If I had a reality series......

Saturday, December 22, 2012

MORE Product Reviwes

Shopping at ULTA is always a fav of mine. I LOVE that you can TRY the product BEFORE you buy to see if it works for you. So here are my reviews:

Benefit - High Beam Highlighter

Benefit High Beam. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. It illuminates area applied and reflects light of therefor making it a hit with me. I applied to cheeks, nose and forehead and it is currently a daily use in my house. WORTH the price!

Too Faced Bronzer, chocolate one. Seems natural enough but NOT for tan skin as it doesn't add any color to my skin. need darker cost 36.00

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil. Smells Yummy, tastes yummy ( yes I said that.....lol) and best of all it LOOKS NATURAL. Not fake. But don't overdue of it will look fake and cakey. WORTH THE PRICE.

wen by chaz dean ... I LOVE it.. On my 2nd bottle and will NEVER use shampoo again!

Ive posted on this before but I heard so many people complaining of hair loss i wanted to touch base on it again. It has now been 7 months of use on me and my 2 daughters. Our hair has never appeared healthier. Shiny, and sooooooo soft. I have it shipped every 8 weeks and we use all 3 bottles up in that time. I now HATE how my hair looks and feels after normal shampoo. .... and the tangles are AWFUL. So again I DO recommend this product. No hair loss from us. Actually I think its the opposite. We have long hair and had so much breakage with tangles. Now I actually see hair breakage growing and my hair has become fuller.

Essie 'Lion Around'

Essie Lion Around

I Love nice nail polish. What woman doesn't? I applied 2 coats and a top coat and it chipped very easy. Within a day. Color is stunning and natural but worth 8.00 ...... NO. Stick with the cheaper version.

Essie Case Study

again as posted above, Not worth the price. The color is Much darker and I liked it but chips super easy.

Benefit, tried this today and it felt weightless... would love to buy

Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation

I bought the wrong color ( way to dark)...so I blend it with Laura Geller's Real Deal and I don't think I like it. BUT I cant be positive till I get the right color and don't have to blend.

SmashBox Hydrating Halo

I still have not over come the price on this. I know I LOVED the mini size I had, but am wanting to get the full size. Anyone else have reviews on this?

and I really want to try:

Mally Cancellation Concealer

Mally's Cancellation Concealer.
Anyone have reviews on this? Im in my mid thirties and have a hard time finding reviews that I 1. believe and 2. on woman my age

so I'd LOVE to know if this is as amazing as it looked on QVC.... ha ha but then again.... QVC has me sold on everything within 10 seconds....

PINTEREST FAIL

I had my first Pinterest FAIL today. So close to Christmas I have been making TONS of handmade items...... and of course Pinterest adds fuel to the fire of every woman out there that loves to craft. So here is what I've made:

Directions and picture linked back to:http://www.delightedmomma.com/2012/11/how-to-make-salt-dough-ornaments-i-may.html

I of course didn't follow directions :) Instead i winged it. My ornaments came out looking not near as pretty or smooth as those pictured..... so make sure u follow the instructions!!!!! These is a super easy ( but very messy) craft and so many options on decorating them..... spray paint, glitter and more. So i recommend this project. And a HUGE hit for kids.

A pinterest success:

Make your own Christmas ornaments with the glitter on the inside. Genius!

Directions and picture linked back to: http://thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.ca/2010/12/all-that-glittersminus-mess.html

I made 6 of these and I LOVED it. The weren't to messy and well they are glittery...... and I love glitter.

Very easy!

Picture and directions linked back to: http://thefrugalgirls.com/2011/07/santa-ornament-crafts.html

I bought red glitter ornaments, and attempted to PAINT the belt on..... FAIL! Seriously, follow this way.... looks so much better! Go check out here directions.... and make some super cute ornaments for gifts! ( the dollar tree has glitter red ornaments ( packs of 5 and 7) for 1 dollar.... so super cheap!!!!!

Use Epsom salt as filler in a jar. Place a tealight atop the salt. It will look like a candle sitting in snow . . . fabulous idea for christmas

Picture and instructions linked back to:http://shes-not-me0.blogspot.com/

Easy enough, Epsom salt and a tea light. I used a hurricane and only partially filled it up like pictured.... Mine didn't look cute at all. Hers ( pictured) is simply amazing. Follow her directions!

I found these lil cuties on Pinterest...and linked it back to this blog:http://ratherbeplayin.blogspot.com/2011/09/reindeer-upgrade-and-sleigh.html

but it says its no longer available?

so this picture came from there and THESE are way cute. I now have 3. Made mine alot bigger..... aprox 3 ft tall. I also did the hair on mine on the top of the head and added sweet bows. I love them!!!

Picture linked back to:http://littlekinderwarriors.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=50

I seen these on pinterest and HAD to try it out for my daughters Christmas party. There is a OH SO cute printable for another elf project located on her site but sadly not these hats. We attempted to make these yesterday at the party anyhow and well ............ FAIL> but I am sure there are many people out there with a higher "crafty IQ" then I..... so someone surely can make these much better than mine turned out.

Moving to a dif Board on my Pinterest here are other DIY projects!

Picture linked back to:

http://sewtotallysmitten.blogspot.fi/2011/09/september-is-our-busy-month-for.html

I am NOT a baker. Mine fell apart while frosting! so here is mine:

ha ha not so cute BUT it was funny to see the expression on the Bday boys face. I used sugar sheets for the words and THEY are sooo worth it. Easy to apply. Snickers for the " poo" I squished them up and molded.

I'd suggest using an angel food cake, and 2 meatloaf pans..... for the actual making of it. I did not have those on hand and tried to cut it up ..... ( on CAKE BOSS they make it look so easy) I don't suggest that route!!!!

1. take cheap vinyl tubing from lowe's/home depot and fill it with glitter/beads/sparkles etc. 2. cut a slightly wider piece and connect the two sides with it. 3. VOILA! a tube bracelet :)

Picture linked back to: http://craftykids101.blogspot.com/2011/02/tubular-bracelet-bhgcom.html

She has instructions for making these on her site, and they are a SUPER craft for a TWEEN party. EASY!!!

Beer cake. LMBO. Gotta remember this one!

Picture linked back to:http://www.flickr.com/photos/78481945@N08/?uploaded=1&magic_cookie=81521b7b192d34c28ccc27ff5a2f2726

another great " CAKE" idea.24 pk of beer, some ribbon and cake boards and VIOLA.

Picture linked back to:http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2012/01/fashionista-cupcake-alert-cupcake-high.html

Another GREAT idea for a tween to teen or girly party. These are NOT easy for use with low" baker IQ"

Mine turned out NOT so pretty. But worth a try!!!

Tons more DIY reviews coming. With Christmas 3 days away It has been a busy week for us! Happy Holidays!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

A Pumpkin for Fall

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Back 2 School

Now that my tween has a locker to decorate we have been shopping for super-cute
locker stuff:
Pink Damask Locker Wallpaper Purple Zebra Locker Wallpaper Lime with Polka Dots Locker Wallpaper

Locker goodies from:http://shop.lockerlookz.com/collections/locker-wallpaper

Black & White Polka Dots and Zebra Stripe Locker Accessory Bins Pink Locker Accessory Bins

and yes my TOTAL FAV below:

Pink Locker Chandelier Black Locker Chandelier
REAL LIGHTING THAT WORKS...when u open ur locker. I have got to place an order from this
site.

Black & White Zebra Stripes Locker Mirror
mirrors to match!

Aqua with White Polka Dots Locker Toppers

and even CURTAINS.

This site seems totally affordable. I am def. ordering some of these goodies!

Monday, July 2, 2012

4th of July

4th of July cake pops
Cake pops for sale here:http://www.etsy.com/shop/bitesizedelights?ref=top_trail

   Happy 4th of July ( in a few days) and so to get you in the modd check out what I have found!

4th of July tutu

found here:http://www.etsy.com/listing/99777189/4th-of-july-tutu?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=4th+of+july&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

ON SALE NOW 4th of July Lace Romper

available here:http://www.etsy.com/listing/101151898/on-sale-now-4th-of-july-lace-romper?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=4th+of+july&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_search_type=all

Pinned Image

found here:http://allrecipes.com/Cook/Photo.aspx?photoID=428300

found here:http://www.housescouchesandbabies.com/2008_07_01_archive.html

found here:http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/cupcake-monday-4th-of-july-cupcakes-in-a-jar/

found here:http://onecharmingparty.com/

          Happy 4th of July!!!!

Childrens clothing reviews

Quality..... that is what I expect, despite the cost. If I am purchasing something I expect it to do what it claims, and to hold up. Since I have 2 daughters I am always looking for fashionable yet affordable clothing and accessories for them. Here is what Ive learned so far:

Gymboree.... is NOT expensive if you learn HOW to buy there. Using coupons, deep sales, and the clearance rack.... u can totally dress ur child in the cutest clothes ever. I will miss Gymboree as both my daughters are about outgrown it.
I can say the value is unbelieveable. It can be washed again and again, passed down thru a few kids and gymboree tops the list as a winner. It also has a high resale value. NOT everything there will be like this. It seems they get a bad batch in on average with every few new lines. But again, I highly recommend GYMBOREE.

Part of Gymboree ( sister stores) are Janie and Jack and Crazy 8

Janie and Jack is pretty pricey for us...though I have purchased from their and the quality was amazing. But never shopped reguarly. it holds its resale value and they have adorable clothing for children.

Crazy 8 is the cheapest of all 3. The quality is poor. I do buy reguarly from there but it usually fades fast and has NO resale value. But the price is hard to pass up some of the cute clothing and shoes they offer.

Gap Kids: I have a love hate relationship with this store. I love alot of their clothing but I hate the cost. Its hard to get a fair price, even with sales and coupons they remain a highly expensive store on my list. Resale is not that great! Check ebay and you can see some of Gap goes but most doesn't.
Gap does have high quality clothing for the most part. I have not had many items I was displeased with. I still continue to purchase about 50% of my tween daughters clothing there.

Speaking of tweens...if you have one, you know what Justice is. I HATE JUSTICE CLOTHING. Sure most of it is adorable, but the quality is the worst Ive ever seen. Wash it about 2 times and its done. My tween gets about 40% of her clothing there and I can't wait till she passes this phase. It is HIGHLY expensive. I mean 8.00 for a pair of panties expensive...50.00 for jeans... ect. They rock regualr 40% off sales but generally even then most is well to expensive. Resale SUCKS. No one rebuys Justice for the most part. They have the cutest accessories and room decor and my its a dream come true for tweens, but I have yet to find a mom happy with quality/price.

Most tweens ( around here anyways) love Areopostale.
I buy clothing for me as well there. Ive never had a quality issue. I think some of the tees are not made the best. I NEVER pay full price as they have a killer clearance rack and regualr sales. Usually like 5.00 for tanks and tees. I have bought jeans for as low as 3.90. Yep WATCH the clearance Ladies!My tween is exceptionally small so sometimes even xs at Aero is big on her. But I do buy alot of clothing there.

Another place the Tweens around here worship: Hollister
Hollister is expensive. But they also have sales and a clearnace section ( in the very back of store). I rarely pay full price there unless my daughter HAS TO HAVE SOMETHING that is not on sale. Quality is great so far. I have not purchased a large quanity from there but have bought sweatshirts, yoga pants, shorts, tees, tanks, and more and they all washed well. Resale value online? Iffy. Resale in 2nd hand stores is fair. Alot of consigners sell used hollister in stores with much luck.

American Eagle, Rue 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, vanity, body central, Maurices seem to be gathing attention from the teens as well as hollister and Aero. Rue 21 has horrible quality but usually has deep sales ( shirts for 4.oo, shorts for 3.00) I will never pay full price for clothing there as after only a few wears, the clothing is garbage. Body Central and vanity are hit and miss deals. Most is good quality. As for the rest listed above quality is pretty good.

There are MANY other places I would be crazy not to mention.
Matilda jane..... I am in love with. VERY expensive. High resale value and good quality.

Narrtjie comfy and cute clothes. Pretty good resale value and good quality.

Mini Boden.... I cant justify most of their clothing. Ive seen many clothing not hold well in quality. Price can be good when bought on sale.

I refuse to buy any clothing from walmart as it is almost as expensive as the mall stores and yet quality is very poor. ( target doesn't fall far from that).

There is more yet but I will stop my list here for the day!

Product Reviews

Have you ever seen the Wen Hair cleansing system informercial? I have watched it numerous times. It didn't sell me. My daughter and I have long hair ( one has short hair) and we both had very dry and damaged hair. One day I decided to try it. My logic was that it was 30.00 ( which it replaces ALL hair care needs), I spent 30.00 just on our shamppoo and conditioner.... and I was also get 4 extra items included.....so even at the hefty price...it made sense to try it. ( and they say u can return it for a refund if your not happy.....these days I dont buy much I cant return if I dont like).
So I read reviews ....handfuls of them giving bad reviews and many even claiming hair loss. I didnt hold out to much hope for the Wen. The first time I used it....i left it on maybe 3 min in the shower...did not comb it thru and did not put any in for a leave in conditioner. I got out of shower, blow dried my hair and I FELL IN LOVE. I put no more effort in than using regular products and the results were amazing. Both my daughters and I use it and all 3 of us have amazing shine, bounce and the softest hair ever. Even using a curling iron has become a breeze, my hair holds curl now. I expected it to make my hair greasy...it did not.What I can say is that we have been using it for 3 weeks. I went thru the first bottle in about 2 weeks. But again 2 of us have very long hair. So I expect that we will spend about 50.00 a month on this. ( vs 30.00 + all other products I bought like detangler, treatments, deep conditioners, mousse, gels ect) I dont even like to curl my hair or really do anything to it now...it looks so amazing naturally. So I am holding out for one last test..... hair loss!
Tons of woman complain hair comes out in clumps. A breif overview of the ingredients and Im baffled at what could cause this. Unless an allergic reaction? My entire family can not use dove...it made all of our scalps itch! So I will keep you updated thru this journey. Beware that Ive heard that refunds take forever if your not happy. Ive placed 2 orders with their online instant chat ....I found to be helpful. You are also automatically enrolled for a 4 week delivery ( and payment) unless you go in and cancel it. I did not as I was happy with it so far.

Here is what I got with first order! Ive used the styling creme and texture balm and love both!