Currently Coveting: Gift Card Edition.

I’m pretty sure you’ve all noticed that I haven’t been talking about fashion or shopping a lot lately. That’s because I’m completely broke. It’s rough out here in the suburbs! I try not to even think about shopping because I know that as soon as I get a paycheck it’s going to rent, bills, groceries, gas, savings. I lied on that last one, there’s no money left over for savings. I’m working on it.

Anyway, I have Verizon Fios in my beautiful, overpriced apartment and a few weeks ago I got a Verizon Rewards Card in the mail. It was a $500 gift for paying them a million dollars over the last 3 months. Fabulous! I told myself when I got it that I would be responsible and use it to pay a few bills or something. And I really really really wish I could tell you that I did that. But I didn’t. I shopped. And I know you’re all dying to find out what I bought.

1. 2013 Calendar by Inslee

I know it seems super early to buy a calendar, but Inslee’s have a tendency to sell out. I bought 2 versions of this calendar: the full version which includes a 8×10 frameable print of each month and the new little version which comes in a jeweled case and can sit on my desk at work. The small one would also make a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. It’s so pretty, I want to hang the January print now. Get them before they’re gone!

2. Loule Mugs

I love collecting cute, mismatched mugs and bowls and Anthropologie always has the best ones. I found these on sale for $7.95 each and had to have them. I only got 2, but I want to go back and get the other 2. I just think it’s such a cute set. I also picked up the Domino Book of Decorating while I was there. If you love home design as much as I do, this is a must-buy.

3. Laura Mercier Mattifying Secret Finish

I’m always on the hunt for a product that will eliminate shine throughout the day. I’ve been using the M.A.C. blot powder and Bobbi Brown’s pressed powder, but I just really hate the way powder looks on my skin. It’s very hard to find a powder that doesn’t make dark skin look ashy or cakey (although those two do a pretty good job). I’m really excited to try this product because it’s a translucent gel that you pat along your t-zone (or other shiny areas) when you start to feel oily throughout the day and it instantly mattifies (is that a word?) your skin without changing your makeup. And the tube is to tiny that i can throw it into any purse I carry. If any of my fellow combination/oily skin ladies are interested, I’ll do a full review after I’ve used it for a few weeks.

4. Bobbi Brown University Palette

This is my most excessive, and expensive, purchase, but I had to have it. I’ve been wanting this palette for a long time, but couldn’t bring myself to spend the $250 on it. It was also unavailable for a while so I just told myself it wasn’t meant to be. Well, a few days after I got my rewards card, I visited the Bobbi Brown cosmetics website and saw it in the New Products section and bought it before I could think twice. This palette includes 20 shades of Bobbi Brown’s stick foundation, 13 shades of corrector and 14 shades of concealer. For someone who likes to do her friends’ makeup, and whose skintone changes a bazillion times a year, this palette is heaven sent. (Attention Sorors: I’m ready for the homecoming step show!!) Now I just need another $220 to splurge on the Artist Palette for Lips and my freelance/just for fun makeup artist kit will be complete. Well…almost complete.

I have a little leftover on my card, but I’ll probably do the responsible thing and use it at the grocery store this week. It felt so good to shop again though! Next time, I’m going for clothes.