Hustle Real Hard

If you know me at all, you know that I am a huge movie fan. I watch trailers in my spare time, host award-show parties, and frequent theaters whenever I can. Time off from work this week meant I got to see a couple of films, "American Hustle" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (more on the atrocious latter in another post). Ever since seeing the initial trailer for "American ages ago, I had high hopes for the film. I was not disappointed, and "American Hustle" has my vote for best film of 2013. Click on the jump to read more!

Christmas Wishes

Just a few of the things I'm coveting this holiday season. Didn't realize it at first, but it looks like there's a definite black and gold theme here! I was lucky enough to receive the items on my list (gift exchange came early this year), and I can't wait to wear my new goods in the new year.

What are some of your Christmas wishes? Any big-ticket items you're hoping for? I hope you all get everything on your list! Xx

Evening Essentials

Packing a clutch for nighttime excursions is quite the task; what I bring with me depends on where I'm going. Weddings, for example, require less baggage than a night on the town (can't remember the last time I did THAT!). Recently, I attended a friend's wedding and made sure to bring these essentials with me. Yes, my lip look requires four products, but more is always more! I don't like to bring too much with me, and honestly, with a clutch this size, it's hard to fit more than a few items inside. I brought a few bobby pins in case my hair didn't feel like holding up, a pick (old habits die hard), license and debit card, cell phone, and an extra pair of earrings (in case I have an accessory change of heart). More than that and I'd be lugging my whole tote with me.

Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Volupte' Lipstick in 002 Sensual Silk

NARS Blush in Luster

MAC Lip Pencil in Subculture 
MAC Pro Longwear Lipglass in Patience Please

MAC Prep + Prime Lip

What are some of your evening essentials? Is your clutch bare-bones, or do you haul it all with you? Leave comments below! Xx

Hellllloooo, Beyoncé!

There's no denying that I'm a big fan of Beyoncé's, but when I heard she released an album with a whopping 14 songs and 17 (!!) videos, I was a bit skeptical. Would the videos be typical Beyoncé quality? Would the songs reflect her kind of bizarre-o new Instagram personality (is it just me?), or be as enjoyable as her music in the past? Fear not, my friends. Beyoncé is still queen, and both her songs and videos are pure perfection.

Below is my personal favorite, "Yoncé," featuring supermodels extraordinaire Jourdan Dunn, Joan Smalls, and Chanel Iman. Red lips, black lingerie, and lots of attitude: there's nothing sexier.

Did you download the album last night? Worth the hype, or a total disappointment? Let me know what you thought of Queen Bey's new musical treat in the comments below! Xx

Naked 3: A Tale of Unrequited Love

When I was 18 years old, I fell in love. Not real love, of course, but the kind of impassioned, amorous affection that consumes a teenager who finds a boy good-looking. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't function knowing that this person existed and could one day be my boyfriend. The object of my desires, who we will call "John,"  was your run-of-the-mill teenage Lothario, whispering sweet nothings in my ear and promising a fantastic future together. His work was done; I was his forever! (Teen translation: I was his for a summer.)

Naked 3 Palette: you are my new "John."

Like John, you teased me. I saw you once, and I had to have you. I did my fair share of Internet stalking. Back then, it was logging into MySpace to see who was in your "Top 8" and comment on your profile; today, I check obsessively to see whether or not you're available for purchase (you are not). Why do you torture me so, Naked 3 Palette? Why did I not receive a notification that you were in stock? Am I not good enough for you, Naked 3 Palette??

There are others, of course. Just like there were other 18 year-old-boys I could've turned my attention to, there are other palettes: some cheaper, some probably better-looking, some that are less of a hassle. But nothing will sate me like you can, Naked 3. No other palette offers endless looks of rose-gold radiance, glowy shades of pinkish-taupe just waiting to grace my already-brown eyelids.

This tale of unrequited love is looking bleak, but I don't give up that easy. I will continue my pursuit until your slim, sparkly goodness is in my greedy little paws, and unlike John, Naked 3 palette, I know you know how to make a lady feel beautiful!

Is your Naked 3 story as sad as mine? Or are you living happily ever after? Leave comments below! Xx

Follow Me on Bloglovin'!

Jumping on the Bloglovin' train. It's a great place to keep all of your favorite blogs in a row and stay updated with new posts. Just click on the link below and add me to your blogs on Bloglovin'!

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Wedding Season

December. Yikes. That's the last time I've posted anything on this blog. Between my teaching program, work, and family obligations, I don't know how I've even had time to breathe. I've been a guest writer at LOX Extensions (you'll see a separate post on that later), so that's taken up a good portion of my time as well. I won't make any sweeping promises to post on here six times a week, but with my schedule clearing up a bit, I'm happy to dedicate the time to this blog that it deserves.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending my great friend Anggie's wedding shower (remember her AMAZING Valentine's Day manicure, previously seen here?). I had such a great time; the decor was so fresh and ladylike, the food was amazing, and the sweets were to die for! And those macaroons you see below? Homemade! It's so nice to celebrate big life moments like this one with friends. With wedding season approaching, I'll need to do some serious dress hunting!

Will you have many weddings or special events to go to this summer? Leave comments below! Talk to you real soon! Xx