Pack It Up, Pack It In...

Well, I'm hitting the road, guys.  Yep, I'm doing a semi-move and visiting with family before my actual, factual move that's quickly approaching.  Yes, I will be moving again... and we all know how much I just loooove moving (enter sarcasm HERE).  Anywho, I'm packing up all my stuff and doing the whole shebang again.  And as far as transporting my precious cosmetic cargo goes, I've pretty much got my routine down pat.

For my loose MAC shadows and handful of Wet 'n' Wild shadows/palettes, I have my trusty Donna Karan cosmetic bag to pack them into.  The bag - with its large, dual compartments and interior, elastic pockets - is perfectly suited in size to keep them all organized and safe during travel.

If you've read my makeup organization post then this one should look familiar to you.  Not only do I use this converted, Bluetooth earpiece case to house my NARS and mega MAC blushes, but it's also a convenient carrier as well since it comes with a lid!

And I think just about everyone has some variation of the "multiple drawer" storage unit and I'm no exception.  I bought this one years ago from Target and it has served me well ever since.  So convenient, I never have to remove the items and re-pack when traveling; I just pick the whole thing up and go.  Now, how handy is that?  Pretty handy, I'd say...

Here's another blast from my organization post.  But just in case you didn't get the memo, iPhone/iPod boxes make awesome cases for makeup, especially space guzzling items like large bronzers and other face products.  The boxes have a sponge/foam insert in the top lid and they're extremely sturdy, which is an absolutely perfect combo for transport!  You won't be able to fit many items in the box (depending on their size), but whatever does make it in will make it to the destination pristine and intact!  Gotta love that!

I also like to pack a lot of my smaller containers into a large shopper or tote so I can stay abreast of everything and keep travel as simple as possible.

So, that's what I've been up to for the past few days (feels like years!).  I've been so busy with moving and trying to get things in order that I've really had little time for anything else.  Oh, and I very inconveniently hurt my hand during all this; yes, my fingers look like overstuffed linked sausages... Oy!  But I'm on the mend.  Slowly, but surely getting back to original form.  Very slowly...

Ahh, the joys of moving... (enter extreme sarcasm HERE)

Field Trip: Target

And so I made my way to one of my favorite places to hang out the other day...  I had no real agenda, but you know how that goes: it's awfully hard to enter a "wonderland" like Target and leave empty-handed.  But I fought the good fight, cruising the aisles with my arms tucked tightly at my side, trying not to grab at every sparkle and twinkle that caught my eye...   

I first made my way over and through the furniture aisle and visually feasted on the printed ottomans on display.  Pretty cute and comfy looking, I must say.  Seeing them gave me some ideas, too.

After wandering into the food section, I had the nerve to pick these bad boys up from the shelf knowing good an' well I don't need another cookies & creme ANYTHING as I already have a full supply of vanilla ice-cream and Oreos at the house.  But they were sweet to look at.

I got a little happy when I saw this hanging from its hook.  I like EOS' shaving cream as well as their lip balms, having tried the latter in the honeydew "flavor".  But a blueberry acai flavor?  Ooh-wee!  That had me intrigued.  I mean, I know it's only lip balm, but I think EOS balms are kinda fun to have... and, on top of that, they actually work well.

And now for the section of the store that makes my heart race just a little.  My Target shopping trip is far from complete if I cannot peruse the makeup/toiletry aisles... and peruse them I did!  I never really gave Boots No. 7 any genuine attention, but I sure was surprised (and pleasantly so) to find that they have a foundation line that includes a few deep shades.  It was just a few, but still an encouraging thing to see. 

Then came the obligatory swing past Sonia Kashuk's display and my eyes were drawn to her assortment of lip liners, especially this dark, hot pink one called Hibiscus.  I own some of her brushes, but haven't tried any of her makeup offerings.  Hmm... that may have to change very soon.

Revlon!!  OK, did I sound excited?  Too excited, perhaps.  But you know they have my heart as far as drugstore lippies and nail lacquers are concerned.  I took an extra slow stroll past their diverse display of colorful items, stopping to do an up-close survey of an eyeshadow palette and a groovy green polish.

I've heard so many good things about NYX's lip products and I keep saying that I'm going to try them; I just haven't as of yet.

But these NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminators quickly caught my fancy.  Has anyone tried these yet?  Either one looks like it would be pretty cool, but I'm not quite sure...

OK, I am not a real fan of ELF.  Yes, I have exactly two of their single shadows, which are actually good and nicely pigmented.  But the brand has never really called out to me.  However, these HD blushes sure do look enticing, don't they?  Wow.

So, while I was able to exercise a certain amount of restraint, I can't exactly say that I ended up leaving the store the same way I came.  I did make a purchase, which I will definitely share with you guys as soon as I can.  I injured my fingers a few days ago, but as soon as they are ready for prime time, it will be on and poppin'!  I repeat: ON AND POPPIN'!

Friday Flashback: Call Me Bubbles

Hey, guys!  Do any of you remember this one?  I don't recall what collection it hails from, but it's one of the few pre-made palettes that I own from MAC.  Those already in the know know how I feel about MAC eyeshadows: when they're good, they're good; when they're bad... Well, let's just say that this is a quad-full of good ones.  So, if you don't mind traversing down makeup's memory lane with me, let's revisit all the loveliness that is MAC's Call Me Bubbles.

Call Me Bubbles is a compilation of four, summer-worthy shadows that not only share the same amount of intensity as far as color payoff, but they're all equally as gorgeous.  Starting clockwise from the left corner is citrus-tinged, off-white Call Me Bubbles; frosty tangerine Fresh Daily; cantaloupe coral Full of Flavor; brassy copper Brash. 

Call Me Bubbles (L), Fresh Daily (R)

Full of Flavor (L), Brash (R)

Brash (L), Coppering (R)

If I were to pick a favorite shade out of the palette, it would have to be Brash.  It is so satiny soft to the touch and when I tell you that my finger looked like it had been dipped in melted copper when I swatched it, please believe it.  It is a certifiable eye-popper!  And for those who were wondering if it was a dupe for MAC's Coppering, it's not.  Coppering is much rustier.

L - R: Brash, Full of Flavor, Fresh Daily, Call Me Bubbles

This palette is chock-full of hits!  All the colors are vibrant and absolutely GORGEOUS, especially Brash!  And as pretty as they all are, can you believe I have yet to wear any of them?  Yes, I know.  Calling Me Bubbles has been calling my name, though.  And I'll be heeding that call very soon.  Please believe it.  But until then, you can just slap me for sleeping on this palette for so long.  With an open hand.  And all five fingers... 

I give you full permission. 

Have Makeup, Will Travel

I've come a mighty long way from having a couple of lipsticks and a tube of mascara that I could just throw into my purse for quick transport.  It's been a gradual climb, but I've now amassed a fair cache of cosmetics that not even a simple makeup bag could house comfortably.  Yes, my collection now warrants the next level up in mobile accommodations - a train case!  And would you believe me if I told you that I happened upon an awesome one at a local thrift store?  Really, it was Birthday Boy who found it, but still.  So, if you have a moment, I'd love to tell you about my second-hand store find - the SalonPro case by Caboodles.

Like most box train cases, it has reinforced metal corners, latched closures that lock and a top handle.  Unlike most train cases, this Caboodles has metal feet on the bottom to help preserve the integrity of the case and keep it clean, and is adorned in a fabric mash-up of pictorial excerpts from various magazine adverts/covers.

Before purchasing it, you know I had to give it a good once-over and other than a nick on its leather handle...

...and slight scuffing on the leather trim on one side, the case was in excellent condition!  #Winning!

And the interior, complete with a stair-step of six extendable trays and bottom compartment, was absolutely immaculate with not one tear or stain on the black fabric in sight.

Sewn into the two opposing walls of the unit are a series of elastic slots for easy storage and transport of various items and tools - an added convenience that I find to be extra cool.  #WinningAgain!

Still attached to the inner drawer and covered in plastic, the set of keys for the latches looked like they had never been removed, let alone used.  And that leads me to think that the case itself had hardly been used, if at all.  #WinningBIGtime!

So, needless to say, I am brimming with happiness over my first Caboodles train case.  Now I realize that I may have to go a bit bigger soon at the rate I'm going, but this medium-size case is doing its job and even putting in some OT as far as helping me store and organize my lot while I'm on the move.  Therefore, I may have to change Birthday Boy's name to Ol' Eagle Eyes as he was able to zero in on something that I didn't even notice at first.  And I'm the better for it.  My SalonPro Caboodles was a fortuitous, fabulous find that was most definitely right on time.  Thanks, BB/OEE!

Barbie: Stylin' Hair Brandy

In addition to the one Brandy doll I own, I do have another Barbie that was made in the TV/music star's image (I think Mattel made about four or five versions).  This one focuses more on fashioning a host of funky looks via the various hairpieces and accoutrements she comes with.  So, without further delay, I'd love to give you the rundown of another gem from their crown series of celebrity dolls - Stylin' Hair Brandy.

Stylin' and profilin' are definitely the names of this game as we catch this particular Brandy interpretation confidently rocking an ensemble indicative of the sassy nature of the real-life star.  From her short-sleeved, pink crop top...

...to her formfitting, merlot pants with the pink lace overlay, SH Brandy is ready to funk you right on up and have fun while doing it.  Forever the fashion forward gal, she calls on a truncated, box bag and color matching platforms to help complete the look.

But the real fun comes when choosing a hairstyle for the diverse little diva.  From the clip-on Bantu knots shown above to a pair of curly add-ons, a braided tie-on, hair pick and bandana, Brandy has everything in her arsenal of convertible 'dos to get her coif snatched tight and right.

Cascading from beneath her crocheted, pink skully is a mixed waterfall of black braids and shocking pink locks, which plays nicely off her more sedated visage of mauve/gold lips and neutral eye.

So, there you have it.  Once again, attention has been diligently paid to every detail; Brandy's trademark baby hair, her gorgeous, wide-set almond eyes and her indomitable approach to style - everything has been accounted for.  And the doll even comes with a signed poster, which is the perfect "cherry on top" that's sure to sate the appetite of the avid fan and the consummate doll collector alike.  Very cool, indeed.