Nails of the Day

Happy 4th of July y'all! :) It was pretty gloomy in Auburn today, we ended up carrying Miri to the pediatrician. (Only to find out nothing is wrong.) We really thought she had an ear infection. Then we ate some mexican food, so patriotic right lol? Mmmm...cheese dip.

Cute right? I really thought this polish was going to look like a hot mess, but I ended up pleasantly surprised. Plus, now my nails make me feel like Nicki Minaj! (Lets take a moment and sing along to Super Bass)

$2.99 at Target

I only $1.99...oh snap!  (Due to the coupon from my Teen Vogue magazine) I had a hard time deciding between the polka dots and the holographic. (Matt was no help) I figured that they would probably sell out of the polka dots quicker than the holographic. I plan on going back and picking up a few more at a later date. The photos above show my nails after three coats were applied. Again, I used my Seche Vite top coat. Now everybody can have a good idea of what it looks like when they spot it in stores. :) It is deceivingly unattractive in the bottle.

I hope everybody had a fun (not so rainy) holiday! 

PS - I'm doing another giveaway soon! :D

June | Empties + Thrifty eBay Finds

Well - we are two days into July so I thought I would go ahead and do my June empties post. :) July is a fun month for us! Matt's 26th birthday is on the 8th, and our 8th wedding anniversary is on the 30th! 

Bath & Body Works anti-bacterial gentle foaming hand soap "Fresh Picked Tangerines" & "Creamy Pumpkin." 

$5.50

I'm going to group the first two items together because they are essentially the same thing. 

 Unfortunately - I couldn't find either products on the B&BW website. I know the pumpkin scent is a Fall product, and I found the tangerine scent but not that particular item. (Oh well) Here is their [list] of the different foaming hand soaps that they currently sell. We got the tangerine soap for Christmas from Matt's sister, it is definitely my favorite out of the two. Silas loved it too and used it all the time, this would be why we ran out lol. I normally love anything pumpkin scented, but "Creamy Pumpkin" left me disappointed. :/ (I usually go to B&BW only during the Fall)

Whish Shave Cream

Full size, $20 (Birchbox)

This shave cream was a big sad face for me. :( Now don't get me wrong, it smells fantastic (blueberry)...but that is about all this product has going for it. It has almost zero lather. I used the entire .75 fl oz tube because I wanted to give it a fighting chance - but I really cannot recommend it. I would link the product information from Birchbox.com, but it isn't even listed on the site anymore. Maybe other people felt the same way I did? Plus, the full size bottle is $20...this stuff isn't worth $5 in my opinion. 

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub "Brazilian Nut"

$7.49 at ULTA

I'm not exaggerating - this stuff smells of heavenly things. (Insert chorus of Angels here) It is the best body scrub I have tried thus far. Tree Hut also makes several other scents in this range: Coconut Lime, Original, Hawaiian Kukui, & Tropical Mango. I just can't bring myself to cheat on the Brazilian Nut scent though! They are also Paraben free and DMDM free. :) Try Wal-mart for a cheaper price.

BURT'S BEES MAMA BEE BELLY BUTTER

$13/6.5 oz

This has literally been in our bathroom forever lol. Matt purchased it for me right around the time I found out I was pregnant with baby Miri. My skin did fair much better during this pregnancy, but I'm not sure if this had something to do with it or not. It is unscented but the "unscented scent" bothered me when I was pregnant haha. (So much nausea) It probably ended up getting used a lot more for new tattoos than it did on my belly. We found that is was good cream to apply during the healing process. (Shea Butter & Vitamin E) It's a little on the pricey side for what it is - so I probably won't be re-purchasing. (No more babies - no need for more belly butter, huzzah!) I'm not hating on Burt's Bees, it's a great company with quality products. 

International Delight Gourmet Coffee Creamer "CINNABON" Flavor

$4?/32 fl oz (Try Wal-mart)

I know - I know...random. I thought I should include this creamer because I actually ran out this morning. (Right before I started working on this post) I can't remember the exact price but I think it is around four dollars and some change. This is our 3rd bottle...can you tell i'm crazy about it? I will have to run to the store later today and grab some more. :) Try it! It taste just like the Cinnabon icing. (NOM NOM NOM)

Maybelline New York DEFINE-A-BROW in the shade Dark Brown

$14 on eBay

I found this pencil on a random trip to the Dollar Store. (What a steal!) I absolutely loved it. I'm so sad to see it go! I looked for another one at CVS in Montgomery a couple weekends ago...but alas...nothing. I might just have to purchase one off eBay, gotta love online shopping. ;) You can find pretty much everything you need. 

MAKE Dual-Phase Eye Makeup Remover

Full size, $18

I got this in my March Birchbox. This product isn't listed on their site either. Unlike the brow pencil, no tears were shed when I ran out of this. I don't have much to say about it, I didn't think it was anything too special. I'm still searching for a good eye makeup remover, any suggestions?

COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face

Full size, $32

I seriously might add this moisturizer to my Christmas list. I feel like it is worth every penny. Have you seen the recent studies about sunscreen slowing the aging of skin? I'm all about some SPF folks! COOLA has amazing products - so I'm not surprised that I adore this. The scent is faint/very natural.

--------------------

Thrifty eBay Finds!

I thought it would be fun to share some of the deals that I get on eBay every now and then. Check out two of my recent finds...

$9.99 free shipping! Does Juicy Couture get any better than that? :)

$10.00 free shipping! These bras usually cost somewhere between $29.50-$34.50, so I'm pretty pleased with this purchase. I think I'm going to start only getting them from eBay. I just can't bring myself to spend the kind of money that is required to shop at Victoria's Secret. (Pssst...her secret is really high prices.) 

Eyebrow Products Worth Taking A Look At

I'm cursed with something my sister and I refer to as "The Powell Eyebrows." This is a very depressing condition. Symptoms include - thin and widespread brows. See old photo below, (and marvel at the cuteness that is my sister's dog Prada.)

Awww right?!

Thankfully, I've learned to fill in my brows quite successfully. (See current photo below) Please keep in mind i'm in a transitional period with my brows right now. I'm actually applying Rogaine twice a day, so i'm not getting them waxed regularly. Yes, you can use it on your brows and yes it is working. 

Bam! Suddenly I have eyebrows. ;) I thought I would share some of the products that I reach for on a daily basis. I personally feel like I cannot walk out the door till I have my brows on. Defined brows are essential! Let's talk about the products...

I'm going to go in order from top to bottom.

Maybelline New York DEFINE-A-BROW in the shade dark brown.

I actually found this roll-up pencil at the Dollar Store believe it or not. You can also find it at Target for $5.99, and honestly I would pay that price when I run out. I have been reaching for this pencil alot lately, and I used it to create my look that I am talking about today. 

Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Spoolie Brush $1.99 at Target I picked this brush up last week. I use it to comb through my brows after I apply the pencil I mentioned above. Plus - I really like the word spoolie. Spoolie spoolie spoolie spoolie. :P

Wet N Wild Mega Eyes defining marker $3.99 at Walgreens. I purchased this marker to see if it could be used as a dupe for the marker I'm going to talk about next. It's several dollars less and it kinda does the job. It's essentially the same thing - the shade just isn't quite right. It comes out a little too red/purple toned for me. I do like it though...and it looks nice used in combination with some of these other products. 

MILANI BROW TINT PEN FELT-TIP BROW COLOR $6.29 at Walgreens. This has been my favorite brow product for about a year now. I love it, I'm on my second one. The end result is a little bit more natural than the pencil. It comes in two shades, this one is 02 Dark Brown. My sister bought the lighter shade after being impressed with my pen. (She is a blonde) I highly recommend it, I do find it much better than the Wet N Wild marker...but hey...you get what you pay for in most cases. ;)

Eyeshadow and Yogurt and Perfume! Oh My! | Mini Reviews

I apologize for this blog in advance, it's all over the place. Forgive me.

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24Hr Eyeshadow

#40 Tenacious Teal

I'm going to start off with the eyeshadow. I got it in the mail yesterday evening and I "think" I like it. Out of the three Color Tattoo shadows I have purchased it is definitely my least favorite. For some reason, Mimi from The Drew Carey Show appeared in my mirror after I applied it lol. (JK, it's not that bad!) I think it's just a shocking change since I've been wearing only neutrals for over a year now. I'm still really pleased with this line of products. What do you think?

Go ahead and chuckle at the eyelid photo, I am aware it looks silly. 

Yesterday we did a little grocery shopping at Wal-mart. (Not my favorite place) I'm trying to lose some baby weight since having Miri and my hubby is dieting along with me. :) So, we ended up in the yogurt section. Matt has been eating a lot of Chobani yogurt, he really loves that brand. I'm usually not a fan of greek yogurt, I find them a bit too bitter for my taste. But, I am absolutely loving these...Chobani Yogurt - Almond Coco Loco. (Have mercy)

I'm sad because I only grabbed two yesterday. I think I may have to go back later today and grab about ten more lol. They were only 99 cents a piece! Check out the link above, so many flavors! I only saw this one and the Key Lime Crumble. (That one was not as good as this one) This particular one is 230 calories, not bad if you use them to replace a meal. I'm going to have to scour the yogurt aisle to try and find these other flavors. It feels like i'm eating dessert instead of yogurt, this makes me very happy. 

The last mini review for today is going to feature my very favorite perfume, Benefit Cosmetics - so hooked on Carmella.

Why yes, that is a Flynn Rider doll in the background...no, it doesn't belong to Miri. Don't judge me. ;)

The first time I smelled this perfume, it was love at first sniff. I got a sample of it in a gift bag that I got for being in my friend Joy's wedding. That was in October, and I got a full size bottle as a Christmas present the following December. (This bottle is my second one) That was in 2011? Having a baby ruins all sense of time. (Ugh)

Benefit never disappoints, the bottle is lovely. The box it comes in is even lovelier. (Sorry, I discarded it a long time ago or I would include a photo) The price isn't too shabby either, the link I posted above takes you to the Benefit website where it is listed for $36. (You can probably get a decent deal on eBay) I have to say that this perfume has the longest wear time of any of the scents I own. I can put it on in the morning and it will still be going strong that evening. It's not overpowering either! I can't seem to get enough of it. 

Top notes: lemon, grapefruit, rhubarb

Middle notes: cyclamen, peony, tiare flower, 

Bottom notes: vanilla, sandalwood, amber

I just think it smells like a fabulous bake shop. :) Definitely go sample this perfume.

Review | Schwarzkopf got2b Oil-Licious Golden Shimmer Conditioner

I figured I would start my post with my Silas Sunday photo. :) I took this yesterday with my new Canon PowerShot A4000 camera. So far I'm pretty pleased with it. Now, on to the review!

I'm always drawn to got2b products, they always have such fun packaging. The price is never bad either. Here is my most recent purchase.

Schwarzkopf got2b Oil-Licious Golden Shimmer Conditioner

13.5 fl oz

$3.94

When I first spied these at Wal-mart, I almost bought the conditioner as well as the shampoo. I'm really glad I didn't. After years of damaging my hair...like really damaging it lol...(My friends and family could tell you some stories) I consider myself a bit of a conditioner connoisseur. (Conditioner snob maybe?) Like I said before A+ on the packaging, I also enjoy the smell. It claims to have "Triple Oils of argan, white grape seed and marula." It sounds great, because I'm a huge fan of argan oil. I gave this product several chances to impress me but it just didn't happen. I even tried varying amounts every time I would shower. :( It isn't very creamy and proved really hard to apply, even with my shower comb. It didn't make my hair softer, it just made it feel disgusting. (Sad times) It just left my hair looking dull and unclean. I didn't notice any "improved shine" that it claims to provide. I plan on giving it to my sister later today. Even thought she will probably hate it too lol. (She has really long Taylor Swift hair, I'm super jealous) Plus, let the photo below speak for itself. 

See it? When you see it you read it like Dory from Finding Nemo, even though it isn't spelled correctly lol. My husband did the exact same thing as I did when he saw it. Escape'! This spelling error just adds to my disappointment with the product. [le sigh]

Before I go I have to mention a eyeshadow that I purchased a couple of days ago. (This one is positive!) This is going to be short and sweet because I already did a full review for another shade. (Here) This one is #30 Pomegranate Punk from the Maybelline Color Tattoo line. 

See, I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to go grab all the other colors. I purchased this shade from CVS and the Emerald shade off eBay. I will post pictures when that one arrives in the mail. 

Isn't it lovely? I can't get enough of these! :) 

I hope the rest of your weekend is fabulous! We are headed to a Mad Men party tonight. Photos later!

My makeup Friday | Late

I thought this kind of a entry would be fun. I meant to publish it on Friday (hence the title) but the past couple of days have been very hectic. What do you think about

"My makeup" posts? :)

Concealer: NYX HD photogenic concealer in the shade light

Powder: Laura Geller balance -n- brighten in the shade regular/Rimmel London stay matte in the shade 0011 creamy natural

Blush: Milani baked blush in the shade 09 red vino

Highlighter: e.l.f. shimmering facial whip

Contour: e.l.f contouring blush and bronzer

Eyebrows: Milani brow tint pen in shade 02 dark brown/Maybelline New York define-a-brow in shade dark brown

Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in shade zero

Liquid eyeliner: NYC liquid eyeliner in shade 888 pearlized black

Mascara: Voluminous false fiber lashes

Eyeshadow: Maybelline color tattoo in shade 25 bad to the bronze

Lipstick: Rimmel lasting finish by Kate lipstick in the shade 10

Review | Maybelline Color Tattoo

Last year I bought two of these eyeshadows after my sister bought a grey/silver shade. I was really unimpressed with the product and gave them both to my mom. (I doubt she has even tried them) They were sticky and hard to smooth, they kinda just smudged around the container if you know what I mean. (Gross)

Okay folks, either I'm going crazy or they have changed the formula. I am absolutely lovin' this eyeshadow! (If i'm correct) Along with formula change, they have also changed the packaging a bit. I remember my other shadows being a bit more glass heavy, this one seems to have more plastic to glass ratio. It's so easy to blend and last all day, no creasing. I have tried it with and without a primer and i'm happy with it's wearability either way. 

I'm so tempted to dash to Ulta and grab all the other colors. Lately I've been only using my Urban Decay Naked palette, so this is a happy change. Every girl needs some variety in her life right? I love that this shadow is so no fuss. Being a mama of two, some days it's just nice to slap on this cream shadow and go. It looks really lovely on and I couldn't be happier with it. :)

Maybelline Color Tattoo 25 Bad to the Bronze (Around $6)

If you have any information about a possible formula change please let me know. Did this only happen in the US? Or did it happen in the UK as well?