Thanksgiving Dinner + Black Friday Purchases 2012

Sadly this year I didn't buy a lot of cheap stuff during the Black Friday sale as stores all opened up at 12:00am and I was sleepy plus the lines were 1-2 hours long for the good stores. The only thing I purchased was a black faux leather jacket at Target for only $15! It was quite a good deal as regular price is $39.99 so I figured $25 discount is quite nice.

Here how the jacket looks. Sorry, I'm feeling lazy so not trying it out for you guys. I know the style is rather simply but you really can't go wrong with something that cost less than an entree at Red Lobster. I'll show you guys how I style this piece the next time I wear it out.

Unfortunately, that's all I bought as I didn't get a chance to go to the Abercromie 50% off entire store sale nor the $5 deals finds at H&M. **Sob... next year** Don't worry I have a gut feeling that more deals will come as Christmas is near!

Oh... almost forgot that I wanted to share with you guys a picture of me posing in front of our family's Thanksgiving Dinner.

Sorry about the low quality picture as my sister took it with her iPhone very quickly as we were all STARVING and was not in the mood to snap photos!

I hoped you guys had a great Thanksgiving too!

Forever 21 x Hello Kitty Collection Collaboration 2012 Haul

Lately at my local Forever 21 store they released a limited edition Hello Kitty collection with a lot of super cute home and apparel items. The collection was released on November 15th, today when I went there with my sister a lot of items were sold out, but thankfully I still managed to buy some super duper cute items!

The collection was made up of 6 Sanrio characters(Hello Kitty, Hangyodon, Badtz-Maru, Chococat, Monkichi, and Purin). My favorite is definitely Hangyodon, the comedian fish, that has not been sold in the USA Sanrio store for a long time! Yes, my taste is quite indifferent as I like weird and unique characters...

OMG.... everything is so.... so.. cute!  Looking at the way the items are arranged, it's giving me a urge to want to buy everything! Gosh, I should stop that thinking as that would create a lot of damage to my wallet.

Wow, this collaboration is one of the cutest I've ever seen so far! I'm seriously obsessed as you can see... Oh no oh no, I'm even starting to hear voices saying "come take me home, I know you want me". ** hit myselft on the forehead ** I must think straight! cannot buy cannot buy.....

Well, then I'll show you guys what my sister and I picked up then. **drum.... rolling....** I probably shouldn't over hype this as we didn't buy a lot of stuff, but I feel that we did buy most of the cutest items (at least in my eyes they were the best).

Taah...da... a super cute Hangyodon floor mat. I have a gut feeling that this will be a hot item even though I know that he's not a very popular Sanrio character so there's barely any pictures of him on google. Hangyodon is so cute, especially his sausage like lips but why is he not popular? Don't worry Hangyodon, when you become popular again people will regret not buying items of you as by then your items will sell for big bucks on ebay.

Forever 21 must be making big bucks out of this as this mat. This baby cost me $19.80 and honestly its made out of cheap sparsely sewn fabric, but I guess the cuteness will make up for my lost. I showed this to my mom and she said that its very cute but when I told her about the price she was like... I have to be careful not to step on his face because he cost so much... gosh, my mom is so cute.

Of course one is never enough for me so I had to pick up this cute pair of pajama pants in order to satisfy my need! I'm so going to wear this everyday and I don't care if people call me childish.

A good thing about this pair of pants was that it only cost me $10.80 so I didn't have to break the bank to buy it. I'm still in disbelief that I spent $19.80 on a small, cheap quality mat that I'm going to place outside my room. I guess the bright side is that I can see and use this mat everyday to tell myself it is worth every single penny I paid for it! Poor Hangyodon..... I'm going to have to step all over your face soon.

Anyways, when speaking of Sanrio, I'm not sure why but a lot of my favorite Sanrio characters are actually not very popular among the crowd. Since these characters are rare, it's hard for me to buy them anymore so hopefully they will create my items of them in the future. **please let my prayers be heard** I guess my taste is just too different.... :(

Patpatapeppy

I really liked this collection when I was a child because all the characters look so dreamy and cute but unfortunately it was popular so the items are not produced often and is extremely hard to find. It's currently ranked as number 33 on Sanrio's 2012 character ranking chart so hopefully in the near future it'll be in the top 10 category!

Pokopon’s DiaryThis is another one of my favorite character that's not being sold in Sanrio stores anymore due to it's low popularity. Although in real life I don't like raccoon as they are monstrously huge and always scares the beep out of me bypopping out of nowhere when I go outside for a walk. I'm not sure why, but I always imagine that they will bite my precious toes off if they get hungry enough so I always walk out in fear thanks to raccoon    KobutanopippoNow here comes the last one for now. This is actually my most favorite character as I was growing up in the 90s. I remember it was Pippo was quite popular too but for some reason it just gradually faded off the market. Pippo is such a cute piggy, but not a lot of people actually remember this character as it's ranked #74 out of 100 Sanrio characters in 2012. That number is just ridiculously low that I think it'll be really hard for Sanrio to produce this character again unless some miracle happen.  

Here's a picture of my sister trying on the beanie that was really cute, but we didn't buy it as it's really not that cold here in Cali so no need....

My sister did buy the Kitty inspired jewelry as it's quite classy and pretty looking. In this photo you can see her wearing the pearl necklace. Pretty right? I forgot how much it cost her but it should be around $10 or so. 

After shopping my sister and I went to eat at a restaurant known for their organic Hainam chicken. Flavor was average, but I like that fact that they chicken was boneless. 

I ordered curry beef with wild rice. Sorry didn't take any pictures of myself that day as I looked pretty messy so next time!Alright this post is super long so I shall end it here. I'll try to update more often instead of cramming a lot of information in one post. Bye bye.... :)

Revlon Sweet Treat Scented Nail Polish Enamel Review

Today was such a lucky day for me because I bought myself more scented nail polish and luckily I got all the colors I want as it's limited edition! These nail polish are like little treats as it definitely makes your nails smell like it's in sweet heaven. Absoluting loving it regardless of the wear time. There's a total of 8 different scents and all are unique and different then the other scented nail polishes I've encountered so far. It's actually quite impressive that all the scents are based on desserts rather then fruits.

These colors are perfect for the summer time and some shades like the red/ coral colors will continue to be hot colors for the fall! The prices of these polishes are at $4.79 a bottle at Rite Aid but they always have a sale   like buy one get one 50% off so you might want to check out the sale for the week. 

Here's how the colors look after I painted them on! I love the smooth and streak free formula and the scent lasted for more than a week until I had to take them off.

Overall, I am extremely please with my new favs! This is definitely worth every penny I paid for as it's really nothing like what I had before. I'm definitely praying that Revlon will come out with more scented nail polish. I hope you guys could give these nail polishes a try and you know if it really does not work out must drug store accept returns. If you guys find other scents, please let me know!! Bye for now!

Beauty on a Budget: Hello Kitty Mon Amour Pallete & Mirror & Sephora Lip Brush Haul For $21

While visiting the mall today I actually came across some beauty items that I have wanted for a while and finally brought them home today. I actually had a pretty amazing deal since the original prices of these items were $52 added together but overall I paid $21 for everything. Hummm.... that makes it almost 60% off. WOW.... If you guys are visiting the mall and is interested in these items you can pick them up at Sephora located inside JCPenny. I'm pretty sure these items are all discounted at Sephora inside JCPenny but I know for sure that it's still for full prices at the regular Sephora store and on their website. Anyways, I know that this deal is not going to last very long so if you guys are interested please check it out before they run out! 

Well, this item was always on my "I want list" after swatching it but at $21 I just didn't want to pay so much for it but when I saw it on sale at $13 I literally jumped on the deal. Common, 8 eyeshadows and 2 blushes at $13 makes them $1.3 a shade, how cheap can that be? I totally cannot wait to use it! ♥

 

I also picked up one of these double sided Hello Kitty mirror form the Mon Amour collection for myself. The best thing about this mirror is that one of the side is an enlarging mirror so it'll be perfect if you want a closer look at yourself while touching up your makeup. It's so cute right? Haha and it only cost me $5! Regular price is $17 and it's considered a hard to find item too!

  

I really needed another lip brush because one is not enough for creating the popular gradient lip effects so luckily I ran into this $3 deal instead of going to the store and buying one for $10+. I believe the original price was $12 but I really can't complain too much as I'm paid so little for it. Overall, I'm liking it so far as it picks up the color well and hasn't lost any hair even after a quick wash!

I'll probably add some swatches and demo later on when I get a chance so say tuned! Good Luck finding these products!

TIP: Call before you go and ask them to reserve so you can conserve gas and not disappoint yourself! ♥

Beauty on a Budget: 6/17/12 - 6/23/12

Alright nothing is always free in this world so sometimes getting things for cheap is really great way to help us save money and look beautiful at the same time. I really have not been buying a lot of items lately because I have too much at home and would like to clear up the stock before venturing out again, but from now on I'll be more consistent with my beauty on a budget post so you guys could benefit from it! I actually like find ways to buy a lot of items on good deals other than beauty related so if you guys are interested then please let me know!

Item 1: Colgate Toothpaste for FREE @ Rite Aid & Walgreens or $0.24 @ CVS

RITE AID DEAL

Here's how it works:
1. Product will cost $2.99
2. Give cashier $0.75 off coupon

• internet coupon link 
• If above link do not work then sign up here to get coupon 
• cut coupon from 6/03/12 smartsource phamplet

3. $2.50 UP bucks will be printed for next purchase
4. Total price after all discount is -$0.26 which is a money maker, hooray! (remember it's limit 3 per household)

WALGREENS DEAL

 
Here's how it works:
1. Product will cost $3
2. Give cashier $0.75 off coupon

• printable internet coupon link
• If above link do not work then sign up here to get coupon 
• cut coupon from 6/03/12 smartsource pamphlet

3. $2.50 register rewards will be printed for next purchase
4. Total price after all discount is -$0.25 which is a money maker, hooray! (remember there's no limit for this item so stock as many as you need!)


CVS DEAL

Here's how it works:
1. Product will cost $2.49
2. Give cashier $0.75 off coupon

• internet coupon link 
• If above link do not work then sign up here to get coupon 
• cut coupon from 6/03/12 smartsource phamplet

3. $1.50 extra bucks will be printed for next purchase

4. Total price after all discount is $0.24 (remember it's limit 2 per household)

Item 2: Wet n Wild Cosmetic @ 40% off then $3 off $8 (prices varies) @ Rite Aid

Here's how it works:
1. Product will cost 40% off retail value
2. Buy up to $8 value after 40% off price and earn $3 up bucks valid for next purchase (remember it's limit 2 per household)
3. Total price varies

Item 3: Reach Dental Care Floss for FREE @ Walgreens

Here's how it works:
1. Product will cost $2.99

2. Give cashier $1 off coupon found on Walgreens self display

3. $2 register rewards will be printed for next purchase
4. Total price after all discount is -$0.01 (remember there's no limit so buy as many as you need)

Item 4: Tom's of Maine Naturally Dry Antiperspirant Deodorant for $0.49 @ Walgreens

Here's how it works:
1. Product will cost $2.99

2. Give cashier $2.50 off coupon

•   cut coupon from 6/17/12 smartsource pamphlet

3. $1 register rewards will be printed for next purchase
4. Total price after all discount is $0.49 (remember there's no limit so buy as many as you need)


Hope you guys enjoy it and buy only when you know you need it! I'll see you guys next time!

My Biweekly Facial Mask Routine

Hi guys! sorry that I have not updated my blog for quite some time! I actually took the pictures weeks ago but never got a chance to sit down and write the description for these pictures along with editing my pictures. I guess today's the perfect day for me to catch up and now that I have most of my personal matter taken care of I would have more time to dedicate to my blog and my fellow readers. (Oh yes, you guys must be happy).

Here's a little bonus for your guys...... a cute picture of my cat! His name is fluffy (aka fat cat). Isn't he just adorable........

Today I wanted to show you guys what I usually do every other week to keep my skin looking smooth and youthful. Yes, I am quite confident about my skin that I can go out without foundation or powder and feel like I'm worth a million bucks. Haha, I'm not that cocky it's just that I don't like the feeling of a weighed down face so I try harder on not having to conceal my face. Honestly, good skin don't blossom overnight, you have to maintain it on a daily base and I've been doing it for the past 12 years! Of course, I'm not perfect and I do have some slightly larger pores and freckles but it's really not that obvious unless you stare really close to my face. (whoops just spilled my secret...)

 Here's a head shot of me taken and all I have on my face is sunblock and moisturizer. Eyes and lips do not count because off course I couldn't keep them bare. Sorry couldn't find a better picture but this was taken with my sony 10mp camera.

Step 1: Clean face with cleanser

I wrote a review about my current favorite cleanser by Origins so if you guys would like to check it out please take a look at http://trouvailly.blogspot.com/2012/05/origins-checks-and-balances-face-wash.html
You guys do not have to use the exact one. You could always use your favorite cleanser.


Step 2: Remove old & dead skin cell on face.

This is product works kind of like a scrub except it's much more gentle and removes more dead skin cell. Basically this product is like a gel with many micro beads in it and you are suppose to rub it all over on damp or dry skin until the gel turns into little dry pieces of particle and then you could wash off. The exfoliating enzyme (beads) helps to gently remove dead cells buried deeply in the skin to create smoother and clearer skin.

Here's a picture of how the product looks like. It smells really nice too exactly like strawberry!

There's actually a lot of similar products out in the Asian cosmetic market but this is one of my favorite because it works really well and the bottle has a lot more product then companies with similar product. This whole bottle only cost me $20! You can also use it on your body!


Step 3: Open up your pores

You can always use warm water to open up your pore but I usually like to use a self heating mask like this one from The Body Shop for $17 to help open pores and using ginger, cinnamon oil, and kaolin clan to help clean out my pores at the same time.

The texture of the mask is very creamy and the instant you squeeze it out of the tube you will feel it warming up. Don't worry you will never burn yourself with this mask as after 5 minutes of a warm temperature it will start cooling down. Very cool right?

Here's a link to the product in case you guys want to check it out:
http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/skin-care/facial-masks/warming-mineral-mask.aspx
There's actually a buy one get one 50% off promo going out so if you guys are interested then you can check it out.


Step 4: Cleaning out blackheads!

This is one my favorite product to clean out blackhead from pores. (I bought mine for $20) For this process I would only use step 1 and 2 and save step 3 for the very end when we finish our whole mask treatment process. I wrote a review on this before and you could check it out at:
http://trouvailly.blogspot.com/2011/08/woot-savior-for-my-clogged-pores.html

Consistency of this product is very thick and you have to quickly apply on face before it dries!


Step 5: Manually remove stubborn blackhead

Alright no product is ever going to be 100% perfect so if you guys find one please let me know. Since the product only cleaned out 80 % of my pores I would have to go right in and remove the remaining ones with my pore extractor. Although this products works really well but it also does a lot of damage to the skin as you have to press your skin and drag it so try to use it as little as possible.


Step 6: Shrink your pores!

 

This is one of my all time favorite mask product that works really well to help shrink pore while giving you a clean, smooth, and refresh face all for $6-$7. Since I have just opened up my pore I would need something to help minimize them so this is the perfect product to get the work done. I usually take a little break in between this step and the previous one because I like to let my skin relax before putting stuff on it. 

 This make is very cooling when you put it on your face and the texture is very clay like so you would need to use a cloth to remove this product. Remember to wash your face with cold water afterwards!

Alright now! I am finally done with my biweekly mask routine. Hope you guys find it helpful and you should give it a try as it has done miracles for my skin. Good luck!

Beauty Food: Sweet Potato

 Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you guys about my favorite vegetable, the sweet potatoes! Who doesn't love their sweetness...... drooling... I want some now but the market is closed. First off I would like my readers to understand that sweet potatoes and yams are actually different and not related although they are both considered flowering plants. Sweet potatoes are related to the morning glory family while yams are related to grass and lilies. I hope that that's informative and you guys won't mix them up!

Sweet potato (left) & yam (right)
Looks super similar to me but if you get the chance to eat both, yam will taste sweeter and contain more water.

Now back to the beauty part of this goody, sweet potatoes contains a strong dose of beta-carotene, cooper, and manganese that will bring miracles to your skin inside out! The beta-carotene helps improve rough, flaky skin while helping your skin shield out damages caused by the harmful UV rays.

Yes I know when you think of beta-carotene you guys will think of carrots but the thing you guys have to understand is that carrots are not as tasty as sweet potatoes. Carrots have this weird raw taste to it even if you cook it. (you can tell that I'm not a major fan of carrots) How many of you guys can really chug down 3 or 4 sticks of  carrots without any sauce? hard right? I knew it.

Alright, I wanted to look smart so I actually did some research to back myself up. I found out that beta carotene is actually very good for balancing ph levels and promoting growth of new skin cell. In addition, since this little baby is rich in vitamin c it will also help me fight against aging and dryness! Yah! forever youth! woot.... Oh gosh, I must stop this, I'm praising sweet potatoes as if it is gold.

I usually eat it steamed or baked without any sauce or else it'll ruin it natural sweetness. Now remember to eat more sweet potatoes! Yum!

Look at what I found at my local market....... hahaha...can you guys tell that there's something different about this sweet potato? (ignore the sign... this is a sweet potato, not a yam and I'm sure)

Haha... It's a gigantic sweet potato. See how big it is compared to a regular sized sweet potato? Almost like 10 times it's size. Yeah I know I'm lame but so cute right? Humm.. since a medium sized sweet potato is 117 calories... I wonder how many calories is this little baby. Omg...see how heavy it was? my veins are popping out.. eww... now remember to eat your veggies!

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color Polish Review

I'm back again! Yes, there's a lot of new products released lately that sparked my attention so I'm going to try it out and give you guys my take on it. I guess the nail polish craze is hitting a lot of brands and Sally Hansen is finally coming out with their version of a magnetic nail polish. So far I've only seen this Sally Magnetic polish at Target but I've pretty sure it'll be available elsewhere soon.

Price of this polish is $9.44 which is quite expensive as it's not even half the cost of another famous brand that sells magnetic nail polish, Nails Inc. Nail Inc's magnetic nail polish cost a lot more at at $16 a bottle and the colors are very limited in the United States. Therefore, Sally's magnetic nail polish is a cheaper alternative with a lot more color selections so that's why I decided to pick up one bottle to test it out! (Honestly I think this product is too much of a copy cat because their bottles are almost exactly the same shape and size, but again cash is king so cheap is better.)

The formula painted on fairly smooth and did not streak. The brush is kind of big so I had to paint very carefully because my nails are very small.

You have to place the magnetic activator immediately after you paint your nail or it will not work! ( I messed up on one nail because I was taking picture and left it on for 1 minute and afterwards it would not move.) Remember to leave a gap between the magnet and nail to not ruin your nail.

Oh no just ruined my nails! Watch out and not touch your nails or you will stain this magnet like me.

Yes the final result! Looks pretty awesome right? The results are very similar to Nails Inc so I do like it. The only problem I have is that it's very hard to control the after effects of how the magnetic polish moves so it makes my nail not very united looking. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing but I personally prefer creating marbled swirl nails by dipping them in water instead because the results are more obvious.

 Enjoy and show me your results! Bye Bye