Date-Rape-Detecting Lip Gloss

After Tracy Whittaker was warned by a waitress that the drink that a handsome stranger bought her might be spiked, Whittaker took action. She started 2 Love My Lips, a line of minty-fresh, lip plumping glosses with built in test strips that detect date-rape drugs in drinks.

The final design, two years in the making, received wide attention when it launched a few months ago in Whittaker's native U.K.; now the glosses (five shades; $17 each) are available in the U.S.

According to their website, 2 Love My Lips lip gloss and cosmetics offer the unique combination of beauty and safety. The 2 Love My Lips range of lip gloss is a sassy, tingly two-in-one lip plumping/breath freshening gloss cleverly packaged to include a drink spike detection kit!

2 Love My Lips is not only a new premium lip gloss, it is a tool for all modern women in todays social scene. So the next time you step out to party - look gorgeous and be in control.

Go to 2lovemylips.co.uk and use code MARCLA25 for a 25% discount.

Limited Time Offer!

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

Thanks to Marie Claire magazine for this information.

Zipper Ballet Flats

I am loving anything zipperized lately, and these shoes are no exception.

Linda from Craftaholics Anonymous, not only sells these in her etsy shop, Tattered Flower, but she is so kind to have added a tutorial to her blog.

and if you want to know how you could win this...

Check her out.
I have also posted more info about the contest on my new Up-cycling Craft Blog,
Crafting Wish List.

Thanks,
Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens
-queenbbeee

Alexander McQueen Dead at 40

Fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, who was scheduled to start off Fashion Week today, was found dead in his apartment in London. It is believed that the 40 year old designer committed suicide.

His unique style and designs were an innovative addition to the fashion industry.

McQueen's family issued a statement stating that "On behalf of Lee McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family. Lee's family has asked for privacy in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this."

Here’s what some of the people and co-workers who knew him had to say:

Naomi Campbell: “I am truly devastated to lose my close friend. His talent had no boundaries and he was an inspiration to everyone who worked with him and knew him. This is a sad day to all who loved him around the world and my condolences are with his family. I will miss him so much, he will never be forgotten.”

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief, Vogue: “We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen’s influence was astonishing—from street style to music culture and the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss.”

Lagerfel, Chanel designer: “I found his work very interesting and never banal. There was always some attraction to death, his designs were sometimes dehumanized. Who knows, perhaps after flirting with death too often, death attracts you."

I think it is fair to say that Alexander McQueen was a unique and talented designer whose designs will be marveled and admired for years to come, I doubt there will ever be a designer quite like him. He will be greatly missed.

Thanks,

Billie

New Blog - Crafting Wish List

I wanted to let everyone know about my new blog. I have really been enjoying a lot of other crafty blogs and websites lately. So, I started a blog so I could save all of the ideas on line that I was digging along with crafts I completed myself. Kind of like an on line file cabinet.

Then I started thinking that others may enjoy keeping up with all these great ideas as well.

So, if you are interested in creating your own home decor, holiday decor, sewing ur own clothes, refashioning ur own clothes, looking at all the creative ideas from blog land.... then check out...

My Crafting Wish List

Thanks,
-queenbbeee

PS I will still be posting on this blog.

YOWZA YOWZA YOWZA!!! Super Freak

I LOVE SHOES.... as most big girls do. No matter how many extra pounds I may gain or lose I can still wear my shoes, and they can make the most boring outfit look extra special.

So, I was purusing the world wide web and came across these beauties...
OUCH.... These suckers look painful! and then these....

Very unique... I doubt you will run into another girl at the party wearing these bad boys!
Now this last pair...

Scary... looks like some type of torture device... don't piss the girl off who's wearing these shoes,
"Super Freak, She's Super Freaky"

Now I like a good shoe that is different and stands out, but I don't quite know what else to say about these.

Just curious to know what your reaction to these shoes are?

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" or the blind.

BTW, I don't know the price, but can imagine they are all priced at a couple hundred, at least.

Would you go this far to be unique? and How long do you think you could walk in these?

Thanks for checking me out...

Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens

-queenbbeee

Happy Holidays... Where am I Going with All of This?...

I know it has been a while, and I am about 2 weeks late but...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I have been reading so many blogs lately, (I think I have an addiction) and everyone is talking about the dreaded New Years Resolutions.....
I usually don't make any b/c I feel that they are destined to FAIL!

but I decided to make just a couple.

So, I will share them with all my blog/youtube friends,

hoping that this will help me stay accountable!

#1. STOP PROCRASTINATING!!!!,

I am the worst with this. I will try to put off anything if I can, and it

really puts me in a deep rutt. So that is #1

#2. Wardrobe Refashion....

I love this website.... basically for those who are unfamiliar, you make a pledge for 2/4/or 6 months that you will not buy any NEW clothes. You will Reuse/Recycle/Reduce by refashioning old clothes that you have or have bought second hand from the thrift shop/yard sale/estate sale/etc. OR you can just make your own clothes from scratch.

You are allowed to buy socks/shoes/underwear/bras/etc. brand new during this time AND supplies or material to make new stuff. The whole idea is to reduce our waste....

I am really excited about this. I have been lurking on this site for a few months now and there are some really talented people on there. I have gotten so many ideas, I cant wait to get started.

I have taken the 2 month pledge, just to get my feet wet and see how it goes. I don't really have much of a choice right now anyways, Im BROKE!

This is a refashioned sweatshirt.... I think it is really cute!

So, I will keep posting to let you know about the stuff I make/re-fashion.

BTW, I tried to give only handmade gifts for Christmas this year, and it went really good. Unfortunately, I forgot to take the "after" pics b4 I gave them away. I really wanted to show them off... I will see what I can do to get some pics of the stuff "in use"

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season... and I hope to post about some really cool Valentines Day gifts very soon!


Stay Beautiful - Beauty Queens
-queenbbeee

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