Showing Some GH Love

I don't know how they (soap operas) do it, but they keep reeling me back in. I have been a fan of General Hospital off and on since I was 12. Some of my best memories are of my grandmother and I sitting down at 2 o'clock to catch the show in the afternoons. Adam is too funny saying that it's silly to watch those types of things, but when it's on he'll sit and watch it with me and ask me questions about what's going on. He secretly loves it, and reminds him of time spent with his mom and grandma. I think that's the hook. You end up growing up with these characters, and spending time watching with your own love ones. 

Through the years I've made friends bonding over episodes of GH. Sharing our common love and hatred over plots and characters. As much as we hate drama in our own lives we don't mind living vicariously through these characters. As other soaps have ended their long running series, I hope that GH goes on forever.

I have not been faithful in watching everyday, but I catch up when I can on Hulu. I use to have it recorded on my DVR, but I couldn't get to them in time and they ended up hogging space on my list. Where would I be with out this tech? Probably buying Soap Digest.

I had to share yesterday's episode with you. It's kind of a happy break before a storm. I've grown attach to these characters well-being and always root for them. Just like life, there are no happy endings, only happy moments.

If you missed yesterday's episode here it is linked up through Hulu. If you are new to the series, it will be fun to watch at least once to know why people love it so.

Outfit of the Day: Falling Skies

I should have been picking up my apartment today. Since starting my new job, even though it's part time I haven't found a routine yet. We are creatures of habit, some more than others ( pointing at myself). Things go to the wayside, namely my home. Adam and I are both Sagitarians. Meaning we leave things where we drop them, and that there is always something better and more important to do then clean/pick up. 

What did I do all day? Why catch up on blogs, FB, and retail sites :) Of course I need background noise and had Blood+ playing on Netflix. I dedicated a whooping hour to picking up, ha ha. At least that's some progress.

 

 

 

What I'm wearing today is the result of picking up. It's been clean laundry and new purchases laying about. The black tank with the embroidered cut out was purchased a few months back. I really need to invest in similar tops. I tend to grab the same one week after week. The sweater is from F21 and I believe they still have it for less than $13.00. I can tell you right now that I'll be wearing it a lot along with the dark brown one I have. I've worn them with maxi dresses a la Olson twin and with jeans like today. The jeans you've seen before. They are LEVI'S bootcut and were thrifted at my local Salvation. I really didn't want to wear my new Missoni scarf just yet. I chose to wear it like a turban because it was wrinkled anyway. Ha ha, of course I haven't switched up my handbag yet (H&M). 

Thanks for reading guys and dolls + for being so patient with my slow posting of outfits.

Always- Albee

Pick of the Day: My Girl is Red Hot

Blazers are here to stay. Wither they be cropped, long, striped, floral, buttoned, tied, or open they have become a basic. A basic to wear with jeans, slacks, skirts, dresses, and even shorts. What a better way to pull together a tee and jean combo. How many black blazers must you have? Every season has the color to have. We've seen blush, yellow, and navy. I've been holding out for something more eye catching. Patience has it's rewards. I've found the perfect one to add to my wardrobe.

Make your own animation

It's the cropped open front blazer from GoJane.com for $24.50. What makes it the ideal blazer for me? This red is the punch of color I need for my Fall wardrobe, complimenting all my neutrals. A fitted blazer is always flattering with my curves. With the oversize-boy cut blazers, I just look shorter and chubbier. I'm loving the soft curves, and shirred sleeve details. It's all about the details in this one. The topping to my sundae? It's hand washable, no need to send this one to the dry cleaners. Oooh, how I hate spending money there (shaking my fist). F.Y.I., the blazer is also sold in black. Can't wait to show you guys in a post.

Thanks for reading, much love and virtual hugs all around.- Albee

Loop of the Day: Lana Del Rey

O.k., I'm crushing so hard on Lana Del Rey. I can't wait to own her LP. You heard me right. I think I'll be purchasing vinyl. The sound could only enrich her vocals. Besides her amazing voice, I'm luving her style. Epitome of bombshell via Brigitte Bardot.

EOTD, Eye of the Day?

Ha ha, is there such a thing. I bet there is or how else did it sink into my conscience? I was inspired by a little article in my Allure magazine for a black/ grey smokey eye. I wanted to do a light wash of grey with no liner. I've noticed that if I'm too heavy handed with smokey eyes, it just looks like a hot mess. 

Here is the palette that I used and the application process:

click on image for a close up

For 5 bones, this palette was such a steal for as many color as you get. Using the shadows wet, you would get more of a color payoff. Since it was day, I just wanted something light and pretty.

Let me know what you think of this post? Is makeup application something you're interested on here? Thanks for reading.

xo-Albee

Movie of the Week: Red Riding Hood (2011)

Red Riding Hood 2011

PG-13

Were you like me and wondered how they were going to make a film out of a short fairytale. Some of the key pieces of this film that made it attractive are:

1. Catherine Hardwicke is the director.

I've been in love with her work since Thirteen with Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed. I think Hardwicke learned a lot from directing the first Twilight film, but still is able to hold on to the intimacy of indie films. She is able to share teen angst and translate is well on screen.

2. Cast of actors.

The film has a wonderful cast of seasoned actors and a few new comers to keep your eye out for in the future. Gary Oldman was a key factor in getting the Bf to watch this movie. The story centers around young Valerie played by Amanda Seyfried. Billy Burke, Viginia Madsen, Lukas Haas, Max Irons, and Shiloh Fernandez will be familiar faces or soon well be for you. The cast breaths life in this retelling of an old story. 

3. The story.

Do people still read fairy tales and fables to their children? The enjoyment in watching this film stems from the familiarity of the story. It's a wonderful adult interpretation of the story well read or we were read to while growing up. The film is filled with different human dynamics, between young loves, deceitful adults, two-sided friendships, and fearful mob mentality.  

Like all good fairy tales, it isn't for the faint of heart. The film is rated PG-13 and appropriately so. The Bf wasn't surprised that at the end of watching the film, I said that I loved it and can't wait to own it for myself to add to our collection. 

Head Over Heels for a Pair of Docs

As a kid I dreamed of owning a pair of Dr.Martens. For the price, you know that there were only a hand full of girls that owned a pair. The ones that did were sooo cool and intimidating. They looked like they couldn't give a sh*t about anything. I so wanted to be one of them. The boots that I coveted were Ox Blood, the taller the better.

For some reason the newest versions are not the deep red that I loved from long ago.

I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to pull the trigger and buy myself a $100+ pair of shoes. I know that I should look at them as an investment, something to have forever. A few years back I did it, and bought a pair of black 1914 Triumph, with pink tartan lining. I love the idea that they are fashioned after a motorcycle boot and can be worn short with the lining being shown.

I can't tell you how ecstatic I felt that day receiving them in the post. They came with the standard black laces, and a black ribbon lace with pink tips. Since then I have worn them with jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses- everything!

The first couple of times I wore them, they weren't as comfortable as I thought they would be. Just like any boot, I needed a breaking in period. Now, they are amazingly dreamy and fit like a glove. I kid you not, they feel like they were made for me. How many times did it take to break in? I would say it by the 4th time I fell in love.

With any leather good, you have to take care of it if you want it to last a life time. Along with the boot I purchased the Dr.Martens Wonder Balm. That has been the best moisturizer, protectant I have ever used to date. I'm thinking of using it on all my leather, faux and real alike. 

This season Docs came out with different colors and finishes for the 1914 Triumph boot. There is not one that I don't like.

I'm not one for redundancy so I think I'll pass on purchasing the same boot, just in a different color. The boot that I am loving right this moment? The 1B99 Modern Classic in Peacock. I've been in admiration of this shade of blue for a few years now. Not many shoes come in this color and I totally regret not buying a pair of flats when I saw them. I'm certainly not going to let these babies pass me buy this time.

So it's official, I am addicted to Dr.Martens. Just like potato chips, I can't have just one. Adam called it, in saying that I would spend a chunk of my first paycheck on a pair of Docs. Sigh, at least I'll be able to wear them to work :)

New Facial Wipes for My Routine

I've been looking for some waterless makeup remover wipes. At the end of the day I don't want to spend tons of time in the bathroom taking off the war paint. I've also noticed that I'm getting bored with the routine, which we all know that feeling leads to bad habits i.e. not washing your face at all. Besides with the wipes I'm able to tote it out to the desert on the weekends with out worrying that the bottle will explode because of the pressure of elevation change. I go from around 70 ft. above sea level to 3500 ft.

We all know that practically every brand has come out with their own makeup remover wipes. Since I'm on a budget I had to go with drug store brands. My daily facial SPF is OLAY, my daily face scrub bounces from Neutrogena, St.Ives, to Target's Up and Up brand. I decided to work my way through those brands wipes first.

Since I'm at Target once a week anyway. I decided on using their Up and Up brand. I chose the one with exfoliating cucumber. On the package it says, " Compare to Ponds Exfoliating Clean Sweep". I haven't tried the Ponds version yet so I can't say or judge the comparison. I can tell you that one side of the wipe has nubs that exfoliate and the other is smooth to take off the makeup. The scent is more of a fresh green tea then cucumber. 

The wipe is easy to use. I still use my normal eye makeup remover for waterproof mascara and eyeliner prior to using the wipe. When I first apply it to my face I make sure I hit my T zone first, forehead, nose, and chin. I still produce the most oil there. After I'm done with the smooth side I just flip it over to the more textured sided and repeat the process of wiping my face. No rinsing necessary. There is no alcohol in the product so it doesn't dry out my skin. No oil in it either, I'm not left looking super greasy. It leaves my face clean feeling with no residue. 

I love the idea that I don't need water too use the wipes. I just lift the seal of the bag, pull one out, wipe, and toss. I haven't told you the best part yet. I've been using this product once a day, for a week. Since introducing this product to my routine I've noticed that my pores are smaller. The only other product that I use that does that is my Aeeno positively ageless night cream, that I haven't been using because I've run out.

I'm so thrilled to find that this works for me. I can't guarantee that you will have the same results, but for the price and for it being hypoallergenic I think it's worth the shot of trying it out.

Loop of the Day

I know that I haven't been doing many Loop of the Day post recently. I thought that maybe they can fill in the gap the days I have work. Well until I'm able to put up a OOTD. 

I adore this video. I guess what they say is true, you can learn everything you need to know on the playground. Kids are funny in the way that they are hone down to the basic, mostly driven my emotions. That life experiences changes things, you learn what is proper in polite society. Physically beating up rivals is so not proper.

I wish you well today, hope you have a good one. I'll be seeing you later with an Outfit of the Day post.

xo- Albee

Missoni for Target Haul

Holy smokes! Did anyone else fight the mob this morning? Ha ha ha. I knew that this would have been big. So big in fact that I forwent extra sleep and waited for Target doors to open at 8 a.m. this morning. Driving there I was almost driven off the road by some fashionable 20 something. That should have sent up a red flag right there, that this wouldn't be a regular shopping day. 

As I walked up to the doors, 5 minutes before opening there were all ready 15 people there. Pretty good odds right? I should have just went in with out grabbing a cart. It was such a frenzy and I can see how people can get caught up and just grab everything they see. Good thing that I had a wish list in mind. 

1. Throw

2. Scarf

3. Luggage Tote

4. Shower Curtain

I know that Missoni is known for their knits and that the clothing would just fly off the racks. For some reason my heart just wasn't leaning towards the dresses, skirts, cardigans, and wraps. I wanted the housewares and accessories. 

This one shopper attacked the display that held all the bedding. I kid you not, she did a sweep and took everything. There was two other shoppers there at the same time and barely got away with a couple of things. I was so bummed that I didn't get the throw. I was able to score the scarf and luggage tote at the same store. Store employees told me to try the stores in the lower income communities. Great tip. 

I tried one other store this morning and was able to purchase the double sided shower curtain. To tell you the truth I've been with out one for years. I'm that picky :) So glad that I held out for the Missoni one, as it matches everything. 

The spoils of my labor: