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Monday, December 17, 2012

Naked Skin Beauty Balm by Urban Decay Review!

Hi Guys!  Today I am excited to write my review for Naked Skin Beauty Balm by Urban Decay!  I received a sample to test out from the lovely ladies over at Ipsy along with my December Glam Bag.  If you are not already a Glam Bag subscriber, make sure you head over to www.ipsy.com to sign up, their monthly subscription cant be beat!  I am a sucker for BB Creams and new products in general.  This product will hit the www.UrbanDecay.com website on January 8th, 2013, make sure to visit their site and sign up for email notifications and they will send you email reminders when the product is available for purchase. 

 

Okay, now on to the good stuff, the review:

First off, I am a huge fan of BB Creams, in fact, I have never been a fan of thick/heavy/unnatural foundations.  Before BB Creams hit the market I simply used concealer and occasionally some tinted moisturizer.  This Naked Skin Beauty Balm by Urban Decay is so great because it is light, smooth, and improved the appearance of my skin instantly, and to top that all off, its Oil-Free, which is a must for me!  This baby does the job of like a million products in one!  It evens skin tone and cover dark or sun spots, it helps pores appear smaller, it covers any redness from acne or old acne spots, and even helps hide those pesky little wrinkles around the eye area.  Also, its SPF 20, so it protects the skin from harmful sun rays.  There is no need for a moisturizer or primer with this as it improved skins moisture and definitely stays in place!  The shade is one of those "for every skin tone" types, and before you run off scared, this one really was (for me at least) it dried semi-matte with no noticiable shade difference, it was not orange-y like some BB Creams can be, and it was not cakey and did not pill.  I am overall extremely satisfied with this product! Oh, I forgot to mention the best part, the smell!!!  It has a slightly minty/medicated smell, and these types of scents I adore, I dont like the "powdery" smell some face makeup can have, so this was a pleasant surprise!  I will defeinitely be purchasing the full size of this product on January 8th when it is available!  Lastly, below is a picture of me wearing the Beauty Balm, Id say it enhanced the "Beauty"  ;)


  

 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Ferrero Rocher Holiday Treat Box from Influenster!

Hi Guys, yesterday I received my Ferrero Rocher Holiday Treat Box from Influenster!  I received it complimentary from Influenster for testing and review purposes.  You should totally check out Influenster's website for exciting oppurtunities to test out products, its so much fun!  www.influenster.com

Ferrero Rocher Chocolates are super yummy and rich and they come in all sorts of cute and festive gift boxes this time of year which makes for super easy and elegant gift giving, and who doesn't love chocolates?  Check out their website to see all of their beautiful gift giving options as well as where to buy them!  www.ferrerorocherusa.com

I shared my Ferrero Rocher Holiday Treats with my sister and my little nephew. My sister and I absolutely loved them as we are chocolate lovers and we love nuts with our chocolate!  These bite size balls are so devine and they have a whole hazelnut tucked inside a rich chocolatey cream center which is covered by a circular wafer crunchy type of yumminess, then all of that is dipped in more chocolate and chopped nuts!  Makes your mouth water doesnt it?  My little nephew loved them also, it was a little more than a bite for him though, but that didnt stop him, he dug right in taking huge bites until he reached the chocolatey center! 

Thanks again Infuenster and Ferrero Rocher!!



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Not Your Mother's® Smooth Moves™ Frizz Control Hair Cream!


This product has the best coconut fragrance, it provides great frizz control, and the best part is that its super affordable!!!

One tip I would offer though is not to use too much or your locks can come off looking oily and weighed down! Dime size will do ya!  I overdid it my first time using it because I loved the smell so much I just packed it on, but that much product was not necessary.
 
This Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream left my frizz tamed for sure, but definitely over application could result in oily looking tresses.  This product smells like a tropical beach though and I absolutely loved it!  I felt like I was walking the white sandy beaches of Rio, with Frizz Free hair of course!          

 Make sure to check out all of their wonderful products on there website, here:  http://www.nymbrands.com/



Disclaimer:  I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Kiss® Ever PRO Lash Starter Kit Review!

These dramatic lashes come with an amazingly great glue, super easy to follow instructions, and they are 100% human hair!!
 
My tips are to follow instructions, be sure to gently use eye makeup remover for removing left over glue after using, try regular tweezers if you cant get used to the applicator, and make sure you pick a lash style that suits your personal style as well.
I have used these lashes 2 times so far as I believe that practice makes perfect! I will keep using these until I am a master!  The glue is of proper quality, I found that the applicator was a bit tricky to use so I stuck with my regular tweezers because I felt like they gave me a more firm and comfortable control. The glue comes off of the skin fairly easy, its best to use an eye make up remover for quicker results however, and be gentle. This style of the lashes were very lush, probably perfectly suited for a halloween costume  or for picture taking as they did not look very natural, rather more dramatic and bold. I plan to master these!!
Pick out your favorite style at:  http://www.everezlashes.com/home


Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

The best thing about this New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact is the convienent, all in one packaging, the fact that is comes variety of color options, and that it is very natural looking.
 

The compact comes with 4 shadows, which they tell you how to use, for contouring, creasing, etc, it also includes a primer and a highlighter, and of course the applicators.  My tip would be to use as instructed for easy to follow tips for contouring, creasing, etc..  Especially if you are a beginner.
These NYC IndividualEyes Custom Compacts are convienent and have everything you need all in one little compact. They are very natural looking and offer a variety of color options.  They are not very heavy on the pigment though, and are more for a sheer everyday look, I would say they are probably not the best for a going out look or a night time look unless you plan to wet the shadows to add some depth and drama to them.

These are definitely affordable and a good value for the money and best of all the compact packaging, which is so perfect for travel, who wants to lug extra baggage around if they dont have to!

Pick out your favorite shades at:  http://newyorkcolor.com/

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pins are a definite MUST try!

I absolutely LOVE these Goody Spin Pins!  They are convienent, easy to use, they come with great step by step instructions, they are sturdy, compleyely effective, ingenius, and very gentle on the hair (which I think is the best part!)
 

My tip would be to simply follow instructions on the packaging for the most perfectly secure bun!
 
I am so so so so glad I received these to try in my Beauty Bloggers VoxBox. I have to be honest and say that I have seen these in the store and I thought they were the weirdest looking things, I couldnt understand why you just couldnt use a normal bobbi pin for a bun, what was the purpose of this awkward looking thing? Well, as an everyday bun wearer, I can say, looks can be deceiving and I wished I would have tried these SPin Pins sooner!  This product literally changed my bun wearing life!  It makes my bun so much easier to create!! Also, these keep it secure with no flyaways and I only need the 2 spin pins, not the 10+ normal bobbi pins I would use prior! This is a definite must have for anyone with long hair or anyone who wears a bun! I plan to purchase many more for myself, and give them as gifts for Christmas! Thanks influenster for introducing me to something I would have not otherwise tried, and thank you Goody for creating this awesome product! I absolotely love these funny looking contraptions and I do not want to think of my life without them!  I know this sounds dramatic, but I am completely in love with these Goody Spin Pins! 


Check out all Goody has to offer here:  http://www.goody.com/


Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
         
 

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candles!

I love love love these Bath & Body Works Fall Candles!!!  I love anything with a warm, fall scent.  Some of my absolute favorites are Creamy Pumpkin, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Nutmeg & Spice, and Pumpkin Caramel Latte.
 
These candles come in a large variety of fragrances, they are super long lasting, very long burning, incredibly affordable, and absolutely high quality!  I cant think of one negative thing to say about them!
 
A tip would be to light in the center of a room, away from any draperies or anything flammable and let the divine, warm fragrance fill the room!
 
                                       I recently received a Nutmeg & Spice Candle from Influenster and I must say, I loved my candle, it came in such a warm fall fragrance and it is phenominal. These candles are affordable and very high quality with a huge variety of scents ranging from clean and fresh, to floral, to oriental or woodsy, to candy like and warm. I will definitely repurchase these candles and I highly recommend these to anyone who will listen! These are long burning and the fragrance can fill a large room!

Overall, this was the best thing I received from Influenster!  I LOVE these long burning high fragrance candles!

Make sure to check out Bath & Body Works website and pick out your own favorite:  http://www.bathandbodyworks.com

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012!




 
Hi Guys, I received my Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox on Saturday and let me just say how excited I am!  All of these products are ones that I have never tried before, and there is such a great variety!  I am beyond stoked to try everything, although I have tried alot of the products thus far!  Here is a peek at the box:


There is a little bit of everything in this box, there are some great products, and all of them have great instructions on use, bthe items in this box are a beauty lovers dream...  scratch that, they are any GIRLS dream!

Overall I was extremely excited and pleased with this box. I absoutely ADORE the candle, I got Nutmeg & Spice and the scent is perfectly fall! I am excited to use the Spin Pins, they have great step by step instructions and I wear my hair in buns alot so this will be great! I loved the scent of the Not Your Mothers Frizz Control Cream, I did find that it left my hair a little dull though, I just added some hair oil on top to add the shine back in. The lashes, were not so great, I could not get the end pieces to stick properly like I can with other lashes, maybe I will give them another try. The eyeshadows were pretty, not very pigmented, but good for a soft day look. Lastly, I LOVED the E-Boost, it definitely did just that... gave me a boost! Overall, I am very satisfied with this box!
This is a fun way to try products I have not previously tried or dont have access to!



 


 
 
Check out my unboxing video on YouTube!
 




 



Thursday, October 18, 2012

National Chocolate Cupcake Day Fun!

Hey guys, today is National Cupcake Day, so last night I did what I do best...  Baked some cupcakes!  I tried out something new I found at the store; Hersheys Chocolate Melts, and I must say, they were pretty divine.

 
 
So I made Double Chocolate Cupcakes, filled with these Chocolate Melts, and topped with Chocolate Ganache.  The super-easy recipe is below:
 
 
 
Double Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Chocolate Ganache 
 
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 bag Hersheys Baking Melts-Semi-Sweet (if you cant find these, sub chocolate chips)
Directions:
 
 
  1. Heat oven to 350°F.  Line muffin pan with paper baking cups.  (Makes about 30 cupcakes)
     
  2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).  Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
     
  3. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool completely.  Then dip tops in Ganache (Recipe Below).
 
 
Easy Chocolate Ganache  
 
Ingredients:
 
  • 8 oz. Semi Sweet Chocolate, chopped (I used Giradhelli's, but you can use any semi sweet chocolate such as Bakers, etc.) 
  • 2/3 Cup Heavy Cream

Directions:
  1. Chop 8 oz. chocolate, place in glass heat safe bowl. 
  2. Boil cream in sauce pan until is starts to bubble.
  3. Pour bubbling cream over chopped chocolate and stir gently until all       chocolate is melted and cream is incorporated.
 
 
 





Wednesday, October 17, 2012

First Look!! OPI's Spring/ Summer 2013 Collection!

Oh-Emm-Gee!!!  OPI has just released a first look at their Spring/Summer 2013 Collection: Euro Centrale!  Can I just say, Awesome!!  I am already dying over each and every one of the cremes!!  I love cremes, my faves so far are OPI... Eurso Euro & Suzi's Hungary AGAIN! and... lets face it, ALL of them!!!  Cant wait to try these!!


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

MyGlam/ ipsy October Bag!

MyGlam/ ipsy October Bag!


Hi guys, I was eagerly awaiting this October bag and I finally got it last night!  I was so excited because this is the first bag that has been ALL cosmetics/ makeup since I have joined and I was beyond stoked! 

It had:
  • Couture Colour's Pequi Oil Treatment which smells fab, kinda like a  coconut-y tropical smell.
  • Coastal Scents Eyeshadow, I got Set #5 which I was wanting for the red eyeshadow.

  • Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain in Bomb 4, which I must say is a terrible color!! (You cant win em all)

  • Be A Bombshell Eye Liner in Onyx, which is a thick felt tipped liquid liner that I am stoked to use!
  • the Balm Whats Your Type Bodybuiler Mascara, another one I am excited for because I have been wanting to try out the Balm!

Overall, I am overjoyed about this months bag.  I will post reviews on the products her in a few days once I get a chance to try them all out!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Fall Homecookin'

Okay guys, like I said, this blog will include all things that spark my interest, and this weekend my interest was sparked in cooking!!  It was wet and rainy on Saturday so I chose to do some Fall home Cooking, I made a spicy crockpot chili and baked some snickerdoodles.  My house smelled de-lish!!!  Recipes below:



Cheesy Chorizo Chili
 
Ingredients:

1 pound chorizo sausage

4 15oz cans cannellini beans (white kidney beans) drained and rinsed

1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies

1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup

1 7oz can chopped green chilis

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning (from a packet you would find in the seasoning aisle)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder Grated cheddar for topping Finely chopped green onions for topping
 
Directions:
 
1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook chorizo sausage 5-7 mins, or until browned breaking into clumps. Drain on paper towels.

2. In a slow cooker, stir together all ingredients (except your toppings) until combined.

3. Cover, cook on the low heat setting for 5-7 hours.

4. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Serve topped with cheese and green onions.

Tips: this is pretty spicy, so if you're feeding it to the kiddies, you may want to leave out the chipotle chili powder. Also, I found pork and beef chorizo and I didn't know which to use so I used a 1/2 lb of each. Lol. And lastly, I'm also serving mine with sour cream and crushed up frito chips for some crunch. Oh yeah, mine cooked in about 5 hours.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Yield: about 3-4 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

3¾ cups all-purpose flour

1½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup light brown sugar

¾ cup pumpkin puree(canned pumpkin)

1 large egg

2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the coating:

½ cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to blend and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugars on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Blend in the pumpkin puree. Beat in the egg and vanilla until incorporated. With the mixer on low speed add in the dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a bowl and mix to blend. Scoop the dough (about 2½ tablespoons) and roll into a ball. Coat the dough ball in the sugar-spice mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough to fill the sheets, spacing the dough balls 2-3 inches apart. Dip the bottom of a flat drinking glass in water, then in the sugar-spice mixture, and use the bottom to flatten the dough balls slightly. Recoat the bottom of the glass in the sugar-spice mixture as needed.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until just set and baked through. Let cool on the baking sheets about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough. Store in an airtight container.
 

Friday, October 12, 2012

The NEW Influenster Relaunch Review

Okay guys, I have recently received an invite to join Influenster Influenster is a site designed to be an invite only community of people who share their opinions on products and experiences, etc.  We share news, new products, reviews of products, and places.  I particularly love this because I love to see a review on a product before I purchase if Im on the fence about it.  So...  heres my review on the new Influenster:
 
 
PROS: Super user friendly, very innovative, theres nothing like it, its fun, theres lots to see and explore!!

QUICK TIPS: Make sure to read everything and take your time to learn the site and explore its many options!  The new site is very informative, just read as you go along and you wont miss a thing! So much to learn, see, and explore! I absolutely love it!


In short, this site is an exciting and fun way to voice your opinion on products and things you have tried and help people like me who are indecisive!!
 
Heres a link to the website so you can request an invite to join: 
 
 
DO it!!!