Wednesday Want List: Polyvore Editorial Favorites

So I didn't really have an idea for what to do for this week's WWL. This kind of sprang up on me as I logged into Polyvore and saw some cute stuff and just started "hearting" everything. After awhile it finally clicked... "let's make a 'best of'... POLYVORE!"

1. Black & White Striped Skirt | 2. Sheer Floral One piece | 3. Studded Peep Toe Booties

4. Jackson Leather Shoulder bag - Coral | 5. Studded Peplum Dress | 6. Golden Triangle Ring

I tried to keep the jewelry down to a minimum because I did Jewelry last week but hey I like what I like. It's like the skulls thing, I try not to include it too much but they weasel their way into my heart and take root.

1. I wish I could wear skirts. I can't. I have a bubble butt and every skirt I try on that isn't high-low or floor length ends up with me flashing my buns to the world. Not that they aren't great buns but I'd prefer if only a select few were privy to viewing. This one however I'd make an exception for and wear with leggings or something. It's just too cute not to. It's got the whole Beetlejuice thing going on and it's only $30. That's doable right?
2. This is adorable right? I can't wear onesie's at the moment but it's definitely a goal for next summer. Oh hell I live in Los Angeles, I can wear summer clothes all year 'round. So basically it's an on-going goal. If I start with this one it will be cheating since it isn't exactly one piece, it's two but they do go together. "Organza suit with vest top and shorts, embroidery flowers printing, in black." They are sold together that is, so that counts right? How about that it's only $53 and too cute to resist?
3. These booties! I put them on here, because they are on and will stay on the ultra DO WANT list. Namely because they are about $1500 and who the hell has that to spend on shoes? Oh right. Khloe Kardashian because that's the Polyvore it came from. Ugh. Hate those girls. I've met them, worked for the company that runs their website remember, so I can say that. Still, the shoe can't help who buys them anymore than I can help falling in love with them despite their price tag. They are available at Barney's for any males who'd like my hand in marriage. Forget the ring, bring the shoes.
4. I've probably added 3 or 4 handbags in this particular style and color. First off it's listed as "Coral" and comes in Camel (read beige, light brown, tan) but it looks more salmon to me. Don't you think? Plus, this is a brand I've never heard of and well, it's $223 so its redeeming qualities stop there. Polyvore and I have something in common.
5. I am going for a studded theme today or what? This dress would be perfect for birthday parties, date night or just going out for drinks with the girls and at $60 you can spend the money you saved buying this instead of some ridiculous expensive ensemble on drinks!
6. I saved the best for last. Seriously. It's yellow gold and $465 but in spite of it's many flaws I am still just so drawn to it. This ring is so simple that I can't help but love it. It kind of reminds me of the Deathly Hallows symbol. Ya feel me? 

I liked this spontaneous WWL didn't you? I am going to need to brainstorm some ideas for what to do for the up coming weeks. It's getting much harder to do these. Suggestions are very much welcome!

Should I do a monthly "I heart it" from the Polyvore editorial?

What is your favorite thing they've posted lately?

Make Up Monday: Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner in Trooper

First Make Up Monday with the new format. EEEEEK! Just a little excited. If you have no clue what I am talking about you can read my previous Make Up Monday blog that explains what is going on. If you already read that, then let's continue.

First Impression: 
My first impression of this was based on the brand. I've tried lip gloss, lip stain and eye shadow by Kat Von D and I was not let down by those products. Plus the gal at Sephora said she was wearing it and it looked good on her. My first impression was "oh yeah this is going to be fantastic."





Ease of Use:
This is maybe the best feature of the eyeliner. It is so easy to use. The gradual point of the eyeliner makes it easy to draw thin lines or you have the option of making your eyeliner thicker. It really just depends on your taste or the occasion. It is also fabulous for making wings for that cat eye look that is always in style.

Price:
The price for this is $18 at Sephora. That's not too bad considering that her other products all fall in the same range. Sephora brands liquid eyeliner is $12 and the liquid black eyeliner from Mac is $17. So there are products that are similar out there that are cheaper.

Quantity:
The tip is instantly loaded with a lot of the actual eyeliner on it. However, I have found that from the very beginning I would need to go over my line once or twice after my initial application because for me, it was too thin, almost as thought it was at the end of the barrel. Even if I tip it down and shake it, you know so the liquid goes down into the tip like you would a pen. It didn't help.

Packaging:
The packaging is very simple and small. I love that it is a consistent shape unlike some of the others I have purchased in a liquid eyeliner. Sephora and Mac have little bulbous pots at the bottom. While it's not a big deal I feel like I can fit more stuff in my make up bag with this eyeliner not taking up a lot of space.

Would Re-Use:
I have been using it since I got it. I used it in my review of Yes To Tomatoes Make Up Removing Wipes and I also had it in my make up bag earlier this month. I like the ease of use and the packaging. My only complaint is that it is not very durable and though it is supposed to be waterproof it does tend to smudge after a long day. I will re-use this unless I fall in love with something else.

Recommend:
I highly recommend this for anyone who is wanting to try using liquid eyeliner for the first time. The only way to be able to master the art of using liquid eyeliner is to practice. With this eyeliner you can hold it like you would a pencil eyeliner and drag it across your eye in short strokes, taking care to not blink or blink in between "strokes" so that you don't end up with weird dots all along your eyes. Plus, one some of the other liquid liners when you pull the applicator out of the pot or use an eyeliner brush a lot of the liquid can get on there and that's what I think discourages people from using it because it ends up being ridiculously think in some spots or uneven on the eyes.

Overall Score:





That's it for this week's Make Up Monday. Next week there will be a hair tutorial. After all, hair goes with make up! Also if you buy anything I review because of the review, take a picture with it on and tag me on any social media. I'd love to see your photos! 

Based on what you've read will you try this product?

What do you think of the new Make Up Monday format? Thumbs up or Thumbs Down?

Being a Tourist in Solvang, Ca

Like I said in yesterday's post, on Tuesday my mom, my grams and I went up to a wine tasting and then the casino and a lovely little picturesque tourist town called Solvang.

Solvang is pretty much a touristy replica of what little towns look like in Denmark. I wouldn't know, I've never been but I hope it's true. Otherwise I demand a refund! My pictures are but a mere fraction of what you can see and do there. Seriously, it's so cute and so big and festive. I'd love to live in a little town like that and have a neat little soap shop right there!

Because wine tasting isn't enough, my mom stole my flask to put gin in for my grams and herself.
I realize my family looks like a bunch of alcoholics right now and I can't even care.

These windmills are everywhere in Solvang. I'm not sure if they work....

Flag

Danish Targis?

The cutest little bakery.
In the window where it says 'open' is a mechanical rabbit rolling dough

Breakfast and Cocktails? YES!

I'd totes put my kids in these and/or would have worn this as a child

Fairytale Lane

I hate the glare but it's too cute not to post a giraffe in viking armor!

Oh and I almost forgot. I got this cute little mint "tin" but I threw away the mints because they tasted like caca and I'm going to use it to put my SD cards in. So cute. It was between this and sugar skulls. My mom and my grams said fox. Looks like you guys aren't the only ones who are sick of the skulls!

Would you like to visit Solvang?

Has anyone been to Denmark & can confirm this is what it is like there?

Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez

On Tuesday my mom, my grams and I went on a little trip up the California coast and went wine tasting at the Gainey winery and then went onto Chumash Casino (it was dreadful) and after that we stopped for some picture taking in Solvang. My grams lives in a gated elderly community and they do these outings every once in a while and my mom and I like to go with my grams because whenever my grams wants to do something we humor her. As she puts it, "I'm old. I have to do it while I'm able! Since Louie passed I can do some of the things we wanted to do but couldn't do and I want to do it before I can't!"

The Gainey vineyards were spectacular. They were established in 1984 (so not much older than myself) and are completely family owned. We were given a tour, followed by a tasting and we spent about an hour and bought one bottle of their delicious wine.

Wednesday Want List: Jewelry

So.... Jewelry? Big on it or a jewelry minimalist we all at some point wear it. My tastes, as in ever subject, are varied. I like creepy, to unique, to classic but nothing too over the top.

1. Gathering Skeleton Ring | 2. Twig Bracelet by Maria Nilsdotter | 3. My Pet Octopus Necklace at ModCloth

4. Green Magnesite Pendant | 5. Multi-Colored Skull Bracelet by Dorthy Perkins | 6. Pamela Love Dove Ring

See? There's some skulls, and some cute things, but nothing too gaudy and of course - gemstones! I'm big into gemstones. I visit a lot of metaphysical shops or another place to get them if you live or visit the west coast is Native American Indian reservations. A lot of them make jewelry and other wares and sell them. I like to help you, you know since one of my ancestors kind of massacred a bunch of them. Fun little fact about moi!

1. I think I featured a ring like this before, it was saved to my items but I went back through and couldn't find it. Who's a religious reader and knows? Anybody? Alright then I just thought it was neat and though I don't wear rings often due to my fat stubby fingers this is something I'd adorn my hand with every once and a while. It's $14 so it won't set you back too much and it's perfect for Halloween!
2. I actually know I've used this bracelet before. I bought a similar one at a thrift store and have somehow managed to lose it! I seriously cannot find it anywhere and that bums me out because I love it. It goes with basically everything and it bums me out. This bracelet is from a gal named Maria Nilsdotter and she makes GORGEOUS nature-themed jewelry. Seriously, check her out. This bracelet would set you back $180 but I'm telling you it's worth it.
3. Who doesn't like a little whimsy every now and then? This octopus necklace is sure to gain compliments and turn heads, believe me. Why? Because if I saw you wearing it I'd tell you it was fabulous, ask you where you got it and quite possibly leave the impression that I'd rip if off your very neck when you weren't paying attention. But since I know it is $15 and from ModCloth, eh, I'll let you go. This time. ;)
4. Told you I liked gemstones. My favorite is Onyx and Brit likes to chide me that I like it because it is black; like my soul. L-O-L. This necklace will set you back $35 but for Green Magnesite that isn't too bad. That's about what you would pay at any metaphysical shop, maybe $40 depending on how much it cost them to acquire it.
5. Colorful Skulls? What is not to like? I bought a bracelet similar to this, in all black. Don't judge me ok, there weren't lovely pastels or excuse me PALES like this available. They were all weird colors and it looked like a clown would wear it. Seriously they would match NOTHING I own and I have some pretty crazy stuff in my closet.  Mine set me back $3 but the $6 one here is sold out. I blame supply and demand for that one. :(
6. Now this ring? ADORABLE! It's two birds *almost* kissing for Pete's sake! How can you not love that? Or like it a little bit? I say almost, because they are totally going for it. If it wasn't for that pesky gap in the mold their beaks would touch. Actually, I'm not sure if birds kiss or how they would but it would be cute ok and wearing this on your hand? Even cuter. It's $220 though so I think that this particular ring will stay on my DO WANT list.

Welp, that is all for this week's Wednesday want list. I don't have much else to report except that I'm STILL waiting on a domain transfer and if it doesn't go through tomorrow I am going to call and complain. Again. I hate doing it but this is negatively affecting my website and I can't have that.

P.S: You guys will be pleased to know that I had the opportunity to buy something with skulls on it and instead I bought the one with the fox on it. But you'll see that later this week ;)

What kind of jewelry do you like?
Are you a Yellow Gold or White Gold kind of person?

Make Up Monday Paused + New Format

Hi guys I have decided that I would like to take on a new format for my Make Up Monday reviews. It will be a little bit more time consuming but I think it will look nicer. Weigh in the comments please!

First of all each item will be graded on a scale of:

No love

A little love

Kind of love

Love

ZOMG LOVE

Make up will be graded on a variety of things based on the product. For example I can't always evaluate if an item is oily. Sure Liquid Foundation, BB Creams, Primer, ect can be oily but Pressed Powder Foundation won't be oily, Loose Eyeshadow, Pressed Eyeshadow, ect won't be.

I will however always have these 8 categories: First Impression, Ease of Use, Price, Quantity, Packaging, Would Re-Use, Recommend and Overall Score.

 I was going to do my first review using this format today, however, because I know page views will be low because my domain isn't working I definitely want to wait until that is up and running again so that people will get the full impact. I'm going to have to work twice as hard to get people back here since most will think I just called it quits. :/

Oh why couldn't this have happened during my hiatus? Whatever, one of life's little punches I guess. But I'm super excited because I have a review using the new format planned AND THEN guess what? I have a tutorial! Yup, I'm going to show you this cute new way I have found to style my hair. I made it up, but I doubt it's very original but perhaps it will be new to you? I might vlog but I might also use pictures. Which do you think would be better? Comment and let me know!

P.S: I still haven't received that transfer code that was supposed to be e-mailed to me. Luckily I found that I didn't need it because my new registrar sends the codes it needs to the default e-mail on file with my "previous" registar. Guess what the e-mail is? MY CURRENT E-MAIL and not my old one. Gee whiz! If you have no clue what I am talking about scroll down or click here.

So what do you think of the new format?
Should it stay or should it go?

Customer Service Blues

I'm not sure how many of you check reviews on services or items (like on Amazon) but I think since you might often come here for my reviews on make up that you might like to be warned about something that I experienced with a company I was a long time customer of and am no longer willing to do business with.

I don't know how many of you have ever worked in Customer Service but it really is a thankless, shitty job. You get maybe one or two really nice people but those are never the ones that stick with you. You can be the happiest, bubbliest person in the best mood ever and one grumpy cat is sure to send you to your lunch break crying in your oatmeal. When I worked in retail if someone came up to me and said "I need to speak to your manager," I always smiled, asked what it was in regards to and then happily turned them over. Even if it was my fault and I knew this person was going to tear my manager a new one because of me I never hesitated.

I used 1and1.com for the last, I don't even know, 3 or 4 years? I've never had an issue until now.  I discovered yesterday that my domain was not working. It kept continually saying that it could not reach the server. I knew blogger was working so I tried to log into my account to check what was wrong with my domain or see if 1&1 was having problems. I had to e-mail tech support because I also could not log into my account.


I am first informed that my account has been deleted, due to non-payment. My billing and my contact information has not changed since my renewal last year. I never received notification that my renewal date was near. That is mostly my fault because I am supposed to keep track of that shit even though I never do I rely heavily on e-mails to remind me. I never received a renewal e-mail.  No big deal I'll just pay the renewal now and in an hour or two everything will be golden. Right?

Wrongo! I'm going to quote the rest of the e-mail now:

"Regarding your domain, if you wish to activate it, transferring the domain from inactive account to an active account is no longer an option because of the status of your account. However, you can transfer your domain from 1&1 to other registrar. We have sent you the authorization code of your domain to be able to transfer it away."

RUDE!

So let me get this straight; you'd rather me take my business elsewhere than just renew my domain and get it working? I immediately respond to this bullshit e-mail asking for the authorization code and definitely point out that you should never as a business tell your customer to go elsewhere (most businesses like to retain their customers) no matter how nicely you put it that is still insulting, not to mention a bad business practice. They reply with instructions to contact billing support.

So I call billing, try to explain the situation and am immediately cut off and transferred to tech support, who then try to connect me back to billing. I finally land back at tech support somehow and explain to the rep if I get transferred one more time I'm going to flip out. I get e-mails telling me to contact this department and that department and then I get transferred like a ping pong ball back and forth on the phone I was just over it.  I don't know why, I blame it on my horrid morning but this whole ordeal stressed me out so bad I cried. I'm trying to keep it together on the phone but I'm sniffling and know I sound all nasal so after a bit the guy was just like I just e-mailed you the authorization code and I think I waited like 20-30 minutes and I still didn't get it so then I ask if I can speak to a supervisor.

He gives me the run-around. I worked in retail dude, I know the supervisors are busy and they don't have time for this but they have to make time; it's part of their job and if everyone else had done their correctly I wouldn't be bothering them. He kept stalling and stalling and then told me I had to e-mail someone but I was firm and polite as I could be and kept insisting that I speak to someone.

NEVER ONCE DID I YELL. 

I DID NOT THROW A FIT LIKE I AM FIVE YEARS OLD.

I want to stress that those are not how you get someone to help you. Ever. You don't stomp your foot, or yell and cause a big scene (we were on the phone so they only ones amused would be my cats but I've seen this countless times in the stores I've worked at) because that gets you nowhere but barred from the store (yes they can do that).

Finally I got to talk to a supervisor, after about 20 minutes on hold and I tried to calmly explain the whole ordeal from yesterday to what I experienced today and let him know that it wasn't ok and that someone who in charge of the structure of their company needs to review their policy.

FYI: I was told by the supervisor that my case would be escalated as an apology and it has now been 2 hours and I still haven't received that e-mail with my authorization code so I can transfer my domain.

Five points to your house if you know where this is from.

This isn't the first time I have come a crossed this. I had a similar issue with AT&T but theirs was more a money issue. They wanted to charge me $500 to turn my cellphone back on after I lost my job and had it as a suspended line instead of the $300 it was to cancel my contract. I took the cheaper route obviously. I wasn't going to pay more to be a customer, I didn't like them that much.

Moral of the story; if a company treats you like you are a dime a dozen take your business elsewhere!

Have you had a similar bad customer service experience? 

Where was it? What happened?

Thrifty Thursday: Thrifting in Iowa

One thing that I love about Iowa? Antiques. They are everywhere and they have auctions all the time and you can find some really neat things. My Gram's cousin took us to Pappy's in Newton. I collect Fiesta dishes thanks to my Grams and so whenever I go into a thrift store I look for them. I got some bowls in a color that I didn't have before and that was awesome. Here are a few interesting things I found.

I never got a picture of the outside so I got this off Google

Picture from third level to second and then fourth level. Crazy!

These are all pencil sharpeners

What looks like the OG Holy Bible - LOL.

Handmade and handmade packaging - Lye Soap

Stay Puff

Cool pipes

I like old books

I don't think I would drink any of that beer if I were you!

Vinyl

My Grams insisted on a picture of the "speakeasy" next door.

After we left the thrifting area we HAD to go get some blue cheese from my grams favorite place. She special orders this stuff and has it sent to her because she won't eat anything else.

I guess that is it for my family reunion era posts! Time to get out there and take pictures of something original? Nah!

Do you like going thrifting?

Do you collect anything?

Make Up Monday: Cracked Nail Polish

Hi, so I'm tardy to the party with this post. By that I mean I'm using a trend from the past, rather than the post being late. Weird huh? Anyways, I was looking through my nail polish bin and I discovered some cracked nail polish that I must have bought but never actually used.

This is 20I2 in Savior over Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength Nail Polish in Black Diamond. At first I hated it. As in I wasn't even going to do the other hand. But then after maybe a half hour I decided it wasn't so bad. Now I' pretty much in love with it. That and the fact that I found the same stuff in black in the bottom of the bin (my bin is huge) and now I want to use white as a base and put the black over it and call it Zebra. If you follow me on Instagram (@saarrraaaaivy) and I decide to do it you'll get the first look!

What do you think of cracked nail polish?

Hot or not?

Real Talk: Eating Disorders

I mentioned earlier this week that I would be writing a blog about something personal and dear to my heart. This is that blog. This is hard for me. I am typically open and honest and while I have no qualms about sharing my bits I do typically worry about sharing things that involve other people.

My family reunion was last week. One of my favorite people on the planet is my cousin Krissy. She's two years younger than me and between the years of 5 and 10 she was my best friend, my shadow and my surrogate sister. I protected her from bullies (while often bullying her myself), splashed around in mud puddles and shared in a horrible asthma attack and illness that almost killed both of us thanks to liking lilacs  little too much and realizing way too late that we were both allergic to them. But when I turned 10 my family moved away and we somehow lost touch with each other. It wasn't as easy as it is now to stay in contact when you are hundreds of miles apart. Computers and cellphones weren't available to anyone who wasn't super wealthy and even then it wasn't something people cared about. There were land lines but we didn't use them much and that can't make up for times spent in the outdoors pretending to be indians hiding from the White People (a.k.a our parents) who were going to take us away from each other.

Maybe if I had been there to be her rock I could have stopped this from happening. Maybe I could have been the one to save her even though I was going through my own problems. I was always the strong one and maybe this is where my intense need to protect other people comes from; I always protected her. These thoughts are irrational; I know it and yet I am still thinking of them. You can't stop someone from becoming bulimic or having an eating disorder. Just like how you cannot cure them. It is unfortunate but true. Once someone develops an eating disorder it stays with them.