Google Translate app

Hi, all!

I recently discovered something I've been having a lot of fun with. No, it's not Hershey's Kisses (although I do love them!). It's the Google Translate app. 

Maybe I'm the last to know about this. I dunno. I've used the Google Translate on my computer often, but had no idea about the app until I saw a commercial for it. I thought it would be useful for traveling. It probably is. Mostly I've just been playing with it. 

Stefon is as excited as I am.

It can use your camera to translate signs, you can type in whatever you want translated, there's a voice feature, or you can write what you want translated in the app. I tried cursive and printed handwriting and they both worked perfectly, which is amazing because my handwriting is kind of the worst. I can't even read it sometimes.

There's many languages to choose from and a "Detect Language" feature. I think that's pretty sweet.

Also, this app is free! You know I love that because I'm cheap.

Get it here - Android::Apple

Have you discovered any new apps that's blown your mind? Let me know in the comments. I'm always looking for interesting new things.

Love,

More Mascaras

Hi, all!
I have a weird thing with mascaras. I keep trying to find the perfect one. At any given point, I have at least three open at once so I can layer them up as needed. I posted previously about six other ones. Well, here's five more in no particular order.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara - ($2.99) - This is one seriously good mascara (and it's cheap!!!). It volumizes like crazy. This gets recommended by so many YouTubers and bloggers, that I had to try it and I'm so glad I did. One drawback is its tendency to clump if you're not careful. A good eyelash comb can take care of that. I found this one at Walgreens, but I've also seen it at K-mart. If you don't have either of those near you, click the link above to take you to their online store.

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara - ($4.99) - This one is also soooo cheap, but soooo good! I'm not going to lie. I bought this because of the adorable packaging. #noshame But, also no lie, this is my new favorite mascara. I plan on picking up another tube the next time I'm in Ulta. It gives good volume, but with less clumps. Sometimes I still have to use an eyelash comb, but it's not that often. The brush is shaped differently from anything else I've tried. The bristles on one side of the brush is shorter than the other. I apply this like normal from the front and then I put the brush behind my lashes and use a flicking motion to curl my lashes backwards. I then use the short side for my lower lashes.The bristles do an awesome job of grasping my lashes, curling them, and placing product on my lashes all the way to the tips. I love my dramatic lashes and this gives me drama. Also, the packaging is adorable. Did I say that already?

bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara in Black - ($18.00) - You may have noticed, but I don't often (or ever, really) get full sizes of high end mascaras. I have a problem paying that much for something I'll have to toss in just three months. I'm cheap like that. However, I'm tempted to pick up a full size of this one. "Flawless Definition" is a perfect name for this mascara. Each and every lash is perfectly defined from base to tip. Gorgeous!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Voluptuous Volume Mascara - ($23.00) - This one is pretty good. I'm on my second (sample sized) tube of it. It has an hourglass shaped brush that makes my lashes flare out. My one serious gripe about this mascara (besides the name) is that I have to let this one dry out a bit. When I first use it, I'm never that impressed. I'll layer other mascaras with it. However, after giving it a week or so, it's pretty great.

Wet n Wild MegaProtein Mascara in Very Black - ($2.29) - Yeah, this one's a bummer. I tried hard with this. I love the Wet n Wild brand, but it can be hit or miss. This one missed huge for me. I could not get this to leave any product of the tips of my lashes, so, in short, this made my lashes look so stumpy. So. Very. Stumpy.

What mascaras are you raving over right now? And, more importantly, which ones should I avoid like the plague?

Love,

How to (not) crochet a hat

Definitely (not) a hat.

Hi, all!
I've been feeling the crafting bug a bit lately and thought I'd try to crochet a hat to match the scarf I made last spring. I was thinking that a slouchy beanie would be cute. So, completely sans pattern (yup!), I started. Here's how I (didn't) crochet a hat.

1. Decide to not use a pattern or tutorial. Who needs those?
2. Chain a few stitches, figuring that when you start to crochet around them, they'll go kind of circular-ish.
3. Notice that the stitches aren't going circular-ish. Ignore and carry on.
4. Notice that instead of the non-circular-ish area getting wider, it's getting taller. Ignore and carry on.
5. Realize that this will never work. Continue on for a few more rows.
6. Decide that your hat is now a doll purse.
7. Chain stitch a handle and secure to the opposite side.
8. Have a good laugh.
9. Look up a pattern to make a slouchy beanie hat. 
10. Begin again some other night.

Very simple, right? In just ten easy steps you, too, can (not) have a hat.

At least Katie looks happy with it.

Love,

Prep School: August 2015 ipsy glam bag

Hi, all!
How's your summer? Mine went fast! The kiddo started back to school Monday and I've bought my first pumpkin scented candle, so that must mean it's autumn. Ipsy must agree, because this month's theme is Prep School. I liked everything this month, but I liked some things more than others. So, in order of favorite to least favorite, here's what I got and what I thought.

1. Trust Fund Beauty Nail Polish in Elegantly Wasted - I'm so in love with this nail polish! It's by a brand I had never heard of before, so I'm so thrilled to be able to try this one out. It's almost a one-coater and Elegantly Wasted is such a beautiful greyed-out purple. It's a color I would buy myself.

The brush is just the traditional skinny brush. The formula coats evenly and dries quickly. It's 5-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. And the packaging is fabulous. Love! I painted my nails Thursday evening and as of now (Tuesday), I have only one small chip and some wearing on the tips. I'm thrilled with that. I'm so hard on my manicures, I feel lucky to get maybe two days without significant chipping. I used this with Gelous as a base and top coat.
(Value $15.00)

2. Skone Cosmetics Luxe Doubler Eye/Lip Pencil in Wine - The idea behind this pencil is intriguing. It's an eye and lip pencil. Together. In one product. I had a hard time wrapping my head around that one. As a lip pencil, it went on smoothly and lasted well past lunch before I felt like I needed to touch-up. I love wearing wine lip colors for autumn.

As an eye pencil, well, it doesn't set on its own. It stays creamy and if you have watery eyes (like I do), that could be an issue. It looked beautiful, but there was some wear at the end of the evening.

I think I'll stick to wearing it on my lips. Bonus tip: to avoid eye infections, sharpen it between uses. I just feel like going from mouth to eye could be a problem. I'm not a doctor, but it sounds a bit sketchy. Sharpen it and you should be fine.
(Value $12.00)

3. noyah Natural Lipstick in Desert Rose - This lipstick is pretty good. It's not long-lasting, but it doesn't claim to be. It smells like unscented lipstick, which I know sounds weird. It's just that waxy scent that's not much of anything. The color payoff is good. It's richly pigmented.

Won't you come
into the garden?
I would like my roses
to see you.
 ~Richard Brinsley Sheridan

This dusty pink was almost a nude on me and it has a semi-matte (kind of satin) finish. It's all-natural and cruelty-free.
(Full size $18.00, Sample size $4.50)

4. La Fresh Group Good Night. Night Cream - I've tried the eco-beauty good day cream before and loved it. This size of packaging took me two or three weeks to get through before and I'm still working on the night cream. I love that that gives me time to decide how I really feel about it. The scent is so light and the formula is very hydrating. The important this is that it doesn't make my skin break out. So, yay! I also love the fact that the packet has a nozzle and cap. It's perfect for travel. You can get the day cream in this travel size, but not the night cream. Maybe that's coming later. Fingers crossed!
(Full size $40.00, Sample size $13.99)

5. Briogeo Blossom & Bloom ™ Ginseng + Biotin Volumizer -  If I used a volumizing spray, I'm sure I'd like this one. As it is, my hair tends to resemble a lion's mane all on its own. I tried it out (for science!) and it smells really good and leaves my hair soft, not crunchy. My hair is big anyway, so I have no idea if it works for volumizing. It does smell really, really good, though.
(Full size $18.00, Sample size $3.53)

The bag - I adore this bag! It's something I would have picked out and actually pay real money for. In fact, I just bought a wallet that matches this bag. I've had an abiding love for houndstooth for as long as I can remember. This one has a fresh look with the radiant orchid zipper and lining. The outer body is a vinyl that will be easy to keep clean.

The grand total this month is $49.02 plus the bag. I'm happy with that. How about you? What did you get? If you're not subscribed and would like to check it out, my referral link is here. I get nothing but points to redeem for free stuff. If you would like to check it out without the link, go to ipsy.com. It's $10/month beauty subscription service that is customizable to you own tastes.

Love,

Disney 2015

Hey, all!
I said I'd get around to blogging about our Disney trip, so here it is. I'll keep it brief...-ish. We always take two days to drive down. We stop in Charlotte, NC first and then Savannah, GA. We hit Tybee Island for the day as our last day of relaxation before heading to the land of the Mouse. 'Cause there's no rest to be had at Disney!

There was so much excitement when the kiddos saw the sign. (And, yes, I only have one kid, but we also took my niece with us this time.)

I really love the seemingly random shows in the street.

After a trip to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, we had Enchanted Tales with Belle. Z & E were Chip and Mrs. Potts.

See those giant birds? Yeah, they're pigeons. Their caretaker was helping them get straw for their nest. Gorgeous.

That grey thing in the background is a hippo. The girls were mostly fascinated by the fish.

Mr. Gold's pawn shop!!!

The news of the day in Storybrooke.

I loved the hand prints at Hollywood Studios.

Squee!

So pretty! <3 p="">

One sad family checking out.

We stayed in Port Orleans French Quarter this time. The last time we stayed in All-Star Music. Port Orleans is a bajillion times better. It was more comfortable, had better amenities, and the kids loved the pool with its water dragon slide. We stayed busy the whole time. In fact, I feel like I'm still trying to recover a month later. That being said, my husband is already planning the next trip. He's got Disney in the blood now.

Love,

July's ipsy glam bag: Summer Lovin'

Hi, all!
This month's ipsy post is super late. The bag was delayed in Hebron, KY for many days and then it was delivered the day after we left for Disney World. (That will be another post once I've rested up.) The theme of the month is Summer Lovin'. The pattern on the bag is summery, I guess...?

I really liked everything I got, so I'll list the contents in no particular order.

1. NUDESTIX Magnetic Eye Color in Gilt - This is an eyeshadow pencil that is waterproof and smudgeproof. Gilt is a metallic gold and is straight up gorgeous. Once it sets, it doesn't budge and it doesn't crease.

I tried it on its own and with a traditional eyeshadow over it. Works beautifully both ways.

There is a sharpener that comes packaged with it.

And the sharpener fits onto the end of the pencil. Pretty neat. They also come with a case when you buy them. Ipsy subscribers didn't get the case, but honestly that's cool with me. I keep my eye pencils in a pretty cup thingy. The case would get in my way.
(Value $24.00 with case)

2. City Color Cosmetics HD Powder - City Color keeps knocking it out of the park. Their HD powder is beautiful. It's so finely milled and it leaves a soft matte finish. It's 100% silica.
(Full size value $5.99. Sample size value $3.42)

3. Jor'el Parker Classico Mini Roller -  I really like this perfume. It's so grown-up and sophisticated. That's not normally what I go for, to be honest. I tend to like smelling like a candy shop or a bakery. The website has this listed as the perfume's notes:

Indonesian Clove Bud, Australian Sandalwood, Moroccan Rose, French Bergamot, Indian Tuberose, Japanese Orange Flower, Lebanese Cedarwood, Turkish Cyclamen, South African Freesia 

Basically, it's a spicy floral.
(Value $21.00)

4. Crown Brush Professional Tweezers in Black - (I kind of wish I had gotten pink, but whatever.) These tweezers are perfectly fine. They're a good size; smaller than my other tweezers, but not too small. I seem to go through a lot of tweezers, so I was happy to get these.
(Value $6.99)

5. pūr~lisse pur-bright ultra skin brightening serum - This was some seriously good timing. I've developed some freckles this summer. I wear sunscreen daily. I even carry around two different kinds with me in my purse. I still ended up with more freckles than I find acceptable on me. I've been using this as directed both at night after washing my face and in the morning before doing my makeup. It goes beautifully under makeup. It absorbs quickly. I haven't had it long enough to notice a difference, but it hasn't broken me out. So, yay! (Side note: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Facial Cleanser + pūr~lisse pur-bright ultra skin brightening serum = dill pickle scent. Just sayin'.) I've been using Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum for a while. The pūr~lisse one is much milder.
(Full size value $76.00. Sample size value $25.33) 

The bag - I think this month's bag is good. The print is super cute. I prefer a zipper on top rather than on the side, but that's my only real gripe. A friend of mine (Hi, Christal!) had issues with her bag. It had frayed around the seams or something. Mine was fine. Until I splashed coffee on it. But, whatever. User error.

Rewards Points Bonus: Buxom Eyeshadow Bar Single Eyeshadow in VIP & Empty Eyeshadow Bar Compacts - ipsy does this cool thing where you can review the products you got and have people sign up using your code and you get points. Points get you free stuff. Yay! I ordered this Buxom eyeshadow with my points. It came automatically with compact. Super yay!

I love a good purple, so I went with VIP. It's described as a sparkling orchid. It is a matte base with a hint of micro glitter. On the eye, the sparkle is very subtle. Even on the swatch, I had a hard time photographing it. The website describes the formula as:

A primer-infused, powerfully pigmented eye shadow refill with intense color payoff.
Featuring primer-infused technology to help keep color locked in place, this Single Eyeshadow Refill has a powerfully-pigmented formula that glides onto lids—delivering intense payoff with an ultra-luxe, powder-to-silk feel. 

I'd take that primer-infused claim with a grain of salt. I normally use an eye primer, however as an experiment (For science!) I went without it. This creased and faded pretty badly. With a proper primer, it's gorgeous and lasts all day. Moral of the story: Use an eye primer!

I was really impressed that they included the compact.

(Value Eyeshadow $12.00, Compact $2.00)

The grand total for this month's ipsy bag is $80.74 + $14.00 bonus = $94.74 not including the bag. Score!

If you're interested in signing up, you can use my referral link or just go to ipsy.com. Ipsy is a $10/month beauty subscription service that's customizable to your own tastes.

If you already get ipsy, what did you get in your bag? I'm always interested.

Love,