - the perfect pale pink/white. I love the color and I love the name. Enough said.
Nars Laguna Bronzer - One of my all time favorite bronzers. I have repurchased this several times. Keeps me bronzed in the winter months.

Mac "Teddy" Eye Kohl - a chocolate brown liner with a touch of bronze. This is pretty when I don't feel like going too dark.

That's all I can think of at the moment. My mom has already passed out and I am getting realllly sleepy.

Elle Fowler

a nice surprise

2010-01-09T03:06:00.007-05:00

Last night I took a long bath, and I decided to use my Cinders bath bomb from Lush. I have been saving this one for several reasons. First of all, the scent is completely captivating, all cinnamon and orange. Second of all, this bath bomb claims to make crackling noises as in dissolves just like the sound a fire would make on a cold night. So, naturally I saved it for a "rainy" day. It has been freezing and snowy for the last several days so I figured last night was the perfect night to use it.

As soon as my bath was filled with steamy water I plopped this baby in. Now, before I explain what happened next let me say that lush has two types of bath bombs. Some of them dissolve slowly, like the "So White" bath bomb. That one dissolved so slowly I was ready to get out before it was done. Unfortunately, they are not all like this. A few I have tried dissolve as soon as they hit the water, and before you know what's happening they are all used up. Cinders fell in the latter category, and I was quite disappointed. The worst part? No crackling :(

But then... luck changed! Before I knew it the crackling started, and I noticed the water had turned a nice orange color. The smell was amazing, and the crackling went on for longer than expected. I can still smell Cinders on my skin. Bottom Line? Yes, I would repurchase this one, but not to use on a night where I want to lay around in a bath for hours on end. This was a fun little bath bomb. I wish Lush made more stuff in this scent! $3.95.

Blog Exclusive: Lush Haul

2010-01-08T18:02:00.024-05:00

As you guys know, Blair and I visited a lush when we went to Atlanta. I have been doing so many videos about lush lately that I decided to show my haul on here instead of yet another lush video. This trip was really fun, mainly because we got to go to a lush with a bunch of our subscribers, who helped us pick out new things to try.
I started off taking advantage of the Christmas sale (buy one get TWO free!) by getting 3 Mr. Butterball's and 3 Star Melts. Here are pictures:

These are for my momma, because she tried my Mr. Butterball before Christmas and fell in love with it. Mr. Butterball has vanilla and cocoa butter in it to soothe your skin, and he makes the water feel amazing! He is $3.95. I might take one of these to try since Mom took mine before the holidays and I never got to try him!

I got her a few Star Melts because she loved the scent of my room after I used mine. She immediately asked if I had any more and I felt terrible that I didn't! So I got her 3 :) The star melt is described as a pink Christmas bath melt that smells like Vanilla and Candy. It also turns your water pink! Sounds good to me! These are $5.95.

I then picked up a few new things for me to try. I got a Glitterbug Massage Bar, which smells like vanilla and rose, and has tiny blueish sparkles that give your skin a fairy glow. This little bar is expensive, and tiny, so I'm not sure I will be repurchasing, but I still couldn't resist. It is called a GLITTERBUG after all. How cute is that!? This little bug is $6.55.

My next two items are my FAVORITES! I was so excited to try these. If you are fortunate enough to live near a lush store or counter I would go see if you can check these out.

Ready!? They involve GLITTER!

Flosty Gritter Bubble Bar: described as a "Girl's Night Out" sort of bubble bar. It
smells like Lavender and Vanilla - LOVE! This one is SUPER glittery and pink! And yes, I spelled the name right lol! $5.65.

Sunnyside Bubble Bar: This one is bright gold and glittery and makes your
bath LIQUID GOLD! As soon as I saw my friend, EGheartsssc on YouTube, talk about this I knew I needed to have it. Glitter makes me happy. Glitter + bubbles = super happy Elle. You get the picture :) $5.95. This one has citrus scents, to help pep you up and make you giddy (that's my own description. Lush should hire me. j/k, j/k).

And last but not least, a oldie that I adore. I was out of my Comforter Bubble Bar so I picked up another. I adore this little pink and white monster. It is $8.75, but I like this one because I can break it into 4 pieces so it lasts for 4 baths, unlike most others which only last for 1 or 2 baths.

All of these can be purchased at LUSH.

Last Post of 2009

2009-12-31T23:56:00.006-05:00

Its 11:56 PM on December 31st as I write this. 2010 is going to be a crazy year for me - I am graduating college this year and the year "2010" has always been in the back of my mind because of this. It's a little terrifying. This year was a good one; I reached 158,000 subscribers on YouTube which is insane! I had my one year YouTube birthday and hit a view bumps, but I am still loving it - even more than I was last year at this time!

Here are my New Years Resolutions - maybe on December 31st, 2010 I will do another post and see how many of these I accomplished :)

1) To drink more water (8 cups a day) and less diet coke (max 1 a day).

2) To continue to eat healthy and stay the size I am now (at least I don't have the dreaded "lose weight" resolution!)

3) To graduate in may from college

4) To continue YouTube and not slack on videos like I did some this year.

5) To meet a nice boy! (LOL!)

6) To update this blog at least 5 times a month (cause I'm a major slacker on here too)

Okay now it's your turn - what are your resolutions?

Quick FAQ Post

2009-11-15T01:15:00.004-05:00

So here I am, snuggled up in bed with a green monster face mask on and watching Twilight. I have some time on my hands so I'm gonna do another "diary" type post. First of all, I completely adore this movie. The acting is kind of terrible, and the makeup even more so, but I still love the storyline. Vampire haters - to each their own! EEEP! Bella almost just became a pancake.

I am so close to 125,000 subs on YouTube, which was my next big number... it's growing so quickly. I adore you guys... so thank you! I figured I would answer so FAQ's while I'm thinking about them.

Q: Where did you get your two paintings in your background?

A: The Paris one is from Ballard Designs but I bought it about a year ago so I'm not sure they would be available anymore. The pink one was hand painted by my neighbor.. so again, not really available. Sorry guys! I really adore paintings, I wish I could paint actually. I fell in love with the Paris one the moment I saw it... and I knew I had to have it. It's a happy looking painting.

Q: What is that bright silver thing above your lamp?

A: A nail stuck in the wall, I had a picture there before I moved my furniture around this year.

Q: Are you a natural blonde?

A: Yes. I add both lowlights and highlights to my hair to give it dimension, right now its a bit darker than my natural color.

Q: Do you wear colored contacts?

A: No. I wear clear ones just to see.

Q: Who are your favorite youtubers to watch?

A: My sister, Juicystar07, thebubblegumprincess, lollipop26, xsparkage, michellephan, fafinettex3, EGheartsssc and like a ton more than I can't think of off the top of my head. I've met them all in person except for elise and erin.

Q: What are your favorite places to shop?

A: Guess, Express, Bebe, Forever21, Abercrombie, and department stores.

Okay that's all I can think of off the top of my head. Let me know if you have more FAQs and I'll do a part 2.

In's and Out's 5

2009-11-12T01:20:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone! Its been 3.5 months since my last real post, which is quite sad. I need to pay more attention to this blog! I will start with an In's and Out's, to fill you guys in on what's new.

In:

Vampire Diaries - Oh Stephan, how I love thee. I am almost ashamed to admit how much I love the vampire culture going on right now... I am not normally one to like that kind of stuff. I am completely hooked on this series and it's superficial "Dear Diary" style storyline. The cast is absolutely stunning, and it's making me crave a leather jacket like crazy! I can't tell if I love or hate Damon, but either way his cockiness is fun to watch.

Leather - Okay, so I will admit.. I don't really wear leather, except in shoes and bags. I do, however, like the idea of wearing leather. Leather seems to be very in right now, and I think the Vampire Diaries has gone to my head a bit (Elena and her cute leather-in-every-scene fashion).

Long Hair - I have been forever growing out my hair, and its finally starting to get long. I cut 4 inches off about a month ago so get it healthy and it felt so short. I really love the feel and look of long hair - so feminine!

Hot Chocolate and Banana Bread - Weird combo maybe? Blame it on the cold fall weather, but this has been my "cheat" snack pick. My roommate found a "healthy" banana bread recipe (which actually is a bit bland) but at least we can justify eating it lol!

My elliptical machine - I bought a cheap ($250) elliptical machine on a whim at my local Walmart and its become my new baby. It's kinda squeaky and weird but its little and cute and get's the job done!

Farmville!! - no description needed

Beauty favs of the moment:

FX Flat Iron Spray

Mac's Coppering Eyeshadow

My coastal scents 88 matte palette

Mac's 242 brush

Out:

Uggs - guys.. this is a big one. I think they are really going out of style (or have been and I have been fighting it). I finally ordered a pair or non ugg slouchy suede black boots for class because I came to the realization today that uggs were cool 5 years ago. Yeah.

Midterms - I'm finally done with them for this semester.

Sleeping - not that I don't love sleeping, I just never seem to do it anymore.

What are your Ins and Outs?

Armani Exchange Contest Winner!

2009-08-03T21:06:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone! Thanks for entering this contest - it was a ton of fun! We have a winner :) Please note that I did NOT pick the winner, it was selected by the representatives of Armani Exchange. Here is the way the winner was picked, in case you were curious.

"Each winner is selected randomly. How we do that is we print out ALL comments and knock off all the duplicates, those that didn't meet the requirements (didn't list what Armani products/clothes they wanted), etc. We also print out all the RT (tweet) messages and then we number each entry (comments + tweets). After we have a total number, we visit Random.org and enter the range of entries (1-#) and click generate! It provides a number and we look up who was given that number and bam, that's the winner!"

So the winner is ElizabethYtorres, who posted on 7/22 at 1:04 pm. Congrats girl! Since I do not have your information, please email me your name and address to glitzyglamour21@yahoo.com and I will mail you your gift card!

For my other contest, the 60,000 subs one, I will be selecting winners when I get a chance to sit down and enjoy the videos. Hopefully I will have time later on in the week. Be looking for those winners!

Insomnia, Bear, and my first birthday

2009-07-23T16:19:00.007-04:00

Today is my one year birthday of videos on youtube, as you all probably know from twitter. I had planned on doing a little video about it, but honestly I am a bit tired today. I was sick earlier this week with a bit of a stomach bug and I am getting over that, so my body just feels tired and sore. I will eventually go and buy myself a cupcake though :)

So basically - and HUGE thanks to everyone who has stuck with me throughout this last year. I would not still be doing videos if you guys weren't watching them and leaving such nice feedback. We all complain about haters and stuff like that but the fact of the matter is that 99% of comments I get are extremely positive. I encourage everyone to make videos if they want to - don't be scared.. my first video was horrible! Want to see a screenshot of it? It is not even public anymore on youtube.. but here is a nice picture..

Basically I am not angled towards the camera at all, I don't even look at it, and the worst part is.. I don't even talk! I turn the camera on and then sit there putting on my makeup. My point is, anyone can make videos.. even if you are a bit shy at first. If you want to see how it will turn out, do what I did! Make a video (you don't even have to speak if you don't want people to hear you) and then put it up to see what it looks like! I did that a miraculously got about 7 subscribers - and I was like YES!!! HAPPY DANCE!! Hopefully that will encourage some of you to go out and try it :)

On a different note, Bear is doing a bit better. That is him over there <----- with his head in my lampshade. He is eating a little bit of ham every day, which is progress because he used to not eat anything at all. Mom encouraged him to eat by telling him for every bite he eats he can have 3 minutes in the guinea pig cage, which he loves. They get along quite nicely (no, he would never hurt guinea.. guinea is more likely to hurt Bear).

Have any of you guys read the book "Agnes, thongs, and full frontal snogging"? If you have, then you will know what I am talking about. I kind of want to write a book like that, only about my life. I think that would be funny. I might do that when I have time on my hands, which is never, unfortunately. It would be diary style, and very silly.

I have decided to classify myself as a full-fledged insomniac. I have always thought that I am one but I never really would have said, "Hi, I am Elle, and I have a problem. I have insomnia." Now I will say that when I meet people. My life consists of waking up insanely early for my liking (I can't help if my body "naturally" wants to wake up at 1pm), walking about sleepy all day, feeling ready to pass out by 7, and then as soon as the sun sets it is like BAM! And then I am wide awake and super productive. I can study for exams, clean my room, make videos, work out.. anything! So then I stay up late because I am doing things that need to get done and then I have to wake up early again. It is a vicious cycle. Maybe I should move to a place like Alaska where it is light out less time than normal places. But that opens an ENTIRELY new problem - I am afraid of the dark! I wouldn't want it to be night all the time because then I would never leave my house!

Oh dear... I have exhausted myself. I must wait until sundown to contemplate all this new information.

What would you guys like to see more videos of in this coming year? More tutorials, reviews, fashion videos, drugstore videos, vlogs? Let me know in a comment :) Love you!! MWAH!

Weekend with Lollipop26

2009-07-20T00:16:00.008-04:00

Hey everyone! So I just had the most amazing weekend with lollipop26 - my youtube "big sister". She was the person whose videos I stumbled across last July, and if you had told me then that in a years time we were going to be gallivanting around New York I would not have believed you at all. As I write this I feel like I am thinking in a British accent :)
Here were the highlights of our weekend:

Me teaching her cursive at dinner while our waiter tells me my cursive looks like a grade schooler.
Buying everything named "Twilight".
Laura teaching me that it is only classy to buy makeup with cute names, so "Bright Plum" was out and "Underwater Fantasy" was in.
Deciding it would be a fantastic idea to sew our own hair extensions - so we go buy some hair and some clips and then spend all friday night complaining that it is too hard.
Which reminds me of this - going into a hair store to buy hair and coming out each with nail polish, NYX jumbo eye pencils, needles from the 1950s (so we can sew our hair), earrings, and really trashy dangling belly button rings, just because we are terrible enablers.
Laura thinking that our green salsa at dinner was actually our guacamole, and that it was "very odd, because guacamole is actually normally a bit thicker".
Seeing Bruno - haha
Buying exactly the same things at forever 21 (which means our hauls might be a bit redundant).

Basically it was the most fun weekend ever. We are already planning a trip in October to visit again. I bought a ton of stuff so I will make sure to do a haul. I think I will break it into two parts - makeup and then clothing/jewelry just because there is a lot. We didn't take any pictures because we kept forgetting our cameras, and no video because we just didn't have time. We tried to cram everything in a 3 day period, which is hard since we both wanted to sleep until noon every morning.

I will get a haul video up as soon as I can, I would love to do it tomorrow after work if I am not exhausted. I also bought makeup for a "summer drugstore" look so I need to get that up SOON because summer is almost over! School is going to start for those of you still in grade school soon! Those are next priority to film, so those will go up this week.

BTW - Laura and I had a long heart to heart about when you know you have too much makeup and it is time for an intervention. She said she knew when she went to buy makeup one day and the bag sat in her room for 2 days untouched. So we went into my room and lo and behold - a mac bag, with 2 MSF's - untouched. She embarked on Project 10 pan as her mission - I am going to do a massive blog sale. I will sell makeup of course, but I think I will sell so other things too - like my unworn coach shoes (Size 8 :) ), and my dooney and bourke bags. I could sell them on ebay but I feel like it would be easier to do it on a blog sale, and if they don't sell then I will do ebay. When I go home in a few weeks I will do it, but it will probably be US only to make shipping simple, so I can get the packages out the next day (Sorry!)

Okay I work in the morning and it has been an amazing, but exhausting, weekend so I should probably go to bed now. Love you guys tons - can't wait to be back in my bedroom at my own house at school - I feel like it has been AGES! xoxo :)

60,000 subs and Bachelorette Drama

2009-07-06T22:47:00.002-04:00

Hey guys!!! GUESS WHAT?!

Haha - if you follow me on twitter you totally guessed right cause I have been yapping about it all day! I HIT 60,000 SUBSCRIBERS!!!!

And that means....da da da DA!!! Contest time!! EEEPP!

So I just really want to thank you guys - and I want to show my appreciation with this contest. I honestly love each and every one of you :)

Today I came home from work all excited to check my numbers.. and I was at 60,003! I wanted to film the contest video right away but youtube decided to have its banner of death (youtube maintenance). So it will go up tomorrow - have no fear! Today was actually a REALLY good day - I got to watch the bachelorette, which I love.

SPOILERS AHEAD!! STOP HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!

Don't say I didn't warn you haha! But honestly guys... WHAT just happened with Wes? Have you ever known a bigger a**ho*e? It made me sick to watch him attempt to lie. He is a bad singer, but an even worse actor, and an even WORSE person. Who do you want to win/think will win (those might be different answers!). I think Kiptyn and Reid will be the final two. Personally, I would pick Kiptyn, but I think Reid might be a better match for her. That's just my personal opinion though :)

Sigh - I love that show. Maybe I can be a bachelorette one day (kidding..kind of. Hopefully it won't come to that).

*************END SPOILERS**************

On another note, I have completely caught up to the new episode of True blood, (Season 2, episode 4), and I must say I am hooked. It took some getting used to, but I really like it. I DON'T like the violence part, but the romance part over powers that I think. I have Thursday and Friday off work so I am planning on going and buying the first few Sookie Stackhouse books and spending all weekend reading. I don't know if you guys know this about me - but when I get into a series I literally do NOTHING but read. I finished the whole twilight series in a week I think. That is why I am waiting until Wednesday night, because I will want to call in sick to work to read (and that is not okay lol). When the Harry Potter books used to come out I would request a few days off work just so I could enjoy them.

Michellephan from YouTube is visiting me on Thursday and we are planning on doing a collaboration video - so that's exciting!!

Anyway it is 10:58 pm right now - about 4.5 hours before my normal bedtime - and I am actually tired, for once. I think I might be asleep by midnight, which is crazy talk for me.

Question of the post: Well obviously the bachelorette questions if you watch that, but also - do you guys like these "diary" like posts that have nothing to do with beauty really? I am in the process of building a real website, and I am going to have a "beauty blog" section, but I am thinking of having a "diary" section too for posts like this, but only if you guys enjoy haha!

Sunday Evening

2009-07-05T17:44:00.005-04:00

Sundays are very love/hate for me. On one hand, I love them because they are the one day that you can do anything you want to do, but on the other hand... it is the end of the weekend. I dread Mondays, even if I love my job/classes/whatever it might be that I have to do that day. It is 5:45 pm right now, and I am starting to get that I-dread-tomorrow feeling - even though I adore my internship! Isn't that weird?

Today I slept in and then went to get a mani/pedi with my roommate. I think pedicures are one of the most relaxing things to have done, and yet I never make the time to go get them. My last actual pedicure was probably April, and I have just been painting them myself since then. I think it should be a goal to get a pedicure at least once every 6 weeks. Manicures are not AS important to me because I can keep them up easier myself, but honestly I think pedicures are completely necessary. We are so hard on our feet - and living in New York I am walking A LOT.

Now I feel completely primped and refreshed, which is a great feeling. My nail lady put together a really pretty nail combination - Essie Ballet Slipper with Essie Mademoiselle over top. It is GORGEOUS - very clean looking. I might buy one or both these polishes to keep up this color.

Tonight I am going to order Thai food - that sounds so delicious!! I haven't had thai since being here, but I am craving it tonight. All I have had to eat today was half a bagel... so yeah, I am hungry haha.

What are you guys doing on your Sunday Evening (or whatever time it is where you are)?

Small Clothing Haul

2009-07-04T23:52:00.005-04:00

Today I went shopping with my roommate in Soho. We hit up a few stores including Necessary Clothing and a few more boutique-y type places. I didn't go CRAZY, but I did buy a few things :) I thought I would share!

This top was from necessary clothing and I thought it was cute. It is A LOT cuter on than it is in this picture, but that goes for most clothing items. I tried on about 11 things from this store and this was the ONLY thing that looked decent. I felt like the whole store was designed for someone a whole foot shorter than me haha (I am 5'8, so I am tall!)

I love scarves in the winter - it is a good way to add a pop of bright color to your look so I got a few of these. I know it is not winter right now but it will be soon enough! And I go to school in a pretty cold place - the winters are icy and brutal!

These were my FAVORITE find!! I'm sure lots of you have these, but they are little bandeau tops that you can wear under tanks or shirts that come down too low in the front. They aren't bras but you can wear them over strapless to give you more coverage under a low cut top. They had them in EVERY color at necessary clothing, and the best part is - they are only $3.99 each! Score! I might do a video talking about this because it is one of those tricks that REALLY save my life sometimes.

I also got a few accessories - a black stretchy belt and 2 bracelets :) Yay for a successful shopping day! AND I rode the subway for the first time.. which was quite the experience. I definitely see how it is the quickest/cheapest way to get around NY but it was slightly scary :/

4th of July Makeup Tutorial

2009-07-03T17:50:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone! Happy 4th of July Eve! So today I decided to film a tutorial on 4th of July Makeup, but unfortunately it did not come out very well. My bathroom setup washes me out really badly, and this was the first time I had tried to film a colorful look there. Let's just say it did NOT work. I miss my bedroom at school so much - colorful looks always come out well there :(

Anyway I have decided to turn it into a blog post so that it would not be completely wasted. I basically did white on the inner corners, red on the outer corners, and blue underneath with navy liner. I will list all the products I used.

I first used Fascinating Eye Kohl from Mac, which is just a white eyeliner. You can use whatever you have lying around your bathroom (this goes for ALL the products in this look). I applied this all over the inner half of my eye, then rubbed it in.
Next I used Artifact paint pot from mac, a deep red base on the outer corner of my eyes.
I applied a white shimmery eyeshadow (Naked Cosmetics Mother Nature 1) over the white base and a red shimmery eyeshadow (MUFE star powder in 921) over the red part.
I used a deep blue shimmery shadow (Naked Cosmetics Ebony 2) under my eyes.
For Liner I used Navy Stain from Mac on both the upper line and the waterline.
For a inner corner highlight and my brow highlight color I used Naked Cosmetics Ivory 6, which is a gorgeous white with blue duocrome.
For gloss I used Macs Underage for just a neutral pink.

And then we are done! I like the way this turned out, I wish the video had been alright. Have a great 4th of July everyone!

In's and Out's 4

2009-07-03T01:03:00.003-04:00

I love reading everyone's In's and Out's, so here are mine :)

In's:

Summer - I love summer, but unfortunately it has rained the whole summer here in NYC. Nevertheless, I still love not having classes!
Glitzy-Glam getting a new "face" very shortly! We hired a guy to design us a new look, more professional, for the site. I will twitter it as soon as it goes live, of course!
Which reminds me, I am loving twitter right now too! I have been on upload overload - I hope you guys aren't getting tired of my constant pointless updates lol!
Honey Lust mixed with Amber Lights and a little All That Glitters all over the lid with mulch in the crease - gorgeous neutral summery look.
True Blood - the show from HBO. It's for sure not "kid friendly" but since I love Twilight so much I have gotten into this show. I don't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed The Tudors, but since I finished that show up until next season I need a new fix.
BlogTV - my new obsession
The fact that I have put up about 4 blog posts today - I think that is a record. Yes - it is haha :)
Cream de la mer face cream

Out's:

The Weather - its gross here 80% of the time haha.
Being homesick - I am both homesick for my home (my cats, family, swimming pool, and moms cooking) and my school home (my roomies and my cute little bedroom and kitten). It is going to be SO WEIRD going back to that bedroom after being gone for so long but I feel like that is more my "home" than anywhere else. I am currently living in like 3 states haha - and I have bedrooms in 4. That is odd.
Not being able to put up as many videos as I want to, because I am working so much. At school I was able to do about 1 every other day, but here I am lucky to get 2 up a week. One will be up tomorrow for sure!
The fact that I have been meaning to get my toes done for 3 weeks and still haven't. I do them myself all the time but I think getting a good pedicure every few months is completely crucial for pretty feet :)

If anyone wants to write me your Ins and Outs I would love to read them!

I'm in Seventeen Magazine!!!

2009-07-02T19:13:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!!! Here are the pics of my from the August issue of Seventeen Magazine - one of my twitter followers was sweet enough to scan it for me :) You guys should go check it out to see more youtube gurus, including my sister. I'm gonna talk about this in my June Favs video, but this way you see it before then! HOW EXCITING!! I was literally DYING to tell you guys - I have known about this since MARCH!!!!

My 4th of July Weekend

2009-07-02T18:49:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it is getting close to 4th of July already! This summer is speeding by - don't you hate it when that happens? I feel like the winter months creep on by, and then summer goes like a racehorse. Today is Thursday, and I have spent my whole day doing laundry and watching the show True Blood. I was thinking... what was I doing last year at this time?

Well let me tell you. Last year I found YouTube right around the beginning of July. I posted my first video on July 21st, but it was so bad I took it down, and then put another one up on July 23rd. From there I kept going and now... well now I am sitting here writing to all you guys!

Today is a rainy day in NYC, so I am just laying around relaxing. Tomorrow I am going to put up my June favs video (I know haha, it's already July but whatever) and then film a 4th of July look that will go up Saturday. Saturday my roomie and I are planning on going shopping and then watching the fireworks. Maybe one day this weekend I will do another BlogTV - the last one was fun.

What are all your plans for July 4th? Maybe if you have cool ones I can live vicariously through you :) BTW, has anyone gone out and bought the August Seventeen Magazine?! Flip it open to see a huge picture of my face!

One more thing - I am inching closer to 60,000 subscribers - I am going to do a contest as soon as I hit that! I will probably have Coastal Scents and Glitzy Glam prices - everyone seems happy with those usually.

Okay I am going to continue laying around lol...

Long Update and New Love

2009-06-30T00:16:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone!

Long time no post huh? I figured I would give a quick update. I am still in New York for the summer for my internship - and I am loving it! It's quite an exciting place to be for the summer. There are LOADS of exciting stuff going on in my life right now.

1) Lollipop26 from YouTube is coming to visit me in two weeks - we have been planning a get together for AGES! We are planning a spa day and tons of makeup shopping. We MIGHT do a NYC meet and greet, but we aren't positive how we feel about that yet (what if creepy creepertons came?). We are currently both going through whirlwind of present buying for each other :)

2) I am going through a complete "Love YouTube" mode right now. We all go through phases where we aren't feeling it, and then we are, and then we get bored with it again, but right now is a peak time for me loving it. Expect my June favs tomorrow or Wednesday (lets hope for tomorrow!).

3) I have found the love of my life (no, not a boy...)

Creme de la mer moisturizing cream. Yes it IS terribly expensive - but honestly, I would be willing to spend my last bit of money on good skin. What is more important than good facial skin (unless you are going without food for this, or have kids that need the money)? Expect a review on this product soon - it is love for me.

Videos coming up soon:

June Favorites

Tanning Video - might have to re-film, camera issues

Night Time Skin Routine

Possibly more fashion/styling videos/accessories

Tutorial Featuring Naked Cosmetics - I sure bought enough of it!

So anyway, I hope you guys are having an amazing Monday night/Tuesday morning. Goodnight!

P.S. What would you guys think of a weekly BlogTV? Would people be interested?

My recent Forever 21 fashion haul

2009-05-05T17:53:00.014-04:00

So this post is going to be super long, but whatever! Last night I went shopping online at forever21.com and so I figured I would share what I bought! My total was around $250, but for all I got I thought that was a super good deal! All of these items should still be available if you want to pick one up for yourself. A word to the wise though, forever 21 is really weird fitting sometimes, so if you buy online just be aware that you might have to return some things, and you can only return the items by sending it back through the mail, unless you just want store credit. I am thinking that at LEAST one item won't work out and I will have to do a return. I will write the name and price under each item, as well as why I like it :) Enjoy!

Lace Trim Chiffon Top: $19.80

I just think this is a super flirty, girly top. This was the first item that grabbed me on the site, and after deciding to get this my shopping cart just kept expanding. I love the buttons on the front - lovely detailing. What color shorts would this look best with? Charcoal? Black?

Babydoll Colorblock dress in Grey and Purple: $12.50

I bought this one in two colors because it is super cute!! Plus for the price, why not? I am really hoping this one works for me, I really am in love with it. These would be great to wear to work this summer for my internship too paired with low heels or ballet flats and some cute accessories.

Fab Colorblock Pleat Dress: $12.50

I bought this one because I love it, but unfortunately strapless dresses never work for me. I couldn't help myself though.. I am really hoping this one works!

Colorblock Tank Dress: $15.80

I already own this in grey, but I just really like it for work. Paired with some gold jewelry and cute shoes you could really dress it up, and its very classy.

Crochet Cotton Dress: $22.80

I love the detailing on the top part of this dress. I got this just cause I liked it, but I wish it had come in other colors other than black. Oh well, black looks good on me :)

Ginette Chiffon Top: $17.80

I just love the colors and style of this one.

Simple Knit Skirt: $7.80

Everyone needs a basic black pencil skirt right? (I already have one from american apparel, but whatever!)

Satin Bow Front Skirt: $15.80

Oooh, I love this one... I really hope it fits!

Here is an entire outfit I bought, taken from one of the models on the website - I love it! The shirt, shorts, bangles, and ring are all a part of it.

Wooden Bead Chiffon Tunic: $27.80

Look at the beading! I love this top so much.. I hope it fits well!

Cheyna Cuffed Short: $17.80

Basic Charcoal shorts - I didn't have any in this color

Thin Dimpled Bangle Set: $5.80

I wouldn't have bought these if I had gold bangles already but I didn't, so I got them!

Side Dimpled Stone Ring: $4.80

Love this ring, and it goes with the outfit perfectly! And so cheap!

Here are some pieces of jewelry I got, I love how cheap everything is on this site!

Mesh Flower Pearl Necklace: $5.80

Pearl and Chain Knot Necklace: $7.80

Large Flower ring: $4.80
Gemstone Necklace: $4.80
Mixed Charm Necklace: $7.80
Rhinestone Cluster Ring: $4.80

Rhinestone Droplet Earrings: $4.80

Pleather Box Boddy Pins: $2.80

Fab Satin Bow Bobby Pins: $1.50

I also bought these in cream and hot pink, I love little bows!