Cute Yet Simple Summer Mani/Pedi

I wanted to share with everyone a simple mani/pedi look that's perfect for the summer.  I absolutely love Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear polish in Pacific Blue.  It's a bold and striking color that really turns heads.  I love to wear it yet I wanted a new way to show off the color.

In addition to Pacific Blue I've been enjoying a new Essie shade called In The Cab-ana.  It's a gorgeous blue-aqua that is similar to robin's egg blue.   Despite being part of Essie's 2013 Resort Collection that came out this past spring, it is still available in many drug stores/Ulta.

To get the look below I used two coats of Pacific Blue then used my "dotting tool" (you can find one at Sally's) to apply In the Cab-ana on my ring finger nails and big toe nails as an accent.  If you want a more dramatic look you can add more polka dots.

 

 

New Wet n Wild Coverall,NYX and Lorac.

After watching a few Youtube videos the other night, I was reminded of NYX's Mega Shine Lipgloss and their cream blush line.  Since I already love their Mega Shine gloss, I've wanted to try their cream blush for some time.  I decided to head over to my local Ulta a few days ago to pick up some new gloss, blush and get a mascara since I recently ran out.

 

I was underwhelmed by my local Ulta's NYX selection (everything was VERY picked over) but I managed to pick up a gorgeous cream blush and a new gloss.  Pictured below is NYX's Mega Shine gloss in the shade Smokey Look, NYX cream blush in Tickled and Lorac's Multiplex 3D lashes mascara.  I've previously talked about Lorac's Multiplex 3D mascara here and here.

 

 

You will notice the cream blush is a lovely peachy-pink with gold shimmer.  Some people describe this shade to be similar to NARS' Orgasm shade.  To be honest, I can't wait to wear this.  I think it will brighten up my face during these cold months.  I did wear Smokey Look today and it is another great choice in the Mega Shine line.  I would describe this gloss as a beige-nude with shimmer.  It's pigmented enough but not overwhelming so it can be worn over other colors.  It does have the usual NYX cherry scent but I find the scent to be pleasant.

 

L-R: NYX Mega Shine gloss in Smokey Look and NYX cream blush in Tickled.

 

In addition to the gloss and blush I did pick up another tube of Lorac's Multiplex 3D mascara.  I won't go into a full review again but I LOVE this mascara because of the way it separates and lengthens my small lashes.  Here is a picture of the mascara brush below.

 

 

After leaving Ulta I headed to my local Walgreens where I was surprised to see Wet n Wild's new Coverall collection display.  I picked up the cream foundation and the pressed powder.  Each item was only $3.99!

 

 

For the past 4 days I've worn this foundation/powder combo and I must say I've been pleasantly surprised.  Here are the pros and cons:

 

PROS-

Inexpensive

Long wearing

Matte finish

Full coverage

 

CONS-

Harder to blend than others

Color selection

 

I really think the foundation is great and wears all day.  It covers well and dries matte.  The biggest con for me is the poor color selection.  I picked up medium/tan which was one shade away from the darkest color in the collection.  Maybe my Walgreens only had a few colors available but the shade is listed as medium/tan which is not a color I would normally choose.  I found the colors available to be extremely light which is great if your skin is fair but if you tan easily or have darker skin, you will find these colors to be too light.  I am usually a NC20-NC25, so I was surprised to pick up Medium/Tan.  Overall the foundation was a nice surprise and an excellent choice since I love long-wearing, full coverage foundations. 

 

Close-up of Wet n Wild's Coverall pressed powder in Medium/Tan

 

As much as I have enjoyed wearing the foundation, I have also enjoyed the powder.  It helps smooth my skin and is not chalky.  I have found it helps keep excess oil at bay and keeps shine at a minimum.  This powder is somewhat silky, buildable and is pretty darn good for only $3.99! 

 

I also wanted to share that the foundation came with a $1.00 off coupon right now at Walgreens.  The powder did not have a coupon but where else can you pick up foundation and powder under $7.00??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Cute Craft Idea plus a few new goods!

I couldn't wait to get on here and share my new handmade craft idea that I finished today in 15 minutes flat!

 

I absolutely LOVE Pinterest and came across a picture showing a shadow box for ticket stubs.  My husband is a movie and concert fanatic, so I had to make one of my own.

 

Below is a picture showing each step I took to come to the final product.  I've seen these listed on websites for $150 or more.  Mine costs just $30 to make and that includes the double sided tape!

 

 

 

 

Supplies pictured above

 

 

STEP 1

 

You need to purchase a shadow box (purchase one according to the size of your ticket stub "collection").  In addition to the box you want to pick out 3 different scrapbook paper sheets to mat the back of the frame with.  You could choose just one but I used three types and sized them accordingly to create a matted look.  You also want to pick up any decorative accents, some letter stickers and an adhesive (I used double sided tape but you could use hot glue, glue dots, etc.).  This shadowbox can be used two ways.   You can cut a notch for the tickets to go in either through the backing of the frame or on the top or you can simply fill it with the ticket stubs when done.  A good friend I know will make a nice cut through the top for me so my husband can add stubs over time.

 

 

Back of the frame with paper/fabric mentioned in steps 2-4 adhered on.

 

STEP 2

 

Pull the back off the frame.  Take this and adhere your first piece of paper or fabric using an adhesive of your choice.  I used burlap for this step.  Make sure it lays flat and that your paper/fabric is cut to fit so the back can be placed back onto the frame without any problems.

 

STEP 3

 

*If you only want to use one type of paper/fabric, skip to step 5.* 

Take your next sheet and cut it to where it is about an inch smaller (on all sides) than your first piece of paper/fabric.  For this step I chose a piece of shimmery, champagne colored vellum paper.  Adhere this down to the first layer which will create a matted look.

 

STEP 4

 

Take your final sheet of paper or fabric (I used a piece of 12x12 card stock designed to look like sheet music) and trip it to where it is about an inch smaller (on all sides) than the paper/fabric used in step 3.  Take this and adhere it to the previous paper/fabric.

 

 

Notice the label and paper flowers.

 

STEP 5

 

Once all layers are secure, take a scrap piece of paper (I used a piece of the vellum that I cut off earlier since the 12x12 pieces were larger than the 10x13 mat I was working with) and trim it and secure it to the paper/fabric.  This will be the backing for your letters.

 

 

Make sure the back fits back into the frame!

 

STEP 6

 

Take your sticker letters and spell out "Admit One" or any other saying you want.  I chose wood chip letter stickers for this project.  After placing down the letters, adorn the shadowbox with additional touches.  You could use more stickers, ribbon/lace, decorative brads, rhinestones, feathers or paper flowers like I did.

 

 

Ta-da!  You're done!

 

 

STEP 7

 

When everything is set, place the back on again and you're done.  It took me about 15 minutes to complete his project and I spent $30 at Hobby Lobby for the supplies. 

 

 

 

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In addition to making my hubby this quick gift, I had a chance to run to Macy's and Bath & Body Works for a few items I want to share.

 

 

Clearly I love my new jacket (and a dirty bedroom, lol)!

 

At Macy's I got a super-cute casual jacket.  It's soft and made of material that reminds me of a sweatshirt.  It has a full zipper in the front and has a removable hood too!  It was originally $59 but I got it on sale for $25.  I also picked up a cute black skirt and a emerald colored cowl neck sweater.

 

The checkout girl gave me a funny look...she was probably wondering why I left with so little this time!

 

After leaving Macy's, I wanted to spend a gift certificate at Bath and Body Works.  Unfortunately a lot of stuff was picked over but I still managed to snag two wallflowers refills and a bottle of Flawless Gold lotion in the scent, Japanese Cherry Blossom.  The lotion is infused with flecks of 24k gold.  When the lotion dries, it dries to a powder finish.  I used the lotion tonight and I really like how it dries.  I don't see any sparkle or noticeable shimmer but the gold is barely noticeable anyway.

 

 

If you look closely, VERY closely, you can see tiny bits of sparkle.  24k gold sparkle baby!

 



Can't Let Go

I'm going to warn you ahead of time, this post doesn't really pertain to beauty products.  There is a quick manicure idea at the end but I wanted to post something different for a change as a way to mark a new year :)

 

Each time a new year begins, people embark on a new path, a fresh existence.  We may join the gym, eat better, pick up a new hobby and make way for new things.  In order to make room for these new things, we often clean and reorganize.  Sitting here today got me thinking about all the things I need to throw out and give away which then made me look at the things I haven't given away.   

 

Often there are items we hold on to that we can't let go of, no matter how small or trivial those things may be.  Maybe we have associated good or bad memories with the things we hold on to.  Maybe we are just lazy and don't want to take the time to throw stuff out!  So, in honor of the many years past and to welcome in the new year, here are a few things that I (and others)can't seem to say goodbye to for whatever reason that may be.  In order to move forward in the future, we must remember and honor our past.

 

  

While talking to my mother via text today, I shared something with her that I can't let go of; my 20 year old Limited Too sweatshirt.  She also happens to have a sweatshirt that she can't let go of.  She guesses her Harvard sweatshirt is at least 28 years old.  My sweatshirt has been with me since 7th grade.  It still fits only because it was over sized then but I really love the shirt.  It's lasted through middle school, high school, 7 moves, one pregnancy and is still in one piece.  Mom's sweatshirt has lasted through raising two daughters, losing a husband, one big move and one grandchild.

After talking to my mom, I realized that my sister also has a sweatshirt that she has held onto.  Her Tommy Hilfiger shirt is 16 years old.  It has lasted through middle school, high school, college, 6 moves and one engagement (soon to be wedding).  The funny thing is that all of us don't even own that many sweatshirts but somehow we all can't let go of these.  Strange that all three of us decided to keep sweatshirts of all things!

 

After thinking about my shirt, I started looking at other things around the house that I can't let go of.  Below is a picture of four items that still hang around.

 

 

The first item is a plastic box holding old t-shirts that belonged to my father.  He has been gone for almost 15 years but I still have these shirts stored away in my closet.  I don't wear them nor do I ever pull them out but knowing they are there makes me feel better.  The second item is a stuffed turtle my aunt gave me when I was a baby.  I hold on to it because it's sentimental and makes me smile.  The third item is my name tag from my job in college.  I was proud of all the ribbons I earned from the customers who nominated me.  Most people would have thrown this out by now but I guess not me.  The last item is my old passport.  It hangs around and I can't bear to toss it for whatever reason I may have.

 

I'm excited for 2013.  There is so much I have to be thankful for.  I'm excited to watch my son move from 3rd to 4th grade.  I'm excited to see my sister get married this year and for my husband and I to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.  I'm thankful for my home and career and I can't wait to see what is in store for me.  A new year, a new start.  What items do you have that you can't let go of? 

 

"In this bright future you can't forget your past."
Bob Marley

 

 

As a side note to the start of 2013, I wanted to post a quick manicure idea.  All you need is black and gold nail polish.

 

 

First I painted my nails black with Sinful Colors Black on Black.  After two coats were dry, I used one coat of Milani's FX in Gold.  Top with a shiny top coat when done.  This a quick and quirky look that makes use of a great glitter polish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Picks for the New Year!

2013 is here!  To celebrate the new year, I wanted to share some new products that I've recently purchased including some cheap finds from the recent CVS clearance sale.

 

Since it's been freezing here lately, my skin has been extremely dry.  I saw a few ads for Jergen's Crema but had no luck finding it anywhere.  After a trip to a Rite-Aid across town, I finally found it and I am glad I did. 

 

 

 

For the past week I've been using Jergen's Crema Deep Conditioning Oatmeal.  I really have enjoyed this lotion.  It's thicker than Jergen's regular lotion but thinner than a body butter would be.  The lotion actually reminds me of Jello pudding!  Jergen's Crema soaks into the skin very quickly, is not greasy and leaves skin soft.  The scent is a mix of soft coconut with vanilla.  I found my tub at Rite-Aid for a little over $6.

 

 

Another great product I recently started using has been Albolene.  Albolene has been around forever but I've never tried it.  After talking to a co-worker who praised it for keeping her extremely sensitive skin healthy, I had to pick up a tub.  I purchased mine at Rite-Aid for $11.  While Albolene is not cheap, it does serve several purposes.  Albolene reminds me of whipped Vaseline.  Albolene is lighter and absorbs quicker than Vaseline however.

 

 

 

First, Albolene is a known makeup remover.  Simply take a tissue, dip into the product and rub until the makeup basically melts away.  I've been using it to remove my makeup over the past week and so far it has done a good job.  I find that Albolene does not remove my mascara as much as I would like but it does remove eyeshadow and foundation quickly and easily.  I don't find that it is greasy but it does leave a slight film which will eventually soak into the skin or can be wiped away.

 

In addition to a makeup remover, Albolene can be used as a skin moisturizer.  Apply Albolene to your feet and put in them in socks for an overnight skin softener.   I've been rubbing it into my elbows and knees as well!  Albolene is also known for moisturizing itchy skin associated with eczema.  My son has eczema around his nose and this product has helped it disappear after a few uses!

 

 

 

 

 

I also wanted to share some new Nivea products I recently picked up.  After Christmas I was able to score this set which includes a mini tub of moisturizing crème, 2.6oz tube of moisturizing crème and a full size of Mint & Minerals lip care.  I was able to get the set for $2.  I've really enjoyed the set.  The tube has found a home in my desk at work and the mini tub fits great in my manicure box.

 

 

After getting these new skin care products, I was able to enjoy some deals courtesy of CVS.  A few times a year CVS puts a lot of makeup on clearance for 50%-75% off.  The sale is still going on at my local CVS and items were just added, so you may want to check your local store for deals.

 

I picked up 7 bottles of polish, 1 lipstick and 1 crème blush.  6 bottles were 75% off and 1 Sally Hansen polish was 50% off.  The lipstick and blush were both 75% off.

 

Here are swatches of the polish (all but two are Revlon colors) and the last two are magnetic polishes-

 

Revlon's Vintage-a cool berry shade

Revlon's Elegant-a cool classic nude

Sally Hansen's Choco-Latte-a creamy warm nude

Revlon's Foxy-a shimmery brown

Milani's Silver Dazzle (glitter)-a blue/silver glitter

Revlon's Star Crush (magnetic)-a shimmery brown

 

Revlon's Star Watch (magnetic)-a shimmery deep purple

 

 

Here are some swatches of Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick #09 and Revlon's Photoready crème blush in Coral Reef that I picked up at the sale for 75% each-

 

 

#09 Rimmel Kate Moss collection-a cool, deep berry with red undertones

 

Swatch of Coral Reef-orange based coral that blends into a light coral flush

Coral Reef crème blush by Revlon

 

 

I wanted to finish my blog post by sharing something cute I found for contact wearers.  I recently was in Wal-Mart near the eye care center and noticed some cute cases for contacts.  Each case contained 1 contact case and a mirror.  Some cases were silver, purple, pink, etc.  Each case was $3.95 which is a deal.  I picked up a rainbow leopard print that I think will match fabulously with my leopard luggage. 

 

 

 

Happy New Year everyone!