ELF 75% OFF SALE - HURRY....

EyesLipsFace.com is one of my favorite sites to buy makeup. They are having a really great sale, 75% off all of their Elements Line and Makeup Bags/Cases!

I am heading over to the site right now! The eye shadow, blushes, bronzers and lip glosses from the Elements Line are normally $1.00 each, make sure you also get the compact (also $1.00) unless you have a MAC palette with empty slots. These pans will fit the MAC palette!

Moondust and Sage

These eye shadows are some of my favorites, they are very pigmented and blend very nice. Moondust is very similar to MACs Satin Taupe and the Sage is similar to MACs Golden Olive/Sumptuous Olive.

My other faves are, Dusk, Ivory, Pink Ice, Golden Glow and Mocha.

What are your faves?

So, at $0.25, each.... WOW you can't beat that.... Christmas Shopping anyone???

Also, if you spend $75 you get FREE Shipping, and if you spend at least $25 you wil get a FREE subscription to Vouge or Glamour magazine!

Happy Thanksgiving

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

Forever 21: New Plus Size Line; Faith 21

I was so excited last week, to be going to the fashion mecca, Forever 21 on Michigan Ave downtown Chicago in the "Mag Mile" as it is so famously called. This was by no means my first trip to Forever 21. However, it was my first time going to this location, which is a whopping 3 floors.

The other reason I was so very excited was b/c I had yet to check out their new plus size line, Faith 21, that came out in May 09.
Here are a few pics of some outfits from the Faith 21 plus size line.

My daughter and I walked in and were in awe of the enormous store. The store was decorated so glamorously kitchy chic. The jewelry racks seemed to go on forever. The store was set up in sections. The different "collections" were set together.

After taking it all in and perusing the costume jewelry for a moment we took off in search of the long awaited "plus size" section.

Everywhere we looked were women of all ages, a few men holding bags and looking impatient, and sales people hustling about.

Behold, we arrived in the plus size section, and everything, stopped. Literally, were did all the people go? This "little" section of "plus sized" clothing was empty and left so much to be desired. No sales people to help, no men holding bags, very few women shopping and a huge check out counter holding discounted belts and hair accessories that seemed so abandoned I expected to see a layer of dust everywhere.

So, I thought OK no big deal. Now I can shop in peace.

We dug in, picking up piece after piece of great looking clothing. But wait, the biggest size they had a 2X, was not a "true" 2x. Everything was cut so small.

Needless to say I was so disappointed. I had high expectations and was extremely let down.

If you are a size 12-14 then you will probably have some luck. Otherwise, stick to Torrid, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, etc...

Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE Forever 21, just not the small cut of their Plus Sizes, they are one of my faves for jewelry and accessories.

Alexandra, at Stitch Fashion, wrote a really great article; How to Really Shop at Forever 21, with some great tips, and,
if you live in the Chicago land area, she keeps tab of upcoming fashion events and goings on in the city and surrounding suburbs.

Have any of you had any luck with the Faith 21, plus size line?

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

27 Days of Thanks; Day #17

Make sure to check out Amanda @ Serenity Now, for loads more thankfulness!

Day 17:

Today, I am thankful for, YouTube. I have learned so many cool things and made so many great friends. It has also given me a whole new hobby, that has given me that all so needed "me time" that all of us mommy's and wives need.


I started my channel almost a year ago. Originally I created a channel so I could comment on other youtubers videos, but then, like it has for most of us, turned into me doing my own videos. It has done so much for my self esteem, and has given me a whole new creative outlet.

If you haven't checked out youtube you are missing out. It is totally free to join and to post videos. There are videos on practically any topic you can think of.

Here is a link to my channel if you are interested in saving money, couponing, freebies, and makeup tutorials. Queenbbeee's Youtube Channel.

Main Youtube Page

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

27 Days of Thanks; Days 15 & 16

Maybe before this is over I will get on track posting these each day... So, here is Days 15 & 16.
Don't forget to check out Amanda @ Serenity Now for lots of more Thankfulness!


Day 15:

I love reading magazines. All You is my fave, but I also like Woman's Day, Family Circle, Allure, Cosmo, (who doesn't like Cosmo) and many more...
There are so many tips, coupons, and great information. I can also easily carry a magazine in my purse to pull out whenever I have a few minutes to read or do one of the cool puzzles in the back. Sudoku is my favorite.



Day 16:

Today, has been a very enlightening day. I had myself all up in a tizzy, worrying about my daughter growing up too fast. She is 13 and I worry about her making bad choices. Which I'm sure most parents feel the same.

After, a really good talk I realized that she wasn't growing up as fast as I thought she was. She is still somewhat my "little" girl, but I know that won't last too much longer. I will only see glimpses of my "little" girl now. But that is OK because she is a great kid and I have faith that she is going to make good choices, most of the time, and when she doesn't she knows that I am here to talk to and together we can get through anything.

So, today I am thankful for my not so "little" girl, growing up into a respectful, loving, smart, beautiful, compassionate, incredibly talented, young woman.

Give Thanks every day!

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens
-queenbbeee

27 Days of Thanks... Days 8-14

I have gotten really behind on these posts, so in an attempt to catch up here are Days 8 - 13.

Don't forget to check out http://serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/, for more Thankfulness.

Day 8:

I love finding a great sale so I was immediately drawn to this awesome, one day only SALE!

Day 9:

One of my all time favorite inventions, indoor plumbing. I guess I have a different idea of "indoor" plumbing, than this guy! But still much better than an outhouse.

Day 10:

Cup holders are the best, and having a built in cup holder, even better! This probably also helps keep you cool on those hot summer days.

Day 11:

My furry friends. I have 2 guinea pigs, Nina Simone and Coco Chanel, that I love to death. Literally, I had to give Nina mouth-to-mouth when she had a "bathing" accident. So, we have a very close bond.

Day 12:

Art, I love art and public art that you can enjoy for free is great.
There is just something about a great piece of art that is so thought provoking.

Day 13:

Thank God It Is Friday, even if it is Friday the 13th and this is my 13th day of thanks. I mean, who doesn't love the weekend? I guess, unless you still have to go to work. : (

I added Day 14, so that I would be all caught up through tomorrow as well.

Day 14:

The internet, I spend most of my free time on the internet. I don't think this needs much explaination, but you can do so much here. Like watch practically any tv show you may have missed b/c you were trying to write a post for your blog or watching some addicting youtube videos, or looking at some really funny pics on some girls crazy blog. And don't forget how many great friends/family members you can keep in contact with all over the world.

I hope you all enjoyed these funny pictures, all in good fun!

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

More Upcycled Pics

Here are a few more "upcycled" items that I thought were really cute.

These headbands are so cute....

but this skirt is my fave!

Think of how great this skirt will make your butt look???

You can find this skirt and many other super cute items, at this etsy store:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackmirrordesign

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

27 Days of Thanks Days 6 & 7

Check out Amanda at Serenity Now, for more Days of Thanks...


Sorry I missed yesterday, I am doin 2 today.

So, What am i Thankful for:

Day 6



Echinacea. This stuff is BOSS... Anytime I get sick I start taking it. It literally cuts the time I am sick in half. It helps boost your immune system. Love it. A sick girls Best Friend.

And Day 7.... The Office

My all time favorite show. So being sick has had its advantages. I can now say I have seen every episode ever made, thanks Netflix!

Being sick has been, Really Hard

"That's What She Said,"

-Michael Scott

OK, that was cheesy, but I couldnt help myself. If you are a fan you know exactly what that is all about. If your not a fan, WHY NOT???? J/K

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

27 Days of Thanksgiving # 5

Check out http://serenitynow4amanda.blogspot.com/2009/11/27-days-of-thankful-5.html, for 27 Days of Thanksgiving

I have been sitting here looking at the screen, trying to come up with something to write about??? Not that I don't have anything to be thankful for but come on, who wants to read about me being thankful ful for clothes on my back, a roof over my head, a healthy child, you know all the basics. Then it hit me, today I am thankful for all the "little" things. The things that really aren't that little but that we take for granted most days. The stuff that most of us don't realize how important they are until they are threatened to be taken away.

Today, i spent the better part of my morning in the emergency room. My husband has really bad asthma and he was having a hard time breathing and flu symptoms. The doctor gave him a script for Tamiflu, which is what they are giving for H1N1. They said he has the flu but just to be sure it isn't a bacteria they are giving him the meds. Now, I am starting to have symptoms. Fortunately, I don't have asthma so hopefully I won't have as hard of a time with it.

So, this is why I was having a hard time finding what to be thankful for today. I guess it is just a reminder of how much the "little" things really aren't that little.

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens
-queenbbeee

27 Days of Thankfulness #4

Click this link, to find out what Amanda, at Serenity Now, and some of her subbies are

Thankful for.

What am I Thankful for:
Day #4

I know most of you probably feel the same way but, I have the BEST mom in the world!

Even though she lives 2 states away she is still always there for me when I need her and she provided me with a great childhood and a loving home growing up.

I am thankful that even though she doesn't live near me, I get to talk to her almost anytime I need her, and I get to visit her a couple times a year.

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

27 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 3

Day 3 of;

What are you Thankful for?

Lately I have been really stressed about the economy, mainly my economy, and how much my job sucks. Don't get me wrong, I love my job but I work in the healthcare field and it seems like every other week my pay is getting cut in half. Pretty soon there won't be anymore pay to cut, which is why the stress factor.

So, in the spirit of being grateful, I found this pic;

at least this lady doesn't have to worry about any healthcare reform issues!

Once again, it could always be worse!

Don't forget to check out Amanda at Serenity Now, for her 27 Days of Thanksgiving!

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

27 Days of Thanksgiving

Amanda over at Serenity Now is doing 27 Days of Thanksgiving.

So, I have been reading her posts and I started to think of how many things we have to be thankful for that we usually take for granted.

I'm going to try and keep up with Amanda, make sure you use the link above to check her blogs out, lots of great ideas over there. Since, I missed a day I am adding 2 things I am thankful for in this post.

What I am Thankful for?

This may not look like something to be "thankful" for, it is all in the perception.

This is not my actual car but it is a very similar model.

I tend to complain, that I am driving a car that is almost as old as I am. Well, the other day when I ran out of gas and she wouldn't start, I remembered how thankful for that "hunk of junk" I really am, and I try to remember that, it could always be worse.

For example, that could be a pic of my actual car.

My goal for today; Look at the bright side, it could always be worse, your car could be buried under brush in your backyard!

What am I Thankful for #2:

The day after Halloween. All the trick-or-treating, decorating, making costumes, shopping, cooking and all the other stuff that comes along with being a mom at Halloween, is over and there is lots of good candy to score while the kids are at school today or when they just aren't looking! My faves are Milky Way & Butterfinger, how bout you, what is your fave candy to steal from your kids candy bag? Come on, we all do it. Don't We?

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

Websites that Save You Time and Money: Part 1

It's hard to imagine what life was like before the internet. As wonderful as it is to have so much information right at our fingertips in can be a bit overwhelming. "Grocery Coupons" for example, if you type it in google you'll get 19 million results.

So, to narrow it down a bit I have found a few sites that are helpful in saving both time and money. Who couldn't stand to save some money right now? I know I could.

This is part 1, so keep a lookout for part 2 through 6 coming soon.
Also, if you have any sites to add to the list, leave them in the comment section, we could use all the help we can get.


SAVE MONEY:

1.) Shop Local: Wouldn't you love to have the weekly ad for lots of stores in your community (electronics, clothing, shoes, furniture, home and garden) -- all indexed, organized and updated for you? That's exactly what you will find at shoplocal.com In just minutes you can access what's on sale, and who has the best deals this week on the items you need.

2.) Mommy Savers: Not just a treasure trove of coupon codes, printable coupons, freebies and bargains, Mommysavers.com is also a comprehensive site that provides the support moms need to live the frugal life. It's informative articles, e-books and web videos provide a wide variety of money-saving tips on topics such as grocery shopping, decorating, family road trips, garage sales and clothing shopping. The twice-yearly "Forget the Joneses" boot camp gives members practical steps for creating a budget and living within their means.

3.) The Bargainista: If all you want is a simple, reliable listing of the hottest online bargains, sales, coupons and freebies, then Bargainista.com is for you. Recent Bargainista sightings: 40% off Citizens watches at Amazon.com, $10 tanks and tees at Eddie Bauer, up to 70% off at American Eagle plus free shipping. No need to join, register or pay a cent. Just check back often -- the site is updated several times each day.

4.) The Coupon Clippers: Choose exactly the ones you need at TheCouponClippers.com, one of the nation's largest online grocery coupon clipping services. Founder Rachel Woodard has more than a million national-brand and restaurant coupons in her warehouse and shipping center at any given time. You can order coupons today and for just a small handling fee of a few cents per coupon plus a 50 cent administrative fee per order(there's a $3 minimum) and postage, have the coupons in your mailbox before week's end. Last time I checked, you could get a $1 coupon for Coca-Cola for 20 cents and a $1 Di Giorno pizza for 12 cents.

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens
-queenbbeee

Thanks Mary Hunt from Woman's Day Magazine for these great sites.

Upcycling???

Upcycling may be a new term for me but, is in no way a new concept.

Forever XXI Peacock Feather Cardigan, $19.80

Make your own by using a plain cardigan, you already own and

adding a cute peacock feather applique, (usually can be ironed on,

may want to sew around edges for extra hold.)

What is Upcycling?

Upcycling is a process in which disposable or discarded items are repurposed to make them valuable, useful, or simply aesthetically pleasing. Upcycling is designed to work in opposition to consumer culture, encouraging people to think of new and innovative ways to use things, instead of simply buying new consumer goods. It also benefits the environment, by promoting reuse over discarding whenever possible.

As most poor people are aware, upcycling has been practiced for centuries, and factories have long used innovative upcycling techniques to ensure that nothing they handle goes to waste. For example, grain processors often burn waste materials like husks and stems to power their plants, thereby eliminating waste and making their operations more efficient.

There are all sorts of examples of upcycling, ranging from building houses out of entirely discarded materials to turning plastic bags into yarn for knitting. Everyone can upcycle, which is part of the appeal, and people can participate at whatever level they feel comfortable with, from delving through dumpsters to salvage useful things to re-using containers rather than tossing them or throwing them out.

Under the upcycling philosophy, everything has a potential use or value, although it might take some creative thinking to figure out what that use is.

Upcycling is essentially the “reuse” in “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Many people find that once they start upcycling, it's hard to stop, and new ideas for upcycling constantly come to mind.

So, I have been "upcycling" for years and didn't even know it.

Sharing clothes with younger siblings, also known as "hand-me-downs," letting out the hem on pants that have gotten too short, saving used baby food jars to hold nick nacks or beads, using an old sheet for a Halloween ghost costume, and so much more but you get my drift.

Anyway, the point of this is that I have renewed my love for the art of "Trashique" or "Trashion" which I like to call it. I have found that you can give some of those boring old clothes in your closet a new life, by adding some lace or appliques to a t-shirt or transforming several pieces of broken jewelry into a fun new peice.

This started because I saw a shirt at Forever21 that I loved. Unfortunately, it didn't come in my size and after looking at it closer I thought, wait I could make that.

Here are a few examples from Forever 21 that I picked to show you how easy this can be using stuff you probably already own. Grab your siccors, needle and thread, some lace and ribbon, and your old clothes. Be creative and have FUN!

Forever XXI Plaid Trimmed Tunic, $19.80

Take any graphic Tee, a skinny belt and some plaid

fabric, and sew fabric to bottom of Tee.

Forever XXI Ruffle Front Tunic, $20

Take any tank or tunic and some ruffles to the front.

Forever XXI Pearl Trim Sweater, $29

Add lace, pearls and pearl buttoms to a plain sweater.

Forever XXI Side Gathered Chiffon Top, $19.80

Plain T-shirt bunch up corner and sew in place, super easy.

Forever XXI Lace Ruffle Top, $29

Plain White Tee, add lace ruffle to the front

and some trim around the collar.

Forever XXI Ruffle Front Cardigan, $32

Add some ribbon and lace to front, collar and cuffs

of a plain sweater or cardigan.

Forever XXI Chiffon Trim Sweater, $29

Plain long sleeve tee, add buttons and ruffle to

front, and ruffle to collar and cuffs.

Forever XXI Pleated Trim Tank, $19.80

Plain tank, add lots of lace ruffles, some ribbon and buttons.

Keep a look out for some of my creations as I get them finished up...


Let me know how you "Upcycle" and your ideas for any "Trashiqued" items you have restructured.


Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens
-queenbbeee

Think Smart - Quick Tip

Halloween Quick Tip

Instead of buying your child, or yourself, who are we kidding, a new trick-or-treat bag,
you can use last year's bag, but that can be boring and a bit redundent....

So, try these ideas...

A Pillowcase. This allows your creative juices to flow, and can be decorated to match your costume, if desired.

This bag can be made by sewing the bottom of a pillowcase closed and then cutting out the handles. Make sure to reinforce your stiches so the bag will hold lots of candy, w/out ripping! Decorate with fabric paint, glitter, or anything you can think of.

Reusable Shopping Bags w/ Handels. These are from Target, usually cast about $1 and can be reused for shopping after Halloween. My grocery store is currently selling the same type of bag that looks like a big pumpkin. You can also, decorate them with fabric paint or glitter.

I was told that this Sundays paper would have a coupon to get this bag for free, at Target. My paper had NO coupon but did include a free plastic, Astro Boy Halloween Bag, so check that out!

Just a few ways to Go Green, this Halloween!

What are some of your tips for a Homemade Halloween? Post them in the comments...

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

Maybelline Superstay 24 Hr Liquid Foundation

I was grocery shopping this afternoon, and just had to canoodle my way through the makeup aisle, as always I found something I wanted to try....



The new, Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Liquid Makeup Foundation.



Now, last week I was in Target and saw this same product that was in a package that came with a free concealer, for $9.99. So, I had it in my cart and was planning to buy it,

until I noticed I was already spending too much money, so I put it back... : (



So, back to today...

The grocery store, Jewel-Osco, which is not somewhere I buy makeup too often, because it doesn't usually have the best prices, unless it is a clearance item, had all their Maybelline products on sale.



Regular price was, $12.99, then it was on sale for $7.69. But wait it gets better...



They had a booklet of coupons for $2 off any Maybelline product!!! : )



Final Price = $5.69


So, if you live anywhere near a Jewel Food Store or an Osco Drug Store, check this out. Jewel is owned by Albertsons, so they may have this same sale.



I have not tried this product, yet. So, I cannot reccomend it. I will be doing a review in a week or so after I get a feel for the product and how much I like or dislike it.



I can say that they had about 13 different shades with testers, which was nice, and no weird smell!

I hope this helps, look for the review soon... from the reviews I have read so far I have only heard really good things, and a lot of people comparing it to one of Mac's Foundations, with the Maybelline having a medium to full coverage.

Hope this helps some of you recessionistas out there, like me, on a budget. You don't have to sacrifice quality, to stay on ur budget!

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens
-queenbbeee

10 Fall Trends You'll Love...

Whether it's leather and lace or pearls and pink that you like to wear, we got a little something for everybody. By the way, a little leather, lace, pink and pearls would look really cute together.


Narciso Rodriguez, Fall 2009
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

1.) Print Bottoms:

After seasons of solid bottoms, Fall 2009 puts the print into leggings, skirts, and pants.

WEAR IT: Print leggings are one of the hottest looks on the fall runway, but you need to wear them with care. The easiest way to pull off slim print pants or leggings is to wear them with a longer sweater or tunic. Print skirts can pull double duty worn with matching print tops for a dress look or mixed with solids for more versatility; (my fave).

Tory Burch, Fall 2009

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

2.) Leather:

Pop on a leather jacket or skirt for a bit of rock-n-roll tough girl chic.

WEAR IT: Leather pencil skirts are back and look perfectly ladylike paired with belted sweaters. Leather leggings, slim pants, and jackets work well mixed with contrasting textures (knit, velvet, lace) for lots of tactile interest.

Short Glossy Burgundy Dress from Georges Chakra, Fall 2009

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

3.) Jewel Tones:

Delicious hues of burgundy, teal, and gold bathed the runways in the hues that look great on most women.

WEAR IT: Choose an intensity that compliments your coloring if you are wearing jewel tones close to your face (i.e. softer blues for fair skin, intense blue for darker coloring). Teal is one of color that looks great on almost everyone and it's a winner this season. Jewel tones mix great with each other (teal and gold) and work great with grey and black.

Zero + Maria Cornejo

Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

4.) Black-n-White

Black and white -- a traditional warm - weather favorite -- steps into the spotlight this fall.

WEAR IT: Black and white worn together are almost foolproof if you'll remember to wear solid white on the parts of your body you want to highlight and wear black where you want to camouflage (ex: bottom-heavy gals should wear black pants with a white jacket).

An ice-blue silk blouse paired with a pencil skirt, from Jason Wu, Fall 2009.

Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

5.) Knee-Length Skirts:

Forget the mini and the maxi; the best length now is at the knee.

WEAR IT: Of course, this trend is one you've probably opted for anyway because most women know that knee-length looks are easier to wear than extremes. But for fall, knee-length skirts (and by knee-length we mean anything from an inch or two above to right below the knee) and dresses come in a variety of fullnesses, including poufy skirts, pencil skirts, and circle skirts.

Bright pink coat from Marc Jacobs, Fall 2009.

Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

6.) PINK:

In a nod to Barbie's 50th year, designers brought back pink as the go-to color for outerwear, dresses, and separates.

WEAR IT: Pink is fashion's secret fountain of youth, if you wear the right pink for your skin tone. Fairer skin looks great in pale pink, darker tones can carry off fuchsia. But almost everyone looks radiant (and hip) in hot pink. Wear it with black, more pink or tone it down with gray.

Raw edge portrait collar dress from Lela Rose, Fall 2009.

Scott Gries/Getty Images

7.) Work Dresses:

One-piece dressing never looked so good (or office-ready) as this season's crop of dresses with interesting draping, fabrics and colors.

WEAR IT: Polish your professional image by opting for a knee-length dress with a modern twist; either a cowl neck, a wide-belted waist, a raw-edge trim, a look-at-me color (like power red).

3.1 Philip Lim, Fall 2009.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

8.) Vests:

The vest -- in everything from fur to knit -- topped runway looks with a finishing layer.

WEAR IT: Monochromatic vests and shirts are chic and slimming; hip-length vests or shorter can be worn unbuttoned over everything from floaty prints to sweaters. Fur vests (faux works just fine) can add zip to either casual or dressy pants looks.

Oscar de la Renta, Fall 2009.

Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

9.) Metallics:

How to stand out in a crowd without wearing bling? Metallic dresses and gowns.

WEAR IT: Silver and gold draped lame dresses and gowns look fluid and sexy; metallics add shine without calling on lots of accessories to complete the look.

Teal hood, vest and mini from Lacoste, Spring 2009

Scott Gries/Getty Images

10.) Cozy Chic:

From snugly sweaters to piles of scarves, the runways were braced for a cold winter.

WEAR IT: The key to wearing bundles is to keep it sleek -- go monochromatic -- and touchable (cashmere, soft knits).

Don't forget that just because these are the trends from the runways this fall, doesn't mean these are the only clothes that are "cool" or "in style."

We have to remember to put our own touches on our outfits; and don't forget that little girl who would wear whatever she thought was cute, regardless of what Cosmo says, mainly because she hadn't read Cosmo, yet.

These 10 trends for fall are super cute, but make sure to put your own spin on things. I mean who wants to see a bunch of women all walking around in the same stuff? Not me.

So, thanks for watching and....

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

P.S. Let that little girl out a little more often!