Random pics from last week!! (3/18-3/24)

Hey All -

I just went through my phone and wanted to share some pics that I took last week! Enjoy! 

Last Thursday 3/21 I went to see Thomas Rhett, Jake Owen & Jason Aldean in Madison.

Afternoon tea at Blu in the Pfister

                                                                       (Fave pic of Alyssa) 

And no great night isn't complete without..... 

FRO-YO!!! :) 

And this is what my dog looked like after I got home!! 

Smoothie time!  

(She's alive and resting on a Saturday afternoon)

My new flip flops!! LOVE!! 

Getting healthy 

Ohhhh wait..... 

Currently obsessed with Macarons!!! These were not the best!! :( But the Pfister has awesome ones!! If you know of a place in Milwaukee that has macarons please let me know, I'm on the hunt!! 

Hope you enjoyed this post!! :) 

Thank you so much for reading!! 

-Jill 

Re-created Pinterest Look

Hey All -

I love going on Pinterest and looking at makeup and nail ideas. So when I found this look, I was like I have to try to re-create it. I love playing with color with my eye makeup when I have the time. I also love turquoise as it's one of my favorite colors. 

I can't find a source for the picture but this is the pin here where I got it from. I would love to give credit to whoever's eye this is, because they did an amazing job!! :) 

So here is my take on it!!

(It looks really dull here, not the best pic but it was brighter in real life)

I don't have specific products I used for the aqua color, I mixed a bunch of different types of blues/greens. I did use the Maybeline Color tattoo in Tenacious Teal as a base to make the color pop more. The brown colors I used where also from Urban decay. They were mainly from the UD 15 year anniversary palette. I really liked how it turned out though. I usually never wear makeup on my lower lash line but I thought it looked great with this look. 

I paired the look with a neutral cheek using Tarte's Amazonion Clay blush in Exposed and a Nude lip using NYX lip liner in Nude, Essence Lipstick in In the Nude and topped it off with Essence XXXL Shine lipgloss in Nude Candy. 

Sorry the pics aren't the great, I took them on my phone while I still had daylight. Hopefully you enjoyed this post! Let me know if you have any questions and like this kind of post. 

Thank you so much for reading!!! 

- Jill 

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Nature Box, March 2013

Hey All -

I recently received my second Nature's Box and wanted to share with you guys what I got! This is a monthly subscription service that is $19.95 a month for 5 full size snacks. I won't go into details about why I got this 2nd box, but I had also received the February box, which I really liked! This month's theme for the box is Spring Training. The packaging on the product is so cute.

The first item I got was the Honey Mesquite Almonds. Serving Size 1 oz and there is 4 servings in the bag. 1 serving is 160 calories. 

Taste Test: They are good, I like them. Something that you could only eat a few of. I thought they were going to be spicy but I guess the honey bring that down. 

The second Item I got was the Granny Smith Apples. Serving Size 10 Rings and there is 2 servings in the bag. 1 serving is 100 calories. 

Taste Test: They are good as well. I enjoy eating them, but I don't see how these could be filling unless I put some peanut butter on them or something. I feel like dehydrated things lack flavor and these do. This is something I would not reach for as a snack. 

The third full size snack I got was the Toasted Cheddar Stix. Serving size is 1 oz and there is 4.5 servings in the bag. 1 serving is 150 calories. 

Taste Test: Soooo delicious!!! By far my fave this month. I love those sesame sticks you can buy at the store and these just have a slight cheddar flavor that I'm enjoying. I would re-purchase another bag of these, so good which means I could eat more than 1 serving at a time!! 

The 4th item I got was Sunshine chips. This is a rainbow of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, taro, and green beans. I'm a little nervous to try these. Serving size is 1 oz and there is 4 servings in the bag. 1 serving is 130 calories. 

Taste Test: Ok, as stated above I was nervous to try this. (Yes, I'm trying these as I write this blog post) I just ate a green bean, it wasn't bad. It was very crunchy and at the end could taste the green bean. I also tried a carrot, it tasted like carrot but really crunchy. I probably won't be tasting the other items because I don't eat them. I would not eat these as a snack, but I'm glad I tried them. They were interesting. 

The last item I got in my box was the Roasted Kettle Kernels. They look just like corn nuts. Serving size is 1 oz and you get 5 servings in the bag. 1 serving is 110 calories. 

Taste Test: These are really good!! They have the crunch and look exactly like corn nuts but they are sweeter. Corn nuts are usually salty but these are sweet but not too sweet. They do have the flavor of kettle corn (hence why they are probably called kettle kernels). I really enjoy these. This would be a good, sweeter but crunchy snack. 

They all say on the back:

*No High Fructose Corn Syrup

*No Partially Hydrogenated Oils

*No Artificial Sweeteners

*No Artificial Flavors

*No Artificial Colors

*0g Trans Fat

Overall, this box isn't bad. I'm not sure I will continue to pay the $20 a month for these, but it is a great idea if you are wanting to try some new healthy, natural snacks. The 2 items I'm most excited about snaking on this month is the Toasted Cheddar Stix and the Roasted Kettle Kernels. 

If you use the code REFER25 you will get $5 off your first NatureBox!!! 

Go here for more information and to sign up!! 

Thank you so much for reading! 

- Jill 

Morning Skincare Routine - March 2013

Hey All -

I'm here to talk about my morning skincare routine with you guys. I've been using the same skincare items for about a year now and a half now and it's really working for me. Obviously, everyone's skin is different so maybe not all the same products will work for you. But in case you are having the same issues I was having, maybe this info will help someone! So lets start with my skin type, I have oily/combo skin. I can be very oily in my T-zone and other areas are normal. I am prone to breakouts very easily. I was tired of constantly having breakouts on my face, especially at 28 years old. I knew I needed to change something. So, I did a little research and learned about different products that might help. I have previously tried many different higher end brands of skincare but after it being so expensive I had to change it. I have used Clinique and Origins in the past but I don't think either of them did anything for my skin. I even talked to my doctor about getting medication for my acne before I came across these products. But I also changed some other things. I was eating healthier, cut the amount of soda I was drinking, increased water intake, and the one thing that I think helped the most was changing/washing my pillow cases more often. But here are the items that I use every morning. 

The first item I want to talk about is my Clarisonic. The one I have is the Mia 2 that I purchased 1.5 years ago on QVC. I had been hearing great things about this and finally caved in and bought it. I think this has changed my skin a lot since I've been using it. These are an investment item because they retail for about $150, but I realized clear skin was worth the price. I know these last a long time and the only thing you need to purchase is new brush heads. The brush head I am currently using is the deep pore cleansing one. I do use this twice a day in the mornings and and night. But this would be too much for someone with sensitive skin. But I feel like my skin is pretty tough and can take using this twice a day. I feel like my face doesn't feel clean unless I use this. I can go more in depth on this item if you are interested in hearing more about it. 

Here are a few links of places you can purchase QVC (they have a good price right now) or Sephora.

The cleanser I use with the Clarisonic is The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash. Like I said I've been using this cleanser for about 1.5 years and love it. The website describes it as a daily use facial wash for blemished skin gives clearer-looking skin when used as part of a regular regime. It removes excess oil without over-drying skin, helps remove impurities, gentle enough for daily use. This does I think exactly what it says on my skin. It is not drying at all and my skin feels clean after using it. Click here to go to The Body Shop website and you can read other people's reviews of this product. This retails for $11.50 for the 8.4 fl oz bottle. But if you sign up for their emails they always have promotions and this new bottle pictured below I got at 40 or 50% off. This bottle of wash that I use day and night will last for probably about 4/6 months.

The next product I use after I wash my face with the Clarisonic and Tea Tree face wash is the Tea Tree Water from Lush. I use this as a toner. I spray 2/3 pumps on a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face to get anything that's left on my face off. The bottle says antibacterial tea tree, astringent grapefruit and balancing juniper berry keep disasters at bay. Beneficial for anyone with oily, or spot prone skin. Can you see a pattern already with my products.... Tea Tree oil!! It really has worked with clearing up my skin. I'm not sure I exactly need a toner, but I really enjoy using this. I feel like I'm getting everything off my face and it feels nice on the skin. I love Lush products because they are a more natural product, there is only a couple of ingredients in them. The bottle I'm currently using is almost out and I believe I started using it in October. So it's been about 5 months. I get the 3.3 oz bottle which retails for $9.95. This can only be purchased at Lush stores or here.

The next step is moisturizer in my routine. I've been using the Olay complete all day UV moisturizer with SPF 15 for the last couple of years and have gone through multiple bottles of it. This moisturizer is great because it's not heavy on the skin and it has the SPF 15. I will continue to re-purchase this product. This can be found at any drugstore for about $7-8. 

The next thing I use is an eye cream. I forgot to include is in the original picture with all the products until I started writing this and remembered. I've been using eye creams for many, many years! I think an eye cream is essential to any skin care routine. It's all about the prevention! I do have some fine lines and dark circles under my eyes so I think this is really important step. The eye cream I am currently using is the 5 in 1 Eye Cream from First Aid Beauty. I've been using this eye cream for a couple of months and I like it. But honestly I don't see a difference after using it. It's a nice, hydrating product but I don't think I'll re-purchase it. This is actually almost gone and am on the hunt for a new eye cream. If you have any suggestions, leave them in a comment below. You can purchase this at Sephora and retails for $30 for 0.5 oz. 

The last small item in my skin care routine is a spot treatment. I use this Tea Tree Oil from The Body Shop as a spot treatment on anything that pops up on my face. I will use this morning and night on any spots until they go away. I have tired multiple different spot treatments and by far this is the best. I usually can see a different after the first night of use. It doesn't go away completely  but I don't think anything works magic like that and if you know of something that does, let me know! I also enjoy using the Tea Tree blemish gel from The Body Shop as well, but it's so expensive and doesn't last very long. That is one reason why I started using just the Tea Tree oil. Since this little jar of Tea Tree oil is almost gone, I went to the Walgreen's and purchased just a big bottle of Tea Tree oil and I'm going to try that. This bottle of Tea Tree Oil from The Body Shop retail for $9.50 for 0.33 fl oz (it's currently on sale for $7.12). Click here to go see it on their website. Blemish gel I mentioned can be found here and retails for $9 for 0.08 fl oz. I got this jar of Tea Tree oil when I first purchased the travel kit to try the products and fell in love. It took me a long time to even use the oil (I was a little nervous about using it) but I'm glad I did because it works great. It has taken me months to use up this little jar. 

So that's what I use every morning on my face.  I'm hoping that this helps someone or gives you and idea of something new you could try to help yours. Please let me know if you have any questions! Coming up soon will be my night time routine! 

Thank you so much for reading! 

If you have any suggestions of what you would like to see next on my blog, please let me know! 

- Jill 

February Glossy Box 2013

Hey All -

So I'm back with my February Glossy Box. I received this box a couple days after I did my last post of my January box!! So this time, I'm a little more on schedule. The theme for this month's box was International Style so let's see what I got! 

1) In the back is the Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro Gel Mask. 

This innovative hydro gel mask is an Asian beauty secret. It moisturizes, soothes, regenerates your skin and is known to reverse skin damage as well as have natural healing powers when applied. Word on the street is it has a huge celebrity following. Full size is $6.00 . I have not tried this yet, I've heard these sheet masks are great so it will be an experience. Will post a review after I use it! 

Value: $6.00 

2) Nail Rock Nail Wraps

Take a walk on the wild side and embellish your nails with these fashion forward nail wraps designed to last up to 10 days. With no chipping or drying time, no wonder it is the current favorite of beauty bloggers everywhere. Full size $8.00/Full Set. I have not used these yet, but I'm pretty excited to try them. I'm a little worried about how I'm going to get my right hand done though! hahah 

Value: $8 total - Total Value: $14

3) BVLGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc soap. 

Hailing from famed Italian jewelry house Bulgari, this deluxe creamy beauty soap is lightly scented with the rejuvenating fragrance of Eau Parfume Au The Blanc. It thoroughly cleanses and moisturizes your skin, leaving it feeling radiant, clean and supple. Full size $30/5.3 oz. When I first got my box and opened it, this was the first thing I smelled and NOT in a a good way. I do not like this scent at all. It smells like old lady. That's about as good as I get at describing scents! I will be gifting this to someone that would enjoy it more than me as I do not enjoy the scent and do not use bar soap.

Value: $10 - Total Value: $24

4) Da Vinci Cosmetics Shimmer Powder. 

This versatile shimmering mineral powder is one of America's best kept beauty secrets. Made from the highest quality ingredients, it gives your face a subtle glow when you apply with an eye shadow or blush brush as an under eyebrow or check highlighter. Full Size $15/.06 oz. I got the color 06 Wild Lilac and I would not use this on my brow bone or as a highlighter. I'm not even sure if I could pull this off as an eye shadow. The packaging is cute but having pigments can get messy. I did look up the brand and there products seem to be pretty natural with no added chemicals. I just wish I got a different color that would actually work as an eye shadow. 

Value: $15 - Total Value: $39

5) LISI Eye Definition Cream Eyeliner

Exclusively available at one of our favorite New York beauty boutiques, this creamy, smudge-proof formula is a must-have in your eyeliner arsenal. You'll find this eyeliner is long lasting and easy to apply. It will give you expressive eyes in a New York minute. Full Size $10/.14 oz. The color I got is Hematite, which is like a gunmetal greyish color. It took a lot for me to get that swatch on my hand. I had to use an eyeliner brush to even get the product out, which is fine. I'm not sure if I got a bad one, but it was very dry and had to push my brush pretty hard to get product on it. It did go on my hand nicely, but the color is not opaque at all and needed to be built up. It is smudge-proof because just as I got it out again to swatch and let it dry, it's not going anywhere on my hand and did have to give it a good scrub with a makeup wipe to get it off. I'll have to try it on my eyes, but so far I'm not impressed.

Value: $10 - Total Value: $49

That wraps up my Glossy box for February. Overall, I'm just feeling OK about the box. I'm excited to try the face mask and the nail wraps that's about it. The soap I'm going to gift to someone, not sure if I will use the shimmer powder and the eyeliner seems like it might be a bust. 

Total value of the box was $49 which is great considering it costs $21 to subscribe to the service every month. 

You can sign up for Glossy box here or to read more about it go here.

Let me know if you have any questions!! I changed up the format for this post, so hopefully it's easier to read, let me know your thoughts! 

Thank you so much for reading! 

-Jill