Sunday, December 30, 2012

NYE Makeup Test Run


I've been sick for 4 days and bored so I decided to try out Sam's makeup tutorial. I'm definitely not staying home for NYE regardless of my condition (hacking up a lung or not) so I might as well have my makeup plans ready to go! I didn't use the same makeup items as Sam so I'll list what I used in case you want to try it out as well :)

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NW15
Clinique concealer
Physicians Formula Mineralize powder in medium
MAC blush in Pinch O' Peach
MAC Black Kohl as a base over lids
MAC Blacktied, Deep Truth
MUFE Aqua Eyes black liner
Diorshow Mascara
MAC Creamsheen Glass in Delight

I didn't have any false lashes to use but normally I like to use MAC No. 4 lashes.




NYE Makeup by Sam Chapman


This is actually a makeup tutorial for X Factor UK judge Tulisa Contostavlos but I think it would make a gorgeous NYE look. Is there anything better than a smokey eye? No! This look mixes grays, blacks and little but of ice blue. Don't forget your false lashes! 

Friday, December 28, 2012

New Gadget

I stumbled across this little gadget while scrolling throught the sale section at HenriBendel.com. This bluetooth speaker looks amazing. You can clip it on your iPad or laptop for an instant sound boost. It comes in these 8 vibrant colors and is on SALE right now for only $60! Bonus-it also doubles as a stand for your iPad. Must get one now!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Holiday Baking Day


Today was my holiday baking day for my customers at work. I love to bake and I'm always looking for new and interesting recipes. The fudge recipe I've used for years but the cookied recipes are new. Here are the recipes I used today. I hope you enjoy!

RED VELVET CAKE BATTER COOKIES WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE
1 box of Red Velvet Cake Mix
2 Large Eggs
1/3 cup butter (room temp)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 bag white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients with mixer except the chocolate chips. Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough. I use an ice cream scoop to form the cookies. It gives just the right about of dough. Use parchment paper rather than cooking spray to line the baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes.

"GRINCH" COOKIES
1 box of French Vanilla Cake Mix
2 Large Eggs
6 T butter (melted)
1 C Powdered sugar
1 t cornstarch
Green food coloring (60 drops)

Preheat oven to 375. Melt the butter and set aside to cool. Mix cake mix, butter and eggs, dough will be thick. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar and cornstarch. With your hands roll dough into 2 inch balls and drop into powdered sugar mixture. Coat the dough with powdered sugar mix and place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes.

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE
4 C Sugar
20 oz Peanut Butter
1 can evaporated milk
4 T Butter (half a stick)
1 t Vanilla Extract

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and milk. Cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes or until it forms a ball in cold water. Remove from heat, add peanut butter, vanilla and butter. Stir until combined. Pour into 9 x 13 glass pan. Let cool completely before cutting.

Monday, December 10, 2012

I'm still here!

Wow it has been a long time since I've posted anything! Work has been crazy and I just got back from NYC!! Soooo I wanted to share my favorite things I bought, or saw and wished I'd bought, in The Big Apple.

BURBERRY Lip  Gloss "Nutmeg"- beautiful, warm, neutral color. Looks great over nude and warm pink lipsticks.


DIOR Show Mascara - worth the splurge! This mascara plumps and lengthens without getting clumpy. It has a giant brush which I like because it coats your lashes quickly and you don't need as many coats. 
Henri Bendel's - best store for gifts. Shop online if you can't make it there. I bought these rings (for myself lol) but they have so many great gifts at reasonable prices. And nothing is better than their brown and white striped gift wrap!
Fifth & Madison Candles- Found these at the Bryant Park Holiday Market. I bought the Madagascar scent but the Christmas scents are AH-mazing as well. Check them out online.

Zabar's Cinnamon Rugelach -  anything sweet from this local grocery is delicious! I bought the black and white cookies and this cinnamony sweet treat. WOW! They have gift baskets available online as well as the individual items. Try their coffee it's yummy too.







Tuesday, October 16, 2012

SPOOKTACULAR FINDS


Fall is finally here! Well almost...it's still in the 80's here in Louisiana. I'm so ready for cooler weather and boots! Here's a few things I am obsessed with right now and will buy (if I already haven't lol)

SKULLS - perfect time of the year to wear skulls. Buy a scarf or a fun piece of jewelry and rock it out.

BLACK - Makeup, boots, leather pants anything and everything black I am crazy about. These REPORT GEORGETTE FLAT BOOTS are to die for and a great price! 

MAKEUP- Best time to experiment with makeup is in October! If you mess upretend it's practice for a costume lol. All the holiday collections are hitting stores at the end of this month so be looking out for release dates. I can't wait to see what M.A.C has in store this year!!

CANDY - Need I say more?! Someone brought me 3 bags of these CANDY CORN M&M's and they didn't last the whole day. So yummy! Did I mention they are white chocolate...

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Generation Q Collection



"Beauty has no age limits." Illamasqua's Generation Q Collection lives up to it's tagline. The colors in this collection really do compliment all skin tones and ages. 
My favorite has to be this gorgeous eye palette, the Compliment palette. Deep purple hues are perfect for fall. It also looks great with pretty much any eye color especially green eyes. This collection is available at Illamasqua.com.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

stay tuned...

coming Monday my favorites from the Emmy's...also makeup tips to steal your favorite star's Emmy look!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Right Now Makeup

I decided to try some drugstore products when I ran out of my regular MAC products. Here are my reviews of my Ulta finds!!

LOVE----L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation. Covers just like my MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation. Lots of colors that really do match your skin tone. I even mixed two colors to get my perfect match. They're only $8.99 a bottle so you can afford two if need be.

HATE-----Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation. This foundation didn't even stay on my skin for a second. As I was applying the foundation with my finger I noticed it was streaky and was not staying on my skin rather it was just smearing around. 

LOVE----Maybelline BB Cream. Light coverage but has SPF 30 so it's great for a beach day or football game! HINT-buy one shade darker if you want a little more coverage. 

LOVE----Physicians Formula Mineral Powder. I usually wear MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish so I was looking for something similar. This was absolutely spot on! Beautiful matte finish, controls shine and stays on all day.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Obsessed


I have to rave about my recent purchase! I was wandering around Sephora seeing what was new and tried on one of the Clinique Almost Lipsticks and fell in love. They are only $15 and are very sheer at first but layered create beautiful hues. I bought "Lovely Honey" which is perfect for brunettes or an evening color for blondes. There really is a shade for everyone so be sure to try one I know you will love it as much as I do!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Southwestern Quinoa

I made this the other night for dinner. Quinoa is a great replacement for rice at dinner or lunch. Eat with 6-8 of protein for a protein packed meal!

Southwestern Black Bean, Quinoa and Mango Medley 
1 cup = 164 calories

Ingredients:


  • 15-ounce can black beans, no salt added, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (according to package directions)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
  • 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh mango
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
  • juice from 1 medium lemon or lime
  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric

Directions:

Cook quinoa like rice. 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water. 1/2 cup of dry quinoa makes about 1 cup cooked.
Mix together the beans, quinoa, corn, bell pepper, mango, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a mixing bowl.

Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and turmeric in a small bowl.

Drizzle over the mixture and toss. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Golden Jungle


Lose It

Recently I went on a diet called Ideal Protein and lost about 30lbs. Yes it was hard (and expensive) but it was well worth it. I wanted to share some of the rules and tips if you or someone you know wants to start a diet and not spend a lot of money on these expensive diets. I'll make it easy and show you a typical day of food rather than a long list of random food items you don't know how to combine and eat. I'll also post recipes every now and then that I use and actually taste good! So here it is...

Breakfast-protein oatmeal
    1/2 cup rolled oats cooked with water and ground cinnamon
    1 scoop vanilla whey protein
    1/2 cup blueberries

    Coffee or Iced Coffee with Sugar Free Creamer, 1 Truvia

Lunch
    Spinach salad w/ 1/4 cup feta cheese and 6oz chicken
    2 tbsp Light Ranch
    
Snack
    protein bar (Atkins or Thick Thin)

Dinner-NO CARBS!
    6-8oz of protein (chicken, fish, or meat)
    1 cup veggies (no corn or potatoes)
    Salad

I eat around 1,200 calories a day and no carbs after lunch. I DO NOT drink sodas even diet and I drink at least 64oz of water a day. I use Crystal Light a lot when I need something different. You can have carbs at lunch if you want to eat some brown rice or quinoa but only 1/2 cup.  If you workout you can add a whey protein shake after your workout. Keep it around 150 calories. 

Some other snacks I keep handy during the day is sugar free jello and sugar free candy (no chocolate).  I'll post more meal options soon along with a few recipes! Enjoy!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Eye palettes

Want to learn how to use one of these products? Check out this tutorial using the Urban Decay Smoked Palette Smokey Eye With A Twist-Pixiwoo