My Top Hair Care Products

As  mentioned in a previous post my hair is about 1 inch below my shoulders.  It's a combination of wavy and straight.  My hair is thick and fine.  I mainly wear it curly like in my profile picture.  I use the curling iron I showed in my previous post to curl my hair.  I thought I would add the list of hair products I use on my hair.  Ulta is having a special on Matrix products.  Buy 2 get 1 free :)

In the shower:
The products mentioned below were the ones that were recommended by Good Housekeeping for aging hair care products.  That is how I stumbled across them. 

Shampoo: Matrix Biolage Age Rejuvinating Shampoo (18.00)

Love this stuff.  My hair is much healthier and my hair color lasts much longer now that I have been using this. 


http://www.drugstore.com/biolage-by-matrix-biolage-age-rejuvenating-shampoo/qxp347396?catid=183491&fromsrch=biolage

Conditioner:
I actually combine 2 for my hair.  When my second child was still getting up for night feedings, the only thing on TV was infomercials.  I would get sucked into these everytime.  Thank goodness I couldn't get to the phone or I would have a whole lot of stuff at my house.  I watched the WEN haircare one several times.  I went online and searched for dupes for it and found that Sally's beauty carries one and have been using it for about 9 months now. 

Matrix Biolage: Age Rejuinvating Conditioner (18.00)



http://www.drugstore.com/biolage-by-matrix-age-rejuvenating-conditioner/qxp347394?catid=183400
Sallys Beauty:  Hair One (12.00): 
I tried this on it's own, but was not wild about how my hair felt.  It makes my hair color very shiny.  I add a pump of this to the conditioner above.



http://www.sallybeauty.com/cleansing-conditioner/HARONE01,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair

I also use a weekly treatment from Sallys
AGEbeautiful Intense Strengthening Treatment (10.00).  I use this once per week, usually on Sundays.  I tend to not fix my hair at all that day. 



http://www.sallybeauty.com/hair-treatment/SBS-124682,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair

After the Shower:
It's a Ten: (18.00)
I have used this going on 2 1/2 years now and can really tell a difference in my hair when I don't spray it on after my shower.  I use about 6 sprays all over my head before I comb my hair out.



Alterna Thickening Compoud: 15.00
This really helps my hair get some lift due to it being so fine. 




http://www.drugstore.com/alterna-hemp-with-organics-thickening-compound/qxp167152?catid=157879&fromsrch=alterna+thickening&N=0
Rusk: Deep Shine Protective Oil:  (16.00)
I use this only on my ends.  Due to my hair being longer and the amount of heat I used on it, I really try to protect my ends so my hair can continue to grow.



http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=341405&catid=183385
Hair Spray:
I love the Kenra hairspray.  I have been wanting to try the L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray, Strong Hold (15.00): let me know if you have an opinion on it.

Kenra Volume Spray (17.00)


http://www.drugstore.com/kenra-volume-super-hold-finishing-spray/qxp232950?catid=183488&fromsrch=kenra

Heat Treaments:
Use with straightener: I have been sold on this product for about 2 years now. It keeps my hair static free :)
TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray (5.00)




http://www.drugstore.com/tresemme-thermal-creations-heat-tamer-protective-spray/qxp147153?catid=183510

Use with the curling iron:  I can only order this from amazon and don't know how much longer that will be availble :(.  Let me know if you know any similar products.

Got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protect 'N Curl Spray (around 10.00)



I know that's a lot of products, but it's what works for my hair.  The one I cannot and won't live without is the It's a 10.  That stuff is a miracle worker in my mind.  What do you use and can't live without???  Share below.



Hit the jackpot :)

I was out shopping today with a friend and we stopped by the GAP.   I finally found what I have been looking for:)  I have been on a mission to find some long shirts to wear with leggings.  As I mentioned previously I like for my shirts to cover my tail.  I found 2 today and snatched both of them up. 
The first one I love.  It's my favorite  color pink :)  Looks great with leggings.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8998&vid=1&pid=776630
55.00




I cannot find the other one I got online.  Its similar to this one but it's black and gray.




I love them both and can't wait to wear them next week :) Have you found anything you've been looking for???

Next purchase on my list

I am close to finishing my concealors.  I have liked them, but am not totally sold on them.   Under my eyes I have been using
Maybelline: Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (9.00)


Company says:  with goji berry + haloxyl instantly erases the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. Visibly diminishes the appearance of puffiness

I have really enjoyed the formula of this product.  As I mentioned before I have very dry skin and this includes under my eyes.  Some concealors can dry out and get flaky under my eye.  Not the look I am going for.   The container for the product is very nice and it comes with a really soft applicator ball on the end.  It seems to last almost all day and does not ever get flaky or crease under my eye.This is a product that I will repurchase.

My face has a lot of red in it and one of my big problem areas is around my nose.  The maybelline is too light and looks kinda strange when I use it in the area.   Before I purchased the maybelline concealor I was using this Laura Mercier concealor.  For my under eye area I did notice that this would start to crease and get a little dry feeling by the end of the day.  Around my nose it seems to work fine.  I am not in love with it and will not repurchase. 
Laura Mercier: Secret Concealor (22)

Company says: Developed specifically for use under and around the eye area. Secret Concealer's moisture-rich, emollient formula is specially designed for the dry, sensitive skin under the eye to conceal discoloration and dark circles.

I have been researching this one: Bobbi Brown: Creamy Concealor (22). 

Company says: Bobbi’s secret to looking fresh and well-rested: a yellow-based concealer that instantly camouflages dark circles. Bobbi’s long-wearing Creamy Concealer gives you quick, just-right coverage. The new and improved formula is richer and creamier, so it goes on easy, blends smoothly and stays put. Plus it’s infused with skin conditioners to protect the delicate under-eye area. Your ideal shade of Creamy Concealer is one shade lighter than your foundation.

The foundation that I like the best for my skin tone also has a yellow undertone so I think this might work for me.  The reviews on it have been pretty good that I can find.  I also like the youtube videos from Bobbi Brown that show her applying it.  I really think that is what sold me.  I haven't made the purchase yet, but am getting very close. 



Do you have good recommendations for concealors?? Remember I have red tones and dry skin :)  Comment below.

Foundation Mishap :(

I had one of those slow motion moments in my life the other day.  I was sitting at my vanity in the bathroom getting ready.  I took my foundation out and was shaking it like always when it happened.  The bottle slipped from hand and landed ever so perfectly on the tile floor to break the entire bottom part of the bottle completely off.  My first reaction,  as always,  was to scream for my husband.  Don't ask me why I do this, but I always do.  If something happens that's my first instinct.  He comes running and looks at me like what would you suggest I do with that???  The other kicker to this story is I had just purchased this foundation.  I think that is why I was a little upset.  There went my Friends and Family discount to Sephora.  I did the best I could at saving it from the bottle and some from around the floor.  I poured it into a small tupperware container that I had.  I love this foundation and would like to repurchase, but am having a hard time justifying.  One I used my friends and family discount, and two this is my winter shade.  My mother was staying the night with us and happened to have a foundation she didn't like anymore.  It turns out I like it  too.   I have my summer shade so I know I don't need it for that.  The shade from my mom works fine, it's just a different brand.  I will keep you updated if I break down and buy my winter shade.  I am going to try to hold off and use the Laura Mercier one for the remainder of the winter. 

Winter/Summer Foundation:  NARS Sheer Glow (42.00)
Winter: Fiji   Summer: Barcelona
Company Says:
This Sheer Glow Foundation enhances, without masking, your overall natural complexion. The weightless formula hydrates the skin while complexion brightening properties improve skin brightness, radiance, and texture, leaving skin with a luminous, sensual glow.

I have been in love with this foundation for the past 2 years.  The one below is the first one I have used outside of this one for 2 years.  I love how this makes my face look very flawless. It's incredibly blendable and really does even my skin tone out.  You can really build it up to the coverage that you need for the day or night.  I mentioned that I do wear this in the summer.  I have a hard time with tinted moisturizer giving me enough coverage.  I have found a few, but that's a review for another day.  In the summer I can sometimes feel gross when I wear foundation, but this doesn't do that to me. 


Laura Mercier: Silk Cream Founation (42):  Medium Ivory
Company Says:
This long-wearing foundation evens out skin tone as it increases skin luminosity and clarity for a radiant glow. The rich, creamy texture glides over the skin effortlessly for perfect application and blendability. Perfect for rosacea and hard to cover pigmentation. Ideal for all skin types, and oil free.

Remember I have dry skin, and this doesn't dry me out at all or get flaky on my face. It really does even out my skin tone.  I have redness in my cheeks, around my nose, and mouth.  It does blend easily and go on smoothly.  I use a flat head kabuki brush for application. 



Have you ever had one of these moments with your makeup???

Why I love Ulta

Got my favorite coupon in the mail from ulta this week.  My ulta points rewards were in :)  I made it to level 6 this time.  My husband will not be giving an award for this status at any time.  This level means that I earned a free hot tools curling iron.  I made the switch from the standard conair/revlon curling iron this summer when I really started to wear my hair curly.  I am sort of lucky in that I can let me hair air dry and it's wavy.  Not the victoria secrets straight from the runway good wavy, but the straight on top and really curly underneath.  So if I wear my hair curly I have to use the curling iron on the top part.  My hair texture does hold curl really well so I can curl it at 6:30 am and it's still going strong when I go to bed at night.  I purchased the one inch iron from hot tools and was completely sold on this investment!!  It really made a difference in my curl shape and even in the health of my hair.  I did invest in some hair products made for curling my hair, and that helped too.  If you looked at my very first post, I did mention that one purchase for me can lead to many others.  Again my husband will not be handing out awards for this trait. 

You may be asking how did you get a level 6.  Since I got the card I have made an effort to make more purchases at Ulta.  I get my hair color, all hair products, make up wipes, makeup brands that I use from there,  skin care products, fragerance, and just about any other product I can purchase from there. 

Hot Tools 1 1/4 inch (my hair about 1 inch below my shoulders). 
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1080008#sku6501778




What will you use your Ulta rewards to get???

My Mommy Must Haves: Baby Years

This post is about items that I have loved with boy my boys.  These are things that I feel like I got my money's worth from. 

Wipe Warmer:  Prince Lionheart Wipe Warmer: 30.00
I have used 2 of these.  My first one lasted until my son was 3 and was potty trained.  We got that one as a baby gift.  I didn't register for one because I thought who really needs the wipes warmed.  I couldn't take it back so I kept it and thought I guess we will use it.  It did make a difference.  Neither of my children like to have their diaper changed.  This gives them a little comfort with it.  They both get bad diaper rashes so it's also soothing for them. 


http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3557338

Thermomter: Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer: 35.00
This is great because its so quick.  There is nothing worse than trying to hold a squirming child still to take their temp under their arm.  I really really hate taking their temp the "other way".  Not my favorite way.  This you stick it in their ear till you hear the beep.  Did I mention it's really fast :)


http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11972045

Portable High Chair Seat: Fisher Price Healthy Care Booster Seat: 32.00
I love all things about this chair.  You can use it any where and take it anywhere.  I have one in my car and one at my home.  The grandparents have them because they can just put them up while the kids aren't their.  I love that you can adjust the height to go with any table.  You can use it as a booster seat in your home at your table when you child gets older and doesn't need the tray part anymore.  I love that it's all plastic so easy to clean up after each meal. I leave one in my car for restaurant trips.  We just attach this to one of their chairs.  I do not like the high chairs at restaurants.  My children try to escape from them the minute they get in them.  My kids are the type that do not let them out of the chair unless you are ready to chase them all over and say No a million times.  I also don't like them eating off the table, and with this chair they can eat off the tray. I highly recommend this chair

http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?SKU=18642832


Diaper Pail:  Munchkin Arm and Hammer Pail: 30.00

This pail means business when it come to keeping a room smelling fresh.  It really does.  I used the diaper champ with my first one.  We had to pul #2 diapers in zip loc bags and that still didn't stop the smell.  We have been using this one for about 2 months and I love it.  No smell at all in his room.  The pail holds a ton of diapers.  I only have to change it once per week (my son does go to daycare during the week). 



http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?SKU=16962210&
These are 4 items that I have used many many times over the years with both my boys.  What are some of your must have items for the baby years??

Recommendations to Follow

I am going to include some links from time to time of other people that I enjoy reading and learning from each day.  I started following Skinny Ms.  There are 3 options: Skinny Ms slow cooker, Skinny Ms Oven, and Skinny Ms fitness.  I fell in love with Skinny Ms fitness.  This has given me some tips and workouts that I love.  I like that each day there is a new one and it changes each day. I try to go to the gym 2 days a week, and shoot for once on the weekend.  This is new for me :)  I am trying to get my pre baby body back.  Mind you I had my first one 4 years ago, so I got some work to do.  I like this site because if I can't get to the gym one day due to work or daycare issues then I know I have an option.  The workouts also come with videos that are pulled together to help you if you don't know the moves.  You can like this on facebook and it will be added to your stories on your page.  It also has tips for foods to buy and food to eat.  I need lots of help when it comes to me staying fit.  I am really trying because I know I am not going to have any more kiddos and don't have that as an excuse anymore.   Feel free to check out the link or look it up on facebook.  I have been following for about 2 months and haven't felt like I want to delete the link up yet.  Which for me is a good sign.  Please share your recommendations below if you like. 


http://skinnyms.com/

Recommended Moisturizers

My skin type is fairly dry.  I don't have problems with blemishes because of this.  Although it is nice to not have to deal with that I do have to deal with dry flaky skin in the winter.  The temps have finally dropped her in KY and my face can really feel it.  It was time to swith to my winter moisturizer routines.  I have moisturizers that I use in the summer and ones that I use in the winter. 

Winter Face Care :)
I have tried this moisture cream this year and loved it.  I will list my all time fave below, but it is very pricey.  I did try a drug store brand, but didn't think it had the effect that I like so I tried this one by Benefit.  I went through the drugstore brand much faster than I do the name brand ones.   

Here is the current one I like:
Benefit B Right Cream (38.00 at Ulta)  Watch for Ulta coupons and you can get 20% off of this product which is what I did.  In the winter I really like a moisture cream from a jar because it seems to be a lot more richer than from a tube.  This one has a great smell and really makes my makeup look flawless underneath.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2229452&productId=xlsImpprod3200007&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=4benefitwk8&categoryId=cat80174

Drugstore: I used the Olay Definty Intense Hydrating Cream (27.00), but it was discontinued in 2012 to become this item.  I haven't tried it buy Oil of Olay recommends trying this one:

http://search.ulta.com/search?p=Q&userid=bckycrr@yahoo.com&w=Regenerist+Micro-Sculpting+Cream&x=16&y=9

High End Moisturizer:  I would buy this one all year round, but really cannot afford it.  It goes on great, has great benefits, and I really love how it works under my makeup. 
Bliss: Youth as We Know it (75.00).  You can watch for the Friends and Family from Sephora if you are a Beauty Insider.  They also have some other coupons that run throughout the year.


http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P178802&categoryId=RPYMAL&shouldPaginate=

Summer Skin Care:  I don't need quite the moisture for my skin in the summer as I do in the winter. Some days in the winter I feel like I can feel my skin sucking up the moisture cream as soon as I put it on.  I would also recommend to try to put your moisturizer on as soon as you get out of the shower.  I do mine right after I put my contacts in.  I try to get all my body lotion and face lotions on within 5 minutes of getting out of the shower.  I read somewhere that if it's longer than your it will just sit on top of your skin and not absorb. 

I love this moisturizer for summer by Origins.  It has a little bit of color with it so if I don't feel like putting foundation or powder on I still get some color.  I have lots of red in my skin tone so I feel like I do need a little something to even it all out.

Origins VitaZing: 35.00 (again I use my coupons to buy these)



http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P297521&categoryId=C24736

Eye Creams:  Since I have hit my 30's I noticed I need a little more around the eyes.  Some people can probably skip this, but I have noticed on improvement around my eyes in the fine lines and even the under eye area. 
Winter: 32.00



Origins Eye Doctor Moisture Care for Around Eyes (32.00)



High End: Bliss: Youth as we Know it (75.00)

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P201422&categoryId=B70

It will take me a year to use these creams.  When you divide out the cost over the year, because you only need a little bit it is usually cheaper.  As I mentioned before I did have to use a lot more of the drugstore brand than I do of these name brand ones.  I would also suggest using stores like Ulta and Sephora.  At ulta you get points and earn free items.  I got a free Essie Nail Polish the last time.  They are always sending me 20% off coupons.  When I need something I wait till I get one of those to get the full benefit of it.  At Sephora I am a Beauty Insider.  You have to spend so much to become one, but you get deluxe size samples, and coupons from them as well.  I try to make my large purchases from there when I know they will have that coupon. Usually in November.  I hope this helps and feel free to share how you balance the seasons with skincare :)

How I use Snapfish for my photos

I started using Snapfish when I converted to a digital camera back in 2005.  I have loved it ever since.  I have tried the other similar websites but always come back to Snapfish.  I like Snapfish's editing software if I need to use it.  Their calanders make great gifts.  Every year for Grandparents day I make a calendar of my kiddos, cousins, and all family members.  I love it because you can put photos on people's birthdays as well.  I make a photobook each year of my family from the previous year.  I do miss the old film cameras because I felt like I displayed more of my pictures from them.  Two Christmas's ago I got a digital picture frame and began loading my pictures from my camera on there.  So I am able to enjoy my photos but not have to develop them.  I don't want to develop them because I create a photo book each year after New Years of the previous year.  That way I don't have to scrap book or write in a photo album either.  I have a lovely leather bound book that's usually about 100 pages when I am done.   The last 2 years I have been able to use a coupon for 20% off and this year that saved me about 50 bucks :) This past years was big because we had our second son.  I usually edit my photos on my computer first, then load to snapfish.  Once I have them edited on my computer I also load them onto my digital frame.  I probably site down and do this about every 2 -3 months.  It's not so overwhelming that way for me.  I also go ahead and make the pages for my snapfish book when I load them.  That way I am not sitting for hours at the end of the year making this book.  How do you manage all your photos??
Feel free to check out the site: www.snapfish.com

How to Tie A Scarf

I love a scarf and love how they make me feel so cozy.  I love how they can really jazz up my plain old t-shirts.  They take a boring outfit to the next level.  I am including some links from my pinterest pages that I found for tying scarves.  I love all of these and like to be able to change up my look. 



http://www.caphillstyle.com/capitol/2011/9/21/tips-for-wearing-a-scarf.html

I am also including where I like to get my favorite scarves from.  Target just put out some really fun colors for Spring

Target: usually run around 15 dollars.  I have yellow, pink, and black from here



What's your favorite place to get scarves and how do you tie yours?  Comment below

Best Tips for a DS and Young Child

My son got his DS last Christmas when he was 3 1/2 years old.  He had played with my cousins when we were on vacation that previous July and was hooked :)  That was all he talked about Santa bringing him.  We got him the blue DS XL.


I learned that the Xl means the screen is bigger.  He had the Leapster since he was 2 and had done very well with that.  He is also an expert on an Iphone.  I don't know what we will do with these kiddos when they get school age because they are so advanced with technology.  That is another story.  Since he was so young I wanted to get some protective gear in case of dropping or falls.  I looked all over the internet and saw this item below had great reviews.  This is a must have item if you have a DS.  It does make it bulkier, but well worth it.   Better than shattering a screen or breaking the whole thing. They make these in both the DS and the DSXL.  The Nerf Body Armor is a must have :)

http://www.target.com/p/PDP-DSI-XL-NERF-Armor/-/A-13617211



The games that come with the DS are very small.  This is a big responsibilty for our son to keep up with, but he has not lost one.  We purchased a game case to keep his games in because it was overwhelming to always put them back in the boxes and if we wanted to take the DS with us this made it easy to take his games as well.  This will hold up to 12 games which we haven't reached yet.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/POWER-A-DS-12-Game-Clear-Case-Black-DS-Nintendo-DS-Dsi/17350685

The last item that I would recommend is a car charger.  We actually got a starter kit that had some extra stylus and other items in it.  The only things we used from it were the car charger, screen protectors, wrist strap,  and the extra stylus.

http://www.nintendo3dsgamer.com/3ds-starter-kit-aqua-blue/



We have a small pottery barn backpack (will show this in a later post) that we keep all his DS stuff in and other items we need for running around town, going out to dinner, or traveling in the car.  I think it has helped him keep up with his DS stuff because when he is done it has to go back in that bag.  He also knows that he has to put his games in the case before he puts a new on in the DS.  We taught him this from the beginning with lots of supervision and now he does this all on his own.  He knows our expectations for keeping these nice things and he does it.  I will also post later some of his favorite games that he can play.  His dad and him tore of the supermario when he first got it.  That was very cute to see :) Please comment below if you know of any other good tips for keeping up with the DS with little ones.  This was an investment that we want to keep intact for a long time. 

Thank goodness the playroom has a door :)

Our 2 boys have all the toys that one can ever hope for.  Way more than I ever had growing up, but we won't go there (still trying to figure out why our inground pool is now heated for my 4 year old, but I took those chilly swims all my life).  My boys are blessed in that they have my parents, my husbands father and stepmother and his mother for grandparents.  Mine sons were the only grandchildren until this past August, which means spoiled.  Back to the reason for the post.  We have a really cool area under our stairs on the first floor.  When we built our house it was supposed to be for storage.  It a little room that is under our staircase in the shape of an L.  A very dear neighbor ran some electric in there so the boys can have light.  This room has quickly gotton overun with toys.  My second son is in the baby toys that are large an bulky.  So after Christmas I could take it no longer and made an upstairs playroom as well.  That way it is all not housed in one location and they have a place to play if I need to work upstairs.  The room upstairs was our office.  We took out the desk and put in bookshelves and toy boxes.  That all looked great until I put the toys in bins.  Being a teacher I have tons of these baskets and brought them home.  I couldn't figure out why it was driving me crazy to look at it until I saw this blog post.  I love this blog because I apply the things she uses for her classroom to my house as well.  Check out his blog if you like organization tips :)  How do you handle organizing all the toys in your house??

http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/2012/01/storage-tip-1-go-uniform.html?showComment=1328369686378#c6093509280243716160

What is a Beauty Guru on Youtube?

I happened across this world of beauty about 4 years ago.  I can lose myself for hours in the evening watching these wonderful videos.  I will say that it has helped me tremendously with applying my makeup and styling my hair.  I subscribe to about 20 different gurus.  I love to log in each day and check out what is new in the world of makeup and hair.  If you haven't checked this out go on over to youtube.com and see what I am talking about.
Here are my Top 3 Gurus to Watch:)
1.  Makeup By TiffanyD
 http://www.youtube.com/user/makeupbytiffanyd?blend=1&ob=4

2. Makeup Geek TV
http://www.youtube.com/user/MakeupGeekTV


3. K8Bryan: This girl is great for hair
http://www.youtube.com/user/K8bryan

Just Joined the Legging Movement

For Christmas my wonderful husband got me a fabulous pair of Uggs that I had been eyeballing for months. In my world, one purchase can lead to others. So I got those shiny new Uggs and said well I don't have any pant to wear with them. I then went out with my Christmas money and purchased some awesome leggings from the Loft. I love these leggings because they hold in that Mommy Tummy I am still trying to get rid of a year later. Well my mission since purchasing them is to find longer shirts that don't make me look like a 20 something who has never had children. I have found 2 at the Gap and one from Banana Outlet.


http://www.uggaustralia.com/womens-tularosa-route-cable-slouchy-wool-boots/3177,default,pd.html?dwvar_3177_color=BLK&start=4&cgid=women-boot-knit



http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17083&vid=1&pid=877877



http://www.loft.com/loft/catalog/productDetails.jsp?prodId=264533&colorExplode=false&skuId=90050688&catid=catl000020&productPageType=search&defaultColor=6600&prodId=264533

Tip for the leggings: watch for the 40% or 50% coupons and you can get them for around 25 dollars.

The question I am posing is suggestions for places to find tops that will cover my tooshie :)