I bought a mascara sampler from Sephora and thought I'd tell you all what I think about them. After all, Keri says that companies will send you free product if you do stuff like this. ;o)
I first went through the kit of (what I thought were) 10 mascaras one per day. On the ninth day, I discovered the mascara was actually a pre-mascara lash builder, so I incorporated that into each try-out after that.
Going through the whole kit first, I was able to pull one right away as it flaked really badly on me - the DuWop Lash Venom. I don't know if makeups react the same on everyone, so your mileage may vary, but there was a lot of this mascara on my cheek apples halfway through the day. Gone! F.
The first week, I tried Anastasia Beverly Hills' Lash Lifting Mascara. I wore one coat for three days, then one day with the builder, then two coats on the last day. It's a fine mascara. Went on well, stayed there, big teddy bear brush. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly useable. C+.
The second week, I tried tarte's lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara. That made for some big fat lashes in one coat. I did four days of 1 coat, one day with the builder and one day with two coats (I usually only wear makeup during the workweek, but there was a memorial service to attend, so I squoze in an extra day). This goes on nicely and stays put. Know, too, that one of my criteria for mascara is whether I can easily wipe any extra off my lid after applying (I'm a little messy). These first two had no issues there. I know there are some coming up that are a little difficult to dab, but not those these two starters. A.
This past week, I used Sephora's Atomic Volume mascara. Awesome brush! Spikey all around so you're coating three sides of the lash while separating! No flaking at all. I did four days of one coat and one day with the builder. The single coat days were good - my lashes stood out individually and looked great - and the day with the builder was even better. Good stuff. A.
So far a couple of really good contenders to unseat my previous winner of Benefit Bad Gal Lash. I liked it a lot at first, but paired with some other products (probably my eye moisturizer), it flaked a little. Time to move on.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sad Squirrel Story
I have had a few episodes in my life that were sad and tragic. This particular one still almost brings me to tears, though.
When I worked at the Springfield Library and Museums Association, my office was in what used to be a doctor's house, the Kilroy House. It was next to the Donahue House and on the corner of the Quadrangle. There were trees and shrubbery and a small amount of wildlife - not a lot as we were in the middle of a city. Anyhoo, a squirrel was killed by a vehicle in the driveway going by the Kilroy House. Sad.
A few days later, baby squirrels began to emerge from a brick pile they'd been living in. Their mother wasn't coming back with food and they had to brave the outside world in search of sustenance. I found the babies wandering around near the house. There were about half a dozen of them. They were very cute. I'd never seen baby squirrels before. It was the end of the day and I didn't think through how totally helpless these creatures were. I arranged them all at the base of a tree so they could climb to safety (stupid) and started for my car. One of them ran after me in his toddley way. I actually screeched and giggled and ran from him.
I've always wished that I had just paused for a moment there, right in that very moment, to think about things, to realize that this baby needed a mommy and it was coming after me for help. I didn't think anything of it. Stupid. Tragically stupid.
I'm bawling right now writing this. I came to work the next morning and went to the tree to see if they'd made their getaway. Of course they hadn't. They were all dead. Their heads and upper torsos had been eaten by whatever got them. I had made such a huge mistake.
I have a few regrets in my life. This is the one that still pains me to this day, that this little toddling baby squirrel chased after me for help and I squealed like a stupid schoolgirl and left him and his siblings to die.
When I worked at the Springfield Library and Museums Association, my office was in what used to be a doctor's house, the Kilroy House. It was next to the Donahue House and on the corner of the Quadrangle. There were trees and shrubbery and a small amount of wildlife - not a lot as we were in the middle of a city. Anyhoo, a squirrel was killed by a vehicle in the driveway going by the Kilroy House. Sad.
A few days later, baby squirrels began to emerge from a brick pile they'd been living in. Their mother wasn't coming back with food and they had to brave the outside world in search of sustenance. I found the babies wandering around near the house. There were about half a dozen of them. They were very cute. I'd never seen baby squirrels before. It was the end of the day and I didn't think through how totally helpless these creatures were. I arranged them all at the base of a tree so they could climb to safety (stupid) and started for my car. One of them ran after me in his toddley way. I actually screeched and giggled and ran from him.
I've always wished that I had just paused for a moment there, right in that very moment, to think about things, to realize that this baby needed a mommy and it was coming after me for help. I didn't think anything of it. Stupid. Tragically stupid.
I'm bawling right now writing this. I came to work the next morning and went to the tree to see if they'd made their getaway. Of course they hadn't. They were all dead. Their heads and upper torsos had been eaten by whatever got them. I had made such a huge mistake.
I have a few regrets in my life. This is the one that still pains me to this day, that this little toddling baby squirrel chased after me for help and I squealed like a stupid schoolgirl and left him and his siblings to die.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Art
I have an intense need to find a creative outlet. I thought it was photography and, while I enjoy it very much, I don't think that's it. I photograph what I like and I think I take pretty pictures, but I wouldn't call it art. I've tried writing, but I get too explain-y with the visuals and think I'm more clever than I am.
I've always believed that oil painting might be the key. It seems like a very forgiving medium. I can't draw very well and with oil painting you can put color on top of color and it hides what's underneath really well.
This is my first oil. It's a banana on a brown table with a red background. I really love it. It was fun and I was able to do something a little weird: as the teacher was instructing us, she told us that we shouldn't split the background and foreground exactly in half. I had done that, but, instead of doing what she did and bringing the foreground higher to offer the banana stability, I took the background lower. There is an element of fun instability and I think the banana looks a lot like a banana. I'm very happy indeed.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Seriously?
I haven't blogged since February? Okay, I suck. And it's not like I didn't have anything to blog about - I'm plenty pissed at the fucking wingers taking over the conversation on health care and us having only Barney Frank to set shit straight now. And by now, I mean now that the Lion of the Senate has left us. Yeah, I've had stuff to blog about, but I've also been a little distracted by trip preparation and work and stuff. So anyways, I'm just here to say, "Ciao!" We're off to Italy tomorrow. It hasn't hit me yet. A lot of times it doesn't until it's on me. I'm not one to get nervous or especially excited beforehand. When we're descending into Rome and the Colosseum is looming larger in my tiny airplane window, then I'll be excited. Then I'll be in Italy - land of food, wine, art, history, architecture and...what's the Italian phrase for Bon Vivant? I don't know, but we'll be feeling it, I can guarantee! See you all on the backside.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
DSW
I am a huge fan of DSW and I found these bad boys for $11.99. I LOVE them! They're perfect for going to see the Pogues in New York City on my birthday. Joe thinks they're outlandish, but who's going to say anything about my crazy shoes in New York? I think no one.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Meme, She is Four Dozen
And that's a lot of questions! Here we go...
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I get verklempt a lot, but the last time I actually bawled was the Saturday we went to visit Nana. It was so sad to see her and know she was leaving soon.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes. Yes, I do.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Chicken salad.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely. I've made myself into a person I like. And I am my own standard of value - I judge people by what they think of me.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
I do whenever I can.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I would prefer not to. If I were on Amazing Race and we both had to do it, I would. Otherwise, no.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Frosted Mini Wheats with the white sugar.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Absolutely.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Friendly's Chocolate Almond Chip.
13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Facial expression and quality of handshake.
14. RED OR PINK?
Pink.
15. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Laziness.
16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Uncle Ron.
17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Sure! I love learning things about people.
18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Deep red corduroys, no shoes, but black socks.
19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
NPR fund drive.
20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Fuchsia.
21. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Garlic, coffee, skunk, lilacs, Sunday roast, clean clothes.
22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Aphrodite.
23. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I like my Toast more than anyone else.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NFL football. Yankee baseball. Irish football.
25. HAIR COLOR?
Ashy, auburny light brown.
26. EYE COLOR?
Hazel.
27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. I did when I got married and for a while thereafter, but I prefer glasses.
28. FAVORITE FOOD?
Crustaceans - lobster, crab, oysters, shrimp. Love them dirty bottom dwellers.
29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings. Really don't like scary movies.
30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
1408.
31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black.
32. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer.
33. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses.
34. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
I think everyone's done it already.
35. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Barack Obama.
36. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
The Lord of the Rings and A Life Without Consequences (a biography about Hemingway).
37. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Funky colorful painting of the Hemingway House.
38. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I watched Toast playing Super Mario Galaxy on the TV.
39. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
Toast laughing, cats purring, rain.
40. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
The Beatles.
41. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
To Sligo, Ireland from Weatogue, CT.
42. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
If I knew a song when I was ten and I haven't heard it in over 30 years, I can still remember the words once it comes on. And I spread sunshine wherever I go.
43. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Springfield, MA.
44. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone's, but as I said earlier, I think everyone's done this already.
45. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
Working together at Domino's Pizza in Troy, NY.
46. DO YOU BELIEVE IN EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENT LIFE?
Sure.
47. HOW OFTEN DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR DREAMS?
Quite often, I'd say 3-4 times a week.
48. HOW MANY MORE YEARS DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE ON THIS EARTH?
Probably only 30 based on my family history, but I hope more.
If you haven't done it yet, consider yourself tagged.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I get verklempt a lot, but the last time I actually bawled was the Saturday we went to visit Nana. It was so sad to see her and know she was leaving soon.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes. Yes, I do.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Chicken salad.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely. I've made myself into a person I like. And I am my own standard of value - I judge people by what they think of me.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
I do whenever I can.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I would prefer not to. If I were on Amazing Race and we both had to do it, I would. Otherwise, no.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Frosted Mini Wheats with the white sugar.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Absolutely.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Friendly's Chocolate Almond Chip.
13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Facial expression and quality of handshake.
14. RED OR PINK?
Pink.
15. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Laziness.
16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Uncle Ron.
17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Sure! I love learning things about people.
18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Deep red corduroys, no shoes, but black socks.
19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
NPR fund drive.
20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Fuchsia.
21. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Garlic, coffee, skunk, lilacs, Sunday roast, clean clothes.
22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Aphrodite.
23. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I like my Toast more than anyone else.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NFL football. Yankee baseball. Irish football.
25. HAIR COLOR?
Ashy, auburny light brown.
26. EYE COLOR?
Hazel.
27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No. I did when I got married and for a while thereafter, but I prefer glasses.
28. FAVORITE FOOD?
Crustaceans - lobster, crab, oysters, shrimp. Love them dirty bottom dwellers.
29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings. Really don't like scary movies.
30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
1408.
31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black.
32. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer.
33. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses.
34. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
I think everyone's done it already.
35. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Barack Obama.
36. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
The Lord of the Rings and A Life Without Consequences (a biography about Hemingway).
37. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Funky colorful painting of the Hemingway House.
38. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I watched Toast playing Super Mario Galaxy on the TV.
39. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
Toast laughing, cats purring, rain.
40. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
The Beatles.
41. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
To Sligo, Ireland from Weatogue, CT.
42. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
If I knew a song when I was ten and I haven't heard it in over 30 years, I can still remember the words once it comes on. And I spread sunshine wherever I go.
43. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Springfield, MA.
44. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone's, but as I said earlier, I think everyone's done this already.
45. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
Working together at Domino's Pizza in Troy, NY.
46. DO YOU BELIEVE IN EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENT LIFE?
Sure.
47. HOW OFTEN DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR DREAMS?
Quite often, I'd say 3-4 times a week.
48. HOW MANY MORE YEARS DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE ON THIS EARTH?
Probably only 30 based on my family history, but I hope more.
If you haven't done it yet, consider yourself tagged.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Year End Meme
This is a very long meme and dinner's on the stove, so here we go...
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Road trip with Toast, went to a spring training game, broke my record for time spent at a job (5+ years)
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year, but I did for 2009
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Toast's cousins had babies
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandmother
5. What places did you visit?
NYC, the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, St. Augustine, Key West, Tampa Bay, Savannah, LV
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A job that I really like, a nice garden, a tan
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 4th, because I got hope back
8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
It's a small thing, but I completed a hike that I would've ordinarily given up on
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not working on getting a better job
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just some back pain, but it came at really inopportune times, like in Vegas for my husband's 40th
11. What was the best thing you bought?
There wasn't one thing - Ozzie, our parakeet, heavenly red corduroys, Calm conditioner by Rusk, good gifts
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Christopher Buckley
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
John McCain, Sarah Palin, John Edwards, George Bush (I went back and forth putting McCain, then Palin first - she appalled and depressed me more, but she's his fault)
14. Where did most of your money go?
Whatever Toast said; he's the money man and he has a pie chart
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our road trip and the election
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Beautiful Day by U2
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or sadder?
Happier.
b) thinner or fatter?
Exactly the same.
c) richer or poorer?
Richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading, yoga
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watch TV, although I love all of our shows, so this is a dilemma
20. How did you spend Christmas this year?
We were home and my family and Toast's Mom came for dinner - I'd never cooked for 11 before - it was a very good day
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I think I'm a little bit in love with Ozzie
22. How was work?
Worse - it's turning from customer service to heavy sales, which are not my comfort zone
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2008?
We were in Key West for my birthday, it was absolutely awesome
25. What was the best book you read?
Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil and I say this over LOTR only because I am not yet done with the latter
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Irish music, I heart clover notes
27. What did you want and get?
Lots of stuff as I have a list at Xmas, just like when I was a kid
28. What did you want and not get?
A new job and replacement windows
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight
30. Did you make some new friends this year?
Not really, but there are a couple of coworkers that I want to have over
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A different job
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I actually busted out a little bit and bought some crazy stuff like a leopard print sweater and red cords and in general things with color, so eclectic comfy is what I'll call it
33. What kept you sane?
Toast
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama, Daniel Craig and Stephen Colbert
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Barack's very existence
35a. What political issue stirred you the least?
It flew too far under my radar for me to even notice
36. Who did you miss?
I miss my Uncle Ron and Debbie, not the Debbie that I had a falling out with earlier this year, but the Debbie of a few years ago
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I physically came in contact with the Howards and Litbrit, although I knew them from before - does that count?
38. Burn any bridges?
No
39. Best new restaurant you went to?
Pisces, in Key West, for my birthday - eyes rolling in your head good
40. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Never give up hope.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Road trip with Toast, went to a spring training game, broke my record for time spent at a job (5+ years)
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year, but I did for 2009
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Toast's cousins had babies
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My grandmother
5. What places did you visit?
NYC, the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, St. Augustine, Key West, Tampa Bay, Savannah, LV
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A job that I really like, a nice garden, a tan
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 4th, because I got hope back
8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
It's a small thing, but I completed a hike that I would've ordinarily given up on
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not working on getting a better job
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just some back pain, but it came at really inopportune times, like in Vegas for my husband's 40th
11. What was the best thing you bought?
There wasn't one thing - Ozzie, our parakeet, heavenly red corduroys, Calm conditioner by Rusk, good gifts
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Christopher Buckley
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
John McCain, Sarah Palin, John Edwards, George Bush (I went back and forth putting McCain, then Palin first - she appalled and depressed me more, but she's his fault)
14. Where did most of your money go?
Whatever Toast said; he's the money man and he has a pie chart
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our road trip and the election
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Beautiful Day by U2
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) Happier or sadder?
Happier.
b) thinner or fatter?
Exactly the same.
c) richer or poorer?
Richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Reading, yoga
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Watch TV, although I love all of our shows, so this is a dilemma
20. How did you spend Christmas this year?
We were home and my family and Toast's Mom came for dinner - I'd never cooked for 11 before - it was a very good day
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I think I'm a little bit in love with Ozzie
22. How was work?
Worse - it's turning from customer service to heavy sales, which are not my comfort zone
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2008?
We were in Key West for my birthday, it was absolutely awesome
25. What was the best book you read?
Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil and I say this over LOTR only because I am not yet done with the latter
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Irish music, I heart clover notes
27. What did you want and get?
Lots of stuff as I have a list at Xmas, just like when I was a kid
28. What did you want and not get?
A new job and replacement windows
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight
30. Did you make some new friends this year?
Not really, but there are a couple of coworkers that I want to have over
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A different job
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I actually busted out a little bit and bought some crazy stuff like a leopard print sweater and red cords and in general things with color, so eclectic comfy is what I'll call it
33. What kept you sane?
Toast
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Barack Obama, Daniel Craig and Stephen Colbert
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Barack's very existence
35a. What political issue stirred you the least?
It flew too far under my radar for me to even notice
36. Who did you miss?
I miss my Uncle Ron and Debbie, not the Debbie that I had a falling out with earlier this year, but the Debbie of a few years ago
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I physically came in contact with the Howards and Litbrit, although I knew them from before - does that count?
38. Burn any bridges?
No
39. Best new restaurant you went to?
Pisces, in Key West, for my birthday - eyes rolling in your head good
40. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Never give up hope.
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