Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles and Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics

Hello Lovies!
Really long day and finally free from a bad job!!  Now I only have one LOL.  Just going through my last Influenster vox box.  I already reviewed it some for you and realized I hadn't discussed the Insoles or Hair Ribbons yet!  How could I hold back on such awesomeness??

First up Dr. Scholl's for her High Heel Insoles.  Sorry I forgot to take a pic of the insoles before I put them in my shoes.

color of the year love EMERALD!

I have very very few pair of heels simply because I can't wear them without pain.  Oh and the fact I'll fall flat on my face doesn't help either.  So I was excited/skeptical when I saw these in the box.  I knew I wanted to try them in my beloved, yet lonely emerald heels.  They fit well and I really enjoyed the support the insoles provided.  I found them to be comfortable for twice as long as heels on their own.  I personally wouldn't try wearing them to a full day of work but a special occasion OH YES!

I really think these will benefit all of my heel love friends.  They are allowing me to expand my wardrobe.  I'd give these insoles a solid B+


Next we have Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics.  I wear my hair up almost every day simply because it is hot and I do a lot of running around in my job.  As someone with chronic migraines finding a product that works without being too tight is very important to me.

hair up for makeup!

I had previously tried a different brand of hair elastics, but they are only sold online so I was really excited to be receiving some from such an easily accessible brand such as goody!  These were a bit smaller than the other company I tried so getting a snug fit was hard.  I don't recommend them for a messy bun or for an all day pony tail.  I do, however, love them for braids and pulling my hair back to do my makeup.  They are also great to throw on your wrist for an updo in a pinch.  I would like to point out that people with thinner hair may find this product the perfect size for all of their elastics needs.  I do recommend it.  I give this product an A. 

I've really missed blogging and am setting a goal to do it more often.  Hopefully that works out for us LOL

*All items were received from Influenster complimentary for review purposes*

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream

Holy Cow Loves!
I can't believe it is already July!!  I was so super excited to get notification about another VoxBox from influenster!

This was there sunkissed box which included Olay Fresh Effects BB cream.  I was super glad they included a mini survey that asked about skin tone because I'm a shade away from being clear and it matched perfectly!

My first impressions were A. Seriously fresh scent and B. way thicker than other BBs!

pigmentation scared me!

But after using it as foundation for one of my promoter looks for the Amazing Dark Heart Designs I must say it delivers well for the price point! ($12.99)

I found it to be wonderfully light; perfect for summer looks.  I wouldn't call it full coverage but in 100 degree heat you'll seat on full coverage anyways.

#nofilter

I would highly recommend this for all my beauty buddies as it combines 6 skin care benefits in one easy and freshly scented step!  It provides 24hr hydration, a splash of sheer color (I'd call it sheer to medium), SPF 15 for sun protection, evens skin tone, refreshes dullness, and perfects your skin!

You can buy it at most mass retailers but can also be found online at http://www.olay.com and http://www.amazon.com for those girls on the go.  Have you tried this product?  What were your thoughts

*This item was received complimentary for review purposes*

Anchors Away, Papa

With sad tidings and a heavy heart I begin this blog.  I've been telling myself this post has been put off because of my being sick, but in being honest with myself its because posting this makes it even more real.  Any of you who really know me know that my Grandfather, My Papa, has been in failing health and that I've been dreading his inevitable passing. 
   On February 18th, 2013 my fears were realized and my beloved Papa passed gracefully from this life into my Granny's open and awaiting arms.  I feel a large hole in my chest now that doesn't seem to be healing any time soon.  It is almost like loosing a leg or an arm.  Something important that has been there your whole life and suddenly you are forced to learn to live without it.  All logic and good sense in me knows that it was his time and he was more than ready, but the little girl in me just wants one more hug from her Papa.

 
 Never again will I here his classic "Yello" on the other end of the phone or hear his renditions of Old Bill Groggins Goat and Hot Rod Lincoln.  Never will I hear a meal called "Good Cracker" or be reminded to pray before a meal lest I want a bellyache.  No more Christmas Eve Gift calls or birthday calls.  No more hours of stories and family history.  I'll never again fall asleep to the unique whirl only his ceiling fans can create.  No more lefty and May baby jokes that only he and I could make.  No more surprise breaks at work listening to prices of things in his day.  So many things that I'll never get again and so much knowledge I'll never get to gain.
   Sometimes I find true happiness and peace in knowing he isn't in pain and back with his true love; and mostly that one day I'll see him again.  More often I feel a tightness, a lump in my throat I just can't swallow.
Papa was the definition of what a man was.  He never met a stranger and everyone loved him.  He was the best passenger in my car because he was simply excited to sit back and enjoy the ride.

   I'm so thankful for all I learned from him.. How to be a good person and an honest Christian.  That we all fall off the path but its getting back on it that matters.  He taught me to be a bargain shopper and to not waste anything.  He taught me that nothing beats a good burger and a coke.
      The most important thing I learned was from both my Granny and Papa and its that true love does exist.  There is no way to measure the love he had for his family, and for his Dottie. I will never settle for anything less than undying love.  Even 6yrs after she passed Papa never stopped loving or missing her.  I hear people say they want a love like Ali and Noah from the notebook, I want a love like T.K and Dottie.  Expect more stories and memories as I try to heal my heart so that I may continue to spread his love. 

    I'll never stop missing or or being a Papa's girl.  RIP Tommy Joe. Anchors Away, Papa  <3

Face Mask and the Blotches

Hello Loves!
   Another influenster post!! This one is about Montagne Jeunesse face masks.  I've tried several different varieties of this brand.  They are cheap and wonderful for a night of pampering and relaxation.

I was sent the deep cleaning mud mask for acne prone skin.  I was a bit thick and smelled odd but there was no burning when I applied.

So my face felt a bit tighter after I removed the mask which was great.  Then about an hour later I noticed red blotches all over my face.  I thought maybe it was a reaction to the tightness and shrugged it off.  The next day they were still there and so dark I couldn't cover it with concealer/foundation/powder. 

   I will continue to buy these masks but never this type again.  Total grade F.  I want to remind you all that I received the item free for review/testing purposes.

Mad about Concrete

Evening Dolls!
   Brrrrr writing this cuddled under a blanket and with fuzzy PJs on!  We had a Thundersnow this morning and it was beautiful, but this girl isn't made for cold.  This cold weather is keeping me in and catching up on some of my favorite things makeup, baking, and reading!
   I've been eye one company for literally months now and they came out with this gorgeous limited edition color that was only available until December 31st. I resisted and was so very proud of myself!  Until December 30th when I caved like the first little pigs house.  *sigh*  I REGRET NOTHING!
   So this company I speak of is Concrete Minerals.  I've been drooling over their pro matte line since it released so I indulged!  I ordered Angel Dust (Limited Edition), Rocked, and a blogger package (Hi-Fi, Gossip, Toxic, and Bruise).  I also received free samples of Hustle and Daydream.  I almost bought daydream instead of rocked so I was super excited to see that sample.
   Two other times I have used matte shadows one was awful and one was just a swatch, so I was very nervous to try these. First impression...THEY ARE AMAZING.  I sat down just intending to swatch these bold beauties but I fell in love them so much I HAD to do a look.  I realize it isn't perfect but these shadows are simply amazing.

The left side is bare skin and right side over Nyx Milk.  Top to bottom Toxic, Hi-Fi, Bruise, and Gossip.

With Flash

All of the colors apply extremely well even for non pros like myself.  Gossip is a little light on bare skin but I think that adds to its charm.  Best part NONE of them stain.  I felt the makeup on for a few hours after photos, I'd like to say to test it but honestly its because I loved the look so much.

For this I used Toxic underneath and in the inner corner, Hi-Fi on inner lid/crease, and Bruise on outer lid/crease.  I used MAC Cosmetics eyeshadow in Preferred Blonde (Limited Edition) as brow highlight.  And I used Dark Heart Designs blush in Summertime Sadness (one of my all time favorite blushes). Since I get asked a lot for my nude lip combo I use Revlon lipstick in 070 soft nude with Revlon lipgloss in 150 peach petal on top.
Like Mattes? Buy these you'll thank me later.

Now on to the mineral shadows.  I love them just as much and really love the shades I got for spring.  They are soft and delicate like spring flowers.

Flash

No Flash

Like the other swatches left side is bate skin while right is over Nyx Milk.  Top to bottom Daydream, Angel Dust, Rocked, and Hustle.  Just as amazing as the pro mattes, but with out of this world shimmer.  Angel dust is sheer but build-able and makes me rethink my hatred of purple.

Yes I'm aware I needed to blend better but I was in a hurry and loving these colors.  I used Daydream on inner lid/crease, Angel Dust on outer lid/crease and underneath, and Rocked for brow highlight.  I again used Dark Heart Designs blush in Summertime Sadness.  For lips I used Dark Heart Designs Love Bites lipstick.

In short I need to own all the concrete minerals line because it is truly fab!

Goody Goody

Evenin Loves!
   The next super fabulous product I want to share with you is the Goody QuickStyle brush.  It claims to take 30% of the water out of your hair dramatically deceasing drying time.

   I have super girly hair and tons of it.  It takes FOREVER to dry.  Blow drying? Forget about it!  When I saw the brush in the stores I really wanted it but was saving money for the holidays so when I heard it was in the Holiday VoxBox I did an audible SQUEEEE.  Dorky?  Maybe, but you should know that about me by now.
  So the first night I had the box I cracked this bad boy open and held my breath as I tried it.  I've had a few ladies ask me how this worked.  Let me tell you 100% honestly...THIS WORKS AWESOMELY!!!  I love the brush.  My only downside is that it is the round brush and not the paddle.  I can't say this will work for everyone but its fabulous for me.  I actually want to try it with a hair dryer.  I just have to buy one.  Yeah  I know you are all gasping in horror, but I truly do not own a hair dryer but this brush is making me consider getting one.
    Get this brush.  Let me know if it works for your hair type.  I'm curious to see if it works for my thin haired ladies as well!  I received this item for free for Testing and Reviewing Purposes.  Want to get in these voxboxes?  Influenster Website

Dresses for...your NAILS?!?

I'm so loving my holiday Vox Box from Influenster.  With my crazy nail polish collection you know I was super excited to try the nail dress!

I got "babydoll"

There are many stickers in the box and even enough to do a mani/pedi combo.

I think they are beautiful and easy to apply but I use my hands a lot and could only keep them on for about 2 hours

I do have to remind you that I did receive these for free to review.  I'd buy more on my own though and my bestie sent me a set for Christmas!

New Year, New You

Hello Lovely Dolls!
  Happy New Year...or Almost New Year.  Whoo is some ways I can't believe 2012 is already over and in others it seems like 2013 should be half over.
I keep hearing all about people making resolutions and New Year, New You and I really just needed to get my piece out about that.  New Year New Me...frankly I'm pretty dang awesome and don't believe the need to be a "new" me.  I'm not perfect and am all for making a BETTER you, but stop acting like you aren't fabulous.  Should you truly hate the person you are that you need to be a "new" you than why wait til the new year?  I'd get on the business STAT!
Resolutions are also a wonderful in my eyes but stop thinking of them as something that has to be done on January 1st or forget it til next year.  Make your promises or goals to yourself but don't get down if you falter or fall.  Rome wasn't built in a day and habits can't be changed in one either.

Last gripe- Stop making resolutions to please other people.  Live for YOU, do what makes YOU happy.  The only person you have to live with forever is YOU.  Why not make it a happy lifetime?

Now on to 2012 and saying goodbye...
2012 had been a pretty rough year for a lot of people, myself included. I lost some "friends" and my precious doggy.  I was passed over for well deserved promotions and some unexpected expenses.  This year is taken a toll on my grandfather and I fear we will lose him in 2013, but I cherish this Christmas.
I ended up getting a better promotion for all my hard work and patience.  I've made some amazing friends including adding a new bestie to my life.  I got a new pup that has stolen my heart, and my socks.  I got to spend lots of time with my God given sister, Reigh. I was able to spend some great times with my other best friends, and even a bit with family.  I found a great passion for makeup and continued my art of baking.
I have no regrets from this year only lessons.  I got to know some amazing small business owners and even became great friends with a few.

With good there is always bad when you really start laying it out the good generally out weighs the bad.  So I'm going to make my resolutions to do my part for a better year.

Resolutions/promises/whatever you want to call them:
1. Work on my family tree.  I think this is most important to me because I really want to know more about my family living and past.

2. Post more looks.  I have tons of stuff that just sits there.  I feel power and unbeatable when I put on those amazing colors and I want more of that.

3. Use or throw away more stuff.  I have stuff that has sat in drawers or closets or boxes for far to long.  I need to declutter and keep it that way.

4. Go see more movies.  I LOVE seeing movies and I miss so many now a days so even if I go alone I'm going to see more movies in theaters.

5. Spend more time with friends and family.  I have some amazing people in my life and I want as much quality time with them as I can get, cuz I'm selfish like that.

6. Take more pictures.  I like talking pictures LOL

7. For every negative thought I must think a positive one.  This will help me frown less and enjoy more.

8. Blog more...about EVERYTHING.  I think I did better this year but I can top that next year.

9. Take more me time to relax and enjoy my own mind/crafts/books/whatever makes me happy.

10. Work on a healthier lifestyle.  Notice I didn't say lose weight.  Life shouldn't be about a number on a scale it should be about the number of years you live.

In 6 months we will see how well I've done with them!

Holiday VoxBox 2012

Hello Dolls!
  I know its been a few weeks but man the holidays get crazier and crazier every year.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  I hope you all got the things you asked Santa for and even more importantly I hope you got quality time with your families.

    Christmas eve I was so excited to open my mailbox and see a package from Influenster.  Another VoxBox yay!

I've already started testing these wonderful products and will have a blog post for each product so check back often!

*All of these items were given to me complimentary for my honest review*

Christmas Gift Guide

Hiya Dolls!
I've discovered some amazing indie/handmade shops this year and thought I'd compile the best of the best in a guide for the holidays.  I can personally vouch for each and every one of the companies.  Take a look around shop some and enjoy!

Shop Here

Dark Heart Designs is an ever growing line that shows care and detail in all of their products.  Recently released a blush line and a face primer.  Like them on facebook to get monthly deals.

Shop Here

Rockeresque Beauty Company is an all vegan company that is expanding slowly but their loose eye shadows are amazing the service is great AND they opened a beauty school.  Sign up for email membership to get coupon codes and a birthday gift.

Shop Here

Candii Blossom Cosmetics is a one woman show with some truly unique pigments.  She also just came out with blushes and frequently has sales.  She has launched a polish line that I haven't purchased from yet but you need her lava flow eye shadow its the perfect orange.

Shop Here

Carina Dolci Cosmetics is a publicaly christian company that donates 10% of their profits to charity (now thats beautiful).  TAT is a little longer than most but they always include lots of samples to make up for it.  Their eye shadows are wrapped like candy and absolutely adorable.  Perfect stocking stuffers!

Shop Here

Lucky Cupcake Hairclips makes just that hairclips!  Well she also makes wraps and jewelry too!!  I've posted about them before and still love them.  Shes always coming out with new and exciting things.  Her orders come with candy.  Who the heck doesn't love candy?!?

Shop Here

Riveting Rosies is a mix of bath and body as well as fuzzy pens and burlesque gear.  I adore her stuff and no bath is complete without her bath salts!!  Don't see what you want?  Send her a conversation she is amazingly talented and my fave bath and body company ever!!

Shop Here

Vintage OOAK Designs makes the most amazing earrings and jewlery.  The packaging is out of this world and she is truly an absolute delight!

Shop Here

Rebel Downtown Handbags make the most amazing handbags, wallets, and clutches.  Super sweet woman to work with and with a $30 order she'll throw in a matching pocket mirror.  She makes customs as well.

Icy Wonderland

Howdy Dolls
   Its not feeling like Christmas at all in Texas right now.  Weather in the 80's so when my makeup sister and inspiration Courtney posted this Winter Wonderland I got inspired.

Doesn't she make you jealous?

So I got in my special Dark Heart Designs bag (I have so many of her products I had to get another bag) and started creating.  I love/hate the look I created but I had tons of fun creating it so I hope you all enjoy it just a little :).

Products/Colors used include Dark Heart shadows in Frost, Silver Lining, Kiss & Make Tea, Sirens Song, Madness, and Rave.  Dark Heart mascara in Retro. Dark Heart lipstick in Love Bites. Dark Heart Magic Eyelixir. Hard Candy eye shadow primer. Nyx jumbo eye pencil in Milk. theBalm matte shadow in Matt Batalli.

Can't wait til my next look.  Enjoy!

Your eating WHAT?!?

Bonjour my lovies!
    Like how I got all cultured there?  Christmas is really gearing up all around me so I decided to make my favorite holiday treat Puppy Chow.

Now some of you will know what I'm talking about while others are curling their noses in disgust while the rest of you tilt your head slightly in confusion.  No fears I'm not showing dog food.

Puppy Chow is an amazing concoction of rice chex, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.  once finished it does resemble kibble in a way but I assure you it is delightful.  Other names you may know it by are muddy buddies or reindeer chow but it has always and will always be puppy chow. 

The amazingness that is pinterest has several different versions to try; including an intriguing cake batter edition that I must try.  I found a Halloween version that included two batches one with semi sweet chips and one with white chips all mixed with reeses pieces candies.  Well as hectic as fall has been I never got around to making it, so I did red and greened it up for Christmas.

 Original post at Your Cup Of Cake

Halloween Christmas Puppy Chow

Yield: 18 Cups

Ingredients

Peanut Butter White Chocolate Puppy Chow:

9 C. rice cereal squares (Chex)

1 C. white chocolate chips or Melts

1/2 C. peanut butter, creamy

1/4 C. butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 C. powdered sugar

Peanut Butter Chocolate Puppy Chow:

9 C. rice cereal squares (Chex)

1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 C. peanut butter, creamy

1/4 C. butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 C. powdered sugar

1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, optional

Peanut Butter Candies (Reese's Pieces) Red and Green peanut M&Ms

Directions

1. Prep two cookie sheets by lining them with wax paper for an easy cleanup.

2. Peanut Butter White Chocolate: Measure out rice cereal and place in a large bowl.

3. In a small microwave proof bowl, put chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter.

4. Heat in the microwave and stir until smooth.

5. Stir in vanilla extract and then pour chocolate mixture over cereal. Stir to coat cereal.

6. Place powdered sugar in a ziplock back, dump cereal into bag, seal and shake until coated.

7. Dump cereal onto a cookie sheet, spread out and let cool for 20 minutes.

8. Peanut Butter Chocolate: Follow steps 2-7 but use your semi sweet chocolate chips instead. Also, add cocoa powder to powdered sugar.

9. After all cereal is cooled, mix together and add Peanut Butter Candies M&Ms.

Brownie Sundae Bowls

Howdy Loves!

   Sometimes we all need a simple delicious dessert.  A throw together simple and quick plate of goodness.  I have just the dessert for you!

It will require an edible bowls pan.  I was given this fabulous pan by a good friend last Christmas.  I can't wait to use the baby for all my Christmas goodies!!  The test drive did pretty well though.

1 Family size boxed brownie mix (I prefer Duncan Hines any time I use a box) and the ingredients it calls for on the back of the box.

Grease the pan well and fill it 2/3s full of batter. Follow baking directions but check it 5-10 mins early.

Once they cool you'll have the perfect sundae bowl!

Will with ice cream and your favorite toppings!!

Hot Fudge

Nuts

And a cherry on top!

Enjoy