Beauty Chat

My obsession with beauty products is continuing to grow! Have you watched any "beauty gurus" on youtube? I have a few favorite to share with you. 

My first is a recent discovery- Stephanie and Laura from A Brunette Duet. They are absolutely darling and have great reviews and tutorials. I have watched all of their vids and they are fabulous.

I've been watching Stephanie and Tracy from Eleventh Gorgeous for quite a while. They are sisters and I love their vids too. A must watch.

And in other beauty news, last month I subscribed to Ipsy because I saw several unboxing vids on youtube and was pretty impressed. I've been a Birchbox subscriber for a bit, and I'm actually considering dropping this subscription because I'm not that excited by what they have been including in their boxes, which run $10 a month.

But Ipsy! Wow! I absolutely think their $10 subscription price is worth it. Here's what I got in my January bag.

What monthly beauty subscriptions do you subscribe to?

Disclsoure: This post does NOT contain referral links- the Ipsy link is NOT a referral link.

Niagara Ball

Last week P's school had an Inaugural Ball, which he kept referring to as the Niagara Ball.  Too funny... it IS hard to say.

It was technically for grades 3 and up, but since WC was P's family member, she was invited too. I snapped this pic of the kiddos dressed up before we left for the ball. They looked so cute!

They had a fabulous DJ, and the kids at this age totally love to dance, so they were tearing up that dance floor. And also, at this age, they must be used to their parents snapping pictures of their every move, because there were about 50 parents lined up around the dance floor taking pics with their iphones and the kids didn't mind a bit. I assume that will change as they get older, but it was cute that they didn't mind and were even posing.

Happy Belated Birthday to WC!

On Saturday we celebrated WC's 7th birthday at a gymnastics party with her buddies. This was our first all-girls party and they had such a great time! (The only boy in attendance was P, who was pretty excited for the girls to chase him around.)

Her actual birthday is January 3, and we just didn't get our act together and get a party scheduled before the holidays happened, and parties in January were filling up quickly and January 26 was the earliest we could get. I think she was a bit disappointed at first, but we did have a family party at our house on the 3rd, and she also got to take cupcakes to school to celebrate there. And I think the idea of stretching out the celebration and getting to have another party later in the month quickly became a fun prospect.

A gymnastics party was a perfect choice since she just starting taking class and is enjoying it so much. Although team sports like soccer just didn't seem to be a good fit for her, an individual sport like gymnastics is working out great. I am so glad we have found the activity that holds her interest!

Concert: Every night!

WC got a Kindle Fire for Christmas, and since she's a music lover like me, it's pretty much always playing something fun and catchy.

And so we're getting treated to a "concert" just about every night. She's drawn herself a little piano and has placed it on a Playdoh desk so she can slide her legs under it. She's also created a microphone using some blue sticky stuff and two crayons. The sparkly hat she got for her birthday is also ever-present.

She also has some carefully planned lighting cues (Mom, when I point at you, turn the lights on!) and lots and lots of dancing.

And I love it!

But we do have to limit the concert lengths because they can go on forever...... we're talking full-length Taylor Swift Fearless tour length, if we let her.

Fun Giveaway at Manicure Mommas!

I have some fun brand-new makeup items I'm giving away at my nail blog! I would love it if you'd stop by and enter!

Frito Chili Pie

Last night my husband made one of my most favorite things ever.... Frito Chili Pie.

Basically, it's Fritos on the bottom, chili poured over it (no beans!), then topped with shredded cheese and of course yellow mustard. The mustard is what makes it so good... I even added more after I took this pic because I didn't think he gave me enough!

I do think this is a regional thing and am not sure everyone eats this, so I'd love to hear from you. Have you had it? Do you eat it like we do?

Review and GDA: Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and Powder

Oh how I love new drugstore beauty products!

I recently saw an advertisement for Revlon's new Nearly Naked line and was very interested in trying it.

UNDETECTABLE COVERAGE. UNBELIEVABLE COMPLEXION.
Makeup so refreshingly light it melts right in, creating a fresh, even look.Pressed powder blends seamlessly with a lightweight feel.

So last week I purchased both the powder and the foundation to try. I decided on Shell for the foundation since that's what shade I wear in Revlon's PhotoReady line, and I chose Fair for the powder.

And I really like it! The foundation is very thin and blends in so well. It's more coverage than you get from a tinted moisturizer, but it's definitely not a full-coverage foundation. I have tried both a damp foundation brush and a damp beauty blender, and with both I get nice sheer coverage that evens out my complexion wonderfully.

Topped with the pressed powder, I found that I did not need to touch up at all during the day. The powder comes with a very small spongy applicator, but I used a powder brush with it to set my foundation.

Of course, after I purchased both products for full price at $10 last week, CVS is offering a great sale this week. (This always happens to me, I just can't wait for sales sometimes!)

The Nearly Naked products are on sale for $6.99 this week, and you'll get $2 back in ExtraCare Bucks for each product you purchase (up to 6 items). That brings the net price to $5 which is a bargain for such good products.

So if you happen to be looking for new face products to try, I'd definitely recommend giving these a try if you like a lighter-coverage product.

Review: COVERGIRL blastflipstick

We all know I have too many lippies. I even made a resolution in 2011 to purchase no lippies that year. (Shhh.... of course I did *not* keep that resolution.)

So when there is an opportunity to try out a new lip product...... I'm absolutely first in line.

BzzAgent invited me to join a campaign for COVERGIRL's blastflipstick. In my kit, they sent three shades for me to try.

The dual-sided stick features a creamy color on one end and a shimmery shade on the other.

Here are the shades I received, swatched separately on the outside of the pic. The middle swatch in each pic is the lighter shade applied on top of the darker shade.

stunner 

vixen

minx

These are so fun! And guys, they are long-wearing. Very long-wearing. I didn't find them to be drying at all- in fact, they are very creamy yet they don't run into the lines around my lips.

These retail for around $8.50.

Online at covergirl.com and facebook.com/covergirl— visit the sites to see the shades, get tips on top lip looks and learn more.

Merry Christmas!

Review: Eukanuba

Last month BzzAgent invited me to join their Eukanuba with 3D DentaDefense^™ dog food campaign, and I was so excited because we were just about out of the bag of Beneful food that Bella has been eating on for quite some time and was just about to head to the store to buy a new bag of food anyway.

BzzAgent acutally provided me with a coupon for a free 20 pound bag so the kids and I headed to Petco to use it. We chose the Adult Small Breed Petite Race since Miss Bella is a 10 pound Shih Tzu (or something like that- we really don't know).

I have to admit that I have done much in the way of dental care for Bella. We do take her to the vet for her yearly check-ups and shots, but other than that, I haven't done anything specific for her teeth. (hides) I feel really bad about that now because when I read the info BzzAgent sent to me, I found out that tartar build-up is the most common health problem among dogs, with 8 out of 10 pups developing serious dental health issues by the age of three.

Did you know your dog may have dental health issues you can't see? In fact, 85% of dogs have serious tartar build up by the age of three. Plaque and tartar are often invisible to the naked eye, but with Eukanuba's help, you don't have to play pet detective to have a healthy, happyand smiling pooch.

Recommended by vets, Eukanuba with 3D DentaDefense^™ keeps your dog in top condition from tooth to tail. Ensure your canine's canines are healthy — feed your pup the only leading brand that provides complete nutrition and superior tartar protection in every adult and senior diet.

 So I was very excited to see the dental benefits included with this food.

And Bella was very interested too.

So I poured her a bowl, mixing it together with her current food as they suggested we do to help her transition to the new food.

And she must have liked it, much more than the Beneful, because she ate every last morsel of the Eukanuba and left the Beneful behind!

I am very impressed and so glad BzzAgent introducted me to this dog food- and judging by how quickly Bella has been emptying her bowl at mealtime, I think my dog is too!

We Got Candy Caned!

I know it's a bit hard to see because this was an early-morning cell shot, but our family got Candy Caned! It was so cute!

The high school pom squad is using this as a fundraiser and I think it's a fabulous idea.

Once you get caned, you have three options:

1. Pay $15 to get the canes removed.

2. Pay $20 to get the canes removed and sent to a friend.

3. Pay $25 to get the canes removed and sent to a friend, as well as "insurance" that your home won't be caned again.

We chose option 3 and sent the canes to Mr. Sasha's sister!

Do they do this in your town? My drill team would have had so much fun with this!

Today

Today I had tears in my eyes when I shook the hand of the uniformed police officer stationed outside the door to my son's elementary school. I simply thanked him for his service but there was so much more I wanted to say.

I am not well-spoken nor am I an author. In fact, expressing myself in the written word is not a strength.

So I send you to read an essay that says everything I wish I could say.

What Six Looks Like

I happen to know the author and had the privilege to work with her on a non-profit board for a few years. I often park next to her at school pick-up. Jennifer is a wonderful mom and her piece is touching. So go.

Starbucks at Home

It's finally cold here! Last week you could drive around our neighborhood and see people putting their Christmas lights up in shorts and tshirts. So crazy!

When it gets cold, I crave hot drinks. I ran across Starbucks Salter Caramel Hot Cocoa at Walmart last week and picked some up after seeing the weather forecast.

I am SO glad I did! This box of 8 packets was just $6 and oh-so-worth it! I made mine with skim milk and it was delightful.

Have you tried this?

Dry Skin and Static-y Hair

We have "weird" skin in our family. Our derm even said so. 

Poor P- this time of year the tops of his hands and wrists get so red and almost raw, and almost any product we've tried stings. Even Cetaphil and Lubriderm.

In desperation, I pulled out a product from First Aid Beauty that I'd purchased in a value kit at Sephora- Ultra Repair Cream. 

It's a MIRACLE. It almost instantly soothes the skin, sinks in well and doesn't leave a greasy residue, and doesn't sting. It's a big pricey at $28, but the jar is huge (6 oz) and we use so little at a time, this should last us all winter and beyond. The kit I purchased included a large tube of their Face Cleanser and their Facial Radiance Pads and was a fabulous deal. The current kit includes a few different products and looks to be a great value as well.

Another problem that comes up this time of year is static in my hair- I've got baby-fine hair and if I even think about using a volumizing shampoo or conditioner, my hair absolutely stands on end. But I remembered using a product last year when we added some brown back into my hair that totally solved the static problem for me- L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. These run about $5-6 each at Target or Walmart, and you can often find coupons for $2-3 off in the Sunday paper.

I do have hair that can get oily, so I was nervous about using a moisturizing product, but these are perfect- they leave my hair so manageable and shiny and NO STATIC. I'm sold!

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.... all products discussed were purchased by me and neither company knows who I am!

Aca-awesome!

On Saturday I went with my mom and aunt to see Pitch Perfect, and it was aca-awesome! We all LOVED it and I rushed home and downloaded the soundtrack.

If I had one magic wish, it would be for a singing voice. So sad that that's not my super-power.




There's some language, sexual references, and two gross-out humor scenes that warrant the PG-13 rating, but I wasn't too embarrassed and I was sitting by my mom!

Rebel Wilson is a comedic genius and I have to think that some of her lines were ad libbed.

Oh, and Elizabeth Banks..... she is divine as well as an a capella competition commentator. "Nothing makes a woman feel more like a girl than a man who sings like a boy." 

So if you haven't seen it.... I totally think you should- it's aca-awesome!

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose, except that my mama paid for my ticket!

Review: Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips

I recently signed up with Influenster and was excited to get my first product to try- Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips. Discolored teeth have always been a bit of an issue for me- maybe that's because I'm a Coke drinker? I have bleached my teeth several times using the bleaching syringes and trays from the dentist and have been pleased with the results.

Since it had been a while since I had bleached my teeth, I was excited to get started with the Whitestrips. The box comes with 20 treatments, each individual package including a separate strip for your upper and lower teeth. I found them easy to remove from the package and pretty easy to apply- a few times my lower lip got in the way and an edge of a strip would stick to my lip, but was easy to remove without a problem.

Those suckers certainly stayed put! After I was done with each 30 minute treatment, which I did in the evenings, I use a Kleenex to help me pull them off. I did find that the treatments left my teeth a bit sensitive, which I remember is very common from when I bleached with trays. I found that if I waited a day in between treatment, the sensitivity was gone by the time I started my next treatment.

I'm halfway through my box and can already see a difference. I am so glad I got to try this product and will certainly be purchasing it myself a few times a year to freshen up my smile. 

Have you tried Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips? 

Busy busy busy

I need a few more hours in the day! I love love love the holiday season and am so excited for December to get here. Here's a few pics I have snapped recently on my new iPhone 4S, which I don't know how I ever lived without!

Have you seen the new Better Homes & Gardens Plug-in Scented War Warmer.... with lids? Genius! I love the idea of a lid because I have heard many a story of spilled hot wax.... The pic above is the one I picked up and it's darling... such a cute little wintery cottage. I believe they are $10.

The kids and I went to see Wreck-It Ralph and it's fabulous. All three of us loved it and I actually wouldn't mind seeing it again. I love the classic games and there are quite a few shout-outs to the classics during the movie.

And thumbs up to CVS and their new nail bar display! They really got this right (cough cough Sephora and their terrible lighting) and the display is well-lit and laid out beautifully. Someone just couldn't stay out of the picture and even picked up a bottle to pose with.

I'm stalking Amazon today and took advantage of their fabulous Kindle Fire deal- $30 off!  Use code FIREDEAL to get it for just $129.

Ebates has added Amazon Toys!

Maybe I've been under a rock, but did we know that Amazon is on ebates?????? Toys are 4%! That's awesome!

Departments Cash Back
Toys 4.0%
Jewelry 4.0%
Women's Clothing 4.0%

Watches 4.0%
Men's Clothing 4.0%
Outerwear 4.0%
Personal Care Appliances 4.0%
MYHABIT 4.0%

If you haven't joined ebates yet, now is the time! Click here to join. Spread the words- the toys percentage may not last long, so let's take advantage of it while we can!

Fall TV Update: Nashville!

Have you been watching Nashville? I haven't gotten this excited about a TV in a long time. I love when two of my passions can be united in one package.... a good TV drama and MUSIC! 

Friends, the music on this show is amazing and I am so hoping they release a compilation CD. I know some of the individual songs are available on Amazon and itunes, but I'd love to be able to buy them all together. Has anyone heard anything about a CD?

One thing you MUST watch is this scene from the show- the two girls who play Connie Britton's daughters sing a song in their talent show and they are AMAZING. Their names are Lennon and Maisy Stella and you will love them.

10 Makeup Products I Would Repurchase: TAG

I'd thought I'd join in on a fun tag video going around with YouTube beauty gurus. The question is, if you lost all your makeup (stolen, luggage lost etc), what 10 products would you re-purchase?

1. Foundation: Revlon PhotoReady in Shell - $14. This is a good, basic, non-oily foundation that wears really well on me.

2. Powder: ELF HD Powder - $6. We have discussed before how this is a dupe for MUFE HD Powder, which costs $30.

3. Blush: ELF Blush in Pink Passion - $3. Great pigmentation for a great price.

4. Eye shadow primer: Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance in Candlelight - $18. It's a splurge, but it lasts FOREVER- I have used it everyday for about a year and am just getting low.

5.  Eye shadow: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Explosion in Caffeine Rush - $10. Gorgeous colors with great pigmentation that blends so well.

6. Eyeliner: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Deep Brown - $11. I love love love this liner- it's so easy to get a nice straight line and even to do a bit of a cat eye with this liner.

7.  Mascara:  L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes in Blackest Black - $9. This has been my favorite mascara for a while- I have tried many more, but keep coming back to this one.

8.  Lippie: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush or Smitten - $9. I have a large container of lippies, yet I reach for these every day.

9.  Brushes: e.l.f. Studio 11 Piece Brush Collecion - $30, but you can often get it for 50% off. This is a fabulous set to start with. I'd add one of their $3 stipple brushes to use with highly pigmented blushes, but you can certainly make due with this great set.

10. Eyelash curler.... currently use Shu Uemura, which is no longer carried by Sephora. I have tried the cheapie ELF one, but did not like it at all. Any suggestions? What about the Shiseido one?

I tag YOU! I'd love to see what you'd repurchase!

Where To Start?

Hi friends! I haven't blogged in so long I don't know where to start!

First, and most importantly, Will is reading! The Irlen filters on his glasses are nothing short of amazing and have made a significant difference we can all see- his tutor, SE teacher, and regular teacher have all commented on how things have changed so quickly for him. Praise!

Second, I AM READY TO CHRISTMAS SHOP! Bring on the Amazon deals!

And you may already know this, I have really been struggling with my weight over the last few years, but I am ready to really do something about it. I realize, though, that I need a new mind-set. So I felt led to order Lesa TerKeurst's Made to Crave Study and am going to lead it at my church! Starting next week! Nothing like jumping into something feet first (leading the study!) to get you motivated.

One thing I did about two months ago was change what I was doing about taking supplements. For years I have been taking a regular Women's One a Day vitamin, but I struggle with a low energy level, and I already take a large Methyl B-12 supplement to help with B-12 Deficiency Anemia.

So my neighbor recommended I try Zeal Wellness, which provides antioxidants and vitamins in just one drink a day. On Zeal, I finally feel like I have energy again and I loved it enough to sign myself up as a consultant. If you'd like more info, here is a link to my Zeal website.

Lastly, I have really been enjoying watching Monthly Favorite videos on YouTube and am thinking about doing a blog version. I don't think I'm camera-ready, but I can certainly do a list of my favorite things during October! So stop by back tomorrow for that post! It's good to be back!

(And if you haven't already entered, I'm running a giveaway at Manicure Mommas for 2 shades from the Sally Hansen Gem Crush line. It ends tomorrow night, so stop by and enter!)

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon referral links.

Review: Chuao Chocolatier

Shhhhh...... don't tell my family, but I've been hiding (and eating) some delightful chocolate!

Chuao Chocolatier (pronounced chew-WOW) sent me some of their newest products to try, and I didn't tell a soul (until now!). And ate every bite myself!

The first product I tried was their 60-calorie mini chocolate bar: the Sweet & Salty ChocoPod. This two-bite delight features a touch of sea salt swirled into Chuao’s premium blend of milk chocolate. This was so so so good. I discovered last year that I love the flavor sea salt gives to chocolate so I knew I would love this. I was not disappointed!

Sweet & Salty is sold for $1 at retailers across the country.

Next I tried their Maple Bacon Bar.... so unique! This was one I savored over several days... breaking off small parts to enjoy when a chocolate craving hit me.

“We have been repeatedly asked by retailers and customers to create a chocolate bar with bacon, but
have waited until now to put our unique ‘Chuao spin’ on that coveted combo,” said Master Chef
Michael Antonorsi, co-founder of Chuao Chocolatier. “Our Maple Bacon bar is about the chocolate
first and foremost— its creamy sweetness lays the perfect foundation for the maple syrup. Then, sprinkled
through, are delightfully crunchy little bites of uncured bacon with a bit of smoky salt. The finished
product is a divine handcrafted bar destined to go on everyone’s must-have list.”


The Maple Bacon Bar is available in Chuao Chocolatier cafes, major retailers and online at
www.chuaochocolatier.com for an MSRP of $4.99.



About Chuao Chocolatier


Chuao Chocolatier, located in San Diego, Calif., creates culinary-inspired confections by blending
all-natural ingredients with its own premium blend of ethically sourced chocolate, featuring cacao from its founders’ native Venezuela. Master Chef Michael Antonorsi and his brother Richard started Chuao Chocolatier in 2002 with the intention of arousing the senses with unusual, unexpected and delicious chocolate experiences. And 10 years later, the company continues to delight with award-winning products, including the best-selling Firecracker bar and truffle, Potato Chip bar and Spicy Maya hot chocolate.

Chuao Chocolatier offers chocolate bars, ChocoPods (mini chocolate bars), hot chocolate, bonbons and other gourmet chocolate confections at Chuao Chocolatier Cafés and fine retailers nationwide including Whole Foods Market, Crate & Barrel, and Dean and Deluca. For additional information or to shop the company’s online store, visit www.chuaochocolatier.com.

Visit my nail blog for a BCA Stila giveaway

I recently received Stila's Positively Pink Cheek Palette to review and I've been wearing it pretty much everyday! It's a gorgeous pink with lighter pink embossed BCA ribbons in it that give the powder the slightest glow. Note that it's definitely not glittery!

I'm excited to say that I also have one to giveaway- and it's in a cute set with a Lip Glaze as well.

Stila Positively Pink Cheek Palette

This multi-colored pressed powder blush has a luxe, velvety finish and embossed pink ribbons for a positively glowing flush. For each purchase, $1 of proceeds will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Price: $16, Available in October 2012 at www.stilacosmetics.com

Stila Positively Pink Set

This collectible, multi-colored, pressed powder comes paired with a Stila Lip Glaze to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For each purchase, $1 of proceeds will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Price: $18, Available in October 2012 at www.stilacosmetics.com

Visit Sasha Says Nails to enter!

Disclosure: The Stila products pictured above were provided to me for PR purposes.

The Smell of Fall: Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser

I recently got invited to participate in BzzAgent's Glade Expressions Collection campaign and I was so excited because I LOVE my home to smell good.

BzzAgent provided me with a coupon to choose a free Oil Diffuser from the line, and I chose the Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice scent, described as a ripe, spicy blend of sweet pears and crisp apple with a dash of cinnamon and clove that warms and invigorates. It smells SO good!

I've got it in my kitchen, which is where we enter the house from the garage. So it's the first thing I smell when I come in! I am very picky about food odors- I don't want to smell my meal after I'm done eating it. I found that having the Oil Diffuser in the kitchen really helps makes the cooking odors disappear.

Glade Expressions^® Oil Diffuser

• The best non-electric oil diffuser for living spaces, delivering 3x more fragrance**
• Refillable with your favorite Glade Expressions^® scent — authentic, exotic ingredients like mangosteen and cardamom spice are unlike anything else in the fragrance aisle
• Trendy holder (available in bamboo or white) matches home décor perfectly, allowing you to place true-to-life fragrance in any room
• The intuitive snap-in-place setup makes the diffuser easy to assemble, refill and enjoy
• The spill-free design fills living spaces with fragrance for 30 days
• A wide and thin wick releases fragrance slowly, leaving you with consistent fragrance over time
• Fragrance satisfaction guaranteed or your money back*

*Visit glade.com to learn more about the Glade Expressions^® Money-Back Guarantee.
**Vs. Glade^® Solid Air Freshener

The Oil Diffuser comes in three scents:

• Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice - A ripe, spicy blend of sweet pears and crisp apple with a dash of cinnamon and clove that warms and invigorates
• Lavender & Juniper Berry - Lush lavender blends with fresh juniper berry, eucalyptus and rose to relax the senses and open your home
• Pineapple & Mangosteen - Evoke a tropical paradise with the blend of freshly cut pineapples and hint of tangy mangosteen, creamy coconut and passionflower

Have you tried any products from Glade's Expressions line?

We Went For Three

First grade, Second grade, Third grade

After figuring out we accidentally dressed P in the same shirt two years in a row for school pics last year, we decided to run with it and I got him another blue and white striped shirt for this year's pics.

Too funny!