Things I have purchased over and over and over again!

There are some things in life that we all purchase and purchase and purchase, no matter what anyone says they cannot dissuade us from these things. Mine is a short list but.... it exists nonetheless:

1. ACT Active Fluoride Rinse in "Mint" - I have loved this stuff since I was a kid (only then I used the Bubblegum flavor) - I love that there is a cup on the top that measures the amount needed for a nice rinse. It tastes great and it is REALLY alcohol free - meaning ZERO burn! LOVE this stuff I am never without it!
2. Slatkin & Co. "Cinnamon Sugared Donut" Candle - this is my favorite candle OF ALL time. I am a sucker for "food and bakery" candles, and this is the best one EVER. I literally bought four of them during the Fall season so I wouldn't be without it for awhile. Can't wait until it comes out again this year!
3. Biotrue - The only contact lens solution I have ever used. People tell me that you can definitely tell the difference if you use a cheaper one, so I say it's worth it - and it lasts me AWHILE so, totally worth the price. It really is like using water to clean them, only better!
4. Baby Shampoo - used to deep clean my makeup brushes every two weeks and used in my homemade brush cleaner that I use daily on them. If it's safe enough for a baby's head, it's safe enough for your makeup brushes - and SO economical!
5. ELF Eyelash Curler - it's $1.00, folks! And it works just as well as any expensive one, maybe even better! It even has nice black grippers on the handles. Best value for a dollar I can think of that isn't edible!
6. Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam - I just love the way this stuff smells, the way it goes through my wet hair without weighing it down and that it isn't sticky. I have used tons and tons of mousse in my day, and this one is still the best there is!

My favorite YouTube beauty channels!

When YouTube started a few years ago it was really a great thing. I can't remember what I did to kill time on the internet before YouTube came along.

Anyway - there are lots of "beauty gurus" on YouTube, ones that give tutorials and reviews on new products, and also list their favorite products and worst products they have ever tried. Let me tell you, I have learned SO MUCH from these people, so I thought I'd post my favorite channels here to share with all of you!

Beauty Broadcast with emilynoel83 - Emily is amazing! She is the most honest of all the YT beauty gurus, gorgeous, speaks well (she's a former news anchor so that would explain it) and just gives great tutorials, tips and honest opinions on beauty products, the majority of which tend to be DRUGSTORE products! She's the first beauty guru I started watching on YouTube, and remains my favorite.

Wayne Goss - gossmakeupartist - Wayne is a professional makeup artist and has the most amazing tips and tricks for applying makeup. He is also EXTREMELY honest, but focuses more on the "high end" makeup, which is understandable as he is english and the drugstore options in the UK are different than those in the US. I have taken so much great advice from him, and never miss a video!

FleurDeForce - I could listen to Fleur all day long, I love her english accent! Anyway, I have to admit this gal has persuaded me to buy a few very pricey products, but she has always been totally right about all of them, this is why I trust her. She's gorgeous, and I love her lip product choices!

missglamorazzi with Ingrid - This girl is so freakin' bubbly, you can't help but love her. She gets so excited over all of her beauty products, and she's just all around enjoyable to watch. Love her "monthly favorites" videos the most!

Nail Care Tips!

Last year, I went to school for manicuring, and I do have a license as well, and do some manicuring on the side. I do a mean pedicure, too! Anyway, I thought I'd take the opportunity to post some nail care tips here, as far as going to a salon and nail care at home!

1. Use cuticle oil daily to soften and soothe cuticles, also making the ugly dry look disappear.
2. DO NOT "nip" your cuticles with a cuticle nipper unless you know what you are doing. Cuticles are dead skin cells stuck on the nail bed, but just below that is live tissue and if you nip too far, you will cut yourself up and it will lead to infection. Just use cuticle remover from the drug store and a wooden pusher to gently push them back.
3. When giving yourself a manicure, DO NOT use lotion before painting your nails, or any other type of product that may leave a residue (like cuticle oil). Wait until after your nails are completely dry before applying oil & lotion.
4. Be sure to dehydrate your nails before applying a base coat (I recommend Orly Bonder) with Acetone. This will ensure the nails are totally dry for nail application, so the polish won't wrinkle as it dries. Always use a paper towel or fiberless wipes when applying the acetone so you won't have any cotton fibers stuck in your polish (a nail tech's greatest enemy!)
5. Use a REALLY good top coat if you are doing your nails at home. I recommend Seche Vite or CND Super Shiny). Even if you use cheap polish, use a GOOD top coat, it protects the nail color and will aid in dry time.
6. When getting your nails done, just make sure that the implements are sanitized with pure alcohol or disinfectant before they work on you. This is a no-brainer, people!
7. DO NOT let any nail tech use a "callus razor" on your feet. This does not work, and will do nothing but cut you up. Calluses are SUPPOSED to be on your feet, they PROTECT the feet. However, they should be smoothed down, not totally removed, unless you have to get them removed by a doctor for whatever reason.

Lifestyle Change - I hope!

Well, I got a new "day" job and it starts on February 19th. I am THRILLED and excited, and mostly relieved. The road has been long, I've been without health insurance for over a year and I am going to be so happy to be getting it back.

Along with this comes a new schedule. I'll be working there 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday, and hopefully will be at the salon on Wednesdays & Thursdays 5:30-8:30 and Saturdays 10 AM - 3 PM.

Along with a new schedule will HAVE to come a new lifestyle change. Basically, I plan on doing some exercising for 15 minutes after work on Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays, then work my way up to 30 minutes in a few months. I used to do all my cleaning on Sundays but since that is going to be my ONLY day off, I plan on moving it all to Friday nights, leaving my Saturday evenings and Sundays completely free to relax or do whatever I want to do.

Next week, I plan on going to the grocery store to get some stuff for my lunches and snacks at work. All healthy but filling stuff!

Here's the list I've compiled for two weeks worth of snacks and lunches:

• Apples
• Tangerines
• Green Grapes
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Bunch of Bananas
• Celery Sticks
• Baby Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Sliced Almonds
• Low-Fat Granola
• Whole-Grain Tortilla Chips
• Reduced Fat Triscuits
• Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese Wedges
• Pretzels
• Low-Fat Yogurt
• Fat-Free Ranch Dressing
• Hummus
• Peanut Butter
• Luna Bars
• Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine or SmartOnes micro. dinners

As you can see, I am not really a cook at all. I don't really see myself cooking lunches for the next day or putting a salad or sandwiches together as busy as I am gonna be so, the TV dinners are the best I'm gonna do haha.

Wish me luck with this, and I wish you all luck with any lifestyle changes YOU all might be making within your own lives!

Random Favorites: 2/3/2013

Currently Smelling....

Yankee Candle Whoopie Pie!

This literally smells like chocolate and cream.

Smells great before you even light it, and I got it

on sale at a local Yankee Candle store - IT SMELLS SO GOOD, 

please pick it up, you won't regret it!

Where to Buy: YankeeCandle.com, Yankee Candle Stores, 

Bed, Bath & Beyond Stores, etc.

Currently Eating....

Wright's Chicken Farm Dinner

Well, you can only get this in Harrisville, RI but - it's amazing!

You get fresh roast chicken, pasta, hand-cut fries and salad -

ALL YOU CAN EAT!

You have to put on your eatin' pants when you go here, believe me!

http://www.wrightsfarm.com

Currently Wearing....

Ballet Flats!

For some reason, I have been fascinated by these things

for years! I've always wanted a pair, and now I actually

do have a couple pairs, and I AM IN LOVE with them!

They are so comfy but not frumpy - just what I need!

You can obviously buy these ANYWHERE but,

I got mine at Payless!

Currently Listening to....

"Flight" by Sutton Foster & Megan McGinnis

Just listen to this - it's beautiful. The harmonies are

AMAZING and it's such a haunting song with such a wonderful

message! LOVE this!

*RAVE* - TV show Bloopers!

Personally, I think watching bloopers from TV shows are some of the best parts of enjoying your favorite show. Thanks to trusty YouTube, here are a few of my favorites:

Roseanne Bloopers

The best part is when Sara Gilbert knocks Roseanne over trying to answer the phone!

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Bloopers

When Will is "singing" gospel, you will crack up!

The Nanny Bloopers

"Keeping secrets is not that butler's EM-YO."

If you are bored one night, just look up TV bloopers and you will be entertained for awhile! Have fun!

*RANT* - iPhone's progression!

I have been a loyal iPhone user since 2008. I had the 2nd generation unlocked iPhone with T-Mobile until 2009, then switched to AT&T and got the 3GS, and in 2011 I got the 4S.

Now, the phone has changed since then, obviously. It's faster, it's slimmer, it's lighter, it's more durable, etc. However...the OS and Interface is pretty much THE SAME.

Come on, Apple! Shape up your game, here. I am getting sick of the same old same old!

Here is what the first gen. iPhone looked like:

And here is what the newest iPhone, the iPhone 5, looks like:

This year marks the iPhone's 6th anniversary, it was the first smartphone of it's kind, but it really hasn't changed THAT much. I want real multitasking, I want to be able to change the look without jailbreaking, etc. I'll be eligible for an upgrade in a few months and if the new iPhone that is coming out this year hasn't changed DRAMATICALLY, I am switching to a Droid. And believe me, if you know me, this is a big deal. I am an apple products girl, and still am, but I am just starting to get so bored with the iPhone.

Switch it up, Apple!!! It's not that hard for you to do!

My Current Skincare Routine!

Being a beauty guru can be high maintenance, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I wanted to show you all my current day and night skincare routines, and threw in a few extras as well! Hopefully this will give you all some ideas. I'm really liking my routine right now, though it definitely changes from time to time!

Daytime Routine

1. Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser: This stuff is awesome. I have combination skin and it's not easy to find a cleanser meant for combination skin in the drugstore. It lathers up well and doesn't dry me out OR make me oily. Perfect for my combo-skin!
2. Origins Never A Dull Moment Skin-Brightening Face Polisher: I use this 3x per week. It smells amazing, has a VERY FINE grit to it, and always makes me feel refreshed after I use it.
3. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner: I apply this with a cotton ball. It helps wake me up a bit more and is extremely non-irritating to the skin.
4. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen - Combination/Oily: This stuff has been around FOR YEARS. My mother uses the sensitive skin version and hasn't strayed from it since the 90s. It's just a great, no-frills daytime moisturizer!
5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller: This stuff is cooling and has caffeine in it, so it makes you look awake when you might not be. Highly recommended for anyone who can't get their eyes open in the morning!
6. Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm - Cherry Flavor: Just a great lip balm to use in the morning before putting on my makeup. It primes the lips for a smooth lipstick application!

Sorry about the lighting!!!! :-(

Nighttime Routine

1. Pond's Clean Sweep Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes: I like that these wipes are textured, and they smell nice, too. A few sweeps around my face gets most of the makeup and residue OFF my face.
2. M.A.C. Cleanse Off Oil: I wipe this gently into my eyes, rinse with warm water and voila! Eye makeup is all gone!
3. Bioderma Crealine Sensibio H2O: I put some on a cotton pad, wipe my face, and repeat. It is a no-rinse cleanser and it feels like you are washing your face with pure water. Awesome stuff! Just pat dry and you are all set!
4. Claudale Beauty Elixer: This stuff is so great to use at night. A quick shake and a few spritzes onto your face makes you feel instantly refreshed. And it SMELLS AMAZING!
5. Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: This stuff is so great to moisturize under the eye area. It's unscented and very good for the sensitive eye area. A little goes a long way!
6. Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial: LONG name, but a great nighttime moisturizer. I like that this eliminated the need for a dark spot correcting serum. I have acne scars and so far it's really helped!
7. Lush Lip Scrub in 'Sweet Lips': This tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Just scrub your lips with it and then you can lick it off, because it's made with pure sugar and natural flavoring!
8. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve: This is just such a GREAT night time lip treatment. Smells great but doesn't taste like anything, and keeps my lips soft all night long!

Extras (used sparingly/when needed)

1. Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment: A spot treatment used at night if I have a blemish. You put it on the blemish without rubbing in, and in 2-3 days it's gone!
2. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask: I use this once a week after removing my makeup. It is AMAZING and clarifying, keeps my skin clear. And it's black which is interesting.
3. Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil: I use this stuff on my nails, hair, or my face and neck if my skin is feeling extra dry (like right now due to cranking the heat in my house) - it's amazing. A MUST HAVE!
4. Freeman Chocolate & Strawberry Face Mask: This is a deep pore cleansing mask and it literally smells like chocolate. So much so that you have to keep it from the kids! Used once a week.
5. Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks: A makeup artists must-have. You break one end of the stick, then the remover that is in there saturates the other side, and you can get in and erase any residue left behind in your eye makeup. Great stuff!

Current Favorites: TV Shows!

The last time I posted something like this was over a year ago and frankly, the shows I used to love were either canceled or I lost interest quickly LOL. For instance, I no longer watch Glee due to the stupid decision of making the regular cast take a back seat to the "new" high school class that showed up there, so I am all set with it!

Anyway, here are my current favorite shows, all situation dramas or comedies. No need to list any reality shows here because I only watch a couple, like Tia & Tamera and Dance Moms.

Better than The Closer was!

Major Crimes: I was a loyal watcher of "The Closer" for years, then Mary McDonnell came along in season five with her Captain Sharon Raydor HBIC and I fell in LOVE. Major Crimes is basically a reboot of The Closer, only better. I love Mary the way she plays Sharon. She took in a troubled teen and just made her character come to life. Anyway, tune in, you won't be disappointed! Mondays, 9 PM, TNT (new season starts in July!)

SMASH-ing!

Smash: I sort of have a love-hate relationship with this show. The fact that they focus SO MUCH on Katharine McPhee's character is annoying, but the covers and original music in it are amazing, as are most of the actors. I am looking forward to the new season in a couple weeks, with the addition of Jennifer Hudson. I just hope that they quit it with the unrealistic attention Karen gets, when she clearly can't sing like the "antagonist" Ivy. Tuesdays, 9 PM, NBC

Bunheads is always good for a laugh!

Bunheads: This show is very entertaining, and it should be since it was created by the same person who created Gilmore Girls. Sutton Foster is very witty in it, and the dancers are good, and cute. Of course my favorite part is Kelly Bishop, who plays Fanny Flowers. LOVE her! I just hope they make Michelle more mature as the show goes along, IF it lasts, that is! It does have a good mix of drama and comedy, though, which I like in a series. Too much drama and too much comedy bores me, and I need a little of each! Mondays, 9 PM, ABC Family

Best show EVER!!!

Grey's Anatomy: I, along with millions of others have been watching this show for years. There is just something about it, it never gets boring, no matter who gets killed off or leaves the show or whatever. Its the perfect balance of drama, romance and medical mumbo-jumbo. It also has a nice dose of humor. It's just a perfect show, and will remain one of my all time favorites forever! Thursdays, 9 PM, ABC

*RAVE* - iPod Playlists!

If you know me personally, you know that I am a HUGE music fan. I like all kinds of music with the exception of MOST Classical music, hardcore rap & heavy metal. Other than that, I will pretty much give ANY artist a chance.

One of my favorite things to do is making playlists on my iPod. I have standard playlists that I have to make it easier for me to listen to a specific TYPE of music, but normally I just listen to my "current playlist" which I change out about once a week or so.

Here is what is currently on MY playlist. What's on yours?

I've made links to the songs either on iTunes or Amazon for you all to purchase. Enjoy!

1. Stairway To Heaven ~ Led Zeppelin
2. Stairway To Heaven (Live at Kennedy Center Honors) ~ Heart
3. I Won't Let You Go ~ James Morrison
4. Nothing But The Water, Pt. 1 ~ Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
5. I Will Wait ~ Mumford & Sons
6. I'd Really Love To See You Tonight ~ England Dan & John Ford Coley
7. Army Of Me ~ Christina Aguilera
8. Easy To Be Hard ~ Three Dog Night
9. I Learned From The Best ~ Whitney Houston
10. Light Up The Sky ~ Christina Aguilera
11. Love On Top ~ Beyonce
12. Stars ~ Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
13. Whistle Down The Wind ~ Tina Arena (Link is to YouTube vid, can't find mp3 download!)
14. Home ~ Phillip Phillips
15. Free Me ~ Joss Stone
16. Ghosts That We Knew ~ Mumford & Sons
17. Everything Has Changed (Feat. Ed Sheeran) ~ Taylor Swift
18. And It Feels Like ~ LeAnn Rimes (Link is to YouTube vid, can't find mp3 download!)
19. I Don't Want To Know ~ Fleetwood Mac
20. Bluebird ~ Sara Bareilles

Current Favorites: Beauty

I've discovered lots of new beauty and skincare products over time, so I thought I'd mention them here! I'll probably do a beauty favorites post every couple weeks or so, because I rotate my products so much it isn't even funny!

Anyway....onto the favorites!

Schick Intuition Naturals Razor

Schick Intuition Naturals Razor: I will never buy shaving cream again! This is so easy to use, no shaving cream needed because there is a bar of cream built into the razor, which makes your legs nice and soft!

M.A.C. Cleanse-Off Oil

M.A.C. Cleanse-Off Oil: This stuff is super gentle and takes off eye makeup so easily. I just put a little bit in my hands and gently rub the eye makeup off with my fingertips, then rinse with warm water. GREAT stuff and good for sensitive eye area!

Bioderma Crealine H2O

Bioderma Crealine H2O: This stuff is made in france and is pretty much only available in Europe in the UK - but thank god for eBay! It's kind of pricey but so worth it! It's a no-rinse cleanser that also removes makeup SO EASILY. And it feels like you are taking it off with PURE WATER without the drying effects! ABSOLUTELY amazing!!!

Hempz Body Moisturizer in Pomegranate

Hempz Body Moisturizer in Pomegranate: This stuff SMELLS AMAZING! And it's like liquid gold for your skin! It's great as a hand lotion or as an all over moisturizer. I AM OBSESSED with it!

LUSH It's Raining Men Shower Gel

LUSH It's Raining Men Shower Gel: Pretty much feels like you are washing up with pure honey with a slight citrus scent to it. Every time I wash up with this stuff my mood is lifted. HIGHLY recommended!

*RAVE* - Teavana Teas!

I recently walked into my local Teavana store, and was pretty much thrown into the world of tea. Now, I am an avid coffee drinker, and still am, at least in the morning. However, when I was introduced to the loose leaf tea world, I just had to dive in!

TEAS!!!! SO MANY TEAS!

Basically, Teavana has all of these cast iron tea pots, infusers, tea makers, etc as well as TONS of loose leave teas to choose from! They come in all these categories: White, Flavored White, Black, Green, Rooibos, Mate, Herbal & Oolong teas.

I have five teas right now and pretty much love them all. I also bought their "Perfect Tea Maker" which is PRETTY nifty. You put the tea in, your sweetener, hot water, seep it for the recommended time, then you put the tea maker on any mug and the freshly brewed tea will come out onto the mug, leaving the loose leaf tea behind. It was only $20.00, and so easy to use!

My Perfect Tea Maker seeping tea!

My advice to all of you is to head to a Teavana store, sample some teas or just sample the aroma! It turned me onto teas in a BIG way! My current favorite: Watermelon Mint Chiller White Tea - AMAZING! I can't wait to try it iced!

Enjoy your tea times in a whole new way, folks!

I'm BAAAAAACKKK!!!!

Wow. It's been almost a full year since I updated this thing.

Let's just say I lost inspiration. But what's the point of having a blog if you don't update it at least a couple times a week, right?

Lots of stuff has happened since my last post, and yet not enough has happened. I'll post all about the private part of my life in a couple months when I am able to talk about it all freely. Until then, expect posts about beauty products, tv shows, apps, rants & raves, etc.

I really don't know if anyone even follows this thing but...who cares???

Gonna update my profile, weekly photo and weekly lyric now, then get a couple more posts done this week.