The blog that deals with sharing interesting links, things that matter to me for my day, dreams, thoughts and possible make shift humor. -Me, myself, and I
It has been a while since I wrote anything on this blog now. I may as well give some insights. I been thinking bout restarting blogs mostly to release the stuff going up in here.
Welcome to my brain.
So IMAT! Let me say first that this was my very first time ever going to the trade show! I was pretty siked to go, I gotten a last minute ticket so many things had to get planned accordingly. All I knew is that it was going to be comic con, make up style! I obviously got a huge haul while shopping so lets show some of the highlights of my day.
***I know some of my friends were there but this time I went solo. :/ next time I hope to see you guys!
First, let me take a selfie!
As I started walking in, there was only really one main stage where they were having an in session forum. And behold! They had a panel going on with the MUA team for Gotham. Pretty epic! Even better is Catgirl herself (Carmen Bicondova) was here! I was so excited.
The screen showing the panel.
Carmen Bicondova listening in on the conversation and
explaining how the characters will progress later on.
Obviously after that panel I walked around. So I saw a few artists at play! This one here was one artist working on her model. The colors were amazing.
Inglot booth.
So I didn't managed to get anything from Inglot only because the booth was SUPER packed :/ One day I hope to get some of their stuff. but I got to swatch it. Not bad on their goodies they were really focused on their freedom palettes tho.
What a wonderful time to wander around and see amazing costumes.
Loot haul!
Swatch Damage!
Believe it or not I was seriously stalking this cutie the WHOLE time. always surrounded by so many people and honestly I am short I literally just came right to the arm pit. Finally got a clear shot after waiting all day.
By far the best moment in my entire day I got to meet Carmen and I got a shot with the pretty lady dressed as the lady of death in roses.
Did a green lip this day, Its not flattering, but it was fun and I got a ton of compliments from it.
Whole makeup haul. Nyx cosmetics, Stila Cosmetics, Bioderma make up remover, Sugarpill, Tat2u Make up, City color, and some misc stuff. I plan to review everything bit by bit.
Their stuff is amazing~~ Tat2u makeup was the only real company I did an impulse buy. A great deal of trying their contour stuff, and having a buy 3 mix and match for 25?! oh hell yea! they are getting their own review later.
Brushes from City color and Cici fashion trade international, total of 12 bucks spent her
I cannot begin to explain how excited I was to get stuff from Sugarpill! First time products I brought were one loose eyeshadow Countess for 9 and the pressed Cold Chemistry Collection for 27.
By far! The hardest tables to get to were to NYX, LimeCrime, Sugarpill and I think Morphe. But the line for NYX were ridiculously long! but the deals were well worth it. I lost my receipt for this purchase, but i know I spent at least 30-40 alone on this. Totally worth it.
City color was a short line but I really am digging that matte lipstick I gotten from them. Kelly is the color :) post about it later on.
Finally last things I brought were from Stila. 40% off EVERYTHING. that eyeshadow palette only costed me 20 bucks. and each liquid is 13 vs 22. And that CC cream, I am very impressed by it! costed me only 29 v.s 44.
Overally, I loved it! I will go again. And for sure with a friend. Even if not, I will go and get some great deals.
Let's get real now, everyone is scrambling for gifts for the holidays for loved ones, friends etc. I thought I would make life easier by suggesting a few the best I can.
its really really hard to find gifts for someone you just met, someone who has "everything", Secret Santa etc. So heres some ideas for those people whom are special and not so special....
For the "over-achievers": This fits those who are students, always in the office, and maybe even those social junkies that can't enough of a little of everything. Of course this affects all men, women, foe and friends
A safe bet is that they always need something to save their data on. If not by their phones on dropbox, other syncing things at least consider giving them something they can hold on to physically.
USB Drives: $5-10 Crystal heat USB Necklace 6.99 Silicon Power Stick 14.99
External batteries! Heres one of my faves. Anker 10000mAh Portable External Battery Charger :25.99
This little baby is a bit on the hefty side, but it can hold up to roughly up to 3-4 times compare to a drugstore one. (actually mine charges my phone and tablet at least 2-3 times each before dying out) and its pretty affordable and its off by like 99 cents for the 25ish price range.
For the the people that have "everything"
If your someone like me, I love giving something that can create conversations. I like to talk its a habit that I hope people catch on to or at least find it endearing of me.
Give them a cool mug: Weather you can do an awesome DIY, or buy one these are pretty great stocking stuffers and who doesn't want some great mug to have coffee/tea/ alcoholic beverage of choice. That and if you get a set, you have a reason to share a cup a joe with your new friend.
Not only can you deck these out with cool phrases (like shown above) you can always fill them up with little chocolate, cookies, mini candles, jewelry, Inspriational quotes etc.
Going to be real with you. For those who have everything, I think one thing they can never get tired of~~~~ is games and good laughter. This one is meant for people who can take a joke and as the box says "A game meant for horrible people" You would get a ton of laughs for this one, and its a gift that keeps on giving. Plus! it has expansion packs. Cards against Humanity 25.00
Those who are stressed/over worked
As someone who runs around doing everything on limited hours I know how this feels to get stressed out and not having a way to relax. Sometimes its best to provide something to help with it to destress. .
Burners, Incense holders:
These have a HUGE range of colors, styles, materials etc. Easy enough to use and you can get sets!
tip: oils or incense for stress relief I would recommend; Lavender, Lemon, Mint, as well as Chamomile
Bathsoaps, bathbombs, Warm slippers, or Robes!
Yes, sometimes all we want to do is just crawl into our beds or be super comfty in our PJ's and loaf around. why not give them something to help with soreness of working so hard? Sore muscle bath bomb 3.50
Tea: Why not get tea to go with that mug? It's easy to find a sampler of sorts loose leaf or bags.
Some companies I like:
I said it before and I will say it again, bring a little personality into yourself. You would be very surprised of how many people love having plush slippers to keep their feet warm. That and socks and leg warmers. Lame, but think bout how many socks you lost in the past 2-3 months. yea.... its adding up huh? Totoro slippers 9.00
Other Misc people!
Accessories: I AM A HUGE ACCESSORY FAN! clothes might be the base, but accessories make a difference too. It tells bout personality, sense of belonging etc. Why not a wallet? watch? necklace? cool hair ties? Ties! something with a pop of color?
unisex feather scarf - personally I would LOVE this scarf to bits, its huge enough to use as a skirt, headwrap, and multiple ways to wear. a bit on the pricer side, BUT totally worth it. 74.00 BellaLili's Beautiful Armor Ring -- Simple, Edgy, Elegant and most of all affordable as heck. $31.00
Why not laser cut jewelry? Its a bit chic, shows your loyal nerdy side, and cant go wrong when you can pick something that might make them feel all types of special. Plus shiny. You can't go wrong with shiny. Kingdom hearts Necklace On sale 11.99
Kids! (Kid at heart really)
http://www.budsies.com/ - ranges from 65+ but this is an amazing site i just came across for those who want to create something special for their kids too! Theres build a bear etc but something little things like this make a huge difference for a kid to see their own imagination come to life.
Nivea Body Smooth Skincare Gift Set 15.00
Host gifts: hot chocolate sets, coffee sets, caramel popcorn tins?
Want to be fancy? Wine! 21+ obviously but some really fancy ciders are alcohol free too the skin kit that would be nice for a host too!
Art: You can't go wrong with having wonderful pieces of art done by a masterful artist.
Some examples I gotten over the years.
Local artists from NYC :) Just thought it be nice to share a little love. To be honest its nice to support local artists not just big companies. I love these two <3 show a little love to their pages!
Special events/ Freebies: I know eventually I would come to this too, many people who can't afford pretty things like this can always do the simple things as gifts.
why not take your friend out? not only for dinner but for like a new experience? Have they done archery? have they ever ice skated? theres always some sort of event to do for the holidays. Some free, some that cost $10 etc. If your a student you might even get discounts!
DIY section: Just two DIY's I can think of that are easy to do.
You can always make a bottle full of mini inspiration quotes to give to someone to get through the day. Just tie a pretty ribbon or something to it to give it life. (I just to fill some up with stars and reasons I love the person to death)
Gift cards: When all else fails, gift cards guys. Food, Drinks, Everything!
Amazon, Target, Subways, Sephora, Men's Warehouse, Argo tea so many places to try out but so little time. give someone a piece of that world and see them get excited to get something.
I have to say even after everything I have listed, the most important thing to think bout when your giving a gift is just this: What makes them unique? Each person goes through different things and we take notice of these things. Base it off their likes, their needs etc. think bout the person before you get something for them.
Hey everyone!
It has been a little while since my last post. On June, 14th of 2013 I had my first metalsmithing work shop. I took the workshop from the Amazon Local deal, to the International School of jewelry and design.
So let's talk about what I learned in 3 hours I learned to Design, Saw, Pierce, File and Polish my design in that order to a wonderful set of earrings on a piece of brass sheet metal measured 2x2.
2x2 Brass plate with some examples of finished pieces
Brainstorming and finalizing design (created by me)
After Tracing the design I stick it on to the brass plate and begin!
This is what we call Piercing (and sawing) I cut the inside first then the outside
one piece out!
Both out (one side was out of proportion to the original design)
This is where I added texture, and some character to it.
This is where I started my polishing, Pre polish > high polish etc
fixing up the rotary
Finished pre polish, high gloss polish, and metalic polish (matte)
Final Products: work time 3hrs.
Also meet my classmate :D he kept me company as I was working!
Good thing was: I didn't break anything. I learned alot from such a short time, and it was alot of fun from being challenged of working with such a small space, to
Bad thing was: WELL to be honest, While learning how to do the sawing our body has to be completely parellel to the bench area.. My arms were SO tired afterwards that they ached all day! terrible but was well worth it.
To be honest, It is one of the most pleasant and MOST enjoyable times I had in my life alone. I made myself a pair of earrings. I am considering starting up a jewelry venture. But let's see how far my ambition will bring me.
