Tips for Spray Tanning

I went today to get my spray tan for New Years.  I am still going once per week to maintain my color.  I swear by Versa Spa.  In my town it's located at Sun Tan City.  I get medium clear spray and love it.  My tips for spray tanning are the following:
1.  Go about 3 to 5 days before your event
2.  Put the barrier cream all over your hands and bottoms of your feet.  I mean rub the cream on your hands like hand lotion.  My hands still get color this way.  If I don't I get really dark knuckles and hands.
3.  I wipe my face off with a makeup wipe about 2 1/2 hours after I get my spray tan.  My face also tans easily and this helps to make my make up look nice as well.

Happy tanning :)

Yankee Candle Coupon

Lot's of good coupons out there right now. This is one I love to get.  It's on the medium candles.  Buy one get one free :)  Stock up and enjoy

http://www.yankeecandle.com/assets/email/dec1912A/coupon.html

Ulta Shopping Coupon

Ulta is having a 20 % off your entire store purchase at this time.  It's a great deal.  It's even off of fragrance and makeup.   I am going to stock up on some items myself for an early Christams.  The new naked shadows by Urban Decay have caught my eye :)

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

I found a link from pinterest to this tutorial on you tube.  There is a series of these so you can get more detailed from the original.  I love to wear scarves and am always looking for new ways to wear mine.  Enjoy this tutorial and see some great new ways to tie your scarf for those cold wintery days.

25 Ways to Wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU

Knit Black Uggs

I just purchased these Uggs on sale for 130 from zappos and they are regularly 170.  I got them and really love them.  I love the look of the knit Uggs a lot and have a gray pair that I really like.  These fit a little looser at the top, but look really good overall.  What's your favorite pair??

http://www.zappos.com/ugg-leland-black-charcoal

New Jeans

My boys are spending the weekend with my parents.  I took this time to do a little alone time things for myself.  I traveled over to our mall.  I had to return some items.  If you remember at the beginning of the summer I was on the hunt for some capri jeans.  I found them at American Eagle.  I have worn them all summer long and still love them.  I even got a second pair when they marked them down because I love them so much.  I went in American Eagle just to see if they had any more.  I am kind of on the very of hoarding when it comes to finding items I like LOL.  They didn't have those anymore, but they did have all of their jeans on sale for 30 dollars.  I think that's a pretty good price for jeans.  I love the Arist Jeans.  I did have to go up a size because of the tight stretch.  I don't like to look molded into my jeans.  I got the soft deep blue.  I love this color because it's a darker denim that I think looks good with many looks.  I also like that these jeans come in short length.  I am not tall (5'1) and can wear these jeans with my flip flops and not walking on them.  Now I will most likely have to buy another pair in the regular length to wear with heels in the fall but we will see.  Real Simple had these jeans in their magazine for jeans that are mommy tummy friendly.  That also makes me happy :)

http://www.ae.com/web/guides/w_jeanguide.jsp?catId=cat5900036&icid=AE:Women:HP:JeanGuide:ShopNow

Drugstore Hair Love

I was recently watching My Favorite Things on Bravo.  Kyle Richards was on this episode.  I really do enjoy her for some crazy reason. One item on her list was hair care products.  She has stated for many years that she lives by Pantene products.   Her hair to me is what I am striving for.  It's very healthy and lush looking.  It's also very long which I think can be hard to achieve.  Once I finished my current Shampoo and Conditioner I picked some Pantene up at the drugstore.  I watched for a week that it was on sale and I also had a 3 dollar off coupon from the Sunday paper.  I have been using it now for 2 weeks and have to say my hair is feeling much better.  I went to the beach for 2 weeks and had a great time but it was hard on my hair.  I purchased the fine hair line and the beautiful lengths line as well.  I rotate each day what I use.  The effects I have noticed are: shiny hair, less frizzy, and doesn't get lots of tangles. 





What are your favorite drug store finds?

Easy Summer Grilling: Pork Chops

I swear I didn't fall off the face of the earth.  I teach and the end of the year this year was brutal. I didn't think I was going to get it all done LOL.  Now that it's over I can find time to do things I enjoy, surf the web, share my finds, read good books, and spend time outside with my boys.  I wanted to share a great easy summer cooking recipe that I found.  If you haven't checked out the pioneer woman's blog lately you need to.  She has become my new Paula Deen. I love her recipes and find she fits my cooking style very well. 
Here is what I made for dinner:  Pork chops with corn on the cob.  I got the thick cut bone in chops and they were out of this world fantastic.  Give it a try and share your thoughts.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/bushs-grillin-beans/2011/05/hot-and-spicy-grilled-pork-chops/

On the Hunt for May

Last month I was looking for a new blow dryer and some jean capris.  I found both.

W8Less Ceramic and Tourmaline 2000 Watt Dryer (80.00).  I got his on sale last month and I had a 20% off coupon.  I purchased this based on The Small Things Blog recommendation.  She likes the speed freak by Rusk.  That on was over 100 so I compared them and couldn't tell a difference between these two.  It dries my hair in less than 10 minutes if I am using a round brush and less than 5 minutes if I am just drying it. 


American Eagle: Artist Crop in Inky Dark (40.00).  These are similar to the ones I wanted.  I love love love them.  I used my Discover Reward to cash in for these jewels.  They fit great.  Not too low and the length is great for my short legs.  They look great dressed down or up.  I love the color most of all.  I did finally figure out the pair I found I liked.  They are buy Guess.



This month I am looking for a non-fashion item.  My food processor has died.  I am an avid salsa maker and use it weekly and sometimes daily to keep up with my salsa obsession.  I love my Cuisinart one.  I currently have the 7 cup so I may be looking for the upgrade this time. 

What I am Reading

I am a big book reader when I find the time.  I love to sit with a good book and totally lose myself.  I use to be really into murder mystery type books, but then I started having bad dreams about them.  It was about the time I had my first son.  I think that made me start to realize bad things at work in the world and I let my imagination get away with me.  So then I turned to chick literature.  These types of books are about all things I love to read about: fashion, romance, and shopping.  I also am a big fan of series books.  I loved Harry Potter and the Twilight series for this very reason.  My neighbor down the street is also a big reader and she asked me if I had heard of the Shades of Grey series.  She saw a piece on the Today show which I am linking below.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/47066520/ns/today-books/t/fifty-shades-author-stunned-success-erotic-trilogy/

I headed to my local library and checked the series out.  And can I say, "Holy shades of gray".  I loved the romantic storyline of Twilight and this has that element, but it has a whole lot more in the adult side of things.  Wink Wink.  They are pretty easy reads and it has a great story line to go along with it.  One of the reviews I read recently was a woman husband saying if it brings this much action into my bedroom then please read away dear.  Let me know if you have read them or if you have another series that you are currently enjoying. 



The triology is by E L James
1. Shades of Grey
2. Shades of Darker
3. Shades of Freedom

Origins celebrating Earth Day with a freebie

This Sunday on April 22nd Orgins is giving away a free moisturizer.  All you need to do is visit your local Origins counter and bring this form with you. You only need to bring a empty container of your current skincare to any Origins counter and we’ll trade it for a full-size of one of our high-performance moisturizers. You may choose between Starting Over or a Perfect World.  

http://www.origins.com/cms/special_offers/in_store_trade_in_20120422.tmpl

My chicken bump secret

I have this wonderful conditon on my arms called Keratosis pilaris and AKA chicken bumps.  I started getting these in my late teens.  After my first son it got worse and spread to my stomach, upper back, and upper thighs.  It also turned a much redder shade.  The only thing that really made a differnce was sunshine.  When speaking with my dermatologist about this he stated that about 40% of adults get this and it is mainly in women.  He also said from his experience it's tied in with hormones and since I had a child my hormones were out of wack.  I had kind of given up and just thought I was not ment to wear shorts or sleeveless.  After having my second child it got worse again.
I chose not to go back on birthcontrol after this one and have noticed a dramatic change in the last year.  I have also changed what products I am using.  I think the change in my hormones and the products have been what has done the trick.  I no longer have them on my thighs or stomach.  It is very faint on my upper arms and almost gone from my back.  The discoloration has also improved greatly so the ones I do have don't stand out so much.  I am going to share what I use below for skincare.  Hope this works for you if you try it.  I have been a long time sufferer of this and know the feeling of disapointment when something doesn't work.  I always think to myself we can put someone on the moon but can't come up with a treatment for this LOL.

In the Shower:
I use a loofah or one of those gloves.  The important step here is to scrub but not to roughly to irritate the skin.  It's a very fine line to figure out.  I cannot use all the fancy smelling body washes either.  These dry out my skin too much.  I have had great success with Dove Cream Oil Ultra Rich Velvet Body Wash, Rosewood and Cocoa Butter, 24 oz (5.00).



After the shower:
Again I have to stay clear of those fancy smelling lotions.  I do use them on my chest and lower arms, but not on my areas that are affected.  I also make sure I get my lotion on within 3-5 minutes of getting out of the shower.  I love Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil Pump Body Moisture, 12 oz (7.00).  This lotion has made huge difference in my skin texture and the discoloration.  I really think the trick to working with KP is finding out how much moisture your skin needs.  I think the oil in both of these products gives my skin the needed moisture.  I also have to make sure that I exfoliate my body to keep that thicker skin from blocking my pores. 



I hope these tips can help and if you use something that works please comment so I can share that as well.

Cream Blush Loves

I am a big fan of cream blush.  I love it in the winter because my skin is so dry.  I love it in the summer because it gives me that sunkissed glowy finish I like.  I apply my normal bronzer then apply these to the apples of my cheeks only.  Today I am going to share some of my favorite ones. 

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush (7.99): Rose Petal
The revolutionary powder-gel formula is lightweight like a powder, yet it melts seamlessly into skin like a cream, for a sheer wash of bouncy-fresh color that lasts!
This blush applies very easily.  I use a stippling brush to apply mine.  One word is that you will need a light hand when applying because it goes on so easily. BTW: ulta is having 20% off right now so check out the site.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2239661&productId=xlsImpprod4070007&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=23springcolor2012




Stila Convertable Color (25.00): Lillium

This versatile favorite brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent color. Tap onto cheeks and press onto lips. The sheer tint adds an inherent glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant color. Our two-in-one compact holds the key to easy, monochromatic makeup. A must-have in every stila girl's kit.
For this blush I use an angled blush and apply to apples of my cheeks and sweep backwards as well.  I can use a heavier hand with this one.  I haven't tried it on my lips, but do love it on my cheeks.  I got his one because of it's great reviews and the number of times it has won the In Style Beauty Buys.


http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2153896&productId=VP12620&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=19instylebbb2009

What are some of your favorite cream blushes???

Drugstore BB Cream

I saw a review last week for the Gardnier BB Cream.  I tried to go back to find who wrote it, but haven't found it yet.  As soon as I do I will link that review.  The weather has started to turn warmer here and that means I like to go with a tinted moisturizer foundation than a full coverage one.  I have tried many, but have never found one that I think gives me the coverage that I want.  I get really shiny with them which I don't like.  Or they don't give me enough coverage for my redness.  From my previous posts you can see I have a lot of redness in my face that I like to blend in. 

I read this review and knew I wanted to try this product.  It's the Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Beauty Balm (BB) Cream.  I purchased the Medium to Dark.  I have been spray tanning weekly lately and have a pretty good color base. Walgreens has this on sale right now for 9.99 and it's normally 12.00.  Since it was a good price I picked up both shades (Light/Medium and Medium/Dark).  Sometimes I need to mix colors to get the right shade for me as my tan changes. 

I am in love with this stuff.  I even had my 2 sisters try it this weekend while we were at my parents and they love it.  I love that is also has SPF 15.   First off the smell is great.  The cream is not runny like some tinted moisturizers can be and goes on very evenly.  I just applied my primer first then put this on over top with my fingers.  It blended in very nicely and evenly.  I only used the Medium/Dark and it blended nicely.  My sister who is a little lighter than me used both and said it was the perfect shade for her.  I was not shiny at all and had that really flawless look that I like.  My skin had even skintone coloring.  I did finish it off with my MAC Mineralized skin finish powder.  The staying power was great and after 6 hours it still looked good when I washed my face for bedtime.  The last thing I really liked about it was that even though it gave great coverage, my face didn't feel weighted down with product.  It felt very smooth and moisturized.  If you have tried this product tell me your thoughts below.

 

http://www.walgreens.com/search/results.jsp?Ntt=bb cream

On the Hunt for April

I am going to try to make this a new post each month.  These are items that I am on the hunt for.  Last month I would say I was on the hunt for some white jeans and summer skirts.  My husband and I had to take an overnight trip which placed us next to an outlet mall.  I have a discover card that lets you save up your rewards for gift cards.  I save mine for the GAP because I can use it at GAP, Banana, and Old Navy.  Remember I am on a purchasing freeze this year unless it's with gifted money or gift cards.  Before we left I cashed in my reward for a gift card.  I hit up Banana and they had the whole store 40% off and I had a coupon for 15% off as well.  One tip I can give you if you go to outlets is to google search for coupons.  The outlets malls also have coupons online you can print and take with you.  I hit my wishlist at our first stop.  I found white jeans (30.00), white, gray and black skirt for (12.00) each.  I got all that for less than 75.00.  Here is my list for this month.

Item One:  Jean Capris
I stumbled on these on pinterest and love them.  However I cannot figure out the brand to see where to buy them.  I love the look of them.  Know any good places??


Item Two:  New Blow Dryer
I have a 20% off coupon to Ulta and a gift card from Christmas that I can spend as well.  I am looking for a lightweight dryer that dries my hair pretty quickly.  Suggestions appreciated.

Hairspiration

I am getting my hair done this week.  It's been about 12 weeks this time.  I have been searching for some inspiration.  Here are a few of the photos I am taking with me to the appointment this week.  I am still on the fence if I want to get some highlights or not.  I am also trying a new salon this week. 



Like this color.  I am not ready for bangs.  I made a promise to myself that no matter how bad I want them I will not cut them.  I curse myself when I do because I cannot get all my hair out of my face.

This is my hair goal.  I have been growing my hair out for 2 years now and have finally reached about an inch and half below my shoulders.  I still have a ways to go but this picture keeps me going.  Do you have a hair goal????

Eye Shadow Primer

I thougth I would share my favorite go to shadow primers.  The purpose of these is to help with creasing and make your shadow last much much longer.  Here are a few that I love

Too Faced Shadow Insurance (18.00) is a full-coverage policy against flaking, creasing and fading eye shadows. This silicone based primer creates a tight bond between your skin and shadow, so you can rest easy that your eye shadow is taken care of.  I have been using this one just about everyday for about 3 months now.  I really like it.  It evens out my lid color.  I like this one much better than Urban Decay Primer Potion.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2154464&productId=prod360018&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=1toofacedhollywood&categoryId=cat40006



Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow Pencil (20.00):  Sin
Urban Decay's Shadow Pencils deliver incredible color payout, but feel lightweight. The new fat shape allows you to cover large areas more quickly. Use the thin tip as eyeliner, or the side of the tip as a generous swipe of eyeshadow. Luscious drop-dead shades make you feel every inch the creative type, as you blend shimmer, cream and sparkle finishes. Skip the powder shadow brushes and water - Urban Decay's pencils make it easier than ever to get vibrant eyeshadow looks on the go. Experiment with multiple shades layered together, then blend away for an unbelievable effect that sets and stays put. All shades are paraffin, mineral oil, and paraben-free. 

I have really loved this color. It looks great under all my eyeshadows.  I think I will really like it this summer as I think I will wear it by itself.



http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2226385&productId=xlsImpprod3000301&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=2lovewhatsnew2010&categoryId=cat940003%20cat80042#sku2226393

A very close match to this is the NYX Jumbo Shadow Pencil. These only cost 4.50 per pencil.  I have only ever found them at Ulta.  The color yogurt and Urban Decays Sin are very very close. 

NYX Top Selling eye pencil:

Combines an eye shadow and eye liner all-in-one

Features a creamy formula that glides on smoothly like silk and is easy to blend

Does not crease or dry out

Is available in an astounding array of shades that work both day and night

Lasts all day

Does not crease or dry out eyes

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2221058&productId=xlsImpprod2150066&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=38140offnyxwk3210&categoryId=cat940003#sku2139579

The last one that I have liked a lot are the MAC Paint Pots.  These do at times dry out on my eyes and make my eye shadow kind of flaky. Not all the time, and I think this happens more when my skin is drier.  I like the color
 MAC Painterly Paint Pot (17.50)
A highly pigmented eye colour that goes on creamy but dries to an intense, vibrant finish. Long-wearing, colourfast. Creates seamless coverage without weight or caking. Blends smoothly over the lids. Cream-based, can be mixed with M·A·C shadows and liners.



These are a few that I use.  I have been using the Too Faced and the Urban Decay one in heavy rotation lately and have really liked the look they give.   What are some of your favorites?

A new lip gloss

I stopped by Ulta today to pick up my husbands hairspray he likes by Crew.  I know I can buy that stuff just about anywhere, but if it's a product that Ulta carries then I go there to pick it up so I can get my Ulta points (Got that free curling iron last time).  Well I watched a review the other day on the Lip Glosses by Butter London that go with their nail polish.   Yummy Mummy is one of  my favorites.  I love very neutral and nude like colors both on my lips and on my fingers.  I just thought I will stop and check them out.  I bet you can guess where that lead me to next :)  I swatched the Yummy Mummy on my hand first, and decided I liked the look of it and tried it on my lips.  I wore it around the store for a few minutes.  I have always noticed that lip products seem to change colors on me the longer I wear them.  I like to give them a few minutes before I make a decision.  Well after a few minutes I still really really liked it.  Did I need a new gloss??? No, but did I want it  YES:)  I am not really a gloss wearer, but this one seems to be very long lasting and has some staying power.  I put it on about 2 hours ago and it is still going strong.  I will say it is of the very sticky family of glosses, but it does not come off on everything.  I really like it and love the color.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2243780&productId=xlsImpprod4190165&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=1butterlondonwk0712&categoryId=cat80060#sku2243784

Butter London Lippy: Yummy Mummy (17.00) medium beige color is a true nude
Lippy is a range of long-wearing, lacquer like lip glosses in shades to match Butter London's famous nail lacquers.

Make-up Brushes by Sigma

Two years ago I invested in makeup brushes.  I used my Christmas money to purchase them.  They have good coupons around Christmas and seems I am always getting free shipping ones in my email.   I am very glad that I did.  It makes my makeup application so much better.  Who knew :)  I have the original Sigma Professional Kit (90.00).  They have since changed the numbers and what goes in the kit.  I am going to recommend my favorite ones that I use daily.

The Eyes Kit (52.00)

I use these brushes each day.  I have really small eye lids and don't feel like they are overwhelmed with these.  Sometimes makeup brushes just don't work for me.


The synthetic brushes below are on my next purchase list.  I purchased the synthetic for the face and have really liked how they put on my makeup. 

Synthetic Precision Kit (49.00)




Synthetic Kabuki Kit (56.00)
If I had known these were coming out I would have waited on my professional kit purchase and just bought these.  I don't use any of the other face brushes that much but two which I will list below as well.  My kit only came with the flat top and the angled brush when I purchased mine, but I bet these other 2 are just as good. 



Small Contour: 14.00
Love this brush for using to apply my bronzer.  It works so well with making it look very flawless.



Angled Blush Brush: 14.00
Love this brush for applying just the right amount of blush to my cheeks.  It does great with powder and with cream blushes.



I have had my brushes for about 2 and 1/2 years and can say they have held up really well.  They haven't lost many bristles.  I do wash them with baby shampoo and use the brush holder thing they came in so they can retain their shape.  I try to wash them every couple of weeks.  I keep on old washcloth in my make up drawer so I can wipe them off as I use them in between washes.  What kind of brushes do you love???

Guest Post

I have a guest post at The New Modern Momma this week :)  She chose me to post I am so pleased.  Head over to check it out and add her to your reading list.  She has some good posts.

Target Purchases

I have some gift money from Valentines day so I cruised over to Target the other day.  I purchased 2 Target cardigans this week.  Not on the same day.  I purchased the gray one and loved it so much went back for the blue.  I go the blue for March Madness so I can root on my Kentucky Wildcats with some style LOL.  These run about 23.00.  A good trick is to check Target’s coupons before you go to see if they have any for fashion.  I just learned Target has a coupon section the other day and have started checking that before I go and have found that I can use a coupon just about every time I go.  

Mossimo Women Ultrasoft Cocoon Sweater: Gray and Blue (23.00)

I purchased these in medium.  I wear them over tanks.  They are very soft and light weight so perfect for spring.  I have washed them both and they appear to hold up well and maintain shape and look.

 

http://www.target.com/p/Mossimo-Womens-Ultrasoft-Cocoon-Sweater-Assorted-Colors/-/A-13797938

 

Nude Lipsticks:

As you can tell from my previous post on nail polish that nude colors are big for me.  I really like the classic and simple look.

I am going to share a few of my favorite nude shades.

Number 1:

Lady Gaga Viva Glam II: 14.50: Light neutral Beige with an amplified finish

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/7220/Viva-Glam-Gaga/index.tmpl

My all-time number one shade if from MAC and it’s the Viva Glam Lady Gaga II.  I am not a Lady Gaga fan but she made a great nude lipstick.  I even like the lip-gloss that goes with it.  The kicker that I just found out last week was that this is not part of the permanent line and is only limited edition.   That means that if you think you might want it call around to your MAC counters and see if it’s available.  I actually purchased 3 tubes of it online from MAC.  I like MAC lipsticks a lot.  I also like they have the back 2 MAC products that when you turn in 6 empty containers you can pick a free lipstick.

Number 2:

Crème D’nude: Pale muted peach beige Cremesheen: 14.50

http://www.maccosmetics.com/products/spp/shaded.tmplCATEGORY_ID=CAT168&PRODUCT_ID=PROD310&SKU_ID=SKU9524

This is another great one.  It is part of the permanent collection so should be available at any MAC counter.  This color looks really great in spring and summer but I wear it all year round.  The sheen finish can be worn with and without lip-gloss.  I am not a big fan of gloss as my hair ALWAYS sticks in it the second I step foot out the door. 

Drugstore Option: Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick: Nude Attitude (7.00)

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jspskuId=2167477&productId=xlsImpprod1020032&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=17holiday09under10&categoryId=cat80058

Creamy formula glides onto lips for kissably soft, matte-finish lips. Matte Lipstick by Revlon features conditioners that protect your lips from over-drying.

I have purchased this lipstick and did use the whole tube.  I like the finish and feel of the MAC lipsticks, but do think this is a great nude option.   This did dry a little on my lips but if I applied with chapstick it was fine.  I also needed a gloss to wear with this one if I reapplied throughout the day.

Option 2:

Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter: Crème Brulee (7.50)

Color Burst Lip Butter by Revlon is a buttery balm with beautiful shiny color to give you baby soft, healthy glowing lips 94% of women felt lips were softer, smoother, and instantly hydrated.  This was a new purchase for myself.  I have put it in my purse for heavy rotation throughout the day.  I have been reaching for it over my MAC lipsticks lately.  I love how it makes my lips feel.  I have been kinda dry as of late and this seems to help.  It’s one of those lipstick/balms that really makes your lips soft.  It has just a slight hint of color. 

I love my MAC lipsticks and have repurchased these multiple times.  I will continue to use my back to MAC to replenish my stash.  Ulta has a special of buy 1 get one 50% off right now for Revlon products.   What are some of your favorite shades?

2 for 20 at Bath and Body

I told you in a previous post I would share when I got the 2 for 20 on the large Bath and Body.  That is really like buy one get one free for their candles. This promotion is good until March 19th.  So stock up if you like them. As I said before I like to use these in rooms that I don't burn candles often in.  I think because they have 3 wicks they burn faster.  That is why I use the Yankee one's in places I burn a lot.  Here are my favorite scents for this time of the year:
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=12689385&cm_sp=LN-_-14.5+oz+Three+Wick+Candles+-_-2+for+%2420+14.5+oz.+3-Wick+Candles&cp=4090259.4090324.4090329.4305666

Island Margarita: An exotic blend of mandarin, blue iris and plum highlighted with sweet tangelo and sandalwood.  I like the color of this one and the smell.  I have this one in my upstairs office and bedroom.



Green Grass:Refreshing as shaded grass on a warm, sunny day, dewy greens and Meyer lemon, infused with Lily-of-the-Valley and a touch of jasmine.  I have this one in the master bathroom. 



Peach Bellini: A sweet twist on a classic blend of white peach, yellow mandarin and blackcurrant, with jasmine and a splash of juicy orange.  This one I put in my sons bedrooms and the guest bathroom upstairs





Hope you can use this to stock up for the season :)  I might even stock up on handsoaps while I am there too.  Looks like they are 5 for 15 right now too.

Calorie Counting

I have been using My Fitness Pal for helping me keep track of all of my calories and exercising.   I like this counter because you can download it as an App and you can also keep it one your computer as well.  This has helped to keep me accountable with what I eat and how much.  When you start you fill in your information about your body (height, age, goal weight) and it will tell you how many calories you can eat each day to get there.  I also really like you can break down what you monitor.  If you need to keep track of sugar or sodium you can pick which ones you want to focus on. You can find anything in their food database.  I have found all the foods that are packaged so far.  I also like that I can input a recipe and it will tell me how many calories that is.   I also like that I can log in my exercise and it will tell me how many calories that I have burned.  Check out this handy site and let me know what you think :) Happy counting.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

Extending my hair color

I try to get my hair done about every 8 - 10 weeks and sometimes I even go up to 12 weeks.  I have the great pleasure of being very gray headed.  If I were to completely let it go I would be about 80% gray.  PS I am not even 35 yet!!  This means I have to stay on top of my hair color and also be budget friendly.  I start to need a touch up at about 4 weeks.  If I am going really long between I will use the root touch up and if it's going to be more towards the 10 -12 weeks than I use the root touch up at 4 weeks  followed by the whole head kit at around 8-9 weeks.

Root Touch Up: L'Oreal Root Rescue:  Dark Brown (7.00)

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2219022&productId=xlsImpprod2360101&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat120040



Whole Head: L'Oreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss (9.00): Medium Brown Truffle
I like this one because it only takes 10 minutes.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2215731&productId=xlsImpprod2300077&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat120040



Good Housekeeping gave this hair color great reviews for brunettes.  I am going to give it a try next time and see how it does.  Here is the link to this article.  It breaks it down by best color for hair shades.  Just in case your not a brunette.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/beauty-products/hair-dye-reviews/best-home-hair-color#slide-1

Revlon Colorsilk (4.00): Dark Brown



Do you dye your hair at home to extend your time between appointments? What do you use?

Yankee Candle

My house is a house of many many candles.  We are always burning a candle in my home.  I change my candles with the seasons and love it that way.   I am a big fan of Yankee Candle and I also love the scents at Bath and Body works as well.  I only stock up on candles when I have a coupon.  As you know I love a coupon to encourage my shopping :)  I had an email coupon for Buy One Get One Free at Yankee.  That is a great coupon and  you save 28.00  with each pair.  These should last me through till summer when i will change it up again.  I will share my scent recommendations as I update them. They will let you use this coupon multiple times.  Love it.  Since Spring time is coming here are my favorite scents :)

Kitchen:
Meyer Lemon:  it smells so clean and refreshing.  I love to light it after I have been cooking because it will take care of any remaining smells.


Rooms Downstairs
Vanilla Lime:  great combination of lime with a sweet vanilla smell.  I like this one for a clean spring smell. 



Mango Peach Salsa: Sweet and zesty . . . juicy mangoes and peaches livened with citrus, ginger flowers and pink pepper.  This is one of those candles that works well as a layering combo.  These two combined together give such a great smell that is very refreshing and clean.

Guest Bathrooms
Early Sunrise: A new day dawns crisp and fresh in this clean lemony citrus scent with hints of ginger and tea.   This one is not overpowering in small spaces and gives a nice fresh smell in the bathroom.

    


As you can tell I love those clean scents.    I use Bath and Body works candles in my bedroom.  I use those in those rooms because I don't burn them as much and these seem to burn really fast.  I will tell you those when I get my next stock up from there.  I just missed the 2 for 20, which is also buy one get one free at their store.  I have included a copy of the coupon and hope you can print if off to use it.  I do recommend signing up for the email coupons from Yankee so you can keep up with their coupons.  They send really good coupons every few months.

Coupon good till March 11th :)  Happy shopping

http://www.yankeecandle.com/assets/email/mar10/coupon_FJ52.html

Neutral nail polish

I really like the look of neutral nail polish colors on my nails.  In the summer I do like color, and I may not be correct but I don't match whats on my nails with my toes.  Below are my favorite neutral nail colors.  If you know any other good ones please share :)

Here is how I do my nails.  I actually paint them every Monday, and usually touch up for the weekends as needed.  When I get out of the shower I remove my old nail polish. I do not dry my hair first, I put my make up on.  Before I start my makeup I paint my nails.  I usually only use one heavy coat and that is it.  About half way through my makeup I put on the top coat.  By the time I am done with my makeup my nails are dry.  I very rarely have any smudges while I do this. 

Essie (Target, Ulta, Walgreens) 8.00
1. Sand Tropez: soft sandy beige
I think this one will look great in the summer with a tan


2. Au Natural: a sheer neutral sandy beige
I love this one all by itself.  It has a nice finish instead of just clear top coat by itself.




3. Ballet Slippers: classic pale pink with a sheer finish.



I have recently started purchasing some of the Butter nail polishes.  I have liked them, but they are kinda pricey for nail polish

1. All Hail the Queen (14.00).  I get mine from Ulta:  It's a holographic beige.  Which means it has some shimmer with it. I have loved this one for fall, and can't wait to see what it looks like for spring and summer.



2.Yummy Mummy:  a medium beige color.  This one doesn't have shimmer in it



Favorite Top Coat:
Sally Hansen: 30 Second Top Coat (4.50): Target, Walmart, Ulta, Walgreens, Etc
This truly dries in 30 seconds.



Let me know your loves.  There are some really pretty colors coming out this spring I can't wait to try on my toes.  Love the corals.