NOTD Fail

Hello lovelies!! Hope you guys have recovered from and Christmas sugar over dose or overwhelming house take over that can happen if you have people over for the holidays! I'm thankful to be back home. I really enjoy being with my family, especially now that they are in another state. But, there's definitely something about being home and back into a normal day to day after being gone for a while!! 

Unfortunately, I have a disappointing post to follow my last one. I was so super excited when I finished polishing my nails for the last post. The pink was such a perfect pretty pink and the glitter just added a nice pop. But because I forgot my polish at home, that means my holly grail if a top and bottom coat were also at home. I decided to just make due with what my sister had instead if going out and buying them and I kinda wish I hadn't! 

I should have known better, but unfortunately less than 24 hours later I'm already looking at chipped nails!  Please excuse my cuticles.. They are in desperate need of some treatment, all of which is still at home with the rest of my nail stuff :-(.

I don't know about you, but when I spend the time to do my nails I want it to last. When I say last, I want to be into the 3rd day before I start to see chipping. Especially with this glitter polish it took longer to dry. Which makes me expect more because I don't want to continuously be spending lots of tone doing my nails just to have to turn around and so them again within the next day!!

I may have high hopes, but with my OPI base coat and Out the Door Top coat this is achievable!

**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **

Countdown to Christmas Day 4 - Benefit Hello Flawless Review

I feel like I am constantly on the hunt for the next best foundation.  I love being able to obtain the perfect full face of makeup.  Which, with the amount of freckles I have, can be a definite trick.  To find something that covers impurities but doesn't make me look cakey is a struggle. The newest on the chopping block:

• Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Liquid Foundation in I'm Pure for Sure - Light; and 
• Benefit Hello Flawless Powder in Never Settle - Petal

Now on to the review ... Let's get to the juicy stuff!!

First impression of this foundation is - It seems like kind of a light coverage foundations.  The consistency is very runny.  Which is a change, most the ones I have used i the past are a lot thicker.  Plus, I have seemed to need two applications of this in my problem areas that seem to need more attention.

This powder is amazing.  It's got such a smooth and soft texture.  I love it.  I have found that this is a great powder to set my foundation with.  I have started using a powder round to apply it and then smooth it over with my brush.  Otherwise, when sticking my brush in the product I feel like more gets knocked off the product and wasted.

I thought the best way to show you how these products work would be for you to actually see them on my face... Below of are pictures that follow me through each step of my process...

Photo on the left - Me with just moisturizer, eye cream and primer on.  As you can see, I have some circles under my eyes, and a pimple next to my mouth. These are my problem areas today! 

Photo on the right - With just one coat of the liquid foundation.

Photo on the left - With just one coat of the liquid foundation.

Photo on the right - Added concealer to areas that need a little extra attention today and the powder foundation.

Photo on the left - Added concealer to areas that need a little extra attention today and the powder foundation.

Photo on the right - Full face completed! For a list of the products used, check out the end of this review.

Close up of my eye look

Dressed and headed to work!!

Photo on the left - Full face freshly completed.

Photo on the right - Full face after a full day of work.

As you can see, you can definitely get a full coverage look with this foundation and primer.  I do feel that the powder may be a shade too light for me.  I feel like I look washed out after applying it, but that's nothing that can't be fixed with a little bronzer!!

Now lets see the staying power - As you can see, I definitely don't look as fresh faced in the photo after work.  The photo on the left was probably taken around 7:30 am and the one on the right was taken probably about 12 hours later.  You can see that my bags and circles under my eyes are a little more apparent and the pimple by my mouth is definitely more visible.  But looking at the fact that this is about twelve hours later, I can't complain with the way this kept up .. especially since I didn't do any touch ups throughout the day! I must say I am happy with this foundation.  If I wanted my look to stay fresh throughout the day, at some point I may have added a little powder, but it's definitely not a necessity. 

Products used for my full face look:

• All over the eye lid up to my brow bone - Ulta's Bermuda Sand.  I also use this to blend out my darker shadows
• Crease - the bottom middle and bottom right from NYX Love in Paris Parisian Chick 
• Coner of my eye - Urban Decay Broken from Urban Decay's Theodora Palette.

• Eye Primer - Mary Kay's Eye Primer
• Concealer - MAC's Select Moisturecover in NW15
• NYX Bronzer in Light
• Wet n' Wild Blush in Heather Silk
• Revlon Color Stay Eyeliner in Black Brown
• Power Volume Collagen in Black Brown
• L'Oreal Voluminous Full Definition in Black Brown

**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **

Countdown to Christmas Day 3 - Easy Potato Soup

On to the needs addition of the Countdown to Christmas ... Super Easy Potato Soup!!  I fell in love with this the first night a made it.  Not only is this an easy recipe to do but it is also so tasty!  And, like most other soups, it just gets better as leftovers!!!

Ingredients

1/2 stick of butter

1 small onion, diced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flower

8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 cups milk (whatever you have in your fridge)

2 chicken bouillon cubes, dissolved in 1/2 cup hot milk

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups salted water

Extras:

Bacon Bits

Corn

Chicken

Sliced carrots

In a saucepan big enough to contain all of your soup, melt the butter and saute the onions until tender.  This usually takes about 5 or so minutes.  

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.  Add in milk and potatoes.  Let the milk, bouillon mix and potatoes simmer until the potatoes start to dissolve, about 15 minutes.  I have also learned that when you are cubing your potatoes, cut them in varying sizes.  This allows some to dissolve and make the consistency of your soup and keeps some in chunks.  

Once the potato and milk mixture has reached the consistency of your liking and you have the flavor of your liking (you may want to add more bouillon to taste) you can add any of the extras you like.  I always add corn, carrots and chicken.  The chicken can be as simple as grabbing a pre-made one from the store or doing your own baked chicken.  I always add these things at the end because otherwise they can get mushy and no one wants that. Another thing I've learned about this receipe is to cook your bacon until you feel like it might just be almost over cooked.  Otherwise they can kinda loose their crunch!

Finished product!!!
This is a great starter base and has endless amounts of possibility.. I've done lots of different things just with the base.  Like I said, I usually add chicken, corn, and carrots.  But, also have added shrimp instead of chicken and added cheddar cheese to make more of a cheese potato soup... All of which have been delicious!!

Count Down to Christmas Day 1 - Pretzel Jello Salad

Here's to the kick of to my count down to Christmas series!! ... I've decoded to start this off with a family favorite.  This pretzel jello salad is something that is at every big family dinner or holiday meal.  It's a definite crowd pleaser!!

Now - the pictures that are included in this blog are pictures of the salad I made for Thanksgiving.  I had split the recipe in half because I was going to two different houses and wanted to be able to bring something to both places.

Ingredients

6 oz package Raspberry Jell-O

2 cups boiling water

2 cups pretzels

1/4 cup sugar

1 stick butter

1 (8oz) package cream cheese – softened

1 (8oz) package Cool Whip – thawed

1 cup sugar

1 container frozen raspberries – thawed in refrigerator

Directions

1 - Pre-heat oven to 350°F;

2 - Combine 6 Oz packet of Jell-O with 2 cups of boiling water and set aside to cool to room temperature;

3 - Crush 2 cups of pretzels in a ziploc bag, using a rolling pin;

4 - Melt 1 stick of butter than add 1/4 cup sugar in saucepan. Add pretzels and mix together;

5 - Lightly press pretzel mix into a 13×9 -inch pyrex dish and bake for 10 minutes at 350°F, then cool to room temperature;

6 - While pretzel mix is cooling down, beat 8 oz of cream cheese and 1 cup sugar on medium/low speed until well-combined;

7 - Next, stir in Cool Whip using a spatula and mix until well combined;

8 - Spread mixture over cooled pretzels and go all the way to the edges of the dish to create a seal. You don’t want the jello to leak into the pretzels. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. To be honest I usually let this sit over night to ensure that the mixture is completely set and ready for the jello;

It's very important to make sure that you get the cool whip mixture all the way to the edge of the dish and seal it off.  Otherwise the jello gets down to the pretzels and it makes a mush mess ... and no one's got time for that!! lol

9 - Next it's time to combine the fruit (I used strawberries) and your jello.  I bought the strawberries the night before and just placed them in the refrigerator to thaw out so they were ready when I went to finish the salad.  Here's the important thing, you make your jello with HALF the amount of water that the recipe calls for.  This is important because you want your jello to be a little more congealed.  This is so that the jello holds it shape better when you are cutting the salad.  Otherwise you have a slippery jello mess... After you make the jello, let it sit for a bit.  Wait to combine your jello and strawberries until the jello is room temperature.  I don't drain the strawberries because it adds extra flavor to the jello mix;

10 - Pour Jell-O over raspberries and refrigerate until jello is set

And just like that ... you're finished.  Like I said before, this is a dish that is a big family favorite and usually doesn't last long at our family dinners.  It sure didn't last long at the Thanksgiving dinners that I brought it to this year!!

ENJOY!!!!

Countdown to Christmas

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT'S ALREADY THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER!?!? Where has this year gone!?!?.... 

I don't know about you, but this time of year is my favorite time of year.  Between Thanksgiving and New Years just seems to be the best part of the year.  I am able to spend lots of time with family and enjoy the holiday season.  No matter what holidays you do or don't celebrate, you can't help but get wrapped up in the season!!

My love for this season is definitely encouraged by the fact that this is when we get SNOW and usually lots of it.  Being in Montana there is something so beautiful about waking up to a fresh new layer of snow.  If you haven't seen Montana during the winter, you are missing out!!  The mountains here are beautiful anytime of year but cover in snow, that's a completely different type of beauty!!

Walking home from work last week after a fresh snow

So.. that was a bit of a tangent... Back to the point of this post...

I know I'm a bit behind on this, things in the beginning of the month have been totally crazed!!  I have found myself counting down to Christmas (11 days!) ... This is probably because I get to hit the road to visit my family, including my brother's family (which means lots of loving on my niece and nephew).  With us living in different states; I'm in Montana, my parents and younger sister are in Washington state, and my brother and his family are in California; Christmas is one of the few times a year that we get everyone under the same roof.  I believe my Aunt and Uncle may even be making the trip too.  Plus, my boyfriend gets to meet my brother for the first time (duhn duhn duhhhhhhh)  Needless to say, it's going to be a full house.  SO! To bring you in on my countdown to Christmas, starting today, I'm going to start posting my Countdown to Christmas series!!  I'm shooting for this to be an everyday from now until Christmas, that may be a high goal!!

These posts will range from a variety of things ... Beauty, recipes, and any other random things that I want to share with you or think you'll find interesting.   As always, I'm taking request, so if there is something that you would like to see, definitely send that my away!!!!

So... remember to keep checking for new postings counting down to Christmas!!!

NOTD - Emerald Green!!

I'm finally getting around to test/review one of the nail polish I've gotten in my Ipsy bag.  Back in September ... yes... September .. I got Zoya Giovanna ....

The color pay out is great.  It the staying power is also great.  My only complaint is that the brush is SOO small.

But then again I'm pretty spoiled because of the Wet n' Wild brush is so big that it makes for quick application.  This one required a little more time, but the color pay out is definitely worth in!!

Base Coat - Orly Nail Defense

Color - Zoya Giovanna

Top Coat - Out the Door

**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **

FOTD - Game Day Look

I live in a semi small college town .. well as far as my town size goes, it's the like the second or third biggest town in my state (not saying much when you're from Montana! lol) .. but that's besides the point. I live in a college town, and we love our football team!!  The year I moved here (2001), that fall we went to and won the Championship and it was a big deal.  Yeah, yeah, I know it's always a big deal when you're team wins the championship, but for my town it was huge.  I'm not joking when I say that businesses closed during the game because people were watching the game. 

.... So ... Saturday college game day is a pretty big deal around here!! ... Keeping that in mind, while I was getting ready, I was thinking that I'm sure there are plenty of others out there doing the exact same thing ... I figured a game day face of the day would be well welcomed!! Keep in mind our colors or maroon and silver ... Not bad for colors I think!

Hair - Velcro Rollers are amazing!! For anyone who wants volume and beautiful bouncy curls, you have to try them.  I use a curling iron first and apply heat to my hair.  I pick the curling iron size depending on how big/tight curls I want.  I start from the top, placing the biggest rollers on the top of my head and work my way down, with smaller rollers for each level. 

I usually choose to do my hair after my face makeup is done but before my eye make up.  This allows my hair to air dry as much as possible before I use my blow drier and then it has time to set on the rollers.  The rollers are usually in for about 30 minutes to an hour.  I want to leave them in for as long as possible.  If you don't have that long to leave them in, just make sure that your hair has cooled completely before taking them out. 

After I take out the rollers, it looks like a curly mess.  I run my finger through my hair to tame the craziness, but not enough to pull out the curls.  I back comb (yes, I know this is bad for your hair, but this girl likes volume!!) hair at my crown.  Don't go too crazy, but just to give my hair a little umph.  Add a little hair spray to hold things together.  It's that Easy!!

Makeup:

• Face
• Mary Kay Day Solution
• Mary Kay Moisturizer in Combination to Oily
• Hard Candy Face Primer Sheer Envy
• Revlon Color Stay Whipped Cream Makeup in 250 Medium Beige
• Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in Fair
• NYX Matte Bronzer in Light
• For contouring and to warm up the face a little
• NYX Blush in Mocha
• Eyes
• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Strawberry Milk
• Over the lid as a shadow base
• Ulta shadow in Bermuda Sand 
• Over the lid and up to my brow bone and used later to blend out the darker shadow
• Urban Decay shadow in Broken
• Over the lid
• Wet n' Wild Pallet Petal Pusher
• Second from the top, Right column - In the corner of my eye creating the outer "V" 
• Third from the top, Right column - In the corner of my eye lid, darkening up the outer "V" and on the bottom eye lid for eye liner
• Revlon Lash Potion in Blackened Brown
• L'Oreal Power Volume Collagen

**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **

NOTD - Dark Side of Life!!

Ah! The change in seasons has begun and I couldn't be more excited!! Fall is my favorite season .. Time to pull out the boots and scarves!  I also have pulled out my darker color nail polish and make up!! 

I did a Walgreens hall in my last post and one of the Wet n' Wild nail polishes is featured in this nail of the day! I love this dark color, it's got a gorgeous shimmer too it ... I feel they should have named it asphalt instead of Venomous Vixen!!  

Base Coat - Orly Nail Defense
Color - Wet n' Wild Venomous Vixen
Top Coat - Out the Door

**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **

Walgreens Haul

• Purina Busy Bones - Two for $7.00
• Revlon Lash Potion in Blackest Brown - $7.99  (on sale, buy one Revlon product get a second for 1/2 off)
• Revlon Color Stay Eye Liner in Black Brown - $7.99  (on sale, buy one Revlon product get a second for 1/2 off)
• Wet n' Wild Megalast Nail Polish (colors listed from left to right) -$1.99
• Deadly Dose
• Root of all Evil
• Venomous Vixen
• Disturbia
• Wet Cement
• Under Your Spell
• Toxic Apple
• Lethal Injection
• Ruby-dolph
• See Ya' Soon

I wondered into my local Walgreens to see if they had any Wet n' Wild polishes that I didn't have yet ... I discovered that it appears that they had released new colors for the fall/holidays.  I unfortunately am usually late to the party on the limited addition seasonal or holiday releases.  So, I was pretty excited to discover it.  These polishes are quickly becoming my favorite polishes.  They last without chipping, I usually end up taking it off because I want a new color rather than because they are starting to chip. They also have great color pay off and the brush makes for quick and easy application.  If you haven't tried them, I would definitely recommend it!!

While I was there I discovered that they were running a buy one get one half off on Revlon products, so I decided to pick up some of my staple products.  I always have to have a back up of both the color stay eye liner and the lash potion mascara ... don't want to risk running out!! 

Lastly, I had to pick up a little treat for my favorite little guy!!  My pup sure loves these Purina bones!

**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **

September Ipsy Unboxing

I must say when I opened my mail box and saw this super cute pink package, I was super excited.  I know, I know, I was super excited to receive my first Ipsy package, but when I saw cute the packaging was, it was like the cherry on top!

For those of you who don't know, Ipsy is a subscription service.  Which means, once a month for $10.00 you receive in the mail a package of fun products! It's like Christmas ever month! Ipsy has a fun little twist to it, it also comes with a make up bag!! Which, to be honest, the last thing I probably need is another make up bag, but I love the idea!!

Every month there is a group of items that your products are chosen from.  You will only receive a couple items.  On the Ipsy website they then offer discounts on all of the items that were potential products.  Which is great if there was a product you wanted and didn't get, you can get it for a cheaper!! Who doesn't love a discount!! 

Ok! On to this month's bag!! 

NYX eye shadow in Cryptonite

"Punch it up. Thanks to our high-fashion, high-intensity pigments, our signature pressed shadows pack a punch of color, yet are incredibly easy to blend. Go edgy or understated effortlessly, and enjoy the luscious, long-wearing color from sunrise to sunset...and beyond. Collect and create with 50 shades in shimmer, sheer, glitter, frosty, metallic and matte formulations!"

J.cat Lipstick in Honeycrisp 

 Elizabeth Mott - It's So Big Mascara (black)

"Why you need it - A unique formula that lengthens and curls your lashes without smudging! Maintains mega volume for the whole day, and is easily removed.

Why was it created? – After years of disappointing mascaras, that failed to deliver wat they were supposed to do. I searched all over the world to create a mascara that gives me BIG volume. Working with the top cosmetics laboratories, I formulated the perfect volumizing mascara that didn’t smudge and can be worn all day. I wear this mascara to the gym (shhh, it’s a secret!), and it will not budge even after a long run or a spinning class!

The secret weapon – The hourglass brush shape, with its long and short bristle pattern, delivers just the right amount of mascara to each lash (like magic!), watch your lashes grow BIGGER with each layer."

Starlooks Eye Liner Pencil in Obsidian (black)

"Dramatically emphasize your eyes with Starlooks' intensely-pigmented Kohl Eye pencils! These ultra-soft liners glide across delicate lids without pulling. Try a smokey effect by blending outwards with a fluffy brush! Each extremely creamy Kohl Liner can also be used as a base on the entire lid. Impossible to choose between 10 stunning and super saturated shades!"

Freeman Paper Masks (sorry guys, I know they are upside down, technical difficulties and this time the computer won!)

Rose Brightening Facial Paper Mask (pink package) - "Be on the bright side! Serum-infused paper facial mask with Rose Extract, rich in skin-brightening Vitamin C, illuminates dull skin. Reveal a smoother surface with Lactic and Glycolic alpha hydroxy acids. White Tea and Licorice antioxidants help reduce age spots for more even-toned skin. Lift the paper and press serum into skin to prep for moisturizer and prime for make-up. Perfect for dull skin types."

Star Fruit Purifying Facial Paper Mask (green package) - "Breakouts? Irritation? Skin needs serious soothing. This serum-infused paper facial mask with Star Fruit helps calm skin stressed by flare-ups. Lavender and Niacinamide help balance oil production. Tea Tree soothes breakout-stressed skin. Witch Hazel refreshes and minimizes the appearance of pores. Lift the paper and press serum into skin to prep for moisturizer and prime for make-up. Perfect for combination to oily skin types."

Blue Agave Hydrating Facial Paper Mask (blue package) - "Transform skin from dry to dewy! Serum-enriched paper facial mask contains soothing Blue Agave to soften and rehydrate. Ultra-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and Allantoin help give skin a refreshed look and feel for a smoother finish. Lift the paper and press serum into skin to prep for moisturizer and prime for make-up. Perfect for dry skin types."

Ok, time to break down the prices!!

NYX eye shadow in Cryptonite - $4.50
J.cat Lipstick in Honeycrisp - $2.49
Elizabeth Mott - It's So Big Mascara - $19.99
Starlooks Eye Liner Pencil in Obsidian - $12.99
Freeman Paper Masks - $1.99 a package 

September total = $45.94 ... and I only paid $10!!!!!

Prices were all taken from the websites Ipsy linked to for purchase.  In addition to the prices, all the descriptions of the products were also taken from those websites.


Ipsy website - Ipsy.com

About Ipsy (taken from their website)

"Michelle Phan has inspired countless women around the world through her beauty video tutorials on YouTube. Every day, the question Michelle gets asked the most is: "What are the right products for me?" 

With infinite beauty product combinations in the marketplace, choosing the best items for your needs can be a challenge! That was why Michelle created ipsy. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try. 

Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month. 

So go ahead, take the beauty quiz, get your first Glam Bag, watch the videos, and create your own!"

Now - the only down side to Ipsy, is there is a slight waiting list at the beginning.  I believe i signed up at the end of July and was off the waiting list and a member in time to receive the September bag ... Not too bad of a wait!!


**Disclaimer - I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.” **