This is the online chronicle's of a 20-something makeup-obsessed, photo nerd, rat-lover, 1950's pin-up wannabe, and popcorn craver... all while wearing mascara.
By using a random number generator, the two winners are: The Pink Chick and ~Amanda~! Congrats ladies! (I'm jealous and I am the one hosting the giveaway! haha). Please email me at wearingmascara at gmail dot com and I will get you in touch with Delight in order to receive your gifts! How exciting - these are perfect for an environmentally-friendly holiday season!
Remember to visit Delight for all your holiday needs! It's a terrific website with tons of goodies for everyone on your list!
Tomorrow, I am off to Pittsburgh to visit my family :-) I am not sure if I will have internet or not, so most likely you will hear from me on Sunday or Monday! Have a great weekend everyone!
xoxo,
Julie
P.S. I decided not to go shopping today and successfully avoided the crowds... all the way up to 9 pm when I decided to make a quick visit to the Nordstom Rack. :-) I didn't find much though - just a new hat for Dan (really cute and he loved it!) and two cheap plain tee's (white and yellow) for me!
I hope everyone's day has been as relaxing as mine. Right now, I am at Dan's family's house and we are watching "A Wonderful Life".
It's been a great Thanksgiving! We ate a FEAST around 3 pm... drank a ton of wine, then passed out :-) Then, we woke up and had pie (my pumpkin pie was a hit! I'm so excited!). We still haven't tried the Banana Bread but I will definitely let you know how it tastes!
I hope you all are enjoying your holiday. Right now, I am going back in forth about whether or not to brave the mall tomorrow OR shop online deals for Black Friday. Thoughts? Are you going shopping at all? Let me know - I wanna hear about all your retail stories! For now, I will leave you with some Black Friday/Deals websites (I found these from googling, other blogs, friends, etc...):
This is the Baking Diary straight from Wearing Mascara's Kitchen! Woo-hoo!
Okay, really... my Baking Diary really isn't that exciting. I am not as good as a baker as some people (Lacey) are, but I am trying! First, I made a simple pumpkin pie recipe and in true Wearing Mascara fashion, I messed it up - twice!
1. When I was putting the pie in the oven, I spilled some of the mixture out of the pan and onto the floor! 2. While it was cooking, part of the crust got burned.
Here it is anyways (hopefully it's good!):
notice the burnt crust
Next, I decided to make a Low-Cal Banana Bread (I had 3 ripened banana's lying around and did not want to waste them!). This bread actually turned out pretty well, although, looks can be deceiving:
I made several substitutions in order to make it low-cal and took ideas from different recipes. I am not going to post this recipe until I try the bread and know that it's good. Until tomorrow, it will remain a mystery.
That's all for today, folks! I am off to spend the holiday with Dan and his family. I am not going home this year because I have way too much school work and a 5-hour drive just isn't going to cut it for me. I will see my family soon though! :-) I miss them terribly and no one makes a Thanksgiving meal like my mother! Everything she makes is amazing!
Thank for you all the comments/advice on my previous post about Apple. They made my day and led me to write a second post.
Now that you're considering buying an Apple, where do you begin? Here are the basic "specs" about computers and what they mean. I will use an example of a person drinking coffee.
Processor Speed (2.0 GHz, 2.4 Ghz, etc): This is the brain for your computer. You (the computer) made a decision that you want to read a newspaper and drink some coffee. How fast you made those decisions is your processing speed.
Memory (2 gb, 4gb, etc): Your processor has made you realize that you want to read the newspaper and drink coffee. Your memory is actually performing the act of reading the newspaper and drinking your coffee. How many tasks can you take on at one time? As a person, are you capable of drinking your coffee AND reading the newspaper, or should you just focus on one thing at a time? Relate this to a computer. You are doing a research paper for school. You are using a word processing program and using multiple websites in order for you to find your research. The higher the memory, the more tasks your computer can take on.
Hard Drive (160gb, 250gb, etc): How much space can you store in your brain? How much data do you want to keep on your computer?
Now that you know some of the basic specs, now it's time to figure out which Apple model suits you best. I recommend first figuring out if you want a laptop or a desktop. Both take up little space, but a laptop would give you easy travel capabilities. Assuming you want to buy a laptop, let's ask more questions (I am assuming because I know most of my readers are more mobile. If you want desktop advice, I can help with that too! Just email me or apply the information learned in this post).
Next, you need to ask yourself: What will I be using this computer for? Here are some examples of answers; hopefully you will find yourself within one of these people:
Person 1: I am in graduate school and just use my computer for basic word processing, blogging, and surfing the internet. I love to watch movies on my computer too but I don't do that often - usually only on road trips. I have a ton of pictures and documents that I like to store on my computer as well.
- For this person, I would recommend the basic level MacBook for $1,299 OR the white MacBook for only $999. There are a few differences between these models: - The white MacBook has 1gb of memory (still good for her needs) and the basic level MacBook has 2gb of memory (probably more than she needs). - The white MacBook has a 120gb hard drive while the basic level MacBook has a 160gb hard drive. - The graphics card (good for playing video games and making movies) is lower on the white MacBook than the basic Macbook but the white Macbook will still fit her needs. - Question to ask: How much data do you have? Do you need 40gb more space? If the answer is no, go for the white Macbook and save yourself some money!
Person 2: I have been a computer user my whole life and, recently, I am getting into PhotoShop. In fact, I may want to start my own business and design websites in the future as well. I am not into video editing - just photo's and tweaking them using PhotoShop. I have a ton of data and would like to keep all my data on my computer so I can easily use it.
- Anytime you are using high-end software, like PhotoShop, make sure you purchase 2gb of memory or more. - I recommend either the higher end MacBook or one of the 15" MacBook Pro's. - The major differences between the two 15" MacBook Pro's is that there is a slightly higher processing speed (not a big deal), 2gb vs. 4gb of memory (big deal), and a difference of 70gb of hard drive space (big deal depending on how much data you have). - Another thing you should consider is if you want the 17" MacBook Pro. If you like a bigger screen, then go for it, but I can tell you that it's not as portable as the 15" screen is. In my opinion, 17" is huge which is a big deal as far as portability. If you're not sure, go to your local Apple store to find out if it's right for you! - A positive thing about the 17" MacBook Pro is that you can pick between an Anti-Glare or Glossy screen. This decision is a personal one. I prefer the Anti-Glare, but many people prefer the glossy screen. Again, go to your local Apple store and try it out for yourself.
I hope those basic examples help you out. Here are some more pointers:
- If you plan to do serious video editing, plan on purchasing a MacBook Pro for their graphics card - The MacBook Air is nice except for the processing speed. I think it's expensive just because of the portability factor. Go for it if that's important to you and you are using it for basic computing (like the first example). Please note: the MacBook Air does not have an optical drive (listening to CD's, burning DVD's, etc). You can purchase an external one though. - Remember my previous post about Educational Discounts? Save money, find a student! (We all know one!) - Don't forget your AppleCare! It's important! - Visit Macrumors. They have great information/forums/where-to-buy... Also, they will have information on Black Friday deals!
I hope this helps! Please email or comment if you have more questions. Like I said before, I am no expert - these are just my opinions from working at Apple. Let me know what you end up purchasing!
xoxo,
Julie
P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway! It ends Friday at 11:59 pm.
With the holidays coming around, I know many of your are considering asking for a new computer! A year ago, I worked full time at Apple, Inc in Virginia and I learned many things along the way!
Growing up, I was always a Window person because that was part of my environment. My whole family used PC's, only to have one problem after another. The last straw for me was in mid-college. I had a new HP laptop and just after 6 months, I was sick and tired of it. Why do I have to keep updating it? What's with all these viruses? What's a girl to do? I didn't have time to sit there and wait for it to fix itself or to lose my work.
So, with that said, here are my TOP reasons to get a Mac and save yourself from a traumatic technological event:
1. It has Time Machine. What is Time Machine you may ask? Basically, it's the best program in the universe to save your stuff. We have all that data floating around in our computer thinking that it's safe, but guess what? It's not.
I know what you're thinking: "Well, if Apple is so great, then why would I lose my stuff to begin with?" Yes, I get you, you think Apple machines have super powers and nothing happens to them... WRONG. You can spill your coffee on them, you can drop them, your dog could pee on them, etc... there are many things that could happen. Also, let's not forget the simple fact that these are machines. Regardless, they are not perfect!
You need to back up your data if only for your peace of mind. Think about it: You are working on your PhD thesis when all the sudden...... "OMG OMG OMG, I SPILLED MY DIET COKE ALL OVER MY COMPUTER!" What's a girl to do? Well, if your data is backed up, then you can simply go to the Apple Store and confidently tell them to do whatever they need to do to fix it! Yea, I know it would stink if you had to buy a new computer or pay for parts... but at least your GRADUATE DISSERTATION is safe! Oh and let's not forget your precious photos, musics, LIFE...
2. Apple Care: Since we already touched on why Time Machine is so important, let's discuss your machine itself. Apple Care is basically insurance for your computer. Let's say, (with it being a machine and all) you wake up one morning and your computer isn't turning on. Nothing is happening! AHHH...
If you had Apple Care, you would know to just relax (especially if your data is backed up! See #1). Take it easy... just go online and make a FREE appointment with your local Apple Store genius and they will fix your computer (assuming there is no cosmetic damage making them think that you dropped it) for FREE. Oh, and guess what? They don't send your computer out (unless there is something really difficult to fix or they do not have a part) and instead do it right in the back of the store. They fix it THERE and typically, you have it back within days! This makes me really, really happy!
Wait.. wait.. what if you never listened to me and didn't get the Apple Care? What would happen then? Basically, it would be your expense to pay to fix your computer. They could still fix it in the back and everything if needed, but it would cost you money for parts and labor. HOWEVER, an appointment with a Genius at the Genius bar is FREE! So, you could go (set up an appointment online) and consult with a Genius to hear your options. PERFECT!
3. All Mac's have a camera built-in: This is just fabulous. You can video chat with friends and family... you can take pictures of yourself... you can use it as a mirror to put on makeup... the list goes on!
4. It's a joy to work on: After you go through the learning curve of learning a new system, the mac just becomes much more fun to use! Simple tasks such as checking your email, blogs, and websites is easier and more fun! You also don't have virus warnings every two seconds... which brings me to #5.
5. Mac's just don't get viruses! I know you don't believe me (unless you have a Mac) but they simply do not get viruses! Here's why:
Mac's underlying layer is "permissions-based" which is unlike a PC. This means that every time a Mac wants to install something from the internet, it will ask you for your user name a password. Even if you give your username and password to a "virus", you still won't get one. One of my friends at Apple has about 6 Mac's lying around his house and one day, he decided to try and get a virus on his computer (he was just that type of person... just liked to play with technology!) and he could not. He is VERY good with computers too - he is a Mac Genius himself!
6. In the long run, they are worth the initial price tag. Most people are hesitant to buy a Mac because they are expensive. I can tell you that they are well worth it. With PC's, you end up having so many problems (viruses, repairs, frustrations, your mental health!) that the price tag at the beginning is no big deal.
7. Mac's are beautiful: They really are! They have clean lines, beautiful colors and the laptops are light and easy to carry around. The desktops are so simple and so easy to set up. Apple products are just pretty to look at.
8. It's environmentally friendly
Buying Tips: - If you are a student, use your student discount! Just bring your Student ID to your local Apple Store and they will give you the discount. If you are not a student, find a friend who is and bring her/him and their Student ID with you to your local Apple Store. OR, buy online through the education website. SIMPLE!
- Please, please, PLEASE buy Apple Care! You don't have to buy it when you get your computer though. When you buy your computer, it automatically comes with 1-year of FREE coverage. When you buy Apple Care, it then extends that coverage to 3-years from the date of purchase. If you cannot afford Apple Care when you first buy your computer, don't fret. You can buy it WITHIN that first year (BRING A STUDENT ID FOR A DISCOUNT!). Do not forget - write it on your calendar! You do not want to have your computer break and not have Apple Care!
- Buy refurbished! If you cannot afford or don't want to buy a NEW computer, buy a refurbished Mac! It comes with the same coverage (and you can buy Apple Care for it) as a new computer does!
- Check out Apple during Black Friday. As I recall, last year they had discounts of about $300 off!
I hope this helps! Feel free to email me with questions. I am not an expert nor a Mac Genius, but I can try to help. I can also try to help you figure out which computer to buy for your specific needs... just email me or leave a comment. If there are enough questions, I will make another post about the different specs and what they mean (if you don't already know).
**WARNING: In following post, Julie may be obsessing over a really stupid thing so please just let her vent**
Hello!
Since my shopping extravaganza this weekend, I have been obsessing way too much over this one item that I purchased. I bought it from Nordstrom's. It is a BEAUTIFUL green striped no-closure cardigan. I am obsessing because I wish I would have gotten it in a different color. It also came in this beautiful purple and at the time, I thought green was best. However, when I got home, I realized that I have way too much GREEN in my wardrobe! Aka... I have green zip-ups, green sweaters, a green PURSE... you name it! Purple would have been such a better choice!
I know what you're thinking... why don't I just take it back and exchange it for the purple? Well folks, it was on sale. I really don't think I'll be able to find it in the BEAUTIFUL purple again. Maybe I should call Nordstrom's and see if they have it? I guess I am just afraid of disappointment. I can't even find the dang shirt on their website! Oh well... hopefully someday, I will find an amazing purple cardigan that makes me smile as brightly as that one did. For now, I will live with the green.
xoxo,
Julie
P.S. I may call Nordy's on a whim and see if they have it. WISH ME LUCK! :-)
**UPDATE! I just called and THEY HAVE IT IN PURPLE and they are putting it on hold for me until FRIDAY! I LOVE NORDSTROM'S! If that's not customer service, I don't know what is!**
**UPDATE #2! Now, my dilemma is to whether to keep BOTH the green and purple... OR sell the green one on eBay? Hmm... Okay, I promise I am completely done with the updates!**
**UPDATE: This contest is now closed for entries. Thank you to all who entered!**
Hello readers!
Remember my post about Delight? Well, they want to host a GIVEWAY through my blog for this week! Awesome right? Delight will be giving away two sets of Reusable Holiday RuMe Bags to TWO lucky readers!
aren't they adorable?!
All you gotta do is comment below and tell me what item you would give as a gift from the Delight website! You have until 11:59 pm on December 1st to enter! So simple! :-)
Oh and one more thing: Delight is giving ALL my readers 15% off until December 1st! Just enter the promotion code: WearingDelight. Be careful though - it is case sensitive so type it exactly the way you see it! Good luck, happy shopping, and I cannot wait to pick a winner!
Sorry I did not blog all weekend - I have been a very busy girl! Here's a recap:
As I mentioned before, Friday night I went to a Pampered Chef party! It was super fun! If you have not had one of these parties, I really recommend it. It seemed like the hostesses got a lot of benefits too. I would have one myself but my kitchen is a disaster area! Here are some pics:
Our party gal set out everything ahead of time in such a cute way! (Look at the tomatoes!)
This was the MOST amazing cheese grater ever. It was so easy to use!
YUM! Everything she made for us (we helped a little) was fabulous!
I ended up buying this Stoneware Large Bar Pan because I love pizza and our party gal made us pizza using this. It seriously tasted like it was from a restaurant! I cannot WAIT to make my own! (btw, making pizza is the PERFECT stay-at-home date!)
I also bought two other items which I do not want to share because they are holiday pressies :-) All in all, my Friday night was fab-u-lous. Great friends, great times... What did I do afterwards? I went over to Dan's new place! He moved into a house with two of his friends. His new place is great and very cozy! That night, we watched White Christmas, er, the first half of it because I got so sleepy that I fell asleep! Oh well, I don't think he minded :-)
Saturday morning I woke up VERY refreshed! I left Dan's and decided that I would give myself some much needed retail therapy at Tyson's Corner. Before I arrived, I decided to treat myself to Panera Bread. It was lovely - I walked in, ordered lunch and sat down with the Washington Post. When I finished eating, I was READY to embark on my shopping journey!
I, um, well... I went a TAD crazy. I, um.. spent a lot of money. I actually bought so much that I am afraid to post my items because of what you'll think of me! Haha! I will list some of them...okay?!
- 2 scarves (a red one from Urban Outfitters and a purple one from Nordy's) - a turquoise sweater from Express - REALLY cute LONG black arm warmers from Urban Outfitters (they don't have finger covers!) - 2 Victoria's Secret bra's (totally needed them) - 2 sweaters (a black one and a gray/white striped one) from American Eagle - a green zip-up from H&M
See? Not too bad right?
Saturday night, my friends had a Thanksgiving Potluck! There was food, friends, and fun! Dan had a great time playing with his food:
:-)
Then... Sunday... aka, TODAY... I am utterly ashamed. Guess what I did? I stupidly convinced Dan to go to Norstrom's with me! (My second trip of the weekend!). There, I bought 4 shirts (ALL ON SALE, I SWEAR!) and... these:
OMG! I know what you're thinking... but really, it's OKAY because my mom is buying these for me for Christmas. I just bought them before the holiday's because I know they will probably sell out. Before, I wanted black but after a lot of thought (and a call to my fashionista-sister, V), I decided to go with the gray. You like?
Wow, I feel like this post has been a shopping confessional. Wow... I feel better. I hope I did the right thing buy buying all these items, but really, I haven't been shopping in ages! I needed clothes! Now, I can start focusing on OTHER PEOPLE!... aka, holiday shopping :-)
Cheers,
Julie
P.S. There is something UBER exciting happening on my blog tomorrow! Stay tuned! :-)
I got this email from my dad today and it was addressed to me and my sister's. With permission, I would like to share it with you: Hi everyone, and Happy Holidays.
I've been thinking for some time about this (what I want for the holidays). I realize it's presumptuous to assume that you'll be getting me a gift, but that's been the case ever since each of you were old enough to do so!:)
Here's what I'm asking for: Take the amount you were roughly going to spend on me, cut it in half, and write me check for that amount. I am going to take your collective gifts and donate it in my name to the food bank (there are many worthy causes, but this is one I know something about)
I don't ask for this to make you or anyone else feel guilty for not doing the same. I think exchanging gifts is a wonderful and warm tradition. And, to let you in on a secret, I intend to buy each of you gifts!:)
It's really about the stage of life that each of us are in. I happen to be in a stage where I have most of what I need and so, rather than getting another, say, shirt, I'd rather take that money give something to people who really need it.
So let's not make a big deal of this; let's just try it, ok?
Thanks! I love you.
Dad
That email is a perfect example of how I was raised. My mother is the same way. Both of my parents are the most caring people in the world and have worked very hard in their lives for my sister's and I. I love them both!
Since I am cold... here are some cold weather finds:
Gloves Aren't these perfect for my coat? It will make it more warm... I would get the black ones. $33.90
Renne's Accessories scarf! Only $27.50... doesn't it look comfy? I think I may buy it... Or, maybe I should find a coat first... hmmm...
These Kashmere gloves are in my FAVORITE color and for only $30.60. I am always jealous of people who have gloves like these... maybe I should become one of them?
I love this Kashmere black oversized beret! I have always loved these hats since I've seen LC wearing them on the Hills:
Brrrr - it is getting cold outside! Remember how I got that new coat? Well, I love it - don't get me wrong - but it's just not warm enough! So, I have gone back to the same, blah, coat that I've been wearing for the past 3 years. My friend's think it's cute, but I wish I had something different. I never have good luck with warm coats that are cute too. I was thinking to go search for one at some point when I'm motivated. Retail therapy this weekend anyone?
Today, I got to Baltimore and I had meetings allllllll day. So many meetings that I literally did not eat my lunch and soon, I looked at my clock and it was the end of the day! Whaaaaat? So obviously, I was hungry. I drove back home and on the way, I mailed out my giveaway prize to Miss Dana. Hopefully it will get to her soon. Then, I went grocery shopping (yes, while I was hungry... bad, bad choice!). I went to Safeway and while I was in the produce section, I heard thunder. Then, I looked over to the produce and I heard thunder again... THEN... it rained on the produce! Now, I'm not naive - I know that they water the produce but THUNDER? Really? Is that necessary? Well, I guess kids would love it!
Once I was done shopping, I came home and Pink Cupcake's giveaway package was waiting for me! I am such a lucky girl - everything is exactly how she described and my favorite thing is the cinnamon coaster! It really does smell like cinnamon - ahhh....
Currently, I am doing laundry and trying to do some home-things that have built up in the past couple weeks (clean, laundry, pluck my eyebrows, clean my rat cage, etc).
Thurston aka Thirsty during a summer-time photoshoot
My plans for the weekend: - Friday night: A Pampered Chef party that my friend S is holding... has anyone been to one of these? Any advice on what to buy? I was thinking about getting a small knife set... - Saturday night: A Thanksgiving Potluck Party party! - Plan a trip to Pittsburgh (next weekend) and Boston (in February)... more later :-)
I am super excited for this weekend because I have not been very social in the past month because of school! I hope you all had a fantastic day :-)
In the midst of my mini depression and problem, you guys have stuck with me! You gave me encouragement, offered to clean my apartment (Gwen, Jill, and Rachel), and made me laugh! I love blogging mostly because of the hilarious comments I get from people! I will be in the middle of class and receive an email about a new comment and literally have to stop myself from smiling or laughing. It's good to know that there are people who care for you around the world! :-) Anyways, I have received two UBER-FABULOUS awards from three UBER FanTASTIC bloggers!
First, I received the Uber Amazing Blog! from LipSmacker over at Lipstick Diaries. I am honored to say the least - I love her blog and that she thought of me for this award. She described me as "she's me, but wears mascara instead of lipstick!" This is so true! Haha :-)
The Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites that:
~ inspire you ~
makes you smile and laugh
~ gives amazing information ~
is a great read
~ has an amazing design ~
and/or any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!
The rules of this award are: Put the logo on your blog or post. Nominate at least 5 blogs that for you are Uber Amazing! Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog. Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.
I am giving this award on to five deserving blogettes:
Landlocked Mermaid Her posts are always interesting and very personal! I had to feel for her earlier in the week when her day just did not go right! She had a great attitude when it was all said and done though :-)
Peeptoe Pumps and Pearls I have been following Jill's blog since I got into blogging (this past summer) and she is such an inspiration. Please check out her blog and read her previous posts. You will see how inspiring she is, not only as a blogger, but as a human being.
My Life in Transition Julia is a blogger that takes time with her posts. Her blog and her life are inspirational. Did you know that she designed her background herself? I learned that recently and I am now inspired to learn Photoshop myself! She also ran a marathon!
Monogram Chick Sarah is an obvious inspiration to the blogging world and I know I'm not alone when I say this. She has amazing products and an amazing blog. Her stories rock and I know she would be a real-life friend if I knew her in person! Next, I received this Fabulous Award from both Gwen (Confessions of a Control Freak) and An Undomesticated Newlywed! Thanks ladies! I love the friendships I am developing through the bloggy world and these two are no exception :-)
1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous blogs in a post.
Bergdorf Blonds If you have not checked out this blog yet, go over there now. She's blond, she's fabulous, she's real!
Just Talk Dana was the winner of my giveaway (I still need to send the items out Dana... bear with me!) and I have found that I love her blog! Check it out :-)
Her Highness of Cute She had a birthday this week so what better way to show her "happy birthday" AND my appreciation for her blog... she totally deserves this award (and check out her background!)
Puttin' on the G.R.I.T.S. N.M.B. is simply fabulous! I can tell that she takes time with her posts and everytime she posts, I head on over because I know she always has something interesting/fun to say or to show us, her readers.
Nautical by Nature Kate is another blogger who I always read her posts when she updates. Also, she is another DC blogger (we do have to plan a DC meet-up!). I also think her background is fab! 2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.
One: Bare Minerals Makeup
Two: Coffee (a must for me every morning!)
Three: This LipGloss Four: People Magazine Five: My Macbook Pro 3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post. Instructions: On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them. When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well. To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" it in your post as a picture so your winners can save it as well. To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gadget. Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog.
My fellow classmates and I have a huge presentation and report due tomorrow. There is also a chance of snow so can you please wear your pj's inside out and do a little "snow dance" (as Brandi puts it) for us? We are hoping for either a delay or no class all together (which would be glorious!).
(sorry about the skimpy pj's in that picture... it was all I could find!)
As a new blogger, I am in awe of the new community I have found and the people I have met. I am just in love with the blogging world. Today, I came across Perks of Being a Jap's recent post and discovered that many bloggers came together recently to expose their secrets all thanks to Nilsa. She organized an exchange of secrets to post on each others blogs. I just wish I knew about it before today! Anyways, I skimmed through some of the posts and I listed some good ones. Also, see Nilsa's blog to see the full list. I think each secret deserves support no matter what! Go bloggers!
My boyfriend, Dan, is very quirky like me, but that's why I love him! Anyways, he is known for always saying "meh" when asked a variety of different questions.
Example 1
Me: How are you?
Dan: Meh.
Example 2
Me: What's new?
Dan: Meh.
Example 3
Me: What's the weather like?
Dan: Meh.
Example 4
Me: Would you like ketchup or mustard with dinner?
Dan: Meh.
I think you get the point. That word (in my opinion) could be kind of annoying because I did not know what it means... until now. I just went onto Digg and found out that "meh" is now added to the dictionary! According to the article I found from the Chicago Tribune, "meh" has been added to the Collins English Dictionary and it means "indifference or boredom". I guess Homer Simpson made it popular in 2001 on the Simpson's. Interesting.
Okay, Dan. You win and now have the right to say that word without strange looks from yours truly.
I have decided that I need to get it together. Badly. School and everything in my life has made me not want to take care of myself or anything.
Want proof?
I am sitting here at my kitchen table and around me, you will find:
- Random shoes on my floor - School books (in no order) - Papers in a messy heap - Taco Bell wrappers from my dinner tonight (and no, it was not all fresco-style) - 5 (yes, 5) pizza boxes from both Pizza Hut and Papa Johns - 4 beer bottles, 1 beer can (not all mine... they were from playing Scrabble this weekend with Dan and my roommate and I still haven't cleaned them up) - 2 boxes in my line of vision: One box from my yellow wellies and my headband (UM... that was awhile ago and I know that because I blogged about them! Ugh!) - Magazines on my counter - Dishes piling up
There. I figure that the first step is admitting the problem right? Ugh, Ugh, triple ugh.
I need to regroup... I need to not eat and live so unhealthy! It's funny... I am on Weight Watchers although I have not been following it recently. I need to though - just for health reasons! For now on, I am going to FORCE myself to get back onto WW. I am going to start back on Wednesday because that's when my week starts off. Tomorrow, I will go grocery shopping and gather all the healthy goodness that I can find.
In addition, when I am done with this post, I am going to get my lazy arse up to clean up the kitchen and the dishes! Who lives like this?!?!
Monogram Chick is having her 100-post GIVEAWAY! Congrats Monogram Chick! I love her blog (she is a sweetheart!) and all of her items.
Here's what you need to do: Go over to her blog and leave a comment about your favorite MC product AND mention Wearing Mascara because you found out through my blog. That way, if you win, I win too (and, yes I really, REALLY want to win this!).
Also, Lipstick Diaries is giving away her FAVE lip gloss: Nars in Orgasm and a $20 gift card to Sephora! This chick rocks and so does her blog so make sure you head over there NOW to enter and read up!
Since my recent posts have been so ubber-depressing, I thought I need to add something super-fun! I just read me some Purse Blog Savy and they talked about some interesting finds...
First is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q bag in NAVY BLUE:
There are so many people that this bag is perfect for. My friend M would love this... she owns a Faridah in Navy Blue and I think Kate from Nautical by Nature would like this too (not sure why... I just feel like she would... maybe because of the Navy? Kate, correct me if I am wrong!). Also, I would LOVE THIS too obviously! I think the best part is the silver metal. It's beautiful.
The next find is the Matt and Nat Japanese Paper Sade Clutch:
If I was really rich, I would buy this for Brandi for the holiday's because it's VEGAN leather and I think the color is perfect for her! :-)
This whole weekend has been incredibly busy. I volunteered at a conference all-day on Friday and Saturday and have not had much time to myself. Thank you for bearing with me and for all the sweet comments on my previous post.
When I sat down to write this post, it was going to be about Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, but I just couldn't give it my all so that post will have to wait until later this week. Many things have happened in this past week both in my personal and school life and I want to share them on this blog, but at the same time, I just want to leave the problems and move on and I hope you can understand that. I will, however, leave some of the lessons I have learned in the past week:
- I should not be so trusting of people. I have the problem of when I meet someone, I automatically trust them. For now on, I will have my guard up more.
- Sometimes, I should not trust myself. This week, I did something terribly wrong and against who I am as a person. I learned from it and I plan to move on, but at the time, I trusted in myself that what I was doing was "okay" and it clearly was not. In the process, the problem became bigger than I could ever imagined.
- It is important to leave problems and then come back to them. They will pass and you will grow from them.
- I cannot control how others see me, I can only control my reactions.
I hope you can tell from this post that I am deeply troubled as to what happened this past week. It was something that I was in full control of on my end and I let it happen anyway. I was wrong, very wrong. I know that I will move past it and only become a better person, but right now, it is very difficult. I am looking forward to the day when I can pass this story down to my children or my grandchildren so that they know that everyone makes mistakes and it doesn't mean that their life is over. It also does not mean that it will define me as a person.
Tonight, I am going over to Brandi's house for some vegan chili! I am very excited and thankful that I have plans tonight with a friend that I trust.
I am just drained. Purely drained. This week has been a terrible week and just so busy. I guess graduate school does that to a person. I am so busy that even though it's Friday night, it does not affect me at all. The only thing I am looking forward to is a mini-break during Thanksgiving, but even then, I'll have more work to do. I am trying to work ahead, but it's impossible because of the amount of work I have. Literally impossible and trust me, I am the first one to admit that I can procrastinate. I just cannot wait until this semester is done. I even have something to do tonight for school (due before midnight). Have I started it? No. Why? Because I was working on something else last night and I was busy all day in a conference. I really just want to cry. Tomorrow is Saturday and I am busy all day for school yet again (the conference that I was at today has another day tomorrow). I am happy to be in attendance, but it's just so difficult to focus especially when I desperately need sleep.
First, THANK YOU friends for entering! We had a total 130 comments on that post which makes me so happy! Along the way, I have seen new blogs, met new people, and just had a blast! I am humbled that you all came over, became followers, commented, and posted on your blogs :-)
It has taken me 45 minutes, but I have picked a winner! Here's what I did:
I typed out EVERY entry and gave each person one number or multiple numbers depending on if they became a follower, posted about my giveaway, or both. Then, I went here:
...and I got a winner... OooooooOOOOoooo... who could it be? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Is the title of this post a hint? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CONGRATULATIONS DANA!
Dana, you are the proud new owner of some fabulous lip potion and eye silk:
Dana is the blogger over at: Just Talk. It's a fab-u-lous blog complete with pictures, personality, Twitter updates, and more! I just became a follower and you should too. Congrats Dana! Please send me your information (name and address) to: wearingmascara at gmail dot com.
<3,
Julie
P.S. There is something ELSE... totally DIFFERENT... but COOL... and AWESOME... happening on my blog on Monday. Stay tuned!
Just reminding you that you have until 11:59 pm TONIGHT to enter my giveaway! I will be pulling names either late tonight or sometime tomorrow. GOOD LUCK and thanks for entering! I'm so excited to pick someone :-)
I just got back from Baltimore and you know what the first thing I do is?
I grab my pretzals amd French Onion dip. Ugh. This is what happens on days like today. I know I have TONS of stuff to do for school and I'm hungry and tired. When combined, these three things do more harm than good and I am sitting here munching down.
(Yes, I realize the chick in the picture is not eating pretzels, but you get the point right?)
I think I may take a 1-2 hour nap before I get started on work because if I am this exhausted, then I obviously won't focus enough to get anything done.
In other news, did anyone watch the Hills last night? I did (although, I hate to admit it!) and Heidi is an idiot. A serious IDIOT. WHO drinks at work? Then Spencer is even worse... ugh, it just goes to show you how much of that show is staged because I really do not think that anyone in their right mind would stay with him. He's not even that good looking! He looks like a deranged Ken Barbie.
Spencer Pratt:
Deranged Ken Barbie:
See a resemblance? Actually, Ken is cuter, dontchathink? I am sorry for having the most uninteresting post today. Hopefully, tomorrow it will be better. Also, don't forget about my giveaway! You have until Wednesday at midnight to enter!
Wish me luck with all my school work... I can use any help that I can get! :-/
My good friend and classmate, Brandi, is also a blogger and is having a "Blog Identity Crisis" aka BIC. She could really use your assistance here. She can't quite find an appropriate name for her blog. The reason I titled this post "Vegan Vixen" is because she and I were joking that her new name should be Vegan Vixen - ha, just joking ;-)
If you don't mind, please head on over and help a gal out? You all have fabulous ideas and I know you could help her out! Thanks creative people! :-)
Confession: This weekend, I did not wear mascara. In fact, I didn't worry about anything and it was marvelous!
I did however, bring Marc (Jacobs):
and Marc:
I just got back from one of the BEST weekends ever! It was fabulous. Dan and I went to a cabin owned by one of our good friends, T (THANK YOU T!). The cabin had no water, no heat, and no bathroom aka... it was a perfect way to get away from the franticness that is our lives. We left yesterday afternoon around 2 and it took us about 2 hours to arrive. Once we got closer, we realized how beautiful it was! We even saw a "preppy scarecrow" on the way:
This is another picture from the drive... this is not the cabin, but beautiful nonetheless:
When we arrived at the cabin, we were greeted by a neighbor who told us that there was a bear nearby. Dan and I named him Carl (I came up with it... not sure why but I thought Carl was the perfect name for him!).
Carl:
Since there was a bear nearby, Dan and I made sure to keep our food inside the cabin at all times. Also, every time I heard ANYTHING, I would freak out and make Dan go look outside and, sure enough, it was a squirrel every time. I was actually disappointed that I didn't see the bear because I feel like I always hear about them or see the evidence of them, but never see them! Ugh.
Bears aside, everything else was great too. We had cheeseburgers, chips (and dip!), popcorn and shells and cheese (with 2% milk - half the fat, you should try it, it was good!) for dinner and of course tons of red wine :-)
On a new topic, I found out that I won Pink Cupcake's 100 Postgiveaway! Thank you Pink Cupcake! Make sure to visit her blog because she always has interesting finds and great things to say! I am a daily visitor of her blog. I am really in AWE and so excited especially for my new car monogram! I think I'm going to do one in white because I have a red car. Any advice on this?
Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway and thank you to all who have entered so far, especially if you posted about it! It is much appreciated.
Right now, I am watching the Style Network's new show called "Ruby". It's really great and I recommend watching it. Ruby seems like such a doll :-)
Have a great Sunday night everyone! Check back tomorrow because a great friend of mine needs advice and I'll be posting about it tomorrow.
I am a Pittsburgh girl at heart who currently lives in Washington, DC for graduate school. I have three adorable ratties (Kilo, Thurston, and Spencer) and the best family and friends that a girl could ask for!
