Wanna-Be London Girl

My sister, Shazzer, and my Mom, returned from their trip to London last week. My mom came over yesterday and brought me a bunch of goodies from across the pond. I just took some quick pictures and I really can’t wait to start trying everything! Shazzer and Mom are the best!

When I visited England in 2005, I got to visit Portobello Market. I loved all of the cool items they had for sale and bought a military jacket and great amber earrings. My mom remembered my fondness for the colorful street and brought my presents in this…

A 9 year old created the design. As a teacher, I can really appreciate their talent. Note my thigh. At least I shaved.

Portobello Market is in Notting Hill, I think!

I had a few cosmetic requests and almost fainted when I saw Shannon was in Poundland. She picked me up a few things from there, as well as some Barry M. and a lipstick from 17.

I’m so glad I have this sparkly goodness in another color, too. There is a Barry M. eye pencil, 17 lipstick, a lip balm, and nail polish. I need to use one. NOW.

More glitter!

I don’t know what Chit-Chat Mascara is but I will soon find out!

Cheaper than Armani- even with the exchange.

I also got some pretty eye shadows. The neutral palette looks like it has a primer with two colors. I had a powder from Collection 2000 from my trip to Ireland. It is long since gone but I can’t wait to try this lime eye shadow.

Mix and match?

For my nails, a Bewitched glitter polish and Barry M. polish that mimics a lightening bug.

Glitter and glow.

I requested a magazine, too, and when I can pick up British Glamour here in the States, I do. They picked up Glamour for me. It was two British pound sterling, which comes to $2.99 USD. Magazines are at least $3.99 US AND they never come with ModelCo. Lip Gloss which retails for $16 US. US publications better get a clue. Just sayin’.

And Daniel Radcliffe.

When I was in Dublin, I bought a purse by Paul’s Boutique. My sister knows I love the fun and quirky style of Paul’s Boutique bags so she picked up this really cute wallet. The chain is just really funky and I can’t wait to use all of the crazy buttons. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

We finally get Paul’s Boutique in the USA. The original PB website ships to the US and ASOS also carries the line.

My sister had a few things on her “bucket list.” One was riding the London Eye. I scored a mirror on a key chain. It will get a lot of use. More than I should admit.

Eye told you.

And then… Shazzer and Mom went to see Robbie Williams! He very rarely plays in NYC and my sister managed to purchase tickets.

And all I got was this lousy key chain…

I love all of my presents! I am sure there will be a few reviews soon. A special thanks to Shazzer and Mom for going on a make-up hunt and fueling my product hoochie-ness!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

(Not so) Glossy Magazines

Every time I go on vacation, I always love to explore the magazine selection at the airport. Since I subscribe to several magazines, finding something I have not read already can be a bit of a job. I’m usually up for the challenge. Maybe it’s because of my age (early 30s) or because I am nauseated by all of the thin bodies that grace magazine covers (not my body type by a long shot), I have become disenchanted by some of the beauty and fashion publications. I’m not only talking about the models and celebrity stalking, rather the quality of content and the writing. It’s a disgrace. I won’t get into my theories as to why these magazines have become so fluffy. In a sense, they have always been easy to read (and fun!) but some magazines always had a hidden gem. Not as of late. Not a ruby or emerald in sight. Not even a pink quartz. Here is a list of magazines that I have read and my opinion on the content. It’s not pretty.

Cosmopolitan: As a rule, I have stopped reading this magazine. I felt I outgrew it long ago but I picked it up on a whim. I read the entire thing in about an hour, cover to cover. I feel that they repeat the same “advice” (this is a family-friendly blog, folks) in every issue, just in a semi-new way. It’s also written so an 8th grader can read it (no offense, but monitor what comes in your house!)

Glamour: I got a subscription because I really used to enjoy perusing this magazine. Of course, as soon as I pay my money, the format goes kerplunk. The articles are so blah, the topics are boring, and they really have resorted to A LOT of pictures. I know it is a fashion magazine but come on! Give me something for five bucks.

Marie Claire: Another one bites the dust! I got a subscription and sure enough, the magazine changes format, the writing gets way too easy, and they have less and less socially aware content. Their editor just recently left for Cosmo. I don’t even want to talk about it.

I have now resorted to Good Housekeeping and January’s issue is awful, too. What the heck is going on? Is America really that illiterate? Not to sound harsh but it scares me that these magazines are written for adults.

Oh! And another thing! Why do I need to look at a $758 dress? I think most of the people reading the above publications would not even think of spending that. Maybe it’s just me.

<<Steps off soapbox>>

Keep Calm & Primp On. XOXO