Shiny Pretty Things :D

Aren't the most unexpected surprises in life the ones we look forward to the most? As ironic as that may sound, we've all had our ups and downs in life, but we all have learned to get through each of those moments. We wouldn't be here if we didn't!

Shiny Pretty Things, one of my favorite bloggers here, held a giveaway this past October and selected two winners. When I received the tweet that I had won, I was so surprised! Yes, I have won a giveaway before, but I really wasn't expecting to win another! We live in a fairly close proximity, so shipping was no trouble at all as I received this lovely package at my doorstep.



All the goodies neatly wrapped and folded in tissue and tape along with a sweet Christmas card. I literally stopped for a bit before I opened everything up though. PRETTY. And lookie there, even some holiday candy. YUM.






Can't wait to try all of these things she's sent! One of the things that I'm most looking forward to trying is the Majolica Majorica mascara! Haven't tried anything from that brand before, but have read many good things about it. ^^ Thank you so much to this bloggie friend whom I've had a pleasure of getting to know throughout these past few months. Please check her blog out if you haven't already! Not only does she post about make-up, but of her latest shopping trips/adventures, baking/cooking recipes, along with bits of her kpop fangirling. hehe. THANK YOU AGAIN!! ♡

AND HAPPY END OF NOVEMBER! It's be a great month overall. On to December, the last month of 2011. Can you believe it? Because...I CAN'T! Ah.

A Shopping We Will Go! A Shopping We Will Go!

Black Friday shopping has been an ongoing tradition of mine for as long as I can remember. I've gone from midnight at the outlets, to 5am door buster freebies, to waking up when I want to and still braving the crowds with plenty of deals to still take advantage of. Thanksgiving and the holiday season wouldn't be complete without it for my mom and I. We're serious pros, don't you know? Yes, the crowds can be pretty hectic and crazy, but this year...it felt a bit more eased and relaxed. Though every turn was packed with wall to wall shoppers eager to get those deals on that sweater or those pair of shoes, a sense of excitement instills while being in the midst of it all (and I think my mom feels the same).

Here are my finds for Black Friday 2011. :]









Boots! I've been wanting and looking for a pair of brown boots, as I have a pair of black ones from this same brand. While browsing through this one shoe store, I wasn't even thinking of getting boots until I showed these to my mom. After deciding between this and another pair, we both though these could go for both casual and dressier outfits. WINNER! So in the end, we left with three pairs - one for mama, one for little brother, and these for my self. AND, after the coupon of $25 off total purchase, each pair came out to be $35. Score! I really love the dark contrast of the bordering around the entire boot along with the zippers. Guilty. Small details like these can really have me sold.


Cropped lounge pants from Aerie: I swear...these are the most comfortable pants that I've ever owned! They're quite thin, but suprising very warm and super soft. I can seriously wear these all day. And, for those lazy days when I don't feel like wearing jeans out to do simple errands, I know have the perfect pants to slip into.

Cream zipper shoulder sweater from Gap: I've been loving sweaters lately for the colder months and I find them perfect for the holiday season. I really liked the zipper detailing on each shoulder, and at 70%, I couldn't resist. Total came out to be around $15. Not bad right? Paired with my new boots and gray washed skinnies, I've got myself a holiday outfit!

I've also done some online shopping for gifts on Black Friday as well as today's Cyber Monday! But for the record, I think this is the most shopping I've done throughout the Thanksgiving weekend. I think I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping! Besides, braving the malls in December isn't such a great idea anyways.

What are some of the deals you guys found and took advantage of?

Here's an oldie, but a goodie to put you all in the Christmas spirit.

Food and good company - Thanksgiving + Randoms

After all of the eating and celebrating...this past year's Thanksgiving became a great success. With a feat filled with two types of turkey, ham, stuffing, kahlua sweet potatoes, and my favorite type of pie during this time of year...my tummy was very happy. It's not every day you get to indulge in such home-y foods all in one sitting. Gotta love the holidays!











My aunt decorated the Thanksgiving table so beautifully. // Left Turkey brined by my cousin (with the help from Anne Burrell..heh heh) with right Turkey from Harry & David. Turkey on the left totally won our vote! Pumpin pie creeping in the back, too. // All the dishes for the lovely feast. // Back at my dad's with the old school video game machine. Super Mario ftw. // Fish; I find it so serene to just watch.

Hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your families as well!

Here are some random pictures from the past week that I wanted to share with you guys as well.













Sprinkes cupcakes! Om nom nom.// Nice little tea lounge. // Urth Cafe; why must you be in such a shady area...? // Cheerio and Nemo! :D // Right before my first real job interview. Hoping for the best!

Did any of you guys brave the crowds for Black Friday shopping? Upcoming post of all my finds! I know I said I wasn't going to spend any more on myself until next year...BUT IT WAS SO DIFFICULT. Stay tuned.

This Week in Photos ♡ My trip to Arizona.

Hello! This photos post is long overdue. Gomen. Every time I come back from a vacation, I feel like I take twice as long to recover and get back into the normal swing of things than the time actually spent away. Oh yeah, and I recently just had my first job interview! I was so nervous and slightly overwhelmed, but I hope it went well.

On to the pictures! My mom was born in Arizona, so most of my mom's side of the family still resides there. My cousin's cousin (we were pretty close while growing up) was getting married on 11/11/11 so we all drove down to celebrate the joyous event.

























The desert sky. // "A Parrot's Life for Me" rehearsal dinner. // My cousin's daughter, Riley, as the flower girl. Isn't she precious? // Tempe Center for the Arts. // Simple, yet beautiful wedding ceremony right along the water. // The elegant floral decor at each reception table made by my aunt/Mother of the Bride. Those cactus looking plants are actually candles!

Extended our stay for an extra day in AZ due to family emergencies, but I enjoyed being around family that I don't normally get to be around throughout the year. I even had an extra outfit! Proud of myself for actually packing well...yet I STILL manage to forget essential things. I think I should travel more...heh heh.









The hot tub that literally made me pass out. No more for me! // Riley and her baby bro, Gavin. SO CUTE! // SONORAN STYLE HOT DOG! So bomb. // A huge plate of Ziti with Italian Sausage. YUM.

Thanks so much for stopping by. To all my fellow US readers, HAPPY (early) THANKSGIVING! Hope you all will be eating lots and well with all your families! I am thankful to all that I have in life. Family, friends, a roof over my head to call home, and simply just being alive. As I'm getting older, I have come to realize that all of my needs tend to get pushed aside from all of my wants. Currently, I really don't need anything (but a job...), so until that day comes, I am going to live by my frugalness and instead, live each day to it's absolute fullest. Cheers!

"I Heart Matte"

Eye shadows are one of my favorite make-up products to collect. I swear...all those pretty colors, how can I not resist? Though my eye shadow collection probably doesn't surmount to the collections of others, I think I have a pretty good selection from bright colors to neutrals. But one thing that they all almost all have in common: shimmers.

When I saw Becky's post from her blog Everyday Makeup Blog, I was instantly drawn! An all matte palette from WnW! I checked my local Walgreens soon after, but it wasn't until my second trip where I was able to pick this up. WnW palettes are known for their impressive pigmentation, and for the most part, this particular palette doesn't disappoint.


The little ♥ is so simple, yet so cute.


8 matte eye shadows in one palette.


Swatched from left column to right column; top to bottom. All swatched without a primer.

I was most impressed by the neutral colors in this palette. They swatched so effortlessly! The colors were a bit harder to swatch, as they were a bit chalky. From all the other blog posts I've read, it seems like the purple was the shade that most had difficulty with though. But, I don't think I'll mind that part as much since I don't venture into bright colors on a daily basis. And, since everything is matte, I feel like they won't be as intense for everyday wear if ever I feel..."colorful". And for $4.95, I really can't complain!

I believe these are limited edition 8 pan palettes, so if you're interested in a fairly good variety of matte colors and neutrals, visit your local Walgreens before they all run out! (I opted out in the LE baked palettes since I felt I had too many shimmey shadows at the moment...though I've been considering going back to see if they still have some at my local store.)

Do any of you have this palette? What are your thoughts? Have you picked up the other LE palettes?

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I think I'm all packed for my mini getaway! My cousins' cousin is getting married this Friday, 11/11/11. I'm quite excited. :D I love weddings and dressing up. Plus, I think it'll be a mini family reunion. Definitely looking forward to it! Won't be having internet for posts, but I'll be back on Sunday.

And yes, been lagging on the commenting too. Now that I have my new phone, I use gReader before sleeping just to catch up on reading blog entries. Too bad there's no option for comments! Boo. Anyways, take care until...probably Monday.

Enjoy the rest of your week and have a wonderful weekend!
Oh, and I think I'm finally ready for my first blog giveaway.
Will post sometime next week. Stay tuned!

This Week in Photos ♡ 10/31-11/6

Hello. :] A little late on my weekly picture post...gomen! Weekends tend to be pretty busy, but I have lots to share with you guys!































Detangling necklaces // My version of "galaxy nails." Essie 'Luxedo' x Sally Hansen's 'Twinkle Twinkle' // Loving my chambray. // Such nice packing from Zara. // Red Robin. YUM. // Norman Rockwell bag for my dad's bday gift. // Chicken Bellagio from Cheesecake Factory. Def. recommend! // Birthday celebrations. // Can't go wrong with some good bibibimbap. // Kollab '11 @ Nokia Live // Target Free Sundays @ Bower's Museum. // Warriors Tombs and Temples: China's Enduring Legacy. // I LOVE HAND ROLLS.
Hope all of you had a great week.
I'll be taking a mini vacay starting this Thursday, but before I leave, I do have some posts lined up. Stay tuned!