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/