Easter Egg Hunt!

Easter eggs // Ostereier

Easter eggs // Ostereier (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As a kid, I never actually got to do an Easter egg hunt. Living in Brooklyn, I guess there wasn’t necessarily a place to have one. I am surprised that my Grandma Helen never hid eggs around her house- maybe she did once or twice- but I’m not bitter. <<Grumbles>> One thing that my Grandma Helen did do was make the most vibrant Easter eggs one would ever see. She had egg dying down to an art form. She used deep cups and food coloring- none of those Easter egg kits. My sister and I never dyed eggs with her. It was an unspoken rule that she did that and my mom always made sure that we dyed eggs at our house. And her Easter eggs were beautiful. From robin’s egg blue to Persian green to hot pink, Grandma Helen would carefully watch the eggs as the color developed and removed them as soon as they were bright and the colors were deep. She once even made a neon yellow egg. Don’t ask me how but it seemed to be a color  ahead of its time.

Easter eggs

Easter eggs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I don’t do Easter eggs. I tried last year and managed to crack more hard boiled eggs than dye them. I did create a springy Easter egg nail. I used a similar method to that of the Irish flag I painted two weeks ago. I started with Duri Cosmetics Rejuvacote. I have very weak and brittle nails and though this is not 3-free, it seems  to be the only nail product that works for me. I then applied Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail color in On a Trip, an amethyst. I like the Megalast polishes. The brushes are weird but I find the nail polishes to go on nice and easy. I painted on two coats and then added a third a day later, as it looked a little streaky. I just left my ring fingers alone. Now the fun begins…

The Base!

The Base!

Purple & Blue!

Purple & Blue!

Using Scotch tape, I taped 1/3 of my ring fingernails. I applied Julep Nail Vernis in Blake, a pale yellow to the bottom portion of my ring fingernails. Then I waited and applied a second coat of Blake. Once I felt it was dry (always dangerous), I taped the upper portion of the nails and applied two coats of Sephora by OPI Nail Color in Slushied (see above). It is a deeper sky blue and from  the Glee collection. It probably is no longer available. I finally was able to do the nail tips in Sweet by Zoya Professional Lacquer, a creamy, “Pepto” pink. To cover the spaces between the colors, I carefully painted two strips of silver micro-glitter with Hurricane Paint, a thin brush nail art polish. I let the nails air dry for a bit and applied Nails Inc. London Kensington Caviar Gel Effect Plumping Top Coat. My usual Kensingon Caviar Top Coat is really almost gone and I picked up the new version. It is not as good as the original. I am on the hunt!

Pink, Yellow, and Caviar?!

Pink, Yellow, Glitter,  and Caviar?!

The final look…

Just so you know, this was posted on Instagram with a filter.

Just so you know, this was posted on Instagram with a filter.

I am not a nail artist by any means and I am happy that I can be a little creative. I also want to tell you  that I did my manicure on Wednesday and this is how it looks today…

My nails today

My nails today with a  little tip wear.

For those of you that celebrate Easter, have a wonderful day!

Choco-Bunny made a friend- meet Sir Sheepie!

Choco-Bunny made a friend- meet Sir Sheepie!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Too Many Beauty Boxes!

I bet you thought I would never say that, huh? I think I am at the point where I am getting too much stuff. I already have too much stuff, so to add on more is just a nightmare. I just might have to do another beauty giveaway- le sigh. Scuttling along, I received two beauty boxes this week- one from GlossyBox and the other from FabFitFun or fff by Giuliana Rancic. I know she has really overcome some obstacles but I have a hard time buying products endorsed by “celebrities.” She has plenty of dough and when I tell you the price of the box, you will understand why.

It's in the box(es)!

It’s in the box(es)!

I will start with the ever familiar GlossyBox. I waited FOREVER to get the March box. Ridiculous. After the January Man-Repeller box, they have started to go downhill. I think people in Europe would not take this crap- neither did this New Yorker, but more on that later. I love the way GlossyBox packages the items. It is always pretty and tied up neatly with a bow. Too bad I tear into it, practically with my teeth. This month’s theme is “Spring Fling” which would be fabulous if spring would hurry up and get here already.

Thinned out box!

Thinned out box!

Elite Models Liner in Matt Brown: A liquid eyeliner from France (ooh-la-la), touts to be waterproof and long lasting. It has a brush applicator and you can draw on thin or thick lines depending on your preference. ($15 US)

ModelCo Cheek + Lip Tint in Rosy Red: This looks like a little paint tube. Adorable! Dab the product on cheeks or lips and tap with fingertips. You can do a sheer wash of color or layer it for more impact. ( $24 US)

PIXI Lid Last Shadow Pen in Mocha Mauve: I thought mine was missing. I called GlossyBox. They are sending me a new one. I found the one that I thought was missing. I also mentioned how disappointed I was about the shipping. I got “we are so inundated…” I just said, “Maybe you should have started smaller…” Anyhoo,  I hope I get another color… Looks like a chubby pencil (these seem to be all the rage now) and can be used as a shadow, liner, or highlighter depending  on the shade. ($18 US)

I once was lost. But now I'm found.

I once was lost. But now I’m found.

Prestiche Essential Oil Bar Soap in Lathernder (get it? lather?): Lavender scented soap that is supposed to be good even for the most sensitive skin. That seems to be me at the moment. The scent was very strong initially but has seemed to calm down. ($16.99 US)

Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce Finishing Hairspray: Great. Another hairspray that I won’t use ever. I have to give all of these samples to my aunt so she can use them at work. ($17 US)

I received three out the five products in full size- the eyeliner, the tint, and the PIXI stick. The rest are all “deluxe.” Prices indicate a full size product.

Now, onto FabFitFun. I bought the VIP box (and you know I wouldn’t win one of the possible extra prizes, right?) and it was about $35 US. fff boxes come quarterly and cost about $50 US a box. I happened to catch the first box on a coupon code and knew that there would be a product in there retailed at about $40. 35 bucks was a steal, no?

Giuliana Rancic at the 81st Academy Awards

Giuliana Rancic at the 81st Academy Awards (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Hi, my fellow Product Hoochies!

I got a note from Giuliana Rancic, telling about the inaugural box and the ideals behind fff– beauty, fashion, fitness, wellness, and health. So lets see what I got, shall we?

Image (93)

I love the compartments. My OCD is singing!

Starting with the obvious…

MoroccanOil: This oil is NOT organic and has some argan oil in it, but not  a whole bunch. I used this as my first foray into hair oils. I am currently running low on my bottle of pure stuff- I will get to this next. ($43 US/ 3.4 oz bottle)

Go Smile On the Go Whitening Pen:  My first “exclusive bonus gift” for being an fff VIP-Twist and apply anywhere for whiter teeth. I wonder if using this in public is more attractive than applying lipstick. Hmmm… ($22 US)

Zoya Nail Polish by FabFitFun: I like Zoya polish, particularly metallics or glitter. fff sent us their signature color- a lovely metallic fuschia. Maybe it is more magenta- it’s pretty whatever it is! ($8 US)

Tips and lips!

Tips and lips!

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Wallis: I almost bought this myself a few weeks ago. Phew! My sister misses out though, since she gets my extras. The color is “tarnished, metallic olive gold,” according to Butter London’s website. This also was my second “exclusive bonus” item for being a VIP. Not too bad! ($15 US)

Jouer Lip Gloss in Glisten: I happen to love Jouer gloss. They are so soft and pretty and feel so good on the lips. The only bad thing is their staying power. They don’t take a licking and keep on ticking. I received a mini which is fine since I might already have this color. ($20/Full Size Tube)

JewelMint Jewels: I received earrings and a ring. The ring is nice and heavy. It fits my pinkie and though it is quite large, looks pretty cool. The earrings feel really light but I like the color scheme- greens and blues. My only gripe- the ring is gold tone and the earrings are silver tone. I know some people don’t care but I can’t wear them together. I just won’t. (I refuse to sign up for an account but there is a code for two pieces at $29.99 US.)

I love the compartments. No muss, no fuss.

Rings on her fingers and bells… on her ears?

Think Thin Bar in Creamy Peanut Butter: The story of my life. ($1.99 US/ one bar)

Peanut Butter!

Peanut Butter!

Doing the math (or barely doing the math), the MoroccanOil alone covers the price that I paid for the fff box. I am pretty impressed with the contents. I might give away the Go Smile stuff because my teeth are sensitive but the rest will get used up in no time.

Now the big question: Should I cancel GlossyBox, let my Birch Box subscription die, wear out ipsy, and just do FabFitFun four times a year? Thoughts? I might do one more fff box just to make sure. I need opinions!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Shining with BA Star Pro Make-Up

It has been a week. Though I am on Spring Break, I always have a million things to do. It does not help that I have a cold. I guess that is a sign that I should rest. Rest will not happen! Today, I did stay home- the weather in NYC has been cold for spring- and I did manage to not do much, EXCEPT play with the Smoky Eye Kit I received complimentary from BA Star Pro Make-Up.

Wrapped up tight! BA Star Smoky Eye Palette

Wrapped up tight! BA Star Smoky Eye Palette

From what I learned on the BA Star website is that they primarily work with team sports. This is fantastic news for two reasons: 1) The make-up is used on young people, so it should be good for those with sensitive skin and 2) The colors need to be pigmented and bright, making them long lasting. SOLD! Already sounds good to me!

The color reveal!

The color reveal!

I am happy that I was sent a neutral palette, as I can get more use out of this, though I would use more vibrant shades. The packaging is light and pretty sturdy. I would compare the feel to that of a drugstore brand. I really like the instructions on the back. They are self-explanatory.

Step One: I applied Mary Kay Eye Primer to my lids. I started at the lash line and went all the up to the brow.

Eye Primer- the whiter, the more vibrant the color on your eye.

Eye Primer- the whiter, the more vibrant the color on your eye.

I only have on the eye primer here.

I only have on the eye primer here.

Step 2: I applied the darkest shadow all over my lid and a little into the crease. I would say it is a dark brown and it is NOT bronzy.

I used whatever brush I had handy.

I used whatever brush I had handy.

I just applied it carefully. There was a little fall out.

Coming out of  the shadows.

Coming out of the shadows.

This is only the first shadow. Two more to go!

This is only the first shadow. Two more to go!

Step 3: I dipped my brush in the medium color. It is more bronze and coppery and I wasn’t quite sure how I would feel about it…

The bronze can probably worn for a casual look and is office appropriate.

This color can probably worn for a casual look and is office appropriate.

I blended it right over the darker color and it actually added some nice dimension and softened the look.

Apply, apply!

Apply, apply!

Eye spy!

Eye spy!

Step 4: I dipped my brush in the lightest color and applied it above the two darker colors and up to my brows.

You light up my life.

You light up my life.

step 4-2 step 4 final

Step 5: I ran a blending brush over the colors to make them seamless.

Blending!

Blending!

Step 6: I lined my top lid with Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES in Golden Tiger’s Eye. It is a coppery pencil and really smooth. I brought the line just to the outer corner of my lower lash line.

Stay within the lines!

Stay within the lines!

Step 7: The palette includes two colors of glitter. I probably haven’t used glitter on my face since 1997 but what the heck?! Using a flat liner brush, I gently dipped it into the gold glitter and carefully ran the brush over the eyeliner.

step 7

step 7-2

Step 8: I curled my lashes. I NEED to do this- so do you!

Torture device.

Torture device.

This is the look without the finishing touches.

This is the look without the finishing touches.

Step 9: I applied a coat of black mascara. I am currently using Estee Lauder’s Sumptuous Extreme Mascara. It isn’t their best work.

Does this freak you out?

Does this freak you out?

Ta-da! I added a pretty pink gloss on my pout and I am ready to walk the red carpet!

Not too shabby.

Not too shabby.

I think the BA Star Palette is a good value. There was little fallout and they offer colors that are on trend.  You can even customize to your needs AND they were kind enough to offer you 50% off!

Just enter BBSMOKY during check-out when you visit their website here.

I want to send a very special thanks to BA Star Make-Up for sending me a smoky palette gratis-it will certainly be used!

Now, only if I could get the hubs to take me out to dinner…

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

This is a sponsored post, powered by BrandBacker. The complimentary sample had no influence on my review.

EXCITING NEWS FROM THE PRODUCT HOOCHIE!

Hi gang! Last week, I got an email from Dorene over at LoveAnela (stop by and say “hi”), asking if I would be interested in writing a guest blog.  Of course, I am always ready to write about any topic so I said yes. I soon learned that it would be a weekly guest post for Moody Sisters Organic Skincare. The sisters, Jess & Whitney, created an entire line to suit numerous skin care needs and the products are all natural and made from organic ingredients. I am thrilled to be able to be apart of something BIGGER and to explore different beauty products that are good for us and the environment.

Getting back to natural!

Getting back to natural!

The blog launch is set for April.  Pay us a visit at the  Moody Sisters Skincare Blog. As always, a good time will be had by all!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Getting Skin Deep @ Skin Spa NY

English: A Facial mask. Português: Uma Máscara...

English: A Facial mask. Português: Uma Máscara facial. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two friends and I ventured into NYC today for facials at Skin Spa  New York. I think our real goal was to just be ladies who lunch and I guess ladies that do lunch would also go for some kind of spa treatment. I opted for a customized facial with extractions. Skin Spa NY has several locations. We chose the SoHo location, right on Broadway and very easy to get to. The spa was located in the building’s lower level. It was very quiet and peaceful and had minimalist decor. The seating area was comfy and after filling out a brief information sheet, we did not have long to wait. At exactly noon, Olenka came and fetched me from the waiting area. And so the fun began…

Olenka-DSC_3400

This is not the Olenka that did my facial. Olenka-DSC_3400 (Photo credit: sidrguelph)

Olenka led me into a small room- they call them bungalows. There were several rooms for spa services and she gave me a cover-up and a few minutes to change and settle in. Olenka was very friendly and she asked me about my skincare regimen (she should only know!) “I can tell you take care of your skin,” she said, looking at me under the light.  She also mentioned my rosy cheeks. I explained that they have been this way since birth- she would just need to see my Grandpa Pete. She started by cleansing and steaming and also explained a few of the other facial treatments that Skin Spa offers. Then she pulled out the light with the magnifying glass. Help me.

English: It's a simple picture of a magnifying...

English: It’s a simple picture of a magnifying glass. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I suffer from oily skin and large pores. Olenka did not tsk, tsk BUT she said that I had a few more clogged pores than she thought. She started on my forehead and worked her way down my nose (also large) and to my cheeks. The nose was the easiest to extract-  the gunk pretty much came right out of my pores. Then I felt a pin prick. Olenka must have noticed the raised eyebrows. “I am getting some of the milia on your face. I prick it with a needle and then try to extract.” My mantra: do what you gotta do!

My forehead and nose after the facial. My nose is a lot of ground to cover but looks pretty clear.

My forehead and nose after the facial. My nose is a lot of ground to cover but looks pretty clear.

Once the extractions were complete, a mask that smelled like eucalyptus was applied to my T-zone and one of chamomile and cucumber to my cheeks.  She let me be for seven minutes and with Enya on surround sound, I was left alone with my (non-existant) thoughts. (Better than when I brush my teeth and ask myself why I am on this earth and how I am one person brushing my teeth on a giant orb, floating in space. That I am just a speck- you have to love OCD.) When Olenka returned, she told me about microdermabrasion and the benefits, that my forehead was more “congested” than she initially thought, and she wiped the masks off of my face. She applied some serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen and sent me on my merry way. When I finally looked at my face, I was not irritated or red. There are no inflamed pores and my skin just looks clear and radiant. Even seven hours later, I do not feel greasy. Magical.

This is me tonight, not a stitch of make-up.

This is me tonight, not a stitch of make-up.

All in all, my experience at Skin Spa NY was positive. I paid $39 US for a 60 minute facial through Groupon but they offer a three pack of customized facials for $129 US. That is a steal, especially if you live in the NYC area. For example, a 60 minute facial at a very famous spa a few blocks away from  the Skin Spa Soho location is $125 US. Skin Spa NY isn’t all bells and whistles, but pretty fantastic for an hour long escape with quality results.

Skin Spa New York has seven locations, from SoHo to the Upper Eastside. They offer skin care, laser hair removal, waxing, anti-aging treatments, body treatments, and massage.  For spa services and prices, click here

Your Lips Look Just Smashing!

I think I have always wanted to say the above words my entire life. I can’t imagine using the word “smashing” but it’s really cool and I may just have to add it to my permanent vocabulary. Of course, I was up at the crack ass of dawn (sorry) and now that I have been awake for almost two hours, with no hope of going back to sleep, I figured I would catch up with another post. I have a thing for lip stains. I like them. I like how they look like you just ate a piece of fruit and it colors the lip slightly. I also like how lip stains last- they take little effort and don’t constantly need to be reapplied.

smashbox cosmetics backstage

smashbox cosmetics backstage (Photo credit: yago1.com)

I ordered Smashbox Long Wear Lip Color in Whirl from Beauty.com. I love Smashbox products. They are high quality and always have great color options. I read about this lip color and was more than curious since it is a lip tint with the possible coverage of lipstick.

Can fit in your pocket!

Can fit in your pocket!

When I was choosing my shade, I thought I would go for a nude-pink. I am into pretty, natural lips now and I ordered Whirl. On Beauty.com, it looked pink.  Looking at the packaging, you really would think it was pink…

The box swatch looks pink to me. The lipstick doesn't look THAT pink. Should I get my eyes checked?

The box swatch looks pink to me. The lipstick doesn’t look THAT pink. Should I get my eyes checked?

Looking at the actual product, it looks more orange to me with a bit of pink. I’m not saying I don’t like the color, it just wasn’t what I expected. I wore this color for a few days at work. No one really noticed, which is odd since I always manage to get some commentary about cosmetics I wear. Since no one said anything, I figured that this was a good color to wear daily. It is pretty without being overwhelming.

Au natural- this is one swipe. The color can be built upon for more va-va-vavoom.

Au natural- this is one swipe. The color can be built upon for more va-va-vavoom.

As for the texture, it was pleasant to apply and once it was on, I didn’t feel it. The coverage is more stain than lipstick, which surprised me a bit because it really went on creamier than a stain. The creaminess did not last. Though it did not dry my out, it didn’t moisturize either. I mean, a stain doesn’t moisturize anyway so it isn’t a big deal. I also kind of forgot I had it on and when I went to blot my face, I was surprised it stayed on my lips.   I didn’t need a touch up after two hours but this was without eating and drinking.

Barely there color.

Barely there color.

I think Smashbox Long Wear Lip Color is a decent product. I have to say I like the Be Legendary lipsticks better but for an easy make-up look that lasts, this product will do the trick.

Smashbox Megatint Long Wear Lip Color $20 US comes in six shades and  is available at Sephora and Smashbox.com

Sugar ‘N’ Spice (Influenster VoxBox) & Everything Nice

Earlier this week I received a complimentary box from Influenster. Influenster is a site where you write reviews about products you have tried and eventually you will receive a box of products to test and review totally free. It really is worth the effort, especially if you write a product blog. What is cool about Influenster is that you may get items you may not necessarily buy yourself, so it really broadens this Hoochie’s horizons.

It taunts...

It taunts…

The Sugar ‘N Spice VoxBox is huge. H-U-G-E. I could not believe the size and it is heavy. The first look made me excited- what could be in such a box? Visions of cosmetics and chocolate filled my head…

What do you spy?

What do you spy?

I removed the postcard and found…

I am such a tease.

I am such a tease.

Three Colgate Optic White Products: Toothpaste ($2.99 US 4 oz tube), Mouthwash ($2.99 US 8 oz bottle), and a toothbrush ($2.99 US for one brush). These prices are not NYC prices. I rarely find toothpaste for $2.99- just sayin’. Anyhoo, I have all three to start the Colgate Optic White Regimen. I am more than happy to give this a try. I would not necessarily buy all three of these but they promise whiter teeth in five days. What the heck?

Nectresse: A zero calorie sweetener, Nectresse tastes like sugar but is 100% all natural. We use Splenda here and I am sure this will be tested. I think it is really meant more for cooking or baking. I do enough of that and have yet to find an appropriate sugar substitute. Maybe this is it. ($6.99 US 5.9 oz container or $3.99 US for a 40 packet box)

belVita Breakfast Biscuits: I have tried these before and I like them as I need a quick breakfast. These are tasty and I received one packet in my VoxBox. And who can go wrong with cookies for breakfast? Each packet contains 4 biscuits ($3.69 US for a box of 5 packets).

Dickinson’s Original With Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes: I am a towelette freak. I love them. These are good to throw in your bag to wipe your face when it is feeling ultra gross. Bonus: Witch Hazel is great as a toner and soothes irritated skin (bug bites, etc.) I got a full box in the VoxBox ($5.99 US 20 Count Box.) I also received a bunch of coupons to hand out!

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture: Another full size item, this is a product made for me. Years ago, St. Ives tried a spray lotion but it was too thick for the pump. Vaseline Spray & Go is supposed to absorb quickly and be non-greasy so you can get dressed fast. Considering I forget to put on moisturizer, this should be easy enough.

All in all, I am excited to try pretty much everything in the Sugar ‘N Spice VoxBox. Thanks to Influenster for the complimentary goodies.

No wonder the box was so heavy.

No wonder the box was so heavy.

Fit for a (Lipstick) Queen!

I love Lipstick Queen. Poppy King is a lip product master. Last week, I visited Space NK and purchased two Lipstick Queen products. I have been wearing LQ’s Sinner in Hot Rose since. It is simply marvelous.

The box alone looks like trouble.

The box alone looks like trouble.

Sinner lipsticks are serious. They are matte and opague and with 90% pigment rich color and not for the faint of heart.

Bright Rose!

Flower Power!

This past Saturday night, the hubs and I went on a date. I wore this with a black sweater. It was a dreary night, just cold and damp. The black of my sweater made the color POP! Before we left the house he said, “Wow! That is some lipstick!” I always wear some sort of lip color so I wasn’t quite sure how to take his comment. He continued, “It looks really good.” Score!

Hot Rose with flash.

Hot Rose with flash.

And a few more things…

-Fantastic, fantastic coverage. It may look dry but it is moist without looking shiny. There is some shea butter and other great moisturizing elements to Sinner.

-The color lasts FOREVER. Oh man. I rarely had to reapply.

-The colors are true. I have rarely found lipsticks that do this.

My hot lips (I think someone called me this in college.)

My hot lips (I think someone called me this in college.)

– And each color has a sister that is a Saint, a 10% pigment lipstick.

Lipstick Queen Sinner Lipstick $20 US, available at Space NK, the Space NK counter @ Bloomingdale’s or on the Lipstick Queen website.

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Some Saint Pat’s Pride!

Tomorrow is Saint Patrick’s Day. I have a bit of Irish heritage from my paternal grandmother and my husband is roughly a third Irish. I am now lucky enough to have an O’ in front of my name! I have also been fortunate enough to visit Ireland twice. This week I had a few things to prep for Saint Pat’s. So far, I have baked six loaves of Irish Soda Bread (thanks to my friend, Lydia, for the BEST. RECIPE. EVER.)

The first two loaves!

The first two loaves!

I also reminisced about my trips to The Emerald Isle!

A staircase inside St. Patrick's in Dublin.

A staircase inside St. Patrick’s in Dublin.

These are the friends I made on the Hills of Tara.

Sheep!!!

Sheep!!!

Visited Shannon (not my baby sister.)

There once was a man from...

There once was a man from…

And drank the truth…

Sheer poetry.

of Sheer poetry.

In honor of Saint Patrick, I decided that I would need to wear something beyond green or my Temple Bar sweatshirt. I started by painting my nails with Lucky Duck by Orly. It seems to be an emerald green- or emerald enough for me. It was very streaky and took three coats. Once dry, I applied good old Scotch tape on the bias and painted a stripe of Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Scorch. It is a white polish and I am not a particular fan of the coverage but for an accent it worked. I really dabbed it on carefully. Once that dried, I taped my nail again and applied Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color in Sunny Side Up on the tip. This color was also very streaky so I really had to apply a few thin coats to get good coverage. I let it dry and using Hurricane Nail Art Thin Brush Paint in Gold Glitter, carefully applied a thin line above and below the white stripe. It took a few thin coats but it was easy enough. The result…

When Irish eyes are smiling!

When Irish eyes are smiling!

An Irish flag! I actually don’t think I did too bad with this!

A closer picture with my new friend...

A closer picture with my new friend…

This is my Choco-Bunny. He is calorie free and sooooo cute! The hubs bought him for me last week!

Choco-Bunny just hopped his way into my heart!

Choco-Bunny just hopped his way into my heart!

And for tomorrow…

As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Claws Out

Tonight, I am going to stray away from product hooching. I am sorry- I need to get what happened today off my chest. If you have no desire to read about my views on society, stop now. You have been warned.

Fro Shutterstock

From Shutterstock Be warned.

I want to talk about inner beauty. The truth is I think inner beauty is a “hokey” subject. I don’t like calling inner beauty “inner beauty”- there are good people in this world and there are crappy ones. Lucky for Taylor Swift- she will never run out of material.  Either you are kind and have some sort of ethics or you don’t. Of course there is a gray area, but I’ll stick with straight up halfsies.

English: Taylor Swift at the premiere for Hann...

English: Taylor Swift at the premiere for Hannah Montana: The Movie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I work in a junior high school. I deal with young people between the ages of 11 and 14. At 11 they act like they are five and by 14 they think they are 25. Today, my friend and colleague had to handle a bullying issue. I hate bullying- maybe because I was somewhat bullied as a kid (not severely but enough to remember) or maybe I just think I am a superhero that needs to make things right. Whatever the case, one girl came to us and told us that peers were talking about her and several other girls on Ask.FM. We found out this morning that the person “talking smack” is actually one of their “friends.” An entire story ensued- someone stole her password and hacked her account, then in another breath told us that she voluntarily gave her password away. It was absurd. And then I went on Ask.FM.

I was horrified.

Basically, you set up a page with a picture and people can ask you questions, either with an account or anonymously. Some of the questions were fine, “Why are you so pretty?” to disgusting, “Why are you a slut?” or “Why don’t you drink bleach and die?” I had five girls in front of me, one is my current student, another one I taught last year, and the others I know from the after school program. I was enraged. “Why do you do this to yourselves?” Two of the girls didn’t use Ask.FM and the others had no answer. “Don’t you realize that you are allowing people to talk to you like this? That you are setting yourself up to be treated cruelly? What the heck are you kids thinking?”  The girl accused of making the negative comments was pale. She tried to stay cool but she was pale. Another had a snide look. These normally pretty faces were being marred by negativity, by meanness. I could see teeth practically bared. It was scary.

My sister and I. I think I was in 5th grade here.

My sister and I. I think I was in 5th grade here. Bad skin already. I was picked on in junior high, which came a year later.

I looked at the accused 13 year old. I could see the chin tremble and I knew she was holding back tears. Social death. I could smell it. I looked at her, “You are going to be ostracized. Girls are not going to like you. Class will be hard.”

“I am used to the hate,” she answered.

Just an FYI: I will be letting the proper staff in my building about this situation. The internet is a scary place.