Hello my neglected beauties! I am so far behind in everything in life it seems – isn’t summer supposed to be carefree and relaxed!? While I’ve had a lot of good times the past couple months, I’ve hardly had any time to address my ‘real’ life (guess that’s escapism to the max, eh?). I’ve flown out of the province three times in August alone (twice to Newfoundland and now to Ontario – I’m actually in the airport right now heading to Ottawa), and while I LOVE to travel, I didn’t realize how hard it is to get back on track when you return. Soon I’ll have been away from home for 12 out of 31 days – that’s a whole third of the month – and it’s kind of nuts. Fun – but nuts.
Look I did for a cottage party I went to – my friend’s family does a washer toss tournament every year, and this year there was a record 50 participants! As the cottage is right on a lake, I wore only MUFE’s waterproof Aqua Liner in #5 (diamond turquoise blue) and a touch of mascara – it gave enough impact all by itself!
To add to all that, recently my boyfriend and I broke up. So not only am I away physically but I’ve also mentally been not entirely present the past week or two. However, I know that everyone has ‘stuff’ that goes on in their lives and they keep on moving, so I don’t want to lean on this as an excuse. Most bloggers have busy lives and children and the like, and they post WAY more than me on a good week. I merely just want to explain my absence so you know it’s only temporary! Well…at least until October. Then I’ll be away for 35 days and you’ll be lucky if I’ve got a post a week coming out. LOL. But THEN! Then I will be blogger extraordinaire, I *promise.*
Mani/Pedi Combo with MAC’s Mischievous Mint on toes and a-England’s Saint George on fingers…see how often I wear the ‘Mint’ shade!? LOVE it.
The most frustrating part about all this is that while moving forward my budget will be next to zero for beauty purchases (paying for a condo on my own is NOT going to be easy), I bought a slew of fun, beautiful things in the past couple months I’ve been desperate to talk to you about! Actually, to be honest, a lot of those things I haven’t even had the time to experiment with myself, and they’re just in a forlorn little pile in my bathroom begging to be adored. Since I’ve been traveling so much, most of these items haven’t come with me because I’m crazy-anal about keeping my makeup pristine, and I’m nervous about things getting banged up or broken (I’m still sore over my MAC Early Morning blush being in pieces :S). Argh! I hate not being able to multitask. LOL!
Make Up For Ever’s Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N10 (iridescent copper pink). It was the shade the MUFE Artist matched me with for my ultimate ‘MLBB’ shade. It’s quite pretty but I see to either veer lighter, darker or more bold with lippies for the most part. See link above for original review on formula.
But ladies (and maybe gents??)…there appears to be a silver-lining for you now. It was just announced that my flight has been delayed for 2 hours – surely I can pump out a post or three in that time!? Its not going to be any of the new, good stuff, but I have a boatload of photos from other items I’ve been meaning to show you. So sit back and get comfy…I have a lot of making up to do!
#1 by Liz (@Reductionista) on August 28, 2012 - 2:57 pm
Oh no, so sorry about the breakup. What horrible timing with the new condo and everything.
But am glad to see that you’re sounding upbeat and in fine form despite the craziness of all that’s going on. I’m sure the traveling is keeping your mind off from dwelling and moping, too.
What’s a washer toss tourney? I love the eyeliner job and SOB! @ smashed blush. Keep smiling, Toya. Better times are ahead!
#2 by Latoya on September 1, 2012 - 12:10 pm
Thanks Liz
I really appreciate the support! Traveling so much has helped though I’m ready to be stationary for a bit!
Washer/sewer toss is a game where you try to throw an oversized washer (like the kind you used with screws?) into a box for points. The box has a sawed-off sewer pipe In the middle and if you can get it in there you get extra points. So fun but tricky! Must be an East Coast game
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#3 by Larie on August 28, 2012 - 4:11 pm
I’m sorry about the break-up, Toya. And I can’t imagine tackling the purchase of a new condo on my own – you are STRONG, girl! It will all go well
You sound so positive, this is so strengthening! And you look gorgeous.
Also, I want to know what a washer toss is, too.
#4 by Latoya on September 1, 2012 - 12:13 pm
Aww, thanks a million Larie!! That really makes me feel better
I hope it all goes well, I feel fairly positive now but not sure if that’s because I’ve been traveling so much. Hopefully I continue to see a bright side and it all works out in the end!
See washer toss description I told Liz below – have you played anything like it??
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#5 by aliciab on August 28, 2012 - 7:54 pm
Hey you! I am loving the nails and the eye liner!
Sorry to hear about the breakup ): They’re always a lot to deal with at first, but it sounds like you are handling it pretty well all things considered. Keep your head up girly! We’ll always be here for you to talk to (;
#6 by Latoya on September 1, 2012 - 12:14 pm
Thank you so much Alicia, that means so much for you to say! Hopefully all will be for the best.
I’m glad you like the liner and polish!!
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#7 by BeautyReflections (@BeautyReflectTS) on August 29, 2012 - 1:31 am
I’m so sorry about the break up Toya. I’m proud of you keeping the condo. Some things are more important than lipstick. I hope it works out for you. I know it will!
You look gorgeous as usual!
#8 by Latoya on September 5, 2012 - 6:46 am
Thanks Tracy
I’m gonna stick it out with the condo as long as I can but I’ll likely have to downgrade because while I can give up buying makeup (for awhile! 
), I still have to live. Bummer situation all around though.
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#9 by Buggsiebee on August 29, 2012 - 1:40 am
That Mani-Pedi combo is gorgeous!! I imagine any colors would look great on those elegant hands & feet of yours:)
A sad heart can really suck all the energy out of even the most postive person & I’m truly sorry that you have to cope with that while you have so much on your plate at the moment as it is.
Your attitude is positive though & I like how you talk about moving forward. Just taking one day at a time, soon you’ll be settled in your own lovely new home with all your precious makeup goodies in their special new place & I know you will feel fantastically proud, independant & strong!
#10 by Latoya on September 1, 2012 - 12:18 pm
Thank you so much for your heartfelt and inspiring words!! It makes me feel so much better
I hope you are right!!
And you’re so sweet with the lovely compliments!! ~blushes~
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#11 by Eugenia on August 29, 2012 - 4:00 pm
Toya…I’m so sorry you’re experiencing such “turbulence” (travelling joke…pretty lame, huh?!) in your life right now but as I always say: there’s a reason for everything — we just don’t always get to figure it out as fast as we’d like to. I’m hoping that assuming the expense of a condo on your own also means that legally he’s taken care of any obligations in that regard; I don’t want you winding up holding the raw end of the deal while he goes off scott-free. Make sure YOU are protected in every way shape & form.
Now moving on….I love travelling and would probably live in an airport (like Tom Hanks in that movie) if I could; I even love airplane food (then again, I also like hospital food – go figure!)! You absolutely have to call on me if you find yourself in Montreal…we’d have a blast! Love your mani-pedi (I knew it was Saint-George even before I read it!) and that lipstick shade is stunning on you, as is the teal liner. I’m with Liz: what’s a “washer toss tournament” -inquiring minds want to know!
If you need a friendly, non-judgemental ear, then all you have to do is holler….
#12 by Latoya on September 5, 2012 - 6:49 am
Thank you, my lovely, wonderful friend! – for all the words of support and kindness, it really means a lot
The next time I travel to Montreal – it WILL happen soon enough! – you better be ready, because we will definitely be getting together! I so look forward to it 
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#13 by Amy on August 31, 2012 - 5:29 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about the breakup, Toya! I hope you’re hanging in there okay. We’re all here for you! Also, every single picture in this post is amaaaazing. You sure know how to choose the right products! I hope you have an awesome time traveling, and don’t worry about lack of posting––we’ll be here when you have the time again! <3
#14 by Latoya on September 5, 2012 - 6:53 am
Thank you do much for your kindness and understanding Amy – it means so much! You guys are so important to me and I miss you all when I’m AWOL for whatever reason!
I’m glad you liked the quickie shots of these products too – some get a LOT of love from me, and some not enough. Gotta balance that out a bit!
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#15 by Maggie (@MaggiesMakeup) on September 3, 2012 - 5:04 am
Oof. I’m sorry to hear about the break-up.
I can imagine that has put a damper on many things, least of all time and headspace allocated to blogging.
Liz is right though – you sound like you’re dealing with the situation with remarkable aplomb and grace. I’m loving your posts, as usual!
Here’s to a better Autumn!
#16 by Latoya on September 5, 2012 - 6:59 am
Thanks Maggie! You flatter me terribly – but I’ll take it
I don’t know if I’m full of grace over it all, but I’m trying to focus on the future and look forward to whatever is in store. In time this will just be a memory and another life lesson to learn.
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