Things Loved Lately

Alternative title for this post?  Makeup, Handbags, Selfies…and a Bit of Horticulture.  Let’s get to it!

1.  Revlon PhotoReady Kajal Intense Eye Liner & Brightener in Purple Reign

I love this eyeliner soooo much.  I bought it after seeing a review on Maskcara (amazing makeup blog – I pretty much buy whatever she tells me to) and it’s now my go-to when I’m feeling a little playful or wanting a dramatic look without going dark.  I line my lower lash line (underneath my lashes) with the purple side, and swipe the cream color inside my lower lash line, along the tear line, to really make them pop.  The purple is a perfect, smoky shade that isn’t too bright, and the cream color has enough warmth to keep it subtle (versus a sharp white eyeliner look).  You can also go with a heavier purple line and smudge it up for a beautiful smoky eye look.  The cream side can also double as a highlighter for your brows or concealer for your under eyes or red spots.  This little pencil is so fantastic that I cannot believe Revlon is discontinuing it!  The good news is it can still be found online, so snatch one up for yourself before it’s too late!

2. Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Private Viewing

I shared this on my Instagram feed a few weeks ago, but I’m so in love with this lipstick that I have to bring it to the blog, too!  I’ve been searching for the perfect nude lipstick for half my life, and I’ve finally found it.  Revlon’s ColorStay lipstick in “Private Viewing” is not too pink, not too peach, and lasts all day.  Make sure your lips are nice and smooth before you apply it, or it will highlight any flakes.  (I exfoliate my lips with a toothbrush or a washcloth.)  Once the color is on and set, you can go over it with your regular lip balm anytime you need a little added moisture.

3.  Bondi Bands

I came across Bondi Bands at a vendor booth when picking up my race number for a recent 10K and was immediately charmed by all their cute sayings.  I got the one pictured above, a cute floral one, and one that says, “Find your happy pace.”  There are hundreds (if not thousands) more options and I will definitely be buying more!  Sweat and flyaway hair are two things I have a lot of when I run, but I try not to wear headbands too often because my hair is very fine and breaks easily.  Bondi Band headbands seem to be my answer!  They are really wide and soak up a lot of sweat, and they’re snug enough to stay put but not so tight they damage my hair.  Cute AND comfortable – these are a winner for sure!

4.  Banana Republic Ashbury Tote

If you’re looking for a catch-all tote that works all year round, this is it. Banana Republic’s Ashbury Tote in cognac is soft and relaxed, yet very sturdy and well-made.  It can handle a lot of weight when you need it to, and fits my 15″ laptop no problem.  It comes with a detachable coin purse inside, but other than that there are no inside pockets (my only complaint).  The top has a raw edge and the bag closes with one magnetic clasp in the center.  It also has four little feet at the bottom, but this is a very relaxed bag that collapses or folds (if it’s not full) when you set it down.  I predict this beautiful bag will be with me for life!

5.  Kate Spade Call to Action “Written About Me” Canvas Tote

Sometimes I go for function, other times I opt for fun – lucky for me, this bag has both!  I saw it online when it first came out and instantly fell in love.  Such a witty quote!  I planned on visiting it in person (and purchasing it) when G and I went to NYC last fall but they were no longer in store.  After more than a year I still wasn’t able to get this bag out of my head, so I did a search on eBay and found it.  My first eBay purchase ever!

I’m so in love with this bag and this quote that I’ve since googled Dorothy Parker (the woman this quote is credited to) and now my love has tipped into obsession.  Are you familiar with Dorothy Parker and her writing?  This woman was a little spitfire!  She was an American poet and short story writer with a sharp tongue and incredible wit.  Here is just a sampling of some of her many memorable quotes:

“The cure for boredom is curiosity.
There is no cure for curiosity.”
― Dorothy Parker

“Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone.”
― Dorothy Parker

“In youth, it was a way I had,
To do my best to please.
And change, with every passing lad
To suit his theories.

“But now I know the things I know
And do the things I do,
And if you do not like me so,
To hell, my love, with you.”
― Dorothy Parker, The Complete Poems of Dorothy Parker

“I don’t know much about being a millionaire, but I’ll bet I’d be darling at it.”
― Dorothy Parker

“I like to have a martini,
Two at the very most.
After three I’m under the table,
after four I’m under my host.”
― Dorothy Parker, The Collected Dorothy Parker

My most favorite? When asked to use the word “horticulture” in a sentence she immediately replied:

“You can lead a horticulture, but you can’t make her think.”

LOVE.

What are some of your things loved lately?

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