where has the time gone?

I am realizing that it is important to start keeping up with the written blog as well as the video blog. So here I am, ready to write.

It is June of 2014. Since I have last written, what has happened? I got engaged in October of 2013 to the love of my life. We will not actually be getting married till next year, but the planning process is fun. I have created a board on my pinterest page that is dedicated to my theme. Be sure to check it out, and let me know what you think.

I have been working still at the same office. Work is work. I spend most of my time at the office, and then come home to my little dog and my future spouse.

I have still been posting on my YouTube channel as often as I can. I look forward to everything that comes in the future.

...and the days go by (a personal blog)

I can't believe that it is already October! That odd thing is that here in Virginia, the weather today is in the 80s. Ugh. I am not a fan of hot weather.

With the days going by so quickly, it brings me to the topic of Christmas! So I have decided to cut back financially on things in order to be comfortable around Christmastime. I have given up $100 worth of monthly subscriptions. Since I already paid $30 of them, that basically leaves $270 of extra money I will have that can be put towards gifts for others. I am slightly freaking out about money, but I will make it work.

I am not one to talk about politics or current world events that are not related to entertainment...however, I feel that there are a LOT of people that are going through some financial difficulties. I am fortunate to have a job that pays me good, as well as a supportive partner and a place I can call home. I have got to come up with other ways to cut back and make money at the same time. Any ideas??

Oh, and I am on a NO MAKEUP BUYING fast for the rest of 2013. This does NOT include the essentials that I use every day, but nothing new. Nothing limited editions *cries hysterically*. And sadly, no swaps and no hauls. I have about $5000 worth of makeup (not trying to brag) that needs to be used up. So here it is, and you all can hold me to it!

I would love to see more and more people cut back on the little things. If you want to form a little support group with me and we can whine and complain about not being able to buy makeup, I am totally down. Email me too if you need to vent. But mainly, just check out my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/gleamogirljoelle)

Until the next blog...

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

Urban Decay Shattered Face Case!

Whenever a new Urban Decay product comes out, I start to go into this whole excited, jump up and down, crazy mood...and... I HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL! (especially if it is Limited Edition) So when they announced the new Holiday 2013 collection, I immediately wanted it. And I got it. (gifted though, so thank you)

I wanted to give you guys my interpretation of the pallet, thoughts, and swatches. Also, I filmed a tutorial using the pallet too.

I am in love with this pallet because it literally has everything you need for a complete look...except a mascara. I don't own an Urban Decay mascara (I know, right?), so I guess it's not that bad living without one in the actual Face Case.

The outside of the case is shiny and has a "shattered" mirror look to it.

The top of the palette is the 5 eye shadows, the "zero" liner, and access to the lip pencil.

The pallet comes with 2 blushes and a highlighter.

 

Here are swatches of the 5 eye shadows without any base at all.

 

Overall, I think it is definitely worth the cost! So go out and order yours today!!!

 

And now for your viewing pleasure....

 

Swap with Lynette!

One of my favorite things to do is swaps! This one in particular was a LOT of fun!

 

Check out the video below!


Now go check out Lynette's channel!
http://www.youtube.com/user/27lyndimcghee

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

350 Subscribers Giveaway!

So I FINALLY reached 350 subscribers. It's funny though, because as soon as I posted the giveaway video, I instantly gained a bunch more subscribers...I am now over 400 in less than a week!

I just wanted to say thank you again for everyone who has subscribed and followed me and has taken the time to watch my videos. It really means a lot to me!

Good luck to everyone! Contest ends September 15!!

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle

First Impression: Torrid

Some of you may have known me for a while, and some of you have probably stumbled upon my blog via my youtube channel, and do not know me at all. But either way, the majority of you have just seen my face. Why?

I am not ashamed of my body, I just sometimes feel uncomfortable in my own skin. I have struggled with my weight and appearance my whole life. (I am a mere 27 years old, but I have lived long enough to know the views of society on body image). There was a time when I could comfortably shop in stores and wore a single digit size. But after I graduated from college, and transitioned from a student, to a working adult on my own, my weight began to settle on my body, and I developed a curvy body. Permanently. I could work out, diet, and take pills if I want to get to a smaller size, but currently, I am happy with the way that my body looks. Though I may not look like the cute girls on Pretty Little Liars or like Emma Stone or Mila Kunis, I think I am pretty good looking.

Moving right along, I decided to venture into the store Torrid the other day. Torrid is a sister company of Hot Topic, and there was a time when I was employed by them. (Note, they did not and are not paying me or anything for this blog. All opinions are my own) The size range in Torrid is geared towards sizes 12-28. They carry clothing, intimate apparel, shoes, and accessories that are all catered towards the trendy girl with curves. Cost wise, I would compare them to the equivalent of Express or Gap. I personally struggle with paying a lot for clothing, since I am in work clothing the majority of my life. I don't get to wear what I want except for the 2 days off I have a week. On those days, I am usually on my own too, so there is no one to dress up for, or no reason to leave the house.

Back to Torrid. I picked up 2 shirts and a pair of shorts. After tax, I paid $110. Eek. That hurts my debit card, and my heart. Butttt I looked really darn cute!

 

I got this shirt and shorts. The other shirt I got was not online anymore :( 

The quality of the clothes seems to be pretty good so far. I have not worn them out for a long period of time, but so far so good. I plan to wear them to Dallas when I go visit my friend. 

I made a haul video on my channel including the items from Torrid I purchased.

I will let you all know what I truly think of the start of my new wardrobe once I wear it out on the town. I think this is the start of a new friendship!

I think I have a Glamour Doll Eyes problem....

Recently I have been thinking about about all of the makeup that I have and trying to organize it so that I can finally film my makeup storage and updated collection video.Well, in the process, I pulled out my 2 containers of Glamour Doll Eyes shadows, and started thinking about redoing the whole organization system I have currently.

At the moment, I am OBSESSED with matte eyeshadows. I think this also has to do with the fact the my eye allergies are at an all time high, so glitter and shimmer hurts my eyeballs.

So in this whole process, I wanted to organize by finish. I pulled out ALL of my eyeshadows (and they are not all pictured) and tried to sort them. I literally opened about 100 eyeshadow pots to look at each finish. And after all that, I ended up just piling them in a large mound. Mainly because of frustration.

Bottom line? I need a new system. Before, I had them by color. Then by collection. I think I will continue to do by color, but I need a new way to actually see the colors. Any advice??

Once I figure it all out, I will post an updated photo.

xoxo
gleamogirljoelle