Best "new" lip balm in the world! The Great Wax bee

I stumbled upon the most amazing little lip balm  and felt the need to share.  Made in Vermont, you can find and purchase at the local general store but alas, you don't have to drive yourself over here you can order on-line too! 

Best Lip Balm I've found so far... and it's available on-line

If you are shopping around for a great little lip balm during these cold dreary months.  Look no further than The Great Wax Bee.  While you can pick this up at our Local general store in Vermont, if you don't want to take the drive, it's ok! you can order on-line. 

Smooth Sailing, TRESemme Keratin Smooth review

Hello My beautiful friends:

I've recently picked up the Tresemme 7 day Keratin smooth shampoo, conditioner and serum to see if it would help with my frizzy hair.  This is the third day in and I am loving it!! The first day, I didn't follow the directions so well and hated the results.  My hair felt like I had way to much product in it and was frizzy by the end of the day.  I realized that night my mistakes, I didn't use enough of the serum product and you are supposed to completely dry your hair before straightening. (oops)  Day 2, I followed the directions and my hair looked really good, like I had just come from a salon good!

Day 3: This morning all I had to do was wash and dry and my hair and it is still silky smooth with no frizz at all! Because I didn't have to do much to it, I was able to play around with the part and such and my hair looks even better than yesterday.  

I just snapped this picture and its been a long day already and my hair is smooth, untangled and not frizzy (ignore the wrinkled shirt) which by now on a normal day I would have thrown it up into a ponytail. 

I did find a great Youtube video of Zoella using the products and she liked them as well.

So, if interested in using these products I strongly suggest finding a coupon to reduce the out of pocket expense and read the directions before beginning.  Do you  have a product that you use to keep the frizz at bay? ~ comment in the comment section. 

Have a wonderful day my beautiful friends!  

She's So Crafty, Scarf Hanging DIY Organization

If you are a scarf girl like me, you may have found yourself drowning in baskets of scarfs.  Every day, pouring through the baskets looking for one to go with your outfit or the perfect pashmina to go with your evening dress.  I was given a scarf organizer from my sister in-law from IKEA but because of how many scarfs I have, it wasn't cutting the mustard.   I used (2) command hooks and a pressure rod that I already had on hand and measured out on my wall where I wanted the scarfs to hang.

As you can see I then organized the scarfs by color and have them draped over the rod.  This is only about 1/3 of my scarfs but they are the ones I use most often.  Also, this doesn't work as well with Infinity scarf's and regular scarfs mixed in because they end at different lengths.  That being said, you can hang 2 rods up one above the other on your wall if you have the room.  

What do you do to keep yourself organized? 

#Ipsy April 2014 Glam Bag

Wow was I excited to receive my glam bag for April smack dab in the middle of my stay-cation.  And of course I wasn't able to blog about it until now because I was too busy enjoying my down time with me new Glam goodies.

This months bag was full of yummy new things for me to try like the St. Tropez cream that not only had a pigment to slowly "tan" my white as a ghost face but also had anti aging properties.  I tried it and I liked it alot!.  The eye liner was the perfect color and the lip stain was also really good but a bit to bright against my pale skin..alas after using the St. Tropez lotion ... it soon began to work for me.  The cream eye shadow works great as a highlight and I used it to also highlight my cheek bones as well as brows.  I pretty much loved all the products but the eyelashes.  I have thick lashes already and have never used false eye lashes before so am not prepared to try them out just yet.  I am keeping them in my stash of yummy to save for an event.

The bag itself is smaller but works really well for just the basics for a day look to stash in your purse.  Do you subscribe to Ipsy?  If so, let me know how you liked this months bag.  Don't subscribe but want too?  http://www.ipsy.com/r/6rdb

#Nicole by OPI Backstage Pass review

I picked up this color from Wal-Mart on my way home last night from work.  The polish coated my nails in two coats perfectly and was a snap to apply.  The color is a dark rich color but still office appropriate and worked well with my outfit today.  I can see using this color often and have had really good luck with the Nicole by OPI brand.

What Nail color/brand do you love, comment and share

Thank you for stopping and reading this brief post my beautiful friends!

L'oreal YouthCode Pore Vanisher Review

Flipping though my Marie Claire Mag for April and I spotted this sample from L'oreal.  Well I love L'oreal products in general and my pores are as big as saucers so I thought "what the heck" and tried it out this morning.

I used this instead of my usual primer and at first application I though "this ain't going to work" it was smooth in application but felt really oily but by the time I made it to the sink to wash it off it was dry and matte finish. It's now 3:00 p.m. (I put this on at 5:30 a.m.) and I am still not shiny or oily feeling.  The sample came with a coupon for $2.00 off and I am planning on picking it up on my way home tonight.

 Do you use any L'oreal products? if so, what are some of your most favorite items?

Spring OOTD, Plaid, Purple and clearance finds

While wondering the isles at Wal-mart I found my self in the boy's section at a clearance rack and found the most amazing plaid shirt with beautiful spring colors of Blue's, Gray's and Purples with flecks of Silver.  Perfect for Spring/Summer Pairings as well as impromptu rodeo's for only $3.00.

I tried this little beauty over my turtleneck...A bit snug but all the buttons done up I could still breathe so I bought it.

Today I used my find to put together a Spring outfit.  

The colors don't look so good in the picture, the sweater is not as Pink as showing ~ is more of a deep lavender and matches perfectly with the purple in the shirt.  The Skirt is also not showing in the picture its true color, its more of a dark purple.  

I can't wait to style this shirt with my other Spring/summer staples that are still packed away because we still are getting snow.  

Do you have any ideas on what to pair my new plaid shirt with?  Share and comment below.

Thank you for reading my beautiful friends!

A shoe story, DIY shoe color

This weekend I was scrolling through YouTube and found a few DIY projects that included painting your old/older shoes to freshen them up.  Here  and Here and Here . I had a pair of shoes purchases a few years back from Target that had seen better days but they were still solid and perfectly fitting shoes.  The color had faded a bit and they had some staining from winter weather.  I decided to try to freshen them up with some craft paint.  I also have been on the hunt for a pair of Navy/blue shoes and weren't able to find a pair that I liked anywhere.  Me, always on the look out for a deal, and always looking for a quick DIY project I thought Why Not!

I purchased a bottle of Craft paint from Wal-Mart for .50 cents and a foam paint brush for .67 cents.  Went home, cleaned up my shoes and started painting.

They came out pretty good if I do say so myself.

Friday OOTD : Dress Barn Clearance haul

Today's outfit was inspired by the Spring like weather weather coming soon and my need to not continue to dress like it's the middle of winter.  Actually, my outfit was purchased in its entirety last night at Dress Barn on my way home from work and was the last bit of money on my Dress Barn gift card.  The pants (similiar) are a pattern that I would normally never even attempt on my bottom half but for less than $10.00 I tried them on and fell in love.  Here is a close up of the pattern.

The top is a vibrant blue light weight sweater (similiar)with Silk back high low hem.  I layered the sweater over a light purple button down (similiar)for warmth more than anything but the color is actually in the pants.

I am wearing an arm full of bracelets from Lia Sophia and necklace also from Lia Sophia. 

Are you starting to wear your spring time colors? post comment below on how you add "spring" back into your step and wardrobe.

Thanks for reading my beautiful friends!

What to Wear Now, What to wear Later : a Jumpsuit

I recently purchased a jumpsuit from forever21 and am in love!!!.  The fit is perfect and came via mail fairly quickly but its made for warmer weather and I wanted to wear it today!.  To make it cold weather friendly I styled it with a red turtleneck and heavy weight Jones New York Sweater.  I balanced the top with heavy fleece socks and booties.

I added silver Jewelry and a black scarf and was off to work.  

Summer/warmer weather I plan to swap out the heavy sweater and boots and changed up the jewelry to Gold tones.  My red flats and belt also have gold accents and to the outfit.  I also plan to accent the black/white patterned jumpsuit with other colors instead of Red throughout.  You can really pump up the outfit wearing heels and larger jewelry accents for a night out on the town.

What are you wearing now that will continue to be a staple in your wardrobe through summer? 

DIY Bath Bombs for Holiday gifts

I’ve been seeing recipes; you tube videos and blogs about making your own bath bombs.  Since funds are pretty tight lately, I decided to do a little research on the costs and level of difficulty in making said bombs.   I found several helpful sites to assist:

Cool site 1

Cool Site 2

 

You Tube Videos:

Watch a Youtube Video 1

 

Watch another video here

Watch a bomb in action

We are expecting some pretty hefty snow flurries over this weekend and guess what I am planning on doing instead of going outside? you guessed it.  I had planned on posting what I've made so far and realized that by doing that would ruin my Christmas surprise to my friends and family that will be receiving homemade bombs this year.

What crafts do you put together for the holiday season, post pic's and share stories below. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Gifts on the cheap! ways to save

As we gear up for the holiday season, tis the time to shop till we drop.  For some of us who's budgets are tight, we are always on the lookout for good deals.  I recently purchased some Pashmina scarfs through an on-line buying company called Nomorerack  They were 3 for $20.00 and no shipping.

 They came packaged in plastic sheets (Pink, Blue and Black).  I have to admit that the quality is good and while my intent was to give them as gifts I've already worn the blue one :).  I've found a few small items for stocking stuffers for my husband and son on this site as well and can say that what I've ordered/received so far has been true and accurate as depicted on the site. 

For handmade gifts this year I've been looking at YouTube video's from how to make bathbombs to re-using sweaters to make beanies.  All of these ideas are just great and I'll be using many of these ideas for friends and family this year.  What are you doing to keep your budget in-line this holiday season? Happy Holidays!

Shopping your Closet, Restyle old favorites!

Today I used pieces already showcased on my blog to re-imagine a look. 

I used the Red turtle neck dress from last week and the floral print dress from last month and combined them for a bit more coverage.

 

I added a brown leather belt purchased in Mexico in my teen years, brown tights and brown suade shoes from Mudd, layered on the jewelry and called it good.

 

Baby, its cold outside so took the look to a new level by adding a smart looking suade Jacket in a yummy green shade that matches to thedress and an animal print scarf that goes with everything.

 

Gray is the new black, Outfit of the Day

The most amount of color I have on today is in my chapped lips and nose.  I've been battling a cold for over a week now and it's clearly showing in my outfit. 

Today I am wearing a gray skirt by Dress Barn and a cream blouse picked up a few years back at the Salvation army that I found a similiar look at H & M.   

On my feet I have grey suade kitten heals that I picked up at Dress Barn on clearance last year. They have a nice rosette detail on the toe and they are very comfortable to wear throughout the day.

 

I have on tights in gray and did also have on a sweater for warmth but the heat is cranking in the office so I took the sweater off. 

 

On my neck I am wearing a necklace picked up a SWIRL my favorite consignment store in Putney VT.

 

 

Im also wearing to match a pair of earings called Kohl from Lia Sophia and a discontinued bracelet from Lia sopia with a heart accent as well as my charm bracelet.

 

I felt the need to really look polished and professional today coming off a long weekend and a sick day.  How do you like to present yourself at work Monday Mornings?  Make a comment below and don't forget to subscribe to my blog and share my link with your friends.

 

Happy Shopping!

 

Print, an animal flair Outfit of the Day

Today I am embracing my animal nature and the need to be comfortable at the same time. 

 

Top, is a silk print with lace detail on the bottom hem and cuffs.  Jacket is black with complimentary lining to the shirt.  Black skinny dress pants with leather detail and flats.

 

 

Lia sophia leaf design necklace "effloressence" and a long strand of pearls from my Aunt Jan's jewelry collection.

 

 

stacked pearl bracelets from Kiam Collection Lia Sophia with "branch out" also from Lia Sophia and peeking through is a black hair tie with gold accents from goody.

 

 

 

Flats are deep burgandy with gold accents. So comfortable!

 

Can you feel the roar?

Purple Passion Outfit of the Day!

Today’s outfit consists of the most amazing pair of shoes I have in my winter wardrobe.  The color in the picture does not do it justice.  The suede pump is a lovely burgundy with leather purple piping.  The shoes are from Pink studio but you can find a similar pair here Similar .  My pants are Dress Barn stretch black skinny dress pantsDress Barn  My T-shirt is a cowl neck, purple top from fashion bug on clearance years ago but you can get a similar look at   LaneBryant and my jacket is from Merona by way of Label shopper which I found on-line for you here E-Bay  I accented the outfit with a pair of small drop pearl earrings and pearl bracelets from Lia Sophia collection.    

Scarfs and Pins, adding pizazz to your outfit

A great way to add a bit of color, depth, and style to an outfit is to add accessories like statement necklaces, pins or scarfs.  When traveling I typically take only a bare minimum of clothing and mix/match to create outfits.  What I use to make them appear less like the outfit I wore yesterday is with my accessories.  Today I am rocking the most basic of long sleeve pull overs and matching pull on skirt (not shown) in gray.  The outfit is perfect for travel as both pieces work well together but can be matched up with other items.  The scarf was a Holiday gift but can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 plus shipping.  The pin I used to secure the scarf was also a gift purchased at Wal-Mart during last year’s holiday season but you can use what you have.    You can see it in the 2nd picture, a small cheetah in black/white stones.

LikeTwice Review

I have been using a website to sell and purchase good quality gently worn clothing.  Liketwice.com    I have sold items to the site by requesting a free postage included bag which arrived within days of my request.  Once I had the bag in hand I reviewed the listed acceptable brands and checked against the items I had already gone through and decided not to keep in my closet.  I sent off about 8 items and within 7 business days I had an offer to purchase from them that included a store credit option as well as a check amount option.  I then used the store credit received along with a referral credit to purchase some items to update my closet.  Technically nothing came out of my pocket to receive the “new” items.  The clothes that I sold to them were in really good condition but were not in my current size and would have sat in my closet for years.  Because of my profession there is an expectation that I look business appropriate at all times.  When you move up and down in size like I do, this can be difficult to maintain a suitable wardrobe.  I use consignment shops and discount venues to keep my capsule wardrobe as up to date as possible.  I always stick to basics with very little “trendy” pieces in my work wardrobe.  I look at inexpensive accessories to add to my look that include scarfs and costume jewelry to update my look.  For casual options for the weekends or vacation I look for wardrobe builders in consignment stores and clearance sections for seasonal items to add flavor but do not invest in much money as the bulk of my wardrobe is specifically work related.       If you have used this site please comment on your experience below or In box me.

Is it too early in the season to sparkle?

I’ve been hemming and hawing about whether or not to sport my light weight sweater that has full frontal sequins.  It’s totally a fall color and with these crisp days upon us I say, why not?  Today’s outfit includes the animal print scarf purchased at Wal-Mart, sequined sweater from JC Penneysimiliar and trousers are from Lane Bryant.  Shoes are ballet flats in a deep burgundy with gold detail from Bass.