Jewelry Making

I just wanted to pop on here and tell you about my Etsy store. I starting making jewelry for myself just as a fun hobby and it's turned into a little business. Since I started making more jewelry and wearing it more, people have complimented me on things I've made. Its always fun to see their reactions when you tell them you made what your wearing. People are shocked that it looks like something you would buy at the mall. 

Several of my friends and family encouraged me to start an Etsy page and recently I gave in. There are a few items up on the page currently and I will be posting more soon. Each piece is one of a kind and hand made. I put a lot of time and effort into picking the beads, planning the style, and putting it together. If you like an item please consider buying it because once its gone it's gone. 

Below are a few items in the store....

Please check my store out at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimpLeeCraftee?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arandom_thought
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Is Beauty Really Attainable?

I recently watch a video where four women were giving the opportunity to have professional photos taken and then have them edited to look like the models in magazines. Each woman wanted to see what their "perfect" self would look like. When they finally saw the edited photos, all four immediately realized, this was not them. One woman even said something a long the lines of, when you have someone do your make up, your wardrobe, tell you how to pose, and  then edit out all your imperfections, what is left of you?

The models we see in the magazines make us want a beauty that is not attainable. When magazines look at these already beautiful models and edit them to look perfect, its a lie. Society has this idea that in order to be beautiful we have to be tall, thin, and have no flaws. Beauty equals perfection. This is such a distortion of reality and the everyday. Yes there are models who are tall and thin in this world. There are also women around us everyday who are not tall, not thin, not models yet still beautiful. I think as women we need to find our inner beauty and accept our outer beauty. We need to put aside what society thinks and accept who we are. We are BEAUTIFUL!

So the question of is beauty really attainable is up to you. It's up to you on whether you believe what society tells you or what the magazines portray. But as a woman I want to feel beautiful and I think every woman wants to feel that way. So why limit beauty to perfection?

I challenge you to accept your beauty and to encourage just one woman in your life about their beauty.


Here is the link for the video if you would like to watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRlpIkH3b5I

TIP TUESDAY IS BACK! #15

TIP TUESDAY IS BACK!

When it is time to sharpen those pencil eyeliners or eyebrow pencils, put them in the freezer for a few hours. When you go to sharpen then this will keep them from breaking off.

Try it and leave me a comment on how it worked for you. 
Have a tip you wanna share? Tweet it to me @arandom_thought using the hashtag #TipTuesday
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February Favorites

I just wanted to share a few new things I have been reaching for in the month of Feburary.

Milani Baked Powder Blush in Delizioso Pink
- This is a blue based bubblegum pink blush. I find this is perfect for my fair skin because I can build it up or town it down depending on where I'm going or what I am doing. I have been wearing it most days and I'm loving it.

Becca Shimmer Skin Pefector in Moonstone
-If you are looking for a BOLD highlight this is it! I light dab in the product gives an amazing glow to the tops of your cheeks. A little goes a long way so this products last for ages.

NARS Bronzer in Laguna
- This bronzer is just the perfect light bronzer. I use it to add just a little definition to my checks, the hairline, and the jaw line. For me a little goes a long way.

Sephora 4 Shadows and Liner Palette for Brown Eyes
- At first I was a little disappointed with the quality of these eye shadows but I've found that if I build these up a bit they look pretty good. I have been using Caroline's Pride the most. I have used it in my crease or lower lash line to give a subtle purple to the look.

Left to right: Lilac, Retro Powerpuff, Marie, Caroline's Pride, and Dark Grey

Left to right: Lilac, Retro Powerpuff, Marie, Caroline's Pride, and Dark Grey

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics
- I had been avoiding Urban Decay eye shadows for a long time thinking they can't be as good as everyone says they are. Well than I got a Urban Decay quad as a 500 point perk from Sephora and I thought I would give them a try. Well I loved them. So last time I was at Sephora I picked up the Naked 2 Basics and I have not been disappointed. First thing you need to know these are a bit powdery but still creamy. Second they are perfect for blending out. Third I have used this everyday since I picked it up. It is great on its own and paired with other shadow/palettes.

Left to right: Skimp, Stark, Frisk, Cover Primal, and Undone

Top to bottom: Skimp, Stark, Frisk, Cover Primal, and Undone

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arandom_thought
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Purple Eye Shadow Look

So I decided to share this purple eye shadow look with you. If you would like more information on the look check it out at Youtube: http://youtu.be/X8lVkS1dYAI

All products used on eyes:
NYX Cosmetics Proof It Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer.
Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eye Shadow in Bella Violet (- All over the lid -)
NYX Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Damage Control (- In the crease)
Too Faced Eye Shadow Collection in Mother's Love (- Over the Bella Violet -), Satin Sheets (- Didn't use -), Unbreakable, and Ever After (- Both in the crease -)
Physicians Formula Black Crayon Liner (- Thin line on lid and bottom lash line -)
Marc Jacobs Lash Lifter Gel Volume Mascara (- Top and bottom lashes -)
NYX Cosmetics Doll Eye Mascara Long Lash (- Top lashes -)
Physicians Formula Happy Booster Powder in Translucent ( - On the brow bone -)

All products used on face:
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer in Light (- Cover any blemishes -)
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation in 805 Ivory
Beauty Bender (- To blend in foundation -)
Nars Bronzer in Laguna (- To contour my cheeks and all over glow -)
Too Faced Perfect Flushes Blush in Peach Beach (- Upper parts of my cheeks -)
Physicians Formula Happy Booster Powder in Translucent (- Highlighter on the tops of my cheeks -)
NYX Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Tweed (- To fill in my brows -)
Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax (- To keep my brows in place -)
NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Strawberry Parfait (- Lips -)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arandom_thought
Intragram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPfmQ57woc92vQ9HznF1yVw

Spontaneous Tip Tuesday #15

So I decided to try something a bit different for this weeks Tip Tuesday. Hope you like it. Click the link below. 

http://youtu.be/V0Aj6nsSygI

Try it and leave me a comment on how it worked for you. 
Have a tip you wanna share? Tweet it to me @arandom_thought using the hashtag #TipTuesday
Check out my Intragram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought
Check out my Pintrest:  http://www.pinterest.com/aliciarandom/

Tip Tuesday #14

Love you mascara but it clumps? Try wiping the your mascara wand on a tissue before applying. This helps get rid of the excess that is causing the clumping. 


Try it and leave me a comment on how it worked for you. 
Have a tip you wanna share? Tweet it to me @arandom_thought using the hashtag #TipTuesday
Check out my Intragram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought
Check out my Pintrest:  http://www.pinterest.com/aliciarandom/

Bad Mascera

So I recently been trying new mascaras but these two just don't work for me.

Le Chick Flick Waterproof mascara from NYX Cosmetics
- This claims to be waterproof. I put this to the test and wore it while I showered one day.Well I ending up looking like a raccoon after my shower. Does not do what it claims. It smears too much to wear as an everyday mascara either.

Voluminous Original in Purple Obsession from L'oreal Paris
- I was kinda excited when I saw this display at CVS. I was like yes I am going to try something different and wear a dark purple mascara. Well it comes out of the tube purple but on my lashes its practically black. It might work better for those with lighter lashes though. Even if it did show up purple I can't wear it. I love the way it makes my lashes look like but it makes my eyes burn. I don't know if its the color in the product that is bothering my eyes but in any case just not worth it.


Check out my Twitter: https://twitter.com/arandom_thought
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MIA???

So I know I have been MIA for the last two months. Life just seemed to get in the way. I picked up more hours at work and honestly I just didn't feel like blogging. I will been making more of an effort to be putting up posts. I will be on vacation next week so I am not sure if I will get any post up that week but I am trying to get one up before I leave.


Check out my Twitter: https://twitter.com/arandom_thought
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Tip Tuesday #13

Does this every happen to you? Your brushing your hair and all the brush really does is create static. Well I've got a solution for you. Spray a small amount of hairspray on your brush before brushing it through you hair. This will keep the static at bay and calm those flyaway hairs.


Try it and leave me a comment on how it worked for you. 
Have a tip you wanna share? Tweet it to me @arandom_thought using the hashtag #TipTuesday
Check out my Intragram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought
Check out my Pintrest:  http://www.pinterest.com/aliciarandom/

Dark Circles

It doesn't seem to matter how much sleep I get I always have dark circles. According the the Mayo Clinic this is not uncommon. Eczema, stress, nasal congestion, rubbing your eyes, allergies, sun exposure, and heredity are some other causes of dark circles. Well for starters I have sensitive skin and prone to eczema, second stress is inevitable, third I do have some allergies and forth I am in the sun a lot.

So it looks like I can't do much about the above things so I've found a pretty good way to cover my dark circles. First I use my foundation, currently using MAC Studio Sculpt in NC 15 which is a full coverage foundation. I pat that under the eye. Second I use MAC Studio Fix concealer in NC 15. This concealer covers blemishes and dark circles pretty well. Third I use Revlon Color Stay Under Eye Concealer. This is a highlighting concealer so it makes the area look less dark. Forth I always set this with powder, usually what ever powder I am using at the time.

It is important to keep in mind I only use a small amount of each product so that it does not look caked on. I also use my ring finger to pat the product on since this finger applies the least amount of pressure. Lastly this is what works for me and my skin. This may not work for everyone. Even though this is my method this may give you some ideas to help you out. 

Top left: No makeup on.

Top right: Make up on.

Bottom: Products used to achieve desired coverage.  

Source: Mayo Clinic Causes of Dark Circles by Mayo Clinic Staff

http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/basics/causes/sym-20050624

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arandom_thought

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Tip Tu...Wednesday #12

Tired of your eye shadow wearing off after several hours? Do you know want to cave and by a good eye shadow base? You can use any cream shadow to keep those that eye shadow on. The cream base give the power shadow something to grip to making it last longer. If you are looking for a good cream shadow I would go with any of the Maybelline Lock It Tattoo Cream Shadow. 


Try it and leave me a comment on how it worked for you. 
Have a tip you wanna share? Tweet it to me @arandom_thought using the hashtag #TipTuesday
Check out my Intragram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought
Check out my Pintrest:  http://www.pinterest.com/aliciarandom/


*Sorry this post is late. 

Splurge Saturday #3

This weeks splurge worthy item is:

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15  
Sade: Clear in brown case. Comes in 8 colors. 
Amount of product: 0.15 oz.
Price: $22.50 
Purchase: http://www.sephora.com/sugar-lip-treatment-spf-15-P57002

Photo credit: Sephora

I like this product because it does a great job of healing your lips. I put it on before bed and when I wake up my lips are much smoother. I tend to wear this at night because it is heavier than other chapsticks but on occasion I will wear it during the day. 

Benefits of product

- It is formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemical, and GMO's. 

- It has SPH 15 which is great if you are going into the sun. 

- It is also formulated with repairing oils (black currant oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil).

- It contains real sugar and beeswax which are natural humectant.

If you try the product be sure to leave a comment below or tweet me @arandom_thought using the #SplurgeSaturday

Check out my Intragram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought

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Tip Tuesday #11

When you don't know what color shoes will go best with your outfit the best choice seems to always be black. Wrong. The best choice is a nude color shoe. This color shoe elongates the leg and the color goes with everything. Black heals tend to cut the foot off from the rest of the leg making it look awkward. Now I know we are all guilty of this mistake and to tell you the truth I do not own a good pair of nude shoes. Next time I need some shoes for a outfit I'm going to try a nude shoe.


Try it and leave me a comment on how it worked for you. 
Have a tip you wanna share? Tweet it to me @arandom_thought using the hashtag #TipTuesday
Check out my Intragram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought
Check out my Pintrest:  http://www.pinterest.com/aliciarandom/

No Tip Tuesday???

I apologize that Tip Tuesday was not up this week. I had a crazy busy week with work and I was unable to get a post together. I will resume my normal schedule next week. 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arandom_thought

Instagram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought

Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciarandom/

New Product!

I have only been using this for a month but it is fantastic! It is NYX Cosmetics Doll Eyes Long Lash Mascara. One of the issues I have with lengthening mascara is it makes my lashes look too long. This product does not do this, it makes them look just right. One of the unique features is the wand is its bell shape. It just grabs the lashes in a different way then the typical wand. Also the product is not too thick so it does not way down my long lashes. It is definitely worth the hype. I reach for this everyday and will keep reaching for it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arandom_thought

Instagram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought

Pintrest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciarandom/

Splurge Saturday #2

This weeks splurge worthy item is:

Michael Todd Organic Cranberry Antioxidant Toner 
Amount of product: 8.4 fl oz. 
Price: $18
Purchase: http://www.michaeltoddtrueorganics.com/organic-cranberry-toner.html

Photo credit: Michael Todd 

I love this toner because no matter how much I scrub my face this still gets off make up. I put it on a cotton round wipe my face and then repeat. I repeat because I feel like the second time it really gets into my skin and it feels fresh. I used to use Clean and Clear Sensitive Skin Astringent which tingled but was not as effective. I never realized how much makeup was really left on my skin after I used a make up wipe and washed my face. Since it gets off that makeup you would think it would be harsh on the skin, right? Wrong, it is still great for my sensitive skin. 

Benefits of product

- Anti-aging properties, not that I really need that yet but its a plus. 

- 90% organic ingredients. I'm trying to go more organic with my skin care so I love this brand since they tell you how much of each product is organic. 

- Antioxidants from the cranberries which are wonderful for your skin. 

- Balances the pH levels of your skin. Always need balance. 

- Non-drying which is great for my already dry skin. There is no alcohol in the product which is usually the main cause for products drying out your skin. 

- Fights bacteria on the skin. 

If you try the product be sure to leave a comment below or tweet me @arandom_thought using the #SplurgeSaturday

Check out my Intragram: http://instagram.com/arandom_thought

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New Product!

I have been using Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in transparent for three months. I actually like this and reach for this more than my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in light plus. It does a great job of keeping the shine away. I would not say this last all day but I don't mind reapplying if necessary. The best part is the color is not too dark for my skin. I have a very hard time finding products that are light enough for my very fair skin, so this was a wonderful find.

Twitter: @arandom_thought

Instagram: arandom_thought
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Throwback Thursday

I have been using John Frieda Frizz Ease Hydrating Conditioner for 5 years. It's crazy to think I picked this out randomly and thought I would give it a try. This conditioner works so well with my hair. It conditions my dry ends and keeps the frizz away. It smells amazing and the scent keeps in my hair for 2 days. I love this product!

Tip Tuesday #10

Don't spend money on expensive make up brush cleaners. Just use a mild dish soap or color safe shampoo to clean your brushes. There are two ways you can cleaning the brushes. First takes some the soap or shampoo on your hand,dilute it with some water, rub your brush in it, then run under the water. Repeat if necessary. Second, fill water in a cup with the soap or shampoo and swish your brushes in the cup until clean. Run the brushes under the water and repeat if necessary. Never get the handle of the brush wet and always dry flat on a towel or facing down.


Try it and leave me a comment on how it worked for you. 
Have a tip you wanna share? Tweet it to me @arandom_thought using the hashtag #TipTuesday
Check out my Intragram: arandom_thought.