FOTD + OOTD: Benjamin Button edition

We’re meeting in the middle. — Daisy, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Yes, I am using a quote from that overly celebrated, overly dramatic and overly watched (by yours truly nonetheless) movie.

Much like the (non-) epic romance of Daisy and Benjamin, my early morning wavering on whether to look my best or spend the day running around town in pajamas, finally found it’s midway point. And much like the Oscar-winning drama, my makeup and clothing choices for the day were deemed decent enough to capture on camera. Lucky you!

Since I was meeting up with some friends after work, I wanted to look a little more put together, so I opted for a neutral, slightly smokey eye and soft lips. I skipped out on the bronzer for some reason, which is a shame, because it probably would have heightened the look a bit.

• Concealer: L’Oreal true-match in “neutral: light/medium”
• Setting powder: Wet ‘n Wild natural blend pressed powder in “golden”
• Blush: La Femme in “precious plum”
• Highlighter: ELF shimmer palette
• Lids: Urban Decay naked palette (“half baked, “dark horse” and “naked”)
• Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 in “whiskey”
• Mascara: Maybelline colossal volum’ express waterproof in “blackest black”
• Lips: Maybelline color sensational in “plaza pink” with N.Y.C. liquid lip shine in “nude york city”
• Nails: N.Y.C. quick dry in “Manhattan”

For those who watch my Youtube videos, I mentioned not loving one of the shirts I recently purchased. While it is still admittedly run-of-the-mill, I have to say it was rather easy to throw on and run around in all day– very comfortable and girl gathering appropriate.

Clearly I have yet to master the art of taking, posing for and posting outfit photos, so please excuse this mess.

• Shirt, shoes: JC Penny. Jeans: Target. Purse, earrings: Macy’s. Sunglasses: Forever 21.

Want to see this look in action? Click here to see the companion video to this post. Had enough of my clothes and makeup? Then enjoy a look at my better half.

Erika (cannot) explain it all, part 1: Blackberrys, boys and other bullshit

Much like my current knowledge, Leo’s pre-Titanic insight appeared to be the size of a canoe.

As much as it might appear that I think I know everything, I am not oblivious to my ignorance . Here are some of the things I’m having trouble comprehending as of late.

• Why do people deactivate their Facebook every other week? You’re not doing anything productive with all of that free time. I am neither fooled nor impressed with your short spurts of so-called self restraint.
• Speaking of Facebook, why does it currently look like Myspace?
• Should I delete mine? Just kidding. I didn’t even delete my Myspace from college. I will not be erased, Internet!
• Why won’t my trackball work? Why don’t they sell trackballs at Verizon? Why am I took lazy to order 3 of them for 99 cents off of amazon?
• Why do I still have a Blackberry in the first place?
• Why won’t Google tell me the definitive release date for the iPhone5? Will it ever come?
• If so, will I be too lazy to pre-order it? Will you pre-order it for me?
• Why does a guy think it’s necessary to repeatedly tell you how much he likes you when you’re not even dating?
• Why does a guy stop telling you he likes you the second you start dating?
• Why does a guy stop liking you when you start dating?
• Big Ten Network, why aren’t you playing the Iowa game right now? Michigan on all channels– really? I don’t want to watch the Wolverines until they play against the Hawkeyes on November 5.
• Are you subscribed to my Youtube account? Yes? Thanks! No?! Subscribe.
• What about Twitter?
• Why did five out of the 10 pounds that I lost come straight from my boobs? I want those five back, please and thanks.
• Why is it the people who talk the most about drinking actually drink the least? Take down those pictures of you so nonchalantly holding the Absolute and quit misleading me.
• Why are you drinking Absolute in the first place? Here, let me be of some help.
• Bladeless fans… how do they work?

What can I say– I’m an inquisitive individual, always on the lookout for answers to the most hard-hitting questions. If you have any wisdom to spare on these pressing matters, please share it below!

FOTD: keeping it easy, breezy in this heat

I had some free time this afternoon, so I thought I’d do a quick face of the day (FOTD). This five minute look is clearly very simple, and because it’s so light and fresh, it’s perfect for summer. Especially if you live in Los Angeles, which has been surprisingly humid the last few days.

• Concealer: Elf all over color stick in “spice”
• Setting powder: MAC sheer select pressed powder in “NC40″
• Bronzer: ELF blush and bronzer duo
• Blush: La Femme in “precious plum”
• Highlighter: ELF shimmer palette
• Brows: Wet ‘n Wild ultimate brow kit in “dark brown”
• Lids: Physican’s Formula trio in “baked sands”
• Eyeliner: NYX eye pencil in “901 black”
• Mascara: Loreal extra volume collagen in “blackest black” (one light coat)
• Lips: Wet ‘n Wild mega matte in “903C just peachy” with Rimmel volume boost in “clear” on top
• Nails: Wet ‘n Wild “nerds need love too”and Sinful “snow me white”

What’s in my purse? Why I thought you’d never ask!

I’m not going to lie to you– I was too lazy to put together my “Dealbreaks part 1″ post and opted for a less mentally challenging (not that listing off the reasons why I won’t date a guy is exactly challenging) route.

Often times while mindlessly wandering around the Youtube how to & style section, I find myself watching a large amount of “what’s in my purse” videos. Ever since middle school, I’ve taken an abnormally large interest in what people find necessary to throw in their bags every morning. But while people on the internet seem more than happy to share with millions of strangers what they’re lugging around, those in my real life generally tend to look down upon the fact that I take my time fishing a hair tie out of their purse.

But who am I to judge? I am also one of those people. AKA if you ever try and rummage through my purse, I will swat at those precious little fingers before they reach the zipper.

Luckily for you (and I use the word “luckily” rather loosely), this is the internet!

July’s thrifted and drugstore items

I had a little time today, so I figured I would make a quick post on things I’ve purchased as of late. I haven’t done much wardrobe shopping in the last few months, but a few weeks ago I went thrifting and picked up a few items. I’m trying not to clothes shop until I lose some weight (isn’t that what we all say?), so it’s mostly accessories. And, as usual, unable to control my urges and tempted by the weekly ads, on Friday I went to Rite-Aid and CVS to pick up a few makeup products that were on sale.

Thrifing success: crossbody satchel purse, Cubs t-shirt, zebra scarf (not pictured: USA scarf)

Shown in this ill-taken photo: Milani 3D Holographic in 510, Seche Vite Top Coat, Maybelline Born With It, Rimmel Pink Chic, Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Honey, Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Light, Milani Liquif’ Eye Metallic Eye Liner in Black

If you’d like to hear my first impressions on the makeup products or see my thrifted items in action, check out my latest haul video!

Please note: I know I owe you guys a real, non-makeup based post, but these are all I’ve had time for lately, so try and cut me some slack. I actually have a “Dealbreakers Part 1″ post I’m working on and should have up sometime tomorrow or Tuesday (hint: it involves non-cow tipping), so check back for that!

Birchbox: July 2011

Birchbox: July 2011 by humalittlemrbones on Polyvore.com

My July Birchbox has arrived, and it is fabulous! Nothing could compete with last month’s box, but this was definitely worth more than the mere $10 it costs.

Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple one step facial cleanser is something I’ve wanted to try for a long time, but I could never justify the price tag ($32 for 16 oz). I’m glad I never splurged, because while I do think this product is great at removing makeup, it doesn’t actually feel as though it’s cleansing my skin. And isn’t that what a cleanser is for? Another product I probably will not be buying any time soon is the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-usage Dry Oil. Not because I didn’t love this product–I did!– but though it left my skin incredibly soft, it also comes with a too-steep-for-my-poor-pockets price tag (just under $30 for 50 ml–yuck!). I definitely will be savoring this to the last drop.

Thanks to it’s ability to make my hair shiny (read: shiny, not greasy), I may pony up for the Redken Shine Flash 02 in the future. The scent is nothing to brag about, but it did add some nice luminosity without weighing down my roots. Because my hair is so long, it tends to look lifeless, so if $17 a bottle can change that, I’ll take it. I’m also a fan of the Zoya nail polish ($8 for .5 oz) in “Pandora,” which is a creamy, somewhat metallic nude. I have a few other nude nail polishes, so I won’t repurchase this exact shade, but I love the brush and consistency, so I plan on grabbing some other colors soon.

This month’s Birchbox also came with a KIND almond & apricot granola bar that looks like it would be delicious if it didn’t have almonds. Like, come on, you couldn’t have given me one with peanuts instead? Anyway, I gave it to my dad, who after he scarfed it down in two seconds said it was “good” and turned back to his NCIS rerun. A way with words runs in the family, can’t you tell?

About Birchbox: For those who are still in the dark as to what exactly Birchbox is, it is an online company that sends 4-5 deluxe sized samples of beauty supplies straight to your door for a flat $10 rate. For each dollar you spend (whether from the $10/month for the box or the full sized products you purchase from the website), you get one reward point. You can also earn 10 points when you provide feedback on the products from that month’s box and 50 points for each friend you refer when they receive their first package. For every 100 reward points, you get $10 off your next purchase! Not to shabby, huh?

For more information or to sign up for the affordable must-have that is Birchbox, click here.

Elf haul: July 2011

Elf Haul: July 2011 by humalittlemrbones on Polyvore.com

Regardless of how cheap it is on the regular, anytime ELF has a 50% off sale, I find myself snagging a few times. A fourth small angled brush back up? Check. A foundation I’ll probably use twice? Check. Their newest studio blush purchased solely to say that I have the entire collection? Check.

Because the prices are so low, I never feel too guilty, which is a rare occurrence when it comes to my shopping. For example, all 15 of these products came to just $33! How could I feel bad about that?

I’d been toying around with the idea of making youtube videos for a while now, and even made an account last week to stir up some motivation to start filming. Well, I had some free time today, so that’s just what I did. I’m definitely a newbie and need some practice (and to break out my HD camera!), but it was fun.

So if you want some quick reviews on what I got in this ELF haul, check out my video below!

Top 5: Backstreet Boys music videos

Before you even start thinking it, let me just tell you that you’re wrong– this post is not 10 years too late.

They are still recording music. They are still selling out concerts all over the world. They are still fairly attractive. And god dammit, they are one of the biggest music acts of all time. ALL TIME.

And more importantly, a very pivotal part of my childhood that I will never am not ready to give up.

See? Still hot!

Out of all the boy groups, BSB hands down had the best music videos. And it wasn’t just because of Fatima Robinson’s choreography or Joseph Kahn’s directing skills. It was because of these five performing gods (slight exaggeration noted) and their love for what they do. So whether you’re taking a trip down memory lane or simply enjoying these masterpieces for the first time, here are the top five Backstreet Boy music videos according to yours truly.

1. “As Long As You Love Me” (Backstreet’s Back, 1997)

This was the first BSB music video I ever saw, and for that reason alone it has a special place in my heart. They’re young, hot, having fun and not taking themselves too seriously– the staples for a great boy-band video. And call me a romantic (actually don’t, because I’m not), but Brian meeting his future wife on set seals this in at number one in my book.

2. “Backstreet’s Back” (Backstreet’s Back, 1997)

Despite Jive Records refusing to back “Backstreet’s Back” (say it one more time with me: “back!”)  video because they disagreed with the group’s very own haunted house concept, the boys funded it themselves. Smart move, considering it went on to be one of the most played videos on TRL, rank #76 on MuchMusic’s 100 Best Videos and win Best Group Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. With elaborate costumes, ridiculous morphing and the apparently possessed cab driver– what’s not to love about this entertaining “Thriller”-throwback??

3. “Show Me the Meanings of Being Lonely” (Millennium, 1999)

One word: Tears. Not even normal tears, we’re talking jears. They knew damn well what they were doing reinforcing our awareness of Brian’s possibly fatal heart problems.

Also, let it be known that I made my friend Julie rush home from our first big New Year’s Eve party, so that we could be sitting in front of the TV for the world premiere of this video, which happened to air at midnight. Not being a fan herself, it’s safe to say she never forgave me.

4. “We’ve Got It Goin’ On” (Backstreet Boys, 1996)

I don’t think there’s anything that can be said about this video. You just need to watch it. I mean, those introductions… I just can’t.

5.”All I Have to Give” (Backstreet’s Back, 1998)

I doubt many people would put this admittedly run of the mill video on any top lists, but something about it struck me. And evidently three of my best friends in middle school as well, because– and I tell you this in confidence– this was the music video we reenacted in our audition tape for MTV’s FANatic. Remember that amazing, too-soon-canceled show where insane people sent in proof of their outlandish celebrity obsessions to land a chance at meeting them? I WAS ONE OF THOSE BATSHIT FANS. And to this day, I am 100% positive that if we had sent that video in, I would have not only met the Backstreet Boys, but Nick and I would probably be married at this point.

And do you know what that means? I could have saved him from his leeching family, his arrests, his drug problems and, most importantly, Paris Hilton!

Still haven’t quite gotten your BSB fix? Then check out these honorable mentions: Get Down (You’re the One for Me), I Want It That Way and Larger than Life.

Now that you can finally sleep at night knowing you have watched five of the most amazing music videos in existence, I ask you one thing:

If you don’t know what that means– and you were a child of the 90s– don’t bother reading any more of this blog, because we will never fully understand each other.

Just kidding! Please keep reading. I beg you.

Summer 2011 makeup wishlist

With summer in full swing, it’s about time I purchase my it’s-too-hot-to-clothes-shop items before the season ends. While this is only about 1/3 of the products I hope to acquire before September, it is what I hope to get my hands on first.

Summer 2011 Makeup Wishlist by humalittlemrbones on Polyvore.com

As far as trends go, right now I’m really into bright lips, bold brows and neutral eyes and cheeks. That being said, I’m not afraid of some color on my eyes, and I think the new Urban Decay Anniversary palette (just released today!) would be a great addition to my Naked palette. And after seeing this color blocking look by Everyday Makeup Blog, I’ve become obsessed with obtaining an electric yellow shadow.

Gingerly was once Kim Kardashian’s favorite blush. Enough said.

And lastly, after years of no luck whatsoever, I am still hunting for that perfect concealer. Hopefully the stellar reviews on Makeup Alley don’t let me down.

In a flash like that, recognize I’m back

And I’m sure you missed me!

…A little?

Fine, you didn’t even notice I was gone. That’s okay– I forgive you. The important thing is that after a year-long hiatus, I am back!

And not only am I back, but I am ready to bombard all five of you loyal readers will numerous posts. Think along the lines of Music Mondays, Fashion Fridays, something somethings… I’ve got it covered. Or will get it covered. Attempt to.

It didn’t take all 12+ months to realize how much I missed having this little blog. Sure, I had the all-mighty Facebook and the no-pressure Tumblr, along with the recently confusing Google+, to occupy my precious internet time. But, to be cliche, it just wasn’t the same. But while I contemplated updating Hum a Little, Mr. Bones various times over the past year, I could never could bring myself to do it. I figured why post if I didn’t have something to really say. If I couldn’t think of paragraph after paragraph of material or muster up the energy to find fitting photos or a corresponding song, then what was the point?

It only recently hit me that I didn’t need all of those little details. At least not all of the time, anyway. I may be a blabber and a (striving) perfectionist, but I have learned the lesson only an abandoned blog can teach– any post beats zero posts.

My blog and myself: fresh-faced for the future

So while long-winded features will continue to be a Hum a Little, Mr. Bones staple, this blog will also be home to shorter posts, such as reviews, hauls, quick gripes and sometimes brief records of my daily activities. After all, this is a lifestyle blog. And let’s face it– my life just isn’t always interesting enough to fill a lengthy post.

So if my makeup-less face doesn’t scare you away, I hope you rejoin me in take two of this blogging adventure.