BEST DAY EVER!!!

Everyone knows how I much I love Kate Middleton.  It's no secret!  She's pregnant, but is unfortunately suffering from hyperemesis gravadarum.  As a nurse, I have taken care of patients with this, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  It is complete misery for the mother.  This is how excited I was when I found out this morning...

November Favorites!!

Soap and Glory Hand Food Hand Cream:  This hand cream has, hands down, changed the texture of my calloused hands.  My palms are insanely silky and smooth now, which is hardly ever the case, especially in the fall/winter. 

Laura Mercier Pink Mosaic Shimmer Bloc:  I purchased this in the Sephora VIB 20% off sale, and I'm in love!  It gives me the perfect glowy look without being too glittery. 

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream:  In my mission to maintain my soft hands, a cuticle cream was a must.  I keep this in my purse and use it whenever I think about it.  It absorbs well and is non-greasy.  Oh, and the smell is delicious!

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub:  I know I've talked about this before, but I've been loving this scrub more now that the weather is becoming drier.  It works like a dream and tastes even better!

Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner:  I've used All Soft for most of my adult life, but at some point within the last few years they reformulated the product with argan oil instead of the avocado.  I loved it before, but it is ONE MILLION times better now.  It leaves my hair feeling silky smooth, even after a blow out. 

Nexxus Emergencee:  The ends of my hair dry out very quickly, so I'm always looking for something to help my hair.  I will do a more in depth post on this product soon, but it has changed my hair for the better. 

Avon Anew Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum:  I was getting flakey, dry, winter skin with occasional breakouts.  Since, I've been using this during the DAY (it says to use at night, but I apply it under my Elta sunscreen), my skin has not had ONE rough spot. 

Oscar Blandi Texture and Volume Spray:  Usually during the week, I shower at night.  So, in the morning, my hair is a big, flat, bed headed mess that goes up in a pony tail or top know 99% of the time.  After this, I can actually wear my hair down, and it lasts all day. 

Hue Wide Wale Corduory Leggings:  I've been wanting some velvet/corduroy leggings for a while now, and I found these on super sale during the Bloomingdales F&F sale when I was in NYC.  They have since become my favorite pant of the season.  They are super thick, so much so that I feel perfectly comfortable wearing them as actual pants with boots, and they are so soft and warm that I want to live in them.  Love, love, love these!!

Factory vs Outlet Clothing

I have had this conversation with so many people that I decided to do a PSA-type post about a factory store vs an outlet store.  My family and I go to the Outlet Malls in San Marcos every year for Black Friday, and we always have huge success.  The outlet pricing along with the additional Black Friday promotions make some purchases hard to pass up.  However, I have been burned in the past by several retailers before knowing the true difference between outlet vs factory clothing.

An OUTLET store usually contains items from a previous season.  It may have been the previous year, the previous two years, etc.  The quality is still the exact same as the tagged brand, however, the item may not be particularly current.  The Neiman Marcus Last Call store is, for the most part, a true outlet, although I believe they do have specific Neiman Marcus outlet merchandise.  Pottery Barn is also a true outlet store, selling items that are last season, slightly damaged, etc.  

A FACTORY store is where I get heated up.  A factory store sells brand new, current season, knock off, usually more cheaply made items of clothing.  Banana Republic is the bane is my existence when it comes to factory stores.  They used to be a true outlet, with older merchandise showing up in stores a year or so later; I could actually recognize it.  Now, however, the factory clothing has taken over, and the clothes are cheaper designs that do not resemble the quality and design of the actual Banana Republic retail store.  Unless you fully inspect an item, I do NOT recommend purchasing anything from a Banana factory store.  About 75% of the items that I have purchased have had to be donated, or even thrown away, because they are of such poor quality.

Here are a list of the Prime Outlet stores that I would personally shop at (for my Texas readers):

Neiman Marcus Last Call:  I have scored some GREAT items here at great prices, but you have to be very patient and dig around amongst the chaos

Coach:  The Coach factory store is just that, factory items.  However, I can vouch for the quality of several bags that my family and I have purchased.  Also, the prices are ridiculously cheaper than an average retail store.

Pottery Barn:  I have literally purchased the exact same thing at both the store and outlet.  However, research your outlet purchases here, because sometimes you can find them cheaper from the normal retail store.
 
Restoration Hardware:  Same as with Pottery Barn.

Crate and Barrel:  I can't attest to comparison with a C&B retail store, since we don't have them here in San Antonio.  However, I have purchased loads of items from the C&B outlet and have been more than happy with the quality and longevity.

Bath and Body Works:  Sometimes the prices aren't much better here, but sometimes you can find a great deal.  Again, do your research.

Kate Spade:  Again, great deals if you do your research.  Sale times, like Black Friday, are a great way to score big!

Ralph Lauren:  While this is a factory store, many of their items are similar in both quality and appearance to a regular retail store.  This is a place to scrutinize.

Cole Haan:  Probably my favorite of all stores at the outlet malls.  My husband and I have, several times, found AMAZING deals here, and the quality cannot be beat.  Highly, highly recommend!!

Use Caution!:

Gap:  Once again, a factory store.  You CAN find great things here, but really pay close attention to quality.  I purchased a denim jacket here from years ago that is still going strong.

Banana Republic:  See above

Victorias Secret:  Scrutinize, scrutinize.  I personally think that waiting for the Semi-Annual sale is a better option, and I think the items are much better quality.

The easiest thing you can do to determine whether or not your purchase at the outlet malls are factory or retail quality is to look at the tags.  Factory clothing's tags will be different from the regular retailer.  

Banana Republic Factory Clothing Item Tag

Banana Republic Regular Retail Store Clothing Item Tag

I hope this helps!!  Don't spend the same amount of money you normally would in a retail store on sale at a factory store and get cheaper quality items. 

Sephora Friends and Family

This is my first Sephora Friends and Family event as a VIB.  It was so exciting and overwhelming to have the entire store at 20% off, which is unheard of for many of the brands that Sephora has in house.  Here's what I purchased:

Laura Mercier Pink Mosaic Shimmer Bloc:  I was looking for a powdered version of my beloved Benefit High Beam.  While I love the high beam, I think that powder highlights transfer better on my combination/oily skin.  While this shimmer is more pink than the High Beam, it is fantastic.  It is a baked powder, so it is super intense and pigmented.  It's best when applied with my fan brush for a subtle glow on my cheeks.  It only takes a second and completely changes my makeup look.  It could also be used as a highlighter/eyeshadow.

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter:  I've been wanting to try Soap and Glory forever.  It is a British drugstore brand, and I had heard tons of amazing things about their products.  They don't disappoint.  The scent is a delicious combination of sweet and floral that I can't get enough of.  The cream absorbs beautifully softening my skin immediately.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy/Viva La Fleur Rollerball Duo:  I've been a huge fan of both of these scents for a long time, so I grabbed this in the sale.  They both smell fairly similar, but they're formulated to where I can wear them in all seasons.  

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder:  I'm unfortunately starting to show signs of aging including fine lines under my eyes, so setting my under eye concealer is a must.  This fine powder is a light color, but goes on translucent and does an amazing job of setting my concealer and brightening up my dark circles.

Au Revoir!!!

I am heading here tomorrow to visit my friend Jackie from Long Star to Empire for a long girls weekend.  Oh, NYC, I LOVE YOU!

Symphony Brownies

Candy Bar Brownies

Ready for the easiest, most delicious brownies you've ever eaten?  I'm not kidding.  These brownies are ridiculous.  I think these babies are why my husband asked me to marry him.  He asks for them at every birthday and every time I ask him what dessert I should make.  They are so easy to pack up and take to a get together.  You will LOVE these brownies, and best of all, they can be easily adapted to appeal to many different tastes.

Here's what you need:

1 box of Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix (pictured above)
Oil
Eggs
Three Symphony Bars with Toffee and Nuts (or other full size candy bar of your choice)
13 by 9 baking pan
Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Gather all your ingredients, and note the TYPE of brownies you're going to make.  I HIGHLY recommend the  fudgy version for this recipe (down with cake-style brownies, is what I say!!)

Mix the batter per instructions on the box.

Next, pour half the batter onto the bottom of a greased 13 by 9 baking pan.  I wouldn't recommend using a brownie pan for this recipe.  I think the brownies are to thick and wouldn't cook properly.

Next, unwrap and lay three of your favorite extra large candy bars on top of the batter.  I always use the Symphony Bar with Toffee and Almonds.  They are to die for.

Below is how the brownies should look with half of the batter and the candy bars laid on top.

Next, pour the other half of the batter on top of the candy bars.  This part of fairly easy, especially with the fudgy brownies, since they have so much oil in them.  The most important thing to do in this step is to seal the edges as best you can so no candy is showing.

Next, bake per the Duncan Hines instructions, and enjoy!  Notice I didn't even get a picture of the finished product.  Yeah, they're THAT good!  Enjoy!

Post Halloween Sales

Ever since I've lived on my own, the day after a holiday, I hit both Target and Hobby Lobby to take a peak at their holiday clearance sections.  I have pretty much furnished my entire collection of holiday decor doing this, and I get great deals.  This year, Target has all of their Halloween items 50% off, and Hobby Lobby has a (slightly disappointing) 66% off.  In years past, they've had up to 80% off.

I didn't buy anything from Hobby Lobby, which is ironic, because that's where I have bought the majority of my holiday decor, but I hit the Target jackpot.  If you have a Target in your area and love Halloween, I'd recommend popping in.  My Target still had a ton of stuff!

Here's what I bought:

I basically figured out my Halloween costume for next year.  I usually don't have an opportunity to dress up, besides at work, and even then, I don't want to go totally overboard.  This cute witch hat and matching witches tights would look perfect!

They also had this cute set of votive candles, perfect Harvest table decor!

I usually don't go too scary for my Halloween decorations, but I couldn't resist these gauzy LED purple lights.  I bought two packs.  I'm hoping we can put them on the door of our new house next year!

These spider webs are a must for Halloween decor, especially if you are on a budget.  They can easily last a few years if you take care of them properly, and can be put almost anywhere. 

Kyle and I have sworn off using pumpkin carving kits, but these were so cheap, that I thought I'd grab a few to try.  It might be easier than using our flatware. 

I've already de-Halloweened and Thanksgiving-ed my house.  Did I mention how much I LOVE decorating for the holidays??

October Favorites

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!!!!

I love this day so much.  It's my very-close-second favorite holiday (Christmas being my first, and Christmas only wins, because it's a whole season).  To celebrate this wonderful day, I am going to bring you my first monthly favorites post.

Here is what I have been loving in October:   

Neutrogena's Nourishing Eyeliner in Spiced Chocolate:  LOVE this stuff.  I have used the Revlon Colorstay eyeliner for years, but recently went rogue and purchased this baby.  I love it.  It's smooth and creamy with great pigmentation.  It also lasts all day, but still comes off fairly easily.

Dr Bronner's Magic Soaps All-One Hemp Peppermint Pure Castille Soap:  I've been looking for an (ahem) less expensive version of the Lush soaps, and I think I may have found it.  My grocery store had a coupon for buy one for $3.99 get one free.  That's a hell of a lot less than Lush's prices.  So far, I LOVE this stuff.  It leaves my skin silky and smooth with zero dryness or residue.

Lush BIG Shampoo:  This shampoo is incredible.  I use it once a week as a clarifying shampoo, and it truly increases the volume in my hair.  It also feels baby soft and silky.  The only downside is that it is a little drying, but I make sure and follow up with a hefty conditioner. 

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti Chip Top Coat:  I've been really into painting my nails lately.  I'm extremely hard on my hands, being a nurse, so I'm always looking for fast dry options.  I've given up on long lasting nail polish, and Shellac is super hard on my nails.  So, this is the next best option.  No matter how thick the nail polish coats, this stuff dries my nails within 1-2 minutes.  It's pretty incredible.  The consistency is a little odd, almost like a really thick semi-dried out nail polish, but it applies nicely and still dries incredibly fast. 

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Powder in Autumn Catwalk:  I think this stuff was about $4-5 at my local grocery store, and the pigmentation rivals my more expensive blushes.  I absolutely love it.  It has just the right amount of shimmer/highlight to be subtle, and it lasts ALL day.  Go get this now!

 Up and Up (Target) Brand Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes in the purple/blue color:  These wipes are fabulous.  I recently started using a gentler cleanser, so I decided to try these wipes to remove my makeup at night.  They work SO well.  I still have to remove my eye makeup with coconut oil (the mascara I have right now is super water proof), but I don't mind.  It removes my makeup, but is still gentle on my skin and not drying. 

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser:  A sweet friend of mine has become my new skin care guru, and she recommend this face wash to me.  I love it!!  Since winter is a-coming (sometime), I think it's important to update my skin care routine for the changing, dryer weather.  This cleanser thoroughly cleanses my face, but still leaves it soft and smooth.  It's totally non-drying, and it really works in conjunction with a few other of my prescription medications (Retin-A Micro .04% and Spironolactone) to combat my occasional hormonal breakouts.  

The Best Makeup Tip I've Learned This Year

Hooded Eyes

I've always had difficulty when applying eyeshadow on my outer corner and crease, but I never knew why.  It would smudge into strange shapes, and I could never apply it evenly.  Firstly, I wasn't using the right tools, but secondly, I wasn't applying the shadow correctly for my eye shape.

I'm blessed (NOT) with hooded eyes.  I am seriously allergic to everything, so the puffiness from allergies only exacerbates the hooding.  Recently, I learned what my eye shape was and I've been doing my eye shadow differently ever since.  It makes a HUGE difference.

This is a photo of just my eyes after a makeup trial for my wedding.  As you can see, when looking straight on, there is very little movable eyelid (the eye lid that is covering my actual eye ball).  I also do not have an obvious crease, shown below, with my eyes closed.

In order for my makeup to actually look good, I've now learned there are several things I must do:

1. Do NOT apply dark eyeshadow to the movable eye lid.  Since dark colors make things on your face look sunken in (contoured), you do not want to make your movable lid more sunken in by applying a dark color.  Now, I will do what is shown above and apply a lighter color to the inner corner of my eye, a medium shade to the middle of my movable lid, and a darker corner on the outer part of my lid to make a gradient of color.

2. DO apply a darker shade to the 'crease' (or in my case, the area where one's natural crease would be).  This makes me eyes look more defined, and less puffy.

3.  Do NOT apply a shimmery highlight shade to my brow bone.  I can both understand this and disagree with this point.  Highlight/shimmer shades tend to bring facial features forward.  Since your eyes are naturally hooded/slightly puffy, you do not want your brow bone to also appear more prominent.  I personally don't think it's THAT big of a deal, as long as you don't apply a TON of glittery, shimmery highlight.

4. DO focus on your lashes.  My lashes have always looked better when they are super volumized and curled, and now I realize why.  Women who have hooded lids need their eyelashes to stand out more to make them appear less puffy/more awake.

Celebrities with hooded eye lids that I use for reference include Blake Lively and Cat Deely.  Blake's eyelids are actually much worse than mine.  Her movable eyelid is practically non existent when her eyes are open.

Pixiwoo are two British sisters who give amazing makeup tutorials on YouTube and have greatly helped me better my makeup self.  Here is a great blog post they wrote (with links to many of their YouTube videos) on how to do makeup for different eye shapes.  Here is an excellent post on different makeup tips for eye shapes.  Hopefully you will have normal eyes and not have to make adjustments, but if you have a different eye shape, it's definitely to your benefit to learn how to properly apply your makeup.   

Bath and Body Works Haul

Bath and Body Works Pre-Christmas and Post-Fall Sale Haul

I popped into Bath and Body Works after voting yesterday with the hopes of purchasing a new fall candle.  I burned through my Leaves candle in an insanely short amount of time.  I just love that scent so much that I burned it almost constantly while I was home.  Next year, I've learned, I'll buy a back up.  Their fall candles, while very limited, were all 50% off, so I picked up the Autumn Day scent.  I was initially thrown off a bit by the sweet pear scent, but now that I've burned it some, I absolutely love it.

Their hand soaps and Wallflowers were also on sale, so I swiped up some of the Christmas scents.  I was a little disappointed in their new Holiday scents this year.  While the usual Vanilla Bean Noel still wowed me (as always), the other ones were just so-so.  There's also one ginger-vanilla hybrid hand soap that's just yucky smelling.  I like to buy the foaming hand soap in the holiday scents, because they don't last as long.  Let's face it, it'd be depressing to have a Christmas scented soap in February.    

I also have been loving my Wallflowers lately, and needed two new plugs for both our living room and bedroom.  We also needed a few new holiday replacement scents, so I picked up a Marshmallow Fireside (my new FAVORITE Bath and Body Works scent this year, and one of my top five of all time now) and Winter bulb.

The white wall plug is ADORABLE.  It's for our room.  I can't wait to see how it looks in there.  Here's a detail shot.

I can't wait for their next 2 for $20 candle sale.  I missed the last one by a few days.  Winter candles, here I come!!! 

My Thoughts on Voting

My Thoughts on Voting

(Not a Political Post)

I voted today. Early voting is something I have always done, and it was a huge weight off my shoulders.

Like my religious beliefs, my political beliefs are VERY private and personal for me. You'll never see me posting my thoughts all over Facebook, or getting into arguments with people over their beliefs. To each their own. I think that at this stage in our adult lives, we pretty much have our minds set on what we believe and do not believe. Putting someone down because they don't believe what you do only makes you look intolerant.

I personally like to quietly listen to opinions, but I don't give them except to my immediate family and husband. I formulate my own opinions as best I can and truly try to look at both sides. Then I do my civic duty and vote, which I encourage all my readers to as well. Information about early voting and locations can be found on your city's government website.  Information from San Antonio (my town) specifically can be found at: http://elections.bexar.org/

5 Makeup Products I Can't Live Without

The Five Makeup Products I Can't Live Without

 

1. Mascara

I am lucky enough (not) to have eyelashes with blonde tips.  So, when I have no makeup on, I look like I have no eyelashes.  Not only that, but I also have hooded eye lids, which scream for mascara.  I'm still looking for my holy grail mascara, but some that I like well enough are: Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara, Benefit They're Real Mascara,  and Diorshow Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara.  I still have yet to find a drug store mascara that I even remotely like.

 2. BB Cream/Tinted Moisturizer

I've been using the Garnier BB Cream for a while now, and absolutely love it.  I have heard complaints from other people about it being a bit greasy, but I have very combination skin, so it's not a problem for me.  It's been a miracle for me in the summer, when I don't want to cake on heavy foundation along with powder.  I make sure to set it with powder, the Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder is my favorite, and I'm good to go!

3. Eyebrow Powder

The eyebrow powder I have used all my life is the Cliniqe Brow Shaper.  I couldn't live without it.  It lasts an INSANE amount of time, and stays in place.  It helps shape my sparse eyebrows.  I recently went lighter after learning that you should go a shade or two LIGHTER with your eyebrow powder, and I think it makes a big difference.

4. Gel Eyeliner

Gel eyeliner is a hybrid between the smoothest eye pencil you've ever used and a liquid eyeliner.  It's more forgiving than liquid, allowing more time to smudge and correct mistakes.  However, it stays longer than pencil eyeliner.  It also usually washes off very easily.  The two that are my absolute favorites are my Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner and the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner.  Both have very similar application, drying time, etc.  However, I've noticed the Maybelline dries out a bit faster than the Bobbi Brown and that it is slightly less pigmented.

5. Blotting Papers

Since the South Texas heat and humidity tends to be brutal on my already slightly oily skin, blotting papers are a must to carry in my makeup bag.  Boscia Blotting Linens in the Green Tea version are my absolute favorite. 

Diet Update

Hello all!!  I have been thoroughly surprised at how easy it's been to cut most carbs out of my life.  I cheated on our vacation and ate whatever I wanted, but with all the walking we did, I actually lost weight.  So far, I have lost about 10 pounds and feel great.  I've been prehypertensive for a long time now, but since starting this low carb/clean eating lifestyle, my blood pressure has been the lowest it's ever been.  This is amazing, since I have a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure, so I really have to keep myself in check.  I would say that if I had to put a name to my new lifestyle eating principles, it would be a combination of low carb (except I eat fruit), clean eating, and Paleo.  Here are the basic principles I've been following:

Nothing white:  No pasta, no white rice, no sugar whatsoever (only Stevia), nothing processed, and no refined carbohydrates.
Limited whole grains:  I've been snacking on Ezekiel bread whenever I NEED a carbohydrate in my life.  They're cinnamon raisin is incredible and very filling.  I'll also eat some Wasa crackers with hummus if I need a crunch.
Organic Popcorn:  I've been getting the Central Market brand organic popcorn in their mini snack bags, and this has been a lifesaver.  Popcorn is the ONLY true light food that fills me up.  The ingredients in the organic popcorn are natural, and it is delicious. 
Protein, Veggies:  For dinner, I've been making a high protein meat like chicken, with a vegetable such as broccoli or a side salad.  If I make a dish that calls for pasta, I omit it.  One of my favorite snacks is frozen edamame with a small amount of salt.  Delicious and so filling! 
Indulgence 5% of the time:  I had a friend come in town this weekend with lots of eating out and football.  I let myself eat like crap.  Then Sunday, I recovered with salad and good foods.  On Halloween, I know I'm going to eat sweets, and on Thanksgiving, you better believe I'm going to eat that gravy and stuffing until my heart's desire.  However, I will adjust and eat better on the days leading up to it and afterward. 
Flour Substitutes:  Almond flour is the BOMB.com.  I have been able to make Paleo-friendly apple muffins with ZERO carbohydrates (only from the apples) with almond flour.  It's truly amazing how many GOOD flour substitutes there are out there.  I make a clean eating mug brownie with almond flour, cocoa powder, Stevia, and coconut oil that is to die for!    

I'm starting to crave salads and lean proteins.  I don't even miss the pasta, breads, that used to make 70% of my diet before.  It's a wonderful eating plan, and I would highly recommend it if it fits into your lifestyle.

If you have any questions about my particular diet, I'd love to answer them!   

Casual Friday Night Wear

 

Here's what I wore last night to a casual happy hour with friends and then to a movie (we saw Hotel Transylvania.  It was super cute!).  My belt is actually from H&M (Lord, please let them build an H&M in South Texas or please enable online shopping), and my earrings are actually from Amazon.  I'd been wanting this dress forever and was able to snatch it up on sale a few weeks ago.