Mauve Outta Here

I'll start this post by saying that I am a HUGE believer in a good lipstick.  To demonstrate this, I should gather all of the lipsticks that I've collected over the years out of my purse, our junk drawers, my train case, etc. and take a picture of them because it really is an accomplishment in itself.  Most of them cost me over $30.00 USD, which, if you think about it, is an insane amount of money to spend on a plastic tube filled with pigment.

I stumbled across this little guy at Walgreen's - Wet 'n Wild MegaLast Lip Color.  What's remarkable to me about these is the fact that, even though they are only $1.99, the packaging still makes them look luxurious (okay, maybe that's a stretch - my Chanel lipsticks are wrapped in luxury).  I grabbed one in "Mauve Outta Here," which was the shade that really jumped out at me.  It's bold enough to bring some color to my face, but it's still a mauve tone and neutral enough to wear to work.  This excites me because I love hardworking products that serve more than one purpose.

If there is a lesson to be learned here, it's that it really is true when people say you don't have to spend a lot of money for a fabulous product.  It's more about knowing where to find them and learning how to use them properly.  If color scares you, my advice would be to start small.  Try applying a bright lipstick and adding a layer of a neutral-colored lip gloss on top.  This way you get a pop of color, but the lip gloss acts as a pseudo-security blanket by diffusing the color.

Warning:  The first layer will be drying.  Add multiple for a more moisturizing feel.

Pick one up here.

Be beautiful.  Be dazzled. Be styled!

First Post!

Welcome to my blog!

This is me on my wedding day.  Photo credit to our incredible photographer Jenny Moloney.

This blog has been in the works for years.  I have always had an obsession with makeup and beauty products. In college, I had a "following" of sorts - friends and family who appreciated my beauty tips and techniques - which inspired my dream to document and share them with the world.  I am by no means an expert in this space, but after years of trying new products, I have come across quite a few that have changed my life.

I got married in October 2013 to the love of my life and have since moved into a new home in suburban Massachusetts.  The move inspired a new hobby of mine - DIY. We're on a budget and have quite a few usable pieces of furniture, most of which need a face lift.  I would love to use this platform to share my projects and progress, as well as any lessons I'm sure I will have to learn the hard way.

We have two rescue dogs who are a huge part of our lives and are essentially the reason we do most things that we do.  Am I crazy? Probably a little bit, but that's fine - they bring us so much joy and hopefully I can capture that somehow and share it with you as well.

A little bit about me: I graduated from college in 2008 with a Bachelors degree in financial services.  I just graduated from graduate school this May with a Masters degree in business administration.  I am a business analyst by day, managing software development projects for a shoe manufacturer.  By night I am a wife, homemaker, dog lover, uber nerd, entrepreneur, makeup aficionado, fashion addict and critic among other things.

I love the idea that life is not a journey, but rather a destination.  There is always room for improvement and that is one of the things that keeps me motivated in all aspects of life, whether it is physical and mental health, my job, relationships, my wardrobe, or something as simple as perfecting the art of painting the trim around my windows. Follow me and my family on this lifestyle journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration.

Life is beautiful, but it's better styled (catchy, right?).