Hello my name is Michele and I am addicted to online shopping. I don’t know when then addiction started; maybe my second deployment when I was buying clothes off of modcloth.com and urbanoutfitters.com. I just kept buying clothes and other things, but still saving money. I felt like I could buy anything.

This deployment is no different.

I have a serious Amazon itch. I have been buying books, clothes, and some other oddities (I have wanted to take up drawing so I can sketch out my next tattoo). I even found a pair of red bottom CL’s that are only 450 dollars. Yeah it is even that bad that I would consider it. 

I have a technique when I shop online, especially on clothing stores. I fill my cart to the brink or until I reach 1,000 dollars. I then go through said cart and delete things I really don’t want or don’t need. I sometimes buy the clothes and sometimes I don’t and just let my shopping cart sit there. It is super sad.

I honestly like shopping this way because I don’t have to go into the dressing room and embarrass myself. This also can bite me in the butt (like if stuff runs smaller then the size given).

I find the strangest things online as well. Like things I wouldn’t even consider in person, I think ‘Hey this is neat.’ I wish I could smack myself sometimes. 

My bookmarks are even sorted by different shopping sites; I have a folder marked ‘beauty shopping sites’ and ‘clothing shopping sites.’ Yeah I get pretty serious.

Does anyone else have this kind of addiction? If so, how do you quell it? Or can you?

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele

I bought this body wash because one I needed a new body wash and wanted something that was moisturizing. The label gave me hope that I would combat this horrible dryness.

The details from drugstore.com:

With Vitamin E

- Moisturizes after 4 showers to fight dryness due to aging

- Each bottle contains more than a jar of Olay® moisturizers

- Soap-free formula rinses clean, leaving no residue

Reveal younger-looking skin in just one use with Olay Age Defying Body Wash.  It conditions dry skin all day, moisturizing it to fight the dryness associated with skin aging.

Ingredients:

Water, Petrolatum, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Trideceth 3, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylonitrile/Methacrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Mineral Oil, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, PEG 90M, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Isopentane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

Don’t think the write up from the company fool you. Supposedly four showers and it moisturizes the skin; yeah the hell right. Not even after eight washes did my skin moisturize. I used this body wash for a month and a half hoping I would get better skin, but boy was I wrong. I was sadly disappointed. I don’t recommend this product and will never use it again, especially since I threw it away with half the bottle filled. I might stay away from Olay products in general after this little try-out.

I give this product: 0 out 5 stars

I hope this helps you guys out (I know it was completely negative) and if you know an Olay product I might like, please tell me.

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele

The Romance Novel. A trashy piece of literature that sends plenty of hearts of flutter. Now when I say trashy I don’t mean hill-billy, redneck, trailer park, dumbass-ery. I mean that it’s a piece of literature that is mass produced and the same characters over and over again. That being said I have been reading a whole lot of them lately. I am not kidding. The past couple of books were romance serials that kept me on the edge of  my seat. I had to buy the next one and keep reading. After I would finish serial I would feel like total crap and think to myself, “OH GOD I CAN’T BELIEVE I READ THIS PILE OF CRAP!” Of course I just keep reading them.

The bulk of the books have been steamy sex serials. Like bad versions of Fifty Shades of Grey. I sometimes think that Amazon suggestions are the devil because of it leading me to buying those damn books. Seriously though, every time I open up Amazon I see those random books pop up and think “Hmm maybe this will be okay to read.” Damn am I wrong. 

I am not trying to degrade or steer you away from the occasional romance novel, but reading them like you are eating Oreos while you are on your period is not good for you (especially your back).

Here are the serials I have been reading:

The Arrangement Series by H.M. Ward. Interesting series, but seriously a college girl who becomes a hooker and says I love you to a client she met before she was a hooker. There are seven parts to the series so far with more probable parts along the way.

His To Command Series by Opal Carew. Reads like a bad knock off of 50 Shades, if the main characters had a few years between the first break up. It is a six part series.

The Fetish Box Series by Nicole Camden. Is actually pretty decent and pretty realistic. It is a three part series and worth every book. Not bad at all.

So there you go the serials that have been keeping me up late at night the past couple of weeks. But I am done and will not (or at least try) to read any more of these serials.

Stay beautiful lovelies.

Michele

Japan: I thought the culture was interesting, plus I was a total anime geek growing up. Seriously Sailor Moon was my shit. Crazy I know.

Scotland: I have already made it to England (London only) and Ireland (The Republic). I want to go to the land where my ancestors are from.

Brazil: I always thought it was an exotic, fun place to be. I wanted to see how life was down south of the equator.

Canada: I wanted to check out my northern neighbors. See how they lived life.

Australia: I have family living there and always wanted to visit them. Luckily I get to check this place off my list in a few months when I go on vacation from Afghanistan.

Egypt: I loved the history and culture of ancient Egypt. It was what sort of drew me into my first major for college, Archaeology. I wanted to see the whole Mediterranean area (Southern France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the list goes on).

Honestly this is my list. I know it’s a little short, but I did get to experience some interesting countries not on my list while I was in Europe.

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele

PS Sorry there hasn’t been that many pictures with my blog. I know that is what holds a lot of audiences attention, but I have a slow internet connection and want to make sure I get the posts out on time. Thanks for understanding!

Over my time as an Apple user, yes I have everything Apple (except my tablet), I have noticed that programs and apps are becoming way more accessible. The App Store on both the phone and computer have been slowly eating at my pocket book. So here are some of my favorite apps for both:

Organizational/Writing Apps

Ulysses (for Macbook): It is a great writing app, if you like mark-down style. I had never used anything like this before and I was sick of using Office for Mac. I found it for pretty cheap on the App Store and needed something to write up these lovely articles I do for the blog. In fact I am using it right now.

Games Apps

Injustice (for iPhone): I am seriously addicted to this game. You can battle DC characters against each other. Supposedly there is a console game, but I have not played it.

Social Media Apps

Instagram (for iPhone): As you all know I have an Instagram account (@beautyliciousblog) and before I was deployed would constantly update said account. I still try to, but that is besides the point. I also have PicFrame for iPhone for my Instagram pictures.

Dating Apps

Let’s Date (for iPhone): I found this on the Suicide Girls Instagram and thought why  not try it. It takes the premise of Hot or Not and turns it into a dating/blind date format. I like it, even though I am across the pond at the time.

Photography Apps

Fotor (for Macbook): I found this again on the App Store and thought why not try it (it was free at the time). I like it even though it is sort of limited. The whole drag and drop practice is really nice as well.

Video/Movie Apps

VLC (for Macbook): I have used VLC for years (discovered it from my fellow soldiers while on deployment and also while I had a Dell). It is a great way to watch movies that are not compatible with iTunes or QuickTime. Plus it helped me watch my shows that I had on my hard drive and were from iTunes whenever I couldn’t connect to the internet on my laptop (I had to verify my account and couldn’t).

So here are my picks, I hope they give you some ideas on what to download if you want to. This list is not all my apps, just some of them and for my iPhone I have a lot trust me.

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele

So yes it has been two weeks since my last post, but really it seems a lot longer lovelies. I have missed you all very dearly. But lets get down to brass-tacs shall we?

Over the past month I have either downloaded new music or grabbed from my iCloud to listen to some of my favorite artists. Here are some of my favorite albums from April:

Marina and the Diamonds Electra Heart (Deluxe Edition) Favorite Song: Homewrecker

Paramore Paramore Favorite Song: Grow Up

Iron & Wine Ghost on Ghost Favorite Song: The Desert Babbler

Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience Favorite Song: Suit and Tie

Kings of Leon Only By the Night Favorite Song: 17

Lana Del Rey Born to Die (Deluxe Edition) Favorite Song: Lolita

Most of the albums have been on repeat over and over again. Trust me it has been an never ending music list of stuff. And this isn’t everything.

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele

Now I know the title makes you scratch your head and say “But Michele I don’t plan on deploying to a far off land anytime soon” or “I am not even in the military I don’t know why I need this.” I am going to tell you something my grandma “CC” used to say to me, “Hold onto your breeches and just listen.” This isn’t necessarily for deployments, you can adapt this into your upcoming camping/hiking trip. Maybe even a road trip where you have limited space. Maybe even a trip to your families for a holiday visit. Just think of it as your way to have a quick kit for those trips that require a little bags and lots of drama.

First things first, maybe sure you have room for all these items. You don’t want to leave something out because you didn’t have room in your pack. Trust me somethings can’t be left behind and found on the other side at a small shop.

Now that you got all that settled, on to the fun part, what you will need. From my experience, this is my third deployment to the Middle East, your base/camp/small ass post with little water supply can determine on what you will need or what you will get. The mail system is a tricky bitch when it comes to delivering certain items; i.e. mouthwash, batteries (check your local supply shop my military girlies), etc. Trust me on this, mail especially during the winter months in Afghanistan can get a little sketchy and depending on where you are at, you won’t get mail for quite some time. So like I said pack accordingly.

Now onto what you will need, you don’t have to get the same exact things I have, this is just a reference point. Skin care wise, as stated in my review on Bobbi Brown face cream, the water is pretty chlorinated. Make sure you know what happens to your skin when it comes in contact to long exposed chlorinated water. Here are the items I brought with me:

(From Left to Right: Secret Clinical Strength Sport Antiperspirant, Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Facial Cleanser in Pink Grapefruit, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Foaming Scrub in Pink Grapefruit, and Aloe After Sun Lotion)

Now a breakdown of why I brought them with me. The Secret Clinical Strength I brought with me (and I brought about six sticks in all) is because you will need that strength when it comes to working out here in these conditions. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will be tiring. I honestly DO NOT want to be covered in sweat every second of my time here. I don’t mind, but honestly if I can hold off on using three shirts a day, I will. The Bobbi Brown Face Cream is explained in the review of the product (here). The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Washes in Pink Grapefruit are great products for out here. After long hours out in the sun or packing or moving for that matter you want a face wash and scrub that will do the trick. Plus I am prone to breaking out a lot while I am out in the “box” so using these definitely help me out in the long run. Finally the Aloe After Sun Lotion I have been using (this is the Wal-Mart brand) for years for regular lotion instead of the other kinds. I think it gives a better coverage, lasts longer, and soaks into the skin a lot more then regular lotions. Plus most of the After Sun lotions have great smells (not this one mind you) so you don’t have to bring perfume (and I know a lot of girls who bring perfume out to Afghanistan, don’t ask).

Next I will be going over some shower necessities:

(From Left to Right: Tresemme Purify and Replenish Shampoo and Conditioner, Olay Age Defying Body Wash, Mouthwash)

Now the Tresemme Purify and Replenish is a great set to use on your hair out here. You get grease, sand, and other things all mixed up in your locks and this just strips it off all that crap (I mean that literally, again don’t ask). I found this at the PX (post exchange for you non-military folk) and thought I would give it a try. It is really helping with stripping my hair of the gross airborne stuff it gets in it, plus I am trying to get rid off the color currently clogging it up, so it is helping with that as well. No you’re probably wondering why I am using “Age Defying” body wash, well one that is the only “girl” type body wash that they had and two I am sick of using Axe Body Wash. As great as it is, some of the smells are somewhat girly, I am really hating the fact of smelling like a guy 24-7. Plus I am in transition right now and don’t have an address to ship my favorite body wash to. Mouthwash (this is generic brand) is very essential on these deployments. The water is sterile enough to brush your teeth, but they don’t feel clean afterward. You need something that will clean and protect your teeth in the long run. I suggest Listerine Total Care, because honestly I have used it for years and I have been getting very few cavities.

Onto some not necessary, but you might need them in a jam:

(From Left to Right: Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo, tampons, feminine wipes)

Okay yes I have a picture of tampons, but seriously if you are going to be gone from the homestead for more than a day or two, pack a bunch of these. The feminine wipes pictured are from Playtex (they are actually for after certain activities and I did not know that when I bought them, but they work just the same). Also dry shampoo is for those of us who won’t be able to shower everyday and can’t stand our hair greasy.

Now on to the accessories:

(From Left to Right: Shower puff, mirror, hair brush, sun screen, tweezers, and shower bag)

(Microfiber towel)

Now you are probably wondering who would need this on a trip to their families house, but hey you never know what could happen. Maybe you can’t use the bathroom right away and need to get your  stuff right before the family goes to Mass. Who knows?! Again adapt this packing list to whatever you need. The tweezers are kind of a good thing to have though, especially some really sharp ones. You don’t want to go around looking like Groucho Marx, even if you are trying not to impress anyone. Whoever invented the microfiber towel I could kiss them. Seriously I would make out with that person, in public, probably with tongue. I know a little graphic, but that is how much I love these towels. I own two; a small towel and a big towel. They are very useful when it comes to being out here or even on a camping trip. They don’t mold, they don’t stink, and they fold really flat or can be rolled into a small thing so you don’t have to worry about how much space your huge towel will take up. I found these on my first deployment when one of my roommates told me about them. I cannot see myself bringing another type of towel out here. 

So there it is, my essential beauty packing list. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Also there were a lot, and I mean a lot, of things I did not picture because honestly I don’t have them handy and plus they don’t always apply to everyone. Remember adapt this list into whatever trip you are taking, whether it is to the sand box, on a camping trip, or to your family for a holiday. This list could essential be a great thing to bookmark.

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele

I have seen plenty of pins and tumblr posts that suggest that mint and turquoise are the it colors this year. The vibrant color pushes into our senses and makes us look at the person wearing the item. I saw it a lot in the FW runway shoes of Australia with their interesting prints and solids.

(From shoes)

(To metallic versions)

(To solid colors)

(Bags)

(And finally rings)

This is a great color to show off and it definitely shows that spring and summer are here. If you want to add a pop to your wardrobe this season or even year remember that this is the perfect color to make people’s heads turn.

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele

Everyone on here knows I have a Pinterest and on that Pinterest I have a DIY board. Now if you haven’t delved into the links associated with some of these pins, maybe you should. You find all sort of fascinating websites with a lot more DIY projects for you to do.

One DIY that I adore and really want to do is this:

([http://emilysummers-designer.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/pretty-handmade-envelopes.html])

It is a make your own envelopes. I know I know who uses envelopes these days let alone snail mail. I think this would be a great project to do for graduations, weddings, birthdays, or baby showers. It gives a personal touch and shows that you, the sender, really wants to person receiver to actually come. I will either have my mother send me paper or order it on my own. I could use some relaxing projects when I am not working.

The next DIY I love and have done is this:

(http://www.theyummylife.com/Natural\_Room\_Scents#EmbedRecipe\_275)

They aren’t the heaviest scents, but they have a great smell to them. I did a grapefruit and cinnamon one for my bathroom back in the states. I loved the interesting scent and want to do it again when I am back. Maybe a different scent. 

So the next website isn’t just about DIY, it is about party planning and all sorts of crazy good stuff. Great tips for those of us that like to throw shindigs. So here it is:

(http://www.mintlovesocialclub.com)

Like I said this is not just a DIY website. It is a great website that have tips, tricks, and even some drink recipes that will tickle your fancy. They have a Facebook as well, so make sure you go and like them.

So the last DIY is a great idea and I cannot wait to do this when I get back home. Here it is:

(http://thecsiproject.com/2011/07/27/piped-bench-cushionpretty-handy-girl/)

I loved the color when I saw this and to think this is made out of a shower curtain. Like I said I cannot wait to try it out, with help from my awesome mom of course.

Well I hope I got everyone in a DIY kind of mood now. Remember Pinterest is a great place to find new projects and if you want a start off on it, go to my DIY board on Pinterest (@beautyliciousbp).

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele

I know right drugs, sex, scandal…what kind of books have I been reading lately. Of course some people might say it is a juicy romance title, but here is a FYI for y’all out there I DO NOT READ ROMANCE NOVELS!! That being said, this book is more of a journey/find-ones-self book. Here is the low deal:

Title: South of Bixby Bridge

Author: Ryan Winfield

Genre: Adult Discovery Fiction

Pages: 282 (actual book pages)/ 6285 (kindle pages)

Discovered/Recommended by: Amazon

According to the questions to the author, he took some of the story from his own experiences which I find courageous. I would be embarrassed to write about my addictions, but I think it is part of his healing process which I commend him for.

Now that we have the formalities out of the way, let’s get down to business. This book is crazy. Plain and simple. I seriously was confused by all the “drug daze” writing going on. Now I have been in a drunken daze so I can understand the stumbling and crazy drinking binges, but the some of the scenes were ridiculous. The main character of the book is Trevor, a former money-manager (stocks and bonds my friends) who has a pill and alcohol addiction. The book starts out with him leaving rehab after a serious over-dose. He thinks he can get everything under control and that he doesn’t have a problem; he does well except for one person convinces him that he can “quit” any times he wants. Yeah that is exactly what you tell a rehabilitating addict “you can quit all by yourself;” obviously this takes him down a horrible trail. 

His “pusher” is his sex crazy, sterile, and bisexual boss Paul. Paul hires the young (almost 30) Trevor as he (Trevor) was trying to get a job at a money-managing firm. Paul invites and buys his way into Trevor’s life with money and a weird love-triangle with his (Paul’s) wife Tara. Trevor thinks he loves Tara and Tara thinks the same, but Paul wants Trevor all to himself. There are fights, sex, and plenty of drug-riddled parties. 

During the whole book Trevor looks at himself like he was his dad, a drunken fool that would sooner piss himself then leave a bar stool. He fishes through the memories that he has of his mother (who died of breast cancer) and his dad who would beat him and his mother. 

Trevor soon finds himself in the middle of a broken marriage and a Ponzi scheme and wants nothing to do with any of it. He tries to go back to life right before Paul, but Paul pulls the whole rug from under Trevor’s feet. Paul is a vindictive son of a bitch. Trevor eventually gets sick of being drunk and confused and goes back to the one place he thought he would never go back…rehab. 

The book ends with Trevor restarting his life and leaving rehab this time fully knowing he will never touch another drug or drink again. Or so he hopes!

Now I know I gave a lot of stuff away and trust me it is only the tip of the iceberg. I suggest you guys read this book if you want to have an interesting short book to read. Yeah I know some of you guys are saying “Short?! Almost 300 pages is short for you?!” Yes it is actually. I am also in the process of reading the first book from the Song of Ice and Fire series. You want to talk about a lot of pages, whew! Now for what I give the book in all:

3.5/5

Honestly I couldn’t get past the writing style, though it was interesting none-the-less. I loved the way addiction was represented and how the author used experience to write about it. A lot of people work through their problems differently and this is definitely one way people get through it. I wouldn’t say this should be someone’s wake-up call, but I would be scared if I went down this path or at least heading down it. Though I could not relate to the drug use, I can relate to the drinking and how “comforting” it can be at times. Like I said I would be scared if I got to some of the points that the character in the book got to. I could never see myself at that kind of drinker. I thought the write up was interesting which is why I was pulled to the book. Would I recommend it to other people? Of course, that is what I am doing right now. Would I read it again? Yes.

So lovelies if you want a quick read for a rainy weekend, look into this book. The kindle version has the questions and answers in the back of the book and I found them interesting as well.

Stay beautiful lovelies

Michele