VIRTUAL SHOPPING

We are saving pretty aggressively for this adoption, which means any spending beyond necessities and birthdays is virtually non-existent.  But IF I were to go on a shopping spree right now, here's what would end up coming home with me.

First up, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush.  I am obsessed with makeup lately.  Which is funny, really, because I generally have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to putting on makeup.  However, I have channelled my inner teenager and have been watching YouTube videos about makeup like nobody's business.  I may need an intervention here.  But anyway, one thing I've learned from my research is that this is basically the blush of all blushes here.  So of course, I want to try it.  I believe the color I have here is called Captivating.  How fun is that?

And while I'm on the topic of beauty products, here is another one I've been wanting to try - NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel.  I am not generally a lip color gal (mostly because I'm insecure) but these seem to be a light and sheer option.  And since I'm feeling bolder with my makeup choices, I thought I could venture out just a smidge.  I am expecting this to be more like a lip gloss than a lip stick.  I guess if I ever get it I'll let you know (though this is pretty inexpensive so there is a chance I could make the exception and try this one!).

Moving on to a home related item, isn't this shelf just the cutest?  It's the Universal Expert Beech Wood shelf from West Elm. (On a side note, do you remember the episode of Friends where Rachel and Ross are obsessed with Pottery Barn and they keep telling Phoebe they have bought antiques from the time period of Yore?  Ross says something like "It's the rustic bird cage, large."  I just reminded myself of him telling you what that product was called.  I could have gone on to say it was the "small".  I will just go ahead and say what you are all thinking.  Dork.  There, that's better, and let's move on.)  I am picturing it under my cabinets right next to my coffee pot, with my sugar bowl on top and my two favorite coffee mugs hanging underneath.  I am desperately trying to curb counter clutter.  Hopefully this would help me and not just give me another surface to stack stuff on.  Regardless, it is simply adorable!

Up next is this darling jacket.  Apparently, Loft now has a new brand they carry called Lou & Grey.  It is basically the brand of my dreams.  It's a cross between work appropriate and casual in a light color palette that works on us pale girls.  If I wear black I always fear I look like Wednesday Addams.  And additionally, I was just thinking I would like a jacket nearly identical to this one, and the next day poof it appears on the internet available for purchase.  So we can infer here that I possibly have magical powers and if you'd like me to imagine anything for you, I happily will.  I kid, I kid.  Did I mention I am getting over a cold?  That could be the reason that I am so odd today.  That, or it's just my normal.

Here is the last item in my virtual shopping bag.  It's a beeswax candle.  I had actually heard recently that beeswax candles can help relieve allergies.  Is that true?  I have no idea but I have crazy allergies that are going to start bothering me in about a month (right about the time the weather gets BEATIFUL.  Yeah, thanks for that, nose.)  I am always up for trying things that will help me find relief from my itchy eyes.  They are the worst.  This particular candle is probably more than I would actually spend, um, ever, but the packaging was cute.  And since this shopping trip is purely virtual, I can do that.

So those are my picks.  Have I inspired you to try any of them?  Or maybe put together a list of your own?  If so, have fun and happy shopping.  I will tell you we are in the middle of preparing for the world's largest garage sale (okay, exaggerating a bit).  It is our first fundraiser for our adoption and though it might kill me, I'm super excited about it and will give an update on how it went in a couple of weeks.  Right now, I'm just praying for no rain and for people to show up!