ModCloth Decor sale!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Tabby Together Pillow

ModCloth may be your go-to for cute dresses and clothing, but did you know they have a flourishing decor department? Think fun and unique adornments for your home, kitchen, bedroom, office space, and more. If that’s not incentive enough to check it out, they just so happen to be having a 20% Off Decor Sale that’ll give your place a pop of personality. No code needed, so just shop 'till your heart is content and there really will be no place like your home! Hurry while it lasts! 

Wade for Each Other Pillow

Snooze Anchor Duvet Cover in Full/Queen

Polychromatic Cuddles Throw Blanket

Arm Cast Fashion, 1 of 2

As I wrote about in my last post, I have had a cast on my left arm since Saturday... until today! Due to the type of break, my orthopedic doctor removed my Emergency Room cast this morning and did not give me a new one. I'm super excited to be able to have use of both hands, and that it won't affect my clothing choices any longer. Three days of dressing around my cast was MORE than enough. I'm sure I'll still have some issues with getting dressed (i.e. tying shoes), but I now have a lot more options. But I will have to wear the sling for a while still.

All that said, here is one of the outfits I wore with the cast.

This photo is flipped.... took it with a webcam

On Monday, I realized I needed something sleeveless in order for it to be able to go over the cast. I also realized I would never be able to pull up tights one-handed, and I own ZERO pairs of dress pants. So, I grabbed this dress from eShakti and a coordinating striped cardigan I picked up at Forever 21 when I was at Mall of America last spring, and used a plain pair of leggings to keep warm (much easier to pull up!).

My mom helped me put together a couple of sweater clips so that my cardigans would stay on when I couldn't fit my arm in the left sleeve. We got chain and clips from our local Michael's, and also grabbed this cute mustache charm to decorate. We just used jump rings to attach the piece of chain to the clips. It was very easy, and can easily be done in a much more elaborate fashion. I just needed something quick.

My shoe options are limited because of the fact that I can't pull them on or tie the laces. It hurts really badly, even now without the cast. I bought these shoes last February, and they have gone through a lot. The left shoe (above, again the picture is flipped) has lost most of it's rhinestones, but the right shoe has only lost 3 or 4. So weird. I own nicer flats, but it's still snowing in Chicago, so I didn't want to ruin anything that was still nice. I also own very few pairs of plain socks, and they are all dirty or something. I have no idea where they are, and little capacity to look for them.

Tonight, I am looking forward to washing my own hair, though I still won't be able to set it like I prefer. I think I need to get a volumizing gel or mousse on my way home.

Outfit details:

Dress - eShakti, no longer available (similar)

Cardigan - Forever 21, was never able to find it online 

Shoes - Dots, no longer available (similar, from elsewhere)

Broken

Two days ago, I broke my first non-toe bone since birth. I fell while roller skating for my nieces' combined birthday part (9 and 4). I had gone around the rink a couple of times and was stepping off to rest a bit, and slipped on the little ramp between the rink and the carpet. My feet rolled out from under me. While I wasn't trying to catch myself, I fell so quickly that I couldn't get my hand out of the way. I ended up slamming my left palm on the ground with my wrist at a 90 degree angle.

Here's the thing: it hurt, but I thought it was maybe just a sprained wrist. I kept skating. Not only did I skate, but I also pushed my 4 year-old niece around with her "skatemate" (pictured below) and held my 7 month-old niece (not while skating) and carried her around. It wasn't until I tried lifting the baby over my head and couldn't that I realized it might be more serious.

My niece and brother with the "skatemate." Faces removed for privacy.

Then I drove myself and my oldest niece to my brother and sister-in-law's house. When we got there I told my parents, "After we're done here, Mom is driving my and my car to an emergency room." So, that's what we did.

From instagram: First ever ER visit. #toooldforrollerskating #ifell #brokenorsprained?

Got both my elbow and my wrist x-rayed and then waited. Turns out I broke my radial head, much like the image below.

So yay, I have a temporary cast now! I go to my primary care doctor today to get a referral to an orthopedic doctor so I can figure out what's next and how long my elbow will be immobilized.

My shirt was wet from them setting the plaster splint that is holding my elbow in place.
From instagram: Broken radial head (near elbow). Temporary cast and pain killers. #firstbrokenbone

So I've been trying to remain comfortable and taking my painkillers. I've also had to figure out how to dress so that I can actually dress myself and go to the bathroom as needed. Last night, I went to a local Great Clips to get my hair washed since I can't do it myself. I'll be posting some Outfits of the Day with my cast so people can see how I've solved the problem of dressing around the cast. Hopefully I won't have it for long.

Sunshine and cupcakes,

Kati

Review: Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

So, it's been a while!

I've been MIA, I know, and please forgive me. Eaten by the homework monster, mostly, as I get ready to student teach and have my own classroom - eep! But I just had to share with you my review of the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation, which I received complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

I don't normally even wear foundation, but I thought, what the heck, I'd give it a try.

Yeah, this may be one of the many times I've applied my makeup in the car...

So first, let's talk pros: 

• It goes on light and blends easily, which is good if you're in a hurry and/or don't like to spend a lot of time on your makeup, like me. Fellow lazy girls, rejoice! 
• It stays where you put it and doesn't seem to melt off when I get a little sweaty or rub off throughout the day.
• It covers blemishes fairly well, so that I didn't need an extra concealer!
• It didn't break out or irritate my sensitive skin.

Doing your face in the car: the height of laziness, or the height of challenge?

Now for the cons:

• It's really not my first choice for my dry-ish combination skin. It did tend to settle into fine lines and highlight dry patches instead of concealing them. 
• I found it really necessary to use a moisturizer with this one, which I guess you should always use, but I've been spoiled by my Dr. Jart Water Fuse BB Cream, which is so moisturizing that I don't need extra face lotion before applying it. 
• Honestly, I can't really evaluate how matte it keeps your face over time, because I don't have problems with shine. (I have more issues with dry flaky bits and redness.) So I have no idea if it's good for this intended purpose or not!

Lastly, I think Stay Matte would work very well for someone with oily skin! It just didn't deliver for my dry skin. While it didn't replace my go-to base, it isn't bad by any means and I will certainly be using it up, maybe as an interim base if I run out of my usual bb cream, or maybe just as a spot concealer for blemishes. 

If you try it, let me know how YOU like it in the comments! (In case we're skin tone twins and you'd like to try the same shade that I have on here, Influenster sent the Light Ivory shade for me to try.) Stay Matte Liquid Mousse will hit shelves in January 2014.

Stay Gorgeous!

-Cattie

Mississippi Mayhem Pinup Contest

Cattie and I have a friend, "Fanny Freckles," who is hosting a vintage car show the weekend of September 13 in West Salem, WI. I will be there along with a few other friends. As part of the show, there will be a pinup contest Saturday morning at 10 am. Fanny and the friends I will be there with have encouraged (begged?) me to participate. So I signed up. I'm nervous as all get out, I've never done anything like this; but I'm also excited! Gotta work on my poses!!!!!

So, head on over to Facebook and like my pictures if you haven't already!

Click here to like

Click here to like

While you're at it, like my friends Kentucky Kitten (here and here) and acRocker (here and here) and any other girls you want. We would all appreciate your likes!

I don't expect to make it very far, but it will be fun to play around and meet some new people.

And if you're up for a road trip, come to West Salem, WI September 13-15 for an awesome weekend! Go to www.mississippimayhem.com for details.

Bettie Page Clothing Store Trip

Recently, my mom and I took the 7 hour drive from suburban Chicago to Minneapolis for the sole purpose of hitting up the Bettie Page Clothing store in the Mall of America. We were crazy and headed straight for the mall, shopped until we couldn't anymore, then headed to the hotel for dinner and sleep, only to head home first thing in the morning. Never making a trip like that again! Two nights next time.

I tried on a bunch of stuff, but didn't have much money to play with. I took pictures of most of what I tried on, but I think I missed one or two. I got sweaty. Note that what follows are cell phone quality pictures taken in a poorly lit fitting room.

I tried this dress on because my co-worker Rhonda really liked it. I wasn't a great fan of it on the site, and despite the huge smile, I liked it even less on. (Honestly, I think was just so excited to be there in the presence of all those beautiful pieces!)

BPC calls it the Side Effect dress. It can be found here and is currently $120.

I LOVED this skirt, but it weighs about 5 pounds. Not ideal considering it's the beginning of summer. I strongly considered getting it, but passed.

BPC calls it the Classmate skirt. It can be found here and is currently $85.

I grabbed this skirt because I figured I might as well try on everything (or at least half of everything). I fell in love with it once I put it on. This is one of the pieces I ended up getting. The print is a cute tropical style with little parrots. It's lightweight and the lining fabric is so lush that it feels cool (temperature) on my skin. A great buy for summer, and it will still work with tights.

BPC calls it the Fly Away skirt. It can be found here and is currently $73.

At one time, I wanted this dress in green SO BADLY. I'll admit, I'm glad I never got it. It makes my shoulders look round and droopy, and me look short in general. Also, it weighs about 10 pounds. If it opened in front, it would make a great coat. Needless to say, I didn't buy it.

BPC calls this the Secretary Circle. This looks like full-length sleeves, but I can only find a 3/4-length version online. Don't know if that's a fit thing or an actual thing. It can be found here and is currently $130.

I didn't want to take too many "touristy" shots while I was in there, but they have a TON of stuff that isn't on their website. They have clothes from other brands, accessories galore, and all kinds of random Bettie Page paraphernalia. I impressed one of the salespeople by recognizing these handbags as Lux De Ville just by looking through the glass. They also have shoes. So tempted by the shoes.

In the end, I purchased this outfit. There isn't a fitting room shot of the sweater because I got a different size than what I tried on. It is their Pullover Sweater, and has limited availability in their outlet here. I purchased it for $30, but it looks like it's $28 now.

Unrelated to the store itself, here are a few more pics from the trip. (click to embiggen, they aren't as important!)

An amazing cupcake from the Mall called "Mad Cow." It is a dark chocolate cupcake with cream cheese frosting and those lovely chocolate pieces.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Mozzarella and basil stuffed chicken with strawberry sauce, plus mashed potatoes and fresh cooked veggies. So good.

 Stuffed bear in a restaurant in Tomah, WI, where we stopped for lunch on the way up.

And finally, my shopping outfit! All ModCloth except the leggings. (Sorry, my mom cut the shoes out of the shot)

Dress: Hepcat Dress in Licorice

Cardigan: Charter School Cardigan in Peacock

Shoes: Luxe on the Lake Flats

Leggings: Old Navy

Mani Monday: imPRESS by Broadway Nails Review!

Hello lovelies!

First of all, I'm sorry I'm late! The last several weeks have been full of moving and power outages and other general calamities, and I haven't been able to update. But I recently qualified for and received a free VoxBox from Influenster, and I had to pop in and share it with you!

The box I received is the Spring Fever VoxBox, and it's absolutely, 100% FREE. If you've used subscription services like Birchbox or Ipsy, it's a lot like that (but again, free!). You do have to be active on social media and write product reviews to qualify, but I think it's worth it.

So, back to the review! One of the products in the box was a press-on manicure kit from Broadway Nails called imPRESS. Now, I am really not a fake-nails girl, folks. I was a nailbiter for years and still sometimes struggle with it, so since I was finally able to grow out my natural nails, I have been a bit protective of them! I don't do acrylics, I keep them protected and fairly short to avoid breakage, and try to go polish-free sometimes to let them breathe! So when I saw these press-ons in my box, I was less than excited, to be honest.

But these are actually pretty good. To put them on, you just wipe your natural nails with the enclosed alcohol prep pad, find the correctly sized nail for your fingernail, peel off the backing and press it firmly onto your nail. That's it! No dry time, no waiting between coats, and way fancier than anything I can do with a nail art brush. They adhere really securely to the natural nail without glue, which makes things super simple, and feel like an extension of your own nails. After a day of wear, you almost don't notice them at all. And so far, they've held up wonderfully through washing my dishes, doing my laundry, and clicking away at my keyboard for hours typing an 8-page paper!

So those are the pros, and now I'll dish about the cons. The color/print they sent me, called Holla!, is pretty far from my style, but they're not psychics, so I won't hold that against them! The product is actually good enough that I might try them again in a different shade or pattern more suited to my tastes. They also come shaped into squares at the tips, which is not my favorite nail shape. The good news is that they are easily trimmed with normal fingernail clippers (they behave much like natural nails in texture) and are long enough that you can get away with trimming if you want or need to. I trimmed mine to a more rounded shape that I felt more comfortable with, because when I put them on without trimming, I felt a little like a lady of the evening! Not the look I'm going for.

Untrimmed hooker nails. Excuse me while I go and turn some tricks.

Here is the mani after I trimmed them to a more natural shape: 

Ahh, much better.

Another con is that on the second day of wear (today), the color has begun to wear off of the tips just like conventional nail polish. I feel like if I really loved the pattern/color, I would be really sad! As it is, I'm not too attached to them and am thinking of using the opportunity to paint over the color with traditional nail polish, to see how that would work. Even though the original color of the press-ons has started to chip off, the nails themselves are still tightly adhered to my nails, so I'm thinking, why not just leave them on a bit longer and paint right over them? So I might do that, with a darker, opaque color for maximum obscuring of the original color.

Boo, tip wear.

Because I like to end on a positive note, these really were a perfect fit, size-wise. You really can't see any of my natural nail peeking out anywhere. imPRESS actually includes 24 nails in 12 different sizes, so that helps! I was able to find a nail size that looked pretty natural for all of my nails. If I hadn't told you, do you think you'd be able to tell that they're press-ons? I think they could honestly pass for nail stickers or stamping.

Closeup of the great fit.

These are also really great for me this week, since I just broke a nail and it had to be trimmed very short. These hide all that until it grows out a bit! Oh! And did I mention bottle is super cute? :) It's modeled after a traditional nail polish bottle, and is recloseable so you can keep the unused nails in for next time! How handy is that? (Teehee, handy, get it? :) )

So that's what I thought of the imPRESS press-on mani from Broadway Nails! How do you feel about press-on nails? Would you try these?

-Cattie

Note: This product was sent to me for review purposes from Influenster. This is my honest opinion about the product. I did not receive compensation (other than the product) for providing this review, nor was I under any obligation to produce a favorable review.