Friday Fun

This is so true around my house. The hubs and I have both been going non stop since he started his new job and our house has seriously suffered. I'm going to have to do an epic cleaning this weekend.

Free Scotchguard Suede + Nubuck Protector

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My Skin Care Routine: Morning and Night

I've had a few friends lately ask me lately about what cosmetics and skincare products I personally use. It's funny, with all the reviews I do you would figure I would have touched on what I actually use day to day; but I never have talked about it. So, today I decided to make up a little explanation of my skincare and makeup routine. First, here are the products I use in the morning:

1. Washing my face every morning is essential, and I will admit that I have to change which product I use for this fairly often - my face seriously becomes immune to things over time so I have to switch it up. I always wash my face while I'm in the shower and for the past several months I've used the Neutrogena Facial Bar. I only started using this out of necessity - I ran out of my other soap I was using at the time and I had gotten a bunch of these for free with a coupon deal, so I pulled one out and it's been magic ever since. I really can't believe that something as simple (and cheap) as this would work so well, but I am completely addicted. It is perfect for my skin and it only costs $2 at pretty much any store.
2. Ever since Bloom sent my a sample of this in my ambassador box back in August, I have become the Lily. B poster child. This is the Lily. B Red Tea Defense Hydrating Serum and it really helps with my combination type skin. I always end up with a few flaky dry spots on my face after washing, so I use this on those spots and you would never know I had any dryness problems.
3. Another Lily. B product from my Bloom box. This is the Lily. B Multi-Action Rescue Ultra Eye Cream and it really lives up to its name. This hydrates under my eyes and helps smooth out the wrinkles that are starting to show up.
4. The Yes To Tomatoes Acne Roller Ball Spot Stick has turned into my new secret weapon. I won't lie and say it's a miracle zit zapper, but it is definitely the best product I've ever used for reducing redness and helping heal the zits. Even my husband will go grab this out of the cabinet and ask me to put it on him :)
5. I am a very big believer in moisturizer. I use some everyday even if I'm not going to wear makeup. Keeping your skin hydrated will help combat wrinkles. Currently, I'm using a sample of Lily. B 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer and I really like it. Before I started using that though, I was a devout user of Olay Pro-X Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion which I will go back to once this sample of Lily. B is gone. The Olay gives great moisture without making you greasy. It even feels more like a primer than a lotion.
6. I have really bad dark circles under my eyes and normal concealers just look gunky under there on me, so I use the Garnier Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller. It doesn't heal my dark circles (mine are cause by allergies and other internal issues so I've accepted that they will just always be there),  but the slight tinting really helps me not to look like I'm deathly ill :) This is another product that I use everyday even if I don't wear makeup.
7. I have been addicted to the Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion ever since I was first introduced to it when I was 17. It works amazingly well and I have never found another eye shadow primer that worked better, so I've always stuck with it. For those of you who may not be familiar with eye shadow primer, you need to buy this stuff right now. Put it on before you apply eye shadow and not only does it hydrate your lid, it makes the shadow show up the same color on your skin as it looks in the palette. I can't live without this stuff.
8. My foundation is another product that changes fairly regularly. My skin will become immune to it over time. Right now I'm really enjoying my Cargo Oil Free Foundation. This was my first product that I really just relied on the Bloom Best4U recommendation app and I am so glad that I did (learn about the app here). This really does reduce oil in your skin and I look so much less shiny than I used to before using this.
9. Years ago, I used nothing but Bare Essentuals Mineral Makeup line, but over time my skin became immune to it and it just didn't cover anything anymore. The one thing I still love is their original Mineral Veil powder. It's' a very light color and just adds a nice polish on top of my foundation. I always get it at Sephora when they get the limited edition jumbo size once a year.
10. Before I do anything fancy to my eyes, I almost always start with Brulé from Mac. This is honestly the best base color I've ever found for my skin tone and I just use it all over my eye to even things out before applying color.
11. Once the Brulé is on, I usually just use one other color on my lid. I've always been a big fan of Twinks from Mac which is a pinky burgundy brown with a slight shimmer and still use that very often. Lately, I've been on more of a true brown kick and I've been using Twice Baked from Urban Decay. Both Mac and Urban Decay are hands down my favorite eye shadows - they apply so smooth and have very solid and bold colors.
12. This is absolutely something I can't live without. The Physician's Formula Eye Booster 2 in 1 Eyeliner and Serum in black is a joy to use. It has a felt tip applicator and it is so easy to hold steady - it's like using an actual pen on your eye. I always make sure I have a spare of this so I don't run out.
13. I like to use a crayon style eyeliner on my bottom lash line and in a lighter color so it's not so harsh looking. I use Mary Kay Eyeliner in Steely. The charcoal gray compliments the black I use on top but isn't as hard of a line. I can smudge this into my lash line so look a bit more natural. Also, it's self sharpening :)
14. I'm super picky about mascara, and I have really hit the jackpot with this one. It's L'Oréal Double Extend Lash Boosting Serum + Mascara in black. I used to use the serum first and then put the black over top, but I really like it with just using the black and it looks just as good but it takes less time. This really volumizes your lashes and gives them definition at the same time. No clumps! It makes me so happy I want to dance :) Clumps are my biggest pet peeve about mascara.
15. I am not exactly a huge blush user even though I do wear it everyday. I use just a little bit on the sides of my cheeks for contour. I've had a long relationship with Cargo Blush. No joke, my mom bought me this blush when I was 16 and I'm still using it (the shade I have is called Mendocino). This is a little pricey, but not when you consider how long it lasts. It's the perfect amount of coverage and you can build it up if you want a more defined color out of it.

And here is what I use every night:

1. Before anything else I have to take off my eye makeup. Since I use mostly waterproof products, I have to use an oil based remover and I love the Sonia Kashuk Remove. It gets everything off really well and it's also easier to get than others I have liked. I used to use Mac's remover, but I couldn't always drive to Orlando when I needed more, so when I found this at Target I was hooked. It's also only $10 so it's a better value all around than the Mac.
2. Another Target find, the e.l.f.Makeup remover Cleansing Cloths are a must have. These are all around the best cleansing cloth I've tried - they don't irritate my eyes, they get everything off and they only cost $3 per pack of 30. I always stock up on these.
3. Yep, the Yes To Tomatoes Roller Ball again. I use it at night to fight blemishes that appeared during the day.
4. And yes, the Lily. B Eye Cream again too. You can never have enough eye hydration! Plus this smells really nice while you fall asleep :)
5. The LashFood Natural Eyelash Conditioner is kind of a little treat. I was given this in a Bloom box months ago to review and since there's plenty left in the bottle, I've continued using it. I really like it and a little extra nutrition on the lashes can't hurt.
6. The NIA24 Rapid Depigmentation Serum is another Bloom box item left over after a review. I got good results at evening out my skin tone with it so I've continued using it. 
7. I always finish off my nightly routine by putting on lip balm. It kind of depends on my mood and what I've been using more at the time, but lately I choose between these 3: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, eos Smooth Sphere in Lemon Drop and Pangea Organics in Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom. All of these make my lips nice and soft throughout the night and they all smell great.

So, now the secret is out :) Honestly I always thought of myself as a low maintenance type gal but now that I see everything laid out like this I'm starting to question that. All in all my routines don't take me long at all. Obviously the morning takes a bit longer, but still only about 25 minutes start to finish. It only takes me 10 minutes at night and that's mostly because I like to brush my teeth for longer than the average person (about 5 minutes).

Like I said throughout the post, I do have to change my products every few months, so this list is certainly not permanent. Plus the perk of being a Bloom Ambassador is that I'm constantly getting to try out new products and some of them (as you can see) end up becoming incorporated in my daily routine.

So, hopefully someone out there finds this interesting :) If nothing else, this counts as one massive product review list. And you know all of them get good reviews from me since I use them everyday.

Have you tried any of these products? Let us know if you've had any experiences with these!

Free Pureology Sample

'Like' Pureology on Facebook and sign up to receive a free sample! It says 'enter to win'. but eveyone gets a sample while supplies last so hurry!

Free Whole Life Dog Treats Sample

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My Bloom Ambassador Box Is Here!

It's pretty much my favorite day of the month when my Bloom box comes :) As a Bloom Ambassador, they send me a box of products to try out and review every 2 months and this month is chock full of really neat products! The #1 reason I love Bloom (ambassador box aside) is that they are pretty much completely based on reviews from real customers that also list the particulars about their skin type and coloring so there is no need to ever buy the wrong product again!

So, if you are interested in cosmetics, skin care or hair care products, stay tuned throughout the next 2 months for full reviews on the products in this box :)

Not a member of Bloom? Go here to join. It's free and they give you personalized recommendations based on your profile and other products you have liked.

If you want to see some of the other products I have reviewed for Bloom, go here to see my Bloom Bio and check them out!

I can't wait to get started on this box!

Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day!

In honor of this blessed day, I decided to unearth a few old photos :) This was taken back in 2007 (holy cow!) on a Disney trip with my friends. Gotta love the obligatory pictures with all the stuff in the Pirate of the Caribbean store :)

As you can see, this is a very important part of any Magic Kingdom adventure. Here we are on a different trip back in 2009.

Anyway, I just wanted to make sure everyone knew what day it was! Hope you ARrrrr having a good one!

Free Mott's Medleys Fruit Snacks (First 10,000)

Live Better America members can go here and sign up for a free sample of Mott's Medleys Fruit Snacks. You are only eligible for this if you had already signed up for Live Better America before now and it's only for the first 10,000 to request it.

Not a member of Living Better America? Just go here to sign up - it's free and they have a different sample each month for their members. Sometimes it's even full sized products!

Free Sample of Kashi Chocolate Soft-Baked Squares

'Like' Kashi on Facebook to request a free sample of their new Chocolate Soft-Baked Squares :) This is only while supplies last, so hurry to snag one!

Vocal Point: Free Always Infinity Sample

Sign into your Vocal Point account to claim a free sample of Always Infinity! The sample will also include some coupons :) Hurry while this is still available!

Not a member of Vocal Point? Sign up here - It's free to join and they offer great samples and high value coupons!

Review: My Fantastic Prescription Sunglasses from Firmoo!

I just got these babies in the mail last week and I have been wearing them ever since! Aren't they cute?! 

I was lucky enough to be chosen to try out a pair of Firmoo glasses and tell everyone what I thought of them. Well, straight off - they have super cute designs! I will be the first to admit that I had been hesitant of getting glasses from Firmoo several months ago. I saw their free glasses offer but I just wasn't sure since the frames are their own brand and I wasn't familiar with them. Now that I have a pair in my hot little hands, I can honestly say I regret thinking that back then. These are every bit as good of quality as all the other pairs of prescription glasses I own (and I have about 4 pair right now from various places). 

I wanted to wear these and see how they held up throughout the week before I posted this review and I really have no complaints :) These were very durable and survived being in my purse (I kept them in the case, but the case frequently opened) and they still have no scratches. I love how much better I can drive with these - no more squinting in the Florida sun!

I decided to go with sunglasses because I had never owned prescription sunglasses before and I was dying to give them a try.This style is really perfect for me, plus they completely cover my eyes and no sun is peeking through the top and sides. I got it in my head to get prescription sunglasses a few years ago and had a fav pair that I just wanted my prescription lenses for so I called to Lenscrafters as well as my eye doctor to check the price. It was going to cost me $75 just for the prescription lenses plus another $75 at least for the tinting. And that was with supplying my own frames! The glasses I received above would cost just $43 plus the shipping - that includes the frames, wrap around prescription lenses, and tinting. If you want uv coating or polarization that is an additional charge, but still no where near as much as my local shops wanted for just the lenses.

Firmoo has quite a few different styles of sunglasses and several variations of color and such with each design. For example, these glasses I got also come in green and purple, plus if you're not into the cute little bows they had 2 other styles that were similar frames but with different details on the temples. Regular glasses on Firmoo start at just $8 and their prescription sunglasses start at $40. Isn't that crazy? Why would you ever go to a physical store again?

Ordering your glasses or sunglasses from Firmoo is super easy too. You just need your prescription and your pupilary distance and that's it! Word to the wise - your pupilary distance will not be included on your normal prescription. You have to ask for it specifically. Once you have all your necessary info, you just scan through their selection to see which style suits you best. They list all the measurements of the frames in millimeters so you can get a real understanding of their actual size. I took a pair of frames I already had and measured them in all the places they list so I could get a good comparison and that worked great for me. Be advised - the measurements are listed in millimeters. I luckily work in an industry that uses millimeters more than anything else, so I had a digital gauge at my disposal. You could always just use a ruler with centimeters and convert it. Anyway, it's very basic math and shouldn't be too difficult.

The true kicker to Firmoo.com is you get your first pair of glasses for free! That's right - if you are still skeptical, you really have nothing to worry about because you would only be out the cost of the shipping if you didn't like them (but I very much doubt you wouldn't). So go here to get started ordering your own pair! You can also 'like' Firmoo on Facebook to be updated on sales and special promotions and giveaways. They have a really great online community and lots of happy customer testimonials :)

I give these glasses a 5 out of 5 stars! Everything about Firmoo.com was simple to navigate and the descriptions were very accurate so I didn't have to worry about not being able to see them first. The glasses and lenses are great quality, smooth and comfortable. They have a great selection of modern and popular styles too. Add to all these great attributes that your first pair is free and you have one heck of a fantastic deal. I know where I'll be going for my next pair of glasses for sure! Head over to Firmoo.com to have your own great experience with a new pair of glasses!

*I received a free pair of glasses of my choice from Firmoo to facilitate my review, but all opinions expressed are 100% mine and not influenced in any way.

Free Pillsbury Baguette Chips (First 10,000)

Pillsbury.com members can go and request this month's free sample - Baguette Chips! You must have already signed up to be a member before now and this is only for the first 10,000 to request it.

Not a Pillsbury Member yet? Register here - it's free and then you'll be ready for next month's sample!

Weekend Update: The Jasmine Crisis

My husband is still working the overnight shift, which makes my weekends and days off a little strange mainly because I need to be as quiet as I can so he can sleep in the day. So, yesterday I decided I would use my time to really tackle my Jasmine blouse. I've posted about it a few other times with the random issues I've had.

I finally figured out the crease across the bust line (I actually had to change the center seam so it pretty much laid flat on my chest, no curve around the boobage) and now that part looks fine. Once I had the main bodice pieces to where they fit well, I decided to lay the pattern piece over to see what the changes looked like on paper and let me just say ... wow. See, according to my measurements, I have a 43 inch bust, so the pattern says I should need a size 16 or 18 (another weird thing - maybe my pattern is an old printing or something but the Colette site says an 18 is a 46" bust?). When I laid the pattern over it it turns out I should have cut a size 10! Holy crap, folks! If you had told me that I would be a size 10 on this pattern when I started I would have laughed at you. But, that honestly is what it turns out I should have cut.

So, why the 'crisis' in the title today? Since I cut out a size 18 and had to take everything down to a 10, my pieces didn't match up - at all. I had to recut the neckline, but most of the other pieces couldn't be recut and I just had to try to compensate in my seaming. It was frustrating and there was much seam ripping, but I finally got the bodice to where I was ok with it. The only thing that really bugs me on the front is that the collar makes this weird crease at the shoulder because it's technically too long. It's not quite as noticeable when it's on plus I didn't know how to fix it aside from just throwing out those pieces and cutting new ones (which I wasn't going to do) so I just left it.

The crisis didn't really occur until I tried to do the sleeves. The sleeves in this shirt are assembled completely before attaching them and then you cover all the seams with the facing and slip stitch it on by hand. All in all,  I really love that this is how they have you do it because it's really nicely finished inside there. The only problem is - my sleeves are too big. And since everything is encased inside the facing, I can't do any adjusting without ripping it all out (again - which I wasn't going to do). So the sleeves are a bit big - I could deal with that.

Then I started attaching the sleeves to the actual shirt and finally hit my limit of problems for the day. They look fine in the front, but the area where there is gathering at the top back has this weird wing-thing that sticks off my back and looks just awful. Again, I realize you can't see that while it's hanging but I just took it off and couldn't bare to put it on again right now. Also, I had a hell of a time easing the gathered section and they look like terribly done pleats at my shoulder - not a good look. I know that the reason behind these issues is absolutely because I cut the wrong size pattern, but there's nothing I can do about that now. I could somewhat handle all the other fitting issues, but I have no idea what to do with these sleeves. I'm going to have to seek the professional help of my friend Cleo. I'm going over there this week anyway and I will just bring this with me.

Once I get the sleeves worked out, I literally just have to hem this beast and it's done and then I will pretty much throw myself a party because I deserve it after all this headache. It's incredibly dejecting to have this much trouble with a 'beginner' level pattern and it makes me feel really dumb. I just have to constantly give myself the 'don't worry about it' pep talk. Even my mom just repeatedly says, "That's why I don't sew clothes," every time I explain my problems with it. But I want to master this! And I am going to stick with it until I get it right. I spent to many hours on it so far that a few more won't kill me. It's just turned out to be a huge exercise in my mental strength and personal drive. If I didn't like this top so much I would have definitely thrown in the towel long before now.

Anyway, sorry for a sewing jargon filled whine fest. I just had to vent a bit. At least it looks like a shirt now :) And I brought it to work with me to show my mom my issues and everyone says they really like it, so that's good. I am actually excited about my next version of this and am a little more hopeful since I have diagnosed the size issue. Hopefully I will be showing you the finished product by the end of the week!