And in this corner.... HD powder comparison

A few years ago, I tried MAKE UP FOR EVER's (MUFE) HD Microfinish Powder and fell in love with it. However, it's pretty pricy and I kept my eyes open for a cheaper alternative.

A I found it! e.l.f. has a much better priced alternative that is identical in my eyes.

on the left: MAKE UP FOR EVER's HD Microfinish Powder ($30 for .35 oz)

on the right: e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder ($6 for 8 grams, or 0.28 oz)

Both are colorless, mattifying finishing powders that can be used on all skintones- don't let the white color scare you. It virtually disappears on your skin. I absolutely cannot tell the difference between the two products.

AND, I actually prefer the e.l.f. container- you can see that is it larger. I like to tap a bit of powder in the lid and dip my powder brush in the lid before I apply. The lid for the MUFE powder is so small, it's hard to tap the powder in the lid without loosing product to the counter and making a huge mess. The lid for the e.l.f. powder is much bigger and there's less chance of powder flying out.

Bottom line: I see no reason to purchase the MUFE powder over the e.l.f. powder. Buy the budget alternative and spend the extra $24 on something else!

e.l.f. often runs specials, and thru today, they are offering free shipping on orders over $13.50 if you use code FREESHIP, plus ebates offers 5.5% cash back if you start your shopping there. I recommend checking out their studio brushes (you NEED a contour brush for your crease) or Warm Bronzer ($3!) if you are looking for other items to purchase.

Q-tips

I am a long-time Q-tips user. One of the first things I do when I get out of the shower is use one to dry off all the crevices of my ears. I know it's a sensory thing- I just can stand my ears to feel wet!

But there are many many other uses for Q-tips, especially the Precision Tips Q-tips. I have found quite a few uses for them in my beauty routine.

This pic shows a Precision Tip Q-tip on the left, and a regular Q-tip on the right.

One of my favorite uses is to use Precision Tips Q-tips to apply my eyeshadow as an eyeliner. In this pic, I have gently rubbed the Q-tip against Stila Barefoot Contessa, one of my favorite crease shades. Using the Q-tip allows me to quickly and easily have coordinating eye liner.

I know you don't want to see pictures of my wrinkly under-eye, so here's what my lower eye liner looks like when I apply it using this method.

A few other ways I like to use Precision Tips Q-tips:

• Mascara Error Corrector: If I get a smudge of mascara on my eyelid or below my eyes when I am applying it, I wait until it is dried, then quickly roll a Q-tip over the smudge to remove it without damaging my makeup underneath.


• To Clean My Sonicare Toothbrush: Precision Tips Q-tips are perfect to clean out the inside crevices of my toothbrush.

And some ideas that Q-tips provided to me that I have found quite useful:

• Help Treat Blemishes: To help quickly heal blemishes, apply a small dollop of an acne spot treatment with salicylic acid to the end of a Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swab. They will help you treat blemishes without adding additional oils from your fingers.


• Use Every Last Bit: Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs are the perfect size to get the last bit of foundation out of your makeup bottle and off of the rim. The cotton tip also allows for easy transfer of the foundation.


• Keep Your Perfect Pout in Place: Keep lip color from bleeding by using Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs to apply loose translucent powder along the outer edge of your lips.

You can visit the Q-tips Facebook page (Facebook.com/Qtips) and find a coupon for $1.00 off any purchase of two boxes of Q-tips® Cotton Swabs or Q-tips® Precision Tips™ Cotton Swabs, 170 count or larger. You can also follow Q-tips® Cotton Swabs on Twitter at @Qtips.

Disclosure: I was provided with Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs, a $25 American Express gift card and information about the product by Rocket XL. All opinions are 100% my own.

Running Gear

Next weekend I'm planning to make the number of half marys I've completed surpass the number of half marys I've backed out of at the last minute.

Last night my friend Amanda and I were discussing making a checklist of crap we need to remember to take with us. See, you'd think running would be a tie-your-shoes-on-and-go sport, but no. And maybe it is for fab seasoned runners like Skinny Runner. But us wannabes need lots of support gear.

So here's my list of "stuff" I'll be taking with me to Dallas.

1. My trusty Garmin 205. Sure, there are a lot of newer versions out, but this one suits me just fine. (Now watch it kick the bucket.)

2. My Road ID. Gotta make sure the paramedics know what I'm allergic to if and when they have to come to my rescue.

3. My ipod. Also an older version. I'll have my Glee running playlist on there, as well as a Sophie Kinsella audiobook. Lately I've been doing half music, half book on my long runs and it seems to work well.

4. My JVC HA-FX34P Marshmallow In-Ear Headphones. I've tried quite a few sets of headphones, and found these to be the most comfortable and they don't bother me at all on long runs.

5. My iFitness Hydration Belt. It's comes with two 6 ounce bottles, and I've added two 8 ounces bottles on the back. Mr. Sasha says I look like a tacky tourist with a fanny pack on, but who's laughing when I finish my race TOTALLY HYDRATED?????? And organized to boot!

6. My Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews in Pomegranate Passion. Love these because they don't stick to your teeth and are actually delicious if you consider Gummy Candy a food group like I do.

Do you have any must-have items for running?

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon referral links. If you happen to purchase through a link to Amazon, I'll make a few pennies (really) that I'll just roll into purchasing more Honey Stingers.

And in this corner.... Clarisonic Mia vs. Olay Pro-X

I've been using a Clarisonic Mia on and off for a few years and really like it. I recently heard that Olay's Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System was a good budget alternative, so I ordered one and put it to the test to do a comparison.


On the left: Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System ($99 at Sephora.com. In my state, sales tax is about 8%, so the total price is about $108.)

On the right: Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System(about $30 at Walmart, but can frequently be purchased from Amazon for cheaper: right now it's just $24 and eligible for Prime with no tax or shipping.)






Similarities:

1. Both claim to cleans skin/remove makeup 6 times better to basic cleansing. Both come with a small tube of cleanser.


2. Both claim to allow skincare products applied after use to absorb better.


3. Both are water-resistant and can be used in the shower.

Differences:

1. Olay's Pro-X has a smaller head and does not come with a brush cover.


2. Olay's Pro-X uses traditional AA batteries while the Clarisonic has an internal rechargeable battery. The Pro-X battery cover can be difficult to remove, but after reading reviews at Amazon, I didn't have a problem.


3. Olay's Pro-X simply spins the brush around in a circle at two choices of speed, while the Clarisonic uses sonic frequency to move the brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, but at only one speed.


4. The Clarisonic has an auto-shutoff after one minute of use, while the Olay Pro-X does not.


5. There are five brush options for the Clarisonic such as Delicate and Deep, and they retail for about $40 for two. Only one type of Pro-X replacement brush is available, and it retails for $8.50 for two.

Bottom line: To me, there is not enough difference in cleansing to justify the price difference of $100. In fact, I believe the smaller brush head of the Olay Pro-X made it easier to use on small areas like my nose. If I were purchasing just one, I'd recommend the Olay Pro-X.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon referral links.

Spring = Baseball!

Y'all I am ready for some baseball! (Had to throw in this pic of my favorite Cubbie, picture taken by moi, thankyouverymuch.)



This morning I got an email from Old Navy about their new MLB line, and it is so cute and affordable. Just placed an order for some Cubs shirts to support P's team, going thru ebates of course for 2% back, and using code TUESDAYS for 10% on Tuesdays (duh) when you use your Old Navy or Gap card. I threw in some Yankee garb too, since they are my personal fave.

Hurry up baseball season!

Disclosure: This post contains an ebates referral link.

Confessional Friday 3-9-12

Today I'm linking up with Leslie at A Blonde Ambition for Confessional Friday.

I confess.... that although I don't watch any of the Real Housewife shows, I am watching (and enjoying!) two other reality shows.

Swamp People

and

Mudcats

These two shows are a hoot. And folks, I don't even need the subtitles they put on the screen. I can understand every.single.word. Bad? Good? Don't know.

And I figure if we watch Mudcats long enough, we're bound to see someone we know.

There's a 17 year-old teenybopper inside of me

Oh how I love me some Selena Gomez. She is just adorable. And I have listened to this no less than 10 times since I read April's post about it yesterday. It takes me right back to high school and I can actually visualize myself driving around the school parking lot in my little Fiat with my friends giggling and discussing cute boys. So yeah, I'm 17 when I listen to this song.

(And to be clear, I do know Selena's not singing this song.... but how cute are she and the Biebs and all their buddies???)

Q&A Monday

1. If you were in a pageant and had to perform a talent, what would it be?

Tap, totally!

2. What is your biggest beauty-related regret? (mall bangs, biker shorts, bronzer overload, etc)

This hair. 'Nuff said.

3. Do you have a celebrity look-alike?

I don't think so! Once someone at a restaurant asked me if I was on a soap opera, but wasn't sure who it was she thought I looked like. What do you think?

4. What is your natural hair color?

Who knows! It's been awhile since I've seen it. I suspect dark brown with some grey mixed in.

5. Ever met a celebrity?

During the 2006-2007 television season, the was a fabulous show on called The Class and Mr. Sasha and I loved it! (And of course it was cancelled). After it was cancelled, we were in NYC just minding our own business, crossing the street, and passed Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who played Richie (pre-Modern Family family). I whispered "Look! There's Richie!" to the hubby and Jesse totally heard me because he turned back around, and tipped his head back as if to say, "Yup, that's me!"

6. Fave/least fave housewife from any of the Real Housewives shows on BRAVO?

I haven't ever watched any of those shows, but I don't think I'm being high-and-mighty. I watch Dance Moms and admit it freely!

7. Workout regimen?

I'm currently doing ChaLean Extreme and training for my third half mary, which will take place at the end of March.

8. Dream gift?

In high school, I drove a Fiat Spider for a bit, and I loved loved loved how cute it was. Of course, a 2 seater was no fun when you wanted to haul 6 of your friends around, so it didn't last long. I would absolutely love to have one now, just as a "fun" car.

9. Are you a good/bad cook?

I'm a great recipe-follower, if there are not too many steps!

10. What is your favorite food? Biscoff cookies. Swoon.

Confessional Friday 3-2-12

I don't believe Leslie at A Blonde Ambition is doing Confessional Friday today, but I am!

1. I confess that I totally short-cutted dinner last night, and it was fabulous! I tried the new Kraft Fresh Take Cheese & Breadcrumb Mix in Southwest Three Cheese. There's even a coupon for $1 off on their website and I believe Target may have it on sale for about $2.50 this week.

2. I confess that I have added a new pic to my Laminated List pinboard..... Tim Riggins with short hair! Hubba hubba.




3. I confess to throwing away a new tube of mascara this week- NXY Fly With Me. It made my lashes sticky and when I blinked my eyes, the top and bottom would stick together. Not a good look! This one came in my Allure Beauty Box, so I didn't technically pay for it specifically, so I didn't feel too bad about trashing it. I liked their Doll Eye mascara, so I'm disappointed I didn't like this one.

What do you confess this week?

February in Review

My friend Megan at Sorta Crunchy often does a month in review post and I'd thought I'd join in.

On My Nightstand: Y'all..... I have finished two books so far in 2012!!!!! Absolutely loving my Kindle and being able to whip it out in the car pickup line after school.

However, hard copies of some things are nice to have. Our Sunday school class is doing Adam Hamilton's Final Words: From the Cross for Lent and I am reading the book that goes along with the study. Sunday's lesson on forgiveness was amazing.

TV Show Worth Watching:

Smash! Granted, I am chronically behind in my TV watching, but after seeing just the first two episodes, I'm hooked.

*small voice* I am also watching Dance Moms pretty religiously. And am not behind on that one. ahem

Movie I've Seen (in or out of the theater): None, as per usual. But now that I've read The Help, I need to see the movie. If you are local and have it, may I borrow it please?


In My Kitchen: Lots and lots of Pinterest finds! We are all about the crock pot right now, and I've created a pinboard of recipes that are Sasha Family Approved- meaning we have tried them and they were big hits, even with the littles.

In My Ears: Audiobooks, audiobooks, and more audiobooks. I just finished listening to John Grishman's The Litigators (FABULOUS) and am about half-way through Grishman's The Brethren. Waiting in the wings is Sophie Kinsella's newest, I've Got Your Number.

Three Newest Blog Reads:

The Dishy Decorator- such a cutie! I think I read almost a whole year of her blog yesterday! Love it.

Momastery- I was late to the ballgame, but oh, how I love her writing. And this post, where she misplaces her van, sounds just like something I would do.

Lysa TerKeurst- if you happen to have an oh-so-spirited daughter like I do, you simply must read her post titled "I don't want to raise a good child." Life-changing for me, that post.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month: Spring! And my third half marathon.

Confessional Friday

Today I'm linking up with Leslie at A Blonde Ambition for Confessional Friday.

1. I confess that I fell (hard) off the Jumping Jack Challenge bandwagon last fall. But guess what? I'm back on it! I have already completed days 1-4 and girls, it's a super-easy way to add some cardio in your day. Days 1-6 have you doing 300 per day, and if you break it up in increments of 50, it's easy to fit in. I've been doing my 300 while giving the kids their baths and getting them ready for bed. They think it's hilarious that I stop scrubbing their feet and starting jumping away.

2. I confess that I haven't watched a single episode of The Voice yet! I am so sad about that! We had some DirecTV drama (self-imposed and related to our new patio cover) that led to me not being able to record shows for a few weeks, and we all know the Sashas never watch live TV. And now that I'm behind... well, it's hard to jump in.

3. I confess that there were a few days over the past week that my nails were unpainted (the horror!). But I've gotten several new shades in from Barielle, as well as some from the OPI Holland collection, and I feel like doing a mani change every day because I have so many new shades I want to try!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! I am definitely looking forward to not setting an alarm tomorrow!

Ha!

On Monday the kids were out of school, so in the afternoon the whole fam headed up to the local science museum and had a ball.

In the pic above, WC is munching on a cheese ball dipped in liquid nitrogen (I think?) and look how she looks like a bull! It was hilarious!

Sleep Woes

Last week I ordered a Fitbit Ultra Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker from Amazon and was super excited to get it to amp up my quest for fitness. I've been enjoying ChaLean and doing my half-mary prep, but we all know I eat too many sweets, so I'm not seeing the results I'd like to see.

And I thought the sleep tracker would be cool.... I suspected I wasn't sleeping well, what with a 6 year old with severe sleep issues due to SPD and a cute little dog that doesn't seem to think she can jump off the bed herself when she needs to go out.

So when my Fitbit came Saturday I was so excited to put it on and get started. It comes with a wrist band that you put the Fitbit in to wear overnight.

The first morning when I synced and checked the sleep results, I thought.... hmmm... must not have done it right. Surely I didn't wake that many times. Let's try again Sunday night.

Same thing.

And here's last night's data.




See the red? That's when I was awake! See that 23? That's how many times I woke up during the night! I can account for that larger block of time around 1:45.... WC came in to get in our bed and I moved to her bed, and of course, Bella needed to go out once she heard us moving around. But the rest of the red? Holy cow! No wonder I am a walking zombie!

Honestly, I have felt tired as long as I can remember. In college, I remember falling asleep in class all the time, but I attributed it to late nights out. And once I had kids, I attributed it to that. And after my liver infection a few years ago, I've attributed my tiredness to B12 deficiency anemia.

But maybe, just maybe, I am not sleeping worth a crap.

Thoughts?

New Makeup

I am over the moon for Stila's Love At First Blush ($14 at Sephora). It's just so pretty and spring-y... and I am so ready for Spring! It's a bit shimmery, but not too much. Just a nice pretty glowy pink.

And my new HG foundation is Physician's Formula Youthful Wear™ Cosmeceutical Youth-Boosting Foundation & Brush (MSRP $15). It's almost a primer and foundation in one. The texture is a bit thicker than a normal foundation (see pic below), but it just seems to melt into my skin, and I feel like it really helps reduce the appearance of my wrinkles.

And the brush that comes with it is actually usable! I loathe applying foundation with my fingers- it's totally a sensory thing- so I have been using a foundation brush for years. And this one is pretty darn good!

There are only three shades to choose from (fair, light, and medium), and I choose fair since I am pretty pale. It was a perfect match for me. I've been using this for over a week and I'm absolutely loving it.

So if you're like me, in your late 30s with some slight wrinkles you are concerned about, this may be a great foundation for you to try. Remember that if you pick this up at CVS, you can always return it if it doesn't work for you (love love love their beauty return policies.)

Anything new you are trying this week?

Really Glamour?

Dear @michaelachaela, I disagree with Glamour's advice to you! There's no reason you can have long pretty nails and there is no need to continually file them down!

I have two recommendations for you, and I think if you add these steps in your nail care routine, it will make a huge difference.

1. Keep polish on your nails!

Unpolished nails are prone to breaking, tearing, and peeling. Things like the hairs on your head are often the culprit of little tiny tears in your nails that turn into big breaks, tears and peeling layers.

Keeping a strong coat of clear on your nails will give them strength. I recommend a product called Instant Artificials, which retails for about $8.30 at Sally Beauty.

Sally Hansen also has some fabulous treatment clear coats that can be found at drugstores and mass retailers like Target and CVS. Sally Hansen even has specific products they recommend for dry brittle nails.

2. Take care of your cuticles!

In my experience, I find that caring for your cuticles is another area that affects nail strength and growth. Taking care of your cuticles equals less problematic nails. Less splits, tears, and breaks. I do two things in particular to take care of my cuticles. First, a few times a week, before I apply fresh polish, I use a product like Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover. This softens the cuticles and allows them to be pushed back off the nail very easily. Having your cuticles pushed back allows a better, longer lasting application of nail polish.


Second, I use a cuticle cream with AHA at least once a day to keep them moisturized and maintained. Poshe Cuticle Care and CND Cuticle Eraser are two good ones.

Again, I see no need to continually file your nails down to nothing! Give these tips and try and let me know how they work for you! Once your nails are back in good shape, you can follow my tips for a complete home mani!

Love,

Sasha

Note: Cross-posted on my nail blog, www.ManicureMommas.com.

Salty and Sweet

Do you like salty and sweet together?

Then you need to make Picky Palate's Double White Chocolate and Pretzel Peanut Butter Cookies with Sea Salt, which I made for today's dessert contest at work. (I didn't place, but there were so many entries, I am not at all disappointed!)

This was my first time to sprinkle anything with sea salt, so I was a little stingy. Next time, I am sprinkling with abandon.... the taste of the salt paired with the white chocolate chips and peanut butter cookie was AMAZING.

Did you make any special treats for Valentine's Day?

Confessional Friday

Today I'm linking up with Leslie at A Blonde Ambition for Confessional Friday.

1. I confess to being obsessed with The Bachelor and Dance Moms. Swore I wouldn't watch either (Ben's hair skeeves me out) but of course I am easily swayed by the dramz.

2. I confess that I just this week decided to read The Help. I checked it out on my Kindle through my local library, and I almost can't put it down. It's fabulous. What took me so long? I'll let you in on a little secret- Sometimes I am very stubborn about not wanting to follow along and do what everyone else is doing. I don't think I'll be reading Twilight however....

3. And it other literary news, I am listening to The Litigators (thanks again, local library!) on my ipod during my outside runs, and I confess that it is so good I just want to keep running to be able to listen to what happens next. I have missed Grisham.

4. Continuing on the same topic, I am so so so excited about next week's release of Sophie Kinsella's I've Got Your Number. Hope that my library gets the audio book soon!

What are you reading/listening to right now?

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon referral links.

WFD?

It's been Crockpot Central at the Sashas lately. Because I can only feed my kids so many frozen corndogs....

If you follow my Nom Nom Nom board on Pinterest, you may have seen this yummy gem I pinned- Slow Cooker Parmesan Honey Pork Roast. It was easy and delightful! Even the kiddos liked it.

Straight out of the crockpot

It absolutely fell apart when I cut it (so tender) and the gravy I made with the liquid left in the crockpot was lick-the-bowl-clean good. It was fabulous on the instant mashed potatoes I whipped up.

Tonight we are having 3-packet Pot Roast from Crockpot 365, although I'm making it with pork. You combine 3 packets- Ranch dressing mix, Italian dressing mix, and a packet of McCormick Grill Mates Peppercorn & Garlic- and use them as a rub on your meat before you put it in the crock pot. The combo is really delicious!

What are you having for dinner?

Chuao Chocolatier

I was recently contacted by Chuao Chocolatier, a company that was new to me. However, considering my love of all things sweet, especially chocolate, I was eager to sample their products.

Chuao Chocolatier sent two items for me to try.

Potato Chips in Chocolate bar
Premium milk chocolate with kettle cooked, lightly salted potato chips

and a darling package containing two bonbons.



On the left: the Love Child bonbon (an aphrodisiac blend of a port wine drenched dried strawberry in a chocolate ganache)

On the right: the Firecracker bonbon (guaranteed to blow your mind with chipotle caramel fudge, popping candy and sea salt in dark chocolate)



I cut both open to have a look. On Firecracker bonbon on the left, you can see popping candy and sea salt on the edges. When I cut the Love Child bonbon on the right open, you could see the wine drenched strawberry and the ganache looked so thick.


P grabbed a portion of the Love Child bonbon and before I could stop him, he ate it. He was not a fan, which is fabulous because he is just 8 and should not yet have a taste for alcohol! But I ate the other half and it was divine.... so rich and the strawberry and ganache together were perfect.

WC grabbed part of the Firecracker bonbon, and said "It's popping in my mouth! Cool!" And it was... and the sea salt paired with the chocolate was so so good.



Mr. Sasha and I split the Potato Chips in Chocolate bar and it was divine. Salty and sweet go so well together. This reminded us of a product we used to get for a local candy maker- chocolate covered Pringles.




Chuao Chocolatier is offering a giveaway to win a trip for two to San Diego! Between now and February 14, click the banner above for a chance to spend two nights at the glamorous La Jolla Shores Hotel, enjoy dinner at the beachfront THE SHORES restaurant, and attend a private wine and chocolate pairing event with Master Chef Michael Antonorsi of Chuao Chocolatier. You will also have a chance to win one of 14 Limited Edition Sweetheart Boxes filled with 22 signature Chuao Chocolatier bonbons featuring delectable, aphrodisiac ingredients.

You can also use the code "BLOGGER" and receive 20% off your entire purchase at their website between now and February 14, 2012.

Disclosure: The chocolate products pictured above were provided to me for review purposes.

Confessional Friday

Set me free? I'm there! Today I'm linking up with Leslie at A Blonde Ambition.

1. I took P for some auditory processing testing this week and the poor guy had a rough time at the end (it was almost 2 hours long, and that's hard for kids with sensory issues!). I've been feeling terrible about it all week, although I felt a bit better after her promised me the Root Beer Float I got him at Sonic at 10:30 am that day did the trick. I felt even better last night after rewarding him with $20 of Legos after a very successful Interactive Metronome session. But I do still feel bad for having to put him through that.

2. I have eaten way too many Girl Scout cookies this week! I did mange to lose 4 pounds since I started ChaLean Extreme two weeks ago, but I keep thinking how much more that could be if I hadn't eaten so many yummy cookies!

3. I'm working for the weekend, totally. So looking forward to sleeping in a bit tomorrow and enjoying spending time with family.

4. I had to give poor Bella an impromptu trim the other night after she stuck her head too close to some wet wood stain. I confess that it does not look good at all. But the little paw print she snuck onto some newly poured cement in the back yard *is* adorable.

5. I'm not at all interested in the Super Bowl, but I am so ready for The Voice to start! Go Team Blake!