TOMS Shoes

TOMS shoes are not something NEW. They’ve been around for awhile. I’ve heard of TOMS shoes when the company first started. Their motto is, “One for One.” You buy a pair of shoes, and they donate one to a child in need.

A while ago, I was at the Massachusetts Conference for Women, and one of the speakers was the founder of TOMS shoes, Blake Mycoskie. He told the crowd the story behind TOMS shoes. It was so touching. I was crying halfway through his story. I was very touched by his story. (My father used to tell me how my mom only had one pair of shoes to go to school with, when she was growing up in Cambodia.) It really hits home. And I really wanted to help out.

Since inception, TOMS Shoes has come out with more products than just shoes. They have sunglasses, if you buy them, TOMS donates money to help children with vision problems. They even sell coffee. (Which I’ve heard from friends that the coffee is good. I don’t drink coffee, so I wouldn’t know.)

Additionally, their shoes selections have increased. They even have wedges!!

Well, anyhow, my Converse are no longer comfortable for me. I needed to buy a pair of casual shoes. And I thought, “why not buy a pair of TOMS and do something good with a purchase for once?” So, I had to buy a pair of TOMS that aren’t just boring in color. (If you know me, you’d know I don’t get any basic color for shoes. Especially when they are just an ordinary style for everyday use.)

After browsing Nordstrom’s website for awhile, I found the perfect pair for me! A SILVER pair! Woo hoo!!!

They look even better in person. Really cute one! And to my surprise, they’re quite comfy! (In comparison to my Louboutin!)

I’m just waiting for the rain to stop so I can start wearing my new TOMS!!!

Do you own a pair of TOMS shoes? Would you buy a pair to help out a child in need?

Happy shopping!! 🙂

MIO Alpha Champion package has arrived!!

Finally!! After all this waiting, my MIO Alpha Champion is here!! The package contains:
– MIO Alpha watch/heart rate monitor on Indigo (purple)
– MIO Alpha shirt
– MIO Alpha arm sleeves
– MIO Alpha water bottle
– MIO Alpha stickers

I took the new toy out for a spin at the gym last night. It was quite accurate and comfortable to wear!

Unfortunately, I did not download the MIO Go app, which is helpful with calories count, as the watch does not show it on there.

Just downloaded the app today though, and will try to out tomorrow, on my cardio day at the gym.

Can’t wait!!

Want to get one at a discount? Email me!

Nordstrom Designer Sale Happening NOW!!

I just got an email from Nordstrom this evening, informing me of their Designer Sale. Designers like Herve Leger, Elizabeth & James, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Prada, etc. Up to 40% off! Check it out for yourself!

With my wedding coming up, I have been looking for a rehearsal dinner dress. Something different, not your typical boring white or off-white dress. I had my eyes set on a Herve Leger dress, and now that it’s on sale, I BOUGHT IT!!!!! Can’t disclose my complete outfit until after my wedding.

Stop reading this and go to Nordstrom’s site and see if they have anything you want!!! And let me know what you get!

Happy shopping!!!!! 🙂

Wedding Bells Are Ringing!

I have to brag about the most amazing life changing event – I’m engaged!!!!!

Wonder who will be my makeup artist? I know one, but not sure if she’s available or if she’ll be too busy with her wedding? 😉

My, ahem, fiancé, worked with my neighbor, Illaria, who works for Hearts on Fire, to pick the perfect engagement ring: the Illustrious-engagement ring. It is beautiful. It looks simple from the top. But on a side angle, it has numerous little diamonds that make the ring shine even more. The crown of the ring even has a heart shape on it!! And, just the way I like it! Very elegant, simple, and has an antique flair to it.

Looking forward to planning the wedding!!!!! 😉

Benefit Cosmetics Vending Machine at JFK Airport

I’ve seen vending machines for tech products, such as iPods, phone chargers, headphones, etc (besides the drinks and snacks ones). But, a vending machine for MAKEUP??!!? Not yet… Until today!

While on a business trip, strolling around JFK airport’s Terminal 5, searching my gate, I happened upon this amazing new novelty machine, to me!

I noticed out of the corner of eyes, a cool, pink trolley, with the Benefit-like artwork all over. To my wonder, it IS a Benefit Cosmetic machine! Totally cool. Wish I saw this when I was walking out of the airport to my meeting. I forgot my lipgloss and traveling just makes your skin so dry. Even my lips were drug! I had to resort to my lipstick, which wasn’t as moisturizing.

I wonder how many people bought stuff from there. It would actually be helpful if you travel and forgot something at home.

Would you buy makeup from a vending machine?

Lash Extensions – My Experience

Every year, when it’s around my birthday, I go through a sort of “mid-life crisis” and feel the need to do something to myself (new haircut, boob jobs, nose jobs, etc – just kidding).

So, this year, I wanted to try something I’ve been wanting to try and heard so much about. LASH EXTENSIONS!

I saw a deal on Gilt City Boston for Lash L’Armour and decided to research them. Saw a ton of great positive reviews on Yelp (always research places before going or buying any deals). So, I decided to go for it and give lash extensions a try.

Got my Gilt voucher for “dramatic” option. Gia helped me. She was very friendly and gentle on my eyes. Before the procedure, she explained to me what she would be doing to my lashes. And as she works on my lashes, she talks to me about each and every step she is doing. And we also chit chat on other things.

The whole process took about two hours. Now, I know why it costs so much to get them done. I would be charging the same amount, if not more, for my time. It’s a very detailed-oriented procedure. Each extension is meticulously placed with glue to your individual natural lash.

She sectioned my lashes the way a hair dresser would section your hair, as she lay out the lashes.

I did love my new lash extensions after they were placed. The set included one free touch-up session within one week of the new set. So, I made an appointment to go back the next week.

As the week went on, I found the lashes to be annoying. I was careful with washing my face and not wearing mascara, even though you could wear mascara (just not waterproof ones). The fake lashes are plastic, so they’re a bit stiff and I felt like they were stabbing me in the eye. (And these are high-end ones. Not even sure how the really cheap ones would feel). And I don’t think I did a fantastic job of taking care of them.

After one week, they’re just too high-maintenance for me. I was afraid to use eyeliner on my eyes, since I’d have to use my eye makeup remover to remove them at night, and I was afraid to wipe my extensions away. On my free touch-up appointment day, I asked for them to be removed.

Gia had set only 30 minutes aside for the appointment, as it was supposed to be a touch-up appointment only. Luckily, Cynthia, the wonder, was there and happened to be free. So, she helped me removed my extensions.

What a great woman. She started her business at their Newton location, and expanded to the Newbury Street location (the one I went to).

She was very careful with the removal process, and it was quite painless.

My recommendation:

GET EXTENSIONS if:
1. You have a special occasion
2. Have time to spend grooming them every morning and night
3. Don’t mind the every 2/3 weeks upkeep
4. Have the money for the 2/3 weeks maintenance
5. Don’t use a lot of oil-based products

DON’T GET EXTENSIONS if:
1. Enjoy low-maintenance beauty care
2. Wear a lot of eye makeup
3. Like oil-based beauty product and eye makeup remover
4. Don’t have time/money for the upkeep

My take from this entire experience – I realized that I’m it quite as high-maintenance as I thought I am, and I’m just plan lazy. I want to just got home at night, use my eye makeup remover and then wash my face in my quick and easy way.

I would definitely go back to Lash L’Amour for extensions if I have a special occasion I’m attending.

Please let me know about your personal lash extension experience.

Save Money On Your Holidays Shopping Spree

I know with the holidays coming up, gift giving can get expensive. But you can save some money this holiday season.

I was out shopping with a friend for my Adopt-A-Family project I’m going for my YIPS group. And I’m not huge on coupon clippings, but my friend Alicia is (side note: and she’s amazing with her Black Friday shopping deals!). Thank heavens I had her with me. She had this app on her phone called “Snip Snap,” where you can type in the store’s name that you’re at, to see if there are coupons available! Luckily for me, we were at Old Navy, and there was a coupon on Snip Snap for $25 off purchases of $75 or more. I got to save $25 off my order of $78!

So, that’s an in-store way to try to save money.

The online one is Ebates, where you can get back as low as 1%, and as high as 12% back on your online purchases in your Ebates account(I earned 12% last year on my Sephora purchases). And Ebates sends you a check every quarter on all the earnings you made. Check Ebates out by clicking on this link.

I hope you all get to save some money on your shopping this holiday season!

Happy shopping! 🙂
Sara

Bloomingdales’ Friends & Family Promotion – Now thru Nov 17

It’s that WONDERFUL time of the year again – Christmas shopping! I know, I know. It’s way too early. But all the stores and TV ads are all promoting “Christmas shopping.” So, might as well start thinking about it…

I already have my Christmas shopping list. Do you?

If you don’t, better start working on that list today!

Bloomingdales is having their Friends & Family sale/promotion again. 20% off your purchases. Why not shop early!?

I already bought my boyfriend his Christmas present with the promotion! One down… too any more to go…

Let me know what you end up buying!

Happy shopping!! 🙂
Sara

10 Ways to Wear a Maxi Dress by Ruelala

I got an email today from Ruelala, and within the email was this post about 10 ways to wear a maxi dress. And I wanted to share it with all of you. With summer around the corner, the weather here in New England beginning to FEEL like summer, we all want to wear fun dresses. Maxi being one of the style. I know I’ll be sporting some of these maxi styles here this coming weekend, if the rain stops, and the sun comes out!

Here’s the link to the post by Ruelala:

http://www.ruelala.com/blog/tag/10-ways-to-wear-the-maxi-dress/

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Anyone going to any sales? Happy shopping! 🙂

Friends & Family Sale at Bobbi Brown 20% Off, Plus FREE SHIPPING ($65 or more)

Ladies, another makeup sale going on this week! This time, it’s Bobbi Brown‘s Friends & Family from April 15-18. Get 20% off your favorite makeup, plus, free shipping on purchases of $65 or more!

These are my two favorite items from Bobbi Brown that I can’t live without:

1. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23) – I have this in Black Ink, and love it! It doesn’t smudge, EVER. And the pot lasts forever too! I might get the Graphite Shimmer to have a bit of fun with some shimmer for the Spring!

BB Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

2. Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush ($26)

BB Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

 

Go out and get some Bobbi Brown makeup goodies and let me know what you bought!

Happy shopping!!! 🙂