Saturday, April 30, 2011

April 2011 Favorites!

This month I started a new job and watched the wedding of the century. Along the way, I've had a few beauty favorites. Enjoy!

Xhilaration Saniya Point Toe Flats from Target

I actually got these last year at Goodwill for a buck or two (brand new via Target- they had tons of pairs)! My particular Goodwill always scores Target shipments. If you live in the Pittsburgh area, McKnight Road's GW is the best place to shop. While leopard print is synonymous with fall, I have been really enjoying wearing these to work. I have very distorted feet and have a difficult time finding shoes (especially flats) that are comfortable. These are so easy to wear, soft and go great with so many outfits! I love wearing them around the office with anything from slacks, dresses, jeans or leggings (we have a very casual environment).



Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Italian Red Mandarin with Rose

I got this lip balm in one of my birchboxes. I love the smell, packaging and the way it makes my lips feel. When I run out, I think I'm going to purchase a new one from Whole Foods or one of the other places that carries it in Pittsburgh. My lips are constantly dry, so I keep this handy at all times.



Huge Lips Skinny Hips Lipgloss in Clear as Crystal


At the beginning of the year, I ordered a few of these glosses when Urban Outfitters was having a big sale. I got them for about 60% off which is great for luxury cosmetics. While the colors aren't that great, the products do what it is intended- supress your appetite! I don't have a traditional lunch hour at my job and I'm trying to diet, so I love having this on my desk. I'm always reapplying it. I've noticed that it does make me less likely to indulge in food. It contains hoodia which is a natural remedy. The smell alone decreases my appetite. As for the lip plumping, I do notice a slight tingle that I've gotten used to but I don't think it's the best. If you can score this on sale (QVC is a good place to try), I recommend Clear as Crystal!



MAC Sakura Blush from the Quite Cute collection

I love everything about this blush! The packaging is definitely what sold me. I was initially just going to pick up the shade Miss Behave (peach/mint green) but I'm glad I got both. I was afraid the Sakura would be too similar to my Physicans Formula happy booster blush in Rose but they are definitely different. Sakura has nice lavender and pink hues and is perfect for spring!



Mischievous Mint by MAC (Quite Cute Collection)

Another item from the Quite Cute collection that I really loved this month was Mischievous Mint nail polish. I'm wearing it now. It's divine for spring and puts me in such a happy mood. I thought that I would be disappointed since it reminded me of the much more affordable Minted by Revlon, but I'm happy with its creme finish.



Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey

My favorite fashion moment of the month (and very well for a lifetime) was easily Kate Middleton's wedding dress. The Alexander McQueen (designed by Sarah Burton) ensemble was imbeccable! Kate did her own makeup and her manicurist used a combination of Bourjois no. 28 Rose Lounge and Essie's Allure.


1960s Vintage Inspired Gold Tone Pen Nacklace by 1928


Last October, when I was considering being Joan from Mad Men, I ordered this pen necklace to replicate her traditional costume piece. I scored it for only $5 and thought it would be nice to have for everyday wear because it is my style- vintage, gold, unique and useable. I'm always jotting things down, so I loved the idea of a necklace that also doubles as a pen. The ink is a blue-purple hue and I enjoy wearing it to work.


Too Faced Shadow Insurance


I've used this product for a couple years but I realized that I like it better than Urban Decay Primer Potion. It's a bit on the costly side of the cosmetics spectrum but it's worth it. My favorite eyeshadow this month was actually the bhcosmetics 88 cool shimmer palette. Without my trusty Shadow Insurance, the colors would not last as long or appear as vibrant! If you don't already use a primer and are sick of experiencing fading or creasing, I can't recommend this product highly enough!


bhcosmetics 88 Cool Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette


I picked this palette up online during a spring sale. I have a Coastal Scents 88 palette that I enjoy and heard the brands were similar. The color range is great. With a nice base/primer, you can create endless looks. There is one particular eyeshadow that I LOVE in this palette (second to last row across, second shadow down- it's a beautiful gold/nude/pale green shade that I can't even describe). I wish I had it in full size! Definitely look into this if you're in the market for expanding your range of colors.


Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Spray

I know exactly what you're thinking. You bought water in a spray can? I actually horded four packs home from a thrift store that someone had donated. I had never heard of such a thing but I'm glad I discovered it and in such a cost effective way (I paid $6 per 3 pack). I spray this on in the morning to wake me up and as a prep for moisturizer and makeup. Not only does it feel great but it makes my skin soft. I will definitely be splurging on more when I run out!


Maybelline Falsies Mascara

My mom mentioned that she need a good mascara, so I bought her this for her birthday. I had heard great reviews and secrelty wanted to try it out (my Mom will wear just about anything). I love this stuff! It is great for lengthening lashes and the packaging is so cute!


Tresor in Love by Lancome

Speaking of my Mother's birthday, my Dad and I bought her Tresor in Love. She loves Tresor but hasn't worn it in a few years so I thought this would be nice. I wanted to get this for Christmas, so I was happy to finally get it for someone who lives at my house ;) Unfortunately, my boss is highly allergic to perfume so I can't wear any to the office :( But for evenings and weekends, I will definitely be borrowing some of this. I prefer this after it has worn off a bit- initially it's a bit alcohol-y but develops nicely. Notes are: nectarine, wood, cedar wood, a rose with a luminous jasmine character, bergamot, tart pear, peach, violet and Turkish rose.


Lancome Bi-Facil Makeup Remover

I got this as a gift with purchase (all of it was acutally a gift) and I love it. This makeup removed takes off everything with a quick swipe. It does leave a bit of a greasy residue but I cleanse and moisturize after and all is well. The packaging is nice. My only complaint is the price but it's worth it!


Lemonade Gatorade

Because I gave up most forms of pop (soda) for Lent, Gatorade was always fully stocked in my frige this month. Lemonade is easily my favorite! It is so refreshing and goes great with all of my favorite snacks.





Since April was so full of tornados, I can't help but share my favorite YouTube video of the month. While it was technically filmed in March and I first viewed it on the day it was posted, it certainly got a lot of views this month! Tornado Boy is from the Pittsburgh area and this video is priceless.




My favorite song in April was played at the Royal Wedding- Jerusalem! "And did those feet in ancient time" is a short poem by William Blake from the preface to his epic Milton: a Poem (1804). Today it is best known as the hymn "Jerusalem", with music written by C. Hubert H. Parry in 1916.



Now Playing: Up From Below album by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Now Drinking: The rest of my Andre champagne from the Royal Wedding (it tastes like college... expect a blog post to explain!)

Nail Polish of the Moment: Michievous Mint by MAC (Quite Cute collection)


I have really been feeling pastel nail polishes this season (groundbreaking, I know). Since Spring is in the air, I have been leaning towards mints, lavenders, and pale pinks. I'm looking into getting Essie's Borrowed and Blue which appears to be the perfect shade of dusty blue. But to close off April and to ring in the month of May, Michievous Mint does the trick. My brush had a couple splits which increased streakiness upon my initial application but with a bit of patience, all was well and good. With OPI's base coat and top coat, it took just 2 coats to achieve a nice opacity. The difference between the first and second coats was astonishing!



Color: 4.5/5
Packaging Quality: 4/5
Application: 4/5
Style: 5/5
Value: 3.5/5

Final Verdict: A-
(21/25 or 84% but I grade on a curve!)



Now Playing: "40 Day Dream" by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Friday, April 29, 2011

Flashback Friday: "Purple Rain" by Prince

In honor of the royal wedding, I chose a Prince song (I know, I know) for this week's flashback Friday! I've always loved "Purple Rain". It's not very upbeat or appropriate for the occasion (I'm sure there's thousands of songs that are) but I'm exchausted at the moment and this was the first song that popped into my head. Fact: This song was released in September 1984- right around the time Prince Harry came into the world. Cheerio!

Royal Wedding!

I was up at 4 am to catch all of the pomp and pageantry (with just a few hours of sleep)! Unfortunately, I also worked all day and I'm now ready to get to bed early! I will dedicate a substantial blog post tomorrow to all of the fashion and romance!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

That's What She Said- A Tribute to Michael Scott!

Since tonight is the last episode of The Office featuring Michael Scott (Steve Carell), I wanted to dedicate a post to the man who brought me years of laughter and double entendres! The Office won't be the same without Michael!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Coming Soon!

I'm working on some updates to my blog- trying to give it more of a "professional" look and feel. Hopefully, in the coming months I will have a new banner and layout. This week, I'm going to work on updating my music playlist!

For info on my upcoming videos including hauls, reviews & vlogs, please follow me on twitter @KristaRoman and check out my YouTube channel!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Nail Polish of the Moment: Guy Meets Gal-veston by OPI

Photo Courtesy Google Images


Happy Easter!

After sporting a grey/taupe polish for the past week, I was ready to switch things up and go with a bright shade for Spring. Ulta was having a buy 2 get 1 free sale on OPI polishes, plus I had a coupon. So, I picked up Guy Meets Gal-veston from the Texas collection. Unbeknownst to me at the time of purchase, Guy Meets Gal-veston is actually a "sorbet" or jelly-like formula. It's meant to be semi-sheer. I typically avoid sheer polishes but because this is such a bright, fun color, I think it works. The application was easy enough and the drying time was fine. I would describe the color as a pink-coral. It's somewhat like a "lightweight" polish- perfect for spring/summer!

Final Verdict: B+




Now Playing: "Forever" by Chris Brown

Friday, April 22, 2011

Flashback Friday: "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House

I almost forgot that today was Friday. I had the day off from work because of Good Friday, so all day it has just seemed like a Saturday to me. Nevertheless, it's been a yucky, rainy, April day in the 'Burgh. So, to brighten my energy level, this week's Flashback Friday is one of my favorite songs of all time! Take a listen (or put it on repeat like I do) to Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over"! I believe this song was released in 1986- the year I was born. I think one reason I love this song so much is because it was probably one of the first songs I heard on the radio as a baby. It must be subliminally etched into my memory. Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Nail Polish of the Moment: Desert Haze by e.l.f.


It has been quite awhile since I've done a nail polish of the moment post. Because I scored elf's Desert Haze for such a low cost ($1), I had to share this one with you, girls! Desert Haze is a sophisticated, nude/khaki/grey. Against my very fair skin, it looks great. But there are some cons: the smell is very unpleasing and the packaging isn't great (FYI: I really dislike the brand name e.l.f.). The application was tricky and definitely took some patience! It is slow to dry! But if you can deal with a brush applicator that isn't aligned properly and some of the other grievances that I've stated, this is an excellent find! Desert Haze easily looks like it could have been included in a CHANEL, Essie or OPI collection. I definitely recommend picking a bottle up (I found mine at Big Lots). I used OPI's base coat and top coat and haven't experienced any premature chipping. It's a beautiful shade!

Photos Courtesy Google Images




Now Playing: "St. Elsewhere" by Gnarls Barkley (I LOVE this song!!!!)

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Book Club!



Starting next month, I will be doing a book club on my YouTube channel as well as here on my blog! As an aspiring author and someone who works with novelists on a daily basis, having a book club seemed appropriate! I don't read books nearly as much as I should. I thought that this book club might be a nice incentive to get some reading done! I'm still trying to come up with a cute name for the book club but for now, I have announced the first 4 books that I will be reading and reviewing! Please note, I will read the book the month prior to reviewing it. Example: It's April and I am now reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I will review it in May!

May: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
June: Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me by "Various Victims"
July: A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
August: This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you have any suggestions for books or any names that you like for the club, please feel free to send me a message or comment! :)



Now Playing: "Fader" by Temper Trap

bhcosmetics Celebrity-Inspired Makeup Contest!

Here is my look for bhcosmetics's celebrity-inspired makeup contest! I chose Evan Rachel Wood's character (the vampire queen) from HBO's True Blood.

Here is the image that I was inspired by:



And here is what I came up with:











PRODUCTS USED:
bhcosmetics 88 cool shimmer eyeshadow palette (colors listed below)
Wet N Wild creme lipliner in Berry Red
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black
Maybelline ultra liner waterproof in Black
Maybelline Expert wear eyebrow pencil in Medium Brown
MAC studio fix powder in N3
Lancome Blush Subtil in Miel Glace
NARS Albatross




LID TO BROW BONE: Combination of B5 and C5
BROW BONE: E1
CREASE AND LOWER LASHLINE: D5
"WHITE" EYELINER: Combination of A1 and B1 with a hint of C1
LIPS: H2 (Combined with Wet N Wild's Berry Red)




Now Playing: "Will Do" by TV on the Radio

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Friday, April 15, 2011

Flashback Friday!

I apologize for not posting as frequently as I have been. I started a new job that requires me to stare at the computer for most of the day. When I come home, the last thing that I want to do is get back online. I love the internet and computers but I need a break from time to time!

This week's Flashback Friday comes at you from Kris Kross (one of my nicknames in college)! I absolutely loved this song back in the spring of '92! I was only 6-years-old and in kindergarten when it was released, but I remember hearing it on the radio as if it were yesterday. My sister's cheerleading squad even danced to "Jump" for one their competitions. GO ST. ALOYSIUS PANTHERS, haha! Enjoy :)

Monday, April 11, 2011

20 Questions Tag

I recently answered these questions in a blog post but I recorded a video for YouTube!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Big Lots Beauty Haul

Since I posted my first (albeit average) YouTube video, I decided to do an accompanying blog post. Here are the beauty product thats I hauled from Big Lots!

elf Hypershine Gloss in Fairy $1


Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in 619 Rose & Shine $2


Diamond Cosmetics Eyeshadow Brush $1


elf Nail Polish in Desert Haze $1


Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain in 410 Bit of Blossom $2


elf Lip Gloss & Conditioner in Perfect Pink $2.50


Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in Navy Baby $1.50


Black Hand Mirror $2.50



Now Playing: Same Boy You've Always Known by The White Stripes

My First Beauty Video!

I've been watching YouTube beauty videos since spring 2006. I finally posted my own! I imagined that my first video would be something spectacular but I decided on a whim to just quickly do a recording. This was shot on my webcam at night talking about a small, Big Lots haul of all things. My hair wasn't fixed, my makeup was going on its 10th hour and my enthusiasm isn't quite there. But I had the courage and I ran with it! Whether my videos get 10 views or ten thousand, I'm happy to finally be participating in something that I was just a spectator in for so long :)

Friday, April 8, 2011

Flashback Friday!

Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac



so i'm back to the velvet underground
back to the floor that i love
to a room with some lace and paper flowers
back to the gypsy...that i was...to the gypsy...that i was...

and it all comes down to you
well you know that it does, well...
lightning strikes...maybe once...maybe twice...
oh....and it lights up the night....
and you see your gypsy.......
you see your gypsy....

to the gypsy......
that remains.....
she faces freedom......
with a little fear.....
well i have no fear....
i have only love.....
and if i was a child....
and the child was enough.....
enough for me to love....
enough to love......

she is dancing away from you now
she was just a wish
she was just....a wish
and her memory is all that is left for you now
you see your gypsy.....
you see your gypsy.....

lightning strikes...
maybe once...maybe twice....
and it all comes down to you
oooooo......oh......well it all comes down to you....
lightning strikes...
maybe once....maybe twice....
oh.............
i still see your bright eyes......bright eyes...
and i've always loved you....
and it all comes down to you
it all comes down to you.....

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

20 Questions Tag!

I found this set of questions on WinterRose84's YouTube channel! :)


1.Thing you cannot leave the house without
A purse. I don't mean to cheat but whether it has one thing or one hundred things inside, I feel lost without a handbag.

2.Favorite brand of makeup
MAC

3.Favorite Flowers
Cream/Pale pink roses.

4.Fav clothing stores
Wherever I can get something of good quality that is unique and affordable- thrift stores, places like TJ Maxx, etc. I love Forever 21 as well.

5.Fav perfume
Chance by Chanel but I'm starting to move away from it.

6.Heels or flats
Flats are far more comfortable but heels are cuter and more flattering. It depends.

7.Do you make good grades?
I made excellent grades in grade school. High School and college I was just average. I didn't apply myself as much as I could have in some subjects. I make good Jeopardy scores ;)

8.Fav colors
Pale pink, gold, ivory/cream, royal blue, emerald green

9.Do you drink energy drinks?
Not usually but if they are around I will have one

10.Do you drink juice?
I'm drinking a Lemonade Gatorade right now

11.Do you like swimming?
In a pool, yes.

12.Do you eat fries with a fork?
Not unless they are covered in slimy cheese

13.Whats your fav moisturizer?
Olay Daily Renewal

14.Do you want to get married later on in life?
Yes

15.Do you get mad easily?
I get annoyed somewhat easily but I'm not an angry individual

16.Are you into ghost hunting?
Yes! I love it and want to join a group

17.Any phobias?
Bees, tractor trailers... I'm not scared of stink bugs because I've killed thousands but I hate them. When I was little, I was scared of pinecones for some reason. I also hated the sound of motorcycles and the machines that lifted wood at stores like Home Depot.

18.Do you bite your nails?
Not anymore

19.Have you ever had a near death experience?
I had a difficult birth but other than that, I don't think so

20.Do you drink coffee?
Nope!

Neptune is in Pisces


Via Tarot.com

Astro news alert: Neptune is back in Pisces -- its home sign -- after 149 years moving through the zodiac. So breathe deeply, change is like a fresh breeze. Dreamy Neptune and Pisces each bring spirituality to the forefront and remind us of all that is greater than us in this world. It's time to find spiritual balance and change your Karma for the better. A special Karma Tarot reading reveals the unique karma of any situation you are experiencing right now, and how you can change it. Get the inspiration you need to face any issue -- romance, money, family career and more -- and make the changes to better your karma. Move forward with clarity and confidence as a new Neptune in Pisces era begins.


Via realastrologers.com

With his ego-denying qualities, Neptune could be considered the “anti-Mars.” Whereas Mars stands for war and lust, Neptune is about peace and love . . . well, maybe. It’s hard to know much of the time exactly what Neptune is about, but peace and love are in there somewhere.

Neptune is said to be a higher vibration of Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and harmony, so it’s better still that Venus in Pisces will feed into Neptune for the next three weeks.

The last time Neptune was in Pisces, from 1847 to 1862, the Transcendental Movement flourished in the United States, led by Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, and others. Spiritualism became a trend, with séances to contact spirits of the dead. Edgar Allen Poe wrote his most famous poem, “The Raven.” The first oil well was drilled. The first surgical operation using general anesthesia was performed. The Opium Wars occurred during this time, and while the conflict wasn’t entirely over the drug, it’s still interesting to note that there was a major war named for a narcotic while Neptune was in Pisces.

This time around, I expect there will be a widespread spiritual awakening. I know I sound like a broken record – I’ve been writing this for more than five years – but I do believe we’re getting closer and closer to understanding what “spirit” is.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Blast From the Past: April 1994

Bump n' Grind by R. Kelly




In April 1994, I was 8 years old and a second grader at St. Aloysius Catholic grade school. My life revolved around playing "teenagers" (my sister was and still is obsessed with Beverly Hills 90210) and Barbie dolls and hoping for a shih-tzu puppy (I would get one for my 9th birthday the following year). While the TV shows I mainly watched included the likes of Salute Your Shorts and Clarissa Explains It All, when it came to music, I was the equivalent of a gang banger. When my Catholic school had Friday night skating parties at Romp 'N Roll, I was the first kid to the DJ booth to request a couple skate to this number. Oh, memories.

Friday, April 1, 2011

April Fool's Day Jokes

Here's a brief rundown on some of the April Fool's Day jokes I performed today:

I set the clock on our stove to an hour behind. My Mom just thought the power went out. Winning.

I tweeted that I was listening to my favorite song of the year and supplied a link. What was the song you ask? It's FRIDAY...

I changed my facebook profile picture to a blue question mark (a la the original days of facebook when some profiles had a generic image for people who didn't supply a photo).

I changed my facebook job title to software engineer at Google. That's believable.

I told my Mom that Nancy Grace was retiring to spend more time with her twins (she never misses a show). She told me to be quiet because Nancy was talking.

I left my sister a voicemail saying that a guy she dated a long time ago called our house wanting to rekindle their flame. He was a total weirdo. She never called me back.

I sent my cousin an email telling her that I met a dreamy guy who would be perfect for her. She's a realtor, so I added that he was looking to purchase an expensive home and needed to hire an agent. She knew I was lying.

I called my friend and told her that I saw my ex-boyfriend with a trashy girl that was pregnant. Haven't heard back from her.

I posted on facebook the fact about the NCAA brackets on ESPN only having 2 successful entries. I said that I was one of the people who submitted a winning bracket. I don't think anyone "liked" that.


All in all, it was an unsuccessful April Fool's Day. I hate to use the word "fail" but in this case, it's necessary. But on the bright side, I wasn't tricked either. I read on facebook that my alma mater is changing its name- I thought this was a prank but it's actually true. I heard on KDKA radio that North Catholic will be called Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic when it moves its location to the Cranberry area :( What a joke!

Fact

There were 5.9 million brackets submitted to this year's ESPN pool. Only 2 people have the final four correctly predicted.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!