And the winner is...........

Anna with comment #25.



and I verified my findings with two independent sources. (AKA two of the people in my life that tell me it like it is!)



Email me Anna at byhillary AT gmail DOT com !!

Thank you everyone who entered! I have to admit I was excited about who ever won but also felt bad only one could win.

grey, gray, gunmetal, slate,

Sweater H&M (2010 but they don't have an online store)
Shirt Gift from Gram (2008)
Wideleg pleated jeans H&M (2008)
Shabooties Nine West (2009)
Bag Paulina Carcach on etsy
Ring Marc Jacobs (2007)
Earring gift from mom and I LOST ONE ON MY WAY TO WORK.


Sweater and makeup and kinda see the ruffles on shirt


Makeup close up


Shabooties


New purse

I have a couple spendy purses. I carry my life in them and I walk everywhere so I don't have a car to store things in or anything like that. That is how I validate a nicer purse. Not that it needs validating because my husband and I are in agreement with it. The last few I got I saved up for them with my "Ladies Nice Things" account. I was saving up again. (although a rainy day came along and I had to empty the whole thing and start over) and I decided it was foolish at this point to be doing that and instead I wanted to support a small designer and I hit up Etsy. I looked for "grey/gray leather bag" in and this is what tickled my fancy! I have been lusting after a gray leather bag for sometime now. I had this idea in mind for what I wanted it to be.
This totally satiated my desire. It is extremely well made, beautiful and SOFT! I love that it is handmade and not something put together in a sweat shop. Now I am not getting all causey on you but my mom is a crafter/artist. That is how she makes her living. People go to her instead of big box stores for supplies and hand dyed fibers and clothes she makes. In a ways I feel like I am supporting my mom by in return supporting another small designer. The Hello Kitty Tokidoki was just my way of personalizing it. :)

Check out my mom's latest creations she has up for sale here.

What are you plans for the weekend?
We have absolutely no plans. Dave was violently ill the entirety of last weekend so I hope we do something this weekend. I am up for anything really.


You only have a few hours left to enter my giveaway. No entries will be accepted after 2pm EST.
I will announce the winner later today. Once I announce it I would appreciate if the winner will email me right away so I can facilitate getting you in touch with the company as they will send the item directly to you.

I am just naturally curious

If you are on my Facebook you know that I like to ask deepish personal questions at times because I like to know how people TICK. I just want to know how others think and feel and react to things. When I ask these things I am not proclaiming anything about my life. I just want to know more about others. My overly curious nature has gotten me into a LOT of trouble over the years. I probably should of been some sort of social worker or psychologist. I think this from my mother will clue you in a little to how I have been the past 31 years.

"Picture this~ Hillary little in car Seat~ heading to Grandma's house~ Hillary looks around ~ asks~ where are the people behind us going?
Me~ I dunno
Hillary~ are they going to Grandma's?
Me~ No
Hillary ~ why?

Me~ they don't know grandma
Hillary~ why don't know grandma?
Me~ I dunno why
Hillary ~they should~
Hillary looks around some more
Hillary~ that a Drake cup cake truck?
Me~ yes Hillary that is
Hillary~ that a duck on the truck?
Me~ Yes Hillary
Hillary ~ why is there a duck on the drakes truck?
Me~ it's there Logo
Hillary~ what's a logo?
If I had a penny for every question I answered I'd be filthy rich~ "

Words can't bring me down.

I took pictures in 3 lighting situations today. The discontinuity makes my eye twitch.

Dress Target
Sweater tights Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes Marc Jacobs
Star necklace gift
Coo-coo clock earring Gift
Sweater Kohls

Better view of sweater.


Sweater tights


Even better view of shoes


Button, makeup and earrings


Hair


My button says "I love my cat. My cat does not care." I got it before I had Waffle. Waffle loves me.
See proof!


I loved hearing about your quirks yesterday. Now if you don't already read Bright Side Dweller
you totally should be. Yesterday she asked how do you flip the negative talk in your mind. I want to know this more.
What do you do when you are suffering from self doubt. Body, actions, job wise, heck LIFE wise?

OK this is REALLY weird but AS I AM IN THE MIDDLE TYPING THIS Beautiful by Christina Aguilera being sung by Evan Dando started singing in my ears. It was like a cosmic hug. I love when that stuff happens. My husband once read a philosopher said you are leading the path you are meant to lead when those things happen to you.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a flat iron!

I am out of witty Clue references.

Dress (2007) sweater (2008) and scarf (2010) Ann Taylor Loft (totally not done on purpose. I told you guys yesterday I had a problem.)
Some might remember this dress.

Shoes Michael Kors (2008) I got them in Las Vegas for an insane 90% off. They are creepy pony hair. I refuse to touch them. I put them on and off by the heel.
Earrings Gift from a friend
Ring MFA store

Today is terrible weather wise. It is warm enough to rain instead of snow and it is POURING. This sweater had been missing for a year. Which is a feat in a 300 sq ft apartment. I found it last night and everything centered around it and my new scarf.

This scarf is the other thing Loft and Lucky kindly sent me. It is also from the new Spring 2010 line. It isn't on the site yet for sale but it is on the front page. The colors are soooo pretty and it is kinda light and filmy. A good scarf for when it is too warm to wear a scarf but you want to wear it as fashion. I need to brush up on my scarf typing skills.

Scarf and Earring detail

Nails, ring and scarf detail


This polish is my current fave. It is Mouse by American Apparel It is not available online but they do have it in stores. I have had so many people stop me to ask what it was. It is an unusual color. I really really dig their polishes.

Shoes

Makeup


For Makeup I did the Alice in Wonderland palette AGAIN, I have Muchness over entire lid and Eat me Drink me in the outer corner. I have White Rabbit on the brow bone. Coralista blush by Benefit. A brown eyeliner on top and bottom from MAC. For lips I have MAC Dazzleglass in GoldySparks a limited edition color from last year.

In answer to yesterdays question. I had tofu pad Thai and you saw what I was wearing.

Today I want to know do you have any weird quirks?
The reason I ask is I have a hangnail on my finger and I can't STOP PUSHING ON IT. It hurts yet I touch it constantly. I also rattle my door 3 times when I leave. I have dozens but those were the two I was thinking about when I came up with this question. I also am in crazy love with the feeling and sound of taking the plastic cling film off new appliances and electronics.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a flat iron!

It was Professor Plum in the library with the wooden shoe

Today well today is interesting. NOTHING is coming out right. I was trying to combine too many things into a couple pictures. I have an article I am writing for another site and I was trying to use this photo for that but I honestly needed to take two photos, one with boots for that site and one with the shoes I am really wearing for today.
Here is the boots I only wore to get TO work. It is still the middle of winter here.


So this is what I am wearing right at this moment at work.


I didn't like how the first ones at home came out. But you can see the brown turtleneck and 3 layered necklaces in this one.


And I got this badass cuff that Loft and Lucky magazine gifted me from the upcoming Spring 2010 collection. I mean COME ON. I feel like a superhero in this thing. I already had an Ann Taylor stores problem. They are only encouraging me. (Random fact Dave used to work for Ann Taylor. Hence my problem. I got staff discount back then!)
The cuff isn't on the site yet so I can't link it. I believe they said it it will be out in March.


Really you can't see my makeup in any of those. So here is a makeup shot.


But if we are being honest I only care about the shoes.


There you have it.
Dress (2008) Banana Republic
Hoodie (2008) Old Navy
Turtleneck that is ruched a little (2007) Target
Brown stripey tights (2008) Vera Wang Kohls
SHOES Michael Kors 6pm. I got them last week on sale for $24.99 which was 89% off the original price (not my personal best actually. That was Loft 96% off) They are $26 which is still 85% off now but they are still an insanely good deal if you are interested in wood soled 5 inch platform heels!
Necklaces Mark by Avon (2008)
Cuff Gifted from Lucky Magazine and Loft

I said it before but I will say it until the cows come home because Dave thinks I should. I probably will just not tell you at all if I got an item and I don't like it. I'd rather just quietly reply to them that it wasn't up to my standards. It has just worked out that the few things I have been given lately I have loved. I don't want you to think I am plugging anyone that I don't support. I as always will only be honest with you. (Honest to a fault at times but hey that is what makes me interesting read.)

OH MAKEUP you want to know what I am wearing. (Thanks for the reminder Heather)
Eyeshadow. Again from the Alice in Wonderland by Urban Decay palette. I have Curiouser over entire lid and Queen on the cuter half. For eyeliner I smudge Permaplum eyeliner from MAC on upper and lower lid. For blush I have on Coaralista from Benefit. Lips was a limited edition Red Dazzleglass from MAC from last year.

What are you wearing today? And what are you having for lunch?!
I mean really that is what is most important.

Dear spring HURRY UP. Color lust.

I had a lovely reader (and friend!) Heather write in and ask for me to do a post on what trends I am liking right now. I am not big on trends so much anymore because I realized that as a woman in my 30's I need to go with what I love and if a trend comes and it has things that work for my body great, if not don't force it. I probably did a few years ago. I am still working on compiling some outfits but I wanted to share my spring palette.

These are the colors I want to be in this spring.

For my spring wardrobe I am thinking of brown and navy dresses and skirts with lots of hot pink, butter yellow and acid green. This goes back to not forcing a trend. I don't look good in soft colored dresses that always reemerge every spring. I love them but a yellow dress on me is terrible. So instead I want to go with a navy with a princess sleeve butter yellow cardigan. Also this is a good way to have a multi season dress. Come fall I can wear a dark orange sweater with the same navy dress and instantly I am "fall" appropriate.

The AMAZINGLY talented Julie of Rottencupcakes made me this lovely template for my blog. She is a design genius. I told her I wanted "Clean Bauhaus with bunnies".


Side note. Does anyone know the hexadecimal code for a good hot pink? This isn't as neon as I want and I can't seem to find a good one. I want a NEON one.


What colors do you want to incorporate into your spring wardrobe?

It was Mrs. Blue with the wooden shoe in the hallway

Blue and white Gingham shirt with front ruffle Gap
Lace cami Banana Republic
Highwaist skirt American Apparel
Suspenders Dorothy's Costume
Hat Dorothy's Costume
Shabooties Nine West
Bracelets, two heart ones gift from husband, Turquoise is a Celiac Awareness and the Pandora I bought myself and some charms and others were gifted
Necklace Gift
Shirt, hat, necklace detail

Makeup

Bracelets

Shoes

Makeup Alice in Wonderland palette by Urban Decay.I have White Rabbit over entire lid and Alice in the outer corner. I lined it with blue liner from the palette on top and bottom and then I sweeped MAC Solar White over the entire thing to make it shine opaly. For blush I have the pink from the MAC Hello Kitty Collection from last winter. Lips I have a milky pink Dazzlecreme (I forget the color name and I forgot it on the counter at home) My brows are done with Benefit Brows a-go-go

Do you guys like the linking to the products? I don't benefit from them and they take extra time looking them up but I get so many makeup questions I thought it might be helpful for you guys? Yah or Nay? I don't mind doing it but I don't want to do it if no one cares. Know what I'm sayin? Because I know what it is already. I own it!

What did you do this weekend?
Dave is VERY sick. He got poisoned we think this weekend. Poor thing has been sick since Saturday afternoon and he is home right now. OH SNAP I need to check out kitten cam I can spy on him!
OK checked. He must be in bed because he isn't in living room.


If you are interested in winning a Flat Iron please enter my giveaway. I will be randomly selecting a winner on Friday.

You are gonna want to read this! (hint it has to do with your hair!)

Do I have a post for you!

I was gifted a Hana Elite Flat Iron from the awesome people at Misikko. They sell quite a selection of hair straighteners and other hair styling tools. Check their "Best Flat Iron" category for such brands as Chi flat irons, FHI flat irons and the Hana Elite !

From the product site:

• 100% Solid Ceramic Plates Never Peel or Degrade
• Tourmaline infused into the heating elements for maximum thermal protection
• Large Integrated Ceramic Heaters with Full Plate Coverage for the Most Consistent, Conditioning Far Infrared Heat Possible
• Ceramic is naturally hygienic, protects color & retards fading
• Unique black ceramic plates won't discolor with use of products or hair dyes
• Adjustable Temperature Dial - 5 Settings from 140-450° F for All Hair Types
• Flash Heats in Seconds with Instant Compensation for Heat Loss
• Safe to use on Damp to Dry Hair
• Beveled Edges mean Easy Curled, Flipped, Spiked or Straight Styles
• Ergonomic Handle Design with No-Slip Grip
• Smooth Grooves Keep Hair Strands Separate and Snag-Free
• Sleek luxury matte finish
• Tangle-Free Salon Quality Cord Swivels 360°; Convenient Hanging Loop
• Energy Efficient at 38 Watts
• Independent On/Off Switch
• Includes Luxe Heat Proof Storage Pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat, & Special Edition Tin Case

I was positively giddy when I opened the package. Talk about presentation! It also smelled delicately sweet. I had recently broke my favorite flat iron and this couldn't have come at a better time.

First thoughts on looks alone. This is one impressive iron. The matte black handle and glossy black plate. SLEEEEEEK. They also included a heat proof mat, storage and travel case! Also some other fun goodies including a heat protector hair product. There is an on and off switch which surprisingly not all irons have! My last very fancy one didn't have one. There is an adjustable temperature dial that ranges from 140-450° F. It comes with a little book with recommended temps based on your type of hair.

I plugged it in, turned the dial to 350° F and an waited about a minute. I could tell when I hovered my hand over it that it was already hot! My hair is very thick and I have a lot of it too. It naturally has a wave to it. I had had my hair in a bun all day so I had a real big curl in it so I was really putting it through a test!
BEFORE



A quick glide over your hair is all it takes and the result is super sleek and smooth.

AFTER


It only took a few minutes to do my entire head. It looks and feels awesome. I can't stop petting myself. It was the kind of smooth that usually only a hairdresser can give me. My final opinion is it is a very superior product. It is professional quality and I would highly recommend it to anyone out there looking for a flat iron. I flat iron my hair every single day and I can see this being my new best buddy. It even came with a heat proof mat and travel case to safely take it with you when you travel.

Now the best part??? Misikko wants to give one to one of you my lovely readers! This iron has a retail value of $359. They will send you the iron directly if you win. Men enter for the woman in your life who wants straight hair!


The rules:
You have FOUR chances to win. To enter you must leave a separate comment saying you completed each step. (possible 4 comments total) I will use a random number generator and choose the winner on Friday February 26th.

1. Post a link to byhillary on your blog or Facebook or Twitter. If you don't have a blog or twitter then you can follow me on BlogLovin or any RSS service.
2. Follow Misikko on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/misikko
3. Blog about the giveaway on a personal website.
4. Join Misikko Newsletter NOTE this is temporarily broken. I will update when it is fixed. So please do one of the top three things until this is fixed.

Example:

"Hi this is Daisy and I just linked to you on my blog Daisybooandwaffle.blogspot.com"
"Daisy again I just followed Misikko on twitter"

As I mentioned I was gifted the iron from Misikko but I did not receive any other compensation. The opinion expressed is my honest opinion. I wouldn't review anything positively if I didn't believe it myself. I don't like it when others do it so I won't do it either!


EDITED TO ADD I was reminded by my lovely husband that right now Misikko is sending with each item purchased a $25 blank check that they would like you to give to the charity of your choice. They provided a list of some Haiti charites. They also included a prestamped blank envelope to mail it to your selected charity.

An outfit and a quiz

Another morning of outfit photos before Makeup. So I did what I dislike most and took a glasses photo.

I had no energy for my hair today. I had 5 hours sleep (I am one of those people who can not function on less than 6.5-7 I blame my anemia) I did my hair in Kasmira's Messy Girl Updo with two hair sticks. I haven't been able to wear my hair up much because it is so darn cold I have to wear a hat most days. Today the sun is out though!

Green steve cami H&M
Black shirt that has some little detail. Not so plain? Ann Taylor Loft
Sweater NY & CO
Skirt Target
Tights unsure
Shoes Aldo
Bangles various gifts. I have on 21 bracelets.

Oh and I do not have on teal tights like the shoe detail. I thought people knew but I still get comments. I reuse details photos. I have giant labeled sets of accessories, shoes and such and plug and play where needed. Always refer to the full length photo if you see something that confuses you.

I don't know what is up with this cardigan. I have it in this green, the neon orange and big bird yellow (not mustard) and they are all the same size. The orange is the only one that has been washed (or so I think) so why all a sudden is this one too small? Look at the sleeves! Maybe it went to the cleaners and I didn't realize. I partake in fluff and fold as a dubious luxury (yes that doesn't make sense SHUT UP)


You can see how it all hangs better here

it HAD to of shrunk

Whenever I post an outfit and quiz on the same day one gets love and the other doesn't. Hey I am human I put things out there because I want dialog and interaction (I do not need just praise like some people) Hey I like to hear you like your cat or what you had for dinner. I want to know how your day was it isn't a rhetorical question..


Quiz TIME!

Have you ever been camping?

Were you a boy/girl scout?

Do you sing in the car/shower?

Dinosaurs or dragons? and why?

Ever ridden a horse?

Do you remember your dreams?

Can you speak any other language?

Do you have any hidden talents?

Your family is coming to visit whats the first thing you do?


As always please COPY AND PASTE the questions into your answer so people can follow along and don't have to scroll.

For the Love of Lady Gaga a lipstick REVIEW

Today I have the extreme privilege of posting a guest review from the original creator of byhillary, Suzy. ( Oh I think I am so punny) She is gonna review the new MAC Viva Glam Lipstick in Lady Gaga.

Just let me tell you a little background~I'm a primitive Folk Art Cloth Doll Hair Supplier. I hand dyed spun wools of all kinds of textures and offer them to Doll Artist all over the world. I love to hand dye and create with my hands ~ I like to create and offer doll making supplies that are unique. you can find me here ~ www.Clothdollhair.comI'm soon to be 51 ~ Live on a farm with 6 Yes 6 dogs way out the boonies of Northern Florida. I have one grown and married Daughter. You might know her as www.byhillary.comI"m a gal that Loves her girlie girl products and with that said I was doing a happy dance when Lady Gaga came out with a limited edition Pink Lipstick put out by MAC.
Those that know me ~know pink lipstick is my prefer go to shade and this color is AWESOME~
every cent raised through the purchase of VIVA GLAM Gaga goes to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS

BEFORE

The lipstick.
I purchased mine at a MAC counter and it retails for $14.
They describe it as "Features(ing) a high lustre finish and cool blue-pink shade."
I love the texture ~Not greasy at all. I find there is no taste and a itty bit of a vanilla smell.
I really LOVE LOVE it's a blue based pink but it's light and not over powering in pigment.Best pink I've found to date and I know my pinks!

AFTER




Thanks so much for posting mumsy! I hope we can see more of you around these parts. Also thank you for peer pressuring me into buying my own because it really is such a great cause.
Make sure to check out my mom's Etsy and Blog.
Show her the love. I will forward all comments on to her! She is homebound with my recovering Dad who had major surgery.

Also let me say you can actually play this lipstick up REALLY easily. Slap a gloss over it and you are instant mod. Put a orange gloss over it and it makes the most amazing peach summer shade. Or put on a few coats and lots of black eyeliner for a very hot and very now look.