Dry Shampoo/Conditioners.......Oh YES!

Dry Shampoo has been around for a long time. I tried it for the first time 7 years ago. Back then it was a colored powder in a squeeze type of bottle. I have dark brown hair and my only option was black, which didn't quite match. It was also messy and thick. I used Bumble and Bumble and that wasn't cheap. I think it cost almost $40.00 a bottle. Needless to say I stopped using it after a week.

Now a days you can get it in a spray can and it comes out very fine, and when used correctly clear. There are many brands out there from a $25 can from the salon to $3.00 at a retail store like Walgreens. All you do is spray it towards the roots of your hair so it soaks up the excess oil. Then you can also flip you hair upside down and spray lightly. Don't spray too close or you'll look like you have strands of white hair.

I've tried Tresseme and it works good but it wreaks. Dove has it too and it smells nice.

The one I love is by Suave. I know you're probably flashing back to those commercials where they show how salon experts can't tell the difference between a salon shampoo and Suave. Those commercials weren't talking about their dry shampoo. They probably should. Hmmm I think they do. I can't remember. Sorry I digress.

This stuff isn't only inexpensive it really works well and smells great. Another great thing is they have 3 types. You can buy the regular dry shampoo or dry conditioner, or their Keratin infused dry shampoo. I prefer the dry conditioner. It soaks up excess oil in your hair and freshens up your hair with a light pleasant scent. The dry conditioner also gives it a nice shine that isn't greasy like glossy sprays. I like using it in the middle of the day to liven up my hair. It's also great when you want to curl your hair. It really helps set the curl and style.

If your a person that washes your hair every other day this is perfect. It doesn't clean your hair but it does help give you a fresher feeling in between washes. I like both the shampoo and conditioner, but I what I use everyday is the conditioner.

Try it, and you'll feel the same!

Feeling Blue with some BAM!

Ok nail time! Essie has a wonderful metallic collection out right now. They have a metallic blue, copper, metallic lilac and silver. I was feeling "Blue".

It had a different consistency from your average color. I found using one really good coat worked best. Once I finished I thought, "I still need some pizzazz". As if the metallic blue wasn't enough. I decided to make my accent nail by using Essie's Matte top coat to dull the metallic. Then I took my OPI "I Have a Herring Problem" which is like a denim blue. I used my my nail art brush and did a drop of the OPI and then took the brush and kind of starred it out. I topped the little design with a little dot of the Essie Metallic Lilac. BAM quick art.

I've gotten so many compliments the past couple of days. I was even at Ulta the other day and a couple of women were commenting on the Essie display of metallics. I walked by and flashed my hand, and they both ended up buying the polish.

Polishes used Essie Blue Rhapsody and Nothing Else Metals, Essie Matte finish, OPI I Have a Herring Problem.

Finished Product

Essie Blue Rhapsody and Nothing Else Metals, Essie Matte finish, OPI I Have a Herring Problem.

My quickie design!

You Brighten Up My Face!

Face highlighters are great.  They can give you a more refreshed awake look, if you place it under your eyes.  It can also help with contouring areas like your nose to give it a smaller or thinner appearance.  I've been kind of experimenting with two highlighters this summer.  One is by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and the other is by Bare Minerals.  Both brands I love.  I use a lot of Bobbi Brown's lip and eye collections.  As for Bare Minerals, I cannot live without their foundation and mineral veil.

I like what they both do for me just about the same.  It really comes down to convenience. Bare Minerals has a great highlighter called "Exquisite Radiance".  The name speaks for itself.  Its a very subtle and light mineral that you apply with a small contoured brush.  It goes on very smooth and gives you a nice bright eyed look when you put it under your eyes and works great with contouring your nose when you brush it down the middle (on the bridge of your nose). As you know, with minerals, it can get kinda messy in your makeup bag. Carrying it around in your purse might not be the right option. 

The really wonderful thing about the Bobbi Brown Highlighter is that it's a pen.  Well more like a thick marker.  It's very convenient to carry around in a tiny purse when you go out or to just throw into your gym bag or purse.  To use this, you merely click the bottom of the pen a couple of times until you start to see the highlighter creme in the brush.  You can either take the brush directly to your face or what I like to do is take my finger and swipe some off the brush.  Then I'll dab it under my eyes to brighten or I'll dab around the apple of my cheeks (after blush and bronzer of course) to give my cheek bones some definition.  You can also put it on your nose to create a contour.

They are similar in function but in a different price point from one another.   Bobbi Brown sells it on their site for $32.00 and in 3 colors Rose(I use), Opal and Bronze.  Bare Minerals "True All Over" Face color is what they use as a highlighter (they don't call it a highlighter but its use is basically similar). On the Bare Minerals site it's $19.00.  What I did was opt for the Bare Minerals Bare to Color Guide Warm.  I opted for this because I got more bang for my buck and I just LOVE Bare Minerals. This was $39.00 and came with the following:

• Prime Time^TBrightening Eyelid Primer (luminous golden sheen)
• Zany Eyecolor (soft tarnished gold) (size: small)
• Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in 10 PM (burnished mocha)
• Exquisite Radiance All-Over Face Color (size: small) (This is what I use)
• Mini 100% Natural Lipgloss in Apricot Nectar
• Double-Ended Precision Eye & Cheek Brush (I use this to apply the radiance)

You can go either way, I happen to love both.  It all depends on the occasion.  

This is the wonderful double sided brush I use that comes with the Warm Collection Warm Collection

Bobbie Brown Highlighter Pen in Rose $32.00 Bobbi Brown

Bare Minerals Exquisite Radiance from the Bare Guide to Warm $39.00 Bare Minerals

 

Mochachino with a Splash of Crackle Anyone?

Hello to all my glamor girls!  I just tried a really nice color manicure with an accent nail that looks really HOT!  I'm really getting into the fall colors.  Yes, I know it's still summer but a girl can still experiment.  I used Essie's "Mochachino" its a rich taupe with a little bit of sparkle.  I then did my accent nail in a black crackle polish by OPI.  I wasn't sure I was going to like it.... Guess what I LOVE IT!  It's a nice look for work or going out on the town.  Let me know what you think.  

Essie Mochachino without the accent nail.....Pretty

Essie Mochachino with Black Crackle by OPI accent nail....HOT

Teaching Your Child How to Tie Their Shoes

Hi everyone! I know my blog has been focused on beauty tips and tricks lately, but I also like to blog about family tricks and finds. So here is what I wanted to share with any parents, care givers, teachers.

I've been surprised by a lot of things children these days know how to do with technology. I'm even more surprised at the small things that kids CANNOT do these days. In an age where Velcro shoe fasteners are available in just about every kind of shoe you can imagine, it's no wonder kids haven't learned to tie their shoes. I remember as a child that if I wore any kind of athletic shoe it had laces. The only time I didn't have laces was in my patent leather dress shoes or summer sandals. In the last year I've come across children who were in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade who didn't know how to tie their shoes.

My oldest son, who turned 5 this year was also not able to tie his shoe laces. I thought "I can show him no problem." I tried to show him the bunny ear technique, but he just couldn't understand what I was doing. I thought to myself there has got to be a fun and easy way to teach this skill to him without getting him or myself frustrated.

I came across a book at his school book fair called "One, Two, Tie Your Shoes!" by Lorraine Gregory. This book is so simple and fun looking, but genius at the same time. My son literally took the book for 30 minutes and BAM he was able to tie the laces on the book. He then put his new pair of athletic shoes on and tied both his laces. In the book it shows you 3 ways to tie them with a matching rhyme. My son was so proud! (not to mention both my husband and I)

To all you out there trying to find a fun way to teach your kids to tie their shoes, buy this book!

Subtle, Understated and Classy Nails

I was looking for something subtle and simple.  I came across the new fall nail lacquer collection by Chanel. They have 3 colors for 2012 and one of them is Frenzy.  It's very elegant and neutral.  Sometimes subtle is better than bold. I used 1 coat to give a lighter barely there look.  I also tried with 2 coats, which does deepen the tone and is still very pretty.  I prefer it lighter.

I normally don't buy Chanel polish because it's pricey. I couldn't resist buying it this time. The color is a great natural hue for fall and even right now. Chanel polish is usually $26-$30.  Essie offers a similar color called "Topless and Barefoot" which is pretty close.  That costs around $8.

When you want a change from the bold summer colors give this a try. 

Chanel Frenzy #559 1 coat

Chanel Frenzy #559 2 Coats a bit deeper

SUMMER TO FALL TOOTSIES

I'm not one to be too trendy, but I couldn't help myself with this comeback kid.  The moccasin apparently has come back into fashion.  My fashionista cousin mentioned it on her pintrest. Then I was reading my InStyle magazine and fashion designer Tory Burch mentioned the suede flats being a great summer to fall shoe.  Finally I saw on a must have shoes list for fall, that Minnetonka moccasins are back in style.  I was tempted to make the plunge, but still I hesitated.  Then I remember my first pair of Minnetonka moccasins in white I had in the late 80's.  I literally wore them everyday. I thought this is one comeback I'm going to have to go with.

I searched the net for the right moccasin.  I found the Minnetonka Thunderbird Soft Sole Suede.  I thought now there is a cute shoe.  It's the look of my favorite moccasin with the soft suede material.  Did I mention it came in one of my favorite colors to wear in the fall and winter.....GRAY!  So my next task since I'd found the shoe was to find the perfect price.  Then BOOM! Amazon had them for $35.95 and with my Amazon Prime 2 day shipping was free.  Amazon processed it so fast I got it the next day.  Now that's a deal! These retail around $35.00 - $39.00.

Here they are and they are super comfy.  It's like wearing slippers.  LOVE THEM.  Might have to get a second pair in brown.

PRETTY IN PINK

 

For over 15 years I've had the same manicure my typical French Manicure.  This past year I decided to make a change by actually venturing outside my comfort zone and try new trendy nail colors.

This week was another step outside my comfort zone, with a bright pretty summer pink.  It’s by OPI and it’s part of the Vintage Minnie Mini set. It’s called “If You Moust you Moust”. It’s really cute.  I also wanted to add my new obsession, the accent nail. It’s very subtle and just gives the manicure a little sparkle.  For my accent nail I used Essie Luxeffects in“Pure Perfection”.  It’s a silvery pearl sparkle.

Hope you like it.  If you’d like to see any other colors or nail art, send me a message and you just may see it in my blog ;)

With the accent nail.  See the sparkle.  Very subtle!

Essie Luxeffects, Minnie Minis by OPI, and Seche Vite top coat

Without the accent looks pretty too!

Awesome Shampoo and Conditioner...NON SALON!

Have you ever looked at an ad in a fashion magazine with some beautiful celebrity endorsing the product, and thought "yeah right you don't really use it".  I do a lot. 

I have always been particular about the products I use in my hair.  I've ALWAYS bought only SALON products for my hair.  I know that sounds a bit snobby, I couldn't help it.  Products like Paul Mitchell, Biolage, TIGI, etc. have always been sold at every hair salon I've gone to.  My stylists have always washed my hair in one of their salon products of choice. Every time I leave with a bottle of the shampoo and conditioner they've used or suggested.  One day I was flipping through a fashion magazine and I came across an add for L'Oreal Evercreme.  The celebrity in the add was the beautiful Eva Longoria.  Her hair was gorgeous!

Well, I pulled the trigger, and decided to give it a try. I went ahead and bought L'Oreal Evercreme shampoo and conditioner I was PLEASANTLY surprised.  It's now been 4 months since I've made the switch from salon only to NON salon.  I've never been happier.  Finally an ad that was for real.  The last 3 times I had my hair trimmed my stylist commented on how healthy and pretty my hair was looking.  The first couple of times I just said "Thank You", and didn't mention what I was using.  I almost felt like she would frown on me.  Finally this last time, I had to tell her the truth.  She was surprised that I had gotten salon quality results.  I had told her that it was Sulfate free, and she said that makes a huge difference. 

The really best part is the dang price.  I went from spending $40 bucks a pop for shampoo and conditioner to literally $13.09 (they are $6.99 each).  Another great thing in almost every single Sunday paper, there is a coupon for at least $2.00 off.  Holy Cow!  Great hair for a ridiculously great price. Just the way I like it.

Give it a try and see for yourselves.

L'Oreal Evercreme Shampoo and Conditioner!! THIS STUFF RULES!

New French Stripe Nails

It was time to do my nails again. I was trying to do something a little different. I wanted to do a modern take on the French manicure. This is what I came up with.....

I took my favorite polish Essie Marshmallow as my base color. I then striped the tip with OPI I Have a Herring Problem. I took my next color Platinum Silver by China Glaze and striped right below the tip stripe. I then used my favorite top coat by Seche Vite. And a lot of breath holding...

What do you guys think???

The inspiration is from my wonderful husband! He gave me the idea. :)

My French Multi

I love it!

Bye Bye Dull Dry Skin!

This year I turned the big 4-0, and it wasn't that big of a deal.  It was a big deal for my skin.  The past few years I noticed that my skin was getting really dry and kind of dull.  I realize that I won't have skin like my 5 year old, but I didn't think my skin would change this bad with age.  I have tried a lot of things from salon lotions, bath and body works type of lotions and I really didn't see a difference.  They smelled great but didn't work so great.  I've tried products like Dove and still nothing. I was picking up some things at my local Walgreens and I stopped by the lotion aisle. I saw a new lotion by Dial called NutriSkin Replenishing Lotion.  They had a couple of different types, but I chose the one marked FIRMING.  There was an interesting label on there that read Firmer Skin within 3 days Improves Elasticity.  Well that sealed the deal, I bought it. It was only $6.49 for a 21 Fl oz.

Well after a week I did notice my thigh skin wasn't as loose and my stretch marks (yes I have them) we slowly fading.  After a month my skin was looking a little brighter too.  Who would have thought Dial would make something like this.  I always thought of Dial as bar soap my parents used to buy.  Not anymore.

If you are looking for something inexpensive that works to firm and bring back the look of youthful skin, try Dial NutriSkin Repleneshing Lotion. It comes in Firming (I love this), Soothing, Sensitive, Extra Dry and Dry.

Here is some of the information for the Firming:

This body lotion is proven to firm skin and improve elasticity. The nutrient-rich formula contains collagen and vitamin E beads with a boost of caffeine to keep your skin looking and feeling younger, healthier and more beautiful. Custom BioNutrient Complex is infused with vitamins and minerals for firmer skin within 3 days.

• Dermatologist tested
• Hypo-allergenic
• Will not clog pores
• Lasts 48 hrs

Made in USA

As Seen on TV winner this week! The Original Space Bag

A few weeks ago I was channel surfing and stumbled upon a commercial for The Original Space Bag.  I'd seen it before, but for some reason this time I watched the entire commercial.  I watched as the woman took her cluttered linen closet and organized it with these space bags.  By the way her linen closet looked almost identical to my mess of a closet.  They then proceeded to show the woman take all of her winter sweaters and jackets and shrink them down to nothing.  Then they showed a zip case to organize your space bagged items.  I was intrigued by this.  It was as if I was doing this commercial and had the exact same issues with space and organization.  Then the magic part of the commercial.......the price.  They were offering buy 1 get 2 sets free which was $19.95 plus $7.95 S&H.  This to me was worth a try.  I received 3 XL Cubes, 3 Large Dual Use (can take travel)  Medium plus the portable organizer which worked great.  In the past I bought the other brand similar to the Space Bag, and I have to say was disappointed.  I thought they were all the same and clearly THEY ARE NOT.

My space bags came last week and I just finally got myself motivated to tackle my clothes closet and store ALL of my fall/winter clothing.  Sweaters, coats, long sleeved shirts and several pants and jeans.  I used one XL Cube and one Large dual use and stored them in the organizer that came with my deal.  My closet now is organized with all my summer clothing and now I can find things easier.

My next task was the damn linen closet which quite honestly was turning into a junk closet that was barely closing.  Well I'm happy to report that I have stored all 5 guest pillows, King size down comforter in one Jumbo Cube and then stored all the extra sheets sets and extra towels in a Large Cube.  I can actually stand in my linen closet and see everything.  It looks amazing!

If you want to organize, declutter and store your items BUY THE ORIGINAL SPACE BAG.  Go directly to their site https://www.spacebag.com for the great deal.  This turned out to be a great choice!

Top down view of the Organizer.

SHAZAM!

Humidity Be Gone!

This summer has been a scorcher and the humidity is wreaking havoc on my hair. I've tried a lot of things lately and I was about to give up.

I recently ran out of my Moroccan Oil. In an act of desperation I tried this new argon oil at Walgreens made by Organix. I spent $7.99 as opposed to $40.00 for the Moroccan Brand. The box was marked extra strength great for course dry hair.

I tried it and quickly felt a major difference in the texture of my hair while wet and after I blow dried it. I went out this morning and noticed that my hair didn't frizz. I had curled my hair in my usual style with my InStyler and my curl stayed as well.

This is quickly becoming a hair must have.

The modern Epilady Shaver

Back in the late 80's I had the misfortune of trying this brand new gadget for shaving your legs. It was the original Epilady. It was basically and electric shaver with a circular set of coils that ripped out the hairs from your leg. I say ripped because that's what it felt like but even worse. Needless to say I could only stand to do part of my leg, because it was too painful to do the rest.

About 3 months ago I was looking for an alternate way of hair removal other than the standard razor blade. I searched Amazon for a shaver that had great reviews (more than 3 stars out of 5). I found the Epilady Legend 4th generation. This had 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

As I read the reviews carefully, I noticed a theme amongst the reviewers. Almost all of them said it wasn't the painful experience that was said of the original. This peaked my curiosity. The price was reasonable $59.95. I remembered it used to be almost $200 back in 1986.

I have to say it's pretty great. There is no pain. If anything the first time its a bit uncomfortable but certainly not painful. After the first use it really was smooth sailing. It works really well and I have very course hair and it removes it with no problem. It's really awesome for shaving under your arms. It's a bunch of little tweezers that pull the hairs straight up. Not the circular coil that hurt so bad. Under the arms the shave lasts about 3 weeks. On my legs I can go a week to almost 2 before I see stubble.

If you are looking for an alternative to razor shaving, give this a try.

Accent Nail: LOVIN IT!

I've experimented with the new trend of the accent nail. I've tried 3 different types of nail strips. Most of them are just decorated stickers. My fav and by far best quality.........SALLY HANSEN SALON EFFECTS! They are actually made with nail polish.

I love the look of it and feel. The others feel like stickers this actually feels natural. Sally Hansen has so many beautiful colors and patterns to choose from.

They are usually around $8.99-9.99. I like to get it from Walgreens. If you sign up online with Walgreens you can print out coupons and they have saved me a couple of dollars on Sally Hansen Salon Effects.

The goods...

The results...

My new favorite summer bag!

Ok, I love designer bags I'm obsessed. I have to say my new fav for this summer isn't designer but a cute tie dye bag I bought from American Eagle Outfitters. Seriously cute for summer. It is super roomy but not a huge shoulder bag. It's large enough to carry my wallet, IPad, make up bag, and some of my children's things like wipes and spare clothing. It looks great at the beach, mall, and just tooling around town.

Here's the best thing, it's on sale at American Eagle right now. If you buy online you can even use the following promo code to get a few more dollars off 90258011(this saves you 15%)

It comes in 2 colors blue and peachy pink.

Check it out!

DIY nail shortcut tools don't always work

I recently purchased an As Seen on TV product called Salon Express. I do all my own manicures and pedicures and I've really gotten into doing nail art. I was surfing channels a few months ago and I was drawn in by the infomercial for Salon Express. They had a bunch of women in a room like a Tupperware party. They were using some kind of stamping gadet where you can do all these salon designs using any nail polish and it supposed to look really professional and supposedly easy to use. Well I bought it.... My advice to you ladies out there is don't waste your money. The idea is great but the results not so great. The box says for best results use nail art paint. Trust me that doesn't make a difference. I used both.

Bottom line it's great for young preteen girls not so good for women looking for a salon finish at home.

I'm going to post a picture so you know WHAT NOT TO BUY!

InStyler......MY FAVORITE HAIR TOOL

If I could, I would stand outside and shout out to the world how much I ABSOLUTELY LOVE my InStyler. I could not live without it. I love it so much I have 2. One that stays in the car and one I use everyday! What you see in the infomercial is DEFINITELY TRUE.

I used to use a hair straightner and hot rollers, which took me forever and really wasn't good for my hair. This does what I want. It smoothes, shines and gives my hair body. LOVE IT!  I have some pics of my hair before I use it and after I use the Instyler. I get so many compliments on my hair and it doesn't take me more than 7 minutes to do my whole head. See for yourself.

There are many good deals on this out there. Amazon sells it both new and used. I love Amazon they get it to you fast. You could also opt to go directly to www.getinstyler.com they have 3 colors to choose from if you get their deal and buy 2 for the price of one (which turns out to be $ 139.96) you could keep one and sell the other on Craigslist or Ebay for around 80.00 and you end up spending only $59.96 after all is said and done.  Plus on their site you have choice of colors. You could go either way.  Go Amazon if you want just one.

Before Blown Dry 

Before Blown Dry 

After Pic 7 Minutes with the InStyler

Side View after pic

Fun with Polka Dots

Hello to all the ladies out there that are like me and want to find great beauty, home, and family ideas and tricks on a budget or not. If you're like me, and want to get great ideas or the latest trends but want to save a buck or two you might enjoying following me on my past, present and future journeys.

I'd like to start of with one of my longtime obsessions, my manicure and pedicure. Although I love getting them, I hate spending the money on someone doing my manicures and pedicures when I can do them myself. Today I decided to change it up with some dots of my favorite color blue and silver blue.

Seche Vita base coat and top coat, Essie Marshmallow, MAC Wonder Woman Blue and OPI I Have a Herring Problem

I started out using my favorite base coat by Seche Vita and my favorite nail color Marshmallow by ESSIE.  Then I took my nail art tool that I purchased from Sally's Beauty Supply for a cool $ 5.95 which has a thin brush to create thin lines or to draw and the other end is a tiny ball tip that I used to dip my blue colors with.  I used  MAC Wonder Woman blue polish that my wonderful hubby bought me from EBAY (It's discontinued by MAC but you can find it on EBAY if you really like).  I also used my silvery blue I Have a Herring Problem by OPI for the dot colors.  Once I finished coloring my entire nail with the white color polish I used the ball tip tool to dip into the darker blue and dotted towards the top part of my nail (in no particular design just spread out).  I then cleaned the tip and dipped the tip into the silver blue color polish and then dotted around the dark blue.  Some overlapping but I kept the dots towards the tip of the nail almost like a reverse french manicure.

Do you likee?

Finished dotted design.