Summer Yummies

This is my summer "wish list". Some things I keep eyeing and doing a teeny bit of drooling feminine cooing over.

Etsy: Starry Night Necklace

I could wear this with so many things! I love the simplicity of it. My birthday is mid June, just in case you're interested in knowing! ;) 

Lush Cosmetics "Deep Cleansing Lemon Bar"

I've been wanting to try a shampoo bar. Does anyone have experience or feedback about shampoo bars? If so, let me know in the comment section what you tried and thought of it! These "Lush" shampoo bars look amazing! For summer, I'd want a fresh, light or citrusy scent.

This one doesn't look super fancy, but I'm curious to test it out and see how it performs! "Deep Cleansing Lemon Bar" by Lush- good for sweaty workout hair!

Strawberry Lemonade Nourishing Body Cream by 100% Pure

I don't use scented body lotion rarely, if at all. I most certainly don't purchase it, as most companies put loads of alcohol and chemicals in their lotions! I make my own lotion with coconut oil and a few drops of essential oils from time to time. One body moisturizer I have purchased and would buy again and again is 100% Pure "Vanilla Bean Nourishing Body Cream". It feels so luxurious, smells insanely delicious and keeps my dry skin feeling soft and looking great! For summer, I think I'd go with a different scent, perhaps the "Strawberry Lemonade" or "Blood Orange".

 I am crushing hard on some vintage lace/soft bohemian styles right now. For the past two years or so, I've been OBSESSED with anything lacey or crochet-y. American Eagle has this amazing section online right now called "Beach Whites" in which I love practically every. posted. item. A couple of my favorites:

AE Open Knit Duster Cardi

I can see myself wearing this all summer long! It would be effortless over a pair of bleached cut off shorts and a solid tank. Add a fedora or sun hat plus some shades = Ta da! Instant summer coolness!

AE Shift Dress

This fantastic number would be so cute over a swimsuit or with a little pair of shorts underneath, as it'd be WAY too short on my ginormous delicate 6' frame to wear as a dress. ;)

Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette 

Sadly, I gave away a TON of my makeup and beauty products when we moved to Germany at the end of last summer. I could only pack two suitcases for my son and I for two years worth of living, and beauty products obviously don't keep well in storage (ewwwww!) so I gave away or sold the majority of my beauty and skincare products. This Tarte palette looks perfect for summer- some really pretty neutrals for day or night!


What are some of the things you are crushing on for this summer? Share with me!

Slough it off

Now that I'm in my 30's, I do try to purchase skincare products that moisturize well and help with fine lines and such. My personal view on aging and skincare is that it's more about taking good care of my skin at each stage of my life, and not about obsessing or trying to turn back time.

One thing I had recently been on the lookout for was a good peel. I love exfoliating my entire body and feeling/seeing the smooth and soft "new" skin that's revealed when it's complete! I had used scrubs and microdermabrasion type products, but had never used a peel on my own.

After some good time devoted to online research, I decided to try "juice BEAUTY's Green Apple Organic Peel / Full Strength". (It's also available in a sensitive skin formula.) The product comes in a glass jar and looks like this:

 Here is the product description from the juice BEAUTY website:

BRIGHTEN, LIGHTEN, TIGHTEN

Exfoliate with our patented, bestselling, potent alpha and beta hydroxy acid peel that delivers spa grade exfoliation, revealing a brighter complexion while firming the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation for optimum age-defying results.

WHO SHOULD USE IT?

Juice Beauty's GREEN APPLE™ Peel Full Strength is designed for all skin types (except sensitive skin), 20's and up and is effective for hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone and texture.

NOTE: Juice Beauty's GREEN APPLE™ Collection is not designed for very sensitive or rosacea skin due to the alpha/beta hydroxy fruit acids - if you have this type of skin, see Daily Essentials Collection.

BENEFITS

• Evens skin tone and texture with a spa grade exfoliation from a potent patented dose of alpha hydroxy acids (malic, citric & tartaric from organic fruits, glycolic and lactic acids) and beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid from willow bark).
• Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids.
• Smoothes fine lines with Vitamin A.
• Fights free radical skin damage with antioxidant-rich resveratrol from grapeseed.
• Nourishes with Vitamins A, C & E for healthy looking skin.

POWERFUL ACTION WITHOUT

Our formulations are made without parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. Our products are never tested on animals.

It seems a bit pricey at $45 for a 2 oz 60 ml jar, but in all honesty, for a really good peel product, that's pretty reasonable.

You use this product once a week. Any more than that would irritate your skin. It's best to use this at night before bed, as it does make the skin on your face red. (Please note this product is not for really sensitive skin or skin with problems such as eczema, rosacea, etc.) After washing and patting dry your face, you apply this peel. The instructions say to apply a generous layer. I am not stingy with it, but I also don't glop a ton on, as I like to be a bit frugal! :) The product is easy to apply, and has a pretty thick and slightly grainy texture. You leave it on for about 10 minutes, and the how-to steps DO say to expect some tingling and flushing. This is normal. After 10 minutes, you rinse it off thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry. 

Conclusion/My thoughts on this product:

-I really like this peel! I have noticed a difference in my skin from using it after only a few weeks. My skin looks brighter and feels a lot softer. I don't see a big difference in fine lines yet, but I'm not sure I will and I wasn't quite expecting to.

-It DOES tingle/feel kinda uncomfortable for a minute or so after applying, but it doesn't hurt. If it does hurt, it's probably too strong for your skin, so I'd advise not using it or trying the sensitive skin formula. 

-I love that this peel is organic and the company does no animal testing.

-I will continue to purchase this peel after running out. (Well, I will BEGIN purchasing it, as this first jar was a Christmas gift from my wish list. Thanks Mom!) ;)

-Some reviews complain about the smell of this, but I enjoy it! It's a citrusy/apple smell and reminds me that the product contains all natural ingredients. I HATE a pretty/perfumed smell in my skincare products, as this typically means it's full of alcohol and ingredients that aren't good for your skin or body. :( Yuck!

I highly recommend this product if you're looking for a good peel- ESPECIALLY if natural and organic products are important to you. And even if they're not. It's just good. :)

So tell me...do you use a peel? Have you tried juice BEAUTY products?  I'd love to hear your feedback!

Sinfully delicious....

I'm going to share a recipe that is....*gasp*...not so healthy. BUT so delicious. And so comforting and yummy for fall/winter. (Heck, even summer and spring! Te he he.)

I found this recipe on Pinterest and actually followed through with making it. Victory! (This makes maybe 6 I've actually done out of the hundreds I've pinned....woops.)


Nutella Mug Cake (click on title for official web page)
Ingredients
4 tablespoons self rising flour
4 tablespoons white granulated sugar
1 egg
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons Nutella
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
Method
1. Combine all ingredients in a large coffee mug. Whisk well with a fork until smooth. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 – 3 minutes. (Time depends on microwave wattage. Mine took 1 /2 minutes.) Top with whipped cream and a little chocolate sauce if desired.
2. Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Enjoy!
Note: Depending on the wattage of your microwave, you may have to increase cooking time.
Makes 1 very large serving.


YUMMERS! Have you tried this? I've love to hear your feedback!

Rocking Eye Shadow!

When I discover a new product that amazes me, I have to tell people all about it! I am a huge skeptic of new things...because I find that most products don't do what they're "marketed" to do for me. Imagine that; advertisements exaggerating?! Ha!

I'm an eyeshadow fanatic. I love eye shadow. I'm not much of a "lip" gal; instead I focus on playing up my eyes.

Pet peeves of mine regarding eye shadow:

A. Poor pigmentation

B. Fades easily
C. Creases
D. Gets all over the rest of your face



I have discovered a new eyeshadow line that I LOVE!
It's "Infallable 24 Hr Eye Shadow" by L'Oreal. I purchased mine for around $6.99 each at Target. They are more expensive if you buy them at CVS or Walgreens, unless there's a good sale.

The shades I have:
*Iced Mocha
*Liquid Diamond

They are AMAZING! The pigmentation is great; very shimmery and eye catching. They go on easily and wear pretty much the entire day! I will sometimes touch up my eyeshadow when I get home from work if I have something going on that evening, but other than that, I don't touch it up at all during the day!

Try them out and let me know what you think!

A GOOD stain...

I love blush. With my pale skin, I NEED blush. Without it, I look tired and pale and blah. It's one of my "must-haves" for my makeup routine. (The other must-haves are powder and mascara.) I like having a natural glow and some natural looking color.

One thing I've always struggled with is finding a blush that stays on me all day; or at least the majority of the day. When I say I've tried just about every brand/style of blush, I'm not kidding. From "long-lasting" to "12 hour wear", powder and cream formulas, I've experimented with them all throughout the years.

I've tried primers, putting powder under then over it, applying in layers, etc.  I've settled with finding a color and formula I like and reapplying as needed throughout the day. No joke- blush wears off of me super duper fast.

Imagine my excitement to have finally found a blush that STAYS! WOO HOO! I am a member of Birchbox, which is a monthly beauty box subscription service. In a nutshell, you pay $10 a month and receive a box each month in the mail filled with beauty care samples, like perfume, makeup, skincare, etc. I love it! Last month, I received "theBalm Stainiac Hint of Tint lip and cheek stain" in the"Beauty Queen" shade.

Official link here: http://www.birchbox.com/shop/the-balm-stainiac

 I was skeptical, as my past experiences with stains have left me unsatisfied. They either dry too fast, so you can't blend well, dry out the lips and skin, or look unflattering and "crease-y" when applied.

This stain goes on so easily and blends wonderfully! It looked natural and stayed on for most of the day!

theBlam Stainiac Hint of Tint lip and cheek stain in "Beauty Queen"

Pros:
*Lovely build-able color; goes on sheer and can be layered to achieve desired degree of color
*Easy to blend
*Flattering to most skin types
*Formula isn't too dry
*STAYS ON my cheeks for most of the day! Victory!


Cons:
*I didn't get the same awesome results when I used it as a lip stain. But you must understand that I'm a lip-licking, wear my lip gloss and chapstick off in about 30 seconds kinda gal. So this would probably work wonders for those of you who don't have this problem!


What blush or beauty product do you love due to it's long-lasting/wearing power?

A GREEN Smoothie?

Gasp! I am drinking green veggie/fruit smoothies every morning...sound appetizing? Let me confess...I do not love the taste. They are not that bad, but they aren't super delicious either. I am definitely enjoying the difference they are making though!
*More energy
*Lost a bit of weight
*Helping me make healthier eating choices the rest of the day
*A huge portion of daily greens and fruit
*Great for my digestive system


I recently read this book by celeb nutritionist Kimberly Snyder entitled "The Beauty Detox Solution". I really enjoyed the book and continue to read and enjoy her blog.

One of the things she recommends is drinking a GGS each morning. GGS stands for "Glowing Green Smoothie" due to the awesome benefits it provides for your energy, digestive system, skin, etc. I was a bit skeptical at first, as I'm more of a "see it to believe it" kind of gal, so I tried it out. Within just a couple of days after I started drinking it, I was in love! Such an easy way to get a LOAD of nutrients into your system so quickly in the morning and a healthy kick-start to your day!

Want to try it? Here's what I do:
*Add 1 1/2 cups cold water to your blender
*Add some spinach leaves (I fill the blender about 1/2 way up with them; not sure of the exact measurements)
*Blend
*Add in about 2 cups (?? somewhere close to that) of another green, such as Romaine, Kale, etc (NOT iceberg, as it doesn't contain that many nutrients)
*Blend
*Chop 3 stalks of celery up and add to blender
*Blend
*Cut up 1 apple and blend in
*Cut up 1 pear and blend in
*Cut up 1 banana and blend in
*Add 1-2 TBS of fresh lemon juice and blend

Tips:
1. You want to use organic fruit and veggies as much as you can for this. If you don't use organic, make sure to thoroughly soak and wash your produce and greens!
2. You want to start with a slower speed and work up to a high speed on your blender as you go through the steps of adding the produce in.
3. You can mix and match different greens and fruits! (Kimberly adds that you should not use melon, as it doesn't combine well with other produce.)
4. This should be the FIRST thing you eat/drink in the morning. After drinking it, wait at least 30 minutes if possible, and if you are hungry for breakfast, eat something healthy.

Pour into a tall glass and enjoy! I find it much easier to drink with a straw, as I have an inexpensive blender and mine turns out a bit thick to just sip on.

Here's the official recipe from Kimberly's blog: http://www.kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2009/07/11/green-smoothie-recipe/

Try it out! Let me know what you think and what combos you tried and enjoyed!

Vapour Beauty Review

I've been on the look out for some new makeup products that are more earth-friendly, organic, and contain more natural ingredients. My latest find I want to share with you is a foundation from "Vapour Organic Beauty". I read a beauty article that mentioned this product and raved about the company in general. After some Google time and reading more articles and reviews, I was convinced this was a product I needed to try.
I ordered two products to try out and review from Vapour Organic Beauty, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the first one. "Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation". My shade is S120.

Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus foundation
There is a heftier price tag on this one than I'm used to paying for foundation. It's $48 for a full size pump bottle of foundation. However, our skin is our body's largest organ and it absorbs almost everything that we slather, spray, rub and apply on it. I believe that the product(s) we put on our skin first (moisturizer, foundation, whatever it may be) should be non-irritating and as natural as possible. So the price for me is worth it now that I've tried this product. Plus, all natural products contain ingredients that are more expensive, and not all the inexpensive chemically "fillers" that most cosmetic companies stuff their products with.

One really nice thing about their site is you can ask them what colors they'd recommend. You fill out a shade consultation and upload a picture (optional, but encouraged!) and they will email you back with the shades they feel would best work with your skin type and tone.

There is another foundation called "Atmosphere Luminous" foundation, but the soft focus is recommended for oilier skin types. There is a lovely little chart to help you decide which foundation would work best for you:

I've been using this foundation for about 2 1/2 weeks now.

Here's what I love about it:

*Ingredients- One of the most all natural foundations I found that actually works! It's good for your skin and doesn't contain harsh or irritating chemicals like most brands.

*Application- this product goes on and blends in easily. It feels so soft and silky on my skin. I usually apply and blend with my fingertips, but it works really well with a beauty sponge too.

*Staying power- I don't feel the need to do a ton of touch-ups throughout the day, as with some of my old foundation products. It stays on and wears well.

*Doesn't clog my pores- even products labeled "non-comedogenic" can irritate my skin and cause more blemishes. This makeup makes me feel as though my skin can still breathe!

*A little goes a long way. It's not a super heavy coverage, but you don't need a lot of product either. I am used to a medium coverage, and on me, this foundation provides a nice light/medium coverage.

I have not been asked to review this product. I am sharing my personal opinion about a product I purchased and LOVE!

Let me know if you try it out. Here is their website: http://www.vapourbeauty.com/

Question: What natural products have you tried and enjoyed?