For Christmas, my friend Jami surprised me with this palette.

Because she's the best.

Because she seems to have this knack to know what colors would look great on me.

Because she firmly believes that some of the best makeup you can find is at the drugstore.

I agree with her on that one...only because I've never bought expensive makeup to compare. #Cheap With the vast amount of makeup knowledge she has, I'll take her word.

Ain't this purdy?

I've worn no other eyeshadows since opening the package. I'm sold. I'm committed. Give me these colors for the rest of my life and I won't sway from them.

I considered doing make up videos using this palette on my channel, but for whatever reason, I can't seem to motivate myself.

Actual Reason: The past makeup videos I have done I've been grossly unimpressed with how I portray myself.

I come off sloppy, unintelligent, distracted...even though those three words make great adjectives to my day-to-day life, that doesn't mean I need to be like that on camera, for crying out loud. 

#MotherOf3

(#WasLikeThisBeforeChildren)

But then another part of me is all, "Well, you're being REAL, so."

...so, in other words, I may do these makeup looks in the future, on my channel.

#TheStruggleIsReal

But for now I'm going to show you how to make a subtle, but sexy, smoky eye, using three colors from this palette.

If you'd like to see a video of me with this exact look, click here! In this video I talk about how I create the perfect eyebrow color to match my red hair; answering my most frequently asked question.

Do you have this palette?

What are your thoughts?

What are your favorite colors?

Small Disclaimer (more like "I'm going to point this out because you may notice--and if so--I'm putting it out there that I'm already aware of this because if you're anything like me you'll find what you see below to drive you nuts"):

I realize that I'm still grasping more and more knowledge.

Well, duh. When are we ever not? But really folks, when am I ever NOT? 

#BlankStareForDays #NotReallyButSomeTimes #IGotStreetSmartsThough

As Michael Angelo said at the mature age of 87, "I'm still learning". 

I think often on this for comfort when I realize how old I am and feel like a fool when I understand that I don't know all that I thought I should know by now.

But the more I take photos, and then go to edit them, the more I realize just how true that is.

So while you look at these photos, knowing they're nothing like the photos you see on the page of a full-time blogger, or on the website of a professional's, please note that I am so incredibly self taught and am too distracted to study photography to improve. Also, I took these pictures around 7 or 8 pm and used no light other than the light in the kitchen and the yellow light above the range that my objects are resting under, and no flash because I don't like how the flash washes out evvvvvverrrryyyyyything. I'm sure I should have done something with ISO and f-stop as well before snapping away.

**********************************

So, let's proceed with the Borophyll, shall we?

For the past since-we've-had-small-kids, we've had plastic cups. You know, those cheap, $2 for a pack of 4 cups because why bother spending money on anything that will break when a toddler is around. I kept our glass cups high and out of the way, so much so that I'd forget we even had them and started buying more, ugly, cheap plastic cups until our cabinet was full of them.

Now that our youngest is 8 and while I still see him as the tiny tot who'd lay on the floor, pushing his trains back and forth making choo-choo sounds, I decided it was time to let bygones be bygones and trashed a whole mess of plastic cups in haste while leaving us with nothing more than these mason jar mugs I bought a few months ago, leaving a large void in the cabinets.

And that's what brings me here today.

Our latest addition to the cabinets.

I have been loving The Pioneer Woman's kitchen collection at Walmart. While I am not one who likes the designs and styles of products that Walmart creates, I was quite impressed with PW's when it hit the shelves. I have her salt and pepper shaker, her measuring cups, her cutting board, her strainer, and have been keeping my eye on many more things to soon get (when I can justify it).

Yesterday I went looking for some cute plastic cups. In my attempts I found there was NO SUCH THING unless I wanted Disney or action figures on them.

At this realization, I stumbled across PW's handled mug glasses and while I already have some similar (note the mason jars above), I wanted something a little different. 

But I sure loved her lids. So I bought a pack of four ($4) to add to a growing collection I started a while ago (I believe I bought the gingham lids you see below at the dollar store). Considering I had already PW's straws (12pk for $3), I figured I could buy some plain jars for cheap.

Sure enough, a couple aisles down I found a twelve pack of 12oz jars, for a mere $10.

It was totally worth it.

(Let's hope I won't regret not having any more plastic cups in the house.)

Let's break down the cost:

12pk 12oz Ball Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars: $10

4pk Pioneer Woman Assorted Jar Lids: $4

Gingham Jar Lids: $1 each at Dollar Tree

12pk Pioneer Woman Assorted Plastic Straws: $3

Cute cups and a happy mom: PRICELESS

A sweet friend of mine gave me this palette.

"You mentioned in a video that you have struggled finding the perfect gray eye shadow and well...this one has two," she said with a smile.

This has easily become my most favorite drug store palettes.

If you follow me on YouTube, you'll see that I've been trying out different eye shadow palettes from the dollar store (Dollar Tree) and so far have been pleasantly surprised.

But this past week I've found myself running to this palette more than any other. I am also wearing it in my most recent video (at the end).

Since I've been trying out different dollar store eye shadow palettes, I feel as though I've been walking around with many-a-color on my eyes.

And then bring on the Fourth of July when I sported this eye look:

I mean, c'mon, when can I wear bright red and bright blue on my eyes together and not feel silly? Confession: I was going to do one eye all red and the other eye all blue when, just as I was about to apply the eye shadow, my husband walks into the room with, "Hey, can you make a run to the store for me?"

So I chickened out and did this.

(Follow me HERE on Instagram!)

Needless to say, I needed a break from the bright/bold/deep colors. 

I found myself craving the more natural look, the more nudey colors. 

Here is a mini-demo on how I acquired that. You don't necessarily need this palette, just a cream/white and a neutral/light brown eye shadow will do!

Sooooooooo.......let's get started:

A couple of examples below. Very natural, very serene. Very much a "no makeup makeup" look (LAWLS, that is, for someone like me who loves a good drama on the eyes and wears it on the regular).

 

Here's how I created the look. Like I told ya, super easy. The liquid liner is optional. You can replace it with a pencil liner, or no liner at all. But since I've been sporting "wings" for five years now, I literally feel naked without them and will end up not being able to look myself in the mirror, no matter what time of day it is, until I put them back on. Even if it's bedtime (but I never last that long). #pathetic

Here's a close up. I placed the cream eye shadow on brow bone and then on my lid. The brown I put on the crease and blended it upward towards my brow bone (for a smooth transition between colors and because I have hooded lids--#blessed--and if I don't do that, my lid will look heavy and I'll look tired). I also applied the brown toward the outer corner of my lid before dragging it along my lower lid and although it's not too noticeable, it's subtle enough for me to like it better than without.

Oh and that white that is under my eye that looks like the eyeshadow on my brow and lid, that's concealer because 30 happened and if I don't cover my bags, those 6 hours of incredible sleep I got, will show up as a lie.

Here's a breakdown of the products:

Milani Smoky Essentials: between $8-$10

L.A. Colors Brown Liquid Eyeliner: $1 at Dollar Tree (I freakin' LOVE this stuff)

Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara: $8 at Walmart. This stuff is BOMB.

Elf Bronzer and Blush colors Turks & Caicos: $3 at Walmart

So let's say you still want a more "nude" look with warmer, perhaps deeper, all-around more inviting colors AND with a cheaper palette?

I've got you covered!

Welcome L.A. Colors Haute Palette

(Source. I also adjusted the colors to be more true to the palette in real life.)

Here's the look I created with this. While Milani is my favorite drug store palette, Haute is my absolute favorite dollar store (Dollar Tree) palette.

(Potential thumbnail for a recent video. Girl needs to sit up straight!)

Here's how it's done (below). If you are interested in seeing a mini-demo of me using this palette, let me know in the comments! I'm more than likely recreating this look at least twice a week anyway and--as you can tell by the picture below, I already beat this palette up quite a bit before saying, "Oh yeah, maybe I should take a picture of the palette now before I hit pan (which I did a few days ago)."

I love creating these looks! Are there any palettes you enjoy to use for the more "natural", "no makeup makeup" look? Please let me know in the comments!

Have a great one!

I absolutely love the Fall.

It's always been my favorite season.

I must confess I was quite thrilled when I realized that of all colors, autumn colors look the best on me. And I frequently question why, in heavens name, have I thought it best to avoid those colors my whole life.

I remember this realization catching me by surprise. I grew up wearing sweet pinks, soft blues, modest tans, whites and dainty floral patterns; anything that reeked of simple, sweet, and plain only to switch it up for greys, blacks, and deep cool colors when I tired of looking so "girly"...but never felt truly like I was wearing a piece that best represented ME.

I remember feeling like I was living on the wild side back in high school when I bought a pack of wacky-colored socks. I was then introduced to toe socks and found my life would never be the same. ;)

After that I branched out and bought more clothing with brighter colors and wilder patterns, things my friends wore and rocked in, but never anything AUTUMN colored.

I could never understand why I couldn't seem to pull off neon yellow like my close friend could. After band class we'd walk up to put our flutes away, catch our image in the full-length mirror that hung on the wall and I'd cringe over how my skin always looked splotchy.

I'm still uncertain if the cause was because I was wearing the wrong colors, the wrong makeup, or standing under the wrong (florescent) lighting in the band room.

Probably all of them.

Imagine my surprise when I realized how easy it was to wear autumn colors. How simple it was to wear makeup, to always have on hand the perfect color of blush and eye shadow. And how much I felt like my truest self in them.

But in all honesty, I rebel. I can't be confined to just some colors on the color wheel...

While autumn colors are a guideline, all colors I will wear.

And then I wear outfits like these and am reminded as to why I choose to wear anything thing else.

Details of my outfit listed below.

The Outfit (all prices are an estimation, but pretty accurate)
Shirt: Long-sleeved and thick, brand is Faded Glory and was a gift from a friend who did like how it looked on her.
Sweater: LOFT, from a friend who was cleaning out her closet and knew this sweater would fit me.
Scarf: Charming Charlie, gift from a friend.
Jeans: Old Navy Diva skinny jeans-$25 I think? I bought them a couple summers ago.
Belt: Thrift store, $1
My socks! LOL, I think I got them from Target, in a pack of 6 for $9 or $10. ;)

Jewelry
Earrings: Walmart, called "Accessories" $2.88
Turquoise/orange/white beaded bracelets: Gift from my daughter
Watch: Walmart, $7, bought a year ago.
Thick leather band on wrist: bought in Mexico a year ago $5
Thin leather band on wrist: a birthday gift from one incredible friend. I love you, Rebecca!
Floral bands that are hiding behind the leather bands: hair ties, can't have enough hair ties. From Walmart, came in a huge pack, the floral ones where the bonus, extra ones. $3
Oh, and on my right wrist I have a long, black ribbon tied around it. Because I like it. From off the floor LOL.
Black beaded necklace: Bought at the thrift store years ago. Probably $1 or $2.

Nailpolish
Sally Hansen's Insta-Dry in 340 Cinna-snap. $4 at Walmart.

Rings
Left hand thumb: gift from friend
Left hand ring finger: wedding ring, from Mr Hunter, 13 1/2 years ago. $His drum set
Right hand middle finger: ring I bought on eBay for $5.

Shoes
Converse in a dark blue-grey. I wear these 99% of the time. Even at church if I can make it work with my outfit. Bought new a couple years ago for $45??? Can't remember.

Hair Dye
L'Oreal Preferences Intense Red Copper #RR07. One bottle was used, put all over the roots and then pulled the product towards the ends of my hair, creating an ombre look. I did a tutorial of this on my YouTube channel. $9

Makeup (most bought from Walmart)
Primer: Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm (yep, aftershave--I'm serious folks, this is the best primer OUT THERE) $6, go get you some.
Foundation: Revlon Colorstay 24 hr in 110 Ivory (oily/combo skin), $12
Concealer: Maybelline Cover Stick in White, $4
Powder: Physicians Formula in Translucent Light $12
Contouring/Highlighting powders: Wet n Wild Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche, $3 AND NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Powder in 701A Translucent to target my under eye bags, $3
Eyebrows: NYC eyebrow pencil in Rich Girl, $1 AND the warm tan eyeshadow in the Wet n Wild Birthday Suit palette, $6
Eyeshadow: Revlon Colorstay in 584 Surreal, the soft turquoise and white colors.
Eyeliner: ELF liquid liner in Coffee, bought at the dollar store but originally is $2.
Blush: ELF Contouring blush and bronzer in Turks Caicos, $3
Maskara: Maybelline's Mega Plush in Brownish Black, $7 (ridiculous price, IMO)
LIPSTICK: I put my foundation over my lips when putting it on my face and then used L.A. Colors lip gloss in Coral Crush, from the dollar store! $1

So I bought a new lipstick and it's the deepest, darkest color these lips have ever worn.

I also dyed my hair...finally.

I'd thought I'd grow out the roots, keep my hair it's strawberry blond but I just couldn't stand it any longer.

Today I decided it would be fun to dress business-casual the Ladee way, of mixing patterns and loading up on the accessories.

But I had a problem.

Of all my necklaces and earrings, I couldn't find anything that was perfect for this outfit. I tried on almost every necklace of mine, from the chunkiest to the smallest, thinnest of chains.

Nothing looked right.

I finally settled on my white pearl earrings...they're my go-to for just about any look.

"I have to wear a necklace," I kept saying to myself, "I have to wear something to fill in the gap between my chin and belt..."

And then I realized the cause of this problem and why I could find no solution.

:::My lipstick:::

My lipstick had become so eye catching, that it turned into an accessory. Anything else I added around my neck, I felt, had become a competition to the statement my lips were. I even changed my belt three times after this one and then came back to it, because I wondered if it too would confuse those looking at me.

But I love this belt, and how it pulled off so crisp of colors underneath my warm-colored floral sweater, as well as gave my waist the definition that these slacks couldn't do if I belted them, that I wore it anyway, letting go the tug-of-war within my mind.

I went through these photos and just gushed over the simple, yet profound look this was...all because of my lipstick. I wonder how different this look would be had I chose a nude lip, or just chapstick.

My eye makeup is incredibly simple as well. I knew I would be wearing this lipstick and knew it would be a bold color, so I kept the eye makeup at a minimum, putting a light grey-brown on the crease and an under-dramatic dark-brown wing that extended just barely out of the corners of my eyes.

Scroll to the end to read all the details to this outfit, my new hair color, and the makeup that I used.

Have any questions on this look or would like to see another look, just ask! Comment down below. :)

The Outfit (all prices are an estimation, but pretty accurate)
Sweater: GEORGE, from Walmart, $14 (which is actually more than I'd spend, but I just fell in love so hard, so fast, and had to have it)
Shirt: White House Black Market, gifted from friend
Slacks: Ann Taylor, also gifted from friend
Belt: Thrift store, turned backwards as it's originally polka-dotted as you can tell by the buckle. $2

Jewelry
Earrings: Walmart, they came in a pack of six, I think, in large and small pearls. Bought years ago. $5ish
Pearl bracelet: it's really a choker that is too big for my neck, bought at a garage sale with other jewery. $5
Watch: Walmart, $7, bought a year ago.
Thick leather band on wrist: bought in Mexico a year ago $5
Thin leather band on wrist: a birthday gift from one incredible friend
Floral bands that are hiding behind the leather bands: hair ties, can't have enough hair ties. From Walmart, came in a huge pack, the floral ones where the bonus, extra ones. $3
Oh, and on my right wrist I have a long, black ribbon tied around it. Because I like it. From off the floor LOL.

Nailpolish
Sinful Colors in the color Get It On. It's a matte finish, dries so fast! $2 at Walmart.

Rings
Left hand thumb: gift from friend
Left hand ring finger: wedding ring, from Mr Hunter, 13 1/2 years ago. $His drum set
Right hand thumb: mood ring bought from our cruise last year $8
Right hand middle finger: ring I bought on eBay for $5.

Shoes
Converse in a dark blue-grey. I wear these 99% of the time. Even at church if I can make it work with my outfit. Bought new a couple years ago for $45??? Can't remember.

Hair Dye
L'Oreal Preferences Intense Red Copper #RR07. One bottle was used, put all over the roots and then pulled the product towards the ends of my hair, creating an ombre look. I did a tutorial of this on my YouTube channel. $9

Makeup (most bought from Walmart)
Primer: Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm (yep, aftershave--I'm serious folks, this is the best primer OUT THERE) $6, go get you some.
Foundation: Revlon Colorstay 24 hr in 110 Ivory (oily/combo skin), $12
Concealer: Maybelline Cover Stick in White, $4
Powder: Physicians Formula in Translucent Light $12
Contouring/Highlighting powders: Wet n Wild Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche, $3 AND NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Powder in 701A Translucent to target my under eye bags, $3
Eyebrows: NYC eyebrow pencil in Rich Girl, $1 AND the warm tan eyeshadow in the Wet n Wild Birthday Suit palette, $6
Eyeshadow: Wet n Wild Comfort Zone 738 palette. I used the top right color, $5
Eyeliner: ELF liquid liner in Coffee, bought at the dollar store but originally is $2.
Blush: ELF Contouring blush and bronzer in Turks Caicos, $3
Maskara: Maybelline's Mega Plush in Brownish Black, $7 (ridiculous price, IMO)
LIPSTICK: Maybelline's Divine Wine, $7, applied with a brush for perfection (bought a pack of craft brushes for $5 at Walmart and used one of those). It goes on matte and stays on all day. It also stains your lips but I found rubbing it with some petroleum jelly helped remove it.