Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Try My DIY Oil Reducing Toner If Excess Shine Is a Problem

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This beauty is about to discover the amazing skin care benefits of ingredients from the kitchen.


Not so long ago, my complexion was oily.  For me, it was an endless battle trying to keep the shine away despite how hard or as many products that I tried without being overly harsh on my complexion. Desperation drove me to experimenting with natural beauty with ingredients from my kitchen and pantry.  This DIY Oil Reducing Toner is one that I thought I had shared, but apparently overlooked when I was searching through my old posts.

All you need to have on hand is a bottle of apple cider vinegar.  This is an excellent way to disinfect your face of bacteria, balance the pH level and control oil.  The recipe is simple.  What you do is mix two tablespoons of that vinegar to one-fourth cup of water. Wash your face first, then dip a cotton ball in this toner and swipe it over your face.  Leave this toner on for about 10-15 minutes.  Afterwards, rinse clean. 

Though you have many brands of apple cider vinegar to select from, you might want to consider an organic apple cider vinegar like Braggs.  This cloudier variety contains the “mother,” with more proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria than the other varieties and seems to have more beauty power when it comes to skin.  

I hope that you give my DIY Oil Reducing Toner recipe a shot because I’ve been there and know how frustrating an oily complexion can be.  Try this and hopefully it will do for you what it did to cut the excessive oil from my skin.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Before Your Next Possible Nail Polish Mishap, Try This Nail Tip!

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This manicure tip can save you time and trouble redoing a freshly painted nail!


Have you ever noticed that some formulations of nail polish are equipped with a better designed brush than others that help you paint within the lines of the nails more accurately? Perhaps, this does not matter to you since you never make mistakes regardless of what the nail enamel product or brush is like.  However, if this does not always apply to you as it does for me with sometimes getting the polish outside the nail and instead on the surrounding skin, then you have two alternatives.

You can use a nail polish remover pen and try to erase the unwanted nail polish in the area.  This method works, but the clean up could also ruin a freshly painted nail, if you got too close in your efforts.  

Yet, I have a tip that can save you some trouble.  What I found that does help is taking a cotton swab with a tiny bit of petroleum jelly and spread it on the sides of the nail first.  Make sure that petroleum jelly avoids the nail and stays on the skin only because the polish will not adhere if any ends up there.

What happens is the petroleum jelly provides enough of a slick surface that the next time you accidentally get some polish on the skin, you can just quickly wipe it off with a tissue or cotton ball!

Sunday, February 26, 2017

How to Give Your Eyeliner Pencil a More Natural Look!


I happen to prefer eyeliner pencils for everyday since it can give you a softer, more natural look over the liquid forms.  I also use those types, only more for nights when I want bolder, full glamour.  In order to get the best effect from my pencils, I have a simple tip. 

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You can more softness to your look just by making a slight alteration to your eyeliner pencil.

Make sure you don’t keep too sharp a point on your pencil when you go to use it. Instead, try getting a fresh tissue and round the tip a bit against it.  Doing so will keep the line just slightly thicker then the original sharper point, but provide a softer line that will open up your eyes more naturally.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

New Shoes Fix to Save You From Slipping!

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This shoe fix will only take a minute or two and give you more traction when walking on carpet.

I love getting new shoes, but sometimes they can be tricky when you’re walking on carpet.  If you also noticed how slippery they can be and want to save yourself from possibly slipping when your feet hit that rug, then I have a new shoe fix.

Before wearing a new pair, I take a pair of scissors to the bottoms of the shoes first.  What I like to do is run the scissors over the soles and scratch the bottoms in a crisscross design a few times  because it helps with traction.

I hope that you keep this new shoe care tip in mind because it is a good way to break those shoes in instead of risking a fall.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Vary the Effects of Your Liquid Foundation With Just Two Tools!


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Change the tool--and change your look!

Our complexions change periodically due to the seasons or what’s going on internally in our bodies.  As a result, the look we are trying to achieve from our foundation might some thought to meet the new demands of our face.  Instead of replacing a current foundation, altering our makeup tools can often do the same thing.

For instance, a sponge or beauty blender is what you need to create a sheer look.  Being porous, the sponge, however, sucks up more foundation than your fingers or a brush unlike a beauty blender, which absorbs less. Therefore, lightly dab that loaded sponge or blender and press the foundation into the skin slowly until you get the desired coverage.  Blotting gives you better control of the foundation that you’re laying down. The technique is also much better than using a sweeping motion with your sponge, which can leave streaks of the foundation on your face. 

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Here’s a DIY Hair Recipe That Can Really Rev Up That Shine!

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All you need are three simple ingredients to help boost that shine. 


The first thing that I noticed when my friend stopped by the other day was her new shorter cut along with much glossier hair than ever.  When I asked what conditioner she was using, she just started chuckling before sharing  it was something she learned from a co-worker when she made the same observation about that woman’s hair.

You don’t really need many ingredients to whip this hair mask up.  Most are probably in your kitchen anyway.

Kelly’s Glossy DIY Hair Mask

2 egg whites
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ ripe, mashed avocado

What you do is to combine the three ingredients before applying to your hair.  Make sure to wrap in a shower cap or a towel because this is messy.  Once you finish, leave this mixture in for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing out and shampooing as usual.

Try this DIY fix because what it does for hair beauty is amazing!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Beauty Box 5 February 2017 Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

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Beauty Box 5 February 2017 is all about lip beauty.



Beauty Box 5 for February 2017 centers around making most of your lips for all those Valentine kisses. Aptly named with the theme of Put Your Best Kiss Forward, this new collection of beauty loot can help make those lips even more beautiful.

For those unfamiliar with how this beauty box subscription works, then listen up.  Each box has five beauty products with some being full-size while others are samples for just $12 a month with free shipping. You can find cosmetics, skin and hair care products, nail polishes, beauty tools to fragrances along with a card about the products that always revolve around a certain theme.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Rimmel The Only 1 Matte Lipstick Line Review + Swatches!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


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Starting on the left is 200 Salute, then 120 Call the Shots, 800 Run the Show, 600 Keep It Coral, 810 The Matte Factor, 110 Leader of the Pink, 500 Take the Stage, 610 High Flyer, 700 Trendsetter, and ending with 750 Look Who's Talking on the right.


Rimmel fans of the Only 1 Lipstick line will be pleased that the company has recently released a new matte finish version.  The Only 1 Matte Lipsticks offer just as much fantastic pigment power only in 10 velvety shades that you’ll want to take a look at.  


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Going from left to right is 200, 810, 800, 610, 600, 110, 120, 750, 500, and ending with 700 near my wrist.

Monday, February 20, 2017

Recipe: Banana Bread Lovers, You Got to Taste My Incredible Protein Packed Banana-Oat Bread!

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This makes a delectable protein-rich banana bread with more of a muffin-like texture.


Today, I have a really wonderful recipe to share when you have overly ripe bananas that you don’t want to waste.  Unlike a typical texture of banana bread, my recipe has a lighter texture and added food value from the addition of uncooked rolled oats along with extra vanilla that when combined give a delicious flavor of how those ingredients play off the goodness of those bananas. 

Furthermore, you won’t find an easier recipe.  My Protein Packed Banana-Oat Bread involves just mixing by hand, smashing the bananas and adding the ingredients in stages to combine through before baking.  What can be better than that you may ask?  The answer is simple–-eating it!

Sunday, February 19, 2017

What Else to Look for When Considering a New Foundation for Ultimate Beauty Happiness!

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This beauty doesn't take chances with her perfect complexion when it comes to products.


Start with a formula that is geared to your skin type.  Naturally, you’ll want one capable of doing more for your complexion just than evening out your skin tone or hiding flaws. Therefore, when shopping you may want to check those foundations for the advantages of extra skin care benefits before purchasing.

The number one thing that is essential is a foundation with SPF of at least 15, but optimally SPF 30 or higher.

Antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E and skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, algae, peptides, grapeseed and coconut oils among others can help protect against free radicals and moisturize. If your complexion tends to be oily, then an ingredient such as kaolin can better keep the shine to a minimum.

Though as wonderful as those anti-aging treatment foundations may be, there is something that you should remember.  Layering your skin care products, which also might have anti-aging ingredients could backfire to irritate when those technically advanced ingredients meet on your face.  For example, retinol is commonly found in such foundations, but it can cause a photosensitivity of the skin.  This is why retinol in your skin care products is ideally used before you go to bed.

Furthermore, how can you expect the same extent of skin care results just from one foundation product, despite a hefty price? I'm talking about longer lasting help such as with lifting and firming of sagging or wrinkled skin once that treatment foundation comes off.  

Therefore, give some thought first and read those labels carefully before trusting your complexion completely to that anti-aging treatment foundation over separate makeup and skin care products, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side.  

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Knowing the Proper Amount of Hair Styling Products to Use Could Give Better Hair Days!


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As one that takes her hair seriously, this beauty knows how important these styling guidelines are.


Beautiful, manageable hair is what we always are striving for when we play with our hair. Sometimes though, the outcome of our finished style can be disappointing like when your hair refuses to do what you need and you end up overloading the product.  Instead of helping with texture, you ruin the look.  However, you can save yourself some grief according to a few hair stylists I talked to using these recommended amounts. 

If a serum is a hair staple to you, then stick with a small, dime-size amount.

Cream styling products are ones that you can use a bit more of, figure the size of a quarter. This amount will give you more than enough control regardless of short, medium or even long hair.

You might prefer wax products.  Being the case, a nickle size amount is all that you should be applying. 

Gels are styling products that you can apply more liberally.  Think of the size of a silver dollar when you measure some out.

Mousse products are ones that you can have the most freedom with when dispensing.  Pump out enough to practically fill the palm of your hand.

Regardless of the form of styling product, here is a way that you can double check if you got the amount right in case you forget.  What you do is measure out the product and rub it in the palm of your hand to warm it first.  If it starts dripping and making a mess, then stop and wipe some off before taking your hands to your head since you used too much.  Keep this in mind and you will stay beautiful!

Friday, February 17, 2017

One ‘n Only Argan Oil Treatment and Argan Oil Hydrating Mask Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


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These two One 'n Only Argan Oil hair products run about $10.


My hair falls victim to heat styling tools, products and hair coloring that can rob it of moisture, shine and give it a hard feel when touched.  Therefore, I make it a point to regularly condition.  I had never tried any of the Argan Oil hair line from One ‘n Only, but wanted to see how these two hair repair products would treat my own thick, normal textured hair as well as my mother’s coarse, wiry textured hair for coaxing our hair beauty back.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Some Simple Calming Ways to Stay Focused When Stressed



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This beauty is redirecting her stress instead of concentrating on it.


The reality is stress is a part of life.  Regardless of how well adjusted you may be, but everyone is subject to experiencing this emotion at times.  The challenge is not letting it dictate our lives, but instead channeling that energy elsewhere.  Below are some a few helpful methods that could make all the difference for smoother sailing for your mental well-being during those rough times.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

BaByliss PRO ITALO Luminoso Dryer Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Boxed BaByliss PRO ITALO Luminoso Dryer.jpeg
Meet what could be the new best friend of your thick hair, BaByliss  PRO ITALO Luminoso Dryer!


If you’re struggling trying to find the best dryer to handle thick hair because you’re thinking of replacing your current one because it is not powerful enough, then let me tell you about my new BaByliss PRO ITALO Luminosa Dryer that arrived for this review.

This model happens to be a workhorse of a dryer with 2,000 watts for faster drying time that uses ceramic heat technology, which is ideal for locking in the hair’s moisture while adding extra shine. It also came with a narrow concentrator nozzle when you are directing that hair in a specific spot.  

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Some Loving Valentine’s Day Inspiration!

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Put your loving touch to work this Valentine's Day!


I am a romantic and appreciate the candy, roses and jewelry that my guy takes the time to give me each Valentine’s Day along with a cozy, candle lit dinner at a nice restaurant or at home, depending on prior commitments. What I’m saying is that every couple celebrates this special day in their own way.  Here is what I like to do to start this holiday.

Before anyone else is up, I take care of my appearance first by getting dressed, perfumed and putting my makeup on. After all, you want to be attractive for your guy–-not just for one day but every day.  Sometimes, women can be too tired and forget the importance that a little grooming effort makes to keep your man’s attention focused on you.

It’s also fun to serve something to please your guy’s ravenous hunger when he appears for Valentine’s Day breakfast.  Therefore, I make sure to cook something to start this day off right with what I call Love Muffins, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and cheese, over a toasted English muffin.

He always gets a charge out of that breakfast entree once he sees those Love Muffins on his plate.  As silly as it may sound, I can see the love unfold in his eyes at this small, but  flirtatious  gesture.

Of course, you can’t let him leave the table without some kisses.  Strawberry kisses come next with a plate of fresh strawberries.  You may want to put your caressing fingers to work and feed him one at a time, but he will want to return the gesture while you tempt him with that sweet, red juice that always finds its way to your lips. 

Though it may be harder for him to leave the table–-and you, taking some extra time for a quiet Valentine’s Day breakfast before the rest of the gang is up, will send him with thoughts of you and what’s in store for later.

I hope added a smile and fueled your inspiration this Valentine’s Day.  Happy Valentine’s Day!  


Monday, February 13, 2017

M Ference & Co.'s Timeless Engravings--Hand-Crafted American Made Jewelry Can Help You Shine!

**Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post for M Ference & Co.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


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Their specialized engraving process gives each piece incredible detail and texture.




A meaningful piece of hand-crafted jewelry from M Ference & Co. is one that you’ll never want to take off. When you find such a special piece, it is a reflection of you so that you may shine your brightest.  

It is easy to see what distinguishes this United States company from their competition.  It is their care and precision of jewelry artistry using a 100-year-old Swiss special relief engraving method that produces more intricate, delicate etching that makes their collection unique.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Recipe: Winter Is the Ideal Time to Warm Up With My Delicious Ham-Penne Casserole!

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Making dinner couldn't be an easier than with my recipe.


Nothing tastes better to me than a tasty casserole when it’s freezing outside.  The casserole that I want to share is not only delicious, but another easy recipe that you won’t be stuck laboring in the kitchen for all that long.  

My Ham-Penne Casserole has a velvety-cream cheese and mushroom soup-based sauce accented beautifully with just some prepared mustard along with onion and garlic powers to bring up maximum flavor from ham.  Topped with toasted buttered breadcrumbs and Parmesan, this casserole is hearty, rich and sure to become a favorite, if your family is anything like mine.  

Saturday, February 11, 2017

The Best Way to Preserve the Beauty of Your Leather Shoes!

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Consider the material before being hasty with storage.




To satisfy our fascination for beautiful shoes, we all probably have more pairs than we can count.  The next time, you plan to wear and then retire a particular leather shoe or dressy, short boot for storage, there is one thing that you need to know if you plan on keeping them in good condition.

Avoid the urge to polish them before storing.  The reason that you shouldn’t polish leather shoes first is because the wax suffocates the leather from breathing as it should.

You’re better off just taking a soft cloth and dusting them off instead.

You might also want to read how to care for those winter leather boots and shoes after the salt hits when walking through the snow. 



Friday, February 10, 2017

How to Stop Letting Emotional Eating Take Control of Your Life and Body!


Food and emotions affect people differently.  For example, some of us when bored, lonely or under stress cannot eat.  On the other hand, others experiencing that same thing may find themselves mindlessly eating more–and usually not what’s good for them.

If you’re one that reacts to such obstacles in your life with food, then you are not alone. Half of my own family, including yours truly, have been known to find temporary comfort in ice cream, cakes, pies, and too many cookies when problems occur while the rest need coaxed to eat anything because they lose their appetites.  Instead of letting those emotions get the better of us, I have some suggestions that may help keep you from falling into this emotional overeating trap.

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Taking comfort in rich foods to distract you from what's going on in your life can backfire.


When the first thing you do when faced with a difficult situation is to head to the freezer for ice cream or raid the refrigerator for something rich and loaded with calories that you’ll eventually regret eating later don’t deny yourself what you’re craving.  My advice is to eat what you’re hungry for, only a moderate size serving. Though a treat or that snack piles on extra calories, denying yourself what your mind has its heart set on will only make you want to eat that wrong choice of food more.  

Thursday, February 9, 2017

How to Reduce Your Risk of Eye Irritation When Selecting Eye Creams for Those With Sensitive Eyes!

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The form of skin care that you select for the eye area should be thought out carefully.


When your eyes are sensitive and have a tendency to get irritated from allergies or from a health condition such as dry eyes, it can spoil both your day and appearance.  Before you know it, those eyes can change from beautiful to inflamed with redness, itching and an avalanche of tears.  Therefore, I thought you would appreciate how you might better steer clear of possible eye irritation when selecting skin care products for the delicate under eye area.

Instead of heavier eye creams, I suggest starting out with a lighter consistency serum.  The reason a serum is a better bet against risking irritation is because it won’t sit on top of the skin as long as a faster absorbing, thinner serum.  Of course, your eyes could still react to any ingredient in a serum as much as the cream, but you’ll have less chance of accidentally touching that eye product like an unabsorbed cream since it already sunk into the skin.

Another consideration that makes a huge difference is avoiding eye skin care products that have fragrances. Fragrance so close to your eyes is unnecessary.  Look for eye products without fragrance, which is a safer bet from stirring up trouble.

If you’re also tempted to use your current facial anti-aging cream or moisturizer, I strongly advise against it. Those products are not meant for the eye area since they may be too harsh with ingredients to exfoliate and encourage cell turnover, a bad move considering the frail, thin skin of your under eye area.  With that said, an eye serum for those with sensitivities is my recommended way to go.  


Wednesday, February 8, 2017

How to Rock the New Spring 2017 Trend of Metallic Eyes!

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One makeup trend you don't want to miss is playing up metallic eyes.


Metallic and chrome lids are going to be one of the hot makeup trends for Spring, 2017. Therefore, if you want to rock that look, then let me share some great makeup tips that can help you do just that very thing!

If you want stunning, notice-me metallic color, then a cream-based eye shadow is the simplest way to get there.  Just make sure to prime first to prevent ruining that dramatic look with creasing.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Lavanila Laboratories Healthy Body Butters (Fresh Vanilla Lemon, Vanilla Lavender) Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


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On the left is the Fresh Vanilla Lemon with the Vanilla Lavender Body Butter on the right.


In my opinion, when a skin care product only has what you need without stuffing it with chemicals that could clog pores and possibly jeopardize your health, then you found a winner like Lavanila Laboratories Healthy Body Butters that I have been lavishing my skin with lately.  PR was gracious enough to send along two of these delectable, all natural body butters in Fresh Vanilla Lemon and Vanilla Lavender.  

The Fresh Vanilla Lemon is what you want to leave your skin smelling invitingly delicious like a sweet lemon dessert with its notes of lemon, watery fruits as well as bamboo centered around the star ingredient of Madagascar vanilla.  I love how long this scent lingers while this non-greasy body butter’s botanicals such as African Shea butter, Kadakum plum and olive oil luxuriously moisturize without parabens, mineral oil, silicone, synthetic colors and petroleum that may accumulate in the body over time.

If the Fresh Vanilla Lemon Body Butter sounded appealing, the Healthy Vanilla Lavender Body Butter is just as special.  Imagine the alluring combination of Spanish lavender and rose mingling in a base of Madagascar vanilla.  Yet, this body butter has so much more to offer than a lovely natural fragrance.  It, too, has amazing botanicals with its formula of essential oils, Shea butter, cocoa butter, and antioxidants that help hydrate and keep skin silky smooth for hours. 

Skin needs to be nurtured with healthy ingredients that can let it thrive.  Lavanila Laboratories Healthy Fresh Vanilla Lemon and Vanilla Lavender Body Butters are just two excellent examples.  Check them out!

Monday, February 6, 2017

Eattiamo January 2017 Italian Food Subscription Box Review + ($69) Giveaway!–Ends February 23, 2017

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Eattiamo January 2017 box.jpeg
Here is what arrived for January 2017 from Eattiamo.



What if I told you that you can dine on authentic gourmet Italian food prepared with artisan products in traditional recipes from all over Italy?  However, I’m not talking about a new restaurant or an overseas trip to that country to experience the true taste of a specific region.  Instead, I found how you can bring the unique flavors and specialities of Italy home with Eattiamo, the Italian Food Subscription Box.

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Here’s How to Tame Overly, Frizzy Hair That Has You Down!

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This beauty is contemplating how much time these hair tips would have saved her.



Those of us that are born with natural curls in our hair know it comes with special challenges like frizziness for one.  Here is the help that can get that problem tamed instead of letting it continue to frustrate you. Hopefully, the hair care tips that I depend on will simplify life for you as well. 

The more layers that I get cut into my hair, the more curls pop out on my head.  For times when I have moderate frizz, I always make it a habit to leave a dime-size portion of my instant hair conditioner in after shampooing instead of rinsing it out as you might expect. Use just a small amount to work the knots in your hair free.   Depending on the length  and texture of your hair, you might need more or less. Believe it or not, my hair is shinier and smoother after styling.

For when you have overly frizzy hair, my stylist taught me this trick to use once a week that works like a charm.  You will need a hairnet and light leave-in conditioner.  The instant conditioner also works if you don’t have any on hand. What you do is to fill that hairnet with plenty of the conditioner.  Use about four times more of the product to totally saturate the hair with ample lubrication.  To that mix, you can even add a little bit of your styling creme for shaping, if you want to work with texture. 

After you prepare that hairnet, you want to apply it to your freshly shampooed and still damp hair and wear it for at least 15 minutes.  When that time is up, you don’t rush to the sink to rinse it out.  You’ll want to leave the conditioner in before drying and styling your hair.

You’ll be shocked at how smooth, soft, shiny, and extra manageable that your hair will be. Try these frizzy hair care tips of mine because I know what it feels like when your hair wants to work against you. Trust me, but you will be so glad that you did!


Saturday, February 4, 2017

Recipe: You’ll Love My Special Raised Dough Coffee Cake!



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My  coffee cake recipe  freezes well.


If you want to taste a delicious raised sweet dough coffee cake topped with thick nuggets of butter, flour, sugar and cinnamon, then you definitely need to try the recipe that I’m about to share. 

The secret to this recipe for keeping my coffee cake so soft and extra tender may surprise you because I do something unique.  Instead of milk and eggs, I save the water that I boil potatoes in for mashed potatoes just for this purpose. 

Another trick that you should be aware of is how to keep your crumb topping sinking into the cake as it bakes.  You can solve this by using a brush and painting the top of your unbaked cake once it’s in the pan lightly with oil.  

What I do is save that potato water after draining, cool, then refrigerate until the next day when I want to bake.  All I do is heat on the stove or microwave before mixing with my dough ingredients.

If you follow my recipe, you will get about three large cakes to fit pans about  13 x 9-inches.



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You get three nice-sized coffee cakes with my recipe!

My Special Raised Dough Coffee Cake


2 tablespoons of dry yeast (2 packets)
½ warm water with a teaspoon of sugar to proof the yeast
1-1/4 cups of sugar
2/3 cup of corn or canola oil  
2-1/2 cups of water that you cooked potatoes in
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon of salt
about 6-1/2 to 7 cups of sifted flour 

Topping:

3/4 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 cup of butter or 1 stick
3/4 cup of flour

Add your yeast to the measured one-half cup of very warm water that also has the teaspoon of sugar.  The sugar will help feed the yeast to make it grow faster.  You’ll see bubbling action sooner this way.

In the meantime, heat your reserved potato water until warmed through.

Slowly start adding some of the flour (a few cups at a time), sugar, salt, nutmeg, oil with the yeast mixture and potato water.  I like to use a wooden spoon to combine.  Keep adding your flour until you form soft, pliable dough.

Cover, keep in a warm place and allow it to grow for about 1-1/2 hours until doubled.

When the dough has risen, lightly grease three cake pans (approximately 13 x 9") and divide the dough and fit into each pan.  Use your rolling pin and knife to form a square shape for a uniform cake.

Sprinkle and divide the topping on each cake, cover and let grow about another one hour.

To make the Topping:

Crumble the butter and other ingredients together to form little balls like you would do to make pastry.

Preheat your oven to 350-degrees and bake about 25-minutes or until a cake tester or slender knife comes out clean.

ENJOY!

Friday, February 3, 2017

Rimmel #Insta Flawless Perfecting Radiant Skin Tint (Light Medium) Review + SWATCH!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


#Insta Flawless Perfecting Radiant Skin Tint.jpeg
This skin tint is a new way to gain that radiant glow to your complexion.


Rimmel has a new skin tint foundation product with SPF 15 that I had a chance to sample.  #Insta Flawless Perfecting Radiant Skin Tint comes in two shades of Light Medium, the one I thought was best for my fair to light complexion and a deeper shade of Medium Dark.

The color is slightly darker than you might expect and has a glowy finish.  The Light Medium has somewhat of a bronze cast, more like a summer shade that I use after spending time in the sun.  Nonetheless, the depth of this color does sheer out so keep that in mind.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Lavanila Laboratories Fresh Vanilla Lemon Healthy Fragrance Review–A Valentine’s Day Fragrance Pick to Warm a Heart!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**



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Lavanila's Fresh Vanilla Lemon Healthy Fragrance can brighten up spirits.


When it’s cold outside, I find myself attracted to brighter, clean gourmand fragrances that seem to banish that dead winter landscape for me with their energizing freshness while also improving my mood with their sense of comforting warmth. A perfect example that can lift a mood and recharge spirits is  Lavanila Laboratories Fresh Vanilla Lemon Healthy Fragrance.

Though this natural fragrance may start out with juicy lemon, watery fruits and bamboo, its underlying base of Madagascar vanilla gives it a cozy warmth that is so soothing and yet softly sexy the more it heats and its layers unfold.  

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipsticks (501, 510, 512, 515, 523) Review + SWATCHES!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Burt's Bees five lipsticks.jpeg
On the left is 515 Tulip Tide, 512 Fuchsia Flood, 510 Iced Iris, 501 Blush Basin, and ending with 523 Sunset Cruise on the right.



The more that I research and learn about makeup, the more concerned I become about the potential health-risks associated with ingredients like lead in lipsticks in many of those products. Burt’s Bees, on the other hand, gives me peace of mind that I’m not ingesting something possibly dangerous to my well-being with their 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipsticks.  Today, I want to share five beautiful options to care and color your lips in a safer way thanks to the lipstick assortment that just arrived from PR for this review.