New Additions {Lipstick}

I usually do a lipsticks I'm loving post or some such thing as the seasons change but I thought in this post I'd just show you my most recent additions to my lipstick collection. I love a good bargain and these two brands are super affordable and also have some gorgeous colors in store right now.

Wet n' Wild - Will you be with me?

I am loving this baby pink, so perfect for everyday

 NYC - Blossom

NYC do some of my favorite lipsticks; this pink with bluish undertones is beautiful

 

 Wet n' Wild - Wine Room

This deep rosey coral is such a unique, beautiful color

 NYC - Pure Coral

I have a million oranges but the formula on this is so nice and creamy

NYC - Mahogany

I know, this isn't a Summer color, but just look how gorgeous it is, I couldn't resist

None of these lipsticks were over $2 and I am loving creamy formulas right now. All of these are super pigmented and I'm sure these will be rotated into my everyday makeup for the next few months. What colors/formulas/brands are you guys loving lately? I hope everyone had a nice, long weekend! XO

Disaronno Island Chiller

This drink is our twist on the Disaronno Cranberry Chiller. Originally, I didn't think I would like this. When my husband made it I was like dark liquor and fruit juice? No thanks! That just didn't sound like a winning combination. In actuality, this is one of my favorite drinks; it's fruity and light and perfect for a BBQ or picnic. Also, I'm always looking for new ways to mix Disaronno (it's also nice just on the rocks) because it's such a nice liqueur. If you didn't know, Disaronno is an Italian amaretto flavored liqueur, which has an almond taste. Also, the bottle is gorgeous!

You'll need:

1 oz Disaronno
1 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Pineapple Rum (Original recipe calls for vodka, but I like the addition of this better)
1 1/2 oz Orange Juice
1 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
Orange for garnish
Shaker
Jigger

This one is another easy one, you just put all the ingredients in the shaker with some ice and shake, shake, shake. Other variations can include switching the cranberry for pineapple juice, or adding in some coconut rum, both would make this light refreshing drink even more special and holiday feeling. I've got other ways to mix it up with Disaronno, but I'll save those for future drink posts. If there was only one drink you were going to try from this series, I'd say try this one, it's so good!

The Theory of Invisibility {Book Review}

Amazon says: We see… who we want to see We believe… in what we want to believe When we stop believing... we stop being seen Set against the backdrop of California’s beautiful Venice Canals The Theory of Invisibility is a modern day fable that uses magical realism as an expression of one’s loss of faith. Emme Taylor, haunted by the death of her husband and son, and unable to interact with the world as she’s known it, slips into a state of invisibility. When Emme seemingly disappears, Morgan, Emme’s sister, immediately fears the worse and shines a spotlight of suspicion on Phil, Emme’s co-worker. As Emme struggles through her haze of grief she must decide if she should sacrifice her cloak of invisibility in order to save the one’s she loves.

I say: I honestly haven't been so hooked on a book in a long time. I've started and stopped many books since my last review but this one sucked me in right from the start. It was an easy read (it took me maybe 3 days of a few hours each day) and had a really refreshing, unique story line. The main character Emme can be quite frustrating, especially towards the end, but the author does a good job of keeping you on her side. The downfall? The ending felt somewhat lackluster to me. It felt like there was a slow build up for quite some time to the climax and then the ending feels like it just gets stuck on. You're definitely left with some questions. Overall though it was a really entertaining read and I would definitely recommend it!

The Theory of Invisibility

Makeup Revolution Blush Queen Palette

There is just something about a shimmery blush when the sun comes out. In the summer (or like currently when the weather all the sudden gets 30 degrees hotter and you feel like you're boiling) I generally wear a lot less makeup so I love a shimmery blush that eliminates the need to wear highlight. When I saw this new blush palette on Makeup Revolutions website I just couldn't resist. I love the packaging with the see through top. Since all of Makeup Revolution's palettes are black this makes it way easier to see what you're looking for.

Just look at them in the pan! So gorgeous. These blushes go on pretty sheer (all swatches were done once through) but they are super buildable and can be really intense if you want them to so it's a really versatile palette. I've used it every day for 2 weeks as both blushes and highlights and it works amazing as either. I purchased this off the Makeup Revolution website but you can also get it at Ulta for only $10 which is such a steal.

How do you guys feel about shimmery blushes? I hope all my people had a wonderful weekend! XO

Makeup Revolution
Ulta

Weekly Roundup : Friday Faves #28

Happy Friday the 13th my lovely peeps! Admittedly this is one of my favorite days in the entire year because I love anything that's a bit spooky. My favorites are not one bit spooky though but I'm still loving them nonetheless!

I'm starting my favorites off with this new concealer. I generally don't switch my concealers up too much, I know what I like and I stick to it but I bought this Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous one on a whim and for days when I'm in a hurry I love the easy applicator. It's also super thick and brightening. I have mine in the shade Light. 

So I have a story about these eyelash curlers by e.l.f. It's not often I get embarrassed by things anymore but one day I was on the train and I somehow left these on my seat. The train host started screaming that someone left their eyelashes on their seat. The crowded train started laughing and he was waving my eyelash curlers around in the air. I would have had to push through a crowd full of people to get them so I just counted them as a loss. But I couldn't stop thinking about them since these are literally the best eyelash curlers I've ever owned so I went out and bought two. I don't know how to explain it, and I tried to show it in the picture but these eyelash curlers are not as rounded as normal ones and they fit my eye perfectly. If you've found you struggle with normal curlers I highly suggest giving these a try. Disclaimer: a lot of people reviewed this badly and hated it. I LOVE mine. Just be warned!

This Revlon Kate Moss lipstick in 08 is new to my collection and I have been loving it. It's a true mauve and perfect for every day. It's a creamy consistency but really long wearing, something I love about all her lipsticks!

This e.l.f. waterproof eyeliner in Black has been sitting in my drawer for quite some time waiting to get some love. Recently I ran out of my favorite NYC eyeliner so I thought I'd give this a go. At first I didn't like it but the more I used it the more pigmented it seemed to become. It's a felt tip so it might've needed some time to get going but once it did it goes on super black and is super long lasting. Plus, it's $2.00.

If you've been around my blog for a while you know that I am a huge fan of my good friend Rainbow's blog and YouTube channel. She does inspirational posts and is one of the sweetest, most supportive friends I have here in the blog world. She's from New Zealand and her accent is amazing! I'm especially proud of this video she did recently sharing her story with anorexia. Please go watch it and give Rainbow some love!

Well that does it for my roundup this week guys. Let me know what you've been loving this week! XO

Lavender & Gin

I've been a huge fan of Lavender for a long time and it's one of our most popular flavor choices at the coffee shop. It's light and refreshing and sort of fruity so perfect for this time of year. Here's my version of a Lavender Gin and Tonic (done with a twist, of course). This one's super simple, so if you're into easy, you'll love this.

You'll need:

Lavender syrup
Lime Sparkling water
Gin
Jigger
Glass
Ice

Fill your glass with ice. Pour a half ounce of lavender syrup into the bottom. Pour one ounce of gin over the top of that. Fill the rest of the glass with the sparkling water. Mix thoroughly. Told you it was easy!

Of course this is a drink that can have many variations. A regular gin and tonic is made with real lime juice and tonic water -- I went the easy route and bought lime sparkling water but if you love a strong lime flavor opt for the lime juice and tonic route. This would also be nice with some mint added. I've included a link for lavender syrup for you (I suggest getting it, it goes nicely with iced coffee and lemonade as well!) however if you wish to make your own, simply heat equal parts sugar and water with lavender flower in. After all the sugar has dissolved and the lavender has infused the liquid, strain and bottle. What do you guys think? Have you ever tried lavender and if so, did you like it? Happy Thursday! XO

Lavender syrup

Current Workout {Arms}

I've always changed up my workout routine but one thing that seems consistent is I generally only work out my legs. As an avid biker this only makes sense, and while some things I do also work out my arms, it's never been an area I've targeted until recently. I have quite broad shoulders so I was always worried that weight training would just make me look bulky, but doing these arm workouts with light weights has definitely toned my arms without the bulk.

Another reason I'm a fan of this workout is that it's only 20 minutes, which makes it easy to do when you have some spare time. I find I can do this while watching tv or sometimes on my lunch break (depending on how motivated I am that day).

On a side note, it's like 15 degrees colder than it usually is where I live and I am not okay with this. I'm doing all these toning exercises for some warm weather and I'm being denied it. Just felt like I had to put that out there so that maybe the sun will show it's face around here!

Let me know what some good arm workouts are as I'm fairly new to this! XO

I Heart Makeup Chocolate Vice Palette

I kind of wish Makeup Revolution would stop coming out with chocolate palettes. Okay, let's be honest, not really, but my checking account would probably thank them because I can't help myself, I have to collect them all. The most current chocolate palette is the Vice palette, which came out around the same time as Too Faced's Sweet Peach palette. While not a direct dupe this was intended to be a similar palette. I couldn't resist the pretty oranges and literally scooped up the Vice palette as soon as it dropped.

As always, the packaging is really cute, although not in the expected peach color and instead a sleek black. The colors are gorgeous and while I really, really wanted to love this palette I was disappointed. Again the quality wasn't what I've come to expect from Makeup Revolution, particularly the chocolate palettes so that was kind of a bummer. I must say, I'm really impressed with the middle row of shades, which are all highly pigmented and super buttery and blendable. However, I already have a million shades that are like those...it was the last row I was really hoping to be wowed by and it just didn't happen. The colors are not very pigmented (possibly buildable, will have to play around with them) and pretty chalky. The top row was full of chunky glitter shades, which are never my thing. Overall the palette was okay, better than the Pink Fizz palette, but I probably wouldn't purchase again.

Have you guys tried any of the Makeup Revolution Chocolate Palettes? Which is your favorite? XO

Chocolate Vice Palette

The Fun Questions Tag

I've seen this tag floating around and thought I would do it because who doesn't love fun questions? Really though, I don't know what makes these questions any more fun than the millions of other tags out there, but it did seem like a fun post to do and if nothing else you get to know me a little better. So here we go...

1. When is your birthday? March 26th
2. What are 3 of your favorite colors? Purple, Red and Black
3. What are your 3 favorite quotes? "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" - Aesop : "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." - Buddha : "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." - Charles R Swindoll
4. What are 3 of your favorite shows on tv? Bones, Dexter and Law and Order
5. What are 3 qualities you like in a best friend? Loyalty, honesty and support
6. Do you like your name? Yes, it's a family name so I like the history of it
7. Do you wear makeup? We all know that's a resounding yes
8. If you could write a book, what would it be called and what would it be about? Something cheesy like "Face Paint" and it would be all about makeup, naturally.
9. What makes you cry? Emotions
10. What makes you angry? Ignorance

11. What makes you happy? The little things; family, friends, that first sip of coffee in the morning
12. What is "fangirling"? This is kind of a "kids these days" question but I think it's when a person is completely obsessed with something, they're "fangirling" right?
13. What are your 3 favorite snacks? Chips and salsa, chocolate and crackers and cheese with wine. That sounds like a lot but these are pairings people...
14. What are your 3 favorite foods? This is like the hardest question of the bunch...because I love ALL food? I guess I'll say burritos, pizza and pasta. Again, super healthy.
15. What are your 3 favorite drinks? Coffee, water and tea, in that order

Remember if you guys do this tag, leave me a link in the comments, I always love reading through a good tag! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! XO -Kim

Weekly Roundup : Friday Faves #27

Look, guys, I freaking did it! I blogged every single day this week, which I've been trying to do for over a month now. It's ridiculous, but I definitely feel a sense of victory -- like look at that obligations, I beat you and made time for something I enjoy all week, in your face! Anyways, enough patting on the back, it's Friday! Here's what I'm loving right now.

Okay, so I have oily skin. Like ridiculously oily. Like no matter how many primers I try it's inevitable that at the end of the day my makeup will have all slid off my face. Forget about even trying to get that gorgeous dewy glow, I'm just trying to help my makeup stay put. This NYC primer is amazing. Like not only does my makeup stay on all day, but it actually does give me that dewy look. Not oily, not greasy, actual dewy. I'm seriously obsessed. The best part is, it's only $14.84 for a 3 pack. Yep, a 3 pack. The hoarder in me is super happy right now.

I'm not an overly huge fan of cream products (see above skin issues) but this e.l.f. Aqua Beauty Blush & Bronzer, particularly the contour shade, is amazing. I'd probably set the blush with a powder blush on top, but this contour is fantastic. It's the perfect shade and it's been the only thing I've been using for a while. I apply mine with a beauty blender for a less harsh look. I have mine in the shade Bronzed Pink Beige.

I've been obsessed with these two blush brushes lately. They are both super soft and fluffy and have similar shapes. The first one is the Lancome Cheek Brush (#6) but it's quite pricey, so a more affordable option and one that I actually like slightly better is the e.l.f. Complexion Brush. The quality is super comparable and I have been using both pretty much every day for the past few months.

I've often said if there is only one non-essential I could purchase for the rest of my life it would be coffee. Okay, okay, admittedly for some of us, that is an essential, but I am seriously hoarding k-cups like they're going out of style and I don't even feel bad about it. A few posts back I talked about seriously minimalizing my life...coffee doesn't count because I know it will get used. My current favorite and one I can't stop talking to people about is The Donut Shop's Coconut Mocha. Seriously, add a little creamer or coconut milk and it's like a desert!

And finally, my favorite to talk about amongst my favorites is my favorite blogger. Kara from Kindly Unspoken is seriously one of the sweetest, most genuine bloggers I know and I love her blog. Her boys are super adorable and let's be honest, our shared passion for lippies definitely puts her at the top of my list. Go over and show her some love!

Isn't she gorgeous? Go say hi to Kara!

What's been on your favorites list lately? Happiest of weekends my lovely people! XO

NYC Primer
e.l.f. Cream Contour
Lancome Cheek Brush
e.l.f. Complexion Brush
Coconut Mocha K-Cup

A(T)MF

So if you don't know what an AMF is, I suggest you look it up...with caution hahaha. I can tell you that the "T" is for Tequila. As in, adios Tequila, because you are not ruining this girls drink. Don't get me wrong, Tequila has its time and place, and sometimes I even enjoy it (particularly that coffee flavored one I brought home from Mexico) but generally speaking it's like the hot sauce of the drink world. Meaning once it goes in, that's all you can taste. That, of course, is my very humble opinion. You can always add it back in, as most AMF's are made with Tequila.

You'll need:
1/2 oz white rum
1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz blue curacao
2 oz sweet 'n sour mix
2 oz lime flavored soda - such as 7up or Sprite
Shaker
Jigger
Ice

Fill your shaker with ice and using your jigger measure in your gin, vodka, rum, curacao and sweet n' sour. Shake and pour into glass over ice. 

Fill the remainder of the glass with lime soda. Enjoy!

These measurements make enough for one drink so double it if you want two. I used a lemon-lime soda made with natural cane sugar and if you really want to keep it natural, make your own sweet 'n sour syrup by heating up sugar and lemon juice until the sugar is dissolved. It's super easy and much better for you than the store bought kind, like I used here. Let me know if you guys try this or have ever had an AMF and enjoy! XO