It's Time...

I often forget how easy and how much fun it is to write a blog. I write for my company's blog, and I quite enjoy it. I need to get back into the habit of writing on this blog. Anywho... I am moving. Again. I feel like I am never really settled in one place. It's sad really. I have been moving around my whole life, so I am kind of used to it. This time, I am doing something different. I am moving in with my girlfriend. I am nervous because, well, I am a slob. My current apartment, which I visit all of once every couple of weeks, is a disaster. Even when I was here all the time, I was messy. I am scared that she is going to realize that I am a huge crazy mess, and she will dump me, kick me out, and I will be homeless. The truth is, I have never been sure about something in my entire life. I am madly in love with this woman, and I want nothing more than to be with her 24/7. This move is going to be life changing, literally. I am willing to change my habits to make things work. So on a fun note, I am excited about purging out all the junk that I own. Donating a LOT of clothes, jewelry, purses, shoes, etc., to Goodwill. I am going to get the filming area/closet/makeup area I have always dreamed of. I will be saving a bunch of money, so I will be able to pay off my credit cards and then eventually get some new furniture from Ikea. Yay. Shopping makes me happy. I am also stoked about organizing for 2013. I have been reading a lot of blogs, pinterest, etc. about organization. There are a lot of cheap ways to store stuff that I am happy to be executing in my own little way. Christmas is gone and over, and I am feeling the wrath of debt...ugh credit cards. Take my advice, don't ever get one. Ever. On the plus side, I got some good loot. And I have a ton of gift cards I cant wait to spend...especially my $100 worth of Starbucks cards. mmm frappucinos! Oh, and I have started playing The Sims 3 again. Yeah, I broke down and bought it at Best Buy the other night. Along with the Katy Perry expansion pack. Now I am obsessed. Again. Can't stop thinking about playing it. I worry myself. However, playing the sims prevents me from spending money, ergo, The Sims is good. Yeah I guess that is it for this little update. Hope all of you readers are well. I will be attempting to post more stuff regularly. xoxo gleamogirljoelle

what is my dream?

The other night I was having a conversation with my friend about what I want to ultimately do with my life. I have always been a big dreamer. I have dreamed of fame and fortune and celebrity. But when it comes down to it, I need to start the process and figure out "what am I going to do to become famous?" I have always had a passion for writing. I used to write short stories and "screen plays" as a middle schooler, but as an adult, I need to either do it more seriously, or try something else. I get such a joy out of making youtube videos, and I never want to stop. It is my form of therapy-talking to the camera/audience as a third party, and just being myself fully. it has helped me out so much with some of my anxiety issues. And it is the 21st century version of writing in a paper journal with pens. I wanted to take some time to thank everyone who has stood by me throughout my life. New friends, family, and most importantly, my fans. The people whom I have never met face to face, but you all have stuck by me and continued to watch my videos, and it means more to me than you will ever know. xoxo. gleamogirljoelle

I'm feeling a bit inspired

I've been watching the shows "Face Off" and "Hot Set" and it makes me want to play around with color and decorating... But on a more different note, now that it is Fall, and I have my hot ombre hair, I have been on this cat eye liner and dark lipstick kick. I have fallen in love with the Tarte Lipsurgence matte lip pencil in "Envy". There is something about how beautiful I feel when I wear it.

That's pretty much all I have to say for now. xoxo. gleamogirljoelle

1...2...3...it's Britney Bitch! Last night was the latest gLee episode, which happened to be ANOTHER Britney Spears episode. (Conveniently right after X Factor too) I really liked this episode MUCH more than the other gLee Britney episode. All of the ways that they changed the original Brit songs and made them new was really why I liked it so much. I kind of didn't really like the way that they made Britney S. Pierce's character...but that's not as important. To me, the music is the most important part of the show, not necessarily the story line. I also want to point out that the new girl, Marly, is my FAVORITE character so far this season. She sings a lot like me. Same range, same tone. And I really cant stand Rachel, so this new girl is quite refreshing. Speaking of David Schwimmer, her story line is really getting boring. But I LOVE that Kate Hudson is in the show now. She makes everything so much more exciting with the whole NY story. But most importantly- WHERE IS MERCEDES????! I like this U'Nique chick, but I miss Mercedes. Is she permenantly gone? Where is Finn? Can we see him singing from the trenches in Iraq please?? And Santana...are they going to write her out of the show entirely? I miss her singing. And Puck looks older than Mr. Shu...which is probably why he isn't a regular anymore. I am going to leave you with a youTube video of my favorite song from last night. The way this song was done was phenomenal. **I do not own the rights to this video.** xoxo gleamogirljoelle

i want a kitten

I always thought that I would be getting a puppy at this stage in my life. I love all dogs. Especially pugs and Boston terriers. But I just don't have time for them. So the idea of a kitten has become a little more realistic. At first I was going to be picky about it, and only wanted a Himalayan or Siamese cat. But now after seeing all these little babies that are born and cant be taken care of, my heart doesn't really care. So I am thinking that I will probably have it Mid-May. If it's a boy, it'll be named Peeta. If it's a girl, it'll be named either Rue or Effie. Yes, keeping it in the Hunger Games name family. I also like Glimmer as a possibility. I guess we will see. xoxo gleamogirljoelle

a HUGE idol fail

(photo belongs to USweekly) Much to my horror, America made the most ridiculous decision in the history of the show. Even a bigger loss then when Daughtry was kicked off. And even Adam Lambert. The good news? Colton Dixon is such an amazing music artist that he will have guaranteed success. I almost think they did that on purpose to help kickstart his career. After voting 100 times (literally), I thought for sure he would at lease be able to sit back on those couches. But when he got to the 3 stools with Hollie and Elise, I was like, OK, they are just doing this to let him know he needs to step his game up next week. My jaw dropped in shock when he was eliminated. And when he got on his knees, closed his eyes, and sang his heart out to God, tears rolled down my eyes. An amazingly talented Christian man has been taken down. But I think of this as a good thing. He can now stop singing for a TV audience, and continue making music the way he wants to. I am hesitating as to whether or not I want to buy tickets to the Idol tour, just to see him play live. Check out these videos, property of American Idol. xoxo gleamogirljoelle

yes, they're real.

I have had my ups and downs with mascaras. I have tried high end, drugstore, and anything someone will throw at me. I picked this up as an afterthought when I was at Ulta. Best $10 I have ever spent on a mascara. I don't know what it is- the brush? the formula? magic? This stuff is amazing.

The wand is a spikey plastic one and the formula is super black and wet. But it dries really quick, which helps. It builds easily. And I only need 2 coats to give the whole appearance of fake lashes. I haven't worn fake lashes at all since purchasing this mascara. I went and bought a full size tube at Ulta because I don't want to be a day without this stuff! because I never want to be without it! Oh, and the best part? It is crying resistant. Perfect for weddings, funerals, and those dramatic days. You will love it! I highly recommend it!

Dance Moms Miami

I started watching the original Dance Moms show a month or so ago. And I loved it. But I am utterly HOOKED on Dance Moms Miami. There is something about this show that makes it a little more realistic and relatable. Maybe it is because the moms are all big ladies, and the kids are all so cute. And I love the dance teachers, Angel and Victor.

My favorite dancers on the show are Kimmy and Lucas. Kimmy is this adorable little OCD, Latin girl with a mouth full of braces and a lisp. I just wanna reach through the TV and hug her. And Lucas is this amazingly talented little boy that can bend more than any other human being I have ever seen.

Watching these shows makes me think of my future children, and that hopefully some day I can enroll them in dance, just as I was. I plan on not being a bitchy, fat mother though. I think I have a little more class than that.

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

getting ready for the beach.

In preparation to go to the beach in 2 weeks, I have started tanning. Now before you go and judge with the whole "skin cancer" and the dangers of tanning, you must know that I only plan on doing this for the month I paid for, then I will go back to using my trusty bronzing lotions and makeup. I am also going to be attending a friend's wedding that my boyfriend happens to be a groomsman in, so I HAVE to look hot! I also haven't seen my man in almost 5 months, so you can imagine my desire to look sunkissed and glowing.

While at the tanning salon, I decided to pick up a lotion. I was almost shocked to see that in 10 years (I haven't gone tanning since highschool), the prices for lotion and the technology alone has changed significantly. Lucky for me, I got 25% off my total because of me being a new "member". I picked up this lotion which actually has caffeine in it, which is supposed to help your body metabolize and tan faster. Who knew?! It smells really good too.

The first time, they never let you go very long in the bed. It's almost like a waste. Oh well. So I went for 8 minutes. I couldn't see a difference in color, but I was assured that within 3 hours I should see results. It has been 1 hour, and I can already tell. Not only that, my arms and back of my legs are tingly, which means color! Yay! There is also something about being in those UV rays that is just so relaxing. It is a break from life's chaos and you can just lay down and bask in it with your headphones on. I also found out that there is a law in Virginia that prohibits you from tanning more than once within exactly 24 hours. Plus they scan your fingerprint now too. It's super high tech.

I am excited to see what I look like after a few more trips in there. Hopefully I will look like a the tan Italian woman I am supposed to be :)

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

GDE: april otm

Once again, I scored with the Of The Month from Glamour Doll Eyes. This month, they have included "Control Freak", which is their new eyeshadow primer. And this one is vegan! The amount that is given is a good bit too :) Also, the shadow this month, "Hippy Party Girl", is an incredible bright blue with shimmer! I am so excited to use this color. (It'll have to be on a day I don't work though) Check out this excitement, and be sure to click on the banner link to the right to order OTM!!!


The top is without a primer, and the bottom is with Control Freak. You can see how much of a difference the primer makes under the color. I LOVE it!!!!

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

shiro cosmetics: tributes collection

When my friend Dani told me about Shiro Cosmetics having a Hunger Games collection, I literally ordered it in like 2 seconds. I finally got it today! So excited! The colors are even better than I thought they would be.

There are 12 colors total...I am assuming it is because there are 12 districts total. (You will notice a 13th color, task force, is NOT part of the collection) A lot of the colors are names that you can pick out from just seeing or reading the first book. But some I think are inspired by the other 2 books in the series. I swatched them on my arms. All colors have Urban Decay primer potion as a base.

mockingjay, baker's boy, remake, cornucopia, girl on fire, and unforgettable

wildflowers, ever in your favor, task force, huntress, star-crossed, beyond the force, rebellion
She also sent me 2 sample size baggies, in the colors: test subject and heaven nor hell

She also sent me a couple of asian candies, and wrapped the shadows in cute tissue paper with a cupcake sticker.



I would definitely order from Shiro Cosmetics again! Go check them out and let them know I sent you :) http://www.shirocosmetics.com

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

happy easter

I saw this image online and thought it would be the perfect photo interpretation of this day. Easter has always been one of those throw away holidays for me. I guess because I have faith all year round. I never really liked getting dressed up...mostly because it just stressed me out trying to find something to wear. This year was quite different.
I woke up in my parent's home. Got ready with my own timing. Wore what I wanted without worrying about the judgement of others. When you let go of your insecurities, it makes like so easy. Sounds easier than it is in reality though. Anyway, I just threw on some jeans and a shirt I got from JCLUforever.com I wore my strappy teal wedges and skinny jeans. Used my "waver" and made my hair wild. I looked pretty awesome.
Attending church is something that I have always though of as stressful, and pretty much boring. I found that once I lived on my own, and took faith as my personal relationship with Jesus, rather than going to church to be a "Christian", I felt more loved and relaxed than ever. It was weird to be in a church that I haven't attended since Christmastime. Have I become part of the C and E crowd?!? Oh geez.
I guess the point I am trying to make is that things have changed so much for me since past Easters. I actually enjoy being a "grown up" and I am embracing change and my faith.

Happy Easter everyone!

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle
I am posting a photo of my sister and I from today. The weather was perfect. am happy.

i feel pretty

I saw a pretty look on pinterest yesterday, and decided to duplicate it. It was my day off, which means adventures in makeup! This one really wasnt all that crazy. In fact, I could probably get away with wearing it to work. My sister actually asked me if I got a nose job LOL. Less dark makeup I guess makes my nose look narrower? Who knows what she was thinking.

This whole look was creating using all Glamour Doll Eyes shadows.
GDE "Family Secret" (brow highlight and inner corner highlight)
GDE "The Perfect Cure" (crease color)
GDE "Skin of a Killer" (lid)
MAC glitter (I am not sure what the name of it is, but is it white, and I put that over SOAK)
Physicians Formula get liner for blue eyes (black color for top of lid and outer lower)
NYX eyeliner in white (lower water line)
Maybelline Illegal Lengths mascara
Ardell false eyelashes "wispies"
Mac Viva Glam Nicki lipstick

My earrings are from Forever 21.

I am wearing "Pink Friday", the Nicki Minaj for OPI color on my nails. My watch is Michael Kors and my bracelets are also from Forever 21.

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

hijack! bust!

I haven't used my Urban Decay Book of Shadows in a while. My friend Dani has been using hers a lot, which has made me want to use mine again. You will notice above my black shirt. I had to work today, so I try to keep things a little more conservative than my off days. So here is what I did:

Not the best picture in the world, but at least you can see the colors.

GDE "Sterling Glitz" (brow highlight and inner corner highlight)
UD "Bust" (in crease)
UD "Hijack" (lid color)
UD 24/7 eyeliner in "Zero" (lower waterline)
Physicians Formula gel cream liner for blue eyes (top liner and lower liner)
Maybelline the Falsies mascara

I also used my LE Wonder Woman mac lipglass in "Emanciaption" for my lips.

I hope you guys like this look!

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

march 2012 favorites!

So I made this favorites video this morning. I just wanted to share a few new things I have added to my beauty routine each day! Hope you enjoy!!!



xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

lapis of luxury

Last night as I was pondering what color to paint my nails, I looked at my rack of polishes and this one stood out. I was in the mood for blues...and I have a LOT of them. This one is very Spring-y and just all around awesome. It's called "Lapis of Luxury" by Essie. I purchased it at Ulta a LONG time ago. Actually, I think it was probably one of my first Ulta purchases. I am not sure if this color is part of any kind of collection. It was with all of the other Essie colors, and not on an endcap. Let me know what you think of this color :)




xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

Aloha!

On Tuesday, our company had its annual award party/luncheon. Basically a day to go over everything that has happened in the past year. Numbers, stats, and what the future will be like. Whenever this group gets together, it gets crazy! There are awards for most spirited, so we basically scream and make noise for hours. Its awesome. Downside? Waking up sore the next day from clapping and ears ringing. Then there is always the after party :)

This year's theme was "Catch A Wave" aka Hawaii/beach/lifeguards/Gilligan's Island. Our office opted for these crazy bright shirts, picked out be me (naturally). We all looked awesome. I also took it as an opportunity to wear some of my brighter eyeshadow. I wanted to go for a "sunset" look. I used my Sugerpill "Bleeding Hearts" pallet, and GDE "Sterling Glitz" for highlight colors. I also tried out my new Marshmallow shimmer powder from Urban Decay, basically all over me.


I had a blast! I cant wait for the next company event!!!!

(me getting CRAAAAAAAAZAAAAAAAAY!)

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

eBay, peiwei, and sleep-ay

Yeah I couldn't resist all of these rhyming words lol. I am, in fact, very sleep today. Having 3 days off in a row of fun and sleeping in is great till you have to get up early and go to work again. I am excited for our company event tomorrow, which is basically like a day where we dress up crazy, yell really loud, get free lunch, and listen to numbers and information about how we did as a whole company last year. Should be a lot of fun.

I just ate my leftover Pei Wei chicken fried rice for lunch. Mmmm so good! I wish I had more though :/

I have been selling stuff on eBay like crazy! It's gotten to the point now where I need money quick to buy a new car, so I am selling everything I don't need. I have so many tv shows on DVD that I've only watched once. It's dumb to keep them all. So off they go into the loving arms of some other person, and their money goes in a special "new car fund" box in my room. At this rate, I should have the car end of May. I am praying for some miracle money to enter in my life right about now. It wouldn't hurt to ask God to help me out. He always comes through for me :)

A blog with my crazy, bold Hawaiian inspired makeup and hair will be posted tomorrow after the event. So be on the lookout for that. Also, a couple of reviews and nailpolish swatches too.

Xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

So much fun I had today!

So my bff from back home, Tia, came to visit me for the day. And of course, we went shopping :) I wasn't planning on buying much, but I picked up a few good things.

First stop was Love Culture, and that was a bust. So then we went to XXI aka Forever 21. And I scored a few good things. I tried on a ton of clothes, and hated them all. I grabbed this sweater last minute. And a scarf and 2 belts.



Then we went to the mac store quickly so I could pick up viva glam nicki. The chick at the store was super snobby and mean. If only she knew...




Then we went to Charming Charlie. And again, I wasn't planning on buying anything. I was jokingly trying on all these different sandals. Then I tried on a pair that I fell in love with. So I had to get them.


We ran into Victoria's Secret because they were having 7 for $26 panties. No need to show you which ones I got.


And then we went to lunch at PF Changs. I got chicken fried rice. MMM...And we split lettuce wraps. I could eat those every day!

Lastly, we stopped in Ulta. Again, not planning on buying anything. I only got 3 things, which is good for me LOL. I spotted these colorful fake nails, and had to get them. And I also got some clips to put my hair up so I can style it easier. I bought the Urban Decay Marshmellow shimmer powder just for fun. It looks so pretty on and smells yummy.




I had a really awesome day with Tia! It was exactly what I needed for the "blues" I have been having lately.

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

what's in my purse?

So I made this video a couple of days ago. It is all over the place random...

Enjoy :)



xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

Get to Know Me!

I was tagged by Vee from Glamour Doll Eyes to do this tag!

The Rules
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus eleven questions for the people you have tagged to answer.
3. Choose eleven people and link them in your tag.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs.
6. You legitimately have to tag.

11 things about me...

1. I used to collect celebrity barbie dolls. I have Aaron Carter, Vitamin C, a few Britney Spears, Clueless, Spice Girls, New Kids On The Block, 90210 (the original), Mary-Kate and Ashley, and so many more!
2. I don't drink a lot of alcohol, but when I do, it's raspberry Woodchuck...or margaritas on the rocks with salt.
3. My goal in life is to make my parents happy, and also to be known by the whole world one way or another.
4. I didn't get my driver's license till I was 20. Just because I didn't want to drive.
5. I have a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising, and a minor in Spanish.
6. I really don't like country music, but if I was ever a music artist, I would probably choose country as my genre because I sing it well.
7. Someday I hope to marry the love of my life, Mike. I wouldn't mind having a couple of little mini mes either.
8. I used to have a chocolate lab named Vinny. He passed away a few months ago due to lymphoma. I still cry when I think of him. He was my everything.
9. It's funny, I tend to make more friends online that last longer than in person friends. (if that makes any sense)
10. I hate cooking, mostly because it takes too long to prepare food. When I do cook, I make really good food.
11. I would be happy wearing a plain black tshit and jeans for the rest of my life. I would rather play up my makeup and accessories.




1. What's your favorite eye shadow? I would have to say "Family Secret" by GDE. It is my go to highlight color. I also love naked2
2. Do you have siblings? What are their names? I do! I have an older sister named Jayme
3. What is your favorite song? This is always a tough one. I adore the song "Don't Cry Out" by Shiny Toy Guns. I also love pretty much anything that Lights sings.
4. What is your favorite animal? I love puppies.
5. What is one item you just can't get to work for you? There are some makeup products with glitter I cant wear because I am allergic to metal. That really sucks.
6. What is one trend you just couldn't stand? I am not a fan of cropped shirts. I tried on a bunch today, and being a bigger girl, they just look awful.
7. What is your favorite TV show? Of all time? Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Of the moment? Pretty Little Liars.
8. If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would it be? I have always wanted to go to London. But I wouldn't mind checking out Canada, eh.
9. What is your favorite nail polish? Do I really have to pick one? Oh gosh. ummm. I currently like "Fast Track" by China Glaze from the HG collection.
10. Have you ever been to a concert? What was your favorite? I used to go to a concert a month! But it got too pricey and time consuming. I love seeing Lights in concert. I have seen her 7 times.
11. What day is your birthday!? February 16!


I tag anyone who reads this post. (Sorry, I don't follow a lot of blogs. I know, I am no fun)

Questions for you...

1. If today was your last day...what would you do?
2. What is one food you absolutely hate?
3. Which celebrity would you love as your bff?
4. What is one makeup product you could never live without?
5. What is one beauty product you have always wanted to own?
6. Name a song you switch the station when it comes on the radio.
7. What is your dream job?
8. Would you rather give up the ability to taste, or the ability to smell?
9. What super power would you want?
10. What is your dream car?
11. Who is your celeb crush?

Harvest Moon

This color sounds like it belongs in a Twilight collection instead of Hunger Games. LOL. The name doesn't even matter because this is one of the most amazing bronze/copper colors! And I don't own anything even remotely close to it in color, which makes this purchase definitely worth it!

When this color is in natural light, there are shimmers and sparkles that show up that are incredible!

I love this color! I even did my daily makeup based on the nail color...but I look awful, so don't judge LOL.


I used the Maybelline 24 hr color ink tattoo color in "Bad to the Bronze", as well as some GDE shadows for highlighting.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle