January Ipsy Glam Bag Review

I must say that my Ipsy Glam Bag is bar far the best thing that I receive in the mail each month. It is always so fun to get some new makeup items to try out in my arsenal!

Nourish Organic: Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion- 

Nourish Organic's Lightweight Moisturizing Face Lotion provides continuous moisture throughout the day while replenishing essential skin nutrients. The advanced, non-greasy formula is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants to boost skin's defenses and leave skin healthier and younger-looking every day. 100% Natural. USDA-Certified Organic. Fragrance-Free. Alcohol-Free. Ultra gentle for sensitive skin.

* Moroccan Argan Oil intensely hydrates and replenishes skin
* Rosewater evens out skin tone and smoothes texture
* Shea Butter locks in moisture and improves skin's elasticity.

Size: 0.5 oz

The Verdict- This is great feeling lotion. I love lotions that aren't oily and don't leave a greasy feel behind. If it is greasy then I don't want it. I also like that it is organic and fragrance and alcohol free so it will not irritate my sensitive skin!

Elizabeth Mott: Smooth Shadow- (in pearl)

The ultimate gel pencil that’s smooth like butter and packed with deliciously creamy colors. These velvety pencils glide on with ease, and contain just enough shimmer. They’re also waterproof and perfect to wear all day and night, a must have for all color lovers! Use a cosmetics sharpener for best results.

Size: 0.7 g

The Verdict- I am obsessed with this. It is my FAVORITE thing that I got in this glam bag. They aren't kidding when they say that it perfect to wear all night and day. I tested it on my hand and I washed them multiple times and slept and the next morning it was still there and looking shimmery and wonderful. The color it gorgeous as well. This is something that I will be purchasing after t runs out!

 

Proactiv+: Mark Fading Pads-
The Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads are a convenient, single-use, no-rinse peel pad that can instantly boost your skin’s glow and radiance. The pads help remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and remove dull layers to reveal newer, smoother, more even toned skin. With just a few quick swipes you can help fade away post acne dark marks, reduce the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.

4 separately packaged pads.

The Verdict- I am excited to try these. When I was younger I used Proactiv even though I never had acne because I loved the clean feeling that it gave me. It always worked great so I am sure that these will work wonderfully too. I have not had any blemishes to try them on yet but when I get one you can bet your bottom dollar that I am pulling on of these suckers out and using it right away!

Briogeo: Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask-

Repair and treat dry, damaged and breaking hair with Don't Despair, Repair!™ deep conditioning mask. Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength.

Size: 1.0 oz


The Verdict- This could not have come at a better time! I have recently become addicted to my Hot Tools Deep Waver so my hair has been getting more abuse than it is used to. I have been talking about how I need a deep conditioning treatment so badly, WELL HERE IT IS! I am planning to use to next weekend because this weekend was so busy. I will update with how it goes =)

Mica Beauty: Tinted Lip Balm- (in Fiesta)
MicaBeauty's 24 hour Tinted Lip Balm conditions your lips without smudge while delivering sophisticated finish. For a sheer wash of color, one swipe is all you need. For a bolder pout, simply apply another swipe and this lip balm will create lips every woman covets. Kiss-proof and smudge-proof!

Size: 2.5 g


The Verdict- This feels nice on my lips. I like the product overall but I am not a fan of lip products in pots because it just makes application less convenient. Am I right?! Also, the color isn't great on me. I don't hate it though!

Ipsy is my favorite subscription! I literally excitedly await it's arrival each month. If you would like to sign up here is a link: http://www.ipsy.com/r/31kc

Must Have Monday: Grammy Fashion Awards

My plan for this edition of Must Have Monday was to share my must have fashion frocks from the Grammy Red Carpets last night but truly I think there were many more flops than there were spot on choices. So, I am going to share my awards for the fashion at the Grammy's.

Best Likeness to a Corpse: Sklyar Grey

If I were interviewing Skylar I would probably have to ask her if she was attempting to look like a corpse or going for "Silence of the Lambs"? Excuse me but WHOSE SKIN ARE YOU WEARING?!

HOT HOT HOT: Giulianna Rancic

She is always on target. This number is the PERFECT color for her complexion, it fits her like a glove, she shoulders look amazing. She is tied for best dressed on the night for me. What a hot-mamma!

Breaking Amish- The Grammy Edition: Madonna

Seriously?! I mean, SERIOUSLY?! and the cane?!

Classy Simplicity: Martina McBride

She looks phenomenal. Her eyes stand out, her hair looks great. The color suits her! She didn't try and go over the top or crazy flashy, she went with what made her look good and good she looked!!!

 Best Dressed Man: John Legend

Thank you, John. I so appreciate a man who dresses appropriately for the occasion and looks dapper. I love the traditional suit with the satin touches and the bow tie. He looks clean, cultured and sexy. Sing to me, John!

Bad Batch of Crack: Steven Tyler

He must have snorted a bad line of crack when he picked this out. He looks ridiculous. He also looks like a doll stand is holding him up.

Most Awkward Couple: These People

Whoever they are they look silly.  She makes him look miniature. Is he wearing tweed?!

Best Dressed Female: Taylor Swift

The shimmer, the glitter, the silhouette, the hair, the make-up, her eyes, her figure... she is perfection ladies and gentlemen!

What must you have this monday?

Live & Learn Thursday- Dancing Your A** Off Can Cost You!

Welcome to another week of Live & Learn Thursday. This link up is really starting to catch on and it is so fun! I am glad to hear that others are enjoying it too. This week's installment by yours-truly is very important and can save you a heap of money.... fo realz.

This past weekend I learned a very valuable lesson, dancing can not only MAKE you money but it can COST you money. No, I didn't buy a lap dance or anything like that {get your mind out of the gutter!}.

My friend, Jennifer, was turning 29 last Friday so we planned a fun-filled night out to celebrate. We went to dinner at a swanky restaurant down in the Short North called The Pearl. Columbus is actually the 5th rated "foodie-town" in the U.S. and this is the #1 restaurant here right now. They just opened around a year ago {maybe a little less}. None of us had been there before so we were very excited to try out this special joint. I had received recommendations on drinks and food from people that I know ahead of time. We had 7:15 reservations and got there to have a drink and hang out while we waited for our table. I got an awesome beverage called "Pim's Punch" with fresh cranberries in it!

After sitting down we received two appetizers for free from a waitress that went to highschool with my friend, how awesome is that? Here is what we got:

Jalepeno Corn Spoonbread

Crispy Fried Curds

They were really good. We also ordered from seafood from the oyster bar. The birthday girl and her husband order oysters and Justin and I got peel & eat shrimp, which were phenomenal and huge. The entrees were fantastic as well, I had fish & chips over gruyere grits.

We had plenty of drinks flowing at dinner and after dinner we headed for the bars. If there is one thing that any of my friends can tell you it is that when I go out drinking I WANT TO DANCE. I may be the whitest chick ever but I still wanna shake it and embarrass myself when I am out having fun. No sitting and chatting for me.

We went to a bar that had dancing called Cantina and got a table for our husbands to sit at then headed straight for the bar on the dance floor. The drinks were flowing, the music was loud, the dancing felt good. Im sure we looked like a hot mess towards the end of the night because we might have been decently inebriated {wink wink}. Suddenly I met my new best friend for the next 15 minutes, another Penn State Grad.... lord help me. Why must I do this.

I ran to the table to get my phone and show up my fan-ness. After completing my friendship and moving on we went back to the important stuff, dancing!

Fast-forward about 15 minutes and suddenly I realize that my phone is gone from my pocket. OMG! Cue freak out. I began pacing the dance floor staring at the floor {probably zig-sagging}. It was nowhere to be seen. I raced to the bar and asked if anyone turned in a phone (HA!), the bartender basically laughed at me. I had nothing else that I could do.

On the way home I called Verizon and placed a hold on my service. The next morning I had to go drop $640 on a new phone because I had a new iPhone 5 that was only a little over a year old. FML! So this is what I have now:

It is a bright coral iPhone 5c and it adorable. But I would much prefer my cracked screen phone that I paid for already.

Lesson: When inebriated you can be pick-pocketed without noticing because people are creeping all over the dance floor anyways. So, if you plan to bust a move you are best to leave your phone at a table or with a babysitter.

We have a super awesome Co-Host this week- Erica from So Much Sunshine. Her blog is linked below with the hosts of the link up. Check her out and see what lesson she is teaching all of us about today!

PAYPAL $50 GIVEAWAY!!!

Who doesn't love a giveaway that you can spend on absolutely anything, absolutely anywhere, right?!  Welp, you are in luck! I am sponsoring Erica's blog this month and am participating in the giveaway she is hosting. 

The rules are simple:

- Please enter honestly, if you are picked as the winner and you did not actually complete the action (liking or following each entry that you said you did) then we will select a new winner. So PLEASE enter honestly. Honesty is always the best policy, right? :)

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Michelle - Hey Love Designs // Lindsey - The Craft Practitioner // Erica - So Much Sunshine

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must Have Monday- Gel Nail Week

Welcome to another week of Must Have Monday! This week on the blog is "Gel Nail Week". I am literally obsessed with my at home gel nail kit so I am going to be sharing some tip, tricks and facts about at home gel nails this week. Today I am going to share my latest must haves that I have seen and want in terms of nails colors and polish!

Welcome to the "Must Have Monday" Link Up Party!

Tell us the things you have recently discovered that are on your current "must have" list. They can be from pinterest, your favorite store, anywhere! You can list them, post pictures, the possibilities are endless!

Let's start off the week with a little fun.

Rules are:

-Please follow the host via Blogger or Bloglovin (or both!)

-If this is your first time linking up then please comment on this post and let me know so I can follow you back!

-Place the linky button in your post using the code in my sidebar

-HAVE FUN!

(Submissions start January 20, 2014, 12:00 am)

Link tool by inlinkz.com

Sunday Social- Things in 3s

 How cute is the new Sunday Social button? I like it!

1. Top 3 Favorite Kinds of Food-

• Pasta
• Cheese
• Bagels/Crusty Bread

2. First 3 Things You Do in the Morning-

• Kiss Foster good morning
• Check my cell phone
• Let the dog outside

3. Last 3 Things you do at Night-

• Go upstairs and make sure Foster is covered up and open his bedroom door
• Take my medicine
• Check my phone/apps one last time for the day

4. 3 TV Shows You Never Miss-

• Homeland
• Real Housewives of Anywhere (yes, I like pretty much every single one)
• The Good Wife

5. 3 Places You Want to Visit-

• England- And I want to find Princess Kate!!!
• Vegas- This pretty much sums up all things I love.... drinking, bars, dancing, gambling, fun!
• Bora-Bora- The pictures of the water and the little huts just surrounded by water make me swoon. I must go there before I die. MUST.

6. 3 People You Can Always Count On-

• Dad & Mom
• Ashley (my best friend)
• Joanna (My sister from another mother ;) )

Live & Learn Thursday- Cats & Christmas Trees

As many of you read on Monday we added a new member to our family, a sweet kitten/cat named Tonks! She is 6 months old and full of energy. She gets along great with the dog and so when my husband was out of town this week and I was working long hours I let her stay loose in the house with the dog, all has gone pretty well.

Me being the insanely busy person that I am right now, with a new job I just started (I joined a new practice) and Justin traveling a ton, I have not even started taking down my christmas trees {one in Foster's room and our main one in the family room}. I know this is sac-religious but what is a girl to do when she just doesn't have time?!

I came home from work on wednesday night and Tonks was bouncing off the walls. Foster and I picked up chinese take-out {go ahead and judge me us} and we were sitting at the coffee table eating {go ahead and judge again, seriously go ahead, I don't care} watching Ice Age when all of the sudden the Christmas tree starts to shake. I snap my head over and stare at it. The whole thing is just quivering and the ornaments are shaking.

All of the sudden, half way up the tree from the side facing us, the cat burst from the tree!!! Ninja style. Holy shit. I had no idea this was possible. Maybe because I have always had very overweight cats, or old cats, but none of my cats have ever attempted this. Until Tonks.

Repeatedly throughout the night I would look over and see sights like this:

She was bursting out the sides trying to attack the ornaments. While this was hilarious and entertaining I had to reprimand her because I am pretty sure she was close to breaking my ornaments and taking my 9 foot tree to the ground.

Lesson: Kitten + Christmas Tree = Jungle Gym

The Crafty Practitioner's Red Carpet Awards- Golden Globes Edition

Carpet season is just that, CARPET season. I don't watch the award shows, I only watch the red carpet specials. I live for the fashion home runs and flops. It is great to see how takes a chance and who decides to wear something classic and perfect. Every carpet show shocks me and I can never get enough.  After much deliberation and voting (by me, myself, and I) these the awards that I am issuing for the 2014 Golden Globes...

Crafty Practitioner's Favorite Look of the Night:

Work it, Maria! The hot pink is fantastic and the gold is a perfect accent, especially because gold is so hot right now {insert Zoolander face here}. If I had her body I would be calling around trying to get an imitation of this dress!

Most Unexpected Mess from Head to Toe:

Hayden, Hayden, Hayden... how did you miss the mark by so much this time?! That hair! That dress! That neckline! Those shoes! Ugh. Fire your stylist, quickly.

Your Stylist Needs a Raise:

Ms. Margoulais is just timeless isn't she? Her skin always looks flawless, her hair is fantastic, her dress fits her like a glow. Her stylist did a damn good job. Consider this a virtual back pat!

Are You Colorblind Award:

I love Sandra, I really do, but this is bad. The baby pink and baby blue on one dress is a disaster. Look away, it will burn your retinas if you look directly at it too long.

Bangin' Body Award:

She has children and look at that figure. She works her ass off (pun intended) for that shape. The color is amazing on her and compliment the simplicity of the dress so well, if this was plain black it would not be as stunning. This jewel tons puts it over the edge. Rock it, Reese!

The Look that causes me Inner Turmoil:

I love Julia, her movies, her personality, her red carpet interviews, all of her. BUT this dress throws me off. If she just took off the button up it would be fabulous. Her makeup and hair look great, her figure looks awesome, its just that shirt! Is she harnessing her inner Meryl Streep  and Diane Keaton?

Baby-Bumpalicious:

Is it legal to look that good when pregnant? Olivia Wilde needs to kiss her stylist and her trainer.

Just Cast as "The Purple People Eater":

Oh wait, she wasn't dressed up as the Purple People Eater? Crap, this is just really bad then.

Crack Kills:

Or in this case it kills your ability to dress fashionably... or ever appropriately. 

and last but not least my other favorite of the night...

Etherial Perfection:

This is just so pretty. I feel like it is classic and might even be vintage. If not, I want it when it is.

And there you have it. Until the next red carpet event..

Must Have Monday: Meet Tonks!

This weekend a new member joined our family! She is 6 months old, playful, precious, cuddly, and as soft as can be! Meet Tonks (yes, a Harry Potter reference).

Foster is head over heels in love with her and she actually sits on his lap and hangs out with him. Awesome kitty!

So, for this edition of Must Have Monday I am going to share some things I have been looking at and that I have seen that would be fun to get for Tonks <3

If they made this in my size I would totally want it for me! Don't you think she would love it?

This one would look nice in the playroom or family room. It would at least not look like a crummy cat bed laying around.

CUTEST THING EVER!!! Don't you think she needs her own teepee? I do!

Totally digging this hidden litter box. I don't want anyone to see the litter box because it is gross and this would be a nice way to keep int contained!

She would look so presh in this sweater. Not that she goes outside, haha.

I just think this is super fun! I would like one of these to put in our bedroom for her, perhaps the mint colored one after I redo our room.

Clearly this is for me. I want this for work. Call me the cat lady if you want, I don't care, this is cute!!!