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! :)