Kiwi Chicken: yummy!

I get the Rachel Ray magazine in the mail and usually I look threw it and sadly I'm disgusted by some of the recipes but I got one the other day that had some very fun recipes!!

When I saw a recipe called Kiwi Chicken I thought it was so weird, so I had to try it!

It was really really good, kinda weird but good!

I served it with angel hair pasta drizzled in Olive Oil and Garlic.

I also used the extra Kiwi sauce to make salad dressing!!

Roast Chicken With Mean Green Sauce 

{adapted from Rachel Ray}

Ingredients 

4 Kiwi

Chicken

1 Small Garlic Clove

1 TBSP Honey

1 TBSP Green Hot Sauce

*I left out the hot sauce but the hubs said it would have tasted better with it*

Directions 

Preheat oven to 400 Roast chicken 40-45 mins 

Blanch garlic in a pot of salted boiling water for 1 min. 

Drain garlic and peel and mash it

Halve 3 kiwis and scoop out some seeds

Put kiwi in a food processor add garlic paste hot sauce and honey. 

Purée 

Top chicken with sauce and remaining kiwi slices 

 

 Kiwi Salad

Ingredients

Leftover sauce without hot sauce

White Wine Vinegar

Lettuce

Almond Slivers

Parmesan Cheese

Red Onions

Directions

Add White Wine Vinegar to the sauce to taste, to make it more like a vinaigrette

Chop the onions and lettuce to make a salad

Drizzle with the dressing

Add the Almond Slivers and Cheese 

That's it! Easy as pie and really good and different!

Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!

I get the Rachel Ray magazine in the mail and usually I look threw it and sadly I'm disgusted by some of the recipes but I got one the other day that had some very fun recipes!!

When I saw a recipe called Kiwi Chicken I thought it was so weird, so I had to try it!

It was really really good, kinda weird but good!

I served it with angel hair pasta drizzled in Olive Oil and Garlic.

I also used the extra Kiwi sauce to make salad dressing!!

Roast Chicken With Mean Green Sauce 

{adapted from Rachel Ray}

Ingredients 

4 Kiwi

Chicken

1 Small Garlic Clove

1 TBSP Honey

1 TBSP Green Hot Sauce

*I left out the hot sauce but the hubs said it would have tasted better with it*

Directions 

Preheat oven to 400 Roast chicken 40-45 mins 

Blanch garlic in a pot of salted boiling water for 1 min. 

Drain garlic and peel and mash it

Halve 3 kiwis and scoop out some seeds

Put kiwi in a food processor add garlic paste hot sauce and honey. 

Purée 

Top chicken with sauce and remaining kiwi slices 

 

 Kiwi Salad

Ingredients

Leftover sauce without hot sauce

White Wine Vinegar

Lettuce

Almond Slivers

Parmesan Cheese

Red Onions

Directions

Add White Wine Vinegar to the sauce to taste, to make it more like a vinaigrette

Chop the onions and lettuce to make a salad

Drizzle with the dressing

Add the Almond Slivers and Cheese 

That's it! Easy as pie and really good and different!

Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!

My daily Wear

I just discovered Polyvore not to long ago and I have been using it to come up with outfits I wouldn't normally put together.

I wanted to share with you something I wore to work yesterday based off a polyvore piece I threw together!

Business Girl by carisa-muller featuring a color block skirt

Glasses: zenni

Necklace: Forever 21

Watch: Fossil

Bracelets: Nordstroms Rack

Shirt: Hubs (urban outfitters?)

Skirt: Ross for Less

Shoes: DSW

Happy Wednesday!

I just discovered Polyvore not to long ago and I have been using it to come up with outfits I wouldn't normally put together.

I wanted to share with you something I wore to work yesterday based off a polyvore piece I threw together!

Business Girl by carisa-muller featuring a color block skirt

Glasses: zenni

Necklace: Forever 21

Watch: Fossil

Bracelets: Nordstroms Rack

Shirt: Hubs (urban outfitters?)

Skirt: Ross for Less

Shoes: DSW

Happy Wednesday!

Sponsor Spotlight

Yesterday was way to nice to blog!

Do you ever get that, where the last thing you want to do is be on your computer?

Well I played Yhatzee on the porch with the hubs instead :)

So I thought I would share with you another one of my sponsors for the month of March!

Amy and I went to highschool together she was the sweetest! Check her out!

Hello! I'm Amy and I blog over at You Will Rejoice.  I am a Christian, wife, teacher, etsy shop owner, and blogger! Currently, I'm a middle school English teacher, but I spend my spare time dreaming of interior decorating, fashion, style, and both home improvement and decor DIY tutorials. My husband, Ben, and I live in Ann Arbor, MI while he finishes up grad school. My favorite colors are yellow, white, and grey, I love reading books, eating out (but not cooking!), wine, and fresh flowers. I am incredibly indecisive and wear dresses every day that I can. My favorite blog topic is a DIY tutorial and I am constantly searching for accessories and clothing to recreate at a more affordable price point. I hope you can take a moment to check out my blog, getting new followers is always exciting!

Also, I love connecting with other bloggers and am always interested in hosting guest posts and writing guest posts. Please don't hesitate to contact me, or even just leave a comment saying hello! Or, you can find me hanging around the here:

Friend me on facebook
Follow me on twitter
Check out my etsy shop, One Stitch Away

I am excepting sponsors for April, for free!

If you are interested send me an email!

alissaandcarisa{at}gmail{dot}

Yesterday was way to nice to blog!

Do you ever get that, where the last thing you want to do is be on your computer?

Well I played Yhatzee on the porch with the hubs instead :)

So I thought I would share with you another one of my sponsors for the month of March!

Amy and I went to highschool together she was the sweetest! Check her out!

Hello! I'm Amy and I blog over at You Will Rejoice.  I am a Christian, wife, teacher, etsy shop owner, and blogger! Currently, I'm a middle school English teacher, but I spend my spare time dreaming of interior decorating, fashion, style, and both home improvement and decor DIY tutorials. My husband, Ben, and I live in Ann Arbor, MI while he finishes up grad school. My favorite colors are yellow, white, and grey, I love reading books, eating out (but not cooking!), wine, and fresh flowers. I am incredibly indecisive and wear dresses every day that I can. My favorite blog topic is a DIY tutorial and I am constantly searching for accessories and clothing to recreate at a more affordable price point. I hope you can take a moment to check out my blog, getting new followers is always exciting!

Also, I love connecting with other bloggers and am always interested in hosting guest posts and writing guest posts. Please don't hesitate to contact me, or even just leave a comment saying hello! Or, you can find me hanging around the here:

Friend me on facebook
Follow me on twitter
Check out my etsy shop, One Stitch Away

I am excepting sponsors for April, for free!

If you are interested send me an email!

alissaandcarisa{at}gmail{dot}

Weekend Recap!

We had a fabulous weekend!

I took a day off from work and Me and the Hubs and our friends headed to Chicago for the weekend!

I love big cities. If I didn't have a good job or a family close by I would move to a big city in a heartbeat!

We stayed in the Double Tree on the magnificent mile. It wasn't the best hotel and was kinda pricey but we did have a great view!

Friday we spent the whole day shopping it was so fun! I got a couple of things but the sales weren't as good as I had hoped.

Friday night we went to my favorite restaurant, the Cheesecake factory. 

Although I kept calling it the Artichoke factory because that is all I have ever eaten there. It is amazing!

Saturday was insane!

The city was packed for St. Pattys day.

We didn't stay long but just checked out the crowds and headed home

All in all it was a great trip! We got to spend time with friends :)

Post about my new stuff coming soon!

I hope you all had an amazing weekend :)

Ps. you guys rock with all the book suggestions Thursday. Can't wait to check them out since I just finished Pretty Little Liars!

We had a fabulous weekend!

I took a day off from work and Me and the Hubs and our friends headed to Chicago for the weekend!

I love big cities. If I didn't have a good job or a family close by I would move to a big city in a heartbeat!

We stayed in the Double Tree on the magnificent mile. It wasn't the best hotel and was kinda pricey but we did have a great view!

Friday we spent the whole day shopping it was so fun! I got a couple of things but the sales weren't as good as I had hoped.

Friday night we went to my favorite restaurant, the Cheesecake factory. 

Although I kept calling it the Artichoke factory because that is all I have ever eaten there. It is amazing!

Saturday was insane!

The city was packed for St. Pattys day.

We didn't stay long but just checked out the crowds and headed home

All in all it was a great trip! We got to spend time with friends :)

Post about my new stuff coming soon!

I hope you all had an amazing weekend :)

Ps. you guys rock with all the book suggestions Thursday. Can't wait to check them out since I just finished Pretty Little Liars!

March Sponsor Spotlight

I got a few March sponsors, I am so excited! My first sponsors :) 

I would like to introduce you to two of them!! More intros coming soon!

Trish: Our Tattooed Life

Hey all!  I'm Trish and I blog over at Our Tattooed Life.  I'm a wife and full time student. I'm a lover of pit-bulls, tattoos, red tractors, coupons, books and babies (that darned biological clock won't stop ticking!). When you come to my place you'll find ALL SORTS of crazy, wonderful, and fantastical things.  I blog about coupons, things that drive me crazy (or ramblings of a crazy lady as I like to call it), my husband aka Hubby, the 101 things I want to do in 1001 days, books, recipes, and a few link ups are scattered somewhere in there.  You'll also find a lot of bloggin' love because I love the awesome ladies that I've met!

I love visitors, too and my door link is always open.  If you have to knock, then you must be at the wrong house blog!  Stop by and grab a coffee, a beer, a pina coloda (yum!) and let's be new old friends :)

Aizzing: Icing and Write

Hey I am Aizzing at Icing and Write a twenty-something media house diva based in the desert who generally takes super pleasure in reading books, creative writing, watching movies, collecting candy-colored shoes and anything that reminds me of marshmallows. I just recently discovered the joys of traveling, creating sets on Polyvore, baking cupcakes, and wearing bejeweled sandals on a Thursday.

*side note*

I just joined this site called Crowdtap, it is a survey site where you can trade in points for gift cards and you can also be selected to sample products. I was on a blog the other day and the girl got free tees from Old Navy and she got them from the site! I figured it was worth a try....if you want to check it out click below!

 

I got a few March sponsors, I am so excited! My first sponsors :) 

I would like to introduce you to two of them!! More intros coming soon!

Trish: Our Tattooed Life

Hey all!  I'm Trish and I blog over at Our Tattooed Life.  I'm a wife and full time student. I'm a lover of pit-bulls, tattoos, red tractors, coupons, books and babies (that darned biological clock won't stop ticking!). When you come to my place you'll find ALL SORTS of crazy, wonderful, and fantastical things.  I blog about coupons, things that drive me crazy (or ramblings of a crazy lady as I like to call it), my husband aka Hubby, the 101 things I want to do in 1001 days, books, recipes, and a few link ups are scattered somewhere in there.  You'll also find a lot of bloggin' love because I love the awesome ladies that I've met!

I love visitors, too and my door link is always open.  If you have to knock, then you must be at the wrong house blog!  Stop by and grab a coffee, a beer, a pina coloda (yum!) and let's be new old friends :)

Aizzing: Icing and Write

Hey I am Aizzing at Icing and Write a twenty-something media house diva based in the desert who generally takes super pleasure in reading books, creative writing, watching movies, collecting candy-colored shoes and anything that reminds me of marshmallows. I just recently discovered the joys of traveling, creating sets on Polyvore, baking cupcakes, and wearing bejeweled sandals on a Thursday.

*side note*

I just joined this site called Crowdtap, it is a survey site where you can trade in points for gift cards and you can also be selected to sample products. I was on a blog the other day and the girl got free tees from Old Navy and she got them from the site! I figured it was worth a try....if you want to check it out click below!

 

Guest Blogger: Drugstore Beauty Products

Have you guys heard about my drugstore beauty product guest posts yet?

Well I know some of you have and I am thrilled with all the awesome suggestions and all of the feedback!

I am still looking for more people who are interested in joining in! It is soooo easy and fun!

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

Today I have Jen guest posting! Below is an intro and her post. Make sure to stop by her blog and show her some love!

Fabulous Finds is written by Jen, a blogger obsessed with coffee, celebrities and shopping. From fashion, home decor, weddings and baby products, this coffee obsessed blogger has a serious shopping addiction and isn't afraid to share it.

Blog: Fabulous Finds

Twitter: @FabCoffeeMom

Pinterest: FabCoffeeMom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jensfabulousfinds

5 Drugstore Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without

For as long as I can remember, I have always seemed to be a Maybelline girl. Maybe it’s because my mom helped me pick out my first mascara, or maybe because when I was a younger, I’d lust after the cosmetics aisle, wishing I was old enough to wear makeup to school and not just for play.

I still love the thrill of walking down the cosmetics aisle at the drugstore. Don’t get me wrong, I love designer brands like M.A.C. Makeup, Clinique, Cargo Cosmetics and anything that a celebrity endorses (I’m a celebrity junkie). But let’s face it, I can’t always afford to pay $50 for an under eye concealer or $30 for a lip gloss.

If you’re in the same boat, lusting after the expensive stuff but can’t afford it, maybe I can help. Here are 5 beauty products that are frequently in my beauty bag – and they come straight from the drugstore.

Did I also mention they’re all under $15?

Hot Hair Products

 I’ve started to use TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. Confession: I’ve always thought the idea of a dry shampoo was kind of weird, and when I sprayed a bit on my roots, and a white residue was left on my scalp, I was less than thrilled. But then, I rubbed it in like the instructions on the bottle suggested and the residue went away. I was left with unwashed hair that looked as perfectly coiffed as it did the day before. SOLD! It’s now a keeper and I’d recommend it to anyone. I should mention, my hair didn’t FEEL clean but it LOOKED clean so that’s good enough for me!

I have naturally wavy hair so I’m blessed with the options of sporting a straight or curly ‘do on any given day. But on those “OMG I’m late for work,” days, curly hair wins the battle. I’ve tried so many curly hair gels, mouse’s, spritzers, hair sprays and crème’s but I’m most impressed by Pantene Pro-V’s Curl Shaping Gel. It makes my hair super curly without leaving it “crunchy” like some products do. And it’s lightweight so it doesn’t weigh my hair down. I love it; it’s a definite staple in my beauty bag. 

Flirty Eye Finds

There really are no words to explain how I feel about these next two products. The Maybelline Volum Express Falcies Mascara gives my thin, pin straight lashes volume and curves while Rimmel Exaggerate Automatic Eye Definer pencil is amazing. It gives me a precise, thin, jet black line each time I use it. Jet black mascara + jet black eyeliner = true smoky eyed love.

Pouty Lips

When I was young, I refused to leave the house without a coating of lipstick. I just never felt made up without that last coat of armour. These days, life’s just to busy to fuss over lipstick and matching lip liners so, I’ve opted for a more casual, less fussy option. Lip gloss. I love gloss and have many different brands and colours. But the one I love the most is Annabelle Le Gloss. Lot’s of coverage and shine without breaking the bank. Now that’s a gloss I can live with!

Have you guys heard about my drugstore beauty product guest posts yet?

Well I know some of you have and I am thrilled with all the awesome suggestions and all of the feedback!

I am still looking for more people who are interested in joining in! It is soooo easy and fun!

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

Today I have Jen guest posting! Below is an intro and her post. Make sure to stop by her blog and show her some love!

Fabulous Finds is written by Jen, a blogger obsessed with coffee, celebrities and shopping. From fashion, home decor, weddings and baby products, this coffee obsessed blogger has a serious shopping addiction and isn't afraid to share it.

Blog: Fabulous Finds

Twitter: @FabCoffeeMom

Pinterest: FabCoffeeMom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jensfabulousfinds

5 Drugstore Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without

For as long as I can remember, I have always seemed to be a Maybelline girl. Maybe it’s because my mom helped me pick out my first mascara, or maybe because when I was a younger, I’d lust after the cosmetics aisle, wishing I was old enough to wear makeup to school and not just for play.

I still love the thrill of walking down the cosmetics aisle at the drugstore. Don’t get me wrong, I love designer brands like M.A.C. Makeup, Clinique, Cargo Cosmetics and anything that a celebrity endorses (I’m a celebrity junkie). But let’s face it, I can’t always afford to pay $50 for an under eye concealer or $30 for a lip gloss.

If you’re in the same boat, lusting after the expensive stuff but can’t afford it, maybe I can help. Here are 5 beauty products that are frequently in my beauty bag – and they come straight from the drugstore.

Did I also mention they’re all under $15?

Hot Hair Products

 I’ve started to use TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. Confession: I’ve always thought the idea of a dry shampoo was kind of weird, and when I sprayed a bit on my roots, and a white residue was left on my scalp, I was less than thrilled. But then, I rubbed it in like the instructions on the bottle suggested and the residue went away. I was left with unwashed hair that looked as perfectly coiffed as it did the day before. SOLD! It’s now a keeper and I’d recommend it to anyone. I should mention, my hair didn’t FEEL clean but it LOOKED clean so that’s good enough for me!

I have naturally wavy hair so I’m blessed with the options of sporting a straight or curly ‘do on any given day. But on those “OMG I’m late for work,” days, curly hair wins the battle. I’ve tried so many curly hair gels, mouse’s, spritzers, hair sprays and crème’s but I’m most impressed by Pantene Pro-V’s Curl Shaping Gel. It makes my hair super curly without leaving it “crunchy” like some products do. And it’s lightweight so it doesn’t weigh my hair down. I love it; it’s a definite staple in my beauty bag. 

Flirty Eye Finds

There really are no words to explain how I feel about these next two products. The Maybelline Volum Express Falcies Mascara gives my thin, pin straight lashes volume and curves while Rimmel Exaggerate Automatic Eye Definer pencil is amazing. It gives me a precise, thin, jet black line each time I use it. Jet black mascara + jet black eyeliner = true smoky eyed love.

Pouty Lips

When I was young, I refused to leave the house without a coating of lipstick. I just never felt made up without that last coat of armour. These days, life’s just to busy to fuss over lipstick and matching lip liners so, I’ve opted for a more casual, less fussy option. Lip gloss. I love gloss and have many different brands and colours. But the one I love the most is Annabelle Le Gloss. Lot’s of coverage and shine without breaking the bank. Now that’s a gloss I can live with!

Reading Instead of Bloggin say what?

So Monday night the hubs and I read! It was crazy we never do that! I read instead of blogging!

Since I am taking a long weekend, and a trip to Chicago for the St. Patty's day festivities I thought I would share with you what book I am going to be reading on the drive!

I have a wonderful nook with many books stored on it that I want to read but haven't gotten around to. So I decided to start reading some of them, and get a few new ones to read too!

You guys are going to laugh at me for this....but my favorite book series is Pretty Little Liars, its addicting! The show is good too but nothing like the books. Have any of you read them?

Well one summer I bought every single book and me and BFF read through them all. We thought then ended at book 8! Well I was so wrong! I was browsing through the bookstore the other day and saw a new one and I freaked....how did I not know there were more!?

So my goal is to get caught up which won't be hard because they are beyond quick reads!

Just to mix up the blog posts a little, below are some of my books of choice :) You guys are going to laugh, because like my love of what the hubs calls "teen dramas" that also reflects into my book choices :) ha!

Currently Reading

 

Books to Finish

Books i Want to Read Soon 

 

What books are you currently reading? Any must read suggestions?

So Monday night the hubs and I read! It was crazy we never do that! I read instead of blogging!

Since I am taking a long weekend, and a trip to Chicago for the St. Patty's day festivities I thought I would share with you what book I am going to be reading on the drive!

I have a wonderful nook with many books stored on it that I want to read but haven't gotten around to. So I decided to start reading some of them, and get a few new ones to read too!

You guys are going to laugh at me for this....but my favorite book series is Pretty Little Liars, its addicting! The show is good too but nothing like the books. Have any of you read them?

Well one summer I bought every single book and me and BFF read through them all. We thought then ended at book 8! Well I was so wrong! I was browsing through the bookstore the other day and saw a new one and I freaked....how did I not know there were more!?

So my goal is to get caught up which won't be hard because they are beyond quick reads!

Just to mix up the blog posts a little, below are some of my books of choice :) You guys are going to laugh, because like my love of what the hubs calls "teen dramas" that also reflects into my book choices :) ha!

Currently Reading

 

Books to Finish

Books i Want to Read Soon 

 

What books are you currently reading? Any must read suggestions?

Is it Wednesday Already?

It's Wednesday! You know what that means....pinteresting!

Linking up with The Vintage Apple!

This week I am sharing some fun DIYs.

The nice weather gets me in a less lazy mood! Hopefully I'll get some of these done soon!!

1.  How fab is this neon clutch? Just need an ugly clutch from Goodwill some spikes and spray paint!

Source: glitternglue.com via Carisa on Pinterest

2. This dress screams spring! I have a plain white dress that I have been trying to decide how to update for awhile, can't wait to try this!

Source: thanksimadeitblog.com via Carisa on Pinterest

3. I have been meaning to do something with chalk board paint soon! I love this fun cheese board :)

Source: witandwhistle.com via Carisa on Pinterest

4. I bought a canvas the other day to make this cute print of Cotton, buuuut I spent way too much money at the craft store so it got returned with many other things. I am hoping to make this though some day soon, it would be so cute in a baby's room 10 years from now ;)

Source: thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com via Carisa on Pinterest

5. Since spring is around the corner I think I am going to make a few of these to hang in the trees!

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Carisa on Pinterest

6. Last I leave you with this other great neon bag. Can't wait to bust out some neons for the spring!

Source: glitternglue.com via Carisa on Pinterest

Happy Wednesday Yall! Is it bad to say I am already looking forward to the weekend? I am taking a long weekend and I am beyond excited to spend it with friends. Also St. Patty's day will be a good time!

It's Wednesday! You know what that means....pinteresting!

Linking up with The Vintage Apple!

This week I am sharing some fun DIYs.

The nice weather gets me in a less lazy mood! Hopefully I'll get some of these done soon!!

1.  How fab is this neon clutch? Just need an ugly clutch from Goodwill some spikes and spray paint!

Source: glitternglue.com via Carisa on Pinterest

2. This dress screams spring! I have a plain white dress that I have been trying to decide how to update for awhile, can't wait to try this!

Source: thanksimadeitblog.com via Carisa on Pinterest

3. I have been meaning to do something with chalk board paint soon! I love this fun cheese board :)

Source: witandwhistle.com via Carisa on Pinterest

4. I bought a canvas the other day to make this cute print of Cotton, buuuut I spent way too much money at the craft store so it got returned with many other things. I am hoping to make this though some day soon, it would be so cute in a baby's room 10 years from now ;)

Source: thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com via Carisa on Pinterest

5. Since spring is around the corner I think I am going to make a few of these to hang in the trees!

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Carisa on Pinterest

6. Last I leave you with this other great neon bag. Can't wait to bust out some neons for the spring!

Source: glitternglue.com via Carisa on Pinterest

Happy Wednesday Yall! Is it bad to say I am already looking forward to the weekend? I am taking a long weekend and I am beyond excited to spend it with friends. Also St. Patty's day will be a good time!

Minty Fresh

So I finally got my battery for my camera charged, which means I can take new pictures and upload some I already have taken!

It is going to be a nice week, almost a tights-less week buuuuut not quite. 

So I settled for this outfit, a little lighter but still with tights and boots :)

I am all about the mint trend this season, it is so fun and different for me. So when I saw this dress I needed it! It can be dressed up or down quite easy and it will make a great summer dress because it is so light!

Dress: Charlotte Russe

Sweater: Marshalls (? brand)

Glasses: Zenni Optical

Boots: Baretrap

Watch: Fossil

How about you guys, has anyone jumped on the Mint trend bandwagon yet?

So I finally got my battery for my camera charged, which means I can take new pictures and upload some I already have taken!

It is going to be a nice week, almost a tights-less week buuuuut not quite. 

So I settled for this outfit, a little lighter but still with tights and boots :)

I am all about the mint trend this season, it is so fun and different for me. So when I saw this dress I needed it! It can be dressed up or down quite easy and it will make a great summer dress because it is so light!

Dress: Charlotte Russe

Sweater: Marshalls (? brand)

Glasses: Zenni Optical

Boots: Baretrap

Watch: Fossil

How about you guys, has anyone jumped on the Mint trend bandwagon yet?

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 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 by veggielawyer on polyvore.com

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss, Rite Aid, $4.99

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 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!

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 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 by veggielawyer on polyvore.com

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss, Rite Aid, $4.99

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 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!