Super Stocking Stuffers

Stockings are my favorite part of Christmas presents. Don't' get me wrong, I love presents of all sizes, but stockings are the best. Maybe it's because when we were younger, when we woke up - we would discover Santa had filled our stockings and moved them from the mantle to the doorknob outside our bedrooms. I think it was the fact that I had just missed Him, that he had been so close, that made my stocking seem filled with magic. These days I know that magic costs money. Here are some of my personal picks- all coming in at under $15! Last month Movie Girl & I attended an event at the mall. At the end of the event, we were practically crawling to get to our car our feet hurt so bad! If only I had discovered these perfectly portable sole savers before then! Even the Today Show thought they were genius!

When I got this floral hammer in my very own stocking last year, I rolled my eyes at my mother. I didn't realize how handy this hammer was until I unscrewed it. It's like an entire tool kit in one adorably petite hammer. I have one at the office & home, and I always reach for it.

I must have something on my lips pretty much at all times. This vanilla creme lip balm smells delish & has an SPF of 20. It's shape delights 6 to 6o years olds. Even better? The roundness makes it easy to find & grab in my mammoth, where things go to die purse.

Words can't do this candle justice. Clean, crisp, just cut down a Christmas tree- heaven. We find people sniffing it so hard at the store, we're concerned. The votive is the perfect little hostess gift. I'm warning you- it's highly addictive.

People scoop up handfuls of this kit at a time. Everything you could possibly need in a bind in the tiniest silver bag imaginable. Mouthwash, hairspray, clear nail polish, sewing kit, stain remover, deodorant, nail file- the list goes on & on. Every woman should have one or two- hop on our site & we'll mail them out to you!

Peace. Love. Presents. M

All items available here

Sultry Smokey Eye

Welcome to all the new readers stumbling my ways thanks to The Bon Bon Girls! I'm glad to see so much excitement due to the giveaway! Today, I'm going to do a tutorial on how to do a smokey eye perfect for the holidays(using the eyeshadow palette featured in the contest.) First step , do your eye make-up. On a day to day basis I do the foundation first, but you don't want to end up with raccoon eyes! Use an eye primer for longevity. Take the middle color of the palette (see yesterdays post for image) & with your brush make a windshield wiper like motion in the outer crease of the eye. I do this first to help with blending, and make the look wearable/less severe. The crease color establishes where you put the darker color & it's really the basis so it doesn't look like you got punched in the eye!

Then take a stiffer brush with the darkest color & pat, press or 'stipple' the color on the lid. You can build the coverage & even wet your brush with water to help with intensity. Just fill in the crescent that you created with the middle shadow as your guide, then blend a bit more so there are no harsh lines...

Then take a black eyeliner(whatever form you're most comfortable with- I like True Cosmetics Dual Eyeliner in Yin Yang) & wiggle it into the top lashes & on the lower rim of your eye. I think this is a really important step to tie the look together. Since it's a strong look I tend to leave the brow bone pretty bare, with just a swipe of the palest color there. (As the Brow Whisperer of course I will insert the comment here as to the need for clean groomed brows!) Lips should be soft, as to not compete with the eye... Then load up on several coats of mascara to make your lashes pop!

The look works on any skin tone. Here is a little softer version....

Whereas I piled on the shadow on yours truly !

Clean up any drop off of shadow & apply a medium to full coverage foundation. Lips should be nude & glossy, which is why I included Lip Lacquer 05 in the giveaway- the perfect compliment...The highlighting powder is actually super easy- just give it a swirl for a 'candle lit' look on your cheekbones or all over! It's the perfect finishing touch. I promise this look is actually not as hard as it seems, it just takes a little longer to do time wise when first starting out. Don't be afraid to try it & remember- practice makes perfect!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Beauty Bonanza

The day is here my beauties! In honor of recently celebrating my 200th posting, I'm giving away $200 worth of beauty loot! The delightful gals over at Bon Bon Girls will be hosting the event, so hop over to check out all the details, and make sure to leave a comment here for additional entries.

What's up for grabs? All the products needed to create this season's hottest holiday look. Featuring Paul & Joe Beaute, these are my absolute must haves! I used them just last week at one of Baltimore's most fabulous event planner's holiday soiree to give her that sultry smokey eye! She was ready to rock the catwalk when I was done with her- I love it when I can make a girl feel like a million bucks!

Here's the breakdown of the products-hands down this is my favorite gloss at the moment. Lip lacquer 05's sheer color brightens the face, while leaving your lips super glossy!

This limited edition trio of eyeshadows is the perfect paint by number kit for smokey eyes. The deepest shade is the most perfect starry night deep gray blue...

Lastly, I had to include Paul & Joe's limited edition highlighting powder. Besides being a work of art, it leaves your skin with a subtle glow as if lit through candle light. Tomorrow, I'll step you through how to get this sultry look, so stay tuned!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Milestones

When I first started blogging, I admit I was a bit overwhelmed. I've always been slightly computer challenged, so in the beginning I felt like a complete amatuer. I still have pangs of envy when I hop over to other's blogs and see such fabulous collages so artfully laid out. Photoshop will be a goal for 2010... Over the last few months though, I've gained my footing and now feel so comfortable with putting my passion about make-up and where I find beauty out there in the blogosphere. I know I treasure getting a glimpse into other blogger's lives who have become friends in the most unexpected ways. I recently celebrated my 200th post & really felt a huge sense of accomplishment. I hope I have made you smile if you stumbled my way, but what's sure to bring a smile to your face? In celebration of this monumental occasion, tomorrow I will be hosting a giveaway with a bevy of beauty must haves for this holiday season. Tune in tomorrow for the link to win your chance for some more gorgeous in your life!

Peace. Love. Posting. M

Santa Baby

It's that time of year girleens! Where Santa asks if you've been good or bad & what you want under the tree...so here goes it for me! I love these nesting bowls that are both functional & art.

I'm obsessed with this fresh, modern take on the classic monogram necklace. I love how open it is against the skin- this would also be a perfect wedding present with a gal's new monogram!
My rather vintage MP3 player took a spill into the loo the other day as I was getting out of the shower:( Fare thee well, my friend. Hello slim, shiny upgrade!

It might be time I got a big girl computer & a Mac to boot. With the amount of time I'm on my computer with blogging, the online store & marketing for the spa- I need a workhorse! Did I also mention the letters are starting to pop off of my current laptop? I type till my fingers bleed for my beauties!

I just love how old world this necklace feels. It seems centuries old to me. The combination of pearls, crystals & San Benito medallion offers those who wear it faith, hope & protection.

Two laptops, you ask? This is a netbook- to further my laziness. I'd keep this upstairs or take it to meetings since it's so tiny. It's basically for blogging & surfing the web, 2 of my favorite pastimes! To round out my list, I decided not to put the pic of the decidedly unglamorous orthopedic pillow I want...I have an image to protect! I also think it never hurts to ask for a better pair of thighs, too...I'd take a pair like Heidi Klum's or really any supermodel's will do. Hey, Santa's all about magic, isn't he?

Peace. Love. Presents. M

Fabulous Finds Friday

I was catching up with a friend from high school this past weekend that I hadn't seen her for a while. She asked about me new niece & I promptly showed an adorable photo of her from my iPhone. When she asked for more pics of the family, I flipped through my phone & slowly realized that I have become 'that' girl. The one who has pretty much 100 photos on her phone of her dog & cat. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there are a lot of days when I prefer animals to people & this situation proved it.

For the dog & cat lovers in your life, how perfect is this for the holidays? Send in a picture of your favorite family fido or of a good friend's, and it will be made into a custom label on 2 bottles of wine. It's a steal at $25! You can pretty much guarantee, this gift will be one of a kind! What a fabulous find! Happy Friday my beauties.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

A Look Inside

The cosmetic case in my purse. Yes, this is just what I carry in my purse & yes it weighs a ton. I have told you girleens, I am more than qualified to steer you in the right direction due to my insatiable addiction. What I reach for depends on my mood. What I'm loving right now? Paul & Joe Beaute Lip Lacquers in 07(far left) & 05 (center), Bobbi Brown's new Creamy Lip Color in Pink Buff & Clinique's Full Potential Lips in Peach Plump. Also always a must? Aquaphor for my sensitive, easily chapped lips, my homeopathic allergy tablets & my beloved Joey Antioxidant lip pencil(which has been discontinued*sigh*) As my beauties can see, I love the look of a glossy nude lip. What is your absolute favorite gloss?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M