500 Bougies Deep and Still Rising!

Bougies! I'm happy to report that the Bougie Ballin' on a Budget Facebook Group has reached 500+ members! Wow! Stuff like that really gets me excited and keeps me motivated.

So to help me along on this adventure, please continue to encourage people to join the group. The more the merrier! I am working on a few things here and there so keep your fingers crossed... because it would mean great things for you, the readers and forum members!

I'm also interested in getting your feedback. Like the site? Hate it? Wish we talked more about "guy stuff?" More posts on lifestyle? Let me know by leaving me a comment or sending me a note. I live and breathe for your comments, so know that I will respond!

Moving on, I had to let you in on a purchase I made last week. One word: phenomenal!



MAC Primer: Prep+Prime Skin is amazing. You apply the primer after you have applied moisturizer to fresh and clean skin. The primer acts as an enhancer by evening out your skin tones, reducing redness, and getting rid of excess oil. The primer resembles skin moisturizer in color (white) but contains silicones... after applying a small amount, my skin felt incredibly smooth! The product is non-comedogenic and oil free so it will not cause break outs.



MAC Primer also comes in SPF 50 Flavor which is useful if you do not use a moisturizer with sunscreen (you should!)... since I use a moisturizer with sunscreen, I prefer the regular PRIMER since it is a bit lighter in density.

But back to the most important part... how does it work? Well after putting on the primer, I put on my makeup (tinted moisturizer, a bit of concealer, and a bit of blot powder), mascara, and lip-gloss and ran to my appointment... by the time I got home 5 hours later... my makeup hadn't budged! No streaking... no shiny factor, no smudging... no looking warn and run-down from the NYC heat and congestion! I used the primer again on Saturday... same results! My makeup looked just as good as when I departed for the event... I'm sold!

The primer runs about $22 from your local MAC store. $22 might seem a bit pricey for the bougie baller in all of us... but it's definitely worth the money since your makeup will last longer and your skin will look and feel more radiant!

For an alternate, try Velvet Veil by Face Time Cosmetics. It's comes highly recommended from beauty bloggers!

So my bougies - do you use skin primer? If so, what's your favorite?

Until next time!

Cheers,
BB

Still Ballin'... and Still on a Budget

Hi Bougies...

I have some good news... first, my self-imposed traveling/working nightmare exile is almost over (well at least for the next two weeks)... a breather for me means a new post for you! Hooray! I've got so much stuff stored up and ready to share with you guys... you can catch a quick peek at some of my more recent finds by checking out the Facebook Group.

More good news... the sample sales, outlet shopping, and seasonal fashion sales aren't dead yet! While in Austin and Vegas, I had a bit of a mini frenzy... buying a gazillion lifestyle items... and yet when I tallied my receipts*, I hadn't dropped more than $200 (and I bought over 10 items, including an Armani Exchange leather and wool sweater... booya)! If you're into power-budget shopping like I am, I suggest you sign up for Outlet VIP Status. VIP Outlet Status is a free service that gives you access to sales, deals, and good buys at Simon Premium Outlets. You choose your outlets of interest (and yes you can modify at any point in time) and you receive regular e-mail updates with coupons and announcements. Even more exciting, when you arrive at the Outlet Mall... you receive a coupon book full of discounts not available online!

In food news, Restaurant Week is (clearly) over... but April feasting events are just starting. In the case of MEGU NYC that signals an opportunity. Megu is teaming up with the City Harvest Campaign to "promote awareness in the fight against hunger"... they are offering a $125 pre-fixe menu which includes Wild Red Snapper, Sashimi, Signature Dish Sampler, Kobe Beef Flambe, Sushi, Soup, and Dessert. 10% of the proceeds will go to the Spring for City Harvest Campaign. Expensive? Compared to Megu's regular menu... no. Compared to their Restaurant Week menu? Yes. But, it's a great opportunity to do something great for charity, and sample one a great restaurant at a low price. Interested in other charity events like this? Try out the American Cancer Society's Taste of Hope scheduled for April 30, 2008. GVG is also the King of the charity wine and dine, and I'm sure he'll also have a few events scheduled for the future! PS - vote for him!

And finally, although I try and keep my posts appealing to both women and men... I know it can be rough out here in these streets for guys, especially with things like high-end sample sales... which is why I am happy to announce that the Gilt Groupe will now be selling men's designs as of April 16! The first four sales includes: John Varvatos, Hickey, Dolce & Gabbana, and Lambertson Truex. Enjoy!

Cheers,

BB


*My habits/advice: When I shop, I have a habit of mentally calculating how much I've spent. Once I'm done shopping, I go home and tally the receipts for my budget records (if I'm on the road, I keep all my non-business related receipts in a business envelope).

This is also useful if I think I've overspent, or if I think I spent frivolously (yes there is a difference), or if I think I just don't want/need something anymore. And if that's the case - I'll return the item(s) with a quickness.

Don't believe me? I bought a pair of shoes in Las Vegas... please believe I shipped those bad boys back to Vegas to get a full refund! Turns out the shoe wasn't what I expected... no need for regret, especially since most stores have excellent return policies... even on sale items.