2012 Black Friday Haul

Hello Everyone
Here is my 2012  Black  Friday haul!
Thanks for watching.
Pjd

It's on sale

Hello Everyone

**Butter London has changed things around, no code is needed now- enjoy.**

The Black Friday madness may be over, but the sales keep rolling in. Today, December 14th, Butter London has a 30%off + free shipping sale on your entire order. Use the code LASTCHANCE They are offering this sale without a minimum purchase!!! Remember, Butter London is a 3 free nail polish brand.
 I will get back to my regularly scheduled posts very soon, possibly tonight.
Have a great weekend.
Pjd

Great Online Deals

Hello

Black Friday may be over but the sales just keep on coming.
 Julep is having their 12 days of gifting sale where everyday a new offer is presented. Today is a really awesome deal, you can get an unlimited number of polishes where you buy one and get the other for free. Today is day 6.
Use the code BFF2 

You can also find sales at Dooney and Bourke as they hold their annual 12 days of Dooney. Today is day 4.
Pjd

Mini vacay haul and KBB Rant

Hello Everyone
I just had to get this off of my chest, happier posts will soon follow.
Thanks for watching.

PJD

Tarte Treat Yourself

Hello Everyone
Here is my video on the 2012 Treat Yourself kit by Tarte.
This kit is still available through QVC.
If you have already received your package, what do you think of this collection?
Thanks for watching.
Pjd

NOTD and a Mini online shopping rant

Hello
Although I spoke about it in my last video I wanted to share pictures of my NOTD (nail of the day). I am wearing vio-last, one of the colors from the new Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant nail polish collection. The formula used for these polishes are thick but not to the point of being goopy. One coat can certainly do the trick but I always use two for good measure. These $8.00 (+) polishes which dry with a shiny top coat are worth every penny. If Cover Girl offered a wider selection of colors they could easily usurp the drugstore polish throne.
I should note that in the pictures below I did add an additional top coat from the CND brand. However, if you watch my last video you will see the polish in it's natural state without an additional top coat.

Here is the polish with the camera flash off.

And the rant begins in 5, 4, 3...

By now you know that I like to purchase products, hence the name of my blog. So when Black Friday and Cyber Monday roll around, the little hairs on the nape of my neck uncoil and stand at attention. I look forward to restocking my now barren shelves and I anticipate the arrival of each package. So when companies decide to play musical chairs with their sales pricing it sours the shopping experience. Some companies have bounced around different sales prices between Black Friday and Cyber Monday and consumers only hope that they click the "pay now" button when the price is truly at its lowest mark. For example, when Elf publicized their buy one get one half off Black Friday sale, I like many others jumped at the chance to try some of their new products, only to have a 50% off site wide sale appear on Monday.
 Of course I expected companies to have a Cyber Monday sale, but when that sale is far superior to the sale that ended a day prior, it makes me feel as if they only want to soak up as much money as possible. This is the time of year when many companies have an opportunity to enter that coveted financial black zone leaving behind the prior months when they were financially in the red so I understand the need to make money, but at what cost?
 Elf wasn't alone in dampening my online shopping tryst, I was also angered by the companies that offered no sale at all, but instead offered free shipping if you spend $200.00.  Or better yet, the companies that really had no sale at all but offered a free product, one which probably sells poorly anyway.sigh. For the love of all that is Black Friday & Cyber Monday madness why can't companies provide us with the best prices possible during this annual shopping fiesta?
To the companies out there if you are worried that you will lose money, you won't. If  you offer your products with reasonable discounts we will come in droves, to point, click and "PAY NOW".
How was your Black Friday/Cyber Monday experience?

Hair reviews and Cyber Monday chatter

Hello
Here are my two latest videos.- Enjoy.



 Get This Not That (reviews of products from Afroveda and Naturalista Cosmetics)

Get This not THAT

Black Friday and Cyber MONDAY Sales

Hello Ladies

Can you believe it, it's already time for the Black Friday post.
I will continue to update the list below as more information becomes available. I should also note that youtuber TastiredBone has a Black Friday list on her blog which already includes MANY Black Friday Sales. Please feel free to list sales that may not be on these lists in the comment section below. Sharing is caring :-).

Hair
Miss Jessies- buy one get one free from Nov. 18th- Dec. 15th. I would also suggest checking your local stores that sell the MJ products because some may also honor the BOGO sale in store.

Curl Junkie- Starting Nov- 22 at 5pm - Nov 23 you can get 25% off all orders totaling $50 or more.  Use the code THANKS2012. This sale excludes kits and samples.

Brown Butter Beauty- Get  25% off Nov. 23-25th use the code BLACKFRIDAY.

Darcys Botanicals - (You can also shop through Darcy's etsy store) Get 25% off Nov. 23 use the code thankyou

Oyin Handmade- The entire store will be discounted 20% off all items NO CODE required. Free domestic shipping on orders $60 or more use the code thisisblackfriday and for a $10 discount on international shipping use the code BLFI (the last letter is an I in case you were wondering).

Naturalista Cosmetics- Nov 23 save 25% off regular and jumbo sizes use the code Naturalista

Hairrogant.com- Nov. 23-26 save 30% off everything use the code thankful2012

Karen's Body Beautiful- save 30% Nov 22- 26 use code KBBLOVE

My Honey Child - Nov 22 at 9pm- Nov 23  buy one 8 oz jar get another 8oz jar free (limit 5) use code  MYBF

Josie Maran- get 25% off use the code Argan25
Beauty
I'm not sure if you want to consider this next one a sale or not but Jane Iredale will give you a triple eye shadow if you use the code "THANKS" at checkout from Nov. 19th-25th. HOWEVER you must spend $125.00.

OCC Makeup- Nov. 23-26 If you spend $25 or more you will get a free Triptych metallic gold lip tar for free.  WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. for CYBER MONDAY (directly from the OCC email) "Since Black Friday, any and all purchases over $25.00 USD receive a free Triptych Lip Tar from our very first collection of Metallic Lip Tars! On Monday, all purchases over $75.00 USD* can pick any additional Lip Tar, also completely free of charge, in addition to your complimentary Triptych Lip Tar!"

INGLOT- Nov. 22 at 3AM- Nov. 27th at 3AM in store and online 20% off (last year online the products were shown online at already reduced prices so there was no need for a code)

Black Up Cosmetics they are still doing their friends and family sale of 20% off and free shipping on  any order of $90 or more.

Elf Cosmetics-  Nov 22- 23 buy one get one 50% off  You must have a $30 minimum- use the code BLKFRI ON CYBER MONDAY- use the code 50WIDE for 50% off everything.


Zoya Nov 22-Nov 26 all dream boxes will be sold for $20 when you use the code DREAM

Julep Nov 23-25 you will get a free gift with every $20 you spend. (I already made my purchase so I can tell you the gifst range from headbands, to cup to more nail polish). Shipping is free no code necessary.

Origins Nov 23Get $10 off and free shipping when you spend $25 or more use the code TENOFF

Deborah Lippmann- save 20% plus free shipping on every order of $75 or more use the code thanks2012

The Body Shop - 50% off site wide and free shipping if you spend $30 or more.

Bath and Body Works- 25% off your entire online order use the code CYBER2012.

Aerosoles- save 25% off your entire order, no code necessary.

DSW Now through Nov. 27th save $15 off $74, $30 off  $149.00 and save $50.00 off  $199.00.

Mac use the code CYBER and get overnight shipping free for Cyber Monday.

Butter London- For cyber Monday select colors on sale for $10.00.

Carol's Daughter- Cyber Monday save 15% off any order, 20% off orders of $50 or more and 25% off orders of $75 or more.

Farmhouse Fresh Goods- free sparkling soak ($20.00) with any purchase. you have to ADD one bottle to your purchase. code MONDAY

The Balm - save 40% off site wide and get free shipping, use the code CYBERMONDAY

Pooka Pure and SImple 2 for 1 on whipped creams and butters. $3.00 shipping for all purchases.
Clothing and Accessories 

Ann Taylor- Nov. 20th- Nov 23 get 40% off full priced items use the code THANKS  For Cyber monday use the code MONDAY to get 40% Off.


Dooney & Bourke- Nov. 23-26  take an extra 10% off items listed in the "specials" section of the website. Use the code SAVE10

New York & Company- Nov. 23rd until 2PM online get 40-70% off items. No shipping charges on any online order (no minimum required).

Shoe Dazzle up to 50% off select styles. (discount reflected at check out)

Eddie Bauer - Nov. 23 -40% off IN STORE ONLY

Payless Nov 23 in store and online get $10 off $50 or more- online use the code 86991

Spiegel Black Friday weekend Buy one get one 50 % off while supplies last.

JJill in store and online use the code thanks for 25% off your entire order.

The Limited- Save 50% off regularly priced item use the code CYBER
Miscellaneous

Barnes & Noble - Nov. 23-25th 30% off a single item including sales items use the code T9P3E3W (select items up to 50% off and in store only you can get a nook for $59.00).

NOTW and WNTW

Hello Everyone

Here is my nail of the week color. I'm wearing Spending Spree #108, by Ciate. This color looks like an iridescent pink/ gold/silver color. The color didn't translate so well in my picture but hopefully you can see the gold color outlining my nails and the pinkish/ silver color in the center. This polish costs $15.00 and it is available at Sephora (online).

Now here is my latest WNTW video.

I will have my Black Friday list up very soon.
Thanks for reading/watching.

WNTW, Sales Info and Where is the LUV?

Hello Everyone

 Here is another edition of What's New This Week.

Where is the LUV?
Previously I spoke with you all about a movie named  Luv, starring Common and many other well known actors. The movie is supposed to be released in select theaters today but I can't find any theaters  playing this film....sigh.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Pjd

Sales

Hello
If you are a Sephora VIB member, please remember that the 20% off sale starts Nov. 8th and ends Nov 12th. Use the code Celebrate if you are shopping online.
It really annoys me that they only give a 20% discount, at least once during the year it should be 30 or dare I say 40 % off.


Butter London has extended their 30% off sale until Nov. 11th. Please use the code FRIENDS12 at checkout.


Jurlique is also offering a discount, 25% to be exact. Use the code FFEVENT at checkout.

Do you have and special items on your shopping wish list?
Pjd

Random Chatter

Hola my Product Junkie Fam

If you watch the news you will be told, as I am , that things are getting back to normal during this post- Sandy period. Clearly, a week is not enough time to make such a declaration. The simple fact that we still can't find a gas station that actually has GAS is an indication that things are not back to normal. I walked to the store today, for those who know me personally, they are now picking their chins up off the ground. Apparently some trains and buses are running on a limited schedule. My job will reopen  on Monday.....ok and how am I supposed to get there??? Well we shall see, but the last I checked a tunnel that I go through to get to work was filled with 12 feet of water. In the end my family members and friends are alive so there is really not much to complain about. The NYC marathon has just been cancelled and some people are fuming because this decision should have been made days ago. While powerful generators and tractor trailers filled with food await runners who will no longer run the race, many wonder why those supplies were not dispatched sooner to those in need.

That's actually not why I decided to write this blog, but I just had to vent.
I read an article over at Clutch Magazine (love this online mag) about checking people and it made me think immediately of an episode of Don't Sleep. Nearly two weeks ago TJ Holmes had his first female dominated panel, which featured Vivica Fox and Crystal Wright. You can watch that episode here. If you were able to catch the episode, you witnessed the fiery retorts between the two women. Although some want to fling the words ghetto and bougie at Vivica and Crystal respectively, I think they both behaved in an unprofessional and childish manner. Having seen Vivica in the past converse with people who share her opinion, I know that hand clapping, wide sweeping hand movements and in your face hand gestures, are well within her gesticulatory repertoire. This is not to excuse her behavior because common sense dictates that when you disagree with someone if you include hair flinging, snapping fingers and similar movements, the person with whom you are conversing may find you to be disrespectful. Now Crystal is certainly not off the hook because her condescending comments and childish mimicry didn't go unnoticed. I was saddened that TJ's first show with two female panelists was tainted with women who couldn't control their emotions. Honestly I think both women were intimidated by the other for different reasons, but that's just me.... I would have preferred a pairing of Crystal and Issa Rae, because things would have played out in a totally different manner.

But, I digress - my point is if you have a difference of opinion with your coworkers, fellow panelists or anyone else, and you feel that you have been disrespected, there is a way to "check them" without being rude. I agree with some of the commenters over at Clutch, there are some remarks that you can let slide under the rug, but there are times when you just want to put a person in their place. Perhaps its our pride tapping us on the shoulder and nudging us to think of a quip that can singlehandedly turn our verbal opponent's self esteem into minced meat, but whatever it is  that motivated us to respond, I think it boils down to wanting them to feel what they made us feel. Unless their behavior or comment is overtly rude, perhaps we should consider why their remark cut us so deeply, maybe it's time for a little self- examination.
So I ask you, how do you handle people with the three personality types described in the Clutch magazine article? If you didn't get a chance to read the article it focused on those who are aggressive, passive- aggressive and know -it-alls.

Have a great weekend.
Pjd

NOTW and WNTW

Hello Everyone
Here are a few of my nail of the week selections:

Up first is Jana by Zoya- $8.00. This nice taupe color reminds me of one of my favorite colors- You Don't Know Jaques by OPI.

I also picked up this nameless color from Cover Girl, isn't this a dupe for the above taupe color Jana? I paid around $4.50 for this at Target. Literally this bottle and all of the bottles from this CoverGirl line did not include color labels unless I totally missed it. I did miss it, the color is Toasted Almond. I should also note that this Cover Girl polish dries with a very nice shiny top coat and I only used 1 coat!!!! This has encouraged me to look more closely at these new CoverGirl shades.

I also rocked Navy Narcissist form Maybelline. This metallic $6.00 polish lasted nearly 5 days on my nails without a top coat. I should note that the heavy blue pigment totally stained my toe nails blue, but that is not uncommon.

Now here is my video of the week featuring my "What's New This Week" items. One featured item is the new Sally Hansen Insta gel at home manicure kit available at Walgreens.
Here is one item featured in the video below, a new CoverGirl mascara that promises zero clumps!

 

WNTW, Luv Naturals Detangler and Shoemint

Hello
Here is my review of the Luv Naturals Detangler along with a few WNTW products. I will also show you my first pair of shoes from Shoemint.com

Thanks for watching.
Pjd

Pillow Soft Curls and Nail Polish Tutorial of sorts

Hello Here is my latest video which features Pillow Soft Curls by Miss Jessies and my nail polish application process. Thanks for watching. Pjd

NOTW, Don't Sleep and Something New

Hello All

Here are a few of the nail polishes that I have worn in recent weeks:

Currently I am wearing " You Only Live Twice" by OPI. This sparkly berry colored polish requires two coats. This polish is not a glitter polish.

Last week I wore "Take the Stage" a burnt orange sparkly OPI polish.

There were a few other nail looks in between but they have been showcased previously.

Don't Sleep

Are you watching Don't Sleep, the new late night talk show on BET? The host is former CNN reporter TJ Holmes and he is great! He is the modern day Tavis Smiley for BET. Overall he is objective while articulating his points, and he is relatable to a wide range of viewers. BET has a winner on their hands but they may need to promote this show a bit more.  Despite my appreciation for this level of quality programming, I do have two issues with this show.
Firstly, a 30 minute show is barely enough time to allow his panelists to tackle some of the complex issues that have been raised on the show, so more time is needed. Secondly, his three panelists almost always consists of two intelligent, well spoke people with contrasting views and a third person who has been placed there, dare I say for comic relief. As the two opinionated panelists become engaged in a verbal sparring match, the third guest either fights to get a word in or sits in silence. TJ has literally had to ask the two guests to stop speaking to allow the third panelist to have a moment. It's not to say that the third panelist isn't intelligent, but some people simply don't do well in conversations that deal with topics that are out of their comfort zone or when they are paired with people who can speak without ever taking a breath.
Nevertheless, this is officially my late night show!
**I love TJ's closing line -"You can go to bed now, but Don't Sleep"!!! **

Something New
I was in the city one day and I decided to stop for a bite to eat with my family. It was only until I examined the menu that I realized we were sitting in a vegetarian restaurant.    I closed my menu and asked my family if they were ready to find another spot to eat since none of us are vegetarians. My sister  suggested that we give the food a try. She reminded me of our two year stint as vegetarians many moons ago. Whether it was a sentimental reflection  on our former meatless years or the fact that no one made a move towards the restaurant door that forced me to open my menu and examine the offerings. The food that I ordered was so good that it just reminded me of the importance of trying something new.
What new things have you tried recently (food or otherwise) ?
   

                                                                 

Everything that you will see below is a vegetarian meal.
These delicious spring rolls pictured below were crispy and delicious! I actually ordered a second helping.

            
Next up soy crispy nuggets, I didn't eat any but I was told they were yummy.

                          
Feast your eyes on soy buffalo wings:

  
They carefully molded soy into  the shape of chicken wings that had been slathered in a sweet bbq sauce.       This item was just ok for me, it certainly wasn't bad though.

I didn't taste the soy shrimp shown below but take a look and let your mouth water.

        
Finally I tasted some of the best fries that I have ever had, these fries definitely rank in my top 3 of the best fries ever! And yes I ate everything with the chop sticks provided.

                
These fries were crispy but not oily and certainly not salty. YUMMMMM
Thanks for reading.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Hello

Here is my new WNTW (What's New This Week) video, it features some limited edition items.

WNTW and NYX on sale

Hello Everyone

Here is another edition of WNTW-

I hope you are all well!!!!

NOTW a retrospective

Hello All

Here are some pics from my  recent nail polish selections:

In the picture below, I am wearing "Wednesday" by Zoya. -$8.00. I am going to do a battle post which will highlight all of the mint green polishes that I own. Although it way not look like Wednesday should be featured in a mint green nail polish collection, you will see that this minty polish fits right in. 

In the mascara post be low, you may have noticed that I am wearing "Sew Psyched" by Essie.- $6.00 (price varies)

I also wore "Yummy" by Zoya

Top 5 Mascaras of ALL Time

Hello

Here are the pictures that will accompany my video below, showcasing  my top 5 mascaras of all time. I actually have a few honorable mentions too, so let's get started.

If you look below you will see my NAKED lashes, they are almost nonexistent on the bottom row.  

Here are two other shots of my naked lashes:

Individual eye shots
Naked right eye

Naked left eye

Let's see what 1 coat of each of my favorite mascaras can do to enhance my puny lashes. 

First up, in no particular order......

Dior Show BLACK OUT- $25.00

Now let's look at my lashes with just my top lashes done on one eye. I am not going to tell you which eye is done yet, you will have to scroll down for the answer but take your guess for now.

Here is the answer:

If your guess was that I have mascara on the left eye (the eye on the right side of the screen) then you are correct. This is a SINGLE coat of mascara which means that my mascara wand did not go back in the tube, I applied this mascara and this is the result.
Here is a close up on my lash with the mascara:

Here is the mascara on both lashes (top row only):

Here's another pic:

Now let's look at my top and bottom rows complete with one coat of mascara:

Since the wand is chubby and my bottom lashes are short, it's not easy to apply mascara to the bottom row without getting the formula on my skin.  I have not faced any clumping or flaking issues with this mascara.

Givenchy 4 in 1 mascara- $32.00

I'm sure it's not hard to tell in this picture, but I have lashes on one eyelash:

Now you can't tell me this isn't dramatic.... and yes this is just one coat on my lashes:

I intentionally left a little mascara on the tip on my lash on the right side of the picture directly above this text. Normally I would use my fingers to pull off the excess but I wanted you to see what happens with this mascara. It isn't much but it's worth mentioning, I think the ball shaped wand makes it difficult to grab some of the excess at the tip of your lashes if you use the entire wand (this is explained in my video)
One eye

Here is a close up on my other eye:

Now let's check this mascara out on my top and bototm lashes:

here is a close up on one eye so you can see the top and bottom:

On my other eye you can really see the droplet of mascara that hangs on to the tip of the lashes:

I experienced better handling on lower lashes with this wand.

Black Up Cosmetics- $37.00

Once again I have one coat of the mascara on just one eye lash. However I have to tell you that the battery on this 3 speed mascara is DEAD so the lashes that you are looking at were coated without the vibrating action. I loved my lashes when it vibrated on level 3, but it would tickle so much that my eyes would water and this mascara is not waterproof so it had the potential to be disastrous.

Another shot:

I think it's pretty clear that the mascara is on my top lash on the left side of the screen.
Now let's check it out with the mascara applied to my top lashes on both eyes:

Here is a look at my top and bottom lashes complete with the Black up Vibrating macara (without the vibration featured turned on)

Not much improvement on the bottom row without the vibrating feature.
Single eye shot top and bottom:

And here is my other eye:

This mascara is just wet enough that if you put it to your skin too quickly you will get smudges on your lids, but not much.
I was able to define my bottom lashes a bit more with this mascara but it isn't perfect.

YSL Shocking- $30.00

Mascara on one top row of lashes:

Now here is the mascara on both of my top lashes:

Up close and personal...notice the heavy look to my lashes and this is just ONE COAT.

Now I will complete my bottom lashes:

Here is my single eye shot:

And my other eye:

This mascara is so wet and so much product comes out but if you  can manage to handle your bottom lashes carefully, it can leave you with beautifully lush bottom lashes.

Lancome Hypnose Drama- $26.00

I have mascara on just one lash.

Now I have the mascara applied to both of my top lashes:

Mascara on both top and bottom

Single eye shot

Another single eye shot

Now time for the honorable mentions
These are the mascaras that didn't make my top 5 but they have high ratings in my book because  of the innovation behind these products. They also work really well too!

Inglot - $10.00

One eye lash has the mascara

Now I have the Inglot mascara on both of my top lashes:

Below you will see the mascara on both my top and bottom lashes:

Here is a single eye shot of top and bottom lashes:

This mascara works well but it didn't make my top 5 because I get more luscious lashes from the aforementioned mascaras.
Givenchy Phenomen Eyes (original)- $30.00

Here this mascara is on one set of lashes (please note I only have this mascara in brown!)

Both eyelashes on the top row done.

Top and bottom lashes

Single eye shot of my top and bottom lashes

And my other eye

Brown is obviously not my color but it does allow me to get to my lashes in the inner portion of my lid.

Maybelline Mega Plush- $6.99 (price varies at different drugstores)

As you can see the lashes are lengthened but they look a little thin all the way around, not giving much volume at all even though this is a volume express mascara. Perhaps more coats would have done the trick.
Here I have the mascara on both of my top lashes:

Here are my lashes top and bottom:

Single eye shot

And another single eye shot:

What are your favorite mascaras?