Beautiful Mineral Eyeshadow

I have been loving my Bare Minerals eyeshadows!  As you can see, these colors are all quite neutral and would look great on most eye colors and skin tones.  I apply a layer of primer to my lids first.  I usually use either MAC paint pots or the Clinique Antioxident cream shadows.  I then use a shadow brush to pack the mineral shadow on.  I don't ever get fallout from these shadows, which actually surprised me at first considering the fact that these are powder.  These last all day and do not crease on me (my lids are normal, not oily).

These are my top picks from Bare Minerals.  Each one can be worn as an allover lid color.  They cost $14 each and can be purchased at Ulta, Sephora, Nordstrom and other stores.   Do you have a favorite color?

My 2 Year YouTube Anniversary Giveaway

They say that time flies when you're having fun, and I couldn't agree more!  I can't believe I've been talking to a camera in various locations of my home as if it's my best girlfriend for 2 years.  LOL!  I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has watched my videos and supported my efforts.  Please be sure to watch my ANNIVERSARY VIDEO and leave a comment below the video to win a $100 gift card to the store of your choice!

Also, click HERE to watch my very FIRST YouTube video.  I filmed it on a Dell netbook after thinking "What the heck, just do it"!  My first video was a swap that I did with LisaLisaD1.  It gave me a slight bit of confidence to talk in front of a camera.

Both YouTube and blogging have led to some incredible friendships that are dear to my heart.  Thank you all so much for your support!  It means the world to me!!

Optimistic Monday

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for joining me again to see how I'm doing with my weekly goals.  Let me know if you set goals for yourself and if so, is it on a daily or weekly basis?

Goals for last week:

1. Clean out my closet!
This was my number one goal since I did not accomplish it the previous week.
I started this massive project, but I have a LONG way to go.  I am a hoarder!  It's time to get rid of the things that I don't wear already and to stop hanging on to them for "later."

2.  Walk 4 times
Yes!  I walked 4 times.  It would have been 5 but I had to take Saturday off because my hip was giving a bit of pain.
8/22/12 4.06 miles, 8/23/12 3.55 miles, 8/24/12 3.32 miles, 8/26/12 4.05 miles
3.  4 blog posts

I went a little bit crazy with blog posts this week...

4.  2-3 Youtube videos
Yes!  Posted just 2 videos for the week.  Don't want to overwhelm everyone. 

5.  Make another new dessert
No desserts this week.  Everyone seems to be watching their snacking.

6.  Make a new recipe for dinner to conform to my son's new low carb diet.
I made chicken fajitas in the crock pot.  Believe it or not, I've never made these before.

7.  Have a date night with my hubby.
This doesn't happen nearly enough.  And it didn't happen this week either.  LOL!  We did go out to dinner on both Friday and Saturday evenings, but the kids came with us.  We never mind having the kids go with us.  Soon enough they will be at college and we will have tons of date nights.

Goals for this week:

1.  Work some more on my blog.

I am finding several blogs that give some great tips.  I decided to add Sponsors to my blog.  If you have a blog or a business to promote please look at sponsorships available in my About Me section.

2.  Finally go and cancel my gym membership that I haven't used in about 6 months.  

3.   Walk 4 times.  Maybe even add some running this week.
4.  Add 1-2 pilates sessions to my workouts.

5.  Work with my camera this week.
6.  Lunch with girlfriends.
It's been way too long!  Now that everyone is finally back at school (as of today) I will have more time for friends and I am excited about this!

Have a great week!!

Sunday Social

I missed last week's Sunday Social, but I am back this week.  Thanks again to Neely and Ashley for hosting this fun linkup party!



1. What is the first website you log on to each day?

Gmail. I always check my email when I wake up every morning. All of the store sales show up then and I like to see if there is something I don't want to miss out on. Of course keeping up with friends, family and businesses is important too!  

2. Give us some funny websites you visit that we need to know about.

I don't really know of any funny websites, sorry!

3. Pinterest or Facebook? Why?

Facebook!

It allows me to know what's going on in peoples' lives. Most importantly, it lets me know what my 2 teens and college daughter are up to. LOL! I love Pinterest for the latest in fashions, trends and fabulous recipes though.

4. Twitter or Instagram? Why?

Twitter. Not enough of my friends are currently on Instagram. I think it's really not for everyone.  I personally forget that I even have it.

5. Favorite youtube video...post it!

I am all about Youtube! I love watching beauty videos and have been making my own videos for 2 YEARS this week! Check me out!  Please subscribe!!

My Youtube Channel

6. Biggest online pet peeve?

I don't like that the internet makes people think they can say whatever they want to others. Nobody has the right to say cruel things to others. I just don't get it.  We should be lifting each other up, not tearing one another down.  That's my 2 cents...

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope everyone is having a great day!

My Newest Favorite MAC Eye Shadow

I have a new favorite eye shadow! It is SuperWatt from MAC's Electric Cool collection. This is a limited edition shadow in a gorgeous taupe shade. I purchased mine from MAC's website because it was sold out at my Nordstrom store. The price is $18.50 for .07 ounces of product. This shadow is different from any others that I have personally tried from MAC. It has a soft, almost creamy type of consistency. It blended easily on my lids leaving a beautiful shimmery almost metallic sort of finish.

Most of the colors in this collection are too bright and crazy for me. I am a neutral shadow lover. There were a few others in the collection that fall in this color range. Have you tried anything from this collection?

Both pictures are with flash

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

20 % Off Ulta Coupon

You all know how much I talk about beauty products and makeup.  I am a little obsessed...  I just received this coupon from Ulta and thought I would share it.  Unfortunately, it's one of those coupons where they exclude the prestige cosmetics, Bare Minerals, etc.  But there are still great deals to be had if there are things that you need.  The coupon is valid both online and in stores.

Happy Shopping!

Road Trip!

For this week's Friday's Fancies we are going on a Road Trip!  I actually went on one of these trips just last month after not doing one in years. It was fun!  We drove from NYC to Michigan due to cancelled flights.  We called it an "adventure."

I am all about comfort when traveling.  If I am sitting in a car for hours, I want to be able to fold my legs up and then not have to worry about wrinkled clothing.  This outfit is a winner with me!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great weekend!

Fun Jewelry For Sale

Most of you know that I have dabbled in the jewelry business for the past 10+ years.  I currently have some items that I would LOVE to present to you.  Please click on each item to see larger views.  I will sell these items on a first come, first served basis.  I am sorry that my inventory is limited.  I will definitely list additional items soon.  Payments are to be through Paypal and are due within 24 hours of invoice.  Leave your comment on this post with the item(s) you are interested in.

Thanks so much for your support!

Big chunky stretch bracelet with crosses and clear crystals.  No 2 are alike.  One size fits most.

These are lightweight, bright and colorful.

2 Available for $10 each

Chunky silver tone 7 1/2 inch link bracelet.  Each bracelet includes 2 clip-on charms.  Both charms have sparkly crystals on them.  You can hook the charms on to the bracelet or near the clasp.  Pretty simple design that matches everything.

3 Bracelet Sets Available (bracelet and 2 charms per set) for $18 each set

Leather Cuff Bracelets - Adjustable in size

These are fun trendy leather bracelets with cutout designs.  I have 1 of each available for $9.95 each.

1. Dark brown with Lime Cross

2. Black with Gold Star

3. Medium brown with Copper Cross

Sigma Beauty Makeup Brushes

When I saw this deal I knew that I just had to share it with everyone!!  Sigma Beauty has a  great deal on the Synthetic Sigmax Duo.  It consists of two of my all time favorite makeup brushes.

This is the description from Sigma's website:

The Synthetic Sigmax Duo contains two of our best-selling brushes with classic black matte handles. The brushes in this collection feature the exclusive Sigmax filament, which allows for flawless makeup application without absorption into the fibers. The F82 is soft, dense and round for seamless blending of mineral products onto the skin. The F84 is soft, dense and angled for easy buffing of blush or bronzer onto the skin.

Regular Price $32, Sale Price $24 for the set!
Sigma Beauty Website

I couldn't have said it better myself!  LOL!  And I can definitely attest to the above statements being TRUE.  However, you can use the brushes for whatever face products you use.  I use these brushes with everything, from liquid foundations to cream blushes to loose powders.  

Do you already own any Sigma brushes?  Have any favorites?  Please click on the link above to see the brushes for yourself!  I am an affiliate with the Sigma Beauty brand and all earnings go toward giveaways on my blog and Youtube channel.  Please use my link and support a friend.  I appreciate it!

Thanks for your support!  Have a great day!

Optimistic Monday

Hi Everyone!  I hope you all had a great week.  Mine was pretty good.  I shopped for makeup and beauty products (that I didn't need).  Makeup makes me happy, so I splurged just a little.  Haul video coming real soon.  Now I am off to my Optimistic Monday...

Goals from last week:

1.Walk 4 times.

I am happy to report that I walked 5 times this week!

8/13/12 3.02 miles, 8/14/12 3.75 miles, 8/17/12 3.04 miles, 8/18/12 3.19 miles, 8/19/12 4.04 miles

2.  Bake a new recipe for dessert.

I made homemade ice cream (Snickerdoodle) using a recipe from the Six Sister's Blog on Pinterest.  It was way too sweet for my liking.  I also made Peach Sherbert using a recipe in my Vitamix cookbook.

You can see the hole where we have been having "tastes"

3.  Make a new dish for dinner rather than the old standbys.

I made a stir fry that I had not made in months.  Does that count?  I was just happy that I actually cooked 4 dinners this week.

4.  Take more pictures after hopefully learning new camera skills.

I am still working on getting to know my camera.  I am SO happy that I took the plunge and purchased a DSLR!  I love my camera!

5.  Organize my blog schedule on paper so that I can keep up with it better.

I started by purchasing a new purse size organizer/calendar that I have started filling out so I can remember when I have particular blogs, links etc. coming up.

6.  Begin to clean out my closet (once again)

I think the goal for this week will be to go though my shoes and donate what I don't wear.  
I confess that this one just did not get done.   I guess I will need to move it to this week's goals.

Goals for this week:

1. Clean out my closet!
This is my number one goal since I did not accomplish it last week.

2.  Walk 4 times

3.  4 blog posts

4.  2-3 Youtube videos

5.  Make another new dessert

6.  Make a new recipe for dinner to conform to my son's new low carb diet.

7.  Have a date night with my hubby.
This doesn't happen nearly enough.

Do you set goals?
Have a great week! 

Beauty Box Swap

I recently participated in a really fun swap.  It was called the Beauty Box Swap.  It was hosted by 3 fun bloggers (Tiffany at Blabbering Thoughts, Megan at Absolute Mommy and Andrea at Shabby Kitteh).  Everyone filled out a questionnaire with their beauty product preferences and the amount of $ that they felt comfortable swapping. I thought that this was such a good way to meet other bloggers who have the same passion for makeup that I do.

I received my box from Tiffany at {{blabbering thoughts}}.  Check out her fun blog when you get a chance.  I received a fun and colorful polka dot bubble mailer filled with all things pink(ish) and wonderful!!  Here are pictures of the contents:

But you really must watch my YouTube video to see it all along with my sincere thank you to Tiffany.  I sent a package to Kristen at http://thisradientlife.blogspot.com.  Check out her blog too so that you can see what I sent to her from her wishlist.  I would do this swap again in a heartbeat so I hope the girls decide to host another one (hint hint)!

Have a great day!

Considering New Glasses?

     Are you considering a purchase of new eyeglasses? I would love to have glasses to go with all of the outfits in my wardrobe. Wouldn't you?! Ha! That would be fun!
     I was contacted by an amazing company to review their website. Since I have worn eyeglasses for over 30 years, I thought it would be interesting to see what the experience of purchasing glasses online would be like. The company is called GlassesUSA.com. They offer cheap eyeglasses, or more affordable pricing on the same high quality frames you would find at your local retailer.
     They have all sorts of options for lenses from single vision to mulifocal.  I wear multifocal glasses as I have several different things going on with my eyes (thanks Dad).  I scanned through some of their different frames and found them to be priced lower than those at my optometrist's office.  They also offer a 100% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  You can't beat that!
     Now for the fun part... When you go to the GlassesUSA.com website you can click on their virtual mirror feature and actually try on frames to see which ones suit your face and your style. This is what the virtual mirror looks like:

And here I am trying on a pair of glasses.  How fun is that?  Try it for yourself.  It is simple to use this feature and it's worth it to be able to try on frames from the comfort of your couch!

DISCOUNTS FOR MY READERS!!!

STOREWIDE OFFER

Take 15% off your entire order amount + FREE shipping (orders over $50)

Use Code: FS15

Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses

Use Code: Blog10




Thanks for reading!  Have a great day!



*This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own honest thoughts.

Sunrise to Sunset

Who doesn't LOVE a beautiful sunset?  The theme for this week's Friday's Fancies is sunsets.  Here is my perfect outfit for that perfect walk on the beach at sunset (preferably in Hawaii).  What's your favorite place to catch the setting sun?

Have a great weekend!

Shopped My Stash

If you are anything like me and LOVE makeup and beauty products, then you probably have a serious stash of products.  I decided to look through my storage bins and create a look using products that I haven't touched in a long time.  Here is what I decided on:

Sorry this picture is such bad quality!

And here was my look:

Products used:

Face: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Sand Beige

Pur Minerals Marble Powder in Bronze

Bourjois blush in Rose

Eyes:  MAC Painterly paint pot

MAC Satin Taupe on lids (bottom right in quad), Simply Vera #403 for highlight

MAC Carbon (top right in quad) used as liner with Lise Watier Metamorfix

Dior Brow Styler

Bobbi Brown brow shaper in Mahogany

Diorshow New Look Mascara (only newer product used - old mascara doesn't work too well)

Lips: Korres Cherry Lip Gloss in Rose

Do you have a lot of products collecting dust?

Pull them out soon and rediscover how great they all are.

You may even discover a few new favorites!

Have a great day!

New Essie Limited Edition Polish

While perusing the aisles at Walgreen's last week I stumbled upon some beautiful new Limited Edition polishes from Essie's Yogaga collection.  I never hesitate to purchase nail polish from this company because I really like their quality.  I purchased 2 of the 6 available shades.  The lavendar shade is called Pilates Hottie.  It is a perfect light lilac purple that can be easily worn.  The second shade is called Yogaga.  It is a nice neutral light beige color.  I would wear both of these shades year round.  Essie nail polishes typically cost $8 per bottle and can be purchased at drug stores and makeup stores.

Have a great day!

Optimistic Monday

Goals from last week:

1.  Walk 4 times this week.

I had a strange walking week...  Monday and Tuesday I watched my son at his golf tournament.  Monday I was able to watch 11 holes and Tuesday I watched all 18 holes.  It was  over 105 degrees each day.  So after all of that walking I needed a few days to recover.  The heat takes it out of me for sure.  And I was dumb and wore new shoes the second day that gave me blisters!  I did get back to my routine by Saturday.
8/6/12 3.5 miles, 8/7/12 5.44 miles, 8/11/12 3.22 miles

2.  Bake something new and from scratch.

I did not meet this goal. Instead I observed my daughter making these fun Cherry Pie Pops that she found on Pinterest.  Directions to follow in another post...

3.  Cook dinner 2-3 times.

I actually cooked three times this week!  Miracles do happen.

4.  Minimum of 3 blog post this week.

This was not a problem.  I seem to have a lot to say lately.

5.  Minimum of filming 2 Youtube videos this week.

This was not a problem either.  Keep the requests for videos coming!  Please take some time and visit my YouTube channel when you get some time.  While you are there please subscribe!

6.  Learn something new about the functions of my new camera that should arrive any day now.

My new camera arrived on Thursday.  I played with it and learned a little bit.  By Saturday I was able to catch some of my first action shots while the family played in the pool.  I have always wanted to catch people in the air and the splashes of water...  I have not learned how to edit yet.  I think that skill will come later.

(be sure to click on the pictures for a larger view)

7.  Take some extra time this week to appreciate the people in my life.

Of course I did this.  I am Blessed!

Goals for this week:

1.Walk 4 times.

2.  Bake a new recipe for dessert.

3.  Make a new dish for dinner rather than the old standbys.

4.  Take more pictures after hopefully learning new camera skills.

5.  Organize my blog schedule on paper so that I can keep up with it better.

6.  Begin to clean out my closet (once again).  I think the goal for this week will be to go though my shoes and donate what I don't wear.

Did you set any goals?

Have a GREAT week!  

Sunday Social

I am linking up in this week's Sunday Social with Neely and Ashley.  Answer the questions and link up with us too.  It's a great way to get to know other bloggers!

This Week's Questions:
All about food!! Yummmmmy :) 
Thanks to Lindsey and Christine for the questions about food!! YAY!

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza!  I love pizza!  Real NY style pizza.  I could eat pizza every day.  I always tell my husband that if we are ever on a game show and they ask him what my favorite food is, that he needs to remember that it's pizza.  I remind him of this small tidbit every time we are eating pizza.

What's your guilty pleasure/comfort food?

My guilty pleasure is chocolate, milk chocolate.  I just need a single bite and everything is all okay again in my world.  

What's the weirdest/craziest thing you've ever eaten?

I am a rather picky eater and admit that I have never eaten anything weird.  I just can't do it.

What foods do you avoid at all costs?

Meat, especially ground meat of any kind.  It has grossed me out my whole life.  I am mostly a vegetarian.

What meal reminds you of your childhood?

Noodles...  I was an even pickier eater as a child.  So when the family would eat a meal my poor mom had to make me noodles.  She mixed them with cream cheese and sugar for a delightfully sweet dish.  I ate this all the time as a child.

Share one of your favorite recipes and the story behind it.

I am not a good cook (see my post called Confessions of a Terrible Cook).  One of my favorite things to make is a Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  My brother had a catering business years ago and shared a recipe with me.  I adapted it a little and here is what i came up with...

Ingredients:

2 16 oz cans of artichoke hearts

1 16 oz jar of real Hellman's mayo

1 package frozen chopped spinach

16 oz grated parmesan cheese

1 sourdough bread bowl

Rinse and Drain artichoke hearts and place in food processor

Add jar of mayo, thawed box of chopped spinach (drain out the excess water) and the cheese.  Turn on food processor to mix ingredients for maybe a minute and a half.  You can do this longer if you want the dip to be creamier.  Put the dip into a hollowed out sourdough bread bowl.  Wrap in aluminum foil and place in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  You must use a bread bowl so that the bread absorbs the oil from the mayo.   I have tried this in a glass baking dish and it doesn't turn out as good.  After 30 minutes unwrap the bread and cook for 10 minutes until the top browns slightly.  Serve with sourdough bread, raw carrots, celery and tortilla chips.  Everyone will think you are a gourmet chef and will ask for the recipe.  I promise!

i LOVE gingham

i LOVE gingham by makeupobsessedmom

The theme for this week's Friday's Fancies is gingham.  I think gingham is a fun pattern.  It is rather retro, in my opinion.  It reminds me of picnic blankets and MaryAnn from Gilligan's Island (LOL)!  I picked a fun mint green and white top and paired it with lots of hot pink for the accents.  What do you think of gingham?

Have a GREAT weekend!

Beauty Empties - Would I Repurchase?

We all buys tons of beauty products hoping to find the ones that will make us look younger, brighter, less wrinkled, etc.  Here are some products that I have recently used up with short reviews.  I will tell you if I would repurchase them or not...

Thanks for watching!  Have a GREAT day!

Confessions of a Terrible Cook + Giveaway Winner

I completely admit that the word chef or cook (or anything related to knowing what one is doing in the kitchen) would NEVER apply to me. I do LOVE to eat. I just prefer when someone else does the cooking. I wasn't always this way. When my kids were young and my husband was not traveling much for work I would have dinner on the table every night at 6:30 p.m. That was a very long time ago.

My kids are now teenagers. My oldest is in college. Everyone does something different at a different time from the rest of the family most nights. Therefore I find it nearly impossible to cook a meal for everyone to enjoy. I do make it a point to cook at least 3 nights during the school year.

Lately though, I seem to have a bit of trouble in the kitchen. One morning I was heating biscuits in the microwave for a mere 20 seconds when I started a fire! It extinguished itself leaving a charred mess in the microwave and a smokey mess in the entire house for days. It turned out that the microwave had some sort of a short in it and it sparked a fire. I was sort of embarrassed, but I managed to move on.

A few weeks later I turned on the oven to preheat while I gathered the things I would be making for dinner. I smelled something funny in the kitchen so I rushed in to see what smelled. I was greeted by a kitchen full of smoke and a terrible odor. It turns out that I had turned on the top oven that houses all of my cooking trays, including some brand new ones still wrapped in plastic. That was one BIG smelly mess to clean up once again.

This past week my daughter and I decided to bake cookies from scratch. I have obviously been visiting the Six Sister's Stuff blog and other Pinterest sites too much because it is not like me to want to bake anything from scratch. What can I say? I am inspired! I turned on the lower over to preheat once again. And again, I smelled something funny. Could this really be happening again?! Yes, it turns out, it could! This time someone (probably the housekeeper) decided to put a metal baking pan with plastic lid into the oven for storage. Here is the result after it cooled off:

I should have known better, but I never store anything in the lower oven so I never thought to look there. Lesson learned once again! We got the baking dish out just in time before the melted plastic hit the bottom of the oven. And the cookies that we made turned out GREAT! So I will continue to visit the Six Sisters and others to see what I can come up with next. I might just need to start with the "no bake" recipes!

WINNER TIME!

I used random.org to choose the winner of the latest giveaway that I teamed up with MissCrystalMakeup for.  The winner of a full size High Beam face highlighter from Benefit Cosmetics is:

Jayme from Her Late Night Cravings Blog and YouTube Channel

Conragts to Jayme!!

Check out her blog  and Youtube channel that she does with her friend Mendi when you get a chance!!

Have a GREAT day!

Optimistic Monday

Is it really Monday again?  My how the time has flown this week!  My oldest daughter goes back to college next Sunday.  My other daughter starts back to cheer today and then her private school starts next week.  For some reason the public schools start  late this year so my son gets a few extra weeks of summer. 

Goals from last week:

1. First day home get to the grocery store for necessities of our family of 5.

I had no choice but to get to the store fast after this trip.  We had nothing to eat or drink in the house.  If you live with teenagers, then you know how important a stocked pantry and refrigerator is.  I went to Super Target and spent almost $300.  I never do that!  Ouch!

2. Unpack and get things put away rather than sitting in suitcases for days.

Yes, I did it!  If it weren't for this list I might have let the suitcase go untouched for a few days.  But I knew I would have to answer to others.  LOL!  

3. Walk 3-4 times this week, 3-4 miles each.

Despite to 100 plus degree days here in Texas I was able to get my walks in.  I just went out early in the morning and tried to walk mostly in the shade.
7/31/12 3 miles, 8/2/12 3 miles, 8/4/12 3.23 miles

4. Take some pictures after reviewing lessons from photography class.

Well, rather than take pictures I researched a little and bought a new camera.  I ordered it online and should get it next week.  I am so excited that I just can't stand it!  It is my DSLR camera.  It is a Canon EOS Rebel T3.  I got an extra lens with it too, not that I would know what to do with it.  It will be fun to learn how to use this camera applying what I already learned in the photography class I took.

5. Make a little video montage of our trip.

I am still working on this.  I still have to upload the pictures from my camera.  Who knows, maybe I will achieve this one before this post goes live on Monday?

6. Continue to appreciate each and every day!

You know I do!  I am thankful for the blessings of each and every day!

Goals for this week:
1.  Walk 4 times this week.
I am hoping to wake up before it gets scorching hot outside.

2.  Bake something new and from scratch.
Don't you just LOVE Pinterest for new recipes?

3.  Cook dinner 2-3 times.
Some of you might scratch your heads at this one.  We are hardly ever home to eat as a family during the summer months.  I try...

4.  Minimum of 3 blog post this week.
This should be easy since I am trying to prepare posts ahead of time and balance my time.

5.  Minimum of filming 2 Youtube videos this week.


6.  Learn something new about the functions of my new camera that should arrive any day now. 
I PROMISE to post a few pictures next Monday!


7.  Take some extra time this week to appreciate the people in my life.

Very old picture of the family, but the only one I could find fast on this computer!

Have a GREAT week everyone!!  Anybody else setting goals?