Current Music Favorites -- December 2019

For December, I decided to include a mixture of both songs AND albums.  It just felt like the things to do, this month.  LOL  No Holiday music, sorry!  

1.   Audioslave -- Album: Audioslave:
I love the duality of Chris Cornell's low moaning voice alternating with that raspy punch.  The songs go from the roots of Bluesy metal (a la Led Zeppelin) to an almost Gothy tune with Like A Stone.

2.   Black Veil Brides -- Duology Album: The Night:
I love this!!!  It sounds like older material, which, from what I saw in an interview, was intentional.

3.   Motionless In White -- Album: Infamous -- Song: America:
I first heard this song via a music video.  I was instantly smitten.  I love the music, I love the lyrics and I love the guitar solo. And there's something about synchronized headbanging, with heads full of bouncy black hair, on a music video, that is awe inspiring!

4.   Volbeat -- Album: Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies:
Their music is said to be a "fusion of rock and roll, heavy metal and rockabilly".  Whatever it's classified as, I love it.  I particularly love singer, Michael Poulsen's voice!!!

5.   Testament -- Album: Souls of Black:
My friend suggested this album to me.  I've really enjoyed it.  They remind me a bit of Metallica.  I'm sure I won't think so after I hear a wider body of their work, which I hope to be exploring soon.

6.   Ozzy Osbourne -- Album: No More Tears:
My favorite song, the album's namesake has one of my favorite guitar solos in the whole world! I've always found his voice intriguing with it's almost crying wail. 


7.   Black Veil Brides -- Album: Wretched And Divine:
Wretched And Divine is an "opera-style" concept album.  The album really benefits from Jinxx's (or Jeremy Miles Ferguson's) violin and cello prowess.   I just love the combination of metal with double bass and a melody -- then add some symphony style violin and cello -- Magnifique!

8.   Volbeat -- Album: Beyond Hell/Above Heaven:
Did I mention that I love Michael Poulsen's voice?

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

An older pic from before my hubbie and I bought our house.

November 2019 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

There were a lot of rediscovered favorites in November, as the weather cooled down.  Plus favorites were rediscovered as I perused my vanity and said -- I haven't used this in quite a while.

1.   Milani Baked Blush: Red Vino, Berry Amore, Dolce Pink, Petal Primavera, Corallina, Sunset Passione, Luminoso, Bellissimo Bronze

I've been really into shimmery blushes, lately.  I wanted a bit more variety than my Beauty Bakerie Cotton Candy Champagne Blush Palette provided.  (I do REALLY love the Champagne Blush Palette.)  When I am tan, I feel like I need more of a pop of color.  The blushes really look beautiful on the skin, with the glow and shimmer they provide.

2.   e.l.f. Cosmetics Jelly Pop Watermelon Cleanser

This is essentially the same as their regular "Bounce Back Jelly Cleanser", which I like -- its a cleanser you can either use with water or use with wipes.  This one just happens to smell like Watermelon.

3.   ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor

I love, love, love this conditioner!  It helps to make my long hair more manageable.  For some reason, I always end up straying from this conditioner; and, when I come back, I wonder why I strayed.

4.   SEPHORA COLLECTION MOSCHINO + SEPHORA Bear Eyeshadow Palette

I've had this for two years and I forgot how much I love the warm tones in this palette.  Most of them are fairly unique (although they might not look it).  The texture of the shadows is wonderful too!  Even though this was a limited edition item, I will just use it.  I can still display the teddy bear on my vanity afterwards. 

5.   ApHogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer

This is another hair care item I really love.  It needs to be used with heat.  I think this is why I stray from it at times.  If I get out of heat styling my hair, I don't use this.  But for heat styling, it's amazing!

6.   Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Moonstone

This is a classic.  I feel like Becca established a benchmark for pressed highlighters.  As more and more companies started coming out with myriads of highlighters, it became easy to forget the classic.  I love this, have hit major pan,  and will probably replace it when it's out.

7.   e.l.f. Cosmetics Bronzer in Sunkissed

I've recently found a new "use" for this and I love it all over again.  The reason I initially fell in love with this bronzer is the fact that it's great for people with lighter skin tones that actually want to put a touch of sunshine on their skin.  I started using this as a "Pre-Contour" over the lower half of my cheeks and it it works beautifully.  In love again!

8.   Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Apricot Vanilla

For some reason, the weather changing means, my arms and cuticles have been dry -- particularly my cuticles.  I've used Josie Maran's Body Butter to help heal tattoos.  That plus the fact that this is not a salve or balm means that it works great on skin that needs some moisture.

9.   Lucas Pawpaw Ointment

This was another treatment that I used on my ragged cuticles.  I found this in one of our bathroom drawers.  I had forgotten all about it.  Since I knew it had medicinal properties, I decided to try it on my cuticles.  It seemed to really help.  I'm keeping some on hand, from now on. (No pun intended.)

10.  Prada Candy Gloss

Now that the weather has cooled down a bit, I started wearing this again.  This is quite different than original.  According to Sephora, the original is comprised of: White Musks, Benzoin, Caramel Accord.  Candy Gloss is much sweeter (much more like candy) and is comprised of: Cherry, Peach, Musk.  I don't smell the individual fruits; but, I smell a sweet fruity almost cotton candy smell.  It's a very pleasant and sexy fragrance.

11.  Kat Von D Single Shadow in Lolita

I've had this since not long after it debuted.  It's a beautiful "chestnut rose", a very unique shade of eyeshadow that is very complimentary to every day looks as well as edgier looks.

12.  Physicians Formula The Ultimate Murumuru Butter Collection

Once upon a time, the only thing I liked from Physicians Formula was the EYE BOOSTER™ LASH 2-IN-1 BOOSTING EYELINER & SERUM.  I was not fond of anything else I tried from that line.  It was a bunch of stuff in really cute and attractive packaging that fell short in quality for me.  I stopped paying attention to them.  Then, YouTubers I trust, started raving about the Murumuru Butter line, and then they started raving about other collections Physicians Formula had.  Whatever they started doing differently, I hope they keep it up!  Anyway!  I saw this on emilynoel83's YouTube channel.  I was really intrigued!  I ordered it and have since used it about 4 or 5 times and really loved it.  The textures and colors are fabulous.  I will actually be taking this on my trip to San Jose and San Francisco later this week.

Ta-Ta-For-Now

I'm not sure what Luna's face is about.

When Will We Teach Our Daughters To Be Sexual Equals? -- Pt.1 Love Before Sex?

 Before one dismisses this series of essays as being a "man-bashing" essay, without reading it, I think shifting the way we teach girls about sex will improve relationships for both men and women.

And, before one says -- "But, but, there are sexual predators out there!"  I am WELL aware that there are sexual predators.  Unfortunately, there will always be a contingent of the population that are sexual predators.  I do not advocate for one second that a girl or woman let her guard down or ignore her intuition or take her safety lightly.

And, before you argue with me about what your religion or church says about women and sex, please know that I am NOT religious and am not about to take up a religion.  One of the big reasons I am not religious is the way women are regarded in religions.

I was going to do a long essay encompassing all of my thoughts on this; but, feel this would be better done in several parts sticking to one idea at a time.

About a year ago, I watched an episode of Blue Bloods (it may well have been a repeat).  In the episode, Erin Reagan, (divorcee and successful prosecutor for the city of New York), has a small "sex-talk" with her daughter.  And, as seen in many a TV show and movie, Erin tells her daughter, "I would hope that the first time you have sex, that you are in love."

While this is a vast improvement over, "Save yourself for marriage" and "Why should he buy the cow when he can get the milk for free," I found myself getting very angry at this.  Telling a girl that the first time she has sex, that she should be in love, is terrible advice.  This sets her up for a series of disappointments.  You can pretty well bet that in most cases of first time sex, the boy in NOT in love.  He may eventually fall in love; but, he most likely is not in love at the time that he has sex.

Pair that with the way we teach girls about boys and sex. (Especially in light of a rapper's confession that he takes his daughter to the OB/Gyn to make sure her virginity is in tact.)  Why are we still putting a girl's virginity on a pedestal?  That is just disgusting!

Here is the reality of first time sex:

• Boys are not taught that their virginity is valuable.
• The boy will most likely not be in love.
• Boys are not taught to be in love the first time they have sex.
• The first boy a girl has sex will almost never be the person she marries.
• Even if, by chance, they do get married, there is a more than 50% chance that they will not stay married.  

So, why do we continue to continue to give girls the cruel advice of telling them that the first time they have sex should be when they give their heart to someone;and, that their virginity is something that they should prize?  Breakups can be humiliating enough, especially in a social situation where everyone knows who is going out with whom, without a girl feeling like she gave her heart and virginity to someone who didn't feel the same about her.  This paradigm eventually leads to the girl feeling duped and ashamed --  "I wasted my virginity on him." 

What we should be teaching girls is much more complicated than, "You should be in love the first time":

• We should teach girls to have great self-esteem.  
• We should teach girls how powerful they can be both as a person and sexually.
• We should teach girls that their self-worth, throughout their life, has to be about more than sex and attractiveness.
• We should teach girls to know what appropriate boundaries are.
• We should teach girls about the hymen and that breaking it does not make her "less than" or "unpure"; and, that sexual purity is a sexist, outdated notion.
• We should teach girls that if any boy/(or man as she get older) needs a woman to be "pure" -- it is a bad reflection on him, not her.
• We should teach girls that they are worth just as much as a boy in a relationship.
• We should teach a girl that if she has consentual sex with a boy (or man as she gets older), and he refuses to go out with her again because he feels she had "sex too soon" with him, to remind him that he also participated in having sex, so he can take his sexist double-standard crap and shove it, because he just let her know that he is NOT her type.
• We should teach girls that sex should be a wonderful experience, not a shameful one.
• We should teach girls (and boys) about safe sex and about birth control.
• We should teach girls that sex and love are not synonymous; and, that she doesn't have to be in love in order to have sex for the first time.
• We should teach girls that the first time she has sex, it should be something she really wants to do and not something she feels she has to do.
• We should teach girls that the first person she falls in love with, will most likely not be the person she marries.
• We should teach girls that they have just as much right to play the field as boys do; and, to never let anyone call her a slut or a similar name for doing so.
• We should teach girls to ignore the sexist advice that is spewed by the media.
• Before they get into a relationship, we should teach girls that the amygdala and prefrontal cortex of their brain will be responsible for them feeling like they can't live without the person they broke up with.  Click here to read more about it.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Coco looking particularly cute!

Current Music Favorites -- November 2019

I made this month's post more about albums and songs rather than just bands.  I love metal but I love other music, also.  Here's a sampling of what I've been really into this month.

First Row (left to right):  
We Stitch These Wounds, by Black Veil Brides -- particularly the song Mortician's Daughter which is a very pretty song.  Love the whole album!

The song Valkyrie, by Battle Tapes.  I first heard the song on the TV show Lucifer which I started watching a few months ago.  This song kind of reminds me of a Prince song.  A really catchy danceable song!

Second Row:
Songs of Faith And Devotion, by Depeche Mode.  I hadn't listened to this in its entirety in years.  It was amazing to hear this all the way through again! 

Third Row (left to right):
Nightmare, by Avenged Sevenfold.  I love the album; but, I've been enamored with Buried Alive which starts slower and revs up to that kick-ass second part!

Black Widow, by In This Moment.  I love the song Big Bad Wolf, (reminds me of poor Fenrir) which was the first song I got by the band.  I've gotten two more and am working my way up to an album.

Fourth Row:
American Satan by The Relentless.  This is actually from the movie, American Satan.  Andy Biersack plays the singer of The Relentless; but, Remington Leith of Palaye Royale sings the songs.  Remington Leith singing metal is simply divine!

Fifth Row (left to right):
The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance.  I was talking to a friend about how their songs reminded me of hypomania. After talking about that I needed to listen to this album album again.  Then, of course, I start hearing that they're doing a reunion tour!  Wow!

Boom Boom Room (A Side), by Palaye Royale.  Palaye Royale has a kind of 60's sound that I really like.  Remington Leith's voice is simply amazing!

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

My friend's cat, Goblin -- he's a polydactyl!

October 2019 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

1.   Nyx Suede Matte Lipliner in Jakarta:  I've had this since around Christmas time.  I bought a set of mini Nyx liquid lipsticks that came with matching lipliners.  I have a vertical labret piercing and it makes it very difficult to wear a traditional style lipstick w/o lipliner.  But, I love the precise look a lipliner gives to traditional lipstick. Jakarta is a very pretty burnt orange shade.

2.   Nyx Lip Lingerie Push-Up Long-Lasting Lipstick in Exotic:  These come in some of the same colors that the original Lip Lingerie liquid lipstick shades come in.  I think the Push-Up version feels a little more comfortable on the lips and also looks better on.  Exotic is a lovely burnt orange shade.

3.   Covergirl Colorlicious Oh Sugar! Tinted Lip Balm in Punch:  Tinted lipbalms are nice on days when one would prefer a more natural makeup look; or, if one's lips need a little relief from drying lipsticks.

4.   e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator:  I've been using e.l.f.'s Lip Exfoliators on and off  for some years, now.  YouTuber emilynoel83 made me buy it (LOL).  These work great.  I don't have to stick my fingers into a goopy jar.  They are nicely priced and come in several flavors.

5.   Milani Amore Metallics Lip Creme in Raving Matte: I love a magenta-purple lipstick!  This shade is flattering on me when I want something a little more dramatic on the lips.

6.   Milani Luminoso Glow Shimmering Face Palette:  YouTuber emilynoel83 made me buy this too. (LOL). I'm really loving glowy blushes lately.  This palette also has highlighters and glowy bronzers (which can be used to darken the blushes). After a certain age, looking too matte is not flattering.  This palette can be used on the eyes, as well.  Although I would caution that hooded eyes need some matte to give them dimension.

7.   Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso:  This blush came in a bundle with the Luminoso Face Palette and a Luminoso Lip Gloss.  Holy cow!  There is a reason this blush is so popular!  I was worried that it wouldn't show up on me; but, it does!  Luminoso gives the cheeks a beautiful glow!  I would say it gives more of a glow than their other baked blushes.

8.   e.l.f. Jelly Pop Flush Blush in Berry Pop:  This is another beautiful glowy/dewy blush option that won't break the bank. My recommendation with this blush is to put a dot of the blush on the back of your hand, then use a stippling brush to blend it into the cheeks.  I've found that a couple of  small dots is enough for both cheeks.  You can always add more. Hard to take away if you put too much on.

9.   Manny MUA X Makeup Geek Eyeshadow Palette:  I've had this palette since around when it first came out.  YouTuber mirrorsandhaze made me buy this one.  What stands out, in my mind, in this palette, is the shade Mars (which is described as a deep cherry red with a matte finish) and the shade Insomnia (which is described as a warm red brown with blue reflects and a foiled finish).  Those two colors make for quite a dramatic look, which I love.  I forget, however, that the palette has a host of soft colors that are perfect for a natural look or a more "office friendly" look.  A very versatile palette.

10.  Kat Von D Pastel Goth Eyeshadow Palette:  I am in love with the shade Clementine -- which is a soft pastel orange that is slightly sheer.  I wish Kat Von D made a single shadow in Clementine.  It is perfect for blending out warm looks.  I have used the other colors in the palette -- mostly for complementing shadows in other palettes.   For me, it works really well for that.

11.  e.l.f. Superclarify Cleanser:  This cleanser works well.  My only wish is that it was in a container that suited the consistency of the cleanser better -- like a pump bottle.

12.  Nquea.d Mediterranean Fig and Rhubarb Candle:  I've had this candle for a while.  I'm reminded of how much I like it, when I'm in the kitchen.  It smells heavenly!  I don't know if this brand exists anymore.  The candle was on sale when I bought it in April at Papyrus.  If it doesn't exist anymore, that's too bad.  It's a really good candle.

13.  Mane 'n Tail Conditioner (Original):  I stopped using this for a little while because I kept forgetting to get a new bottle from our pantry.  When I finally remembered -- several months later -- I used it and was smitten all over again.  It helps with the manageability of my long, easily tangled hair.

14.  DermOrganic Leave-in Argan Oil Treatment:  Although this can be used in dry hair to help detangle and give hair some shine, I find that this leave-in treatment works best when worked into damp hair.  (It will help stop the frizzies before they start; and, help with detangling hair.)

15.  Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette:  This is like fresh roses layered with more complex notes in the background.  (Per Diptyque: Pick up the petals of a rose, add its green leaves, its stem, and don’t forget its buds. Immerse in clear water and wait to reveal its rosy delicateness, fruity accents and acidulated green notes... Eau Rose is composed like an infusion of the finest damascena and centifolia roses.)  One can definitely smell the "acidulated green notes" in the background.  Now that it's fall, I feel more comfortable wearing a fragrance like this.

16.  Atelier Cologne Vetiver Fatal Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume:  I love Atelier Cologne's fragrances.  Most are perfect for traveling in warmer weather where fragrances with heavier notes may be too cloying.  (Per Atelier Cologne it's notes are: Bergamot from Calabria, Lemon from Sicily, Heart of Bigaradier from Paraguay, Orange Flower Absolue from Tunisia, Violet Leaves, Black Plum, Heart of Vetiver from Haiti, Cedarwood from Texas, Dark Oud Accord.)  The combination is unisex, with a bitter but refreshing note.  If I were to put an image to it -- I'm reminded of a personal library with luxurious wood shelves that go all the way up to the elevated ceiling.  The kind of library where you need one of those rolling ladders.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

"What's that over there, Mama?"

Men Who Love Cats!

Cats get a bad rap in our society. Mainstream media loves to malign cats.  Mainstream media loves to insinuate that no "real man" likes or loves cats.  What a bunch of bull!

I like to stand up for the "underdog" (or should I say undercat?) who is unjustly villified, unjustly made fun of and has a whole host of untruths said about him/her.

A man who loves cats is extremely attractive to me!  He's comfortable in his masculinity.  He has nothing to prove.  He's doesn't care what the media says about his love for cats!

So, here are a few male celebrities who LOVE cats!  (And there are a lot more out there!)

Top Row (Left to Right):   
Kurt Cobain of Nirvana (American Singer, songwriter and guitar player.  Lived: February 20, 1967 to April 5, 1994)
Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides and as Andy Black (American Singer, Songwriter, Piano player, Actor, host of podcast The Andy Show)

Second Row (Left to Right):
Morgan Freeman (American Actor)
Jonny Lee Miller (British and now, American Actor)

Third Row (Left to Right):
Russell Brand (British Comedian, Actor, Author and Activist)
Ewen McGregor (British/Scottish Actor)

Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Kevin Pierre-Louis (Former linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks  -- now plays for Chicago Cubs.)
Johnny Cash (American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author.  Lived: February 26, 1932 to September 12, 2003)

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Luna, a little younger, looking alert and curious.

My Favorite Travel Essentials -- Part 4 - In My Personal Carry

Pardon the lapse in time between my last Travel Favorites post and this one.  Halloween is a busy night in our neighborhood with a ton of children appearing at our doorstep to get candy treats.  We ran out of candy, last year in just over an hour (and we made probably 120 or 125 treat bags).  This year, I was busy making 242 treat bags.  Hopefully, this amount will satiate the costumed crowd.

Today's post is about my personal carry. (This is domestic, Mexico and Canada, only.  The bag I use for my personal carry is too big for international flights.)  Since, this is the bag I keep on my seat, it houses the creature comforts I need, if , for some reason, I am not sleeping during the flight.

Lug Puddle Jumper Bag: This was originally intended for a gym bag.  But, I discovered that this makes a really nice personal carry for domestic flights!  There are lots of compartments to keep things organized.

Travel Blanket (from airport):  I just recently got this.  We were on our way to Puerto Vallarta and had a stopover in LAX.  That plane from Seattle to L.A. was FREEZING!!!  (And I am not someone that gets cold easily.) I had never been so cold on a plane.  Since we had some time, I got a blanket from one of the shops at the airport.  It is going to be a permanent item in my personal carry, from now on.

Lint Roller: Get rid of blanket lint -- or just lint, in general, after your flight with a lint roller.

My Skincare/Fragrance Bag:  If it's a long flight, I may feel like taking off my makeup and giving myself a moisturizing mask to feel refreshed etc. If you'd like to see what is in my Skincare and Fragrance bag, click here:  My Favorite Travel Essentials Pt. 2 -- Skin Care and Fragrance

My Makeup Bag:  I may feel like or want to reapply my makeup after giving myself a skincare treatment during a long flight, so I can feel refreshed.  If you would like to see what's in my Makeup bag, click here:  REPOST: My Favorite Travel Essentials Pt 1 -- Makeup

Puzzle Books:  Having ADHD means I can't just sit and do nothing.  I need something to entertain my ADHD brain.  So I bring puzzle books, in the even that I am not sleeping and there is still a good amount of time left in the plane-ride.

Wallet:  Got to bring that wallet!

My Smartphone:  Again, Having ADHD means I can't just sit and do nothing. I might organize my photos or organize my memos.  I might read a Kindle book.  I might even listen to an Audiobook.

My iPod:  My iPod is pretty much on the whole time I'm on the plane.  Even if I'm sleeping.  This way I'm not distracted or irritated by other sounds on the plane.  You may wonder why I don't just put my music catalog on my phone, it's because I tend to keep my iPods much longer than my phones.  And adding music is just another thing that will eat up my phone battery.  

A Notebook:  Again -- ADHD. (LOL)  I might do some writing.  More often, I may challenge myself by writing down all 50 states.  Or I may challenge Curtis to a game of "Hangman".

Charger Cords:  Got to have those!

Earbuds:  Can't listen to an iPod on a plane w/o earbuds

Wireless Charger:  Unfortunately I messed up my charger port, on my phone, one night, by trying to shove my iPod charger in there.  (Sigh!)  The guy at the phone repair kiosk said he couldn't fix my phone w/o breaking the glass but suggested a wireless charger.

Shower Wipes or Wet Wipes:  During a long flight, I may feel oily or grubby.  So I take some wipes with me, just in case.

Colored Ballpoint Pens:  I like different colored ballpoint pens in particular for puzzle books.  Really dark pens tend to make it difficult for me to do word search puzzles.  Plus, if I make a mistake on another type of puzzle, I can write over it with a darker color.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

My friend's cat AND Luna's brother, Billy!

My Favorite Travel Essentials -- Part 3 - In the Carry On

What goes in my carry-on is very important.  It can make the difference between a relatively care-free trip and an inconvenient trip. Having a well packed personal carry and carry on bag means less packing headaches.  (The next post will be -- what goes in my domestic personal carry.)

So, let's see what's in that carry-on w/the skull design on it.

iKase Hardside Spinner Luggage Skull Garden: I love this carry-on!  I got this in February, 2017.  I wanted something that felt more me.  I previously had a pink carry-on.

Packing cubes (I got them from Amazon.):  These have made my life SO much easier.  For me, this isn't about getting more stuff into my carry-on.  It's about making everything easier to repack when it's time to leave.  This is especially fantastic when we do our once a year road trips and we have to pick up and go at least three times during a trip.

What I Put In The Packing Cubes:

I reserve the smallest cube for undies and bras.

One medium sized cube will contain my t-shirts, which I individually roll up.  If there's going to be swimming, I will pack about three swimsuits in there.

Another medium cube will house my pants and socks.

My Asics gel sneakers go into the shoe bag.  I actually got these, in New Orleans, after my feet got so sore from walking.  My hubbie made me get sneakers.  LOL  So, I always take them when I go traveling -- just in case.

Messi: (Puma plushie) Yes, I take a stuffed animal with me!  I don't feel right without one.  I named it after a recue Puma, named Messi, that lives in Russia.  His Instagram page is called:  I_am_puma

Anker SoundCore mini, Super-Portable Bluetooth Speaker with 15-Hour Playtime, 66-Foot Bluetooth Range, FM Radio, Enhanced Bass - Gold:  I got this in April of 2017 -- so, I'm sure there are more updated ones than mine.  It is a little shorter and slightly wider than a soda can.  It has pretty good sound, and has a nice small size.  I feel a bit lost without my music and just listening to it with earbuds just doesn't cut it.

Baggu -- Big Baggu:  If you have not heard of them, Baggu specializes in reusable grocery bags. (They do have other types of bags, however.) They have Standard, Baby and Big.  I got a bunch of Standard bags for shopping and some Big ones to use as laundry bags as home.  I've found that these make nice laundry bags for travelling as well.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Sophie in her doggy bed.

My Favorite Travel Essentials Pt. 2 -- Skin Care and Fragrance

I wanted to post this yesterday; but, there was a little snafu.  I accidentally deleted Part 1.  Aaaargh!

So here is Part 2.  My Favorite skin care and Fragrance travel essentials.  I try to keep most of the items I travel with in the bag, ready to go.  This is so I can minimize the time that I spend doing something I hate -- packing.  Hate it with a passion!

This bag and my makeup bag usually go into my personal carry bag, which I will show in a future post. Enjoy!

Fragrances:
I really LOVE Atelier Cologne fragrances.  They are especially nice in hotter climates and in summer.  Most of the fragrances are unisex (with the exception of Pacific Lime, which definitely smells like a woman's fragrance.)

Atelier Cologne Vetiver Fatale:  Notes: Bergamot from Calabria, Lemon from Sicily, Heart of Bigaradier from Paraguay, Orange Flower Absolue from Tunisia, Violet Leaves, Black Plum, Heart of Vetiver from Haiti, Cedarwood from Texas, Dark Oud Accord.

Atelier Cologne Pomelo Paradis: Key Notes: Pomelo, Mandarin, Vetiver

Atelier Cologne Pacific Lime: Key Notes: Lime, Coconut, Eucalyptus

Atelier Cologne Vanilla Insensee: Key Notes: Amber, Jasmine, Vanilla

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine: Key Notes: Geranium, Orange, Blood Orange

Spray Vials: If I feel like taking more than one fragrance with me, I have some 10 ml vials that I decant my fragrance into.  If I'm just taking one, I'll either take my Pomelo Paradis or Orange Sanguine as I have them both in 1 oz bottles.

The Rest of it:
e.l.f. Hydrating Water Sheet Mask: I might use this on the plane during a long plane ride.

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG:  I only use this during the day.  I mix it with the Niacinamide and the Lactic Acid.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%:  This really helps keep breakouts at bay.  Or helps clear them up when I'm hormonal.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA:  The exfoliating action of the Lactic Acid also helps keep breakouts at bay.

e.l.f. Slant Tweezer:  I learned about this from YouTuber emilynoel83.  These really are decent tweezers -- and they're only $2!!!

Clear and Black vinyl makeup/toiletry bag:  All of it fits in the bag.

Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray:  Really helpful for help keeping foundation on the nose, especially on oily days or humid days.

e.l.f. Brighten Up Peel Pads:  I like the convenience of having an exfoliating toner on an already soaked pad.  Unfortunately, I don't think they sell these anymore; but, the point of me getting these was to be able to refill the container with pads soaked in The Ordinary Glycolic Acid toner.

e.l.f. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths:  When I need a little extra help taking the makeup off.

SIBU Age Defying Eye Cream:  Eye cream can help the undereye area look more smooth.

First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer:  I'm not into really siliconey (is that a word?) primers.  They make me feel like I've got a ton of oil on my face.  This works really well with my favorite foundations w/o the silicone feel.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray:  This really comes in handy in warmer weather.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask Mini:  I may also do this on the plane for a particularly long plane ride (like Australia).

Supergoop! Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40:  This sunscreen does not feel greasy, it does not feel like silicone, it is a mineral sunscreen which is better for the skin.  It's also small enough that I can tuck it into my purse if I'm going to need to put some sunscreen on my arms.

Finishing Touch Flawless Brows Eyebrow Hair Remover:  Gotta make sure the brow hairs are in check.  This one really trims with precision!  


e.l.f. Daily Brush Cleaner:  Cleaning the foundation brush is a must to keep bacteria from causing breakouts.  I refill my container with a home made version -- a recipe which I got off of the web.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Coco looking modelesque.

REPOST: My Favorite Travel Essentials Pt 1 -- Makeup

So, I was doing the Part 2 blog.  I thought I accidentally published it.  I deleted it; and, realized I deleted Part 1.  Oy vey!  So I am reposting.

Since 2010, I travel, at least, three times a year.  Once a year, we travel to some states we haven't been to (which entails a plane ride, car travel and several hotel rooms).

Let me tell you -- I really HATE packing!  I really do!  Because of this, it has been a never ending quest of mine to make packing easier for myself.  I'm not quite there yet, but getting close.

As seen in the picture, all of the items on this blog fit into my Medium Trish McEvoy Makeup Planner.  When I am not traveling, most of the items (with the exception of some of the items in the clear bag) stay in the planner to minimize time that I have to spend on packing.

Case, Palettes Liner:
Trish McEvoy The Power of Makeup Medium Planner:  I got this planner at least six years ago -- if not more.

Linda Hallberg Infinity Palette:  IMO this is the perfect travel face palette for fair to med-light skin tones.  It has pretty much everything you would need to create a look.  There's even two eyeshadows in there.  There is a warm and a cool blush, a cool contour powder, a face powder (or a nude shadow), two shades of shimmery highlighter, a medium brown (with a little mustard yellow mixed in) eyeshadow and a black eyeshadow.

Kat Von D Anniversary Palette: I originally got this palette in a FOMO moment.  I realized that this palette has a wide variety of colors in it and would be great for travel.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner in Olive:  I got this from either Hautelook or Nordstrom Rack.  A really nice soft flattering color.

Essence Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown:  Essence was having one of those buy one get one 40% off sale at Ulta.   One can never have too many micro brow pencils.

Brushes Left Side (Left to Right):
Wet n Wild Large Concealer Brush:  I use this for applying eye primer.

Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush:  This is one of my favorite eyeshadow brushes!  I will use it to blend a lighter color into the first crease shade or to put that first crease shade on.

Morphe M164 Small Flat Angled Contour:  I use this for applying contour on my nose and inner brow area.

Morphe M574 Pencil Crease:  I will use this sometimes to blend a darker crease color.  I will also use this for placing shadow under the eye.

Brushes Middle (Top to Bottom):
e.l.f. Travel Blending Brush:  I use this for contour.  

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Brush: Excellent for placing highlight on the inner corner of eye.

e.l.f. Eyeshadow "C" Brush:  I lay down the first shadow color under my eye with this & sweep it in an upward direction.

Morphe Flat Shader Brush:  These brushes are excellent for patting color on the lid of the eye.

e.l.f. Eyelash and Brow Wand:  When rocking a brow pomade a spoolie will help diffuse the pomade on the inner brow and take any areas that have too heavy an application.

e.l.f. Foundation Brush:  I actually use this for concealer.  I don't actually think these types of brushes make good foundation brushes.

Brushes Right Side (Top then Left to Right):
Morphe M431 Precision Pencil Crease:  As the name says, this is a slimmer pencil brush for creating a more defined crease with a darker eyeshadow (this differs greatly from "cut crease").

Kat Von D #70 Pomade Brow Brush:  I decided to try these when they were having a sale.  I already had the powder brow brush, which I thought was really wonderful.  When I tried the pomade brush -- OMG -- I had never used a brow brush that was capable of making an almost razor thin line!  This brush is so worth it!!!

e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush:  I heard about this brush from YouTuber emilynoel83.  She uses this for cream blush or other cream cheek products.  It works excellently for that; but, I also love using it for powder blush.  It cuts down on the chances of applying too much pigment to the cheeks.

Sonia Kashuk Foundation Bush:  This was actually from a set of face brushes, some years ago.  It has a nice, densely packed flat top foundation brush.  I now keep it with my travel items.

e.l.f. Powder Brush:  I love using this as a powder brush.  It's got a good surface area to work with.  I also think a flat top brush is better for simulating that pressing action that you can get with a velour puff, rather than just sweeping the face.

e.l.f. Small Taper Brush: Another recommendation from emilynoel83.  This has GOT to be my favorite cheek highlighter brush!

Makeup Bag (Top then Left to Right):
Covergirl Outlast Active 24HR Foundation 845:  I actually purchased this from Walgreeens while traveling.  It works decently and contains SPF.  I lighten or darken it with e.l.f Mix to Match Shade Adjuster.

L.A Girl Pro Conceal in Peach:  L.A. Girl makes some really nice concealers at a very decent price.  I just wish they'd exchange that tiny brush for a regular squeeze tube tip.  The peach color is really great for disguising dark undereye circles.  They also have a darker orange for richer skin tones.

e.l.f. Mix to Match Shade Adjuster in Lighten & Bronze:  I'm one of those people whose skintone can be on a spectrum from fair to really tan. Traveling means my skintone is never static.  I end up mixing foundation a lot - when I travel it's better to have smaller tubes that I can mix with.  I tried these e.l.f. Shade Adjusters and like them.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Mama:  I originally bought this as a dupe for Lime Crime's Pumpkin Liquid Lipstick. I'm finding this is one of the colors of lipstick that I love taking with me.

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Mortis:  I don't feel right w/o having a red lipstick as an option.  I love Black Moon's formula and Mortis is a little darker than a bright red lipstick.

Kosas Kosasport Hyaluronic Lip Fuel:  Lips can get parched when traveling.  I got this because it has the added benefit of Hyaluronic Acid which can plump skin up with moisture.  I like to put balm on while I'm doing the rest of my makeup; then, I wipe it off before I put my lipstick on.  Before bed is when I can slather this on and sleep with it.

Wet n Wild Photofocus Pressed Powder in Light:  I just love this powder.  It gives a satin finish rather than a straight up matte finish.  

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator in Coconut:  Why stick your fingers in grainy goop to exfoliate your lips, when you can have it in "lipstick" form and rub it on your lips.  Just rub on your lips for about 10 seconds (or more), wipe off and -- voila!

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Gloom:  I like having a nude lipstick option in my arsenal.  Black Moon makes some of my favorite nudes.

Laura Geller French Vanilla Highlight:  I love using this to help set my undereyes. It's a subtle highlighter so it makes the undereye are look more natural.

Kat Von D Super Brow Extreme Long-Wear Pomade:  I love using this with the KVD brush to get a more precise application.  Sometimes I will outline my brows with my micro brow pencil and fill in with pomade afterwards.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

 It was a Luna kind of Monday.

Week of October 13th -19th - Saturday's Makeup

Last in this Week of Makeup!  Another more "natural" look for the weekend.  I'm finding out that I wish Lime Crimes XL II palette had more shades like the one on the upper left corner.  I don't want to run out of that shade so I've been trying not to use it as much.  Otherwise I'd be using it constantly as a starting shade for the crease area.  I found out I can start going back to my Beauty Bakerie Cotton Candy Champagne Blush palette.  After I came back from Puerto Vallarta on October 5th, I found out that I had gotten a little too tan for the palette to show up the way I like it. (Yes, I lose a tan pretty fast, here, in Washington State.)  This was definitely fun to do.  I will probably come back to this in the future.

Starting tomorrow, however, I will start a week's worth of posts on what I feel are my Travel Necessities.  I travel at least three times a year.  My husband and I usually do at least one trip a year where we take a plane ride, arrive at a certain destination in the country (U.S.) and take road trips between several states. I HATE packing.  So I am on a constant quest to find the most convenient packing situation for myself.

 Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Coco looking extremely cute!

Week of October 13th -19th - Friday's Makeup

Yesterday's makeup was about creating a more natural look.  (W/all of those products -- it doesn't seem like it would look natural, does it?)  The Laura Geller powder foundation is what I use when I just don't feel like fussing too much with foundation; and, I know I won't need to have my makeup on for a long time.  Like Girlactik's Luminous Pressed Powder, the shades on the Laura Geller Balance and Brighten tend to run darker.  I'm a medium to light-medium with most other foundations.  I'm a fair with both the Laura Geller BnB and Girlactik.  Most of the shades on Juvia's Place The Nubian palette were pearlecent so I used the contour shade in Becca's Lowlight/Highlight palette for that crease contour.  I just got the Covergirl tinted balm from Amazon.  I like the way it looks!  I'm waiting for a more nude shade; but, that won't arrive until Wednesday.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Luna says, "Yay!  It's Caturdaaaaay!"

Week of October 13th -19th - Thursday's Makeup

Continuing the week in giving some old palettes some love!  Makeup Geek's Manny MUA palette was so exiting when it came out.  I remember watching Mirrors and Haze's YouTube tutorial video.  I was so excited to get my Manny Mua palette.  This was fun to work with again.  The LORAC Pirates of the Carribbean palette's Stargazer highlight was on of my favorites -- I wish LORAC made a single highlight in Stargazer.  I really I had originally intended to use my seldom used UD Junkie Vice Lipstick palette from a few of holidays ago.  Alas, I discovered it had gone bad.  Things had developed in the lipstick.  Yuck.  I kept the lip brush & had to throw it out.  I decided to use the one Milani Metallic lipstick I hadn't used yet.  I actually wished I had put on a different lipstick.  I think it was too much with the eye palette.  It is a really beautiful lipstick, however. 

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Coco makes an excellent model!

Week of October 13th -19th - Wednesday's Makeup

I've really been enjoying going through my stash and pulling up these old favorites.  I forgot how much I loved UD's Jean Michele Basquiat collection! Every time I see this collection, I'm reminded of the 80's.  My Cryptic Cosmetics liquid lipsticks are kind of on their last legs and unfortunately cannot be replaced (Wah!).  I started adding my primer into the posts, yesterday.  Primer is part of how makeup turns out.  Wrong primer with a certain foundation means starting over.

Ta-Ta-For-Now

Sophie striking a pose.

Current Music Favorites -- October 2019

Music has always been a very important part of my life.  There is no life for me without music.  That is how strongly I feel about it.  I have loved some form of Heavy Metal since I have been about 13-years-old.  This has always been in conjunction with other musical styles.

Here is a list of  six bands that I am currently loving this month.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Luna grooming Sophie the dog before bed.

Week of October 13th -19th - Tuesday's Makeup

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Luna looking especially beautiful!

Week of October 13th -19th - Monday's Makeup

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

Coco looking serene.

Week of October 13th -19th - Sunday's Makeup

Ta-Ta-For-Now

A rare moment of Coco & Sophie sleeping together.

Favorite Makeup Packaging -- and One Honorable Mention

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

A pic of my buddy, Coco.

Favorite Primers, Foundations, Concealers and Powder

I missed this!  I do this for me and for anyone who cares to read.  I love makeup, music, gothy oddities and curiosities and books, to name a few things.  I decided to start with some makeup basics that I really like.  Enjoy!

Ta-Ta-For-Now!!!

(My friend's cat, Goblin.)