When it's time to unsubscribe

Over the years the Internet has become a pretty good replacement for television.  Tons of blogs and articles to read, photography sites to peruse, Youtube videos to watch-it's no wonder we have infinite opportunities to waste time.  

I'm in the process of culling my media intake on the web.  It's particularly more harmful than television in terms of consumption since it's easier to find people with similar interests as you and people who are around your the same age.  Therefore, it's even easier to be influenced by them.  When gurus become candle salesmen, I think it's time to call it in.  It's quite annoying how a $60 candle is a must-have when a $3 dollar one from Ikea can be just as good. 

Speaking of Ikea, I recently purchased the Alex 9 drawer dresser.  This is due to a couple of reasons: 1) I was in need of a new dresser 2)I was influenced by the many Youtube beauty gurus that have them.  As I look at my recent purchase, and think of reason number 2, the unoriginality of the mass-produced item began to detract from the joy it gives me.  It's by no means a unique item, but since it has been so overexposed, I now feel a little coerced and cheated.  Not necessarily regrettable, because I do love it and find it useful, but still find it a bit tainted. 

I am now beginning to view all my purchases in the same light and do not wish to obsess over sales and future product releases when I really do have all that I need right now.  Shopping bans and a strive towards minimalism are not suitable options because those are both preoccupied with consumerism in their own ways.  It's all about balance and the only way to get there, it seems, is to just become utterly exhausted and proceed with caution.  

  

Unexpected Favorite: Neutrogena Hand Cream Norwegian Formula

I've never been a hand cream gal.  During most winters, I'd let my hands suffer and every now then do an intensive night repair session that involved Vaseline and gloves and they'd be as good as new.  I knew I should do some daily maintenance but most moisturizers are too greasy and then I'd ruin whatever I'd touch afterwards.

Then came Neutrogena.  I don't know how I came across this but it was hiding in my stash and I fell in love with it.   It does not have an offending fragrant scent but it just smells clean.  I don't know how else to describe it.  It has the viscosity of Vaseline but does not contain any petrolatum.  The product blends out to luxurious milky white cream that moisturizes and heals the skin.  I like it to dab it onto other dry spots, such as elbows and knees and it does a great job.  A little goes a long way.

What are your favorite hand creams?  

Non-Regrettable: Naked 2 Palette

Yes, I am about two years late on this.  Yes, I know I said the Naked 1 would have brought me the ultimate satisfaction when it came to eyeshadow palettes here.  There is something too tempting about a row of carefully selected eyeshadows in simple and chic packaging.  I had bought the Nude'tude palette after that post so I already broke my promise to myself anyway.

When I was trying to choose between Naked 1 and 2 originally, I thought Naked 1 looked better in pan.  I did not realize how bored I would get of warm toned shadows.  It is much more suitable for night-time looks than day-time, atleast on my fair skin tone.  I still adore Naked 1 and do not regret it at all.  I just love how Naked 2 complements it though.  The shadows are a bit more natural and understated for me.

The packaging reminds me of children's water colors with the metal tin so it's a bit fun.  I still prefer Naked 1's packaging as I feel it is sleeker and less clunky though.

My gripes: I really wish the brush was one-sided and just the blending side.  I don't find the regular shadow brush side to be particularly helpful.  It wasn't great with the Naked 1 palette either.  Another problem I had with this palette was that a few of the pans fall out if I tip the palette over.  I will have to glue them in properly myself.

A few favorites of mine from this palette are:
Bootycall:  A great basic peach-beige shade.
Pistol: This is a rather unique grey shade in my collection.
Verve:  I have this in the Roller Girl palette too it is probably my favorite Urban Decay eyeshadow so I have no problem having two.
Blackout: A perfect matte black.

The Tuesday Two

Tuesday Two is a series of the two things I am most superficially excited about at the moment. 

1. Elementary: It's the one show I have to consciously watch.  It doesn't allow me to multi-task or else I'll miss something.  I don't tune in for the mysteries so much as I want to see the Sherlock-Watson dynamic.  Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu (and her wardrobe) make the show for me.  Apparently there's going to be another thrown in the mix on finale night (Natalie Dormer of Game of Thrones and The Tudors fame).

 

2. Foodist by Darya Pino Rose: I've followed her blog for a while, and her husband's (Kevin Rose's) career even longer.  She always has sensible advice for eating healthier and maintaining an overall healthier lifestyle.  I could not resist purchasing her book and can already tell it will be a fun and informative read.  Just recently, I tried her roasted cauliflower recipe and it turned out delicious.  She made me a fan of cauliflower!

What are you most excited about?