Monday's are normally my day for a fun and bright manicure, but sometimes they just aren't appropriate at all. I will be leaving this week for an out of state funeral so my usual finger flair is not going to cut it at all. Times like this are when I like to give my nails a vacation and focus on other things like helping my family get through this difficult time.
We will be gone Wednesday through Saturday I believe, so I'll have my posts all queued up but I won't be available to answer comments or respond to emails till Sunday night. July is shaping up to be a difficult month so I ask for your patience while we deal with things on a personal and health level. Hopefully this blog won't suffer to much, but I know there will be missed posts for sure. So this is my "I'm sorry" in advanced.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Friday, July 3, 2015
Tea with Benefits: The Slender Blend Detox and Weight Loss Tea
*I received this product free for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own*
I am an avid tea drinker, especially during the colder months. I have a whole cupboard full of tea right now, and I'll probably grab some more when I go grocery shopping this weekend. The whole ritual of making tea is very soothing, especially if it is a loose leaf blend, so when I was offered the chance to try out some delicious tea that might also help slim me down a bit I grabbed my favorite cup and eagerly awaited the UPS truck.
The Slender Blend by Tea Love Co. is a special green tea blend designed to help stimulate your metabolism, which in turn helps you burn off more calories. And since it is green tea you get the added antioxidant benefits as well. And the most important point is it actually tasted great, which for me in the #1 factor in anything I eat or drink. If it doesn't taste good I'm not doing it, sorry. So I was very relieved see that is wasn't nasty and medicinal tasting.
What I typically did was every night (and sometimes in the morning depending how I was feeling) I'd heat up enough water for 2-3 cups of tea, then I'd place my tea into the pot and I'd let it steep for a big. This was my nightly routine for a 14 day trial. I measured myself before I started drinking the tea then again at the 7 day checkpoint. I had lost half an inch around my waist, which was pretty impressive, and another half an inch around my hips. By the 14 day checkpoint however my personal health problems decided to flare up on me and I'm super bloated and in a lot of pain which means I'm on heavy pain meds which also make me bloat up.
So I can't tell you what the end result was, but I am super happy with just the one week results and I'm going to continue to drink the tea once my health issues have settled down a bit more. While this is a little more than I typically like to pay for tea, I think $18.99 with free Prime shipping is ok enough that I will buy another pack once mine runs out. Being able to debloat and actually look good in my clothes is a big deal for me right now thanks to the health issues I mentioned. I really liked this stuff and I highly recommend it if you are in the market for a slimming tea.
I am an avid tea drinker, especially during the colder months. I have a whole cupboard full of tea right now, and I'll probably grab some more when I go grocery shopping this weekend. The whole ritual of making tea is very soothing, especially if it is a loose leaf blend, so when I was offered the chance to try out some delicious tea that might also help slim me down a bit I grabbed my favorite cup and eagerly awaited the UPS truck.
The Slender Blend by Tea Love Co. is a special green tea blend designed to help stimulate your metabolism, which in turn helps you burn off more calories. And since it is green tea you get the added antioxidant benefits as well. And the most important point is it actually tasted great, which for me in the #1 factor in anything I eat or drink. If it doesn't taste good I'm not doing it, sorry. So I was very relieved see that is wasn't nasty and medicinal tasting.
What I typically did was every night (and sometimes in the morning depending how I was feeling) I'd heat up enough water for 2-3 cups of tea, then I'd place my tea into the pot and I'd let it steep for a big. This was my nightly routine for a 14 day trial. I measured myself before I started drinking the tea then again at the 7 day checkpoint. I had lost half an inch around my waist, which was pretty impressive, and another half an inch around my hips. By the 14 day checkpoint however my personal health problems decided to flare up on me and I'm super bloated and in a lot of pain which means I'm on heavy pain meds which also make me bloat up.
So I can't tell you what the end result was, but I am super happy with just the one week results and I'm going to continue to drink the tea once my health issues have settled down a bit more. While this is a little more than I typically like to pay for tea, I think $18.99 with free Prime shipping is ok enough that I will buy another pack once mine runs out. Being able to debloat and actually look good in my clothes is a big deal for me right now thanks to the health issues I mentioned. I really liked this stuff and I highly recommend it if you are in the market for a slimming tea.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Thursday Thoughts
It's July everybody! This will be probably the hottest month of the summer in my neck of the woods, and is probably going to be a crazy busy month as well. And since today is Thursday you know that means I'm joining Jen of Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for her weekly Thursday Thoughts link up.
My posting schedule has been a mess lately, and I'm sorry about that. Between the heat, a busy work schedule, and some personal stuff I've just been unmotivated to blog. Which is silly because I love doing this and can't believe I didn't start doing this sooner. I'll sit down tomorrow and queue up a bunch of posts to use on days I'm to sick/busy/melting to write, and hopefully there won't be anymore gaps.
It has been so hot and humid here lately that I actually created a skincare summer travel kit to keep in my bag. I've had it for a few days and I've already used it a ton, so I highly recommend you create one of your own. I basically included different SPF products, lotion and skin balms, face refreshing spray, deodorant, and some stuff to combat acne and oily skin thanks to the humidity. Skin care lines should make pre-made little kits like this, these are seriously a lifesaver right now.
One perk of being a beauty blogger (besides getting sent goodies like the above) is my makeup skills have improves seven fold. So much so that now friends are constantly saying I should do their makeup. In fact I've been told that so often I'm going to start (slowly) building a professional makeup kit and doing makeup as a side job. I'm really excited for this new opportunity and what it means, and some extra income won't hurt obviously. For right now I'll be practicing and building my portfolio on friends and probably after Christmas I'll start doing paying gigs.
I realized the other day that I'm almost done with my face powder, which is one of those things I've never finished before in the past. In the last year I've used up so much makeup, its kind of crazy. But at least I'm using things up instead of them spoiling. And used up makeup means I get to go to Ulta and buy new stuff! NYX is 40% right now (till Saturday) so I'm getting the contour palette I've been going back and forth on for months. It works out to like $14 with the sale and my coupon so I'm comfortable pulling the trigger and getting it. And worst comes to worst I'll return it and get something else. Love when things you want are on sale, did you get anything super awesome this month?
My posting schedule has been a mess lately, and I'm sorry about that. Between the heat, a busy work schedule, and some personal stuff I've just been unmotivated to blog. Which is silly because I love doing this and can't believe I didn't start doing this sooner. I'll sit down tomorrow and queue up a bunch of posts to use on days I'm to sick/busy/melting to write, and hopefully there won't be anymore gaps.
It has been so hot and humid here lately that I actually created a skincare summer travel kit to keep in my bag. I've had it for a few days and I've already used it a ton, so I highly recommend you create one of your own. I basically included different SPF products, lotion and skin balms, face refreshing spray, deodorant, and some stuff to combat acne and oily skin thanks to the humidity. Skin care lines should make pre-made little kits like this, these are seriously a lifesaver right now.
One perk of being a beauty blogger (besides getting sent goodies like the above) is my makeup skills have improves seven fold. So much so that now friends are constantly saying I should do their makeup. In fact I've been told that so often I'm going to start (slowly) building a professional makeup kit and doing makeup as a side job. I'm really excited for this new opportunity and what it means, and some extra income won't hurt obviously. For right now I'll be practicing and building my portfolio on friends and probably after Christmas I'll start doing paying gigs.
I realized the other day that I'm almost done with my face powder, which is one of those things I've never finished before in the past. In the last year I've used up so much makeup, its kind of crazy. But at least I'm using things up instead of them spoiling. And used up makeup means I get to go to Ulta and buy new stuff! NYX is 40% right now (till Saturday) so I'm getting the contour palette I've been going back and forth on for months. It works out to like $14 with the sale and my coupon so I'm comfortable pulling the trigger and getting it. And worst comes to worst I'll return it and get something else. Love when things you want are on sale, did you get anything super awesome this month?
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
June 2015 Empties, My Push to Finish Products
Today is the first day of July, and that means it is time to sort through my mountain of trash and see what I used up in June. Now last month I set a goal of 25 finished products, which admittedly is quite a lot of items. I not only met that goal, but I ended up 5 above it if I counted correctly. 30 items finished in one month, that's pretty good I think. So because there are so many items I'll divide them into "Yes, No, Maybe" and talk about a few of the stand outs in the group.
These are my "Yes, I would repurchase them" pile. I've talked about everything minus the clay mask before so I'll mainly just focus on that this time. I love Freeman masks and the lemon mint one is my favorite of the clay ones. This dries out my acne and leaves my skin looking so nice. I've already got a back up of this. The brush is an ELF studio small stippling brush, and I actually ran out within an hour of breaking it and bought another. They're only $3, so I don't mind that the studio line isn't as sturdy as some of my other brushes, all but one of mine broke within a year of buying it. I'll probably talk about that more later.
These are my "Maybe" items. The Liz Earle soothing eye lotion was really nice, as was the Demeter Jasmine perfume, but they're both a bit spendy for my current budget. Maybe in the future when I have some extra cash for goodies. The two ELF blushes I really liked, but I'm kind of sick of the powder one after making it my Project Pan item. And the cream blush dried up after a year, which was a bit frustrating. I will probably pick these up in the future but right now I need a break from them.
My "No" pile is huge this time, which surprised me. All of the hair care products just didn't step up to my expectations of them, even the Beauty Protector shampoo and conditioner. All the lotions are a no because I own to much lotion currently and cannot justify buying more anytime in the next year. The makeup items were either way overpriced (Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel and Smashbox Primer), or I just didn't like enough to want more of. The two tools in the no pile, the beauty blender dupe and the cotton swabs, actually really disappointed me. The sponge would NOT come clean, no matter how or what I washed it with and I eventually ripped it trying to ungross it. The cotton rounds were suppose to be my Dollar Store regulars but they switched them for these awful, shedding things and I didn't notice till I was home. I may have to start getting my cotton swabs somewhere else until they switch back to the ones I liked. And lastly, that Dove body wash gave me a horrible rash, so if you have sensitive skin I suggest avoiding it like the plague. An itchy, hive covered plague.
The last month was really great for empties and I'm super happy with my progress. I won't set any goals for July since I have a feeling I won't be wearing a whole lot of makeup that month. I do want to finish another thing of lotion and all my stockpiled hair stuff, but other than that I'm not going to push myself. If you see an item in the pictures you want me to talk more about please let me know down below in the comments.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
A UFO of Gastronomic Porportions
*I received this product free for reviewing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own*
In addition to being a beauty blogger I'm also a huge foodie. Food and lipstick, two of my favorite things. Now being a lover of food means sometimes I have a err....few more pounds on my hips than I'd like. Cupcakes man, they go straight to my butt. So in an attempt to eat healthier I've been looking at alternative ways to cook my veggies other than sauteed with butter and garlic, and when I was offered chance to test out Sunsella's vegetable steamer I though this would be a match made in healthy food heaven.
First, can we all agree that this thing looks like a flying saucer when it's closed up? I actually have to hide this from my son because he thinks it's a space ship toy. In case you have no idea what a vegetable steamer is, this is kind of like a metal strainer you put into a pot with like an inch of water in it. The steamer hold the veggies up out of the water so they are cooked by the hot steam. More nutrients are preserved, everybody is happy. It hold enough for my family of three, but if you wanted to do a large batch you'd have to do several rounds.
Once opened up it was really quite large, and fit my large pot just fine. I think you could only halfway open it and put it into a medium sized pot, but I haven't tried that. The little ring makes it easy to lower into my pot and remove it once I'm done cooking. The only thing I didn't like are the metal prongs that keep the steamer above the water. I wish they were coated in silicone, I'm worried the prongs are going to scratch up my coated pots with repeated use. But other than that I liked it a lot. I haven't tried anything but veggies on it, but I imagine I could do dumplings and maybe even some fish fillet if they were on the smaller size like the tilapia I happen to have in my freezer.
With summer here are farmer's markets on every corner now is the time to enjoy some lighter, healthier fare. Or even steam and freeze fresh produce to enjoy later in the winter. For $13.99 with free Prime shipping, I think this is a good deal and really makes it easier to eat healthier. I'm trying to figure out how to cook an entire meal at one with it, which I think would be brilliant and so time saving.
This is actually the third time I wrote this post, so I apologize if it seemed shorter than my usual reviews. Blogger ate the draft as I was trying to publish it, and I scrapped a draft that really sucked, so this is what I ended up with. Add it lighting and camera issues and these are the makings of a frustrated blogger.
In addition to being a beauty blogger I'm also a huge foodie. Food and lipstick, two of my favorite things. Now being a lover of food means sometimes I have a err....few more pounds on my hips than I'd like. Cupcakes man, they go straight to my butt. So in an attempt to eat healthier I've been looking at alternative ways to cook my veggies other than sauteed with butter and garlic, and when I was offered chance to test out Sunsella's vegetable steamer I though this would be a match made in healthy food heaven.
First, can we all agree that this thing looks like a flying saucer when it's closed up? I actually have to hide this from my son because he thinks it's a space ship toy. In case you have no idea what a vegetable steamer is, this is kind of like a metal strainer you put into a pot with like an inch of water in it. The steamer hold the veggies up out of the water so they are cooked by the hot steam. More nutrients are preserved, everybody is happy. It hold enough for my family of three, but if you wanted to do a large batch you'd have to do several rounds.
Once opened up it was really quite large, and fit my large pot just fine. I think you could only halfway open it and put it into a medium sized pot, but I haven't tried that. The little ring makes it easy to lower into my pot and remove it once I'm done cooking. The only thing I didn't like are the metal prongs that keep the steamer above the water. I wish they were coated in silicone, I'm worried the prongs are going to scratch up my coated pots with repeated use. But other than that I liked it a lot. I haven't tried anything but veggies on it, but I imagine I could do dumplings and maybe even some fish fillet if they were on the smaller size like the tilapia I happen to have in my freezer.
With summer here are farmer's markets on every corner now is the time to enjoy some lighter, healthier fare. Or even steam and freeze fresh produce to enjoy later in the winter. For $13.99 with free Prime shipping, I think this is a good deal and really makes it easier to eat healthier. I'm trying to figure out how to cook an entire meal at one with it, which I think would be brilliant and so time saving.
This is actually the third time I wrote this post, so I apologize if it seemed shorter than my usual reviews. Blogger ate the draft as I was trying to publish it, and I scrapped a draft that really sucked, so this is what I ended up with. Add it lighting and camera issues and these are the makings of a frustrated blogger.
Monday, June 29, 2015
4th of July Mani Monday
Wow, can you believe 4th of July is right around the corner? We have big plans this year for the 4th, so I wanted a really fun manicure to go with it. So I came up with this fun and easy design that anybody can do, so let's get started.
To do this manicure you will need:
To do this manicure you will need:
- White nail polish
- Red nail polish
- Blue nail polish with some glitter in it
- Cosmetic wedge
- Dotting tool
- Clear top coat
- Optional: nail strengthening base coat
- Nail polish remover and q-tips to clean up your edges
First apply the nail strengthening top coat if you are using it, then the white polish. I did two coats of the white, which was a little thick for some reason. I'm thinking the heat and humidity we've been having is affecting my polish collection. Wait for the white polish to dry all the way before moving onto the next step.
Now apply some of your blue polish to the edge of the cosmetic wedge, them sponge it over the tips of your nails. This not only gives a gentler color but softens your edges. I did two layers just to make sure it was even, but I probably could have just done the one. Wait for this to dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Using your dotting tool, apply red dots into the white part of your nail. You can do a mix of big and small, a lot or a little, whatever looks good to you. I did a lot and a mixed sizing. Let this dry all the way again.
Now top your nails with the clear top coat, then clean up the polish from your skin with some remover and q-tips. Now sit back and admire your red, white, and blue artwork while sipping some cool water because it is HOT out!
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Thursday Thoughts
The end of the month is near, and the scorching hot weather has begun in my neck of the woods. As per my usual I am joining Jen of Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for her weekly Thursday Thoughts Link Up.
As I briefly mentioned, it is officially hot here. Today should hit 94 degrees, and it'll be 100 degrees this weekend. I live in the Pacific Northwest, so this is not our usual thing. I may flee to the coast with the family or to a lake a friend just told me about. This is a week to test out some melt proof makeup that's for sure.
I am busting through some of my makeup lately, look at how little is left in this Rimmel Stay Matte powder. I've repressed it once already and I'll probably do it again this weekend. Trying to "shop my stash" instead of buying new stuff lately, mainly because I want to finish things before they go bad. Speaking of finishing stuff up, my Project Pan Spring 2015 is done!! I didn't finish the lipstick and remaining eyeliner, but they are super close to being done. I'll do a brief post about it later this week as a bonus post, but for right now I'm super happy with how much I used up and I will for sure start another Project Pan in the fall. Right now I'm just enjoying having more variety in my makeup.
I really need to do another makeup tutorial, I had so much fun doing the last one and I've been really expanding my makeup skills lately. This was my eye look from yesterday and it was so pretty I had to share it. What style of makeup would you guys like to see a tutorial on? If I had a portable mirror and a good location to do it I'd film one but for now I'll stick to photos.
In case you were curious what I got with that $10 rewards card from Ulta, here's my little haul. I picked up another tube of my favorite BB Cream, then I decided to test out the Baby Skin Primer and the Baby Lips lip balms. I haven't tried the primer yet but those lip balms are the balm you guys, like I need 100 more stat. The pink one smells like candy, I want to eat it every time I apply it. I'll do a full review of them later, but for now I'm very pleased with my purchases.
As I briefly mentioned, it is officially hot here. Today should hit 94 degrees, and it'll be 100 degrees this weekend. I live in the Pacific Northwest, so this is not our usual thing. I may flee to the coast with the family or to a lake a friend just told me about. This is a week to test out some melt proof makeup that's for sure.
I am busting through some of my makeup lately, look at how little is left in this Rimmel Stay Matte powder. I've repressed it once already and I'll probably do it again this weekend. Trying to "shop my stash" instead of buying new stuff lately, mainly because I want to finish things before they go bad. Speaking of finishing stuff up, my Project Pan Spring 2015 is done!! I didn't finish the lipstick and remaining eyeliner, but they are super close to being done. I'll do a brief post about it later this week as a bonus post, but for right now I'm super happy with how much I used up and I will for sure start another Project Pan in the fall. Right now I'm just enjoying having more variety in my makeup.
I really need to do another makeup tutorial, I had so much fun doing the last one and I've been really expanding my makeup skills lately. This was my eye look from yesterday and it was so pretty I had to share it. What style of makeup would you guys like to see a tutorial on? If I had a portable mirror and a good location to do it I'd film one but for now I'll stick to photos.
In case you were curious what I got with that $10 rewards card from Ulta, here's my little haul. I picked up another tube of my favorite BB Cream, then I decided to test out the Baby Skin Primer and the Baby Lips lip balms. I haven't tried the primer yet but those lip balms are the balm you guys, like I need 100 more stat. The pink one smells like candy, I want to eat it every time I apply it. I'll do a full review of them later, but for now I'm very pleased with my purchases.
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