Nude Lipstick for Spring

Run and I mean run to your nearest Walgreens, Meijers, or CVS.  The Maybelline limited edition for Spring line came out (Dare to go nude). This collection speaks to me :)  I bought both blushes and the highlighter.    I picked up all the color tattoo's but the black and Carmel one.  I love them more than I do my urban decay shadow sticks, too faced eye primer, or laura mercier caviar sticks.  Another post on those another day.  I have fallen hard for a lipstick and gloss and may or may not have bought 5 of each ;)

Color Sensational Lipsticks Raw Reveal (7.99).   This is a pale beige nude color.  My favorite nude look.   I have loved the Lady Gaga II lipstick that came out with the collection.  It was limited edition.  I too bought all I could get my hands on.  I am down to my last two tubes, and one has very little left.  This for me is close to that shade which is why I am in love so deeply with it.


Color Elixir: Polished Petal (8.99)  This is a sheer creamy pink.  It has a doe foot applicator.  It also reminds me of Mac's Underage, but it's a little more sheer.  I don't feel like it's a sticky gloss.  It looks fantastic over Raw Reveal. 



If you happen to be out in the stores listed above look for the display.  I have been really happy with all of my purchases from this limited edition set.

Nails for Spring

As the spring season has sprung upon us I am always on the lookout for some transition colors from winter to spring.  I am not quiet ready for my full on summer colors.  Here is one I came across first on pinterest that made me look twice.  I stumbled across it at Walgreens the other day and had to snag it up.  It is coming from the Wet and Wild Spring 2014 line called and the Style Award Goes to. Nouveau Cheap is one of my favorite blogs to keep up to date on new lines coming out at the drugstore. Check it out if you haven't already.

Wet and Wild: Valet Tag
Description:  This is a pale taupe creme that's loaded with silver shimmer and a whisper of iridescent glitter. No issues with application and dry-time was average.

 

Drugstore Skin Care

I have been away for awhile.  I love to share but just get caught up in my life sometimes to keep it up.  I work full time and have 2 growing boys :)  I stay pretty busy.  I started a new job in August and we had an opportunity on a new house so we took it.  Needless to say busy has been my life.  Things have finally started to slow down and I can get on top of my life again. 

Here are my current drugstore fav's.  I haven't switched back to my high end stuff and am still loving my drugstore finds. 

As noted in prior posts my skin type is very dry.  This Polar Vortex has been brutal on my skin. For a moisturizer I have loved:

No 7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Dry/Very Dry:  I get mine at Ulta for around 12.00. I use it twice a day and have been really pleased with the ability to keep my skin from feeling so tight this winter and flaky under my foundation. I really want to try the night cream as well.



Details:Boots No.7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Dry / Very Dry Skin gives rich, intensive hydration to instantly nourish, energise and smooth for flawless make-up application. No.7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream is the second and final step to complete your Beautiful Skin routine, through perfect moisturization. With three formulations to suit every skin type, Beautiful Skin Day Creams lavish skin with TLC to hydrate, energize and balance. With the added protective power of SPF15, the multitasking moisturisers help skin fight the harmful effects of the sun and keep you looking as young as possible. There's also a range of night creams for every skin type, too, for truly tailored skin nutrition 24 hours a day.

I also use a serum under my moisturizer.  This one is by Loreal.  It's a little pricey, but I got mine on sale at Target for 15.  So if you keep an eye out of it you might catch a deal.  This product has helped with my red areas which I feel like is my biggest issue.  I have also loved it for evening out the texture of my skin.

Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate (25.00)



Details:Why is Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum right for me? Your skin is still young, but it's quality is not always perfect. Skin's texture can be rough and uneven, with visible pores and fine lines. Scientifically developed for all skin tones and types, Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum helps to improve overall skin quality over time.

Unique Texture: This lightweight, ultra-fluid concentrate absorbs quickly with no stickiness leaving a silky smooth fresh finish.

L'Oreal Expertise: L'Oreal laboratories have identified three dimensions that define the quality of ideal skin: Pores, Texture, Lines. Introducing a concentrated corrector that visibly improves the quality of your skin.

A formula with:

• Perline-P: an association of three perfecting actives that helps optimize the quality of skin's surface in three dimensions: Pores, Texture, Lines.
• LR2412: a powerful active that visibly corrects the skin.

Reveal your most ideal skin now. Visible results. In just one week 78% of women saw the difference. Touch: Instantly skin's texture is smoothed for a velvet touch. Look: In one week, pores appear reduced and tightened. In one month, fine lines are visibly minimized. Feel: In one month, skin feels more supple, skin's quality looks improved and ideal skin is revealed.

I will continue with my skincare items from the drugstore as I have not missed my high end products yet. 

Free Workout Apps

I follow this blog and love her workout routines. Fit Fab Cities (www.fitfabcities.com)  In a previous review I talked about my love for Sworkit.  Which I am still loving BTW.  In this blogs most recent review it was on 3 free workout apps.  I have them downloaded but not started yet, but will let you know my thoughts as time goes.

Here's the link to her reviews and she even has a video to go with it.  She talks about 3 free apps that turns your phone into a personal trainer :)
http://www.fitfabcities.com/2013/03/12/king5-feature-3-fitness-apps-that-turn-your-smartphone-into-virtual-trainer/

The apps are
1. Nike Training Club
Website states:“Nike Training Club is a full-body training app designed for you to make yourself whatever you want to be…Inspired by world-class athletes and developed by a Nike professional trainer, each one of the 90+ drills builds on the fundamentals of strength, cardio, interval and core training.”

2. GAINfitness
Website states: We sought-out top notch personal trainers to create interactive, customizable workout packs that guide you to your goals. Get workouts and plans—matched to your fitness level, goals and time constraints—instantly, from the convenience of your mobile device.

3. Fitness Buddy
Website states: The ultimate fitness journal with tons of amazing content: 1000+ exercises, 45+ tailored workouts, 3000+ retina display images and animations, all in the palm of your hands!

Happy training.  See my previous post to see Sworkit :)

Spring Cleaning

My husband and I have decided to stay in our home until our 2nd some gets to school age.  Hopefully by that time we will be school loan free and daycare payment free.  Our goal for this is to be able to get the house we really want.  I have a pinterest folder that I have labeled My next home that I am forever adding my wants for that house in.  I like it because I put paint colors, decorating ideas, and tips and tricks.  While I spend my time dreaming away I realized that I needed to make our space work :)  One thing that drives me nuts is our closet.  We do not have one of those gigantic walk in closets.  Our stuff is crammed in there together which drives me crazy.  This weekend I studied the space.  I found a few things I new would give me a little more room.

1.  My shoe rack won't keep my shoes on it, so it takes up wasted space.  My shoes are forever sliding off.  I am done fighting that fight.  I bought one of those over the door hanging shoe pocket things and put all my flats on that.  I did take one level off my current shoe rack and put my shoes with heels on them because they do stay on. 

2.  I purchased several of those plastic drawers to house in my closet.  I got one large 3 drawer one and 2 smaller 3 drawer ones as well. I don't put the wheels on so that fit perfectly below our clothes.   I previously had a hanging shelf organizer in the closet.  That thing also drove me nuts.  The way our shelving is you cannot attached it completely so it kind of hung a little crooked.  I had to look at the clothes in their and that did bother me because it was never folded the way I wanted it to be.  

So far I am loving the renovation.  I cleaned up my purse box and put them in the bottom drawer of the large 3 drawer.  Used a small shoe box container for my wristlets and wallets.  Used a basket to sit on top of the drawer unit for my outerwear items.  I also purchased one of those hangers made for scarves so I can hang them up instead of keep them waded up.  I needed two of those and have 2 scarves through each hole :)  Have you started any spring cleaning?  I also did our fridge, bathroom vanity, and pantry.  Stories for another day.

Shoe rack from Target: 15.00

http://www.target.com/p/honey-can-do-over-the-door-clear-shoe-organizer-storage-rack-black/-/A-12227233#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=Over+The+Door+shoe 

Scarf Hangers: 10.00 at Bed Bath and Beyond

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/70361-real-simple-scarf-belt-hangers-black-set-of-2.html

Sterilite 3 Drawer: Small Green 14.00 at Target



http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-3-drawer-cart-green/-/A-13168240#prodSlot=dlp_medium_1_8&term=sterilite+3+drawer

3 drawer large: Walmart 17.00




http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-3-Drawer-Wide-Cart-Green-Glaze/22582949?findingMethod=rr

I work out :)

I stumbled across a neat app the other day in the App store.  From previous posts you now I love the My Fitness Pal App.  Well I have found another excellent one.  I am the mother of 2 kids under the age of 6.  I have little time between practices, dinner making, my full time job, and household every day tasks to exercise.  I have been searching pinterest for some quick tabatta like workouts.  I want the most bang for my time.  I found this app. Sworkit and it's FREE :)
From the website: http://sworkit.com/
Sworkit provides randomized circuit training workouts to keep you motivated to exercise and stay fit anywhere. Sworkit builds randomized circuit training workouts that you can do anywhere. You just choose which part of your body you want to work on and how long you have to work out, and Sworkit takes care of the rest. By providing an actual workout and taking you through the motions, you don't have to do any other planning or have any extra equipment.  Circuit training has been proven to provide highly efficient workouts at a fast pace. Sworkit allows you to choose the total amount of time you want to work out and provides you with the proper exercise timing, rest, and transitions.

I love it because I can choose the length of time and what area you want to work.  It has a timer so you don't have to worry which lets you know when to change exercise and when to take a break.  If an exercise pops up you don't know how to do it has a video you can tap to watch so you get the correct form.  So far I have been doing it at least 4 times per week for 15 - 20 minutes.  Much more than I was doing :)

Check it out and see if you like it.  Please feel free to share any apps you love for exercise.

Yankee Candle Coupon

Sharing the love once again for a yankee deal: Buy 2 get 1 free.  Love this deal and it's a great way to stock up.  This time of year is hard for me because I am really tired of the Christmas Tree smell, but what do you go to??  Too early for those spring scents.  With this deal I am going to play around with some scents and see what I like.  Happy shopping.

http://www.yankeecandle.com/assets/email/jan2713/coupon.html

Drugstore skin care

My dear sweet husband has asked me to join him in saving a buck. We would like to move to a house with a basement soon and need to save up. As my high end products run out I am trying to find drugstore versions. I spend a lot of time researching them before I purchase so I get the best stuff. My moisturizers have run out so I recently purchased some refill products.  Please note that I have very very dry skin.

AM moisturizer Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Lift wrinkle reducer serum
I love the texture and feel of this cream.  It is not greasy feeling and soaks in pretty quickly. At 16.99 it's about half of my other cream and a larger size. I am on week 3 od this product and still loving it.

PM Moisturizer  Ponds Dry Skin Cream
I slather my face with this each night. This has actually made my skin so much plumper and at 8.99 it's a fantastic deal

Face Primer Cover Girl  Olay Simply Ageless Serum
I love Laura Mercier Hydrating Face Primer but at 30 dollars it's just too much. This one is just 15 and really does the trick!  It actually makes my face feel more moisturized.

I will keep you posted on my drugstore adventures.

Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes

I am trying to cut down my spending this year and save where I can.  I still love to watch Beauty Gurus on Youtube (BTW I am currently looking at reviews for clip in hair extensions got any recommendations please comment below).  Lately the reviews have been geared toward drugstore finds.  I have purchased 2 of them to add to my depleted eyeshadows instead of buying the MAC ones I love.  Here they are and share any that you love as well.

1. Wet and Wild Sweet as Candy Eyeshadow Trio:  2.99



I love these colors together.  They go on best over a base and look great with my Revlon Shadow Stick I previously reviewed.  They have great lasting power, don't crease up on the lid, and blend really easily. 

Here is my favorite YouTube Guru using it :)
http://makeupbytiffanyd.blogspot.com/2012_08_01_archive.html

2. Wet and Wild Petal Pusher: 4.99
Love this palette because it has some really beautiful pink and purples.  That is my favorite color family to use on my eyes.  I also purchsed a CoverGirl Shadow stick very similar to my Revlon one to use when I need a dark purple in the crease.  I am very pleased with these shades. 




CoverGirl Smoky Shadow Blast Shadow Stick, Purple Plum: 8.49


Overall I still love my MAC eyeshadows but have found some shades that fill those spots. 

Dreaded Static Hair

The weather here has finally turned cold, and when it gets cold my hair gets really dry.  I suffer from static in my hair which drives me nuts.  I don't wear certain clothes in the winter because I know my hair will fly high from them.  Last time when I was getting my hair colored and cut and talked to my hairdresser about it.  She told me that static comes from my hair being too dry and not having enough moisturizer in it.  What I have been trying lately is to make sure the shampoo's and conditioners I use are not too drying for my hair.  I have switched to Pantene Hair Products after watching a show on Kyle Richards and she swears by Pantene.  I have noticed my hair is shiny and full of volume.  So I use the moisturizing line for fine hair and the age expert.  I just rotate back and forth.  I still swear by the It's a 10 leaving in conditioner.  I have used that for about 3 years now and can tell a difference the times I have tried to give it up.   I am adding a new mousse style product by Pantene.  It's from the moisture line and it's the moisture whip leave in styling product.  I will let you know how I like it.  What do you do for static???

Drugstore loves :)

I wanted to share a few of my favorite drugstore items right now.  I have been using these for about 2 months and use them every day.

1.  Maybelline Fit Me Concealor: Medium 25: 6.50

I love the consistency of this and it stays all day long.  It keeps my under eye area looking great and takes the redness out of my nose area.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2225214&productId=xlsImpprod2980149&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat80024#sku2225217


2. Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer: Radiant: 8.00

This is fantastic for an under the eye highlighter.  I put this on last and it gives me such a nice finish.  It's gel based so it doesn't dry out on my under eye area.



http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2239671&productId=xlsImpprod4070009&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat80024#sku2239672

3. Revlon Color Stay Smoky Shadow Stick: Torch: 9.00

This has changed the look of my eyeshadow.  I love the pink color on my lid and the darker color on my outer corner.  I then apply my eyeshadow right over top and love the outcome.



http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2246970&productId=xlsImpprod4410259&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat940003#sku2246970

4.  Covergirl eye enhancer: Shimmering Sands: 5.00

This is a great eyeshadow set.  They have great pigment and blend really well together.  Looks great over the Shadow Stick



http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2108263&productId=xlsImpprod641115&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat940003#sku2108262

5.  St Ives Timeless Skin: Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer: 6.00



http://www.drugstore.com/st-ives-timeless-skin-collagen-elastin-facial-moisturizer/qxp194030?catid=182947

I have used moisturizers that cost 80 dollars a jar and some that cost 5.  I saw that Dr Oz recommended this one from St Ives.  I went out and got a jar because my old one was done and I didn't want to pay 40 dollars again.  I am trying to be a little better with my money this year.  I have a post coming soon for one of my bucket items that I finally saved up for :).  Back to the moisturizer, I love this stuff.  I have very dry skin and this does the trick for me.  My face doesn't feel dry or tight. 


Do you have any drugstore fav's you liked to share :)  Please link below.

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.