Love and Roses Mist

I came across this product on Glitter Guide, they did a feature on "Love & Roses" mist and mentioned how impressed they were with the product. They are self proclaimed beauty product junkies, much like myself,  if they were "wowed" I felt compelled to give it a try. I've been on the market for a hydrating face product, with the cold weather in New York my face is constantly feeling dry. The packaging is beautiful and simple, the product smells and feels amazing. The mist is said to have "antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits, our mist is brimming with rose essential oil to refine and renew skin at a cellular level. Gentle enough for all skin types, this mist also helps to lower cortisol levels, ease depression and anxiety, and is a scientifically-proven aphrodisiac". I've even caught my boyfriend on more than one occasion spraying his face. For a guy who uses 0 products you know it has to be good! You can try a 2 ounce bottle for only $14, plus shipping for $5.00. They also make a great holiday gift! 

You can purchase it here:

http://www.shopolivine.com/products/love-roses-beauty-mist#!prettyPhoto

Give Me Some Lip

I find purchasing holiday sets to be a bit tricky. While they are usually a great deal more often than not I can't/won't use every color in the set. I went into Sephora the other day to purchase a few gifts and I came across their "give me some lip" set. I was loving all the colors and As a self-confessed lipgloss/lipstick addict I bought it. For $25 you receive 6 different lip colors, one full size and 5 mini's.   

I honestly and surprising loved all the colors on my lips. From start to finish here is what the looked like on me.

Smashbox be legendary lipgloss in Pout:

This gloss looks super white in the container, but on its a soft pearly color that would look really pretty over just about any lipstick.

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Meritage

This lip crayon was surprisingly moisturizing and not dry at all. The coverage and color are on point! Will def be buying this again.

Marc Jacobs Lust For Lacquer in Kissability

This gloss is a pretty neutral pink with minimal stickiness. What's not to like?

Buxom Lip Cream in White Russian 

Love this lip plumping gloss. It has a slight tingle (which I personally love) with a neutral shine. 

Nars Lip Gloss in Orgasm

Orgasm by nars is a famous fan favorite. It's a pink gloss with gold flecks, but I'm not telling you anything you don't know!

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked

This lipstick by Urban Decay is the smallest in the pack. It's a soft nude with plenty of moister. 

For $25 dollars this set is a must, I've seriously considered purchasing a second to keep in stalk! 

You can purchase in Sephora stores or here:

http://m.sephora.com/product/P388033

Makeup Must Have: NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee

When I first purchased this gloss I didn't think I was going to get much for $5.00, but at the low price point I was willing to take my chances and I am so happy I did! The gloss is super creamy and gives nice coverage on your lips with minimal stickiness. The color "Creme Brulee" is a beautiful soft pink and has a sweet scent. The line carries 12 shades so there is definitely something for everyone!

Purchase here:
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2254804&productId=xlsImpprod5050009

20 Gift Ideas Under $20

I have put together a list of 20 gifts under $20!!!  Hopefully these link make your holiday shopping a little easier. I personally prefer online shopping during the holidays!

1) http://www.aplusrstore.com/product/843

2)  http://www.shopbando.com/product/bando-hot-stuff-thermal-mug

3) http://www.ssprintshop.com/collections/notebooks

4) https://www.etsy.com/listing/186453227/i-woke-up-like-this-mug?

5) http://www.sephora.com/sugar-ruby-romance-P389702?skuId=1649334

6) https://www.etsy.com/listing/119482900/hustle-print-gold-foil

7) http://www.bhldn.com/shop-gifts-gifts-under-50/blush-mercury-vessels/productoptionids/13cd8209-d698-468e-80ee-3c891bb13161

8) https://www.birchbox.com/shop/featured/holiday/shop-gifts-25-under/birchbox-exclusive-pinch-provisions-blue-ice-breaker-miniemergency

9) http://www.bhldn.com/shop-gifts-gifts-under-50/amore-dish/productoptionids/fbcaeb8b-b90b-4e9a-9313-32da085940dd

10) http://www.modcloth.com/shop/tabletop/trunks-full-of-taste-shaker-set?SSAID=687298&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=sas&utm_campaign=687298&utm_content=417942&gate=false

11) http://www.thelittlemarket.com/product/elephant-wine-bottle-stopper/

12) https://www.birchbox.com/shop/makeup/smashbox-cosmetics-on-the-rocks-be-legendary-lipstick-mini-trio

13) https://www.etsy.com/listing/195500703/neon-color-block-4-round-cork-coaster?ref=related-0

14) http://charmandgumption.com/products/what-would-bey-do-mug

15) http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-nyx%20gloss/Nty-1?Dy=1&ciSelector=searchResults&cmpid=PS_Non!bing!MassCos_NYX_TF&cmpid=PS_Non!google!MassCos_NYX_TF&CAPCID=48193840710&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKEAiA74qkBRCdrM-6or7U73QSJABCDL9pH_vDQQKZ8owFAK-5-g3JX1iDFO5k0lhqOAohnmVzKBoCEsbw_wcB&CA_6C15C=330000200000164269

16) http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/flight-001-cat-eye-sunglasses-sleep-mask/3871450?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=6009648&fashionColor=&resultback=1493&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_4_D

For Him:

17) http://www.amazon.com/Vino-Set-Beer-Glasses-5020/dp/B00K1KHUU2

18) http://www.sephora.com/superfly-tm-first-class-travel-essentials-P388542?skuId=1634047

For Baby:

19) https://www.etsy.com/listing/167099581/aztec-baby-headwrap-organic-baby?ref=favs_view_2

20) https://www.etsy.com/listing/213808562/ready-to-ship-1824-white-skulls-on-black?ref=shop_home_active_2

Must Have Makeup: Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer is a must have in my makeup bag. I use about half a pump per application. I put it directly on to the "ball" part of my moistened beauty blender and highlight my cheek bones and nose. I put it on after I apply my bronzer, it adds a beautiful effortless glow to your skin. The illuminizer costs $28  per bottle, I have had mine for almost a year and I use it daily. Seriously a little goes a long way! If you are looking for an all over dewy skin glow I would suggest mixing a few drops with your foundation or moisturizer. Another trick I love is to add a tiny amount to my under eye concealer to help reflect light and diminish the appearance dark circles.

You can purchase this product from Sephora:

http://www.sephora.com/argan-illuminizer-P281607?skuId=1308196

Like I said I use a beauty blender to apply, but you can use a concealer brush or even your finger tips.

You can purchase the Beauty Blender below:

http://www.amazon.com/Beautyblender-Ultimate-Makeup-Sponge-Applicator/dp/B000HRVC5I


You can purchase two for $22 from Amazon or one for $19.95 at Sephora, you choose!



Josie released a set for the holidays here:

http://www.sephora.com/winter-dreams-argan-color-collection-P389805?skuId=1629997

The set contains a small bottle of the illuminizer, .Black Argan Oil Mascara, Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Limitless Pink, Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Rio de Rose Gold, & 100% Pure Argan Oil Light.  For $34 dollars I think it would be worth trying. I have heard rave reviews about all of her products. All her cosmetics are free of parabens, sulfates & phthalates,  I will be the first to admit I don't necessarily pay attention to whats in my products, but its nice to know she is conscious of what she is putting in her cosmetics!

Gold Gift Ideas for the Holiday

I came up with a list of Gold Holiday Gift ideas, all under $50. I would love if any of these gifts showed up under my tree:


At $10 a pop these gold and white monogrammed mugs make a great hostess gift:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-tabletop-dinnerware/29322906.jsp#/


Shop these festive cheese spreaders or gold leopard plates from C wonder today and receive 40% off:
http://www.cwonder.com/Bring-It-Home/Spread-Cheer-Metallic-Cheese-Spreader-Set/product/CW-H-H14-TT-043.html

Looks like the leopard plates are sold out online, sorry- try in store! The matching gold leopard coasters are 40% for $22.80:

http://www.cwonder.com/Categories/Home-and-Gift/Barware-and-Entertaining/Gold-Leopard-Coasters/product/CW-H-F14-TT-TTA-302.html


Kate Spade Gold coasters, $24.50 at 30% with Cyber Monday promo code. These are cute all year long:

http://www.katespade.com/Happy-Hour-Coaster-Set--Gold/825466929869,en_US,pd.html?source=CAPLA_DF:825466929869:KSP&KPID=825466929869&cm_mmc=PLAs-_-All-_-All-_-All&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla&pla=pla_825466929869&CAWELAID=820564640000011843&CAGPSPN=pla&kpid=825466929869


Gold or silver glitter teaspoons sets $28 for 4:

http://www.shopbymonika.com/collections/frontpage/products/glitter-tea-spoons

Happy Shopping!

Easy Cheesy Potato Pancakes

Thanksgiving leftovers are the gift that keep on giving. I have a fridge full of food and I have been nonstop eating since Thursday! I like to create something new out of my leftovers because I get bored of eating the same thing for days, so I decided to concoct cheesy potato pancakes, delish served with a side of sausage stuffing.

Ingredients:

3 cups left over mashed potatoes

One cup shredded cheddar (you could really use any cheese I suppose. I had cheddar leftover from the mac and cheese I made).

2 eggs

Half of a diced onion 

Butter

Directions:

Melt about a tablespoon of butter in frying pan. Once melted throw your diced  onions in. Once they are gold brown,  take off heat and put to the side.

Beat two eggs. Add egg, cheese and onion into mashed potatoes. Mix all the ingredients well. 

Heat up another table spoon of butter in the same frying pan. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture into the frying pan. I was able to fit 4 pancakes in my pan. You can make them larger than this I just happen to like them small. Once the mixture is golden brown it's time to flip your pancakes. I like to flip them and than pat down with my spatula to make them flat. Once golden brown on the other side and cooked throughly scoop out into plate and serve with a dollop of sour cream. If you don't use the whole mixture just refrigerate the remaining and use for breakfast tomorrow! This recipe definitely yields a lot of mini pancakes so feel free to adjust to your liking! 

 

Simple a Breakfast with Thanksgiving Leftovers

HappyThanksgiving! This year I cooked for 5 of us, which means I had plenty of leftovers. I decided to make a super easy, but delicious breakfast using two ingredients, leftover sausage stuffing and a fried egg. 

Directions:

Heat up about a teaspoon of olive oil or butter in a small frying pan. Add as much stuffing as you would like, the stuffing will start browning quickly. I personally like to get it kind of crispy and then flip to repeat on the other side. Once cooked to your satisfaction transfer into a bowl. In the same frying pan add another teaspoon of olive, let it heat up and then crack the egg into the pan. Let the clear white of the egg cook till it turns white and slightly brown around the edges. Add coarse salt and pepper then flip the egg. I like a runny yolk so I leave the egg cooking for another 2 minutes and remove it from the heat, but as always do you baby boo. Put the egg on top of the crispy stuffing and Volia you have a delicious breakfast cooked in under 10 minutes! You could add gravy or shredded turkey, I'm pretty convinced any left over you throw in there would be delicious! Perfect breakfast while you shop Black Friday sales online like me!

Getting Crafty: DIY Glitter Pumpkins

I

I love the Fall. I love pumpkin spice lattes (like all white girls), sweater weather, leather jackets, crisp air and all the other wonderful things that come with it.  With Pinterest as my inspiration, I set out to make some Fall decor for my apartment. I was drawn to all the different ways people decorate pumpkins now, so I decided to make glitter pumpkins. I love this particular decoration for many reasons:

A) They look dope
B) They are cheap
C) You can make them the first week of October and they last till Thanksgiving, which covers your Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations- you're welcome.


What you need:

1) Baby Pumpkins
Get however many you want to decorate. (you can really do this to pumpkins of any size- I don't discriminate, I just like the way the small ones look on my table).

2) Clear Modge Podge
 http://www.amazon.com/Podge-CS11202-Original-16-Ounce-Finish/dp/B00178QQJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416608262&sr=8-1&keywords=modge+podge+clear

3) Glitter
I particularly like Martha Stewart's Glitter: http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewart-Crafts-Essential-Glitter/dp/B002BTWI62/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416607783&sr=8-1&keywords=martha+stewart+fine+glitter
Martha's glitter is super fine and in my opinion looks much better than a coarse glitter, but to each their own.

4) A Brush
Personally, I use an old concealer brush. I really think anything that will spread the glue onto the pumpkin will do. I guess these are what you are supposed to use when applying modge podge:

http://www.amazon.com/Plaid-24959-Podge-4-Piece-Scrapbooking/dp/B00CH9LH86/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416607963&sr=8-2&keywords=modge+podge+brush



Work over a paper plate or news paper. Take one pumpkin at a time and coat with glue thinly. I paint from the top to almost the bottom. I like a little of the true pumpkin to show and painting the base is a pain in the ass for many reasons. Take your glitter and shake that shit all over the pumpkin. I'm not going to lie glitter will be everywhere. Once its covered to your satisfaction place the pumpkin on a separate plate to dry. If you're not too lazy you can pour the excess glitter back into its container and carry on to the next. I personally like painting them in metallic golds and silvers, but do you baby boo. Leave them over night to dry . The next day shake the pumpkins over your sink so that some of the excess glitter comes off. *Please note that glitter will keep falling off till the end of time so don't make yourself crazy.* From there place them wherever you think looks best. 

Fall Pop Lip

I've been on the hunt for a new fall lipstick that would bring my pale skin to life. Between the loss of my summer tan and freezing cold temperatures in New York my skin has been looking kinda drab. I LOVE a dark lip, but I have trouble wearing such a heavy lip during the day for a few reasons A) I don't want to look goth, I think that struggle is real with any dark lip color. B) I am always conscious about touch-ups. Drinking water, coffee or whatever as the day goes on is not conducive with a dark lipstick. That shit needs to look on point, the minute it smudges you look like a crazy girl with dark purple on your teeth. Not cute.  I happen to love a red lip done right, but I wanted an alternative to the ever popular somewhat basic trend. I also feel like anytime I wear a red lip to the office I get 101 questions from the guys about where I'm going that night.  So in my head I had a berry lip in mind. Having just read  Glitter Guide http://theglitterguide.com/  this morning  I was sure the MAC color they featured "Heroine" was going to be mine. When I went to the store and tried it on I immediately wiped it off- woof! What is described as a "deep raspberry tone" looked like florescent purple on me- it was bad! I enlisted the help of a lady who worked there and she steered my toward a pink berry color with plum undertones called "Flat Out Fabulous". Its part of their "Retro Matte" line so this stuff isn't coming off anytime soon it really stuck to my lips. She had me pair it with fuchsia red lip liner called "Beet". Initially I wasn't trying to be sold a liner, but once I tried the combo I knew I was getting both. It brought a darker ombre look to my lip and with dreams that "Beet" would turn my lips into Kylie Jenner's I bought the damn pencil.


You can purchase it online here or in store:

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/168/310/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl?SKU_ID=SKU49839

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/167/340/Products/Lips/Lip-Pencil/Lip-Pencil/index.tmpl?SKU_ID=SKU2916

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