Thursday, November 5, 2015

Get Holiday Party Ready!

It’s that time again…the Holidays! Work parties, shopping, sparkle, glitter, bows, and festivities galore! Who doesn’t love this time of year? I know I do! I wanted to share a fun go-to party looks to give you a few ideas while you’re planning what to wear for your big holiday party!

Purple is a great color for brown eyes but it actually looks beautiful with any eye color. 
These trios are perfect for a full eye look since they have a highlight 
and deeper color for the out v.



Gorgeous right?! 

For the look below I just swept that mid-toned purple all over my lid as a base. 
Using the darker color, I created a V shape in the outer corner of my eye for depth and to 
create a smokier look. Pop that lightest shade on the center of your lid to really make 
your eyes look bright and sparkly!



Pair it with a nude lip and a fun dress and you're good to go!!!!

What's your favorite go-to holiday party look?

Products Used:
Moody Sisters Baked Shadow Plum Trio
Moody Sisters Eyeliner in Absolute Brown
Douce Punk Volumizer Mascara
Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme in Lust
NYX Blush in Dusty Rose


XoXo,
A






Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Tips to Overcome Dry Skin

Let’s face it ladies (and gents), depending where you live Summer is over! I know, don’t cry…okay maybe a tear or two is okay. But alas, the colder months are upon us which means, you guessed it: dry, flaky skin. Now if you’re not part of the ‘dry skin group’ then consider yourself lucky. But many of us are. And I am here to help a sista out! Here are some quick things you can do in your daily routine to naturally combat dry skin.

Keep It Simple


I find that when my skin goes a little crazy, I  go a little crazy. Must exfoliate! Must mask! Whoa Nelly, relax and let your skin breathe. Don’t over do it with various masks, peels and exfoliators. Too much of anything is not a good thing. Mama said it and it’s true. Stick to your tried and true and let nature do the rest.

Exfoliate

Now, even if you’re keeping it simple, you may still need to use products to give your skin a fighting chance. You can moisturize all you want but if you’re slathering lotion on dead, rough skin you’re getting nowhere fast. A quick way to exfoliate is to take some course sugar from your pantry and mix with extra virgin olive oil. Bam! Instant body scrub! I also love the Berry Sugar Scrub from Moody Sisters. Bonus, smells so good you'll want to eat it!



Moisturize

What's the most obvious tip to combat dry skin? Moisturize of course! Finding a good face cream can be tricky. Make sure you check out the ingredients. Helpful tip, you want to be able to pronounce most of the ingredients, otherwise who knows what’s in there! Moody Sisters Orange BlossomFace Cream is perfection in a jar. The consistency is perfect and it’s good to know you’re putting natural ingredients back into your skin. Not to mention the amazing scent! I slather this on, let it soak for a minute and move on to applying my makeup. Your skin will feel soft and supple. You can thank me later (wink wink).




Humidifier

In the winter months we tend to blast the heat to keep that chill away. Space heaters and central heating systems dry out the air which in turn, dries out your skin. A humidifier will help bring moisture back into the air and into your skin. I purchased one from Honeywell that is small but does the trick.

Hydrate

Drinking water isn’t just good for your skin, it’s good for…well, everything! Your body craves it and a lack luster complexion is a sure fire way to tell you’re dehydrated. Try drinking a glass of water when you first get out of bed. It helps kick start your system.

Watch the Hot Showers

While we’re on the topic of dehydration, as tempting as it may be, try not to take long, hot showers or baths. This really dries out your skin. It may feel good momentarily but you’ll pay in the long run. Stick to lukewarm showers and your skin will thank you later. Try using a thick body cream or body oil like this one from Burt’s Bees.



So that’s it, with these tips winter doesn’t stand a chance! Share some of your favorite tips in the comments. We’re in this fight together!


XoXo,
A



Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Makeup Collection Downsize: Blushes

I know it sounds rediculous. You're purging your makeup? How much do you have? 
Too much, that's how much! 

I don't mind having a large collection, however, there are so many products 
I don't get to use or products I'm using just to use them but there's no love there. 
So it was time!

I teamed up with my good friend Jen over at GlamMoms on YouTube 
to go through our collections and downsize. Really think about what we love and actually use 
versus don't use but just keep around because it's pretty, or we spent the money, or who 
knows what other excuses.


Can you believe that is how many blushes I had? I mean, come on! I only have one face!


After a torturous and painful hour, I was able to part with 26 blushes! I honestly thought
I had about 26 to begin with. Not closer to 50!


And this is what I'm left with. Still a whole lotta blush for these two cheeks but
definitely more manageable. These are all blushes I know I like and use.

Now I know this is still excessive, don't get me wrong! 
But I'm a makeup junkie and this is what I do ;)

Check out my decluttering process below and let me know if you've done anything
similar whether it be with your makeup, house, clothes, etc. 
I love all types of decluttering stories.



Check out my friends over at Back 2 Basic Health and Sew Crafty Angel for more great blog posts!


XoXo,
A
                       

Instagram









Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Review & Demo: Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

Hey guys, I'm back for another review and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am...
or actually, I'm about to tell you how excited I am!

I recently reached out to Vera Mona after seeing several reviews on YouTube and
demos on InstaGram and I must say, I was intrigued. Vera Mona sent me their 
color switch duo and I was so excited to put it to the test for you.


Here's what Vera Mona has to say about the Color Switch Duo:

"Color Switch Duo by Vera Mona is the only product on the market of its kind!!! It removes the color from eyeshadow brushes helping the makeup artist switch to another color quickly and efficiently. The Duo's unparalleled design includes a centered mini sponge for wet make up application. Nothing else like this exists!! Stroke the eye shadow brush against the Duo sponge to completely remove the color being used and switch to the next. The Duo's uniquely designed centered sponge enhances the color of the eye shadow when applied wet, resulting in a more vibrant look that is true to the pallet, or color being used. Discard wet sponge after every use."


I have to say I am a full believer in this product. I've tested it out over several weeks and 
although it's not made to 'clean' your brushes, it removes makeup amazingly from your brushes.

With this sponge you're able to reuse the same brushes for several uses 
making it perfect for travel. I love how it cuts down on wash time also. Unlike most people, I love washing my brushes however, it always takes SO long for my brushes to dry. With the Color Switch Duo I don't have to wash my brushes after single use, although I do recommend 
washing at least once a week to prevent bacteria growth...ew.

Vera Mona has several options for you: 





I would highly recommend these products for any makeup artist or like me, 
makeup lover. You won't be disappointed!

And if you want to see some other great blog posts, 
hop on over to Sew Crafty Angel :)


XoXo,
A


Instagram












Monday, November 10, 2014

Free Meal Plan & Shopping List for Your Planner

Hey guys! After endless online searches I just decided to go ahead and make some of my own planner printables. And as fun as it was, it's even more fun sharing with you...for FREE!

Below is why I have been using to plan out my weekly meals and grocery lists. 
This can be customized to you specific needs but I found it so helpful to plan as I go
and make sure I'm stocking up on all the ingredients I'll need for each meal. 

So convenient! 
Just click here to access and print on your home computer. 

This is only for your personal use. If you need
anything for your business or on a larger scale just email me directly or
comment down below! (All printables are 8.5 x 11 but can be easily resized)

And don't forget to follow my blog to be notified of more free printables!

While you're at it, hop on over to Stone Cottage Adventures and VMG206 for
some amazing blog posts and linky parties! Enjoy!




XoXo,
A
                       

Instagram






Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Free Daily Docket Printable

I'm back with another free printable for you all! I saw several daily dockets, daily layouts, day spreads...whatever you want to call it! And they all had bits and pieces of things I wanted. So I created one that fit everything from hour by hour scheduling, daily goals, quotes, routines and more.

I hope you guys are finding these useful! Let me know what you think!


Click here to get your free printable! 

This is only for your personal use. If you need
anything for your business or on a larger scale just email me directly or
comment down below! (All printables are 8.5 x 11 but can be easily resized)

And don't forget to follow my blog to be notified of more free printables!


XoXo,
A


Instagram







Monday, October 27, 2014

NOTD: Falling in Love with Fall

Hey everyone, you guessed it! Today's nail of the day (NOTD)

Everyone's scurrying to make the most of these last few summer days with neion nails...everyone but me. I'm not one to limit my fashion choices too much by season. So even though I'm embracing the warm berry and gold hues of autumn, fear not, I'll still be rocking the crazy designs and bright colors of summer.


From left to right: L'Oreal 'The Mystics Muse', Essie 'For the Twill of It', Salon Perfect 'Dirty Martini'

                                      (with flash)                                                  (without flash)

Are you excited for Fall, because I am!!!
Do you have a cool, leaf color changing Fall where you live like I do?
What's your favorite Fall nail color? Comment down below and let me know! TTY!


XoXo,
        A

Instagram