Lists :: Fall Activities

Because it is finally officially fall (my autumn starts strictly on September 1st, by the way…), I thought I would drum up a list of 30 things I would like to do this season and celebrate the end of my 30 day blogging challenge. To those who may find this list stereotypical, this list is not for you.

1. hike the long trail to Camel's Hump
2. hike Mount Mansfield before the heavy snow starts
3. visit Ethan Allen's homestead
4. visit Shelburne Museum 
5. go to the Saint Albans Raid
6. go to the Food & Wine Fest and Shelburne Orchards
7. get all my holiday shopping done before December 1st
8. move into a new apartment
9. try a wine tasting at a new vineyard
10. try a flight at a new brewery
11. gain 5lbs
12. gain 10lbs
13. gain 15lbs
14. go late-season berry picking
15. go apple picking
16. go pumpkin picking
17. carve a pumpkin
18. learn how to bake an apple pie from Chris' mom
19. learn how to cook another dinner dish that isn't spaghetti
20. dress up for Halloween
21. save $1000
22. get snow tires before mid-October
23. get my bangs cut?
24. build a leaf pile for Lulu to jump in
25. drive through the White Mountain National Park
26. get a massage
27. drink more water
28. get cider drunk
29. eat more fall treats than I should
30. buy a new burgundy sweater

Deal :: Maybelline Color Tattoo

Oh, the Rite Aid clearance section is so good to me. I got this little pot of Maybelline's Color Tattoo 24hr eyeshadow in 400 Rich Mahogany. It was still sealed in it's limited edition wrapper, as well. The price tag was a whopping $4.

I have been using it as a dark brown gel eyeliner on those days when I'm just not in the mood for black. The color is gorgeous, I find myself reaching for it more and more often.

Giveaway Alert :: L'Occitane & The Everygirl

The Everygirl is giving away $500 worth of L'Occitane's brand new skin care line - Divine Collection - to three winners. Check out @theeverygirl_ on Instagram and find more information and enter the giveaway in theeverygirl.com. Best of luck!

Buzz: Saint Albans Raid

We spent the day yesterday romping around Saint Albans to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Saint Albans Raid.

 

Got to try some more wine and cheese (and hardtack!) samples, explore civil war camps, watch a cooking demonstration, poke around the historical museum, and watch the reenactments, of course!

We had a great time, and would love to attend next year if they choose to make this an annual event. Unfortunately, the governors ball has been sold out for two months so we couldn't get tickets. The reenactments themselves were rather amateur, compared to the grandiose performances at Fort Ticonderoga, but the overall atmosphere was worth the trip.

Update :: L'Oreal Paris Nail Polish

I finally redid my manicure, so I wanted to post an update including my new bottle of L'Oreal Paris doutzen's nude. 

The color is a beautiful nude for my skin tone, and I adore the mauve shade. The application was a piece of cake and fully opaque in two coats. Considering I did not apply a top coat (it's still packed away somewhere from our move...) this polish is truly long wearing. It's been three days since and the wear is absolutely minimal. There is the tiniest of chips on my pinky nail, but the rest remain flawless. 

10/10, will become a loyal L'Oreal Paris polish addict soon enough!

Shelburne Orchards Food Fest

photo from shelburneorchards.com/events

We accidentally stumbled upon Shelburne Orchard's 12th Annual Food Fest last Sunday, on a mission to pick up some apples for Christopher's mother to bake a pie with. I was skeptical at first with a $5 admission to an unexpected festival that would surely be very crowded, because they were using the field for parking. I was ready to opt for a peaceful experience and get fresh apples from another Orchard, but Chris convinced me to give it a try. As soon as we got in, I was so grateful that I chose to stay. Yes, it was extremely crowded, but there were discounted wine tastings (for $2 each!) from Shelburne Vineyard, Lincoln Peak Vineyard, and Huntington River Vineyard to help ease any discomfort from the crowds.

At the Food Fest, I finally got a chance to try Shelburne Vineyard's Harvest Widow's Revenge, which I've had my eye on for months. Absolutely beautiful packaging and a clever name caught my eye, and the wonderful autumnal taste absolutely sold me. It was also my first time trying both Lincoln Peak and Huntington River, and both were pretty impressive - I will be visiting those vineyards before the first snow this year. I wish Becca wasn't living halfway across the country now so she could join me. I'll have to continue my Vermont Vineyard Tour solo, unfortunately.

photos from shelburnevinyard.com and citizencider.com

I also got to taste a sample cider flight from Citizen Cider. Their blueberry cider, the bROSé, was very... interesting. I haven't quite found another word for it yet. I will also be visiting their new cider pub on Pine Street as soon as possible.

At this point, I was pretty bubbly on all the wine and cider, so I forgot to take pictures of the vendors and I can't for the life of me remember the name of the amazing sausages and cheeses I tried. The cheeses might have been from Shelburne Farms, but I'm not entirely sure. My memory is a little fuzzy to say the least. We did get to bring home an entire bag of apples for Mrs. Bresnahan. I was entirely happy for the chance to climb trees and pick the highest MacIntosh apples I could reach, and then sit in the warm sunshine to munch on a few.

Thanks for an amazing day, Shelburne Orchards!

Offer Alert :: Origins

I checked my Facebook offers page, and found this little gem that expires today! Origins has launched a new product called the Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Serum, and are giving away some deluxe samples at their stores and counters. Serums are my new favorite texture, so I can't wait to try it!

Empty :: Senna Barely Base Sheer Mineral Makeup

Now, this definitely isn't a sample size. And it definitely isn't cheap. It's taken me nearly 6 months of almost daily use to finish the entire bottle. Thankfully, I have a second bottle squirreled away from my days working at the salon, so I don't need to repurchase just yet.

I'm conflicted about this product as a whole. On one hand, it is the right amount of coverage for my skin and I always get tons of compliments when I use it. It is quick and easy and light. I feel like I'm wearing next to nothing, but still take care of any unwanted shine. And most importantly, it doesn't cause me to break out.

But, as I said previously, it is expensive, and not at all kind on my post-grad budget without an employee discount. They tout being an eco-conscious and health-aware luxury makeup brand, but I'm not 100% convinced that it's worth it.

For now, Senna's Barely Base will still serve it's post as my go-to foundation and SPF as my summer tan fades and the shade "vanilla" starts to suit me again. We will see how financially stable I am once this second bottle runs dry.

Unboxing :: September Birchbox

I'll let the photos do the talking!

I just checked the mailbox this afternoon, so this litte treat must have been tucked in there on Friday afternoon.

Please excuse the quality of my photos today. My camera is not committing on the color of the bedspread.

Noir Cosmetics Long-Wear Eyeliner

Skin and Co Sicilian Light Serum

TEMPTU S/B Highlighter in Champagne Shimmer

Birchbox Find :: Chapstick Hydration Lock Renew & Moisturize

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Gold Couture

dr. brandt pores no more vacuum cleaner

Most anticipated product is definitely the TEMPTU highlighter. I've been playing around with bronzes lately, but I haven't had a highlighter to add into my routine yet, and it's been at the top of my list!

Look what I made!

Im so proud of this finished notebook. I can't stop looking at it, and I don't want to send it away. But alas, I am not the future Mrs. Rouleau, so it will soon be delivered to its proper owner.

I can custom make these notebooks for $13, with complimentary shipping. Send me an email at rachelfitzgerald802 (at) gmail .com for more info or to place an order.

Seeking :: Blank Notebooks

I'm looking for a reliable shop from which to purchase blank notebooks.

Preferences:

- hardcover

- various thicknesses and sizes available

- lined (colleges ruled) and unlined options

- tan (as pictured above), white, or black

- able to purchase in lots of 10 or 12 for a reasonable price

Please let me know If you have any information about a shop that might fit my needs!

Moment of Silence

Shop :: CraftsByTK on Etsy

For my birthday, my best friend had this wonderful gift sent to me.

I asked her more about its origins today. It was purchased from the CraftsByTK shop on Etsy. It is handmade with a Lilly Pulitzer pattern, including my name written on the bottom right in script. When I say handmade, I don't mean hand painted. I believe it is printed, with hand painted details. The quality is good though, with minimal peeling on the corners. Perfect for the excellent deal and the amazing treatment Becca got from CraftsByTK, including the customization, and a truly wonderful and personalized gift indeed!

Empty :: Benefit's Fake Up

Well, there goes the very last of my concealer.

I somehow managed to destroy this sample the first time I tried to use it. I also somehow managed to use almost all of it anyways. "Impressed" is an understatement for the feelings I have toward Benefit's Fake Up, considering it was my first successful use of concealer in general and also my first introduction to the Benefit line.

Overall, I'm excited to try more Benefit products in the future. I'm not going to purchase a replacement for Fake Up at this time, because I need to reach out for more experience with other products, starting at the drugstore, now that I think I've got a handle on how this whole concealing thing works. This doesn't mean that I won't be back someday. Other concealers have got some big shoes to fill.

Deal :: L'Oreal Collection Privee Nail Polish

The Rite Aid near my boyfriend's parents house has the best clearance beauty section. Because it isn't right in the center of town, the makeup on clearance doesn't look like it's been through World War III and it is almost almost full of limited edition products for half price.

I found this L'Oreal Collection Privee Doutzen Nail Polish in doutzen's nude 600 for $3.49.

It is a very mauve toned nude, which I love. I've been holding out on buying a mauve polish, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this one for such a reasonable price! Manicure post will be coming later, once I change my pedicure for the fall.

Cut :: Laqa & Co Lip Lube

I'm cutting this product from my lip collection. I've tried it numerous times, and it's just not working for me.

The primary reason is the color. I don't think this bright peach color suits my olive-based skin tone, and it's a little too intense for my style.

The secondary reason is the texture. It feels a little too much like lip balm, which is great for moisturization, but not so great when it doesn't seem to set evenly.

Although I love the packaging, including the twist up bottom and the minty scent & flavor, this product just doesn't suit my current lifestyle. I have a feeling my little sister will love it, though.

App :: Lovely

My boyfriend has officially taken over the apartment search so I can focus all of my attention on finding employment for the time being. Before I hand over the reins, I would like to highlight an app I've recently fallen in love with. Lovely brings listings from craigslist into a more attractive and interactive platform on your phone. There are lots of awesome extra features, including alerts for fresh listings that meet your needs, in-app email and call options, and even a way to help you pay your landlord.

If you or someone you know is about to be on the hunt for an apartment in the near future, I highly recommend using Lovely to help you find the next place to call home. Search for them in the app store, or visit their website at livelovely.com for more information.

Instagram :: beautyempties

I have been following beautyempties on Instagram for a while, and I wanted to share her with my readers. I love her style of blogging, her honest opinions, and her beauty auctions!

Seeking :: Makeup Remover Wipes

I'm starting to get a little desperate for a good facial wipe that cleanses, exfoliates, and removes my makeup without costing a fortune. I recently ran out of the ones I got from Target, and after a few days of not wearing makeup or sleeping with makeup on, my skin is starting to actually hate me. There's a blemish threatening to surface next to my nose and my right eye is on the verge of major irritation. I need help!

Perhaps my standards for a facial wipe are impossible to reach. I would like something that is strong enough to remove all my eye makeup without scrubbing or stinging, preferably unscented or a light scent of aloe, cucumber, or lavender. Any sort of leftover residue or burning sensations are absolutely unacceptable. As much as I love the Olivella wipes, they are incredibly expensive and my tight budget can't accommodate them.

I feel like I've already tried everything else out there, but I could be missing something. What facial cleansing wipe do you swear by? No judgements, I just want to find a product that will work for me too!

Empty :: Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Leave in Conditioner

I am very disappointed that I've used all of this up, now that this unseasonal humidity has settled into my tresses.

Scent: I can't describe the scent of this spray, but I can say that I can't get enough of it. It is pretty strong, so beware when mixing with other fragrances.

Texture: This spray conditions and detangles, but it is also light enough for everyday use. A small amount of product is enough to detangle all of my hair post-shower, so I only use two or three pumps.

Packaging: I like the soft plastic of the bottle. I don't feel like it is going to crack if I accidentally drop it or it gets thrown around in my luggage during travel. I do recall that the pump was very hard to get started in the beginning, though.

Comments: I have a couple other similar product samples hanging around to try first, but overall I really liked this product and I will likely be purchasing the full-size. I am looking forward to trying the Beauty Protector shampoo and conditioner.

Empty :: BeeKind Body Lotion

I've been taking this lotion from BeeKind with me while traveling in lieu of any regular size body lotions.

Scent: Honey and chamomile, which combines into a very fresh and clean scent that isn't overpowering or harsh.

Texture: This is definitely a "lotion" versus a "cream". It is very thin and runny, and soaks into the skin quite rapidly.

Packaging: I absolutely love that this brand supports honey bee and sustainable pollination research. Every time I use this product, I think of fuzzy little honeybees and how sad it would be to live in a future without them.

Comments: I'm more of a "cream" person myself, but I did love the scent and mission of BeeKind. If I could continue to purchase this product in a 30mL tube, it would become a staple in my travel bag.

Empty :: Whish Shaving Cream

I have finally squeezed as much of this product from Whish as I can out of its tube.

Scent: Acai grapefruit, but smells a little soapy and acidic.

Texture: A "thick whip", and little goes a long way! I like the cream over a gel or foam, now that I've tried it.

Packaging: I don't like the tube, and that's just a personal preference. I feel like I miss out on some of the product left inside.

Comments: I was rather unimpressed with this shaving cream. I didn't notice a difference in the softness or smoothness of my skin post-shave like I did with the exfoliating scrub from Whish. That being said, I don't think I will be purchasing the full size product.