Introducing Lola :)

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you already know that I have a new little one in my family. Her name is Lola, and she was a stray kitty that I'd been feeding for some time. She was always so unbelievably friendly with me, that I'm certain she was abandoned. She'd let me carry her, pet her, and weave herself around my legs when she'd see me. When I learned she was declawed I couldn't bear the thought of her living outside and lacking her biggest defense mechanism. How could someone declaw a kitty and then abandon her? The cruelty astounds me.


Anyways, I was perfectly happy with my two little monsters, but I'm even happier now to have Lola, too.  I feel like our little family is now complete. :)

I was talking to Mom one night, and she said I seem to be recreating our pet family from my childhood. We had two male cats (Casper and Tiger) and one female (Stephanie, who was also a rescue!). I hadn't even thought of that, but I think maybe subconsciously I was! We also had a dog, but I don't think I can handle four pets on my own! haha Even a crazy cat lady has her pet-housing limits! ;)

And a couple of funny Sammy pics, just because... 

(doin' some yoga-napping!)

Love you guys (and your pets, too!), and as always, thanks for reading!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

...and Sammy, Mouse, and Lola ;)

Blog sale updated, new items added :)

Hey lovelies! Just wanted to post a quick note that I've updated my blog sale. I've added some new items and also reduced prices on a few things as well.  You can see the post by clicking here. Thanks!

xoxo,
Jess

Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Creams: Review & Swatches

I'm surprised to see myself saying this, but I think Too Faced's fall 2012 collection is my favorite I've seen so far. It sure doesn't hurt that it includes a new 16-shade line of lipsticks, all with pretty adorable names I might add. They're called La Creme Color Drenched Lip Creams, but I'll just be calling them La Cremes, because ridiculously long product names irritate me. ;)  Anyways, I love these, and had to share my thoughts - along with swatches, of course!

Nude Beach, Naked Dolly, and Marshmallow Bunny

(top to bottom) Nude Beach, Naked Dolly, Marshmallow Bunny

Nude Beach

Nude Beach

Naked Dolly (my favorite - reminiscent of YSL Tea Rose *swoon*)

Naked Dolly

Marshmallow Bunny

Marshmallow Bunny

All three shades are creamy and opaque, and have a sweet sugary lemon taste (bakery lemon, as opposed to medicinal/kitchen lemon) that fades a bit after application. Marshmallow Bunny has a quality to it that I find hard to describe. It's not shimmery, frosty, or even pearly, but it does have more of a "glow" to it than Nude Beach or Naked Dolly. I also think it doesn't look as smooth on the lips, though it feels smooth when applying. I can't help but think Marshmallow Bunny will be the runaway hit in this line - it's a pretty unique pink, neutral and bright at the same time, and not too cool-toned. 

As I noted in the swatches, Naked Dolly is my favorite.  It reminds of YSL Rouge Pur 148 Tea Rose, just a tad sheerer (nothing beats the opacity of YSL lipsticks, in my experience!).  Nude Beach reminds me of a more nude MAC Patisserie. Like I said, Marshmallow Bunny is pretty unique, and no dupes spring to mind right away. Maybe the Revlon lip butter in Strawberry Shortcake - though I think this is much, much better!

To sum it up in one sentence: I love pretty much everything about these. The packaging is sleek and slim, and the outer cardboard packaging is even lovelier (I haven't been able to get them into the trash bin as of yet...). I love the formula - it's creamy, glossy, and feels light on the lips.  It's not perfect (tell me if you find a lipstick that is!), and my lips do begin to feel dry after a few hours, when the product begins to wear off. And these shades? SO ME. As previously mentioned, there are 16 shades in the line in total, and I'm so happy with the three I blind-ordered that I'm curious to try more. 

I ordered from TooFaced.com, which I'd never done before.  I used a 10% off promo code, and shipping was free over $50. I was really pleased with the presentation when I received my package - pink box AND pink filler? Yes, please! Also love the three generous samples. The shade of gloss (Barely Legal) is a shade I'd actually gravitate towards (pink nude, of course) and the Lashgasm mascara (name cringe) is surprising fantastic. I have yet to try the Beauty Balm, though - new face products make me nervous!

So sorry for my obscenely long absence from my blog. I basically lost motivation, but it's slowly coming back to me, so don't give up on me yet. :) And if for some odd reason you need to see or hear more from me, you can find me on Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram (dontcallmejesse - I post all my photos to Twitter as well) in the meantime! 

Thanks for reading! Love you guys!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

blog sale (yes, again...)

You don't know how much it pains me to find myself posting a blog sale again after too many weeks have gone by without any posts of any sort... and my last post was a blog sale post as well. What can I say, though, times they are a'tough. :\ However, I couldn't deal with seeing two blog sale posts back to back, so instead of creating a new one, I just amended the original post and moved all the older items to the bottom.  Keeping it simple or something to that effect!

Anyways, my sincerest apologies for my absence.  I've been pre-occupied with YouTube (click here if you'd like to see my recent videos) and Instagram (you can find me there as "dontcallmejesse" - I've been posting swatches and product photos there as well!). Basically the time I was spending blogging before has been spent filming videos instead.  I promise I will try to find a way to balance both in the future.  I can't just abandon my baby! >_<  Thank you for sticking with me. :)

Cutting to the point, here is the link to the blog sale. Happy shopping, lovely ladies and gents! :)

Love you all lots and lots. <3

xoxo,
Jess