Must Remember: Shopping For Someone Else.... NOT ME

I went shopping during lunch and after work today, looking for a present for my Dad's Birthday. I always have a hard time shopping for my Dad because if he ever wants something he just goes out and buys the item he wants.

Of course while on my search I found tons of things I want. I was strong for everything except for these two items:

I found this top in the clearance section at Marshall's for only $10!!!!!  I think this would be a perfect look for work with a cardigan.

I also found this eyeshadow at Target by Milani called "Girls Luv Pink".

It is very sparkly.



It is a very light pink, you can barely see the color difference in the swatch above. I will be using this color with a dark purple. Since I have hazel eyes, purple just makes my eyes POP.

I did eventually find presents for my Dad. Here's hoping he likes them.

<3 Zerila

Blogging Day 281: Torrid Haul



http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Accessories/HatsHairgoods/Natural-Black-Band-Fedora-551003.jsp



I  have a black fedora, but I wanted one I could wear for the fall. Black is more of a winter hat color.



http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/Paisley-Side-Tie-Border--Print-Chiffon-Top-535336.jsp

I love the print on this top! I've never been a fan of this style of top, but when I saw the colors I had to get it.

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/Twist-Tees--Fuchsia-Slub-Knot-Tank-540880.jsp

A simple pink tank top. I'm learning I need to add more color to my wardrobe. Tanks are easy to translate into winter and fall by adding a cardigan.

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/Turquoise-Peacock-Dolman-Top-508519.jsp

I love this color and I think it would be perfect for my vests. I 've become a fan of the vest these days, but lack the shirts to wear with them. I have a black one that would look fabulous with this top.

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Accessories/Black-and-Clear-Open-Flower-Rhinestone-Wristband-537100.jsp

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Accessories/Black-Rhinestone-Butterfly-Wristband-506193.jsp

I have one wristband bracelet like these and absolutely love it. They are very comfortable to wear and they are beautiful. I always get tons of compliments when I wear my wristband.

 

That is all I was able to get because I'm on a major budget! I'm going on a cruise this January and next summer I plan on going to Comic Con. I must save so many pennys!

I'll keep an eye out on Torrid and twitter any cool sales.

30 Day Song Challenge Day 10 - A song that makes you fall asleep

Utada Hikaru is another favorite artist of mine. I like her so much that I bought her CD, and I have only bought about 10 CDs my whole life.

'Flavor of Life' was the main song for the Japanese version of 'Boys Over Flowers' TV show.

You might her know her best for her work with Kingdom Hearts.

Simple and Clean

My favorite song and music video, Passion:

<3 Zerila



Blogging Day 273: Go Check Out Your Local Borders NOW!

As everyone knows, Borders is closing. A friend mentioned they were selling their shelves for 3/$100, so my family and I went to check it out. Also, the lure of books being up to 60% off was a pretty sweet deal. 

We ended up not buying  the selves because the lean and it would look awkward, but I found this instead:

It cost $58 something. I'm going to use it to organize my make-up and other things. As soon as I am done I will show you. WISH ME LUCK!

<3 Zerila

30 Day Song Challenge: Day 03 A Song that Makes you Happy





The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite Disney Princess movies.

Blogging Day 272: Is No One Taking Checks Anymore?

I recently had my debit card stolen about a month back. Actually, I had my debit card numbers stolen because my card was still in my purse...weird. Evidently they can take your numbers and "program" them a new card.

ANYWAY...

I decided not to get a new debit card because I have found that I spend less money when I have to run to the bank to grab the cash I need to spend. I have to think twice about every purchase I do. I also started using checks again for when I go the the grocery store. After awhile I noticed certain stores not taking checks anymore.

The first store I noticed was Whole Foods. WHOLE FOODS, a GROCERY STORE doesn't take checks anymore! Granted, I do not shop at Whole Foods a lot. This is a 6x a year treat. Well, maybe more now that I learned they make AWESOME Indian food.

The most recent place I learned was Five Below. I was grabbing a few things and went to the counter and went to write out a check and he said they no longer take checks. I was so frustrated. Unfortunately, I only had enough money to buy one thing and explained my situation with the whole card thing. He stated it was because of the economy. A lot of people are writing bad checks and a lot of stores do not have a checking system for checks, so they are no longer taking checks. All of a sudden it made more since. If I owned a store, I would most likely do the same thing.

Still annoying though...

Has anyone else run into this problem?

<3 Zerila

30 Day Song Challege: Day 2 Your Least Favorite Song

Blogging Day 269: Shopping on Etsy @ Bubble Up! by Bethie B.

I was creating a treasury list when I ran into the shop Bubble Up! by Bethie B. She sells fun delicious,smelling soaps, and at the time they were 40% off on all soaps.

I went to town and originally my total was around $70, but somehow, I got it down to $30.

These are the soaps I bought:

Top Row Left-Right: Chocolate Covered Cherry, Sugar Cookie, Brown Sugar Baby, French Vanilla Sugar

Bottom Row Left-Right: Strawberry Fields, Chocolate Milkshake,Candy Apple, Undercover Strawberry

I also bought the 'A Rose is A Rose' soap, but I have been using it and didn't realize I would be blogging about these soaps at the time. After I used the soap for the first time I knew I had to tell you guys about them. The soap leaves my skin feeling nice and smooth, and smelling amazing. Even better then the Bath and Bodyworks stuff.

My recent tweets have been related to these soaps, incase you were curious. Anyway, You have to know one thing about me, I'm a very curious person. When I got these soaps and smelled the 'Undercover Strawberry', the chocolate smelled SO real. I just had to know! So, I tasted the chocolate smelling soap. It doesn't taste like chocolate at all... I honestly was surprised. At least now I know and for now my curiosity is sated.

I know what you are thinking, what is wrong with this girl? Is she on crack? No. I tried sniffing coke once, and the ice cubes got in the way and with that never understood the hype.It just that these soaps smell SO amazing and real!

I think I'm going to gift some of these at Christmas time. Which would be a perfect reason to buy more and smell her other soaps.

Either way, check out Bubble Up! by Bethie B.

<3 Zerila

PS- I am finally on twitter @Zerilaslife. I have done a total of two and still learning the ropes. I have recently become a fan of Stan Lee, mainly because he seems like a nice guy for someone who created a comic empire. His twitter is @TheRealStanLee.

Blogging Day 248: Otakon 2011 Haul

Last blog on Otakon 2011, but I wanted to show my Haul.

I save a little bit of money ALL year long to go shopping in the Dealers Room and Artist Alley to buy super cool stuff that I will not find at any other shops(except online, which is not the same!)

I have only collected one card set all my life  and that is the Sailor Moon Card Playing game. Can you tell that I have been collecting for ever? The cards are kept in an awesome Trapper Keeper and Seaquest DSV is written on the side!

Sailor Moon was my first anime. I would get up at 5am when I was in middle school to watch Sailor Moon! I have the mangas! The CDs that I currently have left are in a Sailor Moon CD case!  I own the Sailor Moon RPG game!

You will always remember your first anime, that's all I gotta say ;op

Of course, I grabbed the wrong packets... Oh well, more Sailor Moon is never a bad thing.

These were from the artist alley and I can never pass up more sparkly necklaces. 

Intriguing thing... at her table she had bracelets made out of matchbox cars. Yes you read right, matchbox cars. Not for me, but I'm currently now on the look out for anyone else in my normal everyday travels wearing a matchbox car bracelet.  

This was too cute! I know have a lucky cat that waves. They had little pandas that waved too, but I enjoyed the print on this cat. 

Of course the Dealers Room had a stall selling 2NE1 awesomeness!!!!

This is a vinyl canvas bag and on one side they have their looks from their music video "Lonely". 

On the other their looks from " I am the Best". Personally, my favorite look from "I am the Best" is their "metal-biker-chick" look, but oh well, still an awesome bag.

Super cool coffee cup to sport around the office to win over converts.

Forget Lady Gaga, 2NE1 is the stuff!

Can not pass up a Hello Kitty Plushie, especially ones with big pink bows!

This is a key chain teddy bear that I could not pass up. Another minimun for my desk to ward off people who give me work.

This is a magazine that was selling in the dealer's room. I've been looking for a magazine to geek over for my japanesse love. This may not be it, but it's still cute.

Cute little rings, that I may or may not change into hair clips and yes the way on the left is a playstation controller! Too cute!

This is a cute cellphone charm. I've been into strawberries lately and this was just too cute to pass up. PLUS!!! It smells like chocolate!

Last, but not least, hair accessories. I think my favorite is the black cat!

This year was more accessories then actually anime. Plus, I usually buy some bento items for my collection but I didn't even see anything that screamed I must have.

That is it for Otakon 2011, can not wait for next year!

<3 Zerila

Blogging Day 331: Torrid Clearance Sale!!!!

 Torrid is currently having their up to 85%off sale on their Clearance items! I always save money from each pay check for when they have these sales! 

This is what I grabbed:

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/White-Button-Lace-Top-585711.jsp





http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/Challis-Floral-Print-Tank-Top-544122.jsp

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/Grey-Vest-with-Cream-Crochet-Trim-587651.jsp



http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/Slub-Vest-with-Lace-Crochet-Trim-588394.jsp



http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/Indigo-Crochet-Trim-Sleeveless-Chiffon-Vest-522629.jsp

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/White-Slub-Floral-Applique-Top-540372.jsp

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/Tops/Indigo-Crochet-Trim-Tank-Top-532026.jsp

I bought very summery items, most likely because it felt like 100 degrees outside today!!! Plus, here in Maryland the humidity is so high it feels like I step into a sauna every time I go outside!

For all those who are suffering in this horrible heat: STAY COOL! DRINK TONS OF WATER!!!

<3 Zerila

Water: With this heat, I know it's not enough!

Veggie: Awesome! More Cherries along with my others

Workout: Knee still a bit sore, so I just road the bike machine. Normally I would go walk, but the heat is KILLER!



Blogging Day 303: Tokidoki & Sephora Shoppin'

 Needed a few essentials from Sephora and these are the extras that I bought!

This is the Adieu Chromatic Palette by Tokidoki. I had been in Sephora a couple of weeks ago and saw this and feel in love with the colors.

I can not get enough of Tokidoki's art. Very anime like, along with a bit of creepy. Which in essence is anime.

It comes with a cute little charm. I wanted the pink one that came with another set, but... alas I liked the colors on this one much better.

So PRETTY!!!! 

Colors:

Carina         Ciao Ciao

Adieu           Al Dente 

I would have chosen different names, but oh well!

Al Dente - Adieu - Ciao Ciao - Carina

I like the purple sparkles in the Al Dente black.

Next thing I bought is a make-up case. I think it will be perfect for the cruise.

I'm not a fan of the brown, white and black. They had a pink one, but as it was on clearance they were all sold out.

It uses magnets, not snaps or Velcro, to close.

Unfolded you can see the three compartments.

I left the stuff stuffing inside to show where the compartments are.

The middle bag is Velcroed on and can be removed to where you can store your make-up brushes with a plastic protection flap.

On top there is a little mirror that also can be removed.



The hanger folds over nicely when folding it back up.

I think the cool thing about this is that I can either fold it and store, or hang it up in a closet.

Anyway, that's it. Not a major shopping trip, which during the summer I'm not willing to do. Way to much stuff to do!

<3 Zerila

Water: Check!

Veggies: Radishes, Grapes, Salad, check!

Blogging 259: Hello Kitty MAC Make-up!

Look what I found!!!!!!

I went to the outlet mall and specifically to 'The Cosmetics Company Store' and they were selling the MAC Hello Kitty eyeshadows.I always get my make-up on the cheap there.

I love the pallete cover. Isn't it cute!

The colors are Stately Black, Too Dolly, Romping, & Yogurt (can you see it? It's a very light). 

My favorite is Too Dolly!

I missed the Hello Kitty line, the Disney Villans line, and recently the Wonder Woman line.I am so glad that I was able to find this pallete.  

I wonder what the next line is going to be. Maybe Disney Princesses?

<3Zerila

Blogging Day 256: Revamping Cat Shoes



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http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Shoes/Brands/TUK/TUK--Black-Cat-Face-Mary-Jane-Medium-Width-588430.jsp



My friend has had these shoes forever and I always thought they were the cutest things. She had gotten them at Hot Topic a long time ago. I was so happy when Torrid start selling them. Of course, then we had matching shoes...

I decided to do a simple revamping with a bow and some gems. I enjoy re-vamping items, especially in this mass production world.

Alright, this is what I did:

Items Needed:

Glue Gune

2.5" Wide Ribbon

Clear & Black Back GemsGems

First, I used this hot pink ribbon I bought on clearance after Christmas. After Christmas is the perfect time to buy pretty ribbon. Christmas isn't just red and green anymore. It is now every color, even hot pink.

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First cut out 3" of ribbon. I used wired ribbon, so I removed the wires at this point. If all you have is wired ribbon, don't worry, the wires are very easy to remove.

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Add  a drop a glue in the middle, glue down the top and bottom edges.

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Add another drop of glue in the middle. This time take the corners of side edge and glue down in the middle. Once they are glued down, add another drop and glue down the rest of the edge.

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 Flip the ribbon over to the front side. Add another drop of glue down the middle and from the bottom pinch the top and bottom side together.

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Cut off a thin strip of ribbon, you will use this to wrap around the bow.

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Add another drop of glue on the other side of the bow. Then begin to wrap around the bow.

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When finished wrapping the ribbon, add another drop of glue to seal.

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You will to poof the bow a bit. After that your finished with the bow!

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Hello Kitty was my inspiration, of course, so I knew where to put the bow. I added a clear gem on top of the bow, and then added two black ones, for each eye.

Re-vamping is as simple as that!

Now no one will have shoes exactly like mine.

<3 Zerila