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Thrift Store Haul & Tips

Jun22

Here are a few things from a recent trip to my favorite Goodwill store.  I didn’t pay more than $3 for any one item.  I scored some NYDJ (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans) NYDJ on Amazon jeans for $3.50, this style sells for over $100!

I’ve gained a few pounds lately, so I was looking for some shorts.  I couldn’t find any so I bought four pairs of jeans to cut off.  The NYDJ brand fits perfectly.  My friend swears by them, but I would never pay over $100 for a pair of jeans, I don’t care how good they might make my butt look.  I just want my butt to look smaller.

A few of the items are for winter, but who cares! I’ll be more than set once the cold weather rolls around.  It is truly amazing what you can find.  My wardrobe just keeps getting better, and I’m keeping more money in my pocket.

Here are some tips for successful shopping at a thrift store:

  1. Give yourself plenty of time to shop. I’ve found men’s clothing mixed in with the women’s. Also you need to look in a size up or down from what you normally wear. It’s common to find other sizes mixed in with yours.
  2. Look at labels first. I could never afford to wear designer clothes before, now I can. I also find deals on items from our local department stores, as well as nationwide stores such as Kohl’s.
  3. Sign up for store rewards cards. I get advance notices of sales and coupons as well.
  4. Shopping on half price tag day. Usually on Sunday and Monday a particular color of price tag will be 50% off.  Sunday is probably the best time to shop because most people donate on Saturday.
  5. If you have lost weight or are losing weight, it’s the best place to go to reward yourself. When you have lost some weight and your old clothes are getting too baggy, shop Goodwill. Who wants to spend a lot of money on clothes, only to have them not fit in a month or so.
  6. Go outside your comfort zone. Before I discovered Goodwill, the colors of my wardrobe were indicative of my exciting occupation. I didn’t own anything pink, purple or coral.  Now I have all the colors of the rainbow in my closet.
  7. Go often. You will be amazed at the amount of brand new with the tag items you will find.
  8. Last but not least. Find out when your local department is having a Goodwill sale. When you donate items to the store they will give you a coupon good for that store. A week after the sale is over, go to your local Goodwill.  You will be amazed at the selection.  January 1st is great also; as many people (including myself) wait until the last minute to donate for the previous year.
  9. And the most important thing, donate regularly to your local thrift store. They help many people in the community, and it’s a great tax write off.

Pinterest Follower-Italian purses

Jun11

Happy Saturday!  I got an email last week that this Italian accessories company is following my Pinterest account. Given I’ve never visited their site, or even have any purse pins, I was a bit surprised.  I don’t have a lot of followers on Pinterest (don’t really care either), but since they are following me, I thought I would give them a shout out.  They do have some really nice stuff, a bit pricey for this bargain fashionista.  http://www.loristella.it/it/

loristella Logo 6-11-16

 

2015-My Favorites Make up Round Up

Dec28

Hello! And welcome to my highlights for 2015.  I’m an admitted make up junkie.  I love trying new products and sharing my results with the world.  A little about me, I’m a middle aged accountant who loves all things make up.  I’ve been wearing make up for over 40 years.  My mom was the neighborhood Avon lady, so I learned about skin care at a young age. I believe in aging well.  I’m not trying to look like I’m twenty, but I do want to look good for my age. So without further ado, here are my top make up and skin care finds for 2015.  They are not in any particular order, and I have reviewed some on previous blog posts.

Women’s Rogaine 5% foam-If you are losing your hair, this is the product for you.  I’ve been using Rogaine for fifteen years and it really works. It does make your hair dry, so extra moisturizing is a must.  $30 for a two month supply. http://www.rogaine.com/product/women%E2%80%99s+rogaine-+foam+2-month+supply+auto+delivery+.do?sortby=ourPicks#.VoGuQPkrLrc

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy oil $10 at https://www.palmers.com/en/cocoa-butter-formula/55-skin-therapy-oil-face.html  Has all the great ingredients you look for, but not the price.  I use four drops on my face every night.  I’ve been using it for months and have seen a great improvement in my skin.  Lines softened, smoother texture, more money in my pocket, what’s not to love?

Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle eye cream-$9 for a deluxe sample on EBay.  I am so digging this eye cream.  I’ve been using it for two months, and have seen a definite decrease in the lines under my eyes. I’ll be buying a full size soon.

OMG! Where have Frownies been all my life???  https://www.frownies.com/  These babies have been around for over a hundred years! They are about as low tech for wrinkle reduction as one could ever imagine.  They are basically brown kraft tape with a special adhesive that you get wet and put on your wrinkles. I found them at Bed Bath and Beyond for $16.  A package will last you 6-8 weeks. They totally work, and I love them.  No Botox for me!

Wet N Wild Fergie Center Stage Collection Rose Champagne Glow highlighter- $10 http://www.amazon.com/Wet-Wild-Centerstage-Collection-A045/dp/B00AXYFKZI/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1451340660&sr=1-3&keywords=wet+n+wild+centerstage+collection  You can’t find this in stores anymore, but it’s flipping awesome! I bought mine at Walgreens earlier this year.  It’s baked and has a pale rose glow, great for my 56 year old face! Not too shimmery, just right and very natural looking.

YBBB Brow Power Skinny Pencil in Universal Transforming Taupe by IT Cosmetics. $24 at Ulta.  I discovered IT cosmetics late in the year, and I really like all of the products I’ve tried.  This ultra-thin eye pencil is no exception.  My brows are blonde and this pencil really makes them pop.  It also has a spooly brush to finish off your look. The color stays on until you take it off. No crazy brows for me, I’m over 50, and just want a natural look.   http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5770243

IT Your Skin but Better CC + Airbrush Perfecting Powder SPF 50- $35 at Ulta.  This is a game changer for me. I just throw on some 30 SPF moisturizer and buff this stuff on, and I’m out the door.  It has buildable coverage, but does look airbrushed.  I love the fact that it has an SPF of 50. Always a plus. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12251077

Maybelline Master Prime By Face Studio Primer SPF 30 in Blur & Illuminate $8 at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  My local BBB recently started carrying cosmetics.  I have to say, they have quite the selection, and awesome prices. BBB always has 20% off coupons. This is a great rose colored primer.  I mix it with any liquid foundation I might be using and it really blurs imperfections out, and adds a nice glow.

elf High Definition Under eye Setting Powder- $3 at Target. This is by far the best discovery for me for 2015. http://www.target.com/p/e-l-f-high-definition-undereye-setting-powder/-/A-14795896#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=ELF+high+definition+undereye  Where can you find any kick ass product for $3??? The brush that comes with it is junk, but the powder is flipping wonderful.  It’s a white powder that you brush on after you put your concealer on.  Lines are decreased, and it lasts all day.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector-$29 at Ulta http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11881009  Another under eye cover up game changer.  I got a BECCA gift set at Ulta to try out.  This was by far my favorite item.  It covers well, and a little goes a long way.

I hope you enjoyed my year in review.  Thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!

 

My new hobby!

Dec24

Effie Perfume 12-24-15

I’m having a ball creating perfume, body lotions, creams and lip balms.  Oh, and I’m making soap also. I’ll be selling some soon.  My fragrances are all floral for now.  It’s fun creating good smelling stuff!

 

Ipsy December 2015 Glam Bag Review

Dec21

Season’s greetings! I haven’t written in a while.  I’ve been super busy with work and a new business I started making handmade cosmetics. So far so good, I’ll share more later when I get my website up to speed.

I got my five products this month and a special bonus.  I’ve been an Ipsy subscriber for four years.  Michelle Phan (the founder of Ipsy) sent me a nice note and an EM by Michelle Phan eye color palette.  The color is neutral, and I love it! It’s valued at $28.  It has six colors and they will all look lovely on my blue eyes. Thanks Michelle!

Here is a rundown of what I received this month:

Clark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask, my skin is a bit dry now, so this will be a treat.

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian clay finishing powder, a great travel size.

Peter Lamas Spa Sensuals Intensive Repair Hand Cream-a lovely citrus scented hand cream.

Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer by Elizabeth Mott-an easy to apply creamy primer.

Power of Love Natural Lipstick by Pacifica in Nudie Red-full size. The color is just okay.  It tastes and smells awful.  I’m making my own lip stick and balm, with a minimal amount of ingredients. The label says 100% vegan, but most of the ingredients I can’t pronounce. Maybe my teenage niece will like this.

Thanks for stopping by and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

 

@ipsy

#ipsy

#decemberglambag

Update-e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder

Nov30

ELF Undereye Setting Powder Packging

Update-I used a better brush today, and the results are amazing!  The lines are blurred and not cakey at all.   I’ve had this on since 7 am, it’s now noon, and my under eye area looks great!  Never under estimate the power of a good brush!

Whose says $3.00 won’t get you anything these days?  I just bought this powder yesterday at http://www.target.com/p/e-l-f-high-definition-undereye-setting-powder/-/A-14795896#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=elf+under+eye+powder, and it’s awesome.  It works great to set your concealer.  I just started using Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector along with Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-aging concealer by IT, (which I purchased from http://www.ulta.com) and this e.l.f. setting powder is a nice finishing touch.  It’s a finely milled whitish powder that blends well. I have some serious under eye line action going on, and this helps to blur everything out.  While you can still see my lines, my dark circles are gone, and I can live with that!

The brush that comes with it is a joke, but for $3 bucks, who cares! Just use a small fluffy brush to apply. Now it doesn’t completely hide my lines, I have too many! Plus I wear glasses so that helps to hide them as well.  Now if I could just blur out all the other wrinkles on my face, oh wait, I really don’t have too many. That my friends is from using a daily sunscreen for the last 30 years. Sure, you can get procedures done to help look younger, but I would rather have more money in my pocket.