Bloomingdale's Friends & Family (Again?)

Yesterday, I saw an email about the Bloomingdale's Friends & Family sale that is currently going on online. I was a little surprised since they just had one recently.

Now through Sunday, June 9th, take 20% off almost everything at Bloomingdale's, starts tomorrow in stores.

I've been preferring Mrrebates (my invite link) over Ebates (my invite link) since Mrrebates usually offers a little more cashback than Ebates does, but for the meantime, that is not the case.

Bloomingdale's cashback from...

• Ebates --> 5%
• Mrrebates --> 4%

20% off Almost Everything with these codes: 

• FANDF
• EBATES20
• MRREBATES20

Also, free shipping on orders over $150+.

See below screenshot for further details / fine print / list of exclusions.

I had some fun and tossed a bunch of things in the cart.

Here are some of my top picks and all of these items do qualify for 20% off.

Relax, I didn't actually buy anything. This was just 'pretend' shopping, if you will, because I wanted to test out the code.

From my findings, it looks like Ferragamo, Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch, North Face, Nike, Equipment, Ralph Lauren, Splendid, Cambridge are all NOT excluded. How awesome!

Also...

•  I've never owned a DKNY bag, but their large work satchel seems like a reasonably priced alternative to the Prada Saffiano tote if anyone is looking for a less expensive version.
• I own a different version of the North Face jacket, and they are awesome for rainy days. When I get out of the rain, I literally just shake my jacket and the water slides right off. 
• I can't justify buying new sneakers, because I hardly ever wear them anymore, but for some reason, I really want the Nike Air Max in Volt (my neon yellow obsession continues). It's a good thing I can't ever find them, and when I do spot them, they only have men's sizes.

Back to the sale... much to my disappointment, the Stuart Weitzman Pointed Toe Pumps are excluded from the sale. (I've been going crazy looking for the 'perfect' pointed toe nude pumps. I know there are a lot of options out there, but I'm being picky. I'll be more specific about the criteria I'm looking for in a future post.) 

Stuart Weitzman Pointed Toe Pumps - Nouveau High Heel

I really like the cut and shape of this heel. The heel is 4 inches tall, which makes it just barely appropriate for work, but not too high, and tall enough to make it a sexy shoe.

They're quite expensive at $340, but since they are a full leather shoe with suede lining, I can see why it's set at a high price point.

& just for the heck of it...

an outfit

H&M Blazer

H&M Dress

Shoemint Heels

We've been having warmer weather lately, but it flip flops with the windiness. 

Thanks for dropping by! =]

Nail Files 28: MUA Pistachio Ice Cream & 12 Cent Revlon Lip Butter

I hope everybody is having a great start to their Memorial Day Weekend! I, for one, am so happy to have gotten rid of the fruit flies. I don't know how they got in here, because we never leave food out, nor have we had much fruit this week. But thankfully, we won and they lost! Die suckers die!

Anyways, I painted my nails with Makeup Academy's (MUA) Pistachio Ice Cream. I hate to be negative, but I am not a fan of MUA nail polishes. I've only tried two. The first one, I found that the bristles were hard and bent out of shape, so that made application difficult. 

This one was so sheer, because the formula was watery and streaky. I think it looks okay in the pictures, but it seriously took me at least 4 coats to get it to this opacity. However, it didn't feel too thick, because it applies so thinly. But, who has the time for that? Well...apparently I did, on the day I put this on, haha.

On the other hand, it is very cheap, only 1 GBP, so about $1-$2 USD. At that price, I don't feel too bad about tossing this, because it... sucks =\

With that many coats, I'm so glad I had my Seche Vite Top Coat or else I'd be waiting forever for all those coats to dry and harden before I could get out the door.

And in other news, at CVS, I bought a 12 cent Revlon Lip Butter! 

The price varies, but at my CVS, it is normally about $8.49 each (kind of pricey =\)

However, some shades are on clearance, which means they will probably be discontinued soon. 

The clearance shades are going for $2.12 (at my local CVS). 

After scanning my CVS Extracare card at the red Coupon Center box, I got a $2 off Revlon coupon.

I had to scan it twice to get the coupon in the second round of coupons that came out.

So I only paid 12 cents! Well, technically 13 cents after 8.75% tax, but totally worth it.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter - Creamsicle

 It is just a very sheer peach-pink shade, great for everyday wear.

It's showing up a slight blue tint on my lips right now, as you can see below, because I am freezing right now, even though I am sitting in front of a space heater!

I haven't been to CVS in ages, but I only popped in yesterday to get some saltines for my soup during my lunch break yesterday. What do you know? I came out with a lip product too, haha.

Thanks for visiting and letting me blabber! Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Vegas Getaway

Well, I hope you like pictures.

& in no particular order...let's begin.

I was in Vegas briefly last month. Firstly, I had an amazing stay at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Good thing my smart boyfriend found a good deal. Otherwise I don't think I ever would have stayed there. Everything was so over the top. But I think it's the best hotel I've ever stayed at on the Strip, not that I've stayed at that many. 

watching the sunset... sort of

This would have looked better with heels, but for the purpose of walking and eating an early dinner, I had to go with flat sandals.
I like that the dress is simple, yet slightly detailed with flat studs, so no jewelry is necessary.

I really need to work on my posture. 

H&M Dress (similar, similar, splurge)
Guess Sandals (similar, cheap one here, another cheap one, splurge)
Express Bracelet (similar)

time to work off last night's buffet

The gym at the Cosmos is quite nice. They even have a boxing ring.

Forever21 Sports Bra

Marika Activewear Skort, from Hautelook (similar)

If you'd like to sign up, here's my invite link for Hautelook.

I actually wear this skort out for casual outfits too. No one can tell that it was meant for activewear, because there is no logo on it. I usually like to wear tight spandex-y shorts under skirts and dresses anyways, so a skort is perfect for me since it combines the two. I also like that it comes up high on the waist.
I also prefer sports bras to have some sort of lining or removable padding.  Not push-up of course, because who needs that for working out? Just enough to cover up the areolas.

Modcloth Dress

Anne Michelle Sandals (also here)

The dress fits me okay (size Small), but the back feels pretty loose around the waist, & makes my back look very square. Honestly, I just wanted to wear this dress for the heck of it. & I love these shoes.

Ahh...The Chandelier. Looks cool, but kind of gaudy up close, in my opinion

H&M Denim Shirt

Forever21 Tunic Tank

eBay Skirt (similar)

Guess Sandals

I know the twisted skirt looks like a knockoff of the T by Alexander Wang ruched skirt, which I've also recently ordered and tried, but it's not a keeper. I simply just like the blue one more because it covers more leg.

Zara Peplum Top

Macy's(?) Jeans (old)

Anne Michelle Sandals (also here)

Well, look what we have here...

Forever21 Top (similar)
Forever21 Shorts (similar)
Guess Sandals
Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Necklace from eBay
Rebecca Minkoff Bag (or for $100 less)

I recently sold my Mini Mac. Because of its size, it wasn't easy enough to get my wallet in and out of it in a pinch. It was a great bag, but as a daytime bag, the Swing is more functional for me. Perhaps the regular Mac size would have worked just fine, but I prefer the Swing style more. Plus it was on sale on ebags.com for about $100 off.

Please...don't wake me up.

Lol I don't remember this, because I don't even recall taking a nap at any time. But I do need to take my seam ripper and hack off those shoulder hanger tie thingies on my sweater.

& how could I not spend every chance I get in the pool or by the pool?

& of course...
what's my favorite thing to do?
I eat everything in sight.

Wicked Spoon

This is one of my better looking plates from the buffet, aesthetically. I typically only like going to buffets for the selection and the experience, but in the end, my palette just feels confused and my stomach has expanded  to an out of control degree.
The main reason I wanted to go to Wicked Spoon for dinner is because of the bone marrow, but honestly, I found the taste quite bland, but the texture was nice and buttery. I did however really like the trout salad.

Delmonico's

That is one giant slab of foie gras. Did not disappoint.

We also had the bread pudding, but I dug right into it and forgot to take a picture. I'm such a fan of bread pudding, so I usually get that for dessert, even when I'm too stuffed for dessert. But, hey you only live once right? Also, my boyfriend is the one who ordered the truffle chips. Chips & fries are not my thing, but he just can't deny his fried carbs, lol.

Give me my drink please, haha.

Hidden Pizza Place

I imagine this place would be great for a late night snack or hangover food, haha.

& some chain restaurants...

Earl of Sandwich

I first tried Earl of Sandwich in Disney World a couple of years ago. What I really like about their sandwiches is their bread. It's like biscuit bread and I love biscuits!

Jean Philippe Patisserie

At first glance, I think a chain with this many chocolate fountains just for show is probably all flash and no substance. Then I tried some of their pastries for breakfast, and I was so mistaken. I'd get everything if I had the time to try it all!

Ok, I've made myself hungry...

Spring is in Full Bloom & Nail Files 27: Hard Candy - Birthday Bash

I was gifted these flowers not too long ago. I'm usually not a fan of flowers (or the color pink). I think they're nice to look at, but they're difficult to keep alive (in my opinion). Perishable gifts just make me sad, once they've expired, because I have to throw away a gift. So I usually give them to my mom, who loves flowers and plants. I did just that with this bouquet a little over a week ago. (Don't worry, I gave my mama a real Mother's Day gift yesterday as well. Not just a re-gift. I'm not that terrible of a daughter, lol.)

Day 1

But in the couple of days that I held onto them, I really enjoyed watching this bouquet's buds open up and spring to life! I'm becoming more appreciative of nature. Is this part of aging too? I got to say, it's one of the nicer qualities, wrinkles and fatigue aside.

Doesn't this one look scary?

This one freaked me out too.

Day 2

They all sprang to life overnight! Some of them looked crowded. The ones that were a little smushed were the late bloomers, so I tried to separate them out and let them have room to breathe and grow. (As if I know anything about plant life. I was just crossing my fingers and hoping that I wasn't harming them.) 

This fella was an attention hog.

This one just fully stretched out and said 'Out of my way, guys!' I wish I could have captured on camera how the pollen dusted golden flecks onto the pink petals. It was really beautiful. They made my cube smell pretty good too. & I'm not even a fan of floral scents. A few people even came by and asked 'what smells so good?' lol! Me, that's what, duh! Haha, I'm kidding of course.

Day 3

Finally, on the 3rd day, I took the flowers to my mom's house, so she could enjoy the rest of their shelf life. You can really see the tulips had opened up. 

Ok enough rambling about flowers. As if I weren't random enough, now we're going to look at a...

 Manicure Monday!

(I barely made it with a few minutes to spare. It's still Monday so far!)

Wet n Wild Black Creme

Hard Candy Birthday Bash  

I originally painted this combination on my toes and decided to do the same on my fingernails.

I quite like it. What do you think?

I was tempted to paint Birthday Bash on all of my nails, but I thought one accent nail might be more appealing to the eye and less blinding. When you're outside, the little hexagonal sequin-like sparkles really catch the light. You definitely need a topcoat, because the hexagon thingies like to curl and peel after a day or so. As always, I use the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. It does indeed, dry fast.

The downside was the Black Creme chips so fast that it made the whole manicure fall apart in just a couple of days. No matter, it's just nail polish...

Good night & thanks for visiting!

Sunshine & Hearts

Happy Friday!

Judging by the title, you'd think this post would be about some happy-go-lucky, overly smiley, cheerleader-enthusiasm nonsense...but no...haha. (I mean no offense to cheerleaders. I remember they were some of the most gorgeous girls back when I was in high school.)

We've been having some amazing weather. In my experience, I've known warm weather to be all too fleeting around here. So, to take advantage of it, I went to the beach today! I'll be honest. At times, I did get quite chilly walking around.

This is what Ocean Beach looks like when it's not overcast. 

I guess other people had the same idea, because there were plenty of people flocking there today.

Hello sun, nice to see you!

But before that, I was at work. 

This is what I wore.

Do I look like a librarian? =]

Forever21 Heart Print Tunic (similar)

H&M Mint Cardigan

BCBG Max Azria Skirt (similar) 

H&M Navy Blazer

Me Too Fable Flats

What I love about this skirt is that it's textured in a zig-zag way that makes it a little more unique. It's also fully-lined, of course, so the tulle-like material won't bother you. It's also machine washable, yay!

Since my skirt was on the tight side, I wanted something from the loose-fitting blouse family on top. I settled on this heart print tunic, because I think the hearts add a little whimsy, but are so subtle you can't even tell unless you look up close. The material was a little on the thick side and made it a little less easy to tuck in.

I got these flats from Hautelook a while ago. I wanted some flats that I could wear to work, but were also open-toe style for warmer days. After trying them out, I didn't like that they had that banana-y shape in the back with elastic that's meant to help hold your foot in the shoe better. That type of design always cuts the back of my ankles. Also, I got these in a size 6, which run a little big, in my opinion. So I tried to sell them, but with no takers, and all these lovely warm days we've been having, I decided to just enjoy them myself. To make them more comfortable, I stuck the adhesive heel cushions in the back of the shoe. That solved the size and comfort issues both. Now, they feel extremely comfortable, especially since they have the most cushion-y footbed ever.

I also really like sitting in the sand, watching the waves crash, while snacking.

I enjoyed this bread pudding from Safeway. It's not a traditional bread pudding at all. First of all, it was refrigerated, lol. But for $1, it was excellent for snacking purposes.

 I must go to sleep now. It's past my bedtime. Hope you have a great day!

I like shoes...but...

I should return these...
but they're so comfortable.

Express Jacket (similar w/ vertical pockets)

H&M Black Jeans (similar)

World Map Scarf (from eBay, search map scarf)

H&M White & Neon Sandals

It's Friday! & I'm playing around with 'casual Friday' lol.

I'm trying out these H&M white sandals from the Conscious Collection.

 I had seen a few pictures of them floating around on the web, but never saw them in person, until a few weeks ago. I only saw a few pairs in the largest H&M in my area. (None of the other H&M stores seemed to carry this particular shoe.) So I took them home to experiment.

They were $49.95, which is pretty expensive for these, in my opinion, but still not exorbitantly expensive. Considering they're made of a canvas-like fabric, I thought they'd be cheaper, but I guess the Conscious Collection is geared to promote sustainable fabrics. Donate a bag of clothes to your local H&M and get a coupon for 15% off one item, making these $42.46 before tax.

I don't really think these shoes are office appropriate, but hey it's Friday and my feet are hidden under my desk most of the time. I highly doubt anyone will notice, much less make a stink about it.

Today, I'm just walking around with these sandals indoors, because I really think I should return them and I don't want to get them dirty. (Lol, I don't usually do this. But does anybody else test out shoes indoors to see if they want to keep them?)

I can't really think of an occasion when I'd wear them. But they are awfully cute, in my opinion. & surprisingly comfortable. I think it's because of the rubber soles and the (sort of) cleated bottom.

Pros:

• comfortable - rubber soles, & sturdy feeling
• stylish & fun colors
• relatively affordable, but could be more affordable
• suitable for wide feet (at least I think I have wide-ish feet, proportionately speaking. I'm wearing a size 5.5/36, which I think fits closest to US 6.)
• the overall white makes them a versatile neutral...

Cons:

• made of canvas-like fabric upper --> gets dirty easily, as if white wasn't prone to staining already
• the overall white is prone to getting dirty.
• the neon yellow may be somewhat difficult to match.
• I honestly do not have a purpose for these in my life.

I'm sorry these pictures are so blurry, but I was in a rush, which is why I also forgot I left my dorky work swipe card attached to my hip. =[

Oh, on another note... these jeans from the H&M are pretty nice too! (I'm wearing a size 25/30. They're called the 'Super Skinny Super Low Rise,' I believe, but they cover me well and don't feel all that low.) In the past, I purchased black jeans from cheap stores and they suck. The crappy dye they put on black jeans smells so bad and is impossible to get rid of. So I vowed to only buy black jeans from higher-end brands. (My J Brand black jeans do not stink at all and have a thick, heavy weight to them and feel nice.)

BUT these jeans were only $19.95 and are comparable to higher end denim and DO NOT SMELL LIKE CRAPPY, CHEAP DYE. Hooray!

So anyway... I really think I should take these sandals back now. Shouldn't I? Lol