Saturday, February 28, 2015

New Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash 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.**
Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash. jpeg
Dial's new Miracle Oil Body Wash with marula oil!

I love being a Purex Insider because it gives me the chance to discover a lot of products that I might have overlooked like Dial’s Miracle Oil Body Wash that I got to try.  You may think what’s so special about another new body wash that could be so exciting?

Well, I used to have a problem with a section of skin on the back of my arms, near my elbows that despite lotions and creams still would be hard to get rid of.  The creams and lotions would smooth and soften, but only for so long.  

Then the box from Purex arrived with this new Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash for me to review.  I thought it had a beautiful floral smell, rich lather, but I didn’t realize how one infused with marula oil could help my dry elbow problem as it did.  I used it and noticed less flaking, but I was skeptical until using it more often.  

In case you are unaware, marula oil comes from Africa and is derived from a nut that contains a lot of monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants, which can explain why it lubricates as it does.  

My rough elbow area continued to improve daily and stayed smooth, which really surprised me for a grocery store body wash.  No joke, I think Dial’s Miracle Oil Body Wash is worth looking into for helping dry skin.

To learn more, visit Dial's Facebook page and do check out their Miracle Oil Body Wash video while you're there.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Friday, February 27, 2015

L’Occitane en Provence’s Limited-Edition Fleurs de Cerisier L’Eau Collection 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.**
L’Occitane en Provence’s Limited-Edition Fleurs de Cerisier Eau de Toilette.jpeg
L'Occitane en Provence's Fleurs de Cerisier Eau de Toilette ($45)

Despite this exceptionally cold weather we have been experiencing this year, I have a secret of how to bring about Spring.  All that is required is L’Occitane en Provence’s  Limited Edition Fleurs de Cerisier L’Eau Collection. As always, the company put their magical touch once again to cherries from Southern France for Spring, 2015 in another new cherry fruity-floral blend that is airy fresh and sunny enough to cast a warmth over you. 

Unlike the original Fleurs de Cerisier Eau de Toilette ($45), this fragrance is fruitier with a delightful amount of tartness as it opens from lemon and black currant notes washing their luscious juices over the sweeter notes of watermelon.  This delicious nectar, slowly reigning down upon the cherry blossom, rose, orchid, and white flowers is the key that magnificently sets off the floral heart in this very feminine fragrance, drawing out their combined sweet essences in the process.  As this fragrance dries down, it does it with such inviting grace due to a lovely mix of cedar, sandalwood, and white musk that you can’t help but feel appealing wearing it.  

The Fleurs de Cerisier Fragrance Touch ($22) is a fabulous form of this fragrance in a gel that disperses from the tube.  This clear, but glorious cherry essence lasts wonderfully for hours with just a small dab!


L’Occitane en Provence’s Limited-Edition Fleurs de Cerisier Fragrance Touch.jpeg
L'Occitane en Provence's Fleurs de Cerisier Fragrance Touch ($22)

The Fleurs de Cerisier L’Eau Moisturizing Milk ($25) will make your skin feel as soft and sweet as those cherry blossom petals.  I adored applying this fragrant lotion  and loved how easily it sunk into my skin.


L’Occitane en Provence’s Limited-Edition Fleurs de Cerisier L'Eau Moisturizing Milk.jpeg
L'Occitane en Provence's Fleurs de Cerisier L'Eau Moisturizing Milk ($25)

L’Occitane en Provence’s shea butter hand creams are excellent for healing rough, chapped hands and my hands always welcome them.  This new Fleurs de Cerisier L’Eau Hand Cream ($12) is another fragrant addition to a very effective formula that you can count on both.


L’Occitane en Provence’s Limited-Edition Fleurs de Cerisier L’Eau Hand Cream.jpeg
L'Occitane en Provence's Fleurs de Cerisier L'Eau Hand Cream ($12)
If there is is a fragrance that can almost cast you in its sunny brightness, it is this one from L’Occitane en Provence.  Do check the Fleurs de Cerisier L'Eau Collection while you can because it is a limited edition that you don't want to miss!

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Korres Greek Yogurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial 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.**
Korres Greek Yogurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial.jpeg
Korres Greek Yogurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial ($45)

I had been wanting to try Korres Greek Yogurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial for a while now since I am quite fond of dairy-based skin care products.  With my dry complexion, I find them particularly soothing as well as excellent choices for restoring the proper levels of hydration to my more sensitive face due to all their proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Therefore, I was pleased when the opportunity presented itself to put this product to the test.

The formula is rich with antioxidants and luxurious in texture, but is fast absorbing without just sitting on top of the skin.  Instead, this cream did comfort my tight skin and moisturize very well while feeling silky to the touch.  It does seem to go a long way once you dip your finger in and start spreading, which was always wonderful to find out as well.

At the same time, this product is free of sulphates, parabens, and phthalates.  Though with all the formula’s other botanical ingredients, it does have a bit more fragrance than I care for in a face cream.  It also has denatured alcohol, which ranks pretty high among the ingredients to help preserve the integrity of the formula against bacteria.

Despite those things, I still woke up with an incredibly soft complexion the next morning that looked healthy and nourished.  So what’s not to like about that I ask you?

Have you tried Korres Greek Yogurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial ($45) yet? Do check it out.   

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

How to Make the Right Decision When It Comes to the Type of Facial Mask to Fit Your Complexion Needs!

girl with green facial mask.jpeg
Facial masks can give your complexion a needed boost to make you glow.


I firmly believe in the value of adding a facial mask to your beauty routine.  Some people like to skip it because it is an extra skin care step, but I consider it an important one for the benefits that you will receive. Whether you prefer using a commercial product or just prefer whipping up one in your kitchen as I many times do, the few additional minutes it takes will pay off to deep clean your pores and beautifully refine your complexion.  

A facial mask also serves to help you relax after a stressful day  to free up those tense facial muscles, which can eventually lead into wrinkles if repeated often enough.  In fact, I urge you to stretch out once your mask is on instead of doing some chore because those few minutes of pampering will renew your mind and body more than you know before you are ready to rinse off.  

Trying to figure out what type of mask to buy or make all depends on what is going on with your skin.  If you are oily or breaking out, then you should look for a mud or clay mask that can draw out the most impurities. You can also try benzoyl peroxide or a sulfur mask for stubborn acne or browse through my section of homemade skin care recipes to your right in my sidebar.  You will find quite a few facial masks as well as recipes to exfoliate or fade acne marks among those, including an excellent homemade oil zapping mask and another that works wonders to normalize oil, especially if you combination skin.  Here is yet another that can double as a mask/scrub that works nicely.

My skin has been drier these days than in the past when I relied heavily on those above masks to solve that problem.  If you also a dry complexion, you should look for hydrating masks with glycerin or specific natural oils like sweet almond oil or jojoba or butters like shea butter. You also treat to your face to my recipe for an easy restorative mask, an ultra nourishing mask, a hydrating mask to another dairy and vitamin powered one to a banana-avocado mask that will pleasantly surprise you.

We all go through times when our complexion becomes duller than we like.  In that case, you need a mask that contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), enzymes or glycolic acid to perk the complexion back up.  If you're in the mood to make your own mask, you got to try the recipe for my homemade brightening mask and another firming mask recipe of mine that you will love once you try it.

To truly benefit out of any mask, you need to start on freshly washed skin.  Also, make sure that you follow the directions and leave it on as directed.  You want to give those ingredients every opportunity to work--so be patient, stretch out, and make it a point to schedule a weekly time for yourself.  Your face will thank you.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum ($80) Giveaway! (3 Winners!)–Ends March 13, 2015

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Kleem Organics. 


Kleem Organics Facebook Logo.jpeg
Kleem Organics


One advantage of being a beauty blogger is all the wonderful skin care products that I got to discover. Honestly, some I do like better than others for one reason or another like a scent, price, texture or the container.  Otherwise, I refuse to waste your time and mine sharing them. Therefore, I will tell you about one of my favorites that I keep going back to is Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum.

This anti-aging serum does help pave the way for a prettier complexion in an extremely gentle formula. Even with how sensitive my face can be due to my allergies, I never had any irritation but only soothing comfort with each pump of Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum.  In fact, I am almost finished with my second bottle if that gives you a clue to how I faithfully keep returning to their product, despite my vast accumulation of skin care.

One thing important about anti-aging skin care besides quality is price.  You can have a very effective product but if you can’t afford to use it regularly, then what good is it?  What I appreciate is you won’t go broke maintaining the look of your complexion with this serum like you can with many others.  

If you think I’m saying all of this just because Kleem Organics is a sponsor on my blog, then this is your choice.  However, I dare you to put their Vitamin C Serum to the test and then see for yourself.  Your own mirror will provide you with the proof that you need.  When you see a lovelier face staring back, do feel free to thank me.

Thanks to Kleem Organics, three lucky Nuts 4 Stuff readers in the United States wins a full size bottle of Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum ($80 total value)!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Kleem Organics. A  free product was also provided. 




Giveaway details and how to enter–


Prize: Three (3) winners will each receive a full size Kleem Organics Vitamin C Serum ($80 value).

Dates of entry: 02/24/15–03/12/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA addresses.  No PO Boxes.  The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet or to vote daily for Nuts 4 Stuff on Picket Fence Blogs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, February 23, 2015

ThirdLove Lingerie T-Shirt Bra and Mesh Boyshort Panty for Style and Perfect Fit! (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.**
ThirdLove Logo.jpeg
ThirdLove Lingerie

Lingerie can be tricky to buy.  After all, bras and panties differ in sizing with each manufacturer.  If you’re like me and hate making a trip to the store and stripping down just to test the fit of underwear, you are going to love ThirdLove, an online lingerie boutique, and their system of helping you get the perfect fit.

There are two methods to get your ideal measurements.  You can do it the old-fashioned way of taking out the measuring tape from your sewing box and hope it was accurate. However, this company modernized the process with their free phone app that uses computer image recognition in effect to figure out your best bra size.  To find out more on the technology, ThirdLove has a video that explains how easy and more precisely you can be fitted.

When I was browsing through their selection and trying to decide among all their tempting styles from European-inspired lace, memory foam for your bust to the lovely wireless bra styles to their sexy panties, I noticed they cater to both the full-figured to the lesser endowed woman and even to those in between with “half-sizes.”  With all that going for ThirdLove, I had my work cut out for me in my attempt to pick out a bra and panty for this review.  

ThirdLove 24/7 T-shirt bra with pleated straps.jpeg
Here is my new ThirdLove T-shirt Bra with Pleasted Straps.

The first item I choose was the 24/7 T-shirt Bra with the Pleated  Straps ($64) in the nude color.  This one has memory foam cups with soft micro jersey fabric for how it can provide that desired smooth silhouette.  It also has an under wire, which I neglected to pay attention to when I ordered, which is surprisingly comfortable and did not bite into the rib cage as some under wires can.   Seriously, I was shocked at how right on the fit was without trying the bra on first.  By the way, none of ThirdLove’s bras state a size if you are looking for one.

As to the panty, I picked up a  sexy number with their Mesh Boyshort  ($10) in naked.  Before I placed my order, I was advised by one of their helpful customer service representatives to go with the next larger size since this almost see through beige panty runs small.  Her wonderful forethought saved me from getting the wrong fit.

ThirdLove Mesh Boyshort Panty.jpeg
Look at how beautifully sheer the fabric of my new ThirdLove Mesh Boyshort is.

After this hassle-free shopping experience, I know that I definitely intend on putting this company to the test again to test if this perfect sizing was a fluke or will repeat itself in another style or two.  

If you too are fed up wasting your time in dressing rooms, I think you owe it to yourself to give ThirdLove a try.  Trust me, but I am confident you will love them!

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Recipe: My Cheesy Tuna-Rice Casserole Is Economical, Low-Calorie and So Tasty!


Cheesy Tuna-Rice Casserole.jpeg
My Cheesy Tuna-Rice Casserole is so delicious without giving you that overstuffed feeling.

Tuna fish is very wonderful to keep in your pantry since it is so economical as well as versatile to cook with. You can so do much with a can or two. One of my favorite recipes is for this delicious casserole that has a velvety cheese sauce along with cooked rice and tuna for a far richer taste than actual calories per serving. 

Another reason I love this recipe is because it is an easy one.  You can also prepare this dish ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator until ready to pop into your oven.   

I can’t imagine a better winning combination that delicious results and ease of preparation.  I hope you agree with me and try this recipe because even non tuna lovers will flock to table once it’s time to serve.


My Cheesy Tuna-Rice Casserole

2 cans (5-oz.) chunk light tuna (packed in water)
1-1/2 cups of cooked rice
½ cup fat-free shredded Cheddar cheese
12 oz. can of evaporated skim milk
½ teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
½ teaspoon of curry powder
1/4 cup of fat-free shredded Mozzarella or Provolone cheese
1 large egg 

Mix the tuna, cooked rice, cheese, salt, pepper, and curry powder together in your bowl.

In another mixing bowl, take a whisk or fork and beat the egg with the milk.

Add the beaten milk mixture and combine it with the tuna ingredients and turn out into a well-greased 1-quart casserole.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes or until you insert a toothpick or slender knife to see if anything sticks.

ENJOY!

Friday, February 20, 2015

Are You Longing for Better Hair? Then Be More Savvy When It Comes to Shampoo Ingredients as Well as Your Technique!


There are many reasons you may have dull, lifeless hair from diet, health, weather to the shampoos you use.  Some of those factors are harder to control, but shampoo and how you wash your hair can make all the difference.

The kindest thing you can do for your hair is to read shampoo labels and check the ingredients.  Products that have sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) in the list are harsher ingredients since they can strip the hair of its oils unlike a gentler sulfate-free formula. You may be shocked but sodium laureth sulfate or sodum lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) that you may have been washing your hair with are typical ingredients in dish detergents as well!  

Believe it or not, how you wash your hair can also affect how shiny and healthy it may appear.  Instead of vigorously scrubbing the hair from roots to the ends, you should concentrate lathering only the roots, the area where the natural oils accumulate.  

The hair from the midshaft to the ends tends to be drier.  Therefore, overworking that section of hair only adds brittleness.  Focusing more attention shampooing the roots won’t leave those midshaft to end hairs unwashed since shampoo does reach them, only more indirectly once you rinse.  According to one hair stylist, this is more that sufficient to clean the hair.

Another hair stylist I interviewed told me women over shampoo.  He recommends washing the hair two to three times a week and no more.  Every day shampooing can damage and turn the hair dry and coarse.  If you feel your hair is dirty, he suggested a dry shampoo in between shampoos. You may also want to try sprinkling on some baby powder or cornstarch, which also can substitute as a wonderful dry shampoo.
  

Thursday, February 19, 2015

L’Occitane en Provence’s 28 Day Divine Renewal Program Review + ($130) Giveaway!–Ends March 10, 2015

*Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
L'Occitane en Provence's 28 Day Divine Renewal Program.jpeg
L'Occitane en Provence's 28 Day Divine Renewal Program


Despite the wisdom you get through the years, you hear some women say how proud they are of each wrinkle they also got along the way.  I am not one of them so how could I refuse L’Occitane en Provence’s offer to put their new 28 Day Divine Renewal Program to the test with hopes of erasing any accumulated time off of my face?

This skin care system to help turn back the years is a four week program that uses daily ampules of concentrated essential immorelle oil plus other active ingredients to target specific anti-aging purposes during the skin’s 28 day life cycle. 


L’Occitane en Provence’s 28 Day Divine Renewal Program in Opened Box.jpeg
This is what the inside of L'Occitane en Provence's 28 Day Divine Renewal Program looks like.


The first week is Gentle Exfoliation and uses pistacia lentiscus essential oil to start this kinder sort of peeling process. 

The second week is Hydration & Nutrition utilizes four plant oils with the immortel flower’s cistus essential oil for improving texture.

The third week is Balance whereas myrtle and rosemary essential oils are added to the immortel mix for their rebalancing properties.

The fourth week is Renewal with immortelle, carrot and cypress essential oils to tweak the anti-aging effects with additional smoothness.

According to the directions, you are advised to empty the entire dose into the palms of your hands and rub to heat it before inhaling and then applying the oil in an upward motion while avoiding the eye area.  It was also recommended to do this before bed.

In my experience, I found trying to use the single dose in that way was entirely too much oil for the skin to absorb in at once, even for my dry skin.  Instead, I had better luck applying some in the morning, allowing it to sink into the skin, then adding more and saving the rest for the evening.  In doing so, you won’t be greasy looking and can go about your day.  Also, do follow up with a moisturizer because you may feel that your skin is pulling slightly as it works.

By the end of the first week, I started seeing some small changes.  My skin had a bit more radiance for one. My pores also appeared slightly smaller to my eye.

Over the course of weeks, I noticed how nicely my pores were taking shape daily, shrinking in size.  By the time I finished, my complexion gained a beautiful texture overhaul, which I think is amazing.  

I wish I could tell you that this system also did away with all lines and wrinkles, but it would be untrue.  It did plump them up and even made the two deeper ones I have on the sides near my mouth look much better, but it did not erase them from my face.

What I love the most about L’Occitane en Provence’s 28 Day Divine Renewal Program is what it did for boosting the health and texture of my complexion.  If this is your complexion goal, then by all means try this system because that’s what you will get.

Thanks to L’Occitane en Provence, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States will win L'Occitane en Provence's 28 Day Divine Renewal Program ($130) for their own.


Giveaway details and how to enter–



Prize: One (1) winner will receive the 28 Day Divine Renewal Program set from L’Occitane en Provence, a ($130 value)!

Dates of entry: 02/19/15–3/09/15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time

Eligibility: Open to USA.  No PO Boxes.  The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

How to Enter:  Please use the Rafflecopter widget if it works.  You can also enter by clicking this link or try to enter using another browser. You can return daily and log in again with your email to tweet.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Before You Buy Your Next Handbag, Read This!

Bulga Handbag.jpeg
My Bulga Studded Leather Satchel

Let’s face it handbags and shoes are both something that a girl can never have too much of.  However, this addiction can run into considerable money, especially if you’re drawn to those outlandishly gorgeous designer handbags. Therefore, I thought I would pass along some helpful tips to keep in mind before you decide to buy your next handbag.

The first thing to inspect is the bag’s closures.  If the manufacturer makes security too complicated a process with how the bag opens, it might take you longer than you care for undoing straps along with another metal closure, perhaps, just before you reach inside.  Ask yourself how much time you want to spend before getting into your bag.   

On the other hand, some manufacturers are too lax about securing a bag with no real closures.  Closures serve a purpose of keeping your valuables safe whether from potential thieves or if your handbag accidentally takes a tumble. 


Opened Bulga Handbag.jpeg
Examine inside your new handbag

Look at the bag’s construction carefully.  Check for neat, even stitching with no loose strings or glue showing, which can give you a likely clue to how it will hold up to wear or if it is authentic.


Bottom of Bulga Handbag.jpeg
It's important to inspect the entire bag.  This is the bottom of my Bulga Studded Leather Satchel.

Test out the handbag for comfort.  How does the weight feel?  If the bag already feels heavy empty, then you can imagine how much heavier it will feel when you load it up with your stuff.  In my opinion, I would rather look for a lighter bag than suffer unnecessarily.

The straps are also critical when thinking of comfort.   A chain strap may look trendy, but they can also get very cold on your shoulder as well as leave welts.  Length and thickness of a strap also deserve thought.  A heavily padded wider strap with beautiful stitching that you envisioned looking so sensational hanging from your shoulder could end up being too bulky or a tight fit under your arms.  

It’s good also to keep size and function in mind.  Remember that the shallower the bag is, the easier it is to search through.  Whereas, the deeper the bag, the longer you will hunt for whatever you’re searching for inside.  If you consider yourself impatient and highly organized, it might be better to opt for a bag with lots of sections and pockets more than one such as a hobo bag.

Another important point to consider is the hardware of the bag.  Ask yourself what you wear more of gold or silver jewelry?  After all, you don’t want to clash every time you go to your jewelry box if you can help it.



Tuesday, February 17, 2015

How to Store Delicate Necklaces Without Tangling the Chains for Easy Retrieval!



Cate & Chloe Layla Beauty Pendant.jpeg
Cate & Chloe Layla Beauty Pendant

Here’s a great tip for organizing your jewelry and keeping the most frail chains of your necklaces safe. Instead of buying a fancy jewelry organizer, I can show you an inexpensive trick that requires only an investment toward a package of plastic straws.

This is what you do when you bring those straws home. Start by cutting a straw in half.  Take one side of the straw, thread the chain of one of those delicate necklaces through it, and fasten.  Repeat this process for each of your necklaces in need of protection.

You will see how nicely this trick works for the storage and quick jewelry retrieval in your current jewelry box without spending very much to do it.  In fact, you probably have those straws at home already.

I hope you try this because it works like a charm!  

Monday, February 16, 2015

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquers 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.**
NYC New York Color Cosmetics Logo.jpeg
NYC New York Color


Lip color is one of the best ways to liven up a face and have fun with makeup.  The possibilities of what you can do varying your looks from natural, classic, sophisticated too bold and edgy is endless, especially when you single in on a wonderful formula of the product such as NYC New York Color’s Expert Last Lip Lacquers that can satisfy that beauty whim without crippling your budget!

Don't be under the impression that this product will be lacking since it retails for a mere $3.99. I found rich color on the order of a liquid lipstick that felt creamy, lightweight, and quite moisturizing.  These will hold up for several hours or until eating before fading into a becoming stain.  

Wait until you hear about the gorgeous colors.  The ones I got were #600 Turtle Bay Toffee (warm brown in the tube that transforms beautifully on the lips with some red), #201 Lincoln Square Love Affair (cool-toned bright pink that looks more of a tulip shade in the tube than on the lips), #700 Tribeca Mocha (mocha laced with copper that makes a fabulous neutral), and #204 Central Park Passion (romantic and a subdued natural pink). 

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquers (Four).jpeg
NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquers starting left to right is #700 Tribeca Mocha, #204  Central Park Passion, #600 Turtle Bay Toffee and ending with #201 Lincoln Square Love Affair on the right.


NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquer #600 Turtle Bay Toffee.jpeg
 NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquer #700 Turtle Bay Toffee looks rather brown at first glance, but it warms up to a striking brick sort of red.
NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquer #201 Lincoln Square Love Affair.jpeg
Here is NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquer #201 Lincoln Square Love Affair.  

NYC  New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquer #700 Tribeca Mocha.jpeg
This NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquer #700 Tribeca Mocha is so pretty.   This is the one to consider when shopping for neutrals, which will be extremely popular for doing the most natural look,  the trend for faces this Spring, 2015. 

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquer #204 Central Park Passion.jpeg
Take a look at NYC New York Color Expert Last Lip Lacquer in #204 Central Park Passion.

What you got to love about NYC New York Color Cosmetics is what a great value their products are without sacrificing quality.  Their lip products never seem to disappoint, including this line of Expert Last Lip Lacquers.  I can't wait to see what this company comes up with next to beautify us with!  Do go shopping and try them out.

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Ideal Nail Shades to Transition From Winter to Spring 2015--Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polishes (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.**
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure  Four Nail Polishes and Top Coa.jpeg
Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polishes and Top Coat

If you’re looking for some wonderful winter nail colors that can easily transition into Spring, 2015, there are plenty of beautiful options from nudes influenced with caramel to that camel color of yellowish-brown, pale pinks that defy the boundaries of style with their feminine grace along with interesting takes on elegant grays from midrange cement colors, nearly white metallic versions to intriguing mixes using plums or blues.  

I gathered a few shades from Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish line that I want to show you.  These select colors are the ones I thought would be versatile as well as the best neutral choices to meet this challenge.  


Starting on the left in the above photo and working to the right is #836 Himalaya (an off-white shade of nude overcast with gray), #841 Somber Bliss (medium gray tinged with blue like a changing sky through a storm), #315 Camelfage (nude with orange tones without being too brown), and then #290 Commander in Chic (medium gray that levels the playing field with enough plum color to keep it simple, but neutral and stylish). The last bottle on the right is Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure Top Coat, which managed to keep these lovely polishes free of chipping for practically an entire week despite housework and dish detail.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure #290 Commander in Chic.jpeg
In this photo, I am modeling Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure #290 Commander in Chic.  Notice how neutral this shade is to save yourself from clashing with your wardrobe and the need to redo with a fresh color.

Salon Hansen Salon Manicure #315 Camelflague.jpeg
Here I'm wearing Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in #315 Camelflage.

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure  Nail Polish #841 Somber Bliss.jpeg
In this one, I have on Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in #841 Somber Bliss.  The shade does have some blue, but the camera  failed to capture it.

Salon Hansen Salon Manicure Nail Polish #836 Himalaya.jpeg
This is Sally Hansen Salon Complete Manicure Nail Polish in #836 Himalaya.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Collection happens to be one of my favorites for nails.  They feature a fantastic brush so the polish goes on more evenly and within the lines for the most precise application.  I also love their beautiful array of constantly expanding shades to dazzle us with.  Then there is how well these polishes wear, especially when you use the entire system of base and top coats. Finally, I love the reasonable price for such quality nail polish.

What is your opinion of Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure Collection and these particular shades? Feel free to share your favorite shades in this line and other colors I might have missed that would make the grade for Spring, 2015.

Do look for Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure line and these particular shades because they are great and yet chic basics that can only beautify your fingernails!

*Disclaimer: Free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.* 

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Recipe: Start Valentine’s Day Right and Treat Your Sweetie to a Plate of My Favorite Orange-Heart Waffles!

My Homemade Orange-Heart Shaped Waffles
My homemade favorite Orange-Heart Waffles

Show your Valentine a little extra love this morning with a plate of delicious, heart-shaped homemade orange waffles for breakfast.  They are light and bursting with orange flavor that can help give Valentine an energizing start to this special day.

Can you imagine your Valentine’s pleased face when the yummy smell starts filtering through the house? He will be rushing to find out what possibly be possibly so scrumptious that you are making.  

Then once he finally digs in, he won’t be able to stop complimenting you for this thoughtful little way to show him how caring you are.  He will be beaming at you for this simple, but romantic gesture to make for a beautiful day.

For those that prefer a plain waffle, I have another incredible recipe to share.  You can top it with a decadent strawberry sauce.  Check out the photo.  I warn you that it will make you hungry.



My Favorite Orange Waffles

2 cups of sifted flour
2-1/2 tablespoons of sugar
3 teaspoons of baking powder, leveled
½ teaspoon of salt
4 eggs, slightly beaten
4 tablespoons of melted butter
1-1/3 cups of milk
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
3 tablespoons of grated orange rind 
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

Sift the dry ingredients together in your mixing bowl.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, melted butter, and orange rind until mixed through.

Now take half of the dry ingredients and mix with an equal amount of the moistened ingredients from your second mixing bowl.

Beat well after combining until incorporating all the ingredients for a smooth batter.  

Preheat and grease your waffle iron until the ready light comes on.

Pour about 3/4 cup of batter into your iron at a time.  (If the batter gets too thick, you can add a bit more milk and beat through).  Bake your waffles until golden brown or that iron light change colors.

ENJOY!