In difficult times, it’s easy to forget the things, no matter how small, that make us smile.

Shoes...freeee shoes. Thank you, RocketDog.

Co-working in a cute garden, with my cute boy and a brown sugar latte.

PJs, best dark chocolate ever, girly fun.

Cheat days. LOVE Peroni. (Food blogger I am not...)

*Honorable Mentions*

Finally finding a new shampoo/conditioner that is repairing my Costa Rica damaged hair.

Watching Bridesmaids from my living room because the bf hooks it up.

Reading The Help-holy crap. I LOVED this book.

Good runs.

Making plans with my sister to honor our grandpa in a very special way.

I am having a very difficult time with my grandfathers passing.  When I woke up today and realized I was still sad, I was initially mad at myself.  It’s Monday! New week!  You took last week off to mourn, today you have to be happy, get with the program. If only it were that easy, right?

Since negative self talk is the last thing I need to be doing right now, I’m going to be kind to myself.  It hasn’t been a week, and suffice to say, my grandpa was the most important person to me-so it’s ok if I’m not all rainbows and butterflies and puppy dogs right now.  I’ll get there.

I finally set up a Facebook page!  Like me, and we can hang out over there-lord knows I’m already on that site more than I’d like to admit

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I may or may not have thought it was a sex toy.

Last week I received this Hana Professional 1″ Flat Iron (and it’s pink!), along with a few other presents, courtesy of Misikko. Misikko also sells other top of the line brands of flat irons, including CHI Flat Irons, FHI Flat Irons, and the T3 Evolution Hair Dryer I have been coveting for months.  My CHI broke last week and I was not a happy girl, so I was excited to try the Hana out, but a little skeptical-my hair is my thing, and I’m very picky about the heat tools I use, my hair is in the best condition* of my life, and I plan on keeping it that way.  I tried the Hana this weekend and was totally smitten. So then I had to have a photo-shoot to show ya’ll… Duck face/signature sassy face and the Liz pout. Pretty princess hair can be straight, too!

Misikko is generously offering one of my readers the chance to win a Hana 1″ Professional Pink Flat Iron-retail value approx $250- of your very own.  It’s easy, all you need to do is follow Misikko and myself on Twitter, and leave a comment with your email address and Twitter name.  If you aren’t on Twitter, get on it, just leave your email and why you want to win this!  I’ll choose the winner at random this Friday March 26th.

*These pictures are on my Twitter and Facebook, and I’ve been asked questions about the length and how I keep it so healthy/shiny.  Really quick-I deep condition like it’s my job-I use this Rene Furterer deep conditioner 2x a week, and I don’t wash my hair everyday.  I’m a firm believer that it’s one of the worst things you can do, obviously there are exceptions if your hair is super oily, etc.  For example-I flat ironed on Saturday when I took these photos-Sunday, my hair had more texture which I love and was kind of messy and beachy, if you will…and today, it’s up in a crazy ponytail situation with a headband but the lil bit of dirtyness makes it look pretty cool.  I swear by dry shampoos-I’ve blogged about the Rene Furterer one before that I hoard because it’s always sold out.  Since I use so much heat on my hair-I ALWAYS use a heat protectant spray. ALWAYS. I actually adore this TRESemme one you can get at Target for like 5 bucks.

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I have to get the business out of the way-YES, COVERGIRL generously sent me a ton of amazing products to try. NO, they did not pay me to say they are amazing. NO, they are not paying me blog about them. The thoughts, opinions, hopes and dreams expressed in this post are all mine. If you have any questions, you can always email me. Ok. Yay.
I haven’t really used CG since I was maybe 17, which we have established was kind of a while ago. When I was a teenager though, I wanted to BE Niki Taylor and she is still the first thing to pop into my mind when I think about COVERGIRL. I’m pretty sure my first powder was COVERGIRL-If I remember correctly, it was the tortoiseshell compact…do you guys remember that? So anyways, when I got an email from them asking if they could send me some products from their new collection, I of course said yes (duh. why would I say no?) but wasn’t really expecting too much. Like I wasn’t expecting I’d send mass texts to friends about how they need these products in their lives NOW. But I totally did, and they totally do, and here’s why. Giveaway details are at the bottom.

Shineblast Lipgloss-It sculpts your lips with curve-accentuating high shine and a fun flash of color. LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE.  Comparable to MAC Lipglass-super shiny but less sticky.  They sent me 2-a neutral and a bright pink and both can be worn alone or on top of lipstick.  If you’re like me, you have probably 10ish lipglosses in rotation-some at home, in your bag, car…I would def buy these-half the price of MAC and basically a third or fourth of the price of a Dior or Chanel.
LashBlast Length Mascara-For ultra long lashes that won’t flake or break during your big night out. I’m a total mascara junkie. Many g-chat/BBM convo’s have been devoted entirely to finding the perfect mascara.  I really like this one because it’s not heavy or cakey at all.  And their no flaking claim?  Totally true, and I would tell you if it wasn’t, because I hate when mascara flakes.  This is kinda random, and maybe I’m the only one who notice’s shit like this-LOVE THE YELLOW. It makes it so easy to find in my bottomless hole of a purse or make-up bag. Life is hard enough, right?



Smoky Shadowblast-A clever, two-step system for creating big bold smoky eyes with amazing results! When I opened the adorable box from CG, I immediately saw these and got rillyrilly excited.  Basically, the options are endless.  The easiest thing to do is use the light color as a base and the dark color from the lash line into the crease and hi, your eyes are done.  If you have been wanting to try a smoky eye, GET THE BLACK AND WHITE ONE.  I also love these for turning a day look into night in 2.5 seconds.  Use the dark color to line the inner rim, or the lighter one as a highlight or in the inner corner.

I didn’t want this to be a super long post too late, but they also sent me  new versions of the Clean Foundation and Pressed Powder…which now that I think about it, IS the one I used in high school.  It smells the same too-but I think it smells good, so that’s a win.  I was running low on my liquid Studio Fix the other day, so I used the foundation and I was so surprised.  I’m a major foundation snob and I think it’s the one thing worth spending a lot of cash on, after skin care.  This stuff is like $7 and gave amazing coverage, lasted all day and didn’t get all cakey and nasty at all.  The powder is pretty basic, I throw it in my bag for little touch ups during the day.

Also…The Simply Ageless Concealer-COVERGIRL and Olay’s first ever age-defying concealer visibly brightens the look of skin under the eyes for a more wide awake look. The Simply Ageless Corrector-Use in tandem with the concealer to diminish the appearance of even the most severe dark circles. I was skeptical-usually this kind of serious coverage is hard to find from a drugstore brand done correctly (in my opinion), but I think if your technique is right, these are just as good as Laura Mercier’s Secret Camo, for example…and again, 1/4 of the price.

Because I was so pleased with my re-intro of sorts to COVERGIRL, I wanted to be able to share it with you.  Or at least 3 of you!  3 of you will win 1 full size of each of the products I’ve mentioned here-so basically a full face worth of new products to play with!  Just leave me a comment and an email address!  If you re-tweet, let me know in the comments too!  I’m @Misslizzymarie.  I’ll keep this open until next Tuesday, March 9th. BESOS!

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Happy Happy Friday!!

Now…another giveaway I’m super excited about!

I was intrigued by Perricone MD’s No Foundation Foundation the second I saw it in the Sephora catalogue and I knew I had to have it. Immediately. STAT. As a make-up artist I was like WHAT WHAT HUH? A foundation…that isn’t a foundation? I know, right…blew my mind too. Read on…

{Magic in a bottle? Mama likey}

Details...

Perricone MD’s No Foundation Foundation offers translucent coverage allowing the natural health and glow of skin to shine through while protecting the complexion against damaging UV rays. It works to correct skin undertones and offers all-day moisture, providing an even, dewy finish. A dose of specially treated pigments, blended with light diffusing mica, instantly soften the look of lines, wrinkles, and pores, creating a flawlessly radiant look. This formula includes antiaging actives, DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid, which help to firm skin and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles over time.

Hi, I just had a beauty-productgasm…SRSLY, is anyone else as excited about this as me? I.Die.

Well, like sneaky beauty product mind reading fairies, the kind people at Perricone MD offered to giveaway one No Foundation Foundation to one of YOU! ($50 value)

AND!

They are sending me one too and I’ll be doing a product review when I get it in my hot little hands (checking mail like a psycho daily!!)

Meaning we can totes be twins rocking our No Foundation Foundation and, as always, remain looking 19 forever!

Le Rules…The Usual

• My giveaways are for my homies. So be a follower and say hi if you’re new to me, I’m a lover not a fighter…
• Leave a comment on this post telling me something, anything about foundation-what you love, what you hate, if you never wear it, etc.
• If you tweet about it, leave a second comment letting me know!
• I’ll announce the winner next Friday the 23rd! I can’t wait to see who my No Foundation Foundation buddy is going to be!

This one is open to US readers only, sorry sorry loves…but clearly I always have something else up my sleeve so don’t worry!

Have a fabulous weekend,

XOXO,

Liz

Did ya’ll see my ode to Mayra down there? I’m on a crazy posting spree tonight, but I def don’t want you guys to miss it, cuz I love her!

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Friday already…all I have to say is “yay!” Pretty much sums it up, no?

Last night was Fashion’s Night Out in NYC…and I’m not gonna lie, I had to pull myself away from the every-3- second- fabulous Twitter updates to have a pity party. With some Sangria from a bottle I did manage to grab this photo of MK and Ashley handing out lemonade. WERQUE. I read a “tweet” that someone tried to tip MK…because I’m totes sure she needs that extra $2. I die.

{Via Cutblog}

All snarkyness and bitter Betty-ness aside, this was a phenomenal evening for the industry that I work in, am obsessed with and love. If you are unfamiliar with what FNO is-

“In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals.”

BADASS. FTMFW!…thanks Lilu, for coining a “term” I will most def play out in no time.

You know what makes me a non-bitter Betty? YOU. Just sayin…

Ok. Focus. Kristin…I got my mail today and let’s just say, my pumpkin spice latte’s will be on her for awhile. But the card is really what brought the smiles and “awwws“! We’ll be back in a hot minute with a shoe post similar to our LBD post…often imitated never duplicated ha! LOVE HER and treasure her!!

And, as always, The Badger Colony. I don’t know how 3 girls who have yet to meet (soon!) can just hold it down for each other day in and day out, but we do. So to Brooke and Mayra…thank you. Love you. Friday means textapaloooooza!

Ok le mush…I’m getting teary…thank you SO much PMS, really, it’s been like a week. Throw me a bone jeez..But I digress!

{Random car pic of me cuz B likes it and the girl gets what she wants}

{Hmm…bloggy buddies becomin real lifers on the reg. I dig.}

This weekend is full of new bloggy friend FUN!!

I was asked by Sephora to attend an invite only event this Sat, bring friends, (preferably bloggers-we clearly rule) have our makeup done, a yummy lunch-basically be little diva’s for a few hours, and leave with some free goodies…in exchange for a write up on the event…um, didn’t take me long to say yes! I’m bringing with me some FABULOUS L.A girls you may be familiar with…

Jasmine at An Experiment in Poverty-I already met her not too long ago! She’s as fabulous as her blog and I’m super excited to hang out again!

My lil cuppycake Ali at The Way I See It

And of course, my wombmate, Ms. Gabby, She Wrote

The Fun Continues on Sunday…

With brunch with Charis of Dancing the Tightrope -also a fellow Five Lipstick Stains on Your Collar girl, and did I mention she’s newly engaged and moving away? Happy and Sad face all in one sentence…so super excited about meeting her FINALLY!!! We’re going to the nutella crepe place I met Jasmine, Kathleen and Carina at. I don’t care what else they have there. I only have eyes for Nutella.

Longest post ever…Winner winner time! Stay with me dolls…

Big virtual hug to the amazing, gorgeous, sweet, etc, etc Leigh at Jkldesigns and Create for partnering with me on this giveaway. The response was phenomenal! I am still lusting after every single one of her pieces, so if you didn’t win, I say, we should totally buy out her shop anyway! Who’s with me?

I decided to have John, our new roommate, pick a name…here he is…he’s the bomb, he brings me coffee everyday and is always down for an impromptu “PYT” dance party in the living room!

{as these are the two ways to my heart ya’ll}

{Say hi to John! What up John.}

Sooo…Aritza, Goddess Of Sarcasm and Unfinished Sentences…you are now the Goddess of a JKL Design piece of amazingness!!!!! Yay! Let me know which one you want…decisions, decisions!!!

Don’t be discouraged…you should know by now I always have a lil somethin somethin on the way for my peeps…Sephora giveaway? WHAT?

Whewwwww…

HAPPY WEEKEND LOVERS!!!!! What are you doin? Hmmm?

Next week…get ready to party. New fabulous sponsors to introduce and a cross country trip to see my bestie the gorgeous OOFA. Life is good!!!

XOXO,

Liz

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Yes, I realize I am doing giveaways back to back, BUT just take it, ok? The one from this weekend was a surprise even to me and I didn’t want to wait…AND I HAVE BEEN DYING TO DO…

This Limited Edition Sephora Palette includes enough fun stuff to create up to 10,000 color combinations!
This set contains:
- 36 eyeshadows
- 12 lip glosses
- 3 blushes
- bronzer
- 3 applicators

2. I featured the AMAZING Moroccan Hair Oil in my first Liz is Loving…and I seriously love it so much that I want one of my bloggy friends to win it, try it, and LOVE IT TOO! I have been lucky enough to receive one full size bottle to giveaway to my readers! YAY!

“For centuries Moroccan Argan oil has traditionally been used by women in Morocco to treat hair and nails in order to counteract the effects of the hot climate and aging. Argan oil contains unsaturated fatty acids and is rich in tocopherols which works like vitamin E (nature’s most powerful antioxidant agent). Argan oil naturally renews cell structure and always consistently restores shines to dull lifeless hair. Moroccanoil Treatment is an ultra-light formula which is absorbed by the hair instantly, resulting in a natural, shiny finish without leaving a residue.” Meaning-it makes my hair routine in the morning so much easier and people are constantly wanting to touch my hair…kinda creepy, but hey, proof the stuff works.

(Thanks to K for my banners and images via sephora.com,moroccanoil.com and fffound)

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So suck it, Mr. Banana...
I was browsing through Etsy for a one of a kind Father’s Day card, when I stumbled upon oolalachic, an Etsy shop based out of Orange County. We bonded like OC girls do! Elena designs one of a kind stationary, invitations, coasters and other adorable things with a chic and breezy Cali vibe, and she has graciously agreed to partner with me on a giveaway for my bloggy friends! She is giving away a set of the freaking ADORABLE Perfectly Pineapple Folded Note Cards (Set of 10). What I love about them, besides how cute they are-I’ve always had a thing for Pineapples…

You will receive a set of 10 folded note cards hand stamped with a yummy pineapple in saffron yellow and chocolate brown. The leaves are an olive green and the “thank you” sentiment is chocolate brown.

The card measures 4.25″ x 5.5″, card stock is smooth white 110 lb weight, and envelopes are chocolate brown.

Set is packaged in a box ready for gift giving or to keep for yourself.

Envelopes are 30% Recycled Materials, Green-e Certified, and Made with Certified Renewable Energy. (YAY!)

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