Did you know that Hello Kitty will be turning 35 this fall? She has aged very well (no, I am not saying that 35 is old!)

The Sanrio website keeps the products fresh and new.  I am totally loving the kitchen and dining products this season.

Hello Kitty Stainless Steel Mug - Heart

This pink, white, and red mug is quite darling.  I love Ms. Kitty’s floppy polka-dot interior hat!  Any hot beverage would taste better in this mug.

Hello Kitty Ceramic Cup - Blue Pattern

I love Flow Blue and Toile plates and bowls.  The look is quite elegant.   I would not integrate into my design, but I love the look…so chic!

Hello Kitty Ceramic Cup - Doll

Hello Kitty Salad Bowl - Doll

I love nerds, specifically Mr. Maven, my favorite nerd of all!! My nerd does not wear a pocket protector though.

Check out Sanrio.com for other fun Hello Kitty products.

Mix Maven

Who remembers the The Wu-Tang Clan’s song, C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)?

In the FOTD, I tried the Cinema Secrets Hollywood Lights (loose e/s) in Dolla Bill.  This brand is popular among professional makeup artists who work in the theatre and/or movie/tv production .  The Hollywood Lights are similar to MAC pigments and Reflects Glitters (both of which I love!)  I prefer foiling the (non-glitter) Hollywood Lights as the color payoff is more intense.  The cost is 7.50/USD and be easily found on the web.

All MAC Products unless stated.

Face

• NC 50 Studio Sculpt Foundation
• NW 43 Studio Sculpt Foundation
• Natural MSF in Dark

Eyes

• Matte Gel
• Pharoah P/P
• Electro Sky P/P
• Purely Cosmetics Cream To Powder Bronzed Brown
• Smut e/s
• Signed, Sealed e/s
• Cinema Secrets Dolla Bill loose e/s
• Era e/s (highlight)
• Stila Smudge Pot – Black
• Black Russian Pearlglide e/l
• Milani Black e/l
• NYX Teal e/l
• Napoleon Perdis mascara

Cheek

• Warmed MSF
• Stark Naked Blush

Lips

• Sweet Tooth T/T
• NYX Mauve l/l
• Hello Kitty Cute-ster
• Cremesheen Glass Boy Bait

My Sassy Lips need an agent.

Mix Maven

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the lovers in the world.

Mr. Maven and I chilled out today.  We hung out with friends and met some cool folks.  We have decided to take out the Parents for Valentine’s Day because we love them very much and they have been quite helpful to us.

I love the Threesome mineralized trio eye shadows.  The medium pink is gorgeous and pigmented.  It is nothing like its recent ancestors.. so smooth.

So I decided to try the Studio Sculpted Foundation.  I really like this foundation.  The coverage is medium and build-able, similar to Studio Tech, but WOW oh WOW does it feel very light. At times during the day, I forgot I was wearing foundation. *Love it*

I am so in love with Blonde MSF.  Initially, I decided to bypass the Blonde Brunette Redhead collection. The collection looked quite dupable and I did not want to waste money on MAC colors that I already have.  So when I strolled into Macy’s, I had no intention of purchasing anything from the collection.  I swatched on my hand and it was smooth.  (I guess you can say that SMOOTH is the word of the day).  The color was brilliant and definitely would work as an eye shadow. I am glad I bought the Blonde MSF.  *Thanks Mama Maven for the Macy’s Gift Card*

All MAC Products unless stated.

Face

• NC 50 Studio Sculpt Foundation
• NW 43 Studio Sculpt Foundation
• Natural MSF in Dark

Eyes

• Matte Gel
• Benefit Lemon aid (More about this one later)
• Hip L’Oreal Crayon Unmistakable
• Purely Cosmetics Cream To Powder Bronzed Brown
• Outspoken Trio m/es
• Plum Dressing e/s
• Satellite Dreams e/s
• HiP Flare Duo (Tan Gold side)
• Phone Me side of Duo Pencil
• Urban Decay Zero 24/7 Eye Pencil
• Urban Decay Lust 24/7 Eye Pencil
• Napoleon Perdis mascara

Cheek

• Hello Kitty Tippy Blush
• Blonde MSF

Lips

• Hello Kitty Popster lip conditioner
• NYX  Salsa l/g
• Hello Kitty Big Bow l/s
• Neo-Sci Fi Naked Space l/g

The temps have increased and I have been day dreaming about Spring and Summer, about which color I will use for my next pedicure.  I am excited about wearing open toes and slingbacks. *I know it is early, but I can dream*

Pink is a flattering color for all women.  Adds freshness and flare from baby pink to bright, bold fuschia.

Pink by Aerosmith

I stumbled on these Fab Christian Louboutin pump sandals.  They remind me of  a vanilla cupcake with strawberry frosting *yummy*  The pink color softens the shoe.  Somehow, I believe that if this sandal was in Black patent leather, I would have thoughts of whips and handcuffs.

Asos’ Satin Pleated Peep-Toe platform shoe is adorable.   Losing the bow on the side would allow the Fierceness to shine through.  The price is not bad at all <$17.

I love, love this  all-leather pump from Lotus.  The shoe contains 2 of my favorite elements (metallic and snakeskin).  I am not a fan of the T-bar, but I could definitely make it work.  The detailing adds a lot of visual interest.  I would pair with a navy skirt. The price is > $200.

I just may get the Asos shoe. The price is friendly, but I am curious about the fit.

I will also be rocking the MAC’s Hello Kitty nail polish in Something About Pink. The color is more fuschia than in the picture. Definitely a must have for Pink or Hello Kitty fans.

MAC's Hello Kitty Something About Pink

Mix Maven

Hello Kitty fans, have you signed up to receive Sanrio.com newsletters.  If not, do so!

So I was debating whether to post another Christmas wish list (with all the economic woes plaguing the global community).  But then I got my Hello Kitty newsletter and I decide to post some of my favorite Hello Kitty items.

Here are some of my favorites (not must haves though):

The Hello Kitty Barbie is absolutely adorable.

Hello Kitty Barbie $39.99

Since the election of our 44th President, the media have concluded that we live in a post-racial society.  But you know what, I still want a African-American or Latina Hello Kitty Barbie. lol

Hello Kitty Beauty Bag $75

The quilted-heart Hello Kitty Beauty Bag comes in Red and Black.  How cute is this bag?? Very!  How cute is the price? Not so much.  I love the bag, but I cannot justify spending that kind of money on a non-leather good!

Hello Kitty Rolling Luggage Pose $190.00

Travel in style with this gorgeously designed rolling luggage featuring Hello Kitty embossed in an adorable retro-style. I like this bag because it does not have the whimsical kiddie look… Hello Kitty Chic!

Hello Kitty Rain Boots - Punk $70.00

The Punk Hello Kitty Rain Boots are totally charming.  Would I purchase them? Yes! Would I leave my property with them on? Hell naw!! lol Ok maybe I would wear them at night for a Target or CVS run.

What are some items on your Christmas wish list?

Happy Holidays,

Mix Maven

All items can be purchased on Sanrio’s Shop webpage

Hey Pumps and Glossy Ones,

Just wanted to update you on some Pumps and Gloss info.

I am sure that you have noticed the changes in the layout (not the final layout) and more changes are coming.  One change, better yet addition is the Swatch Gallery (upper right hand area).  I have placed all the swatches that I have posted in previous blog entries, plus additional Too Faced eye shadow swatches.  (Sidebar: I have new found respect for the bloggers that create makeup swatches for readers….my hats off to you!)

More Hello Kitty finds:

Run to your local Target because the Dollar section is being updated with new products, which means items are 50%, which is 50 cents… cannot beat that with a bat! Here are some of my Hello Kitty finds:

Hello Kitty Black Case

I am totally obsessed with travel makeup storage.  I can never have enough!

So I will definitely be using this case for housing eye shadows (can hold about 5 MAC eye shadows and 2 eye shadow brushes) When I am on the go, this case will come in very handy.

Hello Kitty Case Inside

Pink, Green and White Small Hello Kitty Tote

The cutest little tote bag.  I will use it for storing non-cosmetics HBAs, so I can easily locate them once we arrive at our destination.  I promise that you will not see me toting this adorable little bag on the streets.

What are some of your fun, inexpensive finds?

Mix Maven

I was perusing my local Target when I stumbled on the prettiest pink cosmetic cases from the Soap and Glory Company, started by Marcia Kilgore, founder of Bliss spas.  I noticed that the company sells beauty products e.g. lip plumpers, shimmery lotion, hand creams, and body butter.  The labels are quite busy, so the products did not catch my attention in the display.

The first Soap and Glory case to catch my eye was the Traincase, which is sold for $18.99. The retro-style cosmetic case is made of PVC and the dimensions: 9×4.25×6.25.  (Sidebar: Both cosmetic cases come with detachable mirrors.)

Soap and Glory Traincase

Soap and Glory Traincase Interior

There is something about tassels that make me giddy.

I decided to delay the purchase of the traincase and I bought the cosmetic box instead for $14.99. The dimensions are 9.75×4.25×2.75.

Soap and Glory Cosmetic Box

Soap and Glory Cosmetic Box Interior

This case will definitely come in handy to carry my brush cases when I travel.  Currently, I use several Barbie pencil cases that I bought at Target in the dollar section for 50 cents. (Target has the cutest stuff in the dollar area, never pass up the section!)

Barbie Brush Travel Case

I will also continue to use my trusty Hello Kitty case.  I love this thing and I can carry about 4 pigments and over 10 MAC eye shadows at the same time.

Hello Kitty Makeup Travel Case

Be Beautiful,

Mix Maven

I love Hello Kitty, since elementary school when Mummy Maven bought me a Hello Kitty pencil case.  I kept that thing as long as I could. LOL  Now, that I am older and do not have a daughter, I buy Hello Kitty stuff, especially barettes, little purses, stickers and such for 2 of my little cousins, both under 6 years old.

Now, I have a limit to my Hello Kitty love.  I will not wear Hello Kitty apparel (including underwear), shoes.  I do not and will not buy Hello Kitty wallets, jewelery, nor purses. (I will get a tote bag!)  Now, I am all over notepads, mugs, bowls, ziplock bags, ice packs (which come in very handy), pens and pencils.   FYI, check your local Target for Hello Kitty paraphernalia in the Dollar section.

Last year, when it was time to order checks, I ordered Hello Kitty.  Now, I had to check with Mr. Maven because since the account is joint and I did not want him to feel bad about presenting a Hello Kitty check.  Well, he was cool with the idea because he rarely uses checks, especially since I am the Home CFO, so I placed my order.

Hello Kitty Check (1 of 5 Designs)

Recently, I was in the bank doing a transaction and I gave the teller my Hello Kitty check for deposit. After the transaction, she showed me a Hello Kitty debit card.  Whoa-wee, I was very excited.  The card is too cute. As soon as I got home, I called up my bank and ordered my Hello Kitty check card.

Hello Kitty Debit Card

There is buzz on Specktra that Hello Kitty and MAC will collaborate for MAC’s anniversary collection. That sounds better than good to me.   Someone cracked me up by saying (paraphrasing), “How can Hello Kitty promote lip gloss when she has no lips?”  Too funny LOL!!!  *Good point* I cannot wait to see the  products and colors that will result from the collabo.  The launch is slated for early 2009.

Mix Maven