Recently I saw a YouTuber post a video about her first mpressions on some "dollar makeup" finds. I figued I would try them out as well - but I didn't get anything on which she had given negative comments.
So this is what I received in my package, and my first impression of what I purchased.
AOA 10-piece makeup brush set: the YouTuber had noted that she was surprised at how soft the bristles were on the brushes. Many inexpensive brushes are not soft - they are stiff, rigid and not worth the money you paid. I have to say, I was very surprised at these brushes, they are very soft an the bristles are nice and flexible. I will need to test and see how well they are at grabbing makeup and applying it to my face. I also bought a few additional brushes because, well, $1.00 each!
The only thing I didn't like - the smell of the case they come in. It stinks like cheap plastic, and the odor is quite strong. (*After letting the case air out the odor has mostly gone away.)
Recommend level - 4 (out of 5) - I like the brushes - they are soft, but firm - hold the eyeshadow powder and glides across my skin.
AOA Makeup remover cleansing wipes: This is a package of pre-moistened wipes with rose water.
Recommend Level: 2 (out of 5) - The smell is like a light rose-scented cleaner, the cloths are scratchy, and they really dried out my skin - to the point that my skin hurt when put on moisturizer. They did remove my makeup, which is why they get a 2 and not a 1.
AOA Wonder Blender: A latex-free, hi-def sponge
Recommend Level: 4 (out of 5) - I"m still new to the blenders, so it seems a little firm, but t did blend my foudation out smoothly.
AOA Brush Cleaning Egg: Hi quality silicone egg-shaped tool to help clean makeup brushes (instead of the palm of the hand).
Recommend Level: 5 (out of 5) - Easy to use, and got my foundation brush really clean! Much better than just the palm of my hand.
AOA Blender Base: A holder for the Wonder Blender sponge so it can dry without sitting on the counter or sink. (genius!)
Recommend Level: 5 (out of 5) - This is a perfect little holder for the blender. I can find nothing wrong with it.
Santee Smoky Eyes Shimmer Eyeshadow Sticks: These had some really good reviews, so I got one in each color: Bronze, White, Smoky (Deep Burgandy), Blue (looks like cobalt), Navy Blue (looks more like sky blue), Silver, Black, and Purple. First glance, they are very pretty. We'll see how they go on...
*Update - I did not like eyeshadow sticks. They pulled and tugged on my skin, they faded after a few hours of wear, and some of them broke off.
Recommend Level: 1 (out of 5). Some people may love these, but I was not a fan.
AOA Wonder Stick HD Concealer in 2307 (supposed to be Peach, but looks like a medium beige)
Recommend Level: 2 (out of 5) - Website doesn't really do a good job at showing actual colors... this "Peach" is really orangey and kind of dark. It was a bit streaky, and not very smooth - did not cover at all.
Santee Eye Primer Long Lasting Shadow Base in 01-Matte (definitely the lightest they had)
Recommend Level: 3 (out of 5) - It is ok. Not great, but not horrible. Didn't give a good covereage, but it did hold my eyeshadow on all day....
AOA Wonder Metal Liquid Lipstick in 2221 Cosmo - It is a deep dusty rose, metallic.
Recommend Level: 4.5 (out of 5) - the only reason I don't give a 5 is because my lips felt dry and sticky, but the color is phenonmenal, and covered very nicely!
Kleancolor Eyeshadow Trio in Cookie, Kleancolor Eyeshadow Trio in Caribbean, Kleancolor Eyeshadow Trio in Thistle, Kleancolor Beautician Lab eyeshadow palette in Visionary - These eyeshadows are surprisingly pigmented, soft, and easy to blend.
Recommend Level - 5 (out of 5) - I recommend using a good primer as a base, but for $1, these are a great buy.
Kleancolor American Icon Baked Shadow in Pearl - Very pretty, pigmented, and easy to blend. Didn't notice a whole lot of dust or fallout. Recommend using a primer base.
Recommend Level: 5 (out of 5)
And (1) Mobile Phone Ring Stent - my sister-in-law had one she bought from the Philipines and loved it (She paid $5 I think, this one was only $1)
Recommend Level: 2 (out of 5). Novelty is a great idea, but it broke after about a month of constant use. <sad face emoji>
So, do I like Shop Miss A and their products? Yes. Do I recommend them? Yes, with some caution. Not a fan of the little trinkets, and not a fan of the pencil shadow sticks, but I think it is a great way to try new makeup or colors at an inexpensive cost. I will definitely purchase more.
Do you shop at Shop Miss A? What are your thoughts?
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
St Augustine - Home away from home
March 28, my husband, youngest daughter and I went to St Augustine for the first time in about 5 years. Last time we were there - the Red Train (trolly) had an accident in the rain. We were left with a lasting impression - having an accident in one of those things can be terrifying!
Anyway, we arrived to our hotel, the Holiday Inn on Ponce de Leon Blvd. Nice place, spacious room, first floor, easy access to the outside door. We had dinner at Zaxby's and came back to the hotel due to the impending storm heading our way. (we drove through it to get to St Augustine, and it was hot on our tail).
About 2:30am, the fire alarm went off. It works. Too well. The hotel management had it shut off quickly - false alarm. Probably someone drunk and just want to be a butt. After the alarm was quieted, a couple that had been arguing prior, decided to take it outside and let EVERYONE know they were fighting. (According to the wait staff the next morning - it turned in to a fist fight.) Needless to say, we didn't get a lot of sleep.
Breakfast the next morning was pretty nice - buffet, all you can eat - waitstaff was polite, courteous, and attentive (worthy of a good tip).
After breakfast, we headed in to Old St Augustine. My plan was to park in the public parking garage and take the Trolley around town to figure out where we wanted to stop, then plan the best, most efficient way to make it happen. We started our trip by going in to the Visitor Center - good thing because we found a very helpful woman selling trolley tickets and discount tickets to some of the local attractions. For under $160, the three of us could ride the trolley for 3 days, all day, go to the Old Jail, Ripleys Museum, the Old History Museum and the Lightner Museum.
We hopped on board the trolley outside the visitor center and began our journey. Toured quite a bit around the town, and when we came up on Ripleys, my daughter suggested we go ahead and stop. Good thinking on her part - the bottom of the sky fell once we were inside! We took our time and then took the trolley around the rest of town. We stayed on board until the rain stopped, landing at the Lightner Museum. We breezed through the museum, because at that point, we were all pretty hungry. My husband took out a map that the trolley lady gave us and started looking for a place to eat. He found an Irish pub in the heart of the shopping district (still in Old St Aug).
Barley Republic Irish Pub, (http://www.barleyrepublicph.com/) - BEST Fish n Chips I have EVER put in my mouth! A definite must for anyone visiting the city and wanting food. Nice staff, loved the atmosphere.
After lunch, we walked around the numerous shops. My husband was very patient and waited in the "street" while the ladies shopped, but he was able to see and hear Colonial-dressed people playing instruments and walking through the crowds, drumming up support for a torch-lit parade they were planning for the night beginning at the Fort (Castillo de San Marcos). We literally shopped until we walked over the fort, watched a gorgeous sunset, and waited with the crowds for the parade. They fired a canon, then started the march from inside the fort, walking around it and ending up in the Colonial Village. (we went back to the hotel - we were beat!)
Apparently Saturday night is the night when people go out to bars and drink until they can barely stand so they go back to the hotel and cause all kinds of commotion. Between 12 and 2:30pm we had 3 groups of drunks causing ruckus in the halls (which amplify ALL sounds). Last drunk went through the halls playing a harmonica! And then between 6 and 7, a group of about 30 kids started leaving their rooms. Kids - with no adult asking them to be quiet - so they were loud, with the sound booming though the halls. What's that, about 3-1/2 hours of undisturbed sleep? Husband was not happy, I was not happy. But we had our coffee and OJ, and checked out of the hotel. I made sure that the manager on duty know that we would likely not be returning to that hotel. Because of the noise and the drunks. Sad because the room was large and spacious, and spotless! And the breakfast waitstaff was wonderful. I did get money back on my stay, but I made sure to tell them they need to put in some sound buffers in that hallway.
After we left the hotel, we went up one block and turned to go to the Old Jail. It was practically in walking distance of the hotel, but we checked out so we had to park somewhere. The Old Jail was entertaining - our guide (Hungry) was an older prisoner fellow who told some good tales among the history of the old jail and it's sheriff, Perry. I would definitely recommend taking this tour. Very interesting and entertaining.
From the Jail, we walked next door to the Old History Museum, I have to say I was disappointed, Not much to really look at and take in unless you wanted to spend your time reading. A lot. I'd pass on this one. We hopped on the trolley and headed back in to the Old town, riding and touring until we stopped at the St Augustine Distillery (http://staugustinedistillery.com/) - we had a very energetic tour guide. We first watched a short film giving some background on the distillery and the local farmers that provide the ingredients for the "refreshments" made at the distillery. We saw how the liquid was made, and then we were able to taste the vodka that was made and bottled. (Yes, I came home with a bottle!) Great tour, great people who work there, and even better vodka! We'll be back in 2-1/2 years to sample the bourbon that is currently in barrels.
After the vodka, we took the trolley down to the water front to see the Spanish ship, El Galeon Andalucia. At $15/head, we didn't go on board - but we were able to get pretty close and take pictures. Beautiful ship!
We were able to see dolphins playing in the bay, enjoyed the view of the bridge, and then we walked back up to the street to be able to take the trolley back to our car.
Getting in to the car, we headed to the bridge that would take us over to my favorite part of St Augustine - the St Augustine Lighthouse. The day was perfect, clear skies, blue, warm and breezy. I could not have asked for better weather! We took a stroll through the gatekeeper's house, and then went up to the top of the lighthouse. I must stop and thank my husband profusely for stopping with me at every landing. I could not have made it up without him and his patience and support. The view from the top was breath-taking! We could see for MILES, including the Schooner that offers tours from the bay in to the open waters. I almost didn't want to leave.
But, we had to. We needed to find food (lunch) and get on the road back home. It was a fun-filled, eventful weekend. A get-away that was LONG overdue! But so glad we went - I love Old St Augustine. I just wish I lived a little closer - the 3 hour car ride can be long when you want to get there, and again when you have to go home.
Next time, we are planning on spending more time to shop and see more sites that we didn't get to see on this trip - like the Fountain of Youth, the Pirate Museum and the Colonial Village.
And we will definitely be taking the Old Town Trolley again - friendly, helpful people and pretty good tour guides!
Anyway, we arrived to our hotel, the Holiday Inn on Ponce de Leon Blvd. Nice place, spacious room, first floor, easy access to the outside door. We had dinner at Zaxby's and came back to the hotel due to the impending storm heading our way. (we drove through it to get to St Augustine, and it was hot on our tail).
About 2:30am, the fire alarm went off. It works. Too well. The hotel management had it shut off quickly - false alarm. Probably someone drunk and just want to be a butt. After the alarm was quieted, a couple that had been arguing prior, decided to take it outside and let EVERYONE know they were fighting. (According to the wait staff the next morning - it turned in to a fist fight.) Needless to say, we didn't get a lot of sleep.
Breakfast the next morning was pretty nice - buffet, all you can eat - waitstaff was polite, courteous, and attentive (worthy of a good tip).
After breakfast, we headed in to Old St Augustine. My plan was to park in the public parking garage and take the Trolley around town to figure out where we wanted to stop, then plan the best, most efficient way to make it happen. We started our trip by going in to the Visitor Center - good thing because we found a very helpful woman selling trolley tickets and discount tickets to some of the local attractions. For under $160, the three of us could ride the trolley for 3 days, all day, go to the Old Jail, Ripleys Museum, the Old History Museum and the Lightner Museum.
We hopped on board the trolley outside the visitor center and began our journey. Toured quite a bit around the town, and when we came up on Ripleys, my daughter suggested we go ahead and stop. Good thinking on her part - the bottom of the sky fell once we were inside! We took our time and then took the trolley around the rest of town. We stayed on board until the rain stopped, landing at the Lightner Museum. We breezed through the museum, because at that point, we were all pretty hungry. My husband took out a map that the trolley lady gave us and started looking for a place to eat. He found an Irish pub in the heart of the shopping district (still in Old St Aug).
Barley Republic Irish Pub, (http://www.barleyrepublicph.com/) - BEST Fish n Chips I have EVER put in my mouth! A definite must for anyone visiting the city and wanting food. Nice staff, loved the atmosphere.
After lunch, we walked around the numerous shops. My husband was very patient and waited in the "street" while the ladies shopped, but he was able to see and hear Colonial-dressed people playing instruments and walking through the crowds, drumming up support for a torch-lit parade they were planning for the night beginning at the Fort (Castillo de San Marcos). We literally shopped until we walked over the fort, watched a gorgeous sunset, and waited with the crowds for the parade. They fired a canon, then started the march from inside the fort, walking around it and ending up in the Colonial Village. (we went back to the hotel - we were beat!)
Apparently Saturday night is the night when people go out to bars and drink until they can barely stand so they go back to the hotel and cause all kinds of commotion. Between 12 and 2:30pm we had 3 groups of drunks causing ruckus in the halls (which amplify ALL sounds). Last drunk went through the halls playing a harmonica! And then between 6 and 7, a group of about 30 kids started leaving their rooms. Kids - with no adult asking them to be quiet - so they were loud, with the sound booming though the halls. What's that, about 3-1/2 hours of undisturbed sleep? Husband was not happy, I was not happy. But we had our coffee and OJ, and checked out of the hotel. I made sure that the manager on duty know that we would likely not be returning to that hotel. Because of the noise and the drunks. Sad because the room was large and spacious, and spotless! And the breakfast waitstaff was wonderful. I did get money back on my stay, but I made sure to tell them they need to put in some sound buffers in that hallway.
After we left the hotel, we went up one block and turned to go to the Old Jail. It was practically in walking distance of the hotel, but we checked out so we had to park somewhere. The Old Jail was entertaining - our guide (Hungry) was an older prisoner fellow who told some good tales among the history of the old jail and it's sheriff, Perry. I would definitely recommend taking this tour. Very interesting and entertaining.
From the Jail, we walked next door to the Old History Museum, I have to say I was disappointed, Not much to really look at and take in unless you wanted to spend your time reading. A lot. I'd pass on this one. We hopped on the trolley and headed back in to the Old town, riding and touring until we stopped at the St Augustine Distillery (http://staugustinedistillery.com/) - we had a very energetic tour guide. We first watched a short film giving some background on the distillery and the local farmers that provide the ingredients for the "refreshments" made at the distillery. We saw how the liquid was made, and then we were able to taste the vodka that was made and bottled. (Yes, I came home with a bottle!) Great tour, great people who work there, and even better vodka! We'll be back in 2-1/2 years to sample the bourbon that is currently in barrels.
After the vodka, we took the trolley down to the water front to see the Spanish ship, El Galeon Andalucia. At $15/head, we didn't go on board - but we were able to get pretty close and take pictures. Beautiful ship!
We were able to see dolphins playing in the bay, enjoyed the view of the bridge, and then we walked back up to the street to be able to take the trolley back to our car.
Getting in to the car, we headed to the bridge that would take us over to my favorite part of St Augustine - the St Augustine Lighthouse. The day was perfect, clear skies, blue, warm and breezy. I could not have asked for better weather! We took a stroll through the gatekeeper's house, and then went up to the top of the lighthouse. I must stop and thank my husband profusely for stopping with me at every landing. I could not have made it up without him and his patience and support. The view from the top was breath-taking! We could see for MILES, including the Schooner that offers tours from the bay in to the open waters. I almost didn't want to leave.
But, we had to. We needed to find food (lunch) and get on the road back home. It was a fun-filled, eventful weekend. A get-away that was LONG overdue! But so glad we went - I love Old St Augustine. I just wish I lived a little closer - the 3 hour car ride can be long when you want to get there, and again when you have to go home.
Next time, we are planning on spending more time to shop and see more sites that we didn't get to see on this trip - like the Fountain of Youth, the Pirate Museum and the Colonial Village.
And we will definitely be taking the Old Town Trolley again - friendly, helpful people and pretty good tour guides!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Today's Finds - Fab Photos - Animals
So many wonderfully cute and adorable photos found on Pinterest.
Here are a few of my favorite:
Kittens in a Pumpkin
Lil Monkey 
All Stacked Up
Peek-a-Boo! 
Jedi Frog!
Roo Hug! 
Hello!
I said, "NOT TONIGHT!" 
Nap Time!
Tired Puppy 
What a face!
Look at those eyes! 
Cute puppy
RUN! 
I'm sexy & I know it!
Cute Kitten 
Piggie!
Stay tuned for more fab photos and great finds from across the web!
Here are a few of my favorite:
Kittens in a Pumpkin Lil Monkey All Stacked Up Peek-a-Boo! Jedi Frog! Roo Hug! Hello! I said, "NOT TONIGHT!" Nap Time! Tired Puppy What a face! Look at those eyes! Cute puppy RUN! I'm sexy & I know it! Cute Kitten Piggie!Stay tuned for more fab photos and great finds from across the web!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Great Finds on #Pinterest
I've been thinking about how people blog about so many things - from makeup tutorials, to nail photos, and great finds on eBay or Etsy - and I wanted to try my hand at it as well.
I'm a Pinterest-Addict.
I admit it, and my boyfriend understands. There is so much out there - from tutorials on how to put on makeup, how to cover up flaws with makeup, what makeup is trending, to nail art, fashion old and new, cute animals photos, great photography across the world, arts, crafts, DIY - the list goes on and on and on!
I wanted to put together some images from Pinterest of different fabulous finds. I'll choose a different category for each blog post.
First choice? Images from Ireland! Why Ireland you ask? Well, for starters, I'm part Irish. My Irish can be traced back to 246AD when the family was actually in Scotland and had to leave to resettle in Ireland. And that's where we stayed, until Archibald and Rebecca (Boyd) McKaughan crossed to ocean to settle in America. My great-great-grandmother was Molinda McKaughan, and she was full Irish. I'm throwing a few of my own personal photos in here as well.
So, without further ado, let's explore some highlights of Ireland!
Giants Causeway, Area in County Antrim, Northern Ireland - masses of Basalt Towers:
I'm a Pinterest-Addict.
I admit it, and my boyfriend understands. There is so much out there - from tutorials on how to put on makeup, how to cover up flaws with makeup, what makeup is trending, to nail art, fashion old and new, cute animals photos, great photography across the world, arts, crafts, DIY - the list goes on and on and on!
I wanted to put together some images from Pinterest of different fabulous finds. I'll choose a different category for each blog post.
First choice? Images from Ireland! Why Ireland you ask? Well, for starters, I'm part Irish. My Irish can be traced back to 246AD when the family was actually in Scotland and had to leave to resettle in Ireland. And that's where we stayed, until Archibald and Rebecca (Boyd) McKaughan crossed to ocean to settle in America. My great-great-grandmother was Molinda McKaughan, and she was full Irish. I'm throwing a few of my own personal photos in here as well.
So, without further ado, let's explore some highlights of Ireland!
Powerscourt House & Gardens :
 |
| Powerscourt House & Gardens - a gorgeous piece of property just outside the quaint town of Enniskerry with several themed gardens, wonderful old house, and a rose garden to DIE for! I went here in 2003 |
 |
| Powerscourt Garden Gate, just outside the fabulous rose garden. Garden Gate |
Rock of Cashel, Tipperary:
 |
| This was my first view of Rock of Cashel, and I had to pass through kind of "keep the cows out" type of s-shaped gate. I had parked on the main road, not knowing where this place was. Walked up a long drive and WHAM! There it was! An absolute MUST to see in Ireland! |
 |
| I tried to get the whole floor plan of the place, but I had a very cheap camera, and it was a cloudy day. Place isn't overly huge, but definitely fascinating! |
Bunratty Castle:
Yeats Grave, County Sligo:
 |
Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams
|
Giants Causeway, Area in County Antrim, Northern Ireland - masses of Basalt Towers:
One final stop for today: Blarney Castle. One cannot go to Ireland without visiting Blarney Castle. Such a beautiful piece of land, interesting ruins, and, if you wish, you can kiss the Blarney Stone:
This concludes our short trip to Ireland. I will most definitely post another with more photos.
Stay tuned!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Lost Soul (work in progress)
The Lost Soul
An unnatural force sheathed this dusty room. The air was stagnant and stale. A few beams of sunlight peeked through the broken blinds on the dirt-stained window. There did not appear to be any solid objects in the room, only shadows of objects and things that once were. Not a breeze was felt, yet something seemed to stir in the darkened corners. A figure entered the room. A man dressed in an oversized brown raincoat with an exceptionally aged face and unkempt hair padded through the room, leaving footprints in the dirt on the floor. His dark eyes scanned over the floor, in the corners, searching the shadows. His face displayed a strange expression as he discovered the one he sought.
“What,” a raspy voice from a darkened corner snarled, “can I do for you, eh?”
The man in the raincoat turned to see a short man. His face was slightly hidden behind a large flimsy hat. A heavy black coat was draped over his gnarled body. The hunched little fellow carried a cane, and his bare feet were black with dirt from the floor.
“This cradle,” the man motioned to the shadow of an old tiny bed, “this cradle is mine.”
“Was yours.”
“IS mine,” said the man, his tone, getting louder.
“’Mine’ is such a possessive word,” the little old chap stated. He began throwing questions at the man in the raincoat, “How come you were not so possessive in the past, eh? You were so eager to leave that cradle and move into a real bed because you wanted to be a ‘big boy’. You were so eager to booze it up and get into drugs because they were adult things, and you wanted to be like your friends. You were so eager to leave high school because it was boring and confining. You were so eager to move into your own apartment because you wanted to live your own life away from your parents. You were so eager to run off and get married because you thought you were in love. And then you were so eager to leave your wife and children because you didn’t want to be tied down.
“What happened, Mr. Eager?” The small man’s face contorted into an ugly, evil smile. “Move too fast, did you, now? Did you miss something along the way? Can you not look back on your life and smile? Can you not tell stories to your children? Have still not come to realize what you are really here for?”
“What do you want of me?” the man in the raincoat shouted. “What do you want me to say?” His breath was short and labored, “Do you want me to admit I have regrets? Okay,” he began, his voice suddenly softer and calmer. “I have regrets! I regret growing up too fast. I regret doing drugs and drinking. I regret leaving high school. I regret not going to college. I’m the first one to admit that my life went awry somewhere along the line. But you wouldn’t understand, because no one ever does; no one ever seem to have regrets.”
“My friend,” the short man replied, “every man, woman and child who ever had a dream, or fell in love, or lost a friend has regrets. And thus, has shadows in this room. Some, much like yourself, return for them thinking that this is the way to put their life back in order, but it is to no avail. The shadows in this room are lost from them; unattainable; here to reside forever.”
“Why are you here, old man?”
“Because I was just like you,” the old fellow said, as he motioned to the shadow of a tall, handsome, young man. “That shadow,” the gnarled man said rather softly, “was my soul. I put everything aside to pursue the great American Dream of being rich and happy. I always put off the things that were not seemingly important to me. I was rich; I had everything I wanted; I was a playboy. No one could make me settle down. I even have children who have no clue who I am. My whole life was one big selfish dream. But I thought I had it all. If I only knew then, what I know now…”
The old man took off his hat and coat. His countenance turned to horror as the younger man’s face paled and his body began to sway. He stumbled to the door and back in to the real world. Outside the crisp air blew in the man’s face, a sign he was out of the room. As fresh sunlight warmed his back he looked at the ground. Strangely, he noticed that he cast no shadow upon the earth’s surface.
Instantly, he understood.
Too good not to share
April Slaughter: Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be. ~Clementine Paddleford
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