Sunday, November 28, 2010

happy belated gobble-gobble day!

hey, y'all.  i'm a bit late, but i hope everyone had a great thanksgiving!  are your bellies and tastebuds sick of turkey and all the fixings yet?  i, personally, could use another helping.. lol

anyway, thanksgiving is a time to express thanks and gratitude, so since i haven't yet done so, let me begin.  i am thankful for my family, who have been supportive of me [though sometimes not so kindly] throughout all the years of my good [and bad] decisions that i wanted to and did make.  thank you to my friends who listened to me and gave me advice whenever i needed to make hard decisions, who took care of me when i wasn't in the right state of mind to do so myself, who knew what to say and do to make me smile when i was feeling sad.  thank you to cupid for shooting that darn arrow at my butt when i saw stan, for he has filled my heart and love and joy.  and finally, i am thankful for just being here, to be in existence with the world, and to be alive.

hope you all enjoyed the holiday!  27 days until christmas!!

Monday, November 22, 2010

TSA opt-out day: november 24, 2010.



for those of you planning to travel for thanksgiving, expect more-than-usual holiday back-ups at the airport.  this coming wednesday is being dubbed "national opt-out day," where flyers who support the TSA protest plan to opt out of going through those privacy-invading, backscatter-radiation-producing, cancer-inducing, porno screeners.  by opting out of the security screening, they are forcing themselves to be put through an even more invasive full-body pat-down, where their private parts will be groped.  these body searches are apparently quite aggressive, leaving hardly anything untouched, and many flyers who have already gone through them have stated that they felt they were being sexually harrassed and assaulted.

while i understand that the TSA and government are implementing these new security tactics to help prevent and stop terroristic acts, what about the dignity and health of people?  no one wants to be groped by some stranger or subject themselves to cancer-inducing radiation coming from those porno-screeners.  

i, for one, have had to go through the x-ray full-body screener once before, and i was not a happy camper at all [because i was aware of the nature of these screeners after reading an article from CNN].  i felt violated and hated the idea that some stranger could virtually see me "naked."  these pat-downs seem worse, especially if the TSA worker does it in a very inappropriate and aggressive way.  no thanks.

so, what's my opinion of this TSA protest??  i don't think national opt-out day is going to be such a huge deal because most travelers will just want to get out of the security lines and to their final destination quickly, but this battle against flyers and the TSA will surely continue.  i understand those who are going to be protesting and making a scene because these searches and screenings are an invasion of privacy and goes against the constitution.  the fourth amendment states: 
 The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
on the other hand, i understand that the use of these security approaches are implemented for safety reasons, and they could potentially catch things that aren't normally caught by the metal detectors.  i believe that full-body searches and the use of the x-ray full-body screens could be a good thing but when specifically put to use for people who set off the alarms or have something in their carry-on bags that isn't allowed.

what are your opinions??

Friday, November 19, 2010

my first NFL game: eagles @ redskins.

before i start off this blog, i would just like to say... TOTAL DOMINATION.  eagles totally showed mcnabb and his redskins that they can certainly soar high.  after the initial touchdown [15 seconds into the game], i knew it was over for those redskins.  they were skinned alive!

so, anyway, this was my first NFL game [thanks to stan's brother for the ticket!] and i had a great time [especially since the eagles opened up a can of buttwhooping on the skins].  the only negative part was the rain, but thank goodness stan had advised me to run out and pick up some rain ponchos earlier that day or else we would have been soaked [good thinking, babe!]!

so, an eagle and a redskin... together.  we had some comments from other people about it.  one person asked stan, "what happened there?"  another person told him, "you can do better."  thanks a lot, meanies.  but then again, it's nothing compared to what eagles fans would have said to me about stan and his skins jersey if the game was in philly.  lol

all in all, an awesome experience and now i can finally say i've been to an NFL game!  NFL, check.  NBA, check.  MLB, check.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

estee lauder's idealist skin refinisher: a miracle exfoliator!

are you looking for a face exfoliator that isn't too rough on your face?  have i got the perfect product for you! a week ago, i started using estee's lauder idealist skin refinisher [now known as idealist pore minimizer skin refinisher and has three times more glucosamine - anti-aging benefits - and a new enzymatic technology, providing your skin more clarity and smoothness] and i can see a dramatic difference in the way my skin looks.  my face is smoother, more even, and my make-up looks better than before.

so, what is the idealist skin refinisher?  it is a non-acid serum that resurfaces your skin, basically getting rid of all the dead, dry skin that has accumulated on your face, revealing the healthy and "ideal" skin underneath.  

the first time i used this product, i was astonished at the amount of dead skin i had built up on my face [as gross as it may sound].  i use a facial scrub twice daily [AM and PM], so i didn't think i needed much exfoliation, but boy, was i wrong.  after i washed my face, i put a few dabs of the idealist skin refinisher on my face and started rubbing it in, moving my hands in circular motions.  i immediately started to notice that my skin was flaking off... not just a little flaking, but a lot!  i thought maybe the product was old [i have a few sample bottles - .24oz - from previous purchases], so i hopped on my imac and looked up reviews, and many others have said that it flaked off their skin during the first use as well.  AMAZING!  even after only the first use, this product left my skin feeling velvety soft and healthy.  i could definitely feel a difference after the first use.

it is recommended to use this product every morning after cleansing and before moisturizing.  i usually apply my make-up after i cleanse and moisturize my face.  with the addition of the idealist skin refinisher, my make-up looks extra flawless because my skin's surface is not rough with patches of dry skin.  

after only a week of using this product, i can say that i am in love with it!  after my sample bottles run out, i'm going to purchase the idealist pore minimizer skin refinisher [shrinks the looks of enlarged pores].  a 1 oz. bottle sells for  $46.50, 1.7oz for $73.00, and 3.4oz for $120.  yes, it is indeed pricey, but a little goes a long way.  if you're looking for a great exfoliator that will REALLY leave your skin looking fantastic and feeling baby smooth, this product is definitely worth the try!

[i am in no way affiliated with estee lauder or receiving compensation for this.  this post is entirely my own opinion.]

Monday, November 8, 2010

pre-loved louis vuitton speedy 25 for sale.

hey, everyone! it's been a while since i've posted anything, and honestly, it's because i haven't really had any ideas of what to blog about lately. i hope everyone had a fun, yet safe, halloween. i browsed a few albums on facebook and loved your costumes [and i must say, some were extra creative]. i was a black cat this year [yes, unoriginal, i know]. MEOW!

so, i was sitting in front of my imac.. and looked into my closet, peering up at the top shelf inundated with big boxes. i climbed on top of my desk chair, being careful not to let it roll away [thought i was going to fall at one point], and reached for one of the boxes. inside was one of my LV bags... one i hardly ever use - the monogram speedy 25. i thought to myself, "if you're not putting this lovely handbag to use, why not sell it and have someone else get more use of it than yourself?  plus, you already have the monogram speedy 30 and the azur speedy 25." then the idea of selling it popped into my head.

i'm deciding to put this up for sale here just in case anyone i know wanted to purchase this from me, but if not, i will put it up on ebay and it will be auctioned off there.

the specifics:
- monogram speedy 25 [guaranteed 100% authentic!]
- dimensions: 10"L x 6"W x 9"H and 3" drop handle
- date stamp: SP0076
- purchased 10/10/2006 from eluxury.com [was LV's authorized dealer until LV decided to take on its own sales]
- retails for $665 USD before taxes [you're looking at about $700 with taxes]
- dustbag, receipt are included

please keep in mind that i am quite the mother to my LV bags, making sure nothing gets on them and not ever taking them out in the rain. the speedy 25 i am selling is spotless on the inside, the handles are clean with only a couple of very minute marks, the leather is perfect with no scratches, and there are no odors [nonsmoker and no pets at my place in philly].

the asking price if $400 or best offer.  i will only accept payment by cash or through paypal.  if you are interested, please email me at trangilicious@gmail.com.  thanks!

pictures:
original receipt from eluxury.com.

louis vuitton paris - made in france.

difficult to see.. but if you look really hard
you'll be able to see a "25" imprinted in the
leather.

louis vuitton lock [comes with 2 keys] - lock/key number
is 301.

one side of the speedy.

the other side of the speedy.

the date stamp on the inside.  code interpretation: SP
means it is made in france; take the 1st and 3rd number
for the month and 2nd and 4th number for the year.  this
bag was made july 2006 in france.

the interior of the bag.  no marks; just a some lint that
obviously can be removed.

one of the handles: you can see a couple small marks...
nothing drastic.

other handle: clean.

the stitches: even and perfect.

zipper pull.

the monogram speedy 25!

this picture is to show how the leather on
the handles have changed colors, compared
to the inside tabs [which get no sunlight],
indicating an authentic bag.
speedy, dustbag, and receipt.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

online sample sales for the win!

calling all fashionistas/fashionistos!  this blog post is for you!  i recently caught confessions of a shopaholic on TV [love that movie!] and was inspired to write about something that i [and other shopaholics] absolutely love.  i'm pretty sure so many of you know of online sample sales, but there are a few of you still left in the dark about this awesome concept.  

sample sales are a wonderful thing.  you get high-end designer products for a fraction of the price.  how?  designers don't always sell everything they make.  so, what do they do with the "leftovers" or items from a previous season?  they're sold at a discounted price at sales events called "sample sales."  live sample sales can get pretty hectic and crazy [if you've seen confessions of a shopaholic you would know what i'm talking about] and they are pretty much only located in the big, fashion capitals of the world, such as new york city and paris.

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF US?!?  that's where online sample sales come in.  you can shop in the comfort of your own home without being trampled over by lunatic sale-seekers for those "gucci boots" or "cashmere coats."  all you need is a computer, internet connection, and your credit card.  there are so many websites hosting sample sales that i am sure you will find something that fits your style and needs.

everyday, these websites have a number of sales going on at once, from clothes to accessories to houseware items.  they usually last for a couple days unless all the items sell out before then.  it's based on a "first come, first served" concept, so if there is a particular sale you really want to shop at, save the date and time and enter the sale when it first opens for your best chance to get the good stuff.

i've purchased a good amount of merchandise from these sample sales and am never disappointed [but if you are, most sites allow a return depending on what the item purchased was].  i recently ordered a harajuku "love" pendant necklace and cannot wait until it arrives in the mail.  it looks absolutely adorable and it was only $14 [regular price $40] - that's more than 50% off!  

get a fashion fix without emptying your wallet - who can complain?!  certainly not i.  visit the following websites for a number of great sales and check back everyday for new sales that might appeal to you!  [a lot of these sample sales only cater to members, and to be a member, you must be invited by a member.  i'll include an invite link in case you aren't a member and would like to peruse some sales at the particular site.]  ENJOY!

www.editorscloset.com [no invite needed]
www.glamlist.com [no invite needed]

zenifashion - a website compiling a list of sample sales and regular store sales in one convenient location - coming soon!!

Monday, October 25, 2010

show some halloween spirit: pumpkin carving.

halloween is less than a week away and what's a better way to get into the holiday spirit than by carving pumpkins!?  my sunday afternoon was spent watching football [my poor eagles] and getting my hands sticky with pumpkin juices.  how delicious!  though a long process and sore fingers, it was super fun and the end results of the pumpkins are fantastic!

stan and i had purchased two pumpkins a couple weeks ago and had them lounging on his front porch until we were ready to carve them.  we invited liz and perry [and their pumpkins] over and started the carving festivities.  between the four of us, we only had one set of pumpkin carving tools so we had to improvise by using steak knives, skewer sticks, and a swiss army knife.  and not to mention, the sawing tools from the pumpkin carving kit broke!

for those of you who have never carved pumpkins, it is quite simple.  here are the steps:

[1] carve off the top of the pumpkin to make a lid. be careful when doing this! make sure you cut out a "tooth" or notch so it's easier to replace the lid correctly.
[2] scrape out the pumpkin guts - make sure it's super clean on the inside.
[3] choose a template and tape it on the pumpkin.
[4] use the "dotting" tool to copy the pattern onto the pumpkin; i personally don't like this tool because it doesn't show up all that well on the pumpkin.  i just take something with a point and copy the pattern by pricking the pumpkin - this makes deeper and more defined punctures, allowing you to easily see where you're supposed to carve.
[5] optional: you can take a pen and lightly connect the dots so it's easier for you to carve.
[6] take the template off the pumpkin and start carving!  be careful or you might end up unintentionally cutting out a big chunk.
[7] rub vaseline or petroleum jelly all over the inside to prevent drying and molding - this will help to preserve your pumpkin!
[8] put in a votive or a tea light candle and show off your pumpkin!

please note that pumpkin carving is pretty time consuming, especially if you're a perfectionist.  take your time and just have fun with it!  and if you have an intricate design, your fingers might get a bit sore.

here are some pictures from our pumpkin carving festivity!  ENJOY!
our pumpkins!


stan hard at work with mr. cool
perry's asian pumpkin
my mummy
liz's scarecrow-batman-joker pumpkin
mr. cool and the mumster

Friday, October 22, 2010

sephora: friends and family event coming soon!

EDIT: 10.24.10 the sephora friends and family event is on!  put in promotional code "FF2010" at checkout for 20% off until november 3rd.  hurry and get your beauty supplies!!


hey, y'all.  so, sephora is having their friends and family event coming very soon!  i haven't received any notice from them as to when this sale is going to start, but expect it will within a few days!  sign up to become a beauty insiders member and they'll send you email with the promotional code to receive 20% your entire purchase during this upcoming sales event.  there are a few things from sephora that i want to get, so let's get started.

i'm a big fan of urban decay's primer potion [UDPP].  it does a phenomenal job at making my eyeshadows last throughout the day and it helps prevent creasing.  the only downside is the construction of the bottle; the shape doesn't allow for maximum use of the product.  for all of you who also use UDPP, you know what i'm talking about, right?  the wand can only reach a certain angle [and trust me, the angle isn't that great... pretty much just straight down].  after a few weeks of using UDPP, you might think that the bottle is empty because the wand doesn't pick up anymore of the product, but your assumptions are so wrong.  there is SO MUCH left in that oddly shaped bottle; it's just all located at the sides.  what i usually do when this happens is i depot the bottle [cut the bottle at the widest point with a knife - be careful if you do this! - and scoop out the remainder of the product and put it into a mini cosmetic jar].  tired of doing this?  UDPP has a limited edition bottle, and get this... it's a SQUEEZE bottle!  it's $29 [compared to $16] but you get 25ml more than the normal bottle.  get this while supplies last!  this is definitely going into my cart.


i normally don't wear foundation, but i have read some raving reviews for the nars sheer matte foundation.  i've written a little about this foundation in my "what's in my make up bag: my daily essentials" post and how i wanted to try it, so this will be a great opportunity to try something new at a discounted price.  again, it's a water-based foundation and it supposedly feels extra light on your face like you don't have anything on at all.  this sells for $42 at sephora, but i'm going to have to go to one of their make-up counters at a department store for a color match.


i'm big into eyeshadows.  i have tons of eyeshadow quads and palettes laying around, yet i still want more!  sephora's colorful artist eyeshadow palette in "cool" is one that i have my eye on.  there are a lot of palettes out there that have many colors i would never use, but this palette includes shades that i normally use [except for the bright blue and purple - but i'm sure i will find the appropriate time and place to use those colors].  the colors would be great for a smokey eye look with the different hues of grays.  this sells for $32.

i can't wait for the sale to get started so i can try out of these wonderful items, especially the UDPP in the squeeze bottle.  i might actually buy two of those for reserves!  happy shopping, folks!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

colorful sights: freshlook colorblends contacts.

recently, i had a friend ask me about colored contacts because she knows that i always wear them.  and yes, kerry, you are right - i do swear by my blue contacts.  without them, there's no me!  even my boyfriend said i looked different when i decided to just pop in my clear contacts one day.  lol

i've needed glasses ever since 6th grade.  my social studies teacher noticed that i was squinting a lot and couldn't answer any questions that required me to look at the chalkboard or projector screen.  two or three years later, i switched to clear contacts because i hated wearing glasses - they were cumbersome, kept slipping off my nose, and eliminated my peripheral vision [don't y'all hate that?!.  a couple years after that, i discovered colored contacts and decided to give them a try, and ever since then, i've never looked back [well.. hardly].

freshlook colorblends, i'm a loyal customer.  i've been using this brand for my colored-contacts needs since i've started wearing them... which has been about 8 years.  i've tried so many colors: blue, grey, honey, green, amethyst, turquoise, true sapphire, and sterling silver.

i suppose this post will show you what these colors looked like on me, minus honey, amethyst, and grey.  i can't seem to find any photos of me wearing those colors. for honey, imagine edward's eyes when he becomes a vampire.  for amethyst, it's like a dark purple... it doesn't show up too well on brown eyes.  the gray is like a paler blue... somewhat of a grey-blue... but not as grey as the sterling silver.  for the others, let's begin with the photos, shall we?
blue [not as bright as true sapphire]
green [didn't really show up that well on brown eyes]
turquoise [a beautiful blend of blue and green]
true sapphire [a very bright blue... i love it!]
sterling silver [a little paler than grey]

Monday, October 18, 2010

take charge with the solbat II by scosche.

my friend, alex lee, is such a sweet guy.  for my birthday this year, he got me a scosche solbat II, a solar powered backup battery/charger [is it because i have a reputation of killing my phone's battery life? most likely, yes.]

this neat, little gadget can be used to charge almost any handheld device.  it has an internal 1500ma lithium-ion rechargeable battery and an output of 5v, which allows you to charge your device at the same rate as a wall charger.  the solbat II can be charged by connecting it to the USB drive [2.5 hours] on your computer or through the renewable power of the sun by placing the solar panel directly in sunlight [18 hours].

i used it for the first time this weekend when i was heading back to philly from virginia.  my phone was close to dying and i was still on the road.  i hate it when my phone dies while i am driving a long distance because you never know what kind of trouble you could get into.  i remembered that i had brought the solbat II along with me and whipped it out of my purse and connected it to my phone.  in a couple hours, my phone went from being almost dead to almost completely full.  it is such a convenience and a definite life saver.

the box includes the rechargeable battery with the solar panel on one side, a windshield cradel, a universal carabiner mount, and a USB charging cable.  if anyone is interested in this device, it can be found on amazon for $19.99.  thanks again, alex!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

what's in my make-up bag: my everyday essentials.

last night at yaki-boy with my girls
me with my bday cakes!
celebrating all month!!
hey, y'all.  today, i want to share with you the make-up products that i use for my everyday "face".  it's a simple look and there's not much to it [pictured to the right. i went out with my girls last night to yakitori boy to catch up, eat some sushi, and do some karaoke. great times, girls!].

when going away for the weekend or to my boyfriend's house, i tend to lug a whole bag of make-up with, but i hardly ever use the other stuff i bring.  maybe i should cut back on what i take along with me, but then again... i never know what kind of mood i'm in and what kind of look i want to achieve.  what i'm about to share with you are my beauty must-haves and things that ALWAYS belong in my make-up bag.

i always start out by washing and cleaning my face.  i usually use a foaming scrub by neutrogena because it doesn't sting my eyes as much.  plus, it has the microbeads to help with exfoliation, and it does a great job of removing eye make-up. 

after washing my face, i always use a moisturizer.  my face, like many others, tends to get very dry after i wash it, so i condition and moisturize with clinique's toner and dramatically different moisturizing lotion.  this is a water-based moisturizer, making it feel very light on the face unlike oil-based moisturizers.

next, i use a translucent powder and sparingly brush it across my face to reduce the little shine from the moisturizer. i use maybelline's dream matte powder in medium sand.  i also use this after i'm finished with my entire face to set my make up and eliminate any shine.

i love the healthy glow that a bronzer gives to my face.  i use the contouring technique with my bronzer. i suck in my cheeks and brush it on with a large angled brush in the hollow parts of my cheeks [contouring my cheekbones].  i use on my jaw line, down my neck, and along my side of my temples.  i mix a little of the bronzer with a blush and use that on my cheekbones for a hint of rosiness.  i've been using estee lauder's bronze goddess in soft matte bronze for the longest time, and i love the results it produces.  i sometimes also use n.y.c's smooth skin bronzing face powder in sunny - it has less glitter than my estee lauder bronzer.

i have an asian nose, so i like to contour my nose.  i use smashbox's brow tech in taupe for this [didn't like the way it looked on my eyebrows so i now use it to contour my nose]. 

next up are my eyebrows.  i have full eyebrows but my hairs grow out unevenly [some spots of my brows are lighter than others], so i use estee lauder's automatic pencil.  this pencil has two ends, both with removable refills.  the one end has my brow color in soft brown [the color goes perfectly with my brows; smashbox's taupe is a bit too light for my brows], and the other has my eyeliner in jet black.

i usually prime my lids.  i use urban decay's primer potion to help the colors of my eyeshadows appear more colorful and vibrant without having to put a lot on, and it helps the eyeshadow last throughout the day with creasing.  i really hate the design of this bottle.  it's so hard to get to the sides of the inside, and that is where most of the product is.  i usually end up depotting this into another container after a few weeks.  terrible bottle design but great product.

the eyeshadow colors i typically use are more neutral.  i'm not really into the colorful stuff.  on a normal day, i typically use lancome's sensational effects quad set in honeymoon, burnt sand, mochaccino, and lezard.  if i want something very quick and easy, i brush on the burnt sand shade and that's it, but if i'm looking to give my eyes more of a dimension, i use all 4 shades to fill in my lids, line my crease, color my outer corners, and highlight my browbone.

i curl my lashes and then use estee lauder's jet black eyeliner on my top lashline to line my eyes.  next, i brush on a couple layers of mascara on both my top and bottom lashes with avon's super full mascara.  this mascara is amazing.  it makes my lashes look so full and long that people think i wear fake lashes.  i absolutely love this and bought a couple tubes at a time [because i love, love, love using mascara].

after all that, i use a big face brush and swirl on a couple strokes of maybelline's dream matte powder to reduce any shine and set my make up.  and of course, glide on a layer of carmex strawberry chapstick, and i'm all done! all this usually takes me about 5-10 minutes so it doesn't consume a lot of my time when getting ready on an average day.

i've been looking for a good foundation to wear for when i want to look absolutely flawless.  i normally don't wear foundation so picking and choosing is a bit difficult.  i've read that NARS sheer matte foundation [$42] is pretty good.  it's a water-based foundation and many people have said it feels very lightweight, like you don't have anything on your face at all.  i think i'll go ahead and try this!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

mulberry for target! yes, mulberry-designed handbags at target!

i may be a bit too late in telling you ladies this... but three days ago [october 10], target released another one of their designer-brand lines... this time it was MULBERRY! 

mulberry at target?  how awesome is that?  but the bad news is... most of the handbags are pretty much sold out online... these babies went like hotcakes with their much awaited debut.  i knew i was missing out on something on sunday.  :(

earlier this year, mulberry for target was featured on a sample sale at gilt groupe.  after browsing through the selection of handbags, i told myself to keep a mental note of the release date at target to snatch up the styles i wanted.  unfortunately, my mind isn't as sharp as it once was [haha - i make it sound like i'm 52 instead of 25].

what i really wanted to get my hands on was the black patent satchel [top right], priced at [get ready for this] $34.99.  alright, alright.. i realize that the usual quality found in a mulberry bag is going to be lacking in a mulberry for target bag... but still!  mulberry! hello?!  and plus, the satchel is uber cute and so stylish! 

another style i was eyeing was the large black pebble tote [left] priced at $49.99.  worn on the shoulder, this bag is totally functional with a bit of rocker edge with the gold studs and clasps.

and lastly, the large velvet satchel [bottom right] is a total charmer... but of course not in denim but in black.  this looks like quite a hefty shoulder bag, allowing you to basically put your entire life and all of its accessories inside. 

all three bags are currently out of stock on target.com, but hopefully there will be another shipment soon [which i highly doubt - with the other brands, once what they have is sold out, it usually does not get replenished].  but i guess we'll never know, because these mulberry bags sold out in a couple days.

looks like i'm going to have to go stalk some local targets in search of these styles.  as long as i can find the black patent leather satchel, i'll be a happy girl.  so there you have it, girls... mulberry for target.  who says making a fashion statement means spending the big bucks?  certainly not target!