TJ Maxx Beauty Finds

I'll admit, I was a bit iffy about buying makeup at TJ Maxx at first. I had many thoughts as to how and why they get seemingly good products and can sell them at such good prices. I finally decided to bite the bullet and try some stuff out because if the makeup is good, who cares if it isn't real (Disclaimer: I am not saying the makeup I see at TJ Maxx is or are knock offs. I have read a lot of contradicting opinions and I had my own assumptions and do not know how true any of it is***). 

If the makeup is good, I am thrilled to get my hands on it for such a good price. So these are my favorite items that I have found at TJ Maxx thus far.

Anastasia of Beverly Hills

The Aurora Glow Kit

While I'll admit that some of the colors are non-conventional, I do enjoy these highlighters. Even the non-tradional colors are quite beautiful on my skin - I just use a light application. My only complaint is that the formula is a bit powdery, but I still use these all the time. 

Contour Kit

This and my Kat Von D shade and light palette (not from TJ Maxx) are used on a daily basis.

Liquid Lipsticks 

(Catnip, Madison, and Craft)

I have found many more colors but these are my favorites.

Stick Foundation

(Honey)

I use this to contour and love it. The foundation is creamy and blends incredibly well. 

Kevin Aucoin

Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting in Candlelight 

This product gives you such a gorgeous glow!

I have a blue eyeliner from L'oreal or Rimmel that I love as well. Extremely creamy and great staying power. I have found plenty of other wonderful products including eyeshadow palettes (Cargo, Anastasia of Beverly Hills). I have seen Kat Von D studded lipsticks, eyeshadow, and blush, Stila eyeshadows and lipstick/lipgloss, Urban Decay eyeliners, Becca foundation and a transforming lipgloss (both had been opened and messed with unfortunately), etc. 

I always look to see if the products have been opened and swatched - if they have I will not buy them. All items that I do buy, I swatch on my hand or arm first to see if I have any odd reaction to them (I never have) and I smell the product to see if it maybe expired, though I have never run into this problem either.

What is the most exciting thing you have found at a great price??

Happy shopping!

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday loves!!

//Favorite Makeup Product

Lets just say I am a lucky duck and got my hands on all of the colored mascara's from Urban Decay and I am in love! I have been rocking the blue like crazy and haven't had the chance to use all the rest but if they are as good as Gonzo then I can't wait! My only quip about them is that they are hard to get off! It takes a lot of makeup remover to get the blue off of my eyelashes and from under my eyes - still worth a try!

Urban Decay Double Team Mascara 

//Favorite Thing to Binge Watch

All I can say is that Sharp Objects is getting all of my attention right now.

//Favorite Trader Joe's Finds

So I am back in an area that has Trader Joe's, which is so exciting, but bad for my wallet. 

Ugh, I am trying to clean up my eating a bit and Trader Joe's is and isn't helping. So I am in love with the raspberry lime sparkling water, the sweet potato tortilla chips (wholly yum!), their greek yogurt (so freaking good), their chai tea, their frozen spinach artichoke dip - holy moly do not buy this if you don't want to eat it all in one sitting...by yourself - and basically everything else. Trader Joe's is just so wonderful.

OH! How could I forget the shooting star cookies?!?!?! These things are so good.

//Favorite Scrubs

Disclaimer: I haven't tried many scrubs so I don't have a lot to compare this too except some others that I tried on as well as school scrubs.

Drum roll please...Figs! These are seriously the most comfortable things ever. They are well made, do not fade, and are water resistant - and did I mention they are like pajamas at work?! I am drooling over the new charcoal color and plan on getting a pair.

WearFigs

//Things I Should Not Spend Money On - But Will

1. The new Madrid Roeckl Riding Gloves in black and gold

Oh -m -g they are gorgeous.

2. Anastasia of Beverly Hills Norvina Palette 

All I can say is, yes I need this. 

Life Lately

A lot has happened in my blogging absenteeism - all that has been going on is part of the reason I've neglected the dear ol' blog.

Where to begin...

I guess I should admit that I moved and started a new job. It all took place very quickly as the job came up at the last minute and I pretty much moved two weeks after finding out I got the job. So basically I was on vacation, found out I got the job, was elated for about 10 minutes and then the panic set it because I was going to be on vacation for a few more days and I literally had a week and a half to find a place and move before starting - so I basically moved in on a Sunday (well partially moved) and started Monday morning. Whew! It was a whirlwind to say the least. Then I basically spent the next month working and splitting my time between the two houses trying to finish moving.

Solid news is that I am really enjoying my job and have moments where I actually feel competent and not completely lost all of the time. Nursing school is not like the real world ladies and gentlemen. 

In other news, I'm still horse crazy! No surprise there, but a lot is happening in my horse world. I should start by saying that we sold Remi. It really does kill me but he seems to be doing good in his new home. He's such a stinker so I hope he holds it together and I do miss him. 

As baby Lucas is getting going in his career, I have currently been leasing a pretty cool jumper mare named Casia. She has been a pleasure to have since I can't do much on Lucas right now because of trainers being gone from horse shows, losing shoes, etc. It is always nice to improve on myself while getting the experience of riding other horses. 

Sweet Casia

And last, but certainly not least, baby Lucas who is just as handsome as ever. With the show season starting to die down a bit and my life as well, I am hoping that we'll have the opportunity to really get going - weather depending. I am looking forward to the next show season with this boy. 

So besides all of this horse business, after finally settling in, I had a week of and as much as I wanted to just crash on the couch, I went to visit my good friends Mitzi and Tyler and their sweet baby boy. Then I headed to the mountains to spend a short but wonderful time with my mom before heading back for class and work. 

Sweet baby with the Build a Bear that we stood in line forever for that day.

Then off to the mountains I went. The first picture is of a lovely idea - a prayer tree. This is only a snippet. The entire side of the store was covered as well, but I hung my card on this tree.

I hope life has been treating you all kindly.