My Trip to Beautiful Boston (Day 1)

Boston is a wonderful city filled with historical sights and sounds of a busy modern city.
It was a pretty random and yet pleasurable trip.
I would highly recommend visiting Boston.
I found the city to be tourist friendly, the FREEDOM TRAIL was great and the food was delicious.
This is part 1 of 4.

The Freedom Trail was basically a red line on the ground that you could follow and it would go by all these cool historical sights and interesting events. They also had a lot of signs that provided background descriptions. It’s free and takes about 1-3 hrs to navigate. It made the day planning a whole lot easier

Massachusetts State House
Completed in Jan 11th, 1798 was said to the big the most magnificent public building in the new nation.
It’s true I really do like giant domed building. However I got to say our SF city hall kicks it’s …
Anyways, I got a really sweet souvenir pin!

Giant World Exhibit in the State House
I don’t really know why it was there or what they were doing.
Occasionally I would see the world deflating a grown men come out of the world.
How peculiar!

Really old chair in the State House
I’m not sure if this chair is older than America. It well could be.
The guide said the chair was very old and basically held together by inspiration.
I like that thought. A chair held together by inspiration.

Sweets Shop
This was a really adorable cupcake shop.
We got cheesecake cupcake and banana split cupcake.
Both were super delicious! I’m glad we got them.

Some cool old building in North End, Boston
I think it was by a sign that said Paul Revere’s House but it wasn’t. It’s just a neat building.
I like traveling to new places and looking at all the different architecture.
It almost feels like time traveling.

Gourmet Cajun Mac & Cheese from Quincy Market
Quincy market is a neat place that contains a food court, shops and tons of tourists like me.
It’s interesting to think that hundred of years ago people visited the market and here I am.
The mac & cheese was surprisingly delicious and very cheesy.

Prosciutto & Asparagus Pasta  at Pasta Beach
It was creamy and a divine dish! Everything I could have wanted from pasta.
Pasta Beach is a nice, hip restaurant by the pier.
It was bubbling with people and had a very nice ambiance.

Boston Cream Pie Martini from The Omni Parker House
A nightcap anyone?
They sure know how to make a cocktail!
It was strong, sweet and chocolatey.
The Omni-Parker house plays quite a interesting part in history and fairly well preserved.
JFK proposed to Jackie,Ho Chi Minh was a baker there, and Malcolm X was a busboy!

To Learn more about the place click here

My Beauty Army – April 2012 (Monthly Beauty Subscription $12/month)

My Beauty Army
1) Take a beauty profile
2) Choose up 6  from 9 deluxe beauty size samples
3) Costs $12/month + Free shipping
4) You can opt to “Skip a Month”

My Beauty Army Website Click Here

I have been a subscriber to Birchbox for about a year. Click here for latest Birchbox post.
My love for Birchbox has alerted me to the many different monthly beauty boxes available.
My Beauty Army is a great beauty box for those who want a bit more control over the samples.

My Beauty Army is very similar to Birchbox.
It’s a monthly subscription, you get a black box as seen above and you get high-end deluxe size samples.

The main difference is that you can *CHOOSE* what you get

1) Every month there’s a “window frame” about a 1 wk to choose samples
2) They present 9 samples – you choose 6 to keep
3) You can opt to skip a month of the subscription
4) Different brands available compared to Birchbox
5) Samples choices appear slightly larger in size 1-2oz

These are my choices for My Beauty Army for April 2012.
This is what the choice screen look like and you are maybe to the know the product function/size.

I choose my samples around the 1st of the month and then they arrived around 15th of the month.
They were nicely packaged with a sturdy black box as seen above.

My 6 samples I choose
1. Purlisse Lip Conditioner
2. Babor Cleansing Oil Duo
3. Brow Brush / Razor Tool
4. Befine Night Cream
5. CellCeuticals Skin Treatment
6. My FaceWorks Foundation in Light

TIP/TRICK
If you don’t like the 9 samples option they give you but you want to see if they have something else available.

1) Go to left side of your profile – my beauty profile
2) Retake Beauty Profile
3) New beauty samples will pop up and your 9 choices will CHANGE!
You can take the beauty profile as many times as you like from my experience
However, if you do like something when you retake the profile it can be “lost” in a new set so choose wisely!
I did this a few times to see what is out there and get a better combination.

So far I’ve only really tested 2 out of 6 samples since I’ve been quite busy.
Here’s what I think so far.

I’ve never seen or used a tiny razor like this one before.
It comes with a small brush head that comes off to reveal the razor.
It’s very easy to use and great for tiny hairs.

My FaceWorks Foundation in – Light 02
Normally I would say I’m medium color but after looking at some swatches online I decided to go with Light.
I was very impressed by the sample size which will be good for a series of uses.
I think it’s a wonderful summer foundation and feels natural.
The consistency is very much a liquid form and it is easy to apply. It has medium coverage.

My thoughts?
I really like my Beauty Army and I think I will keep subscribed.
I found the samples I choose to be a solid sample size and I’m pleased with the selection.
I recently received my May 2012 box so stay tuned for that to be posted!

My Beauty Army Website Click Here

Amarin Thai Cuisine

Amarin Thai
174 Castro St
Mountain View, CA 94041

Price – $
Cuisine – Thai

I always find myself on Castro Street wandering up and down deciding what to eat.
Thankfully, Nichole is a bit more decisive than me and I’m very happy with eating Thai cuisine!

We grabbed a early dinner at Amarin Thai.
The restaurant is quite spacious and nicely decorated with Thai inspired pieces.
They have this really cool area for larger groups where you can sit without your shoes – if that makes sense.
I find the area to be versatile for different group sizes.

Panang Curry
This curry is absolutely delicious and Nichole would agree.
It’s creamy, with a hint of coconut and has nice chunks of juicy chicken.

Pad Thai
Is a classic Thai dish that I always lean to and love to eat.
This particular dish I wished came with lime and a bit more flavor.
The noodles appeared to be a bit sticker than usual.
It was a bit average compared to the curry.

Fried Banana with Coconut Ice Cream
Yay! I love dessert. I really enjoyed the warm fried banana with the cool sensation of ice cream.
However, the coconut ice cream reminded me a lot of I think of a soap scent. So I think next time I’d opt for vanilla.

Overall, I would recommend checking out the curries at Amarin Thai.
I had a pleasant experience, nice service and moderate price points.
I would come back again when I’m in the area.

Spring Makeup Favorites

Spring Makeup Favorites

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze (cream)
L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine (pigment)
L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe (pigment)
Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie (lipstick)
K Palette Tattoo Eyeliner in Black (liquid pen liner)
Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Black (liquid pen liner)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Shadow Pencil in Sin (cream)
Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara in Blackest Black (mascara)
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum (liquid gel for acne)

Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara in Blackest Black
I’ve been on a great mascara hunt trying from Revlon, Maybelline, L’Oreal and finally to Rimmel.
I really liked the Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara, but I’ve come to find that this one takes it up a notch!
This mascara is very interesting contraption where it able to give volume and length.
The invention is a mascara wand with a long tube in the cap that can either pile on mascara or squeeze the excess off.
I find the volume wand gives me lots of product to build up my lashes and the length allows me to define the tips.
It can be a bit tricky at first getting the right amount of product. I really love the effect.

K-Palette Tattoo Eyeliner in Black & Dolly Wink Eyeliner in Black
These are foreign brands, can be purchased at Ichiban Kan & Sasa.com for US buyers.
They claimed to be one of the best and darkest liquid eyeliners in Asia.
I’ve come to prefer them for their depth in color and easy of application compared to my physician formula eye booster pen.

(Swatched On Hand – KPalette, Dolly Wink)

The two pens are extremely comparable in formula, wear, pigmentation, packaging and design.
I use them interchangeably for my black winged eye look.
Click here for super detailed review of the two pens

Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum (sample size)
“This stuff is magic” say E …and well it sure feels like it.
Thank you for Birchbox for allowing me to find this.
Recently I bought I splashed out and purchased the full size bottle of this product because it was just that good.
It’s definitely a higher end acne skin product at $30 for 2-oz  but for once just trust me it’s so worth it!!!

The product is a clear watery gel that you can either use as all over face serum or just spot treatment for acne.
I only use it as a spot treatment on breakouts/irritated skin.
I avoid using it as entire face serum because I do have dry to combination skin.
The product quickly soothes my blemish and absorbs into the skin.
I find it provides next day results where my blemish is cleared or significantly smaller.
Another benefit is that a little goes a long way.

Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie
Revlon lip butter are hybrid product with the pigmentation of a lipstick and feeling of a lip balm.
They come in a huge range of colors from pinky nude to sizzling red.
I really like to use raspberry pie both as a intense pop of color and lightly as a lip stain.
It feel comfortable for a day wear, easy to apply and smooth texture like butter
I would highly recommend trying out this drugstore goodie.

Ecotools Mineral Kabuki Brush (I have reviewed the whole set in blog archives)
This has been my go-to makeup brush for most of the spring.
It’s light, small, compact, durable, soft synthetic bristles, bamboo handle and picks up the right amount of product.
It’s doesn’t shed and holds up great.
I use it for translucent powders, bronzer and blush powders.

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Eyelash Curler (I have reviewed the item  in blog archives)
I recently raved about this eye lash curler and it’s a steal for $7.
I’ve been using it frequently over my Sephora Gold Karat curler as I’m not afraid to bring it every where with me.
It’s light, simplistic design, no spring and gives a great full curl.
It’s a great partner to my Rimmel Day 2 Night mascara.

Latest * HOT * Spring Eye Products
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze (cream)
L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine (pigment)
L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe (pigment)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Shadow Pencil in Sin (cream)

These are must have in my collection and I pull them out on a daily basis.
I’m even tempted to just stick to these above all other eye shadows I have… dare I say I am tempted.
These hot new release are on par with their high-end counterparts!!!

(Swatched on Hand – Without Primer – UD Sin, Maybelline Bad to the Bronze, L’oreal Eternal Sunshine, & L’oreal Bronzed Taupe)

Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Shadow Pencil in Sin
I like to use UD Sin as both a all over lid shade and a shimmery primer for the lids.
The UD 24/7 eye shadow pencils are a dream to work with.
They are incredibly creamy, fast drying, smooth and a gorgeous color.
They seriously last all day without creasing or fading – A+ in my book!
* Currently on sale at Urban Decay Website for under $10 for a set of 5

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
I hear these have been compared to Mac Paint Pot, Makeup Forever Cream and many more high-end brands.
All I can say is RUN! to the store and buy this bad boy.
It’s a wonderful bronze that med-tones, shimmery and great for both base/lid use.
It very blend-able, fast drying, creamy, doesn’t crease, lasts all day and is $6 bucks!!!
It’s dare say my best find of the year.

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadows in Eternal Sunshine & Bronzed Taupe
I’d say this item is closest to a pigment product.
However, it provides the best attributes of pigments and pressed eye shadows.
It’s incredibly pigmented, vibrant, smooth texture and it’s NOT MESSY because it stays a strange malleable solid form.
It’s also been compared to Chanel Ombre / Giorgio Armani Eye to Kill eye shadows.

These are for sure something a beauty lover needs in their collection.
The colors provide great depth and dimension to the eye.
I often use Maybelline Bronzed Taupe as a base, L’Oreal Eternal Sunshine as all over lid and L’oreal Bronzed Taupe for crease color.
I can only compare this to how great the Lorac little black baked palette performs – impeccable!

p.s. Don’t you think Eternal Sunshine is such a wonderful name?!?

Yep those are my spring favorites

Taco Tuesday Deviant :P

Iron Cactus
683 4th St
San Francisco, CA 94107
Type – Mexican
Price $

*They have $1 Tacos and $2 Coronas – Taco Tuesday Special
*They are connected to the Creamery restaurant
*They are located right next to last Cal-Train stop (4th & King)

Iron Cactus Enchiladas Plate $10
(Beans, Rice, 2 Enchiladas – chicken/cheese, sour cream, salsa, tomato, lettuce and guacamole on the side)

Everyone decided to go with that $1 Taco special. They make pretty decently big tacos as seen in my other posts.
However I decided to be a deviant and I choose some tasty enchiladas.

You can choose what type beans you want and what you want for meat in your enchiladas.
The portions are large and filling.
You also can get some complimentary chips to munch on beforehand.

This is a pay first and then sit down restaurant.
The environment is friendly and casual.
…if you want dessert, you can even order crepes next door at the Creamery. < I did a post on them. >

Yep it was pretty tasty!
I know I’ll be back at the Cactus for Taco Tuesday so very likely chance I will have these again soon

Cheap Thrills – Forever 21 / Love & Beauty Makeup

(Love & Beauty Line are all FINAL SALE item at Forever 21)|

There’s something both alluring and fatal about buying cheap makeup.
Often it can really suck but it’s so cheap that the dent won’t be big.
Yet when you do find a goodie it’s just extra great because you saved so much!!!

Now the question is are these worth the worth the risk?
Well I’m trying to figure it out.  ( read on)

Here I am in the crowded store with my hands clutching these new makeup items from the Forever 21′s makeup line.
I haven’t seen many reviews on Love & Beauty products.
I also find many of the items have non-descriptive names making it incredibly difficult to research.
Yet they are so reasonable priced even compared to drugstore prices  it’s hard not to want them.

Forever 21 / Love & Beauty Makeup
- Love & Beauty Eye Shadow Palette in  Natural / Multi $3.80
- Love & Beauty Eye Shadow Palette in Brown/Multi $3.80
- Love & Beauty Blush in Pink $1.80

* I want to thank my good friend Emily for giving me the Love & Beauty – Brown/Multi palette.
All other items were purchased by me.*

Love & Beauty Eye Shadow Palette in  Natural / Multi $3.80

It comes with 4 Shadows, tool and case (no specific labels)
- Pale Pinky with a white sheen
- Light dirty gold with a golden shimmer
- Toned Olive Grey with a golden flecks
- Rustic brown with a golden shimmer
- Double Ended Sponge Applicator
- Slim clear cover, hinged with black base

(Swatched on Hand – Without Primer – In order of Palette Layout)

The eye shadows are very easy to swatch and appear smoother than expected.
They aren’t chalky. However they lack the buttery texture of higher end eye shadows.
I find the colors to be true to pan with except of the olive green which appeared duller.
There’s no glittery but it has a shimmery/sheen based formulation.

(Swatched on Watercolor Paper – Without Primer – In order of Palette Layout)

I think these colors would be great as stated for a “Smoky Eye”.
I can see myself using the two lighter shades for brow and inner corner highlight.
The two darker shades can be used for all over the lid and crease definition.

The difficulties I experienced with this eye shadow palette were minimal.
For the price I am I found the eye shadows definitely better than standard $1 shadows or large 88 palettes.

[Pro]
I really like the slim and simplistic packaging
I like the size of the pans (quarter)
I felt it was fairly pigmented and easy to use for the price
It’s a cheap thrill, priced better than drugstore item

[Con]
I felt the olive lacked depth in the color
The texture wasn’t spectacular but use-able.
I felt you needed to wear primer as the color fades quicker (3hrs)
Caution – you need to dust underneath the eye area after application because in direct sunlight I did notice small amount of shimmer fallout

Overall Would I buy this one again – No b/c I mainly got it for the olive shade. I think it’s a fair price and a – ok product

Love & Beauty Eye Shadow Palette in Brown/Multi $3.80
This is amusing because my friend Emily originally got this eye shadow as I convinced her mattes are the way to go.
Unfortunately for her it didn’t really jive with her very pale pinky toned skin.
Yet I found that I really enjoyed this palette a lot more than that previous one due to the light brown tones.
Ha – perhaps next time I’ll just have to switch with her

It comes with 4 Shadows, tool and case (no specific labels)
- Pearlscent Shimmery White
- Matte Soft Tan
- Shimmery Pinky Peach
- Matted Dark Brown with a hint of reddish shimmer
- Double Ended Sponge Applicator
- Slim clear cover, hinged with black base

(Swatched on Hand – Without Primer – In order of Palette Layout)

They are formulated exactly the same as the 1st set with the except of the matte tan.
The tan to have a soft quality about it, a bit powdery if you press your brush harder.
Personally even though I felt they showed similar feel and texture. It appears this set is a hint more pigmented.

(Swatched on Watercolor Paper – Without Primer – In order of Palette Layout)

I found these to be great for my Asian skin tone that leans a bit more yellow and tan.
I like to use this quad for work as it simple, neutral and easy to carry.

I didn’t experience any fall out or chalky texture from this palette.

[Pro]
I really like the slim and simplistic packaging
I find it pigmented
I think it would be great for work environments
I really like the matte soft tan color

[Con]
I felt you needed to wear primer as the color fades quicker (3hrs)
Caution – you need to dust underneath the eye area after application because in direct sunlight I did notice small amount of shimmer fallout

Overall Would I buy this one again – Yes, I really like the color combination with matte / shimmer.

Love & Beauty Blush in Pink (clear plastic outside packaging) $1.80
Currently, Love & Beauty offers many different blush options.
It’s sort of hard to differentiate between them as they look very similar with slightly different exterior packaging.
The packaging is simple, sturdy and easy to view.
I found the pan size to be generous close to wide bottle cap.

(Swatched on Hand – Without Primer, Love & Beauty Blush in Pink)

This blush is pretty.
It comes off a light pink with a pearly sheen. It’s not glittery or shimmery.
The texture is smooth and has strong pigmentation.

[Pro]
- Easy and Simple Packaging
- Large Pan size
- I like the satin sheen finish rather then shimmery
- Pigmented
- Super Cheap!

[Con]
- Wear time (3-4 hrs) you will likely need to reapply during the day
- Line not distinctively labelled

Overall, Yes I would buy again.

Was it worth the risk? Yep, I would do it again …actually pretty soon I have a really awesome Forever 21 dupe post!

Cotton On & Forever 21

Here are some bits I got from Cotton on & Forever 21.
I really like the Cotton On store. If you haven’t been to one they specialize in casual wear for both men/women.
They make really comfy and affordable plaid button up shirts – that’s how I got hooked.
The store often has stellar sales for $10.
Also they support a charity called the Cotton On Foundation which is pretty neat.

Most people have been to Forever 21.
If not, you are missing out!
I like it because even they always seem to have super trendy clothing and accessories for really affordable prices.
The one thing I don’t like about Forever 21 is their stores are usually a bit disheveled and it’s hard to find stock.

They have very limited stock! Like it? Buy it now or regret it.
They are my main place to go for awesome accessories.
I always manage find a pair that I need to add to my collection.

Forever 21
Boombox Earrings
Style – Hooks
Price $1.50

I really like these earrings because they are funky, small and dangle just slightly.
I’ve worn these several times and I like how they wear and how light it feels.
I’m always on the lookout for quirky new earrings.

Cotton On
Medium Size Red Bound Calendar for 2012
Type – Limited Edition
Price – $5

This may seem a bit odd to get a calendar so late in the year but it was on sale and it’s never too late to start writing.
I’ve already began using this journal. I like the size which isn’t too big.
I love the feel of the red bound cover and how the width of the lines are big enough for my chubby hand writing.
I like to write lists and sometimes when I have the time – I will write whole long journal entries!
Someday I’ll come back and read this… know what the heck I was up to or so I hope.

Cotton On
3 – set of Braided Charm bracelets
Type – Arm Candy
Price – $3

These were at the check out counter and they beckoned to me with their vibrant braids and cute little charms.
I think this was a steal! I loved the colors, it adjustable and easy to wear.
The only con was that after use I felt that the red braid started to bleed color slightly onto the yellow leaving a slight stain.
I didn’t find that the stain transferred on my hands or clothing, just a bit on the other bracelets.
Overall, I really like these bracelets and I felt they were amicable quality except for the stain issue.

Cotton On
Grey Knit Beret
Type – Hat
Price – $2 (exclusive pricing)

Cotton on is quite good at marketing to their customers at the last step of their purchase.
With that being said I quite like this knit beret for $2.
It was behind the counter and on a discounted price if you made any purchase in the store.
I do look a bit silly with all my bangs going crazy every which way.
But I like how the beret is able to control most of it.

-_- It’s simple and sometimes that just what I need.

Urban Decay Rollergirl Palette (Limited Edition)

Urban Decay Roller Girl Palette
Type – Limited Edition
* Palette usually comes with whiskey eye pencil and lip gloss.
Purchased @ eBay
Cost – $14 (originally $34)

I was fascinated by this palette as I believed it would make a great travel palette, it has gorgeous packaging and I wanted Woodstock.
Needless to say I was very pleased to find the UD Palette – New for such a bargain on eBay.

The palette is limited edition. I purchased mine – new (without the additional pieces) for $14 on eBay.
I believe you can still purchase it for similar costs on eBay.
This is a great deal because a regular UD shadow costs $17 per pan and there are repeats in the Naked/Naked 2 palettes.

***ALL These Shades will be kept in UD New Formulation eye shadow range, so still available in single form ***

Woodstock
This is a popular UD shade that shows reveal a pop of color.
The eye shadow is very pigmented, buttery and I think could work as a duo product for both eyes / cheeks.

Verve (Naked 2 Palette)
This shimmery beige has great color payoff and has a buttery texture. It’s good for brow and inner corner highlighting.

Suspect (Naked 2 Palette)
I really like using this  shimmery light bronze that works as a great all over lid shade.

DarkHorse (Naked Palette)
This bronze patina color has similar payoff as the other neutrals and easy to work with.

(Swatched on Hand -No Primer- Woodstock, Verve, Suspect, Darkhorse)
I’ve impressed by how the eye shadows are very easy to work with, pigmented, shimmery and a buttery texture.
The eye shadows don’t have fall out or glittery pieces.
It has 3 colors are great for “Naked” or “Neutral” eye look and I think Woodstock is awesome fuchsia pink that could double as blush.

(Swatched on Watercolor Paper -No Primer- Woodstock, Verve, Suspect, Darkhorse)

After applying these to my eyelids, I can testify that they are great quality and long lasting.
I do see how the 3 neutral shades play more towards UD Naked 2 palette leaning silver and cool.
I think this is a great palette for on the go and quick looks.

The packaging is styling, slim, and has a strong magnetic lid. It also comes with a small portable mirror.

Overall, I was pleased to have made this purchase.

If you are interested in seeing me do a look with this palette – please comment below!

a Cannoli in Boston’s North End

A couple of weeks ago I got to travel to Boston.
My friend Jennifer recommended trying the cannoli at Boston’s North End.
I got one at this tiny little Italian corner bakery and man was it delicious!
It’s was a mini cannoli covered in chocolate chips. Perfect for a after lunch dessert
Sophie was a very happy girl indeed!

I just did my nails in pink and glitter

Recently I’ve being really loving the glittery gradient nail trend that’s been hitting the beauty blogs.
However with that being said glitter isn’t always work friendly as it can be super flashy.
This is where I found my happy medium. A bit muted but still fun and flirty.

I like how Zoya’s Shay apply evenly on my nails and lasts a long time without chipping.
The color is very creamy, soft and perfect for interviews/professional environments.

Then I used 2 Wet n Wild Sparkle/Glitter polishes to amp up the WOW factor.
To create the gradient effect I proceed to layer WnW Hallucinate polish 3/4 of the way of my nail
and then WnW Kaleidoscope from 1/2 mark.
Then I applied it in layers 2-3 times emphasizing more towards the bottom of my nail. (Effect more apparent in person)

I enjoyed how the 2 glitters came in slightly different shapes and textures that blend well together to form dimension.
Plus they are a steal at the price!
I do love a good bargain when the product works as well as higher end glitters.

For these nails I used:
Zoya Nail Polish in Shay $7.50 (from the intimate collection)
- Creamy Light Pink
- 2 coats
- Great for work environment, professional
- Available at Zoya Website, Ulta, Birchbox

Wet n Wild Shine Polish in 460D Kaleidoscope $1
- Metallic Grey Large Sparkle/Glitter
- Glitter pieces are bit larger
-Very Affordable
- Available at most retailers & drugstores

Wet n Wild Shine Polish in 469 Hallucinate $1
- Clear Shimmery Sparkle/Glitter
- Very Affordable
- Available at most retailers & drugstores

What do you think? Are you loving glittery nails?