woohoo first week of class!

hahaha. yeah. riiight. most of my classes are in the business building this semester, which is a short walk from our apartment--yesssss. and then econ is in the geology building..wut. anyway, here's what's going on for this semester....

schedule:

mwf 830-930 finance 3716 mwf 930-1030 econ 2035 mw 1030-3 work f 1030-130 work mw 3-430 isds 4120

tth 830-1030 work           tth 1030-12 isds 3107           tth 12-130 isds 3110           tth 2-430 work

• (fin 3716) financial management: the instructor i've picked has been freaking awesome this week. it's been partially a review of accounting and partly an intro to finance, he let us out early every day, and some of his examples are based on responses of students in the class. so it really feels like we have a connection to real-world applications. so i'm hoping this class works out, there's only 8 quizzes, and that's our whole grade. eeep!
• (econ 2035) money, banking, and macroeconomic activity: this class, i was worried about the whole weekend. i had signed up for a particular instructor and didn't bother to check it last week to see if everything was still all right. then, on friday after the scheduler closed, i checked moodle (similar to blackboard) and was like wtf is this teacher? so apparently they decided to switch instructors on us. booo. so, monday morning as soon as the scheduler reopened, i added myself to the waitlist for the original instructor i wanted. i got #3. when i got to work after the class, i checked the scheduler again and it said that there were 2 seats open, but i was still #3 on the waitlist. so i was like wtf, i'm just going to add myself in. and it worked. then all became just in the world again. 
• so back to my impression of the class. i really like this class, he's been in the country only a few years, and his indian accent is kinda thick. it's also difficult to hear him if you're farther than the middle of the room. my biggest concern for this class, relative to the previous two semesters of econ, is that there's no graded homework. like we still can use the publisher's website for practice, etc. but it's just 4 exams and that's it. scary!
• (isds 4120) business data communications: i'm really excited about this class. it's basically directly related to what i do at my on-campus job, showing us how to use networking gear; it also includes making presentations by expanding on topics discussed by the instructor. thankfully, i have friends in this class and we've formed a group together for the presentations.
• (isds 3107) beginning programming (visual basic): i haven't gotten enough of a feel for how this class will go exactly. this week, she didn't do a whole lot. she sort of skimmed through how to use the software we're using this semester and that was kinda it, in addition to making a short program and running it. i do know that since i've taken a programming class before (c++), this class won't be too bad; i'll probably just be a bit slower with the logic, trying to remember how to do things.
• (isds 3110) database process management: so far so good. i had this instructor for the "how to use ms office" class, so i had a feeling for how she taught. so far, i'm enjoying it. we're learning ms access/SQL this semester, so hopefully it won't be too bad. most of the people in my group from last semester are in this class, so it's likely that we'll form a group for the project in this class too.

overall, i feel like this will be a great semester, as far as the relevancy of the courses i'm taking and the quality of the instructors i've picked. my only concern is that i would like to switch to a full time position at work, since everyone has been moving on to greener pastures, but i want to finish out this semester before working full time. after starting full time, i would only be able to take 1-2 classes a semester. after this semester, i'll need only 12 more classes to graduate, which isn't too bad. anyway, wish me luck! and i hope that you all had a great week, no matter where you are in life! ~Lin-chan ^.~

update

hi guys!

i haven't had time to really say a whole lot on here this week. school started monday, a few supervisors/managerial-level people are leaving (so i have more projects than usual right now, not to mention that i'm not happy that they're leaving), i had a migraine and had to miss a class..already, and my face has been having a crazy-ridiculous allergic reaction to something new i started using (not sure which item yet) earlier this week or over the weekend. so life is a little hectic right now. hopefully, later this weekend, i can get a couple posts up, but apologies if it doesn't happen.

thanks for understanding! ~Lin-chan ^.~

ps, wish me luck: i'm planning to apply for an analyst 1 position where i work!

notd: covergirl eternal oceans & sephora by opi charge it!

hi guys! school starts this week! TT_TT so, to change things up a bit from my usual opi purple with a purpose & sephora by opi it's real 18k gold topcoat...i decided to use these instead! enjoy! ~L-c ^.~

(basecoat: orly bonder, topcoat: cnd vinylux weekly topcoat x2)

august hauls

 

hi guys. i don't really have a whole lot to say for this post..really. i'm actually kinda sad i didn't try the loreal infallible shadows sooner, this one is so soft and pigmented and will probably last forever and ever. the black radiance palette is very soft and smooth, like wet n wild shadows (they have the same parent company, or something like that). anyway, enjoy prettyful swatches. later. ~Lin-chan ^.~

black radiance 8-pan shadows in downtown browns, milani color statement lipstick in naturally chic, maybelline color whisper in pink bombshell, cnd vinylux weekly topcoat (mom bought this to go with the dark lava polish she gave me), wet n wild enlisting for beauty trio & mega protein mascara, loreal infallible eyeshadow in bronzed taupe, rimmel scandalEyes liner in nude

elf kabuki powder brush, real techniques powder brush

downtown browns palette; left side, right side; swatched over too faced original shadow insurance

enlisting for beauty trio & bronzed taupe (swatched over too faced original shadow insurance), nude pencil, naturally chic, pink bombshell

August 2013 ipsy bag & first impressions

 

hi guys! my August IPSY BAG* has finally arrived!!! (theme: glamour academy). gripes: dhl tracker was broken so i couldn't track my package at first. then ipsy's facebook announces that a lot of them were sent to the wrong dhl hub, and blehhhhhhhh! so it finally came in yesterday. well, onto my impressions! ~Lin-chan ^.~

ranking the past five months, from today's standpoint:

1. april
2. august
3. june
4. may
5. july

1. noya lip balm in cherry (.15oz--full size, ret. $3.99) -- scent is very similar to chapstic brand; the actual product comes off transparent, and has no tint. while it feels nice, i actually prefer a more thick and/or plush type of balm if you guys kinda know what i mean... (faves: eos spheres, fresh sugar (brown tube))
• likelihood to repurchase: no,  i'm a lip balm junkie, but i think that ordering lip balm is just crazy (unless i need it to get to free shipping).
• update: it's ok, but i'm not really reaching for it much. the times that i do use it, my lips feel more chapped later on, so i'm probably going to give it away.
2. michael todd jojoba charcoal gentle exfoliating facial scrub (1oz--mini, ret. $18 for 3.4oz [$5.29]) -- i am super excited to try this, i've been wanting to try their products for a long time now. the scrub itself is a scary looking muddy-black charcoal color, and it smells like that herbally-aromatherapy kind of smell. like it reminds me of trips to aveda institute. i love scrubs, so i can't wait to try this! >w<
• likelihood to repurchase: probably, definitely want to explore the brand
• update: loveeee it! so glad this wasn't what broke me out! (see more below #5)
3. pixi beauty lash booster mascara in blackest black (.105oz--mini, ret. $17 for .25oz [$7.14]) -- oh yay another mascara to add to the ~20 i already have lying in wait. >.> i'll definitely try it out, but i'll have to comment more on a day that i don't already have mascara on..
• likelihood to repurchase: no, i'm not a huge waterproof wearer and it's only ok
• update: it's ok, as many reviewers have already said: because it's waterproof, it is harder to remove using normal means.
4. chella dazzling dark brown eyebrow color pencil (.09g--full size, ret. $18) -- my brows aren't super "full", but they aren't sparse either. also, for now, they're still very dark, so i don't really have a need for brow pencils or powders (unless i overpluck or something). meh. also, it's lighter than my hair color...so if i actually wanted to use this, i'd have to apply more pressure than making "short strokes".
• likelihood to repurchase: no
• update: passing it off to T.
5. pacifica alight multi-mineral bb cream (.34oz--mini, ret. $16 for 1oz [$5.44]) -- despite how my swatch looks (i dispensed too much and didn't blend it well), it actually blends in nicely and becomes semi transparent. i don't like how it smells like sunscreen--like it isn't strong..or maybe they used something to help mask the scent, i'm not sure.
• likelihood to repurchase: no, i'll probably still stick to urban decay's bb cream.
• update: product has been tossed. ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION. suckyyyyy. after trying this out along with a few other new-to-me items, i didn't know what broke me out (hives) really bad. after trying it again, as the only "new" thing, this was the problem.
6. purple ipsy bag -- very cute! i was afraid that the bag would be that plastic kind like last time, but it's actually soft, with the ipsy glamour academy "coat of arms" printed onto both sides.
7. invitation to apply for a benefit lash party: if you're interested: lashbash.ipsy.com
8. card with company info/discount codes
1. noyabeauty.com: 20% off any purchase, code: IPSTER (exp. 9/15/13)
2. michaeltoddtrueorganics.com: 30% off any purchase, code: AUGIPSY (exp. 9/30/13)
3. pixibeauty.com: 20% off any purchase, code: PIXI+IPSY (exp. 9/1/13)
4. chella.com: 20% off any purchase, code: BROWPENCIL (exp. 9/15/13)
5. pacificaperfume.com: 20% off any purchase, code: IPSY20 (exp. 9/15/13)
6. citycolor.com: 20% off any purchase, code: IPSY0813 (exp. 9/15/13)
7. smashbox.com: full size full exposure mascara with any full size photo finish primer purchase, code: IPSY (exp. 9/25/13)
8. tinibeauty.com: 30% off  plus $5 shipping on any purchase, code: HOT4IPSY (exp. 9/15/13)
9. urbandecay.com: free shipping with lipstick purchase, code: IPSY (exp. 9/15/13)
10. nyxcosmetics.com: 40% off tango with bronzing powder, code: IPSYCHEEKS (exp. 9/13/13)
11. micabeauty.com: 25% off any purchase, code: IPSY25 (exp. 8/31/13)

approximate product value: $39.86

mascara, bb cream (not blended in), brow pencil, scrub

*Affiliate Link.

notd: spa ritual enlightened

 

hi guys! i ordered this polish last week from haulerdeals* with their 50% off coupon that i mentioned, among other items, but here ya go! (also used: cnd stickey basecoat, american international diamond dry topcoat.) ~Lin-chan ^.~

*Affiliate Link.

sales today!

hi guys! to anyone interested in trying michael todd true organics products, they're on sale on beyond the rack* right now!! items appear to be approximately 50%+ off! sale ends 8/12/13 at 12pm CST.

also, on hautelook*, coola suncare (50% off) and lorac (50%+ off) are currently on sale until 8/12/13 at 10am CST.


*Affiliate Link.

notd: cnd dark lava

hi guys! long time, no notd! actually, i've been testing out the couture gel nails kit lately, and i've been giving my nails a break in between. i've done two trial runs so far and would like to do a third before posting my findings for you guys.

anyway, today's notd is cnd's vinylux polish in dark lava. my mom recently won an award and was given an all-expenses-paid trip plus a spa day, and she decided to buy this polish. but for some reason she didn't like it anymore and decided to give it to me afterward, idk. anyway, i really like this color. it's a dark wine color with red holographic shimmer. in some lights, it almost looks brown. also used were cnd's stickey basecoat and air dry topcoat. ~Lin-chan ^.~

yesterday's damages & a giveaway win

 

hi guys! yesterday was super fun, i took my mom and mother in law out shopping. they'd never been to ulta before and i had the wondrous 20% off [high-end] coupon. so we kinda went a little crazy...mostly me though. my mom was in the market for a new kabuki powder brush, and somehow i convinced her to get a real techniques expert face brush. she didn't like their kabuki, but she liked how dense the e.f.b. was. my mother in law is not so adventurous when it comes to makeup brands, she's strictly a bare minerals person. she got a foundation, high shine eye color, and the new lash domination mascara (somewhat adventurous!), and two bottles of china glaze polish.

what i got: 

amazon: nyx lipstick in vitamin (needed a little extra for free shipping & sent it to in-laws' house with hubz' b'day present)

ulta: cnd (buy 2 get 1) stickey base coat, air dry topcoat, & solar oil; simple face care starter kit, eye makeup remover liquid & wipes, protecting light moisturizer; revlon colorstay concealer in light, maybelline sunbaked neutrals palette

big lots: elf blending eye brush

rite aid: simple soothing eye balm

sunbaked neutrals, concealer in light, vitamin lipstick

then, after ulta, we went over to charming charlie's. my mother in law had never heard of it and we had to drag her in. she found a shirt and a bracelet she really liked. mom didn't get anything, but she convinced me to get this wallet. i don't have a little wallet that can fit my phone, to have on the go with a couple cards and some cash. so this one is pretty nice and i liked the studs a lot. annnnd you can easily access your phone through the window on the back. also, there's enough room in there that i don't have to take my black phone case off! sweet! and this bracelet had to come home with me. it was calling me...yes. ($15 wallet & $10 bracelet)

afterward, we went over to office max and i found my desk chair! this one was a lot cheaper than the one i picked out at office depot and it was on sale! i got it for $80 (reg. $130). i love it!

office max gwynn manager's chair

giveaway win: mid-june, i was informed that i won part of a giveaway on popsugar's youtube, for benefit cosmetics' the rich is back! palette, a bene tint & high beam. and it finally came in yesterday! w00t! i'm super excited about the pigmentation of this palette. i'm not sure how frequently i'll use the blue, but that combination of neutrals is stunning.

 

solid gold, get down brown, disco dust, feel so teal; inferno gloss, gimme fever blush, high beam, bene tint

hair care/hair growth update

disclaimer: i am in no way a professional dietitian, esthetician, or otherwise. these are products i decided to buy on my own and try.

hair update! so shortly after my last hair update, i was in a movie, and my whole routine was thrown into shambles..aka, non-existant. so as soon as all of that craziness was over with, i got back into my routine, with some changes. i decided to change it since my hair's becoming the length that i want it....and because this is so much easier to remember. lol. ~Lin-chan ^.~

sunday: folicure shampoo, regular conditioner; folicure ampule & blow dry
monday/wednesday/friday: regular shampoo & conditioner
tuesday/thursday: folicure shampoo, regular conditioner
saturday: clarifying shampoo, hair masque as conditioner
monday-saturday, after towel-drying: macadamia natural oil healing oil treatment, air dry
daily: (same supplements as before) 1000mcg biotin, one a day women's or vitafusion women's gummy vitamins

this is the clarifying shampoo that i've been using. i never used one before this, so i can't tell you if it performs any better than other clarifying shampoos. but i like it. the scent is fairly similar to folicure shampoo, but more chemically...if that makes sense.

mid-june, i got about half an inch trimmed and layered.

 
haircut: before, after

and the results!

  

january, may, august

hauler deals coupon

hi guys! for all of those who are interested in getting the skylark by elle and blair shiver shades nail polish set, it's on haulerdeals* for $10! plus they're having buy two get one free on the $10 or less beauty sale page. super awesome. (note: they call it silver shades set on their website)

steel my thunder, ivy thyme, for shay, flaming berries
related notd posts: ivy thyme/steel my thunder, for shay/flaming berries

the coupon is for 50% off everything (excluding NYX, MeChar, BH, & NuMe), expiration date unknown; code: EMAIL50. also, free shipping after $50, but not technically! it's for your order subtotal, before the code. so free ups shipping at $25 and you can get $50 worth of stuff. heck yes. enjoy. ~Lin-chan ^.~


*Affiliate Link.

new desk! ikea alex & tornliden

hey guys! i've been wanting a new desk forever! the desk i've had for the past two years is from my great-grandparents' house and it's wicker with a glass top. ewwwww. aside from it's antiquity, it did have a lot of storage space in it. a drawer above your seat, and three drawers along the side (two large, one small). but i wanted to get something better, something nicer. my reasons for picking out this particular "desk" are that it has plenty of drawers and it is still functional for what i need it for now. and at the same time, i can use it as a vanity in the future, whenever we get a house: just put it against a wall and hang a mirror. voilà! and it won't be as difficult to move, since it is three pieces instead of one. i still need to get a chair to go with it, but anyway here it is! ~Lin-chan ^.~

 

IKEA: Alex drawers & Tornliden tabletop (59")

when we went to houston for our anniversary, we picked up the two drawer units. i'm pretty happy they also came in black/brown over there because they're only available in white online. we didn't buy the table top at the time because i wanted the 59" (vs. 47"--which wouldn't have enough leg room) and it's too long to fit in my car. also, tornliden only recently became available on the website. i was origininally going to get linnmon, but i liked how tornliden is lacquered and the paint will not get wear-spots as quickly. all the more reason to wait!

update to the deleted ikea/fedex rant: i'm upset that ALL four corners of the table top were banged, three moreso than the fourth. there was a gash on the wall-side (hidden by the printer) and a small, less noticeable one on the front near the left side. i guess they just did whatever the hell they felt like when they were transporting the thing. whoever at ikea took a rectangular box, stuck the tabletop package into it, put a bunch of those air pack things onto ONE side of the table top, shoved a second box on top (since it's so tall) and taped it up. then the wonderful people in the parcel delivery business do things like this and damage your stuff. and/or they decide to bring the obnoxiously large package to your door, ring the doorbell and run away. paul said he didn't even see the delivery guy. ~.~
anyway, paul talked me out of calling ikea customer service because: i don't really want to deal with hassling them & shipping another, etc., it's possible to fix the spots or at least get something smooth them nearly seamlessly back down, and "does it have to be perfect?" i guess not. but it's still pretty upsetting.

the left set of drawers is full of office supplies etc. the right side doesn't have a whole lot in it yet: a little carry-over of office supplies (the middle three drawers are totally empty). i haven't fully decided how i want to store everything (makeup-wise) in it yet or when that will happen. but if and when it ever happens, i'll make an updated storage/organization post. we did pull the drawer units off the wall so that they were flush with the outer side of the desk (it looked funny with them against the wall), so there's about a 7" gap between the back of the drawer units and the wall, but it's ok, my power strip can hide behind there and still be accessible.

the hubz is totally jealous of my desk. his is approximately the size of the wicker one with a hutch on it....and a lcd monitor because his previous laptop's screen is eternally broken...and it's a cluttered mess. so i told him he could use my desk as long as he held up to the terms: don't make it cluttered with nerdy scratch paper ALL over and pick up/clean up after he's done. aside from how massive the desk is, he likes the leg room a lot (it's about 29"h x 39"w) and that he can sit in his executive-sized office chair and fit underneath the desk very comfortably.

i also posted the above photo to facebook from my instagram, and the brother-in-law became jealous too. lolz.

update: i got myself a new chair! office max gwynn manager's chair