YSL Mascara

As many of you know, I LOVE makeup. So, when @Influenster picked me to try out a complimentary YSL Mascara to try out, I was a bit skeptical. Why? Simply because I can't live without mascara and although I have tried different brands for my friends sake, I just can't seem leave Lancôme.

Perfecting my eyelashes has taken some time. Some mascaras promise a LOT  and they also leave a LOT to be desired. I'm still not quite sure why so many people like Maybelline mascara, I've tried it and could not get what everyone was raving out. Frankly, I don't know why it's so popular, to each its own. 

Here's my regular routine for the past six, that's right SIX years!! Eyelash primer first then mascara = perfect eyelashes every time. 

Now, I've tried different eyelash primers and I just don't like the finished look. What can I say, I'm a creature of habit.

I stared at the beautiful gold colored YSL Mascara wand for three days. I finally decided to test it out on a Saturday so that I wouldn't have to deal with red eyes in case it irritates my eyes.

I took a deep breath, pulled the wand and examined the brush. The brush seemed good, lots of bristles and an even coating of mascara. Then, I took the first swipe. To my surprise it didn't feel sticky right away. I swiped the brush a couple more times over and was very surprised to notice that my eyelashes looked as if I had put primer on and then Mascara.

Day 1 was good, but could YSL hold up a whole week? It sure did! Not only that but it saved me a whole step in my makeup process!! I'm not sure about you, but I am NOT a morning person. However, I refuse to go anywhere without mascara. The extra minutes I've been saving each morning have been quite noticeable. Like I said not a morning person. The best part? No one can tell that I'm not wearing eyelash primer! And, my eyelashes don't look clumpy. Instead I have beautifully separated eyelashes with the right amount of mascara. 

I'm not sure I can go back to using a primer now!! Crazy, I know. Try it! I'm glad that I was able to try out a complimentary YSL mascara to test because I had no I sea what I was missing out on!

 

Summer 2014

It's hard to believe that it's already August and that summer is almost over. Where does time go? I was lucky enough this summer to go fruit picking, visit the local farmers market, visit Denver (even if it was a short trip), had some friends visit, and worked on my jam making skills! 

How was your summer?

Lemon Raspberry Tarts

With the 4th of July just around the corner, I decided to try out a couple of recipes to use up some of the ingredients that I already have at home.
Yesterday, we took a trip to the Vista House here in the Portland area. On the way back we encountered a small farm selling fresh raspberries. I bought a pint. They're really sweet which is not the norm. I have some lemons which I really need to use up. When I came accross this recipe I waas really excited to try it primarily because I have some graham craker pie crusts which meant less work! Yay me!

While working on the recipe Little E. and I ate half of the raspberries so we had to supplement with blueberries :)

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Lemon-Raspberry-Bars-474286

Oatmeal Cookies

I love a good cookie. And so far the Quaker Oatmeal Recipe has never failed me. Although, I did learn to not try to make three batches of these cookies at the same time. My super duty Kitchenaid Mixer did not like it. Here's a link to the recipe:

http://www.quakeroats.com/mobile/recipes/vanishing-oatmeal-raisin-cookies.aspx

I did substitute Chocolate Chip Cookies instead of raisins and I think it's just perfect. Enjoy!

Changes 2014

"The ability to honestly and quietly reflect on one's life is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth." - Richard Carlson

This quote recently made me look inward and realize that there was a lot that I needed to change. I love Social Media don't get me wrong but we often get too caught up in it that we forget to self-analyze without sharing. Not everything needs to be shared, sometimes some piece and quiet allows us to grow :) 

I know that I'll be making a lot of changes and there's no better time than the present right?

Mi Querido Viejo - Piero

Tax Day is always a hard day for me. One of those "holidays" that regardless of everything that is going on reminds you of the truth. My grandpa passed away 19 yrs ago today. And mi uncle Coqui pass away on 04/15/09. Mi great-Grandma Paqui passed away 04/13/95.

I can't think of a more fitting video that reminds me of my grandpa.

Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/x36zzkUB2tc

HeartBleed OpenSSL Check

If you're running Ubuntu 12.04, 12.10 and 13.10 chances are that you're affected by the current Heartbleed SSL issue. To check run the following command: sudo openssl version -a

If the version you're running is dated before April 7th, then you have to update your Open SSL by running the following command: sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

to run the latest security update.

I checked mine just to be safe and I'm the clear.

Source: http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-update-ubuntu-plug-heartbleed-openssl-flaw/#!D8sP3