PIA Saturday

Something sunny needed to come out of this day!

This past Saturday I rented a UHAUL and drove down to Ikea in Stoughton, MA.I was so ready to get my couch. The website showed that the particular couch I was interested in is only available in the Ikea stores and could not be ordered on the website.

I picked up the UHAUL and drove down there so that I'd be there as soon as the doors opened. Once there, I got a free coffee from their cafe (they know the way to my heart) and then at 10am, I started for the show room. I found my series and sat on it to make sure that it was comfortable and looked through all the fabrics to make sure that I was picking one that I loved. I went up to the sale person to ask some questions and she said, "we don't stock this model in the store. It needs to be ordered."

WTF? Really? How come I was told that the store stocked it and that it was in stock at this particular location when I called? I was beyond irritated. I just spent $65 on a UHAUL and I can't even use it? And now I have to order the sofa and pay a $100 delivery charge. I don't think so.

I went straight to customer service and made my case detailing the poor customer service and told them that they needed to make this right. They were able to eat the $100 delivery charge, but I still have to wait for my new sofa. I was really hoping to go home with it and set up my living room. Wah.

Though I couldn't get what I wanted as far as the sofa went , I was able to find a few other necessities. I found a grill pan, a TV entertainment shelving unit, candles, an ironing board, fabrics (I used the yellow to cover a canvas to hang on the wall-- see top of the post), a wok, and some glasses (of which the bottom of the box fell out causing 3 of the 6 glasses to crash to their deaths). I put the TV unit together immediately and set up all my electronics on it and even had room for my mesh metal magazine baskets on the bottom shelf.

I made a pit stop at Target afterward to return that hideous rug that I ordered and a poster that was delivered damaged. I found a replacement rug for the living room in a cream color for the same price. I was envisioning more of a cafe au lait but I was unable to find it so this will have to do. I moved my black leather woven rug that was in my living room to my dinning room-- under the dining room table. That was a fun task to do without any help. Below is a WIP...just not of the knitting variety.

Once I got back to town, I unloaded and returned the UHAUL. I took a trip to Back Bay to go to Trader Joe's and to hit up Urban Outfitters for album frames-- on sale for 2 for $20 (usually $15 each!). I grabbed two. I framed a couple of records that I got in LA a couple of years ago. Pretty sweet, huh!?

 So, things are coming along slowly but surely...slower than I'd like. Hell, my mom & sister are coming for a visit next weekend and I'd like for them not to have to sit on the floor! We'll see.

On my own

The ex finally moved out. The past month was truly a test. I think that I made it through with minimal damage. I was really sad and weepy on Sunday night after all was said and done but ever since I've been fine. I think that I was just working up to this point all along. I already mourned him.

So now I live alone. For now. Strangely, it was an easy transition from taking care of two to one. He's having a rough time (good!) but I'm being the self-proficient person I've been since childhood, really. I thought that I would be terrified and lonely and afraid to go to sleep at night. It has been fine. The cat is sadder than I am (she misses her feline friend).

So my new situation has brought about the need for new furniture. I've never owned a new sofa. I've always had hand-me-downs or Good Will specials-- not that there's anything wrong with that. But it's time to buy my first brand new living room!

I've been doing a lot of "window shopping" on the interwebs. I want something modern with clean lines. I found a sectional on the Ikea site that I adore. I *think* that I like the Sivik Dark Gray, but I'm going to check out the fabrics at the store over the weekend. I ordered and already received (and assembled) a new coffee table from Target. I also ordered a new area rug which was delivered today but it needs to be returned. It's not at all what I was expecting. I'll make a Target return trip this weekend. I think that once it's all here I'll feel like I have my living room back. Feeling like my apartment is a "home" is very important to me.

I'm also looking for a funky piece for my front foyer. I want a buffet/credenza with a funky flair. I really like this one and this one. Also for the foyer, I have to get a few record album frames to display some fun records that I have. And I'm in the middle of creating some fun art for over my sofa.

I'm keeping everything else intact as is. Just need a few changes and some some new stuff sans memories. Time to make new memories.

True Blood Love and Short-Rows!

Ok, I have a True Blood obsession. Can't help it. Love it. That said-- I'm obviously attracted to everything True Blood (see this post if you don't believe me). I ordered the 8-book Sookie Stackhouse series and am on the second book. And I have no will power because yesterday I bought this:

I know, I have problems.

I bought these over the weekend:

I'm actually not 100% sure why I bought these because I've been planning on being Joan Jett for Halloween all this time but I'm so enamored with vampires these days that I just couldn't help myself.  I think I may have had a change of heart. Sorry Joan!

On to the short-rows...

I've used short-rows before. I get the concept. I was just always to afraid to use them for bust-shaping. Pretty dumb for a girls with DDs, huh!? Well, finally I took the plunge. I used this article to guide me. After figuring out my calculations, the knitting began. Short-rows are super easy; it's just a matter of knowing where to place them and how many to knit. See the wedge of fabric I've created using short-rows? Hope it's big enough for my boobies!

Make-up Review #3

I walked into Macy's and couldn't avoid the MAC counter...not that I was planning to. Their Holiday Collection just came out! Eyeshadows to die for, seriously. I couldn't pick just one. So I didn't....and $41 later, I was going home with 2 brand spanking new Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos.

I use the following products to create this look:
* M.A.C.Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo in Midnight Madness and Under Your Spell
* Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla
* L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen mascara
* e.l.f. Feather Proof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Natural Blush
* Revlon LipGlide Color Gloss in Fuchsia Flash (discontinued, I think)
* NYC Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Smokey Plum
* NARS Blush in Orgasm

Review time...

Already reviewed NARS Bluch in Orgasm, Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla, L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara.

MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos are fabulous and limited editions! As all of MAC's shadows are, they are highly pigmented. They can be used wet or dry and are extremely blendable. I only used the purple shades from each pot. I use the lighter lavendery purple on my lid and a bit on the lower lash line. Then went in with the darker smokier purple shade and applied it to the crease and blended. Love the effect. The formula is velvety soft and as vibrant as it is in the pot. However I did not use the accent shades yet (copper and gold). Though the purple shades are just extremely shimmery, the accent colors are more glittery. I think that they'll be good to use when I'm going for an outrageous going-out effect. I'll keep you posted.

Of course I used the Avon Big Color Pencil in Vanilla on my brow bone to highlight! I also used a liner on the upper and 3/4 of the lower in a plum. NYC Waterproof  Eyeliner Pencil in Smokey Plum is pretty decent for such a cheap brand. It was smooth and creamy to apply and stayed put all night.

On to lips. I used e.l.f. Featherproof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Natural Blush to give my gloss something to cling to. I've previously review an e.l.f. eyeliner but the texture of the lip liner formula is slightly smoother and easier to apply. Once my lips were lined I used Revlon LipGlide Color Gloss in Fuchsia Flash. It's an older product that I couldn't find on their website an more so I figure that it's been discontinued. This is too bad because it's a great gloss and a really fun shade with staying power. C'est la vie.

So that about wraps up this review!

Leaf Yoke Top...why do I rip thee?

I've been working on this on and off for the last couple of weeks. The yoke knit up incredibly fast, but I've had to rip the front and the back a few times. The instructions in for the first section after picking up stitches from the yoke are no accurate but there was no errata to speak of. Oh well.

I plan on replacing the folded hem with a simple lace pattern at the hips. When it's done it'll be too cold for a sleeveless top but I'd like to wear a long sleeved tee underneath. Hopefully I'll finish it this month!

Make-up Review #2

I was happier than I looked in this pic, I swear

I really don't go out very often. Now that I'm man-free I better gt back into the swing of things. Saturday night I went out for dinner and drink with one of my girl friends. I've been so down because of the man situation that I've just been feeling really ugly. Not exactly in a good place.

 Wish my pics were better...sorry for the dark shots.

I figured that if I wanted to feel good on the inside I better pretty up the outside. I wore my black jeans, a tunic-y t-shirt w/ peacock feather & paisley detailing, 4 inch black wedge sandal (don't have to worry about a short bf anymore!), this necklace, and a black motorcycle jacket. I figured dark and smokey eyes were in order but decided to break up all the black with a dark blue shadow and pale lips.

I use the following products to create this look:
* Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Riviera Blue
* Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla
* L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen mascara
* e.l.f. Brightening Eyeliner in Ash
* e.l.f. Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed
* Avon Beyond Color Plumping Lipcolor SPF 15  in Twig

Review time...

Revlon Matte Eyeshadow is a nice rich dark blue shade with a very matte finish. I layer the shadow from my lide to the crease, keeping the color more concentrated closer to the lash line. I do like this formula, especially for $4.99, but it can be a little hard to blend. I think that that may be true for most highly pigmented matte shadows. Lots 'o' blending! I really like this color though.

L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara is one of my favorite dramatic formulas. It thickens and lengthens dramatically. It is the only formula that I've found to date that can compare to L'Oreal Lash Architect, which I haven't been able to find in ages. According to the website it doesn't appear to be discontinued but where, oh where art thou?

I already review Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla here. I won't bore you with the details. I used it on my brow bones, but not on the inside corners this time. I wanted to keep the effect smokey.

e.l.f. cosmetics are comparable to NYC, the cheapo drugstore brand. e.l.f. has a great selections but the quality is just mediocre. What do you expect when most of the products are $1!? I found the liner to be dry and hard to apply. I tried to warm it up a bit and then apply to upper and 3/4 of my lower lash line. The warming up seemed to have helped a bit. Though it's not the best liner.

The bronzer is really nice and subtle. It gives glow and creates radiance but doesn't look orangey and/or unnatural. I used it in place of blush and applied it to each side of my face in a number 3 motion (about 1:35 into video) to create a natural sun-kissed look.

Slicked on and blotted Avon Beyond Color Lipcolor SPF 15 in twig for an understated lip. This formula is very velvety and not the least bit drying. This shade is very neutral, which is exactly what I was going for.

I need to remember to smile.

Cozy Cowl

I knit this cozy accessory last weekend and as soon as I did, the weather warmed up. Like, to 80. Damn. Today is going to hit 76 so who knows when I'll be able to wear it!

It was knit in Lion Brand Lion Cashmere Blend in Black on US 10 needles. It took approximately 1.5 balls of yarn and it is of my own design. You don't really need a pattern for a seed stitch rectangle with YO buttonholes!

I used the left over buttons from my FLS from earlier this year. I apparently really over estimated how many I needed for that project.

And there you have it. It looks cozy and warm. I'm planning on wearing it with my motorcycle jacket to give it a feminine touch. But first it has to cool off.