Monday, March 12, 2012

Drugstore Beauty Finds Part III

I have another Drugstore Beauty Finds Guest Post to share with You!

Interested in joining? I need more guests to share!! Go {here} for more information!

Today I have Tara guest posting!



I'm Tara and I blog over at Penniless Socialite.  I am so excited that Carisa is hosting this guest blog series.  I am guilty of purchasing some expensive luxury cosmetic items.  Yes, these products are great, but the dent in my wallet that they leave is not.  There are plenty of great drugstore products that give you the same luxury feel without the exorbitant price.  And I have a deep dark secret to admit, I am a crazy coupon lady.  Yes, I obsessively clip coupons.  But, with my coupon clipping comes cheap, and sometimes free, beauty products.  So, here are some cheap beauty finds that have convinced me to abandon some of my favorite pricey products.

Cream Blush
Blush Review

Blush Review by veggielawyer on polyvore.com



Almay Smart Shade Blush, Target, $7.74 - $8.84
NARS The Multiple, Sephora, $39


I had been looking for a cream blush.  First, I want to preface the review with two things.  First, I love (almost) all of NARS' products.  Their powder blush in Orgasm is my absolute favorite.  Second, a friend had already used the NARS multiple stick before I did my review and absolutely hated it.  Ok, so, NARS's The Multiple is supposed to be a all in one blush, lipstick and eyeshadow.  This already seemed to be a problem for me because these three products are not meant to have the same properties.  It's too chalky for a lipstick, creases too easily for an eye shadow and is way too glittery for a blush.  I am talking high school cheerleader glitter.  the good thing about The Multiple is that it goes on where you put it.  I find that sometimes powder blush gets on your face in wrong places sometimes.  I'm not looking to blush the entire side of my face.  
I found Almay's Smart Shade cream blush had everything I was looking for.  It glides on easily and lasts all day.  It's supposed to change color with your skin tone.  I don't know how much I buy into that, but it does come out of the tube a different color than it goes on your skin.  
The clear winner in my mind was Almay.




Coral Lipgloss
Coral Lip Gloss Review

Coral Lip Gloss Review by veggielawyer on polyvore.com




Buxom Travel in Style Lip Duo in Tara and New Orleans, Sephora (only available in store)





Coral is going to be the hot color this season for lips.  I am a Buxom fan.  I really think it's the best lipgloss out there.  The Travel Duo is fantastic, but a bit pricey at $18 since these really are only half sizes.  It comes with a lip stick and gloss to put over it.  However, I found that I got the same effect, and maybe even a nicer coral color with Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipgloss.  AND you can often get this super cheap because Revlon has coupons in the newspaper all the time.  So, this one time, Buxom loses.  I'm still loyal to Buxom and I don't think I'll switch from my everyday gloss, but Revlon has me for coral.



Foundation



Foundation Review

Foundation Review by veggielawyer on polyvore.com



Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse, Target, $10.49
Dior AirFlash Spray Foundation, Sephora, $62




Spray on foundation is amazing.  However, it's not cheap.  My life was turned upside down when MAC discontinued their spray foundation.  I searched for a new one for years.  Yes,  literally, years.  The only one I found that even compared to MAC's was Dior's Airflash.  Airflash is great.  It's light and doesn't dry out your skin.  But, it's $62!!!  I've only tried it in stores and never took the plunge.  So, Revlon's Photoready Airbrush foundation isn't an aerosol, but it's just as light and 1/6 of the cost.  It actually kind of bubbles when it comes out of the container.  I can wear it all day without getting that caked on look by 5pm.



If you find some great drugstore products that compare to luxury brands, let me know!






Saturday, March 10, 2012

11 Things: A little bit about me!

Today I am going to join in on another fun "game" and tell you guys a little bit more about me :)

here are the rules:
post a photo of yourself and 11 random things
answer the questions set for you in the original post
create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them
go to their blog/twitter and tell them you've tagged them. 


1. My favorite color is pink!! I am such a girly girl :)

2. I have what my hubs calls "toe thumbs" yes my thumbs look like big toes ;)

3. I love to sing, my friends can attest to this, but the best part is I am no good at singing I should be saving that for the professionals haha

4. My favorite snack is fritios and french onion dip :) someone told me once it was a little bizarre but try it you will thank me!!

5. I have an obsession with designer clothes. I can't really afford them but designer brands do make me happy!!

6. I can't bake worth crap. I can maybe make cookies, but I usually can't even do that!

7. Going off of the last one. It doesn't really matter to me because I don't like chocolate! crazy I know, sometimes I crave it but not often.

8.The hubs and I are highschool sweethearts. We have been together since freshman year in highschool!!

9. I don't follow directions when I cook. I look at a recipe's ingredients and then wing it basically, not always smart!

10. My favorite band is The Decembrists. I love indie music :)

11. I walked down the aisle to "Flightless Bird" by Iron and Wine! (listen here)


I was tagged by Erica Simpson at Style of a Songbird, below are her questions!

1. what are three of your favorite blogs and why? 

I have so many!! The one I have been following the longest before I started blogging is J's Everyday Style. Love it! She posted outfits daily that are easy to recreate :)

2. what was the best meal you made last month?

Oy! I don't know....Curry Chicken

3. what is your dream vacation?

I am dreaming of going to Europe again. Really anywhere.

4. what is one of your favorite quotes? 

Not a quote person so I don't have one

5. what is the best deal you've gotten for something recently? 

I just bought 2 pairs of shoes at DSW on sale!! 

6. how do you de-stress?

Wine. ha!

7. what celebrity would you like to hang out with for a day?

Rachel Bilson. She is so cute!

8. what is one thing you wish you could do?  

Play the guitar as good as my hubs.

9. what is one thing that you let yourself 'splurge' on?

Bags! Just bought a new one for quite the price :)

10. what's your favorite drink at starbucks?  

Latte.

11. what is one thing you are looking forward to?

Vacation!!!

If your interested in joining the 11 things party you can answer the questions below :) leave a comment or tweet me (@isacar5) with your link!


1. What was the first blog you started following?
2. Why do you blog?
3. What's your favorite thing about the weekend?
4. What's your favorite movie?
5. What's your favorite restaurant?
6. Do you have pets, if so what kind, if no why?
7. Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
8. Favorite craft project?
9. Favorite book?
10. What is the first store you go to when you want to go shopping?
11. What is one thing you are looking forward to?



Friday, March 9, 2012

Long Week but It's FRIDAY!!

High five you guys it is Friday, we have finally made it! 
It has been a long week. 
I have been super busy at work and we are dog sitting this week, a dog with some emotional problems. 
On top of it two nights ago someone tried to get into our house because they were drunk, it was very frightening!!

Photobucket

Anyways I am linking up with Lauren at My Grey Desk for High Five for Friday!

I also have been doing the March Photo a Day from Fat Mum Slim's blog. 


I thought I could combine the two a little bit!

1. Loving my hubs and his funny smile! Glad he is around to protect me from the drunks lol


2. I won a giveaway from The Budget Babe! Check out my bag that is coming in the mail sometime soon!


3. We have decided to start looking for houses! A bit nerve racking but I am excited to see what is in store, Ill be sad to leave this neighborhood though!


4. I made it through the work week, being one of the only ones there! I was sooo swamped this week I am just glad it is almost over :)



5. Lastly I was so excited that it was 65 degrees the other day! I was at the office all day and when I left around 5:30 it was beautiful! So I took the worst picture ever of my thermometer haha


6. Bonus number 6, I got new shoes! Love love love!



Happy Friday! I hope you guys have a great weekend :)



Thursday, March 8, 2012

My Latest Obsession

Has anyone checked out the no. 2 pencil skirts from Jcrew? 
I am in love!

Below are a few of my favs

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Lets face it though $110.00 is quite steep for a skirt!

Since I can't afford the wonderful Jcrew skirts I resorted to making a few of my own and thrifting!

Here is an amazing tutorial to make a pencil skirt. So far I have made 2! They probably take 2 hours, but if you can get fabric for for less than $110 it is for sure worth it!

Pencil Skirt from Scratch Baby

Below are two that I have made! Sorry no outfit photos :( the hubs was gone.




If you can't sew, thrifting is the perfect option! Check out this aqua skirt I got at Salvation Army!



How about you, what are your ways to find something cheaper?




Wednesday, March 7, 2012

I Love Pinterest!

***Side note I reached 50 viewers overnight without even knowing! ahhh! You guys are awesome! Ps. Lookout for a giveaway maybe coming soon :)***

I am linking up for the best day of the week!



Theme this week: DIY Jewelry


1. My girl over at You Will Rejoice made this and I am in love! Sooo fun








2. These knot earrings are to die for and so easy!!



3. Look at these fun earrings. Love the buttons and these are very chic!


4. I have been dying to make this bracelet I bought the supplies. Hopefully I can show you my version soon!


5. These are fun studs! I have the supplies for these as well I just haven't made them yet, on the to do list!










Linking up here too! Go check out her blog, so fun!



Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Drugstore Beauty Finds Part II

I landed another guest blog! I am over at Emmy June talking about my Honeymoon trip to New Orleans!! Check it out!

Tuesday Travel Diaries

Since I am over there I thought I would share another Drugstore Beauty Finds Guest Post with You! The one on Saturday by the beautiful Erica was a hit! Thank you guys for making this so great!

You can view Erica's post {here} if you missed it!

Interested in joining? I need more guests to share!! Go {here} for more information!

Today I have Amy guest posting!

Hello! I'm Amy from You Will Rejoice. Even though I love to browse through pages of beauty magazines, I can't always afford all the designer makeup brands I would love to own. Carisa is hosting a series of guest posters who feature their affordable, drugstore, beauty necessities. Thanks Carisa for this great idea, I'm excited to hear what others have to contribute too!

Here are my essentials:

I usually buy all these products at either Meijer, Walgreens, or Target.

1. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser [$7.99]


// I love this facewash! I use it every evening and morning. It's gentle and doubles as a makeup remover. One pump (a dime size amount) is enough to wash your face. And, a bottle usually lasts me two-three months.
2. Neutrogena oil-free Moisture [$8.99]

// I've been using this face moisturizer for over two years and it's never failed me. It's oil-free and always leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh. It also has SPF 15, so I'm always protected from the sun, even if I forget to wear sunscreen. I use a pea-sized dollop of moisturizer every morning and evening (after I wash my face) and a bottle lasts me 4-5 months.


3. L'Oreal Eyesahdow in Canyon Stone [$3.99]

// These colors are what I use for my base eye shadow. I highlight my eyebrow arches with #1 and #2 and then use #3 and #4 for accentuation and blending.




4. L'Oreal Hip concentrated shadow duo in Saucy [$3.99]

//I use this combination of light and dark brown shadow to add some shimmer to my eyelids. It's light and not too glamorous for everyday wear, which is nice!

***I recently did splurge by buying Clinique foundation, powder, and blush, but until then, I hadn't worn any foundation coverage. I was too nervous to trust myself buying drugstore foundation and powder--I didn't know if I could match my skin, or even what brands or specific products to try! So, I caved and went to the Clinique counter at Macy's, where a very nice lady matched my skin and helped me pick out products. However, it was a pricy splurge.  I'm hoping that someone else does guest post that features affordable and reliable foundation, powder, and blush so I can transition to a more affordable option!


Now make sure you go check out Amy's blog and show her some love!
Also she has a sweet Etsy store that you should check out {here}



Monday, March 5, 2012

Recipe time!

This weekend I went through some cookbooks trying to plan our menu for this week and also trying to buy as few groceries as possible :)

My mother inlaw always buys me the latest Taste of Home cookbooks so this recpie came from that, it's easyish and the hubs loved it!


Tips: we didn't use as much chicken so we cut down the spices. Also mix your cornstarch with water before dumping it in otherwise it clumps!!


Tuscan Chicken

Ingredients

4 Chicken Breasts
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
2 Garlic Cloves Chopped
2 tsp Rosemary
1/2 tsp Sage
1/2 tsp Thyme
2 tbsp Olive Oil

Directions

In a large skillet cook and stir the garlic, rosemary, sage and thyme in oil for 1 minute
Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes or until juices run clear


Vegetable Medley

Ingredients

1 cup Shells
1 Package Frozen Green Beans
1 tbsp Cornstarch
3/4 cup Chicken Broth
3 tbsp Butter
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 tsp Basil
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
1 can Mushrooms Drained
1 Tomato Chopped

Directions

In a dutch oven (or pot) cook pasta adding beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking
Meanwhile combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl and then add chicken broth and stir until smooth
In a large saucepan, melt butter and add the mustard, basil, and garlic powder
Gradually stir in broth mixture
Bring mixture to boil
Cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened (looks like gravy)
Drain pasta and beans; return to dutch oven add sauce and mushrooms toss to coat. Stir in chopped tomato


Linking up to the wonderful Katie! Check out her blog, she is going to make Julie Child's boeuf bourguignon!!






What's Cooking









Sunday, March 4, 2012

Blog Awards


Today is going to be a relaxing day! I love Sundays! Yesterday we slept in and sat around all day it was so awesome :)


* Side note: I am moving all the blogs I follow over to bloglovin :) I really actually like it, I just have a hard time parting with google reader haha. But really it is awesome I can sort my blogs! Love that I can keep lifestyle blogs separate from fashion ect :) *

So I was awarded 2 blog awards this week!! Crazy! My readers rock!

The first one was the Libester award. Jenny at The NY Melrose Family gave it to me! Check her out so sweet! I have already received this award so I am going to pass the torch to the other 4 blogs she nominated!



I was also awarded the Seven x Seven award by Katie from The Lee Family Happenings.
I love her blog!
She is so adorable and so sweet :)
Check out her blog!




Rules: 

1. Link back to the blogger who nominated you.
2.Share 7 facts about yourself.
3. Share 7 blog posts that fit into 7 categories.
4. Nominate 7 award winning blogs/bloggers.



Seven Facts:



1. I love cooking!
2. I have the cutest rabbit in the whole world!
3. I have developed a love for The Walking Dead
4. My favorite show is One Tree Hill
5. I live in the Mitten State
6. I am a picky eater
7. I am a middle child, have a younger sister and an older brother


Seven Posts:


Currently in March
Neon Trend
Same Colored Outfits
Wine Tasting
DIY Studded Earrings
New Glasses
Food Update




Seven Blogs:

Grace and Viola
A Girl Named Leney
Bly the Ponytail Parades
Sideburns & Bangs
You Will Rejoice
Style of a Songbird
Penniless Socialite

Check out these blogs, some are good friends and some I just discovered. A little bit of everything :)

Thanks again to all my readers! You guys are so great!



Saturday, March 3, 2012

Drugstore Beauty Finds!

Hey girls! I am starting my guest bloggin series about what your favorite drugstore products are! I need help in this arena bad, plus all my products are running out and I need to stock up. I am hoping that my guest bloggers can shed some light on the best products out there!!

Interested in joining? Go {here} for more information!

Today we are going to have Erica from Style of a Songbird. She is one of my best friends and my blogger companion :) She has been teaching me so much about what make up and hair products are good (she used to work in a salon so she has the knowledge!).

Enjoy!

hey there! i'm erica from style of a songbird and i am so excited to share with you some of my favorite drugstore make up finds. these are a few that have proven to be tried and true for me. enjoy! fave drugstore makeup
1 // physician's formula mineral wear loose powder / $11.00
i have combination skin so i like a mineral powder that provides medium to full coverage. this stuff is amazing! in the winter i use it over my liquid foundation and in the summer, this is my foundation. it lasts all day and applies very evenly. 

2 // elf mineral infused face primer / $6.00
just started using this a few weeks ago. and i realized today that this really does work! i don't have to re-apply my make up at all. it makes my skin feel like silk and provides a smooth canvas before i apply my make up. 

3 // elf eye primer / $3.00
similar to the face primer, this ensures that my eye shadow and liner aren't going to budge all day. i can tell a real difference if i skip this step. and it lasts for-ever! this is so worth the $3.00.  believe me. 

4 // cover girl lash blast mascara / $7.00
there are so many mascaras to choose from. but this is my current fave. i am already blessed with long lashes, but this stuff adds major volume! the small bristles really get each individual lash. plus, the orange tube is just fun. 

5 // physician's formula conceal rx physician's strength concealer (yeah long name, right?) / $8.00
anybody else have some mega dark under eye circles? what about the occasional "blemish?" well this stuff is phenomenal at covering up both. a little bit goes a long way. it is the best covering and lasting concealer i have found. my make up artist friend even commented at how "strong" it was when she was taking off my make up to play with some fun colors. it gets my vote!   

physician's formula and cover girl can be found at most major drug and grocery stores. 
you can find elf make up in some stores or online here

i would love to answer any questions you might have about these products or if you need any other suggestions for a cheaper but effective alternatives for make up products!

you can contact me here:

twitter // eesimpson
facebook // erica simpson
instagram // eesimpson
blog// style of a songbird


erica

Friday, March 2, 2012

Currently in March

Trying something new today! I am linking up to Digging Deaper Design. She is a hosting a "Currently in March" post. You answer some questions about what is current in your life in this month of March!



Currently Counting Down To: New Orleans trip in May, cannot wait for vacation!
Currently Super Proud: of my husband, he is an amazing dude!
Currently Broadening: my tastes, in food, clothes, shows ect.
Currently Concluding: that life is to short, I need to live it to the fullest!
Currently Reading: The Walking Dead graphic novel, well actually the husband reads it to me :)
Currently ThinkingI am so blessed!!
Currently Saving All My Pennies For: New shoes, well a new bag but I just bought that ;)
Currently Wanting To Travel To: Europe, or anywhere at this point just travel!
Currently Wanting In My Cupboard: Dutch oven, I don't know why I would need it but I want it haha
Currently Wanting To Learn: How to play the guitar better, I took a class once but I stop practicing
Currently Drooling Over: Clothes online, want to spruce up my closet
Currently Confessing: I have an addiction to what my husband calls "teen dramas" currently watching One Tree Hill as I write this, love!
Currently Listening To: 88.1 the local radio station that plays the best music
Currently Obsessed With: My neighborhood, I don't want to move, hoping to buy a house in the area!
Currently 1st Place Comedic Genius: The New Girl, makes my cry with laughter always
Currently 2nd Place Comedic Genius: Modern Family!!
Currently Addicted To: bloggin hahaha
Currently Fantasizing About: Our first house!!!
Currently Sad Because: Because it seems like our friends are going to start moving away after college :(
Currently My Motto: Be Thankful!
Currently Dreaming Of: Summertime!
Currently Needing To Update: My apartment....needs more decor
Currently Yearning For: New haircolor
Currently Want To See In My Closet: more dress pants and killer shoes!
Currently Enjoying: relaxing on the couch
Currently Have A Girl Crush On: Rachel Bilson, her style is killer and her shoe line is amazing!
Currently Shopping: Nordstroms Rack all the way!
Currently Discovered: Shoedazzel, haven't bought anything yet but the unique shoes are great!
Currently Redecorating: Our picture wall in the bedroom
Currently A Few Blogs I'm Loving: Style of a Songbird, You Will Rejoice, Grace and Viola, The Lee Family Happenings and Penniless Socialite!


Also I am beyond excited to link up with Hollie's Follow Me Friday! It's back and it's so fun, make sure to join in!


Lastly just to keep this post a little fun and interesting I am linking up for the nail files :) I finally repainted my nails. I have been postponing the shellac for a bit to save a little money so I used my trusty OPI :)



The Nail Files



OPI: Get in the Espresso Lane

I have never taken one of these photos before so excuse the poor picture lol

Happy freakin Friday!!!