How do I Blush?

A few years ago I discovered Everyday Minerals and started wearing their foundation. I also purchased quite a few of their blushes, which I wore for a while. But I finally realized that they end up turning a very unflattering shade of orange on me, no matter what shade they start out. So I've trashed all my EDM blushes and have collected an arsenal of blushes much more flattering to me and my pretty damn pale skin.

My first love is Benefit Dandelion, which I purchased from Sephora for $28. This rocks my world and lasts forever. Promise. But throw out the brush that it comes with and use your own blush brush. This goes for all Benefit boxed powders.

I also love Benefit Thrrrob, which I also purchased from Sephora for $28. This is a bit pinker and has a bit of shimmer in it, but not too much. Thrrrob appears to be out of stock at Sephora right now.

My newest Benefit fave is Sugarbomb, which is gorgeous! Also purchased from Sephora for $28. Swirling all those colors together turns out to be a perfect flush for me.

A brand-new find for me (Thanks to the Muse) is theBalm Down Boy. This is very pigmented, so you just need a little bit, but it give me a great natural glow. I purchased this for $20 from Sephora.

And this weekend I got in my order from Too Faced and got this beauty- Le Vie En Rose, which retails for $19.50, although I only paid about $14 during their sale. It has quite a bit of shimmer, but I think it's so pretty.

What is your favorite blush?

GDA: Croc Kids Boots

Crocs has a buy one get one free promo for their Kid's Georgie Boots.

2 pair are $15 and then you can use 10% off code C6VMRVKY3ISA = $13.49 for 2 pairs with free shipping.

Note: sizes are limited

And don't forget to go through ebates for 4% back.

Genius I Say!

Friday I was at TRU picking up a birthday gift and saw these adorable reusable sacks for only $1.50 each- what a perfect sack for a present!

There are quite a few to choose from in both girl and boy designs. Isn't that a great idea? I always hate paying $3 for a gift sack that will most likely get mangled and thrown away, but I was glad to pay $1.5o for these.

Lip of the Day: Delux Beauty Tintstick in Dot

Delux Beauty Tintstick in Dot

Sadly, this is long discontinued.... but I love it so much! The shade is I have Dot, and it's sort of a cranberry wine. Unlike the Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheers, which I find way too waxy and they tend to run outside my lips into my fine lines, the Delux Tintstick stays put and feels fabulous!

Everytime I pull this out I'm sad it's no longer available. I'm on my last tube.....

Do you have a favorite product that has been discontinued?

Lip of the Day: Stila Long Wearing Lip Color In Exquisite

Stila Long Wearing Lip Color in Exquisite ($20 at Sephora)

This is really a nice lipstick- a natural look that is actually pretty long wearing. The sheen fades a bit but you are left with a nice color that doesn't bleed.

Of course, I've always found Stila a bit expensive, and this product is no different. I purchased it for $18 from Sephora, so it's a definite splurge. Stila's products are so darn cute though, and I love how this twists up.

Will I buy again? Most likely not.

Will I keep it? Yes, I like it enough to use from time to time.

Review: Jay Johnson's Boot Camp Fitness: Ultimate Body Vol. 1

Y'all. The trainer for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders just kicked my ass, but in a good way! My New Years Resolution is to get back into shape and lose the 16 pounds I've gained.

The Jay Johnson Boot Camp Fitness DVD I ordered arrived yesterday and I was so excited to try it today. "Boot Camp" workouts are a pretty big deal here, but due to my work schedule, there's really no way for me to join a class and still have time to get ready for work.

I already liked what I had seen of Jay on DCC and figured I'd give this a try. Note: the DVD was $15 when I ordered it, and know it's down to $11.50, which is a hell of a deal.

I couldn't find a detailed review online, so I thought I'd just do one myself.

Things you need to know: Jay is chit-chatty, and military. And hard-core. And his wife is the hot blonde on the cover with him. She helps lead as well.

You really don't need any equipment for this, and although some of the demonstrators do use hand weights from time to time, those of us trying to get back in shape certainly don't need them to get a good workout. Jay does want you to download his guide (I'll insert the address later, but I'm too sore to get up from this chair right now) and learn the moves before you begin, but I didn't do this and it wasn't that big of a deal. If you are fairly coordinated, you can pick it up.

The workout is divided into five sections, and there's a countdown bar at the bottom of the screen to let you know how much time is left in each section, which is GENIUS. Gave me something to look forward to.

First section: Prep. 4:45. Basically some warm up cardio-type moves. No stretching.

Second section: Abs. Around 12:00. I love that they did abs first. I always get worn out and since abs are at the end of most DVD workouts, I tend to turn off the DVD and skip that part. No chance of that here.

Third section: Legs. Around 14:00. Holy hell, this is rough. Jay does his exercises in "cadences". Like 1 2 3, 1, 1 2 3, 2, 1 2 3, 3, and he does five of them. Then he gives you 30 seconds to do as many of that move as you can. It's a little crazy up there on the screen with 4 people going at their own pace, but I just picked the super-ab-cut lady and followed her during the free-for-alls.

Fourth section: Cardio. Around 14:00. He does what he calls a "pyramid workout" and does the cadence thing again. With the first exercise, you do 20 of the cadences. 10 second break, and then you do 19 of the next exercise. 1o second break again and you do 18 and so on until you get to 10 and that's your last one.

Fifth section: Recovery. 4:00. Here he does stretches and chit chats some more.

I think Jay and I are going to be good friends. I really think this workout is going to shape me up. But it's not for the faint of heart- be ready to really work out.

Millions of Mascaras: Urban Decay Big Fatty

Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara ($20 at Sephora)

I had a mini size of this mascara that I had gotten in an Urban Decay set I purchased from Sephora. Would you believe I actually threw this out? I did not care of it at all- it was very dry and did not make my lashes big and fat. So in the trash it went.....

My Daughter, The Biker

Hopefully she is getting this out of her system.

LOTD: Too Faced Mood Swing in Smurfette

Too Faced Mood Swing Emotionally Activated Lip Gloss in Smurfette

(purchased from Sephora for $18.50)

Although this shade was a limited edition and is no longer available, the original is. These are emotionally activated lip glosses that give you shades in the light-to-bright pink range.

As these wear off, they leave behind a very pretty pink stain. And there's no feathering, which is always a problem for me with glosses. I absolutely consider these a staple.

So I was so excited to see on Twitter this morning that Too Faced is offering a 30% code today! It's luckybreaks. Of course, I ordered all three of the new Mood Swing shades- Petal Pink, Pink Shimmer, and Berry Pink. After all, I have some birthday money to spend!

If you spend over $50, shipping is free.

Checks?

Do you have girly checks? I do. I am the keeper of the family checking account (the hubs has one of his own so he doesn't have to write down every single transaction like I insist on in the family account) so I get to pick out the checks and I always look for cute ones. We pay most bills online, but I do still need to write some checks (daycare, housekeeper, etc.).

I just ordered the ones above and got a hell of a deal. Start at http://www.4checks.com/ and use code BD2156 to get free shipping and handling and 4 boxes of checks for 14.00. They are an outlet for most of the check companies like Styles.

I was looking through the designs available and laughing to myself that it might be funny to get Ozzy Osborne checks or maybe Fergie (seriously, they have those) or something totally random that I have no interest in that would just make me laugh every time I paid a bill. But I went with the Boutique ones above because, well, in the end, I'm probably not cool enough for Ozzy.

What kind of checks do you have?

LOTD: Korres Lip Butter in Plum

I am still battling some seriously dry lips, so today I got out a favorite for this problem- Korres Plum Lip Butter, which I purchased from Sephora for $9. Note: for some reason, Sephora is claiming it's "only at Sephora" but that's crazy because my local Ulta carries it.

Moving on..... this stuff feels fabulous on your lips and smells nice as well. My main gripe is that there is no applicator included with the product- do they expect you to use your finger? Gross!

I use a small lip brush from a Clinique pot gloss.

And although this feels great and helps heal dry lips, there's not much staying power and no leftover tint once it wears off. You definitely have to reapply quite a bit.

Would I buy again? Most likely not because I don't think I'll run out for a while since I only use it when I need a treatment rather than a lipstick.

Will I keep it? Yes, I do like it enough to keep.

Has It Really Been 4 Years?

Yes, she actually requested "half football, half Princess" cupcakes for her birthday and Sam's was glad to oblige.

I can't believe she is 4 years old.... *tear* my baby.....

Two Things You Should Know

1. This is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

and

2. On my quest for fitness in '10, I am seriously considering ordering the Shake Weight. Fitness Magazine recommended it in their January 2010 issue, and I had no clue it people thought the motion was perverted until I googled looking for reviews. Leave it to Ellen.... God, I love her. But I am still thinking about ordering it. Anyone?

Shall We Begin? LOTD 1-01-10

Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Primal (purchased for $28)

My lips have been super crazy dry here since we've had a cold stretch for over a week now. I pulled out a gloss that I've had for a while and often reach for when my lips are asking for some moisture. This gloss is almost like putting actual butter on your lips- it's quite luxurious and feels fabulous.

As with most glosses, however, the color payoff is just not there and it doesn't last long. On the positive side, when it wears off you are left with lips that are back to normal and no longer dry. Pretty amazing for one application.

Would I buy it again? Nope, not likely. It's very pricey and the color wasn't what I expected. I am a berry girl, and this leans more red than berry- which is different that what Sephora's swatch shows.

Hopefully I'll come up with some sort of a rating system to use for my Lip of the Day posts. I am thinking rating based on color, formula, wear, smell/taste, price, and would I buy again. Other ideas?

Happy New Year!

Yesterday we went to a football watch party and I took a dip that was gone in 60 seconds.... well, not really, but it went fast! I would have had a better picture, but several vultures swooped in and started eating.

It's super easy and I figured Sasha Says readers who are just like me and like easy stuff would love to have it.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

3 cans of Tyson chicken breast in water
1- 8 oz. block of cream cheese
1- bottle of ranch dressing
2 tbs. of butter
1 pkg. finely shredded mozzarella cheese
1-bottle of buffalo wing sauce

Mash softened cream cheese in bottom of baking dish. Drain chicken and shred a bit more. Mix melted butter with shredded chicken. Pour about 1/2 bottle of buffalo wing sauce over shredded chicken and mix (chicken should be well coated in wing sauce). Pour this mixture over the cream cheese. Pour about 1/2 bottle of ranch dressing over the shredded chicken. Add about 3/4 pkg of cheese over this mixture. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Serve with chips or crackers.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

You Can Never Have Too Many Lippies

or can you?

Would it change your answer if I told you this is just *part* of my collection?

I'm thinking of working my way through the collection by wearing a different lippie each day. In the process, I'd weed it out (because I have this insane habit of keeping things that don't work for me, just in case I might need them later), and post a review of what I wear each day.

What do you think?

I Never Thought I'd See This

Those of you who know where we live- can you believe what we saw on 36th Street yesterday?

This guy skiing down the road...... isn't that the craziest thing you've ever seen?????

Are You Rue-la-la-ing?

I've heard so much about Yummie Tummie and their midriff-smoothing tanks.... and today they have a boutique with half-price items on Rue La La - where Members get their most wanted designers at private sale prices. And if you sign up by December 24, they'll start you and I both off with a $10 Credit!

Yummie Tummie says their tanks contain secret minimizing panel shapes entire waistline from bust to hips, visibly taking off inches.

http://www.ruelala.com/invite/sashasays

Someday

The Politician is going to kill me for having this pic.

Look at that face!

His class was playing a game where they passed the present to the next person every time the teacher read the word "the" and he had his heart set on getting the gift he brought! So when he had to pass it on.... he was so disappointed!

Right after this pic, we stepped out in the hall for an attitude adjustment and a good time was had by all. He ended up with a Skippy John Jones book and he loves it.

Have Yourself

"a Merry Little Christmas", said The Politician and The Wild Child.

Product Rave: John Frieda Root Awakening Collection

Last May I posted about the new John Frieda Root Awakening collection that BzzAgent introduced me to and how much I was loving the Nourishing Moisture shampoo and conditioner.

It's now December and I am still using and loving the products and have re-purchased them a number of times! In addition to the Nourishing Moisture shampoo and conditioner, I also using the Health Boosting Detangling Spray on both my daughter and myself and absolutely love it.

If you are looking for some fabulous, reasonably-priced hair products (around $5 at Target) to try, I cannot recommend this enough. I did try one of the other formulas of this product line and did not care for them at all- so I suggest you stick with the Nourishing Moisture formula.

Giveaway at Manicure Mommas!

It looks like I've overbought, and you can benefit from my over-shopping!

I'm going to give away these two Sephora by OPI shades. So pretty- but I don't need two!

One winner will win both shades, both new and unopened.

Sephora by OPI Meet for Drinks (indoor pic)

Sephora by OPI Queen of Everything (outdoor pic)

To enter:

Head on over to Manicure Mommas before Friday at 10 CST!

Making My Way Through My Millions of Mascaras

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara

I picked this up locally for retail price in Blackest Black.

First, it was sort of greyish. And I just did not like the ball applicator- I ended up with large clumps everywhere and had to go back with an eyelash comb and separate my lashes after using this mascara. I never have to do that!

I have to admit this ended up in the trash- I just couldn't get a good result from it and did not like it at all.

Have you tried it? Did you like it?

Makeup Rave: Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15

Just wanted to give a shout-out and a rave for my new foundation find- Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15.

I purchased mine for $24.50 at my local Dillard's during a GWP (of course!).

I was noticing that the mineral powder foundation I'd been using was settling in my fine lines and making me look a bit older than I liked. I realized that during the colder, dryer weather, I need a foundation that will give me natural-looking coverage, yet still cover some of the skin inperfections I am seeing as I age (almost 36 y'all!).

After hearing all of my requirements, the Clinique counter recommended Even Better in the shade Cream Whip for me and it's been a great match. I apply it with a damp foundation brush and I absolutely love it. Afterwards, I dust on some mineral finishing powder and I'm shine-free all day. I've been using this product for a few months and have yet to experience a break-out.

This is why I love the internet

I am sure you have heard me go on and on about Curious George and how much I've always loved him. I even did P's nursery in CG back in 2003, even before the new movie came out and the PBS show started and he became such a big deal again

Of course I broke down the door to Target to get George's new movie, A Very Monkey Christmas when it came out this year. We have watched it over and over and it's absolutely adorable and both kids love it.

Small problem, though. P started singing songs from the movie, but he was singing them all wrong and it was driving me batty! I tried to decipher the words myself, but was having a rough time and feeling like we were "kissing this guy."

George and I are friends on Facebook, so I left him a little note on his wall and asked for some lyrics. And lo and behold, George posted some lyrics for me (and so far 42 people like it!). And maybe the Man with the Yellow Hat did it, but hey, I've got my lyrics!

Note on Fridge at Work

Gossip Catch-Up

I've been a little out of the loop, but I just read that Jessica Simpson and Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins are a couple? What?

And also MTV has a new reality show called Jersey Shore about some guidos and guidoettes that is all the rage?

Is the world coming to an end?

Dear Target,

WHERE ARE THE 12 PACKS OF DIET POMEGRANATE 7-UP?????

You've been teasing me for weeks with that empty spot on the shelf with a label on there, all ready for the product to go there.

And as much as I'm in Target, I was sure I'd see it. But no..... I swear, you haven't put any out yet.

Please, I am craving it so bad! (And no, the 2 liter bottle just won't do, I don't like 2 liter bottles of pop, I'm weird like that.)

Lylas,

Sasha

WC Says

"Where are all the good Amazon deals today?"

I Just Bought Myself a Birthday Present

That's OK, isn't it?

Yesterday I gave my friend Kristie a hug when I saw her and didn't want to let go. She had on this fabulous jacket that felt like WC's lovie and I just wanted to rub on her arm. So silky.

It was The North Face Osito jacket and I actually picked one up for myself yesterday in black at a local store for 10% of off the $99 price. Add in tax, and I got very close to $100.

The hubs was all for it, glad to have a present taken care of, but got on the computer and found it at Backcountry for $78.99 with $.01 next day shipping! And since there's no tax, and ebates offers 4% back for Backcountry, that's a hell of a deal! I'm a little embarrassed that he showed me up at what I do best (deal hunting) but I'm also glad to save $2o.

Ebates: Don't Forget Them on Black Friday!

I got a little inside info from Bill at ebates, who told me:

As you know, every year we double Cash Back on the big shopping days, and this year it’s no different; we’ll be doubling Cash Back at 400 of our best and most popular merchants. One merchant will even be bumping their Cash Back all the way up to 40%.

Happy Thanksgiving 2009!

Off to eat some ham and peanut butter pie!

Later today I'll be taking advantage of the deals at CVS explained at Something for Nothing. (Of course!)

Amazon Prime- Free Trial!

With all of these awesome Amazon deals that are coming up, you'll need Amazon Prime

This will allow you to have free shipping with no minimum purchase! So now looking for items to add up to $25 just to get free shipping (you know you do it too!).

Following the link above will either give you one or three months free trial- who knows how they decide- but when I did it for the hubs he got 1 month free. But how perfect- it will last until Dec 22!

You will be required to enter payment information to continue your membership once your trial is over, but don't worry- there's a way to make sure you aren't auto-renewed.

After you enter your information, you'll want to make sure that when you proceed it says you are getting a free trial and not getting charged for the membership.

Now follow these directions to cancel autopayment when your free trial is up.

Go to Your Account -> Settings -> Manage Prime Membership

Select "do not auto upgrade" and you will not be charged once your trial membership has expired.

Yay for free shipping! I'm going to be going Amazon crazy!

The Case of the Missing Keys

We did some family pics on Sunday morning and of course there was drama.

We went to several different locations around campus, and at one point as a distraction, I gave my keys to P to carry and my cell phone to WC to carry.

About mid-way through, I noticed that The Politician wasn't carrying my keys anymore.

He didn't know where they were, and there's a really long story involving a building door that was propped open, but no longer was, and a very long trip around campus for the hubs to look for the keys.

He came back empty-handed. I then noticed that WC's nose needed to be wiped, so I pulled out a wad of kleenex from my jean jacket pocket. Then I noticed there was something else in there......

Yup, the keys.

Giveaway at Manicure Mommas!

Smoochiefrog is running an awesome giveaway at Manicure Mommas! Go check it out!

Tomorrow

We have family pictures scheduled for tomorrow morning, with a goal of getting a pic to use for our Christmas cards.

And that's not a new eye makeup look I am trying out.

That's poor P's eye. On Sunday he and his buddy M were horsing around and P got kicked in the eye (accidentally). It is looking so much better each day, and I am really hoping that you can't see it in the pictures tomorrow.....

Off to find a matching bow for WC's dress before I pick up the kids. Tonight we are celebrating our 10th anniversary, which some Sasha Says readers may recall actually took place in mid-August. How sad it is this is our first chance to reschedule after I started feeling better?

GDA: Team Crocs for $8.49 shipped!

Croc is having a great sale right now on team crocs- I got these for P (we love the Yankees!) for $8.49 shipped!

1. Log in to ebates so you'll get an additional 4% back!

2. Go to Crocs site from ebates

3. Click on "Deal of the Day" in the lower right hand corner

4. Choose your shoes- lots to choose from in mens and childrens sizes

5. Use code secondchance for 15% off and free shipping- don't worry, the shipping will come off after you enter your credit card number

Happy Shopping!

Dear Martha Stewart,

The other day I picked up a package of Dove Peppermint Bark Dark Chocolate Promises, and they are heavenly.

But your "tips" written on the inside of each wrapper are spoiling my enjoyment of the chocolate. Yesterday you suggested I "Elevate a store-bought wreath with your own trimmings".

Damn you, Martha. First of all, I'm not even sure where my store-bought wreath is, but hopefully I'll find it soon. But you want to me to "elevate" it? I don't "elevate". Things are displayed "as-is" at the Sasha house. Plus I don't have any "trimmings" and most likely won't be purchasing any either.

You also told my son to "Dress packages in candy stripes for a sweet presentation". Martha, re-using a Christmas-themed sack is about as good as it gets for us.

And to top it off, you told WC to "Dip peppermint sticks in white chocolate and nonpareils". Why don't you come over for that one and help clean up? Sounds messy to me.....

Lylas,

Sasha

Dear Santa,

Since I've discovered I have a sensitivity to any earrings without gold posts, I really NEED these Coach Pave Stud Ball Earrings, style 94744.

In fact, Santa, I even have a 25% off coupon you could use as long as you purchase these by Sunday the 22nd. I'll be sure and leave the coupon and a picture of these earrings on the counter tonight so you can find it if you need it.

Congrats to Elaine!

My darling friend Elaine from Our Semi-Homemade Life is a finalist in a very cool contest!

The pirate-themed nursery she designed for her son was chosen to be in the top 10 out of 400 nurseries featured on Design Dazzle!

Let's help her be a winner, and we might be a winner too, because three votes will win a total of $500 in prizes and gift certificates! I'll let Elaine tell you all about it.

Curious George Live!

The Sasha family has a fabulous time last night at Curious George Live with our friends and their so-cute twins. Note that WC and I are both sportin' CG gear. Well, you can't see mine, but he's there on my jacket!

Here- I think you can see it a little better. BTW, P (age 6) took this pic and I think he did a great job! No heads cut off, and bonus: we're in focus!

G didn't feel like being in the pic right at that moment, so that's his head.

If you have the chance to see the show, by all means, do it. The kids loved it! It actually lasted a little longer that I thought it would, but the kids made it with no problems. The show started at 7 and there was a 15 minute intermission at 7:45 and the show was over about 8:40.

WC did turn to me right after the show started and ask "Now, when does Lightning McQueen come out?"

Too funny!