Major Mascara

Stila major lash mascara - ulta $8

My eyelashes - and former dark hair

I know I was born lucky - to have these major eyelashes of my own.  But what I tell you ladies is you can't have everything!!  I might have great eyelashes but there are ladies with perky tushes, clear skin, full long hair, you know where I am getting at with this.   One woman wants my eyelashes and yet I want to be able to fit into a single digit pant size.  I want to be able to leave the house without makeup without fear of acne scars and under eye bags.  But we can't have it all.   

Today, for the 100th time I got asked if I use latisse on my eyelashes.  I constantly get asked if I have eyelash extensions on.  One woman went so far to grab my eyelash and give it a tug just because she had to know for herself.  These Venus fly trap-esque lashes generate a lot of attention.  I get asked a lot of questions about them, and even get some accusations.  For the record, they are real, 100%.

So today, I am going to share with you my secret weapon. An $8 mascara only available at Ulta (as far as I know), Stila Major Lash in Black.  I have used diorshow, lancome, Clinique, buxom, M.A.C., Chanel, L'Oreal, Makeup Forever, and the list goes on.  While I can make pretty much any mascara work, the only one that I can truly say I love is this stila major lash.  It's tiny brush allows for a more precise application.  It is non flaky, doesn't leave a trail of sandpaper in your eye, beautifully darkens, extends, volumizes, and is not clumpy.  It layers so well and is perfect in every way -- Oh, and only $8.  You can't beat it.     

I am also loving these limited edition Stila Valentine's Day compacts - so gorgeous. 

Love at first blush - $14 @ Ulta

Love at First Blush - $14 @ Nordstroms

Spa Junkie

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I am a self confessed spa junkie.  I love a spa treatment, massage, day at the spa more than most things in this world.  But spa time doesn't come cheap and a massage can run you upwards of $100+.  I certainly don't have endless funds to spend on these luxuries so I have had to figure out ways to stretch my spa dollars.  Here are my tips to help you readers get yourselves some much needed spa time without spending a ton of money. 

1. Yelp - Go to yelp and research the highest rated spas in your area.  Then watch the spas websites for monthly specials and packages.  Most spas change their specials every month and run packages that are deeply discounted.

2. Facebook - Like your local spas on facebook.  Most spas run a daily deal - they look at their books and seek to fill the gaps by advertising last minute specials.  These last minute specials are usually at a great discount than the service would normally cost. 

3. Twitter - Spas also advertise last minute specials via twitter.  

4. Spa Finder - Purchase $100 of spa finder credit for only $80 at costco. These gift certificates work just like cash at any spa finder spa. There are so many local spas and spas all over the country (think vacation) that accept these. 

Use these gift certificates on already promoted monthly specials to double your discounts.  For example - I purchased $300 of spa finder for $240 at Costco, then booked myself an entire spa day at Qua spa - 3 total services that were also listed as monthly specials, about 3.5 hours, with TIP for only $240.  That was a SMOKIN' deal.

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These ones are for you Portlanders

Spa Willamina (5 stars on Yelp) is having a special 'love is in the air' special.  You can buy a gift certificate for only $45 which will purchase a 75 min massage or 75 min facial (there are 2 other options as well).  Go to their website home page, click purchase gift certificates, then under choose an amount or service, select services to see which ones are for sale. 

I purchased a massage for myself and one for my honey to have some couples spa time - just in time for Valentine's Day.

Spa Willamina

If you like Spa Willamina on Facebook -

If you like Dragontree Holistic Day Spa (a SpaFinder spa) on Facebook - this was their special they ran today, just to see what they are sending out -

Our Last Minute Special for Sunday, February 5th:
45 minute Swedish Massage for $55
60 minute Custom Facial for $75

Just some ideas to get you girls thinking about pampering yourselves.  Great idea for something to ask for from your sweetie for Valentine's Day too.  :)  If you ever have any questions about spa's or spa services (I have had most) just email me and I will be more than happy to help you find the best deal and a service that matches what you are looking for.

Super Bowl Sunday

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The snackadium looks tempting this year!!   If I had the chance to snack on one of these things I am sure I would have a stomach ache by half-time.  But!  Anyone who knows me knows how I spend Super Bowl Sunday...at the mall!!  Shopping is my cardio, and I guess 'game' after all.  I love to head to the mall while the rest of the country huddles up to watch the big game.   The mall is empty and mine to devour.  No teenagers running around and throwing sodas at each other in front of Spencer gifts, no old ladies sleeping on the benches, no lines in the restrooms listening to other people make bodily functions that sound painful.  It is GLORIOUS!!  It is also pretty fun to see the guys that are actually being drug along on shopping adventures - you have never seen such a sad face on a guy, it looks as if they are shopping for euthanasia.  So ladies...to the MALL WE GO!!

Here is what I am planning to head out to get a peek at this Sunday...

Toms ballet flats

These are a new style and I believe are on wait list only

Potential tote for the cruise??

New tropical scented candles at Bath & Body Works

NARS wicked attraction set

I love, love, love the Orgasm and Laguna blush/bronzer duo

Bare Minerals - Now in JUMBO size and only $35

Monticeto Sheet set to spruce up the master bedroom?

Textured knit sweaters for those winter/spring days

Have a WONDERFUL weekend and Super Bowl Sunday - whether you celebrate watching the game, or at the mall like me!!  And don't forget about the Sephora Lip Collection giveaway - you can still earn lots of entries :)

Man-lentine's Day

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What was once my million dollar idea, appears to be something quite a few ladies have also thought of.  What do you get a man who has everything?  What do you give your man that is so very Valentine's day?  A Man-lentine or a man-quet!!  

Finding something that is very 'valentiney' for the 14th is hard to do when you are shopping for a typical American male.  Most of our guys are simple creatures, couldn't want for much, and most definitely wouldn't be into getting a stuffed bear.  A few years ago I was thinking about what to do for K and I thought about getting a bunch of the things that he loves and turning it into a little bouquet of goodies.  Things like lottery tickets, little soda bottles, his favorite candies, gum, snacks, gift cards for movies or taco bell, cigars...your know MANLY stuff.  I know it is cheesy and kitschy, but I think that is kind of the essence of Valentine's day.  Everything sold in stores and the idea around the whole day is derived from an idea that you just can't take too seriously.

I never did complete my project but as you can see above, a lot of other ladies have.  I think it could turn out totally cute and what guy wouldn't want a personalized bouquet just for him?  Totally perfect!

Instead of making a bouquet of things that are mini that year, I went in totally the opposite direction, and got him HUGE things he loves.  Which is also pretty fun to give, he LOVED it.

I gave him a HUGE Rice Krispies Treat + a Coors Light mini keg + made a candy bar Valentine's card.  It was super cute, lovey, but still manly enough he could accept getting it ;)

7-11 of all places carries these

Coors Light Mini Keg

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*Not the actual card I made but VERY similar

Sephora Favorites Giveaway!!

Just in time for Valetines Day - you could win this deluxe lip collection for that perfect pout!

This set contains:

- 0.14 oz Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Fame (true color/ rosy plum sheen)
- 0.05 oz Tarte LipSurgence™ Natural Lip Tint in Moody (deep berry)
- 0.13 oz Benefit Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain
- 0.042 oz Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Celebutard (nude peach beige)
- 0.07 oz Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Leslie (original/ gilded pearl pink)
- 0.33 oz Lancome Juicy Tubes Jelly in Berry Bold (sheer bright pink)

A $63 value

Exclusively available at Sephora.com or WIN one here!!

Thank you all for your continued support of the blog.  It has been a really great start and I am still working on making this blog something substantial.  I appreciate all of the positive comments, emails, and the love I have gotten regarding In Your Finery.  As a way to give back some of the love, I am giving away this awesome collection of lip glosses, lipstick, and stains.  This set is awesome and I can't wait to see who is going to win it!!

Here is how to enter the giveaway:

Become a new follower of In Your Finery - Become a new follower by clicking 'FOLLOW' to the right under 'In Your Finery Followers' and post a comment saying you did

You are already a follower of In Your Finery - You will be automatically entered as long as you post a comment on the blog mentioning the giveaway

For additional entries:

* Post a link or entry on your blog about 'In Your Finery' or the  giveaway (email me so I know about it)

* Facebook about the giveaway or 'In Your Finery' (email a screenshot or link showing you did)

* Post a comment on the blog daily for a new entry to win (only one per day)

If you complete all of the above ways to enter, you could get TONS of entries - the more active you are in the giveaway, and on In Your Finery, the more likley you are to win.

Giveaway will end February 13th, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST

I will announce the winner on February 14th - someone will be getting a very sweet Valentine!

Good Luck!

XOXO

Rules: Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only

Winner will be generated via random.org

one (1) Sephora Favorites 'Give me some lip' kit will be awarded

Maritime Design

Jason Wu for Target is coming, in stores and online, February 5th! 

Long-Sleeved Pointelle Sweater in Red, $40. Pleated Cap-Sleeved Blouse in Red, $27. Pleated Skirt in Navy Floral, $30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poplin Dress in Navy, $40.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Sleeve Sheer Blouse in White with Black Ribbon, $35. Pleated Canvas Skirt in Belize Blue, $30. Front-Flap Straw Bag in Cream, $40.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sleeveless Top with Sheer Panel in Navy Floral, $27. Pleated Skirt in Navy Floral, $30. Lace Clutch in Black, $30.

 

Flared Dress in Cream with Black Patent Belt, $60.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canvas Tote with Blue Stripe, $40.

 

 

 

 

You can clearly see hints of the nautical trend still emerging for spring 2012.  Jason Wu's Target collection definitely reflects a 'sailor vibe' in some cases but there is also a lot of delicate, romantic silhouettes and fabrics.  Very feminine and girly, which is perfect for spring.  The prices are low for a Jason Wu piece as well...obviously.  I am going to go try on all of the pieces above, as long as I can get my hands on them in time.  Collections like these, following the history of Target's guest designers, usually FLY of the shelves (and end up on eBay).  Get there early for the best selection.  

 

 

View the look book here.

As of today's date there is a $5 off $50 with free shipping discount code on retailmenot.com for online Target purchases.  If you shop this collection online be sure to check retailmenot before you purchase anything.



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Best of SAG

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Jayma Mays (of Glee)

Ahna O'Reilly
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Giuliana Rancic

Jane Krakowski

Kyra Sedgwick

Melissa McCarthy

Red and black seemed to be the theme of my favorites from last nights SAG awards.  The event oozed glamour and style. Giuliana Rancic was my 'best dressed' award for the night.  The detailing on her gown was unique, sparkly, and eye catching.

There were a lot of beautiful gowns on the red carpet.  My favorite part of watching these ladies in their gowns was seeing the array of shapes and sizes, all dressed to the nines.  I loved Melissa McCarthy in her black grecian dress, it suited her shape perfectly, and she was gorgeous.  Not even a glimmer of Marbles Harsgrove to be seen in her tonight. Proving you don't have to be a skeleton to be beautiful or glamorous on the red carpet.

All images (unless otherwise noted) via msn.com