Moving!

Hey everyone

I've decided I dont want to have 2 blogs anymore, so I am just going to have one blog where i post about personal finance and also life/fashion/beauty related stuff.
So please check out my other blog.
See you there!

I Love Hello Kitty!

One thing you may not know about me is that I LOVE Helly Kitty. Check out these items from Zales..


The necklace is $995, the bracelet is $495 and the ring is $150. *sigh* Wouldn't it be nice? :D

Back into the exercise classes!

Well after about a week of not going to the gym, I forced my ass back into gear this week and I have gone three times so far. Here's what classes I went to and what I thought:

Monday: Aquafit - doesnt feel like exercise until you get out of the water, once you get out you feel like you weigh about 800 lbs. wow. But still a little boring and mostly old people there :(

Tuesday: Yoga- so I got mixed up and thought I was going to the class that was a mix of pilates and yoga, but it turns out it was just yoga! Haven't done that in awhile, and boy it was hard!! I find many of the poses really hard especially downward dog and stuff like that because my arms are really weak and I cannot hold my weight on my arms!! But it's so good for your body so I will probably still go to this class when I can.

Thurs: Pilates. Actually started out with yoga moves for like 15-20 mins. Didn't really like that, then we got into other stuff which was still kinda hard but I can tell it was a good workout. Good for the abs!

I just switched gyms, because the one I was going to before was expensive and this new community center is about half the price. There is some major differences that will take some getting used to.

1. old gym- had real yoga mats for everyone to use. They had a large supply so most people could use two. new gym- doesnt have real yoga mats!!! They just use normal gym mats, which don't give you as good of a grip, so I will be bringing my own yoga mat next time for sure.

2. old gym- had really good music during the classes! It was basically just a bunch of popular songs, like some John mayer and stuff like that, which i enjoyed singing along which exercising. new gym- doesnt have good music. Infact its just like music without words , and I don't really like it. lol.

Oh well I guess this is why I am only paying half the price that I was paying before. Of course I am not going to go back to the old gym or anything, I can totally live with these changes, I'm just starting to see why this one doesn't cost as much!

Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

I just finished this great book called "Everyone Worth Knowing" by Lauren Weisberger. She is also the author of The Devil Wears Prada. This is one of the books I picked up at a used book store and I'm really glad I got it. It reminds me a bit of the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, which I also really enjoy. I will definately be looking for other books by this author!

Here is the description from Chapters:

Soon after Bette Robinson quits her horrendous Manhattan banking job like the impulsive girl she''s never been, the novelty of walking her four-pound dog around the unglamorous Murray Hill neighborhood wears as thin as the "What are you going to do with your life?" phone calls from her parents. Then Bette meets Kelly, head of Manhattan''s hottest PR firm, and suddenly she has a brand-new job where the primary requirement is to see and be seen inside the VIP rooms of the city''s most exclusive nightclubs. But when Bette begins appearing in a vicious new gossip column, she realizes that the line between her personal life and her professional life is...invisible.

Check it out ladies!

Pleasantly surprised with Quo!

The other day I was at Shoppers Drug Mart and I came across this eyeshadow palette from Quo for $20. There was a tester so I tested the colours on my hand and I was pleasantly surprised! They were beautiful colours and perfect for creating a smokey eye. Here is what they looked like when I tested them on my hand.


I thought these were really nice neutral tones for the fall season. I also picked up a Lise Watier "Eye Shine" eye liner in "Deep Blue."
I really like this blue shade and it looks great on my brown eyes. I am really glad that I bought these products and I am excited to discover what looks I can create with them. Now all I need is the perfect eye primer and I am good to go!

Back to the gym..

Well yesterday was my first time back at the gym for a few months!! I was a member of somewhat expensive gym and was really into it for awhile and then I lost the motivation. I'm not really sure why, but I stopped going regularly. The one thing I did like going to was a class that was a combination of yoga and pilates. I went and checked out a local community center that was recently built near my house. It's about half the price of the gym that I used to go to, AND it has a pool! It's not open as late as the other one and not open on holidays but that doesn't really matter to me. And it still has a combination yoga/pilates class that I can attend.

Yesterday after work I went and got a monthly pass, because I'm just going to check it out for a bit and then decide if I will buy a full year membership. So I went on the cross-trainer, and then the treadmill, for a total of about 40 mins. Then I went into the pool during public swimming and swam a few laps. Boy was I tired afterwards! I am actually pretty sore today. I was planning on going today but after feeling this pain in my lower back I decided not too. But I am planning on going this weekend though, hopefully this pain I am getting is nothing big and just my muscles getting their memory back!

Revlon's Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup

Have you guys seen the commercials for this? Its a foundation that starts out white and supposedly adjusts its colour to match your skin tone. I didn't believe it when Almay first came out with this and I still don't....but I'm a little curious to try it because if it DID work..that would be pretty cool.

Has anyone tried this stuff? Or the one by Almay?

Found the Coolest Website!

The other night when I couldn't sleep I got on my computer and I dont remember how exactly but I came across this site called Etsy.com. It is described as being "Your place to buy and sell all things handmade." Well let me say I am hooked on this site!!!! It's kind of like ebay only its all stuff that poeple made themselves and you don't have to bid on items. You can browse by category, and even search for sellers in your area. There is even a gift guide where you can click on the occasion you are buying for and it gives you ideas. Here are just a few of them items I liked:
Sugar Dust from Osugarfoot.com


Pretzel Soap by Pinktiramisu

Pearl Necklace by sephshug


Lego Soap by Washable Art

Autumn in Japan pendant by CaughRedHanded

I think I am definately going to be buying some items off this site in the near future...perhaps Christmas shopping??

Shopped at the Gap lately?

I don't know about you guys but I've really been noticing the Gap lately. Whenever I go to the mall, I don't usually go into that store because I know I can't afford most items in there. But damn they sure do have nice stuff! Here's a short wish list I've gathered:

Cardigan $58

Classic Trench $148

Sweater jacket $78

Man I really wish I had a bit more money because this stuff is beautiful! I'm definately going to have to go into the Gap more often and atleast check out the sales!

Sorry for being gone so long!

Hey everyone

Sorry I did not post for quite some time, I was having issues getting online but now I have a wireless connection set up in my house and things are looking up! Not really much is new with me except I'm on the search for my first car, read more about it here. I'm not going to write much today but more posts are coming soon I promise!

Need to start a Portugal fund!

This weekend I had some relatives from Portugal visit and it made me realize once again how badly I want to learn more about my background and visit Portugal especially. I've always really wanted to go there, but I really think I need to start setting aside money regularly to save up for a trip. Since I have relatives there I wouldnt really have to pay for a place to stay, just my plane and spending money. Plane tickets to Portugal are so expensive though, I was checking out prices online today and they were all around $3000!!! How insane! When it comes time to go I will definately enlist a travel agent to find me a good deal. I think my cousin went once for around $900 so it can really vary. Either way I will definately need to save a few thousand dollars for that trip!

This visit also made me realize how much I want to learn the language. I think I am going to start searching for some night courses at the local schools around here for a Portuguese class. My goal is to eventually be bilingual.
Look at these pictures, aren't they gorgeous? No wonder I want to go so bad!

I just want to apologize for my lack of blogging in the last few weeks, I guess I have been kinda lazy and sometimes I don't feel I have much to write about. Anyways in my little hiatus I celebrated a birthday! I worked on my real birthday, but I did go away for the weekend, and had a great time. I managed to catch the new movie Dark Knight, with Heath Ledger. I am normally not really into these types of movies, but I was pretty impressed with this one!

Work has been kind of crazy lately, we are having staffing issues lately with people on holidays and such and trying to find coverage. It has been pretty hectic but I find that taking things one day at a time helps a bit. I also got a cost of living raise, which doesnt do a whole lot, but I guess every little bit makes a difference.

Anyways, I do have two product reviews for you. I had been thinking awhile about getting a new mascara, I was considering getting Benefit's Badgal Lash. I talked to my friend who works in the cosmetics department at work and she said she didn't think it was worth the money in her opinion and that Covergirl's Lashblast was just as good. The Lash Blast was the other one I was considering.
I have to say, this mascara is pretty good! I haven't tried the Benefit one, but I'll bet she was right. It makes your lashes look longer and thicker. My lashes are incredibly long already, so I usually go for the volume boosting types. It definately measures up in the volume department, although they never seem to look at thick as I want them to, but I think thats my issue. lol. Anyways its a great mascara and I would recommend it to anyone.

My next review is for the Covergirl Amazement Wetslicks! Here's the one I bought today:

Mine is called SlapHappy and its a nice pinky/coral colour with a little bit of shimmer. These are exactly like the regular wetslicks except they have peppermint oil in them so it smells like toothpaste and gives your lips a tingly cool feeling. I love these things! And I love the colour that I chose as well. I may have to get another. It reminds me of Urban Decays XXX Shine Gloss which also has the minty flavour. Its just as good and only half the price.

Anyways I would love to hear what you guys think about these products, who's bought them? Did you love or hate them?

Hautelook Sales!

There is some great sales going on at Hautelook.com today people! If you haven't heard of Hautelook.com, its a website that sells brand name fashion and cosmetics to its members for lower prices. Usually about 50% off. Check it out here.

One of the brands is called Saint Grace. It launched in Los Angeles in 2001 and is a supposed to be a favourite of celebs like Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Simpson, and Lindsay Lohan among others. Here are some of my favourite pieces:


Another great collection that's on sale right now is called Dear Cashmere. I didn't see a lot of pieces that stood out to me but I did really like this sweater :

To see these pieces and lots more go to Hautelook.com! Hurry up because the sale is only on for another day. If anyone wants to sign up under me, leave a comment on this post with your email and I'll send you an invite.

Benefit You Rebel

In my last order from Sephora, I got a sample of Benefit's "You Rebel". Its described as being " a defiantely different tinted moisturizer," and it only comes in the one shade which is supposed to work for everyone I assume. There is a "lite" version as well for lighter skin tones. It is a 3-in-1 product giving you coverage, moisture and SPF.
The first thing I noticed when I squeezed some into my hand was that it's kind of an awful colour in your hand. But I put it on my face anyway and it blended in very nicely with my skin tone and it looked great overall. I just used concealer under my eyes and in a few problem spots, then used my Physicians Formula mineral powder over top, and that was it. I liked the coverage and the little boost of colour it gave my face. I would say this is a great product and would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick and easy look. This is especially good for the summer when you want to minimize the amount of product used when its super hot ouside.

Link Love

The Daily Cookie's got Spring Fever

Canadian Beauty shows you how to get the perfect eyebrow

Do you love Clinique? Then join the Clinique Insiders Club

Discover the Muse's love affair with Physicians Formula

Christina from "Product girl" discusses her must have brushes

Enter the contest at Spoiled Pretty to win a gym bag!

Discover the "lazy girl's tan" at SugarShock beauty blog

Look what I got in the mail...

Today I finally got my Sephora package in the mail. This one took a little longer than the last time I ordered from them, and I was getting a little anxious. But finally..my goodies came..
























My Hope in a Jar with SPF!! They just came out with the SPF formula and its only at Sephora. I also thought I would try their Purity Made Simple cleanser, because I figure if I love the moisturizer, I might love the cleanser as well. Then I also got 5 (thats right, 5) samples! Everytime you place an order, you get 3 free samples. Because I'm a beauty insider and my account had reached 100 points ($100 spent) I got a "deluxe" sample (which in this case, wasnt really bigger than a normal sample, bummer!). Then I also searched "sephora promo codes" online and found a code for another one.

Heres the list:

• Stila All Over Shimmer liquid luminizer
• Boscia antioxidant recovery treatment
• Benefit You Rebel - "a defiantly different tinted moisturizer"
• Clinique almost makeup in Neutral (my "deluxe" sample)
• Murad Firming Bronzer (I'm actually wondering if this is considered a sample because it doesnt say "not for sale" like all the others and its pretty big, 30 mLs. ) I think its actually a full size product (but a small size)

Note to self: 8oz of cleanser is not that much. If I reorder, get a bigger one next time!
I have only used the cleaser once and havent tried any samples yet. Once I have tried the samples and have used the cleanser more, I will be adding some reviews.

Discount Shopping at HauteLook.com

Last night while I was browsing through people's blogs, I found this site called HauteLook.com. Basically its a site where members can buy cosmetics and fashions at lower prices. I am so glad I found this site! Right now there is a Smashbox sale going on and its ending within the next 2 days. The products are about half price!! When you refer people you get a $10 credit when your referrals make their first purchase.
I would be extremely grateful to anyone who would like to sign up under me, just go to www.hautelook.com and in the sign up page where it asks for your sponsor just type in munchkinspowermall@hotmail.com. Or if you would like to leave your email in a comment on this post I will send you an invitation. Happy Shopping! :)

Oh I love Winners...

This weekend I decided to go to my local Winners. I hadn't been there in awhile and when you don't have much else to do, its a great way to pass the time. It can be fun to sift through the many racks of clothing looking for a great deal. In case anyone doesnt know what Winners is, it's a store that sells brand name clothing for less than what you would pay had you bought it elsewhere. For instance you could buy a "Guess" purse for cheaper than you would get it at the Guess store in the mall or at The Bay.
I went in there telling myself not to spend more than $50.00. Here's what I bought:

• Roots active pants for $24.99 compared to about $50 at a Roots store
• Tommy Hilfiger clutch for $20.00 compared to $39.00 (according to the tag). I checked out Amazon.com and found the exact same one for $39.00. The tag was right!
  

Here's pics:
So does anyone else shop at Winners? Have you got any super deals there? I want to hear about it!

Lise Watier Plumpissimo Le Gloss

After seeing this new Lise Watier line on other blogs and seeing it in Shoppers Drug Mart I decided I had to check these out. I tested the colours on my hand one day and I liked the amount of colour they had plus the fact that they were not too sticky.
A couple days later I bought one. I bought "Baie" which is like a medium pink/burgundy kind of colour, shown on the far right of the picture. This is actually supposed to be a plumping lip gloss. I was never into the whole plumping thing, the main reason I wanted to buy one of these was the colours.
The colour looks great on my lips, and it has ok staying power, plus it is a little bit sparkly. In my opinion, it doesn't really make my lips look any fuller. The only bad thing about this gloss is the smell.
So if you are looking for fuller lips, skip this one. But if you want a bold colour, with good consistency in a not-too-sticky formula, then go pick up one of these babies. They retail for $20.00 at Shoppers.

Who Doesn't Love Sephora?

I was very pleasantly surprised the other day when I discoverd that the Ultimate beauty store, aka Sephora has an official blog! I was so excited, I went to it immediately and started reading and bookmarked it of course.

I was also really excited to discover that one of my new favourite products, Hope in a Jar by Philosphy has made an SPF 20 formula! I am very excited about this! I have been using this moisturizer for awhile and I really like it, but I was disappointed that it didn't have SPF. Well, now it does! They have also made a new formula of the Purity Made Simple Cleanser, it is now in a foaming cleanser. Apparently customers have been begging for it. I don't know why because foaming cleaners are generally detergent based, which is bad for your skin, but this one claims not to be.

Another thing I wanted to mention is the Best of Sephora 2008 sweepstakes. Basically you vote on your favourite products and one lucky person will win one of every winner (thats 30 products) plus a $1000 gift card and a trip to san francisco. 10 second prize winners will win $100 sephora cards. So go vote people!