Fashion Friday - Fashion Week is COMING!

New York Fashion Week #NYFW is next week and although I will be happily enjoying loathing my time with jury duty {that's right! jury freakin' duty, for the 2nd time in less than 3 years mind you...} I am making sure I will be able to stay connected and see whats going on for the upcoming Spring 2013 season.

Nicholas K

The true fun begins September 6th when Nicholas K kicks off the runway shows @ 9AM.  I am dreaming of the day I can go hang out all week and watch {I really need to switch jobs...**sigh**}

I am most excited to see what Max Azria's got for BCBG and Tadashi Sojhi.  As well as, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson, and of course Rebecca Minkoff.

The best part about being in this era of technology is the ease of being able to be at NYFW without leaving your home.  Word is Style Network will be covering the upcoming week's events on cable and their site, mystyle.com (Phelan, 2012, Fashionista.com).  Plus, I'm pretty sure there will be live streaming on YouTube on LiveFromtheRunway's channel {at least every other fashion week it did}.

So needless to say I am extremely excited and will use whatever method I can to get my Fashion Week in!  Reminder Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is September 6th! Make sure you check your city for any specials and parties going on!

What runway shows are you excited to see?  I'll be tweeting the whole week about Fashion Week make sure you are following me so we can chat in real time!! =)

H54F

Today I am forgoing the normal High Five For Friday Post linkup.  Two nights ago Jesus & his father called my friends 15 month old son home.  Sometimes we don't understand the reasons behind the decisions God makes but we have to accept them.

Today I am holding my daughter a little tighter and mourning the loss of my friends little one.  So much life ahead but we all know God has a better plan for him.

May you rest in peace our sweet angel.

The Liebster Blog Award

I have be tagged by Just Another Primadonna Girl for the Liebster Blog Award. It's sounds fun, so I thought I would give it a go!  It will give you a little insight to my life anyway. =)

Here are the rules for the award
1. each person must list 11 things about themselves
2. answer the 11 questions the tagger has set for you, plus set 11 questions for the people you tag
3. choose 11 bloggers linking them to the post
4. go to their blog and inform them you have nominated them 
5. NO tag backs what so ever!
6. you can only tag bloggers with less than 200 followers

11 things about me:
1. I have been married twice (currently on my second marriage just had our 3 year anniversary)
2. I only have one biological child (Bird)
3. I cannot have anymore children (not because I don't want to either)
4. My family is my world. I would do anything for them!
5. I am the oldest of 4
6. My passion is fashion & beauty but I work in an industry that doesn't allow me to express this passion
7. I love to read and when I find a book I really like I can sit all day on the couch and read the entire book (until I have a massive headache!)
8. I love god and church but I rarely go (I'm a little ashamed, perhaps I will make a concerted effort to make it to church this week!)
9. I love 80's movies
10. I would love to open a Sonic in my town (They play commercials here all the time but the closest one is HOURS away!! WTF?) just because
11. I watch Disney Channel even when I'm not with my kids!  Wha?? Good Luck Charlie is freakin' awesome!

Primadonnas 11 Questions
1. why do you blog?
My blog is my creative outlet that I don't get to use at work. I find that I love to write and would love to do it more often
2. fave movie?
Dirty Dancing --I could watch it a million times and never get sick of it!
3. who is your fave designer?
Right now, I love Betsey Johnson, Maxx Azria, & Rebecca Minkoff!
4. what did you take/taking/ hoping to take at collage?
I graduated with my bachelor's degree in HR and my master's degree in management --The necessary degrees once you become a mother I guess...not what I wanted to do but I needed stability and something to work around my schedule.
5. who makes you laugh the most?
Seriously, my 7 y/o daughter!  She is one of the funniest people I know!
6. ever been recognized in public by a follower?
Nope, not yet. Maybe one day!
7. what ONE beauty product could you not live without?
Facial cleanser. I hate my skin feeling gross. Truth is I never had to deal with it as a teen. Now in my 20's (since I have had my daughter...it has completely changed! I am so annoyed!)
8. who is your all time fave singer/band?
*N SYNC. (I hope I am not showing my age here!)
9. in a relationship or single?
Married
10. who is your fave youtuber?
The ShayTards & Michael Buckley! Both are hilarious!
11. who is your fave blogger?
Probably Mandy at Sugarbee Crafts!

11 Questions for the blogs I tag
1. What is the meaning behind your blog name?
2. What is your favorite social network?
3. What is the current song playing on your iPod?
4. What is your "go-to" accessory?
5. If you could accomplish one thing in life what would it be?
6. Why? 
7. What is your favorite sport to watch/play?
8. What is your favorite brand of makeup?
9. What is the one hair product you can't live without?
10. What is your favorite topic to blog about?
11. What is the best fashion memory you had?

Checkout the Blogs I tagged!
The Style Trunk
Style Me Yesterday
Voyager Fashion
Fashionable Unicorn
Raellerina
Sequins Studs N Roses
The Stunning Look
SouthboundSuarez
Fashion Land
Dapplestrings
Ilya Khoteev Fashion Diary

Tutorial Tuesday - Victoria's Secret Natural Inspired Makeup

Another Tutorial Tuesday is upon us.  Here's another makeup tutorial I had done with my collaboration channel a while back.

Victoria's Secret models are known for their sultry natural looking makeup looks.  I am no Vicki model but then again you don't really need to be to wear this look!  Enjoy!

I am still taking blogger's who wish to be a guest poster for Sunday Spotlight. If you are interested in being spotlighted please leave me a comment or send me a message!

Also, do you have a tutorial request?  Leave your requests in the comment section or send me a message!

Motivational Monday - Be Fierce!

"And though she be but little she is FIERCE" --Shakespeare

Today is the first day of school for my girls.  My youngest, Birdy, starts 2nd grade.  It's hard for me to send her off knowing that she is my baby and growing so fast. Each year, I give her something to concentrate on, to give her confidence, and to reminder she is loved.  This year, I told her to be FIERCE.  Only she can choose her attitude and allow others to recognize how wonderful she is. 

This week I am motivating everyone to be FIERCE.  Although we may feel little at times, fierceness knows no height or weight.  We are who we prove ourselves to be. We are FIERCE!

Sunday Spotlight - Sequins Studs N Roses

It's another round of Sunday Spotlight and this week we have the fabulous Kellie Rose from Sequins Studs N Roses!

Hi Nicole's readers! My namie is Kellie Rose and I'm a grad student and merchandiser for the fabulous jewelry company, chloe + isabel ! I am from Southern California, born and raised in sunny Orange County, and recently relocated across the country to New York City! My daily inspiration, outfits and adventures are chronicled on my blog Sequins Studs N Roses.  

I recently returned from a fantastic weekend in Chicago for the music festival, Lollapalooza. I am slightly music festival obsessed, having attended Coachella and Outside Lands (to name a few) in the past. Not only do I enjoy discovering new bands, listening to my favorites perform and dancing around with my friends, I happen to absolutely LOVE festival fashion! I am a hippie at heart, so nothing gets me more excited than flower halos and ripped off shorts! 

Check out some of my favorite festival fashions from Lolla below! 

via

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Do you have a blog and are interested in being spotlighted on Nicole's Revolution?  Just drop me an email letting me know you interested with you link!

Addicted to Sephora!

Like probably most of you reading this post Sephora is our Candy Store! We are addicted to the sweet stuff and can't get enough.  In the past month I have managed to shop online, in one of their regular stores, & one of their new boutiques inside J.C. Penny's.  *SIDE NOTE: Have any of you been in to these yet?  They are pretty darn cool if you ask me!

I have bought my weight in items from that store (thanks to gift cards!!) and here is the items I am most excited about!

1. Nail files - I am always in search of a good nail file.  These were super cute and I bought one for my Beauty Box Swap mate.  We will see!

2. Benefit Bad Gal Lash (To Go) - One of my favorite mascaras now I've got it to go!

3. Sephora Supreme Cleansing Foam - I have had such issues with my skin lately I am desperate to find something that works. I am willing to try everything until I find the solution!

4. Fresh Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Duo - My yummy & lovely birthday present from them! (p.s. I put it on ever morning and night! I love the way it feels on my lips!)

5. Sephora Smoothing Translucent Setting Powder - Now that I am coaching I need my make up to last a little bit longer than normal. It's my hope this helps it do so!

6. Sephora Prisma Chrome Eyeshadow in Gold Reflection - I absolutely love this color!

7. Sephora Day to Night Eyewear Liner in Sunburst - Again, I LOVE this color! {Picture below to show you how the color shows up!}

8. Sephora Jumbo Liner 12hr Waterproof in Turquoise - How beautiful would Sunburst and Turquoise look together? I can't wait to play with these too!

9. Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Cool Coral - This little number caught my eye in the store and I immediately fell in love!

10. My samples! - I finally was not replaced with perfume when they didn't have one of the items I requested!! Instead they gave me two of the Smashbox primers!  I can't wait to try the both of these!

The sad thing is that I have a lot more awesome items but I think this post will take days to read if I continued. Yes, I have an  addiction and I am not ready for therapy just yet. haha! Better this than other things though!

Has anyone tried any of these items? What did you think of them!  I curious!

Fashion Friday - Hard as Nails

I love Friday's!! Don't you guys!! And, It's another round of Fashion Friday!!

Lately, I have been noticing the huge increase in different nail styles among everyone from Lady Gaga to Lana Del Rey to Nicki.  Gone are the clean cut, square or round shaped nails that graced the tips of some of our most influential fashionistas.

Here (around from left to right) we have Almond shaped nails, Heavily Jeweled nails, Mountain Peak shaped nails, & Duck Bill shaped nails.

Hard as Nails by queennicole01 on Polyvore

I'm not sure how I feel about any of these. I may just stick to my nature square shaped nails that I do myself. haha! What do you guys think of these interesting nail shapes? Let's discuss!  I'll be on twitter discussing #hardasnails!

High Five for Friday

High Five y'all it is Friday!!  We've made it through another week of awesomeness!  This week I had a couple of "breakin' downs" or "giving in's" {whatever you want to call it} so to speak.

1. My new favorite necklace that I bought from Charlotte Russe on clearance for $1.99.  I think I have worn it every day this week!

2. A night out to dinner with Birdie, my husband, & I.  We went to Red Robin; which I haven't been since I was pregnant with Bird!  Oh Em Gee!  I forgot how good their food is!


3. I gave in and bought 50 Shades. {It was a cold and rainy night, I was weak!}  I have been reading it and have mixed feelings about it so far...yet I can't put it down. Hmm, thought...who wants to start an internet book club with me?  Comment!!

4. I finally broke down and bought a paper day runner!  Sometimes it is easier than technology! You know what?! I freakin' love this thing too!

5. Sephora happened...again.  (Haul post tomorrow!)

Don't forget to check out some of the other links...or join in!! =) 

MAC Haulin'

I have finally made it to a MAC counter at Nordstrom's the other day! PHEW! That was a long time in the making as there is not one close by. Most often I have to buy my items online, however, sometimes I want to see what the colors look like in person before I make the purchase...ya know what I'm sayin'?

Here's my awesome purchases:

My camera SUCKS! Def. on the my wish list.  These colors are phenom!

Confession: My real reason for my purchases stems from how much respect I have for MAC Cosmetics. Every time I am there to make a purchase I make it a point to purchase from the Viva Glam line.  For those of you who don't know, MAC supports and serves all people of every race, sex and age affected by HIV and AIDS.

At a young age I witness the destruction this disease can do to a human being.  My uncle {and godfather} was infected with full-blown AIDS and died at the age of 32.  It's even difficult for me to type this without getting emotional.  So many years ago and still such a big hole in my heart. 

When I heard about the MAC AIDS Fund I make it a point to always purchase at least one item whenever I am there.  It is important for me to help find a cure for this wretched disease that kills so many.  No one should ever have to suffer the way my uncle did. 

(or many other helpful items to keep HIV/AIDS patients healthy, see what else here) 

The best part of all:

EVERY CENT OF THE SELLING PRICE OF THE VIVA GLAM LIPSTICK & LIPGLASS GOES TO  MAC AIDS FUND!  Now that is phenomenal!

August My Glam Bag - ILY

Oh My GEEE!!  So a few days ago I ranted about Birchbox not meeting my expectations [missed it? Read it here], perhaps that may be because I love My Glam Bag so much better!!  They even left a little note and an extra gift!!

Here's another awesome bag that feels so sturdy! I love the colors too!  This month the focus is on an Endless Summer and that is exactly how I feel about this bag!

Want to see what's inside???

Demeter Clean Skin Roll on Perfume Oil.  Okay, for someone who doesn't care for perfumes, this one isn't that bad. Actually, it reminds me of babies (perhaps it has baby powder smell it in, I don't know...=/)

eclos Anti-Aging Cellular Activator Face Serum.  I don't think I have been this excited over a face product in a long time.  Just last week I was told I looked 38 by one of my little cheerleaders...I have had anxiety about it ever since...I know, I know, what the heck does she know, but I never EVER got a day over 25 before! WTF! I don't think I look 38...not that there is anything wrong with looking 38 except for when you are in your 20's!

eclos Anti-Aging Regenerative Cream.  Want to know how I feel about trying this product?  See statement above....again with the whole looking 38 thing.

Andrea's Choice Circus nail color in Spectacle! Yes, this is another full size bottle of nail polish!  I loved Somersault and now I believe I may just love Spectacle better!

Salty Cosmetics Loose Luxury Mineral Eye Shadow in Glama-ZOID.  It's hard to show on camera the color but it is a shimmery white with purple undertones.  It's super pretty, maybe I will do a tutorial with it! What do you think??

I am loving every month I get these.  Glam Bag...I LOVE YOU!

Tutorial Tuesday - DIY Makeup Palette

For this week's Tutorial Tuesday I am going to show you how to make your own makeup palette!  Never again will you ever have to purchase one from Z-Palette (although I love them!) or any other palettes (ahem MAC's) again!

What you'll need:

• Glue Gun w/sticks
• A book (I found this at the dollar store!)
• Foam board (also at the dollar store.  P.S. much easier to work with than the Elmer's boards)
• Duct Tape or Paper & Mod Podge (I used duct tape) - I found sheets at Michael's but, I found the roll to be less expensive and easier to use!
• Magnetic Sheets
• Ruler
• Pen, Pencil, or Marker (whichever you prefer to use)
• Clear scrapbook sheet
• X-Acto Knife
• Utility Knife
• Scissors (if you want to work w/them)

Using your X-Acto knife you are going to cut the pages out of the book.  I cut the binding and pulled out the majority of the pages and then I cut the "glued" pages out afterwards.  This is what it looks like when it's done:

I then measured the size of the book to determine how big to cut the foam board. I took off one centimeter for each edge for it to open and close nicely. 

Using my X-Acto knife I cut the foam board out and then measured one inch around the edges (this is going to make my window).  The awesome thing about the Dollar Store foam board it cuts much nicer than the Elmer's one; not sure of why that is but, from now on I am getting all crafting foam board from them!

Again, I am using my X-Acto knife to cut out the box in the middle to make the window section of my palette.

I put that aside and begin the "cutting out" section of the book.  I measure the book with one inch one centimeter and mark the lines.

Using my utility knife (the book is a lot harder to cut through) I cut out the window of the book.

The last thing to "cut" is the magnetic sheet.  I measure the back page of the book to determine how big to cut the sheet.  Depending on the size of your book will determine the size of your sheet.

Using my glue gun I glue the magnetic paper to the back of the book.

Now it is time to start Duct Tapin'!  I used two Zebra print Duct Tape sheets that I got from Michael's to tape on the back. Like I said earlier....the rolls are much easier to use...For some reason I thought this would be easier...WRONG. Don't deviate from what you know works!

I cut the Duct tape paper so that it hung over the edge of the book (that way I can fold them over) and cut a smaller hold in the middle window so I could also have that edge fold over as well. Of course I used the X-Acto knife to make the little awkward slits at the corners for a nice clean and flush fold. 

I didn't worry about complete covering the inside because I still had the clear scrapbook sheet to cut and place there. **I did it kind of backwards, and should have taped from the inside of the book to the outside and put the sheet on top, but I didn't...oh well, it still looks fine.  It just would have given me about two centimeters of height for the make up.  It still fits so I didn't worry too much about it.

I cut the sheet to be slightly smaller than the book and hot glue the edges.

While that is drying I duct tape the foam board. I choose to do contrasting colors to make it more "fun" and simply because I don't like boring...

By then the glue should be dry from the clear plastic so it is time to glue the foam board to the book.

And there you have it, you are done.  I think I might add a button to the top and use a hair band as a clasp to help keep it closed a little better.  

All in all I think it turned out rather wonderful!  

Do you have a DIY request? or have you made your own palette before? I want to see!  Leave me some L.O.V.E.!

Thanks to Shabby Kitteh for this D.I.Y. inspiration!

Beauty Box Swap!

I have a special post of you all today {excuse the non-Motivational Monday Post}!  I participated in the Beauty Box Swap this past month hosted by the lovely Tiffany @ Blabbering Thoughts, Megan @ Absolute Mommy, & Andrea @ Shabby Kitteh,  So what is the Beauty Box Swap you ask?  Well, it is sort of like Birchbox or My Glam Bag but instead we are the ones putting together the goodies and sending them out.  Genius idea!  I decided to join in the fun!

I was lucky enough to receive goodies from the beautiful Heather @ Keeping up with the Giffords!  My first thought when I received the package is "What the heck, I don't remember having any family with the last name Giffords from {Anon. city in MA}?" Here's a little back story:  Remember earlier posts about my vacation when I said I went to Massachusetts?  Well, I was right outside of her city.  Actually, I have lots of family in her city and Fall River.  There is a ton of us loud, vibrant, and beautiful Portuguese people over there! haha!  Small world right?!

Then I remembered about the swap and realized that is what it was! I couldn't wait to rip this baby open!

And my goodness, this is even better than a Birchbox! Probably because it is full of things I love!

Heather gave me all types of goodies that a girl deserves!  2 AWESOME nail polishes, 2 BEAUTIFUL lip glosses, an E.L.F. all over color stick, a leopard print nail file & tweezers, and lastly my favorite type of gum!  How did you know?! You must be psychic!

I am most excited to try the E.L.F. All Over Color Stick and the Yes to Carrots C Me Shine lip gloss.  I have never tried either one of these and thing it might just be awesome!!

Thank you to Heather for the awesome Swap Gift.  Don't forget to check her out because now that I know where she lives I consider her family.  And we all support family right! =)

Sunday Spotlight - Primadonna Girl

This week we are Spotlighting Primadonna Girl!

Hi I am Primadona Girl and you can find me at Just Another Primadonna Girl!  The name comes from the popular Marina & the Diamonds hit song!  I sat staring at my screen trying to think of a name for my blog and as I was listening to Spotify when that very song came on.  It was instant inspiration!

Currently, you will never see a picture of myself because I am very self conscious; however I am hoping that one day I will have boosted myself enough to post pictures of me and my outfits!

Today I am going to post about Timotei Shampoo & Conditioner.  I'm an Treseme Girl all the way but lately my hair has been so damaged from the constant usage of heat and dying.  I was at my local Asda the other day and found the Timotei brand that was for "Intensive Repair" and it was relatively inexpensive.  I thought what the heck?!

I have been using this product for about 3 weeks {every 2 days}, and I have already re-purchased both! I use the shampoo then rinse it off and re-apply then I rinse that off and leave the conditioner on for about 2-3 mins. I rinsed the conditioner off and then I get a jug full of cold water and poor it over my hair (this helps your hair look super shiney).

My hair is left super soft and manageable and my damaged hair is slowly but surely repairing. I will contiune to use this product but will probally use treseme as well and alternate between the two as I still love Treseme but have also fallen for Timotei.  Plus it smells WONDERFUL!

Do you have a blog and are interested in being spotlighted on Nicole's Revolution?  Just drop me an email letting me know you interested with you link!

August Birchbox is Here!

My Birchbox came in and after last months my expectations were high!  I was expecting to have another stellar package in my mailbox!  I don't know, maybe I set to high of standards for a $10 gift I get every month, or maybe I am just bored with it, or maybe I need to get a grip I don't know...

I won't say I am completely unhappy with August's Birchbox but yet again, my products do not match my card and the products on the card sound so much better!

August's box is all about Beauty School.  My Supply kit was suppose to include (according to the card) Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover, Comodynes Hydra Tanning Face Moisturizing Summer Glow, Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes, DDF Brightening Cleanser, & Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur.

Here is what I got:

Beauty Fixation Cuticle Conditioner - So I didn't get the makeup remover.  But these little things look kind of awesome so I will forgive BB for that.

WEI Buffing Beads & Golden Root purifying mud mask - This also seems pretty awesome, but I would have much rather had the face moisturizer and the tanning towelettes.  

Stila One application BB Cream, Foundation, and Concealer - The One application really doesn't seem to be enough. I'll let you all know.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor - The irony here is I just bought a new razor the day before the box came in.  At least it came with coupons!  Plus, razors are so expensive so it was kind nice to get this.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?!?!  My very last product is...drumroll please.....

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur - It actually smells awesome...crazy coming from a non-perfume lover...but it does! This was the ONLY product listed on the product card that I actually got.

I guess this post seems more like a rant than a nice loving one, sorry about that.  Frustration sets in only because I have been a subscriber for a year and a half!  Should I be V.I.P. or something?!?  That said, I can't wait to try all the products I received!

So I am leaving it up to you guys! What do you think should I stay or should I go?  

Any long term subscribers to BB think they have kind of lost their awesomeness?