Recent Buys - Shoemint & ASOS

I joined Shoemint.com about 2 months ago and so far I love it.

 

My first purchase was the Audrey & I LOOOOVE THEM

 

 

 

I also bought the Nancy at the same time and ended up returning them.

The toe was a little too rounded for my taste.

 

I ended up exchanging them for the Julie

(Still waiting for them to arrive in the mail)

 

 

The other day ASOS was running a spend$x get $x off promo

so I decided to "browse" and stumbled upon these and had to have them

 

I kept stumbling upon other goodies and had to "click" them into my in-box to get to the next $ off bracket.  Its a vicious cycle.

 

 

 

 

 



Mom visits her girls

 

 Mom came to visit me and Ponyo this weekend before she had to head back to work.

 

This was also the weekend I decided to baby-sit my employee's new Yorkie puppy.

This is Haylee.

 

She a lot teenier than she looks in the photos.  She weighs 2.1 lbs!

 

 

The first morning I took mom to my new favorite donut spot RISE biscuit & donut

maple bacon donut, pistachio-pineapple donut with a basil infused cream center and a raspberry crème brulee donut...all delicious!

 

 

For dinner tried Dim Sum House.

They have dim sum everyday!!! and specialty items on the weekends.

 

After dinner I needed a little dessert, so we headed over to Target to see what was left of their Prabal Gurung collection.

There was hardly any items left in my size, but I did snag these little beauties.

I received compliments on them all day!

 



 

 Yesterday it "snowed" all day while I was at work so we didn't go out.

Mom made us squid with Chinese broccoli for dinner and watercress soup (yummy!)

 

 

Today is her last day in town so we decided to go out in spite of the icy winds, brrrr it was cold.

I have been dying to try Iris, the restaurant inside the NC Museum of Art.

It did not disappoint.  The setting was beautiful and the food was great!

I can't wait to take all my out of town guest here.

Behind her on the wall showcases a site-specific sculpture by Patrick Dougherty

 Coffee with chive and cheddar scones

 

 The Lobster and asparagus omelet with brunch potatoes.

(Mom did the right thing and substituted her potatoes for sweet potato fries)

 

 

 

 

 After brunch we strolled around the Museum to help let our food settle.

 

 

After some shopping I took her to downtown Raleigh to the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Museum of History.

 

 

 I love it when mama comes into town <3

 

DIY - Marc Jacobs Shorty Loafers

 

 

 

I've been lusting after these adorable Marc by Marc Jacobs Shorty velvet loafers ever since they came out.

But retailing at $296 meant it was a no go :(

 

 

So I decided to make my own!

This weekend was "best friend's weekend!"

 

 

Ponyo spent the weekend bullying Jasper around

 

 

Jenny, Jason and I took the pups to Homestead Park to check out the skatepark there.

 

This weekend was also a "weekend of firsts":

-My first time ice skating

 

 

First time trying out this new donut & biscuit shop in Durham

 

So many delicious things

First time trying bacon on a donut

 



 

 

 Took Jenny and Jason to the NC Museum of Art for their first visit

I love this museum.  I love the space.  I love the skylight in the West building.

I love how big the pieces are.

 

 

 

I love how it doesn't feel like a typical stuffy museum and that they allow you to take photos.

And its all FREE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Jason left to go skate; Jenny and I went to Pullen Park (our first time there).

It was such a nice park!  I can't wait to take P-girl in the Spring.

 

Later we stopped by the State Farmers Market and got cookies (first visit)

then Jason met us in downtown Raleigh to have a late lunch at Beasley's Chicken + Honey (thought about eating there many times - first time actually trying it out).

It was...I wouldn't recommend it.

Hot Pink Ponyo

This little lady was just begging for a makeover...

 

 Hiding after her manni/pedi

 

(Letting those nails dry)

 

What a pretty princess!  She loves it - hot pink is her new favorite color.



Recent Beauty buys:

 

 

I've been obsessed with this shimmery purple lipstick by Make Up Forever ever since I tested it out in Charlotte last week.  Sophie says if I keep wearing colors like this I won't be able to get a man (LOL)

 

Make Up Forever in Pearly Violet

 

 

 

Sephora lipstick in Be-Witch Me

 

MAC BB Cream

 

 Boscia Cool Cleansing Oil

Tarte Primer Trio

 

<3

 



OCM - Oil Cleansing Method

I've been reading about the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) recently and have decided to give it a try.

Boscia Make-up Break-up Cool Cleansing Oil $26

Getting right down to basics, when cleansing and moisturizing your skin, it is imperative that you keep in mind that oil dissolves oil. Your skin naturally lubricates itself with oil, and as we are creatures of adaptation, one can believe that if this weren't the appropriate built-in care for ourselves, our bodies would have adapted to suit the need. If you've been battling your skin for long, you're probably recoiling at the mere thought of applying oil to your face. You can imagine the slick, greasy, clogging feeling of smearing sludge all over your face. If you stay with me and read the rest of this article, that mental image will be replaced by a more comforting, Zen-like image of a relaxing spa massage. I promise. Let your curiosity get the better of you, read the article, then decide if you should give this method of skin care a go.
Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not bring you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads, whiteheads...these are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It is not a malicious force to be reckoned with; it is there for the benefit of your skin, allowing your largest organ to function properly. It is naturally occurring. Not only does your natural oil help lubricate, it also heals, protects, and moisturizes your skin so that it may function properly. Properly functioning skin is beautiful, clear, and glowing. Learning to work with your skin, not against it, will save you tremendously.

The Oil Cleansing Method

You'll need a soft washcloth, your oil blend, and hot, running water.

Pour a generous puddle of oil into the palm of your hand. Roughly, the size of a quarter, but more is acceptable. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and smooth over your face.

Begin massaging the oil into your face. This will remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities, so there is no need to use a makeup remover or wash your face prior to the massage. I've found that this removes even my stubborn waterproof mascara and concealor.

Using slow, firm motions across the skin, massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas. You want the oil to work into your pores so that blackheads and the like can be dissolved and steamed away.

As you're massaging, let your mind drift off to something calming and breathe deeply. Take this time to relax and release some of the stress that your body is harboring. Sit down, breathe deeply, and take your time. Give the oil enough time to work on dissolving the impurities in your pores and give yourself enough time to unwind. Picture what your face would look like if it were completely clear and free from blemishes. Focus on that image and know that it is attainable. Trust that it is attainable. Accept that it is attainable. You can have clear skin, free of blemishes and you will have clear skin, free of blemishes. Focus on perfect skin and breathe deeply.

Once you're satisfied that your pores are saturated and you're feeling calm, pick up your washcloth and soak it in clean, steamy water. We want the water to be warm enough to open your pores and remove the oil. Cool water will not open your pores, nor will it remove the oil efficiently. We're not scalding our skin, we're steaming to coax our pores to release the oil carrying the impurities. We're essentially steaming our skin as an esthetician would, but without the luxury of a steam machine.

Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. You will feel your pores releasing the impurities. Wipe the oil gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth to your face again, allowing it to cool. Wipe gently, rinse well, and repeat two or three more times. Avoid any temptation to scrub, as you'll find it's completely unnecessary and your skin will be soft, smooth, and free of flakes without the additional manual exfoliation and irritation that will result. Impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria will be gently swept away.

Have no fear of the oil, as the steamy washcloth will remove it. The Castor Oil, though it is an oil, will help with the removal of the other oils, as well. It is our main cleansing oil and is easily removed with warm water.

If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your oil blend, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it onto your damp skin. Gently massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Your skin should now glow!

  Some suggestions in creating your blend of deep cleansing oil:

• Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil.
• Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Sunflower Seed Oil.
• Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Sunflower Seed Oil.