haul – Peculiar Porter

Half United: 7 Donated Meals for Every Purchase

Published on April 3, 2018 by PeculiarPorter12 Comments

Do you ever fall so hard for a company that you just want to scream from the rooftops so everyone knows about them? That is how I feel about Half United. In 2009, two siblings made an incredible company out of only $200. Their mission is that for every product a customer buys they will also be purchasing seven meals for children in the USA, Haiti, Fiji, and Cambodia. After running the company for almost 10 years, the company has donated over 800,000 meals to children in need.

I recently picked up two new items from Half United and wanted to share with you my little Half United Haul.

Bracelet | Necklace | Shirt

The way Half United helps these areas in more detail:

USA: Helps implement farming programs into schools. This allows meals to be packed for the hungry, food to be planted, and community gardens maintained. Half United works with the local communities to help improve daily lives.

Haiti: Each beaded item from Half United is supporting the livelihood and well being of artisans in Haiti. Each beaded item is created by men and women in Papillon. The beaded item is then hand-signed and completely unique.

Fiji: The funds sent to Fiji go towards supporting sustainable, thriving feeding projects at the “NCTC” primary school. Half United has funded sweet potato farms, student garden projects, honeybee farms, chicken coops, and more.

Cambodia: Half United has teamed up with the EAI orphanage in Phnom, Penh Cambodia. EAI focuses on empowering children emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Necklace

Half United sells different products ranging from slogan tees to jewelry. The big attraction is the necklace made from recycled bullet casings to represent the fight against hunger. I love the idea of using something negative and turning it into something good. I talk more about my necklace in my first Half United post.

Bracelet

The bracelet pictured is supposed to represent Half United’s connection with Fiji school NCTC. Half United provides meals to these children in need as well as fund the school for long-term sustainable employment. The Fijian people work on beehives to create wax and honey for profit.The brass hex nuts and washers on this leather bracelet represent the rugged farm tools needed to grow healthy food. The symbol of the hexagon represents the shapes in beehives. The leather in this bracelet is from Georgia and the bracelet itself is assembled in Wilmington, NC at the Half United headquarters. I absolutely love the idea of working with beehives because of how necessary it is to have bees in our ecosystem. Saving the bees was actually one of my first “socially responsible” posts I’ve done on Peculiar Porter. You can check out that post here. (I can fully admit now that the dress in this post is waaaaaay too short)

Slogan T-Shirt

As someone who travels and is really diving blindly into the line of sustainable/eco-friendly fashion, I was thrilled when I saw this adorable slogan tee. I’m a sucker for any white graphic tee and this one really poked the inner wanderluster in me. This same shirt also comes in black and they have other adorable slogan tees that say “Giving Back is the New Black” and “Fighter”. Stay tuned on a few posts coming up because I’ll be styling this shirt ASAP.

Have you ever heard of Half United? What do you think about repurposing bullet shells and using them for good? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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Sugarfina’s Adult Candy Stole My Heart

Published on March 27, 2018March 27, 2018 by PeculiarPorter10 Comments

Anyone can attest to the fact that I have the biggest sweet tooth. I get it from my mother. She literally brings bags upon bags of candy home weekly. What’s packed in her car? None other than a huge box of rice crispy treats. No wonder she gave up candy for Lent. I can’t blame her though… there is just something so satisfying about a sweet treat.

One of my good friends, Mickey, surprised me and my friend a box from Sugarfina. I may or may not have received a text from Fedex ruining the surprise. I texted my friends worried that I ordered something in my sleep… or while I was drinking. I was pleasantly surprised to find this adorable gift from Mickey. Pleasantly surprised doesn’t even describe it enough… I was thrilled! I always wanted to try Sugarfina and never had the chance to!

Sugarfina was started by a couple, Rosie and Josh, who decided it wasn’t fair that kids got to have all the fun when it came to sweets and adults didn’t. After that, they taste tested candies for two years, built a store, and now deliver delicious treats all over the world. Talk about a sweet gig. So how do they taste? Let’s find out…

Tequila Grapefruit Sours

“Infused with Casamigos Reposado tequila, these tart grapefruit slices are a sweet sip of Jalisco’s finest.”

Tastes like: Your tongue is being sucker-punched by large grapefruits and then being lightly massaged with the tequila. Basically, it feels like you’re on an all-inclusive spring break.

I’m a huge tequila fan. I know, that makes the vast majority clench their stomachs in fear. I don’t know what it is but I think it’s such a fun drink! Plus, tequila always brings me back to singing Tequila song by the Champs junior year. Can’t quite tell if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Out of all three flavors, this one was definitely my favorite because of how intense the flavor was.

Pale Ale Pints

“These refreshing gummy pints have a bright citrus flavor and a sweet, smooth finish.”

Tastes like: Citrus and vanilla mixed in a sweet cocktail. You’ll get transported back in time to where you had your first sip of alcohol.

Surprisingly for a gummy that is modeled after beer (not the biggest fan of beer), I really liked it. It has more of a sweet vanilla taste instead of a powerful beer taste. Plus, since Mickey picked out gummies that correlate to our friendship, this one definitely fits in well.

Cowboy Cactus

“Ride off into the sunset with these little cacti, full of prickly pear flavor.”

Tastes like: A subtle bite of pear with a sweet aftertaste. You feel like you’re back in elementary school and trying to figure out long division for the first time.

Out of all the gummy shapes, this one has to be my favorite. What can I say? I’m a huuuuge cacti fan. that doesn’t even describe it. I swear one day I’m going to have to do a little haul for all of the cacti things I have including candles, posters, cups, shirts, bags, and accessories. I really cannot get enough! This gummy was no exception. Also, the flavor did not disappoint!

As I was looking at the company’s page and seeing all of the different flavors I found this incredible chocolate bar. Oh my goodness, I was practically drooling watching this video so I had to share it with you.

Have you ever tried Sugarfina’s “adult candy”? What flavor would you want to try? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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Clean Reserve’s Citron Fig: an Ethically Made Perfume (Review)

Published on March 8, 2018April 3, 2018 by PeculiarPorter4 Comments

If you saw my post from Tuesday, you know I’m pretty much diving into the world of sustainable, ethical goods blindly. No actually, you could probably put a blindfold over my clueless head and I’d be in the same exact spot. But one thing I do know is that I need to start researching more and more about what and how I’m consuming products.

During the Christmas season, my boyfriend gave me Clean Reserve’s Citron Fig perfume and not only did I fall for the delicious smell but I fell for the company itself. (Props to Rob for really knowing how to give good gifts). The more I researched Clean Reserve and their sustainability practices, the more I started to love the company. They not only use reusable materials, clean energy, eco-friendly oils, but they even pay their workers fairly. Literally, what more could you love about a company?

Citron Fig by Clean Reserve

Fragrance Notes: Ginger, lemon oil, cardamom, mandarin, mint, copaiba, sandalwood, cedarwood, and musk.

What it Smells Like: Having a really good dream and then waking up to the soft glow of the sun on your cheek. It also has the possibility of taking you back in time to the moment where you were first able to ride a bike without training wheels. Hey, I warned you.

The Perfume’s Inspiration: Inspired by a free-spirited confidence that awakens when you realize your true potential.

Perfect for: The up and comer (aka totally me because I’m still trying to figure out the big, bad adult world).

How long does it last: 6-8 hours

Sustainable Ingredients: They procure Cardamom from a local supplier in Guatemala who works directly with native Guatemalan farmers. This allows Clean to guarantee that the local farmers receive a higher profit for the essential oils and a steady income. Working directly with the communities in the Amazon and providing them with technical and financial support ensures the sustainable sourcing of Copaiba Oil and an increase of income for the farmers.

There are so many reasons why I think this is such an incredible company but the main one is that they are actually paying their farmers a living wage. My mom grew up on a dairy farm and from this, I know how hard farmers have to work in order to get the job done. Most of the time farmers are undercut by big corporations even though the farmers are doing all of the hard work. You often see this in any type of farm work from cotton farming to milk production to even essential oils. Companies like Clean Reserve are putting a stop to this unfair practice. I couldn’t be happier to wear their playful scent because of this.

For more information about their sustainable practices including their packaging I decided to pull this super informative picture from their website:

Now that I know more about their company I literally want to try them all… is that bad? If I had to try another one next it would definitely be the Sueded Oud because we all know how I feel about patchouli (if you don’t definitely check out my weirdly obsessive blog post on this candle. But Sueded Oud is apparently for “the boss” so I might have to wait a while until I get to that level!

Have you ever heard or smelled perfumes from Clean Reserve? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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How to Fix Your Dark Circles While You Sleep

Published on February 16, 2018February 16, 2018 by PeculiarPorter14 Comments

Disclaimer: VIICode Skin Care contacted me to try out their Oxygen Eye Mask. They personally sent me an Oxygen Eye Mask to try. Every thought and opinion expressed on Peculiar Porter are entirely mine alone and do not reflect the views or opinions of VIICode Skin Care.

As some of you already know, I’m someone who has always been very insecure about the dark circles under my eyes. Even back in 2015, I was complaining about them… and that was before all the senior year all-nighters. My dark circles are these creepy little circles that cling below my eyes and scream “I’m stuck with you forever.” The worst part is that I’ve literally tried everything. Garnier Eye Roller, Clinique Eye cream, Elf’s illuminating eye cream… the list goes on and on. So when VII Code Skin reached out to me to try out their O2M Oxygen Eye Mask I was very skeptical. Nonetheless, I tried it out be what is a tired, eye girl supposed to do?

How does it work?

The VII O2M Oxygen Eye Mask box comes with six treatments that you can try at any time. After you wash your face you stick the eye pads underneath your eye for no more than eight hours. You can either sleep for those eight hours, which is what I did, or you throw yourself a spa day and relax for the eight hours. Nonetheless, keep on these little eye pads for the full time and take them off to feel like a goddess.

Does it actually stick?

I’m someone who tosses and turns and tosses some more in bed. My hair usually ends up in a giant tumbleweed and my pillows are thrown on the floor. You can only imagine how surprised I was that when I woke up these pads were still sticking underneath my eyes. Yes, they were still there. So regardless if you’re a bed roller like me or a dead zombie, these little pads will stay on without any fuss. Tip: Try placing the patches a little longer than your bottom eyelashes so that when you shut your eyes your eyelashes don’t continue to bump into them.

Did it actually work?

After using them only once I noticed a very distinctive difference in my skin’s quality. I may be only 23, but I can already start to tell where my wrinkles will be once I really start to age (like fine wine obviously). After using a few of the eye patches, I noticed not only a brightness to my dark circles but also a decrease in the little wrinkles around my eyes. Although there was a drastic improvement in my skin’s overall quality, the dark circles underneath my eyes did not vanish. They are still there but it was definitely easier to hide up the dark circles after a night of using these patches.

Would I use them again?

I would use these patches again because not only do I love pampering myself but every morning I oddly felt rejuvenated. I’m not sure if it was because I was excited to see if the patches worked or if there was some incredible magic that made me feel like I had the best night of sleep. Regardless, the next morning I woke up rejuvenated, bright eyed, and ready to take on the world… what more could you want from a product?

Do you have dark eye circles? What have you tried before to help hide them? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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9 Incredible Beauty Products You Need Right Now

Published on January 16, 2018January 17, 2018 by PeculiarPorter9 Comments

I’m going to start off this post with pointing out that I know nothing about beauty products. Wait, don’t click away just yet. Hear me out. This post is for girls like me who may like all of the glitter and the glam of Sephora but still waltzes down CVS like it’s no one’s business. Here is my truthful tale of my favorite products around.

Clinique: All About Eyes

This eye cream has been a lifesaver. I’ve always put lotion underneath my eyes every since high school. I’m pretty sure I was convinced it was going to help my dark eye circles. I finally suckered down and bought a cream that would actually help try and remove my dark circles and puffy eyes. Thus, the reason why Clinique’s All About Eyes entered my life. Although my dark circles are still there, I have seen a drastic improvement of my dark circles. Who knows, maybe one day they’ll be gone.

Bath And Body Work’s Aromatherapy: Comfort

Are you tired of me telling you how much I love this product? Well, too bad because here it is again! If you haven’t smelt this incredible lotion get in your car and drive to the mall. This lotion has been really helping my dry skin during these dry months. Plus, it’s my favorite smell in the whole wide world so go on and buy it already.

Quip

You may have seen Quip all over social media because this company may be more obsessed with social media than I am. Quip runs an electric toothbrush subscription service where you get a new toothbrush head and battery every three months. I always forget to change my toothbrush out so I decided to try out this subscription service. The vibrating toothbrushes also have a two-minute timer with 30-second warnings to switch sides. It also comes in the cutest, sleekest colors. For someone who had braces for six years (yeah, you read that right), I’m definitely loving this product.

Java Truly Skin Care

In December, I was given this the body serum and body scrub at a blogging event. It took one pump of the body serum to get me hooked. Seriously though, it’s like a magic pill in a bottle. I admit I was very nervous about putting an oil on my face because my skin breaks out pretty easily. Since my skin has been tortured with this wishy-washy New England weather, I decided to give it a try. The point of putting the oil on your sin is it is supposed to improve the appearance of wrinkles, firmness, redness, and texture all while protecting against skin damage. But what I really like about this product is that it fits in perfectly with my New Years Resolution of finding more socially sustainable/eco-friendly companies. This company is free from animal testing and they exclusively import all of their green coffee from Smithsonian Certified Coffee Farms and then it is stone milled in Rhode Island. It does all that while smelling like drops of heaven.

After Instastorying @JavaSkinCare in December, they contacted me to offer my blogging friends 20% their final purchase. Use the coupon code PORTER18 to get that 20% off. I’m definitely going to use it to get a full-sized bottle of Body Serum and maybe even the lip scrub.

Tartelette in Bloom

I really didn’t think I would ever love a makeup palette more than my Too Faced Natural Eye Palette but girl was I wrong. This palette actually smells like chocolate. I literally have been making people smell my eyelids because I’m still not over the fact that it smells like chocolate. These shades are the perfect colors paired next to my green eyes and fair skin. Plus, it has a perfect mix of sparkly colors like funny girl, firecracker, and rocker and matte colors. If you’re looking for an incredible, warm-toned palette this one is for you. Plus, c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e.

Naked Urban Decay Smoky

I admit, I traditionally don’t play with smoky eyes because it is so intimidating. I’m convinced I will end up with a hack job that looks like I’ve been punched in the face one too many times. But, sometimes in life, you need to take some risks. I absolutely love the beginning three colors and the final four colors in this palette. I’m slowly working myself towards the darkest colors in the palette. If you like wearing darker colors in the evening this is definitely the palette for you. Also, if any of you have blog posts or tips on how to get over my fear of the smoky eye let me know in the comments down below.

Mar c Jacobs Nail polish in Evelyn and Louise

If my college roommates are reading my post right now they’re probably cringing at the fact that I’ve added yet another nail polish color to my selection. I’m gross when it comes to nail polish. I paint my nails 2-3 times a week. Yeah, you read that right. I’ve literally painted them so much that I barely notice the nail polish smell. I’m usually a strictly an OPI and Essie fan, but I decided to get daring and try something new. Marshalls and TJMaxx always have a huge selection of nail polish and if you dig just right you can find a good price for a color. I’m actually scared that I like these two Marc Jacob’s colors (especially Louise) so much that I might not go back to my other colors. If you find these colors or even Marc Jacob’s in the store buy them immediately. Take this from a nail-polish-hoarder.

Clinique Eye Smoothing Concealer

The one thing I’m pretty self-conscious about are my dark circles. I have some pretty dark ones that I can’t seem to get rid of. Although they have improved in recent years, I still cover them up with some liquid gold… aka concealer. I am a huge fan of Tarte’s Shape Tape but it gets very yellow on me when I’m in my winter-pale-faze. So I decided to rummage around Ulta to find a concealer that would fit me better. The first time I went, I tried to talk to a sales associate who was convinced that ~~Benefit’s Airbrush Concealer~~ was the right product for me. Boy, was she wrong. This blotchy mess was terrible on my skin. The cream clumped and wiped off my face within hours. So I decided to make a second trip to Ulta and this time run around trying every product I could get my grimy, clueless fingers on. I ended up trying this Clinique eye smoothing concealer in moderately fair and swooned over it. It matched my pink undertones and glued to my skin like hot glue and stayed in place for the rest of the day. If you’re a fan of Tarte’s Shape Tape but it doesn’t quite fit your coloring I would try out this product.

BareMinerals BarePro

During my wild goose chase to find a concealer that actually worked, I found a powder foundation that felt like velvet and stayed put. I’m a huge fan of powder foundation just because it’s a quick dab and you’re done. If you want to get ready quickly in the morning I would recommend a powder foundation like this one.

What beauty products are in your top 9? Have you ever tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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Aromatherapy: Bath and Body Works Haul

Published on November 21, 2017 by PeculiarPorter9 Comments

My name is Logan Porter… and I have a problem. I’m addicted to Bath and Body Works candles. Addicted isn’t even the right word… I’m obsessed. I have over 30 different candles from Bath and Body works, and I have no intention to stop buying them. With that said, I have never fallen harder for the two candles I’m about to share. I literally can’t stop shoving my nose in their paths. I’m intrusive, rude, and above all in love with these scents.

Rosewater and Ivy

Fragrance Notes: Soft Rose Petals, English Ivy, Soft Musk… happy tears from angels.

What it Smells Like: Coming home from a long day of work to find fresh cut flowers on your clean, kitchen table. You then go upstairs to take a long bubble bath and melt away every trouble that has ever entered your mind.

I fully admit that the reason I picked up this candle was because of it’s beautiful “marble” casing. I loved the soft pink on the granite and the beautiful label. No judgment, I already admitted I had issues. After cramming my nose in the white wax, I fell hard. I crawled up the candle in my tired, shopped-out arms and carried on to find an equally great candle. And that is when it happened…

Comfort: Vanilla and Patchouli with Natural Essential Oils

Fragrance Notes: Vanilla Absolute and Patchouli Oil

What it Smells Like: Being embraced by a loved one you haven’t seen in a long time. You then wrap up in an enormous, fuzzy blanket and watch your favorite Netflix show for the next four hours.

This scent is the reason I thought it was the utmost importance that I shared this little haul with you. After lighting the candle for a quick hour, I started putting the entire line in my online shopping cart (a habit I am too accustomed to doing).

I’m obsessed with this beautiful, rich smell that makes my crazy mind feel at ease. The point of these two fragrances being added together is because the vanilla is supposed to bring a calming to the mind to encourage relaxation while the patchouli oil creates a sense of harmony. They really were not kidding when they said that “comfort” was going to enter your home with this candle. I feel like I’m being hugged by God himself.

As for the body scrub… I’m typically not the biggest fan of body scrubs just because most tend to be too harsh on my skin. After trying this scrub, I take it all back. I’m a huge fan… call me a fangirl if you must. The scrub is made of walnut shells and vitamin E to smooth and soften your skin and it smells like a dream come true. The best part about it is it doesn’t leave that sticky-just-washed skin feeling. Instead, your skin feels like silk that has just been spun. The smell itself is actually the reason I spent the past hour looking for perfumes that smell like this. Sadly, until Bath and Body Works makes a perfume I’m ‘stuck’ with their lotions, creams, scrubs, soaps, and more. Fingers crossed that they hear my cry.

P.S. if you’re looking for a fantastic quick gift they make a gift set of Comfort’s lotion and body wash. Trying my hardest not to buy it for myself right now.

What is your favorite scent from Bath and Body Works? Have you tried anything from their aromatherapy collection yet? Let me know in the comments down below.

By the way, do yourself a favor and check out Comfort… it’s worth it I promise.

As always,

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“Red” My Lips

Published on July 15, 2016 by PeculiarPorter4 Comments

Hello darlings! I recently bought some of these radiant Revlon lip stains. They’re phenomenal because of how long they last and how creamy they feel on your lips.

I admit, I’m typically not a lipstick wearer. My daily make up does not usually include lipstick, but I wanted to branch out of my comfort zone and try something spunky. These lip stains are perfect for someone who is not used to wearing lipstick because you almost feel like they’re not even there. It’s like wearing a lip gloss! Since it’s a stain, you don’t even need to worry about reapplying it every two seconds. I reapplied my lipstick after lunch and it was good for the day. I tried to take if off for my pilates class at 6 and it was still on! So Revlon really means it when they say lip stain!

Colors from left to right.

045 New York Scene has an elegant, rich velvety color that. This stain has a slight plum color mixed with red tones. This particular one is my favorite because of how rich it is. It’s a great stain that stays on for an extended amount of time, which is perfect since it’s a rich color that you’ll want on for a long time.

001 India Intrigue has a slight touch of glitter in this purple/pink color. This color is particularly great for catching city lights or a summer sunset. I would wear this to a going out to a play in the city or even to a friend’s bonfire. The great thing about stains is if you eat a s’more you’ll still have some color on your lips!

015 Barcelona Nights has such a vibrant, pinky color that is sure to add a pop to any outfit. I think it is perfect for a night out with the girls during happy hour. It would be great paired with a crisp, white shirt for a very dramatic entrance.

Pictured above is 015 Barcelona Nights and 045 New York Scene

The two pictures above are 001 India Intrigue and 045 New York Scene.

Have you tried any lip gloss stains? Have you ever tried the Revlon lip stain? Let me know in the comments if you have any stains that you recommend to someone who doesn’t wear lipstick often.

As always,

Treat Yo Self- Haul June 2016

Published on June 9, 2016June 10, 2016 by PeculiarPorter4 Comments

Hello darlings! Before you read any further, I just want to point out that these purchases have been over a month and have just started piling up. I figured I would share some of my lovely purchases with you guys because they make me warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, I love reading all your hauls so maybe someone gets that oogy-gooey feeling like I do.

It seems like this time last year I blogged about Bath and Body Works. It might just be that they always have a fantastic sale going on around this time. No worries I have some new goodies to show. Oddly enough, that post gets revisited time after time. Someone must just love looking at their colorful products… I know I do! I feel like every time I go into Bath and Body Works I get sucked into this other world. Luckily enough, there is a sale going on this week. If you haven’t checked it out already… go, go, go! Right now the original $22 candles are half off. You guys know my obsession with candles (my roommate, Courtney, admits that she is ready for all of the scented candles next year). I ended up purchasing 3.

The Autumn Mums smells like florals with a hint of the generic Flesh Linen candle. The underneath of the candle says that the candle smells like “a floral blend of soft mum petals, amber and a hint of sandalwood.” I think that nailed it.

The next candle is the Baja Cactus Blossom. This one really caught my eye because I didn’t really know that cacti had a scent. I really wish this candle had a lotion because it has the softest note of coconut that makes the candle so alluring. The back of the candle says that the scent is from the “alluring beauty of a cactus flower captured in a blend of fresh white flowers, green cactus stems and sun kissed coconut.” Not captured in my photos, the lid of this particular candle has palm leaves which makes a great addition to my candle collection.

The last candle is the sweet Paris Lavender Macaron. This candle says that it smells like “lavender blossoms with a delicate patisserie cookie,” but I smell something completely different. When I smell this candle, I smell a sweet vanilla, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting. This particular candle I think should be burned for a little because it is stronger than the others.

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I also ended up getting something that I’ve never purchased before. I ended up getting this adorable car freshener and 4 different scents. I admit, it took me a little while to actually figure out how to insert the scent. Once I figured it out the first time, it’s easy to change. I have a soft spot for candles and cacti so I guess Bath and Body Works knows the way to my heart. The scents right now are 4 for $10. Which isn’t too bad considering they’re normally $3.50. They also have more adorable holders than this cactus. For example, they have a margarita glass, anchors, turtles, and flowers.

Going along with the car theme, I’ve been looking for a keychain for my car keys. It’s just been a little hard finding them in my purse so I just wanted a little tassel. I found this one at DSW and thought it was adorable.

When it comes to shoes, I have trust problems. It’s very, very rare that I will fall in love with any shoes that aren’t Steve Madden. My boots are always Steve Madden. I don’t know what it is but he just seems to know what I like. So, naturally, going into DSW my eyes somehow always dart towards Steve Madden shoes. It’s almost pathetic. I was wandering the store looking for shoes for an upcoming wedding, and I had three different boxes… All Steve Madden. I ended up getting two lace up pairs of Steve Madden. Do any of you have a brand of shoes that you just can’t seem to escape?

The pair on the left is actually a little bit of a darker brown than the pair on the left but the picture disordered it a little. With that in mind I really like both of these shoes because they make your legs look longer. When you have shoes that are a similar tone as your skin, it plays a trick on the eyes by making your legs look longer. These sandals are incredibly comfy because they don’t have that thong in-between the big toe and other toes. I also love the lace up aspect of them. It’s a unique flare.

The pair on the right is such a show stopper. I’ve fallen in love with the lace up shoes ever since I bought my first pair in Ireland. You can see them here. Plot twist: they’re from Top Shop. The heel on these shoes are about 2 1/3 to 3 inches. I love that you can tie a bow either in front or back of your leg. Okay, that may seem really minor but it really makes a difference depending on what you’re wearing. For example, the dress I’m wearing to an upcoming wedding is very elegant and says enough without needing shoes to say more. Therefore, by putting the bow in the back of the leg plays down the shoe. If I was wearing a simple dress I would want the bow in the front. Regardless these shoes are a great addition to my shoe collection. P.S. the red on the shoes is from a clearance sticker… It is NOT blood! I don’t want anyone to be worried/alarmed!

I ended up going into Madewell. Madewell is actually a really new store to me. They are partnered up with the lovely J.Crew but have a more youthful vibe. Many of their items are very clean cut and simple but have a little bit of a unique cut or style to them. For example, their plain shirts might drape a certain way. All of their jewelry is this funky gold color. I have a hard time describing it so if any of you know the proper term let me know in the comments. It’s a really unique quality their jewelry possesses. I ended up spending a lot of time looking at their jewelry and ended up with this ring that looks between a sun and a bullet wound (might look like a bullet wound to me because I’ve been spending a lot of time watching Lost). If you’ve never been to a Madewell shop it’s definitely a place you should check out. I forgot to mention, their bags are phenomenal as well. They have leather bags that you can initial or make them say whatever you want. I’m thinking about purchasing a simple leather bag for all my papers in the future.

Earlier this summer, I went to Maryland with my boyfriend’s family and met more of his family. I ended up purchasing this 100% vegan, cruelty-free roll on perfume. I love roll on perfumes because they’re so easy to throw in your bag and apply them on the go. They make a few different smells. If I see this brand again I think I’m going to purchase the grapefruit one next!

Whenever you go into a place like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Nordstrom Rack you never really know what you’re going to come out with. Recently, I wandered around Normstrom Rack with my mom desperately looking for a dress for a wedding (I founded it but that is for another post… The anticipation I know)! I didn’t know where to begin looking for just normal shirts. I just looked at random racks here and there. I still don’t think I looked at everything. I ended up falling for this beautiful blue top. The way the top sits on your shoulders is incredibly flattering. I can’t wait to show you guys how I pattern this top a few different ways.

There are three dresses you will ended up seeing in future posts. I’m incredibly excited to show you the dresses and the experiences associated with them.

Like the Nordstrom Rack… Marshalls is just as good. I found these spring pattern shorts on one of the racks. I love this deep, rich green color and the funky blue pattern.

Along with the shorts this breezy top was hiding in one of the racks. It has cutouts on the shoulders and flows everywhere else. This is a perfect shirt for a colder day because it would look phenomenal with white skinny jeans.

It is so hard going into American Eagle and not buying something. I plan on showing these three items in an outfit post so I had to just show them in a little sneak peak…

I love Francesca’s… what is not to love about their delicate jewelry pieces and feminine clothing. Also, they have the best accessory section compared to Urban Outfitters. I ended up getting this adorable flower case and matching mug. I’ve been looking at this mug since the winter and have finally shelled out the money to purchase it. I’m really indecisive if I should keep it as a mug or if I should transform it into a succulent platter. If you have any opinions let me know in the comments!

I love these sparkly earrings I picked up as well. I’ve gotten so many compliments on them that I knew I had to blog about them. The outside rim is a faux looking wooden branch and the inside are filled with different sized gems. What isn’t to love?

Obviously I needed help talking pictures so Butch graciously volunteered. He helped me pick out which item to photograph until he got distracted by this enormous frog that lives in our little coy pond.

As you read this post, I am moving to Troy. I’ve been offered a great position at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology. I’m extremely excited to start teaching! I hope to update you more on Troy in a later post.

As always,

Mascara Review: Rimmel London, Maybeline, and Covergirl

Published on March 29, 2016March 29, 2016 by PeculiarPorterLeave a comment

Hello darlings! I’ve been on the lookout for a good mascara for quite some time. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so I went to my local CVS and picked up some mascaras that I thought would do the trick.

Before I explain each product, I want to explain what I like about mascaras. I have little eyes and short eyelashes so I like a smaller brush that can reach each of my eyelashes. I also only buy waterproof mascara because I feel like it doesn’t smudge as much as non-waterproof mascaras.

Rimmel London Wonder’lash mascara ($7.99)

I love the package of this mascara it is such a pretty blue. Unfortionally, that is the only thing I like about this mascara. The wand is really big in person and barely any of the mascara sticks to the brush. When the formula is on the brush, doesn’t really have an impact. My eyelashes turn into little straws sticking out straight. On a scale 1-10 (10 being the highest), it would get a 7 because it isn’t the worst mascara I’ve ever tried. It’s just an average mascara.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($5.99)

Despite the fun watermelon colored packaging, this is the worst mascara I’ve ever tried. The application is great and it applies really well. However, after wearing it for about an hour it smudges everywhere. I threw on this mascara before running to the store and by the time I came home I looked like I had been rubbing my eyes and possibly crying… even though I wasn’t. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest), I rate this mascara a 4. The only reason it isn’t getting a lower score is because I like the packaging and the size of the brush. They really just need to work on the formula. Keep in mind how cheap this mascara was. That might have some significance to why this product was so poorly made.

Covergirl Bombshell Curvaceous ($11.99)

Finally, a mascara I’ve fallen in love with! This mascara gives you major volume and definition. It does not smudge after a long day and it is easy to take off at the end of the day. I really like how there are two different steps. I admit, I was pretty reluctant at first because I thought it was going to take so much longer to apply. In reality, it’s just like putting two coats of normal mascara on. The first one you apply has thinner bristles so that it will get every lash. The first brush is also slightly curved so it bends your lashes slightly. The first one is designed so it makes your lashes look longer. The second one is is to intensify your lashes. It makes your lashes appear thicker and full. If you think it is too dramatic to add both for every day you can only use one of the sides. Personally, I use both sides every day because who doesn’t want to look like a bombshell every day? If I were to rate this one it would get a solid 10.

What is your favorite drugstore mascara? I’m always on the lookout for new mascara to add to my collection. It’s one of those makeup necessities. The only “expensive” mascara I’ve ever purchased was Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara. I have to say I like my CoverGirl mascara a lot more than Benefit’s mascara. If you have any mascaras in mind let me know!

As always,

Small February Haul

Published on March 16, 2016March 16, 2016 by PeculiarPorter1 Comment

Hello, darlings! I went on a little shopping spree last month. I shouldn’t be left alone with a computer and access to my debit card. It always results to these types of posts. Here is what I bought in the month of February…

I have a problem. Every time I go into American Eagle I’m sucked into the third dimension. I usually dart straight to the sales rack and then slowly work my way to the front of the store… if you want to get great deals I recommend this strategy.

I ended up purchasing two dresses and a simple ring. The first dress I thought it would be a great cover-up at the beach or an interesting piece for Coachella because of the nautical feel. The second dress I may or may not have fell in love with. It was on sale for $14.99 and the color and style is wonderful. I’ve actually already done a blog post about it see here.

Bath and Body Works had a sale for $9.99 for each candle. The first candle is from the collection White Barn, a company Bath and Body Works carries. It is called “Sundress.” It smells like fresh bedsheets that have been drying out on the line mixed with lilies. I love the lid of this one. It is one of the candle containers you want to save because it’s so adorable.

This second one is “Beautiful Day” from White Barn also. It’s a smell that gets you excited for spring. It smells like sweet, juicy apples and flowers that have just blossomed.

I have this warm and gooey feeling when I see this belt (insert freshly made cookies). I got it at Ralph Lauren outlet for $27.99 (I had a 20% off coupon). Stay tuned for later this week, I’m doing an outfit post on it and couldn’t be more excited.

This wonderful suede jacket is from Forever 21 and was originally $59. I lucked out big time and scored this jacket for $7. I’m so happy the weather has been warming up so I get to break out this jacket. Like the purple dress above, I’ve already made a post on this jacket here.

I bought these earrings for $6.99 at Forever 21. I have silver dangly earrings but was on the hunt for a golden pair. These earrings are a great addition to my collection.

I also purchased these wonderful shiny earrings from J.Crew. I think the little rhinestones are a perfect touch in these rather simple studs.

I was in need of a winter hat because Albany gets really cold in the winter. I can’t tell if I’m lucky or unlucky because I haven’t been able to wear this hat yet. It has been so nice out lately. I guess the groundhog was right. I’ll let you be the judge if I’m lucky or not

Last but not least, I purchased a little Vera Bradly bag to carry small items in. Isn’t this pattern and the frilly detailing wonderful? I haven’t decided what I wanted to use it for. If you have any ideas let me know!

That is my little haul! I hope you enjoyed it! Does online shopping or the sales rack always get the best of you? Let me know in the comments down below!

As always,