I recently saw this meme on a LiveJournal community and loved the idea. So, here are my My 10 Fave Things for Under 10 Bucks.

1. CoverGirl Cheekers Blush
When it comes to drugstore blushes, this is hands down the best one that I’ve tried. It goes on sheer (but not too sheer), doesn’t look powdery, blends well, and wears all day. My favorite shade is Classic Pink. It’s an exact match to Benefit Cosmetics Thrrrob, which I actually prefer to NARS’ Orgasm. It gives you that great “I just stepped out into some brisk air” flush that’s ultra flattering.

2. Cheap Bangles & Bracelets
I love bangles and bracelets because they are a quick and easy way to add something unique to your look. One of my favorite things about the is that unlike a lot of jewelry, they are visible and on display but won’t get in your way. I can’t count how many times I’ve managed to snag a ring on a piece of clothing or worn a necklace on a windy day only to end up with my hair knotted around it. Neither of which are pretty or fun. My favorite source for cheap bangles and bracelets is Forever21. You can find most there for around $5. My only complaint is that I wish they made them for smaller wrists as most are too big for me to actually wear.

3. 3OH!3 – Want
It seems like people either love 3OH!3 or hate them. Personally, I just can’t really get enough of them. Yes, they are completely ridiculous but that’s part of why I’m into them. You’ve probably heard their singles “Don’t Trust Me” or the remix of “Starstrukk” that they did with Katy Perry. Both of those songs are good, but the entire album is worth checking out. My favorite tracks from this album are “Richman”, “Starstrukk”, and “Punkbitch”. You can buy their album “Want” on iTunes for $9.99.

4. Glamour Magazine
If I’m going to pick up only one magazine to read, it’s going to be Glamour. I love that it’s a mix of fashion, beauty, health, and lifestyle. It’s one of the most well rounded magazines out there. I’m not just saying that because I’m affiliated with Glamour either. By the way, the cover on the left with Taylor Swift (as well as one with Jessica Simpson) from this summer featured the Glambassador announcement. Maybe part of why I love Glamour so much is because my name has been printed in it twice.

5. L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Hydra Collagen Plumping Mascara
While everyone and their mother is in love with CoverGirl LashBlast, I’m head over heads about L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Hydra Collagen Plumping Mascara. I’ve tried LashBlast, and I loved it, but this mascara from L’Oreal was even better. I’m incredibly picky when it comes to mascara and have really high standards. This mascara met them. It really gives you more volume than length, which is just what I look for in mascara. You can read my full review for more.

6. SoftLips Chapstick
When it comes to drugstore lip balms, I think that this is my favorite. Everyone has a soft spot for Burt’s Bees lip balm, but I love the variety of flavors offered by SoftLips. My favorite is Vanilla. It’s sweet but has a hint of mint. The tubes are small enough to fit in the pocket of your tightest pair of skinny jeans, but big enough so that they won’t get lost in the mess inside your purse. They are super moisturizing, and I love that they come in multi packs. If you’re like me and stash balm everywhere, this comes in very handy.

7. Cheap Sunglasses
I love how designer sunglasses look, but I just can’t bring myself to treat any of my sunglasses with respect. I toss them loose into my purse, where at any given time there are probably 3 pairs floating around, and hate the idea of dropping the cash on a case for them. So, cheap sunglasses are my favorite. Forever 21 and Buffalo Exchange have tons of them for super cheap. You can find all kinds of styles and colors. When they under $10, it gives you a lot more freedom to experiment and try new things. Did I really need red aviators or baby pink sunnies? Probably not. But for that cheap, even if I only wear them a couple of times I’m getting my money’s worth.

8. Starbucks
Who doesn’t love Starbucks? I love going to small local coffee shops but, when it doubt, Starbucks is always a reliable coffee stop. My favorites are sweetened iced black coffee, sweetened iced black tea lemonade, sweetened iced passion tea, soy chai, soy peppermint white chocolate mocha, or soy cinnamon dulce latte. You just have to remember that most of their drinks should be treated as a desert rather than your daily coffee fix. Even their instant coffee, Starbucks VIA, is surprisingly good.

9. Togo’s Sandwiches
My pick for fast food is rarely a burger joint. Not only because I don’t eat red meat but because I feel so gross and disgusting after eating greasy or fried food. I’d much rather hit up a sandwich shop instead. When it comes to sandwiches, you could probably almost compare me to Joey from Friends. And don’t even get me started on breakfast foods. My favorite sandwich place is Togo’s. They are only a couple bucks more than Subway, but the quality of ingredients is a lot better. My favorite is the turkey and avacado on wheat bread, with mayo, mustard, and all the veggies. I get a large sandwich for around $6 and it lasts me two meals.

10. Yogi Tea
I first tried Yogi Tea because it was a local Oregon company (before I moved to California, of course). I’ve stuck with it because they offer a variety of unique flavors of regular tea and also have a line of medicinal teas. Their Cold Season Sampler is a staple in the fall and winter. When it comes to tea, I’d prefer loose packed tea from a bulk section. But, since that isn’t always possible or convenient, this is my pick for bagged tea. It tastes fresher than most bagged teas do. My all time favorite is Egyptian Licorice, but they have tons of other yummy green and herbal teas.

So there are My 10 Fave Things for Under 10 Bucks. What are yours?

Recently some of my favorite bloggers (Katy, Marsadie, and Janine) have all posted entries of things they love right now. I’m always curious about what others are into. It’s a great way to get introduced to new items or to be reminded of something you have laying around in your closet/jewelry box/makeup bag. So, here’s my Things I Love Right Now.

• Estee Lauder Turbo Effects Mascara : I recently had to hit up an Estee Lauder counter for an in depth consultation with one of their Beauty Advisors for my Glambassador gig with Glamour magazine. Prior to this, I had never tried a single Estee Lauder product. Not only did I receive a lot of great products to try (both full size and samples) from Glamour and Estee Lauder, but I picked up this mascara. I have lots of long but fine lashes, and this mascara gives me the volume I want while still looking natural. A bit pricey for a mascara, but I have to say it’s the best I’ve ever used.
• Slouchy Knit Beanies : I have this exact one from Forever 21 and have been wearing it every chance I get. I’m extremely picky when it comes to hats, so I was surprised that I loved this one so much. I tried it on a few weeks ago, then went back 2 weeks later to see if it was still there. I suppose it must have been fate because it was still there, and we all know how rare that is with Forever21.
• Cheap Sunnies : My all time favorite pair of sunglasses recently broke, and this pair is their replacement. I’m a sucker for aviator style sunnies and I love cheap sunglasses in general. I just don’t see the point in dropping more than $10 on a pair that I am going to throw around in the mess I call my purse. Plus, they allow you to try out any trend, color, or style without feeling guilty.
• SoftLips Sugar & Spice Lip Balm : I love seasonal beauty items, and this lip balm set is no exception. In high school I was addicted to this stuff and have become addicted again. This set contains a tube of the classic Vanilla SoftLips as well as a tube of Sugar & Spice, which smells just like a Chai latte. Too yummy to resist.
• Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss : I don’t eat dairy, but I do have to say that a lot of the non-dairy deserts don’t taste the greatest. I love Tofutti products, but most other brands I try usually end up in the trash before I hit the bottom of the container or end up being smothered in Hershey’s chocolate syrup to make them tolerable. This coconut milk based desert is delicious. I prefer the Cappuccino flavor because coffee ice cream is one of the things I’ve missed most since I cut out dairy.
• NARS Lip Gloss in Orgasm : My tried and true all time favorite gloss. This shade is incredibly flattering and is the perfect go-to gloss for everyone. Some people find the price ridiculous but, trust me on this, it’s worth it! The tube will last you forever.
• Steve Madden Intyce Boots : Okay, so I actually have the Target version of these boots (which were only $30 compared to $170), but I love them just the same. Good boots that are both stylish and functional are really hard to find, but these are a great mix.

What are some of your current favorite items?

Blip.fm : Blip.fm is a lot like Twitter, except it’s based around music. You can find songs on there, listen to them, “blip” them, create playlists, people can reply to your “blips”, add people to your friends list, etc. You can have it play through everyone’s public blips, just those you have added as a friend, or just your own. It’s a great way to find new music and is great for those of you who, like me, constantly have your headphones on when on the computer. Are you on blip.fm? If so, add me!! If not, definitely sign up and check it out.

The Dandy Warhols – “The Last of the Outlaw Truckers” : Anyone who has already added me on Blip.fm or Twitter already knows how much I love this song. I’ve posted about The Dandy Warhols before in a previous obsessions posts before. They are one of my favorite bands and they just impress me more and more with each album that they release. Currently, I absolutely cannot stop listening to this song. You can find the song on Blip, Playlist.com, or You Tube. Personally, I find The Dandys to be best when listened to with high quality headphones and the volume turned up to a level that probably isn’t healthy. I’m also really into their cover of “Call Me”, which is originally by Blondie.

Sweater Vests : Because I really need to add an obsession that’s related to fashion or beauty, I decided to choose sweater vests. I’ve always been a sucker for the geeky look of the classic pull over version, and I’m really digging the button up style that’s showing up all over this spring. One of my favorites is the Maya Sweater Vest from Abercrombie & Fitch. Other cute ones are the Iris Slvls Sweater Cardigan from Forever 21, the Striped Sleeveless Cardigan from Forever 21, and the Whispering Sands Sweater Vest from Hollister Co.

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The Dandy Warhols : The Dandys have been one of my favorite bands for well over 10 years now, and lately I have not been able to stop listening to their album “Odditorium or Warlords of Mars”. My favorite tracks on the album are “All The Money or The Simple Life Honey”, “Everyone Is Totally Insane”, “The New Country”, and “Holding Me Up”. I’ve also been really into the videos done by Gothman for their songs. His mash ups to “Holding Me Up” and “Down Like Disco” are my two favorites. Not yet familiar with The Dandy Warhols? Check out their website where they have clips from a lot of songs.

Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss : Like a lot of girls, I am a total lip gloss addict. I have tubes in the bathroom, in my purse, on my night stand, on my computer table… Anywhere and everywhere. I swear, they need an 800 number for Lip Gloss Addicts Anonymous or something. After deciding that I not only wanted but also needed red lip gloss, I recently purchased Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Cherry Bomb and Red Delicious. I had never tried their lip glosses before and was pleasantly surprised. They smell great, aren’t super sticky, are fairly long lasting, and moisturizing. Right now, they are on sale and you can get 2 glosses for $12, which isn’t a bad deal.

Knit Slouchy Cabbie Caps : I got one in gray a couple of weeks ago from Forever 21 and have been wearing it every chance that I get since. It’s warm, cozy, and cute. In fact, yesterday I wore mine in a version of my Pete Wentz inspired outfit, along with the same plaid top and some brown boating shoes from Forever 21. The one pictured on the left is the XL Marled Slouchy Cabbie from Urban Outfitters. Another cute style is the Chunky Pom Pom Cap from Forever 21 (which I am going to have to buy at some point this season). The Gap also has some great cute ones in stores, but not online, for around $13.

What are you obsessed with this week??

Alright, so I wanted to start this Weekly Obsessions thing and actually stick to it, but I’ve just been way too busy with work the past couple of weeks and haven’t posted one since November 9th. I’ve been neglecting not only this blog but also Sparkle Shelf as well. Leave me some comments to help keep me motivated, okay? Anyways, here are my recent obsessions.

Victoria’s Secret Pink Winter Underwear : I’m one of those girls whose underwear drawer is constantly overflowing. I definitely have a thing for cute underwear (I collect Hello Kitty pairs) and will find ways to justify buying some pretty cute but ridiculous pairs, like my baby blue layered lace bloomers. This past week I hit up the 5 of $25 sale on Victoria’s Secret Pink undies and scooped up several pairs of winter themed underwear. What’s better than having snowflakes and other winter scenes on your booty? Not a whole lot. They are soft, comfortable, and cute. Check out the Victoria’s Secret Pink 5 for $25 sale and pick up some for yourself.

Chromeo : I’ve been listening to the album “Fancy Footwork” pretty much non-stop over the past couple of weeks. A quick peek at my Last.fm charts can definitely confirm that. I’m a total sucker for synth pop, so Chromeo perfectly fits into my musical guilty pleasures. If you’re into the likes of Daft Punk and Figurine, you would probably be into Chromeo as well. My favorite songs are “Fancy Footwork“, “Bonafied Lovin’“, “Opening Up” and “Call Me Up“. Are there any other Chromeo fans out there? Their infectious sound makes them worth checking out.

Ugly Betty : My work schedule makes watching shows on TV pretty much impossible. This is why I’ve turned into a complete Netflix addict. Lately I’ve been watching an awful lot of Ugly Betty and have been reminded of why I love this show so much. Right now I’m in the middle of season two and am loving the current plot lines. The first episode of this season made me cry my eyes out, I hate Charlie, and I find it so adorable that Mark has learned how to look past the outside. The clothing in all of the episodes, the cameo by Victoria Beckham, and the gorgeous actor who plays Daniel are just icing on the cake.

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Inspired by one of my favorite communities on LiveJournal, Love & Lattes, I’ve decided to start a new series of posts called Weekly Obsessions. Love & Lattes does a monthly favorites post from each writer, and I always enjoyed the posts. They are full of random and interesting items and are also a great way to get to know the author a little better. However, seeing as I’m one of those people who’s addicted to StumbleUpon, reads 3 books at a time, and browses foreign fashion photography on a daily basis my obsessions tend to change quite often. So here are my weekly obsessions for this week.

The Minnetonka Fringe Boot : All fall I’ve been craving boots and, always a sucker for comfort and cuteness, am completely drawn to these. Ever since I saw Ashley Tisdale wearing boots with fringe I’ve been lusting for a pair. Unfortunately, I can’t afford them. But, I certainly can dream, right? They just seem perfect to wear with jeans and cardigans. They are comfy like Uggs are, but the fringe detail just adds a great something extra to these. These boots are available online through Urban Outfitters.

The American Eagle Stripe Tuxedo Shirt : As I stated in my Fall Fashion Wish List, I’m really into blouses with ruffles this year. Or basically any year. I featured this blouse in my post on Boyfriend Cut Jeans and have been wanting to add it to my closet ever since. I’ve always thought that the retro 1970’s ruffled tuxedo died an early fashion death, and love it’s revival in the style of blouses like this one. This top is a play off the basic striped blouse that everyone has in their closet, and you can wear it in just as many ways. It keeps business casual chic. You can score this shirt online through AE.com.

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