RIP Scott Weiland and Personal Reflections on Music

     I have been going back and forth on whether I wanted to make more personal  posts like this, a good friend of mine (you know who you are babe) has encouraged me to, so here it goes.


    I was laying in bed last night, avoiding sleep by mindlessly scrolling through Facebook and other pages as I too often do.  It was through one of these mindless scrolls that I caught word of Scott Weiland's death.  I can't quite describe how the news affected me.  Shock? No. His struggles with drugs were well publicized.  And while the details of his death have not been revealed (nor do I particularly care), it would be of no great surprise if drugs or the complications of them were involved.  The only word that adequately sums up my feelings is fairly basic. Sadness.  Another man, another inspiration, a voice of my generation had gone to war with his personal demons and lost the battle.

     Death of musicians hit me hard.  I grew up in music.  One of my earliest childhood memories is of sitting on my Dad's amp while he played the guitar.  While other kids my age were discovering the cookie cutter teen dreams of the 80's, my sister and I were raised on the likes of Kansas, Bachman Turner Overdrive, REO Speedwagon, Meat Loaf, and .38 Special.  Music with soul and loud guitars.

     Then came the 90's and I discovered what's commonly referred to as grunge.  It wasn't the sugary sweet pop that my friends were into, nor was it the music of my parents.  This was something entirely new.  It was loud and angry, and sad, and sometimes happy all in one. And God did it speak to me.
   
     Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden... and Scott Weiland with Stone Temple Pilots.  They were able to express my feelings through music far better than I was able to express my own feelings through simple words.  A trend that continues to this day.  Yes, my music tastes have evolved, expanded.  The emotions are much more nuanced and complex covering far more topics than what my simple teenage mind could comprehend.  But one thing remains the same, music quiets the noise, it creates the peace that I so desperately crave.  I throw on a track and for those 3-5 minutes the outside world just fades away.

    It's sad when you discover that someone else was never able to find that peace.  It's jarring, almost disturbing.  It makes you question things. Is the peace finite? Does it run out?  Is there an expiration date on this peace?! Does it matter from where this peace stems?  I know music is my peace, just as painting is someone else's.   Still others find their peace in religion.

   Maybe these are all questions we are never meant to answer.  Perhaps part of maintaining that connection with the quiet is trusting that it will always be there.  Believing that no matter what shit show your life may be handing you today, tomorrow the peace will return.  Or maybe I have just had too much coffee today and my mind is running in circles.

    I guess all I really wanted to say is Scott where ever you may be now,  I hope you have found the peace that you managed to give so many of us.
 

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November 2015 Favorites!

     Hello all!  I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend (or just a good weekend if you don't celebrate that particular holiday).  Us here at the house of chaos had a really good holiday weekend. We hosted our first holiday in our new house, and despite the two prior weeks that proved Murphy's law is indeed a fact, the dinner went off without any problems.  Also the Hawkeyes beat Nebraska and that felt pretty good.

     As per usual I have complied a list of some of my favorite things from this past month.  Some old, some new, all are items I have found myself returning to multiple times in November and think are worth checking out.... you know the drill.

Movies/TV: Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy available on Netflix 

     Yes, yes I know this show is over and done with.  But remember when I said I have kids that don't let us watch TV or movies?  Yeah I wasn't lying.  Also the series is now on Netflix and the hubs just bought a Amazon Fire Stick allowing us to watch Netflix on our bedroom TV.  So each night we go through an episode or two of the show.  Probably not the best of ideas when considering the odd violent dreams I have been having.... oh well.  

     If you are in the dark regarding Sons of Anarchy the drama series follows the life of Jax Teller, the vice president of a California motorcycle gang who starts questioning the gangs criminal activity and his future when his son is born.  The show is definitely not for kids (hence why we watch it so late), but it is very well written, includes a variety of characters (some which entertain, others will piss you off) and grabs your attention almost immediately. 

Music: November Mix Tape

     With my computer being down for a portion of the month, I had to stray from my usual selection of music and listen to the radio (gasp! the humanity!)  In doing so I have found some "new" songs that have caught my attention.  I even wrote them down so that I may download them when we get iTunes back up and running. 

1. "Through It All" - From Ashes to New
2. "The Otherside" - Red Sun Rising - this song reminds me so much of 90s grunge.  I LOVE IT. The video though, sigh.  It's like the orcs from Lord of the Rings got together with Samara from The Ring they had a baby and he joined a band. 
3. "Death March" - Motionless in White - someone tell me I am not the only one who thinks Christ Motionless goes all "This is Halloween" from Nightmare Before Christmas  in the bridge of this song? 
4. "Kill Pop" - Slipknot  
5. "The Last Garrison" - Enter Shikari
6. "Take the Bullets Away" - We As Human featuring Lacey Sturm - Lacey kills it on this track, and she has a new solo album coming out which leads to the next song...
7. "Impossible" - Lacey Sturm - I love that this girl can rock and keep a positive message.
8. "The Fox" - Ylvis - ok this is a joke. I don't really like this song.  BUT at the insistence of my 2 year old son, I HAVE heard this song at least twice a day, every day for a month.  When I don't play it, he sings it.  
9. "Wash It All Away" - Five Finger Death Punch - this is one of the few concerts I have been to that looked as good as the video.  Yeah the concert was that good. 

     Also, I have started compiling the songs from my favorites (and other songs I like) together in a playlist called "Music I Love" on my youTube channel here.  Eventually I will have my own videos on my channel too, but for now its an easy way to find the music I like and other bloggers I follow. 

Makeup: 

Smashbox Bronze Lights - Warm Matte

Smashbox Bronze Lights in Warm Matte, $34.00 available at Sephora, Ulta and other Smashbox retailers

     For those of you fair skinned like me, you know how difficult it can be to find a bronzer that doesn't look  ridiculously orange on you.  So when my go-to product (bareMinerals Ready Bronzer in The Skinny Dip) ran out, I debated finding a new one or simply repurchasing the bareMinerals.  

      

     I discovered this guy while browsing around Sephora during their VIB beauty sale, I swatched it several times before deciding to pick it up and I am glad I did.  It is a very subtle matte bronzer.  It is not going to give you that just got back from a beach vacation look.  I anticipate only being able to use this in the winter time as I don't think it will show up in the summer when I am "tan", but in the winter it will keep me from looking completely washed out which is what I am looking for. 

the Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick - Committed

the Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in Comitted, $17.00 available at Kohls and thebalm.com

     If you saw my October Ipsy vs. Boxycharm post, this lipstick might look familiar.  That's because I received a sample of it in my Ipsy bag.  I mentioned that I was most excited to try the lipstick and it has become one of my favorite lipsticks of all time.  So much so that I went out and bought a full size of it. 

     The color is a standard pinky nude color.  It's a nice color but not something so unique that you wouldn't find it anywhere else.  The formula however, is what makes this lipstick stand out.  It's a very thin formula, but it is very pigmented.  As such it dries down quickly but doesn't feel tight or cakey like some other thicker liquid lipsticks do.  I wore this on Thanksgiving and it stayed put through out dinner.  I don't precisely remember when I felt the need to reapply but I know it wasn't for several hours and well after dinner. 

Fragrance: Elizabeth and James Nirvana - White & Black

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black and White Roller ball fragrances, $25.00 each at Sephora 

     I do not buy a whole lot of perfume.  When I do it's usually just in the roller ball sizes because I don't go through it often enough to justify buying a full size.  I am also extremely bad at describing scents and identifying notes and whether something is a "warm" or a fresh scent.  So I will post the descriptions provided by the brand:

"Nirvana Black is an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine."

"Nirvana White is a captivating blend of delicate peony, chic muguet, and tender musk for a feminine scent with dark sophistication."

    I bought both the White and the Black because individually I just found them ok. However I love the scent of the two combined.  It's very complex and unlike anything I have smelled.  The scent lasts a very long time so not a lot is required, and it does not change on me after wearing it for an extended period of time.  Because it is a heavier/stronger scent I don't think I will wear this in the summer, but for the winter it is very nice. 

Video Game:  Minecraft

   

Minecraft video game for computer, $26.95 available for download at minecraft.net, console versions available

     I will fully admit that I love myself a good video game.  I used to be a strict console gamer, but when introduced to World of Warcraft (yes I play that game) I became more enthralled with computer gaming.  

     Minecraft isn't all that new to me.  I have played a little bit off and on whenever I got bored and the mood stuck.  Recently I have become addicted to it.  I threw some mods in it to change it up and make it a bit more challenging.  

     I think one of the reasons I like it so much is that it is a game I have no problems playing in front of or with my children.  There is no bad language or excessive violence.  There are monsters that look like they are straight out of a Scooby Doo episode, and you do fight them but they turn into a puff of smoke when they die.  My 5 year old loves playing the game with me, and usually does so by telling me where to go or what to build.  It's also a game that you can very easily pause or turn off and walk away from which is essential when you have kids. 

     That is all I have for this month.  Thank you so very much for stopping by!  If you have any recommendations or questions as always feel free to post them in the comment section below or send me an email!  I will see you next week!   

 

     

      

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Storytime Life Update

      Ever have one of those days where your mind just checks out?  Not just an "oh I don't feel like doing much" kind of day, but one of those "I am really trying and evidently I have forgotten how to chew" kind of checking out.  The kind that makes you wonder if you have a tumor in your cerebral cortex.
   
     I am having that kind of day.  Although day isn't an accurate designation of time.  I am having that kind of month.  The lights are on, but there is no one home.  After Halloween my brain dropped mic, and left the building.  No two weeks notice, no goodbye note telling me when he'd return. Nothing. What an asshole.

     For a bit I was sustaining a functional household purely on technology.  After all, why do you need to remember things when you have a computer that will give you names, numbers, dates and deadlines?  I could fake my way through a day, remembering most important appointments and required events.  Then 3 critical events occurred.

     1. We sold our old house.  We have been living with two mortgages and getting this one off our hands is nothing short of a Christmas miracle.   However, if you have ever been through the process of buying or selling a house you know the month of closing is a jungle of negotiations, assessments, inspections and paperwork. It's a mess and living an hour and a half away from said house (and other involved party members) makes it more so.

     2. Our computer decided to take a dump.  That's right, my lifeline to a functioning day (since old cerebrum decided to split) just stopped working.  I guess the strenuous schedule of signing legal documents, writing a blog, and playing minecraft just became too much for him, as he just declared "Sayonara bitches" and refused to boot up. With him he took my notes on future blog posts, all our family photos, and my sanity.  Edit: we have since recovered the files from the hard drive including the photos and notes.  My sanity has yet to be found.

     3. My husband left town for business.  This wasn't unplanned, we knew it was coming. It was just shit timing given everything else.  I think my adventures in single parenting was the final straw that knocked over this house of cards.

    So here I am now, sitting in front of a new computer screen.  I apologize for missing last week's post, but blogging from my phone just wasn't going to happen.   Also I just have now pieced together from various phone calls with my Dad and my recovered Google calendar that THIS THURSDAY is indeed Thanksgiving, not next week (which is what I have been telling myself for about 10 days now). When did that happen?

     What's my point in all of this?  I don't know.  I don't have one.  Maybe if I could make up one it would be that if you ever come across someone whether it be the cashier, waitress, customer, coworker, whomever and they clearly don't have all their marbles at the time...give them a break.  Even if they did just unload a whole cart of stuff at Target only to discover that oops their wallet is still on the kitchen table at home (yep that happened).

     We get so wrapped up in our own lives, our own struggles and demands that so often we overlook what's really important.  We end up treating one another horribly and why?  Because they slightly inconvenienced us?  Did the extra 10 seconds that person stayed stopped at the green light break your day?  Did the mother who forgot her wallet at Target ruin your life?  No.

     If my checking out has shown me anything, it's that I can spend a WHOLE MONTH doing nothing but inconveniencing myself through sheer forgetfulness and my life is still doing just fine.  If missing two weeks of guitar lessons, blog posts, doctor appointments hasn't derailed my life, someone getting a price check at the 10 items or less register certainly isn't going to.  

      Anywho, next week I shall return.  Hopefully my brain will be back from what ever spirit walk it's gone on and next week's post will be more engaging.  I do have some goodies to share with you all, and I have a special surprise coming in the mail (Spoiler: its the Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani palette).  Hope to see you then!

   

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Holiday Palette Reviews: Smashbox, Tarte, Buxom

     Ah November, a beauty junkie's favorite time of the year, and the bane of their bank account.  Yes, the holiday palettes and gift sets are out and just begging for an impulse purchase.  Teasing us with their limited edition colors and quantities.

     This year I tried to do better.  Well, ok by "better" I mean I tried not to get just a boatload of eye shadow palettes, but rather select a palette from each category of eyes, lips and face.  It had varied results, there are just too many tempting eye shadow palettes out there.  However today, I will stick to my original plan and share my thoughts on one from each category (I will have more in upcoming posts I promise).

Smashbox ART. LOVE. COLOR. Master Class - $65.00

Smashbox ART. LOVE. COLOR. Master Class package inspired by artist Yago Hortal

     Available exclusively at Sephora, this years Master Class palette is inspired by artist Yago Hortal and his colorful designs. The kit comes with 32 Photo Op formula eye shadows in a 0.025oz size, 6 blushes that are 0.05oz, and 2 highlighters that are 0.07oz but look the same size as the blush.  It also comes with a set of 8 instructional cards as well as a small bio on Yago Hortal. 

Smashbox Master Class palette opened up, each tray is removable with names printed on clear covers

     The packaging is rather interesting.  The design is beautiful and very colorful, but rather bulky and not what I would call travel friendly. The products are located in two plastic trays which remind me of CD cases.  The trays are removable (which would be better for travel), and have the names printed on the clear covers which snap shut.  When open the palette lays flat, which is helpful as it is not held easily in one hand during application.  There is no mirror (I don't know where they would have put one) but again, it makes it less travel friendly.

Left Picture: left to right Posy Pink (cheek), Naked, Charmed, Candy, Framboise
Right Picture: left to right Java, Oxidize, Nutmeg, Alabaster, Sunset (cheek)

     I picked this palette up as a possible alternative to the Kat Von D palette that is sold out every time I go to Sephora.  I don't have much in the way of colorful eye shadow (most of what I own is akin to the Naked palettes by Urban Decay), and I was looking for an introduction to some brighter colors. As an introductory palette, I think this works nicely.  If you are someone more experienced and wanting intensely pigmented colors, I don't think you will be happy with this palette. 

Left Picture: left to right Persimmon (cheek), Custard, Torch, Goldenrod, Gold
Right Picture: left to right Gypsy, Spruce, Zoom, Sea, Glow (highlight)

    The color selection and formula is... safe for lack of a better word.  The formula is very soft (it will kick up powder when you dip into it) and blends out easily when applied dry.  The result is more of a wash of color rather than an intense bold application.  Which is great for beginners who want to ease into color.  The colors can be built up or used wet to achieve a bolder look, but it will take some extra work.  In that sense I don't find this a suitable alternative to palettes like the  Kat Von D where the pigmentation is more intense and less forgiving. 

Left Picture: left to right Bitten (cheek), Sky, Nile, Azure, Pacific
Right Picture: left to right Harbor, Steel, Cement, Cosmic, Prism (cheek)

   There are a few shades in this palette that I did not like at all.  Charmed, Sea, Cosmic and Silver Moon which are the chunkier, more glittery shades.  I would imagine that use of a glitter shadow glue would help with application. But seeing as I so infrequently want a glittery look, the extra work isn't worth it for these shades.  Everything else did apply smoothly and evenly, including the blush and highlight shades.  As I mentioned before they do kick up some powder, so just be sure to tap the excess of the brush to avoid some fallout during application. 

    

Left Picture: left to right Plum (cheek), Breeze, Celestial, Eggplant, Orchid
Right Picture: Ebony, Smoke, Silver Moon, Snow, Shimmer (highlight)

Tarte Bling It On Amazonian Clay Blush Palette - $44.00

Tarte Bling It On Amazonian Clay Blush Palette 

     Available exclusively at Sephora, this year's Tarte blush palette features 4 limited edition blushes (Dollface is the only one featured in the permanent line).  The full size, stand alone blushes cost $28.00 a piece and are 0.20oz. The blushes in this palette are 0.15oz and there is 5 of them, meaning the palette contains roughly $105.00 worth of product.  For this reason the Tarte blush palettes are always big sellers each holiday season. 

Tarte Bling It On palette blushes in Fetching, Dollface, Prim, Smashing, and Beaming

    The packaging is a slim and the cover is magnetized.  There is a decent sized mirror inside making it travel friendly.  The only thing I do not like is the black glitter on the outside.  While it looks very pretty, the glitter flakes can easily falls off and with continued use I imagine it will get worse. 

Tarte Bling It On blushes left to right Fetching, Dollface, Prim, Smashing and Beaming

    Personally I am a big fan of Tarte's Amazonian clay blushes.  They are well pigmented do last a considerable bit of time on me.  The color goes on semi-sheer and can be built up.  For us fair skinned ladies this is super helpful as it helps prevent the dreaded clown face. 

     The colors featured this year are very flattering and easy to wear.  The only shade I do not like is beaming as it has chunky silver glitter in it.  Why would they ruin a beautiful peach shade with silver glitter?  Who knows.  Maybe someone can use it as a highlight?  Not this lady.   The remaining 4 shades all have a matte or satin finish.

    

Buxom Leave Your Mark Full-On Lip Polish & Lip Cream Set - $59.00

Buxom Leave Your Mark Full-On Lip Polish & Lip Cream Set Packaging

     Again available exclusively at Sephora (I swear this post is not sponsored lol), this set features 8 mini sized lip polishes and 8 mini sized lip creams.  Each of the minis are 0.07 fl. oz and come with the standard doe foot applicator.  For comparison a full size of one of these lip glosses is 0.15 fl oz and cost $19.00. 

Buxom Lip Gloss swatches left to right: Hot Toddy, Bunny, Cherry Flip, Taylor, Dolly, Jennifer, Sophia, Purple Haze

     For those who have never tried a Buxom lip product before, the formula of these glosses feature a menthol derivative that gives the gloss a minty scent/taste and creates a tingling/cooling feeling on the lips.  The formula is very smooth and the tingling/cooling feeling does last for a bit on the lips.  It doesn't burn, but it is noticeable.  The best I can describe it is when you eat a strong mint like an Altoid or Life-Saver and you suck air in.  That cool tingle?  That's how your lips will feel.  I personally love it, but know some girls that are bothered by it. 

Buxom Lip Gloss swatches left to right: Zoe, Starr, Sandy, White Russian, Berry Blast, Olivia, Pink Lady

    Each of the colors in this kit are also in the permanent line.  There are no exclusive or limited edition shades featured, so if you fall in love with a particular color you should be able to get a full sized version.  True to most glosses, these offer a general wash of color but are not intensely pigmented.  The polishes feature anywhere from a fine shimmer (Sophia, Sandy) to a chunky glitter (Oliva, Starr).  The glitter doesn't affect the feel of the gloss, but I have found it does hang out on your lips after the product has worn off.  The creams are a flat glossy color and feature no shimmer or glitter. 

    Overall, this is a nice lip gloss set.  Is there anything super amazing or special about it? Other than the large sampling of colors, no.  I purchased this mainly because loving the glosses already, I wanted to expand my color options without purchasing the full sizes.  If you know that a bunch of these colors aren't going to work for you, or you don't like the glitter in the polishes, you might be better off purchasing a smaller holiday set or a few individuals in the full sizes. 

That is all I have for today.  Like I mentioned previously there will probably be another post in the near future with reviews on some other palettes I picked up (nothing big though, these were the main three I purchased this year).   Thank you all for stopping by and I will see you next week! 

         

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October Ipsy vs. Boxycharm: Unboxing and 1st Impressions

     Hello everyone, and welcome to November!  To start off this month I want to try something different than I have done before and share what I have received in my Ipsy and Boxycharm subscription boxes.

     If you are unfamiliar with beauty subscriptions, the down and dirty explanation is that you fill out a questionnaire and based on the answers provided you are sent a box of surprise goodies each month. Depending on the service to which you subscribe, the goodies may be sample or full sized and be drugstore or high-end brands.  It's a really fun way to try out new brand and products that you haven't heard of or may be reluctant to buy on your own.

     I subscribe to two of these boxes, Ipsy and Boxycharm.  They are probably two of the more well known beauty subscriptions.  If you are interested in either of these, I have links to each service in my favorites tab here.  I pay for these boxes myself and any referrals I make with those links just awards me points to get additional products.  You can chose to use those links or not, it's up to you.

Ipsy 

October Ipsy Glam Bag "Alter Ego" 

   
     The Ipsy subscription is $10 a month.  There is always a little cosmetic bag included and usually contains 4-5 products.  The products are more often than not sample sizes and are a good mix between high end and drug store products.

     This month (October's box) the theme was Alter-Ego.  It came with a duo-sided bag one side a metallic gold and the other a shiny black vinyl.  The products it contained were:

• It Haircare 12-in-1 Amazing Leave-in Treatment - full size
• LeeAnni Eco Go Away Gloomy Day Skin booster - Sample 0.5fl oz 
• MICA Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze - full size
• Girlactik Beauty Precise Eyeliner Marker in Black - full size
• the Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in Committed - sample 0.04fl oz

     I was pretty surprised by this month's Ipsy bag.  Usually I get more sample sizes with this subscription and the majority here are full sized products. I am most excited to try out the liquid lipstick and the eyeliner.  The pinky-nude color of the lipstick is one of my favorite day to day colors, and it has a strong minty smell that I also really like.  The eyeliner I am interested in experimenting with as I do not have a lot of liquid type eyeliners.

the Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in Committed

    The eyeshadow color is nice.  I don't often wear this color of bronze as it pulls really orange on my skin.  I also don't wear cream eyeshadow all that often so we will see how this one goes.  I really like that I got a full size bottle of the leave in treatment for my hair.  Often times sample sizes for hair products do not give me enough uses to determine if I really like it or not.  

MICA Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Bronze

    The skin boost I could take or leave.  I don't really understand what it's primary goal is other than to "boost skin" whatever that means.  It's an organic product with no preservatives which I know is a bonus for a lot of people.  There is warning on the side of the bottle that states it should be discarded within 6 months of purchase.  That kind of turns me off as I am currently trying out some other skincare items and I don't want this to expire by the time I get around to trying it. 

Boxycharm

October Boxycharm "Faces of the Moon"

     Boxycharm costs $21 a month.  So it is twice the cost of the Ipsy subscription.  However this is almost entirely high-end makeup and a lot of it is full sized.  In fact every thing I got this month is a full sized product.  A nice thing that Boxycharm does, that Ipsy does not do is tell you how much the price of the full sized product is.  So you can keep a running total of how much you have spent vs how much the box is "worth" to you.

     This month's theme was Faces of the Moon and it included the following products:

• Palmetto Derma Rejuvenating Antioxidant Mask - full size - $64.00
• Doucce Punk Volumizer Mascara  - full size - $24.00
• Bellapierre Cheek and Lip Stain in Coral - $19.99
• Lord & Berry Line/Shade Eyeliner - full size - $18.00
• Cult Cosmetics Nail Polish - full size - $12.00

     So as you can see the value of the products you get far exceed the cost of the subscription box, which is nice if you want to try a number of high end products without fully investing in the cost.  I am probably the most excited for the Palmetto mask.  At $64.00 it is not something I would have ever bought myself, but it actually looks really nice and it smells fresh.  

     The mascara and the blush look interesting. I don't have much experience with the creme blush formula so there may be a bit of experimenting to do.  It may have to wait until spring as the coral color, while pretty, just looks better suited for spring/summer.   I love trying out high end mascaras but very rarely do I purchase them as I find that for my lashes drug store formulas work just as well. 

Bellapierre Cheek and Lip Stain in Coral 

      I am not very interested in this eyeliner.  It's a basic black pencil liner, not particularly dark.  It blends out very easily, which I am sure is due to it also being promoted as a shade, but I know for my eye type it means it will not stay put and most likely run.  

   So that is all that I got.   I know everyone gets something different depending on what their answers were on the questionnaires.  It would be cool to hear what others got in their boxes, if you would like to share you can put it in the comments below.  Thank you all so much for stopping by and I will see you next week!  

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Happy Halloween!

The whole gang at our local mall tick or treat event

      From our pack of crazy ghouls to yours we are wishing all of you a happy and safe Halloween!  This is our first year living in a neighborhood with trick or treaters, our kids loved answering the door and seeing all the costumes! Only our oldest seemed to grasp the concept of going door to door, the twins didn't care much for that part.

The twins didn't seem to care much for walking by the time we reached the end of the road. 

     Tonight I heard a fantastic idea for future Halloweens.  Painting a pumpkin teal and lighting it up to indicate that you have allergy-friendly alternatives for kids.  I made an effort to buy some cheap toys (pencils, bracelets, etc) in addition to candy this year to include kids who can not eat the candy.  Next year I'll include the pumpkin idea so families know to stop at our house.

The final result of our Halloween decor.  I got so many compliments on the ghost.

     Which means tomorrow I am headed to Walmart, Target and the likes to stock up on the Halloween toys, pencils and bags.  All hopefully on clearance.  Tonight, I snuggle in.  Hopefully the kids come down off the sugar highs, and I get to rest.

   

   

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October Favorites!

    Hello everyone!  Is anyone wondering where in the hell October went? I feel like I JUST put up my Halloween decorations, I haven't even begun to work on my costume and when I looked at my calendar I realized this week will be the last post for October. That means it's time for October favorites and how does one pick favorites for a month she's not even sure occurred?  Never fear, there has been some picks that have stood out this past month.  And here they are:

Books: Doctor Sleep by Steven King

Doctor Sleep by Steven King available at Amazon or any book seller

     Sequel to The Shinning, my favorite Steven King book, and possibly one of my top 10 favorite novels of all time.  Doctor Sleep picks up with Danny Torrance, now a middle-aged man following in his father's footsteps of alcoholism.  Still haunted by the events in his past, he finds work at a local hospice helping the terminally ill by easing their fears as they pass on.  On his way to recovery, he meets and befriends a young girl named Abra who's powers dwarf his own.  When he discovers that Abra is being hunted by a group that call themselves the True Knot, Dan must face his demons to save her. 

    True to any Steven King novel, the character development in Doctor Sleep are detail rich and lengthy.  King's ability to so precisely paint a characters portrait in words is both his greatest achievement and his biggest downfall.  Often times I find myself really struggling with some of his work. Especially when the development of the characters don't seem to pertain to the overall plot of the novel.  That was not the case here.  

     Perhaps it's because Dan Torrance is already a character most readers are already somewhat invested in having already read (or watched) The Shinning.  More likely it's because here King does such a great masterful job in intertwining the development of the characters with the overall plot.  We understand the direct affect Dan's struggles with alcoholism has on the outcome of this girl's survival. Instead of being bored or annoyed with one of the many inner monologues they are welcomed, encouraged even as we root for Danny to overcome what has plagued him for so many years. 

    Finally what also makes this book stand out is it's ability to stand on it's own.  Yes, while it is a sequel, it is not a simple continuation of the story.  Those who have not read The Shinning, might miss out of some of the more nuanced references in Doctor Sleep, but they can still follow and enjoy the book.  

 

Movies/TV: The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead, Sundays at 8pm Central on AMC

     October saw the return of quite possibly my most favorite TV show of all time.  I struggled with making this one of my picks because it is so incredibly obvious and popular. There is really no way that someone could be reading this blog and think "my God.. what is this Walking Dead show she speaks of?  I must find out for myself!"

    No. I'm not introducing anyone to this show. We all know what it is, and what it's about.  If you like it, you already watch it.  If you don't, you have probably seen it and know it's not your particular brand of zombie survival goodness. 

     That being said  Oh. My. God.  Has there ever been a show that I both love and hate so much at the same time?  I can not think of one, not even a movie or book series.  Each week there is a high probability that I will be cursing at my television and solemnly swear that I will never watch this "stupid show" again.  Yet each following week there I am, frantically putting my children to bed so that I don't miss the beginning minutes of the new episode.  It's visual crack and I am addicted.  So you see, there is really no way that I couldn't make this my pick this month. 

Music: Monthly Mixed Tape Halloween Edition

     Mmmm Halloween.  Yes. While most think of 'holiday' music is limited to that of the Christmas variety, there are some audial gems that need to be celebrated come Halloween time.  Here is my must play list for the spooky season:

1. Thriller - Michael Jackson no lie, this video and song scared the CRAP out of me as a kid
2. I Put a Spell on You - Screamin' Jay Hawkins
3. Season of the Witch - Donovan
4. This is Halloween - The Nightmare Before Christmas the Burton/Elfman team had a love child with Dr. Seuss and the result was magical
5. Werewolves of London -Warren Zevon 
6. The Devil In I - Slipknot
7. Cry Little Sister - Seasons After Yes, this is a cover of that song from The Lost Boys and yes, the video is tragically corny, but the song is good.
8. Time Warp - Rocky Horror Picture Show
9. Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell
10. Dragula - Rob Zombie  

Makeup: Makeup Geek's Matte Eyeshadow

Makeup Geek Matte Shadow Collection, $6.00 each at MakeupGeek.com

    While one is overwhelmed in quality choices of shimmer and glitter shadows, if aging has shown me anything it's that a quality matte finish shadow that comes in a range of colors is a rare find.  Even high end brands can fall short when it comes to matte eye shadows, with formulas that are either chalky or hard to blend. 

   Imagine my surprise when I tested a selection from the  new line of matte shadows from Makeup Geek and found them to be not only well pigmented, but easy to work with and apply.  All for the very reasonable price of $6.00 per pot. Better yet, they come in a wide range of colors.

  Not that I should be surprised.  I am rarely disappointed with any of the shadows I have picked up from MakeupGeek.com.  Marlena, the brainchild of the Makeup Geek site and brand, has made it her goal to educate women on cosmetics. She regularly posts easy to follow makeup tutorials and product reviews (both high end and drugstore) on her YouTube channel.  The products she has helped develop are a good quality without being cost prohibitive and her site offers color swatches on both light and dark skinned models.  I'd highly recommend any of the Makeup Geek shadows to anyone who wants to expand out past what the drugstore has to offer, but doesn't want to make the financial commitment to high end brands. 

Home Decor: Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Candle from Bath & Body Works

   

3-Wick Candle in Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, $22.50 at BathandBodyworks.com

     I love fall scents. The warm notes that fill your house with woodsy outdoor scents or freshly baked goodies.  Mmmmm sometimes it makes me hungry...  

     Anyway,  Pumpkin Pecan Waffles is probably my favorite selection of the bunch as it has notes other than just the pumpkin spice.  The 3-wick  candles, available seasonally at Bath & Body Works (bathandbodyworks.com) can be pricey ($22.50) when not purchased during a sale. Thankfully there is usually a sale either ongoing or quickly coming up where they can be purchased at 2 for $24.00.

     Another more cost effective option is purchasing this scent in the wallflowers fragrance plug ($6.50 normally, 6 for $24 on sale).  Which is usually the route I go as I don't trust my kids or my cat around open flames.

     

     That is all I have for this month.  Thank you so much for stopping by!  As always, feel free to share your thoughts or your own pick for October in the comment section below.  Have something you think I should try out? Let me know - I might just write a post on it.  

See you next week! 

 

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