I Got Naked 2

For all of you who are familiar with the Urban Decay Naked Pallets, you will know that I am fashionably late in posting my review of the latest and greatest, Naked 2 Pallet. This is primarily due to the fact that it was sold out everywhere! But alas, it was this Blonde's birthday last weekend, and I finally got my hands on one {thanks Mom and Dad}.

Reasons why I heart Naked 2:

un. I am a huge fan of neutrals--neutrals clothes, neutral makeup, neutral decor.
deux. The shadows themselves are very pigmented and have great color payoff.
trois. The pallet will last you a long time. Yes, it retails for $50, but consider this--I picked up the original Naked Pallet around Christmas of 2010 and used it quite frequently throughout 2011. I still have the original and have only started to hit pan on few of my go to shades. {Bargain ladies, a bargain}

Have a look...

 And now for the close-up...

Shades from left to right : Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite,  Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, Blackout.

How 'bout those names! So far my favorite shades have been Pistol, Verve, and YDK {possible look tutorial to follow}


This time around, the palette is equipped with a dual sided brush {one side for packing on the color, and the other for blending} and a sample size of their lip gloss in the shade "Naked." I have to say I think that I prefer the brush vs. the double sided eyeliner that was included in the first edition--it's a nice quality, and makes the pallet an easy choice when traveling.

Despite the variety of palettes that I have built myself from MAC or Make Up Forever, I always find myself reaching for this. It's really everything your need for an everyday look and a great starter piece for those just diving in to the art of makeup!

Happy Sunday! {Does anyone else hate when people say "Sunday Funday"?? Just sayin'...}

-Dana

Bisous Bisous!

Ah oui, l'amour. Happy Valentine's Day!

Le boyfriend and I have this tradition where every vday we go to our local Chipotle for burritos, and then top those off with a chocolate covered strawberry. Some may think of it as a tad anti-Valentine's Day, but I kind of like that we have made it our own.

This year, there were no strawbs to be found despite my best efforts! So, we improvised. I give you, the chocolate covered apple. Don't knock it till you try it, they were every bit as delicious as the strawberries.

As you can see, he had a little assembly line going and was even getting a little saucy with the addition of the bowl of peanut butter!

I think I will surprise Le Boyfriend with a batch of these next year--

or these--

Or maybe I should stop searching Pinterest at 11:22 pm and get some beauty sleep...

Good night to all you lovebirds!

-Dana

All Lacquered Up!

Oye oye! Today's post is inspired by our friends across the pond, and their cutie pie named Butter London Nail Lacquers {that just sounds so much more sophisticated than nail polish!}

This high fashion nail line is known for its 3 free lacquers--No formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP. They offer the perfect array of unique colors, free of toxins to boot! The formula is opaque with just one coat, and very easy to work with on the nail. See this Blonde's top picks.

Big Smoke

Toff

Rosie Lee

Butter also has a lovely looking line of hand creams and treatments that I can't wait to try.

Happy nails to you!

-Dana

A Celebration of Beef

That's right. It was a celebration of beef {or a Vegetarians Worst Nightmare}

Le Boyfriend and his pals have a competitive streak that has been manifesting itself in the form of eating competitions more recently. Last night's challenge was giant burgers.

Our friends Ryan and Tracy hosted and graciously supplied the massive amounts of ground beef, bacon, fried eggs and every other topping you could think of.  As if that wasn't enough, Tracy made a bowl of pasta salad so this Blonde Veggie would have something to eat. Love her.

Ok, back to the beef. Each pattie was perfectly formed, seasoned, and exactly 1.16 lbs. Let me tell you these things grilled up to be monsters!

In the end I don't believe there was an official champ declared... I can tell you the the kitchen {and the men} were coated with a glistening film of grease that they wore proudly.
 
Take this, colon.

-Dana

Skinny Skin Skin

Ello there! Today's blog post is inspired by some of my lovely co-workers. Dry skin is no fun, and not easy to combat when you deal with Midwest winters. Thankfully I have stumbled upon a few staple items that have been seeing me through fantastically.

MAC Mineralized Charged Water Moisture Gel

I am a huge fan and user of MAC cosmetics, however I have not tried much of anything from their skincare line. This little gem caught my eye during a routine shopping trip to refill my staple items. It's consistency is true to it's name-both  gel and cream like. For best results apply a nickel sized amount to the face and neck right after you get out of the shower. It's fast absorbing, and dries to a satiny finish that is almost primer like. I was concerned that this formula would be too heavy under foundation, and would cause a makeup melt down by noon. Not the case at all, it's the perfect moisturizer for wintry skin.

Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly

Ok, stay with me here. I know this one may sound a little strange. This goo is the same multi-purpose product that petroleum jelly is, minus all of the mineral oil and paraffin that will clog pores and cause breakouts. Instead, Alba Un-Petroleum's signature ingredient is anti-microbial coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids, deeply moisturizing and soothing to the skin. Great! Slather this on after you cleanse and moisturize your skin at night, and it will seal in all those necessary vitamins and act as a barrier. Your skin will be soft as a little baby's bum in the morning.

Smith's Rosebud Salve

For some reason my lips just can't retain enough moisture this winter {must remember to drink more water}. Any-who, this balm is hand down the best around. It's not too sticky, and not too waxy. And the chic little tin! It really locks in moisture in a way that no other chapstick/balm has ever done for me. Give it a try, you will love it.

This Blonde needs her beauty sleep, bonne nuit!

-Dana

Lulu I Love You

Last Saturday I attended the end all, be all event for any fan of Lululemon and their fine fine fabulous garments--The Lululemon Warehouse Sale. You can imagine my excitement, as anyone who knows this Blonde will tell you that I have a bit of an obsession with their products.

Now a days I fully expect to swallow the mighty price tag of my beloved yoga wear, after all I need want everything in the store...it's completely necessary I assure you. BUT when the famous Warehouse Sale is hosted in your hometown, for the first time ever in the USA, what would you do?? I'll tell you what I did. Recruited my best shopping pal {Mom}, a soy chai tea latte, and The Chauffeur {Pops}.

In the end we had the perfect strategy. We rolled up at 7am to the convention center, The Chauffeur parked the car while Mom and I got our spot in line. It was fantastic,  I was amongst my people! After waiting two hours in line, the doors to the sale opened and we were herded in like a bunch of fit cattle in yoga pants!

All joking aside, it was really very well organized, and I would expect nothing less from such a unique company. I made my way out of there with the following:

2011 Special Edition Scuba Hoodie

Astro Pant

And...a pair of the Mens No Show Ultimate Socks for Le Boyfriend {I am always thinking of him}

I was hoping that the sale prices were going to be in more of the "blowout" category like $20 Scubas, or $15 pants and crops. Don't get me wrong, the items were cheaper than paying regular retail prices, but I was expecting a tad more of a price cut. The items that I purchased were darn near 50% off....there's really no room for my complaining with those kind of Lulu prices!

I will leave you today with a view from behind {don't get too excited}. This is the sea of Luon behind me before entering the sale room.

 -Dana

The First {ou Le Premier}

It's Saturday morning in Blogland! This blonde is coming to you live from her new (gently used) Ikea bedroom set.

Get ready for much much more to come...

Ok, well here is a sneak peak-

Product reviews/recommendations (moi, a self proclaimed junkie)
Fashion
Travel
Le Boyfriend
Random Chatter (I love a good chat)

-Dana